Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 China to play constructive role in promoting Pakistan-Afghanistan ties: FM spokesperson Xinhua) 10:34, June 05, 2025 BEIJING, June 4 (Xinhua) -- China welcomes the recent upgrade of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan from the level of charge d'affaires to ambassadorial, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday. Spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks at a regular press briefing in response to a related question, adding that China stands ready to continue playing a constructive role in promoting the improvement and development of relations between these two countries. Noting that the move is conducive to enhancing mutual trust and strengthening cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan, and jointly maintaining peace and stability in the region, Lin said that this is also an important and positive measure for Pakistan and Afghanistan to implement the outcomes of the informal meeting of foreign ministers of China, Afghanistan and Pakistan in May this year. China is willing to work with regional countries, including Pakistan and Afghanistan, to jointly maintain peace, stability and development in the region, and is committed to building a community with a shared future with neighboring countries, he added. 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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 Care and Feeding is Slates parenting advice column. Have a question for Care and Feeding? Submit it here. Dear Care and Feeding, The other day my 8-year-old daughter, Samantha, said she doesnt want her mom, my wife, Zoe, taking her places anymore. She asked if I would take her instead. When I asked her why, she said that her mom had promised to take her shopping after school that day, but that it didnt happen. The reason? Mom always says well go, but it takes forever or we dont go at all because she wont get off the phone and its not fair, she said. Just before they were supposed to leave for the shopping trip, Zoe got a phone call. She spent until almost dinner time talking, so the trip ended up cancelled. My wife does this to me with some regularity as well. There have been plenty of times where we need to go someplace and she will literally talk the day away, so I understand Samanthas frustration. Since I work during the day, taking my daughter places myself isnt feasible during the week. And she does have a point: I think it is pretty unfair of Zoe to hold everyone up because she is unwilling to tell one of her friends or her mother or her sister shes heading out the door. Ive requested that she save the conversations for later after weve done our errands or gone wherever. Her promises to put her phone on voicemail are never kept. Any suggestions? Phone Fixation Advertisement Dear Phone, Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I like this one because it is an old-school problem. Moms always used to be in the kitchen talking on the phone with the stretchy spiral cord, didnt they? Chopping something or other with the handset lodged between their ear and shoulder, occasionally saying mm-hmm or exactly. Perhaps looking up to whisper something like, There are leftovers in the fridge, gesturing with the knife, if you came in looking for a snack. Good times. In some sense, Im glad your wife is keeping this folkway alive. It shouldnt interfere so egregiously with the rest of the familys needs, of course. I think the first thing Id do is mention to your wife exactly what your daughter said to you. Dont do it when any of your kids are within earshot; non-accusatory recountings of ones kids being made to feel sad or let down are tremendous currency in marital disputes. Id also suggest that you make sure you arent similarly getting distracted by your own phone, either yapping or scrollingbeing the change you wish to see and all that. Then, the next time you need to leave for an errand and shes dawdling on a conversation, just leave (without making a big hostile show about it). Advertisement Advertisement The realization that shes legitimately missing out on time with her kids (ROMO?) is probably, in the end, what will get her to change her behavior. Maybe it could even be something that she and your daughter can build camaraderie by solving together, with an agreement about a hand signal or code word or some other way of signaling, GOD, Mom, its like really time to go! Ben Read More Parenting Advice From Slate I have a son (9), and two daughters (5 and 6 months). About a month ago, a new family moved in a couple blocks away. They also have a 9-year-old boy Luke, whos in my sons class. The boys hit it off at school and started asking to hang out with each other more often. After one meet-up at the neighborhood park, we set something up at our house after school. The boys had a great time The next day, I got a text from Lukes mother asking me to call her. Alarmed, I called her immediately. She asked me if I breastfeed my 6-month-old. I said yes, genuinely confused as to why she was asking. Then she asked if I had breastfed the baby in front of Luke. Good Job is Slates advice column on work. Have a workplace problem big or small? Send it to Laura Helmuth and Doree Shafrir here. Its anonymous! Dear Good Job, I have an invisible disability for which I was granted a reasonable accommodation a couple of years ago. This accommodation allows me to work from home full-time. Now all of the other people in my organization have been forced back into the office five days a week. This has led to some awkward questions from co-workers, friends, and non-immediate family, mostly of the why are you getting to do this and were not variety. There is one co-worker in particular who makes some oblique comment about it every time she sees me, and it is getting tiresome. It is my understanding that under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), I am not obligated to (nor should I) reveal any details regarding this accommodation or the disability. Can you help me with a firm-but-polite script that will shut down any further inappropriate inquiries and comments from folks both inside and outside the workplace? Those Who Need to Know Already Do Dear Already Do, Im sorry youre dealing with petty jealousy and suspicion from co-workers about a reasonable accommodation that is none of their beeswax. Depending on the size of your organization, you are probably not the only person who works remotely or has other accommodations such as non-standard hours or recurring blocks of time when theyre unavailable. You could tell human resources that youre getting some unpleasant comments, and ask them to circulate guidelines about respecting other peoples privacy regarding their working arrangements. Your manager is presumably aware of your accommodation, if not the full reason for it, and you could ask them for help solving the problem. The trick is to ask for advice, not to come off as a tattle-tale (although if the manager asks who keeps making snide comments, feel free to share names). Your manager could re-share human resources guidelines for emphasis (since people dont always pay attention to human resources or messages communicating general guidelines). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youre right that you are not obligated to reveal details to anyone other than those who need to know. But secrecy can inadvertently contribute to stigma. In an ideal workplace, you could breezily say you have an accommodation, and your co-workers would appreciate the clarity and not judge you or ask prying questions. If you trust that most of them (aside from the one who keeps making oblique comments) have good intentions, you could help destigmatize accommodations by mentioning that you have one. Demonstrate that its a standard business practice and nothing to be ashamed of. Some of your colleagues with invisible disabilities might appreciate it and come to you for advice on how to advocate for their own accommodations. Send Your Questions to Good Job! Laura Helmuth and Doree Shafrir want to help you navigate your social dynamics at work. Does your colleague constantly bug you after hours? Has an ill-advised work romance gone awry? Ask us your question here! Advertisement Dear Good Job, I hate taking money for the work I do. I wont say specifically what my job is because it doesnt matter. The service I provide is one that I think should be free for everyonein the same way I think health care, child care, education, food, and a place to live should be free for all. Advertisement The fact that I have to take money for the work I do takes all the joy out of the work. Dont get me wrong, I believe that people deserve to be paid for providing work. But I hate the fact that people need to pay for what I provide. So heres the question: How do I square that circle? Obviously, I need to make money, and I believe that I deserve to be paid for what I do. But I hate doing it because part of the job involves people paying me for the work, which, as we have established, is something that I dont think people should be required to do. Im in therapy, and Ive had this conversation with my therapist, but it wasnt very productive. To Pay or Not to Pay That Is the Question Dear To Pay or Not to Pay, Advertisement Advertisement Your letter should be cited by social scientists studying the conflict between intrinsic motivation and external reward. Theyve been arguing for decades about whether giving people payments for a task makes them enjoy it more and perform better, or sucks all the joy out of it. (The answer? It depends.) Aside from the fact that your services should be free and freely available to all, this fee-for-services system can be psychologically damaging all around! Advertisement Advertisement But were stuck with this system for now, so how can you work within it? Depending on the service and your clientele, you could offer a sliding scale. Let your wealthier clients subsidize the less wealthy ones. If you have long-term relationships with your clients, some of them may start to earn enough to pay the full fee over time, and others might have a financial crisis and need to pay less for a while. Is there a way for you to volunteer similar services for the good of your community? Advertisement Another way to frame it is that, by requiring a fee, you are supporting the rest of the people in your profession. To take journalism as an example, a lot of publications used to offer unpaid internships. Students from wealthy families, especially ones whose parents lived in cities like Washington or New York, could work at a prestigious place for free and get a huge advantage at the beginning of their career. Students who had to make money couldnt afford to take these internships. Thats one of the reasons people with family wealth are over-represented in journalism, and why many publications are failing to cover the current political crisis emphatically enough but dont get me started. Anyway, decent publications now offer paid internships, and we shun and shame those that dont. If its any comfort, by participating in your fields fee-for-services system, you keep your profession open to those who need to be paid. Advertisement Advertisement To get back to psychology, another line of research suggests that when people pay for something, they value it more. This phenomenon is also debated, but theres a chance that charging a fee makes your service more effective. Slate Plus members get more Good Job every week. Sign up now to read Laura Helmuths additional column this week. Dear Good Job, My employer has several committees that one employee from each work group is expected to be a representative for, with a member of the management team in charge of the committee. Last year, I was part of the group focused on giving back to the community, which is in charge of giving to and participating in local charitable events. I had heard about an organization that focuses on people who are/were living in shelters and are ready to move out on their own. This group helps supply their apartment, house, etc., with used furniture, small appliances, and other household items to save them money. The management representative said it sounded like a good cause to focus on and would consider how our company could help. Advertisement I was on vacation when the next group meeting was held. But then I attended the companys quarterly employee engagement meeting, where all the employees gather to hear updates on the company. I was pleasantly surprised when our committee leader announced that they were going to put a collection bin in the employees break area to collect used, working small household appliances to give to the program I suggested. I wasnt pleasantly surprised when a few weeks later, the committee manager asked when I was going to take the collected items to the organization. I asked why it was my responsibility, and I was told that it was my idea, and I have a pickup truck to haul the collected items. I was not very happy because the only time my schedule allowed me to take the items was on a Saturday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the 1st of this year, my time on the committee was done. This week, the committee manager approached me and asked when I was going to take the items, as the bin was full. I told him I was no longer on that committee, so it was no longer my responsibility. He told me it is my responsibility, as it was originally my idea. I responded with, It was my idea, but the donation program is the responsibility of the committee, which I am no longer on. He responded, I guess the items will sit there, as I disagree with you on who should take the items. Do you think it is still my responsibility to deliver the items? My Time Is Done Dear My Time Is Done, Congratulations on identifying a good cause and getting your co-workers to support it. The manager of your former committee does not sound as dedicated to doing good works! They are being peevish and petty. Figuring out how to solve this problem is just the sort of thing a management team member should be able to do, but instead, they are the problem. Can you go around them and speak to other people who are still on the committee? Try members who seem to be on the committee because they care, not to get ahead at work. Explain that youve cycled off, but you want to make sure this program succeeds and hope another committee member can make the delivery. Advertisement Advertisement If no one else agrees to take over, or if some of the donations are too big for standard vehicles and require a pick-up truck, it would be gracious of you to make the first delivery and then tell the committee the rest is up to them. Youd be helping people at this organization, and as a bonus, youd be drawing attention to the fact that the management team member is a selfish, stubborn jerk. Laura More Advice From Slate I have three grandchildren, Kris, Jessica, and Sam. My grandmother inherited a beautiful diamond necklace from her mother that is worth a couple thousand dollars. It is the only big piece of jewelry in our family, and my grandmother left it to me with instructions to give it to my oldest granddaughter Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. For those of you blessed enough to not be part of the rarified population of people who affirmatively signed themselves up to receive Google Alerts containing all the latest news about Barron Trump, you may have missed that there have been rumors flying around for weeks now about the real source of his fathers animus toward Harvard University. In fact, for almost as long as the administration has been feuding with Harvard, some form of the dumb rumor has persisted: that this is all because Barron couldnt get into the school, and further, perhaps because Donald couldnt either. The source, to the extent that there is one, was social media: In mid-April, some tweets claiming that Barron Trump was rejected from Harvard as well as Columbia and Stanford went viral. Though some of these posts received millions of views, none of them appeared to offer any semblance of convincing proof that Barron, who recently finished his first year at New York University, actually applied to these schools. A senator, Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, didnt help matters when he posted, around this time: Cant help but wonder how many Trumps got rejected by Harvard. Journalist Michael Wolff also shared a video about how it had become a common joke around the White House that one thing the universities Trump was targeting had in common was that Barron didnt get into them. Despite the flimsiness of this chatter, it clearly bothered the Trump family enough that Melania Trumps office issued a rare statement refuting the rumorsand considering how checked out Melania seems when it comes to performing the duties of first lady, this is saying something. Barron did not apply to Harvard, and any assertion that he, or that anyone on his behalf, applied is completely false, Nick Clemens, a spokesman for the first lady, said in a statement in late May. But that wasnt the end of it. This week, Donald Trump himself addressed the rumors, and probably amplified them. He didnt step in to defend his sons honor, though (in the twisted logic where claiming that someone didnt apply to Harvard counts as defending their honor). Instead, he spoke out on his own behalf, seemingly in response to Wolff appearing on a podcast after Melania released her statement and mentioning that Trump himself didnt get into Harvard. Trump wrote on Truth Social, Michael Wolff, a Third Rate Reporter, who is laughed at even by the scoundrels of the Fake News, recently stated that the only reason Im beating up on Harvard, is because I applied there, and didnt get in. That story is totally FALSE, I never applied to Harvard. It probably would have been smarter to stay quietyou dont have to be a PR professional to realize that Trump allowing himself to be baited by this rumor is going to result in more people hearing it than just allowing it to die might have. But not engaging has never been the presidents strong suit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The idea that Trump didnt get into Harvard all those years ago and is now exacting revenge because of it isnt at all implausiblewe all know him to be a very petty man. The notion that hes seeking retribution for the university rejecting his son does feel slightly harder to buy, though, just becauseas evidenced by what rumors Trump even felt it was important for him to personally speak towhen has he ever shown himself to be that personally protective of his children? But I think this whole thing is dumb for a much simpler reason. Its not just Harvard, or just elite schools, that Trump has set out to punish: Really, its all American institutions. In some ways, one wishes that Trump would be so predictable or logical as to aim his ire at particular targets. Maybe he is being driven by revenge on some level, but if so, it seems like he wants revenge on everything and everyone whos ever been guilty of not taking him seriously, and that includes most of the country. Trump is punishing Harvard because hes mad he didnt get in isnt inconceivable, but it feels, sadly like so many lines of critique right now, completely beside the point. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. Well, people have predicted for a long time that there would be a falling-out between Elon Musk and Donald Trump, two narcissists with a tendency to blame other people for their many self-inflicted problems. And now its very much happening! The background: Trump is trying to pass his One Big Beautiful Bill Act through Congress, legislation featuring enormous tax cuts that will increase the federal deficit by an estimated $2.4 trillion. Musk, meanwhile, was already moping around about how his work with the Department of Governmental Efficiency had not succeeded in slashing enough money from the federal budget (which is in large part because Musk never really seemed to understand how the United States government works or what it actually spends money on). This week, his frustration boiled over when Musk denounced the Trump budget as pork and demanded that Republicans in Congress refuse to pass it. Related From Slate Elon Musk Really Does Not Understand Whats Going on Here Read More At what was supposed to be a Thursday press conference about his meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Trump took a moment to address Musks comments, essentially announcing that the worlds richest man was being exiled from the presidential inner circle: Trump on Elon Musk: "You saw a man who was very happy when he stood behind the Oval desk. Even with a black eye. I said, do you want a little makeup? He said, 'No, I don't think so,' which is interesting ... Elon and I had a great relationship. I don't know if we will anymore." pic.twitter.com/I1IEo1ocuS Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 5, 2025 In response, Musk threatened to launch a new political party: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Is it time to create a new political party in America that actually represents the 80% in the middle? Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 5, 2025 Trump, responding himself, said Musk had been annoying him for a long time, then threatened to terminate the considerable number of government contracts that benefit Musks SpaceX company: Donald J. Trump Truth Social 06.05.25 02:37 PM EST Elon was wearing thin, I asked him to leave, I took away his EV Mandate that forced everyone to buy Electric Cars that nobody else wanted (that he knew for months I was going to do!), and he just went CRAZY! Commentary Donald J. Trump Posts From Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) June 5, 2025 Advertisement Donald J. Trump Truth Social 06.05.25 02:37 PM EST The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elons Governmental Subsidies and Contracts. I was always surprised that Biden didnt do it! Commentary Donald J. Trump Posts From Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) June 5, 2025 Advertisement At this point, things really got quite rude, with Musk implying that Trump took part in the sexual abuse of minors with the late Jeffrey Epstein: Time to drop the really big bomb:@realDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public. Have a nice day, DJT! Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 5, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To be clear, there is no evidence that this is true, or even that Musk is referring to real, actual files, although it is true that Trump and Epstein were friendly, and that minors who competed in the Miss Teen USA competition complained that Trump walked into their dressing room while they were changing clothes. Musk then retweeted a prominent far-right user who called for Trump to be impeached and replaced by Vice President J.D. Vance, writing, yes. He also said he would immediately begin decommissioning the Dragon space shuttle, which carries astronauts to and from the International Space Station. Could be bad news for the four astronauts who are up there now. No response to any of this from the president, although right-wing nationalist Steve Bannonwho has always been suspicious of Musks foreign birth and ties to international corporate capitalis calling for him to be deported (and, honestly, with this administration, is anything out of the question here?). Advertisement Advertisement Look, the record of Donald Trumps second term so far is one of illegal overreach, naked corruption, and dalliance with catastrophe. Its lasting effects could include the end of the United States primacy in world affairs and the permanent kneecapping of its prosperity. The qualities that for hundreds of years have made the U.S. a destination for the worlds brightest and hardest-working strivers are being destroyed by men and women whose unfamiliarity with the subjects under their control is matched only by their history of being into weird Nazi stuff online. Trump himself seems to be getting mentally slower and often appears unfamiliar with actions taken by his own government. Its bad stuff. On the other hand, thistodayis all pretty funny. Unless youre an astronaut. New York, US (PANA) - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday urged world leaders to revive efforts toward a two-State solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, warning that there was no alternative Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. On May 25, 2020, George Floyd was murdered by a white police officer in Minneapolis. The event sparked nationwide protests calling for a reckoning over racist policing. City leaders were promising to end policing as we know it. In the years since, the city of Minneapolis has tried a number of reforms. There was a push to change the citys charter to eliminate the police department, which failed. But some initiatives have succeeded. On a recent episode of What Next, host Mary Harris spoke to Minnesota Public Radios Brandt Williams about what policies have changed in Minneapolis since George Floyds murder. This transcript has been edited and condensed for clarity. Mary Harris: Since George Floyds murder, has the police force gotten smaller? Brandt Williams: The police force has gotten smaller, but not because the council cut funding for them. The budgets for the police department have remained either relatively stable or increased over the years. Several hundred officers have left since 2020. Many of them retired, but also a lot of them took workers compensation claims based on reports of PTSD and left. The department is in the process of rebuilding. But their decrease in numbers had nothing to do with their budgets being cut. What would the mayor say has been a success for his effort to restructure policing in the city? Advertisement The mayors been very much on board with the Human Rights Department agreement that the city struck in 2023 which mandated certain reforms. When the Minnesota Department of Human Rights opened its investigation and filed this lawsuit, saying the Minneapolis Police Department had violated the civil rights and human rights of communities of color, they immediately mandated some changes like banning chokeholds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They also mandated that the police chief make discipline decisions publicly available and out there for people to see, to encourage more accountability. But its hard to quantify how all these changes have led to either improved policecommunity relations or a reduction in complaints against police officers. Those seem like minor improvements, if you ask me. Yeah, these are very incremental changes. Weve just surpassed the one-year mark of the monitoring segment of this agreement between the city and the Minnesota Human Rights Department. Now, the independent monitor released a report that shows that the city has made some significant gains in at least complying with these initial parts of the agreement. Again, theyre very incremental. For instance, they have to create better structures for administering support for officers. Officer wellness is what they are calling it. And those are structures that had not been there before. So theyre trying to build those, and then theyre going to be evaluated on how well they do with those. Advertisement That seems like such a strange metric to me, when the thing that prompted so much talk about reform was the murder of an unarmed Black man. Advertisement Well, thats just one small part of the agreement. There are many metrics involved in this. But I mean, there are folks who also tell you: Hurt people hurt people. And if there are officers who have been doing the type of work where theyre exposed to trauma every day on the job, those officers may also be in need of some help themselves, to prevent them from carrying out biased policing or using excessive force because they themselves have not learned any other way to handle or to react to the stress that they find on the job. Advertisement In the midst of all this, is there any reason to believe that relations between police and the local Minneapolis community have improved at all? Advertisement What is hardest to get at is the prevailing community sentiment. We pay attention to the activists and the demonstrators when they come out and say, Hey, theres something that we dont like about whats happening with the Minneapolis Police Department. But on the other end, there are people living in neighborhoods throughout the cityI used to live in one of those neighborhoods that had some challenges with crime. Those are people who are not going to show up at demonstrations or at City Hall to speak at a public hearing. They have a bit more nuanced connection with the police department. They need police services. They dont deny that. These are not people who have called for the abolition of the police. But they want good policing. Advertisement Advertisement Obviously they dont want to see people being harassed or getting beaten up by police officers for no reason. Getting a handle on how those people are feeling over the years is going to be the real test. And its not clear to me so far, and in the reporting that weve done, how far people are coming along on that level. Advertisement We are seeing major changes in how the police department is responding to certain types of calls. For the last couple of years, the city has instituted a behavioral crisis response team, which is comprised of people who are mental health professionals. Theyre not armed, theyre not uniformed. And they respond to these lower-level types of mental health calls, where before it would be police officers going out there; perhaps trying to talk somebody out of a backyard whos been sitting there, and the neighbors call because they see this person sitting in somebodys backyard and theres something going on, and the police come there. Advertisement One of the major complaints has been that when police officers arrive, they have guns, they have uniforms that can escalate a situation into something violent. And this behavioral crisis response team has reported positive results. Theyve taken over many of those callshundreds of those callsthat police officers would take. That frees up police officers to handle things that are perhaps going to be a little bit more dangerous. Advertisement But Im struck by the fact that that would not have helped in the George Floyd situation, right? Because while he was using drugs at the time, he was called because of shoplifting? They thought he had passed a counterfeit $20 bill. Its hard to say, I mean, in hindsight, whether that would have been a good call for a mental health crisis response team. Is there a bigger lesson about the Black Lives Matter movement in general from whats happening in Minneapolis? Because it seems like youre painting the picture of something thats long, drawn-out, bitterly fought. Like in many cities, Black Lives Matter became more vocal and a larger movement after the 2014 killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. We had another killing of a young black man in 2015 named Jamar Clark [in Minneapolis]. And that really led to larger participation in Black Lives Matter. And fast-forward to the killing of George Floyd, and Black Lives Matter signs were on lawns everywhere and in windows in all parts of the city. You dont see as many of those now. Theres definitely been a bit of a pullback. And frankly, some of the protest leaders from back in the day, theyve burnt out. Many of them have just had to step back. Weve tried to reach many of them for our coverage five years later. There are people who have told us: Im just not in it anymore. This piece was originally published on State Court Report , a hub for reporting, analysis, and commentary about state courts and constitutions. State Court Report is a project of the Brennan Center for Justice. In criminal trials, the North Carolina Constitution provides a right to unanimous verdicts by no more and no less than 12 jurors. Yet the state Supreme Court recently upheld a law allowing trial judges to remove a juror and seat an alternate even after deliberations have already startedeffectively allowing someone outside the jury to participate in and potentially influence deliberations. To justify this conclusion, the court used an odd and highly criticized rule that has started to appear regularly in its opinions: requiring claimants to prove that statutes are unconstitutional beyond a reasonable doubt. State v. Chambers is the most recent in a string of cases invoking that rule since Republican justices took control of the court in 2023 and quickly began to roll back civil rights under the state constitution. They even reversed the courts rulings from just a few months prior, including a December 2022 decision in which the previous court struck down a discriminatory voter-ID law. The rule that courts have final say on what the law means and possess the power to declare laws unconstitutional, known as judicial review, has existed in North Carolina even longer than in the federal courts. The North Carolina Supreme Court first struck down unconstitutional legislation in 178716 years before the U.S. Supreme Court announced, in Marbury v. Madison, that it is emphatically the province and duty of the judicial department to say what the law is. Saying what the law is, including the scope of constitutional rights, presents a legal question. Beyond a reasonable doubt, on the other hand, is famously the laws most exacting evidentiary standard, used to determine whether certain facts are sufficiently proven. The distinction plays out every day in criminal trials, in which the labor is split between juries, which determine whether prosecutors have proved facts beyond a reasonable doubt, and trial judges, who provide the law via jury instructions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is confusing, then, to suggest that courts will strike down a law only if they are convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that it is unconstitutional. It uses a fact-finding test for a law-interpreting task and implies that laws are unconstitutional only when no reasonable judge could disagreea proposition that would dismiss centuries of dissenting opinions as the work of irrational fools. Yet that strange rhetorical formulation, as law professor Hugh Spitzer calls it, appears repeatedly in North Carolina Supreme Court opinions over the past two years. The test appeared in the cases that rescinded voting rights and rules protecting fair elections, one upholding a photo-ID requirement for voting in person and another permitting legislative and congressional districts explicitly designed to benefit Republicans. Its there, framing a ruling that upheld a law banning people on felony probation or parole from voting, even after a trial court found that the law was originally intended to disenfranchise Black voters and continues to create extreme racial disparities. In criminal cases, the court invoked the standard to uphold consecutive life-without-parole sentences for a 17-year-old, in addition to last months ruling on substitute jurors. Together, these rulings reflect an anti-equality retrenchment from cases decided by the previous liberal majority and in which no such beyond a reasonable doubt standard appeared. Advertisement Advertisement Ideological differences aside, is there an argument that adding this requirement is useful or at least makes sense? Spitzer does not think so. His 2023 article Reasoning v. Rhetoric: The Strange Case of Unconstitutional Beyond a Reasonable Doubt examines the origins of this standard and how courts have used it over the past quarter century. He argues that, rather than helping judges decide cases and guiding lawyers who argue them, this framing merely provide[s] institutional cover when an appellate court resolves a controversial case. Advertisement In most states, Spitzer writes, unconstitutional beyond a reasonable doubt has become a jingle that is dropped into cases when convenient and then ignored when it is not convenient. He concludes that the idea should be eliminated from judicial discourse, in part because quoting an evidentiary standard of proof and posturing it as a rule of decision can mislead both lawyers and the public, or, still worse, appear disingenuous and reduce respect for the judiciary. Advertisement Speaking at a 2023 symposium organized by State Court Report and New York University Law Review, North Carolina Justice Anita Earlsnow one of two Democrats on the courtexpressed bewilderment at her majoritys new standard. Either the statute is consistent with the constitution or not, she said. This notion that you have to somehow establish that beyond a reasonable doubt makes no sense to me. Advertisement Advertisement Related From Slate The One Thing That Could Still Torpedo Big Parts of Trumps Big Beautiful Bill Read More Some state courts have agreed. In 2007 Montana Supreme Court Justice W. William Leaphart wrote in a concurrence that beyond a reasonable doubt is an absurd standard of decision for a question of law. In 2014 the Arizona Supreme Court officially rejected this standard for making constitutional determinations, noting that assessing the constitutionality of a law fundamentally differs from determining the existence of historical facts. Id take the argument a step further. The beyond a reasonable doubt standard is not simply confusing; it dilutes fundamental rights, adding another hurdle that civil rights plaintiffs must clear. Judges already have doctrinal tests to determine whether state action (including legislative action) violates certain constitutional rights. Asked if a criminal sentence violates the Eighth Amendments right against cruel and unusual punishment, for example, courts will typically refer to either the two-prong categorical framework or the three-part gross disproportionality test. Asked if a statute violates equal protection, courts apply different tests depending on the nature of the claim. A law that discriminates based on race must pass strict scrutiny, while gender discrimination need only pass intermediate scrutiny. Pick any other constitutional rightthe rights to free speech, religious exercise, due process, and so onand youll find something similar: a broad principle reduced to a nuts-and-bolts, multifactor test used to determine if that right has been violated. Advertisement Advertisement Creating these tests is Marbury v. Madison in actionit is saying what the law isand they are themselves heavily contested. But the point here is that courts already have rules of decision when faced with a constitutional claim. With a meta burden of proof, North Carolina adds an extra layer, suggesting that state action must not only fail the applicable doctrinal test before it is struck down but that it must do so beyond a reasonable doubt. In his empirical analysis, Spitzer points out that the constitutional beyond a reasonable doubt standard is not reserved for conservative courts; the Washington Supreme Court, one of the nations most progressive, has used it over 40 times since 2000. And the standard dates back to late-19th-century progressivism, animated by concerns that pro-business courts were too quick to overturn labor and other regulations. Yet that does not change how North Carolinas Supreme Court has weaponized an inherently amorphous and unworkable rule to water down civil rights and reverse the states hard-fought progress toward racial justice. In their dissenting opinionsand there are sure to be more of themthe courts liberal justices should point this out, citing Spitzer and the late North Carolina Justice Harry Martin, who praised the state constitution as a beacon of civil rights. When faced with an opportunity to provide its people with increased protection through expansive construction of state constitutional liberties, Martin wrote, a state court should seize the chance. 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 The Supreme Court handed down three major decisions on Thursday involving hot-button issues like workplace discrimination, religious freedom, and gun smuggling. Remarkably, all three rulings were unanimous, and each was authored by a liberal justice. The left flank of the court eased the way for reverse discrimination claims, expanded religious exemptions from state taxes, and shielded gun companies from a potentially ruinous lawsuit. On a special Opinionpalooza pop-up episode of Amicus for Slate Plus members, Dahlia Lithwick and Mark Joseph Stern discussed the liberal justices conciliatory approach to these cases and their ongoing efforts to strike compromises with their colleaguessometimes at the expense of their own agendas. An excerpt of their conversation, below, has been edited and condensed for clarity. Dahlia Lithwick: Lets start with Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services. This is a case about reverse discrimination brought by a straight employee who claimed she faced discrimination by gay colleagues. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson wrote a unanimous opinion for the courtwhat did she say? Mark Joseph Stern: Justice Jackson wrote that members of a majority group do not face any heightened burden to prove a claim of workplace discrimination under Title VII. The appeals court had held that if youre a member of a majority grouphere, heterosexualyou must show background circumstances to support your claim of discrimination, since you are not normally a victim. Justice Jackson overturned that rule because it appears nowhere in Title VII. She held that everyonewhite or black, man or woman, straight or gayhas the same burden when bringing a claim of unlawful workplace discrimination. Advertisement In some sense, this is just a leveling; it means nobody faces a higher burden because of their identity. Is this a win? I think its clearly correct. Yes, the facts are ickythis is a straight woman essentially saying she was discriminated against by a cabal of gays in her workplace. But Title VII protects individuals, not groups. It doesnt say women or gay people are protected; it bars discrimination on the basis of sex. So requiring a special burden of proof for people who happen to be part of a majority group just violates the text of Title VII. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beyond that, Justice Jackson used this opinion to score a pretty important victory: She reaffirmed the Supreme Courts 2020 decision in Bostock v. Clayton County, which held that Title VII prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. That decision is still pretty contentious; a lot of lower courts refuse to cite it as legitimate precedent. But Justice Jackson cites it twice, as if to remind lower courts and the country: Yes, this decision is still on the books. And I consider that to be something of a win because it at least ensures that Bostock doesnt drift away as this questionable outlier that would make it more vulnerable to reversal in the future. Advertisement Lets turn to another decision on Thursday and see if you can find the unicorn in the rainbow: Catholic Charities v. Wisconsin is one in a long line of religious liberty cases seeking tax exemptions for religious groups providing both religious and secular services. Here we got another unanimous opinion, this one penned by Justice Sonia Sotomayor. In my view, its another good decision! Here, the Wisconsin Supreme Court had denied a tax exemption to Catholic Charities because its services were not overtly religious. Its charities welcome all comers; they dont force people to go to Mass to receive aid, for instance. The Wisconsin Supreme Court held that, because theres no proselytization, these programs arent truly religious. And so it denied Catholic Charities the tax exemption from unemployment compensation that other religious charities receive. Related From Slate The Most Insidious Way That the Supreme Court Has Exploited Trumps Chaos Read More Justice Sotomayor held that this approach is unconstitutional, because it favors religions whose charities do proselytize over those whose charities do not. For example, some Protestant denominations make you go to church in order to get food from the food bank. The Wisconsin Supreme Courts rule favored those charities. And Sotomayor held that, under the free exercise and establishment clauses of the First Amendment, a state cannot favor certain faiths or denominations over others. Her decision is rooted not only in religious freedom, but also in the separation of church and statein the principle that states cant pick winners and losers because of how a religion practices its faith. Advertisement Advertisement This looks to me like part of a long trend of religious groups seeking to benefit from government programs and sidestep essential worker protections in the process. It is important, as you say, that Justice Sotomayor breathes life into the establishment clause, which the court has shrunk down to virtually nothing. But it does feel like, in a larger sense, a continuation of a pretty dangerous trend. I find myself wondering how good it really is when the courts liberal wing joins on these cases. Look, the trend line is clear. But the way Justice Sotomayor wrote this opinion really does do some good. She favorably cites key cases prohibiting school prayer and says they are still good law, and she got the whole court to sign onto that. This is just a few terms after Kennedy v. Bremerton, when the Supreme Court called those precedents into question. I think there is real value in Sotomayor shoring up the separation of church and state. Even if her colleagues wont hold fast to it in future cases, it tells lower courts that they cannot abandon this principle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lets continue that theme, because the court also unanimously tossed out a lawsuit on Thursday that Mexico had brought against U.S. gun sellers. This opinion, Smith & Wesson v. Mexico, was written by Justice Elena Kagan. I bet you see a silver lining here too, dont you? I do! Justice Kagans opinion is very narrow: She held that Mexico did not plausibly allege that these American gun companies aided and abetted the smuggling of guns south of the border to Mexican cartels. Thats a win for the gun companies, but its not the big question that they wanted the court to decide. They asked the justices to establish sweeping immunity from lawsuit, even beyond what federal law already provides, by reinterpreting a statute as an absolute shield against civil liability for the entire gun industry. Kagan said the court did not need to answer that question because they could decide the case on much narrower grounds. It may be unfortunate that the suit got tossed, but it means gun sellers dont walk away with even broader protection against lawsuits than they had before. Advertisement Advertisement I know this is the nature of being in the minorityyou have to make these bargains. Thats just the asymmetry of the world we live in. But it feels like another example of the courts liberals playing nicely, trying to eke out whatever little wins they can, turning the temperature down, all of which is important. It also feels like a game that only the losing team plays. And what if the actual game here is the legitimacy sweepstakeshow much the court gets to preen and say, Were all best friends, were unanimous all the time, what were doing is law. Advertisement Doesnt this approach dump an immense amount of credibility on those arguments when were waiting for huge decisions on birthright citizenship and nationwide injunctions, and the conservative majority is overturning precedent on the shadow docket? Is this really the time to be shoring up the legitimacy of the court when only the losing team does it? Advertisement I would just ask: What is the alternative to this playbook that the liberals seem to be running? Is the alternative just bigger wins for the right and even more losses for the left? And the liberals become perennial dissenters complaining from the sidelines as the six conservatives march us ineluctably toward the death of American democracy? I think its easy for us on the outside to make the metacritique that You guys are shoring up the legitimacy of a court that doesnt deserve legitimacy. But the liberals dont have the luxury of looking at the metanarrative. They want to know: How can I avoid further insulating gun companies from lawsuits? How can I reestablish that church-state separation exists? How can I shore up a key precedent that protects LGBTQ people? If thats all you can snatch from a decision, its still better than doing nothing, or facing a major defeat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I will take your side on one piece of this, which is that there is some utility in being able to model that this is what doing a deal looks like. This is what centrism and humility look like. Thats important when you have people at the center of the court who might show up for you on occasion. There is some utility in not burning it all down when it feels like, at least for Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Amy Coney Barrett, these legitimacy questions are top of mind. Absolutely. This is how the liberals build up goodwill with Roberts and Barrett for when they want to make a deal in a bigger case. When they need votes in a future case involving Trumps abuses of office, the liberals need to show Roberts and Barrett that they are sensible and rational and absolutely willing to make a deal even when it cuts against their broader interests. They need to prove that theyve got skin in the gamethat theyre making sacrifices, so maybe the other side should, too, when its in the best interests of the institution and the country. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. Late last month, a shoeless and injured cryptocurrency investor fled from a posh Manhattan townhouse and approached the NYPD with a mortifying story: Hed just escaped 17 straight days of torture, having been held in SoHo and peed upon, forced to smoke crack, pistol-whipped, shocked with a Taser, cut with a saw, and dangled over a ledge. All because two fellow crypto enthusiasts, whom he personally knew, desired access to his multimillion-dollar Bitcoin fortuneand were willing to do anything to make him give up the password to his virtual wallet. With the information provided by this battered tradera 28-year-old Italian named Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturanthe authorities quickly took the accused culprits, John Woeltz and William Duplessie, into custody. Per police reports, Carturan and Woeltz had ties to an unnamed New York crypto hedge fund; the latter had often picked on the former and, eventually, a disagreement over money led Carturan to fly back to Italy. Woeltz, whod been spending time with Duplessie partying hard and splurging generouslyincluding on that 17-floor, $30,000-a-month SoHo townhousepersuaded Carturan to return to NYC early last month and allegedly hired an off-duty NYPD officer to pick him up from the airport on May 6.(Its unknown whether the cop knew what was about to happen.) According to Carturans account, he only escaped after agreeing to give up the passkey to his Bitcoin wallet, claiming it was stored on his laptop; when his tormenters left him behind to fetch the computer, Carturan bolted from the premises. The NYC torture scheme was just the latest example of a wrench attack, where a thief employs brutal physical violence in order to gain access to a targets virtual cryptocurrency stashes. The phrase hails from a 2009 strip from the popular webcomic xkcd, making the point that any common thief could break into a users encrypted software simply by battering the owner with a $5 wrench until he tells us the password. Its not a new phenomenonbut these days, its a troublingly common one. On the same day Carturan left his captors, the crypto-crime watchdog group TRM Labs put out a report on the recent uptick in wrench attacks, noting that such acts have escalated in both frequency and severity, typically involving high levels of violence that are extremely traumatic for the victims to endure. Ari Redbord, a former federal prosecutor who now heads global policy for TRM Labs, gave me a blunt explanation for this surge: Weve seen the price of Bitcoin double in the last year or so. Criminals tend to go where the money is. These arent cybercriminals. These arent hackers. They dont need sophisticated tools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A few days later, longtime software engineer and Bitcoin maximalist Jameson Lopp gave a detailed presentation on the escalation in wrench attacks at the Bitcoin Conference in Las Vegas. After kicking off with a reference to that xkcd comic, Lopp deployed various graphs of reported wrench attacks over the years, noting that such assaults are still relatively rare compared with other crypto-related crimes (such as hacking or phishing), but that they do tend to spike whenever Bitcoins value balloons rapidly, like during the crypto craze of 2021. This year, Bitcoins value has reached all-time highsand 2025 is on pace to see a record amount of wrench attacks worldwide. Lopp emphasized that the total number will still be relatively smallthe previous record-breaking year, 2021, only recorded about 35 attacks, most of them in the U.S. But the details common to these crimes are terrifying enough to warrant extra caution for crypto holders: home invasions, kidnapping, drugging. And, Lopp warned, a decent number of these also involve torture. Advertisement Bitcoin Conference attendees likely found Lopps presentation valuable, not least because many crypto investors are reportedly growing more fearful. The Wall Street Journal recently spoke with anonymous members of the crypto community who say they are turning their Instagram profiles private and are trying to remove their physical addresses, and those of their families, from public records. Other crypto enthusiasts are also training in hand-to-hand combatperhaps not incidental to the fact that, as Lopp stated, many wrench-attack survivors lacked adequate home-security or self-defense tools. Advertisement Advertisement Again, such events are rare. But for those who go through them, theyre scarring. Just last week, two Russian crypto executives were kidnapped by Chechens in Buenos Aires and forced to pay $43,000 in ransom before the perpetrators fled. A few weeks before that, a 30-year-old American tourist in London was drugged by a man who claimed to be his Uber driver; the kidnapper only let him out once the American gave up his crypto-wallet passkey. In late November, a Las Vegasbased investor left a local crypto conference and was kidnapped by three armed and masked robbers right as he reached home; they extorted him for $4.8 million worth of tokens, then abandoned him in a desert area 26 miles from the Nevada border. That same month, WonderFI CEO Dean Skurka was kidnapped in Toronto, held for a $1 million ransom, then freed when the sum was paid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are still more recent incidents that I have not rounded upor that, more chillingly, have not been made public. But a series of repeated kidnappings in France alone (which, in at least two cases, ended with the captives finger getting cut off) were enough to spur the countrys interior minister to convene a group of local crypto entrepreneurs and promise extra protection. (Redbord suspects that the revitalized presence of organized-crime syndicates in France has contributed to the increase of wrench attacks there, as he told me.) Bennett Tomlin and Cas Piancey, reporters for the crypto news site Protos and co-hosts of the Crypto Critics Corner podcast, told me that the targeted wrench attacks may come down to the fact that fewer and fewer people hoard more and more digital currencies, juicing the value of their stashes. Advertisement Related From Slate The Discourse | Tortured for Bitcoin Read More Theres a pretty significant portion of high-net-worth individuals who have some portion of their money in crypto, Piancey said, and that becomes a much easier target for a robber than demanding all the cash in their house, because there probably isnt any. The often-public nature of crypto ownershipsocial media boasting, digital-influencer status, conference attendance, inconsistent cybersecurity measuresalso makes it easier to target the most outspoken enthusiasts. Advertisement Thats especially the case at large in-person conferences with rich and powerful registrants like Bitcoin 2025. Unlike traditional means of protecting and storing wealth, like physical banks whose accounts are protected with sophisticated security measures, crypto holders carry immense, untraceable wealth by way of the passkeys to their crypto wallets, whether those are hosted online or stored within a flash drive. When you are your own bank, you risk being broken into like one. Advertisement It becomes even riskier when any high-profile crypto holders gather together. Tomlin mentioned the fallout from last summers Brussels Ethereum conference, where multiple attendees were robbed. You dont hear about this stuff happening at big conferences that involve bankers, Piancey explained. Someone who has $100 million in crypto is a more appealing target for that kind of attack than someone who has $100 million in the banking system, because one of those is going to be a lot easier to quickly take and hold on to. In other words: A heavily deregulated and public-facing sector that boasts relatively few buyerswho are even richer as a resultcan become a sensible target for an otherwise technologically unsophisticated criminal who knows how to browse social media. At Bitcoin 2025, Jameson Lopp also noted this tendency and gave some advice to his audience: Shut up and stop flaunting your wealth. For the last two years, Brett Beckwith has been one of a handful of drivers under the age of 30 to perform consistently at The Meadowlands. These young guns took advantage of the opportunity created by Big M regular A-list drivers taking vacations for part of or all of December, January, February and March. The 22-year-old Beckwith, the 2024 Dan Patch Rising Star Award winner who finished third in the United States driver dash-win race with 608 victories during the year, has seen things go exceedingly well during 2025 at The Big M. His 79 wins currently have him sitting atop the driver standings at the mile oval and Beckwith has opted to stay at The Big M rather than constantly spin on the Plainridge/Saratoga wheel, the routine that brought him great success during 2023-24. Things were and are going really well, said Beckwith, and I was getting a good amount of drives and I kind of realized, if there was any chance of advancing my career to the next level, which is obviously what everyone wants, the only way that would happen is staying at The Meadowlands, where all of the top guys race, because when you race against the top guys and you race for the top trainers, you get much more noticed. Beckwith, whose biggest career win to date was in a $222,222 Massachusetts Sire Stakes final last year with his dad Marks trainee, Oer The Ramparts, is looking to fry some bigger fish this season with Making History. The three-year-old son of American History-Mystery Game is in one of three eliminations for the $1-million North America Cup on Saturday, June 7 and is being pointed toward the $700,000 USD (est.) Meadowlands Pace. If you had asked me a year ago if I was going to be flying to Canada to race in the North America Cup, I would have laughed, said Beckwith. The main connection with Making History was the ownership group, led by Myron Bell, were at my grandfathers [Jerry Silverman] funeral and Myron told my dad and my Uncle Richie [Silverman] that he was going to give me a two-year-old to drive. Making History made quite a splash when he won his career debut in a New Jersey Sire Stakes leg on May 3, gunning down 2-5 favourite Manolete at the wire. Since then, the horse finished third in leg two of the Sire Stakes before another third-place finish in the $308,219 final. I qualified him twice at two and then he was turned out, said Beckwith. Hes come back at three and been pretty solid. Everythings been good. The race he won, that was his first lifetime start. To do that is unbelievably impressive, passing a pretty nice horse at the end of it. Award winner, leading driver at The Meadowlands, a live Grand Circuit horse to drive. The trajectory of Beckwiths career is clearly going in the right direction. Its always great to win a lot of races and make the money I was making at 20 and 21 years of age, but once you get the wins and driving titles, your next step is to make more with less starts. When you get a little bit of a taste of driving good horses, it makes you want to continue to drive the good ones. A little old-fashioned hard work never hurts, either. Luckily, my career has gone the way it has at an unbelievably fast pace. The one thing I will give myself credit for is there are very few people who end up outworking me, said Beckwith, who still does plenty of driving at other tracks, just not on Fridays and Saturdays when The Meadowlands races. You can have as much talent as you want, but you are going to get nowhere with no work ethic. There are still 50 race cards left on the 2025 calendar at The Meadowlands, but Beckwith, with a 21-winner lead on the current runner-up in the driver standings, Jason Bartlett, is the favourite to wear the Big M crown at seasons end. If I told you it didnt cross my mind, Id be lying, said Beckwith. Its crazy to think that I could be the top dog at The Meadowlands. Its so meaningful. Theres probably not a single guy who has won the driving title there that hasnt gone on to be unbelievably successful. Click here for more on Saturday's North America Cup eliminations. (Meadowlands Racetrack) Case Name : NuPower Renewables Pvt. Ltd. Vs ACIT & Others (Bombay High Court) NuPower Renewables Pvt. Ltd. Vs ACIT & Others (Bombay High Court) The Bombay High Court recently quashed a reassessment notice issued by the Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax (ACIT) against NuPower Renewables Pvt. Ltd. for the Assessment Year 2011-12. The court found that the notice, issued beyond the four-year limitation period, lacked a valid basis as it relied on information already available to the Assessing Officer during the original scrutiny assessment. NuPower Renewables Pvt. Ltd. had filed its original return of income on September 29, 2011, declaring a loss, Please become a Premium member. If you are already a Premium member, login here to access the full content. Johannesburg, South Africa (PANA) - Twenty-five years since the six-day war in Kisangani in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in which hundreds of civilians were killed and thousands more injured, victims are still waiting for truth, justice and, for the most part, reparations, Amnesty International said in a new briefing on Thursday A statewide plan to keep students on track to graduate appears to be working in Kelso, helping the district near its goal of 100% graduation rate. The first class of freshmen who joined the districts Ninth Grade Student Success Team at its start in 2022 is set to graduate next school year, giving the district more insight into how the teams efforts are having on its overall graduation goals. Itll be really exciting to see, Kelso School District Superintendent Mary Beth Tack said. Theres no question that it will have an impact. We see it right now. The teams work landed Tack her second Regional Student Achievement Award in May, after she also received the award from the Washington Association of School Administrators in 2021 for the districts expansion of virtual learning options for students in all grades. The group of 20 Kelso High School teachers, counselors and staff help students adjust to high school and make sure they are earning enough annual credits to graduate. The districts graduation rate has risen about 4 percentage points over the last roughly seven years to 91.4% last school year 8.6 percentage points higher than the state average. The award is really not about me, said Tack, Its about the work that I support in the district and the staff that make it happen. Getting on track Kelso isnt the only district with such programs. Dozens of local schools apply for a state grant to run similar teams annually. According to OSPI, students who are on track at the end of their freshman year are four times more likely to graduate. Kelso High School requires students to have 26 credits to graduate. That means freshmen should end the year with six or more credits and have no failing grades to keep on track. The school operates on a trimester schedule with students taking three sets of five classes over the course of the year. Each class is worth half a credit, so a student could earn 7.5 credits each year if they pass all their classes. For freshmen, understanding the importance of those credits can be a big adjustment, Kelso High School principal Lacey DeWeert said. At 14 and 15 years old, theyve never experienced this before, she said. Failing a class has never been a big deal. The success team helps teachers figure out ways to emphasize why credits are important, creates more opportunities to check in about grades and provides support for students who are struggling in class. It also gives teachers weekly updates about which students might need extra support at any given time, allowing them to coordinate their efforts across classes. It helps us not let kids slip through the cracks, DeWeert said. We have these checkpoints built in to make sure that were catching kids as often as we can to slow the freefall and not have to make up credits. Thats massive. The teams work is making a difference, success team leader David Kilian said. In the 2023-2024 school year, 8% of the final grades freshmen earned were Fs. As of May, that number has dropped below 6% for the current school year. This means there are about 400 fewer cases of students needing to make up classes, Kilian said. School district data also shows that more freshmen are on track. At the end of the 2023-2024 school year, 78.4% of freshmen had the six or more credits they needed. At the end of the winter trimester of the 2024-2025 school year, 91.1% had six or more credits. Were definitely seeing some of those important outcomes come to life, Tack said. Social supports Last year, the success team implemented the practice of empathy interviews, in which team members sit down with each incoming student at the end of their eighth grade year to get a sense of what theyre struggling with and what supports they might need. After the students first few days in high school, team members follow up with them to check in and remind them they had someone to talk to if necessary. The idea of our high school staff going down to the middle schools before they even get here is going to help our kids on that very first freshman orientation day when they walk in and see people they recognize, DeWeert said. Kilian, who is also a science teacher at Kelso High School, said connecting with students emotionally is one of the teams most important jobs. Its also one he wasnt expecting to enjoy when he first joined. The emotional part of things is not really my thing, and I actually was a little bit afraid and reluctant to do the empathy interview piece of things, he said. It quickly became my favorite part of the job, though. When a kid knows that you are there to try to help them, theyll tell you everything. Finding out more about the barriers students experience has also affected the way he approaches grading and lesson planning as a teacher. For example, he learned that some students care for their younger siblings while their parents work, and sometimes have to skip school to help out when their siblings get sick. In other cases, the barrier could be something as small as a student not wanting to ask for help because theyre worried about wasting a teachers time. This has given me that perspective that we need to figure out where they are and get to them, rather than making them all get to us, he said. I was kind of there, but I think this has given me the clarity of how to do it more than anything else. 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: Illustration of microbiologically influenced corrosion process and mechanism on concrete sewage pipe. Credit: Journal of Building Engineering (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.jobe.2025.112682 Concrete is widely used for making sewage pipes due to its availability, affordability and structural strength, but it is highly susceptible to acid and microbial corrosion in sewers, requiring ongoing repairs and maintenance that cost Australian taxpayers close to $70 billion each year. Australian researchers are tackling this expensive problem facing our nation's infrastructure by developing an eco-friendly alternative solution to traditional cement sewer pipes that are prone to cracking and corroding. By combining sludgea byproduct of the drinking water purification processand blast-furnace slag, University of South Australia (UniSA) engineers have demonstrated that a new, corrosive-resistant material is more than 50% stronger than cement and resistant to acid-induced degradation. Their new study published in the Journal of Building Engineering evaluates the effectiveness of the alkali-activated materials (AAMs) and demonstrates why they could revolutionize sewage infrastructure worldwide. Samples containing 20% to 40% of alum-based water treatment sludge (AWTS) retained more than 50% higher compressive strength compared to 100% ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), which is used in the production of cement. The new material also limited the penetration of sulfur-oxidizing bacteria and slowed acid-reduced degradation. UniSA civil engineering Ph.D. candidate Weiwei Duan, whose research is based on this project, says there is another major benefit: finding a cost-effective and environmental use for water treatment residue. "Sludge is usually disposed of in landfill sites, which not only reduces available land for other uses, but also harms the environment, creating CO emissions from transporting the waste," Weiwei says. Principal supervisor and lead researcher on the project, Professor Yan Zhuge, says the findings suggest that partially replacing the blast furnace slag with 20%40% of water treatment sludge makes them "promising candidates" for use in sewers. "This has the potential to extend the service life of sewage pipes, reduce maintenance costs, and promote the reuse of water treatment byproducts, thus contributing to the circular economy. "The construction industry is one of the world's biggest greenhouse gas emitters, so if we can cut down on the need for cement, we will be helping to lower carbon emissions," Prof. Zhuge says. In May, Weiwei Duan received the 2025 Australian Water Association's Student Water Prize for his researchthe first UniSA student to receive this national honor in 60 years. More information: Weiwei Duan et al, Evaluating microbiologically influenced corrosion in alkali-activated materials incorporating alum sludge, Journal of Building Engineering (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.jobe.2025.112682 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: Chile Transport Minister Juan Carlos Munoz speaks during a plenary session at the COP29 U.N. Climate Summit, in Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 20, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Sergei Grits, File Google signed an agreement with Chile on Wednesday to deploy an undersea fiber optic cable connecting South America with Asia and Oceania, a first-of-its-kind project that aims to cement the South American country's status as a major digital hub. The Humboldt Cable, envisioned for deployment in 2027, is a 14,800-kilometer (9,200-mile) submarine data cable that will connect Chile's coastal city of Valparaiso with Sydney, Australia through French Polynesia. The initiative is being launched almost a decade after it was first proposed in 2016, and six years after the initial studies to determine its feasibility. "This is the first submarine cable in the South Pacific, so it's an important commitment", Chilean Transport Minister Juan Carlos Munoz told journalists. Chile, home to one of Google's largest data centers in Latin America, is currently connected to the United States and the rest of the region via an undersea cable. This cable also provides Chile with a longer route to other continents. Officials from both Google and the Chilean government hailed the project as critical infrastructure with potential to attract millions of dollars in investment from major tech companies, mining and banking firms in Chile and Australia. "The idea of building this cable is that it can also be used not only by Google but also by other users, such as technology companies operating in Chile," said Cristian Ramos, director of telecommunications infrastructure for Latin America at Alphabet, Google's parent company. Although Google did not disclose its total investment, Patricio Rey, general manager of local partner Desarrollo Pais, a state-owned infrastructure company, estimated the cable project's value at $300 million to $550 million, with Chile contributing $25 million. The Humboldt Cable will establish Chile as a data gateway for the Asia-Pacific, while strengthening its relations with Asian nations, especially China, its largest trading partner. It also comes as demand for undersea cables surges due to increased reliance on cloud computing services. The next stages involve installing the submarine cable, selecting and contracting a telecommunications operator, and constructing landing stations in Chile. The initiative could heighten tensions as Chile finds itself caught in the middle of an intensifying rivalry between China and the Trump administration. Undersea cables have long been flash points in geopolitical disputes. 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The UAlbany team utilized the UFODAP system to track and analyze unidentified anomalous phenomena during its California experiments. Credit: University at Albany A team of physicists from the University at Albany has proposed scientifically rigorous methods for documenting and analyzing Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) building upon the work of numerous past and present researchers in the field. The team tested their methods in the field for the first time and reported their findings in Progress in Aerospace Sciences. UAP is the term used by government agencies like NASA to refer to "observations of events in the sky that cannot be identified as aircraft or known natural phenomena." Utilizing a diverse set of devices to capture different types of data on many channels, UAlbany authors Matthew Szydagis, Kevin Knuth and Cecilia Levy, along with Ben Kugielsky of UAPx, a non-profit scientific research organization, collected observable-light and infrared images during a field expedition in 2021 to Laguna Beach, California. The team also used weather radar data and radiation detectors to create a robust framework for documenting and testing potentially anomalous phenomena that moves away from reliance on eyewitness testimony and similarly subjective methods. "Following on from the recent joint Congressional subcommittee hearing on unidentified anomalous phenomena, the study of UAP is slowly moving from the fringe to the mainstream of scientific study," said Szydagis, lead author and an associate professor of physics at UAlbany. "As this process moves forward, it's critical that future study of UAPs follows a rigorous, repeatable method that can be tested and confirmed by other researchers. We aim to establish a roadmap for these efforts with this paper." Szydagis noted the combination of tools and data sets his team relied on during the study included the first use of National Weather Service public Doppler weather radar data to corroborate observations from other instruments, the introduction of coincidence timing between detectors to determine whether potential anomalies were simultaneously recorded by multiple instruments, and a radiation-detection tool known as the Cosmic Watch to determine whether anomalies observed on infrared cameras were accompanied by detectable ionizing radiation. New AI-assisted image analysis To help analyze the data from the infrared cameras, Szydagis developed new software, Custom Target Analysis Protocol (C-TAP), which combines artificial intelligence with human verification to do a pixel-by-pixel analysis of successive camera frames to study differences and distinguish actual observations from digital noise in the camera imagessimilar to an approach used by physicists like him and Levy to look for direct evidence of dark matter. The researchers coupled this data with robust trigonometric calculations to identify and exclude known objects in the night sky, such as the International Space Station. Ultimately, the UAlbany research team succeeded in plausibly explaining all but one of the potential anomalies detecteddemonstrating that their method is effective and completing important field-testing of the equipment and analysis software. "While we did not find evidence indicating that UAP have anything to do with non-human intelligence, we still cannot fully explain our one remaining ambiguity, or potential anomaly, which was a collection of bright white dots within a dark spot seen in multiple videos," Szydagis said. A comprehensive review of UAP studies The special edition of Progress in Aerospace Sciences includes a comprehensive review of studies conducted on UAPs from 1933 to the present, including more than 20 historical government and privately funded projects, as well as recent scientific research efforts in Ireland, France, Germany, Norway, Sweden and the United States. That article, "The New Science of Unidentified Aerospace-Undersea Phenomena (UAP)," aims to clarify the current and historical scientific narrative around UAP and highlight that UAP/UFOs are longstanding global phenomena that have been observed and recorded for well over 150 years, that UAP/UFOs have been observed and studied by astronomers, scientists, and engineers, and that there are currently several serious academic efforts in multiple countries working to collect hard scientific data on UAP using modern instrumentation. Knuth is lead author of the article, which was co-written by Szydagis and more than 30 other researchers from around the world. "Given the longstanding, global nature of the UAP/UFO question, the air safety and security implications of their presence, and the potentially profound importance of their nature, studying and understanding these phenomena is of great and urgent importance," Knuth said. More information: Matthew Szydagis et al, Initial results from the first field expedition of UAPx to study unidentified anomalous phenomena, Progress in Aerospace Sciences (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.paerosci.2025.101099 Kevin H. Knuth et al, The new science of Unidentified Aerospace-Undersea Phenomena (UAP), Progress in Aerospace Sciences (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.paerosci.2025.101097 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain New research led by the University of Portsmouth has found that fake social media profiles, particularly LinkedIn accounts, are a leading cause of security breaches among professionals. Published in the Security Journal, the paper gathered data from 2,000 participants who use social media for career-related purposes and focused on economic espionagethe illegal act of stealing an organization's secrets for financial or other malicious purposes. Companies, government agencies and universities are all under attack by hostile state actors. The introduction of the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA)'s Think Before You Link (TBYL) app in 2022 demonstrated the need to protect individuals, in particular professionals in roles with sensitive data. This new study highlights a pressing need to raise awareness of rising cybersecurity threats in the U.K., especially with the growing risk of espionage. The findings reveal that many professionals in the U.K. don't fully realize how their everyday actions can put themselves and their employers at risk. Twenty-two percent of participants didn't understand what counts as confidential information, and 17% didn't see trade secrets as important. With 12.8 million professionals in the U.K., this suggests that about 2.5 million professionals may underestimate the importance of protecting sensitive information. The research further showed just how common fake social media profiles are, with 80% of people surveyed stating they've seen suspicious or fake accounts and 77% of respondents receiving link requests from strangers. This highlights the need for professionals to be mindful of who they connect with online, as fake profiles often target important individuals, build trust, and may eventually trick them into sharing sensitive information or encourage the clicking of dangerous links. "Espionage might sound like something that only happens to governments, but everyone is a potential target. Once a hostile actor gets a link, they can build a relationship that creates the potential risk of serious harm," said lead author, Professor Mark Button, Co-Director of the Center for Cybercrime and Economic Crime in the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of Portsmouth. "Fake social media profiles are now a common way for attackers to connect with people and steal information. Platforms such as LinkedIn make it easy to find and target professionals, especially those in sensitive jobs. Even a casual connection could lead to a cyberattack. "We all need to be more aware of these riskswhether we're handling national secrets or just using our bank accounts." The study found that more than half of the professionals surveyed didn't feel confident spotting fake profiles, making it easier for outsiders to target them. However, it did also show that those who prefer connecting with like-minded people are less likely to accept suspicious profiles, reducing the risk of a security breach. Looking ahead, the study emphasized the need for better employee training, especially for those who have access to sensitive data. The research also showed that security agencies should be doing a better job of explaining the risks, and there should be rules to make social media companies deal more seriously with fake profiles. From the research it is evident that the current self-policing approach promoted by many agencies isn't working well, because 1 in 4 U.K. professionals are not prepared for the risks. Professor Button added, "Training is essential, and tech companies must take more responsibility for stopping fake accounts." "With all the technology available today, platforms should be doing more to detect fake accounts, but many still prioritize user numbers over user safety." The research underscores the growing need for greater awareness of fake accounts, with LinkedIn's 2025 Digital Services Act Transparency Report highlighting reports of more than 156k fake profiles, demonstrating the extent of the problem. This supports earlier reports from MI5 that more than 20,000 people in the U.K. were contacted on LinkedIn by fake recruiters working for the Chinese government to get sensitive information. More information: Mark Button et al, Economic espionage via fake social media profiles in the UK: professional workers awareness and resilience, Security Journal (2025). DOI: 10.1057/s41284-025-00476-2 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: With the new DRYtraec dry transfer technology, electrodes of energy storage cells are coated with a dry film instead of liquid chemicals. Credit: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft At a time when electrified vehicles and stationary energy storage play key roles in the climate-neutral future of the energy sector, sustainable production of lithium-ion batteries is essential. A team of researchers headed by Benjamin Schumm, Holger Althues and Stefan Kaskel has developed DRYtraec (dry transfer electrode coating), a novel method of battery cell production that uses none of the toxic solvents that are otherwise typical and eliminates the energy-intensive and costly drying of the electrode layers. The challenge of battery production and the innovative DRYtraec solution A key component of any battery, electrodes normally consist of a metal foil with a thin coating. This coating contains the active components that are responsible for storing energy. "The conventional coating process uses a wet chemical method that applies what is known as slurry," explains Schumm, the head of the Particle Technology department at Fraunhofer IWS. "DRYtraec technology makes it possible to produce an electrode layer directly from a dry mixture consisting of active material, conductive carbon black and binders." Unlike in the conventional slurry method, no solvents are used for this. A special calender unit generates shear forces in a roller gap called a nip, thereby mechanically anchoring particles of the active material and conductive carbon black by causing the binder to form fibrils, a process known as fibrillation. Supported by the calender rollers, the result is a completely dry electrode layer, eliminating the energy-intensive drying stage, which also takes up a lot of space. Double-sided coating is also possible in a single step through direct transfer of both sides to the current collector foil. The DRYtraec electrodes produced with no solvents display outstanding performance and stability without any drawbacks compared to slurry-based electrodes. DRYtraecpatented technology with vast potential for the future The unique scientific method and approach represented by the roller-based dry film transfer process minimizes production risks while making it easier to scale up to larger coating widths and higher process speeds. The world's first prototype system was designed and constructed in 2013, and the technology has been steadily evolving ever since. The system enables continuous process control and production of high-quality electrodes in a roll-to-roll process. "For DRYtraec, we realized an R&D platform that offers industry customers a broad range of options, from testing to transfer to commercial use, all along the value chain. Now that we have licensed the technology to a leading company in the European automotive industry, this is paving the way for further scaling all the way up to mass production," explains Althues, head of the Battery Materials department at Fraunhofer IWS. The DRYtraec method is also suitable for the important battery technologies of the future, such as sodium-ion and solid-state batteries. "Drop-in" capability for electrode production has been demonstrated for these cell systems. Kaskel, Technology Field Manager Battery Technology at Fraunhofer IWS, explains, "We first realized this process for electrodes in lithium-ion batteries and have now adjusted it for lithium-sulfur and solid-state batteries as well. These will be increasingly important in the future, but the materials' performance suffers with wet chemical processing. With DRYtraec, we offer a promising approach with twice the advantages." The patented DRYtraec technology, now established as a standard method of dry coating, solidifies the role of Fraunhofer IWS as a leading R&D provider in this field. In this way, Fraunhofer is making a crucial contribution to safeguarding Germany's status as a hub of automotive production and underscoring the significance of production technology as a key to value creation in the transformation of mobility. Vietnam authorities announced they are officially ending the country's longstanding two-child policy, as the Asian nation struggles with a declining national birthrate. The announcement was made by state media on Wednesday, where officials revealed that couples will be allowed to make their own decisions about how many children they will have. They are also given the choice of how long to wait between births, which is a significant reversal of a decades-old policy. Vietnam Ends Longstanding Two-Child Policy The now-struck policy dates back to the 1960s in communist North Vietnam and was later further developed in the reunified Vietnam in the 1980s and 1990s. While it was not universally enforced, members of the Community party who go against it could face sanctions. Now, authorities are trying to look for ways to boost families amid Vietnam experiencing national birthrate falling to a record low of 1.91 children per woman in 2024. Officials are now concerned that the trend could result in an aging society, that could lead to labor shortages and other issues, according to The Guardian. Read more: Trump Admin Considers Tactic Used By Hitler and Stalin to Encourage Mothers to Have More Children The issue of declining birthrates is even more pronounced in urban centers, including Ho Chi Minh City. The region is seeing a rising cost of living that has become an obstacle for young families, causing its birthrate to fall to 1.32 in 2023. Local provinces are now offering various rewards and subsidies to encourage couples to give birth to more children. These include things like certificates of merit and a financial reward of about $38 for women who have two children before they are 35 years old. Facing a Declining National Birthrate While Vietnam is not the only Asian country that is suffering from low fertility, as other nations, such as Japan, South Korea, and Singapore have the same issue, it is still a developing economy, the Associated Press reported. The country's "golden population" period, which is described as when the working-age people outnumber those who depend on them, started in 2007. It is expected to last until 2039 and officials noted the number of people who can work will peak in 2042. One resident, 42-year-old Tran Phuong Mai, reacted to the announcement, saying that it could be a good thing but it came a little too late for her. Her husband, 42-year-old Nguyen Manh Hung, resigned from his position as a local government official a decade ago when his wife was pregnant with their third child, which could have gotten him in trouble, as per NPR. 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: Graphical abstract. Credit: Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2025.115563 Harnessing just 2% of the energy potential from tidal and offshore solar sources could make a significant dent in global CO 2 emissions, new research has found. Researchers at the Universities of Strathclyde and Maine examined more than 660 assessments of offshore renewable energy (ORE) potential in more than 3,000 locations worldwide. They found that tidal and solar consistently had more energy to offer than other sources such as wind and wave, but were the subject of far less research, and consequently, remained largely untapped. Offshore solar energy, in particular, was found to be more reliable and less variable than other sources, making it ideal for energy mixes. Despite their lower theoretical potential, wind and wave energy accounted for three-quarters of the assessments examined by the researchers. The research is published in the journal Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. Small percentage The study concluded that even a small percentage of tidal and offshore energy could make a notable contribution to CO 2 reduction and to meeting the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on Climate Action and Affordable and Clean Energy. Assuming global emissions are equivalent to 2019 levels, an additional 2% of combined tidal and solar resources would remove 0.299 gigatons per year. At this rate, net neutrality would be reached in 68 years. The research standardized the energy estimates into a single unit of kilowatts per square meter (kW/m). It is believed to be the first study to give a comprehensive assessment of global offshore renewable energy sources. Significant opportunities James Spalding, a Ph.D. student in Strathclyde's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and lead researcher on the project, said, "This is the first time such a broad and interdisciplinary comparison has been possible. By standardizing data across resource types and locations, we have identified significant opportunities for clean energy that have so far been overlooked. "Our research highlights the value of assessing where the greatest resource potential exists, rather than limiting development to what is currently most technologically mature. ORE potential is estimated to be up to double the global electricity demand. It has also been shown to improve access to clean energy for many nations that have a smaller GDP and are dependent on fossil fuel imports for electricity supply." Projections indicate that the energy sector must reach at least 60% of global energy generated by renewables by 2030, and 80% by 2050, if net-neutral CO 2 emissions are to be achieved. However, the global energy supply in 2019 included only 23% renewable energy, with less than 1% coming from ORE sources. More than half of the ocean energy capacity came from projects located in Europe and was produced by offshore wind, tidal current, and wave energy converters. The researchers assessed data for the study in six global regions, which they defined as the eastern North Atlantic; Mediterranean; eastern North Pacific; coastal Asia; western North Atlantic, and southern hemisphere. Six ORE sources were assessed: offshore wind; wave; offshore solar; ocean currents; tidal range and ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC). More information: Spalding James et al, A global cross-resource assessment of offshore renewable energy, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2025.115563 Growing up in Georgetown, Jackie Doss was a typical teenage girl interested in clothes, jewelry and horses. As a graduate of Texas A&M University, she has parlayed those interests into her own business and on Wednesday she imparted the secrets to her success to classes of 4-Hers attending the Texas 4-H Roundup this week in College Station. I have a store here in town called JD Ranch Boutique. I started it online for four years, and then I just opened the storefront in August, she said. She said her store is a success because she ignored the conventional wisdom of the naysayers and stuck to her own personal brand. When she was graduating from Texas A&M with her masters degree in financial management, one of her professors asked her what her plans were. When she said she wanted to open a boutique, he tried to dissuade her. When her family and friends found out she wanted to open her store in a mall, they cringed. Dont let the negativity comments get to you. Thats something that I definitely struggle with a lot, she said. When she quit her banking job last year to work on her business, many people told her she was crazy and making a bad choice. When I signed the lease at the mall, that was like 100 times more. I mean, it got to the point where it was every single day, multiple times a day. Oh my gosh, I cant believe you would do that. I didnt even think the mall was still open. That mall is where businesses go to die. Youre not going to make it, she said. Contrary to popular belief, the mall is surviving, and her business is thriving. Doss said her store accounts for about 70% of her business and the rest comes from her website. She told the 4-Hers that she has always loved to sell and knew that one day she would be an entrepreneur. I started selling hair bows in middle school. Got pretty serious about that. I started selling jewelry. Just kind of did all sorts of different things, she said. At A&M, Doss became a social butterfly, joining clubs and networking every chance she had. She continues to do that with the chamber of commerce and by being involved in local charitable events. During her classes, Doss told her audiences that entrepreneurship isnt for everyone. If youre a risk taker; if youve always been risk tolerant, then youre probably an entrepreneur, she said. If you feel like you are a risk-tolerant person, answer is probably yes. If youre more on the creative side, youre hard-working, you always have your brain spinning about new ideas, you love to learn and you love learning about different things, entrepreneurship is probably something that you would be good at. She suggested the youngsters establish a personal brand, whether they go into business for themselves or not. Lets say you decide you dont want to be an entrepreneur. You still need to establish yourself as a brand, because later on, youre still going to need a job, right? So you need to sell yourself and you need to market yourself to be attractive to potential employers or customers. Doss said when people buy a product its because they trust the seller, not the store. They dont buy from your business. They buy from you because they trust you and they like your story, so the more you put yourself out there and show people your face and youre the face of the business I promise you that will also get you a lot further, she said. Dodds lessons were well received by her audience. It was really helpful. Getting to see someone who actually made it and from the beginning to actually having a business in a store and cool stuff like that, gives a bit of hope to people who are just starting out, said Baylee Malone-Hansen of Parker County. Her friend, Ana Spencer, said she learned a lot in the class. I thought it was very well done, and it covered a lot of good information. It was really engaging, and I learned a lot from it. I think it was a good testimony of how just keeping going and not letting negative people ruin your progress. I thought it was really cool, Spencer said. Others in attendance offered their perspective. Its good to understand more of what goes into being a business, because Ive done one before, and I thought I liked it, but turns out I didnt like it as much as I thought I would, said Abigale Smits of Wichita County. And learning that the skills that you can learn to be an entrepreneur, if you decide not to be an entrepreneur, can be put elsewhere into your life. I learned a different perspective on how people run businesses, how they look at it, compared to how I look at it, said George Faske of Bishop, Texas. Like I said, its cool to see how other people answer questions and how they want to view their brand, how they get their brand out there, compared to how I get my brand out there. The threat actor known as Bitter has been assessed to be a state-backed hacking group that's tasked with gathering intelligence that aligns with the interests of the Indian government. That's according to new findings jointly published by Proofpoint and Threatray in an exhaustive two-part analysis. "Their diverse toolset shows consistent coding patterns across malware families, particularly in system information gathering and string obfuscation," researchers Abdallah Elshinbary, Jonas Wagner, Nick Attfield, and Konstantin Klinger said. Bitter, also known as APT-C-08, APT-Q-37, Hazy Tiger, Orange Yali, T-APT-17, and TA397, has a history of focusing primarily on South Asian entities, with select intrusions also targeting China, Saudi Arabia, and South America. In December 2024, evidence emerged of the threat actor's targeting of Turkey using malware families such as WmRAT and MiyaRAT, indicating a gradual geographical expansion. Stating that Bitter frequently singles out an "exceedingly small subset of targets," Proofpoint said the attacks are aimed at governments, diplomatic entities, and defense organizations so as to enable intelligence collection on foreign policy or current affairs. Attack chains mounted by the group typically leverage spear-phishing emails, with the messages sent from providers like 163[.]com, 126[.]com, and ProtonMail, as well as compromised accounts associated with the governments of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Madagascar. The threat actor has also been observed masquerading as government and diplomatic entities from China, Madagascar, Mauritius, and South Korea in these campaigns to entice recipients into malware-laced attachments that trigger the deployment of malware. Overview of Bitter's infection chains "Based on the content and the decoy documents employed, it is clear that TA397 has no qualms with masquerading as other countries' governments, including Indian allies," the enterprise security company said. "While TA397's targets in these campaigns were Turkish and Chinese entities with a presence in Europe, it signals that the group likely has knowledge and visibility into the legitimate affairs of Madagascar and Mauritius and uses the material in spearphishing operations." Furthermore, Bitter has been found to engage in hands-on-keyboard activity in two distinct campaigns targeting government organizations to conduct further enumeration activities on the targeted hosts and drop additional payloads like KugelBlitz and BDarkRAT, a .NET trojan that was first documented in 2019. It features standard remote access trojan capabilities such as gathering system information, executing shell commands, downloading files, and managing files on the compromised host. Bitter's Malware Families Some of the other known tools in its arsenal are below - ArtraDownloader , a downloader written in C++ that collects system information and uses HTTP requests to download and execute a remote file , a downloader written in C++ that collects system information and uses HTTP requests to download and execute a remote file Keylogger , a C++ module used in various campaigns to record keystrokes and clipboard content , a C++ module used in various campaigns to record keystrokes and clipboard content WSCSPL Backdoor , a backdoor that's delivered via ArtraDownloader and supports commands to get machine information, execute remote instructions, and download and run files , a backdoor that's delivered via ArtraDownloader and supports commands to get machine information, execute remote instructions, and download and run files MuuyDownloader (aka ZxxZ), a trojan that allows remote code execution of payloads received from a remote server (aka ZxxZ), a trojan that allows remote code execution of payloads received from a remote server Almond RAT , a .NET trojan that offers basic data gathering functionality and the ability to execute arbitrary commands and transfer files , a .NET trojan that offers basic data gathering functionality and the ability to execute arbitrary commands and transfer files ORPCBackdoor , a backdoor that uses the RPC protocol to communicate with a command-and-control (C2) server and runs operator-issued instructions , a backdoor that uses the RPC protocol to communicate with a command-and-control (C2) server and runs operator-issued instructions KiwiStealer , a stealer that searches for files matching a predefined set of extensions, are smaller than 50 MB, and have been modified within the past year, and exfiltrates them to a remote server , a stealer that searches for files matching a predefined set of extensions, are smaller than 50 MB, and have been modified within the past year, and exfiltrates them to a remote server KugelBlitz, a shellcode loader that's used to deploy the Havoc C2 framework It's worth noting that ORPCBackdoor has been attributed by the Knownsec 404 Team to a threat actor called Mysterious Elephant, which it said overlaps with other India-aligned threat clusters, including SideWinder, Patchwork, Confucius, and Bitter. Analysis of the hands-on-keyboards activity highlights a "Monday to Friday working hours schedule in Indian Standard Timezone (IST)," which is also consistent with the time when WHOIS domain registrations and TLS certificate issuances take place. "TA397 is an espionage-focused threat actor that highly likely operates on behalf of an Indian intelligence organization," the researchers said. "There is a clear indication that most infrastructure-related activity occurs during standard business hours in the IST timezone." Indonesia launches economic stimulus package to boost purchasing power By Vietnam News Agency Thu, June 5, 2025 | 4:06 pm GMT+7 The Indonesian Government has rolled out an economic stimulus package worth IDR24.44 trillion (nearly $1.53 billion) to maintain consumer purchasing power and stabilize the national economy. A supermarket in Indonesia. Photo courtesy of thejakartapost.com. The stimulus is strategically timed to coincide with the June-July school holiday season, aiming to boost consumption and economic growth. It includes measures ranging from transportation subsidies to social and employment support, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati said on Monday. To support people's travel, the Indonesian Government is reducing public transport fares, including a 30% discount on train tickets, a 6% exemption from VAT on airfare, and a 50% discount on sea transportation fares. The program is estimated to cost around IDR0.94 trillion and is being implemented with the participation of the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Transport, and the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing is coordinating a 20% discount on tolls, targeting around 110 million motorists. The initiative has a total estimated funding of IDR650 billion and uses no state budget. The government will also provide social assistance, comprising an additional basic food card worth IDR200,000 per month and food aid of 10 kilograms of rice, for 18.3 million beneficiary families during the two months. In the employment sector, the Ministry of Manpower and related agencies have distributed wage subsidy assistance to 17.3 million workers earning less than IDR5 million per month. The total budget for this programme is IDR10.72 trillion. The Ministry of Finance will also reintroduce a 50% discount on work accident insurance contributions for workers in the labour-intensive sector. Southeast Asias largest economy grew 4.87% in the first quarter of 2025, the lowest in more than three years. Bank Indonesia has lowered its growth forecast for 2025 to 4.6-5.4% from the previous projection of 4.7-5.5%. Vietnam a strategic manufacturing hub in Asia amid global supply chain reshuffle: exec By Thai Ha Thu, June 5, 2025 | 8:00 am GMT+7 Vietnam has emerged as a strategic manufacturing hub in Asia amid the substantial restructuring of global supply chains, said Dhamcharee Varaporn, managing director of RX Tradex Thailand & Vietnam, a leading exhibition organizer. "I think the Vietnamese market is now better than ever in terms of economic growth trajectory. We have received a lot of questions from exhibitors, especially around Asia, from Japan, China, Singapore, Germany, Italy, the UK, and the US about how they can set their foothold in Vietnam, how to expand into Vietnam," Varaporn told The Investor on Tuesday. RX Tradex Vietnam, JETRO Hanoi, and VIETRADE under the Ministry of Industry and Trade on Tuesday signed a cooperation agreement to organize the 17th Vietnam Manufacturing Expo (VME) and 11th Vietnam-Japan Supporting Industries Exhibition (SIE). The exhibitions are scheduled to take place from August 6-8 at the I.C.E. Hanoi Exhibition Center (Vietnam-Soviet Friendship Cultural Palace) in Hanoi. Representatives of RX Tradex Vietnam, JETRO Hanoi, and VIETRADE under the Ministry of Industry and Trade sign a cooperation agreement to organize the 17th Vietnam Manufacturing Expo (VME) and 11th Vietnam-Japan Supporting Industries Exhibition (SIE), June 3, 2025. Photo courtesy of RX Tradex Vietnam. This year's exhibitions will focus on solutions which are critical to the future of Vietnam's manufacturing sector, including digital transformation, flexible automation, zero-emission manufacturing, and digital supply chains. "2025 will be a pivotal year for Vietnamese enterprises to restructure, enhance technological capabilities, and adopt sustainable development mindsets to adapt to the new global context," Varaporn told a press meeting following the signing ceremony. According to Vu Ba Phu, director general of VIETRADE, by the end of 2024, Vietnam's supporting industry included more than 6,000 companies in textiles, automotive assembly, leather and footwear, mechanical engineering, and electronics. "Supporting industries have made significant contributions to the growth of Vietnam's key industries. However, the country's supporting industries still meet only about 10% of the domestic demand for components. This represents a major challenge as Vietnam imports billions of dollars of components annually," Phu told the press meeting. "Vietnam's supporting industries must accelerate digital transformation and adopt green manufacturing practices. The application of new technologies, automation, and process optimization is crucial for enhancing productivity and meeting the increasing international quality standards," he noted. The exhibitions will feature over 200 companies from more than 10 countries, including industrial powerhouses like Japan, South Korea, Germany, Taiwan, Singapore, mainland China, and Vietnam. Core solutions on display include Machinery, Automation, Fastener and Fixing, Vi-Mat, Metrology, and Mold and Die. The event is expected to attract a diverse range of professional visitors from Vietnam's key sectors, including automotive, electronics, medical devices, mechanical engineering, textiles, and high technology. Two prominent supporting industry segments - Fastener & Fixing and ViMat (Material Processing Technology) - will continue to be featured. In addition to the exhibition area, the event is designed as a deep business matching platform with accompanying activities, including Factory Visit programs to exemplary factories; a Buyer Zone for domestic and international buyers, and a series of specialized seminars on automation and innovative factory solutions; Business Matching Zone for enterprise connections; and an Onsite Matching System to help participants find suitable partners and products, maximizing B2B meeting outcomes. In addition to the exhibitions, the event includes thematic seminars, business-matching activities, and capacity-building training for enterprises. Notably, the "Investment Promotion in Supporting Industries" seminar will be held on August 5, 2025, in Hanoi. Haruhiko Ozasa, chief representative of JETRO, Hanoi Representative Office, said that given the growing demand for localized supply chains and stronger bilateral connections, JETRO Hanoi has proactively collaborated with VIETRADE and RX Tradex Vietnam to establish a robust business-matching platform. "From identifying real-world needs to creating a professional networking environment, this initiative has been realized through the 11th Vietnam-Japan Supporting Industries Exhibition (SIE), co-located with the 17th Vietnam Manufacturing Expo (VME). This dual exhibition not only expands scale but also deepens collaboration among stakeholders," Ozasa said. VME-SIE 2025 plays a strategic role in realizing sustainable local supply chain development and expanding high-quality Japanese investment. With well-organized B2B sessions and close support from both countries' trade promotion agencies, the event contributes to attracting premium Japanese investment, he added. This year's SIE exhibition will feature 20 Japanese buyers seeking partners in key areas such as sheet metal processing, industrial plastics, precision CNC machining, electronic components, and other supporting products. Around 20 carefully selected Vietnamese suppliers with proven production capabilities will engage in direct business matching with Japanese counterparts. According to JETRO's latest 2024 survey, 56.1% of Japanese enterprises in Vietnam plan to expand investment within 1-2 years, far exceeding the ASEAN average. Moreover, 50.9% intend to increase procurement in Vietnam - the highest among ASEAN countries." Japan is among the top investors in Vietnam, particularly in the manufacturing and high-tech sectors. 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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). If private investors are compensated before the victims of war, it wont be justice, a senior official said about the decision by Europes financial clearing house. KYIV/BRUSSELS (Reuters) | Ukraines government has criticized a decision to take billions of euros of Russian wealth frozen in Europe and hand it to Western investors, warning that it weakened Europes stand against Moscow. The criticism follows a move last month by Belgiums Euroclear to take 3 billion euros of Russian investor cash held at the clearing firm to pay Westerners who lost out when Moscow seized their money held in Russia. Now Ukraine has warned that it sends a wrong signal and threatens to weaken Europes hand when dealing with Russia, while it debates using the entire 260 billion euros of Russian wealth stranded in Europe to rebuild and defend the battered country. If private investors are compensated before the victims of war, it wont be justice, said Iryna Mudra, a senior official in Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiys office, in Kyivs first public comments on the move. It creates a perception of inconsistency, of Europe wavering in its resolve, Mudra, a deputy head of Ukraines presidential administration, told Reuters. International law requires that the aggressor is to make full reparation to the victim and not to investors who entered a high-risk jurisdiction, said Mudra, who is in charge of legal affairs in Zelenskiys administration. The criticism comes at a critical time for the Western alliance backing Kyiv, with U.S. President Donald Trumps administration distancing itself from Europe and casting doubt over its commitment to Ukraines defense and Russian sanctions. Mudra, one of a small circle of officials that set policy, also stressed the importance of maintaining control of the frozen Russian assets, which chiefly belong to its central bank with the majority held at Euroclear. Most of the frozen funds held by Euroclear belong to the Russian central bank. Photo by Moscow-Live via Flickr. The central bank assets were frozen at the outset of war in the single most powerful sanction directed at Russia over its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a penalty that is deeply resented in Moscow. Euroclear in March gained clearance from Belgium, its principal legal authority, to make the payout, people familiar with the matter have told Reuters, after the European Union changed its sanctions regime last year to make this possible. A spokesperson for the Belgian government said, This is not a Belgian decision but the application of a European regulation decided unanimously by the member states. Euroclear has emphasized that it only implements sanctions and does not take decisions about lifting them. Mind Boggling Three Russian sources recently told Reuters that Russian President Vladimir Putins conditions for ending the war include the resolution of the frozen assets issue. Ukraine, meanwhile, is campaigning fiercely against any return of the money to Moscow. Euroclear alone held 195 billion euros of cash in March, mainly Russian central bank funds, with some belonging to Russian investors. If it is returned to Russia, it will be converted into tanks, missiles, drones, training of new troops, said Ukraines Mudra. The world must demonstrate that unlawful war brings irreversible financial consequences. Some see the frozen Russian wealth as a lifeline for Kyiv. In the past, the West has engineered loans and payments to Ukraine from the interest on the stranded Russian stockpile, which Putin denounced as theft. Ukrainian officials fear the Euroclear payout, even though it does not affect the central bank money, could undermine their efforts to secure an agreement on using the wider pool of Russian assets to help their country. Mykola Yurlov, an official at Ukraines Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the payout set a bad precedent, while Kira Rudik, a Ukrainian parliamentarian, was also critical. Western companies were operating in Russia at their own risk. Why are these companies basically asking their societies to compensate for this risk? Rudik told Reuters. We need this money to rebuild and defend Ukraine. Last months move also drew criticism abroad. It is mind boggling that the priority is to reimburse corporate interests rather than spend the money defending Ukraine, said Jacob Kirkegaard, a sanctions expert with the Peterson Institute for International Economics, a Washington-based think tank. While the payout to investors left frozen Russian central bank reserves untouched, it made a dent in the stockpile of Russian wealth that gives the EU leverage over Moscow. More importantly for critics, it sets a worrying precedent. European Union leaders are expected to renew sanctions, including a freeze of Russian assets, at a summit meeting in June, although they could yet face an attempt by Hungary to derail those efforts. Reported for Reuters by John ODonnell and Tom Balmforth. TOBAGO has lost one of its most gifted daughters. That is the sentiment shared by many as tributes poured in following the passing of 2007 Digicel Rising Stars champion and vocalist Kay Alleyne-Meloney, who died after a battle with breast cancer. The Bon Accord-born artiste, who was in her 40s, and known for her versatility and passion, passed away at 2 a.m. yesterday, a close friend confirmed to the Express. Her musical talent spanned several genres, including gospel, jazz and R&B. In 2007, the red party won the election with approximately 300,000 votes whilst the yellow party had 195,000 and the third party got 148,000. In 2010 the yellow party won back the election with 317,000 votes with the red party at 287,000, a difference of approximately 30,000. The third party took 102,000. In 2015 the red party won back the election with 378,000 and the yellow 290,000, a much larger difference of 88,000. In 2020 the red party won again with 322,000 and the yellow with 310,000, a much smaller difference being 12,000, lower than even the 2010 difference. In 2025, the yellow party won with 335,000 against the red party being 224,000, an approximate difference of 111,000, the largest margin over the past 20 years. The Arizona State Department of Revenue has filed a lien against Borderlands Brewing Co., claiming the financially troubled Tucson brewery owes the state more than $250,000 in unpaid sales taxes. The lien, filed with the Pima County Recorders Office May 30, shows that Borderland failed to pay sales taxes from March 31, 2020, through Feb. 28, 2025, accruing monthly penalties of 10% and 15% interest. Borderlands owed the state $250,489.73 at the time of the filing on May 6; the lien was recorded in Pima County last Friday. CEO Es Teran did not return repeated phone calls and text messages seeking comment. State officials would not comment, citing confidentiality concerns. Borderlands board member Drew Palmer on Tuesday said he was unaware of the lien and the total amount the state claimed the company owed, although he acknowledged that the brewery owed the state a back debt. Palmer said the company made a sizeable payment in the last six months. He refused to divulge the amount. The lien is the latest blow for Borderlands, which learned in late April that it would have to leave its flagship home at 119 E. Toole Ave. by summers end. The brewery had been on a month-to-month lease with its landlord, Peach Properties, for at least a year as it navigated mounting debt that included more than $390,000 that its board members had loaned the company and $146,330 owed to the Small Business Administration, according to information Palmer provided to shareholders in April. At that meeting, Palmer told shareholders that the companys arrears to the state Department of Revenue was $79,170, according to documents provided by shareholders. The state lien shows unpaid sales taxes totaled more than $195,000, while penalties and interest added another $60,000. The brewery, meanwhile, hasnt brewed its own beer since at least last fall, when Teran let go of the brew team operating out of Voltron Brewing Company, 330 S. Toole Ave. Voltron was a collaboration between Borderlands and Fire Truck Brewing, which bowed out of the market in January. The equipment is still in the South Toole Avenue industrial plaza, Palmer said. A group that includes Empire Pizza co-owner David Furmanski bought Fire Trucks equipment and took over the lease on the 8,750-square-foot space not long after Fire Truck closed. The state lien lists Borderlands Brewing Company Inc. and Borderlands Brewing WCompany, both with the companys downtown address. It does not list the two Borderlands brewpubs Borderlands Sam Hughes at 2500 E. Sixth St., which Teran opened in January 2023; and Borderlands North at 5605 E. River Road in the River Center, which opened in November 2024. Those businesses, Palmer said, operate under a licensing agreement with Borderlands Brewing in which the owners pay a quarterly fee to use the Borderlands name and buy beer from the brewery. On Arizona Corporation Commission documents originally filed in December 2020 and amended in October 2023, Teran is listed as a principal in Borderlands Taproom Concepts LLC with three partners. The documents list the Borderlands Sam Hughes address. A February 2024 Corporation Commission filing for Borderlands Brewing North has the brewerys downtown address and Teran is the only person listed on the document. Like sweethearts marking their silver anniversary by renewing their vows, local officials and conservation advocates are pledging their support once again for Ironwood Forest National Monument. Elected leaders in Pima County, the City of Tucson and the Town of Marana have all passed proclamations declaring Monday as Ironwood Forest Day. The 190,000-acre desert preserve west of Tucson was established by President Clinton on June 9, 2000, but exactly 25 years later, the monument finds itself under threat of being downsized by the Trump administration. Citing a leaked Interior Department draft document and unnamed government sources, the Washington Post and other news outlets have reported that Ironwood Forest is one of six Western national monuments targeted for possible boundary reductions and expanded mining activity. The county Board of Supervisors approved a resolution on May 20 opposing such changes, which District 3 Supervisor Jennifer Allen called a step backward that runs counter to the wishes of the people of Pima County who have voted repeatedly to preserve and protect hundreds of thousands of acres in the county. The supervisors followed that up on Tuesday with the Ironwood Forest Day proclamation. The Friends of Ironwood Forest already celebrated the monuments 25th birthday with an event back in March, when the weather was cooler, but on Saturday, the volunteer group will hold a Day of Action for Public Lands to mark the anniversaries of both Ironwood and the federal statute that allowed for its creation. Theodore Roosevelt signed the Antiquities Act into law on June 8, 1906, granting the president the authority to designate monuments on federal land. Saturdays rally will be held from 8-9 a.m. at Ironwoods Waterman Peak Trail parking area, off Avra Valley Road, about 20 miles west of Interstate 10. Participants are encouraged to bring water and a hat to protect against the desert heat and their own homemade signs in defense of the monument and other protected places. Ironwood Forest represents everything the Antiquities Act was created to preserve from ancient archaeological sites to unique desert wildlife, said Tom Hannagan, board president for the friends group. This is a moment to show how much Americans care for our public lands. Ironwood Forest National Monument wraps around the Silver Bell Mine and takes in portions of the Roskruge, Sawtooth, Silver Bell and Waterman mountain ranges in Pima and Pinal counties. It is home to hundreds of plant and animal species, including dense stands of saguaros and ironwoods and a robust herd of desert bighorn sheep. The federal Bureau of Land Management oversees the monument as part of the National Landscape Conservation System, also created during the Clinton administration. Trump targeted Ironwood Forest and the Antiquities Act itself during his first term with an executive order directing his then-Interior Secretary to recommend changes to about two dozen national monuments created through the act under previous administrations. In the end, Trump only signed off on major boundary reductions at two monuments in Utah, Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante. President Biden reversed those actions by executive order on his first day in office. PHOENIX Lawmakers gave final approval Wednesday to a controversial measure that would allow students and parents to sue teachers personally over what they contend are antisemitic statements and actions in the classroom. The 38-20 vote by the Arizona House for HB 2867 came over the objections of most Democrats, who sought to differentiate between the issue of antisemitism and whats in the bill. The Senate previously gave its approval by a 16-12 margin. Antisemitism is wrong. Period. End of sentence, said Rep. Nancy Gutierrez, a Tucson Democrat who is the assistant minority leader. However, that does not make this bill or policy worthy of passing. Before the vote, she urged other Democrats to oppose it. Were setting teachers up to fail with this, Gutierrez said. Consider, she said, the fact that Arizona law now requires teachers to provide instruction into the Holocaust. This opens the door for teachers who are teaching to have personal liability because they said something that a student didnt agree with or didnt like, Gutierrez said. Part of the legislation would allow any student who is at least 18, or that students parents, to file suit against a teacher who acts in what they say is an antisemitic way to create a hostile education environment. The bill was altered so that a complaint would first have to be made to either the Department of Education in the case of K-12 students or to the highest ranking official at any institution of higher education. But it would still permit a civil suit with the teacher personally responsible for hiring an attorney if a student or parents are dissatisfied. The opposition from Democrats all House Republicans voted for the bill drew an angry reaction from Rep. Alma Hernandez. The Tucson Democrat said she was not moved by their assurances they are against antisemitism but, in her way of looking at it, they dont find the problem serious enough to support the measure. Let me tell you as someone whos from the (Jewish) community, it is really bold to have elected officials say that this bill is not worthy of passing, Hernandez said. And I take great offense to that. She said the scope of the problem of antisemitism was underlined just this past week when a man in Colorado threw Molotov cocktails at elderly Jews in the name of freeing Palestinians. More to the point of this legislation, Hernandez said the bill targets what she contends occurs in Arizona schools. She said a Palestinian flag was put in the window of Drachman Montessori K-8 Magnet School in Tucson last year. She provided a photo of it to Capitol Media Services and said she had complained to Tucson Unified School District. There was no immediate response Wednesday from TUSD to a Capitol Media Services query. I would love to know what is being taught in that classroom, Hernandez said. I have a problem with that. Why? Because that flag is not a flag of a country, for those of you who confuse it. It is a political statement which should not be allowed in our public schools. Hernandez contends there is evidence professors in Arizona were giving extra credit to students who were participating in demonstrations against Israels policies toward Palestinians. The measure now goes to Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs, after it was opposed by every Democrat in the Senate, while just four of 28 House Democrats were in support. The governor has until Tuesday to make a decision. Hobbs, in response to questions from Capitol Media Services, has sought to navigate the politically thorny issue of what she believes does and does not constitute antisemitism. Some lawmakers from her party argue the definitions in the bill are so broad, they could encompass criticism of the activities and policies of Israel, including its conduct of the war in Gaza. Im not going to answer a question like that, Hobbs said. Of course, antisemitism is wrong. Its not up to me to decide what qualifies as antisemitism. On Wednesday, before the vote, the governor again sidestepped a question of whether she believes criticism of how Israel treats residents of Gaza is antisemitic. I dont think it matters what I believe or not, she said. I think that we should all do everything we can to tone down the rhetoric so that people are not resorting to violence as a way to solve problems or make statements. No matter what you believe, its not OK to target another group who believes something different with violence. The bill being sent to the governor will force her, however, to confront the question of what is antisemitism. It would incorporate into state law a definition of antisemitism that comes from the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, a definition adopted by the U.S. State Department in 2016. Specifically included are contemporary examples of antisemitism identified in the adopted definition. Some are fairly straightforward, such as calling for the killing of Jews in the name of a radical ideology or an extremist view of religion. Others are a bit more vague, such as making stereotypical allegations, such as Jews controlling the media, economy, government or other societal institutions. But it also includes any claim that the existence of Israel is a racist endeavor and drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis. All that drew the concern of Sen. Analise Ortiz especially in the context of how it could affect classroom lessons. Under HB 2867, what can a teacher say about sensitive foreign policy issues like the genocide in Gaza? asked the Phoenix Democrat. Can a teacher state a fact that an 11-week Israeli blockade of aid pushed more than two million Palestinians toward famine? she asked during Senate debate. Can they show the images of families caged between barbed wire fences waiting hours in the heat to receive meals? Others had their own reasons for opposing the bill. Im standing today in support of Arizona teachers, said Sen. Lauren Kuby during the Senate debate. I respect their ability to manage their classrooms and wont allow them to be unfairly targeted, harassed based on their speech. The Tempe Democrat called the bill chilling, saying it mirrors attacks by the Trump administration on education freedom, violates the First Amendment, and uses antisemitism as a pretext to attack students, teachers and administrators for their free speech. And I speak from the point of view of someone who has a Jewish family, Kuby said. We shouldnt be using our religion to justify our political positions. Sen. Mitzi Epstein, D-Tempe, in an effort to make the measure more palatable from her point of view, sought to strike all references to antisemitism and instead replace them with references to unlawful discrimination. But that was rejected by the Republican majority. Only one Republican voted against the measure. The bill was poorly drafted, Sen. Jake Hoffman told Capitol Media Services. The Queen Creek lawmaker said he has problems with that definition of antisemitism from the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. He called it extremely problematic and open-ended and highly subjective, with far too great a possibility being weaponized against free speech. Hoffman said he offered an amendment but it was rejected. Had we been able to achieve a more concrete definition, I would have been fully in support, he said. It also was that incorporation into state law of the definition of antisemitism from the IHRA that caused the National Council of Jewish Women to go on record opposed to the bill. In a memo Wednesday to lawmakers before the House vote, Civia Tamarkin, the organizations president, said Kenneth Stern, the definitions lead drafter, said it was created primarily for European data collectors measuring hate speech over time and across borders and that it was never intended to be a campus hate speech code. Not the worst of the worst During the 2024 presidential campaign, we were told that the worst of the worst would be the target of ICE agents. We were obviously lied to. Masked ICE agents are going after international students. They are going after our peaceful neighbors and coworkers; many here long before Biden was elected President. We were lied to for the purpose of winning votes. Their quotas tell the truth: They intended to detain and deport as many migrants, refugees and asylum seekers of color as possible. We wont build new schools or hospitals where they are needed, but we are willing to build private for-profit immigrant detention centers and deport people to God knows where, all in order to meet ridiculous quotas. Instead of welcoming people who are seeking a better life and wanting to contribute to our country, we are needlessly freaking out about the re-browning of America. Dave Gallagher Foothills Are you enjoying the show? Reality TV star DJT has broadcast several episodes. Episode No. 1 Big Beautiful Bill The bill gives huge tax breaks to the wealthy, cuts services to Americans and increases the deficit by 3.8 trillion. Episode No. 2 Doge promises to cut $2 trillion from the budget. It actually cut $160 billion, all by firing 216,670 federal employees who provide essential services to Americans, including Veterans. Episode No. 3 Deportations Trump promised to rid the U.S. of dangerous illegal immigrants. Actually, a girl graduating from high school was grabbed by ICE, as well as students who are here legally. Masked agents grab people off the street. So much for Dangerous Gangs. Episode No. 4 My favorite episode is when Trump sells Tesla cars on the White House lawn, changes Cryptocurrency regulations as his family banks billions, pardons Jan. 6 traitors, tax cheats, and accepts bribes to give pardons. Are you enjoying the show? Richard Bechtold West side Medical care for all This is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, hence people are desperate to get in, as they have been for the last two centuries. There are plans for a $500 billion defense system. Billionaires abound. Leaders live in what amount to palatial estates, including high-rises in NYC and fancy resorts in Florida. Does it strike anyone else as absurd that Congress is fighting over health insurance for poor people? Why isnt health care a right instead of a privilege that not everyone deserves? It reminds me of the old laws saying a husband could beat his wife as long as the stick was no bigger around than his thumb. Throw out the stick, stop quibbling over which hoops the poor must jump through to get health insurance, do the right thing and insure the whole population. Sally Wasielewski East side Direction? Everything I see the Trump administration trying seems directed toward making America move back to the 20th century, or even the 19th. For example, new manufacturing progress requires developing current ideas and personal growth rather than reopening old coal plants or extracting fossil fuels. Republican behavior looks supportive of this old America, especially with their Big, Beautiful Bill. To follow Paul Harveys lead, The opposite of PROgress is CONgress. Which way do you want to go? Spencer Elliott Oro Valley Diversity I like the Arizona Daily Stars motto, Diversity of thought ... It resonates powerfully. However, a perusal of the Stars Opinion pages often leaves one questioning whether this ideal is being realized. A recurring dominant theme appears to be a singular focus on anti-Trump sentiment. Day after day, readers are presented with postings that can be summarized as I hate Trump because ... The American electorate voted for Trump not out of personal adoration, but in support of his Make America Great Again platform, for common-sense policies and change. The Opinion pages frequently seem to be plastered with rants against Trump, and Republicans in general. Novel and often clever attempts to demean the President appear to dominate the discourse, frequently at the expense of substantive discussions of critical issues. True diversity requires a genuine exploration of differing opinions, even those that may challenge the prevailing narrative. Without this, the Stars Opinion pages risk becoming an echo chamber. Day after day I find myself asking; Diversity, where goest thou? Tom McGorray Northwest side Disgusting abomination This is probably the only time I agree with Musk. He called the pending tax/revenue bill ... a disgusting abomination ... Probably not because it catastrophically cuts SNAP. Nor because it imperils seniors. Not because the national debt explodes. But because the bill makes no sense. Gee, Juan. Does that mean Elon labeled your support of the bill also a disgusting abomination? Kenneth Haber Northwest side Hats off to Cory Kowitz Just a quick note to acknowledge Cory and his weather prognostication ability. I believe it was around May 21/22 when, while subbing in for the regular weather anchor on KOLD, he casually mentioned a low-pressure system could form off Baja that might result in rainfall around May 31/June 1. From what I could tell, he beat the other local TV meteorologists by two to three days on predicting the rain that we received over the weekend. As a side note, I have been impressed by the quality of predictions and presentations of the local TV meteorologist/forecaster teams since moving to Tucson in February. For a smaller mid-level market, Southern Arizona is blessed by having multiple weather teams that would rival those found in much larger markets. Tom Furlong East side Tucson leadership When my wife and I moved to Tucson 40 years ago, it was a nice city. In the interim, the Democratic Party has turned it into a crap hole. The streets have been neglected and are full of potholes. Defunding the police has resulted in rampant crime. Making the bus free has resulted in crime being transported throughout the city. The parks have been taken over by the homeless and street drug criminals. The majority of TUSD third-graders cannot read at their grade level. The city council and mayor have failed miserably to properly manage the city. They all need to resign. Frank Pisut West side National debt Hey gang, we have a National debt of over $36 trillion and growing. Like any good functioning system, we need to spend less. All system expenditures need to be reduced. Some programs need to be reduced significantly or cut. Many programs have fraud and need extreme controls. We all are part of the problem, and Congress seems unable to make the hard decisions. Donald Trump and Musk are at least attempting to attack the spending. The Democrats waste their time with Trump hate and have no ideas or propositions to reduce spending. We cannot have all the federal programs currently in place. Its time the progressives get with solutions to this problem, because you are now part of the problem. I support Juan Ciscomani because he is part of the solution. Doug Shumway Green Valley North Korean justice In the Boulder terrorist attack, the suspect, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, was taken into custody and faces multiple felony charges and a federal hate crime charge. Felony charges include 16 counts of attempted first-degree murder, eight with intent and deliberation and the other eight with extreme indifference. Normally this matter would be national news but President Trump continues to meddle, making grandiose gestures and outrageous proclamations about a case he knows little about except to mete out justice as he sees fit; his decision to export the suspect and his family smacks of another autocrats actions found in North Korea where the guilty party and three generations of his family serve the sentence together. Regardless of how much people want to take justice into their own hands, we cannot go back to the mentality of string em up, where the good, the bad and the ugly would receive the same justice. I would advocate the same for President Trump should he find himself on the wrong side of the law. Richard Rebl East side Has Tucson given up on modernizing traffic? When I was a child Im 43 now the on/off ramp at St. Marys and I-10 was shut down in anticipation for the clover that was supposed to eventually be the Aviation/I-10 interchange. Buildings downtown were declared historical sites and buildings that prevented the connection using Toole from Broadway. Thirty years later, it seems the workaround that was thought up in lieu of the original plan is struggling to be finished. Why have we never had a direct answer as to why the city or state has not pursued a loop? For example, from I-10, Grant Road reached all the way out east, turns into Kolb, which heads south and meets up with I-10 again. Why havent ANY solutions been pursued to keep heavy traffic off of surface streets, which would help with the constant potholes and road maintenance and widening that Tucson keeps chasing its tail with regard to traffic issues? Jose L Roman Jr West side Killing hungry people I am shocked at how a nation can open fire on people who are hungry due to famine caused by the same people who are firing on the food seekers. The nations that are providing the food are doing it to help, and the country is using the food as bait. I do remember I was called a baby killer when we were involved in a quagmire, as it was called, but we called it the Vietnam War. But, I know for a fact we did not use food as a bait, nor did we fire on the general public, only the enemy. Vicente Rivera Airdate: The Piano UK Claudia Winkleman hosts British series of The Piano with performers Lang Lang and Mika looking on. ABC Entertains will screen The Piano UK a six part search for hidden pianists, upon which the Australian series is based. The British series features Lang Lang and Mika. Claudia Winkleman hosts this unforgettable celebration of the UKs favourite instrument as passionate amateur musicians take to public pianos in train stations across the UK. What our pianists dont know is that they are being secretly watched by two of the worlds most respected performers, Lang Lang and Mika. Who will they choose to play at the iconic Royal Festival Hall? Their search begins in Kings Cross St Pancras. 9pm Sunday June 15 on ABC Entertains (all episodes on iview). Future Vision 2025: Richard Gadd, Sally Wainwright, Soo Hugh head to Melbourne Creative forces behind Baby Reindeer, Happy Valley and Pachinko to attend three day industry event in July. International creators Richard Gadd (Baby Reindeer,) Sally Wainwright (Happy Valley, Gentleman Jack), and Soo Hugh (Pachinko) are Melbourne-bound for the return of Future Vision in July. Future VisionAustralias premier global television exchange is presented at ACMI by Australians in Film, in association with Screen Australia and VicScreen. It was first held in 2024. The three UK / US creators will headline the three day event as industry creatives collectively reflect, reimagine and reinvigorate the way stories are told. Bruna Papandrea (Nine Perfect Strangers, The Last Anniversary) and Tony Ayres (The Survivors), return as Future Vision co-chairs. The 2025 theme Optimism will explore how creativity and strategic collaboration can guide the industry forward in a rapidly evolving media landscape of global market contraction, regulatory uncertainty, and the rise of AI. In a joint statement Papandrea (pictured below left) and Ayres (below right) said: We are so enormously thrilled to have three of our television heroes coming to Future Vision this year. Richard Gadd, Sally Wainwright, and Soo Hugh are undoubtedly some of the most exciting television creators in the world today. They create unforgettable worlds and characters that explode onto our screens, and they are masters of their craft. We cannot wait to engage with them in Melbourne and bring their thinking and provocation to the thought leaders at home. Richard Gadd (pictured above left) says: Events like Future Vision are very important. They bring together people who care about pushing boundaries, taking risks, and telling stories that mean something. Sally Wainwright (pictured above centre) says: Im delighted to have been asked to take part in Future Vision and am looking forward hugely to talking telly with everyone. One of my absolute favourite shows of recent years was Deadloch. I loved it because it was as absurd as it was dark, which for me is always a winning combination. Im thrilled to be able to visit where it was shot. Soo Hugh (pictured above right) says: Throughout my career, Ive been lucky to learn from extraordinary storytellers who taught me the power of vision and reminded me how deeply personal stories can resonate globally. Im excited to attend Future Vision to listen, exchange ideas, and be inspired by voices that see the world a little differently. Screen Australia COO Grainne Brunsdon says: Screen Australia is proud to be supporting Future Visiononce again. With Richard Gadd, Sally Wainwright and Soo Hugh to headline, the 2025 offering will be valuable for our Australian screen sector to come together and learn from key industry players on how we can continue to launch our stories onto a global stage. Considering our local industry is already one of innovation, strong community and resilience, we have good reason to get behind the events theme of Optimism. Victorian Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks says, Victorias screen industry has a strong track record of creating high-end television that captivates audiences across the globe. Were proud to support the return of Future Vision to Melbourne for another year. This event connects Australias leading screen storytellers with the creators of some the worlds most watched TV series. From global sensation Apple Cider Vinegar to forthcoming new series The Survivors, Victoria continues to be a global screen powerhouse. Australians in Film Executive Director Peter Ritchie says; There are real opportunities for the Australian screen sector globally, and we are so enormously grateful to our headline international guests, our Co-Chairs, Screen Australia and VicScreen, all our industry partners, attendees and guests who are coming together so generously to prioritize a strategic approach to the ways we commission, develop and execute our Australian screen stories for international audiences. A Three Day Exchange of Ideas, Strategy and Storytelling Future Vision will once again bring together drama and comedy creators, writers, producers, commissioners, and development executives from Australia and across the globe for three days of cutting-edge conversation and strategic thinking: July 14 Open Day: A day open to established creatives, industry stakeholders, and curious minds. Also available via livestream for those who cannot make it to Melbourne. July 1516 Invite Only Sessions: Programming for top-tier writers, directors, producers, and commissioning executives. From keynote conversations to insightful case studies, Future Vision offers an unprecedented opportunity for the industry to come together, think big, and shape the future of television. Future Vision is proudly supported by industry peers The Walt Disney Company Australia & New Zealand, Netflix and Stan. Our Venue Partner is ACMI, our Official Hotel Partner is Sofitel Melbourne On Collins, our Travel Partner is Tourism Australia and our Supporting Partner is Scape. Industry guilds urge govt action over copyright Screenwriters, cinematographers, directors, composers, editors, designers ring alarm bells over AI systems using copyrighted works. Industry guilds representing screenwriters, cinematographers, directors, composers, editors and screen and live performance designers, have urged the government to adopt a hardline approach to copyright infringement by AI developers The Australian Writers Guild, Australian Writers Guild Authorship Collecting Society, Australian Cinematographers Society, Australian Directors Guild, Australian Screen Directors Authorship Collection Society, Australian Guild of Screen Composers, Australian Production Design Guild and Australian Screen Editors have responded to the Productivity Commissions consultation on policy reform. Collectively they asserted their strong opposition to any suggestion that AI systems should be allowed to use copyrighted works without consent or remuneration being paid to the original creators of the works. They are calling on the Government to address the infringement of creative workers copyright by: 1. Ensuring that the creative workers whose work has been stolen are fairly remunerated 2. Ensuring that the creative workers are aware that the infringement has taken place 3. Requiring consent is given by creative workers before their work is used to train AI datasets, with an appropriate compensation model and 4. Implementing a compensatory and rectification process for infringements that have already taken place, including the removal of work from models. AWG and AWGACS CEO Claire Pullen (pictured) said: Australia has a sound copyright framework in place for how we address the theft of creative workers intellectual property. Were not asking for unreasonable concessions, just that the Government ensure that our existing laws are applied to this blatant theft of work, now and into the future. Our creative industries are billion-dollar industries, and Australian audiences want more of what we make. Its contrary to our economic and cultural interests to allow theft of our work by foreign companies, or exploitation of creative workers here. ASDACS Executive Director, Deb Jackson said: A remuneration scheme is essential to maintaining the livelihoods of creators and authors to ensure they are fairly compensated for the exploitation of their work on AI platforms; without this there is a significant threat to Australian creative innovation and economic growth in the creative sectors. Since its inception, AWGACS, the secondary royalty collection society for Australian and New Zealand screenwriters and authors, has collected and distributed over $33 million to creative workers. ASDACS, the secondary royalty collection society for Australian and New Zealand screen directors, has collected and distributed $21 million. It claims this is at risk if companies continue to deploy AI systems unchecked. The submission also addresses concerns regarding the use of Automated Decision Making (ADM) and Large Language Models (LLMs) in the video games industry, including the significant risk of untruthful, defamatory or harmful content being shown to consumers. Before we can begin to assess the impact of AI we have to settle the fundamental issue that it has been built on the back of stolen intellectual property. There can be no economic, cultural or scientific benefit to the nation until a process of transparency, consent and ongoing compensation is afforded to the creative workers who have made AI possible, said Pullen. Not your classic thriller: The Survivors a family drama in a crime mystery TV Tonight speaks to both Robyn Malcolm and Damien Garvey about their new Tassie drama on Netflix. New Australian drama The Survivors, created by Tony Ayres, premieres today on Netflix. Based on the book by Jane Harper, it centres around Kieran Elliott whose life changed forever when two people drowned and a young girl went missing in his home town of Evelyn Bay. Fifteen years later, returning with his young family, the guilt that still haunts him resurfaces. When the body of a young woman is found on the beach, the town is once again rocked by tragedy and the investigation of her death threatens to reveal long-held secrets, the truth about the missing girl, and a killer amongst them. The series stars Robyn Malcolm, Damien Garvey, Catherine McClements, Martin Sacks, Don Hany, Yerin Ha, Charlie Vickers, Thom Green, George Mason, Shannon Berry, and Jessica De Gouw. TV Tonight spoke to both Robyn Malcolm and Damien Garvey, both of whom had worked together on Harrow. In The Survivors they play husband and wife Verity & Brian Elliott, whose son Kieran (Charlie Vickers) returns home after a 15 year absence. But its a difficult reunion with unresolved business, and Brian is suffering dementia. What attracted you to the project? DG: For me, it was the overall story. But I guess the the angle of Brians dementia was something that intrigued me, and it was certainly something that you dont see that often, so that was one thing that certainly took me in. But the whole family dynamic, I think, was very interesting.. I think everyone in the show, all the characters, have some sort of really deep family crisis going on that theyre trying to push through. With the murder mystery, as well as seeing it revealed through those stories, was very interesting. RM: I mean, Tonys a f**-off writer, right? He doesnt just write one straight, linear story. Hes got multiple issues going on and multiple stories happening, and theyre all about the complexities of characters histories coming to bite them on the arse in the present. I just love the fact that Veritys a loving mother, but shes full of fury, rage, grief and guilt, and shes trying to navigate all of it. But shes losing the love of her life daily. And then the huge delight was finding out that (Damien) was playing Brian, because wed worked together on Harrow before, so we gave each other the biggest hug. We see a lot of crime mystery dramas in far flung places, small communities. What do you see as the point of difference with this one? DG: I think that the story is revealed through the characters who live there and experience both tragedies. As we were talking before, that stems from their family relationship. So I think you see more of a personal telling of the story as it actually happens, and what they thought at the time, as opposed to a sort of investigative, police procedural. RM: Thats kind of weirdly-secondary, in a way, because its the pressure from the police force and the investigations on this family and on that community, which is kind of the real drama, in a way. Because its all about these relationships. DG: Over a decade and a half and how they change from young boys and girls to young adults. RM: In that sense, its not your classic thriller with a twist, you know. I dont think I wouldnt call it that. Id call it a family drama. Robyn youve featured in a lot of dysfunctional TV families. I guess every family has a secret? RM: I mean, I guess thats the appeal, right? Its the sort of the bedrock for all the really big emotions, and for all our internal individual complexities. So its a great place to start and to combo it with a thriller mystery is great. DG: I think you can go back to any sort of bad thing that happens in a future adults life. Nine times out ten you can trace it back to trauma in the family. So thats where the stories start, but they sort of get forgotten in the world. When you go out do your job and everything but all the time youre having these really existential issues that come you probably dont understand them because you were so young when they happened, and you just responded in a certain way so you could survive. But that carries on into your adult life. Robyn do you feel that Verity is manipulating what happens within the family? RM: Absolutely. Shes driven by fear and love, but the primary thing is that she is terrified of losing (Brian). When you try and battle reality like that, you just lose. And there are two ways of doing it: you go with whats happening, or you fight whats happening. And Verity is fighting whats happening. Because of the buried truths shes trying to control the past too. Shes so busy trying to keep everything in a way that she feels safe, that shes not actually dealing with whats right in front of her. And the two things that are right in front of her is her son, who desperately needs some love because hes falling apart, and her husband, whos literally falling apart. Shes kind of trying and failing in both ways. DG: The amount of energy that it would take too RM: We used to talk about that a lot. In fact, one of our directors, one of his parents, suffers dementia, and the other parent talked about how exhausting it is. Its 24/7. Brian wakes up in the middle of the night and goes for walks, and after a while, Veritys just going, Oh, I cant. I needed my sleep too. DG: Its physical and emotional. RM: Knackering! How you approach playing scenes together? RM: I think we work fairly similarly, dont we? We dont sit and do a lot of (talking) beforehand. DG: Were pretty comfortable with each other. RM: We let things roll. The best way I to act, I think, is if youve done your homework, and then the camera rolls, then you absolutely trust whats happening with the other actors, so that you can go wherever you need to go. So there were some scenes, like one in the bathroom, we played lots and lots of different ways. If you do all your homework and you bed it in the character, then you can almost have a slightly improvisational relationship with the work. DG: We did have a fun time on Harrow too, and had to work our way through a few sort of vague situations. We just have a shorthand, I think its really about making the scene work within the story. RM: And not being too precious. If the scene requires you to be do something else, then you do something else. But thats the joy of it. And of course, were with two phenomenal directors, and Tony was on set a lot. DG: We were very well supported, by the crew as well, especially dealing with the dementia aspect of it. How did they age you down for flashback scenes? DG: I was always bearded, so yes, they did age me down with a bit of colour. I was always wondering how they were going to do all that, but it seems to work really well. RM: They did. We shot these scenes, sort of 15 years before, and they aged us down. I got lots of long, lush hair, and they shot us in this golden light. We just looked amazing. Who is that 33 year old?! (laughs) You filmed this down in Tasmania? Whereabouts? RM: We were all over the show. We were in Eaglehawk Neck. DG: That was mainly Pirates Bay Beach, I think it was called, which was just unbelievable, right on the edge of the world. I was even looking at a house (to buy), I love Tasmania. Its just overwhelmingly beautiful. We were with a lot of local crew, going to the location and getting a sort of tour guide as well. Every hill you come over.we went on top of the mountain and as the sun come up, it looked like The Lord of the Rings. RM: And the cloud formations! DG: No one else saw it, except me and Rob. RM: Apparently that mountain just impacts the entire atmosphere, at least all the way around Hobart. So you would get these kind of bizarre, other-worldly Tatooine-type skies! DG: And they changed every day. Theres one scene suggesting sex between a man with dementia and his wife or its possibly a red herring? DG: Dementia manifests itself in different ways in different people, but one of the things that can happen is they become highly sexualised. So, that was the case with Brian, that is consequence of the disease. RM: And Verity saw it as an upside! The Survivors premieres Friday June 6 on Netflix. Paul Henry hosts The Chase NZ High-profile NZ broadcaster returns to screens across the ditch -as a quiz show host. Ex-Breakfast host Paul Henry has been announced as host of The Chase New Zealand. But NZ is not stripping the show into an afternoon slot. Instead it will screen as four primetime episodes across four weeks on TVNZ. When youre offered something like The Chase, which is the biggest game show franchise in the world, then you dont say no, you say yes, Henry said. This is Prime Time. Itll be once a week for four weeks. Casting for the show opened back in April after the show was announced. The series was commissioned by TVNZ, and will be produced by ITV Studios Australia in Sydney. Contestants will need to cover their own travel and accommodation expenses. Henry hosted Breakfast on Network 10 in 2012 but the show was not renewed into 2013. Soure: Stuff New Delhi, June 5 (UNI) Ahead of the Fourth India-Central Asia Dialogue, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar today held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from the Central Asian nations. He met with FM Sirojiddin Muhriddin of Tajikistan, Deputy PM and FM Murat Nurtleu of Kazakhstan, FM Zheenbek Kulubaev of Kyrgyz Republic and FM Rashid Meredov of Turkmenistan. In posts on X, the EAM said of the bilateral meetings: A good meeting with FM Sirojiddin Muhriddin of Tajikistan. Agreed on the need to firmly counter terrorism in our region. Shared views on furthering our cooperation including deeper trade, investment and connectivity ties. On his meeting with his Kazakh counterpart, he posted: Pleased to meet DPM & FM Murat Nurtleu of Kazakhstan this morning. Appreciated his reaffirmation of zero tolerance for terrorism. Discussed various facets of our Strategic Partnership focusing on political, trade, investment and energy cooperation. Also spoke about widening connectivity with the Central Asia region. The two sides also signed a Program of Cooperation for strengthening India - Kazakhstan ties. On his meeting with the Kyrgyz FM, he wrote: A productive meeting with FM Zheenbek Kulubaev of Kyrgyz Republic. Thanked him for their support and solidarity in countering terrorism. Discussed our cooperation in banking, education, energy, health, connectivity and capacity building. Todays signing of Program of Cooperation is a step forward in deepening our bilateral ties. He also met with the FM of Turkmenistan: Delighted to meet FM Rashid Meredov of Turkmenistan. A warm exchange on deepening our cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, connectivity, health and energy sectors. Welcome his strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. EAM Jaishankar will host the Foreign Ministers of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan for the 4th meeting of the India-Central Asia Dialogue in New Delhi on June 6. The Third meeting of the Dialogue was hosted by India in New Delhi in December 2021. India and Central Asia, in each others Extended Neighbourhood, enjoy close and cordial contemporary diplomatic relations underpinned by millennia old cultural and people-to-people exchanges. The first India-Central Summit held virtually in January 2022 and the mechanism of India-Central Asia Dialogue, at the level of Foreign Ministers, have taken this relationship substantially forward, a statement said. At the 4th Dialogue, on June 6, the Ministers will discuss further strengthening of relations between India and Central Asian countries with particular focus on trade, connectivity, technology, and development cooperation. They will also share perspectives on challenges to regional security and other regional and global issues of mutual interest. The Foreign Ministers will also participate in the India-Central Asia Business Council meeting on June 5, by MEA in collaboration with FICCI. The India-Central Asia Dialogue is a manifestation of mutual interest on the part of India and the Central Asian countries to forge even closer, wider and stronger partnership in a spirit of friendship, trust and mutual understanding. UNI RN 1. Background As a federally owned enterprise, the Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH supports the German Government in achieving its objectives in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development. On behalf of the German Government, GIZ provides advisory services to the Vietnamese Government in four priority areas: (1) Vocational training, (2) Environmental, (3) Energy, and (4) Sustainable Economic Development. For further information, please visit www.giz.de/viet-nam. Through the International Climate Initiative (IKI) GIZ has been commissioned by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) with the implementation of the Support to Vietnam for the Implementation of the Paris Agreement II project (short: SIPA II) for a 5-year period from 2024 to 2029. The IKI is implemented by the BMWK in close cooperation with the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection and the Federal Foreign Office. The lead executing agency on the Vietnamese side is the Vietnamese side is the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE). The project aims to support Viet Nams development pathway and its consistency with a just net-zero transition in line with the Paris Agreement, the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development. To operationalise Viet Nams commitments under COP26 and prepare for a domestic carbon market, the Government has issued a series of guiding documents, including Decree No. 06/2022/ND-CP on GHG emissions mitigation and carbon market development. A revised version of this Decree is underway to provide detailed regulations for the Emissions Trading System (ETS), starting with three high-emitting sectors: power generation, cement (clinker), and steel (crude steel). These sectorsidentified in Decision 13/2024/QD-TTgaccount for approximately 70% of total GHG emissions from over 2,000 facilities nationwide. A critical next step for ETS readiness is the allocation of emission allowances to these compliance facilities. This assignment aims to support that process by conducting a 2024 GHG emissions inventory for key industrial sectorsspecifically crude steel manufacturing, coal and gas-fired power generation, and clinker-producing cement facilitiesas listed in Decision 13/2024/QD-TTg. Covering at least 135 facilities (52 steel, 26 power, and 57 cement), the results will provide decision-makers with a comprehensive emissions profile of major emitters and inform the development of an effective emission allowance allocation approach for the ETS. The GIZ Office Hanoi as the contracting party, on behalf of the SIPA II project, is conducting a local negotiated tender to look for qualified Local Consulting Firm (LCF) to implement the assignment. Tentative duration: from 26 August 2025 until 31 December 2025 Place of assignment: in Vietnam 2. Requirements for the LCF a. Commercial register entry b. Average annual turnover for the last three financial years At least: 150.000 EUR c. Average number of employees and managers for the past three calendar years At least: 10 persons d. Technical experience assessment is based on reference projects that were conducted by LCF with a minimum value of 50.000 EUR to satisfy the folowing: - at least 3 reference projects in the technical field on: stakeholder consultations with governmental/private stakeholders in GHG inventory; complex consultations & stakeholder engagement with governmental/political partners in GHG emission policy. - at least 3 reference projects with experience in similar assignments, especially national-level data collection, database development related to GHG in Viet Nam. 3. Requirements for eligibility documents Interested LCFs are requested to prepare the following documents in English: a. Letter of interest (with Directors or authorised persons signature and company stamp). b. Audited financial reports of the last 03 years. Important/key information in the audited financial reports or in annual tax reports must be translated into English if documents are in Vietnamese. c. LCF profile and technical experience, incl. Business license (for firm) or Decision of establishment (for association); Tax code registration; organisational chart; consortium agreement and nomination of consortium leading firm (if at least 02 entities join the assignment); similar experience/copy of contracts related to this assignment. 4. Method of bid submission LCFs send Eligibility dossiers to VN_PoS_Quotation@giz.de before 5 PM (Hanoi time) on 06.07.2025 with email subject: Tender 83490374-Eligibility dossier-Company name. For data protection and information security reason: In case the total volume of your bids is below 10 MB, you can attach them directly in the email sent to us. In case the total volume of your bids is above 10 MB, the files must be sent via GIZ filetransfer system. We will provide guidance for using our filetransfer. Links stated in documents and files sent via other applications/systems are not accepted. Bids sent after the submission deadline and bids sent to wrong email address will be disqualified. 5. Notes a. Interested LCFs send letter of interest and request for tender documents to Question-from-bidder-PoS-VN@giz.de before 19.06.2025. b. Interested LCFs send eligibility assessment related questions to Question-from-bidder-PoS-VN@giz.de before 26.06.2025. c. Only selected bidders will be invited to present technical and financial offers. d. For the exchange rate at the corresponding time, please go to https://commission.europa.eu/funding-tenders/procedures-guidelines-tenders/information-contractors-and-beneficiaries/exchange-rate-inforeuro_en 6. IKI Complaint Mechanism To ensure the compliance with social and environmental standards and for the lawful use of approved funding under IKI, the IKI Independent Complaint Mechanism (ICM) is installed to enable people who suffer (potential) negative social and/or environmental consequences from (IKI) projects, or who wish to report the improper use of funds, to voice their complaints anonymously. The objective of the ICM is to avert or minimise possible damage and initiate effective countermeasures. ICM is applied to all activities of VN-SIPA II as an IKI project. Any person or group of persons, or community that has been or may be affected negatively by or experience reprisals in relation to the Project can file a complaint or authorise a representative to file and pursue the complaint on their behalf. More information or instruction on how to file a complaint is available at https://www.international-climate-initiative.com/PAGE396-1 GIZ is obliged to ensure the confidentiality of all submitted documents by bidders. Designed by Foster + Partners, One Bloor West required a complex facade system. Produced by BM Windows, the system meets U.S. ASTM standards and is built to withstand temperatures as low as -18C and wind pressures of up to 4.0 kPa at upper levels. Representatives of the projects investors praised BM Windows capabilities and collaboration. The company successfully fulfilled its role, demonstrating professional manufacturing and internationally recognised product quality. A BM Windows representative noted that the project is an important milestone in demonstrating the capabilities of Vietnamese businesses in the international market, and sets a precedent for future large-scale projects. To date, BM Windows technology and technical expertise have fully met the most complex project requirements worldwide. We confidently deliver facade solutions that rise to the highest challenges in design, technical standards, and quality, in the most demanding global markets, shared Tran Van Tien, CEO of BM Windows. Beyond Canada, BM Windows is also involved in other international projects such as The Grande and 15 Sydney Avenue in Canberra, Australia, and CTYD in the U.S., among numerous ongoing developments in competitive markets. Recently, BM Windows was selected as the facade supplier for 55 Pitt Street a symbol of contemporary architecture in the financial and administrative centre of Sydney, Australia. Towering at 238.1 metres across 55 floors, 55 Pitt Street is developed by Australias leading firm Mirvac and designed by a joint venture between SHoP Architects and Woods Bagot. Strategically located with three frontages on Pitt, Underwood, and Dalley Streets, it sits at the heart of Sydney Harbour, near the Sydney Opera House and Circular Quay, offering exceptional connectivity and world-renowned views. From the outset, BM Windows was involved in the research and development of the projects facade solution. A standout feature is the curved facade system, which creates a distinctive identity in central Sydney. To meet global green standards pursued by the project including NABERS Energy, WELL Core & Shell Platinum, and 6-Star Green Star the facade design optimises the use of local materials and incorporates terracotta to enhance thermal insulation and overall building performance. In the domestic market, BM Windows is delivering major projects such as The Marc 88, Parc Ha Noi, Lotus HCM, Lumi Hanoi, OSI Tower, and more. A key highlight is the Long Thanh International Airport megaproject, which features a central skylight system spanning over 11,000 m the largest in Viet Nam. A total of 5,402 triangular glass panels in 756 unique shapes are being installed en masse, with project completion targeted by the end of 2025./. HA NOI Economists stressed the importance of a shift from administrative control to supporting and granting greater investment autonomy to State-owned enterprises (SOEs). They insisted that the role of SOEs has become increasingly important in maintaining macro-economic stability, guiding the market and delivering on national strategic objectives, an urgency that the amended Law on the Management and Use of State Capital in Production and Business Activities at Enterprises should address. SOEs have been said to have faced numerous challenges in implementing investment projects due to complex and outdated legal provisions, particularly those concerning investment scope, decision-making authority and approval procedures under existing laws. Economists and enterprise representatives said that current procedures significantly limit SOEs flexibility. Even when using their accumulated capital, these enterprises must seek approvals that can take months, causing them to miss timely investment opportunities, especially in strategic and high-tech industries. In contrast, foreign direct investment (FDI) enterprises are not subject to such procedural hurdles. As long as they comply with Vietnamese law, they could make investment decisions quickly. This has placed SOEs at a disadvantage in their domestic market, hindering efforts to position them as a core pillar of the national economy. Recognising these challenges, the draft law currently under review by the National Assembly has introduced revisions to remove some of these obstacles. The drafting committee has underscored the importance of clearly delineating the roles of State management and State ownership representation, avoiding administrative interference in business operations. Stronger decentralisation and accountability of ownership representatives and enterprise leaders are vital for improving SOE governance and enabling economic growth. Notably, the revised draft incorporates feedback from National Assembly deputies regarding State capital investment using the State budget. For projects with budgets equivalent to those categorised as national key projects under public investment laws, investment guidelines are decided by the National Assembly. In line with this, the National Assembly has proposed further refining Article 11 of the draft law to uphold the principle of 'State capital, once invested in an enterprise, is treated as the enterprises legal assets and capital'. Industry experts said a top priority of the revised law should be to unlock resources, enhance SOEs' autonomy, and improve accountability, rather than perpetuate rigid administrative control. Lawyer Nguyen Tien Lap, a member of NHQuang & Associates and an arbitrator at the Vietnam International Arbitration Centre (VIAC), argued that the State can explore special governance models for SOEs. Successful examples include Temasek Holdings in Singapore and the Public Investment Fund in Saudi Arabia. These SOEs became powerful and globally competitive because the State acts solely as an investor, without exercising direct administrative management," Lap said. "As investors, governments only need to focus on returns, while State management should apply equally to all economic actors, whether public or private. He proposed that the new law should consider removing the concept of State management over SOEs. This concept is often ambiguous and complex, leading to potential abuse and hindering the natural autonomy of enterprises, he added. BIZHUB/VNS HA NOI The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) is extending the investigation period for anti-dumping measures on certain coated steel products from China and South Korea, by an additional two months. The extension, outlined under Decision 1543, is intended to allow for a more comprehensive and objective assessment of issues related to the case. According to the Trade Remedies Authority, on 14 June 2024, the MoIT issued Decision 1535 to initiate an anti-dumping investigation into coated steel products from China and South Korea (Case Code: AD19). To ensure a thorough and objective review of all relevant matters, the ministry has extended the investigation period by two months, with the investigation now scheduled to conclude on 14 August. Previously, on 11 May 2023, the Trade Remedies Authority, acting as the investigating agency, received a petition requesting an anti-dumping investigation into certain coated steel products originating from China and South Korea. The petitioners, representing the domestic manufacturing industry, include five companies: the Hoa Sen Group Joint Stock Company, Nam Kim Steel Joint Stock Company, Phuong Nam Coated Steel Sheet Company, Dong A Joint Stock Company, and China Steel & Nippon Steel Vietnam. As stipulated in Article 79 of the Law on Foreign Trade Management regarding the grounds for initiating an anti-dumping investigation, the investigating authority determined that the petitioners met the criteria for representing the domestic industry. The petition also provided sufficient evidence that the allegedly dumped imports were causing significant injury to the domestic industry. Consequently, the Ministry of Industry and Trade issued Decision 1535 on 14 June 2024 to initiate the anti-dumping investigation into the coated steel products. VNS Viet Nams agro-forestry-fishery sector has continued its strong performance into 2025, despite global headwinds and market fluctuations. Viet Nam News reporter Quynh Nhu talked to Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Phung uc Tien to learn more about export results, commodity trends, market structure and the strategic roadmap for sustaining growth over the coming months. How would you assess Viet Nams agro-forestry-fishery export performance in the first five months of 2025? The sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of substantial international and regional challenges. Under the direction of the Government and the Prime Minister, and with close coordination across ministries and local authorities, Viet Nams agricultural exports are progressing steadily toward the annual target of nearly US$70 billion. In May alone, the export value reached approximately $6.28 billion, marking a 19.6 per cent increase over the same month last year. This brought the total export turnover for the first five months of 2025 to $28.04 billion, up 15.1 per cent year-on-year. While these results are encouraging, they also remind us of the need to remain proactive and adaptable as we enter the more complex period ahead. Environmental protection initiatives have been enhanced, with efforts to control pollution in craft villages and industrial zones, alongside the management of solid and hazardous waste through regulatory frameworks. Notably, durian has emerged as a significant product contributing to the agricultural sector's success. Under the decisive guidance of Official Dispatch No. 71/C-TTg, aimed at promoting sustainable durian production and export, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has implemented effective measures. Minister o uc Duy chaired a meeting to explore strategies for promoting the fruit in the Central Highlands, successfully engaging with the General Department of Customs of China. As a result, China has recognised an additional 829 area codes and 131 packaging facility codes for Viet Nams durian, allowing for the clearance of 24 tonnes of frozen fruit. What specific commodities have contributed to this growth, and how are their performances shaping up? Viet Nams agro-exports have performed well across multiple categories. Agricultural products, livestock, fisheries and forestry have all maintained steady growth. Coffee continues to be a leading commodity, with over 835,000 tonnes exported in the first five months, valued at $4.79 billion. Although the volume only slightly increased, the value jumped by more than 65 per cent, driven by a significant rise in global coffee prices. Other commodities such as rubber and cashew nuts also posted value gains, despite slight declines in export volumes. For instance, rubber exports brought in over $1 billion, thanks to price improvements, with China accounting for the bulk of the market. Cashew exports decreased in quantity but still increased in value, highlighting favourable pricing dynamics. Pepper followed a similar trend: lower export volumes were offset by a sharp price increase, resulting in a nearly 40 per cent rise in export value. Conversely, rice saw a more mixed result. While the export volume increased by over 12 per cent, the value dropped by nearly 9 per cent due to declining prices. Fruits and vegetables experienced a noticeable setback, particularly due to reduced exports to China, though this is being addressed through new trade facilitation efforts. Asia remains the dominant export destination, accounting for 42 per cent of total agri-forestry-fishery exports. This is followed by the Americas and Europe, with 23 per cent and 16.1 per cent of the market share, respectively. Although Africa and Oceania contribute smaller portions, they are emerging markets with considerable growth potential. In fact, exports to Africa rose by over 94 per cent in the first five months of the year, while exports to Europe increased by nearly 47 per cent and the Americas by more than 17 per cent. These figures suggest that our strategy of diversifying export markets is paying off. What key factors have enabled Viet Nam to maintain such positive export momentum? First and foremost, our unwavering commitment to food safety has laid a strong foundation for sustained export growth. The ministry has taken a firm stance against all violations, especially those that compromise consumer health. We have worked closely with the Ministry of Public Security to crack down on fraudulent and illegal practices. Additionally, we have streamlined and harmonised legal frameworks to ensure compliance along the entire value chain, from production and processing to distribution. Environmental regulations have also been tightened, with enhanced waste management efforts in industrial zones and craft villages. These measures collectively boost our credibility in international markets and ensure that Viet Nams agricultural products meet the highest safety and quality standards. What strategies will the ministry pursue to meet the Governments 2025 targets and support the sectors continued growth? The ministry is fully committed to driving innovation and sustainability across the sector. Our strategy is centred on shifting towards low-emission, climate-resilient agricultural production. This includes reviewing cultivation practices, improving seed selection, and aligning output with actual market demand. We will continue to enhance traceability systems, evaluate the effectiveness of fertiliser use and maintain rigorous inspections of packaging and planting facilities. Expanding market access remains a top priority. We are working to deepen engagement with major markets such as China, the US, Japan and the European Union (EU), while also exploring untapped potential in the Middle East, Halal markets and Africa. We will continue to leverage the benefits of next-generation free trade agreements such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and Viet Nam-EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), which offer valuable opportunities for tariff reduction and trade facilitation. At the same time, domestic market development remains critical. We are supporting provinces in promoting key seasonal crops, like lychee, longan and durian, and connecting producers with modern distribution channels, including e-commerce platforms and retail chains. Finally, the ministry is keeping a close watch on price fluctuations and global supply trends to ensure that farmers and exporters can adapt quickly and efficiently. BIZHUB/VNS Ray Riches* Just like in most non-English-speaking countries, the role of a TESOL-trained English language teacher is a vital part of shaping young minds and supporting global business in Viet Nam. Over the past few decades, the English as a Second Language (ESL) industry here has undergone monumental changes but has all of it been for the better? Having worked in Viet Nams ESL system for over a decade, Ive often found myself wrestling with the concepts of 'accredited' and 'legitimate'. While these terms are clearly defined under the law in my home country, their application in Viet Nam is far more ambiguous. The lines are blurred, and the standards though improving are still inconsistent. Every year, particularly at the end of summer, Viet Nam experiences a surge of foreigners arriving from all corners of the globe: Pakistan, Nigeria, Scotland, Australia and beyond. These individuals, ranging from young backpackers to retirees, come seeking the experience and reward of teaching English. Some are genuinely passionate and well-qualified. Others, unfortunately, are not. Historically, the ESL industry in Viet Nam has been plagued by underqualified individuals slipping through the cracks. But to the Governments credit, there have been significant efforts to clean up the sector. Over the years, Viet Nam has implemented a series of reforms aimed at raising the bar for foreign teachers. Visa management and work permit allocation have seen numerous changes, especially before and after the pandemic. One of the most impactful reforms came in 2021, when a new law mandated that foreign teachers must hold a degree in pedagogy or in the subject they intend to teach. This made it considerably more difficult for unqualified individuals to obtain legal teaching positions. As of this year, Viet Nam is home to over 70 language centres operated by organisations like ILA Viet Nam, employing more than 700 qualified expatriate teachers. These numbers reflect a growing commitment to quality and professionalism in the ESL sector. The regulation of agencies and language centres has also improved. In the past, it wasnt uncommon for opportunistic foreigners to exploit schools for a quick paycheck, often with little regard for educational outcomes. But today, heavy fines and even closures await businesses that fail to comply with regulations. This crackdown has had a positive ripple effect, pushing many of the so-called backyard operators both foreign and Vietnamese out of the industry. With these positive developments, our children are now receiving a better, more consistent learning experience. But this progress brings us to another pressing issue: the legitimacy of the certifications foreign teachers use to prove their qualifications. A quick scroll through social media reveals countless ads for TESOL or TEFL programmes priced as low as US$20. We all know what these are fake certificate mills that churn out fraudulent credentials for people looking to con their way into a job. These scams are not only unethical but dangerous, undermining the credibility of the entire ESL profession. In response, some consulates have begun refusing to notarise suspicious certificates, emphasising the need for accreditation from recognised bodies. On the other end of the spectrum, we have world-class institutions like Harvard, Yale, Oxford and Cambridge names synonymous with academic excellence. Their programmes are rigorous, well-respected and far beyond the reach of most quick-fix online courses available across Asia. So how do we define whats acceptable and whats not in TESOL/TEFL certification? In Australia, the answer is relatively straightforward. The government maintains a comprehensive accreditation system known as the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), accessible at www.training.gov.au. This system classifies everything from vocational training to university degrees. If I choose to study a course in Australia, I can easily verify that the school is government-registered, that it delivers the required units of competency and that my certificate will be issued under government legislation. Im confident that other Western countries have similar systems in place. But what happens when you study in a country like Thailand or Italy, as I did 12 years ago? At the time, I had no way of verifying whether the college was accredited or legitimate. While Im satisfied with the education I received, I still dont know which countries would accept that certificate as valid proof of qualification. More recently, I completed a degree in Education through an online programme based in France. The institution assured me that the degree would be certified by the French government, and it was. I have no doubt about its legitimacy in France but does that mean its accepted in Cambodia, Japan or Viet Nam? Not necessarily. In both cases, the legitimacy of the certification rests largely on the name of the institution and a government stamp. And thats the crux of the issue: there is no universal standard for ESL teacher education. No global list of accredited colleges exists to assure learners and employers that a certificate will be accepted worldwide. Consider this: a teacher from India may hold a degree and TESOL certificate that are entirely valid under Indian law, but those same documents might not be recognised in Ireland, and vice versa. The lack of standardisation creates confusion, inconsistency and most dangerously opportunities for fraud. As the world becomes more interconnected and digital, we must find a way to standardise ESL certification and close the loopholes that allow fake credentials to flourish. Many of us have seen, first-hand, degrees and certificates being sold on the streets of Bangkok. For just a few dollars, you can buy a diploma from almost any university in the world. Its a global issue, but one that has had a particularly significant impact on Viet Nam. The demand for Western ESL teachers has created a lucrative market one that dishonest operators were quick to exploit. Fortunately, the Vietnamese Government has responded with swift and decisive action. But the work is far from over. Its important to remember that not every English teacher needs to be a Ph.D. English is, at its core, about communication and immersion. Having committed, well-trained foreigners in the classroom helps young learners immerse themselves in the language in a way that online courses or AI programmes simply cant replicate. Viet Nam needs foreign teachers but they must be the right ones. They must have the appropriate training, the right mindset and the skills to make a meaningful impact in the classroom. This is a complex challenge, but one that the governments of Viet Nam and other Southeast Asian nations are actively addressing. Progress is being made every year. Lets hope that these improvements continue, and that we find a sustainable balance one that welcomes the right people into our communities to support and nurture the next generation of learners. VNS *Ray Riches lives in HCM City and works as a teacher and freelancer. Apart from teaching, he is a keen runner and bicycle adventure rider. After ten years in Viet Nam, Ray has a love and passion for the smaller things and enjoys sharing his experiences with people all over the world. HA NOI The participation of a high-level Vietnamese delegation, led by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, at the 3rd UN Ocean Conference (UNOC 3), underscores Viet Nam's strong commitment to tackling pressing global challenges such as climate change, environmental pollution, and biodiversity conservation, according to French Ambassador to Viet Nam Olivier Brochet. Speaking to the media on the occasion of the Vietnamese PMs visit to France to attend the conference, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, and engage in a range of bilateral activities, the diplomat remarked that Viet Nam's presence and voice at the conference are particularly meaningful. He highlighted that the Southeast Asian nation, with a coastline stretching over 3,200km, faces challenges linked to the ocean, including climate change, coastal erosion, depletion of marine resources, and maritime disputes. The ambassador noted that France had invited Viet Nam to lead a side event focused on river deltas around the world, including the Mekong Delta. The conference in Nice, he said, presents a valuable opportunity for the two countries to affirm their shared values and viewpoints on the international stage, while working together to address global challenges. He said on this occasion, France is particularly hopeful that the Vietnamese leader will announce the approval of the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement). France has already ratified the treaty and encourages Vietnam and other countries to do the same to facilitate its early entry into force. France is keen to work closely with both EU and non-EU partners such as Viet Nam to build a shared understanding of the threats facing the oceans, and to take timely, effective action before the situation becomes irreversible, the diplomat stated. Regarding bilateral cooperation on sustainable marine resource exploitation, Brochet said Viet Nam and France have long collaborated at the international level, particularly in advancing governance for the high seas, which currently lack comprehensive regulations. He also highlighted the two countries long-standing scientific collaboration, especially in marine research. French institutions such as IRD, IFREMER, and CIRAD are working closely with Vietnamese partners on a range of projects. In addition, France is supporting Viet Nam in addressing coastal erosion, with the French Development Agency AFD implementing projects across several Vietnamese provinces to tackle this issue. France is also assisting Viet Nam in meeting EU requirements to lift the 'yellow card' warning imposed on its fisheries sector. As part of French President Emmanuel Macrons recent visit to Viet Nam, France announced EUR700,000 in funding for a pilot initiative using satellite-based monitoring devices on Vietnamese fishing vessels. If successful, the programme could be extended across the entire fleet, thereby helping Viet Nam meet EU standards. Looking at broader cooperation, Brochet emphasised that higher education and research have remained pillars of the two countries partnership for over three decades. In light of Viet Nam's recently issued Resolution 57-NQ/TW, which calls for stronger development of science and higher education, France hopes to deepen collaboration in this area. During President Macrons visit, the French Tech Summit in HCM Minh City officially launched the FranceViet Nam year of innovation, which will run until the end of 2026. This initiative aims to foster connections among businesses, universities, and research institutions from both countries to jointly address development challenges. Brochet said one key objective is to increase the number of Vietnamese students in France, which remains relatively modest. At the same time, efforts are needed to further promote Francophone culture in Viet Nam. Beyond the hard sciences, bilateral research collaboration is expanding into areas such as healthcare, biomedicine, transport, nuclear energy, space technology, and applied sciences. Finally, the ambassador stressed the importance of culture as a cornerstone of the bilateral ties. He noted that cultural exchange continues to enrich both nations and that culture and innovation will serve as vital foundations for future cooperation. VNA/VNS June 5, 2025: The new American government that came to power this year got elected with pledges to shake things up in government. This meant dismantling and disposing of inefficient and poorly performing agencies. New organizations are created to do what the defunct agency could not do but do it better and cheaper. A recent example of this was the closing of the U.S. Navay Naval Sea Systems Command, or NAVSEA. This organization is responsible for building warships and has a deplorable performance record. The replacement is Shiba Inu, which is headquartered in Louisiana, where most of the navys few shipyards are. Shiba Inu stands for Strategic High Impact Barge Artillery Inexpensive Naval Upshift. The first proposal of the new agency was equipping flat bottom barges with cruise missiles and other equipment and towing them out to sea to reach a foreign conflict zone. This idea was immediately shot down when it was pointed out that these barges can only operate on calm water. Any encounter with rough seas will sink a barge. While the U.S. no longer produces many warships, it is a major producer of barges. These ships are used in combat zones, after being transported there aboard larger ships, to move supplies along coastal waters and rivers. Now the NAVSEA replacement organization will address the real problems as in insufficient ship building and ship maintenance capabilities. The current situation is that the U.S. Navy is unable to build enough new ships to replace the fleet it currently has, and it cant maintain the ships it does have, let alone battle damage to those ships in war. The navy has nearly 500 ships in active service as well as the reserve fleet. The principal vessels are the combat ships, which include 11 aircraft carriers, nine Amphibious Assault Ships for transporting and landing marine battalions, ten LPD Amphibious Dock Landing Ships to supply amphibious operations, fifty SSNs/Nuclear attack submarines, fourteen SSBNs/Ballistic missile-carrying nuclear submarines, four SSGMs/SSBNs converted to carry over a hundred cruise missiles each, one frigate, 13 cruisers, 75 destroyers and about fifty support ships of various types. The navy has recognized the growing importance of Unmanned Surface Vessels/USVs and Unmanned Underwater Vessels/UUVs but has been slow to order and deploy these unmanned vessels to aid the navy in defending Taiwan from Chinese attack. In contrast the Chinese Navy has been able to quickly create a navy with more warships than the U.S. Navy. Chinese shipbuilders are striving to overtake their main rival South Korea as the largest shipbuilder in the world in all categories. South Korea was the most prolific shipbuilder until 2012 when it was briefly overtaken by China. By 2018 South Korean firms surpassed China in new orders. All major shipbuilders had to deal with a sharp decline in orders since a global economic recession began in 2008. One way China helped its shipyards cope was increasing orders for warships. This was going to happen anyway, but the government gave the navy all it wanted and then some. This resulted in 2019 being a record year for warship construction with 28 surface warships launched, including a record ten destroyers plus 16 corvettes and two large amphibious ships. While warships are more complex ships to build, commercial ships still accounted for over 95 percent of the work at the new China Shipbuilding Group. From that point on China has been the largest producer of non-nuclear warships. Since 2012 China and South Korea have been competing for overall first place. Eventually even the South Korean edge in quality and innovation was not enough and now China is firmly in first place with South Korea second and Japan third. China has been helping its shipyards since the late 1990s, and that has enabled Chinese shipbuilders to gradually catch up to South Korea and Japan. In 2009, sooner than anyone expected, China surpassed South Korea as the world's largest shipbuilder in terms of tonnage. In 2000, South Korea took the lead from Japan by having the largest share of the world shipbuilding market. The massive South Korean and Japanese shipbuilding capability and has enabled these two nations to reinforce the Americans Pacific Fleet and confront the Chinese with a formidable naval force that blocks any efforts to dominate the South China Sea. At the same time the Chinese have been working hard on how to build new classes of navy supply ships. These are built to efficiently supply ships at sea. In addition to learning how to transfer these supplies at sea, the crews have also learned how to keep all the needed supplies in good shape and stocked in the required quantities. This requires the procurement officers learning how to arrange resupply at local ports in a timely basis. As the major producers of commercial ships, China was able to design and build supply ships for the Chinese Navy quickly. This included designing and building two Sansha class supply ships by 2014 for use in supplying new naval bases in the South China Sea. The design was unique and to speed up the construction process China bought the rights to an existing European design that had not been built yet. This degree of ship building skill and innovation was something the United States no longer has. Since World War II, when the U.S. was the largest shipbuilder in the world, the American shipbuilding capability diminished. Currently the U.S. can build ships but slowly and in small quantities and most of those built are warships. American yards are not as efficient as the Chinese shipbuilders and take five to ten years to complete a warship that China can complete in a year or two. This includes non-nuclear aircraft carriers. The American warships are still, on average, more powerful than their Chinese counterparts. This is largely due to the American nuclear aircraft carriers and nuclear submarine forces. China has nothing like these but does have more anti-ship missiles on their ships plus cruise and ballistic missiles launched from land to hit American ships far from the Chinese coast. American warships are generally well-protected from those, but supply ships arent. At all. The primary American weakness is seaborne supply, and the Chinese are aware of that. HA NOI Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinhs official visit to Estonia marks a milestone in bilateral relationship, paving the way for its new phase of development via both Government and business channels, particularly key areas of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, a diplomat has said. Speaking to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)s correspondents in Europe ahead of the trip, Vietnamese Ambassador to Finland and Estonia Pham Thi Thanh Binh noted that this is the first visit by a Vietnamese Government leader to the Baltic nation since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1992. During the visit, several cooperation agreements will be signed, underlining a strong political commitment to enhancing the bilateral relations and creating fresh momentum for economic, digital transformation and educational partnerships. Reviewing the diplomatic ties since their establishment, Binh assessed that despite geographical distance, the relationship has steadily been strengthened, built on the foundation of friendship, mutual respect and mutually beneficial cooperation. According to the diplomat, although two-way trade remains modest currently below US$100 million annually, the potential for cooperation is substantial. Viet Nam exports many key products to Estonia, including electronics, garments and textiles, aquatic products, footwear and wooden goods. According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the value of Vietnamese shipments to the European nation amounted to $12 million in the first quarter of 2025, an annual increase of 56 per cent. Viet Nams imports from Estonia, meanwhile, rose to $5.8 million, up 108.1 per cent. Estonias strength in technology and innovation makes it an ideal partner for Viet Nam to exchange experience and collaborate on digital transformation initiatives. Binh added that Viet Nam and Estonia have also maintained close coordination and mutual support in multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations, the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), ASEANEU cooperation and other forums spanning global matters like sustainable development, cybersecurity, education and digital transformation. Estonia was one of the first EU member states to ratify the EU Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA). On the prospects of bilateral ties following the PMs visit, the ambassador expressed her confidence that with strong political will from senior leaders and growing interest from businesses, scholars and people of both countries, the two sides can look forward to an innovative, effective and future-oriented partnership. She affirmed that Viet Nam views Estonia not only as a partner in the Baltic region, but also as a key gateway to access the EU market and its technology edge. Conversely, Estonia can see Viet Nam as a dynamic partner, a vast market and a strategic gateway to Southeast Asia. VNS HA NOI Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, his spouse Le Thi Bich Tran and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation left Ha Noi in the early morning of June 5 for attendance at the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC 3) and bilateral activities in France; and official visits to Estonia and Sweden from June 5-14. The trip is being made at the invitations of United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, French President Emmanuel Macron, Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. This is the first time the Vietnamese PM has attended the UN Ocean Conference. This marks the first visit to France by the PM since the two countries upgraded their relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in October 2024, following the visit to Viet Nam by French President Emmanuel Macron in May 2025. This is the first visit to Estonia by a Vietnamese PM since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1992; and also the first visit to Sweden by a Vietnamese Government leader in the past six years. PM Chinh and his spouse are accompanied by Deputy PM and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son; Minister Chairman of the Government Office Tran Van Son; Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung; Deputy Minister of Public Security, Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Long; Deputy Minister of National Defence, Lieutenant General Nguyen Hong Thai; Deputy Minister of Finance Ho Sy Hung; Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang; Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hoang Long; Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Xuan Sang; Vice President of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology Chu Hoang Ha; Vietnamese Ambassador to Finland and Estonia Pham Thi Thai Binh; Vietnamese Ambassador to France inh Toan Thang; Vietnamese Ambassador to Sweden Tran Van Tuan. PM Chinh's working trip aims to continue implementing the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation and diversification, and proactive and active international integration in the spirit of the 13th National Party Congress, as well as Resolutions No 34-NQ/TW and No 59-NQ/TW of the Politburo. In particular, the PMs attendance at the UN Ocean Conference aims to carry out Resolution No 36-NQ/TW on the Strategy for sustainable development of Viet Nam's marine economy to 2030, with a vision to 2045; demonstrating that Viet Nam is an active and responsible member of the international community, has been actively implementing measures to conserve and sustainably use marine resources, and is ready to contribute to the common efforts of the international community on this issue. At the same time, the trip affirms Viet Nam's consistent policy of attaching importance to and its wish to strengthen and promote relations with European countries, including France, Estonia and Sweden. VNS HA NOI - Bulgarian President Rumen Radev highlighted potential for co-operation with Viet nam in various fields during his reception for Vietnamese Ambassador to Bulgaria Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet who came to present her credentials to him in Sofia on June 4. Expressing his delight at new developments in the bilateral relations, he said he hopes trade between the two countries will continue to grow. There remain room for development in economic, trade and investment collaboration, he said, calling on both sides to focus on deepening their cooperation in the coming time. The President affirmed that Bulgaria always considers Viet Nam a trustworthy, sincere and loyal friend. For her part, Ambassador Nguyet affirmed that Viet Nam always attaches importance to promoting bilateral relations with Bulgaria to strengthen cooperation with the Central and Eastern Europe region in particular and the European Union (EU) in general. She affirmed that she will closely coordinate with relevant agencies of Bulgaria and make every effort to contribute to the comprehensive and substantive development of the relations between the two countries in the coming time. The two sides are working closely to organise the Viet Nam - Bulgaria Economic Co-operation Forum in both in-person and online formats on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the two countries' diplomatic ties, scheduled for July 3 in Sofia. The diplomat took the occasion to ask the Bulgarian leader continue to create favourable conditions and support for the Vietnamese community in Bulgaria. VNS TALLINN Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, his wife Le Thi Bich Tran and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation arrived at Lennart Meri Tallinn airport in the capital of Tallinn on Thursday morning (local time), starting their three-day official visit to Estonia at the invitation of the country's Prime Minister Kristen Michal. Welcoming PM Chinh, his spouse and the Vietnamese delegation at the airport were Estonian Ambassador to China and Viet Nam Hannes Hanso, Deputy Director of the Estonian State Protocol Department Sven Tolp and the Vietnamese Ambassador to Finland and Estonia Pham Thi Thanh Binh. This is the first visit to Estonia by a Vietnamese PM since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1992, aiming to elevate the friendship and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries to a new level. The visit affirms Viet Nam's consistent policy of always attaching importance to and wishing to strengthen and promote relations with European countries, including Estonia. Viet Nam and Estonia established diplomatic relations just one year after Estonia declared independence and separated from the Soviet Union. However, Viet Nam and Estonia have not yet opened an embassy in each other's country. After 33 years, the two countries have exchanged a number of high-level delegations and meetings and established a political consultation mechanism at the deputy minister and department head levels. During meetings, Estonia repeatedly affirmed that Viet Nam is a priority partner in Southeast Asia, and its wish to further promote cooperation. The two countries have also actively coordinated and supported each other at multilateral forums. Economic relations between the two sides remain modest. Trade turnover between the two countries has increased steadily over the years, but by 2024, it had reached only US$73.8 million. Estonia now has five valid direct investment projects in Viet Nam with a total investment of $280,000. Estonia has actively supported Viet Nam in signing the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and is one of the first EU countries to ratify the EU-Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA). Estonia helped Viet Nam train students and postgraduates during the era of the former Soviet Union and then, continued to cooperate in training with a number of Vietnamese universities. During the visit, PM Chinh is expected to hold talks and meetings with senior leaders of Estonia, attend a Viet Nam - Estonia business forum and visit several socio-economic and cultural establishments. The visit is expected to open up new cooperation opportunities between the two countries, especially in the fields of information technology, digital transformation and the economy, artificial intelligence, financial technology, cyber security, smart logistics, digital seaports and e-government development. VNS PHNOM PENH General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the General Staff of the Viet Nam Peoples Army (VPA) and Deputy Minister of National Defence, is leading a high-ranking military delegation on an official visit to Cambodia from June 36, aiming to further strengthen bilateral defence cooperation. On June 4, Cuong paid a courtesy call on Samdech Techo Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP) and President of the Cambodian Senate. He highlighted the growing political and diplomatic trust between the two countries and underscored the importance of maintaining high-level exchanges between the Communist Party of Viet Nam and the CPP to guide future cooperation. Hun Sen reaffirmed Cambodias commitment to preserving and fostering the relationship between the two Parties, States, and people of Cambodia and Viet Nam. Both sides lauded the progress in bilateral cooperation and expressed their appreciation for solidarity and mutual sacrifices in the past struggles for national liberation as well as the present process of nation development and construction. Cuong also expressed his hope for continued support from Cambodian leaders and institutions for the Vietnamese community and enterprises in Cambodia, as well as for ongoing efforts to locate and repatriate the remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts who lost their lives in Cambodia during the war. The same day, Cuong had a meeting with Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, where he reaffirmed that bilateral defence ties have closely adhered to the common perceptions of both nations leaders, becoming increasingly substantive and a key pillar of the broader relationship. PM Hun Manet expressed his satisfaction with the robust development of the bilateral ties, especially in defence, and reiterated Cambodias strong support for further military cooperation to promote peace, stability, and development in the region and beyond. In a separate meeting with General Chay Saing Yun, Permanent Secretary of State at the Cambodian Ministry of National Defence, both sides reviewed recent cooperation outcomes across delegation exchanges, defence dialogues, joint training, and transnational crime prevention. They also acknowledged close coordination in ASEAN-led mechanisms and the armed forces contributions to dealing with non-traditional security issues, disaster relief aid, and environmental protection. Looking ahead, both sides agreed to maintain regular delegation exchanges, enhance personnel training, intensify joint efforts in repatriating the remains of Vietnamese soldiers and experts, and continue mutual support at multilateral forums. Also on June 4, Cuong visited Viettel Cambodia (Metfone), a subsidiary of the Viettel Military Industry and Telecom Group, and the MB Cambodia Bank. He commended their roles in contributing to Cambodias socio-economic development and for fostering Viet NamCambodia friendship through corporate social responsibility initiatives. The officer also visited the Viet NamCambodia Friendship Monument in Phnom Penh, where he laid a wreath and offered incense in remembrance of fallen Vietnamese soldiers and experts. Earlier, on June 3, General Vong Pisen, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, presided over a welcome ceremony for General Nguyen Tan Cuong and the high-ranking Vietnamese military delegation. At their meeting following the welcome ceremony, both sides praised the comprehensive and substantive military and defence cooperation results achieved thus far, reaffirming its role as a key pillar in Viet NamCambodia bilateral relations. VNA/VNS HA NOI Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with Lauri Hussar, President of the Estonian Parliament, in Tallinn on Thursday, as part of his official visit to the Baltic country. Welcoming the Vietnamese leader and the high-level delegation of the Vietnamese Government, Hussar highlighted Viet Nam's role and position in the Asia-Pacific region. Viet Nam is also one of Estonia's key partners in Southeast Asia, he said. Expressing his satisfaction with the positive development of bilateral relations in recent years, PM Chinh said the visit would help usher in a new phase of cooperation between the two countries, aligned with their potential and shared interests. The Vietnamese leader thanked Estonia for its support during Viet Nams struggle for national liberation and unification, as well as its ongoing national development. Noting the shared aspirations for independence and progress, PM Chinh reaffirmed Viet Nam's goal of becoming a modern, industrialised country by 2030 and a high-income, developed nation by 2045. Accordingly, Viet Nam has identified science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation as key drivers, decisive factors, and foundational pillars for sustainable development. Estonia, as a global pioneer in startups, innovation, e-government, the digital economy, digital society, and digital citizenship, represents a valuable model for Viet Nam to learn from, PM Chinh said. The two leaders agreed that Viet Nam and Estonia should enhance contact and exchange delegations at all levels, while further promoting economic, trade, and investment ties, especially amid the current complex global political and economic landscape. Viet Nam stands ready to create favourable conditions for Estonian businesses to invest in the country. PM Chinh also proposed that the two sides soon establish a Parliamentary Friendship Group to promote practical exchanges, strengthen political trust, and deepen mutual understanding. He also called on the Estonian Parliament to support and promote the early establishment of a Viet NamEstonia joint committee on economic, science-technology and innovation cooperation; and to advocate for the prompt ratification of the EUViet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) which is expected to create fresh momentum for trade and investment cooperation. Estonian Parliament President Hussar praised the progressing Viet NamEstonia relations, inter-parliamentary cooperation, which he said still holds considerable potential for further development. He affirmed Estonia's intention to expand ties with Southeast Asia, and expressed confidence that the two countries and their strong bilateral cooperation will drive forward EUASEAN cooperation in the future. The two sides agreed to strengthen regular dialogue mechanisms and exchange delegations, enhance cooperation, and share information and experience across various fields, including legislation. They also committed to supporting each other in inter-parliamentary forums. PM Chinh requested that the Estonian Parliament continue favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community living and working in Estonia, enabling them to continue serving as a bridge between the two peoples. The two leaders also exchanged views on international and regional issues of mutual concern. Regarding the East Sea (known internationally as the South China Sea) issue, both underlined the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security, and freedom of navigation and overflight per international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and resolving disputes peacefully, without the use or threat of force. On this occasion, PM Chinh conveyed Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Mans invitation to President Lauri Hussar to visit Viet Nam when time permits, which he gladly accepted. VNS HA NOI Viet Nam, as a co-chair of the OECD Southeast Asia Regional Programme (SEARP) for 2022-25, has contributed to turning the initiative into a truly regional cooperation pillar with substantive impacts and long-term vision, according to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Hang. Speaking to the press on the occasion of Viet Nams completion of its co-chairmanship, Hang said that SEARP is one of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)s five regional programmes. It was launched in 2014 at the initiative of Japan to support economic reform across the Southeast Asian region through sharing development experience and promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth via 13 collaboration areas. Viet Nam, together with Australia, led the programme in an unprecedented challenging period marked by post-pandemic recovery, disrupted global supply chains, and increasingly severe climate-related disasters. Besides, the sweeping impacts of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and breakthroughs in semiconductor and AI forced developing nations to renew growth model and invest in science-technology as new breakthrough drivers. In response to these dynamics, Hang said Viet Nam and Australia worked with SEARP members to identify three strategic priorities. They identified that the focus should be channelled to supporting Southeast Asian countries to overcome short-term economic shocks by promoting appropriate fiscal and monetary policies, supporting micro, small and medium enterprises, and strengthening supply chain resilience. Additionally, the initiative helped regional countries with carrying out structural reform to improve productivity, better business and investment climate, bolster innovation, and develop high-quality human resources towards sustainable and inclusive growth. It also strengthened cooperation between Southeast Asian countries and OECD through sharing experience and applying OECD standards and best practices to help the countries align more closely with international standards on governance, transparency, and sustainable development, according to Hang. Key cooperation areas included enhancing economic self-resilience against shocks, promoting reforms to support private sector recovery, expanding trade and investment, and advancing green and digital transformation. Based on the agreed priorities, stakeholders implemented multiple activities, with the most notable being a Memorandum of Understanding between ASEAN and OECD, organisation of regional ministerial-level forums on practical topics, and conducting extensive research, assessments, and economic reports while providing timely and appropriate recommendations, and delivering capacity-building programmes for ASEAN nations. SEARP, Hang noted, contributed to the regional economic recovery, elaborating the Southeast Asian region has become a bright spot for economic growth amidst global instability. Through specific activities like supporting small and medium enterprises' integration into global value chains, building digital infrastructure and developing digital economy, reforming tax systems and strengthening foreign investment attraction and management, and promoting green growth and circular economy, SEARP has served as a bridge promoting reform processes in regional countries towards alignment with world-class standards while encouraging deeper, more substantial cooperation with OECD. Currently, Indonesia and Thailand have become the first Southeast Asian nations to initiate OECD membership negotiation roadmaps, she added. The diplomat highlighted that with such robust results, which have been acknowledged by OECD members and Southeast Asian countries, Viet Nam has affirmed its role, positive contributions, responsibility as well as management and leadership capabilities at multilateral mechanisms. At the SEARP co-chairmanship handover ceremony, the OECD Secretary-General underscored that under Viet Nam and Australia's leadership, SEARP elevated the relationship between OECD and Southeast Asia to a new high. The Deputy FM said Viet Nams holding of an important position within a high-standard international organisation like the OECD demonstrates a step to realise the foreign policy outlined at the 13th National Party Congress and in Directive No 25-CT/TW on promoting and elevating multilateral diplomacy by 2030, issued by the Party Central Committees Secretariat. Speaking on Viet Nams experience as SEARP co-chair, she highlighted several key lessons, including the importance of proactively engaging in the shaping of multilateral institutions and the international political-economic order while stepping up the perfection of domestic policies, laws, and mechanisms to improve the capacity of implementing international commitments and agreements. These steps, she said, will help enhance Viet Nams global standing and capitalise on every resource for development. The official also highlighted the need to stay steadfast in the Party and State's consistent policy of proactively integrating into the world, elevating multilateral diplomacy, and deepening ties with reputable and influential international organisations, both regionally and globally, the official noted. In addition, Viet Nams impressive socio-economic achievements, including its internationally recognised resilience, fast recovery, and development after the pandemic, helped the country win support and active participation from all OECD members as well as Southeast Asian nations for its initiatives within SEARP. Another lesson, she said, is maximising international resources. The invaluable and timely support from the OECD and member countries, especially Co-Chair Australia, in terms of both financial and technical resources, has enabled Viet Nam to propose and advance ambitious cooperation programmes and effectively fulfil its role as co-Chair. As Viet Nam aims to become an upper-middle-income developing nation by 2030 and a developed country by 2045, Hang called for continued OECD support, particularly in economic reform, competitiveness improvement, investment attraction, and national governance aligned with global standards. In the near term, Viet Nam will keep coordinating with the OECD to fruitfully carry out the bilateral memorandum of understanding, work towards establishing an OECD country programme for Viet Nam, expand the country's participation in OECD specialised committees, and boost information sharing and economic reporting to help with the making of long-term development policies. The country is also laying groundwork for potential OECD membership, she said. Looking ahead, Viet Nam will work closely with Canada and the Philippines, SEARP co-chairs for 2025-28, to foster a sustainable Southeast Asia further integrating into the international community, the Deputy FM continued, reaffirming Viet Nams commitment to helping strengthen SEARPs role as a vital bridge between the OECD and Southeast Asia, and also a contributor to a rules-based economic order and a greener, more sustainable, and more prosperous future. VNA/VNS HA NOI Party General Secretary To Lam has affirmed Viet Nam's appreciation of ties with the Republic of Korea (RoK), expressing readiness to work closely with the new Korean administration to further elevate the bilateral relationship to new heights, making it more substantive, effective, and comprehensive. During a reception in Ha Noi on Thursday for RoK Ambassador to Viet Nam Choi Young-sam, Lam extended congratulations to Lee Jae Myung on his election as the Roks 21st President, believing that the new leadership would steer the country toward stability and growth. Reflecting on over three decades of diplomatic relations since 1992, Lam highlighted the milestone of upgrading ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2022. He noted considerable progress in political trust, alongside economic, tourism, and sci-tech collaboration, positioning Viet Nam and the RoK as key partners on the back of leaders political will and support of their people. The General Secretary called for enhanced collaboration in national defence-security, urging both countries to leverage existing mechanisms and accelerate an action plan to achieve balanced bilateral trade with a target of US$150 billion by 2030. He encouraged Korean companies to expand investments in Viet Nam, particularly in transferring core and foundational technologies, and sought support in training a skilled workforce in semiconductors and artificial intelligence. Additional areas for collaboration included energy, culture, tourism, citizen protection and local partnerships, as well as mutual support at international forums like the APEC Economic Leaders Meetings, which the RoK will host in November 2025 and Viet Nam in 2027. Choi, for his part, affirmed that the RoKs new government will continue to consider Viet Nam a key partner in its regional foreign policy and hoped that both sides will further boost economic ties, particularly in areas where the RoKs expertise aligns with Viet Nam's needs. He praised Viet Nam's recent pro-business policies, noting they have spurred Korean firms to expand operations. Amid a volatile geopolitical landscape, the RoK wishes to work closely with Viet Nam to further boost their comprehensive strategic partnership in various fields, including politics, economy, culture, education, and sci-tech, he added. VNA/VNS KIEN GIANG The new An Giang Province needs to clearly define its vision to become a dynamic, comprehensive and sustainable development centre of the Mekong Delta, playing a strategic role in connecting East West, seas to borders, urban to rural areas as well as linking service, production and tourism. In particular, it needs to become a national marine economic centre, in which Phu Quoc Island is an international-class resort eco-tourism centre. The Long Xuyen Chau oc Rach Gia Ha Tien Quadrangle will be the driving force for industrial, logistics and cultural development of the entire region, contributing to reshaping the role of the new An Giang Province in the national economic structure and regional value chain. Party General Secretary To Lam made the directive on Wenesday when he led a delegation to work with provincial heads of An Giang Province and Kien Giang Province on the implementation of recent resolutions and conclusions of the Party Central Committee and the arrangement of local apparatus. He called for swift institutional stabilisation following the merger and a focus on socio-economic development with proactive, creative, decisive and adaptive approaches. The immediate target is to fully achieve the 2025 development indicators, particularly attaining a gross regional domestic product (GRDP) growth rate of over 8 per cent, laying the groundwork for double-digit growth in subsequent periods. "Improving both the material and spiritual well-being of the population remains a priority," he said. He underscored the necessity of transitioning towards a knowledge-based economy, driven by high-quality human resources and advanced technologies. This aligns with recent Politburo resolutions and presents the most viable path for breakthrough growth amid the digital transformation and global integration era, he said. A comprehensive development corridor Kien Giang and An Giang both provinces with rich revolutionary heritage and strategic positions along the southwestern border have completed their merger proposal, which includes 102 administrative units (85 communes, 14 wards and 3 special zones). It has been submitted to the Government. Despite their geographic proximity and shared positioning in the Mekong Deltas strategic southwest, General Secretary To Lam noted that connectivity between the two provinces remains weak. Existing cooperation programmes are sparse and lack a coherent, overarching coordination mechanism and strategic vision. Infrastructure remains fragmented, and spatial planning, investment promotion, agricultural zones, tourism, and service sectors are yet to reach their full potential, thereby constraining market scale and investment effectiveness. Therefore, merging an agriculture-oriented An Giang Province, with its strengths in aquaculture and crop production at the Mekongs headwaters, with a coastal Kien Giang, noted for its marine economy, tourism, renewable energy, and port services, could create a comprehensive development corridor encompassing mountains, plains, borders and islands, blending border and maritime economic advantages. Such a merger would pave the way for infrastructure restructuring, forming robust value chains from production to processing, logistics and exports. It also provides an opportunity to establish new economic zones, attract strategic investments and elevate the Mekong Deltas regional competitiveness. To ensure a smooth transition, Lam urged local authorities to reassess and align progress with targets outlined in the 202025 Provincial Party Congress Resolutions. He called for an effective two-tiered governance structure (provincecommune), with flexible administrative models tailored for special zones like Phu Quoc, Tho Chu and Kien Hai. These adjustments would support the development of specialised economic, tourism and national defence areas. He also said that the selection and assignment of cadres must be based on standards of quality, capacity, qualifications, courage, sense of responsibility and trust among the people. Local leaders must implement support mechanisms for affected officials and workers during the re-structuring process, while ensuring transparent and efficient management of assets, finances and organisational records. APEC 2027 a catalyst for Phu Quoc Looking ahead to Viet Nams hosting of the APEC Summit in 2027 in Phu Quoc Island, Lam said the event will be a landmark in Viet Nams foreign affairs and a rare opportunity to showcase the country as modern, integrated and vibrant on the global stage. He urged maximum effort in preparing for the summit, particularly in infrastructure development, safety and promotional strategies. Key infrastructure projects must be expedited not only to support the event but also to serve Phu Quocs long-term sustainable development. He warned against the pitfall of post-event neglect of major infrastructure investments. The province must also proactively cultivate a high-calibre workforce for the summit, strengthen international outreach and establish Phu Quoc as a prime destination for strategic investors, high-end tourists and international firms in technology, finance and services. He called for a comprehensive development strategy for Phu Quoc, with clearly defined investment priorities, special policy frameworks and tailored governance models. The aim is to transform the island into an international centre of eco-tourism, finance, wellness and innovation. The success of APEC 2027 in Phu Quoc will not only be a source of local pride, he stressed, but a powerful driver for the comprehensive development of the newly merged province, significantly contributing to enhancing Viet Nams international standing in the era of deep integration and global competition. VNS HA NOI Viet Nam is pushing ahead with a nationwide campaign to eliminate makeshift and dilapidated houses (MDHs), aiming to complete the task by the end of 2025, five years ahead of the target set in the Communist Partys Resolution 42. Officials describe the campaign as a broad-based effort involving government bodies, security forces, enterprises and communities to ensure no one is left without a safe, permanent home. Homes targeted for elimination As of May 31, Government data shows that Viet Nam has removed 203,048 MDHs, with 138,671 new replacement apartments completed and 64,377 under construction. The campaign follows Resolution 42, issued by the Party Central Committee in November 2023, which calls for eliminating MDHs for poor and near-poor families and those affected by natural disasters and climate change by 2030. However, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has ordered that the goal be met this year, coinciding with the 95th anniversary of the Communist Partys founding, the 80th anniversary of national independence and the 50th anniversary of national unification. "This is a historic year. We cannot allow people to remain without proper shelter," PM Chinh said, calling for "speed - more speed" and urging that "no one be left behind". Since the Prime Ministers directive, the campaign has rapidly expanded nationwide. Authorities report that more than 125,000 new homes have been delivered to poor and near-poor families, over 26,300 given to families of revolutionary contributors and some 51,400 handed out under national target programmes. Deputy Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs Nong Thi Ha said the effort reflects Viet Nams socialist values of equity, compassion and collective solidarity. "The construction and handover of new houses for disadvantaged families is essential, but only the first step," she said. "To help them sustainably escape poverty and move forward, further support and sharing are urgently needed, especially in securing livelihoods." Security and border area strategy Officials say the campaign is not only a social welfare initiative, but also a matter of national security. Deputy Chief of the Office of the Ministry of Public Security Nguyen Hong Nguyen warned that inadequate housing in remote areas has contributed to social instability and exposure to criminal networks, especially in narcotics trafficking. The police force has played a frontline role, building more than 29,100 new houses, particularly in border provinces such as ien Bien, Lai Chau and Son La. In some locations, houses were completed in just five days, despite transportation costs exceeding the value of construction materials. Nguyen said efforts date back to 2017, under the direction of then-Minister of Public Security To Lam, who initiated the use of standardised house models with three solid components roofs, walls and foundations for mass rural deployment. In many remote areas, materials had to be carried manually across rivers and mountains. Nghe An as a case study In the central province of Nghe An, 18,511 out of 21,042 planned homes have been completed as of May 29. The remaining houses are scheduled to break ground in June and be completed by July 31, three months ahead of the national deadline. Vo Thi Minh Sinh, deputy secretary of the Nghe An Province's Party Committee, said the campaign has inspired broad-based community participation. "To ensure the campaigns effectiveness, Nghe An mobilised the entire political system and assigned clear responsibilities to each government level, Sinh said. "In many localities, results have been used as performance criteria for evaluating, planning and appointing local leaders." The province has made housing delivery a performance indicator for local governments. Construction results now factor into annual evaluations and leadership appointments at commune, district and provincial levels. Corporate and military contributions The campaign has received strong backing from the military and State-owned enterprises. Viettel Group, the military-run telecom giant, has committed VN430 billion (US$17 million) to support construction in 17 provinces. "Our philosophy is that business must go hand in hand with social responsibility," said Viettels Deputy CEO ao Xuan Vu. The group is also supporting digital infrastructure and telemedicine services in underserved areas. The armed forces have contributed over VN600 billion and 76,500 workdays. Meanwhile, the banking sector has pledged VN1.3 trillion, organising voluntary salary contributions from staff and directing resources to priority localities. Diverse local models Binh inh Province completed 4,411 new houses within three months by supplementing State funds with local contributions of up to VN80 million per home. The province also advanced funds from its own budget to build homes for families of revolutionary contributors. Ha Tinh introduced grassroots-level models like 'One official per home' and 'Zero-cost construction teams', mobilising Party cells, youth unions and security forces to minimise labour costs. Binh Phuoc launched a 200-day campaign to eradicate all makeshift housing, while Son La built 2,544 new houses between April 2024 and May 2025, declaring its goal met. Thus far, 20 provinces have reported that they no longer have any families living in makeshift and dilapidated homes. Legal barriers and remaining challenges Despite rapid progress, structural challenges remain. In many mountainous areas, residents occupy land without official titles, preventing the legal recognition of their homes. In Pu Mat National Park, for example, entire villages are located on land classified as protected forest, which cannot be legally converted to residential use without re-zoning. Officials say these legal bottlenecks have slowed progress and created difficulties in issuing land use certificates. In late May, flash floods in Nghe Ans highland districts destroyed four newly built homes and damaged 54 others, underscoring the vulnerability of housing to climate events. Beyond shelter Officials stress that housing alone is not enough. "Once families have homes, we need to ensure they can escape poverty for good," said Deputy Minister Ha. She went on to call for targeted investment in transportation, power, water, education, vocational training and agricultural support. Sinh described visiting newly built homes that were nearly empty inside. "When we presented a portrait of President Ho Chi Minh and the national flag, those were the first items hung on the wall. The house still felt very bare. This is something we must recognise clearly," she said. "After a family has housing, they need support to stabilise their lives," she added. Sinh called for expanded livelihood policies such as seed and livestock provision, vocational training and job counselling. She also revealed that Nghe An is exploring the creation of a local Home Maintenance Fund to support repairs and long-term upgrades. Both Ha and Sinh emphasised the importance of livelihood programmes, including access to micro-finance, vocational training and labour export schemes. "Weve given them the fishing rod," Sinh said. "But we must also teach them to fish." Final push and outlook Prime Minister Chinh has set October 31 as the deadline for all provinces to complete construction. Authorities say provinces that fail to begin work by the end of June will likely miss the target. The Ministry of Public Security is now overseeing simultaneous construction drives in seven provinces, with daily progress tracking. On some days, hundreds of houses are being completed and handed over. "Were fully committed," said Nguyen. "This is not just a campaign; its a national mission. And we will finish it." Vu echoed the urgency. "There are still homes unaccounted for. But if we keep the momentum, we will not only meet the target, well surpass it." Sinh concluded: "This is a campaign that plants seeds of compassion, nurtures hope and builds the future. With unity, we will reach the finish line and go beyond it." VNS Chinese FM spokesperson's remarks following Lee Jae-myung's election as ROK president Xinhua) 10:34, June 05, 2025 BEIJING, June 4 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson on Wednesday commented on the election of Lee Jae-myung as the new president of the Republic of Korea (ROK). In response to a related query, spokesperson Lin Jian said that Chinese President Xi Jinping had extended congratulations to Lee Jae-myung on being elected president of the ROK. Noting that China and the ROK are each other's important close neighbors and cooperative partners, Lin said China attaches great importance to China-ROK relations. Lin added that China is willing to work with the ROK to adhere to the original aspiration of establishing diplomatic relations, firmly follow the direction of good-neighborliness and friendship, and uphold the goal of mutual benefit and win-win results. Lin said that China is ready to work with the ROK to jointly promote the continuous development of China-ROK strategic cooperative partnership and better benefit the two countries and their peoples. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) June 5, 2025: While NATO admitted to sending substantial material aid to Ukraine, they were less forthcoming about how closely Ukrainian and NATO military commanders worked together. This collaboration began before the 2022 Russian invasion. In 2014, when Russia seized the Crimean Peninsula, NATO personnel were already helping discover exactly what the Russians were doing and what their goals were. This required collaboration between Ukrainian and NATO intelligence, espionage and covert operations organizations. This very active partnership did not come quickly or easily. For example, American forces withdrew from Afghanistan in 2021, something Ukrainians were afraid would happen to them a year later. U.S. and NATO officials explained that while Afghanistan was a landlocked, undeveloped nation in Central Asia, Ukraine was a part of Europe. The Ukrainian desire to join NATO was one of the reasons Russia invaded. Russia considered Ukraine a part of Russia that had become independent via a NATO strategy of slowly taking Russia apart. Russians saw themselves as the victim here and some westerners agreed with that. Ukrainians explained that Russia was never a victim and often a predator. For centuries Russia has been absorbing neighboring states. Most countries currently bordering Russia will confirm that and those that dont are intimidated by Russian threats, or at least their current leaders are. The Russians apparently didnt know how thoroughly and quickly the Americans and NATO allies came to aid Ukraine. Shortly after Russia invaded, several senior Ukrainian generals were shown the top-secret operations center NATO had built in Germany to coordinate support operations for Ukraine. That was not just about supplies of weapons and munitions, but also intelligence from listening into secret Russian communications and a continuous photographic record of what the Russians were doing. At that point the Ukrainian generals realized they had a chance against the Russians. They were surprised at how well NATO had prepared for a war that was only a few months old. The surprise was quickly followed by massive and continuous shipments of weapons, munitions and economic assistance. NATO analysts knew that Ukraine was the home of a very entrepreneurial and inventive people. When it came to science, technology and manufacturing the Ukrainians were able to conceptualize, develop and build new military equipment in record time. About one percent of Ukraines 42 million people were involved in the manufacturing effort that took place in homes, garages, abandoned factory buildings, barns or outside when the weather permitted. This was not a sudden development because for centuries Ukraine had been the hope of better educated problem solvers. The Tsars and Soviets tried to crush this Cossack spirit and failed. Russia also had Cossacks, the freewheeling, independent raiders that had defended southern Russia and Ukraine for a long time. As always, the Ukrainian approach was more effective. The Russians didnt realize this until they invaded. Nearly a million casualties later the Russians claim to be determined to stay in the fight until they win. The Ukrainians have a similar attitude. Ukraine has many allies and supporters, while Russia has North Korea and Iran. These three heavily sanctioned nations are up against a coalition that controls half the economic power in the world. On the battlefield that advantage resulted in Ukrainian forces receiving a continuous flow of weapons, including new ones that were first used in Ukraine. For the donor nations this was a major sales assist because now nearly all their weapons and equipment could be described as battle tested. So could the Russians, who had a higher percentage of weapons failures than Ukraine and its NATO suppliers. Early in the war NATO did not want the Ukrainians to use NATO-supplied missiles to attack Russia itself. However, the Ukrainians were free to use their own long range drones and missiles to attack targets deep inside Russia. After that NATO let Ukraine use donated long-range missiles however they wanted. Another Ukrainian innovation was drone warfare. The Ukrainians invented this along with a wide variety of drone models. Some contained video cameras that enabled their Ukrainian operators to seek out and find targets to attack the small explosive charge each drone carried. In some cases, the drones spotted a target that required artillery or a missile. The Ukrainians fired one 155mm shell or one missile at each target and the nearby drone recorded the result. The Russians quickly adopted drones but were never able to keep with Ukrainian innovations or reliability. The Russians tried using electronic jamming to disrupt the drone control signal. The Ukrainians quickly came up with a countermeasure for that. This reconnaissance, surveillance and reaction time dominance hit Russian headquarters that were constantly found and attacked near the front line. This happened when the Russians began an offensive operation and often crippled the ongoing attack because there was no one in charge. The Russians adapted but were never able to completely solve this problem. Millions of drones later Russia sees victory in Ukraine slipping away. Leader Vladimir Putin vows to fight as long as it takes. Putin does not comment on what he will do when he has so little to fight with that it is having no impact. Putin also has to worry about the looming collapse of the Russian railroad system and economy. Ukrainian drones have destroyed most of the Russian trucks and now supplies are traveling the last twenty or thirty kilometers in civilian cars and vans as well on the backs of pack animals. As innovative as the Ukrainians were, they received some help from NATO. For example, the Ukrainian naval drones that defeated the Russian Black Sea Fleet got their start when the United States donated the prototype of a naval drone developed for Taiwan to use in stopping a Chinese invasion. Ukraine used that to develop an ever-expanding line of naval droves using new technology the Americans have access to. China does not like that, which helps explain why China is quietly supplying Russia with lots of equipment. China insists that this does not include weapons, but it does contain essential components for the manufacture of weapons and munitions. Russia is the only useful ally China has. An emasculated Russia would leave China with no useful allies. One of the more intangible but vital items Ukraine received from NATO was a constant stream of data on where the Russian forces were and what they were up to. Russia was chagrined to discover that NATO would not provide Ukraine with location information on senior Russian political and military leaders. NATO needed someone to negotiate with while the Ukrainians preferred to keep killing Russian leadership until it ended the war. Even before the invasion, Russia was, and still is, trying to kill Ukrainian leaders. Russian leaders are still being killed inside Russia, indicating that Ukraine has a network of agents inside Russia. The Ukrainian and Russian languages are similar as are customs common to both countries. Before the war both Russia and Ukraine sought to contact and recruit these people as agents. The Ukrainians were far more successful and mysterious explosions, train derailments and assassinations continue to occur inside Russia. NATO knew of these operations because the NATO central control center in Germany contains several dozen Ukrainian officers and officials. Ukraine had become an unofficial member of NATO and that will become official when the war was over. LAM ONG Police in the Central Highlands province of Lam ong have arrested a South Korean national wanted internationally for fraud, local authorities said on Thursday. Hong Sangwoo, 38, was a key member of a trans-national scam ring operating in Cambodia. He was responsible for recruiting and training South Korean nationals and providing interpretation support for Chinese members of the group. The network allegedly posed as representatives of the UK-based global asset management firm Janus Henderson Group, contacting victims through the messaging app KakaoTalk and promoting investment schemes that promised 'high returns and absolute safety.' They later instructed victims to install a fake stock trading app in order to seize their assets, causing total losses estimated at around seven billion South Korean won (US$5.1 million). INTERPOL issued a Red Notice for Hong on Sept. 6, 2024, for charges of fraud under Article 347 of South Koreas Penal Code. On April 18, 2025, South Korean authorities formally requested cooperation from Vietnamese officials to locate and arrest him. Following instructions from the Ministry of Public Security, Lam ong police launched an investigation and successfully identified and apprehended Hong. He has since been transferred to the ministry for further legal processing in accordance with international law. VNS HA NOI A major online drug trafficking ring has been dismantled, with over 200kg of cannabis along with numerous related exhibits, the police of the northern province Tuyen Quang announced on Thursday. The operation was conducted in coordination with the Ha Noi City Police and the Drug Crime Investigation Police Department (under the Ministry of Public Security). Authorities have prosecuted 10 individuals involved and made arrests across several localities, including Tuyen Quang, Ha Noi, and HCM City. In Ha Noi, seven suspects were arrested, with authorities seizing 191kg of dried cannabis, nearly 160g of cannabis oil, and 591 electronic cigarettes containing cannabis oil. In HCM City, two individuals were detained along with 20kg of dried cannabis, while in Tuyen Quang, police confiscated 186g of cannabis from another suspect. The Tuyen Quang Provincial Police said this was large-scale, sophisticated drug trafficking ring spanning multiple provinces and cities. The consequences could have been severe had the ring not been busted in time. According to the investigation, the suspects used social media platforms to facilitate their transactions; and concealed cannabis among ordinary goods, and exploited delivery services as well as cryptocurrency payments to cover their tracks. The investigation began in September 2024 after police detected suspicious activity related to the online sale of cannabis. Following a period of surveillance, the task force launched a coordinated raid and successfully dismantled the entire operation. The case is currently under further investigation. Cannabis, classified in the same category as other hard drugs like amphetamine, heroine or cocaine, is illegal in Viet Nam. VNS HA NOI This summer marks significant changes in the travel habits of Vietnamese holiday makers as they tend to seek experiences enjoying nature, culture and relaxation rather than crush to check-in as many destinations as possible like previously. Since early May, tourism activities in many domestic destinations have become vibrant. Data from Booking.com reveals that during the peak summer vacation in June and July, beach trips continue to be a top priority for Vietnamese travellers. Specifically, 61 per cent of families are opting for coastal destinations, while 59 per cent prefer exploring nature and visiting major cities. The most searched domestic destinations include Ha Long (Quang Ninh), Cat Ba (Hai Phong), Sam Son (Thanh Hoa), a Nang, Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa), Phu Quoc (Kien Giang), and Vung Tau (Ba Ria - Vung Tau). Most travel agencies have reported a significant increase in bookings for tours to traditional destinations such as Ha Long, a Nang Hoi An, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, and Quy Nhon. Major travel companies like Vietravel, VietSense Travel, BestPrice Travel, and Saigontourist have launched appealing promotional tours to attract domestic travellers, anticipating a 15-20% increase in the number of summer tourists compared to the same period in 2024. Among the coastal destinations, a Nang has gained considerable attention by hosting the international fireworks festival from late May to mid-July. In addition to fireworks festival, the city planned to organise 20 activities and events, including those promoting tourism connections between the central city and ASEAN, Japan, or the Republic of Korea. Meanwhile, Nha Trang in the south central province of Khanh Hoa will host over 30 artistic and sporting events, food fairs, and island tours to attract visitors. Quy Nhon in the central province of Binh inh is emerging as a promising destination with its growing focus on coastal, ecological, and cultural tourism. Culinary experiences, sightseeing tours, and the "Return to the Land of martial arts" train tours are increasingly captivating tourists. Phu Quoc island in the southern province of Kien Giang continues to solidify its status as a premium travel destination thanks to upgraded infrastructure and luxurious resorts appealing to families, young groups, and international visitors. ao Thi Kim Lan from Royal Travel said that Phu Quoc's tourism is evolving along three trends -high-end relaxation, eco-tourism, and personalised experiences. More travellers are seeking not only natural beauty and seafood but also personal wellness and energy rejuvenation. In addition to coastal areas, the Mekong Delta and northern mountainous regions offer many options. Cities like Can Tho, An Giang, ong Thap, and Ca Mau are known for their unique aquatic ecosystems, productive lands, and mild climates, making them ideal for eco-tourism and cultural exploration. The northern mountainous region attracts visitors with breath-taking routes, improved transportation infrastructure and diverse trekking tours that showcase ethnic minority cultures. Technological assistance in holiday planning The shift in travel habits has also transformed how holiday plans are made. Previously, Vietnamese travellers relied heavily on packaged tours. However, now, they eye more towards self-guided, online bookings, and personalized itineraries. This shift puts pressure on travel companies to innovate their approaches, develop products, and communicate effectively. Tran Duong Duy from Tran Gia Travel noted that in the competitive tourism landscape, many agencies are utilising new media channels like TikTok and YouTube, as well as influencers, to promote their offerings. In addition to creating flexible service packages from all-inclusive to individual options, travel companies are actively providing knowledge and advice on attractive destinations while helping tourists avoid overcrowding that could detract from their experiences. The advancement of technology, particularly online service booking apps, has made it easier for travellers to independently choose transportation, accommodation, and activities. A smartphone can replace a traditional travel agent, allowing customers to easily find information, compare prices, and book services with just a few clicks. This not only enhances flexibility but also helps travelers save time and costs. The demand for green values, local culture, and sustainable tourism requires the industry to focus on customised products, and environmentally friendly services. This presents an opportunity for regions and businesses to adapt and develop more civilised, sustainable, and community-responsible tourism services. VNA/VNS BANGKOK Thailands Budget Bureau allocated over 509 million THB (US$15.6 million) in its proposed fiscal 2026 budget to develop border areas into medical hubs. This initiative is part of the Thai governments broader master plan to position the country as a leading global health and wellness destination. The proposed border medical centre project is currently under parliamentary review. Its goal is to upgrade hospitals in border provinces into specialised healthcare centres to improve access to medical treatment, reduce the need for patients to travel to major cities, and help lower mortality rates. Under the project, new hospitals and a cancer screening and treatment centre are planned for Kanchanaburi (75.9 million THB), Sa Kaeo (82.6 million THB), and Tak (4 million THB). Nong Khai is set to receive a minimally invasive surgery centre (69 million THB), while Pattani will gain enhanced general medical services (7.2 million THB). Additionally, a cardiac centre is planned for Sakon Nakhon (26.3 million THB); Mukdahan will have an advanced intensive care unit (82.6 million THB); a Mekong downstream medical centre is to be built in Ubon Ratchathani (152.5 million THB); and an advanced ophthalmology centre is projected for Nakhon Si Thammarat (9.6 million THB). Deputy Spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Health Jirapong Songwatcharaporn stated that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra aims to transform Thailand into a global medical hub offering services such as wellness spas, hot springs, beauty and cosmetic procedures, general medical care, dental services, traditional Thai and alternative medicine, and diagnostic testing. The plan is expected to generate over 690 billion THB annually, based on seven key policies spearheaded by the Ministry of Public Health. These include the establishment of a Health Economy Policy Office, the promotion of traditional medicine, and the encouragement of medical tourism. Jirapong emphasised that the programme will not only enhance healthcare security and reduce inequality in remote regions but also boost national income by attracting international patients seeking medical services in Thailand. VNA/VNS SEOUL The ruling Democratic Party of Korea-controlled National Assembly on Thursday passed contentious bills mandating special counsel probes into charges and scandals surrounding former President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife, Kim Keon Hee. Three probe bills reintroduced by the Democratic Party were approved during a parliamentary plenary vote held in the afternoon. One pushes to launch a permanent special counsel to investigate 11 charges tied to Yoons failed martial bid in December; another seeks to mainly investigate Kims alleged inappropriate interference in the People Power Partys candidate nomination process in previous general and by-elections as well as her luxury bag scandal; the third looks into the allegations that the Yoon administration interfered in the militarys investigation into a young Marines death in 2023. All three bills were passed in a 194-3 vote with one abstention, in a package deal. The move came a day after President Lee Jae-myung, who was the Democratic Party Chair, was sworn into office. He won Tuesday's early election, securing 49.42 per cent of the vote against his rival and People Power Party candidate Kim Moon-soo, who saw 41.15 per cent. Lee was highly likely to approve and endorse the bills, as an official at the presidential office said, there is very little reason to veto them, with all three "receiving Peoples support," in a press briefing after the plenary vote. People Power Party, which became the main opposition party on Wednesday, highlighted its party line against the passage of the bills ahead of the plenary vote. The majority of the party lawmakers boycotted all three votes. All three bills passed on Thursday had previous versions that were scrapped by former President Yoon's veto power. The bill mandating a permanent special counsel investigation against Yoon will look into 11 different charges tied to his martial law bid, including insurrection and military mutiny. The previous versions of the bill were vetoed and scrapped twice. The latest version expanded the scope of the charges from six to 11. Special counsel candidates will be nominated by the Democratic Party and the minor liberal Rebuilding Korea Party, from the parliament's side. The bill also eases regulations to access presidential archives. It lowers the threshold from the current approval needed from two-thirds of lawmakers or from a high court chief judge to three-fifths of the Assembly or permission from a district court chief judge. The bill concerning the first lady will look into her alleged role in a stock manipulation scandal as well as the inappropriate acceptance of a luxury bag from a Korean-American pastor and election-related scandals involving political broker Myung Tae-kyun. An amendment passed alongside the bills expands the scope of the number of assistant special prosecutors from four to seven and raises the cap on dispatched prosecutors from 40 to 60. THE KOREA HERALD/ANN The course has been designed to fit in with a students journey through the ACCA qualification, with a clear pathway for those wanting to attain a degree. ACCA students will be able to apply for the degree from December this year. Like the ACCA qualification, students will have the flexibility to study for the B.Sc. online anywhere in the world. They can choose between supported online learning or, as it becomes available, face-to-face tuition support, through the University of London's network of recognised teaching centres. Choosing between a professional and an academic qualification is a significant dilemma for many students. This new route offers a great career launchpad for those who want to do both at the same time, said Alan Hatfield, ACCA executive director of content, quality, and innovation. The University of London is world-renowned with a global reach and values that mirror ours. This new route supports our efforts to increase inclusion and opportunity in the accountancy profession, and to bridge the accountancy skills gap that exists in many countries. Alan Hatfield, ACCA executive director of content, quality, and innovation. Photo: ACCA Vietnam The B.Sc. (Hons) in professional accountancy builds on an existing collaboration between the two bodies, under which ACCA members and affiliates have the opportunity to attain an M.Sc. in professional accountancy. Dr. Sky Zheng, executive director of University of London Worldwide, said, We have a longstanding commitment to innovating the way we provide accessible, quality, distance education to students around the world. This includes providing courses that allow students to choose the best learning experience to suit them and their needs, whether professional or academic. Dr. Sky Zheng, executive director of University of London Worldwide. Photo: ACCA Vietnam This B.Sc. course, delivered in collaboration with ACCA, gives students the best of both worlds, gaining both credentials simultaneously to improve their career prospects in global accountancy. We look forward to helping develop the next generation of qualified professionals who can meet the evolving demands of the business world, he added. This collaboration represents the coming together of two world-class brands. The University of London is a leading provider of digital and blended education, offering degrees in partnership with their seventeen federation partners to around 40,000 students in 190 countries. ACCA supports a diverse community of over 252,500 members and 526,000 future members in 180 countries. ACCA publish guide to sustainability reporting ACCA released its latest report in the sustainability reporting series on February 5. Titled 'Sustainability Reporting: Risk and Materiality', it provides practical guidance for businesses to determine the material information they need to disclose in their sustainability reports. ACCA event highlights technology's role in sustainability practices The commitment of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) to supporting firms in their development was evidenced at a conference on technology's role in applying sustainability practices that took place in Ho Chi Minh City on March 12. Confidence among accountants hits new low amid global economic woes Confidence among accountants worldwide has dropped to its lowest level in nearly four years, with North America experiencing an unprecedented plunge. SAV and ACCA join forces to elevate banking workforce As Vietnam integrates further with the global financial system, an internationally qualified workforce has become a pivotal need for the banking sector to maintain competitiveness and long-term sustainability. ACCA expert weighs in on Vietnam's proposed Budget Law reforms The draft amendment to the State Budget Law currently under parliamentary discussion promises to streamline budget allocation and settlement processes. Mike Suffield, director of Policy and Insights, ACCA spoke to VIRs Vy Vy to give his view. Truong Ba Tuan, deputy director general of the Department of Tax Policies, Fees, and Charges Supervisory Authority under the Ministry of Finance (MoF), noted that adhering closely to the guidelines of the Party and the state, the MoF has conducted research and a comprehensive review and assessment of tax laws. The financial sector is accelerating tax reforms and administrative procedure simplification to aid the private sector's development A report will be submitted for competent authorities to consider tax amendments, with the goal of comprehensively and synchronously supplementing the tax laws within Vietnams tax system. Tuan gave the remark in a talk with the media early this month. Leveraging this comprehensive review, the MoF has submitted proposals to the government and the National Assembly (NA) to amend and supplement five key tax laws, said Tuan. These include the Law on Value Added Tax which was passed by the NA last November, the amended Law on Special Consumption Tax, and the amended Law on Corporate Income Tax. Both have been presented to the NA for feedback and are expected to be adopted at an NA session this month. Revisions to the Law on Export and Import Duties are also slated for approval this month, while the replacement of the Law on Personal Income Tax has been proposed for inclusion in the 2025 legislative programme. According to Tuan, these tax reforms aim to ensure a rational mobilisation of resources for the state budget to fulfill development tasks, uphold social security, and reduce poverty. At the same time, the updated tax policies are designed to nurture and expand revenue sources for the state budget. The tax framework is built on the principle of equality, providing non-discriminatory treatment between different economic sectors, including domestic businesses and foreign-invested companies. It also includes targeted incentives to foster the growth of the private sector, said Tuan. Beyond policy development, the MoF has proactively advised the government on implementing a series of tax reduction measures to support business development. Among these is the preferential corporate income tax rate of 15 per cent or 17 per cent for small firms, compared to the standard 20 per cent rate, aiming to strengthen this critical segment. Additional measures include tax exemptions on income from the transfer of green bonds, first-time carbon credit transfers post-issuance, and income earned by public service units providing essential services, such as initiatives that contribute to green growth, sustainable development, and social welfare. The MoF has also reviewed and rationalised preferential tax policies to encourage investment, job creation, technological advancement, innovation, and digital transformation, aiming at furthering national strategic priorities. Simultaneously, specific tax policies have been introduced to curb the consumption of products harmful to public health or the environment. On May 4, the Politburo issued a resolution to propel private sector development, laying out numerous tasks and solutions, including the refinement of tax policy. Tuan revealed that, in response, the MoF quickly developed and submitted a proposal to the government, which led to the NAs adoption of another resolution on special mechanisms for promoting private sector growth on May 17. The resolution introduces several new, distinctive tax policies beyond the scope of existing legislation, some of which are being implemented in Vietnam for the first time. In addition to policymaking, the MoF has promoted administrative reform to create a more favourable environment for taxpayers, ensuring accurate and sufficient state budget revenue while addressing challenges encountered in implementing tax policies, said Tuan. Resolution 68: Unlocking Vietnams private sector A new, sweeping policy directive could mark the most significant shift in the countrys economic orientation since the economic reforms of the 1980s. Richard D. McClellan, founder of RMAC Advisory, has a look at Vietnam's bold vision for private sector development, foreign investment, and more. Private sector vision poised to reimagine real estate A new vision for the private sector in Vietnam highlights the pivotal role of real estate enterprises, a key component in driving development across urbanisation, infrastructure, industry, trade, tourism, and services. Earlier this year, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh directed the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) to evaluate commercial banks proposals for implementing Basel III international banking standards, particularly in relation to the countrys planned global financial centres. Several of Vietnams leading banks have already completed their Basel III programmes, signalling the industrys commitment to higher standards of capital adequacy and risk management. Eric Yeo, country general manager, Amazon Web Services Vietnam The growing uptake of Basel III guidelines among Vietnams financial institutions demonstrates a sophisticated approach that goes beyond simply strengthening capital reserves. Banks are now taking a long-term view of capital utilisation, implementing frameworks that help maintain adequate capital during growth periods while providing essential buffers during crises. This evolution in banking practices represents Vietnams growing alignment with international standards and regulations, and also underscores the nations ambition to become a significant player in global financial services. As we draw close to mid-2025, my conversations with customers increasingly focus on what role technology, cloud, and generative AI play in helping banks meet these higher standards and to ensure compliance with new guidelines as early as possible. Cloud computing offers banks the scalability and agility needed to manage compute capacity on demand, while efficiently handling the integration and processing of vast amounts of data from multiple sources for risk calculations and reporting. Unlike on-premises environments, cloud can scale and adapt to dynamic market demands, enabling real-time risk assessments with greater flexibility. Additionally, were witnessing the transformative impact of GenAI in banking operations, particularly in helping risk managers and technology teams interpret new regulations and assess their implications for data management, analytics, and risk computation workflows. Gen AIs capabilities are especially valuable in Basel III compliance efforts. When faced with thousands of pages of regulatory documents, Gen AI can efficiently summarise relevant regulations, analyse their impact on existing data architecture, and guide developers in making necessary coding changes. This technology helps developers understand the context and also identifies specific framework components requiring updates while validating code against Basel III repositories. To successfully implement Basel III and other similar standards, banks must maintain substantial capital reserves and accept higher provisioning to mitigate operational risks. While large banks with strong financial foundations are adapting more readily, smaller institutions face significant pressure. Beyond capital requirements, a major hurdle for Vietnams banking system is the need for accurate, reliable, and up-to-date data an area where the country still faces notable gaps. It is not just in financial risk management, like Basel III, that is resonating in my executive conversations. We are cognisant as well of how AWS and the financial services industry share a common commitment to operational risk management. The industry now has greater awareness of the need for availability and reliability of their services. Furthermore, the security of systems and customer data, paired with service continuity, especially for critical economic functions, forms the foundation of resiliency in Vietnams financial services industry. Supporting this goal, AWS has announced plans to launch a new AWS Local Zone in Hanoi. This will enable customers to run core AWS services locally while seamlessly connecting to workloads in AWS Regions, maintaining the same elasticity, pay-as-you-go model, application programming interfaces (APIs), and tool sets they rely on. There is also a constant challenge across heavily regulated industries like financial services striking the important balance between security and resilience, against the organisations ability to deliver innovation, drive cost optimisation, launch features/services that deliver rich customer experiences, and overall, deliver quantifiable business value. Our customers are showing the way for how the industry should meet higher and higher standards of resiliency, security, and stability of financial services. In November 2024, VIB successfully migrated its website to the cloud, advancing its cloud-first and AI-first strategies. This move ensures support for millions of simultaneous customers with fast response times, even during traffic spikes, through AWSs high network bandwidth and automatic resource allocation. As a result, VIB optimises performance, enhances scalability, and drives innovation through AI while strengthening operational resilience. Operational resilience, like security, is a shared responsibility between AWS and our customers. AWS maintains the availability of infrastructure and services, the essential building blocks for customer applications, while ensuring preparedness for events that could impact our infrastructure. Customers, meanwhile, are responsible for managing the resilience of their data and workloads, including architecture decisions, disaster recovery planning, high availability implementation, and backup strategies. Our edge locations in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City help customers achieve up to 30 per cent improvement for first byte latency while providing secure, reliable connectivity to the global AWS network. Beyond infrastructure, AWS supports customers in meeting their resilience objectives through comprehensive training and guidance on frameworks like AWS Well-Architected best practices. Across the world, thousands of financial institutions like Goldman Sachs, Bloomberg, and Experian are using AWS to redefine their future, by building their own applications for mission-critical workloads such as mobile banking, core systems, regulatory reporting, and capital markets trading. In Vietnam, major banks, insurers, and financial services providers rely on AWS for their mission-critical workloads, backed by advanced security capabilities, compliance certifications, and operational best practices like the AWS Well-Architected Framework. AWS commits long-term support for Vietnams digital transformation Amazon Web Services is launching its AWS Local Zone in Vietnam as part of its long-term investment commitment to the country's digital transformation. Westcon-Comstor expands collaboration with Amazon Web Services to Vietnam Westcon-Comstor, a global technology provider and specialist distributor, on April 3 announced that it has expanded its distribution agreement with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to become the first authorised AWS distributor in Vietnam. KMS Technology signed the Vietnam Panel Pledge on June 5 in Ho Chi Minh City The Vietnam Panel Pledge is supported by nearly 50 organisations, aiming to drive inclusive representation in the workplace and at professional events. This milestone strengthens KMS's commitment to building a workplace where individuals from all backgrounds can thrive and contribute meaningfully. According to Du Nguyen, managing director of KMS Technology, joining the Vietnam Panel Pledge reaffirms the company's dedication to DEI. "We believe that a workforce enriched by diverse perspectives and experiences drives innovation, resilience, and sustainable long-term success. By nurturing an inclusive culture, we not only empower our people and better serve our clients, but also lay the groundwork for continued growth in an increasingly diverse global market," said Nguyen. With this signing, KMS lays a strong foundation to broaden its DEI advocacy, extend its impact beyond the organisation, and contribute to a more inclusive business ecosystem DEI is increasingly recognised as a cornerstone for building strong, sustainable, and innovative organisations globally. At KMS Technology, DEI has long been embedded in the company's culture through comprehensive internal policies, inclusive communication, and a steadfast commitment to fairness, belonging, and empowerment. In diversity, KMS's workforce includes individuals from more than four nationalities and seven ethnicities across three countries, representing a dynamic, multigenerational mix of 2 per cent Gen X, 53 per cent Gen Y, and 45 per cent Gen Z. In equity, all employees have equitable access to opportunities, benefits, and professional growth, as outlined in the company's employee handbook. For inclusion, inclusivity is a core company value, fostering a workplace culture of collaboration, respect, and shared purpose. KMS Technology expands reach to Asia with Vietnam in focus KMS Technology, one of the leading companies of software outsourcing and product development in the US, will expand its business to Asia with Vietnam as its focus. Launched on World Environment Day, this green space underscores KTG Industrials commitment to a sustainable business model, one that balances environmental responsibility with industrial advancement. KTG Industrial launched a new project We're striving to build more responsibly and taking our first steps towards meeting our environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments, said Dang Trong Duc, CEO of KTG Industrial. Our reforestation campaign is a modest but meaningful effort that reflects our intention to support the 'One Billion Trees for a Green Vietnam' initiative and its broader vision for net-zero emissions by 2050. The tree planting initiative is a collaboration between KTG Industrial, Kansai Vina, the projects main contractor, and the KTG Foundation. Building for demand, designed for impact Phase 1 of VSIP Bac Ninh 2 is being introduced to the market at a time of growing demand for high-quality industrial space. Following the high occupancy of KTG Industrial Yen Phong IIC Phase 2, this new development offers significant advantages to tenants seeking operational excellence and long-term value. Situated just 24 minutes from Noi Bai International Airport and only 30 minutes from Hanoi's central business district, the 14ha project has been developed in two phases. Phase 1 is now underway with 44,000 sq.m of net leasing area across seven modern and green RBFs. The project is expected to welcome its first tenants by late 2025. Tenants will benefit from exceptional connectivity with four expressways, three international airports, and two deep-sea ports, making VSIP Bac Ninh 2 a strategic hub for seamless access to both domestic and international markets. KTG Industrial VSIP Bac Ninh 2 Phase 1 is planned for handover by late 2025 As KTG Industrial strives to become the most trusted industrial real estate solutions provider in Vietnam, it recognises that sustainability is one of the core standards guiding that journey. VSIP Bac Ninh 2 is more than just a building, its a measurable result of this commitment. With its LEED Gold certification, integrated ESG framework, and significant environmental investment, KTG Industrial is proving how development can drive both business success and environmental stewardship. KTG Industrial, managed by BKIM (KTG Industrial), a co-developed brand of KTG and Boustead Projects, is a prominent force in Vietnam's industrial real estate sector. With a focus on RBFs, warehouses, and built-to-suit factories, KTG Industrial is committed to being the preferred choice for foreign businesses seeking robust and sustainable development opportunities. Website: https://ktgindustrial.com/ Email: cs@bkim.sg Hotline: (+84)896 896 899 Vietnam: a strategic investment destination for global and Chinese groups Vietnams prime location, young workforce, and free trade agreements are drawing Chinese investors looking to diversify amid global trade tensions. Building a thriving community with KTG Industrial In the fast-paced world of industrial development, creating a sense of community within industrial parks has become crucial for success. This is especially true in the key economic zones of Dong Nai and Bac Ninh, where KTG Industrial has been leading the way in fostering a collaborative environment among its tenants. KTG Industrial crafts success with trusted factory solutions In Vietnams dynamic industrial landscape, KTG Industrial stands out as a trusted developer, committed to crafting success with its reliable factory solutions. The document stated that to promptly reassure consumers and prevent negative impacts on the production and supply chain of livestock, the MoAE requested the Ministry of Public Security to investigate, verify, and clarify information spread on social networks and strictly handle organisations and individuals who violated the law. According to a report by the MoAE's Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine released on June 2, an interdisciplinary inspection team from Soc Trang province, including representatives of the Department of Agriculture and Environment, Department of Health, Department of Industry and Trade, and the local police, had conducted surprise inspections of C.P. Fresh Shop stores in the province. The team did not find any signs of disease or rotten pork or chicken products that had been circulating. However, the inspection found some errors in administrative procedures. Specifically, the food safety certificates at three shops had expired. Some shops were also unable to provide business registration or food safety training certificates for employees. To further clarify the suspicions, the inspection team took samples of ground pork at the stores and sent them for testing. The results confirmed that all meat samples were negative for African swine fever, classical swine fever, and blue ear disease. On May 30, accounts named Jonny Lieu on Facebook and Ngan Tech on Zalo posted information related to pork and chicken products at C.P. Vietnam. They claimed to be employees of the company who had discovered serious violations that occurred every day, such as selling sick pigs and chickens for half price. Responding to this claim, on the same day, C.P. Vietnam issued a statement denying the above information, saying that this was a fabrication aimed at damaging the reputation of the business. It said that all images in the articles were of unknown origin with time or location, and not related to C.P.Vietnam's product system. Meat samples from C.P. Vietnam stores test negative for disease following allegations The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MoAE) announced the results of pork inspections at the Fresh Shop chain of CP Vietnam Corporation in the Mekong Delta province of Soc Trang on June 2, after information spread and caused panic on social networks. Livestock sector promotes circularity Several livestock companies are making efforts to enhance their circular economy to boost the quality and value of products, amid a target of $1.5 billion in export turnover for the sector this year. C.P. Group chairman confirms investment expansion in Vietnam At the Vietnam Thailand Business Forum in Hanoi on May 16, Chairman of Charoen Pokphand Group (C.P. Group) Soopakij Chearavanont and the senior management board of C.P. Vietnam (CPV) met with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. The MoAE as instructed heightened control over slaughtering practices The move follows a series of recent incidents involving the slaughter of pigs in Ha Tinh and Quang Tri provinces, and alleged violations at a major retail chain in Soc Trang province in the south. The document calls for rectifying the management of slaughtering processes to guarantee food safety. The directive highlights that in late May and early June, two serious incidents were uncovered. On May 30, Ha Tinh authorities seized a truck transporting 180 dead and diseased pigs intended for consumption. On June 3, another truck carrying multiple dead pigs was discovered in Quang Tri en route to a slaughterhouse. Additionally, a social media post by the account Jonny Lieu (with 29,000 followers) alleged serious violations by the leadership of a foreign-invested livestock company. This case is currently under investigation by the Ministry of Public Security at the request of the MoAE. In response to these incidents, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Phung Duc Tien signed a document requesting peoples committees to take decisive measures to strengthen the management of slaughtering activities. The ministry has called for increased spot inspections of slaughterhouses. Facilities found violating regulations, such as slaughtering pigs that died from disease or operating without veterinary supervision, must face strict penalties. Unlicensed facilities, those failing to meet veterinary hygiene and food safety standards, or those using prohibited chemicals or additives, must be suspended. Localities have been instructed to direct local departments of agriculture and environment to strictly implement slaughter control procedures which regulate slaughter control and veterinary hygiene inspections. This will ensure clear inspections and supervision from animal intake to slaughter, processing, and distribution. Additionally, there is a need to establish and implement close coordination mechanisms between local authorities and interdisciplinary forces, including veterinary services, health authorities, police, and market management agencies, to enhance the detection and handling of violations. The ministry also instructed cities and provinces to promote awareness campaigns, encouraging organisations and individuals involved in trading, slaughtering, and processing to comply with legal regulations. Local localities have been urged to prioritise the development of centralised slaughtering facilities that meet veterinary hygiene, disease safety, and food safety standards. Additionally, proactive food safety monitoring for animal-derived products should be implemented. Ministries examine online allegations accusing C.P. Vietnam of selling diseased pork The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MoAE) sent a document to the Ministry of Public Security on June 4 regarding the investigation and handling of information spread on social networks that alleged CP Vietnam Corporation has been supplying diseased pork. After more than 20 months of execution, BM Windows completed the production and delivery of 6,720 panels for the One Bloor West project (formerly The One Toronto), a building standing over 300-metre tall with 85 floors, officially becoming the tallest building in Canada. This project features one of the most complex facade systems in North America, designed by Foster & Partners, and required strict compliance with technical standards set by ASTM International. BM Windows served as a supplier and directly participated in the entire process, from technical design to fabrication, realising the stringent requirements related to climate, wind pressure, and precision. The success of this project has been acknowledged by the investor as testament to the international capabilities of a Vietnamese aluminium and glass facade contractor. 55 Pitt Street, sitting at the heart of Sydney Harbour, next to Sydney Opera House, Circular Quay After its mark in Canada, BM Windows has continued to affirm its status at the 55 Pitt Street project, a 238.1-metre-tall building with 55 floors in Sydney with three sides facing the main streets of Pitt, Underwood, and Dalley. At the heart of Sydney Harbour, next to the Sydney Opera House, in the Circular Quay central berth, 55 Pitt Street offers traffic optimal connections with a globally prestigious view. The building was designed by a joint venture between SHoP Architects and Woods Bagot, and developed by Mirvac, with facade consulting by firms like Prism Facades and CoreFDM. The construction aims for the most demanding green certificates such as 6-star Green Star, NABERS Energy, and WELL Core and Shell Platinum, using local materials and facade solution made from terracotta to strengthen heat insulation, mitigate environmental impacts, and forge a signature aesthetic with a curved facade. From the early stages, BM Windows was deeply involved in technical research and solution development. The companys international experts travelled to Australia to work on-site, ensuring that all design and technical standards were met to the highest level and withstood the local climate. This demonstrates BM Windows integrated capabilities in design, manufacturing, and execution when collaborating with leading international partners. Alongside its international projects, BM Windows continues to play a leading role in Vietnam. Notably, at Long Thanh International Airport, the company is executing key facade and central skylight roofing packages. The central skylight, covering over 11,000sq.m and composed of more than 5,400 triangular glass panels with 756 unique edge profiles, is considered one of the most complex glass structures ever built in Vietnam. In addition, major new projects such as The Marc 88, Lumi Hanoi, Lotus HCM, and OSI Tower are now underway, highlighting the growing scale and depth of BM Windows execution reach. The participation of a Vietnamese company in a series of iconic projects in North America and Australia, each with demanding technical requirements, stringent green standards, and tight timelines, demonstrates the maturity of Vietnams supporting industries on the global construction map. Tran Van Tien, CEO of BM Windows (second from the left), speaking at the Zak World of Facade Sydney event in February As of now, BM Windows technology and technical expertise has fully met the most complex project requirements worldwide. We confidently deliver facade solutions that conquer the highest challenges in design, technical standards, and quality in the most demanding markets globally, shared Tran Van Tien, CEO of BM Windows at the Zak World of Facade Sydney event in February. Consul general of Canada visits BM Windows The visit took place on October 30 as BM Windows, the company building the facade of The One skyscraper in Toronto, is about to export its first batch of materials to Canada. BM Windows attended Zak World of Facades conference in Toronto Aluminium and glass supplier BM Windows was the first Vietnamese enterprise joining the flagship event Zak World of Facades 2024 in Toronto. Texas author Bryan Burrough knew he wanted to write book on gunfighters of the American West, but struggled with the angle: Could he say anything new about the likes of Jesse James, Billy the Kid, Wyatt Earp, Wild Bill Hickok, Sam Bass or dozens more whose gun-slinging exploits are woven into the mythos of the Wild West? Before he starting working with cowriters Chris Tomlinson and Jason Stanford on their 2021 book Forget the Alamo: The Rise and Fall of an American Myth, the light came on: Maybe the fresh angle was connecting the facts and multiple fictions of those epic gunmen into a coherent overview. Burrough, who comes to Wacos Fabled Bookshop & Cafe on Tuesday night to talk about his book, does just that in his new effort, The Gunfighters: How Texas Made The West Wild, a survey whose revelations include the central role that Texas played in the gunfighting culture and myth-making of 19th century America. The people who populated the Lone Star State not only imported a Southern tradition of dueling over questions of personal honor, but the state itself proved a crucible of violence from its early days of hostile frontiers with Mexico and Native American tribes such as the Comanche. Throw in a destabilizing Civil War that left tens of thousands with unresolved trauma and anger, plus a burgeoning cattle industry that required armed protection from rustlers and raiders, and the dots of Western gunfighting get connected. I think mine is the first whole story of the era, Burrough said in a recent phone interview from his Austin home. I didnt want 19 chapters on 19 gunfighters and I think it holds together. Separating fact from myth, however, is easier said than done, and there was plenty of both to plow through. Burroughs extensive bibliography in The Gunfighters covers 17 pages with more than 250 citations. Fans of Western history and gunfighters, in fact, will appreciate the frequent book recommendations he sprinkles through footnotes that carry a fair share of Burroughs wit and humor. I had way too much fun with the footnotes in the book, he admitted. Those who expect The Gunfighters to deflate many of the gunfighter legends and myths that have fueled dime novels, books, movies and television series will find some of that in his book. Hickok and Johnny Ringo were fakes, he noted, and Texas celebrated outlaw John Wesley Hardin is largely a racist killer. But the author finds merit in Earp as a defender of law and order, though himself an escaped federal prisoner, and the Texas Rangers as a force that ultimately tamped down the states violent excesses. The Gunfighters covers a whos who of the Old West with legendary names and places like Earp, James, Billy the Kid, Tombstone and Dodge City, Doc Holliday, Bass, Hickok, Ringo, Butch Cassidy, the James Gang, the Dalton Brothers, the Doolin-Dalton Gang and the Lincoln County War. He uncovers dozens more, plus lesser known stories such as Arizonas Pleasant Valley War of the 1880s, possibly the bloodiest American feud with scores killed in a feud between fluid factions of sheepherders, cowboys, families and Mormons. Even on the most famous gunfighters, Burrough finds enough detail and complexity to round them from stereotypes to rounded, if often flawed, humans. These are not cartoon characters. I wanted to make them into three-dimensional characters, he said. Burroughs big-picture overview also shows the successive and often short-lived waves of violence that followed the expansion of the cattle industry, from Texas to Kansas cowtowns like Abilene and Dodge City, then New Mexico and Arizona. Technology in the form of the Colt revolver revolutionized gunfighting and the era saw new forms of crime evolve, from bank robberies, a rarity before the Civil War, to train robberies, the last a lucrative target for gun-wielding robbers as communities and banks tightened their security. The positive early response to The Gunfighters, led by favorable reviews in The Wall Street Journal where Burrough once worked as a young reporter, and The New York Times, has proven a pleasant surprise for Burrough. I was nervous about this (book). Its a book on killing people, but its casual and conversational, he said. Casual and conversational likely will describe his Waco appearance, a return to the city where he lived with his family in the 1960s before they moved to Temple. His father John Mac Burrough worked as president of First National Bank of Temple in the 1970s through 1990s and his parents have kept up some Waco friendships. Burrough worked as a Waco Tribune-Herald intern before going on to a career with the Journal and as the author of such nonfiction books as Public Enemies, Barbarians at the Gate, The Big Rich, Days of Rage and Remember the Alamo. He and his family have lived in Austin since 2016 and he welcomes the first leg of a multi-month book tour that has him traveling to Waco and across the state. I cant wait to talk at Texas bookstores, he said. Local Ambulance Service volunteer driver celebrated as part of Volunteers Week The Welsh Ambulance Service has paid tribute to its volunteers for Volunteers Week. This week is an annual celebration of the contribution that millions of people make across the UK through volunteering. Almost 700 volunteers give up their time to support the ambulance service in Wales, including 353 Community First Responders, 128 Community Welfare Responders and 160 Volunteer Car Service Drivers. Lee Brooks, the Trusts Executive Director of Operations, said: Volunteers are an essential part of the Welsh Ambulance Service. Their commitment and generosity directly impact thousands of patients every year, and we simply couldnt do what we do without them. Volunteers Week is a wonderful chance to recognise their incredible efforts, to celebrate the time and energy they selflessly give, and to thank them publicly for their continued support of their local communities. Among the volunteering opportunities at the Welsh Ambulance Service is the role of Community First Responders (CFRs). CFRs attend 999 calls in their community and administer treatment in the precious first minutes of a medical emergency. They are trained by the Welsh Ambulance Service to administer first aid, including oxygen therapy and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, as well as the use of a defibrillator. In 2024/25, CFRs attended more than 10,841 emergencies in Wales. Two years ago, in a UK NHS ambulance service first, CFRs also were trained to administer Methoxyflurane, or Penthrox, a fast-acting drug used to reduce pain in patients with a traumatic injury like a fracture, dislocation, severe laceration or burns. Ben Kirkham, 50, who is based in Colwyn Bay, has been a qualified CFR since November 2016 and combines his role with his full-time job as an occupational therapist in the north Wales area. Over almost nine years of volunteering, Ben has become an important member of the Colwyn Bay team of volunteers where he acts as coordinator for the team and also sits on the ambulance services Volunteer Steering Group. Ben said: I wanted to do something for the community first of all, something that felt like I was making a tangible difference. I heard about the CFR role through a colleague at work and realised that as an occupational therapist, I was used to going into peoples homes to assess their needs so I already had transferrable skills that would help with the role. I appreciate that as a CFR, its different, because we often see people when they are at their lowest or in real distress, but my full-time job definitely helped. Ive learned so much as a CFR and continue to learn as our scope of practice develops to meet the demands of the role. To anyone thinking of volunteering I would say just go for it, its such a worthwhile thing to do. Yes, there are tough times and some difficult incidents, but for some patients, just having someone there with them can make all the difference, regardless of whether you are a volunteer, paramedic or other health professional. Another position is the Community Welfare Responder (CWR) role. CWRs are volunteers who attend incidents which are not immediately life-threatening, to provide live, real-time observations and information to the Trusts control rooms, including temperature, blood pressure and heart rate so that the patient can be monitored remotely by clinicians. Among those taking up this new role is Jackie Hatton-Bell, one of the 128 CWRs the Trust currently has volunteering in this position. Jackie, 53, of Narberth, Pembrokeshire, is a former HR consultant and financial advisor who, after selling her successful business in 2019, found that she still had plenty to offer her local community. Jackie, who joined in 2024 and who also sits on the Volunteer Steering Group, said: I absolutely love what I do as no two incidents are ever the same and being able to get out into my local community to help others really makes me feel like my time is being well spent. I can pick and choose when I go on shift and can easily fit the role in around any plans or commitments I have elsewhere. It has really inspired me, and I honestly think that if Id discovered something like this twenty years ago, I would have given serious thought to changing careers and maybe becoming a paramedic. Recruitment and training of CWRs is supported jointly by NHS Charities Together and the Welsh Ambulance Service Charity, equipping CWRs to attend 1,045 incidents in the last year alone. In addition to responding to emergency calls, volunteers also play vital roles in other areas, such as the Volunteer Car Service (VCS). The Volunteer Car Service is made up of a team of dedicated volunteer drivers across Wales, who use their own vehicles to transport patients to and from hospital appointments, such as renal dialysis, oncology and outpatients appointments. Last year, VCS drivers covered an incredible 1,426,165 miles between them, completing 45,557 journeys, an average of 8,914 miles per volunteer driver. Among them is John Mackie, 56, of Rossett, Wrexham. John, who is originally from Glasgow, spent 32 years working for frozen food retailer Iceland, and was on the board of directors at the company before taking early retirement. He now spends his time volunteering, travelling in his motorhome and keeping fit at the gym where he works out four or five times a week. John said: It all started for me after my father was diagnosed with cancer and I was taking him to and from the hospital for appointments and treatment. I could see other patients in the waiting room who were waiting to be taken home and after seeing a post on social media about the VCS, it all fell into place, and I applied immediately. I can honestly say its one of the best things I have ever done, and it really is a rewarding role as I get to help people who are going through a very difficult time, just like my father was. Its so flexible and I can easily fit it in around my other hobbies and interests. I give three days a week to being a VCS Driver and I would encourage other people who have the spare time and a vehicle to consider becoming a volunteer. Gareth Parry, Operations Manager, Volunteering and Community Resilience, said: Our fantastic volunteers play a vital role in supporting the Trust, offering their time, skills, and compassion to strengthen patient care. Their dedication ensures our service continues to provide the highest level of support to communities. In return, they take on a challenging and highly rewarding role, becoming a vital part of #TeamWAST, while making a meaningful difference in peoples lives. This Volunteers Week, we celebrate and thank them for their invaluable contributions across Wales. Senedd rebuffs call for public inquiry into beleaguered health board Senedd members rejected calls for a public inquiry ahead of the ten-year anniversary of ministers placing Betsi Cadwaladr university health board into special measures. Gareth Davies led a Conservative debate calling for a public inquiry, with Sunday marking the unwelcome milestone of a decade in special measures for the north Wales health board. Mr Davies, who worked for the NHS before his election in 2021, warned the health board remains mired in systemic failure, with no clear timeline for recovery. He said: A decade on, the Welsh Government has acknowledged that Betsi could languish in this state indefinitely. This is not just a failure of management, its a failure of accountability, leadership and political will under Labours stewardship. The Vale of Clwyd Senedd member argued a public inquiry is needed to uncover the root causes of the prolonged crisis and deliver justice for the people of north Wales. Dire realities The evidence is damning, he said. When combined, Betsi has spent longer in special measures than any other organisation in the history of the NHS. Political expediency saw the Welsh Government prematurely lift Betsi out of special measures only for dire realities, safety breaches, patient harm and operational chaos to force its reinstatement back in 2023. Mr Davies told the Senedd only two people were waiting longer than two years for treatment in June 2015, compared with 5,747 today a staggering 287,250% increase. The north Walian said: Patients in north Wales are 1,460 times more likely to face such delays than in England; a quarter of all NHS waiting lists in Wales fall under Betsis jurisdiction despite it serving just a fraction of the population the human cost is alarming. He told the chamber that a 2024 Audit Wales report on Betsi painted a grim picture of ongoing leadership instability and a lack of coherent, long-term planning. Chronic failure Mabon ap Gwynfor, for Plaid Cymru, denounced a long story of chronic failure, executive dysfunction and organisational chaos that has bedevilled the north Wales health board. He pointed out that Betsi, which was established in 2009 with the merger of six local health boards, has been in special measures for two-thirds of its existence. Mr ap Gwynfor said: What the residents of north Wales are really crying out for is an end to the excuse making and the buck passing, and some tangible evidence of progress. He sympathised with calls for a public inquiry but argued it would not be the best course of action at this stage due to practical considerations. He criticised the shameful decision and political opportunism from ministers who lifted the health board out of special measures in late 2020, with a Senedd election on the horizon. Afterthought Mark Isherwood pointed out that Betsi was established under the One Wales government a coalition between Labour and Plaid Cymru from 2007 to 2011. Mr Isherwood, who chairs the public accounts committee, warned that independent board members who battled to see the organisation learn from past failings have been replaced. The Conservative, who spent new years eve as a patient at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, said: Staff were brilliant but the system was clearly breaking. When I told a cardiologist it must be worse because it was new years eve, he said no, this is not exceptional. The waiting room screen said two-and-a-half hours to treatment but the triage told me to ignore that as it would be at least eight. I spent the night on a trolley in the majors ward and had to ask for a blanket at 3am. His Tory colleague Sam Rowlands, who also represents North Wales, warned patients have experienced a decade of decline, despair and despondency despite the best efforts of staff. North Wales is far too often an afterthought for the Labour party, he claimed. Ambitious plans Labours Carolyn Thomas and Lesley Griffiths argued Wales needs to start celebrating what is good about our health service, with many people receiving fantastic treatment. I refuse to talk down our wonderful NHS, said Ms Thomas. If politicians continue to talk down the health board it will continue to struggle to recruit people: the NHS is its staff. Responding to the debate on June 4, Wales health secretary Jeremy Miles told the Senedd the health board is making sustainable improvement for better health outcomes. He raised significant improvements in leadership, quality and safety in the past two years. But Mr Miles acknowledged: We must see urgent improvements if we are to meet our ambitious plans to continue to cut waiting times for people this year. Senedd members rejected the Tory motion, 33-13, with Labour and Plaid Cymru voting against. The Welsh Governments amended version was agreed, 24-23. Wrexham lecturer calls for cyber skills boost as attacks hit major retailers A cyber security expert at Wrexham University has called for urgent action to address the UKs cyber skills shortage, in light of the cyber attacks which have shook Britains high street retailers. Shawn Price, a Lecturer in Cyber Security at Wrexham University, has shared his views, in light of the ongoing fallout of a cyber attack on Marks & Spencers (M&S) business operations, as customers have not been able to buy items on the M&S website and app since the end of April. The retailer said last week that online services should see a gradual return to normal over the coming weeks, but some level of disruption would continue until July. While, Co-op was also hit by a cyber attack in April, with customer data compromised and empty shelves in stores over recent weeks as a result of the attack. Shawn, who has a background in cyber security in the financial and commercial training sectors, said that in an era of escalating cyber threats coupled with the growing skills shortage the need for skilled cyber security professionals has never been more critical. He said: As we have seen in recent weeks, cyber threats are becoming more and more sophisticated but also incredibly disruptive, so the need for well-trained professionals is of vital importance and needs to be a top priority in addressing the skills shortages. But in order to stand out, cyber security professionals of the future will need to have that perfect blend of academic qualifications mixed with industry experience that combination of theoretical knowledge coupled with the relevant industry experience is essential. As a higher education institution, we have an important role to play in addressing this demand for a highly skilled cyber workforce by preparing our students to meet the future needs of a dynamic and rapidly evolving technological landscape. The advent of AI has also had an enormous impact on cyber security both positively as a tool for defence against attacks but also negatively, as its used by the attackers. AI can enhance threat detection, automate security tasks, and improve incident response, while simultaneously also being used by the malicious actors to create more sophisticated cyber attacks. Shawn has hailed the cyber sector as one of the most exciting, fast-paced industries to work in. He added: For cyber security professionals it is so much more than a job, it is a passion and a vocation. You always want to stay ahead and keep an eye out for the latest emerging threats and developments. It really is one of the most exciting, fast-paced industries you could ever work in. Theres also never been a more crucial time to join the field and whats even more exciting is that some of the jobs of the future dont yet exist. 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. Governor Lombardo has vetoed a bill that would have raised the age requirement to buy semi-automatic weapons in Nevada. Assembly Bill 245, sponsored by Assembly Floor Leader Sandra Jauregui, would have prohibited anyone younger than 21 years old from buying or possessing semi-automatic shotguns and semi-automatic assault weapons. Assembly Floor Leader Sandra Jauregui issued the following statement: "It is disheartening that Governor Lombard chose to put politics above public safety by vetoing AB245. Raising the minimum age to purchase assault weapons is a straightforward, commonsense step to protect our communities and save lives. Time and again, weve seen the tragic consequences when individuals obtain assault-style weapons as soon as they turn 18. Despite today's veto, my priority will continue to be putting forth policies that help end gun violence." Lombardo vetoed the bill on June 2nd. A man was arrested Tuesday on charges of vehicle burglary following an incident on Monday. Plus, a new luxury sunscreen from Good Weather Skin hits shelves and a bold wallpaper collaboration between Black Crow Studios and Academy of Art students that will make your home. New West Marin fashion brand Folk Saint will have you at "heirloom quality." (Courtesy of Folk Saint) Do you prefer timelessness over trends? Special pieces with sweet vintage vibes and a Western soul? Folk Saint has your number. Just launched by fashion designer and Woodacre resident Ashley Castanos (formerly co-owner of bridal line Daughters of Simone), Folk Saints spring collection brings nostalgic feels while still managing to be utterly relevant (no easy feat). The debut collection of delightful dresses, blouses, and pants comes in a range of silhouettes using sustainable fabrics: think 60s-style minidresses with western details, bell bottoms that ooze 70s grooviness, and oversized menswear shirts. The queen bee of the collection is unquestionably the Dahlia Dress , a full-length 1920s-inspired stunner with a loose fit, dainty collar, subtle puffed shoulder, flowing skirt, and FSs signature Western yoke on both front and back. Folk Saints limited-edition fabricsreimagined vintage textiles printed on soft viscoseare also major statement-makers. Its impossible not to be smitten with Kindred Floral, a romantic, delicate reinterpretation of a rare, embroidered upholstery fabric. The collection was fueled by Castanos love of vintage. I pulled out some of my favorite garmentsthe ones that are quick to catch a strangers eye, ignite curiosity, tell a storyand discovered many of them were scavenged during my travels with Songe, she explains. Songe, a lifelong friend of Castanos, passed away from a rare cancer in 2019. In the process of grieving her loss, I found solace while breathing new life into these garments she so affectionately loved. Folk Saint is named in her honor. Share Purchase Plan Raises A$1.6M and Closes Perth, June 5, 2025 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Vertex Minerals Limited ( ASX:VTX ) ( VTXXF:OTCMKTS ) is pleased to advise that the Company's Share Purchase Plan Offer ("SPP") is closing Friday 6 June 2025 after raising A$1.6 million. As announced on 12 May 2025, the Company proposed a maximum of A$1 million Share Purchase Plan Offer as part of a A$11 million capital raising. Due to an overwhelming response, the Company decided to close the SPP early. To view the updated anticipated dates, please visit: https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/HQL85278 About Vertex Minerals Limited Vertex Minerals Limited (ASX:VTX) is an Australian based gold exploration company developing its advanced Hargraves and Hill End gold projects located in the highly prospective Eastern Lachlan Fold Belt of Central West NSW. Other Company assets include the Pride of Elvire gold project and Taylors Rock gold/nickel/lithium project both located in the Eastern Goldfields of WA. The focus of Vertex Minerals is to advance the commercial production of gold from its NSW projects embracing an ethical and environmentally sustainable approach. Related Companies Politics in Silence: Selective Outrage, Strategic Distractions, and the Vanishing Accountability 2 Indian politics today has turned into a carefully scripted performance, where real issues are muted and selective outrage is amplified. The recent developments both at the national and Maharashtra levels are perfect examples of how conveniently governments dodge questions, dilute dissent, and distract the public with narratives tailored for applause, not accountability. Lets start with the national scene. On June 3, leaders from 16 opposition parties wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding a special session of Parliament to discuss Operation Sindoor Indias surgical airstrikes on terror camps in Pakistan, in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 civilians, most of whom were innocent tourists. This was a moment that called for transparency, discussion, and national unity. But what did the government do? It brushed off the demand and instead casually announced the monsoon session from July 21 to August 12 as if public discourse on national security could be postponed like a school function. This will be the first Parliament session post-Operation Sindoor, but the government seems more interested in controlling the headlines than facing the questions. If the strikes were such a strong message to Pakistan, why not own it in Parliament? Why this silence? Why this reluctance to speak to the elected representatives of the people? Is nationalism now a one-way streetloud and proud on social media, but absent in democratic forums? Switching over to Maharashtra the local drama isnt any less theatrical. The monsoon session of the state legislature is scheduled from June 27 to July 13, during which the Mahayuti government will present the budget. But lets rewind a littleback in March, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar already unveiled a grand budget for 2025-26, painting Maharashtra as the golden land of opportunity. At the World Economic Forum in Davos, MoUs worth 15.72 lakh crore were signed, promising a staggering 16 lakh new jobs. On paper, it sounds like a dream. On ground, it feels like deja vu. Every year, we hear about these astronomical figures, foreign investments, and lakhs of new jobsbut unemployment remains rampant, farmer suicides continue unabated, and rural infrastructure crumbles. Budget allocations were announced generously: 9,710 crore for Agriculture, 16,456 crore for Water Resources, and so on. But ask the common man in drought-hit Marathwada or Vidarbha if anythings changed. Theyll tell you what budgets dont showempty promises and dry borewells. Whats worse? Expectations from this session, like the proposed hike in monthly grants to women from 1,500 to 2,100, didnt materialize either. For a government that claims to be committed to womens empowerment, thats a pretty underwhelming letdown. Meanwhile, the politics of caste and provocation continues to brew. In Pune, a 60-year-old man scribbled something suspicious on a Shiv Srushti board. He was confronted, handed over to the police, and later identified as a known activist of the Andhashraddha Nirmulan Samiti, reportedly related to secularist Atul Kulkarni. The man, a Christian convert, had slogans written on his car and was recording the entire act with his wife. Soon after, caste-based groups erupted in outrage online, not for justice, but to milk the mans surname and launch vicious attacks on the state governmentespecially targeting Devendra Fadnavis. It was a classic case of identity politics over truth. Fortunately, it was contained by alert citizens, but the damage was already done. Now, heres the big question to BJP why the selective silence? Why ignore a legitimate demand to discuss Indias anti-terror operation in Parliament? You thump your chest over patriotism, but refuse to face questions from the same Parliament that represents the people. When will patriotism stop being performative and start being accountable? And to Mahayuti in Maharashtra when will grand budget speeches translate into ground realities? When will governance outshine gimmicks? When will promises stop evaporating post-elections? From Delhi to Mumbai, one thing is clear governments have mastered the art of selective responses. They react swiftly to criticism from opposition-ruled states but go into silent mode when it comes to their own backyard. Nationalism is sold like a product. Investment is packaged like a festival. And the Constitution? Its conveniently invoked when needed and ignored when questioned. The Indian voter, however, is no longer asleep. People are watching. Theyre listening. And theyre tired of being taken for granted. Its time the governments of the day realize the public doesnt want propaganda. They want answers. Not optics, but outcomes. Not slogans, but sincerity. And most importantly they want democracy, not drama. Trump's New Travel Ban Sparks Global Uproar: 12 Nations Barred, 7 Face Partial Restrictions 2 In a sweeping move reigniting global debate, US President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation barring the entry of nationals from 12 countries, citing threats to national security and public safety. The countries named in the ban include Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. The White House stated the ban is part of a broader effort to protect American citizens from terrorism and hostile foreign elements. Additionally, Trump has imposed partial entry restrictions on citizens from seven other countriesBurundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezueladistinguishing between immigrant and nonimmigrant visa categories. The executive order notes that both types of visas will be subject to scrutiny, albeit with differing implications due to the permanence of immigrant status. "We cannot have open migration from any country where we cannot safely and reliably vet and screen That is why today I am signing a new executive order placing travel restrictions on countries including Yemen, Somalia, Haiti, Libya, and numerous others." President Trump pic.twitter.com/ER7nGM4TO2 The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 4, 2025 Referencing his previous term, Trump said the earlier restrictions had successfully kept security threats at bay and had been upheld by the Supreme Court. It is the policy of the United States to protect its citizens from aliens who intend to commit terrorist attacks, threaten our national security, or exploit our immigration system, Trump stated in Executive Order 14161 signed on January 20, 2025. The order underscores that stricter vetting is necessary, especially from countries that lack credible identity management or do not cooperate with the U.S. on security information. Trump warned that admitting individuals from such nations poses unacceptable risks, especially when lawful permanent residentsunlike nonimmigrantsare harder to deport once security concerns arise. The proclamation further elaborates on each countrys inclusion. Afghanistan, for instance, is under Taliban control and lacks a competent authority to verify documentation. Myanmars high overstay rates for B1/B2 and student visas, as well as its history of non-cooperation in repatriating deportees, were cited as major concerns. Critics have already begun to voice concern over the sweeping nature of the order, pointing out that the move revives one of Trumps most controversial immigration policies during his earlier presidency. Nonetheless, the administration defends the decision as a necessary step to compel foreign cooperation, enhance national security protocols, and safeguard American lives. As global reactions pour in, the policy is expected to draw legal scrutiny and potentially face diplomatic pushback from the affected countries and human rights groups. Two men have been ordered released from jail after a judge found there was not enough evidence to charge them with capital murder in a Birmingham shooting that left two people dead, including a beloved rapper. LaDre Demond Todd-Green and Jamil Carillo-Jemison, both 23, were arrested in April. The charges against them came eight months after the 2024 killings of Kayla Warren, 28, and Na Bryan Adams, 20. Both suspects appeared before Jefferson County Judge William Bell for a lengthy preliminary hearing Wednesday. Based on the testimony Ive heard, probable cause is not found in either case, Bell said. The charges are dismissed. Some family members burst into tears, and at least one of the suspects also cried softly. Bell told the suspects the Jefferson County District Attorneys Office could still seek indictment from a grand jury. The dismissal is the third time since May 21 that Bell has dismissed murder charges in Birmingham cases for lack of evidence or because there was evidence of self-defense. The deadly shooting happened just before 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024, at a house in the 700 block of 30th Street S.W. When West Precinct officers arrived at the home, they found Warren, a rapper who went by the professional name 205KayWay, shot on the front porch of a friends home. Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service rushed her to UAB Hospital where she was pronounced dead at 10:54 p.m. Police learned Adams had been driven by private vehicle to Princeton Baptist Medical Center. He was then transferred to UAB because of the severity of injuries. He died the following day. Na'Bryan Adams (Contributed) A group of people were gathered at the home when the suspect opened fire. The gunfire also damaged the house next door where a 66-year-old narrowly escaped being shot. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Charissa Henrichs. Carillo-Jemison is represented by attorneys Hiram Griffin and Jerry Carter. Jefferson County Public Defender Adam Danneman. Birmingham Det. Nick Clark, the lead investigator on the case, was the lone witness in Wednesdays hearing. Clark testified that investigators believed the shooting happened when the two suspects and others, including Adams, went to the 30th Street S.W. house to carry out a robbery. The plan, Clark said, was to rob people at the house as a response to Carillo-Jemison being robbed by people who were at that home. Several cars pulled up to the home. Both suspects, as well as Adams, were in those vehicles. Testimony showed that before the retaliatory robbery could be carried out, a shootout erupted, wounding Warren, who was standing on the porch, and Adams, who was inside one of three vehicles that pulled up. All of the vehicles left after the gunfire and drove first to an apartment building, and then to Princeton to get help for Adams. The group also went to UAB Hospital when Adams was transferred there. At the hospital, Clark said, suspect Todd-Green told officers, They started shooting at us. In a later interview with investigators, he said someone in another vehicle shot at his vehicle and he put his head down and fired warning shots. Clark said he interviewed multiple witnesses, including the resident of the house where the shooting happened. Investigators also obtained home surveillance footage from the murder scene that showed the caravan of cars leaving, but did not show the killings. Clark testified that Facebook messages between Todd-Greens account and another mans account the day before the double murder talked about Carillo-Jemison being robbed and mentioned wanting to shoot two individuals. Carillo-Jemison was arrested April 10 on an unrelated charge of possession of marijuana. Homicide investigators then went to speak with him, and Clark said he gave multiple stories about what happened at the house where the murders happened. Two days after Carillo-Jemisons arrest, police took Todd-Green into custody. Prosecutor Henrich said there was plenty of evidence to show the killings happened during a planned robbery. Additionally, she said, shell casings were recovered from Todd-Greens Infiniti, as well as a drum magazine with the capacity to fire 50 rounds. The concerted action by all of the defendants to go to the location, I think, shows their participation together, Henrich said. Griffin, Carillo-Jemisons attorney, said the state had not met its burden to prove the charges. His client, he said, was inside the 30th Street S.W. home when the gunfire erupted. The homeowner said she saw him come in. Her daughter was behind him. She heard the shooting start and asked (Carillo-Jemison) to hand her her daughter, Griffin said. If he had a weapon, she wouldnt have been asking him to hand her her daughter. Theres no witnesses that put a gun in his hand, Griffin said. All you have is chopped up versions of made-up stories that (his client) told the detectives. Even if he was to be believed that there was some kind of robbery plot hatched, it never happened, he said. Danneman agreed. The capital statute is a specific intent crime, and the state has to show specific intent to cause the deaths of two or more people, he said. They didnt show the specific intent to cause the deaths of anyone, let alone two people. Danneman pointed out the security footage did not show Todd-Green firing any shots, and said his own statements showed he was trying to get Adams to the hospital. He told what he saw and what he didnt see, he said. He told he fired warning shots, and he did not say he fired them on the scene. I think it is extremely telling that there were eyewitnesses who saw the shooting but what you didnt hear was just as telling, he said. If there was somebody that said (Todd-Green) was shooting, I guarantee you, this is a very good prosecutor, she would have presented that. She didnt do it because it doesnt exist. Henrich said the killings began with the robbery plan. The plan begins with the decision to go to the location and participate in what they were planning to do, she said. The plan was to commit a robbery, and two individuals died as a result of that. This is the latest of several murder charges Bell has dismissed. On May 21, Bell dismissed a murder charge against Qwaron Wilson in the April 2 killing of 42-year-old Brandon Luvine Cunningham. On May 23, Bell said there was not enough evidence at this time to support criminal charges against Tamiya Krishaun Thomas in the January slaying of 40-year-old James Leon Craig. Keandra Lewis was on her way home from work when she saw a Birmingham Fire and Rescue truck with emergency lights flashing in her rearview mirror. She pulled over to let the rescue truck pass, not knowing that her first-born child 22-year-old DeCarlos Perez Smith was in the back, fighting for his life. It wasnt until hours later that she would learn her son had been shot and was on life-support at UAB Hospital. She rushed to his side and pleaded with him to keep fighting. He was already really gone but they just gave us a chance to say our last words and give his dad time to come in from North Carolina, Lewis said. I just told him I loved him and to keep fighting. He always pushed through. Smith was pronounced dead at 7:22 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, at UAB, just 24 hours have he was shot. Seven months later, Smiths slaying remains unsolved. It would mean so much to Lewis to know who killed her son, and why. I dont have a clue why my son is not here anymore, Lewis said. I just know hes not here, and thats tough. Im lost. Smith grew up on Birminghams west side and graduated from Wenonah High School. His own son was 2 months old when Smith was killed. On the Thursday of the shooting, Lewis was at work but said shed talked with her son throughout the day. He had gone to a job interview at Applebees in Fultondale, where they lived, and had gotten the job. Afterward, he dropped his younger brother off at a job interview at Waffle House. That was the last time we got to see him or talk to him, Lewis said. Birmingham police investigate a shooting that critically injured a man Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, on 25th Street S.W. (Carol Robinson) Smiths shooting happened at 6:45 p.m. that Thursday in the 300 block of 25th S.W. in Germania Park. West Precinct officers responded to the neighborhood after the citys gunfire detection system Shot Spotter alerted them to round fired in that area. The circumstances surrounding the murder remain a mystery to police and Smiths loved ones. He was so much fun, so full of life. He was so loved, and he gave out so much love, his mother said. He was so giving, and hed been that way since he was little. The person he was, its not adding up, Lewis said. I dont know if it was a robbery gone bad or what. I dont know why my grandbaby is without his father, she said. I dont know why my other children are without their brother. Lewis said she is so thankful to Birmingham police for continuing to look to provide her and her family with answers. It helps our family so much, she said. It will never bring him back, but there would be much more peace if we knew why. Anyone with information is asked to call homicide detectives at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards of up to $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest. Police are currently looking for the individual suspected of shooting a woman in the head in Mobile County. According to WKRG News 5, Semmes Police Chief Todd Freind confirmed the shooting occurred Wednesday evening on the 7800 block of Hi Wood Circle North. Freind told the news station that they identified the shooter but he fled the scene of the incident. The woman was taken to USA Hospital but her condition was not disclosed. There is no feud. Walton Goggins and Aimee Lou Wood made it clear in an interview with Variety that the two White Lotus stars are - and have always been - dear friends. The actors, who played lovers Rick and Chelsea on the HBO hits third season talked - at length - about a perceived feud and Goggins unfollowing Wood on Instagram. There is no feud, Goggins, a Birmingham native, told Variety. I adore, I love this woman madly, and she is so important to me. This is Goldie Hawn. This is Meg Ryan. She can do anything, and she will. You watch what the next 20 years of her experience will be. Ill be on an island, I think Greece. But shes special. Theres no feud. She is love and I know that I am that to her. We care about each other very deeply. RELATED: Goggins surprised by heartthrob label after White Lotus The internet and social were abuzz after the two actors unfollowed each other on social media. Why is everyone obsessing over Instagram? Woods asked. That is irrelevant. We dont give a sh-- about Instagram. Why not have conversations about the story and Rick and Chelsea and enjoy it? The two have since re-followed each other for those that are wondering. Goggins acknowledged in April that being in Thailand while filming the third season of The White Lotus was a full-circle moment. It was one of the first stops the HBO series actor made 20 years ago in the aftermath of his wifes death by suicide. The first island we were staying on, Goggins told GQ of his late wife Leanne Knight. I realized, Ive been on this road before. And then the next island we went to, I realized, Ive definitely been on this beach before. I know this boardwalk. And all of the things kept coming back. Thats where I was the very first day I came here, 20 years ago, and in so much f--king pain, man. Check out the extensive interview at Variety. 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. Rosephanye Powell, an Auburn University music professor and choral composer, has been named in a defamation lawsuit after claiming Indiana Bible College illegally infringed on her original piece. On May 23, sheet music company Gentry Publications, the companys owner Fred Bock, and Powell served IBC a cease-and-desist letter stating that its production of John 1 is derivative of Powells original work, The Word Was God, according to the legal complaint. Two days later, IBC posted to its Facebook page that the parties were discussing the matter privately. Since then, the suit claims that defendants have published and amplified false statements across Dr. Powells and Fred Bocks social-media channels encouraged others to renounce John 1 and IBC and used the Indy Star to publish an article accusing IBC and its writers of unauthorized derivative, copyright infringement, and intellectual dishonesty, among other things. Those statements are false, were made with actual malice or reckless disregard for the truth, and have caused reputational harm, loss of prospective contracts, and enrollment and related inquiries at IBC, questioning its integrity, the complaint reads. In a post to her Facebook on June 2, the day the complaint was filed, Powell shared screenshots of an email she sent in Feb. 2024 to IBCs Dean of Worship Studies Tim Hall refusing the colleges request to use the song. According to the email, this request came after the Hall had already been programming the song in his repertoire for several years prior to coming to IBC. The release of the choral arrangement John 1 has been met with claims of copyright infringement. Establishing whether... Posted by Indiana Bible College on Sunday, May 25, 2025 Your arrangement, despite your good intentions, compromises the integrity and intent of this work, the email reads. Thank you for emailing me and respecting my decision to refuse permission for your arrangement. I wish you and your ensemble much success in your project! it concludes. Powell added in her email that The Word Was God was never meant to be a gospel piece and said that she and several other members of the African American community were offended by the colleges appropriation of her original work. People try to put us Black people in a box, so they determine that all of our music is sacred is either spirituals or theyre gospel, she said in her video. I didnt want a gospel arrangement of a song that is in a totally different style and says that Black people are not a monolith. We have many skills, she continued. We have many talents, and that includes classical music. And for him to go take that out of the venue and the style that I wanted it to be that says were intelligent enough, were gifted enough, and were studied enough to do that music that for so long we were not permitted to do, and thats classical concert music. John 1 debuted on Apple Music on May 2, 2025, and its sheet music was made available for sale. IBCs complaint claims that it is an original composition and does not infringe on any protectable elements of The Word Was God. But Powell and many of her peers disagree. Its derivative of my work and they wont admit it, Powell said in a recently posted video. And several of her fans and colleagues have taken to her Facebook page to express their support. Indiana Bible College didnt just plagiarize, wrote Webb Parker, founding executive and artistic director at Irvington Arts Collective and University of Alabama alum. They desecrated. They stole Dr. Rosephanye Powells The Word Was God and thought they could get away with it because they assumed no one would notice," he continued. Or care. Or defend her. Well, we noticed. And we care deeply. And now, in the most pathetic, backwards, and disgraceful display of hubris imaginable, theyre SUING her for DEFAMATION? he added. I rarely express outrage, but this treatment of a wonderful composer and of her work is unacceptable, wrote Paul Laprade, instructor of choral literature at Concordia University Chicago. I conducted this work shortly after its publication and cannot avoid hearing much of its content, style, and even some of its spirit when I hear IBCs inferior adaptation. That it is a continuation of appropriation, theft, and done by a religious institution leaves me speechless--we can all be better than this, he continued. Dr. Rosephanye Powell deserves our support: this is a hill to die on. IBC is seeking compensatory and punitive damages and has asked the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana to declare John 1 does not infringe on and is not derivative of The Word Was God. The complaint also requests the court to order Powell and her publisher to remove from all websites and socialmedia channels any and all defamatory statements concerning Plaintiff, and to publish a formal retraction and apology in the same media in which the defamatory content appeared, including IndyStar." It requests a trial by jury. But Powell and her publisher say they are not backing down. Youre going to tell me to be quiet because youre losing money over something based on my work? she said in a previous video. Were speaking truth. ... They want this to go away. Theyve got the wrong one, she added. Efforts to reach Powell and IBC for further comment were not immediately successful. Authorities are searching for family members of three men who died recently in the Birmingham area, including a pedestrian who was struck while walking in a roadway. Their bodies are ready to be released for burial, but the Jefferson County Coroners Office has not been able to locate relatives to notify them of the deaths. Sidney James Gipson, Jr., a 67-year-old white male, died May 18. Gipson, who was homeless, was found dead under the U.S. 280 overpass at University Boulevard. A passerby walking in the area made the discovery just after 6 p.m. that Sunday. Chief Deputy Coroner Bill Yates said Gipson died of natural causes. He listed previous home addresses in Birmingham Gadsden, Hayden, Pell City, Kansas City, Koshkonong, Thayer, and Tipton, Missouri. Russell Kemp Acton (Contributed) Russell Kemp Acton, a 73-year-old white male who lived in Leeds, was found dead May 24 inside his home on Rowan Road. Acton was found dead just after 6:30 p.m. that Saturday by Leeds firefighters who were asked to perform a welfare check. Action also died of natural causes and listed previous addresses in Leeds and Birmingham. Robert James Meeks, a 62-year-old white male, died at 1:41 a.m. May 31 at UAB Hospital. Yates said Meeks, who was homeless, was a pedestrian walking in the roadway when struck by a motor vehicle. He died from blunt force trauma sustained in the crash. Meeks was reportedly born in New Jersey. A photo of Meeks was not available. Family members are asked to call the coroners office at 205-930-3603. Adriana, a resident of Russellville, Alabama, speaks with immigration advocates after her mother was detained at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in Homewood, Alabama. Adriana and her mother had arrived for what they thought was a routine check in on June 4, 2025. Allison Hamilton, Alabama Coalition for Immigrant Justice Alabama immigrants were detained during scheduled check in meetings with U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement in central Alabama Wednesday, according to advocates. Immigration advocates say they saw about seven people detained outside of the ICE office in Homewood Wednesday. The immigrants had arrived for what they thought were routine meetings. It was people who have been checking in, whove been following the law, that have been doing everything theyre supposed to be doing to maintain their case, said Allison Hamilton, executive director of the Alabama Coalition for Immigrant Justice. Hamilton spoke with detainees who said they had seen at least 50 other detainees in Birminghams ICE office in Homewood. Her group also received reports of up to 18 immigrants being detained during check ins in Gadsden. They were taken to the Etowah County Detention Center. The federal Intensive Supervision Appearance Program allows ICE to monitor people facing immigration proceedings without placing them in custody. Hamilton said yesterday that the immigrants were told to come to the office with vague reasons, like that the system had crashed and that their information had been lost, so they needed to come in with all their documents to put everything back in the system. When they came, they found that ICE was waiting for them, she said. Veronia Ayala, right, and other members of the Alabama Coalition for Immigrant Justice gather outside the Alabama State House after a committee approved a bill they say would unfairly target immigrant families. (Mike Cason/mcason@al.com) A young woman, Adriana, spoke with Hamilton after her mother was detained Wednesday. She and her mother drove early in the morning from Russellville for her mothers appointment. AL.com reviewed a video of Adriana speaking to Hamilton Thursday. Her mother has been attending such meetings regularly since she arrived in the U.S. 8 years ago, Adriana said. Adriana was told to wait in the car while her mother met with officers. I started noticing cars coming in, random cars coming in, tinted windows. People in the back, Im guessing they were detaining them or taking them, deporting them. Adriana said she doesnt understand why her mom has been detained after she came to all her appointments. They kind of just gave her false hope that something was going to come out of it. She would have preferred if they would have just told her, We cant do anything about your case, just take your stuff and go, she said in the video. Law enforcement officials across Alabama have reported making arrests and sending people to detention and possible deportation. On June 3, Mobile County officials arrested 28 people who were allegedly in the country illegally. Hamilton and volunteers with her group have set up a hotline to share tips about ICE activity in Alabama. People can call (888) 664-2325 for assistance. Update: This story was updated at 6:33 p.m. Thursday to reflect that Adrianas mother was detained Wednesday. US producer-musician Sean "Diddy" Combs poses with the Global Icon award in the press room during the MTV Video Music Awards at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, on Sept. 12, 2023. (Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images/TNS) TNS A woman accused Sean Diddy Combs of dangling her off a 17th-floor balcony in 2016, while testifying at the music moguls sex trafficking trial in New York. Bryana Bana Bongolan, a 33-year-old fashion designer, entered Combs orbit when she became close friends and collaborators with his then-girlfriend, Casandra Cassie Ventura, who previously testified against Combs in his criminal trial. Bongolan frequently hung out at Venturas apartment in Los Angeles, where the two would work on fashion designs and often take drugs like marijuana and ketamine together. One early morning, Bongolan and her then-girlfriend had slept at Venturas apartment and awoke to very loud bangs on the door. Bongolan hid her girlfriend in the guest bathroom and told her to be quiet, and then Bongolan retreated to the balcony to act natural. An upset Combs gained access to the apartment and approached Bongolan, who alleges he came up from behind and lifted me up and put me on top of the rail of the balcony. Bongolan said as Combs held her over the 17-story drop, he repeatedly yelled, You know what the f..k you did. (Bongolan said she still has no idea what Combs was referring to.) I was trying not to slip and pushing back on him, Bongolan said. I was scared to fall. After about 10 to 15 seconds, Combs allegedly threw Bongolan onto the patio furniture on Venturas balcony. She said Ventura came out from her bedroom and said in disbelief, Did you just hang her over the balcony? Ventura began arguing with Combs and apparently told him that Bongolans girlfriend was in the apartment, causing Combs to promptly leave. Photographs of Bongolans injuries -- which included a massive, red and purple bruise on her leg, as well as her back bandaged up and neck in a brace -- were shown to the court. Bongolan said she visited a chiropractor on the same day, but when he asked who caused the injuries, she was too scared to tell the truth. Bongolan testified that, as a result of the balcony incident, I have nightmares, and I have a lot of paranoia, and I used to scream a lot in my sleep. Bongolan also testified about a separate incident in which she and Ventura were in Malibu with Combs, taking photos and hanging out on the beach. Bongolan said at one point during the day, Combs came up really close to my face and said, Im the devil, and I could kill you. Bongolan said she was likely on cocaine at the time and could not tell whether Combs was also under the influence of drugs. I was terrified, Bongolan said. In November 2024, Bongolan filed a lawsuit against Combs, demanding $10 million. That civil suit is still pending. She testified that she has no financial incentive to testify during his criminal trial, at which he is charged with sex trafficking and racketeering. Bongolan began to describe an alleged FaceTime call in which a friend of Combs asked Bongolan to settle with him, but Combs lawyers objected to the prosecutors line of questioning. I declined what was offered to me, Bongolan said, before the federal attorney was forced to move on. When asked why she filed a lawsuit against Combs, Bongolan said, I wanted to seek justice for what happened to me. During a tough cross-examination, Bongolan was grilled over discrepancies in her recollection of certain incidents, in an attempt to discredit her testimony. One of such discrepancies is whether Ventura witnessed Combs hang Bongolan over the balcony or just saw the aftermath. Another pertained to the demand letters Bongolans attorneys sent to Combs in January 2024, which accused him of groping Bongolans breasts before lifting her on top of the balcony railing. Bongolans civil lawsuit accused Combs of sexual battery, but she did not reference those specific allegations in court on Wednesday during her direct examination by federal prosecutors. One of Combs attorneys, Nicole Westmoreland, picked apart the ways in which Bongolans story changed throughout various meetings with federal prosecutors, which occurred as recently as Monday. Bongolan often replied I dont remember to Westmorelands questions. Westmorelands cross-examination will continue on Thursday. 2025 Variety Media, LLC, a subsidiary of Penske Business Media; Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC Qdoba Mexican Eats is planning to open a new restaurant in Hoover, and is eyeing another four locations in and around the Birmingham metro area. The fast casual franchise returned to Birmingham in 2024 after a hiatus of several years with a location on 20th Street South. QSR CEO Chander Arora, the franchisee, said the next location will be in Hoover at 1539 Montgomery Highway with a projected opening sometime this fall, possibly in October. The other restaurant locations are planned for along U.S. 280, as well as Trussville and Alabaster. Arora said he is also looking at locations in perhaps another Birmingham suburb or Tuscaloosa. Arora said he has been very pleased with the reception to the downtown Qdoba location. Its very popular, he said. We have great reception. We have good sales right now, increasing every month as the weather improves, and the medical and corporate offices are within a mile. Thats why were encouraged to start the second one. San Diego-based Qdoba has approximately 800 locations in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico, and is in the midst of an aggressive nationwide expansion. Earlier this year, the company announced 500 development commitments ongoing in several markets. Bruce Mendenhall standing with his attorney, Amy Harwell, in a preliminary hearing in the Davidson County General Sessions Court on Thursday, Aug. 2, 2007 in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Christopher Berkey) ASSOCIATED PRESS A 74-year-old man known as The Truck Stop Serial Killer will not be tried in Alabama for 2007 killing of a woman in Birmingham. Bruce D. Mendenhall is charged in a string of serial killings of at least a half dozen women in multiple states, including Alabama, Indiana, Tennessee and Georgia. Mendenhalls victims mostly sex workers were all left nude, their heads covered in plastic bags secured with tape and shot in the back of the head. Their bodies were then dumped. In Birmingham, Mendenhall was charged in the slaying of Lucille Greta Carter, a 44-year-old who was found dead July 1, 2007, on Finley Boulevard. Investigators said Carter was shot with a .22-caliber weapon and dumped nude next to a trash bin on a service road. She had a plastic bag over her head and duct tape around her neck. Lucille "Greta" Carter, a 44-year-old transient, was found murdere July 1, 2007, on Birmingham's Finley Boulevard. (Contributed) Mendenhall in March was sentenced to 65 years in prison for the killing of Carma Purpara, whose body was found along a Kentucky Highway more than four years after she was last seen at an Indianapolis truck stop. He is already serving two life sentences for the murders of two women in Tennessee. Following Mendenhalls sentencing three months ago, Jefferson County prosecutors began to try to determine their next steps in Carters case and issued a public plea for her family members to come forward. Jefferson County Chief Deputy District Attorney Joe Roberts said prosecutors and Birmingham police met and determined they still had sufficient evidence to move forward with the prosecution if Carters family wanted to do so. Our office made contact with the family of Lucille Carter and discussed with them what it would take to have Mendenhall brought back to Jefferson County for prosecution and the challenges with prosecuting a case nearly 20 years old, Roberts said. The main point of discussion was that Mendenhall has been sentenced to life without parole in Tennessee and will never be released but will die in prison. After discussion and consideration, Roberts said, the family of Lucille Carter notified our office that they were satisfied that Mendenhall would never be released from prison and did not want him to be extradited back to Jefferson County for trial. Roberts said Mendenhalls murder warrant in Alabama has been recalled and the case is now closed. Mendenhall was first arrested in Nashville on July 12, 2007. A detective there spotted a truck at the TA truck stop on Interstate 24 that matched surveillance footage from the night 25-year-old Sara Nicole Hulbert was murdered at the same truck, which happened on June 26, 2007. A search of his truck, which prosecutors would later describe as a killing chamber, turned up bloody clothing, the identification of another victim, and blood splattered around the inside of his trucks cab. Police confiscated a rifle, knives, handcuffs, latex gloves, several weapons cartridges, black tape, a nightstick, and sex toys. He was convicted in 2010 of first-degree murder in Hulberts death and sentenced to life. Mendenhall also received a 30-year prison sentence for soliciting the murder of three witnesses in Hulberts case. Prosecutors say Mendenhall tried, from a jail cell, to hire someone to carry out the killings of two Nashville police detectives and three witnesses. In 2018, Mendenhall was convicted and sentenced to life in the slaying of 48-year-old Samantha Winters, whose body was found inside a trash can at a truck stop in Lebanon, Tennessee, on June 6, 2007. She had been shot in the head. Mendenhall was convicted earlier this year in Purparas murder. He is also suspected in multiple other similar murders. He remains behind bars in the Tennessee Department of Corrections. Men at a diner in Demopolis, Alabama, gathered in 1950 to watch the World Series on a small television set. Alabama Department of Archives and History The Demopolis Times, an award-winning newspaper based in Marengo County, has ceased publication. After evaluating the status and business outlook of the Demopolis Times, JM Media Group has decided to close down the publication, an announcement on the website reads. This issue, June 4, 2025, will be the last. The paper was one of four purchased by Jeff and Michelle Schumacher back in April from Boone Newsmedia, according to Editor & Publisher. Also included in the sale were the Andalusia Star-News, The Atmore Advance and the Brewton Standard. It just isnt feasible to continue with the limited support weve received from the community, Jeff Schumacher said. Demopolis has had newspapers since 1887, but the Times was formed when the competing Demopolis Express and Demopolis Dispatch were bought and combined in 1905 by a group of local businessmen. Edward Cornish was associated with the paper from 1910 until his death in 1936, and it continued through several editors and owners. In July 1941, the newspaper offices and printing plant were destroyed by a fire, according to a contemporary account by the Montgomery Advertiser. The fire started when gasoline was being used to clean the type machine. The blaze caused $15,000 worth of damage, but the paper continued and was printed in Selma. Boone Newspapers bought the newspaper in 1979. The Times began as a daily newspaper, then shifted in recent years to weekly printing on Wednesdays. Emanuel Leutzes iconic painting "Washington Crossing the Delaware" was completed in Germany 75 years after George Washingtons legendary victory at Trenton. In it, two Black soldiers - Oliver Cromwell (with oar) and Prince Whipple (stern) - are depicted among the thousands who made the historic crossing. Public domain This is an opinion column. Of course, I know Crispus Attucks. You probably do, too. As the first to die in the Revolutionary War at the Boston Massacre, on March 5, 1770, Attucks was the first of five felled by British soldiers that day he is noted in most all of our history books. Heck, he might even survive Trumps pitiful attempt to purge all things Black from every corner of America, including history books. Attucks defines patriot. However, I didnt know, sadly, about Oliver Cromwell. I should. We all should. He was another Revolutionary War hero. Another Black man who fought valiantly for freedom. For a new nation. For our nation. He was another patriot. Cromwell was born free, on May 24, 1752 (or 53, historians arent 100 percent certain), in the colony of New Jersey near Burlington. (The area was dominated by Quakers who long practiced manumission; I had to look it up, too.) If he checked a census box today, it would likely be mixed. Thats why he was initially shunned upon enlisting to fight. Indeed, Gen. George Washington himself signed the decree forbidding men of color to join the Continental forces. Though Washington soon flipped many say after the British offered freedom to any enslaved Blacks who escaped and fought for the Redcoats. And Washington needed men. Cromwell served valiantly in the New Jersey 2nd Continental Regiment for six years and nine months, fighting in the battles of Short Hills, Brandywine, Monmouth and Yorktown often with Washington. Indeed, Cromwell holds a prominent distinction of being one of at least two Black men among the 2,500 who crossed the icy Delaware River on Christmas night in 1776, which preceded key victories in the Battle of Trenton, the Battle of Second Trenton and the Battle of Princeton. I never looked too closely at the myriad depictions of the icy crossing. This week, I did. There, in the classic 1851 painting by Emmanuel Leutze are two Black men. Historians say they are Prince Whipple, a once-enslaved soldier who is at the stern and Oliver, an oarsman on the starboard side, near Washington. Id never seen them in that painting before, sadly. I should have. For more details on Cromwells meritorious service click here. On this day June 5, 1783 Cromwell received his honorable discharge papers, personally signed by Washington. The future president also awarded the soldier the newly created Badge of Military Merit, which we know honor as the Purple Heart. Washington noted Cromwells discipline, his superior personal conduct, and his dedication and sacrifice, writes the Revolutionary War Journal. Upon returning to civilian life, Cromwells meritorious service to the new nation did not shield him from the racism of the day. He applied for the pension awarded to Continental Army veterans but was denied ostensibly, he was told, because he could not read or write. Also, his medal and discharge papers were also reportedly taken from him by the new government. Back in Burlington, Cromwell found friends who helped him finally obtain the pension: $96 per month. With it, he bought a 100-acre farm where he raised 14 children. His family is said to have aided in the Underground Railroad. He lived a century (or 99 years), dying on Jan. 24, 1853. His remains are at the Broad Street Methodist Church Cemetery in Burlington but because no headstone or marker was placed there, no one knows exactly where Cromwell rests. The home at 114 E. Union St. in Burlington, where he later lived, still stands. Three years ago, a bronze plaque commemorating his meritorious life was placed there at an event honoring Cromwell and his descendants coordinated by the Daughters of the American Revolution. Oliver Cromwell should also be honored in all our history books. We should all know him. Lets be better tomorrow than we are today. My column appears on AL.com, and digital editions of The Birmingham News, Huntsville Times, and Mobile Press-Register. Tell me what you think at rjohnson@al.com, and follow me at twitter.com/roysj, Instagram @roysj and BlueSky. Becky Holt has launched her campaign for the place four seat on the Mountain Brook city council. Becky Holt Campaign Becky Holt, a local nonprofit executive, has launched her campaign for the place four seat on the Mountain Brook city council. Holts campaign platform focuses on supporting first responders and ensuring neighborhoods remain secure, maintaining and improving parks, fields, and community facilities and collaborating with education leaders to support student success. Holt is seeking to fill the seat currently held by Council President Virginia Smith, who is not seeking re-election. The Mountain Brook municipal election will be held on Aug. 26. As a mom, a neighbor and someone deeply invested in this community, I care about keeping Mountain Brook a safe, welcoming, and vibrant place to raise a family, Holt said in a statement. Im running to ensure we continue the strong work ethic and trusted leadership our city expects while focusing on the things that matter most to our residents. Holt is the executive director of ALL IN Mountain Brook, a nonprofit working to support residents mental health, safety and well-being. She serves on the citys Board of Zoning Adjustment, was previously on the ONeal Library Board and held executive roles in the Junior League of Birmingham. Smith has endorsed Holts run. Becky has spent years investing in the well-being of our community, most notably as Executive Director of All In Mountain Brook. She has worked tirelessly to support our families, strengthen public safety and promote the kind of thoughtful engagement that makes Mountain Brook such a special place to call home, Smith said in a statement. For nearly two decades, Holt worked as a speech-language pathologist, clinical educator and health systems organizer. Holt and her husband, Tyler, live in Mountain Brook with their children, Jonathan and Maggie, who attend local schools. I want to follow the example of leaders like Virginia Smith and Stewart Welch to help protect what makes Mountain Brook so special, Holt said in a statement. This campaign is about service, trust and getting the job done. AL.com reached out to Holt for further comment, but did not receive a response prior to publishing. Construction on the North Valley development in north Huntsville is expected to start this summer, including residential housing and retail. Crunkleton Commercial Real Estate Apartment construction may be slowing down in the fast-growing Huntsville metro area, but it isnt stopping. Construction is expected to begin this summer on a major development in north Huntsville - at Highway 53 and Blake Bottom Road - that includes a mixture of residential housing and retail businesses, Crunkleton Commercial Real Estate announced this week. IMS Communities has secured construction financing for North Valley, including Beacon Place, the first residential phase within the larger North Valley master-planned development. Construction is expected to begin this month, introducing a new housing product that blends quality, convenience, and forward-thinking design, according to a news release. Crunkleton Commercial Real Estates Vice President Eric St. John assisted the firm in acquiring about 130 acres of land from the UAH Foundation in 2023. Were proud to have supported IMS Communities in establishing their footprint in Huntsville, said St. John, a broker at Crunkleton. North Valley reflects the type of thoughtful, well-planned growth our team is committed to facilitating throughout the region. Beacon Place North Valley will feature more than 800 one-story apartment homes with private garages and EV charging stations at every unita design IMS has implemented across 10 successful communities throughout the Southeast. This marks their 11th development, expanding a portfolio that already includes over 2,500 units and $500 million in investment. Beacon Place North Valley will feature more than 800 one-story apartment homes with private garages and EV charging stations. Crunkleton Commercial Real Estate Retail development In addition to residential construction, the North Valley development will include commercial out-parcels at the intersection of Highway 53 and Blake Bottom Roada highly trafficked corridor with strong long-term growth potential, Crunkleton said. IMS is seeking partnerships with big-box retailers, as well as regional and national brands, to create a complementary retail environment. Crunkleton is leading the leasing efforts for the retail component and welcomes inquiries from prospective tenants. City Urban and Economic Development Director Shane Davis hinted at announcements of major developments in the northern part of the city at a recent Huntsville City Council meeting with the construction of the Northern Bypass expecting to spur growth in the area. Apartment construction has proliferated in the fast-growing Huntsville area in recent years. More than 6,500 units were completed in the metro area (not including Athens) last year, according to a Berkadia-Crunkleton report. That figure matches the total number of apartments delivered in the metro over the 12 years leading up to 2020. Alabama State Treasurer Young Boozer announced he is running for another term. Joey Meredith Alabama State Treasurer Young Boozer announced Wednesday he is running for the office for the fourth time. I would be proud to once again serve the five million citizens of Alabama with my unique skills and vast experience, to continue to improve all divisions of the office and to serve as a financial resource to other areas of state government, Boozer said in a press release. Boozer, a Republican who spent a career in banking, was elected to back-to-back terms as treasurer in 2010 and 2014. In 2018, Boozer could not run again because of term limits. But he returned to the office in 2021 when Gov. Kay Ivey appointed him to replace John McMillan, who resigned to become executive director of the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission. Boozer finished McMillans term and was elected to another four-year term in 2022, winning the general election in a landslide over a Libertarian Party opponent. He will run in the Republican primary, set for May 19, 2026. In the press release announcing his campaign, Boozer noted what he considered accomplishments as treasurer, including a long-term settlement for the states financially struggling Prepaid Affordable College Tuition Plan, PACT. Boozer established a college scholarship program that has awarded approximately $12.8 million over the past 12 years to more than 3,600 Alabama high school students. In 2023, the Alabama Legislature passed a bill to put Boozer in charge of a new loan program to keep Birmingham-Southern College from closing because of crushing debt caused by extensive financial mismanagement and other problems. Boozer determined that BSC could not fulfill the requirements in the law for collateral and a restructured financial plan and denied the loan. A judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by BSC against Boozer, ruling that the Legislature had given the state treasurer the authority to deny the loan. The Legislature declined to amend the law last year, and BSC closed. Boozer was born in Birmingham, raised in Tuscaloosa, and earned a bachelors degree in economics from Stanford University and a masters degree in finance from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. During his career in banking and finance, Boozer worked for Citibank in New York, Crocker National Bank in Los Angeles, Coral Petroleum in Houston and Colonial Bank in Montgomery. Boozer has held leadership roles with the Church of the Ascension in Montgomery, the Montgomery Rotary Club, the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, the Boy Scouts of America, the National Association of State Treasurers and Stanford Universitys board of trustees. Elon Musk has stepped up his fight against President Donald Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill." Here, Musk speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference, CPAC, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025, in Oxon Hill, Md. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) AP Elon Musk stepped up his fight against the One Big Beautiful Bill on Wednesday, calling on Americans to pressure their representatives in Washington to kill the legislation. Call your Senator, Call your Congressman,Bankrupting America is NOT ok! the Tesla CEO and worlds richest person tweeted Wednesday afternoon. KILL the BILL. Call your Senator, Call your Congressman, Bankrupting America is NOT ok! KILL the BILL Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 4, 2025 Musk, who has supported President Donald Trump and ended his tenure with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) as a special government employee Friday, has been vehemently opposed to Trumps signature piece of legislation making its way through Congress. On Tuesday, Musk called the bill an abomination. Im sorry, but I just cant stand it anymore. This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination, Musk tweeted. The tech billionaire is against the bill for increasing the deficit. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated Wednesday the bill would increase yearly budget deficits by a total of $2.4 trillion over 10 years, CBS News reported. That increase pales in comparison to the $9 billion in DOGE cuts that would be codified as part of the legislation. According to Axios, Musk also opposes the bill because it cuts the electronic vehicle tax credit -- a measure that harms Tesla. The final straw, the outlet reported Wednesday, came on Saturday, when Trump withdrew the nomination of Jared Isaacman to be NASA administrator. Isaacman has close ties to Musk, having twice purchased flights into space aboard the latters SpaceX rockets. Elon Musk criticized President Donald Trump on Thursday using the president's old tweets. Here, Musk speaks during a news conference with President Donald Trump, right, as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, from left, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, listen in the Oval Office of the White House, Friday, May 30, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) AP Elon Musk on Thursday used President Donald Trumps words against him, resurrecting old Trump tweets to suggest the president is betraying his principles. Musk, who vehemently opposes Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill because the legislation increases the deficit, posted a 12-year-old tweet in which Trump criticized Republicans for raising the debt ceiling. I am a Republican & I am embarrassed, Trump tweeted on Jan. 13, 2023. Wise words, Musk, who ended his tenure as a special government employee last week overseeing the Department of Government Efficiency, said in a retweet Thursday. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated Wednesday the bill would increase yearly budget deficits by a total of $2.4 trillion over 10 years, CBS News reported. That increase pales in comparison to the $9 billion in DOGE cuts that would be codified as part of the legislation. Musk also dipped into Trumps social media history to resurrect a July 31, 2012 tweet in which Trump said members of Congress should be ineligible for re-election if the budget is not balanced. I could not agree more, Musk tweeted Thursday. The Tesla CEO and worlds richest person has also pushed the idea of a constitutional amendment barring members of Congress from being eligible for re-election if the deficit is greater than 3% of the countrys gross domestic product. Musks Thursday tweets come a day after he stepped up his attack on the bill. He called on Americans to pressure their congressmen to vote against the bill, which passed the House last month by a one-vote majority. Earlier in the week, Musk called the legislation an abomination. Im sorry, but I just cant stand it anymore. This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination, Musk tweeted. The federal government has paused a plan to issue a $47 million contract for an expanded immigrant detention center in Georgia amid a review of the contract by the U.S. DOGE Service, according to a local official briefed on the matter and documents obtained by The Washington Post. An official from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement informed local officials in Charlton County, Georgia, on Wednesday that the agency was unable to move forward with a plan to reopen a former prison as an immigrant detention facility, County Administrator Glenn Hull said in an interview. The county has scrapped plans to hold a vote on the contract that had been scheduled for Thursday evening. The sizable contract was flagged for review under a federal policy that requires all Department of Homeland Security contracts worth more than $20 million to be reviewed by DOGE, which stands for the Department of Government Efficiency, according to notes from a May 28 meeting of federal agency officials obtained by The Post. The scrutiny of DHS is relatively new for DOGE, the group formerly led by Elon Musk, which has made sweeping changes to the federal government resulting in billions of dollars in canceled contracts and the departure or dismissal of thousands of federal workers. The new detention contract would have created the largest immigrant detention center in the country and a potential hub for housing immigrants arrested throughout the southeast. It would have combined Folkston, an active ICE detention center that can hold up to 1,100 detainees, with D. Ray James, an idle former prison located on an adjacent property that can hold around 1,870 detainees, according to an agenda item posted on the countys website. This is a big blow to Charlton County, Hull said of the paused proposal, which he said would have brought 400 additional jobs to the area. He said the deal is not canceled but would require a federal policy change to resume. The plans disruption by a DOGE contract review has not been previously reported. DOGEs action also deals a blow to Geo Group, ICEs largest contractor and owner of the Georgia facility. The firm has been expecting a dramatic expansion of its detention business under the Trump administrations immigration crackdown. Tom Homan, the border czar at DHS, was previously paid consulting fees by Geo, according to an ethics disclosure first reported by The Post last week. A spokesman for Geo deferred questions to ICE. A spokeswoman for ICE could not immediately provide a comment. A White House spokeswoman has said that Homan abides by the highest ethical standards and that he has previously told reporters he would recuse himself from discussions of government contracts. Homan has championed a dramatic expansion of the nations immigrant detention system, which he says needs at least 100,000 beds to accommodate the large numbers of undocumented immigrants the administration plans to deport. ICE has 51,000 detained immigrants and 54,000 usable beds for them, according to notes from the meeting last month of federal officials involved with immigration enforcement. Advocates for immigrants have argued that more detention facilities are unnecessary and that the Trump administration is detaining people who pose no harm to the community or risk of absconding. Activists also have opposed plans to expand immigration detention in Georgia. Last year, the actions of Folkstons staff played a role in a 57-year-old detainee not promptly getting to the emergency room while he was having a heart attack, contributing to his death, according to the findings of an investigation by ICEs medical division. Earlier this year, the federal government awarded Geo contracts to reopen facilities in New Jersey for about $60 million a year and in Michigan for about $70 million a year. An agreement to expand detention at Geo facility in Texas is expected to be worth $23 million in annual revenue, the company said. Geo is also hoping to extend its lucrative contract for immigrant ankle monitoring services. On May 30, ICE filed a procurement notice stating that it intended to negotiate a one-year extension with BI Inc., a Geo subsidiary - an extension which could help Geo capitalize on a potential expansion in immigrant monitoring by President Donald Trump. Geo has told investors that it has the ability to grow the immigrant monitoring program to upwards of several millions of participants. Such an expansion could balloon the value of the contract, currently worth about $250 million to $300 million annually, to more than $1 billion, said Joe Gomes, a financial analyst at Noble Capital Markets. Its unclear whether any of these contracts have been reviewed by DOGE. The DOGE team has strangled spending across the federal government since it swept into D.C. at the start of Trumps first administration - including by canceling thousands of contracts. An early target was the Education Department, where DOGE fed sensitive internal financial data into artificial intelligence software to help identify contracts to cut, The Post reported. Their plan was to replicate the process across government, ultimately eliminating every contract not essential to operations or required by law. DOGE has since nixed contracts at at least 22 agencies including the Department of Health and Human Services, the General Services Administration, and the Agriculture Department, according to the groups own online tracker. DOGEs work at Homeland Security has focused on boosting Trumps immigration priorities. In recent months, DOGE has sought to pool federal data across agencies to help the Trump administration identify and deport undocumented immigrants, The Post reported. DHS has been a crucial part of those DOGE-brokered efforts; for example, it asked the Social Security Administration for help with immigration enforcement and tracking down fraudulent use of Social Security numbers. DOGE also has worked with DHS staff to set up Trumps new visa program for wealthy immigrants, The Post reported. The Trump administration and ICE detention companies have said they expect to accelerate contracts for new detention centers when Congress makes more funding available for immigration enforcement. House Republicans last month approved a tax and spending package that included $59 billion for immigrant detention and transportation over five years - several times the current annual budget for detention. The legislation must still pass the Senate. Geo and its main rival, CoreCivic, together own at least 16 idle facilities that they have said they hope to reopen as immigrant detention centers, according to transcripts of analyst calls, investor filings and contract applications. Sen. Tommy Tuberville said he is concerned about whether Alabama can afford the increased costs of an important food assistance program that would be one of the results of the One Big Beautiful Bill pending in the Senate. Politico reported that Tuberville, who announced he is running for governor last week, spoke briefly about how the bill, backed by President Trump, would affect the Supplemental Assistance Nutrition Program, or SNAP, a program that was originally called food stamps. Everybody thats going to be in state government is going to be concerned about it, Tuberville told Politico in a brief interview. I dont know whether we can afford it or not. In Alabama, an average of about 750,000 people received SNAP benefits during the last fiscal year, a total of almost $1.8 billion, according to the Alabama Department of Human Resources. Under current law, the federal government pays the full cost of the benefits, while states pay half of the administrative costs, Newsweek reported. Trumps bill shifts more of those costs to the states. Alabama Arise, which advocates for policies to help low-income families, says Alabama could face new costs of up to $300 million a year. There is real reason to worry that the Legislature cant or wouldnt provide this additional funding, Alabama Arise Executive Director Robyn Hyden said in a news release after the House passed the bill. In that case, Alabama would be forced to cut SNAP benefits significantly or even eliminate the program altogether for nearly 800,000 participants statewide. These cuts would send hunger soaring and devastate the economy in local communities across Alabama." Politico reported that Tuberville may seek changes in the bill that would scale back the increased cost for states. The bill, more than 1,000 pages, aims to reduce federal spending and extend tax cuts passed during Trumps first term. It passed the House 215-214 and is now in the Senate. See also: Trumps Big Beautiful Bill food stamp cuts may kill rural grocery stores: We already have hungry kids In this photo taken June 13, 2011, Bob Olding, president of Damilic Corp., demonstrates the features of the older model Autopen Model 80 in Rockville, Md. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) ASSOCIATED PRESS When President Donald Trump heard a word during his news conference Thursday with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, his mind immediately went to the biggest scandal in a century. Did I hear the word Autopen? Because I think its the biggest scandal maybe of the last 100 years in this country. So, when I hear that word, I think it has to be discussed because the fake news will try and hide it, the president told reporters. Trump associated the word with Joe Bidens administration and Trumps conspiracy theory that traitorous thugs hijacked Bidens presidency through use of the Autopen, signing executive orders and other directives that Biden actually didnt endorse, like opening borders to undocumented immigrants. Trump, who began espousing the conspiracy theory last month, was asked if he uncovered any evidence that the Autopen was used without Bidens consent. No, but Ive uncovered the human mind. I was in a debate with the human mind, Trump said, and I dont think he knew what the hell he was doing. We cant ever allow that to happen to our country, Trump said. The danger our country was in -- and I know some of the people who worked with him. Although he didnt name them, the president claimed to have known which Biden staffers used the Autopen. And those are not the people who had the same ideology as Joe Biden. These were radial left lunatics that used that, Trump said before reiterating his unfounded belief that the 2020 election was rigged. And they didnt get elected. He didnt get elected either, actually, Trump said. The honeymoon between Elon Musk and Donald Trump appears to be over. Here, Trump speaks during a news conference with Musk in the Oval Office of the White House, Friday, May 30, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) AP The bromance between President Donald Trump and the worlds richest person appears to be over. Addressing reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday, used the past tense to describe his relationship with Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Look, Elon and I had a great relationship, Trump said. I dont know if we will anymore. The breaking point, according to Trump, appeared to be Musks opposition to the presidents One Big Beautiful Bill, which undermines Musks Department of Government Efficiency by increasing the debt by $2.4 trillion over 10 years, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. The legislation, which passed the House by a one-vote margin late last month, would also strip subsidies for electric vehicles, which would harm Teslas bottom line. Elons upset because we took the EV mandate and, you know, theyre having a hard time, the electric vehicles. And they want us to pay billions of dollars in subsidy I know that disturbed him," the president said. Meanwhile, Musk shot back that Trump would have lost the election without the nearly $300 million he donated to the presidents 2024 campaign. Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate, Musk responded. Such ingratitude. Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate. Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 5, 2025 Musk also said Trumps current views on the deficit and debt are unrecognizable from what he believed more than a decade ago. Where is the man who wrote these words? Was he replaced by a body double!? https://t.co/N4Mliip5U4 Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 5, 2025 Where is the man who wrote these words? Was he replaced by a body double!? Musk asked. Trump also said Musk was disappointed when the president withdrew the nomination of Jared Isaacman, a top Musk ally, for NASA administrator. Isaacman happened to be a Democrat, like totally Democrat, Trump said. And I say, you know, look. We won. We get certain privileges. And one of the privileges were not to appoint a Democrat. Trump said Musks attacks this week on the One Big Beautiful Bill came as a surprise to him following the wonderful sendoff the president gave Musk on his last day as a special government employee Friday. He said wonderful things about me, Trump said. But that praise turned to criticism over the One Big Beautiful Bill this week. On Tuesday, Musk called the legislation an abomination. He followed up the attack by urging Americans to pressure their representatives in Washington to tank the bill. On Thursday, the president praised Musk for turning down a request to cover up the black eye the Tesla CEO sported during the Friday event. You saw a man who was very happy when he stood behind the Oval desk. Even with a black eye. I said, Do you want a little makeup? Ill get you a little makeup He said, No, I dont think so, which is interesting and very nice. He wants to be who he is, he said. June 05, 2025 Dr. Denise Davis-Maye By Hazel Scott/ASU Dr. Denise Davis-Maye, a professor and chair of the Department of Social Work at Alabama State University, has been elected as a leader of the ACLU of Alabama. Davis-Maye joins the ACLUs 2025-26 Executive Committee as its Equity and Inclusion Officer. Im deeply honored, and more than a little humbled, to serve as the Equity and Inclusion Officer of the Board of Directors at the ACLU of Alabama. Ive only had the privilege of serving with the organization for a short period, but I am constantly reminded how important this work is - never more than right now! As a Black woman shaped by generations of Black women who stood for employment, civil and health equity, I dont take this responsibility lightly, she said. That means we need bold strategies. We need to tell our truths, loudly and unapologetically. We need to stay grounded in the communities we serve. Im proud to support the brilliant team led by Executive Director JaTaune Bosby-Gilchrist; her leadership is both visionary and deeply grounded. Im especially grateful to serve alongside an Executive Committee, who I am learning are committed, thoughtful, and justice-minded. The newly elected leaders bring a wealth of experience in civil rights, nonprofit governance, philanthropy, strategic communications, advocacy, and community engagement to the organizations leadership. According to a statement on its news site, Bosby-Gilchrist said, We are thrilled to welcome this incredible group of leaders to the ACLU of Alabamas Executive Committee. Each brings a powerful commitment to equity and justice, as well as a deep understanding of the urgent threats we face. A native New Yorker, Davis-Maye has decades of leadership in global civic engagement. She was appointed a United States Ambassadors Distinguished Scholar to Bahir Dar University in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. With the support of the United States Embassy of Ghana and a Non-Government Organization (NGO), she traveled to Ghana, West Africa, to visit the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and the University of Ghana. Davis-Maye has won numerous awards and acknowledgements, including being named a 2025-27 Fulbright Specialist, the 2024 Dorothy I. Height Global Leadership Fellow and the 2021 Womens Foundation of Alabama Womens Policy Institute Fellow. Her research interests include well-being, cultural, community, and familial impact on the emotional development of adolescent girls of African ancestry, the history of social welfare policy development, and the global implications of leadership development of women and girls of color. With more than 30 years of experience in social work practice and 21 years in social work education, Davis-Maye is an alumna of Clark Atlanta University. She completed graduate work at Hunter College of the City University of New York (CUNY) and the University of Alabama. The suspect in the Boulder, Colorado, terror attack wasnt a lone wolfthough you wouldnt know it from the gaslight-and-deflect routine of the legacy press. He was the inevitable result of a system built to failand preserved in decay by design. Mohamed Sabry Soliman, the Egyptian national now accused of carrying out a targeted attack that injured multiple people, was in the United States illegally. The FBI confirmed it. The Department of Homeland Security under President Trump is pursuing consequences. But the real indictment here isnt of one manits of an entire era of lawlessness engineered by the prior administration and protected by local sanctuary policies that treat immigration enforcement not as a duty but as a sin. Investigators say Soliman schemed for more than a year. His chosen target? A vigil for the Jewish hostages still imprisoned by Hamasa scene of solidarity twisted into one of terror by a man consumed with hate. Lets be clear: Soliman should never have set foot in Boulderor any corner of a nation governed by laws and borders. He should never have been here. And he should never have had the chance to harm innocent Americans. And the reason he did is because the American left spent four years dismantling border security, hollowing out interior enforcement, and suing anyone who tried to stop it. Now, the usual voices want you to believe this was a fluke. It wasnt. Its precisely what happens when enforcement priorities become bureaucratic code for doing nothing at all. Soliman didnt sneak in last week. He entered during Joe Bidens border bonanzaon a B-2 tourist visa in August 2022. That visa expired in February 2023. But Soliman remained unlawfully, filed an asylum claim, and was granted a work permit that lapsed this past March. He was living openly in Colorado Springs with his wife and five childrenall of whom are now in ICE custody and being processed for expedited removal. Homeland Security is also investigating whether any family members had prior knowledge of or gave support to the attack. This was a systemic breakdowndriven by policy decisions that sidelined enforcement, neutralized ICE, and shielded unlawful presence behind a facade of procedural legitimacy. Todays FBI isnt mincing words. The bureau called it a targeted attack, and sources familiar with the investigation confirm a motive consistent with terrorism. All available evidence points to antisemitism as the likely driver. Under President Trumps second term, the Department of Homeland Security is rebuilding the broken system. But Boulder had already created a safe harbor for unlawful presence, even for those flagged as high risk. Now theyre reaping what they shielded. Lets dispense with the fiction: sanctuary policies dont protect immigrants. They protect criminals from the consequences of immigration lawand, more importantly, give the progressive political establishment a platform to virtue signal on a keystone issue. Boulders policy history is a case study in delusion. The city banned cooperation with ICE, instructed law enforcement to avoid immigration status questions, and turned its jails into revolving doorsno detainers, no holds, no questions asked. Worse, courts built on activist precedentsfrom the Ninth Circuit to the District of Massachusettshave twisted procedure into a weapon. They sidestep Rule 65s bond requirements, certify phantom classesor worse, pretend a class has been certified when it hasntand issue sweeping injunctions in open defiance of 8 U.S.C. 1252(f)(1), which reserves that power to the Supreme Court alone. For years, the immigration barflush with Soros cash and ACLU lawyerspushed a system where the only thing illegal was enforcement. The Trump administration is left to clean up the messcase by dangerous caseassuming a judge somewhere doesnt issue an injunction first. Had Soliman been a veteran who posted Bible verses online, MSNBC would be live on the scene with a branded chyron and guest commentary from Adam Schiff. But an illegal Egyptian national suspected of terrorism in a progressive sanctuary city? Thats a local story, at best, to the media grandees in Manhattan. So far, coverage has been perfunctory, grudgingand conspicuously quiet. The same press corps that breathlessly covered every scrap of performative outrage aimed at the Trump administration now sees little newsworthy in a foreign national hurling incendiaries at a Jewish gatheringin the heart of a liberal sanctuary city. Their silence is its own form of complicity. President Trumps current DHS leadershipreinstated after years of abuse under Mayorkashas moved swiftly to deport, detain, and remove dangerous aliens who entered under Bidens open-border regime. ICE is no longer sidelined. Parole fraud is being unwound. But local jurisdictions like Boulder, Chicago, and New York operate in open defiancepropped up by elite approval and fortified by litigation crafted to obstruct immigration enforcement at every procedural turn. They refuse to honor federal detainers. They provide taxpayer-funded legal aid to those with no right to be in the country. They vilify the very agents risking their lives to protect the public. And then, when something like this happens, they offer candlelight vigilsnot apologies. Mohamed Sabry Soliman is in custody. The FBI and DHS will do their jobsnow that theyre allowed to. But what of the public officials who enabled this? Who obstructed ICE? Who lobbied to defund border security? Who dismantled vetting protocols in the name of virtue? And whoby rhetoric, policy, or cowardiceoffered a safe haven to virulent antisemitism cloaked in justice? Will any sanctuary mayor be held accountable? Will any nonprofit lose its federal funding or tax-exempt status? Will any judge apologize for the precedents they set that made enforcement nearly impossible? And when consequences finally come for those responsible, you can bet your bottom dollar the howls will be immediate, theatrical, and well-funded. Or will this, like so many tragedies before it, become another buried headlineforgotten until the next one? America has begun to recover. But Boulder exposes the jurisdictions still at war with the lawwhere sanctuary policies now function as open defiance of the executive branch and the sovereign will of the electorate. They chose lawlessness as policy. Let the rule of law be their reckoningand let no corner of this Republic offer them sanctuary. Charlton Allen is an attorney and former chief executive officer and chief judicial officer of the North Carolina Industrial Commission. He is founder of the Madison Center for Law & Liberty, Inc., editor of The American Salient, and host of the Modern Federalist podcast. X: @CharltonAllenNC Image: Public domain. Harvard University is suing the Trump administration after the federal government revoked its ability to enroll international students, challenging the decision in court. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Massachusetts, argues that the government's decision violates constitutional rights and would cause severe damage to the school and its student body. The US Department of Homeland Security, under Secretary Kristi Noem, ended Harvard's certification in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) last week. This move means Harvard cannot enroll new international students and current international students must transfer or leave the country. With nearly 7,000 international students enrolled, more than a quarter of Harvard's student population is now in limbo, AP News said. "This unlawful and unwarranted action imperils the futures of thousands of students and scholars," said Harvard President Dr. Alan Garber in a letter to the Harvard community. In its lawsuit, Harvard says the ban is retaliation for the school's refusal to make sweeping changes to its governance, admissions, and student discipline processes changes demanded by the Trump administration. Harvard says those demands are politically motivated. The university argues the revocation violates the First Amendment, the Due Process Clause, and federal rules governing administrative decisions. "With the stroke of a pen, the government has sought to erase a quarter of Harvard's student body," the lawsuit states. Harvard University is suing the Trump administration for their ban on enrolling foreign students. (via AP) pic.twitter.com/mFSjhrHIo1 Pop Base (@PopBase) May 23, 2025 Harvard Faces Uncertain Future After Federal Ban Halted A federal judge issued a temporary block on the ban Friday, allowing Harvard's international students to remain in the country without fear of arrest or deportationfor now. But the future remains uncertain. The Trump administration claims the decision was based on safety concerns, accusing Harvard of fostering antisemitism, allowing violent protests, and even working with the Chinese Communist Party. According to Newsweek, Secretary Noem said the school failed to provide full records about foreign students involved in campus protests. "Let this serve as a warning to all universities and academic institutions," Noem said in her statement. Harvard, however, insists it responded with thousands of data points but received no clear explanation of what was lacking. The school calls the action a violation of federal law and a threat to its mission. The lawsuit also warns of long-term effects. Without SEVP certification, Harvard can't enroll new international students for at least two years. That would impact top graduate programs like the Business and Kennedy Schools, which rely heavily on global enrollment. Meanwhile, other schools like Hong Kong University of Science and Technology have offered to take in displaced Harvard students, promising "unconditional offers" and support during this transition. Originally published on vcpost.com Davidson College, a leafy liberal arts college in a charming, gentrified Southern village, seems an unlikely place for Hamas-allied activity. Davidson has punched well above its weight in producing Rhodes Scholars and other exemplars of academic excellence in the nearly two centuries since hardy Scotch-Irish Presbyterians carved an all-male, church-related school out of the lovely Piedmont North Carolina countryside. Unlike Columbia University, ground zero for pro-Hamas activity on campuses, Davidsons small, entirely undergraduate student body has no contingent of aggressively anti-Israel Middle Eastern graduate students, or ready access to professional protesters and vandals to assist cosplaying student revolutionaries. But the inertia of anti-colonialist ideology and its administrative incarnation of DIE at Davidson became evident soon after the October 7 massacre, starting with an October 17 letter from President Doug Hicks and culminating in the railroading of a student who dared question campus orthodoxy. The letter begins by acknowledging the heinousness of the massacre, but immediately pivots to the escalating violence in Israel and the Gaza Strip. This is curious, as the letter was written before Israels full-scale invasion of Gaza, though well after posters featuring images of Hanas paragliders festooned universities across America, and anti-Israel encampments began springing up on campuses. *The letter reports that alumni in Israel, UAE, and Jordan had communicated their concerns to President Hicks. The precise nature of the messages from the latter two arent shared, but, true to Davidsons compulsively celebrated diversity, judgments and beliefs diverge about October 7 and its aftermath: Some feel that the college should speak up more firmly and more often for Israel. Others have asked us to state more strongly the living conditions, dangers, and heightened desperation in which Palestinians in Gaza have found themselves. The expression of concern for Gazans is markedly more concrete and detailed than for Israels massacre victims, and makes no reference to Hamas as the source of Gazas chronic misery, or to the spontaneous participation of many Gazans in the massacre. The rest of the letter documents Davidsons efforts to keep its students safe. Hamas does not menace rural Mecklenburg County just now, so emotional well-being is the presidents focus. Succor is equitably distributed among Israeli and Arab and North African students. Safety is to be secured in part by mental health and drop-in hours at the campus Center for Community and Justice, and by efforts of the Middle Eastern and North African Students Association to seek community support between impacted groups -- an opaque formulation that leaves uncertain what the concerns of the association are, and whether its anguish is as significant as that of Israeli students, given the circumstances. The letter is signed simply Doug, which, together with its earnest, leaden, therapeutic prose and focus on safety, evokes the image of a supremely empathetic leader. But the meretricious evenhandedness of Hicks concern for Israel and Gaza in the immediate aftermath of a pogrom of satanic cruelty suggests otherwise, as does the mistreatment by Davidson of a 2025 graduate who dared challenge leftist orthodoxy. Cynthia Huang seems an admissions officers dream: outstanding student, varsity swimmer, conservative activist, and president of the Davidson chapter of Young Americans for Freedom. That last bit is deemed a threat to the emotional wellbeing of her fellow students, as Huang documents. In February 2025 she received an email from Davidsons Director of Rights and Responsibilities, Mak Tompkins, charging her with violating the colleges Code of Responsibility by distributing a pamphlet detailing several pernicious myths about Israel spread by the pro-Hamas Left. This was said to constitute the harassment of anonymous students. Huang was also charged with posting a similarly unsafe transphobic Instagram message speculating [sic] the sex/gender identity of Imane Khelif, an Algerian boxer. A glance at Director Tompkins page on Davidsons website discloses her she/they pronouns. She declares her work to be exponentially important for college-age humans to learn from any missteps they may take while they have the safety net of college (and support folks like myself) to catch them. The directors focus on safety, and her emphasis on the feelings of the allegedly harassed students, parallels President Hicks focus on emotional safety. This is prima facie curious, given the putative commitment of liberal arts colleges to critical thinking. Rigorous thought presupposes a robust commitment to objective truth, not subjective inner states: The point is to close the gap between mere appearance and reality, even at the risk of prompting unwanted feelings. But critical thinking on campuses often means undermining the idea of objective reality when it conflicts with students feelings -- at least feelings springing from leftist ideology. If ones gender identity conflicts with biological sex, so much for recalcitrant reality. If one feels outrage about Israels invasion of Gaza, then Israel is genocidal, notwithstanding Hamas open commitment to genocide. Director Tompkins prose suggests she was not hired for her ability to communicate clearly with "college-age humans." Her indeterminate pronouns more likely clinched the deal. Anyone who has worked at colleges and universities these past few decades, as I have, knows that featuring such pronouns is not a cordial invitation to get to know their possessor. It is rather a shot across the bow, a way of declaring that one had better not question his/her/their gender identity or the ideology underlying it. Part of Tompkins job is to make leftism great again, as evidenced by the fact that her solicitude toward students feelings cuts only one way. Cynthia Huang has surely had some unpleasant feelings of late. That didnt stop Tompkins office from creating a dilemma for her: concede to a Mutual Resolution agreement that would require me to accept my punishment and waive my right of appeal, or attend a Code of Responsibility Council Hearing, as Huang says. Huang found either option untenable. Huangs contention that the tribunal would be a kangaroo court is supported by Tompkins inaction regarding a social media post by a Davidson student in response to a pro-life op-ed Huang published in the student newspaper. The student composed a bit of slam poetry, a screenshot of which appears in Huangs article, that includes this arresting stanza: CYNTHIA/Mmm Cynthia/YOURE DEAD/You are dead. When Huang brought this up at a meeting with Tompkins, she was dismayed to find that Tompkins knew of it but did not act. Instead, she seemed to be more concerned about students who felt threatened and unsafe by literature that did not target any individuals but simply contained facts, says Huang. Tompkins is more Stasi than safety net and would have exacted punishment had Huang not publicly documented her ordeal. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression wrote an exceptionally forceful letter to President Hicks, imploring him to honor Davidsons professed commitment to free expression. Davidson eventually issued a warning to Huang which, as anyone who didnt just fall of the turnip truck knows, is really a warning to any future student imprudent enough to consider violating the tenets of leftist faith. Huang technically avoided punishment, but Davidson knows full well that in a case like this process is punishment, especially when the process has the odor of a star chamber. The whole spectacle is a moment in the revolutionary lefts self-proclaimed long march through the institutions. The idea of freedom underlying anti-colonialist ideology denies that freedom of expression means being able to express ones beliefs without interference. That freedom is said to be illusory, because (a) the stock of ideas and opinions we are supposedly free to express are products of indoctrination by our systemically racist, sexist, colonialist society, and those ideas harm various victim groups. (Speech is violence is a recent leftist epigram.) The Cynthia Huangs among us think they freely believe and should be free to say that Hamas, not Israel, is dedicated to genocide; that abortion is morally problematic; and that trans orthodoxy is crazy. But that only shows the extent of their indoctrination. The prevalence of this Orwellian idea of freedom explains why Director Tompkins claimed to be the college-age humans safety net but tried to defenestrate Cynthia Huang. It also explains President Hicks apparently greater concern for students from nations hostile to Israel than for Israelis: Those who think Israel was the victim of October 7 are prisoners of colonialist ideology. It is the job of contemporary college bureaucrats to liberate them from this and related heresies. Image: Davidson College This essay has been updated since publication. We saw it after Watergate. The parties involved with almost every aspect of the cover-up cut some sort of book deal. Woodward and Bernstein wrote All the Presidents Men which amplified their involvement as members of the media. G. Gordon Liddy wrote Will where he accepted responsibility for his actions. John Dean penned Blind Ambition to paint himself in a favorable light. Most got hefty advances from publishers for their tomes, and a few got movie deals. After Watergate there were cries to prevent this kind of profiteering, but nothing was done. Now, with Bidens mental collapse, we see the grifters emerge once more. Jake Tappers book came out with a clear agenda, attempting to deflect his role as a member of the media in the cover-up. Karine Jean-Pierre has announced her book deal too. The person who dropped the false cheap fakes phrase in an attempt to protect Biden now is going to release a book, no doubt attempting to salvage whatever remains of her reputation. She will not be the last to jump on this bandwagon driving over Bidens infirmity in order to cash in. The truth is often irrelevant in these literary works and I use the word, literary loosely. This is about cashing in. As an author for almost four decades, I can assure you that publishers use these books as a means of laundering money to their authors and ghost writers. Big advances are shelled out for books that often dont ever sell enough to recoup that money in terms of sales via Amazon or bookstores. So why is this a grift? This model almost certainly creates financial incentives for people to be deceitful, knowing that when they drop their tell-all books, they will be on a glitzy book tour (if there is such a thing), getting to recast history so that it is favorable for them. Look at Jake Tapper. We all saw the countless images and videos of Joe Bidens mental collapse, but where was he, as a journalist, in probing that, digging into the story? The reality was Tapper knew it was to his benefit to play along with the Biden Administration and cash in on the book after the dust settled. You want further proof? According to him, he and his co-author interviewed 200 insiders to get the story of what was going on in the White House. I have written non-fiction books, including true crime. Doing that many interviews, and the actual writing of the book itself, and the massive legal review, plus editing, in six months is stunningly fast for any publisher or author. I would go so far as to say that its impossible, not without a team of people doing the work. I interviewed far less people for a true crime project while working full time and it still took nearly two years to produce the final product. Remember, working on the book wasnt Tappers full-time gig during that period. He had to have started his book far earlier. The same applies to Ms. Jean-Pierres upcoming book. I would bet her plans to cash in were laid a long time ago. The grift gets worse when you know some other insider glimpses into the publishing industry. A question you might be asking is, how do they make money on these books with such big advances? Its the under-the-table sales. Look at Democrat representative Eugene Vindman, who allegedly used $30,972.97 and $7,809.55 campaign fund dollars for fundraising expense[s] at a bookstore in Florida where he purchased his brother Alexanders book. These kinds of purchases are simply the means of filtering money into the authors pockets. Theres more. When you write a political book, PACs will often purchase a few hundred (or more) of them to hand out. This is a means of channeling money into the authors pocket indirectly. I know of one author who sold more books through those channels than he ever did elsewhere. Ironically, within a year, you will see all these kinds of books in the bargain bin at Dollar General as the publisher attempts to squeeze out that last bit of hopeful profit. They will saturate the market, each one offering salacious new peeks behind the Biden curtain, but none will be breakaway bestsellers beyond a few weeks. While Im all about sinking a few more shots into the Biden legacy, questions do arise. Is this legal? Yes. Is it ethical? Hell no! Laws need to be put in place to curtail cash advances to former politicos for books. There needs to be full transparency from publishers as to where former public officials' books are sold and to whom. Will Congress do it? Doubtful. Remember, this is a cash cow they profit from. That doesnt mean that we shouldnt demand it. Blaine Pardoe is a New York Times Bestselling and award-winning author canceled by one of his publishers in 2022. His conservative political thriller series, Blue Dawn, is the story of the violent overthrow of the government by radical progressives. His new series, Tenure, is about a Punisher-like hero that goes after the woke. He also authors the bestselling military science fiction series, Land&Sea. Image: Paul Sableman The Nuremberg Trials were an attempt to bring justice to the Nazis for some of the most reprehensible criminal acts of World War II. One subset of those trials was known as The Doctors Trial, so named because it prosecuted some 23 distinguished medical scientists and physicians charged with murder and unspeakable torture through medical experimentation on concentration camp prisoners. One of the most important outcomes of that trialaside from meting out justice to the medical monsterswas the establishment of the Nuremberg Code, which offered a 10-point statement outlining proper limits on human experimentation moving forward. It proclaimed that such experimentation is justified only when the participation is voluntary, when the results benefit society, and when it is conducted in accord with basic principles that satisfy moral, ethical, and legal concepts. It memorialized what most decent people would have thought was already common sense and practice for a civilized society. Image created using AI. Notwithstanding the proscriptions of the Nuremberg Code, the Department of Defense authorized the use of unlicensed medications in the first Gulf War. Specifically, DoD obtained informed consent waivers from the FDA to allow the involuntary administration of unlicensed medications as a prophylactic against potential Iraqi chemical and biological weapons. These medications were postulated by some medical professionals as a cause of so-called Gulf War Syndrome. In light of this, Congress passed a specific prohibition on the use of unlicensed medications on Service Members without their informed consent. The statute, codified at 10 USC 1107, requires informed consent from a Service Member before the administration of an unlicensed medication. Only the president can waive this requirement by ordering a waiver of informed consent in certain exigencies. The statute got its first test when a federal court shut down DoDs involuntary anthrax vaccination program in 2004 after a judge determined the anthrax vaccine had not been properly licensed by the FDA for use in a military context. But nearly 20 years later, our country again flirted with violation of this statute and the Code as it mandated experimental COVID-19 vaccines for our Service Members. That injustice has yet to be fully addressed. Over 8,000 active-duty Service Members were involuntarily separated after failing to receive a religious exemption or other accommodation from the vaccine mandate and then refused to get vaccinated after being ordered to do so. Yes, the vaccine mandate was rescinded by Secretary Austin through the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in 2023, but not before tremendous physical, reputational, and financial damage was inflicted on thousands of personneldamage that continues still. Additionally, despite the rescinding, the Army continued to apply the mandate to National Guard and Reservist members. Regarding the physical risk and damage, most of the public is not aware that the vaccines administered to our Service Members were not FDA-approved but rather were authorized by an FDA Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) or the World Health Organization (WHO). While the most common vaccine, the Pfizer-BioNTech, was eventually given full FDA approval, it wasnt fully vetted at the time of use with Service Members, and doses of other vaccines were also administered. Evidence of the adverse effects from the vaccines is still being uncovered. In 2022 Senator Ron Johnson began pursuing clarification on the validity of the DMED (Defense Medical Epidemiology Database) data after military medical whistleblowers reported massive increases for vaccinated Service Members in hypertension (up 2,181%), multiple sclerosis (up 680%), and breast cancer (up 487%) and many more maladies. Last month, a new Senate report from Senator Johnson revealed that U.S. officials delayed warning the public about heart inflammation risks from the COVID-19 vaccine. According to the report, as of April 25, there were a reported 38,607 deaths and more than 1.6 million adverse events worldwide associated with the administration of COVID-19 injections. Further, the most impacted age groups were 16-17 years and 18-24 yearsthe wheelhouse of service personnel. Service Members who declined the vaccine were also exposed to significant reputational damage. Unvaccinated military members faced and/or are still facing repercussions, including denied benefits, ineligibility for promotion, being non-deployable, letters of reprimand, and potentially diminished employment prospects. Some were told that they faced potential court-martial and dishonorable discharge, along with Article 92 punishment under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). Article 92 is a bad-conduct discharge that could result in the forfeiture of all pay and confinement for six months. Some unvaccinated reservists were involuntarily transferred into the Non-Participating Individual Ready Reserve (IRR), a state of limbo in which they cant participate in drills; cant receive military orders, pay or retirement; are ineligible for military healthcare; and have to fully pay life insurance on their own in order to keep it. The total financial damage to Service Members who declined the vaccine is difficult to measure, but significant. Those members were not only threatened with loss of employment, career, and pensions through involuntary discharge accompanied by potential disciplinary action, but also with having to pay back scholarships, education, or other training costs. Further, the costs of injuries and illness potentially related to the vaccine are incalculable. While there has been some success with individual service member lawsuits, compensation for the vast majority of the affected remains wanting. Standard protocol is for Service Members to pursue grievances through the Boards for Correction of Military Records (BCMR) or equivalent for Merchant Mariners. But these committees will consider individual cases only and are notoriously slow and protracted in their progress. All of this prompted senior leaders of Stand Together Against Racism and Radicalism in the Services (STARRS), The MacArthur Society, and Calvert Task Group to pen an open letter to President Trump requesting an order for full and unconditional pardons, amnesty and remedies for all Service Members negatively impacted in any way by the militarys Anthrax and COVID mandates. The letter also asks the Secretary of Defense and Service Secretaries to remand all previously denied BCMR cases for expedited reconsideration to promptly provide full and fitting relief. The damage inflicted by these experimental vaccines may have violated the Nuremberg Code and needs to be addressed. Although much of the damage from these experimental vaccines and the policies and actions surrounding them is irreparable, some is still possible. We should all contact our appropriate elected officials, direct them to this letter, and encourage their support for pardons/amnesty for alleged COVID-related offenses by Service Members. Greg Salsbury, Ph.D., is a former president of Western Colorado University and a Board of Advisor member for STARRS.US. On a recent podcast episode, Joe Rogan and his guest Cody Tucker found themselves in a discussion that was clearly skeptical of the atheistic consensus among prominent thinkers of the past few generations. That atheistic consensus generally states that the following is true. There was obviously once a Great Nothingness that suddenly became our universe and the existence of everything within it -- and all of this happened for no reason whatsoever. Rogan asks a question that every person has likely asked themselves countless times, wouldnt it be crazy if there wasnt something at some point in time? That seems even crazier than [to think] there has always been something. He's not wrong. To believe that nothing suddenly became everything for no reason whatsoever is an act of pure faith based upon no observable data. Whats more, the proclamation itself an act of heresy for scientific atheists. The First Law of Thermodynamics insists that energy can be neither created nor destroyed. And yet, the idea that energy was once created from nothing is presumed by the scientific consensus to have occurred with a singular event called The Big Bang. Simply put, this is the description of a miracle. Not only should it have not happened, but it scientifically cannot have happened at all. And yet the belief that this one event occurred is the foundation of countless atheists faith. Far from being disinterested in what you think about all of this, revered intellectuals and atheists like Richard Dawkins and Sam Harris insist that the world must agree with them. It is not enough that they believe that the miracle occurred, and that it occurred for no reason at all. They need you to also believe it. And theyve had incredible advantages in their mission to convert the masses toward their faith. As the government increasingly monopolized classrooms across the Western world over the past century, religious explanations for the universes existence became forbidden in formative education and replaced with the forced consumption of scientific atheisms answers to the great question about existence. Given these advantages, one might forgive them for thinking that the trajectory toward atheism of the past century would never reverse, and that the consensus would never be challenged. But there stands Joe Rogan, openly mocking the religion of scientific atheism while proclaiming that the Resurrection of Christ is a far more plausible suggestion. Rogan says: Its funny, because people would be incredulous about the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, but yet theyre convinced that the entire universe was smaller than the head of a pin, and for no reason that anybody has adequately explained to me [that makes sense], instantaneously became [blast sound] everything? Mm-kay. Im sticking with Jesus on that one. What Rogan expresses here is less an expression of belief in Christianity than it is an expression of doubt about the foundational belief of scientific atheists. As David Berlinski writes in his excellent 2009 book, The Devils Delusion: Atheism and Its Scientific Pretensions: Curiously enough, while Western science is saturated in faith, Western scientists remain incapable of seeing that faith itself, whether religious or scientific, is inherently vulnerable to doubt. Richard Dawkins has openly mocked Christians by suggesting that the idea of God is as plausible as a flying spaghetti monster. What he likely never considered is that the notion that nothing became everything for no reason whatsoever is, at the very least, equally unplausible. Academia, of course, has its own clergy which serves as a shield to protect the consensus belief that the universe exists for no reason whatsoever from any intellectual doubts or scrutiny. But the clergy of academia doesnt shape the culture, however much they might wish that they did. Joe Rogan is not a pioneer in mocking the scientific atheists intellectual house of cards. The first moment I can remember for this cultural shift against the pretentions of atheists like Richard Dawkins points to Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the creators of South Park. In an interview with Jake Tapper that is very hard to find, but linked here, both creators express a belief in God. Trey Parker, who identifies as the more religious of the duo, expresses his doubts about Christianity. But out of all the ridiculous religion stories, he says the silliest is the scientific consensus that yeah, theres this big giant universe and its expanding, and its all gonna collapse on itself, and were all just here, just cause. Just cause. That to me is the most ridiculous explanation ever. As Matt Stone later relates in a separate interview, their resistance to the central beliefs of atheism prompted Penn Jillette (of Penn and Teller fame, who is an avowed atheist) to write an email to them expressing shock that they werent firmly on the atheists team. So, as is their custom, they produced a two-part show called Go, God, Go! to mercilessly mock militant atheists and their many ridiculous claims, and to thoroughly skewer Richard Dawkins, who Matt Stone calls the smartest dumbest person in the world. For example, as physicist Steven Weinberg argued in 2007, with or without religion, you would have good people doing good things and evil people doing evil things. But for good people to do evil things, that takes religion. This is a central conviction of the scientific atheists faith that Go, God, Go! tackles head-on. The episode is a Buck Rogers parody set in the year 2546, and a world in which everyone is an atheist and dedicated to rationality and science. But this world without religion is anything but a peaceful Utopia it is, more realistically, comprised of three denominations of atheism, each at war with the others over their belief in insufficient answers to the great question. Realistically, this would be the only logical possibility. For what makes humanity good, after all? Dawkins seems to even recognize this problem, saying that perhaps he is a Pollyanna to believe that people will remain good when unobserved and unpoliced by God. In his book, David Berlinski relates a story about a Hasidic Jew who had dug his own grave, and afterward told his Nazi executioners that God is watching what you are doing. Berlinski continues: What Hitler did not believe and what Stalin did not believe and what Mao did not believe and what the SS did not believe was that God was watching what they were doing. And as far as we can tell, very few of those carrying out the horrors of the twentieth century worried overmuch that God was watching what they were doing either. That is, after all, the meaning of a secular society. For his part, Richard Dawkins seems to have come around to the truth in that observation. He recently proclaimed that he is a cultural Christian. He says that he feels at home in the Christian ethos, and that replacing Christianity with any alternative religion would be truly dreadful. Even though he doesnt believe that God is observing or policing him, he clearly recognizes the cultural value of others believing that they are being observed and policed by God. It is a very good thing, therefore, that the presumed superiority of atheists beliefs is increasingly the subject of ridicule by the paragons of culture like Joe Rogan. And we have intellectuals like David Berlinski and cultural icons like Matt Stone and Trey Parker to thank, as they have been setting off explosives in the foundations of scientific atheism for decades. And though it may surprise many to hear, Christianity appears to be making a huge comeback in America, with young people leading this trend. Though I would have never imagined typing the following words just a few years ago even Richard Dawkins might also agree that this is a very good thing. Image: Pixabay / Pixabay License The phrase If it bleeds, it leads, remains as true today as ever. Nobody votes for Scrooge, but people are drawn to stories about him. Although social media occasionally highlights feel-good stories, catastrophes and scandals dominate headlines, reflecting a societal fascination with the negative. Some argue that American society shows declining moral awareness. Rising polarization reveals a lack of empathy, with tribalism overtaking common ground. Crime statistics, showing a violent crime rate of nearly 364 per 100,000 people, suggest disregard for others well-being. This aligns with the saying One death is a tragedy, a million is a statistic. Stories like the three teenage girls who pleaded guilty to the carjacking and dragging death of a 73-year-old woman or the 14-year-old whose botched carjacking killed an Uber Eats driver raise concerns about whether were raising a generation lacking moral grounding. Social issues such as homelessness, opioid addiction, failing schools, and rising antisemitism persist without collective action, which some view as apathy or moral failure. Cancel culture often prioritizes outrage over compassion, rushing to judgment rather than seeking nuance. Yet how much nuance is needed to distinguish between protecting children from harmful ideologies and parental rights? When does identifying evil stop being a rush to judgment? A broader question emerges: Are we losing our sense of conscience? This scriptural quote comes to my mind quite often: Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! (Isa. 5:20) Are people unable to distinguish right from wrong, or are they choosing evil over good? Recent decades scandals suggest the latter. The Clintons political tenure was marred by Bills extramarital affairs, Hillarys alleged involvement in selling classified hypersonic missile technology to Russia, and the Crossfire Hurricane affair. Barack Obamas scandal-free presidency included controversies like Benghazi, Fast and Furious, and the IRS targeting scandal. Joe Bidens tenure continues to yield revelations. Other examples include James Comeys defense of Hillary Clinton and his cryptic 8647 post and Adam Schiffs unsubstantiated claims about Trumps Russia ties. To avoid despair, consider the 10-80-10 Rule or the Fraud Triangle: 10% of people are inherently honest, 80% act dishonestly given opportunity, motivation, and rationalization, and 10% actively seek to cheat. Identifying the latter group is increasingly easy, as many no longer hide their actions. Yet theres evidence of moral engagement. In 2023, Americans donated $557.16 billion to charities, showing a strong impulse to help. During the pandemic, 124.7 million people nearly half the U.S. population aged 16 and over informally aided neighbors, with Baby Boomers, veterans, and parents helping at rates near 60%. Grassroots efforts and mutual aid networks, often highlighted on X, reveal a persistent moral pulse, even if unevenly expressed. Evidence suggests that conservatives may be more charitable than liberals. This is attributed to factors such as higher religiosity, skepticism of government redistribution, strong family structures, and entrepreneurial spirit. However, the state of our collective conscience exists in tension. Personal generosity reflects moral engagement, but systemic issues and cultural divides create an impression of decay. No single metric proves or disproves a societal lack of conscience. Its more accurate to say conscience is inconsistent, shaped by environment, incentives, and information overload. How can we form a healthy conscience? Aligning personal moral judgments with truth, reason, and divine law through prayer, reflection, and study of Scripture or Church teachings is one path. Regularly performing an examination of conscience, using frameworks like the Ten Commandments, helps identify moral failings. Parents can foster this in children with age-appropriate versions. In conclusion, our collective conscience is not absent, but fragmented. Social media amplify moral engagement and failings, reflecting a society wrestling with competing values: connection versus division, authenticity versus performance, empathy versus self-interest. Platforms, driven by profit, often reward outrage or superficial engagement, drowning out moral discourse. Yet they also empower users to advocate for change, build communities, and demand accountability, showing conscience at work. Image via Pixabay. In a letter dated June 2, 2025, Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) addressed FBI director Kash Patel regarding the FBIs handling of an internal memo targeting Catholics exposed in 2023 by FBI whistleblower Kyle Seraphin. Prepared by the Richmond, Virginia field office, the memo linked radical traditionalist Catholics to violent extremism, allegedly setting field agents on the dubious mission of monitoring Catholics for evidence of radicalization and white supremacy. The memo shows that FBI officials were proposing the development of sources in the Church, interviewing a priest and choir director affiliated with a Catholic church in Richmond, Virginia. Although the memo cited a single investigation involving a subject who self-identified as a radical-traditionalist Catholic, a December 2023 press release revealed that FBI employees could not define the meaning of an RTC when preparing, editing, or reviewing the memorandum. Even so, this single investigation became the basis for an FBI-wide memorandum warning about the dangers of radical Catholics. According to Grassley, the documents received pursuant to the Committees subpoena show there was no legitimate basis for the memorandum to insert federal law enforcement into Catholic houses of worship. The senators latest letter follows a December 4, 2023 Interim Staff Report from the House Judiciary Committee and the Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government referencing what is now known as the Catholic memorandum. That report revealed the memo originally titled: Interest of Racially or Ethnically Motivated Violent Extremists in Radical-Traditionalist Catholic Ideology Almost Certainly Presents New Mitigation Opportunities warned of extremism tied to traditional Catholic practices, especially the traditional Latin Mass and the potential for extremist views linked to white nationalism. Grassleys letter also follows four prior requests from the House Judiciary Committee filed in March, August, and October of 2023, and again in January 2024. Grassley stated he would continue seeking answers about the anti-Catholic Domain Perspective memo. Grassley and House Judiciary committee members are concerned about the politicization of the FBI with its reliance on biased sources, such as the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), and the potential for religious profiling. The letter reveals that, contrary to responses from FBI leaders, the memo was widely distributed across various FBI field offices, including but not limited to Los Angeles, Milwaukee, Portland, Louisville, and Buffalo. According to Judiciarys investigation, the memo was disseminated in the FEESUM email distro to more than 1000 individuals in the FBI on 2 February 2023, before any disclosure about its existence was made. Grassleys letter makes repeated mentions of evasive or misleading responses about the memo from former director Christopher Wray. New documents also reveal an email from the Buffalo office expressing concern about the memos content, noting that two of the nine RTC Hate Groups identified by the SPLC were located in the Buffalo area. Following public disclosure of the memo, the FBI conducted a search and identified at least 13 other documents and five attachments that used similar terminology, such as radical traditionalist Catholic. These documents also reportedly relied, in part, on the SPLC as a source. Grassley is now asking to see those documents and attachments. Grassley claims that Wray was deceptive in his testimony before the House Judiciary Committee on July 12, 2023, referencing a Strategic Review Report finalized in April 2023. Despite evidence to the contrary, Grassley asserts that Wray and other FBI respondents claimed the review was ongoing and refused to answer on that basis my [Grassleys] questions during the hearing. Newer documents reveal Wray also allegedly misled Congress on the scope of the memos distribution to other FBI field offices. Instead, he told Congress that the memo was a single product by a single office. According to Grassley, this was highly material information that Director Wray should have revealed because members were expressly concerned about whether the memo was isolated to Richmond or part of a larger problem. Grassley accused Wray of a pattern of intentional deception during the July 2023 hearing. In response to a question from the senator, Wray stated: So, Senator, I think that this notion that other field offices were involved is a garble, and let me explain why I say that. The only involvement of the two other field offices was the Richmond authors of the product included two sentences or something thereabouts referencing each of these other offices cases, and they sent those sentences about the other offices cases to them, not the whole product, and asked them, Hey, did we describe your case right? Thats all the other offices had. So it was a single field offices product, and I stand by that. Judiciary also found that files related to the memo were deleted, ordered by then-FBI-Deputy-Director Paul Abbate. According to Grassleys letter, Abbate ordered a permanent removal of the memorandum, as well as any edits or references, from all FBI systems. In fact, he told the special agent in charge of the Richmond Field Office to pull it down, the same day the memo was made public, according to the June 2 letter. The FBI stated that they might be able to recover the deleted information, but as of August 2024, no such files were ever produced. Grassleys June 2025 letter provides many redacted documents related to the investigation, including correspondence among the field offices referencing the memo. Grassley requested removal of the redactions, especially the ones related to who was involved in the deletions, why the deletions were made, and whether any deleted files have been or can be recovered. Given recent allegations of the duplicitous use of Prohibitive Access classification to purposely hide information from investigators, the FBI may still be hiding information from the Committee. There is evidence that the FBI was targeting pro-life activists as early as 2022. They raided the home of a Catholic man named Mark Houck on September 23, arresting him in front of his seven children. He was indicted for allegedly assaulting a man, violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, in front of a Planned Parenthood Clinic but was later acquitted. Grassley mentions the Houck raid in his March 1, 2023 letter, stating, The FBI memo comes as the Department of Justice (DOJ) apparently has been looking for reasons to marshal its vast resources against religious pro-life advocates. Importantly, Grassley points out that the FBI pursued charges [e]ven though local authorities declined to press charges and the state complaint filed against him by the alleged victim was dismissed ... and the federal judge overseeing the case raised the possibility that the case should never have been brought to trial. In the same letter, Grassley shares his belief that not only is the FBI likely engaged in unconstitutional activity, but its valuable resources are being diverted to the wrong targets: The FBIs limited resources are better spent investigating and arresting those responsible for the heinous attacks on Catholic Churches and pro-life centers around the country rather than trying to infiltrate and investigate Catholic Churches. The FBIs most recent demonization of the Catholic Church ... is just another in a long list of stark instances of the weaponization of the Justice Department to target American citizens who are exercising their constitutional rights. It is also further evidence of a worrisome pattern of years of politicization within the FBI. Image: Chuck Grassley. Credit: IowaPolitics.com via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0. Under President Trumps renewed vision for America, the focus returns to tangible progress rooted in innovation, industry, and technological leadership. While the left fixates on divisive ideologies like DEI and woke politics, Trump is focused on real progressreviving American manufacturing, securing energy independence, and investing in cutting-edge technologies. Weve strayed too far from the spirit that once put a man on the moon and built Silicon Valley. Its time to return to being the nation that leads not with slogans, but with breakthroughs. Progress is one of the main reasons President Trump is pushing to reform the entire state system. For years, Democrat leaders have been more focused on extreme social agendassuch as endless regulations surrounding gender identity and LGBT issuesthan on actually moving the country forward. These ideas might generate headlines, but they offer nothing in terms of real innovation or leadership in technology and industry. Its time to shift our national focus back to what truly matters: rebuilding the economy, investing in science, and making America a leader in meaningful progress once again. While some pro-Democrat tabloids continue to accuse President Trump of corruption over his involvement in cryptocurrency ventures, they fail to address their own declining credibility and lack of constructive policy. Rather than offering real solutions or driving progress, they cling to the same tired strategy: attack Trump at all costs. In their efforts to vilify the cryptocurrency space, Democrats are effectively stalling digital innovationpushing the U.S. further behind in the global race for technological leadership. Instead of embracing the future, they choose fear and control over advancement and opportunity. The Trump family has actively pursued investments in innovation and technology, aligning with President Trumps broader vision to revitalize American industry and technological leadership. Key initiatives include: Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Ventures: Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG), controlled by the Trump family, announced plans to raise $2.5 billion to establish a bitcoin treasury, positioning the company as a significant player in the cryptocurrency space. Additionally, the family has launched ventures like World Liberty Financial, which introduced the USD1 stablecoin to facilitate large-scale crypto transactions. AI and Data Infrastructure: Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump have invested in Dominari Holdings, a firm focused on building data centers to meet the growing demand for high-performance computing and AI applications. Bitcoin Mining and Energy: The Trump family expanded into bitcoin mining through a venture called American Bitcoin, formed by merging their firm, American Data Centers, with Hut 8. This initiative aims to leverage U.S. energy resources to gain an edge in the crypto-mining industry. These strategic investments reflect the Trump familys commitment to sectors poised for significant growth, reinforcing their dedication to fostering innovation and economic development. Progress isnt limited to advances in digital technologiesit also includes breakthroughs in biotechnology, medicine, and national investment in alternative money systems. President Trumps vision embraces this broader scope, pushing for innovation across all sectors that strengthen national resilience. Real leadership means driving progress in every arena that shapes the future. Our institutions are in urgent need of reform. Many of these organizations have become symbols of outdated bureaucracy, unable to keep pace with rapid advancements in science, technology, and innovation. Rather than adapting to modern realities and encouraging responsible progress, they remain stuck in old frameworks that stifle creativity and growth. Their failure to meet todays challenges reflects a deeper issue across many sectors: the very institutions meant to serve progress are now standing in its way. Image generated by AI. What does it take to tell a foreign national who's up to no good that he or she doesn't have a "right" to live in this country? For leftist judges, apparently nothing. Following the Supreme Court's May 19 ruling that Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had the right to terminate "Temporary Protected Status" for 350,000 Venezuelans, hastily issued in the last week of his term, a group of 5,000 went back to a lower court, court shopping to locate one in Northern California, where few Venezuelans live, and found a judge who would overrule the Court on a Friday night. The Epoch Times explained the logic as this: The federal government cannot invalidate immigration documents that allow roughly 5,000 Venezuelan nationals living in the United States to remain in the country until October 2026, a federal court in California ruled on May 30. In February, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem terminated Venezuelas 2023 designation for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), a temporary immigration status granted when foreign nationals cannot return to their home countries because of safety concerns, such as ongoing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or epidemics. A TPS designation protects individuals from deportation and allows them to apply for authorization to work in the United States. The National TPS Alliance, representing TPS holders from across the United States, sued the government, and a federal judge in California issued an injunction in March blocking the termination of TPS for Venezuelans. On May 19, the U.S. Supreme Court lifted the injunction order, affirming Noems decision. The plaintiffs then approached the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, asking for relief, specifically seeking that certain Venezuelans be allowed TPS protections, resulting in the May 30 court order ruling in favor of the plaintiffs. I'm no lawyer but I read the court papers and checked other news accounts, and to date, this still doesn't make complete sense. The Associated Press explained that the plaintiffs didn't like the ruling, and Reuters explained that the argument was over the documents that they had been issued by Joe Biden which they claimed were still valid through 2026 despite the termination of the program. Reuters also noted that the Supreme Court did say in its ruling that individual Venezuelans could still apply for redress, so that must be where this comes from. But why the suit, brought on by the ACLU and other activist groups included only 5,000 and not all of the 350,000 is still not entirely clear. It may be that the other 345,000 in the mass two-year amnesty issued at the 11th hour of Biden's presidency didn't apply to get the documents by the time the program was terminated. One thing I do know from the court papers is that one of the 5,000, presented as a model non-citizen with a sob story, not only seemingly exaggerated a lot of the sob story part but was openly seeking to influence U.S. elections as a foreign national in Florida in a way that coincided with the interests and values of the Venezuelan government. That would support the national security argument the Trump administration put out about ending the TPS program. In the suit, the usual blather about migrants contributing to the economy and a lot of racism charges directed against the Trump administration over Trump's campaign rhetoric about criminals being let in, as well as phony claims about the educational attainment of Venezuelans who rolled in during Biden's border surge were made, and the Northern California judge, who's probably never been to south Florida, bought those arguments hook, line, and sinker. Then came the sob stories within the court papers, which, given the recent news narratives that rapidly fell apart, make me think they are never be what they claim to be. This one caught my attention: There is a Facebook page of a person with the same name in central Florida who has worked for a voter-registration project out there, and assuming it's the same person, I don't see any evidence of activities that would indicate political persecution -- no participation in the mass protests that have engulfed Venezuela over the years, no anti-Maduro or anti-Chavez memes posted. I know a lot of Venezuelans, and they all post pictures of this kind. There is a period around 2017-2018 on her page which might have been scrubbed -- there are no photos from the time, though it's possible she just stopped posting on Facebook. If it were scrubbed, I wonder what was scrubbed. Her photos indicate that she already graduated from the University of Central Florida just fine, so it doesn't look like she was terribly debilitated in her studies. She also poses for a lot of pictures in public places -- at the beach, in front of an Orlando sign, at a public park -- so it doesn't look like she was too scared to walk around in public. The idea that she would be racially profiled in a place like Orlando or its suburbs, where almost everyone is Hispanic, is laughable. The "no family" left in Venezuela claim is a little weird, too -- everyone has extended family, though it may be that they were granted residency or asylum in some place like Spain or another country. But it's also possible that they are part of the repressive Venezuelan government, which she probably wouldn't want anyone looking too closely into. This is the problem with mass blanket amnesties like Joe Biden gave -- there is no distinction as to the merit of claims. Her work history page on Facebook says she was a digital coalitions manager as of 2022 to Rep. Val Demings, a Florida Democrat. For about eight months before that, she says she worked for what is known as a third-party voter registration organization (3PVRO) called Mi Vecino, which make no secret of its goal of registering Democrats from among Hispanics in Florida and now in swing states. They raise their cash through ActBlue, and their social media shows pro-Kamala Harris signs from the last campaign. Which is to say, she would have sought to influence U.S. elections as a foreign national. That's pretty skeevy, particularly since the Facebook page, if it's the same person, shows no evidence of any activity with the Venezuelan opposition before she would have come to the U.S. in 2017. The person on the Facebook page is a wokester activist, involved in lots of radical leftwing activism against the governor of Florida and his laws to protect children from porn literature, writing her undergraduate thesis on opposing things like gay porn directed at seven-year-olds as "censorship." Her brother, whose Facebook page says he works for Facebook, which actually has been involved in censorship of Americans, indicates on his site that the family comes from Barinas, in Barinas state, in western Venezuela, which is Hugo Chavez's home state. That area has been identified as a Chavista stronghold, and the cradle of Chavismo, by the Associated Press (it's with the opposition now, since at least 2022), with Barinas itself a university town, and Chavez from Sabaneta, about 54 miles away. The state elected Hugo Chavez's dad as its governor during the time they would have lived there, by a 76% majority. One other thing that raises flags about that is that she has an unusual resemblance to Hugo Chavez's eldest daughter, Maria Gabriela, making one wonder if there is a familial relationship, meaning, loyalty to Chavismo, which has always sought to influence U.S. elections. For sure, she'd probably be quite rich if she were in close, but families like Hugo's undoubtedly have a lot of extended hangers-on. Now she comes here and engages in Chavista-friendly leftwing activity, including voter registrations for Democrats (I wonder what she would have said to all those Venezuelans who hate communism the way Cuban-Americans do) and one wonders about why she has such an odd agenda promoting leftists (who are often loyal advocates of Chavismo) through voter registration efforts, with herself being unable to vote as a foreign national. She's been involved in U.S. politics since at least 2020. She was trying to cancel out Republican votes as a foreigner by using other Americans as pawns, so that amounts to foreign election interference. Whether she did it to support Chavismo, or just because she was radicalized in U.S. universities is unknown but that's where the national security risk lies. No one knows, but as a practical matter, there is no material difference, and it raises questions about potential Russian, Iranian, Cuban and Chinese agents participating the same way on behalf of their hate-America regimes. Now she says she's entitled to TPS protection from deportation back to her homeland, when the rationale for ending TPS is that it covered a much-too-broad range of people, including criminals, and that asylum was available for those who think they need it. I haven't heard anything about her applying for asylum and it's possible she has, but it would be pretty interesting if she hasn't. The TPS protection extends to 2026, which would be in time for midterms. Her work history ends in 2022 on Facebook and she probably doesn't work for Mi Vecino now, but she says she is out registering voters in her court papers, so she may be with another group. There was a controversy in Florida a couple years ago when the GOP-led state legislature reasonably tried to ban foreigners from participation in the U.S. election process, including registration of voters. A law, SB 7050 was passed in 2023, and a leftist judge overturned the part about keeping foreigners out of registering voters for elections, with the argument made that the foreigners found it "humilating." Some even made the argument that keeping noncitizens from voting was "unconstitutional." An argument was made that the foreigners were well trained in election matters, as if elections were just consumer durables and there was no need for sworn loyalty to the interests of the country, and the argument was made that when Mi Vecino found some registration irregularities in 2022 in Orange County in the Orlando vicinity, meaning, cheating, and they fired the people involved, which included one citizen and three noncitizens, as an honest broker of registrations. Since this person's Facebook page said she was with them in 2022, I wonder what she knew about that matter. The bottom line here is that it is passing strange that a foreigner would come here, seeking "protection" from Chavismo as a terrified refugee and then go right on promoting the Chavista agenda by trying to influence U.S. elections in the way most helpful to the regime of Nicolas Maduro. People who are scared and just want protection don't do that, and TPS protectees shouldn't be engaged in politics at all, but people with other agendas, including national security-unfriendly ones, do. Now a federal judge has ruled in her favor, allowing her to stay through 2026 so she can carry on her work registering Democrats to vote for leftists like she knows back home. What's wrong with this picture? Image: Pixabay / Pixabay License Back in the days of the George Floyd riots, I recall one scene of a white young woman screaming in the face of a black police officer about oppression and discrimination. Wonder what that black man, perhaps the descendant of slaves, felt about what a young woman probably raised in a fancy home in the suburbs, had to say about his experience. I'd love to know. Over the last few years, I've felt that the Left has gone crazy. How else do you explain the behavior that we see in these marches and protests? Someone decided to do a study and confirm that we've been watching people who need help, and I don't mean a chat or a check. This is from Rikki Schlott: Liberals are more than twice as likely to say they have poor mental health -- while conservatives are more than twice as likely to say their mental wellbeing is excellent. Is it any wonder? Conservatives promote family and religious values and pro-community messaging. The left is the party of grievance politics and Yes you cant messaging. Now, data collected from the 2022 Cooperative Election Study from Tufts University and reported by statistician and political commentator Nate Silver reveals that, among voters who said their mental health was poor, 45% identified as politically liberal and just 19% were conservatives. Conversely, those who said they had excellent mental health identified as conservative 51% of the time, while 20% were liberal. Women with mental health issues? Glad to see that someone did the study because my eyes have been telling me for some time that these liberal women are crazy. Many things are driving this craziness. First, the study is correct that people who focus on family and babies are more likely to be happy than people who focus on government or abortion. It makes sense to me. Second, I think that we can argue that Trump Derangement Syndrome has hit the ladies a little harder. Just watch MSNBC. Third, it makes sense that people who are religious can handle the challenges of life a bit better than those who expect government to fix everything. As my late mother once said, I wouldn't have survived communism without my rosary. Can we save the young women? I hope so, because they are on a road to nowhere. P.S. Check out my blog for posts, podcasts and videos. Image: AT via Magic Studio Seemingly covering his tracks from preying left-wing lawfare lawyers and their rent-a-judges, President Trump declared, in meticulous legal language that he would cut off visas to 12 miscreant nations whose nationals habitually overstay their visas, and whose governments won't take them back, as well as those nations whose nationals are impossible to vet, owing to lousy government recordkeeping and weaselly failures to cooperate. Another seven got their visas restricted, allowing a little wiggle room, presumably for being a little less horrible. According to the Wall Street Journal: WASHINGTONPresident Trump on Wednesday signed a sweeping travel ban on 12 countries, largely in the Middle East and Africa, and introduced more-limited travel restrictions on seven others, reintroducing a controversial immigration policy that came to define the early days of his first term. The ban will completely bar travel to the U.S. by citizens of Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. Citizens from an additional list of countries will be barred from permanently immigrating to the U.S., along with applying for tourist or student visas. Those countries are Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela. Citizens from these seven countries will still be eligible for other temporary visas, such as the H-1B temporary work visa. The move makes sense, given that lawmen are still hunting for all of the thousands of terrorist watchlisters let in by Joe Biden over the past four years without vetting, and we've just had a flamethrowing firebomb attack on elderly Jewish citizens in Colorado by a crazed lunatic from Egypt here illegally who vowed to kill "all the Zionists" and said he'd try again. The Wall Street Journal sarcastically noted that his country was not on the list, but it missed the point: Apparently Egypt does take its nationals back, has a decent recordkeeping system of all the terrrorist crazies in the country, and its law-abiding nationals have relatively low visa overstay rate in the states. Biden let the toad in with no vetting. Trump insists on vetting potentially problematic foreign nationals, and requiring cooperation from their home countries to ensure there are no problems. With that the requirement, and that requirement met, Egypt didn't need to be on the list. The tough measures are important for all of the reasons Trump's meticulous declaration stated, but also for two unstated reasons: By forcing nations that supply huge numbers of illegals to keep their people in-country, the Trump administration forces these miscreant states to clean up their act, to create a country that people want to live in. Cynical dictatorships love to ship their nationals abroad for gringo to take care of for them. That takes public pressure off them, and enables them to run socialist hellholes with very little opposition to worry about. Now the heat is on them to clean up their act, or it's Ceaucescu time for their miserable hides. Nicolas Maduro will eventually get that message. The other reason is related to the first -- as locals flee these zero-growth socialist hellholes, not only do their dictators not have to take care of them, they also lose the benefit of their remittances, which is the other reason why they drive people from their countries. They benefit big from the cash sent home through their central banks by the illegal migrants, while gringo gets the bill to take care of them. Trump's shutdown puts a stop to that cynical game, and cuts off remittances from their bolting emigrants pretty quickly. No more cash, and keep your nationals to yourself. That should be good for a few rounds of unrest as the cash dries up and the locals demand an honest economy. Some might reform as a result, and for those that don't, well, the dictators that foster illegal immigration will get exactly what they deserve. Image: Pixabay / Pixabay License WASHINGTON The Trump administration has ordered U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide to halt scheduling new interviews for student and exchange visitor (F, M, and J) visas as it prepares to expand social media vetting for applicants, according to a State Department cable obtained by Politico. The directive, signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday, signals a significant shift in visa processing that could delay applications and affect universities reliant on international students. "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," the cable stated. It noted that interviews already scheduled may proceed under current guidelines, but unclaimed appointment slots should be removed from availability. The move comes amid the administration's broader efforts to tighten immigration policies, particularly targeting what it describes as national security threats and antisemitism on U.S. campuses. The cable, first reported by Politico, indicates the State Department is reviewing existing operations to implement "expanded social media vetting for all such applicants." While the cable does not specify what content or platforms will be targeted, it suggests a focus on identifying terrorism or antisemitic behavior, building on prior vetting aimed at students involved in pro-Palestinian protests. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce addressed the policy during a Tuesday briefing, emphasizing the administration's commitment to thorough vetting. "We take very seriously the process of vetting who it is that comes into the country," Bruce said, adding, "We will continue to use every tool we can to assess who it is that's coming here, whether they are students or otherwise." She declined to provide details on the expanded vetting, citing that public discussion would be "counterproductive." The pause on new visa interviews could have far-reaching consequences for international students and U.S. universities. Over 1.1 million international students were enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities during the 2023-2024 academic year, contributing approximately $44 billion to the economy, according to Forbes. Many institutions, particularly elite universities like Harvard, rely heavily on international student tuition to bolster their budgets. The cable acknowledges that expanded vetting could have "potentially significant implications for consular section operations, processes and resource allocations," potentially slowing down visa processing and creating uncertainty for applicants. The directive follows recent administration actions targeting universities perceived as too liberal. Last week, the Trump administration attempted to block Harvard University from enrolling international students, a move halted by a federal judge. The administration also directed federal agencies to explore terminating contracts with Harvard worth nearly $100 million, citing concerns over antisemitism and ideological bias. Critics argue the policy could deter international students from pursuing education in the U.S., threatening academic freedom and the financial stability of higher education institutions. The Columbia Spectator reported that the pause has raised concerns among students worried about visa processing delays ahead of the upcoming academic year. Meanwhile, some State Department officials have privately expressed frustration over vague guidance, particularly regarding what constitutes problematic social media content, such as posting a Palestinian flag. The State Department has indicated that further guidance on the vetting process will be issued in the coming days, but for now, international students face uncertainty as the administration reshapes visa policies. The recent drone attack on Russian nuclear bombers doesnt mean much strategically, in military terms. Bomber aircraft are an early 20th-century technology used to deliver and drop bombs on targets, only because the bombs couldnt get there themselves. Today, Russia has hypersonic missiles that are entirely self-directed, and they are up to ten times faster than any aircraft that could deliver them. Fighters and bombers are antiquated last-generation relics. They create some symbolic prestige and thats about all in practical terms. Moreover, even if all of Russias bombers were disabled, how would that stop them from launching weapons from submarines, ships, or silos? Moreover, aircraft bombers were designed around a carpet bombing concept dropping large batches of conventional explosives and incendiaries, which took hundreds or even thousands of such bombs to destroy major targets. Today, one single Russian hypersonic missile with a medium-grade nuclear warhead, can wipe out Kiev in one minute, and make it, and the surrounding area, unlivable for a century. Military planners know all this, of course, so what was this drone attack all about? If certain interests want a war, this is one way to possibly provoke one. But this attack alone is not enough to guarantee a response, like Pearl Harbor did. But it is enough to keep dragging out a long battle by aggravating Russia, and create domestic and global political and economic instability, while frustrating diplomacy, trade and deal-making: the things President Trump is especially good at. War is a way for Democrats to keep undermining the President, and in their minds, effectively nullify the election. One regional war also spreads to other areas, completely changing the complexion of our domestic political priorities. The landslide election victory last year was a referendum on peace, prosperity, and especially, economic growth. Other interests however, appear determined to frustrate those goals because peace and prosperity do not deliver the power they want. War does. It allows consent, deliberation, and even civil law, to be bypassed or suspended, while weakening the United States internationally, especially concerning China. This makes the presidents political enemies more than just a domestic political party adversary they are a continued threat to the sovereignty, and security, of the United States. Matthew G. Andersson is the author of the forthcoming book Legally Blind concerning law and policy. He is a jet command pilot, and a former executive advisor in aerospace and defense with Booz Allen Hamilton. He is a graduate of the University of Chicago and the University of Texas at Austin where he worked with White House national security advisor W.W. Rostow at the LBJ School of Public Affairs. Image: Defense Visual Information Distribution Service, via Picryl // public domain Apple has rolled out Apple Intelligence features to the majority of markets around the world. The lone holdout? China. Apples suite of AI tools has yet to launch in the country. It turns out that it isnt because of a lack of trying. A new report from the Financial Times reveals that Apple Intelligence is facing delays in China due to the ongoing US-China trade war. Trade war delays Apple Intelligence in China The report cites two people familiar with the matter who claim that Apple and Alibaba have submitted their request to Chinas Cyberspace Administration of China for approval. However, their applications have stalled. This is due to increasing geopolitical uncertainties between China and the US. This means that this has less to do with whether or not Apple is complying with local laws. It has more to do with the political tensions between the US and China. This also means that until this is resolved, Apple users in China will have to wait a bit longer before they can get their hands on Apple Intelligence. That being said, given the state of Apple Intelligence, theyre not missing out on much. Apple and Alibabas partnership Unlike other countries where Apple Intelligence is available, Apple had to make some concessions to launch it in China. For starters, it had to partner with a local tech company. In this case, Apples partner in China is Alibaba. This is due to Chinas policies that try to limit the amount of data to be sent out of the country. We had previously heard that Apple could be working with DeepSeek, but a subsequent report revealed that Apple is working with Alibaba instead. That being said, Apple Intelligence delays in China is just a small part of the geopolitical drama thats going on. The Trump administration has imposed relatively high tariffs on incoming goods from China. This forced China to respond in kind. Plus, President Trump is putting pressure on Apple to manufacture its iPhones in the US. Apple has stated several times that this isnt operationally feasible, and Trump has responded by hinting that the Cupertino company could be hit with higher tariffs as a result. Theres no timeline on when Apple Intelligence will launch in China. However, with other local AI players like DeepSeek, Alibaba, and Tencent, Apple users in the region have plenty of alternatives. Thanks to the digital age, companies are storing information about their customers online. There are advantages and disadvantages to this. One main advantage is being able to access that information anytime, anywhere. The disadvantage is that hackers can now access that information as well. In the case of one US telecom company, a new report has revealed that Chinese hackers may have breached its servers a year before that information was made public. Chinese hackers breach US telecom According to the report, corporate investigators found evidence that Chinese hackers may have breached a US telecom company in the summer of 2023. This isnt the first time weve heard about a potential state-sponsored hack. But what makes this alarming is that this hack took place a year before it was discovered. The investigators discovered malware on the companys systems used by Chinese state-backed hacking groups. This malware had been sitting there for the past seven months. The hack also occurred a year before US government officials and cybersecurity companies started seeing signs that Chinese hackers had breached Americas largest communication firms. Speaking to Bloomberg, Marc Rogers, a cybersecurity and telecommunications expert, says, Weve known for a long time that this infrastructure has been vulnerable and was likely subject to attack. What this shows us is that it was attacked, and that going as far back as 2023, the Chinese were compromising our telecom companies. That said, its unclear which US telecom the Chinese hackers breached. The unclassified report does not name the company, and people familiar with the matter have also declined to identify it. Not the first time This isnt the first time Chinese state-backed hackers have targeted US infrastructure. Some of you might have heard of Salt Typhoon, a group that is believed to be backed by Chinas Ministry of State Security. It has launched hacks and attacks on the US telecommunications infrastructure. This includes carriers such as AT&T and Verizon. It is also believed to have siphoned data from millions of Americans. It also targeted phones used by US President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and then-Vice President Kamala Harris. The FBI has since placed a $10 million bounty on the group. US intelligence services have advised companies to be on the lookout for a specific piece of malware called Demodex. However, it is a tricky piece of malware. It has been designed to leave few digital traces and can take measures to hide itself and future activities. Companies like OnePlus and Xiaomi love to boast about the charging speeds on their phones. They like it so much that they have even named them. Apple, on the other hand, has never really spoken much about charging speeds. However, the company could have something to boast about with the iPhone 17 series, which, according to the latest rumors, could come with 45W MagSafe charging. 45W MagSafe coming to iPhone 17 91mobiles has discovered some evidence on Taiwans NCC website that suggests that the iPhone 17 series could arrive with 45W MagSafe charging. This is thanks to Apple apparently adopting the Qi 2.2 protocol. This updated version of Qi 2 will allow wireless charging speeds to go up to 45W. Currently, Apples MagSafe only goes up to 25W, and thats only if you use it with a 30W power adapter. However, the upcoming MagSafe adapter spotted by the source offers 45W of power. The brick is also compatible with previous generations of iPhone, as it has been tested on the iPhone 16 and iPhone 11. However, probably only a Qi 2.2-supported device will get the maximum charging speeds. Bumping it to 45W means almost double the charging speeds. If this is true, then this is a big deal. It beats Apples rival, Samsung, where the Galaxy S25 Ultra has a max wireless charging speed of 15W. Apple has addressed charging speeds briefly in past announcements, but at 45W, it could be one of the main focuses of the iPhone 17. Other improvements in Qi 2.2 include better magnetic alignment. It is also said to be more efficient, and it is backward compatible. This means that you can use Qi 2.2 chargers with Qi 2 phones, but you wont get the same speeds. What else can we expect from the iPhone 17? Apple will announce the iPhone 17 series later this year, possibly in September. The iPhone 17 will be Apples flagship lineup for 2025. It will consist of the base iPhone 17, the iPhone 17 Pro, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max. However, unlike previous years, Apple will ditch the launch of the iPhone 17 Plus. According to the rumors, Apple plans to replace it with the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air. The company is expected to compromise on the specs of the phone to fit its components into its ultra-thin body. However, it will sport a brand-new design. This is something Apple is hoping will appeal enough to customers to overlook its lackluster specs. Apples deal with Qualcomm for its modems might never have happened. Apparently, Apple was in talks with Samsung to use their modems in the iPhone, until a Samsung executive, Jung Hyun Ho, killed the deal. Apparently, he did not want the deal to happen because he didnt want Samsung aiding a competitor. Thats pretty rich, considering the majority of iPhone components come from Samsung, like the display and even DRAM. The tipster who brought this to life calls Hyun Ho one of Samsungs worst executives. Because this forced Apple to rely on Qualcomm, and gave Apple motivation to develop its own 5G modem. Which inadvertently caused Apple to buy Intels mobile chip business back in 2020. This is what created the Apple C1 modem that debuted in the iPhone 16e earlier this year. Another issue for Samsung was the fact that they would not be able to manufacture enough 5G modems for Apple, in the time they wanted. Keep in mind, when it comes to components with the iPhone, Apple needs to source a good 100 million or more just for the launch of the new iPhone. This is a big reason why they are late to new technologies like AOD, OLED, and 120Hz. Apple and Qualcomm have a complicated history While Apple has been a major customer for Qualcomm for decades now, it hasnt always been a great relationship. In 2019, the two resolved a royalty dispute, where Qualcomm was charging Apple royalties to use the products it had already sold to Apple. For those unaware, Qualcomm charges customers to buy their processors and other components, and then you have to pay royalties to use those components. Which Apple took offense to, but not in the way youd expect. Apple was upset with the royalties because Qualcomm was basing them on the entire device price, versus just the modem. This is because Apple was using its own chipset with a Qualcomm modem, and not a Qualcomm chipset like a lot of the other Android OEMs do. Apples current deal with Qualcomm for its 5G modems is set to expire in 2027. Analysts are expecting about 20% of iPhones in this upcoming cycle to use an in-house modem from Apple, with that number jumping to 70% next year. Likely meaning that Apple is looking to get rid of Qualcomm altogether. Samsungs executive has decided to defend the Galaxy S25 Edges battery life. This comes from Black Gaiser, the director of smartphone product management at Samsung Electronics America. He said what well talk about here during an interview with Toms Hardware. Samsungs exec defends the Galaxy S25 Edges battery life during an interview He said that people shouldnt focus on hardware specs but the experience a phone offers. He claims that the phone will still last all day for most users, despite the fact its battery capacity has been cut to make the phone thinner. Gaiser said that Samsungs internal testing shows that the Galaxy S25 Edge lasts from sun up to sun down without needing a charge boost. He said that the phone lasts longer than the Galaxy S24. While that may be true, thats not exactly a compliment for the Galaxy S25 Edge, as the Galaxy S24 didnt have impressive battery life. Either way, Samsung seems to think the battery life the Galaxy S25 Edge offers is good enough for most users. Gaiser also said that he didnt have a major issue with the phones battery life. If only the company used a silicon-carbon battery Samsung could have had the best of both worlds if it used a silicon-carbon battery. That would allow the company to keep the current size, but offer more capacity. Thats what many Chinese smartphone OEMs have been doing. The company opted not to do it, which resulted in the Galaxy S25 Edge being stuck with a rather tiny battery. It has a smaller battery than the Galaxy S25, which is a lot smaller smartphone with a considerably smaller display. Its battery capacity could be one of the reasons why the Galaxy S25 Edge is not selling all that well. Well, thats what a recent report claims, at least. The act of choosing a fight stick for your PS5 is about to get a little more varied, because Sony recently announced Project Defiant. If you happened to miss this weeks PlayStation State of Play live stream, then you likely also missed the announcement for Project Defiant. This is Sonys upcoming fight stick controller for the PS5, and while its not currently available, Sony wanted to give players an early look at the controllers design as well as some of its features. You wont find as many fight stick options for the PS5 as you will regular controllers, so its nice to have another option on the table that you can use your hard-earned money on. Especially if you dont really care for the currently available options on the market. The Project Defiant PS5 fight stick uses PlayStation Link technology Sonys upcoming fight stick is a wireless controller, so you wont have to worry about cables and will still be able to sit on the couch from across the room. You also wont have to worry about anyone tripping over the cable if they pass through the area. Interestingly, the Project Defiant controller will use Sonys PlayStation Link technology, and this is so it provides ultra-low-latency connections. PlayStation Link is also used for audio on the PlayStation Portal. In other words, Sony doesnt want you to have to worry about missing that sick combo because your input relay was a fraction of a second slower than your opponents. Of course, ultra-low-latency connections cant compensate for a lack of skill, so you may still want to practice. You can swap out the restrictor gates and store them, as well as the stick, inside the controller Theres no doubt this is going to be a great home controller for people who love fighting games. Its also no doubt going to be carried from home to tournaments and friends houses who play those games with you. Sony knows this, so it came up with some ways to make it more portable. For starters, you can store its restrictor gates inside and the PlayStation Link cable inside a storage compartment on the controller. This should make it easier to store in your bag. The restrictor gates can also be swapped out. What are the restrictor gates? Theyre the little section that surrounds the joystick. Sony is including a Circle, Octagon, and Square restrictor gate with the controller so you can choose which suits you best. You also dont need tools to swap these out. So, you can do this on the fly if you want to. Additionally, the controller comes with a sling bag to store everything in. Theres no mention of a price or a release date yet. Since its a project, though, dont expect it for at least a little while. If you're overdue or your water breaks early, you may be looking into ways to induce labour. (Getty Images) (Prostock-Studio via Getty Images) "Been pregnant for way too long." These lyrics, from the song Baby Mamma Dance, no doubt resonate with a lot of women in their third trimester particularly if their baby is overdue or they're in the delivery room trying to induce labour. And although we can't be sure that that was the goal of those killer moves, Meghan Markle's video of her and Prince Harry twerking in the hospital to this song as they awaited the birth of their daughter Lilibet seems to speak to this. Of course, it's also quite possible that the pair were simply killing time and trying to lighten the mood before Meghan gave birth or both. But dancing is, in fact, a good way to naturally encourage the baby along. Ruby Handley-Stone, midwife and professional advisor at the Royal College of Midwives, tells Yahoo UK: "Anything to help being upright and mobile is encouraged and will help with engagement of the babys head and rotation. Equally, listening to music you love will help oxytocin and relaxation." Here, we take a look at seven myths and truths about inducing labour. 7 myths and truths about inducing labour 1. Raspberry leaf tea Raspberry leaf tea is full of minerals, vitamins and tannins. (Getty Images) (Xesai via Getty Images) A herbal tea high in vitamins, minerals and tannins, raspberry leaf tea is thought by some to help tone the muscles of the womb for when you go into labour. It can also help combat nausea. That said, health professionals don't suggest drinking the tea to induce labour, and it's unsure how safe it is in pregnancy. According to Tommy's pregnancy and baby charity, if you are going to consume it, it should be in the weeks leading up to your due date, starting with one cup a day and steadily increasing to three cups, spread throughout the day. They also advise speaking to your midwife or doctor before trying any herbal remedies, like raspberry leaf tea, as it may not be safe for everyone. 2. Spicy food A spicy curry might not bring on labour, but it won't hurt unless you suffer with heartburn. (Getty Images) (SimpleImages via Getty Images) The theory is that by eating spicy foods, you can stimulate your gut and in turn prompt contractions. But it can also bring on heartburn, so if you are prone to indigestion and acid reflux, it's probably best to avoid. Although the NCT says there's no evidence to suggest that spicy food can induce labour, there also isn't any harm in trying it. 3. Walking Gentle exercise has been shown to induce labour. (Getty Images) (WENN, WENN Rights Ltd) Whether you go for a stroll or rock on a birthing ball, gentle exercise has been linked to inducing labour. Being upright and moving about may help your baby settle into your pelvis. 4. Sex Sex is commonly cited as a way to induce pregnancy. (Getty Images) (NBC via Getty Images) It is a common misconception that having sex while pregnant may hurt the baby. But, thanks to the amniotic sac, your child is protected from infection plus a penis or sex toy cannot penetrate beyond the cervix. While having sex during pregnancy won't harm the baby and is perfectly safe for most people unless a health professional advises against it there isn't any evidence to suggest it can bring on labour. What may happen as a result of an orgasm in the later stages, though, is that you experience Braxton Hicks contractions (also referred to as "practice contractions"). This is perfectly normal, albeit uncomfortable, and you might want to lie down and relax until they pass. You can read the NCT's guide to sex during pregnancy for more information. Dates are rich in fibre and antioxidants. (Getty Images) (Jose Luis Raota via Getty Images) Rich in fibre and antioxidants, dates are nutritious at the best of times, but there is also a theory they can help induce labour. A small study by the Jordan University of Science and Technology in 2008, for example, examined 69 women who ate six date fruits each day in the four weeks prior to their due date and compared them to 45 women who consumed none. The researchers found that spontaneous labour occurred in 96% of those who consumed dates, compared with 79% women in the non-date fruit consumers. 6. Nipple stimulation Breast and nipple stimulation has been shown to help bring on labour. (Getty Images) (Westend61 via Getty Images) Research suggests that breast stimulation increases the number of women in labour within 72 hours, as it encourages the body's production of oxytocin the same hormone that prompts contractions in labour. Before trying any methods, though, it's always best to speak to your health team first. 7. Castor oil You should avoid consuming castor oil while pregnant. (Getty Images) (Nugroho Ridho via Getty Images) Previously, ingesting castor oil was recommended as a way to bring on labour, and there is some evidence to suggest it can work. That said, it is not advised you take castor oil while pregnant as it can lead to nausea, high blood pressure and digestive distress. The takeaway Handley-Stone stresses: "Theres very little safe evidence for midwives to recommend many of the old wives tales, and techniques such as hot baths, castor oil and sexual intercourse arent advised in official guidelines. "Similarly, there is little research that herbal teas influence the start of labour and some may actually be harmful this is the same for essential oils. There is also some evidence to suggest that acupuncture may help the cervix to soften, but this is also limited." She continues: "Generally, although some methods may offer relaxation (which is the best thing to start labour!), its always worth consulting your midwife before trying any complementary therapies to ensure they are safe and appropriate for you. Your baby will come when theyre ready!" Read more about pregnancy and giving birth Bridget Phillipson describes Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson as exceptionally suited to leading the EHRC Sir Keir Starmers pick to lead Britains human rights watchdog is a Left-wing economist who championed asylum seekers and called for a wealth tax. On Thursday the Government named Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson as its preferred candidate to lead the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), which enforces equality laws. She has previously taken a series of controversial positions, including support for a national wealth tax and a new system to increase the number of asylum seekers in Britain. As chairman of the Womens Budget Group, Dr Stephenson signed an open letter calling on Rachel Reeves to ensure the rich were taxed more on their assets to fund net zero schemes. The EHRC is an independent body responsible for enforcing the Equality Act 2006, which makes it unlawful to discriminate against people based on sex, race, sexuality, disability or other protected characteristics. It will be responsible for releasing new guidance on how employers and businesses should interpret equality law after the Supreme Court ruling that the Equality Acts reference to sex applied only to biological sex. Left-wing ideologue Dr Stephenson was described on Thursday by Bridget Phillipson, the women and equalities minister, as exceptionally suited to leading the EHRC and ensuring it continues to uphold the equalities framework in this country. But the Conservatives pointed to her history of Left-wing campaigning as a feminist economist. Mims Davies, the shadow equalities minister, said choosing Dr Stephenson to lead the body defies common sense. She said: Replacing an esteemed and well-respected Chair, who stood up and fought for womens rights, with a left-wing ideologue who has demanded new taxes and open borders shows how out of touch this Labour government really is. The British public deserve a government focused on their priorities not more virtue signalling. Mims Davies, the shadow equalities minister, says Dr Stephensons appointment would be virtue signalling - Paul Grover In April, Dr Stephenson wrote to the Treasury to complain about the gendered nature of cuts to disability benefits, which she said would force women out of the workforce. The same month, she signed a letter organised by the charity Together with Refugees, which said Sir Keir should abandon Labours smash the gangs policy in favour of more legal routes for asylum seekers travelling to the UK. The letter said: Rather than the border security summits focus on expensive new ways to disrupt people smugglers, often making the journey more dangerous for refugees, the government should be looking at safe routes for refugees to get here without risking their lives. It also called criticism of refugees a relic of hostile politics, racist rhetoric and demonising language of the past. Open letter for wealth tax Dr Stephensons political views will probably put her on a collision course with the Government, which has pledged to bring down net migration and explicitly ruled out a wealth tax. Last October, she joined campaigners in signing another open letter organised by Greenpeace, which called for Ms Reeves to introduce a new tax on assets for the super wealthy and ensure that the wealthiest individuals in our society contribute their fair share. It said: This would reduce the stark inequalities in this country and help raise the vital funds needed to ensure that the transition to a greener, cleaner, more prosperous future is fair for everyone at home and abroad. Dr Stephenson currently serves as director of the Womens Budget Group, which campaigns against economic policies that it views as anti-feminist. In April, its website published an article calling for the introduction of a four-day week, which the author said would promote gender equality. The group also claimed Britains public transport system was stacked against women because men took more train journeys. She previously worked as director of the Fawcett Society, the womens campaign group, and the Early Education and Childcare Coalition. Over 30 years experience Dr Stephenson will now face scrutiny by MPs on the women and equalities and human rights committees, and will replace Baroness Falkner as chair of the EHRC in November if she is appointed. Responding to the announcement that she is the Governments preferred candidate, she said: I am honoured to be named the Governments preferred candidate to be the new chair for the Equality and Human Rights Commission. The EHRC plays an integral role in protecting and advancing equalities and I am deeply committed to furthering this work as chair. With over 30 years working on equalities and human rights, I am confident that I will bring a breadth of experience and insight to the role. Reforms tidying up pensions by building megafunds and sweeping away micro retirement pots are contained in a parliamentary Bill. The Pension Schemes Bill will create bigger and better pension funds and combine smaller pension pots, the Government said. Many people build up several small pensions that can be hard to keep track of as they switch jobs. The Bill will bring together micro pension pots worth 1,000 or less into one pension scheme. For people approaching retirement, the Bill will require schemes to offer clear default options for turning savings into a retirement income. There will also be new rules creating multi-employer defined contribution (DC) scheme megafunds of at least 25 billion, using economies of scale to invest in a wider range of assets. The Government said defined benefit (DB) pension schemes will also have increased flexibility to safely release a surplus worth collectively 160 billion, to support employers investment plans and benefit scheme members. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said: The Bill is about securing better value for savers pensions and driving long-term investment in British businesses to boost economic growth in our country. Chancellor Rachel Reeves described the legislation as a game changer. Pensions minister Torsten Bell said: Pension saving is a long game, but getting this right is urgent so that millions can look forward to a higher income in retirement. Sir Steve Webb, a former Liberal Democrat pensions minister who is now a partner at LCP (Lane Clark & Peacock), said: Whilst there are many worthy measures in the Bill, the biggest omission is action to get more money flowing into pensions. He continued: This issue is unfortunately on the back burner. Measures such as consolidating tiny pension pots are helpful tidying up measures, but do nothing to tackle the fundamental problem that millions of us simply do not have enough money set aside for our retirement. With every passing year that this issue goes unaddressed, time is running out for people already well through their working life to have the chance for a decent retirement. Patrick Heath-Lay, chief executive of Peoples Partnership, provider of the Peoples Pension, said: The Bill contains many measures that will require providers to deliver better outcomes for savers and improve the workplace pension system. We are encouraged by the introduction of default consolidator schemes, which will be the most effective way to solve the dormant small pots problem. Andy Briggs, CEO of Phoenix Group, said: The Bill sets a clear direction for the future of pensions with the emphasis on building scale and ensuring savers receive value for money. Ian Cornelius, CEO of Nest, said: We believe that large, well-governed schemes can drive great outcomes for their members by using their scale and expertise to diversify where money is invested, and gain access to attractive investment opportunities not available to smaller investors at low cost. Nausicaa Delfas, chief executive of the Pensions Regulator, said: Making sure all schemes are focused on delivering value for money, helping to stop small, and often forgotten pension pots forming, and guiding savers towards the right retirement products for them, will mean savers benefit from a system fit for the future. Michelle Ostermann, chief executive of the Pension Protection Fund, said: We will support the Government and policymakers as the Bill progresses. Rocio Concha, director of policy and advocacy at Which?, said: Pensions have become far too complex and fragmented, so its good to see the Government taking steps to simplify them and ensure schemes provide value for money. Which? has campaigned for years for the consolidation of small pots, so we are delighted that this Bill is seeking to do just that a move that will provide greater value for savers and support them to keep track of their pensions. Yvonne Braun, director of policy, long-term savings, at the Association of British Insurers, said: This wide-ranging Bill is set to usher in the most large-scale pension reforms since auto-enrolment. The details will be crucial and we will scrutinise the Bill to ensure it puts the interests of savers first. We also urgently need to tackle the level of pension contributions which are too low to create an adequate retirement income for many. We urge government to set out the details of its adequacy review as soon as possible. Brittany Higgins says the Albanese government has a once in a generation opportunity not just to tinker, but to transform how sexual assault is handled in Australia. Photograph: Jane Fitzgerald Brittany Higgins has warned of an orchestrated backlash to the #MeToo movement in her first speech since returning to public life. During her keynote address to the fourth Conversations That Matter event in Geelong on Thursday, Higgins also urged the Albanese government to use its election mandate to transform how sexual assault is handled in Australia. Reflecting on the legacy of the #MeToo movement which began in the United States in 2017 and peaked in Australia in 2021, when Higgins went public with allegations of rape inside parliament house she said momentum had shifted. Movements dont just provoke change. They also promote backlash. And if we look around today in 2025 its clear were witnessing a concerted pushback, not only against survivors, but against the very idea that sexual violence deserves to be taken seriously as a systemic cultural crisis, she said. Related: Rape is effectively decriminalised: how did sexual assault become so easy to get away with? Higgins said the backlash was well funded, sophisticated and at times, deeply embedded within the institutions which are meant to protect us and cited media coverage of her case as an example. Ive spoken to victim-survivors who said they had to turn away from the coverage of my assault as it was triggering for them. I dont blame them, because inadvertently, they were seeing the same old rhetoric that taught them to be shamed in the first place. Suddenly, they saw subsections of the Australian public discount their pain, whether their rape, assault or harassment would or could be attributed to their actions. Higgins also pointed to high-profile international cases to illustrate what she called a broader cultural regression. She said social media algorithms were feeding young men extremist, misogynistic content and criticised attacks on diversity and inclusion programs, under the guise of opposing wokeness or identity politics. Make no mistake, this is an indirect repudiation of the very programs that help get more women and other marginalised groups into positions of power, she said. Higgins also slammed the Queensland government for indefinitely delaying sexual harassment protections that were due to be strengthened this month. She called on the new federal attorney general, Michelle Rowland, to support the Australian Law Reform Commissions recommendations after its review into justice responses to sexual violence was tabled in March. We have yet to hear a meaningful response from the new government regarding the actual recommendations of the report, whether they have any intention of accepting or enacting on any of it, Higgins said. She said Labor proudly preached its credentials as progressive, inclusive party that has the interest of women front and centre in their policy agenda, but said they need to use this [election] mandate to act and to implement meaningful reform. Weve marched, weve signed petitions, weve had inquiries, weve exercised our power at the ballot box This right now is the once in a generation opportunity not just to tinker, but to transform how sexual assault is handled in Australia, she said. The attorney generals office said following the ALRC review, the government had provided $21.4m in funding to improve victim and survivor experiences in the justice system, and to support other consultations to inform the longer-term responses to the report. Higgins, who earlier this week announced a return to the workforce with PR agency Third Hemisphere, was joined at Thursdays event by husband David Sharaz and three-month-old son, Frederick. The couple returned from France before Fredericks birth in March. During a Q+A segment, she shared how having her son definitely made me appreciate my own mum so much more. Higgins told the audience that shortly after Frederick was born, he needed surgery. Watching him in pain, she said, shattered her heart into a million pieces and made her realise what it must have been like for her mother to watch her go through her recent experiences and not being able to do anything. The event was hosted by the Give Where You Live Foundation. Its chief executive, Zac Lewis, said conversations about confronting issues such as sexual assault were necessary to drive change. Information and support for anyone affected by rape or sexual abuse issues is available from the following organisations. In Australia, support is available at 1800Respect (1800 737 732). In the UK, Rape Crisis offers support on 0808 500 2222. In the US, Rainn offers support on 800-656-4673. Other international helplines can be found at ibiblio.org/rcip/internl.html TRAFALGAR SQUARE, LONDON - KASH GT / Alamy Stock Photo Churchill once said, Nothing can save England, if she will not save herself. If we lose faith in ourselves, in our capacity to guide and govern, if we lose our will to live, then, indeed, our story is told. Let those words settle less as a relic of the past than as a stern admonition for the present. As we reopen a debate many in Westminster have long preferred to bury, we must ask: has Britain still the will to save herself? Or will we, through cowardice and confusion, allow our national story to end not with a bang, but a whimper? The question of banning the burqa and niqab is not a trivial sideshow in the culture wars. It is a litmus test of national self-belief. It goes to the heart of whether Britain has a solution to the complex problems caused by rapid population increase and demographic change. Starmer, predictably, has neither the inclination nor the courage to approach this subject. But a new government with spine, conviction, and a willingness to take the slings and arrows of metropolitan outrage might yet do so. And it must for the issue before us is no longer about fabric and facial coverings. Are we, or are we not, a society confident in our values? And if the answer is yes if we are to stem the disintegration of national cohesion and restore a shared civic space then we must start by outlawing one of the most visible symbols of separation: the full-face veil. Libertarian objections, while intellectually consistent, fall short of lived reality. It is true that in a free society, individuals ought generally to wear what they wish. But there are limits to freedom, and always have been limits defined by the need to preserve what the French, with admirable clarity, call le vivre ensemble: the capacity to live together. France and Belgium, far from authoritarian states, understood this when they enacted bans in 2010. In 2014, the European Court of Human Rights an institution I criticise more often than not nevertheless ruled correctly in S.A.S. v France. The court unanimously acknowledged that the ban infringed individual freedoms of religion and private life, but held that the interference was justified in order to protect a broader societal good: the integrity of social life in an open, liberal democracy. Interestingly, the court rejected the public safety rationale, instead identifying the core issue as one of cultural compatibility. In a Western, pluralist society, being able to see and be seen, to look one another in the face without impediment, is not merely a nicety. It is a necessity. It underpins trust, empathy, and the social contract itself. The burqa and niqab are not akin to turbans, yarmulkes, headscarves or motorcycle helmets. They are garments of erasure of identity, of individualism, and of the mutual recognition that life in community demands. No law compelling British Sikhs to remove their turbans, or Orthodox Jewish women to discard sheitels, has ever been proposed because those traditions do not negate the possibility of social interaction. Full facial coverings do and any ban could reasonably make exceptions for sporting, health or professional reasons or for riding a motorbike (as in France). There is also a deeper hypocrisy. When I have travelled in Middle Eastern or Catholic countries, I have covered my shoulders, legs, and hair when asked. I have done so not under duress, but in a spirit of respect. I have entered women-only spaces and abstained from alcohol when custom required it. Is it so outlandish to expect that those who come to Britain might return the courtesy? Other nations are unapologetic in defending their ways of life. Why are we so ready to abandon ours at the first hint of discomfort? Our culture rooted in Judeo-Christian values, Enlightenment reason, and the hard-won principle of sexual equality has made this country one of the most tolerant and liberal on earth. But tolerance cannot mean indifference. A society that tolerates everything, even its own erosion, will not survive. The answer must now be: no more. Not because we are intolerant but because we wish to remain a society worth integrating into. A society with the courage to demand participation, not parallelism. A society with the clarity to say: there are lines, and they matter. Churchill warned us that if we lose faith in ourselves, then indeed, our story is told. That warning echoes now more than ever. Let us choose to save ourselves. Elon Musk left his job in the Trump administration last week - BLOOMBERG Elon Musks Doge team reportedly left a government-funded institution littered with beer bottles, drugs and cockroaches. Mr Musk, who left his job in Donald Trumps administration last week, attempted to dismantle the US Institute of Peace (Usip) and lay off most of its workers earlier this year, but was blocked by a court order. Usip, despite being established by and receiving the bulk of its endowment from Congress, is technically an independent organisation, which its leadership claims keeps it beyond the control of Mr Trump and his allies. When employees returned last month, they reportedly found the office full of cockroaches and rodents, with leftover marijuana and empty beer bottles strewn about. Colin OBrien, Usips head of security, cited witnesses who said Doge workers were smoking weed in the building, according to Politico. The Economist reported earlier this month that cleaners at Usips Washington headquarters had found marijuana that had seemingly been thrown out by Mr Musks team. The Tesla boss reportedly embarked on an intense drug habit during his time on the campaign trail, to the point where he allegedly developed a bladder issue because of his ketamine consumption, The New York Times reported last week, citing people familiar with his activities with access to alleged evidence. Mr Musk denied the allegations and accused the newspaper of lying their a-- off. Usip staff celebrate outside their building last month after a court blocked the Trump administration from dismantling their organisation - AP Mr OBrien said hundreds of laptops, which had previously been turned over to Doge staffers, were found stacked haphazardly on top of each other, while chargers were found in bins. Numerous flags bearing the name of the institution had been removed from the building, he added. It was neglect, he said. These folks dont know how to run a large, multi-building commercial office complex. Staff carried out illegal takeover Usip became a flashpoint in Mr Musks push for government cuts this year when Doge staffers repeatedly tried to gain entrance to the building. In March, they finally managed to make their way in, prompting George Moose, Usips acting president, to declare they had broken into our building and declared it an illegal takeover by elements of the executive branch. Some staff were forcibly removed from the building by police, and were sacked by the Trump administration two weeks later. But Usip workers were reinstated and allowed back in the building in May when a court declared the takeover unlawful and said it had been conducted by illegitimately-installed leaders. John Swinney joins SNP candidate Katy Loudon on the final day of by-election campaigning in Hamilton - Jeff J Mitchell/Getty A crucial Scottish by-election is a two-horse race between the SNP and Nigel Farages Reform UK party, the First Minister has declared as voters prepare to head to the ballot box. Speaking ahead of polls opening at 7am on Thursday to elect a new MSP for the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse constituency, John Swinney said voters had an opportunity to reject the gutter politics of Mr Farage and elect a local champion by voting SNP. He dismissed Scottish Labour, claiming the party had given up on the campaign and had barely even bothered to defend the UK Governments decision to scrap the winter fuel payment and cut support for disabled people. Ross Lambie, the Reform by-election candidate, salutes his supporters in Hamilton - Jeff J Mitchell/Getty The results of the vote, brought about by the death in March of Christina McKelvie, the former SNP minister, are expected early on Friday. The SNP and Labour were initially seen as the frontrunners in the race but Reform UK has surged in the seat and hopes to push for second place. Mr Swinney was in Hamilton on Wednesday to support Katy Loudon, the SNP candidate, where they were seen surrounded by supporters. People face a simple choice in this by-election, he said. They can either vote for the SNP elect an SNP MSP or they will end up with a Reform MSP. Thats the simple choice. People have got to vote SNP to stop Farage and they can vote SNP for the various other steps that we take, our policies on eradicating child poverty, about supporting families in dealing with the cost of living crisis. Sir John Curtice, the polling expert professor, has said the contest looks to be a close fight between the SNP and Reform UK and predicted the winner might come away with less than a third of the overall votes. The by-election presents the first real test of both Scottish Labour and the SNP since last years general election, where the former returned to being the biggest Westminster party in Scotland and the latter haemorrhaged MPs, falling to just nine. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar with his by-election candidate Davy Russell in Larkhall - Jane Barlow/PA Ahead of the vote, Scottish Labour party leader Anas Sarwar said the choice facing voters is more failure with the SNP or a local champion with Scottish Labours Davy Russell, accusing the nationalists of talking up Reform to distract from their own failures. Mr Sarwar said his party had faced a campaign of misinformation and dirt from opponents, following a row over an advert by Reform that highlighted a 2022 speech by Mr Sarwar at an event celebrating the 75th anniversary of Pakistans independence. Mr Farage claimed Mr Sarwar had introduced sectarianism into Scottish politics while Labour and Swinney described the online video as blatantly racist. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and Cllr Duncan Massey in Aberdeen as a protester stands in the background - Peter Summers/Getty The Reform leader doubled down on his attacks on Mr Sarwar during a visit to Scotland this week, with the Mr Farage accusing the Scottish Labour leader of sectarian politics. Asked about Mr Farages comments earlier in the week, Mr Sarwar said he was a pathetic, poisonous little man, however the Reform leader responded and said: Frankly, its water off a ducks back, because Im fighting to change our country, he wants to divide it. Two giant billboard posters in Larkhall sum up the imminent SNP-Reform face-off - Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Earlier Mr Sarwar said: Time and time again, the SNP has failed Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse. From our overstretched NHS to our declining education system to our crisis-hit housing system, almost all of what is broken in Scotland is run by the SNP. They dont deserve to win, but only Scottish Labour can beat them. The SNP wants to talk up Reform to distract from their own failures, but Scots will see through the spin. Meanwhile, Aisha Mir, the Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate, made a plea to voters to back her. She said: For too many people, it feels like nothing works anymore. The SNP have failed Scotland for 18 years. The Conservatives are lurching to extremes. Labour are already letting people down. Reform have no real solutions. Im in politics to get things done. I want to be a hard-working local champion who will put your priorities first. Erin Patterson faced questions on Thursday in the trial over a lunch she served at her home in regional Australia that contained deadly mushrooms and killed three people. Photograph: Anita Lester/Reuters Erin Patterson has denied deliberately foraging death cap mushrooms and weighing them to calculate the fatal dose for a person, but admitted a series of lies to police as homicide detectives investigated the fatal lunch. On her fourth day in the witness box, Pattersons cross examination started, and the jury was told the estimate for the trial had blown out by at least a fortnight. Patterson, 50, faces three charges of murder and one charge of attempted murder relating to poisoning four in-laws with beef wellington served for lunch at her house in Leongatha on 29 July 2023. Patterson has pleaded not guilty to murdering her estranged husband Simon Pattersons parents, Don and Gail Patterson, and his aunt Heather Wilkinson, and attempting to murder Ian Wilkinson, Simons uncle and Heathers husband. Early in her cross-examination by prosecutor Nanette Rogers SC, Patterson was shown images of mushrooms on scales. She agreed the photos appeared to have been taken by her in her home. Rogers told Patterson that Dr Tom May, a mushrooms expert who gave evidence earlier in the trial, identified with a high degree of confidence that the images showed death cap mushrooms. Related: Is that how you poisoned my parents?: Erin Patterson tells mushroom trial husband confronted her over dehydrator Rogers suggested to Patterson that an image of sliced mushrooms on a dehydrator tray placed on scales showed death caps she picked on 28 April 2023 in Loch. A public post on iNaturalist earlier that month identified them growing there, and the exact location. I suggest you were weighing these death cap mushrooms so that you could calculate the weight required to calculate the administration of a fatal dose for one person, Rogers asked Patterson, before also suggesting that she calculated the weight required for fatal doses for five people. Patterson denied both suggestions. (July 29, 2023) Erin Patterson hosts lunch for estranged husband Simons parents, Don and Gail Patterson, and his aunt and uncle Heather and Ian Wilkinson. Patterson serves beef wellington. (July 30, 2023) All four lunch guests are admitted to hospital with gastro-like symptoms. (August 4, 2023) Gail Patterson and Heather Wilkinson die in hospital. (August 5, 2023) Don Patterson dies in hospital. Victoria police search Erin Pattersons home and interview her. (September 23, 2023) Ian Wilkinson is discharged from hospital after weeks in intensive care. (November 2, 2023) Police again search Erin Pattersons home, and she is arrested and interviewed. She is charged with three counts of murder relating to the deaths of Don and Gail Patterson and Heather Wilkinson, and the attempted murder of Ian Wilkinson. (April 28, 2025) Jury is sworn in. (April 29, 2025) Murder trial begins. Jury hears that charges of attempting to murder her estranged husband Simon are dropped. Rogers also asked a series of questions about what she told her lunch guests about a possible health issue. She said Simon had given evidence that Don had told him Patterson would be receiving chemotherapy, and possible surgery, for cancer, and Ian Wilkinson also said in his evidence that Patterson told the guests she had cancer. I suggest to you you told your lunch guests that you had received a cancer diagnosis, agree or disagree, Rogers asked. Disagree, Patterson responded. Rogers then suggested to Patterson that she lied about having cancer to her lunch guests as you thought the lunch guests would die and your lie would never be found out. Thats not true, Patterson responded. Under questioning from her lawyer, Colin Mandy SC, earlier on Thursday, Patterson said she repeatedly lied to police during her interview with detectives on 5 August about her food dehydrator. The dehydrator was later recovered at a local tip with her fingerprints on it, and with traces of death cap mushrooms on it. And why did you tell the police those lies on the 5th of August? Mandy asked. Well I had disposed of it a few days earlier, in the context of thinking that maybe mushrooms that Id foraged or the meal Id prepared was responsible for making people sick, Patterson responded. And then on the Saturday, Detective Eppingstall told me Gail and Heather had passed away, and it was this stupid kneejerk reaction to just dig deeper, and keep lying. I was just scared. But I shouldnt have done it. Mandy finished his questioning of Patterson by running through the names of each of her lunch guests, and asking if she had intended to kill them, cause them really serious injury, or harm them in any way. Related: Erin Patterson details religious conversion and never-ending battle with low self-esteem in emotional testimony to murder trial She answered in the negative to each question, shaking her head and crying when Mandy finished the series of questions by asking about Ian, who was seated in the court. Justice Christopher Beale told the jury that it was expected the trial would continue for at least two more weeks, with Pattersons evidence possibly stretching into next week. The trial continues. Britain to substantially increase drone deliveries to Ukraine Xinhua) 10:35, June 05, 2025 LONDON, June 4 (Xinhua) -- The British Ministry of Defense said on Wednesday that Britain will ramp up its drone supply to Ukraine, raising the target from 10,000 in 2024 to 100,000 in 2025, marking a record investment of 350 million pounds (473.61 million U.S. dollars). The ministry stated in a statement that this initiative is part of Britain's 4.5-billion-pound military support package to Ukraine for this year. At a NATO meeting in Brussels with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, British Defense Secretary John Healey will announce an additional 247 million pounds in funding for training the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This includes training Ukrainian recruits on British soil and supporting Operation Interflex, which has provided basic combat training to over 55,000 Ukrainian recruits since 2022. Healey will also confirm the successful delivery of 140,000 artillery munitions to Ukraine by Britain since the start of 2025. The Ukrainian and Russian delegations made modest but concrete progress in renewed peace talks in Istanbul on Monday. Russia believes that arms supplies to Ukraine hinder the settlement of the conflict. The Kremlin stated that the West's provision of weapons to Ukraine does not contribute to the negotiations and will have a negative effect. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) An exhibition of giant prehistoric animals will make its UK debut this year. Giants, developed by the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences and toured by Nomad Exhibitions, will open at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery on August 2. It will then move to the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh in January 2026. The exhibition focuses on creatures such as the woolly mammoth, which roamed the Earth after the extinction of the dinosaurs. Giants spans a period of 66 million years to the present day, and highlights the need to protect existing giant species such as elephants and whales. It features life-sized 3D models and nearly complete skeletons, including giant shark Otodus megalodon; the Mammuthus primigenius or woolly mammoth, which weighed between six and eight tonnes; and Gigantopithecus blacki, an Asian primate the size of three orangutans. Visitors of all ages are encouraged to step into the shoes of palaeontologists and biologists, using interactive resources and engaging with the scientific processes behind fossil discovery and reconstruction. A life-sized 3D model of a megalodon features in the exhibition (National Museums Scotland/PA) Immersive projections recreate the natural habitats of previous giant species, providing context to their existence and extinction. The exhibition also warns of the threat of extinction posed to elephants, rhinoceroses and whales and the urgent need to protect endangered species. The announcement coincides with World Environment Day on Thursday, which this year is focused on ending plastic pollution. Zak Mensah and Sara Wajid, co-chief executives of Birmingham Museums Trust, said: We are delighted to welcome the Giants exhibition to Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. This inspiring installation not only captures the imagination with its monumental scale but also delivers a vital message about sustainability and our shared responsibility to protect the planet. Birmingham Museums is committed to using storytelling to engage communities with the challenges of our time and Giants does exactly that in a powerful and accessible way. Dr Nick Fraser, keeper of Natural Sciences at National Museums Scotland, said: Were really looking forward to bringing Giants to Scotland next year. Popular attention on prehistoric life tends to focus either on dinosaurs or on our own earliest human ancestors, which leaves a relatively neglected gap of around 60 million years of natural history. Giants is a striking invitation to us all to think about that period, to see how nature adapts over time, and also to reflect on the ways in which current human activity is denying that time to todays endangered giants. Gerry Adams said he will donate the 100,000 euros (84,000) he is to receive in damages from the BBC to charities that help children in Gaza, the homeless in Ireland and Irish language groups. Mr Adams took the BBC to court over a 2016 episode of its Spotlight programme, and an accompanying online story, which he said defamed him by alleging he sanctioned the killing of former Sinn Fein official Denis Donaldson, for which he denies any involvement. Last Friday a jury at the High Court in Dublin found in his favour and awarded him 100,000 euros (84,000) after determining that was the meaning of words included in the programme and article. The BBC will also have to pay Mr Adamss legal costs. Director of BBC Northern Ireland, Adam Smyth (centre) outside the High Court in Dublin (Brian Lawless/PA) During an eight-minute video posted on the official Sinn Fein YouTube channel, Mr Adams accused the BBC of showing arrogance when it did not resolve the dispute after he issued legal letters nine years ago. In Putting Manners On The BBC The Gerry Adams Blog, Mr Adams said that the BBC has been held accountable for the content it broadcasts. Mr Adams said: As for the money that the jury awarded me in damages, I will donate this to good causes. These will include the children of Gaza, groups in Ireland involved in helping the homeless, Cumann Carad, the Irish language sector and other projects like this in west Belfast. He added: When the case began six weeks ago, the BBCs legal strategy was evident very quickly. Their narrative was that pursued by successive British and Irish governments for years. They blamed everything during the conflict on Irish Republicans and by extension, during this trial, on me. The BBC lawyers embarked on a Jesuitical presentation of the case that tried to convince the jurors that the words broadcast and published by the British Broadcasting Corporation, that I had sanctioned the murder of Denis Donaldson, did not, in fact, mean that I sanctioned the murder of Denis Donaldson. They were, they said, thats the British Broadcasting Corporation, not defending the truth of the accusation. Instead they were defending, they claimed, their journalism, which they said was fair and reasonable, in the public interest and made in good faith. They concluded their case by trying to exert moral pressure on the jurors by claiming that a defeat for the British Broadcasting Corporation would be a blow to freedom of speech and a setback to victims. In the end the jury didnt buy in to any of this. On all the key issues the jurors unanimously accepted that the script used by the Spotlight programme did mean that I had sanctioned and approved the murder of Denis Donaldson. He said that after the BBCs decision to air the Spotlight programme, he decided to sue the broadcaster. Mr Adams said the BBC could have resolved the dispute there and then. They chose not to. Why? Thats a question to be asked. Why did they not resolve this issue when they could have? Was it arrogance? Yes, thats part of it. But I also suspect political interference. In January, the British Prime Minister Keir Starmer responded to a decision in the High Court in Belfast, which included that I and, by implication, up to 400 other former internees, were wrongfully detained and that we were entitled to compensation. Mr Starmer told the British Parliament that he would look at every conceivable way to block compensation being paid. Mr Adams also urged the Minister for Justice Jim OCallaghan to met Denis Donaldsons family. He signed off by saying slan agus tog go bog e, which means goodbye and take it easy. Earlier this week the BBC was granted time to consider appealing against the jurys decision. The broadcaster was granted a stay on paying the full costs and damages to allow it time to consider whether to lodge an appeal. The stay was subject to paying half the damages (50,000 euros or 42,000) and 250,000 euros (210,000) towards solicitors fees. Pete Hegseth said he was very encouraged by what he heard at a meeting of defence ministers. Photograph: Virginia Mayo/AP The US defence secretary, Pete Hegseth, said Nato allies were very close, almost near consensus to an agreement to significantly raise targets for defence spending to 5% of GDP in the next decade. The Trump administration official indicated he expected the increased target to be agreed at a summit in The Hague later this month and confirmed that the headline figure was to be split into two parts. This alliance, in a matter of weeks, will be committing to 5%: 3.5% in hard military and 1.5% in infrastructure and defence-related activities. That combination constitutes a real commitment, he said. Hegseth was speaking at a press conference at Nato headquarters in Brussels after the morning session of an all-day meeting of defence ministers from the 32-country transatlantic military alliance. Im very encouraged by what we heard in there, Hegseth told reporters. Countries in there are well exceeding 2% and we think very close, almost near consensus, on a 5% commitment to Nato. Natos current target level for military spending, agreed at a summit in Cardiff in 2014, is 2% of GDP, but Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that European allies and Canada do not spend enough compared with the US. In an attempt to avoid Trump wrecking the first Nato summit of his second term, the alliances new secretary general, Mark Rutte, proposed a 3.5% plus 1.5% target, though there is some ambiguity about the target date. Initial reports suggested that Rutte wanted allies to hit the target from 2032, though earlier this week British sources suggested the date could be 2035. Swedens defence minister said he would like to see the target hit by 2030. Only Poland currently exceeds the 3.5% target for hard military spending at 4.32%, according to Nato figures, while the US defence budget, the largest in the alliance, amounts to 3.4% of GDP, at $967bn (711bn). The UK spends 2.33% of GDP on its military, but has pledged to increase that to 2.5% by 2027 and to 3% some time in the next parliament. Earlier this week the prime minister, Keir Starmer, declined to set a firm date for the UK achieving 3% as he unveiled a strategic defence review. Related: Why is defence such a hard sell? The same reason Starmer is struggling in the polls | Martin Kettle Rutte will visit London on Monday to meet Starmer before the summit. Downing Street said the prime minister and the secretary general would talk about how we ensure all allies step up their defence spending now in order to respond to the threats that we face now. Germanys defence minister, Boris Pistorius, said Berlin would need up to 60,000 additional troops to meet new Nato targets for weapons and personnel. We are stepping up to our responsibility as Europes largest economy, the minister said on Thursday. Germany, which currently spends 2.12% of GDP on defence, had been singled out by Trump as a laggard in spending, though until Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Berlin had been reluctant to be a leader in European military spending, partly due to the memories of the militarism of the second world war. Highgate cemetery was accused of putting the needs of tourists above mourners. Photograph: Everyday Artistry Photography/Alamy Dozens of grave owners confronted Highgate cemeterys bosses and their architects this week in a growing row over a maintenance and toilet block in a part of the graveyard where almost 200 people were recently buried. The cemetery called Tuesdays private meeting in an attempt to placate objectors by setting out adjustments to a new building that is part of an 18m redevelopment of the graveyard. But the meeting descended into heckles, chants, a walkout, legal threats, demands for compensation and accusations that cemetery was putting the needs of tourists above mourners. A recording of the meeting, heard by the Guardian, revealed unanimous and often furious opposition to what grave owners have called the bunker. The controversial block is due to be located on the mound, an area of the cemetery of about 170 recent graves including those of the sociologist Prof Stuart Hall, the artist Gustav Metzger, and the critic Tom Lubbock. Among those objecting were the actor Bertie Carvel, whose mother, Pat, was buried on the mound in 2019. He told the meeting it was crazy to locate the brutalist building in part of the cemetery most frequented by active mourners. Pleading with the cemeterys managers, he said: Im sure it is not deliberately insensitive but given the strength of feeling please, please, please will you stop. Go away and rethink. His fellow actor Pam Miles demanded that the cemetery pay for the cost of exhuming the remains of her actor husband, Tim Pigott-Smith, if the scheme goes ahead. It leaves us no option but to exhume. In the circumstances it would be fair to expect you to repay us for these expensive graves. Staff from Hopkins Architects, who designed the scheme, were repeatedly heckled and shouted down as they argued the building could not be placed in any other part of the 14.5-hectare (36-acre) graveyard. A lawyer, who afterwards asked not to be named, said he and others were planning to sue the cemetery for breach of contract. The man, who owns a double plot where his partner his buried, told the meeting: What we bought was a site with open views and you are changing that. You need to think about whether there are potential legal ramifications from people like me if you carry on with this. Separately, a letter to the cemeterys trustees signed by more than 30 grave owners, claimed the charity had breached consumer rights of those who had recently bought plots by failing to inform them of the plan to redevelop the cemetery. It also threatened to report the trust to the Charity Commission over consultation failures and reputational damage to the cemetery. And it warned they were prepared to allege mismanagement to the National Heritage Lottery Fund, at a time when the cemetery is seeking 18m of funding for the redevelopment. At the meeting architects defended the building. One denied it was brutalist, saying: Thats just not correct. Theres more poetry to it than that. One of the objectors shouted: Bollocks. Undeterred, the architects outlined proposed changes to the block including removing an accessible toilet and reducing the height and width of the building. At this point Natalie Chambers, whose parents are both buried on the mound, left the meeting in protest. As she left she said: Im appalled. You dont listen to us one bit. My father was in the Warsaw ghetto. And you are so disgusting I dont even want to come to the cemetery any more. There followed a chant from the room of: We dont want the building. A screenwriter, Anna Seifert-Speck, whose husband was buried on the mound in 2019, said: We are asking you to reconsider bulldozing over our complaints. Lowering the thing a little bit isnt going to work, its not want we want. Another grave owner said: Its a graveyard for us. Its not a tourist site. A barrister said the mound area was the worst possible location for the building. There is a concentration of nothing but contemporary graves there. Thats why you have so many people in this room. My young daughter lies there. You must see that the notion of having toilets right next to the graves of loved ones causes pain and anguish. The solution is simple: dont build on the mound. Speaking after the meeting, Carvel said: Mourning in a cemetery ranks higher than visiting a place of historic interest. The force of those arguments must have rung loud to anyone with an ounce of humanity. But we are also dealing with a corporate decision-making process and I remain somewhere between anxious and cynical about the extent to which that organisation will look itself in the mirror and admit it was wrong. The architects and trustees agreed to reflect on the feedback and report back to the grave owners in the coming weeks. Elizabeth Fuller, the chair of the Friends of Highgate Cemetery Trust, acknowledged failures in the way recent grave owners had been consulted about the plans and pledged better communication in the future. At the start of the meeting she said: As required by the planning process, and by [the] reality [of the site], we have had to balance the benefits and harms of all constituent elements. We will commit to amending our plans wherever possible. HMRC (Her Majesty Revenue and Customs) sign in London First it was M&S, then the Co-op, and Harrods. And this week, we have learned that HMRC may be the latest major British organisation to have its data security compromised, with reports that the confidential information of more than 100,000 taxpayers may have been stolen. But hold on. It is bad enough for a private company to be hacked. But the tax authority should be taking security far more seriously. At the end of the day it doesnt really matter whether a group of hackers in Belarus knows whether you generally order the prawn or the chicken sandwich at M&S, or if an AI bot may have stolen the details of your last order at the Co-op. But HMRC has genuinely private information and if that cant be secured, trust in the whole system will quickly break down. It is a shocking revelation. Officials told the Treasury Select Committee that what it described as multiple phishing attacks had been staged by several criminal gangs over the last year. It estimates that 47 million may have been lost, and admitted it was stepping up security to try to deal with the issue. It is hardly the first time HMRC has had these issues. In 2021, it formally disciplined staff for failing to protect security, and issued close on 100 written warnings to employees. In fairness, every organisation that moves systems and data online is going to occasionally suffer from attacks. Hackers are very smart, and can make so much money from fraud that they will devote huge resources to breaking through whatever firewalls may be in place. Even so, the latest incident highlights how bad the crisis has become at HMRC, and how urgently it now needs to be fixed. In reality, there are three big problems. First, tax reporting and payment has been moved online before HMRC is ready to deal with it adequately. The Making Tax Digital system already applies to VAT, forcing lots of small traders to file all their information via the internet, and will soon be extended to landlords and the self-employed as well. Sure, it might be more efficient in the long-run, but it can only operate if the system is secure and reliable. Next, the tax system has become far too complex. We have income taxes, VAT, corporate taxes, inheritance taxes, capital gains taxes, stamp duty, council tax, and a dozen or more fiddly little green levies and charges to keep track of. It is bewildering. We are about to make it even more complicated by means of testing the winter fuel allowance for pensioners. For every tax, and for every means test, there has to be another set of data to put online, and that opens up yet another system that is vulnerable to hackers. Finally, frozen thresholds have dragged far too many people into the self-assessment net. There were almost 12 million tax returns filed for the last tax year, up from 10.2 million as recently as five years ago. The number is rising all the time. Again, more data means the system is more vulnerable. In reality, successive Chancellors have pushed taxes up to a 70 year high, without building a reliable system to deliver the revenues. There are always going to be penalties and fines in the background, but fundamentally any tax system relies on trust and support from the people who pay the bills. If the system cant be secured against hackers, that is going to break down, and rightly so and both HMRC and the Treasury will have no one to blame but themselves. Actor Jonathan Bailey has said the Wicked sequel is darker and is going to go there politically as well. The Bridgerton star, 37, plays Prince Fiyero in the films, also starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, which are adapted from the musical of the same name. Being slightly off the M1 in Munchkinland, with Ari singing a beautiful mezzo soprano, and then seeing cars pulling up on the hard shoulder trying to record it, and then seeing men in the sky, (which) turned out to be microlights and drones, it was like Independence Day, he told British GQ. He added: I remember having four hours to learn how to do a dance move. I did it with Ari, headbutted her, and was like, Gotta go!. I think she might have even headbutted me, but it was a meeting of minds, literally. Wickeds next instalment will arrive in cinemas in the UK and Ireland from November 21 and will cover the years after Elphaba, played by Erivo, parted ways with her friend Glinda (Grande). Wicked: For Good will also show Elphaba being demonised by those in Oz, and transformed into The Wicked Witch Of The West. The films have been adapted from the musical, which was based on Gregory Maguires 1995 novel which was in turn inspired by the story first told in L Frank Baums 1900 childrens novel, later adapted into the 1939 film starring Judy Garland as Dorothy Gale. Bailey said: Its darker, and Ive got a sense its going to go there politically as well. Fiyeros arc really kicks off and he literally is transformed by the end. Other stars of Wicked include Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, and US actor Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard. Both Bailey and Goldblum are part of the Jurassic Park franchise. Goldblum played Dr Ian Malcolm in the original 1993 adventure/sci-fi while Bailey stars as Dr Henry Loomis in Jurassic World: Rebirth, which is yet to be released. Well see how it goes, but there might be a few films down the line where me and him can appear in Jurassic together, Bailey said. He added: Dr Ian Malcolm and Dr Henry Loomis on a night out. Bailey stars on the cover of the summer Heroes issue of British GQ and 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 newsstands on June 10. The HMRC losses were likely made due to personal details being acquired by hackers through fake emails as part of a phishing scam. (PA/Alamy) (Josie Elias) HMRC has been hit by a sophisticated phishing scam that has drained 47m from tens of thousands of taxpayer accounts. Two senior civil servants at HMRC told the treasury committee that 100,000 people have been contacted, or are in the process of being contacted, after their accounts were locked down in what they said was an organised crime incident that began last year. HMRC has moved quickly to secure affected accounts and is working with police to track down the culprits, with some arrests already made. While the agency insists that those impacted will face no financial loss, the scale of the breach has raised questions about the security of personal information in an era of increasingly cunning fraud tactics. What happened to HMRC? Last year, criminals launched a targeted phishing campaign aimed at compromising individual tax accounts. According to HMRCs chief executive, John-Paul Marks, fraudsters used stolen personal information likely gathered from phishing attempts or other external sources to access or create pay as you earn (PAYE) accounts so that they could fraudulently claim tax repayments. Fraudsters used stolen personal information to access or create PAYE accounts so that they could fraudulently claim tax repayments. (PA) (Ascannio) HMRC has since locked down the affected accounts, reset login credentials, and removed any incorrect information from tax records to prevent further misuse. An ongoing investigation, including jurisdictions outside the UK, has already led to arrests, although specific details have not been released. What has been stolen? The scam resulted in 47m being illegally siphoned through fraudulent repayments. HMRCs deputy chief executive Angela MacDonald called the sum very unacceptable but insisted that the agencys broader efforts last year protected 1.9 billion from being taken in similar attacks. The stolen funds were extracted from individual PAYE accounts, not corporate ones, with criminals exploiting identity data to manipulate tax records. Who has been affected? Approximately 100,000 individuals about 0.2% of the UKs PAYE population have been caught up in the scam. HMRC is either in the process of contacting these taxpayers or has already done so to inform them of suspicious activity on their accounts, assuring them that they will face no financial loss, as the agency has taken steps to secure accounts and correct records. The breach targeted individual workers PAYE accounts, not businesses or other entities. How will you know if your details have been stolen? If your account is among those compromised, HMRC will notify you directly. The agency is sending letters to affected taxpayers over the next three weeks, outlining the issue and confirming that their accounts have been secured. HMRC is writing to affected taxpayers over the next three weeks. (PA) (John Lamb via Getty Images) If you receive a letter, its a sign that HMRC detected suspicious activity tied to your PAYE account. In the meantime, taxpayers are urged to stay vigilant for phishing attempts, such as suspicious emails or texts claiming to be from HMRC, which could be linked to similar scams. Why is it not a cyber attack? HMRC's MacDonald was clear in distinguishing this incident from a cyber attack. She told the Commons treasury committee: We have not been hacked, we have not had data extracted from us. MacDonald later added: The ability for somebody to breach your systems and to extract data, to hold you to ransomware and all of those things, that is a cyber attack. That is not what has happened here. Unlike a cyber attack, which might involve breaching HMRCs systems or holding data for ransom, this was a phishing scam relying on personal information obtained outside HMRCs infrastructure potentially from banks or other organisations. Criminals used this data to trick the system into processing fraudulent repayments. The Governments plan to improve the energy efficiency of all private rented homes is detached from reality, landlords have warned. The proposed timeframe for requiring all properties to meet a higher efficiency rating is simply unrealistic largely due to a shortage of tradespeople to carry out the work, the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) said. The Governments consultation on the plan, which aims to cut bills and emissions to deliver a statutory fuel poverty target, closed last month. It proposes that all privately rented properties must meet a minimum efficiency standard C, rather than the current required rating of E, by 2030. (PA Graphics) The NRLA said that while landlords support the overall objective, the Government must rethink its implementation process. Under the Governments current timeline, the new minimum efficiency standard, which will be set against new metrics, will be confirmed in late 2026, with a view to it applying to all new tenancies by 2028 and all tenancies by 2030. The NRLA said this could give landlords less than two years to upgrade more than 2.5 million rented homes that it estimates do not currently meet the new energy performance standard. It also said ministers have not explained how the extensive works will be funded. In its response to the consultation, the NRLA cited research by the Kingfisher group, the owner of brands such as Screwfix, B&Q and Tradepoint, which estimated there will be a shortfall of 250,000 skilled tradespeople in the UK by 2030. The NRLA proposed an adjusted implementation plan which requires landlords to meet specified standards relating to the fabric of the building, such as improved insulation, by 2030. All landlords should then meet secondary standards relating to smart meters and efficient heating systems by 2036, it said. NRLA chief executive Ben Beadle said: We want all private rented properties to be as energy efficient as possible. However, tenants are being sold a pup with timelines that are hopelessly unrealistic. The idea that millions of homes can be retrofitted in less than two years is detached from all reality, not least given the chronic shortage of tradespeople the sector needs to get the work done. Noble ambitions mean little without practical and realistic policy to match. In its annual report in 2024, the advisory Committee on Fuel Poverty said: Failure to make rapid progress in the private rented sector on energy efficiency will fundamentally undermine any Government strategy to end fuel poverty. A spokesperson for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said: Everyone deserves to live in a warm home, which is why we have recently consulted on plans to require private landlords to meet higher energy performance standards. These plans could lift up to half a million households out of fuel poverty by 2030, while also making renters hundreds of pounds better off. We have also announced plans to train up to 18,000 skilled workers to install heat pumps, fit solar panels, install insulation and work on heat networks. Liverpool have rebuffed an approach by Barcelona for winger Luis Diaz. The Colombia international has been a target for the LaLiga champions for some time, although he has also been attracting interest from Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr. Only last month Barcas sporting director Deco publicly named Diaz, and Manchester Uniteds Marcus Rashford, when talking about their transfer plans. Liverpool do not want to sell Luis Diaz (Adam Davy/PA) However, the PA news agency understands when the Catalan club made an approach to Liverpool on Wednesday they were told they had no intention of selling. Diaz turned 28 in January and has two years remaining on his current deal but it is believed there are currently no plans to open negotiations on any extension. However, with Darwin Nunez expected to depart this summer and the future of Federico Chiesa in doubt after a frustrating debut season in which he made just 14 appearances, Arne Slots Premier League-winning forward line already looks like losing two of its members. The arrival of Florian Wirtz, with discussions ongoing with Bayer Leverkusen over the transfer fee after a recent 109million bid was rejected, will likely offset the impact of that especially as Nunez and Chiesa contributed just nine goals between them. But it is understood potentially losing a third member of the attack would only be sanctioned if there was a bid which allows Liverpool to significantly improve the team or if the player agitated for a move. Last month Diaz told American-Spanish television channel Telemundo: For me, Id stay however many years it takes. Bayer Leverkusen forward Florian Wirtzs expected arrival will boost Liverpools attacking options (Niall Carson/PA) Liverpool have already recruited Jeremie Frimpong from Leverkusen to strengthen their right side following the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold and are looking to bolster the left with a move for Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez. The Cherries value the 21-year-old Hungary international, who is keen on a move to Anfield, at 45m but Liverpools sporting director Richard Hughes is currently negotiating with his former club over the fee. Liverpool have announced they would start their pre-season with a friendly at Preston on July 13, prior to them flying to Hong Kong and Japan for matches against AC Milan and Yokohama F.Marinos. Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke started the dance - AP Three Maori MPs have been suspended from New Zealands parliament for performing a haka during a sitting last year. On Thursday, the legislature voted to ban Rawiri Waititi and Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, the Maori Party co-leaders, for a record 21 days. Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, the Maori Party MP who started the dance, was handed a seven-day suspension. Mr Waititi said the suspension was a reminder of the silencing of his ancestors. He said on Thursday: In my maiden speech, I talked about one of our (ancestors) who was hung in the gallows of Mt Eden Prison, wrongfully accused. The silencing of us today is a reminder of the silencing of our ancestors of the past, and it continues to happen. Now youve traded the noose for legislation. Well, we will not be silenced. Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke (left), Debbie Ngarewa-Packer (bottom left) and Rawiri Waititi (bottom right) have all been suspended - Charlotte Graham-McLay/AP The MPs did the haka in November as a protest after being asked if their party supported a Bill that sought to redefine New Zealands founding treaty with the Maori people. Although performed on many different occasions, haka are often used as a kind of ceremonial war dance or challenge to authority. Bunch of extremists Winston Peters, New Zealands foreign affairs minister, mocked Mr Waititi in the chamber on Thursday for his traditional full-face Maori tattoo. Mr Peters, who is also Maori, said: The Maori Party are a bunch of extremists, and middle New Zealand and the Maori world has had enough of them. The one thats shouting down there, with the scribbles on his face... cant keep quiet for five seconds. Ms Maipi-Clarke, 22, sparked the controversy as parliament considered the highly contentious Treaty Principles Bill last November. In footage widely shared around the world, she rose to her feet, ripped up the Bill and started belting out the strains of a protest haka. She was joined by Mr Waititi and Ms Ngarewa-Packer, who strode on to the chamber floor chanting the Ka Mate haka, which is often performed by the countrys All Blacks rugby team. Credit: X/@Maori_Party Ms Ngarewa-Packer was also accused of pointing her fingers in the shape of a gun at David Seymour, the leader of the Right-wing ACT Party, who had proposed the Bill. The trio were hauled before the parliaments privileges committee but refused to take part in the hearing. Supported by New Zealands three governing coalition parties, the bans were voted on and accepted on Thursday. Ms Maipi-Clarke vowed that Maori would not be silenced, saying: A member can swear at another member, a member of Cabinet can lay their hands on a staff member, a member can drive up the steps of parliament, a member can swear in parliament, and yet they werent given five minutes of suspension. Yet when we stand up for the countrys foundational document, we get punished with the most severe consequences. The Treaty Principles Bill sought to reinterpret New Zealands founding document, signed between Maori chiefs and British representatives in 1840. Many critics saw the Bill as an attempt to wind back the special rights given to the countrys 900,000-strong Maori population. Its proponents argued that the current principles of the 1840 Bill have distorted its original intent, resulting in Maori now having more rights than non-Maori. Parliament resoundingly voted down the Bill in April. Donald Trump has announced a travel ban and restrictions on 12 countries. (AP) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) Donald Trump has signed a proclamation imposing new travel restrictions on more than a dozen countries, reviving a controversial policy from his first term. The executive action, which comes into effect at 12.01am on Monday, 9 June, targets 19 nations deemed to pose national security risks, citing issues like inadequate vetting, terrorism concerns or high visa overstay rates. Announcing his decision to impose the ban, Trump said: We will not allow people to enter our country who wish to do us harm. The ban categorises countries into tiers, with some facing full entry prohibitions and others partial visa restrictions. Which countries are on Trumps travel ban list? Yahoo News UK has created an interactive map detailing all 19 countries subject to Trumps new travel restrictions. Zoom in and click on each country to uncover the specific reasons for the ban given by Trumps administration: Hasnt Trump done this before? In 2017, during his first term, Trump introduced a travel ban targeting seven predominantly Muslim-majority countries Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. The policy, labelled by critics as a Muslim ban, sparked widespread protests and legal challenges for discriminating based on nationality and religion, leading to multiple court blocks. A watered-down version that removed Iraq from the list and removed a permanent ban on Syrian refugees, was upheld by the US Supreme Court in 2018 and remained in place until the end of Trumps first term in January 2021, when then-president Joe Biden revoked it after taking office, calling it a stain on our national conscience. Trumps 2025 proclamation reinstates and expands these restrictions, now covering a broader range of countries. Donald Trump previously imposed travel bans during his first term in 2017. (PA) (Jameis Delaynee) What have critics said? Critics have slammed Trumps new travel ban as a discriminatory overreach that risks isolating the US globally and harming its economy. Pramila Jayapal, a Democrat congresswoman from Washington, wrote on X that it was an expansion of the Muslim ban", adding that it will only further isolate us on the world stage. Venezuela's interior minister Diosdado Cabello warned that being in the United States is a great risk for anyone, not just for Venezuelans. Read my full statement on Trump's dangerous Travel Ban 2.0. pic.twitter.com/6unqAp3jSD Rep. Pramila Jayapal (@RepJayapal) June 5, 2025 President Trumps new travel ban is discriminatory, racist, and downright cruel. By targeting people based on their nationality, this ban only spreads disinformation and hate. Amnesty International USA (@amnestyusa) June 5, 2025 Meanwhile, human rights group Amnesty International USA described the ban as discriminatory, racist, and downright cruel, while the US-based Human Rights First said it was yet another anti-immigrant and punitive action taken by Trump. They added: Bans do nothing to make our country secure, but rather undermine our national security and arbitrarily target those most in need of protection. Read more Three Scottish brothers aiming to become the fastest people to row across the Pacific have received a surprise video call from Hollywood actor Mark Wahlberg, who told them their record-breaking bid could be a movie. The Perfect Storm star spoke to Ewan, Jamie and Lachlan Maclean 54 days into their bid to row 9,000 miles non-stop and unsupported from Lima, Peru to Sydney, Australia. As well as aiming to set a record for the fastest row across the worlds largest ocean, the brothers are hoping to raise 1 million for clean water projects in Madagascar. Wahlberg told the brothers that he was so inspired by their undertaking, which has seen them battle salt sores, relentless weather and broken equipment during more than seven weeks at sea. Youre badasses doing something no one else would think of, he told them. This could be a movie. The best films Ive done are based on true stories ordinary people doing extraordinary things. No way Id row an ocean, but Id play one of you guys in a movie. He added: What you guys are doing is next level. Youre living out a sense of purpose combining passion with impact. Thats rare, and its humbling to watch. People need to hear about what youre doing. Ewan Maclean told the actor that speaking to him from the middle of the Pacific was probably the most surreal situation Ive ever been in. Lachlan added: Were operating on such little sleep that we thought it could all have been a hallucination. Wahlberg responded that he couldnt be more inspired by the grit, the determination, the resiliency that the brothers were showing. The Maclean brothers described speaking to Mark Wahlberg from the middle of the Pacific Ocean as surreal (The Maclean Brothers/PA) He continued: What you guys are doing for such an amazing cause, and how hard youre willing to sacrifice yourself and your own wellbeing for the good of others, is so inspiring. For you guys to do this under your own free will its pretty crazy. Some would say we might need to give you a couple of psychological examinations. Wahlberg, who owns restaurants in Sydney and the Gold Coast, also told the brothers he would have a meal waiting for you at the finish line. Asked about conditions so far, Ewan replied that its been much harder than expected, but that earlier that day they had seen dolphins surfing near the boat, and that lifted our spirits. Wahlberg quipped: You guys are probably getting a lot more sunshine than youre used to at home. He added: Ive been fortunate enough to visit a couple of times and its a beautiful, beautiful country. So you guys are making your homeland proud. The brothers expect to spend more than 100 days on board their 28-foot carbon fibre boat, named Rose Emily in honour of their late sister. Supporters can follow their journey and donate to their cause at themacleanbrothers.com target=_blank rel=noopener noreferrer>www.themacleanbrothers.com. Ross Lambie has taken an unusual route into politics - GETTY IMAGES In 1967, a by-election just outside Glasgow saw the first crack appear in what would go on to form a chasm in the political map of Scotland. The candidate of the SNP, then just a fringe party, won Hamilton, Lanarkshire, defying the odds by taking the seat off Labour despite it being one of the partys safest constituencies. The result launched the SNPs rise to power: ever since that by-election, the party has had a continuous MP in Westminster. Now nearly 60 years later, that same watershed moment could be about to repeat itself because voters in Hamilton, Larkhill and Stonehouse have the opportunity to elect the first Reform UK member to the Scottish parliament. The candidate is Tory defector Ross Lambie, a 41-year-old architect who switched allegiances in March. Mr Lambie was elected as a Conservative South Lanarkshire councillor for the Clydesdale South ward in 2022. He previously stood for the Tories in the 2021 Holyrood election for Central Scotland and in last years last general election but was unsuccessful on both occasions. Lambie out campaigning in Hamilton town centre last week - STUART NICOL But in March, he along with John Gray, a councillor from Renfrewshire, switched to Reform UK in a provocative stunt filmed alongside Nigel Farage and Richard Tice in a chippy. Often seen campaigning in a T-shirt and windbreaker as opposed to the more conventional suit and tie, Mr Lambie has had an unorthodox route into politics. He was raised in a small mining village in South Lanarkshire to working-class parents before going to Glasgow School of Art to study architecture. Mr Lambie set up his first practice 17 years ago, Ross Alexander Lambie Architects, and his portfolio includes luxury properties in some of the most expensive streets in West London. He has since moved back to the Scottish countryside with his wife and daughter to run a little farm outside the constituency. Mr Lambie has focused his campaign on drilling in the north sea for oil since announcing his candidacy for the by-election, called following the death of former SNP MSP Christina McKelvie. He has also pledged to drain the bog of Holyroods main parties Labour, the SNP and the Conservatives which he claims have wasted money on nonsense. Mr Farage is pinning his partys first test of electoral viability in the Scottish parliament on Mr Lambie. Even if he fails to win on Thursday night, he may well have served as a warning to the older parties of whats to come. A rededication ceremony took place at the gravesite at Bergen-op-Zoom cemetery in the Netherlands on Wednesday - Andy Saunders/BNPS The lost grave of a Battle of Britain hero has been identified 85 years after he was shot down over the English Channel. Flying Officer Philip Cox was killed when his Hurricane was attacked by German fighters in July 1940. RAF colleagues said they saw his aircraft plunge into the sea off Dover. Cox was listed as missing in action and his name was later added to the Runnymede Memorial in Surrey. Weeks after his death, an airmans body washed up on a beach in Holland and was recovered by the Germans. It was then buried in a cemetery at Bergen-op-Zoom under a headstone with the words Known unto God. Earlier this year, a historian in Holland researching Second World War records kept by the occupying Germans found clues that pointed to the unmarked grave being that of Flying Officer Cox. The records for the grave plot gave a partial service number recovered from the body, which matched that of Cox. Flying Officer Philip Cox was killed when his Hurricane was attacked by German fighters in July 1940 - Andy Saunders/BNPS On Wednesday, a rededication ceremony took place at the gravesite, with a new Commonwealth War Graves Commission headstone with his name placed. The service was conducted by Reverend Squadron Leader Jonathan Stewart and attended by relatives of Flying Officer Cox as well as the Dutch historian who made it happen. Andy Saunders, a Battle of Britain historian and author, said: The identification and marking of the grave site of Flying Officer Philip Cox highlights the fact that, 85 years after the Battle of Britain, a full one-third of the casualties of that battle remain officially unaccounted for. Flying Officer Cox was born in Brighton in July 1915. During the Battle of Britain, he claimed a Me109 and shared in the destruction of another on July 20. On July 27, he led a squadron into a dog fight over Dover Harbour when he was shot down in Hurricane P3808. He was 25 years old. His mother, Winifred, a widow by this time, wrote a letter to the mother of a colleague of her son. She wrote: I have bad news. Philip lost his life last Saturday July 27th while leading the squadron into an engagement off the Southeast coast during the squadron leaders absence. The squadron had moved to Gravesend two days previously. Phil phoned me to meet him at Shoreham on Sunday the 21st his birthday after tea which I did and I took him back on Tuesday midday and saw him take off. [His brother] Bob also turned up unexpectedly on Monday, so for the last time here we had the children all together. I had a very nice letter from his Squadron Leader this morning. I feel he is with my husband who was very devoted to him. Phil always enjoyed himself so much at your house. Thank you for being so nice to him. Her other son, Robert, was killed four years later when the minesweeper he was on was sunk in the English Channel. During the Battle of Britain, 179 RAF airmen were lost at sea and not recovered. Paul Butler is the retired former bishop of Durham, - Ian Forsyth/Getty Images A bishop who served the King during the Coronation is among seven Church of England clergy facing disciplinary action after a damning abuse report which prompted Justin Welbys resignation. Paul Butler, the retired former bishop of Durham, who acted as bishop assistant to His Majesty during the ceremony, is among those who could be banned from ministry as a result of investigations following the Makin review. However, George Carey, the former archbishop of Canterbury, will not face any action. The report published last year ruled that abuse carried out for decades by Christian camp leader John Smyth was known about and not acted upon by various people within the Church. While the review led to the eventual resignation of Mr Welby as the most recent archbishop of Canterbury, the Churchs national safeguarding team (NST) undertook to look at all clergy criticised within the report. In an update on Thursday, the Church said Mr Butler and six others would face disciplinary proceedings under the clergy discipline measure (CDM). CDM outcomes can range from a conditional discharge where no penalty is imposed, to removal from office, resignation by consent and a lifetime ban from ministry. While a new process, replacing the CDM, was approved by the Churchs parliament earlier this month to include defrocking, it is not thought this will be in place in time for these cases. Lord Carey, who was named in the Makin report, had been one of 10 clergy revealed in February as facing possible action. But the NST has confirmed 89-year-old Lord Carey, the Reverend Paul Perkin and the Reverend Hugh Palmer will face no further action. As there is a 12-month time limit on cases being brought, the NST had to ask for permission of the president of the tribunals to bring a CDM out of time. Permission was granted in only seven of the 10 cases and the NST said it entirely respects the decision from the independent judicial process. The Makin review found that Smyth, a barrister and Christian youth camp leader, abused up to 130 boys across three countries Others named as facing CDMs include the Reverend Sue Colman, the wife of Sir Jamie Colman, the Colmans mustard heir. The Makin report concluded Mrs Colman, associate minister at St Leonards Church in Oakley, near Basingstoke in Hampshire, was aware of Smyths abuse before being ordained and noted that she and her husband visited Smyth in Africa in the 1990s and funded the Smyths through a personal trust. Around a week after the Makin report was published, the Diocese of Winchester said Mrs Colman had been asked to step back from all ministerial duties. The others facing possible disciplinary action are Reverend Roger Combes, Reverend Andrew Cornes, Reverend Tim Hastie-Smith, Reverend Nick Stott and Reverend John Woolmer. The NST said it would make no further comment on the cases while CDM proceedings were under way and no timeline has been given for when they might conclude. Workers tend to a tranquillised rhino after dehorning. The horn will gradually regrow and needs to be treated every 1.5 to two years. Photograph: Siphiwe Sibeko/Reuters Cutting the horns off rhinos causes a large reduction in poaching, according to a new study, which raises questions about the effectiveness of expensive anti-poaching techniques used to protect the African mammals. Poaching for horn is a significant threat to the worlds five rhino species. The substance, which is similar to human fingernails, is commonly used for traditional medicine in China, Vietnam and other Asian countries. Dealers in the hidden market will pay tens of thousands of dollars for the horns, which are falsely believed to be effective at treating fevers, pain and a low sex drive in traditional medicine. But new research in the journal Science has highlighted ways to better protect the animals from illegal hunters. An assessment of rhino protection methods in the Greater Kruger region of South Africa home to a quarter of the continents rhinos found that removing horns reduced poaching by nearly 80% between 2017 and 2023. In a collaboration between scientists, conservationists and government officials, the research found no statistical evidence that traditional anti-poaching interventions such as rangers, detection cameras, dog tracking and helicopters caused significant reductions in rhino poaching, despite their multimillion-dollar cost, even though they were successful at detecting hundreds of poachers. Dehorning rhinos to reduce incentives for poaching was found to achieve a 78% reduction in poaching using just 1.2% of the overall rhino protection budget, said Dr Tim Kuiper of Nelson Mandela University, a lead author of the study. We might need to rethink our goals. Do we just want to arrest poachers? It doesnt appear to be making a massive difference to reducing rhino poaching. To dehorn a rhino, workers sedate the animal, apply a blindfold and earplugs, and cut off the horn with a power saw. The horn will gradually regrow an average rhino needs to be dehorned every 1.5 to two years. The process poses a very low risk to the animal and does not hurt it. The headline result is that dehorning stood out for its effectiveness. We are cautious to say that the other interventions are not working. They worked when measured by whether they were detecting poachers. But detecting and arresting a load of poachers doesnt necessarily bend the curve on rhino poaching, Kuiper said. In South Africa, rhino poaching remains high, with 103 killed in the first three months of 2025. Last year, 420 were lost. In recent decades, rhino populations have collapsed in Asia and Africa due to poaching and habitat loss, continuing falls driven by European colonial hunters. Related: Sauntering on streets and grazing on lawns: what happens when rhinos move into town? But the researchers behind the project, representing the University of Cape Town, Nelson Mandela University, University of Stellenbosch and the University of Oxford and other conservation institutions, cautioned that dehorning rhinos was not a magic bullet. A significant stump of horn mass remains on the rhino after dehorning, and some poachers were still prepared to kill rhinos for this section. Sharon Haussmann, a pioneer in rhino conservation in South Africa and co-author on the paper, played a leading role in coordinating conservation efforts in the study area. She died unexpectedly at the weekend and Kuiper wanted to highlight the collaboration between different sectors that are often mistrustful of each other in her memory. Is a rhino still a rhino without its horn? Thats a bigger question, said Kuiper. One study of black rhinos indicated that while poaching rates decreased, dehorned animals became more timid and covered much smaller ranges. Researchers believe that horn is used to establish territories and dehorned rhinos were unable to do this after the procedure. We wouldnt like to keep dehorning them for the next 100 years, Kuiper said. Ideally we would like to address the drivers of poaching. But it is better than the impacts of poaching Find more age of extinction coverage here, and follow the biodiversity reporters Phoebe Weston and Patrick Greenfield in the Guardian app for more nature coverage Britain's food supplies On May 15, Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones, founder of The Black Farmer food range, received an alarming and unexpected email. It was from a logistics firm that distributes food to UK supermarkets (including Tesco, Sainsburys and Aldi) for him and other manufacturers, announcing it had been the victim of a cybercrime. The hack left Emmanuel-Jones in what he called a desperate situation: to be precise, it meant 18 pallets of Swedish meatballs from his smorgasbord brand were stuck in limbo and at risk of being thrown away. Each pallet contained 160 cases; with seven packs per case, it amounted to a total of 20,160 packs of meatballs and an estimated retail value of around 100,000. If the meatballs did not make it to supermarket shelves, Emmanuel-Jones not only faced financial loss to his firm, but also scores of disappointed customers being denied one of their favourite meals. Coming in the wake of similar cyber attacks on Marks & Spencer and the Co-op, the hacked logistics firm was Peter Green Chilled a distribution company based near Shepton Mallet, Somerset, which transports chilled food to stores. The attack has since cast a spotlight on how the UKs vast and vital food distribution, storage and warehousing sector operates, with questions raised about how often vulnerable the industry is to hackers and whether more can be done to protect it. Emmanuel-Jones faced losing 100,000 worth of Swedish meatballs after a cyberattack hit his chilled food distributor, halting deliveries to major UK supermarkets - Paul Grover for the Telegraph Emmanuel-Jones, who is best known for his award-winning sausages, says it was the first time his business, founded in 2004 on his farm in Devon, had been affected by cybercrime. If youre like us and a lot of other small companies, youve got to get a distributor, he explains. The cheapest way of sending products around is by the pallet, but not all the supermarkets necessarily want a whole pallet. Peter Green [Chilled, our distributor] will also do the picking for you, so if someone wants a certain amount theyll do that. Thats why theyre crucial. In its email, Peter Green Chilled said it had been the victim of a ransomware attack which is when hackers encrypt a victims data and lock them out of computer systems, demanding payment to hand back control. It left the firm unable to process or pick orders, although it later told the BBC its transport activities had continued. No one at Peter Green Chilled was available to comment to The Telegraph, but a source said it was busy trying to catch up. Emmanuel-Jones said the result was that 18 pallets of The Black Farmer meatballs were left stranded in Peter Green Chilleds warehouse, with the clock ticking because they have a shelf life. By the end of last week, he had managed to cut that number to eight, after persuading some supermarkets to accept full pallet deliveries. But, he added, to make matters worse, a fresh consignment of meatballs had just arrived from Malmo, Sweden via the Port of Immingham in Lincolnshire and he now faced the challenge of getting those to stores too. All of this has a dramatic impact on your cash flow, he said. The distribution system does seem vulnerable. Phil Pluck is the chief executive of the Cold Chain Federation, which represents the UKs temperature-controlled logistics sector covering both storage and distribution. Its 270 members operate over 450 chilled warehouses and more than 40,000 temperature-controlled vehicles, from last-mile vans to 40ft trailers, ensuring food reaches consumers safely. Peter Green Chilled was hit by a ransomware attack, leaving thousands of food products stranded in its warehouse - KeyWorded / Alamy Stock Photo Around 50 per cent of all food, whether it is produced in the UK or imported, travels through the cold chain. Walk into a supermarket and some of that produce is obvious: fresh meat, fruit and vegetables, for example. Yet other everyday items, including bread, cakes and often biscuits, also travel via it. Sometimes, food goes from a producer, port or warehouse to a general warehouse, too, which may hold products for a number of customers. Or, it may be sent to a regional distribution centre that is owned exclusively by one supermarket. 0606 Food supply chart What the cybercriminals know very well is that 450 warehouses of food isnt actually that many and that if you can disrupt the supply chain then it becomes serious very quickly, says Pluck. There may be thousands of pallets in a warehouse belonging to 100 customers and they have to be delivered to hundreds of destinations. He said an attack by hackers may result in a company being unable to read what is in their warehouses, or even to know where all their trucks are at a particular point. There are sophisticated warehouse management systems and telematics on the vehicles, tracking where theyre going and whats inside them. If the hackers can get into the warehouse management system, they can effectively disable a very large quantity of food distribution, knowing full well that that causes major distribution problems that become very easily spotted in a public sense, very easily, very quickly, in that the result is bare supermarket shelves. Around 10 of the federations members have said theyve been victims of cyber attacks in the past few years, Pluck adds, but he guesses that the true figure is way more. There has been a much-increased number of attempted attacks in the past year. The federation doesnt compile statistics on cyber attacks because, according to Pluck, they are guaranteed to be inaccurate as some firms are unwilling to make it publicly known that they have been attacked, while others may resolve the impact of an attack before it becomes publicly apparent and then decide not to declare it. Most of the federations members have cyber insurance. Phil Pluck, Cold Chain Federation CEO, is calling for the Government to protect the sector from further attacks - Daniel Jones The cybercriminals dont necessarily care whether youre a supermarket, or whether you are part of the supply chain that serves that supermarket. What there is now are common software shares that allow the logistics supply chain to talk to each other. So thats another weak point, he says. The cyber attacks have become more sophisticated. Where once they were what Pluck called chance events with the attackers sending out thousands of friendly-looking emails in the hope that someone might click on an attachment and inadvertently let them in, its now not unusual for the attackers to look at a firms client base or an IT service provider and then send a very legitimate-looking email saying, for example, We need to do a server upgrade. Theyre hoping someone says yes and then thats it, theyre in the system. Or they may actually mimic someone physically and send an actual human being to your premises pretending to be an IT service engineer who attaches something to your server, he explains. If everyone in the system does what they need to do, then obviously you get greater protection, but it only requires one weak link in that. So, on our side of it, everyone has to be on their guard 24 hours a day and everyone has to be 100 per cent lucky. The attacker only has to be lucky once. Pluck says the food distribution chain is vulnerable to cybercrime, but is no different from any other sector in that respect. However, he is calling for the Government to acknowledge the importance of the sector which also distributes around 50 per cent of the UKs pharmaceuticals and help to protect it with Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) recognition. It doesnt mean more money for the sector nor tighter or new regulation. But what it does give the cold chain is the ability to sit down with Government and create an Incident Response Plan. No such plan existed during Covid, and my sector just had to react as best it could. We got through it that time and fed the nation. But we cant be complacent and just muddle through again, he adds. CNI will give us the clear platform to create a response plan as well as a recovery plan. Both are essential to supplying food and medicines to the UK citizen in the next major crisis. Dray Agha, the senior manager at cybersecurity firm Huntress, agrees that cybercriminals are increasingly targeting food retailers and suppliers. Food supply chains rely on real-time inventory management, temperature control, and rapid distribution. A cyber attack disrupting these systems could lead to spoilage of perishable items, resulting in immediate financial losses. Paying a ransom may seem cheaper than absorbing the cost of wasted stock, he says. Agha says firms should no longer see cybersecurity as a compliance issue or a cost issue but as something that can enhance a business and for which a healthy budget should be allotted. He says: Firms also need to invest in cybersecurity training and make security awareness a priority among the workforce; teach them that its not just the responsibility of IT but the responsibility of everyone. Renai Belle wrote a rap song indicating his intention to attack Josh McKay A drill rapper stabbed a father-of-two to death in front of his young son in a barber shop. Renai Belle, 30, crept into Hollywood Cuts in Leyton, east London, wearing a balaclava and stabbed Josh McKay, 33, in the neck before running off. His girlfriend, teaching assistant Tenika Parker, 39, helped carry out the attack, the Old Bailey heard. Belle had a YouTube channel under his nickname Topz and wrote a rap song indicating his intention to attack Mr McKay. He was convicted by a jury of murder and possession of a bladed article. Parker was cleared of murder by the jury along with 22-year-old Daniel Cooper. Cooper admitted possessing a bladed article, which Parker denied but was convicted of that offence. Credit: MET Police | Topz - Onsight, Pressplay Media Parker also denied, but was unanimously convicted, of perverting the course of justice by cleaning her SUV after the attack on July 6 2024. Louis Mably, KC, prosecuting, said police officers had rushed to the shop and tried to save Mr McKay by using a scarf to stem the bleeding from the wound, but he was unresponsive. Mr Mably told jurors Belle had a violent hostility towards Mr McKay. There were no cameras inside the shop but CCTV footage outside showed Mr McKay and his son arriving in their car 30 minutes before the attack. Renai Belle will be sentenced on July 30 - UNPIXS Barber Wray Esson was cutting Mr McKays hair and talking about holiday plans, when all of a sudden he saw a man wearing a balaclava creeping through the door, said Mr Mably. The court heard that as Mr McKay swivelled round in the chair to see what was going on, the man plunged the knife into his neck. A scuffle ensued and Mr McKay grabbed the blade and went for the attacker, chasing him out of the shop. Passer-by Debbie Osu saw a man wearing dark clothes with a hood up creeping towards the shop carrying something close to his leg. Belles girlfriend Tenika Parke was convicted of preverting the course of justice - UNPIXS Moments later, Mr McKay came out holding the knife after disarming the attacker, the court heard. Ms Osu heard Mr McKay say: I cant believe he caught me. She said she saw Mr McKays distraught son outside saying: Thats my dad. Jurors heard one of the videos Belle uploaded a year before the incident featured him rapping. Daniel Cooper admitted possessing a bladed article - UNPIXS It lasts for about three minutes. Its a lifestyle rap, essentially bragging about a gangster lifestyle, Mr Mably said. He said the rap contained a specific reference to Belles intention, his desire, to attack McKay. He read some of the lyrics to the court, including: How many times I put my flicky in mans head? The court heard that was a reference to stabbing someone in the head with a flick knife. Another line stated: I pray every day that I buck JMK. This is a reference to meeting JMK, and the inference is this is Josh McKay, the prosecutor said. Cooper, of Leytonstone, will be sentenced on Friday, while Belle, of Edmonton, and Parker, of Leytonstone, will be sentenced on July 30. Antonis Antoniadis was fatally stabbed after trying to defend himself from the ground A gang of five allegedly followed and stabbed a Greek tourist multiple times after a failed attempt to steal his bag, a court has heard. Antonis Antoniadis, 26, was allegedly followed and attacked on a doorstep in New Cross, south-east London, on July 7 last year. He died two weeks later from his injuries. Four men Shian Johnson, 25, Sofian Alliche, 20, Joshua McCorquodale, 20, and Alfie Hipple, 18 as well as a 17-year-old youth are charged with his murder and planning to rob his personal items. Opening their trial at the Old Bailey on Thursday, William Emlyn Jones KC, prosecuting, said the defendants tracked Mr Antoniadis across London before fatally stabbing him in the chest and thigh as he tried to defend himself on the ground, causing catastrophic blood loss. Mr Antoniadis, who travelled to London for a weeks holiday with two friends, went to the 32 Portland Place nightclub in Marylebone in the early hours of July 7, jurors were told. The trio did not leave the venue until after 8am and booked an Uber back to a friends address in New Cross where they were staying. A suitable target Mr Emlyn Jones said: They had no idea that five young men had been hanging around outside that nightclub all night in a stolen car, looking for someone they could rob. It seems that when that group of five saw Antonis come out of the club, those robbers thought they had found a suitable target. So when they saw him come out and get into his Uber, they, in their stolen car, followed him. The defendants then followed the taxi for more than half an hour to its destination, the court heard. As one of Antoniadiss friends struggled to find the house key upon arriving at the address, the victim was approached by four figures in hoods and balaclavas, with the fifth group member acting as a getaway driver, the prosecutor said. Mr Antoniadis managed to hit one of the robbers with a brandy bottle as he struggled against the group, who appeared to want to take a bag he was carrying. Tragically, whether it was brave or whether it was just an instinctive response, that reaction was to cost him his life, Mr Emlyn Jones said. At least two of the attackers were carrying large knives, the court heard. After he was punched and kicked by the attackers, Mr Antoniadis was then stabbed in the middle of the chest and suffered a large, deep stab wound to his right thigh, severing his femoral artery. He also suffered cuts and bruises to his face and head and wounds to his arms, the prosecutor said. The attackers then fled the scene in the getaway car, leaving the victim to bleed to death. Jointly responsible There was no CCTV footage of the incident, but some or all of the incident was heard or seen by a number of people, the court heard. Antoniadis was treated at the scene and taken to hospital where attempts were made to save his life, but he later died from his injuries on July 21 last year. Mr Emlyn Jones said: It is the prosecution case that the five robbers were the five young men sitting in the dock in this room, and that all five of them are jointly responsible for the murder. The prosecutor told jurors the group were clearly prepared to use really serious violence in their efforts to rob Antoniadiss possessions. The car allegedly used by the robbers a stolen Kia Sportage with false number plates was captured on CCTV on two occasions leaving the area around the nightclub and following a different car on the night of July 7, the court heard. All five defendants, from Camden, north London, deny murder and conspiracy to commit robbery. The trial continues. Resident Tim Summer has written a letter claiming an act from the early 18th century means the monarch should step into the row over the Blenheim Estate - Loop Images/Universal Images The King has been asked to intervene to halt plans to build Britains biggest solar farm. A large portion of the project will be built on the 12,000-acre Blenheim Estate, where Winston Churchill was born. The 800 million Botley West project is set to cover almost 3,500 acres of land across Botley, Woodstock and Kidlington in Oxfordshire. The Planning Inspectorate is examining the scheme and will make a recommendation to Ed Miliband, the Energy and Net Zero Secretary, within six months. Locals have been campaigning against the plans but now one of them, Tim Summer, has written a letter claiming an act from the early 18th century means the monarch should step in. Mr Summers arguments are based around the 1705 Queen Anne Act of Parliament, which gave the Blenheim Estate to John Churchill, the first Duke of Marlborough. Mr Sumner claims the Blenheim Estate does not officially own the land and that the 1705 Act states it should not be used for any purposes other than the dukes. As such, Mr Sumner maintains that since the Crown leases land to the duke, the Crown must be consulted. He added: Leasing and giving ownership of Blenheim land to a third party who will directly enjoy financial benefits is against the 1705 Queen Anne Act. Mr Sumner added: I therefore humbly ask that the Crown steps in to enforce its ownership of the Blenheim Estate as Queen Anne intended and refuses the Blenheim Estate land to be handed over to any third party. The King, a lifelong environmental campaigner, has called for a rapid increase in renewable energy and is striving to make the Royal Household net zero by 2030. He has installed solar panels at Windsor Castle and a solar farm on a former horse grazing paddock at Sandringham. His Majesty is yet to respond to the Botley West row but the arguments concerning the Crown were presented at a recent hearing in Oxford. The Planning Inspectorate has asked for further clarification from Blenheim. A spokesman for the estate said: We are aware of the comments made during the public examination which are not correct in relation to this project. The Duke of Marlborough, a Reform UK backer, is said to be opposed to the project - Pete Lusabia/Alamy Mark Owen-Lloyd, director of Photovolt, the company behind the project, said: Should the project be granted consent, Photovolt will become one of many tenants of the Blenheim Estate, who have leased their land for centuries. The restrictions apply only to the World Heritage Site that is Blenheim Palace, which will of course have no solar panels installed on it. The Duke of Marlborough, a Reform UK backer, is said to be opposed to the project. The 12th Duke, known as Jamie Blandford, is a member of Reform, which believes that productive land must be farmed, not be used for solar farms or rewilding. However, the Dukes chequered past involving drug addiction and multiple spells in prison saw him lose control of the family seat in 1994. His legal control of the Blenheim Estate is significantly limited because he is not a trustee of the Blenheim Palace Heritage Foundation, which operates the World Heritage site. Professor Alex Rogers said the letter questioned the idea that the developer can do whatever they want with the land. The estate itself supports the potentially lucrative project, from which it is predicted to earn about 1,000 an acre for each of the 40 years that Photovolt leases the land. Mr Sumner, who went to Parliament to see some of these acts first-hand, said he was motivated to do the research because of his interest in his local areas past and the solar farm. Professor Alex Rogers, chairman of Stop Botley West, said this letter has questioned the idea that the developer can do whatever they want with the land. Earlier in 2025, Mr Miliband was accused of breaking the ministerial code after his department approved an application for a solar farm owned by the millionaire Labour donor Dale Vince. The Department for Energy, Security and Net Zero signed off on Heckington Fen Solar Park, a 524-hectare solar farm in Lincolnshire which is owned by Ecotricity, Mr Vinces green energy company. Ecotricity has donated 5.4 million to Labour since 2021, making Mr Vince one of the partys most prominent business backers. The energy department said it was Lord Hunt, a minister, and not Mr Miliband who was responsible for signing off on the solar farm. A spokesman added: No rules have been broken. Political donations have no influence over how planning applications are considered. Mr Vince also rejected suggestions the approval was politically motivated and said the site would create hundreds of jobs. Tommy Robinson, the far-Right activist, harassed two journalists and members of their families on social media, a court has heard. The 42-year-old, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, pleaded not guilty to two counts of harassment causing fear of violence at Westminster magistrates court on Thursday, before being released on bail. He is alleged to have harassed Andrew Young and Jacob Dirnhuber, MailOnline journalists, through his X account between Aug 5 and Aug 7 last year. During the hearing, which lasted around 20 minutes, Robinson was told that his case could be heard at a magistrates court but instead the defendant chose a jury trial at a Crown Court. Addressing Robinson, Senior District Judge Paul Goldspring said: Mr Lennon, I have decided that if you wanted, you can have your case at this court as the powers are sufficient but you have elected to have a jury trial as is your right. Your case is sent to the Crown Court sitting at Southwark where you must appear for a plea and trial preparation hearing on July 3. You are free to go, Mr Lennon. Tommy Robinson was surrounded by his supporters as he left the magistrates court - Reuters/Chris J Ratcliffe Robinson, wearing a cream Stone Island jacket and blue jeans, smiled after he was bailed. Earlier in the hearing, he spoke to confirm his date of birth and his name, giving it as Stephen Lennon. Of the charges, prosecutor Ben Holt told the court: It is alleged that the defendant has harassed two journalists and their family members through the use of a Twitter or X account. He added that none of the harassment contained direct threats of violence. Robinson arrived at the court to a group of photographers and reporters, with dozens of his supporters also present. Some of those outside the building sported Union flags, while others held purple placards that read: Stephen Yaxley-Lennon is the man. Tommy Robinson is the movement. Many of his supporters were also present in the courts public gallery, including a man wearing a Union flag suit. Robinson was again surrounded by supporters and media as he left the court building in the pouring rain to chants of Tommy, Tommy, with some of his followers wearing Make England Great Again hats. Speaking outside court after the hearing, Robinson said: Ive been given now the opportunity to have a jury trial. Ive never had that. I want to be tried by 12 members of the British public. I want them to hear the evidence in this case. A coroner has issued a warning over websites that give suicide advice after eight people were killed by a poison they bought online. Police have traced 85 people in the UK and Europe who had either died after taking the unnamed chemical which turned out to be poison or had purchased it with a view to ending their lives. Details of the deaths emerged in eight separate prevention of future death reports issued on Wednesday by Timothy Brennand, the senior coroner for Manchester West. In his reports into the cluster of eight deaths in his region, he did not identify the poison except to say it was a food preservative but also reportable poison as well as a reportable explosives precursor. The police investigation into one UK based source of supply revealed in 247 cases separate supplies of 500g or less of [REDACTED] to customers in the UK and Europe, police established that 85 of these individuals who were traceable had either died as the consequence of self-ingestion of the substance, or had purchased it with a view to having the means to use this method to end their life in circumstances, he said. Vendors were unaware In each of these instances, he said: The vendors of [REDACTED] were not aware of this potential misuse of the substance. The small quantities being purchased had been incorrectly evaluated to be an increase in individuals pursuing recreational home-curing/food preservations as a hobby, being an artefact of lockdown living following the pandemic. Vendors were unaware that their website/details were being distributed as part of internet information platforms designed to aid, abet, assist or promote suicide methods. From the specific example of 247 supplies in a 12-month period, police established that 45 purchasers were confirmed as deceased (these deaths were in relation to supplies to UK customers and purchasers from abroad) and only 15 purchases were confirmed to have taken place for legitimate purposes (meat curing etc). Mr Brennand also warned about the availability of websites that give advice on how to take your own life. He wrote: The police investigation revealed the ability of members of the public to access a number of websites, primarily created in the US, Canada and Mexico that promoted information as to how to access: a) poisons that could bring about death; b) how, in what way and with what other necessary preparations (in particular antiemetic medications), the poisons should be administered; c) sourcing such poisons/chemicals/medications in the UK and abroad. Student Matthew OReilly, 18, was discovered collapsed and unresponsive within his locked room at his accommodation in Salford, Greater Manchester, in September 2020. He died from a deliberate act of recent self-ingestion, Mr Brennand said. Samuel Dickenson, 33, died in March 2020 in Wigan having left a suicide note. Shaun Bass, 23, died in February 2020, in Bolton having ingested a significant quantity of [REDACTED] that he had acquired earlier in the month from an internet-based company licensed to sell reportable poisons. He had suffered from depression and anxiety. Mathew Price, 37, died in June 2021 at his home in Bolton. Andrew Brown, 45, was found dead in August 2023 in circumstances that puzzled investigators as his motive still remains unclear. William Armstrong, 24, purchased the poison on the internet from a source in Russia, having shown symptoms of a psychotic illness. Kelly Walsh, 45, was found dead in February 2021 at home in Atherton, Wigan, having ordered the poison from an internet-based supplier in Lithuania. Her actions were deliberate and intentional and her mental health was declining. Complex medical history Chantelle Williams, who had a complex medical history, first ingested a significant but non-fatal dose of the substance in 2019 and checked into Salford Royal Hospital where she received care. Twice she managed to order the poison while still on the Keats Ward at the hospital and ingest the poison, with the second incident killing her in May 2020. Coroner Mr Brennand added: The published guidance... does not give specific guidance or suggested training to sellers, particularly [REDACTED] acquired by members of the public, particularly over online marketplaces in circumstances of the purchase on a one-off basis for the means of self-harming. While there is a legal duty on persons selling this substance to report suspicious transactions within 24 hours to the Home Office, the purchase of small quantities is being presumed to be connected to the many legitimate uses of the substance (such as food preservation, fertiliser etc) rather than in fact, being evaluated as a member of the public seeking purchase of modest quantities used as their chosen means by which to end life. The current Home Office guidance and supporting video, leaflet and posters do not reference [REDACTED] as a specific example of concern and focuses on the phenomenon of malicious misuse and not deliberate misuse in the sense of suicide/self-harm. The Home Office is required to respond within 56 days of the report. William Nunneley: remembered for the fine sport shown during the 1970s while he was Master of the Morpeth in Northumberland - Courtesy of family William Nunneley, who has died aged 77, was a master and huntsman of five packs of foxhounds before rising through the ranks of racing to become the British Horseracing Authoritys head of stewarding. His foxhunting career began with mastership of the Tedworth Hunt in 1968 but he is best remembered for the fine sport shown during the 1970s while he was Master of the Morpeth in Northumberland. He was endowed with a great sense of humour, a zest for life, and the mythical common touch, and hunting in his company was always fun. In retirement he became a confidant and mentor to young masters navigating the current choppy waters. Nunneleys long career as a racing official, from part-time judge in 1980 to head of stewarding between 2002 and 2013, also spanned an era of unprecedented change during which the centuries-old Jockey Club ceded governance of racing to the British Horseracing Authority. As head of stewarding, responsible for the practical management of race days, Nunneley was a fixture at every high-profile meeting in the country, from Royal Ascot in June to the Cheltenham Festival in March. He appointed two former jockeys as his deputies, and with their help the transition was made from a system reliant on amateur stewards to professional stipendiaries with a vote on the panel. Nunneley, right, at the Dyke Neuk inn in Morpeth country in 1971 with Ron Mackay, his kennel huntsman - courtesy of family The rejection of long-standing volunteers inevitably ruffled feathers, but the changes were driven through by a man unafraid to speak his mind. Nunneley preferred a quiet word in an offenders ear to the formality of an official inquiry but there were occasions when the subtle approach would not suffice. In 2011 the French jockey Christophe Soumillon contravened rules introduced a week earlier when he struck his mount once more than permitted during a thrilling finish to the Champion Stakes at Ascot. The stewards were reluctant to implement the forfeiture of his 52,000 prize money but Nunneley insisted on playing by the book, observing: The rules have to be obeyed, but if we dont agree they must be changed. They quickly were. William Nunneley was born on March 23 1948, the second of three children and the only son of sporting parents. His father, Major David Nunneley, was a Gordon Highlander who was captured in Singapore and sent to work on the notorious Siam-Burma railway, an experience from which he never fully recovered. After the war he married Rosemary Whitbread, a keen hunting lady and one-time secretary of the Cotswold Hunt whose grandfather was the sporting artist, Basil Nightingale. William enjoyed a rural upbringing in Gloucestershire, where he helped out at the Cotswold Hunt kennels under the watchful eye of Sir Hugh Arbuthnot, Master of Foxhounds, and broadened his hunting education by whipping-in to Bryan Day with the New Forest beagles. As head of stewarding, he oversaw the transition from a system reliant on amateur stewards to professional stipendiaries - courtesy of family On his return from a working holiday in Zimbabwe, the 20-year-old William announced his intention to take a pack of hounds, somewhat to the dismay of his father, who had anticipated a military career. Masterships of the Tedworth and Morpeth, where he met his first wife, Fiona Grant, were followed by shorter stays with the Bedale and Middleton in North Yorkshire, where the subscribers did not always appreciate their masters patient approach to hunting hounds. On giving up his mastership of the Bramham Moor in 1990, Nunneley married the equine artist and sculptor Caroline Wallace, who was to nurse him through ill-health during the last six months of his life. His Jockey Club appointment as a part-time judge in 1980 was followed by promotion to stewards secretary in 1985 with responsibility for dispensing professional advice to the local amateur stewards who attended every race meeting. His piercing blue eyes, upright bearing and old-school aura led many to assume wrongly that this straight-talking official had been recruited from the same military background as many of his colleagues. But beneath the steely exterior lurked a wicked sense of humour. Always a stickler for high standards, he once hauled a recalcitrant and scruffy steward from his West Country farm to Jermyn Street to purchase a respectable off-the-peg tweed suit. The farmers suit garnered widespread approval but was the source of much hilarity when Nunneley visited years later to find that it had been requisitioned as a bed for his hosts gun dogs. Beneath the steely exterior lurked a wicked sense of humour - courtesy of family In 2002 Nunneley was elevated to senior stipendiary steward, a role that was redefined by the British Horseracing Authority to head of stewarding in 2008, a year after the BHA had assumed full responsibility for the governance of racing. After retirement the Nunneleys spent eight years at Withypool on Exmoor, where they dispensed hospitality to visitors from near and far and William enjoyed following the Devon and Somerset staghounds. Latterly they returned to the county of his childhood, where it was open house to all-comers and a favourite pit stop for the North Cotswold hunt staff on summer hound exercise. A neighbour visiting shortly before Nunneleys death recalled his anxiety lest her glass run dry, and reported that his brilliant sense of humour stayed with him until the end. William Nunneley is survived by his second wife Caroline, by a son, a stepson and a stepdaughter from that marriage, and by a son and two daughters from his first marriage. William Nunneley, born March 23 1948, died April 23 2025 Even if you haven't tried them, you've no doubt seen or heard of nicotine pouches. (Getty Images) (picture alliance via Getty Images) As of Sunday, 1 June, a ban on disposable vapes has been enforced in the UK, meaning that it is now illegal for retailers to sell them. The move is part of a wider crackdown on nicotine-based products, designed to prevent and lessen youth addiction which, according to charity Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), plateaued somewhat last year, after a period of steady growth. Another motivation for the ban is that single-use vapes are bad for the environment, with an estimated 8.2 million disposable vapes thrown away or discarded incorrectly every week in 2024, per Material Focus. Reusable vapes, which are rechargeable and refillable, are still legal in the UK, as are regular cigarettes. However, MPs have backed various recommendations outlined in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which was first proposed by Rishi Sunak's Conservative government. It includes suggestions like making it illegal for those born on or after 1 January 2009 to ever buy tobacco. It is currently at committee stage in the House of Lords. Single-use vapes are now illegal in the UK. (Getty Images) (Matthew Horwood via Getty Images) Prime Minister Keir Starmer also said back in August last year that his government was considering an outdoor smoking ban, but since then, health secretary Wes Streeting has confirmed the plans won't go ahead. Although the full effects of the vape ban have yet to be felt, one potential fallout is that young people and adults turn to alternative products, such as nicotine pouches, something you've no doubt heard of or seen lately. It's not that they're a new thing, but they are steadily becoming more mainstream in the UK. Here, we explore what nicotine pouches are, the potential health impacts, and whether they could replace vaping and smoking. What are nicotine pouches and how do they work? Nicotine pouches come in a variety of minty and fruity flavours. (Getty Images) (Nestea06 via Getty Images) Nicotine pouches are small, plant-based pouches that come in a variety of minty and fruity flavours, and are made from a tea bag-like mesh. While they do not contain tobacco or even carcinogens which are used in tobacco-based products they have high percentages of nicotine in them, which, owing to how you consume them, packs a pretty powerful punch. As Dr Babak Ashrafi, of Superdrug Online Doctor, explains to Yahoo UK: "Placed between the gum and lip to deliver nicotine through the mouths lining, nicotine pouches are smokeless and dont require inhalation, but they are still a source of nicotine, which is an addictive substance. They also have sweeteners and flavourings." Once done with they usually last for about 30 minutes you then spit them out and should dispose of them responsibly. Are they as bad for you as smoking and vaping? Although nicotine pouches do not contain tobacco, they still carry risks. (Getty Images) (Nestea06 via Getty Images) Dr Ashrafi stresses that the key difference is how the nicotine is delivered. He says: "Cigarettes involve burning tobacco and inhaling the smoke, which releases not only nicotine but thousands of harmful chemicals. Vapes heat a liquid to create a nicotine-containing aerosol that is inhaled. And patches deliver a steady dose of nicotine through the skin. "Nicotine pouches, by contrast, are absorbed through the gums, providing a faster hit than a patch but without lung exposure. However, they still carry risks, especially when used frequently." While he says that pouches may pose fewer risks than smoking because they don't involve combustion or exposure to tar and carbon monoxide, Dr Ashrafi says they are not harmless. "They still contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and can affect the cardiovascular system. Compared to vaping, we dont yet have enough long-term research on the safety of pouches, so while they might reduce some risks, theyre not a risk-free alternative," he adds. How nicotine affects the body "Nicotine affects the body by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and adrenaline levels, which can add strain to the heart and blood vessels," the doctor explains. "With pouches, theres also the risk of gum irritation, ulcers, and damage to the soft tissues in the mouth, especially with prolonged use." He also warns that perhaps the biggest concern is the potential for addiction. "Nicotine is one of the most habit-forming substances, and using pouches recreationally or frequently can lead to dependence even in people whove never smoked," he warns. Will nicotine pouches replace vapes? The Tobacco and Vapes Bill includes recommendations on marketing and packaging, which, the ASH argues, entices young people in particular. (Getty Images) (Peter Dazeley via Getty Images) The use of nicotine pouches is still relatively low in the UK, with research from King's College London and ASH finding that 1% of adults and youths currently report taking them. But they are on the rise, with the number of adults users doubling between the years 2020-2024. When it comes to how effective the vape ban will be, Dr Ashrafi has some concerns. He tells Yahoo UK: "While a ban on disposable vapes may reduce their visibility and accessibility especially among younger users its unlikely to eliminate nicotine use entirely. "Some individuals may turn to other forms like nicotine pouches, particularly due to their discreet design and availability. The concern is that without strong public health messaging, we risk normalising alternative nicotine products and shifting usage rather than reducing it. The focus should remain on helping people quit nicotine entirely not just switching how they consume it." Similarly, while ASH doesn't support an all-out ban, given that vapes are considerably less damaging than cigarettes and that e-cigarettes can help smokers quit, the charity is calling for stricter laws around marketing and branding. Caroline Cerny, deputy CEO of ASH tells Yahoo UK: "The ban on disposable vapes is a step in the right direction. Our survey data indicates people have been making the switch away from disposables to reusable products and we havent seen any compelling evidence that people are returning to smoking. This would be concerning as smoking is significantly more harmful than vaping. "However, it is unlikely that this ban alone will be enough to discourage children from using vapes. Both vapes and nicotine pouches are marketed in ways to appeal to young people. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, currently going though parliament, will give the government powers to restrict marketing, branding and availability of these products. Its vital that the government prioritises this important piece of legislation." Read more about smoking, vaping and addiction The Kielland capsized when one of its five legs snapped in strong winds. Photograph: NTB/Alamy Forty-five years after the Alexander L Kielland oil rig capsized in the North Sea, Norways parliament has voted to set up a compensation scheme for relatives of the 123 men who died in the worst disaster in Norwegian waters since the second world war. This is a historic day, the end of more than four decades of fighting for justice, said Mimir Kristjansson, an MP from the leftwing Red party. The chair of the victims committee, Anders Helliksen, said the state had finally accepted its responsibility. The Kielland, a semi-submersible platform that at the time was housing 212 workers from the nearby Edda drilling rig, capsized when one of its five legs snapped in strong winds and high seas on 27 March 1980. Twenty-three Britons were among the dead. Several investigations have failed to assign responsibility, with the rigs French builders blamed for structural failings and its Norwegian and US owner and operator, Stavanger Drilling and Phillips Petroleum, for not maintaining or anchoring it properly. The disaster led to major changes in safety routines and regulations in the oil industry, but a report by experts at the University of Stavanger this year concluded the Norwegian authorities actions before and after the collapse were seriously flawed. While the immediate cause was a welding defect, multiple mistakes contributed to the heavy loss of life: doors and hatches were left open, only five workers onboard had had safety training, and the platform was never approved for use as living quarters. This incident became a disaster because of a long chain of negligence, omissions and violations of rules designed precisely to prevent an accident becoming a disaster, one of the reports authors, Eva Joly, said earlier this year. She told Norwegian media: The fatigue failure itself could also have been discovered if normal audit requirements had been met and exemptions had not been granted. This was the states responsibility. The 89 survivors and the bereaved families between 300 and 400 children lost their fathers, according to campaigners received some compensation from Phillips and Stavanger Drillings insurers in the 80s, but no payout from the state. Many have had a very difficult time, with trauma, psychiatric issues, substance abuse and poor finances, the Kielland Network said on its website. The state was also accused of failing to properly investigate the disaster or care for victims. Norways parliament, the Storting, formally apologised for state authorities shortcomings in 2022, a year after the national auditor general issued strongly worded criticism of the government for failing in its duty to victims. The parliamentary motion said: It is now time for the victims of the largest industrial accident in Norwegian history to receive compensation making it also possible for survivors, bereaved families and society at large to put an end to this matter. Passed by a narrow majority, it demanded the government set up a separate compensation scheme for the Kielland victims, and that the auditor general clarify the states responsibility for the disaster and its lack of support for victims. The fact that this has taken so long shows that the state has never taken any responsibility for what happened in the North Sea, said one survivor, Oddbjrn Lerbrekk. Its about time. The amount of compensation has not yet been set. A MiG-31 fighter jet equipped with a Kinzhal hypersonic missile participating in Russian tactical nuclear drills. The UK has no equivalent capability - Russian Defence Ministry The Strategic Defence Review announcement this week that the MoD and the NHS must prepare for nuclear attack and that the British Army must be able to fight and survive in a radiation contaminated environment has caused some upset and alarm. President Putin has just told Donald Trump he will exact severe revenge on Ukraine for destroying his nuclear bombers: there are those who fear that he might follow through on previous nuclear threats. Certainly, when the N word is mentioned, amongst the uninitiated or those with overactive imaginations, panic ensues. We should not panic, but the Kremlins regular nuclear threats towards London and Kyiv and Russias massive use of chemical weapons in Ukraine must be taken seriously: very seriously. But when I say there is no call for panic, I am confident. I have dealt with real world chemical attacks and I am well versed in the realities of dealing with nuclear strikes. All threats can be mitigated. It is the threat we miss, or think too difficult to counter, that is likely to cause us strategic upset. 0605 Nuclear explosion radius if bomb hit central London The threat we have not mitigated today is that of a tactical nuclear strike against Ukraine or against Britain. Putin would be likely to calculate that we would not launch a massive strategic counterstrike, probably resulting in Armageddon, in response to such an attack. And we have no credible tactical nuclear options, having unwisely decommissioned these in 1997 as part of the peace dividend. Funnily enough it was also in 1997 that the Ukrainians gave up their nuclear weapons, a decision they surely regret now. Let us hope that talk of the UK acquiring F-35A jets armed with tactical nuclear weapons leads to some action: this would be a credible deterrent against a tactical attack. Alongside this, we must indeed prepare again, as we did in the Cold War, to survive and operate after a nuclear and or chemical strike. The MoD and NHS have been directed to stockpile kit to show not least to the Russians that we are resilient to such an attack, creating doubt in the Kremlin as to how effective it might be. The Strategic Review puts domestic production of military kit at the heart of the overall strategy, and for once this is not a problem. Britain is fortunate that in Avon Protection in Wiltshire we have the leading manufacturer of gas masks on the planet, providing the US, the UK, most of Nato and now also the Ukraine army with respirators. We also have Kromek plc in Durham who are the world leaders in radiation detection and monitoring. These two essential firms will help a lot in delivering the level of resilience required to put the Russians off and hopefully the levels of assurance to calm the panickers at home. We live in extraordinary times and with Presidents Trump and Putin calling the shots, unfortunately anything is possible, including nuclear attack. Let us hope that this time Trump can pull Putin back from the brink, and we can bring the nuclear balance in Europe back to equilibrium. Niamh Rose Mulherton, 26, a childcare practitioner from Glasgow, was just 14 when one day she woke up to find her sight had gone. (Niamh Rose Mulherton/SWNS) (SWNS) Niamh Rose Mulherton, now 26, from Glasgow, was just 14 when one morning she woke up to find she'd lost her sight. She knew immediately that something was seriously wrong. It wasnt the first strange symptom shed had. Since she was a child, shed had headaches for years, but they were never taken seriously and her doctor dismissed them as being down to school stress or puberty. A few weeks before that fateful morning back in February 2013, she started experiencing a series of health problems including extreme exhaustion. She was sleeping for over 12 hours a day and assumed she had flu. "A couple of weeks before my sight went, I began sleeping constantly," she recalls. She also started vomiting while trying to eat and the headaches shed had regularly ever since she was a child suddenly got worse. "The headaches started to intensify," she says. "I would also eat and be sick when I was digesting food I thought I had caught a bug." When Niamh, then 14, woke up with blurred vision, her mother immediately took her to see their GP, who told them to go straight to A&E. She rushed to Western Infirmary Hospital in Glasgow and it was there a CT scan revealed there was a mass on her brain the size of a tangerine. Niamh was quickly transferred to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital for emergency surgery to remove the tumour. This was followed by a biopsy which revealed she had a rare brain tumour called a benign ganglioglioma (a slow-growing, non-cancerous tumour). Looking back on that day now, Niamh says, "When I was first diagnosed, I honestly felt like my whole world and life was crumbling. Although I was only 14, my mind went into overdrive at all the possible outcomes I could be facing, and that stuck with me for years." She didnt fully process whatd happened to her until she was much older. "It was years later when I did actually realise whatd happened to me and that was pretty difficult because it felt like I had to live it all over again each time while I came to terms with it properly." Although the surgery went well when she was 14 and doctors were able to remove all the tumour, she was left with no peripheral vision afterwards, a constant reminder of her ordeal. "After I was diagnosed, we found out the tumour was pressing on my optic nerve, which is why I went blind before my diagnosis," she explains. "That caused a lot of damage to my eyes. I still have no peripheral vision at all. I have to wear glasses but they dont really help because of the damage the tumour caused." Niamh's sight improved after surgery to remove a brain tumour, but she still has no peripheral vision so can't drive. (Niamh Rose Mulheron/SWNS) (Niamh Rose Mulheron/SWNS) Twelve years later, she is able to work as a childcare practitioner, but her poor vision means she cant drive. "It has affected me a lot," she admits. "My sight loss reminds me of everything that happened. As I have no peripheral vision at all, Im constantly on edge because I cant see properly." Niamh also needed two further operations in her teens one to remove a bone flap (a piece of skull bone) after she developed an infection and another to remove a second tumour that had started growing on her brain. "Luckily for me, after those three surgeries, I was finished," she says. "I didn't need chemotherapy or radiotherapy. At the time, I would go for MRI scans every three months for a year, and now I have a scan once a year. "I feel so much anxiety when I have a scan coming up," she continues, "Even going into the MRI machine, I feel really anxious thinking they might pick something up again." She is now calling for more mental health support for people recovering from brain tumours. At the time of her diagnosis she wasnt aware of support services such as The Brain Tumour Charity, but she has since found the organisation to be a vital way to connect with others who understand exactly what shes been through. "I wish support services, such as those offered by The Brain Tumour Charity, had been flagged up when I was diagnosed and when I really needed them," she says. "It would have made a massive difference to my life." Finding the charity in more recent years has been hugely cathartic. "Its digital channels, especially the closed Facebook groups, provide a great place to read about other peoples experiences and connect with people who know what this type of diagnosis is like," she says. "Getting to chat to others, read other people's stories and have that support really does make a difference," she adds. Over 12,000 people a year are diagnosed with a brain tumour, according to The Brain Tumour Charity. The organisation has awarded over 99,000 in funding to researchers at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) in London who are developing a national programme to ensure young people living with the effects of a brain tumour can access educational support and reach their full potential at school. Additional research: SWNS Symptoms of a brain tumour Gangliogliomas are very rare and only account for a small number of brain tumours diagnosed in the UK each year. There are over 130 known types of brain tumour and symptoms vary depending on which part of the brain is affected. Sometimes people have no symptoms at first or they may develop slowly over time. According to the NHS, common symptoms can include: Headaches Seizures Nausea or being sick Excessive drowsiness Mental or behavioural changes such as memory problems or personality changes Progressive weakness or paralysis on one side of the body Vision or speech problems See your GP if you have some of these symptoms, especially a headache that feels different from the type you usually get or if your headaches are getting worse. Your doctor may refer you to a neurologist for further tests. Read more about brain tumours: Pheobe Bishop, 17, has been missing since 15 May. Two people have been charged with her murder. Photograph: Queensland police Police allege Pheobe Bishops housemates moved her body twice after murdering her, with investigations indicating the missing 17-year-old is in a national park. The housemates allegedly murdered the missing teenager before moving her body from a national park, police say. James Wood, 34, and Tanika Bromley, 33, will remain behind bars after their matters appeared in Bundaberg Magistrates Court in southern Queensland. They have been charged with murder and two counts each of interfering with a corpse. They have been remanded in custody ahead of their next court appearance on 11 August. The arrests came three weeks to the day after Pheobe missed a flight and vanished. Pheobes remains were yet to be located, police said. A police search will focus on locating Pheobes remains after resuming on Friday, with investigations indicating she may be in a national park near Bundaberg. Whilst we always hoped to find Pheobe alive, our investigation ... quite clearly showed us that that was not going to be a viable outcome, Detective Inspector Craig Mansfield said. Police allege Wood and Bromley drove Pheobe in a grey Hyundai ix35 to Airport Drive in Bundaberg but no one exited the car. Pheobe was allegedly murdered and her body was moved more than once from the Good Night Scrub national park, an hours drive from Bundaberg airport. Police had searched the park extensively during their investigation into Pheobes disappearance, saying evidence may have been moved from the national park before officers arrived. Items were seized during the search for forensic information. Pheobes remains are yet to be located but police suspect they are in the national park, Mansfield told reporters on Friday. Were back to a particular area where we are suspecting that we may locate Pheobe, but again, it is a broad, unforgiving, large area, he said. Telephone data led police to focus on the national park with search operations restarting on Friday after efforts were scaled back on Wednesday. We hope that well have a resolution over the coming days, Mansfield said. Police also believe they understand the motive for Pheobes murder. We do have information that would suggest some form of motivation, Mansfield said. Woods SUV was seized by police for forensic examination on Thursday night. He has been living in the vehicle after the Gin Gin property he shared with Bromley and Pheobe was declared a crime scene after the teenagers disappearance. There is a vehicle that we believe Pheobe was transported in, but I will not disclose that at this point in time, Mansfield said. Mansfield said he shared the devastation Pheobes mother, Kylie Johnson, was experiencing. Whilst we always hoped to find Pheobe alive, our investigation as it progressed quite clearly showed us that that was not going to be a viable outcome, he said. Wood had previously been taken into custody on Wednesday but was released several hours later without charge. Wood and Bromley had earlier been charged with unrelated weapons offences. Police allegedly found a shortened firearm, ammunition and two replica handguns during a search of Bromleys grey Hyundai ix35 and further ammunition in the pairs Gin Gin home. Mansfield said he could not speculate until Pheobes body was found on whether the weapons located were used in her murder. Johnson said on Thursday night her family had been shattered. Johnson had been posting on social media almost every day since her daughters suspicious disappearance, pleading for information. Our world has just been shattered into the most horrific place Ive ever been, she wrote on Thursday night. I need my baby home to put her to rest! Im absolutely begging anyone that knows anything to come forward. We need to put her to rest, we need to put her to peace. Wood and Bromley were due to appear in Bundaberg magistrates court on Friday. There have been no obvious signs of any major discovery from the operation. Photograph: Patricia de Melo Moreira/AFP/Getty Images Searches for Madeleine McCann in Portugal on land a mile from where the British toddler was last seen in 2007 have concluded. German and Portuguese investigators embraced each other on Thursday afternoon after three days of scouring scrubland and abandoned farmhouses close to the resort of Praia da Luz. Their efforts focused on a 120-acre stretch of land, using equipment such as chainsaws, drones, diggers and a ground-penetrating radar. There have been no obvious signs of any major discovery from the operation, which comes 18 years after the three-year-old disappeared from Praia da Luz while her parents were out having dinner, leaving her sleeping in a nearby room with her toddler twin siblings. CNN Portugal reported that animal bones and adult clothing had been found, while the Correio da Manha newspaper said material collected from one of the many derelict houses had been sent off for analysis. On Thursday, search teams of German and Portuguese police officers, as well as firefighters, used pickaxes and shovels to dig some of the undergrowth in the area. A digger was used to remove rubble from one of the abandoned structures. Investigators have also deployed ground-penetrating radar technology that can identify anomalies under the surface. They began winding down the searches in Atalaia, near Lagos, on Thursday afternoon. At around 5pm the German and Portuguese teams were seen having a debrief before shaking hands and embracing. There was a round of applause before one officer was seen carrying a crate of German beer. After the beers were carried away, some officers struggled to grapple with the tents they were taking down because of the blustery conditions. As they packed up, officers could be seen carrying equipment such as bins, boxes and folding tables away from their base area. Personnel also loaded vans, which were parked at the base area near to abandoned buildings, with some of the equipment used in the searches. Earlier in the day, a group of 15 officers had taken part in a hillside briefing by a derelict farmhouse. Police were then seen carrying out fingertip searches of shrubbery outside the property. The search is being carried out at the request of the German federal police, as they look for evidence that could implicate the prime suspect, Christian Bruckner, who is in prison for raping a 72-year-old woman in Praia da Luz in 2005. Bruckner, who was living nearby at the time of Madeleines disappearance, has repeatedly denied any involvement. He is due to be released from jail in September if no further charges are brought. In October last year, he was cleared by a German court of unrelated sexual offences alleged to have taken place in Portugal between 2000 and 2017. British officers have not been present at the latest searches, the Metropolitan police said. Reform UKs newest MP calling for a ban on the burka was dumb, the partys chairman has said. In a sign of a Reform split on the policy, Zia Yusuf said he had no idea that Sarah Pochins first question at Prime Ministers Questions on Wednesday would be to demand a burka ban. Mr Yusuf wrote on X: I do think its dumb for a party to ask the PM if they would do something the party itself wouldnt do. Nothing to do with me. Had no idea about the question, nor that it wasnt policy. Busy with other stuff. Mrs Pochin, who was elected last month as the Reform MP for Runcorn and Helsby, asked Sir Keir: Given the Prime Ministers desire to strengthen strategic alignment with our European neighbours, will he, in the interests of public safety, follow the lead of France, Denmark, Belgium and others and ban the burka? The question prompted audible disquiet among some MPs. Zia Yusuf said he had no idea that Sarah Pochins first question at PMQs would be to demand a burka ban Sir Keir said: Can I welcome her to her place [in the Commons]? But I am not going to follow her down that line. Now she is here, and safely in her place, perhaps she could tell her new party leader [Nigel Farage] that his latest plan to bet 80 billion of unfunded tax cuts no idea how he is going to pay for it is Liz Truss all over again. Although considering that I think she was a Conservative member when Liz Truss was leader, she probably wont. France banned wearing the burka and any other full-face veils in public places in 2010. Denmark passed a similar ban in 2018. Mrs Pochin, a former Tory councillor, later claimed the question was something that a number of people had raised with her. Despite Reform confirming that it was not policy, Lee Anderson, the party whip, wrote on social media: Ban the burka? Yes we should. No one should be allowed to hide their identity in public. Mr Farage later told GB News that he believed that face coverings in public dont make sense and I think we deserve a debate about that, of which I see the burka being part. Richard Tice similarly called for a national conversation about a burka ban. He told the Politics Inside Out podcast: Wheres been the conversation about, is that right for the UK? Is it right for women? Is it regressive for women? Is it misogynistic? Does it make women second class citizens? Lets have a discussion about that as a nation and in a respectful way, and find out where everybodys at with it. I think thats a reasonable thing to do, as opposed to say, no, you cant talk about that. Its just a given. The Tories said the latest row showed that Reform isnt a serious party. A spokesman said: It took 34 days for Reforms newest MP to be caught in a public spat with her bosses. Reform UK and Mrs Pochin have been approached for comment. Talya, nine, Karim, now four, Bassem Abudagga (behind) and his wife, Marim, in Gaza in September 2023, the last time Bassem saw them. Photograph: handout The silence of the early hours was unbearable, perhaps worse than on any night since 7 October 2023. Bassem Abudagga paced around his flat in Manchester waiting desperately for an answer. He knew from a WhatsApp group of 800 relatives, set up by his extended family in Gaza, that houses near where his wife and two young children were holed up to the west of Khan Younis were being hit by Israeli missiles. His wife, Marim, was not picking up. Every single minute, I am with them 24 hours a day and night. When there is any risk, I keep in contact all the time with them online, he says. It depends on the connections, sometimes they are very bad. Even when I am sleeping I keep the notifications very loud and I keep just waking up when one goes off. When they are at risk they just text me. It is very exhausting because they feel that if I am in touch with them it is like a hope, they just hold it. I cannot sleep if there is a bombardment. On this occasion, a month ago, contact was lost. Abudagga, a lecturer in business studies from Al-Azhar University in Gaza who is on a British Council scholarship to the UK, tried making an international call to Marim. But there was no response. They were very, very hard moments, he recalls. Everyone texted me and asked: Have you any information? And I said: No information. These moments went on for five to 10 minutes but it was so long. The first message I finally received was from my mum [who was also staying in the house]. It said: We are all safe. It was a moment of pure relief. The couples five-year-old boy, Karim, had been unable to bear the sound of drones and left the bed in which they all had tried to sleep, crying. His nine-year-old sister, Talya, and Marim, without her phone, joined him and they had just hugged on the floor, terrified. The impact of the Israeli pounding shattered the windows but there was no direct strike on their building, just broken glass and dust everywhere. It was one of so many similar incidents. They have survived on many such occasions, just by the mercy of God, says Abudagga. That they are still alive may at times feel like a miracle. But exactly why Marim, Talya and Karim remain in Gaza at all and have not been evacuated to be with their father is a question now facing the UK Foreign Office and Home Office. The British Council, which awarded Bassem Abudagga his three-year scholarship to the UK to do his PhD in business studies at York St John University back in 2022, is sponsored by the Foreign Office. Under UK immigration rules Abudagga could have brought his family with him in 2022 but decided he could not afford to and that he would visit them when he could. He last saw them a few weeks before the deadly Hamas attacks of 7 October, during a trip back to Gaza. Abudagga being a foreign student studying and working here (he lectures part-time in Manchester to earn money), the government does not question their right to be re-united in the UK. But it seems to Abudagga that it is doing nothing to allow it to happen. The government could have done something, says Abudagga. I am entitled to have my family here and there are many British citizens who have been evacuated. I have all the papers in place. Related: I wish I had never come to the UK: Palestinian academic despairs of getting visas for family stuck in Gaza His case has been taken up by the Labour MPs for York Central, Rachael Maskell, and Salford, Rebecca Long-Bailey. The Observer first took up Abudaggas case in March last year. The authorities responded by saying that Marim must get fingerprints in order to make an application for she and her children to be evacuated. But this is impossible as there is no facility left standing in Gaza to do so. Abudagga has asked that the demand for fingerprints be deferred until they have crossed the border into Egypt if they could ever find a way to do so. The Abudagga familys suffering is one case among millions in Gaza, but it is unusual in being one for which the UK government bears a direct responsibility. Rachael Maskell said: It is intensely frustrating when ministers are treating the case like any other, when Bassem was the only parent invited to join this UK study programme from a university in Gaza. These are exceptional circumstances for which the government must make an exception and stop hiding behind the bureaucracy which fails to support people in such desperate situations. Marim, Talya and Karim are now living in a tent near the sea in Gaza in an area the Israelis say is safe. Of course it is not safe at all, Abudagga says. Since the war began more than 250 members of his wider family have lost their lives. Every time they are displaced their entire life is uprooted. Two weeks ago, Abudagga sent a message to the MPs backing him and others who are trying to help, saying the situation was fast deteriorating. Of the children he said: They are now in critical conditions: severely traumatised, living in constant fear of bombardment, and suffering from acute hunger and lack of access to basic needs. Their mother is doing everything in her power to care for them, but the burden has become crushing and unsustainable. We believe that facilitating the childrens evacuation even without Marim for now is essential not only to protect them, but also to ease her unbearable situation. But nothing has changed. Abudaggas supervisor at York St John University, Dr Alexandra Dales, which is providing him with extra financial assistance from its hardship fund, cannot speak highly enough of her student. It is a privilege to supervise Bassem. He has shown incredible fortitude during the conflict and has continued studying throughout. It has been incredibly distressing to witness the impact of the conflict on Bassem and his family. The British Council said it has and will continue to urgently highlight Bassems case. The Foreign Office said the case of the Abudagga family was a matter for the Home Office which in turn said: Subject to meeting eligibility requirements, international students can bring dependents to the UK. The visa application centre in Gaza is currently closed; however, visa application centres are open and operating in Egypt and Jordan. It is longstanding government policy that we do not comment on individual cases. The US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, accused the four sanctioned judges of being actively engaged in targeting American or our close ally, Israel. Photograph: Chris Kleponis/EPA The United States is placing sanctions on four judges from the international criminal court (ICC) for what it has called its illegitimate actions targeting the United States and Israel. The secretary of state, Marco Rubio, announced the sanctions in a statement on Thursday. They target Solomy Balungi Bossa of Uganda, Luz del Carmen Ibanez Carranza of Peru, Reine Adelaide Sophie Alapini-Gansou of Benin and Beti Hohler of Slovenia. Donald Trump ordered cabinet officials to draw up sanctions against the ICC after the court issued arrest warrants for the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and former defense minister Yoav Gallant. They were accused of overseeing an Israeli offensive during the Gaza conflict that caused famine and included the commission of war crimes. Two of the sanctioned judges authorised the arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant, and two authorised an ICC investigation into abuses by US personnel in Afghanistan. As ICC judges, these four individuals have actively engaged in the ICCs illegitimate and baseless actions targeting America or our close ally, Israel, Rubio said. The ICC is politicized and falsely claims unfettered discretion to investigate, charge, and prosecute nationals of the United States and our allies. This dangerous assertion and abuse of power infringes upon the sovereignty and national security of the United States and our allies, including Israel. The decision to move forward with the sanctions will escalate Trumps feud with the court and other international organisations, which he has broadly dismissed as politicised. The US has already sanctioned the ICCs chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, because of his role in pursuing the arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant. Those sanctions have led Khan to lose access to his email and his bank accounts have been frozen, the Associated Press reported earlier this month. Americans who work for The Hague-based court have been warned that they could be arrested if they set foot on American soil. In a statement, the ICC said it deplores the new designations for sanctions. These measures are a clear attempt to undermine the independence of an international judicial institution which operates under the mandate from 125 states parties from all corners of the globe, the ICC said. Targeting those working for accountability does nothing to help civilians trapped in conflict, the statement continued. It only emboldens those who believe they can act with impunity. These sanctions are not only directed at designated individuals, they also target all those who support the court, including nationals and corporate entities of states parties. They are aimed against innocent victims in all situations before the court, as well as the rule of law, peace, security and the prevention of the gravest crimes that shock the conscience of humanity. Danya Chaikel, the International Federation for Human Rightss representative to the ICC, said the types of sanctions imposed by the Trump administration were originally designed to disrupt terrorist networks like ISIS, weapons traffickers, and human rights abusers, not international justice institutions. Using them against ICC officials represents a dangerous misuse of executive power and distorts their purpose It sends the chilling message that enforcing accountability for mass atrocities can get you punished, while allegedly committing international crimes may get you protected. James Goldston, executive director of the Open Societys justice initiative and a former ICC prosecutor, said: As a court of last resort, the ICC is the one place victims of the most serious crimes can turn to when other avenues have failed them in their search for truth and justice. These new designations of ICC judges threaten their hopes and embolden the perpetrators. Sanctions against ICC officials are a betrayal of Americas proud commitment to the rule of law and international justice. Daryna Shyhyda, a Ukrainian police officer, her one-year-old baby (pictured) and her mother were killed in a Russian drone attack this morning Russia killed a one-year-old boy, his mother and grandmother in an overnight drone strike on the northern Ukrainian city of Pryluky, authorities said. The local fire chief, who rushed to the scene, found that it was his house that had been hit and that his wife, daughter and grandson were dead. Six Shahed-type drones hit the area shortly before dawn, injuring nine others. The city, hundreds of miles from the frontline, had been largely spared from Russias aerial bombardment until now. This is already the 632nd child lost since the full-scale war began, Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, said. Russia constantly tries to buy time to continue its killings, he added on X, attaching footage of the aftermath. The attack came just hours after US president Donald Trump had a call with Vladimir Putin and warned that the Russian leader strongly intended to retaliate for Ukraines weekend drone assaults on Russian air bases. Condemning the tragedy and Russias targeting of civilians, Mr Zelensky called on the West to impose greater sanctions on Moscow, warning that if the Kremlin doesnt feel enough strong condemnation and pressure from the world it kills again. The infants mother, Daryna Shyhyda, was a police officer. Today our hearts are scorched by pain, Ukraines National Police said on Telegram. This is not just a loss it is three generations of life uprooted. Liudmyla Horbunova, 55, who lives across the street, said Ms Shyhyda had moved with her child from Kyiv last weekend to her parents house because she was scared of future Russian strikes on the capital. She ran away from Shaheds in Kyiv, but they found her here, in Pryluky, Ms Horbunova told the Associated Press. Throughout the morning, firefighters worked to extinguish the flames that engulfed the home, leaving only charred brick and scattered toys, clothes and a family photo book. Pryluky in the Chernihiv region had a prewar population of around 50,000 people and lies 60 miles east of Kyiv. The city is far from the front line and does not contain any known military assets. The last time Pryluky was struck was in November 2024, when a Russian missile hit an administrative building and injured one person. Last night, Putin broke his silence after Sundays devastating strikes on his bomber fleet to again rule out a ceasefire in Ukraine. The Russian leader said Kyiv would exploit the break in the fighting to rearm and remobilise and carry out further terrorist attacks. He did not mention the drone strikes on the strategic aircraft. His comments followed with large-scale aerial attacks on Ukraine, targeting Donetsk, Kharkiv, Odesa, Sumy, Chernihiv, Dnipro and Kherson regions with 103 drones and one ballistic missile. Hours after the family in Pryluky were killed, 19 people were injured in a Russian drone attack on Ukraines northeastern city of Kharkiv. Credit: Reuters Those wounded included children, a pregnant woman, and a 93-year-old woman, regional governor Oleh Syniehubov wrote on Telegram, after drones struck two apartment buildings and cars. By launching attacks while people sleep in their homes, the enemy once again confirms its tactic of insidious terror, Mr Syniehubov wrote. Russian aircraft also dropped four powerful glide bombs on the southern city of Kherson, which tore a hole in its historic regional administration centre. At least three people were injured in the attack on the centre of the port city, which was followed by artillery and drone strikes. Credit: Social Media On the battlefield, Kyivs forces said they destroyed a Russian Iskander missile system, which was used to strike Ukrainian cities. The missile system, hidden in a forested area, was reportedly loaded with a ballistic missile which costs between $1 to $2 million when it was blown up in Bryansk, a Russian region bordering Ukraine. In eastern Ukraine, Kyiv revealed two people had died after yet another Russian strike on army training facilities. It came after a Russian attack on military training grounds in the Dnipropetrovsk region on Sunday killed 12 soldiers and triggered the resignation of one of Ukraines most senior military officials. The strikes are stirring criticism in Ukraine that army officials are not doing enough to secure the safety of soldiers. 03:19 PM BST Thanks for following our live coverage Thanks for following our live coverage of the war in Ukraine. It has now ended for the day. Heres a reminder of what happened today: At least five people, including a one-year-old child, were killed in a Russian drone strike on the northern Ukrainian city of Pryluky overnight Russia bombed a regional administration building in the centre of the southern city of Kherson early this morning North Koreas Kim Jong-un vowed to unconditionally support Russia in its war in Ukraine and said he expected Moscow to emerge victorious Russias security service accused British intelligence of using the British Council as cover to undermine Russia New analysis showed that Moscow was advancing at the fastest rate of the year so far Well be back soon with more updates and analysis. 02:51 PM BST Trump thought Ukraine attack was badass Donald Trump thought Ukraines audacious drone attack on Russias strategic nuclear bombers was badass, according to reports. Kyiv smuggled drones onto the back of freight trucks before firing them at Russian airbases on Sunday, destroying several nuclear bombers in a surprise attack. Pretty strong, the US president told one official, according to Axios. He thought it was badass, another Trump confidant told the US news site. But Mr Trump was also concerned that the attack could lead to the war continuing despite his administrations efforts to foster peace. 02:22 PM BST Pictured: Hegseth and Healey speak at Nato meeting Pete Hegseth, US secretary of defence, speaks with Defence Secretary John Healy in Brussels - Getty Images Europe 02:01 PM BST Starmer to host Nato chief next week Prime Minister Keir Starmer will host Nato head Mark Rutte in London next Monday for talks focussing on defence spending, the government said today. The meeting comes as Mr Rutte pushes for members of the western military alliance to allocate more money for defence in response to Russias aggression in Ukraine. You can expect the prime minister to raise how we can ensure all allies meet their stated pledges in support of our collective defence, to keep people safe, Sir Keirs spokesman told reporters. Donald Trump has demanded that Nato members boost defence budgets to five percent of their GDP at an alliance summit to be held in the Netherlands on June 24-25. Mr Rutte has put forward a compromise agreement for 3.5 percent of GDP on core military spending by 2032, and 1.5 percent on broader security-related areas such as infrastructure. 01:43 PM BST Pictured: Hegseth rushes to join Nato family photo Pete Hegseth arrives as British Defence Secretary John Healey, Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte and other defence ministers pose for a family photo at the Alliance headquarters in Brussels today - REUTERS 01:35 PM BST Watch: Ukraine destroys Russian Iskander missile system Kyivs forces said they destroyed a Russian Iskander missile system used to strike Ukrainian cities. According to Ukrainian reports, the missile system was loaded and ready to launch when it was blown up in Bryansk, a Russian region bordering Ukraine. Two other of the lethal missile systems were said to be damaged in the operation led by Ukraines security services, the SBU. These are likely the units that had been striking Kyiv and other cities over the past year, Ukraines strategic communications said on X. Credit: X/@bayraktar_1love 01:09 PM BST EU green rules blocking military expansion European countries have blamed the EUs environmental regulations for hindering their preparations for defending against a possible Russian invasion. In a leaked letter obtained by The Telegraph, the nations defence ministers argued the rules had stopped the expansion of military bases and prevented fighter jet pilots from training. EU legislation may not prevent member states armed forces from carrying out necessary activities to become operationally ready. But right now, it does, they wrote in a letter to Andrius Kubilius, the defence commissioner. Mainly (but not exclusively) in the areas of procurement legislation, nature conservation and environmental protection, and more generally the administrative burden on defence organisations deriving from various EU legal acts. 01:02 PM BST Macron urges Brics to put pressure on Putin to end war Brazil, India and China should put pressure on Russia to end the war in Ukraine, Emmanuel Macron has said. The French president made the comments on Thursday during a joint press conference with Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the Brazilian president, who is on a state visit in France. The countries mentioned by Mr Macron are core members of Brics, an intergovernmental organisation comprising ten countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates. It was formed in part by Russia and has been used by Vladimir Putin to show that Moscow still has allies, despite being sanctioned and frozen out by the West. 12:27 PM BST Two dead after Russian attack on army site, Ukraine says Kyiv said that two people had died after a Russian strike on army training facilities in eastern Ukraine, days after a similar strike saw a high-ranking officer resign. Moscow has repeatedly targeted military sites like bases far from the front, spurring online criticism in Ukraine that army officials are not doing enough to secure their safety. The missile strike in the Poltava region on Wednesday came after an attack on military training grounds in the industrial Dnipropetrovsk region that killed 12 soldiers on Sunday. Doctors unfortunately failed to save the lives of two people who were wounded as a result of an enemy attack on the training ground, a senior regional official wrote on social media of Wednesdays strike. 12:13 PM BST UK must spend 5pc on defence, says Hegseth Its important that the United Kingdom spends 5 per cent of GDP on defence, the US defence secretary said on Thursday while Nato ministers met to discuss the expenditure goals. Pete Hegseth told reporters: Our friends in the UK... were going to get there. We think everyone is going to get there, we really do. Its important they do. Its important that the UK gets there. Defence ministers are currently discussing plans to increase the alliances defence spending from 2 per cent of GDP to five per cent. This will be split by 3.5 per cent on hard defence expenditure and 1.5 per cent on defence-related outlays, such as logistics infrastructure. The target will pile pressure on Sir Keir Starmer who is yet to outline fixed plans for the UKs defence spending to increase beyond 2.5 per cent. Mr Hegseth said that European allies needed to take responsibility for defending the continent. When you consider the threats that we face, the urgency in the world, its critical, he argued. We dont need more flags, we need more fighting formations. We dont need more conferences. We need more capabilities, hard power. On Wednesday, Natos secretary-general Mark Rutte suggested the US would be less committed to the alliances Article 5 mutual defence clause if European allies and Canada failed to hit the target. Donald Trump has long demanded, despite the US not hitting the target, that Nato defence spending should sit at 5 per cent of GDP. Credit: Reuters 11:57 AM BST Russia wants to deploy 10,000 troops to Ukraines western border Russia wants to deploy 10,000 troops to the breakaway Moldovan region of Transnistria on Ukraines western border, the countrys prime minister said. Moscow has a small number of soldiers already in the separatist region. However, with the enclave locked between Ukraine and pro-EU government in Moldova, Russia would be unable to send troops there. But Dorin Recean, Moldovas prime minister, told the Financial Times that Moscow was aiming to install a pro-Kremlin government government there to facilitate the troop movement. This is a huge effort to undermine Moldovan democracy, said Mr Recean. They want to consolidate their military presence in the Transnistrian region. You can imagine with 10,000 troops, what the leverage and pressure would be on the south-western part of Ukraine, he added. But also close to Romania, which is a Nato member state. 11:37 AM BST Russia will respond to Ukrainian attacks when it sees fit Russia will respond to Ukraines latest attacks as and when its military sees fit, the Kremlin said on Thursday. Ukraine used drones to strike Russian heavy bomber planes at air bases in Siberia and the far north at the weekend, and Russia also accused Kyiv of also blowing up rail bridges in its border regions, killing seven people. The president described the Kyiv regime as a terrorist regime, because it was the regimes leadership that consciously gave the order, the command, the order to blow up a passenger train. This is nothing other than terrorism at the state level. This is an important statement by the president, said Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlins spokesman. Russia has not yet provided evidence that Ukrainian leaders ordered the rail attacks, and Kyiv has not acknowledged responsibility. Mr Peskov also confirmed that Vladimir Putin had told Donald Trump in a phone call yesterday that Moscow was obliged to retaliate. 10:55 AM BST Russia launches combined air attacks on centre of Kherson Russia bombed a regional administration building in the centre of the southern city of Kherson early on Thursday morning. Moscows forces dropped four glide bombs on the historic building along with drones and artillery attacks, according to local authorities. Footage showed a quick-fire succession of targeted strikes, followed by large explosions, which also damaged five apartment buildings and an educational facility, reportedly hurting three civilians. The attack came hours after Donald Trump warned that Vladimir Putin intended to retaliate for Kyivs unprecedented drone assaults on Russias bomber fleet on Sunday. Putin finally broke his silence on Wednesday, refusing to mention Ukraines surprise strikes on his most prized aircraft, but once again ruled out a ceasefire in Ukraine. Elsewhere, Russian drone attacks on Ukraines north killed five people, including a baby, in the city of Pryluky and injured 17 in Kharkiv. The regional administration building in Kherson was hit by Russian glide bombs early on Thursday 10:36 AM BST Moscows forces seizing land in quickest advance of this year Moscows forces have seized large swaths of Ukrainian territory in the quickest advance of this year, according to analysts. The Blackbird Group, a Finnish team monitoring Russian military movements, showed that Russia had seized 207 square miles of Ukraine throughout May, compared with 71 square miles in April. This is the fastest advance of the year and the second highest since 2022, the group said. The Russian Armed Forces accelerated their gains significantly over the month of May. According to our data, the Russians occupied 538 square kilometers of Ukraine in May, over twice the territory occupied in April. This is the second highest monthly rate of advance since 2022. pic.twitter.com/nBCAbiSZ48 Black Bird Group (@Black_BirdGroup) June 4, 2025 10:19 AM BST 24 hours on Ukraines frontline Down the road of death, littered with burning vehicles and covered with drone nets, Fermin Torrano travels into Pokrovsk, home to the most intense fighting of the war. The flames of a burning car illuminate the roadside, and Andrii puts his foot down: Seventy. Eighty. Ninety-five miles per hour. Two of his comrades lean out the windows, scanning the darkness. A fourth Ukrainian soldier rides in the truck bed, with an AKS-74U in hand. A sharp beep cuts through the air as the anti-drone system flashes on the screen: its the second warning weve had. If you see a drone, jump and run after me. Forget your stuff. Understood? Femida, a drone pilot with the 68th Ukrainian Brigade, said before we climbed into the vehicle. 09:47 AM BST Russia says it will repair warplanes damaged by Ukraine Moscow has said its warplanes were damaged but not destroyed in a coordinated June 1 drone attack by Ukraine, and said they will be restored. According to US intelligence assessments, 20 warplanes were hit and around 10 were destroyed, a figure that is half the number estimated by Volodymyr Zelensky. Sergei Ryabkov, Russias deputy foreign minister, who oversees arms control diplomacy, said: The equipment in question, as was also stated by representatives of the Ministry of Defence, was not destroyed but damaged. It will be restored. Russia is unlikely to repair or replace the aircraft quickly - if at all - given the complexity of the technology, the age of some of the Soviet-era planes, and Western sanctions that restrict Russian imports of sensitive components. 09:36 AM BST In pictures: Russian attacks on Odesa and Kharkiv Ukrainian fire brigades extinguish the fire after Russian drone hit a medical facility, a childrens centre and a high school in Odesa - Anadolu The aftermath of the fire in the port city of Odesa - Anadolu Burnt cars in the wake of a Russian strike on Kharkiv - REUTERS 09:10 AM BST Russia accuses British Council of harbouring spies Russias security service has accused British intelligence of using the British Council as cover to undermine Russia. The British Council, which calls itself the UKs international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities, said in 2018 that it had been told to cease operations in Russia. The FSB claimed on Thursday the London-based charity was being used by British intelligence to undermine the sovereignty of countries, including Russia. During the investigation, representatives of the teaching staff of leading Russian universities who collaborated with the British side to the detriment of the security of the Russian Federation were identified, the FSB said. 08:52 AM BST Watch: Russia strikes Kherson Credit: Social Media 07:50 AM BST Russian strike kills 5 in Ukraines north At least five people, including a one-year-old child, were killed in a Russian drone strike on the northern Ukrainian city of Pryluky overnight. Six more people were wounded in the attack and have been hospitalised, regional governor Viacheslav Chaus said. According to him, six Shahed-type drones struck residential areas of Pryluky early Thursday morning, causing severe damage to residential buildings. Hours later, 17 people were wounded in a Russian drone strike on Kharkiv, including children, a pregnant woman, and a 93-year-old woman. By launching attacks while people sleep in their homes, the enemy once again confirms its tactic of insidious terror, regional governor Oleh Syniehubov wrote on Telegram. 07:41 AM BST Putin planning revenge for secret drone attacks, Trump warns Vladimir Putin is planning revenge for Ukraines drone strikes on Russias bomber fleet, Donald Trump has warned. The US president said he had a good conversation with his Russian counterpart, after an unexpected phone call, but that it was not a conversation that will lead to immediate peace. President Putin did say, and very strongly, that he will have to respond to the recent attack on the airfields, Mr Trump wrote on his Truth Social network. His comments came after Putin finally broke his silence following Kyivs co-ordinated drone assaults to once again rule out a ceasefire in Ukraine. The Russian leader said that Kyiv would exploit the break in the fighting to rearm and remobilise and carry out further terrorist attacks. Vladimir Putin had an unexpected hour-long phone call with Donald Trump on Wednesday - Pool Sputnik Kremlin 07:40 AM BST North Korea vows unconditional support for Russias war in Ukraine Kim Jong-un has vowed to unconditionally support Russia in its war in Ukraine and said he expected Moscow to emerge victorious. North Korea has become one of Moscows main allies during its more than three-year Ukraine offensive, sending thousands of troops and large quantities of weapons to help the Kremlin oust Ukrainian forces from Russias Kursk border region. Meeting top Russian security official Sergei Shoigu on Wednesday, Kim said that Pyongyang would unconditionally support the stand of Russia and its foreign policies in all the crucial international political issues including the Ukrainian issue. Kim expressed expectation and conviction that Russia would, as ever, surely win victory in the sacred cause of justice. The two sides agreed to continue to dynamically expand relations. Russia and North Korea signed a sweeping military deal last year, including a mutual defence clause, during a rare visit by Vladimir Putin to the nuclear-armed North. 07:38 AM BST Watch: Putins spy planes crippled by historic special operation 07:36 AM BST Hello and welcome to our live coverage Were bringing you all the latest from the war in Ukraine. Satellite image shows Olenya airfield before the Ukrainian drones attacked Russian military airfields Russias ambassador to the UK has suggested London was involved in a Ukrainian drone attack on Vladimir Putins warplanes. Andrei Kelin said Ukraine must have had outside help with the strikes, which he described as a very serious escalation in the conflict. Kyiv infuriated Moscow with an audacious attack on Russias prized strategic nuclear bombers over the weekend, dubbed Operation Spiders Web. Swarms of drones emerged from parked trucks to target airfields in the coordinated assault on four bases deep behind enemy lines. Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, hailed the brilliant attack, which he said would undoubtedly be in history books. Credit: Telegram/@SBUkr According to Ukrainian and US officials, the strikes were kept secret from Donald Trump, the US president, who has been trying to broker a ceasefire. But Mr Kelin said the UK had not denied its involvement, suggesting that London had played a part. In an interview with Sky News, he warned Ukraines actions were bringing the conflict to a different level and urged Kyiv not to engulf World War Three. Mr Trump spoke to Mr Putin by phone on Wednesday, posting afterwards on social media: President Putin did say, and very strongly, that he will have to respond to the recent attack on the airfields. Andrei Kelin does not believe the US was involved in Ukraines attacks - Jeff Overs/BBc Mr Kelin said: I hope that we will get a reaction from London as well. Because I will tell you, such a kind of attack involves, of course, provision of very high technology, so-called geospaced data, which can only be done by those who have it in possession. And this is London and Washington. I dont believe that America [is involved], that has been denied by President Trump, definitely, but it has not been denied by London. We perfectly know how much London is involved, how deeply British forces are involved in working together with Ukraine That is why we, of course, expect certain reaction from London. The coordinated strikes allegedly hit more than 40 strategic bombers, took 18 months to execute and were personally overseen by Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukrainian security sources said. A Downing Street spokesman told Sky News: We never comment on operational matters at home or abroad. Another ex-girlfriend who claims Sean Diddy Combs abused her has given evidence about allegedly being subjected to drug-fuelled sex marathons orchestrated by the hip-hop mogul. Combs was warned by the judge in his sex trafficking trial that he would be kicked out of the courtroom in New York if he kept nodding vigorously at the jury. The woman, using the pseudonym Jane, is among several witnesses who accuse Combs of violence towards them, including his former girlfriend, R&B singer Casandra Cassie Ventura. Sean Diddy Combs denies the charges (Yui Mok/PA) Cassie has given evidence alleging that Combs assaulted her numerous times and made her endure hundreds of encounters with male sex workers called freak-offs that he allegedly watched and filmed. Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to charges of running his business empire as a racketeering enterprise that enabled and concealed the abuse of women over two decades. He faces 15 years to life if convicted. Jane, a single mother, gave evidence that she told Combs repeatedly, in person and in writing, that she did not want to keep having those freak-offs with other men. But Combs kept pushing her into them and she felt obligated to go along with it, she said. He also had control over her life in other ways, she said, including by paying the rent on her home. A single mother, Jane said she got to know Combs while on a girls trip to Miami in 2020 with a friend who was dating him at the time. Jane said she dated him from 2021 to 2024 in what began as a loving and passionate relationship. While giving evidence, she dropped her head and appeared to get emotional, wiping away tears, as a prosecutor asked her about a turning point in their relationship: May 2021, when she said Combs started talking to her about his sexual fantasies involving other men and role playing. One night, she acquiesced because it seemed like he wanted that, and it was turning him on, and she wanted to make him happy. Within hours, she said, she was in a Miami hotel room watching Combs personal assistants setting the space up for a freak-off. Jane said she was dating Combs at the time of his arrest last September. Before Jane gave evidence, while jurors were at lunch, Judge Arun Subramanian told lawyers that any more energetic nodding from Combs to the jury could result in the exclusion of your client from the courtroom. The judge said he saw the display while Combs defence team cross-examined Bryana Bana Bongolan, a friend of Cassie. Defence lawyer Marc Agnifilo said he understood. The judge added sternly: There should be no efforts whatsoever to have an interaction with this jury. Combs has been active in his defence throughout the trial, regularly writing notes to his lawyers, and they have consulted with him as they questioned witnesses. Judge Subramanian took steps to protect Janes anonymity, including warning observers not to describe or sketch her in a way that would reveal her identity. Evidence resumed on Thursday morning with the defence continuing to cross-examine Ms Bongolan, a graphic designer who has a pending lawsuit against Combs. She gave evidence the previous day alleging that Combs once dangled her over a balcony of a high-rise Los Angeles apartment for 10 to 15 seconds. She says the 2016 episode traumatised her and left her with lasting nightmares. For a time afterwards, she said she would wake up screaming. Defence lawyer Nicole Westmoreland pressed Ms Bongolan on inconsistencies on Thursday, suggesting she lied or exaggerated some of her claims. The lawyer said Combs might not even have been in Los Angeles when Ms Bongolan alleges he dangled her from the balcony. Combs was performing on tour for most of September 2016, including dates on the East Coast around the time mobile phone metadata shows she took pictures of her alleged injuries. You agree that one person cant be in two places at the same time? Ms Westmoreland asked. Ms Bongolan responded: In like theory, yeah. Its hard to answer that one. Questioned again by prosecutors, Ms Bongolan said that while she does not recall the exact date, she has no doubt that the balcony episode happened. Ms Bongolan also acknowledged she smoked marijuana with Combs not long after the balcony episode, then went to one of his concerts a week later and a private party he held around the same time. You werent too fearful enough to not go to Mr Combs event, were you? Ms Westmoreland asked. I always had a feeling inside, but yes, I went, Ms Bongolan said. Royal Mail has released images of 10 stamps being issued to celebrate the Royal Observatorys foundation in 1675. Featured on the main set of six stamps are the Airy Transit Circle Telescope; Flamsteed House; the Great Equatorial Telescope, the largest refracting telescope in the UK; the Annie Maunder Astrographic Telescope; the Prime Meridian; and the Shepherd Gate Clock. The stamps celebrate the observatorys works over the centuries (Handout/PA) A further four stamps honour prize-winning clockmaker John Harrison and his marine timekeepers, ahead of the 250th anniversary of his death in 2026, showcasing each of his prototypes for measuring longitude at sea. The stamp images narrate the story of the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London and its role in the history of astronomy, timekeeping, and navigation. The Observatorys role in the history of timekeeping and observation is celebrated (Handout/PA) David Gold, Royal Mails director of external affairs and policy, said: We are proud to honour the Royal Observatorys 350th anniversary with a set of stamps that celebrate its enduring legacy in advancing our understanding of the universe and its pivotal role in shaping modern science and navigation. Dr Louise Devoy, senior curator of Royal Observatory, said: We are delighted to have partnered with Royal Mail to celebrate six key moments in the 350-year history of the Royal Observatory, Greenwich and the groundbreaking timekeepers by John Harrison, which still call the Royal Observatory home. The general sale begins June 12 (Handout/PA) The stamps and a range of collectible products, are available to pre-order from today ahead of the stamps going on general sale from June 12. Christ in Limbo by Hieronymus Bosch - Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields Rayner College, Oxford, June 2044 The characteristic blindness of the 20th century concerns something about which there is untroubled agreement between Hitler and President Roosevelt or H G Wells and Karl Barth. (CS Lewis, 1944) Those of us who came relatively unscathed through the Great Catastrophe of the early years of this decade can now unlike so many of our countrymen look back and ask ourselves what went so badly wrong. Some of it is obvious. Mass immigration transformed our major cities and gradually suffocated our public services. Our casual, unfunded, ill-thought-through defence commitments led to the destruction of most of our Armed Forces and kit in Ukraine a decade ago. Our failure to enforce the criminal law properly meant the fractious social environment of the 2020s degenerated into flight from the cities, no-go zones, and violence not seen since Northern Ireland in the 1970s. But these are symptoms. The real cause was our gradually accelerating economic decline and the social tensions that followed, turbo-driven by the psychological Bantustans created by the Equality Act. The middle classes in the private sector saw a future of struggle and genteel poverty, while public servants behaved like pre-Revolutionary French aristocrats defending their privileges. The rich got out, and so did the young if they could. The productive part of the economy was overwhelmed by the hangers-on. Conflict became inevitable when those with something to lose said to themselves we need a strong man: crack a few heads if you have to, I dont care anymore, and when those who didnt decided to try overthrowing the system as a whole. What went wrong? Why did we condemn ourselves to economic decline and worse? Its not that we lacked lessons. The Americans avoided it. The Argentines dug themselves out of it. The Eastern Europeans were doing well enough until the 2033-4 war. Of course we can see the answer clearly now. The economy didnt grow because we didnt want it to grow. On that, our leaders were united. If I had said, in the days when classical music was still a thing, that I wanted to be a concert pianist, but didnt learn to read music and didnt practice, eventually people would have concluded I might say it, but I didnt really want it. Similarly both Left and Right said they wanted growth. In practice they put other objectives first. Left and Right may have had different objectives, but they still had one big thing in common: they thought they knew best. No one would trust the market or trust the people. Our characteristic blindness, as C S Lewis put it, was to statism. And if the 20th century should have taught us anything, it was that statism led to economic decline and war. The big problem areas were obvious. In 2025 Britain was about three to four million houses short. A massive building programme was needed. The Lefts solution was new towns and social housing. The Right wanted building in cities and mansion blocks. No one wanted the one thing that might have made a difference: scrap the 1947 Planning Act, protect national parks, and let the market work. Thats why young London professionals now live two to a room in south east Esher and why so many have left for South East Asia. Similarly, Left and Right blamed different things for the NHSs failure, but no one would let the market in to solve them. They had slightly varying views of the ideal tax burden, but both believed in regulating business. They had slightly different views about how quickly we should decarbonise but neither disputed the goal. Thats why until the government banned them we all had a private generator in the 2030s. Both Left and Right wanted growth. Just not as much as other things: electoral success, political convenience, avoiding reality. To be charitable, maybe most of them didnt really understand what was needed. Certainly very few in the 2020s, let alone later, spoke of the power of the market, the prosperity created by free individuals, the new ideas that came from government getting out of the way. All the talk was of regulation and of social engineering. No one spoke of incentives and of profit. We can see now that this meant Britain couldnt benefit from the skills and enterprise of all its citizens, only from the dubious skills of its policymakers. AI, which might genuinely have helped every person change their life, in fact only reinforced our leaders belief that ever more cleverly worked-out policy could solve our problems. That is, after all, why Baroness Rayner founded the college where I now sit, as she said at the time, to use my experience to inspire very ordinary people to believe they can run the country. How strange it all seems now. If there is one silver lining to these past horrific few months, it is that we can now face reality. Like Adenauers Germany in the 1950s, we dont have the luxury of deceiving ourselves. Scrap the controls, free up the markets, get people rebuilding: that has to be the way out of our problems. We have had no end of a lesson. And now we must turn it to use. Jirapat Wangcharoen, 27, a content creator focused on astrology and spirituality, has shared advice on using ChatGPT for astrology on his TikTok account Nesh The Wizard Composite: Ajarn Par When Whan consulted her new fortune teller about the future of her relationship with her boyfriend, she was told that one half of the couple tended to be sulky, while the other would over-analyse things. The fortune teller recommended that they try to be more open with each other. But the advice on the future of the relationship didnt come from a human it came from ChatGPT. In Thailand, a country with a rich tradition of fortune telling, Whan, 28, is among a growing number of young people turning to ChatGPT for answers about their future. On social media, users share advice on how to upload pictures of their palms for palm readings, and of their birth charts, which show the positions of the planets at the time of their birth. Usually, if Whan wants to see her fortune teller, she needs to book an appointment months in advance - and pay 599 baht [13.55] for a one hour session. So, when she saw comments on social media praising the accuracy of ChatGPTs readings, she decided to give it a try. She typed into the chat box: I saw many people have asked you about their fortune based on a birth chart. Can you do it for me? It replied: My pleasure, before asking the time, date and location of her birth. Satisfied with her first reading, Whan, who asked to use only her nickname, later uploaded a picture of her face for a face reading, and asked ChatGPT to analyse her compatibility with her boyfriend. The importance of fortune tellers - called Mor Doo, meaning doctors who see - dates back centuries in Thailand, a majority Buddhist country, where culture is shaped by astrology and other forms of divination. Fortune tellers are consulted by anyone from politicians or wealthy business people weighing up investment decisions, to students nervous about their exam results or curious about their love life. Related: They make things look cute: how the TikTok generation is reshaping Thailands spiritual life Estimates of the size of the market for spiritual goods and services vary, though last year the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce suggested it was worth between $304 and $456m. Research produced in January by Krungsri Bank found that younger people were most likely of all generations to buy such products online, and that of the growing range of spiritual services offered through digital technologies, fortune telling applications drew the most interest from all ages. Jirapat Wangcharoen, 27, a content creator focused on astrology and spirituality, has benefited from the rising trend. On his TikTok account Nesh the Wizard, he has shared advice using ChatGPT, with one video last October liked by tens of thousands of users. Jirapat researched the use of AI as a personal navigation tool while studying his Masters degree in Australia. My key takeaway was people just want to take their anxieties away as soon as possible, he said. If they have a question at night, at 1am, they dont want to linger on that They go to ChatGPT or TikTok live to ask the question. Its easier for them [young people] to talk to robots rather than humans, he added. While fortune tellers can easily be found on social media, or sitting at tables outside temples, people often prefer to use someone they trust and have consulted previously, or who has been recommended. This can mean they need to wait for an appointment. Ruchi Agarwal, assistant professor of anthropology at Mahidol University, said curiosity about the future peaks in times of instability. If you look at the past trends, whenever there was economic crisis or political crisis, then there was always a search for either spirit mediums or fortune tellers just as a psychological remedy, or for finding some solution to the uncertainty they face, she said. This is also the case for younger people today, who have lived through political instability and the pandemic, and who are also, she said, more in their silos, and more attached to social media. Related: Dont ask what AI can do for us, ask what it is doing to us: are ChatGPT and co harming human intelligence? Ajarn Par, or Master Par, an astrologist based in Huai Khwang, an area of Bangkok known for its popular Ganesha Shrine and fortune tellers, agreed that younger people are searching for meaning. Its [a way of building] emotional resilience in an uncertain world, she said. Young people have a feeling of [a lack] of control. Some have raised concerns about the risk of giving AI tools with personal information such as photos or birth details. And, opinions are divided over whether ChatGPT or other AI tools will have long-lasting appeal among those interested in astrology. Ajarn Par believes ChatGPT may be capable of relaying data about astrological principles, but she questions its benefits. To give proper guidance, you need to have lived experience [human fortune tellers] have the feeling of human intuition, she said. She likens fortune tellers role to that of a therapist, someone people can consult in their most difficult moments. None of this can be replicated by a computer, she said. A robot cannot touch your feelings. For Whan, there are positives to consulting both humans and ChatGPT. With a human teller, she said, you can see their face and reactions. But with AI: you can just use it right away - and you can keep asking them. Mel Stride said that while the Tories moved swiftly to limit the damage caused by Liz Truss, above, the damage to our credibility is not so easily undone. Photograph: Jose Luis Magana/AP The Conservatives will never again put the economy at risk with unfunded tax cuts like those in Liz Trusss mini-budget, the shadow chancellor has said, in the partys clearest repudiation yet of the former prime minister. In a speech on the economy, Mel Stride went beyond any comments made by the Tory leader, Kemi Badenoch, to accept that Trusss September 2022 fiscal plans, which involved about 45bn in unfunded tax cuts and quickly unravelled, badly dented the partys reputation. For a few weeks, we put at risk the very stability which Conservatives had always said must be carefully protected, Stride said at an event in London on Thursday morning. The credibility of the UKs economic framework was undermined by spending billions on subsidising energy bills, and tax cuts, with no proper plan for how this would be paid for. As a Conservative, of course I want taxes to be as low as possible. But that must be achieved responsibly through fiscal discipline. Stride admitted that while the Tories moved swiftly to limit the damage the main tax cut was reversed in little more than a week, Kwasi Kwarteng was sacked as chancellor within three weeks, and Truss quit six days later the partys standing had taken a long-term hit. Back then mistakes were recognised and stability restored within weeks, with the full backing of our party, he said. But the damage to our credibility is not so easily undone. That will take time. And it also requires contrition. So let me be clear: never again will the Conservative party undermine fiscal credibility by making promises we cannot afford. Truss hit back, releasing a statement that called Stride one of the Conservative MPs who kowtowed to the failed Treasury orthodoxy and was set on undermining my plan for growth from the moment I beat his chosen candidate for the party leadership [Rishi Sunak]. She added: Until Mel Stride admits the economic failings of the last Conservative government, the British public will not trust the party with the reins of power again. Expressing a dim view of Trusss record is not a particularly risky stance to take, with polling shortly before she resigned showing just 11% of voters thought she was doing a good job as prime minister. But previously Badenoch and her shadow team have avoided direct criticism of Truss. When asked about Truss, Badenoch has generally said the party needs to move on from debates about her premiership, although in January it emerged that she had told her shadow cabinet it would be best if Liz would shut up for a while. The bulk of Strides speech covered his thoughts on rewiring the UK economy through areas such as welfare reform and speeding up planning and infrastructure projects, although he gave no new policy details. In praising Badenoch, Stride also urged people to have patience with her leadership, implicitly acknowledging that she has not always been the best performer in the Commons or on the media, likening this to Margaret Thatchers early struggles. She will get better through time at the media, he said. She will get better through time at the dispatch box at PMQs. Kwasi Kwarteng and Liz Trusss mini-Budget of 2022 included 45 billion of unfunded tax cuts - Leon Neal/Getty Images Liz Truss has launched an attack on Sir Mel Stride after he criticised her mini-Budget. The Tory former prime minister labelled the shadow chancellor a creature of the system and accused him of siding with the failed Treasury Orthodoxy. Sir Mel will vow in a speech on Thursday that the Conservatives will never again repeat the mistakes of Ms Trusss economic plans by making promises we cannot afford. He will pledge that the Tories will not trade economic stability in return for shallow promises and fantasy economics. In response to the attack on her premiership, Ms Truss who posted on X: In attacking the Mini Budget, [Mel Stride] sides with the failed Treasury Orthodoxy. Stride is a creature of the system. When he served alongside me as Treasury minister, he always went along with officials including on the Loan Charge and IR35, damaging the self-employed and SMEs. He backed Sunaks huge spending, but not my tax cuts which were smaller in size and would have increased growth. Britains system of government is broken. Nothing will change with people like him in charge. The speech comes amid concern that the Tory leadership is failing to come up with policies to inspire voters, with the party now polling in fourth place behind Reform, Labour and the Liberal Democrats. Ms Truss was forced out of office after seven weeks in 2022 after her mini-Budget caused a run on the markets because the tax cuts and extra spending it contained were not properly funded. Sir Mel Stride at Beales, a retailer based in Dorset, which launched a Rachel Reeves closing down sale - Eddie Mulholland for The Telegraph Addressing the legacy of the mini-Budget, Sir Mel will say: For a few weeks, we put at risk the very stability which Conservatives had always said must be carefully protected. The credibility of the UKs economic framework was undermined by spending billions on subsidising energy bills, and tax cuts, with no proper plan for how this would be paid for. As a Conservative, of course I want taxes to be as low as possible. But that must be achieved responsibly through fiscal discipline. The shadow chancellor will say that although the party acted swiftly to restore stability after Ms Truss resigned, rebuilding trust would take time and honesty. The damage to our credibility is not so easily undone, he will say. That will take time. And it also requires contrition. So let me be plain: never again will the Conservative Party undermine fiscal credibility by making promises we cannot afford. Sir Mel will acknowledge that both Labour and the Tories have failed to free Britain from the spectre of economic stagnation. For our party to find a path back to regaining trust, we must show that we are serious about listening to people and creating a better future underpinned by a credible plan, he will say. He will argue, however, that the answer is not the populism of Nigel Farage and Reform, which he likened to the magic money tree economics of Jeremy Corbyn. Populists in particular claim there are easy answers to our problems, telling voters what they want to hear without any credible plan for how they might deliver, Sir Mel will say. Take Reform. Their economic prescription is pure populism. It doubles down on the magic money tree we thought had been banished with Jeremy Corbyn. They would plough ahead with huge additional welfare spending, as well as tax cuts, with no plan for how to pay for any of it. We must be radical in our prospectus, but that must be grounded in the principles of stability and responsibility. The shadow chancellor will also accuse Labour of abandoning fiscal responsibility and economic stability. At the spending review next week, we can expect her [Rachel Reeves] to trumpet all of the additional projects and programmes she is funding without mentioning the fact it is all being paid for from borrowing, he will say. Sir Mel will unveil two core policies for the next Conservative government: stability and fiscal responsibility, including control of spending and the reform of welfare and public services, as well as a bold rewiring of the British economy to unleash growth and productivity. He will add: When other parties are descending into a race to the bottom on economic credibility and responsibility, the Conservative Party is needed now perhaps more than ever. But to win that fight we will need thoughtfulness. We will need to take our time if we are to forge a credible plan that delivers for the people of our country. Over the next four years our party will do just that. Credit: The White House Donald Trump has signed a sweeping travel ban targeting citizens from 12 countries to stop foreign terrorists. The president barred entry to the US to nationals of Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. The move, which comes into effect on June 9, follows a terror attack in Colorado that authorities blamed on a man they said was in the country illegally. Mr Trump has also placed restrictions on travel from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela, but did not go as far as to impose a full ban. The recent terror attack in Boulder, Colorado, has underscored the extreme dangers posed to our country by the entry of foreign nationals who are not properly vetted, Mr Trump said in a video message from the Oval Office posted on X. We dont want em. The ban comes amid Mr Trumps aggressive crackdown on immigration after he ended access to asylum at the USs southern border, ordered extensive immigration raids across the country and banned foreign students from Harvard. Mr Trump compared the measures to the powerful travel ban he imposed on multiple mainly Muslim countries in his first term in 2018. Joe Biden, the former president, later repealed the ban in 2021, calling it a stain on our national conscience. We cannot have open migration from any country where we cannot safely and reliably vet and screen, Mr Trump added. The ban is expected to draw swift legal challenges. The president, alluding to the rise in migration in Europe over the last decade, added: We will not let what happened in Europe happen in America. A dozen people were injured during the attack in Colorado on Sunday while marching for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza. The suspect, an Egyptian national, was in the country illegally, having overstayed a tourist visa, according to US officials, but he had applied for asylum in September 2022. The Trump administration vowed it would pursue terrorists living in the US on visas following the attack. But Egypt is not one of the countries affected by the travel ban. Credit: X For Taliban-ruled Afghanistan and war-torn Libya, Sudan, Somalia and Yemen, the order said they lacked competent central authorities for processing passports and vetting. Iran was included as it is a state sponsor of terrorism. Abigail Jackson, the White House deputy press secretary, said on X: President Trump is fulfilling his promise to protect Americans from dangerous foreign actors that want to come to our country and cause us harm. These common-sense restrictions are country-specific and include places that lack proper vetting, exhibit high visa overstay rates, or fail to share identity and threat information. The ban will not apply to athletes competing in the 2026 World Cup, which the US is co-hosting with Canada and Mexico, as well as the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Diosdado Cabello, Venezuelas interior minister, called the US dangerous in response. Being in the United States is a great risk for anyone, not just for Venezuelans, he said. They persecute our countrymen, our people, for no reason. The travel ban coincides with Mr Trumps decision to suspend visas for foreign students entering the country to attend Harvard University. Trump signed the proclamation on Wednesday evening - Shutterstock He issued the proclamation on Wednesday, citing national security concerns and declaring it detrimental to US interests to continue allowing foreign students at the institution, which accounts for a quarter of student enrolments. It is a further escalation in the White Houses battle with Americas oldest and wealthiest university after cutting billions in research grants and moving to end all federal contacts with it. The order accused the university of failing to provide sufficient information to the Department of Homeland Security about foreign students known illegal or dangerous activities. The move is part of Mr Trumps wider restrictions on elite universities he accuses of harbouring Left-wing ideologies and turning a blind eye to anti-Semitism. Some countries in Latin America stand to lose as much as one per cent of their Gross National Income from the measure - Mike Blake/REUTERS Donald Trumps proposed tax on immigrant workers sending money home from America will take billions out of poor economies and drive the transfers underground, aid and industry experts have warned. The US president wants to impose a 3.5 per cent tax on remittance transfers sent by anyone who is not an American citizen, as part of his big beautiful tax bill currently passing through Congress. The new tax would apply to an estimated 40m people in the US, including those with green cards or on working visas, and would include Britons working in America. The tax comes as part of broader legislation to cut down on illegal migration, and will make America the most expensive G7 country for workers to send money home from. The measure would effectively cut the amount of money being sent back home, experts say, hitting families that rely on remittances as an economic lifeline. Some countries in Latin America stand to lose as much as one per cent of their Gross National Income from the measure, research has estimated, with more money sent home from the United States than any other country in their world. The proposed tax also comes on top of sweeping cuts to US foreign aid which has already left large holes in the government budgets of many poor countries. Mexico stands to lose the most money in absolute terms, or around $2.6bn (1.9bn) annually, according to modelling from the Centre for Global Development, a Washington-based global development think tank. But in terms of the proportion of their income, the worst hit will be El Salvador at just over 1 per cent, Honduras at 0.9 per cent and Jamaica at 0.7 per cent. Several African countries will also be badly hit, including the Gambia and Liberia. The centre said: For many countries, the remittance tax would be a further crushing blow after the recent cuts to US aid. For example, Liberia is a country heavily reliant on both foreign aid and remittances: a quarter of the countrys foreign assistance came from the US, and remittances totalled more than three times Liberias bilateral foreign aid in 2023. The US aid cuts were already projected to remove the equivalent of 2 per cent of GNI; even though it is small, the remittance tax will remove another 0.2 per cent. Remittances sent back to Mexico have already fallen sharply, as Mr Trump has vowed to toughen up immigration enforcement and enact mass deportations. Mexico earlier this week said it had received 12 per cent less in April from a year earlier. Economists said the fall was due to a slowing US labour market and fear of deportation among immigrant workers. Gabriela Siller, director of economic analysis at Grupo Financiero Base, told Bloomberg: This was due to the fact that migrants in the United States are afraid to go out to work and send remittances because they could be deported. Remittances are a huge part of the global economy, with the World Bank estimating that some $656bn (484bn), equivalent to the GDP of Belgium, was sent home by workers abroad in 2023. The flow of money is deemed so important for development, that the United Nations has targets to bring the cost of remittances down by 2030. World Bank figures show that in the third quarter of 2024, the global average cost of sending a remittance of $200 (148) was 6.62 per cent. The majority of that cost was taken up by fees to the provider, such as a bank, mobile phone app, or transfer firm like Western Union. The rest of the cost was due to foreign exchange margin. Looking at the G7 richest countries alone, the average cost to send money home was an average of 6.14 per cent, including 6.03 per cent in the US and 5.75 per cent in Britain. Mr Trumps new tax would put the US cost close to 10 per cent. Liberia is among several African countries predicted to be badly hit - Luc Gnago/REUTERS Under the legislation, the tax would start in 2026 and hit anyone who is not a US citizen or US national, including green card holders and those visiting for work. Banks and money transfer services would collect the tax for every transaction and hand it on to the US Treasury, according to FXC Intelligence. Yet experts said the measure risked instead forcing large sums out of heavily regulated financial channels and into more informal underground routes which have no safeguards against money laundering, or criminal financing. The Atlantic Council this week said: Countries that have enacted punitive measures on cross-border payments and currency exchange have often undermined their own ability to combat financial crime, thereby weakening their economies and diminishing their foreign influence. An original version of the bill wanted the tax to be set at five per cent, but it was cut back at the last minute. The current version is heading to the Senate and is expected to still face stiff opposition from transfer companies. Payments-industry trade groups representing companies like Western Union and Visa have written to Congress members saying the measure would hit migrants sending money back to relatives, on top of posing a greater money-laundering risk. The letter said: This provision would create a dangerous new precedent with respect to government overreach by invading the privacy of Americans, harming American businesses, and - for the first time - intruding on payment transactions between private individuals. Everyday Americans would be asked to turn over sensitive identification information in order to use a regulated and licenced financial services provider to conduct ordinary, everyday financial transactions. Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security Donald Trump Sometimes the best policies are the ones that produce the shrillest wails from the Left. Such may be the case with Trumps latest travel ban, which by rights should spark serious soul-searching in Britain. Overnight, the President announced restrictions on the citizens of 12 countries. This was a response to the recent terror attack on Boulder, Colorado, in which an Egyptian national, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, is alleged to have thrown firebombs and sprayed burning petrol at a Jewish vigil on Sunday in support of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. Although Egypt is not on the list, Homeland Security officials said Mr Soliman was in the country illegally, having overstayed a tourist visa, but that he had applied for asylum in September 2022. So far, so Trumpian. (He took similar measures during his first term, after all, and they were repealed by Joe Biden who called them a stain on our national conscience.) But then came the kicker. We will not let what happened in Europe happen in America, Trump said. Ouch. If the months of Trump 2.0 have so far shifted the Overton window across the West, allowing even the likes of Sir Keir Starmer to contemplate at least rhetorically tackling immigration, then such a travel ban should be welcomed on these shores as well. Already, the usual suspects are accusing Trump of being racist. But a glance at the range of countries on the list shows that this is not a question of race, or even religion. Rather, it is a question of homeland security, and that holds a stark lesson for Britain. A few months back, official data revealed that though foreigners comprise just 15 per cent of the population of our country, they commit 41 per cent of all crime and up to a quarter of sex crimes. In the first nine months of 2024, almost 14 per cent of grooming suspects were Pakistani, five times their share of the population. Two nationalities Afghans and Eritreans were more than 20 times more likely to account for sexual offence convictions than British citizens, according to the data. Overall, foreign nationals were 71 per cent more likely than Britons to be responsible for sex crime convictions. Based on convictions per 10,000 of the population, Afghans with 77 convictions topped the table with a rate of 59 per 10,000, 22.3 times that of Britons. They were followed by Eritreans, who accounted for 59 convictions at a rate of 53.6 per 10,000 of their population. In March 2025, data from the Ministry of Justice revealed that foreigners, who claim 1 billion a month in benefits, were also responsible for large proportions of violence, robbery, fraud and drug offences, between 2021 and 2023. There was no data for terrorism offences or acts of anti-Semitism. But does anybody want to hazard a guess? Which brings us to a fundamental question. Why? Why does Britain need to allow the criminals of the world to come to our shores to abuse women and girls, run criminal enterprises, foster terrorism and anti-Semitism, and claim benefits in the process? Obviously not all foreigners from these countries behave in this way. But facts arent racist. Large numbers are pulling down our pants, spanking our buttocks and pulling them up again. In fact, the problem is not one of race but one of politics and culture. In my new book, Never Again? How the West Betrayed the Jews and Itself, which is coming out at the end of September, I look at groundbreaking research published in April by cognitive scientists Scott Barry Kaufman and Craig Neumann. They found that citizens in democratic countries have more benevolent traits, fewer malevolent traits, and greater well-being than those living under autocratic regimes. Based on a study of 200,000 people from 75 countries, people living under autocracies were found to be much more likely to exhibit the Dark Triad of negative personality traits: narcissism, Machiavellianism and psychopathy. In democracies, by contrast, more people displayed the Light Triad of humanism, faith in humanity and Kantianism, or treating people with dignity in their own right rather than viewing them as a means to an end. Obviously, this is not related to race. Russians are hardly black, but they hardly live in a democracy either. It is a case of cognitive development. The problem occurs when, in an age of global travel, Dark Triad migrants who grew up in despotic regimes encounter gullible Light Triad officials in the democracies, whose empathies are easily played upon. That is why we find British judges ruling that an Albanian convict should avoid deportation because his son had an aversion to foreign chicken nuggets, a Pakistani drug dealer could stay so he could teach his son about Islam, and a paedophile of the same nationality should not be sent home since it would be unduly harsh on his own children. These real-life cases, reported by the Telegraph, provide a clear collision of the Dark Triad traits in the criminals and the Light Triad tendencies in the judges. It is a chemical reaction waiting to happen, and the vast majority of the population, wherever they are born, are suffering the consequences. In other words, we are being taken for fools. No foreign criminal has a God-given right to set up home in Britain just because he fancies it. This is our home, and although we are delighted to welcome strangers, that generosity should be withdrawn from those who nick our television and threaten our children even if their own happen to like the chicken nuggets in our fridge. Trump has now thrown down the gauntlet. What is the British Government going to do to set our own house in order? Will it take an anti-Semitic outrage like the firebombing in Colorado before the Prime Minister takes action? Will he take action even then? As the simmering tensions between Donald Trump and his once top adviser, the billionaire Elon Musk, erupted into public view on Thursday, eyes turned to the Republican lawmakers still weighing whether to pass the presidents so-called big, beautiful bill. It was approved by just a single vote in the House of Representatives with no Democratic support last month, and nonpartisan analysts have found the sweeping legislation could add a whopping $2.4tn-$5tn to the $36.2tn US national debt and make deep cuts to Medicaid and food-assistance programs. Seen as an outline of Trumps America first agenda, the bill would also extend tax cuts, fund beefed-up immigration enforcement and impose new work requirements for enrollees of federal safety net programs. In a barrage of tweets over its cost, which Musk warned would undo Doges efforts to save the government money by cancelling programs and pushing federal workers out of their jobs, the billionaire called on conservatives to withdraw their support for the bill. Along with personal barbs aimed at Trump including trumpeting support for his impeachment and signaling the presidents ties to child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein Musk spent Thursday afternoon re-posting years-old quotes from the House speaker Mike Johnson and the Senate leader John Thune, when the Republican lawmakers spoke critically of federal debt. Musks intense withdrawal of support for the administration has magnified a rift in the Republican party that was already threatening the bills passage in the Senate. While the Senates Republican leaders have shown no indication that they share Musks concerns, they are eyeing changes to some aspects of the measure that were the result of hard-fought negotiations in the House, and could throw its prospects into jeopardy. One issue that has reappeared is the deductibility of state and local tax (Salt) payments, which the tax bill passed under Trump in 2017 limited to $10,000 per household. House Republicans representing districts in Democratic-run states that have higher tax burdens managed to get a provision increasing the deduction to $40,000 into the One, Big Beautiful Bill act. But there are almost no Republican senators representing blue states. After meeting with Trump on Wednesday, Thune indicated his lawmakers were not inclined to keep that provision as they negotiate the bill. We also start from a position that there really isnt a single Republican senator who cares much about the Salt issue, he said. Its just not an issue that plays. Related: Trumps tax bill helps the rich, hurts the poor and adds trillions to the deficit | Katrina vanden Heuvel That could upset the balance of power in the House, where Republicans can lose no more than three votes on any bill that passes along party lines. Johnson spent weeks negotiating with his fractious Republican majority to get the bill passed narrowly through his chamber, and on Wednesday said he had been trying to speak with Musk about his concerns. In an interview with Bloomberg TV on Thursday, he called the Tesla CEO a good friend and said the two had exchanged text messages ahead of a call he expected to take place that morning. I just want to make sure that he understands what I think everybody on Capitol Hill understands. This is not a spending bill, my friends, this is a budget reconciliation bill. And what were doing here is delivering the America first agenda, Johnson said. He seems pretty dug in right now, and I cant quite understand the motivation behind it, the speaker added. Later in the day, Johnson told reporters at the Capitol that the call did not take place, but that the disagreement isnt personal. On X, Musk publicly questioned Johnsons resolve to cut government spending, prompting the speaker to reply that he has always been a lifelong fiscal hawk. While the Tesla CEO has focused his complaints on the price tag of the bill, Trump accused him of turning against it because of provisions revoking incentives for consumers to purchase electric vehicles. The president began by saying he was very disappointed by the former advisers opposition to his top legislative priority, but the online insults escalated after Musk fired back that Trump would not have won election without his financial support. Im very disappointed in Elon. Ive helped Elon a lot, Trump said, adding that he knew every aspect of this bill. He knew it better than almost anybody, and he never had a problem until right after he left. Look, Elon and I had a great relationship. I dont know if we will any more, the president said. The falling-out came days after Musk had stepped down as head of Trumps department of government efficiency (Doge) and then pivoted to attacking the One Big, Beautiful Bill. Musk responded almost immediately on X, saying that the presidents comment was false, and this bill was never shown to me even once. He then pivoted to personal attacks on Trump, after praising him just days earlier in an Oval Office appearance to mark the end of his time leading Doge. Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate, he said, responding to a video of Trumps remarks. Such ingratitude. Gabrielle Canon contributed reporting Donald Trump has signed a sweeping order banning travel from 12 countries and restricting travel from seven others, reviving and expanding the travel bans from his first term. The nationals of Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen will be fully restricted from entering the US, according to the proclamation. Meanwhile, the entry of nationals of Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela will be partially restricted. The US president said that he considered foreign policy, national security, and counter-terrorism goals in deciding the scope of the ban. Trump had cued up the ban in an executive order signed on 20 January, his first day back in the White House, instructing his administration to submit a list of candidates for a ban by 21 March. Trump has cited a range of justifications for the bans, including national security and concerns that visitors from those countries are overstaying their visas. But advocates and experts have said that blanket travel bans discriminate against groups of people based on ethnicity alone. They will probably result as the travels bans did during Trumps first term in the separation of families. The bans on travel from Haiti, Cuba and Venezuela could be especially impactful in US communities with huge immigrant populations from those countries. This discriminatory policy, which limits legal immigration, not only flies in the face of what our country is supposed to stand for, it will be harmful to our economy and communities that rely on the contributions of people who come to America from this wide range of countries, said Pramila Jayapal, a Democratic representative of Washington. The decision to ban travel from these countries comes amid a wave of hardline immigration policies that Trump has issued, including the blocking of asylum claims at the southern border and cancelling temporary protected status for immigrants from a number of countries facing deep humanitarian crises. Trump has also signed a proclamation to restrict foreign student visas at Harvard University and ordered US consulates to conduct social media screening of every visa applicant seeking to travel to the university. In a video message released on social media, Trump said he was making good on a promise to act following the recent attack at a Boulder, Colorado, event showing support for Israeli hostages. The attack by an Egyptian national underscored the extreme dangers posed to our country by the entry of foreign nationals who are not properly vetted, as well as those who come here as temporary visitors and overstay their visas. We dont want them, he said. Trump added that the list was subject to revisions based on whether material improvements are made and that likewise, new countries could be added as threats emerge around the world. Having instituted a travel ban on Muslim countries early in his first term, Trump trailed his plans for a new ban during his election campaign against Kamala Harris last year. I will ban refugee resettlement from terror-infested areas like the Gaza Strip, and we will seal our border and bring back the travel ban, Trump said in September. Remember the famous travel ban? We didnt take people from certain areas of the world. Were not taking them from infested countries. He was referring to the ban he imposed after taking office in January 2017, leading to chaos at airports as protesters and civil rights attorneys rushed to help affected travelers. Trump said the ban was needed to combat terrorist threats. It was blocked by federal courts on civil liberties grounds but the US supreme court, to which Trump would eventually appoint three hardline rightwing justices, allowed the ban to stand. Related: What is Trumps new travel ban, and which countries are affected? The supreme court said Trumps ban did not target Muslims despite the fact it originally targeted travelers from Chad, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen, Muslim-majority countries. According to the court, the ban fell within the remit of a presidents national security powers. North Korea and Venezuela were also included. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (Cair) said then: The Muslim bans bigotry should have been as clear to the supreme court as it is to the Muslims demonized by it. Apparently, everyone but the supreme court can see the decision for what it is: an expression of animosity. In 2020, shortly before the Covid pandemic drastically reduced world travel, Eritrea, Kyrgyzstan, Nigeria, Myanmar, Tanzania and Sudan were added to the ban. In 2021, that travel ban was among measures Joe Biden ended within hours of being sworn in as Trumps White House successor. Demonstrators protest against cuts to American foreign aid spending, including USAID and the PEPFAR program - Mark Schiefelbein/AP America is proposing to cut its flagship anti-HIV programme by almost 40 per cent next year, according to new budget details that reveal sweeping reductions to global health spending. Details from Donald Trumps 2026 budget request show nearly a two-fifths fall in funding for the United States Presidents Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (Pepfar). The long-running programme is estimated to have saved more that 20 million lives in the past two decades, and is often cited as one of the worlds most successful public health schemes. A recent analysis published in the Lancet found that as many as half a million more children could die from Aids by the end of the decade because of disruptions to Pepfar. The details on global health funding for the State Department, USAID agency, Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) also show deep cuts elsewhere. Analysis by the San Francisco-based KFF health policy charity found the government departments were planning a 55 per cent cut in separate tuberculosis funding, a 47 per cent cut in malaria funding and a 92 per cent cut in maternal health funding. The proposal also withdraws all 221m ($300m) given to Gavi, the vaccine alliance which provides jabs to children in poor countries. In total, the request for money for the American governments main global health funding account is 2.8bn ($3.8bn) in 2026, down from 7.4bn ($10bn) in 2025. Setting out the cuts, the State Department said the request for money eliminates funding for programmes that do not make Americans safer, such as family planning and reproductive health, neglected tropical diseases, and non-emergency nutrition. Mr Trumps government upended US aid spending days after taking office, saying it would suspend all aid while projects were reviewed. It then proceeded to close hundreds of aid programmes, including Pepfar projects, resulting in lay-offs for thousands of health workers, particularly in Africa. The budget proposals now give a clear indication that Mr Trump intends to continue with sharp cuts and will quash any hopes that the funding taps could be switched back on again. No one can make it out of this alone A State Department explanation of the budget request uses the phrase America First 37 times as it explains a new focus on cutting costs and protecting US national interests. For the 2026 fiscal year, which begins on Oct 1, the budget proposals request 2.1bn ($2.9bn) for Pepfar, a 38 per cent reduction from the 3.5bn ($4.7bn) requested in 2025. The State department said that after spending a total of 88bn ($120bn) in the past two decades, it was now focussing on finding a responsible off ramp to hand over responsibility for the campaign against HIV to countries themselves. This [budget] request will allow the United States to accelerate the transition of HIV control programmes to recipient countries and increase international ownership of efforts to fight HIV/Aids. Some projects may still be paid for by other government funds, but overall the KFF analysis found the budget included significant reductions in global health funding including the elimination of some programs and activities. The details will prove a severe disappointment to aid projects who had hoped that despite Mr Trumps rhetoric, there was a chance funding could be renewed in the new fiscal year. Public health officials argue that continuing to fund global health projects to stamp out infectious diseases is still in Americas best interests as infections often cross borders. One executive at a major South African anti-HIV organisation said: Nobody wins unless we all win. No one can make it out of this alone. This is how we achieve epidemic control. Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security Friedrich Merz holds the birth certificate of Donald Trumps grandfather during a meeting at the White House - Kevin Lamarque/Reuters Donald Trump has suggested the US could hit Ukraine, as well as Russia, with sanctions unless a peace deal is reached. Speaking in the Oval Office alongside visiting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the US president likened Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin to two fighting children. Sometimes youre better off letting them fight for a while and then pulling them apart, Mr Trump said, adding that he would be very very tough if neither side was willing to stop the fighting after Mr Merz urged him to put more pressure on Moscow. It could be on both countries to be honest. You know, it takes two to tango, but were going to be very tough, whether its Russia or anybody else. The president added that he had relayed that analogy to Vladimir Putin in their phone conversation on Wednesday. The comments highlighted enduring splits between Mr Trump and European leaders, who want sanctions on Russia to force Putin to the negotiating table. Mr Merz looked comfortable Slumped in his chair with his legs crossed, Mr Merz looked remarkably comfortable by the famous fireplace but showed flashes of passion when discussing Ukraine. Moving towards the edge of his seat with his elbows on his knees, he said nations have a duty to end the war. I think we have the duty to do something on that now, to stop it after three and a half years, which is really terrible. Mr Merz also hailed Mr Trump as being the key person in the world when it came to ending the Ukraine war, saying the US leader could really do that now by putting pressure on Russia. Earlier, Mr Merz had urged Mr Trump to end the war in 2025, in the 80th anniversary year of D-Day, and said the EU had agreed to further sanctions on the Kremlin. Mr. President, this was the liberation of my country from Nazi dictatorship. We know what we owe you, but this is the reason why Im saying that America is again in a very strong position to do something on this war and ending this war, he said. So lets talk about what we can do jointly. We are ready to do what we can and you know that we gave support to Ukraine, and that we are looking for more pressure on Russia. The European Union did, and we should talk about that. We will talk about it, Mr Trump said, Its good timing. Mr Zelensky, King Abdullah II of Jordan and South African president Cyril Ramaphosa have all been blindsided in the press conferences the president holds in the White House. But Mr Merz, a 69-year-old with a corporate background and a similarly fearsome reputation to Mr Trump, avoided the same treatment, despite the US presidents warning that Europe and Germany could no longer rely on the US on the night of his election victory in February. The biggest German fear has been that Mr Trump would ambush Mr Merz over the official designation by German domestic intelligence that the AfD is an extremist Right-wing party. At the time JD Vance said: The West tore down the Berlin Wall together. And it has been rebuilt not by the Soviets or the Russians but by the German establishment. Mr Vance and Elon Musk both endorsed the AfD in the German elections in February, which incensed Mr Merz, who accused the Trump administration of meddling in the vote and told them to get out of German politics. That row was not mentioned, even though Mr Vance, who acted as attack dog in the infamous meeting with President Zelensky, was present. Instead Mr Trump, who has accused Germany of running a huge trade surplus with the US while freeloading on American defence of Europe, attacked Angela Merkel. Mrs Merkel was Chancellor during Mr Trumps first term but she sidelined Mr Merz from the Christian Democrats (CDU) when she was in power. Never supported open-door migration Despite them coming from the same party, Mr Trump made it clear he knew Mr Merz never supported her open-door migration policy. Discussing his new travel ban, he told Mr Merz that he had a little problem too with some of the people that were allowed in his country. Its not your fault. Its not your fault. It shouldnt have happened. I told her [Mrs Merkel] it shouldnt have happened, he told Mr Merz, who has promised a major crackdown on illegal immigration. He also attacked Mrs Merkel for backing the Nord Stream 2 pipeline during his first term in 2018. The pipeline was widely criticised for worsening European dependence on Russian gas. That policy was massively discredited by Putins war on Ukraine and cancelled by Mr Merzs predecessor Olaf Scholz after the invasion. Mr Trump insists he is not friends with Putin and points to his opposition to the German-Russian Nord Stream 2 pipeline, backed by Mrs Merkel, as proof. Contrary to the ambush many feared, Mr Trump praised Mr Merz for his plans to make the German army the strongest in Europe. I know that youre spending more money on defence now and quite a bit more money. Thats a positive thing, he said. Another potential flashpoint, trade relations between the EU and US, was avoided. Mr Trump is threatening to hit the EU with massive 50 per cent tariffs. Germany, an exporting powerhouse with a faltering economy, is badly exposed to the risk of a trade war. The opposition AfD wants Berlin to strike a separate trade deal with Washington but, as an EU member, Germany outsources trade to Brussels. In calls before the meeting Mr Merz had stressed the EU was united and there would be no side deals with Berlin, which Mr Trump seems to have accepted. Speaking later on Thursday, Mr Merz said he was extremely satisfied with the meeting and that it had laid the foundation for good talks at upcoming G7 and Nato summits. Im returning with the feeling that Ive found in the American president someone I can speak with very well on a personal level, he said. We have a lot in common, even in the different career paths weve taken between politics. That creates a certain bond. 05:45 PM BST Thats all for today Thanks for following our live coverage of Friedrich Merzs Oval Office meeting with Donald Trump. Mr Merz started the meeting by providing Mr Trump with the birth certificate of the US presidents grandfather, Frederick Trump The meeting quickly moved on to Elon Musk, who has been vociferous in his criticism of Mr Trumps so-called big, beautiful tax and spending bill Mr Trump said he was very disappointed by Mr Musks criticism and said he was only upset because it removed an incentive for Americans to buy electric vehicles Ukraine also dominated the agenda, with Mr Trump likening Moscow and Kyiv to two children fighting in the park Mr Trump also threatened to impose sanctions on both Russia and Ukraine 05:31 PM BST Analysis: Merz avoids White House ambush Slumped in his chair with his legs crossed, Friedrich Merz looked remarkably comfortable in the Oval Office. And its really no surprise. He faced just a handful of questions about trade and defence and avoided confrontations about the far-right AfD. His most passionate response came during a defence of Ukraine. Moving towards the edge of his seat with his elbows on his knees, he said nations have a duty to end the war. I think we having the duty to do something on that now, to stop it after three and a half years, which is really terrible. Look at the kids, the kids which were kidnapped from Ukraine to Russia. Friedrich Merz avoided a pasting by Donald Trump in the Oval Office - AFP 05:30 PM BST Trump insists hes not friends with Putin Mr Trump insists he is not friends with Putin and points to his opposition to the German-Russian Nord Stream 2 pipeline, backed by Mrs Merkel, as proof. I used to go with Angela and say, Well, wait a minute, were spending all this money to defend you against Russia, and then youre giving Russia billions of dollars a month. What kind of a deal is that? The biggest pipeline in the world. Got to go all over Europe, not only to Germany, you know, but then they were branching off all over the Europe. Nobody ever heard of it. Not one person of you heard of it. And I stopped it. It was dead. And then they say, Im friends with Putin. I got along with him. He respected me. I respected him. He then accused Biden of approving Nord Stream 2 in almost the first week he came in. In fact, the US could only exert political pressure to stop the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. The EU was also largely opposed to it but the project went ahead. Olaf Scholz pulled the plug when Putin invaded Ukraine. 05:24 PM BST Analysis: Musk consumes Merzs Oval Office meeting The Oval Office meeting, expected to be the subject of trade and tariffs, has been consumed by questions about Elon Musk. He said the most beautiful things about me. He hasnt said bad things about me, personally, but Im sure thatll be next, Donald Trump said. It is the first time the US president has addressed the rift with his former doge chief since Mr Musk launched a blistering attack on his big beautiful spending bill. Mr Trump appears to be refraining from launching a trademark attack of his own. But in the background, Mr Musks outbursts have been dismissed as a case of sour grapes after he was rebuffed from extending his time in the White House. 05:22 PM BST Musk responds to Trump criticism Elon Musk now appears to have hit back at Donald Trumps criticism in a post on X. The US president just said Mr Musk only opposed his tax and spending bill because it removes a $7,500 tax incentive for electric vehicle (EV) buyers. Mr Musk tweeted: Whatever. Keep the EV/solar incentive cuts in the bill, even though no oil & gas subsidies are touched (very unfair!!), but ditch the MOUNTAIN of DISGUSTING PORK in the bill. In the entire history of civilisation, there has never been legislation that both big and beautiful. Everyone knows this! Either you get a big and ugly bill or a slim and beautiful bill. Slim and beautiful is the way. Mr Musk later claimed it was false to suggest that he had ever read the bill. Whatever. Keep the EV/solar incentive cuts in the bill, even though no oil & gas subsidies are touched (very unfair!!), but ditch the MOUNTAIN of DISGUSTING PORK in the bill. In the entire history of civilization, there has never been legislation that both big and beautiful. Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 5, 2025 05:19 PM BST Trump compares Russia and Ukraine to two fighting children Mr Merz takes a risk and urges Donald Trump to put pressure on Russia and end the war in Ukraine, in this the 80th year since D-Day. He said: Mr. President, this was the liberation of my country from Nazi dictatorship. We know what we owe you, but this is the reason why Im saying that America is again in a very strong position to do something on this war, and ending this war. So lets talk about what we can do jointly and we are ready to do what we can and you know that we gave support to Ukraine, and that we are looking for more pressure on Russia. The European Union did, and we should talk about that. We will talk about it, Mr Trump said, Its good timing. But later the President returns to the theme of sanctions, likening Russia and Ukraine to two fighting children. He vows he will be very very tough when he sees the moment the fighting is not going to stop on both Moscow and Kyiv. Its in my brain the deadline, he said, Well be very, very, very tough. And it could be on both countries to be honest. You know, it takes two to tango, but were going to be very tough, whether its Russia or anybody else. Were going to be very tough. 05:14 PM BST Trump takes swipe at Merkel over immigration Donald Trump has wasted no time in taking a swipe at former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who led Friedrich Merzs CDU for 16 years. He was asked about his travel ban and said: Frankly, we want to keep bad people out of our country. The Biden administration allowed some horrendous people, and were getting them out one by one, and were not stopping until we get them out. We have 1000s of murderers. I hate to I even hate to say this in front of the chancellor, because you have a little problem too with some of the people that were allowed in this country. Its not your fault. Its not your fault. It shouldnt have happened. I told her it shouldnt have happened, what you did. But you have, you have your own difficulty with that, and we do, and were moving them out, and were moving them out very strongly, but it cant come fast enough. The key thing here is that Mr Trump recognises that Mr Merz and Ms Merkel were rivals. She sidelined him during her 16 years in power - leading him to leave politics for the world of business before his return. Donald Trump criticised Angela Merkel, one of Friedrich Merzs biggest political rivals - AP 05:05 PM BST Trump addresses Musk criticism Donald Trump has addressed Elon Musks criticism of the presidents big, beautiful bill, the most significant legislation of the US presidents second term so far. Mr Musk, who left the White House last week, launched a blistering attack on the bill in recent days, labelling it the Debt Slavery Bill. Speaking from the Oval Office alongside Mr Merz, Mr Trump said he had a great relationship with Mr Musk but said I dont know if we will any more. Mr Trump went on to say he was surprised by Mr Musks criticism after he was given a wonderful send off at the White House last week. The US president continued: Im very disappointed because Elon knew the inner workings of this bill...he only developed a problem when we knew we were going to cut the electric vehicle mandate. Im very disappointed in Elon, Ive helped him a lot. Credit: Reuters 04:59 PM BST Were going to have great ties, Trump tells Merz Donald Trump has assured visiting Friedrich Merz that the two countries will have strong ties. Were going to have a great relationship with your country, Mr Trump told Mr Merz at the beginning of the German leaders White House visit. Shortly after entering the Oval Office, Mr Merz presented Mr Trump with the birth certificate of the US presidents grandfather, Frederick Trump. Friedrich Merz holds the birth certificate of Donald Trumps grandfather during a meeting at the White House - REUTERS 04:49 PM BST So sad whats happening between Russia and Ukraine, says Trump Donald Trump and Friedrich Merz are now sat side-by-side in the Oval Office. Mr Trump opened by thanking the German chancellor for visiting the White House, before going on to describe the war in Ukraine as so sad. Asked if he would put more pressure on Putin, Mr Trump said: I ended Nord Stream 2, nobody else did, and then Biden came in and immediately approved it. Thats the largest, essentially the largest pipeline in the world going to Germany and other countries. 04:42 PM BST Merz arrives at the White House Friedrich Merz has arrived at the White House, where he was greeted by Donald Trump. The two leaders shared a warm handshake before heading inside, not before Mr Trump was asked about his phone call with Chinese premier Xi Jinping. It went very well thank you, the US president shouted at the pack of reporters outside the White House. Friedrich Merz arrives at the White House, where he was greeted by Donald Trump - AP 04:38 PM BST Trump invited to China after phone call with Xi Donald Trump has agreed to visit China after a very positive phone call with Chinese premier Xi Jinping, signalling progress in their bitter dispute over tariffs. Moments before his meeting with Mr Merz, the US president wrote on Truth Social: I just concluded a very good phone call with President Xi, of China, discussing some of the intricacies of our recently made, and agreed to, Trade Deal. The call lasted approximately one and a half hours, and resulted in a very positive conclusion for both Countries. You can read more about Mr Trumps phone call with Xi here. 04:34 PM BST A history of Trump ambushes The first White House ambush of Donald Trumps second term came at the end of February when Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, visited Washington. The meeting got off to a good start from Ukraines point of view but quickly descended into chaos when JD Vance confronted the Ukrainian president and accused him of being disrespectful. Mr Vance accused Mr Zelensky of taking foreign leaders on propaganda tours of Ukraine before Mr Trump jumped in and said Mr Zelensky did not hold the cards. The meeting ended without the two sides signing the much-hyped minerals deal and Mr Zelensky was asked to leave the White House early. Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump during their disastrous White House meeting in February - AFP Last month, Mr Trump ambushed Cyril Ramaphosa during their Oval Office meeting with footage he said showed white South Africans being persecuted. In an extraordinary confrontation, the US president ordered staffers to dim the lights and play a video showcasing what he called a genocide of white farmers in the country. Turning to Mr Ramaphosa, the South African president, Mr Trump said people were fleeing while demanding an explanation for what he said was a very sad situation. 04:24 PM BST Merz and Trump building decent relationship The US president and Chancellor Friedrich Merz have spoken several times by phone, either bilaterally or with other European leaders, since Merz took office on May 6. German officials say the pair have started to build a decent relationship, with Mr Merz wanting to avoid the antagonism that defined Trumps relationship with one of his predecessors, Angela Merkel, during the presidents first term. Mr Merz arrives at the oval office with an extensive business background - something that could curry favour with the president. 04:16 PM BST How Merz plans to avoid an Oval Office pasting No other European leader has criticised Donald Trump as fiercely as Friedrich Merz, Germanys new chancellor. On Thursday, the two will come face to face in Washington in what is the biggest test of Mr Merzs tenure so far. It means entering the gladiatorial arena of the Oval Office and enduring the impromptu press conferences now dreaded by visiting leaders the world over. Mr Trump has already ambushed Ukraines Volodymyr Zelensky, South Africas Cyril Ramaphosa and Jordans King Abdullah II in front of the cameras. But Mr Merz is no pushover. When he comes into the room, everyone goes quiet, like when the schoolteacher comes in, a source from his centre-Right Christian Democrats (CDU) said. Friedrich Merz will meet Donald Trump for the first time on Thursday 04:10 PM BST Merz looking forward to Trump visit Friedrich Merz has said he is looking forward to meeting Donald Trump for the first time in person as Germanys new chancellor. The 69-year-old conservative won a parliament vote to become Germanys chancellor last month after winning a federal election in February. Speaking to reporters, Mr Merz said: I am looking forward to the visit. We are well-prepared. NATO will be a major topic, as will trade and Ukraine. When we talk about German domestic politics (AFD), I will use clear words. The Chancellery will intensify bilateral talks. 04:04 PM BST Welcome to our live coverage Hello and welcome to our live coverage as Friedrich Merz, the German chancellor, prepares to meet Donald Trump in the White House. Well bring you the latest as it happens. People protest against Donald Trumps travel ban during his first presidency in 2017. Photograph: Alba Vigaray/EPA Nearly five months into his second term, Donald Trump announced a new sweeping travel ban that could reshape the USs borders more dramatically than any policy in modern memory. The order, banning citizens of 12 countries, came into effect at 12am ET in a move Trump said would protect the country from foreign terrorists. The proclamation represents one of the most ambitious attempts to reshape the USs approach to global mobility in modern history and potentially affects millions of people coming to the US for relocation, travel, work or school. What is a travel ban? A travel ban restricts or prohibits citizens of specific countries from entering the US. These restrictions can range from complete visa suspensions to specific limitations on certain visa categories. Trumps day one executive order required the state department to identify countries for which vetting and screening information is so deficient as to warrant a partial or full suspension on the admission of nationals from those countries. His travel ban proclamation, signed 4 June, referenced the previous executive order, as well as the recent attack by an Egyptian national in Boulder, Colorado, upon a group of people demonstrating for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza. What is a presidential proclamation? A presidential proclamation is a decree that is often ceremonial or can have legal implications when it comes to national emergencies. Unlike an executive order, which is a directive to heads of agencies in the administration, the proclamation primarily signals a broad change in policy. Which countries are listed in the travel ban? The following countries were identified for total bans of any nationals seeking to travel to the US for immigration or non-immigration reasons: Afghanistan Myanmar Chad Republic of the Congo Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Haiti Iran Libya Somalia Sudan Yemen Trump is also partly restricting the travel of people from: Burundi Cuba Laos Sierra Leone Togo Turkmenistan Venezuela Why were these countries chosen? The proclamation broadly cites national security issues for including the countries, but specifies a few different issues that reach the level of concern for the travel ban. For some countries, such as Afghanistan, Eritrea, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Libya and Venezuela, the proclamation claims that there is no reliable central authority for issuing passports or screening and vetting nationals traveling out of the country. For other countries, such as Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Burundi, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo and Turkmenistan, the proclamation cites a high rate of immigrants overstaying their business, tourist and student visas in the US. Finally, there are several countries that are included because of terrorist activity or state-sponsored terrorism, including Iran, Afghanistan, Libya, Somalia and Cuba. In the draft travel ban plans that were leaked in March, the original list contained 43 nations across three tiers of restrictions. Now the ban has been filtered down to 19 countries. Among the puzzling inclusions is Venezuela, which the White House says lacks competent document-issuing authorities. Trump has recently pursued a thaw in relations with the country that has proven useful to his deportation initiatives though the countrys inclusion is likely tied to Venezuelans already in the US who have been a clear target for the White House. How does this travel ban differ from the one in 2017? The 2017 ban initially targeted seven predominantly Muslim countries before expanding to include North Korea and Venezuela. This new proclamation is broader and also makes the notable addition of Haiti. During his 2024 campaign for the presidency, Trump amplified false claims made by his running mate, JD Vance, that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, were eating the pets of the people that live there. The proclamation falsely claims that hundreds of thousands of illegal Haitian aliens flooded into the United States during the Biden administration and this influx harms American communities. In fact, about 200,000 Haitians were granted temporary protected status, which gives legal residency permits to foreign nationals who are unable to return home safely due to conditions in their home countries. Also notable are the restrictions on Afghans, given that many of the Afghans approved to live in the US as refugees were forced to flee their home country as a result of working to support US troops there, before the full withdrawal of US forces in 2021. The agreement with the Taliban to withdraw US troops was negotiated by Trump during his first term. Last month, the homeland security secretary, Kristi Noem, announced the termination of temporary protected status for Afghanistan, effective 20 May. The restrictions will be reviewed every 180 days for potential modification. How will visa holders be affected? Current visa holders remain largely protected: the restrictions only apply to people outside the US without valid visas as of 9 June. No existing visas will be revoked, the White House said. But new visa applications from people from these countries will be suspended or severely limited, with some exceptions for diplomatic visas, immediate family members and cases involving US national interest one such example being the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics. For employers, the ban threatens significant workforce disruptions across the tech, healthcare and education sectors, with companies unable to hire from the 12 countries targeted by a full ban. For the seven countries on a partial ban, employers can still hire on some work visas but cannot sponsor green cards, and visas will have reduced durations. The impact could be particularly severe for international Stem talent, medical professionals and academic recruitment. The education and health industries alone employ about 5.5 million foreign-born workers. Britain must address soaring energy tariffs as firms struggle under the weight of crippling power bills on top of tax and wage hikes costing them an extra 24 billion a year, the boss of the CBI is set to warn. Rain Newton-Smith, chief executive of the business group, will tell business leaders and politicians at the CBIs business dinner on Thursday that sky-high energy costs are an anchor on our ambition. At the event in London, she will call on the Government to come up with a serious plan to cut energy costs and invest in energy security to help make the UK and businesses more competitive. The CBI said almost 90% of British businesses have seen their energy bills rise over the past three years, with a third seeing them rocket by more than 50%. Four in 10 firms are reducing investment as a result, according to the group. Higher energy bills come on top of significant increases in staff costs, with the CBI estimating the recent rise in national insurance contributions (NICs) and past three minimum wage hikes since 2023-24 is costing companies an extra 24 billion each year. Ms Newton-Smith will say: Business is now straining under 24 billion in extra costs per year. Thats more than the cost of Crossrail. More than the Home Office budget on business, every year. She will add: With costs running so high, there is one issue we absolutely must tackle. Without it, any industrial strategy, any serious plan for economic security will fall flat on its face. Energy. She will say the rising cost of energy isnt just a cost issue. Its a jobs issue. An investment issue. A security issue. Because how can UK business compete with one hand tied behind its back and the other straining to keep the lights on? This is an anchor on our ambition. A crack in our economic security. And it must be fixed. Britain is becoming less competitive for business and industry due to expensive energy, with firms finding it harder and harder to stay in the UK when power is far cheaper abroad, according to the CBI. Ms Newton-Smith will warn UK firms pay among the highest electricity bills in the world 50% more than France or Germany, four times more than the US and Canada. The CBI is making a plea to the Government to remove policy costs from electricity bills, but it also wants it to focus on low-carbon energy to help achieve economic security. Its recent economic report showed the UK net zero economy grew 10% and supported 900,000 jobs. Ms Newton-Smith will say: If economic security is our destination, then make no mistake: affordable, reliable, low-carbon energy is the road that gets us there, What we need now is a serious plan alongside the industrial strategy: to cut energy costs, to manage the shift from fossil fuels, to boost efficiency, storage and system flexibility. This Government has already shown it can put prosperity over politics on the world stage. Well now it must do the same for energy at home. Because this isnt about culture wars. Its about common sense. A Government spokesperson said: Through our sprint to clean power, we will get off the rollercoaster of fossil fuel markets protecting business and household finances with clean, homegrown energy that we control. We are already bringing energy costs for key UK industries closer in line with other major economies through the British industry supercharger saving businesses 5 billion over the next 10 years. Marlean Ames in Akron, Ohio, on 13 February 2025. Photograph: Megan Jelinger/Reuters The US supreme court made it easier on Thursday for people from majority backgrounds such as white or straight individuals to pursue claims alleging workplace reverse discrimination, reviving the case of an Ohio woman who claimed that she did not get a promotion at a state agency because she is heterosexual. The justices, in a 9-0 ruling, threw out a lower courts decision rejecting a civil rights lawsuit by the plaintiff, Marlean Ames, against her employer, Ohios department of youth services. The case was sent back to lower courts. Related: Supreme court strikes down Mexican governments suit against US gunmakers Ames argued that she was denied a promotion within the Ohio department of youth services because she is heterosexual. A lesbian was hired for the job instead, and Ames was eventually demoted to a lower position with lower pay, with a gay man taking her previous role. The dispute centered on how plaintiffs like Ames must try to prove a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, national origin and sex including sexual orientation. Some judges require that those in so-called reverse discrimination cases prove that an employer has a history of discriminating against a majority group, what are known as background circumstances that place a higher bar for those from a majority group trying to argue a discrimination case. When the case appeared in front of the US circuit court of appeals, the judges initially rejected Amess claims, saying that she failed to demonstrate such background circumstances, and needed to show evidence that those within a minority group had made the discriminatory decisions. Those who were in charge of hiring and demoting Ames were also straight. Related: US supreme court backs Catholic charity group in unemployment taxes case But the supreme court was willing to put this reasoning to a test, with an appetite to rethink what reverse discrimination actually means. In a statement to NBC News, Xiao Wang, one of Amess lawyers, said that they were pleased that this is the end of quite a long journey. This was a major legal hurdle in front of her. This is something she is incredibly pleased about, Wang said. The case comes amid broad-based attacks from the federal government under the Trump administrations campaign against diversity, equity and inclusion policies, or DEI, in American society, which has become a powerful flashpoint among conservatives in recent years. After the supreme court ruled affirmative action in higher education unconstitutional in 2023, the conservative groups who advocated for the ruling set their sights on the workplace, vowing to end diversity measures set by employers. Over the last two years, dozens of cases that aim to dismantle DEI policies in the workplace have flooded courts around the country. At the start of his second term, Donald Trump banned DEI within the federal government, firing hundreds of employees who the administration deemed had DEI roles throughout various departments and agencies and cutting major programs that promoted diversity. The administration has also targeted universities for federal funding cuts for having DEI programs. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, who is liberal-leaning, wrote for the court on Thursday morning: We conclude that Title VII does not impose such a heightened standard on majority group plaintiffs. Therefore, the judgment below is vacated, and the case is remanded for application of the proper prima facie standard. In other words, the bar for discrimination against a historical majority group is not any higher than minority groups, which could make winning reverse discrimination cases in the future easier for future plaintiffs. In an interview with the Washington Post earlier this year, Ames said that when she filed her discrimination claim, she did not know that my burden was going to be harsher than somebody elses burden to prove my case. I want people to try and understand that were trying to make this a level playing field for everyone. Not just for a white woman in Ohio. Reuters contributed reporting Andrew Tate obtained Vanuatu citizenship in 2022. Photograph: Robert Ghement/EPA Vanuatu is not planning to revoke the citizenship of Andrew Tate, with a government spokesperson confirming that the influencer remains a Vanuatu citizen, and the government is not taking any steps to reverse that. This week investigative outlet, the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) revealed that Tate obtained Vanuatu citizenship around the time of his 2022 arrest by Romanian authorities on charges including rape and human trafficking. In the wake of the report, Vanuatu government spokesperson Kiery Manassah said the South Pacific country was looking to rescind Tates citizenship. However, on Thursday he told the Guardian that the countrys citizenship office had subsequently reviewed Tates documents and found no fault with them. Related: Andrew Tate allegedly secured Vanuatu golden passport in month of Romania arrest Theyve found the files and according to the records, at the time when Mr Tate was granted the citizenship, he was cleared by Interpol, and the UK, so that was the decision at the time, he said. The review, he said, meant the government was not currently taking any further steps to revoke Tates citizenship. The chairman [of the citizenship office] confirms that the way it is at the moment he [Tate] remains a citizen and for Vanuatu there are no further actions to be taken, he said. Manassah said that Tate would never have been granted citizenship if the government had been aware of the allegations he faced at the time. If the government had been aware of this at the start, and our processes were working, we should have not allowed him in the first place, he said, adding that: We cant just go back and revoke based on information that is discovered later. Tate, a 38-year-old misogynist influencer reportedly secured a golden passport through a citizenship-by-investment programme that allows foreign nationals to buy citizenship for $130,000 (96,000), according to the OCCRP and Intelligence Online. In 2021 the Guardian detailed in a months-long investigation how Vanuatu sold passports and with them visa-free access to the UK and EU to thousands of individuals. Buyers included people linked to sanctions, or facing serious allegations, or with warrants out for their arrest. Acknowledging that Vanuatus citizenship program has a very bad reputation overseas Manassah said the government would strengthen its due diligence processes so that such instances do not happen again. Tate, a former professional kickboxer who has amassed more than 10 million followers on X, runs an online academy where he says he teaches young men how to get rich and attract women. He was granted citizenship to Vanuatu in December 2022, the OCCRP reported, the same month that he and his brother Tristan, 36, were arrested by Romanian authorities on charges of human trafficking and forming an organised crime group. Andrew Tate was also accused of rape. The Tate brothers, who grew up in Luton in the UK, have been under criminal investigation in Romania since April 2022. Tates spokesperson declined to comment to the Guardian earlier this week on the reports of his Vanuatu citizenship. According to Manassah, Tates citizenship could be revoked if he was found guilty. If he has been convicted then definitely measures to revoke his citizenship, that can be determined later. That would be something the government could consider in future, he said. For now he said: New regulations have been signed off by the prime minister and the current chairman under [citizenship commissioner] Charles Maniel, is trying to ensure that similar incidents do not happen again and that we our improve our due diligence processes. The Tate brothers deny the allegations they face in Romania, and an appeals court said in December that a human trafficking case could not proceed because of legal and procedural irregularities. The case has been sent back to prosecutors. The pair are due to be extradited to the UK after the conclusion of proceedings in Romania. UK prosecutors confirmed last week they had authorised 10 charges against Andrew Tate, including rape, actual bodily harm, human trafficking and controlling prostitution for gain, and 11 charges against Tristan Tate, including rape, actual bodily harm and human trafficking. They deny the charges. The brothers would return to Britain to defend themselves, their UK lawyer said last week. Voters head to the polls in the village of Quarter - Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images Voters are going to the polls in a by-election where Reform aims to gain its first victory in Scotland. The contest in Hamilton, Larkhill and Stonehouse was triggered by the death of the SNPs Christina McKelvie, a former minister, who had represented the seat in the Scottish Parliament since its creation in 2011. Labour has historically been the SNPs main challenger in the seat and its Westminster equivalent was won by Labours Imogen Walker who is married to Sir Keir Starmers chief of staff Morgan McSweeney in a massive swing away from the SNP in July 2024s general election. But with Labour plummeting in national polls, Reform UK has suddenly become the primary challenger to the SNP in the constituency. Scottish Labour candidate Davy Wilson arrives to cast his vote as his party was predicted to lose the contest - Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images Reform UKs candidate is Ross Lambie, a 41-year-old South Lanarkshire councillor who controversially defected from the Conservative Party in March. The architect has claimed that legacy parties are to blame for wasteful spending and has campaigned for oil drilling in the North Sea. Thursdays by-election is viewed as a bellwether contest ahead of 2026s Scottish Parliament election, with some polls showing Reform could overtake both Labour and the Tories to become the main opposition party. The SNP is currently leading polls at 32 per cent, with Reform UK second on 21 per cent and Labour third on 19 points, according to a Survation poll carried out in May. Despite the encouraging figures, Nigel Farage, the Reform leader, played down the partys chances in the contest, telling reporters during a visit to Scotland on Monday it was not impossible but improbable that his party would win. Last Thursday, John Swinney, the First Minister, intervened by telling Labour voters to argue that the only way to stop Mr Farages party winning was to vote SNP. He claimed that the Labour campaign had collapsed in the area and described Mr Farage as a clear and present danger to our country. Dame Jackie Baillie, Scottish Labours deputy leader, hit back by describing the comments as desperate and dishonest spin and insisted the by-election was a direct fight between Scottish Labour and the SNP. She added: John Swinney wants to make this by-election about Reform because he has no ideas for the future and cannot defend his governments record. The polls opened at 7am on Thursday and were scheduled to close at 10pm, with a result expected at 2am on Friday. Labour activists from across the UK travelled to the constituency on Thursday as part of a get out the vote campaign, with many groups spotted leafleting across Hamilton town centre. The party has the advantage of large numbers of enthusiastic activists it can call on to knock doors and rally undecided voters, something which Reform UK lacks. Professor Sir John Curtice said the SNP remained favourites to win the seat, but if the constituency followed national polling, it will be a close contest. He told BBC Good Morning Scotland on Tuesday: It ought to be close between SNP and Reform, and maybe Reform will do somewhat better than in the national polls But we are looking at a winner with less than a third of the vote and winning by a small margin. A co-author of the study advised exercising particular caution when prescribing the medicines to older diabetic patients or those with a history of stroke. Photograph: blickwinkel/Alamy Weight loss drugs could at least double the risk of diabetic patients developing age-related macular degeneration, a large-scale study has found. Originally developed for diabetes patients, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) medicines have transformed how obesity is treated and there is growing evidence of wider health benefits. They help reduce blood sugar levels, slow digestion and reduce appetite. But a study by Canadian scientists published in Jama Ophthalmology has found that after six months of use GLP-1 RAs are associated with double the risk of older people with diabetes developing neovascular age-related macular degeneration compared with similar patients not taking the drugs. Academics at the University of Toronto examined medical data for more than 1 million Ontario residents with a diagnosis of diabetes and identified 46,334 patients with an average age of 66 who were prescribed GLP-1 RAs. Nearly all (97.5%) were taking semaglutide, while 2.5% were on lixisenatide. The study did not exclude any specific brand of drugs, but since Wegovy was only approved in Canada in November 2021, primarily for weight loss, it is likely the bulk of semaglutide users in the study were taking Ozempic, which is prescribed for diabetes. Each patient on semaglutide or lixisenatide was matched with two patients who also had diabetes but were not taking the drugs, who shared similar characteristics such as age, gender and health conditions. The researchers then compared how many patients developed neovascular age-related macular degeneration over three years. The study found that those who had been taking semaglutide or lixisenatide for at least six months had twice the risk of developing macular degeneration, compared with similar patients who were not taking the drugs. Patients who had been taking GLP-1 RAs for more than 30 months had more than three times the risk. Diabetic patients who were older and/or had had a stroke had an even higher risk of developing macular degeneration if they were on these drugs, the authors found. Marko Popovic, a co-author of the study and physician in the department of ophthalmology and vision sciences at the University of Toronto, said: GLP-1 receptor agonists appear to have multiple effects on the eye, and in the case of neovascular age-related macular degeneration, the overall impact may be harmful. Based on our data, I would advise exercising particular caution when prescribing GLP-1 RAs to older [diabetic] patients or those with a history of stroke, as both groups were found to have an even higher risk of developing [the condition]. In an accompanying editorial, Brian VanderBeek, an associate professor of ophthalmology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, said the findings suggested that large numbers of patients could be affected. This suggests as many as one in 1,000 GLP-1 RA users could progress to new age-related macular degenaration over unexposed patients: if this risk was carried over millions of users, those affected could end up being a sizable group of patients, he said. VanderBeek said work needed to be done to determine if this only affects patients with diabetes or if those taking these drugs for weight management or other indications are similarly at risk. While certainly not outweighing the good these medications offer, prescribing physicians need to keep in mind the real and serious ocular adverse events that may occur. A spokesperson for Novo Nordisk, which manufactures Ozempic and Wegovy, said: Patient safety is our top priority and we take any report about an adverse event related to the use of our medicines very seriously. We work closely with authorities and regulatory bodies from around the world to continuously monitor the safety profile of our products. These medicines have been extensively examined in Novo Nordisks robust clinical development programs, including randomised controlled trials, which to date have not shown any observable treatment difference compared to placebo for macular degeneration or age-related macular degeneration. Therefore, Novo Nordisk does not conclude a causal relationship between GLP-1 RA use, semaglutide and age-related macular degeneration at this time. Dr Alison Cave, the chief safety officer of the Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, a UK watchdog, said: Macular degeneration is not currently listed as a potential side-effect of these medicines. However, we keep the safety of these medicines under close review, including emerging evidence from scientific publications, and will take appropriate action where necessary. On the basis of the current evidence, the benefits of GLP-1 RAs outweigh the potential risks when used for the licensed indications. British fintech firm Wise has revealed plans to switch its primary listing from London to New York in yet another setback for the City. The money transfer firm which listed in London in July 2021, said the move would help us accelerate our mission and bring substantial strategic and capital market benefits to Wise and our owners. It wants to drive greater awareness of the brand in the US, which it said was the biggest market opportunity in the world for our products. A primary listing on Wall Street would also give it better access to the worlds deepest and most liquid capital market, it added. It said the change would benefit the group by expanding the pool of investors able to invest in Wise, in particular US domestic institutional and retail investors, the largest global constituent of investors, many of whom are currently unable to hold our shares. Under the plans, the firm would be dual listed, with a secondary listing in London as part of its ongoing commitment to the UK. Kristo Kaarmann, co-founder and chief executive of Wise, said: The UK is home to some of the best talent in the world in financial services and technology, and we will continue to invest in our presence here to fuel our UK and global growth. It deals another blow to Londons beleaguered stock market after a raft of companies have ditched their primary listing in London, including Paddy Power owner Flutter, mining group BHP, building materials group CRH and construction rental firm Ashtead, while a growing number of UK listed firms have also been bought out by foreign rivals or taken private. And on Wednesday, Glencore-backed metal investment firm Cobalt scrapped its plans to list in London, just two days after drugs company Indivior said it would cancel the secondary listing it had retained in London, having already switched its main listing to the US last year. Chinese fast fashion giant Shein has also reportedly ditched London for Hong Kong for its upcoming blockbuster initial public offering (IPO). Wise, which was launched in 2011 under original name TransferWise, said it was not turning its back on the UK. It said: Our confidence in UK talent and the tech ecosystem here remains undimmed. One-fifth of our employees are based in the UK and we plan to continue hiring and investing in our UK team. The group said it would call a shareholder meeting in the coming weeks for investors to vote on the proposal. Recruiters adverts for work in Western Europe are a common sight In towns and villages across southern Moldova - Torbjorn Wester In the village of Salchia, in southern Moldova, 14-year-old Mihail misses his mother. At lunchtime and in the evenings, he calls her on Viber or WhatsApp. But its not the same as having her at home. Without your mum, something is missing, right? he says. When Mihail was just a baby, both of his parents left the country to find work a necessity in a poor rural region where opportunities are scarce. He was raised by his grandparents and aunts. Now that hes older, his parents take turns staying with him while the other works abroad. At present, his mother is employed on a farm in Italy. Hes at a sensitive age now, so one of us is always at home with him. But if neither of us went abroad, it would be hard for us to make ends meet, says Mihails father, Leonid. There are millions of children like Mihail around the world, kids whose parents leave their impoverished home regions in Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia, China or South America in search of work, higher wages and better prospects. Academics refer to them as children left behind. When 14-year-old Mihail was just a baby, his parents went abroad to work - Torbjorn Wester In Moldova, more than 20 per cent of all children are estimated to have at least one parent working abroad. In China, tens of millions of children are believed to have been left in the care of relatives in rural areas while their parents migrate to cities in search of jobs. In the Philippines, one of the worlds leading labour-exporting countries, nearly a quarter of children are growing up without one or both parents at home. In Indonesia, over 11 million of the countrys 84 million children are thought to live in similar circumstances, while in Venezuela the figure stands at 800,000 out of a total child population of nine million. Its a situation that was once common in Western Europe, particularly during the industrial revolution, when the migration of adults from rural areas to towns and cities a pattern of development took off. Weighing up the pros and cons of parental labour migration for the children left behind is no simple task. In many cases, children in these families enjoy better material conditions than their peers. But a large body of research much of it conducted in China shows that they also seem to face significantly higher risks of anxiety, depression, and antisocial behaviour. When 29-year-old Moldovan Ecaterina Grati was a child, her father left their home country to work abroad. By the time she was eight and her brother three, their mother had also gone, to Russia. The two siblings were left in the care of their grandmother. It was scary, being without both mum and dad, she recalls. I felt very sorry for my little brother. He cried a lot when mum left. We tried to distract him, saying shed be back soon, and so on. But overall, we both probably felt fear. Ecaterina Grati was a child when her father left Moldova to work abroad - Torbjorn Wester Her childhood was tough. At the time, she couldnt understand why her parents had gone, but she now recognises they had no real choice. There were simply no other means of making a living and giving their children a decent life. For my parents, its still a painful subject, she says. Mum always cries when we talk about that time. Growing up, she more or less raised herself and took on a big share of responsibility for her little brother. But the hardship also brought strength. She developed a strong sense of initiative and independence, traits that have served her well in adult life. Today, at 29, she runs her own cleaning business. My childhood taught me that you have to rely on yourself, she says. The ability to take responsibility and act independently is a trait that sociologist Viorela Ducu Telegdi-Csetri and her husband and colleague, social scientist Aron Telegdi-Csetri, have also observed in children left behind by migrating parents. The couple, based at the CASTLE Centre for the Study of Transnational Families at Romanias Babes-Bolyai University, have studied children in Romania, Ukraine and Moldova. Many of them even tend to view children whose parents stay with them as spoiled, says Viorela Ducu Telegdi-Csetri. The children were often also understanding of why their parents had left. Aron Telegdi-Csetri recalls interviewing a Ukrainian teenager who was asked whether his parents had involved him in the decision to work abroad. There was nothing to discuss, not even for our parents. They had no choice, he replied. Because the phenomenon still carries a degree of structural stigma in parts of Eastern Europe, the researchers sometimes encountered what Aron describes as a peculiar reflex among the children. Ive noticed that theyll say other parents might have abandoned their children but my parents didnt abandon me. Theres a strong impulse to defend them, he says. In the early years after her parents left, Ecaterina Grati could barely speak to them at all, a silence that only deepened her sense of abandonment. Phone calls to Russia were expensive, and this was before video calls became common, she says. Later, as communication technology improved, keeping in touch became easier. But even today, many parents cant afford mobile data for video calls in the first months after migrating, says Viorela Ducu Telegdi-Csetri. Until theyve earned their first pay cheques, contact with children back home can be sporadic at best. Thats why the CASTLE project has proposed that local authorities provide emergency communication kits to transnational families. Because the first months of migration are the hardest, says Viorela Ducu Telegdi-Csetri. Job opportunities are scarce in rural Moldova, and a large share of the working-age population seeks employment abroad - Torbjorn Wester China is believed to have the worlds largest population of left-behind children a result, in large part, of the hukou system, a household registration policy that restricts access to public services for rural migrants working in cities. As a consequence, many parents are forced to leave their children behind in home villages while they seek employment in urban areas. Xiaojin Chen, a sociologist at Tulane University in the United States, has spent several years studying Chinas left-behind children. Unlike the Romanian researchers, he hasnt observed a trend toward greater independence and sense of responsibility among these children. Rather the opposite. A lot of times, the grandparents become very protective. They know that they have the responsibility to make sure the children are safe, he says. Many studies have highlighted negative psychological effects experienced by Chinas left-behind children, such as depression. But results vary and Xiaojin Chen argues that psychological well-being is difficult to measure. On average, compared with children who live with both parents, these children may be a little more isolated, and theyre probably not as active as other kids, he says. Yet, he often observes that the social bonds with grandparents can, in many cases, almost entirely replace those with the parents, who may only see their children once or twice a year. In Western culture, we tend to assume that the emotional bond must come from the nuclear family. But in more traditional rural China, a strong emotional connection with grandparents can be enough. If that bond exists, the child should be fine, says Xiaojin Chen. From time to time, moral debates flare up in China, where migrant families are stereotyped as dysfunctional. Parents are cast as neglectful, their left-behind children traumatised and with grandparents ill-equipped to care for them. It became especially clear last spring, after three 13-year-olds in the Hebei Province murdered another 13-year-old whom they had bullied for a long time. Both the victim and the perpetrators were children of migrant workers and had been left in the care of relatives. In Moldova, more than 20 per cent of all children are estimated to have at least one parent working abroad - Torbjorn Wester Xiaojin Chen has not found any strong evidence that left-behind children are significantly more prone to criminal behaviour, although some studies suggest otherwise. What he has observed, however, is an increased risk for some of these children to become victims of bullying or sexual abuse, particularly when no strong guardian is present. Overall, it is children who grow up with both parents absent and only a single grandparent often elderly and frail who are most at risk, Chen argues. That is a huge risk factor, he says. When Xiaojin Chen reflects on the long-term social consequences of millions of Chinese children growing up without their parents, he sees one threat in particular. What will happen to the intergenerational informal contract the long-standing expectation in rural China that children will care for their parents in old age? The emotional connection between parents and the children left behind is very weak. Will they really take care of their migrant parents when they become older? We dont know that yet. In Moldova, Ecaterina Grati sees how children who, like her, grew up without their parents often end up following the same path. Most children in such families grow up believing that the only way to earn a decent living is by going abroad. They have no role models whove succeeded at home, she says. Even though she now understands why her parents made that choice, she could never bring herself to leave her six-year-old daughter behind to work in another country. I dont want my child to go through the same thing. But 14-year-old Mihail has already made up his mind. He plans to do exactly what his parents did when hes older. I will leave, he says. Theres nothing here. No jobs, no people. Everybody already left. Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security The World Cancer Research Fund ruled that women should be avoiding alcohol as any amount increases breast cancer risk - Getty We cling tightly to the studies that say the odd glass of red is healthy, reminding us how its packed with polyphenols and brings down your stress levels to boot. But in April, the World Cancer Research Fund ruled that women should be avoiding alcohol just as strenuously as cigarettes as any amount of alcohol increases breast cancer risk. With the average British woman drinking nine units of alcohol each week, this is bad news. These days we cringe when we see characters in old movies pull out the cigarettes at the first hint of drama. It might have been normal decades ago, but we have come to see smoking as a habit thats uniquely bad for our health. Now, scientists believe that our favourite national pastime could be just as dangerous, for women at least. Here is what we know and how much you can get away with drinking without significantly raising your risk. Why does alcohol cause cancer, and why is it so risky for women? Its not what any of us want to hear, but alcohol is a known carcinogen, says Britta Stordal, an associate professor in cancer research at Middlesex University. When you drink alcohol, your body turns it into acetaldehyde, which is a compound known to cause cancer, she explains. For this reason, any amount of alcohol that you drink increases your risk of cancer. The World Cancer Research Fund has advised that to reduce our risk of bowel cancer, we should restrict alcohol; however, to reduce breast cancer risk, women should avoid alcohol entirely. The reality is that drinking alcohol is especially likely to lead to breast cancer rather than other cancers. Alcohol is turned into acetaldehyde primarily in your liver, but this process can also happen inside of breast tissue, Prof Stordal says. We also know that drinking alcohol increases your oestrogen levels, which can also increase cancer risk in women. There is a dose response involved in breast cancer risk, says Dr Harriet Rumgay, an epidemiologist at the World Health Organization in its international agency for research on cancer. This means that the more alcohol you drink, the greater your risk, she says. Though smoking is still much more harmful to us than alcohol when it comes to all of the consequences for your health, the evidence does say that women should try to limit their alcohol consumption as much as possible to reduce their breast cancer risk, as 8 per cent of all breast cancer cases in women are attributable to drinking [alcohol], Dr Rumgay says. More than two bottles of wine a week Women who drink two bottles of wine a week are at a 27 per cent greater risk of developing breast cancer than women who dont drink, says Dr Rumgay. Of 100 women who drink two bottles of wine every week, around 14 would develop breast cancer over the course of their lives, not taking into account factors like weight, genetic risk and whether or not they smoke. This compares with the number of non-drinking women who will develop breast cancer at some point in their lives, a figure thats at 11 in 100. If youre keen on wine, you might like to have a large glass most nights with dinner, bringing you up to at least two bottles of wine drunk each week. In units, thats equivalent to nine pints of beer or cider throughout the week, or nine double-shot cocktails. According to the World Health Organization, drinking two bottles of wine a week is in the middle category of risk, rather than being judged as high risk, says Dr Rumgay. For a postmenopausal woman, however, drinking in this way could lead to a 27 per cent higher risk of developing breast cancer, says Dr Rumgay. Postmenopausal women are affected differently to premenopausal women when it comes to breast cancer risk. Scientists are still trying to determine why that is. It might just be a fact of age, because as you age, your cells have more of a chance to divide and mutate, leading to cancer, says Dr Rumgay. But postmenopausal women also have different amounts of hormones in their systems. For these women, drinking alcohol could be more likely to cause breast cancer, because the increase in oestrogen that comes with drinking alcohol causes more cell proliferation, where your bodys cells divide to produce more of themselves. Whenever this happens, there is the risk that one of those cells will mutate and become cancerous. Fourteen units of alcohol a week Of 100 women who drink 14 units of alcohol every week, around 14 would develop breast cancer over the course of their lives, not taking into account factors like weight, genetic risk and whether or not they smoke. One in seven women in Britain drink more than 14 units a week, the low-risk guideline set by the Government, and they are at a 22 per cent greater risk of developing breast cancer than women who dont drink. Drinking 14 units of alcohol every week, equivalent to six medium glasses of wine, would give you a 14.4 per cent chance of developing breast cancer over the course of your life, not including other factors like genetic risk, weight and whether or not you smoke. But what about the much-quoted government advice that 14 units a week is the safe limit on drinking for women? When it comes to breast cancer risk, this is quite outdated advice, says Prof Stordal. I suspect that the 14-unit guideline doesnt properly take cancer risk into account. Instead its likely based more on issues like liver damage, and is a combination of what the health research suggests is sensible and what people are already doing in a specific country. Canada has recently introduced alcohol guidelines that explain the increased risk of cancer with the number of units that you consume. Id love to see the UK bring this in instead, just so that people can be aware, says Prof Stordal. I certainly didnt know about the extent of the risk for a long time. According to Alcohol Change UK, just one drink per day (1.25 units) can increase your breast cancer risk by 7 per cent. Smoking, either regularly or occasionally, leads to a 7 per cent increased risk of breast cancer, and of 100 women that currently smoke, 12 will develop breast cancer over the course of their lives. Smoking is worse for your health for a huge number of reasons, however, so I wouldnt want people to think that its safer to smoke than to drink, says Dr Rumgay. A small glass of wine with dinner every day Women who drink a small glass of wine every day, equivalent to around 10 units a week, are at a 15 per cent greater risk of developing breast cancer than women who dont drink, says Dr Rumgay. Of 100 women who have a small glass of wine every day, around 13 would develop breast cancer over the course of their lives, not taking into account factors like weight, genetic risk and whether or not they smoke. Much alcohol risk research looks at everyday drinking. The facts are in: having a single drink a day, four times or more each week, can lead to a 20 per cent greater risk of early death. When it comes to breast cancer, the risks escalate further. A report by the American Institute for Cancer Research found in 2017 that one glass of wine a day increased the risk of cancer by 9 per cent in postmenopausal women, and by 5 per cent in premenopausal women. Studies such as this tend to use the WHOs definition of a standard drink: a drink containing 10g of pure alcohol, equivalent to a small glass of wine. So having just one tiny glass a day could be having a big impact on your health, and while it may keep you from being too tipsy, theres not enough evidence to say whether having food with your wine is any better for your cancer risk, though this is something that research could tell us in the future, says Dr Rumgay. Only drinking at the weekend Women who drink eight double-shot cocktails or eight medium glasses of wine over the course of a weekend are at a 24 per cent greater risk of developing breast cancer than women who dont drink, says Dr Rumgay. Of 100 women who have eight drinks of this size every weekend, around 14 would develop breast cancer over the course of their lives, not taking into account factors such as weight, genetic risk and whether or not they smoke. Women who drink four of these drinks over the course of a weekend, meanwhile, are at a 12 per cent greater risk of developing breast cancer than women who dont drink. Of 100 women who have four drinks of this size every weekend, around 13 would develop breast cancer over the course of their lives. While having alcohol-free days can improve your health, there are added dangers to drinking large amounts of alcohol in one sitting, says Dr Rumgay. One study she worked on in the past found that the risk of breast cancer was increased by 40 per cent in women that had had any occasion of heavy episodic drinking in the year leading up to the research, she says. We might not think of it as such, but the WHO classes heavy episodic drinking or binge drinking as consuming 60g of pure alcohol or more in a single drinking session. Thats equivalent to just over two large glasses of wine. Research into the effects of weekend-only drinking is still ongoing, but premenopausal women who binge drink seem to be twice as likely to develop breast cancer, says Prof Stordal. There is some confidence in the notion that having this carcinogenic compound in your system in high concentrations after a weekend of drinking could be more dangerous compared with having the same quantity over the course of a longer period. One drink a few times a week Women who have one drink three times a week are at a 9 per cent greater risk of developing breast cancer than women who dont drink, says Dr Rumgay. Of 100 women who have one drink three times a week, around 12 would develop breast cancer over the course of their lives, not including other factors like genetic risk, weight and whether or not they smoke. Having a break between the days that you visit the pub or have a glass of wine with your dinner is certainly good for your health, says Dr Rumgay. Drinking frequently can lead to systemic inflammation of the body, she explains. If you cut the number of days that you drink, or spread them out, then its possible that your body has more time to recover from this inflammatory state, which could potentially avoid increasing your risk of cancer. Even this amount of alcohol can increase your cancer risk, however. Another study that Dr Rumgay worked on found that having just half a standard drink every day increases breast cancer risk by 4 per cent, she says. One drink once a week Women who have one drink once a week are at a 3 per cent greater risk of developing breast cancer than women who dont drink, says Dr Rumgay. Of 100 women who have one drink a week, around 11 would develop breast cancer at some point in their lives, not taking into account other factors like genetic risk, weight and whether or not they smoke. The same amount of non-drinking women will develop breast cancer at some point in their lives More than 40 per cent of women in Britain drink at least once a week. The effects of having one drink each week are hard to study, however, as most people either drink more than once a week or dont drink at all, says Dr Rumgay. The numbers still show that even this much alcohol consumption can increase your risk of breast cancer though you might see a 3 per cent increased risk as something youre willing to tolerate. One drink a few times a month Women who have one drink every other week are at a 2 per cent greater risk of developing breast cancer than women who dont drink, says Dr Rumgay. Of 100 women who have one drink a few times a month, around would develop breast cancer at some point in their lives, not taking into account other factors such as genetic risk, weight and whether or not they smoke. Again, there isnt a lot of research into this pattern of drinking, though any amount of alcohol still increases your risk of breast cancer, says Dr Rumgay. The simple advice I always give is reduction, says Prof Stordal. Whether thats cutting down to once a week or once every few weeks, whatever you can do will benefit you. One drink every few months Women who have fewer than six drinks over the course of a whole year are 0.3 per cent more likely to develop breast cancer than women who dont drink. Of 100 women who have one drink fewer than six times a year, 11 would develop breast cancer at some point in their lives, not taking into account other factors like genetic risk, weight and whether or not they smoke. So while no amount of drinking is completely safe, you may be pleased to know that you can celebrate with a drink a few times a year and only increase your risk of breast cancer marginally, though the general consensus is that anything more than zero does raise your risk, says Dr Rumgay. Zia Yusuf - Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images/ Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images Zia Yusufs resignation has cast further doubt over Reforms viability as a serious political party, rather than a vehicle for protest votes. In the 11 months since the General Election, Nigel Farages party lost one MP to a defection, and now seen its Chairman resign in obvious exasperation after publicly criticising the partys newest MP. This will come as a welcome reprieve for Kemi Badenoch and the Conservative party as they attempt to redefine themselves in the wake of last years election defeat. Sir Keir Starmer, too, will be relieved by the easing of pressure to his Right. For Reform, however, this is a serious blow. The party styles itself as the de facto Opposition and the government in waiting, yet its track record to date suggested that it could struggle to make the transition from protest to power. The question mark hanging over Reform was whether it could professionalise itself, find message discipline, bring in a lot more top level talent, contain the large personalities it has attracted, and present voters with a fully fleshed-out vision for governing Britain. Over the last year, the party has made stunning progress at the polls and appeared to be making strides towards meeting these developmental milestones. Yet yesterdays drama at the top of the organisation has underlined just how much work there is still to do. This may not matter too much in the short run, where Reforms status as repository for protest votes appears assured regardless of personnel turnover. Over the next four years, however, a reputation for infighting and turmoil could put a hard ceiling on Reforms ambitions. Mr Farages statement on Mr Yusufs resignation appeared to indicate that he recognised this; the Reform leader was conciliatory and credited Mr Yusufs work as being a huge factor in the partys local election success. His task is now to rapidly find a competent successor to continue the development of his party, and to show that he is capable of building and retaining a team which can maintain a united front. While there is a long wait for the next election, the public is crying out for change which Sir Keirs Labour party is evidently incapable of delivering. Ms Badenoch must use this window to demonstrate that she has the radical ideas necessary to fundamentally reshape Britain; Mr Farage, that he can build a professional team which can turn a protest party into one capable of governing. Nigel Farage and Zia Yusuf in March. Yusuf said: I no longer believe working to get a Reform government elected is a good use of my time. Photograph: Lucy North/PA Media Zia Yusuf has resigned as the chair of Reform UK after suggesting it was dumb of the partys newest MP to ask the prime minister if he would ban the burqa. Yusuf, a donor and businessman, said he was resigning after less than a year in the job because he did not believe working to get a Reform government elected was a good use of his time. His departure is a blow to Nigel Farage as he tries to professionalise his rapidly growing party, with political rivals saying it shows the Reform leader cannot work with other senior figures without falling out. Yusuf, who is Muslim, quit after a dispute about the partys handling of its position on the burqa. Sarah Pochin, the new Reform MP for Runcorn and Helsby, had pressed Keir Starmer on the issue in parliament on Wednesday, and Farage had also said on GB News that it was time for a debate about the burqa. Hours before resigning, Yusuf had posted on X saying it was dumb for a party to have asked the prime minister to ban the burqa when it was not its own policy. In a statement on X, Yusuf said: Eleven months ago I became chairman of Reform. Ive worked full-time as a volunteer to take the party from 14 to 30%, quadrupled its membership and delivered historic electoral results. I no longer believe working to get a Reform government elected is a good use of my time, and hereby resign the office. Yusuf has been working on Reforms new Elon Musk-style department of government efficiency (Doge) unit looking at cutting spending in councils where the party is in control. The tech entrepreneur Nathaniel Fried, who was brought in this week with great fanfare to lead the unit, will also be departing alongside Yusuf, leaving the partys plans to slash waste in local government in disarray. The Reform chair has been close to Farage over the last year and the party leader is upset about Yusuf going, according to Tim Montgomerie, a Reform supporter and commentator. Yusufs exit is likely to add to the impression that Farage struggles to retain senior figures in his parties. In a statement in response, Farage said he was genuinely sorry that Zia Yusuf has decided to stand down as Reform UK chairman. As I said just last week, he was a huge factor in our success on May 1 and is an enormously talented person. Politics can be a highly pressured and difficult game and Zia has clearly had enough. He is a loss to us and public life, he said. Farage expanded on the reasons for Yusufs departure on GB News, saying he could tell even before the burqa row that the chair had had enough and was very disengaged. He said he was sad and paid tribute to Yusufs organisational skills, but also suggested he had weaknesses. Revealing that he had 10 minutes warning of the resignation, Farage said: When people have exceptional strengths in some areas of their life or other areas where perhaps theyre not quite so strong. I think, in terms of dealing with staff there was a bit of a Goldman Sachs-type mentality. I mean, politics is different, he said. And I think when you come from the background, he comes from, say, Goldman Sachs, where he worked, it is a really tough, brutal environment. Politics isnt like that. Politics isnt just about creating a financial bottom line, its about doing things that are thoughtful, creative and different. So were his interpersonal skills at the top of his list of attributes? No. But I always found, with me, he was very polite, very objective in conversations that I had. But Daisy Cooper, the Liberal Democrats deputy leader, said: By sacking himself, Zia Yusuf seems to be leading the UK Doge by example. You have to admire his commitment to the cause. Its already clear Reform UK cannot deliver for the communities they are elected to stand up for. Instead, they have copied the Conservative playbook of fighting like rats in a sack. A Labour party spokesperson added: If Nigel Farage cant manage a handful of politicians, how on earth could he run a country? He has fallen out with everyone he has ever worked with. Reform are just not serious. The turmoil in Reform comes on a crucial day for the party in Scotland, where it is hoping to make headway against the Scottish National party and Labour in the Hamilton Scottish parliament byelection. Only on Monday, Farage had held up Yusuf as an example of why Reform should not be accused of racism, as he spoke at a press conference in Aberdeen. I would remind everybody that the chairman of the party is Scottish-born, but comes from parents who come from the Indian subcontinent. But we dont talk about race at all. We think everybody should be treated equally. We object very strongly to the segmentation of people into different types. Some of Reforms membership had already turned against Yusuf over his role in the departure of one of the partys most rightwing MPs, Rupert Lowe. Yusuf clashed with Lowe earlier this year. This led to Lowes suspension amid allegations of threats towards Yusuf, which were reported to the police. A decision was later taken not to charge the MP. Farage said he would rather eat razor blades than let Lowe back in the party. Yusuf is widely credited within Reform for having professionalised the party, hiring new people, setting up more branches and making it run in a more corporate way. However, he also rubbed some of the Reform old guard up the wrong way with his management style. Arron Banks, the Brexit donor and Reform mayoral candidate, was on Thursday night tipped as a potential successor as chair. In spite of Farages warm tribute to Yusuf, Banks posted on social media: Astonishing that everyone thinks they are responsible for the meteoric Reform rise, as the old saying goes, success has many fathers and failure (is) an orphan. Zia worked very hard but struggled with relationships and people. The corks will be popping in party HQ this evening. Reform will power on Yusufs decision to go does not appear to have been long planned. He had been giving interviews over the last week about Reforms plans to slash the state by 300bn, and to raise the birthrate by encouraging fertile British women to have more children. Earlier on Thursday, Richard Tice, the partys deputy leader, confirmed that Reform was prepared to cut government spending to about 35% of national income amounting to almost 300bn. He told the Politics Inside Out podcast that it had been a great lie told to the public that more money equalled better public services, and it should be possible to return spending ratios to mid-1990s levels. At 35% of GDP, things were working more, he said. Yusuf had also said over the weekend that it should be possible to slash the state by 300bn to 400bn. Dan Tomlinson, Labours mission champion for economic growth, said: Reforms fantasy economics would lead to a financial crisis whilst devastating public services. First they announced unfunded spending plans that would crash the economy like Liz Truss did, now they pledge to bulldoze through the public services people rely on every day. The NHS, our defences, police on the street, and the criminal justice system all would be under threat with Reform. A 21-year-old Navy sailor has mysteriously disappeared in Virginia, leaving her mother desperate for answers. Angelina "Angie" Resendiz was last seen on Thursday, May 29, at 10 a.m. at her barracks in Miller Hall at Naval Station Norfolk, according to the Virginia State Police. "This disappearance poses a credible threat to their health and safety as determined by the investigating agency," police said. Resendiz, a Texas native, is a culinary specialist assigned to the USS James E. Williams, the Navy said. Virginia State Police - PHOTO: Angelina Petra Resendiz, 21, a sailor in Norfolk, Virgina, seen in this undated image released by Virginia State Police, has been reported missing, the Virginia State Police said. MORE: Manhunt continues for father police say killed 3 young daughters near Washington campground Resendiz's mother, Esmeralda Castle, insists that her daughter "does not miss work. Sick, snow, feeling down, she shows up." Resendiz joined the Navy in 2023 after high school "because she felt it was something that called her," Castle wrote to ABC News. As a culinary specialist, "She thought that one day she might be able to cook for the president and other world leaders," Castle said. "She worked really hard on her ship." "Shes fun, loving, kind, compassionate, uplifting," she added. MORE: Israel recovers bodies of 2 American-Israeli hostages from Gaza "People that care about Angie shared with me that the last person she was with was missing with her," and "that person showed up Monday but not Angie," Castle said. "There are no answers for me," she said. "I just want my kid, she doesn't deserve to be missing." The Navy told ABC News in a statement that it's "cooperating fully with the investigation." The Naval Criminal Investigative Service said, "Out of respect for the investigative process, NCIS will not comment further while the investigation remains ongoing." Anyone with information is urged to call NCIS at 877-579-3648. '90s Hollywood Star Makes Surprising Confession About Ben Affleck originally appeared on Parade. Kevin Smith loves to tell stories about his experiences as a filmmaker, and he has many great ones from the '90s. Those stories are said to have caused a rift between Smith and Ben Affleck that lasted for years, but they've since squashed the beef, with Affleck even appearing in Clerks III. Now, Smith is telling another Affleck story, this time one he won't likely get upset about, as it pertains to his thoughtfulness while on set while they were working together decades ago. The iconic '90s filmmaker has been busy hyping up the 25th anniversary of Dogma, as the film is being re-released in theaters, but the conversation shifted to Mallrats and working with Affleck on the film. SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox "He would come over and be like, 'Hey, I'm not shooting for three days. Can I fly back to Los Angeles to work on the script with Matt? We got a meeting with Castle Rock.' I said, 'Oh my God, absolutely man, just come back before you have to shoot,'" Smith told PEOPLE. The Clerks producer continued, "He didn't work every day. So otherwise he'd be sitting around Minnesota. So when he would leave, and he did this like three times over the course of the shoot, he always left me a thank-you note on my desk." Smith went on about Affleck's thank you notes, "I'd go in my office and there's an envelope that said 'Kevin,' I'd open it up. And it was from Ben, young Ben Affleck going like, 'Hey man, thanks for letting me go back to Los Angeles for our script. I just want you to know I'm having a real good time in this movie. It's fun to be around young people. You're cool and blah, blah, blah.'" That seems surprising since Affleck is always shown as such a stoic person in paparazzi shots when he's caught out and about. But, according to Smith, he's pretty thoughtful and has no problem showing appreciation. Good Will Hunting went on to win multiple awards, including two Oscars, and catapulted Ben Affleck to superstardom. Following his role in Mallrats, he also appeared in Kevin Smith films Chasing Amy and Dogma. Smith has addressed whether Affleck will appear in any of his future films, telling Deadline that he is more than welcome to return for Dogma 2 when they begin working on the sequel. '90s Hollywood Star Makes Surprising Confession About Ben Affleck first appeared on Parade on Jun 5, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 5, 2025, where it first appeared. Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs answers questions following an event at Bass Pro Shops in Mesa, Arizona, on Sept. 4, 2024. Photo by Cameron Arcand (The Center Square) The Antisemitism Education Act is headed to Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs' desk after its final passage by the Legislature. The Arizona House passed House Bill 2867 on a 38 to 20 vote Wednesday with bipartisan support. The legislation bars public schools and public colleges from promoting antisemitic conduct and creates disciplinary procedures for violations. The bill says teachers, principals, other school administrators, contractors and volunteers cant instruct or train students in any antisemitism or antisemitic conduct. Theyre barred from creating a hostile educational environment and cant call for genocide of any groups. The legislation also says students cant be required to advocate for an antisemitic point of view or promote antisemitic conduct. It also prohibits the use of public funds for antisemitic instruction. HB 2867 also stipulates schools cant require curriculum that includes antisemitism or antisemitic conduct or award credit to a high school student who takes such a course. Under the legislation, the first offense by a teacher or principal leads to a formal reprimand. Their professional certificate can be suspended for a period after the second offense and revoked after the third. The bill also allows students and their parents to take court action after administrative remedies are exhausted. Arizonas students and teachers deserve to learn and work in an environment free from antisemitic hate, said state Rep. Michael Way, R-Queen Creek, the legislations sponsor, in a House news release. This bill ensures schools are places of learning, not battlegrounds for political indoctrination. The release said the bill is part of the House Republican Majority Plans priority to promote public safety and confront hate in Arizona schools. Opponents of the bill have included the Arizona Education Association. They say existing disciplinary measures are enough to prevent teachers from acting in a discriminatory manner. They added they're concerned the bill will strip educators of professional liability protections if they're falsely accused of antisemitism. "On behalf of our members, we write in strong opposition to House Bill 2867, which would create significant and untenable personal liability for public school educators, encourage bad faith and costly litigation, and exacerbate the attrition of educators in Arizona public schools while doing nothing to address the scourge of antisemitism," the AEA and other opponents wrote in a joint letter, dated May 6, to legislators and Hobbs. The opponents added they're concerned about hate crimes nearly doubling in schools and are committed to working with the Legislature "to protect students from all forms of hate." Image source: The Motley Fool. DATE Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at 5 p.m. EDT CALL PARTICIPANTS Chief Executive Officer David Watson Chief Financial Officer Joshua Baugher Investor Relations Jennifer Belodeau Need a quote from one of our analysts? Email pr@fool.com TAKEAWAYS Consolidated Revenue : $193.7 million, up 23%, driven by growth in the power industry services segment. Gross Margin : 19%, compared to 11.4% in the prior year, reflecting a changing mix of projects and contract types. Net Income : $22.6 million, or $1.60 per diluted share, up from $7.9 million, or $0.58 per share. EBITDA : $30.3 million, or 15.6% of revenues, compared to $11.9 million and 7.5% in the prior year. Backlog : $1.9 billion, a record, up 36% from January 31, 2025, with management expecting to exceed $2 billion later this year. Power Industry Services Revenue : $160 million, up 45%, accounting for 83% of consolidated revenue. Industrial Construction Services Revenue : $29 million, down from $44 million, representing 15% of consolidated revenue. Telecommunications Infrastructure Services Revenue : 2% of consolidated revenue. Segment Gross Margins : Power industry services at 20.6%, industrial construction services at 10.8%, telecommunications at 18%. Backlog Composition : 67% natural gas projects, 28% renewable projects as of April 30, 2025; remainder not allocated. Major Project Milestones : Full notice to proceed for the 1.2GW SLEC natural gas plant in Texas; Trumbull 950MW Ohio project nearing completion; Tarbert 300MW biofuel project in Ireland commenced. Capital Position : $546.5 million in cash and investments, net liquidity of $315 million, no debt. Dividend and Buyback : Quarterly dividend of $0.375 per share as of September 2024; board authorized a $150 million share repurchase program as of April 2025. Capital Returned : $18 million returned to shareholders in the quarter; $109.4 million cumulative since program initiation in November 2021. Project Pipeline: Management highlighted robust project opportunities, particularly in combined cycle natural gas facilities. SUMMARY Argan (NYSE:AGX) reported continued revenue growth and record backlog, supported by new project awards and strong demand for power infrastructure. Management stated that the OEMs are starting to fill 2030 gas turbine spots as they are primarily sold out of earlier years, indicating long-term demand visibility. The companys cash and liquidity position, with no debt, provides flexibility for organic investments and M&A. Segment diversification remains, but earnings are concentrated in large gas-fired power projects with multi-year timelines. Watson said, we expect to add several power industrial jobs over the course of the next six months, which should put us significantly over $2 billion in backlog later this year. Baugher noted, gross profit and the improved gross margin for Q1 FY2026 reflect a changing mix of projects and contract types. Watson indicated the normal project cycle for major gas jobs is now three to four years primarily supply chain driven. Watson highlighted the industrial segments backlog now stands at $91 million, with revenues to increase meaningfully over the next several quarters. INDUSTRY GLOSSARY Combined Cycle Natural Gas Facility : Power plant using both gas and steam turbines to increase generation efficiency by utilizing exhaust heat from the gas turbine to power the steam turbine. Backlog : The total value of contracted work on hand that has not yet been completed at the balance sheet date. ERCOT : Electric Reliability Council of Texas, operator of the electric grid and market for most of Texas. OEM: Original Equipment Manufacturer, referring to companies that produce key component equipment used in power generation facilities. Full Conference Call Transcript Jennifer Belodeau: Good evening, and welcome to our conference call to discuss Argan's results for the first quarter ended April 30, 2025. On the call today, we have David Watson, Chief Executive Officer, and Joshua Baugher, Chief Financial Officer. I'll take a moment to read the Safe Harbor statements. Statements made during this conference call and presented in the presentation that are not based on historical facts are forward-looking statements. Such statements include, but are not limited to, projections or statements of future goals and targets regarding the company's revenues and profits. These statements are subject to known and unknown factors and risks. The company's actual results, performance, or achievements may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, and some of the factors and risks that could cause or contribute to such material differences have been described in this afternoon's press release and in Argan's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. These statements are based on information and understandings that are believed to be accurate as of today, and we do not undertake any duty to update such forward-looking statements. Earlier this afternoon, the company issued a press release announcing its first quarter fiscal 2026 financial results and filed its corresponding Form 10-Q reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Alright. With that out of the way, I'll turn the call over to David Watson, CEO of Argan. Please go ahead, David. David Watson: Thanks, Jennifer, and thank you everyone for joining today. I'll start by reviewing some of the highlights of our operations and activities, and Joshua Baugher, our CFO, will go over our financial results for the first quarter ended April 30, 2025. Then we'll open up the call for a brief Q&A. We delivered a strong start to fiscal 2026 in the first quarter with consolidated revenue growth of 23% to $193.7 million and a gross margin of 19%, led by continued momentum in our power industry services segment. We also achieved enhanced profitability as demonstrated by net income of approximately $23 million or $1.60 per diluted share, up $1.02 year over year, and EBITDA of $30.3 million or 15.6% as a percent of revenues. Additionally, we reported a record backlog of $1.9 billion as of April 30, 2025. Our backlog reflects our receipt of full notice to proceed on our project with Sand O'Lakes Energy Company or SLEC for a 1.2-gigawatt ultra-efficient combined cycle natural gas-fired plant in Texas. Our project pipeline is robust and reflects both the need for new energy resources as a large portion of natural gas-fired plants reach the end of operational life, and the urgency around building new infrastructure to meet the unprecedented growth in power consumption. Power demand has reached its highest level in two decades and is expected to increase further with the development of AI data centers, the onshoring of complex manufacturing, and the growing adoption of electric vehicles that need charging. Today's energy demand environment has created a substantial pipeline of project opportunities, and we are seeing heightened demand for our expertise and capabilities, particularly as they relate to the construction of complex combined cycle natural gas facilities. We're energized about the demand environment, which we believe will present attractive project opportunities for the next decade and beyond. Our balance sheet remains strong with $546.5 million of cash and investments, net liquidity of $315 million, and no debt at April 30, 2025. Our financial strength and discipline have enabled us to continue to return capital to shareholders. We paid a quarterly dividend of $0.375, purchased or net settled approximately 100,000 shares for approximately $12.9 million, and the board increased the size of the share repurchase program to $150 million. We're very pleased with the start to fiscal 2026 and remain focused on executing on our ongoing projects while also intent on winning new opportunities. Now on to the operational review. Slides four and five present our three reportable business segments. As most of you know, our power industry services segment focuses on the construction of multiple types of power facilities, including efficient gas-fired power plants, solar energy fields, biomass facilities, and battery energy storage systems in the US, the UK, and in Ireland. Power industry services revenues increased 45% to $160 million in the first quarter as compared to $110 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2025. The segment represented 83% of first-quarter revenues and reported pretax book income of approximately $31 million. Joshua Baugher: Our industrial construction services segment had a solid quarter although as we expected, due to the timing of certain projects, revenue decreased to $29 million, as compared to revenue of $44 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2025. Industrial construction services contributed 15% of first-quarter consolidated revenues and pretax book income of approximately $2 million. This segment primarily provides solutions for industrial construction projects with a concentration in agriculture, petrochemical, pulp and paper, water, and power. There is soft demand for the segment's capabilities as companies onshore or expand their US manufacturing operations in the Southeast region of the US. The industrial construction services segment has a large footprint, so they are well situated in a high-growth region for their focus industries. One last comment on the industrial segment. I want to take a moment to congratulate Sean Terrell, who has served as president of TRC since 2023, as he was recently appointed to the additional role of Chief Executive Officer. This change came as Bobby Feister Jr. stepped down to take a reduced role as part of a long-standing succession plan. We thank Bobby for his many contributions to TRC's growth and progress, as well as for building a culture of operational excellence and teamwork at TRC. Finally, we have our telecommunications infrastructure services group, our smallest segment, which contributed 2% of first-quarter revenues. The telecommunications segment provides outside construction services for the utility and telecommunications sectors, as well as inside the premises wiring services, primarily for federal government locations and military installations requiring high-level security clearance. We continue to see growing attention around the increase in energy demand driven by the widespread electrification of virtually every sector of the economy. For the first time in decades, this rising demand is coinciding with the aging and retirement of a substantial portion of the nation's natural gas infrastructure. AI data centers, complex manufacturing operations, and EV charging all require a reliable, high-quality, 24/7 hour supply. Looking at the composition of the current pipeline, the industry has adopted the approach that the most effective path to ensuring stable grids and reliable power generation is through a combination of traditional gas-fired plants as well as renewables. And we build them all. With our energy-agnostic capabilities and proven track record of success with combined cycle and simple cycle natural gas facilities, as well as solar, biofuel, and other renewable energy resources, we believe we are favorably positioned as we compete to win the construction of large and complex power facilities. Slide seven illustrates the strength and balance of our project backlog, which is comprised of approximately 67% natural gas projects and 28% renewable. As the grid faces mounting pressure, the energy industry is turning to a combination of natural gas and renewable energy resources to ensure reliability. Given the aging natural gas infrastructure, we expect to see heightened demand for gas and other thermal power plants for several years to come as the industry seeks to increase the number of reliable and high-quality power sources. Our backlog of $1.9 billion at April 30 includes several power plant projects, and we expect to add more this year. During fiscal 2025, we proactively invested in our workforce and enhanced our teams to prepare for the increased project load and to position Argan to continue to deliver excellent on-time execution for our customers as we support the electric economy. We're excited about the demand we're seeing for our services, particularly for the construction of traditional combined cycle natural gas power plants. Argan is one of only a few companies that have the capability to successfully execute those complex projects, and we have a track record that validates our reputation as a proven industry partner. We remain disciplined in our commitment to achieving the best outcomes for the projects we take on and believe our expertise, seasoned team, and history of on-time and on-budget project delivery positions us for backlog growth and financial strength. Turning to slide eight, our consolidated project backlog was $1.9 billion at April 30, 2025, representing backlog growth of 36% from January 31, 2025. Our current backlog includes fully committed projects in both the power industry services and industrial construction services segments. We have a growing portion of traditional gas-fired plants in the current backlog, and we believe the representation of natural gas-fired facilities in our backlog will continue to increase in the near to mid-term. We plan to maintain our presence in the renewable business, and our natural gas projects will be the core of our growth engine for the foreseeable future. Slide nine highlights several major projects currently underway or expected to begin shortly. Here you'll see our Trumbull project, a 950-megawatt natural gas-fired plant in Ohio, that is nearing completion, as well as the SLEC 1.2-gigawatt ultra-efficient combined cycle natural gas-fired plant in Texas. As I mentioned a bit earlier on the call, during the first quarter, we received full notice to proceed on the SLEC project, and we expect to begin the construction this summer. When completed, the facility will be capable of supplying approximately 800,000 homes within the ERCOT grid. Also highlighted here is the Tarbert next-generation power station, a 300-megawatt biofuel plant in Ireland for SSE Thermal. The project kicked off earlier in the first quarter and is at a site we are familiar with and have performed work at in the past. Construction is also underway on an approximately 700-megawatt cycle natural gas-fired plant located here in the US. And we recently finished the installation of five 90-megawatt gas turbines, which provide dedicated power to an LNG facility in Louisiana. In addition, our 405-megawatt utility-scale solar project in Illinois continues to make good progress. During fiscal 2025, we completed two of the three solar plus battery projects in Illinois and expect to finish the third during fiscal 2026. Finally, you'll see two separate water treatment plant projects being performed by the industrial construction services segment. While we've spoken a lot about the industry's demand for natural gas projects, you'll see that our backlog reflects a broad range of capabilities in our diverse project mix. With that, I'll turn the call over to Joshua Baugher to take us through the first quarter financials. Go ahead, Josh. Joshua Baugher: Thanks, David, and good evening, everyone. On slide ten, we present our consolidated first-quarter revenues, which increased 23% to $193.7 million, primarily reflecting strong revenue growth in our power industry services segment as compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2025. The growth in our project count and backlog has resulted in increased project activity and revenue compared to the same quarter last year. In the first quarter, several newly awarded gas-fired power plant projects were in the early stages, while our more advanced projects saw continued activity and contributed meaningfully to our quarterly revenues. For the three-month period ended April 30, 2025, Argan reported consolidated gross profit of approximately $36.9 million or a gross margin of 19%. Consolidated gross profit for the comparative quarter last year was $17.9 million, representing a gross margin of 11.4%. The increased gross profit and the improved gross margin for the recently ended quarter reflect the changing mix of projects and contract types. In addition, the first quarter in the prior fiscal year was negatively impacted by certain project charges, which reduced gross profit by approximately $2.6 million. Gross margins for our power industry services, industrial construction services, and telecommunications infrastructure services segments were 20.6%, 10.8%, and 18%, respectively for the first quarter of fiscal 2026, as compared to 10.2%, 13.3%, and 22.9% respectively, in the first quarter of fiscal 2025. Selling, general, and administrative expense of $12.5 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2026 increased as compared to SG&A of $11.4 million for the comparable prior year period. But these expenses decreased as a percentage of revenues to 6.5% in the first quarter of fiscal 2026 as compared to 7.2% in last year's first quarter. Net income for the first quarter of fiscal 2026 was $22.6 million or $1.60 per diluted share, compared to $7.9 million or $0.58 per diluted share for last year's comparable quarter. EBITDA, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, for the quarter ended April 30, 2025, increased to $30.3 million, compared to $11.9 million for the same period last year. EBITDA as a percent of revenue increased to 15.6% for the first quarter of this fiscal year compared to 7.5% for the first quarter of last fiscal year. With that, I'll turn the call back to David. David Watson: Thanks, Josh. We further strengthened our balance sheet during the first quarter. At April 30, 2025, we had approximately $546 million in cash, cash equivalents, and investments generating meaningful investment yields. Our net liquidity was $315 million, and we had no debt. Stockholder's equity was $364 million at April 30, 2025. This liquidity bridge demonstrates that our business model ordinarily requires a low level of capital expenditures. Our net liquidity of $315 million at April 30, 2025, has increased $14 million compared with net liquidity at January 31, 2025. During the first quarter, we returned $18 million of capital to our shareholders. We have a disciplined capital allocation strategy, which focuses on our core commitments. First, we invest in our people to ensure we are appropriately prepared to staff and execute our projects. Second, the company pays a quarterly dividend, which we increased to $0.375 per common share in September 2024, creating an annual dividend run rate of $1.50 per share. Of note, that increase came just a year after we raised our dividend to $0.30 per share in September of 2023. Together, these two increases represent an aggregate 50% increase in our annual dividend run rate in less than two years, reflecting the strength of our business. Third, since November of 2021, when we began our share buyback program, we have returned a total of approximately $109.4 million to shareholders. Additionally, in April, our board increased the authorization of the share repurchase program to $150 million. Finally, we will continue to evaluate and consider M&A opportunities that could be additive or complementary to our current capabilities or enhance our geographic footprint. Our company is dedicated to driving long-term value creation for shareholders. Our pipeline is stronger than it has ever been, and since 2008, we have increased our tangible book value and cumulative dividends per share to record levels. Our industry has seen heightened urgency to meet power consumption increases that haven't been experienced in decades. This increased power demand, coinciding with aging power resources and a decade-long underinvestment in energy infrastructure is driving an immediate need for facilities that can provide reliable, 24/7 power. Argan is one of only a few companies with the capabilities to construct both the complex combined and simple cycle natural gas plants as well as renewable energy resources that are necessary to reliably and affordably power the electric economy. We believe we are well-positioned with the capabilities, financial flexibility, industry relationships, and long-standing customer base to strengthen our leadership role as a partner of choice for the build-out of energy infrastructure. To close, we remain focused on our long-term growth strategy. Leverage our core competencies to capitalize on existing and emerging market opportunities. Maintain disciplined risk management, the goal of improving our project management effectiveness, and minimizing costly project overruns. Strengthen our position as a partner of choice for the construction of power generation facilities that power the electric economy and maintain grid reliability. And last but not least, drive organic growth while also being alert for acquisition opportunities that make sense for business through thoughtful capital allocation. Fiscal 2026 is off to a strong start, and we are energized to execute on our record backlog and to win more opportunities from our robust project pipeline. As you know, combined cycle projects typically take three to four years to complete, and we are in the early days of the current power facility build-out. With our visibility of the pipeline of projects coming to market, we remain very optimistic about our continued growth through this decade and beyond as we remain fully engaged to build the energy infrastructure needed to reliably supply electrification of everything. As always, I'd like to thank our employees for their dedication to operational excellence and to thank our shareholders for their continued support. With that operator, let's open it up for questions. Operator: At this time, we will be conducting a question-and-answer session. Our first question comes from Rob Brown with Lake Street Capital. Please proceed. Rob Brown: Good afternoon. Congratulations on a good quarter. Thank you. First question on the pipeline, visibility at this point. You had the Sand O'Lakes project awarded. What does the pipeline look like for the rest of the year, and could you give some color on the size and potential there? David Watson: Sure, Rob. The pipeline remains strong, and we're very bullish on being able to continue to add to the backlog. Currently, as you can see from our record backlog of $1.9 billion at April 30, we added several jobs during the quarter, including the Sand O'Lakes job you just mentioned. But in the short to medium term, we expect to add several power industrial jobs over the course of the next six months, which should put us significantly over $2 billion in backlog later this year. But as you know, it's important to reemphasize that we often don't control the start times in new projects, so it's tough for us to give an exact estimate. But in the long term, we believe demand will remain strong for the next decade and beyond, and this is underscored by the fact that the OEMs are starting to fill 2030 gas turbine spots as they are primarily sold out of earlier years. Rob Brown: Okay. Great. And I think you just said the backlog could get significantly over $2 billion. What sort of potential does that backlog have given your capacity and given what you see in the project pipeline? Is there a percent of how much backlog you can get through? David Watson: Well, I mean, that's the guidance, right? It's significantly over $2 billion. As you know, we have project capacity in that ten-plus range between renewable and gas jobs. And so we've just started several new jobs. Right? We just started the 700-megawatt power plant that we announced in December. We just started Tarbert in Sand O'Lakes, and we're continuing to work on the Trumbull job, and we expect to add several more to the mix. So that should absolutely result in a backlog that gets us significantly above $2 billion. Rob Brown: Okay. Got it. Great. Thanks. And then on the industrial business, I think this quarter was sort of bottoming. What's the outlook there? How does the pipeline look, and what's the trend on revenue in that segment? David Watson: Absolutely. You're right. As we previously discussed, we expected a slight contraction in this past quarter, which there was, but we're still seeing strong interest in TRS with increased onshoring of US manufacturing being a major contributor. TR's backlog increased to $91 million, and our confidence in this segment is really strong. Based on current visibility, Rob, we expect revenues to increase meaningfully over the next several quarters. Rob Brown: Great. Thank you. I'll turn it over. Once again, if you have a question or a comment, the next question comes from Chris Moore with CJS Securities. Please proceed. Chris Moore: Hey. Good afternoon. Thanks for taking a couple. Maybe we could start with gross margins. They've been above expectations the last two quarters. Nineteen percent in Q1. Can you quantify or even estimate the amount of, you know, kind of excess margin in there from projects like Trumbull? David Watson: You know, it's another Chris, so great to hear from you. It's another great solid gross profit quarter. And as you mentioned, the second one in a row, they basically reflect continued strong execution across the business as well as the continued changing mix of projects and contract types. I think, you know, as we're in a competitive but good market right now, and we expect to exceed last year's margin profile as we move through the year. So it's expected to be pretty strong. Chris Moore: Alright. Fair enough. Maybe a follow-up on one of Rob's questions. So I think from a backlog perspective, you know, given there is a finite ability in terms of, you know, how many jobs you can do. Is there, you know, an optimal backlog level if most of it is natural gas? David Watson: As you know, our backlog bounces around some given that, you know, overnight, we could add a $600 million, $700 million, $500 million contract. Right? And, of course, as we continue to execute on these jobs, revenue gets burned off and backlog gets burned off. So, you know, over the course of the year, though it could bounce around some. And we're really excited about the market we're in right now. The opportunities that we're seeing, not just for the near and midterm, but frankly for the long term and multiple years out. Chris Moore: Got it. In terms of just, you know, kind of what gets going first, even though Sandia was booked later, is that likely to escalate a little bit quicker in fiscal 2026? David Watson: All of our gas jobs are over a three to four-year period, and as the cadence of the job, it takes time for revenues to ramp up. I mean, we obviously want to achieve successful jobs for our customers, and we will push to get as much done as soon as we can on each and every project. But the revenue cadence of a lot of these new jobs and expected additional jobs would do take time to ramp up. And we do expect, you know, revenues to increase overall revenues to increase from Q1 over the course of the year. Chris Moore: Got it. And maybe my last question to follow-up on that. So, I mean, historically, the time frame was two and a half to three years. Now we talk more like three to four years. Is that a permanent change? You know, is that regulatory? Is that supply chain driven? Or is it fair to assume that, you know, it's not going back? It's gonna stay in that range. David Watson: I'd like to say it's a little bit of all the above, but I think it's primarily supply chain driven. At the end of the day, you know, if that gets straightened out, there is obviously, there will be a goal of speed to market for our customers, and so we clearly want to be able to build these things quicker and timely. And that's what we continue to do. But it is currently a three to four-year timeline typically, though smaller jobs could be shorter. Chris Moore: Fair enough. Appreciate it. I will leave it there. David Watson: Thanks, Chris. Operator: We've reached the end of the question and answer session, and I will now turn the call over to David Watson for closing remarks. David Watson: Thank you all for participating in today's call. And as a reminder, please don't forget to vote your shares for our upcoming annual meeting of stockholders on June 17th, and I look forward to seeing some folks there. As always, we look forward to speaking with you again when we report our second quarter fiscal 2026 results. Have a great evening, everyone. Operator: This concludes today's conference, and you may disconnect your lines at this time. Thank you for your participation. Where to invest $1,000 right now When our analyst team has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, Stock Advisors total average return is 994%* a market-crushing outperformance compared to 172% for the S&P 500. They just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy right now, available when you join Stock Advisor. See the stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of June 2, 2025 This article is a transcript of this conference call produced for The Motley Fool. While we strive for our Foolish Best, there may be errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in this transcript. Parts of this article were created using Large Language Models (LLMs) based on The Motley Fool's insights and investing approach. It has been reviewed by our AI quality control systems. Since LLMs cannot (currently) own stocks, it has no positions in any of the stocks mentioned. As with all our articles, The Motley Fool does not assume any responsibility for your use of this content, and we strongly encourage you to do your own research, including listening to the call yourself and reading the company's SEC filings. Please see our Terms and Conditions for additional details, including our Obligatory Capitalized Disclaimers of Liability. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. After being called "Pinellas County John Doe 1993 for the past 31 years, a man whose body was found floating near a bridge in Florida has been identified, police said. The Clearwater Police Department announced on Monday, June 2, that the deceased man who was discovered near the Clearwater Pass bridge on Nov. 29, 1993, is Edman Eric Gleed, who was 84 at the time of his death and reported missing by his son in Fairfax County, Virginia. When Gleed's body was initially found near the east side of the bridge leading to Sand Key, a neatly folded pile of clothing was discovered on the shoreline near a lifeguard stand on Clearwater Beach, police said, adding that an ID was not found on the clothing or with the body. At the time, an autopsy of Gleed's body was inconclusive; thus, the manner and cause of death weren't determined, but foul play was not suspected, police said. The medical examiner's office did find that the victim was a white male between the ages of 60 and 80, 5 feet, 4 inches tall and weighed 118 pounds, with short gray hair and blue eyes, according to the department. Pictured is Edman Eric Gleed. How was Edman Gleed identified? To identify the remains, more than three decades later, Clearwater police detectives worked with the medical examiner's office and Moxxy Forensic Investigations, a nonprofit that provides investigative genetic genealogy services to law enforcement. Additional samples of Gleed's DNA were submitted for testing in concert with investigative genetic genealogy, police said. Kaycee Connelly, the Moxxy team lead for the case, said they found DNA matches that were "either living in or recent immigrants from England, which was quite unexpected for a person found in Pinellas County, Florida." Our team of volunteer genealogists uncovered numerous ancestors from various parts of England, stretching back to the mid-1700s, to connect the DNA matches with one another," Connelly said. "Because of recent immigration and the estimated age range of the man at the time of his death, we were looking for very distant connections. The Moxxy team did eventually find a possible identity for the man, but to confirm, they found his next of kin, who happened to be his son, and collected a buccal swab, police said. The swab was compared to the profile of the unidentified man, which determined the two had a parent-child relationship, according to the department. 'We are happy that we are able to provide the family some answers' Once the relationship was established, police officially identified the body as belonging to Gleed. Police spoke with the man's son, who is 94 and lives in North Carolina, on Monday, June 2. We are happy that we are able to provide the family some answers and some closure as to what happened with their loved one, Michael Walek, deputy chief for Clearwater police, said in a statement. Ed Adams, the Moxxy team assistant for the case, said this situation has "been close to the hearts of everyone on the team." "We are all honored to have played a part in returning Edman Gleed to his family," Adams added. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Edman Gleed identified as missing man found in Florida in 1993 People lay flowers Monday a day after the attack outside the Boulder County Courthouse. (Chet Strange / Getty Images) The suspect in the Boulder firebombing will appear in a Colorado court Thursday, as an attorney for his wife is calling for the family's release from Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention. Mohamed Sabry Soliman, a 45-year-old Egyptian national who entered the country legally in 2022, has a hearing in Boulder County court at 3:30 p.m. local time (5:30 p.m. ET) in connection with the antisemitic attack Sunday at the Pearl Street pedestrian mall. Soliman is accused of using a "makeshift flamethrower" and Molotov cocktails on a group of people peacefully calling for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza. Boulder attack suspect Mohamed Sabry Soliman. (Obtained by NBC News) The attack injured at least 15 people, ranging in age from 25 to 88, and one dog, prosecutors said in an update Wednesday. Soliman faces state charges of attempted first-degree murder after deliberation, attempted first-degree murder with extreme indifference, first-degree assault, including against an at-risk victim older than 70, and possession of an incendiary device. Separately, Soliman was charged Monday with a federal hate crime. The White House on Tuesday announced that Soliman's wife and five children had been taken into ICE custody "for expedited removal." Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem wrote on X that the department was investigating "to what extent" Solimans family knew about the attack or supported it. A federal judge Wednesday issued an order preventing the deportation of the wife and children. They have not been charged in connection with the attack. Soliman entered the country on a B2 visa, typically issued to tourists, in August 2022. The following month, he filed for asylum with his family as dependents, according to the Department of Homeland Security and court documents. While his visa expired in February 2023, Soliman had not yet exhausted all legal options to stay in the U.S. An attorney for Solimans wife, Hayam El Gamal, told NBC News that she and her children are at the Dilley family detention center in Texas. "There is no precedent in the history of the United States for the type of collective family-based punishment that the Trump administration is doling out on this family," the attorney, Eric Lee, said. Its extremely dangerous, and its something that should concern every single person thats watching, he added. "You can imagine the shock that they were in when they learned the charges that were being brought against their father or husband, and then suddenly to find themselves being whisked away in the dark of night, out of their home state of Colorado to a new place in a detention center, huddled together without really any idea about whether they were going to be sent to a country from which they had applied for the right to asylum," Lee continued. Lee said two of the five children are 4 years old, and the others are 8, 15 and 17. He said the government had mistakenly said that the oldest child is 18. He said hes sought habeas relief to protect the family from being removed, but hasnt had the opportunity to speak to them in depth, as calls were cut off twice after a few minutes on Wednesday. "One could only imagine what this family is going through," he said. "Theyve done absolutely nothing wrong." Collage by Olivia Alchek "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." If you werent staring closely at Vaqueras latest runway show in Paris, you could have glanced at look 34 and seen a model wearing a giant white silk sash trailing down over tailored gray trousers. But if you fixed your eyes more closely, you noticed that the sash had giant cups, adjustable straps, and a hook-and-eye closure. A poofy-hipped skirt in the finale look, upon further inspection, was actually the padded cups of a giant brassiere. A week later, bras were on display again, this time with pointed precision, as Miuccia Prada revived the 1950s bullet-bra silhouette on the Miu Miu runway. They were styled under tight little sweaters and worn by models who looked like they were playing dress-up as retro secretaries whose sharp wit (and pointy chests) could cut glass. Backstage, Mrs. Prada asked, Do we need femininity in this moment to lift us up? It was a classic, cryptic Prada-ism: part tongue-in-cheek (you know, with the bras and the lifting), part oracular. The question lingered. Dave Hogan What to make of a Paris Fashion Week bookended by bras? The cups runnethed over elsewhere too. In London, Simone Rocha showed fuzzy fur bras that added an animalistic flair to leather jackets and voluminous skirts. Sarah Burton, in her debut collection for Givenchy, sent models down the runway in a series of mesh bodysuits and dresses that revealed bras and briefs beneath. And this was after Duran Lantink showed a bright-red pouffed-up bra in September for Spring 2025 that looked like Minnie Mouse ears. Chanel sent out skirt suits with bras exposed. We are living through a cultural re-embrace of traditional femininity. Trad wives garner viral views on TikTok for clips of themselves churning butter with one arm and balancing a baby in the other, all while perfectly done up and wearing a prairie dress. The current administration is pushing for a baby boom. (As this story went to press, it was reported that the White House had been discussing the idea of offering women a $5,000 baby bonus post-birth, never mind the absence of universal paid leave or child care.) Washington is flooded with big hair, bold makeup, and a kind of Fox-News-anchor-esque buxomness. Recall, for example, Jeff Bezoss fiancee Lauren Sanchezs inauguration outfit, which consisted of a sculptural white suit worn with nothing beneath the jacket but a lacy white push-up bra, the single button at the bodice holding on for dear life. Rose Hartman The current rollout of bras on the runway can be viewed as commentary on all of it: not simply an on-the-nose rejection of that restrictive and cartoonish brand of femininity but a playful, self-aware subversion of it. Valerie Steele, director and chief curator of the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, found the Miu Miu bullet bras particularly amusing and smart. Theyre the phallic woman marker, Steele notes. On the one hand, theyre feminine, but theyre also really phallic: They stick straight out, and theyre very aggressive. For Patric DiCaprio, codesigner of Vaquera, the message was about creating garments that emphasize their utility as a symbol and not just a means of support. We love to make garments that allow people whose bodies wouldnt need the support of a bra to be able to wear one. His codesigner, Bryn Taubensee, adds, Our intention was to make the wearer feel elegant and powerful. Wearers can and should be anyone, no matter how they identify or what they look like. Getty Images Bras have long been totems of reductive female archetypes, like the bombshell or the prim housewife. In the 1950s, bullet bras (before Mrs. Prada got her hands on them) helped create the dominant female silhouette. (Picture Marilyn Monroe or Jayne Mansfield.) They had a shape designed to appeal to the male gaze. So when women rose up to reject that gaze (and the stifling patriarchy that surrounded it) during the womens liberation movement, burning bras became an enduring symbol of the era. (Rumored to have happened at a protest outside the Miss America pageant in 1968, bra burning may have been a myth. Nevertheless, the phrase stuck.) Punk designers and their pop-star fans turned bras into conversation starters. Vivienne Westwood showed padded, pointed bras worn over soft knit tops and dresses in her groundbreaking 1982 Buffalo Girls show, two years before Jean Paul Gaultier debuted his exaggerated cone bra. Madonna wore a version of that Gaultier bra to open her 1990 Blonde Ambition Tour in Japan, and the world went wild. Then the Angels came down to earth, abandoning all of that punk spirit and rebelliousness. Victorias Secret and Wonderbra ushered in an unironic embrace of sexiness. The lingerie market became a big boob bonanza. There were pushup bras, gel-padded bras, sculpting brasany kind of bra that could help you achieve voluptuousness for the sake of appealing to the male gaze. Today, the bra is evolving into weird and wonderful territory. As weve seen during the last two fashion seasons, as well as on the streets and red carpets, its become something even more captivating than ever before. The ubiquity of athleisure and pandemic-inspired loungewear made underwear sad and beige. Now, the bra can be less an item of necessity or a means to attract; it can be a way to play, to challenge. The fashion fantasy is usurping the sex fantasy. Wearing a bra in this moment doesnt have to be about the trad wifery of it all but rather making a statement for yourself, whether its meant to be tongue-in-cheek or not. This is like a parody of a bra, says Steele while looking at Vaqueras Fall 2025 show. She recalls Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butkers infamous comment to Fox Newss Laura Ingraham last year, when he noted how beautiful it is for women to maybe just step aside and focus on homemaking. Steele says, Its like, this bra is so big, if you had breasts this big, youd scare the shit out of these men. These runway looks are all demanding, she continues. They demand to be looked at, and theres nothing coy about them. Daniel Arnold Off the runways, one of the most genius bra wearers of late has been the musician Doechii. She has, on several occasions, styled underwear as outerwear, most notably during her Grammys performance in February. (She won Best Rap Album for Alligator Bites Never Heal.) Onstage, she wore nothing but a white bra and underwear set and preppy loafers designed by Thom Browne. It wasnt overtly sexualized, says her stylist Sam Woolf. Its about confidence. He adds, Something we think about a lot is exposing things that are not meant to be exposed, things that youre meant to hide. Its about the way you carry yourself, and in that way, its not about a sexualized body. Its about art. There is a difference between revealing for the sake of grabbing other peoples attention and revealing or emphasizing parts of the body because the outfit we love calls for it. On one hand, theres Sanchez giving everyone a peek at her bra during one of the nations most sacred ceremonies, in a space that calls for decorum. On the other, you have queer women like Doechii and Kristen Stewart wearing underwear as outerwear as a means of creative self-expression on the red carpet. Soon, well likely see Miu Miu fan girls wearing those kooky bullet bras, not because they want to look hot but simply because they find them cool and compelling and therefore covetable. Getty Images Its been more than 30 years since Wonderbra plastered billboards and magazines with Eva Herzigova in a black lace push-up bra, accompanied by the words Hello Boys. In 1994, it sexed up the zeitgeist with an unrealistic image of perfection. That image may never fade; after all, it was just another version of the pinup/housewife from the 50s. But we can push against it rather than pushing up. Wearing a bra doesnt have to elicit, as Steele puts it, that feeling like I have to wear a bra. It should be I want to wear a bra, but its not because of accommodating any conservative sensibilities. Right now, she says, were wearing our bodies as well as wearing our clothes. Its not about correcting anything, its about saying, Here I am. Bras can be political or they can be silly. They can be beautiful and hot or serious. No bra is boring if you see its potential. No bra is boring if you find new ways to wear it, just for yourself and no one else. Bras can uplift or make a point. Forget Hello Boys and try looking anew at your underwear drawer a la Carrie Bradshaw: Hello, lover. This article appears in the Summer issue of Harpers Bazaar. Opening image clockwise from left: Chanel, Spring 2025, Duran Lantink, Spring 2025, Vaquera, Fall 2025, Miu Miu, Fall 2025, Prada, Spring 2025, Simone Rocha, Fall 2025, Givenchy, Fall 2025, Valentino, Fall 2025, Vaquera, Spring 2025. You Might Also Like President Donald Trump announced a new travel ban on Wednesday evening that will bar most visitors from 12 countries and restrict those from seven others. The ban, which goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. ET on June 9, prohibits travel into the United States for foreign nationals from Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. It also includes travel suspensions for Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela nationals. How could the ban affect travelers who already have tickets Even for travelers who already have tickets and documents to enter the United States, the ban is likely to cause issues. Theyre not getting in on Monday unless they qualify for one of the very rare exceptions, which include diplomats, people aligned with NATO, athletes and those with extenuating family circumstances, Michael Wildes, managing partner of Wildes and Weinberg, PC, a law firm that focuses on immigration, told USA TODAY. They may have a hard time getting in even before Monday. Wildes said he's advising clients from the affected countries not to travel to the United States until further notice. I caution them not to travel and then be turned around because that would terminate their visas effectively," he said. "They will develop an immediate adverse history once theyre denied admission," which would also make future visa applications and visits much more complicated. Wildes added that he expects the ban will eventually end up in court, but that process could take weeks or months to play out. He suggested that travelers covered by the ban not try to enter the United States in the meantime. Economic impact of Trump's travel ban Experts are warning that the ban could also have a significant economic impact as well. President Trumps decision to reimpose and expand the blanket and discriminatory nationality-based travel bans of his first term will have massive costs for all Americans," Jeremy Robbins, executive director of the American Immigration Council, said in a statement. "These travel bans do nothing to make us safer or more prosperous: they harm our economy and indiscriminately punish immigrants who otherwise qualify to come to the United States legally." The organization's statement noted that more than 115,000 green cards were issued to people from Cuba, Venezuela and Haiti alone in 2023. Experts advise travelers from countries covered by the latest travel ban not to come to the U.S. Alex Nowrasteh, vice president for economic and social policy studies at the Cato Institute, said in a write-up that the travel ban is unlikely to have a significant impact on national security. "The government should pursue a rational and evidence-based approach when evaluating the threat posed by foreign nationals. Otherwise, the government is wasting resources and impeding peaceful and voluntary exchange for no purpose," Nowrasteh wrote. "The threat of foreign-born terrorism and crime is manageable and small, especially from the countries facing new bans and restrictions by the administration. Wildes likewise warned that the ban could have negative economic consequences and affect families whose loved ones are covered by the policy. "It will have a serious emotional and economic effect on our nation," he said. Which nationals are barred from entering the US? The full travel ban applies to nationals of the following 12 countries: Afghanistan Burma (Myanmar) Chad Republic of the Congo (capital: Brazzaville) Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Haiti Iran Libya Somalia Sudan Yemen Additionally, partial restrictions are imposed on nationals from: Burundi Cuba Laos Sierra Leone Togo Turkmenistan Venezuela Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and writes the Cruising Altitude column for USA TODAY. He is based in New York and you can reach him at zwichter@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What travelers to the US should know Trump's new entry restrictions Tesla CEO Elon Musk has launched a barrage of online attacks against President Donald Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill." Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images Elon Musk recently pledged that he'd spend more time at Tesla as he steps back from politics. It appears the Tesla CEO can't stay away. Musk has been posting away on his platform, railing against President Donald Trump's spending bill. When Elon Musk said he'd step back from the White House DOGE office and spend more time on his companies, namely Tesla, investors and fans collectively rejoiced at the thought of getting their chief executive back. Dan Ives, a Tesla bull, said the move was "music to the ears of Tesla shareholders," while some of the company's biggest fans on X, such as Tesla Owners Silicon Valley, said Musk was activating "wartime" mode. But with Musk's latest crusade against President Donald Trump's spending bill, the CEO is still getting political. On Tuesday afternoon, a mere five days after fanfare in the Oval Office to mark his departure from government, Musk posted on X that he "can't stand it anymore." "This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination," he wrote on X. Since then, Musk has been posting, reposting, and replying to things on his social media platform against the "Big Beautiful Bill," which, according to the Congressional Budget Office, would add $2.4 trillion to the deficit over the next decade, and perhaps further motivating Musk's ire contains cuts to EV tax credits. Musk was posting early in the morning, eastern time, airing his frustrations against the bill (though it's unclear what time zone Musk was posting from). "This immense level of overspending will drive America into debt slavery!" he said. On Wednesday afternoon, Musk urged his more than 220.2 million X followers to call their senators and congressmen and demand that they "KILL the BILL." Several senators who were at the White House on Wednesday to discuss the bill, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, were asked by reporters about Musk's objections. "We're a long ways down the track," Thune said, according to pool reporters, adding: "We are moving forward." Musk and spokespeople for Tesla didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. Musk's money and media blitz It was just less than two weeks ago when Musk said on X that he'd be winding down his work with the White House DOGE office. The announcement was followed by a media blitz that week, during which he admitted that he probably spent too much time on politics. Tesla investors and Wall Street liked what they heard. On May 28, Tesla shares were up 7%, marking a 64% rally since its April slump, when the stock was trading at an all-time low for the year at $227.50. Tesla was trading at $332.05 before Wednesday's closing. His latest assault on the bill, however, brings into question how long his hiatus in politics will really last or if it will come at all. His Wednesday call-to-action to his millions of followers was just one of the warning shots to lawmakers. The day before, Musk said on X: "In November next year, we fire all politicians who betrayed the American people." During Trump's 2024 reelection campaign, Musk made clear how much he'd put on the line to push for the causes he supports. By the end of 2024, Musk had spent more than a quarter of a billion dollars backing the president's campaign. The CEO said in an interview at the Qatar Economic Forum on May 20 that he was done spending on politics, at least for now. "If I see a reason to do political spending in the future, I will do it," he said. "I do not currently see a reason." Outside his massive spending, Musk in December leveraged his influence on his own platform to derail a stopgap measure that would have averted a government shutdown that same month. "Ever seen a bigger piece of pork?" Musk said in an X post at the time. House Speaker Mike Johnson said in a Wednesday press conference that all remained "friendly" between him and the CEO. The speaker said he hoped to have more conversations with Musk. "I called Elon last night and he didn't answer," Johnson said. "But I hope to talk to him today." Spokespeople for Johnson's office didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. Read the original article on Business Insider Jason Howard/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images Andy Cohen is here to reassure fans that The Real Housewives of New Jersey is moving forward as it prepares for a 15th season. Cohen, 57, appeared on the Tuesday, June 3, episode of The View where he addressed the future of the show amid the ongoing strife between cast members Teresa Giudice and Melissa Gorga. It was really on a deep pause and we are actively there casting and looking at the future of what that will be, Cohen said, adding, Its a great franchise, and we love it. I just have to reiterate that. With Teresa, 53, and Melissa, 46, refusing to shoot together, the future of RHONJ was left in doubt. Season 14 did not have a traditional reunion for the first time in the series history as the cast watched and commented on the finale in separate rooms and Cohen himself said it felt like a series finale. Andy Cohen Agrees There Should Be a Major RHONJ Shakeup: Were Gonna Figure Something Out RHONJ was also conspicuously left out of Bravos renewal announcements in May. Teresa told Us Weekly exclusively in March that it was relaxing to take a break from the show. Her castmate, Dolores Catania, took a different viewpoint. At least [when youre filming] youre running on the adrenaline of what you have to do and whats expected of you, Dolores, 54, told Us. And then all of a sudden its like, Wait, its been a while now since Ive done that. And then its, like, you go through a little thing almost like a breakup. Eugene Golgursky / Bravo / Courtesy Everett Collection Cohen also shed some light on the future of The Real Housewives of New York City, confirming that season 16 will welcome some new faces. We are between seasons, where we typically do a little casting, which is what's happening now, and we're very close, he said. Everything We Know About Dolores Catania Possibly Joining The Real Housewives of Rhode Island While fans wait for RHONJ and RHONY to return, fans might see Dolores, 54, pop up on the Housewives franchises newest edition, Real Housewives of Rhode Island. Dolores may be appearing on The Real Housewives of Rhode Island, but not necessarily in a friend or full-time capacity, an insider told Us in May. She has authentic roots there, and the idea is she would set a tone but not as an official cast member. Cohen also hyped up the RHORI, telling viewers that the cast is hilarious. I don't think a lot of people realize what a very Italian community in Rhode Island, he said. And you know what? You don't mess with folks from Rhode-y. We have found a very Italian group. Theyre hilarious, and they've got big families, and so I'm really excited to introduce everybody, he added. Elon Musk at a Cabinet meeting at the White House on March 24. (Jabin Botsford / The Washington Post via Getty Images file) President Donald Trump has escalated his sudden rupture with Elon Musk by implying the government could sever ties with the tech titan's businesses. "The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elons Governmental Subsidies and Contracts. I was always surprised that Biden didnt do it," Trump wrote Thursday on Truth Social. Various estimates have been put forward about just how much Musks firms, primarily SpaceX and Tesla, benefit from U.S. government contracts and subsidies. The Washington Post has put the figure at $38 billion, with SpaceX President and COO Gwynne Shotwell estimating that company alone benefits from $22 billion in federal spending. Reuters has reported that the true figure is classified because of the nature of many of the contracts Musks firms are under. NASA relies on SpaceX to ferry astronauts to and from the International Space Station. The agencys only other option at the moment is to pay around $90 million for a seat aboard Russias Soyuz capsule. Last year, SpaceX was selected to develop a vehicle capable of safely de-orbiting the International Space Station in 2030, when NASA and its partner space agencies agreed to end operation of the orbiting laboratory. SpaceX is also expected to play a major role in NASAs efforts to return astronauts to the moon and eventually travel beyond to Mars. Later Thursday afternoon, Musk posted that he would begin "decommissioning" SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft, which regularly flies astronauts and cargo to the ISS, in response to Trump's threat. NASA spokesperson Bethany Stevens said the agency "will continue to execute upon the Presidents vision for the future of space." "We will continue to work with our industry partners to ensure the Presidents objectives in space are met," she said in a statement on X. Tesla, meanwhile, has benefited from approximately $11.4 billion in total regulatory credits aimed at boosting electric-vehicle purchases, though that figure also includes state-level subsidies. Musk has claimed he no longer needs the credit, which he says now primarily benefits rivals. Following Trump's threat, shares in Tesla, which had already fallen 8% on Thursday as the tit-for-tat escalated on social media, declined as much as 15% following Trumps post. SpaceX is privately held and its shares do not trade on the open market. Trump's warning came as part of a stunning exchange with Musk who spent more than $250 million to help him get elected that erupted into public view. Earlier in the day, president told reporters in the Oval Office that he was disappointed in Musk's criticism of the Republican policy bill that is making its way through Congress. Musk has blasted the bill, calling it a "disgusting abomination," amid concerns it would worsen the U.S. fiscal deficit. Musk, who officially left his White House role last week to spend more time on his companies, spent much of Thursday launching into a tirade on X, his social media platform, where he posted a variety of critiques of Trump, the bill and other Republican politicians. A make-good on Trumps threat would come at a sensitive time for Tesla, which has seen global sales plunge partly in response to Musks very involvement with the Trump campaign. Year to date, its shares are down some 25%. Trumps warning also raises the specter that Trump could resurface pending government investigations into Musks firms. According to a report in April from Democratic staff of the Senate Homeland Security Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, Musks firms were facing $2.37 billion in potential federal liabilities when Trump took office in January. Since then, many of those actions have been paused or outright dismissed alongside the rise of the previously Musk-helmed Department of Government Efficiency, which gutted many of the agencies looking into Musks businesses. U.S. President Donald Trump, right, and Xi Jinping, China's president, greet attendees waving American and Chinese national flags during a welcome ceremony outside the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017. (Qilai Shen / BloombergGetty Images) The Trump administration plans to reject U.S. ethane exports to China that are heavily relied upon for plastics manufacturing in an apparent escalation of the temporary trade war truce between the worlds biggest superpowers. The move may come in response to China placing restrictions on the exports of certain rare earth metals to the U.S. that are required for the tech and auto industries as the two countries continue to accuse each other of violating the trade truce. U.S. ethane export leader Enterprise Products Partners (ranked 78 in the Fortune 500) said June 4 it was notified by the U.S. Commerce Department of the intent to deny 2.2 million barrels worth of planned ethane export cargoes from Texas to China. Enterprise said it has 20 days to respond. The potential denial comes after the Commerce Department told U.S. companies in late May it would immediately require them to receive special federal licenses to export ethane and butane to China because of the unacceptable risk the natural gas liquids could be utilized for a military end use. China is by far the largest importer of American ethanethe most common building block for petrochemicals and plastics worldwide. The U.S. is the only major exporter of ethane, making China entirely dependent on Americas exports. Roughly half of all U.S. ethane exports go to China, and the cargoes are not easily redirected to other nations. The [Commerce] decision has the potential to ruin the U.S. ethane market and disrupt global flows, said Kristen Holmquist, managing director of analytics for RBN Energy, in an analyst note. But the impacts on China would prove greater, said Julian Renton, of East Daley Analytics, in a separate note. If the restriction holds, Chinas planned petrochemical expansions could become obsolete on arrival, Renton stated. Projects under construction may stall. Existing plants could face critical feedstock shortfalls. China bet billions on U.S. ethaneand that bet just got rerated overnight. Houston-based Enterprise said in a May 29 filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that its unsure if it could obtain a special license in a timely manneror at alland that its ethane and butane business operations were at risk. The three cargoes Enterprise said were rejected on June 4 were sought under emergency authorization requests through the Trump administration. Enterprise declined further comment June 4. The Commerce Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment, nor did other key ethane and butane exporters, such as Energy Transfer and Phillips 66. Energy Transfer did say in a June 4 SEC filing that it intends to apply for a special license and seek emergency authorization to continue exporting ethane to customers, including in China. The requirements for the new [Commerce] licenses to export ethane and butane from the U.S. to China are unclear at this point; however, at least from the start, they are likely to throw the export markets into a bit of chaos, Holmquist added. If licenses are not issued or are slow to come about, this new rule could have a lasting effect on the industry. Ripple effects When China implemented 125% retaliatory tariffs against the U.S. in April, ethane exports were immediately placed at risk. But China allowed a tariff exemption for ethanedemonstrating the importance of the product to Chinas petrochemical sectoreven before the truce lowered tariffs to 10% for now. The butane restrictions are much less impactful because only a small portion of U.S. butane is sent to China and those flows can be much more easily sent elsewhere if necessary. What is not clear is why propane also is not included in the U.S. export restrictions. China also is heavily dependent on propane imports from the U.S. that are also used for petrochemical manufacturing. The U.S. exports about 250,000 barrels of ethane to China daily, as well as 360,000 barrels of propane, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Ethane, butane, and propane are the three primary natural gas liquids (NGLs) produced as a byproduct along with oil or natural gas. U.S. NGL volumes more than doubled in a decade to over 7 million barrels a day. according to the EIA. That spike triggered a U.S. petrochemical plant construction boom, as well as burgeoning export markets because domestic supplies now far exceed demand. The U.S. cant just reduce NGL production because doing so would dramatically reduce crude oil and gas outputs. The catch for U.S. ethane producers is, while the ethane cannot be easily rerouted to other countries, it can essentially disappear within the U.S., largely eliminating much of the ethane export industry temporarily. Thats because of a phenomenon called ethane rejection. When ethane prices crater, the volumes can simply be rejected by keeping the ethane flowing in the natural gas production stream, meaning the ethane would contribute to domestic natural gas consumption for power generation and other uses. But ethane rejection still cuts into profits for ethane transportation, storage and exports. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com At 78 years old, Coca-Colas ex-CEO Douglas Ivester is planning his 11th safari. Its a tradition he started in the first 12 months on stepping down from the top job at the $309 billion beverage giant. What do you do after stepping down from Coca-Colas helm? For the former CEO, its taking month-long excursions around Africa. When Douglas Ivester stepped down as the $309 billion beverage giants CEO and chair at the turn of the century, he knew the continent of gold savannah, vast deserts and tropical rainforests was the first place he wanted to visit with his newfound free time. My first trips to Africa were to work because we had businesses in South Africa and East Africa particularly, Ivester recalls in an interview with Fortune. When I retired, I wanted to take my wife, so we put together the first trip to Africa, which included Kenya and Tanzania. We spent a day visiting medical facilities, including an AIDS clinic. We spent some time in schools, and we spent time with local artists, talking to them about their artistic ability and product and things like that, in addition to all the other things that people would go seethe animals and the landscape, all the things like that. Its been over 25 years since, and Douglas Ivester has made a tradition of taking yearly month-long vacations all over the worldand has found himself back in Africa many times along the way. Weve maintained what traditionally people call a bucket list of things to do I wanted to climb in Rwanda to visit the mountain gorillas. So we took a trip that included that in the middle of the trip, Ivester adds. I wanted to do Asia and wander around in Asia and see what I can learn there. So I did that. In 2017, he says he spent 30 days discovering Southeast Asia. The pandemic, of course, put his annual vacation to an abrupt halt. But now, at 78, hes planning his 11th Rewild safari with Botswana and Kenya on the cards for 2026. For the growing number of leaders taking a sabbatical, a Rewilding Safari offers the chance to participate in wildlife conservation efforts, like releasing Darwins rhea in Patagonia National Park and planting trees in Madagascar and Sumatra. Just dont think of it as a vacation, Ivester warns. The lowdown How much does it cost? Ivester estimates that an all-inclusive trip at a safari camp will set you back $50,000, including airfare. Whats so special about Africa? Ive been to Latin America, Ive been to Asia, but Africa is my favorite place to go to is Africa. Its so vast. It is so different. It is learning something new almost every minute of the trip. And I like that, Ivester says. We attempt to incorporate as many learning experiences as possible. As an example, we were in Cape Town in South Africa, and we took a day and went out to go swimming with the great white sharks and a superb experience. To take a balloon ride over the Great Migration is something you cant describe, you just have to experience it. To ride an elephant in South Africa at one of the camps down there, you cannot describe it, but Ive done it You have to be there and be there in the moment and be willing to take some risk. I wouldnt describe our trips as vacations. A vacation implies rest and relaxation. And I would say were more moving around and learning and experiencing life, and we have to rest when we get home. Do safaris have good WiFi? That is an ever-changing situation, the retired chief says. 20 years ago, the answer was no. You really didnt have phone service, and certainly no internet connection or anything like that. In more recent years, a lot of the hotels do have coverage, and the phone service is much, much better, but it improves on a yearly basis. Any word of warning for execs? My word of caution would be to plan every day and to research every day and make sure you go into it with an understanding of what you want to accomplish, Ivester recommends. A really good Safari trip will probably take a year to plan and a year to schedule. And if youve got it done that way, youll probably have a very successful trip, but you cant do things sort of spur of the moment. A 48-hour sample itinerary A two-day private safari excerpt designed by Rewild Safaris for Mr. & Mrs Ivester and friends in late June. Day 1 Location: Little Kwara Camp, Kwara Reserve, Okavango Delta, Botswana Background: The Kwara Reserve shares its southern boundary with the Moremi Game Reserve. It encompasses a wide variety of wildlife habitats, ranging from deep-water lagoons and thick papyrus beds to dry-county scrub and mopane forests. Nestled on the edge of the permanent waters of the Okavango, Little Kwara Camps five canvas tents are elevated into the tree canopy on wooden decks. Morning: Wake up to an early morning wake-up calla gentle voice saying Good Morning just outside the tent. Following breakfast, we venture out in the custom-designed Land Cruiser for our morning game drive. At this time of year, the water is high, so we frequently have to drive through water. The tracker scans for the footprints of the animals we seek. We venture into the bush, eventually finding the small lion pride whose prints he found. We watch the small lion cubs chase each other until one of them finds its mother and begins to nurse. The other two cubs join their siblings as their mother lies contentedly in the shade. Later, we venture further, scanning the trees for the most elusive big cat: the leopard. After a rewarding game drive, we return to camp for lunch. Afternoon: We venture into the Okavango Deltas waterways in a traditional canoe called the mokoro. Floating along the channels between the reeds, the guide uses a long pole to navigate the two-foot deep crystal-clear water. We enjoy the calm silence of gliding along as we watch various birds fly over us. Eventually, we reach an island, where we disembark and take a gentle walk among the trees. The safari guide points out the various trees and shrubs and explains how some are used in the traditional day-to-day life of the local inhabitants. As we approach the end of the island, we find a team from the camp waiting for us. We order our beverages, enjoy some snacks and toast the setting sun as it disappears over the western horizon. We return to Little Kwara by motorboat, arriving just before dark. We have time to shower before returning to the dining area, where dinner is served under the African sky. Day Two: The Selinda Reserve Background: While not as famous as its southern neighbor, the Okavango Delta, the Selinda Reserve is an incredible 521-square-mile wilderness. By this time of year, large numbers of migrating wildlife have joined the permanent residents who thrive on these open savannas. A variety of antelope species are found, along with giraffe, warthog, baboons, and vervet monkeys. Lion, cheetah, and spotted hyena are the primary large predators. But there are two species of wildlife that make the Selinda Concession stand out: The Cape hunting dog and large breeding herds of elephants. The experts at Great Plains Conservation estimate that over 9000 elephants make Selinda their temporary home during the dry season. Morning: Following breakfast, we are driven to the airstrip and board a Cessna Caravan aircraft for our flight into northern Botswana. Our destination is Selinda Camp, and our goals are twofold: to find the elusive African painted dogs and experience the influx of hundreds of elephants. We land and with our tracker perched on the Land Cruisers hood, we begin our journey. Eventually, the tracker finds something interesting and tells the guide to drive into the bush. We sit silently and hear yelping sounds. The guide whispers to us that we are near the den site, where the alpha female has recently given birth to her pups. Although the den is hidden from us, we see a handful of the African painted dogs resting in the shade. We continue on to camp, where we are warmly greeted by the Selinda team. We are each handed a cool moist washcloth and a welcoming drink to freshen up after our journey. After a briefing about the camp, we are escorted to our tenthome for the next two nights. Afternoon: Following lunch, we rest until our afternoon game drive. As we drive into the bush, ithin a few minutes we come upon a herd of 12 elephants, with two very young babies. As we watch the adults chewing on tree branches, the baby elephants nurse within about twenty feet of our vehicle. As evening approaches, we begin to return to camp and come across a big bull elephant. Our guide tells us the bull is heading toward the group of elephants we just visited. His goal is to find out if any of them are ready to breed. We return to camp. After showering, we sit around the campfire as our guide summarizes the days adventures and discusses plans for tomorrow. As we crawl into bed, we hear a distinct sound in the distancethe mighty roar of a male lion telling all that this is his territory. Its the perfect sound to end another fascinating day in the African bush. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, in Wednesday Senate testimony, suggested that Vietnam, a major U.S. exporter, was a Chinese "pathway" to avoid tariffs. (Andrew HarnikGetty Images) Asian markets had a largely uneventful Thursday, as investors wait for more developments on how Trumps trade negotiations with trading partners are proceeding. Hong Kongs benchmark Hang Seng Index rose 1.1%, its third straight day of gains. Mainland Chinas CSI 300 rose 0.2%. Japans Nikkei 225 fell 0.5%, as Japan embarks on a new round of trade negotiations with the U.S. ahead of a G7 summit in Canada. Japan will continue to strongly urge the US to reconsider its series of tariff measures, lead trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa told reporters Thursday, as he left for Washington. Japanese manufacturers fell more sharply in Thursday trading, with automaker Toyota dropping by 2.7%. Video gaming giant Nintendo, which launched its successor Switch 2 console today, fell by 2.0%. South Koreas KOSPI index rose 1.5% on Thursday. The index is now up 4% since the countrys elections on Tuesday, when voters elected center-left candidate Lee Myung to the presidency, ending months of political uncertainty. S&P 500 futures are up 0.2% as of 4:30am Eastern time. The STOXX Europe 600 is also up by around 0.2%. Indias NIFTY 50 is up by almost 0.5%. U.S. tariff tensions The world is waiting for further developments on trade negotiations between Washington and its many trading partners, including Beijing. Washington, in recent days, has grumbled about Chinas control of rare earth mineral exports. China is the source of about 70% of rare earth metals, key to cars, chips, and other products. U.S. officials complain that China has been slow to reopen exports after last months agreement in Geneva. (The U.S. maintains its own export control regime against China, particularly around semiconductors) Early Wednesday morning, U.S. President Donald Trump complained in a social media post that Xi was very tough, and extremely hard to make a deal with! The U.S. is also negotiating with several other trading partners, including the U.K., the EU, South Korea, India and Vietnam. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Sunlight scattered on the surrounding snow as we hiked single file, crampons strapped to our boots, up Solheimajokull, Icelands southernmost glaciera 650-foot-thick tongue of solid ice spanning 17 square miles. Black peaks jutted out like dorsal fins from the jagged, white-capped hills around usforged by eruptions of the volcano Katla, which churned far below ground near the frozen behemoth on which we stood. A 90-minute trek brought us to our destination point, an ice ridge twice our height, where we sipped a whiskey toast, gazing briefly at the cloudless azure sky before beginning our descent. Minutes later, a blanket of white unfurled overhead, smothering the sun in a steady snowfall. The storm cast this already virtually soundless vista into absolute silenceexactly what Id come to Iceland with Tom Marchant, cofounder of luxury travel outfitter Black Tomato, to find. Its a Narnia-like landscape, Marchant aptly observed, where the silence is so pure its almost discombobulating. In that incongruous silence, just a couple of hours outside Reykjavik, we reached the glaciers base to behold small icebergs studding the lagoon created by its meltwater, and dazzling ice walls striped with layers of inky volcanic ashan astonishing testament to the colossal forces of nature that have clashed for millennia in this country often called the land of fire and ice. Utter soundlessness is not an amenity listed on travel-booking sites. But in a world where life seems louder by the day, some are finding that turning off their mobile phone isnt enough to give them the peace they crave. Over the past year, Black Tomatowhose trips start at around $15,000 per person, and can run into the hundreds of thousandshas seen a notable uptick in requests for destinations offering natural, unfettered silence. Some 80% of its clients come from the U.S. Wed driven east from Reykjavik the day before, off-roading through an active volcanic system topped with swaths of green lichen. Splashing through knee-deep streams in our Ford Bronco, we paused beside the Hengladalsa River for a pop-up picnic. The crackling fire and the rivers gentle rush were the only sounds as Tom and I settled into sheepskin-draped chairs while our guide, Jon Gisli Hardarson, offered us mozzarella and pesto panini and poured glasses of rose. Marchant cofounded Black Tomato with James Merrett in London in 2005 after a stint at Ernst & Young. He had invited Fortune on this trip to showcase the ethereal pleasures of silence. Not the silence of a nonverbal silent retreatconviviality and fellowship are part of the experience. The point is to get away from the technological din of modern living, and make space for individual contemplation. Its like being dropped on another planet, Marchant said. People want to go somewhere where they can freeze time for a while, and there are few better places to do it. Later we headed to Torfhus Retreat (starting rate: $930 a night), our base for most of the week, located in the rural heart of the Golden Circle, Icelands iconic tourist route. Modeled after a traditional Viking farm, the ecoluxury escape, powered by geothermal and hydroelectric energy and home to herds of hardy purebred Icelandic horses, melds the landscapes wild nature with distinctive creature comforts. Each of its 27 turf houses, built from reclaimed wood and local stone with living turf roofs, features hand-hewn furniture and a basalt stone hot pool. That evening, after a dinner of sauteed scallops topped with edible flowers, followed by arctic char with lingonberries and kale, I slipped into the hot pool to stargaze. And there they were, seemingly close enough to touch: luminous curtains of emerald, shifting and flashing against the blue-black night sky. The northern lights. I half-expected a shaggy-haired trollone of the mountain-dwelling giants of local mythologyto trundle past. It stands to reason that in a nation whose prevailing soundtrack is silence, there exists a vibrant world, shrouded by nature, that is neither heard nor seen. In Icelandic folklore, huldufolk (hidden people) are an array of secret beings whose legends loom large in the countrys collective consciousness. On our way to a snowmobile ride, Jon recounted a childhood brush with this supernatural realm: He was trying to climb a huge rock in his backyard, grasping at the moss on its steep face for leverage. His mother came running from the house, yelling for him to stop. The moss served as the elves curtains, she explained, and tearing it down would anger them and invite retaliation. To this day, I dont know if shes ever actually seen elves, Jon told me. But she has always believed in them. The milky hue of the Blue Lagoon comes from its high silica content. Jon explained that Icelandic roads are sometimes rerouted around boulders to avoid raising the rancor of the elves inside. If issues arise during constructiona bulldozer mysteriously acting up, or an inexplicable rockslideseers are sometimes summoned to mediate the human-elf interaction. When we reached the snowmobiling site atop the Langjokull glacier, blizzard conditions had set ina surreal, disorienting whiteout. As the snow raged in deafening silence, I half-expected a shaggy-haired trollone of the mountain-dwelling giants of local mythologyto trundle past, meeting my gaze. Two days later, we cruised along the southern coast of the Reykjanes Peninsulaflanked by moss-fringed lava fields stretching to the horizonto reach our last stop: the Retreat at Blue Lagoon, Icelands most exclusive resort (starting rate: $1,800 a night). The storied lagoonthe only one of its kind on earthholds nearly 1.6 million gallons of geothermal seawater, naturally enriched with algae, silica, and other minerals. The waters restorative properties surfaced in the 1980s, when locals began bathing in the reservoir of the Svartsengi Geothermal Power Plant. These dips seemed to cure someones psoriasis, and by 1992 a company dedicated to the lagoons scientific study had launched, citing research on the waters healing benefits. In 2018, Blue Lagoon Limited opened a five-star retreat, which resembles a Bond villains sleek lair at the worlds edge, with 60 suites, a sprawling underground spa, and a Michelin-starred restaurant. The eerie silence that pervades the surrounding town, Grindavik, owes to the regions geological restlessness: Its 4,000 residents were evacuated weeks before a series of eruptions along the Sundhnukur crater row began in December 2023. Most never returned. In the hour I spent in the warm, milky blue-hued lagoon, whose singular shade derives from its high silica content reflecting the sunlight, it snowed fiercely, then rained sideways, before the sun and a rainbow simultaneouslyalmost magicallyappeared. The sole sounds were the howling wind and the occasional lap and distant splash of water. Perhaps the huldufolk, said by some to frolic here, were also enjoying a dip. The most silent places to visit for those with audio overload Bolivian Salt Flats Known as the Salar de Uyuni, the worlds largest salt flat covers more than 4,050 square miles near the crest of the Andes in southwest Bolivia. Some 12,000 feet above sea level, it is regarded as one of worlds most silent environments. Haleakala National Park, Hawaii Once called the quietest place on earth by acoustic ecologist Gordon Hempton, cofounder of Quiet Parks International, the 52-squaremile parks silence owes in part to the 10,000-foot elevation of Haleakalas crater, whose ash absorbs sound waves. Lake Tekapo, New Zealand An oasis of tranquility in the center of the South Island, renowned for its turquoiseblue water, the nearly 34-square-mile lake is located in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, where light pollution is virtually nonexistentoffering unrivaled stargazing opportunities. Skeleton Coast, Namibia Arguably the quietest region of one of the worlds least populated countries, this hauntingly stark 300-plus-mile stretch along the Atlanticnamed for its many shipwrecks and whale and seal remainsis home to desert-adapted wildlife, including seal-hunting lions. Slovenian Alps The majestic range, bordering Italy and Austria and recognized for its relatively low tourist density, encompasses Triglav National Park, which has 135 designated quiet zones covering nearly 25,000 acres. This article appears in the June/July 2025 issue of Fortune with the headline A silence broken only by the whispers of elves. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com World Emblem production in Aguascalientes, Mexico, in 2021. - Courtesy World Emblem At the start of February, Randy Carr, the CEO of World Emblem, booked a plane ticket to the Caribbean. President Donald Trump had just announced a 25% duty on Mexico and Canada what would be the first of many tariffs on other countries. World Emblem, the worlds largest producer of clothing patches which counts the Department of Homeland Security, UPS, NHL, and Levis as customers, produces 65% of its patches in Aguascalientes, Mexico. It just came really fast and a lot harder than I expected, said Carr of the tariffs. The 25% tariffs were enough to say, this is nuts. We need to change this right now. While President Trump eventually limited his 25% tariff to goods that dont comply with the USs current free trade agreement with Mexico and Canada, USMCA, the uncertainty around trade was motivation enough to start moving his supply chain. The following week we were on a plane to the Dominican Republic, said Carr. World Emblem, like many other US companies, is scrambling to move manufacturing out of highly tariffed nations like Mexico and China. (World Emblem produces up to 30% of its products in China, which currently faces a 30% tariff.) While many businesses are shifting manufacturing to southeast Asian countries like Vietnam and Malaysia, Carr looked a bit closer to home: the Dominican Republic. Manufacturing in the Dominican Republic has grown exponentially in recent years, with nearly 20% of foreign investment funneling into the sector, just behind tourism, according to the Innovation Technology and Information Foundation. Foreign direct investment (FDI) into the Dominican Republic last year increased by 7.1% from the year prior, capturing 41% of all FDI into Central America, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. An aerial drone photo taken on May 21, 2024 shows the coastline in Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic. - Li Mengxin/Xinhua/Getty Images The country has several key factors attractive to companies: a stable government, a skilled workforce, proximity to the United States, and the so-called free zones, where 60% of the countrys manufacturing is located. Free zones, which operate relatively tax-free, can save companies millions of dollars. The country is well-known for its beaches, but its not as well known for the manufacturing sector, said Marino Auffant, founder of Auffant Global Advisory, which focuses on building public-private strategies in the country to expand manufacturing investment. We have seen, especially from China, some US companies moving or announcing operations shifting to the Dominican Republic over the past few months. Apparel maker Hanes, footwear brand Timberland, aerospace companies like the Eaton Corporation, IT companies like Rockwell Automation, and medical device companies like Cardinal Health all have manufacturing facilities in the Dominican Republic. World Emblem says it will save seven figures a year by moving to the Caribbean island. This month, it plans to break ground on a 100,000 square foot plant set to open next year. The company plans to eventually move 30-35% of its manufacturing capacity to the Dominican Republic. We moved super quick on this one. It was every day we were on the phone trying to get this done, said Carr. Free zones and proximity There are 92 free zones (FZs) in the Dominican Republic that house over 850 companies, according to the National Free Zone Council. These zones have been around for nearly 50 years. And while not exempt from tariffs, they do allow companies to avoid 100% of taxes on things like income, export, local, and some import taxes on machinery and intellectual property. Essentially, the DRs free zones operate a turnkey suite of services that ease and streamline doing business in the country, said Stephen Ezell, the vice president of global innovation policy at the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation. A free zone is not exclusive to the Dominican Republic there are 135 countries with free zones, according to the World Free Zones Organization. But what is unique to the island is its proximity to the United States. It takes just three days for a cargo vessel to sail from the Dominican Republic to Miami, and five days to New York. There are even plans to expand a port in the north of the country, which could cut transit time to the US by one day. By comparison, it takes cargo vessels from Asia three to four weeks to reach the West Coast, and four to six weeks to hit the East Coast. The FZs present a very attractive environment for near-shored manufacturing, particularly of goods intended for export to North American markets, Ezell wrote in a 2024 report about the countrys role in semiconductor manufacturing. The Dominican Republics free zones also house technical training schools, which the country has invested in to help train and recruit employees for companies. Wages are also about 30% lower in the Dominican Republic compared to Mexico, a country known for its cheap labor, according to Carr. The United States has a trade surplus of $5.4 billion with the Dominican Republic, one of the largest of any country. Until the Trump Administration applied its 10% universal tariff to goods from the country, the Dominican RepublicCentral America Free Trade Agreement had allowed free trade between the two countries since 2004. The manufacturing boom of the Dominican Republic has been accompanied by a growing US trade surplus because most inputs that come to the Dominican Republic for the free zones come from the United States, said Auffant. People work sewing in one of the companies in the Free Zone located on the border between the Dominican Republic and Haiti, on September 29, 2018. - Erika Santelices/AFP/Getty Images/File Small island There is one big hurdle for businesses looking to shift manufacturing to the Dominican Republic: space. The country is half the size of South Carolina, so land for the free zones is limited. In fact, the government has struggled to secure enough space for free zones, according to Ezell. I think itll be a bigger leap for the Dominican Republic to become a base for manufacturing that services the Asian market at scale. Its a small island, said Ezell. And with that smaller footprint comes a smaller workforce available for technical training needed for manufacturing. The entire labor force on the island is 5.41 million people, according to the CIA World Factbook. I think (theres a) need to grow the workforce, especially at the engineer level. And I know thats a priority for the government, said Auffant. But the biggest obstacle to growth is simply knowledge. People may not know about the countrys manufacturing capabilities. I think that leads many companies to default to other places more because of lack of knowledge of the manufacturing success story, said Auffant. Carr, who said the Dominican Republic wasnt initially on his radar as a viable country to manufacture his products, revealed the less conventional way he discovered the place where hed eventually invest millions of dollars. ChatGPT, he said. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images) House Republicans celebrated the White House sending the first legislative package seeking to codify $9.4 billion in Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cuts to Congress on Tuesday. The legislation, known as a rescissions package, will be sponsored by House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and is expected to receive a floor vote next week, according to a House GOP leadership statement issued Tuesday evening. House Republicans characterized the package as the next step in the conferences efforts to cut spending after identifying more than $1.5 trillion in spending cuts over a decade in the House-passed big, beautiful bill. (RELATED: White House Sends Congress $9.4 Billion Rescissions Package) There was a lot of us that wish there would be sharper, more current spending cuts [in President Donald Trumps tax and spending bill], and so following up with that on this [DOGE cuts] keeps the promises that we made to our voters that we are going to cut spending, Republican Indiana Rep. Marlin Stutzman, a member of the House Freedom Caucus, told the DCNF. With this rescissions package coming right after, I think it is a smart move, and do it quickly and let these travel together. The rescissions package includes $1.1 billion in cuts to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, an entity which provides funding to National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). The legislation also proposes a claw back of $8.3 billion in foreign aid spending, including United States Agency for International Development (USAID) programs. Though the $9.4 billion falls short of the $175 billion DOGEs former head Elon Musk claims to have identified during his tenure leading the presidents cost-cutting department, House Republicans have cast the current rescissions package as the first of many they hope to pass. We have to begin to find savings for the American people, just even a small first step forward in that, Republican Texas Rep. Michael Cloud, an HFC member, told the DCNF. This should be an easy vote for Republicans. Given House Republicans 220-213 majority, Speaker Mike Johnson can spare just three GOP votes assuming all members are present and House Democrats oppose the measure. House and Senate Republicans will be able to circumvent Democratic opposition by passing the rescissions package through simple majority votes. Republican Nebraska Rep. Don Bacon, a moderate Republican who frequently breaks with his party and the president, told Semafor that clawing back money appropriated for an anti-HIV program known as the Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) would be the red line for him. The rescissions package notably includes nearly $10 million in PEPFAR cuts, including $3 million for circumcision, vasectomies and condoms in Zambia and nearly $1 million in cuts for services for transgender people, sex workers and their clients and sexual networks in Nepal, according to a breakdown of the rescissions package obtained by the DCNF. WASHINGTON, DC MAY 16: Rep. Marlin Stutzman (R-IN) speaks to reporters outside of a hearing room during a mark up meeting with the House Budget Committee on Capitol Hill on May 16, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) Conservative House Republicans have characterized the rescissions package as a test to show if GOP lawmakers rhetoric about slashing spending aligns with their actions. Well see if Congress can step up to the plate, Republican Texas Rep. Chip Roy said Tuesday. If Congress cant deal with NPR, PBS and a list of crazy expenditures overseas, then theyre not going to rescind. You cant send anything to me that Im not going to vote to rescind, Roy added. So fire away. Greene told reporters Tuesday that House Republicans should be voting on DOGE cuts every week. Anytime we can cut foreign aid, I can tell you right now, we cant cut enough foreign aid, and I think thats what Americans want to see, Greene said. If Republicans cant find the political will to vote for a $9 billion package, I think Republicans are going to be in trouble because the American people are very adamant about these DOGE cuts. Though no spending identified by DOGE has been returned to the U.S. Treasury thus far, House Republicans interviewed by the DCNF argued the presidents cost-cutting efforts have been a success. We finally have a mechanism to really identify much of the waste, fraud, abuse, mismanagement, and even corruption, Cloud said. Not only should we be able to transfer that knowledge into savings to the American people, they should be looking at prosecutions for how some of it was mismanaged. He [Musk] came in and put in a process that will continue to work beyond him, Cloud said. Theres a number of agencies that havent necessarily gotten their audit yet. Stutzman said DOGE still needs to root out waste in the Pentagon and upgrade the governments payment systems. The IRS is still sending out refund checks not even doing an ACH, Stutzman noted, referring to the electronic system that allows for the transfer of money between bank accounts without using check payments. Talk about ripe for fraud. Weve got to get serious about this [slashing spending] as Republicans, Cloud said. We said this was the moment, a once in a generation, historic moment to correct course in our nation weve got to do what we said we were going to do for the American people. All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporters byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org. Federal agents escort detainees to vehicles Wednesday after they left an Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office in New York City. (Michael M. Santiago / Getty Images) Immigration and Customs Enforcement made the most immigrant arrests in a single day in its history Tuesday, detaining more than 2,200 people, according to a source familiar with the arrests and an ICE spokesperson who confirmed the numbers, as the agency responds to pressure from the White House to rapidly and dramatically increase arrests. Hundreds of the people who were arrested had been enrolled in ICEs Alternative to Detention (ATD) program, three sources familiar with the arrests said. Under the program, ICE releases undocumented immigrants who are deemed not to be threats to public safety and then keeps track of them through ankle monitors, smartphone apps or other geolocating programs, along with periodic check-ins at ICE facilities. At least some of the arrests appear to be the result of a new ICE tactic: Immigration attorneys across the country told NBC News that some of their clients on ATD were asked in a mass text message ICE sent out to show up ahead of schedule for check-ins at ICE offices, only to be arrested when they arrived. An NBC News reporter saw seven people who had come for check-ins at a New York City ICE office Wednesday being led out in cuffs and put into unmarked cars. One, a 30-year-old Colombian man, was followed close behind by his wife, who was sobbing loudly, and his daughter, who tried to chase after him as law enforcement agents in masks led him and two other men in handcuffs into waiting vehicles. Margaret Cargioli, the directing attorney at the Immigrant Defenders Law Center, who represents the family, told reporters afterward that the man had gone to every single [ICE] appointment. He was, you know, very cooperative with all of the requirements that were made of him. Veronica Navarrete was waiting outside the immigration office for a friend, an asylum-seeker from Ecuador, who had been told to report to the office Wednesday. She told NBC News she had seen immigrants pacing outside the building all day, some of them seeming to her to be contemplating whether to show up for their appointments at all. If you enter, theres a possibility that theyll take you into custody, she said. And if you dont enter, youve missed your appointment, and thats automatic deportation. We have no way out. About the arrests of immigrants with ankle monitors who were reporting for appointments, the ICE spokesperson said, Those arrested had executable final orders of removal by an immigration judge and had not complied with that order. Asked for clarification, as multiple lawyers who have spoken with NBC News said their clients did not have final orders of removal, the spokesperson did not immediately respond. The White House deputy chief of staff for policy, Stephen Miller, threatened in a meeting with ICE leadership last month to fire senior officials if the agency does not start making 3,000 arrests per day, according to two sources who spoke to attendees. President Donald Trump has promised to deport millions, while his border czar, Tom Homan, has said the administration will focus on deporting the worst of the worst. But former ICE officials say it will not be possible for ICE to hit the numbers Trump that has talked about and that it is under increasing demands to reach quickly while it focuses only on people with criminal histories. As of late last month, more than 20,000 ankle monitors were in use by ICE, according to ICE data. According to the same data, 98.5% of people on ATD appear for their check-ins, making them easy targets as ICE moves to increase its arrest numbers. [With] mass arresting of people on Alternatives to Detention or at their ICE check ins or at immigration court hearings, the dragnet is so wide that theres no possible valid argument that could be made that these individuals are all dangerous, said Atenas Burrola Estrada, an attorney with the Amica Center for Immigrant Rights. Greg Chen, the senior director of government relations for the American Immigration Lawyers Association, said he is hearing that more immigrant clients are afraid to show up in court or at check-ins out of fear they will be arrested. People are now increasingly afraid and intimidated because of the way that ICE is executing these kinds of enforcement priorities on such a widespread, indiscriminate and mass scale. Chen said. NBC News has reported that ICE has boosted its manpower by drawing on over 5,000 employees from other federal law enforcement agencies to increase arrests as part of a new nationwide crackdown. But not every arrest leads to a deportation. Particularly when immigrants have pending asylum claims or appeals, they may not be able to be deported until their cases are heard by immigration judges. ICE arresting people already on Alternatives to Detention is bureaucratic theater, said Jason Houser, who was chief of staff at ICE during the Biden administration. These individuals are vetted, complying and are in custody supervision and often have legal status. Jazz Jennings/Instagram Jazz Jennings before and after weight loss NEED TO KNOW Jazz Jennings posted new photos on Instagram, showing off her recent 100-lb. weight loss The 24-year-old started her health transformation after struggling with binge-eating disorder The transgender activist has been documenting the success in her weight-loss journey on social media for the past few years Jazz Jennings is shocking fans with her dramatic weight-loss transformation. On June 4, the I Am Jazz star posted a series of selfies on Instagram showcasing her recent weight loss. The 24-year-old previously shared that shes lost 100 lbs. since committing to living a more healthy lifestyle. In the comments section, fans of the reality star praised her for her new look. You look great congrats on the weight loss..New look is a 10, one user said, while another person wrote. You got so thin I did didn't recognize you. You should be very proud of yourself. one follower commented. Another person added, Jazz!!! You Look STUNNING!!! 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! Jazz Jennings/Instagram Jazz Jennings 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. Back in August 2024, Jennings expressed how proud she was of her weight loss and shared an inspirational video showing her progress over the last couple years. The post begins with a clip of her struggling to get through a workout two years ago. It then cuts to present day with a clip of her running easily and pushing through tough exercises. Two years later and almost 100 pounds lighter! Im so proud of my progress and want to thank my family, friends and all who supported me in getting there, she wrote. Good health is not a certificate you display, it is a constant effort! she continued. I still have room for improvement, but I am more motivated and inspired than Ive been in years. Lets keep it going! The transgender activist said shes continuing to look forward, writing, Im proud of my progress toward better health, but Im still running towards more goals! Jennings weight-loss journey began in 2021 when she revealed that she had gained "almost 100 lbs. in a little less than 2 years" and was ready to "hold myself accountable" after being diagnosed with binge-eating disorder. After Jennings lost 70 lbs, she shared that no matter my weight, I have always felt beautiful. However, losing this weight and prioritizing my health has created a shift within. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, The Alliance for Eating Disorders provides a fully-staffed helpline at 1-866-662-1235, as well as free, therapist-led support groups. Read the original article on People By Jack Queen and Jody Godoy NEW YORK (Reuters) -Jurors in Harvey Weinstein's rape and sexual assault retrial began deliberating on Thursday morning in a Manhattan court, after a judge instructed them to weigh for themselves the credibility of the three accusers that the defense has said lied about their encounters with the once-powerful movie mogul. The Academy Award-winning producer and Miramax studio co-founder is accused of raping aspiring actress Jessica Mann in 2013 and assaulting two other women in 2006 and 2002. Weinstein, who has denied ever having non-consensual sex or assaulting anyone, has pleaded not guilty. The trial began in April. Weinstein, 73, is on trial for a second time after a New York state appeals court threw out his conviction in April 2024. He faces up to 25 years in prison for two counts of criminal sexual acts and up to four years for one count of rape. After the jury was sent to deliberate, Weinstein, seated in a wheelchair and wearing a dark gray suit, thanked New York Supreme Court Justice Curtis Farber and the court staff. "I have been treated incredibly fairly," he said. Weinstein's defense lawyer Arthur Aidala moved for a mistrial earlier on Thursday morning, because Farber replaced a juror who called in sick with an alternate. The judge denied the motion. Aidala has asked the judge several times to declare a mistrial, including over prosecutors' closing arguments, which concluded on Wednesday. Weinstein is already serving a 16-year prison sentence after being found guilty in December 2022 of rape in California. Farber instructed the 12 jurors on the law, and dismissed four alternate jurors on Thursday morning. Prosecutors with the office of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg have portrayed Weinstein as a serial predator who promised career advancement in Hollywood to women, only to then coax them into private settings where he attacked them. He held the golden ticket, the chance to make it or not. He made each of these women feel small, no match for the power broker of Hollywood, prosecutor Nicole Blumberg told jurors on Wednesday. Weinsteins defense lawyers have said his encounters with the women were consensual and accused them of lying about being raped after failing to make it big in Hollywood by sleeping with him. "They are lying about what happened. Not about everything, but about a small slice - just enough to turn their regret, their buyers' remorse, into criminality," Aidala told jurors Tuesday. Weinstein was convicted of rape by a Manhattan jury in February 2020, but the New York Court of Appeals threw out the conviction and ordered a new trial, citing errors by the trial judge. Weinstein had been serving a 23-year sentence in a prison in upstate Rome, New York, when the conviction was overturned. That conviction was a milestone for the #MeToo movement, which encouraged women to come forward with allegations of sexual misconduct by powerful men. Weinstein has been held at New York City's Rikers Island jail since his conviction was overturned. He has had several health scares while being held at Rikers, and in September was rushed to a hospital for emergency heart surgery. More than 100 women, including famous actresses, have accused Weinstein of misconduct. He has denied assaulting anyone or having non-consensual sex. Miramax studio produced many hit movies in its heyday, including "Shakespeare in Love" and "Pulp Fiction." Weinstein's own eponymous film studio filed for bankruptcy in March 2018, five months after the original sexual misconduct accusations became widely publicized. (Reporting by Jack Queen in New York;Editing by Noeleen Walder, Deepa Babington and Chizu Nomiyama) Tomas Tkacik/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands NEED TO KNOW Dutch King Willem-Alexander has cut his planned visit to the Czech Republic short after his country's government collapsed The Royal House of the Netherlands announced that the King would be returning home early because of "the political situation that has arisen in the Netherlands," but said the Queen would stay a second day The King's quick departure was prompted by populist Geert Wilders' withdrawal of his party from the ruling coalition over the Dutch government's asylum policy King Willem-Alexander left his visit to the Czech Republic early on Wednesday, June 4, citing "the political situation that has arisen in the Netherlands." A statement shared on Tuesday, June 3, by the Royal House of the Netherlands said the King would return home after the first day of his visit to the Czech Republic, where he was joined by his wife, Queen Maxima. The statement referenced the collapse of the Dutch government, which was prompted by populist Geert Wilders' withdrawal of his party from the ruling coalition, per The New York Times. Wilders, a member of the Netherlands House of Representatives, pulled his party, known as the Party for Freedom (PVV), from the coalition "over a dispute about migration policy," the Times reported. The Royal House of the Netherlands said the King was retuning home after PVV's resignation, but noted that the Queen would remain in the Czech Republic for the second day of the visit as planned. "After the resignation of a government it is customary for the King to consult with his permanent advisers: the vice president of the Council of State and the presidents of the Senate and the House of Representatives," the statement read. PVV left the government in The Hague over a dispute about the Dutch governments asylum policies, according to Politico. On the afternoon of June 3, Netherlands Prime Minister Dick Schoof said he would give the government's resignation to the King after PVV's withdrawal. Although PVV is stepping away, Schoof and other members of the government will oversee the country in a "caretaker capacity" until new leaders are elected, Politico reports. Patrick van Katwijk/Getty King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of The Netherlands At the start of their visit to the Czech Republic, the King and Queen were greeted by President Petr Pavel and his wife Eva Pavlova at the Presidential Palace in Prague, according to Hello!. While attending a state banquet during their visit, the Dutch royals gave President Pavel and his wife the Order of the Dutch Lion and the Order of the Royal Household. 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! In a statement posted to X on June 4, the president said The Netherlands was the Czech Republic's "stable partner" and the country's "largest foreign investor." "Our joint efforts in support of Ukraine are crucial for the security and resilience of Europe," he wrote. "We are also linked by historical figures such as Jan Amos Komensky and Minister Max van der Stoel, who supported Czech anti-communist dissent." Read the original article on People Karwai Tang/WireImage Lena Dunham NEED TO KNOW Lena Dunham revealed details of her final "affair" before marriage in a new guest essay for British Vogue Dunham married her husband, Luis Felber, in 2021 after she moved to London. The couple were set up on a blind date by a mutual friend The essay comes ahead of the release of her semi-autobiographical Netflix series Too Much Lena Dunham is getting candid about her last "affair" before marriage in a new essay ahead of the release of her upcoming Netflix series Too Much. Dunham, 39, penned a guest essay for British Vogue detailing her last experience in the dating world before she married her husband, Luis Felber, in 2021. "You really never know when youre having your last affair," her essay begins. "Some of us hope that every frog we kiss is our happy ending, while others stand hand in hand with their soulmate, still terrified of the vista narrowing, the buffet running out, closing time." Dunham, who created and starred in HBO's smash hit series Girls based on her life, has long been open about her romantic history through her work. She was previously in a relationship with Jack Antonoff from 2012 to 2018. Her Vogue essay continued to detail the mystery man, "I met Craig in a backyard in LA, in the halcyon days of the pandemic. He was sitting in a folding chair with his mask on, ankles crossed in perfectly worn Vans." Karwai Tang/WireImage Director Lena Dunham and Luis Felber She then explained, "But when he lowered his mask Covid restrictions were only just lifting to take a sip of water, I felt my stomach flip-flop. It was something about the golden symmetry of his face, the position of his pillowy mouth in relation to his strong yet cherubic nose, like they were selected right from a 'Brad Pitt facial features' catalogue." The actress recounted Craig saying, You make me nervous," and in response, Dunham wrote, "I wondered if beautiful men are like spiders theyre just as scared of you as you are of them." Throughout the essay, the actress and writer examines her relationship with dating and romance, and the impact it has had on her creative life. She recounts her final meeting with Craig, during a weekend getaway to Santa Barbara, Calif. that ended in her tearful departure to the U.K., leaving behind a gold chain and a handwritten letter for Craig to remember her by. Dunham's upcoming series Too Much is loosely based on her experience of relocating from her native New York City to London, where she eventually found love with Felber, 38, after a mutual friend set them up on a blind date. Zosia Mamet, Allison Williams, Lena Dunham and Jemima Kirke attend the New York Premiere of the Sixth & Final Season of "Girls" at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center on February 2, 2017 in New York City Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. She recounted of her first time meeting Felber, "Equally chastened and enlightened by the Craig of it all, I would ask this man hard questions, and I would really hear him when he answered, slowly and deliberately, sometimes telling me things he knew I wouldnt want to hear, but doing it anyway (which Ive come to think is love.)." Too Much, which will star Megan Stalter, Will Sharpe, Emily Ratajkowski, Richard E. Grant, Rita Wilson, Rhea Pearlman, and more, hits Netflix on July 10. Read the original article on People Luigi Mangione appears at a hearing at Manhattan Criminal Court on Feb. 21 in New York. (Curtis Means / Pool via Getty Images file) Luigi Mangione wrote about plans to kill UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in his diary months before the healthcare executive was gunned down in New York City last year, state prosecutors alleged in a Wednesday court filing. Mangione, a 27-year-old who has pleaded not guilty to state and federal charges in connection with the December murder, allegedly used a red notebook as a diary to document his plans to kill Thompson, the court filing states. The notebook was confiscated by authorities during Mangione's arrest in Pennsylvania after a five-day manhunt for Thompson's killer. "So say you want to rebel against the deadly, greed fueled health insurance cartel. Do you bomb the HQ? No. Bombs=terrorism," Mangione allegedly wrote in August 2024, the state court filing states. "Such actions appear the unjustified anger of someone who simply got sick/had bad luck and took their frustration out on the insurance industry, while recklessly endangering countless employees." Instead of carrying out a bombing, prosecutors allege, Mangione wrote in an entry last October that someone should "wack [sic] the CEO at the annual parasitic bean-counter convention." "It's targeted, precise, and doesn't risk innocents. Most importantly, the point is self-evident," the diary entry reads, according to the filing. "The point is made in the news headline 'Insurance CEO killed at annual investors conference.'" In submitting the court filing, state prosecutors were trying to justify the terrorism enhancement added to Mangione's first-degree murder charge. Last month, Mangione's attorney filed a motion to dismiss the New York state murder charges against him. "If ever there were an open and shut case pointing to defendants guilty, this case is that case," Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Joel Seidemann wrote in the filing. "Simply put, one would be hard pressed to find a case with such overwhelming evidence of guilt as to the identity of the murderer and premeditated nature of the assassination." "Brian Thompson and UHC were simply symbols of the healthcare industry and what the defendant considered a deadly greed-fueled cartel," Seidemann added in the filing. Mangiones attorney did not immediately return a request for comment. Thompson, 50, was fatally shot in December by a masked gunman outside the New York Hilton hotel in midtown Manhattan, hours before he was set to speak at UnitedHealth Groups investor conference. The shooter fled on a bike and rode into Central Park, evading capture by authorities. Five days later, a worker at a McDonalds in Altoona, Pennsylvania, called the police and said they believed a masked man who matched images authorities released of the gunman. The masked man in the McDonald's was Mangione, authorities said. While Thompson's death caused outcry, it also prompted a wider national conversation about the high costs of healthcare in the United States. Mangione's state and federal hearings in New York City regularly draw protests against the healthcare industry, with flocks of people gathering outside the courthouse calling for Mangione's release. The legal defense fund for Mangione has surpassed $1 million in the weeks after Attorney General Pam Bondi directed federal prosecutors to seek the death penalty for the 27-year-old. Mangione will next appear in court for his state charges on June 26. A central North Carolina man is facing multiple charges after he drove into oncoming traffic and caused an intentional head-on crash in an attempt to kill his spouse, according to court documents. At least three people were injured in the crash, including his wife, reported television stations WRAL-TV and WNCN. The extent of their injuries was not immediately clear on June 4, but USA TODAY had reached out to officials for more information. The man, 33-year-old Andersen Singleton, is facing at least six charges for an incident that happened on May 31, according to court documents filed in Wake County District Court and obtained by USA TODAY.. His charges include one count of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, two counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to inflict serious injury, one count of reckless driving to endanger, one count of injury to personal property, and one count of driving left of a center lane, per online court records. Singleton has also been charged with assaulting, stalking, or threatening his spouse, per court records obtained by USA TODAY. Singleton is being held with no bond and has been ordered to stay 300 feet away from his spouses home, school, or job as well. Singleton waived his right to court-appointed counsel on June 2, the North Carolina Judicial Branch confirmed to USA TODAY on June 4. He can hire his own attorney, but no one has made an appearance on his behalf as of June 4, the branch said What happened that day? The crash happened just before 6 a.m. on May 31, reported WNCN. Officials allege that on May 31, Singleton was driving a Honda CR-V when he crossed over a line separating two lanes, then hit a Toyota Camry head-on. Singleton's wife was in the Honda CR-V with him, while two men were inside the Toyota Camry he hit, reported WNCN. Singleton's wife, who asked not to be named, told USA TODAY on June 5 that her husband unbuckled her seatbelt before swerving into the oncoming Toyota Camry. In redacted court documents, authorities said Singleton assaulted his wife "with a motor vehicle by intentionally crashing into oncoming traffic, a deadly weapon, with the intent to kill him." Authorities also said Singletons actions led to damage totaling more than $200. 'The bomber had help': Arrest made in Palm Springs fertility clinic explosion Were definitely going to the psych ward: Witnesses reportedly detail what happened Jorge Bravo saw Singleton crash the vehicle and captured the footage on his dashboard camera, reported WRAL-TV. The footage shows the Honda CR-V crash head-on into an oncoming vehicle, which had two people inside. Bravo said after the impact, he went over to help and spoke to Singleton. "He was telling me how he was trying to kill himself and his wife because they were constantly fighting, Bravo told WRAL-TV. He also said something else to Bravo, the witness told another outlet, WNCN. "We're definitely going to the psych ward," Bravo said, quoting Singleton. I thought that was a very interesting thing for him to just kind of blurt out. Hes just confessing all of this. GoFundMe launched to help wife, child Singleton and his wife share a 1-year-old son. Community members have started a fundraiser to help Singleton's wife with medical expenses, therapy, legal support, and child care. Krystina Richter, the organizer, said in the fundraiser description that Singleton's wife is "a courageous mother (who) survived a horrific and intentional car crash a brutal act of domestic violence that has since made national news." She added that Singleton's actions have left his wife physically injured and she now needs to rebuild her life. "She is now raising her one-and-a-half-year-old son on her own, with a long journey of healing ahead physically, emotionally, and financially," Richter wrote. "No survivor should have to walk this road alone. Your contribution is more than just financial help its a message of hope, strength, and solidarity." This story has been updated to accurately reflect the vehicle the suspect was driving at the time of the crash, and to add new information. Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia the 757. Email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Andersen Singleton charged; accused of intentional head-on crash Image Credit: Shutterstock. The state of California is home to some of the best beaches across the United States. Southern California beaches are well known for their West Coast waves and family-friendly beach days. Northern California beaches are known for their breathtaking backdrops and iconic landmarks. Whether you live in the Golden State or are visiting on vacation, there is plenty of coastline to visit and enjoy the picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean. From the sandy beaches of southern California to the stunning rolling hills of the Lost Coast, here are some of the most incredible beaches to visit along the western coast. Coronado Beach Island, San Diego Image Credit: Shutterstock. This historical beach is situated on Coronado Island, just across the bay from downtown San Diego. The wide sandy beach has been ranked as one of the best in the United States and has breathtaking views of the San Diego skyline and Point Loma. I love visiting this beach for its access to the Hotel del Coronado or the Del." The iconic beachfront resort is absolutely stunning to walk through, and even if you are not staying at the resort, you can still take advantage of the gorgeous hotel restaurant or the beach bar. If you are staying for the entire day, you can also rent bikes nearby and cruise along the length of the beach and through the charming nearby neighborhoods. If you do decide to head into the quaint downtown area, dont miss out on a cone from MooTime Creamery. Black's Beach, La Jolla Image Credit: Shutterstock. Just up the coast and tucked into the secluded cliffs of La Jolla, youll find the serene Blacks Beach. This beach is only accessible via a fairly steep bluff path, making it more challenging to reach, but it is a gorgeous area to explore if you're looking for a short hike followed by a dip in the Pacific Ocean. The beach has gained notoriety for being one of the few nudist beaches in the area, but it is not required by any means. My favorite part of this beach is that it is situated below the Torrey Pines Gliderport. The gliderport is open to the public, and from there, you can sit in the grass or enjoy food from a small cafe and watch people paraglide off the cliffs and soar over the beach below. Even if you dont want to take the hike down to the actual beach, I highly recommend stopping by the gliderport above just to enjoy the view and people-watch. If youre feeling adventurous, you can take a chance at paragliding yourself! The Trestles, San Clemente Image Credit: Shutterstock. The Trestles in San Clemente, California, is renowned as a world-class surfing destination. It's not a singular beach but rather a collection of surf spots stretching along the coast. It holds a significant place in California's surfing history and has been a popular surf spot since the 1930s. Its a bit of a walk to get to the beach, but it's well worth the trek once you get there. Even if youre not a surfer, its a cool spot to just watch some of the best surfers in the world. The nearby San Clemente also has many great restaurants and shops, as well as some of the best taco shops along the coast. Venice Beach, Venice Image Credit: Shutterstock. One of the most famous beaches in California, youll likely recognize this beach from the pedestrian walkway that is adorned with a lively and eclectic mix of street performers, vendors, and artists. The absolute best people-watching in the area is found here, and you could spend a few hours just standing at the skatepark and watching locals. On the south end of the beach, youll find the historic outdoor gym Muscle Beach, which gained fame for being a popular workout spot for bodybuilders, including Arnold Schwarzenegger. There are dozens of restaurants and shops along the beach to pop into, as well as several finer dining options off of the beach or along the nearby Abbot Kinney Blvd. For anyone looking to learn how to surf, this is also a great beach to try, as the waves tend to be a bit more manageable than the nearby beaches of El Porto or Malibu. Santa Monica Beach, Santa Monica Image Credit: Shutterstock. Another historic beach, this one sits below the iconic Santa Monica Pier at the end of the old Route 66. The boardwalk is adorned with a Ferris wheel, rollercoaster, and many arcade games, as well as iconic seafood restaurants and bars. No visit to Los Angeles is complete without a visit to this famous spot for at least a photo. If you want to avoid the crowds, head up the pedestrian ramp to Ocean Avenue, where youll find Palisades Park, a small park that lines the street above, offering a panoramic view of the pier, beach, and Malibu coast. Its a fantastic spot for viewing the sunset, and youll also find many more dining options and shopping along this upper stretch and the nearby Promenade. Leo Carrillo Beach, Malibu Image Credit: Shutterstock. Situated in Malibu, this beach is a popular spot for surfing, tide pooling, and enjoying a sunset over the Pacific. It tops my list due to its proximity to the nearby Leo Carrillo Campground. This large campground is great for families, given it has many facilities and a small store with beach toys, snacks, beer, and a shack with ready-to-order food during the summer months. From the campground, you can take a short path under the PCH, and you have immediate access to the beach without having to get in a car. Its a great spot to camp year-round if you want a more rustic beach vacation that is more affordable than renting an Airbnb in the area (and more fun!). Arroyo Burro Beach, Santa Barbara Image Credit: Shutterstock. Anywhere in Santa Barbara is absolutely stunning, but my favorite beach to visit is Arroyo Burrow Beach, also known as Hendrys Beach. Just a few miles north of the wharf, this dog-friendly beach is easily accessible and has a decent-sized parking lot as well as many adjacent hiking trails, making it a great place to bring your furry one. There is also a fantastic restaurant called The Boathouse, situated right on the sand. It can be a long wait at times, but its well worth putting your name in and then soaking up the sun while you wait for your table. While there is no clear bike path, you can also rent bikes in Santa Barbara, and its a fairly easy ride up to the beach (just be warned of the final hill down to the beach, which is always a fun surprise). Morro Bay Beach, San Luis Obispo Image Credit: Shutterstock. The most prominent feature of Morro Bay Beach is Morro Rock, a 576-foot volcanic plug standing at the harbor's entrance. It's one of the Nine Sisters, a series of ancient volcanic peaks that stretch from San Luis Obispo to Morro Bay. Morro Rock is a designated bird sanctuary, and its presence adds a dramatic backdrop to the beach. If you like to kayak or paddle board, this is the best beach in the area to do so, as the waters are often calm, and you can enjoy getting close to wildlife floating around the bay. The area is usually clouded in fog during the early mornings and most of the off-season, but I personally love these times as it makes Morro Rock even more dramatic. McWay Beach, Big Sur Image Credit: Shutterstock. Big Sur has no shortage of stunning beaches along its coast, but McWay Beach remains one of (if not the most) scenic beaches along this gorgeous stretch with a waterfall that cascades down the cliff edge into a small cove that feels like paradise. I still remember how inspired I felt the first time I pulled off here, a moment that solidified I may never leave the West Coast. It can get a bit crowded during the busy months, so I recommend going early in the morning to try to capture a moment alone in this spot. Capitola Beach, Santa Cruz Image Credit: Shutterstock. Just 10 minutes south of Santa Cruz, youll find the charming Capitola Beach, which is renowned for its wide stretch of golden sand and a coastline adorned with colorful buildings and seaside cottages. Its a postcard-worthy setting, and youll feel as though you're transported to a small Mediterranean seaside town with a vibrant and laid-back atmosphere. The nearby Capitola village also offers many unique shops, art galleries, and seaside restaurants. Santa Cruz Beach, Santa Cruz Image Credit: Shutterstock. Combining classic beach fun with a historic amusement park, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a lively destination with a sandy beach, thrilling rides, and carnival games. You may recognize this iconic beach from various shows and movies, and its worth the visit as there is so much to do and see here. The pier is within walking distance of the downtown area of Santa Cruz, which has dozens of shops and restaurants. This is a great beach town for a family vacation or for a day trip from the Bay Area. Montara Beach, Half Moon Bay Image Credit: Shutterstock. Nestled between Pacifica and Half Moon Bay, Montara State Beach is a pristine stretch of coastline with sandy shores, scenic cliffs, and the imposing presence of Montara Mountain in the background. Gherkins Sandwich Shop just up the street has a great selection of affordable sandwiches that you can easily pack up and bring to the beach for a picnic. If you go, make sure you try the Dutch crunch bread, a Bay Area specialty that you wont regret. Pacifica State Beach, Pacific Image Credit: Shutterstock. Just south of San Francisco off of Highway 1 youll find this gorgeous beach which is popular amongst surfers. While it may seem out of place, this beach is iconic due to the Taco Bell situated right on the sand, offering stunning views and an outdoor deck. If youre a Taco Bell fan, its a bucket list item, especially since they are one of the few locations that sell alcoholic Baja Blasts. Baker Beach, San Francisco Image Credit: Shutterstock. There are many amazing spots to see the Golden Gate Bridge, but Baker Beach remains my absolute favorite spot for viewing the iconic landmark and the Marin Headlands in the distance. Parking is somewhat limited here, but you can access it on foot, by bike, or via Uber, as its conveniently located in the city center. In the warmer months, you can spend all day here soaking up the sun, and during the windier days, its a great spot to just go on a sunset stroll with one of the best views in the city. Stinson Beach, Marin County Image Credit: Shutterstock. Tucked away in Marin County, Stinson Beach provides a laid-back coastal experience with its long sandy stretch and views of Mount Tamalpais. The beach is a popular spot for locals seeking a relaxing getaway as well as surfers from the Bay Area. The beach is also set next to a charming small town that exudes a laid-back and welcoming atmosphere, with a small number of local businesses, cafes, and shops. Breakers Cafe is a nautical-themed family-owned joint that is great for grabbing a bite after the beach or for a weekend brunch. Drakes Beach, Point Reyes National Seashore Image Credit: Shutterstock. Known for its dramatic white cliffs and expansive shoreline, Drakes Beach offers a different landscape from the typical California beach and is great for picnicking and wildlife watching. The drive to the beach is absolutely stunning, and there are lots of hiking trails nearby if you are looking to explore the area more. Bowling Ball Beach, Mendocino Image Credit: Shutterstock. This extraordinary California beach stands as a testament to geological wonders as the beach is covered in large rocks that have become perfectly rounded over the years from erosion, giving the beach its name. Nestled at the northern fringe of Schooner Gulch State Beach, the near-flawless symmetry of these formations comes to life during low tide, providing a captivating spectacle. Mattole Beach, Humboldt County Image Credit: Shutterstock. Located along the scenic and rugged Lost Coast in Northern California, Mattole Beach is known for its unspoiled beauty. You will truly not find a more remote experience than the Lost Coast, but its worth the trek to make it to this untamed coastline. The beach is surrounded by dramatic coastal cliffs, rocky outcrops, and rolling hills, and this area of the coast has a very wild and untouched quality, given that it is entirely undeveloped. If you are looking for a more rugged coastal experience, this is the spot for you, and you can actually camp right on the beach at Mattole Campground. If you are looking for an even bigger adventure, you can actually obtain a permit and hike the 25.3-mile Lost Coast trail from Mattole down to Black Sand Beach. The journey usually takes about three days and will require you to backcountry camp, but you will have unmatched access to this coastline. Mike Huckabee and Isaac Hertzog | DEBBIE HILL/UPI/Newscom American supporters of Israel, many of them affiliated with the political right, are using recent episodes of appalling violence against Jews as an excuse to push an agenda of censorship. In fact, they are deploying several familiar rhetorical arguments against pro-Palestinian speech, including that it is hateful, indistinguishable from violence, or constitutes misinformation. These arguments ought to be especially familiar to conservatives since they wereand still areroutinely cited by the mainstream media, liberal advocacy groups, and Democratic politicians who want to quelch conservative speech. In the name of protecting Jewish people, Republicans are now endorsing arguments against free speech that have become the hallmark of the woke left. Take, for instance, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, who wrote in a recent statement that "reckless and irresponsible reporting by major U.S. news outlets are contributing to the antisemitic climate." Huckabee was referring to media reports on the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reportedly firing on Gazans and killing a large number of people; the IDF has admitted to shooting at the Gazans, but did not confirm whether there were any casualties, whereas the Hamas-run ministry of health reported 27 deaths. While the underlying facts might still be in dispute, this is irrelevant to the actual argument being made: Huckabee's contention is that the very act of reporting the story is an example of the media spreading anti-Semitism and inspiring violence against Jews abroad. Of course, these arguments are indistinguishable from those made by campus progressives who want censorship of inflammatory speech because they think it will inspire violence against various identity groups: people of color, women, trans people, gays, and so on. The conflation of words and violence, a long-running practice of those who wanted safe spaces, trigger warnings, and microaggression policing, is on full display. Violence against Jews is real, and ought to be prevented. Sadly, the U.S. witnessed two violent attacks on Jewish people in the past month. A horrific assault in Boulder, Colorado, this week involved a man chanting "Free Palestine" and using improvised incendiary devices to set fire to a dozen Jewish people. The alleged attacker, an Egyptian national, 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, is being charged with a hate crime, and also attempted murder. His motivations are not a mystery; Soliman told police he wished to "kill all Zionist people," and targeted a group of Jewish demonstrators who advocate the release of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza. No one was killed in the Boulder attack, though several people were injured. A separate attack in Washington, D.C., last month, however, resulted in the deaths of two Israeli embassy staffersan engaged couple. They were shot dead by a man who had also shouted "Free Palestine." The suspect, Elias Rodriguez, appears to harbor anti-Israel views. The perpetrators of these terrible crimes should be brought to justice, and anyone who defends their actionsor violence of any kindshould be harshly condemned. No one who opposes the Israeli government's war on Gaza should embrace retaliatory violence as a sound method of persuasion. Killing innocent people is always wrong. While most pro-Palestinian advocacy in America is peaceful, it is nevertheless true that some aspects of the anti-Israeli movement on college campuses have tacitly endorsed violence against Israel or made excuses for the atrocities committed by Hamas on October 6. National Students for Justice in Palestine, for instance, described that dark day as an "historic win for the Palestinian resistance." Such a statement was both morally abominable and profoundly misguided: What followed that "historic win" was a campaign of destruction in Gaza that has killed tens of thousands of people. But with respect to the two attacks, the responsible parties are the perpetrators, not pro-Palestinian activism writ large, or skeptical coverage of the Israeli government. Again, this is obvious to conservatives when the perpetrator of some violent episode is somehow tangentially associated with right wing media, conservative causes, or President Donald Trump. Conservatives were correct to protest mainstream media headlines that treated Cesar Sayoca deranged man who mailed bombs to Democrats, media figures, and other critics of Trumpas some inevitable outgrowth of Fox News, or explicitly blamed Tucker Carlson for the actions of the Buffalo shooter. Unfortunately, when the shoe is on the other foot, they just can't help themselves; Vice President J.D. Vance, for instance, directly linked the July 2024 assassination attempt on Trump to anti-Trump rhetoric coming from the left. Ironically, one of the figures who was previously most inclined to call for the suppression of conservative speech was Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League. He called on Fox News to fire Carlson, and helped to organize an advertiser boycott of X after Elon Musk acquired the social media site and ended its heavy-handed moderation policies regarding extreme and hateful content. Today, Greenblatt is seeking to deploy similar tactics against Israel critics on the left; he recently called on the Trump administration to action against social media influencers and speakers who spout anti-Jewish and anti-Israel talking points. Social media sites, media organizations, and private universities are welcome, of course, to take aggressive action to combat anti-Semitism; they are even free, in their capacities as private organizations, to deter speech that is critical of Israel. The cause of fighting anti-Semitism is undermined, however, when it is conflated with mere criticism of Israel's government. Non-liberals who remain hypervigilant about government-initiated censorship on social media, on college campuses, and elsewhere, must not succumb to the temptation to say that pro-Palestinian expression will inevitably cause real-world violence, and should be suppressed on this basis. The crackdownnot on violence, but on free speechbeing perpetrated by the Trump administration, not merely with the permission but also the encouragement of much of the conservative movement, is an ill-advised betrayal of fundamental first principles. The post Anti-Israel Violence Does Not Justify Censorship of Pro-Palestinian Speech appeared first on Reason.com. By Gianluca Lo Nostro and Heekyong Yang (Reuters) -South Korea's Hanwha Systems said on Thursday it was selling its entire 5.4% stake in Eutelsat for 77.6 million euros ($88.5 million), as the Franco-British satellite operator seeks new investors. Eutelsat has garnered unprecedented attention this year from governments looking for home-grown alternatives to SpaceX's Starlink for satellite internet connectivity. The company is working on a new financing plan to fund the second generation of its low Earth orbit (LEO) OneWeb satellites and to fulfil commitments to the European Union's IRIS project. It has piled up hundreds of millions of euros in losses, particularly from its waning video business, while its 2023 acquisition of OneWeb has yet to yield the results it had hoped for due to competition and delayed deployment of technology. Finance chief Christophe Caudrelier said in May that Eutelsat was looking for capital investors. Hanwha's shares were offered at 3.00 euros ($3.42) apiece, representing a 13.9% discount to Eutelsat's closing price of 3.48 euros on Wednesday, a term sheet from bookrunner Citi showed. It also marks a steep 70.5% loss on Hanwha's initial $300 million investment made in OneWeb in 2021, with the stake now valued at just $88.5 million. Eutelsat's Paris-listed shares fell 14.8% by 0920 GMT. Only 21% of Eutelsat's shares are publicly traded, making the stock prone to sharp price swings. However, the yield on its 2029 9.75% bond fell to 7.71%, showing a positive shift in bondholder confidence. Hanwha said the sale, which was set to be concluded on Thursday, was not driven by an investment perspective but by a strategic shift to focus more on its core business operations. "This decision reflects a long-term strategy to concentrate on defense-related satellites and military communications, rather than on civilian satellite operations and services," Hanwha said in a statement to Reuters. A representative for the South Korean company resigned from Eutelsat's board in April, signalling its diminishing involvement with the satellite operator. MAJOR OVERHAUL When asked by Reuters, Eutelsat said none of the other shareholders had expressed interest in selling their shares. A company spokesperson declined to comment on media reports saying France may raise its stake in the group. Bloomberg News and The Telegraph have reported that France is considering doubling its stake in Eutelsat and is in talks to raise 1.5 billion euros. Eutelsat is also reshuffling its upper echelons. In a surprise move last month, it appointed Jean-Francois Fallacher as its new CEO and it is looking for a new chairperson after the current one announced his departure in February. Hanwha became a shareholder in OneWeb before it merged with Eutelsat, and it is one of OneWeb's distributors in South Korea as part of an agreement signed in 2023 with the aim of securing LEO communications for the government and providing internet access to underserved areas. Last week, South Korea's Science Ministry granted licenses to Starlink and Eutelsat OneWeb to operate in the country, with services expected to be launched soon. ($1 = 0.8764 euros) (Reporting by Gianluca Lo Nostro in Gdansk and Heekyong Yang in Seoul; editing by Milla Nissi-Prussak) By Jeff Mason and Nandita Bose WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on Wednesday banning the citizens of 12 countries from entering the United States, saying the move was needed to protect against "foreign terrorists" and other security threats. The directive is part of an immigration crackdown Trump launched this year at the start of his second term, which has also included the deportation to El Salvador of hundreds of Venezuelans suspected of being gang members, as well as efforts to deny enrollments of some foreign students and deport others. The countries affected by the latest travel ban are Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. The entry of people from seven other countries: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela, will be partially restricted. "We will not allow people to enter our country who wish to do us harm," Trump said in a video posted on X. He said the list could be revised and new countries could be added. The proclamation is effective on June 9, 2025 at 12:01 am EDT (0401 GMT). Visas issued before that date will not be revoked, the order said. During his first term in office, Trump announced a ban on travelers from seven Muslim-majority nations, a policy that went through several iterations before it was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. Former President Joe Biden, a Democrat who succeeded Trump, repealed that ban on nationals from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen in 2021, calling it "a stain on our national conscience." Trump said the countries subject to the most severe restrictions were determined to harbor a "large-scale presence of terrorists," fail to cooperate on visa security and have an inability to verify travelers' identities, inadequate record-keeping of criminal histories and high rates of visa overstays in the United States. "We cannot have open migration from any country where we cannot safely and reliably vet and screen those who seek to enter the United States," Trump said. He cited Sunday's incident in Boulder, Colorado in which a man tossed a gasoline bomb into a crowd of pro-Israel demonstrators as an example of why the new restrictions are needed. An Egyptian national, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, has been charged in the attack. Federal officials said Soliman had overstayed his tourist visa and had an expired work permit - although Egypt is not on the list of countries facing travel limits. BEING IN THE U.S. A 'BIG RISK' Somalia immediately pledged to work with the U.S. to address security issues. "Somalia values its longstanding relationship with the United States and stands ready to engage in dialogue to address the concerns raised," Dahir Hassan Abdi, the Somali ambassador to the United States, said in a statement. Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, a close ally of President Nicolas Maduro, responded on Wednesday evening by describing the U.S. government as fascist and warning Venezuelans of being in the U.S. "The truth is being in the United States is a big risk for anybody, not just for Venezuelans ... They persecute our countrymen, our people for no reason." A spokesperson for the Taliban-led Afghan foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Pakistans foreign ministry did not immediately reply to a request for comment on how it would handle the thousands of Afghans waiting in Islamabad who had been in the pipeline for U.S. resettlement. Calls early on Thursday to the spokesperson of Myanmar's military government were not answered. The travel ban threatens to upend a 31-year-old Myanmar teacher's plan to join a U.S. State Department exchange program, which was slated to start in September. "It is not easy to apply nor get accepted as we needed several recommendation letters," said the teacher, who currently lives in Thailand and asked not to be named because her visa application is still outstanding. "In my case, I would get to work at universities that provide digital education," she said, adding that she had not been updated by the program after Trump's announcement. Trump's presidential campaign focused on a tough border strategy and he previewed his plan in an October 2023 speech, pledging to restrict people from the Gaza Strip, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Yemen and "anywhere else that threatens our security." Trump issued an executive order on January 20 requiring intensified security vetting of any foreigners seeking admission to the U.S. to detect national security threats. The latest travel restrictions were first reported by CBS News. In March, Reuters reported that the Trump administration was considering travel restrictions on dozens of countries. (Reporting by Jeff Mason and Nandita Bose, Additional reporting by Martin Petty, Daphne Psaledakis, Charlotte Greenfield, Shoon Naing and Jasper Ward; writing by James Oliphant and Lincoln Feast; editing by Costas Pitas, Sandra Maler, Michelle Nichols, Diane Craft, Raju Gopalakrishnan and Stephen Coates) By Luc Cohen NEW YORK (Reuters) -Hundreds of Venezuelans deported from the United States to El Salvador under an 18th century wartime law must be given the chance to challenge their detentions, and the Trump administration must facilitate the legal challenges, a U.S. judge ruled on Wednesday. U.S. District Judge James Boasberg stopped short of expressly ordering the Trump administration to bring the hundreds of Venezuelan migrants currently being held in a mega-prison in El Salvador back to the United States. The judge gave the Trump administration one week to detail how it would facilitate the deportees filing of legal challenges. In his ruling, Boasberg wrote that the individuals were deported without adequate notice or the right to contest their removals. That process - which was improperly withheld - must now be afforded to them, Boasberg wrote. Absent this relief, the government could snatch anyone off the street, turn him over to a foreign country, and then effectively foreclose any corrective course of action. It was not immediately clear how the migrants would file the legal challenges, known as habeas corpus petitions, from within El Salvadors Terrorism Confinement Center. The Venezuelans were deported in March after President Donald Trump, a Republican, invoked the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to swiftly deport alleged members of the Tren de Aragua gang without going through normal immigration procedures. Boasbergs Wednesday ruling is the first to address the fate of these detainees. The White House said the judge lacked the authority for his move. Judge Boasberg has no authority to intervene with immigration or national security authority that rests squarely with President Trump and the Executive Branch," White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said in a statement. "His current and previous attempts to prevent President Trump from deporting criminal illegal aliens poses a direct threat to the safety of the American people. Fortunately for the American people, Judge Boasberg does not have the last word. Family members of many of the Venezuelans deported on March 15 and their lawyers deny the migrants had any gang ties, and say they were not given a chance to contest the Trump administration's allegations in court. The Trump administration is paying President Nayib Bukeles government $6 million to hold them. The U.S. Supreme Court in April held that migrants must be allowed to challenge their removals under the Alien Enemies Act. Courts around the country have since barred the Trump administration from further deportations of alleged Tren de Aragua members under the law. But those rulings only applied to Venezuelans still in the U.S. facing possible deportation under the law. CRACKDOWN ON IMMIGRATION The ruling by Boasberg, an appointee of Democratic President Barack Obama, is the latest judicial ruling against Trumps aggressive immigration policy. But the Republican president has also scored major wins from the U.S. Supreme Court, which has backed his hardline approach in some cases while also signaling some reservations with how he is carrying out his agenda. Trump campaigned for his second term on a pledge to step up deportations. Trump, who has accused federal judges of stifling his agenda, called for Boasbergs impeachment after the judge in March granted a request by lawyers for the Venezuelan migrants to temporarily block their deportations. Trumps comment prompted a rebuke from U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts, who said appeals, not impeachments, were the proper way to handle disagreements with judicial rulings. At the time of Boasbergs March ruling, planes carrying the migrants had already taken off from the U.S. The judge ordered the administration to return the migrants. When officials did not, Boasberg opened an inquiry into whether anyone should be held in contempt for disobeying his order. The judges probe is on hold while the Trump administration appeals. In Wednesday's ruling, Boasberg cited the Supreme Courts ruling in a separate case upholding a lower courts order for the administration to facilitate the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran migrant living in Maryland who was deported to El Salvador despite an earlier court ruling that he not be sent there. The Supreme Court, however, struck down an order by the judge in that case that the government effectuate Abrego Garcias return, citing the deference courts must give to the government on foreign policy matters. Boasberg said his decision to allow the Trump administration propose a procedure for allowing the Venezuelans to file legal challenges balanced the executive branchs authority over foreign affairs with the migrants constitutional rights. (Reporting by Luc Cohen; additional reporting by Jeff Mason; editing by Ryan Patrick Jones, Noeleen Walder, Deepa Babington and Stephen Coates) NEED TO KNOW Nick Kroll and Andrew Rannells play a married couple whose vacation to Italy goes hilariously wrong in I Don't Understand You "I really did rely on Nick, and I leaned on Nick. He was very generous, and we really took turns taking care of each other," Rannells tells PEOPLE I Don't Understand You, which also stars Amanda Seyfried, is in theaters June 6 Big Mouth fans have enjoyed Nick Kroll and Andrew Rannells cracking jokes on Netflix for years, but the pair brought laughs and a whole lot more to their new dark comedy I Don't Understand You. Kroll and Rannells, both 46, play a married couple whose trip to Italy to celebrate an anniversary and their upcoming adoption of a baby goes terribly wrong. They get lost in a rural area on their way to dinner, and with no cell service and a poor understanding of Italian, their characters Dom and Cole resolve to defend each other when they encounter seemingly sketchy strangers after getting lost and matters turn deadly. "Obviously it's very helpful that we were friends walking into it," Rannells tells PEOPLE. "The first things we shot were all of the fun touristy things that we got to do, like eating gelato and walking down the streets to Rome and seeing the Spanish steps. That was all really fun and cute. After a week of that, we then got into about a month of night shoots, and we were an hour outside of Rome in this farmhouse. It did just sort of become I mean, we didn't kill anyone!" "Allegedly," Kroll jokes. "It was hard at times," Rannells says. "I really did rely on Nick, and I leaned on Nick. He was very generous, and we really took turns taking care of each other. I really didn't think too much about, like, how do we pull off being a couple." Adds Kroll, "It was very natural, just very natural." Vertical Nick Kroll and Andrew Rannells in I Don't Understand You Kroll and Rannells' new movie is based on the real-life experiences of writer-director duo Brian Crano and David Joseph Craig, a married couple who found inspiration for the film after they got stuck on the side of the road in Italy while celebrating their 10th anniversary, just before welcoming their first child. Craig tells PEOPLE they cast Kroll and Rannells in these roles because the actors "love each other in real life and they really get each other." Plus, they had experience acting as part of a duo, between Rannells' famous Broadway role in The Book of Mormon and Kroll's years of comedy with close friend John Mulaney. "We couldn't have asked for a better pairing of actors to be in these roles," Craig says. (PEOPLE has an exclusive clip from the film showing off their onscreen dynamic, above.) Vertical Entertainment Andrew Rannells and Nick Kroll in I Don't Understand You Kroll, who shares two kids with wife Lily Kwong, says the opportunity to work closer with his Big Mouth costar Rannells "was one of the main things that attracted me to doing this film." The movie doubles as a parenting origin story and comedic vacation-gone-wrong nightmare that debuts as Pride Month begins and Father's Day approaches. "To have a film in theaters with gay characters in it is so unusual, and then to have them not be tragic characters or victims is also a real unusual thing," co-director Crano says. "It just feels like a huge win." I Don't Understand You is in theaters June 6. Read the original article on People Cavan Images/Getty Images A full plate of BBQ and sides from a restaurant in Austin, Texas. Key Points Yelp has ranked the best cites for barbecue across the U.S. The new rankings are based on Yelp data, such as restaurant ratings and total barbecue business count. Two cities in Texas took the top spot on the list, while the rest of the top five cities were spread across the South. It's a statistical fact that warm weather makes people want to buy barbecue foods. With the (hot) dog days of summer just around the corner, that means any second now you're going to start craving something grilled, charred, and smothered in sauce. And Yelp knows exactly where you should go to get it. Yelp compiled a list of the top cities in the U.S. for "smoked meats and mouth-watering barbecue sauces." It explained in a statement provided to Travel + Leisure that it created the list by ranking each location using a "blended metric including consumer interest in BBQ, total business count, and average business rating." It noted that it limited this year's list to two cities per state to "ensure geographic diversity." After looking at all the data, unsurprisingly, Austin won. "Austin reigns supreme as the No. 1 region for barbecue," Yelp shared. "Whether you like slow-smoked beef brisket, pork ribs, or house-made sausages, Austin has earned its reputation as a top barbecue destination." It noted that Austin has earned this reputation thanks to beloved spots like Terry Blacks Barbecue and food trucks like Micklethwait Craft Meat in East Austin, which both earn high praise from Yelp users. "Yelp users praise Austins barbecue for its simple seasonings, which let the quality of the meat shine. Trays of tender brisket, flavorful ribs, and pulled pork sandwiches are among the most photographed dishes," it added. "Many users also highlight the perfectly tender texture of the meats at spots like Interstellar BBQ and Salt Lick BBQ." Also at the top of the list is San Antonio, which came in at No. 2. "The areas diverse barbecue scene includes food trucks like Brisket Boys and Cake-N-Que, which showcase a variety of smoked meat styles," Yelp shared. It's followed by Kansas City, Missouri, which earned high praise thanks to its "signature sauce and legendary burnt ends" at restaurants like Joes Kansas City Bar-B-Que, which "boasts more than 3,500 5-star reviews. Then there's Memphis, Tennessee, which Yelp noted is "well-known for its dry-rub ribs and pulled pork, offered at beloved restaurants like Cozy Corner and Elwoods Shack." And rounding out the top five is Charleston, South Carolina, which ranked highly thanks to its traditional Lowcountry styles. "With a mix of historic BBQ joints like Poogans Smokehouse and modern, pitmaster-driven spots likePalmira Barbecue, Charleston blends time-honored smoking techniques with innovative flavors that Yelp users love," the site added. Want to see who else made the list? Check out all the winners at yelp.com. Read the original article on Travel & Leisure Secretary of State Marco Rubio, right, and North Macedonian Foreign Minister Timco Mucunski, left, pose for a photo opportunity at the State Department, Thursday, May 29, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.) SKOPJE, North Macedonia (AP) North Macedonia announced plans Monday to abolish all import taxes on the United States in the hope of reaching a reciprocal zero-tariff deal with the Trump administration. The plan still requires parliamentary approval and was put forward after the Balkan country was hit with a 33% tariff from the United States considerably higher than the 20% imposed on the European Union. By unilaterally reducing customs rates, we are sending a message to accelerate the process of reciprocity in a mutual trade exchange, Finance Minister Gordana Dimitrieska Kochoska told reporters. The trade volume between the two countries was just $314 million last year while U.S. imports totaled $196 million, according to government figures. Foreign Minister Timcho Mucunski said he discussed the possibility of a free-trade agreement with the U.S. at a meeting in Washington last week with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. North Macedonias plan is part of a wider effort to try and stimulate its economy and would include other tariff reductions. Editor's note: Click here for the latest on the manhunt on June 6. Authorities in Washington state said the father wanted in the deaths of his three young daughters may have scoped out a hiding location before going off the grid using his outdoor survival skills. Travis Decker, 32, is wanted on charges including three counts of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of Paityn Decker, 9; Evelyn Decker, 8; and Olivia Decker, 5, according to the Wenatchee Police Department. Investigators have learned from Decker's father that he is well-versed in outdoor survival, a skill that may have assisted his efforts to avoid detection, Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison confirmed at a June 4 news conference. In addition to being an outdoorsman, Decker went to mountain survival school and served in the U.S. Army, potentially making the search more challenging. "It sounds like at times he would go out and would be (living) off grid for sometimes up to two and a half months," Morrison told reporters. "He could have scoped out this area before (he) put supplies out there and has the ability and the knowledge to survive for a long period of time." But Morrison assured that police will continue to work with federal agencies, from the FBI to Homeland Security, to track Decker down, adding that "we're up for that challenge." "Travis, if you're out there seeing us, we'd like you to turn yourself in," he said. "We want a peaceful resolution to this, but we're not going to relinquish our efforts. So please turn yourself in. Let's wrap this up and do what's right for your kids." Start your day smart: Sign up for USA TODAY's Daily Briefing newsletter. How did the three sisters die? Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia were found slain by apparent suffocation in a remote campground, according to the Wenatchee Police Department. The girl's mother reported the children missing on May 30 after they left their central Washington home to visit their father. On June 2, a Chelan County deputy found an unoccupied truck at about 3:45 p.m. near the Rock Island Campground. Officers found the bodies of the missing girls soon after, about 75 to 100 yards past the vehicle, down a small embankment, according to a probable cause affidavit obtained by USA TODAY. While Travis Decker was nowhere to be found, investigators traced his cell phone, which revealed that visited the same campground the day before the kidnapping, the court papers show. Pictured is 32-year-old Travis Decker. Who is Travis Decker? Travis Decker, 32, from the Wenatchee area, was homeless and living out of a white 2017 GMC Sierra pickup at the time the girls vanished, according to police. Police said he is a former military member with extensive training who "may pose a significant risk, if approached." Police did not confirm if he was armed while on the run. Travis Decker is a native of Pewaukee, Wisconsin, and graduated from Pewaukee High School in the Milwaukee metropolitan area, according to an online records search by USA TODAY. One of Travis Decker's previous addresses included an Army P.O. box. USA TODAY has reached out to the U.S. Army for comment. He was a member of a standout 2010 Pewaukee wrestling team that reached the state finals, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, part of the USA TODAY Network. His brother, TJ Decker, said Travis Decker graduated from the school in 2010, Fox 6 reported. (This story was updated to include video and correct the name of its network paper.) This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Father wanted in deaths of 3 girls could be hiding in the wilderness Los Angeles At the Los Angeles headquarters of Munchkin, one of the most innovative baby brands in the country, the White House's steel and aluminum tariffs are impacting several of the company's products. "No one thinks about a baby spoon as a steel product," Steven Dunn, Munchkin's CEO and founder, told CBS News. President Trump last week announced that tariffs on steel and aluminum would double from 25% to 50%, a move that took effect Wednesday. "Tariffs should be strategic, Dunn said. "We need a tariff policy that doesn't have the unintended consequences of putting 80% tariffs on a metal spoon." Dunn said making their popular soft bite baby spoon will cost 80% more because of the 50% steel tariffs, plus the existing 30% tariffs on Chinese imports. "It's a tariff on parents, and it's a tariff on small and medium businesses throughout the entire country," Dunn said, adding that tariffs affect almost all of the 500-plus products that Munchkin sells, the vast majority of which are made in China. He said his profits have already taken a hit, and it's not just consumers feeling the impact. After the tariffs were announced, he laid off workers for the first time in 35 years. Munchkin said tariffs are also impacting popular products such as strollers and thermometers. Some products are being discontinued. "It just will become unaffordable if we pass on the cost of the tariffs, it will make it too expensive," Dunn said. "We don't believe consumers will pay for it." Munchkin says manufacturing its products in the U.S. isn't feasible. "There isn't the manufacturing base, the tooling equipment, the automation," Munchkin said. The White House's shifting tariffs have created uncertainty for Munchkin. Says Dunn: "It's like being blindfolded, throwing darts at a rotating target." Sneak peek: Where is Jermain Charlo? Baldwin grills McMahon on unallocated funds for students, schools, approved by Congress Hegseth orders Navy to rename USNS Harvey Milk, Jeffries calls it "a complete and total disgrace" Jonathan Joss in 2021. (Derek Storm / Everett Collection) San Antonio police apologized Thursday for a "premature" statement declaring there was no evidence of a hate crime in the death of Jonathan Joss. Joss, a voice actor known for playing John Redcorn in "King of the Hill," was fatally shot Sunday outside his San Antonio home. His neighbor, 56-year-old Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, was arrested and booked on a murder charge, police said. San Antonio Police said in a statement the following day that "despite online claims of this being a hate crime, currently the investigation has found no evidence to indicate that Mr. Josss murder was related to his sexual orientation." That statement sparked outrage and was rebutted by Joss' husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, who believes his husband was killed for his sexual orientation. Chief William P. McManus retracted the police statement on Thursday. "Shouldnt have done it. [It] was way too soon before we had real information, and I will own that," McManus said. It was way too early in the process for any statement of that nature to be issued. "We understand that many in the LGBTQ+ community are feeling anxious and concerned. A lot of it has to do with that premature statement that we released, and again, I own that. Shouldnt have done it," he continued. Tristan Kern de Gonzales and Jonathan Joss. (Courtesy Tristan Kern de Gonzales) McManus clarified that in Texas, hate crimes are not separate charges and are addressed as sentencing enhancements. "We dont charge with hate crimes. We gather the facts and we give those facts to the district attorneys office, and that hate crime designation is determined at sentencing, but we dont charge hate crime," he said. McManus also said there were concerns surrounding the history Joss had in the neighborhood leading up to the shooting. A review of police records and interviews with neighbors and Kern de Gonzalez showed the couple had issues with neighbors. Kern De Gonzalez said many neighbors would hurl anti-gay slurs at them and complain about their being loud. McManus said Thursday that over the past two years, there have been 70 calls involving neighborhood-type disturbances. Sometimes, Joss is the caller, and other times, the neighbors are calling on him. The polices mental health unit had "extensive engagements with Mr. Joss, making repeated efforts to remediate conflicts and connect him with services he may have needed," the police chief said. The investigation is ongoing. Ceja was released on $200,000 bond Monday and was ordered to not purchase or possess any firearms and was issued a no contact order. He is awaiting indictment. A court-appointed attorney for Ceja did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The shooting stirred uproar online and among advocates. One X user called out the police department for initially claiming there was no evidence of a hate crime, saying, Meanwhile homophobic slurs were yelled, years of harassment were reported & ignored, a house was burned down The Human Rights Campaign said: "We know the heaviness and fear that comes with seeing reports of anti-LGBTQ+ violence in your social media feeds. We feel it too." WASHINGTON Senate Republicans are likely to tweak a state and local tax deduction that was crucial to President Donald Trump's sweeping tax bill passing the House, setting up a potential showdown with the lower chamber. It's the first significant change Senate Republicans have signaled they will make to the massive bill, which would extend 2017 income tax cuts, implement new tax cuts for tipped wages and overtime, and put more money toward border security spending. "Obviously, the House has different equities when it comes to that issue. But we'll work it out," Senate Majority Leader John Thune told reporters after a June 4 meeting at the White House. "We obviously realize that anything we do also has to pass the House of Representatives, it's got be something that the president is willing to sign into law." At issue is a state and local tax deduction, known as SALT, which benefits the constituents of several Republicans who represent districts in largely Democratic states, such as New York, California, and New Jersey. Those lawmakers pushed for the cap to be raised from $10,000 to $40,000 for people earning less than $500,000 per year in exchange for their support for the GOP legislation. Both the Senate and Trump understand that the final bill must be able to get through the House's three-vote margin, Thune said. "But we also start from a position that there really isn't a single Republican senator who cares much about the SALT issue. It's just not an issue that plays," the South Dakota Republican said. Unlike in the House, there are no Republican senators who represent high-tax states that could benefit from the deduction. Adding a cap to the deduction, which Republicans approved during Trump's first presidency, Thune said, "was one of the best reforms that we had in the bill." "So we will work with our House counterparts, and with the White House, to try to get that issue in a place where we can deliver the votes and get the bill across the finish line," he added. The comments come as the Senate begins reworking the legislation to fit through their small majority. The bill must receive at least 50 votes in the chamber, which Republicans control 53 to 47. Trump has met with Thune and other senators this week, including Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson and members of the Senate Finance Committee, as his administration works toward a July 4 goal of getting the legislation to his desk. Several Republican senators have already raised concerns with the cost of the package, which is estimated to add around $2.4 trillion to the federal deficit over the next 10 years, according to the latest nonpartisan estimates. Reducing the SALT cap would save some money and reduce the size of the bill. The price tag has also drawn the ire of former Trump adviser Elon Musk, who called the bill an "abomination" and said the bill should be killed. Trump's administration insisted after the social media posts that an estimate put out by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office was not accurate. A senior official said on June 4 that the White House's modeling showed the bill, plus other cost-cutting measures the administration is pursuing, saving $1.6 trillion over time. The Senate is expected to make some changes to the legislative bill before working with the House to reconcile the differences between the two versions, or forcing the lower chamber to vote on the bill as the Senate has written it, potentially causing a dust-up with those blue-state Republicans in the process. Multiple House Republicans have already said they would vote against the bill if the Senate changes their agreed-upon deal to raise the SALT cap. Changing the deal "would be like digging up safely buried radioactive waste reckless, destabilizing and sure to contaminate everything around it," Rep. Nick Lalota, R-New York, told reporters on June 4. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Senate Republicans plan to tweak SALT tax deal in massive Trump bill WASHINGTON The Supreme Court on Thursday revived a woman's claim that she was discriminated against at work because she is straight. The unanimous ruling could make it easier in some parts of the country for people belonging to majority groups to bring such reverse discrimination claims. It overturns precedent in some lower courts that says someone from a majority group has to meet a higher bar than someone from a minority group for a case to move forward. Marlean Ames sued the Ohio Department of Youth Services under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits sex discrimination in the workplace, after a lesbian woman obtained a promotion she had applied for. She was later demoted, and her old position was taken by a gay man. Writing for the court, liberal Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson said the test had no basis in the text of Title VII or cases that have interpreted it. We conclude that Title VII does not impose such a heightened standard on majority group plaintiffs, she wrote. Marlean Ames outside of her lawyer's office in Akron, Ohio, on Feb. 20. (Maddie McGarvey for The Washington Post via Getty Images file) The ruling means Ames' case will return to lower courts and edges closer toward a trial or settlement. We're of course pleased that this is the end of quite a long journey for Ms. Ames, said Xiao Wang, one of her lawyers. This was a major legal hurdle in front of her. This is something she is incredibly pleased about. Dominic Binkley, a spokesman for Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, who represents the state employer in the case, said in a statement that the case is by no means over because the state did not engage in unlawful discrimination. He added that Ohio has always argued that litigants should not be treated differently based on whether they are from a majority group. At a time when diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, policies are under attack from the Trump administration, the ruling could make it easier for white people who say they face racial discrimination to bring claims. Conservative Justice Clarence Thomas wrote a separate concurring opinion in which he referred to an amicus brief filed by Trump-allied group America First Legal, which has brought cases against various companies, including Starbucks and IBM, alleging race and sex discrimination. Thomas wrote that a number of this nations largest and most prestigious companies have overtly discriminated against those they deem members of so-called majority groups. Ames has worked at the department since 2004, but the dispute arose after she began reporting to a lesbian woman in 2017. She was denied the promotion she sought two years later and demoted soon after that. She was at work on Thursday when the Supreme Court ruled. The state says Ames was demoted because new leadership in the agency wanted to restructure its operations to focus on sexual violence in the juvenile corrections system. Ames had led a program aimed at combating rape in prison but was seen as difficult to work with, according to the states court papers. Officials involved in making those decisions are straight, the state has pointed out. Lower courts, including the Cincinnati-based 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, ruled for the state agency. Ames then turned to the Supreme Court. WASHINGTON The Supreme Court on June 5 rejected Mexicos attempt to hold U.S. gunmakers liable for violence and atrocities Mexican drug cartels have inflicted using their weapons. The court unanimously ruled that firearms makers are protected by a federal law barring certain lawsuits against them. "An action cannot be brought against a manufacturer if, like Mexico's, it is founded on a third-party's criminal use of the company's product," Justice Elena Kagan wrote for the court. The decision landed against a backdrop of strained diplomatic relations between the United States and Mexico. President Donald Trump wants Mexico to do more to stop illegal drugs from flowing into the United States and Mexico wants to stop illegal arms from flowing south. Mexico has maintained tighter regulations on firearms than its neighbor to the north. First Supreme Court ruling on law protecting gunmakers The case was also the first time the Supreme Court ruled on a 2005 law that shields gunmakers from liability for crimes committed by third parties. An exception in the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act allows suits if a gunmaker is accused of knowingly violating a state or federal law. Attorneys representing Mexico argued that gun companies are aiding and abetting the trafficking of hundreds of thousands of high-powered firearms into Mexico through deliberate design, marketing and distribution choices. That includes doing business with dealers who repeatedly sell large quantities of guns to cartel traffickers, Mexico's counsel alleged. Firearms makers, led by Smith & Wesson Brands, said the chain of events between the manufacture of a gun and the harm it causes after being sold, transported, and used to commit crime in Mexico involves too many steps to blame the industry. Guns made in the United States are sold to federally licensed distributors who sell them to federally licensed dealers some of whom knowingly or negligently sell them to criminals who smuggle them into Mexico, where they end up in the hands of cartel members. What the Trump administration means for you: Sign up for USA TODAY's On Politics newsletter. Phoenix ATF special agents Tom Mangan (L) and Peter Forcelli examine a confiscated AK-47 short pistol at the bureau's headquarters in Phoenix. The guns and the ammunition on the table were part of a shipment bound for Mexico confiscated in 2008. Lower courts were divided over the issue Mexicos attorneys stressed that the suit was in its early stages and said Mexico should be allowed a chance to prove its allegations in court. A federal judge in Massachusetts dismissed the suit, ruling it was barred by the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms. But the Boston-based 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said the challenge met an exception in the law and could move forward. Mexico, it said, had adequately alleged the gunmakers aided and abetted the knowingly unlawful downstream trafficking of their guns into Mexico. The Supreme Court disagreed, saying Mexico's lawsuit "closely resembles" the type of challenges Congress was trying to prevent. If Mexico's suit meets the exceptions in the law, that would "swallow most of the rule," Kagan wrote. Gunmakers `gratified' by ruling Noel Francisco, the attorney who argued for the gunmakers before the court, said his clients make a "legal, constitutionally protected product that millions of Americans buy and use." "And we are gratified that the Supreme Court agreed that we are not legally responsible for criminals misusing that product to hurt people, much less smuggling it to Mexico to be used by drug cartels," Francisco said in a statement after the ruling. Mexico was seeking an unspecified amount of monetary damages, estimated in the range of $10 billion, and a court order requiring gun companies to change their practices. Mexico will pursue other options Pablo Arrocha Olabuenaga, the legal adviser for Mexicos Foreign Ministry, said in a statement the country continues to pursue other avenues, including a pending lawsuit against gun dealers in Arizona. We are considering all options to expand and bring more legal actions, and we are convinced we will prevail, he said. Divided views from gun rights and gun violence prevention groups Lawyers for gun rights groups had told the Supreme Court that Mexico's suit is an attempt to bankrupt the American firearms industry and undermine the Second Amendment. Thankfully, the Supreme Court saw through this thinly veiled attempt to wield the legal system as a cudgel against lawful commerce," said Adam Kraut, executive director of the Second Amendment Foundation. Gun violence prevention groups worried the case could make it harder to bring domestic lawsuits against the gun industry. David Pucino, legal director at GIFFORDS Law Center, said after the decision that the Supreme Court may have ended Mexicos lawsuit but the justices did not give the gun industry the broad immunity it sought. Pucino said the decision does not affect our ability and resolve to hold those who break the law accountable. The case is Smith & Wesson Brands Inc. v. Estados Unidos Mexicanos. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Supreme Court rules Mexico can't sue US gunmakers over cartel violence (Photo Credit: XNY/Star Max/GC Images via Getty Images) Sydney Sweeney is totally a proud dog mom after her new furry friend made his magazine cover debut. The actor welcomed Sully Bear, an adorable German Shepherd, to her pack earlier this year. The canine has even accompanied Sweeney during a few outings since. Now, Sully Bear is stealing hearts after gracing a magazine cover alongside his star mama. Sydney Sweeney poses with her dog Sully Bear for magazine cover Sydney Sweeney is celebrating Sully Bears magazine cover debut like a proud dog mom. The 27-year-old left everyone in awe when she unveiled the stunning feature with The Sunday Times Style alongside her new furry friend. The duo transformed into top-notch models as they posed for the camera. Another highlight of the feature was that Sweeney seemingly coordinated her outfit with the black shade of Sully Bears stunning coat. The actor served sultry looks in a body-fitted plunging black leather dress and a pair of heeled boots. Meanwhile, Sully Bear sat on his mamas lap to pose during the photoshoot. While the canines fur almost blended with Sweeneys all-black outfit, the brown shade of his coat stood out. Moreover, Sully Bears little paws were curled in and couldnt have looked more adorable. Sweeney celebrated the big moment, writing, Sullys first cover. The star, who is also a dog mom to sweet girl Tank, welcomed the German Shepherd to her pack earlier this year. Sweeney announced the new addition to her family by sharing a series of adorable candid snaps with Sully Bear. The actor gushed about what life has been like with her new furbaby. Sweeney heartwarmingly shared that Sully Bear had become her set best friend, bowling partner, nap buddy, mutual water enthusiast, and a travel companion. Last year, she also celebrated Tanks Dogue cover for Vogue Magazine. Its safe to say Sweeney is no stranger to stepping into the role of a momager for her furbabies. The post Sydney Sweeneys New Dog Makes Magazine Cover Debut appeared first on DogTime. President Donald Trump signed a sweeping new travel proclamation Wednesday that will bar or partially restrict entry from nearly 20 countries, citing national security concerns. The ban prohibits travel into the U.S. for foreign nationals from Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. Trump issued travel suspensions for Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela nationals. The White House emphasized that the ban targets countries with high visa overstay rates and that are deficient with regards to screening and vetting. There are similarities to Trumps controversial 2017 Muslim ban, which targeted several majority-Muslim nations and faced widespread protests and legal challenges. Former President Joe Biden, a Democrat who served following Trump's first term, repealed the ban in 2021, calling it "a stain on our national conscience." This latest ban includes exceptions for lawful permanent residents, current visa holders, and certain visa categories and "individuals whose entry serves U.S. national interests," though those qualifications were not specified. What should international travelers know? The impact on international travelers varies: tourism, work, and student visa applicants from affected countries may face delays or denials. Those already in the U.S. may still be able to renew their visas, but reentry could be complicated. The move fulfills one of Trumps 2024 campaign pledges and follows a recent antisemitic attack in Colorado, which the president said on Truth Social, was "yet another example of why we must keep our Borders SECURE, and deport Illegal, Anti-American Radicals from our Homeland." Travelers should consult the U.S. State Departments website or an immigration attorney for the latest guidance, especially if they are from or have family in one of the listed countries. CBP officer G. Barowski, center, uses a camera with facial recognition biometrics to verify international travelers Henning Radtke, left, and Jeanette Radtke upon entering U.S. Customs and Border Protection at McNamara Terminal at Detroit Metro Airport in Romulus on Friday, July 28, 2023. Which nationals are barred from entering the US? The full travel ban applies to nationals of the following 12 countries: Afghanistan Burma (Myanmar) Chad Republic of the Congo Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Haiti Iran Libya Somalia Sudan Yemen Additionally, partial restrictions are imposed on nationals from: Burundi Cuba Laos Sierra Leone Togo Turkmenistan Venezuela When does the travel ban start? The travel restrictions will take effect at 12:01 a.m. ET on Monday, June 9, 2025. What happens to travelers from these countries when they arrive at an airport? Travelers from the fully banned countries who attempt to enter the U.S. after the ban takes effect will likely be denied boarding by airlines or turned away upon arrival in the U.S. Those from partially restricted countries may face additional scrutiny, delays, or denial of entry, depending on their visa type and purpose of travel. What will happen to those with tickets already? Individuals from the affected countries who have already purchased tickets to travel to the U.S. should consult with their airlines and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. While some exceptions exist, most travelers from the fully banned countries are expected to be denied entry. Those from partially restricted countries may still be allowed to travel, subject to additional screening and requirements. Travelers are advised to review the latest guidance from the U.S. Department of State and consult with immigration attorneys if they have concerns about their eligibility to enter the U.S. under the new proclamation. Contributing: Reuters This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Which countries did Trump ban, what it means for travelers Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Donald Trump attend a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing in 2017. (Fred Dufour / AFP - Getty Images file) President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a phone call Thursday amid ongoing tensions between the two superpowers with a new in-person meeting planned soon. Chinese state media and the Chinese foreign ministry said the call happened at the White House's request. The Chinese foreign ministry said Thursday morning that the call was ongoing as of 9 a.m. ET. In a Truth Social post just before 11 a.m., Trump said the call lasted about 90 minutes, but provided few details about it other than that it focused on trade. He said a meeting will now be held "shortly" between representatives from the two nations at a location to be determined. Its the first known call between the two leaders in Trumps second term, though the two spoke in January before Trumps inauguration. Trump had posted to social media early Wednesday to air his frustrations with how the conversations between the U.S. and China have been going. I like President XI of China, always have, and always will, but he is VERY TOUGH, AND EXTREMELY HARD TO MAKE A DEAL WITH!!! Trump wrote at 2:17 a.m. The U.S. and China have been locked in a heated trade war since the early days of Trump's second administration, with volleys of tariffs and retaliatory tariffs ratcheting up duties on billions of dollars worth of goods. The current tariff level on Chinese imports brought into the U.S. is at least 30%. That's down from the 145% punitive level Trump had imposed until a handshake agreement in Geneva last month led to a mutual stand-down that also saw China reduce its duties on U.S. imports down to 10% from 125%. But tensions heated up again Friday after Trump accused China of violating the Geneva understanding, though without adding many specifics. That prompted China to level a similar accusation against Trump on Monday. A China spokesperson said Xi emphasized on the call that his nation has earnestly implemented the Geneva agreement and that the U.S. should revoke its negative measures against China. Trump remains fixated on closing America's trade deficit with China, which is the difference between how much the U.S. imports from China versus how much it exports. On Thursday, fresh data showed the gap dropped sharply in April with the deficit with China declining to $19.7 billion, the lowest level since March 2020. "The sharp narrowing in the April U.S. international trade deficit tells us the temporary first-quarter splurge by businesses pulling-forward demand to get ahead of tariffs has run its course," Wells Fargo economists wrote in a note after the data was released. Meanwhile use of low-cost e-commerce giants Temu and Shein has plunged in America following the closure of the so-called de minimis loophole that kept low-cost goods tariff-free. Trump has pledged that his unprecedented tariffs gambit will lead to trade deals but despite a flurry of promises and pronouncements that they are near, no firm deals have materialized. Even the agreement with the U.K. announced last month from the Oval Office has been described as merely a "political pact" rather than a formalized, mutually beneficial trade agreement. It's led to growing critiques that Trump's tariffs strategy has little to show so far besides scrambling the investment and hiring plans of businesses the world over. Trump faces a particularly complex set of issues with China. Alongside trade, he is also attempting to wrestle TikTok away from Chinese ownership, while seeking to stem the flow of illicit fentanyl that authorities say largely originates from Chinese manufacturers. While there are signs of slowing fentanyl seizures at the U.S. -Mexico border, there has been no sign of progress on the TikTok talks. A deadline that would force TikToks Chinese parent company ByteDance to sell the popular social media app or face a U.S. ban is set to expire June 19. Trump now faces the prospect of having to extend the deadline for a third time. Top DPRK leader meets visiting senior Russian official Xinhua) 10:55, June 05, 2025 PYONGYANG, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Kim Jong Un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), met with visiting Secretary of the Russian Federation Security Council Sergei Shoigu on Wednesday, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported Thursday. During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on defending the common core interests of the two countries, items of mutual cooperation in different fields as well as the regional and international situation, said the report, adding that the discussions confirmed the same stance of the two sides. The DPRK will "unconditionally support the stand of Russia and its foreign policies in all the crucial international political issues including the Ukrainian issue, and responsibly observe the articles of the treaty between the DPRK and Russia," Kim was quoted by the KCNA as saying. Sergei conveyed special thanks of the Russian leadership to the DPRK's soldiers who participated in the operations in Russia's Kursk region. The host and the guest also expressed the will of the two countries' leaderships to continue to dynamically expand and develop the bilateral relations into a powerful and comprehensive strategic partnership, said the report. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Some of the University of California, Berkeley, staff members who have lost federal funding or whose funding is at risk with Claudia Polsky, top center, who organized a lawsuit on their behalf. (Jason Henry for NBC News) BERKELEY, Calif. University of California faculty members and researchers filed suit against President Donald Trump and several federal agencies late Wednesday in what they hope will become a first-of-its-kind class action challenging the administrations sweeping cuts to research funding. The flurry of grant terminations has resulted in layoffs, the lawsuit states, and halted a variety of projects, ranging from studies on the effects of wildfire smoke to an effort to make all of Mark Twains work available to the public. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in San Francisco, is the brainchild of Claudia Polsky, founding director of the environmental law clinic at the University of California, Berkeley. Though she didn't face funding cuts herself, she said she felt inspired to organize colleagues without any institutional backing to file a suit that could have significant implications for other academics nationwide. I really think the faculty are ultimately going to have to stand up for themselves, said Polsky, who is also one of the attorneys on the case, along with UC Berkeley Law Dean Erwin Chemerinsky. UC Berkeley law professor Claudia Polsky was on sabbatical when she decided to devote the semester to organizing a lawsuit to recover research funding. (Jason Henry for NBC News) The University of California system is squarely in the crosshairs of the Trump administration. Apart from cutting research grants it deemed unnecessary, the administration has accused UC of failing to adequately address antisemitism on its campuses. Late last month, Leo Terrell, a senior counsel at the Justice Department who leads the federal antisemitism task force investigating the UC system, told Fox News there would be massive lawsuits against the UC system and other colleges. A UC system spokesperson said it is cooperating with the administration. The University of California abhors antisemitism and is diligently working to address, counter and eradicate it in all its forms across the system. The UC system, which has 10 campuses, conducts around 8% of all academic research in the country. The lawsuit was filed by five UC Berkeley staff members and one at UC San Francisco, all of whom recently lost funding, according to the suit. It accuses a host of government agencies of disregarding federal regulations and violating the researchers free speech and due process rights by cutting funding for their studies based on questionable financial concerns or because of their subject matter and failing to follow legally required steps. The University of California system conducts around 8% of all federally funded academic research in the country. (Jason Henry for NBC News) Asked about suit, White House spokesman Kush Desai defended the cuts. Research grants are not a government entitlement that is guaranteed by the First Amendment, he said, adding that Trump is eager to restore common sense and realign government spending to match the priorities of the American people. The litigation represents a new approach among the now vast array of lawsuits against the Trump administration, one fittingly born at UC Berkeley, known for its role in the Free Speech Movement. Faculty members there have pressed university leaders to mount a vigorous defense if and when Berkeley faces government demands like those at Columbia and Harvard before they suffered additional funding cuts. Individual UC Berkeley faculty have every right to pursue litigation on their own behalf, Dan Mogulof, a UC Berkeley spokesman, wrote in an email. The campus administration has played no role in the initiation, development, or funding of this legal action. A University of California spokesperson said the regents have joined two lawsuits challenging funding policy changes and dispatched administrators to Capitol Hill to meet with lawmakers multiple times since March. The University of California schools are some of the largest recipients of federal research funding in academia; they took in $4 billion cumulatively last year. (Jason Henry for NBC News) These cuts threaten to stifle lifesaving biomedical research, hobble U.S. economic competitiveness and jeopardize the health of Americans who depend on cutting-edge medical science and innovation, Stett Holbrook, a university system spokesman, said in an email. Appeals to grants are being handled on a case-by-case basis. Peter Lake, director of the Center for Excellence in Higher Education Law and Policy at Stetson University in Florida, sees a benefit to legal action that comes from university staff members. It makes a really powerful statement that the professors themselves are stakeholders and that its just not the institutions alone, he said. Its a way of saying, Well, if youre slow to the battlefield, were going to get there first. The University of California schools are some of the largest recipients of federal research funding in academia; they took in $4 billion cumulatively last year. And theyve been hit hard by the cuts. Though its difficult to track exactly how much universities in California or elsewhere have lost, UC administrators have said that its in the hundreds of millions of dollars and that it led them to impose a hiring freeze in February. A mural depicting alumni at UC Berkeley's law school. (Jason Henry for NBC News) The lawsuit names Trump, the Department of Government Efficiency and 16 federal agencies including the National Institutes of Health; the departments of Agriculture, Education, Health and Human Services, State and Transportation; the National Science Foundation; and the Environmental Protection Agency as defendants. The EPA; the Agriculture, Interior and State departments; the NSF; and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said they do not comment on pending litigation. The other agencies did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the suit. Early in his presidency, Trump signed executive orders that directed government offices to end funding for programs deemed to promote diversity, equity and inclusion, along with green energy initiatives. The Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency also canceled a swath of grants across many federal agencies that it considered wasteful. Government officials at multiple departments then sent notices to researchers whod already been approved to receive grants and who were often in the middle of multiyear investigations that their funding would be cut off immediately. Some cuts were blocked by injunctions, but many still stand. Researchers can usually appeal their individual grant cancellations to the agencies, but Polsky compared such appeals to trying to prop individual trees back up when the entire forest is being lit on fire. And even successful appeals may come with new conditions attached by the Trump administration. Jedda Foreman lost funding that supported efforts to find better ways to teach science. (Jason Henry for NBC News) Jedda Foreman, director of the Center for Environmental Learning at the Lawrence Hall of Science, is one of the plaintiffs. Her interactive museum at UC Berkeley lost over $6 million from nine grant cancellations, according to the suit. Some funding from the NSF, for instance, supported projects intended to broaden interest in science education across different communities, she said. The NSF declined to comment on the terminations but said it canceled some awards because they were not in alignment with current NSF priorities. Another lead plaintiff, history professor Christine Philliou, lost a $250,000 National Endowment for the Humanities grant to study Greek Orthodox Christians in 19th century Turkey. It was canceled in April with no explanation other than that the agencys priorities had changed, leaving her team flabbergasted, she said. The National Endowment for the Humanities didnt respond to requests for comment. We believed in rule of law and felt like, Well, we have this grant; they cant just take it last-minute, Philliou said. History professor Christine Philliou was surprised her research grant to study Greek Orthodox Christians in 19th century Turkey was suddenly terminated. (Jason Henry for NBC News) Ken Alex, director of Project Climate, UC Berkeley Laws initiative to advance solutions to global warming, is another plaintiff. He had been in the middle of a three-year study, funded by the EPA, using drones and robots to find cheaper ways to monitor methane emissions from landfills, a major contributor to climate change. But the EPA cut off Alexs funding in late April. Like many of the stop-work orders, it said only that the study no longer meets government priorities. Ken Alex lost financial support for research on landfill methane emissions, a significant contributor to climate change. (Jason Henry for NBC News) The EPA declined to comment on funding for UC Berkeley but said it continues to invest in research to advance the mission of protecting human health and the environment. The Trump administrations impact on UC Berkeley goes beyond funding cuts. In addition to a federal investigation into how the UC system addressed allegations of antisemitic incidents, the Education Department is probing UC Berkeleys finances. And the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has demanded and received information from university administrators about more than 800 faculty members who signed open letters about student activism against Israels strikes on Gaza. Several have already received calls from one or both of the agencies. The scrutiny has put professors on edge. Polsky and others organized demonstrations against the funding cuts this semester unusual for faculty members, even at a hotbed of activism like Berkeley. The Academic Senate also passed a resolution urging the school administration to resist any intrusive government demands for reform. Never in the 12 years I have been at Berkeley have I seen this much faculty agreement about anything, period, said Poulomi Saha, an associate professor of English at UC Berkeley, one of the faculty members who organized rallies. If the suit survives to be certified as a class action a process that usually takes months it could be opened up to any other UC faculty members or researchers whose funding has similarly been terminated since Trump returned to office. If the federal court approves class action status, it would open the suit to other University of California staff members who have lost funding since Trump returned to office. (Jason Henry for NBC News) Sabeeha Merchant, a Berkeley professor of plant biology, could become one of them. Her Department of Energy grant for research developing biofuels is at risk, but a separate lawsuit has kept it in place, at least temporarily. She said she sees the UC lawsuit as sending a message to the government about the haphazard way research funding has been cut. You cant just snap your fingers and say, I dont like you and I dont like what you study; Im going to take it away, she said. I think that if we fight back and we show that our laws still work, it means something to people. The latest season of "Love Island" isn't yet a week old, and already it's mired in scandal. Contestant Yulissa Escobar was abruptly ousted from the villa with little explanation from narrator Iain Stirling during the second episode of Season 7, which aired June 4. Different from the traditional departures, in which contestants are either voted off by the public or their fellow "Islanders," Escobar's exit came with no on-screen fanfare. USA TODAY has reached out to Peacock, which airs the show, for comment. Over the years, a few Islanders have unceremoniously disappeared from the show, only to later emerge on social media with claims as to why they were no longer on screen. Some of these contestants included Season 2's Noah Purvis, Season 3's Leslie Golden and Season 4's Kyle Fraser. Yulissa Escobar of "Love Island USA." For many, her exit was likely welcome before the show even premiered, the 27-year-old Miami businesswoman became the subject of controversy when several clips of her using a racial slur on a podcast surfaced. Backlash quickly reached a fever pitch online, with fans of the show vowing to vote her off when they got the chance. 'Love Island USA' host Ariana Madix reveals she eavesdrops on contestants: 'I love gossip' That opportunity never came, however, when just short of 20 minutes into the show, Stirling said simply, "Yulissa has left the villa." Escobar, who had used a racial slur toward Black people when describing a previous relationship, was coupled up with 22-year-old Ace Greene from Los Angeles. With the Miami native gone, Greene is now single, free to "recouple" with the other bikini-clad twentysomethings looking for love in NBC's Fiji "Love Island" villa. We've got your favorite shows covered: Sign up for USA TODAY's Entertainment newsletter. "Love Island USA," a spin-off of the popular U.K. reality series, has proven a massive boon for NBC, particularly Season 6, which produced three closely followed couples. The format, which sees eligible singles from across the country live in a villa, summer camp style, and play musical chairs with their romantic relationships, is ripe for online commentary. As fans get to watch along, sometimes voting their least-liked individuals out, the side conversation around the happenings in the villa becomes as much an activity as watching the show itself. New episodes of Love Island USA stream daily at 9 p.m. E.T. on Peacock. Contributing: KiMi Robinson, USA TODAY This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What happened to Yulissa? 'Love Island' star ousted following scandal Shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (NYSE: TSM) jumped 3% through 2:35 p.m. ET after CEO C.C. Wei told shareholders at the company's annual general meeting that TSMC expects to earn "record profit" in 2025. Of particular interest to investors, Wei said he's "not afraid" that President Donald Trump's tariffs turmoil will keep TSMC from reaching this goal. Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now. Learn More Semiconductor computer chip with the letters AI in the middle. Image source: Getty Images. TSMC and tariffs "The impact of tariffs on TSMC is not direct," Wei said. "Tariffs are paid by importers. However, tariffs will make prices higher and could drag down demand." Regardless, "overall AI demand is still very high" -- indeed, higher than the production capacity to fulfill it. Thus, if U.S. buyers pull back on buying semiconductors manufactured in Taiwan, well, there are always other buyers elsewhere. Long story short, Wei is confident his company can continue growing sales in the mid-20% range despite tariffs threats. Because even if supply eventually meets demand for artificial intelligence applications, new markets are forming to create even more demand for the company's chips. Which markets? "The chip demand for humanoid robots starts now," declared Wei. Is TSMC stock a buy? So demand for TSMC's chips shouldn't be an issue. But should you demand to buy some TSMC stock? Maybe. On the one hand, a mid-20s growth rate compares favorably against a TSMC P/E ratio of only 24, suggesting TSMC stock is cheap. On the other hand, TSMC's free cash flow isn't quite as robust as its reported generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) earnings suggest. The company reported $39.4 billion profit over the past year, but FCF was only $27.3 billion, meaning TSMC generated cash profit of only about $0.69 for each $1 in claimed profit. With a price-to-free-cash-flow ratio of more than 31, TSMC still seems pricey to me. Should you invest $1,000 in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing right now? Before you buy stock in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $656,825!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $865,550!* Now, its worth noting Stock Advisors total average return is 994% a market-crushing outperformance compared to 172% for the S&P 500. Dont miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of June 2, 2025 Rich Smith has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. by Vladimir Rozanskij At a meeting on relations between Central Asia and China, the Astana government praised the rapprochement between the two lungs of Asia, which is advancing in step with the internal transformations initiated by Tokaev. Despite protests from some opponents and activists, the president wants to project an image of inclusive democracy by leaving the limelight to some of his collaborators. Astana (AsiaNews) - Kazakh President's adviser Erlan Karin attended the opening of the 5th forum of analytical centres Central Asia-China: new horizons for regional partnership. In his speech, reported by the Kazinform agency, he said that all reforms already implemented and those to come are aimed at strengthening our statehood and improving the well-being of our citizens, which is why the political course we have embarked upon enjoys broad social support. In support of this optimistic view, surveys by the Kazakh Institute for Strategic Research are cited, according to which 73% of Kazakh citizens believe that the country is developing in the right direction. The analysts' forum, organised jointly with the Chinese Academy's Institute for Russia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, was attended by experts from Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. Karin emphasised the dynamic evolution of relations between China and the countries of Central Asia, noting the importance of dialogue between experts in all areas, and said that the summit marked a further step towards strategic rapprochement between the two lungs of Asia. The president of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Gao Xiang, addressed the forum with a video greeting, indicating the main areas of cooperation, relating to security, technological development, training, tourism, archaeology and sport. The director of the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Research, Erkin Tukumov, highlighted in his speech the increasingly decisive role of the analyst community in conditions of global turbulence, emphasising the strategic importance of the Middle Corridor, defined as the interregional economic artery of the future. In his opinion, the crucial areas of cooperation are the development of transport corridors, the training of skilled personnel and water security. Tukumov commented that a new world order is emerging today, the global storm is not abating, but rather is becoming increasingly turbulent, but in essence this means that we are living in a golden age for diplomacy and international relations between researchers. All forum participants agreed that, despite international political instability, the increasingly friendly relations between Central Asian countries and with China are the best evidence of steady and very promising growth. The forum included thematic sessions dedicated to the strategic architecture of regional cooperation, the development of transit and economic hubs, and technological cooperation in the digital sphere, artificial intelligence and innovative ecosystems. Before the opening of the international meeting, Erlan Karin also convened the republican commission on state symbols and heraldry for the honours of various state bodies and those equivalent to them in various sectors of social life. The forum thus marked an important phase in Kazakhstan's politics, which, despite protests from some opponents and activists, wants to project an image of 'inclusive democracy' at home and abroad during the second presidential term of Kasym-Zomart Tokaev, the diplomat president who willingly leaves the stage to his most prestigious collaborators such as Karin, suggesting that there will be suitable successors in leadership roles and distancing himself from the traditional Central Asian image of the president as master. by Nirmala Carvalho A particularly brutal case of rape ending in the death of the victim raises serious questions about the conditions of disadvantaged groups. Ambedkar's grandson: The big parties say nothing because she did not belong to a higher caste. Sr. Dorothy Fernandes to AsiaNews: The increase in gang rape is a sign of a sick society. Bhopal (AsiaNews) - A new particularly brutal case of rape against a tribal woman in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh has brought to the forefront the shame of gender-based violence that most easily targets the most disadvantaged social groups. A 45-year-old mother of two was the victim of an alleged gang rape a few days ago in the village of Eitwa in the district of Khandwa. The local police superintendent said that after attending a wedding, the victim was allegedly attacked by a man who, together with another person, took her to his home and raped her with such brutality that parts of her small intestine protruded from her body, causing bleeding that led to her death the following day. Finding her in a pitiful condition, the family took the victim home, but only informed the police after her death, who then arrested the two men. Even the doctors who performed the autopsy were shocked to see her condition. Prakash Ambedkar, the grandson of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar (1891-1956), a historic figure in India who fought many battles for the rights of Dalits, tribal people and other backward classes, commented on the incident. India's outrage is selective and is defined according to the caste of the victim, he said in a tweet. The big parties like the BJP and Congress will be outraged by these stories only during election season. The reluctance of upper-caste Indians to protest reveals the value of a Dalit's and an Adivasi's life in their minds. Not only do our demands for justice fall on deaf ears, but so do our cries of anger. Sr. Dorothy Fernandes, former national coordinator of the Forum of Religious Leaders for Justice and Peace, who has worked among the marginalised and poor in Patna, Bihar, also commented on the incident. The recent increase in gang rape crimes, she told AsiaNews, "describes the sad state of a sick society. It also demonstrates the unequal distribution of power that sanctions such crimes. A woman's body has become a playground for male lust. Until power is shared equally, this threat will continue. The silence in society, the indifference to the suffering of the weak and vulnerable, is turning us into a selfish people... Humanity must wake up, must feel, must act, before it is too late and there is no one left to make our voice heard." The measure was introduced in 1989 after the war to reduce the pressure on scarce resources. Removing the limit is meant to reverse the declining birthrate and the aging of the population. The drop is not uniform and affects mainly large centres like Ho Chi Minh City. Hanoi (AsiaNews) Hanoi yesterday abolished the long-standing limit of two children per family in order to reverse the declining birthrate and relieve the pressures of an aging population. This decision ends years of restrictions, following in the footsteps of other Asian countries like China, Japan, Sri Lanka, Iran, and more broadly those of Southeast Asia where a virtual demographic winter is underway. According to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA), the countrys National Assembly approved amendments scrapping rules that were usually more severely enforced on Communist Party members, who might lose promotions or bonuses if they had a third child. Vietnamese families are having fewer children than in the past. The birthrate was 2.11 children per woman in 2021, just above the replacement rate needed for the population not to shrink in the long run. Since then, it has steadily dropped to 2.01 in 2022, 1.96 in 2023, and 1.91 in 2024. Nguyen Thuy Linh, 37, a marketing manager in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi, said she and her husband decided to have only one child, now six, the best education and upbringing they could afford. Vietnam introduced rules barring families from having more than two children in 1988 to ease pressure on limited resources after years of war, first with France and then the United States. Since then, the country has moved to a more market-oriented economy. Vietnams golden population period when working-age people outnumber those who depend on them began in 2007 and is expected to last until 2039. The number of people able to work will likely peak in 2042, but by 2054 the population could start to decline. All this could make it harder for the economy to grow, as there will be fewer workers available and the cost of supporting the elderly, welfare and pensions will increase. Birthrates in Vietnam are not falling uniformly. In Ho Chi Minh City the countrys largest city and economic hub the fertility rate in 2024 was just 1.39 children per woman, much lower than the national average. At the same time, nearly 12 per cent of the citys population was over 60, putting a strain on social services. To address the emergency, last December the city began offering about US$ 120 to women who have two children before they turn 35, plus very generous family benefits, like six months of fully paid maternity leave and free health care for children under six. Public school tuition is already free until the age of 15, but starting in September, this will be extended to the end of high school. The country also faces a skewed gender ratio, partly due to long-standing preferences for boys. According to state media, the distortion is most concentrated in the northern Red River Delta, which includes Hanoi. Doctors are not allowed to tell parents the sex of their baby before birth, and sex-selective abortions are banned. Nevertheless, some still refer to the sex of the baby in coded language, officials told VN Express, citing a government report. In recent days, Vietnams Ministry of Health proposed to triple to US$ 3,800, the fine for choosing the sex of a baby before birth. While the phone call between Trump and Xi Jinping is attracting the world's attention amid the Sino-US trade war, Beijing is moving forward with a project for large free trade zone on its southernmost island. To attract foreign investment, it is also launching a pilot project for direct access to the global Internet for authorised users and under state control. Milan (AsiaNews/Agencies) For weeks now, the trade war between Washington and Beijing has dominated international news. Today Chinese President XI Jinping and his US counterpart, Donald Trump, spoke by the phone at the latters request, reads a terse communique, picked up by various Chinese media, leading to all sorts of interpretations. But the trade tug-of-war is also being played at other levels. Beijing is investing in trade zones, starting with Hainan, the island in southern China where it is building its largest free trade port. Once completed, goods will be able to enter and exit without customs duties, creating an ideal environment for trade, tourism and foreign investment. The Chinese government's plan was first suggested in 2020 and is moving forward with the usually huge infrastructure investments (13.8 billion yuan, or over US$ 1 billion). But that is not all. Today, the South China Morning Post reported interesting developments if read against the aforementioned background. Hainan has begun experimenting with a pilot programme to grant some business users broad direct access to the global Internet, that is, unimpeded by the Great Firewall used in mainland China to block access to the most important Western search engines and apps. Hainan, of course, is not moving toward a free-for-all that would eliminate censorship. But employees of companies registered and operating in the province can now apply for the Global Connect mobile service through the Hainan International Data Comprehensive Service Centre (HIDCSC), an agency controlled by the state-run Hainan Big Data Development Centre. The programme allows eligible users to bypass the Great Firewall without using a VPN, which is illegal in China unless authorised. Applicants, the South China Morning Post reports, must have a 5G plan with one of the three major state-run national carriers China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom and provide their employers information. Once approved in a process that can take up to five months, they will be able to access sites like Google or YouTube, although some others, an anonymous HIDSCSC source said, will still be blocked. HIDCSC also offers similar services to corporate clients, including e-commerce companies targeting overseas markets. China has long maintained tight controls over Internet access, citing concerns about the spread of illegal or dangerous information. According to past rumours, the Great Firewall could be abolished in free-trade zones, but such a move has largely gone unrealised, making the pilot project in Hainan a limited but significant exception. It was here, after all, that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi outlined Beijings grand ambitions for the island last December. "Today's Hainan Free Trade Port has become a new frontier of China's institutional opening up, a new hot spot for regional mutually beneficial cooperation, and a new engine driving economic globalisation," Wang stated. Hainan Provincial Governor Liu Xiaoming echoed the minister. Over the past six years, Hainan's trade volumes in goods and services grew at an average annual rate of 22.2 per cent and 20.2 per cent respectively, while the actual utilisation of foreign investment grew at an average annual rate of 46 per cent. Hainan is currently making every effort to turn the whole island into a separate customs zone by the end of 2025, and then Hainan's openness will be elevated to a new level. RED LANTERNS IS THE ASIANEWS NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO CHINA. WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE IT EVERY THURSDAY? TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE. Today's news: the US rejects the UN Security Council resolution on Gaza; First phone call between Pope Leo XIV and Russian President Vladimir Putin; Trump signs ban on entry from 12 countries, including Afghanistan, Myanmar, Iran and Yemen; Umar Patek, one of the 2002 Bali bombers, opens a cafe and intends to use the proceeds to compensate the victims; Phnom Penh and Bangkok to meet on 14 June to discuss borders. IRAN Laleh Saati, 46, a Christian convert and former asylum seeker sentenced to two years upon her return to Iran, was released on parole on 31 May after spending 15 months in prison. Under the terms of her release, she is not allowed to speak to the media or have contact with foreign countries, and she is banned from travelling for two years. Activists say she spent the last few weeks in the notorious Ward 209 of Evin Prison, under the control of the Ministry of Intelligence, and is in a psychologically unstable state. UN - GAZA The United States rejects the UN Security Council resolution on Gaza. Ambassador Dorothy Shea vetoed the ceasefire because it would end up facilitating Hamas. Meanwhile, Israeli security forces have recovered the bodies of two hostages during a special operation in the Strip: Judi Weinstein Haggai and Gadi Haggai, who had dual Israeli and US citizenship, were killed by militants in the attack on the Nir Oz kibbutz on 7 October 2023. RUSSIA - VATICAN Pope Leo XIV spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The telephone conversation took place yesterday afternoon and focused on the war launched by Moscow in Ukraine. The pontiff addressed the Kremlin leader, calling for a gesture that would promote peace and stressing the importance of dialogue between the parties to seek solutions to the conflict. Pope Francis had made repeated appeals for peace, but had never had a direct conversation with Putin. ASIA - UNITED STATES President Donald Trump has imposed a ban on entry to the United States from 12 countries, some of which are Asian: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Iran and Yemen. This was announced by the White House in a statement, according to which the ban will take effect on 9 June. There will also be partial restrictions - for migrants and non-migrants - on the entry of citizens from seven countries, including Laos, Turkmenistan and Venezuela. INDONESIA An Indonesian man convicted of the deadly 2002 Bali nightclub bombings has opened a coffee shop after being released on parole and said he will use some of his earnings to help survivors of the attacks. Umar Patek, a member of the al Qaeda-linked Jemaah Islamiyah, was jailed for 20 years in 2012 after being found guilty of the bombing that left 202 people blind. He was released on parole in 2022 and has asked for forgiveness. CAMBODIA - THAILAND Cambodia and Thailand have scheduled a joint meeting of the Border Commission in Phnom Penh on 14 June to discuss borders after the 28 May firefight that killed a Cambodian soldier and fuelled tensions. Both governments have pledged to engage in close consultations at all levels to resolve the issue peacefully. CHINA - ASEAN China has launched a special ASEAN visa for multiple entries for businesspeople and entrepreneurs from the 10 ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries and observer Timor-Leste. Eligible travellers from the 11 Southeast Asian countries visiting China on business - along with their spouses and children - will be offered the special document, which allows multiple entries within five years, with each stay lasting up to 180 days. PAKISTAN Islamabad has begun the process of cancelling the passports of more than 7,800 citizens deported between 2019 and 2015 from various countries due to their involvement in begging or other illegal activities abroad. Most of them (about 5,600 of the total) were expelled from Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, the Sultanate of Oman and Qatar. KAZAKHSTAN Kazakhstan's Ministry of Health has decided to change the way medicine prices are set, eliminating advertising costs and reducing transport, customs and other costs in order to reduce prices by 30%. This was explained by Deputy Minister Erzan Nurlybaev, who considered various costs to be unjustified and wanted to offer the products at production price. by Shafique Khokhar Police forces are forcing worshippers to sign (illegal) statements pledging not to perform rituals, even in private homes. Local sources report people being detained or abused. Recently, a respected doctor, Sheikh Mahmood, was killed in Sargodha because he was Ahmadi. Activist groups and NGOs appeal to the government to protect religious rights and freedoms. Lahore (AsiaNews) - With the approach of Eid-ul-Adha - the feast of sacrifice, celebrated at the end of the Hajj, the major pilgrimage to Mecca - incidents of harassment, arrests and abuse against the Ahmadi Muslim minority in Pakistan are repeating themselves again this year. Persecution and violations of human rights and religious freedom are being carried out by the police themselves, who are arresting worshippers and forcing them to sign illegal statements promising not to perform qurbani (ritual sacrifice of an animal) even in their homes. Local sources report that Ahmadi groups have been forced to sign several statements in various districts of Punjab and parts of Sindh. Ahmadis (about 2% of the Pakistani population) are a religious movement inspired by Islam that emerged in the late 19th century. Their founder, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, believed himself to be a prophet who appeared after Muhammad, which is why Sunnis consider them heretics. They are the most persecuted community in the country. According to a 2018 report, between 1984 and 2017, 260 worshippers were killed, 27 religious sites were demolished, another 33 were closed, 22 were set on fire or damaged, and 17 were occupied by force. Analysing the latest incidents in recent days, activists and human rights groups speak of a blatant violation of religious freedom, because there is no legal or judicial basis for forcing members of the minority to submit such writings. These acts are not only discriminatory but also unconstitutional and inhumane in the face of a community that is being punished simply for peacefully practising their faith. Every year, the authorities take these illegal actions to deprive Pakistani Ahmadis, who are patriotic and peace-loving by nature, of their rights, just to appease extremist groups, and this is unacceptable. For this reason, pro-rights movements are appealing to the government to act immediately to stop this illegal practice. The persecution of the Ahmadi community is certainly not new, as it has long been subjected to violence of all kinds in Pakistan. Last month, a renowned Ahmadi gastroenterologist, Sheikh Mahmood, was killed in Sargodha because of his faith. He was more than a doctor, above all because of the humanitarian spirit with which he carried out his profession and put himself at the service of the sick, treating and helping them personally. All this despite pressure from anti-Ahmadi movements, which had threatened him and ordered him to leave his job. The 58-year-old doctor always refused to give in, continuing his work and paying with his life. Furthermore, in the last week of May, unknown assailants - believed to be linked to fundamentalist Muslim groups - set fire to an empty cold storage room in a hospital in Shakargarh, a town in the district of Narowal. The motive behind the attack was that the body of an Ahmadi woman had previously been kept there. Aamir Mahmood, spokesman for the Ahmadi community, told AsiaNews: "This is a completely illegal act that violates Article 25 of the Constitution. Such incidents foment hatred against Ahmadis and constitute a threat to their freedom of religion or belief. The government and law enforcement agencies should immediately take note of these threats and ensure the protection of the community so that it can practise its religion without fear. Last year, during Eid-ul-Adha, members of the Ahmadi community were arrested in several cities and complaints were filed against them for performing sacrifices during Eid," he recalls. Amelia Gill, a pro-rights activist of Pakistani origin currently in the United Kingdom, told AsiaNews: "This massive hatred will ultimately backfire on those who are fuelling hatred in society. Even the instigators of hatred will face the consequences, because hatred will return to them and this fire will burn their own homes. Hate, distorted religious education and behaviour, she concluded, kill a society's critical faculties and render its citizens incapable of thinking and looking at things in an innovative or critical way. Basic education, training and a good environment must be liberal and a source of appreciation, not restricted and faith-based. This is how a society can produce truly free individuals and a peaceful society." Champion local news. Join our community of readers who value daily beat reporting and in-depth stories alike. Your membership allows us to continue the legacy of local, independent journalism in the Roaring Fork Valley. With your support, we can remain a free and accessible source of news for everyone, always without paywalls or corporate influence. Together, we can ensure that vital local stories are told. 5 June 2025 08:30 (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. Following the successful hosting of COP29 in Baku in November 2024, Azerbaijan has emerged as a pivotal player in shaping the global climate finance agenda. In collaboration with Brazil and a coalition of like-minded nations, Azerbaijan is helping lead an ambitious initiative to mobilize $1.3 trillion annually to combat climate changemarking a new phase in international climate diplomacy. Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention. Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis. By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all news, analysis, and much more. Subscribe You can also follow AzerNEWS on Twitter @AzerNewsAz or Facebook @AzerNewsNewspaper Thank you! 5 June 2025 17:42 (UTC+04:00) In the small town of Gakh, 350 km northwest of Baku, Chief Engineer Nemat Suleymanli inspected a mulberry plantation at the Gakh sericulture breeding station on a foggy early morning. Pointing to the trees, he said: "There are 30,000 Chinese saplings planted in 2019, growing on these three hectares. You see, they almost reach my shoulders. In six years, we have imported 4.5 million saplingsthey are planted all over the country. This is a revival." Azerbaijan was once a center of the Eastern silk industry, with a history dating back over 1,500 years. In the 1960s and 70s, cocoon production exceeded 20,000 tonsranking second in the USSR after Uzbekistan. In terms of quality, Azerbaijani silk was considered the best in the world and exported to countries like Japan, Switzerland, and Italy. However, after the collapse of the USSR in the 1990s, economic ties disintegrated. Collective farms disappeared, plantations were abandoned, silkworm breeds deteriorated, and specialists left the industry. Akram Fataliyev, who led the Gakh station for 40 years, recalls: "In 1986, 6,000 tons of cocoons were produced. In 2014only 10 tons. By 2015it had dropped to 236 kilograms. Production was disappearing." With the industry in decline, Fataliyev had to switch to business. "Project Green" Revitalizes the Industry The turning point came in 2016, when President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on state support for sericulture. The "new silkworm project" was launched, and the first Chinese seedlings and silkworms made their way across the Tien Shan and the Caspian Sea to take root once again in Azerbaijan. This initiative marked a new chapter in bilateral cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. Suleymanli explains: "The Chinese tree has big leavesthe caterpillars love them. But the Chinese caterpillars eat little and give a lot of silk." In 2017, Azerbaijan adopted the "State Program for the Development of Cocoon Farming and Sericulture for 20182025." The country began actively importing cocoons from China, incubating them, and distributing them free of charge to farmers, aiming to boost cocoon production to 6,000 tons per year. The main partner is Shandong Guangtong Silkworm Eggs Co., Ltd. Li Qiliang, who worked in Gakh from 2016 to 2019, notes: "The mulberry tree bears fruit for 1520 years, then the harvest declines. Most of our trees date back to the USSRtheyre old. China supplies grafted seedlings of the Jisang No. 3 variety. These are resistant to disease, heat, and drought, and produce high-quality leaves." The Chinese breed of silkworms, Huakang No. 3, forms cocoons up to 1,200 meters long300400 meters longer than the local breeds. In 2018, China-Azerbaijan cooperation in sericulture reached a new milestone. With technical support from China, the Gakh breeding station was fully reconstructed. President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva attended the opening, underscoring the projects national significance. Three Chinese experts, including Li Qiliang, were photographed with the presidential couple. Silkworms are the cornerstone of sericulture. The Gakh station remains the only institution in the country dedicated to their breeding. Restoring it was the first step toward national self-sufficiency in this sector. Founded in 1973, the station ceased operations in 1998 but was revived to cover five hectares, now home to an administrative building, laboratory, and incubation and hybrid centers. Three hectares of mulberry trees were planted at the station. In 2019, 30,000 Chinese seedlings resistant to harsh climates took root. That same year, Azerbaijan launched its first-ever research on silkworm hybridization. Li Qiliang says all training followed Chinese standards. Hybridization improves disease resistance and cocoon yields. Chief Engineer Suleymanli noted that "Gakh-1" and "Gakh-2" hybrids, now in their fifth stage of growth, are preparing to spin cocoons. Mating will follow to develop new breeds. Two additional varieties of silkworm gren are expected from China. Station employee Lalazar Gaidarova completed a two-week training course in China in 2018. "Chinese technologies are modern and effective. Now we do everything as they do in China. Even our equipment is from there," she said. Gaidarova supports continuous experience-sharing with China and calls for training Azerbaijani youth. "Our specialists are aging. Nemat, at 62, is the youngest. We must prepare a new generation," she urged. This year, Azerbaijans Ministry of Agriculture imported 5,000 boxes of silkworm grains (gren) from China, complemented by 1,000 boxes of local production. In total, 6,000 boxes were distributed across 40 districts and Nakhchivan. The projected harvest is 240 tons. Suleymanli noted that, like viticulture, sericulture has lean yearsand this year is not a peak one. Farmers have come to appreciate the benefits: high profits and quick returnscaterpillars form cocoons in just 40 days, with a capital turnover cycle of about two months. Farmers in 40 of Azerbaijans 66 regions, including Nakhchivan, are now involved. Leaders include Zardab, Fizuli, and Zagatala. According to Zaur Abbasov, advisor to the head of the Gakh district, farmer registration begins in February. Based on applications, the Ministry of Agriculture imports the required amount of grains. Distribution follows in late April to early May. "Grains and seedlings are provided free of charge. The revival of sericulture is key to economic diversification and cultural heritage," he said. To encourage participation, the government raised the purchase price for cocoons from three to 11 manats per kilogramfive paid by buyers and six subsidized by the state. The results are striking: from just 236 kg of cocoons in 2015 to 643.7 tons in 2019, benefitting over 10,000 rural families. Xinhua met Sahib, Azerbaijans top sericulturist. In 2018, he set a national record by harvesting one ton of cocoons from 20 boxes. Today, he works with five boxes, aiming for a 250-kg yield. His workshop resembles a mini-factory, with multi-tiered racks and precise control over temperature and humidity. "Look, the caterpillars are sleeping. In 15 days, the cocoons will be ready. At 11 manats per kilogram, thats 2,750 manatsabout a third of our annual income," he said. The views and opinions expressed in this op-ed may differ from and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff. The article's source belongs to Xinhua News. 5 June 2025 22:20 (UTC+04:00) Elnur Enveroglu Read more In a bold and, for many, shocking departure from decades of nationalist rhetoric, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan recently described Azerbaijans retaking of Garabagh as a "blissful event"not for Baku, but for Armenia itself. The statement, jarring in a country still emotionally tied to the loss of this contested region - but part of Azerbaijan in fact- has sparked a political firestorm in Yerevan. Yet however uncomfortable it may be, Pashinyans clarity deserves more attention than condemnation. His words signal a painful but necessary reckoning: Armenias future lies not in revanchism, but in regional peace, realistic diplomacy, and political maturity. Pashinyans stance is no accident. Since the end of the 2020 war, when Azerbaijan regained control over much of Garabagh, followed by the complete withdrawal of Armenian forces and cleansing of Armenian separatists in 2023, the prime minister has tried to reposition Armenias national narrative. He has emphasized internal reform, border demarcation, and building relations with neighbors, including Turkiye and Iran. Yet, his efforts have come at great personal and political cost. The Armenian opposition has branded him a traitor and the "weakest leader in Armenian history." Mass protests have tried, and failed, to force his resignation. At the heart of the oppositions anger lies a refusal to relinquish a deeply rooted revanchist ideology: the belief that Armenias destiny is tied to regaining lands lost in war. For these groups, the occupation of Garabagh was not just a military strategy, but it was a cornerstone of national identity. They argue that without Garabagh, Armenia is weaker, more vulnerable, and directionless. But this worldview has proved both economically and diplomatically disastrous. It trapped Armenia in a decades-long conflict that isolated it regionally and deepened its dependence on Russia, a partner that proved to be unreliable when it mattered most. Revanchism today is more than a nostalgia for the past; it is an active impediment to peace. Armenian hardliners stall negotiations with Azerbaijan by demanding guarantees that are not only unrealistic but fundamentally incompatible with the principles of international law. They continue to press for autonomy or independence for the Garabagh Armenians, despite the fact that the region is now fully under Azerbaijani control, and its former population has voluntarily left. These maximalist positions alienate potential international partners, complicate Armenias relations with the European Union and the United States, and most critically, prolong the stalemate with Baku. Azerbaijan, for its part, has made clear its red lines: Garabagh is Azerbaijani territory, period. Yet President Ilham Aliyev has signaled a willingness to sign a peace treaty and normalize relations, provided Armenia recognizes Azerbaijans territorial integrity. The door to a comprehensive agreement is open, but Yerevan cannot walk through it so long as segments of its political elite continue to live in a fantasy of restoration. Pashinyans framing of Garabaghs loss as a "blissful event" is therefore less about celebrating defeat and more about liberating Armenia from the shackles of a destructive ideology. With the military chapter of the conflict closed, the prime minister sees an opportunity for Armenia to pivot, to stop defining itself in opposition to its neighbors and to instead focus on healing its fractured institutions, repairing its economy, and reimagining its role in the South Caucasus. This pivot is not easy. The trauma of loss, displacement, and historical grievances runs deep in Armenias national consciousness. But clinging to myths of redemption through occupation does a disservice to those very traumas. It turns memory into a political weapon and prevents a war-torn society from pursuing dignity through peace. Armenia now stands at a crossroads. One path leads toward reintegration with the world: economic partnerships, infrastructure development, and perhaps even eventual reconciliation with Azerbaijan and Turkiye. The other path is already familiarpopulist mobilization, geopolitical dependency, and international isolation. Pashinyan has chosen the former. His critics, emboldened by nationalist fervor, are betting on the latter. The choice should be obvious, but it is also hard. True leadership is rarely popular in the moment. History tends to be kinder to those who act with foresight than to those who merely echo the passions of their time. If Pashinyan survives the storm he has stirred, he may well be remembered not as a weak leader, but as a transformative onethe first Armenian statesman in a generation to put peace above pride. The region, battered by war and haunted by its history, doesnt need more martyrs or slogans. It needs maturity, pragmatism, and a willingness to accept the world as it is, not as it once was. Garabagh is gone. Armenia has the chance to remain, not as a shadow of its past, but as a beacon of what comes after. 5 June 2025 12:55 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more In anticipation of hosting World Environment Day and the 13th World Urban Forum in 2026, Azerbaijan is ready to contribute to the joint efforts of the international community by sharing its knowledge and best practices, and by promoting solutions that foster the development of more sustainable and livable cities and communities. Speaking at the World Environment Day 2025 event held in Jeju Island, South Korea, Azerbaijans Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Umayra Taghiyeva, emphasized Azerbaijans active role in the global climate process, Azernews reports. "Under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan successfully hosted COP29, one of the most important conferences under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change," she said. Taghiyeva noted that Azerbaijan remains committed to maintaining the momentum in 2025 as it continues its COP29 presidency. "We are determined to continue what we have started to raise climate ambitions and provide a platform for concrete action. We believe that initiatives such as the 'Baku Climate Finance Goal,' our version of the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG), and cooperation under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement will play a key role in advancing global climate efforts." She also highlighted the pivotal role cities play in achieving climate and environmental goals. COP29 underscores the importance of cities as drivers of climate action and as hubs for innovative environmental solutions, Taghiyeva stated. The Deputy Minister expressed her appreciation to South Korea for its contribution to sustainable urban development: "We greatly value the Republic of Korea's leadership in smart city planning. It is a great honor for Azerbaijan to host World Environment Day in 2026 and to continue promoting this vital initiative." This years World Environment Day, held on June 5 with the support of the South Korean government and organized by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), focused on the theme Beat Plastic Pollution, encouraging global action to reduce plastic waste and accelerate the transition to a circular economy. In 2026, Azerbaijan will host World Environment Day with a central theme of climate change. This major event will highlight Azerbaijan's contributions to international environmental cooperation, reinforce the outcomes of COP29, and build synergy with the World Urban Forum, which will also take place in Baku next year. 5 June 2025 17:15 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more The Azerbaijan-China Economic and Trade Cooperation Conference is currently underway in Baku, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral economic ties between the two countries, Azernews reports. High-level officials and business leaders from both nations are attending the event. Notable participants include Bai Mingshao, First-level Bureau Official of the Guangdong Committee for the Promotion of Chinese Trade (CCPIT Guangdong); Yusif Abdullayev, Executive Director of the Export and Investment Promotion Agency of Azerbaijan (AZPROMO); Elnur Aliyev, First Deputy Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan; Lin Keqing, Chairman of the Guangdong Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference; Lu Mei, Chinese Ambassador to Azerbaijan; Valeh Alasgarov, Chairman of the Board of the Alat Free Economic Zone (AFEZ); and Orkhan Mammadov, Chairman of the Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDA). A key highlight of the conference is the anticipated signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between CCPIT Guangdong and AZPROMO, aimed at boosting trade, investment, and business cooperation. The conference reflects the growing economic partnership between Azerbaijan and China, with a focus on joint ventures, infrastructure development, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises. 5 June 2025 12:37 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more Director of the Azerbaijani Cultural Center named after Heydar Aliyev in Uzbekistan and Deputy Director of the Agency for Information and Mass Communications under the Uzbekistan Presidential Administration Kairat Bazarov have discussed the prospects for cooperation, Azernews reports. The meeting featured an in-depth discussion on the current status and future prospects of Azerbaijani-Uzbek cooperation in the fields of culture, libraries, translation, and publishing. Both sides emphasized that the long-standing historical, cultural, and spiritual ties between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan provide a solid foundation for collaboration in these areas. Akif Marifli highlighted that Azerbaijani-Uzbek relations are growing in the spirit of friendship and strategic partnership. He presented information on the cultural and humanitarian initiatives carried out by the Azerbaijani Cultural Center, noting the importance of joint library activities, book exhibitions, publications, and translation projects in fostering mutual understanding between the two nations. Key points of discussion included collaboration between libraries, the development of electronic library systems with modern technologies, and the mutual translation and publication of works by Azerbaijani and Uzbek authors. The parties also exchanged concrete ideas for joint project planning and implementation. Kairat Bazarov underlined the significance of promoting Azerbaijani culture in Uzbekistan and stressed the need to deepen cooperation in the cultural and literary spheres, in addition to expanding partnerships in media and information. He also pointed out opportunities for organizing joint book fairs, translating and publishing works by notable writers and scholars, and sharing cultural content across digital platforms. The discussion further touched upon mutual media visits, joint conferences, co-production of television and online programs, and broader collaboration in public diplomacy and information exchange. Both sides agreed that such meetings are vital for strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing mutual understanding. They committed to drafting detailed cooperation plans and launching joint initiatives in the near future. 5 June 2025 16:17 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more Rashid Behbudov State Song Theater has hosted breathtaking concert to mark International Children's Day, Azernews reports. The celebration was organized with the support of the Culture Committee of the Azerbaijani Parliament and Azerbaijan Culture Ministry. The evening commenced with a profound moment of silence in remembrance of the martyrs, followed by the National Anthem of Azerbaijan. The spotlight then shifted to the Sema Dance Ensemble from the Shuvelan settlement Culture House, whose mesmerizing performance thrilled the audience with an exquisite array of national dances from around the world. Member of the Azerbaijani Parliament and Parliamentary Committee on Culture, Gunay Afandiyeva addressed the event. In her speech, Gunay Afandiyeva emphasized that her heart swelling with pride as she observed the large number of children present at this vibrant cultural gathering. She highlighted the extraordinary efforts underway to rebuild and restore Azerbaijan's liberated territories, under the unwavering leadership of President Ilham Aliyev. Gunay Afandiyeva pointed out that the Great Return program is a beacon of hope, rejuvenating the region and offering new opportunities for future generations. "Thanks to the steadfast support of our brotherly nations, we are seeing remarkable progress. Schools built by Uzbekistan in Fuzuli, Kyrgyzstan in Agdam, Hungary in Jebrail, and a Creativity Center constructed by Kazakhstan are all tangible investments in the future of our children. These projects ensure that the dreams of our youth are not just realized, but empowered," she added. Gunay Afandiyeva also took the opportunity to express her heartfelt gratitude to all those who contributed to the event's success, with special thanks to the parents who have raised such talented and inspiring children. In a proud moment for the Sema Dance Ensemble, she acknowledged their international triumphs, particularly their celebrated performance at Turkiye's National Sovereignty and Children's Day celebrations on April 23, organized by the TRT TV channel. Not only did they showcase their exceptional artistry, but they were also honored to meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Closing her speech, Gunay Afandiyeva extended her best wishes to the Sema Dance Ensemble, expressing confidence in their continued success and impact on the world stage. Sema Naghiyeva, the head of the Sema Dance Ensemble, took the stage next to express her sincere gratitude to all who participated in the event, acknowledging the support and encouragement that made the evening so special. The evening concluded with a moving ceremony, where all participants were presented with certificates of appreciation, honoring their outstanding contributions to the event and their dedication to the future of Azerbaijan's children. 5 June 2025 10:00 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more Today, South Korea is hosting World Environment Day celebrations organized by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Azernews reports. As part of the global events, a ceremonial handover of the environmental baton to Azerbaijan will take place, officially marking the country as the host for World Environment Day in 2026. June 5 marks World Environment Day the most significant international date dedicated to environmental protection. First established in 1973, it has since grown into the worlds largest global platform for environmental awareness and action, drawing participation from millions of people each year under UNEPs leadership. By hosting the 2026 edition, Azerbaijan will take center stage in the international effort to raise awareness and mobilize action for the planets most pressing environmental challenges. 5 June 2025 11:38 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ali Asadov, took part in a meeting of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Council of Heads of Government, held in the capital of Tajikistan, Dushanbe, Azernews reports. The event also included a meeting with the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon. The press service of the Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan reported that Asadov participated in the event as part of his working visit to Tajikistan. It is worth noting that Azerbaijan joined the CIS on September 24, 1993, following the organizations establishment on December 8, 1991. The country actively engages with all member statesexcept Armeniaacross various sectors including culture, humanitarian initiatives, science, and more, prioritizing its national interests within the framework of CIS cooperation. Azerbaijan consistently participates in CIS annual meetings, including the Council of Heads of State, Council of Heads of Government, Council of Foreign Ministers, and other affiliated bodies. 5 June 2025 15:38 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more The Baku Military Court has begun reviewing documents related to the deliberate environmental and economic damages inflicted on Azerbaijan during Armenias military aggression, Azernews reports. Following the liberation of Azerbaijani territories previously under occupation, inspections were conducted across each district and village. These assessments revealed the extent of the damage inflicted during the occupation. The reviewed documents detail significant environmental and economic destruction across the districts of Zangilan, Jabrayil, Fuzuli, Gubadli, Aghdam, Khojavand, Shusha, Tartar, Lachin, and Kalbajar. The evidence includes large-scale deforestation and the illegal exploitation of mineral resources. Photographic evidence presented in court confirms that the destruction of trees was not a result of natural causes but a deliberate act. Satellite imagery was also shown, illustrating the illegal extraction of raw materials and minerals in these occupied areas. It was revealed that the proceeds from this plunder were used to finance armed groups formed by the Armenian military, as well as foreign mercenaries. These funds supported the purchase of weapons, clothing, food, and other supplies, ultimately enhancing the combat readiness of criminal armed formations. The ongoing trial involves citizens of the Republic of Armenia accused of committing numerous serious crimes during the occupation. These include war crimes, crimes against peace and humanity, the planning and execution of an aggressive war, genocide, violations of the laws and customs of war, terrorism, terrorist financing, and the violent seizure and retention of power. 5 June 2025 16:05 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more On the occasion of Eid al-Adha, Azerbaijani Defense Minister Colonel General Zakir Hasanov extended congratulations to the personnel of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces. In a letter addressed to the military, Minister Hasanov conveyed his best wishes and praised the army's dedication to national service, Azernews reports. I sincerely congratulate all officers, warrant officers, cadets, sergeants, soldiers, sailors, and civilian staff on the occasion of Eid al-Adha, the minister wrote. I wish you continued success in your sacred and honorable duty to our Motherland. He highlighted the spiritual significance of Eid al-Adha, describing it as a celebration of unity, compassion, and national values. This holy holiday, which is observed at the state level in Azerbaijan, reflects our deep-rooted traditions of humanism and solidarity. Under the leadership of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, these values were preserved and promoted as a key part of our state-building efforts, the letter stated. Minister Hasanov praised President Ilham Aliyevreferred to as the Supreme Commander-in-Chieffor his leadership in strengthening Azerbaijans political and economic foundations and upholding national identity and spiritual values. Azerbaijan today is recognized globally as a tolerant and humanistic state, committed to peace and cooperation. Under President Aliyevs leadership, the Armed Forces have carried out major reforms, enhanced combat capabilities, and achieved significant victories, particularly during the 44-day Patriotic War. He emphasized that the Azerbaijani Armys liberation of occupied territories was a historic achievement that restored the country's territorial integrity. Thanks to the wise leadership of our Supreme Commander-in-Chief and the bravery of our troops, our sovereign lands have been reclaimed. Our army now plays an active role in reconstruction efforts in the liberated territories and supports the Great Return initiative. Minister Hasanov also expressed confidence in the continued readiness and professionalism of the Azerbaijani military, stating that the army will remain loyal to the Constitution and its obligations. Special tribute was paid to the families of fallen heroes and veterans. I honor the memory of our martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the sovereignty of Azerbaijan. I also extend my heartfelt congratulations to their families, and to our veterans and servicemen, on this sacred holiday. He noted the ongoing support of First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva for wounded veterans and the families of martyrs, recognizing her dedication to their well-being. In closing, the defense minister wished all military personnel and their families peace, prosperity, and happiness on Eid al-Adha. May this blessed holiday bring health, abundance, and joy to your homes. 5 June 2025 18:19 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more The ADA-Luiss Forum took place in Rome on June 3 and 4, jointly organized by ADA University and the International and Strategic Studies Center of Luiss University, Azernews reports. The event brought together experts, policymakers, and academics from Azerbaijan, Italy, Georgia, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan to discuss pressing geopolitical and economic issues shaping the region and beyond. The forum opened with remarks from ADA Universitys Vice-Rector Fariz Ismayilzade and Professor Raffael Marchetti, Director of Luiss Universitys International and Strategic Studies Center. Both speakers emphasized the strong and enduring partnership between Azerbaijan and Italy, highlighting the significance of establishing the Italy-Azerbaijan University as a milestone in bilateral educational and cultural cooperation. Among the attendees were Azerbaijans Ambassador to Italy Rashad Aslanov and senior officials from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, underscoring the forums high-level diplomatic engagement. Over two days, participants engaged in in-depth discussions on a wide range of topics, including: The development prospects and shared challenges of Azerbaijan-Italy relations; Azerbaijans strategic role in Europes energy security; Regional security dynamics amid Georgias and Ukraines candidacies for EU membership; Connectivity policies in the context of intensifying global strategic competition. The forum served as a platform to foster dialogue on current geopolitical and economic challenges. It highlighted evolving approaches and response mechanisms related to regional security in Europe and its neighboring regions, featuring contributions from leading Italian think tanks. By convening experts from diverse countries and backgrounds, the ADA-Luiss Forum strengthened international collaboration and promoted a better understanding of the complex strategic environment influencing the South Caucasus and Europe. 5 June 2025 16:50 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more The Azerbaijan National NGO Forum has issued an open letter to Thomas Stahli, Ambassador of the Swiss Confederation to Azerbaijan, expressing deep concern over what it describes as an intensifying campaign of anti-Azerbaijani activities in Switzerland, Azernews reports. In the letter, the Forum strongly criticized recent actions by the Swiss Council of States (Senate), which it says undermine peace and stability in the South Caucasus under the pretext of promoting an international peace forum. The Forum accuses the Council of supporting revanchist attitudes in Armenia, including those encouraged by the Armenian Church. A particular point of contention is a recent event held in Bern on so-called "Armenian heritage" in territories internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan. The event, co-organized by the Swiss Protestant Church and the Armenian Church, was described by the Forum as part of a broader pattern of hostility targeting Azerbaijan. The letter states: We strongly condemn these slander campaigns based on hatred against Azerbaijan. Such actions do not contribute to peace and confidence-building in the region but instead fuel revanchism in Armenia and provide fertile ground for renewed separatist propaganda. Individuals involved in these events openly spread provocative rhetoric against Azerbaijans sovereignty and territorial integrity, reviving outdated narratives and terminology. The Forum expressed particular concern over what it sees as the Armenian Church's "activism" in promoting hostility, rather than reconciliation, and condemned the apparent double standards of Swiss institutions and parts of Swiss society. In the 21st century, it is unacceptable to approach issues through the lens of ethnic and religious bias in the heart of Europe, the letter added, highlighting the absence of Swiss condemnation during years when Azerbaijani cultural and religious heritage was systematically destroyed under Armenian occupation. The Forum also pointed out Switzerland's failure to respond to ongoing humanitarian concerns, including the fate of nearly 4,000 missing Azerbaijanis from the First Garabagh War and the continued civilian casualties from landmines planted by Armenian forces. Why does the Swiss Council of States, in a country that is the depository of the 1949 Geneva Conventions the cornerstone of international humanitarian law fail to take a position on these grave violations?! the Forum asked. The letter concludes with a call to end the smear campaign against Azerbaijan and urges Ambassador Stahli to relay the concerns of Azerbaijani civil society to Swiss authorities: We strongly condemn such unwarranted interference and consider it a blow to the reconciliation process between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Switzerland must not turn a blind eye to real, fair, and well-founded facts and become a platform for a slander campaign against Azerbaijan. The Azerbaijan National NGO Forum, which unites hundreds of civil society organizations across the country, also expressed its willingness to meet with the Swiss Ambassador to discuss the matter in detail. 5 June 2025 19:41 (UTC+04:00) By News Center Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar participated in Baku Energy Week, where he underlined the growing strategic cooperation between Turkiye and Azerbaijan in the energy sector. Speaking at the event, which opened with a keynote address by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Bayraktar announced that Turkiye currently produces 9.5 million cubic meters of natural gas per day from the Sakarya Gas Field. He said the goal is to increase output to 20 million cubic meters by 2026 and reach 40 million cubic meters by 2028. Highlighting the depth of the Turkiye-Azerbaijan energy partnership, Bayraktar noted that Turkish Petroleum (TPAO) will enhance its presence in Azerbaijan through a new agreement on the Safak-Asiman Gas Field. This cooperation is built on a shared history and mutual strategic interests, he said. Following the opening speeches, President Aliyev and Minister Bayraktar toured the Caspian Oil and Natural Gas Fair, including a stop at the Turkish Petroleum exhibit. Officials emphasized Turkiyes active involvement in major Caspian Sea energy projects, including the Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli and Shah Deniz gas fields. Later, President Aliyev hosted Minister Bayraktar for a bilateral meeting, where the two discussed existing energy collaboration and potential new projects. As part of Baku Energy Week, Turkish Petroleum, SOCAR (State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic), and BP are set to sign a partnership agreement on the Safak-Asiman Natural Gas Field. Speaking to reporters, Bayraktar said, Turkish Petroleum is entering the Safak-Asiman field as a partner with a 30 percent stake. We will begin operations in cooperation with our longstanding partners, SOCAR and BP. Bayraktar also noted Turkish Petroleum's growing footprint in Azerbaijan. We are exploring other opportunities, especially in the Caspian Sea. These initiatives will continue to expand, he said. 5 June 2025 20:50 (UTC+04:00) U.S. Ambassador to Ankara and Special Representative for Syria, Tom Barrack, emphasized Turkiyes pivotal role as a regional power and mediator, particularly in the context of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the ongoing crisis in Syria. Turkiye plays a key role, Barrack said, praising Ankara's unique diplomatic ties with both Moscow and Kyiv. Turkiye has a traditional relationship with both Russia and Ukraine, and that makes it an important mediator in establishing dialogue. Barrack also highlighted Turkiyes broader geopolitical influence, describing it as more than just a strong NATO ally. Everyone always talks about Turkiye as a great NATO ally, and of course, theres no doubt about that. But more importantly, it holds critical regional significance, as we've seen not only in Ukraine and Russia but also in Syria, he noted. The ambassador underscored the positive relationship between President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and former U.S. President Donald Trump, expressing his desire to help strengthen this bond. Commenting on Turkiyes diplomatic efforts in hosting negotiations in Istanbul, Barrack reiterated, Turkiyes balanced relationships allow it to act as a meaningful intermediary in fostering dialogue. Speaking on the current state of the Russia-Ukraine war, Barrack said Trump is at the end of his rope, signaling the former presidents growing frustration with the protracted conflict. Turning to Syria, Barrack criticized the legacy of Western intervention in the region. The Syria policies of today will not resemble those of the past 100 yearsnone of which have truly worked, he said. He attributed longstanding instability to the West's attempts to shape the region to its own advantage, beginning with the aftermath of World War I. Citing historical examples, Barrack remarked, Lets start with the Balfour Declaration. Then came Sykes-Picot, where British and French diplomats divided the Ottoman Empire without regard for the region's tribal and religious complexities. The Ottomans had a system that worked, but artificial borders cannot contain such deep-seated divisions. He argued that many of the Middle Easts enduring conflicts can be traced to Western efforts to control the regions futurelargely driven by the desire to secure fossil fuel resources. Responding to a question about the future of U.S. military presence in Syria, Barrack revealed that the number of American bases has already decreased significantly. From eight bases, weve gone down to five, then three, and now just one, he said. He added that the U.S. is working to integrate the YPG/PKKoperating under the name Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)into the central Syrian government in Damascus. They are currently living under the protection of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), but unless there is broad cooperation, U.S. support will gradually decline, Barrack warned. There is immense pressure on all sides to reach a deal. 5 June 2025 16:46 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a telephone conversation, during which they exchanged holiday greetings and discussed bilateral and regional matters, Azernews reports. According to official reports, Prime Minister Pashinyan extended his congratulations to President Erdogan on the occasion of Eid al-Adha. In response, President Erdogan congratulated the Armenian leader on Armenias upcoming role as host of the European Political Community Summit, scheduled for spring 2026. During the call, the two leaders also addressed ongoing Armenia-Turkiye relations and broader regional developments. Both sides agreed to maintain dialogue moving forward. Regarding the recent Israel /Iran Conflict (the "12 Day War"), culminating in the United States Air Force employing seven B2 Bombers to complete a 33 hour flight, dropping 14 fifteen ton bunker busting bombs on three Iranian nuclear facilities buried deep under mountain rock, which destroyed Iran's nuclear ambitions against Israel and the United States: Should President Trump have unilaterally made the decision to make such a bold decision to conduct this operation, without first running this prospective operation before the US Congress for their approval? 12.5% No, The War Powers Act prohibitions, which requires NO presidential military action without congressional approval.87.5% Yes, the President has Article 2 Constitutional authority to take unilateral military action to protect the American People, providing he does not break congressional codes, which he did not.0% Don't care, never have. Gerry Adams said he will donate the 100,000 euros (84,000) he is to receive in damages from the BBC to charities that help children in Gaza, the homeless in Ireland and Irish language groups. Mr Adams took the BBC to court over a 2016 episode of its Spotlight programme, and an accompanying online story, which he said defamed him by alleging he sanctioned the killing of former Sinn Fein official Denis Donaldson, for which he denies any involvement. Northern Irish CEO opens up on life and work: I have a colleague who tells everybody shes a dentist its easier than explaining what we do As part of our weekly Meaning of Life series, Denise Hayward, CEO of Volunteer Now, speaks to Aine Toner about the importance of giving back and making a difference Denise Hayward, CEO of Volunteer Now Aine Toner Thu 5 Jun 2025 at 09:57 The CEO of an organisation promoting volunteering in Northern Ireland is keen to spread awareness of its benefits. Donald Trump is not yet fit to tie the laces of the Irish saint whom he wants to honour next week Health Minister Mike Nesbitt speaking to the media at Castle Buildings, at Stormont following the leaked report into the cardiac surgery unit at Belfast Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH). Picture date: Thursday June 5, 2025. Liam McBurney/PA Wire Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has been urged to come before the Assembly next week in the aftermath of a report said to contain allegations of bullying. It comes as the minister said the Belfast Health Trust is facing the highest-level accountability process after the findings of an independent external review are said to have included an intolerable working environment and a pattern of consistently poor behaviour within the unit. The independent review into the cardiac surgery service in the Belfast Trust was said during a meeting of the Stormont Health Committee last month to have contained allegations of bullying of junior staff by more senior staff, surgeons working from home and the throwing of medical instruments during operations. Last week, Mr Nesbitt said he was finalising a series of Department of Health interventions following the report. In a statement to the Assembly on Thursday, Mr Nesbitt said the behaviours detailed in the report are "appalling and bring shame on our health service". He announced the department's performance accountability process for Belfast Trust has been raised to Level 5, the highest level. "This level is expected to be required in only the most serious and exceptional cases," he said. "Level 5 intervention is not about blurring lines of responsibility. To be clear, it is the responsibility and duty of Belfast Trust its senior executives and board to deliver the action plan for improvement, and to ensure that it leads to tangible improvements in the culture and working environments for this important service in Belfast Trust." He added: "Level 5 is about ensuring support, oversight and sustained focus. It will assist the trust to achieve stabilisation, ahead of its management reset with the appointment of a new chief executive. "To that end, I am putting in place external expert support for the trust and have enhanced departmental accountability, now formalised as a departmental accountability team." He also told MLAs that he has left the trust in "no doubt that I expect a comprehensive response to the review's findings and recommendations. "An action plan for improvement must be implemented with the urgency that is plainly required," he added. Responding, DUP MLA Diane Dodds welcomed the move. "I am pleased after many months of highlighting failures and demanding action that the Health Minister finally seems to be responding. This had become inevitable, but is absolutely necessary," she said. "It appears to have taken the most recent leaked report and associated publicity for something finally to happen. "I trust the minister agrees intervention must be radical and comprehensive. "It is essential that any actions tackle head on the management failure issues in the trust. Alarming and unacceptable as they are, the revelations about the cardiac surgery team are only symptoms of the wider disease at the top of the Belfast Trust." However, there was criticism of Mr Nesbitt by others within Stormont, who called for further clarity around the Departments role in the Trusts accountability process. That criticism came from the Alliance Partys Nuala McAllister who said she remained concerned at the lack of clarity around what Level 5 measures look like. This is why I have asked the Health Minister to come to the Assembly Chamber on Monday to answer questions from MLAs and explain exactly what Level 5 of the departments performance accountability process entails, she added. Whether it is allegations of bullying within the Belfast Trust, the cervical smear scandal and urology review in the Southern Trust, or a lack of respite and residential provision in the South Eastern Trust, the Department of Health must take a more active role in ensuring the highest levels of accountability and transparency are maintained across all five Health and Social Care Trusts. Its the least that patients deserve. NI mum welcomes investigation into babys tragic death at scandal-hit health trust after years of being gaslit Mixed emotions for parents who blew whistle after tragedy in 2016 Jack and Sarah Hawkins with daughter Lottie. The couple's first daughter, Harriet, died in 2016 following maternity failings (Callum Parke/PA) Kurtis Reid Thu 5 Jun 2025 at 07:06 The Co Down mother of a baby who was stillborn under the care of a scandal-hit health trust in England has said a corporate manslaughter investigation is a welcome step after years of being gaslit and victim-blamed. A local actor who is leading a campaign to save the Riverside Theatre in Coleraine has made an urgent appeal to an organisation that co-funded the venue back in the 1970s. The 350-seater Riverside Theatre was built in 1976 by the New University of Ulster, in partnership with Coleraine Borough Council, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, a public fundraising appeal and the Gulbenkian Foundation. Steven Millar, from the Save the Riverside Theatre group, has written to the Gulbenkian Foundation, as well as Communities Minister Gordan Lyons and Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald, with urgent concern about the imminent closure of the Riverside Theatre in Coleraine an institution which Gulbenkian Foundation helped found. The Gulbenkian Foundation is an international organisation promoting the development of individuals and organisations through art, science, education, and charity, for a more equitable and sustainable society. In March of this year, UU suggested that Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council could take on a lease of the theatre, and also pay the annual running costs and the necessary repairs. Ulster University has previously said the building would require significant capital investment to remain in use with refurbishment works estimated to cost in the region of 745,000, on top of annual running costs of 495,000. SDLP MLA Cara Hunter speaking at a rally to 'Save Riverside Theatre'. "In the face of unprecedented financial challenges it is more important than ever that we focus our resources on core academic activities," a university spokesperson said. Mr Millar said Ulster University (UU) has announced its intention to close the Riverside Theatre in Coleraine by the end of July 2025 without public consultation, without a feasibility study, without an equality impact assessment, and without any formal process to explore viable alternatives. This isnt just a devastating civic and cultural loss. It also violates the public and charitable commitments under which Riverside was founded and dishonors the spirit of Gulbenkians original investment, he said. This is not a dying theatre. It is an underfunded one. There are viable options: we are actively exploring a charitable trust or a lease model to allow continued operation. But these alternatives are being shut out before they can be tested. Ulster University has declined, so far, to pause the closure timeline or publicly engage. That is why we are calling on you as a founding funder and cultural leader to intervene. You co-built Riverside Theatre. Your voice now could help protect it. Designed by Peter Moro, Riverside remains the only flexible-format theatre of its kind on the island of Ireland. From its inception, the Riverside was never a conventional university department it was a civic and cultural asset, created for the benefit of the wider public. Mr Millar has claimed this decision breaches legal and public duties on multiple grounds, citing that it was co-funded by charitable and public taxpayer money including the Gulbenkian Foundation. Under UK and Northern Irish law, he said, such assets may be subject to charitable purpose restrictions, requiring that they continue to serve the public benefit for which they were created. Chris Robinson Chair, Equity Lagan & East Branch obo Lagan & East Branch, has also written to UUs Vice Chancellor Professor Paul Bartholomew. He said: This announcement by the University of Ulster comes as yet another body blow to the Arts in Northern Ireland and is further evidence of the lack of importance that local decision makers place in the arts and the community who engage with them. Mr Robinson also accused the local council and department for communities of passing the blame. Ulster University, DfC and Causeway Coast & Glens Council have been contacted. Police at the scene of a sudden death in north Belfast A 31-year-old man has been remanded in custody accused of murdering his pensioner mother in north Belfast. Lewis Green, of Shore Road in the city, is charged with the murder of 71-year-old Mary Marie Green, who was found dead in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Mr Green is also charged with non-fatal strangulation and common assault on another person in connection with the investigation. He appeared at Belfast Magistrates Court handcuffed and dressed in a grey tracksuit and confirmed that he understood the allegations against him. A detective sergeant involved in the investigation told the court he could connect Green to the charges. No further details were released. A defence solicitor did not put any questions to the detective or seek bail for his client. District Judge Anne Marshall remanded Green in custody, to appear again by video-link next month. Forensic teams at the scene of a firearms incident in the High Street area of Bangor on May 18 2025. Photo by Kevin Scott The Police Ombudsman has confirmed it will not be launching a probe after shots were fired by police during a two hour stand-off in Bangor. Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton told the Policing Board yesterday that the watchdog is not opening an investigation after shots were fired by police. The incident occurred on the evening of May 18 in High Street in Bangor, where a man was seen in a business with a firearm. Belfast Magistrates Court was later told the RAF veteran pointed a realistic looking imitation gun at armed police demanding to be shot. It was stated he put officers in such a state of fear they fired several rounds at the 45-year-old during a near two hour stand-off. During the incident, to which an armed response unit was called, the unnamed individual identified himself as a veteran of both wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. The man was later arrested and charged with a range of offences, including possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear and violence. The response of officers was praised by Mr Singleton. An individual clearly and significantly in distress, who pointed a fire arm at them (officers) in High Street, Bangor, he said. Having reviewed the circumstances surrounding the discharge of the police firearms, the Police Ombudsman have confirmed that they are not opening an investigation. I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the officers, who I think demonstrated exceptional professionalism, courage resilience and restraint. Assistant Chief Constable Bobby Singleton. Picture by Peter Morrison Also discussed in the meeting was the controversial arrest of pro-Palestinian activists last month. Sue Pentel (72), a member of the group Jews for Palestine, was arrested alongside a fellow activist in her 50s in relation to criminal damage to a Barclays bank cash machine in Belfast. Stickers had been placed on the ATM. The arrest of the pair sparked criticism from some politicians, including from the First Minister, and the public. Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said an investigation had been launched by the Police Ombudsman in relation to the arrest. We are limited to what we can say due to the Ombudsman investigation, he said. I, of course, had the luxury at the time of seeing the body worn video. I was satisfied as I said around the professionalism with which the officers dealt with those that were protesting. I welcome the Ombudsmans investigation into it. If they find there is organisational learning within that, of course, we will respond to that. In relation to the recent withdrawal of allegations of sectarianism by a Catholic former police officer, named as Sean to protect his identity, Mr Singleton said he was relieved that the accusations were retracted. In recent months public attention has been drawn to the very serious allegations of sectarianism in the police force, he said. Seans claims understandably caused public concern. The type of behaviour that was alleged was, as I have said at the time, absolutely disgraceful. Since the last board meeting, Sean has of course now unequivocally retracted his allegations. He has acknowledged that they were unfounded and he has expressed deep regret for the distress that has been caused. I am relieved that Sean has done this, and I think it is the best possible outcome for everybody. It was also revealed in the meeting that four officers had been dismissed by the Chief Constable, Jon Boutcher, both for inappropriate material being shared on WhatsApp chats and one for misusing substances. In the last two months as well, the Chief Constable has personally convened four fast-tracked special case misconduct hearings, he said. Three of these hearings were in respect to inappropriate material in private WhatsApp groups, discovered as part of a Police Ombudsman investigation. And a further hearing related to substance misuse. All four officers were dismissed by the Chief Constable, said Mr Singleton. The Policing Board also discussed an online gangs of boys, referred to as the Com by police. They were referred to as online misogynists by the National Economic Crime Centre director general Graeme Biggar. We are living our lives more online. We see that play out in crimes in relation to online fraud, cyber-crimes and child sexual abuse and exploitation, said Mr Biggar. The particular example is in what we highlighted in our March publication was the emergence over the last two years, in particular the last year, of a new-ish phenomenon generally called the Com. This is an online grouping of gangs of boys with a nihilistic, misogynistic mindset, who focus on grooming and coercing young girls into abusing themselves, and into self-harm. This is in particular an English speaking phenomenon, but it causes significant harm. We did an alert out to chief constables in March. We have a number of investigations into it across the UK. We have had a number of prosecutions so far. We have not had incidences of this in Northern Ireland, yet. We dont have any investigations here, but it will come. Two weeks ago, a number of families had been forced out of their homes in north Belfast as a result of a series of sectarian attacks. Forensic teams at the scene of a firearms incident in the High Street area of Bangor on May 18 2025. Photo by Kevin Scott News Catch Up - Thursday 5 June Mr Henderson told the board a man has been arrested and charged in relation to the attacks. On May 21, that night we saw attacks on houses, windows broken. It was clearly a sectarian attempt to intimidate people out of their homes, he said. We will bring all of our investigative powers to bring people to justice. We have investigated, and, this week, we have arrested and charged a male in relation to damage caused to one of the properties. The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has said a number of appliances, along with a specialist team, attended an incident in Belfast city centre where a man was rescued from scaffolding. Police, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and the NI Ambulance Service attended the scene of a medical emergency on Amelia Street. The PSNI said it was a medical emergency which was dealt with by NIAS, with police providing traffic management. Pictures from the scene show an aerial platform at the incident. Amelia Street in Belfast city centre. Credit: Brendan Bonnar News Catch Up - Thursday 5 June The Belfast Telegraph understands a person has fallen ill while working at a height. The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) said three appliances and a specialist rescue team attended the scene, one appliance came from Central Fire Station, one from Cadogan Fire Station and an aerial appliance was sent from Springfield Fire Station. A NIFRS spokesperson added: Firefighters were called to reports of an incident on Amelia Street, Belfast. Firefighters rescued one male from scaffolding. The casualty was transferred to the care of NIAS. The incident was dealt with by 2.53pm. There is growing optimism that the Government will announce funding to help rebuild Casement Park when it reveals its comprehensive spending review next week. As the GAA held an event at Westminster where it met MPs and ministers, a range of political sources in Stormont and in London expressed hope that the redevelopment of the west Belfast stadium would finally begin. Minister for Justice Jim OCallaghan confirmed that a flight carrying 35 people, including five children, who were deported from Ireland was forced to make an unscheduled stop due to a medical incident on board on Wednesday night (Brian Lawless/PA) A flight carrying 35 people, including five children, who were being deported from Ireland was forced to make an unscheduled stop over a medical incident on board. The 21 men, nine woman and five children left on a chartered flight which departed Dublin Airport on Wednesday night for Nigeria. Minister for Justice Jim OCallaghan confirmed it was the third chartered flight used for deportations this year, at a cost of 324,714 euros which he said was value for money. The plane was required to make the unscheduled stop, but Mr OCallaghan said he was happy to say that the flight was able to resume its journey with all 35 returnees arriving safely in Lagos on Thursday morning. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content The people deported were Nigerian nationals. Mr OCallaghan confirmed the completion of a successful deportation operation in a statement on Thursday morning. He said that the deported children were part of a family unit. It is the third operation carried out since the recommencement of charter flights for deportations in February of this year. Access to these services has significantly increased the capacity of An Garda Siochana to enforce deportation orders and is a measure Mr OCallaghan is deploying to step up immigration enforcement, the justice department said. Further charter operations will be conducted as the year progresses. Mr OCallaghan said that people coming to Ireland must follow the appropriate pathways for legal migration. Ireland has a rules-based immigration system. It is important that those rules are robust and enforced, he added. The return of people whose applications have been refused and deportation orders have issued is the foundation of any modern rules-based immigration process. People coming to Ireland must follow the appropriate pathways for legal migration and these pathways must be adhered to and protected for our immigration system to work fairly and effectively. If a persons application for international protection is refused and they are ordered to leave the State they must do so. This is the third charter operation this year. Removal operations of this nature send a clear message that there are consequences for people who remain in our country without permission and underscores this Governments intention to protect the integrity of our immigration system. The flight was required to make an unscheduled stop due to a medical incident on board, but I am happy to say that the flight was able to resume its journey with all 35 returnees arriving safely in Nigeria this morning. I want to thank the members of An Garda Siochana and my officials for their work in conducting this successful operation. The charter flights are used in addition to commercial flights. These operations are conducted under a contract signed by the State in November 2024 for the provision of charter aircraft. Mr OCallaghan added: Enforced removals are conducted as a measure of last resort when the person concerned has not removed themselves from the State or availed of assisted voluntary return measures. Before a deportation order is made, the person is offered assistance to return home voluntarily which is the preferred option. There has been a significant increase in the number of people leaving voluntarily and I continue to appeal to those who are given this opportunity to avail of it where appropriate. Two charter flights already conducted this year have removed 71 people who were subject to deportation orders. This operation brings the number of people removed by charter flight to 106. Additionally, 54 deportation orders have been enforced on commercial flights and 23 people subject to deportation orders are confirmed to have left Ireland unescorted so far in 2025. Minister for Migration Colm Brophy said: Having a modern immigration system where its laws are effective and enforced is a key priority for this Government. The removal of people who have no legal right to be in the State, and the enforcement aspect of our immigration laws, are essential for the system to work effectively. Todays flight, the third charter flight this year, underpins the Governments commitment in this area. I would like to thank members of An Garda Siochana for their ongoing hard work and commitment to ensuring that our returns system is effective and efficient. This Department has a voluntary return programme to assist people to return prior to the issuance of a deportation order. This is the preferred option, and I would encourage those who are provided the opportunity to return voluntarily to avail of it. So far this year, 694 people have availed of the voluntary return programme. In a statement, a spokesman for the gardai said that the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) carried out the operation. An Garda Siochana said it continues to work closely with the Department of Justice in implementing immigration policy. Minister for Children Norma Foley said parents who are subject to deportation orders should consider leaving Ireland voluntarily, saying it is in the best interest of everyone. Speaking on Thursday, Ms Foley said she accepts it is a really, really challenging space and very difficult. I absolutely accept that. I would have to say, though, that we have to have a very clear, rules-based system, she added. I think people who come to the country need to know what the rules are, and the system will work as per the rules. It is my understanding in this instance, when you come and your case is assessed, if you have a right to be here, you stay here. You are supported here. If it is deemed that you dont have a right to be here, you have a right to challenge that. And there is an appeal process, and if youre unsuccessful with the appeal process, you are given the opportunity to leave the country voluntarily, and there is assistance provided for you to leave voluntarily. Many, many take up that opportunity to leave voluntarily. But if you dont leave, then there is this option that has to be taken in terms of you are being competitively. I would not want any child or any person to be in a stressful or stressed situation, but I think we must be clear as well that it is a rules based system. We want it to be fair, and we want the outcome to be fair. I think its very important, and I think parents really should maybe consider this as an option. If you are given the opportunity to leave the country voluntarily, if assistance is provided to support you to do that, it would be in the best interest of everybody that you would do that voluntarily. This measure of being compelled to leave, thats a measure of last, last resort. USB device found taped to friends bedroom window on day Evan Fitzgerald opened fire in Irish shopping centre Gardai have seized the flash drive placed in a bag and duct-taped to bedroom window The letter 'E' was spelt out in duct tape along with the package containing the deviceGardai are trying to establish if the flash drive has any information relating to the events in Carlow on Sunday Evan Fitzgerald, who died in a shooting incident at the Fairgreen Shopping Centre in Carlow. Photo: PA Robin Schiller Thu 5 Jun 2025 at 08:30 Gardai investigating a shooting incident involving Irish gunman Evan Fitzgerald (22) have seized a USB device discovered at his friends home on the day Fitzgerald opened fire in a shopping centre. A crate of drink is produced by members of the search teams (James Manning/PA) German and Portuguese investigators congratulated and embraced each other as the latest searches connected to the disappearance of Madeleine McCann drew to a close. Search teams wound down the operation in Atalaia, near Lagos, Portugal, on Thursday, after three days of scouring scrubland and abandoned structures. Their efforts focused on a 120-acre stretch of land, using equipment such as chainsaws, diggers and a ground-penetrating radar. The operation comes 18 years after three-year-old Madeleine disappeared from nearby Praia da Luz while on holiday with her family in 2007. The British girl vanished after she was left sleeping while her parents, Kate and Gerry McCann, went for dinner in a nearby restaurant. Officers involved in the latest searches held a debrief before leaving the site, and there was a round of applause before a crate of German beer was removed from one of the tents in the designated base area. After the Augustiner beers were carried away, some officers struggled to grapple with the tents they were taking down because of the blustery conditions. Officers pack up a tent at the end of the day (James Manning/PA) Earlier in the day, personnel could be seen holding pitchforks as they combed stretches of land. Pick-axes and shovels were used to dig some of the undergrowth and a digger was again used to remove rubble from one of the abandoned structures at the site. They spent the first two days of the search focusing on one particular derelict building, using ground-penetrating radar on the cobbled ground after clearing the area of debris and vegetation using a digger and chainsaws. British officers have not been present at the latest searches, the Metropolitan Police said. Members of the search teams at one of the base camps close to Praia da Luz (James Manning/PA) Madeleines parents have not commented during the active police investigation, staff at the Find Madeleine Campaign said. German authorities requested the search as part of their continued attempts to source evidence to implicate prime suspect Christian Brueckner, who is in prison for raping a 72-year-old woman in Praia da Luz in 2005. He is due to be released from jail in September if no further charges are brought. In October last year, Brueckner was cleared by a German court of unrelated sexual offences, alleged to have taken place in Portugal between 2000 and 2017. In 2023, investigators carried out searches near the Barragem do Arade reservoir, about 30 miles from Praia da Luz. Brueckner spent time in the area between 2000 and 2017 and had photographs and videos of himself near the reservoir. The King was offered a special discount on antique watches when he visited a London market after braving a summer downpour. Charles toured Old Spitalfields Market after visiting the nearby South by SouthWest London (SXSW London) festival, where he was welcomed by the Kingdom Choir, who performed at the Duke and Duchess of Sussexs wedding. The market on Thursdays features stalls selling vintage items, and Charles perused the silverware, old photos and arts and crafts from places like Indonesia and Persia. Shoppers were kept back but Charles shook hands with many of the stallholders, including Paul Brimmer, not part of the royal tour, who told the King: Ive got a stall with watches, Ill give you a special discount, then added: You dont carry cash. Peter Filosidiss table was covered in knick-knacks and Charles asked him where he found the items. Mr Filosidis said afterwards: It was amazing to meet the King. Its the King for gods sake, its the King. He said he had seen him once or twice at the opera, which the antique hunter attended regularly. Earlier Charles walked from the main SXSW London site at the Truman Brewery in the rain, holding an umbrella, to the crypt of Christ Church, Spitalfields, the venue for the SXSW exhibition Beautiful Collisions, showcasing artists whose work draws on their Caribbean heritage. Charles during a tour of the South by SouthWest London festival (Kirsty Wigglesworth/PA) Denzil Forrester, one of five artists featured, discussed his painting of figures with the King and told him he found inspiration sketching in clubs till 5am. Are you sure? You should be in bed, quipped the King. The six-day SXSW London is a culture, technology and creativity festival being held in Shoreditch, east London. It is the first time the event, which began in Austin, Texas, US, has been held in Europe. The King chats to stallholder Peter Filosidis (Kirsty Wigglesworth/PA) It showcases the future of the creative industries, supporting emerging artists and innovative projects, and features a number of discussions, exhibitions and networking events. Deputy prime minister Angela Rayner was among those who greeted the King when he arrived, after she had appeared earlier at the festival speaking about sustainable communities. Other speakers during the six-day festival have included former prime ministers Sir Tony Blair and Lord David Cameron, London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan and actor Idris Elba, speaking to delegates on a range of issues from AI to healthcare and creativity in communities. Charles also toured the immersive art installation Grounding, where artist Damien Roach has used AI and data to create modern landscape images of mountains, woodland scenes or the suns corona during a total eclipse. The fire following Russias drone attack in the Pryluky, Ukraine (Ukrainian Emergency Service via AP) At least five people, including a one-year-old child, his mother and grandmother, were killed on Thursday in a night-time Russian drone strike that hit the northern Ukrainian city of Pryluky, officials said. Six drones hit a residential area in the city at 5.30am local time, according to authorities. The child killed was the grandson of an emergency responder, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said. One of the rescuers arrived to respond to the aftermath right at his own home, Mr Zelensky said in a post on Telegram. It turned out that a Shahed drone hit his house. The one-year-olds mother was a police officer called Daryna Shyhyda, Ukraines National Police said. Today our hearts are scorched by pain, the police force wrote on Telegram. This is not just a loss it is three generations of life uprooted. Firefighters put out a fire following Russias drone attack in the Pryluky, Chernihiv region, Ukraine, on Thursday (Ukrainian Emergency Service via AP) The attack came just hours after US President Donald Trump spoke by phone to Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to Mr Trump, Mr Putin said very strongly that Russia will retaliate for Ukraines weekend drone attacks on Russian military airfields. Six people were wounded in the Pryluky attack and are in hospital, officials said. Pryluky, which had a pre-war population of around 50,000 people, lies about 100 kilometres (60 miles) east of Kyiv, the capital. The city is far from the front line and does not contain any known military assets. Mr Zelensky said a total of 103 drones and one ballistic missile targeted multiple Ukrainian regions overnight, including Donetsk, Kharkiv, Odesa, Sumy, Chernihiv, Dnipro and Kherson. This is another massive strike, Mr Zelensky said. It is yet another reason to impose the strongest possible sanctions and apply pressure collectively. Mr Zelensky, who has accepted a US ceasefire proposal and offered to meet Mr Putin in an attempt to break the stalemate in negotiations, wants more international sanctions on Russia to force it to accept a settlement. Mr Putin has shown no willingness to meet Mr Zelensky, however, and has indicated no readiness to compromise. US-led diplomatic efforts to stop the more than three-year war have delivered no significant progress, and the grinding war of attrition has continued unabated. Germanys new leader Friedrich Merz was due to meet Mr Trump in Washington on Thursday as he works to keep the US on board with Western diplomatic and military support for Ukraine. Ukraines top presidential aide, Andriy Yermak, met senior American officials in Washington on Wednesday and called for greater US pressure on Russia, accusing the Kremlin of deliberately stalling ceasefire talks and blocking progress toward peace, according to a statement on the presidential website. Mr Yermak, who travelled to the US as part of a Ukrainian delegation, met senior American officials to bolster support for Ukraines defence and humanitarian priorities. He said Ukraine urgently needs stronger air defence capabilities. Hours after the Pryluky attack, 19 people were injured in a Russian drone strike on the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. Those hurt included children, a pregnant woman, and a 93-year-old woman, regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov wrote on Telegram. At around 1.05am, Shahed-type drones struck two apartment buildings in the citys Slobidskyi district, causing fires and destroying several private vehicles. By launching attacks while people sleep in their homes, the enemy once again confirms its tactic of insidious terror, Mr Syniehubov wrote on Telegram. Russian aircraft also dropped four powerful glide bombs on the southern city of Kherson, injuring at least three people, regional authorities said. President Donald Trump has said that it might be better to let Ukraine and Russia fight for a while before pulling them apart and pursuing peace. In an Oval Office meeting with German chancellor Friedrich Merz, Mr Trump likened the war in Ukraine which Russia invaded in early 2022 to a fight between two young children who hated each other. Sometimes youre better off letting them a fight for a while and then pulling them apart, Mr Trump said. President Donald Trump meets Germanys Chancellor Friedrich Merz (Evan Vucci/AP) He added that he had relayed that analogy to Russian president Vladimir Putin in their phone conversation on Wednesday. The US president still left the threat of sanctions on the table. He said sanctions could be imposed for both Ukraine and Russia. When I see the moment where its not going to stop well be very, very tough, Mr Trump said. Asked about Mr Trumps comments as the two leaders sat next to each other, Mr Merz stressed that both he and the president agreed on this war and how terrible this war is going on, pointing to Mr Trump as the key person in the world who would be able to stop the bloodshed. But Mr Merz also emphasised that Germany was on the side of Ukraine and that Kyiv was only attacking military targets, not Russian civilians. We are trying to get them stronger, Mr Merz said of Ukraine. The United States vetoed a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza because it was not linked to the release of hostages. The resolution before the UNs most powerful body also did not condemn Hamass deadly attack in Israel on October 7 2023, which ignited the war, or say the militant group must disarm and withdraw from Gaza two other US demands. The 14 other members of the 15-nation council voted in favour of the resolution, which described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as catastrophic and called on Israel to lift all restrictions on the delivery of aid to the 2.1 million Palestinians in the territory. The US vetoed the last resolution on Gaza in November, under the Biden administration, again because the ceasefire demand was not directly linked to the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. Similarly, the current resolution demands those taken by Hamas and other groups be released, but it does not make it a condition for a truce. President Donald Trumps administration has tried to ramp up its efforts to broker peace in Gaza after 20 months of war. However, Hamas has sought amendments to a US proposal that special envoy Steve Witkoff has called totally unacceptable. Top mandarin cheated death during Provo attacks on first Margaret Thatcher, and years later John Major A retired top British civil servant has revealed he was beside two prime ministers when they cheated death in IRA bombings. Lord Robin Butler was beside Margaret Thatcher when the IRAs Brighton bomb exploded several floors above them, and was in the same room as John Major when the Provos tried to kill him in a mortar bomb attack on Downing Street. Bennington, VT (05201) Today Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High around 85F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Mostly cloudy skies with a few showers after midnight. Low 69F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%. PITTSFIELD The setting for playwright Richard Hellesens Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground at Barrington Stage Company's Boyd-Quinson Stage through Sunday, June 8, is the airy enclosed sunroom porch at the Eisenhower farm in Gettysburg, Pa. The space evocatively designed by Michael Deegan is dominated by an enormous wall-width and height window that looks out upon nearly 700 acres of farmland adjacent to the Gettysburg battlefield, stretching out to a bank of mountains on the horizons capped by a constantly shifting skyscape ranging anywhere from crystalline blue to dark, threatening storm clouds to a patchwork quilt of towering burnt-seeming clouds pierced by rusty gold beams of sun. It is a background against which are projected images of various individuals or places who held significance in Eisenhower's life. Theater Review What: "Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground" by Richard Helleson. Directed by Peter Ellenstein With: John Rubinstein Who: Barrington Stage Company Where: Boyd-Quinson Stage, 30 Union St., Pittsfield When: Through Sunday Performances: 7 p.m. Wednesday; 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; 2 p.m. Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday Running time: 1 hour, 57 minutes (including one intermission) Tickets: $70-$95 Reservations and information: 413-236-8888; barringtonstageco.org The farm now a national historic site is a perfect retreat for Dwight D. Eisenhower, the Kansas-born former World War II U.S. Army general and 34th president of the United States; a place he shares with his wife of 46 years, Mamie, a Black couple Sgt. John Moaney, an aide and friend to Eisenhower since their military service in World War II, and his wife, Delores; and a host of livestock. The time is August 1962, roughly two and a half years since Eisenhower left the White House. Despite the pastoral tranquility outside, the atmosphere inside is anything but calm. The former president (John Rubinstein, who wears this role as comfortably as the gray cardigan he wears in the plays second half) is mad as hell and hes not going to stand for it. The New York Times has published in its magazine a poll of 75 historians who have ranked Eisenhower 22nd among Americas 35 presidents 31, as his editor points out in the plays opening phone conversation. Its not only that hes been ranked 22. He is three worse than Herbert Hoover; one ahead of Andrew Johnson; 13 behind his predecessor, Harry Truman. Thats not all. The historians have placed Eisenhower among the class of mediocre presidents "presidents [who] were content to leave well enough alone, or unwilling to fight for their programs, or were inept at doing so." Adding insult to injury, the historians have joined Eisenhower with Presidents Grant and Madison as great Americans, [but] not great presidents." With one book, Crusade in Europe," under his belt, Eisenhower is considering a proposal by his editor, Kevin McCann, to pen another book, this one more personal. Uncertain whether anyone would be interested in reading a memoir, Eisenhower has been resisting the idea. Nevertheless, hes been recording his thoughts; incidents from his personal life everything I can remember, so you can transcribe it, he tells McCann; talking to myself like a senile old man. Fired up by the historians characterization of his place among the nations presidents, Eisenhower has a lot to say over the course of the late morning and early afternoon in which this two-act play unfolds. Hellesons research through Eisenhower's papers, letters, speeches, memoirs and recordings has been thorough, and hes put the material to purposeful use. The bulk of the first act revolves around Eisenhower's personal history his upbringing in Kansas, his family, particularly his outside-the-box-for-her-times mother, Ida; his early education; and his eventual career in the military that was more a result of chance and unexpected opportunity than it was a life plan. The second half which at times feels as if we are at an Eisenhower political rally deals with his adult career: his consequential roles in the D-Day invasion and, later on, the formation of NATO; his reluctant entry into politics; the collapse of the nuclear arms treaty talks in Paris with Soviet Union Prime Minister Nikita Khrushchev; his accomplishments; warnings about the insidious ways in which freedom and the law can be undermined. Eisenhower valiantly mounts an argument for the value of moderation in a political leader, being a middle-of-the-roader. You prob'ly think that means you don't stand for anything, which is nonsense, he says at one point, because you're going to get hit from both sides, so you'd better stand twice as strong. Besides, the middle is the usable part of the road! Steer too far to the right or left, you end up in a ditch. To a large degree, Hellesen avoids the traps that are inherent in this sort of advertisements-for-myself genre in which some usually deceased "celebrity" figure is returned from history to talk to us, whomever we are meant to be, about their life, the choices they made, in the hope such revelations lead to greater insight about the historic figure; about ourselves, about the world at large. Hellesen and the occasionally gravel-voiced, Patton-sounding Rubinstein create a logical dramatic context. Rubinstein may deliver many of his lines, particularly in the second half, looking out at the audience, but, unlike too many plays in this genre, the audience is not a presence here. Eisenhower either is talking to himself, as he makes wry remarks, or to the tape recorder. Rubinstein and Hellesen make an interesting case for Eisenhower and historians would appear to have gone along. According to a projection at the end of the play, over the course of five polls in 60 years, Eisenhower has risen in historians estimations from No. 22 in 1962 to No. 5 in 2022. Through a voice from history, Rubinstein, Hellesen and director Peter Ellenstein have fashioned a cautionary tale about the nurturing and care of a hallowed piece of ground that extends well beyond an expansive pastoral landscape in Gettysburg. THEATER REVIEW What: "Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground" by Richard Helleson. Directed by Peter Ellenstein With: John Rubinstein Who: Barrington Stage Company Where: Boyd-Quinson Stage, 30 Union St., Pittsfield When: Through Sunday, June 8 Performances: 7 p.m. Wednesday; 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; 2 p.m. Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday Running time: 1 hour, 57 minutes (including one intermission) Tickets: $70-$95 Reservations and information: 413-236-8888; barringtonstageco.org Anyone who has spent any time birding will understand that certain birds are more difficult to find than others. Anyone who has spent a lifetime birding will understand that certain species are diabolically difficult to find. Anyone who has spent any time trying to photograph birds will understand that some species are diabolically difficult to find, but even more difficult to spot in the viewfinder of a camera. Today, I introduce you to just such a bird, the great crested flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus). To be a little more transparent, I think I need to clarify one aspect of this particular bird. It is not (in any way) difficult to locate this species. The great crested flycatcher has a particularly loud collection of vocalizations that are so distinctive that they are virtually impossible to confuse with any other local bird. If any species could be described as permanently perturbed, this would be the one. It is just a matter of human interpretation, of course, but great crested flycatchers always sound a little surprised and a little annoyed at the same time. TREETOP NESTERS The problem is the fact that they tend to stay in the treetops, which can put them 70 to 100 feet off the ground in a relatively mature forest. It is from this sort of position that a great crested flycatcher will engage in a hunting strategy called hawking. This is a technique in which a bird will sit on an exposed perch and wait for something edible to fly by. Once the prey is spotted, the bird sallies forth and snatches it out of the air. This is different from the sort of aerial hunting performed by swallows, because swallows rarely land for much of anything. Flycatchers land after every hawking attempt and reset for the next flying insect to come by. Further complicating the location and photography of the great crested flycatcher is the species choice of nesting location. These guys, like many other species, look for old woodpecker nest cavities they can make their own. Woodpeckers make new nest cavities every year, which leaves all sorts of valuable housing on the market in future summers. Great crested flycatchers will probably look for the nests of northern flickers, red-bellied woodpeckers and even hairy woodpeckers that are located 30 to 50 feet off the ground. These sorts of cavities are rare and wonderful, so the flycatchers have to comb the forests in search of them. Once a cavity is claimed, the flycatchers will fill it with dry vegetation, fur, feathers and even snake skins. This is a decorative eccentricity that Ive never heard of in other species. I am amazed that some enterprising human climbed a tree to see what a nest looked like. Scientists quietly do amazing work daily. REARING THE YOUNG Into the new nest, the female will lay an average of five creamy white eggs decorated with splotches of brown, olive and even lavender. As is the case with almost every passerine neotropical migrant that visits us in the summer, the incubation period for the eggs is about two weeks. These are very quiet days in the forest because the female doesnt want to attract any attention to herself while she alone incubates. After the eggs hatch, there is a further period of two weeks when the activity level in the forest starts to pick up. The male, who has been defending the pairs territory all along, will now be allowed to participate in the raising of the chicks by delivering food. The pair of adults will stay in contact with one another with their ridiculously wonderful vocalizations, and the chicks will eventually start lending their voices to the flycatcher cacophony. But on that special day, when the chicks decide that its time to leave the nest, there will be an explosion of insanity in the forest. Hungry youngsters will fan out across the forest, constantly screaming for food. The parents, bedraggled and on the thin edge of their sanity, try to keep track of all of their offspring while also hunting for food. The pressure must be amazing, and the only human analog I can imagine is a childs birthday party at a pizza restaurant, while other children are also having separate parties at the same time. (An involuntary shudder just ran down my spine.) LIBRARY OF BIRD SONGS One of the nice things about modern technology is the existence of a library of bird songs. I have posted links to some of my favorite ornithology sites on my website. All you have to do is type in the name of any species and you will be brought to an online field guide filled with all sorts of wonderful content, including songs, calls and other vocalizations made by different species. Head over to speakingofnature.com and visit the Readers Corner page for the links. Study the sounds for a while, and then head outside and see if you can locate one of these beautiful ghosts up in the treetops. PITTSFIELD When Alex Reczkowski stood in front of the Public Health and Safety Committee on Tuesday night he welcomed the councilors into an ongoing community conversation. When I first started having this conversation, I was like, 'What is wrong with ServiceNet? There are homeless people. You are the shelter; why are you not helping them? said Reczkowski, who directs the Berkshire Athenaeum. I lashed out because I wasnt seeing how much work everyone was doing. That conversation which has been a running dialogue between providers, community organizers, concerned residents and homeless people for years has gained new attention after Mayor Peter Marchetti proposed an ordinance that would ban homeless people from sleeping or creating temporary shelter on public property. During Tuesday's meeting to discuss the ordinance, Marchetti thanked Councilor Alisa Costa for slowing down the process, but urged the committee to take some form of action. This ordinance never has to see the [light of day] if we come up with a solution, he said. If we cant come up with a solution, we have to keep pushing for something that protects everyone. But community partners that spoke during the meeting said its not that simple. Homelessness is a multifaceted issue, they said; a visible face of poverty and other systemic inequities that will not be solved quickly. There is not an easy fix, and we all know that, but sometimes were looking for it, said Julie MacDonald, director of Living in Recovery. But the issue is we keep having the same problems. Ultimately, the committee voted Tuesday to continue the conversation" by referring the ordinance to the city's Ordinance and Rules Comittee. Members proposed two changes the removal of a provision that would allow violators to be charged with a criminal penalty, and the removal of a stipulation that would limit the number of days people could camp on private property with the owners permission. The Homelessness Advisory Committee seconded that vote on Wednesday. "I don't want to see this [abandoned]. I want to see the communication continue," said City Council President Peter White. "We usually get one or two speakers who speak in favor of the ordinance, yet primarily the people I'm running into outside ... are the ones saying, 'Pass the ordinance; do something now.' We have to come up with something in the middle." HEARING FROM EXPERTS While organizations like ServiceNet and the Brien Center, community organizers and homeless people themselves are experts on the challenges homeless people face, their insights are not reflected in the existence or current language of the ordinance. Marchetti has said he did not consult community partners while drafting the ordinance, although it did circulate within city departments six weeks before it was shared with the public, said Justine Dodds, director of community development. In an effort to learn from those experts, Costa invited a host of community partners to share their reactions, concerns and insights regarding the ordinance. The list of speakers included representatives from the Health Department, ServiceNet, the Pittsfield Police Department and the Brien Center. DIANA KNAEBE The enforcement of this ordinance would likely have significant unintended consequences on the health and safety of homeless individuals, Brien Center President and CEO Diana Knaebe told the committee. If the ordinance were passed, homeless people would be forcibly displaced from the only places they can currently find some semblance of safety and shelter beneath the eaves of the library, in public parks or in a doorway on North Street. Such displacement would disrupt care and drive individuals further away from the critical physical and mental health services they may need, Knaebe said. Our outreach teams often locate and engage clients where they are, including in encampments, she said. If those locations are dispersed or criminalized it will become more difficult to maintain contact to build trust and to ensure continuity of care. Without consistent access to care, peoples health would suffer and the likelihood of increased substance use, the spread of disease and death would rise, Knaebe said. Most concerning, she said, is the punitive framing of the ordinance, particularly the inclusion of penalties for those who support people who are experiencing homelessness, which could deter outreach workers and community members from providing aid. Possible solutions she would like to see? Designated safety zones with access to sanitation and basic shelter, hygiene stations and continued investment in transitional and permanent supportive housing. LT. CHERYL CALLAHAN AND CHIEF THOMAS SAMMONS Cheryl Callahan, a lieutenant with the Pittsfield Police Department, told the committee that the department is already burdened by calls from people who are concerned that people are camping on public or vacant properties. [The ordinance] would produce an unnecessary increase in call volume that is not police related," she said. "And we see that now. Callahan said when it comes to public safety, the department is well aware of which people pose a risk, and they are not the people who are sleeping in tents anywhere in the city. She also told the committee that people who sleep in doorways on North Street or outside the library often do so to be visible, which they hope offers them greater safety through the night. To those who raised questions about public health and safety, Callahan answered, Whose health and whose safety? Everyone's concept of it is different. If were talking about the safety of people who might be walking through the woods, theyre probably not at risk, its just hard for them to see that, Callahan said. The people who are in the woods are really more at risk of something happening to them. Thomas Sammons, chief of the Pittsfield Fire Department, said that between January 2024 and this week, the department has only been called to respond to fires involving homeless people three times. ERIN FORBUSH AND JULIE MACDONALD For the people she works with daily, the camping ordinance sends a message that they are not worthy of being seen or heard, said Erin Forbush, who directs housing and services at ServiceNet. The intent of this ordinance was not to disrespect anybody, but the message is disrespectful, Forbush said. These are folks that have endured generational trauma and poverty, and this just adds to that piece. Forbush said she does not want to see people left with no other option than to create temporary shelter outside. But at the same time, I dont have housing, she said. We know all the housing programs. We have landlord connections. But the amount of money that its costing to get housing today, for any of us not just the folks Im serving, is not in line with what people can make. While the ordinance would not stop ServiceNet from providing services, it could make it harder for the organization to reach people in need especially if homeless people think ServiceNet supports the ordinance, Forbush said. If we keep pushing them to be invisible, we cant help those individuals, she said. Forbush also pushed back against a common misconception that most people who are experiencing homelessness in Pittsfield are not from the Berkshires. There is this illusion that people are being brought here en masse. I have not experienced that in the 10-plus years that Ive been doing this work with shelters and outreach, Forbush said. People come to the Berkshires in the same ways that we all come to the Berkshires. MacDonald challenged the committee to think beyond whether they support or oppose the ordinance. Sometimes we think, lets at least let people have a tent. From my perspective, they deserve more than a tent, she said. They deserve to be able to have a better life. So we have to begin looking at not just do we need more apartments, but do we need different types of services. With Berkshire Concrete Corp. set to apply for its annual permit in the fall, Select Board member Tony Pagliarulo says the town is better prepared to set the terms and conditions to protect the neighborhoods in our community. The creation of the Clean Air Ad Hoc Committee and the allocation of $59,000 to fund professional and technical work has put the town in a good position. The attorneys for Stockbridge plan to file a motion at Berkshire Superior Court to dismiss a court filing by an attorney representing two neighbors of the development at the former DeSisto Estate because the town clerk was not notified ahead of the deadline required by state law. Meet Tessa Baldwin, this years winner of the 2025 Daniel Pearl Berkshire Scholarship Tessa Baldwin, a senior at Monument Mountain Regional High School, has been awarded the 2025 Daniel Pearl Berkshire Scholarship for her commitment to thoughtful, ethical journalism. She plans to study political science or economics at Columbia University, with hopes of one day helping journalism live up to its highest ideals. Daniel Pearl means a lot to us, so its inspiring to see his legacy light a fire in young people seeking to follow his example of intrepid truth-telling. We are buoyed by that inspiration at least once a year when the Daniel Pearl Berkshire Scholarship is awarded. The $2,000 annual award to benefit Berkshire-area students who intend to major in journalism or music was established by The Berkshire Eagle and friends of Daniel Pearl in 2003. This years recipient is Tessa Baldwin, a senior at Monument Mountain Regional High School who is headed to Columbia University next year with the intent of pursuing a career as a reporter. Shes embarking on that path with a running start propelled by her experience writing for her schools newspaper and working an editing internship at the Berkshire Edge. Congratulations and best of luck, Ms. Baldwin. Amid the disruptive sea changes facing the field of journalism in the 21st century, we need as many enthusiastic and capable young people as possible to take up the crucial work of finding the facts, informing the people and holding the powerful accountable. That great power and responsibility of the free press envisioned by this countrys founders remains relevant today, even and especially if more people get their news from a screen than a newspaper. In a world of increasingly bitter polarization and siloed social media, relaying complex truth and cutting through stupefying spin has never been harder or more necessary. Its particularly heartening to hear of young students like Ms. Baldwin who not only recognize those challenges but embrace them with an interest in sustaining and invigorating principled journalism. It just seems right now theres a lot of misinformation or misrepresentation all across the board, she told The Eagle after learning she won the scholarship. As a consumer of journalism, it makes it difficult to know who I can trust. ... My big goal entering the world of journalism is just to be as unbiased as possible and not to give in to sensationalism if I can avoid it. By our lights, thats wisdom beyond this graduating high school seniors years that we all should heed. Ms. Baldwin certainly seems ready and willing to follow Daniel Pearls shining example. That is why The Eagle supports the Daniel Pearl Berkshire Scholarship. Especially in dark times, we need diligent light-bearers and truth-tellers and we know they can be found right here in the Berkshires, where Daniel Pearl got his start as a reporter for The North Adams Transcript and The Berkshire Eagle. While Mr. Pearl lost his life while reporting for The Wall Street Journal in Pakistan, the light he cast with his work will never be extinguished. To build a world with fewer tragedies like Mr. Pearls death, we must encourage the spirit of Mr. Pearls life. That spirit calls on us to embrace the challenge of seeking out and relaying the whole truth even in the face of tribulation. Fortunately, another Daniel Pearl Berkshire scholar has shown us that spirit is alive and well. Quality local journalism needs your support Access this story and all of our stories with 24/7 unlimited access. Subscribe today. Cancel anytime. Subscribe now for 99 Subscriber Sign In | Return Home You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close BillOReilly.com is not available in this country. We apologize for any inconvenience. Jem's Birding & Ringing Exploits in the Eastern Province and elsewhere in Saudi Arabia A traveler sleeps between his luggage at Frankfurt airport. (archive picture) Keystone A majority of the 27 EU countries want to weaken the right to compensation for delayed flights. After hours of negotiations, the EU transport ministers agreed on a compromise in Luxembourg on Thursday. Keystone-SDA SDA With this, they want to raise the threshold for compensation. The changes have not yet been finalized and will now be discussed with the European Parliament. Until now, passengers have been entitled to compensation if their flight is more than three hours late. The EU states have now agreed to raise the threshold to four hours for flights of less than 3,500 kilometers and to six hours for longer flights. Further negotiations The negotiations were based on proposals made by the EU Commission in 2013. Brussels originally wanted to raise the threshold even further, to five hours for shorter routes and up to twelve hours for longer flights. The drafts are now being negotiated with the European Parliament. However, these talks are not expected to pick up speed until the fall at the earliest. 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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The draft resolution reflects the most pressing demands of the people in Gaza and the overwhelming voice of the international community, he added. "The United States has once again abused its veto power, extinguishing the glimmer of hope for the people in Gaza and ruthlessly continuing to leave over 2 million people in darkness. It must face the questioning from the international community," he said. As the primary body for the maintenance of international peace and security, the Security Council has been striving to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza, and has long reached an overwhelming consensus. Wednesday's vote result once again exposes that the root cause of the council's inability to quell the conflict in Gaza is the repeated obstruction by the United States, said Fu in an explanation of the vote. Washington has vetoed the Security Council's request for a Gaza ceasefire multiple times. And because of its shielding of Israel, several resolutions adopted by the council on Gaza have yet to be effectively implemented, he noted. The U.S. claim that Security Council action at the moment would interfere with diplomatic efforts is completely untenable, he said. "As long as diplomatic efforts are genuinely aimed for peace, the council's action will only provide strong support." The international community will never cease its efforts to pursue fairness and justice, uphold the international rule of law, and safeguard the authority of the Security Council. A veto by a single permanent member cannot stop the march toward peace, he said. "We urge the United States to face up to its responsibilities as a permanent member of the Security Council, abandon its political calculations, and adopt a just and responsible attitude in supporting the council to take all necessary actions." Since the outbreak of the conflict, the world has witnessed the weaponization of humanitarian aid, the targeting of civilian infrastructure, and the ruthless killing of journalists and humanitarian workers. Israel's actions have crossed every red line of international humanitarian law and seriously violated Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, as well as the provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice, said Fu. Yet due to the shielding by one certain country, these violations have not been stopped or held accountable, he noted. Observing international humanitarian law is an obligation. Any double standards or selective application will only erode the foundation of the international rule of law and must be firmly rejected, he warned. China stands ready to work with the international community to help end the conflict in Gaza, alleviate the humanitarian disaster, implement the two-state solution, and ultimately achieve a comprehensive, just, and lasting solution to the Palestinian question, said Fu. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Thirty-five people, including five children, 21 men and nine women, were deported from Ireland on Wednesday. The children were all part of family groups, gardai said. Advertisement They were removed on a chartered flight which left Dublin Airport for Nigeria last night. The people concerned on Wednesday's flight were Nigerian nationals. Gardai from the National Immigration Bureau carried out the operation of removing individuals from the State. A Garda statement said that they continue to work closely with the Department of Justice in implementing immigration policy. Advertisement This was the third operation conducted since the recommencement of charter flights for deportations in February, the Department of Justice said. "Removal operations of this nature send a clear message that there are consequences for people who remain in our country without permission and underscores this Governments intention to protect the integrity of our immigration system," Justice Minister, Jim O'Callaghan, said. Charter flights are a measure that Mr O'Callaghan has deployed to step up immigration enforcement, and access to the charter services has "significantly increased" An Garda Siochana's capacity to enforce deportation orders. Further charter operations will be conducted as the year progresses, a Department of Justice statement said. Mr O'Callaghan said that Ireland has a "rules-based immigration system," and added that it is important those rules are robust and enforced. Advertisement "The return of people whose applications have been refused and deportation orders have issued is the foundation of any modern rules-based immigration process. "People coming to Ireland must follow the appropriate pathways for legal migration and these pathways must be adhered to and protected for our immigration system to work fairly and effectively. If a persons application for international protection is refused and they are ordered to leave the State they must do so. "The flight was required to make an unscheduled stop due to a medical incident on board, but I am happy to say that the flight was able to resume its journey with all 35 returnees arriving safely in Nigeria this morning," Mr O'Callaghan said. The Department of Justice added that charter flights are used in addition to commercial flights, as they be more appropriate in circumstances where a group of people are being removed to the same destination. Advertisement Ireland Ireland examining report that US deportees flight... Read More Mr O'Callaghan added that enforced removals are "conducted as a measure of last resort when the person concerned has not removed themselves from the State or availed of assisted voluntary return measures. "Before a deportation order is made, the person is offered assistance to return home voluntarily which is the preferred option. There has been a significant increase in the number of people leaving voluntarily and I continue to appeal to those who are given this opportunity to avail of it where appropriate. Two charter flights already conducted in 2025 have removed 71 people who were subject to deportation orders, and the operation lat night brings the number of people removed by charter flight to 106. A further 54 deportation orders have been enforced on commercial flights and 23 people subject to deportation orders are confirmed to have left Ireland unescorted so far in 2025, the Department of Justice said. More than 9 out of 10 Irish people are worried about the daily cost of living due to price increases, according to the findings of a major EU-wide survey published by the European Commission. The study also revealed that Irish people have the second highest level of concern about the future because of the affordability of housing. Advertisement They also have some of the lowest levels of satisfaction among EU citizens for access to quality childcare and healthcare. The Eurobarometer survey entitled Investing in Fairness assessed the attitudes of EU citizens on various aspects of fairness and social inclusion, including economic stability and quality of life. It found that 91 per cent of Irish respondents claimed they were worried about the future of their household due to the daily cost of living as a result of rising prices. It was the 9th highest rate among the 27 EU member states where 88 per cent overall were concerned about daily living costs. Advertisement Concern levels ranged from a low of 47 per cent in Denmark to 97 per cent in Portugal. Like most Europeans, Irish respondents also expressed concern about the reduced quality of public services, child poverty and housing affordability. Six out of 10 Irish people said they were worried about their ability to pay either rent or a mortgage, while a similar proportion said they were concerned they were not receiving a fair salary based on their skills and experience. The survey showed 92 per cent expressed worry about the affordability of housing with only Portugal having a higher rate than Ireland. The EU average was 82 per cent. Advertisement Ireland also recorded the 7th highest level of concern about the reduced quality of public services with 90 per cent worried about access to services like hospitals, childcare and schools. On a positive note, 39 per cent of Irish people said they were unconcerned about the quality of education in Ireland the 6th highest rate and more than twice the EU average of 18 per cent. The Eurobarometer poll, which surveyed over 26,000 people across the EU, including over 1,000 in the Republic, also assessed the publics view on job satisfaction. It showed that Irish workers were less concerned that most Europeans that their skills were becoming less valuable because of digital changes in society. Advertisement The report also revealed that almost two-thirds of Irish workers (64 per cent) the same figure as the EU average are worried about the future because of a lack of job opportunities. Workers as well as unemployed people in Ireland emphasised the importance of training more than most Europeans with Irish citizens among the most willing to take part in training to develop their skills for using digital technologies in their daily work. Irish respondents were also among the strongest supporters of favouring programmes which would ensure young people had access to childcare, education, training and affordable housing. The European Commission said the reports findings would be instrumental in shaping policies and initiatives aimed at fostering a more inclusive and equitable society. Advertisement It claimed the high level of satisfaction found among EU citizens with their current job indicated a general contentment with employment conditions across the EU. Ireland recorded the joint 2nd highest job satisfaction rate together with Finland and the Netherlands at 93 per cent after Denmark, while the EU average was 85 per cent. However, the European Commission noted that only a narrow majority of Europeans were satisfied with access to quality healthcare and social services which demonstrated the need for more substantial efforts in these areas. The Court of Appeal has ruled that a sentence of eight years and seven months was not unduly lenient for a danger to society who inflicted a reign of terror on his former partner and threatened to stab a man to death. However, the court ruled that the cumulative sentences imposed on Scott Donegan (39) could not stand due to how they were structured by the sentencing judge, and he was resentenced on Thursday. Advertisement Donegan, of Knockmore, Kilmilhil, Co Clare, pleaded guilty at Ennis Circuit Court to the false imprisonment of an ex-partner during a four-hour ordeal at his home on November 9th, 2022. He also pleaded guilty to producing a knife at the same address on the same date, contrary to Section 11 of the Offensive Weapons and Firearms Act. Detective Garda Donal Corkery told the Ennis court that Donegan took the mobile phone off the woman and forced her to sit in a chair where she was frozen out of fear due to the aggressive behaviour of Mr Donegan. Det Corkery stated that Donegan ran at the woman with a knife and put her in fear. Advertisement The detective said Donegan then grabbed the woman by the throat and squeezed her windpipe. He said that Donegan told her that he had a Glock handgun and a shotgun. Det Corkery said that four of Donegan's previous convictions were for assault against three ex-partners when Donegan went under the name of Paul McMenamy. This incident was committed while Donegan was on bail for a separate matter, relating to a charge of making threats to kill on April 19th, 2021, when he verbally abused a man and threatened to stab him to death. The total sentence imposed for all offences at the Circuit Criminal Court in Ennis in September 2023 was eight years and seven months, with the final nine months suspended. Advertisement Judge Francis Comerford imposed 20 months for the offence of making threats to kill, with this sentence made consecutive to a sentence of 83 months for the false imprisonment and the production of a knife. The Director of Public Prosecutions appealed this sentence, saying it was unduly lenient. In delivering judgement on Thursday, Mr Justice John Edwards said the court did not fault the sentencing judge for regarding the false imprisonment offence as being the most serious offence, as the judge had carefully assessed the respondents culpability in a careful and rigorous manner. He said the sentencing judge was right in regarding the production of a knife as being an aggravating factor, as was the respondents previous record. Advertisement However, Mr Justice Edwards went on to say: The sentencing judge was significantly in error in how he structured his sentence. He said it was clear that, where an offender is being sentenced for an offence committed while on bail, the sentence imposed should be made consecutive to the sentence imposed for the previous offence. Mr Justice Edwards said that the sentencing judge was required to make the sentences for false imprisonment and the production of a knife consecutive to any sentence imposed for the offence involving threats to kill. However, the sentencing judge had instead made the sentence for threats to kill consecutive to the other sentences. Advertisement He said that while the court found that the sentencing judges failure to apply the statute correctly made no practical difference to the overall sentence, the sentences could not stand as presently structured. He added that it did not follow, however, that the court regarded the overall sentence as unduly lenient. Quashing the original sentence and moving on to resentencing, Mr Justice Edwards said that for the offence of making threats to kill, the court would nominate a headline sentence of 25 months and discount five months to reflect mitigation, leaving 20 months. For the false imprisonment and the production of a knife, which were committed while the respondent was on bail, the court nominated a headline sentence of 10 years and five months and three years and four months, respectively. Having considered mitigating factors, he reduced the sentences to six years and eleven months and 25 months respectively, to run concurrently. Mr Justice Edwards said this was to be consecutive to the 20 months for the offence of making threats to kill. Mr Justice Edwards said the court would suspend the final nine months, making a cumulative sentence of seven years and ten months to be served. Ireland Young man (24) held Algerian in headlock during st... Read More Conditions of the suspended portion of the sentence are that Donegan is to keep the peace for three years post release, have no contact with the injured parties, and submit to supervision by the probation services. In her victim impact statement, the Co Clare woman told the court that Scott Donegan is a danger to society, and he has scarred and damaged me for life. The woman said that Donegan imposed a reign of terror on her during the four-hour ordeal despite her begging him to stop. She said, I believed that I would be killed by him and never see my children or family again. A property management firm linked to Minister of State Michael Healy-Raes guesthouse accommodating Ukrainian refugees recorded bumper post-tax profits in 2023. Mr Healy-Rae, the Independent TD for Kerry, was appointed earlier this year as Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture with special responsibility for forestry. Advertisement New accounts filed by Mr Healy-Raes Roughty Properties Ltd show it recorded a 465,860 post-tax profit during its first year in operation from May 9th, 2022, to May 31st, 2023. The abridged accounts do not disclose revenues but they do show that at the end of May 2023, the companys cash funds totalled 555,933. The overdue accounts were filed after a district court order dated May 13th this year extended time in which the annual return could be lodged with the Companies Office. The annual return shows that Mr Healy-Rae owns 100 per cent of the share capital of the company. The Kerry TD's entry in the Dail Register of Members' Interests state that the main activity of Roughty Properties Ltd is "management of rental properties". Advertisement In the register, Mr Healy-Rae describes himself as an owner of rental properties and his entry lists 17 separate properties for letting including 14 houses. Separate figures published by the Department of Integration show that Mr Healy-Raes Rosemont House in Tralee has received 1.22 million over two years and three months to the end of December last year. In 2022, Kerry County Council refused planning permission to Mr Healy-Raes Roughty Properties Ltd's planning application for a three-storey extension to expand guest capacity at Rosemont Guest House. The new accounts confirm that the Roughty property firm is now Mr Healy-Raes most profitable enterprise. Advertisement Separate accounts filed earlier this year by Mr Healy-Raes plant hire firm, Roughty Plant Hire Ltd, show that its accumulated profits increased by 74,887 from 734,024 to 808,911 in the 12 months to the end of April 2024. The post-tax 74,887 profit at the plant hire services business for the 12 months was an 80 per cent increase on the 41,415 post tax profit for the prior 12 months. During the 12 months the companys cash funds more than doubled from 198,748 to 434,224. Numbers employed at the Kilgarvan based business during the year declined from 12 to five. Advertisement Ireland Family of woman who died after being hit by Healy-... Read More Separate accounts for another Michael Healy-Rae firm, which operates a fuel station and grocery shop in Kilgarvan, show it recorded post-tax losses of 26,986 last year. Accounts for Black Cap & Company Ltd show that the firm recorded the post-tax losses of 26,986 in the 12 months to the end of April 2024 are down sharply on the post-tax losses of 67,583 in the prior year. Last year, numbers employed by the business declined by one to 15, including directors. The company operates from a building housing a shop at Kilgarvan village. Mr Healy-Raes entry to the Dails members register of interests lists his other occupations as postmaster, farmer, service station owner and owner of rental properties. The Kerry deputy also has shares in the New York Times and owns 146 acres of farmland/forestry. A jury in the trial of a Limerick Garda accused of sorting out motoring offences for drivers were on Thursday directed by the trial judge to find him not guilty of some of the charges. Tom Flavin, (51), Rathkeale Garda Station, Co Limerick, should be acquitted of all of the charges as there is no real evidence against him, his barrister, senior counsel, Mark Nicholas, said in his closing speech to the jury. Advertisement Mr Flavin went on trial before Limerick Circuit Criminal Court on May 27th accused of 22 counts of attempting to pervert the course of justice. Today, senior prosecuting counsel, Fiona Murphy, told the jury they were to find Mr Flavin not guilty of five of the charges and that they would consider verdicts on the 17 remaining counts. Mr Flavin, who denies all the charges, is accused of attempting to pervert the course of justice by entering false motor insurance details on the Garda Pulse records computer system, in an attempt to frustrate potential prosecutions against persons for driving without insurance. The drivers involved were stopped at routine Garda checkpoints around the country and asked by the garda present to produce their insurance and licence details at a nominated Garda station within 10 days of the traffic stop. Advertisement All of the drivers asked to do this nominated Rathkeale Garda Station. Later, when the investigating garda in each of the stops carried out follow-up checks of Pulse, they were satisfied that details entered into the system indicated that the driver in each case was insured. However, the court heard the drivers were not insured, and some were even prosecuted in court afterwards after pleading guilty to driving without insurance at the time they were stopped. In his closing speech to the jury, Mr Nicholas SC, instructed by solicitor Dan OGorman, described Mr Flavin as an exemplary garda who had served with dedication in Croom and Rathkeale, Co Limerick, for many years. Urging the jury to acquit Mr Flavin and not fall into the trap of speculation, Mr Nicholas added there was radically insufficient evidence to support a conviction. Advertisement He served his community without blemish and without any disciplinary blots - you know that from the evidence. When other Gardai came to give evidence, his superiors, they spoke of him very fondly and well - It wasnt far off gushing, and they spoke with knowledge, Mr Nicholas told the jury. The defence barrister spoke of the unique challenges Gardai face in Rathkeale as opposed to other jurisdictions. People who live down here know it has an enormous population, transient, in and out at various times of the year. One policeman said (the population) quadruples and with that comes its own set of problems and own sets of vehicles - UK car registrations, UK insurance, some not insured, some not being entirely truthful. We know that a certain number of times that people who were pulled up and stopped and asked for their documentation, produced bogus insurance certificates. Advertisement Mr Nicholas said the charge of attempting to pervert the course of justice is an extraordinarily serious allegation to make against a serving Garda. That he (Mr Flavin) must have deliberately, knowing the (insurance) certificate to be false, inputted it into the system with the intention that it would frustrate a prosecution. There has been nothing close to this level of proof in this case whatsoever, added Mr Nicholas. The court heard evidence of persons providing documents at Rathkeale Garda station, however it was unclear who exactly produced what at the Garda station, and what exactly was produced. Fiona Murphy SC, prosecuting, said all of the relevant data entries onto Pulse were entered under the ID of Thomas Flavin. Advertisement Ms Murphy told the jury that a statute of limitation of six months generally applied in respect of prosecuting offences of driving without insurance. It is the prosecutions case that Tom Flavin knew they (the motorists involved) were not covered (by insurance) and that he entered the details onto PULSE to ensure they (appeared) covered, Ms Murphy told the jury. Ireland Priest calls for end to violent feud in Limerick a... Read More Mr Flavin knew what he was doing, and he did so to ensure those persons were insured (on Pulse) when they were not, in order to ensure there was no prosecution, Ms Murphy alleged. The prosecuting barrister told the jury that Tom Flavin enjoyed the presumption of innocence and that the burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt was all on the prosecution while Mr Flavin has nothing to prove. Ms Murphy told the jury the prosecution's case was a circumstantial case, there is no direct evidence, instead the prosecution relies on indirect evidence. It is anticipated that the jury will retire to consider its verdicts on each of the 17 counts on Friday. Lawyers for Sean McGovern (39), named by US law enforcement as a senior figure in the Kinahan cartel and who is charged with murder and directing a criminal organisation, have raised a concern about the legality of his extradition to Ireland from the United Arab Emirates last week. Olan Callanan BL, for McGovern, told the three-judge, non-jury Special Criminal Court on Thursday that Michael Staines' solicitor's office will issue a letter to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) imminently, putting them on notice of an application. Advertisement Mr Callanan asked the court to set a date for a hearing. He added: "The fundamental concern is the legality, the propriety and the process which surrounded his arrival in Dublin." On May 29th last, when McGovern arrived in Dublin and was first brought before the court, Mr Callanan said he was reserving his position on the legality of the process and the jurisdiction of the non-jury court. Sean Gillane SC, for the DPP, told the court that a first book of evidence relating to the charges against McGovern will be ready by the end of July. The DPP will update the court on a second book of evidence at a later date. McGovern viewed Thursday's proceedings via video-link from prison. He spoke only to confirm that he could hear what was being said. Advertisement Ms Justice Karen O'Connor agreed to set a date for hearing McGovern's application on Wednesday, June 18th. McGovern will again appear by video-link rather than in person. The court set a date in late July for service of the book of evidence. An Irish Air Corps Casa 295 plane took McGovern from Dubai to Dublin last week, stopping off in Larnaca in Cyprus and Marseille in France to refuel. He landed at Casement Aerodrome in west Dublin, before gardai brought him before the Special Criminal Court, where he was charged with five offences. Advertisement McGovern (39), with a previous address at Kildare Road, Crumlin, Dublin 12, is charged with the murder of Noel Kirwan on December 22nd, 2016, at St Ronan's Drive, Clondalkin, in Dublin. Ireland Senior Kinahan gang member Sean McGovern charged w... Read More He is also charged with directing the activities of a criminal organisation in connection with the same murder between October 20th, 2016, and December 22nd, 2016. He is charged with directing the activities of a criminal organisation in connection with the surveillance of James Gately in preparation for the commission of an indictable offence between October 17th, 2015, and April 6th, 2017. Another charge alleges that between October 20th and December 22nd, 2016, he contributed to or participated in activity intending or being reckless as to whether such activity would facilitate a criminal organisation in the murder of Mr Kirwan. He faces a similar charge of facilitating a criminal organisation in a conspiracy to murder James Gately. A man who subjected two of his younger sisters to horrific and repeated sexual abuse in the 1970s has been jailed for four-and-a-half years. Bernard Brennan (67), formerly of Rathfarnham, Dublin, but most recently residing in the United States, pleaded guilty to 11 counts of indecent assault in various locations within the State between 1972 and 1975. He has no previous convictions. Advertisement His sisters, Yvonne Crist and Paula Fay, waived their anonymity so Brennan could be named. Passing sentence in the Central Criminal Court on Thursday, Mr Justice Paul McDermott said the facts of the case were appalling. He said that while the abuse Brennan pleaded guilty to fell under the historic term of 'indecent assault', today the abuse would constitute offences that have a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. However, he noted the court was bound by law to the maximum penalty of two years' imprisonment and that Brennan was a juvenile when he committed the abuse. Advertisement Brennan pleaded guilty in advance of his trial date to four counts of indecent assault against Ms Crist and seven counts of indecent assault against Ms Fay. Ms Crist was aged 13, while Ms Fay was just seven years old when the abuse started. Mr Justice McDermott said some of the abuse perpetrated against the sisters was horrific to hear and to describe. He said they gave eloquent, moving statements outlining the horrors they have experienced and the pain they have suffered as a result of the abuse. He said the devastation the abuse caused was unspeakable and the penalties to be imposed were by reason of history and nothing else. He set a headline sentence of 21 months for each count and reduced this to 15 months, taking mitigating factors into account. He imposed four concurrent sentences of 15 months on Brennan, amounting to five years' imprisonment. Advertisement He reduced this to four-and-a-half years and backdated it to when Brennan went into custody earlier this year. At a previous hearing, Detective Garda Neil Fogarty told Patrick McCullough BL, prosecuting, that in relation to Ms Fay, the abuse started when the then seven-year-old was called in to the house by Brennan then aged 14 years old and forced to take off her clothes in front of a group of local boys. Brennan touched her inappropriately in front of these boys and from then on the abuse escalated, to include oral rape. He would wake her in the night to abuse her. The court heard he threatened Ms Fay that their family would be split up if she told anyone about the abuse. Advertisement Ms Crist was 13 and Brennan was aged 15 when he started abusing her. He would wake her in the night, sexually assault her and make her watch pornography. He digitally penetrated her and performed oral sex on her. She was afraid to call out or tell her parents for fear of physical punishment, the court heard. Brennan subjected both girls to abuse in front of and with a third party, the court heard. A letter was found from Brennan to his father, dated 2012, in which he apologised to his parents for abusing his sisters, but stated that he had no memory of it. Advertisement In her victim impact statement, Ms Crist said it has been hard to trust anyone in her life except her sister. Incest has affected me, and I have had to bury it deep inside, she said. You took my innocence, and I will never forget that, she said. I have become a strong person, and I have met these challenges head-to-head. I forgave you, my brother, a long time ago, but I have had to hang onto the past until now. The truth has now been told, and you will now be known as a sexual predator for the rest of your life. You have put us through hell, she added. May you never find peace again. Ms Fay also read her victim impact statement to the court, in which she said she was silenced in her childhood and felt invisible, worthless and inferior. Growing up as a child, I always felt incapable, insufficient and inadequate, she said. I should have felt safe in my childhood home. I struggle with being alone because that's when the thoughts of self-doubt come back. She said the legal process has been a long and arduous one, starting back in 2021. I have felt so much freedom since, and so much weight lifted off my shoulders, she said. I chose to survive. Today, I truly became a survivor. I now have justice. Det Gda Fogarty agreed with Miska Hanahoe BL, defending, that her client has no previous convictions in Ireland or any other jurisdiction. The garda agreed with counsel that he immediately stated he would travel from the United States to Ireland and indicated that he would plead guilty. Ms Hanahoe said her client offers an unreserved apology to both of the injured parties. She said Brennan has suffered profound guilt and shame throughout his life. Ireland Two teenagers sentenced for roles in rape of girl... Read More Counsel said he grew up in a violent home and that his only sexual education was from pornography, which he re-enacted. She said her client has no memory of the abuse but does not dispute the evidence of his sisters. She said he has never tried to minimise his wrongdoing. He asked the court to take into account that the Probation Services have placed him at low risk of reoffending, that he has co-operated fully with the gardai, that he has shown remorse, and his age at the time of the offending. 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. Richard Satchwell being sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his wife, Tina, features heavily on Irish front pages on Thursday. The Irish Times lead with the Department of Public Expenditure having attempted to block the 'housing tsar' plan, Trinity College Dublin cutting ties with Israeli universities and firms, and a Children's Health Ireland report being referred to gardai. Advertisement The Irish Examiner lead with Tina Satchwell's family's victim impact statement after Richard Satchwell was sentenced for murdering her, the MV Matthew, the boat which had the State's largest ever cocaine seizure on it, Leona Macken speaking out, and Dylan Scannell being found guilty of murdering Ian Baitson. The Irish Independent lead with the State paying up to 180,000 a year for every family in emergency accommodation. The Belfast Telegraph lead with a Co Down mother welcoming a corporate manslaughter investigation by police after her baby was stillborn. The Herald lead with a garda alert being in place after one of the country's most violent inmates, Brendan Cummins, was released from prison on Wednesday. The Echo lead with Richard Satchwell being sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of the murder of his wife, Tina, and tattoo artist Dylan Scannell being found guilty of murdering Ian Baitson in Cobh. The Irish Daily Star, Irish Daily Mail and Irish Daily Mirror all lead with Richard Satchwell being jailed for life for the murder of his wife, Tina. A young man allegedly held an Algerian national in a headlock in Dublin city centre on Monday while a second attacker stabbed and critically injured him, a court heard. Abdul Kouadria (24), with an address at Gardiner Street, Dublin 1 and previously of Richmond Road, Dublin 3, was refused bail by Judge Michele Finan at Dublin District Court on Thursday. Advertisement The Irish-Algerian accused was charged with assault causing harm to the man who remains in intensive care at the Mater Hospital after he suffered life-threatening injuries at Rosie Hackett Bridge, Eden Quay, Dublin 1 on Monday afternoon. Objecting to bail, Detective Garda Sean Dineen cited the seriousness of the case and submitted that the accused was a flight risk. He mentioned that Mr Kouadria had been born in Ireland but mainly lived outside the country and returned about three years ago. He said there was an altercation at 4.30pm on Monday, and according to onlookers, the accused and the injured man "were engaged in a scuffle on the bridge." It was alleged Mr Kouadria "placed him in a headlock and dragged him on the ground," and another man approached. Advertisement It was unclear who brought the knife to the scene, but witnesses purportedly saw the second alleged attacker stab the man using several stabbing and slashing motions. The detective said the Garda position was that the critical injuries were a result of a "joint enterprise assault", inflicted by the accused and a second male. It was alleged that Mr Kouadria took the man's jumper and walked off. His runners have been seized and subject to analysis, and Garda divers recovered the knife from the Liffey and it will be examined. Advertisement CCTV evidence has been harvested, the court heard. Detective Garda Dineen said that while Mr Kouadria was born in Ireland, he had only lived here since 2023. Defence solicitor Kelly Breen said the case was at a very early stage, and the evidence could be subject to cross-examination in the correct forum. In exchanges with Detective Garda Dineen, she said her client was not alleged to have been brandishing the knife in the CCTV footage. Advertisement He replied: "No, but he holds the injured party in a headlock while the second male stabs the injured party." The solicitor accepted that Mr Kouadria had been abroad, adding that he had been in Saudi Arabia, where his father lived. She submitted that her client had a presumption of innocence and bail, and although the charge was very serious, strict conditions could be imposed. The court heard there were issues over his residence, and the detective said the accused used a Dublin 9 address but had been accessing homeless services at Gardiner Street. The solicitor asked the court to consider fixing bail, subject to him offering a permanent address, obeying a curfew, surrendering travel documents, and providing a contact phone number. Advertisement Ireland Hospital apologises for shortcomings in care which... Read More Judge Finan highlighted that the accused enjoyed the presumption of innocence. However, she held that Detective Garda Dineen made a very cogent application, and she refused to grant bail. The accused, who did not address the court, was remanded in custody to appear again next week while gardai seek directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions. On Wednesday, a 31-year-old man accused of inflicting severe knife slashing wounds during the same incident was also denied bail. Adel Attal, from Algeria but living in Ireland for two years, and with an address in State accommodation on Henry Street, Mallow, Co Cork, was charged with assault causing harm and brandishing a knife as a weapon during the incident. His application to be released revealed that the injured man suffered serious stab wounds to his stomach, back, and legs, requiring emergency surgery. China and the US have agreed to more tariff talks amid a trade stand-off and concerns over rare earths, President Donald Trump said after a call with Chinas leader. Mr Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping spoke on Thursday at a time when stalled tariff negotiations between their two countries have impacted global trade. Advertisement The conversation was confirmed by the Chinese foreign ministry, which said Mr Trump initiated the call. The White House did not immediately comment. Mr Trump had declared one day earlier that it was difficult to reach a deal with Mr Xi. Chinese President Xi Jinping (Pavel Bednyakov/AP) I like President XI of China, always have, and always will, but he is VERY TOUGH, AND EXTREMELY HARD TO MAKE A DEAL WITH!!! Mr Trump posted on Wednesday on his social media site. Trade negotiations between the United States and China stalled shortly after a May 12 agreement between the two countries to reduce their tariff rates while talks played out. Behind the gridlock has been the continued competition for an economic edge. Advertisement The US accuses China of not exporting critical minerals, and the Chinese government objects to America restricting its sale of advanced chips and its access to student visas for college and graduate students. Mr Trump has lowered his 145% tariffs on Chinese goods to 30% for 90 days to allow for talks. China also reduced its taxes on US goods from 125% to 10%. The back and forth has caused sharp swings in global markets and threatens to hamper trade between the two countries. Treasury Sscretary Scott Bessent had suggested that only a conversation between Mr Trump and Mr Xi could resolve these differences so that talks could restart in earnest. The underlying tension between the two countries may still persist, though. President Donald Trump (Alex Brandon/AP) Even if negotiations resume, Mr Trump wants to lessen Americas reliance on Chinese factories and reindustrialise the US, whereas China wants the ability to continue its push into technologies such as electric vehicles and artificial intelligence that could be crucial to securing its economic future. Advertisement The United States ran a trade imbalance of 295 billion dollars with China in 2024, according to the Census Bureau. While the Chinese governments focus on manufacturing has turned it into a major economic and geopolitical power, China has been muddling through a slowing economy after a real estate crisis and coronavirus pandemic lockdowns weakened consumer spending. Mr Trump and Mr Xi had last spoken in January, three days before Inauguration Day. The pair discussed trade then, as well as Mr Trumps demands that China do more to prevent the synthetic opioid fentanyl from entering the United States. Mr Trump had long expressed optimism about the prospects for a major deal, before his post suggesting Xi was making that difficult. Last week, Mr Trump went further, posting: The bad news is that China, perhaps not surprisingly to some, HAS TOTALLY VIOLATED ITS AGREEMENT WITH US. Advertisement So much for being Mr. NICE GUY! A married Irish woman has been arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a man at the spa of a Magaluf hotel where she is understood to have been staying with her husband. She was hauled to court after being accused of touching her alleged victims genitals without his consent. Advertisement The woman was taken into the court building in the Majorcan capital Palma by an armed police officer. Police are expected to reveal more detail about Wednesdays arrest in the coming hours. The Irish tourist, who was released on bail by an investigating judge still probing the alleged crime, has not been named. The alleged sex assault happened around 6pm on Tuesday. The hotel has not been identified. Advertisement Well-placed sources said the Swedish man was already in the hotel sauna when the female holidaymaker came in and sat near him and struck up a conversation with him after asking him how long he had been in Magaluf. She left the sauna and took a dip in a swimming pool beside it before following the man into a Turkish steam bath where the alleged sex assault took place, according to a police report sent to the investigating court. The male holidaymaker is understood to have alerted hotel staff who called the police after telling the Irish woman to stop as she sexually molested him without warning. Although she denied any inappropriate behaviour when cops reached the hotel and quizzed her on the spot, she told the judge she regretted her actions and wrongly thought the man was interested in her in court hours later. Advertisement Her alleged court confession has not yet been confirmed by police or court officials. Well-placed sources confirmed the woman had confessed to touching the Swedish holidaymakers genitals when she went to court but insisted it was a misunderstanding and she thought he was interested in her after small talk. Police insiders also said the male hotel guest had entered the Turkish steam bath where the incident took place when she was already inside it after they initially got talking in a next-door sauna in the hotel spa, not the other way round as was initially reported. The insider said: Shes very embarrassed about what happened. Advertisement She declined to answer police questions at the station but did speak in court and say she had touched the mans genitals after some small talk because she thought he was interested in her. As soon as he asked her to stop and said he didnt want her to continue, she did stop. The court will now have to decide whether a crime took place but for the time being this woman remains under judicial investigation, although she has not been formally accused at this stage of any crime. The hotel where the incident took place is not being named, partly to protect the identity of the Swedish holidaymaker. Advertisement A well-placed source said: The woman was arrested on Tuesday evening and spent that night in a police cell before being taken to court the following day. World Spain orders Airbnb to block 65,000 holiday rental... Read More Her current whereabouts is unknown, although she is still thought to be in Majorca despite being free to leave the island and return home as no conditions have been attached to her provisional release. It is not known if the Swedish holidaymaker who alerted hotel staff about what had happened in the spa is still staying there. It is also not clear if the Irish woman has told her husband she had been arrested and whether she has explained the full reasons for her absence from the hotel where they were staying on Tuesday night. The female tourist is being represented by a well-known Palma-based lawyer called Joan Arbos. He said on Thursday: I have asked for the case against my client to be discontinued on the basis that I dont consider that a crime has taken place. New Zealand legislators have voted to enact record suspensions from parliament for three politicians who performed a Maori haka to protest over a proposed law. Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke received a seven-day ban and the leaders of her political party, Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and Rawiri Waititi, were barred for 21 days. Advertisement Three days had been the longest ban for a politician from New Zealands parliament before. The lawmakers from Te Pati Maori, the Maori Party, performed the haka, a chanting dance of challenge, in November to oppose a widely unpopular bill, now defeated, that they said would reverse Indigenous rights. Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, and Rawiri Waititi (Charlotte Graham-McLay/AP) The protest drew global headlines and provoked months of fraught debate about what the consequences for the politicians actions should be and the place of Maori culture in Parliament. A committee in April recommended the lengthy bans. It said they were not being punished for the haka, but for striding across the floor of the debating chamber toward their opponents while doing it. Advertisement Judith Collins, the committee chair, said the behaviour was egregious, disruptive and potentially intimidating. Ms Maipi-Clarke, 22, rejected that description, citing other instances when legislators have left their seats and approached opponents without sanction. The suspended legislators said they are being treated more harshly than others because they are Maori. I came into this house to give a voice to the voiceless. Is that the real issue here? Ms Maipi-Clarke asked parliament. Advertisement Is that the real intimidation here? Are our voices too loud for this house? Inside and outside parliament, the haka has increasingly been welcomed as an important part of New Zealand life. The sacred chant can be a challenge to the viewer but is not violent. As Maori language and culture have become part of mainstream New Zealand in recent years, haka appear in a range of cultural, sombre and celebratory settings. They also have rung out in parliament to welcome the passage of high-profile laws. Some who decried the protest haka in Parliament cited its timing, with Ms Maipi-Clarke beginning the chant as votes were being tallied and causing a brief suspension of proceedings. She has privately apologised for the disruption to Parliaments Speaker, she said. At least five people, including a one-year-old child, his mother and grandmother, were killed on Thursday in a night-time Russian drone strike that hit the northern Ukrainian city of Pryluky, officials said. Six drones hit a residential area in the city at 5.30am local time, according to authorities. The child killed was the grandson of an emergency responder, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said. Advertisement One of the rescuers arrived to respond to the aftermath right at his own home, Mr Zelensky said in a post on Telegram. It turned out that a Shahed drone hit his house. The one-year-olds mother was a police officer called Daryna Shyhyda, Ukraines National Police said. Today our hearts are scorched by pain, the police force wrote on Telegram. This is not just a loss it is three generations of life uprooted. Firefighters put out a fire following Russias drone attack in the Pryluky, Chernihiv region, Ukraine, on Thursday (Ukrainian Emergency Service via AP) The attack came just hours after US President Donald Trump spoke by phone to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Advertisement According to Mr Trump, Mr Putin said very strongly that Russia will retaliate for Ukraines weekend drone attacks on Russian military airfields. Six people were wounded in the Pryluky attack and are in hospital, officials said. Pryluky, which had a pre-war population of around 50,000 people, lies about 100 kilometres (60 miles) east of Kyiv, the capital. The city is far from the front line and does not contain any known military assets. Mr Zelensky said a total of 103 drones and one ballistic missile targeted multiple Ukrainian regions overnight, including Donetsk, Kharkiv, Odesa, Sumy, Chernihiv, Dnipro and Kherson. Advertisement This is another massive strike, Mr Zelensky said. It is yet another reason to impose the strongest possible sanctions and apply pressure collectively. Mr Zelensky, who has accepted a US ceasefire proposal and offered to meet Mr Putin in an attempt to break the stalemate in negotiations, wants more international sanctions on Russia to force it to accept a settlement. Mr Putin has shown no willingness to meet Mr Zelensky, however, and has indicated no readiness to compromise. US-led diplomatic efforts to stop the more than three-year war have delivered no significant progress, and the grinding war of attrition has continued unabated. Advertisement Germanys new leader Friedrich Merz was due to meet Mr Trump in Washington on Thursday as he works to keep the US on board with Western diplomatic and military support for Ukraine. Ukraines top presidential aide, Andriy Yermak, met senior American officials in Washington on Wednesday and called for greater US pressure on Russia, accusing the Kremlin of deliberately stalling ceasefire talks and blocking progress toward peace, according to a statement on the presidential website. Mr Yermak, who travelled to the US as part of a Ukrainian delegation, met senior American officials to bolster support for Ukraines defence and humanitarian priorities. He said Ukraine urgently needs stronger air defence capabilities. Hours after the Pryluky attack, 19 people were injured in a Russian drone strike on the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. Those hurt included children, a pregnant woman, and a 93-year-old woman, regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov wrote on Telegram. Advertisement At around 1.05am, Shahed-type drones struck two apartment buildings in the citys Slobidskyi district, causing fires and destroying several private vehicles. By launching attacks while people sleep in their homes, the enemy once again confirms its tactic of insidious terror, Mr Syniehubov wrote on Telegram. Russian aircraft also dropped four powerful glide bombs on the southern city of Kherson, injuring at least three people, regional authorities said. Several foreign nationals including an Australian, an Indian and an American have been arrested on the tourist island of Bali on suspicion of possessing drugs, charges that could carry the death penalty. The move comes after three British nationals accused of smuggling nearly a kilogram of cocaine into Indonesia were charged on Tuesday in a court on Bali. Advertisement Customs officers at Balis Ngurah Rai International Airport arrested an Indian national with the initials HV, who was carrying a duffel bag, in the customs and excise inspection area on May 29. The officers found narcotic-related items in his belongings, authorities said. Following up on the interrogation of HV, later that day officers from the National Narcotics Agency of Bali Province arrested an Australian man with the initials PR, who has been visiting Bali since 1988. PR asked HV to bring the duffel bag from Los Angeles to Bali, said I Made Sinar Subawa, an official from the narcotics agency, at a news conference. Advertisement The accused pair are presented to the media with other drug suspects following their arrests (Firdia Lisnawati/AP) During a search at a house where he stayed, officers found drugs in the form of hashish, a cannabis concentrate product, that belonged to PR and had been purchased over the Telegram messaging app. The hashish was shipped from Los Angeles and Philippines before finally being received in Bali, Mr Subawa said. Officers seized 191 grams of hashish along with some candies consisting of tetrahydrocannabinol, and 488 grams of marijuana. Both PR and HV are now suspected of dealing in narcotics, based on the evidence that was found with them, Mr Subawa said. PR is suspected of violating Indonesias Narcotics Law which carries the death penalty, life imprisonment, or imprisonment for a minimum of four years and a maximum of 12 years, said Mr Subawa. Advertisement Along with HV and PR, the agency also arrested WM, an American, on May 23 while he was collecting a package from a post office in Bali. (Firdia Lisnawati/AP) An officer opened the package carried by WM and found seven pieces of silver packaging containing a total of 99 orange amphetamine pills and secured one white Apple iPhone. The agency, at a news conference in the city of Denpasar on Thursday, presented the evidence, including marijuana and hashish, seized from the suspects. All suspects will undergo legal proceedings in Indonesia, including trial and sentencing. Advertisement The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime says Indonesia is a major drug-smuggling hub despite having some of the strictest drug laws in the world, in part because international drug syndicates target its young population. The south-east Asian country has extremely strict drug laws, and convicted smugglers can face severe penalties, including the possibility of execution by firing squad. About 530 people, including 96 foreigners, are on death row in Indonesia, mostly for drug-related crimes, latest figures from the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections show. Indonesias last executions, of an Indonesian and three foreigners, were carried out in July 2016. US President Donald Trump has resurrected a hallmark policy of his first term, announcing that citizens of 12 countries would be banned from visiting the United States and those from seven others would face restrictions. The ban takes effect Monday at 12.01am, a cushion that may avoid the chaos that unfolded at airports nationwide when a similar measure took effect with virtually no notice in 2017. Advertisement Mr Trump, who signalled plans for a new ban upon taking office in January, appears to be on firmer ground this time after the Supreme Court sided with him. Some, but not all, of 12 countries also appeared on the list of banned countries in Mr Trumps first term. The new ban includes Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. There will be heightened restrictions on visitors from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela. In a video released on social media, Mr Trump tied the new ban to Sundays terror attack in Boulder, Colorado, saying it underscored the dangers posed by some visitors who overstay visas. Advertisement The suspect in the attack is from Egypt, a country that is not on Mr Trumps restricted list. The Department of Homeland Security says he overstayed a tourist visa. Mr Trump said some countries had deficient screening and vetting or have historically refused to take back their own citizens. His findings rely extensively on an annual Homeland Security report of visa overstays of tourists, business visitors and students who arrive by air and sea, singling out countries with high percentages of remaining after their visas expired. We dont want them, Mr Trump said. Advertisement The inclusion of Afghanistan angered some supporters who have worked to resettle its people. The ban makes exceptions for Afghans on Special Immigrant Visas, generally people who worked most closely with the US government during the two-decade war there. Afghanistan was also one of the largest sources of resettled refugees, with about 14,000 arrivals in a 12-month period through September 2024. Mr Trump suspended refugee resettlement on his first day in office. To include Afghanistan a nation whose people stood alongside American service members for 20 years is a moral disgrace. It spits in the face of our allies, our veterans, and every value we claim to uphold, said Shawn VanDiver, president and board chairman of #AfghanEvac. Mr Trump wrote that Afghanistan lacks a competent or co-operative central authority for issuing passports or civil documents and it does not have appropriate screening and vetting measures. He also cited its visa overstay rates. Advertisement Haiti, which avoided the travel ban during Mr Trumps first term, was also included for high overstay rates and large numbers who came to the US illegally. Haitians continue to flee poverty, hunger and political instability deepens while police and a UN-backed mission fight a surge in gang violence, with armed men controlling at least 85% of its capital, Port-au-Prince. Haiti lacks a central authority with sufficient availability and dissemination of law enforcement information necessary to ensure its nationals do not undermine the national security of the United States, Mr Trump wrote. The Iranian government offered no immediate reaction to being included. The Trump administration called it a state sponsor of terrorism, barring visitors except for those already holding visas or coming into the US on special visas America issues for minorities facing persecution. Advertisement Other Middle East nations on the list Libya, Sudan and Yemen all face ongoing civil strife and territory overseen by opposing factions. Sudan has an active war, while Yemens war is largely stalemated and Libyan forces remain armed. International aid groups and refugee resettlement organisations roundly condemned the new ban. This policy is not about national security it is about sowing division and vilifying communities that are seeking safety and opportunity in the United States, said Abby Maxman, president of Oxfam America. The travel ban results from a January 20 executive order Mr Trump issued requiring the departments of State and Homeland Security and the director of national intelligence to compile a report on hostile attitudes toward the US and whether entry from certain countries represented a national security risk. During his first term, Mr Trump issued an executive order in January 2017 banning travel to the US by citizens of seven predominantly Muslim countries Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen. It was one of the most chaotic and confusing moments of his young presidency. Travellers from those nations were either barred from getting on their flights to the US or detained at US airports after they landed. They included students as well as businesspeople, tourists and people visiting friends and family. The order, often referred to as the Muslim ban or the travel ban, was retooled amid legal challenges, until a version was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. The ban affected various categories of travellers and immigrants from Iran, Somalia, Yemen, Syria and Libya, plus North Koreans and some Venezuelan government officials and their families. Mr Trump and others have defended the initial ban on national security grounds, arguing it was aimed at protecting the country and not founded on anti-Muslim bias. However, the president had called for an explicit ban on Muslims during his first campaign for the White House. President Donald Trump said he is disappointed with Elon Musk after his former backer and adviser lambasted the presidents signature bill. Mr Trump suggested the worlds richest man misses being in the White House and has Trump derangement syndrome. Advertisement This spending bill contains the largest increase in the debt ceiling in US history! It is the Debt Slavery Bill. https://t.co/7EEyUEha1q Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 4, 2025 The Republican president reflected on his break-up with Mr Musk in front of reporters in the Oval Office as the Space X owner continued a storm of social media posts attacking the presidents Big Beautiful Bill and warning it will increase the federal deficit. Im very disappointed in Elon, Mr Trump said. Ive helped Elon a lot. Mr Musk has called Mr Trumps big tax break bill a disgusting abomination. As Mr Trump spoke to reporters at the White House on Thursday, Mr Musk was watching. Advertisement False, he fired back on his social media platform as the president continued speaking. This bill was never shown to me even once and was passed in the dead of night so fast that almost no one in Congress could even read it! President Donald Trump has threatened to cut Elon Musks government contracts as their fractured alliance rapidly escalated into a public feud, with Mr Trump suggesting he would use the US government to hurt his fellow billionaire financially. The spectacular blow-up between the president of the United States and the worlds richest man played out on their respective social media platforms after Mr Trump first broached the topic in a White House meeting with Germanys new leader. Advertisement The rancorous break-up happened less than a week after they appeared together at the White House and Mr Trump thanked Mr Musk for his brief but tumultuous time in the US government. Mr Trump had largely remained silent as Mr Musk stewed over the last few days on his social media platform X, condemning the presidents signature tax cuts and spending bill. But Mr Trump clapped back on Thursday in the Oval Office, lamented their frayed relationship and said he was very disappointed in Musk. Mr Musk responded on social media in real time. Advertisement Mr Trump ratcheted up the stakes when he turned to his own social media network, Truth Social, and threatened to use the US government to hurt Mr Musks bottom line with his internet company Starlink and rocket company SpaceX. The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elons Governmental Subsidies and Contracts, Mr Trump wrote on his social media network. I was always surprised that Biden didnt do it! This just gets better and better, Mr Musk quickly replied on X. Advertisement Go ahead, make my day. The deepening rift unfurled much like their relationship started rapidly, intensely and very publicly. It also quickly hit Mr Musk financially, even before Mr Trumps threat. After Mr Trump started speaking about Mr Musk, shares of his electric vehicle company Tesla fell 9%, their latest notable move since the election. Advertisement The shares doubled in the weeks after Mr Trump was elected, gave back those gains and more during Mr Musks time at the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) and then rallied after he vowed in April to focus much more on Tesla and his other companies. Mr Musk later offered up an especially stinging insult to a president sensitive about his standing among voters: Without me, Trump would have lost the election. Such ingratitude, Mr Musk said in a follow-up post. Politicians and their donor patrons rarely see eye to eye. Advertisement But the magnitude of Mr Musks support for Mr Trump, spending at least 250 million dollars (184 million) backing his campaign, and the scope of free rein the president gave him to slash and delve into the government with Doge is eclipsed only by the speed of their falling out. President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office of the White House (Evan Vucci/AP) Mr Musk announced his support for Mr Trump shortly after the then-candidate was nearly assassinated on stage at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, last July. News of Mr Musks political action committee in support of Mr Trumps election came days later. Mr Musk soon became a close adviser and frequent companion, memorably leaping in the air behind Mr Trump on stage at a rally in October. Once Mr Trump was elected, the tech billionaire stood behind him as he took the oath of office, flew with him on Air Force One for weekend stays at Mr Trumps Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, slept in the White Houses Lincoln Bedroom at the presidents invitation and joined his cabinet meetings wearing a MAGA hat (sometimes more than one). Ill be honest, I think he missed the place, Mr Trump said on Thursday. He got out there, and all of a sudden he wasnt in this beautiful Oval Office. Mr Musk bid farewell to Mr Trump last week in a subdued news conference in the Oval Office, where he sported a black eye that he said came from his young son but that seemed to be a metaphor for his messy time in government service. Mr Trump, who rarely misses an opportunity to zing his critics on appearance, brought it up on Thursday. Elon Musk attends a news conference with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House on Friday in Washington (Evan Vucci/AP) I said, Do you want a little makeup? Well get you a little makeup. Which is interesting, Mr Trump said. The Republican presidents comments came as Mr Musk has stewed for days on social media about Mr Trumps Big Beautiful Bill, warning that it will increase the federal deficit. Mr Musk has called the bill a disgusting abomination. He hasnt said bad about me personally, but Im sure that will be next, Mr Trump said on Thursday in the Oval Office. But Im very disappointed in Elon. Ive helped Elon a lot. Observers had long wondered if the friendship between the two brash billionaires known for lobbing insults online would flame out in spectacular fashion. It did, in less than a year. Look, Elon and I had a great relationship. I dont know if we will anymore, Mr Trump said. President Donald Trump with Elon Musk in the Oval Office of the White House (Evan Vucci/AP) The president said some people who leave his administration miss it so badly and actually become hostile. Its sort of Trump derangement syndrome, I guess they call it, he said. He brushed aside the billionaires efforts to get him elected last year, including a one million dollar-a-day voter sweepstakes in Pennsylvania. The surge of cash Mr Musk showed he was willing to spend seemed to set him up as a highly coveted ally for Republicans going forward, but his split with Mr Trump, the partys leader, raises questions about whether they or any others will see such a campaign windfall in the future. Mr Trump said Mr Musk, the chief executive and founder of Tesla, only developed a problem with the bill because it rolls back tax credits for electric vehicles. False, Mr Musk fired back on his social media platform as the president continued speaking. This bill was never shown to me even once and was passed in the dead of night so fast that almost no one in Congress could even read it! In another post, he said Mr Trump could keep the spending cuts but ditch the MOUNTAIN of DISGUSTING PORK in the bill. Elon Musk speaks during a news conference with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House on Friday (Evan Vucci/AP) The bill would unleash trillions of dollars in tax cuts and slash spending but also spike deficits by 2.4 trillion dollars over a decade and leave some 10.9 million more people without health insurance, according to an analysis by the Congressional Budget Office, which for decades has served as the official scorekeeper of legislation in Congress. Besides Mr Musk being disturbed by the electric vehicle tax credits, Mr Trump said another point of contention was Mr Musks promotion of Jared Isaacman to run Nasa. Mr Trump withdrew Mr Isaacmans nomination over the weekend, days after Mr Musk left his government role. I didnt think it was appropriate, Mr Trump said, calling Mr Isaacman totally a Democrat. Mr Musk, reverting to his main form of political activity before he joined forces with Mr Trump, continued slinging his responses on social media. He shared some posts Mr Trump made over a decade ago criticising Republicans for their spending, musings made when he, too, was just a billionaire lobbing his thoughts on social media. Where is the man who wrote these words? Mr Musk wrote. Was he replaced by a body double!? Advertisement Review Eating outThe Rocks Nans scones and knitted cosies on offer in this 144-year-old heritage terrace Visiting Vivid? Pop into The Tea Cosy first to warm up in The Rocks. Lenny Ann Low Updated June 6, 2025 , first published June 1, 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 1 / 18 The Tea Room is a wool-lovers paradise of hand-knitted flowers, figurines and tea cosies. Janie Barrett 2 / 18 The famous scones at The Tea Cosy. Janie Barrett 3 / 18 Janie Barrett 4 / 18 Janie Barrett 5 / 18 Devonshire tea. Janie Barrett 6 / 18 Teapots are kept warm with hand-knitted cosies. Supplied 7 / 18 Fruit botanicus punch iced tea. Janie Barrett 8 / 18 The Tea Cosy owner Ash Kinchin. Janie Barrett 9 / 18 The Grand Stand. Janie Barrett 10 / 18 Janie Barrett 11 / 18 Janie Barrett 12 / 18 The Grand Stand. Janie Barrett 13 / 18 Irish coffee. Janie Barrett 14 / 18 Janie Barrett 15 / 18 Bellini. Janie Barrett 16 / 18 Kids Devonshire tea. Janie Barrett 17 / 18 Janie Barrett 18 / 18 Janie Barrett Previous Slide Next Slide Cafe$$$$ On winters arrival, few pursuits restore warmth like wrapping weather-numbed fingers around a china tea cup and sipping a proper leaf brew. Steam rises from the cup. Chilled digits defrost. Calm ensues. Tea drinking leaf, bag, whatever your game is a tiny sea of tranquility. And it is undeniably heightened by twinning it with oven-fresh scones, maybe holding dates or currants; hopefully served with jam and thick cream. The famous scones at The Tea Cosy. Janie Barrett Advertisement Such things are the mainstay of The Tea Cosy, a two-storey tearoom housed in a butter-yellow 1881 heritage building in the heart of The Rocks. Some might sniff at the apparent ordinariness of a tea room. Its not a high-end restaurant but try joining the queue at the Country Womens Association Tea Room at the Royal Easter Show every year. The fervour of that line underlines peoples perennial passion for a nice cup of tea and a fluffy jam-laden scone. Ash Kinchin opened The Tea Cosy in 2019, and onsite scone-baking throughout the day means tables inside and out are regularly packed. Outside, under white umbrellas decorated with crocheted bees, there are families, tourists and women of all ages knitting from supplied yarn baskets. Inside, rooms are ringed with Victorian furniture, hardback books, fringed lampshades and vintage crockery displays. A wool-lovers paradise of hand-knitted flowers and cosies surrounds shelves of jam, and tea cups. Teapots are kept warm with hand-knitted cosies. Upstairs, two tiny rooms feature a dad pouring tea pots for his three small girls, each chewing finger sandwiches. Meanwhile, a young couple drink cream-topped Irish coffees and watches their sleeping baby in a pram. Coming here is a treat. Advertisement We are outside draped in supplied knee rugs staring at The Tea Cosys most popular item, The Grandstand. Tall and queenly, its three metal tiers carry plain and currant scones (Earl Grey and lavender is also an option), grapes, mixed finger sandwiches and pots of house-made lemon curd, rhubarb, vanilla and raspberry jam plus double-thick cream. Will this ease our chilblains? Too right it will. The scones two each are lofty, light and warm. The jam is good, the curd even better and the cream holds its shape in fat peaks. The crustless sandwiches curried egg and lettuce; smoked salmon with cream cheese and dill are pillowy daintiness. And the pots of Earl Grey and Irish Breakfast poured into wide floral cups, are, well, really lovely cuppas. Photo: Janie Barrett Kinchin, whose previous venue was Tara Tea Room up the road on George Street, created The Tea Cosy in honour of her Irish nan, whose kitchen in County Mead, Ireland, was a hive of scones. Its why Irish brand Barrys Tea is stocked here alongside traditional black and herbal varieties and special brews including London Fog (Earl Grey with vanilla extract) and Turkish Delight (vanilla and rose). The three-tier high tea stand isnt compulsory. There are smaller Devonshire tea sets, cakes and croissants, and the drinks menu extends to milkshakes, bellinis and prosecco. Theres even conventional coffee flat whites to piccolos which feels like an interloper in such a nerve centre of tea culture. Advertisement A small army of Australian and overseas knitters keep the tea cosies and knitted goods supplies going, says Kinchin, who is also readying a Harry Potter-style butterbeer for the winter months. We leave feeling full and fortified by copious cups of warming tea, entirely satisfied by the ceremony of the occasion. Three more spots for tea and scones Country Womens Association Tea Room Scones, tea and cordial by the glass, the only CWA Tea Room in Sydney offers refreshments, handmade jams, pickles and knitwear. Prices start at $3.50 for two scones with jam and cream or $6 for a Devonshire tea. Womens Rest Centre, Corner of Hillview Road and West Parade, Eastwood Flour and Stone Sydney baking queen Nadine Ingrams buttermilk scones, interspersed with blueberries and served with cream and house-made jam, are indeed the jam. Pre-order a box-load or snaffle one into Flour and Stones cafe to have with a cup of tea. 53 Riley Street, Woolloomooloo, flourandstone.com.au Sandy Bake Shop Janelle Barnes has declared that every day is scone day during winter at her bakery and cafe. Cakes, slices and biscuits abound, tea comes in pots with cosies, and Barnes does terrific cheese scone, too. 7/332 Darling Street, Balmain, sandybakeshop.com.au Good Food reviews are booked anonymously and paid independently. A restaurant cant pay for a review or inclusion in the Good Food Guide. Related Article Review Missed the CWA scones at the Easter Show? This hidden spot serves them up all year round Advertisement Eating outGood Food events New snack series is a delicious way to try five of Sydneys top restaurants for less Hatted restaurants Viand, Firepop and 20 Chapel are among the line-up using a surprise ingredient to create limited-edition dishes from $9. Erina Starkey Updated June 6, 2025 , first published May 29, 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 Beyond being delicious, snacks also provide chefs with a creative outlet to experiment with ingredients and test new ideas. That creative energy will be on full display this June as some of Sydneys top restaurants unveil limited-edition snack specials for Good Food Events upcoming Snack Series, presented by Aurum Poultry Co. The series will see hatted restaurants such as Viand in Woolloomooloo, Firepop in Enmore and 20 Chapel in Marrickville, craft a unique snack priced under $25. But heres the twist: every dish must feature the same signature ingredient cockerel. Firepop will be serving cockerel comb terrine for the Sydney Snack Series. Annita Potter, of one-hatted restaurant Viand, has created sweet, salted cockerels with longan and Thai basil in green curry wafers. Having spent 12 years in Bangkok, working alongside celebrated Australian Thai-food specialist David Thompson, opening his international restaurants in Singapore, Cambodia, Hong Kong and Australia, Potter is no stranger to seeing cockerel on the menu. Advertisement The Thais use a lot of birds in their cuisine including cockerels for things like gai yang grilled chicken, but its mostly used in curries, soups or braises as the lengthy cooking process of these dishes allows the meat to become more tender over the slower cooking time. Annita Potter is one of five chefs taking part in Snack Series. Wolter Peeters While cockerel meat may have fallen foul of the Australian market, the meat of young male chickens remains popular in many parts of the world, where it is prized for its leanness and depth of flavour. Cockerel meat is delicious and usually has a more defined taste, richer, more depth, more intense than regular chickens, says Potter. The meat is typically firmer; however, it has a silkiness to it. It requires no special treatment when preparing it at home. Cockerels can be cooked mostly the same as regular chickens. I tend to cook the cockerels slower and on a lower heat as it allows the flavour to develop and doesnt toughen the texture of the bird, she says. Viand will be serving sweet, salted cockerels with longans wrapped in green curry wafers and Thai basil for the Snack Series. Advertisement If youve noticed more cockerel on restaurant menus, you can thank Aurum Poultry Co. The specialist poultry producer supplies 100+ day slow-grown cockerel, along with pheasant, guinea fowl and quail, to top restaurants and butchers across Australia (it also offers home delivery to select locations). The business was founded by Melbourne-based brothers Danny and Sam Wong, who missed the richly flavoured, firm-textured chicken they grew up eating in Vietnam. Good Food Events Snack Series will run in Sydney from 1-30 June, 2025. Catch up on any snacks you miss on the Good Food Events Instagram account, where chef Mitch Orr will be going behind the scenes of each restaurant, chatting to chefs about how each dish was made. Sydney Snack Series Viand Sweet salted Aurum Poultry Co cockerels with green curry wafers, longans and Thai basil ($18) 41 Crown St, Woolloomooloo, viand.club Firepop Forgotten Treasures: Cockerel comb terrine with angelica root and anise, with grilled chicken frame, macadamia-cumin dukkah and smoked chilli ($18) 137 Enmore Rd, Enmore, firepop.com.au Island Radio Confit Aurum cockerel, black pepper adobo and toasted rice bread ($9) Corner of Cleveland and Baptist Streets, Redfern, islandradio.sydney 20 Chapel Wood fire grilled cockerel with coconut sosa and Fijian curry powder ($25) 20 Chapel St, Marrickville, 20chapel.com.au Wood fire grilled cockerel with coconut sosa and Fijian curry powder ($25) 20 Chapel St, Marrickville, 20chapel.com.au Panorama Bar Coal-fired char siu cockerel with surf clam, green shallot and chicken fat bread ($16) 25 Martin Pl, Sydney, 25martinplace.com.au Advertisement Review Eating outManly This breezy new beach spot from a top Italian chef feels made to go from surf-to-seat Ormeggio chef Alessandro Pavonis Manly venture has a bar, cafe-gelateria and restaurant, Cibaria, serving exciting, saucy carbs and scorched treats. Myffy Rigby Updated June 6, 2025 , first published 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 1 / 12 Local designer Luchetti Krelle captures all the best bits of Australian life by the coast. Steve Woodburn 2 / 12 Lardo di colonnata. Edwina Pickles 3 / 12 Spaghetti puttanesca. Edwina Pickles 4 / 12 Charcoal baby artichokes. Edwina Pickles 5 / 12 Edwina Pickles 6 / 12 Edwina Pickles 7 / 12 Lamb cutlets scottadito. Edwina Pickles 8 / 12 Pina colada dessert. Edwina Pickles 9 / 12 A scoop of hazelnut gelato. Edwina Pickles 10 / 12 Edwina Pickles 11 / 12 Edwina Pickles 12 / 12 Edwina Pickles Previous Slide Next Slide Good Food hat 15 / 20 How we score Italian$$$$ Know what the key is to a long-lasting relationship? Spaghetti and meatballs. A particularly well-stuffed banh mi. A 2am meat pie. Messy foods you need to eat with gusto. A close friend of mine reckons if you can split a whole mudcrab with a partner and they hook in with unbridled enthusiasm, youve got a keeper. If you find them looking askance at your buttery, crab-covered face, its time to move on. Chef Gianmarco Pardinis lardo di Colonnata is in the same file. If you havent had the pleasure, its a Tuscan dish of whipped pork backfat infused with salt, pepper, garlic, thyme and rosemary. Sometimes itll be served on a little crostata, other times with a hunk of bread. Here at this Manly newcomer, the moreish spread is served as a thin layer on the plate, accompanied by crisp shards of Sardinian flatbread. One to linger over with an amaro spritz and an understanding partner. Lardo di Colonnata. Edwina Pickles Advertisement So this is Cibaria, the latest venture from creative director Alessandro Pavoni and the crew behind Ormeggio at The Spit, Osteria Postino in Summer Hill and aMare at Crown. Its quite an undertaking. Theres standalone bar, 55 North, doing a steady trade in nduja-washed negronis and lobster rolls. The cafe-gelateria is a destination unto itself; a dedicated function space upstairs is set to cater for big groups. And, of course, theres the actual restaurant. Altogether, the crew are making a strong case for Manly as a destination beyond the beach. Local designer Luchetti Krelle captures all the best bits of Australian life by the coast the space is open, breezy, and feels made to go from surf-to-seat with real sprezzatura. Tiled floors meet buttery leather and linen banquettes. Marble-topped tables and the generous curves of Daumiller chairs overlook the ocean on one side and the open kitchen ruled by a wood-fire grill on the other. Just the right amount of Italo disco, just the right amount of surf club. The menu gives generously when it comes to exciting, saucy carbs and scorched treats. Hook straight in and order the puffy, wood-fired pizzette, drenched in so much smoky-sweet sugo you can use it as a dip. Unconventional but delicious serving suggestion: order the squid ink spaghetti tossed with torn-up crab meat, chilli, bread crumbs, parmesan and parsley at the same time. With just the right amount of richness and warmth, and a cool pizzette counterpoint. Spaghetti puttanesca. Edwina Pickles Stay on the left-hand side of the carte for a beat if you want to linger over a glass of fizz. Perhaps a serve of raw scallops on the shell, dressed with finger lime, chervil and salmon roe. Or maybe itll be raw kingfish, dressed with baby capers, chives and kalamata olives. Advertisement Service is two steps ahead. That might be a gentle lead through the menu, or knowing to bring extra bread to clean up the last of a particularly potent puttanesca. Its much needed for the sauce a gloriously olive-oily mix of black olives, Olasagasti anchovies, capers and tomato tossed through house-made spaghetti. Wine service is equally in-tune, finding the perfect by-the-glass option for chargrilled baby artichoke on a bed of lemony chickpea puree, and going the extra mile to dig up a rare Etna grenache to go with sirloin on the bone. (That steak lacks a bit of oomph for me. The smarter order is the lamb scottadito juicy, rosy, salty and finger-burningly hot cutlets with a sparky salsa verde.) A scoop of hazelnut gelato. Edwina Pickles Ormeggio co-owner and chef Victor Moya is behind the sweets. I love his tricked-up take on a pina colada cocktail pineapple sorbet, biscuit crumb, rum-soaked candied pineapple bits and freeze-dried coconut sorbet rubble but its pretty hard to look past the gelato. Moya is importing pistachios from Sicily and hazelnuts from Piedmont. Theres a real sweetness and purity to that flavour. Both are also so thick, you can stick a spoon upright and itll just stay there like its haunted. Pavoni has a great ability to reflect the neighbourhoods hes opening in, without falling into the trap of creating cookie-cutter venues. Each place has its own energy and personality a feat in a world that has a habit of rewarding uniformity. His new venture, Vineria Luisa, is opening on Enmore Road in mid-July but for now, set your sights on the lardo di Colonnata at Cibaria and say it with me: a plate of fat is for lovers. Advertisement The low-down Atmosphere: Modern trattoria in a beachy setting that welcomes chic dressing for lunch and bare feet for gelato Go-to dishes: Charcoal baby artichokes ($24); lardo di Colonnata ($16); spaghetti puttanesca ($36); a scoop of hazelnut gelato ($7.50) Drinks: Italian-heavy wine list, a decent by-the-glass selection and excellent cocktails care of the bar next door Cost: About $180 for two, before drinks Good Food reviews are booked anonymously and paid independently. A restaurant cant pay for a review or inclusion in the Good Food Guide. Related Article Exclusive Beloved inner west Spanish restaurant Bar Louise to close The Crisafulli government may have made good on its promise to deliver an Olympics plan for Brisbane 2032, and work has (apparently) begun on delivering venues, services, technology and infrastructure. Animator, art director and visual development artist Catriona Drummond has offered to design the Brisbane 2032 Olympics mascots. But, seven years out, one question remains stubbornly unanswered: What is happening with Brisbanes Olympic mascot? Despite what an April Fools gag gone viral might have you believe, its not Ian the Ibis. Were a few years off revealing the mascot for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, a spokesperson for Brisbane 2032 told this masthead. Winter has hit Brisbane following a wetter-than-average autumn, as the city shivers through a spate of cold nights across the week. Brisbanites woke up to temperatures grazing the single digits on Friday, with minimum temperatures across the city ranging from 9 to 10 degrees, after Queensland recorded its coldest morning of 2025 the day before. With sunnier afternoon conditions and clear skies predicted across next week, Bureau of Meteorology climatologist Felicity Gamble said the entire south-east could finally expect drier conditions with the change of the season. Brisbane has recorded its coldest overnight temperature in the early hours of Thursday, with the city set to brush the single digits again across Thursday and Friday. Credit: Felicity Caldwell It has been quite a wet May, for south-east Queensland, and, in fact, when you look at the autumn period as a whole, much of south-east Queensland was substantially wetter than average, Gamble said. It was rare for Erin Patterson to host guests; having four people over for a meal was not an ordinary, casual event for the mother of two. Patterson told a jury in her murder trial that her beef Wellington lunch to which she invited her estranged husbands parents, Don and Gail Patterson, and Gails sister and her husband Heather and Ian Wilkinson was not a casual gathering she frequently put on. After a full day in the witness box, Patterson, 50, confirmed that before that July 29, 2023, lunch she had never hosted the Wilkinsons before. Erin Patterson, her in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson (bottom right), and Gails sister, Heather Wilkinson (top right). Credit: Matthew Absalom-Wong During cross-examination, Crown prosecutor Nanette Rogers asked questions focused on the purpose of the lunch and why those guests were invited. She then put to Patterson, who is on trial for the murder of Don, Gail, and Heather, and the attempted murder of Ian, whether she had lied about her health to ensure the guests would attend and to explain the childrens absence. Patterson, her long brown hair out in the witness box for a fourth consecutive day, told the court that this was incorrect. I suggest you never thought youd have to account for this lie about having cancer because you thought the lunch guests would die, Rogers said. Thats not true, Erin responded. Todays evidence has now concluded. Rival aid operations The war in Gaza has raged since Hamas militants killed 1200 people in Israel on October, 7 2023, and took some 250 hostages back to the enclave, according to Israeli tallies. Many of those killed or captured were civilians. On Thursday, Israel said it had recovered the bodies of two more hostages, husband and wife Gad Haggai and Judih Weinstein. In a statement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said their bodies had been brought back to Israel after a special operation in the Khan Younis area of Gaza. Loading Following their recovery, 56 hostages are still held by Hamas, with fewer than half believed to be alive, according to Israeli estimates. Israels military campaign against Hamas has killed more than 54,000 Palestinians, according to Hamas-run Gaza health authorities, which do not distinguish between civilians and combatants. They say civilians have borne the brunt of the attacks and that thousands more bodies have been lost under rubble. Under global pressure, Israel allowed limited UN-led deliveries to resume on May 19. A week later, a controversial new aid distribution system was launched by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), backed by the US and Israel. Israel has long accused Hamas of stealing aid, which the group denies. Israel and the US are urging the UN to work through the GHF, which is using private US security and logistics companies to transport aid into Gaza for distribution at so-called secure distribution sites. No one wants to see Palestinian civilians in Gaza go hungry or thirsty, Shea told the Security Council, adding that the draft resolution did not acknowledge the disastrous shortcomings of the prior method of aid delivery. The UN and international aid groups have refused to work with the GHF because they say it is not neutral, militarises aid, and forces the displacement of Palestinians. The GHF distributed no aid on Wednesday as it pressed the Israeli military to boost civilian safety beyond the perimeter of its so-called secure distribution sites after a deadly incident on Tuesday. The group said it has asked the Israeli military to guide foot traffic in a way that minimises confusion or escalation risks near military positions, provide clearer civilian guidance and enhance training of soldiers on civilian safety. Loading Delays and denials The GHF posted on Facebook that ongoing maintenance work would delay the opening of its distribution sites on Thursday. It said on Tuesday that it had distributed more than 7 million meals since it began operating. Despite US and Israeli criticism of the UN-led Gaza aid operation, a US ceasefire plan proposes the delivery of aid by the UN, the Red Crescent and other agreed channels. Israel has agreed to the ceasefire plan, but Hamas is seeking changes that the US has rejected as totally unacceptable. Ahead of the vote, UN aid chief Tom Fletcher again appealed for the United Nations and aid groups to be allowed to assist people in Gaza, stressing that they have a plan, supplies and experience. Loading Open the crossings all of them. Let in lifesaving aid at scale, from all directions. Lift the restrictions on what and how much aid we can bring in. Ensure our convoys arent held up by delays and denials, Fletcher said in a statement. The UN has long blamed Israel and lawlessness in the enclave for hindering the delivery of aid and its distribution throughout the war zone. Enough of suffering of civilians. Enough of food being used as a weapon. Enough is enough is enough, Slovenias UN ambassador Samuel Zbogar told the Security Council. A similar humanitarian-focused draft resolution is now expected to be put to a vote in the 193-member General Assembly, where no countries have veto power, and it would likely pass, diplomats said. Israels Danon warned: Dont waste more of your time because no resolution, no vote, no moral failure, will stand in our way. Loading Washington: US President Donald Trump has announced a total ban on citizens from a dozen countries entering the United States, and a partial ban on several more nations, in a move that revives a controversial measure from his first term. It was part of a trio of presidential decrees on Wednesday night (US time), which also included suspending Harvard Universitys power to enrol foreign students and ordering an official investigation into the actions of predecessor Joe Biden, and whether his allies covered up his decline. US President Donald Trump at a Summer soiree on the South Lawn of the White House on Wednesday. Credit: Bloomberg Under one order, nationals of Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen will be banned from travelling to the US from Monday. Trump cited the recent antisemitic firebombing in Boulder, Colorado in which an Egyptian man unlawfully in the US allegedly injured 15 people as part of the rationale for the move, even though Egypt is not among the banned countries on the list. The improvements made to the MHSI mean the Retail Trade publication will end from 31 July 2025, he said. The improved MHSI data will give a more comprehensive view of household spending and save businesses time by removing the need to complete a Retail Business Survey. "Whether you're an industry leader, an up-and-coming broker, an innovator or someone who is laser focused on meeting client needs, you're all here for the same reason. And that's helping Australians reach their financial goals," MFAA chief executive officer Anja Pannek told the crowd. "And in doing so, what you're contributing to is, can we just say, it's got to be one of the best industries around." Personal experiences motivate aspiring dentist A childhood encounter with an orthodontist is helping to motivate UB undergraduate Emaan Sohail to become a dentist specializing in underserved populations. Photo: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki That has been a recurring theme of my life, wanting to help others through issues I have faced. I want my patients to feel like they have someone on their side who is trying to understand their situation. The story of when, how and why UB undergraduate Emaan Sohail realized she wanted to be a dentist is painfully personal and simultaneously altruistic. She was 16 when she narrowly missed the cutoff for Medicaid insurance for orthodontics and faced what she saw as the facts. I then realized that my crooked teeth would stay crooked, she says. Sohail fought back. She saved every paycheck from her 20-hours-a-week Walgreens job to pay for her braces managing school, extracurriculars and her job in what she calls the continuing balancing act she has performed her entire young life. When she did see an orthodontist, it was a childhood encounter that had a lasting effect. Sohails first consultation was with an eccentric orthodontist who scolded her on how she needed to figure out what I was doing with my life. I remember the moment so clearly, says Sohail, now a rising senior studying biomedical sciences. By some stroke of luck, it felt that during his lecturing everything fell perfectly into place. I realized that this doctor could offer me, a low-income insecure teenager, something invaluable: confidence. Sohail always felt pulled between being a medical doctor or an engineer, the only two ways others told her to find a place in this world. Then came dentistry, which she says opened an entirely new world. Sohail admits she is driven. Thinking about my future, she says, felt fundamentally built into the way that I am. Two talking points to remember so far: Bet the house on Sohail to end up right where she wants: as a respected, accomplished dentist specializing in underserved populations who helps children otherwise intimidated and not aware of what orthodontics can do for them, just the way she was. One who thoughtfully balances the clinical realities of patient care, the expectations of clients and most importantly, my empathy for them as people, Sohail explains. This is it. The excise tax exemption on pickup trucks is now gone thanks to the effectivity of the Capital Market Efficiency Promotions Act ... High Court reporters A High Court judge has granted TikTok a stay on a decision by the Data Protection Commission (DPC) that the social media giant must suspend data transfers to China by November 29th. Mr Justice Mark Sanfey said the stay would be in place until early October when the court will hear an application by TikTok seeking a longer stay until the court hears the full challenge to the DPC decision which included a 530 million fine on TikTok. The judge, who heads the Commercial Court, also granted TikTok an application to have the case admitted to the fast track commercial list The court heard there was no objection to entry from the DPC. The judge was told TikTok are claiming they face billions in losses if the decision stands and if they did not get a stay until the full case is heard. He said the justice of case required he would grant a stay until October. The court could not hear an application for the stay in July, as TikTok wanted, because the DPC needed time to prepare its case to oppose the stay. Earlier, Declan McGrath SC, for TikTok, said his client estimates losses post the suspension will run into billions with losses already running at 109 million. He was very much pressing the case for an interim stay on the suspension decision. Counsel said the DPC decision is that data transfers from countries in the European Economic Area (EEA) which includes all the EU along with Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway to China must cease. The data is not in China and is stored outside but Chinese engineers can access it. The DPC order requires that this remote access is to cease and that the processing of the data must brought into compliance which addresses potential issues around storing of data. The date on which this "corrective order" takes place is six months from 28 days after the order is made which is the period within which an appeal must be brought. That means there must be compliance by November 29th, counsel said. TikTok is also required to show by July that it has taken steps towards compliance, how it is to be implemented and how it will be communicated to service users within the EEA, he said. This was also why there was an urgency to the stay application. The cost of this to TikTok will include having to relocate engineers and hire new ones in the EEA and other irreversible steps which represent damages that cannot be recouped, he said. It also impacts on taxation and other matters including loss of goodwill. Kelley Smith SC, for the DPC, said she was not in a position to agree to any of Mr McGrath's application. She said earlier his side needed time to prepare given the volume of paperwork in the case. Mr Justice Sanfey approved directions for the progress of the stay application in October and said the case could also be mentioned before a vacation sitting of the Commercial Court in September. By Cate McCurry and Cillian Sherlock, PA Gerry Adams said he will donate the 100,000 he is to receive in damages from the BBC to charities that help children in Gaza, the homeless in Ireland and Irish language groups. Mr Adams took the BBC to court over a 2016 episode of its Spotlight programme, and an accompanying online story, which he said defamed him by alleging he sanctioned the killing of former Sinn Fein official Denis Donaldson, for which he denies any involvement. Last Friday a jury at the High Court in Dublin found in his favour and awarded him 100,000 euros (84,000) after determining that was the meaning of words included in the programme and article. The BBC will also have to pay Mr Adamss legal costs. Director of BBC Northern Ireland, Adam Smyth (centre) outside the High Court in Dublin. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA. During an eight-minute video posted on the official Sinn Fein YouTube channel, Mr Adams accused the BBC of showing arrogance when it did not resolve the dispute after he issued legal letters nine years ago. In Putting Manners On The BBC The Gerry Adams Blog, Mr Adams said that the BBC has been held accountable for the content it broadcasts. Mr Adams said: As for the money that the jury awarded me in damages, I will donate this to good causes. These will include the children of Gaza, groups in Ireland involved in helping the homeless, Cumann Carad, the Irish language sector and other projects like this in west Belfast. He added: When the case began six weeks ago, the BBCs legal strategy was evident very quickly. Their narrative was that pursued by successive British and Irish governments for years. They blamed everything during the conflict on Irish Republicans and by extension, during this trial, on me. The BBC lawyers embarked on a Jesuitical presentation of the case that tried to convince the jurors that the words broadcast and published by the British Broadcasting Corporation, that I had sanctioned the murder of Denis Donaldson, did not, in fact, mean that I sanctioned the murder of Denis Donaldson. They were, they said, thats the British Broadcasting Corporation, not defending the truth of the accusation. Instead they were defending, they claimed, their journalism, which they said was fair and reasonable, in the public interest and made in good faith. They concluded their case by trying to exert moral pressure on the jurors by claiming that a defeat for the British Broadcasting Corporation would be a blow to freedom of speech and a setback to victims. In the end the jury didnt buy in to any of this. On all the key issues the jurors unanimously accepted that the script used by the Spotlight programme did mean that I had sanctioned and approved the murder of Denis Donaldson. He said that after the BBCs decision to air the Spotlight programme, he decided to sue the broadcaster. Mr Adams said the BBC could have resolved the dispute there and then. They chose not to. Why? Thats a question to be asked. Why did they not resolve this issue when they could have? Was it arrogance? Yes, thats part of it. But I also suspect political interference. In January, the British Prime Minister Keir Starmer responded to a decision in the High Court in Belfast, which included that I and, by implication, up to 400 other former internees, were wrongfully detained and that we were entitled to compensation. Mr Starmer told the British Parliament that he would look at every conceivable way to block compensation being paid. Mr Adams also urged the Minister for Justice Jim OCallaghan to met Denis Donaldsons family. He signed off by saying slan agus tog go bog e, which means goodbye and take it easy. Earlier this week the BBC was granted time to consider appealing against the jurys decision. The broadcaster was granted a stay on paying the full costs and damages to allow it time to consider whether to lodge an appeal. The stay was subject to paying half the damages 50,000 and 250,000 towards solicitors fees. By Jonathan McCambridge, PA Controversy around the sentencing of leading loyalist Winston Irvine has impacted upon confidence in the criminal justice system in Northern Ireland, PSNI Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton has said. Mr Singleton also told the Policing Board that he wanted to give clarity that he did not provide a character witness for Irvine and would not have done so if asked. Irvine was sentenced to two-and-a-half years, with half to be served in jail, at Belfast Crown Court last month following an incident where firearms and ammunition were found in the boot of his car. Irvine avoided a statutory five-year sentence on several of the charges he faced after Judge Gordon Kerr KC ruled there were exceptional circumstances in his case, namely Irvines work for peace and his charity work in the community. The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) has said it is considering whether there is any legal basis to appeal the sentence. The length of Irvines sentence and the fact he and his co-accused Robin Workman were not prosecuted for terrorism offences has attracted controversy. Mr Singleton was asked about the case during the monthly meeting of the Policing Board. He said: I think this case and the debate surrounding it undoubtedly has impacted on confidence in the entire criminal justice system. As the face, the front end of that, it has also impacted on policing. Mr Singleton added: For clarity, I absolutely did not provide a character reference for Mr Irvine, nor was I asked to. If I had been, I absolutely wouldnt have done so. Bobby Singleton said he did not provide a character witness for Winston Irvine. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA. The senior officer said he had given evidence under oath during an earlier preliminary inquiry in the case. He added: As Mr Irvines arrest by our counter-terrorism officers and subsequent investigation by our terrorism investigation unit demonstrates, we police without fear or favour, and that is exactly the way it should be. Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck said sentencing was a matter for the courts. He said Irvine had been arrested by police under the Terrorism Act and there had been a thorough investigation. He added: I can confirm that ballistic testing of all the firearms was conducted and there was no previous history in respect of those firearms or indeed the ammunition. Our role is to investigate and to place evidence before the court. Police Service of Northern Ireland Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck (centre) speaks during the monthly meeting of the board. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA. Irvine, 49, of Ballysillan Road in north Belfast, and Workman, 54, of Shore Road in Larne, Co Antrim, both admitted possession of a firearm and ammunition in suspicious circumstances. They also admitted two counts of possessing a handgun without a certificate, one count of possessing ammunition without a certificate, possessing a prohibited weapon and possessing a firearm without a certificate. Workman further pleaded guilty to possessing a .177 calibre air rifle without holding a firearm certificate. The offences were committed on June 8 2022, when Workman transported a quantity of weapons and ammunition to the Glencairn area of Belfast in his van, which were then put into the boot of Irvines Volkswagen Tiguan car. A short time later, Irvines vehicle was stopped by police in Disraeli Street. A long-barrelled firearm, two suspected pistols, several magazines and a large quantity of ammunition were discovered inside a bag in the boot. While the judge noted that UVF paraphernalia was found in the homes of both defendants, he did not consider that there was a terrorist link to the weapons. Eoin Reynolds Lawyers for Sean McGovern (39), named by US law enforcement as a senior figure in the Kinahan cartel and who is charged with murder and directing a criminal organisation, have raised a concern about the legality of his extradition to Ireland from the United Arab Emirates last week. Olan Callanan BL, for McGovern, told the three-judge, non-jury Special Criminal Court on Thursday that Michael Staines' solicitor's office will issue a letter to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) imminently, putting them on notice of an application. Mr Callanan asked the court to set a date for a hearing. He added: "The fundamental concern is the legality, the propriety and the process which surrounded his arrival in Dublin." On May 29th last, when McGovern arrived in Dublin and was first brought before the court, Mr Callanan said he was reserving his position on the legality of the process and the jurisdiction of the non-jury court. Sean Gillane SC, for the DPP, told the court that a first book of evidence relating to the charges against McGovern will be ready by the end of July. The DPP will update the court on a second book of evidence at a later date. McGovern viewed Thursday's proceedings via video-link from prison. He spoke only to confirm that he could hear what was being said. Ms Justice Karen O'Connor agreed to set a date for hearing McGovern's application on Wednesday, June 18th. McGovern will again appear by video-link rather than in person. The court set a date in late July for service of the book of evidence. An Irish Air Corps Casa 295 plane took McGovern from Dubai to Dublin last week, stopping off in Larnaca in Cyprus and Marseille in France to refuel. He landed at Casement Aerodrome in west Dublin, before gardai brought him before the Special Criminal Court, where he was charged with five offences. McGovern (39), with a previous address at Kildare Road, Crumlin, Dublin 12, is charged with the murder of Noel Kirwan on December 22nd, 2016, at St Ronan's Drive, Clondalkin, in Dublin. He is also charged with directing the activities of a criminal organisation in connection with the same murder between October 20th, 2016, and December 22nd, 2016. He is charged with directing the activities of a criminal organisation in connection with the surveillance of James Gately in preparation for the commission of an indictable offence between October 17th, 2015, and April 6th, 2017. Another charge alleges that between October 20th and December 22nd, 2016, he contributed to or participated in activity intending or being reckless as to whether such activity would facilitate a criminal organisation in the murder of Mr Kirwan. He faces a similar charge of facilitating a criminal organisation in a conspiracy to murder James Gately. High Court Reporters The High Court has given the go-ahead for boat trips to Skellig Michael to resume. Mr Justice Garrett Simons granted an application by the Office of Public Works (OPW) to lift an automatic suspension on landing at the Unesco heritage site and former monastic island, which was also used as a film location for the Star Wars movies, The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi. The order will allow the OPW to enter into a legally binding contract with each of 15 boat operators who were successful in the public competition for permits to land on the island off the Kerry coast. The landing season runs from mid-May to the end of September each year. Those landing permits were automatically suspended when two unsuccessful bidders brought a High Court challenge to the decision. The OPW then had to apply to the court asking that the stay be lifted pending hearing of the substantive challenge. The unsuccessful bidders, Atlantic Endeavour Ltd and SMBT Ltd, trading as Skellig Michael Boat Trips, disagreed with the OPW interpretation of the legal effect of the automatic suspension. They contended that there are a number of mechanisms open whereby landing permits might legitimately be granted to the successful tenderers for the balance of the 2025 season, while preserving their own right to challenge the allocation of landing permits for the 2026 and subsequent seasons. Mr Justice Simons heard the application to lift the suspension this week and on Thursday ordered that it be lifted. He said the practical effect of this order is that it will now be legally permissible for the OPW to issue landing permits to the 15 successful tenderers for the balance of the 2025 season. This will allow for the commencement of passenger landings at Skellig Michael, or Sceilg Mhichil in Irish. He said his judgment entails no finding whatsoever on whether the outcome of the tender process allows the OPW to confine the right to land passengers on Sceilg Mhichil to the 15 successful tenderers for a five-year period. The proper interpretation of the request for tender and associated documentation, and the legal consequences of the tender process, remain open for debate at the trial of the action, he said. The judgment, he said "goes no further" than deciding that the execution of concession contracts does not result in the crystallisation of a contractual right on the part of the successful tenderers to exclusive landing rights for the 2026 and subsequent seasons. He said the significance of this finding is that the unsuccessful tenderers are not relegated to a claim for certain damages in respect of the 2026 and subsequent seasons. The only right which the OPW seeks to translate into a concluded contract, prior to the determination of the full High Court challenge, is confined to the 2025 landing season,he said. He said he was listing the substantive action for the alleged breaches of the public procurement legislation in July. Ellen O'Donoghue Richard Satchwell being sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his wife, Tina, features heavily on Irish front pages on Thursday. The Irish Times lead with the Department of Public Expenditure having attempted to block the 'housing tsar' plan, Trinity College Dublin cutting ties with Israeli universities and firms, and a Children's Health Ireland report being referred to gardai. The Irish Examiner lead with Tina Satchwell's family's victim impact statement after Richard Satchwell was sentenced for murdering her, the MV Matthew, the boat which had the State's largest ever cocaine seizure on it, Leona Macken speaking out, and Dylan Scannell being found guilty of murdering Ian Baitson. The Irish Independent lead with the State paying up to 180,000 a year for every family in emergency accommodation. The Belfast Telegraph lead with a Co Down mother welcoming a corporate manslaughter investigation by police after her baby was stillborn. The Herald lead with a garda alert being in place after one of the country's most violent inmates, Brendan Cummins, was released from prison on Wednesday. The Echo lead with Richard Satchwell being sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of the murder of his wife, Tina, and tattoo artist Dylan Scannell being found guilty of murdering Ian Baitson in Cobh. The Irish Daily Star, Irish Daily Mail and Irish Daily Mirror all lead with Richard Satchwell being jailed for life for the murder of his wife, Tina. Dandelions Odyssey (Planetes in its original French title), is an animated film like no other, the latest by Paris-based Japanese artist Momoko Seto. Yet its already the fifth iteration of Setos Planet artistic voyages, a journey through nature, size, and scale she started back in 2008 with her first short Planet A, and carried on to this her first feature. Bridging between experimental art, documentary, and animation, Setos works explore the world around us and transcend it into cinematic experiences unveiling the infinite diversity of life and matter. Her previous work tackles everything from living salt statues to eerie mushroom thrillers to prawn porn and octopus love stories. Dandelions Odyssey brings these artistic explorations to another level of experimentation with a daring fusion of time-lapse photography, robots, cg animation, and macro-photography, among other techniques. Following four dandelion seeds thrown into the cosmos by what appears to be nothing less than humanitys last folly, the dialogue-free film takes its viewers on an alienating yet familiar journey, as nature and science-fiction become intertwined in a breathtaking visual fantasia. Produced by Frances Miyu Productions and Ecce Films, Dandelions Odyssey premiered at Cannes Critics Week, where the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) awarded it best first feature in a parallel section, Directors Fortnight, or Critics Week. Cartoon Brew spoke with Seto ahead of its world premiere in Cannes. The film will also screen next week as part of the feature competition at Annecy. Cartoon Brew: How did you start your own odyssey in cinema? Momoko Seto: I grew up in Japan, then came to France to study fine arts in Marseille, where I focused on video, art installations, and experimental cinema. After a filmmaking major at the California College of the Arts, I came back to France and did a post-graduate at Le Fresnoy, where I made Planet A as my student short. What I wanted to explore was how technology could help us create, and find other ways of making art and cinema. That path leads us to Dandelions Odyssey, which bridges the gap between real images and science fiction. What compelled you to tell this story? Two things. First, you mentioned that it is a story, a seeds story. I wanted to share a plant tale, where plants are the main character, yet without mimicking Disneys Silly Symphonies with their human-like trees. I was aiming to tell what it is like to truly be a plant, to become vegetal. Because when you take this point of view, you can switch perspectives. A seeds journey is one of wandering between ecosystems, some hostile and dangerous, with the ultimate goal of finding the right spot to settle oneself. And in telling this tale, you change size, time and movement as a whole. Its wildly different than just changing the human scale, its a whole other feeling that I wanted to share with this Indiana Jones-like plant adventure. True nature has always been fascinating to me, with its mesmerizing shapes, stylized colors, and beauty so complex that humans cant reproduce. My idea was to draw from this infinite source with dedicated tools, in order to create a whole new perspective of this real yet unknown universe. For that purpose, we used time-lapse, macro-photography, robotics, periscopes, drones, and a wide range of techniques that were created for the film, so these animated seeds could become part of a world where time and space were completely new to the viewer. How did you approach the making of this film? I already had an established style, which I built with my four previous Planet shorts and fifteen years of experimentation. To me, time-lapses and slow-motion sequences have to be very smooth, with the idea that one cannot guess if time has been slowed or accelerated, creating a beautiful reality. Dandelions Odyssey is a project that we spent three years writing, as we aimed for a strong fictional narrative. Its at that stage that I inserted the actors I wanted to portray in the film, such as urchins, luminescent squids, the frozen frog, or the desert that appears at the end of the film, which we created with tree barks and sand. All these motifs were partly based on my previous explorations, and the new grounds I wanted to discover. We then turned our 70-page-long screenplay into sequences and listed all the image material we would have to shoot or create. Each sequence had to be carefully designed through mood boards to ensure that lighting and perspectives would match. To this purpose, we created a whole animatic of the film to define camera movements, optics, and all the necessary info before going into shooting. Each shot is made of five layers. Theres the set, decor, animals, background, time-lapse, and animation, and this varies between sequences. For example, we shot the landing butterfly in Japan, which was overlaid upon a set built and shot in France with the praying mantis already present. Moving plants filmed through another time-lapse are shot in front of a bluescreen, and also inserted in the shot. Animation comes at the very end of this process, as another layer where we integrate the dandelion seeds. First through layout, and then through animation created by a whole team of Belgian animators helmed by Pixar and Aardman veteran Guionne Leroy, who gave life to our four characters to create the final look of the film. Can you share some facts and figures about this unique shooting process? Our overall budget is roughly 4.4 million euros (USD$5 million), with three years of writing, two years of financing, 260 days of shooting, two years of post-production, one year of animation, and two years of sound design and music. During this journey, around 200 people collaborated on this project. How does one finance such a film? We went through the classic French channels, with public funds such as CNC, broadcasters including Arte and Canal+, and regional funds such as Region Ile-de-France, Aquitaine, and a co-production with Belgium. Funnily enough, its a project that had a huge make-or-break status. We received the CNCs help unanimously on our very first try, even though this is my first feature and there are a lot of projects competing for this funding, and Arte as well as Canal+ were also received on first submissions. Obviously, we got some negative answers. I mean, for a project like this no dialogues, big technical challenges, narrative constraints, and plant protagonists it is impressive to see that it was always either general enthusiasm or shared skepticism. I think being supported by Miyu Productions, a solid and trustworthy company with a unique DNA, also helped gather trust among our financial backers. Going back to sound design, how did you tackle this crucial part of your film? Inventing this language was all made possible by the collaboration of Nicolas Becker, whose career ranges from Foley artist in the 1990s to the sound design of international acclaimed projects such as Gravity or Sound of Metal. Nicolas has the ability to invent sounds where there is none, which is exactly the case in the plants realm. Our visions matched very quickly. Later on, Nicolas himself told me he wanted to work with composer Quentin Sirjacq, with whom he had already been working for two years. They aimed to build a soundtrack where sounds become music, where silences become songs. Together, we shaped what could be the sound of this particular future, a mix between ancient and futuristic tones. Quentin then composed an orchestral soundtrack but with rare instruments such as French glass organ Cristal Baschet or theremin-like Ondes Martenot, bringing these seldom heard analog instruments into a digital soundspace. What are some unique aspects of the film that youd like to further discuss? I think that, due to the nature of this odyssey, many viewers will think that at least half of the images are special effects, but this is hardly the case. Vfx come to back up images, but all you see on screen is real, from the frozen frog to the fascinating praying mantis or the galaxy of luminescent squids. Another aspect thats dear to me is the sound of our four protagonists. Its very subtle, but their voices are created with four layers of human breathing and hushing. Its almost subconscious, but these ups and downs give the seeds a rhythm and a life which makes them very relatable. It brings you back to your childhood, where you used your mouth to create whole atmospheres and literally breathe life into your inanimate toys. One thing that strikes the viewer head on is the bleak opening that triggers this dandelions odyssey. Can you elaborate on this choice? Its the little part of my film that makes a political stance, but to me it remains a subtle one. What I wanted was to create a dystopian setting where humanity which is not the subject of this film disappears because of itself. Life on our planet doesnt disappear because of a meteor, or climate change, but because of this very real atomic bomb that burn the Earth and force the seeds to undertake this journey. This odyssey is about planets, plural. How one travels to another world and can maybe start anew. Or maybe its more of an introspection, going back to what was before. It remains unclear, but it also brings a sense of relativity to this story. Humanity itself is very young, in terms of Earths history, both past and future. By switching scales, and telling this story through the perspective of plants, I wanted to question our own ephemeral nature. Who do you envision as the audience for this film? I think its for all types of audiences. My children, and other children as well. Sharing the beauty of nature is something that appeals to everyones inner child, and unveiling its secrets can be a magnificent journey for everyone. I wanted to say that ones ability to marvel was not something that should be denied or deemed stupid and childlike. Its necessary to protect oneself, and to protect nature as well. These are not exotic landscapes or plants from Brazil, animals from the deep Philippine forests. These are very common creatures that surround us, that we can stop by and still be amazed by their beauty. Another thing that was pinpointed to me by a journalist, who was brought to tears by the film, is that its also a story about migration, about leaving your world behind, trying to find another one to build a future. And thats an aspect of the project that is very dear to me. As a Japanese woman living in France, I undertook my own personal migration. Each and every one of us wants to find their very own oasis, a place they can call home. Sharing these moments of solitude, these separations, and the journeys you undertake to achieve this goal is something very personal that I wanted to share and that I feel every time I go back to the film. The Dominican Republic is not a country with a storied history in animation. The industry in the country is still finding its feet, having only ever produced three animated features. One would think that these films would be safe, broad proof of concepts, which is true for two of them. The third, however, is Olivia & the Clouds (Olivia & Las Nubes), a bizarre, surreal trip through a group of characters fragmented memories and emotions that refuses to be stuck in one scene, tone, or art style for too long. Core to the movies magic is its ability to smoothly whisk the viewer from one scene to another, and we witness Olivia at different points in her life, including falling in love with an odd man named Ramon and her relationship with her closed-off son (and his troubled partnership with his girlfriend Barbara). The film, distributed by Miyu, will screen this month in competition at both the Guadalajara Intl Film Festival and Annecy. It has already racked up a string of festival wins including multiple wins at the Malaga Film Festival, the junior jury award at Locarno Film Festival, and other wins and mentions at the San Diego Latino Film Festival, Stuttgart Festival of Animated Film, Filmfest Bremen, and elsewhere. Watch the trailer below: Director Tomas Pichardo Espaillat has spent the last 10 years piecing Olivia & the Clouds together while receiving minimal funding here and there with the films budget coming in under one million dollars. To get to this point was a long journey, which started out with Tim Burtons Beetlejuice. It somehow clicked in my head that people made this, Espaillat told Cartoon Brew. I became enamored with the idea of making [live-action] film, but I was very shy so the idea of getting actors was out of the question and I didnt have a camera. I ended up playing around with Macromedia Flash making ideas for what were going to be live-action films. But in the process of doing more of those animations, I eventually realized, Oh, Im an animator. Espaillats love for live action as well as animation bears fruit in his film, where live action, 2d animation, stop-motion, and cut-out animation all coexist, requiring the filmmaker to be intimately familiar with each one. In my country when I started out in animation, there were two or three people who were also playing around with software and so there were no animation schools, he explained. I eventually started getting freelance work which I used for education. If I wanted to play with cut-out animation, Id use the freelance gig to learn it. The shifting modes of cinematic styles plays into Olivia & the Clouds surrealist nature, a type of storytelling core to Espaillats work: Its a medium that allows me to tell more than just a simple story, but one that expresses feelings. Its the way I see the world, the way I react to it. For example, theres a sequence in the movie where you see Ramons job and hes just playing with light bulbs. That comes directly from my childhood. My parents used to work in an electric company and I never understood what they were doing. I just thought that they were playing with light bulbs. Having made short films for a number of years, Espaillat realized around 2011 that many of the feature ideas he was jotting down were linked and showed different moments of one story. I started imagining how these stories connect with each other, he said. Because it was a long writing process, a lot of my life became part of the film, a lot of moments from my childhood details like Olivia turning into a plant is based on someone I was dating whose family owned a plant shop and also Ramon being packed into luggage is based on that idea of me having a long distance relationship. With the vision set, Espaillat needed people to execute it, but very few animators existed in the Dominican Republic. I realized I had to become part of that evolution and I started teaching at a film school teaching animation, so most of the crew are former students of mine, he said. At the same time, things were changing in my country. [Marianna Vargas Gurilieva] became film commissioner for the country which helped a lot in animation because shes a Dominican-Russian and she grew up watching Soviet animation, which gave her a bigger sense of what animation could do. Funding became possible and slowly everything came together. Because of the disparate nature of the Dominican industry, the people Espaillat brought on board had very different skillsets and backgrounds, making impossible the idea of a feature film with a single cohesive style. Instead, Espaillat embraced the diversity of his crew and decided to allow each animator to work in their own style. Maintaining consistency of character across each art style would be a big challenge, but Espaillat took inspiration from Dont Hug Me Im Scared creators Becky Sloan and Joe Pelling. They talked about how their characters are very iconic so you can recognize them no matter the technique, so I took that concept and I applied it to my characters, he said. I understood all the strengths of my animators so I put them in specific teams to make the different animation styles become the point of view of different characters. The animation was telling a lot of the subtext. Older Olivia is shown with fragmented images which explain her fragmented mind. Barbara exteriorizes her feelings and you can see that, referencing the delocalized strands of color that pass between people as they struggle to express their true feelings. A standout scene in the movie details the courtship between Olivia and Ramon through an intoxicating and abstract dance sequence set to music that is equally nostalgic and foot-tapping. Espaillat recalled that the sequence was made with five different animators, none of whom saw what the other animators were doing. I also told them different things about the scene, Espaillat said. To one of them I was saying, Imagine Olivia is telling this sailor to take her to another land, to others I was saying, Imagine shes longing for connection, and I got to play around with connecting it. That sense of play and experimentation is key to Olivia & the Clouds appeal, a benefit of how Espaillat allows for spontaneity in the filmmaking process. I like surprises and I like to go and see where these surprises take me. Normally in animation, we record voice-overs before we start animating, but I wanted to record them after just so I can play around with the freedom to change things. Sometimes Id receive something from one of the animators and think, This is really beautiful, lets expand it. One of the ways Espaillat upskilled was by directing a series of TED-Ed shorts, a process that also pushed him to experiment with his editing style, which avoids cuts and favor transitions. Another exercise he used to develop his editing style: remixing all of his short films into a single long-form project. By doing that exercise, he said, I learned a lot about combining all this very different material from all these different places. Every choice Espaillat makes is in service of the films emotional core, one that was inspired by Ingmar Bergmans Scenes from a Marriage, a tv miniseries that explores how society doesnt teach you how to express and deal with emotion. That concept of emotional illiteracy is very true to me because Im very shy and I have that struggle of expressing my own emotions, he admitted. Sometimes, instead of saying something through words, I say it through images. Thats why these characters have really strong feelings, but they dont know how to portray it. A film like Olivia & the Clouds coming so close to the birth of Dominican animated feature production blows wide open the possibilities of the art form for the country. For Espaillat, the lack of industry has helped animators in the D.R. to find a unique voice. Because me and many others were learning by ourselves, playing around with Macromedia Flash without funding, without an industry, the animations were very rough [and] there was no censorship in the sense of what they could not do for for a bigger audience, he explained. And while influence from the big industries of the U.S. and Japan is inevitable, budding Dominican animators have homegrown proof that they need not play by the rules. Sign up to get our news digest delivered directly to your inbox twice a week. With eight seasons and 81 episodes under its belt, Netflixs audacious adult animated series, Big Mouth, finished its run on May 23, 2025. Created by Andrew Goldberg, Nick Kroll, Mark Levin, and Jennifer Flackett, the series hilariously tracked the misery of puberty, as seen through the eyes of Nick Birch (Nick Kroll), a late bloomer from Westchester County New York, and his circle of friends. As their bodies changed and morphed through middle school into their teens, the kids were guided by their Hormone Monsters who provided pretty sketchy guidance as they suffered the embarrassments of natures ruthless changes. To celebrate the fact that Big Mouth is Netflixs longest-running scripted animated series, the studio collected their core cast of vocal performers to do a live table read of the finale episode, The Great Unknown, written by Gil Ozeri. Watch it below: In the closing episode, the core kids, now teens in high school, return to Bridgeton Middle School to reminisce about their time there before it is demolished. Reunited for the moment, they all take stock of the changes theyve gone through personally, and together, under the guidance of their Hormone Monsters. Executive producer Mark Levin served as the master of ceremonies for the event. He opened the reading, taped in front of a live audience, by setting context for Big Mouth (and its 20-episode spin-off Human Resources) and speaking of the shows impact and legacy at Netflix. Joining Levin, Kroll, and Ozeri at the table were cast other castmembers John Mulaney, Jason Mantzoukas, Maya Rudolph, Fred Armisen, Richard Kind, Maria Bamford, Jessi Klein, June Diane Raphael, Gil Ozeri, L.E. Correia, Jasmine Pierce, Seth Morris, Joe Wengert, Andrew Goldberg, Jennifer Flackett, Walter Kelly, and Peter Kelly. There were tears abound from the cast at the table, including Kroll, as the characters in the script entered the bright, white-light engulfing Bridgeton which represents their unblemished futures ahead of them. The last two characters to enter are best friends Nick and Andrew Glouberman (Mulaney) who grab hands and then step confidently into the void together. The whole troupe received a standing ovation from the audience. Kroll thanked everyone present and their crew (including animation studio Titmouse), and closed what he called a literal experience of a lifetime, adding that, as long as the internet doesnt stop existing, people will be able to watch this show for a really long time. Erlanger LIFE FORCE Air Medical announced a groundbreaking achievement in emergency medical services. LIFE FORCE is now the first EMS agency in Tennessee and the fifth air medical program in the nation equipped and trained to transport critically ill or injured working K-9s. This milestone represents a significant advancement in the care and support of our brave K-9s serving in law enforcement and military operations. With this new capability, LIFE FORCE sets a new standard in emergency medical transport, ensuring highly-trained and valuable K-9s receive the same level of care as their human counterparts. This process involves rigorous training and specialized equipment modifications to ensure the safety and well-being of the K-9s during transport. We are proud to lead this critical development in emergency medical services by expanding our capabilities to include caring for K-9 officers, demonstrating our commitment to first responders and raising the standard of pre-hospital care in the state, said Stacy Prater, Outreach Education coordinator and flight paramedic with LIFE FORCE. These K-9s are essential to public safety and deserve the highest level of care. By transporting them swiftly and safely in critical situations, we will help save their lives and ensure they can continue their vital work, he further added. Over the next few months, LIFE FORCE flight crews will undergo extensive training in K-9 emergency care, response, and safe transport practices. This training will cover handling techniques, recognizing signs of distress in K-9s, and administering appropriate medical interventions during flight. The aircraft will also be equipped with specialized gear such as muzzles, oxygen masks, restraint systems, and other necessary equipment to ensure the K-9s comfort and safety. Additionally, LIFE FORCE will train local and regional law enforcement agencies on the transport process. LIFE FORCE will transport the K-9 and the handler (human-partner) to one of several pre-designated veterinary hospitals. These designated hospitals specialize in emergency and advanced veterinary medicine and are open 24 hours a day, have board-certified surgical and/or critical care specialist veterinarians on staff, and have life-support equipment such as ventilators and banked blood for transfusions. This is just very much like human medicine, where a severe trauma patient would be sent to a Level 1 Trauma Center rather than be transported to a closer or smaller medical facility that may not have the capabilities to care for that patient, said Richard Wearing DVM, veterinary medical director for LIFE FORCE. LIFE FORCE has a long-standing commitment to providing exceptional medical care and transport services. This new capability is a testament to their dedication to innovation and excellence in emergency medical services. The initiative has been met with enthusiastic support from local law enforcement agencies, veterinary professionals from across the State of Tennessee, and other emergency medical personnel. Law enforcement and military K-9s perform critical roles in public safety, including searching for narcotics and aiding in the apprehension of suspects. To their handlers and those who work with them every day, they are not just dogs, but partners and heroes. Given the high risk of injury in their work, having this critical transport option available greatly increases their chances of survival when a serious injury occurs. I commend LIFE FORCE for their commitment to public safety and for ensuring our regions K-9s receive the best possible care in their time of need, said Sheriff Austin Garrett. Project K-9 Hero is honored to be involved in this effort led by LIFE FORCE to get active working dogs the critical medical assistance they deserve when they are risking their own lives, without hesitation or reservation, to protect our communities and the citizens of the State of Tennessee. This new program will help ensure that emergency medical teams are prepared to transport and treat an injured K-9, when seconds matter the most. This is something that we as an organization fight for on the national level, and this announcement will help us further the establishment of similar programs across the country, said Jason Johnson, founder/CEO of Project K-9 Hero. LIFE FORCE thanked all the organizations and agencies that have helped with the development of this groundbreaking achievement: Project K9 Hero, Hamilton County Sheriffs Office K-9 Unit and Chattanooga Police Department K-9 Unit. A reunion will be held this Saturday at the old Lookout Jr High School building in St. Elmo from noon-3 p.m. The school is across from Forest Hills Cemetery."Come around to the back of the building," organizers said. "There will be parking, an elevator, restrooms and it will be inside, so if it rains this wont be a problem. Also, there will be water provided. Please bring finger foods if you like, but mainly we will share memories and have lots of fun." The Hamilton County Republican Party believes every life deserves dignity and respect. We also support speaking truth in love. As such, we strongly believe it is time to move away from the overemphasis on identity-based politics, especially because they divide and hurt us more than unite and help us. Mayor Kellys decision to light up City Hall for Pride Month may seem like a harmless gesture of inclusion, but he is aligning our non-partisan city government with an agenda that has become increasingly political, aggressive and intolerant of differing views. Pride Month has become a vehicle for Democrats efforts to reshape institutions, sexualize childhood and shut down debate. Nationwide, we are seeing corporations and communities step back from Pride campaigns, not out of hate, but out of exhaustion and concern. People are tired of being told their traditional norms make them bigots, or that children must be exposed to adult ideology. This year, while San Franciscos Pride theme is Queer Joy is Resistance and New York Pride theme is Rise Up: Pride in Protest, major corporations are not on board. Anheuser-Busch has ended its sponsorship of PrideFest in its hometown of St. Louis. Nissan and PepsiCo pulled their funding from NYC Pride this year. Business executives are realizing that what began as a gesture of goodwill has become politicized, weaponized and out of step with the values of everyday Americans. Mayor Kellys display sends a message not of neutrality but of alignment with a radical political agenda. It may win applause from local Democrats, but alienates anyone who is tired of seeing sexuality turned into a public spectacle, often especially targeted at our children. Chattanooga has long been a place that welcomes everyone, respecting the values of all its residents, including those who believe that sexuality is not to be a government-sponsored celebration. Mayor Kelly, the Hamilton County Republican Party urges you to focus on community values that bring us together: family, hard work, service, common sense, and more. Not rainbow lights that send a message more and more Americans can no longer, in good conscience, support. Hamilton County Republican Party Gail Greene, Chairman * * * An early American idiom is "the squeaky wheel gets the grease". In the horse and buggy era, when one of the wheels started squeaking, it got attention. Chances are the other wheels could have used some measure of attention at the same time; they just weren't squeaking for it. Thank you, Gail Greene, chairman of the Hamilton County Republican Party, for standing up for the 95+ percent who are not squeaking wheels. Part of the 95+ percent are gay or lesbian, they just want to live normal lives and go about their business. They want to be able to live without the attention or spotlight on their sexuality, as it is just one small component of who they are. I would prefer for Mayor Kelly to be a promise keeper, rather than a small group pleaser. Of course, he is not the only politician to make promises he had no intention of keeping, and made a farce out of campaigning by pretending to fill potholes with his own shovel and wheelbarrow. I think you were doing more than standing up for the straight majority, you were also speaking for those who want to live normal lives and not draw attention. You have set a good example, so again, thank you. J. Pat Williams * * * In Chattanooga, we love and accept our neighbors. Including those who disagree with us. Eric Holl Senior Advisor to the Mayor * * * The Hamilton County Republican Party's statement opposing Mayor Kellys decision to light up City Hall for Pride Month, while not surprising, is deeply disappointing. Lets be clear: Pride Month is not about politicizing sexuality. It's about visibility, dignity and equal protection under the law. LGBTQ+ Chattanoogans are our neighbors, coworkers, classmates and family members. They deserve the same public affirmation and inclusion any group receives when our community celebrates its diversity. Lighting up a building in rainbow colors is not "radical"; it's a simple gesture that says, You belong. Pride is not about indoctrination. It's about survival. LGBTQ+ youth are four times more likely to attempt suicide than their straight peers. Public support, like seeing City Hall bathed in rainbow lights, can literally save lives. Ironically, Mrs. Greene warns against identity-based politics, while practicing exactly that: drawing lines around whose identities are worth public support. You cant say every life deserves dignity and then deny that same dignity to LGBTQ+ people when it makes you uncomfortable. As for corporations scaling back Pride sponsorships? Thats not evidence of a moral reckoning; its evidence of cowardice under pressure from the loudest and most intolerant voices. Governments, especially local ones, should be better than that. They should lead with courage and compassion, rather than caving to fear. Mayor Kellys gesture is not divisive. Whats divisive is implying that inclusion is an attack. Whats harmful is framing LGBTQ+ existence as a "spectacle" rather than a human reality. Pride Month is about love, resilience, and community. Thats not a political agendaits a reflection of Chattanooga at its best. We should be proud to stand up for every resident, not just the ones who fit someones idea of traditional norms. Lets be honest: rainbow lights arent whats making people uncomfortable. Visibility is. And thats exactly why Pride still matters. Walker Rhodes * * * Ms. Greene, Your letter is the reason why Pride exists. Pride exists because, historically, the party of no big government keeps trying to legislate the community out of existence. Heterosexual people have never had to fight for their right to marry, aside from interracial marriage. Heterosexual people have never had to fight people who think they know better than the licensed doctors, psychiatrists and parents of transgendered children and adults. Heterosexual people cant be fired for being heterosexual. Both sexual orientation and gender identity are not protected classes in Tennessee. Heterosexuals have every right to take their kids to Hooters but God forbid some parents use those exact same rights to take their kids to a drag show. Its been in the past handful of years that weve seen corporations drop Pride support because people cant respect other people. They have to go into Target and vandalize merchandise. They have to shoot their cases of Bud Light. Interestingly enough, the year after everyone lost their minds over Targets Pride merchandise, Walmart had a whole Pride section by the front door. Not a single one of you raised a stink about that. Youre the party of just let people live their lives yet you continually legislate what non-white, non-straight people can and cannot do. You say that the Pride lights on alienates anyone who is tired of seeing sexuality turned into a public spectacle. Heterosexuals walk around with their sexuality on display 24/7 they hold hands in public; kiss in public; get married in public places; and flaunt their kids. How do you think those kids got here? I think those displays, also, alienate(s) anyone who is tired of seeing sexuality turned into a public spectacle. How about following what your party claims to be the party of just let people live their lives instead of the party of just let people live their lives as we see fit? I'm glad Mayor Kelly's office is showing the LGBTQIA+ community that, at the very least, Chattanooga's city limits are welcoming and safe. Robbie Nicholson * * * Chattanooga has become known as the Scenic City - most logically because of its beautiful landscape and breathtaking views in every corner of our city. A more covert reasoning behind this nickname is due to the beautiful people - of all creeds, color, and backgrounds - who call our city home. Ms. Greenes statement does not reflect those values - showing you how truly out of touch the new wave of leadership she has ushered into the local Hamilton County Republican Party truly is. Pride has always been about love and acceptance - no matter who you are - not about sexualization or whatever else Ms. Greene has chosen to demonize the LGBTQIA+ community as being about. Ironically enough, her statement clearly only seeks to ostracize, demonize and divide an entire class of people, despite her claim that it was Mayor Kellys intention to divide our city by erecting a message that Chattanooga is about love and acceptance. I urge her to read more about the history of the LGBTQIA+ community and the history of pride to learn why that hasnt always been the case for us - and clearly we still have a long way to go. And let me be clear about this - Im well aware that does not reflect the entirety of membership within the local Republican Party. There are plenty who call themselves a Republican in Chattanooga who dont share the kinds of values Ms. Greene has so shamelessly and publicly demonstrated. Its a shame that this level of hatred and reverse-thinking has infected the local party. If the new leadership would like to see just how unpopular their stance is on this issue, look no further than the comment section of their own posts and the post from Mayor Kelly. Im troubled, however, to learn that Mayor Weston Wamps new Deputy Chief of Staff, Mary Francis Hoots, appears to be endorsing this message by liking their post on Facebook. I would ask County Mayor Wamp to make his opinion on this clear, given this action by a member of his staff and his unsavory connection to the new leadership. Luckily for us who live in Chattanooga, Ms. Greene does not reside within city limits. I encourage her to stay in her home on the mountain if she is so upset and angered by a light display. Liam Collins * * * I am so incredibly proud to be a Chattanooga Citizen, Property Owner, and Taxpayer. The symbolic rainbow lighting of City Hall reminds us all that we are stronger because of diversity. It's also a rejection of the policies of division and bigotry championed by MAGA and the fringe element that seems to have gained control of the Hamilton County Republican Party. So, with apologies to Lee Greenwood allow me to offer.... "I'm proud to be a Chattanoogan Where actually gays are free.... God Bless Mayor Tim Kelly And Chattanooga USA !!!!" Best Regards, Bill B Lockhart The Supreme Court of Tennessee permanently disbarred Alan Christopher Norton from the practice of law, effective June 4. Mr. Norton delivered to the Board of Professional Responsibility his Declaration in support of Disbarment by Consent, in compliance with Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Section 23.1 and consented to disbarment because he could not successfully defend himself against charges detailed in pending disciplinary file No. 100694-2024-3-ES-INV. Mr. Norton forged a chancellors signature on three court orders, forged the name of a Tennessee attorney on a fake motion, and forged the deposition transcript he provided to his client in violation of Rules of Professional Conduct 1.4 (communication), 8.4(b) (criminal conduct), and 8.4(c) (conduct involving dishonesty). On Dec. 16, 2024, the Supreme Court of Tennessee temporarily suspended Alan Christopher Norton from the practice of law upon finding that Mr. Norton posed a threat of substantial harm to the public. Mr. Nortons temporary suspension was dissolved by the June 4 Order of Enforcement. Mr. Norton must comply with the requirements of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Section 28 (2024), regarding the obligations and responsibilities of disbarred attorneys and is not eligible for reinstatement to the practice of law in this state. My first experience with the fountain or lunch counter was at Fountain Square Pharmacy. Dr Chalmers Harper was the pharmacist and he had a very bright store with a clean and friendly lunch counter. They had pimento cheese sandwiches, hot dogs, sodas, coca colas in those little waxed paper cups and ice cream, either in cones or little conical dishes. My cousin liked ice cream that way with a cup of black coffee. I never got a taste for that. Dr Harper also had the neatest toy rack that rotated , two comic book stands that rotated and a large selection of magazines.Just a short distance away on East 8th Street was the Court House Pharmacy owned by D.O.Hundley. I never ate there but it was a popular lunch spot for courthouse employees and workers around that area who didnt want a larger meal down the the street at the Home Plate Cafeteria or German food at the Rathskeller on Cherry.At the intersection of McCallie Avenue and Lindsey Street was Professional Arts Pharmacy owned by Walter Cochran. It was one of the few pharmacies opened on Sunday. In the 1950s, Sts. Peter and Paul, Centenary and First Methodist, Pilgrim Congregational, First Presbyterian, First Baptist, Central Church of Christ on Vine and First Cumberland Presbyterian on Oak, all were within about a block of the drug store making it a very popular location on Sunday mornings for coffee, cokes or ice cream and he had comic books too.A block east on McCallie Avenue was the Medical Arts Pharmacy owned by John Spence in the Medical Arts Building. We could see my pediatrician, dentist, eye doctor and I could get a hair cut all in that one building. It was the pharmacy lunch counter that I liked best. While in college my future wife and I could get a meat and two, a banana pudding and coke for under a dollar each and it was delicious. I too wish this landmark would not be torn down for many reasons.Also while in college, many of us would eat lunch at the Doctors Building. For under a dollar we could have a delicious barbecue sandwich and strawberry soda. A large group of us ate there frequently. On Central Avenue a few blocks away was Central Drug. Some of the professors ate there and recommended it to us. It was not in walking distance so we didnt get out there as often but is was good and stayed with a students budget.Continuing out McCallie in Highland Park, was the Pryor Pharmacy owned by Paul Pryor. Doc Pryor was the brother of Raymond Pryor a well known musician in the 1940s in Chattanooga and Dr Walter Pryor, chiropractor, and also a very well known musician in the 1950s and 60s here. I never ate at Doc Pryors lunch counter but I had a few cokes from his fountain.The Ridgedale Pharmacy near the corner of Main and Dodds was owned by Dr Fred McWhorter. From the late 1950s through the 60s, it was one of my favorites. Iwould often get one of their chocolate milkshakes and a tiny can of beef stew. Their sandwiches and sodas were great and they had two little booths as well as the counter. They also had comic books and a rotating stand of paper backs. I bought the James Bond series for 49 cents each with 2 cents sales tax. From the magazine stand, I bought the Famous Monsters of Filmland issue #4 which is very rare today. Its too bad I dont have it any more.Just on the other side of the McCallie Tunnel was the Tunnel Drug. They had a lunch counter but I only ate there once when four of us slipped away from McCallie summer camp. Walking through the tunnel was somewhat scary but it all added to the adventure topped off by Dr Watts delicious burger and coke. We got back in time for our tribe to assemble and no one ever questioned us about it.At the foot of Lookout Mountain was the very popular Incline Drug owned by the McDonough family. Dr Martin McDonough, Sr had apprenticed as a pharmacist with my uncle. When I think of the wonderful smell of a lunch counter at a pharmacy I think of Incline Pharmacy. I only visited it a couple of times with my dad but it made a very lasting impression on me.Downtown at the corner of 8th and Market was the legendary Liggetts Rexall Drugs. The manager was D.H. Hoffman when I was a child. I never ate at their popular lunch counter but I did buy a number of Archer toy space men as their toy display was the only place that had the entire set even with the little plastic helmets. The store had once been called the Live n Let Live Drugs but became Liggetts. The building was still known as the Live n Let Live Building and the corner was a major bus stop so there was always a crowd near their store.Im sure there were other drug stores or pharmacies with fountains and lunch counters in the Chattanooga area that some of the readers may remember. If you do please respond and share your memories. Red Bank Commissioners on Tuesday night delayed approving a new budget with a five percent tax increase after Commissioner Jamie Farbanks-Harvey said she had decided to vote against it. The budget passed earlier 5-0 on first reading. It now will be considered on June 17 - after the certified tax rate will be known. Commissioner Fairbanks-Harvey said that after considering it the last two weeks, she had dropped her support. She said at the May 6 meeting there had been discussions about increasing the 1.5 percent cost of living adjustment to two percent and money had been found to do that. But she said there was no mention of a five percent property tax increase until the first reading of the finished budget on May 20. She said, "I contemplated this and became more concerned. She said that would mean a raise in taxes for three of the last four years, in 2021, 2023 and 2025. That increase had not been proposed in the first or second budget meetings, said the commissioner, and should not be on the residents heads. At those two meetings, said Commissioner Fairbanks-Harvey, a two or three percent increase was suggested, but in the budget that was presented, that became five percent. Commissioiner Fairbanks-Harvey said Red Bank residents were not offered a warning about the rate increase, and it was only introduced to the commissioners four days prior to the first reading. She said that since May 22 at least 50 residents had communicated with her on the topic. The first reading of Red Banks budget beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30,2026 had been approved May 20 with the understanding that the property tax rate would change once the certified rate from Hamilton County was set. Since most real estate increased in value with the re-appraisals done this year, the tax rate would have to be lowered to keep the citys property tax collections the same as the year before, according to state law. However each city can adjust the rate however they want, and if it is raised above the certified rate, the municipality would collect more money. And that is what was proposed with the first vote on the new budget. City Manager Martin Granum told the commissioners that the budget had been planned with a five percent rate increase over the certified rate, and that would give the city $5,512,500 from property tax. Compromises had been made to get the budget to a point that all five commissioners voted to approve earlier, he said. The compromise most talked about was to remove a new Stormwater supervisor position that was projected to cost the city $80,000. Vice Mayor Hollie Berry said, after hearing the comments from Commissioner Fairbanks-Harvey, she suggested adding back the position of the stormwater supervisor because it is desperately needed. And she suggested that the only change to the budget would be to increase the anticipated revenue by $80,000 to cover the added position. Commissioner Hayes Wilkinson said he does not love changes made at the last minute, but then he said on the other hand, the city needs the position. Maintaining and improving stormwater in the city is a top priority, so he is trying to reconcile his thoughts about it. Another consideration, he said, is that this would be recurring and not just a one-time expense. Mayor Stefanie Dalton noted that many buildings in Red Bank have water flowing under them, so controlling the water should be a priority need. The city has managed to do that since 2002 using a bare bones approach, she said. Commissioner Terri Holmes said consideration needed to be given to residents who live on a fixed income while at the same time thinking about the citys future. The entire 2026 budget that failed to pass Tuesday night can be seen on the citys website by clicking on the budget button on the home page. A motion passed to table a vote until the June 17 commission meeting for future consideration of adding the stormwater position. City Manager Granum announced that Vice Mayor Berry has been nominated as Vice Chair of the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Executive Board. State officials are no longer considering a large site on Tunnel Boulevard in Eastdale for a mental hospital, State Senator Bo Watson said. The state is looking for a location to move the psychiatric hospital that has long been on historic Moccasin Bend. Senator Watson said, "The state of Tennessee Department of General Services continues to evaluate potential sites for a new regional mental health facility to replace the facility currently located at Moccasin Bend. "A 160-acre tract along Tunnel Blvd. in the Eastdale community of Hamilton County is no longer being considered as a potential site for the facility. "The Hamilton County Legislative Delegation will continue to work with the department in identifying the best possible site for a new regional mental health facility." Five Jewish-themed, award-winning films produced in the Poland, Israel and the United Kingdom will be shown in-person and virtually on five consecutive weeks beginning Sunday, June 22. The Series continues through Friday, July 25. The Sunday, in-person screenings will begin at 4 p.m. Screenings will be held at the Jewish Cultural Center, 5461 North Terrace Road. In person screenings will include free popcorn and a beverage. Each virtual film screening will be available from noon on Sunday and conclude at noon on Friday.To register to view the films in-person or virtually, visit www.jewishchattanooga.com. Each film is available for $12 or $3 for students with i.d.All films in the Series have garnered international film awards and nominations, and have received recognition at film festivals throughout the United States, Europe and Israel.Walk-ins for in-person screenings are available and encouraged. Virtual screenings must be pre-paid in advance by visiting www.jewishchattanooga.com . For virtual screenings, you will receive the login link and code the first morning of the screening.For more information, call 423-493-0270.The Chattanooga Jewish Film Series schedule is as follows:In-person: Sunday June 22, 4 p.m. - Virtual: noon June 22 - noon June 27 "Matchmaking 2" - At 28, Baruch is over the hill in the ultra-Orthodox world, where most are married by now. When he meets Shira, the gorgeous, brainy daughter of his tough matchmaker, sparks fly.109 minutes, Hebrew, subtitlesTrailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awAZNP3xGdYIn-person: Sunday, June 29, 4 p.m. - Virtual: noon June 29 - noon July 4"The Stronghold" - Israeli soldiers trapped in Sinai during 1973 Yom Kippur War face annihilation. Lieutenant and doctor weigh final stand against risky gambit, potentially compromising values. Intense siege drama based on actual events. 113 minutes, Hebrew subtitlesTrailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-3vWuJu7CMIn-person: Sunday, July 6, 4 p.m. - Virtual: noon July 6 - noon July 11"No Name Cafe" - An ultra-orthodox Jew and a Bedouin guide's car breaks down in the Sinai desert while en route for Passover rituals, forcing them to unite for survival as they seek their destination.120 minutes Hebrew, Arabic, English subtitlesTrailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ygvYg9ysyQIn-person: Sunday, July 13, 4 p.m. - Virtual: noon July 13 - noon July 18"The Property" - Regina and her granddaughter Mika embark on a journey to Poland to reclaim their family property seized during World War II. But their quest quickly unravels. Regina unexpectedly decides to abandon the mission entirely, leaving Mika lost and confused.108 minutes, Hebrew, Polish subtitlesTrailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFpIY3gGaRcIn-person: Sunday, July 20, 4 p.m. - Virtual: noon July 20- noon July 25"Midas Man" - A young record store owner walked into Liverpools Cavern Club and discovered the greatest pop act the music world would ever see. The story of Brian Epstein, the man who found The Beatles, and their journey.112 minutes, United Kingdom, EnglishTrailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzDYxAwoUWkA committee of dedicated volunteers reviews an average of 40 feature films each year in order to choose six films; one becoming the sponsor film. Films screened at major national and international film festivals, those recommended by peers throughout the United States and those brought to the committees attention by filmmakers are included in the selection process. 7/6/2025 Here is the latest Hamilton County arrest report. (If your case is dismissed, just email us your name and date we ran it and we will promptly take off. Email to news@chattanoogan.com ) ... more Would-be criminals not only have to worry about detectives analyzing their revealing cell phone data, but they also could have their online searches used against them. Cell phone extraction expert Mark Hamilton testified in Hamilton County Criminal Court on Thursday about searches Gabriel Boykins used shortly after a mother/daughter he knew were savagely killed and their bodies tossed in a wooded lot by a Greenwood Road church. Boykins is standing trial in the courtroom of Judge Amanda Dunn in the case in which he is charged with the grisly murders of Tamara Church, 40, and Aquarious Church, 8. Specialist Hamilton said there were no searches on Boykins' two phones on the couple of days surrounding the murder. However, he said they started up the next day including requests about how to take a Megabus or Greyhound bus out of Chattanooga and how far it was from Chattanooga to Nashville and to Louisville, Ky. Boykins wanted to know about the homeless shelter in Louisville He googled, "Can a pacemaker put you at the scene of a crime?" and could it "put you in front of a Criminal Court." Boykins has a pacemaker. He also asked about methods of committing suicide, including which wrist was it preferable to slash. It is the second trial for Boykins in the case. The first jury in November 2024 deliberated over seven hours before telling Judge Dunn they could only agree that Boykins was guilty of the minor charge of tampering with evidence. Defense attorney Sam Hudson told that jury that the state presented no motive for the killings, and he said no one saw Boykins with the two victims at any time on May 17, 2020, the day the victims were last seen. Prosecutor Aaron Chaplin acknowledged, "We don't know why it happened," but he said there was enough circumstantial evidence to convict Boykins. He said, "This was a brutal, brutal homicide. Think about all he did." An autopsy found that Tamara Church had been strangled and beaten around the head. Her daughter had extensive blunt trauma injuries to the head and facial area. Prosecutor Chaplin said, "One of them must have watched the other one being killed." He said it was testified that it would have taken Tamara Church at least three minutes to die from the strangulation. Detectives said the blood detector Bluestar chemical found a large amount of blood in the shotgun-style duplex on Foust Street where Boykins lived and where Ms. Church often stayed. Witnesses said they had not been romantically involved in a long time, but were still friendly. There was also testimony about a large puddle of blood and many blood splatters found at a storage yard at an electric business on 23rd Street. The supervisor who found the blood did not report it to police, who only learned of it later. Prosecutor Chaplin said cell phone records from May 17, 2020, show Ms. Church in the vicinity of the Foust Street home, then in the area of the electric supply firm, then at the location where the bodies were found by police some six weeks after the deaths. Ms. Church had bought a white Honda Odyssey van, and it was found burned the night of the disappearance. Police found grainy video of a man walking in the vicinity of 23rd Street the same night. Two children of Ms. Church said they could identify the man as Boykins. Boykins denied it was him. The prosecutor said Boykins had left town not long after the disappearance, going as far as Oklahoma. Attorney Hudson said he had returned to Chattanooga, picking up a son of Ms. Church to continue on the "road trip." The defense attorney said initially Boykins had kept the children of the Church daughter, Tyquavius, while she was out searching for her mother and sister. He said he left town after she turned against him and would no longer let him in her unit at East Lake Courts. Attorney Hudson said it did not make sense that someone would drag a body inside the fenced electric lot. He said animals scavenged the bodies by Greenwood Road and may have broken off chips of bone. He said that would affect the autopsy results. The defense attorney said there can be "false positives" with Bluestar. He said none of the items sent to the TBI lab from the Boykins living room showed any trace of blood. And he said there was no DNA evidence found against Boykins. Prosecutor Chaplin noted that a camouflage bandana of the type often worn by Boykins was found at the dumping site. Attorney Hudson said there were hairs on the bandana, but they were never tested. The first jury heard from Ulysses Bradley, a boyfriend of Tamara Church, for some 15 years. He said she came by his house the day of the disappearance and they had sex. There was semen from Bradley inside the jeans of Ms. Church that were found near her skull. Bradley, who said he has four daughters, seven sons and "seven baby mamas," said that day Ms. Church "was very calm, very cool." He said she was driving the white van. He said just before she left, he gave her $25 to buy an air mattress for Aquarious. Two children of Ms. Church initially said they thought it was Bradley who had carried out the killings. They said they later changed their minds. China leads the way in shield tunneling machine development 11:04, June 05, 2025 By Li Xinping ( People's Daily Technicians are debugging an ultra-large-diameter shield tunneling machine bound for export to Australia at the general assembly workshop of China Railway Engineering Equipment Group Co., Ltd. in Zhengzhou, central China's Henan province, April 2, 2025. (Photo by Qiu Xinsheng/People's Daily Online) In Zhengzhou, central China's Henan province, a shield tunneling machine with a diameter of 15.7 meters rolled off the production line, bound for export to Australia. This milestone marks the largest-diameter shield tunneling machine China has ever exported, underscoring the country's growing strength in the field of tunnel boring technology. Meanwhile, in Shanghai's Chongming district, a Chinese domestically developed "Linghang" shield tunneling machine burrowed its way underground and reached the middle of the Yangtze River, remotely controlled by engineers. Shield tunneling machines, formally known as tunnel boring machines (TBMs), are hailed as the "king of construction machinery" due to their immense scale and complexity. Once limited to horizontal excavation, today's Chinese-developed TBMs can operate in multiple orientations - including vertical, inclined, and curved trajectories - earning the nickname "transformers" for their adaptability and precision. In September last year, a TBM named "Yongning" became the world's first large-diameter machine capable of climbing steep gradients. It successfully excavated an inclined shaft at the Luoning Pumped Storage Power Station in Henan province. The shaft, nearly 873 meters long with a slope of 38.742 degrees, had posed a significant technical challenge. "Yongning" conquered the slope with ease, marking a major leap in tunneling capabilities and improving overall construction efficiency. The "Yongning" TBM was developed by China Railway Engineering Equipment Group Co., Ltd. (CREG), which has established multiple R&D teams to support application-specific innovation. The teams have enhanced TBMs to dig in various cross-sectional shapes - including circular, square, horseshoe, and elliptical - allowing for broader use across sectors such as water conservancy, hydropower, mining, urban infrastructure, and underground parking structures. In October 2024, China unveiled the "Jianghai" TBM with a record-breaking diameter exceeding 16.6 meters, the largest ever developed domestically. The Chinese-made ultra-large-diameter shield tunneling machine "Jianghai" is commissioned for the construction of "Haitai Yangtze River Tunnel," the world's longest underwater highway TBM tunnel, in east China's Jiangsu province. (Photo by Xu Congjun/People's Daily Online) What drives the trend toward increasingly larger TBMs? According to Chen Jian, a TBM expert at China Railway 14th Bureau Group Co., Ltd., the answer lies in greater cost-efficiency. Ultra-large TBMs enable the construction of single super-sized tunnels that can replace two traditional parallel tunnels, conserving underground space. Moreover, tunnels over 15 meters in diameter can also accommodate multi-layered infrastructure, such as roadways, rail transit, and utility corridors, within a single excavation. However, with greater size comes increased technical complexity. "Once the diameter exceeds 15 meters, the risks associated with unstable geological conditions increase exponentially, demanding higher levels of structural integrity, precision control, and material fatigue resistance," said He Fei, deputy head of the CREG technology center. Back in October 2017, China's first domestically developed 15-meter-class slurry balance TBM, "China Railway 306," successfully rolled off the line, breaking the longstanding foreign monopoly in this field. Since then, China has successively rolled out the 15.8-meter "Chunfeng," the 16.07-meter "Jinghua," and now the 16.6-meter-plus "Jianghai," surpassing its own benchmarks and establishing a fully integrated domestic industrial chain for ultra-large TBM production. Today, Chinese-manufactured TBMs account for nearly 70 percent of the global market. As innovation continues, Chinese engineers are striving to make them both smarter and more environmentally sustainable. Inside the cabin of the "Linghang" TBM, a dashboard displays real-time data on the machine's operating status. Human intervention is minimal, as the machine runs autonomously, guided by an advanced visual recognition and intelligent control system. "In the past, TBM excavation was akin to working blind - geological uncertainties posed serious safety risks," said Liao Zhaojin, chief designer of the "Linghang" TBM. Equipped with a cutting-edge geological forecasting system, "Linghang" can accurately detect geological conditions 10 to 40 meters in front of the cutterhead. Its intelligent sensing system continuously analyzes real-time conditions, enhancing both safety and accuracy. The TBM's AI-driven control system enables it to make autonomous decisions with millimeter-level precision. Environmental sustainability is also a major priority. On July 23, 2024, "the China Railway 1237," the world's first green TBM, was successfully launched. "What defines a green TBM is its ability to optimize energy use," explained Cao Shulei, chief designer of the machine. "We've equipped the machine with an intelligent system that automatically manages the various subsystems during tunneling to optimize both efficiency and energy consumption, achieving energy savings and reduced emissions." The machine has since been exported to Italy, where it is being used for high-speed rail tunnel construction in Sicily - a sign of international recognition for China's green TBM technology. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) The Clayborn Temple Church of Memphis, Tennessee. | Photo Credit: National Trust for Historic Preservation/ (https://savingplaces.org) Heavily damaged by an arson attack in April, the historic Clayborn Temple Church of Memphis received about $1.5 million in donations for restoration. Multiple foundations have contributed around $1.5 million to aid in its rebuilding, including the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and the Ford Foundation, according to The Associated Press. The building, originally established as Second Presbyterian Church in 1892, was sold to an African Methodist Episcopal congregation in 1949, which named it Clayborn Temple. Over the years, Clayborn Temple served as a central location for Civil Rights activism, notably as a gathering site for striking Memphis sanitation workers in 1968. The church closed in 1999, and at the time of the fire, the building was undergoing a $6 million renovation project when an unidentified individual set the fire in April. The Memphis Fire Department issued a statement last month, concluding that the fire was intentionally set on the interior of the historic church and is actively seeking a person of interest for their potential involvement. The department added that it will continue conducting this investigation to apprehend who is responsible for setting the fire at this historic church. Rev. Johnnie Moore is appointed as the executive chairman of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. | Photo Credit: Johnnie Moore's Facebook The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to delivering large-scale humanitarian aid to Gazas civilian population, has appointed the Rev. Johnnie Moore as its new executive chairman. U.S. Evangelical leader Moore is a pro-Israel advocate and has spoken out against Hamas repeatedly over the years. The organization announced in a statement Tuesday that Moore, who is the president of JDA Worldwide and the Congress of Christian Leaders, brings extensive experience and advocacy for religious freedom, having previously served on the bipartisan U.S. Commission for International Religious Freedom under President Donald Trump. Since launching operations on May 26, 2025, GHF reports that it has delivered more than 7 million meals through its secure distribution system without incident. The organization partners with local communities and international stakeholders to meet urgent needs and restore dignity in everyday life in Gaza, especially amid ongoing conflict. Moores appointment comes more than 18 months after the October 7, 2023, terror attack in southern Israel perpetrated by Hamas, which has controlled Gaza since 2007. The attack resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and over 240 hostages. In response, Israel launched a military campaign aimed at eradicating Hamas and freeing hostages. The Gaza Health Ministry claims that more than 54,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the conflict began, though these figures lack differentiation between civilians and combatants, and their accuracy has been questioned. Previous aid efforts have been met with allegations that Hamas militants have stolen and sold humanitarian supplies on the black market. Following a weeklong Israeli blockade on aid into Gaza, GHF announced last Monday that it had begun delivering supplies to distribution hubs in Gaza, with Israel supporting GHFs direct oversight to prevent aid diversion by Hamas. The charity states its focus on pre-packaged rations, hygiene kits, and medical supplies moving through tightly controlled corridors, monitored in real time to prevent diversion. It plans to partner with NGOs like the United Nations and other civil society organizations to carry out its mission. Last week, GHF reported that Palestinian groups cooperating with the organization have received threats from Hamas, which is threatened by this new operating model, and will do everything in its power to see it fail, the organization said. Karol Nawrocki won the Polish presidential election Sunday, capturing 50.89% of the vote against Rafal Trzaskowski's 49.11% on June 1, 2025. | Photo Credit: Karol Nawrocki's Facebook Karol Nawrocki, an outspoken opponent of abortion and LGBT ideology, won the Polish presidential election Sunday, defeating Rafal Trzaskowski, who had pledged to liberalize the country's abortion laws and expressed support for same-sex marriage. Unofficial results from Poland's National Electoral Commission show that Nawrocki received 50.89% of the vote, compared to Trzaskowskis 49.11%, marking a victory for conservative forces in Europe. Nawrocki, 42, and Trzaskowski, 53, faced off in the second round of voting, two weeks after they secured the most votes in the first round, which included 11 other candidates. Nawrocki was supported by the conservative Law & Justice Party, while Trzaskowski ran with the liberal Civic Platform. Central to Nawrockis campaign was opposition to abortion and LGBT ideologytopics he emphasized strongly. In a January event, Nawrocki put a poster advertising the book Gender Queer into a paper shredder, earning applause from the audience. Nawrocki stated in an interview with Polsat News that he is for life from the beginning to natural death. I am a Christian and a Catholic, and insisted he would not restore the so-called abortion compromise, which allows abortion of children with Down syndrome, saying, I could not allow, as a future president, for children with Down syndrome to be subjected to abortion, He also opposed bills that would permit civil partnerships for same-sex couples. As the Constitution states, marriage is between a man and a woman, he explained, asserting, In Poland, we have two genders. While Poland is currently led by President Andrzej Duda of the Law & Justice Party, Prime Minister Donald Tusk of the Civic Coalition has been in office since 2023. Following Sundays election, Tusk announced plans to hold a vote of confidence in his government, as the coalition of left-wing parties controlling the Polish Parliament will decide whether he remains as prime minister in light of the rejection of their preferred presidential candidate. Home News Cuban gov't increasing repression in almost every area: Watchdog report A watchdog report says the Cuban government has been increasing its repression, targeting religious freedom, dissent and humanitarian work across the country. Cuba intensified its crackdown on religious freedom and civil liberties, according to a new report from a United Kingdom-based Christian Solidarity Worldwide, which documented 624 separate incidents in which freedom of religion or belief was violated amounting to 1,898 individual violations. CSW reported that religious leaders across Cuba both from registered and unregistered groups faced heightened levels of harassment, surveillance and punishment last year. 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 These included intrusive interrogations, threats, pressure to ostracize political prisoners families and an uptick in financial penalties for activities deemed unauthorized, such as holding services in unapproved locations or leading unregistered gatherings. Some church leaders were also pressured by the Communist government to expel relatives of detainees from their congregations. Religious groups of all types Afro-Cuban communities, Jehovahs Witnesses, Protestants and Roman Catholics were affected, says the report. Even groups belonging to the government-recognized Cuban Council of Churches reported violations. Religious leaders, especially from Afro-Cuban religious communities, reported severe harassment, including violent interruptions of private religious gatherings. Authorities disrupted annual Yoruba festivals in multiple provinces, entering homes mid-ritual, accusing participants of inciting counter-revolutionary activity, and in some cases threatening them with arrest. In one instance, police raided a private celebration led by Babalawo Reinerio Fuentes in Ciego de Avila, citing complaints from a neighbor, and forced the group to disperse. The state appeared particularly intent on targeting those offering material or spiritual aid to families of political prisoners. Political detainees were subjected to systematic violations of what are commonly known as The Nelson Mandela Rules, which are the United Nations minimum standards for the treatment of prisoners, setting basic rights to humane conditions, medical care and dignity. Security forces used pre-emptive detentions and threats to prevent gatherings, according to the report. At least 75 fines were issued in 2024, with totals exceeding 1.1 million Cuban pesos (roughly $45,100 American), often against religious leaders conducting unauthorized worship or aid distribution. In one case, police stormed a home in Camaguey where a Yoruba leader was conducting a ceremony and arrested him after he refused to end the service. He was released only after paying a heavy fine. Meanwhile, children faced physical and verbal abuse in schools due to their religious beliefs, according to the report. Authorities blocked suspected dissidents from attending religious services, typically by detaining them arbitrarily for short periods. In many parts of the country, religious leaders attempting to distribute humanitarian aid in worsening economic conditions were harassed, fined and had their aid confiscated. Further, authorities increasingly targeted churches for using Cuban flags or national symbols during worship. In several documented cases, pastors were interrogated, fined and accused of counter-revolutionary activities simply for encouraging congregants to pray for the nation while displaying the flag. Under the Social Communication Law, passed in 2023 to regulate online activity and increase repression of dissent, pastors and leaders who used social media to post about humanitarian needs or prayer services were accused of defamation or promoting ideological division. In one instance, a pastor was told that posting about poverty discredits the Revolution. Despite the risks, many religious leaders continued to speak publicly about human rights abuses, the report notes. They voiced criticism of legislation and state policies, challenging what the government has made clear is a rejection of any form of political or social reform. Since it came to power in 1959, Cubas Communist leadership has often curbed religious freedom and expression, along with other fundamental human rights. Pastor Alain Toledano Valiente, an exiled leader of the unregistered Apostolic Movement, was recently prohibited from returning to the country to be with his adult daughter, who is undergoing surgery for advanced breast cancer. Toledano Valiente was forced into exile in 2022 and has been under a state-imposed travel ban since. Earlier this year, Cuba released 553 political prisoners as part of a Vatican-brokered deal with the United States to be removed from a list of countries not cooperating fully in counterterrorism efforts. The island country followed through with the release, even though, under the Trump administration, the decision to delist them was reversed. Home News Former bookkeeper pleads guilty to stealing $300K from New Jersey Catholic parishes A New Jersey woman has pled guilty to stealing nearly $300,000 from two Roman Catholic churches where she worked as a bookkeeper. The Morris County Prosecutors Office announced in a statement Tuesday that Melissa Rivera had pled guilty to two counts of theft in connection with crimes she committed between May 2018 and May 2024 while working as a bookkeeper at Our Lady of the Mountain in Washington Township and Our Lady of Good Counsel in Pompton Plains, both of which are located in Morris County, New Jersey. Rivera allegedly stole $287,487 from Our Lady of the Mountain and used the funds to write herself 137 checks. She wrote herself three additional checks using a combined total of $5,242 in stolen funds from Our Lady of Good Counsel. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe In a March 28 statement posted on Our Lady of the Mountains website, the Diocese of Paterson shared more details about the role that it played in uncovering Riveras crimes. The Dioceses Department of Finance began investigating after observing irregularities in the check-writing activity at the parish during its normal oversight of financial activity at its churches. Upon further investigation by diocesan finance officials, a suspected pattern of alleged embezzlement emerged, and the Diocese of Paterson notified the Morris County Prosecutors office immediately and terminated the bookkeeper from her position effective immediately, the diocese stated. The diocese stressed that its Office of Finance has identified the financial control weaknesses that allowed the alleged embezzlement to occur through the manipulation of checks with the use of a computer. The diocese indicated that its financial team was taking several stringent steps to assist all of [its] parishes with preventing this type of fraud and embezzlement. One initiative the diocese has taken, as outlined on its website, is the implementation of a hotline that allows employees, volunteers, vendors, parishioners and other interested parties to report concerns they have regarding suspected financial or other misconduct involving a parish and/or one of its employees. The hotline is administered by EthicsPoint, an independent third-party company. Those seeking to file a report can do so online or by calling 855-247-3140. Rivera was first charged with theft on March 27, which followed the completion of an investigation by the Morris County Prosecutors Office Financial Crimes Unit that uncovered her crimes. The former bookkeeper will undergo probation with 364 days in the Morris County Correctional Center as a condition of probation. Another condition of Riveras probation involves her paying the churches she stole from $292,728, equivalent to the total amount she spent writing herself checks. Rivera is scheduled to be sentenced on July 11. Home News Supreme Court sides with straight woman in job discrimination case The United States Supreme Court has revived a lawsuit filed by an Ohio woman who claims she was denied an employment opportunity because she's heterosexual. In a unanimous opinion issued Thursday, the Supreme Court ruled in Marlean Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services that a lower court decision against Ames is to be reconsidered. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson authored the court opinion, taking issue with an earlier appeals court decision which denied Ames complaint on the basis of background circumstances. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The background circumstances rule stipulates that a person belonging to a majority group has a greater burden of proof to show that they were discriminated against on the basis of identity. We hold that this additional background circumstances requirement is not consistent with Title VIIs text or our case law construing the statute, wrote Jackson. Accordingly, we vacate the judgment below and remand for application of the proper prima facie standard. Jackson noted that the earlier ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit against Ames wrongfully used the background circumstances standard. The court then recounted how Ames was qualified, had been denied a promotion in favor of a gay candidate, and was later demoted in favor of another gay candidate evidence that would ordinarily satisfy her prima facie burden before it specifically faulted Ames for failing to make the requisite showing of background circumstances, she continued. In short, the Sixth Circuit expressly based its holding affirming summary judgment in favor of the agency on Amess failure to satisfy a heightened evidentiary standard. Ohios attempt to recast the background circumstances rule as an application of the ordinary prima facie standard thus misses the mark by a mile. Justice Clarence Thomas wrote a concurring opinion, being joined by Justice Neil Gorsuch, in which he wanted to highlight the problems that arise when judges create atextual legal rules and frameworks. Judge-made doctrines have a tendency to distort the underlying statutory text, impose unnecessary burdens on litigants, and cause confusion for courts, Thomas wrote. The background circumstances rule correctly rejected by the Court today is one example of this phenomenon. Ames began working for the Ohio Department of Youth Services in 2004, serving in various capacities over the years. In 2019, she applied for a new position, but did not get it. Shortly thereafter, she was demoted to a lower-paying job. A heterosexual woman, Ames previous position was filled by a homosexual man, while the position she had applied for was given to a homosexual woman. Ames filed a complaint in a federal court in Ohio, claiming discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in violation of federal law. In December 2023, a three-judge panel of the Sixth Circuit ruled against Ames, issuing a per curiam opinion that upheld a district court ruling against her. The circuit panel had concluded that Ames lacked evidence of background circumstances necessary to establishing her prima-facie case for her claim based on sexual orientation and lacked evidence of pretext for purposes of her sex-discrimination claim. Amess only evidence of a pattern of discrimination against heterosexuals is her own demotion and the denial of the Bureau Chief position, read the circuit opinion. Under our caselaw, however, a plaintiff cannot point to her own experience to establish a pattern of discrimination. Home News Tom Keesee, son of Faith Life Church founders, pleads not guilty to child sex crimes Gary Thomas "Tom" Keesee, a son of Gary and Drenda Keesee, founders and senior pastors of Faith Life Church in Ohio, pleaded not guilty to 32 counts of alleged sexual abuse of multiple minors Tuesday, including additional charges of rape and gross sexual imposition of a child younger than 13. The plea follows Keesees initial indictment by a grand jury on April 21, on 27 counts of sex crimes, including 11 counts of first-degree rape, 11 counts of gross sexual imposition, and five counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. Keesee, who served as chief media officer at Faith Life Church, according to LinkedIn, before resigning last August, was further indicted on two additional counts of rape, and three more counts of gross sexual imposition on May 19, the Knox Pages reported. The latest victim of Keesee was younger than 13 when he allegedly raped and sexually abused them from 2008 to 2012 while he was an adult. 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 Knox County Common Pleas Judge Richard Wetzel opted to keep a July 1 trial date and refused to reconsider a $2 million bond with no 10% provision for Keesee despite his defense attorney, Samuel Shamansky, arguing that he was not a flight risk. A copy of the initial indictment against Keesee, 36, said he committed the rapes on three victims between May 2002 and November 2006. Licking County Prosecutor Jenny Wells revealed at a press conference that investigators interviewed approximately 40 witnesses and three victims have already come forward. Wells stated that all the victims were members of Faith Life Church at some point, and they were 6- to 15-years-old when the alleged abuses took place. One victim alleges in a criminal complaint that Keesee sexually assaulted her when she was 5 and 6 years old, starting in May 2001 and ending in May 2003. Another victim accused him of touching her private areas "repeatedly," starting in November 2006, when she was 8 years old, until she was 15. Prior to the indictment, Keesees father, Pastor Gary Keesee, insisted in February that there is "another side" to the story. "All hell is breaking loose out there but truth will prevail," Gary Keesee said during one of three services at the church's New Albany site in February, according to a Knox Pages report. "There's another side. And the truth will come out." Keesees mother, Dendra Keesee, who was recently elected as a Knox County commissioner, also asked God to forgive "those who hurt us" as she denied the allegations against her son in February. "Those who know us know what they say are not true," she said. A second suspect linked to the case is reportedly under investigation, according to Fox 28. While none of the alleged abuse reportedly happened at Faith Life Church, at least three of the victims attended the church, prosecutors said. Some members of the Knox County community advocating for the victims, like Laura Hicks, believe Dendra Keesee should now resign from her government role. "The fact that Drenda is still holding a Knox County commissioner seat is absurd," she told Fox 28. Home Opinion An open letter to Big Eva Dear leaders of Big Eva, God has richly blessed many Christian organizations, institutions, and schools with wealth, resources, knowledge, and profound social and cultural reach. These are good gifts, bestowed by a gracious God who delights in equipping His people for His purposes. As James 1:17 reminds us, Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Your platforms, seminaries, publishing houses, and ministries have been entrusted with influence that reaches millions, shaping the Evangelical church in the United States and beyond. These blessings are not merely for your benefit but are a sacred trust to be stewarded faithfully for the glory of God and the advancement of His Kingdom. Scripture calls us to prioritize faithfulness to Gods Word above all else, even if it costs us earthly status, wealth, political influence, reputation, or cultural clout. Jesus Himself warned, What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? (Mark 8:36). Our calling is not to cling to influence or power but to wield these gifts in submission to the unchanging truth of Scripture, even when it leads to sacrifice. 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 Yet, Big Eva, you have failed, and failed big time, in this stewardship, and the consequences have been profound. For years, many of your leaders have used your platforms to shift the Evangelical church leftward, away from a theologically orthodox, biblical framework, under the guise of living out the Gospel. This is not love but a capitulation to cultural pressures, a sell-out to retain a seat at the table of Western elites. Leaders like Russell Moore, former President of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission and now Editor-in-Chief of Christianity Today, have long promoted left-leaning ideologies cloaked in Christian rhetoric. Moores flirtation with Critical Race Theory (a pattern weve seen throughout the Southern Baptist Convention in recent years), repackaged with a Christian veneer, is a prime example. Or take Moores promotion of Be the Bridge church curriculum a blend of anti-Christian cultural Marxism and Christian theology that encourages churches to embrace CRT in order to fight racism. Similarly, Ray Ortlunds public endorsement of radically pro-abortion Kamala Harris, echoed by David French; Francis Collins advocacy for harmful and unconstitutional vaccine mandates, along with tyrannical lockdowns during COVID, under the justification of loving your neighbor; Acts29s promotion of Eric Masons Woke Church; Jarvis Williams CRT pandering even to children; Matt Chandlers routine racially-charged rhetoric against white people, and his soft embrace of CRT; or his aggressive stunts to try and talk Christians out of voting Republican. This pattern is all too familiar among Big Eva types as if they want the radical pro-abortion, pro-LGBT left to win at the local, state, and federal levels. They know that if they can persuade Evangelicals to disengage from politics or abandon voting altogether, the left wins by default. After all, the Evangelical church remains the largest conservative voting bloc in the nation. Add to this the unsettling reality that far-left megadonors like George Soros have financially backed key Evangelical entities with cunning, strategic fervor, and the picture becomes even clearer. Consider J.D. Greears embrace of woke DEI hiring practices which reflects a troubling pattern. Or the utter refusal on the part of Big Eva leadership to speak up against the anti-human transgender cult targeting our children, day in and day out. These craven moves align more with secular ideologies than with the timeless truths of Scripture, betraying the Gospel for the sake of cultural relevance. It should also be noted here that Francis Collins a darling within Big Evas ranks defended the use of aborted fetal tissue in medical research, claiming that it could save lives, while simultaneously insisting that his personal beliefs about abortion laws should remain private. This is not leadership it is cowardice and gross sin. Publicly justifying the exploitation of murdered childrens body parts for utilitarian purposes while refusing to advocate for those childrens right to life is an unconscionable betrayal of the most basic Christian ethic. Silence in the face of legalized evil is complicity. It is important, however, to distinguish between those within Big Eva who are outright malicious actors snakes like Francis Collins and those who are simply misguided. Not all whove drifted from truth are created equal. Some are wolves, knowingly leading others astray. Others are sheep, misled, confused, or intimidated by cultural pressures. There is room for grace, repentance, and restoration for the latter, and the same should be said of the Christian Nationalist camp as well. Some within that movement are sincerely in their mind trying to recover truth and courage in a faithless age, even if theyve erred in major ways. Discernment demands we recognize these differences as we call for reform. Nonetheless, this poisonous leftward drift has not gone unnoticed, and it has provoked a dangerous overreaction. The failures of Big Eva have fueled a hard-right backlash, often labeled Christian Nationalism, which is troubling. Figures like Joel Webbon and Eric Conn among many others, once tied to mainstream Evangelicalism (from Acts 29 to the SBC), have swung to extremes, embracing ideas that flirt with Christo-fascism, race-realism (white identitarianism), critical theory, collectivism, and anti-conservative woke ideology (just with right-wing flavors). They are cozying up to actual neo-nazis like Corey Mahler, rampant Jew hatred, Machiavellianism, and a nationalist political theory that prioritizes ethnic identity over biblical fidelity. This overcorrection mirrors the lefts errors, trading one form of political idolatry for another. Both extremes left-wing egalitarian pandering and far-right ethnic-nationalism are sinful distortions of the Gospel. Both place tribe over truth, and race and gender, hypocritically, as a primary marker of value within civil society. As Galatians 1:10 warns, For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. Big Eva, you bear much responsibility for this mess. Like Dr. Frankenstein, you have unwittingly created a monster a monster you now hypocritically complain about, as though you played no part in its origin. By compromising biblical truth to appease the radical, godless left, you eroded trust among the faithful, driving many to seek refuge in the far-rights false promises of strength, dominion, justice, and reclamation of the Christian virtues you relinquished. This could have been almost entirely avoided had you done your job. But you did not hold fast to Scripture or model courage. You capitulated and failed to steward Gods blessings faithfully. Your failure to name the sins of our age for what they truly are has fractured the Church and left it vulnerable to ideologies that undermine the Gospel. You must repent, not only for the compromises but for the division they have sown. To my brothers and sisters in Christ, I urge you to reject both extremes. The lefts cultural pandering sacrifices biblical truth for pagan acceptance, while the rights national socialism trades the Gospels universality for race-centric tribalism. Neither path honors Jesus Christ. Instead, return to a robust, orthodox, biblical faith. Anchor yourselves in the Word, which is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). Let us pursue a Christianity that is neither swayed by cultural trends nor seduced by political power but is rooted in the unchanging character of God. As 2 Timothy 4:2 exhorts, Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. Big Eva, the Church needs leaders who fear God more than they fear man, who value eternal truth over temporal influence. Repent, return to the Scriptures, and steward Gods blessings faithfully while you still can. The Body of Christ depends on it. Home News Bodies of murdered US-Israeli hostages Gadi and Judith Haggai recovered from Gaza, IDF confirms Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israel Security Agency (ISA) announced in a joint statement on Thursday morning that they had located and recovered the bodies of hostages Gadi Haggai (72) and Judith Weinstein-Haggai (70) from within the Gaza Strip. The bodies were found in the Khan Younis area. The couple, who were dual American-Israeli citizens and residents of Kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel, were brutally murdered and their bodies taken into Gaza on Oct. 7, 2023, following the Hamas-led attack that left 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals dead and resulted in the abduction of 251 people to Gaza. The couple was killed by the Palestinian Mujahideen terrorist organization, which is also responsible for the deaths of the Bibas family. 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 According to the IDF, the recovery operation was a result of precise intelligence provided by the Hostage Task Force, the Intelligence Directorate, and the ISA. The bodies were formally identified by the National Institute of Forensic Medicine. Once identification was confirmed, Israeli police were notified and subsequently informed the families and the community of Nir Oz. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement expressing his condolences: Together with all citizens of Israel, my wife and I convey our heartfelt condolences to the dear families. Our hearts grieve over this terrible loss. May their memories be blessed. I would like to thank and express appreciation to the fighters and commanders for this determined and successful operation. We will not rest, nor will we be silent, until we return home all of our hostages the living and the deceased." Additionally, Israeli President Isaac Herzog posted a message on X conveying his condolences to the family and gratitude for the recovery efforts of the IDF and ISA. "The retrieval and return of the bodies of two hostages cruelly held by Hamas Israeli-American citizens, Judith Weinstein-Haggai and her husband Gad Haggai is a moment of deep pain, but also one of solace and the resolution of uncertainty. Judith and Gad were murdered and abducted together from their home in the peace-loving Kibbutz Nir Oz the place where they lived, raised a large family, and built their lives. Now, thanks to the rescue operation, they will be laid to rest together in dignity, in the land they so deeply loved," Herzog wrote. "I send my heartfelt embrace and condolences to their family and to all the members of the Nir Oz community, and I express deep appreciation to the IDF and Shin Bet forces who carried out the rescue. We will continue to do everything in our power to bring our sisters and brothers back from hell the living, for healing and rehabilitation, and the fallen, to be laid to rest in dignity. Every last one of them!" This article was originally published by All Israel News. Home News Citi says it won't discriminate based on political affiliation amid concerns over 'debanking' 'We do not discriminate on the basis of political affiliation,' official says One of the nation's largest financial institutions is pledging to promote "fair access" as some large American banking corporations have faced allegations of discriminatory account closures targeting conservative and Christian groups. Citi announced this week that it will update its corporate policy "to clearly state that we do not discriminate on the basis of political affiliation in the same way we are clear that we do not discriminate on the basis of other traits such as race and religion." "Citi has always been fully committed to treating all current and potential clients fairly and we have policies, procedures and controls in place for this express purpose," Edward Skyler, Head of Enterprise Services & Public Affairs for Citi, said in a statement Tuesday. "At the same time, we appreciate the concerns that are being raised regarding 'fair access' to banking services, and we are following regulatory developments, recent Executive Orders and federal legislation that impact this area.'" Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The statement comes after President Donald Trump publicly rebuked the CEOs of Bank of America and JPMorgan Chase for allegedly "debanking" conservatives earlier this year. After taking "an objective look at our policies and practices," Skyler said Citi will codify the changes and "conduct trainings to ensure compliance." The bank announced it "will no longer have a specific policy as it relates to firearms" following the implementation of its U.S. Commercial Firearms Policy in 2018. While Citi's policy was aimed at "best sales practices" without addressing firearms manufacturers, Skyler said the policy is no longer effective. "Many retailers have been following these best practices, and we hope communities and lawmakers will continue to seek out ways to prevent the tragic consequences of gun violence," he said. "These changes reinforce our commitment to serve all clients fairly, and we will continue to work with regulators and elected officials on ways to improve transparency and trust in the banking sector," Skyer concluded. In April 2024, a coalition of 15 Republican state attorneys general sent a letter to Bank of America asking for a response to allegations that the financial behemoth discriminated against customers based on political and religious viewpoints. The company has denied such allegations. Speaking remotely at the World Economic Forum's 2025 Annual Meeting in Davos, Trump told Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan: "I hope you start opening your bank to conservatives because many conservatives complain that the banks are not allowing them to do business within the bank, they don't take conservative business." "And I don't know if the regulators mandated that [debanking] because of Biden or what. But you and Jamie [Dimon] and everybody, I hope you're going to open your banks to conservatives because what you're doing is wrong," Trump said. Sam Brownback, a former U.S. senator, Kansas governor, and ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom during Trump's first term, has been a prominent critic of debanking. "Americans should not be denied access to banking services simply because their interests might be unpopular in some social circles. Businesses protected by the Second Amendment should not be punished by Big Banks," Brownback said in a statement to The Christian Post after Citi's announcement. "I hope other banks who might be discriminating against law-abiding Americans realize their activities will no longer be tolerated by the government." In 2022, the National Committee for Religious Freedom (NCRF), a nonprofit Brownback founded, had its JPMorgan Chase account closed just three weeks after opening. The bank reportedly demanded donor lists and details on supported political candidates, a request Brownback rejected. After NCRF Executive Director Justin Murff reached out for more information on the move, Brownback said Murff was told the decision was made at the "corporate level." "It's secret, it's irrevocable, and that's all the information we got," added Brownback. Chase denied closing the account due to political or religious views. In March, the Trump Organization filed a lawsuit against Capital One for alleged debanking in 2021 after more than a decade of doing business with the bank, claiming it was an "attack on free speech." Capital One denied that it closes customer accounts for political reasons. First lady Melania Trump has also alleged that her bank dropped her and refused to allow her son Barron to open an account after they left the White House following Trump's first term in 2021. In 2023, Bank of America announced its intention to close accounts associated with a Memphis-based Christian outreach ministry that aims to share the Gospel with indigenous people in Uganda, Indigenous Advance. The only explanation provided was that "upon review of [the] account(s) we have determined you're operating in a business type we have chosen not to service at Bank of America." Home News US Evangelical leader Johnnie Moore to lead Gaza Humanitarian Foundation A charity organization providing aid to residents in the Gaza Strip amid the war between Israel and Hamas has appointed a United States-based Evangelical leader and well-known religious freedom advocate as its new leader. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation announced in a statement Tuesday that it appointed the Rev. Johnnie Moore as its executive chairman. Moore, who serves as president of the public relations firm JDA Worldwide and the Congress of Christian Leaders, has previously served on the bipartisan U.S. Commission for International Religious Freedom as an appointee of President Donald Trump. As a pro-Israel advocate, Moore has also been critical of Hamas over the years. As a nonprofit, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation "partners with local communities and international stakeholders to meet urgent needs and restore dignity to everyday life" and is "dedicated to delivering secure, large-scale humanitarian aid to Gaza's civilian population." Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe "Since launching operations on 26 May 2025, GHF has delivered more than 7 million meals through its secure distribution system without incident," the charity reports. In a statement, Moore said that GHF is "demonstrating that it is possible to move vast quantities of food to people who need it most safely, efficiently, and effectively." "I am honored to bring my experience to bear to help scale this vital mission and ensure the humanitarian aid community and the broader international community understand what's taking place on the ground," Moore said as he reflected on his new role. Moore stressed that "serving the people of Gaza with dignity and compassion must be the top priority." "We welcome others to join us and urge extreme caution against sharing unverified information from sources that have repeatedly issued demonstrably false reports," he said. "False reporting of violence at our sites has a chilling effect on the local population and we can think of no greater disservice to a community in dire need." John Acree, the acting executive director of GHF, praised Moore's "proven record of principled leadership and hands-on humanitarian work that will strengthen GHF as we continue to expand our life-saving operations." He believes Moore's appointment is evidence of "GHF's determination to pair operational excellence with experienced, service-oriented leadership." "Our commitment to safely delivering food to a large, hungry population is unwavering, and his insight will be invaluable as we build on our early success," Acree predicted. Moore's appointment comes more than 18 months after the Oct. 7, 2023, terror attack in southern Israel perpetrated by the terrorist organization Hamas, which has controlled the Gaza Strip since 2007. Around 1,200 people died in the attack, and more than 240 were taken hostage. In response, Israel launched a military offensive in Gaza with the stated goal of eradicating Hamas and securing the release of hostages. The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry claims that more than 54,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the war began. However, those figures don't differentiate between combatants and civilians. The validity of those figures has also been called into question. Previous attempts to bring aid into Gaza have resulted in allegations that Hamas militants have stolen aid designated for civilians and sold it on the black market. In May, Trump accused Hamas of "making it impossible" to get aid into Gaza because militants are "taking everything that's brought in." "But we're going to help the people of Gaza because they're being treated very badly by Hamas," he said while talking with the media at the White House. After a weekslong Israeli military blockade of aid into Gaza, GHF announced last Monday that it began delivering aid supplies to distribution hubs in Gaza. Israel has backed the idea of allowing GHF to oversee the distribution of aid directly to Gaza residents as a way to minimize the risk of Hamas stealing the aid. The operations began one day after GHF's founding CEO, Jake Wood, resigned and criticized the Israeli-led distribution plan. Wood believes the charity won't be able to operate in accordance with "humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, which I will not abandon," reports All Israel News. A memo outlining the GHF's purpose and mission states that "[t]raditional humanitarian channels have collapsed under the weight of ongoing combat operations, systemic aid diversion, and restricted access." "As a result, much of aid fails to reach the people it is intended to help, fueling despair and instability," the memo added. GHF maintains that the instability in Gaza has left "millions of civilians without reliable access to food, water, and other necessary supplies." The charity's business model involves the establishment of four secure distribution sites, each designed to serve 300,000 people by providing them with food, water, and hygiene kits on a consistent basis. As stated in the memo, the charity works to ensure that "pre-packaged rations, hygiene kits, and medical supplies move through tightly controlled corridors, monitored in real time to prevent diversion." The GHF intends to partner with non-governmental organizations, such as the United Nations and civil society organizations, to execute its mission. Last week, GHF said in a statement that Palestinian groups that have agreed to work with the charity have received threats from Hamas. "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. Home News Man apprehended in Poland for helping California fertility clinic bomber make explosives After being apprehended in Europe, a Washington state man has been arrested and charged with having provided material support to a man who bombed a fertility clinic in California. Daniel Jongyon Park, a 32-year-old resident of Kent, was charged with giving and attempting to provide material support to 25-year-old Guy Edward Bartkus, who detonated a bomb near the American Reproductive Centers of Palm Springs last month, killing himself and wounding four others. Park made his first court appearance on Wednesday. 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 Park supplied Bartkus with large amounts of explosive materials, including around 180 pounds of ammonium nitrate, according to an announcement from the U.S. Department of Justice. Park allegedly sent the first shipments of the ammonium nitrate to Bartkus not long before traveling to Bartkus' residence, staying there from Jan. 25 to Feb. 8. While there, Park and Bartkus allegedly spent time "running experiments" on making homemade bombs. Park is said to share the extremist views of Bartkus, including pro-mortalism (the view that death is better than life) and anti-pro-life sentiments, according to the DOJ. Park, who traveled to Europe after the bombing took place, was arrested on Tuesday at the John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York soon after his flight from Poland had arrived. Attorney General Pam Bondi commended Polish officials for their help in the arrest of Park. "Bringing chaos and violence to a facility that exists to help women and mothers is a particularly cruel, disgusting crime that strikes at the very heart of our shared humanity," stated Bondi. "We are grateful to our partners in Poland who helped get this man back to America and we will prosecute him to the fullest extent of the law." Authorities say Bartkus parked a car laden with explosives in a parking lot near the fertility clinic. In addition to the heavy damage inflicted on the clinic building and injuring victims, the explosion also damaged multiple neighboring businesses, including a medical center, a Denny's restaurant and Palm Springs Liquor. Dr. Maher Abdallah, who oversees the clinic, said in a statement that the explosion unharmed the clinic's lab and stored embryos. "We are immensely grateful to share that no members of the ARC team were harmed, and our lab including all eggs, embryos, and reproductive materials remains fully secure and undamaged," stated Abdallah. Bartkus reportedly posted a manifesto online in which he espoused anti-pro-life sentiment and invited people to watch his livestreamed suicide attack on the clinic. "I think we need a war against pro-lifers," read the manifesto, in part. "It is clear at this point that these people aren't only stupid, they simply do not care about the harm they are perpetuating by being willing agents for a DNA molecule." The manifesto directly addressed Christians, declaring that "your god definitely doesn't exist, but if he did, I'd choose satan over your evil god." Home News Getting churches prepared: SBC relaunches sex abuse prevention website The Southern Baptist Convention has relaunched a website dedicated to helping to fight abuse within member congregations of the United States largest Protestant denomination. The SBC Executive Committee announced the relaunch of the Abuse Prevention & Response website, which now includes enhanced resources on reporting and preventing abuse. These new resources will include an updated Essentials 2.0 curriculum and blog posts authored by anti-abuse experts, as well as providing a centralized platform for other resources from state and regional Baptist conventions. 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 Jeff Dalrymple, SBC EC director of abuse prevention and response, told Baptist Press in comments published Tuesday that churches having a response plan is critical to help pastors know how to respond when theres an allegation of abuse. We want to report it and to provide care for survivors and to work with available resources that theyve identified in advance. And so I think thats really, really important in our next level of abuse prevention and response, is getting churches prepared, said Dalrymple. I would just emphasize that abuse response is not just internal abuse that has happened in a ministry setting, but its also external abuse that has happened in another context or environment, such as maybe a childs home. Dalrymple added that he wanted to encourage our churches to make sure that all of their staff and volunteers are trained to identify indicators that abuse may have happened and then to report it to the appropriate authorities. Next week, SBC member churches can register for two free webinar training events slated to begin in September, with one focused on recognizing grooming and another centered on how to properly receive convicted sex abusers into the church. Dalrymple called such efforts a careful grace, noting that we want to make sure that we safeguard the vulnerable and that we have certain measures in place to make sure that that convicted sex offender is able to also grow in Christ, but with certain parameters around his or her involvement. In 2022, Guidepost Solutions released a detailed report concluding that SBC leaders had mishandled some sexual abuse allegations against churches, intimidated victims and resisted efforts to make churches safer, chiefly in order to avoid legal liability. Since the Guidepost report was released, the SBC has initiated various efforts to improve its responses to credible allegations of abuse among member congregations. Last September, the SBC EC voted to create a department to tackle and prevent abuse, coming in response to a vote at the SBC Annual Meeting that June calling for the creation of a permanent entity to tackle abuse response and prevention. The SBC also launched a hotline in May 2022 for individuals to report allegations of abuse. In February, SBC Executive Committee President Jeff Iorg reported that seven member churches were disfellowshipped as a result of allegations reported via the hotline. Sexual abuse is a serious and real problem, said Iorg. And when it happens, it is devastating for the survivors, the church, the community, and every person who is involved. Every church must make every reasonable effort to prevent sexual abuse and respond proactively when it happens. We are committed to these standards at the Executive Committee: no tolerance for abuse, and every church a safe place for the vulnerable. The SBCs anti-abuse efforts have not always been positively received, as the convention is currently battling a defamation lawsuit from a former worship leader who claims to have been wrongly punished over abuse allegations that stemmed from the hotline. Home News Supreme Court says Wis. cant deny Catholic charity's tax exemption The United States Supreme Court has unanimously ruled that Wisconsin officials cannot deny a religious tax exemption to a Catholic charity because they think their work is too secular. The Supreme Court released a decision in the case of Catholic Charities Bureau, Inc. v. Wisconsin Labor Review Commission et al. on Thursday morning, which centered on if a Christian charity group can be exempted from an unemployment insurance program even though its services were deemed nonreligious. Justice Sonia Sotomayor authored the unanimous opinion, which reversed a Wisconsin Supreme Court decision and remanded the case back to the lower for further deliberation. 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 It is fundamental to our constitutional order that the government maintain neutrality between religion and religion, wrote Sotomayor. There may be hard calls to make in policing that rule, but this is not one. When the government distinguishes among religions based on theological differences in their provision of services, it imposes a denominational preference that must satisfy the highest level of judicial scrutiny. Sotomayor also wrote that any law that differentiates between religions along theological lines is textbook denominational discrimination and that differentiation on theological lines is fundamentally foreign to our constitutional order. Sotomayor noted that the initial rejection of the Catholic charitys exemption request stemmed from state officials belief that their lack of explicit religious activity at their charitable services made them nonreligious in nature. Petitioners Catholic faith, however, bars them from satisfying those criteria, she continued, noting that Catholic Church teaching prohibits misus[ing] works of charity for purposes of proselytism. Many religions apparently impose similar rules prohibiting proselytization or religious differentiation in the provision of charitable services. Others seemingly have adopted a contrary approach. Wisconsins exemption, as interpreted by its Supreme Court, thus grants a denominational preference by explicitly differentiating between religions based on theological practices. Indeed, petitioners eligibility for the exemption ultimately turns on inherently religious choices, added Sotomayor. Catholic Charities Bureau is an umbrella organization that is made up of multiple charitable groups within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Superior, which is based in Superior, Wisconsin. In 2016, the Catholic Charities Bureau asked the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development for a religious exemption from paying into Wisconsins unemployment insurance program. WDWD declined the request, arguing that Catholic Charities was not primarily religious in nature. The charity appealed to an administrative law judge, who reversed the earlier ruling. The department then petitioned the Wisconsin Labor and Industry Review Commission, which ruled against Catholic Charities, arguing that they did not qualify for a religious exemption. In March of last year, the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled 4-3 that Catholic Charities did not fit the definition of a religious entity and, because of this, was ineligible for the religious exemption. Justice Ann Walsh Bradley authored the state Supreme Court majority opinion, ruling that the charity was not operated primarily for religious purposes and must pay into the program. CCB and the sub-entities, which are organized as separate corporations apart from the church itself, neither attempt to imbue program participants with the Catholic faith nor supply any religious materials to program participants or employees, wrote Bradley. An objective examination of the actual activities of CCB and the sub-entities reveals that their activities are secular in nature. Catholic Charities appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, which granted their petition last December and heard oral arguments in February, in which both liberal and conservative justices expressed skepticism over Wisconsins arguments against granting the exemption. For example, Justice Elena Kagan said she thought it was pretty fundamental that we dont treat some religions better than other religions and critically asked if Wisconsin could pass a law that would give a religious tax exemption to religious groups that proselytize, but to no others? The way this statute has been interpreted by the Wisconsin courts, its basically saying were giving the tax exemption to religious organizations that proselytize, but not to religious organizations that dont, Kagan added. Justice Neil Gorsuch asked during oral arguments what the difference was between a Christian charity that requires people to attend worship before getting food and one that says worship attendance is optional. Is Wisconsin going to go around and [say], This soup kitchen, you have to go to the service before you get your soup, theyre good to go. But that one, they just invite you to the service after the soup, theyre bad, Gorsuch stated. Home News SPLC-linked report ties terms 'prayer warrior,' Greek word for 'church' to Christian nationalism Report alleges Trump, supporters want to make America an 'explicitly Christian realm governed by divinely-inspired law' An offshoot group linked to the far-left Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) released a new report this week that links common Christian phrases like prayer warrior and divinely appointed to Christian nationalism. The Faith as a Weapon: Inside Americas Theocratic Vanguard report from the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism (GPAHE) examines the rise of Christian nationalism, the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), and Catholic integralism as interconnected movements reshaping American politics by merging religious zeal with political power. Linking various politicians and Christian leaders with the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021, and the dominionist NAR theology, the report alleges such leaders are advocating for governance based on their interpretation of Gods law, and thereby pose a threat to constitutional religious freedom. With a dramatic header image of a Christian cross planted in scorched and burning earth flanked by the American flag, Faith as a Weapon takes aim at Project 2025 and key figures like Russell Vought, Leonard Leo, and Paula White-Cain, whose influence on the Trump administration, the report states, results in elevating particular religious perspectives while marginalizing others, including religious minorities, a large number of Christians, and secular Americans. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe On January 6, 2021, Christian flags, wooden crosses, and Jesus Saves signs mingled with pro-Trump banners as insurrectionists, inspired by a buzzing undercurrent of religion and outrage, reacted with violence and stormed the U.S. Capitol, the reports introduction stated, adding participants engaged in practices like blowing shofars and praying to "plead the blood of Jesus" over the Capitol. In 2021, the FBI stated the bureau did not find any evidence that Jan. 6 was an act of insurrection. The report also alleges President Donald Trumps relationship with religious nationalist movements extends into policy and personnel choices, including the White House Faith Office led by Paula White Cain, who, as the report noted, is known for speaking in tongues, rebuking witchcraft in the marine kingdom and commanding all satanic pregnancies to miscarry. From so-called Jericho Marches to the portrayal of Trump as a divinely appointed Cyrus figure, the report finds that the NAR, a nebulous movement linked to Pentecostal-Charismatic circles, played a significant role in the Jan. 6 Capitol assault and, following Trumps 2020 loss to former President Joseph Biden, contributed to the election denial movement. The report specifically cites NARs "Seven Mountain Mandate, a strategic blueprint urging Christians to dominate seven societal spheres: government, education, media, arts, religion, family and business. It also names several figures in Trumps sphere from U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and House Speaker Mike Johnson to Family Research Councils Tony Perkins and Idaho Pastor Douglas Wilson as a righteous horde to ultimately see America reconstituted as an explicitly Christian realm governed by divinely-inspired law. In comment to The Christian Post about being named in the report, Wilson said: "If I had a cap, being denounced by any entity connected to the SPLC would be a feather in it." In what is likely the reports most controversial section, titled Prayer Warriors and Political Power: A Glossary of Christian Nationalist Terms, the GPAHE appears to link familiar phrases with a revolutionary vision for American governance, including the term prayer warrior, which the report defines not just as a believer dedicated to intensive, strategic prayer, but someone whose mission is to influence elections, court decisions, legislative outcomes, and cultural trends deemed spiritually significant. The glossary also defines the phrase divinely appointed as based on selective Biblical interpretations used to assert that certain leaders, movements, or nations (particularly the United States) are chosen by God to fulfill a sacred purpose, and any opposition is a defiance of Gods will. This phrase, the report added, transforms policy debates into cosmic battles between Gods anointed representatives and perceived enemies, privileging religiously derived authority over the constitutional separation of church and state. Another term, ekklesia, the Greek word primarily translated as church in the New Testament, is also listed as part of GPAHEs vocabulary of Christian nationalism, along with other common Christian terms like deliverance ministry, intercessory prayer and End Times revival. CP reached out to GPAHE for comment on Wednesday. This article will be updated if a response is received. Founded in 2020 by former SPLC veterans Heidi Beirich and Wendy Via, GPAHEs website features numerous reports on topics like Christian nationalism, Project 2025, immigration enforcement, and so-called conversion therapy, which GPAHE describes as inherently degrading and discriminatory and rooted in the belief that [LGBT-identified] persons are somehow inferior, or sinful. Last week, the SPLC added the conservative Evangelical parachurch ministry Focus on the Family to its list of so-called anti-LGBT hate groups," joining similar organizations that advocate for traditional beliefs on sexuality and family. Glenn T. Stanton, director of Global Family Formation Studies at Focus on the Family, told CP that he was "glad to be listed with so many other great organizations." "To be honest, our reaction was, 'What took them so long?'" he replied. "So many great organizations have been on their 'hate' list for so many years Alliance Defending Freedom, Family Research Council, American Family Association and so many others." "We are honored to be listed amongst them because the SPLC's list is really just a silly fundraising tool for them. Them calling us names doesn't bother us at all." Home News Woman claims she fatally shot Pastor Ricky Floyd by mistake during dispute, police say Samantha Marion, the woman charged with the fatal March 12 shooting of Ricky Floyd, the late senior lead pastor of Pursuit of God Church, during a religious dispute outside a bar in Memphis, Tennessee, allegedly told police she shot him by mistake. The 42-year-old Marion, who is free on bond on a charge of voluntary manslaughter in Floyd's death, appeared in court for a preliminary hearing where a special district attorney working on the case called only one witness, Patrolman Cordell Boyd, who was the first officer to arrive at the crime scene. Floyd was shot outside Momma's Bar and Kitchen located at 855 Kentucky Road. At the hearing, according to News Action 5, the district attorney played the audio of Marions 911 call admitting to shooting Floyd. 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 Boyd testified that when he arrived on the scene, Marion was basically mumbling, like Lord help. She was basically mumbling like Lord help, something like that. And then I asked a question, Wheres the shooter? and she said, Its me, Boyd told the court. He then recounted what he said Marion told him about the shooting. The first time when the victim approached her, she went to her car and armed herself. She told me she put the gun behind her back. She had it behind her back. She said several times in the exchange, the victim kept approaching her and she kept telling the victim to back, back, he said. The last time she said she then moved her hand, took the gun off safety, and then the last time telling the victim to back, back, she reached forward and accidentally fired a shot, he added. Boyd further told the court that if Marion felt threatened enough to go to her vehicle for a gun, she could have left the scene. Marions lawyer, John Keith Perry, did not call any witnesses and told News Action 5 that it is the prosecutor who has the burden of trying to establish probable cause. They have a burden to try to establish probable cause and thats all this hearing was about. Were trying to see what their affidavit was saying versus what the facts show, he said. According to the testimony that was rendered, a person who had an opportunity to leave didnt leave. You had him indicating that there were certain things left out of the affidavit that were important that the gentleman had knocked down at least one person and had a second altercation with another intervening person, so those are things we are trying to find out for sure and they were put into the affidavit, he explained to the news outlet. Perry noted in a previous report that shortly before Floyd, 58, was shot, the pastor argued with his client and another man, identified as Steven Newsom, who questioned his moral authority inside the bar when he allegedly tried to share religious tracts with them. "We are also told the argument centered around how Floyd [couldn't] tell anyone anything when he, a pastor, was at this bar and grill at 1 a.m.," Perry said. "We are also told that Samantha Marion was getting the best of him in that argument," according to local news outlet WREG. Perry said that Floyd grabbed his tracts and stormed out of the bar. "What was said exactly is not remembered by everybody, but there was no kind of a threat. Or 'I'll see you in the parking lot' or anything like that," said Perry. Perry said as everyone was leaving outside the bar, Floyd approached Marion, and Newsom got between them. Floyd allegedly knocked Newsom to the ground. "He stands in front of Reverend Floyd. He's knocked to the ground by Reverend Floyd. And when he does, the back of his head hits the pavement and he becomes a little stunned or dazed," Perry said. "Reverend Floyd then takes the telephone of Miss Marion, and he throws it to the ground and he gives a couple of insults or what have you and then starts to walk off." Police say Marion called police to the bar at about 1:17 a.m. and confessed to shooting Floyd. Video surveillance footage reportedly shows Floyd throwing Marion's phone and a beer can before hopping into his vehicle and driving away. Marion allegedly walked into the roadway and appeared to record the pastor's vehicle with her phone. Marions recording shows Floyd exiting his car and confronting her before a witness separates them. As Floyd backed away, police said Marion walked toward the pastor, who was seen falling to the ground and never getting up again. After hearing the evidence against Marion on Wednesday, the judge in the case found there is probable cause for the voluntary manslaughter. The case has been sent to a grand jury. Marion is expected to remain free on a $100,000 bond. Sign up for The Media Today, CJRs daily newsletter. On a recent spring night in Naples, Ciro Pellegrino hurried home to tell his wife about a strange notification hed received on his phone. Before speaking with her, he opened the microwave oven and placed his smartphone insidean impromptu Faraday cage. It was the start of a bizarre new ritual occasioned by Pellegrinos discovery, via a notification from Apple, that his phone was infected with military-grade spyware. Since April 29, Ive felt like Im living in a spy story, one I would have gladly done without, Pellegrino said recently. Pellegrino is the head of the Naples bureau at Fanpage.it, an Italian digital news outlet renowned for its investigative journalism targeting the highest levels of government. Several months earlier, Pellegrinos boss, Fanpage editor in chief Francesco Cancellato, had received a similar alert, making him the first known Italian journalist ensnared by an emerging digital surveillance threat that has since become the flash point in a full-blown national scandal. Researchers at Citizen Lab, a digital surveillance monitoring group at the University of Toronto, quickly concluded that Italian authorities likely deployed an advanced spyware tool known as Graphite, developed by the Israeli company Paragon Solutions, against Cancellato and other domestic critics. Graphite, which is similar to the notorious Pegasus malware, can infect a device silently and without any visible traces, granting operators complete access to calls, messages, photos, and encrypted chats, as well as the ability to activate the microphone and camera. Cancellato suspects the breach on his phone happened through a pdf sent to a WhatsApp group that he was added to without his knowledge. I didnt notice anything because it probably happened at night, he said. Fanpage is a Naples-based digital outlet, with bureaus in Milan and Rome, that has made a name for itself in recent years with investigations into major Italian government officials and organized-crime networks. (I worked at Fanpage for nearly a decade, and led its investigative team from 2018 to 2024.) Last year, Fanpage investigative reporters exposed explicitly neofascist sympathies within the youth wing of Prime Minister Giorgia Melonis political party, Fratelli dItalia. The series, titled Melonian Youth, captured footage of young extremists openly giving Nazi salutes and deploying racist rhetoric at political gatherings. Meloni responded by publicly condemning the behavior, asserting that there was no space in Fratelli dItalia for racist or anti-Semitic positions, while distancing her party from any form of fascist nostalgia. Over these years weve obviously pissed off a lot of people, so anyone could have had some interest in targeting us, in trying to figure out what were up to, Cancellato said. Media unions, watchdog NGOs, and fellow journalists denounced the surveillance as a grave attack on press freedom. The Committee to Protect Journalists called the spyware hack a serious breach of journalistic rights and freedoms, urging authorities to demonstrate that they will not tolerate illegal surveillance of the media. A coalition including the International Press Institute and ARTICLE 19 said they were alarmed by the latest case of a journalisthaving their secure communications and sources compromised using advanced spyware, describing it as yet another serious attack on press freedom. Italian press organizations have also quickly expressed solidarity. Press freedom is one of the pillars of our Constitution, stated Alessandra Costante, secretary-general of the Italian National Journalists Federation, or FNSI. We hope no other cases emerge, but we are ready to take every initiative to protect colleagues who were spied on. She later told The Guardian, Was Francesco Cancellato the only journalist in Italy targeted? We dont think so. Who exactly is behind the spying remains something of a mysteryor, perhaps, a state secret. Melonis office has insisted that neither the intelligence services nor any state entity had ordered surveillance of reporters. But theres reason to think that is not the whole truth: recent reporting by the Italian newspaper La Repubblica revealed that the Italian intelligence chief, Alfredo Montavano had acknowledged using Paragons Graphite spyware, but only to monitor migrant-rights activists from Mediterranea Saving Humans, an NGO involved in rescuing migrants at sea. Montavano insisted that surveillance of these activists, who stood accused of facilitating unlawful migration, was permitted by law, and he explicitly denied that any journalist was deliberately targeted. Nevertheless, suspicions of official involvement have run high, given that Graphite is sold exclusively to state agencies. The Meloni government has refused to answer parliamentary questions, citing national security. Vittorio di Trapani, the president of the FNSI, criticized this response, saying, Applying state secrecy to an act of this gravity is a mistake, a serious mistake. The FNSI and Italys Order of Journalists filed a criminal complaint in February to push prosecutors to uncover who ordered the spying. So far, Italian prosecutors have initiated investigations in five cities into the alleged use of Graphite against journalists and activists. The Paragon scandal cannot simply be brushed aside. Those who are responsible must be held accountable, former Italian prime minister Matteo Renzi told Reuters. Sign up for CJRs daily email For Pellegrino, finding himself at the center of a geopolitical spyware scandal has been a surreal experience, with profound personal consequences. I dont have any state secrets to hide, nor anti-state secrets. Im not a drug trafficker or a human trafficker, Pellegrino said. Unlike his boss, Pellegrino wasnt directly involved in the high-profile investigations that put Fanpage in the spotlight. Instead, he led the Naples local news bureau, quietly building his online presence in recent years. My life has changed, he said. My phone is the black box of my life, containing everything you could possibly imagine: medical records, messages exchanged with my wife, photographs from our trips, conversations with people who are no longer alive. And then theres all my professional information, data related to my work and communications with confidential sources. Cancellato, for his part, said, I have no desire to point my finger at the government and say, You spied on me, but I can say this for sure: the government isnt doing anything to help me find out who spied on me. Theyre only trying to clear themselves of the accusation of having spied on me. Sign up for The Media Today, CJRs daily newsletter. As the bromance between tech titans and Donald Trump has unfoldedX posts about disgusting legislation notwithstandingEurope has grown increasingly uneasy about relying on US tech products. In Denmark, the media industry is actively seeking out non-US alternatives. Journalisten, a Danish publication roughly equivalent to this magazine (whose name translates as The Journalist), asked several news outlets and communications professionals whether they are exploring other options, and found that all of them were. Like most Danish companies, we are steeped in American technology, one editor in chief told the publication. If we suddenly can no longer trust American suppliers, we have a huge problem, and it will be very difficult and expensive to get out of it. This shift is driven by concerns that Trump could one day wake up and decide to force Big Tech to pull the plug on cloud services to Europe. Its a hypothetical riskand, some say, a small one. But if it were to materialize, the consequences could be a disaster of biblical dimensions, per one security expert. As such, Torsten Pedersen, the minister of national security, recently asked Danish companies and authorities to prepare for such a scenario, and to have an exit plan. Denmark isnt the only European country concerned about Big Tech: in the spring, for instance, the Dutch parliament passed eight motions urging the government to reduce its dependence on US tech companies and to adopt European alternatives. But in Denmark, growing tensions over Greenlandan autonomous territory of Denmark that Trump has made no secret of wanting to acquirehave added an extra layer of anxiety among officials. Trump has said that he doesnt rule out using military force to take control of Greenland, and a Wall Street Journal investigation revealed that the US has ramped up its intelligence-gathering efforts in the territory. Indeed, Exoscale, a Swiss-based Web-hosting provider, told Wired that it has seen an uptick in customers looking to move away from cloud giants like Amazonand that Danish clients have been explicit that the tensions over Greenland were a motivating factor behind the shift. At least one US tech giantMicrosoft, which generates about a quarter of its business in Europehas pledged to protect its customers there. In a blog post published in April, the company announced plans to expand its European data-center capacity by 40 percent over the next two years, an effort intended to give Europeans more control over their data (though some have argued that physical location doesnt matter since the US has some extraterritorial powers). Microsoft also said that, while such a scenario is exceedingly unlikely, it would resist any US government order to shut down cloud operations in Europe. And yet, last month, the Associated Press reported that Microsoft did cancel the email address of Karim Khan, the chief prosecutor of the Netherlands-based International Criminal Court, which was slapped with US sanctions after it issued arrest warrants for Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his defense minister for alleged war crimes in Gaza. Unable to access his mailbox, Khan (who is currently under investigation for sexual abuse, which he denies) reportedly switched to Proton, a Swiss end-to-end-encrypted email service. Microsoft denies that it ceased or suspended services to the ICC. Nonetheless, the cancellation of Khans email has spurred some European cybersecurity experts to further advocate for digital sovereignty. According to DR, the Danish public broadcaster, in their search for alternatives to Microsoft, the Danes are looking south across the border to Schleswig-Holstein, the northernmost state in Germany, where sixty thousand public sector employees have been instructed by German authorities to replace Big Tech software with open-source alternatives. The initiative has been underway for five years, but by September, employees are expected to have uninstalled Microsoft Office and switched to LibreOffice, an open-source office suite. The shift is being driven by a desire to achieve digital independence. But theres also a financial incentive. Licensing agreements with tech giants are expensive, and transitioning to local solutions could save the state millions of euros. In the long term, at any rate; in the short term, transitioning to EU-based tech alternatives might be painful. The shift requires uprooting the digital habits of thousands of employees who currently rely on tools like Gmail or Microsoft Office, in exchange for alternatives that may not yet match them in quality. According to the Wall Street Journal, Europe is producing far fewer unicornsprivately held startups valued at over one billion dollarsthan the US and China; the US currently has six hundred and ninety such companies, whereas Europe has just a hundred and seven. Theres a sea of theories explaining why Europes tech industry continues to lag behind. One major factor is the lack of consistency in laws, languages, and cultures across European countries, which makes it harder for potential unicorns to scale. The Journal also suggested that Europes commitment to work-life balance may limit its competitiveness: Europeans tend to work fewer hours, and are thought to be less productive during those hours. Fueled by rising transatlantic tensions, that pace may soon begin to accelerate. Other notable stories: Jeremy W. Peters, of the Times, has the story of Alex Shieh, a sophomore at Brown who sent thousands of university employees pointed Elon Musklike questions about their job responsibilities for a story for the Brown Spectator, a new, as yet unpublished conservative newspaper on campusthen found himself under investigation by the school, on grounds including invasion of privacy, misrepresentation, and trademark infringement (by naming the Spectator after Brown). He was cleared, but the episode reflects how schools are struggling with protecting the rights of students to express themselves on campus, after years of trying to adjudicate just when political expression tips into harassment. For CJR, Aimee Levitt argues that we shouldnt mourn the death of alt-weekliesas many commentators havesince theyre alive and well. To survive, alt-weeklies have had to evolve, Levitt writes; the definition of the genre has arguably expanded, and some such papers no longer use the label alternative. And yet these papers are an alternativenow to publications owned by large conglomerates that fill their pages with wire service copy and AI slop instead of news about the towns and cities they ostensibly cover, Levitt writes. The other thing they have in common is that they are still free. This week, a jury in El Salvador convicted three high-ranking former officials, including the former defense minister, for complicity in the killings of four Dutch journalists in 1982, during a civil war in the country; the officials were previously protected by a general amnesty linked to the conflict, but El Salvadors Supreme Court declared that to be unconstitutional in 2018. One of those convicted lives in the US, though judges have already ordered him extradited back to El Salvador. Nayib Bukele, the president, has also been ordered to apologize to the victims. And Karine Jean-Pierre, who served as White House press secretary under President Biden, announced that she is leaving the Democratic Party and writing a book, arguing, in part, that the party was wrong to abandon Biden last year. Former colleagues were scathing of the project, complaining to Politico and Axios that Jean-Pierre was bad at her job and is obsessed with promoting herself. One former official said, of the book project: Everyone thinks this is a grift. A North Carolina insurance agency cannot escape a lawsuit brought by a homeowner who was denied coverage after a hurricane because key elements of the property were not mentioned in the coverage application. In a case that began almost a decade ago and is likely to continue for another few years, the state Supreme Court decided last month that a move to dismiss the lawsuit against J. Kim Hatcher Insurance agency is not allowed under 100-year-old case law. The ruling partly upholds a 2023 North Carolina appeals court ruling that had overturned a trial courts 2021 order dismissing the homeowners lawsuit. The question presented in this case is whether a person is contributorily negligent for signing a blank insurance application and trusting his or her agent to complete it carefully, no matter the circumstances, Supreme Court Justice Anita Earls wrote for the court. The answer is that the question must be weighed by a jury and such lawsuits cannot be easily shelved by a judge, the high court noted. While the Hatcher agency, based in Beulaville and Kenansville, argued that the property owner, Daniel Jones, contributed to the misrepresentation and the coverage denial by signing the application without reading the policy, the justices found that defense does not always apply. Whether an individual was reasonably put off his guard, and thus was not contributorily negligent, is fact specific, the opinion notes. The interactions between the insured and the agent before and after the policy was issued are relevant to the determination of whether it was reasonable for the insured to trust the agent enough to not double-check the agents work. The situation began in 2016, when Jones agreed to let Hatcher quote him a price on an HO policy for his home in Pender County, near the coast. The Hatcher agency producer who worked with Jones was not named in the suit. Kyle Hatcher is listed as the agency owner. The agency secured a policy through Nationwide. A year later, Jones switched back to North Carolina Farm Bureau, but Hatcher told Jones the agency could obtain the same coverage through GeoVera Specialty for a lower premium, according to Jones complaint. The agency representative reportedly told Jones that all the homeowner needed to do was sign the blank application and pay the first premium and the agency would take care of the rest. Hatcher inspected the property and took photographs. A year later, Jones renewed the GeoVera policy. The court opinion did not explain why the agent may have omitted some details about the property. In September 2018, Hurricane Florence severely damaged the property, ripping shingles off the roof and damaging interiors and belongings, the court explained. The family was forced to live elsewhere for a period of time. After initially noting that it would pay the claim, GeoVera later balked, informing Jones that the insurance application did not mention the fact that a large pond was on the property, directly in front of the house, and that the property covered almost eight acres of land, including some farmland. That constituted a material misrepresentation, the carrier said. After the denial, Jones filed suit against the Hatcher agency, against a surplus lines broker and against GeoVera, charging negligence and gross negligence and asking for punitive damages. The trial court judge in New Hanover County agreed to dismiss the suit based on Hatchers argument that Jones himself was negligent for signing a blank policy application. The Court of Appeals overturned the trial court, and Hatcher and Jones both appealed to the state Supreme Court. The high court sided with Jones, finding that the trial court had erred. To establish contributory negligence as an affirmative defense, a defendant must prove that the plaintiff could have avoided injury by exercising reasonable care, the justices wrote, citing a previous court decision. In general, yes, anyone who can read has a duty to do so when signing a document, the court noted. But in this case, Jones claim was not a contract action but a negligence claim. The homeowner had expected the insurance agent to handle everything, as promised and as the agency had done previously. These allegations of a prior course of conduct and Hatchers specific assurances are sufficient to allege that Jones may have been reasonably put off his guard, and therefore that Jones was not contributorily negligent, the justices said. Homeowners may reasonably expect that, where an agent stands to earn commission for performing a service, the agent can be trusted to perform that service with due care. After all, if a customer can never trust their agent, what is the point of hiring the agent to begin with? the court noted. Requiring customers to double-check their agents homework, no matter the circumstances and as a matter of law, is inconsistent with reasonable social expectations. The case does not clearly show that Jones contributed to his own injury, and the issue must be decided by a jury. The high court overruled the appellate court on one point. The appeals court judges found in 2023 that Jones could not seek punitive damages in the suit because he had failed to name specific people at the insurance agency. But the agent acting on behalf of the Hatcher agency had signed the application and had the authority to bind the corporation, the Supreme Court opinion explained. Also, the court said, because we conclude that Jones sufficiently alleged facts to support punitive damages based on willful or wanton conduct, Joness claim for gross negligence likewise survives and necessarily overcomes Hatchers allegation of contributory negligence. Justice Trey Allen dissented in part. The case now goes back to the trial court level for a trial or settlement talks. Microsoft is offering free of charge to European governments a cybersecurity program, launched on Wednesday, to bolster their defenses against cyber threats, including those enhanced by artificial intelligence, it said. After a surge in cyberattacks in Europe, many linked to state-sponsored actors from China, Iran, North Korea and Russia, the program aims to boost intelligence-sharing on AI-based threats and help to prevent and disrupt attacks. Related: Hackers Abuse Modified Salesforce App for Data Theft and Extortion, Google Says If we can bring more to Europe of what we have developed in the United States, that will strengthen cybersecurity protection for more European institutions, Microsoft President Brad Smith told Reuters in an interview. Youre going to see other things we are doing later in the month. Increasingly, attackers employ generative AI to amplify the scale and impact of their operations that range from disrupting critical infrastructure to spreading disinformation. Related: Cyberattack Surge Creates Opportunity, Premium Rethink for Insurers Although malicious actors have weaponised AI, Smith said AI also offered defensive tools. We dont feel that we have seen AI that has evaded our ability to detect the use of AI or the threats more broadly, Smith said. Our goal needs to be to keep AI advancing as a defensive tool faster than it advances as an offensive weapon, he said. Microsoft tracks any malicious use of AI models it releases and prevents known cybercriminals from using its AI products. AI-driven deepfakes have included a portrayal of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy capitulating to Russian demands in 2022 and a fake audio recording in 2023 that influenced the Slovakian election. Smith said so far audio had been easier to fake than video. (Reporting by Supantha Mukherjee in Stockholm; editing by Barbara Lewis) Reddit Inc. sued artificial intelligence firm Anthropic, saying it has used the social media companys content without permission to train its AI models. The lawsuit, which was filed Wednesday in San Francisco Superior Court, alleges that Anthropic attempted to access Reddit data more than 100,000 times since last July. Reddit said this unauthorized commercial use of its content has breached its rules and exploited users personal data without their consent. An Anthropic spokesperson said the company disagrees with Reddits claims and will defend ourselves vigorously, The AI firm, which was started by a group of ex-OpenAI employees, has taken a public position of being more oriented toward safety and responsibility than some of its competitors. Reddit, a San Francisco-based social media platform, called Anthropics emphasis on trust and honesty empty marketing gimmicks. The AI startup bills itself as the white knight of the AI industry, yet it is anything but, Reddit said in the lawsuit. We believe in an open internet that doesnt mean open for commercial exploitation, Ben Lee, Reddits chief legal officer, said in an email. We will not tolerate profit-seeking entities like Anthropic commercially exploiting Reddit content for billions of dollars without any return for redditors or respect for their privacy. In an interview, Lee said Reddit held several conversations with Anthropic in an effort to reach a licensing agreement, as it has with other AI companies such as OpenAI and Alphabet Inc.s Google. Lee said he was optimistic about reaching a deal until recently and views the lawsuit as the companys final option to force Anthropic back to the bargaining table. Reddit would prefer to reach an agreement outside of court, Lee said, as the legal process could be lengthy. This suit is among a flurry of high-profile complaints against AI companies, including Meta Platforms Inc. and OpenAI, over claims of unauthorized use of copyrighted material to train their generative AI models. In March, a New York federal judge ruled that a copyright infringement suit brought by the New York Times and other newspapers can move forward against OpenAI and Microsoft over alleged unauthorized use of news articles to train chatbots and other AI tools. The newspapers are seeking billions of dollars in damages as compensation for unlawful use of their copyrighted content. The case is Reddit Inc. v. Anthropic PBC, CGC-25-625892, California Superior Court, San Francisco County. Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Mattel Inc. and its Fisher-Price unit have settled lawsuits alleging their recalled Rock n Play baby sleeper was so defectively designed that it led to the deaths of infants. The agreement, disclosed in a Delaware court filing last week, resolves lawsuits over six death cases and four allegations the faulty design of the Rock n Play product led to babies suffering flattened heads when they rolled against the products side, said Michael Trunk, an attorney representing victims who settled their cases. He declined to provide financial terms. Among the cases settled was a suit filed by Ameena Brown over the death of her son, identified in court filings only as AB. Jury selection in her case was slated to start Thursday in Delaware. There are at least four other such cases pending in Delaware Superior Court. A representative of Mattel declined to comment. Mattel acquired Fisher Price in 1993 in a deal valued at $1 billion. Carl Tobias, a University of Richmond law professor who teaches about product-liability law, called the settlement a positive step, but said the company should have done more to ensure that this product was safe for infant use before it put it on the market in the first place. Product Recall Mattel started selling the Rock n Play Sleeper in October 2009. Over the next 14 years, the product was tied to around 100 deaths, according to court filings in Delaware. Mattel and Fisher-Price pulled it off the market in 2019 and offered refunds for 4.7 million sleepers. It reiterated its recall in 2023. Earlier this year, Mattel agreed to settle investors claims that it hid the sleepers risks in a $17 million deal. As part of the accord, the company agreed to make changes to the way directors and executives handle safety issues. That followed Mattels agreement to pay $19 million to Rock n Play purchasers as part of a class-action settlement in federal court in Buffalo, New York. A judge approved that deal in March. In Browns case, her lawyers alleged in their complaint that Rock n Plays inclined design forced children to tilt their heads to one side, thereby increasing the risk of neck and head injuries, asphyxiation, suffocation, and death. Brown found her infant son dead in the sleeper which she got as a second-hand gift in 2018 after hed rolled over on his side and pressed his face against the soft-padded side, the filing said. Hed been born prematurely the year before his demise. The conclusion of these cases marks an important milestone for the families as they move forward from litigation and begin a new chapter, Trunk said in an emailed statement. Hes a partner in the Philadelphia-based law firm of Kline & Specter PC. Fisher-Price employees warned the company in internal memos three times in 2008 and 2009 that safety research was needed before bringing the Rock n Play to market, a US House of Representatives committee investigation found. The committee found no such checks were done. In response to the Houses report, Fisher-Price officials said they formed a medical council of pediatricians to focus more on the safety of their products. Mattel officials argued in their court filings that Brown failed to use the Rock n Plays restraints when she put her son in it despite a warning sewn on the product and that medical examiners attributed his death to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome rather than the sleeper. Mattel also said the childs health issues may have played a role in his death. The Delaware case is Brown v Fisher-Price, No. N-20C-01-067, Delaware Superior Court (Wilmington). Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. The curtain is about to rise on the 78th Annual Tony Awards, promising a night of unforgettable performances, fierce competition, and historic milestones. Set to take place on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at the iconic Radio City Music Hall in New York City, this year's ceremony celebrates the best of Broadway's 20242025 season. Hosted by Tony, Emmy, and GRAMMY Award-winner Cynthia Erivo, the event will air live on CBS from 8:00 to 11:00 PM ET and stream on Paramount+ for subscribers with the Showtime add-on. The Nominees: A Season of Standouts Leading the nominations are three musicalsBuena Vista Social Club, Death Becomes Her, and Maybe Happy Endingeach garnering 10 nods, including Best Musical. Other contenders in this category are Dead Outlaw and Operation Mincemeat. In the Best Play category, John Proctor Is the Villain and The Hills of California lead with seven nominations each, joined by English, Oh, Mary!, and Purpose. Notable acting nominations include: Best Leading Actor in a Play : George Clooney (Good Night, and Good Luck), Cole Escola (Oh, Mary!), Jon Michael Hill (Purpose), Daniel Dae Kim (Yellow Face), Harry Lennix (Purpose), and Louis McCartney (Stranger Things: The First Shadow). : George Clooney (Good Night, and Good Luck), Cole Escola (Oh, Mary!), Jon Michael Hill (Purpose), Daniel Dae Kim (Yellow Face), Harry Lennix (Purpose), and Louis McCartney (Stranger Things: The First Shadow). Best Leading Actress in a Play : Laura Donnelly (The Hills of California), Mia Farrow (The Roommate), LaTanya Richardson Jackson (Purpose), Sadie Sink (John Proctor Is the Villain), and Sarah Snook (The Picture of Dorian Gray). : Laura Donnelly (The Hills of California), Mia Farrow (The Roommate), LaTanya Richardson Jackson (Purpose), Sadie Sink (John Proctor Is the Villain), and Sarah Snook (The Picture of Dorian Gray). Best Leading Actor in a Musical : Darren Criss (Maybe Happy Ending), Andrew Durand (Dead Outlaw), Tom Francis (Sunset Blvd.), Jonathan Groff (Just in Time), James Monroe Iglehart (A Wonderful World), and Jeremy Jordan (Floyd Collins). : Darren Criss (Maybe Happy Ending), Andrew Durand (Dead Outlaw), Tom Francis (Sunset Blvd.), Jonathan Groff (Just in Time), James Monroe Iglehart (A Wonderful World), and Jeremy Jordan (Floyd Collins). Best Leading Actress in a Musical: Megan Hilty (Death Becomes Her), Audra McDonald (Gypsy), Jasmine Amy Rogers (BOOP! The Musical), Nicole Scherzinger (Sunset Blvd.), and Jennifer Simard (Death Becomes Her). Audra McDonald makes history with her 11th acting nomination, the most ever by a performer. How to Watch Main Ceremony : Live on CBS and streaming on Paramount+ with Showtime from 8:00 to 11:00 PM ET. : Live on CBS and streaming on Paramount+ with Showtime from 8:00 to 11:00 PM ET. Pre-Show: "The Tony Awards: Act One," hosted by Darren Criss and Renee Elise Goldsberry, will stream live on Pluto TV from 6:40 to 8:00 PM ET. For international viewers, the ceremony will be available on various platforms, including Network Ten in Australia, CCTV4 in China, and WOWOW in Japan. Performances to Anticipate The ceremony will feature performances from all Best Musical nominees: Buena Vista Social Club, Dead Outlaw, Death Becomes Her, Maybe Happy Ending, and Operation Mincemeat. Best Revival of a Musical nomineesFloyd Collins, Gypsy, Pirates! The Penzance Musical, and Sunset Blvd.will also take the stage. Additional performances include numbers from Just in Time, Real Women Have Curves, and a special appearance by the Broadway Inspirational Voices. A highlight of the evening will be a reunion performance by the original cast of Hamilton, featuring Lin-Manuel Miranda, Leslie Odom Jr., and other original members. Presenters and Special Honors An array of stars will present awards, including Oprah Winfrey, Ariana DeBose, Samuel L. Jackson, Lea Michele, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Keanu Reeves. Broadway legend Harvey Fierstein will receive the Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre, honoring his four-decade-long career as an actor, playwright, and activist. As the curtain rises once again on Harvey Milk: The Opera, a haunting and powerful tribute to America's first openly gay elected official, the real-life political stage is casting a darker shadow. In a move that has ignited outrage among LGBTQ+ communities and civil rights advocates, the Trump-aligned leadership at the Department of the Navy is reportedly moving to rename a ship originally christened the USNS Harvey Milk. The reason? A deliberate reshaping of who is deemed "honorable" in the military's public narrative. But even as history is being rewritten in Washington, it is being sung with renewed power, Three decades later after it was comissioned and played by San Francisco Opera, the company Opera Parallele, which has made a mission of staging works by contemporary composers, and the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis comissioned a new version of the opera called Harvey Milk Reimagined. This production, which had its opening performance at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts' Blue Shield of California Theater on Saturday, May 31, and runs through June 7. The revival of Harvey Milka bold, emotionally searing opera composed by Stewart Wallace with a libretto by Michael Koriefeels more urgent than ever. Originally premiered in 1995, the opera dramatizes Milk's journey from closeted insurance salesman to San Francisco City Supervisor, to martyrdom at the hands of a former colleague. The production doesn't shy away from the rawness of his story: his passion, his politics, his queerness, and ultimately, his assassination. Today's audiences will find in Harvey Milk not just a portrait of a man, but a reflection of our current sociopolitical climate. At a time when LGBTQ+ rights are again under threat and anti-gay rhetoric is resurfacing in national discourse, the opera functions as both artistic triumph and political resistance. Harvey Milk was more than a gay icon. Born in 1930, he was a Navy veteran himselfhonorably discharged at a time when being openly gay meant instant expulsion. His later decision to run for public office was, in itself, a revolutionary act. After three failed campaigns, he won a seat on San Francisco's Board of Supervisors in 1977, becoming the first openly gay man elected to public office in California. Less than a year later, he and Mayor George Moscone were gunned down by Dan White, a former supervisor. It is this complex legacypart celebration, part tragedythat makes his story opera-worthy. And it is precisely why the timing of this operatic return is so piercing. Opera has long served as a mirror to politics, from Verdi's nationalist anthems in 19th-century Italy to Nixon in China and Doctor Atomic in the 20th and 21st. But Harvey Milk may be one of the most emotionally charged examples of how art defies political erasure. While officials may sandblast his name off the side of a ship, they cannot mute a baritone's cry of "I am Harvey Milk!" on a live stage. This revival also challenges opera's reputation as a conservative art form. With a cast inclusive of queer performers and direction that leans into contemporary aesthetics, the production is connecting with younger, more diverse audiences. It is a bold reclamation not just of Milk's legacy, but of what opera can and should be. In the end, the opera's final note may outlast the bureaucratic decision to rename a ship. Because Harvey Milklike all those who dare to fight for visibilitywas never just about a name. He was a voice. And that voice is still singing. Cuyahoga County is taking stock of which programs and funding streams could be impacted by President Donald Trump's anti-DEI orders, and changes could follow, but officials say they remain committed to the core principles. Kaitlin Durbin, cleveland.com CLEVELAND, Ohio Cuyahoga County is inventorying which local programs may be at risk amid threats to strip federal funding from those who dont comply with the blizzard of executive orders and directives to purge diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and may eventually propose changes. Blame these guys, Gov. Mike DeWine and former Gov. John Kasich, along with a long line of Republican lawmakers, for the growing property tax crisis. They have permanently broken a deal to use income taxes to help fund local governments. (Jeremy Pelzer, cleveland.com) Cuyahoga County is facing an unprecedented property tax crisis, with delinquent payments soaring to historic levels, but dont blame the county for that problem. Today in Ohio says blame goes to the Legislature and two Ohio governors. Chinas homegrown C919 completes first commercial flight to a regional airport in Henan Province Global Times) 11:12, June 05, 2025 On Wednesday, China Southern Airlines flight CZ3383, operated by China's domestically produced C919 aircraft, departs from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, South China's Guangdong Province, and lands at Nanyang Jiangying Airport in Central China's Henan Province at 23:57 the same day. (Photo/Courtesy of China Southern Airlines) China Southern Airlines on Wednesday operated its first commercial flight using the domestically-made C919 aircraft on the route from Guangzhou in South China's Guangdong Province to Nanyang in Central China's Henan Province. This marks the jet's commercial debut at a Chinese regional airport, the Global Times learned from the air carrier on Thursday. Flight CZ3383, carrying 139 passengers, landed at Nanyang's Jiangying Airport at 11:57 pm on Wednesday. It was the airline's first time deploying C919 on the Guangzhou-Nanyang route, expanding the jet's commercial operations, according to a statement provided to the Global Times. The home-grown C919 plane has made a key advancement in accelerating the development of China's modern aviation system, enhancing connectivity between major and regional routes for a fully integrated network, a China Media Group report said on Thursday. The C919 aircraft used for this latest flight was a standard-range model, configured in a three-class layout with 164 seats, per the statement. Following its debut, Nanyang Jiangying Airport will regularly support China Southern's C919 operations, including flight training, technical validations, and occasional commercial flights. According to the schedule, the C919 plane will undergo intensive local flight training at Nanyang Jiangying Airport on June 5 and 6. China Southern Airlines will deploy a team of highly qualified and experienced captain instructors to lead pilots in completing rigorous training exercises, including takeoffs, landings, and go-arounds. By collecting operational big data, the airline aims to thoroughly evaluate the aircraft's performance and the airport's ground support coordination while advancing the development of the flight crew for the C919. Moving forward, China Southern Airlines will expand its route network as more C919 planes are delivered, supporting the continued growth of the aviation and tourism sectors in Central China, the carrier said. By the end of May, the C919 marked its second anniversary of commercial operations. To date, 18 C919 aircraft have been delivered to China Eastern Airlines, Air China, and China Southern Airlines, operating on 24 routes across 16 cities and carrying over 2 million passengers, Xinhua News Agency reported earlier. As of May 27, China Eastern Airlines' C919 fleet had logged over 28,000 safe flight hours, completed more than 11,400 commercial flights, and transported over 1.57 million passengers, according to another statement from the carrier to the Global Times earlier. The C919 is a narrow-body passenger aircraft with a maximum capacity of 192 seats. It is China's first self-developed trunk jetliner, built in accordance with international airworthiness standards and featuring independently registered intellectual property rights. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday suspended for an initial six months the entry into the United States of foreign nationals seeking to study or participate in exchange programs at Harvard University, amid an escalating dispute with the Ivy League school. Trump's proclamation cited national security concerns as a justification for barring international students from entering the United States to pursue studies at the Cambridge, Massachusetts-based university. Harvard, in a statement, called Trump's proclamation "yet another illegal retaliatory step taken by the Administration in violation of Harvard's First Amendment rights." "Harvard will continue to protect its international students," it added. The suspension can be extended beyond six months. Trump's proclamation also directs the U.S. State Department to consider revoking academic or exchange visas of any current Harvard students who meet his proclamation's criteria. The directive on Wednesday came a week after a federal judge in Boston announced she would issue a broad injunction blocking the administration from revoking Harvard's ability to enroll international students, who make up about a quarter of its student body. The administration has launched a multifront attack on the nation's oldest and wealthiest university, freezing billions of dollars in grants and other funding and proposing to end its tax-exempt status, prompting a series of legal challenges. Harvard argues the administration is retaliating against it for refusing to accede to its demands to control the school's governance, curriculum and the ideology of its faculty and students. Harvard sued after Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on May 22 announced her department was immediately revoking Harvard's Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification, which allows it to enroll foreign students. Her action was almost immediately temporarily blocked by U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs. On the eve of a hearing before her last week, the department changed course and said it would instead challenge Harvard's certification through a lengthier administrative process. Nonetheless, Burroughs said she planned to issue a longer-term preliminary injunction at Harvard's urging, saying one was necessary to give some protection to Harvard's international students. In an internal cable seen by Reuters that was issued a day after that court hearing, the State Department ordered all its consular missions overseas to begin additional vetting of visa applicants looking to travel to Harvard for any purpose. Wednesday's two-page directive said Harvard had "demonstrated a history of concerning foreign ties and radicalism," and had "extensive entanglements with foreign adversaries," including China. The FBI had "long warned that foreign adversaries take advantage of easy access to American higher education to steal information, exploit research and development and spread false information," the proclamation said. It said Harvard had seen a "drastic rise in crime in recent years while failing to discipline at least some categories of conduct violations on campus," and had failed to provide sufficient information to the Homeland Security Department about foreign students' "known illegal or dangerous activities." Apple suffered a major blow in its bid to alleviate one of Jim Cramer's biggest worries about the tech giant: its legal fight with Fortnite maker Epic Games. A U.S. appeals court late Wednesday rejected Apple's plea to halt mandated changes to its App Store that the company has warned could cost it "substantial sums." "Apple's had a bad streak. This is just more negativity," Jim said Thursday. Shares of Apple fell about 0.7% in Thursday's session, trading slightly above $201 apiece. The stock is down roughly 19% so far this year. The ruling Wednesday evening marked the latest setback for Apple in its long-running legal battle with Epic Games, which first sued the iPhone maker in 2020 in an attempt to force Apple to loosen its grip on purchases in apps that utilize its iOS operating system. In late April, a U.S. district judge said Apple was violating a four-year-old ruling that required Apple to change the way it charges commissions on in-app purchases. The solution that Apple implemented in early 2024 , for the first time, allowed developers to include links to external websites where iPhone app users could put in their payment info. However, Apple still charged a 27% commission on in-app transactions that linked out for payments and told developers how these links should be presented. The judge's April ruling said Apple needed to stop those practices. Now, Apple's request to have that decision paused has been denied. Wall Street analysts say this could dent Apple's financials albeit not by that much. For example, Morgan Stanley estimated that 2% of Apple's earnings per share, 10% of App Store revenue and 3% of overall revenue for its important services division are at risk if the ruling is upheld. The basis for those forecasts is the firm's proprietary survey from May, which found that 28% of U.S. iPhone users are "extremely likely" to circumvent in-app purchases in the App Store. Despite the Epic ruling late last month, App Store growth has remained solid in May. Net revenues for the App Store increased 9.6% year over year in May, compared with an 8% year-over-year gain in April, according to Morgan Stanley, citing Sensor Tower data. "To date, our view has been the App Store injunction is a minor risk to the Apple story / a longer-tailed risk, as changing nearly 20 years of learned consumer behavior doesn't happen overnight," the analysts wrote in a Thursday note. The firm reiterated its buy-equivalent rating on the stock. JPMorgan shared similar sentiments. The analysts projected a "moderation" in services revenue growth and an up to 3% hit to earnings per share. "Although the denial of a stay is a headwind for Apple, we continue to believe the magnitude of impact is likely to be materially lower than currently being feared by investors," wrote the JPMorgan analysts, who also have a buy-equivalent rating on shares. While Jim indicated Thursday that Apple taking a 2% to 3% hit to EPS from the Epic case is a fair assumption, he expressed frustration with the overall implications of the ruling. "I think it is outrageous that they can use Apple as the equivalent of a common carrier, a Greyhound bus," Jim said Thursday. The Apple-Epic saga is one of the reasons why the stock has become such a worrisome position in recent months, Jim explained during our May Monthly Meeting. But it is not the only threat facing Apple's services division, which has long been a big part of our investment thesis in the company. The business home to the App Store, AppleCare, ApplePay, iCloud and content subscriptions like Apple TV+ is coveted for the recurring nature of its revenue streams and high margins. AAPL YTD mountain Apple's year-to-date stock performance. The other big risk to Apple's services business is Alphabet -owned Google's legal feud with the Justice Department. The antitrust case threatens Google's massive annual payments to Apple in exchange for being the default search provider on iPhone and iPad devices. In 2022, that was worth $20 billion for Apple. During the May Monthly Meeting , Jim described the matter as potentially "easy money gone," adding that investors "need to be concerned." Apple's woes don't stop there, though. Jim has an Apple worry even bigger than services growth: higher tariffs on electronics imports into the U.S. Last month, President Donald Trump threatened to raise tariffs on Apple by at least 25% for iPhones not made in the U.S. That does not bode well for the Club name because it's the company's biggest money maker. Plus, it's nearly impossible for Apple to get this done in the short term as the majority of its manufacturing is done overseas. CEO Tim Cook has tried to reduce Apple's reliance on China by diversifying its supply chain and expanding production into India. It hasn't been enough to appease Trump, though. All of this comes ahead of Apple's annual developers conference, which kicks off Monday. It has historically coincided with the start of a seasonally strong period for the stock. Investors will be closely watching what Apple says about its generative artificial intelligence system, dubbed Apple Intelligence. We previously thought that the suite of AI tools would usher in a much-needed upgrade cycle for the iPhone. This hasn't been the case as the rollout of new flashy features have been staggered and delayed. Still, we're not planning to bail on Apple shares down here. While there are clearly issues hanging over the stock, there's no denying its products are among the best consumer electronics in the world. As long as people aren't trading in their iPhones and leaving the Apple ecosystem, the ability to make money off that huge user base remains intact. And that's reason enough to stay in the stock. (Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust is long AAPL. See here for a full list of the stocks.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED. The flags of the U.S. and Germany are on the table at a bilateral meeting between German Economics Minister Habeck and U.S. Secretary of State Blinken at a hotel on the Gendarmenmarkt. Photo: Christoph Soeder/dpa (Photo by Christoph Soeder/picture alliance via Getty Images) Christoph Soeder/dpa | Picture Alliance | Getty Images German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday, with much to discuss at a time of trade disputes and ongoing war in Europe. During both of his presidential terms, Trump has triggered tensions between long-standing allies U.S. and the European Union. "The tone is as rough as it has not been in a long time," German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said in a speech on German-U.S. relations earlier this week. White House officials have not always found friendly words for Berlin in recent months, and vice versa. But there have been some signs of rapprochement, with the country's leaders now reportedly being on a first name basis after several phone calls. Building on this will be a top priority for Merz in D.C. "Top of the agenda for the German Chancellor will be to strike the right chord with Trump," Jorn Fleck, senior director of the Europe Center at the Atlantic Council, told CNBC. Merz's conservative views on immigration, his links to U.S. businesses the chancellor is a former BlackRock executive "and a profile as an old-school outsider who was underestimated but won an election by pledging to restore his country's economy and security," could work in his favor, Fleck explained. Trade Export-reliant Germany counts the U.S. as its biggest trading partner, leaving it vulnerable in the face of Trump's trade agenda. Penny Naas, who leads on the German Marshall Fund's allied strategic competitiveness work, told CNBC that this is especially true for sector-specific tariffs, for example targeting autos and steel. They "hit industries at the core of the German economy," she said. "Merz will want to see if there is any room for negotiation on these tariffs," such as the U.S. and EU cutting all industrial duties to zero, Naas added. Trump's so-called reciprocal tariffs, which have also been imposed on the European Union, are also set to be on Merz's agenda, Franziska Palmas, senior Europe economist at Capital Economics, told CNBC. "He is likely to stress his support for free trade and a EU-US trade deal. He may point to the EU's proposal of a zero-for-zero tariff deal as an ideal outcome," she said. Negotiations between the EU and U.S. have so far been tough, but European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic on Tuesday signaled talks were "advancing in the right direction." Support for Ukraine The Russia-Ukraine war will also almost certainly be discussed, especially after Trump's Wednesday phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. European leaders have pushed Trump to apply pressure on Putin, and Merz is expected to follow suit, the Atlantic Council's Fleck said. Palmas meanwhile said Merz would likely "reiterate Germany's strong support for Ukraine and the need for European countries to be involved in peace negotiations." U.S. support for Kyiv has been uncertain, along with Trump's focus on expediting peace-making between Russia and Ukraine raising concerns in Europe. Topics like U.S. support for European troops on the ground, enforcing sanctions and sharing information may therefore come up, Fleck added. NATO spending debate Another critical topic will be the NATO military alliance in which both Germany and the U.S. participate and specifically members' defense contributions. Trump has long been pushing for these expenditures to rise to 5% of each country's gross domestic product, meeting some resistance. Fleck noted that "Merz will want to make sure Germany is no longer seen as a laggard on defense spending and capabilities." FILE PHOTO: Workers transporting soil containing rare earth elements for export at a port in Lianyungang, Jiangsu province, China, Oct. 31, 2010. Stringer | Reuters Automotive industry groups are increasingly worried about a rare earth shortage. Several European auto supplier plants and production lines have already been shut down due to China's recent export controls, according to Europe's auto supplier association CLEPA, with the group warning of more outages as inventories deplete. Germany's car industry and auto executives have also sounded the alarm, saying the highly globalized sector is acutely vulnerable to further supply chain disruption. China's Ministry of Commerce in early April imposed export restrictions on several rare earth elements and magnets widely used in the automotive, defense and energy sectors. The curbs came as part of a response to U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff increase on Beijing's products. Some of the affected rare earth elements are vital components to the production of both combustion engines and electric vehicles. CLEPA said Wednesday that while hundreds of export license applications have been submitted to the Chinese authorities since early April, only around 25% appear to have been approved. "With a deeply intertwined global supply chain, China's export restrictions are already shutting down production in Europe's supplier sector," CLEPA Secretary General Benjamin Krieger said in a statement. For its part, the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), the country's main car industry lobby, warned that Beijing's export restrictions could soon cause output to grind to a halt. "The Chinese export restrictions on rare earths are a serious challenge for the security of supply, and not just in the automotive supply chains. Although some licences have now been granted, this is currently not enough to ensure smooth production," VDA President Hildegard Muller told CNBC via email. "A further problem arises from the slow customs clearance of exports for which a valid export licence has been granted. If the situation does not change quickly, production delays and even production stoppages can no longer be ruled out," she added. Muller reiterated the VDA's call for German and European Union lawmakers "to raise this issue emphatically with the Chinese side so that a solution to the situation can be found quickly." Vehicles are assembled on a line at the BMW plant in Leipzig. Picture Alliance | Picture Alliance | Getty Images Demand for rare earths and critical minerals is expected to grow exponentially in the coming years as the clean energy transition picks up pace. China, meanwhile, is the undisputed leader of the critical minerals supply chain, accounting for roughly 60% of the world's production of rare earth minerals and materials. U.S. officials have previously warned that this poses a strategic challenge amid the pivot to more sustainable energy sources. 'We need to continue finding alternatives' Germany's BMW reportedly said Wednesday that some of its supplier network had been affected by China's export curbs, while major domestic peers Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz Group both said they were not experiencing any shortages. "As a matter of principle, Mercedes-Benz has a strategy for all critical raw materials that are purchased directly and indirectly that secures demand in the long term and mitigates supply risks in the long term - knowing full well that raw material deposits are limited in some regions," a Mercedes-Benz Group spokesperson said in an emailed statement. The carmaker added that it was also working on concepts to "significantly reduce" the amount of rare earth metals per vehicle unit. "In the future, Mercedes-Benz wants to use new material compositions to dispense with heavy rare earth metals such as dysprosium in our electric drives," they said. A Volkswagen spokesperson told CNBC that the supply of auto parts containing rare earths was stable. "Our suppliers are continuously working with their subcontractors to obtain the necessary export licenses. We have received indications that a limited number of these licenses have been granted," they said. A spokesperson for BMW did not respond to a request for comment. Ivan Espinosa, chief executive officer of Nissan Motor Co., speaks during an interview at the company's headquarters in Yokohama, Japan, on Thursday, May 15, 2025. Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images Stock traders monitor share prices during an intra-day trading session at a brokerage house in Mumbai on April 8, 2025. Asian and European markets battled on April 8 to recover from the previous day's tariff-fuelled collapse. US President Donald Trump slapped a flat 26 percent tariff on imports from India last week, with New Delhi saying it was examining both "implications" and "opportunities" from the duty hikes. (Photo by Indranil MUKHERJEE / AFP) (Photo by INDRANIL MUKHERJEE/AFP via Getty Images) Each weekday, CNBC's "Inside India" news show gives you news and market commentary on the emerging powerhouse businesses, and the people behind its rise. Livestream the show on YouTube and catch highlights here . This report is from this week's CNBC's "Inside India" newsletter which brings you timely, insightful news and market commentary on the emerging powerhouse and the big businesses behind its meteoric rise. Like what you see? You can subscribe here. But the tide may be about to turn as Wall Street analysts and investors turn bullish. Those worries and a concoction of other factors inflation, earnings disappointments have led to lackluster performance for equities so far this year. The Nifty 50 is up 4.7% so far this year, and investors are likely to have welcomed the sideways move by the benchmark in May with a sigh of relief, in fact. Having overcome fears of the India-Pakistan conflict, Indian markets might lose its temporary status as a "safe haven" market if the U.S. and China come to a deal. The Indian market is currently one of the most expensive globally, trading at over 20% premiums to its 20-year average price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio, which limits the potential for significant Nifty benchmark upside, according to analysts at CLSA. "After the recent rally, the Indian market has again inched up to become nearly the most expensive market in the world," said CLSA's Vikash Kumar Jain in a note to clients. Goldman Sachs strategists echoed that point, saying the MSCI India index "does not look favourable" even when adjusting for a stronger growth potential. Wonks over at Morgan Stanley took a similar view of the stock market's recent performance. "Since September 2024, the market has digested an unprecedented amount of bad news excessive valuations in [small and mid-cap] and a sharp correction in the broad market pointing to a slowdown in macro growth and earnings, US tariff-related volatility and a major terrorist attack along with India's response with the large-cap indexes about 5% from all-time highs and almost negligible changes in implied volumes," said the Wall Street bank's Ridham Desai. Norma analyst Saion Mukherjee also noted that most companies beat expectations for the latest quarter, but only because the expectations had been lowered significantly. Yet, every single one of those market participants has turned bullish over the past couple of weeks. Goldman Sachs raised its price target for the Nifty 50 to 26,200. Nomura similarly sees the index at 26,140. Even long-time cautious bears such as Bernstein's Venugopal Garre, who has been right in cautioning investors over rich valuations in the small and mid-cap sectors (SMID), are now rethinking their outlook. "They've been in a bubble zone for a while a point we've never hesitated stating," said Garre. "The reality is this: the SMID bubbles have let go of a lot of froth and are broadly valued in line with recent history. Not cheap, and not exorbitant." And it's not just strategists, analysts and advisors turning around. Money managers are also echoing the same sentiment. "A lot of people look at India and have said, 'Gosh, the valuations are enormous,'" said Andrew Dalrymple, chief investment officer at Aubrey Capital Management. "If you took that view, you'd never buy an Indian equity. You would have missed an enormous opportunity in the last five years." Aubrey Global Emerging Markets Strategy, which manages more than $500 million in assets, has 35% of its fund allocated to India, its largest allocation. "We try to reconcile valuation of the price earnings-to-growth ratio, and say when we look at an Indian company, it might nominally have that high P/E but we then say this is justified by price-to-growth ratio, which we try to keep at less than 1.5 times," Dalrymple added. "And that way, we find we have been able to exploit some extremely successful, very, very profitable investment opportunities over the years." Dalrymple's sentiment is also reflected in the data. Foreign institutional investors have been net buyers of Indian equities over the past two months. Yet, it's off a low base, suggesting a significant upside in an ideal scenario. Morgan Stanley's Desai noted that "foreign portfolios positioning is the weakest since we have had the data in 2000, and there are early signs that their view on India is shifting." Amid all the sudden bullishness, however, many investors have learned a thing or two over the past year and are approaching with caution. "This is likely to be a stock pickers' market, in contrast to one driven by top-down or macro factors since the Covid pandemic," Desai said in a note to clients on June 2. Financials, often viewed as a leveraged bet on the future of a nation, appear to be a favorite among many. In the large-cap space, Axis Bank was a top pick for Nomura and Goldman Sachs, with ICICI Bank seen favorably by Morgan Stanley, CLSA and JP Morgan. In a cautionary tale about exceeding one's limits (and ignoring the cautionary warnings of one's father), in Greek mythology, Icarus, son of Daedalus, perished after flying too close to the sun, melting the wax that held the feathers on the wings his father had made him. Of course the authors of the story would not have known that in real life the temperature hazards Icarus would have faced are sub-freezing temperatures, not heat as the air is considerably colder at altitude; minus 40 to minus 70 degrees Fahrenheit at the cruising altitude of a commercial jet let alone the harsh realities of outer space. Regardless, what they understood is that one cannot fly to the sun with man made wings. Broadcom (AVGO) has also been soaring to new heights, reaching a fresh all-time high Tuesday two days before the company's quarterly earnings release after announcing that they have started shipping a "breakthrough" new version of the company's data center switch chips which is apparently as powerful as six of its predecessor chips and costs twice as much, $20,000 each. AVGO 5Y mountain Broadcom, 5 years Nvidia tends to get most of the attention when it comes to AI, as their industry leading GPUs do much of the heavy lifting, but the networks must communicate with those chips, and if they don't do so efficiently, the GPUs are under-utilized, typically only 30-40%. Broadcom's technology means to improve this. It's not just the stock price that is rising, or Broadcom's customers' utilization rates. So is Broadcom's forward multiple, 39x forward earnings estimates, just shy of its all-time highs. Sell-side analysts are overwhelmingly positive on Broadcom, with 46 buys, 4 holds and 1 sell (Bloomberg), and why wouldn't they be? Nvidia posted good numbers, Broadcom has technology that helps customers better utilize Nvidia GPUs and Meta's announcement Tuesday that they entered into a 20-year contract with Constellation Energy to buy nuclear power starting in 2027 to run AI proves the runway on big AI capex may be long indeed. The trade Still the stock is up well over 75% since the lows of the first week of April. If you own the stock and want to hedge, consider a put spread collar such as the July 11th 225/250/300 to mitigate some of the downside risk. Buy AVGO July 11 $250 put Sell AVGO July 11 $225 put Sell AVGO July 11 $300 call If you don't own the stock, but are planning to buy it ahead of earnings, a call spread risk reversal will have characteristics similar to that of stock with a put spread collar. One may also consider extending the tenor of the long leg turning the trade into a calendar spread as well, such as this example: Buy AVGO Sept. 19 $260 call Sell AVGO July 18 $220 put Sell AVGO July 18 $310 call DISCLOSURES: (None) All opinions expressed by the CNBC Pro contributors are solely their opinions and do not reflect the opinions of CNBC, NBC UNIVERSAL, their parent company or affiliates, and may have been previously disseminated by them on television, radio, internet or another medium. THE ABOVE CONTENT IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY . THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSITUTE FINANCIAL, INVESTMENT, TAX OR LEGAL ADVICE OR A RECOMMENDATION TO BUY ANY SECURITY OR OTHER FINANCIAL ASSET. THE CONTENT IS GENERAL IN NATURE AND DOES NOT REFLECT ANY INDIVIDUAL'S UNIQUE PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES. THE ABOVE CONTENT MIGHT NOT BE SUITABLE FOR YOUR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES. BEFORE MAKING ANY FINANCIAL DECISIONS, YOU SHOULD STRONGLY CONSIDER SEEKING ADVICE FROM YOUR OWN FINANCIAL OR INVESTMENT ADVISOR. Click here for the full disclaimer. CNBC's Jim Cramer on Thursday told investors that he's optimistic on Cracker Barrel , even though its recent earnings report disappointed Wall Street and sent shares down. He suggested the stock's decline is a buying opportunity. "This is a true turnaround story with a great CEO, one that I think will produce terrific results going forward," he said. "And even though the quarter wasn't perfect, the turnaround it's very much intact." Cracker Barrel CEO Julie Masino has been orchestrating a strong turnaround for the value restaurant chain since she took the reigns about two years ago, Cramer said. He was impressed with the company's efforts to grow its loyalty program and brand development work. He highlighted Cracker Barrel's partnership with NASCAR, saying the chain has a good grasp of its core customer. Cramer acknowledged that the quarter was technically mixed, with the stock dipping a little over 7% after it reported Thursday morning. Revenue came in weaker-than-expected, but the company managed a substantial earnings beat. He said he thinks Wall Street overreacted, in part because the stock has run up in recent months. Cramer was satisfied with Masino's commentary on the earnings call. She admitted that the quarter "started soft," but the company took actions to "tightly manage our expenses." According to Cramer, it's a good sign that Cracker Barrel was able to adjust to circumstances and surpass its earnings projections. Investors were not pleased with the Tennessee-based eatery's retail arm, whose same-store sales numbers were sluggish, Cramer said. Management also admitted that tariffs on Chinese imports will affect business. Cracker Barrel disclosed that roughly a third of its retail products come from China, and it also has "indirect exposure" to the duties through domestic vendors that also source from the country. While the company said it's trying to mitigate the tariff impact by "aggressively negotiating with vendors," looking for alternate sourcing and potentially increasing prices, it still expects to take a $5 million hit. Cramer conceded that the tariff impact is not ideal, but he pointed out that the loss was baked in when the company raised its full-year EBITDA forecast. "Frankly, I never cared much about the retail side of the business, which accounts for only 20% of the company's sales," Cramer said. "But I can't ignore it, as any company that has gotten hit by tariffs bares a sort of scarlet letter going forward." Cracker Barrel did not immediately respond to request for comment. The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft are seen ahead of a launch at Launch Complex 39A at the NASAs Kennedy Space Center on March 14, 2025 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Elon Musk on Thursday said his company SpaceX will begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft "immediately" because of threats by President Donald Trump to cancel government contracts with Musk's businesses. But hours later, Musk said, "Ok, we won't decommission Dragon," after a X user urged him to "cool off and take a step back for a couple days." Musk's about-face on his social media site X came amid an escalating war of words with Trump that began after the Tesla CEO criticized the major tax bill being pushed by the Republican president. "In light of the President's statement about cancellation of my government contracts, @SpaceX will begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft immediately," Musk wrote. Dragon is the only U.S. option for delivering crew to and from the International Space Station. Musk's initial tweet about decommissioning Dragon responded to a Truth Social post by Trump, who wrote, "The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elon's Governmental Subsidies and Contracts." "I was always surprised that Biden didn't do it!" the president added. An X user with the handle @Fab25june on Thursday evening asked Musk to reconsider. "This is a shame this back and forth," @Fab25june tweeted at Musk. "You are both better than this. Cool off and take a step back for a couple days." Musk quickly answered: "Good advice. Ok, we won't decommission Dragon." Joe Weisenthal, co-host of Bloomberg's "Odd Lots" podcast, screen-grabbed the exchange in a tweet of his own, and quipped, "An account with 184 followers has achieved de-escalation between two of the most powerful people in the world." How much of a de-escalation, how long it will last and how serious Musk is about Dragon's fate, one way or the other, remains to be seen. Musk was blistering in his tweets aimed at Trump and his so-called One Big, Beautiful Bill on Thursday. And it was not clear if he would hold his fire against either in the coming days. Nor is it clear that Trump will forgive him, or refrain from lashing out against Musk, who until last Friday had been one of his top government advisors, and who spent more than a quarter billion dollars supporting Trump's 2024 White House campaign. "Without me, Trump would have lost the election," Musk tweeted earlier Thursday. "Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate," added Musk "Such ingratitude," he wrote. In this article 7974.T-JP Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT watch now Nintendo 's flagship Switch 2, the successor to one of its most popular consoles, went on sale on Thursday with excitement and hype from fans leading to special store opening hours and shortages in some markets. The Japanese gaming giant is hoping the console can help sustain a monster rally in its shares which have risen nearly fivefold since the original Switch was released in March 2017. Nintendo is also hoping the Switch 2 can match the success of the original Switch, which has sold more than 152 million units and is the second-highest selling device in the company's history, behind the Nintendo DS. And current demand looks strong, according to analysts. "Today is the biggest console launch of all time, so as expected, there is a frenzy of Nintendo fans checking stock availabilities at their local stores or eagerly awaiting deliveries," George Jijiashvili, senior principal analyst at advisory firm Omdia, told CNBC by email. The Switch's popularity is widely credited to its innovative portable design, which merged consoles with mobile gaming. People could play the game on their TV, then attach the controllers to the console's display and take it with them. Shortages and late store openings Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa said in April that 2.2 million people in Japan had entered the lottery to purchase the Switch 2 on launch day. Furukawa said it was "beyond" Nintendo's expectations and is more than the company will be able to deliver to stores on Thursday. The shortages in Japan are expected to persist. "Demand in Japan for Switch 2 is sky high actually, perhaps higher than anywhere else," Serkan Toto, CEO of Tokyo-based games consultancy Kantan Games, told CNBC. "You cannot walk into a store anywhere in Japan to pick up a Switch 2 without a pre-order, and this will not change over the next weeks and months." In China, major online retailer JD.com said it had received 400,000 reservations for the console which began shipping on Thursday. Not everyone who reserves a console will end up purchasing one. In the U.S., Best Buy opened some stores across the country at midnight on Thursday (or late Wednesday depending on the time zone) for in-store purchases. Walmart said it was opening orders at midnight ET online as well as in store at Supercenters at 6 a.m. ET. Walmart's website currently shows the console as sold out. Doug Bowser, president of Nintendo of America, told CNBC on Wednesday that the company has been working with "retail partners to ensure there's ample supply for not only the launch weekend, but well beyond." In the U.K., there appears to be more availability. Amazon 's U.K. page shows the Switch 2 available for delivery on Friday. Other retailers, like Currys and toy store Smyths, also appear to have it in stock. "Given the pent-up demand, a launch day sell-outs were inevitable. However, we believe Nintendo is well prepared and expect supply to stabilize in the weeks that follow," Omdia's Jijiashvili said. Last month, Nintendo said it expects to sell 15 million units of the Switch 2 console in the fiscal year ending March 2026. However, analysts have said that is conservative. Kantan Games' Toto said he is forecasting sales of 20 million units in the first year. Omdia said it is expecting sales of 14.4 million Switch 2 consoles in 2025 alone, which would be ahead of the original Switch's debut year. Tariff uncertainty looms Nvidia could have more room to run, according to Daiwa Capital Markets. The firm raised its price target on the chipmaker to $165 per share from $115 and reiterated its outperform rating. Daiwa's forecast calls for about 16% upside from Wednesday's close. Analyst Louis Miscioscia said in a Wednesday note that Nvidia is "back in the driver's seat." He lauded the company's first-quarter results released last week . He also noted that the company has multiple growth drivers that underpin his optimistic view, including robust inference demand from Microsoft, OpenAI and Google, which could signal a growing appetite for Nvidia chips. NVDA YTD mountain Nvidia stock in 2025. "We are back in a rally phase given good quarterly growth and the same expectation for 2025," Miscioscia said. "CEO [Jensen] Huang suggests that AI demand is accelerating with many more areas to grow into. We expect material details about this at the Paris GTC starting on Wednesday 6/11. Our conclusion remains that AI is a huge tech trend, bigger than world changing events like the PC, smartphone, Internet, etc., thus there is more to come." "The Blackwell ramp is going very well," Miscioscia said of Nvidia's key artificial intelligence chip. Gross margins "should get back to the mid 70's later this year." Shares have gained about 6% in 2025, but they have been under pressure at times this year from tariffs and the emergence of DeepSeek. Analysts are mostly bullish on Nvidia. Of the 65 who cover the stock, 59 rate it a buy or strong buy, according to LSEG. The average price target also points to nearly 23% upside. Use of low-cost e-commerce giants Temu and Shein has slowed significantly in the key U.S. market amid President Donald Trump's tariffs on Chinese imports and the closure of the de minimis loophole, new data shows. Temu's U.S. daily active users (DAUs) dropped 52% in May versus March, before Trump's tariffs were announced, while those at rival Shein were down 25%, according to data shared with CNBC by market intelligence firm Sensor Tower. DAUs is a measure of the number of people who visit or interact with a platform every 24 hours. Monthly active users (MAUs), a measure of user engagement over a 30-day period, was also down at Temu (30%) and Shein (12%) in May versus March. The declines were also reflected in both platforms' Apple App Store rankings. Temu averaged a rank of 132 in May 2025, down from an average top 3 ranking a year ago, while Shein averaged a rank of 60 last month versus a top 10 ranking the year prior, the data showed. Neither Temu nor Shein immediately responded to CNBC's request for comment. The user drop off comes as both Temu and Shein have pulled back on U.S. advertising spend over recent months since the Trump administration's tariff announcements. Trump in April announced sweeping tariffs on Chinese imports, including the end of the "de minimis" tariff exemption on May 2, which allowed companies to ship low-cost goods worth less than $800 to the U.S. tariff-free. In 2024, Nat Cedillo was in her last year of law school and subletting a one-bedroom in New York City with her husband. The two were paying $2,750 a month for rent, which included utilities. They also spent an additional $1,250 on monthly expenses like groceries and transportation. As Cedillo, 30, neared graduation, her schedule became more flexible. While registering for classes for her final semester, she realized she could take one class remotely and then schedule the rest on Mondays and Tuesdays. "I started thinking if I barely had to be on campus why should we be spending so much money living in New York City? We have this flying perk, so is there something we can do with that and avoid the New York City part?," Cedillo tells CNBC Make It. Cedillo and her husband lived in Brooklyn before moving to Mexico City. Nat Cedillo Cedillo's husband works in the airline industry, so the couple has the advantage of paying less for flights when flying standby. The two are also both Mexican citizens and Cedillo's sister had an apartment in Mexico City that was sitting empty, so it was a no-brainer for the couple to look into potentially moving there. "Once I saw I didn't have to be on campus, we looked at the numbers of how much it would cost if we used this flight benefit to go back and forth," Cedillo says. "Everything kind of fell into place because my sister also told me we could move to her apartment. We formulated this plan last November and December, and then we did it." In January, the couple moved to Mexico City. They live in a one-bedroom apartment and pay roughly $735 USD a month for utilities, Wi-Fi, water, gas, electricity and an HOA fee, according to documents reviewed by CNBC Make It. Cedillo is studying for the New York State bar exam, but is still open to staying in CDMX. Nat Cedillo That same month, Cedillo made her first supercommute to attend class back in the United States. Cedillo says she typically woke up around 4 a.m. on Mondays to head to the airport and catch the first flight from Mexico City to New York City, which departs at 7 a.m. local time. The flight is usually scheduled to land in New York City at 2 p.m. local time and then Cedillo either headed straight to campus or to a meeting with her boss she works remotely as a law clerk for a NYC law firm. Her first class of the day started at 6 p.m. To save money while in New York, Cedillo stayed with friends for the night or in a hotel room that cost no more than $150 a night. She had to do that four times, she says. On Tuesdays, she attended two classes and would be done for the day by 4 p.m., and head to JFK for the 7 p.m. flight, which landed in CDMX around 11 p.m. local time. "Fortunately, I was never able to not get on a plane," she says. Cedillo spent a lot of her free time in Mexico City studying and listening to lectures. Nat Cedillo While at home in Mexico City, Cedillo worked on an as-needed basis as a law clerk, attended her online class, studied and completed her schoolwork, and made sure to spend plenty of time with friends and family. From January to May 2025, Cedillo traveled from Mexico City to New York City 10 times. The final time was for her graduation. "The semester was 13 weeks long and I was allowed two absences, and there were a few weeks where my professors decided to do class via Zoom, so thankfully that also helped cut expenses," Cedillo says. Cedillo estimates that she spent approximately $800 per month commuting to New York City. The most she ever paid for a flight was $260 round-trip. In total, Cedillo spent around $4,000 commuting for her final semester. "In NYC, we easily spent $4,000 in one month living in a one-bedroom in Bed-Stuy," Cedillo says. "That is approximately how much I spent total commuting between CDMX and NYC for one semester of law school." Cedillo graduated from law school in May. Nat Cedillo Attendees visit the Smith & Wesson booth during the National Rifle Association (NRA) Annual Meeting & Exhibits at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center on May 17, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. WASHINGTON The Supreme Court on Thursday threw out the Mexican government's lawsuit against U.S. firearms manufacturers accusing them of aiding and abetting gun violence. The court ruled unanimously that the lawsuit is barred by a 2005 federal law that shields gun companies from legal liability. Liberal Justice Elena Kagan, who wrote the opinion, acknowledged the gun violence problem, but said Mexico had failed to make allegations that would surmount those liability protections in claiming the companies aided and abetted the unlawful sale of guns. "The question presented is whether Mexico's complaint plausibly pleads that conduct. We conclude it does not," she wrote. The 2021 lawsuit accused Smith & Wesson, Colt and other companies of deliberately selling guns to dealers who sell products that are frequently recovered at Mexican crime scenes. The Mexican government said the aiding and abetting allegations meant that the companies were not protected by the federal immunity shield, called the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act. Mexico was seeking up to $10 billion in damages. The case at the Supreme Court involved two companies Smith & Wesson and Interstate Arms. Other manufacturers, including Glock and Colt, successfully had claims against them tossed out. A federal judge initially ruled for the manufacturers, but the Boston-based 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals revived the case last year, saying the liability shield did not extend to Mexico's specific claims. The case reached the Supreme Court following increased tensions between American and Mexican leaders after the election of President Donald Trump, who has cited drug trafficking and gang violence in Mexico amid his crackdown on undocumented immigrants. Democrats in Congress have introduced legislation intended to reduce the flow of guns across the border, which they estimate to total at least 200,000 a year. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke Thursday and agreed that officials from the U.S. and China will meet soon for more talks to resolve an ongoing trade war. Trump said he had a "very good" call with Xi for about 90 minutes, which focused "almost entirely" on trade. The call "resulted in a very positive conclusion for both Countries," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. He said that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will represent the U.S. in the renewed trade talks. Trade officials from the countries last met in May in Geneva, where they agreed to temporarily lower retaliatory tariffs on imports from each other's countries. But the Trump administration has accused Beijing of slow-walking a pledge made in Geneva to approve the export of additional critical minerals, known as rare earths, to the United States. Beijing's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and China's embassy in the U.S. said earlier Thursday that Trump had requested the call with Xi. Trump has reportedly been eager to speak with Xi, as already-strained trade relations between the two countries frayed further in the past week. After Thursday's call, Trump wrote, "There should no longer be any questions respecting the complexity of Rare Earth products." He did not explain what that meant. China has expressed deep frustration with a recent decision to impose new restrictions on Chinese student visas. It has also accused the Trump administration of undermining recent trade progress by issuing an industry warning against using Chinese semiconductors. The Trump administration has also imposed additional export restrictions on chips. The White House claims the actions are required to protect national security, but Beijing views them as punitive. Stocks seesawed Thursday morning on news of the call, which was first reported by Chinese state media. The call "resulted in a very positive conclusion for both Countries," Trump wrote. He also noted that he and Xi did not discuss any matters related to Russia, Ukraine or Iran. The U.S. president added that Xi invited him and first lady Melania Trump to visit China, "and I reciprocated." The impasse between the two economic superpowers whose trade relationship totaled nearly $600 billion in 2024 is weighing on Trump's broader tariff regime, which is already having a real-world impact. U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick speaks during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill on June 04, 2025 in Washington, DC. President Donald Trump's administration is renegotiating some of former President Joe Biden's grants to semiconductor firms, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said at a hearing on Wednesday, suggesting some awards may be axed. Some of the Biden-era grants "just seemed overly generous, and we've been able to renegotiate them," Lutnick told lawmakers on the Senate Appropriations Committee, adding the goal was to benefit American taxpayers. "All the deals are getting better, and the only deals that are not getting done are deals that should have never been done in the first place," Lutnick said, appearing to signal that not all the awards would survive renegotiation. Biden in 2022 signed the CHIPS and Science Act to plow $52.7 billion into boosting semiconductor chips manufacturing and research in the U.S. and luring chipmakers away from Asia. The program rolled out billions in grants for semiconductor heavyweights, including Taiwan's TSMC , South Korea's Samsung and SK Hynix, as well as U.S.-based Intel and Micron . The grants, while signed, had only just begun to be disbursed by the time Biden left office. The details of those plans are not public but the money is meant to be disbursed as companies make progress toward their pledged plant expansions. Sentiment on Wall Street has been strengthening steadily on Boeing shares, with the aerospace behemoth finally gaining some momentum. Sixty-nine percent of analysts surveyed by FactSet rate Boeing either a buy or overweight. That's up from 52% at the end of 2024. Consensus price targets call for about 2% upside from Wednesday's close. The stock has been on a tear in 2025 as well, with a gain of nearly 20%, while the S & P 500 has ticked up 1.5%. JPMorgan, Wolfe Research and Bernstein are among the Wall Street shops that have raised price targets for Boeing stock over the past month. JPMorgan and Wolfe Research both attributed their more upbeat view to the improved pace of production for the troubled 737 MAX and a record-breaking order from Qatar Airways that followed President Donald Trump's visit to the Middle Eastern country. For Bernstein analyst Douglas Harned, Boeing's ability to steadily increase monthly production of its 737 MAX, with the hopes of stabilizing at around 38 per month, is a key reason he thinks sentiment has shifted. "This stock is a momentum-type stock, and people will want to be in it well ahead of when they're actually there," Harned told CNBC when discussing the company's monthly production goals. "What you've seen is slowly, but surely, skeptical people have started to see the evidence or hear about it at least in a more compelling way than in the past." Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg said last month that the company was resuming plane deliveries to China in June, after the Trump administration's trade war prompted a pause. Ortberg also told Bernstein at the firm's Strategic Differences Conference last month that Boeing could produce as many as 42 737 MAX planes by the end of the year. "We think of this as truly 'back to the future' as we look at how the stock behaved back before 2019, prior to the 737MAX groundings and Covid, when there was optimism about the future," Harned wrote in a Monday note, where he also labeled Boeing stock a top pick. Harned's $249 per share price target implies about 17% upside from Wednesday's $211.98 close. BA YTD mountain Boeing stock in 2025. Boeing's troubles extend back to 2018, when Lion Air Flight 610 crashed, killing all 189 people aboard. After a second deadly crash, the 737 MAX fleet was grounded for 20 months . Just last year, Boeing faced more trouble after the door flew off one of its 737 MAX 9s midair. Wolfe Research analyst Myles Walton said in a May note to clients that he had already been optimistic that 2025 would see significantly improved production times for the 737 MAX fleet, however, the Qatar order provided more confidence that the stock could continue to run. "A Big Beautiful Order should help (not yet) big beautiful cash flow," the analyst said. Walton upped his price target to $230 per share from $195 last month, which equates to about 9% upside from Wednesday's close. "With balance sheet concerns addressed for the next few years and a backlog of ~$500b, we see potential for BA to outperform if the company can improve execution," JPMorgan analyst Seth Seifman wrote in a note last month. "Specifically, this means gradually increasing production of 737s and 787s while bringing the 777X closer to entering service." Despite Seifman's optimism, JPMorgan's $200 per share price target implies shares could slide 6% from here. Walmart is bringing drone deliveries to three more states. On Thursday, the big-box retailer said it plans to launch the speedier delivery option at 100 stores in Atlanta, Charlotte, Houston, Orlando and Tampa within the coming year. With the expansion, Walmart's drone deliveries will be available in a total of five states: Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Texas. Customers will request a delivery through the app of Wing, the operator who flies the drones through a deal with Walmart. The drone operator will have an up to a six-mile range from stores. Drone deliveries are one of the buzziest examples of Walmart's efforts to compete with rivals like Amazon on convenience along with low price. With more than 4,600 Walmart stores across the U.S., the retailer has used its large footprint to get online orders to customers faster. It has an Express Delivery service that drops purchases at customers' doors in as fast as 30 minutes, along with InHome, a subscription-based service, that puts items directly into people's fridges. The company began same-day prescription deliveries last fall and has expanded the service across the country. "The number one piece of feedback that we get from our customers are, 'When are you expanding?'" said Greg Cathey, senior vice president of Walmart U.S. transformation and innovation, referring to drone delivery. Cathey said shoppers using the drone service typically order urgent items, such as hamburger buns for a cookout, eggs to make brownies or Tylenol or cold medicine needed when sick. Drone deliveries take 30 minutes or less, the company said. So far, some of the most frequently delivered items include eggs, ice cream, pet food and fresh fruit, including bananas, lemons and eggs, Walmart added. Walmart stores have an assortment of over 150,000 items in a location. Over 50% of those can be delivered by drone, Cathey said. Yet the rollout of speedy deliveries across the U.S. has come with stops and starts. Three years ago, Walmart announced a plan to expand drone deliveries with DroneUp so it would be able to reach 4 million households across six states fulfilled from 37 stores in parts of Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Texas, Utah and Virginia. At the time, the company's leaders said the retailer would be able to deliver over 1 million packages by drone in a year by using those sites. The rollout never stuck. Walmart's drone delivery count so far is modest. The company did not share the specific count, but said it has racked up a total of more than 150,000 drone deliveries since 2021. Chief competitor Amazon 's expansion of drone deliveries has been slow-going, too. The e-commerce giant set a goal to deliver 500 million packages by drone per year by the end of the decade through its service, Prime Air. So far, it has tested the deliveries in College Station, Texas, and Tolleson, Arizona, but it temporarily suspended service earlier this year after an abnormality with the drone's altitude sensor that required a software fix. Walmart has tested drone deliveries in Northwest Arkansas, near its hometown of Bentonville, and scaled them to reach most of the population in the Dallas-Forth Worth area. Several drone operators, including Zipline, Flytrex, DroneUp and Wing, have powered Walmart's deliveries, but the retailer has not provided the financial terms of the deals or the amount of money it has made from sales delivered by drones. Walmart said it currently has 21 live sites in Arkansas and Texas, which are operated by Wing and Zipline. Its contract with DroneUp ended last year. Kieran Shanahan, chief operating officer of Walmart U.S., said the company wants to offer "flexibility and convenience" with drones, along with speedier deliveries by van. "We see it as part of a broader ecosystem of things," he said. "And who knows what five years, 10 years time will bring as new technologies and capabilities unlock?" If customers order in the Wing app, deliveries are free. Cathey said Walmart is testing the addition of a drone delivery option within its app in the Dallas area. As part of the test, deliveries cost $19.99 or are free for members of Walmart+, the company's subscription service. CNBC's Annie Palmer contributed to this report. Industrial biotechnology company, Praj Industries Ltd , on Thursday (June 5), said it has secured an international assignment from Enersur SA, one of Paraguays leading renewable energy companies, to support the development of a fully-integrated biorefinery project in the South American nation.Under the partnership, Praj will assist in the development, evaluation, and phased execution of a comprehensive biorefinery. The facility will produce ethanol along with a range of co-products, including distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), corn oil, biogas, biobitumen, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).The agreement was signed during the state visit of Paraguayan President Santiago Pena Palacios to India from June 2-4, 2025. The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Palacios, who was accompanied by a high-level delegation of ministers, officials, and business leaders.This comes on the back of the contract awarded to Praj by Enersur to design, supply, and commission a state-of-the-art 600 m/day anhydrous ethanol plant in Canindeyu, Paraguay. This facility, which will use corn as feedstock, represents a significant step forward in Paraguays commitment to clean energy and rural development, while also contributing to reduced reliance on fossil fuels.Prajs extensive scope of work includes process technology licensing, full-scale design and engineering, supply of core process equipment, and on-ground supervisory support. The plant is expected to be fully operational by October 2026.Shares of Praj Industries Ltd ended at 489.75, down by 4.55, or 0.92%, on the BSE. Crypto exchange WazirXs restructuring plan to return funds of users following its $230-million hack is now in a limbo as Singapore High Court declined the plan on June 4, the exchange shared on X.This comes a month after the exchanges moratorium period under the Singapore court ended. Prior to the cyberattack on one of multisig wallets in July 2024, WazirX was Indias largest crypto exchange with at least 33% of Indian crypto users either holding balances or accounts with the exchange.WazirX lost nearly 45% of its crypto holdings in this hack.The long-awaited restructuring plans approval was critical to allow rebalancing of tokens that would have enabled impacted users to recover up to 85% of the value of tokens lost in the initial phase.In a post on X, WazirX said, The Honourable Singapore High Court issued an order declining to approve our proposed restructuring plan. While this outcome was not what we anticipated, we respect the Courts decision and remain fully committed to complying with all legal and regulatory processes.Our primary focus remains to begin distributions as soon as possible. Towards this goal, we are currently evaluating all available legal options in consultation with our legal and advisory teams, and will be appealing against the decision of the Singapore High Court, it added.The exchange added that the decision does not impact its NLPA (Net Liquid Platform Assets), which remain safe.Meanwhile, as per certain media reports, the exchange had shifted its parent entity from Singapore to Panama and rebranded under a new name, Zensui. The reports suggest that this was to escape ongoing crackdown of crypto exchanges in Singapore offering services outside the country without license.WazirX operates through two entities, a parent company Zettai Pte in Singapore and Zanmai Labs in India.A source privy to the developments told Moneycontrol, that that exchange has not done any such move. Shifting to Panama was one of the options being explored in our ongoing plans. It's a back up plan. But no such move was made so far, the source said.The source added, WazirX is still awaiting the final order from the court. The current decision was due to a confusion on why Zanmai wasnt registered under the Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-Ind). But Zanmai is actually an India-registered entity. The exchange is working on its next appeal. The recent conflict between India and Pakistan was among the issues figured during a phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump, according to a Kremlin aide.During their conversation on Wednesday, the two leaders discussed Ukraine and also touched on some other issues, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov told a briefing."They also touched upon the Middle East and the armed conflict between India and Pakistan, which was stopped with the personal participation of President Trump, Ushakov was quoted as saying by Russias state-run TASS news agency.Ushakov, however, didnt share the details.Trump has repeatedly claimed that he stopped India and Pakistan from fighting.However, India has been maintaining that the understanding on cessation of hostilities with Pakistan was reached following direct talks between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of the two militaries.Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has urged President Putin to assist in resolving the conflict with India, Pakistan PMs special aide Syed Tariq Fatemi said.Fatemi, who met Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow on Tuesday, handed over a letter from Sharif for Putin.His visit came days after a highly successful tour of a multi-party parliamentary delegation led by DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, who spread awareness about Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism and got solid Russian backing for Indias zero-tolerance policy against terrorism."I met with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov. I gave him a letter from our prime minister to Mr. Putin. We asked[him] to use his influence to make sure that India and Pakistan sit down at the negotiating table and reach a diplomatic solution, Fatemi said on Wednesday.He also emphasised that Pakistan awaits any initiative from Russia that would help reduce the degree of tension with India, TASS reported."We are here to see support from Russia to any initiative that would ease tensions. Pakistan and India must sit down at the negotiating table, he was quoted as saying by the Russian news agency."We are ready to sit down with them at the negotiating table and let them solve the problem, he added.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.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. Even though its been well over a week since Season Two of The Rehearsal wrapped up, a number of fans are still obsessing over the finale, possibly with the aid of a cork board and string. As anyone who watched all of The Rehearsal (or caught Nathan Fielder on Wolf Blitzers CNN show) is already aware, My Controls ended with Fielder obtaining his pilots license and seemingly taking a 737 full of actors for a brief plane ride. The comedian later dubbed this momentous flight the Miracle Over the Mojave, purely to stick it to Captain Sully. But after the episode aired, suspicious fans decided to dig a little deeper, and uncovered data indicating that there were multiple flights, not just one as the show suggested. As a result, some folks theorized that Fielder only ever piloted empty 737s for the cameras, and ceded the captains chair to a more experienced pilot when passengers were on board. Don't Miss Well, now these same online sleuths have yet another piece of evidence to examine. Over on Reddit, a Rehearsal fan shared a photo of what appears to be an actual boarding pass for Fielders private flight. A co-worker of mine was one of the actors on Nathans flight, the post reads. He said he got a normal text from his booking service the day before, then a follow-up text asking if he was okay with flying. He had no idea that a first time pilot/comedian would be piloting the plane until others on the flight figured out what was happening. Reddit While many sympathized with the actors brutal seat downgrade (Probably an attractive person was allowed to steal the original ticket holders seat, someone speculated), others were surprised to learn that not everyone on the plane was aware of the true nature of the flight. Wait, what about the opening scene of the episode where hes making it clear to individual actors that he will be the one piloting the flight? one user questioned. Did he only tell some of the actors and not everyone? Advertisement Its true that the episode began with Fielder sitting down with many of the actors who we had already met over the course of the show, inviting them to take another job playing passengers on a real Boeing 737 that he himself would be piloting. Fielder acknowledged that this would be unconventional for an acting role, telling one actress, if any part of you feels even the slightest bit hesitant or uncomfortable with this, I just want you to know (its) totally fine if you want to opt out or not participate, I would not be offended in any way. Advertisement Obviously Fielder couldnt personally speak with all 150 passengers in front of cameras, but the show certainly implied that the participants were all aware that Fielder would be flying the plane, and that he didnt want anyone to feel unsafe, which is a far cry from getting a mass text that only made sure actors were okay with flying. Advertisement The episode also made a big deal of the fact that the plane was full of actors because Fielder hadnt accrued enough hours to work for an airline, but found a loophole that would legally allow him to fly paid professionals, rather than paying customers. All of which is to say that if Fielder really was piloting the passenger plane, and not all of the people on board were informed that their pilot was a former Comedy Central star who didnt have the same level of experience as a typical commercial pilot, that seems like a potential legal nightmare. One that HBO very likely wouldnt approve. But a number of Fielder devotees seem fed up with these efforts to debunk the comedians apparent achievement. Hes a fully licensed pilot, thats all I need to know. Im okay with the rest of it still being a little mysterious, one fan noted. Maybe well find out more in the eventual Nathan Fielder biopic starring Tom Hanks. The various creatures of Sesame Street may not know all their letters and numbers, but theyre still savvy New Yorkers. With that, theyre imbued with the same knowledge most city residents have about their most notorious native son: Donald Trump isnt to be trusted. Decades before Trump entered politics and threatened to cut funding to public television like Sesame Street, the groundbreaking educational series saw him for the rapacious, amoral charlatan he is and used its platform to speak out against his greed. On three separate occasions, direct parodies of pre-presidential Trump descended upon Sesame Street to cause trouble, only to be scared away faster than Count Von Count could count to three. Ronald Grump (1988) Ronald Grump visited Sesame Street on January 14, 1988. He introduces himself to Oscar the Grouch as a developer with a bold idea called Grump Tower, an apartment building consisting of six trash cans for grouches to live in. Grump wants Oscar to give up his spot on Sesame Street and provides him with three bags of trash. In return, Oscar can live in the development with plenty of space for other grouches, to which Oscar agrees. Once the complex is built, Oscar seems happy (or unhappy, as it can get a little confusing with him). The new structure has space for him, a few other grouches and Oscars two pets (Slimy the worm and Fluffy the elephant). However, much like the real Trump, who is one of just two presidents in U.S. history to own zero pets, Ronald Grump doesnt like animals. And according to the contract Oscar signed, he needs to either get rid of his pets or buy back the space for 40 bags of trash (which is a lot for Oscar, who doesnt appear to have a steady source of income). Fortunately, the residents of Sesame Street come to Oscars rescue by donating their own bags of trash to the cause in a gesture of wealth redistribution some might view as downright socialist. For his part, Ronald Grump takes his trash and leaves Sesame Street, never to be seen again at least, not in the same form. Advertisement Ronald Grump (1994) Play Six years after the puppet version of Ronald Grump was booted off Sesame Street, an entirely separate Trump parody with the same name would become the central villain on the primetime ABC special, Sesame Street All-Star 25th Birthday: Stars and Street Forever! This new Ronald Grump, played by Joe Pesci in a Trumpian wig, wants to tear down the whole block of Sesame Street and erect a much bigger Grump Tower. Unlike the last Grump Tower, which was just six trash cans, this Grump Tower is a skyscraper that much more closely resembles the real-life Trump Tower. All the residents of Sesame Street humans and puppets alike are powerless to stop him. All except one, that is. Advertisement Advertisement While Oscar the Grouch is the central victim of the first Ronald Grumps greed, hes the hero in this story. Since his trash can sits on a city-owned sidewalk, Oscar is the only resident of Sesame Street that Grump cant force out, and Oscar, being Oscar, vows to spread misery and ill-will to anyone who moves into Grump Tower. Oscar successfully scares off some potential Grump Tower residents, convincing Ronald Grump that no one will want to live in his monstrosity so long as Oscar is hanging out in front of it. In the end, Grump relents, and the residents of Sesame Street celebrate with a rendition of the trademark Sesame Street song Sing. In a surprising twist, even Ronald Grump is moved by the song and joins in, revealing that theres at least an ounce of humanity in the greedy tycoon (making it the least believable of the three parodies). Advertisement Its go time! When Mickey shouts that phrase before charging at Kramer in Season Eight of Seinfeld, fans were already familiar with these three little words. Two episodes earlier, geriatric personal trainer Izzy Mandelbaum originates the line to motivate Jerry. Then, Mandelbaums very old son repeats Its go time! before attempting to pick up a heavy television at the end of the episode. And after Mickey yells the in-joke as he charges Kramer, the line reappears again in Season Nine when Izzy makes his second appearance. Don't Miss Its go time! is just one of the many running gags on Seinfeld that span more than one season. So, which were the best of the best? Eric Dobin and Adam Pacecca, co-hosts of The Place To Be: A Seinfeld Podcast, helped me compile this list of the shows all-time multi-season gags including the greatest one for each main character. George: Art Vandelay Of course Seinfelds longest-running gag was born in George Costanzas brain. In Episode Two, The Stake Out, Jerry and George hang out in the lobby of a womans building so Jerry can pretend to bump into her. George offers Jerry a cover story for why theyre there, encouraging him to say theyre meeting with an importer/exporter friend of theirs. After trying out a few other names for this fictional friend, George arrives at Art Vandelay, the pseudonym he will use again and again throughout the series. The final payoff of the gag arrives in the series finale when the gang discovers the man overseeing their trial is Judge Art Vandelay. The Seinfeld finale has a lot wrong with it, but this joke was both hilarious and rewarding to longtime viewers. Kramer: Bob Sacamano Stories According to Dobin and Pacecca, Kramers many unseen friends take the cake for the best of his characters running gags. Consider, for instance, the wild stories of the never-seen Bob Sacamano, who is first mentioned in Season Twos The Heart Attack. But these never-seen friends crop up well before then, too. In Season Ones The Stock Tip, Kramer mentions that a bunch of friends he met at a rock concert are coming over, and he asks if they can sleep in Jerrys bed. Then, in Season Twos The Jacket, he mentions a magician friend. Advertisement Advertisement While these arent quite the same as his stories about Bob Sacamano getting a job at a condom factory or receiving electroshock therapy, the earlier examples are like the primordial ooze of Kramers friends running gag. Jerry: Hello, Newman In Season Threes The Suicide, we finally meet one of Kramers friends in person: Newman, played by Wayne Knight. Although the delivery is rather understated in comparison to later seasons, when Jerry and Newman first spot each other, Newman says, Hello, Jerry, and Jerry responds with a Hello, Newman. From there, as Knight makes more and more appearances on the show, the formal greeting is repeated, each time with more loathing on both sides. Hello, Newman is the closest thing Jerry ever had to a catchphrase, and it just might be the shows most memorable line which says a lot for a series thats had such a heavy impact on our lexicon. Advertisement Advertisement Elaine: Get Out! The genius of Hello, Newman is how hilariously one-note it is, but Elaines best running gag line is adjusted each time to suit the occasion. In Season Twos The Apartment, Jerry tells Elaine that he found her an apartment in his building with rent for only $400 a month. Elaine excitedly responds by saying, Get out! as she shoves Jerry with both hands. After that, Elaine would say Get out! many times throughout the series, usually with a shove but sometimes not. She would even occasionally shove someone without saying it. Looking at the above supercut of all of them only serves to underline what a fantastic actor Julia Louis-Dreyfus is, being that she could find so much range and nuance in two simple words accompanied by one simple action. Advertisement Aimee Lou Wood is still answering questions about that SNL sketch that ridiculed her smile. Sarah Sherman did a Wood impression in a White Lotus parody, sporting an enormous pair of buck teeth that exaggerated the actors appearance. I did find the SNL thing mean and unfunny, Wood posted on her Instagram Story the following day. But Sherman sent flowers, and everyone seemed ready to move on. That didnt stop Variety from asking Wood about the sketch during a joint interview with Walton Goggins. To be fair, the interview was conducted a week before Goggins hosted SNL and only a week after Wood had made her complaints public. At that very specific moment in Saturday Night Live history, rumors whispered that shed asked Goggins to step down from his hosting duties. I was so upset when people (said that), Wood responded. For fucks sake, of course Walton should do SNL. Thats got nothing to do with me. Hes fucking had a career for, like, how long? Don't Miss Seventy years, Goggins joked. Wood recalled that almost immediately after her critical social media post, the reaction was, Aimee caught crying over SNL skit. I was not crying over the SNL skit, she corrected. I was over it the minute I said it. Still, she doesnt regret being honest about her reaction. This is an important moment for me, because what I would usually do is see it and turn the anger inward, she confessed. I thought, Im just gonna say it, so I dont spiral. Goggins affirmed the decision. Thats self-love. I know for a fact a man wrote that. It wasnt Sarah Sherman, dont hate on her, Wood said. I didnt like the concept. Take the piss out of me. Do the teeth! Ive got the teeth, but, like Goggins interrupted to compliment, The most beautiful smile in the world. Thank you, Wood continued. The punch line should not be how I look. Thats what bothered me. Do the caricature, because thats what SNL is. It felt misogynistic. It felt like the punch line was a womans appearance, which is just not funny. Its not cool. Advertisement Speaking of teeth, Goggins told Variety that another story about his alleged feud with Wood was untrue. He shut down an interview with a reporter from The Times of London after he was asked about the rumored rift and whether or not he and Wood had bonded over their choppers. (At one point, Goggins told the reporter, I leave it to other people to talk about hairlines or my big f***ing teeth.) What he was insinuating, it was so disgusting, Goggins said. It was so appalling. I was flabbergasted. And I said, Fuck mate, wow. I think were done here. Jalen McKee-Rodriguez of the San Antonio City Council is outraged that the police department ruled out the possibility that the murder of Jonathan Joss was a hate crime before the actors body was even cold. On Sunday evening, according to the San Antonio Police Department, Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, a neighbor to the late King of the Hill and Parks and Recreation star, pulled up to Joss property in a vehicle and began arguing with him. Ceja, 56, then drew a rifle and shot Joss multiple times before driving away. When police officers responded to the 911 call about an active shooting, they found Joss dead on the scene, and they swiftly arrested Ceja just a block away from where he allegedly murdered his neighbor. Ceja was charged with felony first-degree murder, telling the arresting officers simply, I shot him. He is now out on bail. Don't Miss But according to Joss husband, Tristen Kern de Gonzales, the official report on the murder is far from the whole story. Shortly after the shooting, Gonzales posted on Joss Facebook account claiming that his husbands murder followed years of homophobic harassment from their neighbors, which the San Antonio Police Department failed to investigate before it was too late. McKee-Rodgriguez, who represents the citys second district, supported Gonzales account of the murder and the lead-up to the tragedy, taking to Twitter earlier this week to criticize his police departments handling of the case. McKee-Rodriguez declared, This is a horrific look. SAPD must do better. The local San Antonio news site MySA reached out to Bexar County Criminal District Attorney Joe Gonzales for a comment on the hate-crime allegations surrounding Joss murder, and Gonzales office submitted this statement on the matter: Our heart goes out to the loved ones of Jonathan Joss, and we are incredibly sorry for their loss. Because the investigation is still pending, we cannot make any determination regarding the nature of the case at this time. Advertisement Meanwhile, Pride Center San Antonio is planning a vigil to honor Joss in hopes of creating a space to grieve, process and collectively come together to mourn the violent loss. The vigil will start on Sunday, June 8th, at 7 p.m., exactly one week after the murder. Jonathan was brutally shot by his neighbor in front of his partner. Both Jonathan and his partner Tristan endured years of harassment, discrimination and violence reported to local police, the Pride Center wrote in an Instagram post about the event. We demand accountability and answers. This was a hate crime, this was an act of violent unchecked homophobia and transphobia. STORY LINK GBP/USD Forecast: Dollar Drifts, Pound Underpinned by British Services PMI Like this piece? Please share with your friends and colleagues: The Pound to Dollar exchange rate (GBP/USD) held strong on Wednesday after the UKs final services PMI was revised higher for May.At the time of writing, GBP/USD was trading at $1.3533, up roughly 0.2% since the beginning of the European session.The Pound (GBP) found a degree of stability midweek, following a better-than-expected reading from the UKs services sector.Final data for Mays services PMI showed a return to growth, clocking in at 50.9 a notable improvement from Aprils 49 and slightly higher than the initial flash estimate of 50.2. Coupled with an earlier revision to the UKs manufacturing PMI, the figures suggest the economy narrowly sidestepped another month of contraction.Adding to the mix of supportive headlines, Chancellor Rachel Reeves unveiled a 15bn investment package aimed at upgrading the countrys transport infrastructure. Meanwhile, news that British steel and aluminium exports will be spared from the latest wave of US tariffs provided a further lift to sentiment.That said, broader market caution acted as a cap on gains for the Pound, tempering any more substantial upward momentum.The US Dollar (USD) struggled to find clear direction on Wednesday, as global investors navigated an unsettled market backdrop shaped by renewed trade tensions.While equity markets edged higher often a signal of growing risk appetite underlying caution lingered, particularly in light of fresh tariff measures announced by President Donald Trump. The conflicting signals left traders uncertain about the broader mood, which in turn kept the safe-haven US Dollar on a subdued path.With sentiment swinging between optimism and unease, the Greenback drifted through the session, lacking the momentum typically fuelled by a clear risk-on or risk-off narrative.Looking ahead, the Pound may find itself muted through the latter half of the week, with the UK economic calendar offering little in the way of fresh data. In the absence of key releases, investors could turn their attention to political or trade-related developments. Any signs of progress on a US-UK trade agreement, for instance, may offer some tailwinds for Sterling.Across the Atlantic, the US Dollar could react to the latest initial jobless claims on Thursday. Markets are anticipating a modest decline in new unemployment filings for the week starting 31 May. However, should the figures print higher than expected once again, the Greenback may come under renewed pressure.That said, significant movement is more likely to be reserved for Friday, when the closely watched non-farm payrolls report lands. Forecasts point to a slowdown in US job creation, with Mays figure expected to dip to 130,000 from Aprils 177,000. Signs of a softening labour market could dampen USD demand, especially if wage growth also falters. International Money Transfer? Ask our resident FX expert a money transfer question or try John's new, free, no-obligation personal service! ,where he helps every step of the way, ensuring you get the best exchange rates on your currency requirements. TAGS: Pound Dollar Forecasts Lets assume Sir Keir Starmer wants to win the next election. Lets also assume he has no desire to be replaced as Prime Minister in the next year or so by Wes Streeting or Angela Rayner or anyone else. Hes a politician, after all, and politicians relish power Starmer more than most, I would think. I also suggest that hes at least averagely intelligent, and should be able to weigh up the chances of any policy succeeding. After the struggles, compromises and humiliations involved in achieving high office, Starmer has no intention of throwing it all away. Why, then, does he show every sign of doing so? On the single issue that may matter most to a majority of voters, he is hurtling towards certain disaster, while denying himself any prospect of an escape route. I mean the boats coming across the Channel. Numbers of migrants doing the 21-mile journey are up by 42 per cent on the same period last year. An analysis by The Times, using similar modelling as Border Force, predicts that 50,000 people will cross the Channel in small boats in 2025. That would be an annual record and a stonking debacle for Sir Keir. Peering into his mind, I reckon there are two main possible explanations for his behaviour. One is that he is deluding himself. He really believes numbers will come down once the measures he has taken start to work. If Starmer still thinks that his policies throwing hundreds of millions at the French authorities, improving intelligence and using enhanced law enforcement powers will reduce the numbers, that really is the triumph of hope over experience. The other possibility is that he is already beginning dimly to realise that his stratagems wont bear much, if any, fruit. So he and the Government have decided to pull the wool over our eyes. A fatal approach. There have been two such examples in recent days. Having said in an online post on Monday that he felt angry about the numbers crossing the Channel (how does he think the rest of us feel!?) the PM made a slippery claim. Sir Keir Starmer now has nothing formidable in his locker, Stephen Glover writes Only 2,240 small-boat migrants were sent home in the 12 months to March, 3 per cent fewer than in the previous year He boasted that almost 30,000 people had been removed from the UK by this Government. Sounds good. But in fact this figure refers to all types of migrants who have no right to be in our country. Only 2,240 small-boat migrants were sent home in the 12 months to March, 3 per cent fewer than in the previous year. A lie? Good God no! We mustnt accuse Labour prime ministers, far less Sir Keir Starmer KCB, PC, KC, MP, of telling deliberate fibs. Shall we settle for a statistical sleight of hand? The other instance of the Government not being entirely straight was the Home Offices claim earlier this week that there have been more migrants this year because of balmy weather. These are called red days, when the sea is calm. But an analysis by my colleague David Barrett in yesterdays Mail shows that in temperate May last year there were 21 red days but only 2,765 arrivals, about 1,000 fewer than last month. In gentle June 2024 there were 20 red days, though only 3,007 migrants were recorded crossing the Channel. The most probable explanation is that last May and June the Governments plan to send illegal migrants to Rwanda had finally cleared persistent judicial obstruction. Some, at least, were deterred from crossing the Channel for fear of being packed off to the central African country. The Rwanda scheme was far from perfect it was expensive, and liable to legal challenge because the country has an authoritarian government but at least it had some prospect of deterring migrants. The incoming Labour Government threw away its only plausible means of curbing the boats. Good for Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, who in a speech tomorrow will undertake to resurrect a plan strikingly similar to the Rwandan one. Starmer now has nothing formidable in his locker. Literally nothing. He can give further millions to the French government but it wont make much, if any, difference. French police will still loll around on beaches, thinking of the sand castles they made as children, as they watch migrant boats setting off for Dover. The fact is that the French will never strain themselves because every migrant who leaves their shores is one less migrant for them to worry about. It is naive to imagine that they are ever going to be zealous on our behalf. Nor will Sir Keirs idea of improving intelligence and law enforcement be decisive. As for Labours reported intention to tinker with Article 8 of the Human Rights Act so as to preclude bogus asylum claims, that is welcome, but even if it becomes law it is unlikely to have much effect on overall numbers. Are the PM and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper beginning to panic as they realise they dont have a single policy likely to fulfil their promise of smashing the gangs? If they arent desperate, they jolly well should be. Three weeks ago, Sir Keir was embarrassed after he had applauded talks over Rwanda-style return hubs only minutes before his Albanian counterpart, standing a few feet away, ruled out any cooperation. Maybe the Government will persuade the Kosovans or the North Macedonians to set up some sort of scheme. But if it does, it will take months, if not years, and people will wonder why Sir Keir cancelled an arrangement that he is at least partly attempting to revive. Ive no particular wish to throw Starmer a lifeline but, as Ive suggested before, theres one possible path out of the hole he has dug for himself though it would take enormous determination and courage for him to take it. There are many uninhabited British islands off our coast and further afield. Pick one of them. Create a camp similar to those on the Isle of Man that housed alien internees during the War. Build hundreds of huts rather than erecting less sturdy tents, as ex-Reform MP Rupert Lowe has proposed. Recruit doctors and officials to assess claims more quickly than happens at present and then return most migrants to where they came from. The cost of setting up such a camp would be a fraction of the 4.3 billion spent last year on housing migrants and asylum seekers. Can anyone tell me why not? Few migrants would fancy kicking their heels for months in a camp, however humane, so it would be a marvellous deterrent. Cross the Channel, and you will be our guest on a possibly windy island rather than in a four-star hotel. Granted, in order to stave off vexatious legal challenges wed probably have to derogate from the European Court of Human Rights, which would be a step too far for our cautious Prime Minister. But he doesnt have a better idea. In fact, he hasnt got any ideas at all that are liable to stem the growing numbers of people streaming across the English Channel. Things can only get worse and as they do Labour will sink ever lower in public esteem. Does Sir Keir Starmer really want to be the signatory of his own political death warrant? With their adorable teddy bear-esque coats and Instagram-perfect curls, it's no surprise that poodle crosses and other designer breeds have become all the rage. But the reality of owning a cockapoo, cavapoo or any other 'doodle' is far from the picture-perfect impression given on social media. During the coronavirus pandemic, thousands of Brits spent thousands on the photogenic puppies - loved by owners for their 'no shed' coats and minimal mess. And with their sweet and harmless expressions and puppy dog eyes, it seems hard to believe that the reality of doodle ownership is nothing short of a 'nightmare'. Speaking to MailOnline, owners have shared how they've spent thousands on the 'expensive' pets only to be floored by extortionate vet bills as a result of recurring health issues. Cockapoos and smaller dog breeds are prone to 'patellar luxation', which causes their kneecaps to slip, while others described bouts of 'horrendous colitis', cataracts and allergies. And far from being perfectly behaved, owners have ended up being forced to deal with ultra-clingy 'velcro' dogs who show displays of aggression towards others and display 'food-avoidant' habits, necessitating expensive alternatives. 'Poodle crosses were meant to be the answer to everything - hypoallergenic, versatile size, easy to train and absolutely heart-meltingly cute (especially as teddy-like puppies),' Francesca Verney, veterinary director of Pet People told MailOnline. 'But in many cases - a poorly bred, insufficiently socialised dog in the dedicated but often naive owner's hands can be a recipe for difficulty with high prevalence of disc disease, allergy, immune-mediated disease, separation anxiety and reactivity. 'A crying shame that the context has affected the original stamp of a lovely cross.' Tam Johnston, from Brighton, says her three-year-old cavapoochon Darcie is so clingy that she's unable to leave her alone for more than two hours at a time - and means she needs to work from home. With their adorable teddy bear-esque coats and Instagram-perfect curls, it's no surprise that poodle crosses and other designer breeds have become all the rage. Pictured: Arlo the cockapoo Tam Johnston, from Brighton, says her three-year-old cavapoochon Darcie is so clingy that she's unable to leave her alone for more than two hours at a time She explained she'd wanted to get a dog for years and, after putting in a lot of research, eventually settled on the breed, which is a blend of King Charles Spaniel, poodle and Bichon Frise. Tam, 50, told MailOnline: 'I knew that their temperament was incredibly sweet. They love human company. It basically ticked all the boxes in terms of what I wanted. 'They are very much one of the dogs at the moment and they get such positive press. They are a brilliant breed.' As a therapist, Tam imagined that her new pet would fit into her lifestyle 'perfectly', imagining them travelling up to London together and having Darcie sit in on sessions. She said she had initially dismissed any warnings that poodle breeds can be 'fussy eaters' and 'velcro dogs', putting it down to an individual 'training issue'. She picked up Darcie from the breeder - whom she says 'couldn't have been better' - in Nottingham, before driving back down home to Brighton. Initially, her new pet was an 'absolute gem' and slept the whole way home in the car. But just a couple of days later, the first problems started. Tam found herself in a nightmare of dealing with 'fresh blood and mucus', recalling: 'It all kicked off. I was like, "Oh, my God, what's going on?". She was just so distressed with it. Scott Putman from Bedford, who owns cockapoo Arlo, unexpectedly found himself go viral on TikTok after a video of his pet destroying rolls of toilet paper racked up more than 100,000 views As a therapist, Tam imagined that her new pet would fit into her lifestyle 'perfectly'. Darcie pictured 'She was just wailing in distress. It was horrible, absolutely horrible! Especially when it's a tiny bean sized thing that you're responsible for and don't quite know what's going on!' After ringing the emergency vet, Tam was told Darcie had colitis - an inflammation of the colon that often leads to diarrhea. For the first year and a half of owning Darcie, Tam explained that she would be prone to these nasty flare-ups, leading to a 'constant cycle' of her not being able to reach a healthy weight and having no energy. On some occasions, especially after she was spayed, Tam said it became so bad that they had to set up a form of 'doggy intensive care' at home. In addition, the precious early 'puppy' stage of Darcie's life where the family should have been bonding were just incredibly 'stressful', and meant it took them seven months to house train her. Tam said: 'It's stressful having a new pup, anyway, with all the training - the toilet training and everything else. 'There wasn't that much time where we were just able to enjoy each other and have that puppy time. Her health was the main point, and it was just distressing and stressful to see, and I just felt like I couldn't quite get on top of it.' Darcie, three, is pictured after going for blood tests with bandages on Darcie has suffered with painful bouts of colitis, which meant her first months with her new family were very difficult Tam said Darcie was much smaller than she expected and has experienced various health issues Darcie's personality, too, has meant she's ended up 'dominating' their lives. Tam explained that she's so 'clingy' she can't be left alone for long periods as she won't 'sleep, eat or do anything'. She's also an incredibly fussy eater who will 'starve herself for days' before feeling constant nausea, even refusing to eat dry kibble. Tam says she's constantly having to think up new tricks just to get her to eat, such as putting butter or bacon bits on the end of treats, or by shopping for more expensive food options. As a result, she said she's spent 'thousands per year' on vets bills, as well as food and grooming and, though she'd love a companion for Darcie, she simply 'can't afford' it. 'If we're going to go for these designer dogs, we need to make sure that we really know what they're all about,' she said. 'There are parts that aren't talked about as much.' In addition, Darcie is so clingy that she can't be left for more than two hours at a time Jenna Beverley, owner of two-year-old cockapoo Toby, said her boy has been such 'hard work' that she wouldn't get another one. Like Darcie, Toby has also been plagued with health issues, including bad allergies, issues with his anal glands and genetic cataracts. He also had a unilateral cryptorchidism, meaning he needed a abdominal castration as one testicle didn't descend - which could have lead to health issues in the long term, and increase the risk of cancer. Jenna, from south Yorkshire, who herself works in veterinary medicine, said she already knew about the 'troubles' associated with the breed, but took him on from a family friend who could no longer look after him. She described Toby as a 'nightmare' for food, as well as being clingy, and snapping at and attacking other dogs he doesn't like, especially bulldogs and Labradors. She told FEMAIL: 'I wouldn't have another. He's my boy but he's hard work! 'I would warn others about the things that can go wrong when crossing two breeds, there's no guarantee on anything, especially temperament.' According to Francesca from Pet People, cockapoos rose from 10th on the most popular dog list to 4th between 2016 and 2018, climbing even further since Covid. Though, she added, a study published in August 2024 refuted claims that they are either better or worse than their pedigree counterparts in terms of disease risk, 'high volume breeding, inexperienced owners, poor socialisation during COVID have all led to the poodle crosses now presenting with a range of health and behaviour issues commensurate with a rush to breed this type of dog under the pandemic supply pressure'. Scott Putman from Bedford, who owns cockapoo Arlo, unexpectedly found himself go viral on TikTok after a video of his pet destroying rolls of toilet paper racked up more than 100,000 views. Scott insisted that Arlo is, generally, a 'good boy' and very good with their children, aged eight and five Arlo went viral on social media for being cheeky, but Scott says he's actually very well behaved In the video, Scott came home from work to find that Arlo had spread five or six rolls all over the carpet, after they accidentally left the door open to the downstairs toilet. 'Arlo, what have you done?!' Scott exclaimed. 'What is this mess? Naughty dog!' Despite the mess, Scott insisted that Arlo is, generally, a 'good boy' and very good with their children, aged eight and five. The family paid 800 for Arlo, as Scott's wife had a cockapoo before, and they thought the breed was 'very cute'. However, he thinks Arlo's especially good behaviour is partially down to 'strict training' when he was young and says it's 'harder work than people expect'. Scott told FEMAIL: 'People, if they look at sort of pictures, they think it's going to be a breeze. It's not always like that.' Even so, Arlo remains an incredibly fussy eater and 'literally pulls your arms off' when taken for a walk on the lead. He's also 'very very needy'. Scott, 35, said: 'He'll follow you upstairs literally everywhere he's there. He's like your shadow. 'They are very very cute, especially when you see pictures of them online. They really win you over.' Mark Graham, from Sage Vets in Loughton, said they do see particular traits among the poodle breed, and its crosses. He said: 'We do find certain breeds and their crosses, such as Cockapoos and Cavapoos, are prone to particular behavioural traits, clinginess and anxiety among them. There is growing evidence that some of these may have a genetic basis. 'These dogs surged in popularity during the lockdown, when reduced opportunities for training and socialisation meant many became accustomed to constant human company, making separation anxiety increasingly common. HOW TO BEST CARE FOR A COCKAPOO OR POODLE CROSS Speaking to Femail, Mark Graham from Sage Vets Loughton shared his best tips to make sure your dog is as happy as possible: 1. Go in with your eyes open. 2. Choose a reputable breeder who carries out health screenings 3. Early socialisation and consistent and positive training can help overcome behavioural challenges 4. Speak to other owners and spend time with their dogs before committing yourself 5. Start home dental care such as daily toothbrushing 6. Make sure your pet has regular veterinary check-ups to help catch skin or ear issues before they become chronic Advertisement 'This was the case across all breeds. From a health perspective, we do see a higher prevalence of skin allergies which often manifest as ear problems in these popular dogs and smaller breed in general are more prone to dental disease.' To help best care for a cockapoo, he recommends going in with your eyes open, choosing reputable breeder and being consistent with training. Vet Dr. Suzanne Moyes in comparison with dog food brand Green Pantry, shed light on some of the other common health issues facing the breed. She said that cockapoos are especially prone to obesity and hip issues. Dr Suzanne said: 'Hip dysplasia is also a common problem with Cockapoos, an issue that can be exacerbated by obesity. While you can't always prevent joint problems such as hip dysplasia, there is much you can do to help. 'For example, try to ensure they get regular exercise, and you could consider complementary therapeutic regimes such as hydrotherapy or laser therapy.' Other conditions include patellar luxation, which commonly affects smaller dogs. She said: 'It can often affect Cavapoos, causing their kneecaps to slip and cause discomfort, sometimes leading to osteoarthritis. 'A key giveaway sign can be your dog giving a little skip on one of their hind legs when walking or running. If you notice this, it is best to get them rechecked by your vet. 'Keeping your Cavapoo at a healthy weight, with the correct nutrition, is one way to help. 'Dental issues are common in many dogs, particularly in breeds like Cavapoos. Problems such as bad breath, tooth decay, gingivitis, cavities, and even tooth loss can arise if dental health isn't properly managed.' Elsewhere, other breeds have also been the victim to 'designer' status wreaking havoc on their health. One family has been left devastated by the emotional toll on their dog Dudley, as a result of irresponsible puppy mills. David and Susan, not their real names, got the French Bulldog as a rescue from a family, but the two-year-old was born at a breeder two years ago. They have for two years endured watching not only their beloved suffer with a myriad of ailments but stacked up vet bills of around 20,000. They were led to believe that he had a clean bill of health and allegedly was vet checked by the breeder and his previous owners, who Dudley was adopted from. However, it turned out he suffered from a number of severe health issues affecting his back, hip and knees. The vet, as well as neurologists and orthopaedics, told Susan that Dudleys conditions are hereditary, and that the breeder would have been aware of the potential ill health of Dudley and his siblings. 'We weren't even sure we wanted a dog,' Susan revealed, speaking to FEMAIL. 'Dudley apparently would go for a lot of money because of his fur... it doesn't make a difference to us, to us he's just Dudley.' The couple, who also have two children aged seven and nine got him in May 2023 even though they were initially not even sure they wanted a pet. Needless to say, they fell head over heels with the excitable Frenchie, who is beloved by the whole family, and he was as cheerful as he was active. By September of that year however, Dudley had collapsed from both his back legs. They got him to an emergency vets as they weren't sure what was wrong with their pooch - who was very energetic and used to love walking - but X-Rays revealed he had Stage 3 Luxating patella. One family has been left devastated by the emotional toll on their dog Dudley, as a result of irresponsible puppy mills They were led to believe that he had a clean bill of health and allegedly was vet checked by the breeder and his previous owners, who Dudley was adopted from. However, it turned out he suffered from a number of severe health issues affecting his back, hip and knees According to pet charity PDSA, this means the kneecap dislocates and slips out of the groove in the thighbone, often causing pain and a limp. There are different levels of severity, but at stage 3 'the kneecap is permanently dislocated, can be pushed back into place by your vet, but slips straight out again when they let go'. Initial hospital visits made it clear that these issues are hereditary - and professionals advised that Dudley be neutered lest he pass the genes on to others. The pup 'kept on collapsing' - but as David and Susan couldn't afford health care where they're based, they went up North 'driving six hours at a time' just to find a more feasible solution. He has now had both his knees done, but is also suffering a torn ligament and was limping again a couple months ago, as well as battling tendinitis (an inflammation of the tendons). While they got some money back from insurance, the procedures on the suffering two-year-old have already set the family back around 20,000. However, the biggest cost for them has been the emotional toll of seeing their beloved pooch in agony and not able to enjoy his life. 'Money comes and goes but he's so playful and the boys used to love wrestling around with him,' Susan lamented. The pup 'kept on collapsing' - but as David and Susan couldn't afford health care where they're based, they went up North 'driving six hours at a time' just to find a more feasible solution He has now had both his knees done, but is also suffering a torn ligament and was limping again a couple months ago, as well as battling tendinitis (an inflammation of the tendons) While they got some money back from insurance, the procedures on the suffering two-year-old have already set the family back around 20,000 The coupe were also full of praise for the Animal Trust - who help owners find affordable vet care - who are 'brilliant and have done so much for Dudley' Dudley, as a result of how he has been bred, also has bad breathing problems because his tongue is too big for his face - and his spine is always crooked. The owners admitted that he might need more surgery in the future- and will always suffer with health issues. 'There's a lot more dogs out there,' they warned, expressing that a dog like Dudley could, to lucrative breeders, be sold for anywhere between 3,500 - 5,000. They also stressed regulation needs to improve as people are 'making money underground'. 'When you star to add up how any litters there are, it's a lot,' David added, with the pair comparing it to 'organised crime'. 'But the puppy mills don't care.' David and Susan are hoping to raise more awareness and are considering looking into a study on the phenomenon. They have also said the Kennel Club - a 'dog health, welfare and training' organisation - can do 'much more' to curb creating inadvertent demand for cute 'show dogs'. 'We are doing our best for Dudley,' they added, hoping they can give him a good life and one that is 'much calmer' to care for his ailments. 'We're very fortunate that we're in a position and we can get support,' they added, remarking on the trips up North they take for medical assistance. The coupe were also full of praise for the Animal Trust - who help owners find affordable vet care - who are 'brilliant and have done so much for Dudley'. MailOnline has reached out to the Kennel Club for comment. A Kennel Club spokesperson said: 'We are deeply concerned about unscrupulous breeders who produce large volumes of puppies with no consideration for their health or welfare, simply to cash in on demand and dupe unsuspecting owners. 'This is why The Kennel Club campaigns to improve how dogs are bred and bought, and provides breeders with resources and health schemes so they can produce the healthiest dogs possible, and guidance for those who want to buy a puppy responsibly. Our "Find a Puppy" tool is a good starting point with transparent information about the pups we register, including all health test results, available online to aid good decisions. 'Sadly, rather than in-depth research by puppy buyers, it is media and celebrity culture which drives demand for certain breeds or types of dogs, and where there is a high demand for popular dogs, unfortunately there will always be unscrupulous breeders taking advantage. 'Research carried out by The Kennel Club as part of its annual Be Puppywise campaign - which raises awareness of how to buy a puppy responsibly and spot rogue breeders - found that a quarter of dog owners only spend two hours or less researching their puppy purchase.' Meghan Markle's 'mixed messages' about the restock of her As Ever brand may 'gather attention and likes', but risk turning customers on her for good, a public relations expert has warned. The Duchess left fans baffled after she announced she was both replenishing her line of spreads, tea and crepe mix and putting a pause on them in the same day. PR guru Natalie Trice explained that 'consistency and truth are everything', as she warned that Meghan's chaotic approach is not hitting the mark with neither. 'Once again it would seem that Meghan is sending mixed messages to her audience, something one would hope would've been resolved by now, as it's not the first time,' Trice, founder of UK-based Natalie Trice Publicity, told the Daily Mail. 'People need to feel confident that her brand has a clear plan and direction and that these comments and stunts aren't just to gather attention and likes, she needs to be creating legacy. 'Consistency and truth are everything and they go hand in hand when it comes to building trust and loyalty which I think she is trying to do but not quite getting it right. On Tuesday, Meghan took to her As Ever Instagram page to announce that she would be dropping more of her sell-out products, which retail from $12-$28. Meghan Markle has issued mixed messages about the future of her As Ever brand prompting confusion among fans However on the same day, she told her Confessions of a Female Founder podcast and guest Tina Knowles that she was putting a 'pause' on the items. The Duchess said she wanted to wait until she was 'completely stable' to restock her products, which included raspberry spread, honey, herbal tea and ready made crepe mix- all of which received a less than stellar review by Daily Mail's FEMAIL team. 'So for me at the moment, with As Ever, it was great. We planned for a year we get and then everything sells out in 45 minutes,' Meghan said on the podcast. 'Yes, amazing, great news. Then what do you do? And then you say "Okay, we planned as best as we could. Are we going to replenish and sell out again in an hour? Or is that annoying as a customer?" 'I'm looking at it saying, "Just pause. That happened. Let's wait until we are completely stable and we have everything we need".' Her podcast episode came just weeks after she claimed in an interview with Fast Company that she may never restock the jam and instead head into hawking clothing. The confusing communications do not help bolster the brand's reputation which should be based on 'consistency and truth' according to PR guru Natalie Trice The As Ever range included raspberry spread, honey, herbal tea and ready made crepe mix- all of which received a less than stellar review by Daily Mail's FEMAIL team Meghan sparked confusion after announcing she was pausing production and replenishing stock on the same day The back and forth left fans utterly confused and some have even taken to X to share their frustrations. 'Just recently, As Ever wasn't going to restock until 2026. Then, Markle may never do her "jam" again. Now, she's restocking with some new products in a few weeks? What on earth is going on with her? So weird,' one person wrote. Another agreed, 'What is this I read that there may not be a restock of the As Ever products until the first quarter of 2026?!? Come ON Meghan, get it together!!' 'I am not saying that it is unusual for a brand to pause a product, especially if they wish to manage supply, quality, and customer service, but the key here is consistency,' Trice explained. Instead of restocking immediately, Trice believes it would be best for Meghan and her team to take a step back from everything and focus on planning for the future. By doing so, she can 'ensure quality and stability,' and 'build anticipation for the return' with a new campaign, she explained. 'If on the other hand the plan is to restock and expand her product line, use that as the clear, consistent message across all platforms and forms of comms, internally and externally,' Trice said. 'From a PR perspective, once again it would seem that Meghan is sending mixed messages to her audience, something one would hope would've been resolved by now, as it's not the first time,' Trice told DailyMail.com exclusively Trice warned that the inconsistent approach could do long term harm to customer loyalty Publicity expert Natalie Trice, founder of UK-based Natalie Trice Publicity, recommends that the Duchess take a step back to evaluate and get in a position to provide more stability But per the publicity expert, there might be a larger issue at hand when it comes to Meghan's messaging. 'At the moment, the mixed messaging, knee jerk reaction doesn't quite cut it, and she risks undermining the trust she's trying to build, Trice said. She added that a 'more consistent, sincere and open approach' would help to build up As Ever and 'create excitement that feels genuine and well-managed.' 'There is no doubt she is trying to create something, I think that what that thing is, we just aren't sure,' the expert shared. Meghan's tease of a product restock comes as she was accused of 'treating everyone like idiots' after she shared a social media clip of a scene that didn't make her Netflix show. In the video, filmed in a rented $8 million mansion near her and Prince Harry's Montecito home, Meghan was joined by wellness therapist Randi Karin as she explained how to properly cut a pineapple. Meghan said: 'A trick that people do with pineapple instead of just cutting it. To make the perfect little bite, you follow the wedge. 'Nature has given you all the cues on how to have a perfect taste of something.' 'At the moment, the mixed messaging, knee jerk reaction doesn't quite cut it, and she risks undermining the trust she's trying to build,' Trice continued Meghan was recently mocked for 'stating the obvious' after she shared a deleted scene from her Netflix show With Love, Meghan which showed her demonstrating the best way to cut a pineapple Daily Mail's FEMAIL were not big fans of Meghan's jam, as it was runny and thin. It completely soaked our piece of toast we wanted to enjoy with it She then cut around the pattern on the outside of the pineapple, and used the skin to pull out a chunk of the fruit before taking a bite. However, royal watchers were less convinced and thought Meghan was just stating the obvious. Others noted the 'trick' has been around for years and regularly circulates on social media platforms such as Facebook and Pinterest. A representative for the Sussexes did not offer public comment when approached by The Daily Mail. Protein powders have become a wellness staple - the go-to answer for everything from building muscle to 'getting enough protein.' But despite their popularity, these powdered supplements may not be as healthy or safe as we think. In fact, one medical expert says they could be doing more harm than good - and in some cases, manufacturers don't even know what's in them. 'I can tell you for a fact that advertised vs. actual amounts varied wildly,' Dr. Khameinei Ali, an MD who also happens to be an MBA (Cambridge), MPH (Harvard), President of the Westchester County Medical Society, and a board certified clinical informaticist, told DailyMail.com. Before medical school, he even worked as an analytical chemist for the Department of Defense, analyzing over-the-counter supplements for accuracy. His biggest concern? That protein powder labels aren't telling the full story - and the regulations in place aren't strong enough to protect consumers. 'The main issue with protein powders is that we don't know what's in them or if they contain the advertised amounts,' Dr. Ali said. 'Most importantly, the manufacturers may not know what's in them.' Protein powders get regulated at much less stringent standards than other food and drugs (stock image) Unlike prescription medications or even standard food products, protein powders fall into a legal gray zone. Dr. Ali explained that these protein powders are regulated mostly by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and only partly by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Plus, they get inspected under much less stringent standards than food and drugs. 'This opens them up to all sorts of misleading labeling and extremely poor industry standards,' Dr. Ali said. Translation: That expensive, vanilla-flavored powder you picked up because it said 'clean' or 'lab-tested'? There's a good chance it was neither. 'There is very little to any independent laboratory verification of contents and authenticity of claims,' he added. 'Unfortunately, that means they could contain all sorts of toxic chemicals and byproducts.' Beyond the risk of inaccurate protein counts, powders derived from whey, soy, or hemp often include extra ingredients you probably didn't sign up for. Protein powders raise concerns about long-term safety because of their inclusion of additives, sugars, and even toxins (stock image) 'These powders frequently contain hidden additives, added sugars, and even toxins like heavy metals and BPA - up to 25 times the safe limit according to independent tests,' he said. This raises concerns about long-term safety. If that sounds terrifying, it's because it is - and the lax oversight doesn't help. 'Again, the FDA doesn't regulate them closely, leaving consumers in the dark about what's really in each scoop,' he emphasized. In most cases, it's probably a good idea to ditch the protein powder - especially if you're generally healthy and using protein powder to meet vague fitness goals. The expert advises against using them unless a medical professional tells you to. 'Unless medically supervised - such as for post-surgical healing, cancer recovery, or advanced frailty - I advise sticking to whole food sources like eggs, dairy, legumes, and lean meats in most cases,' Dr. Ali said. And if you have underlying conditions, like kidney disease, the stakes are even higher. 'Toxins aside, people with kidney disease have to monitor their protein intake to prevent further damage,' he said. Until tighter regulations are in place and independent testing becomes standard, your safest bet is to stick with real food. Whole eggs and chicken breast may not come in chocolate flavor, but at least you know what's in them. On the first episode of a new season of the Mail's Apple & The Tree podcast, quadruple amputee Alex Lewis told his mother Doreen about how losing his limbs to sepsis changed his life for the better. The podcast, hosted by the Reverend Richard Coles, pits parents against their adult children to ask questions about their shared family history they have always wanted answered. Alex Lewis, 44, confided in his mother Doreen Jarvis, 74, about the traumatic events that led to his limbs being amputated more than a decade ago. Before contracting Strep A sepsis, Alex ran a pub in Winchester with his wife. He admitted that the constant exposure to drinking turned him into an alcoholic. 'It was November, and I was working in the pub we had all these people with different lurgies coming in', Alex said. 'I caught a cold and didn't think much of it. But I couldn't shift it. A couple of days later, it became flu, and I remember not being able to get out of bed. Alex Lewis, 44, confided in his mother Doreen Jarvis, 74, about the traumatic events that led to his limbs being amputated more than a decade ago. Listen here Mum Doreen told the podcast that Alex had become 'more responsible' since surviving the infection. Listen here The full episode of The Apple & The Tree featuring Alex Lewis and his mother Doreen is available now 'I didn't even want to drink that's how much of an effect it had. My body was just a mess. I woke up in the middle of the night, went to the loo, and found blood in my urine. 'The following day, I told my wife about it and that's when everything unfolded and I was rushed to the hospital.' After collapsing in his bedroom, Alex was taken to Salisbury Hospital where the full severity of his illness became clear. 'I remember waking up and being attached to all these machines. It was nuts I couldn't see my legs or hands. 'The colour of my body began to change I could see these huge purple patches start to develop everywhere. 'A doctor came into my room when nobody was there with me: she delivered the news. I remember her saying you're going to lose your left arm, your feet, and your ankles. She said they would try and save my knees.' In total, Alex lost four limbs to stem the blood infection. Although usually harmless, causing mild infections in the throat, Strep A bacteria can become life-threatening if it enters deeper muscle tissue and triggers sepsis. 'I was just black, my legs were black my arms were black, my mouth was black. The doctors told me that if the infection got into my upper torso, I would have had it.' After being released from the hospital, Alex remembered how the gruelling process of learning to write again and to walk with prosthetics changed his perspective on life. Alex Lewis: 'I remember thinking when I was in Ethiopia setting up a wheelchair factory this has given me more than it has taken away.' Listen here His challenges also sparked a passion within him to pursue charity work, wanting to improve access to the walking aides he now relied upon. 'The recovery process gave me clarity', Alex said. 'For a start, it gave me nine months away from drinking. I started to see a path ahead of me that I was not on before. 'Here we are now, and I am plotting to row across the North Atlantic. We are going to travel across Africa in 2028 and then cross-country ski across Greenland. 'I got to a stage about four years ago, when I realised I probably didn't want my legs and arms back. 'My condition made me travel more and appreciate just how much we have here in the UK. 'I remember thinking when I was in Ethiopia setting up a wheelchair factory this has given me more than it has taken away.' Mum Doreen told the podcast that Alex had become 'more responsible' since surviving the infection. 'I have never seen him be so enthusiastic about work', she said. 'Suddenly, I feel it's all coming together for him. He's still the same boy though, will always make you giggle.' To listen to the full episode with Alex and Doreen, where they discuss his struggles with alcohol and his amazing charity work, search for The Apple & The Tree now wherever you get your podcasts. She's dined in Paris, feasted in Florence, and hosted glamorous banquets in London - but it's yet another hidden Sydney gem that's captured Nigella Lawson's taste buds. The beloved British food icon, who's currently soaking up the Australian sunshine, took to Instagram to wax lyrical about Club Fontana, a quiet Italian eatery tucked away in Sydney's inner-south. In a post brimming with culinary joy, Nigella, famous for her poetic descriptions of food and unapologetic love of carbs, revealed she was completely enchanted by the Redfern restaurant, describing the experience as 'uplifting,' 'cosy,' and 'exquisite.' 'The visit filled my heart with joy,' the 65-year-old foodie said. 'The food is exquisite but cosy, and the place immediately relaxing and uplifting.' Nigella admitted that despite already falling for a handful of favourite Sydney spots, she was finally persuaded to try Fontana after hearing repeated praise from her close friend and renowned ceramicist and artist Shelley Simpson. 'I haven't been able to resist going back to restaurants I already know and love here in Sydney but nor do I want to restrict myself to only my fond, familiar haunts,' she explained. 'The wonderful Shelley Simpson has been telling me about Club Fontana for ages now, and I'm really not sure why I haven't gone there before but we went together last week, and the visit filled my heart with joy.' Yet another hidden Sydney restaurant has captured Nigella Lawson 's tastebuds The beloved British food icon took to Instagram to wax lyrical about Club Fontana's meals, a quiet Italian eatery tucked away in Sydney's inner-south. Left: 'Pane fritto topped with a salty stripe of anchovy. Right: 'Crostini topped with soft-cooked beautifully bitter chicory.' And while Fontana may not be the most obvious pick from the street, what it lacks in visibility it makes up for in charm. 'It's hard to find from the street (mind you, I have got absolutely no sense of direction), but eventually I discovered the carpeted staircase to heaven,' Nigella said - and from there, she was completely sold. The self-confessed 'carb queen' dove into a string of bold, nostalgic, and impeccably executed dishes, starting with a humble Italian classic - pane fritto with anchovies. 'Pane fritto is, simply, Italian for fried bread,' she said. 'But think puffed-up little pieces of sausage-shaped dough, light but with just the right amount of chew, topped with a salty stripe of anchovy.' And the hits just kept coming. From crostini topped with soft-cooked chicory and velvety broad bean puree, to garlic bread rolls that ooze caramelised garlic butter with every greedy bite, Nigella made her way through the menu with delight. 'Carb queen that I am, I moved on to their garlic bread, which comes sumptuously in the form of a bread roll that gushes with caramelised garlic butter,' she swooned. She paired it with fresh, soft ricotta which she likened to 'a butterfly kiss', and a bitter leaf Autumn Caesar salad, complete with guanciale, roast kohlrabi, and more anchovies (because one can never have too many). Nigella, famous for her unapologetic love of carbs, revealed she was completely enchanted by the Redfern restaurant, describing the experience as 'uplifting,' 'cosy,' and 'exquisite.' Her third course was garlic bread with caramelised garlic butter. 'I ate this with their soft, fresh homemade ricotta, as delicate as a butterfly kiss, and their Autumn Caesar', she added. For dessert, Nigella chose the Zabaglione cream, piled 'Mr Whippy style' on top of an upside-down crumble and 'divinely peppery biscuit' But it was the dessert that left the TV star and bestselling author speechless. 'Pudding had to be the zabaglione cream, piled Mr Whippy style on top of a kind of upside-down crumble that's to say, wine-poached quince over a bite-able rubble of divinely peppery biscuit,' Nigella wrote. 'This took my breath away. Well, it all did.' Ever the thoughtful diner, Nigella made sure to give credit where it's due, singing the praises of the restaurant's talented chef for their 'palate as perfect as his touch.' She also applauded the service, giving a warm shout-out to front-of-house staff member who helped make the night 'an utter enchantment.' Despite flying relatively under the radar, Fontana has already built a loyal cult following among Sydney foodies, but now, with Nigella's golden seal of approval, a table at the cosy 40-seater could soon be one of the toughest to score in town. The visiting British food icon recently dined at Ester in Chippendale, a trendy Sydney restaurant headed up by chef Mat Lindsay that may be a hidden gem - not widely known among the general public but revered by off-duty chefs and serious foodies. She about Ester for remaining 'unfailingly the most exciting kitchen in the world' after visiting the little-known hotspot with two friends. Nigella Lawson shared some of the standout dishes from her recent dining experience at Ester, specifically highlighting the 'impeccable oysters' (left) and 'exquisite pippies' (right) The fermented potato bread served with salmon roe and kefir cream (pictured) is a signature dish at Ester Nigella Lawson recently visited the award-winning restaurant Ester, which is known for its wood-fired modern Australian fare The high level of praise that Nigella heaped on Ester should hardly come as a surprise given that she'd previously named it a must-visit when she's in town The 65-year-old specifically highlighted some of the restaurant's 'exceptional dishes', explaining that her dining experience commenced with 'impeccable' oysters to start. Also on the menu was the 'legendary fermented potato bread with salmon roe and beguiling jelly-topped kefir cream' - a signature dish renowned at the restaurant. Nigella also called out the 'exquisite pippies' as a standout. ReceipeTin Eats founder, Nagi Maehashi, also responded to Nigella's post with an elongated: 'Yuuuuuummmm!!!' The beloved Australian food blogger also recommended that Nigella check out Ester's sister restaurant, Poly. 'Get everything on the smalls list,' Nagi advised. The high level of praise that Nigella heaped on Ester should hardly come as a surprise given that she'd previously named it a must-visit when she's in town. The British food icon told Gourmet Traveller earlier this year that the surprising yet delicious creations at Mat Lindsay's restaurant are 'extraordinary'. The award-winning restaurant is known for its relaxed yet stylish interiors and wood-fired modern Australian fare. A deli worker has revealed the 'insider secrets' Coles employees use to shred roast chicken at 'lightning speed' and it requires no knives or special equipment. Ellie, who regularly shares insights into her day-to-day job at the supermarket giant, posted a video demonstrating her well-honed technique for rapidly shredding chickens using just her hands. The 22-year-old deli worker's viral video showed her explaining that hand shredding multiple hot roast chickens is a standard task carried out throughout the day in-store. At regular intervals, unsold roast chickens are taken from the warmer to be shredded, chilled and sold at the deli counter as cold meat. The deli worker explained that many customers prefer to buy cold shredded chicken for a salad or sandwich, but don't want to commit to a whole chook. She originally intended for her 'chicken shredding tutorial' to serve as a guide for other deli store workers tasked with the same job. But the video has caught the attention of tens of thousands of people, thanks to its clever shortcut that simplify the daunting task of shredding a whole roast chicken. Popping on two-layers of gloves to protect her hands from the heat, Ellie explained that the first step was to pull the skin back from the chicken and discard it. 'And why is that? You want to release some of the heat (from the hot chicken)... And we don't want the skin in our shredded chicken,' Ellie said. South Australian deli worker Ellie has revealed the insider secrets Coles employees use to shred roast chicken at 'lightning speed' and it requires no knives or special equipment From there, Ellie pulled the chicken apart, piece by piece, using of her both hands. Wrapping her hands around the chicken breasts, Ellie demonstrated how to neatly and cleanly lift them off before piling them on an empty tray. The next step was to grab one of the drumsticks and flip over the chicken to easily access the underside. Using both hands again, Ellie lifted each chicken thigh simultaneously, demonstrating how it 'comes off really quick' before adding the pieces to her tray pile. 'You don't want any of the dark meat (for shredded chicken) though, so make sure, you're not getting any of that,' she advised. The deli worker explained that it's store policy to extract around '450 grams from each chicken', alluding that the breast and thigh alone were sufficient, and that the remainder of the chicken would be discarded. Ellie explained that the next step was crucial - making sure no bones were left behind in the pile of chicken pieces. 'This is what we do: we've got our gloves on (and you just) mush it down. You're pushing it down, getting it into every crevice of the (tray),' she explained. The deli worker demonstrated how to press the chicken pieces onto a tray to remove any bones (left) before using a 'squishing' and 'kneading' technique to shred it (right) Ellie demonstrated this pressing motion, showing how the clever technique reveals any stray bones. Once she was satisfied that the chicken was bone-free, Ellie moved on to the final shredding stage. Working systematically across the tray, Ellie explained that she was simply 'squishing' and 'kneading' the chicken through her gloved fingers to pull it apart. 'There you go quick and easy,' Ellie concluded. Her video has been viewed more than 330,000 times - with some fellow deli workers stunned that they'd never been taught the systematic method. 'I work at Woolies and couldn't help myself, might need to pass this expertise onto our deli crew,' one supermarket employee said. Many roast chook lovers said the shredding technique had transformed the daunting, messy task into something far more approachable. 'Honestly the best thing I've ever learnt from working at Coles. Comes in handy so much at home,' one said. 'I feel very prepared for chicken shredding,' another shared. The cold shredded chicken sold in the Coles deli section is comprised of unsold hot roast chickens, which staffers in store hand shred Some offered an alternative method for quickly removing chicken pieces from the carcass. 'An even faster way is to massage the chicken in the bag it literally falls off the bone,' one suggested. When one Coles customer exclaimed that the technique could potentially be saving her money, Ellie helpfully chimed in that difference was marginal, detailing the pricing breakdown of hot roast chicken versus shredded deli chicken. '$12.50 roast chicken = approx. 450g shredded, that's approx. $27.8/kg,' she said. 'We sell the shredded chicken for $27/kg but have to sell it within the day so often discount it by about 7pm. But you do get the rest of the chicken with the rotisserie.' Some said they were 'mind blown' after seeing the chicken shredding technique while another joked: 'Do I work at Coles? No. Did I watch the whole thing? Yes' Others agreed that even though they had little practical use for knowing how to shred a chicken, they found it 'satisfying' to watch Ellie complete the task with ease and efficiency. Jacqueline Durand was just 21 when she was attacked two days before Christmas A woman who was violently attacked and bitten 800 times by two dogs she was hired to care for has shared an update on her recovery four years on from the ordeal that left her badly disfigured. Jacqueline Durand, a student at Texas University, was just shy of her 22nd birthday when she was mauled by two rescue dogs, a German Shepherd mix, Lucy, and a Pit bull mix named Bender in 2021. The attack was so vicious it left the student fearing for her life, but as she shares photos of herself well into recovery four years on, people say her progress is 'astonishing'. Ahead of Christmas in 2021 Ms Durand, a supply chain management student and dog sitter of seven years, had been hired to dog sit the creatures and believed them to be 'lovely' in a meeting the day before she looked after them for the first time. Before arriving at the dogs' home, Ms Durand had been assured by her new employers that the pooches would be in crates and kennels but when she arrived they were wandering around freely. Despite having a positive first encounter with the dogs, Durand walked into an entirely different atmosphere on December 23 when they took their opportunity to pounce, biting her 800 times in an attack that tore the flesh from her face. They savagely bit into her nose, ears, lips and cheeks, leaving her with injuries so severe that she was placed into a medically-induced coma while doctors performed an emergency seven-hour surgery on her. Following the horrific attack, the dogs were captured and placed in the care of the City of Coppell before a municipal judge decided that both dogs should be euthanized. Jacqueline Durand, a student at the University of Texas, was just 21 years old when her face was ripped apart by two dogs she'd been hired to look after (pictured after the attack) Four years on from the attack, the 25-year-old shares regular updates on her recovery as she continues to live with the consequences four years on from the attack that changed her life. Hoping to raise awareness to the dangers of dogs, Durand has shared details of her story on both TikTok and Instagram, explaining that she had since had facial reconstructive surgery to improve the appearance of her injuries. She told how doctors first carried took a skin graft from her buttocks and forehead. They rebuilt her nose using skin from near her hairline and her lip was remade from skin on her left thigh. 'Its a long road to go to recovery but I am doing alright, I am progressing,' she said in a video posted in 2023. She recently had her 28th surgery, telling followers that despite the 'lack of sleep', the process was 'all worth it' to see progression. In the weeks following the surgery, where 'a lot was done', she said she was 'beyond excited' by the results, sharing a photo of her face, which still had stitches around the cheek area. Jacqueline, a dog lover, was studying for a degree in supply chain management when she was hired to look after two dogs that immediately turned on her 'I can finally say I'm starting to see myself again and the more I heal the more I will be pleased with how things are progressing,' she captioned the picture, thanking doctors for helping with her 'remarkable healing'. In another update share to Instagram a week ago, she attached a picture of her face following the surgery. 'My eye is still slowly easing up on swelling but scabs are falling off and the integral is doing well,' she captioned the picture. Responding to Durand's updates, her followers have expressed their awe at how well she has recovered following the vicious attack. One person wrote: 'Wow!!! I see the progress from your last surgery. Amazing!' Another said: 'The progress is truly astonishing. Seeing your features being restored. Your doctors are truly artists.' Despite the horrific injuries, the 25-year-old hasn't been deterred from owning dogs and she now shares a close bond with her own pet, Luna, who she said has helped in her recovery. Jacqueline has undergone dozens of operations since the attack and now shares her progress with followers 'I had to also share these precious moments of Luna laying with me. She knows what I need before I even know,' she wrote next to a picture of the pair snuggling up together. Ms Durand has come a long way in the last four years, despite initially being unrecognisable after sustaining the injuries. Describing the attack, which took place in 2021, Ms Durand said the two offending dogs had been nothing but 'lovely' when she first met them, but that things had taken a violent turn as soon she entered the property where she was supposed to be taking care of them. Led to believe both would be in crates when she arrived, Durand was left stunned when she opened the door and was straight away knocked off her balance, causing her to fall and drop her cell phone. The bloodthirsty creatures then pinned the dog sitter to the ground and dragged her though the corridor into the living room where they proceeded to hack away her face. So violent were the dogs that they even pulled all of Jacqueline's clothes off, including her blue jeans. They then ripped off her ears, nose, and face, leaving nothing but bone behind, and she lost 30 per cent of the blood in her body, leaving her hospitalised for 60 days. In the interview with CBS Mornings at the time, she said: 'When I felt the skin hanging from my face, I thought I was going to die.' Lucy (left) and Bender (right) were ordered to be euthanized after the attack The dogs dragged Jacqueline from the entryway into the property. Photographs taken after the attack show a bloodied rug and dog bed. Jacqueline lost 30 per cent of her blood in the mauling and now faces several surgeries and has frequent physical therapy sessions The floor was left covered in blood after the attack, as seen on bodycam footage from police, who were unable to enter the home for 37 minutes because they felt unsafe During the attack, Durand was unable to call for help but 911 was alerted because the property's front door was left open when the dogs pounced, triggering an alarm. When first responders arrived, they were unable to enter the home for an excruciating 37 minutes because the dogs were so aggressive. A representative told CBS News they were 'only able to see Jacqueline Durand's legs and were not immediately aware of the extent of her injuries'. Bodycam footage from officers on the scene reveal Jacqueline screaming for help as the dogs continued to attack her. She was laying on her stomach naked when police were finally able to enter the home and rescue her, with footage showing her crying as medics inspected her body and told her to 'keep breathing'. She was then rushed to hospital where she received a seven-hour-long emergency surgery. Her parents also said their daughter had to be resuscitated multiple times and was placed in a medically induced coma during the first week. Ms Durand (seen being pushed by a nurse at the hospital) had met the dog prior to the attack, but was told they would be in their kennels before she arrived. The owner later told her that she failed to put them in the kennel A chilling sign on the door warned: 'Crazy Dogs. Please don't knock or ring the bell. Call or text instead.' 'It was clear that he was saying she's in for a fight for survival,' her father John told CBS News, calling her a 'miracle.' Despite the horrific attacks and the multiple reconstructive surgeries she underwent, Durand said she is ready for the world to see her face. 'It's time to show who I am now, and I can't be scared of it,' she said. Speaking on the show, she was keen to use her horrendous experience to set an example to dog owners. 'I want dog owners to know their animals and be able to communicate with their sitters how they are,' she told CBS News. She described being left 'speechless' by the radical change in their behaviour, having appeared to get along with them on first meeting.' After every meet and greet I had, I always felt the same with those other dogs and they don't change their attitude from the time that I met them to the time that I go there for the first time.' The owners, who have three children including a three-year-old claimed the dogs were never violent, telling investigators that they had 'zero' problems with them. However, they reportedly had a sign on their home claiming to have 'crazy dogs' and asking visitors to not 'ring the doorbell'. The front door sign read: 'Crazy Dogs. Please Don't Knock or Ring the Bell. Call or Text Instead.' 'The warning on the door suggests that the Bishops knew that both of these dogs have acted aggressively to people arriving at the front door,' Durand's lawyer Chip Brooker told CBS Mornings. Following the attack, Durand filed a lawsuit, accusing Dr Bishop and his wife of negligence for allegedly failing to control, secure and train the animals, as well as 'failing to provide a safe environment for their invitees.' The lawsuit lays the blame directly at the Bishops who allowed the animals to remain on their property while 'knowing they had dangerous propensities'. It alleges the Bishops knew of the dog's tendencies towards violence because of the 'crazy dogs' warning sign that was visible to anyone walking up to the front door. 'Jacqueline will forever measure her life in terms of before and after opening that door,' Brooker said. 'She will be permanently disfigured for the rest of her life, and we filed this lawsuit to make sure all the responsible parties are held accountable.' Between 2005 and 2017, there were a total of 433 deaths caused by dogs in the US. Pit bulls continue to top the list of America's most dangerous dog breeds, having been responsible for 284 fatal attacks on humans from 2005 to 2017. The second breed on the list, Rottweilers, came a distant second with 45. Some schools across the UK have installed digital clocks instead Schools are removing analogue clocks in exam halls because teenagers can no longer tell the time. In some schools throughout the UK, digital clocks have been installed after GCSE and A-level students complained that they couldn't read the correct time, adding to the stress of examinations. Children have to learn to tell the time using an analogue clock by the age of seven but it appears many quickly forget the skill. Education leaders, teachers and unions said that digital clocks on smartphones and other electronic devices are the main driver behind youngsters losing the skill. Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, previously said: 'We're aware of some schools replacing analogue clocks with digital clocks in exam rooms. 'Young people taking exams have been brought up in a digital age and many just don't necessarily see analogue clocks and watches as much as older generations did when they were growing up. It's literally a case of changing times.' Students need to be as relaxed as possible in an exam and it adds to their stress if they cannot tell the time, Malcolm Trobe, deputy general secretary at the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), a head teacher's union, said. He told the Telegraph previously: 'The current generation aren't as good at reading the traditional clock face as older generation. Schools are removing analogue clocks in classrooms and exams halls because teenagers can no longer tell the time (stock photo) 'They are used to seeing a digital representation of time on their phone, on their computer. 'Nearly everything they've got is digital so youngsters are just exposed to time being given digitally everywhere.' However, telling the time is still part of the national curriculum in British schools for key stage one (years one and two). Pupils should be able to tell the time to the hour and half past, and draw the hands on a clock face to show these times, according to the government website. They should be able to use the 'language of time' throughout the day. Steve Chalke, founder of Oasis Charitable Trust, which runs about 50 schools, told The Times: 'We use a mix of digital and traditional clocks to overcome this potential problem.' A recent viral post on the Instagram account @endbackpain read: 'Schools are removing analogue clocks because teenagers can no longer read them.' The post prompted much debate, and people were outraged that such a crucial life skill is no longer a given in the younger generation. Digital clocks are being installed in exam halls to reduce stress of pupils who struggle to tell the time (stock image) One outraged commenter wrote: 'That's why you teach them!' 'What the hell are schools for,' a second agreed. A furious third said: 'Failed as teachers.. well done!' and another added: 'Stop the Earth, I want to get off' Others were quick to share their own experiences, as one person shared: 'I called the dentist office the other day and apologised to them that I would be late. 'My appt was 9:30 so I told her I'd be there at quarter of 10, so the young receptionist said you'll be here at 9:75? I almost died.' 'Back in my day, we used to learn how they work, now you're telling me you can't spend 5 minutes teaching them about clocks?' another wrote. Meanwhile, back in 2019 a survey revealed that half of young adults struggle to tell the time on a clockface with hands. The YouGov survey, of more than 2000 people, raises the possibility that the smartphone generation could eventually lose the ability to read analogue clock faces. A recent viral post on the Instagram account @endbackpain prompted much debate online The news will come as a huge blow to traditional watchmakers as their market continues to plummet each year. Experts say that the rise of smartphones and smartwatches has left increasing amounts of young people unable to read traditional watches. The research was commissioned by the Marloe Watch Company, a British wristwatch designer. The firm said digital devices had become the 'primary' way for young people to tell the time. Co-founder Oliver Goffe said: 'Generation Zers are our future prime ministers, teachers and doctors. The fact they might not be able to tell the time if they can't find a phone charger could be an issue.' The monarch met with the choir group that sung at Harry and Meghan's wedding King Charles braved the rain in east London as he visited a creative cultural festival on Thursday, where he met Hollywood actor Ben McKenzie. The royal, 76, travelled to Old Spitalfields Market, for the city's first ever SXSW festival where businesses and individuals involved in music, technology, screen and culture come together. Charles attempted to keep himself dry in the typical British wet weather by holding up a large brolly as he strolled through the streets of Shoreditch. As he arrived, the monarch beamed as he met with Karen Gibson of The Kingdom Choir - the same group who sang at the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's wedding in 2018. The event originated in Texas but has evolved into a broader festival encompassing some of the key figures in the creative arts and technology industries. The king looked typically stylish and dapper as he stepped out in a navy pinstripe suit paired with a crisp white shirt, a blue tie and highly polished black shoes. Charles greeted and shook hands with American actor Ben McKenzie, who handed the king his book, Easy Money: Cryptocurrency, Casino Capitalism, and the Golden Age of Fraud. King Charles attempted to keep himself dry in the typical British wet weather by holding up a large brolly as he strolled through the streets of Shoreditch The OC star - who was sporting a beige suit with a light blue shirt - and Charles beamed as they chatted to each other inside the venue. The king appeared to be in high spirits as he made his way around the SXSW festival, which thousands of people have visited over the past week. Charles took a look at an immersive art installation, centred around sustainability, a subject the king has been passionate about since his early twenties. He first spoke about the dangerous effects of plastic pollution on the environment when he was 21 years old in 1970. In 2023, he famously said that the 'world does not belong to us' at Cop28 in Dubai, adding that his grandchildren, Prince Louis, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Princess Lilibet and Prince Archie would be living with the effects of our warming planet. The exhibit was made by a London artist named Damien Roach who called the design Grounding and it uses AI to depict landscape images and show the world's evolution. The star-studded event is due to have appearances from Idris Elba, Katherine Ryan, Erykah Badu, Alice Glass, and Sophie Turner over the week. Charles greeted and shook hands with American actor Ben McKenzie, who handed the king his book The OC star - who was sporting a beige suit with a light blue shirt - and Charles beamed as they chatted to each other inside the venue The king looked typically stylish and dapper as he stepped out in a navy pinstripe suit paired with a crisp white shirt, a blue tie and highly polished black shoes The monarch beamed as he met with Karen Gibson of The Kingdom Choir - the same group who sang at the Duke and Duchess of Sussex 's wedding in 2018 King Charles and Karen chatted in the rain outside the market in east London on Thursday The royal, 76, travelled to Old Spitalfields Market, for the city's first ever SXSW festival where businesses and individuals involved in music, technology, screen and culture come together Charles took a look at an immersive art installation, centred around sustainability, a subject the king has been passionate about since his early twenties King Charles appeared to be fascinated by a stall selling vintage watches and bric-a-brac Charles greeted small stall holders as he looked around an antiques stand selling old watches and an ice cream cart. This comes as the monarch was seen smiling and waving at royal fans as he made his way to church in Sandringham on Sunday. Charles was being driven to St Mary Magdalene Church for the Sunday morning service when he made the warm gesture. Pictured in the backseat of a blue vehicle, Charles, who is often accompanied at church by Queen Camilla, 77, appeared to be attending the service alone. The King looked typically smart in a suit and tie as he waved and beamed at those gathered nearby. The royal couple last week visited Ottawa, Canada, where Charles, who was diagnosed with cancer in February of last year, addressed the country's parliament. In the speech, delivered from a throne made of wood from a Windsor oak, the King declared the nation 'strong and free'. Charles, who was introduced to Parliament as The King of Canada, spoke of his 'deep pride and pleasure' at witnessing 'Canadians coming together in a renewed sense of national pride, unity, and hope'. Charles's appearance this morning comes after The Mail on Sunday reported that Prince Harry, 40, sought advice from Princess Diana's brother about changing his family name to Spencer. The monarch braved the rain on Thursday and came prepared with a sturdy umbrella Inside Old Spitalfields Market, King Charles greeted a stall owner who was selling vintage spoons Charles greeted small stall holders as he looked around an antiques stand selling old watches and an ice cream cart King Charles appeared in high spirits as he met with artist Denzil Forrester at the event in east London Well-wishers gathered behind a barrier eager to get a chance to chat with the king, as others filmed him walking around Sources said the Duke of Sussex actively explored ways to assume his mother's surname a move that would have involved ditching Mountbatten-Windsor, used by his children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. It is understood he discussed the issue with Earl Spencer whose family seat is Althorp in Northamptonshire during a rare visit to Britain, but was told that the legal hurdles were insurmountable. 'They had a very amicable conversation and Spencer advised him against taking such a step,' said a friend of Harry. Nevertheless, the fact that he consulted the Earl over the issue a proposal that would dismay his brother and father is a vivid expression of the toxic rift with his family. Mountbatten-Windsor is the surname available to descendants of the late Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. It combines the Royal Family's name of Windsor and the Duke of Edinburgh's adopted surname. On their birth certificates, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's children are Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor and Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor. Royal author Tom Bower has claimed that 'Meghan decided her real object in life was to be Diana'. If the name change had succeeded, Meghan's daughter, who is believed to have met the King only once, would have become Lilibet Diana Spencer, a more fulsome tribute to Harry's late mother. The move would be particularly hurtful to King Charles, who cherishes the Mountbatten name just as his father did. Tom Felton has announced that he is returning as Draco Malfoy over a decade after the final Harry Potter movie premiered... and fans are in tears about the news. The actor, now 37, portrayed the beloved blonde bully in the Harry Potter movies from 2001 until 2011. And now, 14 years after the film series came to an end, he has revealed that he will reprise the role for the Broadway show Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Tom will join the cast in November and star in the show for 19 weeks, concluding his run in March 2026. He shared the exciting news on the Today show on Thursday morning, stating, 'Being a part of the Harry Potter films has been one of the greatest honors of my life. 'Joining this production will be a full-circle moment for me, because when I begin performances in Cursed Child this fall, I'll also be the exact age Draco is in the play.' Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, based off a screenplay written by J. K. Rowling, takes place 19 years after the original series ended. It follows Harry, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, and Draco's kids as they head off to Hogwarts. Tom Felton has announced that he's returning as Draco Malfoy over a decade after the final Harry Potter movie premiered... and fans are in tears over the news The actor, 37, portrayed the beloved blonde bully in the Harry Potter movies from 2001 until 2011 Tom will join the cast in November and star in the show for 19 weeks, concluding his run in March 2026 Harry's son Albus and Draco's son Scorpius become best friends and get up to their own adventure - and almost destroy the entire wizarding world along the way. 'It's surreal to be stepping back into his shoes - and of course his iconic platinum blond hair - and I am thrilled to be able to see his story through and to share it with the greatest fan community in the world,' Tom added. 'I look forward to joining this incredible company and being a part of the Broadway community.' Naturally, fans were ecstatic over the news and rushed to social media to share their thoughts - and some even admitted that the announcement had brought them to tears. 'Not me crying when I saw this announcement on the Today show,' one user commented on Instagram. 'I'm sorry, what?! Currently screaming,' wrote another. Someone else added, 'I'm speechless.' 'No f**king way this is iconic,' a fourth post read, while a fifth said, 'Guess I'll be flying out to New York to see this now.' Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, based off a screenplay written by J. K. Rowling, takes place 19 years after the original series ended It follows Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Draco's kids as they head off to Hogwarts. Harry's son Albus and Draco's son Scorpius become best friends and get up to their own adventure Tom said, 'Being a part of the Harry Potter films has been one of the greatest honors of my life. 'Joining this production will be a full-circle moment for me' Naturally, fans were ecstatic over the news and rushed to social media to share their thoughts - and some even admitted that the announcement had brought them to tears Tom will play Draco from November 11, 2025, to March 22, 2026, at the Lyric Theatre in New York City. Tickets go on sale June 12, while the presale will take place on June 10. This isn't the only exciting Harry Potter news as of late, as the three lead child stars for the upcoming TV series were finally announced after months of speculation last week. Dominic McLaughlin has bagged the role of Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton is set to play Hermoine Granger, and Alastair Stout will portray Ron Weasley. The lucky three children are set to start filming this summer and were picked from more than 32,000 audition tapes from across the UK and Ireland. The young trio will join A-listers John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch, Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, and Emmy, Olivier as Severus Snape. Prince William has caused quite the stir on social media after posting photos in his Air Corps uniform. Fans couldn't stop swooning over the future king and Colonel-in-Chief, 42, as he donned the classic buttoned-up camo uniform and a grey beret during a visit to the Army Air Corps (ACC) in Wattisham, Suffolk, on Wednesday. The Prince of Wales, who also sported a scruffy beard, shared a series of photos from the outing to his and his wife Kate Middleton's official Instagram afterwards. One photo showed Prince William starring intensely at a computer screen, while another featured him passing out meals to soldiers and their families. A different shot saw the Duke of Cornwall walking as he looked off to the side. 'Proud to visit the Army Air Corps as its Colonel-in-Chief. Great to spend time with the soldiers and their families here at Wattisham Air Base,' the post's caption read. 'Thank you for the warm welcome and heartening to see the strength of the regiment's community. 'Very impressed by the relentless commitment, physical capability and mental acuity on display at the combat PT session. An excellent reflection of the Army Air Corps' readiness and professionalism. Prince William has caused quite the stir on social media after posting photos in his Air Corps uniform Fans couldn't stop swooning over the future king and Colonel-in-Chief, 42, as he donned the classic buttoned-up camo uniform and a grey beret during a visit to the Army Air Corps (ACC) 'A huge thank you to the soldiers and families of the AAC for the warm welcome - and for everything you do.' People rushed to the comment section and were ecstatic to see William all dressed up in the uniform and rocking some facial hair, with some calling him 'handsome' and others branding him 'hot.' 'Well, I think I can speak on behalf of womankind... we are HERE for the beard,' one user wrote. 'Dear god! Our future kings is not supposed to be this hot,' another person shared. 'Prince William has entered his DILF era...' joked someone else. A fourth comment read: 'Talk about aging well...' while a fifth said, 'Wow... so handsome.' 'WOW!!!! William is so so hot, the older he gets the more good-looking he gets,' a different person observed. 'Look, dude, stop posting the beard and beret combo pics. It's not right for a future king to be that damn hot,' another commented. The Prince of Wales, who also sported a scruffy beard, shared a series of photos from the outing to his and his wife Kate Middleton 's official Instagram afterwards People rushed to the comment section and were ecstatic to see William dressed up in the uniform and rocking some facial hair, with some calling him 'handsome' and 'hot' 'Normally I'm not a fan of beards, but this beard has me fanning myself,' someone else said. 'The beard is bearding,' penned one fan. Other comments read: 'Always a good day when William is in uniform,' 'Ageing like a fine wine,' 'His Royal Highness looks amazing,' and, 'He looks like a movie star with that beard.' The trip to Wattisham, Suffolk marked the first time he toured the regiment since become the Colonel-in Chief of the Army Corps in 2024, per the New York Post. William completed his training as a helicopter pilot in the RAF Search and Rescue Force back in 2010, later flying an air ambulance two years before stepping down to take on more royal roles on behalf of Queen Elizabeth. The Queen has braved the rainy weather to visit what she called 'the most beautiful racecourse' and open a new stand that has been named in her honour today. Despite the downpour, Camilla, who took shelter under a sheer umbrella, was on jolly form and smiled broadly as she chatted to locals after touring privately-owned Hexham Racecourse - Northumberland's only track. The Queen was shown around the venue, 600ft above the town, which boasts views across the county and an undulating jump track which sits in a natural amphitheatre. Camilla, under a photograph of the late Queen's horse No Trumps, which won a race at the course in 2019, said she hoped to come back with a runner one day. She wore a pale-blue Bruce Oldfield outfit and a horseshoe brooch marked Minoru, which was a horse owned by Edward VII. After officially opening the Queen Camilla Stand, she said: 'How thrilled I am to be here in Hexham. 'I haven't been here, I am ashamed to say, before but it really is the most beautiful racecourse. It has the most wonderful views. 'Unfortunately, I didn't bring the weather with me, I can imagine what it is like on a sunny day because it looks pretty good on a day like this. Next time, I hope to come back with a runner. Hopefully it emulates No Trumps.' The Queen (pictured) has braved the rainy weather to visit what she called 'the most beautiful racecourse' and open a new stand that has been named in her honour today The Queen intermittently used an umbrella during the visit and even conducted a walkabout outside the Abbey in a downpour to meet members of the public, which included her tactful avoidance of a group of anti-monarchy protestors from Republic. The Queen spoke to racing industry figures including trainer Charlie Brooks, who said afterwards: 'She is very engaged in racing issues and, without putting words in her mouth, is understanding of the challenges she knows her stuff.' Robert Whitelock, racecourse manager, showed the Queen around the site and said afterwards: 'It is wonderful that she came up here and I think she is delighted about the stand being named in her honour.' Racing has been held in Hexham since 1670 and National Hunt Racing started at the current site in 1890. The Queen, like her late mother-in-law before her, is a long-standing supporter of horse racing and has loved horses since she was a girl. She once told ITV Racing: 'I could probably ride before I could walk.' A follower of jump racing from her teenage years, Camilla recognised the odds were against being a winning racehorse owner. Despite the downpour, Camilla, who took shelter under a sheer umbrella, was on jolly form and smiled broadly as she chatted to locals after touring privately-owned Hexham Racecourse - Northumberland's only track Camilla was at the privately-owned Hexham Racecourse Northumberland's only track to open the Queen Camilla Stand The Queen was shown around the venue, 600ft above the town, which boasts views across the county and an undulating jump track which sits in a natural amphitheatre Camilla (pictured greeting members of the public following her visit), under a photograph of the late Queen's horse No Trumps, which won a race at the course in 2019, said she hoped to come back with a runner one day Speaking to the channel in 2021, she said: 'I think people go into racing who don't know a lot about it and think 'Oh, we will buy a horse and it will win a race', but it's terribly difficult to win any race anywhere. 'The odds are actually stacked against winning, aren't they?' Queen Camilla is a longtime and avid supporter of the sport and along with the King, has inherited Elizabeth II's beloved thoroughbreds. Speaking to a veterans group of representatives inside, she remarked that there were 'still a lot of veterans' ahead of the D-Day 80th anniversary on Friday. Queen Camilla was also told by the group that they celebrate the veterans' birthdays with Colin the Caterpillar cakes. The Queen remarked that it was 'so important that they are looked after,' as many Second World War veterans are now over 100 years old or in their late 90s. She also met with the parents of murdered schoolgirl Holly Newton, who she has previously met to express support in their campaign to lower the age at which victims of domestic abuse are recognised. Speaking afterwards, Holly's mother Micala Trussler said: 'It's so important that we have that big voice behind our campaign, the law really does need to change. Camilla (pictured left) wore a pale-blue Bruce Oldfield outfit and a horseshoe brooch marked Minoru, which was a horse owned by Edward VII After officially opening the Queen Camilla Stand, the royal (pictured left) said: 'How thrilled I am to be here in Hexham. 'I haven't been here, I am ashamed to say, before but it really is the most beautiful racecourse. It has the most wonderful views' Queen Camilla meets Matty Watson, groundsman, (2nd L) during her visit to Hexham Racecourse Queen Camilla meets with groundstaff during her visit to Hexham Racecourse 'She really supports the work that we do as well, just educating young people. It's so important that we educate young people on relationships that they might be in now and whether or not they are abusive or safe for them to be in.' During Camilla's visit, she also conducted a tour of the Hexham Farmers' Market, and walked away with fresh local produce including a jar of local honey and bresaola which she promised to 'share' with the King. The Market is a weekly staple in the town and has been running since 1999. It was originally opened at the site of Hexham Mart before moving to the town centre in 2001. It has since expanded across the road to include the Abbey Flags as approximately 30 local producers operate weekly stalls. During the walkabout, the Queen met locals who had been waiting in the pouring rain and received a myriad of various bouquets. She also received framed pictures of her and the King, drawings from school children and a poetry book titled Land of Three Rivers. Speaking after the Queen had left, Sharon Brown, the chief executive officer of Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services, said that Camilla had apologised for not having the time to visit their headquarters in Hexham. She said: 'It was really brilliant to be included because she has really shone a light, she's a real advocate for domestic abuse victims and survivors, but also for services like ours. 'Because of the profile being raised by the Queen, I think it has helped more people to be thinking about it and talking about it.' She added: 'And when you're thinking about rural areas, there's still huge stigma attached to domestic abuse, so the fact that you've got the Queen speaking openly about this makes a big difference.' Queen Camilla during a visit to Hexham Abbey, Northumberland Queen Camilla during a visit to Hexham Abbey, Northumberland The Queen (pictured left), like her late mother-in-law before her, is a long-standing supporter of horse racing and has loved horses since she was a girl Queen Camilla meets Anne Barnes, a guest at the opening of the new Queen Camilla Stand Her Majesty also discussed the issues facing the rural community with a farming group in the Northumberland town amid the news that the UK has recorded its warmest spring on record. Speaking with a group from the Farming Community Representatives in Hexham Abbey, she said: 'We've had absolutely wonderful weatheryou must be very short of rainfall even now. 'It will be made up for this year but how are the farmers doing, have they been having a pretty hard time,' she asked, before adding they 'can survive most things'. She is known for being one of the hardest-working members of the royal family. So when it came to marking her 75th birthday year, Princess Anne had only one request - to host as many charities as possible for a special gathering at Buckingham Palace. With 400 patronages to her name, the royal residence was packed for the 'charities forum'. 'This personifies what Her Royal Highness cares about,' a palace source said. 'She didn't want to do anything for her birthday but bring her charities together to hear more about their work and how she can help them.' The princess, wearing a sand coloured skirt suit, arrived at today's event after Colonel John Boyd, her Private Secretary, welcomed guests to the Palace's ballroom, telling them: 'There has been a significant amount of interest in HRH's 75th birthday celebrations. 'As you are aware the princess has given decades of time and support to more than 400 charities and patronages. 'It probably won't come as a surprise, given HRH's commitment to you all, that the way the Princess wants to celebrate this milestone is to replicate what she's done on previous significant birthdays and hold this charities forum again to once again understand how she can help you, at a time when the third sector is facing unprecedented challenges and transformations.' In her own speech to more than 216 guests from 111 different organisations, Anne was typically self-effacing, telling them hilariously: 'I'm not here because this was my choice. A palace source said Princess Anne (pictured) 'didn't want to do anything for her birthday' except bring the charities she cares about together 'You very kindly asked me to become patron of your organisations, so it's an honour for me to have all of you here.' She also spoke about 'the pleasure I get from visiting and finding out a bit more about what you do.' The Princess took to the podium after hearing from three charity leaders: Sarah Woolnough, Chief Executive of The King's Fund spoke about public trust in charities; David Holdsworth, CEO of the Charity Commission spoke about the financial challenges faced by charities; Zoe Amar, founder and director of Zoe Amar Digital spoke about the opportunities and challenges raised by technology. Their presentations were followed by a Q&A session led by Professor Lynne Berry, Chair, Human Tissue Authority, who addressed the Princess by saying: 'Your leadership... and encouragement to a group of charities that range in size, in location, in purpose, is quite extraordinary.' Among the charities invited were two of her most longstanding patronages, Save the Children, which she became patron of in 1970, and Riding for the Disabled, of which she became patron in 1971. Some of her newest charities were also represented, including Friends of the Elderly and Royal Star and Garter Homes - both formerly patronages of Queen Elizabeth II - and the Naval Children's Charity, formerly a patronage of the Duke of York. In her address, the Princess also told guests: 'I would just like to make the point that we're very fortunate that His Majesty has allowed us to use Buckingham Palace for this event And I need to say that!' She concluded by saying: 'The responsibility and respect that you give to your own organisations, the people who work for you and your own beneficiaries, is perhaps the key to what makes you so important. Respect and responsibility. Thank you very much for doing what you do.' Princess Anne invited more than 216 guests from 111 different organisations to the event on Thursday Princess Anne is known for being one of the hardest-working members of the royal family The Princess Royal beamed on Thursday as she chatted with members from the charities she supports The Princess Royal attended a reception at Buckingham Palace to bring together charities and organisations that she is closely associated with Queen Elizabeth's daughter looked chic as she stepped out in a sand coloured skirt suit and brown heels With 400 patronages to her name, the royal residence was packed for the 'charities forum' The royal wanted to bring the charities together to discuss their causes ahead of her 75th birthday The Princess, who will turn 75 on August 15, is not expected to mark her milestone publicly in any other way. After today's event in the ballroom, she spent around an hour chatting to guests at an afternoon tea reception in the Picture Gallery, where they were entertained by musicians from the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra, one of Anne's patronages. This comes as Princess Anne became the first royal to visit to the peninsula of Little Sark as the Channel Islands celebrated Liberation Day last month. She was joined by her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence for the day - 80 years since the archipelago was freed from Nazi occupation in World War Two. Anne travelled by horse and carriage to La Coupee, a narrow walkway that connects the main island of Sark to the peninsula of Little Sark. She became the very first member of the Royal Family to visit the area. She had the opportunity to speak to islanders who had been liberated from German occupation, and enjoyed a street party with Chelsea Pensioners and Gurkhas. Christopher Beaumont, the Seigneur of Sark, said he was sure Anne would be 'blown away by the beauty of the island'. The supermodel has released a new collection with Zara in time for Glastonbury With less than three weeks until Glastonbury, festival-goers are almost as busy planning outfits as they are deciding which bands they want to see. Yes, Britain's oldest festival is all about the music. But increasingly, it's about the clothes too. Nobody knows this more keenly than Kate Moss, whose festival wardrobe has never put a wellied foot wrong over the years, whether she's in a battered army jacket, embroidered waistcoat or cut-off denim shorts. Which is why her second collaboration with Zara is as shrewd as it's perfectly timed. Launching on Monday, the 70-piece collection has everything you need for Glastonbury, bar the tent. Even if a music festival is your idea of hell, fans of Kate's style should find themselves in seventh heaven. Just as she did with her sold-out Topshop collections in the early 2000s, Moss, 51, has drawn heavily on her own wardrobe for inspiration, replicating some of her favourite vintage jewellery, leather accessories and thrift-store finds. While you'll need a double shot of body confidence to wear items such as the tiny silver hot pants (149) or studded leather bralette (79.99), there are friendlier items. A black ribbed vest, the cheapest item at 15.99, should prove a classic summer staple, as will a silk daisy-print halter neck top, 119. Kate Moss has also turned her hand to menswear for the first time, with the help of her long-time friend, Primal Scream frontman Bobby Gillespie (both pictured) Moss has also turned her hand to menswear for the first time, with the help of her long-time friend, Primal Scream frontman Bobby Gillespie. A veteran of Glastonbury's Pyramid Stage, he has drawn on his stage wardrobe to design a white blazer, 139, suede ankle boots, 169, and a Western-inspired shirt, 69.99. Zara's advertising campaign also stars Gillespie's model son, Lux, 21, and Moss's daughter, Lila, 22. While Moss has always had a special place in British women's hearts, she will now have a place in women's wardrobes globally, given the collection will be available in 120 stores worldwide. Moss and Gillespie have also paid attention to the quality of the tailoring, in the hope their hero piece, a cream silk trouser suit, will be loved and worn by men and women alike. Though probably not to a festival. This new launch comes after the supermodel worked with Zara to design her own line of partywear ahead of the festive season last year. The collection boasted cape dresses and embellished bralettes, reminiscent of the early 90s. Describing her motivation behind the range, Moss said at the time: 'For this collection, I wanted to create the perfect party capsule - pieces that feel effortlessly chic but with an edge. Mixing classic cuts with just the right amount of glam to take you through the party season.' You'll need a double shot of body confidence to wear items such as the tiny silver hot pants (149) or studded leather bralette (79.99), says Laura Craik Kate Moss is pictured on the first day of the Glastonbury festival in 2005, sporting muddy boots Launching on Monday, the 70-piece collection has everything you need for Glastonbury, bar the tent The glamorous 40-piece 'party capsule' collection was designed by herself, Marta Ortega Perez, the chair of Inditex (which owns Zara), and her long-term collaborator and stylist Katy England. Fashion critics at the time praised the clothes for being 'timeless' and said that 'Christmas had come early'. The Mail's Shane Watson said: 'She knows how women want to feel at parties: not girly, not dressy, not done up to the nines, but confident, attractive, sexy, and always ALWAYS glamorous.' Many may also remember queuing for ages at the Topshop flagship store on Oxford Street in 2007, hoping to bag themselves something the icon had designed. A broken-hearted student dumped her 'cheating' ex - by printing out 'sexts' he sent to another woman and hand-delivering them to him at work in a sympathy card. Melissa Viegas broke up with her partner after discovering he had sent explicit messages to another woman. The 23-year-old, who first met her former boyfriend via Instagram, said she was 'suspicious' of him talking to other women but didn't want to confront him until she had evidence. The masters student was lying next to her now-ex in bed when she received a message request from a stranger saying she had exchanged flirty messages with her boyfriend. Horrified, Melissa read through the texts exchanged between the pair, some of which contained references to explicit sexual fantasies. Armed with the evidence, Melissa, from the UK, began concocting a plan of how she could expose him. The bartender printed out multiple screenshots of the 'sexts' and stuck them inside a sympathy card that read 'remembering your loved one'. A devastated Melissa then delivered the card in person to him while he was working behind a bar, storming out before she could see his reaction. Melissa Viegas (right), from Manchester, found out her boyfriend at the time had been 'sexting' another woman, so she started plotting a revenge plan Melissa was lying in bed with her now-ex when she received a message from a woman who claims she and the man had been exchanging racy texts When contacted for comment, her ex admitted to 'engaging in some inappropriate messages that crossed a line' and said he would learn from it. After the man's apparent infidelity came to light, Melissa received more tip offs from women who say he had slid into their direct messages while they were still together. 'I had a lot of suspicions but I didn't have any hard proof that he was cheating,' Melissa said. 'Because there were so many suspicions, I was already thinking about leaving. I knew I deserved better. 'I was in bed lying next to him when I saw I had a new message request from a girl who he'd been messaging.' Apparently, the man told the woman he was messaging that he didn't have social media but she was sceptical. She did some investigating online when she came across his Instagram profile, saw posts with Melissa and 'felt terrible'. 'He tries to plan to see her multiple times. He was really full-on sexting. It really scarred me. It was horrible, especially seeing him call her the pet names he calls me,' Melissa said. 'So when that girl sent me all those receipts I knew I had all I needed and I wasn't going to put myself through anything like this again.' A devastated Melissa then delivered the card in person to him while he was working behind a bar, storming out before she could see his reaction A week later, Melissa devised a plan to confront her partner about the messages alongside print-outs of the exchange. 'It really was hard not saying anything but I didn't see him a huge amount that week anyway because of his new job,' she recalled. 'My initial idea was just to print off the screenshots and give them to him at work. I ended up cutting them out and putting them in a 'sorry for your loss' card. 'I showed up to his work and gave him the card. He opened it, stared at it for a while and he was clearly embarrassed. He was offended I had done it at his work. 'My friend grabbed my hand and said 'Let's just go'.' After sharing her story on TikTok, Melissa's video racked up more than a million views. 'I just thought 'I'm going to make a video' because he was so shameless,' Melissa said. 'He knew I was suspicious and asking questions and he made me feel guilty about bringing up him cheating. I thought he needed to learn some shame. Melissa said she had suspected her boyfriend was cheating and was already thinking of leaving him before she received the tip off from the anonymous woman 'My initial idea was just to print off the screenshots and give them to him at work. I ended up cutting them out and putting them in a 'sorry for your loss' card,' Melissa said 'I had never realised how strong girl power could be. The only hate comments were from men. It's made me hold my friends even tighter now.' Since the clip went viral, Melissa was contacted by two other women claiming to have been messaging her ex without knowing he had a girlfriend. One of the women said she had a date lined up with him but in light of the new information will now 'stand him up'. Melissa also reported her former flame had messaged one of her friends saying 'I was going to break up with her anyway'. 'We literally booked a holiday two weeks ago for end of August so theres no way he was planning for that,' Melissa said. In response to the viral video, Melissa's ex said he 'deeply regrets any hurt caused' and wishes Melissa 'nothing but the best'. 'The claims in Melissa's viral TikTok don't reflect who I am,' the ex said. 'I deeply regret any hurt she felt during our relationship and breakup, and I take responsibility for engaging in some inappropriate messages that crossed a line. 'That was a mistake, not a reflection of my character, and I'm committed to learning from it. Break-ups are tough and I understand emotions can run high online. 'I'm not here to add to the noise or point fingers - I'm focused on moving forward with integrity and privately. 'I wish Melissa nothing but the best.' Sarah Susak was getting ready for work one morning, applying her makeup in the bathroom mirror, when her husband Halan popped his head around the door. As he gave Sarah a goodbye kiss, a zap startled her. It felt like an electric shocked had jolted her right in the face. 'I knew we had chemistry but that was intense,' Sarah, now 48, tells me with a laugh. While Sarah had made a similar joke at the time, she decided to see a doctor. She'd been suffering facial pain for weeks and was now worried something might be seriously wrong. Later that day, her doctor told her that it was simply nerve pain and would go away on its own. Sarah was fit and healthy, with no other symptoms, so her GP wasn't remotely concerned. But the pain was impossible for her to ignore. When Sarah Susak felt an electric shock sensation after kissing her husband Halan, she rushed to the doctor. (Sarah is pictured on the right, before her diagnosis, alongside her mother, left) Only 18 months prior to her diagnosis, she welcomed a beautiful baby girl into the world via IVF 'I always wanted to be a mum,' says Sarah 'I let it go for another week but it was too obvious something was wrong,' Sarah, from Sydney, adds. A few days later, she went to see a specialist and when she opened her mouth, the doctor told her he could see a visible mass inside. 'I don't know how I didn't see it before but you could see the tumour in my mouth sticking out of the palate. If I had been to the dentist, they would've spotted it,' Sarah explains. A biopsy was carried out and Sarah was asked to return for the results. She was diagnosed with adenoid cystic carcinoma, an extremely rare and aggressive form of head and neck cancer. The tumour was dangerously close to nerve endings in her neck and growing in the direction of her brain. Sarah's world came crashing down as the doctor explained the prognosis. 'We can operate to remove the tumour and then treat you with radiation, which should give you another five or so years, but then it will likely metastasise to another part of your body and you could die,' they said. 'The only word in my head when the doctor told me I have cancer was "Stella". That's what broke me the most - thinking she wouldn't have a mother,' she says. Sarah's daughter Stella was just 18 months old at the time. She was a miracle baby for Sarah and Halan, having been conceived after eight rounds of IVF treatment. Sarah was diagnosed with with adenoid cystic carcinoma, an extremely rare and aggressive form of head and neck cancer Sarah went to Brisbane for 19-hour facial surgery. Doctors warned she could lose her left eye, risked becoming deaf in one ear and that a nostril would collapse. Her one request was to live 'I always wanted to be a mum. I didn't know what my life would be like if I didn't have a child. I probably would've had more if I didn't have cancer,' she adds. Sarah and her family went to Brisbane for her gruelling 19-hour facial surgery. Doctors warned she could lose her left eye, risked becoming deaf in one ear and that a nostril would collapse. Despite fearing the worst, Sarah gave the surgeons permission to do whatever was necessary to remove the cancer, regardless of what happened to her appearance as a result. Her one request was to survive - for her daughter. 'The plastic surgeon said he would try his best to avoid a visual "train wreck",' she says. 'The original plan was open-face surgery, but when the surgeons commenced, they realised they could avoid that if they sought to remove the tumour by accessing it through my mouth. 'That would require them to literally cut out half of my upper mouth and teeth.' Surgeons successfully removed the tumour and used the entire fibula bone in her leg, as well as veins from her feet, to reconstruct a new palette and left jaw. After the surgery, Sarah rested at home for a month. She then returned to hospital for six weeks of radiotherapy, which she reveals was far tougher than recovering from surgery. 'I was basically burnt for six weeks. They were such severe burns, plus illness and fatigue. Looking back, I wonder if it was really necessary,' she tells me. Since the type of cancer Sarah had was so rare, its cause remains unknown. But during her treatment and recovery, Sarah did a lot of soul searching as to why this might have happened to her. 'There were a lot of things about my life that I can now say in hindsight were not the healthiest ways to live,' she says. Sarah's demanding corporate job meant she often worked until 1am, ate fast food for dinner because it was convenient, and drank alcohol recreationally. In her younger years while living in Paris, she smoked cigarettes without considering the consequences. 'Everything changed after I got cancer and I'm now the healthiest I've ever been,' she adds. After her ordeal, Sarah was ready to move on with her life - but fate had other plans. In April last year, she suffered another blow when doctors found cancer cells had spread to her lungs. Though the lesion was safely removed, she developed a rare autoimmune condition called Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) where the body's immune system turns on the nervous system. 'I came home from surgery and felt happy as Larry. Then, all of a sudden, my body felt like a human refrigerator. It was freezing cold and I couldn't feel anything I touched,' she explains. 'I went to the hospital and was told I was having a panic attack - I wasn't. I was sent home but my symptoms continued so I took myself back to the ER where I stayed for two days - even as they ignored me.' Sarah was finally admitted to see a specialist who 'never came' so all she could do was sit on the floor of the hospital corridor. 'I said, "I'm not moving until someone sees me,"' she tells me. A sympathetic nurse eventually found a neurologist who almost immediately realised the severity of her condition and rushed her intensive care. Within four hours, she was paralysed from the neck down. She spent four days on life support while receiving round-the-clock care. They were able to save her life - but she had to learn to walk and swallow again. Incredibly, the cancer and Guillain-Barre Syndrome weren't linked - it was simply 'bad luck'. In April last year, she suffered another blow when doctors found cancer cells had spread to her lungs. She also developed a rare autoimmune condition called Guillain-Barre Syndrome Now, Sarah can only eat soft foods, one nostril doesn't work, she wears a hearing aid and swallowing can be challenging Today, Sarah is in remission, but her face still bears scars of what she's been through. The teeth on the left side of her mouth are missing and cannot be replaced. 'I can't get dentures and I can't get implants because there's nowhere to clip a denture into one side, and the implants would probably ruin the bone that's been damaged from radiation, so it's too difficult,' she says. Eight years on, Sarah says she is 'used to' her new appearance, as is daughter Stella. 'Stella's grown up with me looking this way. She has never known any different, but she's remarkable. When I was in hospital last year, everyone said, "You can't let Stella see you like this," but I did. When she came in, she just looked at me and said, "Well, you look weird, don't you?" We both laughed. 'She's a wonderful daughter.' 'I do still get funny looks when chatting to strangers in public, but it's more awkward than embarrassing. 'But I'm grateful to be alive - that's all that matters.' Sarah has released a book titled 'YOURU: Find the Guru within You' to share her story and help others seek the light through dark times Dangerous Chinese bioweapons and pathogens are increasingly being smuggled into the US to sicken Americans, experts warn. In the past several years, US Customs officials have seized hundreds of suspicious packages and vials of blood, animal parts and even cancer cells from Chinese officials arriving on American soil. Security experts told the Daily Mail these incidents are on the rise, fueled by desires to unseat the US as a global superpower and 'weaken the American people.' The warning comes after the US Department of Justice accused Chinese researchers Yunqing Jian, 33, and Zunyong Liu, 34, of smuggling the fungus Fusarium graminearum into the US. The FBI identified the fungus, which destroys crops and produces toxins linked to liver and reproductive damage, as a 'potential agroterriorism weapon'. Government officials also believe the incident signals 'the gravest national security concerns.' And it's part of a growing trend. In Boston, for example, a Harvard researcher was found to be carrying 21 vials of cancer cells in his sock in 2019. And in Detroit, Chinese nations have tried to bring in drug-resistant bacteria and Covid-like viruses, even years before the pandemic. Health and security experts tell the Daily Mail these are just the ones the public knows about, and hundreds more incidents may have flown under the radar. University of Michigan postdoctoral fellow Yunqing Jian (pictured), 33, has been charged alongside Zunyong Liu, 34, for smuggling the fungus Fusarium graminearum into the US. Liu has not been pictured A pair of Chinese researchers have been charged in Michigan for allegedly smuggling a biological pathogen (pictured) into the US to study at the University of Michigan Molecular biologists told the Daily Mail that while transporting Fusarium graminearum alone is likely not a national security threat, bioweapon smuggling from China is part of an 'ongoing' issue and could be a sign of even more dangerous pathogens entering the US without being detected. Casey Fleming, national security expert and CEO of counterintelligence advisement firm BlackOps Partners Corporation, told the Daily Mail incidents like these are '100 percent to harm and weaken Americans under their "unrestricted war" with no rules.' This includes stripping the country of vital research, exposing Americans to extremely deadly drugs and selling data. Your browser does not support iframes. Brandon Daniels, CEO of supply chain and risk management platform Exiger, also told this website in some cases, 'these incidents may be tied to unauthorized research activity and intellectual property theft.' This means perpetrators could take American research and pass it off as their own or sell secrets to other governments. US Customs and Border control has suggested incidents like this are on the rise. In 2023, the agency seized 549,238 pounds of drugs and illegal substances. That figure increased to roughly 573,000 last year. Sean Smith, a biological threat exclusion coordinator at the CBP, said during a conference: 'We are seeing more and more non-compliant biological materials coming in.' Fusarium graminearum, the most recently smuggled pathogen, is a fungus that infects and destroys wheat, rice, oats and barley. It leads to Fusarium head blight, also called scab, on the heads of infected plants that destroys crops. Fusarium head blight also releases the toxin vomitoxin, also called deoxynivalenol (DON), which attacks the digestive system when consumed by humans, leading to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. High levels have also been linked to liver and reproductive damage in animals due to triggering inflammation, though it's unclear if humans would suffer the same effects. Pictured above is a graph from US Customs and Border Protection showing drug seizures in the US per year Experts told the Daily Mail Chinese nationals may intentionally bring over harmful pathogens like Covid to cause harm or steal their intellectual property Dr Ebright said Fusarium graminearum 'already causes estimated losses of $200-400 million annually to US agriculture.' However, because it 'has been endemic in the US for at least four decades,' transporting it from China to the US likely doesn't have national security implications. In 2022, CBP officials in Cincinnati seized 62 shipments of 'unknown biological materials and more than 130 shipments of dangerous pathogens like salmonella, listeria, legionella and clostridium - the cause of food poisoning and botulism - from China. Bat specimens were also seized after being smuggled in as tricycles, and blood was shipped across US borders and suspected to be contaminated with Glanders, a zoonotic disease that spreads through direct contact with infected animals. Glanders has not been officially detected in the US since 2000 and was declared eradicated from domestic animals in the 1940s. It leads to fever, chills, muscle aches, chest pain, headache and skin ulcers and is at least 50 percent fatal, even with antibiotic treatment. In May 2023, a middle-aged Chinese man who flew into Detroit Metropolitan Airport - the same airport where the Chinese couple smuggled in Fusarium graminearum - was found to be carrying four vials of plasmids, DNA molecules found in bacteria. Zaosong Zheng (pictured here) was sentenced to prison and deportation after he tried to smuggle 21 vials of cancer cells from Boston to China to take credit for the research he was doing at Harvard Two of the vials were labeled 'MRSA' (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), a bacteria notorious for being resistant to many antibiotics. It enters the body through cuts or scrapes and can attack the bloodstream and vital organs, leading to organ failure. It has a 20 to 50 percent mortality rate. The man claimed to be a university professor, but emails to his employer revealed neither knew nor approved of him transporting the vials and that they were outside of the scope of his research. The FBI did not disclose the man's identity. Also in Detroit, border agents in November 2018 stopped a Chinese biologist with three samples labeled 'antibodies' in his luggage. He claimed someone he worked with in China asked him to deliver the vials to a researcher at a US institute. The agents believed the materials contained samples of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), a type of coronavirus that predates Covid-19 and originated in China in the early 2000s. The researcher was not identified and was released without charges. Additionally, 30-year-old Harvard graduate student Zaosong Zheng was stopped by Customs and Border Protection agencies at Boston Logan International Airport in 2019. Agents found Zheng has stolen 21 vials of cancer cells from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, a Harvard-affiliated hospital where he worked at the time, and hid them in a sock. He told officials he wanted to bring the vials back to China and conduct cancer research under his own name and credit it as a Chinese advancement. Zheng was sentenced in 2021 to 87 days in prison, three years of supervised release and deportation from the US. Daniels said: 'These cases highlight the risks posed by illicit trade and why the U.S. government needs to prioritize supply chain surveillance systems.' Fleming believes it's 'relatively easy to smuggle these types of small items in personal luggage, via mail, and even shipping containers.' 'The volume of cargo, mail, and passengers is too immense to screen properly,' he added. The above map shows states that have detected overdose deaths from carfentanil, which is 100 times deadlier than fentanyl Experts told Daily Mail that fentanyl is often produced in China and shipped to Mexico, where it is pressed into pills (pictured here) Recent 'undeniable' evidence also shows fentanyl and its even deadlier derivative carfentanil have been transported to the US from China, Daniels said. Carfentil is a synthetic fentanyl made in a lab and typically used as an elephant and large cattle tranquilizer because it is 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times more potent than its cousin fentanyl. Fletcher told Daily Mail these drugs 'are produced in Wuhan and shipped to the southwestern port of Michoacan, Mexico for pressing into tablets and distribution by the Mexican drug cartels throughout America and then on to Latin America and Europe.' 'Its a highly efficient way to kill tens of thousands American and allied military aged young men every year while killing the spirit of their families and extended families,' he added. Last October, the U.S. Justice Department unsealed eight separate indictments against China-based chemical companies and their executives for feeding the fentanyl supply chain by smuggling large volumes of fentanyl through to the US and Mexico. Daniels said: 'The indicted firms mislabeled packages, used U.S. re-shippers, falsified invoices, and leveraged encrypted chats to hide shipments that ultimately supply the cartels.' A mother-of-two who developed organ damage after drinking several cans of Red Bull on a daily basis has warned against getting 'hooked' on the energy drinks. Lucy Parker, 35, from Perth in Australia, initially booked in for a medical scan to investigate pain she'd been having in her thighs. While the cause of this was revealed to be an ovarian cyst, the scan also revealed signs of serious harm on her liver. Images revealed the vital organ had an extreme build-up of fat whichif left to progresscan lead to organ failure as well as an increased risk of cancer. Ms Parker, who is a healthy weight, blamed her habit of drinking three Red Bulls per day, equivalent to consuming 81g of sugar per day (the equivalent of nearly two and a half Mars bars), for the problem. She's since quit the energy drinks altogether and said follow-up scans have shown signs her liver is recovering. The creative director for a marketing agency admitted she had been 'addicted' to Red Bull. 'If I knew I didn't have a Red Bull in the fridge before I went to bed I would drive out to go and get one or figure out how to get one first thing in the morning,' she said. Lucy Parker, 35, from Perth in Australia blamed her three-times-a-day Red Bull habit, equivalent to consuming 81g of sugar per day, for hidden organ damage 'I was having 81 grams of sugar a day in just those drinks. 'When you look at it on a scale there's no way you can eat that much sugar, it would make you sick.' The NHS advises that adults should have less than 30g of sugar per day, meaning Ms Parker was consuming nearly triple the recommended maximum. She added that even her daughters had noticed her reliance on the popular energy drink. 'Even my two kids on Mother's Day at school when they had to write down things about their mum they said "my mum's favourite drink is Red Bull",' she said. Recalling the moment medics gave her the scan results earlier this year, Ms Parker said it was mixture of relief followed by shock. 'Doctors were like "this is what's shown up-there's a cyst on your ovary we'll keep an eye on but that's the not the thing we're worried about",' she said. 'They told me "There's a lot of fat around your liver". Medics found her liver had extreme build-up of toxic fat whichif left to progresscan lead to organ failure as well as an increased risk of cancer Symptoms of fatty liver disease can be difficult to notice at first, other than fatigue. However, as the disease progresses, symptoms such as swelling, red palms, and jaundice appear 'They said it's basically where fat builds up around the liver and it's not able to work as well as it should.' While this toxic build-up of fat can be caused by drinking large amounts of alcohol, tests later revealed her condition was specifically non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This is a similar condition which is most commonly seen in overweight or obese individuals, particularly those with a lot of fat around their waist. In its early stages it doesn't trigger any noticeable symptoms, but medics can detect it during scans performed for other reasons, as in Ms Parker's case. If left to progress the disease causes the liver to suffer increasing damage from inflammation, leading to internal scarring of the organ which make it works less effectively. As the liver, which helps with digestion and filtering out toxins, shuts down, patients can begin to experience dull aching pain in their abdomen, extreme fatigue, weight loss and weakness. At the most severe stage this damage becomes permanent, and organ will begin to fail and become at high risk of developing tumours. Ms Parker said that upon getting the diagnosis she immediately quit drinking Red Bull. Energy drinks have sky-high levels of ingredients that have powerful effects on the body. Some brands can have up to 160mg of caffeine, almost triple that of an instant coffee, nearly 10-times the level of taurine, an amino acid commonly found in meat, fish and eggs, as a salmon fillet and the same amount of sugar as a full fat Coke And a subsequent scan held six weeks later showed this was already showing results. Ms Parker said: 'My doctor said "whatever you have done between the last session and now is working". 'I just said "I've stopped drinking the Red Bull". 'She told me to keep doing that and in six months' time we will have reversed it hopefully.' Ms Parker said she had no 'no symptoms' prior to her diagnosis and urged others with a similar love of energy drinks to get checked. 'I had no pain, no nothing,' she said. 'If someone reading this is drinking the same amount of energy drinks for that period of time I would suggest they get a blood test.' She added this was particularly the case for fellow people with Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who may be using energy drinks to 'calm down'. Drinks such as Red Bull, Prime and Monster can have up to 150mg of caffeine. For comparison, a 250ml cup of coffee has around 90mg 'If you have ADHD it just does the opposite to what it would do for a neurotypical person,' she said. 'It calms me down...it puts everything into check and helps me get through the day.' Official data shows 345 Britons died from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in 2023, a slight rise from the pervious year's 323 with experts noting the rate had risen significantly since the Covid pandemic. Ms Parker's warning comes after the Government announced plans last year to ban under-16s from buying energy drinks due to concerns they are harming young people's health. Many supermarket chains across the country already have a voluntarily ban on selling the products to minors. But Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said his party would make this mandatory in the run-up to the General Election in 2024. Drinks such as Red Bull, Prime and Monster can have up to 150mg of caffeine, almost double that of a black coffee. With some brands available for as little as 25p a can, many of the energy boosting drinks can be cheaper than bottled water and are a popular pick-me-up among young people. A new, potentially deadly insomnia hack which involves people hanging from belts in an attempt to get some decent shut eye has shocked social media users. In the clips, Chinese citizens are seen with their heads in a harnesses attached to fixed metal bars, as they swing back and forth or side to side for a few minutes. This apparent cure for insomnia is based on a technique developed by a man named Sun Rongchun from Shenyang, a city in northeast China. Mr Sun suffered from cervical spondylosis, age-related neck pain caused by bones in the spine wearing down over time, which also affected his sleep. He developed the neck harness and swinging technique to alleviate this pain by relieving pressure on the spine, with numerous videos claiming it combats insomnia. A clip shared on X viewed over 11million times states: 'Those who try it claim their sleep problems have significantly improved.' Some users posting under the clip claimed it was an example of cervical spine tractiona treatment where a pulling motion is applied on the neck to relieve pain and pressure. However, other baffled commentators said it looked like a 'way to sleep forever'. This apparent cure for insomnia is based on a technique developed by Sun Rongchun (pictured) from Shenyang, a city in northeast China Medics have also warned the technique is not backed by evidence as an insomnia aid and could even be fatal. They cautioned that the cervical spine, the part of the backbone that forms the neck, isn't designed to support a person's full weight from a harness. Doing so risks damaging the sensitive vertebrae and blood vessels in your neck, risking a stroke, nerve damage or even full paralysis. Chinese media have also reported deaths linked to the practice, with one man from Chongqing, in the country's south east, reportedly dying while using a neck harness attached to a tree last year. Dr Siddhart Gautam, a neurosurgeon from Mumbai, told ndtv.com that while people who use the devices may experience a placebo effect, there no evidence it actually works to help insomnia. Fellow neurology expert Dr Manish Chhabria, also from Mumbai, agreed, stating the technique is dangerous and could even be deadly due to extreme pressure on the neck. More than 5million people in the UK are thought to suffer from chronic insomnia. This is defined as struggling to fall or stay asleep at least three nights a week for more than three months. He developed the neck harness and swinging technique to alleviate this pain by relieving pressure on the spine, with numerous videos claiming it combats insomnia GPs are increasingly cautious about prescribing sleeping pills due to concerns about tolerancewhere patients need higher doses to feel the same effectand addiction. Long-term use of traditional sleeping pills has been linked to increased risks of dementia, falls and impaired concentration which can be particularly dangerous when driving. NHS guidelines instead recommend cognitive behavioural therapy, a form of psychotherapy, as the first-line treatment for the condition. The health service recommends adults get at least seven hours of sleep per night on average. Thousands of people in Scotland are being sent urgent text alerts from NHS GPs, warning them to use condoms during sex when first starting to use weight loss jabs. The move follows last night's warning from UK health watchdog, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), that blockbuster injections like Ozempic and Wegovy could make contraceptive less effective and be harmful to unborn babies. Those using the 'King-Kong' of weight loss jabs, Mounjaro, were told to 'double-up' their methods of contraception if using the Pill. Doctors at Lincluden Medical Centre in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, which has around 9000 patients, yesterday sent out text alerts encouraging the use of condoms while using the jabs. The text read: 'These injections can make the contraceptive pill and HRT less effective. 'If you take the pill with these injections you need to use condoms for four weeks after starting the first injection and for four weeks after any dose increase. 'If a private clinic is prescribing your weight loss injections make sure you tell them about all the medications you are taking.' The practice added that it had noticed a spike in patients sourcing jabs like Mounjaro from private clinics. The warning comes after numerous reports of women having unplanned pregnancies while on jabs like Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro, despite using contraception Your browser does not support iframes. Experts say strong evidence that weight loss injections can make contraception redundant is yet to be found, but leaflets that come with the drugs already tell patients to use contraception, and to stop taking the drugs if they get pregnant. Meanwhile, some women have reported becoming pregnant while using the jabs to lose weight despite using hormonal contraception. One woman, who posted on a Reddit forum, revealed she had become pregnant while using Mounjaro, despite taking contraception. She shared an image of her positive pregnancy test and wrote that weight loss jabs 'make it hard for oral medications (like the Pill) to be effective'. Professor Sir Stephen O'Rahilly, co-director of the Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, told The Guardian the reduced efficacy of contraception could be explained by nausea and diarrhoea some people who use the jabs experience. He said: 'People treated with these drugs can develop gastrointestinal side-effects including diarrhoea, so it is not implausible that some women may find that their oral contraceptive pill is, at least intermittently, not as reliably absorbed as it was previously.' He suggested that women keen to avoid pregnancy who are using skinny jabs while on the Pill use additional methods of contraception like condoms 'until their weight stabilises'. The MHRA warning also stated that 'there is not enough safety data to know whether taking the medicine could cause harm to the baby.' Your browser does not support iframes. Officials added that women who become pregnant while using the medications must cease taking them immediately. The regulator added that, to date, it had received more than 40 reports relating to pregnancyincluding birth defects, miscarriages and unplanned pregnancies among women on the drugs. Weight-loss injections belong to class of drugs known as GLP- agonists, which help encourage fullness by mimicking a natural hormone released after eating. Some, like Mounjaro, also act on a second hormone involved in appetite and blood sugar control. Dont ignore a patch of itchy skin that simply wont healit could be skin cancer. Its one of two common niggles, along with a pimple that doesn't go away, that consultant dermatologist Dr Fatima Awdeh has identified as a possible sign of the disease, including deadly melanoma. In a new video posted to the Instagram page of her dermatology clinic, Riverside Skin and Laser Clinic, the Essex-based medic outlined little-known skin problems that set off alarm bells. Firstly, she revealed a new brown streak under a fingernail makes her worry about melanomawhich kills around 2,300 people in the UK every year. This is a sign of a rare type of the disease called subungual melanoma, which presents as discoloration underneath the nail that looks like a bruise. A second sign that patients are rarely aware of, she said, is a patch of eczema that does not heal. This could be a sign of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the second most common skin cancer, with more than 25,000 people in the UK diagnosed with the condition every year. While it is highly survivable in early stages, when spotted late it can spread to other areas of the body, making it more difficult to treat. While many serious skin cancers begin in moles, experts have urged the public to look out for other changes that don't involve the traditional raised, coloured spot. For instance, Dr Awdeh said an unhealed spot could be a basal cell carcinoma (BCC), a slow growing cancer that is the most common skin cancer in the UK. While BCCs do not usually spread throughout the body, and are almost always cured, treating them can involve removing large chunks of skin, leaving patients with disfiguring scars. Some of these growths appear as flat, red, scaly marks or have a pearl-like rim. Many become ulcerated, while others are lumpy with shiny nodules. In the caption, Dr Awdeh wrote: Signs of skin cancer can include new growths or changes in existing ones, such as moles or patches of skin, that are new, changing, or growing. Melanoma is the UKs fifth most common cancer, as well as the deadliest type of skin cancer, resulting in 2,000 deaths a year. The most common sign of this lethal type is a mole that grows, bleeds or changes colour. Dr Fatima Awdeh has shared some commonly overlooked symptoms of skin cancer Melanoma: Signs and what to look for Dermatologists follow the ABCDEs when diagnosing melanoma Asymmetry - moles with uneven edges Border - borders of moles are irregular Color - shades of brown, black, or tan, as well as spots of pink, red or purple Diameter - At least six millimeters Evolving - Changes in the size, shape, color, or elevation of a spot or any new symptom such as bleeding, itching, or crusting Advertisement Non-melanoma: Signs and what to look for Basal Cell may appear as a A waxy bump A white or pink patch An open sore Squamous Cell may appear as a Scaly red patch Tough and thickened patch of skin Wart Raised growth with a depression Advertisement In order to reduce the risk of all types of skin cancer, the NHS recommends that Britons wear sunscreen when spending time in the sun, regardless of the temperature. Melanoma is caused by cellular damage from UV and UVB rays from the sun and tanning beds, but those with a family history of the disease are at greater risk. Awareness of this type of cancer is increasing, partly spurred on by celebrities including Hugh Jackman, 56, Katherine Ryan, 41, Khloe Kardashian, 40, and Molly-Mae Hague, 25 openly sharing their diagnoses. A common misconception is that melanoma solely affects the skin on the face, body, and limbs, but it can also develop on other areas vulnerable to sun damage the mouth, scalp, nail beds, soles of the feet, palm of the hands and fingers. The health service also recommends, during spring and summer, that people spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm, when the sun is at its strongest. Ozempic has been linked to a potentially blinding condition that causes internal bleeding behind the eyes. An Israeli study found patients taking Ozempic or similar weight-loss shots were twice as likely to suffer from a serious degenerative eye disease compared to those not on the medication. The condition, neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), causes leaky blood vessels to grow behind the eye, which can spill fluid into the retina leading to permanent damage and blindness. Ozempic and similar medications work by mimicking the body's naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone, which reduces hunger. And while the exact link between weight-loss drugs and vision problems isn't known, scientists believe they bind to GLP-1 receptors in the eye, triggering the growth of the blood vessels. Although cases were rare, experts warned over the concerning signal in the data saying that further research was needed. It is at least the second eye condition to be linked to the drug, after scientists also found a potential link to non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) a condition where the optic nerve is damaged, causing blindness. And comes just days after the drug was linked to a higher risk of kidney cancer, although researchers said it lowers the risk of other forms of cancer. After being resigned to being obese, Brad Roberts couldn't believe it when he lost 24lbs in a month on weight loss drugs. However, in a shocking turn of events, the 44-year-old father-of-four and his wife Stacey are suing the doctor who prescribed him the weight loss drugs About one in eight Americans have already tried a GLP-1 like Ozempic, surveys suggest, while around 15million or 6 percent are thought to be currently on the medications. Age-related macular degeneration affects about 19million adults in the US, estimates suggest, with older adults being most commonly affected. Of these, about 1.5million have the late stage form, with nAMD behind around 10 percent of these cases according to the non-profit Bright Focus. It says that 90 percent of patients diagnosed with nAMD are considered legally blind. In the condition, new, abnormal and fragile blood vessels grow on the macula an area in the center of the eye behind central, high-resolution, color vision and may then leak blood and fluid onto it, causing damage and loss of vision. While it isn't clear exactly what causes the condition, the American Academy of Ophthalmology suggests that it could be due to shifts in hormones in the eye sparking the growth of more blood vessels. For the study, published in JAMA Opthalmology, scientists extracted data on 139,000 adults in Ontario, Canada, from the ICES database which collects data on patients in the province from public sources. All of the patients had type 2 diabetes, and they were 66 years old on average. Some 46 percent were female. Around 46,000 were prescribed a weight loss drug like Ozempic for at least six months while the rest took different diabetes drugs. Over three years, researchers recorded 93 cases of nAMD in the weight loss drug group (or 0.2 percent of patients). But in the group not using the drug, there were 88 cases (or 0.1 percent of patients). Real Housewives of New Jersey star Dolores Catania admitted to using Ozempic to lose weight for the six weeks ahead of the RHNJ reunion. There is no evidence that she lost any vision due to the drug Todd Engel pictured above with his wife Shelley. He has lost vision in both his eyes after taking the weight loss and type 2 diabetes medication Ozempic The researchers said: 'An explanation for the increasing risk with prolonged exposure is that the retina contains receptors for GLP-1, and [these] are known to increase the levels of CXCL12.' The researchers said CXCL12 is a substance that attracts white blood cells, with this possibly causing the growth of new blood vessels. Out of the patients, 97 percent were reported to be on a semaglutide which includes semaglutide while the rest were on lixisenatide brand name Adlyxin. Your browser does not support iframes. Scientists started tracking the individuals between January 2020 and November 2023 for up to three years on average. Ozempic's maker Novo Nordisk is already facing several lawsuits from people who say that the drug robbed them of their sight including Todd Engel, a 62-year-old type 2 diabetic who lost vision in his right eye just four months after he started using the shots. At the time, his doctors had no clue the jabs could be linked to it, and dismissed it as a coincidence leading him to continue to use them. Six months later, he also lost vision in his left eye. Doctors say the damage is permanent and that Engle will never see again with the most he can perceive being faint pinpricks of light. He was diagnosed with nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, or NAION, a rare condition that cuts off blood flow to the optic nerve and causes permanent vision loss. Todd Engel is pictured above with the grandchildren and one of his children while on a family outing Now blind in both eyes, the 62-year-old has been forced to give up his job as a motor equipment operator. At home, his family has installed special push-button controls for the microwave and television devices he can no longer see, but can still hear. He says he was never warned of the potential risk and believes he would have reconsidered the drug had he known the danger. Engel had lived with type 2 diabetes for more than 25 years, and had been taking medication to manage it. His lawyers say he had no history of eye problems, and routinely passed the annual vision tests required for his job. Engels Attorney Ashley Hornstein, from the law firm Motley Rice, told the Daily Mail: The tragic thing about this case is that he had no idea this was even a possibility with the drug. 'He stayed on Ozempic for another five or six months after the vision loss happened the first time. 'If he hadn't, it's quite likely that he would still have vision in one eye today that is all part of this horrific tragedy.' READ MORE: Millions more Americans told to get colon cancer screening Health officials have issued an urgent warning over ground beef sold at Whole Foods that may be contaminated with E. coli. The US Department of Agriculture issued a public health alert Tuesday for one-pound, vacuum packaged packages of Organic Rancher Beef from Vermont-based NPC Processing Inc. The contaminated packages were produced on May 22 and 23 and have use-by dates of June 19 and 20. The US Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) did not request a formal recall because the products are no longer available for purchase. However, they may still be in consumers' refrigerators or freezers. The meat was produced in Australia or Uruguay and processed in the US. It was then sent to distributors in Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois and Maryland and then to Whole Foods stores nationwide. The problem was discovered when company officials notified FSIS that they had shipped beef products that tested positive for E. coli O157:H7, a type of bacteria that can cause blood diarrhea, stomach cramps and vomiting. It's the same strain of E. coli linked to the McDonald's Quarter Pounder outbreak last year, which sickened 100 people, hospitalized 34 and killed one. E. coli may also be a culprit behind the rise of colorectal cancer in young people, research suggests, as it leads to DNA mutations in the digestive tract that raise the risk of tumors forming. Health officials have recalled organic ground beef sold at Whole Foods because it may be contaminated with E. coli, a potentially deadly bacteria linked to colon cancer (stock image) The image provided by the US Safety and Inspection Service shows the Organic Ground Beef that may be contaminated with E. coli Certain strains of E. coli also produce the cancer-linked toxin colibactin To date, no illnesses linked to the contaminated meat have been reported, officials said. Consumers who have the product should throw it away or return it to the store. Your browser does not support iframes. In addition to the McDonald's outbreak, 89 people in 15 states last November were sickened with E. coli after eating contaminated romaine lettuce. However, the FDA redacted the names of the companies that processed and grew the lettuce in an official response to a public records request. The most common source of E. Coli is undercooked ground beef, where bacteria can spread during processing. But leafy greens like romaine and spinach are another major culprit, often contaminated in the field through tainted water or contact with livestock. Raw milk and other unpasteurized dairy products also pose a risk, along with raw produce like apples, cucumbers, and especially sprouts which provide the perfect warm, moist environment for bacteria to thrive. E. Coli can also sneak in through contaminated water, which may be used to irrigate crops or clean equipment, and poor kitchen hygiene can help it spread to other foods like poultry. E. coli bacteria can cause infections leading to bloody diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting. Most people recover within a week, but some people can become severely ill and develop a dangerous kidney condition called hemolytic uremic syndrome. Children under age 5 and older adults are most at risk due to having weakened immune systems. Roughly 75,000-90,000 Americans and at least 1,500 Britons are exposed to E. coli each year. Around 100 people in the US and UK die from it per year. Britons have been urged to get vaccinated against lethal measles as experts warn of an expected wave in the coming weeks. In some parts of England cases of the potentially deadly virus are already approaching those seen in the whole of 2024, which was the worst outbreak in over decade. For example, in Bristol 47 cases have been recorded so far in 2025, compared to 53 for the whole of last year. Now, officials from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warn the situation could get worse as British families head to Europe for their summer holidays. Measles cases on the continent have reached their highest level in 25 years, and there are fears unvaccinated Britons could catch the bug overseas and then spread it upon returning home. In a new alert, UKHSA said more parents failing to get their children the measles vaccine is leaving England at greater risk of outbreaks of the disease with thousands now unprotected. Officials urged families to check they have had both shots of the MMR jab before jetting off, with measles outbreaks having been recorded in holiday favourites like France, Italy, Spain and Germany. There were more than 127,000 cases of measles in Europe last year, the highest level since 1997. At least 95 per cent of the population needs to be vaccinated against measles to prevent outbreaks Your browser does not support iframes. UKHSA consultant epidemiologist Dr Vanessa Saliba warned: 'Measles cases are picking up again in England and outbreaks are happening in Europe and many countries with close links to the UK. 'Measles spreads very easily and can be a nasty disease, leading to complications like ear and chest infections and inflammation of the brain, with some children tragically ending up in hospital and suffering life-long consequences. 'Nobody wants this for their child and it's not something you want to experience when away on holiday.' Since the start of the year 420 cases of measles have been recorded in England, though UKHSA says this is likely an underestimate due to delays with reporting. The vast majority of recorded cases, two thirds, have been in children under 10the majority of which were unvaccinated. By local area Bristol is the epicentre of the current outbreak accounting for just over a tenth of all cases. But by region London, where almost half of children in some boroughs aren't vaccinated against measles, accounted for the most cases at 162. Last year was the worst in a decade for measles in England with almost 3,000 cases recorded, the highest level seen since 2012. Cold-like symptoms, such as a fever, cough and a runny or blocked nose, are usually the first signal of measles. A few days later, some people develop small white spots on the inside of their cheeks and the back of their lips Dr Amanda Doyle, NHS England's national director for primary care and community services, said it was never too late for parents to get their child vaccinated. 'The recent increase in cases seen in England and Europe should act as an important reminder to ensure your child is protected,' she said. Measles is a highly contagious, and sometimes fatal, disease. Experts estimate it is capable of infecting nine out of 10 unvaccinated children in a classroom if just one classmate is infectious. Measles symptoms are typically cold and flu-like such as a fever, cough and a runny nose followed by a rash that develops a few days later. More rarely it triggers serious complications like sepsis, pneumonia and brain swelling which can lead to long-term disability and even death. One in five children who catch measles will need to go to hospital, with one in 15 developing these serious complications. UKHSA warning comes after two children in the US died from measles earlier this year. In England, 89.3 per cent of two-year-olds received their first dose of the MMR vaccine in the year to March 2023 (blue line), up from 89.2 per cent the previous year. Meanwhile, 88.7 per cent of two-year-olds had both doses, down from 89 per cent a year earlier Both were unvaccinated and represented the first deaths from measles in the nation since 2015, with an adult also now confirmed to have died. Experts say two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is enough to offer 99 per cent protection from the virus. But uptake is far below the 95 per cent level recommended by the World Health Organisation to protect children from infection. London has the lowest MMR uptake in England with just 73 per cent of children getting two doses, though this falls to about half in some boroughs. Uptake of the jab across England is estimated to be 84 per cent, meaning about one in six children aren't protected. In the UK, the first MMR vaccine dose is normally given when a child is about a year old with a booster then before they start school, usually around three--and-a-half-years-of-age. Uptake of the jab collapsed in the wake of study by the now discredited medic Andrew Wakefield which falsely linked the jabs to autism. MMR uptake in England was about 91 per cent prior to Wakefield's study being published but plummeted to around 80 per cent in the aftermath. People who want to check their MMR vaccine status are advised to speak to their GP. UKHSA estimates the measles vaccine has prevented 20million cases and 4,500 deaths in the UK since it was originally rolled out in 1968. A top US summer destination is on red alert after a traveler infected with the world's most contagious disease passed through the state, potentially infecting others. An adult passenger with an active case of measles traveled through Salt Lake City International Airport multiple times before Memorial Day. After landing into Salt Lake City from Canada on May 19, they drove a rental vehicle to a hotel in Burley, Idaho, for a business trip. Four days later, they made the return journey home, taking the same method of transport. Passengers who were on the individual's flights have been contacted by the Salt Lake County Health Department, as have guests who stayed at the same Burley hotel. Another out-of-state resident infectious with measles also passed through the southwestern region of Utah on May 26 and 27, which has heightened the cause for concern. Utah officials are warning anyone who fears they may have been exposed to contact their health provider and monitor for symptoms in what is the latest in a string of measles scares to rock America's major airports and surrounding neighborhoods. The last reported measles infection in Utah - which is a popular tourist destination for its stunning National Parks including Arches, Bryce Canyon and Zion - was in March of 2023. A top US summer destination is on red alert after a traveler infected with the world's most contagious disease passed through the state, potentially infecting others Your browser does not support iframes. A person who was not vaccinated traveled outside the US and brought measles back to Utah but they weren't believed to have infected anyone else. Before that, there were three people in Utah who had measles in February 2017, with one child who was not up-to-date on vaccinations being the one to infect two other unvaccinated individuals. The two fresh Utah cases come as measles cases in the US continue to spike. Currently there have been 1,088 confirmed measles cases and at least three deaths reported by 33 states. Of these cases, three-quarters are in children under the age of 19. In an updated advisory, the CDC is warning that people can get infected with measles during travel or at crowded events, unless they are fully vaccinated or have had the disease. The notice reads: 'Travelers can catch measles in many travel settings, including travel hubs like airports and train stations, on public transportation like airplanes and trains, at tourist attractions, and at large, crowded events. 'Infected travelers can bring the disease back to their home communities where it can spread rapidly among people who are not immune.' The government agency recommends that all travelers be fully vaccinated against measles before traveling to an international destination. Out of studied counties, 78 percent or 1,614 counties reported drops in MMR vaccination rates Cold-like symptoms, such as a fever, cough and a runny or blocked nose, are usually the first signal of measles The last time measles was this rife in the US was in 2019, when there were 1,274 cases reported for the entire year. Prior to that, the biggest outbreak was in 1990, with numbers spiking to more than 27,000. Measles was officially eradicated in the US in 2000 amid a successful vaccination campaign. At the time, the CDC described achieving measles elimination status in the US as a 'historic public health achievement'. However, a recent study found uptake of the vaccine among children declined in eight in 10 US counties last year, which is being signaled as the cause of the measles resurgence. Overall, vaccine rates fell three percent across the country. It means that merely 91 percent of children are vaccinated against measles, which is well below the 95 percent need to prevent the disease from spreading and causing death. The Johns Hopkins University researchers warned that if vaccination rates continue to fall, measles is likely to completely return and become a common infection among Americans. A majority of those infected as well as the all of the deceased had not received their MMR vaccine - primarily due to vaccine hesitancy and misinformation, experts say. Without the MMR vaccine, which is 97 percent effective at stopping infections, measles is thought to be the most infectious disease in the world. It causes tiny white spots inside the mouth, flat red spots on the neck, torso, arms, legs, and feet, ear infections and an intense fever. In terms of when to get vaccinated, experts say children need two doses of MMR vaccine: the first dose at age 12-15 months, and the second dose at age 4-6 years. Babies ages 6-11 months should get an early dose if traveling internationally. Adults should also check to see if they are immune to measles. Robb Dixon often sees posts on social media from men desperate to try anything for thicker hair and finds it difficult not to directly message them saying: it isnt worth it. For Robb, 33, a music producer from Winchester, Hampshire, says he was left with erectile dysfunction, depression, anxiety and a host of other problems, as a result of taking the medication finasteride for six months when his hair started thinning in his 20s. The symptoms lasted for years after he stopped the medication. I wanted more hair but paid with my health its as simple as that, he says. I wish Id never taken it. His experience is not unique, leading to calls for better warnings about the drugs potential side-effects. Such concerns have led the UKs medicines regulator, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), to add a warning to the patient leaflet that comes with the drug about the risk of depression, suicidal thoughts and sexual dysfunction. Yet some experts believe warnings are still not clear enough. Finasteride was originally developed to treat an enlarged prostate, thought to be hormone driven. Robb Dixon, 33, says he was left with erectile dysfunction, depression, anxiety and a host of other problems, as a result of taking the medication finasteride for hair thinning. He now uses hair fibres The drug works by stopping testosterone from being converted into another hormone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which prevents the prostate from growing too large. DHT also shrinks hair follicles and can lead to thinning hair in some men so reducing its levels also reduces the hormones effect on hair follicles, helping to stop further loss and in many cases, promoting new growth. The drug is available on the NHS to treat prostate conditions but not for hair loss, as its considered a cosmetic treatment, rather than a medical one. However, finasteride is widely available online and through private clinics to treat thinning hair which is how Robb first came across finasteride when searching online for ways to combat his receding hairline aged 24 in 2016. A quick Google search suggested two hair-loss treatments: finasteride, a daily pill, and minoxidil, a topical lotion that needed twice-daily application. The pill seemed the easier option, so Robb went on to the Boots website, filled in an online form and three days later the medication arrived in the post. The medication leaflet did warn that it could in rare cases, cause depression, anxiety and reduced libido. But I was a fit 24-year-old man and I had no history of mental illness so I didnt think it could happen to me, Robb recalls. The drug works by stopping testosterone from being converted into another hormone, dihydrotestosterone Besides, if that did begin to happen Id stop and I thought all would be well. Within just 24 hours of beginning the medication, Robb noticed his libido had dramatically reduced and he couldnt maintain an erection. Hoping this was temporary Robb who didnt have a girlfriend at the time carried on taking the medication. Within two weeks, his libido had vanished entirely and he could no longer get an erection at all. I felt ashamed, worried, confused and upset, he says. His hair wasnt growing back either so after six months, still suffering sexual problems, Robb stopped taking finasteride. Just 48 hours later he woke in the middle of the night with the worst panic attack ever. I was sitting bolt upright, sweating, panicking and with a hideous sense of dread. I also got blaring tinnitus, he recalls. A few hours later I noticed my genitals were shrunken and retracted and I was having to urinate every 15 minutes, says Robb, who went straight to A&E the next morning. By now I was also suffering a disassociation I felt disconnected as though I was watching myself move through the world, interacting with people. I felt I was having an out-of-body experience. It was terrifying. Hospital tests revealed nothing, so he saw his GP later that week. By this time, he was also having suicidal thoughts, joint pain and his vision was blurred and snowy. The GP ordered blood tests to check his hormone levels, which also revealed nothing. Robb told him he was taking finasteride and he looked at me blankly, he recalls. He didnt seem to have a clue. 'I noticed my genitals were shrunken and retracted and I was having to urinate every 15 minutes, says Robb, who went straight to A&E the next morning Within the next few weeks, Robb continued to suffer with dreadful thoughts and anxiety, as well as the tinnitus. His digestive system was now also causing problems: I was having bowel movements of completely undigested food for days, he says. I couldnt go out. I was unable to work. It was hell. After begging his GP to refer him to a specialist, Robb weeks later finally spoke to an endocrinologist, whod heard of other men experiencing similar side-effects after stopping taking finasteride but he too was unable to help, he recalls. Within weeks, Robb went from being a muscular, fit young man to having no strength and feeling as though his muscles were spongy. Robb recalls: No one was able to help me. I felt angry at how easy it had been to get hold of this drug and feared for my future. I worried Id never feel normal again. His experience is not uncommon. A study published in 2020 looking at the effect of finasteride in a group of 25 young men by Baylor University in the US found nearly 70 per cent had experienced penis shrinkage. David Healy, a retired professor of psychiatry who is an expert on drug side-effects, says its not known why finasteride can trigger suicidal thoughts and long-term sexual dysfunction in some men. Professor David Healy says its not known why finasteride can trigger suicidal thoughts and long-term sexual dysfunction in some men There have been concerns about finasteride for a long time, says Professor Healy, whose book, Pharmageddon, delves into corruption in the pharmaceutical industry. I have two medical colleagues who became suicidal on it when used for hair loss and one committed suicide. There is no question but that it can make people suicidal and the PFS Foundation [the Post-Finasteride Syndrome Foundation, a non-profit organisation which supports individuals affected by side-effects of the drug] has been campaigning on this for a long time. Some men have sexual dysfunction and depression while taking the drug, but not afterwards: others have permanent side-effects even after they stop taking it, says Professor Healy this is known as post-finasteride syndrome. He adds: The problem for those considering the medication is that there is no way of knowing if you might be affected or not not all men who take finasteride are affected the same way. Worse, says Professor Healy, we have no treatment for the sexual dysfunction these drugs can cause even once someone stops taking them. It can sometimes recover spontaneously but for many, the effect is permanent. Numerous reports from patients led to a safety review by the MHRA, which in April 2024 concluded that the drug was associated with depression, suicidal thoughts and sexual dysfunction as a result it introduced a patient alert card to be included inside packs of finasteride, highlighting these risks and informing them of what to do if they experience these side-effects. As patients may not notice changes to their mood, they are encouraged to show this card, and the patient leaflet, to friends and family, it noted. Dr Alison Cave, chief safety officer at the MHRA, told Good Health that the new cards aim to raise awareness among men taking finasteride about the potential for psychiatric and sexual side-effects so they can make an informed decision about their treatment and know what to do if they experience these side-effects. She added that anyone taking the drug for hair loss who develops such side-effects should immediately stop taking it and contact their doctor. Those taking the drug for prostate enlargement should also discuss side-effects with their GP or health professional. Remember to always read the label inside the pack as it includes important information on how to take finasteride and its possible side-effects, says Alison Cave. But as Robb points out, this is of no help when the damage is already done. This advice is vacuous, he says. It is of no help to someone who is already suffering from this. Thorrun Govind is a pharmacist based in Manchester and the former chair of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society Thorrun Govind, a pharmacist based in Manchester and the former chair of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, adds that health professionals should ask patients about any history of suicidal thoughts before prescribing the drug and monitor them for potential side-effects once treatment starts. She also advises anyone taking finasteride to tell their family or friends theyre taking the drug so they can also be alert for any mood or behaviour changes. But Professor Healy is underwhelmed by the MHRA response. He believes that MHRA guidelines are still inadequate on finasteride, as well as for SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors - drugs used to treat depression) and isotretinoin (to treat acne) which have been linked with suicidal thoughts and sexual dysfunction in both sexes. We have known about these problems for 40 years and the MHRA is only now getting around to alerting people about the risk and not doing a particularly good job to date. He adds: As for online prescribing, it is not clear that our systems are able to get the horse back in the stable - it may have bolted. If this is the case, politicians need to start thinking about what warnings on essentially over-the-counter medicines should look like. Online sales should be blocked until the patient has signed a form stating they have been informed of a serious risks of suicidal and permanent sexual side-effects - and the people prescribing and sending the medicine to them also sign a form saying they have warned about this. A spokesman for Boots told Good Health: Patient safety is our number one priority. We prescribe finasteride through the Boots Online Doctor hair loss service and are sorry to hear of the experience of this patient. We encourage all patients experiencing any side-effects from any prescription-only medication to contact their prescribing clinician or pharmacist as soon as possible. Boots Online Doctor ensures that patients prescribed finasteride are made aware of , and have confirmed that they understand, the possible side-effects of this prescription only medicine, in line with the latest information and guidance from the MHRA. Not everyone even agrees that finasteride is the most effective treatment for hair loss. Steve OBrien, a trichologist at the London Centre of Trichology, says hes often asked about the drug by young men, drawn by the fact its relatively inexpensive (at 10 to 20 per month) and easy to take. But he warns that it works better at maintaining growth rather than making hair grow stronger or thicker and says that his clinic has never recommended finasteride due to the serious potential side-effects. He adds: We use natural lotions containing plant extracts on our patients that work better with no side effects. Thankfully, four years after he stopped taking finasteride, in 2020, life finally improved for Robb as his sexual function gradually began to return, at the age of 28. He met Rhian, now 45, and the couple married last year. To begin with, he had to take Cialis (similar to Viagra) to maintain an erection and told Rhian about his post-finasteride syndrome. She was very supportive and it made us closer, he says. But even now he suffers with joint pain, fatigue and brain fog, as well as muscle wastage despite regularly training in the gym and eating healthily. I still have snowy vision like an old TV set and chronic fatigue, he says. Last year he co-founded the charity SIDEfxHUB to help those affected by finasteride or post-SSRI sexual dysfunction. Ironically since stopping the medication, his hair loss halted. He now also uses hair fibres to cover where the thinning was at its worst. But he stresses hair loss is something he wishes he had accepted rather than going through all he has gone through. I should never have taken the finasteride in the first place. His message for others considering finasteride to combat hair loss is simple: You cannot comprehend the levels of suffering this medication can bring. No man should risk his health for a head of thicker hair. More awareness needs to be made of the risks of these medications for men. For more information visit sidefxhub.com They've been helping Brits feel house proud for over 50 years - but did you know Wickes can now fit your home with solar panels too? Wickes Solar is powered by Solar Fast, a market-leading solar panel installer that's got thousands of UK homeowners started on their solar energy journey. The outcome of this dream match-up? Solar power from a name you can trust with experience you can rely on. Everyone should be able to benefit from renewable energy, which is why Wickes Solar brings you quality solar panel installations at competitive prices. In fact, you can get 12 solar panels and a battery fully installed for 8,950, which could pay for itself in 7 years*. Interested? Then CLICK HERE to request a free, no-obligation quote today. Here's everything you need to know... Being able to save money on your energy bills is just one benefit of installing solar panels. 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The estimated payback period is based on this price, full system potential, calculated for a home in Birmingham and a unit rate of 24.5p/kWh, assuming a 7.02% annual increase in the unit rate in line with EPVS guidelines. Calculations are based on installation on a south-facing roof at a 35-degree pitch, no shading, and a customer who is home most of the day. Every installation is unique and the payback period will differ based on a number of factors, including your location, roof pitch, shading, electricity price and usage. We will provide a payback estimate specific to your circumstances during your appointment. 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 If youre in need of a last-minute frock, where do you go? Marks & Spencer? Monsoon? Or do you, like its 393K followers on Instagram, go to Nobodys Child? The British-born fashion brand is known for its dresses in flattering cuts, responsible fabrics and standout prints, most of which are reasonably priced between 59 and 99. Of course, Nobodys Child is more than just a dress brand. Its great for tailoring my colleague Maddy just bought these butter yellow wide leg trousers (89) and matching blazer (149) for a friends wedding; playful co-ords, like this blue tie dye skirt (99) and cami (49) set, that you can layer over a bikini come summer; and even sunglasses Ive got my eye on these tortoiseshell aviator frames (69). The only category it wasnt able to add to until now? Our shoe wardrobe. But thats about to change, because Nobodys Child has dropped its first footwear collection. It features just seven designs for summer, including a pair of strappy sandals, chunky slides and heeled clogs, in easy-to-wear shades of brown and black, as well as a bold cow print. Nobodys Child Prices range between 105 and 115 and, as weve come to expect from the eco-conscious brand, the collection has been designed in London, but made in Italy using sustainable materials such as vegan leather, recycled rubber soles and low-impact dyes. Launching footwear has always been on our wish list, our customers have been asking for shoes that reflect the same values and style as our clothing and weve listened, says its CEO Jody Plows. The collection is a natural next step for Nobodys Child as we evolve into a true lifestyle brand. Shop Nobodys Child new shoe collection Brown Strappy Sandals Pair these strappy sandals with a white poplin skirt and knitted polo shirt. Shop Black Strappy Sandals Smart enough for the office, wed wear these black sandals with a tailored waistcoat and matching trousers. Shop Brown Suede Double Strap Platform Sandals Perfect for a summer stroll, team these platform sandals with some denim shorts and white linen button-down. Shop Brown Suede Triple Strap Chunky Sandals Pair these brown suede sandals with an oversized denim shirt and loose-fitting linen trousers. Shop Brown Cross Strap Chunky Sandals Wed wear these chunky sliders with a crochet co-ord on holiday, either to the beach or out for dinner. Shop Tan Suede Heeled Clogs Lean into the boho vibe with a white tiered lace skirt and matching frilly top. Shop Karine Jean-Pierre had aspirations of becoming a TV star when she left the White House, but her dreams were crushed when the network where she hoped to star turned her down. Her hopes of stardom were revealed by this week along with the news that she is leaving the Democrats and will publish a book titled 'Independent'. The book is intended to be a 'look inside a broken White House, outside the party lines'. Democrats have blasted her for turning on her party in a shameless 'grift', after blindly defending Biden for years. Now it has emerged that KJP, as she is known, wanted a seat on The View, ABC's chatty mid-morning panel show starring Whoopi Goldberg and Joy Behar. Her hope was to replicate the post White House career of her predecessor Jen Psaki, who is now earning big bucks at MSNBC despite plummeting ratings. But with a full panel on the morning show and no desire to shake it up, ABC turned her down. 'All of the chairs are full,' a source close to production told Daily Mail. White House insiders say that Jean-Pierre only broke with the party after her hopes of becoming a panelist on The View didn't pan out. Network sources tell Daily Mail 'all of the chairs are full' Now, as she tries to distance herself from Biden and the job she once defended so ferociously, Jean-Pierre is facing tough criticism. Her book coincides with that of Jake Tapper and Axios reporter Alex Thompson, who include her in the inner circle widely blamed for covering up Biden's ailing health. Democrats say KJP has shamelessly sold out her friends and peers to try to cash in. One Democratic operative who worked with Jean-Pierre told Politico that her U-turn this week is 'the most grift-y thing Ive seen in a long time, and thats saying something in Washington.' Another former Biden White House staffer added to the outlet over text: 'SHE was the public face telling us all that this White House was on track and that Biden was amazing. And now she doesnt even want to be a Democrat???? 'Shes making herself the middle ground here when Republicans hate her. Shes not in any position to be a connector of our two party system and assuming she could be is just ego.' Jean-Pierre's publisher Hachette describes her book as an 'urgent, timely analysis' and urges Americans to 'vote their values and maintain individuality within party lines.' 'In a country obsessed with blind loyalty to a two-party democratic system, Karine Jean-Pierre, former White House press secretary to the Biden-Harris administration, shares why Americans must step beyond party lines to embrace life as Independents,' according to an online release for the book. Hatchette, Jean-Pierre's publisher, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the allegations in Politico when contacted by Daily Mail. Jean Pierre did not respond to the piece. Jean-Pierre had hopes of emulating her predecessor as Biden's spokesperson, Jen Psaki, who landed an anchor job at MSNBC after leaving the White House 'Jean-Pierre didnt come to her decision to be an Independent lightly,' it says indicating she has leaving the party, after working in the Biden administration. Karine Jean-Pierre now says she is an independent. She is releasing this 'tell all' about a broken White House She worked as a political director for Obama. She also worked for liberal outside group MoveOn. The write-up for her forthcoming book indicates she'll take on people within the party who tried to force Biden to end his reelection campaign after his debate disaster. 'She takes us through the three weeks that led to Bidens abandoning his bid for a second term and the betrayal by the Democratic Party that led to his decision,' according to the release. It calls it a 'hard-hitting yet hopeful critique.' The tome runs 256 pages, and goes on sale October 21. Although she has been largely quiet since Biden left office following former Vice President Kamala Harris's defeat, Jean-Pierre referenced some of the scores she plans to settle during an interview in February at the Institute of Politics at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was the ultimate Biden loyalist while serving as his press secretary She said the 'toughest thing to see' was a 'firing squad' during the weeks after Biden's debate, when a series of party stalwarts pushed him to get out of the race, arguing he couldn't defeat Donald Trump with his lousy approval ratings. 'I had never seen anything like it before,' she intoned. 'I had never seen a party do that in the way that they did. And it was hurtful and sad to see that happening a firing squad around a person who I believe was a true patriot.' Harris' loss to Trump in all seven heavily contested battleground states has led to a round of soul-searching among Democrats while Trump seeks to transform the country and takes on institutions from the Ivy League to the legal establishment to arts institutions like the Kennedy Center. Prominent figures inside and outside Biden's inner circle are getting quizzed on whether they themselves saw evidence of mental decline in the 82-year-old Democrat. The White House last year was forced to deny a report of an internal plot to entice Jean-Pierre to leave her post, amid complaints about some of her stumbles her reliance on a binder of prepared information. A Fox News TV host was left stunned after discovering he has skin cancer while live on air. Mike Jerrick, co-host of Good Day Philadelphia, brought dermatologist, Dr. Joanna Walker, on air before the pair discovered a likely-cancerous spot on the hosts' elbow. Walker, who works with the Tara Miller Melanoma Center at the University of Pennsylvania, told Jerrick that his spot has 'all the features' pointing to skin cancer. 'So this is a basal cell skin cancer,' Walker said pointing to Jerrick's arm. 'That has all the features of the most common type of skin cancer.' Walker reassured him that it was 'very treatable,' as it is one of the more 'slow growing' types of skin cancer. She told the host that he would need to have the spot removed, to which he asked: 'What are you gonna do to it? Burn it off?' 'This one probably needs to be cut and stitched,' Walker said. 'What!' Jerrick exclaimed. 'And then stich me up?' Mike Jerrick, co-host of Good Day Philadelphia, brought dermatologist, Dr. Joanna Walker, on air before the pair discovered a likely-cancerous spot on the hosts' elbow Walker reassured Jerrick (pictured) that it was 'very treatable,' as it is one of the more 'slow growing' types of skin cancer 'So this one is a very slow growing type of skin cancer, it's not gonna spread to anywhere else on your body,' Walker said. 'But it needs to be removed so it doesn't keep growing and taking over normal skin,' 'Oh, good lord,' Jerrick responded. He further told Fox News that he was entirely shocked by the discovery. 'I did say that we should have had her bring her [micro]scope because I wanted to check out of couple of things on my arms, so that part was planned,' he said. 'But I never really thought it was going to be skin cancer.' His co-host Alex Holley asked if he needed to make an appointment fairly soon, to which Walker firmly said that he should. 'When she blurted it out, I didn't get alarmed or anything,' Jerrick said. 'It was just like, "Oh dang, I should have done this a long time ago."' Walker, who works with the Tara Miller Melanoma Center at the University of Pennsylvania, told Jerrick that his spot has 'all the features' pointing to skin cancer 'I was more shocked that she said she was going to cut it out instead of burn it off- that's where I got surprised,' he added. Jerrick is scheduled to have the spot removed on Friday, according to the outlet. 'I should be fine,' he said. 'She'll just suture me up and I'll be on my way.' Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common type of cancer, with an estimated 3.6 million cases in the US annually. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, BCC can look differently on a case by case basis but typically can appear as an open sore, red patches, pink growths, shiny bumps, scars or growths with elevated rolled edges. BCC most often occurs after exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun or tanning beds resulting in DNA damage. MSNBC host Chris Hayes awkwardly reported on his wife's congressional testimony, hailing her as 'amazing' as he detailed her battle with the GOP over the unprecedented number of nationwide injunctions against the Trump Administration. Constitutional law professor Kate Shaw appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday as a minority party witness to testify about the 'lawlessness' of Donald Trump. Hayes, who has been married to Shaw since 2007, covered his wife's tense face of with Senator Josh Hawley on his All In With Chris Hayes program and did not shy away from showing where his loyalties lie. 'There's a fun moment in the United States Senate yesterday I'd love to share with you, mostly because it features the amazing constitutional law professor/podcast host/New York Times contributor Kate Shaw, who's also my wife,' Hayes said. He added: 'And it also features Missouri Senator Josh Hawley, who is amazing in his own way, I guess.' Hayes went on to accuse the senator of 'going to ridiculous lengths to defend the lawlessness of boss Trump', whom he claims Hawley believes is a 'victim' of a 'vast network' biased federal judges. He took aim a Hawley's chart detailing the nationwide injunctions that were issued during the Trump, Biden, Obama and Bush administrations, alluding that the senator's 'big gotcha chart' was joke worthy. The MSNBC host went on to cite his wife's 'more simple explanation', which he suggested disproves Hawley's allegation of bias against trump. MSNBC host Chris Hayes awkwardly reported on his wife's congressional testimony and did not shy away from showing where his loyalties lie as he hailed her as 'amazing' Chris Hayes and constitutional law professor Kate Shaw (pictured together in April 2014) have been married since 2007. They share three children together 'Hawley had printed out a big gotcha chart, which he seemed to think proved that Donald Trump is a victim of a vast network of biased judges from across the ideological spectrum,' Hayes told the program on Wednesday night. 'Professor Shaw suggested there might be a more simple explanation.' The segment cut to footage from Shaw's testimony on Tuesday which saw Hawley probing the law professor about the significantly higher number of injunctions issued against the president. 'What's the principle of when an injunction binding non-parties, which was never done in this country before the 1960s?' Hawley asked. 'And let's see the chart, the Trump chart, which was done, really, only once Trump came into office for the first time. Now, you don't think this is a little bit anomalous?' Shaw quickly hit back: 'A very plausible explanation, Senator, you have to consider is that he is engaged in much more lawless activity than other presidents, right?' Hawley went on the allege that nationwide injunctions were 'never used before the 1960s' and now are being used by 'Democrat judges' to take aim at the GOP. Shaw disputed his allegation, saying: 'It's Republican appointees as well, Senator. And the 1960s is where some scholars begin, sort of locate the beginning of this -' Hayes seemingly took aim at Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) during the segment, describing the senator (pictured on June 2) as 'amazing in his own way, I guess' Senate Judiciary Committee member Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) (C) greets University of Pennsylvania law Professor Kate Shaw (L) and Catholic University law Professor Joel Alicea before a subcommittee hearing on June 3, 2025 about the unprecedented number of nationwide judicial injunctions against the Trump Administration But the lawmaker cut her off, asking her to 'identify' some of the scholars who are experts in nationwide injunctions. The law professor started to answer his question, but Hawley cut her off again, noting how the 'republic endured for 150 years before there was a nationwide injunction'. Shaw, however, claimed the 'federal government was doing a lot less' before and that 'many things that have changed' in the last five to ten decades. Hawley continued to push: 'So, so long as it is a Democrat president in office, then we should have no nationwide injunctions? If it's a Republican president, then this is absolutely fine, warranted, and called for. 'How can our system of law survive on those principles, Professor?' 'I think a system in which there are no meaningful constraints on the president is a very dangerous system,' Shaw answered before the clip came to an end. Hayes, offering his reaction to the exchange, just quoted his wife's testimony, telling the audience: 'A very plausible explanation you have to consider is that he is engaged in much more lawless activities than other presidents.' Hayes and Shaw met in the late 1990s during their freshman year at Brown University. They tied the knot in 2007 and now share three children together. The couple are nown share sweet glimpses of their romance and family life on social media Hayes and Shaw met in the late 1990s during their freshman year at Brown University. They tied the knot in 2007 and now share three children together. Shaw has made several appearances on Hayes' politics podcast Why Is This Happening?. She was a guest on the podcast twice in 2018 to discuss the 'Rule of Law in the Era of Trump' and appeared on the show again in 2019 to discuss the 'meaning of impeachment'. The pair, both of whom have large media presences, also occasionally collaborate on crossover podcast episodes. The couple are also known share sweet glimpses of their romance and family life on social media. A cap-wearing George Clooney dramatically claimed that the current political climate in the US is worse than anti-communist witch-hunts of the 1950s during an interview with CNN's Anderson Cooper. The left-leaning Hollywood A-lister gave the interview on the set of his Broadway play Good Night, and Good Luck, based on Clooney's 2005 film about journalist Edward R. Murrow's battles with Senator Joseph McCarthy. McCarthy infamously alleged that communist spies had infiltrated America, targeting everyone from journalists to the movie industry, and earned a forceful rebuke from Murrow. 'What's fun about the play is although McCarthyism was bad, it wasn't anywhere near as pervasive as it is right now,' Clooney told Cooper, citing the President Donald Trump's wave of executive orders and attacks on legacy media. Clooney, who dyed his famous salt and pepper locks dark brown to portray Murrow in the production, remarked on 'the kind of fear that you see kind of stretching through law firms and universities.' 'You think it's worse now than McCarthyism?' a stunned Cooper responded, pointing to McCarthy's persecution of left-leaning Americans during the 'Second Red Scare.' 'I do think it is worse now,' Clooney replied, while offering 'one caveat.' Scroll down for video: George Clooney claimed that the current political climate in the US is worse than anti-communist witch-hunts of the 1950s during an interview with CNN 's Anderson Cooper '[A]lthough McCarthyism was bad,' Clooney said, 'it wasn't anywhere near as pervasive as it is right now,' citing the President Donald Trump's wave of executive orders and attacks on legacy media 'When I was a kid, we did duck and cover drills. So, overriding all of this was the threat of nuclear annihilation,' the 64-year-old actor said. 'Very big deal. I mean, we were pretty sure we were going to all die of a nuclear bomb somewhere along the way. 'So, that always kind of rode on top of the McCarthyism of it all,' Clooney continued. 'What's fun about doing the play, is it reminds people that, you know, that we have been through difficult times, challenging times. And that we survive it as a country. 'And we do find our better angels along the way. It takes a minute... We always do.' In a separate portion of the segment, Clooney offered an anecdote about his father - 91-year-old former Cincinnati anchorman and ex-ABC gameshow host Nick Clooney - before revealing he too fears being targeted by the Trump administration. 'When I was a kid, my dad would stand up on a chair like this, and he would do the speech that I start and close the show with. 'The "box of lights and wires" speech,' Clooney said, referencing to the seminal speech Murrow gave to the Radio Television Digital News Association in 1958. When asked whether he personally feared being targeted by the Trump administration, Clooney responded: 'I mean, everybody worries about it. But, you know, if you spend your life worrying about things, then you won't do things' The play begins and ends with the black-tie media event where Murrow warned commercial radio and television were becoming anti-intellectual and propagandized at the behest of the government. 'He would do the Edward R. Murrow speech?' Cooper laughed. 'He would do the Edward R. Murrow speech,' Clooney said. 'And my father was an anchorman for like 40 years. [My performance] is a big salute to my dad, and the things that he stands for and believes in and fights for. When asked whether he personally fears being targeted by the Trump administration, Clooney coolly said, 'Sure.' 'I mean, everybody worries about it,' he explained. 'But, you know, if you spend your life worrying about things, then you won't do things.' In April, It was widely reported that Clooney's wife, Amal, a Lebanese-born international human rights lawyer with UK citizenship could be barred from re-entering the US after recommending an arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu in a war crimes case brought against him earlier this year. The two mainly live in Paris but have homes in London and Lake Como, Italy, and have briefly relocated to New York for the debut of Good Night, and Good Luck. Clooney plays iconic journalist Edward R. Murrow in his Broadway play Good Night, and Good Luck In April, It was widely reported that Clooney's wife, Amal, a Lebanese-born international human rights lawyer with UK citizenship could be barred from re-entering the US after recommending an arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu in a war crimes case brought against him earlier this year. The couple is pictured last week Clooney, who dyed his famous salt and pepper locks dark brown to portray Murrow in the production, is seen promoting the play earlier this week on CBS Mornings 'I have no problem with that,' Clooney said of ending up in the administration's crosshairs. 'And my wife certainly doesn't. And my wife's the bravest person you've ever met. 'My wife spent two years in a bunker in Beirut trying Hezbollah for killing Hariri. She's the only person to put ISIS on trial. She's the bravest person I've ever met in my life. 'And so, you know, we have other issues, besides just worrying about an American administration that might want to be unkind and say bad things about us. It's a frustrating and scary time.' CNN is airing a special presentation of the play on Saturday. CNN megastar Christiane Amanpour was brutally mocked after she admitted she was 'afraid' to travel to America under President Donald Trump. The British-Iranian journalist shared her feelings on the podcast 'The Ex Files' on Wednesday, talking with her ex-husband and co-host Jamie Rubin about her recent trip to the US. Amanpour, 67, said she traveled to the States last month to give a speech at her alma mater Harvard Kennedy School, but traveling to the US made her feel like she 'was going to North Korea.' 'I must say I was afraid. Im a foreigner. I dont have a green card. Im not an American citizen. Im fairly prominent, and I literally prepared to go to America as if I was going to North Korea,' she told Rubin. 'I took a burner phone. Imagine that. I didnt take a singlenot my mobile phone, not my iPad, nothing, and I had nothing on the burner phone except a few numbers.' People quickly took aim at the journalist, seemingly mocking her for her comments. 'Don't visit. We will survive,' a user wrote on X. 'CNN's Christiane Amanpour is free to remain wherever she feels safe. Feel afraid to travel to America, then don't come here. Simple,' another said. CNN megastar Christiane Amanpour (pictured in 2019) was brutally mocked after she admitted she was 'afraid' to travel to America under President Donald Trump Amanpour, 67, said she traveled to the states last month to give a speech at her alma mater Harvard Kennedy School, but traveling to the US made her feel like she 'was going to North Korea.' (Pictured: Trump on Wednesday at the White House) 'She is full of bullc**p,' someone else wrote. 'We dont need evil like you entering this country anyway so stay out,' another quipped. Another told her to go after former President Joe Biden instead of Trump, telling her to 'criticize the guy who opened the borders and fucked up immigration, not the guy fixing it.' 'Then stay in England,' said one, as someone else wrote: 'Nobody cares.' Although she feared for the worst, Amanpour soon revealed her welcome to the county 'could not have been nicer.' 'So, huge sigh of relief I breathed, but wow, can you imagine if I'm afraid, what do others think?,' she added. Amanpour also said her fears grew and prompted her to discuss with the network's security team because other British citizens told her they were either turned around at the border and detained for hours on end. Rubin then chimed in about Trump's recent decision to bar foreign students from attending the Ivy League. Rubin then chimed in about Trump's recent decision to bar foreign students from attending the Ivy League 'With Donald Trumps basically weaponization of the immigration and naturalization service to scrutinize people, to imagine that every single non-American is a threat to the United States, is a war on what our country has been since its founding,' he said. The president announced Wednesday that he banned foreign nationals from studying at Harvard University as he continues to class with the institution. He issued an executive order entitled Enhancing National Security by Addressing Risks at Harvard University, which suspends the school's student visa program - calling it a 'privilege granted by our government, not a guarantee.' He also doubled down on his claims that the school violated federal law and argued it is important to limit international students for national security reasons. 'The Federal Bureau of Investigation has long warned that foreign adversaries and competitors take advantage of easy access to American higher education to, among other things, steal technical information and products, exploit expensive research and development to advance their own ambitions and spread false information for political or other reasons,' the executive order stated. 'Our adversaries, including the People's Republic of China try to take advantage of American higher education by exploiting the student visa program for improper purposes and by using visiting students to collect information at elite universities in the United States.' Harvard has nearly 6,800 international students, making up more than 27 percent of its enrollment in the past academic year, according to the BBC. On the same day, Trump also signed another bombshell executive order that bans visitors from 19 countries from entering the US. Nationals of Afghanistan, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran , Libya, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen will be barred from entering the United States under the new order, which goes into effect on June 9. Citizens of Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela will be partially restricted from traveling, removing access to all immigrant visas and several non-immigrant travel options. Trump also issued a warning that Egypt could soon join the no-fly list in the wake of the Colorado terror attack in which an Egyptian national who overstayed his visa allegedly set fire to pro-Israel demonstrators. 'We don't want 'em,' Trump said bluntly in a video released shortly after the ban was announced. 'Very simply, we cannot have open migration from any country where we cannot safely and reliably vet and screen.' Fevertree has shrugged off trade tariff concerns after striking a deal with a major partner, as the UK group continues to grow sales in the US market. In a trading update ahead of its annual general meeting on Thursday, the company said it was trading in line with forecasts, adding that it was making 'good progress' in the US following its partnership with Molson Coors. Fevertree noted strong momentum across the US, with brand performance described as 'well ahead of the competition'. The firm's ginger beer and ginger ale are proving a hit with consumers in the US, which is now Fevertree's biggest market, a spokesperson told This is Money. Its Bloody Mary mixer and its espresso martini cocktail mixer are also making 'great gains' across the US, Fevertree said. The company said Trump's tariffs 'do not present a structural headwind' for the business, as 'over time, they will be materially mitigated by a combination of on-shored US production and the profit guarantee mechanism'. Fevertree said it would equally split the costs of the 10 per cent tariff to be imposed on British imports to the US with brewer Molson Coors. Splitting the cost: Fevertree said it would equally split costs of the 10% Trump tariff with Molson Coors The British company, known for its premium cocktail mixers, counts the US as its largest market. Fevertree said the transition of its distribution to Molson Coors' network of distributors was 'underway'. It claimed both businesses 'remain highly aligned and excited about the significant growth opportunity ahead'. In January, Molson Coors took a stake in Fevertree, securing exclusive rights to distribute and market the firm's cocktail mixers and tonic waters in the US. The tonic and mixer maker forecast low single-digit revenue growth and an adjusted EBITDA margin of around 12 per cent for its financial year. Fevertree said its performance across Britain remained strong, seeing it retain its 'number one position' and enjoying growth in alcoholic and non-alcoholic settings. As part of its 10 million share buyback announced earlier this year, Fevertree said it had returned around 42.5million to shareholders to date. The business said on Thursday: 'The group's capital allocation framework remains unchanged.' It added: 'We intend to retain sufficient cash for investment opportunities, primarily in operational expenditure, including increased marketing spend in growth regions. 'We are also vigilant regarding M&A opportunities that would further assist with the delivery of our strategy.' Fevertree also announced that Charles Gibb, its North America chief executive, would step down and be succeeded by Judd Hausner. Fevertree shares fell 0.68 per cent or 6.00p to 878.00p on Thursday, having fallen over 18 per cent in the last year. Young's will 'invest its way out of' headwinds currently facing the hospitality sector after a major acquisition helped rapidly accelerate growth last year, according to the pub group's boss. The FTSE 250-listed group saw total revenues soar by nearly a quarter to 485.8 million in the year to 31 March, largely thanks to the 162million takeover of City Pub Group late in 2023. Young's also invested 47million developing and refurbishing its 277 pub estate, helping to drive like-for-like sales 5.7 per cent higher, while slashing net debt by 19.5million to 248.3million. Boss Simon Dodd told This is Money: 'We're not acquiring at the moment - the [City pubs takeover] accelerated our growth by about five years. 'But with the National Insurance hike and other costs that are hitting our sector, we think we should invest our way out of it; invest in our people, invest in our pubs and invest in technology.' Young's, which typically invests 50million a year, has 'a number of exciting investments' currently being rolled-out, according to Dodd, including a click-and-collect service and a loyalty platform for its growing bedroom business. Young's boss Simon Dodd says there are 'a number of exciting investments' in the pipeline Dodd has previously criticised decisions made in last year's Autumn Budget, which will see the group's cost base grow by 11million a year. 'A tough macroeconomic environment for the industry seems to have been par for the course since I became CEO and Government changes coming into effect in April make life no easier,' he told shareholders. Synergies achieved from the City Pub Group takeover have helped address some of those issues, while Young's has been able to limit the need for price hikes by utilising its own staff agency in addition to other cost savings. Dodd had previously highlighted research that suggested Autumn Budget changes could result in the price of a pint rising by 20p. But he said on Wednesday the group would continue to avoid 'blanket' price hikes across its estate and maintain an annual increase of 2 to 2.5 per cent in total. Dodds added: 'We will do it on a pub-by-pub basis, some pubs won't see an increase and some pubs will charge a little bit more. 'We don't believe you can price your way out of this in terms of volume, we grew our drinks business by about 3.5 per cent in volume we're one of the only pub companies to grow volumes. 'We have to take a cautious approach to both value and volume.' Young's 'scale and size' and 'more importantly' its strong presence in the South East of England are crucial factors in weathering the storm currently facing the sector, according to Dodd, with central London sales alone up 16 per cent on a like-for-like basis last year. He added: 'London continues to lead the way in terms of growth, West London was up 10 per cent and, our heartland, South West London, was up 6 per cent. 'London is definitely alive and kicking and is driving phenomenal growth for us as a business.' Asked how the Government could improve conditions for the sector, Dodd said: 'The one ask we will continue to ask from the Government is business rate reform. 'We bang on about it every year, but it hasn't happened yet, and that could be a real stimulus for the sector.' A new Pension Schemes Bill aimed at boosting individual people's pensions and economic growth is being launched by the Government today. The measures include a clampdown on schemes offering poor value for money to savers, creating 'mega' pension funds which can make better investment returns, and merging tiny pots. The Bill will also make pension schemes offer people reaching retirement age clear 'default' options to turn their fund into an income to live on in old age. The Government says millions of people planning retirement will find it easier to manage and get more from their pension pots as a result of its changes. And it will tackle schemes delivering poor returns for savers with a range of reforms, including a new system to show how well they are performing, and forcing them to merge if they are falling short. The Government recently announced that small pension pots worth 1,000 or less could be automatically moved into government-approved 'consolidator' schemes. Pending pension law: Government says its reforms will help workers retire with bigger pots Meanwhile, in its Mansion House Accord, 17 pension firms voluntarily pledged to put 10 per cent of the funds they manage for savers into UK-based unlisted private businesses and infrastructure projects by 2030. The Government has held off from forcing pension fund managers to invest more in the UK in the new Bill, but not taken this off the table for the future. The Bill also includes: - Creating multi-employer defined contribution pension 'megafunds' of at least 25 billion, so that 'bigger and better' schemes can drive down costs and invest in a wider range of assets. - Consolidating and professionalising the Local Government Pension Scheme, with assets merged into six 'pools' that can invest in infrastructure, housing and clean energy. - Allowing defined benefit (final salary) pension schemes to release surpluses totalling 160billion to support employers' investment plans and benefit scheme members. Chancellor Rachel Reeves says: 'The Bill is a game changer, delivering bigger pension pots for savers and driving 50billion of investment directly into the UK economy putting more money into people's pockets through the Plan for Change.' Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall says: 'Hardworking people across the UK deserve their pensions to work as hard for them as they have worked to save, and our reforms will deliver a huge boost to future generations of pensioners. 'The Bill is about securing better value for savers' pensions and driving long-term investment in British businesses to boost economic growth in our country.' Former Pensions Minister Steve Webb, a partner at pension consultancy LCP, says: 'Whilst there are many worthy measures in the Bill, the biggest omission is action to get more money flowing into pensions. 'The Government's own projections show that more than 12 million people are not saving enough for retirement and yet the first major pensions legislation of the new Parliament does nothing to address this 'elephant in the room'.' Webb, who is This is Money's retirement columnist, adds: 'The very fact that the adequacy of pension saving is not going to be considered until the second phase of the government's pensions review shows that this issue is unfortunately on the back burner. 'Measures such as consolidating tiny pension pots are helpful tidying up measures, but do nothing to tackle the fundamental problem that millions of us simply do not have enough money set aside for our retirement. 'With every passing year that this issue goes unaddressed, time is running out for people already well through their working life to have the chance for a decent retirement.' Yvonne Braun, director of policy for long term savings at pension industry body the Association of British Insurers, says: 'This wide-ranging Bill is set to usher in the most large-scale pension reforms since auto-enrolment. 'The details will be crucial and we will scrutinise the Bill to ensure it puts the interests of savers first. 'We also urgently need to tackle the level of pension contributions which are too low to create an adequate retirement income for many. We urge government to set out the details of its adequacy review as soon as possible.' In the most recent Premium Bonds draw, I noticed that one of the 1million jackpot winners was from Stockport, Greater Manchester. However, I was under the impressions that usually it's the county that is named, not the exact location. Looking through the list I see Hertfordshire, Devon, Kent, Wales... but not specific large towns or cities in these areas. Why is it that Stockport is named - alongside other more specific locations like Barnet, Croydon, Norwich and Fife to name a few? Helen Kirrane, This is Money's savings reporter, replies: June's Premium Bonds 1million prize winners hailed from Stockport and Edinburgh in this month's NS&I draw. The Stockport winner was only the second ever 1million prize winner to come from the town, while the Edinburgh winner was the first 1million jackpot winner from the Scottish capital in eight years. But why was Stockport reported as the location of one of the 1million winners but the other 1million prize winner's location was reported as the city of Edinburgh which is a local authority? Jackpot: June's Premium Bonds 1m prize winners came from Stockport and Edinburgh Other high value prize winners this month were reported as coming from even broader areas like West Midlands, as in the case of a 100,000 prize winner who won with a holding of 2,000. The answer comes down to the way NS&I reports the location of prize winners. NS&I sets rules when announcing the location of prize winners to protect identities. Each customer is assigned to a town, local authority, county or government standard region and country. When a winner is assigned to a town with less than 100,000 account holders, NS&I use the hierarchy below until it finds a level where that area has at least 100,000 Premium Bonds holders. These are: Level 1 Royal Mail Postcode Address File (PAF) Town (like Blackpool); Level 2 County or Local Authority (like Lancashire); Level 3 Government Standard Region (like North West); Level 4 Country (like Wales). Stockport falls into the bracket of place with more than 100,000 Premium Bond holders - the borough population is just shy of 300,000, which suggests at least one in three Stopfordians hold the popular products. The local authority of Stockport had 105,484 Premium Bonds holders in the June 2025 draw, according to NS&I so it was able to report the precise area the winner was from. A spokesman from NS&I says: 'Each month NS&I publishes a full list of prizes won including the winning bond number, size of holding and the location of the Bond holder. 'However, to protect the identity of individual Premium Bondss holders we identify the location based on at least 100,000 bond holders living in the area. This could be the town or city, county or local authority, government Standard region or country.' With this month's 1million winners, there are at least 100,000 Premium Bonds holders living in Stockport. Whereas the winner from Edinburgh will come from an area with fewer than 100,000 holders and so the county or local authority area is used. Different rules for reporting Premium Bonds winners from overseas apply. For Premium Bonds holders living outside the UK, NS&I only publishes the country when there are at least 100,000 holders living there. Otherwise, they publish the area as 'overseas'. For this reason, you will never see a Premium Bond's winner listed as being from the The Isle of Man or the Channel Islands, as they fall into this bracket. Guernsey has just over 19,000 Premium Bonds holders and Jersey just over 29,000 taken together, this is far less than 100,000 Premium Bonds holders, so NS&I would not report this as Channel Islands. The default for reporting a winner from one of these areas would be 'overseas'. A Melbourne woman has spoken out about the creepy response she got from a man after she complimented his cute dog. Avalon, 25, was on a walk when she experienced the horrible encounter with a man walking his Jack Russell. She wanted to give the dog a pat as she had a pet of the same breed when she was a child. 'I was like, "Oh my god lovely dog." He was like "thanks", gave me the dog's name, gave the dog a pat and I was like, "Alright have a nice day,"' she said. The woman said this is when the interaction turned sour as the man persisted in asking where she was from and asking her to get inside his car. 'I'm walking off, I'm on the phone to my boyfriend. He starts screaming at me, "Hey look across the road, that's my car, do you want to get in",' she recalled the man saying. 'Men should not be allowed in public if they're gonna behave like animals.' Her post sparked a wave of reactions. Avalon (pictured) was on a walk in her home city of Melbourne when she experienced the horrible encounter with a man walking his Jack Russell Avalon experienced the horrible encounter after petting the man's dog (stock) One said: 'Man here, this story is wild who acts like that wtf.' Avalon replied: 'Honestly? Most men when they are acknowledged by a woman in this day and age.' Echoing Avalon's experience, another said: 'Literally always avoid men out in public, when I get approached I try to get away asap, sure some dont have bad intentions but I aint risking it.' 'I need to know in what world has this EVER worked for them,' another asked. A 'Walter Mitty' actor who claimed to have starred in Netflix's The Crown has been exposed as a convicted conman who posed as an army officer. James Edward Yeates, 42, claimed to be a reservist Captain in a crack unit within the British Army's intelligence corps, sharing pictures online in full uniform and sporting a chest full of medals. He even appeared to have taken part in a mess function at the Honourable Artillery Company's base in London alongside other veterans and serving personnel. Having founded Military and Aviation Advisors (MAA) Ltd in August 2023, Yeates boasted online about being a 'LAMDA-trained actor, armed forces officer, and skilled pilot'. But LAMDA has told MailOnline they have no record of him being a student. And defence insiders say there are no records of him having ever served in the military. He has now been accused of 'a despicable act of stolen valour' amid claims he tried to dupe film firms into hiring him as a 'military advisor' with his fake army career. Yeates, who is twice convicted for fraud with his last court appearance in 2015 seeing him jailed, has since insisted he never 'intentionally misled anyone' or 'attempted to benefit professionally from any misrepresentation'. A gushing post on MAA Ltd's Instagram account read: 'James brings a dynamic blend of talents. Collaborating closely with industry leaders, James crafts authentic scenes by seamlessly blending creative artistry with military and aviation experience.' It adds: 'With James leading the way, MAA guarantees a fresh level of authenticity and storytelling for your project.' James Edward Yeates, 42, claimed to be a reservist Captain in a crack unit within the British Army's intelligence corps (he is pictured in military uniform) He even appeared to have taken part in a mess function at the Honourable Artillery Company's base in London alongside other veterans and serving personnel. Yeates is pictured second from right But he has today been exposed as a liar, masquerading as an intelligence chief, after his tale unravelled under scrutiny from the Walter Mitty Hunters Club, a secret network of former soldiers who unmask dubious military claims. According to Walter Mitty Hunter's Club, when they approached him, he signed off his email with 'Major James Yeates, Co-Founder, Military and Aviation Advisors.' The Walter Mitty Hunters Club said no records existed for Yeates in the London Gazette, which publishes honours and awards for gallantry and meritorious service in the armed forces. After checking with dozens of sources across a number of military intelligence units, the group added that 'nobody had ever heard of him'. Independent checks by MailOnline with defence insiders also show no record of any military service. 'Checks were carried out by multiple sources and everyone came back with a nil return,' a spokesman from the Walter Mitty Hunters Club said. 'Not one mention of his name on anything, no one from the military intelligence (MI) world, regular and reserve could find him, more importantly, no one knew or had heard of him and going by his medals he would have at the very least served for around 19 years to have earned the QJM which hes wears on his mess dress. The group added: 'The Army is small and the MI world very small, someone would have known of or met him, but not a whiff of existence in the corps, or the wider pool. Yeates also claimed his firm, MAA, had worked on the film Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, but there is showing their involvement. Yeates is pictured wearing a ghillie suit as he posed as a sniper in a woodland Yeates ran a military advisor company for films. However, defence sources say he has never served in the armed forces Yeates appeared to pose online in full military attire before the pictures were removed Yeates is in fact a convicted conman who was jailed in 2015 for fraud His website also claims MAA acted as 'aviation advisors' for the film Heads of State, starring American action hunk John Cena and British actor, Idris Elba. However, his company does not appear to be credited on the International Movie Database (IMDb) as being involved with the action comedy, which is set for release on July 2 on Prime Video. MailOnline has approached Amazon MGM Studios for comment. LAMDA also confirmed Yeates had not attended any of its courses and that 'no conclusive proof' existed he had been a student with the institution. Yeates, of Dorking, Surrey, dodged jail in 2006 after he took more than 20,000 from customers bank accounts after his company collapsed. He splashed 22,650 in just three days and later admitted using criminal property and transferring criminal property at Guildford Crown Court. A previous indictment of 30 counts relating to theft was left on file. Yeates was later jailed for 12 months in May 2015 for fraud after spending 7,700 on a credit card that did not belong to him. He bought first class flights to Los Angeles to shoot a video which he hoped would encourage influencers to join his YouTube network Jey Management. Speaking to The Sun, Yeates said: 'Some comments Ive made in the past may have been misunderstood or taken out of context. 'My focus has always been on working professionally and in good faith.' He added: 'At no point have I intentionally misled anyone, nor have I attempted to benefit professionally from any misrepresentation.' The Ministry of Defence declined to comment on Yeates. Advertisement Deaths outnumber births in half of neighbourhoods, according to analysis that lays bare the 'alarming' drop in fertility rates. Some of the worst-hit areas across England and Wales are shrinking naturally at a pace of 5 per cent a year, in trends which have spooked experts. Parts of Wales, Merseyside, Devon, Dorset and Sussex are threatened by 'underpopulation', data suggests. Demographers claim the freefalling figures mean we may need to become reliant on immigration, which has hit record highs in Covid's wake, to prop up our economy. Fertility rates have plunged to their lowest levels since records began in the 1930s. If the downward spiral continues it may leave Britain with too few younger people to work, pay tax and look after the elderly. This would pile extra pressure on the NHS and social care systems which are creaking at the seams, and hamper economic growth, experts warn. Yet becoming reliant on immigration to offset low birth rates would only fuel the fire on what is already an insanely controversial topic in British society, claims one of the country's most esteemed voices on the topic. David Coleman, emeritus professor of demography at the University of Oxford, believes Britain's high immigration numbers are 'completely out of control'. Your browser does not support iframes. Professor Coleman, a former Home Office adviser and co-founder of pressure group of Migration Watch: 'Driving round the country, the obvious population change is evident in the new estates growing up around so many towns as people leave cities whose populations are replenished from abroad. 'The grotesque levels of immigration must be reduced radically,' he said. 'High immigration will keep the population growing fast even with a low birth rate but the result would be a country whose population was increasingly eventually predominantly, of immigrant origin.' MailOnline's investigation, using Office for National Statistics (ONS) data, found the highest rate of decline was in sleepy village of Pentredwr, near Swansea. The 2021 Census estimated that 1,561 people lived in that particular neighbourhood, which stretches over a dozen or so streets. Yet the ONS said 95 residents in that same community died and only five babies were born in 2023. Although it excludes migration, that is the equivalent of around 5.8 per cent of its population dying and not being replaced in just a year. Should that speed of population decline continue and net migration remain stable, that particular Swansea suburb would halve in size in just 12 years. Our analysis plotted births and deaths for all 36,000-plus lower super output areas (LSOAs) in England and Wales tiny geographical areas made up of between 1,000 and 3,000 people. Full results of our probe can be viewed above in an interactive map. To find your specific area, select your council from the drop-down list and zoom into wherever you want to search. Each neighbourhood is ranked by the rate at which the population is dying out and not being replaced by births allowing you to see where the hotspots are. For a population to stay the same size without relying on immigration, nations must achieve a 'replacement' level fertility rate of 2.1. Yet women in England and Wales, on average, now only have 1.44 children. Your browser does not support iframes. MailOnline's investigation, using Office for National Statistics data, found the highest rate of decline was in the sleepy village of Pentre-dwr, near Swansea (left), and in second was an area of Southport, Sefton (right) Many of the top areas were on the coast, including part of Rhyl in Denbighshire, Wales (left) in third and the St Peter's area of Sunderland (right) in fourth In an academic paper which sparked warnings, scientists forecasted it could fall to 1.3 by 2100. The US was on a similar downward trajectory, it was claimed in the respected medical journal The Lancet. Sharing their shock findings, the University of Washington team warned 97 per cent of nations face the threat of underpopulation by 2100. By then, half of all babies may be born in sub-Saharan Africa. Women prioritising their education and careers, and couples waiting to have children until later in life have fuelled the trend. Rising costs, particularly the price of childcare and housing, is another factor thought to be majorly putting people off starting families. There is no evidence that Covid vaccines are to blame, with scientists insisting there is no proof they harm fertility.. A MailOnline audit earlier this year found none of the 300-plus authorities in England and Wales had a fertility rate exceeding the replacement threshold. In 2023, 591,000 babies were born across the two countries. In 2001, just 16.5 per cent were born to non-UK born mothers but this has since risen to a third. The share has even exceeded 75 per cent in some districts of London. Foreign-born mothers typically have more children, figures show. But experts say the fertility rates of immigrants' descendants tend to converge with those of the native population over time as second and third generation immigrants are influenced by social norms of their birth country. It means that to sustain population growth through immigration, a continuous influx of new migrants is required making long-term demographic planning both politically sensitive and costly. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Britain's population, which stood at 67.6m in 2022, is set to hit 72.5m and overtake that of France by 2032, predict officials. By then, deaths are expected to have completely offset births. It means the growth would be solely down to immigration. Immigration spiralled to all-time highs in the year ending June 2023, with net migration of 906,000 enough to fill two cities the size of Bristol. Tens of thousands arrived on small boats. What could the government do to stop the declining birthrate? Some experts believe the government needs to step in to stop the declining birthrate with policies such as: Offering longer paid parental leave More funding for childcare for working parents More funding for fertility treatments in the NHS Loans or tax incentives to have children Promote flexible working However some experts believe there is limited evidence that policies such as these will raise the overall fertility rate. Advertisement This tumbled to 431,000 in the year to December 2024, figures revealed last week. Tories seized on the ONS data as proof that their curbs were already having an impact before Labour took power. Separate Home Office figures showed 32,245 asylum seekers were housed in hotels by the end of March, despite Keir Starmer's vow to shut them down. The Prime Minister unveiled a crackdown on legal immigration last month, warning that failure to control the system risked turning Britain into an 'island of strangers'. Downing Street was forced to deny angry comparisons from MPs that it was an echo of Enoch Powell's 'Rivers of Blood' speech. Scrambling to blunt the threat of Reform, Sir Keir vowed to give Brits what they had 'asked for time and time again' as he announced a package to 'take back control of our borders'. Under Number 10's long-awaited blueprint to curb immigration, skills thresholds will be hiked and rules on fluency in English toughened. Migrants will also be required to wait 10 years for citizenship rather than the current five and face deportation for even lower-level crimes. Policymakers estimate the government's package will bring down annual inflows by around 100,000. The figures in our analysis will be skewed by certain neighbourhoods being havens for the elderly. For instance, the Swansea neighbourhood Bon-y-maen, which tops the list and is officially titled 'Swansea 014C', has a nursing home. Behind that district of Swansea came Duke's in Sefton (-5.3%), Rhyl East in Denbighshire (-5.3%) and St Peter's in Sunderland (-5.2%). Dr Paula Sheppard, an Oxford University evolutionary anthropologist who specialises in barriers to having children in Western nations, said none of the areas will necessarily 'die out'. Your browser does not support iframes. She believes that internal migration, from Brits moving around the country, will naturally repopulate areas as the elderly people pass on their homes to their children when they die. Dr Sheppard said: 'On the other hand, the neighbourhood in Swansea might be relatively poor with people living in less nice housing and working more manual labour jobs. 'These are the sorts of towns immigrants from other countries might move to because rents are more affordable and unskilled jobs more available. 'These towns might do fine if this is the dynamic but if you want to increase fertility rates here, you have more chance than in the retirement villages of Devon and Dorset.' Digging deeper into the numbers, our audit also found there were thousands of areas growing rapidly. However, those areas often had high numbers of residents born in foreign countries. The areas with the highest rate of growth were the LSOA of Milton Keynes called 024E (8.8 per cent), which is a part of the city where thousands of new homes are under construction. It was followed by Brent's 035D (5.9 per cent), a zone surrounding Wembley Stadium. According to the 2021 Census, the areas had a foreign-born population of approximately 27 per cent and 58 per cent, respectively. Professor Coleman said: 'Usually the most important process determining population in small districts is migration, in and out, often mostly from/to inside the country. 'Our problem is the extraordinary level of immigration and the population growth which it creates, despite the low birth rate. 'The most obvious sign of demographic change are the housing estates going up all over the country around every town, I think mostly not for locals but from people leaving many cities, which are replenished from abroad.' As well as becoming a political headache for Sir Keir, 'baby busts' is also a pet topic of Elon Musk. In 2017, the eccentric Tesla billionaire and 'First Buddy' of Donald Trump said Earth's population was 'accelerating towards collapse but few seem to notice or care'. Musk previously joked he was 'doing my best to help the underpopulation crisis', in a reference to him having reportedly had 14 children with four different women. He has said in the past: 'People are going to have to revive the idea of having children as a kind of social duty, otherwise civilisation will just die.' In May 2022 Musk claimed Japan, experiencing its own baby bust, could 'flat-out disappear' if its low birth rates continue to decline and that Italy 'will have no people' if the current trends persist. This is the moment an Afghan small boat migrant tries to smuggle himself out of Britain on a lorry after being left feeling 'depressed and isolated' by life in the UK. Zahir has made four attempts to sneak into HGVs leaving the Port of Dover in a bid to relocate to Germany, but has failed each time and now sleeps in a London park. The 29-year-old said he fled Afghanistan when the Taliban found out his family had helped supply food to British and American forces. He was granted asylum in France and had a job in a slaughterhouse before paying smugglers 1,500 (1,260) to take him over the Channel to the UK in August 2024. But he now bitterly regrets this decision and says the idealised picture he was given of life in Britain has not turned out to be the reality - even as record numbers of migrants continue arriving here from France. Zahir, who did not provide his surname, now wants to get out of the country as soon as possible by stowing away in a lorry to the Continent. 'It was a big mistake. I came here because of my mum she was always saying ''we helped them so they will help you''.' The Afghan began crying as he told of feeling severely depressed after being removed to a remote area of the UK. Zahir has tried to sneak into HGVs leaving the Port of Dover four times in a desperate attempt to relocate to Germany but failed each time and now sleeps in a London park He took pictures of one of the times he tried to stow away on a truck leaving the UK Zahir wearing a hoodie while posing for a photo on a bridge in central London Zahir also complained of not being allowed to work while his asylum claim was processed. 'I used to say ''hello, how are you?' to people but they weren't interested. Nobody has offered me the chance to go to college to learn English. I told the Home Office I was very depressed,' he said. 'I didn't mind living there, it's that there were just four people [in the accommodation]. Nobody would talk to me so how can I live my life? I couldn't speak English.' Asylum seekers can receive up to 3,000 if they agree to return to their home country. But Zahir believes he will be killed if he goes back to Afghanistan and wants to go to Germany instead to reunite with family friends. The first time he tried to hide in a lorry leaving Dover he was discovered during a random Border Force check. The other three times he was seen by the drivers themselves. The asylum seeker had been living in Home Office accommodation before deciding to leave and go to London, where he knew other Afghans. Very few people seem to be put off by stories like Zahir's, with migrants continuing to cross the Channel in large numbers TikTok videos have been shared showing Channel crossings on Saturday But this means he is now cut off from official support and is now living in a park in London, where he sleeps under a children's slide and relies on food donated by locals. 'My main priority is accommodation, and I just really want to sleep. The park is not safe for me. Drug addicts are asking me for cigarettes,' he said. Zahir took his initial decision to flee Afghanistan after the Taliban came to power in 2021 and found official records that showed his father and brother had been working at a Western military base. They found his father and interrogated him about his children's whereabouts before killing him. Zahir said they also murdered his brother and shared a picture of his body that he keeps on his mobile phone. After travelling through Iran, Turkey, Greece, Bosnia, Serbia, Croatia and Italy he made it to France, where he was granted asylum and worked in a slaughterhouse in Toulouse. He puts his decision to go to the UK partly down to the influence of his mother, who said he should go there 'because they are good for humanity'. After contacting Kurdish people smugglers, Zahir described making his way across the Channel in an overcrowded boat with 70 people onboard. Migrants are driven away from the Border Force base in Dover in Kent on Saturday Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. The story of Zahir, revealed to The National, parallels with that of 25-year-old Alaa Eldin, who revealed last year how he was living under a rowing boat on a beach in Kent. The Syrian had been trying to escape the UK since last summer when he was evicted from a Home Office hotel in Leeds. Admittedly, both their stories are extremely rare with far more asylum seekers continuing to travel to Britain by chancing their lives in the Channel. Sir Keir Starmer has admitted the public has 'every right to be angry' about the issue after more than a thousand migrants made the journey in a single day for the first time this year. Home Office data showed 1,194 migrants arrived in 18 boats on Saturday. But Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch described Sir Keir's words as 'rubbish', claiming that even Defence Secretary John Healey had acknowledged ministers had 'lost control' of the borders. Saturday's figures were the first time daily crossings topped a thousand in 2025, and prompted Mr Healey to claim Britain had 'lost control' over the last five years, implicating the former Tory government. Writing on social media site X on Monday, the Prime Minister said: 'You have every right to be angry about small boat crossings. 'I'm angry too. We are ramping up our efforts to smash the people smuggling gangs at source.' Zahir's story has parallels with that of 25-year-old Alaa Eldin, who revealed last year how he was living under a rowing boat on a beach in Kent Your browser does not support iframes. He claimed hundreds of boats and engines had been 'seized', raids on illegal working were up, and 'almost 30,000 people' had been returned. But Mrs Badenoch hit back, responding: 'Rubbish! Even the Defence Secretary admits the govt has 'lost control' of our borders.' Small boat arrivals are 'up 95% from this point in 2023', she said, and claimed ministers had 'scrapped the only viable deterrent': the previous Conservative government's Rwanda plan. Sir Keir had earlier insisted the Rwanda plan 'didn't deter anybody', after his decision to scrap it was highlighted while he visited Glasgow for a major defence announcement. He added: 'I'm not up for gimmicks. I'm up for the hard work of working with partners, enhancing the powers that law enforcement have, in my determination to take down the gangs that are running this vile trade.' Saturday's crossings brought the provisional annual total so far of migrants who have made the journey to 14,811. This is 42 per cent higher than the same point last year (10,448) and 95% up from the same point in 2023 (7,610). It is still lower than the highest daily total of 1,305 arrivals since data began in 2018, which was recorded on September 3, 2022. MailOnline contacted the Home Office for comment. As Roy Bridgeman-Evans drifted down through the moonlit Sicilian sky, he could tell immediately that he and the rest of his men were in serious trouble. They'd been dropped far too high, and the rugged terrain below bore no resemblance to what he'd been told to expect. Worse still, the supply canisters carrying their weapons, food and explosives were nowhere to be seen. It was the evening of Monday 12 July, 1943, and Operation Husky, the Allied invasion of Sicily, was just three days old. To the south, British and American troops were engaged in brutal combat as they battled to wrestle the island from Axis control. Sicily was more than just a strategic target. It was the gateway to Italy, 'the soft underbelly of Europe' as Churchill famously described it. Opening a new front here was intended to stretch German forces thin, ahead of the ultimate objective - D-Day; the full-scale invasion of Nazi occupied France. But that operation was still a year away. Roy Bridgman-Evans (second from left) with fellow members of 2SAS in 1944 In a mission codenamed Operation Chestnut, Bridgeman-Evans and his team of nine SAS troopers were being parachuted into enemy-held territory to cause havoc and mayhem. Their key objective was to disrupt enemy lines of communication by sabotaging radio installations, destroying fuel dumps and attacking supply lines. But without their all-important drop-canisters packed with their weapons and explosives, their mission was all but doomed from the moment they had dropped - as revealed in my latest book, SAS Great Escapes Four. Jumping from such a height made it near impossible to avoid being spotted by the enemy, while the winds scattered members of the stick - a group of paratroopers dropped from an aircraft far and wide. By sunrise, Bridgeman-Evans had managed to find four of his men, but enemy forces could be seen closing in. Within hours they were surrounded and forced to surrender, being more or less unarmed as they were. Hailing from Richmond, Surrey, Bridgeman-Evans stood six feet tall, with brown hair and grey eyes. Already a seasoned special forces officer, before the war he'd worked in his father's cigar business. An SAS training march ahead of the operations in Sicily SAS jump training ahead of the 1943 Allied invasion of Sicily Troops of the British 5th Infantry Division passing bomb-damaged buildings in Syracuse on the opening day of the invasion of Sicily, July 10, 1943 Allied troops are seen departing a ship as they arrive for the start of the invasion of Sicily Like so many of his generation, he'd answered the call to serve and do his bit to rid the world of Nazi tyranny. Having been taken captive, he was not the kind of man to accept being a prisoner of war. Like all SAS, he was trained to resist and escape at every opportunity; it was ingrained in them. Interrogated by their Italian captors, and at times bound together with chains, the five 'dangerous' captives were ferried across the Strait of Messina, to mainland Italy. Bridgeman-Evans was already scanning the coastline, searching for a way to break free. Arriving in the town of Gioia Tauro, on Italy's western coast, they were herded into a railway yard to await transport, along with hundreds of other Allied POWs. When their Italian captors were momentarily distracted, Bridgeman-Evans seized the moment. With three of his men, including Sergeant Robert Lodge, aka Rudi Friedlander, a German Jew who was fluent in the enemy's language, they scaled the rail yard's wall and dropped into the shadows beyond. Roy Bridgman-Evans in later life in ceremonial livery The grave of Sergeant Robert Lodge, aka Rudi Friedlander. He was killed in August 1944 during a sortie in France Dressed in SAS jumpsuits, and moving quickly, they were mistaken for a German patrol. Their guise was helped by Lodge jabbering away in German, as the others nodded vigorously and pretended to understand. Slipping along the dark-night coastline, Bridgeman-Evans sought out a tiny fishing village, which he'd spotted from the Italian ship that had brought them here. He'd noted the boats drawn up along the beach. His plan was to steal one, and row across the sea back to Sicily, to rejoin the advancing Allied forces. With bluff and daring to the fore, Lodge managed to use his fluent German to bluff their way across a heavily guarded bridge. Shortly, they reached the clifftop overlooking the beach. From there they watched troops enemy patrolling the sands below, and noted the machine-gun nests menacing the coastline. At sunset, the four men made their move. Despite the disaster of Operation Chestnut, the SAS did have success elsewhere in Sicily. They captured hundreds of German soldiers. Above: Some of the captured men Silently, they crept down to the beach, their hearts pounding furiously. Italian sentries moved to and fro, but the men stayed low, keeping to the shadows. Shortly, they reached the fishing boat they were aiming for. Under the noses of the enemy and working in silence, they manhandled the vessel to the water's edge and pushed it in. Then disaster struck. In their haste to get moving, the sound of the oars in the rowlocks must have been heard. Moments later the night erupted with gunfire. Machine-gun rounds and rifle fire tore into the wooden hull, churning up the water all around. The only way to escape the murderous onslaught was to dive into the sea. With one man badly injured and the boat sinking, Bridgeman-Evans realised all was lost, and he struck out for shore. He had to stop the Italians from killing them all. As he swam for his life, bullets cut perilously close. British men on an Allied warship during Operation Husky in July 1943 Somehow, he reached the beach unscathed, shouting at the Italians to stop firing. The gunfire ceased. The injured man, Private Sharman, was rushed to hospital. For the rest, it was back into captivity. Of course, Bridgeman-Evans remained determined to break free. Taken to a POW camp at Capua, north of Naples, he discovered a kindred spirit in fellow prisoner Frederic Long, an officer of 3 Commando, who had also been captured in Sicily. The two joined in a daring tunnelling escape attempt. But before the underground shaft could be finished, the prisoners were moved on to another POW camp, this one just 120 miles short of the German border. As they were shipped further and further away from Allied lines, Bridgeman-Evans' desire to get free only grew stronger. Split up from the rest of his men officers and other ranks were separated September 8 offered another chance to break free. Italy had surrendered to the Allies, and the Italian guards had mostly abandoned their posts. The senior British officer at the camp, Brigadier Mountain, prepared to lead a mass breakout. With the gates unguarded, the prisoners rushed through en masse towards what they hoped would be freedom. But a large body of German troops had arrived to seize control. Spying the breakout, they opened fire. The escape attempt was crushed, with some Britons gunned down. For a third time, Bridgeman-Evans' attempted getaway had been foiled. Days later, the prisoners were on the move again, heading into Nazi Germany. They arrived at their new POW camp, Fort Bismarck, just outside Strasbourg, in north-eastern France. It was a grim, forbidding place that had been garrisoned by the French Army, until France's fall in June 1940. A view of Agrigento, near the southern coast of Sicily, Italy, July 10, 1943 The Germans had converted the fort into a POW camp. Located to the west of the city, most of Fort Bismarck was set underground. Encircled by a dry moat, watchtowers and thick walls topped with razor-sharp barbed wire, it was said to be escape proof. Undeterred, Bridgeman-Evans, and his 3 Commando companion, Fred Long, began plotting their escape. Noticing a blind spot where the wall seemed screened from the guards, they devised a simple yet audacious plan, gaining the all-important backing of the camp's escape committee. On the evening of October 1, 1943, they scaled the wall, being screened by other prisoners who'd crowded all around, after which they dropped to the far side, slipping into bushes at the side of the guardhouse. 'The whole thing took about a minute,' Bridgeman-Evans would later recall. There they lay, awaiting nightfall, and being forced to lay stock still as guard dogs passed close by. As darkness fell, they stole away, heading deeper into France and further from Allied lines. But Bridgeman-Evans and Long had a plan: they'd seek out sympathetic locals, and make their way to Britain via France, Spain and Gibraltar. Historian Damien Lewis at the launch of his latest book, SAS Great Escapes Four, at the Churchill War Rooms in Westminster last month They had one major advantage: Bridgeman-Evans was married to a French woman, and he was pretty much fluent in the language. With help from friendly farmers, they managed to contact the French Resistance who had links to what was known as the Burgundy Escape Line a well-established route for getting downed Allied airmen and escaped POWs back to Britain. Disguised as French civilians, they were on their way - first by train to Paris, and then south to the Pyrenees, dodging Gestapo patrols and SS checkpoints, and with their Resistance comrades risking all if they were unmasked. After a gruelling crossing over the snowbound mountains, the two men would finally make it to Gibraltar and, from there, back to Britain. In the process of escaping, Bridgeman-Evans had crossed five countries, covered thousands of miles on foot, by bicycle, truck, train, tunnel and boat, yet made it despite all the odds. Bridgeman-Evans embodied the spirit and essence of the SAS. From the moment of his capture, he refused to resign himself to spending the rest of the war as a POW. He constantly sought a means of escape, no matter the odds, driven by a fierce determination to make it back to Allied lines and get back into the fight. The full story is told in Damien Lewis's latest book, SAS Great Escapes Four, published by Quercus Books and available now. SAS Daggers Drawn has just been published in paperback by Quercus at 9.95. British 'drug mules' are the 'flavour of the month' for criminal gangs and are being recruited on the promise of quick cash and the 'perfect package' luxury holiday, experts warned today. Attracted by the white sand beaches and bustling nightlife, party-going Brits are flocking to countries such as Thailand and Indonesia in their droves - but some are never making it home. That's because several Brits, mostly glamorous young women, are being lured into the murky world of drug smuggling which has left them facing lengthy sentences in hell-hole prisons or even the death penalty. But in a case that has bucked the trend, a 79-year-old British pensioner was arrested in Chile last week after a Mexican gang allegedly promised him 3.7million to smuggle a suitcase of crystal meth from Cancun. One leading drugs expert claimed smugglers are seeing Brits as the 'flavour of the month' because UK nationals, particularly young women, are easily incentivised and can slip back into the UK more easily with the goods on a British passport. But with a trend of Brits now being caught, they warned airport security will be paying a closer eye, explaining: 'That's why they are being picked up more, because they are being picked on more. If it's a run on Brits, this could sustain for years.' Another leading drugs expert added: 'They recruit anyone they think looks innocent enough to get through customs, and yet still be dodgy enough to do the deal.' In recent weeks, 18-year-old Bella Culley, from Billingham, County Durham, was arrested in Georgia after allegedly carrying 14kg of cannabis into the ex-Soviet nation from Thailand, where she had been holidaying. Your browser does not support iframes. Bella May Culley, 18, was holidaying in Thailand but was arrested 4,000 miles away on drug offences in Georgia, allegedly carrying 14kg of cannabis into the ex-Soviet nation Charlotte May Lee, 21, is facing years locked in a grim Sri Lankan jail after being caught with 1.2 million worth of cannabis in a case that has bucked the trend, 79-year-old bowls-loving William 'Billy Boy' Eastment was arrested in Chile last week after a Mexican gang allegedly promised him 3.7million to smuggle a suitcase of crystal meth from Cancun Then came 21-year-old Charlotte Lee May, from Coulsdon, south London, who is locked up in a Sri Lankan prison after police discovered 46kg of 'Kush' - a synthetic strain of cannabis - in her suitcase when she arrived on a flight from Thailand. A flurry of similar cases have followed including 36-year-old OnlyFans model Clara Wilson, from Nottinghamshire, 21-year-old Cameron Bradford, from Hertfordshire, and 29-year-old Kimberly Hall, from Middlesbrough, who have all been arrested on suspicion of smuggling abroad. Many of these alleged smugglers face decades in prison. But at the most extreme end, three British nationals - Phineas Float, Jonathan Collyer and Lisa Stocker - are facing the death penalty over allegedly smuggling cocaine from the UK to Indonesia. Last week, it then emerged that 79-year-old William 'Billy Boy' Eastment faces dying behind prison bars after he was intercepted at Santiago Airport with 200,000 worth of meth. The bowls-loving pensioner, from Somerset, claims he was unaware the suitcase contained drugs - with his own sister saying 'He is just so gullible'. Dr David Holmes, a leading criminal psychologist, told MailOnline that he may have been approached because pensioners 'are obviously not the first target for airport security'. 'I imagine this is someone who wanted money. But it would be a very worrying trend if your average pensioner from the council estate was starting to [smuggle] on holidays. It would be a nightmare for customs. 'I would imagine there isn't an army of pensioners, but they are a relatively easy target, they are not as go-getting and thrill-seeking. But they are interested in money and if they are hard-pressed, easily scared and pressured, they can be targeted.' William 'Billy Boy' Eastment was said to have been found with 200,000 meth in Chile The British pensioner has been arrested in Chile after a Mexican gang allegedly promised him 3.7million to smuggle a suitcase of crystal meth Lindsay Sandiford, 67, has been incarcerated in a cramped cell inside Bali's hellish Kerobokan prison since 2013 where she is facing execution by firing squad The grandmother-of-two was sentenced to death for attempting to smuggle 1.6million worth of cocaine into Indonesia's capital by stuffing it into the lining of her suitcase He added that customs officers go through 'trends' and 'suspicions', adding: 'If you started to get a few pensioners coming through, I can imagine the look of dread on airport staff. 'They are not the people you want to be pushing into a cell and keeping for hours, complications can get much worse and they have health problems. It's not safe to be wrenching them about like you would with a younger person.' Gary Carroll, an expert witness in drug cases, suggested that drug kingpins could be adapting to the increased coverage of young female smugglers by preying on pensioners instead. 'Pensioners being used is certainly a commonality that we've seen in the past in the drug world. They adapt as we adapt or as law enforcement adapts. 'Law enforcement and the media have publicised young girls being used as mules. But in four, five, six months we'll see a sharp decrease. 'We'll see this falling off the table. And what we'll have brought back onto the table are the use of pensioners and the use of families, and they'll adapt now that more enforcement have cottoned on to this tactic.' British grandmother Lindsay Sandiford has also been incarcerated inside Bali's hellish Kerokoban prison since 2013 after she was sentenced to death for attempting to smuggle 1.6million worth of cocaine into Indonesia's capital from Thailand by stuffing it into the lining of her suitcase. Phineas Float, Jonathan Collyer and Lisa Stocker of Britain sit inside a courtroom for their trial at the Denpasar district court, in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia. They face the death penalty after allegedly smuggling cocaine into Bali But more recently, there has been a surge in drug seizures involving young women, who experts say share a commonality in being 'vulnerable' and wanting to travel the world. Mr Carroll, who spent 14 years in policing before becoming an expert witness, said: 'I think what we've seen is with the rise in social dominance of social media. 'It's created a gateway for suppliers to target and make connections with young, well-travelled, glamorous ladies and girls that are seeking that ability to travel the world and afford to do so. 'Smuggling drugs or packages where they're not entirely sure of the contents in exchange for free holidays and cash seems quite a lucrative offer.' Mr Carroll, from Claymore Advisory Group, said he has worked on cases where the 'common denominator' is free accommodation, free flights, spending money and some cash to come home with. 'I've even seen business class being thrown in there to sweeten the deal,' he said. 'It's almost the perfect package for those that want to travel, take all the pictures for social media at no expense of their own. He said that in cases he has worked on, it is British nationals being approached within the UK through the introduction of friends. 'It's almost like a multi-level marketing aspect where young girls are recruiting other young girls to become involved on the provision that it's a free holiday, you get some cash,' he said. Cameron Bradford (pictured), 21, from Knebworth in Hertfordshire was stopped at Munich Airport on April 21 while she tried to collect her luggage It is thought Ms Bradford could now face at least four months in a German prison while authorities probe where the drugs came from Clara Wilson, 36, (pictured) has been charged with drug offences after '60 vacuum-packed packages' of cannabis were allegedly found in her two suitcases at El Prat airport in Barcelona And while word of mouth may be spreading on how to secure fast cash and luxury holidays, convicted young female smugglers have spoken out to warn against getting lured in. Michaella McCollum, one of the notorious Peru Two who served three years in a hardcore prison near Lima over drug smuggling, sympathises with Bella and Charlotte. 'I couldn't help but feel bad for them,' Michaella told the Mail. 'They are 19 and 21. Whatever they have done, it's so young to be caught up in something like this, and I know what they are going to go through. And their families. It's the worst thing anybody can have to face.' Another, OnlyFans star Levi-April Whalley, who was caught trying to smuggle 160,000 of cannabis into the UK from New York with a pal in 2023 told The Mirror: 'If I had the chance to speak to Bella and Charlotte, I would tell them to tell the truth and be honest.' Experts have told MailOnline how young women are targeted by mules because they are less likely to be stopped by customs - especially with a surge in female travelling. Mr Carroll said: 'I don't want to detract from the ones where they are fully aware of what's going on, and it's just pure naivety and greed, which is certainly a dominant factor in a lot of cases. Charlotte Lee May, from Coulsdon, south London, was arrested in the Sri Lankan capital Colombo after police discovered 46kg of 'Kush' - a synthetic strain of cannabis - in her suitcase Charlotte appeared in court on drug smuggling offences in Sri Lanka on Friday Charlotte was arrested in the capital Colombo last week, but insists she has been set up. Pictured: Miss Lee speaks with MailOnline from behind bars She was arrested on suspicion of smuggling 46kg of cannabis (pictured) into Sri Lanka 'But these young girls are getting approached because - not to stereotype every young social media lad and female - but travelling the world is certainly a common denominator. 'It's pictures in foreign, exotic, lovely areas where the everyman can only dream of visiting, whereas these young ladies happen to be getting holidays there, and it makes people wonder,what kind of lifestyle they can lead. 'They do make for interesting targets for suppliers.' Asked who is targeting them, he added: 'With the people targeting on social media, it's introducing friends of friends. It tends to be UK nationals that are based abroad. 'The person there facilitating the whole transaction and importation, will likely be a British national, someone likes there. It's not the head of a Thai drugs gang targeting UK girls, that's not what I've encountered. 'It tends to be a British person who is orchestrating the events but happens to be in the middle of the drug gang and has the ability to recruit UK females. It's another link in the chain.' Dr Holmes added that the 'recruiting is often done through people they know', adding: 'It's not just the case of some dodgy looking guy coming along a beach and saying "If you do this, you get that". Last month, it emerged British beautician Kimberly Hall is said to have tried to get Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to deport her to her native Britain after she was allegedly busted with $6.5 million of cocaine at Chicago O'Hare Airport Hall, pictured shortly after her August 2024 arrest, was on the verge of boarding a flight home to the UK to evade justice, prosecutors allege. She had been released from jail on an ankle tag just before the alleged escape attempt Hall, pictured in a newer mugshot, says she had been asking about how to get a job when she was taken into ICE custody 'Most of it will be your friends saying, "Oh, I've done that, it's no problem." He continued: 'It's people that are gullible enough to do it because they've got to go through it, they've got to actually turn up pass over the drugs and things. 'You wouldn't have completely incompetent drunkards. 'It's people that have a certain kind of gloss, or would appear to be a gloss for getting through customs would be attractive to the dealers and the people that are pushing the mules. 'It's anyone they think looks innocent enough to get through customs, and yet still be dodgy enough to do the deal.' He added: 'It may be that Brits are the flavour of the month - and I would imagine it's quite more likely that Brits are the flavour of the month with airport security.. That's why they are being picked up more, because they are being picked on more. They have limited resources, they can't stop everybody so they target people...if it's a run on Brits, this could sustain for years.' Speaking about whether these mules are aware of the risks, Dr Holmes said: 'They will be given a routine such as what to do with burst bags or what to say when they are caught, i.e nothing. 'That is probably the limit of the instruction that they would be given because to be honest, the dealers don't care that much. You are just somebody who's working for them, and you don't give a s**t because you're likely never to do it again.' Mr Carroll said that it's often implied to the smugglers that the contents are not legal, but it is suggested that it could be something less serious than drugs such as jewellery with unpaid VAT or unethically sourced gold. Levi-April Whalley, 31, a former nurse from the UK, was caught alongside her friend Sophie Bannister trying to smuggle some 77 pounds of marijuana into the country when they returned from a trip to New York City in 2023. She has warned others not to make the same mistake The challenge for the courts is working out if the smugglers have 'naively' agreed to take packages without knowing there are drugs inside or if they are aware of what they are doing, he said. Dr Holmes said the type of suspect has changed over the years, making it even more challenging for Border Force to detect. 'You would have been looking at very poor people that have got nothing else, who are fairly desperate and easily bribed, or easily blackmailed into doing it,' he said. 'Young Brits, obviously, are more robust in terms of getting through customs - but it may be that they've been doing it for years and only just now are they catching on at customs that it might actually be this lot as well.' As well as the end destination of the drugs reaching the UK, the idea of being 'seen as more above board and less likely to be committing that serious crime', makes British nationals attractive for smuggling, he added. 'You do get some picked upon because they are loners and vulnerable, easily scared, desperate in some way,' Dr Holmes said. 'There might be one or two that want identity if there is nothing in their lives, if they are not achieving anything, and this would give them identity and make them feel special.' Your browser does not support iframes. Just last night, it emerged another young Brit, Ms Bradford, 21, from Knebworth, in Hertfordshire, was stopped at Munich Airport on April 21 for allegedly smuggling cannabis from Thailand. It is thought Ms Bradford could now face at least four months in a German prison while authorities probe where the drugs came from. In a separate case this week, OnlyFans model Clara Wilson, 36, was allegedly found trying to smuggle around 200,000 of Thai cannabis into Spain. The mother-of-four from Huthwaite, Nottinghamshire, faces four years behind bars and potential fines of over 750,000 if she is found guilty. The European cases are far more lenient than those who are stranded in hell-hole prisons abroad. The trial of three Brits accused of smuggling cocaine or taking part in a drug deal on the island of Bali began on Tuesday, with all facing the death penalty in a nation with some of the world's toughest narcotics laws. Indonesia hands out severe punishments for drug smuggling and has previously executed foreigners, but has upheld a moratorium on the death sentence since 2017. Couple Jonathan Christopher Collyer, 38, and Lisa Ellen Stocker, 39, were arrested on February 1 after being stopped at Bali's international airport with 17 alleged packages of cocaine that weighed nearly one kilogramme. A lab test result confirmed that 10 sachets of Angel Delight in Collyer's luggage and seven similar sachets in his partner's suitcase contained 995.56g of cocaine, prosecutors claimed. Phineas Ambrose Float, 31, who was allegedly due to receive the packages, was arrested two days later and is being tried separately. Bella May Culley, 18, from Billingham, is being held in prison in Georgia on suspicion of smuggling 14kg of cannabis from Thailand. Elsewhere in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Charlotte May Lee, 21, from Coulsdon, south London, was arrested after police allegedly discovered 46kg of 'Kush' - a synthetic strain of cannabis - in her suitcase. She is facing up to 25 years locked in a hellhole Sri Lankan jail - but she has insisted she has been set up. Meanwhile it was alleged last month that British beautician Kimberly Hall, 29, tried to trick Immigration and Customs Enforcement into deporting her so she could evade justice after being accused of smuggling $6.2million of cocaine into Chicago. Hall was caught carrying 43kg of cocaine through O'Hare Airport in August 2024 after getting off a flight from Cancun, prosecutors say. She was about to board a connecting flight home to the UK when she was apprehended. She is said to have admitted to investigators that she'd been given the bags during a trip to Mexico and asked to take them back to Manchester in England. Horrified villagers in a sleepy rural hamlet have accused a 'land-grabbing' group of travellers of 'devastating' their home by tearing up a field and paving it in 24 hours. 'Powerless' locals in the isolated farming community of Charles have lashed out at the alleged 'eco-vandalism' after industrial diggers ripped into a field and levelled it. Diggers bulldozed through a large grass bank to gain access to the secluded field in the picturesque north Devon hamlet - which is home to just a few dozen homes. The work, which is believed to be part of an unauthorised project to build a new traveller site, started at about 5pm on Monday evening, locals said. Within 24 hours, the tranquil patch of grassland had been transformed into a grey eyesore, standing out against the rolling green hills of the surrounding countryside. Devastating aerial pictures can today reveal how the former pony field in the rural oasis has been ruined and turned into a gravel car park, with caravans pitched around it and fence posts installed. The works have been carried out without planning permission - and is feared to be part of a new trend of brazen landgrabs carried out by travellers. 'This is an atrocity... it's devastated the countryside with absolutely no thought for the harm it will cause,' one furious 47-year-old woman, who lives locally, told MailOnline. A field in a rural patch of north Devon countryside has been ripped apart by bulldozers and turned into a suspected traveller camp (pictured on Wednesday) Pictured is an image showing what the field looked like before it was developed Diggers started working on the isolated plot, north of the village of Charles, without permission on Monday evening, sparking outrage from locals. Within 48 hours, it had been ruined A JCB is pictured on the field on Tuesday afternoon, with caravans parked at the end of the site Your browser does not support iframes. 'A massive JCB has ripped out the bank, which is protected because of nesting birds. They have flattened the field and it looks like they're concreting there already. 'We feel absolutely powerless right now... It's one rule for one part of society and another rule for the other.' When MailOnline visited the countryside location on Wednesday afternoon, a number of men could be seen working at it, using an industrial excavator to carve away ground and roller to flatten it. The incident appears to be the latest in a trend sweeping the country which has seen fields unlawfully developed into traveller sites. Groups across the UK have been accused of carrying out brazen bank holiday 'land seizures' to rapidly build camps under the noses of council chiefs while their offices are closed. Allegedly weaponising the national breaks, industrial diggers, excavators and lorries carrying gravel, are mobilised to rip up and pave over fields in protected green belts during 'deliberate and meticulously planned' operations. Cynically, the 'illegal' conversions are done without any planning permission, flouting development rules - with 'retrospective' applications later submitted to councils to allow the newly-constructed sites to remain. Since April, locations across the country have seen a sudden surge of developments - with the bulk taking place on the Easter, VE Day and late May bank holidays. The unauthorised development is in the heart of Devon's picturesque rolling countryside When MailOnline visited the location on Wednesday afternoon, a number of men could be seen working at it, using an industrial excavator to carve away ground and roller to flatten it An investigation by MailOnline has revealed similar unauthorised 'landgrabs' blighting villages and towns across Buckinghamshire, West Sussex, Nottinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Gloucester, Worcestershire and Cheshire. It comes after this paper revealed how the quaint village of Burtonwood, near Warrington, in Cheshire, had been the latest to be hit. It was targeted during last week's May bank holiday, with travellers taking less than 72 hours to convert the six-acre field into a gravel car park. They covered half the open space in hardcore and also built a 10ft-high wooden fence around the boundary, with groups allegedly working through the night - much to the fury of dismayed locals. 'I have never felt so impotent as a councillor in not being able to do something,' local politician Stuart Mann said. 'The neighbours suffered for 36 hours solid that went through the night. It was a military operation in terms of how [the travellers] achieved it.' The works on the land appear to mirror a similar incident weeks earlier near the West Sussex town of Petworth, in the heart of the protected South Downs National Park, during the VE Day bank holiday at the start of May. The unauthorised development is in the heart of Devon's picturesque rolling countryside Slide me Pictured is a before an after image of the field in Burtonwood which was developed on in less than 72 hours over the last May bank holiday weekend, leaving locals furious A tranquil plot in Blind Lane, Lurgashall, was transformed into a building site as heavy machinery ploughed through the field without planning permission, turning it into gravel car park, with 10 caravans later appearing there. Local MP Andrew Griffith was left horrified by the unauthorised development and now fears travellers elsewhere could launch similar landgrabs if planning rules aren't tightened up. 'These are clearly deliberate and meticulously planned operations,' Mr Griffith, the Conservatives' Shadow Business and Trade Secretary, previously said. 'In the Lurgashall case it took far too long for the local council to act leaving ratepayers and residents at the mercy of this devastating planning blight. 'It is clearly foreseeable that bank holiday weekends are the moment of maximum danger and yet that's when town halls fail to ensure staff cover.' At the beginning of May, during the VE Day bank holiday, a field near the West Sussex town of Petworth, was ripped without permission, leading to outrage At least 10 vehicles, including seven caravans and motorhomes, have pitched up on what has become a building site at Blind Lane, near Petworth in West Sussex Council officials in Devon are now investigating the construction of the suspected traveller camp Work at the six-acre Burtonwood site in Cheshire reportedly started at 6pm on Friday, May 23. MailOnline understands it came after travellers legitimately purchased the plot of land. Within hours, villagers reported excavators and tipper trucks working through the night to remove soil and replace it with concrete, completing the job in less than three days. Before and after aerial photographs show the extent of the destruction and more than a dozen caravans and other vehicles have since moved onto the site. Although a retrospective planning application has now been submitted to Warrington Borough Council, Cllr Mann said an investigation had been launched after complaints from locals, who say the land is green belt and should be for agricultural use only. In the Devonshire village of Charles, appalled neighbours have demanded action from North Devon Council to clampdown on the unauthorised development. 'I know planning authorities are under pressure and under-staffed but there seem to be an inertia about them in dealing with this,' one resident, who asked not to be named said. 'its easier to go for retrospective planning than to battle it out... it's setting a dangerous precedent and this will keep happening.' A spokesman for North Devon Council told MailOnline: 'We have been made aware of a potential breach of planning regulations at this location and our planning enforcement team is currently investigating the matter. 'We are committed to ensuring compliance with planning policy across the district and ensuring the environment is protected for the benefit of all our residents.' Americans are being warned to swipe left while in Mexico amid terrifying new warnings that kidnappers are using dating apps to lure their victims into deadly extortion schemes. The State Department issued the urgent warning after a spate of U.S citizens were kidnapped and held for ransom by people met through the online matchmaking services. The victims, whose names have not been made public, were abducted in Puerto Vallarta, a popular tourist destination in the western state of Jalisco, and Nuevo Nayarit, a coastal city in the western state Nayarit, just eight miles north from Puerto Vallarta. 'Victims and their family members in the United States have at times been extorted for large sums of money to secure their release,' the U.S. Consulate General Guadalajara said in a statement. 'Please be aware that this type of violence is not limited to one geographic area.' American travelers are advised to meet their dates only in public places and to steer away from isolated areas, such as private homes or hotels, since those are places where crimes usually are carried out. 'Tell a friend or family member of your plans, including where you are going, details of the person you are meeting, and the app you used to meet them,' the security alert recommended. 'Trust your instincts. If something does not feel right, do not hesitate to remove yourself from a situation.' The State Department is advising U.S. citizens to use extra caution if they decide to use dating applications in Mexico. The U.S. Consulate General Guadalajara confirmed Americans had been abducted in Puerto Vallarta (pictured), a popular tourist destination in the western state of Jalisco and Nuevo Nayarit, a coastal city in the western state Nayarit The Mexican Pacific coast town of Nuevo Nayarit, which used to be known as Nuevo Vallarta, was the scene of a recent kidnapping involving an American who went missing after meeting an individual via a dating app Texas-based security consultant Robert Almonte told DailyMail.com that the dating app scam was part of the cartels' push to make more money. 'It doesn't surprise me that the Mexican cartels are involved in this latest scam, basically a ruse to get people to fall into their trap and then kidnap them and hold them for ransom,' he said. 'That doesn't surprise me at all. That's how the cartels operate. People need to understand that the Mexican cartels are not just about drugs, when they make money they involve activities other than drug trafficking, [they] involve human smuggling. But in this case here they are using dating apps to trap people.' Almonte echoed the State Department's warning that that Americans traveling to Mexico should steer clear of going on dating apps. 'I urge them to be very, very cautious. As a matter of fact, there are plenty of ways to meet people out there in Mexico and I would not use dating apps,' he said. The State Department advisory comes amid a move by the Department of Justice to extradite Aurora Phelps, 43, from Mexico to the US to face charges from a dating app scam, including kidnapping resulting in death. The dual Mexican-American citizen allegedly lured much older men she met through online dating apps such as Bumble, Hinge and Tinder and stole their money from July 1, 2021, to December 9, 2022, according to an indictment that was unsealed February 21. Phelps, who lived in Las Vegas but had a home in Guadalajara, was arrested by Mexican authorities in February. Aurora Phelps, who is wanted by the FBI, for drugging and kidnapping older man whom she met on online dating apps. The 43-year-old committed crimes in Nevada and Mexico. At least two of her victims were found dead In November 2022, allegedly Phelps kidnapped a man who was in search of love. She somehow managed to push him on a wheelchair through the Mexico-United States border as her daughter watched. The sedated victim was taken to Mexico City, where he was found dead in a hotel, according to the indictment. In May 2022, she connected with another man in the western Mexican city of Guadalajara. The victim was reported missing and police found him dead in the bathroom of his residence. Phelps allegedly waited several days until she tried to use the man's bank accounts to purchase gold coins and mail them to her own home. It's not the first time the State Department has warned U.S. citizens about the dangers that come along with matching on an online dating app while vacationing outside the United States. American community activist and comedian Tou Ger Xiong was lured to his death in Medellin, Colombian in December 2023 by a 19-year-old woman he had previously met on social media 18-year-old Luisa Lopera was arrested November 27, 2023 and accused of murdering 55-year-old Texas resident Jeffrey Huston in his hotel room after meeting him via a dating app in Medellin, Colombia In January 2024, the U.S. Embassy Bogota in Colombia issued a warning following the deaths of eight Americans in Medellin between November 1 and December 31, 2023. Minnesota-based comic, Tou Ger Xiong, was murdered in Medellin on December 11 after he was kidnapped and robbed after going on a date with a woman he had previously met on Tinder. On November 13, Texas resident Jeffrey Hutson, 55, was found dead in his hotel room with at least 20 stab wounds in his neck after he had returned to the suite with an 18-year-old woman he met on a dating app. The woman was arrested November 27 and charged with aggravated homicide. In a press release, U.S. Embassy Bogota said that the 'deaths appear to involve either involuntary drugging overdose or are suspected homicides.' While they were not related, the embassy found that 'several of the deaths point to possible drugging, robbery, and overdose, and several involve the use of online dating applications.' It suggested American visitors 'should strongly consider meeting only in public places and avoiding isolated locations, such as residences or hotel rooms,' places were crimes could be executed. The embassy advised Americans that if they chose 'to invite a person they met to a home or hotel, they speak to the 'attendant/concierge beforehand and establish a policy as to what information your new visitor should provide before being authorized entry (photo of identification, etc.) and what process should be followed when your visitor departs.' U.S. crackdown on Harvard is pure political targeting People's Daily Online) 13:25, June 05, 2025 Cartoon by Tan Xiguang The U.S. government has stepped up its campaign against Harvard University. On May 28, U.S. media reported that the State Department is reviewing all Harvard-affiliated visa holders, not just foreign students. This follows an earlier move to revoke Harvard's certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, blocking it from enrolling international students. Federal funding cuts have also been announced. These actions are a clear case of politicizing education under the guise of national security, reflecting deepening polarization in America. Education should not be a political tool. Such moves only highlight the gap between U.S. rhetoric on freedom and its actions. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) The witness who first linked a sex offender prime suspect to the abduction of Madeleine McCann has told how he is convinced he knows what happened to her. Police in Portugal are this week making fresh searches for clues to Madeleine's disappearance on land close to the former home of German paedophile Christian Brueckner. Helge Busching, a former friend of Brueckner, first linked the German to her abduction as long ago as 2008 - just a year after she disappeared. Busching told MailOnline: 'I am convinced Brueckner is involved. There has to now be some hope for Madeleine's parents.' The then three-year-old vanished from a holiday apartment in the Algarve resort of Praia da Luz in May 2007 and it has been 18 years of heartache for her parents Kate and Gerry as well as her now teenage two siblings. The following year at a musical festival in Portugal Brueckner made remarks that made his friend convinced to this day that he was responsible. As he spoke out, searches in Portugal continued for a second day in the hope of finding vital evidence linking Brueckner to Madeleine. Busching's evidence against his former friend has already proved vital in sending Brueckner to jail previously - for seven years in 2019 when he was convicted of raping an elderly American woman in Praia da Luz, just two years before Madeleine vanished. Former roofer Busching, who has also given a statement to Scotland Yard, claims Brueckner told him in 2008 at a Spanish festival that it was 'strange Madeleine didn't scream' when she was taken. Madeleine McCann vanished on May 3, 2007, while on holiday with her parents and siblings German paedophile Christian Brueckner in 2024. Police in Portugal are making fresh searches for clues to Madeleine's disappearance on land close to the former home of the suspect A year after her disappearance Brueckner made remarks that made his friend Helge Busching, pictured, convinced to this day that he was responsible Busching told MailOnline: 'That man is evil, he's bad and he deserves to stay behind bars. 'I know he is capable of taking Madeleine and I told Scotland Yard and the German BKA (police) the same thing. 'When he said 'she didn't scream' we were talking our language, German and I could tell from his voice and gestures what he meant, there is no misunderstanding. 'I just pray to God that they find something to keep him in jail. The BKA wouldn't spend all this money to send a team to Portugal of they didn't think it was worth it. 'They have to find something because time is running out, Brueckner could go free in September and if he does, he will disappear, and justice won't be done.' Busching was interviewed by Scotland Yard in 2017 and spent three days with them but initially told the McCanns private investigator Dave Edgar about his suspicions in 2008 a year after Madeleine was abducted. Busching was interviewed in Greece for three days with detectives from Operation Grange the unit tasked with investigating Madeleine's disappearance - flying out to see him and they were so concerned about leaks they swept the room for bugs. During the interviews he told them that Brueckner had 'confessed' to him he was Madeleine's abductor saying, 'she didn't cry' and this has what grabbed investigators attention. Fresh police searches are under way near the spot where Madeleine was last seen near Praia da Luz, Portugal Firefighters and search teams check a well at a derelict and abandoned property to the west of Praia De Luz, Portugal, where searches are being carried out by officers investigating the disappearance of Madeleine Kate and Gerry McCann stop to talk to the Press after a church service in Praia da Luz in 2007 British police then contacted German police and told them about Brueckner, and he was eventually announced as the prime suspect for Madeleine's abduction and murder in June 2020. He is due to be released from jail in September but only if he pays outstanding fines of 1500 Euro although sources close to his legal team claimed he didn't have any money so he would stay behind bars until January 2027. At the 2019 rape trial Busching told the court that he recognised Brueckner in a vile video he found at his house showing him raping and abusing an elderly woman and another young girl. Brueckner has insisted that he is innocent of the 2005 rape and that DNA evidence used at his trial is flawed while he has also denied any involvement in Madeleine's abduction. Searches of scrubland at Atalaia, around three miles from the Ocean Club complex where Madeleine vanished from continued on Wednesday and are expected to continue on Thursday. Officers using chainsaws and strimmers could be seen cutting away undergrowth surrounding abandoned buildings and then using shovels and pickaxes to break up soil which was taken away for examination. Initial suggestions that police would also search former homes Brueckner used to live in while working and living in Praia da Luz also appeared to be wide of the mark. Police have significant amounts of circumstantial evidence linking Brueckner to the scene, his mobile phone was logged there and his profile as a convicted paedophile and rapist fits the bill but they are still lacking a 'smoking gun' to charge him with. Publicly Portuguese police are providing support and help but privately they are questioning the motive and have shrugged their shoulders and rolled their eyes when asked what they expect to find. When David Paul fell ill and doctors asked whether he worked with asbestos, his reply was a firm no. He had spent 42 years as a manager with Waitrose, a byword on the High Street for traditional, community-minded values, not in one of the industries associated with the dangerous fibres. It was only when he was diagnosed with mesothelioma a fatal cancer caused by exposure to asbestos that he realised he had unwittingly been in contact with the deadly material for decades. Less than two years after his diagnosis, he died at the age of just 65 in November 2021. Sadly, this well-loved and devoted family man is not alone. An investigation by the Daily Mail has found deaths from exposure to asbestos in all the major supermarket chains, including Tesco, Sainsburys, Asda, Marks & Spencer and Morrisons a state of affairs that they and others, including the shopworkers union, seem disappointingly reluctant to discuss. During my early years in Waitrose in the 1970s and 1980s, 65 per cent of goods were ambient packets and tinned groceries, David told his solicitors before the disease took his life. Today, almost 70 per cent is fresh food. As the nature of food sold by Waitrose changed over the years, so did the layout and functions of each store. Branch refits and extensions were common over the years. Wine counters became self-service, fruit and veg was moved to the front of branches and new refrigeration was introduced to meet the increased demand for fresh food. David Paul spent 42 years as a manager with Waitrose, during which time refurbishments were a regular occurence David with his wife Judy. He was diagnosed with mesothelioma - a fatal cancer caused by exposure to asbestos Meat and fish counters and patisseries were all retrofitted into stores. The result of this British food revolution was that supermarkets were constantly being rearranged and refurbished, and as David said: The work often took place when I was present. Such upgrades undertaken by all the major chains can disturb asbestos, which is likely to be present in any building put up before it was banned in the UK in 1999. And when asbestos fibres are breathed in, they can cause mesothelioma, a cancer affecting the mesothelium, a membrane surrounding the lungs, heart and intestines. Symptoms include abdominal pain, chest pains and breathlessness caused by a build-up of fluid on the lungs. It can take from 20 to 60 years for symptoms to appear but, once they do, most patients die within a year. Asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis which causes a fatal hardening of the lungs and other related lung cancers are the UKs biggest cause of industrially linked deaths, with more than 5,000 a year. This is why the Daily Mails Asbestos: Britains Hidden Killer campaign has been calling for action from the Government and demanding a phased removal of the material from Britains public buildings, starting with schools and hospitals. We are also asking for the establishment of a national digital register accessed by smartphone to record where the material is and its condition. This would help to combat the accidental release of fibres in store renovations and other refurbishments. David told his solicitors about the renovations, revealing he was present most of the time Janice and Stuart Allen before her death aged 57. She worked in M&S for several years For decades, official government policy has been to leave asbestos where it is if undamaged but boxed in or simply painted over. But we argue that this policy is no longer safe as Britains schools, hospitals and other public buildings are crumbling and that the asbestos in them has deteriorated to a point where it could release the kinds of fibres that David breathed in. He had spent his career managing more than 20 Waitrose stores across Berkshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire and Buckinghamshire, eventually becoming Head of Retail Operations for the Thames Valley. My dad was my best friend, says his daughter, Nicky, 38, who also worked for Waitrose for more than 15 years as did her mother, Gillian, and stepmother, Judy. He was a lovely, positive family man. He always wanted to make every day a great day. He used to call me Pixie and hed say: Well, Pix, today we can have a lousy day or a great day, so what shall we have? And it would always be great. Dad liked to live life as much as he possibly could and he was expecting a long retirement my grandparents all lived into their 90s, so he was expecting at least another 30 years. It wasnt to be. David was diagnosed with mesothelioma after returning from a holiday in Sri Lanka where walking up a mountainside had made him breathless despite being health-conscious all his life. There is no cure but David had an operation and chemotherapy as doctors tried to prolong his life. During that period, Nicky says he and the family became disturbed and disappointed by a lack of legal cooperation with his compensation claim from Waitrose, before and after his death. The familys solicitor, Guy Darlaston of Irwin Mitchell, says he was surprised at levels of intransigence on the part of the John Lewis Partnership, which owns Waitrose. They gave us nothing and we had to build a case from scratch, he says. But we found witnesses from the management side who confirmed that, at the time, there was a lack of guidance and awareness training regarding asbestos. We had to force every document out of them but David had told us that he was constantly having to deal with refrigeration, ceiling tiles, refurbishments and boiler problems in basements where, instinctively, we knew there would have been asbestos. But he had received no training in how to identify or deal with it. We were surprised at the John Lewis Partnership. It has this particular position in the minds of the public as being very focused on the fact that its employees are partners in the business and this gives it a very warm relationship with the general public. But when it came down to it and a family who had all worked for them needed something Im not talking money, Im talking disclosure of evidence about the presence of asbestos in real estate it clammed up. That was particularly disappointing. I put this to the John Lewis Partnership and asked whether it now provided asbestos awareness training for its staff. It replied: David was incredibly well regarded within the partnership and is still missed by many of our team today. Our deepest sympathies remain with his family. While were unable to discuss individual legal cases, we take the safety of our partners incredibly seriously and always follow health and safety best practice. The John Lewis Partnership paid a substantial sum to the Paul family last year without admitting liability. This is a story likely to play out in the future as many other people who worked during the years of change, ignorance and carelessness fall ill, as they inevitably will. Almost three million people work in the retail sector at any one time. Darlaston says that as well as Waitrose, Irwin Mitchell has had clients who worked for Asda, Sainsburys, Morrisons, Marks & Spencer and Tesco. Susan Ainsworth, 65, worked at a 24-hour Tesco in Northampton for 20 years, until she was made redundant in 2020. She was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma which affects the stomach in spring 2021. She worked night shifts and, like David, recalls numerous upgrades and renovations at the store. There would be times that men in overalls would be there and plastic sheeting would be up, but when they finished there was dust everywhere, she says. In the morning, the checkout teams would come in and say their tills were covered in dust. I must have breathed some of it in. When her solicitor, Alida Coates, also of Irwin Mitchell, investigated her case, she discovered that Tesco had spent almost 1million to remove asbestos from her branch whilst the store was still trading over a six-month period. I came across a case study in which a firm of engineers set out how they had undertaken works to remove asbestos from the premises as late as 2020, she says. I then obtained asbestos surveys from Tesco which identified significant asbestos contamination throughout the premises. The asbestos was marked in red on the plans. It was one of the most contaminated premises I had experienced in 30 years practice. I was quite honestly astounded at the level of asbestos contamination contained within the building. Susan received a substantial settlement from Tesco, without the company admitting liability. It also agreed to pay unlimited medical bills to allow her to seek private treatment. She is receiving chemo and immunotherapy and, so far, her health is holding up. Susan says that she received no asbestos awareness training right up until the time she was made redundant in 2020. If Id been in construction as a carpenter, or electrician, or plumber, Id probably have been told about the dangers. But as a retail worker, nobody even thought about asbestos, she says. Twice, I asked Tesco how many other asbestos-related compensation claims it had faced and whether it provided asbestos awareness training for its staff, but it did not reply. However, when I asked whether customers had been told that asbestos was being removed as they shopped at Susans store, it issued a statement that read: The safety and wellbeing of our customers and colleagues is our priority. When managing asbestos, we work with specialists and follow Health and Safety Executive guidance and best practice. Janice Allen, who worked at M&Ss flagship Marble Arch store in London from 1978 to 1984, died at a hospice in Kent in June 2018, five years after being diagnosed with mesothelioma. She was 57. Investigations by her solicitor, Harminder Bains of Leigh Day, established that asbestos had been found at a number of locations where she had worked and that renovations had most likely disturbed it. Her husband Stuart, 64, says: At first, neither of us could think of anywhere she could have been exposed. We thought that youd have to inhale fistfuls of asbestos to become ill. It wasnt until later that we found out that just a few fibres could kill you. It was found on the retail floor when she was in sales and in offices in the back when she later moved on into training. In all but one of all the places she had worked, it turned out that asbestos had been present. In a film recorded before she died, Janice described living with her death sentence and said of the company: I just wish that I had never worked for Marks & Spencer at all that Id never known them. In 2014, M&S paid Janice substantial compensation. I first wrote about the case two years ago. M&S has said: Like many older buildings, Marble Arch dates back to the interwar era when asbestos was commonly used in construction and, sadly, our former colleague Janice Allen worked in the store over 40 years ago, before the consequences of asbestos use were known. Today we rigorously manage asbestos where it is present and ensure the store is safe for every colleague and customer. Within the retail sector, there is a profound reluctance to discuss asbestos and what it could mean for its older and retired workers those yet to develop symptoms of mesothelioma. On two ocasions I asked the Big Four supermarket chains Tesco, Sainsburys, Asda and Morrisons how many asbestos-related cases had been brought against them and whether they now provided asbestos awareness training for all their employees. None provided figures or an on-the-record comment. I twice asked the retail trade body BRCGS formerly known as the British Retail Consortium whether it or its members were aware of the extent of mesothelioma deaths in retail and the potential for more to come but, again, there was no response. Surely then the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers, the biggest retail trade union, with 360,000 members, would have something to say about the dangers and the anguish yet to come? But no. Despite two requests, the union said it had nobody who could talk about the issue. Its members might want to consider why they bother paying their dues. Such seemingly wilful blindness to the dangers of asbestos, and to the mesothelioma deaths down the line, serves nobody. But it will leave the millions of people who have worked in sales over the past six decades wondering whether, when it comes to their health, they have been sold down the river. Conservative Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has split with Trump and the Republican's Big Beautiful Bill Act over a sneaky AI provision that the lawmaker originally overlooked. Her opposition is the latest in a string of high-profile GOP pushback against the measure. Elon Musk has loudly been bashing the bill online, calling it a pork-filled abomination while Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., has also skewered the bill for growing the debt. Since voting for president Donald Trump's signature 'big, beautiful bill' legislative package at the end of May, Greene has since renounced her support for the package. In a stunning reversal, the Georgia Republican has said that a portion of the massive bill that would force states to cede power to the federal government when it comes to artificial intelligence is so rotten that she no longer can support it. Now as the bill is before the Senate, Greene is urging lawmakers in the upper-chamber to take out the AI regulations. 'This is an incredible clause, and I hope the Senate fixes it, and it's so important, and I believe it's so important that it's worth saying that if it doesn't come out, I don't think I can vote for it,' Greene told the Daily Mail in a phone call Wednesday. Her issue is not with the president or GOP leadership though, she claims. 'It's incredibly important to clarify that there's no daylight between President Trump and I,' she added, noting that the bill should be about securing the border and cutting taxes and not about regulating how states oversee artificial intelligence. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., an ally of Trump, gave a speech on the House floor Wednesday highlighting her new concerns over the president's Big Beautiful Bill Act The president has urged all GOP lawmakers to get behind his bill that would codify no taxes on tips and overtime, in addition to providing border wall funding and a debt ceiling increase Greene has already told the White House's Office of Legislative Affairs and Speaker Mike Johnson about her opposition to the AI regulations. The bill specifically prohibits states from 'limiting, restricting, or otherwise regulating artificial intelligence models, artificial intelligence systems, or automated decision systems entered into interstate commerce' for the next ten years. Taking her grievances to the House floor, Greene delivered an impassioned speech about her opposition to the bill on Wednesday. Her broadside is the latest in a GOP civil war that is brewing over the measure. 'This clause would take away state rights to make laws or regulate AI for 10 years,' Greene shared on the floor. She explained how the federal legislation would hamper state's ability to self-regulate the nascent technology, posing a threat to federalism. 'I think federalism is something that we must always protect, and I warn against the dangers of protecting a tech industry where we have no idea the future of what this industry will hold.' MTG reasoned that since AI is 'rapidly developing' it is unwise to shackle state's ability to regulate the space. 'When we look to the future, we cannot take away states rights to regulate or make laws to protect the people in their state, or to regulate businesses that operate in their state.' 'That would be destroying the very foundation of this country, which is federalism,' she added. 'We must always limit federal power and protect state power.' Greene's opposition to the bill over the AI provision could threaten the 1,000 page measure if it gets sent back to the House after Senate approval Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., has said he wants the Senate to finish editing the bill by early July. He, and the president, hope the Senate will pass the Big Beautiful Bill Act before July 4th If the GOP goes ahead with the bill and its AI measure, the GOP and Trump could open themselves up to attacks over federalism. 'I don't want to be the Congress that destroys federalism, and I don't think President Trump wants to be accused of that as well,' she told the Daily Mail. Greene's opposition to the measure comes as it has faced increasing scrutiny from Republicans. Though the Georgia Republican voted for the measure when it passed out of the House on May 22, she admitted that she did not read the entire bill, which is over 1,000 pages. The shocking admission came as she announced her opposition to the measure unless the AI-related provision is taken out. That opposition may prove to be a headache for GOP leadership as the bill may get sent back to the lower chamber after the Senate makes revisions to the package. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., and Trump have said they want the Senate to finish tweaking the Big Beautiful Bill Act before July 4th. Once the upper chamber finishes its edits, the bill will likely head back to the House for them to sign off on the changes. This is politically tenuous for Speaker Mike Johnson, who was able to just barely pass the measure the first go around. The measure passed 215 - 214 - 1, meaning if Johnson loses a single vote, the entire Trump-backed package is at risk. If the bill needs a second vote in the House, MTG's opposition could mean that the bill won't move on to the president's desk for final authorization. Other conservatives in the House have also expressed frustration with the bill, including many dissatisfied House Freedom Caucus members, who generally want deeper cuts to social programs like Social Security and Medicaid. Greene has said she will vote against the bill if the AI provision is not removed by the Senate and the bill gets sent back to the House for a final vote If the Senate does not scrape the AI measure before sending the bill back to the House for another vote, MTG says she will withhold her support for it. 'With this warning, I urge all of my colleagues that when the House gets to vote on the one big, beautiful bill again after it leaves the Senate, that we make sure we protect federalism,' Greene said Wednesday. 'At the same time [I] urge our colleagues in the Senate to pull this clause out of the one big, beautiful bill,' she concluded. When Greene first shared on X that she did not read the AI-related portions before voting for the measure Democrats ripped into the Georgia Republican. 'I read the AI provision, that's one reason I voted no on the GOP's big, ugly bill,' Rep. Ted Lieu, D-Calif., posted on X. 'PRO TIP: It's helpful to read stuff before voting on it,' he added. Wisconsin Democrat Rep. Mark Pocan similarly roasted the conservative. 'You should have done your job while it was written. You didn't. You own that vote,' he wrote on X. A mother whose gallstones turned out to be stage-four cancer has blasted doctors for waiting five months to test a mass on her pancreas. When Kanisha Collins, 24, was diagnosed with pancreatitis at Royal Chesterfield Hospital in December, she didn't think to question their expert judgment. After all, they were in close contact with a team of specialists over at Weston Park Hospital in Sheffield, one of just four dedicated cancer centres in the UK. And the coalition of doctors persistently stuck to its guns, even after a second CT scan in February showed a persistent mass on her pancreas and a worsening blood clot. But then the pain got worse. Rushed to hospital just weeks after being told the mass was 'benign', Kanisha, who has a two-year-old daughter, was hit with the discovery of lesions on her liver and the news that staff would finally be performing a biopsy. On May 19, she was diagnosed with stage-four pancreatic cancer which had spread to the liver, after months of doctors insisting she was too young to be struck with the illness. A day after starting chemotherapy at Weston Park, Kanisha, whose father Dean has raised more than 4,000 for her family on GoFundMe, told MailOnline she blamed specialists for acting too slowly to spot her, now incurable, cancer. Kanisha Collins, who has stage-four cancer, pictured with her daughter Amaya. She has criticised doctors for waiting five months to test a mass on her pancreas A day after starting chemotherapy at Weston Park Cancer Centre, she has issued a heartbreaking indictment of specialists who were too slow to spot the cancer She told MailOnline: 'This was all because they wouldn't test the mass on my pancreas, because they didn't think somebody my age would have pancreatic cancer. 'I've been failed by both hospitals in a way, but I feel like my consultant could have done more at the time. 'The reason they didn't was because of my age. Unfortunately, when they told me [I had cancer] it was too late and incurable. 'Absolutely [I feel let down]. Cancer [diagnoses] should never [be based] off somebody's age. 'It should always be tested, no matter what, no matter how old you are, it should be tested from the get go and not left because they think you're too young. 'I felt discriminated against because I was so young. My kind of cancer is actually genetic and my daughter has to be tested down the line.' Before her diagnosis, Kanisha's life had been gathering pace. Her daughter Amaya had just turned two and she was about to get married to her partner Mason. The wedding had long been in the diary for this Saturday, but no one could ever have anticipated it would fall at the end of her first week of chemotherapy. Kanisha pictured with her two-year-old daughter and her partner Mason, who she is getting married to on Saturday The mother is hoping to visit Cornwall, her favourite holiday destination since she was a young girl, with Amaya during the remaining time they have together 'I feel heartbroken, because obviously I have a two-year-old daughter at home,' she said. 'I get married on Saturday and I had all that to look forward to in the future. 'But that's been cut short unfortunately.' Sitting by her side during her first night of chemo, her father Dean chimed in: 'They're getting married on Saturday, which was planned last year, but cancer wasn't planned. 'The idea is, once they've got married, to go to the sit down meal. Then once we've done that, I'll take her back home so she can have a rest before coming back to spend a bit of time with the evening guests. 'She's going to have a break in between all that to recharge her batteries.' Kanisha's chemotherapy battle is in its early days, but her stoicism in the wake of her life being turned upside down has taken even her parents by surprise. 'Before all this, I was a fit and healthy person and now I can barely do day-to-day walking tasks, because I just get out of breath,' she said. 'I'm on chemo, I'm tired, so it's hard, but I suppose I've got to look for the positive side, that the chemo will shrink enough to give me many years down the line. A fundraiser, set up by her father Dean, has soared past 4,000 in donations and will go towards a family holiday as well as easing the strain on finances 'We're all staying positive about it and hoping that treatment will shrink my tumours enough to give me a few years.' Her father added: 'She actually seems stronger than both me and her mum. She's got to be strong for herself and for her daughter and partner.' Dean reacted to Kanisha's diagnosis by setting up a Gofundme, drawing on his experience looking after his sister, who died with cancer, as well as the writing skills of his older daughter's boyfriend, to create an already-flying donation page. The fundraiser earned 4,000 in its first 24 hours, receiving more than 150 donations. Its aims are two-fold: to give Kanisha the opportunity to enjoy what time she has left with her daughter, and to help her soon-to-be husband in the tough times ahead. The Gofundme's soaring success has been a rare source of positivity for the mother, following an incredibly difficult five months. She said: 'It's just to give myself and my family a good holiday and to make those lasting memories. And to not have to worry about the financial side of things, so we can do things as a family. 'At the moment, unfortunately, I'm not able to fly due to the fact I'm on intense chemotherapy, but my main goal is a nice family holiday down in Cornwall. It's always been my favourite place to go since being a little girl. Chesterfield Royal Hospital, pictured, initally diagnosed Kanisha with pancreatitis when she first visited doctors in December, complaining of gallstones 'And just being able to show my daughter the other parts of England that I've been able to see. 'Eventually after my chemo, if it is successful, I would like to take her on that family holiday abroad, if it is possible. That's my main goal. 'It's for my daughter's future as well, just so I know she's going to have a good life.' Dean added: 'The frustrating thing about it is [the delay in diagnosis]. It was a catalogue of errors between the two hospitals. That's how it seems to me. 'One set not talking to the other and then the other people just don't seem to be wanting to to push it further forward, to do further tests, purely because she was young. 'So my aim now is to bring further awareness out there, with regards to cancer, because there's loads of people out there who have experienced it.' Dr Hal Spencer, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Royal Hospital said: 'We always strive to give the best care, and we are sorry to hear of Kanisha's experience. 'Throughout, her care has always been considered seriously, and we have consulted with regional specialist colleagues who were advising us on her care and management. They stuck with their judgment despite liaising with specialists at Weston Park Cancer Centre, pictured, where she is now undergoing chemotherapy 'We would encourage Kanisha and her family to contact us, and we will support them in a full review of her care in order that we can understand the decisions taken and the management advice given. 'This will help inform our internal reviews already underway.' MailOnline has contacted Weston Park Cancer Centre for comment. You can donate to Dean Collins's Gofundme here. The devastated owners of a dog stolen by machete-wielding robbers say they are living through 'their worst nightmare' as they continue to search for his whereabouts four months on. Sashi Shutt, 40, was left terrified after being pinned against the wall by the violent gang as they ransacked the home she shared with her RAF officer husband Jason, 53, in Ruislip, West London. The robbers viciously stole 20,000 in cash, jewellery and designer watches, alongside the one item that the family deems as 'priceless' - their beloved eight-year-old pug, Ozzie. Since that fateful day on February 10, the Shutts have neither heard from or caught sight of the beige-haired pet, who has a distinctive scar on his hind leg after previously undergoing treatment for cancer. Despite repeated appeals for information, the family has been left bereft by what might have actually happened to Ozzie, who needs regular medication. Speaking to MailOnline, Jason's daughter Serena, 22, who is one of four siblings and lives in Dorset, said her family had been through enough emotional turmoil and simply wanted answers. Serena, an aerial silk instructor, said: 'As horrible as it sounds, if a day later we found Ozzie and he was deceased, it would have been so much easier than the pain we're going through right now. 'We still don't know what happened four months later.' Recalling the events of that morning, Serena explained how her father had gone to the RAF base close to the house, while her younger brother, Harry, 14, was on his way to school, at around 8.30am. The Shutt family from Ruislip, West London, have been left devastated after their dog Ozzie was stolen during a violent robbery Owner Jason Shutt, 53, pictured with Ozzie, is living his 'worst nightmare' after the dog was taken during the violent robbery in February Jason's daughter Serena, 22, said the family has been left bereft by what might have actually happened to Ozzie A short while later her step-mother Sashi, an NHS nurse, had left for work but turned back after realising she had left some items in the house. 'She just came home to grab whatever she'd forgotten - and then walked in on this robbery. One of the gang pinned her up against the wall with a machete, and told her not to move. 'They had come in through the bottom dining room window. The latch was slightly off, so they must have just got through the window, opened up all the doors and ransacked the house. 'They went upstairs, took my dad's entire watch collection, which was worth about 20,000, and jewellery that was sentimental. Both of their parents had died and left jewellery for them. That's all gone, so they'll never get that back. 'They took 1,000 in cash that was saved up for holidays as well. 'But when they finally left, my step-mum realised Ozzie was nowhere to be seen or heard.' The family initially thought the dog may have run off after the door was left open, but now strongly suspect the robbers, who were fully clothed in black and wearing balaclavas, stole Ozzie during the raid. 'We thought he'd run off and that we'd find him within two hours, because you know, what are they going to do with an eight-year-old pug who is neutered? They would have no use for him. Ozzie, pictured with Serena's younger brother Harry, 14, has been with the family since he was just a few weeks old Serena said the family's pain of Ozzie's absence has been made all the worse because of the 'deep connection' he had with them The family strongly suspects the robbers, who were fully clothed in black and wearing balaclavas, stole Ozzie during the raid in February 'But there were no sightings of him at all and then a couple of days after, we actually found muddy boot prints by Harry's bed, where Ozzie would have been sleeping. 'We also discovered a black cabin bag that was at the top of the stairs had been taken so realistically we think they could have used that bag to to snatch him up and take him.' Serena said the family's pain of Ozzie's absence has been made all the worse because of the 'deep connection' he had with them. She said: 'Any pug owner would get this. They're not like normal dogs - he would literally get the front seat in the car over anybody else. 'He sleeps where he wants and he gets the most presents at Christmas. 'If you talk to him, he tilts his head like he just understands you. 'He's so in tune with with us, and more aware than than any dog we've ever had. He has to be completely connected to you, and that's what worries us so much because of this deep connection he had with us. 'I just can't imagine how he's feeling, and if I think about too much, I just start crying. The family said they are increasingly concerned as to where their beloved dog might be. Pictured: Ozzie with Harry and older brother Peter, 19 Ozzie's family is offering a reward for any information that could bring him back home 'We can only hope that he's being looked after. But again, we just don't know. We don't even know if he's alive.' Four months on, Sashi - who suffered PTSD as a result of the robbery - has moved with Jason to another property after finding it too traumatising to continue living in their home. Their search for Ozzie has also continued, with the family posting regularly on social media with renewed appeals - and are offering a reward for any information that could bring the diminutive dog home. Serena added: 'If someone has Ozzie, I just want them to know that nothing you do will compare to the life that he had with us and the love that we gave him, and how much he loves us. 'He needs to be back with us. 'Even if you have bought Ozzie innocently, all you need to do is go to a vet, say you have found a stray dog and walk away. We don't care to know your name, or how you came to have him. 'No more questions will be asked, we just care about bringing Ozzie home.' A Met Police spokesperson said: 'We were called at 9.36 am on Monday, 10 February to an aggravated burglary in Bridgwater Road, Ruislip. No questions asked: Serena has appealed to anyone who might have Ozzie to bring him to a vet 'Officers swiftly attended and spoke to the victim. 'The victim was threatened with a knife by the two suspects before they fled the property with a number of items. 'Detectives from the West Area's Burglary and Robbery Team are investigating. 'No arrests have been made. Enquiries continue. 'Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting CAD 1620/10 FEB or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online.' Labour is set to bring in new laws curtailing use of the European human rights convention by foreign criminals. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is drawing up legislation to make it easier to deport overseas offenders as well as failed asylum seekers, the Daily Mail can reveal. A new bill will contain measures designed to restrict the use of the 'right to private and family life' under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). It comes as Tory leader Kemi Badenoch will unveil tough plans to revive a Rwanda-style deportation scheme - and vow to withdraw Britain from any international treaties that stand in the way. In a major speech, the Tory leader will declare that a future Conservative government would reintroduce measures to bar illegal migrants from claiming asylum in this country and deport them to a third country. The competition between Tories and Labour for tough-sounding immigration policies comes as both parties are coming under pressure at the polls from Nigel Farage's Reform. Labour's proposals are designed to address escalating numbers of foreign nationals - including killers and rapists - bringing successful legal challenges against deportation from Britain. A Home Office source said: 'This is about Parliament taking back control of who's allowed to stay here and who isn't, rather than judges. Keir Starmer's Labour Government is set to bring in new laws curtailing use of the European human rights convention by foreign criminals Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, pictured giving evidence to the Commons' home affairs select committee on Tuesday, is set to propose restrictions on use of human rights laws in immigration cases Jamaican national Ernesto Elliott, a foreign national offender who brought a successful claim under Article 8 - the right to family life - and committed a murder six months later Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch is also set to unveil proposals to tighten immigration laws, including a pledge to revive the Rwanda removals scheme scrapped by Labour last year 'We want to make sure those who break our laws don't get to stay here.' The measures are expected to be promised in the next King's Speech. Ms Cooper believes the new crackdown will have to work in tandem with her plan to set up overseas 'return hubs' for foreign nationals who have no right to be in the UK, sources said. The Foreign Office is in talks with a number of countries in the Balkans about hosting the hubs, which would house criminals and asylum seekers who have exhausted their appeal rights. Kosovo and Moldova are the current front-runners to host the centres, the Mail understands. Labour's new legislation to restrict Article 8 claims will 'strengthen the public interest test', insiders said. This means courts would have to place more weight on a foreign national's criminal record and the risk they pose to the public, and less weight on the individual's family life claim. The Home Office's role in maintaining proper border controls would also be given extra weight. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp dismissed Labour's new proposals as 'pathetic tinkering' Kemi Badenoch's proposals to revive the Rwanda scheme come after last Saturday saw almost 1,200 small boat arrivals Migrants were pictured scrambling aboard overloaded dinghies off the beach at Gravelines, northern France, on Saturday which went on to see the highest daily number of migrants reach Britain since 2022 Ms Cooper's new law is also likely to set out how Article 8 should be applied in different types of claims - for example, foreign criminals could face broader exclusions than other individuals. In her speech on Friday Mrs Badenoch will announce a new commission to examine the impact of the ECHR and other related treaties like the 1951 UN Refugee Convention. A Tory source said the last government's Rwanda scheme had been stymied by 'activist judges' interpreting law based on treaties like the ECHR. Mrs Badenoch was prepared to withdraw from both treaties if they frustrated efforts to deal with the Channel migrant crisis, the source added. The commission, led by Tory barrister Lord Wolfson, will also look at whether changes are needed to other sweeping pieces of legislation including the Equality Act and the Climate Change Act. One insider said: 'We need to look again at all these well-meaning pieces of legislation which have been used by activist judges to tie government in knots for years. 'We need to and get back to a situation where elected politicians are taking decisions in the interests of the public.' Mrs Badenoch will contrast her new approach with that of Labour, whose controversial attorney general Lord Hermer has vowed to 'rebuild our reputation as a leader in the field of international law'. At the Commons on Tuesday Yvette Cooper told MPs that although Article 8 claims are supposed to be granted only in 'exceptional' circumstances, judges are now allowing 30 per cent of such cases Then home secretary Priti Patel signing a deal with Rwandan minister Vincent Biruta in 2022 to set up a removals scheme - which Tory leader Kemi Badenoch says should be revived Lord Hermer, a close friend of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, has said Labour will never quit the ECHR. Last week he was forced to apologise for 'clumsy' remarks in which he compared those calling for the UK to leave the treaty to the Nazis. On Tuesday Ms Cooper told MPs that although Article 8 claims are supposed to be granted only in 'exceptional' circumstances, judges are now allowing 30 per cent of such cases. The Home Secretary's ability to impose Article 8 restrictions would be set out in principle in the Bill, it is thought, with specific exclusions detailed in secondary legislation. This would allow the Home Office to continually add to the exclusions if immigration lawyers attempted new legal tactics to get around the rules, or if judges failed to take full account of Parliament's wishes. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said of Labour's proposals: 'This is just pathetic tinkering. 'Immigration lawyers and judges will still be able to exploit Article 8 claims. 'The only way to fix this is to repeal the Human Rights Act in its entirety for all immigration matters. 'The Conservatives proposed this and put it to a vote in Parliament just a few weeks ago but Labour voted it down.' The Mail revealed in 2023 how a Jamaican prolific offender used the 'right to family life' to dodge deportation before going on to commit murder. Ernesto Elliott, then 45, had 17 crimes on his rap sheet including knife crime and possession of an imitation firearm. He was due to be aboard a Home Office removals flight in December 2020 but his lawyers lodged a last-minute challenge against deportation citing Article 8. But in June 2021 - six months after he was supposed to have been removed from Britain - Elliott murdered 35-year-old Nathaniel Eyewu-Ago in a horrific knife fight. The bloody, eight-minute knife fight which took place in broad daylight in Greenwich, south-east London, was caught on video by traumatised neighbours. Mr Eyewu-Ago collapsed after being stabbed through the heart and died in hospital six days later. As a result, Elliott, from Walthamstow, east London, was jailed for at least 26 years. It was a crime that would never have taken place if Elliott had been sent back to his birth country. The victim's father Godfrey Ago, 79, from south-east London, told the Mail at the time: 'He should not have been in the UK. If he had not been here, he wouldn't have murdered my son. 'He is a criminal, and should not be free to walk amongst men.' For six weeks after a Utah teenager disappeared this spring, her parents feared she may have been dragged off and sexually exploited, or lying dead in a ditch. But as it turns out, 15-year-old Alisa Petrov was safe in a room she rented in a Colorado Springs trailer park, trying to eke out a life away from an overprotective father. 'She wanted more freedom than I was giving her, and we obviously need to fix things between us,' her dad, Nikolai Petrov told the Daily Mail on Wednesday after he and his wife Olga reunited with their daughter here on Monday and flew her home to Utah late Tuesday. There is no indication that Alisa was abused or held against her will as they feared, he whispered over the phone as if not to jinx their good fortune. 'It seems that nothing super bad happened,' he said. 'She's doing much better than we expected.' The South Jordan, Utah, family made headlines when Alisa ran away on April 21, less than a week after her 15th birthday, leaving troubling clues about where she may have been headed. Her parents discovered shortly after her disappearance that she had been using one of their old iPads to chat online with three adult men in three different states. All are now behind bars, accused of exchanging sexual messages with her. Fifteen-year-old Alisa Petrov was reunited with her family (pictured) on Monday following her six-week disappearance Her father Nikolai Petrov told the Daily Mail on Wednesday that so far it 'seems that nothing super bad happened' and that he and his wife have avoided 'bombarding her with too many questions' for now According to South Jordan police, the 9th grader skipped out on classes at her charter school about 40 miles south of Salt Lake City on the day she disappeared. Video evidence showed her buying snacks and provisions at a local convenience store. Witnesses said she then hitchhiked to a local train station, hopped on a train, disembarked in nearby Provo and approached several people for help buying a bus ticket to Las Vegas. Based on her online correspondence, police figured that her goal was to meet Matthew Nicholas Menard, a 35-year-old tech sales executive from Miami on a business trip in Vegas after police say he spent months grooming her online for sex. Yet Alisa's trail went cold after she was last spotted in Provo. Rather than heading south to Sin City, it turns out she hitchhiked 550 miles east to the far more staid Colorado Springs, not far from the headquarters of Focus on the Family. She apparently used birthday money and sold her laptop to pay for food and $600 rent for a private room in a trailer home. 'She said it was tiny, like even smaller than her bathroom at home,' said Petrov, a software developer. Alisa admitted she was not exploited and devised a plan to run away from her South Jordan home. While on the run, she dyed her brown hair blond and apparently applied for a job at a local restaurant but was turned down, her father said Instead of going to class on the morning of April 21, Alisa was caught on CCTV buying supplies at a nearby gas station and convinced a man there to drive her to the local train station As he told it, Alisa dyed her brown hair blond and befriended another girl about her age in Colorado Springs. She apparently applied for a job at a local restaurant, only to be turned down because she looked too young and raised suspicions by insisting on working for cash. 'She was angry they wouldn't hire her,' Petrov said. 'And she seemed frustrated that getting by [on her own] was harder than she expected.' Meanwhile, Petrov, a native Russian, was humbled by the way the town of South Jordan rallied around efforts to find Alisa. He was especially touched by the support that the close-knit, mostly Mormon community showed his non-Mormon family who moved to town only a few years ago. Neighbors searched for Alisa, classmates posted missing person fliers and complete strangers lined nearby streets with yellow ribbons in her absence. 'We are grateful so much,' he said in his thick Russian accent. The South Jordan Police Department has yet to make public its report about Alisa's six-week disappearance, which ended when she ran out of cash and walked into a northeastern Colorado Springs police station Sunday night to identify herself. On the day Alisa ran away, she 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 Her father said that after reuniting with her earlier this week, he and his wife have avoided 'bombarding her with too many questions.' 'Those will come,' he added. The couple has said they were vigilant in protecting their daughter, who reportedly had never spent a night apart from them until she ran away. That vigilance included teaching her about the dangers of talking to strangers online, both have said. 'We regularly check her phone and there was nothing suspicious. Everything seemed to be normal, just classmates, neighbors,' Olga Petrov told the Daily Mail in May. 'We never thought she could be talking to strangers in this way... but she was sneaky and we didn't know.' Police say the iPad Alisa was using showed disturbing messages with Menard dating back to mid-January. He allegedly wanted to meet her in Vegas, take her to Los Angeles, then fly her to his home in Miami all while publicly justifying their age difference by purporting to be her father. Samuel Teancum Mitchell, 41, (left) an accused pedophile, was arrested for allegedly sexually exploiting Alisa online before she disappeared. Police records show Alisa also had been chatting online with William Taylor Glines, 37, (right) from Texas City, Texas, who was arrested May 8 Matthew Nicholas Menard, 35, from Miami was charged with aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor, enticement of a minor and criminal solicitation The pair apparently never met in person. Still, police in Miami seized Menard's phone on April 30, and he was charged three weeks later with two counts of aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor, enticement of a minor, and three counts of criminal solicitation. He surrendered to police in late May. Police records show Alisa also had been chatting online with William Taylor Glines, 37, from Texas City, Texas, who was arrested May 8 and 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. Glines also faces charges for allegedly possessing more than 50 child sexual abuse images or videos. Alisa's chats via Snapchat and Discord with a third man, Samuel Teancum Mitchell, 41, revealed 'that she hates her parents,' according to an arrest affidavit. The document showed that she told Mitchell she was suicidal and 'had started cutting herself,' and that she asked him several times to 'kidnap her,' including from a family ski trip shortly before she ran away. After she asked, 'like r we [for real] meeting?? like please confirm please before tonight confirm if we r meeting pls bring condoms.' Mitchell apparently wrote back saying he was sick and couldn't meet her. Alisa's six-week disappearance ended when she ran out of cash and walked into a northeastern Colorado Springs police station Sunday night to identify herself Alisa as a young girl with her parents Olga and Nikolai Petrov, who say they did all they could to keep their daughter safe Just two days before she disappeared, Alisa messaged him back saying: 'IM RUNNING AWAY, please don't contact me,' alluding to plans she had to meet up with Menard in Vegas, instead. Mitchell on whose phone police allegedly found disturbing conversations with and nude images of two other girls, ages 15 and 12 was arrested in Utah in late May and charged with five counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. While Alisa was gone, her father said he and police were 'flooded' with leads on her whereabouts. The only promising tip was a photo of a teenage runaway whom he said was a dead ringer for his daughter, complete with a birthmark on her left cheek that is only slightly lower than one on Alisa's. 'She looked so much like Alisa that we kept staring at her picture debating whether that was her,' he said. Even Alisa admitted the likeness after seeing the picture this week. 'She went, 'Wow. That's my twin!' As one week of her absence turned into six, Petrov said he, his wife and their other child, a younger son, tried to adjust their expectations. He couldn't take his mind off a statistic he said shows that, of about 27,000 children who run away in the U.S. each year, only about 2% return to their families alive. The Daily Mail has not verified the credibility of that number. In any case, he said: 'The odds were very much against us. So when we heard she was found, she was alive, it was the happiest moment of my life.' Petrov was candid about his role in his daughter's disappearance, acknowledging that, 'We obviously had some conflicts before she left.' Among those, he said, were his insistence that Alisa take more and higher level math classes at school and that she not post videos of herself on TikTok. 'She saw me as being rude, disrespectful, treating her like a child.' Petrov acknowledged that he's stricter and more of a hothead than many parents, and 'not nearly as nice as the Mormons' who are their neighbors. 'When I was her age, I hated my dad, too,' he said of his childhood in the old country. 'But I understand perfectly now that he was right.' Petrov said Alisa had 'mixed feelings' upon their reunion, eager for the comforts of home but hesitant to return to family dynamics she finds insulting and feels she has outgrown. Father and mother promised not to punish her if she gave her word she wouldn't run away again. Both sides agreed to undergo family therapy, and to draw up some ground rules in a sort of family contract, if necessary. All three, Petrov said, 'are going to need to make some compromises.' In the meantime, he admitted that he needs to better understand Alisa and to approach her 'with emotions, not just logic.' He recognized there may be key differences between growing up in 21st century United States and coming of age in Cold War Russia. And he acknowledged the possibility that holding on too tightly to his daughter may have led her to flee. Petrov's and his wife's fear that their relationship with Alisa might be irrevocably broken eased at one point a few hours after bringing her home late Tuesday. That, he said: 'Was when she woke up in the middle of the night and came to our room to crawl in next to us.' The wife of a Scottish musician was allegedly assaulted in a Texas park after a woman became enraged by the sound of bagpipes. Scott Gibb was playing in a secluded area at Terry Hershey Park in Houston on May 26, when he was confronted by Eunice Isgur, 76. 'She said I had no right to play here in this public park,' Gibb told KTRK. Isgur began recording Gibb and yelling at him for playing his instrument, Harris County Precinct 5 Constable Terry Allbritton said. 'She said, "I'm gonna call my husband. He's a federal judge and he's gonna make you stop",' Gibb told the outlet, referring to Isgur's husband US District Bankruptcy Judge Marvin Isgur of the Southern District of Texas. As the situation escalated, Gibb's wife witnessed the argument unfold and decided to begin recording the pair herself. Gibb, a Scottish native, said that Isgur's husband did arrive on the scene but hasn't been accused of any wrongdoing. But Isgur reportedly became further angered that she was being recorded, which is when she allegedly hit the victim's arm while swiping at her phone. Scott Gibb was playing the bagpipes in a secluded area at Terry Hershey Park in Houston on May 26 when he was confronted by Isgur who began yelling and recording him Gibb's wife witnessed the argument unfold and decided to begin recording herself. Isgur reportedly became further angered that she was being recorded and allegedly hit the victim's arm while swiping at her phone Eunice Isgur, 76, was arrested and charged with Assault-Bodily Injury after allegedly attacking a Scottish bagpiper's wife in Texas 'She was very aggressive, yelling and screaming,' Gibb told the outlet. 'She basically swiped at my wife's face.' Gibb said that Isgur has previously confronted him about the noise, but this was the first violent encounter they had. 'You can't have people so disrespectful and attacking for no reason at all,' Gibb told the outlet. Isgur, according to authorities, suffered a black eye after she tripped in an attempt to grab the victim's backpack. Isgur was arrested for Assault-Bodily Injury and posted an $100 bond, according to online records. Late in the evening on June 27, 2024, an enfeebled Joe Biden shuffled through a crowded Atlanta Waffle House, wide-eyed and slack-jawed, shaking the hands of well-wishers who watched him debate Donald Trump. Biden's disastrous performance would lead to the abrupt end of his re-election campaign and start a cascade of recriminations that would call his administration and public legacy into question. But at the time, his future political or otherwise was still uncertain. As First Lady Jill Biden and the anemic octogenarian president walked to register to pick up a food order, reporters started barking out questions, catching the attention of the president and a short, middle-aged man, with close-cropped hair. The man, wearing a beige suit, stepped forward anxiety painted across his face. He caught the First Lady's line of sight and raised his eyebrows ever so slightly, his pupils darting left and right. The look on Jill's face can only be described as pained. The man in the beige suit then pivoted, stepped back and came forward again making eye contact with the president and gesturing toward the exit. Jill gave her husband a knowing glance, and the president was ushered out. So who was this diminutive figure with the power to order the leader of the free world to zip it and leave? It was Anthony Bernal, 52, a special assistant to the president and Jill Biden's chief of staff. And now that blink-and-you-missed-it moment in an Atlanta Waffle House has taken on new meaning as more is revealed about Biden's physical and mental deterioration while in office and many are demanding to know who was really in charge, if Biden was not. As First Lady Jill Biden and the anemic octogenarian president walked to register (pictured above) to pick up a food order, reporters started barking out questions, catching the attention of the president and a short, middle-aged man, with close-cropped hair. (Anthony Bernal is pictured in beige suit in background) It was Anthony Bernal (pictured above), 52, a special assistant to the president and Jill Biden's chief of staff Daily Mail spoke to multiple people in and outside of the Biden White House, who know Anthony Bernal, and while they seem to disagree about the temperament of the man, they agree on one thing: he sought and held enormous power. 'He did have the most power inside the White House, the most access and power,' a former aide to President Biden said exclusively. A bombshell book about the allegedly coordinated effort to cover up Biden's decline, published last month, excoriated Bernal, who is openly gay, depicting him as an 'abrasive' and bitchy Machiavelli who was desperate to keep the Biden family in office. Two days after the book, Original Sin, was published, Bernal received a letter from James Comer, the chair of the House oversight committee, requesting he testify about 'the role of former senior Biden White House officials in possibly usurping authority from former President Joe Biden and the ramifications of a White House staff intent on hiding his rapidly worsening mental and physical faculties.' Then last week, 25-year-old DNC chair David Hogg was caught on camera telling an undercover reporter with Project Veritas: 'Jill Biden's chief of staff had an enormous amount of power.' Deterrian Jones, a 26-year-old who worked in the White House office of digital strategy, added that Bernal was 'scary'. 'I would avoid him,' said Jones. 'He's just like a shadowy, Wizard of Oz-type figure. The general public wouldn't know how he looked. But he wielded an enormous amount of power. I can't stress to you how much power he had in the White House.' According to the White House insiders who spoke to Daily Mail, Bernal derived his influence through his close personal relationship with the First Lady. 'He would still be the one holding the purse, riding next to her in a limo, picking out her dresses, like picking out the clothes, hiring and firing makeup artists and stylists, he was like a roving sort of catch-all,' the Biden White House source said. Bernal reportedly travelled nearly everywhere with the First Lady from the campaign trail, to the presidential retreat in Camp David, the Bidens' homes in Delaware, and the classroom at the Northern Virginia Community College where Dr Jill taught until December 2024. A bombshell book about the allegedly coordinated effort to cover up Biden's decline, published last month, excoriated Bernal, who is openly gay, depicting him as an 'abrasive' and bitchy Machiavelli who was desperate to keep the Biden family in office. The pair reportedly first bonded over champagne and french fries on election night 2008 when Joe became vice president and swiftly became inseparable. He was the only staff member who called her Jill, sources told the Original Sin authors Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson, and kept her updated on gossip. A confidant and advisor, he reportedly referred to himself as the Bidens' marriage counsellor, and Jill in turn called him her 'work husband'. In Jill's 2019 memoir, Bernal was singled out for praise: 'A special thank-you to Anthony Bernal, who spent countless hours, holidays, and weekends to push me to write. He knows how much I love him and respect him.' Bernal was indeed devoted to her, pushing to elevate her profile and glamour, and securing her Vogue covers in June 2021 and August 2024. Though, his role was far from superficial. Bernal, earning the maximum White House salary of $180,000 a year, became a shrewd sounding board and policy advisor to one of the most powerful First Ladies in history. When Maria Shriver hosted a women's health event in Boston in February 2024, staged to promote the Biden administration's $100 million investment in women's health, Shriver noted how she had been to the White House 'to meet with Jill and Anthony Bernal.' Then in August 2021, Thompson, then writing for Politico, published an expose entitled: 'Jill's enforcer has a mean streak.' Bernal was described as one of the most polarizing people in the White House who was 'berating' and 'toxic' and likened to the Meryl Streep character in The Devil Wears Prada. One Biden staffer told Thompson that he had a constituency of one, adding: 'The problem is that no one who has worked with him trusts him, and that's not good for him or her.' In March 2024, multiple sources told The New York Post that Bernal was a bully, who made staffers feel awkward with his sexual commentary. 'It was a lot of inappropriate remarks talking about other people's attractiveness and speculating about their sex lives at very weird moments,' one person said, adding that he had come to see 'that's actually sexual harassment.' Another claimed Bernal 'just sort of targets and goes in on certain people' and would call them '10 times in an hour', creating a 'pressure cooker' environment. A confidante and advisor, he reportedly referred to himself as the Bidens' marriage counsellor, and Jill Biden in turn called him her 'work husband'. In March 2024, multiple sources told The New York Post that Bernal was a bully, who made staffers feel awkward with his sexual commentary. 'There's no way [Jill Biden] doesn't know. It has been going on so long,' the source said. 'I don't think she has a lot of advisers willing to give her a gut check. I think she thinks that Anthony's like her bulldog protecting her.' White House chief of staff Jeff Zients pushed back, saying 'The president and first lady have full confidence in Anthony's character, as do I. His many fans at the White House know him to be both gracious and tough, holding himself up to the highest standards, with a heart dedicated to public service. It is disappointing that he is the target of unfounded attacks from unnamed sources.' Bernal also denied the claims, saying: 'These unfounded attacks are not true.' But one of the Daily Mail's Biden White House sources corroborated that dark portrait of Bernal, claiming he was so obsessed with staying close to Jill that her 'office was like a rudderless ship' because he rarely did his job of managing staff. 'People just wanted to stay out of his way so they didn't have to deal with him,' the Daily Mail was told. Still, yet another colleague, who worked with Bernal at the White House for four years, told the Daily Mail that they were surprised at the attacks. 'I honestly really enjoyed working with him,' the person said. 'He was intense, and has high standards. He's extremely detail-orientated and demanding.' 'I know there's a lot of palace intrigue about him, and we clashed many times, but more often than not I'd walk away from those conversations and think: actually, you were right.' Bernal, they said, was a caring and compassionate colleague - the first to call someone who had had a baby, and understanding when you needed time off to care for a sick relative. He was sociable, read a lot, and enjoyed cooking and working out - although even that was part of the job. Bernal was known to join his boss at her SoulCycle classes. His personal life remains a mystery: with no apparent significant other, he frequently attended state dinners alone, once accompanied by his sister Marisa; and once bringing Brian Mosteller, Obama's former director of Oval Office operations, whose 2016 marriage to his husband was officiated by Joe Biden. Bernal appeared to live a rather lonely peripatetic life, moving most years from one modern Washington DC apartment to another, usually in the young professional enclave of Shaw. When the Bidens hunkered down in Wilmington during the pandemic, Bernal relocated to be with them. 'He probably didn't have much of a life outside work, but I think that's fair to say for anyone in politics, right?' the sympathetic White House source said. 'When I worked at the White House, I felt like I didn't have a life. You're constantly on. It's all consuming.' Bernal grew up in Tucson, Arizona - the son of Yolanda, who worked in the school district, and John, a local government official who served Pima County as the deputy administrator for public works. John and Yolanda had high hopes for their son, and sent him to the academically rigorous Gregory School, where annual fees today are more than $22,350. He excelled, but not only in class. A 13-year-old Anthony scored a role in popular TV series Highway to Heaven, which told the story of a probationary angel, played by Bonanza star Michael Landon, who tries to help people to secure his own wings. Biden's disastrous debate performance would lead to the abrupt end of his re-election campaign and start a cascade of recriminations that would call his administration and public legacy into question. So who was this diminutive figure with the power to order the leader of the free world to zip and leave? It was Anthony Bernal, 52. By the late 1990s, he was at the University of Texas in El Paso, where he met Pablo Gonzales, a year ahead of him. Bernal studied history and philosophy, Gonzales economics, but their paths crossed when Gonzales needed help as student president. 'He was a brilliant force within the Greek organizations,' said Gonzales. Bernal had been elected as the president of the interfraternity council, chosen to represent the frequently hard-drinking, macho groups despite being openly gay. Gonzales said their choice of Bernal as their leader spoke volumes about his talent. 'He didn't make a big deal of being gay, but we all knew. It wasn't a secret. For him to represent the frats was significant.' The two lost touch - Gonzales had vaguely heard that his friend 'took on some governmental role,' adding: 'When you told me, it didn't surprise me at all.' Bernal has now reportedly taken a holiday on leaving the White House, but his work is far from over. The Bidens made him director of Joe's presidential library: Wilmington is hoping to be chosen, but a decision is yet to be made. Bernal has to date ignored a request from Comer's committee to testify in October 2023, but this time he may have no escape. They are asking him to appear before them by June 11. On Monday, the Trump administration upped the ante even further: The Justice Department confirmed an investigation has been opened into whether Biden 'was competent and whether others were taking advantage of him.' But could it have been Bernal a powerful adviser to a powerful First Lady - pulling the strings? That's now the questions everyone wants to answer. Labour's pensions minister faced an angry backlash last night after he claimed that scrapping the winter fuel allowance last year had no effect on the health of older people. In an incendiary intervention as the Government U-turned on the payments, Torsten Bell dismissed warnings from campaigners that removing it from ten million older people had risked a spike in cold-related illnesses and deaths. Mr Bell told MPs that among those who had been hit by the cuts imposed by Chancellor Rachel Reeves last winter, we see no differential effects on their health. But his comments triggered an angry response from campaigners and threatened to overshadow efforts by ministers to undo the political damage caused last year by the decision to means-test the winter fuel payment one of Ms Reevess first acts in Government. Dennis Reed, of over-60s campaign group Silver Voices, said: It is a ridiculous thing to say. We know from our own members that a lot of people have been shivering in their homes with their overcoats on last winter because they were too afraid to put the heating on. Many conditions, such as arthritis and respiratory conditions, are made worse by the cold how can he possibly claim its had no effect? Ms Reeves yesterday confirmed a Government U-turn on the issue, and that more people will get winter fuel allowance this winter but she was unable to say who will qualify. In an incendiary intervention as the Government U-turned on the payments, Torsten Bell (pictured) dismissed warnings from campaigners that removing it from ten million older people had risked a spike in cold-related illnesses and deaths Pensioners hold placards during a protest against expected British government cuts to the winter fuel allowance benefit, outside of the Houses of Parliament, London, Britain, October 7, 2024 Dennis Reed, of over-60s campaign group Silver Voices, (pictured) said:We know from our own members that a lot of people have been shivering in their homes with their overcoats on last winter because they were too afraid to put the heating on' She also said the Government will not set out until the autumn how the reinstated payments will be funded. Last night the End Fuel Poverty Coalition wrote to the Department for Work and Pensions and the Office for National Statistics demanding evidence for Mr Bells claim. Group co-ordinator Simon Francis said: One of the things we often talk about in relation to fuel poverty is just how hidden it can be, especially among pensioners, who are often reluctant to come forward and admit theyre struggling, even to their own relatives. You can easily imagine a situation where a pensioner puts the heating on when family visits, just to make it appear as though everything is fine, when in fact its not. Were particularly concerned about the health impacts of this. Mr Francis added that official figures pointed to a 3.3 per cent increase in the usual number of deaths among over-75s last winter. Sir Iain Duncan Smith, a former Conservative Work and Pensions Secretary, accused Mr Bell of desperate spin and that there was no basis for his claim. He added: What we do know is that being cold makes many health conditions worse. We also know that millions of older people had less money to pay their gas bill. If Labour really think it had no effect, why are they bringing it back? In opposition, Labour claimed that means-testing the winter fuel allowance would cause almost 4,000 extra deaths each winter. Conservative MP Mel Stride holds up a petition, alongside other Conservative MPs, calling for the Government to stop the planned cuts to the Winter Fuel Payment, on College Green in Westminster, London Pensioner groups attend the protest called by the UNITE union opposite the Houses of Parliament on October 7, 2024 in London, England In opposition, Labour claimed that means-testing the winter fuel allowance would cause almost 4,000 extra deaths each winter The finding was based on research by the Left-wing think-tank the Resolution Foundation, which at the time was run by Mr Bell. But yesterday he told MPs the evidence suggested that last winter there had been fewer deaths than normal. The Governments handling of the issue dominated Prime Ministers Questions, with Kemi Badenoch accusing Sir Keir Starmer of presiding over chaos. She added: All we see is U-turn after U-turn his head must be spinning. A student on trial for stabbing two people to death and seriously injuring a third during a week-long rampage has claimed he believed his victims were supernatural 'shadow figures'. Carlos Reales Dominguez, 23, who was on a full scholarship at the University of California, Davis- where he was studying to be a doctor, is facing murder charges for the deaths of David Breax, 50, and Karim Abou Najm, 20, as well as an attempted murder charge for the near-fatal stabbing of Kimberlee Guillory, who is now 64. His defense does not deny that Dominguez stabbed and killed the two men, and tried to kill Guillory - but instead claims he was suffering from untreated schizophrenia during the rampage in the spring of 2023. The fallout caused businesses to close early and night classes to switch to virtual learning until the suspect was caught, the Sacramento Bee reports. Dominguez has pleaded not guilty and not guilty by reason of insanity to the charges against him. To bolster that claim, Dominguez took the witness stand on Monday and Tuesday - when he shared how he thought he was confronting what he believed were supernatural 'shadow figures.' Those figures, as well as 'shape shifters' and whispers he would hear 'like the TV had been left on in the background' would appear in his dreams, room and along the paths and parks he frequented at night, Dominguez testified. He said it was not until he was confined to a state hospital months later that he 'realized that the shadow figures were people I had stabbed.' Carlos Reales Dominguez, 23, took the stand at his murder trial this week, when he shared how he thought he was confronting what he believed were supernatural 'shadow figures' Dominguez is accused of killing David Breax, 50, (left) and Karim Abou Najm, 20, (right) and attempting to kill Kimberlee Guillory, who is now 64 In one instance, Dominguez claims he saw a figure laughing and pointing at him silently as it approached him on the Sycamore Park bike path on April 29, 2023. He said he believed the figure resembled the devil, and claimed he wanted to see if the shadow would try to avoid him if he got in his way, KCRA reports. Instead, Dominguez said, the figure crashed into him and they both fell on the ground. 'I remember the shadow, the shape-shifter coming toward me,' the accused murderer recounted to the 17-person jury. 'If I stepped in his way, he would see me and move to his right or left. He would stop laughing and point at me. 'I felt bad that he was making fun of me, not because I was angry, but because I was scared,' Dominguez said, noting that he does not remember actually attacking anyone and denied noticing any blood on his hands or clothes. But the details of the story matched up with the stabbing death of Najm, who was on his way home from an undergraduate awards ceremony that night when he was stabbed to death. Dominguez has pleaded not guilty and not guilty by reason of insanity to the murder and attempted murder charges against him A map shows where each of the three stabbings took place in the spring of 2023 Dominguez also spoke about seeing a shadow figure in a tent, who he said motioned for him to come closer. As he approached, he said the shadow grabbed him - prompting Dominguez to punch the shadow away. That shadow appears to have been Guillory, who was stabbed through a tent at a homeless encampment but survived the attack. And, he claimed, he saw Breaux as a 'shadowy figure' who was taunting him. Dominguez said he remembered lunging at the figure, but then 'blanked out,' according to Davis Vanguard. He claims he no longer suffers from such hallucinations after taking medication each night, but confirmed he still experiences negative symptoms like stiff posture and an inability to express emotion. Those who knew him in college have also testified how he became more distant and aloof, appearing uninterested in everything, losing weight, growing out his hair and letting his hygiene slip leading up to the murders. Health professionals have similarly testified that they believe Dominguez has some form of schizophrenia. Defense attorneys claim the former student was suffering from untreated schizophrenia However, prosecutors have challenged Dominguez's account of events and argued that it was anger that drove him to kill the two men and also stab Guillory. Fits Van Der Houk pointed to incidents of violent behavior, including punching a wall after failing a chemistry exam and breaking a toilet at his shared residence. Dominguez even wrote a poem entitled Knife in My Hand, which included knife imagery, and bought a combat knife online prior to the attacks. 'You killed David Breaux because you were angry,' Van Der Houk argued. 'You were thinking about killing people,' he said, noting that Najm was stabbed more than 50 times and Breaux was stabbed more than 30 times. The two were remembered fondly in the community in the aftermath, with residents saying Breaux was 'instrumental' in the addition of a 'Compassion Bench' at the corner of 3rd and C Streets, where he would ask people their definition of the word 'compassion.' He later published his notes as a collection of anonymous writings. Abou Najm, meanwhile, was set to graduate in just six weeks, his father told ABC10. He already had two jobs lined up for after graduation. 'We moved from Lebanon in 2018 when the situation in Lebanon was a little bit starting to go in not the right direction,' his father said. 'We came here hoping for safety.' 'I want this to be his memory: a bundle of energy, a bundle of positivity,' Majdi Abou Najm said of his son. 'Someone who was full of ambition, proud of his roots, who just wanted to make this world a better place.' A Vermont Democrat is in hot water after making derogatory remarks about migrants while attempting to make a case for why immigration in the United States shouldn't be restricted. Rep. Becca Balint (D-Vt.) made the remarks during a constituent town hall in Newport, Vermont, that took place on May 28. 'If we don't have avenues for people to come here legally to work or to build a home here we're not going to have anybody around to wipe our a**es because we don't have enough people,' Balint said. Paul Dame, chairman of the Vermont Republican Party issued a statement on Monday rebuking the remarks of Vermont's only member of the House of Representatives. Paul Dame, chairman of the Vermont Republican Party issued a statement on Monday rebuking the remarks of Vermont 's only member of the House of Representatives 'It seems that every month Vermonters are subjected to coarse and vulgar language from our federal representatives. Congresswoman Balint should apologizenot only for her crude choice of words, but more importantly for the disturbing sentiment that the primary purpose of immigration is to perform labor that she deems beneath the dignity of others' Dame remarked. 'At the heart of these remarks is an opinion so offensive and so profoundly out of touch that it reveals a fundamental lack of respect for those who come to this countryabiding by the rulesin pursuit of freedom, opportunity, and a better life.' 'Many immigrants have come to Vermont and gone on to remarkable careers in high-tech fields, including at our microchip manufacturing facility in Essex Junction, or have become world-class physicians serving in Vermont's hospitals. Immigrants are also critical to our small business community, providing a wide array of goods and services that enrich our state.' 'The way Congresswoman Balint reduced Vermont's hard-working legal immigrants to little more than 'a** wipers' is embarrassing. She owes themand all Vermontersan apology for such a shameful characterization,' Dame concluded. Representative Becca Balint (D-VT) speaks on February 10, 2025 in Washington, DC The progressive Representative's comments also drew ire from social media users. Conservative radio host Todd Starnes wrote on X that he had 'no idea the citizens of Vermont employed illegals to clean their nether regions.' 'Rep. Becca Balint is enraged because she's going to have to wipe her own buttocks,' he stated. The openly lesbian lawmaker said if Trump continues to crack down on illegals, 'we're not gonna have anybody around to wipe our a**es.' I had no idea the citizens of Vermont employed illegals to clean their nether regions,' Starnes wrote. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) responded with a simpler statement, writing 'that's nasty.' Thats nasty Nancy Mace (@NancyMace) June 4, 2025 Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) asked if Balint's statement didn't come across in the way that she had originally intended. 'So did that sound better in her head? Yikes,' Lee wrote on X. A woman accused of poisoning her in-laws at a lunch admitted on Wednesday that she dumped a kitchen device used to prepare the meal laced with death cap mushrooms. Erin Patterson, 50, said she disposed of the food dehydrator at a local tip because she feared she would be blamed for making her relatives ill and her children would be taken from her, a court heard. Patterson has pleaded not guilty to killing her estranged husband's parents Don and Gail Patterson, both 70, and Gail's sister Heather Wilkinson, 66, in July 2023. They died after eating death cap mushrooms served in a beef wellington at Patterson's home in Victoria, Australia. She is also accused of the attempted murder of Heather's husband Ian Wilkinson, who survived. On her third day in the witness box, Patterson told the court she dumped the dehydrator after dropping off her children at school days after the lunch. Jurors heard how child protection officers had been on their way to interview Patterson after becoming aware death cap mushrooms were suspected of being served at the lunch. Patterson claimed she became worried she might be blamed for deliberately poisoning her in-laws after a conversation with husband Simon Patterson at hospital on August 2. Erin Patterson pictured in April. She is accused of poisoning her in-laws and admitted she dumped a kitchen device used to prepare the meal laced with death cap mushrooms She said she disposed of the food dehydrator at a local tip because she feared she would be blamed for making her relatives ill (pictured: a court sketch of Patterson) She said he had asked her 'Is that how you poisoned my parents?' to which she responded: 'Of course not.' The exchange saw her break down in tears as she claimed it got her thinking about all the times she had used the dehydrator, for instance to dry foraged mushrooms weeks earlier. 'What if they got in the container with the Chinese mushrooms? Maybe that had happened,' she said. Patterson previously told the jury at Latrobe Valley Magistrates' Court in Victoria that foraged mushrooms may have been added to a jar she had containing mushrooms bought from the local supermarket. The court heard Patterson said she felt 'really scared' and responsible for what was happening to her guests. When she finally returned home, Patterson claimed she started to panic and 'was frantic because I had made the meal and served it, and people had got sick'. 'And then shortly after that I took the dehydrator to the tip,' she said, adding child protection officers were coming. 'I was scared of the conversation that might flow about the meal and the dehydrator,' she said. 'I was just scared that they would blame me for it for making everyone sick. And I was scared they'd remove the children.' She is accused of killing three in-laws and also of the attempted murder of Heather's husband Ian Wilkinson, pictured on Wednesday, who survived Patterson also admitted she didn't tell anyone foraged mushrooms might be in the meal. 'I thought there might be evidence of that, evidence of any foraged mushrooms in there,' she said. The jury heard how Patterson claimed to have vomited up the portion of beef wellington she ate after binge-eating all of the leftover cake that Gail had bought for dessert. 'I felt sick, over-full, so I went to the toilets and brought it back up,' she said. The trial continues. Footage shows the terrifying moment a tourist boat carrying 89 people capsized off the coast of Bali. The boat had just set off from Lembongan Village, on the island of Nusa Lembongan, at about 4.30pm on Wednesday when it was hit by a wave. It's understood the wave struck the boat from behind, causing it to take on water. The 125-seat vessel, known as The Tanis, began sinking shortly after loading its passengers. The group were headed to Sanur, roughly a 30-minute trip. Of the 89 passengers onboard, 77 were foreigners and 12 were Indonesian. Footage showed witnesses rushing to help those trapped on the boat as it tilted and sank further into the sea. Thankfully the incident happened while the boat was still close to shore, and all passengers were safely evacuated by 6.30pm local time. A tourist boat carrying 89 people sank (pictured) off the coast of Bali on Wednesday There were no reported injuries or deaths following the sinking (pictured) Witnesses on the beach and in boats rushed to help passengers off the sinking ship No deaths or serious injuries were reported. Divers will check the sunken wreck and surrounding seabed to ensure there was no-one left behind. Most of the passengers on the sunken boat chose to remain in Nusa Lembongan, but two proceeded with the journey to Sanur Harbor. One woman on the boat with her husband and two children the frightening moments when passengers inside the vessel scrambled to escape before it sank. 'People smashed windows to escape. Most people were back on shore before life raft and life jackets were thrown out - locals and smaller boats rescued kids and those out first,' she said. 'We made it out, jumped into the water and swam to a nearby glass-bottom boat that took us back to shore. 'Luggage is still washing up and being collected by Tanis staff.' It's understood The Tanis was only in operation for three months before it sank. An Australian business owner has complained he now has to switch banks because he was banned from withdrawing his own money over a poorly received joke. Rohan Cannon took to TikTok to explain that he buys manufacturing equipment from overseas for his business - natural wellness and skincare company CannonBalm - and needed to send the payment directly to them. 'I've got to get it delivered from the factory in China that's been making it, so I went to the bank branch to transfer the money to the manufacturers,' Mr Cannon said. 'They're like, ''your international transfer limits too high, what are you transferring money for?'' and I said it was for some equipment.' He then claimed the staff member told him he would have to ring phone banking over his $3,500 request, which he did from inside the branch. The customer service officer on phone banking then asked him again what he wanted to withdraw the money for. 'I said, ''I need to purchase goods'' and they're like, ''we need to know what the goods are.'' I felt this was completely unnecessary to go through it again and explain it to yet another National Australia Bank employee what I was spending my money on. 'So I was like, ''I want it for cocaine and hookers'' and well now I'm banned from making international transfers.' Tough crowd: Rohan Cannon said he was barred from withdrawing his money and transferring it overseas after he made an inappropriate joke The business owner said the staff member explained they could not release his money because the bank could not 'support the illegal drug trade'. 'I said ''I was kidding about that but I need to buy some equipment'' and they said that it was too late we've got the recording of you saying that's what you want to spend your money on. 'I said, ''so I'll never be able to transfer the money I need out of my account internationally?'' and they're were like, ''one day you might be able to again'' and so now I've got to close my account. 'I've got to open a new account with another bank and change all of my banking details just so that I can order the equipment I need to keep manufacturing product in Australia. 'That's how f***ing crazy the world has become.' Social media users were divided with some taking Mr Cannon's side and others pointing out the bank was just doing its due diligence. 'These banks have no right to ask their customers what they want to with their money,' one person said. Some argued the banks are required to check for anti-money laundering reasons or that, 'It's because people get scammed regularly and then the banks get the blame'. 'At my local branch if you want to withdraw or transfer more than $2,000 they ask you what are you using it for? and my answer is always the same, none of your business,' another said. Some viewers on the TIkTok pointed out the bank was likely just doing due diligence to protect against scams and money laundering 'That's why I don't keep my money in the bank,' another said. One said they had 'learnt to have no loyalty to any bank, insurance or phone company'. 'If you won't take care of me or help me I will just move. My car insurance just went up by $14 a month... so I said okay I will look elsewhere.' they said. 'Imagine when cash is gone and they have complete control over everything.' NAB said it could not comment on individual cases. 'Every day we're seeing decent, hardworking Australians getting ripped off by criminals,' a spokesperson said. 'If stopping a transaction means asking a few uncomfortable questions, that's a small price to pay to keep our customers' money safe. 'We also have an obligation to ensure funds are being used for legal purposes - it's what anyone would expect from a good bank.' Brittany Higgins has opened up about the years of trauma unleashed by her legal battle over her rape allegations against Bruce Lehrmann, and the impact on her loved ones. She slammed the legal system that 'brutally' focused on the alleged victim over the accused - and demanded Prime Minister Anthony Albanese overhauls the process. 'There wouldn't have been a need for a #MeToo movement [in Australia] if our criminal justice system was actually working the way it was intended for victims,' she told an audience in Geelong on Thursday. 'It's hard on you as the person going through that process. 'It's also hard on your loved ones. Trauma is real and the people around you will also absorb a lot of what you're going through.' Ms Higgins revealed she had been asked to give advice to someone launching a legal case, but had warned them of what lay ahead. 'In the court, the focus shifts quickly and brutally not to the actions of the accused, but to the behavior, the history and the credibility of the complainant,' she added. 'Her sexual past, her alcohol abuse, her social media posts, her supposed motives: she becomes the one on trial. Brittany Higgins (pictured, centre) described how family members 'absorbed' the trauma she experienced while going through her legal case after alleging she was raped by former parliamentary colleague Bruce Lehrmann Ms Higgins slammed the Australian court system for putting survivors through 'brutal' cases After giving birth to her son Freddie (pictured with Higgins' husband David Sharaz on Thursday), she compared the powerlessness of him having surgery to her mother supporting her legal battle 'Why is it that our justice system demands perfection from traumatised but accepts silence from the accused?' Ms Higgins was addressing a crowd of 300 about ending gendered violence at Conversations That Matter 2025 Geelong's GHMBA Stadium in Victoria. She called on the Albanese government, which proudly announced its caucus was 56 per cent women, to take more tangible action on the issue. '(Violence against women) was the preeminent election issue in 2022 and we're at a point where it was barely a blip on the radar,' Ms Higgins said. Citing the 12-month Australian Law Reform Commission inquiry responding to sexual violence, she criticised the $21.4 million government package to fund victim support. '(This) boils down to more reviews and more trials, both of which are necessary. (But) That's not a lot of action,' she told the audience, who had paid $130-a-head to attend,' she said. The comment come after Ms Higgins announced on Wednesday that she has re-entered the workforce, joining the same company where her husband is employed. Ms Higgins described how violence against women had fallen off the Labor Government agenda during her keynote speech at Geelong's GHMBA Stadium Ms Higgins is now the director of public affairs at the public relations agency Third Hemisphere. Reflecting on how she has processed the legal battle now that she is a mother, Ms Higgins opened up about how she has a newfound respect for her own mum Kelly. The former political staffer shared how she sees her mother as a 'hero' for supporting her. She also opened up on the recent harrowing ordeal of her newborn son being rushed to hospital. 'My son had surgery not too long after he was born and my heart broke into a million pieces at seeing him in pain,' she told event MC and former ABC journalist Mary Gearin. 'So I extend so much more empathy to my own mother, who had to experience all this stuff (the legal battle) as a parent, not being able to do anything.' Her son Freddie, born in March, was in attendance, quietly sitting in the arms of his dad David Sharaz among the charity officials, experts and advocates. The proud mother has been a staunch advocate for ending violence against women, attending Brisbane's march to prevent the issue in early May. She said connecting with mental health support systems is important for survivors of violence to 'make it through to the outside of these processes'. Already an advocate for an end to violence against women, Ms Higgins announced a day before her speech that she would be joining the world of public relations It comes four years after she was awarded $2.4million from the federal government after claiming she was 'diagnosed as medically unfit for any form of employment'. Ms Higgins made a compensation claim for damages in March 2022 after alleging she was raped in parliament by former colleague Bruce Lehrmann. He has always denied the claims but was found to have raped Ms Higgins on the balance of probabilities by Justice Michael Lee in April last year - a decision Lehrmann is currently appealing. The former Liberal staffer made a compensation claim for damages in March 2022 after the alleged rape. After settling the suit against the federal government for $2.4million, Ms Higgins fled to France after purchasing a three-bedroom chateau in 2023 in Lunas, a tiny village 100km east of Bordeaux. Higgins said she held onto about $1.9million after fees and taxes. The property has since been listed for sale, with the proceeds to cover costs of a defamation suit brought against her by former boss, Liberal Senator Linda Reynolds. Ms Higgins and Sharaz reportedly plan to live in Melbourne's east after marrying last year on the Gold Coast. The couple celebrated their one year wedding anniversary last Sunday. Ireland's prestigious Trinity College Dublin said on Wednesday that it would cut all links with Israel in protest at 'ongoing violations of international and humanitarian law'. The university's board informed students by email that it had accepted the recommendations of a taskforce to sever 'institutional links with the State of Israel, Israeli universities and companies headquartered in Israel'. The recommendations would be 'enacted for the duration of the ongoing violations of international and humanitarian law', said the email sent by the board's chairman Paul Farrell. The taskforce was set up after part of the university's campus in central Dublin was blockaded by students for five days last year in protest at Israel's actions in Gaza. Among the taskforce's recommendations approved by the board were pledges to divest 'from all companies headquartered in Israel' and to 'enter into no future supply contracts with Israeli firms' and 'no new commercial relationships with Israeli entities'. The university also said that it would 'enter into no further mobility agreements with Israeli universities'. Trinity has two current Erasmus+ exchange agreements with Israeli universities: Bar Ilan University, an agreement that ends in July 2026, and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, which ends in July 2025, the university told AFP in an email. The board also said that the university 'should not submit for approval or agree to participate in any new institutional research agreements involving Israeli participation'. Parliament Square and the Campanile in the Campus of Trinity College Pro-Palestinian activists gather outside Trinity College Dublin in solidarity with student protests inside, reaffirming their support for Palestinian rights, on May 4, 2024, in Dublin, Ireland Students taking part in an encampment protest over the Gaza conflict on the grounds of Trinity College in Dublin. Picture date: Wednesday May 8, 2024 A banner hangs in a window of the Trinity College, during a protest by students in support of Palestinians in Gaza, amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Dublin, Ireland, May 6, 2024 It 'should seek to align itself with like-minded universities and bodies in an effort to influence EU policy concerning Israel's participation in such collaborations,' it added. Ireland has been among the most outspoken critics of Israel's response to the October 7, 2023 attacks on southern Israel by Hamas militants that sparked the war in Gaza. Polls since the start of the war have shown overwhelming pro-Palestinian sympathy in Ireland. In May 2024, Dublin joined several other European countries in recognising Palestine as a 'sovereign and independent state'. It then joined South Africa in bringing a case before the International Court of Justice in The Hague accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza - charges angrily denied by Israeli leaders. In December, Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar ordered the closure of the country's embassy in Dublin, blaming Ireland's 'extreme anti-Israel policies'. The University of Geneva also announced Wednesday that it has ended its partnership with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem following student protests, saying it no longer reflected the institution's 'strategic priorities'. Public sector workers are 60 per cent more likely to be off work due to illness than employees in the private sector. The extent of Britains sick note epidemic is exposed in Office for National Statistics figures that reveal 148.9 million working days were lost last year, equivalent to 4.4 days for each worker. And the share of such absences among public sector employees was 2.9 per cent, significantly higher than the private sectors 1.8 per cent. The ONS claimed it could be explained by differences in types of jobs in the sectors and that workers in state-funded jobs were more likely to be paid for being off than those in private employment. But John OConnell, chief executive of the TaxPayers Alliance, said: Taxpayers are fed up with footing the bill for a public sector thats far more likely to be off sick. It reflects poor management and weak accountability. In the private sector, this would raise serious questions in the public sector, its too often ignored. Ministers must set clearer expectations, better oversight and ensure taxpayers arent left footing the bill for unchecked absenteeism. Sick rates have been higher in the public sector for every year on record, the ONS said. But in both cases, rates were lower last year than in 2023. The extent of Britains sick note epidemic is exposed in Office for National Statistics figures that reveal 148.9 million working days were lost last year (file image) The overall number of working days lost last year was 14.9 million down from 2023 but still 9.9 million higher than pre-pandemic levels in 2019. The sickness absence rate of 2.5 per cent for women was higher than for men, at 1.6 per cent. James Cockett, from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, said some public sector roles healthcare, education, social care and policing could increase exposure to illness and also often be physically and emotionally demanding. He said this could lead to greater rates of stress-related absence He added more public sector employers offer occupational sick pay compared with private sector employers. Len Shackleton, of the Institute of Economic Affairs think-tank, said: Private sector workers are more likely to be employed in small workplaces where absence is more noticeable and they may feel obliged not to let colleagues down. Their jobs may also be less secure than those in the public sector, again a motive for presenteeism [where employees go to work despite being sick] which public sector workers dont feel to the same extent. Elon Musk continued his warpath against Donald Trump's 'big, beautiful bill' by demanding Americans reach out to their representatives to 'kill' it. In an early morning post, the billionaire tech titan and former 'First Buddy' - once glued to Trump's side - claimed that the president is plunging the US into financial ruin. He spent much of Wednesday fine tuning his attacks against what he called an 'insane' spending package that Trump is pushing GOP leadership to have on his desk by the fourth of July. Musk wrote on X: 'Call your Senator, call your Congressman, bankrupting America is NOT ok!' He bulleted his message by demanding: 'KILL the BILL.' The Tesla CEO also reiterated his attack line that the bill was forcing Americans into 'Debt Slavery' in a quote tweet of fellow anti-bill Republican Rand Paul. 'This spending bill contains the largest increase in the debt ceiling in US history! It is the Debt Slavery Bill.' Notably, earlier Wednesday, Trump admitted he agreed with longtime liberal rival 'Pocahontas' Elizabeth Warren in saying that the debt ceiling should be scrapped. Elon Musk continued his warpath against Donald Trump's 'big, beautiful bill' by demanding Americans reach out to their representatives to 'kill' it In an early morning post, the billionaire tech titan and former 'First Buddy' - once glued to Trump's side - bombastically claimed that the president is plunging the U.S. into financial ruin Undeterred, Musk also posted an image visualizing the increase in the national debt since 1900 and said: 'Flatten the curve.' He proposed that the Congressional GOP leaders - who have stood behind the bill despite a MAGA 'civil war' taking place over it - draft 'a new spending bill... that doesn't massively grow the deficit and increase the debt ceiling by 5 TRILLION DOLLARS.' Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed the House last month but is now held up in the Senate where some Republicans agree with Musk's outrage. The SpaceX boss began criticizing Trump's bill earlier this month, then really began tearing into his former best friend with a series of posts on X Tuesday and Wednesday. Musk is highly influential in MAGA world because of his billions and his control over one of the most popular social media platforms in the U.S. With 220 million followers on X, and control over the algorithm, Musk could attempt to turn the tide against Trump. Musk has slammed pro-MAGA lawmakers in Congress who voted for the bill. 'I'm sorry, but I just can't stand it anymore,' he wrote on X on Tuesday. 'This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination.' Musk spent much of Wednesday fine tuning his attacks against what he called an 'insane' spending package that Trump is pushing GOP leadership to have on his desk by the fourth of July 'Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it.' The MAGA civil war intensified when Trump loyalist Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) sided with Musk. Musk said enough was enough in another Tuesday post where he claimed: 'Mammoth spending bills are bankrupting America!' Around 2am on Wednesday morning, Musk continued his tirade on his social media platform. He also reposted a series of tweets where Musk aligned himself with Republican Sen. Ran Paul of Kentucky, who has been vocal about his opposition to the Big Beautiful Bill. 'I've been pretty consistent in my time in the Senate: I oppose deficit spendingno matter which party is in charge. If we don't get serious about reigning in the debt, the next generation will pay the price,' Paul wrote in an X post that Musk reposted to his page. 'Fiscal responsibility isn't a campaign slogan,' Paul continued. 'It's a duty which I take very seriously.' Greene is a longtime ally of Trump in the House but she said Tuesday she voted to pass the bill without reading a section that would have reversed that decision. Musk was glued to Trump's side since his election win and through the first months of his second term but things seemed to turn sour last month when he departed his DOGE role and became critical of the president's spending proposal 'Full transparency, I did not know about this section... that strips states of the right to make laws or regulate AI for 10 years,' she admitted. 'I am adamantly OPPOSED to this and it is a violation of state rights and I would have voted NO if I had known this was in there.' She promised she would change her vote if the bill retained that section when it returned to the House of Representatives for reconciliation following any changed made by the Senate. Experts predict the bill's passage would be dire for the U.S. economy and claim the interest on America's debt alone would be crippling. 'Interest payments already consume 25% of all government revenue,' Musk wrote on X around 2:30 a.m. EST on Wednesday. The Tesla and SpaceX boss continued: If the massive deficit spending continues, there will only be money for interest payments and nothing else! No social security, no medical, no defense nothing.' It became clear that the bromance between Musk and Trump was over earlier this year as reports emerged regarding clashes the billionaire had with hose in the president's inner circle. Additionally, last month Musk left his role with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), laying the ground work for him to break with Trump after his job within government was done. President Donald Trump has announced widespread bans and restrictions for visitors from 19 countries while simultaneously issuing a chilling warning that Egypt could be next. Nationals of Afghanistan, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen will be barred from entering the United States under the new order, which goes into effect on June 9. Citizens of Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela will be partially restricted from traveling, removing access to all immigrant visas and several non-immigrant travel options. Trump also issued a warning that Egypt could soon join the no-fly list in the wake of the Colorado terror attack in which an Egyptian national who overstayed his visa allegedly set fire to pro-Israel demonstrators. 'We don't want 'em,' Trump said bluntly in a video released shortly after the ban was announced. 'Very simply, we cannot have open migration from any country where we cannot safely and reliably vet and screen.' Mohamed Soliman, the Egyptian national suspect charged with firebombing pro-Israel demonstrators, was residing in the US illegally with his wife and five children. The president has directed several of his top national security chiefs to investigate whether Egypt should also be added to the list of restricted nations. Your browser does not support iframes. President Donald Trump is banning visitors from 12 countries from entering the United States and partially restricted access to travelers from seven other nations During his first term in office, Trump announced a ban on travelers from seven majority-Muslim nations 'In light of recent events, the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Director of National Intelligence, shall provide me an update to the review of the practices and procedures of Egypt,' he wrote in a Wednesday proclamation. Trump said he hopes their efforts will 'confirm the adequacy of its current screening and vetting capabilities.' He said the tragedy in Boulder 'underscored the extreme dangers posed to our country by the entry of foreign nationals who are not properly vetted. 'We've seen one terror attack after another from foreign visa overstayers... thanks to Biden's open door policies today there are millions and millions of these illegals who should not be in our country.' Several of the nations facing bans have been targeted because their screening and vetting capabilities are not up to the president's standards, putting Egypt on high alert. Afghanistan, Eritrea, Libya, Sudan and Yemen were all placed on the banned list in part due to limited screening and vetting measures, Trump noted. White House Deputy Press Secretary Abigail Jackson wrote on X: 'President Trump is fulfilling his promise to protect Americans from dangerous foreign actors that want to come to our country and cause us harm. 'These commonsense restrictions are country-specific and include places that lack proper vetting, exhibit high visa overstay rates, or fail to share identity and threat information. 'President Trump will ALWAYS act in the best of interest of the American people and their safety.' Trump cited the recent terror attack in Boulder, Colorado as an example of why such a ban is a necessary step to keep Americans safe Nationals of Afghanistan, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran , Libya, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen will be barred from entering the United States under the new proclamation During his first term in office, Trump announced a ban on travelers from seven majority-Muslim nations, a policy that went through several iterations before it was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. Former President Joe Biden, a Democrat who succeeded Trump, repealed the ban in 2021, calling it 'a stain on our national conscience.' But Trump touted the successes of his initial 2017 travel bans in his proclamation. 'During my first Administration, I restricted the entry of foreign nationals into the United States, which successfully prevented national security threats from reaching our borders and which the Supreme Court upheld,' the president wrote. 'It is the policy of the United States to protect its citizens from aliens who intend to commit terrorist attacks, threaten our national security, espouse hateful ideology, or otherwise exploit the immigration laws for malevolent purposes. 'The United States must be vigilant during the visa-issuance process to ensure that those aliens approved for admission into the United States do not intend to harm Americans or our national interests. 'More importantly, the United States must identify such aliens before their admission or entry into the United States. 'The United States must ensure that admitted aliens and aliens otherwise already present in the United States do not bear hostile attitudes toward its citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles, and do not advocate for, aid, or support designated foreign terrorists or other threats to our national security.' Trump said the list is 'subject to revision' if nations work toward improving the vetting system of their nationals. Similarly, other nations can be added to the list if Trump later believes they pose a risk to national security. But as it stands, the nations included on the list have disappointed Trump in various ways, either by having a high rate of nationals who overstay their visas or by limiting the United States' access to security data. The move is the latest in Trump's efforts to secure America's borders The primary concern for Iranian nationals is that the government 'is a state sponsor of terrorism.' In that instance, Trump argued 'Iran regularly fails to cooperate with the United States Government in identifying security risks, is the source of significant terrorism around the world, and has historically failed to accept back its removable nationals.' Similarly, the inclusion of Somalia comes after 'The United States Government identified Somalia as a terrorist safe haven. 'Terrorists use regions of Somalia as safe havens from which they plan, facilitate, and conduct their operations.' Haitian nationals, Trump argued, have a higher likelihood of trying to overstay their visas. 'Additionally, hundreds of thousands of illegal Haitian aliens flooded into the United States during the Biden Administration,' the president said. 'This influx harms American communities by creating acute risks of increased overstay rates, establishment of criminal networks, and other national security threats.' During the run-up to the election, thousands of Haitian migrants who had moved to Springfield, Ohio drew the ire of President Trump, who claimed that some of them were even eating pets. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem was among Trump's inner circle who was consulted on the travel ban Eritrea, for example, has been included on the list because 'the United States questions the competence of the central authority for issuance of passports or civil documents in Eritrea.' Trump wrote: 'Criminal records are not available to the United States for Eritrean nationals. Eritrea has historically refused to accept back its removable nationals.' Trump added that 'many of these countries have also taken advantage of the United States in their exploitation of our visa system and their historic failure to accept back their removable nationals.' Trump said the decision was made in collaboration with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Attorney General Pam Bondi, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and Director of the Central Intelligence Agency John Ratcliffe. For the seven nations who have had their access to the United States severely restricted, Trump has clarified that authorities will no longer accept any immigrant visa applications. Additionally, a host of nonimmigrant visa options will be revoked, and those that remain will have 'reduced validity... to the extent permitted by law.' Looking ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Trump has already added a clause in his proclamation which states: 'Any athlete or member of an athletic team, including coaches, persons performing a necessary support role, and immediate relatives, traveling for the World Cup, Olympics, or other major sporting event' will be exempt. A sign has been spotted at a major Australian airport, warning of the dangers of aerobridges after a shocking accident which left a Qantas worker fighting for life. Customer experience supervisor Olivia Hristovska plunged five metres through a hole in an aerobridge at Sydney Airport's T3 domestic terminal on May 3. She hit the tarmac below, suffering life-threatening head and internal injuries, and was placed in an induced coma by doctors. A picture of a small sign was taken at Melbourne Airport this week highlighting the incident while reminding 'us (of) all of the hazards associated with working at heights on aerobridges'. 'While there is so much yet to learn from this recent safety incident, the seriousness of it prompts a strong reminder to us all,' it read. 'The height of an aerobridge from the ground can be up to 8m when docked to some aircraft type that use Melbourne Airport. 'Safe practices at heights is paramount, otherwise a serious accident is risked.' The sign reminded people to never lean on aerobridge walls, look out for gaps and to speak up if 'unsafe practices are observed'. Customer experience supervisor Olivia Hristovska (pictured) plunged five metres through a hole in an aerobridge at Sydney Airport's T3 domestic terminal on May 3 The sign at Melbourne Airport warning people about aerobridge safety At the bottom of the notice there was a 'call to action' heading highlighted in red. Under it, also printed in red ink, were the words: 'Aerobridge operators must conduct a safety briefing on the aerobridge prior to operating to ensure all persons on the bridge are aware of safety precautions and risk.' Qantas employees came forward online recently to open up on the May 3 incident, amid a wave of speculation on social media. 'So many unnecessary and uniformed comments as to the true facts that led to this tragic accident today,' one staff member said. 'I was on shift when this incident unfolded and had traumatised many Qantas staff,' she said, adding that the woman had followed all necessary safety procedures. Another witness purporting to have inside knowledge on the incident and the woman's subsequent medical treatment chimed in 'She was leaning on the side of the aerobridge and it buckled out, separating from the floor. A male colleague tried to grab her to no avail,' she said. 'She was unresponsive for 15 minutes, but was revived in the ambulance and then put in an induced coma. 'She has head injuries, and most likely broken bones.' Ambulance staff treat Ms Hristovska shortly after her fall Safework NSW is investigating the incident involving Ms Hristovska Her daughter Monique Hristovska, 27, (pictured) told Daily Mail Australia shortly after the accident she hadn't left her mother's side The Melbourne Airport sign confirmed Ms Hristovska had leaned against the aerobridge wall before it buckled and she fell through a gap. Ms Hristovska worked for the airline for 14 years, according to her LinkedIn profile. Despite it happening at Sydney Airport, there's been no confirmed sightings of the warning sign there. Daily Mail Australia contacted Sydney Airport and Ms Hristovska's family for comment. Ms Hristovska's daughter Monique, 27, told Daily Mail Australia shortly after the accident she hadn't left her mother's side. 'We feel it's important the full human impact of this incident is understood - not just the event itself, but the long-term effects on her body, mind, and our family,' she said. Monique celebrated Mother's Day by her mum's bedside in hospital as Ms Hristovska lay unconscious next to her. 'This year, I hold my own mum close - not just in heart, but in gratitude,' she later posted on Instagram. 'After everything, she's here, and that alone is a miracle I don't take lightly. To every mother, nurturer, and divine woman holding it all - we see you.' Senior female political leaders have condemned remarks by a Liberal Party elder about the assertiveness of women in the organisation. Former federal president Alan Stockdale, 80, reportedly claimed women had become 'so assertive' the party might need to consider measures to support men. 'The women in this party are so assertive now that we may needs some special rules for men to get them preselected,' he told a meeting of the NSW Liberal Womens' Council on Tuesday, the Daily Telegraph reported. Mr Stockdale, who was Treasurer of Victoria in the government of Jeff Kennett, later told the Telegraph he had made 'a lighthearted but poorly chosen remark'. But that didn't stop senior Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie and former Labor premier for Queensland Anna Palaszczuk from joining forces to condemn his remarks. 'Honestly, Alan, read the room,' Senator McKenzie told Nine's Today show on Thursday. 'It was a shocking comment - I think it's time for Alan to head back to the Melbourne Club, have a stiff whisky and chat with the old boys about what went wrong.' Ms Palaszczuk said she could not believe it. 'You've finally got one step forward for the Liberal Party with Sussan Ley being elected (federal leader), and it's three steps backwards with these comments,' she told Today. Former federal president Alan Stockdale, 80, reportedly claimed women had become 'so assertive' the party might need to consider support for men. A Liberal party elder has been told he's out of step on women after the elevation of Sussan Ley. 'These are not appropriate in this day and age and, honestly, the Liberal Party needs a good hard look at themselves, especially the men.' Senator McKenzie said she was on a 'unity ticket' with Ms Palaszczuk over Mr Stockdale's remarks. During the federal election campaign, the Liberal Party announced a policy requiring Commonwealth public servants to stop working from home. It was blamed for alienating women voters, many of whom use working from home to balance their jobs with child care and other duties, helping Labor romp home to an electoral landslide. Deputy Opposition leader Ted O'Brien also questioned Mr Stockdale's comments, appealing to strong women to join the Liberals. 'To any of the assertive women out there, the Liberal Party is your party,' he told ABC's News Breakfast on Thursday. 'We need more women engaging with our party, running for our party. 'I'm proud to have Sussan Ley as our leader.' President Donald Trump has banned foreign nationals from studying at Harvard University as he continues to clash with the Ivy League institution. The president issued an executive order Wednesday entitled Enhancing National Security by Addressing Risks at Harvard University, which suspends the school's student visa program - calling it a 'privilege granted by our government, not a guarantee.' He also doubled down on his claims that the school violated federal law and argued it is important to limit international students for national security reasons on the same day he restricted travel from a dozen countries. 'The Federal Bureau of Investigation has long warned that foreign adversaries and competitors take advantage of easy access to American higher education to, among other things, steal technical information and products, exploit expensive research and development to advance their own ambitions and spread false information for political or other reasons,' the executive order states. 'Our adversaries, including the People's Republic of China try to take advantage of American higher education by exploiting the student visa program for improper purposes and by using visiting students to collect information at elite universities in the United States.' Harvard has nearly 6,800 international students, making up more than 27 percent of its enrollment in the past academic year, according to the BBC. About one-third of those international students are from China, and Trump has previously accused the Ivy League school of 'coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party,' claims he reiterated in the executive order. Trump further said that Harvard failed 'to identify and address misconduct by those foreign students' amid his crackdown on universities that allowed antisemitic protests on campus during the war in Gaza. President Donald Trump has officially declared he is restricting foreign nationals from studying at Harvard University The executive order marks an escalation in Trump's clash with the Ivy League school 'In my judgment, it presents an unacceptable risk to our nation's security for an academic institution to refuse to provide sufficient information, when asked, about known instances of misconduct and criminality committed by its students,' he wrote, claiming that crime rates at the Massachusetts campus have 'drastically risen.' 'When a university refuses to uphold its legal obligations, including its recordkeeping and reporting obligations, the consequences ripple far beyond the campus,' the executive order continues. 'They jeopardize the integrity of the entire United States student and exchange visa system , compromise national security and embolden other institutions to similarly disregard the rule of law.' The president then reasserted that Harvard is working with the CCP, claiming that it received more than $150 million from the country over the past decade. In return, Trump writes that the Ivy League has 'repeatedly hosted and trained members of a Chinese Communist Party paramilitary organization,' citing a probe by the House of Representatives Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party. That same probe also claims Harvard has partnered with the Chinese 'on research that could advance China's military modernization.' Trump claims in the executive that Harvard failed 'to identify and address misconduct by those foreign students' amid his crackdown on universities that allowed antisemitic protests on campus during the war in Gaza The president concluded the executive order by saying that rather than admit 'hardworking Americans,' the school is enrolling 'students from non-egalitarian nations, including nations that seek the destruction of the United States and its allies or the extermination of entire peoples. 'It is not in the interest of the United States to further compound Harvard's discrimination against nonpreferred races, national origins, shared ancestries or religions by further reducing opportunities for American students through excessive foreign student enrollment,' Trump writes. He adds that the ban will remain in effect 'until such time as the university shares the information that the federal government requires to safeguard national security and the American public.' Trump has spoken about limiting Harvard's foreign students for weeks, suggesting last month that the school should cap its international student population at 15 percent. He even tried to revoke current students' visas, but a judge last month ordered the university and Justice Department attorneys to work out an agreement that would stop prevent the students' visas from being revoked. Trump has been discussing capping Harvard's foreign student body for weeks, leading to protests at the Cambridge campus Lawyers for the Ivy League institution have argued that revoking student visas is a part of an 'unprecedented and retaliatory attack on academic freedom at Harvard,' which is pursuing a separate lawsuit challenging the administration's decision to terminate nearly $3 billion in federal research funding. They claim the Trump administration is retaliating against it for refusing to cede to its demands to control the school's governance, curriculum and the 'ideology' of its faculty and students. But Harvard has denied accusations of bias against conservatives, fostering antisemitism on campus and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party. It has said losing that right would affect about one quarter of its student body and devastate the school, as it would prevent Harvard from not only enrolling new international students but also require existing ones to transfer to other schools. Many students at the Ivy League have since protested against a ban on international students - and the school even had a Chinese student give a commencement speech. University President Alan Garber also taunted the president in his own commencement speech as he congratulated students from 'around the world' graduating from the prestigious university. 'From around the world,' he repeated for emphasis. 'Just as it should be.' DailyMail.com has reached out to Harvard for comment. A popular cafe has hit back at a TikTok food critic who complained he was unable to review its sandwiches because they had run out of stock, John-Ray Boukarim faced backlash after he visited the newly-opened cafe located at Marrickville, in Sydney's Inner West, earlier this week. It was the second time Mr Boukarim went to the venue but he was unable to review the food as it had run out of bread for sandwiches In a rant shared on TikTok with his 14,000 followers, Mr Boukarim accused the owners of not knowing how to run a business. 'You think you would have your operation under control knowing what stock levels you would need in order to keep up with the demand, yet you still finish and run out of food an hour or two before you shut,' he said. 'F*** off, and stop wasting my time. Don't open up a business unless you know how to run it. Like seriously.' Mr Boukarim said he had no intention of tarnishing the cafe so he deliberately left out its name in his video. However the owners have since made it known the cafe he was talking about was Bertas. John-Ray Boukarim (pictured) defended himself after criticising a newly-opened cafe in Sydney's inner-west Mr Boukarim slammed the owners for running out of bread two hours before they closed, meaning they couldn't make sandwiches (stock image) 'We work out of a compact 36sqm space with a small tight-knit team and have up to eight people on deck during busy times,' they told news.com.au on Thursday. 'Every sandwich we serve is made fresh to order, and we make as much in-house as possible - often starting in the early hours and finishing late at night. 'We hate having to turn people away, especially as we started this place to offer a high-quality product at an accessible price. 'This is what starting something from scratch looks like, and were all in.' In his explosive video on Monday, Mr Boukarim claimed he and ten other customers in the cafe missed out on sandwiches. 'These idiots, "Oh we sold out". How do you sell out bro!' he said. He suggested the owners 'up' their bread quantities and donate any excess to charity. 'I guarantee you selling an extra 15 sandwiches vs giving away 15 to 25 pieces of bread completely outweighs the stand alone bread cost,' Mr Boukarim wrote. Social media users slammed Mr Boukarim (pictured) for his rant, claiming that the cafe's business model was successful if it was selling out during the day Social media users largely disagreed with Mr Boukarim's rant. 'If they sold out that means they're doing something right,' one wrote. 'You'd think you'd learn your lesson and go earlier the second time,' another said. Others slammed the food reviewer for claiming the owner did not know how to run a business, claiming he was the one who lacked understanding of a cafe's logistics. 'I understand that frustration however, sometimes they can physically order as much as their establishments can store/make in their kitchen,' one commented. 'They have only been open for four weeks and you think they should have it down pact exactly how much stock they need?' another said. Mr Boukarim replied to some of the comments claiming the video was a way for him to express himself and that 'for the most part' he was 'just taking the p***'. Mr Boukarim told Daily Mail Australia he was hesitant to visit the cafe a third time due to his past experiences. Mr Boukarim claimed the video was not intended to tarnish Bertas (pictured) but to provide constructive criticism 'My hope was to offer constructive criticism that could potentially benefit the business in the long run,' Mr Boukarim told Daily Mail Australia. 'I personally feel it's better for businesses to slightly over-prepare and then donate any surplus, or utilise it the next day if feasible.' Mr Boukarim noted it was 'uncommon' for successful and established restaurants to frequently sell out of core items during their advertised hours. 'Imagine Maccas ran out of burger buns,' he said. 'While I get that unexpected things happen, it's those repeated issues - especially on a busy Saturday - that can really bother consumers.' A leading ABC presenter has been accused of 'bias' after she told a newly-elected Liberal Party MP she was 'glad' to have him back. Sarah Ferguson, host of 7.30, interviewed Tim Wilson, who was recently declared the new member for Goldstein in Melbourne after a nail-biting partial recount. Wilson, who was ousted from the seat by Teal Zoe Daniel in 2022, bucked the broad electoral trend against the Liberals and took back the seat with a swing of 3.3 per cent. Ferguson quizzed Wilson on Tuesday night in a wide-ranging interview covering his successful campaign, his defeat in 2022 and his criticism of Labor's controversial plans for a tax on unrealised capital gains. But it was a throwaway line from Ferguson at the end of the interview that has sparked a bias row. 'We'll have to continue this conversation, it's a complex topic but I'm glad to have you back,' Ferguson told Wilson. The kind words saw Ferguson immediately accused of being an 'LNP mouthpiece'. Keith Sutherland, who received an Order of Australia medal in 2021, said he was 'absolutely appalled' by the chummy five-word comment. Sarah Ferguson, host of 7.30, interviewed Tim Wilson, who was recently declared the new member for Goldstein in Melbourne after a nail-biting partial recount Wilson, who was ousted from the seat by Teal Zoe Daniel in 2022, achieved one of the most remarkable comebacks in Australian political history, taking back the seat with a swing of 3.3 per cent 'I have never heard Sarah say that to an ALP MP,' he fumed. 'The bias shown by our once great ABC Australia is absolutely disgusting and its time for Anthony Albanese to make some changes at the top and board.' Former press gallery journalist Geoff Kitney added: 'What an extraordinary thing for a senior ABC political journalist to say!' His intervention prompted more fury, with some calling for Ferguson to be dismissed. 'It was appalling, she should be sacked,' seethed one Aussie. Another quipped: 'Aha! Slip. She meant "Glad to have your back".' Author Helen Allen queried whether Ferguson would be 'so quick out of the blocks to have Nicolette Boele on'. Teal candidate Boele was finally declared the victor over Liberal challenger Gisele Kapterian in the ultra-tight Sydney seat of Bradfield after a recount on Wednesday. Ferguson in fact did have Boele on her show just hours afterwards. 'Tonight is your night, Nicolette Boele, congratulations - lots to talk about in the future but for now, thank you very much for coming in,' Ferguson told the victorious Teal. Daily Mail Australia approached Ferguson for comment. President Donald Trump ordered an massive investigation into the use of the autopen during Joe Biden's four years as president and into the aides who may have wielded it on official documents. Trump, citing Biden's declining mental and physical health during his White House years, called the use of the autopen a 'dangerous' conspiracy and misuse of executive power. He also ordered a probe into which Biden aides may have worked to shield the then-president's mental and physical condition to the public. 'This conspiracy marks one of the most dangerous and concerning scandals in American history. The American public was purposefully shielded from discovering who wielded the executive power, all while Biden's signature was deployed across thousands of documents to effect radical policy shifts,' Trump said in the order. The investigation was part of a series of executive orders that Trump signed Wednesday evening, including a travel ban on several countries and restricting visas for foreigners coming to the United States to study at Harvard University. Under Trump's order, all of the pardons, clemency grants, executive orders, presidential memoranda, and other presidential policy decisions issued by Biden will be investigated. Actions under review would include Biden's pardons for son Hunter and other family members and orders related to a variety of areas including education, immigration, health care, climate change and more. Trump has argued the use of the autopen invalidates Biden's orders. If his administration can get the courts to agree, it could undo thousands of actions taken by the former president. President Donald Trump ordered a sweeping investigation into Joe Biden's use of an autopen It's unclear which documents from the Biden administration were signed by the then-president and which may have been signed by an electronic pen. But Biden hit back at Trump hours after the executive order was signed on Wednesday, accusing the president of seeking out distractions to avoid criticism over bad legislation making its way through Congress. 'Let me be clear,' he said. 'I made the decisions during my presidency. 'I made the decisions about the pardons, executive orders, legislation, and proclamations. Any suggestion that I didn't is ridiculous and false. 'This is nothing more than a distraction by Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans.' Biden added they 'are working to push disastrous legislation that would cut essential programs like Medicaid and raise costs on American families, all to pay for tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy and big corporations.' During his time in office, Biden was pictured signing some orders while in office, including ones on the use of AI and on gun safety issues. His allies have pushed back on reports his mental and physical health were on the decline during his tenure. But a spat of recent books on his presidency have raised numerous questions about the matter. Trump also demanded a look into 'any activity, coordinated or otherwise, to purposefully shield the public from information regarding Biden's mental and physical health.' White House counsel David Warrington, along with Attorney General Pam Bondi, will lead the probe. Trump has long blasted reports that the autopen - the machine that inks the president's signature - was used during Biden's presidency. 'I understand he signed almost everything with an auto pen,' Trump said of Biden last week. 'It really means you're not president.' The Trump White House noted that the Biden administration issued 1,200 Presidential documents, appointed 235 judges to the Federal bench, and issued more pardons and commutations than any administration in United States history. Wednesday's order could result in those multiple actions taken by Biden challenged in court. Previously, the courts have ruled use of the autopen legal but that was during the Obama administration and the makeup of judges has changed since then. President Joe Biden was pictures signing some executive orders, including the one above on establishing safety and security standards for the development of artificial intelligence White House counsel David Warrington (left) and Attorney General Pam Bondi (right) will lead the probe Trump's order calls for Warrington and Bondi to investigate 'whether certain individuals conspired to deceive the public about Biden's mental state and unconstitutionally exercise the authorities and responsibilities of the President.' Trump also argued aides did not have the power to sign documents in Biden's name. 'If his advisors secretly used the mechanical signature pen to conceal this incapacity, while taking radical executive actions all in his name, that would constitute an unconstitutional wielding of the power of the Presidency, a circumstance that would have implications for the legality and validity of numerous executive actions undertaken in Biden's name,' he noted in the order. In Wednesday's White House press briefing, Fox News' Peter Doocy brought up the use of the autopen, arguing Biden's signature appeared different - and genuine - on certain documents, such as the pardon for his son Hunter Biden. 'The President is making a good point when he discusses the usage of the auto pen and who was running the country for the past four years,' White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt replied. The American people deserve answers,' she added. Additionally the Justice Department opened an investigation of Biden's use of the autopen on Tuesday, investigating the clemency and pardons granted by Biden in the waning days of his presidency to family members and death row inmates. Ed Martin - Trump's ultra-MAGA pardon attorney - said the investigation involves whether Biden 'was competent and whether others were taking advantage of him through use of AutoPen or other means.' Who would have thought that the Greens could become the voice of reason in the current superannuation tax debate? But with negotiations between the Labor government and the opposition breaking down before they even started - courtesy of the intransigence of Treasurer Jim Chalmers - it is the Greens who have indicted a willingness to try and compromise to find common ground. Labors starting position is that it hopes to tax super holdings above $3m at a 30 per cent rate, including unrealised gains. So earnings on balances over that sum will get taxed, as will the super assets themselves if they rise in value - even if you dont sell them. That is the taxing of paper profits - the clear worst design feature in what Labor is proposing to do. The Greens want the threshold lowered to $2m instead of $3m. But unlike Labor they are open to both indexing the rate at which the tax will be applied and discussing at least a partial removal of taxing unrealised gains. The Greens have expressed concerns at illiquid assets (think property) being taxed, because people arent able to sell down their holdings to pay such a tax. If the Greens come to realise that you cant differentiate between liquid (think cash, shares) and illiquid assets when it comes to apply an unrealised gains tax, then we are in business. Few would have expected the Greens to become the voice of reason on an economic issue - but the time has come A reasonable compromise might be possible. That leaves the Greens still at the negotiating table but, at this stage at least, not the Labor party. Why? Because the Treasurer just doesnt get it. Chalmers simply cant get his non-economist head around the deficiencies of the policy as it currently stands. Even though the Greens can. What does that say about this Labor government? While some people wont like the idea that a 30 per cent tax on super earning can start to apply from a $2m threshold rather than a $3m one, thats hardly unreasonable in the world of most Australians. Especially if it is indexed, as Greens have expressed a willingness to embrace. Given the tax rates working-age income earners pay, 30 per cent on earnings on super assets above $2m isnt exactly a socialism panacea of a policy. With an ageing population its part of the tough medicine the budget needs, especially if governments keep spending money they dont have rather than embarking on root and branch budget repairs. Treasurer Jim Chalmers' intransigence is standing in the way of negotiations with the Coalition.. But he may have no choice but to negotiate with the Greens The opposition appears to be fundamentally opposed to lowering the threshold from $3m to $2m, but its hard not to think thats an example of them being in the pocket of wealthy Australians who have for too long used their super balances as a means of legal tax avoidance. If Labor was more reasonable it would see opportunity in the Greens coming to the negotiation table. It might have little choice - despite Chalmers refusal to accept a compromise - because without the support of the Greens or the opposition there is next to no chance of the super tax hikes passing the senate. Even after Albos embrace of defecting Greens senator Dorinda Cox, who has been welcomed into the Labor fold despite the PM previously chastising Senator Fatima Payman for walking away from Labor after she was elected at the 2022 election. In Albos myopic world view its wrong for an elected Labor senator to do that - she should have resigned her seat according to the PM - but its absolutely fine for a Green senator to do the same if it benefits the Labor Party. Yes its contradictory and hypocritical, but dont let such inconsistencies prevent you from accepting Albos explanation that its reasonable and fine. The weird thing is Labor get little value from the defection. It doesnt chance the fact that the Greens control the senate balance of power. It doesnt make the passage of the super laws, without compromise, any easier. And there are a host of other downsides to accepting Cox into Labors ranks, including her past anti-Labor rhetoric and accusations of bullying the PM says have been resolved but others arent so certain about. There is always tension between prime ministers and treasurers... This issue could leave one of Albo or Chalmers diminished With the Greens breaking from tradition and extending the hand of compromise to Labor, Albo now has a choice: stand by his stubborn treasurer who doesnt want to compromise the existing poor drafting of the super bills. Or overrule his subordinate and come to the table to negotiate an outcome that delivers more revenue without the design flaws currently being picked apart by experts. It could be a pivotal moment in the relationship between the PM and his Treasurer. It seems likely the opposition will use the new super taxes as a wedge political issue come the next election. If Labor sticks to its guns and somehow gets the laws past in their current format anyway, by using its election mandate to force others to acquiesce, the Opposition will have significant ammunition. If a genuine compromise with the Greens does happen, weve already seem senior opposition frontbenchers in the media attacking the Labor Greens Coalition, in the hope that doing so takes some shine off of the new government. This recent development has energised the PM to return to the negotiation table with the Coalition, defying the hopes and dreams of his treasurer. We now know Chalmers doesnt at all see eye-to-eye with Albo when it comes to compromising with the Coalition. Animosity between the pair will only rise if a deal gets done, brokered by a PM without the support of his minister responsible for super and tax. There is always tension between treasurers and prime ministers. It happened between Bob Hawke and Paul Keating, as well as between John Howard and Peter Costello. But when a PM and Treasurer put stakes in the ground the way Albo and Chalmers have, which way the ensuing discussions go will certainly leave one of the pair diminished. Lets wait to see who that is. Australia is considering imposing tariffs on countries that persist with high carbon-emission production, and forming a trading bloc in the region for those nations that are pursuing net zero emission goals. The case for such tariffs has been made by think tank Climate Energy Finance days after federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen signalled openness to imposing charges on emissions-heavy steel and cement. Carbon border adjustment mechanisms, known as CBAMs, are intended to prevent those local industries that are forced to adopt more expensive power sources and production methods from being undercut by foreign companies using cheaper methods. Without them, steelmakers and other producers may choose to move factories offshore to countries with less stringent regulations on pollution, a problem known as 'carbon leakage'. The European Union has been leading the charge and its carbon border adjustment mechanism is scheduled to come into full force in 2026. There was a strong case for an Asian equivalent building on the 17 domestic carbon pricing schemes already across the region, Climate Energy Finance net-zero transformation analyst and report author Matt Pollard said. This includes Australia, which forces big polluters to pay a carbon penalty if their emissions are above a certain threshold. Energy and Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen (pictured) was quizzed by the ABC's David Speers about whether he would bring in a carbon tariff - and twice refused to rule it out This would see levies placed on carbon-intensive products such as steel, cement and lime imported from abroad and could make the building process more expensive China, South Korea, Japan and Singapore also have carbon pricing in some shape or form, but those in developing economies in Asia do not. This form of environmental protectionism would effectively function as a price on carbon in international trade. 'As a result, lower-emission products can more effectively compete against higher-emissions products in a global market,' Mr Pollard explained. The think tank wants Australia to spearhead the conversation as part of its bid to co-host the COP31 climate summit alongside Pacific nations. Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen would not rule out the possibility of carbon tariffs on specific sectors, such as steel and cement, during an interview on ABC's Insiders on Sunday He cited an ongoing review into carbon leakage headed by Australian National University climate change economics expert Frank Jotzo. 'We want to ensure Australian industry is best placed to compete in a decarbonising world,' he said on Sunday. Opposition energy and emissions reduction spokesman Dan Tehan criticised the minister for floating the idea immediately after winning the federal election. 'He's put electricity prices up, he's put gas prices up, and he's put emissions up, and now he wants to follow Donald Trump's lead and put in place tariffs,' Mr Tehan said on social media platform X on Sunday. Mr Pollard rejected the comparison to the US president's 'erratically applied, economically and industrially destructive and investment-deterring' tariff agenda. 'Carbon border adjustment mechanisms are not discriminatory, and enhance globalisation, international collaboration and climate action - which is intrinsically a global problem,' he said. While they are tariffs by nature, carbon border adjustment mechanisms have the opposite objectives of the Trump administration's trade policies that are designed to 'enhance protectionism and isolationism'. An Aussie bloke has blasted Australia Post after his package was abandoned on a pile of old furniture over 30km away from its intended address. The Sydney man said the parcel had been 'clearly labelled' and that he had a receipt confirming the correct address in a furious post to social media. When he checked the tracking information, the man was shocked to discover the item had been delivered to the opposite side of the city. His package was meant to be delivered to Caringbah, in Sydney's south, but instead ended up in Northbridge, on the city's lower north shore - a 40 minute drive away. The man shared a photo of his abandoned package perched on top of a pile of old furniture against a random brick building. 'Apparently this qualifies as a 'Safe Place',' the man captioned the photo. 'On the off chance someone might recognise this place where my parcel was mistakenly delivered.' The man contacted Australia Post, who confirmed the GPS location of the delivered parcel didn't match its intended address. The man shared a photo of his abandoned package perched on top of a pile of old furniture leaning against a brick building (pictured) He was told the matter had been referred to the delivery centre and that he should expect a response within five business days. In an update, Australia Post told the man the missing package had been located. 'The team member who delivered the item has advised it was mistakenly delivered to the incorrect address,' the update said. 'This item has since been retrieved and is on track to be delivered to the correct address.' Customers with a MyPost account can request for their parcels to be left in a nominated 'safe place'. 'Safe places are locations where your parcel can't be seen from the street, including your front door or porch, in your mailbox (if the parcel fits), under the carport or verandah, or by the side gate,' Australia Post states on its website. In December of 2023, Australia Post was forced to pay $2.9million in compensation to businesses who had parcels lost or damaged over a four-year period. Australia Post and its subsidiary StarTrack agreed to a court-enforceable deal to compensate around 10,500 business customers for lost or damaged parcels. Australia Post has apologised and said they would reissue the abandoned parcel (stock) It came after the ACCC found that thousands of deliveries didn't meet required standards, including about 1,000 from StarTrack. The ACCC said the move was an important step to fix ongoing delivery issues and help rebuild trust in the national postal service. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Australia Post for comment. Locals have been left furious over the finalised flight paths for the new Western Sydney Airport, with some complaining about the future noise pollution. Transport Minister Catherine King announced on Wednesday the locked in flight routes as construction was completed on the runway, ahead of the airport officially launching in 2026. Residents in the Blue Mountains and Wallacia regions have benefitted from the alterations to the early designs unveiled in 2023 and 2024, but many are still angry the changes do not go far enough. Ms King said there are five amendments made to reduce aircraft noise following community consultations, with four of those regarding night operations. 'Most notably, I'll be issuing a ministerial direction to Airservices Australia to make reciprocal runway operations (RRO) the default operating mode at night, including specific noise abatement procedure, when both are safe to do so,' she added. RRO involves planes taking off and landing in the same direction, which in this case will be the southwest utilising opposite ends of the single runway between 11pm and 5.30am. Outraged residents have flooded social media with many complaining they will be affected by the noise pollution. 'Good stuff, Springwood/Faulconbridge still getting overnight noise then. The arrivals practically goes over our house,' one said. The finalised flight paths for runway 5 (pictured) have been locked in by the federal government following community feedback Construction of the airport, which will open in 2026, is past the halfway mark (pictured) 'Noise is NOT subjective it is actual noise, I don't believe I am in the corridor, but do sympathise with those who are,' another said. 'No curfews. Huge issue!' a third said. The Residents Against Western Sydney Airport (RAWSA) group agreed the changes were 'just window dressing' and said it was 'appalled' that there was no change to the '24/7 flight intrusion'. RAWSA wants a curfew and hourly flight caps. One local on a Blue Mountains Facebook group said that properties under the aircraft routes should be soundproofed at the government's expense. 'Soundproofing for homes under flight path needed so we can sleep of a night or better still give us a curfew like Mascot. Maybe the people of the West don't count.' Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill said that it was 'not good enough' that the area would still be impacted. 'We are a world heritage area. Flogging this place with aircraft noise is nothing short of a senseless disregard for the United Nations declaration,' he said. The flight routes for runway 23 are also locked in as the runway finished construction on Wednesday The $5.3 billion Western Sydney International Airport in Badgerys Creek, 45km from the CBD, will be the first in New South Wales with no curfew, with flights taking off and landing 24 hours a day, seven days a week Projected noise levels over the airport as it ramps up flights over the next two decades 'Moreover, this decision treats the people of the Blue Mountains and western Sydney as second-class citizens.' However, others argued the noise would be minimal. 'Almost every single major city in the world has a 24/7 airport. It's good for the economy, if it annoys you that much f*** off and move somewhere else,' one said. 'Might be noisy at first, but you'll get used to the noise and it won't bother you anymore,' another added. 'Complaining about decently high altitude plane noise meanwhile overnight 30-40 coal trains barrel along with no issues.' One pilot, Captain Byron Bailey, said the RRO directive was 'almost farcical' as it would result in congestion due to pilots having to navigate the additional challenges of taking off into-wind and landing with the wind behind them. 'Nowhere in the world is (RRO) done like this. The resulting traffic confliction and holding would be ridiculous, possibly difficult for ATC to manage,' he told Sky News. However, Aviation consultant and CEO of Strategic Air, Tony Stanton, argued the RRO would only be used at night when air traffic was minimal. 'We've learnt lessons from other airports, which is why I have imposed a number of additional conditions that will reduce our aircraft noise,' Infrastructure and Transport Minister King said. 'Can I say that there will be no noise for anyone? I can't say that because that's the very nature of operating an airport is that you have planes, and planes do make noise.' Sussan Ley has encouraged 'assertive women' to join the Liberal Party after a former party executive complained about female assertiveness. The Opposition Leader condemned comments made by Former federal president Alan Stockdale, 80, who reportedly claimed women had become 'so assertive' the party might need to consider measures to support men. 'The women in this party are so assertive now that we may needs some special rules for men to get them preselected,' he told a meeting of the NSW Liberal Womens' Council on Tuesday, the Daily Telegraph reported. Ley said there was 'nothing wrong with being an assertive woman'. 'The Liberal Party must reflect, respect and represent modern Australia and that means recognising the strength, merit and leadership of the women in our ranks,' she said in a statement. It came after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese suggested the Liberal Party need to 'have a good look at themselves and their structures'. Mr Stockdale, who was Treasurer of Victoria in the government of Jeff Kennett, later told the Telegraph it was 'a lighthearted but poorly chosen remark'. But that didn't stop senior Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie and former Labor premier for Queensland Anna Palaszczuk from joining forces to condemn his remarks. Former federal president Alan Stockdale, 80, reportedly claimed women had become 'so assertive' the party might need to consider support for men Opposition Leader Sussan Ley (pictured) said there was 'nothing wrong with being an assertive woman'. 'Honestly, Alan, read the room,' Senator McKenzie told Nine's Today show on Thursday. 'It was a shocking comment - I think it's time for Alan to head back to the Melbourne Club, have a stiff whisky and chat with the old boys about what went wrong.' Ms Palaszczuk said she could not believe it. 'You've finally got one step forward for the Liberal Party with Sussan Ley being elected (federal leader), and it's three steps backwards with these comments,' she told Today. 'These are not appropriate in this day and age and, honestly, the Liberal Party needs a good hard look at themselves, especially the men.' Senator McKenzie said she was on a 'unity ticket' with Ms Palaszczuk over Mr Stockdale's remarks. During the federal election campaign, the Liberal Party announced a policy requiring Commonwealth public servants to stop working from home. It was blamed for alienating women voters, many of whom use working from home to balance their jobs with child care and other duties, helping Labor romp home to an electoral landslide. Deputy Opposition leader Ted O'Brien also questioned Mr Stockdale's comments, appealing to strong women to join the Liberals. 'To any of the assertive women out there, the Liberal Party is your party,' he told ABC's News Breakfast on Thursday. 'We need more women engaging with our party, running for our party. 'I'm proud to have Sussan Ley as our leader.' Chilling new doorbell camera footage shows on-the-run Army veteran Travis Decker in the days before he's accused of murdering his three young daughters and vanishing into the woods. Decker, 32, was caught on a Ring doorbell approaching a home in a light colored T-shirt and dark shorts in the days leading up to his visitation with his daughters Paityn, nine, Evelyn, eight, and Olivia, five, in Wenatchee, Washington State. He could be seen with a goatee and a mustache, with his long hair pulled back. Authorities shared the images of the wanted suspect last night in a bid to familiarize the public with his appearance. Decker remains at-large and is considered dangerous, given his extensive military training and propensity for violence. 'These are the most recent photos and videos we have that reveal his last known appearance,' Under Sheriff Dan Ozment said in a police press release. Decker has not been seen since he picked up his three little girls for a three-hour visit on Friday. The girls' mother later reported them missing. Their bodies were found at a campsite in Leavenworth, 20 miles from their home, on Monday. Their wrists had been bound with zip ties and each of them had been suffocated with a plastic bag. The Chelan County Sheriff's Office released Ring doorbell camera footage showing Travis Decker, 32, in a light colored T-shirt and dark shorts in the days leading up to his visitation with his three young daughters Authorities also released photos of Decker from before he went missing, showing him with sunglasses that obscured his eyes and tattoos all down his arm Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5, were found dead on Monday The sheriff's office is now working with the Wenatchee Police Department, US Border Patrol and Homeland Security investigations to track down Decker, who is charged with three counts of first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping. The US Marshals Service also said it would offer a reward of up to $20,000 for any information leading to Decker's arrest - though police say the veteran could 'pose a significant risk if approached' as he has extensive combat training. He also underwent extensive outdoor survival training, which authorities admitted Wednesday may make the search efforts more difficult, with Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison saying Decker was 'well-versed in outdoor survival.' 'In talking with his father, it sounds [like] at times he would go out and live off-grid, sometimes for two months,' the sheriff told reporters. Decker joined the US Army in 2012 and served a tour in Afghanistan two years later. He likely has advanced combat training as a result, and was an airborne paratrooper who earned the elite rank of 'Ranger,' indicating he would have excellent wilderness and survival skills. Decker then transferred to the Washington Army National Guard in 2021, rising to the rank of sergeant. But he stopped attending mandatory monthly drills a little over a year ago, and the Guard was in the process of a disciplinary discharge. Decker has not been seen since he picked up his three little girls for a three-hour visit on Friday Whitney, his ex-wife, reported her daughters missing when he failed to return them Friday night It now appears that Decker had been suffering from mental health issues. Court documents state that when Whitney, his ex-wife, reported her daughters missing on Friday, she 'expressed concern because Decker reportedly has never done this before and is currently experiencing some mental health issues.' She explained to law enforcement officials that Decker was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and believes he did not take medication for the condition, according to court documents. The father-of-three was supposed to seek mental health treatment and anger management counseling as part of a parenting plan, but there was no sign he has followed through with the plan - which he refused to sign, the court documents show. Still, Whitney told police she did not believe her ex was dangerous and said he loved his daughters. She said the girls had a 'good relationship with Decker and enjoy their time with him.' Law enforcement is asking the public for help to find the father-of-three, but advised locals not to approach him The girls' bodies were found approximately 38 miles from their mother's home. Decker is still on the run, as authorities warn locals that he could be dangerous due to his military training But she noted that when Decker arrived to pick up the girls on Friday he was 'quieter than usual' which was 'out of character' for him. He had also allegedly been talking about getting rid of his dog due to housing and financial struggles. Decker does not have permanent housing and is known to stay at hotels and campgrounds, police said. That seemed to produce its own problems, with Whitney writing in September divorce proceedings that Decker would sometimes have the girls sleep at an armory while he was in the National Guard - despite her objections. She went on to say he had been 'struggling to maintain stability' since they separated and it was beginning to affect their daughters and was prone to 'outbursts,' according to the Seattle Times. At times, Whitney said her ex would come into her house yelling for the girls - whom he would sometimes fail to pick up after promising to do so. Whitney stated in September divorce proceedings that he had been 'struggling to maintain stability' since they were separated and it was beginning to affect their daughters Whitney told police she did not believe her ex was dangerous and said he loved his daughters In one instance, Whitney wrote that her youngest daughter, Olivia, called her crying during a visit with Decker and said she could not find her father - before Evelyn came home with welts between her legs. 'I do not want to keep Travis from the girls at all,' Whitney wrote in the court filing. 'To the contrary, I have bent over backwards to facilitate that relationship. 'But I cannot have our girls staying in what is essentially a homeless shelter, at times unsupervised, with dozens of strange men or staying in a tent or living in his truck with him, both in extreme temperatures and unknown areas for their safety.' The girls' maternal grandmother similarly wrote that Decker would drop off the girls at inconsistent times and they would sometimes be upset or crying when they returned home. 'They are all happy, smart, well-adjusted girls with the exception of when Travis brings them back to me after his visitations,' she wrote, according to the Seattle Times. Even so, Whitney told police, whenever Decker would be running late to return the girls, he would usually call first. Decker joined the Army in 2013 and transferred to the Washington National Guard in 2021. He was a full-time member of the Guard until 2023 or 2024, when he switched to part-time. Decker stopped attending mandatory monthly drills a little over a year ago, and the Guard was in the process of a disciplinary discharge At times, Whitney said her ex would come into her house yelling for the girls - whom he would sometimes fail to pick up after promising to do so Washington State Patrol was contacted Friday night to request an Amber Alert, but it did not meet the required criteria, Wenatchee Police said. The lacking criteria was suspected abduction and imminent peril of death or serious injury, said Chris Loftis, director of public affairs for the state patrol. 'In this case, it was a parent with custodial privileges, and the children had not been returned home on time. But thats a rather common occurrence and not something where you just automatically assume abduction,' he said. He added that there was no indication Decker would harm them. 'Were people too, you know, so the loss of a child, the loss of two children, the loss of three children is... devastating,' Loftis said. 'Everybody always looks to how we can improve.' The following day, Wenatchee detectives contacted the patrol with additional information that led to the issuance of an Endangered Missing Person Alert (EMPA). State police later dropped the EMPA on Monday evening without releasing a public reason. The following day, Wenatchee Police Department announced the girls' deaths. Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison admitted on Wednesday Decker was 'well-versed in outdoor survival' Decker is described as 5-foot-8 and 190 pounds, with black hair worn in a ponytail and brown eyes. He is charged with three counts of first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping, and on Tuesday, a judge issued a warrant for Decker's arrest and ordered he be held without bail. Meanwhile, a GoFundMe set up for Whitney had raised over $689,000 as of Wednesday evening. 'These girls were true light in this world and it is a darker place without them. I will miss seeing their sweet little faces,' a note on the fundraising page read. 'Send Whitney all of your prayers, love and support. Take some time to today to tell someone you love them.' Joe Biden issued a blistering response to Donald Trump after the president ordered an investigation into his use of auto-pen during his term in the White House. Trump last night claimed there was a 'dangerous' conspiracy and misuse of executive power amid concerns over Biden's mental and physical health during his presidency. It came after months of claims of a cover-up by aides who may have worked to shield the extent of the Biden's cognitive decline from the public. Biden was quick to furiously defended his time as commander-in-chief, asserting that he was at the helm of all decisions. 'Let me be clear,' he said in a statement. 'I made the decisions during my presidency. I made the decisions about the pardons, executive orders, legislation, and proclamations. Any suggestion that I didn't is ridiculous and false.' Biden put the blame on Trump and the Republican Party, who are trying to draw attention away from the MAGA civil war currently happening over the current president's spending bill. 'This is nothing more than a distraction by Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans,' Biden said. He accused Trump's administration of 'working to push disastrous legislation that would cut essential programs like Medicaid and raise costs on American families, all to pay for tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy and big corporations.' Former President Joe Biden has finally hit back at criticism of his use of autopen by rubbishing any suggestion he wasn't in control of the country Talk of Musk's betrayal fell to the wayside on Wednesday as Trump embarked on a mass rollout of major decisions for national security Trump currently faces criticism about the bill from former 'First Buddy' Elon Musk but talk of Musk's betrayal fell to the wayside on Wednesday as Trump embarked on a mass rollout of major decisions for national security. The investigation was announced during a busy evening for Trump who also issued sweeping travel restrictions on people from 19 countries and banned visas for foreigners coming to the US to study at Harvard University. Trump's probe into Biden will see all of the pardons, clemency grants, executive orders, presidential memoranda, and other presidential policy decisions issued by the former president investigated. Actions under review would include Biden's pardons for son Hunter and other family members and orders related to a variety of areas including education, immigration, health care, climate change and more. He also ordered a investigation into which Biden aides may have worked to shield the then-president's mental and physical condition to the public. 'This conspiracy marks one of the most dangerous and concerning scandals in American history,' Trump said. 'The American public was purposefully shielded from discovering who wielded the executive power, all while Biden's signature was deployed across thousands of documents to effect radical policy shifts.' Biden went on to accuse Trump of seeking out distractions to avoid criticism over bad legislation making its way through Congress Biden recently announced he was diagnosed with Stage 4 prostate cancer, sparking rampant conspiracy theories about whether medical professionals were aware of his illness while he was president. CNN anchor Jake Tapper's new book that claims to blow the lid off of the White House campaign that hid Biden's health decline from the American people has also sparked widespread backlash. Missouri Senator Josh Hawley also claims to have been told by a Secret Service whistleblower that Biden got lost in his own closet at the White House. Many wonder who exactly was in charge of the administration given Biden's alleged condition, with some looking toward the president's wife and troubled son. Hunter Biden, who was convicted last year of three felonies over an illegal gun, and the former First Lady Jill Biden have been accused of wielding significant power over the president in his final days. He was treated 'like a chief of staff' despite being 'provably, demonstrably unethical, sleazy and prone to horrible decisions,' Tapper said in a recent interview about the health cover-up. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt accused Jill Biden of participating in a 'cover up' about her husband's health and said she should speak with House Republican investigators who are ramping up a probe. 'Jill Biden was certainly complicit in that cover up,' Leavitt told reporters at the White House when asked about a House Republican request to a handful of top former Biden administration officials. But former Biden administration insiders have railed against any conspiracy, noting the autopen technology has been used by presidents for years. Sources close to the president have argued officials would use the autopen only after he had made a conclusive decision on a matter. Trump believes the use of the autopen invalidates Biden's orders. If his administration can get the courts to agree, it could undo thousands of actions taken by the former president. It's unclear which documents from the Biden administration were signed by the then-president and which may have been signed by an electronic pen. Biden was pictured signing some orders while in office, including ones on the use of AI and on gun safety issues. The power of the president to issue pardons is also broad, and does not necessarily require a signature. This could limit Trump's scope if he tries to argue that the use of an autopen should reverse such decisions. His allies have pushed back on reports his mental and physical health were on the decline during his tenure. But a spate of recent books on his presidency have raised numerous questions about the matter. Trump also demanded a look into 'any activity, coordinated or otherwise, to purposefully shield the public from information regarding Biden's mental and physical health.' The Trump White House noted that the Biden administration issued 1,200 Presidential documents, appointed 235 judges to the Federal bench, and issued more pardons and commutations than any administration in United States history White House counsel David Warrington, along with Attorney General Pam Bondi, will lead the probe. Trump has been vocal as he rallied against the use of autopen since he returned to the White House, despite accepting he has used the technology in the past. 'I understand he signed almost everything with an auto pen,' Trump said of Biden last week. 'It really means you're not president.' The Trump White House noted that the Biden administration issued 1,200 Presidential documents, appointed 235 judges to the Federal bench, and issued more pardons and commutations than any administration in United States history. Wednesday's order could result in those multiple actions taken by Biden challenged in court. Previously, the courts have ruled use of the autopen legal but that was during the Obama administration and the makeup of judges has changed since then. Trump's order calls for Warrington and Bondi to investigate 'whether certain individuals conspired to deceive the public about Biden's mental state and unconstitutionally exercise the authorities and responsibilities of the President.' Trump also argued aides did not have the power to sign documents in Biden's name. 'If his advisors secretly used the mechanical signature pen to conceal this incapacity, while taking radical executive actions all in his name, that would constitute an unconstitutional wielding of the power of the Presidency, a circumstance that would have implications for the legality and validity of numerous executive actions undertaken in Biden's name,' he noted in the order. In Wednesday's White House press briefing, Fox News' Peter Doocy brought up the use of the autopen, arguing Biden's signature appeared different - and genuine - on certain documents, such as the pardon for his son Hunter Biden. 'The President is making a good point when he discusses the usage of the autopen and who was running the country for the past four years,' White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt replied. 'The American people deserve answers,' she added. An Elon Musk ally whose nomination to run NASA for Donald Trump was withdrawn the same day the 'First Buddy' departed the White House claims he lost his job out of revenge. Jared Isaacman, 42, had his nomination pulled Friday after a 'thorough review' of his 'prior associations,' Trump said. Isaacman has been a close collaborator with Musk ever since buying his first chartered flight on Musk's SpaceX company in 2021. It has been heavily speculated that Sergio Gor, an official in the White House Presidential Personnel Office, pushed Isaacman out the door over disputes with Musk and failure to consult him and other personnel officials on some decisions. Speaking to the All-In Podcast following his exit, Isaacman said that he still supports President Trump but suggests the speculation is correct. 'I mean, people can draw their own conclusions but I think the directions people are going in seems to check out to me,' Isaacman said. He even suggested that it wasn't personal between him and Trump, saying 'one person decided to make a move' to oust him. Isaacman also believes the nomination was withdrawn to coincide with his friend Musk parting ways with the administration. Jared Isaacman (pictured), 42, had his nomination pulled Friday after a 'thorough review' of his 'prior associations,' but suggested sentiment against his close ally Elon Musk led to his demise An Elon Musk ally whose nomination to run NASA for Donald Trump was withdrawn the same day the 'First Buddy' departed the White House 'I had a pretty good idea, I don't think the timing was much of a coincidence. Obviously, there was more than one departure that was covered on that day,' he said. Isaacman blamed 'some people' with 'axes to grind' against either him or Musk, saying he was a 'good, visible target.' He described someone, presumably Gor, as 'an influential advisor coming in and saying: 'Here's the facts and I think we gotta' kill this guy.'' 'I want to be overwhelmingly clear: I don't fault the president,' Isaacman added. The president maintains he backflipped on billionaire entrepreneur Jared Isaacman's appointment after learning of his past donations to the Democrats. But MAGA loyalists suspect Trump may have been set up to make the call by insiders who have it out for Elon Musk and are looking to hurt him by punishing his friend. Trump ally Laura Loomer wrote: 'There is reason to believe that Isaacman may be facing retaliation because of his friendship with Elon Musk. 'If so, this would suggest there is a coordinated hit job on Isaacman in an effort to damage ties between President Trump and Elon Musk before the 2026 midterms. Isaacman blamed 'some people' with 'axes to grind' against either him or Musk, saying he was a 'good, visible target' It has been heavily speculated that Sergio Gor (pictured), an official in the White House Presidential Personnel Office, pushed Isaacman out the door over disputes with Musk and failure to consult him and other personnel officials on some decisions 'Is President Trump aware of the ulterior motives by some individuals in the administration who have an interest in seeing Isaacman's nomination pulled?' The New York Times revealed on Sunday that Trump reportedly knew about Isaacman's donations from the moment he chose to nominate him to run NASA. Isaacman told All-In that he disclosed over the years he had donated to prominent Democrats, including in the past two campaign cycles. Musk has also donated to Democrats in the past, before going on to become the single largest benefactor to the MAGA movement during the last campaign in his push to see Trump return to the White House. Isaacman was selected by Trump at the height of his bromance with Musk, who has a long and storied connection with the fellow billionaire. It is understood that Musk lobbied for Isaacman's appointment and that Trump deferred to the SpaceX founder for the final decision. At the time, Trump described Isaacman as 'an accomplished business leader, philanthropist, pilot and astronaut.' He had been approved by a Senate committee and was headed to a confirmation vote this week when Trump suddenly pulled his nomination. The president gave Musk a heads up on Friday - his last day at the White House - that he intended to do so. Isaacman told All-In that he disclosed over the years he had donated to prominent Democrats, including in the past two campaign cycles Isaacman was selected by Trump at the height of his bromance with Musk, who has a long and storied connection with the fellow billionaire. It is understood that Musk lobbied for Isaacman's appointment and that Trump deferred to the SpaceX founder for the final decision. Pictured: Isaacman and Musk together Musk's time in the White House was fraught with tension and pushback from some of Trump's closest advisors, some of whom didn't like the access Musk had to the president and the power he wielded over departments with his Department of Government Efficiency. This has sparked rampant speculation that in the wake of his official departure as a Special Government Employee, that some of his foes are exacting revenge by getting in Trump's ear about Isaacman's nomination. Republican Senator and Trump ally Tim Sheehy wrote on X: 'Astronaut and successful businessman @RookIsaacman was a strong choice by President Trump to lead NASA. 'I was proud to introduce Jared at his hearing and strongly oppose efforts to derail his nomination.' It is understood that some of Trump's allies had been pressing him about Isaacman's donations to the Democrats in recent days, prompting Trump to renege on his offer. Loomer said despite his liberal ties, Isaacman was an ideal candidate to lead NASA, with 'unmatched credentials.' 'Isaacman was on track to get over 70 Senate votes. So why the sudden reversal and talks to pull his nomination?' she asked. 'Because the Deep State doesn't want President Trump to have allies like this in his administration.' Musk left his role less than a week ago and just days ahead of schedule, signing off with a warm X post praising Trump. However, he has since gone on a days-long rampage against Trump's landmark 'big, beautiful bill' and lamented the treatment of his baby-faced DOGE henchmen during his time in the White House White House assistant press secretary Liz Huston pushed back against any suggestion that the decision was not Trump's. 'The Administrator of NASA will help lead humanity into space and execute President Trump's bold mission of planting the American flag on the planet Mars,' she said. 'It's essential that the next leader of NASA is in complete alignment with President Trump's America First agenda and a replacement will be announced directly by President Trump soon.' And Trump himself appeared to quell concerns that he and Musk were on the outs on Sunday night, sharing a new picture to Truth Social of him with the former First Buddy and one of Musk's sons. Musk left his role less than a week ago and just days ahead of schedule, signing off with a warm X post praising Trump. However, he has since gone on a days-long rampage against Trump's landmark 'big, beautiful bill' and lamented the treatment of his baby-faced DOGE henchmen during his time in the White House. He said: 'I was disappointed to see the massive spending bill, frankly, which increases the budget deficit, not just decreases it.' And in the days since his departure, a laundry list of allegations have surfaced about the simmering tensions between Musk and a handful of Trump's other allies. Former Chief Strategist Steve Bannon told DailyMail.com that Musk's turbulent time in the White House was marred when he physically 'shoved' 62-year-old Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent after he was confronted over wild promises to save the administration 'a trillion dollars'. 'Scott Bessent called him out and said, 'You promised us a trillion dollars (in cuts), and now you're at like $100 billion, and nobody can find anything, what are you doing?'' the prominent MAGA figure revealed. 'And that's when Elon got physical. It's a sore subject with him. 'It wasn't an argument, it was a physical confrontation. Elon basically shoved him.' Bannon said the physical altercation came as the two billionaires moved from the Oval Office to outside Chief of Staff Susie Wiles' office, and then outside the office of the then National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz. 'Trump 100%' sided with Bessent after the clash, he added. 'I don't think Bessent has any bad blood, but he's got a job to do and he's going to do it.' The revelations of the Musk-Bessant clash follow an explosive New York Times report that alleged Musk was using a cocktail of drugs on the campaign trail including ketamine, ecstasy and psychedelic mushrooms. Bannon added that Musk also lost status in Trump's orbit when it was leaked to the New York Times in March that the billionaire was preparing to receive top-secret military briefings on China, which Trump abruptly stopped. 'People in the administration and the White House realized he didn't have any idea what he's doing,' Bannon said. 'They cauterized the damage.' Separately, reports claimed Musk insulted Marco Rubio, the Secretary of State, by accusing him in front of Trump, of not cutting back on his staff and clashed with Transport Secretary Sean Duffy for not firing enough air traffic controllers. He also called Peter Navarro, the architect of Trump's trade policy, 'a moron.' A teacher has been denied bail following accusations he groomed multiple children. Jayden Robert Carey, 30, was charged with 25 offences against children this week after Queensland Police allegedly discovered incriminating images on his devices. Carey was dismissed from his job teaching in Brisbane after he was charged with soliciting photos from several children in Tasmania and transferring them money. He fronted Brisbane Magistrates Court on Thursday for his bail application and the court heard Carey allegedly identified 'all the children' he is accused of abusing in a recorded police interview. Acting Magistrate Nigel Rees claimed there was strong evidence against Carey. 'He was in a position of trust and a position of authority and he's taken advantage of that,' Mr Rees said, the Courier Mail reported. Legal aid duty lawyer Lana Millar argued strict bail conditions would mitigate any risk Carey posed to the community. Among the suggested conditions was having no contact with children. Brisbane teacher Jayden Robert Carey (pictured) is accused of grooming children in Tasmania Ms Millar added her client had no prior criminal history. Mr Rees determined the allegations against Carey were 'very serious' and denied his bail application. The matter was adjourned for mention on July 14. Carey is facing six counts of grooming children under 16 by facilitating procurement of a child to engage in a sexual act, and three counts of grooming children under 12 by facilitating procurement of a child to engage in a sexual act (child or fictitious). He is also accused of nine counts of using the internet to procure children under 16, three counts of using the internet to procure children under 12, and one count each of possessing child exploitation material, using a carriage service to solicit child abuse material, attempting to use a carriage service to solicit child abuse material, and possessing tainted property. An upstate New York mayor and one of his predecessors have given wildly different versions of an apparent country club brawl that left one of them bruised and bloodied. Current Rome Mayor Jeffrey Lanigan and former Mayor Jim Brown allegedly got into a physical altercation Tuesday night at the Teugega Country Club. Brown claimed that Lanigan assaulted him in the parking lot and left him with a bloody injured arm that had to be treated at a local hospital. 'He body-slammed me into the car. He caught me off guard. I didn't see him coming,' Brown told the Daily Sentinel. Brown, who served as mayor from 2004 to 2011, said that he was walking to a car with another person when he was approached by Lanigan, who was elected in 2024. 'I'm talking to an individual straight like that, ok, and then all of a sudden, I didn't have time. [Lanigan] comes over and body blocks me right into the side of the car. Just boom,' the former mayor said. 'And then he looks me in the eye and says, "We don't want you here. We don't want you here." Twice.' However, Lanigan alleged that he approached Brown respectfully and that he tried to help his predecessor because he appeared intoxicated. Former Rome Mayor Jim Brown (pictured) claimed he was assaulted by his successor in a country club parking lot and left with a bloody injured arm Current Rome Mayor Jeffrey Lanigan (pictured) alleged that he approached Brown respectfully and that he tried to help his predecessor because he appeared intoxicated The two mayors allegedly sparred Tuesday night at the Teugega Country Club (pictured) 'Mayor Lanigan, and in an attempt to get his attention placed his hand on Mr. Brown's shoulder. Mr. Brown responded by flailing his arms and he became verbally aggressive,' his office told CNY Central. 'Recognizing Mr. Brown's apparent level of intoxication, Mayor Lanigan made the decision to escort him to his designated driver's vehicle a short distance away for his own safety. 'While assisting Mr. Brown into the car, the verbal dispute continued. No physical assault occurred, and the situation ended shortly thereafter.' Brown refuted Lanigan's version of events and claimed there is video evidence that supports his statement. 'It's a lie,' said Brown. 'There's footage. They have the footage, I think the Sheriff's Department has the video, because there's cameras on the parking lot.' Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol confirmed to local news outlets on Wednesday that his office took a complaint from Brown regarding the confrontation. 'We did receive a complaint from former Mayor Brown concerning an incident last night at the Teugega County Club involving current Mayor Lanigan,' Maciol said. 'Deputies have spoken to some witnesses and taken some witness depositions. Currently obtaining some potential video footage.' Brown (left) refuted Lanigan's (right) version of events and claimed there is video evidence that supports his statement As of Wednesday afternoon, no charges had been filed nor arrests had been made, according the local news. Lanigan claimed the two of them had been friends for years until recently when Brown started bashing 'his administration for no apparent reason.' 'Public life can bring moments of tension, and unfortunately, politics can be ugly. I am disappointed in Mr. Brown's recent public outbursts,' he said. 'As a former mayor and friend, I assumed I could speak to him in a respectful manner. Unfortunately, his level of intoxication impacted the conversation.' A commuter has died after he became trapped underneath a carriage on the Sydney Light Rail. The man aged in his 40s, was walking between two carriages when the tram began moving on Devonshire Street at the Surry Hills stop in the CBD at about 1.15pm on Thursday. The man, who is yet to be formally identified, died at the scene. Workers at the scene examined the connecting point between the two carriages in the aftermath of the tragedy. NSW Police has launched an investigation into how the tragedy unfolded. The man's body was later removed from the station. Rail regulators also attended the scene. 'At this stage, it is too early to provide any views or speculate on the cause of the incident,' Police Inspector Anderson Lessing said. 'We will work closely with the Rail Regulator and with Transdev, the operator of the service, to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation is conducted. A man was struck and killed by a light rail carriage in Surry Hills on Thursday He was run over by the tram at the Surry Hills stop The man was found trapped under a carriage and couldn't be revived Witnesses Stella (left) and Robin (right) saw 'probably 100' people running from the scene 'Once again, I would like to express my sincere condolences to those affected by this tragic incident.' A woman living in housing commission near the Surry Hills stop told Daily Mail Australia she 'heard screams'. A large tent and several blue tarps blocked the public's view of the operation with officers seen scolding several people who came too close. Witnesses Robin and Stella said they saw commuters running from the scene. 'There was a crowd coming down Devonshire and then sirens blaring up here. We didn't hear nothing, didn't see nothing, but with the amount of security personnel, fire engines and rescue cops, we figured it was something bad,' Robin said. 'Probably about 100 people just started running and saying, 'Don't go up there'.' L2 and L3 light rail services between Moore Park and Circular Quay have been disruptions with delays expected well into Thursday night. Commuters are urged to used alternative travel options. L2 and L3 services weren't running between Moore Park and Central on Thursday afternoon Dozens of emergency responders attended the scene on Thursday afternoon 'We understand the public is eager to know how they'll be getting home this evening,' Insp Lessing said. 'There is currently no light rail service operating between Circular Quay and Moore Park. We are working as quickly as possible to reinstate services between Central Station and Circular Quay. 'In the meantime, we have deployed additional buses along the L2 and L3 routes to assist passengers - particularly school children and others needing to get home. 'We appreciate your patience during this disruption.' The L1 line is running to its usual timetable. The news comes a little over two years after 16-year-old Kyra Dulguime was killed by a light rail in Sydney CBD. An investigation into the tragic man's death continues. A tent and several blue tarps blocked the public's view of the operation In May 2023, the teen tried to cross the tracks between two carriages when the tram was stopped at a red light at the near the light rail stop in Chinatown. When the tram suddenly started moving, she became trapped under one of the carriages and was dragged up the road before the driver came to a stop. Police and fire crews battled for nearly two hours to free the girl from the tracks, but she later died at the scene. A second Australian arrested in Bali over alleged drug offences in as many weeks will avoid trafficking charges that could have seen him sentenced to death. Puridas Robinson, 40, from Queensland, was paraded in front of local media by the Bali Branch National Narcotic Agency (BNN) on Thursday following police allegedly finding a stash of marijuana at his West Denpasar villa. He was among 21 people arrested by the agency during April and May in a crackdown on illicit drugs on the popular holiday island. Aside from Robinson, there were four other foreigners in the group including two from Kazakhstan, one from the US and an Indian man, Harsh Vardhan Nowlakha, 31, who allegedly tipped detectives off about Robinson. The head of the drugs eradication unit at BNN, Senior Commander Made Sinar Subawa, told Daily Mail Australia Robinson will only be charged with drug possession, which carries a maximum 12 years prison term if he is found guilty, and that trafficking charges would be dropped. Robinson was arrested following the arrest of Nowlakha at Bali Airport last Thursday when he arrived from Los Angeles allegedly carrying 600g of marijuana. Nowlakha allegedly told investigators that he brought the drugs for Robinson and police followed him to Robinson's address where they swooped and searched the property. Robinson denied that he ordered the drugs. Australian Puridas Robinson was arrested in Bali after an Indian man was allegedly found at the airport with 600g of marijuana The Indian who arrived from LA said Robinson had ordered the drugs but he denied the allegations 'We could not find enough evidence to prove that the drugs seized from Nowlakha was ordered by Robinson. So we will only charged him with article 111 that carries a maximum 12 years prison term,' Made Sinar said. 'Therefore, the investigator decided to drop article 114 that was planned to be used.' But he confirmed Nowlakha was was still likely to be charged with the more serious article 113 and 114 of the drug law regarding importing narcotics. In Indonesia, marijuana is a Class 1 narcotic along with heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, LSD, and MDMA. While investigators could not prove Robinson ordered the drugs that Nowlakha allegedly brought into the country, they did allegedly find 20 grams of marijuana in Robinson's house. Robinson's arrest is just days after a fellow Queenslander was arrested for alleged cocaine trafficking in a separate drug bust. Lamar Ahchee, 43, was arrested in Canggu, a coastal village on the south-west coast of Bali, on May 22 accused of trafficking 1.8kg of cocaine worth $1.1m onto the tourist island. Indian national Harsh Vardhan Nowlakha, 31, (left) allegedly tipped detectives off about Puridas Robinson (right) Robinson will only be charged with possession and not importing or trafficking drugs (stock) The arrest in Bali was a week after fellow Aussie Lamar Ahchee (pictured) was detained over alleged cocaine trafficking Police allege the Cairns man, who is the son of former Queensland senior constable Les Ahchee, collected two parcels of cocaine concealed in chocolate boxes , each containing 54 individual packets of the drug. Ahchee has denied being a drug dealer and claimed that he was 'framed'. Ahchee, a confessed drug addict, allegedly tested positive for drugs while in custody. His lawyer Edward Pangkahila said Ahchee denied any involvement in drug trafficking. 'He's telling me that honestly, he doesn't know what was inside,'Mr Pangkahila said. 'We're still looking for that somebody who tell him to take this package.' Russia killed three generations of a family - including a one-year-old baby - as Vladimir Putin unleashed his vengeance for Ukrainian strikes that destroyed his strategic bomber aircraft. The attack came just hours after Donald Trump spoke with Putin. The US President said the Russian leader 'very strongly' told him that Russia will retaliate for Ukraine's weekend drone attacks on four air bases. The US assesses the attack hit as many as 20 Russian warplanes, destroying around 10 of them, according to two officials - a figure that is about half the number estimated by Zelensky but was still humiliating to Moscow. Putin kept to his word that Russia would hit back, launching devastating strikes on civilians in Chernihiv and Kharkiv, as Ukraine's President Zelensky warned that the despot 'feels impunity' and 'is showing the middle finger to the entire world'. At least six people were killed and six more wounded in hospital after last night's onslaught by Russia in Pryluky, regional governor Viacheslav Chaus said. According to him, six Shahed-type drones struck residential areas of the eastern city early Thursday morning, causing severe damage to residential buildings. Among the dead were a woman, 46, her daughter, 26, and grandson, 16 months, who police said were found under rubble. Hours later, seventeen people were wounded in a Russian drone strike on the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv early Thursday, including children, a pregnant woman, and a 93-year-old woman, according to regional authorities. A firefighter stands by a fire and points to a hole following a drone strike in Kharkiv on June 5 According to authorities, six Shahed-type drones struck residential areas of Pryluky early Thursday morning, causing severe damage to residential buildings At least six people were killed and six more wounded in hospital after last night's onslaught by Russia in Pryluky, local authorities said Damage to Kherson Regional State Administration building after reports say it was hit by a Russian gliding aerial bomb overnight Firefighters put out the fire following Russia's overnight drone attack in the Pryluky, Chernihiv region A satellite image shows a destroyed TU 22 aircraft in the aftermath of a drone strike at the Belaya air base, Irkutsk region, Russia A satellite image shows a cleanup of debris in the aftermath of a drone strike at the Olenya air base, Russia, after Ukrainian drone strikes The attack came just hours after Donald Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin At around 1.05 am, Shahed-type drones struck two apartment buildings in the city's Slobidskyi district, causing fires and destroying several private vehicles. 'By launching attacks while people sleep in their homes, the enemy once again confirms its tactic of insidious terror,' regional head Oleh Syniehubov wrote on Telegram. One Russian drone hit the 16th floor of a residential building, while another struck the wall of a five-story building. Among the wounded were children whose ages were given as 13, nine and seven. Mayor Ihor Terekhov called it 'targeted terror' against civilians by the Putin regime. One woman resident of Kharkiv region said: 'I am recording this at 2am, I can't sleep. The night started with a strike of Iskander around 11pm, and then the drones came. 'I went to the bathroom first, it's my temporary shelter number one, but then there were six explosions one after another, so I am saying this on the way to the basement. 'Praying to God I'll be out alive in the morning.' Russia also launched a missile strike on a Ukrainian military training camp in Poltava region, leaving a number injured. The US embassy in Kyiv has warned about the threat of major new Russian airstrikes after Putin told Trump he 'will have to respond' to Ukraine's June 1 drone attacks on Russia - dubbed Operation Spiderweb. Firefighters work to extinguish a blaze in Odesa, where a Russian drone strike hit a medical facility, a children's centre and a high school A view of completely destroyed medical facility building in Odesa after Russian strikes Smoke rises from a building in Odesa after a Russian drone strike on the southern city Ukrainian search and rescue teams and local fire brigades work at the scene of a strike Russian aircraft were damaged but not destroyed in the attack, and will be restored, the country's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov insisted in an interview with the state news agency TASS. 'The equipment in question, as was also stated by representatives of the Ministry of Defence, was not destroyed but damaged. It will be restored,' Ryabkov said. But US officials described the attack as highly significant, with one of them cautioning that it could drive Moscow to a far more severe negotiating position in the US-brokered talks to end more than three years of war. Zelensky said he would consider creating private armies which are used by Putin, for example the notorious Wagner military company. 'I will now start thinking about it after such ultimatums,' he said. 'Facts are stubborn things. Since the beginning of this year, the Russian army has carried out strikes on Ukraine using almost 27,700 aerial bombs, almost 11,200 Shaheds and almost 9,000 strike drones of other types, as well as more than 700 missiles, including ballistic ones. A column of flames and black smoke rises over a targeted plane during Ukraine's Operation Spiderweb Smoke billows in multiple locations across a Russian airfield following the extensive drone strikes New satellite images of Belaya airbase have shown severe damage to at least three Tu-95s, according to analysts The strikes took place on Sunday, with footage released today showing flames engulfing aircraft at four military airfields (pictured Belaya Airbase) 'This is in less than half a year. This is the pace of Russian strikes, and they have taken this pace in Russia quite deliberately from the first days of a full-scale war. 'Russia has rebuilt its state, social and economic system in order to be able to kill people in other countries with impunity and on a massive scale.' After Trump's phone conversation with Putin, Zelensky said: 'Many have spoken to Russia at various levels. 'No talks have led not only to a reliable peace, but even to an end to the war. Head of the Ukraine's Security Service Vasyl Maliuk looks at a map of an airfield, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in an unknown location in Ukraine 'Unfortunately, Putin feels impunity and, even after all the terrible Russian strikes, he is allegedly preparing some more 'responses'.' Calling for new sanctions and pressure, he said: 'If the world reacts weakly to Putin's threats, then he perceives this as the world's readiness to turn a blind eye to his actions. 'When he does not feel strength and pressure, but feels weakness, he always commits new crimes. 'He regards such an attitude as tacit permission - permission for new atrocities, new blows, new murders.' A 25-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty as part of an investigation into the discovery of 37 dead dogs at an animal rescue centre in Essex after more remains were found. Essex Police confirmed the woman, from London, was arrested on Wednesday afternoon and remains in custody. The arrest comes after officers, alongside the RSPCA and Basildon Council, uncovered 37 dead dogs during a joint visit to a property in Crays Hill, Billericay, last month. Police have now confirmed the remains of four additional animals have also been found at the same site. The original scene was stood down on May 14, but further investigations were carried out this week after a member of the public came forward with new information. The fresh remains were found when buildings on the site were dismantled by the landowner in coordination with officers. Police said they are working to 'respectfully remove' the latest remains and determine whether they are linked to the ongoing investigation. So far, 21 live animals have been recovered from the property. Officers from Essex Police, who were accompanied by RSPCA inspectors and council officials, found the dogs after visiting a property in Crays Hill, Billericay, on Tuesday Frank (above) was sent to Save a Paw by her owner who drove from Essex to Scotland believing she had found the 'perfect home' for him Ovaeed Rahman, 25, of Crays Hill, was previously charged with causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, one offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, and three counts of fraud by false representation. He appeared before Southend Magistrates' Court last month and was remanded in custody ahead of a plea hearing at Basildon Crown Court on June 9. A second man, arrested on suspicion of fraud relating to dog ownership and animal cruelty, remains on conditional bail until July. Inspector Steve Parry, of the Basildon Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: 'We understand the concerns of the local community. 'We would ask people not to speculate and allow us to carry out our complex and thorough investigations.' As previously reported by MailOnline, the operation followed reports to Action Fraud and unsubstantiated concerns raised online about Save A Paw in Crays Hill, Essex, which is owned by Rahman. Ovaeed Rahman (above) from Hope Road in Crays Hill, Billericay, has been charged with a series of offences Save A Paw takes in dogs from people who can no longer look after them or mistreated pets and offers to find them new owners in loving homes. Dog rescues do not have to be registered like a kennel with the local council and take donations rather than charge fees. An online biography states Rahman has 'operated his one-man rescue since late 2024 and he claims to have rehabilitated and rehomed dozens of reactive large-breed dogs'. In a recent Facebook post Rahman confronted negative claims, writing: 'Ive personally taken down few dog fighters and saved their dogs with staples and all sorts of dodgy repairs to their bodies. 'I taken in the worst of worst kind of dogs reactive with bite history then rehabilitate them.' Supporters posted comments including: 'Ignore the haters - those of us who know you and who have actually visited your rescue know its lies.' The rescue home's website states: 'At Save a Paw UK, were dedicated to rescuing and rehoming dogs in need, giving them a second chance at life.' Nine people have been injured after a Ryanair flight was hit by severe turbulence, with crew and passengers left in tears and the plane forced to make an emergency landing. The Berlin to Milan flight encountered thunderstorms over southern Germany, with reports that people were thrown from their seats into the cabin ceiling as the plane was buffeted. One terrified passenger recounted to German outlet BILD: 'I've never been scared before - but at that moment, I thought the plane was going to break apart or roll over!' Several passengers are reported to have been out of their seats when the plane was struck by the turbulence, with a mother and baby said to have been on the toilet when the plane was shaken. Some passengers claimed that they were not sufficiently warned to put their safety belts on, according to BILD. The severe conditions forced an unscheduled landing in Memmingen, southern Germany, where pictures show the passenger jet on the tarmac alongside emergency vehicles. Passengers were reportedly kept on the plane for several hours leaving the shaken travellers 'irritable' and 'agitated'. Emergency services met passengers off the plane after the flight's captain requested medical assistance ahead of landing. The Berlin to Milan flight encountered storms over southern Germany and was forced to make an emergency landing in Memmingen Pictures show the passenger jet on the tarmac in Memmingen alongside emergency vehicles Pictures shared online by one passenger show medics and emergency responders on board Ryanair said in a statement that a replacement flight had been arranged to take passengers to Milan and apologised to those affected The landing in Memmingen is said to have been 'safe and without incident'. There were 179 passengers on the plane and six crew members. Three of those who were injured were reportedly hospitalised, including a two-year-old who suffered bruises, a woman who sustained a head laceration and another passenger who had back pain. Other passengers were treated for injuries at the scene, police said. Pictures shared online by one passenger show medics and emergency responders on board, and later assisting people in the Memmingen airport waiting room. Ryanair said last night that a replacement flight had been arranged to take passengers to Milan and apologised to those affected. Police, however, had said in their Wednesday statement that the airline was organising a bus transfer because local aviation authorities did not immediately clear onwards flights. In a statement today the airline said: 'FR8 from Berlin to Milan on 4th June diverted to Memmingen after experiencing some air turbulence. 'To get passengers to their final destination as quickly as possible, we arranged for alternative transport from Memmingen to Milan that night, as well as a replacement flight this morning. We sincerely apologise to passengers affected by this diversion.' Ryanair warned of possible disruptions to its service to and from Germany due to severe weather on Wednesday. Storms battered the region last night, with strong winds ripping the roofs off multiple homes and causing damage to others, leaving some inhabitable. Officials believe that a small tornado could have struck the area, with Germany's weather service said to be investigating what caused the destruction. Last month, footage showed terrified passengers screaming as severe turbulence, a hail storm and a bird strike struck a flight over India. Last month, footage showed terrified passengers screaming as severe turbulence, a hail storm and a bird strike struck a flight over India In November, extreme turbulence threw people into the cabin ceiling when it hit a passenger jet flying from Stockholm to Miami, throwing people into the ceiling (pictured) The flight bound for Srinagar departing from the capital, New Delhi, was subjected to extreme weather conditions on Wednesday. Videos taken from inside the cabin show the moment panic spread, with people heard screaming as flashes of lightning illuminated the inside of the plane. In March, five passengers were injured by extreme turbulence that forced a United Express flight to make an emergency landing in Texas. And in November, extreme turbulence threw people into the cabin ceiling when it hit a passenger jet flying from Stockholm to Miami, forcing the plane to turn around and head back to Europe. The Scandinavian Airlines flight, which was supposed to take over nine hours, was almost at its destination when it had to make a U-turn and head all the way back. After experiencing the turbulence over Greenland, the packed aircraft returned to a base in Copenhagen to undergo checks over concerns about technical issues. A passenger on the flight, who was travelling with his wife, posted footage showing screaming passengers as the plane was rattled by the turbulence. A woman sitting in his row is then flung upwards. 'Look at her feet touching the [ceiling]!' he wrote. 'I thought we were going to [die]'. The bodies of an Israeli couple killed in Hamas' deadly October 7 attack and held in Gaza have been returned to Israel. 'In a special operation by the (security agency) and the (military) in the Gaza Strip, the bodies of two of our hostages held by the murderous terrorist organisation Hamas were returned to Israel: Judy Weinstein-Haggai and Gad Haggai from Kibbutz Nir Oz, may their memory be blessed,' President Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement on Thursday. 'Judy and Gad were murdered on October 7 and abducted to the Gaza Strip,' he added. 'Together with all the citizens of Israel, my wife and I extend our heartfelt condolences to the dear families. Our hearts ache for the most terrible loss,' he added. Their bodies were recovered from the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis. Kibbutz Nir Oz announced the deaths of Weinstein and Haggai, both in their early 70s, in December 2023. The couple were taking an early morning walk near their home in Kibbutz Nir Oz on the morning of October 7 when Hamas militants burst across the border into Israel, killing about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting 251. In the early hours of the morning, Judy was able to call emergency services and let them know that both she and her husband had been shot and send a message to her family. The bodies of Israeli couple Gad and Judy Haggai killed in Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack and held in Gaza have been returned to Israel Kibbutz Nir Oz announced the deaths of the couple, both in their early 70s, in December 2023 The couple were taking an early morning walk near their home in Kibbutz Nir Oz on the morning of October 7 when Hamas militants launched their attack The couple were survived by two sons and two daughters and seven grandchildren, the kibbutz said. Gad was a US-Israeli dual citizen and worked as a cook in the kibbutz dining hall. He was also described as a talented musician and had played in the Israel Defense Forces Orchestra during his military service. The father-of-two moved to the United States after his army days and used his saxophone skills to pursue a passion for jazz. He returned to Israel several years later, where he met Judy and the two got married. Judy taught English to children with special needs at the kibbutz, as well as meditation techniques to children and teenagers with anxiety. After Gad and Judy were taken hostage, their son Ahl pleaded for their safe return. He said he had seen his parents just three days before the terrorist attacks, and fondly recalled his final interaction with his parents, who he called his 'inspiration.' 'Dad and I always argued about every subject under the sun,' he said. 'And on that Wednesday when they came to visit us, he said 'not today, let's not argue'... and we parted with a hug.' Judi was able to call emergency services and let them know that both she and her husband had been shot and send a message to her family Gad and Judi pictured with family He said he found out about the October 7 attacks as he was woken up by a phone call from his sister, but he said at that point he 'didn't yet know there were terrorists in the kibbutz.' 'I tried to call my parents, my mom's phone rang once and it disconnected,' he continued. 'Dad's phone rang three times and it disconnected.' 'The situation became clear to me, that the kibbutz is under attack and people are being murdered, homes set on fire. 'On Sunday we were informed that their phones pinged in Gaza... it's awful, I feel that I'm stuck in the same place and the world goes on. 'In some ways, I don't have my home. I ask the Israeli government, the countries of the world, Hamas, Qatar, whoever is involved, bring my parents home.' The return of the couples' bodies to Israel comes days after Hamas said it is willing to release 10 living Israeli hostages and hand over the bodies of 18 others in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, but only if key amendments are made to a US-backed ceasefire plan that Israel has already accepted. Israel is now in control of large parts of Gaza and has killed at least 50,021 Palestinians since October 7, according to Gaza's health ministry, as Israel continues its air and ground war on the enclave. It was launched following the cross-border Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023. In a dramatic development earlier this week, the terror group submitted its counterproposal to a framework drawn up by Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump's special envoy to the Middle East. While the response stopped short of outright rejection, it has been widely condemned as a stalling tactic amid mounting international pressure. Witkoff slammed the Hamas reply as 'totally unacceptable', warning the group was dragging out negotiations and putting lives at risk. 'Hamas should accept the framework proposal we put forward as the basis for proximity talks, which we can begin immediately this coming week. Gaza residents are seen leaving with their belongings using horse-drawn carts, vehicles, or on foot, seeking safety in other areas as Palestinians continue to flee the Amal neighborhood in Khan Yunis after the Israeli army issued urgent evacuation warnings ahead of a possible Israeli attacks on Gaza on June 04, 2025 Palestinians receive clean drinking water, distributed by a water tanker, as they face difficulties in accessing water due to the ongoing Israeli attacks in Gaza City, Gaza on June 3, 2025 The return of the couples' bodies to Israel comes days after Hamas said it is willing to release 10 living Israeli hostages and hand over the bodies of 18 others in exchange for Palestinian prisoners Mourners gather during the funeral of Palestinians who were killed, according to medics, in Israeli strikes, at Al-Shifa hospital, in Gaza City, June 4 Israel is now in control of large parts of Gaza and has killed at least 50,021 Palestinians since October 7 'That is the only way we can close a 60-day ceasefire deal in the coming days.' Under the current US proposal, details of which remain largely confidential, the plan includes a 60-day pause in hostilities, the release of 28 Israeli hostages both living and deceased in the first week, the release of 1,236 Palestinian prisoners and 180 bodies, and a surge of humanitarian aid delivered via the UN and partner agencies. Fifty-eight Israeli hostages remain and Israel believes 35 of them are dead. But Hamas, which the UK, US, and EU classify as a terrorist organisation, is digging in. It continues to demand a permanent ceasefire, a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and guaranteed access to humanitarian aid - conditions not included in the deal currently on the table. 'While Israel has agreed to the updated Witkoff outline for the release of our hostages, Hamas continues to adhere to its refusal,' it said. Israeli officials maintain they are open to a temporary truce, but insist on the right to resume military operations if necessary. This is a breaking story, more to follow. Ed Miliband is said to have fought off curbs to Net Zero projects as the spending review looms. Ministers have been frantically haggling ahead of Chancellor Rachel Reeves unveiling departmental budgets next Wednesday. But Mr Miliband has now settled with the Treasury after successfully defending the massive 13billion warm homes insulation project. Negotiations also appear to be complete with Bridget Phillipson's education department, while Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is believed to be close to agreement. That seems to leave Angela Rayner as the last hold-out, amid wrangling over money for housing and local government. The process has become increasingly scratchy as Ms Reeves struggles to balance the books - with stalling growth and looming climbdowns on winter fuel allowance and benefits adding to her problems. Allies of the Chancellor dismissed the idea she had 'lost' negotiations against Mr Miliband. Economists have been warning that Ms Reeves faces having to hike taxes again and potentially breaking her fiscal rules. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has warned ministers will not get 'everything they want' in the spending review due next Wednesday Ed Miliband is now thought to have settled with the Treasury after successfully defending the massive 13billion warm homes insulation project But in a speech yesterday Ms Reeves defiantly signalled she will stick to her 'non-negotiable' rules, and repeated the Labour manifesto commitment not to increase employee income tax, national insurance or VAT. She acknowledged ministers will not get 'everything they want' in the spending review. But she urged them to recognise 'this is a result of 14 years of Conservative maltreatment of our public services'. 'Over the next week you will hear a lot of debate about my so-called self-imposed fiscal rules,' she said. 'Contrary to some conventional wisdom, I didn't want to come into politics because I care passionately about fiscal rules. 'I came into politics because I want to make a difference to the lives of working people, because I believe as strongly now as I did when I was inspired to join the Labour Party almost 30 years ago that every person should have the same opportunities to thrive and to succeed.' She added: 'I know that economic responsibility and social justice go hand-in-hand.' After claiming a Reform UK government would repeat the 'reckless borrowing' of the Liz Truss era, Ms Reeves said: 'Let's be clear: It is not me imposing borrowing limits on Government, those limits are the product of economic reality.' Ms Reeves said despite a 190billion increase in funding over the spending review period 'not every department will get everything that they want next week and I have had to say no to things that I want to do too'. 'That's not because of my fiscal rules. It is a result of 14 years of Conservative maltreatment of our public services, our public realm and of our economy. NATO nations must raise their defence spending to five per cent and end 'reliance' on the United States, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth told NATO allies today. 'Our message is going to continue to be clear,' Hegseth said during a meeting with NATO counterparts in Brussels. 'It's a deterrence and peace through strength, but it can't be reliance. It cannot and will not be reliance on America in a world of a lot of threats.' Hegseth, standing alongside NATO chief Mark Rutte, repeated calls made in February for Europe to take more involvement in defence as the US pivots east. 'Every shoulder has to be to the plough,' he said. 'Every country has to contribute at that level of 5% as a recognition of the threat.' He did soften some of the rhetoric employed earlier this year, assuring allies that the US is 'proud to be here' and to 'stand with our allies', while urging NATO members to shoulder more of the financial burden. Arriving in Brussels this morning, Rutte told reporters he expects allies will 'agree on capability targets' today. 'What we will do today is to decide what do we need...to defend ourselves,' he said. 'So, as you know, to prepare for war, spend more. And when you originally prepared for war, you will not be attacked.' Pete Hegseth speaks as he delivers remarks with NATO Secretary General before a Defence Ministers meeting at the NATO headquarters, in Brussels, on June 5, 2025 NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte (R) and US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth deliver remarks in Brussels, on June 5, 2025 British soldiers take part in urban combat exercises during a joint military manoeuvre between the French and British army at the Sissonne camp, France on April 22, 2025 Hegseth told reporters ahead of today's summit in Brussels that he believes the five per cent defence and security spending commitment 'will happen'. 'We're here to continue the work that President Trump started, which is a commitment to 5% defence spending across the alliance, which we think will happen,' he said. The US president has said NATO allies should boost investment in defence to 5% of gross domestic product, up from the current target of 2%. 'To be an alliance, you got to be more than flags. You got to be formations,' Hegseth reiterated as he arrived on Thursday. 'You got to be more than conferences. You need to be, keep combat ready capabilities.' Still, most partners are some way off the 5% target sought by the United States. All members increased their military spending in 2024 against the backdrop of the War in Ukraine. Total military spending amounted to $1506bn, or 55% of global military expenditure, with 18 of 32 members spending at least 2% of GDP on their militaries, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Of that sum, the US alone spent $997bn, or 66% of the bloc's total spend. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky holds briefing in Kyiv, June 4, 2025 Ukrainian servicemen prepare to fire a BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launch system towards Russian troops, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Donetsk region, Ukraine June 3, 2025 Ukrainian soldiers fire a BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launch system towards Russian troops, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Donetsk region, Ukraine June 3, 2025 Poland, one of the most rapidly militarising members, is expected to spend 4.7% on defence in 2025. Sir Keir Starmer unveiled the long-awaited strategic defence review (SDR) at the Govan shipbuilding yard in Scotland this week, setting out a path to transform Britain's defence capabilities over the next decade. 'As the UK steps up to take on more responsibility for European security, we must have a NATO first defence policy and lead within the Alliance,' a statement from the Ministry of Defence read, issued Monday. 'The UK will become the leading edge of innovation in NATO.' The review, compiled by a team led by Labour peer and former NATO chief Lord George Robertson, made a total of 62 recommendations to make Britain war ready, including: An 'ambition to reach 3%' GDP spending in the next parliament - but no hard commitment; Building up to 12 attack submarines for the Royal Navy via the AUKUS alliance with Australia and the United States; Investment of 15bn in Britain's sovereign warhead programme in this parliament; Investment in munitions and building at least six new energetics and munitions factories in the UK, creating more than 1,000 jobs; Increasing the size of the regular Army from 73,000 to 76,000 in the next parliament; A Defence Readiness Bill, giving the government 'additional powers' to support the mobilisation of industry and Reserves for war-readiness; Wider MoD spending on novel technologies each year, with ambitions to become a leading tech-enabled defence power' by 2035. Vladimir Putin pictured during a meeting at the Kremlin, in Moscow, on June 3, 2025 Ukrainian soldiers take part in urban combat exercises at a British Army military base in Northern England on June 2, 2023 European defence companies welcomed the review. Hugo Vanbockryck, Senior Vice President, Market Area Europe at Patria, told MailOnline: 'The Strategic Defence Review represents a significant and welcome shift in the UK's approach to defence preparedness and industrial strategy.' 'We fully support the UK government's commitment to rebuilding defence capabilities and strengthening alliances. 'Putin's illegal invasion of Ukraine has underscored the need for deeper collaboration among European allies and the importance of warfighting readiness, principles clearly reflected in the Review's NATO-first doctrine.' The Finnish defence company earlier this year agreed a partnership with London's Babcock to develop a 6x6 Armoured Personnel Carrier to be offered to the UK Armed Forces. Economists warned that tax rises may be needed to fund proposals outlined in the strategic defence review. This is the shocking moment a passerby confronts two suspected fly-tippers he believes were dumping a sofa at a national park beauty spot. Niall Howard, 32, has been hailed a hero for ordering the couple, who he spotted taking the furniture from a large white Mercedes van, to take it back away with them. He was driving through the Peak District National Park on Monday to visit family in Meltham, West Yorkshire, when he spotted the couple who appeared to be dumping the sofa. The outraged conservation worker blocked the pair into a lay-by with his pick-up truck and challenged them, shouting 'what are you doing?' as he filmed. Mr Howard said: 'It's a beautiful part of the world up in the countryside, I think there's enough parts of this country that look a disgrace, and the countryside is something that, especially in West Yorkshire, is a part of the area we can be proud of. 'To see it being treated like a skip, it's annoying I'm a great believer in if you find somewhere you leave it as good as you find it or better, you don't turn it in to a dustbin.' He added the couple tried to protest that they were just selling the sofa on the lay-by, which is located near Wessenden Head Reservoir, but believes this is a lie. He said: 'I knew they were lying, nobody goes into the middle of the moors to sell a sofa - who does that? Niall Howard, 32, has been hailed a hero for ordering the couple he spotted disposing of the furniture from a large white Mercedes van to take it back away with them The outraged conservation worker blocked the pair in to a lay-by with his pick-up truck and challenged them, shouting 'what are you doing?' as he filmed He added the couple tried to protest that they were just selling the sofa on the lay-by, which is located near Wessenden Head Reservoir, but believes this is a lie 'I'd witnessed him launching it, so his cock and bull story I knew he were trying to think of something on the spot. 'If that sofa was for sale, the way he threw it out the back of his van it wasn't going to be in very good condition for anybody buying it.' On social media, the 32-year-old was praised for stepping in. One commenter said: 'Finally, someone who stops to confront them. Well done Niall.' Another added: 'Absolute hero, I hate fly tippers so much.' Mr Howard said: 'I think my problem is that I'm old school. 'No offence to the new generations coming through, but back in the day if you did something and it wasn't right every body used to call you out on it. 'Today, people are more afraid of getting in trouble for trying to do the right thing.' He has since reported the incident to the police. West Yorkshire Police has been contacted for comment Donald Trump has dramatically banned the citizens of 12 countries from entering the US in a bid to 'protect Americans from dangerous foreign actors'. Announcing the move from the Oval Office, the president said 'we don't want 'em' before referencing a recent attack in Boulder, Colorado where 12 people were injured when an Egyptian man attacked a group gathering in support of Israeli hostages. The ban, which is set to begin on June 9, will apply to citizens of Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. Those from another seven countries - Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela - will be hit by a partial ban. Citizens from all these nations are still allowed to travel to the UK, so what hoops do they have to jump through to come here? In most cases, anyone wishing to travel to Britain from all 19 countries would need to apply for a visa. These are categorised by the purpose they are intended for, including work, study, leisure visits, or joining family, with different rules for each. Most long-term visas require applicants to provide a copy of their passport and documents proving their work status and access to finances. Home Office workers will check each applicant's eligibility for the visa and whether their application is accurate and complies with official requirements. Background checks may also be carried out, although the exact nature of these is unclear. Visa applications are generally refused if they are found to be incomplete, inaccurate, or the applicant has a history of immigration violations. There is also the option to bar people from the UK - such as hate preachers - if their presence is deemed 'not conducive to the public good'. Donald Trump has banned citizens from 12 countries - so what are the rules around them coming to the UK? Announcing the move from the Oval Office, the president said 'we don't want 'em' Your browser does not support iframes. Specific criminal record checks are only required to obtain work visas for specific jobs, including teaching and medical roles. Some additional requirements, such as tests for diseases like Tuberculosis for citizens from countries like Equatorial Guinea. It costs 524 to apply for a student visa from outside the UK, in addition to a 776 immigration health surcharge. Some 192,000 visas were granted to main applicants in all work categories in the year ending March 2025, 39 per cent down on the previous 12 months. However, that was still 40 per cent more than in 2019. Most UK visa applicants have to present their visa documents at a UK visa application centre in their home country. However, Afghans are required to go to a neighbouring country as there are no functioning centres in Taliban-governed Afghanistan. Aside from applying through a mainstream visa route, there are also two special schemes open to Afghans who have worked with the UK Government or those seen as particularly vulnerable, such as LGBT people. Afghanistan is the second most common country of origin for UK asylum claimants, many of whom arrive in small boats. They are only able to apply for asylum after arriving on UK soil, after which they will be screened by an immigration officer and told to wait until their application is either accepted or refused. Mr Trump cited the recent terror attack in Boulder, Colorado as an example of why such a ban is a necessary step to keep Americans safe Your browser does not support iframes. It is during this waiting period that asylum seekers are often put up in taxpayer-funded hotels. One notable absence from Mr Trump's ban list was Egypt - where the Boulder terror suspect came from. Mohamed Soliman was residing in the US illegally with his wife and five children when he allegedly firebombed pro-Israel demonstrators, injuring 12 of them. Mr Trump has raised the possibility that Egypt could be added onto his no-fly list. 'We don't want 'em,' he said bluntly in a video released shortly after the ban was announced. 'Very simply, we cannot have open migration from any country where we cannot safely and reliably vet and screen.' Mr Trump said he hopes their efforts will 'confirm the adequacy of its current screening and vetting capabilities.' He said the tragedy in Boulder 'underscored the extreme dangers posed to our country by the entry of foreign nationals who are not properly vetted. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. 'We've seen one terror attack after another from foreign visa overstayers... thanks to Biden's open door policies today there are millions and millions of these illegals who should not be in our country.' Several of the nations facing bans have been targeted because their screening and vetting capabilities are not up to the president's standards, putting Egypt on high alert. Afghanistan, Eritrea, Libya, Sudan and Yemen were all placed on the banned list in part due to limited screening and vetting measures, Trump noted. White House Deputy Press Secretary Abigail Jackson wrote on X: 'President Trump is fulfilling his promise to protect Americans from dangerous foreign actors that want to come to our country and cause us harm. 'These commonsense restrictions are country-specific and include places that lack proper vetting, exhibit high visa overstay rates, or fail to share identity and threat information. 'President Trump will ALWAYS act in the best of interest of the American people and their safety.' A convicted Somalian knife attacker has won a human rights case to stay in the UK because he is a member of a clan that faces persecution in his home country. Abdilahi Essa Darwish, 41, was jailed for violence and wielding a blade in 2021 but has since won an immigration case after an asylum tribunal ruled he could be in danger if sent back. The Home Office tried to deport Darwish after his conviction four years ago but a judge said it was a violation of his human rights. In Somalia, Darwish was part of a minority tribe and it was found that he would face 'persecution' if he was returned to the east African nation. Now he has been granted protection in the UK. The Upper Tribunal of the Immigration and Asylum Chamber was told that Darwish originally came to Britain in June 2001 and claimed asylum that summer. The hearing in Bradford, was told he was granted Indefinite Leave to Remain in 2002 because he qualified as a refugee due to his clan membership. He was a member of the Shanshiya tribe, which is a sub-clan of the minority Reer Hamar clan, from the town of Afgoye, which is on the south coast of Somalia near the capital Mogadishu. Pictured: The Upper Tribunal Immigration and Asylum Chamber, Field House in London where Abdilahi Essa Darwish, 41, was granted asylum Darwish won his case after it was found he was part of a minority tribe in his native Somalia and he would face 'persecution' if he was returned to the east African nation (PIctured: Mogadishu, capital of Somalia) At the time of his arrival more than 20 years ago the Home Office accepted he had a 'well-founded fear of persecution' from majority clans in Somalia. It was concluded he could face harm, punishment, or even torture if he were to return - a violation of Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). However, in 2021 the Home Office tried to deport Darwish and revoke his protected status after he committed a knife crime. '[Darwish] committed an offence of possession of a bladed article and affray in respect of which he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment', a tribunal report said. 'Thereafter the [Home Secretary at the time, Priti Patel] made a decision to deport [Darwish] to Somalia and to revoke his refugee status and this was done on January 5, 2021, and the deportation order was made on February 9, 2021.' Darwish, who claimed he had a mental health condition, instructed lawyers to launch an appeal. He won his appeal at the First-tier Tribunal last year but the Home Office appealed that decision at the Upper Tribunal. The Home Office argued that last year's tribunal 'failed to establish a reason for which [Darwish] would suffer persecution on return to Somalia'. Then Home Secretary at the time, Priti Patel (pictured in 2024) tried to deport the asylums seeker after he was convicted of a violent knife crime in 2021 The Home Office argued that the circumstances under which he was granted refugee status in 2002 had changed. However, Upper Tribunal Judge Christopher Hanson found that Darwish still remains a refugee for the same reasons as 2002 and so dismissed the Home Office's appeal. The tribunal heard that official country guidance for Somalia states: 'The starting point is that male and female members of minority clans from the south will, in general, be at risk of breaches of their Article 3 rights, and will be refugees, in the absence of evidence that they have a clan or personal patron and the means to access that area of safety without a real risk.' Judge Hanson concluded: 'Whilst subsequent [country guidance] decisions... show that minority clan members are no longer ipso facto at risk of being persecuted in Mogadishu, there is no country guidance indicating that the position in Southern Somalia i.e. outside of Mogadishu has altered. 'Consequently, given that [Darwish] is from Afgoye, South Somalia, the starting point is that[he] continues to have a well-founded fear of persecution in his home area and thus the issue... is one of internal relocation. 'It is clear that the Refugee Convention reason remains a fear of persecution on the basis of a particular social group viz [Darwish's] minority clan membership of the Shanshiya sub-clan of the Reer Hamar.' Chilling CCTV footage shows the horrific moment a teenage pedestrian was mowed down and killed by an Audi in a 'hit and run' yesterday. The incident, which took place in broad daylight, saw a grey car appear to swerve towards a group of e-bike riders before ploughing into the boy as he walked along the pavement. The 16-year-old was rushed to hospital and later died from his injuries. An 18-year-old e-bike rider who was also struck by the vehicle remains fighting for his life. The incident, which took place in Sheffield yesterday, has sparked a manhunt to find the driver, who remains at large. South Yorkshire Police have arrested a man and woman, both in their 40s, on suspicion of assisting an offender and remain in custody, whilst officers appeal for witnesses, footage, or any information about the crash. Video shared online appears to show two e-bike riders and a motorcyclist riding on the road before a grey Audi driving in the opposite direction, appears to swerve into their path. In harrowing footage, the motorcyclist narrowly misses the car while one of the e-bike riders is hit head on, being thrown into the air and into the hedge in front of a property. Less than a second later, the driver continues on a further 80ft, crashing into the 16-year-old pedestrian who had just stopped walking on the pavement at the corner of Barnardiston Road before appearing to raise his hand. Video shared online appears to show two e-bike riders and a motorcyclist driving in one direction The Audi driving in the opposite direction, appears to swerve into the lane the riders are on and hits one of them In another video, after the rider is hit by the car, a pedestrian is seen being caught in the cross hairs Staniforth Road was closed following the serious collision on Wednesday Another bike rider, who missed a crash by inches, appears to watch on in shock as the driver leaves the scene. After the horror, the Audi's driver side is seen leaving the scene with substantial damage to the wheel arch. Footage from later on appears to show the driver returning back to the scene, driving in the opposite direction with a heavily damaged front bonnet. In the aftermath of the incident debris from the car and e-bike could be seen scattered over the road. A cordon remains in place on Staniforth Road while forensic work continues. Anyone with information is asked to contact 101, quoting incident number 630 of 4 June 2025. Lauren, 31, who did not wish to give her surname, was giving CPR to the teenager and shouting to ask people to help. She said: 'I don't want to go in to detail, it was traumatic a young, beautiful boy has lost his life to something he wasn't even involved in.' Police at the scene of the 'hit and run' on Staniforth Road, Darnall, Sheffield, on Wednesday evening Evidence signs were scene on the floor at the scene of the horror crash Mr Iqbal said: 'We had to tell people to show some respect I couldn't believe the amount of people that want to pull out their cameras rather than wanting to help.' Former local councillor Mazher Iqbal, 52, said he had helped give CPR to the 16-year-old following the crash, which took place just before 5pm. He said: 'It just happened in seconds, it was quite chilling Id never seen anything like it. 'Id seen the news on Liverpool and other places, whats happened in Europe, but to see it yourself, physically, is quite chilling.' He added: 'We thought he was going back a second time when he did the U-turn, he came back down and did a U-turn at speed we thought he was going to hit him again. 'It definitely looked like they were targeting the cyclists.' The incident happened shortly after 4.50pm on Wednesday on Staniforth Road in the Darnall area. South Yorkshire Police said the collision involved a grey Audi, which 'failed to stop at the scene' Detective Chief Inspector Andy Knowles said: 'We know that this incident will have caused significant concern in the local community, and tonight our thoughts are with the boy's loved ones following this tragic incident. 'Our investigation into what happened is continuing at pace and we currently have a scene in place on Staniforth Road as we continue to piece together the circumstances. 'If you have any footage, imagery or information that may assist our investigation, then please share this with us - it may form an important part of our investigation.' Alternatively, details can be given anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org. British military chiefs fear a 'nightmare scenario' of fighting major wars against Russia and China at the same time, and are preparing for the West's enemies to launch coordinated campaigns. General Sir Patrick Sanders, the former head of the British army, revealed that the Ministry of Defence has drawn up plans for how to respond to wars breaking out simultaneously on two fronts. He said such crisis could erupt within two years, and told The Times' podcast The General and The Journalist how such a scenario could play out. 'We could end up with the axis powers - Russia and China, supported potentially by Iran and North Korea - collaborating to create a war on two fronts,' he said. 'It would start with a large-scale confrontation in the Indo-Pacific, like a Chinese invasion of Taiwan, which draws off what remains of US forces in Europe. 'An opportunistic Russia would then move against some part of a NATO territory where they know they can actually win by achieving local dominance, like the Baltics or somewhere in the high north like Svalbard. 'Having quickly seized limited objectives, limited territory, they sit back behind a nuclear umbrella and they dare NATO to act. Now that's incredibly high stakes, but the payoff for Putin would be very, very high.' Sanders, who left his post as chief of the general staff 11 months ago, said his former colleagues were 'really worried' about the prospect and were actively thinking it through and 'wargaming' ways to deal with it. Troops from NATO and non-NATO member Georgia take part in the US-led Immediate Response exercise on June 4, 2025 Russia could launch an attack on a NATO member state, a former military chief has warned, in what would be an 'incredibly high stakes' but 'high payoff' move File photo shows China's Harbin (112) guided missile destroyer taking part in a week-long China-Russia navy exercise in 2014 NATO military chiefs have raised concerns about the massive increase in Vladimir Putin's armoury and ammunitions stock If Russia invaded the territory of a NATO member state and the military alliance failed to act against its aggression, 'it effectively means the end of Nato', Sanders said. He additionally warned that the only way to deter aggression from Britain and NATO's adversaries was to rapidly rearm. His comments come as US defence chief Pete Hegseth today pushed NATO to agree a deal on increasing military spending that could satisfy President Donald Trump. The US leader has demanded that alliance members boost defence budgets to five percent of their GDP at the June 24-25 meeting in the Netherlands. NATO chief Mark Rutte has put forward a compromise agreement for 3.5 percent of GDP on core military spending by 2032, and 1.5 percent on broader security-related areas such as infrastructure. Several diplomats say Rutte looks on track to secure the deal for the summit in The Hague as NATO grapples with the threat from Russia after more than three years of war in Ukraine. But a few allies remain hesitant about committing to such levels of spending, including UK PM Sir Keir Starmer, who refused to promise that Britain will raise defence spending to 3 per cent of GDP by 2034. However military leaders calling for more defence investment have warned such a rise could be too little too late. China's President Xi Jinping considers 2027 to be the date his military is capable of invading Taiwan, with Hegseth warning this week that the threat posed by Beijing is 'imminent'. Meanwhile Germany's defence chief starkly warned last week that NATO should be prepared for a possible attack by Russia within the next four years. General Carsten Breuer told the BBC that Russia poses a 'very serious threat' to the Western defence bloc, the likes of which he has never seen in his 40-year military career.' General Sir Patrick Sanders, the former head of the British army, revealed that the MoD has drawn up plans for how to respond to wars breaking out simultaneously on two fronts US and UK troops launch MLRS and HIMARS rockets in Gotland NATO drills Breuer pointed to the massive increase in Vladimir Putin's armoury and ammunitions stock, including a massive output of 1,500 main battle tanks every year as well as the four million rounds of 152mm artillery munition produced in 2024 alone. He said that not all of these additional military equipment was going to Ukraine, which signalled a possible building up of capabilities that could be used against the NATO bloc, adding that Baltic states were at a particularly high risk of being attacked. 'There's an intent and there's a build up of the stocks' for a possible future attack on NATO's Baltic state members. 'This is what the analysts are assessing - in 2029. So we have to be ready by 2029... If you ask me now, is this a guarantee that's not earlier than 2029? I would say no, it's not. So we must be able to fight tonight,' he said. Breuer said that the Suwalki Gap, a region that borders Lithuania, Poland, Russia and Belarus, was particularly vulnerable to Russian military activity. 'The Baltic States are really exposed to the Russians, right? And once you are there, you really feel this... in the talks we are having over there,' he said. Russian bomber aircraft at the Olenya airbase on the Kola Peninsula are seen ablaze following a Ukrainian drone attack US defence chief Pete Hegseth today pushed NATO to agree a deal on increasing military spending that could satisfy President Donald Trump Starmer on Monday vowed to make the UK 'battle-ready' while committing to building 12 new nuclear-powered submarines and at least six new munitions factories as part of the government's Strategic Defence Review. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz last week declared that Berlin will finance the production of long-range missiles in Ukraine, shortly after pushing a 500 billion defence and infrastructure spending bill through parliament. He is due to meet President Trump in Washington today as he works to keep the US on board with Western diplomatic and military support for Ukraine. Merz will hope that his pledge to sharply increase Germany's NATO defence spending will please Trump, and that he can find common ground on confronting Russia after the US president voiced growing frustration with Putin following a frosty call between the two leaders yesterday. Israel is said to be sending an elite commando unit and its missile boat fleet to meet Greta Thunberg and her 'Freedom Flotilla' as it approaches the Gaza Strip. Military sources told the Jerusalem Post that Shayetet 13, a commando unit of the Navy, and the fleet are preparing for the arrival of the Madleen in the coming days. Climate activist Greta Thunberg, 22, is among 12 activists on board the ship, hoping to 'break [Israel's] siege on the Gaza Strip' with a delivery of humanitarian aid. She is joined by Game of Thrones actor Liam Cunningham and Rima Hassan, a French MEP, aiming to raise awareness of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The flotilla is expected to reach Gaza on Saturday, having set off from Catania in Sicily last Sunday. The IDF has not yet decided how to handle the vessel, but has begun deploying security forces in the area, according to the Jerusalem Post. A senior Israeli defence source told the outlet that Israel will not allow the ship to enter Gaza, and that the activists face arrest if they disobey the military. Military sources said the activists will be told clearly not to enter the area, and that the elite forces are preparing for the eventuality they defy the order or 'provoke' the IDF. The IDF may take control of the vessel, arrest the protestors and transfer them to the port in Ashdod to be deported, the outlet reports. Greta Thunberg joins 11 activists in sailing to the Gaza Strip with a 'symbolic' amount of aid Israel has threatened to stop the Madleen if it approaches the beleaguered Gaza Strip FILE PHOTO: Shayetet 13, IDF's elite naval commando unit The Israeli Army said previously that it is 'prepared' to raid the ship, as it has done with previous freedom flotilla efforts. 'For this case as well, we are prepared,' IDF spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin said. 'We have gained experience in recent years, and we will act accordingly.' The activists have already raised concern for their safety, noting a drone attack on a Freedom Flotilla Coalition ship off the coast of Malta in May. Thunberg's shipmate issued a drone alert on the 'third day of our journey to Gaza to break the siege'. An Israeli drone operated by Greece's Hellenic Coastguard reportedly followed the Madleen, hovering above it for two consecutive nights on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Heron drone, developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), is capable of carrying payloads up to 1,000kg and flying for 52 continuous hours. The Madleen, still crossing the Mediterranean east towards Gaza, reportedly changed course this morning to respond to a migrant distress call. Sources told Al Jazeera the ship had detected a migrant boat, estimated to be carrying around 40 asylum seekers. FILE PHOTO: An Israeli navy ship patrols off Zikim beach in southwestern Israel near the border with Gaza, March 29, 2024 Activist Greta Thunberg sits aboard the aid ship Madleen a day after setting off from Catania The IDF has not yet decided how to handle the vessel, JPost reports, but has begun deploying security forces in the area People watch as smoke billows following an Israeli strike in Jabalia, in the northern Gaza Strip on May 25, 2025 Ahead of their departure on Sunday, Thunberg said: 'We are doing this because, no matter what odds we are against, we have to keep trying'. 'Because the moment we stop trying is when we lose our humanity. And no matter how dangerous this mission is, it's not even near as dangerous as the silence of the entire world in the face of the live-streamed genocide,' she added. Israel, which was founded in the aftermath of the Holocaust, has adamantly rejected genocide allegations against it as an anti-Semitic 'blood libel'. Fellow activist Thiago Avila said: 'We are breaking the siege of Gaza by sea, but that's part of a broader strategy of mobilizations that will also attempt to break the siege by land.' Avila cited the upcoming Global March to Gaza - an international initiative also open to doctors, lawyers and media - which is set to leave Egypt and reach the Rafah crossing in mid-June to stage a protest there, asking Israel to stop the Gaza offensive and reopen the border. Israel imposed a blockade on supplies into Gaza on March 2, and limited aid began to enter again late last month after pressure from allies and warnings of famine. Food security experts one in five people in Gaza now face starvation after Israel enacted its blockade. Gaza is almost completely reliant on international aid because Israel's offensive has destroyed nearly all food production capabilities. Zakariya al-Majdoub, an 11-month-old baby born in Khan Yunis during Israeli attacks on Gaza, faces life-threatening malnutrition in Gaza on June 3, 2025 Rihan Sharab, a Palestinian mother, tries to keep the joy of Eid alive with her handcrafted toys by distributing them to children in the Mewasi camp while Israeli attacks continue in Khan Yunis, Gaza on June 4, 2025 Smoke billows from the site following an Israeli airstrike targeting the home of the Harb family at Sheikh Radwan neighborhood in Gaza City, June 1 Israeli tanks are positioned along the border with the Gaza Strip on June 5, 2025 In April, ActionAid reported that the price of flour in Gaza had soared to $300 a bag after more than 50 days without new aid deliveries. Most people are now surviving on a single meal per day, consisting mostly of pasta, rice or canned food, it reported. More than 3,700 children were newly admitted for treatment for acute malnutrition in March alone, it said, an 80 per cent rise on the previous month, per UNOCHA. UN Security Council members criticised the US on Wednesday after it vetoed a resolution calling for a ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access in Gaza, which Washington said undermined ongoing diplomacy. It was the 15-member body's first vote on the situation since November, when the United States - a key Israeli ally - also blocked a text calling for an end to fighting. The draft resolution had demanded 'an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza respected by all parties.' It also called for the 'immediate, dignified and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups,' and demanded the lifting of all restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza. But Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement after Wednesday's 14 to 1 vote: 'Today, the United States sent a strong message by vetoing a counterproductive UN Security Council resolution on Gaza targeting Israel.' 'The United States will continue to stand with Israel at the UN,' he said. The war began when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people and abducting 251. They are still holding 58 hostages, a third of them believed to be alive, after most of the rest were released in ceasefire agreements or other deals. An Aussie artist has lashed out after Elon Musk reshared artificially modified versions of his photos to 'promote' his chatbot. Accomplished artist and musician Charles Brooks achieved international recognition in 2022 for his 'Architecture in Music' photographic series, capturing the interiors of musical instruments. This week, he was shocked to learn from a friend that his work had been altered by a third party using artificial intelligence (AI) and shared by Musk on X formerly known as Twitter. Above his photos, edited to include little men inside his instruments, was Musk's invitation for users to 'Generate images with Grok'. Mr Brooks insisted '98 per cent' of the images were actually generated by him. 'I went and did some digging, and eventually I found this thing he'd shared from a couple of days ago,' he told Daily Mail Australia. Mr Brooks conceded that Musk was not 'quite' passing his photos off as Grok's work, but believes he was operating in a 'grey area'. 'The thing that annoys me is that my photos are being kind of used, and my name's not being attached to them,' he said. Artist Charles Brooks (above) has revealed why he is angry with technology billionaire Elon Musk Musk reshared three of Mr Brook's images which had been altered with AI, imploring X users to generate images with Grok 'And the way that they're being presented makes it look like they're AI photos.' AI software can now produce essays, creative fictions, photos, videos and audio to boot. But the models have been 'trained' repetitively at first using real images, artworks, videos and soundbites. The ethics of AI training and artistic intellectual property have been debated since the engines were first unveiled to the public. Mr Brooks insists there was no mistaking the images were his. 'For me, the main thing is, these are real photographs of very specific instruments,' he explained. 'You know, there's a double bass in there that's photographed. And I know exactly what bass that is. That's a English Charles Therese Double Bass from 1860 that my friend plays in the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. Beautiful bass. 'That's my photo of inside that specific instrument. And that should never be claimed as AI.' Mr Brooks insisted he's not anti-AI and uses it for an array of tasks including managing his website and correcting writing. Mr Brooks' original photographs went viral after he first released them in 2022 Mr Brooks said the images were clearly based on his images, the only known photos taken from such an angle inside a cello He hopes the saga serves as a warning to artists as the creative industries are forced to coexist with what could represent a disrupting force. 'If there's anything that I would wish out of this it would be that, you know, there's a way for works or images to always be tracked back to the artist when they're shared,' he said. 'AI is going to see this stuff, it's going to learn. So are people, for that matter, other people can look at my work and maybe figure out how I've done it and do something similar. Great, good on them. 'But my creations should be able to be tracked back to me easily and it's frustrating that it's so simple for people to lift them and share them, and you lose that chain back to the original artist.' Mr Brooks was astonished about how little people seemed to care to credit real-world artists, whose time and effort became the foundation of every subsequent AI creation. 'I think with all of this new technology, if we can trace every bitcoin transaction on Earth, we should be able to trace a photo,' he said. Many online were left shocked after Mr Brooks detailed the incident online. 'Elon didn't mention my name at all, Eric did put my name in but only as a comment which I find a bit disingenuous,' Mr Brooks claimed in a video posted on Reddit. Mr Brooks isn't anti-AI, but believes original artists should be credited for their work Mr Brooks also claimed the tech billionaire (above, in the White House) suspended his account on X 'I'm not terribly against people modifying the images as long as it's not for a commercial reason, but if you're going to do that, please credit me.' The artist took his grievances to the platform after his X account was suspended. His account has since been reinstated. Commenters unleashed against the technology billionaire. 'So sorry you have to do go through this crap with him. I've completely stopped using twitter, will never call it X,' one wrote. Another added: 'I'm sorry Elon Musk is such a piece of sh*t. Your photography is really beautiful,' another added. A third wrote: 'This is a salesman posting fake results about his product. So what does that say of the product?' another said. Many viewers wondered if Mr Brooks had a legal case against Musk. 'I don't think (Mr Brooks) has a case against the 'original' Twitter poster, but (Musk) is using stolen art to advertise a tool that directly benefits him. Not a lawyer but that looks like a slam-dunk of a case,' one alleged. The altered images were shared first by 'tech bro' X user Eric Jiang Others, however, did not believe Mr Brooks' case was strong enough. Mr Brooks told Daily Mail Australia it was unlikely he would pursue that avenue. Musk's Grok engine has been the subject of controversy in recent weeks as allegations of censorship plagued the platform. Grok is a conversational AI developed by xAI, founded by Musk. The engine can access contemporary information over the web and on its native platform, X. Its use has been predicated on its ability to answer questions typically avoided by other platforms, and can be accessed at varying degrees of utility through free and paid accounts. However, in recent weeks the chatbot suffered a 'programming error' which made it sceptical of Holocaust figures and repeatedly made claims about a 'white genocide' in South Africa. In May, researchers revealed AI models had begun disobeying human instruction. ChatGPT's latest AI model refused to switch itself off, they claimed. Experts said they gave the AI system a clear command but the o3 model, developed by OpenAI and described as the 'smartest and most capable to date', tampered with its computer code to avoid an automatic shutdown. An Aussie man involved in a carpark brawl outside a popular beach club while holidaying in Bali will be freed from jail within weeks. Mohamed Rifai, 27, from south-west Sydney, was sentenced to four months on Thursday after a panel of judges at Depasar District Court found him guilty of assault. Rifai was arrested in February following a wild brawl outside Finns Beach Club in North Kuta involving up to 15 security staff and four other Australian tourists. He has been in custody ever since. Based on time already served, Rifai will walk free later this month when he has completed his four month term in Bali's notorious Kerobokan prison. 'The panel of judges has found the defendant Mohamed Rifai guilty of assault and in violation of article 351 subsection one of the Indonesian Criminal Code and sentence the defendant to four months prison minus the time he has already served,' Denpasar District Court judge Anak Agung Made Aripathi told the court. Rifai accepted the verdict and has decided not to appeal. His lawyer Sabam Antonius welcomed the jail sentence, which was slightly shorter than the five month term recommended by the prosecutor. Mohamed Rifai will soon return to Australia after learning his fate on Thursday The Sydneysider was seen hugging his father after sentence was handed down 'We accept this sentence, this is best sentence. That's why we decided to accept the sentence,' Mr Antonius said. A relieved Rifai was seen smiling and hugged his father in court after learning his fate. He didn't comment on the verdict to reporters when leaving court. Last week in court, 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. The panel of judges on Thursday concluded there was no justification for Rifai's actions. The prosecutor said the injuries inflicted on the victim, security guard Made Bagus Yohanandita, added to the seriousness of the offending. He also considered several mitigating factors, including Rifai's polite nature during the trial, admission of guilt, displays of remorse, and the 'peace agreement' between himself and security guards involved in the brawl. 'The defendant's actions have caused the victim to suffer injuries such as losing teeth and bleeding to his nose,' the judge told the court. The dad was involved in a violent brawl outside Finn's Beach Club in North Kuta in February Mohamed Rifai (pictured in court on Thursday) has been in custody since February Earlier this week, Rifai delivered an impassioned plea for leniency in court. 'I am very, very sorry for my actions that night,' he said. 'I am not a rough person. I have a family that I should protect in Australia. 'I beg you to give me the possible lightest sentence.' The maximum penalty for assault occasioning serious injury is five years' prison in Indonesia. A married Irish woman has been arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a man at the spa of a Magaluf hotel where she is understood to have been staying with her husband. The 37-year-old was hauled to court after being accused of touching her alleged victim's genitals without his consent. She was taken into the court building in the Majorcan capital Palma by an armed police officer. Cops are expected to reveal more detail about yesterday's arrest in the coming hours. The Irish tourist, who was released on bail by an investigating judge still probing the alleged crime, has not been named. The alleged sex assault happened around 6pm on Tuesday. The hotel has not been identified. Well-placed sources said the Swedish man was already in the hotel sauna when the female holidaymaker came in and sat near him and struck up a conversation with him after asking him how long he had been in Magaluf. She left the sauna and took a dip in a swimming pool beside it before following the man into a Turkish steam bath where the alleged sex assault took place according to a police report sent to the investigating court. A married Irish woman has been arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a man at the spa of a Magaluf hotel. Pictured: Tourists enjoy a hot summer day at a Magaluf beach The male holidaymaker is understood to have alerted hotel staff who called the police after telling the Irish woman to stop as she 'sexually molested' him without warning. Although she denied any inappropriate behaviour when cops reached the hotel and quizzed her on the spot, she told the judge she regretted her actions and wrongly thought the man was interested in her in court hours later. Her alleged court confession has not yet been confirmed by police or court officials. Last summer, several instances of sexual assault were reported at the tourist hotspot. One female British tourist was allegedly raped by a man twice her age who intercepted her as she returned to her holiday apartment from a boozy night out with friends in Magaluf. Another British woman was raped an robbed on a beach after she became separated from friends in the resort's Punta Ballena party strip. The suspect was said to have picked her up and carried her to the beach where he allegedly raped her before stealing her mobile phone. The Majorcan region of Calvia, where Magaluf is situated in, has the highest number of reported sexual assaults per inhabitant in the whole of Spain. The party resort on the Spanish island of Majorca is famed for its drink-fueled culture, which is often perpetrated by foreign tourists - in particular British and German. Known for its beloved smoothies and sandwiches, a huge cafe chain has announced the roll out of more shops in four major locations across the UK. Joe & The Juice will open additional stores across London including in King's Cross dining hotspot Coal Drops Yard as well as in Liverpool, Bristol and Windsor, MailOnline can reveal. It also plans to open 1,000 more globally in the next five years. Juice lovers will be delighted to know the first of its new shops will open in less than a week. To celebrate the opening, the first 100 morning commuters have the chance to grab a free coffee on Monday from 8am to 12pm at Great Portland Street, near Oxford Circus. But for those who are too slow, early birds can also snag 50 per cent off any coffee at the new site from June 9-13 between 8am to 10am. It comes as the much-loved high street chain opened a flagship store in Manchester in March, making it the biggest UK location. Manchester-based rapper Aitch is said to have been one the forces behind the opening. Joe & The Juice will open more stores across London, including in King's Cross dining hotspot Coal Drops Yard as well as in Liverpool, Bristol and Windsor, MailOnline can reveal To celebrate a new site opening next week, the first 100 morning commuters have the chance to grab a free coffee on Monday from 8am at 12pm Great Portland Street, near Oxford Circus (pictured) The brand revealed that the Brit Award-winner reached out to them directly two years ago pushing for a new Manchester store. Joe & The Juice boasts 'fresh juices, healthy shakes and delicious sandwiches'. It has become know for its TikTok-famous Tunacados and its signature pink lattes. The Danish chain entered the UK market in 2009 with an outlet on Regent Street and now has around 72 stores in total. Reform could win its first seat in the Scottish Parliament today, as polls open in a Holyrood by-election that will show the scale of dissatisfaction with Sir Keir Starmer north of the border. Scottish First Minister John Swinney said that the vote in the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse seat was a 'two horse race' between his SNP and Nigel Farage's party. A Reform win would ring alarm bells for the nationalists in a constituency being contested following the death of MSP Christina McKelvie from cancer. She had held the seat for the SNP since 2011, winning it comfortably in the 2021 Scottish election with a majority of 4,582 over Labour. But while Sir Keir's party is not expected to win, the result could also prove a major blow for him. If candidate Davy Russell comes third, especially by some distance, it will increase pressure on the PM over policies which have gone down badly in Scotland. Mr Swinney, who has made several campaign visits to the area, has spent much of his time attacking Nigel Farage and his party. Reform have also come under attack from Labour, with a furious row prompted by an online ad which alleged Scottish leader Anas Sarwar would 'prioritise' the Pakistani community. Labour have branded that 'racist', but as the war of words between the parties escalated, Mr Farage used a rare visit to Scotland earlier this week to accuse Mr Sarwar of 'sectarian politics'. Scottish First Minister John Swinney said that the vote in the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse seat was a 'two horse race' between his SNP and Nigel Farage's party . A Reform win would ring alarm bells for the nationalists in a constituency being contested following the death of MSP Christina McKelvie from cancer. Reform have also come under attack from Labour, with a furious row prompted by an online ad which alleged Scottish leader Anas Sarwar would 'prioritise' the Pakistani community. Mr Sarwar still insists his party's candidate Davy Russell can win the seat, despite him coming in for criticism over his failure to take part in a TV debate. Speaking on Wednesday, the Scottish Labour leader branded Mr Farage a 'pathetic, poisonous little man'. Hitting out at his rivals Mr Sarwar said: 'Reform have chosen a campaign of dirt and smear, the SNP have lacked all ambition, the best they can offer is 'vote SNP to stop Farage'.' Mr Swinney however was adamant that people needed to vote for SNP candidate Katy Loudon if they wanted to 'stop Farage'. Speaking ahead of polls opening at 7am on Thursday, the FM said: 'Today, people in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse can reject the politics of Nigel Farage and elect a local champion by voting SNP. 'Farage doesn't care about Scotland he wants to cut our budget, undermine our Parliament and introduce charges for the NHS. 'Labour have given up on the campaign and have barely even bothered to defend their record of scrapping the winter fuel payment and cutting support for disabled people. 'So this by-election is a two-horse race between the SNP and Farage. And today, people in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse can unite behind the SNP and defeat the gutter politics of Nigel Farage by voting for Katy Loudon.' While Reform have not yet won an election north of the border, one poll last month suggested they could come in second to the SNP in the May 2026 Holyrood elections The election comes as polls show a surge in support for Mr Farage's party in Scotland. While Reform have not yet won an election north of the border, one poll last month suggested they could come in second to the SNP in the May 2026 Holyrood elections. Polls are open in the constituency till 10pm, with the result expected to be known in the early hours of Friday morning. A security guard sacked for assaulting a violent thief has been cleared after bodycam footage proved that he was actually the person being attacked. Prolific shoplifter Peter Swinbourne, who has racked up 60 previous convictions, including 35 for violence, was a well-known troublemaker in Worcester. When he arrived at the Tesco Express in Foregate Street, security officer Wayne Price, 40, was on duty. Swinbourne was trying to force his way inside the shop on September 26 last year as Mr Price, who was employed as a Safer Streets Officer with Worcester BID, radioed for back-up. Mr Price calmly asked Swinbourne to leave the shop doorway, but he refused and became increasingly irate. At one stage, Swinbourne says he will 'get you [Mr Price] done for common assault' before threatening to 'smack you in the head'. After repeated warnings to step back, Mr Price pushed Swinbourne in the chest which caused him to fall over and bang his head. Mr Price claimed he acted in self-defence but he was sacked from his job and arrested and charged with assault. Security officer Wayne Price, 40, was on duty when prolific shoplifter Peter Swinbourne arrived at the Tesco Express in Worcester. Pictured: Mr Price and his partner Jemma Bailey Swinbourne, who has racked up 60 previous convictions, including 35 for violence, was a well-known troublemaker in Worcester After repeated warnings to step back, Mr Price pushed Swinbourne in the chest which caused him to fall over and bang his head However, he was eventually cleared of the charges on Tuesday when his bodycam footage was played at Worcester Magistrates' Court. Speaking after he was cleared of the charges, Mr Price, from Worcester, said: 'It's been a terrible ordeal - basically being put through all this for doing my job protecting the public. 'I lost my job, my livelihood, my reputation. I loved my job and so many people told me they felt safer when I was on duty. 'I'm looking forward to getting on with my life now but this should be a warning to others in the industry to keep bodycam footage. 'I was sacked for doing my job and it could happen to anyone.' After watching the three-minute clip, Chairman of the bench Harris Markou said: 'Mr Price was acting in the execution of his duty and had used reasonable and necessary force. 'Mr Swinbourne acted aggressively. The defendant thought he would be physically attacked.' The footage shows Swinbourne - known as Barney - making repeated attempts to enter the Tesco Express store. Swinbourne was trying to force his way inside the shop on September 26 last year as Mr Price, who was employed as a Safer Streets Officer with Worcester BID, radioed for back-up At one stage, Swinbourne says he will 'get you [Mr Price] done for common assault' before threatening to 'smack you in the head' Colin Phillips, prosecuting, said staff were concerned that Swinbourne was trying to enter the store while under the influence of alcohol During the trial, the court heard Swinbourne had a criminal record stretching back to 1996. Colin Phillips, prosecuting, said staff were concerned that Swinbourne was trying to enter the store while under the influence of alcohol. He said: 'The defendant pushed Mr Swinbourne causing him to stumble and fall back on the pavement hitting his head. 'The defendant says he's done this in self-defence.' During his cross examination, Mr Price told the court: 'Mr Swinbourne then approached again with clenched fists. 'I used what force I thought was necessary at that time. 'I didn't remove myself from the position I was in as I wanted to make sure members of the public and staff were safe inside Tesco. 'I open handedly pushed him away. My intention wasn't to make him fall over, it was to just get him away from me. Following his arrest, Mr Price has been inundated with support from wellwishers on social media branding him a 'superhero' 'I believe the level of intoxication made him fall back after losing his balance.' Following his arrest, Mr Price has been inundated with support from wellwishers on social media branding him a 'superhero'. One said: 'You do your job to protect the public and you're the one getting punished. Something is seriously wrong with this country!' Another said: 'Vile man like this should be locked up not a superhero like you.' Just months before making an over-zealous arrest that led to his sacking, hero police officer Lorne Castle had thrown himself into the River Avon in the middle of the night. A vulnerable elderly lady clinging to a tiny parcel of land needed his help so he stripped off his stab vest and threw himself into the icy water to save her in the line of duty. PC Castle knew that the regulations were clear that he should not enter the river - but without much thought he went in carrying a life ring as her terrified family watched on. 'Do you know what was going through my mind at that time? If I hit her with the ring, or she attempts to get it and gets dragged away Im up for manslaughter because professional standards will tell me "you werent supposed to go in. You were trying to be a hero"', he said today. 'That is the world we operate in', he told the Telegraph. However, despite the risk of his own arrest, he did it anyway and would later win a national bravery award for saving the woman. Today his career is in ruins because of an incident in Bournemouth town centre on January 27 2024 - just four months after the river rescue that won him so many plaudits. Former Dorset policeman Mr Castle was dismissed by the force after an independent disciplinary tribunal found he had committed gross misconduct in relation to the arrest in Bournemouth town centre on January 27 2024. A video clip of the arrest, released by the force on Tuesday, shows the officer tackling the boy, who was later found to be carrying double-edged Stanley-style knife, to the ground. Former officer of Dorset Police, Lorne Castle, was dismissed by the force it was found he had committed gross misconduct in relation to the arrest in Bournemouth town centre A video clip of the incident, released by the force on Tuesday, shows the officer tackling the boy, who was later found to be carrying double-edged Stanley-style knife, to the ground before taking hold of the teenager's face and throat while repeatedly swearing and shouting at him Mr Castle, who previously received a bravery award from the Humane Society, said he had received thousands of messages of support but felt that people were questioning his nature despite previously having '10 years of exemplary service' But after that, in a moment of anger, he is seen taking hold of the teenager's face and throat while repeatedly swearing and shouting at him. The boy can be heard shouting and crying 'what have I done' and 'what did I do' before the officer shouts 'stop screaming like a little b****, do you understand that? Shut up'. The ex-police constable had admitted misconduct in relation to breaching the standards of professional behaviour relating to authority, respect and courtesy, conduct and use of force, but denied gross misconduct. Following the hearing, Dorset Police said he acted 'inappropriately' as he detained the teenager after receiving reports of two assaults in the seaside town. It is understood that he intends to appeal the decision to sack him for gross misconduct. The married father-of-two said: 'I've got a phenomenal family and everyone knows that, but people are asking that question now "am I some sort of abuser?" because I attempted to arrest someone who was potentially violent.' During the incident in question, the teenager also screams 'my f****** neck, get off me, I don't want you on me', while Mr Castle is on top of him. The officer later shouts 'stop resisting or I'm gonna smash you, do you understand?' and says the boy is being arrested on suspicion of assault. The spokesman for the force said: 'PC Castle was seen to use unnecessary and inappropriate words towards the boy and place both his hands on his throat. 'The panel found that PC Castle failed to act with self-control, did not treat the boy with courtesy or respect. 'His shouting, swearing, finger pointing, taking hold of the boy's face and throat, and suggested use of leg restraints was not necessary, reasonable or proportionate.' Speaking on LBC radio, Mr Castle said that the suspect, who had been wearing a mask, had been 'an unknown risk' and was found to be in possession of a knife during the arrest. The 46-year-old said: 'If I'd have known on those circumstances that he had a knife, that would have probably been a firearms incident. 'The real danger is the unknown. We knew he was potentially violent, but we didn't know how violent. The officer later shouts 'stop resisting or I'm gonna smash you, do you understand?' and says the boy is being arrested on suspicion of assault PC Lorne Castle (right) and current Chief Constable Amanda Pearson 'Now, the risk for any police officer is the moment you go to detain someone, until you know you've got them safely detained.' He added that it was a 'scary situation' because he was on the ground with the offender with other people nearby. Mr Castle, who previously received a bravery award from the Humane Society, said he had received thousands of messages of support but felt that people were questioning his nature despite previously having '10 years of exemplary service'. In a statement, Dorset Police Federation criticised the force's decision to release the footage, saying it had done so 'without also providing context or balance'. Following the hearing, Dorset Police said he acted 'inappropriately' as he detained the teenager after receiving reports of two assaults in the seaside town Dorset's Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Farrell said: 'We are sharing body worn video to address concerns about misinformation and to reassure the public that, while tackling crime in Dorset, our officers will continue to be proactive and robust - but by using their powers proportionately and with respect' Meanwhile, a distinguished former police and crime commissioner of Dorset Police Martyn Underhill, pictured, said his former force has gone woke 'Our view is that the showing of selective clips of an officer's body-worn video is not a useful or responsible way to properly inform the public about an incident, and only serves to entice the public into making judgements without having the benefit of all the facts', the body said. Adding: 'This is not fair or just. ' It added its members were still in limbo over how much force they should use in an arrest situation, and following PC Castle's sacking, it called on force commanders to provide 'urgent clarification' to frontline officers on the issue of force. But the federation said no such clarification has been forthcoming. Meanwhile, a distinguished former police and crime commissioner of Dorset Police said his former force has gone woke. Martyn Underhill said he found it scary how Dorset Police behaved, calling it an overreaction. He said that while he deserved to be interviewed and disciplined, they were wrong to dismiss the 46-year-old officer without notice for gross misconduct. He also slammed their questionable decision to release footage of the arrest and said he was one of the 2,500 people who have so far donated to a GoFundMe campaign. A campaigner for frontline police officers said the force had scored one of the biggest own goals ever by sacking PC Castle. Dorset's Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Farrell said: 'We are sharing body worn video to address concerns about misinformation and to reassure the public that, while tackling crime in Dorset, our officers will continue to be proactive and robust - but by using their powers proportionately and with respect.' The Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, has been asked to intervene in the case and reinstate PC Castle. A spokesperson for the Home Office declined to comment and said it was a matter for Dorset Police. A body found in a lift shaft in Malaysia has been identified as that of a missing British tourist who disappeared more than a week ago while backpacking in Asia. Jordan Johnson-Doyle, 25, was last seen on May 27 at a bar in an upmarket suburb in Kuala Lumpur, sparking a police probe and a search by his parents. Malaysian police confirmed today that a body found at the base of a lift shaft on Wednesday, tragically, belonged to the missing backpacker. Police chief Rusdi Mohd Isa said they had received information that a man was found lying on his back in the lift [shaft] on the ground floor of a construction site'. A post-mortem 'found that the cause of death was a chest injury sustained from a fall from height,' he said. 'No criminal elements were found at the scene and the case has been classified as a sudden death report,' he said, adding the body was identified by the victim's uncle based on a tattoo. Mr Johnson-Doyle sent his best friend, Owen, a photo of a poster at the Healy Mac's Irish Bar in Bangsar in the evening of Tuesday, May 27 before he disappeared. Family and friends had been trying to reach the young software engineer before his phone went dead on Friday, May 30. His mother Leanne Burnett, 44, told the Free Malaysia Today news website that her husband had travelled to Kuala Lumpur to look for their son, adding that the family was 'distraught' over his disappearance. Jordan Johnson-Doyle was identified as the victim of a 'fall from a height' in Kuala Lumpur Fire and rescue services recovered the body, which was sent for a post mortem Brickfields district police chief Ku Mashariman Ku Mahmood confirmed to AFP that Johnson-Doyle was identified as the victim. A FCDO Spokesperson said: 'We are supporting the family of a British man who died in Malaysia and are in contact with the local authorities.' The young man had been backpacking around the Mediterranean and South East Asia for around a year and a half while working remotely for an American company. Ms Burnett had said last week that her son always checked in with family, knowing 'how worried everyone gets at home'. Last Wednesday, she said she checked the 'Find My iPhone' tracking service for the location of her son's mobile phone, and saw it was located at a residential flat block near the bar. Mr Johnson-Doyle's phone went dead on Friday, May 30, three days after he was last seen. He had arrived in Malaysia on May 17 after previously visiting Vietnam, and is believed to have been staying at the Robertson Residences at Bukit, Kuala Lumpur. His mother said she last spoke to him on Monday, May 26, and that they had spoken about their working days. She said: 'He seemed absolutely fine and normal. Nothing stood out whatsoever. We always end the phone call with "love long time" and that was the very last thing we said to each other.' Malaysian police confirmed today that a body found at the base of a lift shaft on Wednesday, tragically, belonged to the missing backpacker The backpacker's last known location was the Healy Mac's Irish Bar in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, at around 8pm on Tuesday, May 27, when he sent his best friend Owen a photograph of the pub's quiz night poster. Pictured: Jordan's last known message As well as reporting him missing to Merseyside Police, she also contacted the British Consulate and police in Malaysia. She said the family had also tried to contact the hotel where he is believed to have been staying, but struggled due to the language barrier. 'It has been awful,' she said. 'But all his friends and family have been rallying round.' Loving messages of support were shared from around the world as police confirmed the tragic news. Writing on Facebook, one user posted to the family: 'So sorry for your loss [...] May his soul rest in peace, may God comfort n give strength to you n family in this difficult times. Sending love & hugs from Ipoh, Malaysia.' 'Deepest condolences & heartfelt sympathy to the family,' wrote another. The Government's suggestion that expanding free school meals will lift 100,000 children out of poverty next year has been disputed by a leading think tank. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has announced that every pupil whose household is on Universal Credit will soon have an entitlement to free school meals. The Department for Education said the extension, from the start of the 2026 school year, will see half-a-million more children benefit from a free meal every school day. It also claimed that nearly 500 will be put back into parents' pockets every year, while the expansion will lift 100,000 children across England out of poverty. But the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) said the Government's announcement 'will not see anything like 100,000 children lifted out of poverty next year'. This is because transitional protections introduced in 2018 - as parents on legacy benefits were moved on to Universal Credit - had 'substantially increased the number of children receiving free school meals today', the think tank added. The IFS assessment will likely ramp up the pressure from Labour MPs for Sir Keir Starmer to do more to tackle child poverty. The Prime Minister is facing widespread demands from within his own party to scrap the two-child benefit cap, amid the threat of a revolt over Labour's welfare reforms. The Government's suggestion that expanding free school meals will lift 100,000 children out of poverty next year has been disputed by a leading think tank Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has announced that every pupil whose household is on Universal Credit will soon have an entitlement to free school meals The IFS assessment will likely ramp up the pressure from Labour MPs for Sir Keir Starmer to do more to tackle child poverty The IFS estimated the long-run cost of the expansion of free school meals at about 1billion. But it said the short-run cost might only be 250million (plus around 50million in extra funding for devolved governments). The think tank agreed the long-run impact would see around 100,000 children lifted out of poverty, but questioned the length of time it would take for this to be achieved. Christine Farquharson, associate director at the IFS, said: 'Offering free school meals to all children whose families receive Universal Credit will, in the long term, mean free lunches for about 1.7 million additional children. 'But transitional protections introduced in 2018 have substantially increased the number of children receiving free school meals today - so in the short run, today's announcement will both cost considerably less and benefit considerably fewer pupils. 'This also means that today's announcement will not see anything like 100,000 children lifted out of poverty next year. 'Still, the Government estimates that around 500,000 children will benefit next year from today's policy, to the tune of about 500 per child. 'This is a group who are on low, though not the very lowest, incomes - so compared to making free school meals universal, the policy announced today will be both cheaper and more targeted towards poorer families. 'There is some evidence too that school meals can have benefits for children's health and attainment. 'But if the Government's main interest is to reduce child poverty, there are other measures - such as lifting the two-child limit - that would have a lower cost per child lifted out of poverty.' Currently, households in England on Universal Credit must earn below 7,400 a year (after tax and not including benefits) to qualify for free school meals. But the Government has announced that every pupil whose household is on Universal Credit will have a new entitlement to free school lunches from the start of the 2026/27 academic year. Campaigners and education leaders had been calling for free school meals to be extended to all children whose families are on Universal Credit to ease pressures on young people living in poverty. Nearly 2.1 million pupils almost one in four of all pupils (24.6 per cent) in England were eligible for free school meals in January 2024. Sir Keir said: 'Feeding more children every day, for free, is one of the biggest interventions we can make to put more money in parents' pockets, tackle the stain of poverty, and set children up to learn. 'This expansion is a truly historic moment for our country, helping families who need it most and delivering our Plan for Change to give every child, no matter their background, the same chance to succeed.' Ms Phillipson said: 'It is the moral mission of this Government to tackle the stain of child poverty, and today this Government takes a giant step towards ending it with targeted support that puts money back in parents' pockets.' The Government's child poverty taskforce, which is considering the future of the two-child benefit cap, is due to publish its 10-year strategy later this year. A man has admitted stabbing his wife to death as she pushed their five-month-old baby in a pram on a busy city street. Kulsuma Akter, 27, died after being stabbed several times in Bradford city centre in broad daylight on April 6 last year. Today her husband Habibur Masum, 26, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and possession of a knife. However the YouTuber denies murder, and is due to go on trial at Bradford Crown Court on Monday. The judge, Mr Justice Cotter, remanded Masum in custody until then Masum, who followed proceedings with the help of a Bengali interpreter, denied two charges of assault, one count of making threats to kill and one charge of stalking at an earlier hearing. Masum is accused of stalking Ms Akter between November 2023 and April last year, with the charge alleging he 'tracked her movements and located her at a safe house, sent her messages of a menacing nature which contained threats to kill another and photos and videos of the area and premises where she was residing'. He is also alleged to have 'loitered in the area of her temporary residence'. Kulsuma Akter, 27, pictured with husband Habibur Masum, 25, who today admitted her manslaughter but denied murder Habibur Masum today admitted stabbing his wife to death while she was pushing their five-month-old baby in a pram in Bradford, West Yorkshire in April 2024 The scene at Westgate, Bradford, after Ms Akter was stabbed to death in broad daylight while pushing her son in a pram The charge alleges he caused her 'alarm or distress' and to 'fear that violence would be used against her'. Ms Akter was taken to hospital after being stabbed several times during the incident in Westgate at the junction with Drewton Road. She later died from her injuries. The baby was not harmed in the incident, police said. Ms Akter's devastated family later shared a photograph of her in her traditional Bangladesh wedding finery following their wedding. Masum, who is originally from the city of Sylhet in eastern Bangladesh, studied for a masters in digital marketing at the University of Bedfordshire. He shared travel vlogs of his 'adventures' and life in the UK on YouTube. His trial is due to last three weeks. Friends of Pheobe Bishop reported mysterious activity on the missing teenager's Facebook account just hours before her housemates were charged with murder. Police arrested James Wood, 34, and his partner Tanika Bromley, 33, in Bundaberg in central Queensland on Thursday night. They were charged with one count each of murder and two counts each of interfering with a corpse. The couple had taken the 17-year-old into their home in the weeks before her disappearance on May 15. They are thought to have been the last people to see Pheobe and had been due to drop her off at the Bundaberg airport that morning. Her remains are yet to be located. Wood and Bromley were held in custody on Thursday night and their initial hearings will be before the Bundaberg Magistrates Court on Friday. Pheobe's friends reported her Facebook account appeared to be active on Thursday, after all her social media had been dormant since her disappearance. The teen's Facebook Messenger account appeared to be online at various times over a 14 hour period between midnight and 2pm. Pheobe Bishop's flatmates have been charged over the teen's disappearance James Wood and Tanika Bromley were charged with murder on Thursday night A screenshot appeared to show Pheobe's Facebook account had been online on Thursday - three weeks after she vanished One person reported that a green dot on her profile picture - showing when someone is logged in and available for instant chat - appeared at 12.18am. Another Facebook friend shared a screenshot taken around 2pm that appeared to show Pheobe's account had been online just eight minutes before the image had been taken. Both friends said they had reported the strange activity, with one posting the information to the accounts of Pheobe's mum Kylie Johnson. Daily Mail Australia contacted Queensland Police about the unexplained use. 'For investigative reasons, we cannot provide that level of detail,' a spokesperson said. Police announced the charges against Wood and Bromley five hours later. Wood had been released without charge by police earlier Thursday after having been interviewed by officers. Just hours before she was arrested, Bromley arrived to report for bail at Gin Gin Police Station about 9.15am on Thursday on unrelated weapons charges. Tanika Bromley was seen smoking a cigarette after she reported for bail at Gin Gin Police Station on Thursday on unrelated weapons charges A friend of the teen shared a screenshot taken around 2pm Thursday that appeared to show Pheobe's account had been online just eight minutes before the image had been taken Bromley arrived to report for bail at Gin Gin Police Station about 9.15am on Thursday on unrelated weapons charges. Within 12 hours, she was charged with murder Hours before he was charged with murder, a photo resurfaced of James Wood on his wedding day to another woman in 2021 Wearing a beige knitted zip-up jumper, blue jeans and maroon sneakers, Bromley had notably dyed her hair from blonde to brown since being granted bail last week. She had air pods in her ears as she smoked a cigarette. When approached by Daily Mail Australia for comment on the unrelated weapons charges against her and and her partner, she declined to speak. She put on her oversized sunglasses and then drove off. Pheobe's mum Kylie Johnson shared a heartbreaking post shortly after she received news of the murder charges on Thursday night, having been holding out hope her daughter would be found alive. 'Our world has just been shattered into the most horrific place I've ever been,' she wrote. 'I need my baby home to put her to rest! I'm absolutely begging anyone that knows anything to come forward. 'We need to put her to rest, we need to put her to peace.' Shortly before she received the news, Ms Johnson took to Facebook to mark three weeks since her 'Phee Phee' disappeared. Pheobe (pictured with her mum Kylie Johnson) was last seen on May 15 Tanika Bromley refused to comment when confronted by Daily Mail Australia outside Gin Gin Police Station on Thursday 'My heart is holding onto every little memory and hope that you come home to us Phee Phee, the little internal family jokes, the little digs at your siblings and the love that you all unconditionally shared,' Ms Johnson began. 'The fierceness of that was beyond beautiful and unique.. I remember someone commenting once that you were all so co dependent that you finished each other sentences.' 'This statement made me the happiest mum alive! Your sibling bond is deep, meaningful and makes my heart so happy.. The emotional connection, love and friendship has always been unmatched and unquestioned.. '21 days without a txt, a call, or any contact.. I know our daughter and this isn't her behavior. 'Someone knows something! Someone has the answers to bring our Phee Phee home!' James Wood and Tanika Bromley will appear in Bundaberg Local Court on Friday 'Someone knows something! Someone has the answers to bring our Phee Phee, our Nanny McPhee, our Auntie Nanny our Nanny, our Flea Flea and our family member home!' Pheobe was last seen on May 15 leaving the Gin Gin home, near Bundaberg, where she was living with Wood and his partner Bromley. The couple 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 failed to board and neither she nor her luggage have been seen since, with police revealing her neither her phone or bank accounts have been accessed. The development comes after Wood was initially arrested on Wednesday and then released without charge. Police provided an update earlier on Thursday. 'Detectives are continuing to run through several lines of enquiry as investigations continue, and will conduct physical searches when required,' a spokesperson said. 'Police are continuing to appeal for any information about Pheobe's whereabouts.' The search for Pheobe was scaled back on Wednesday after police had spent weeks combing several areas of interest. 'Our world has just been shattered into the most horrific place I've ever been,' Pheobe's mum Kylie (left) posted on Thursday night Pheobe's remains are yet to be located. Pictured is a search in Good Night Scrub National Park They included the property in Gin Gin where Pheobe lived with Wood and Bromley and a grey Hyundai ix35, thought to have been used to take the teen to the airport. The police search initially focused on Good Night Scrub National Park with homicide detectives, cadaver dogs and divers called in. Some items believed to be linked to the investigation were seized for forensic examination. The search revealed evidence might have been moved from the national park before police arrived. Anyone with information regarding Pheobe's disappearance is urged to call Crime Stoppers. These are the buildings searched by police in a last-ditch attempt to find evidence linking prime Madeleine McCann suspect Christian Brueckner to her disappearance. A collection of sinister, ramshackle derelict barns and cottages on scrubland covering more than eight square miles, covered with thick vegetation. With crumbling walls and covered in obscure graffiti the half dozen locations are being systematically examined by a task force of German and Portuguese police. Searches started on Tuesday and are expected to finish by Friday as police frantically try and find some evidence to link Brueckner to Madeleines 2007 disappearance. She vanished from the Ocean Club holiday complex in the Algarve resort of Praia da Luz and German police are adamant convicted rapist and paedophile Brueckner did it. The search area is scrubland at Atalaia, around 3.5 miles from Praia da Luz and just a mile from where the German drifter lived. Locals say the area which is crisscrossed by footpaths and on a popular coastal walk known as the Fishermans Trail was popular with wild campers, hippies and drifters. There is evidence of rough sleeping in many of the buildings with empty wine bottles, beer cans and food tins strewn on the floor. These are the buildings searched by police in a last-ditch attempt to find evidence linking prime Madeleine McCann suspect Christian Brueckner to her disappearance Searches started on Tuesday and are expected to finish by Friday as police frantically try and find some evidence to link Brueckner to Madeleines 2007 disappearance Search teams use a backhoe close to Praia De Luz, Portugal, where searches are being carried out by officers investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCan Brueckner is thought to have parked his VW camper van close by and used the scrubland as a rat run to get to and from Praia da Luz. He was sensationally named by German authorities in June 2020 as the man responsible for Madeleines abduction and murder, but he has not been charged and the sands of time are running out. In three months, he could walk out of jail and that is why detectives are desperately looking for something concrete to link him to her disappearance to go with the circumstantial evidence they have. His mobile phone places him in the area when then three-year-old Madeleine vanished and his profile as a conceited rapist and paedophile fits the bill. Plus, a key witness has told authorities Brueckner told him a year after she vanished that Maddie didnt scream when he took her. Police have spent the last few days clearing away rubble and debris from inside the buildings using a backhoe and piles of dust covered debris have been piled outside. Once a working area has been cleared, officers wearing masks to prevent their identity being revealed have gone in using spades and pickaxes to level off the ground. Some have been seen carrying away soil in plastic boxes to blue tent that has been set up closeby, and any evidence recovered will be sent back to Germany. Madeleine McCann disappeared from a holiday flat in Portugal aged three in 2007 Search teams checking a well at a derelict and abandoned property to the west of Praia De Luz, Portugal The operation is expected to last until Friday unless anything relevant emerges The Metropolitan Police said they were aware of the operation but that British officers will not be present The roofs of the eerie buildings being searched have all caved in and some have wooden posts holding up exterior walls meaning search teams have to wear hard hats. Ground penetrating equipment has been brought in for the search and this was used extensively at least two buildings and is expected to be used on the other sites. There are also several wells on the scrubland and firefighters have been drafted in to drain off the water so they can be examined. Publicly Portuguese police are keen to stress they are happy working jointly with their German counterparts but privately many are sceptical. When one local policeman was asked what they expected to find he rolled his eyes and shrugged his shoulders before saying: You tell me. It is not clear what led to the police investigation whether it was a hard tip off to German investigators. Or whether it was meta data obtained from vile child porn images found on a USB stick Brueckner had buried in an old warehouse he lived in back in Germany. What is clear though is that as Brueckner nears the end of a seven-year sentence for raping an elderly American woman in Praia da Luz in 2005 police need to move fast. His earliest possible release date is September 17 however that is unlikely as he will have to pay 1500 Euro in outstanding fines from a series of motor offences to do so. It is not clear if detectives are now acting on a new tip-off about where Madeleine's body could be Gerry, left, and Kate McCann, parents of four-year old Madeleine McCann, present a picture of their daughter during a press conference in Berlin, Wednesday, June 6, 2007 Pictured: Prime suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine, Christian Brueckner, who was in Praia da Luz when she went missing Parents Kate and Gerry McCann are not commenting during the 'active police investigation' But his legal team say he is broke and so a release date of January 6 looks more likely, but he has already admitted he will probably leave the country which means police will have a nightmare to bring him back if charged. Last October he was cleared of a series of unrelated sex attacks that took place in the Algarve between 2000 and 2017. Two years ago police also searched a dam close by for evidence but after a week-long operation nothing was found and Brueckner continues to deny any involvement with Madeleine's disappearance. A 'fugitive' alleged international drug trafficker from Liverpool faces being extradited back to the UK after he was arrested in the Netherlands. Francis Coggins, 60, was held outside a residential property in the coastal town of Zandvoort on Tuesday. He was taken into custody by officers from the Dutch National Police following a manhunt led by 'Britain's FBI', the National Crime Agency. Coggins, of Huyton, Merseyside, was wanted by the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit on a warrant for allegedly smuggling heroin and cocaine into the UK. His brother Vincent is currently serving a 28-year prison sentence for blackmail and drugs trafficking over his role at the head of Merseyside organised crime group the Huyton Firm. That case followed the cracking of encrypted EncroChat exchanges - dubbed WhatsApp for criminals by French law enforcement. Francis Coggins appeared at court in Amsterdam yesterday to begin the process of extradition to the UK and was remanded in custody. Gill Duggan, head of Europe at the NCA said: 'The agency has been working extensively with the ROCU and our international partners to trace Coggins and return him to the UK. Officers from the National Crime Agency pictured during an unrelated operation in 2023 'It does not matter where fugitives go. 'The agency's reach and strong relationships with international partners mean we will always tenaciously pursue those wanted by law enforcement.' Detective Superintendent Zoe Russo from the North West ROCU said: 'This arrest demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that individuals wanted for serious offences, whether in the UK or abroad, are brought to justice. 'We work closely with international law enforcement partners to track down and apprehend fugitives, no matter where they try to hide. 'The message is clear: if you are wanted, we will find you.' Reform UK's chairman today hit out at his own MP's 'dumb' question in the House of Commons about banning the burqa. Zia Yusuf questioned why Sarah Pochin, Reform's recently-elected MP for Runcorn and Helsby, had challenged the Prime Minister about the issue on Wednesday. During PMQs, Ms Pochin asked Sir Keir Starmer if he would support outlawing the burqa - which is worn by some Muslim women - 'in the interests of public safety'. But Reform officials sowed confusion by later revealing that banning the burqa is not the party's official policy. In a hint at an internal party row, Mr Yusuf posted on X: 'I do think it's dumb for a party to ask the PM if they would do something the party itself wouldn't do.' The Reform chairman said that Ms Pochin's question was 'nothing to do with me' as he was 'busy with other stuff'. 'Had no idea about the question nor that it wasn't policy,' he added. In another post, he wrote: 'Just to be clear, I learnt about the question and the party's position re it not being policy for the first time on my X feed. I'm busy with UK DOGE.' Reform UK chairman Zia Yusuf hit out at his own MP's 'dumb' question in the House of Commons about banning the burqa Mr Yusuf questioned why Sarah Pochin, Reform's recently-elected MP for Runcorn and Helsby, had challenged the Prime Minister about the issue on Wednesday Reform leader Nigel Farage sowed further confusion over Reform's stance by using his GB News show to question the use of all face coverings in public places Earlier this week, Mr Yusuf announced the launch of Reform's first Elon Musk-style Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) unit. The party pledged this will look at 'wasteful spending' in local councils, in a mirror of Tesla boss Mr Musk's cost-cutting efforts in America under Donald Trump. Ms Pochin's question during PMQs on Wednesday triggered disquiet in the Commons and cries of 'shame' from other MPs. She asked Sir Keir: 'Given the PM's desire to strengthen strategic alignment with our European neighbours, will he in the interests of public safety follow the lead of France, Denmark, Belgium and others and ban the burqa?' The PM did not answer Ms Pochin's question but instead took the opportunity to attack Reform's economic plans - as set out by party leader Nigel Farage last week. After PMQs, Lee Anderson, one of Ms Pochin's fellow Reform MPs, also gave his public backing to a burqa ban. Yet, despite two out of the five Reform MPs supporting a ban, a party spokesman said it was 'not party policy' - although they added it was an issue that 'needs a national debate'. Mr Farage sowed further confusion over Reform's stance by using his GB News show to question the use of all face coverings in public places, saying the 'debate actually goes beyond the burqa'. 'There are many, many, many countries in the world that are banning the burqa,' Mr Farage said. 'But I think it goes further than that. 'I was in Aberdeen Monday, there was a mob there to meet me, an organisation called 'Antifa', and half of them had complete face coverings on so they would be unidentifiable. 'I don't think face coverings in public places make sense, and I think we do deserve debate about that, which I see the burqa as being a part. 'It's a tough one. It is a very difficult debate, but it's a debate. The Quran does not say anything about wearing a burqa 'It does say they want women to dress modestly. And actually, if you go to Morocco or Egypt or the UAE - Muslim countries - you won't see a single woman in a burqa. It's a relatively new thing. 'There is another social point: People do feel uncomfortable, actually, around people whose faces are covered. And I think it's a very difficult thing. 'Certainly, I think masked protesters who can turn up and demonstrate and, in some cases use violence, should not be able to get away with it.' In a hint at an internal party row, Mr Yusuf posted on X: 'I do think it's dumb for a party to ask the PM if they would do something the party itself wouldn't do' After PMQs, Lee Anderson, one of Ms Pochin's fellow Reform MPs, also gave his public backing to a burqa ban At the 2010 general election, Mr Farage stood for UKIP - his former party - on a manifesto that called for a ban on both the burqa and niqab. But he later disowned UKIP's 2010 manifesto as 'drivel' when he returned as the party's leader after the contest. In his reply to Ms Pochin in the Commons on Wednesday, Sir Keir told the recently-elected MP: 'Can I welcome her to her place, but I'm not going to follow her down that line. 'But now she is here and safely in her place, perhaps she could tell her new party leader [Mr Farage] that his latest plan to bet 80billion of unfunded tax cuts, with no idea how he's going to pay for it, is Liz Truss all over again. 'Although considering I think (Ms Pochin) was a Conservative member when Liz Truss was leader, she probably won't.' Sir Keir's response drew criticism from Tory former foreign secretary James Cleverly, who posted on social media afterwards: 'After failing to answer any of Kemi's (Badenoch) questions, he basically said to Sarah Pochin that he didn't like her question, so 'wasn't going to engage with it'. 'Refusing to answer MPs' questions isn't an option as a government minister.' Mr Anderson later shared a social media video of Ms Pochin speaking at PMQs, adding: 'Ban the burqa? Yes we should. No one should be allowed to hide their identity in public.' Tory MP Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, said he did not support a ban on burqas in Britain. 'Fundamentally I do believe in freedom and I believe that people should have the choice to to wear whatever they want,' he told GB News. 'I wouldn't like to tell you what to wear. But I do also think it's important to make sure that women are not in any way coerced into doing something that they don't want to do. 'So I think it is very important to make sure that women are not being coerced and are able to make their own free choices.' Then-French president Nicolas Sarkozy introduced a ban on burqas in France in 2010. Anyone found wearing the covering in a public space can face a fine of 150 euros (125). It has since been unsuccessfully challenged in the European courts. Belgium brought in a similar ban a year later, and other countries including Denmark and Austria have got similar laws. Switzerland was the latest European country to introduce a prohibition, which started on January 1 this year. Tributes have been paid to a schoolgirl after her sudden death aged just 10 - as she was described as a 'loved and valued' as well as 'beautiful'. Lily Wilson passed away in the 320-population village of Simpson Cross in Pembrokeshire, south-west Wales. There have been suggestions the death was linked to a suspected medical condition - and neighbours are now rallying to buy a heart defibrilator in her honour. Lily lived with devastated parents Andy and Kate and youngster sister Eva. Family friends are now raising money for a defibrillator after saying: 'Every rural village should have access to such vital resources.' The schoolgirl, described as a 'loved and valued pupil', died suddenly and a post mortem examination is expected to be held to give the cause of death. Funds raised will also help cover the costs of Lily's funeral - with 13,000 already donated, smashing the initial 2,000 target. Family friend Emma Robertson, who set up the JustGiving online appeal, wrote: 'Last week, dear friends Andy and Kate suffered the most devastating sudden and unexpected loss of their beautiful 10-year-old daughter Lily. Tributes have been paid to schoolgirl Lily Wilson (pictured), 10, after she died suddenly The tragic schoolgirl lived in the 320-population village of Simpson Cross in Pembrokeshire, south-west Wales 'The pain of the last week is a pain no parent should ever have to imagine, let alone navigate their way through. 'Lily was a loved and valued pupil in Roch community primary school and I know her friends, their parents and staff alike are all heartbroken at the sudden loss of Lily. 'With the permission of Kate and Andy, I would like to try and help raise funds to help with the financial burden of the funeral of beautiful Lily. 'Together, we could all help ensure that Lily has the special day she deserves and take away some of that worry from Andy and Kate, so they can focus their attention on Lily's little sister, Eva.' Ms Robertson said that any money left over would be put towards funding for a defibrillator. She added: 'Every rural village should have access to such vital resources,' she said. 'Maybe together, we can all help this happen.' Lily was a pupil at Roch Community Primary School where pupils have been told of the tragic loss. The only officer to face disciplinary proceedings over the Metropolitan Polices disastrous VIP paedophile investigation saw the case against him sensationally dropped today. Former Met Deputy Assistant Commissioner Steve Rodhouse was due to face a disciplinary board later this month on an allegation of gross misconduct over claims that he lied in public at the conclusion of the Operation Midland probe in 2016. However the charge has been dropped at the 11th hour after the Met recently disclosed a large volume of relevant material. Mr Rodhouse, who was later promoted to Deputy Head of the National Crime Agency, Britains version of the FBI, oversaw Midland, an investigation based on the lies of fantasist Carl Beech aka Nick. Beech accused prominent public figures including former home secretary Leon Brittan, former Army head Lord Bramall and ex-Tory MP Harvey Proctor of being part of a murderous paedophile ring. He was jailed for 18 years over the false allegations in 2019. Mr Rodhouse was first cleared of misconduct in relation to his handling of the Midland investigation in 2017, however the police watchdog ruled that he should face a fresh gross misconduct hearing in 2023 over claims he used inaccurate or dishonest words as the investigation concluded. These related to two other serial liars outed in a Daily Mail investigation who appeared to back Beechs lies. Steve Rodhouse was due to face gross misconduct proceedings later this month however they were dropped by the police watchdog at the 11th hour Beech was only prosecuted following a damning review of the Midland probe by retired High Court judge Sir Richard Henriques, who suggested he be investigated by another police force. However the two other fantasists known as Witnesses A and B were not referred by the Met for outside investigation, despite Sir Richard recommending they should be. In 2016, Mr Rodhouse privately told Sir Richard he was satisfied that Witnesses A and B had told deliberate lies. But in a public statement issued just months earlier, Scotland Yard said detectives had not found evidence to prove they were knowingly misled by a complainant. Mr Rodhouse reiterated this in a TV interview over the collapse of the 16-month inquiry. The pair have since been referred to West Midland Police to be investigated over claims they perverted the course of justice. Today, the Independent Office for Police Conduct [IOPC], said it had withdrawn its direction that Mr Rodhouse should face gross misconduct proceedings after a large volume of relevant material was recently disclosed to the watchdog by the Met. The statement said that, following analysis of the recently disclosed material, there was no evidence that there was any inappropriate motivation in Mr Rodhouses comments to the media. Ex-Tory MP Harvey Proctor was one of those accused of being part of a murderous Westminster paedophile ring Operation Midland was largely based on the lies of fantasist Carl Beech - aka 'Nick' The bombshell announcement is just the latest blow to victims and relatives of those caught up in the Midland scandal, widely regarded as one of the worst police investigations in living memory. It follows almost a decade of allegations of incompetence and cover-up at the heart of the Met in relation to the investigation and raises serious questions over the competency of the police watchdog, which has repeatedly refused or been unable to hold officers to account. Despite the allegations of incompetence, todays announcement means no officer has been held to account over the fiasco. IOPC director Amanda Rowe said it was highly regrettable that material requested three years ago had only recently been discovered and disclosed. Police forces have a legal obligation to provide information to the IOPC when we request it, she added. However, we acknowledge that we could have taken further steps during the investigation to seek additional assurance from the Met that relevant email material was definitely unavailable. We apologise to all of those affected and we are working with the force to establish exactly how and why this situation has occurred, and to reduce the risk of it happening again. Todays announcement does not change our finding that by failing to follow Sir Richards recommendation in his review to investigate the witnesses, the Mets service was unacceptable and its subsequent reviews concluding no investigation was needed were flawed. During our investigation we reported a potential crime to the Met, which is being actively investigated by another force. Last year, Mr Rodhouse received a 10,000 pay rise despite being removed from his role as director-general of operations at the National Crime Agency because of the disciplinary hearing, taking his salary to 190,000-195,000. In a statement in response to today's decision, Mr Rodhouse stood firm and described the investigation against him as a 'debacle.' 'I am pleased that the IOPC has finally recognised that I acted with honesty, integrity and care throughout a difficult investigation,' he said. 'I welcome the IOPCs apology, but I have yet to receive an adequate explanation as to how this debacle occurred. 'I recognise that senior police officers must be held accountable for their actions, and that public complaints must be properly considered. However, if police officers are to willingly take on complex and challenging investigations, they must have the confidence that any complaints made about their conduct will be competently investigated in a balanced and timely fashion. That was not the case here. 'Vital evidence was not considered despite it being readily available and repeatedly requested. Once it was finally considered, it became clear that the allegations made against me were ill-founded and incorrect. 'I am grateful for all of the support that I have received, and I now look forward to resuming my career investigating and prosecuting serious criminals.' Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is facing backlash following 'reckless and inflammatory' comments about federal immigration authorities, who have been detaining immigrants across Massachusetts in recent weeks. The mayor, often referred to as the 'Democratic dictator' for her progressive policies, ignited controversy after an on-air interview in which she described US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents as 'secret police' who are 'terrorizing' people in Boston. In her interview at the WBUR Festival on Friday, Wu, 40, said, 'People are terrified for their lives and for their neighbors. Folks are getting snatched off the street by secret police who are wearing masks, who can offer no justification for why certain people are being taken and then detained.' Her remarks prompted a swift response from US Attorney Leah Foley, who condemned the mayor for 'inciting hostility' against federal agents. 'During a recent interview, Boston's Mayor Michelle Wu made reckless and inflammatory statements regarding enforcement efforts by federal immigration authorities across the Commonwealth,' Foley said in a video posted to X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday. 'Referring to federal agents as 'secret police' is offensive,' she continued. Foley defended ICE, clarifying that the federal agency's role in immigration enforcement is well-known. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, 40, is facing backlash following 'reckless and inflammatory' comments about federal immigration authorities The mayor ignited controversy after an on-air interview in which she described US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents as 'secret police' who are 'terrorizing' people in Boston. Pictured: ICE agents detain a Columbian murder suspect in Boston 'There are no secret police. ICE agents, along with other federal law enforcement partners, are making immigration arrests. That is no secret,' Foley explained. 'They are arresting individuals who are here illegally, which is a violation of federal law. Every enforcement action is conducted within the bounds of the Constitution and our laws, with oversight, legal justification, and accountability. To claim otherwise is a gross misrepresentation and a disservice to the public.' Even the city's top newspaper, The Boston Herald, blasted the mayor, describing her leadership in its editorial pages as 'the least transparent administration in modern Boston history,' citing her refusal to release police records. 'She won't release anything about her own police. We're still waiting for the police report on the fatal Hyde Park bus accident,' the Herald reported. Wu, however, fired back, claiming that the recent federal intervention is 'undermining trust with local police.' 'The US attorney is attacking me for saying what Bostonians see with their own eyes,' Wu said in response to Foley's vehement statement. 'We have seen it directly in our communities, and it is undermining our efforts at the local level to keep people safe because it is spreading fear that undermines trust with local police. We do things very differently in Boston, and we are proud of how we do things.' Wu's remarks prompted a swift response from US Attorney Leah Foley (pictured), who condemned the mayor for 'inciting hostility' against federal agents Foley defended ICE, clarifying that the federal agency's role in immigration enforcement is well-known. Pictured: ICE agents make an arrest of a Columbian woman staying here in the United States illegally and having a criminal background on September 25, 2019 in Revere, Massachusetts Foley also addressed Wu's comment about ICE agents wearing masks, accusing the mayor of creating a dangerous environment for federal agents. 'Federal agents in marked jackets and vests are masking their faces because people like Mayor Wu have created false narratives about their mission,' Foley said. 'As a result, federal agents and their families are being threatened, doxxed, and assaulted. That is why they must hide their faces.' An ICE spokesman further explained in a statement to WCVB that officers wear masks for safety reasons, noting that some officers and their families have been targeted online. 'We have already had officers doxxed online - some have had their wives' and children's social media accounts made public, and even the schools their children attend have been exposed,' the statement read. 'There are some sick and crazy people out there who would like to see harm come to our officers and their families. Our officers risk their safety every day to prioritize the safety of all Americans, regardless of race or religion.' Wu, however, questioned the necessity of masks, asking, 'I don't know of any police department that routinely wears masks. We know there are other groups that routinely wear masks. NSC 131 routinely wears masks.' Foley also addressed Wu's comment about ICE agents wearing masks, accusing the mayor of creating a dangerous environment for federal agents. An ICE spokesman further explained that officers wear masks for safety reasons, noting that some officers and their families have been targeted online. Pictured: ICE agents and Removal Operations Boston arrested a Brazilian foreign fugitive convicted of rape of a child in Brazil on November 1, 2024 Wu (pictured) is also facing criticism for her administration's lack of transparency regarding the Boston Police Department When asked whether she was comparing ICE to a neo-Nazi group, Wu denied the comparison, saying, 'What I said is that Boston police - and no police department that I know of at the local level - routinely wears masks.' Wu is also facing criticism for her administration's lack of transparency regarding the Boston Police Department. Further concerns about Wu's administration stem from accusations that the Boston Police Department does not comply with public records laws. The department has been criticized for selectively releasing body camera footage and arbitrarily redacting police reports. The ongoing transparency issues have raised questions about Wu's commitment to openness, particularly as she targets ICE agents with rhetoric that could 'incite violence.' ICE recently reported that, during a surge in May, it arrested nearly 1,500 unauthorized immigrants, more than half of whom had significant criminal convictions or charges, as reported by WGBH. The name Herb Baumeister might not conjure up as much infamy and terror as the likes of Ted Bundy and Jeffrey Dahmer. But the extent of his depraved crimes and the number of victims certainly rivals the worst of the worst serial killers. In the latest episode of Murder Maps, Daily Mails Crime Correspondent Rachel Sharp delves into the haunting case of the Indiana serial killer thought to have taken the lives of around 25 people. To those living in the wealthy, exclusive Westfield neighborhood close to Indianapolis, Baumeister was a family man and successful businessman. He owned two local thrift stores and lived with his wife and their three children on a vast 18-acre estate called Fox Hollow Farm. But when a human skeleton was found in the woods of the farm in the winter of 1994, Baumeisters mask began to slip. Herb Baumeister preyed on young gay and bisexual men at bars in downtown Indianapolis Shocking questions still linger about what really happened at the Fox Hollow Farm estate Eventually, when police began to search the huge family estate in summer 1996, his double life was exposed. Investigators found a staggering 10,000 human remains and bone fragments, many burned and charred, scattered around the property. While his family was out of town, Baumeister would visit the local gay bars in downtown Indianapolis and lure young men back to his home, before killing them. The huge family estate where the Baumeister children would play with friends was actually their fathers secret graveyard for his victims. Quickly, eight victims were identified among the remains. But in 1998 - after Baumeister fled to Canada and killed himself - investigators stopped seeking to identity the remaining victims and the remains were left to sit on a shelf at the University of Indianapolis for the next 25 years with no names. That all changed in 2023 when Hamilton County Coroner Jeff Jellison decided to launch a new probe to identify the remaining victims and reunite them with their loved ones. Since then, two more victims have been named. In the latest episode of Murder Maps , Daily Mails Crime Correspondent Rachel Sharp delves into the haunting case Daily Mail maps out the case all the way from Baumeisters upbringing to the new probe and the unanswered questions that still linger about the case Now, the known victims are: Johnny Bayer, Jeff Jones, Richard Hamilton Jr., Steven Hale, Allen Broussard, Roger Goodlet, Mike Keirn, Manuel Resendez, Allen Livingston and Daniel Halloran. In this new episode, out now on YouTube, Sharp maps out the case all the way from Baumeisters life growing up to the missing persons cases that had the LGBT community on edge and the chilling discoveries on the farm. Sharp also delves into the aftermath of the case up to the present day - from the new probe to the unanswered questions that still linger about the case, including who all the victims are, the missing pieces of evidence that could hold the key to the crimes and the mystery surrounding whether Baumeister may have had an accomplice. Elon Musk appears to have begun walking back his attacks on Donald Trump barely 12 hours after stunning the world with a social media spree. The world's richest man has lost almost $30 billion in net worth and has seen his Tesla stock tumble after going rogue on the president, including reigniting his history with Jeffrey Epstein. Even his estranged father Errol begged him to unwind before doing lasting damage, with some Trump allies calling for him to lose his security clearances, government contracts and even face deportation. Musk broke his silence on Friday by agreeing with an X post that claimed he never attacked Trump personally. The shock feud was ignited over Musk's opposition to Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill', before he launched into a series of attacks on the president and alleged he is 'in the Epstein files.' Trump quickly branded the businessman 'crazy' and said he has 'lost his mind', following bombshell reports alleging Musk was taking a cocktail of drugs on the 2024 presidential campaign trail including ecstasy and magic mushrooms. Musk reportedly wanted to contact Trump amid their public fall out, but Trump brushed off his olive branch and told CNN: 'I'm not even thinking about Elon.' Trump also moved to sell his Tesla that he bought from Musk when their relationship was far rosier in March, in a parting insult after saying he ousted Musk from his White House. FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino revealed Wednesday more details of a video that he says proves that Jeffery Epstein killed himself in his cell in the Metropolitan Correctional Center (MCC) in New York City. 'The evidence we have in our files clearly indicates that it was, in fact, a suicide. We do have video,' Bongino said in an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity. Bongino said the video proved there was a time period in which Epstein was alone. 'The video does show in that specific block that he goes in, made a phone call. You'll see 12 hours of guards going to basically check on him, come back,' he said. 'You'll see no one really comes out in that bay, in that area than him. There's no one in there.' He conceded the Epstein case was 'a hot potato for folks' but also cautioned people against putting too much emphasis on the video he was preparing to release. 'It's not the greatest video in the world. I don't want to set expectations on fire.' Bongino said he was still compiling evidence in the case and preparing it for release in the 'coming weeks' to demonstrate the Epstein committed suicide, and was not killed by some kind of nefarious third party. 'When you combine that with the other evidence where we will be releasing in the coming weeks, we're still finalizing some of the products, I think it's pretty clear,' he said. FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino spoke about video he says proves that Jeffery Epstein killed himself Jeffrey Epstein at a public event in 2005 Bongino's claims surrounding Epstein's death have triggered skepticism from people who have long believed that the wealthy billionaire was murdered because of his knowledge of secrets and incriminating evidence of wealthy and powerful people -even as high as former President Bill Clinton. Investigations conclude Epstein died by hanging in is jail cell with an orange noose created from a either a shirt or a shirt while he was awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges while he was alone in his cell. But details surrounding the case, especially reports of security footage failures of Epstein have continued to fuel speculation that he was secretly murdered. His brother Mark Epstein, has also raised questions about the details surrounding the case, refusing to believe the results of the official investigation. 'It would be a lot easier for me if I thought it was suicide, but there's a long list of things that point away from it,' the brother told the Daily Mail this week. 'Somebody could've got in to Jeff's cell and killed him,' he says. Powerful podcast hosts and media figures continue stoking questions surrounding the case. Journalist Glenn Greenwald raised questions about the case in an interview with Tucker Carlson last week, noting that people who were involved with Epstein and traveled to his island remain untouched by federal law enforcement. 'There people to whom he trafficked minors because he was charged with sex trafficking, but nobody has been charged with being the recipient of that sex trafficking,' he said. Greenwald also focused on the details of the plea deal reached with Epstein after several minor girls told police that Epstein hired them to give sexual massages. This photo provided by the New York State Sex Offender Registry shows Jeffrey Epstein, March 28, 2017 Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell attend de Grisogono Sponsors The 2005 Wall Street Concert Series In 2006, Palm Beach police moved to charge Epstein with multiple counts of unlawful sex with a minor but the case was sent to a grand jury by Florida State Attorney Barry Krischer. Federal prosecutors prepared to indict Epstein, but the U.S. attorney in Miami, Alexander Acosta, reached a plea bargain with him. Epstein pleaded guilty to one count of soliciting prostitution and one count of soliciting prostitution from someone under the age of 18 and was sentenced to just 18 months in jail. Most of his sentence was served in a work-release program. The puzzling plea deal indicated that Epstein had the highest connections available to keep him from more serious prosecution that would have sent him to jail for decades. When Acosta was drafted in the first Trump administration to serve as the Secretary of Labor, a senior Trump official told Daily Beast reporter Vicky Ward they asked about his connection to the Epstein plea deal. 'I was told Epstein "belonged to intelligence" and to leave it alone,' he replied. 'Something was going on there,' Greenwald told Carlson. Carlson said that he was a friend of Bongino's but that the lack of transparency in the Department of Justice was troubling. 'I'm a friend of Bungino's and I do think that will come out, but I think big picture DOJ is making a huge mistake, huge mistake in promising to reveal things and then not revealing them,' he said. A Christian charity marketing executive accused of producing child abuse material could be hit with more criminal charges as her erotic novel is scanned line by line. Lauren Tesolin-Mastrosa, 33, came to the attention of police and the courts after writing the book Daddy's Little Toy under her pen name Tori Woods. The Sydney woman issued a pre-release of the novel to about 20 advanced readers in March. The following month, Tesolin-Mastrosa pleaded not guilty to possessing, disseminating, and producing child abuse material. Her lawyer Mickaela Mate argued at the time that the book was 'a fantasy within a fiction' and that there were no victims. Ms Mate returned to Blacktown Local Court on Thursday, when prosecutors said further charges over the novel were being considered. NSW Police had prepared a 10-page synopsis summarising the novel, the court was told. The DPP was endeavouring to get hold of the actual book in order to assess its contents, solicitor Milijana Masanovic said. Author Lauren Tesolin-Mastrosa (pictured) could be hit with more criminal charges Advanced copies of her book 'Daddy's little toy' sparked outrage before Lauren Tesolin-Mastrosa was arrested in March Prosecutors were looking into the appropriateness of the charges already laid and whether any more should be brought, she said. Tesolin-Mastrosa's police interview, police statements and digital records of her two mobile phones still had yet to be compiled in the full brief of evidence, the court was told. She will next appear in court on July 31. Ms Mate successfully applied to vary her client's bail conditions on Thursday. The Quakers Hill woman will now only have to report to police once weekly instead of three times. Magistrate Bree Chisholm found Tesolin-Mastrosa had no risk of flight or not appearing in court as she had no criminal record and had strong community ties. Outside court, Ms Mate said her client was doing well. Lawyer Mickaela Mate argued the book was 'a fantasy within a fiction' and that there were no victims 'She's great,' she said before getting into her waiting car. In April, Ms Mate said the allegedly offensive content was between fictional characters who were two consenting adults. '(It) is a fantasy within a fiction and hence there are no victims.' A Republican real estate agent in Alabama made a shocking demand to the media following an announcement that she's running for a top government position. Nicole Wadsworth, a commercial real estate developer from Huntsville, recently put her name in the running for Alabama Lt. Governor for the 2026 Republican primary election. On Tuesday, Wadsworth, the wife of District 14 State Rep. Tim Wadsworth, made her presence clear to the media as her campaign team sent an unusual email to several outlets. Hunter Weathers, her campaign manager, sent a note seemingly telling the press how they should report on the campaign when it came to his boss - explicitly requesting that she be referred to only as 'Dr. Nicole Wadsworth' in all related content, including headlines, captions and in articles. Weathers took a moment to 'address a matter of professional accuracy and respect,' writing: 'Dr. Nicole Wadsworth has earned her academic and professional titles and should be addressed accordingly in all future correspondence and press materials. 'Dr. Wadsworth is not only the most qualified candidate in the race - she is a nationally recognized economic developer, economist, and commercial real estate developer, with four degree, two certifications, and decades of leadership in Alabama's private sector,' he added, according to the letter, reviewed by 1819 News. 'As the only candidate in this race with boots-on-the-ground economic development experience paired with academic and private-sector credentials, it is important that her contributions be reflected with accuracy and professionalism.' He then pointed to her website and biography, adding that her doctoral title is highlighted in both. Wadsworth told DailyMail.com the email was not supposed to be sent to every media organization in the area, and instead only to a 'select few organizations in Alabama.' Nicole Wadsworth, a commercial real estate developer from Huntsville, Alabama, has demanded that all media outlets in the state refer to her only as 'Dr. Nicole Wadsworth' Her campaign manager sent the shocking letter to news outlets Tuesday to 'address a matter of professional accuracy and respect.' (Pictured: Wadsworth and Donald Trump Jr.) 'An email sent on Tuesday evening by a member of my campaign staff was intended for a select few organizations in Alabama. It was inadvertently sent to our entire media list instead of a select few that we request give the campaign the equal treatment that we deserve as a candidate in this race,' she said. 'We have been incredibly blessed by the growing support around our state and the coverage we have earned from the media outlets who have been respectful and ethical throughout the campaign. 'We deeply appreciate everyone who understands that it is tough as a woman entering politics to get some to recognize your achievements and the value you provide to the people of Alabama,' Wadsworth added. On her campaign page and her personal site, Wadsworth is referenced several times as 'Dr. Nicole Wadsworth', 'Dr. Nicole,' 'Dr. Nicole J. Wadsworth and 'Dr. Wadsworth, but in some places she is only called 'Nicole Wadsworth' or 'Nicole,' including in the URL. It is unclear what article or stories sparked the request, but according to the Associated Press' stylebook - the standard for journalistic writing style - the 'Dr.' prefix should only be used for medical doctors. Online users and Alabama locals were quick to weigh in on what they think about Wadsworth's new demand, as many were not pleased with her. 'Oh, she does not get my vote. No walking this back, I'll write myself in first,' one wrote. 'So, we're not voting for Karen. Got it,' said another. 'A leader is humble. She is a no for my vote,' a user commented. It is unclear what article or stories sparked the request (pictured), but according to the Associated Press' stylebook - the standard for writing style in journalism - the 'Dr.' prefix should only be used for medical doctors Wadsworth has a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Alabama, a bachelor's degree from the University of Alabama at Huntsville, and a master's degree from the Florida Institute of Technology's Huntsville campus, her campaign manager told AL.com. The Republican candidate also has two certifications - one in zoning and planning from the University of North Alabama and another in economic development leadership certification from Auburn University, he noted. In response to why the demand was made in the first place, Weathers told the outlet: 'The purpose of the request was to highlight her credentials and her academic experience and education. 'We just want the press to address her correctly with the appropriate titles with her experience in the private sector and her education - with a title like economic developer, economist, commercial real estate developer - something like that,' he said. 'And that was the purpose of the email. It wasnt necessarily to address her by Dr.' According to the letter, Wadsworth has traveled to 'all 67 Alabama counties more than 25 times' and had done so 'on her own dime.' She has also 'played a leading role' in multiple initiatives, including small business growth, economic development, rural healthcare advocacy and community revitalization, it detailed. While announcing her run for the government position, Wadsworth told WSFA: 'We're trying to figure out what is the best job where I can utilize my skills in economic policy to best serve the people of Alabama, and Lt. Governor, that's that fit.' She is running against four other Republican candidates, Wes Allen, George Childress, Dead Odle and Rick Pate. The winner of the election, which is set to be held November 3, 2026, will replace current Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth. About two weeks ago, Ainsworth, who has served in the role since 2019, announced he would not be running for the next election. In a social media post, he announced his future plans, writing: 'Kendall [his wife] and I have decided that focusing on our children during their last years in high school and transitioning to the private sector makes the most sense for all of us at this time in our lives.' Due to term limits, he is not allowed to seek a third term. 'I will be on the campaign trail working alongside President Trump to help elect a strong, conservative governor and other Republican elected officials who will keep Alabama moving in the right direction,' Ainsworth continued. DailyMail.com contacted Wadsworth's office for comment. A retired British engineer who settled down in South Africa was ambushed in his car driveway and strangled with his own belt after returning from a trip to the pub. Murder victim Karl Lauks, 73, was said to be the 'life and soul' of his adoptive town of Tulbagh 70 miles north of Cape Town known for its award-winning wines. The AC/DC rock fan was sent to the Western Province to work over 20 years ago but fell in love with South Africa's fourth oldest town and never returned home. But on Sunday evening, after visiting his usual watering hole, he drove the short distance back home, unaware a killer was waiting for him to open his house gates. After parking his Smart car in the drive, he was attacked before he could get out from behind the wheel and battered into submission and his leather belt taken off him. The killer is said to have used Karl's scarf to silence him by jamming it in his mouth to stop his screams, then wrapped the belt round his neck and choked him to death. The cold-blooded killer took his mobile phone the fourth one stolen from him in 6 months the murder weapon, wallet and house keys and left him dead in the car. The bearded rocker from Bradford, Yorks, who also saw Pink Floyd play many times was only discovered when a neighbour saw his drive gate and car door open on Monday. Karl Lauks, 73, who settled down in South Africa was ambushed in his car driveway and strangled with his own belt after popping down the pub for a beer Close friend and drinking buddy Neels Venter (right) shared a pic of them together in their local pub in a tribute that said: 'Your chair is empty. We will always remember to 'take one for the road'. RIP our Friend' His cousin Tessa Muller, who is a chef in the Tulbagh Hotel where Karl was a regular for his full English breakfast most days, was called and asked to check on him. She told Netwerk24: 'When I got there and saw the security gate and his car door open I knew that was not like him and feared the worst as I walked up and looked inside. 'I knew he was dead right then and there when I saw the scarf in his mouth and his eyes wide open and I knew I must not touch anything and I called the police. 'Karl was loved and probably one of the best know person in Tulbagh and would always be out and about having breakfast with us then his lunch at Herholdt's Pub. 'There was not a single day he ever stayed in and he was the life and soul of everywhere he went but as he got older the locals watched over him the best they could. 'For this very gentle man to meet his end like this is just truly horrible' she said. His death came as the second wave of Afrikaner's left South Africa for a new life in the USA at the weekend having been granted 'refugee status' by President Trump. Trump and sidekick the world's richest man Elon Musk accused South Africa of allowing 'white genocide' saying they turned a blind eye to the murder of its farmers. The cold-blooded killer took Mr Lauks's mobile phone the fourth one stolen from him in 6 months the murder weapon, wallet and house keys and left him dead in the car A close friend and fellow drinker at the Herholdt's Pub, Mr Lauks's local, said: 'Karl lit his place up and a number of other bars in Tulbagh and now his regular seat is sitting there empty' Ironically police did not have far to go as their police station is in the same road where Karl was murdered as is the magistrates court where an arrested man was taken. A close friend and fellow drinker at the Herholdt's Pub said: 'Karl lit his place up and a number of other bars in Tulbagh and now his regular seat is sitting there empty. 'His British sense of humour and jokes endeared him to everyone and he would always finish at the bar with 'one for the road' before 'going home to feed the crocodile'. 'Karl's 'crocodile' was a pit bull he bought called Wally for protection after he was badly beaten up in robbery for his phone last year and had his shoulder broken. 'The shoulder never repaired properly so he was seen as easy prey and it was known he had money and each time his phone was robbed they knew he would get another. 'He got a pit bull to protect himself at night but kept it indoors to stop him barking and I guess the robber knew that and attacked Karl before he could get in the front door. 'Everyone here looked out for him and watched him home if they could to get him in safely but that could not happen 24/7 and on Sunday his killer I guess was just waiting. 'Sadly the dog had been diagnosed with cancer in its legs and was in pain so when Karl was murdered it was decided the kindest thing was to put Wally down as well. Mr Lauks was sent to the Western Province to work over 20 years ago but fell in love with South Africa's fourth oldest town and never returned home 'Karl was a widower and lost his wife to cancer some 15 years ago and lived alone ever since but he was a rolling stone and just enjoyed being out and about having a beer. 'Tulbagh loved Karl and he will be well and truly missed even for an Englishman! He would like me to say that. But in fairness he was one of us a true local' he said. A 29-year-old suspect was arrested and stolen property allegedly found at his home and has was remanded in custody by Tulbagh Magistrates to get a state aid solicitor. Locals said Karl had a brother called Imants in Canada who is an extremely well known and much lauded inventor of pioneering products with many patents in the USA. A Western Cape police spokesman confirmed: 'A 29-year-old man has been arrested for the murder of a 73-year-old man and remanded in custody until next Monday'. Close friend and drinking buddy Neels Venter said on Facebook posting a pic of them together in their local pub: 'Mr Karl, Karl with a K, Our Carl. Your chair is empty. 'We will always remember to 'take one for the road'. RIP our Friend'. Miranda van Wyk, a former P& O ship's purser, of Guildford, Surrey, said: 'I will miss you Karl with a K. My fellow Brit I will miss our regular chit chats when we were in the UK. 'Then we would laugh that we much prefer it here in South Africa. You were such a kind and gentle man, but also a true Gentleman, who always went above and beyond. 'So cruelly taken from us, no one deserves that ending, least of all you. RIP Karl' Close friend Inga Christensen said: 'I hope the evil culprit that ended your life gets the karma they deserve. You were a loving soul full of wit and wicked sense of humour. 'You will live in our hearts forever and ever. We all loved you so much' she said, The idyllic town of Great Falls in Montana has seen an exodus of people while much of the state continues to attract newcomers. In the latest data from the US Census Bureau, Great Falls was noted as the only large Montana city to consistently see its population decline since 2020. The city lost 230 people from 2023 to 2024, while many other hubs in the state have grown as people flocked during the pandemic. Great Falls' population decline is still relatively small compared to its population of over 60,000, and it remains around half the size of Montana's largest city, Billings, at 123,000. Billings grew by 686 people in that same time frame, with the second most populated city, Missoula, growing its 77,000-people population by 557 people. Montana's idyllic scenery and low taxes drew in many people during the pandemic as people opted to work remotely from the state. But the rapid growth has slowed according to the new census data, with cities such as Bozeman still growing but at a much lower rate. From 2020 to 2021, Bozeman grew at three percent as it added over a thousand new residents, but this fell to a 1.4 percent rate from 2023 to 2024. Montana's idyllic scenery and low taxes drew in many people during the pandemic, but one of its major cities has struggled to keep up In the latest data from the US Census Bureau, Great Falls (population) was noted as the only large Montana city to consistently see its population decline since 2020 The next town over from Bozeman, Belgrade, saw an even bigger drop than the major city as the influx it saw from the pandemic slowed dramatically. In 2021, Belgrade grew by a huge 8.1 percent, but this dropped to a growth rate of just 2.3 percent this year as its population grew by 280 residents, per the Montana Free Press. But while much of Montana grew since the pandemic in 2020, Great Falls is the only major city in the state that consistently shrunk. Statewide, migration from those already living in the US has reportedly been the primary driver of Montana's population surge. Between 2020 and 2023, over 51,000 more people moved into Montana than moved away, according to the census bureau. Over 6,000 more people moved into Montana than moved out in 2024 alone, with a huge majority of those coming from other states rather than people born outside the US. It comes as startling new data on the US population found that the nation's natural-born population could be almost extinct in just 500 years. Not taking into account immigration or major changes in death rates, statisticians predict this group could be cut by at least one-third every 75 years. Great Falls lost 230 people from 2023 to 2024, while many other hubs in the state have grown as people flocked during the pandemic This, economist Dr Abigail Hall told DailyMail.com, is a clear sign the US is heading toward a 'detrimental' crisis. Dr Hall, an associate professor of economics at the University of Tampa, told DailyMail.com: 'Economically speaking, depopulation is detrimental for economic growth.' 'One thing people would probably witness is that it's going to be harder to find people to fill jobs.' Experts have warned that as the US population dwindles, there will be fewer people to pay off the nation's debt. For example, the Heritage Foundation estimates a baby born in 2007 will assume $30,500 in debt. However, a baby born in 2020 will assume $59,000. Based on the current trends, recent Census data predicts the natural-born population in the US will be back to levels of the post-Civil War era in the next 300 years, with just 60million people. And around the year 2600, this population could dwindle to only 10million, a number not seen since the early 1800s when the country bounced back from the Revolutionary War. Dr Hall highlights America's flailing fertility rate, which was laid bare in a report last month by the CDC. The report found women on average had 1.6 births each in 2023, well below the 2.1 needed to sustain population growth. Political leaders are warning of dire consequences, with Elon Musk often saying population decline could become one of the most pressing issues to face humanity in the coming decades. Rape victims will have the chance to challenge a prosecutors decision to drop their court case for the first time under a new pilot. Victims in rape and serious sexual assault trials will now be able to ask for a different prosecutor to review their case if the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) intends to offer no evidence against the accused. The six-month pilot, which will launch on Friday in the West Midlands, effectively gives victims the chance to re-activate cases preventing suspects from walking free if a new prosecutor believes there is enough evidence for the trial to continue. Today, Victims Commissioner for England and Wales Baroness Helen Newlove hailed the pilot as a first step toward ending a manifestly unfair practice that denied victims a voice and robbed them of justice. A victims right to review a case already exists for all criminal cases, but perversely it only applies before the trial starts and cannot be used when the case has been discontinued at court. Campaigners have long demanded a change after a series of cases where it later emerged that the CPS had made an mistake but victims were powerless to reopen proceedings because the case had already been dropped mid-trial, letting the suspect free. If the scheme is successful in the West Midlands, ministers could extend it across England and Wales. The reform, backed by the attorney general and solicitor general, forms part of the governments pledge to halve violence against women and girls. Jade Blue McCrossen-Nethercott has campaigned for changes It has been welcomed by Jade Blue McCrossen-Nethercott, who has campaigned for changes after her rape case was dropped on the basis that she could have unknowingly had sex while asleep due to a rare sleep disorder called sexsomnia. The 33-year-old told police in 2017 that she believed she had been raped while asleep on a sofa after waking up half-naked, finding her necklace broken on the floor. The CPS later apologised for dropping her case paying 35,000 in compensation after conceding it should have gone to trial. Today she said: Im hugely excited about what this pilot could mean for victims, and I hope it proves successful enough to be rolled out across the country. This pilot is a crucial safeguard one that could have completely changed the outcome in my case, and so many others like it. Baroness Newlove, Victims' Commissioner for England and Wales I was profoundly failed and let down by how my case was handled, but Ive since seen people within the CPS who are genuinely working to make it better. Ministers hope the change will help build trust in the justice system, which has been eroded by lengthy waiting times. In latest quarterly crime data released by the Ministry of Justice running to December 2024, rape and sexual offences had reached a record high in the crown court backlog. The number of sexual offences waiting to go to the crown court was 11,981, up by 41 per cent in two years. There are 3,489 adult rape cases waiting to go to trial, an increase of 70 per cent in two years. Solicitor General Lucy Rigby said: This government is treating violence against women and girls with the seriousness it deserves. Part of that is about empowering victims and improving their experience of the criminal justice system. Siobhan Blake, CPS lead for rape and chief crown prosecutor of CPS West Midlands, said: We know for rape victims, the prospect of their case being stopped can be absolutely devastating. Although they can request a review of our decision-making now, if we have already stopped the case in court, there is nothing that can be done to reactivate the case if that review comes to a different conclusion. In those circumstances we offer an apology, but appreciate that for a victim an apology rarely goes far enough or feels like a just outcome. An Alaska man was in for a thriller movie of his own when he found himself trapped under a 700-pound boulder during what was meant to be a peaceful canyon hike with his wife. On May 24, Kell Morris and Joanna Roop decided to avoid the crowded trails that Memorial Day weekend often brings and make their way to a secluded hike 120 miles south of Anchorage, Alaska. Little did they know that the decision would find them in their own version of the movie '127 Hours,' which follows a climber who was trapped for five days when a boulder crushed his arm. Played by James Franco, he finally chose to amputate his own limb rather than continue to wait for rescue and die in the process. The story, which is based on the experiences of real-life Aron Ralston, serves as a cautionary tale for outdoorsmen like Morris. Fortunately for Morris, no amputation was required for his dramatic three-hour rescue. The couple started their hike in a creek next to Godwin Glacier in Seward - and the icy path was lined with boulders. But since they'd hiked the path before, Morris and Roop weren't expecting any of those boulders to come tumbling down on them. As they walked, they avoided the rocks as best they could, but eventually came to a rocky area they could not pass. Before he knew it, the entire side of the creek slid out from under him and according to KSL.com 'an avalanche of boulders' came tumbling down behind him. Kell Morris was in for a thriller movie of his own when he found himself trapped under a 700-pound boulder On May 24, Kell Morris (left) and Joanna Roop (right) decided to avoid the crowded trails that Memorial Day weekend often brings and made their way to a secluded, rugged trail south of Anchorage, Alaska He felt one hit his back and next thing he knew, Morris, 61, was facedown on the ground completely unable to move. His wife, a 61-year-old former police officer, attempted to rescue him herself. But after half an hour she left to find cell service and call for help. Morris told Daily Mail he was unsure they'd be able to get any help at all because of how remote the location was. The hiker also couldn't be reached by all-terrain vehicles, leaving emergency services to look for other solutions. In a stroke of luck, a firefighter at Bear Creek Volunteer Fire Department overheard the 911 dispatch, according to The New York Times. He happened to work for Seward Helicopter Tours and offered up one of their choppers to usher first responders to the scene of the incident. While they waited, the freezing water from the creek surrounding Morris continued to rise, thanks to pressure from the boulder and the melting glaciers. In a heroic move, Roop held her husband's head above water to keep him from drowning. Finally, 45 minutes later, firefighters from Bear Creek and the Seward Fire Department got to work. Little did they know, that decision would find them in their own version of the movie '127 Hours' (pictured) Seward Helicopter Tours offered up on of their choppers to usher first responders to the scene of the incident But, the process of moving a 700-pound boulder is easier said than done. It took seven men three hours to rescue Morris. At first, he said, 'everything was about assessing how bad it was.' Since Morris was stable, his wife and the firefighters took their time figuring out how best to approach the removal. The whole time, he drifted in and out of consciousness. Neither he nor his wife were sure he would make it out. Even Seward Fire Chief Clinton Crites wasn't confident. 'I fully anticipated a body recovery, not him walking away without a scratch on him,' Crites said. Miraculously, other rocks beneath the boulder held a lot of its weight off of Morris. As the giant rock held him down, Morris said he felt sharp tension in his leg and expected to walk away with a broken femur at the very least. But thanks to the quick thinking of his wife and the local fire departments, he left with some just some bruising and what he thinks is a touch of frostbite. In fact he went back to work just three days later, and said he would've gone sooner had his wife let him. The worst consequences is people condemning for going out on the undefined trail in the first place. But Morris says he's an avid adventurer and nothing of this kind has ever happened before. He doubts it will happen again. 'I've done a lot of adventurous stuff in my life,' he told Daily Mail. 'I'm not the one taking care of myself. God takes care of me.' The movie-worthy incident hasn't deterred Morris from hiking, either. He and his wife went out again the following weekend. He credits his rescue to the volunteers who made the trek to the remote trail to help him. 'I would like them to be better appreciated. And for people to volunteer in their community,' he told Daily Mail. Daily Mail reached out to Bear Creek Volunteers for comment. An Arizona transgender woman claims the United States is no longer safe for trans people because of President Donald Trump and has applied for asylum in Canada. Hannah Kreager, 22, has now 'fled' her home in the Grand Canyon State for the Canadian city of Calgary. 'I have fled in hopes of finding safety, security, and the freedom to continue to live my life, and access/take my medications as prescribed,' Kreager wrote on her GoFundMe page Her legal filing cites two executive orders by the Republican president, including where the federal government only recognizes the male and female genders, according to The Globe and Mail. As a result, US passports and identity cards with an X gender marker are no longer being issued. Her own passport displays an X, she told the Canadian news organization, claiming she is concerned what might happen to hers after hearing the passports of other transgender people have been seized or damaged. 'Attitudes in the United States have grown increasingly intolerant toward trans people by those who have been influenced and emboldened by a president and administration that takes basic rights away from trans people on the basis of nothing more than their identity,' the US migrant stated. 'The danger to trans individuals in the United States is very high, while the threat my community poses is exceedingly low.' Hannah Kreager, 22, has now fled her home in the Grand Canyon State for the Canadian city of Calgary. She is seeking asylum in Canada from Pres. Donald Trump Her pending claim for protection in the Great White North could be a landmark case, the American believes. 'I'm here in Canada with a terrific lawyer taking up my unprecedented case: seeking asylum from the United States of America on the grounds of violation of human rights,' she posted online. 'My case is a precedent-setting one, and if successful, could make asylum for trans people in the U.S. possible.' Kreager's attorney Yameena Ansari claims she and other Canadian immigration lawyers have been flooded with inquiries from transgender Americans since Trump took power about how they can move to their country. 'This case is about safety,' her attorney Yameena Ansari told the Canadian news site. 'Its about whether Canada will recognize the threat Hannah faces in the U.S.' Other Americans have also applied for refugee status north of the US border. An Illinois family with transgender children has made a similar request of the Canadian government. Kreager fears her US passport, which shows X as her gender, will no longer be honored or will be confiscated by American immigration officials working on under Pres. Trump Cars wait in line to enter the United States at a border crossing at the Canada-US border in Blackpool, Quebec, Canada, on February 2, 2025 Kreager is one of several Americans who have looked north to Canada, seeking LGBTQ protections under the current US administration Katie Berg, her husband Ted, and five of their children are currently in the middle of seeking asylum in Canada after fleeing Illinois on March 3. The parents worry for their transgender and gender-fluid children, who are 13 and 12 respectively Kaitlyn and Ted Berg, parents to a 13-year-old child who is transgender, and 12-year-old who identifies as gender fluid, pulled their five kids from school one day after Trump's inauguration. 'They're kids, but they're also people too,' Katie told the DailyMail.com in March. 'We're just leaving to make a better life for our children... If my children can grow up safe, that's all that matters. The military veteran parents drove to the US-Canada border without passports to a border crossing where they made an asylum claim. However, Canadian immigration officials have stressed that claims from Americans face an uphill battle, as they must prove that they have a 'real fear of persecution or face serious harm, such as torture or cruel treatment, in their home country or where they usually live.' The housemates of missing Australian teenager Pheobe Bishop have been charged with murder three weeks after the 17-year-old vanished. Police arrested James Wood, 34, and his partner Tanika Bromley, 33, on Thursday night in Bundaberg, Queensland. The couple had taken the teenager into their home in the weeks before her disappearance on May 15. They are thought to have been the last people to see Pheobe and had been due to drop her off at Bundaberg airport that morning. The pair have since been charged with one count each of murder and two counts each of interfering with a corpse. They will remain in custody and are due to appear in Bundaberg Magistrates Court on Friday. Despite the breakthrough in the case, the young woman's body is yet to be found. 'The remains of Pheobe Bishop have not been located to date,' police admitted in a statement. 'Detectives continue to investigate this matter, and physical searches will continue as needed as information is provided.' The charges were brought against Wood and Bromley hours after Pheobe's friends reported odd occurrences on her Facebook account on Thursday. The teen's Facebook Messenger account appeared to be online at various times over a 14 hour period between midnight and 2pm. Two people have been charged with murder in relation to the disappearance of Pheobe Bishop James Wood and Tanika Bromley were charged with murder on Thursday night A friend of the teen shared a screenshot taken around 2pm that appeared to show Pheobe's account had been online just eight minutes before the image had been taken A screenshot appeared to show Pheobe's Facebook account had been online on Thursday - three weeks after she vanished One person reported that a green dot on her profile picture - showing when someone is logged in and available for instant chat - appeared at 12.18am. Another Facebook friend shared a screenshot taken around 2pm that appeared to show Pheobe's account had been online just eight minutes before the image had been taken. Both friends said they had reported the strange occurrences, with one even posting it to the social media of Pheobe's mum Kylie Johnson. Daily Mail Australia contacted Queensland Police at 3pm Thursday to comment on the situation. 'For investigative reasons, we cannot provide that level of detail,' a spokesperson said. Pheobe's mum Kylie Johnson shared a heartbreaking post shortly after she received the update from police on Thursday night. 'Our world has just been shattered into the most horrific place I've ever been,' she wrote. 'I need my baby home to put her to rest! I'm absolutely begging anyone that knows anything to come forward. 'We need to put her to rest, we need to put her to peace.' Shortly before she received the news, Ms Johnson took to Facebook to mark three weeks since her 'Phee Phee' disappeared. Bromley arrived to report for bail at Gin Gin police station about 9.15am on Thursday on unrelated weapons charges. Within 12 hours, she was charged with murder Tanika Bromley refused to comment when confronted by Daily Mail Australia outside Gin Gin Police Station on Thursday Hours before he was charged with murder, a photo resurfaced of James Wood on his wedding day to another woman in 2021 'My heart is holding onto every little memory and hope that you come home to us Phee Phee, the little internal family jokes, the little digs at your siblings and the love that you all unconditionally shared,' she began. 'The fierceness of that was beyond beautiful and unique.. I remember someone commenting once that you were all so co dependent that you finished each other sentences.' 'This statement made me the happiest mum alive! Your sibling bond is deep, meaningful and makes my heart so happy.. The emotional connection, love and friendship has always been unmatched and unquestioned.. '21 days without a txt, a call, or any contact.. I know our daughter and this isn't her behavior. 'Someone knows something! Someone has the answers to bring our Phee Phee home! Pheobe (pictured with her mum Kylie Johnson) was last seen on May 15 James Wood and Tanika Bromley will appear in Bundaberg Local Court on Thursday 'Someone knows something! Someone has the answers to bring our Phee Phee, our Nanny McPhee, our Auntie Nanny our Nanny, our Flea Flea and our family member home!' Pheobe was last seen on May 15 leaving the Gin Gin home, near Bundaberg, where she was living with Wood and his partner Bromley. The couple 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 failed to board and neither she nor her luggage have been seen since, with police revealing her neither her phone or bank accounts have been accessed. The development comes after Wood was initially arrested on Wednesday and then released without charge. Police provided an update earlier on Thursday. 'Detectives are continuing to run through several lines of enquiry as investigations continue, and will conduct physical searches when required,' a spokesperson said. 'Police are continuing to appeal for any information about Pheobe's whereabouts.' The search for Pheobe was scaled back on Wednesday after police had spent weeks combing several areas of interest. 'Our world has just been shattered into the most horrific place I've ever been,' Pheobe's mum Kylie (left) posted on Thursday night Pheobe's remains are yet to be located. Pictured is a search in Good Night Scrub National Park They included the property in Gin Gin where Pheobe had lived with Wood and Bromley and a grey Hyundai ix35, thought to have been used to take Pheobe to the airport. The police search initially focused on Good Night Scrub National Park with homicide detectives, cadaver dogs and divers called in. Some items believed to be linked to the investigation were seized for forensic examination. The search revealed evidence might have been moved from the national park before police arrived. Anyone with information regarding Pheobe's disappearance is urged to call Crime Stoppers. USA Today was forced to heavily edit a story on the daughter of the Colorado terror suspect after thousands hammered the newspaper's glowing puff piece for excluding horrific details of the attack. The article, originally published Tuesday, did not specifically state that 45-year-old Egyptian national Mohamed Soliman allegedly threw Molotov cocktails at a group of pro-Israel demonstrators. The revised version added this detail to the body of the story and to the headline, with an editor's note saying the story had been updated to provide 'context and detail'. However, the main thrust of the piece was that Mohamed's 18-year-old daughter, Habiba Soliman, had dreams to attend medical school in the United States. 'Before the attack, Habiba Soliman had written about her hope of accomplishing great things,' the article says in both versions, adding that her 'favorite activity' was volunteering at a local hospital. The article further portrayed the despicable crime allegedly committed by her father as an unfortunate disruption to Habiba's aspirations to become a physician now that the entire family is set to be deported. In a statement to DailyMail.com, USA Today acknowledged the shortcomings of the original article. 'When appropriate, for the sake of our readers, USA Today updates stories. Our editorial team recognized that the original version of this story lacked sufficient context and made the necessary updates promptly,' a spokesperson said. USA Today published a rosy profile on Habiba Soliman, the 18-year-old daughter of the Egyptian national who threw Molotov cocktails at a group of pro-Israel demonstrators at an outdoor mall in Boulder, Colorado The language used in the original version of the piece, which experienced waves of backlash, downplayed the crimes Mohamed Soliman (pictured at the scene of the attack) allegedly committed, while also heaping sympathy on his daughter who may now be deported Before the article was updated by USAToday, thousands of social media users slammed the major newspaper The headline used to promote the USA Today article on X glossed over the brutal specifics of the attack, which left an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor with severe burns. 'Boulder suspects daughter dreamed of studying medicine. Now she faces deportation,' the headline read in the post, which is still up on the social media site. This was also the headline used in the original version of the article, which USA Today said has been updated to include: 'Then, her father firebombed Jewish marchers in Boulder.' But before the update could be made, social media users had plenty of time to share their outrage at a major American newspaper showing what appeared to be sympathy for a suspected terrorist's daughter over the innocent victims of her father's alleged cruelty. Many were also frustrated that USA Today seemed to be sympathizing with Mohamed's family now that they face deportation, despite all of them being in the country illegally. 'I don't care what she dreamed of,' one X user commented underneath USA Today's post. 'If she's here illegally, AMERICANS dreamed that she gets deported.' 'Interesting editorial decision to allocate more words to the family of the terrorist than to the families of the victims,' another replied. Christina Hoff Sommers, an author and a well-known critic of modern feminism, said she was 'awaiting stories about how families of the burn victims are faring.' And Anna Kelly, the Deputy White House Press Secretary, simply commented, 'Are you so for real?' Pictured: The original headline of the profile on Mohamed's daughter. It describes him simply as the 'Boulder suspect' Pictured: The revised headline adds more details of the crime that took place and who the victims were The opening four paragraphs of the revised article (pictured) added more context about the attack, not all of which were present in the original This excerpt of the revised piece adds this context about the motive behind the crime. None of this was broached in the original The main differences between the original and updated article from USA Today come in the very beginning. The original headline, which made no mention of the pro-Israel protestors who were attacked, was updated to the following: 'Habiba Soliman wanted to be a doctor. Then, her father firebombed Jewish marchers in Boulder.' The opening of the original and updated version also read differently, with the latter taking the whole second paragraph to better explain the gruesome attack. 'Then her father, Mohamed Soliman, drove from Colorado Springs to Boulder on June 1, picked up 87-octane gas and flowers and made firebombs that he threw at a group of Jewish marchers on Pearl Street, investigators said,' read that paragraph of the updated article. None of this context, at least in the specificity used above, was present in the original piece. The original piece also failed to mention the motive behind the attack, which took place at an outdoor mall where about 30 people were marching to raise awareness of the Israeli hostages still being held by Hamas. Mohamed, the suspect, allegedly branded this crowd a 'Zionist group' and said he wanted 'to kill all Zionist people,' according to investigators on the scene. When he was arrested, Soliman reportedly told investigators he wanted 'to kill all Zionist people' The terror suspect has been charged with 16 counts of attempted murder of attempted first-degree murder, eight of which are 'with intent and deliberation,' the other eight of which are 'with extreme indifference' After searching his car, police also found a red gas container, rags and documents with the words 'Israel,' 'Palestine,' and 'USAID' on them, according to an FBI affidavit. The original piece in USA Today did not mention any of this, even though all these details had already been widely publicized in the media. The revised piece added much of this context in the 12th paragraph, while also mentioning his alleged statement about wanting to stop Jews from taking over Palestine. Still, the revised piece largely retained the same angle, mostly focusing on Habiba Soliman's struggles when she moved to the US from Kuwait as a young teenager. The piece talks about how she joined a private charter school in Colorado Springs as a sophomore, detailing her difficulties learning English and making friends. It's meant to be a tragic tale, since Habiba won a college scholarship, became fluent in English and was on her way to medical school before her father messed it all up by getting them all deported. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced on Tuesday that Mohamed's wife and five kids were in ICE custody and that federal investigators would determine 'to what extent his family knew about this heinous attack.' Hours later, the White House said the family 'could be deported by tonight.' Mohamed has been charged with 16 counts of attempted first-degree murder, eight of which are 'with intent and deliberation,' the other eight of which are 'with extreme indifference.' Mohamed, who is being held on a $10 million bond, also faces federal hate crime charges. His first scheduled court appearance in Denver's federal court is on Friday. The US has warned Keir Starmer that it is 'important' the UK hits Nato's proposed new defence spending target. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered the message as he met ministers from the military alliance in Brussels. After pressure from Donald Trump, states are expected to be asked to agree to commit 3.5 per cent of GDP by the 2030s at a summit later this month. A further 1.5 per cent would be required for defence-related measures. However, there are questions about how the UK would fund such a huge increase - equivalent to tens of billions of pounds a year. Britain allocated 2.33 per cent of GDP to defence last year, and Sir Keir has committed to reaching 2.5 per cent by April 2027. The government has an 'ambition' of increasing that to 3 per cent in the next parliament - likely to run to 2034. However, the PM and Defence Secretary John Healey have already come under pressure to explain how the 3 per cent target could be met. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth (pictured with John Healey) delivered the message as he met ministers from the military alliance in Brussels Your browser does not support iframes. Senior figures including former Nato chief and Labour minister Lord Robertson have questioned whether the new goals are 'realistic'. Mr Hegseth was asked this morning whether he believed the UK would meet the new even higher level. 'Our friends in the UK, we're going to get there... I think it's important they do,' he said. The US official said: 'It's a deterrence and peace through strength, but it can't be reliance. It cannot and will not be reliance on America in a world of a lot of threats.' Standing alongside Nato general secretary Mark Rutte, Mr Hegseth said: 'Every shoulder has to be to the plough. 'Every country has to contribute at that level of 5 per cent as a recognition of the threat.' Sir Keir is due to host Mr Rutte - the former Netherlands PM - in London on Monday. The PM's official spokesman said: 'The two leaders have spoken a number of times and this will be the second time that Mr Rutte has visited the Prime Minister at Downing Street. 'You can expect the Prime Minister to raise how we can ensure all allies meet their stated pledges in support of our collective defence, to keep people safe.' Your browser does not support iframes. Britain allocated 2.33 per cent of GDP to defence last year, and Keir Starmer has committed to reaching 2.5 per cent by April 2027 The spokesman added: 'It is worth recognising the UK's track record on spending and indeed our contribution to Nato, both in terms of our spending and our capabilities.' Countries such as Germany face finding upwards of $60billion a year more for the military if the mooted increase in the target goes ahead. The increase in Italy would be equivalent to around $46billion, Canada $45billion, France 44billion and the UK roughly $40billion. Spain - which has not invested heavily in defence up to now - could need to allocate an additional $36billion despite its economy being much smaller. President Donald Trump confirmed Thursday that he had spoken by phone with Chinese President Xi Jinping amid trade uncertainty. China's state-run news agency Xinhua was first to report the talks, saying the talks came at Trump's request. Trump posted to Truth Social mid-morning Thursday saying he had a 'very good phone call' with Xi. Later, as he greeted German Chancellor Friedrich Merz outside the West Wing, Trump commented 'it went very well, thank you.' He said that Xi invited the U.S. president and first lady Melania Trump to visit Beijing, while Trump reciprocated the offer, inviting Xi to Washington, D.C. 'As Presidents of two Great Nations, this is something that we both look forward to doing,' Trump said. The president said they discussed 'some of the intricacies of our recently made, and agreed to, Trade Deal.' 'The call lasted approximately one and a half hours, and resulted in a very positive conclusion for both Countries,' the U.S. president said. President Donald Trump (left) shakes hands with Chinese leader Xi Jinping (right) during his 2017 state visit to Beijing. During a call Thursday, Xi invited Trump to return to China, while Trump invited Xi to visit him in Washington, D.C. President Donald Trump confirmed the call, which was first reported by Chinese state-run media, characterizing it as a 'good' conversation and saying a state visit to China may be in his future 'There should no longer be any questions respecting the complexity of Rare Earth products,' he added. In April, China had suspended exporting a wide range of critical minerals and magnets needed by automakers, military contractors and computer chip manufacturers globally. The move was meant to squeeze Trump on trade. Trump said the American and Chinese teams will be meeting shortly. 'We will be represented by Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, and United States Trade Representative, Ambassador Jamieson Greer,' Trump said. Trump acknowledged that the 'conversation was focused almost entirely on TRADE.' 'Nothing was discussed concerning Russia/Ukraine, or Iran,' he said. China's state-run broadcaster CCTV's reporting suggested that Trump and Xi had also discussed student visas. In the Oval Office with Merz, Trump seemingly confirmed CCTV's report. President Donald Trump (center left) hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping (center right) at Mar-a-Lago in April 2017, alongside first lady Melania Trump (left) and Xi's wife Peng Liyuan (right) 'Chinese students are coming, no problem, no problem,' he told reporters. The president said he would alert the media soon about the timing and location of the U.S.-China meeting. 'Thank you for your attention to this matter!' Trump said, signing off. Trump's tone in the post was much different then when he vented his frustrations about Xi in the early hours of Wednesday. 'I like President XI of China, always have, and always will, but he is VERY TOUGH, AND EXTREMELY HARD TO MAKE A DEAL WITH!!!' Trump posted to Truth Social at 2:17 a.m. In mid-May the U.S. and China paused the escalating trade war for 90 days, with the U.S. reducing tariffs on Chinese imports from 145 percent to 30 percent. In turn, Beijing reduced tariffs on U.S. imports from 125 percent to 10 percent. Since then, both sides have acused the other of violating those terms. Trump has also taken offense to his trade policies being labeled with the acronym TACO: 'Trump always chickens out.' The Financial Times' Robert Armstrong came up with the term to describe how the president has made bold tariff threats - rattling financial markets - only to pull back, implimenting broad pauses as the U.S. tries to ink individual trade deals. That was the case with China, with the trade war currently on a 90-day pause. Trump participated in a state visit to Beijing in November 2017, less than a year into his first term. His relationship with Xi soured during the final year of his first term due to China's role in the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. hasn't hosted Xi for a state visit since 2015, during Democratic President Barack Obama's administration. Trump did, however, host Xi at Mar-a-Lago in April 2017, for their first ever face-to-face meeting. On the latest episode of the Daily Mail's Pipeline podcast, reporter Isabelle Stanley interviews witnesses, diving experts, and lawyers involved in the official enquiry into the Caribbean diving disaster. In February 2022, five divers were sucked into a 30-inch pipe they were repairing off the coast of Trinidad and Tobago. Despite one of the divers, Christopher Boodram, escaping after an unimaginable three-hour ordeal, rescue attempts for the remaining four were repeatedly blocked, leaving them to die slowly in what became a national scandal. The pipe was managed by Paria, one arm of Trinidad's state-owned oil company. In the aftermath of the tragedy, Trinidad's then-Energy Minister Stuart Young launched an official enquiry, led by one of the UK's top international criminal barristers, Jerome Lynch KC. Speaking to the podcast, Lynch remembered his shock when Michael Wei, Paria's Technical Maintenance Manager who acted as Logistics Chief during the incident, sensationally claimed efforts to rescue the men were 'excellent'. The tragedy sparked a national scandal in Trinidad, and billboards demanding justice still line street corners to this day. Listen here The pipe was managed by Paria, one arm of Trinidad's state-owned oil company LISTEN: Pipeline - the harrowing story of the Paria pipeline disaster that shook Trinidad and Tobago to its core Previous episodes heard how the oil company blocked a team of experienced volunteer divers, who were willing to risk their lives to save the men, from entering the pipe. The Enquiry established that Paria's Incident Commander, Collin Piper, obsessed about getting a camera into the pipe to assess the conditions inside and despite claiming to take advice from expert divers on site did not speak to one waiting professional until after 9.30pm, while another dive company waited for eight hours with no one from Paria speaking to them at all. Autopsies would later reveal that one of the four men trapped inside the pipe may have been alive for up to 39 hours. 'It took people's breath away', Lynch said on Wei's testimony. 'It was just an unbelievable moment. Somebody responsible for trying to rescue these men had completely failed to understand what they had achieved was essentially nothing. 'That moment told you everything you needed to know about the attitude the management of Paria had taken.' Previous episodes heard how the oil company blocked a team of experienced volunteer divers, who were willing to risk their lives to save the men, from entering the pipe Autopsies would later reveal that one of the four men trapped inside the pipe may have been alive for up to 39 hours Now that proceedings have concluded, Stanley asked Lynch where he believes fault lies for the tragedy, three years after he oversaw the enquiry. 'It was the failure of a whole series of people', the barrister said. 'I do have a certain sympathy with an approach in which the company might have taken time to justify risking anybody going into that pipe when they didn't even know for a 100 percent that they were in there and that they were alive. 'But once Christopher came out of that pipe, two and a half hours or so later, they knew for sure that they were in the pipe and they knew for sure that they were alive.' 'I think Paria didn't expect anything like this to happen. They were completely paralysed and, in one sense, it was easier to do nothing than to risk anybody else's life. 'But there were those who were prepared to risk their lives to rescue them. I just don't get it why wouldn't you have facilitated a way in which something could be done? 'To me, it is unforgivable that no real attempt was made to rescue those men.' Almost a year after the enquiry finished, Lynch produced a 380 page report into the disaster. He found that Paria had effectively prevented efforts to rescue the trapped divers, concluding that their action on that day could be characterised as gross negligence. Lynch urged Trinidad's Director of Public Prosecutions to consider charging Paria with corporate manslaughter. To hear the podcast's full analysis of the inquiry, featuring the opinions of the experts involved and of witnesses to the tragedy, search Pipeline now, wherever you get your podcasts. The parents of a university student who died after he inhaled a 'fatal quantity' of carbon monoxide while staying in a remote aristocrat-owned holiday cottage have called for 'dangerous' portable gas heaters to be banned. Tom Hill, 18, was preparing to take a bath when he succumbed to the highly poisonous gas leaking out of the 'lethal' device at an 'idyllic' rental home in the Scottish highlands. An inquest which took place this week, some 10 years after his tragic passing, heard the bathroom where the cabinet heater was kept was 'simply too small' - but the warning informing users of this was not obvious. While a coroner concluded that while Tom's death in October 2015 was accidental, he said there is a risk of future deaths being caused by such devices. 'Proud' parents Jerry and Alison Hill have now called for more awareness to be raised on the dangers of carbon monoxide and portable gas heaters. They say 'there needs to be government safety rulings' on carbon monoxide. They said that not enough has been done to confront the dangers of the poisonous gas in the decade since Tom passed, and said it should be made 'really clear' on what people should do when a carbon monoxide alarm sounds. The carbon monoxide alarm had sounded the night before Tom died, the inquest heard. Jerry and Alison Hill have called for more awareness to be raised on the dangers of carbon monoxide An inquest took place this week, some 10 years after his tragic passing. Pictured: Tom Hill (left) with his brother Joe Glenmark Cottage, the idyllic' rental home in the Scottish highlands where Tom was staying when he died Mr Hill said: 'We still think that it's surprising that you can buy heaters. 'Quite often the instructions that come with the heaters aren't very clear, and I question whether they are fit for purpose really. 'I also think that there doesn't seem to be any sort of structure of people who can maintain these heaters, because I think they are basically seen as disposables. 'You buy one, and then throw them out.' The father, who lives in Salisbury, Wilts, continued: 'And also, one of the problems with these heaters, is that quite often, they are used by quite vulnerable people in relatively low cost accommodation and they probably haven't got access to instructions, they are not going to open windows because their property is cold. 'So, from that point of view, they are very dangerous, in our opinion. 'Another thing is, people aren't really aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide. 'There needs to be government safety rulings - and films. There's no information going out. Tom's family are calling for portable gas heaters to be banned due to carbon monoxide risks The CO alarm had been set off the day before Tom died but the family believed the fridge to be the cause and it stopped ringing when they took it outside 'From our point of view, we wouldn't have been aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide ourselves, before Tom's death. 'Not really, not in a real sense.' Mr Hill said people are 'trained' with what to do with a smoke alarm - but carbon monoxide alarms are a 'totally different thing'. The inquest at Winchester Coroner's Court, Hants, heard that in October 2015, Tom was staying at Glenmark Cottage in Angus, Scotland, with his girlfriend Charlotte Beard and her family. The house had no electricity or mains gas, and the heating was provided by a wood-burning stove and portable gas heaters. Mark Beard, Charlotte's father, told the hearing that LPG [Liquefied Petroleum Gas] heaters were 'ubiquitously used' in the property. He said there was a cabinet heater located in the bathroom and a carbon monoxide alarm in the kitchen, which sounded on the evening before Tom's death. Tom, who studied aquaculture at Stirling University in Scotland, but was from Lyndhurst in Hampshire, decided to take a bath on the afternoon of October 28. Inside the bathroom - which had windows which had been sealed shut with paint - was one of the heaters. His family have said not enough has been done to confront the dangers of the poisonous gas in the decade since Tom passed They said it should be made 'really clear' on what people should do when a carbon monoxide alarm sounds Mr Beard said he heard his daughter knocking on the bathroom door some time after the teen had entered the bathroom. The engineer described rushing downstairs as he heard Charlotte, then 18, grow increasingly distressed as she did not hear a response from Tom. The family used a wooden axe to forcibly open the 'solid' bathroom door and Mr Beard quickly unlatched the lock. He said he was greeted by an 'intense atmosphere' with 'a strong smell of unburnt gases'. 'It smelt like the heater wasn't operating properly,' he told the inquest. 'The heater was also making a loud buzzing which was very unusual.' The teenager was 'slumped' by the door, while the bath water was still running. Mr Beard said his 'immediate thought was carbon monoxide poisoning, but the alarm in the kitchen was not sounding at that time'. The father tried to open the sash windows in the bathroom to 'eliminate fumes', but said they had been painted shut and 'wouldn't open'. Family members have recalled Tom as always being a 'positive' person An ambulance was called for the teenager but he passed away in the vehicle, which was travelling from Brechin to Dundee. Jason Pegg - area coroner for Hampshire, Southampton, and Portsmouth - concluded Tom's death was accidental. But, after hearing details of cabinet heaters, he said he will issue a prevention of future deaths report. Mr Pegg said: 'There is a warning within the box where you put the gas canister, but anyone, such as the Beard family, turning up to a rented cottage, they would not know that the heater should not be used in such close confines. 'In rented cottages, and tenant cottages, there are going to be heaters of this sort which are in rooms which are too small [and] this gives rise to future deaths. 'As you sadly know, carbon monoxide is very much a silent killer and as much awareness when using potentially lethal devices that can be raised is so much better for everybody.' Tom's father Mr Hill added that he thinks more needs to be done on what to do when a carbon monoxide alarm sounds. 'It should be made really clear to people what to do in these circumstances,' he added,' 'I don't think people do know what to do when [alarms] go off..' A coroner concluded that while Tom's death in October 2015 was accidental, there is a risk of future deaths being caused by such devices Glenmark Cottage, located near the small hamlet of Tarfside, was owned by the Earl of Dalhousie and his heir Lord Ramsay. While owned by the Dalhousie estate, it was rented out by retired teacher Piers Le Cheminant. Burghill Farms, who trade as Dalhousie Estates, and Mr Le Cheminant were prosecuted for breaches of Health & Safety regulations in 2021. Burghill Farms was fined 120,000 while Le Cheminant was ordered to pay 2,000 at Dundee Sheriff Court. A Fatal Accident Inquiry report into Tom's death took place in 2023 and found that the heaters were unsuitable for the property and no system was in place for their regular maintenance. The family of an 80-year-old dog walker who was beaten to death have reacted with fury over his teen killers' sentencing. A 15-year-old boy was ordered to serve just seven years in a young offenders' detention centre and a 13-year-old girl was spared being jailed and instead handed a three-year youth rehabilitation order over the manslaughter of Bhim Kohli. Mr Kohli, 80, was attacked by the balaclava-clad male at Franklin Park in Braunstone Tow near Leicester on September 1 last year, while the female filmed and laughed. His daughter, Susan, stood on the steps outside Leicester Crown Court following the hearing where she spoke of her disappointment about the length of the sentence. 'I feel angry and disappointed that the sentence... does not, I believe, reflect the severity of the crime they committed,' she said. The grandfather had been racially abused and left on the ground near his home before his family found him severely injured in the evening. He died in hospital the next day having suffered a broken neck and fractured ribs. Today at Leicester Crown Court, the boy and girl - who cannot be named after it was ruled they must remain anonymous - were sentenced by Mr Justice Turner. Bhim Kohli walks his dog in Braunstone near Leicester before he was killed in September 2024 A family photograph of Bhim Kohli which was issued by Leicestershire Police in April Mr Kohli's daughter, Susan (centre) gave an emotional statement outside Leicester Crown Court following the hearing where she criticised the sentences that were handed out An aerial view of the scene last September, showing Mr Kohli's home (bottom left) A furious Ms Kohli said in an emotional statement after the hearing that her father's death had left a hole in the family. 'A hole that can never be filled because of the actions of two teenagers,' she said. 'I believe on that day the two teenagers made a choice; the boy chose to attack my dad and the girl chose to film him being attacked. They knew what they were doing.' Ms Kohli added: 'They have taken a life. When they are released they still have their full lives ahead of them. They can rebuild their lives. We can't.' She added that she felt that 'more could have been done to prevent my dad getting killed'. 'If police were able to have more visible patrols in the area following the previous reports of antisocial behaviour, then dad could still be alive today,' she said. 'We don't want any other family to endure the pain and heartbreak that we have of losing someone this way.' She said there had been 'under-reporting' of incidents of anti-social behaviour in the months leading up to the attack on her father and that the Government needs to do more to ensure police have the resources they need to safeguard communities. Beginning his sentencing remarks, which were broadcast live on television, the High Court judge praised the family of Mr Kohli for their 'dignity' throughout the trial. He said: 'No one could fail to be deeply moved by what his daughter, in court, and his grandson, in a statement, have said. Their grief and anger will cast a long shadow over all of their lives.' Mr Justice Turner, who referred to the boy as D1 and the girl as D2, said what the pair had done was 'wicked' - and the pensioner 'did nothing to deserve' being attacked He said to the pair: 'I am sure, D1, from the start you wanted to confront Mr Kohli, mainly because you were showing off to D2 - you knew she was watching and was likely to take films on her mobile phone.' The judge said to the boy: 'I am sure you knocked Mr Kohli to the ground and hit him with your sliders. I am sure Mr Kohli did nothing at all to deserve what you did. What you did was wicked. You made a cowardly and violent attack on an elderly man.' Mr Justice Turner added that evidence that Mr Kohli told his daughter he was called a 'P***' during the attack was right, but that evidence from their mobile phones did not show they held 'general racist views'. He said: 'It was a lazy but very hurtful insult.' Mr Justice Turner said the boy had decided in advance that he would be 'hostile' towards Mr Kohli, which was why he put his balaclava on before approaching him. Your browser does not support iframes. He said: 'What you did was not one single attack which you immediately regretted, but two separate violent outbursts.' The judge said using his slider shoe as a weapon was 'more humiliating than dangerous' and that he was 'playing up to' the girl and her video recording. He said: 'I'm sure you regret he died because of what you did to Mr Kohli, but you still say it wasn't your fault. It was your fault and the sooner you realise this the better.' The judge also told the girl that a short custodial sentence would do more harm than good, given the impact on her education. Earlier during the hearing today, in a statement read out by prosecutor Harpreet Sandhu KC, Mr Kohli's grandson Simranjit Kohli said he had been left wondering if his grandfather may have survived if he had got there sooner after he cried out for help. He said: 'My grandad was one of the most important factors of my life. He's the main reason I am who I am. My story revolves around him and with him being taken away, it's as though the author won't be able to read his own book. 'It's painful for me and my family that we will never get to see if he is proud. We won't get to see the smile on his face when his grandkids get a house, get a car, then get married and have kids of their own. 'I was the first one out of my family at the scene. Not a day goes by when I think if I were minutes earlier I could have stopped what happened. 'There is, of course, sadness and sorrow, there's also hate, anger and rage. Everywhere I go I'm haunted by the thought I could be with him if things had happened differently that day.' Reading her own statement to the packed courtroom, Mr Kohli's daughter Susan Kohli said her family are surrounded by 'consistent sadness' since he died. She said: 'They left my dad on his own, helpless and in pain. Losing dad in these cruel, violent and deeply shocking circumstances feels like our hearts have been pulled apart. 'We can't put into words the pain we feel every day - we have never felt hurt and sadness like this. A separate clip from Leicestershire Police showed the teenagers running away from the scene Susan Kohli, Bhim Kohli's daughter, read a statement on the Leicester Crown Court steps after the verdicts in April, saying: 'My dad was brutally and cruelly taken away from us' Mr Kohli had Rocky for 15 years and walked the pet daily after tending to his allotment 'My mum, a gentle human being, has found herself saying she would like the children subjected to the same treatment they gave her husband to see how they feel.' She added: 'My mum and I felt we needed to attend the trial each day to understand the evidence fully. 'We tried to remain strong but, the truth is, inside we feel broken and it has been stressful listening to the enormity of what happened and what he was subjected to.' Describing the moments she found her father injured on the ground in the park just yards from the family home, Ms Kohli said: 'He was in so much pain, he was screaming out. It was horrendous and we have never seen him like this. 'We knew he was very poorly and in severe pain, but we thought he would go to Leicester Royal Infirmary and be fine. 'We never imagined he would never return home. We were later told the shocking news he was no longer able to take the medication that was keeping him alive. 'He passed away before our eyes, surrounded by his family who were in floods of tears and disbelief. 'Due to him being killed in these circumstances and being involved in a criminal investigation, dad was unable to donate his organs which were always his wishes. It pains me we were unable to meet his wishes.' Mr Sandhu told the hearing that there was 'deliberate humiliation' of Mr Kohli when he was fatally attacked in the park. Mr Kohli, pictured with his wife Satinder, died last year from the effects of a spinal cord injury Bhim Kohli, 80, sustained fractured ribs and a broken neck in the attack in September last year Mr Kohli's wife Satinder lays a floral tribute to her late husband by the park last September The prosecutor addressed the court and said: 'The evidence as a whole, in our submission, demonstrates (the boy) pushed, punched and kicked Bhim Kohli and he did so out of anger. 'The evidence we have cited also leads to the conclusion that in this case, death was caused in the course of an unlawful act which carried a high risk of death or grievous bodily harm which ought to have been obvious to (the boy). 'There was deliberate humiliation of Bhim Kohli when (the boy) used violence in the presence of (the girl) and through (the girl's) filming of that violence. 'We submit (the boy) had a leading role. The evidence establishes (the boy) was clearly encouraged to do what he did.' Defending the boy, who was 14 at the time he carried out the attack, barrister Balraj Bhatia KC said he was an 'immature young boy' but that he had shown genuine remorse for what he had done and had made 'significant strides' in bettering himself. Mr Bhatia said: 'He had no history or gripe with Mr Kohli, he wasn't even aware of his existence before the incident. He never intended Mr Kohli to die - this has affected him.' He said the injuries suffered by Mr Kohli - which the boy claimed during the trial were caused when he fell on top of the elderly dog walker - could have happened if he had fallen elsewhere. Mr Kohli's wife, Satinder Kaur, carries some of the condolence cards left by other mourners He said: 'Had Mr Kohli simply fallen in his allotment, because of his pre-existing conditions, that would be sufficient to cause death. 'The injuries are consistent with the medical evidence that falling on top of Mr Kohli, which has always been the assertion as far as the boy is concerned, following a forceful push, would be consistent with those fractures to the ribs.' Jeremy Benson KC, defending the girl who was aged 12 when Mr Kohli was killed, said she has shown positive signs for rehabilitation and there would be a 'severe and harmful' impact on her mental health if she was handed a custodial sentence. Mr Benson told the court: 'We submit that it was never the prosecution's case that (the girl's) intent was identical to (the boy's). We submit that she had no intention to cause physical harm of any sort. 'We submit she played a minor role. She used no violence herself. We say that there is no evidence that she used racist language. 'She has demonstrated, between the date of the original arrest and her conviction, that she can remain in the community without posing a risk to others. 'We submit that there is a clear and realistic prospect of rehabilitation. We submit that a custodial sentence would have a severe and harmful impact on (the girl), both in terms of the trauma to her and her mental health.' Following the verdicts, police described the teenagers as a boy who 'revelled in his reputation as a hard man' and a girl 'obsessed with violence' - adding social media 'played a part' in the shocking attack, after three clips taken during the incident involving Mr Kohli were shown to jurors. Flowers and a note left for Mr Kohli, which reads 'To Bin, always a true and dearest friend' Detective Chief Inspector Mark Sinski, from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit, the senior investigating officer in the case, told how as well as the three videos taken during the incident involving Bhim, other clips had been found on the girl's phone that showed school children fighting. He said: 'The proliferation in the use of phones and social media messages features more and more in enquiries, and certainly with young people who now live their lives via phones. 'The three videos on the phone show the female defendant wanted to film violence, and encouraged it, and chillingly when we looked at her phone there were numerous previous incidents where she filmed and encouraged violence, and the prosecution case was that was no coincidence and very much mirrored the attack on Mr Kohli. 'The boy sent numerous messages after the incident, in part admitting to what he'd done, but again he tried to justify it. 'He falsely said Mr Kohlu pulled a knife out on the girl - and this shows you how falsehoods can very quickly spread among youths and proliferate, when it's not true. 'The prosecution case is that he revelled in his reputation as a hard man, and his propensity to violence. 'Witnesses had heard him bragging about what he'd done - and indeed the female defendant was heard by other park users and the wider community bragging about what they had done. 'There was laughing from the group and this was all at the time an 80-year-old man was lying gravely injured and dying from his injuries Flowers left at the scene at the entrance to Franklin Park where Mr Kohli was allegedly attacked 'The boy did say he had anger management issues. He said that in own evidence and social media posts. 'He had recently split up with his girlfriend and in some posts and messages he admitted taking his anger out on Mr Kohli.' Mr Sinski described the boy as 'a troubled young man, who went very quickly to unnecessary and extreme violence that killed an innocent man in a park very close to his home address'. The detective said it was an 'unusual' case because of the ages of those involved, adding: 'This has been of national significance, and very impactive on the local community. As a rule, elderly people aren't attacked by children, but in this case they were. 'The investigation team has taken no satisfaction in this inquiry. A much loved family man and a pillar of this community has lost his life. 'His family are traumatised and devastated, and have lost all they loved in that man - and by children. And that is what shocked everyone to the core. 'It was a needless, unnecessary incident that should never have occurred. A child offender of such age is extremely shocking.' The officer claimed that while there was no evidence the boy had been involved in previous incidents with Mr Kohli, the girl had a 'grudge' against him because of an earlier verbal altercation involving one of her friends, and said a photo of the OAP was discovered on her phone taken exactly a week earlier. Police at Franklin Park following the attack last September, after the area was cordoned off Regarding the girl, Det Ch Insp Sinski said: 'She pointed out Mr Kohli. If he hadn't been pointed out, he would never have come to harm. 'She encouraged the boy defendant in his assault and violence, She walked close to the boy defendant, she filmed them, he knew he was being filmed because he looked towards the camera at the time. 'She laughed when he was assaulted, and repeatedly filmed sections of this incident. That girl chose to stay and encourage it when the others ran away for fear of what was going to happen. 'What she did was wholly wrong and a very serious offence in its own right. 'The prosecution case suggests it was not a coincidence they turned up at Franklin Park at the exact time they knew Mr Kohli walked his dog. 'Young people do use phones, and they film things, but phones are to film happy times, not to film someone receiving a fatal assault. It was used cynically. It was a pattern of behaviour. We had seen that previously by looking at her phone. 'This girl was obsessed with violence. She filmed violence. She encouraged violence. Because of her actions and the actions of the boy defendant, violence unfolded and Mr Kohli lost his life. Her actions were so cynical and calculated. It is right for a jury to hear them and determine.' He said the boy had claimed to show remorse in a letter after Mr Kohli's death, but the girl's demeanour when she gave evidence was 'to the contrary'. He added: 'This wasn't an intimidated young girl. This was a girl who was very streetwise, very sure of herself, not in any way intimidated by the gravity of the charge she faced or the surroundings of the court. She was unnecessarily cocky and confident during her evidence. 'Mr Kohli was enjoying his family. He was enjoying his retirement. He was enjoying his children, his wife, his grandchildren, his allotment and the community around him. He enjoyed the simple pleasures - walking his dog, the fresh air. He had a lot of life still to live. ['His family are quite rightly enraged that his life has been taken from him, and that they have lost him.' The United States has urged Britain to hike its defence spending to five per cent as NATO members close in on agreeing new targets. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a NATO summit today, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth singled out Britain in a call to urgently raise its spending. 'Our friends in the UK... we're going to get there,' he said, after meeting with fellow defence ministers to discuss revised commitments across the bloc. 'We think everyone is going to get there, we really do. It's important they do. It's important that the UK gets there.' Hegseth has been crusading to get partners in Europe to shoulder more of the financial burden as the US recalibrates its focus towards China. No country has yet reached the five per cent goal - not even the US - but Hegseth said today there was progress on agreeing to the target after talks in Brussels. 'I'm very encouraged by what we heard in there,' he said after this morning's meeting with fellow defence ministers. 'Countries in there are well exceeding two per cent and we think very close, almost near consensus, on a five per cent commitment to NATO.' US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth (L) speaks with British Secretary of State for Defence John Healy (R) after the meeting with defence ministers at NATO HQ on June 5 Hegseth, wearing a tie and socks in the colours of the NATO alliance, is flanked by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte (L) and British Defence Secretary John Healey (R) FILE PHOTO: British soldiers test artillery during Exercise Dynamic Front in Finland Sir Keir Starmer is now set to meet the head of NATO next week, with the alliance expected to call on countries to increase spending. Downing Street has said that the Prime Minister is likely to raise the question of how 'we can ensure all allies meet their stated pledges in support of our collective defence', when he meets secretary general Mark Rutte on Monday. Rutte is thought to be pushing for members to commit to spending 3.5% on the military, with a further 1.5% on defence-related measures. Still, the sum is a far cry from pledges made to date. Britain's long-awaited strategic defence review (SDR), unveiled this week, detailed ambitions to reach three per cent in the next parliament. In 2014, NATO Heads of State and Government agreed to commit two per cent of their GDP to defence spending in the wake of Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea. But a decade later, just 22 allies of 32 members were expected to meet or exceed the target. It was a significant jump from three in 2014. 'This alliance, we believe, in a matter of weeks, will be committing to five percent - 3.5 percent in hard military and 1.5 percent in infrastructure and defence-related activities,' Hegseth said after Thursday's talks. 'That combination constitutes a real commitment, and we think every country can step up.' Mark Rutte chaired a meeting of the NATO Defense Ministers, with an agenda focused on securing more resources, forces and capabilities to implement defence plans going forward Pete Hegseth (C) shakes hands with John Healy (R) after posing for a photo in Brussels Military spending has been under close scrutiny across the bloc since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Donald Trump repeatedly accused his predecessor, Joe Biden, of sending huge sums to Ukraine - citing contested figures much larger than anything reported - before suspending aid to Kyiv in March. While the administration has since resumed some aid sales to Ukraine and agreed a critical minerals deal with the country, Hegseth has told allies that they cannot expect the US to prop up Kyiv in the face of an increasingly belligerent Russia. Speaking ahead of today's summit, Hegseth touted 'deterrence and peace through strength', but warned 'it can't be reliance'. 'It cannot and will not be reliance on America in a world of a lot of threats,' he said. 'Every shoulder has to be to the plough. Every country has to contribute at that level of 5% as a recognition of the threat.' He did soften some of the rhetoric employed earlier this year, assuring allies that the US is 'proud to be here' and to 'stand with our allies'. Arriving in Brussels, Rutte told reporters he expects allies will 'agree on capability targets' today. 'What we will do today is to decide what do we need...to defend ourselves,' he said. 'So, as you know, to prepare for war, spend more. And when you originally prepared for war, you will not be attacked.' Pete Hegseth speaks as he delivers remarks with NATO Secretary General before a Defence Ministers meeting at the NATO headquarters, in Brussels, on June 5, 2025 NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte (R) and US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth deliver remarks in Brussels, on June 5, 2025 Firefighters extinguish a fire in Kharkiv, Ukraine after a Russian night drone attack on June 5 'We're here to continue the work that President Trump started, which is a commitment to 5% defence spending across the alliance, which we think will happen,' Hegseth had stressed ahead of the summit. But most partners are some way off the target sought by the United States. All members increased their military spending in 2024 against the backdrop of the War in Ukraine. Total military spending amounted to $1506bn, or 55% of global military expenditure, with 18 of 32 members spending at least 2% of GDP on their militaries, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Of that sum, the US alone spent $997bn, or 66% of the bloc's total spend. According to the most recent available data from NATO, 22 allies were expected to meet or exceed the target of investing at least two per cent of GDP in defence last year. British soldiers take part in urban combat exercises during a joint military manoeuvre between the French and British army at the Sissonne camp, France on April 22, 2025 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky holds briefing in Kyiv, June 4, 2025 Ukrainian servicemen prepare to fire a BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launch system towards Russian troops, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Donetsk region, Ukraine June 3, 2025 Poland, one of the most rapidly militarising members, is expected to spend 4.7% on defence in 2025. Sir Keir Starmer unveiled the long-awaited strategic defence review (SDR) at the Govan shipbuilding yard in Scotland this week, setting out a path to transform Britain's defence capabilities over the next decade. 'As the UK steps up to take on more responsibility for European security, we must have a 'NATO first' defence policy and lead within the Alliance,' a statement from the Ministry of Defence read, issued Monday. 'The UK will become the leading edge of innovation in NATO.' The review, compiled by a team led by Labour peer and former NATO chief Lord George Robertson, made a total of 62 recommendations to make Britain war ready, including: An 'ambition to reach 3%' GDP spending in the next parliament - but no hard commitment; Building up to 12 attack submarines for the Royal Navy via the AUKUS alliance with Australia and the United States; Investment of 15bn in Britain's sovereign warhead programme in this parliament; Investment in munitions and building at least six new energetics and munitions factories in the UK, creating more than 1,000 jobs; Increasing the size of the regular Army from 73,000 to 76,000 in the next parliament; A Defence Readiness Bill, giving the government 'additional powers' to support the mobilisation of industry and Reserves for war-readiness; Wider MoD spending on novel technologies each year, with ambitions to become a leading tech-enabled defence power' by 2035. Vladimir Putin pictured during a meeting at the Kremlin, in Moscow, on June 3, 2025 Ukrainian soldiers take part in urban combat exercises at a British Army military base in Northern England on June 2, 2023 A Merlin helicopter from 820 Naval Air Squadron loaded and fired flares from HMS Prince of Wales, while embarked for NATO Exercise Steadfast Defender, February 29, 2024 European defence companies welcomed the review. Hugo Vanbockryck, Senior Vice President, Market Area Europe at Patria, told MailOnline: 'The Strategic Defence Review represents a significant and welcome shift in the UK's approach to defence preparedness and industrial strategy.' 'We fully support the UK government's commitment to rebuilding defence capabilities and strengthening alliances. 'Putin's illegal invasion of Ukraine has underscored the need for deeper collaboration among European allies and the importance of warfighting readiness, principles clearly reflected in the Review's NATO-first doctrine.' The Finnish defence company earlier this year agreed a partnership with London's Babcock to develop a 6x6 Armoured Personnel Carrier to be offered to the UK Armed Forces. Economists warned that tax rises may be needed to fund proposals outlined in the strategic defence review. A 13-year-old girl died from sepsis after a senior doctor missed 'high-risk' signs of the condition and didn't send her to intensive care, a tribunal has ruled. Martha Mills was an inpatient on the Rays of Sunshine Ward at King's College Hospital in London after she suffered a serious injury to her pancreas when she slipped while riding a bike on a family holiday in Wales in July 2021. Weeks later she experienced a fever, increased heart rate and had a catheter inserted into her vein, which is said to have been a likely source of the deadly infection, the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) hearing was told. More spikes in her temperature followed, before consultant hepatologist Professor Richard Thompson saw Martha on his morning ward round on August 29 at the hospital. The on-call consultant left the hospital at 3pm, but was phoned at home two hours later by a trainee doctor, who gave an update on Martha's condition. Martha collapsed on August 30 and was moved to intensive care, before she was transferred to London's Great Ormond Street Hospital, where she died in the early hours of August 31. At a 2022 inquest into her death a coroner ruled Martha would most likely have survived if doctors had identified the warning signs and transferred her to intensive care earlier. Medical records showed she had deteriorated over the course of the afternoon, and into the early evening, with a drop in her blood pressure, the appearance of a new rash and increases in heart rate, respiratory rate and body temperature. Martha Mills, 13, died from sepsis after a senior doctor missed 'high-risk' signs of the condition and didn't send her to intensive care, a tribunal has ruled Martha's mother, Merope Mills (left), said she and her husband, raised concerns about Martha's deteriorating health a number of times but these were not acted on Tribunal chairman Robin Ince noted that by 5pm there were 'several high-risk indicators' as set out in the Nice guidelines relating to sepsis. He said: 'These changes collectively indicated a sudden and significant deterioration for no clearly identified reason...it was evident that by around 5pm the clinical condition of Martha justified escalation to PICU (paediatric intensive care unit) and this opportunity was not taken.' The duty registrar called Prof Thompson again at 8.30pm because of ongoing concerns over Martha's fever, but she was kept on the ward despite the continued presence of moderate to high-risk signs and the absence of meaningful clinical improvement, said the tribunal. Mr Ince said: 'The tribunal notes that Professor Thompson expressed a preference to prearrange any PICU involvement, rather than having PICU clinicians arrive unexpectedly and cause distress to Martha's parents. 'While the tribunal understands the desire to manage the family anxiety sensitively, this did not, in its view, justify withholding or delaying a clinically indicated escalation of care.' He added: 'The tribunal therefore concluded that the GMC (General Medical Council) has proved its case that Professor Thompson failed to take more aggressive intervention from 12 noon onwards in that he did not escalate Martha to the PICU team for a direct clinical review.' The tribunal also ruled that Prof Thompson should have conducted a direct in-person review and assessment of Martha, including the developing rash, from 5pm, which would have been 'beneficial'. Mr Ince said: 'He would no doubt have discovered that no observations had been taken in respect of Martha from 2pm to at least 4.45pm. Consultant hepatologist Professor Richard Thompson 'failed to take more aggressive intervention from 12 noon onwards in that he did not escalate Martha to the PICU team for a direct clinical review,' the tribunal concluded Martha was an inpatient on the Rays of Sunshine Ward at King's College Hospital in London 'The tribunal notes that one of the advantages of escalating a patient to PICU would have been an increased level of monitoring. 'Although no explanation has been given to the tribunal for the failure to monitor Martha between 2pm and 4.45pm, this absence of monitoring on the ward would no doubt have been a significant factor in justifying such an escalation.' The tribunal cleared Prof Thompson of the GMC's allegations that he gave 'outdated, misleading' information on Martha's condition to a consultant colleague in the intensive care unit, and that he failed to mention her rash. Martha's mother, Merope Mills, an editor at The Guardian, said she and her husband, Paul Laity, raised concerns about Martha's deteriorating health a number of times but these were not acted on. The couple later successfully campaigned for Martha's Rule to give patients, families and carers the chance to easily request a second opinion from a senior doctor in the same hospital in the event of a suspected deterioration or serious concern. The MPTS hearing in Manchester continues as the tribunal considers whether Prof Thompson's fitness to practice is impaired. A mother whose three daughters were allegedly suffocated by their father has broken her silence - as her commando ex-husband remains on the run. Whitney Decker says she knew her daughters Paityn, nine, Evelyn, eight, and Olivia, five, were in 'substantial danger' when Travis Decker failed to return them after his visitation on Friday. She said through her lawyer she begged police to issue an Amber Alert but was told the case did not meet the requirements. Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia's bodies were found at a campsite in Leavenworth, 20 miles from their Washington state home, on Monday. Their wrists had been bound with zip ties and each of them had been suffocated with a plastic bag. Travis, an Afghanistan veteran, is wanted on suspicion of their murder. He reportedly suffers from 'complex PTSD' and 'other mental health issues'. He vanished into the woods and remains on the run. He is considered dangerous, given his extensive military training and propensity for violence. But Whitney, through her attorney Arianna Cozart, has now spoken out, alleging this 'was a tragedy that could've been completely' avoided had officials intervened. She believes 'something broke inside' of Decker and that he 'would not have done what he did if he was himself', Cozart revealed in a heartbreaking statement early Thursday morning. 'He clearly had some sort of break and everything that he had been living with, everything that had been bottled up inside of him for so long as far as trauma, just won out,' Cozart told the Seattle Times. Whitney Decker is pictured with her daughters Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia Travis Decker is wanted on suspicion of murder of his daughters. He has not been seen since he picked up his three little girls for a three-hour visit on Friday The Chelan County Sheriff's Office released Ring doorbell camera footage showing Travis Decker, 32, in a light colored T-shirt and dark shorts in the days leading up to his visitation with his three young daughters Decker was diagnosed with complex PTSD and borderline personality disorder after leaving active military service, Cozart said. The attorney, speaking on behalf of Whitney, also noted that it was uncharacteristic of Decker not to return his daughters after a scheduled visitation. His 'declining mental health' and 'out-of-character behavior' should have prompted 'enough concern' for an Amber Alert, Cozart argued. She believes authorities should have acknowledged the sisters were 'missing' and in 'substantial danger', even though Decker 'didn't issue an overt threat'. Whitney, through her attorney Arianna Cozart (pictured), has now spoken out, alleging this 'was a tragedy that could've been completely' avoided had officials intervened 'We may never know if it could've meant the difference between life and death for those girls but it could've made a huge difference,' Cozart told the newspaper. The father-of-three has not been seen since he picked up Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia from their mother's home in Wenatchee, Washington State for a three-hour visit on Friday. Decker, 32, was caught on a Ring doorbell approaching a home in a light colored T-shirt and dark shorts in the days leading up to his visitation with his daughters. He could be seen with a goatee and a mustache, with his long hair pulled back. Authorities shared the images of the wanted suspect on Tuesday night in a bid to familiarize the public with his appearance. 'These are the most recent photos and videos we have that reveal his last known appearance,' Under Sheriff Dan Ozment said in a police press release. The sheriff's office is now working with the Wenatchee Police Department, US Border Patrol and Homeland Security investigations to track down Decker, who is charged with three counts of first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping. The US Marshals Service also said it would offer a reward of up to $20,000 for any information leading to Decker's arrest. The girls' mother had hoped they were missing in the woods with their father before the devastating discovery The children's lifeless bodies were discovered in a campsite in rural Washington state Court documents state that when Whitney reported her daughters missing on Friday, she 'expressed concern' over his out-of-character actions and his alleged deteriorating mental state. Whitney told police Decker was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and believes he did not take medication for the condition, according to court documents. The father-of-three was supposed to seek mental health treatment and anger management counseling as part of a parenting plan, but there was no sign he had followed through, the documents show. Whitney stated in September divorce proceedings that he had been 'struggling to maintain stability' since they separated and it was beginning to affect their daughters. She said that at times he would have the girls sleep at an armory while he was in the National Guard, despite her objections, according to the Seattle Times. She also said Decker - was prone to 'outbursts' and would come into her house yelling for the girls - would sometimes fail to pick up after promising to do so. In one instance, Whitney wrote that her youngest daughter, Olivia, called her crying during a visit with Decker and said she could not find her father - before Evelyn came home with welts between her legs. 'I do not want to keep Travis from the girls at all,' Whitney wrote in the court filing. 'To the contrary, I have bent over backwards to facilitate that relationship. 'But I cannot have our girls staying in what is essentially a homeless shelter, at times unsupervised, with dozens of strange men or staying in a tent or living in his truck with him, both in extreme temperatures and unknown areas for their safety.' Travis Decker is accused of suffocating his three daughters. He remains on the run and is considered dangerous Authorities also released photos of Decker from before he went missing, showing him with sunglasses that obscured his eyes and tattoos all down his arm But still Whitney reiterated to authorities how she did not believe her ex was dangerous and said he loved his daughters. She said the girls had a, 'good relationship with Decker and enjoy their time with him,' and noted that he had never failed to return the girls before, according to a police affidavit. She said when Decker went to pick up the girls Friday, he was 'quieter than usual' which was 'out of character' for him. He had also allegedly been talking about getting rid of his dog due to housing and financial struggles. On Tuesday, a judge issued a warrant for Decker's arrest and ordered he be held without bail. Authorities swarmed the Rock Island Campground on Monday evening after finding Decker's truck. Chelan County Sheriff's Office deputies found the girls' bodies about 75 to 100 yards from the truck. Police believe the girls died from asphyxiation and reported that their wrists were zip-tied, court documents state. Decker's truck had two bloody handprints on the tailgate, and inside were personal items including blankets, food, car seats and a wallet on the center console, police said. The campground also showed signs of recent activity, with a tent and a cooler located a short distance away, but Decker was nowhere to be found. The girls' bodies were found approximately 38 miles from their mother's home. Decker is still on the run, as authorities warn locals that he could be dangerous due to his military training Mother-of-three Whitney Decker (pictured with her daughters) said today through her lawyer that she begged police to issued an Amber Alert after they failed to return home on Friday but was told the case did not meet the requirement Decker joined the US Army in 2012 and served a tour in Afghanistan two years later. He likely has advanced combat training as a result, and was an airborne paratrooper who earned the elite rank of 'Ranger,' indicating he would have excellent wilderness and survival skills. Decker then transferred to the Washington Army National Guard in 2021, rising to the rank of sergeant. But he stopped attending mandatory monthly drills a little over a year ago, and the Guard was in the process of a disciplinary discharge. This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates. The United States Supreme Court has blocked a $10 billion lawsuit filed by the Mexican government claiming U.S. firearm manufacturers are responsible for the out-of-control cartel violence and bloodshed that has ravaged the country. The lawsuit was filed in 2021 against 11 companies with Smith & Wesson appealing a lower court decision that had allowed the case to proceed. The unanimous ruling tossed out the case under U.S. laws that largely protect gunmakers from liability when their firearms are used in crime. The court found that Mexico had not shown that the companies had knowingly allowed weapons to be trafficked across the US's southern border. 'It does not pinpoint, as most aiding-and-abetting claims do, any specific criminal transactions that the defendants (allegedly) assisted,' Justice Elena Kagan wrote in the court's opinion. Mexico's Ministry of Foreign Affairs disagreed with the landmark decision about the case, which her government had wanted to proceed under an exception for situations in which the companies themselves are accused of violating the law. 'The Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly disagrees with the decision issued by the United States Supreme Court and will continue to do everything in its power to curb illicit arms trafficking, exhausting all available legal and diplomatic remedies,' it said in a statement. 'Mexico has presented solid arguments demonstrating the harm that arms manufacturing companies cause to our country, and will continue its fight against arms trafficking and the responsibility of the companies that manufacture and allow the flow of arms to continue fueling violence and nurturing criminal groups that threaten the peace and security of Mexican families.' Mexico had said the case was still in its early stages and wanted the lawsuit to continue against some of the US's biggest gun companies, including Beretta USA, Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, Colt's Manufacturing Co. and Glock Inc. Mexico has strict gun laws and just one store where people can legally buy firearms. But thousands of guns are smuggled in by the countrys powerful drug cartels every year. Some of the weapons (pictured) that were used in the June 2020 failed plot to kill Mexico City' police chief Omar Garcia Harfuch were smuggled from the United States The nine Supreme Court justices all voted to blocked the Mexican government's $10 billion lawsuit claiming U.S. firearm manufacturers are responsible for the bloodshed in a notoriously violent country The Mexican government says at least 70% of those weapons come from the United States and claims that companies knew weapons were being sold to traffickers who smuggled them into Mexico and decided to cash in on that market. It has alleged that more than 500,000 guns are smuggled annually from the United States into Mexico and that more than 68 percent are produced by the gun manufacturing companies it sued. Weapons manufactured by the 11 Massachusetts-based gun makers were allegedly used in at least 17,000 homicides in 2019. 'They know how criminals are getting their guns,' Jonathan Lowy, a lawyer for Mexico, argued during virtual hearing in April 2022. 'They could stop and they choose to be willfully blind to the facts. Mexican security forces confiscated a semi-automatic Barrett M82A1 .50 caliber rifle during a raid in July 2022 in Mexico City that led to the arrest of 14 alleged members of Los Chapitos, the Sinaloa Cartel faction that is operated by the sons of notorious drug lord Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman. The Barrett M82A1 .50 caliber rifle (circled), American-made sniper rifle that can shoot between 400 to 600 bullets per minute, was among the high-powered arsenal that was recovered by Mexican authorities following a war-like battle with an armed wing of the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico City that left two police officers wounded in July 2022 President Donald Trump stands before greeting Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz before his arrival at the White House on Thursday The same rifle abandoned by Jalisco New Generation Cartel members in the failed assassination of Mexico City police chief Omar Garcia Harfuch on June 26, 2020. The companies have rejected Mexico's allegations, arguing the country's lawsuit comes nowhere close to showing they're responsible for a relatively few people using their products to commit violence. A federal judge tossed out the lawsuit under a 2005 law that protects gun companies from most civil lawsuits, but an appeals court revived it. The 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston found it fell under an exception to the shield law for situations in which firearm companies are accused of knowingly breaking laws in their business practices. 'It does not pinpoint, as most aiding-and-abetting claims do, any specific criminal transactions that the defendants (allegedly) assisted,' Justice Elena Kagan wrote after the Supreme Court unanimously voted to block the Mexico's $10 billion lawsuit against a group of U.S. gunmakers The Supreme Court voted unanimously on Thursday to block a $10 billion lawsuit present by the Mexican government against 11 gunmakers That exception has come up in other cases, including in lawsuits stemming from mass shootings. Families of victims of the 2012 mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, for example, argued it applied to their lawsuit because the gunmaker had violated state law in the marketing of the AR-15 rifle used in the shooting, in which 20 first graders and six educators were killed. The families eventually secured a landmark $73 million settlement with Remington, the maker of the rifle. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's attempt to erase LGBTQ+ icon Harvey Milk's name from a US Navy ship has backfired spectacularly with widespread backlash, including from some of his own supporters. The controversy erupted after reports surfaced that Hegseth, 44, proposed renaming the USNS Harvey Milk - a vessel dedicated in 2021 to honor the slain gay rights pioneer and Navy veteran. Milk served four years during the Korean War before being discharged due to questions about his sexual orientation. He went on to become the first openly gay member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and was assassinated in 1978. Hegseth and the broader Trump administration are now facing criticism from veterans' groups, high-profile public figures and former DoD Secretary fans, including Newsweek's political editor Carlo Versano, over the controversial renaming effort. 'I've never before seen a Secretary of Defense so aggressively demote himself to the rank of Chief PETTY Officer,' actor Sean Penn, 64, who portrayed Milk in the Oscar-winning 2008 biopic Milk, said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. Dustin Lance Black, the film's screenwriter, also criticized the move as politically divisive. 'This is yet another move to distract and to fuel the culture wars that create division,' Black, 50, told The Hollywood Reporter. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth (pictured), 44, proposed renaming the USNS Harvey Milk, a vessel dedicated to honor the slain gay rights pioneer and Navy veteran, but is now facing harsh criticism from veterans' groups, activists and high-profile public figures Harvey Milk (pictured) served four years during the Korean War before being discharged due to questions about his sexual orientation. He went on to become the first openly gay member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and was assassinated in 1978 'It's meant to get us to react in ways that are self-centered so that we are further distanced from our brothers and sisters in equally important civil rights fights in this country. It's divide and conquer.' The progressive veterans' group VoteVets also condemned the move. 'At the start of Pride Month, Pete Hegseth ordered the Navy to strip Harvey Milk's name from a ship,' the group wrote on X, formerly Twitter. 'A man who served with honor - erased to send a message. This is a deliberate insult to LGBTQ troops and Americans that weakens our force and shreds the values we fight for.' Versano, who was once a cautious supporter of Hegseth's Pentagon appointment, has since turned sharply critical. US Navy replenishment oiler USNS Harvey Milk In a column titled 'Now Boarding the USS Idiocracy,' the Newsweek's political editor wrote, 'I cannot believe I once wrote here that I was cautiously optimistic about Hegseth as someone who could shake up the Pentagon. Was I on drugs?' Actor Sean Penn (pictured), 64, who portrayed Harvey Milk in the Oscar-winning 2008 biopic Milk, slammed the Defense Secretary, calling Hegseth 'Chief PETTY Officer' He added, 'This guy is such an embarrassment to be leading our military this is what the Defense Department is sitting around worrying about right now?' Several public officials have also voiced their outrage. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer posted on X: 'Erasing Harvey Milk's name is disgusting, blatant discrimination - and during Pride Month to boot. He served the U.S. Navy and his country honorably... Hegseth should be ashamed of himself and reverse this immediately.' Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi added, 'The reported decision... is a shameful, vindictive erasure of those who fought to break down barriers for all to chase the American dream.' Former Pentagon official Alex Wagner, who helped lead the department's first Pride event in 2012, said the decision was 'disappointing, but no surprise.' Wagner noted, 'When I served... we prioritized building and resourcing a ready force capable of deterring, denying, and - if necessary - defeating the People's Liberation Army. Several public officials have also voiced their outrage An internal Navy memo indicated that other Navy ships - named after historical figures such as Thurgood Marshall, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Harriet Tubman, Cesar Chavez, and Medgar Evers - are also under review for potential renaming. Pictured: US Navy oiler USNS Harvey Milk We sought to harness one of our greatest strategic advantages - the diverse experiences and expertise of all Americans.' In defense of the renaming initiative, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated, 'Secretary Hegseth is committed to ensuring that the names attached to all DOD installations and assets are reflective of the Commander-in-Chief's priorities, our nation's history, and the warrior ethos.' According to CBS News, an internal Navy memo cited the renaming as an effort to ensure 'alignment with president and SECDEF objectives and SECNAV priorities of reestablishing the warrior culture.' The document also indicated that other Navy ships - named after historical figures such as Thurgood Marshall, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Harriet Tubman, Cesar Chavez, and Medgar Evers - are also under review for potential renaming. Michelle Obama will publish a new book amid the divorce rumors about her and Barack but the tome will focus on fashion, specifically her best looks. Featuring 'more than 200 photographs, including never-before-published images,' The Look will allow the former first lady to reclaim her story, she said. 'During our years in the White House, people were constantly commenting on my looks and dissecting my clothing choices. Thats part of why I decided to write this book now: its time for me to reclaim my storywhat fashion and beauty mean to mein my own words,' Michelle Obama said in a statement from her publisher. Crown Publishing will release the coffee-table style book on Nov. 4, 2025. It will retail for $50. The former first lady's memoir 'Becoming,' is one of the best selling political memoirs in history. Michelle Obama became a fashion icon during her years as first lady Michelle Obama became a style icon during her eight years in the White House. She was featured on the cover of Vogue three times. Her clothing choices were dissected endlessly. Her biceps, shown to perfect in sleeveless sheath dresses, were admired and envied. The then-first lady perfected the high-low look, pairing a pricey designer dress with a cardigan from JCrew. The forthcoming book will focus on how Michelle Obama used 'the beauty and intrigue of fashion to draw attention to her message,' the publisher said. But she had her controversial moments in the White House, including being heavily criticized for wearing a $450 pair of designer Lanvin sneakers to a food kitchen. At the end of her White House tenure, New York Times' fashion critic Vanessa Friedman summed up Obama's style: 'Mrs. Obama understood that fashion was a means to create an identity for an administration. But unlike any other first lady, instead of seeing it as part of a uniform to which she had to conform, with the attendant rules and strictures that implies, she saw it as a way to frame her own independence and points of difference, add to her portfolio and amplify her husbands agenda.' The fashion tome will also feature the voices of Meredith Koop, Obamas longtime stylist, as well as her makeup artist Carl Ray, hairstylists Yene Damtew and Njeri Radway, and many of the designers who have dressed her. Michelle Obama's new book will be released on Nov. 4, 2025. It will retail for $50 Michelle Obama's fashion choices were endlessly dissected: above she wears As first lady, Michelle was known for wearing cardigans with dresses - as seen above during a May 2011 visit to Buckingham Palace to meet the Queen Obama has seen more creative freedom since leaving the White House. She started a podcast with her brother and signed a Netflix deal with husband. For years she was frank about being a 'reluctant' political spouse - but she pulled back even more earlier this year when she decided against going to the late President Jimmy Carter's funeral in January. She then skipped President Donald Trump's second swearing-in ceremony on January 20th, leaving her husband to go solo. That set the internet on fire with speculation. Michelle Obama addressed the matter during a taping of actress Sophia Bush's podcast in April. 'That's the thing that we as women, I think we struggle with disappointing people. I mean, so much so that this year people were, you know, they couldn't even fathom that I was making a choice for myself that they had to assume that my husband and I are divorcing,' Obama said. 'That this couldn't be a grown woman just making a set of decisions for herself, right?' she continued. Obama added: 'That's what society does to us.' 'We start actually, finally going, "What am I doing? Who am I doing this for?" And if it doesn't fit into the sort of stereotype of what people think we should do, then it gets labeled as something negative and horrible.' The Obamas have been married for 32 years but have faced ongoing rumors about their marriage status over the last several months. Barack and Michelle Obama - seen at the Democratic National Convention in August 2024 - have faced rumors about their marriage Barack and Michelle Obama are seen together for the first time in six months as they were seen leaving The Lowell Hotel restaurant in Manhattan Michelle Obama appeared on the cover of Vogue three times In May, the couple were spotted out on a date night in NYC. The former president and first lady were seen together in public for the first time in six months while leaving The Lowell Hotel restaurant surrounded by an entourage of secret service agents. Dressed in black dress and black heels she appeared to flash a broad smile to onlookers and cameras. Her hair was tied back in a braid and she carried a small black clutch. Trailing just behind, Barack, 63, looked more pensive with his expression harder to read - tight-lipped, serious, and unusually reserved. A British two-year-old has died after being pulled from the pool of a private villa in Ibiza. The tragic incident took place on Thursday morning in the affluent Sant Joan municipality in the northern part of the Spanish island. The area is a popular holiday destination known for its luxury properties and whitewashed architecture. Emergency services rushed to the property following reports of an unresponsive child. According to local news outlet Diario de Ibiza, the British toddler was found without a pulse floating in the swimming pool. Despite efforts to resuscitate the child for over an hour, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The boy, who has not been named, and his family had been staying in the holiday home, it is understood. MailOnline has approached the Foreign Office for comment. It comes after a four-year old Northern Irish boy died after being pulled from a hotel swimming pool in Tenerife last month. A British two-year-old has died after being pulled from the pool of a private villa in Ibiza 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 Spanish island. A funeral notice for the young boy read: '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 comes after Edward James Watson Massey, from Northern Ireland, died after being pulled from a hotel swimming pool in Tenerife last month 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. 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.' A Greek tourist who was stabbed on the way home from a West End nightclub was killed for his man bag, a court has heard. Antonios Antoniadis, 26, was attacked as he got out of an Uber following a night out at 32 Portland Place in Marylebone, London last July. A group of five killers had been sitting in a stolen Kia Sportage looking for a victim to rob when they saw the holidaymaker walk past, jurors at the Old Bailey heard. Joshua McCorquodale, 20, Shian Johnson, 25, Sofian Alliche, 20, Alfie Hipple, 18, and an unnamed 17-year-old then allegedly followed him all the way to his friend's house in New Cross, southeast London, before four attempted to take the item while one sat in the car. Mr Antoniadis then struck one of them with a brandy bottle, before he was stabbed and left on the ground as the group sped off in the vehicle, which had been seen outside the club for several hours ahead of the attack, the court heard. The visitor survived for two weeks in hospital before dying of his injuries on July 21, 2024. All five accused deny murder and conspiracy to rob. Prosecutor Bill Emlyn Jones said: 'Mr Antoniadis was here in London on holiday, a tourist who had come on holiday from his home in Greece. Antonios Antoniadis, pictured, a Greek tourist who was stabbed on the way home from a West End nightclub, was killed for his man bag, a court has heard 'He had come with a couple of his friends, Maria and Tia, they were spending the week seeing the city, staying with a friend, having some fun. 'That night, they ended up in a nightclub in the West End called 32 Portland Place, not far from Oxford Circus. It was it seemed quite a night out - they didn't even get to the club until just after 4am and they didn't leave the club until about 8.15am. 'As they travelled out of central London, they had no idea that they were being followed. They had no idea that five young men had been hanging around outside that nightclub all night in a stolen car looking for someone they could rob. 'They followed him for over half an hour, all the way to Florence Terrace, New Cross. 'As Maria struggled to find the key to open the door, Antonis was approached by four figures in hoods and balaclavas, four of them, because one of the five, the driver, had stayed in the car to turn it around and prepare for their getaway. 'Antonis resisted, and struggled, and at one point managed to hit one of his attackers with a brandy bottle he was still holding from his night out. 'At least two of the attacking group had with them large knives. One of them shouted "ching him", in other words, stab him. 'Antonis was by now on the ground, on his hands and knees, surrounded by the four robbers who were punching and kicking him, and then they stabbed him. He was allegedly attacked as he got out of an Uber following a night out at 32 Portland Place in Marylebone, London, pictured, last July 'He suffered cuts and bruises to his face and head, wounds to his arms as he tried to defend himself, and he was stabbed in the middle of the chest he suffered a large and deep stab wound to his right thigh which completely severed his femoral artery and caused catastrophic blood loss. 'His four attackers then ran back to the waiting car, they jumped in and their driver sped them away, leaving their victim bleeding to death behind them.' He added that the prosecution's case described them as equally responsible for the murder. 'They were clearly prepared to use violence to try and pull off the robbery, and given that they had at least two large knives between them, they were clearly prepared to use really serious violence if the need arose,' Mr Jones said. 'The need did arise, at least as far as they were concerned, and so they used their knives, they stabbed Antonis, and they killed him.' The trial continues and is set to last six weeks. The Supreme Court has sided with a straight woman who claims she was passed over for positions that went to her gay colleagues. Marlean Ames said she was the victim of bias in an agency overseeing Ohio's youth correctional facilities, with her case being decided in a rare unanimous ruling. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson said a longstanding ruling used in almost half the nation's federal circuits that forced people who are not white, male or gay to meet a higher bar to prove workplace discrimination was unconstitutional. Brown wrote it was wrong for courts to have different standards for different groups, but added 'Congress left no room for courts to impose special requirements on majority-group plaintiffs alone.' The decision restarted a discrimination battle Ames had lost in lower courts in Ohio, which previously ruled she had not met a higher bar of proof of bias. She told the Washington Post this year 'little did I know at the time that I filed that my burden was going to be harsher than somebody else's burden to prove my case. 'I want people to try and understand that we're trying to make this a level playing field for everyone. Not just for a White woman in Ohio.' Legal experts said the ruling going Ames' way will make it easier for groups that have not typically been seen as discriminated against to prove bias in court. The Supreme Court has sided with Marlean Ames (pictured), a straight woman who alleged that she was passed over for positions that went to her gay colleagues in a landmark ruling The Supreme Court sided with Ames in a rare unanimous verdict, with legal experts now saying that the ruling will make it easier for groups that have not typically been seen as discriminated against to prove bias in court Although Ames' case does not directly involve diversity, equity and inclusion issues, legal experts said the ruling could also have ramifications on Donald Trump's war on DEI. Employment lawyers said the White House's targeting of DEI could be compounded by Ames' ruling to heap pressure on companies to eradicate DEI policies. Ames' victory this week is reportedly expected to trigger a wave of similar cases of workplace discrimination brought by people who are not members of minority groups. The Ohio woman brought her lawsuit in 2020 after she lost her job as an administrator in the Ohio Department of Youth Services and her role was handed to a younger gay man. Although Ames' case does not directly involve diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) issues, legal experts said the landmark Supreme Court ruling could also have ramifications on President Trump's crackdown on DEI Ames said she was also passed over for a separate role in management at the agency, which went to a woman who is a lesbian. She said in her lawsuit that the woman had not even shown interest in the management role, and alleged that department was opting to promote less qualified people over her because they were gay. A lower court rejected her case as it ruled that she failed to prove 'background circumstances' proving her employer was an 'unusual' case that 'discriminates against the majority.' After losing her case in lower courts, Ames' lawsuit was raised to the Supreme Court as her legal team hinged her argument on the 1964 Civil Rights Act. They argued that the lower courts' ruling treated Ames differently just because of her background, with the 1964 act outlawing discrimination on anything related to sex, race, color, religion or national origin. A suspect in a 14-year-old cold case murder suddenly shot himself dead during a video interview with police. Michael Wayne Thomas, 54, has been a person of interest since Julie Mitchell was beaten to death in her home, aged 34, on November 2, 2010. Julie was found stuffed in the closet of the master bedroom in her house in Oklahoma City with $30,000 missing from the nearby safe. Her one-year-old daughter was sitting next to her body when police arrived. Thomas was an associate of Julie's husband Teddy Mitchell, who was on a plane to California at the time of the murder. He was interviewed by police and the FBI five or six times, denying any involvement in the murder despite his company checkbook being found in her house. Oklahoma City Police, for reasons they refused to explain, negotiated setting up another interview with Thomas on Saturday. Michael Wayne Thomas, 54, suddenly shot himself dead during a video interview with police Julie Mitchell was beaten to death in her home, aged 34, on November 2, 2010, found in her house in Oklahoma City with $30,000 missing from the nearby safe After initially agreeing, he changed his mind and negotiated a virtual interview with his lawyer Ed Blau also on the video call. 'Beggars can't always be choosers, and this is somebody we wanted to talk to, we needed to talk to. There were questions we needed to have answered by him,' Master Sergeant Gary Knight said. 'He chose to pull out a pistol and shoot himself, ending his life.' From the moment the call started at 10am, Thomas wouldn't let the police get a word in, constantly rambling about nothing helpful. 'He didn't give me an opportunity to ask him any questions. He controlled the conversation from start to finish,' Detective Bryn Carter told KWTV-9. 'At about 40 minutes through the interview, he produced a firearm and took his own life. 'In 31 years on the police department doing hundreds of hundreds of interviews, I've never had anyone commit suicide in front of me.' Thomas was an associate of Julie's husband Teddy Mitchell (pictured), who was on a plane to California at the time of the murder The shocked detectives and lawyer watched Thomas shoot himself, then collapse and his phone clatter to the ground. 'The phone landed right by his head so we got to hear him die, hear the death rattle. It was as shocking and horrific as you can imagine,' Blau told The Oklahoman. Blau said Thomas told them 'I'm just worried about my daughter's safety' just before he shot himself, and 'I really hope you solve the case'. Police refused to release any part of the interview, or any officer's reports pertaining to it or why Thomas was being interviewed yet again. Thomas' body was found in woods outside the Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane, near Witchita, Kansas, where Blau didn't know he was until after his death. Thomas, then an insurance salesman, was intimately involved in Mitchell's life due to their mutual interest in gambling. Julie's murder exposed the illegal underground high-stakes poker games Mitchell was running out of their home, along with unlawful sport betting. Julie's murder exposed the illegal underground high-stakes poker games Mitchell was running out of their home, along with unlawful sport betting Thomas told the FBI in 2011 he played in Mitchell's games and placed bets with him, racking up debts so big he let Mitchell become a partner in his insurance business as a means of settling them. He also provided the insurance to Mitchell's properties and vehicles. 'Him taking his own life without answering the questions that I needed answered to eliminate him as a person interest,' Carter said. 'It speaks volumes that maybe he couldn't answer those questions.' Thomas is still considered a suspect in the case after his death. Mitchell was never publicly accused of involvement in his wife's murder, but he was jailed for 27 months in 2014 for federal conspiracy to commit money laundering, and forced to turn over $1 million in property to the government. Birmingham bin workers have voted to continue industrial action in a dispute over pay and jobs, Unite have announced. The ballot, which resulted in 97 percent of workers voting in favour of strike action on a 75 percent turnout, means strike action could last until December. Refuse workers from the Unite union have been striking since March over Birmingham City Council's proposed changes to roles and resulting pay cuts. Unite claim that under the council's plans, the pay rate of drivers will reduce from 40,000 to 32,000, a pay cut of 8,000. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: 'After smearing these workers in public since January and telling them to accept a fair and reasonable offer that never existed, the council finally put a proposal in writing last week. 'True to form, the proposal came weeks late and was not in line with the ballpark offer discussed during Acas talks in May. It had been watered down by the government commissioners and the leader of the council despite them never having been in the negotiations. Other shocking images show how residents have struggled to even park their cars as the mountains of rubbish swamps residential areas Grim images show overflowing bins, split rubbish bags and rotting food strewn across residential streets The council said crews have collected 1,500 to 1,700 tonnes of waste each day, with a reduced team 'It beggars belief that a Labour government and Labour council is treating these workers so disgracefully. It is hardly surprising that so many working people are asking whose side Labour is on. 'The decision makers at Birmingham council need to get in the room and put forward an acceptable offer. Unite will not allow these workers to be financially ruined the strikes will continue for as long as it takes. Unite calls on the decision makers to let common sense prevail in upcoming negotiations.' The council - which effectively declared itself bankrupt in 2023 - has been blamed for also mishandling an equal pay dispute. It has so far paid out almost 1.1 billion after losing a landmark case in 2012 launched after it gave bonuses to refuse collectors and street cleaners but not to cleaners and caterers - roles typically held by women. It still has to find more money to settle further claims but insists its debt is 'unrelated to the need to modernise the waste service and to eliminate any future equal pay risk'. It comes after Union bosses accused Government-appointed commissioners of 'sabotaging' peace talks and claim Keir Starmer's Labour-led Government is complicit in blocking a deal. The all-out strike by members of Unite has dragged on for more than two months now, leaving piles of rubbish rotting in the streets of Britain's second largest city and prompting fury from long-suffering residents. And now the union is pointing the finger squarely at Whitehall officials parachuted in after the council's effective bankruptcy last year. Rotting rubbish is still piling up in Birmingham despite council claims last month that collections are back to normal. Pictures show huge mounds of bin bags spilling out over pavements in England's second city. Bin workers on strike outside the Council depot, Atlas Depot in Tyseley, Birmingham Photographs taken in Bordesley Green show old boxes and waste dumped on the pavements and roads People dispose of their rubbish using a mobile refuse collection service in Yardley Wood Road, Billesley, Birmingham Local residents deliver rubbish to mobile collection vehicles in Erdington, Birmingham Birmingham City Council says it has cleared 100 per cent of the large piles of waste in hot-spot areas and 85 per cent of rubbish from the rest of the city. But grim images show overflowing bins, split rubbish bags and rotting food strewn across residential streets. Photographs taken in Bordesley Green last week show old boxes and waste dumped on the pavements and roads. Another shot shows a red wheelie bin crammed with trash next to bulging bin bags piled up on the path. Graham Marlow, 45, who lives in the area, said: 'How the council can keep a straight face and say they have everything under control is mad. 'They only need to come down from their ivory towers and have a look at the streets to know the city is still waist deep in rubbish. 'My family are sick of it. I'm sick of it. I can't wait to leave this city. It's little wonder people now call Birmingham Scummy Brum.' More pictures show fly-tipping is still plaguing the city, with old beds, mattresses, shop mannequins and even an industrial-sized freezer being dumped on the streets. Other images show how residents have struggled to even park their cars as the mountains of rubbish swamps residential areas. The bin strike has attracted worldwide attention with shocking pictures of giant 'cat-sized' rats chasing council workers. Disabled people reliant on wheelchairs have also been trapped in their homes by piles of rubbish dumped on pavements and in alleyways. Opposition politicians have accused the Labour-led council of failing to end the dispute. Birmingham's Conservative leader councillor Robert Alden said: 'What we've seen sadly over the last two weeks, since national support from the army has been withdrawn, [is that] bin lorries have not been going out again. 'Indeed by the end of the week, barely any bin lorries were going out and that's leading to more rubbish starting to build up on the streets.' A Labour peer triggered outrage today by suggesting Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky was 'out of control' and jeopardising efforts to end the war with Russia by approving a major drone strike. Octogenarian Lord Dale Campbell-Savours stunned the House of Lords by suggesting Mr Zelensky had been 'allowed to run amok' with his country's celebrated weekend attack on Russian airfields. The former MP suggested the embattled war leader had 'scuppered' the chances of reaching a truce in the deadly conflict being sought by US president Trump. Ukraine's Security Service claim the attack, dubbed operation Spider Web, destroyed or damaged 41 Russian aircraft, including strategic bombers. At the same time, Russia has continued to carry out strikes across Ukraine, including the targeting of residential areas. Lord Campbell-Savours, whose son is a Labour MP, was swiftly rebuked in the Lords by figures on all sides, including foreign minister Baroness Chapman of Darlington. Former defence chief Lord Stirrup, who led the Armed Forces from 2006 to 2010, icily said: 'Has the minister noticed any reticence or reluctance on the part of President Putin to killing Ukrainian civilians while so-called peace talks continue? 'And has she identified any actions at all on the part of the American administration to try and compel President Putin down that path of reticence?' Octogenarian Lord Dale Campbell-Savours stunned the House of Lords by suggesting Mr Zelensky had been 'allowed to run amok' with his country's celebrated weekend attack on Russian airfields. Ukraine's Security Service claim the attack, dubbed operation Spider Web, destroyed or damaged 41 Russian aircraft, including strategic bombers. The former MP suggested the embattled war leader had 'scuppered' the chances of reaching a truce in the deadly conflict being sought by US president Trump. US President Donald Trump said this week Mr Putin had told him 'very strongly' in a phone call that he would respond to Ukraine's daring drone attack on Russian air bases. Mr Zelensky, who has accepted a US ceasefire proposal and offered to meet Mr Putin in an attempt to break the stalemate in negotiations, wants more international sanctions on Russia to force it to accept a settlement. But Mr Putin has shown no willingness to meet Mr Zelensky and has indicated no readiness to compromise. US-led diplomatic efforts to end the long-running war have so far failed to make any significant progress. Raising the issue in Parliament, Lord Campbell-Savours said: 'Whilst recognising the sheer bravado of those who executed operation Spider Web, we have to accept that action has undermined Trump's wider initiative, jeopardised his offer on the provision of security guarantees, and hardened Russia's attitude on conflict resolution. 'How can we ever secure a settlement and avoid substantial defence costs being imposed on European taxpayers, if Zelensky is allowed to run amok with unilateral actions, therefore scuppering any prospect of an early settlement. 'Why can't we, with our long experience in diplomacy, think out of the box and engage with Trump's people in discussions with Russia over measures to end this war. 'We can't rely on Zelensky. He's out of control.' Mr Zelensky, who has accepted a US ceasefire proposal and offered to meet Mr Putin in an attempt to break the stalemate in negotiations, wants more international sanctions on Russia to force it to accept a settlement. The peer's controversial view was rejected outright by Baroness Chapman, who said she 'profoundly' disagreed and repeated the UK Government's staunch support for Kyiv. She pointed out it was Russia's leader Vladimir Putin who could end the war, which he had triggered by his full-scale invasion in 2022. However, the peer's controversial view was rejected outright by Baroness Chapman, who said she 'profoundly' disagreed and repeated the UK Government's staunch support for Kyiv. She pointed out it was Russia's leader Vladimir Putin who could end the war, which he had triggered by his full-scale invasion in 2022. She added: 'President Trump wants to see peace. We want to see peace. President Zelensky has agreed to a ceasefire. 'The person who could achieve that ceasefire, who could bring peace to Ukraine, who could see the children return to their homes, is President Putin.' Her Tory counterpart Lord Callanan said: 'I completely agree with the minister's sentiments. 'I think Lord Campbell-Savours is absolutely wrong, and all of us who are strong supporters of Ukraine were greatly encouraged by the recent audacious attack on the Russian airfields, in which nobody was killed by the way, it was just equipment that was damaged. 'But to secure Ukrainian sovereignty in the longer term, it is vital that Ukraine possesses armed forces which have a strong strategic and tactical advantage in the region. 'So could the minister please update the House on the steps that the Government is taking to support the Ukrainian military, to ensure that it has troops which are well trained, well equipped in the longer term to our high standards to help deter further Russian aggression?' Lady Chapman pointed out the UK had committed 3 billion a year for as long as Ukraine needed it and also signed a '100-year' pact, which formalised economic and military support provided by Britain. She also highlighted UK efforts to establish a peacekeeping mission that would enforce a possible future ceasefire in Ukraine, a so-called coalition of the willing. Elon Musk claimed Thursday afternoon that President Donald Trump is 'in the Epstein files' - a dramatic escalation amid their spectacular falling out. Musk also suggested that Trump should be impeached - and replaced with 40-year-old Vice President J.D. Vance. Moments before the Epstein charge, Trump had taken to Truth Social and said he had asked Musk to leave his administration and said the billionaire went 'CRAZY!' With that, Musk announced that it was 'time to drop a really big bomb.' '@RealDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public,' Musk wrote. 'Have a nice day, DJT!' Jeffrey Epstein is a serial child sex offender who died in prison in 2019. Trump pledged to release the files related to Epstein, with Attorney General Pam Bondi releasing some pages in February, but most of that information was already in the public domain. 'Mark this post for the future. The truth will come out,' Musk added. Asked for comment, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told the Daily Mail in a statement: 'This is an unfortunate episode from Elon, who is unhappy with the One Big Beautiful Bill because it does not include the policies he wanted.' HAPPIER TIMES: Elon Musk (left) and President Donald Trump (right) got in a very public fight on Thursday less than a year after Musk endorsed Trump and funded his 2024 reelection fight Elon Musk dramatically charged that President Donald Trump's name appears in the files of known pedophile Jeffrey Epstein This 1997 photo shows then real estate developer Donald Trump (right) alongside Jeffrey Epstein (left), the pedophile sex offender who died in prison in 2019 'The President is focused on passing this historic piece of legislation and making our country great again,' Leavitt added. Trump didn't directly respond to Musk's Epstein charge, instead posting what amounted to a shrug on Truth Social, while also continuing to back the 'big, beautiful bill.' 'I don't mind Elon turning against me, but he should have done so months ago,' Trump wrote. 'This is one of the Greatest Bills ever presented to Congress.' Later he ignored shouted questions from reporters on Musk's Epstein charge as he hosted the National Fraternal Order of Police executive board in the State Dining Room. A source familiar pointed out to the Daily Mail that 'everyone knows President Trump kicked Jeffrey Epstein out of his Palm Beach Golf Club.' 'The Administration itself released Epstein files with the President's name included. This is not a new surprise Elon is uncovering. Everyone already knew this,' the source continued. The source also mused, 'If Elon truly thought the President was more deeply involved with Epstein, why did he hangout with him for 6 months and say he "loves him as much as a straight man can love a straight man?"' Musk kept on going through much of Thursday, using a raised eyebrow emoji to highlight an X post that detailed a quote Trump once gave on Epstein, who was found to be a serial pedophile. Musk used the same emoji and shared a clip from MSNBC that showed a 1992 party that both Trump and Epstein attended. In the past few days, Musk has grown increasingly critical of the 'big, beautiful bill' Republicans are trying to pass through Congress - arguing it reversed his work with DOGE - but on Thursday, he took aim at Trump himself. Trump took to Truth Social Thursday afternoon after first criticizing Musk in the Oval Office. 'Elon was "wearing thin," I asked him to leave, I took away his EV Mandate that forced everyone to buy Electric Cars that nobody else wanted (that he knew for months I was going to do!), and he just went CRAZY!' Trump wrote. The president then threatened to pull SpaceX and Tesla's government contracts. 'The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elons Governmental Subsidies and Contracts. I was always surprised that Biden didn't do it!' Trump wrote. Musk then taunted Trump to act. 'This just gets better and better,' he wrote. 'Go ahead, make my day ' In a follow-up post, Musk said he would 'begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft immediately.' The Dragon is how NASA astronauts currently travel to the International Space Station - and how supplies make it there. As the fight continued, Tesla shares plummeted by 17.6 percent. After the Epstein charge, anti-Semitic rapper Kanye West entered the chat. 'Broooos please noooooo. We love you both so much,' West wrote. Trump's swipes came after Musk said the Republican would have lost the 2024 election had it not been for the world's richest man's help. 'Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate,' Musk claimed. 'Such ingratitude,' the billionaire added on X. Musk had publicly endorsed Trump on the heels of the July 13th assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania and poured $290 million of his fortune on the Republican's campaign. This 2014 image shows Elon Musk (right) alongside Ghislaine Maxwell (left) who facilitated Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking ring. She's currently serving time in federal prison The billionaire also joined Trump on the campaign trail when he returned to the site of the Butler shooting in early October, a month before Election Day. Trump said he likely still would have won the key state of Pennsylvania without Musk's assistance, partly because Kamala Harris didn't choose the state's governor, Josh Shapiro, to be her running mate. Even with Shapiro on the Democratic ticket, Trump claimed, 'I would have won Pennsylvania, I would have won by a lot.' Musk said that was laughable. During the transition, Trump announced that Musk would run the newly created Department of Government Efficiency or 'DOGE,' allowing the businessman to take a chainsaw to alleged waste, fraud and abuse. Those efforts didn't play well with the American public, with Musk formally out last week. Now the 53-year-old South African-born billionaire is asserting that he has more staying power in U.S. politics than the 78-year-old president. 'Oh and some food for thought as they ponder this question: Trump has 3.5 years left as President, but I will be around for 40+ years,' Musk said Thursday afternoon, responding to a post from MAGA agitator Laura Loomer. President Donald Trump floated that his bromance with Elon Musk was over after the former 'first buddy' went on a social media tear over the Republicans' 'big beautiful bill.' 'Elon and I had a great relationship. I don't know if we will any more,' Trump said in the Oval on Thursday Elon Musk objected to President Donald Trump's claim that Trump would have won Pennsylvania - and the 2024 election - without the help from the world's richest man. 'Such ingratitude,' Musk commented Loomer said she was reporting from Capitol Hill and that Republican lawmakers were trying to determine if it was better to side with Trump or Musk. Musk's latest online assault of Trump came moments after the president went on a tirade about the billionaire while hosting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the Oval Office. 'Elon and I had a great relationship. I don't know if we will any more, I was surprised,' Trump said. The president suggested that Musk was angry - not over the bill ballooning the deficit - but because the Trump administration has pulled back on electric vehicle mandates, which negatively impacted Tesla. He also indicated that there was a problem when he rejected Musk's preferred nominee to lead NASA because his choice was a Democrat. 'And you know, Elon's upset because we took the EV mandate, which was a lot of money for electric vehicles, and they're having a hard time the electric vehicles and they want us to pay billions of dollars in subsidy,' Trump said. 'I know that disturbed him.' Shares of Tesla dipped 8 percent amid the spat. Over the weekend, Trump pulled the nomination of Jared Isaacman to lead NASA. Isaacman had worked alongside Musk at SpaceX. 'He recommended somebody that I guess he knew very well, I'm sure he respected him, to run NASA and I didn't think it was appropriate and he happened to be a Democrat, like totally Democrat,' Trump continued. 'We won, we get certain privileges and one of the privileges is we don't have to appoint a Democrat.' President Donald Trump (left) and Elon Musk (right) photographed in the Oval Office in March. The president and the richest man in the world got into a very public fight on Thursday While President Donald Trump was addressing Elon Musk's recent wave of criticism of the Republicans' 'big, beautiful bill' Musk took to X, telling the president 'whatever' and doubling down that his issue with the legislation is the amount of 'DISGUSTING PORK' it contains Musk posted to X repeatedly as Trump's press conference was going on. 'Whatever,' the billionaire wrote, as he continued to criticize what Trump has called his 'big, beautiful' spending bill. 'Keep the EV/solar incentive cuts in the bill, even though no oil & gas subsidies are touched (very unfair!!), but ditch the MOUNTAIN of DISGUSTING PORK in the bill,' he advised. 'In the entire history of civilization, there has never been legislation that [is] both big and beautiful. Everyone knows this!' Musk continued. 'Either you get a big and ugly bill or a slim and beautiful bill. Slim and beautiful is the way.' In the Oval Office, Trump insisted that Musk knew the contents of the bill before the House passed it. Trump is now pushing Republican senators to back it so he can sign it before the July 4 holiday. 'He became a little bit different. I can understand that. But he knew every aspect of this bill. He knew it better than almost anybody, and he never had a problem until right after he left,' Trump protested. Musk immediately pushed back on X - sharing the clip of Trump's comments. 'False, this bill was never shown to me even once and was passed in the dead of night so fast that almost no one in Congress could even read it!' Musk said. Almost immediately after President Donald Trump claimed that Elon Musk 'knew every aspect of this bill' Musk responded that that was 'false' and the bill was never shown to the former DOGE leader Less than a week ago, Elon Musk (left) was standing alongside President Donald Trump (right) in the Oval Office to mark his DOGE service ending. Trump noted that he had given Musk a 'wonderful send-off.' At the top of Musk's X profile on Thursday, the billionaire had pinned a tweet that said 'Wise words,' highlighting a Trump tweet from 2013 that said, 'I cannot believe the Republicans are extending the debt ceilingI am a Republican & I am embarrassed!' Trump noted that until recently Musk had 'said the most beautiful things about me.' In the Oval Ofice, Trump pointed out that the battle with Musk had yet to turn personal. 'And he hasn't said bad about me personally, but I'm sure that will be next,' Trump said. He went on: 'I'm very disappointed in Elon. I've helped Elon a lot.' Trump suggested Musk was disappointed by life outside the White House. 'I think he got out there and all of the sudden he wasn't in this beautiful office,' Trump said. Trump said Musk's about-face represented a greater trend. 'People leave my administration and they love us and then, at some point, they miss it so badly. And some of them embrace it and some of them actually become hostile. I don't know what it is, it's sort of Trump Derangement Syndrome, I guess they call it,' the president said. 'They leave, they wake up in the morning and the glamour is gone, the whole world is different and they become hostile.' The president's comments come less than a week after he feted Musk in the Oval Office, giving him an official farewell as the billionaire moved out of special government employee status and back into the private sector. Trump noted that he had given Musk a 'wonderful send-off' on Friday before he headed to Pittsburgh to tout a steel deal between Nippon and U.S. Steel. 'Remember, he was here for a long time. You saw a man who was very happy. He stood behind the Oval desk. Even with a black eye,' Trump said. 'I said, "do you want a little makeup?" And he said, "No I don't think so," which was interesting.' 'And very nice,' Trump added. 'He wants to be who he is,' the president shrugged. Luigi Mangione's bombshell diary entries have been released, revealing how he allegedly meticulously planned the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson months before gunning him down in the heart of Manhattan. In shocking court documents, filed Wednesday, prosecutors shared the contents of a red notebook diary found in the 27-year-old's possession when he was arrested at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania, at the end of a five-day manhunt. The diary documents Mangione's plot and motives for the December 2024 murder as well as his musings on what Unabomber Ted Kaczynski got wrong during his own reign of terror between 1978 and 1995, according to the filings. In one entry from August 15, 2024, Mangione writes that he is 'confident' about his plan - four months before the shooting took place - and that he believes it to be 'right/justified.' 'I finally feel confident about what I will do. The details are coming together. And I don't feel any doubt about whether it's right/justified,' his scrawling writing reads. 'I'm glad-in a way-that I've procrastinated bc [sic] it allowed me to learn more about UHC [UnitedHealthcare].' The same diary entry appears to suggest Mangione had previously considered a different target - detailed as 'KMD' - before deciding upon UnitedHealthcare, and its CEO. KMD would have been an unjustified catastrophe that would be perceived mostly as sick, but more importantly unhelpful, he writes. Luigi Mangione appears in court in Manhattan in February 2025 on charges of murder 'Would do nothing to spread awareness/improve people's lives. The target is insurance. It checks every box.' It is unclear what KMD refers to or what stage any potential plans may have reached. In another diary entry dated two months later on October 10 2024, Mangione allegedly marks a countdown to the day of the attack: '1.5 months.' He goes on to write about the Unabomber's actions and considers that a similar plot would distract from the message he is trying to send - and would not fare well with the public. While Kaczynski 'makes some good points on the future of humanity,' Mangione muses that 'he indiscriminately mailbombs innocents.' 'Normies characterize him as an insane serial killer, focus on the act/atrocities themselves and dismiss his ideas,' he writes. Because of his 'indiscriminate atrocities,' Kaczynski 'becomes a monster, which makes his ideas those of a monster, no matter how true.' 'So say you want to rebel against the deadly, greed fueled health insurance cartel. Do you bomb the HQ? No. Bombs=terrorism,' the note reads. Luigi Mangione 's bombshell diary entries reveal how he meticulously planned the alleged assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson In one rambling diary entry, Mangione goes on to refer to those in the healthcare industry as 'parasites' and 'mafioso' 'Such actions appear the unjustified anger of someone who simply got sick/had bad luck and took their frustration out on the insurance industry, while recklessly endangering countless employees.' Instead, Mangione allegedly details his own plans to wack the CEO of the healthcare giant at the company's parasitic bean-counter convention as it doesn't risk innocents.' 'The point is made in the news headline "Insurance CEO killed at annual investors conference," he writes, according to the court filing. In the rambling diary entry, Mangione goes on to refer to those in the healthcare industry as 'parasites' and 'mafioso' and describes UnitedHealthcare's December conference as a true windfall that embodies everything wrong with our health system. In another scrawling handwritten note shared in the new court filing, Mangione apologizes 'to the feds' who spent days hunting for him. The 27-year-old writes that 'I do respect what you do for our country', insists that he acted alone and warns them that his tech is 'pretty locked down.' I do apologize for any strife or trauma, but it had to be done,' he adds, according to the documents. He also appears to point investigators toward his notebook for details of his motive, saying the 'straggling notes and TO DO lists... illuminate the gist of it.' In another scrawling handwritten note shared in the new court filing, Mangione apologizes to the federal agents hunting for him Surveillance footage captures a masked killer shoot the healthcare exec dead in Manhattan Despite his alleged confession, the 27-year-old has pleaded not guilty to both state and federal charges in connection with the December murder. If he is convicted, federal prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty. State prosecutors submitted the lengthy court filing pushing back against an omnibus motion from Mangione's defense which included a request to throw the state's case out altogether. The suspect's legal team had argued that the two cases - federal and state - amount to double jeopardy. In asking the court to reject the defense's string of motions, prosecutors described the case against Mangione as 'open and shut.' 'If ever there were an open and shut case pointing to defendants guilty, this case is that case,' Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Joel Seidemann wrote in the filing. 'Simply put, one would be hard pressed to find a case with such overwhelming evidence of guilt as to the identity of the murderer and premeditated nature of the assassination.' Prosecutors also defended the terrorism enhancement added to the first-degree murder charge, saying that Mangione's own diary entries prove there was a 'political and ideological motivation' to the shooting. Mangione is accused of shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson dead at point-blank range on December 4 The 82-page document also reveals new details about the hours leading up to the shooting, suggesting Mangione stalked Thompson the previous night through the streets of Manhattan. At around 7:47 p.m. on December 3, prosecutors allege Mangione was seen walking on West 54th Street and Sixth Avenue, adjacent to the Hilton Hotel. He appeared to be talking on a cellphone. While Mangione walked along, Thompson was seen walking past him in the opposite direction, the documents reveal. This may well have been a close call for the healthcare CEO. The next morning - December 4 - Thompson was gunned down outside the Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan on his way to UnitedHealthcare's annual conference. Haunting surveillance footage captured a masked man walking up behind the 50-year-old father-of-two and shooting him dead at point blank range. The suspect then fled on a bike into Central Park. Luigi Mangione is perp-walked by a string of law enforcement agents following his arrest Bullet and shell casings found at the scene had the words 'deny,' 'delay,' and 'depose' written on them - a phrase commonly associated with health insurance claims. Mangione was finally arrested five days later and charged with the murder. The shooting prompted a reckoning around America's healthcare system and fueled a string of threats against other top executives. Since his arrest, Mangione has developed something of a cult following - with supporters flocking to his court appearances in downtown Manhattan and contributing $1 million to his legal fund. He is next due in court on state charges on June 26. President Donald Trump asserted that he asked Elon Musk to leave his administration and said the billionaire went 'CRAZY!' amid their spectacular falling out on Thursday. In the past few days, Musk has grown increasingly critical of the 'big, beautiful bill' Republicans are trying to pass through Congress - arguing it reversed his work with DOGE - but on Thursday, he took aim at Trump himself. Trump took to Truth Social Thursday afternoon after first criticizing Musk in the Oval Office. 'Elon was "wearing thin," I asked him to leave, I took away his EV Mandate that forced everyone to buy Electric Cars that nobody else wanted (that he knew for months I was going to do!), and he just went CRAZY!' Trump wrote. The president then threatened to pull SpaceX and Tesla's government contracts. 'The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elons Governmental Subsidies and Contracts. I was always surprised that Biden didn't do it!' Trump wrote. Musk then taunted Trump to act. 'This just gets better and better,' he wrote. 'Go ahead, make my day ' President Donald Trump (left) and Elon Musk (right) took their spectacular spat online Thursday after Trump was asked in the Oval Office about Musk's recent criticism of Republicans' 'big, beautiful bill' Trump's swipes came after Musk said the Republican would have lost the 2024 election had it not been for the world's richest man's help. 'Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate,' Musk claimed. 'Such ingratitude,' the billionaire added on X. Musk had publicly endorsed Trump on the heels of the July 13th assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania and poured $290 million of his fortune on the Republican's campaign. The billionaire also joined Trump on the campaign trail when he returned to the site of the Butler shooting in early October, a month before Election Day. Trump said he likely still would have won the key state of Pennsylvania without Musk's assistance, partly because Kamala Harris didn't choose the state's governor, Josh Shapiro, to be her running mate. Even with Shapiro on the Democratic ticket, Trump claimed, 'I would have won Pennsylvania, I would have won by a lot.' Musk said that was laughable. During the transition, Trump announced that Musk would run the newly created Department of Government Efficiency or 'DOGE,' allowing the businessman to take a chainsaw to alleged waste, fraud and abuse. President Donald Trump floated that his bromance with Elon Musk was over after the former 'first buddy' went on a social media tear over the Republicans' 'big beautiful bill.' 'Elon and I had a great relationship. I don't know if we will any more,' Trump said in the Oval on Thursday Elon Musk objected to President Donald Trump's claim that Trump would have won Pennsylvania - and the 2024 election - without the help from the world's richest man. 'Such ingratitude,' Musk commented Those efforts didn't play well with the American public, with Musk formally out last week. Now the 53-year-old South African-born billionaire is asserting that he has more staying power in U.S. politics than the 78-year-old president. 'Oh and some food for thought as they ponder this question: Trump has 3.5 years left as President, but I will be around for 40+ years,' Musk said Thursday afternoon, responding to a post from MAGA agitator Laura Loomer. Loomer said she was reporting from Capitol Hill and that Republican lawmakers were trying to determine if it was better to side with Trump or Musk. Musk's latest online assault of Trump came moments after the president went on a tirade about the billionaire while hosting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the Oval Office. 'Elon and I had a great relationship. I don't know if we will any more, I was surprised,' Trump said. The president suggested that Musk was angry - not over the bill ballooning the deficit - but because the Trump administration has pulled back on electric vehicle mandates, which negatively impacted Tesla. He also indicated that there was a problem when he rejected Musk's preferred nominee to lead NASA because his choice was a Democrat. 'And you know, Elon's upset because we took the EV mandate, which was a lot of money for electric vehicles, and they're having a hard time the electric vehicles and they want us to pay billions of dollars in subsidy,' Trump said. 'I know that disturbed him.' Shares of Tesla dipped 8 percent amid the spat. Over the weekend, Trump pulled the nomination of Jared Isaacman to lead NASA. Isaacman had worked alongside Musk at SpaceX. 'He recommended somebody that I guess he knew very well, I'm sure he respected him, to run NASA and I didn't think it was appropriate and he happened to be a Democrat, like totally Democrat,' Trump continued. 'We won, we get certain privileges and one of the privileges is we don't have to appoint a Democrat.' While President Donald Trump was addressing Elon Musk's recent wave of criticism of the Republicans' 'big, beautiful bill' Musk took to X, telling the president 'whatever' and doubling down that his issue with the legislation is the amount of 'DISGUSTING PORK' it contains Musk posted to X repeatedly as Trump's press conference was going on. 'Whatever,' the billionaire wrote, as he continued to criticize what Trump has called his 'big, beautiful' spending bill. 'Keep the EV/solar incentive cuts in the bill, even though no oil & gas subsidies are touched (very unfair!!), but ditch the MOUNTAIN of DISGUSTING PORK in the bill,' he advised. 'In the entire history of civilization, there has never been legislation that [is] both big and beautiful. Everyone knows this!' Musk continued. 'Either you get a big and ugly bill or a slim and beautiful bill. Slim and beautiful is the way.' In the Oval Office, Trump insisted that Musk knew the contents of the bill before the House passed it. Trump is now pushing Republican senators to back it so he can sign it before the July 4 holiday. 'He became a little bit different. I can understand that. But he knew every aspect of this bill. He knew it better than almost anybody, and he never had a problem until right after he left,' Trump protested. Musk immediately pushed back on X - sharing the clip of Trump's comments. 'False, this bill was never shown to me even once and was passed in the dead of night so fast that almost no one in Congress could even read it!' Musk said. Almost immediately after President Donald Trump claimed that Elon Musk 'knew every aspect of this bill' Musk responded that that was 'false' and the bill was never shown to the former DOGE leader Less than a week ago, Elon Musk (left) was standing alongside President Donald Trump (right) in the Oval Office to mark his DOGE service ending. Trump noted that he had given Musk a 'wonderful send-off.' At the top of Musk's X profile on Thursday, the billionaire had pinned a tweet that said 'Wise words,' highlighting a Trump tweet from 2013 that said, 'I cannot believe the Republicans are extending the debt ceilingI am a Republican & I am embarrassed!' Trump noted that until recently Musk had 'said the most beautiful things about me.' In the Oval Ofice, Trump pointed out that the battle with Musk had yet to turn personal. 'And he hasn't said bad about me personally, but I'm sure that will be next,' Trump said. He went on: 'I'm very disappointed in Elon. I've helped Elon a lot.' Trump suggested Musk was disappointed by life outside the White House. 'I think he got out there and all of the sudden he wasn't in this beautiful office,' Trump said. Trump said Musk's about-face represented a greater trend. 'People leave my administration and they love us and then, at some point, they miss it so badly. And some of them embrace it and some of them actually become hostile. I don't know what it is, it's sort of Trump Derangement Syndrome, I guess they call it,' the president said. 'They leave, they wake up in the morning and the glamour is gone, the whole world is different and they become hostile.' The president's comments come less than a week after he feted Musk in the Oval Office, giving him an official farewell as the billionaire moved out of special government employee status and back into the private sector. Trump noted that he had given Musk a 'wonderful send-off' on Friday before he headed to Pittsburgh to tout a steel deal between Nippon and U.S. Steel. 'Remember, he was here for a long time. You saw a man who was very happy. He stood behind the Oval desk. Even with a black eye,' Trump said. 'I said, "do you want a little makeup?" And he said, "No I don't think so," which was interesting.' 'And very nice,' Trump added. 'He wants to be who he is,' the president shrugged. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has escalated her attacks against the BBC for its recent coverage of the Israel-Hamas war. Leavitt, 27, said that the BBC took 'the word of Hamas' after it reported on a shooting at an aid station in Gaza on Sunday. The Hamas-backed Civil Defence agency claims there were between 21 to 31 killed after Israeli forces opened up fire at an aid station near Rafah on Sunday. Over 170 were reported injured, though Israel denies it was involved. 'Unfortunately, unlike some in the media we don't take the word of Hamas with total truth. We like to look into it when they speak, unlike the BBC,' Leavitt said during a press briefing on Tuesday after getting questioned about the incident. She accused the British outlet of writing 'multiple headlines' that she took issue with. 'Israeli tank kills 26, Israeli tank kills 21, Israeli gunfire kills 31, Red Cross says 21 people were killed in an aid incident,' Leavitt said of the BBC's changing headline. 'And then oh wait they had to correct and take down their entire story, saying we reviewed the footage and couldn't find any evidence of anything,' the secretary charged. 'So we're going to look into reports before we confirm them from this podium or before we take action and I suggest that journalists who actually care about truth do the same to reduce the amount of disinformation that's going around the globe on this front,' she continued, rebuking the outlet. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt holds up a paper showing different headlines from the BBC during a press conference this week She ripped into the outlet for its reporting on a recent attack at an aid station in Gaza Between 21 to 31 were reportedly killed in the Sunday attack. Above Palestinians can be seen collecting what remains of relief supplies from the distribution center of the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, June 5, 2025. The tongue lashing was so fierce that BBC put out a statement refuting the Trump administration official's claims, calling them 'completely wrong.' 'The claim the BBC took down a story after reviewing footage is completely wrong. We did not remove any story and we stand by our journalism,' a BBC spokesperson wrote. Leavitt then hit back again at the BBC Thursday on X. 'Me: The White House doesnt take Hamass word as total truth like the fake news BBC. Fake News BBC: We didnt do that! We just quoted the Hamas-run health ministry to run with our false claims,' Leavitt wrote. What originally set Leavitt off on her tirade against BBC's reporting on Hamas earlier this week was a question from the press corps on the incident. The administration is currently looking into the reports and the 'veracity of them,' Leavitt said addressing the substance of the attacks before ripping into the British outlet. Though the BBC admitted to changing its story's headline to reflect the updated totals from Hamas authorities, it claimed it later ran with the appropriate numbers. The report 'always clearly attributed, from the first figure of 15 from medics, through the 31 killed from the Hamas-run health ministry to the final Red Cross statement of 'at least 21' at their field hospital,' the company's statement says. Reports vary, with a Reuters headline indicating that over 30 were killed while a New York Times report indicates over 20 were slain. The BBC even admits in its statement that reports remain unclear about the exact death total resulting from the Sunday attack. Palestinians stretch their arms through a metal fence with empty pots and pans, trying to receive food from a charity distribution point in Khan Yunis, Gaza on June 05, 2025 Israel has denied responsibility for the attack The Gaza Health Ministry, which has consistently reported the numbers of those killed in the war with Israel since the beginning of the conflict, is run by Hamas, which is considered a terrorist group by the U.S. It claims that 31 were killed in the tragedy. The Red Cross, meanwhile, claimed that 21 were killed at the aid station. 'International journalists are not currently allowed into Gaza and we would welcome the support of the White House in our call for immediate access,' the BBC's statement added. China's 'ASEAN visa' welcomed 15:18, June 05, 2025 By Prime Sarmiento, Leonardus Jegho ( China Daily An official guides Vietnamese tourists in filling out the entry application forms at a newly opened passage gate in Fangchenggang, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, on May 29. Zhai Liqiang/China News Service) Ferri Limputra, CEO of Pura Mayungan a Jakarta-based manufacturer of electrical components regularly travels to China for both business and leisure. This is why he welcomed the news that China has launched a five-year multiple-entry visa for business executives from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. "I am so happy with this new visa policy," Limputra said, noting that this will reduce paperwork and make it more convenient for him to travel to China. China announced an "ASEAN visa" for business executives from the 10 ASEAN members and ASEAN observer Timor-Leste. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian told a news conference on Tuesday that the new program offers five-year multiple-entry visas to eligible applicants visiting China for business. It allows them, their spouses and their children a maximum stay of 180 days. Lin said this will further facilitate cross-border travel in the region following the visa-free arrangements between China and Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia, plus China's "Lancang-Mekong visas" program for Mekong River nations. In recent years, he said, China and ASEAN have advanced the building of a community with a shared future and made important progress in creating a peaceful, safe, secure, prosperous, beautiful and amicable home. "Visits between the people of China and Southeast Asian countries have been frequent. There is a mutual hope to further ease travel between the two sides," Lin said. China is ASEAN's largest trading partner and one of the region's biggest sources of investment and tourists. ASEAN business executives and trade officials often go to China to negotiate deals or procure supplies. Wilson Lee Flores, a Manila-based entrepreneur and analyst, said the multiple-entry visa for ASEAN citizens is "a game changer for business expansion and innovation". He said the ease of travel will enable real-time negotiations, faster decision-making and invaluable insights into Chinese market trends. Lee Flores said the ASEAN visa will boost bilateral trade and investment as it will "empower businesspeople to engage in more frequent, efficient and meaningful exchanges". Enabling Filipino entrepreneurs, investors and traders to visit China with "unprecedented ease" will allow them to pursue more trade opportunities, attract higher-value investments and acquire advanced technologies to enhance local industries, he explained. "The ripple effects will be profound: job creation, skills transfer, technology cooperation and sustained economic growth helping position the Philippines as a more competitive player in the ASEAN-China economic corridor," Lee Flores said. John Paolo Rivera, a senior research fellow at the state-run think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies, said China's ASEAN visa has "notable economic and geopolitical implications" for the broader Southeast Asian region. Mobility streamlined He said streamlining mobility for businesspeople and their families may deepen trade and investment ties between China and ASEAN economies. Rivera said easing travel would also make it easier to establish joint ventures, integrate the supply chain and participate in trade platforms like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and the Belt and Road Initiative. "By offering this visa, China is positioning itself as a regional hub and connector, strengthening its soft power and diplomatic goodwill in Southeast Asia, and responding to growing Western protectionism by doubling down on regional integration in Asia," he said. Laode Muhammad Syarif, senior lecturer at the Faculty of Law at Hasanuddin University in Indonesia, said the benefits of the ASEAN visa go beyond spurring business and trade opportunities. "It may also improve people-to-people relationships between ASEAN and China," he said. The number of visitors to Beijing from Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand in April grew around threefold as compared to April 2019, Xinhua reported. The number of visitors from Vietnam to the Chinese mainland reached 16,715, an estimated tenfold rise for the same period. Oh Ei Sun, senior fellow at the Singapore Institute of International Affairs, said the ASEAN visa can facilitate people's movement and people-to-people interactions between China and ASEAN member states. "In particular, it would lead to the growth of tourism on both sides. It would also make the life of legitimate businesspersons much easier as they need to cross borders to conduct business at a moment's notice," he said. Leonardus Jegho is a freelance journalist for China Daily. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) The latest search for clues relating to the disappearance of Madeleine McCann has drawn to a close after three days. More than 20 German police officers assisted Portugese authorities as they scoured several areas near Praia da Luz - the resort where Madeleine disappeared in May 2007 while on holiday with her family. The operation took place between Tuesday and Thursday, and was looking for clues as to how the then-three-year-old vanished from the Ocean Club holiday complex in the Algarve resort of Praia da Luz. But today cops were seen packing up their equipment at the remote site. German police are adamant convicted rapist and paedophile Christian Brueckner took part in the disappearance of the young Birt, though he has consistently denied this. The search area is scrubland at Atalaia which is around 3.5 miles from Praia da Luz and just a mile from where the German drifter lived. It is not currently known whether any useful information was found in the latest search, which came after German authorities received a tip-off. Locals say the area which is crisscrossed by footpaths and on a popular coastal walk known as the Fishermans Trail - was popular with wild campers, hippies and drifters. There is evidence of rough sleeping in many of the buildings with empty wine bottles, beer cans and food tins strewn on the floor. Officers pack up a tent at the end of the day of searching at one of the base camps close to Praia De Luz, Portugal, where searches are being carried out by officers investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann Police investigators search an area during an operation in the investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine (or Maddie) McCann at Atalaia, Lagos in Algarve on June 5, 2025 Madeleine McCann (pictured) vanished from the Ocean Club holiday complex in the Algarve resort of Praia da Luz in May 2007 German police are adamant convicted rapist and paedophile Christian Brueckner (pictured) did it Brueckner is thought to have parked his VW camper van close by and used the scrubland as a rat run to get to and from Praia da Luz. He was sensationally named by German authorities in June 2020 as the man responsible for Madeleines abduction and murder, but he has not been charged and the sands of time are running out. In three months, he could walk out of jail and that is why detectives are desperately looking for something concrete to link him to her disappearance to go with the circumstantial evidence they have. His mobile phone places him in the area when then three-year-old Madeleine vanished and his profile as a conceited rapist and paedophile fits the bill. Plus, a key witness has told authorities Brueckner told him a year after she vanished that Maddie didnt scream when he took her. Police have spent the last few days clearing away rubble and debris from inside the buildings using a backhoe and piles of dust covered debris have been piled outside. Once a working was cleared, officers wearing masks to prevent their identity being revealed went in using spades and pickaxes to level off the ground. Some were seen carrying away soil in plastic boxes to blue tent that has been set up closeby, and any evidence recovered will be sent back to Germany. A criminal police investigator searches the area near a ruin as police resumes the search for the body of Madeleine McCann, who went missing in the Portuguese Algarve in May 2007, in Atalaia, Portugal, June 5, 2025 Members of the search teams at one of the base camps close to Praia De Luz, Portugal, where searches are being carried out by officers investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, in countryside a few miles from the resort where she was last seen in 2007 Ground penetrating equipment was brought in for the search and this was used extensively at least two buildings The roofs of the eerie buildings being searched have all caved in and some have wooden posts holding up exterior walls meaning search teams have to wear hard hats. Ground penetrating equipment was brought in for the search and this was used extensively at least two buildings and was expected to be used on the other sites. There are also several wells on the scrubland and firefighters were drafted in to drain off the water so they can be examined. Police are hoping that any evidence found at the Praia da Luz site can be used to convict Brueckner, who German authorities are convinced is guilty of hidnapping her. Brueckner nears the end of a seven-year sentence for raping an elderly American woman in Praia da Luz in 2005 police need to move fast. His earliest possible release date is September 17 however that is unlikely as he will have to pay 1500 Euro in outstanding fines from a series of motor offences to do so. But his legal team say he is broke and so a release date of January 6 looks more likely. He has already admitted he will probably leave the country which means police will have a nightmare to bring him back if charged. Police are hoping that any evidence found at the Praia da Luz site can be used to convict Brueckner Brueckner is thought to have parked his VW camper van close by and used the scrubland as a rat run to get to and from Praia da Luz Today, cops were seen packing up their equipment at the remote site Last October he was cleared of a series of unrelated sex attacks that took place in the Algarve between 2000 and 2017. Two years ago police also searched a dam close by for evidence but after a week-long operation nothing was found. Brueckner continues to deny any involvement with Madeleine's disappearance. This is the moment an 'evil' rapist was caught hiding in a railway toilet after raping a woman in a doorway in the early hours of the morning. Private John Harvey, 25, targeted a woman, who was not known to him, before dragging her away from a street in Shrewsbury, Shropshire. In a 'horrific' 20-minute attack, he raped the victim, who cannot be named or identified, twice in the historic Mardol area of the market town on July 6 last year. A shocking clip, released by West Mercia Police after Harvey shows officers ordering the disgraced soldier to open a cubicle door after committing a sexual assault. He was then arrested by officers, who forced open the door, at the Shrewsbury railway station - but not before brazenly asking if he could go to the bathroom first. During a nine-day trial, where he was sentenced to nine years behind bars, it was heard Harvey, who missed his last train, went back towards the woman after the assaults. However, the court was told he was 'put off' as she was on the phone to police, so he went to the station, where he hid in a cubicle toilet. Of the 999 call from the 'vulnerable' woman, Judge Richard McConaghy said: 'She walked away and rang 999, audio of that call in the state that she was in is harrowing to listen to.' Private John Harvey, 25, (pictured) was caught by police hiding in Shrewsbury train station toilets after brutally raping a woman, who was not known to him, twice He initially confessed to the assaults, committed on July 6 of last year, but later pleaded not guilty forcing the victim to 'relive the worst moment' of her life Following his arrest, Harvey made a full confession to police after accosting and attacking the young woman as she walked through Shrewsbury town centre. But he then pleaded not guilty and forced the victim to 'relive the worst moment of my life' by giving evidence at a nine-day trial. Harvey, of Clive Barracks in Tern Hill was found guilty of two counts of rape and one of assault by penetration in February. The 25-year-old appeared relaxed in a video-link from HMP Hewell at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on Thursday, as the judge said the offence was aggravated by the fact he was drunk and the 'vulnerable' woman was walking alone at night. Harvey, who was also ordered to serve an extended three-year period on licence after his eventual release, was described by the judge to be an 'educated man with a degree' and to have had a 'respectable career' at the time of the attack. In a victim impact statement to the court read by counsel, the woman said her 20-minute ordeal had left her with post-traumatic disorder. The woman said: 'My home has become the only place I feel calm. The offender has convinced me terrible people who can do terrible things are everywhere. 'I was forced to endure rape. The offender also forced me to fight my corner in a trial. I was forced by him to relive the worst moment of my life repeatedly. 'This event from the beginning to the end is the worst and hardest thing I have ever had to endure.' A shocking clip, released by the police force, shows officers having to force open the door to arrest the disgraced soldier He was then arrested by officers, who forced open the door, at the Shrewsbury before brazenly asking if he could go to the bathroom first Private John Harvey has since been sentenced to nine years behind bars after being found guilty of two counts of rape and one of assault by penetration in February Sentencing Harvey, the judge said: 'You co-operated on arrest and made full admissions to having raped her. 'You however chose to throw that mitigation away by contesting the trial in the face of very strong evidence and made her give evidence despite your own confession of what you had done.' Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Sam Jones said: 'I am extremely pleased with the sentence that has been given to Harvey by the judge today, as he is a danger to the wider public, in particular, women. 'In July last year Harvey committed a purely evil crime, and despite admitting to the offences during a police interview when he was arrested, he then changed his story at court, subjecting his victim and her loved ones to sit through a trial and relive that awful night. 'I would like to take this opportunity to thank the victim for her bravery and resilience throughout the entire investigation and trial.' No details of Harvey's military service or his employment by the Army were disclosed at his sentencing hearing. Clive Barracks is the long-term home of the 1st Battalion of the Royal Irish Regiment. In a statement which did not confirm details of Harvey's unit, an Army spokesperson said: 'We can confirm that Private John Harvey appeared for sentencing at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on June 5 2025, convicted of a sexual offence. 'He was sentenced to nine years imprisonment.' America's intelligence agents use 'psychological profiling' and manipulation to 'control the president', a CIA whistleblower has claimed. John Kiriakou admitted the agency uses basic deception tactics against the commander-in-chief as he was probed about operations and 'deep state' agenda during a recent sit down on The Tucker Carlson Show. He alleged that although the president appoints the director, the agency's long-serving agents are actually hold the power. Kiriakou, who claims 'top level' agents 'really love' when a president-elect has 'no background in intelligence or foreign policy', said the CIA begins its efforts to control the president before he is even given keys to the White House. 'The day after an election the director of the CIA authorizes a president-elect to begin receiving a PDB - a president's daily brief,' he told Carlson. 'They go with this 16-page document marked at six levels above top secret and they say "Mr President-elect wait until you see the cool things we're doing all around the world." And they've sucked him in. They've made him one of the guys.' Kiriakou claims agents eagerly feed the president classified information and then analyze his reactions to information they've provided. President Donald Trump has long criticized America's intelligence agencies, claiming they are abusing their positions, inefficient and bogged down by bureaucracy. CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou claims the CIA uses 'psychological profiling' and manipulation to 'control the president' President Donald Trump (pictured May 30) has long criticized America's intelligence agencies, claiming they are abusing their positions, inefficient and bogged down by bureaucracy Kiriakou's commentary with Carlson also seems to echo Trump's concerns, with the whistleblower implying agents use spy tactics to manipulate the nation's top boss. 'Everyday they're like "wait until you see the update on what we told you yesterday, it's incredible." And then we get the feedback at the CIA,' Kiriakou said. He claims the agency is briefed on what the president 'loved', had a 'follow-up question' about, and what he read that made him gasp 'oh my god'. Carlson interrupted his guest, questioning: 'It almost sounds like you're psychologically profiling the president.' And the whistleblower shockingly admitted 'that's exactly what they do', before pointing to how the agency has a staff of psychologists and psychiatrists dedicated to do that very task. Kiriakou also suggested there is widespread insubordination throughout the CIA. He claimed if an agent doesn't like a commander-in-chief or his orders, the spy will play the waiting game until his presidency ends. Kiriakou admitted the CIA uses basic deception tactics against the commander-in-chief as he was probed about the spy agency's operations and 'deep state' agenda during a recent sit down on The Tucker Carlson Show Carlson interrupted his guest, questioning: 'It almost sounds like you're psychologically profiling the president' 'Presidents come and go every four years, every eight years. But these CIA people, they're there for 25, 30, 35 years. They don't go anywhere,' Kiriakou told Carlson. 'If they don't like a president or if a president orders them to do something that they don't want to do, they just wait because they know they can wait him out, and then he's not going to be president anymore.' Kiriakou added that afterwards an agent 'can continue on with whatever plan the blob or the deep state wants to implement'. He also alleged the 'deep state' has greater influence over intelligence agencies than elected officials, such as the president and members of Congress. 'Donald Trump took a lot of guff in his first term when he used on a regular basis the term "deep state." I argued from the very beginning, it is a deep state,' Kiriakou said. The whistleblower added if 'you dont like the terminology' than you can substitute the word 'deep state' with 'federal bureaucracy'. 'You can call it the state. But the truth is that it exists,' he added. Trump-appointed CIA Director John Ratcliffe (pictured May 1) has promised to overhaul the agency, keeping in line with the president's pledge to 'weaponization' of government Trump-appointed CIA Director John Ratcliffe has promised to overhaul the agency, keeping in line with the president's pledge to 'weaponization' of government. Trump signed an executive order on his first day in office vowing to 'restore fair, equal and impartial justice under the law'. Last month it emerged the Trump Administration plans to reduce the CIA workforce by 1,200 over several years, and cut thousands of positions at the National Security Agency and other intelligence agencies. In response to questions about the reductions, the CIA issued a statement saying Ratcliffe is working to align the agency with Trump's national security priorities. Russia refused to pay arsonists who carried out a 1 million attack in the UK because the blaze wasnt up to the Wagner Groups standards, a court has heard. The terrorist group conducting a sabotage campaign on behalf of Russian intelligence allegedly recruited a group of British men to set fire to a warehouse in Leyton, East London, destroying over 100,000 worth of equipment, including generators and vital satellite equipment destined for Ukraine. Today the Old Bailey heard that while the ringleader Dylan Earl, 20, had grand plans to do something big for the Kremlin, boasting he could build a link between the Wagner Group, IRA and notorious Kinahan crime cartel, his first mission failed to impress Russian handlers. Days before the blaze, a Wagner Group operative told Earl to watch a Cold War drama about KGB spies as a manual for his mission, it was said. The Wagner contact known only by his Telegram handle Privet Bot recommended watching the television series The Americans, about KGB agents undercover in the US, in order to understand work. He allegedly told Earl: The idea is like that. You need to organise partisan cells in the country and in Europe and think of a name for your movement. We'll give you support... Watch this series. It will be your manual. You'll have a source of funding through organising arsons. Privet Bot also messaged Earl asking: 'Hello friend, how are you, do you have any friends among hooligans or acquaintances in the IRA?' Dylan Earl Jake Reeves 'Do you have access to firearms? Four men accused of carrying out the arson attack, Jakeem Rose, 23, Ugnius Asmena, 20, Nii Mensah, 23 and Paul English, 61, were told to live stream it to Earl so he could report back to the Russians on the success of the mission. But unlike the KGB drama, in real life the arsonists made a series of errors, forgetting to film the attack and having to return to the scene where they were captured on CCTV and Rose dropped a knife with his DNA on it, jurors heard. One member of the gang, Jake Reeves, 23, from Croydon, South London, who has already admitted his part in the conspiracy, later complained they didnt do it to Wagner standards. They were supposed to make it burn.. but they just ran in there, he said. Fire at the warehouse in Leyton Two days after the attack, Earl admitted he was waiting on payment still, apparently itll land today but it's nowhere near the amount because they didnt burn the whole thing. Mensah allegedly complained about not being paid saying: Bro its f****** burnt. We did some damage. U said u will pay on consider damage. Just be reasonable. He added: Bro how u want us to do another job without getting paid. Just pay for the warehouse. Idk [I don't know] why ur stalling 1k. The blaze at 11.40pm on March 20 last year started with a jerry can of petrol caused more than 1 million in damage to the premises, which was targeted because of its connection to Ukraine, with the warehouse being used to store StarLink satellite equipment and humanitarian aid bound for the war zone. The court heard that the architect of the scheme, Earl had grand ambitions to build a link between the IRA, Kinahans and Russia boasting: 'We have direct connection to the Kremlin, we can do something big. Earl and Reeves have already admitted their involvement in the arson plot and a separate plan to set fire to businesses in Mayfair, west London, kidnapping the Russian dissident owner on behalf of the Wagner Group. Prosecutor Duncan Penny, KC, told jurors: This was deliberate and calculated criminality - at the behest of foreign influence. In the case of these defendants at the time of the fire they may have been ignorant of that influence and the motive may have been financial - good old-fashioned greed. For others, however, it appears to have been both political and ideological. Rose, of Croydon, Asmena, of no fixed address, Mensah, of Thornton Heath and English, of Roehampton, all deny aggravated arson. The case continues. Zia Yusuf dramatically resigned as Reform UK's chairman tonight as the Nigel Farage-led party descended into fresh chaos. The multi-millionaire businessman said he no longer believed that working for Reform to win power at the next general election was 'a good use of my time'. His shock departure came just hours after he hit out at one of Reform's own MPs for a 'dumb' question in the House of Commons about banning the burka. He publicly questioned why Sarah Pochin, Reform's recently-elected MP for Runcorn and Helsby, had challenged the Prime Minister about the issue on Wednesday. There were also reports that Mr Yusuf had recently been 'sidelined' within Reform, including claims that some of his responsibilities had been passed elsewhere. Mr Farage this evening said he was 'genuinely sorry' at Mr Yusuf's exit, adding the financier was a 'huge factor' in Reform's success at May's local elections. 'Politics can be a highly pressured and difficult game and Zia has clearly had enough,' the Reform leader added. 'He is a loss to us and public life.' In a further dramatic development, Nathaniel Fried - who had only days ago been drafted in by Reform to lead the party's 'DOGE' cost-cutting unit in local councils - also quit tonight. The latest Reform chaos comes after Great Yarmouth MP Rupert Lowe was kicked out of the party in March after he criticised Mr Farage's leadership. Zia Yusuf has dramatically resigned as Reform UK's chairman as the Nigel Farage-led party descended into fresh chaos Mr Farage said he was 'genuinely sorry' at Mr Yusuf's exit, adding the tech entrepreneur was a 'huge factor' in Reform's stunning success at last month's local elections 'Politics can be a highly pressured and difficult game and Zia has clearly had enough,' Mr Farage, pictured with Mr Yusuf in February, added Mr Yusuf announced his resignation on social media on Thursday night, posting on X/Twitter: '11 months ago I became Chairman of Reform. 'I've worked full time as a volunteer to take the party from 14 to 30 per cent [in the polls], quadrupled its membership and delivered historic electoral results. 'I no longer believe working to get a Reform government elected is a good use of my time, and hereby resign the office.' In his own social media post, Mr Farage said: 'I am genuinely sorry that Zia Yusuf has decided to stand down as Reform UK Chairman. 'As I said just last week, he was a huge factor in our success on May 1st and is an enormously talented person. 'Politics can be a highly pressured and difficult game and Zia has clearly had enough. He is a loss to us and public life.' Mr Yusuf's resignation came on the day Reform hopes to cause an upset in Scotland, where it is contesting a Holyrood by-election in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse. Scottish First Minister John Swinney has described the contest as a 'two-horse race' between his SNP and Reform. Shortly after Mr Yusuf announced his departure, Mr Fried - a 28-year-old tech entrepreneur - revealed he would also be quitting the party. On Monday, he was unveiled as the head of Reform's 'DOGE' team of software engineers, data analysts and forensic auditors who will 'visit and analyse' local authorities controlled by the party. Reform pledged the new unit will look at 'wasteful spending' in councils, in a mirror of Tesla boss Elon Musk's cost-cutting efforts in America under Donald Trump. But, announcing his own exit this evening, Mr Fried said: 'I have a huge amount of respect for the work that the councils are doing to save taxpayer money and reduce wastage. 'Zia Yusuf got me in and I believe it is appropriate for me to leave with him. I have absolute confidence that the Reform DOGE will succeed without me.' He also quipped: 'Liz Truss lasted longer than me at DOGE!' Mr Yusuf's shock departure came just hours after he hit out at Sarah Pochin, one of Reform's MPs, for a 'dumb' question in the House of Commons about banning the burka Tim Montgomerie, a political commentator and Reform member, described Mr Yusuf's exit as a 'massive, massive setback' for the party. He added that Mr Farage was 'very upset' by Mr Yusuf's resignation, which leaves 'a very big hole'. 'He was absolutely essential to what Reform were doing in terms of modernisation,' Mr Montgomerie told Times Radio of Mr Yusuf's role as chairman. 'The success and the professionalisation of Reform has owed an awful lot to him. 'I don't fully know what's happened in the last 24 hours, but I know he was very upset about the burka question that was asked by the new Reform MP for Runcorn. 'I think he has experienced quite a lot of personal nastiness on social mediabecause of it. 'He's a Muslim and I wonder whether that got to him a little bit.' Mr Montgomerie added: 'He's not been an angel. He's a man in a hurry and I think he's upset a lot of people in Reform by some of the professionalisation and some of the internal reforms that he's made. I'm sure he hasn't always carried out those well.' Earlier on Thursday, Mr Yusuf had taken a swipe at Ms Pochin for declaring her support for a burka ban during Prime Minister's Questions this week. Ms Pochin asked Sir Keir Starmer if he would support outlawing the burka - which is worn by some Muslim women - 'in the interests of public safety'. But Reform officials sowed confusion by later revealing that banning the burka is not the party's official policy. In a hint at an internal party row, Mr Yusuf posted on X: 'I do think it's dumb for a party to ask the PM if they would do something the party itself wouldn't do.' The Reform chairman said that Ms Pochin's question was 'nothing to do with me' as he was 'busy with other stuff'. 'Had no idea about the question nor that it wasn't policy,' he added. In another post, he wrote: 'Just to be clear, I learnt about the question and the party's position re it not being policy for the first time on my X feed. I'm busy with UK DOGE.' Ms Pochin's question during PMQs on Wednesday triggered disquiet in the Commons and cries of 'shame' from other MPs. She asked Sir Keir: 'Given the PM's desire to strengthen strategic alignment with our European neighbours, will he in the interests of public safety follow the lead of France, Denmark, Belgium and others and ban the burka?' The PM did not answer Ms Pochin's question but instead took the opportunity to attack Reform's economic plans - as set out by Mr Farage last week. After PMQs, Lee Anderson, one of Ms Pochin's fellow Reform MPs, also gave his public backing to a burka ban. Yet, despite two out of the five Reform MPs supporting a ban, a party spokesman said it was 'not party policy' - although they added it was an issue that 'needs a national debate'. Mr Farage sowed further confusion over Reform's stance by using his GB News show to question the use of all face coverings in public places, saying the 'debate actually goes beyond the burka'. 'I don't think face coverings in public places make sense, and I think we do deserve debate about that, which I see the burka as being a part,' Mr Farage said. 'It's a tough one. It is a very difficult debate, but it's a debate.' Mr Yusuf took a swipe at Ms Pochin for declaring her support for a burka ban during Prime Minister's Questions After PMQs on Wednesday, Lee Anderson, one of Ms Pochin's fellow Reform MPs, also gave his public backing for a burka ban At the 2010 general election, Mr Farage stood for UKIP - his former party - on a manifesto that called for a ban on both the burka and niqab. But he later disowned UKIP's 2010 manifesto as 'drivel' when he returned as the party's leader after the contest. Responding to Mr Yusuf's resignation, a Labour spokesperson said: 'If Nigel Farage can't manage a handful of politicians, how on earth could he run a country? 'He has fallen out with everyone he has ever worked with. Reform are just not serious. 'The Reform chair has done a runner so that he doesn't have to front up Farage's 80billion in unfunded cuts, which would spark a Liz Truss-style economic meltdown. 'Farage's plans would put up every single mortgage in the country and hammer family finances, while forcing them to buy private healthcare. 'Working people simply can't afford the risk of Reform UK.' Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper said: 'By sacking himself, Zia Yusuf seems to be leading the 'UK DOGE' by example. 'You have to admire his commitment to the cause. It's already clear Reform UK cannot deliver for the communities they are elected to stand up for. 'Instead, they have copied the Conservative playbook of fighting like rats in a sack.' Former Joe Biden White House officials are uncorking their astonishment at former White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre for leaving the Democratic Party and nabbing a book deal after towing the Biden lies for years in her old job. 'Respectfully, get the f*** out of here its not what people want to hear,' one former White House official fumed to DailyMail.com hours after Jean-Pierre's publisher confirmed the forthcoming book. 'What is the goal here? Is the goal here to sell a book? Because thats what it feels like,' said the former official, calling the book a 'huge distraction.' 'Were in the middle of fighting against what the [Congressional Budget Office] called 10.9 million people losing their health insurance. Mass deportations. Potential citizens deported to a f***ing concentration camp in El Salvador. This is the messaging youre sending right now?' 'Her becoming independent because they were mean to her boss is the lamest s--- Ive ever heard. Read the room,' the source intoned. Other sources were gobsmacked why Jean-Pierre would wait so long to unburden herself if she truly felt the White House was 'broken' as her book promo claims. 'She lost whatever media cachet she had after the White House, and The View isnt taking her call anymore so she has to resort to a selfish stunt to sell books and get any attention,' another former White House official told DailyMail.com after the news broke. Former Biden White House officials have been tearing into former Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre after she called the White House 'broken' and said she is leaving the Democratic Party The source was referencing her embarrassing rejection from ABC's 'The View' program, despite appearing on it as press secretary. Another source told Axios: 'The amount of time that was spent coddling [Jean-Pierre] and appeasing her was astronomical compared to our attention on actual matters of substance.' Another called her 'one of the most ineffectual and unprepared people I've ever worked with.,' while still another cited the 'hubris' of trying to position herself as an outsider after enjoying the 'perks' of proximity to power. She didn't know how to manage a team, didn't know how to shape or deliver a message, and often created more problems than she solved. 'It's difficult to see how this is anything but a bizarre cash grab,' said the official. Jean-Pierre hasn't responded to a request for comment, but she addressed the subject of her book on her Instagram page. 'Since my final day as The White House Press Secretary this past January, rarely a day goes by that Im not stopped in the supermarket, at my daughters school, at the bank, in an airport, or in my neighborhood to be asked for my perspective, opinion, or insight about the state of our country and what we must do to preserve our democracy,' she said -- speaking before a rack of books that one source in a bit of promotion that one source compared to 'a hostage video.' 'In an era of rampant disinformation and regressive social policies, Im choosing what I champion based on my own compass. And Im willing to fight side by side with anyone who shares my goals and principles, no matter how they identify politically, so long as they treat me and the communities I love with respect,' she said. The criticism from Democrats followed the shock announcement by Jean-Pierre's publisher about her forthcoming book resurfaced complaints about her own capabilities and officials who insulated the former president from criticism that could have helped right the ship. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was the ultimate Biden loyalist while serving as his press secretary. Now she is writing a book where she is expected to slam Democrats who tried to steer the 82 year-old out of his reelection bid after his debate disaster Former Democratic Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesota, who launched a brief primary challenge citing his age long before he dropped out, took a shot a Jean-Pierre without naming her direction. 'I havent written a book or been paid for a speech and will never become a lobbyist. I just share my perspective and advocate for common sense without charging anyone for it,' he wrote. Many of those urging Biden to get out after his debate disaster argued it was the only way to avoid an electoral wipeout. As it turned out, Vice President Kamala Harris stepped in at the 11th Hour and lost to Donald Trump anyway. Most surprising to many is that Jean-Pierre announced she is leaving the Democratic Party, after a long career as an operative, at a time when Democrats are soul-searching to try to find a way to combat Donald Trump. Her new book, titled Independent, has a cover featuring shattered glass, and a PR release describes its substance as 'a look inside a broken White House, outside the party lines.' Her publisher Hachette describes an 'urgent, timely analysis' and urges Americans to 'vote their values and maintain individuality within party lines.' Fellow Democrats were dunking on Jean-Pierre Wednesday for her shock announcement Karine Jean-Pierre speaks with Leisha Hailey and Kate Moennig during a conversation to discuss "So Gay For You" at 92NY on June 03, 2025 in New York City. She is the first LGBTQ person to hold the post and the first black women to serve as White House press secretary 'A lot of group chats were revived today,' posted former White House official Symone Sanders-Townsend, a former advisor to VP Kamala Harris, on X, adding a smiling / crying emoji. 'Counting 13 on my end,' chimed in former Biden State Department spokesman Vedant Patel. 'Lol,' wrote former White House assistant press secretary Jeremy Edwads, reposting an article about Jean-Pierre penning the book and leaving the party. Former officials contacted by DailyMail.com said they didn't know what kind of advance Jean-Pierre was coming in, after failing to land a high-profile TV gig as did her predecessor Jen Psaki, now an MSNBC host. 'Probably best to purge the party of our most delusional and self-serving personalities,' the former official added. The slack-jawed responses came after news broke that Jean-Pierre, who spent years defending Biden from the White House podium on both substance and questions about his age, health, and mental fitness was writing the book. It comes as her former boss has been hit by a round of tough press coverage with the release of Axios reporter Alex Thompson and CNN anchor Jake Tapper's new book, 'Original Sin,' which rakes the Biden White House for covering up signs of his decline. 'In a country obsessed with blind loyalty to a two-party democratic system, Karine Jean-Pierre, former White House press secretary to the Biden-Harris administration, shares why Americans must step beyond party lines to embrace life as Independents,' according to an online release for the book. She worked as a political director for Obama. She also worked for liberal outside group MoveOn. Jean-Pierre didn't immediately respond to a request for comment on her new project. The write-up for her forthcoming book indicates she'll take on people within the party who tried to force Biden to end his reelection campaign after his debate disaster. 'She takes us through the three weeks that led to Bidens abandoning his bid for a second term and the betrayal by the Democratic Party that led to his decision,' according to the release. Family and friends of a Virginia Navy sailor are looking for answers after her sudden disappearance - as officials warned that she may be in danger. Angelina 'Angie' Petra Resendiz, 21, was last seen at her barracks at Naval Station Norfolk on the morning of May 29. Her friends and family haven't heard from her since, which her mother says is very unusual. 'She calls my mother, she calls her brother, her sisters; she has friendsmiddle school friends she still talks to,' said Esmeralda Castle who headed to Virginia to learn more about her 21-year-old daughter's uncharacteristic departure. 'I need to start looking for my kid because I don't know what's going on.' Castle told WCEV that her daughter talks to her family every day, she even has a 400-day Snapchat streak with Castle's sister. She says Resendiz would never leave on her own without permission or miss work. 'My kid is missing, and she wouldn't just unauthorized, leave without permission. Angies too scared to miss work; she wouldnt do that.' The 21-year-old's Navy base is the headquarters and home port of the U.S. Navy's Fleet Forces Command. Her barracks were located at Miller Hall. Virginia State Police issued a critically missing adult alert on June 3 for Resendiz. The notice says she was seen at 10am in Miller Hall the day she vanished. Angelina Petra Resendiz, 21, was last seen at her barracks at Naval Station Norfolk the morning of May 29 Virginia State Police issued a critically missing adult alert on June 3 for Resendiz (pictured) Pictured: Naval Station Norfolk, where the girl was last seen In their statement, police said her disappearance 'poses a credible threat' to her health and safety. The Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) confirmed to Daily Mail that Resendiz 'has not been seen or been in contact with family or friends since May 29.' NCIS also fears the young woman is in danger. Resendiz grew up in Texas, where her mother still lives, and works as a culinary specialist for the Navy. Castle told local news outlets that her daughter is extremely kind and loving. Police have described her as a 5-foot-tall Hispanic woman with brown eyes and black hair. Officials say she weighs about 110 pounds. She goes by the name Angie. According to the New York Post, her mother said it felt almost as if her daughter just stopped existing. 'She's spent no money, made no calls. She just stopped.' As the NCIS continues to investigate the case, they are looking for any and all information about her whereabouts. They're asking those with tips to call their tip line or submit via the NCIS website. Daily Mail reached out to Castle for comment. Up to 10 members of the family of Sheku Bayoh have received compensation from Police Scotland including a single award of more than 1million. Relatives of Mr Bayoh, who died in police custody back in 2015, halted their attempt to sue the force in March after reaching an out-of-court settlement in relation to his death. Mr Bayoh, 31, who was originally from Sierra Leone in west Africa, died in Kirkcaldy, Fife, after being restrained on the street by six police officers. His family launched a civil action against Police Scotland three years later and an ongoing public inquiry was launched to examine the circumstances leading to Mr Bayohs death and whether or not race was a factor. The Mail can reveal up to 10 members of the Bayoh family will receive compensation - and the biggest award to one member is 1,070,000. The figure appears in a report for the Scottish Police Authoritys (SPA) legal committee under the heading public liability claims. The total figure for all relatives of Mr Bayoh has been kept secret, but in 2018 the Bayoh familys lawyer, Aamer Anwar, said the action for damages in the Court of Session was for 1.85million. The SPA report said quarter 4 saw the settlement of a very large litigation that involved several pursuers. Sheku Bayoh died after he was restrained by around six police officers who were called to Hayfield Road in Kirkcaldy, Fife, in May 2015 Mr Anwar has said previously that Mr Bayohs case is a national disgrace. Last night he declined to comment on the compensation payouts. A Police Scotland spokesman said: We cannot confirm or deny this. Mr Bayoh left behind a partner, Colette Bell, two young sons, and a close family including his sister Kadijatu Johnson. In March, a joint statement from Police Scotland and Mr Anwar said a settlement had been agreed without any admission of liability by the force. The statement said that to respect the privacy of the family, the details of the agreement will remain confidential.. In March, a spokesman for the Scottish Police Federation (SPF), representing the officers involved, said: The SPF is surprised to find that the Chief Constable has decided to settle this claim. He added: The Bayoh familys solicitor has said that those who broke the law should remember there is no time limit on justice. Members of Mr Bayoh's family with lawyer Aamer Anwar However, the only person who can be said indisputably to have broken the law is Sheku Bayoh. On any view of the evidence, he took illegal drugs, engaged in a fight with a friend, armed himself with a large knife and then took to the streets of Kirkcaldy, where he terrified many members of the public who asked the police to help before assaulting a female police officer by punching her to the ground. The payouts came after Jo Farrell, Police Scotlands Chief Constable, met the Bayoh family in February and offered an apology to them for their ordeal. Mr Bayoh, a father-of-two, was detained by a group of officers responding to reports of a man carrying a knife and acting erratically. Officers restrained him by his legs and arms, used CS spray or tear gas and batons and were accused of using excessive force. His body was covered in cuts, bruises and grazes, including two dozen injuries to his face and neck. Mr Bayoh lost consciousness after being restrained and was pronounced dead in hospital. In 2018, the Lord Advocate ruled that no charges should be brought against any of the officers involved. A year later Humza Yousaf, then the Justice Secretary, ordered an ongoing public inquiry which has so far cost around 50million, including the amounts spent on it by Police Scotland and the Crown Office. The SPF is calling for chairman Lord Bracadale to be removed after complaining that his decision to meet Mr Bayohs family five times could lead to a perception of bias. The retired High Court judge will chair hearings into his own conduct next week. Police Scotland have paid out millions of pounds in compensation since 2019 to settle legal actions brought by both the public and their own officers. The cash-strapped force has paid out more than 18million in compensation payments in the past six years. Scottish Labour Justice spokesperson Pauline McNeill said these significant sums of money come at a time when frontline policing is under so much pressure. Police Scotland has said compensation payments are dealt with on a case-by-case basis with a view to securing best value for the public purse. A Virginia radio DJ was arrested after he allegedly drove his car into a crime scene while drunk following a police-involved shooting. Brandon 'Shaggy' Stokes, 43, was charged with DUI and obstruction of justice on Wednesday after attempting to speed through the dangerous crime scene in Virginia Beach around 9:30am. He arrived at the scene - where officers had shot a man brandishing a fake handgun - and tried to drive through it to reach his property nearby, police told WAVY 10. When told he could not enter, Stokes allegedly became belligerent and told officers: 'You wanna bet?' Officers noticed he was slurring his words and placed him under arrest for DUI. An hour later, he took a Breathalyzer test and blew an 0.18, more than double the legal limit, WAVY 10 reported. He was caught on camera getting arrested while wearing a white shirt and shorts with his hair tied back in a ponytail. He later has bonded out of jail. The Daily Mail has reached out to Stokes for comment. Brandon 'Shaggy' Stokes, 43, was charged with a DUI and obstruction of justice on Wednesday after he attempted to drive through a crime scene around 9:30am Stokes hosts the the Shaggy & Friends Morning Show for Z104, where he began working in 2000 When told he could not enter the crime scene, the DJ allegedly became belligerent and told officers: 'You wanna bet?' The shooting occurred after police responded to a report of an armed 18-year-old. The suspect had flashed a replica gun at officers and was shot at a storage facility on Honeygrove Road. The facility is located next to a roller rink, the Haygood Skating Center, which is owned by Stokes. He took to his Facebook page to update his followers after the arrest, telling them: All is WELL.' In a separate post, he wrote: 'Promise you all is well. I'm good.' Stokes hosts the the Shaggy & Friends Morning Show for Z104, where he began working in 2000 by answering phone calls and doing grunt work, according to The Virginian-Pilot. He's gone on to host artists such as Pharrell and other big-name musicians. Israel has attacked sites in Lebanon's capital Beirut that it claims are Hezbollah factories producing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The IDF today claimed the proscribed terror group has established five sites in the Dahieh neighbourhood of Beirut that is producing 'thousands of UAVs, with the direction and funding of Iranian terrorists.' The military claims the underground facilities belong to Hezbollah's Unit 127. It said in a statement: 'Following Hezbollah's extensive use of UAV's as a central component of its terrorist attacks on the state of Israel, the terrorist organization is operating to increase production of UAV's for the next war.' In November 2023, Hezbollah, which maintains control over much of Lebanon, signed a ceasefire agreement with Israel following 13 months of conflict that began after the paramilitary group attacked the nation on October 8, a day after Hamas' deadly attack. Israel claimed that the purported UAV factories on the Beirut sites 'constitute a violation of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon.' It added: 'The IDF will operate against every threat posed to the state of Israel and its civilians, and will prevent all attempts of the Hezbollah terrorist organisation to reestablish itself.' Smoke was tonight seen rising from the sites highlighted by the IDF, as civilians desperately tried to leave the area following a warning from the military. The IDF has so far not provided proof of the existence of the factories, only sharing their locations and a computer-generated image of two men apparently making drones in a basement. Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike on Dahiyeh in the southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday, June 5, 2025 The IDF today claimed the proscribed terror group has established five sites in the Dahieh neighbourhood of Beirut that is producing 'thousands of UAVs' But the warning of an imminent attack was real, with IDF spokespeople warning civilians in the area to leave immediately. Lt. Col. Avichay Adraee said: 'You are located near facilities belonging to the terrorist organisation Hezbollah. For your safety and the safety of your families, you must evacuate these buildings immediately and stay at least 300 meters away.' Footage shared online from the Dahieh neighbourhood showed scores of people in cars desperately trying to leave the area, sounding their horns in panic. According to Israeli media, Unit 127 works with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) to produce and use drones for intelligence gathering and military attacks. It was reportedly responsible for a drone strike on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's private residence in Caesarea last October. Netanyahu and his family were not at the house at the time. Unit 127 operates a range of drones produced by Iran, including the Ziad 107 'kamikaze' drone with GPS-guided capabilities. They also use Shadaa 101 and Mohajer drones. Israel's strike on a dense civilian centre risks the killing of more innocent people, which it has already come under fire for in Gaza. Gaza's civil defence agency said Israeli attacks killed at least 37 people on Thursday alone. The Israeli military has recently stepped up its campaign in Gaza in what it says is a renewed push to defeat Hamas, whose October 2023 attack sparked the war. But Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva rejected the term 'war' to describe the conflict in the devastated Palestinian territory, accusing Israel instead of carrying out 'premeditated genocide'. The IDF has so far not provided proof of the existence of the factories, only sharing their locations and a computer-generated image of two men apparently making drones in a basement Residents evacuate after Israeli warnings of an impending attack on Dahiyeh, a southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday, June 5, 2025 People fire live rounds into the air as a warning, following Israeli threats of an impending attack on Dahiyeh, a southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday, June 5, 2025 Gaza civil defence official Mohammed al-Mughayyir said that '37 people have been martyred in Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip', reporting attacks up and down the length of the territory. Calls have mounted for a negotiated ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, but indirect talks between the parties have failed to yield a breakthrough since the collapse of the last brief truce in March. 'What is happening in Gaza is not a war. It's a genocide being carried out by a highly prepared army against women and children,' said Brazil's Lula, who has previously used the legal term to describe the conflict. 'It's no longer possible to accept,' he added. French President Emmanuel Macron, who has declined to use the term himself, vowed at a joint appearance with Lula to 'ramp up pressure in coordination with the Americans to obtain a ceasefire'. France is due later this month to co-host with Saudi Arabia a United Nations conference in New York on a two-state solution to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. Businesses can avoid paying high rates by setting up in cupboards, the Deputy First Minister has said. Kate Forbes said the most profitable firms are smaller ones which can operate from a cupboard, where there are no rates. Her suggestion came during a Scottish parliament debate on whether the current rates regime prevents companies from scaling up. Ms Forbes admitted the rates system is based on an older version of the economy which did not apply in our new, tech-driven environment. Last night Scottish Tory economy spokesman Murdo Fraser said: Kate Forbes view of how businesses work is so detached from reality that she might as well have claimed Narnia is at the back of the cupboard. She must know its nonsense to suggest that manufacturing, hospitality, retail or a host of other businesses could operate in this way. And its downright insulting to downplay the cost of rates, when the SNP withheld relief available elsewhere in the UK, putting Scottish firms at a huge disadvantage. At Holyrood, Scottish Tory MSP Liam Kerr asked Ms Forbes: Does the Government think that the way in which the current rates regime is structured militates against small businesses scaling up? Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, pictured here with John Swinney, suggested that profitable businesses can operate from a cupboard, where there are no rates She replied that it did not because of the small business bonus scheme which she said remains the most generous across the United Kingdom. Ms Forbes, who is also Economy Secretary, said the rates system often does not take into account the fact that some of the most profitable businesses are the smaller ones. She said: A start-up can be launched from a cupboard, where there are no rates, while a large and perhaps less profitable business has to pay them. Speaking in the Holyrood debating chamber on Wednesday, Ms Forbes said the rates system is based on an older version of the economy, in which the size of properties was linked to profitability, and that is just not the case in our new, tech-driven environment. Commenting last night, Glasgow-based businessman Donald MacLeod said: This is very disappointing the SNP appears to have given up on business. Businesses in the hospitality sector are falling by the wayside and finding it really tough and theres no support there. For some, a cupboard might be ok if you were a one-person business but clearly it doesnt work for nightclubs, bars and restaurants. We need to be incentivising and supporting businesses not telling them to set up a in a cupboard. Scottish Tory economy spokesman Murdo Fraser said Ms Forbes' remarks were 'detached from reality' This is mind-boggling stupidity from Kate Forbes - it is utterly absurd. Businesses are on their knees - and we have a government which is economically illiterate. It came as Ms Forbes criticised about the impact of the SNPs policies after questioning why there is an obsession with income tax rates in Scotland. Following a keynote speech at economic think tank Adam Smith House, she said: In Scotland there seems to be an obsession with income tax as though its the only tax businesses and individuals have to grapple with. Scotland is the only part of Britain not cutting business rates for shops this year. The Welsh Government announced it will provide 40 per cent relief for all firms in the retail, hospitality and leisure industries. It came after Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a 40 per cent relief package for the same sectors in England as part of her Budget. But the SNP government Budget unveiled in December means retailers in Scotland businesses are receiving less support than those in other parts of Britain this year. Businesses are also struggling with the UK Governments hike in National Insurance employers contributions, which began in April. It emerged in January that companies based in Scotland will pay 55million more tax than those in England because SNP ministers have not delivered on a promise to give them a level playing field. SNP ministers confirmed that firms based in larger premises in Scotland will pay 54.7million more in business rates than those in England in the year beginning in April. Shops will pay 9.1million more than those south of the Border, while offices will pay an additional 6.4million and hotels face an extra 2.5million bill. In its 2021 manifesto, the SNP promised to ensure that the largest businesses pay the same combined poundage in Scotland as in England. John Swinney has insisted he is open to tougher action to tackle gangland criminals after he was accused of dangerous complacency on the issue. The First Minister pledged to consider any proposals to strengthen legislation to tackle criminal gangs in the wake of Scots Ross Monaghan and Eddie Lyons Jnr being gunned down in a pub in Spain. His comments came after Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay condemned the dangerous complacency of SNP ministers on organised crime for failing to tackle the problem. He demanded that proceeds of crime laws are tightened to turn the tables on the gangs. Mr Swinney said: I am open to making sure that we have got the correct legislative framework in place to deal with criminality in our country. Thats why the Government brings forward legislation. Mr Findlay is making suggestions about an area of policy that could be considered for strengthening. I am perfectly willing to consider that, because I dont want anybody to benefit from criminal activity in our society, and I want people to be punished accordingly. The Government will always keep legislation under review, but it has to be acknowledged that we have in our criminal justice authorities, the police and the Crown Office have been successful in apprehending, imprisoning, interrupting and disrupting organised crime in this country, and I give the public the assurance that, under my Governments leadership, that will be sustained in the years to come. The fatal shooting of Monaghan and Lyons Jnr in Fuengirola on the Costa del Sol prompted speculation that the killings were linked a gangland feud playing out in the central belt since March. John Swinney said he is committed to 'imprisoning, interrupting and disrupting organised crime' Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay said the Scottish Parliament has failed to tackle organised crime gangs in Scotland Mr Findlay, a former journalist who had acid thrown in his face by a hired hitman carrying a knife when he answered his door in Glasgow in 2015, raised the issue of gangland violence at First Ministers Questions yesterday. He said: These parasites grow rich by preying on societys most vulnerable.. These cowards cause terror and death with guns, knives and firebombs. These thugs go after journalists, politicians, businessmen, police and prison officers. Organised crime is out of control and communities are living in fear. Does John Swinney accept that the Scottish Parliament has failed to tackle organised crime in Scotland? Mr Swinney said he agreed that organised crime is intolerable and unacceptable, requires the forensic attention of police and criminal justice authorities, but said he didnt agree that Holyrood has failed to tackle organised crime. Mr Findlay said organised crime is rarely on the agenda under successive SNP and Labour administrations and wasnt even mention in the Scottish Governments five-year justice strategy. He said: I got into politics because I couldnt understand why politicians dont talk about its malevolent reach and devastating harm. He said frontline officers believe the decision to reduce police numbers inevitably fuels organised crime. Mr Findlay said there is a dangerous complacency to this Governments approach to organised crime and that under-25 sentencing guidelines are part of the problem. On the shootings in Spain, Mr Swinney said: These are live police investigations, so I am not able to comment on these particular issues, they are being pursued by the Spanish authorities. But what I do say to parliament is that any individual involved in criminal activity, no matter their age, must be aware of the severity of the punishments that exist. That is the right position for people to hear from this parliament. Mr Findlay said criminals and their enablers no longer fear the proceeds of crime and demanded an urgent and radical overhaul. He said: According to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, one drug dealer made more than 126 million, but they can find only 118,000-worth of his assets. Proceeds of crime needs an urgent and radical overhaul. We must turn the tables on the drugs gangs so that they live in fear. Organised crime and its policing were the talking points at First Ministers Questions. With everything else in disarray, its reassuring to hear that Scotlands criminals remain well-organised. During his years in journalism, Russell Findlay made a name for himself as a crusading crime reporter, throwing sunlight on the shady activities of the underworld. He was eventually subjected to a doorstep acid attack for his trouble. As Tory leader, hes cranked up the pressure, and did so again yesterday in a masterclass in parliamentary interrogation. Findlay referred to the fatal shootings of two Scots in Spain and what he called a turf war on Scotlands streets that had been raging for a quarter century. Drug gangs were parasites, cowards, and thugs. They grow rich by preying on societys most vulnerable and spread terror and death with guns, knives and firebombs. He invited John Swinney to echo his view that Holyrood had not done enough to suppress this societal blight. The First Minister admitted there was an awful lot in what Mr Findlay said with which I agree, but he ultimately rejected his conclusion because Police Scotland were relentlessly pursuing the kingpins. Not actively enough for Findlay. He complained that organised crime has rarely been on the agenda and wasnt even mentioned in the governments five-year justice strategy. He reiterated his reason for entering politics: I could not understand why politicians do not talk about the malevolent reach and devastating harm of organised crime. John Swinney was forced to defend his party's record on tackling organised crime in Scotland Russell Findlay was unimpressed by Mr Swinney's answers at First Minister's Questions (Theres a very good reason for that: they have an aversion to waking up at 3am to find the family home on fire.) Swinney rounded on the flaws in Findlays question. He said a very high number of underworld baddies were currently incarcerated for a very long time. As for inaction, the SNP set up the Scottish Crime Campus, an internationally respected crime-fighting centre, and brought forward the 2022 Serious Organised Crime Strategy. This was far from the liveliest exchanges seen in the parliament. Few if any viral clips will come out of it. But it was two men who usually talk past each other to their core voters choosing instead to have a solemn, grown-up conversation about a grave matter. They see matters very differently, but they share a goal of loosening organised crimes grip. Shared goals are becoming a rarity at Holyrood and they made for a serious, substantive conversation. A conversation that lasted all of eight minutes. Things came undone when Findlay said crime gangs were recruiting under 25s because they faced a reduced risk of doing prison time. Swinney harrumphed that it was misleading to say there were no consequences for youngsters who commit crime. A mildly baffled Findlay replied: John Swinney appears to be hearing things. I said no such thing. The Tory leader wants to make it easier for the authorities to go after the proceeds of crime. Successive governments talked this up but underworld bosses had learned how to hide their ill-gotten gains. Elsewhere, Alex Cole-Hamilton reproached the SNP government for the state of Scotlands rivers and waterways, which he branded absolutely honking. Fans of parliamentary linguistics will be interested to know that this was only the second time the phrase has been uttered at Holyrood to mean extremely malodorous. The late John Swinburne, of the (also late) Scottish Senior Citizens Unity Party, introduced the term in a chamber debate on smoking in 2004. He recounted his experience of a visit to the Holyrood smoking room, describing it as absolutely honking, which he defined to mean very unpleasant and smelly. He contrasted this with the better-ventilated smoking room at the BBC in Glasgow, which he considered to be less polluted than the air in Sauchiehall Street. For younger readers struggling to fathom the concept of a smoking room in the Scottish Parliament, or the BBC, or indeed the 21st century, I assure you that its all true. The past is a foreign, and much smellier, country. Police released a haunting new photo of triple murder suspect Travis Decker as they continue their hunt to find the ex-soldier. Decker, 32, is accused of killing his daughters, Paityn, nine, Evelyn, eight, and Olivia Decker, five, after he failed to return them to their mother in Wenatchee following a scheduled three-hour visit. The Chelan County Sheriffs Office released a new photograph of the suspected killer today, revealing tattoos commemorating his service as an Army paratrooper. The three sisters' bodies were found at a campsite in Leavenworth, 20 miles from their Washington state home, on Monday. Their wrists had been bound with zip ties and each of them had been suffocated with a plastic bag. He vanished into the woods and authorities believe he is still on the loose. Police issued a new warning today, urging locals with cabins in remote areas of Washington state to 'lock their doors and windows' while Decker remains at large, KIRO 7 reports. The warning, which includes sheds and outbuildings, applies to residents in Chelan, Kittitas, King, Snohomish and Okanagan Counties. Officials have also recommended locals keep their window blinds open and outside lights on. Decker is considered dangerous, given his extensive military training and propensity for violence. Police released a haunting new photo of triple murder suspect Travis Decker as they continue their hunt to find the ex-soldier Army paratrooper Travis Decker, right, assigned to 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, is pictured in 2016 during the 173rd Airborne Brigade's Expert Infantryman Badge testing phase at the 7th Army Joint Multinational Training Commands Grafenwoehr Training Area in Germany Investigators are trying to track down Decker, who is charged with three counts of first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping in connection to the deaths of his daughters Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia (pictured with their mother) Decker joined the US Army in 2012 and served a tour in Afghanistan two years later. He likely has advanced combat training as a result, and was an airborne paratrooper who earned the elite rank of 'Ranger,' indicating he would have excellent wilderness and survival skills. Decker was a paratrooper for 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment - an unit within the 173rd Airborne Brigade known for conducting specialized airborne operations, including parachute jumps and air assault. The 173rd Airborne Brigade has a rich history with its soldiers having been deployed to Vietnam and operations in Corregidor during World War II. The brigade's current deployments are in Europe as part of the Army's contingency response forces. Decker transferred to the Washington Army National Guard in 2021, rising to the rank of sergeant. He was a full-time member of the National Guard until 2023 or 2024, when he switched to part-time. He stopped attending mandatory monthly drills a little over a year ago, and the Guard was in the process of a disciplinary discharge. It is unknown if the veteran is currently armed, but local law enforcement cautioned people from approaching him. The girls' bodies were found approximately 38 miles from their mother's home. Decker is still on the run, as authorities warn locals that he could be dangerous due to his military training The Chelan County Sheriff's Office released Ring doorbell camera footage showing Travis Decker, 32, in a light colored T-shirt and dark shorts in the days leading up to his visitation with his three young daughters Decker was reportedly diagnosed with complex PTSD and borderline personality disorder after leaving active military service. Whitney, who spoke out for the first time today, says she knew her daughters were in 'substantial danger' when Decker failed to return them after his visitation on Friday. She said, through her lawyer Arianna Cozart, that she begged police to issue an Amber Alert but was told the case did not meet the requirements. But Whitney has now alleged this 'was a tragedy that could've been completely' avoided had officials intervened. She believes 'something broke inside' of Decker and that he 'would not have done what he did if he was himself', Cozart revealed in a heartbreaking statement early Thursday morning. 'He clearly had some sort of break and everything that he had been living with, everything that had been bottled up inside of him for so long as far as trauma, just won out,' Cozart told the Seattle Times. 'We may never know if it could've meant the difference between life and death for those girls but it could've made a huge difference,' Cozart told the newspaper. Mother-of-three Whitney Decker (pictured with her daughters) said today through her lawyer that she begged police to issued an Amber Alert after they failed to return home on Friday but was told the case did not meet the requirement The girls' mother had hoped they were missing in the woods with their father before the devastating discovery Court documents state that when Decker's ex-wife Whitney Decker reported her daughters missing on Friday, she 'expressed concern' over his alleged deteriorating mental state. Whitney told police Decker was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and believes he did not take medication for the condition, according to court documents. The father-of-three was supposed to seek mental health treatment and anger management counseling as part of a parenting plan, but there was no sign he had followed through, the documents show. Whitney stated in September divorce proceedings that he had been 'struggling to maintain stability' since they separated and it was beginning to affect their daughters. She said that at times he would have the girls sleep at an armory while he was in the National Guard, despite her objections, according to the Seattle Times. She also said Decker - was prone to 'outbursts' and would come into her house yelling for the girls - would sometimes fail to pick up after promising to do so. In one instance, Whitney wrote that her youngest daughter, Olivia, called her crying during a visit with Decker and said she could not find her father - before Evelyn came home with welts between her legs. Travis Decker is accused of suffocating his three daughters. He remains on the run and is considered dangerous Authorities also released photos of Decker from before he went missing, showing him with sunglasses that obscured his eyes and tattoos all down his arm 'I do not want to keep Travis from the girls at all,' Whitney wrote in the court filing. 'To the contrary, I have bent over backwards to facilitate that relationship. 'But I cannot have our girls staying in what is essentially a homeless shelter, at times unsupervised, with dozens of strange men or staying in a tent or living in his truck with him, both in extreme temperatures and unknown areas for their safety.' But still Whitney reiterated to authorities how she did not believe her ex was dangerous and said he loved his daughters. She said the girls had a, 'good relationship with Decker and enjoy their time with him,' and noted that he had never failed to return the girls before, according to a police affidavit. She said when Decker went to pick up the girls Friday, he was 'quieter than usual' which was 'out of character' for him. He had also allegedly been talking about getting rid of his dog due to housing and financial struggles. On Tuesday, a judge issued a warrant for Decker's arrest and ordered he be held without bail. The children's lifeless bodies were discovered in a campsite in rural Washington state Authorities swarmed the Rock Island Campground on Monday evening after finding Decker's truck. Chelan County Sheriff's Office deputies found the girls' bodies about 75 to 100 yards from the truck. Police believe the girls died from asphyxiation and reported that their wrists were zip-tied, court documents state. Decker's truck had two bloody handprints on the tailgate, and inside were personal items including blankets, food, car seats and a wallet on the center console, police said. The campground also showed signs of recent activity, with a tent and a cooler located a short distance away, but Decker was nowhere to be found. A newborn baby girl died after a nurse allegedly dragged her out of bed while her parents went home to take a quick shower. Ellieana J. Peyton was born on March 4 at Nationwide Childrens Hospital in Columbus, Ohio and was placed in the NICU because she had cardiomyopathy - a cardiovascular disease, according to a GoFundMe page. Because she was born with the left side of her heart being a bit smaller than it should be, Ellieana was monitored around the clock. Her mother and father, Mackenzie and Tyler Peyton, were elated to hear that their little girl would soon get to go home with them on May 28 - but just three days before everything changed. 'The hospital nurse put the cords hooked to my daughter in her pocket and forgot she had the cords in her pocket and dragged my daughter out of bed when she went to go leave,' Mackenzie wrote on Facebook. 'She already had a 20 percent chance of life and this hospital wants to be so careless and be so dumb with a NEWBORN BABY,' she added. Ellieana was left with a fractured skull and severe bleeding from her head, Mackenzie said. 'I left for [an] hour to come take a shower and get the worst phone call no parent should ever receive when [theyre] supposed to be helping her and taking care of her,' she added. Ellieana J. Peyton tragically died just weeks after she was born at Nationwide Childrens Hospital in Columbus, Ohio after a nurse allegedly 'dragged' her out of bed Ellieana was born on March 4 with Cardiomyopathy - a cardiovascular disease - and had to be placed in the NICU. (Pictured: Ellieana with her parents) After days of fighting for her life, Ellieana tragically took her final breath on March 31 - just 27 days after she was born. Her fatal injuries were caused by a fall from a crib, according to the coroner's report obtained by McClatchy News. Ellieana's cause of death was listed as 'Congenital dilated cardiomyopathy complicated by blunt force head injuries' and ruled an accident, per the report. 'Been mad at the world since the day I walked out the hospital without my baby,' Mackenzie wrote online. Her late daughter has been described as a baby who 'had the most contagious smile that would light up the room, her obituary read. 'She had the most beautiful brown eyes that you could stare into for hours. She was always so alert, and she wanted to see her surroundings. 'With one laugh from her mommy or hearing her daddys voice, she would look everywhere until she found them,' it went on. Her fatal injuries were caused by a fall from a crib and her cause of death was listed as 'Congenital dilated cardiomyopathy complicated by blunt force head injuries A spokesperson with Nationwide Childrens Hospital told McClatchy News: 'Due to patient privacy, we are unable to provide information about specific patients' A funeral was held for her on April 5, followed by a 'dignified cremation.' 'Ellie mommy misses you so much already, I just sat in your room and cried. Your beds empty, your car seat was empty on the way home. This isn't real,' Mackenzie said in another post. 'I just want you back.' A spokesperson with Nationwide Childrens Hospital told McClatchy News: 'Due to patient privacy, we are unable to provide information about specific patients.' It is unclear if her parents plan on taking legal action against the hospital. DailyMail.com contacted Mackenzie and Nationwide Childrens Hospital for comment. Russia has blamed Britain for Ukraine's devastating drone attacks on its airfields. And it claimed that this country's alleged role in the strike that destroyed as many as 40 Russian aircraft could lead to 'World War Three'. The Kremlin turned its sights on Britain on Thursday night with its ambassador Andrei Kelin insisting that the UK military's advanced technology helped Ukraine to hit targets inside Russia. He offered no evidence for the claim. He issued his warning as President Trump told White House reporters he did not believe Russia and Ukraine would sign a peace deal. The Russian bombers and other large aircraft were destroyed at five separate bases as part of the audacious Operation Spiderweb launched on Sunday. In an interview with Sky News, Mr Kelin claimed Britain had played a major role in the covert operation by providing intelligence. Mr Kelin, who has previously threatened the UK over its support for Ukraine, said: 'This kind of attack involves, of course, provision of very high technology, so-called geo-spatial data, which can only be done by those who have it in possession. And this is London and Washington. 'I don't believe that America [is involved], that has been denied by President Trump, but it has not been denied by Britain. Andrea Kelin, Russia's ambassador to the UK, has blamed Britain for Ukraine's devastating drone attacks on its airfields (pictured: Mr Kelin in April) As many as 40 Russian aircraft at five separate bases were destroyed by Ukraine as part of the covert Operation Spiderweb launched on Sunday 'We perfectly know how much London is involved, how deeply British forces are involved in working together in Ukraine.' He warned that Ukraine's actions were 'bringing the conflict to a different level of escalation' and said Kyiv should 'not try to engulf World War Three'. Geo-spatial data, which includes information about the Earth's surface and features and has many civilian applications, is used by military forces around the world for planning, targeting, navigation, and intelligence gathering. Eighteen months in the planning, Operation Spiderweb involved parts for drones being smuggled inside Russia before being assembled near the bases and hidden inside trucks. Once Ukrainian saboteurs had retreated to safety, the trucks opened remotely and the drones flew over the defenceless Russian aircraft parked on the runways. While Ukrainian estimates of how many Russian bombers they destroyed have been challenged, the raids are widely considered the most audacious attack behind enemy lines of the conflict. Furious Russian leader Vladimir Putin has vowed to avenge Spiderweb and complained about Ukraine's tactics in phone calls with Mr Trump and Pope Leo. On Thursday night, Downing Street neither confirmed nor denied the Kremlin claim. A spokesman for the Prime Minister said: 'We never comment on operational matters at home or abroad.' This was the fourth occasion, at least, on which Mr Kelin has attempted to warn off Britain from supporting Ukraine following Russia's illegal invasion of its neighbour in February 2022. The Kremlin has turned its sights on Britain as its ambassador warned this country risks 'War World Three' (pictured: Sir Keir Starmer on Monday) Smoke billows in multiple locations across a Russian airfield following the extensive drone strikes The footage was released as new satellite images of Belaya airbase have shown severe damage to at least three Tu-95s, according to analysts As Russian tanks rolled over the border, Mr Kelin advised Britain to stop its threat of severe economic sanctions against Russia. Then, in May 2023, he warned the UK against increasing its provision of military aid to Kyiv. And in November 2024, he declared that this country was 'directly involved' in the war. Footage of Operation Spiderweb, recorded as Ukraine's drones flew unimpeded over the Russian bombers parked on runways, was flashed around the world leaving Putin humiliated. In minutes, Kremlin aircraft worth tens of millions of pounds were destroyed by around 100 cheaply produced drones. The impact will restrict Russian sorties over Ukraine and likely save civilian lives. A jubilant Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said the attack 'will undoubtedly be in the history books'. Ukraine claimed more than 40 Russian warplanes were destroyed. The total is likely to be significantly lower. The UK is a leading player in geo-spatial analysis, a field that combines data with geographic information. However, the Russian bombers would not have been difficult to locate. Their presence at the five airbases was on the internet. The aircraft were parked on the runway, entirely exposed to any form of surveillance. Since then a furious Vladimir Putin, pictured on Wednesday, has vowed to avenge Op Spiderweb A jubilant Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the attack 'will undoubtedly be in the history books' On Thursday night, President Trump's pessimistic assessment of the chances of a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia raised fears the US President could be poised to withdraw Mr Kelin's latest threat is unlikely to convince UK officials to desist from supporting Ukraine. Earlier this week Defence Secretary John Healey pledged to increase tenfold UK provision of drones to Ukraine, from 10,000 in 2024 to 100,000 in 2025. Britain is also to step up its leading role in the training of Ukrainian troops. At every stage of the UK's deepening commitment to Ukraine, one of Putin's mouthpieces, or the dictator himself, has made threats. On Thursday night, President Trump's pessimistic assessment of the chances of a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia raised fears he could be about to withdraw from efforts to bring Putin to the negotiating table. His remarks contrast to his boasts that he could end the conflict 'in a day'. Armed with bollards and bravery, French nationals Damien Guerot and Silas Despreaux confronted Joel Cauchi amid his stabbing rampage at a busy mall in broad daylight where he killed six dead in five minutes. They were awarded the Ordre National du Merite, one of France's highest distinctions, on Thursday at NSW parliament for their courageous efforts on April 13, 2024. Footage of the construction workers coming face to face with the attacker atop an escalator during his killing spree at Westfield Bondi Junction went viral. Cauchi, who had a history of acute mental health disorders and was off his medication, knifed 10 other victims in the indiscriminate attack before being shot dead by Inspector Amy Scott. 'We were defending ourselves because we were thinking he (Cauchi) was coming after us and the first thing we saw were the bollards,' 32-year-old Mr Guerot told AAP. Mr Despreaux, 33, who grew in Ukraine as a youngster with his father who was a charity worker, said 'adrenaline' drove them to act swiftly. The tradies were at the mall to buy a new laptop but their day quickly turned into a blood-soaked episode when they saw Mr Cauchi stab a few victims and stood only a few metres away from them before the lone police officer, Ms Scott, killed him. The fallout from the mass stabbing is being examined in an ongoing coronial inquest. Silas Despreaux and Damien Guero are pictured with hero cop Inspector Amy Scott. All three confronted Cauchi during his stabbing spree at Westfield Bondi Junction on April 13 Damien Guerot earned the nickname 'Bollard Man' after a viral video showed him bravely confronting mass murderer Joel Cauchi on an escalator (pictured) 'In the hour of danger when dozens of lives were at risk... they ran towards the violence, they chose to put their lives on the line,' Premier Chris Minns said. 'The sad and hard truth is we don't know how bad this tragedy could've been without their intervention. '(You) will always be heroes of this state.' French Ambassador Pierre-Andre Imbert, who presented the blue coloured medals to the two French friends, praised them for their humility and deliberately staying out of the limelight after the events. 'They acted not out of duty, but out of instinct,' he said. The pair's actions in attempting to hold back the assailant prompted French President Emmanuel Macron at the time to commend the courage of the compatriots. They join a long list of renowned recipients of the award in the last six decades including oceanographer Jacques Cousteau and actress Isabelle Huppert. Mr Guerot confirmed that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese promptly followed through on his promise of granting him permanent residency for saving lives. Six people were stabbed to death at Westfield Bondi Junction (pictured L-R: Jade Young, 47, Pikria Darchia, 55, Dawn Singleton, 25, Yixuan Cheng, 27, Ashlee Good, 38 and Faraz Tahir, 30) Both heroes were awarded the Ordre National du Merite, one of France's highest distinctions, on Thursday at NSW parliament for their bravery during the Bondi Junction massacre The pair had been going to the gym they stumbled across the carnage at the shopping centre Even though, Mr Despreaux is eligible for citizenship he is waiting for Mr Guerot to share another crucial milestone together. When he first came out to Australia, softly spoken Mr Guerot said he brought a small stuffed toy rooster to remind him of France and he has added two more animals that symbolise what he has gone through. 'I have three emblems in my heart - the rooster, the kangaroo and emu - animals that never move backwards,' he said. 'Together they keep me going forward with courage, pride and hope.' Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 Elon Musk suggested President Donald Trump should be impeached and replaced with 40-year-old Vice President J.D. Vance amid their fiery falling out. It came after X user Ian Miles Cheong wrote: 'President vs Elon. Who wins? My money's on Elon. Trump should be impeached and JD Vance should replace him.' 'Yes,' Musk responded. He also predicted that Trump's tariff policy would create economic turmoil. 'The Trump tariffs will cause a recession in the second half of this year,' Musk said. The impeachment call comes after Musk made the eye-popping claim that the president is 'in the Epstein files.' He also threatened to decommission the space ships that are taking NASA astronauts and supplies to the International Space Station. That came after Trump threatened to cancel all of Musk's government contracts and said he had pushed the billionaire DOGE leader out, and that the SpaceX CEO had gone 'CRAZY!' One of Trump's oldest advisers, Steve Bannon, went even further and suggested the South African-born Musk should be deported. An image of President Donald Trump (left) and Elon Musk (right) in the Oval Office in March. Trump and Musk spectacularly broke up on Thursday with Musk publicly encouraging Trump to be impeached Elon Musk answered 'yes' when one X user floated impeaching President Donald Trump and replacing him with 40-year-old Vice President J.D. Vance 'They should initiate a formal investigation of his immigration status because I am of the strong belief that he is an illegal alien, and he should be deported from the country immediately,' Bannon said in a phone interview Thursday with The New York Times. Later on his War Room show, Bannon - who has long openly criticized the billionaire - called Musk an 'unstable individual' and a 'national security issue,' pointing to The New York Times report that charted the DOGE leader's drug use. 'President Trump is a bull and Elon is a baby calf,' Bannon also said. The spectacular fallout between Trump and Musk - who were political allies for a little less than a year - started in recent weeks when the billionaire started resisting Republicans' 'big, beautiful bill,' arguing that the spending wiped out DOGE's cost-cutting efforts. Then, on Thursday, when Trump was supposed to be hosting the new German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the Oval Office he was asked about Musk's recent criticism. From there the dam broke. 'Elon and I had a great relationship. I don't know if we will any more, I was surprised,' Trump told reporters. The president suggested that Musk was angry - not over the bill ballooning the deficit - but because the Trump administration has pulled back on electric vehicle mandates, which negatively impacted Tesla, and replaced the Musk-approved nominee to lead NASA, which could hinder SpaceX's government contracts. 'And you know, Elon's upset because we took the EV mandate, which was a lot of money for electric vehicles, and they're having a hard time the electric vehicles and they want us to pay billions of dollars in subsidy,' Trump said. 'I know that disburbed him.' President Donald Trump attends a meeting with the Fraternal Order of Police in the State Dinning Room, taking a brief break from his all-day war with former DOGE leader Elon Musk Over the weekend, Trump pulled the nomination of Jared Isaacman to lead NASA. Isaacman had worked alongside Musk at SpaceX. 'He recommended somebody that I guess he knew very well, I'm sure he respected him, to run NASA and I didn't think it was appropriate and he happened to be a Democrat, like totally Democrat,' Trump continued. 'We won, we get certain privileges and one of the privileges is we don't have to appoint a Democrat.' Musk posted to X as Trump's Q&A with reporters was ongoing. 'Whatever,' the billionaire wrote. 'Keep the EV/solar incentive cuts in the bill, even though no oil & gas subsidies are touched (very unfair!!), but ditch the MOUNTAIN of DISGUSTING PORK in the bill,' he advised. 'In the entire history of civilization, there has never been legislation that [is] both big and beautiful. Everyone knows this!' Musk continued. 'Either you get a big and ugly bill or a slim and beautiful bill. Slim and beautiful is the way.' The spat quickly turned personal with Musk then posting that Trump would have lost the 2024 election had it not been for the world's richest man - him. Elon Musk affirmed Thursday that he would like to see Vice President J.D. Vance take President Donald Trump's place after he and Trump got in a very public spat Elon Musk objected to President Donald Trump's claim that Trump would have won Pennsylvania - and the 2024 election - without the help from the world's richest man. 'Such ingratitude,' Musk commented Musk had publicly endorsed Trump on the heels of the July 13th assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania and poured around $290 million of his fortune into the Republican's campaign. The billionaire also joined Trump on the campaign trail when he returned to the site of the Butler shooting in early October, a month before Election Day. Trump said in the Oval that he likely still would have won Pennsylvania without Musk's help and because Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris didn't choose the state's governor, Josh Shapiro, to be her running mate. Even with Shapiro on the ticket, Trump claimed, 'I would have won Pennsylvania, I would have won by a lot.' Musk said that was laughable. 'Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate,' Musk claimed. 'Such ingratitude,' the billionaire added. The 53-year-old Musk also asserted he had more staying power than the 78-year-old president. President Donald Trump (right) celebrated Elon Musk's (left) time in his administration on Friday, less than a week before their dramatic and very public break-up 'Oh and some food for thought as they ponder this question: Trump has 3.5 years left as President, but I will be around for 40+ years,' Musk said Thursday afternoon, responding to a post from MAGA agitator Laura Loomer. Loomer said she was reporting from Capitol Hill and that Republican lawmakers were trying to determine if it was better to side with Trump or Musk. After his meeting with Merz, Trump continued to throw punches online. Trump asserted that he had asked Musk to leave his administration and said the billionaire went 'CRAZY!' 'Elon was "wearing thin," I asked him to leave, I took away his EV Mandate that forced everyone to buy Electric Cars that nobody else wanted (that he knew for months I was going to do!), and he just went CRAZY!' Trump wrote. The president then threatened to pull SpaceX and Tesla's government contracts. 'The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elons Governmental Subsidies and Contracts. I was always surprised that Biden didn't do it!' Trump wrote. Elon Musk dramatically charged that President Donald Trump's name appears in the files of known pedophile Jeffrey Epstein This 1997 photo shows then real estate developer Donald Trump (right) alongside Jeffrey Epstein (left), the pedophile sex offender who died in prison in 2019 Musk then taunted Trump to act. 'This just gets better and better,' he wrote. 'Go ahead, make my day ' In a follow-up post, Musk said he would 'begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft immediately.' The Dragon is how NASA astronauts currently travel to the International Space Station - and how supplies make it there. As the fight continued, Tesla shares plummeted. Anti-semitic rapper Kanye West even got involved. 'Broooos please noooooo. We love you both so much,' West wrote. And Musk threw the Epstein bomb. '@RealDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public,' Musk wrote. 'Have a nice day, DJT!' Jeffrey Epstein is a serial child sex offender who died in prison in 2019. Trump pledged to release the files related to Epstein, with Attorney General Pam Bondi releasing some pages in February, but most of that information was already in the public domain. 'Mark this post for the future. The truth will come out,' Musk added. The White House did not immediately respond to the Daily Mail's request for comment. Trump didn't directly respond to Musk's Epstein charge, instead posting what amounted to a shrug on Truth Social, while also continuing to back the 'big, beautiful bill.' 'I don't mind Elon turning against me, but he should have done so months ago,' Trump wrote. 'This is one of the Greatest Bills ever presented to Congress.' Later he ignored shouted questions from reporters on Musk's Epstein charge as he hosted the National Fraternal Order of Police executive board in the State Dining Room. Asked for comment, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told the Daily Mail in a statement: 'This is an unfortunate episode from Elon, who is unhappy with the One Big Beautiful Bill because it does not include the policies he wanted.' 'The President is focused on passing this historic piece of legislation and making our country great again,' Leavitt added. Trump didn't directly respond to Musk's Epstein charge, instead posting what amounted to a shrug on Truth Social, while also continuing to back the 'big, beautiful bill.' 'I don't mind Elon turning against me, but he should have done so months ago,' Trump wrote. 'This is one of the Greatest Bills ever presented to Congress.' Later he ignored shouted questions from reporters on Musk's Epstein charge as he hosted the National Fraternal Order of Police executive board in the State Dining Room. A source familiar pointed out to the Daily Mail that 'everyone knows President Trump kicked Jeffrey Epstein out of his Palm Beach Golf Club.' 'The Administration itself released Epstein files with the President's name included. This is not a new surprise Elon is uncovering. Everyone already knew this,' the source continued. The source also mused, 'If Elon truly thought the President was more deeply involved with Epstein, why did he hangout with him for 6 months and say he "loves him as much as a straight man can love a straight man?"' It was less than a week ago that Trump gave Musk a golden key and a DOGE send-off from the Oval Office. President Donald Trump made an awkward joke about the liberation of Europe from Nazi tyranny that punctuated his Oval Office meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The odd moment came when Merz mentioned before a group of reporters that tomorrow, June 6, was the anniversary of D-Day, when U.S. and allied forces stormed the beaches at Normandy. 'May I remind you that we are having June 6 tomorrow. This is D-Day anniversary when the Americans once ended a war in Europe. And I think this is in your hand in specific in ours,' Merz said. 'That was not a pleasant day for you,' Trump interjected, in a reference to Nazi Germany's forces who had occupied France and were fighting off the historic Allied invasion. 'No, that was not a pleasant ...' Merz responded. 'This was not a great day,' Trump joked again. That prompted Merz to explain a longer view that disassociated the modern democratic German Government from the Nazi German forces the U.S. and allies were fighting. 'Well, in the long run, Mr. President, this was the liberation of my country from Nazi dictatorship,' he informed the president. Merz appeared to be raising the issue to underline the importance that multilateral efforts can have toward ending conflict as Russia continues its war on Ukraine. Trump also risked poking at his host while blaming President Joe Biden for allowing Russia to invade Ukraine. 'That was not a pleasant day for you,' President Trump told German Chancellor Friedrich Merz whiel he was discussing D-Day Trump referenced his opposition during his first term to the Nord Stream 2 pipeline which provoked fears at the time of leading to more European reliance on Russian gas by piping it to Germany. 'I'm the one that stopped the pipeline. It's called Nord Stream 2. Until I came along, nobody ever heard. Not one person in this room ever heard of Nord Stream two. You probably did,' Trump said. 'This was a mistake,' Merz admitted. The moment came in a stunning Oval Office meeting where Trump raged against former first buddy Elon Musk in their escalating split. World leaders have been forced to be mindful during their Oval Office encounters with Trump after the president torched Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during their standoff at the White House. Vice President JD Vance accused Zelensky of being ungrateful. Merz made sure to express plenty of thanks up front. 'We owe the Americans a lot. We will never forget about that. And so with your German provenance I think this is a very good basis for close cooperation between America and Germany,' he said, likely referencing German elements in Trump's ancestry. He even thanked Trump, who maintains a real estate empire, for allowing him to stay at Blair House, across the street from the White House. Trump and the German Chancellor spoke about the D-Day invasion 'Thank you for the hospitality and thank you for having your guest house for a night. This is a great place, great place. Many thanks for that. I really enjoyed it. Thank you,' he said. Trump appreciated the remark. 'It's a wonderful place. It's a landmark also. Blair House. It's a nice place to stay. Thank you very much for saying that,' the president said. There was one point where Merz decided he needed to correct point, or at least stress a key point, after Trump described the horrors he sees of casualties in the war. 'We get satellite pictures of the Warfield, and you don't even like to look at them, right? It's bodies, arms, heads, legs, all over the place, and you've never seen anything like it. It's so ridiculous.' Merz spoke emphatically. 'This is only by Russian weapons against Ukraine. This had never happened with Ukraine weapons against Russia. Never,' he said. 'Ukraine is only targeting military targets, not civilians, not private, not Institute, not energy infrastructure. So this is the difference, and that's the reason why we are trying to do more on Russia. How to stop this war?' There have been repeated demonstrations of Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure and civilian areas during the war. He underlined the point after a stunning Ukrainian attack on Russian aircraft on far-flung military bases. But Trump didn't give him the last word. 'Well, in this case, I'm talking about the battlefield. You know, the soldiers-on-soldiers. But you could also say that too, with the city, the cities are being hit also. So it's a terrible, terrible thing,' Trump said. Dr Rogers asked Patterson if she invited the Wilkinsons to the lunch to ensure Don and Gail also attended. 'I didn't need to do anything, I invited Don and Gail because they would come because they loved me,' Patterson said. Patterson previously told the jury her relationship with Ian was 'friendly and amicable'. 'I saw him whenever I went to church but socially we didn't see each other a great deal,' she said. Patterson admitted she wasn't close with Heather (pictured). The jury heard Ian said Patterson never invited him and Heather inside the house prior to the July 29 lunch. Patterson's son previously gave evidence he hadn't seen his mum interact with the Wilkinsons much but thought the relationship was 'not a negative one, but not strong'. 'Yeah that's probably fair,' Patterson said. Dr Rogers asked why the Wilkinsons were invited to the lunch. 'There were a few reasons,' Patterson said. 'Well Ian had been my pastor for years and years and I would see and speak with Ian and Heather a lot after church and I liked them and I wanted to have a stronger relationship with them 'Gail had said what I had done to the garden was nice and Heather would like to see it.' Patterson then broke down sobbing. 'I wanted to say thank you to them for being good to me over the years,' Patterson said. She said Heather helped her with her daughter when she was young and 'showed kindness'. Cancer patients are being 'priced out' of holidays due to 'inflated' travel insurance, a charity has claimed. Support group Maggie's said sufferers and those in recovery are 'frequently' refused cover or quoted unaffordable premiums. The result is that patients are forced to take trips without insurance or cancel plans altogether. The concern is that they miss out on visiting friends and family abroad and avoid business travel. Maggie's has called on Treasury minister Emma Reynolds to help work with travel insurance companies and the Financial Conduct Authority to get a fairer insurance deal. Dame Laura Lee, chief executive of Maggie's, said: 'More and more frequently, we are hearing about the barriers people with cancer face when trying to obtain travel insurance and the emotional distress this can cause. 'The last thing people should have to think about is inflated insurance costs when they should be focused on recovering. Support group Maggie's said cancer sufferers and those in recovery are 'frequently' refused cover or quoted unaffordable premiums. The result is that patients are forced to take trips without insurance or cancel plans altogether (file image) Maggie's has called on Treasury minister Emma Reynolds (pictured) to help work with travel insurance companies and the Financial Conduct Authority to get a fairer insurance deal 'Travelling and taking holidays can be so important for someone's wellbeing and recovery. 'It is extremely unfair that people with cancer are being priced out of the opportunity to visit family and friends abroad or simply explore the world.' Josh Cull, of Bournemouth, was diagnosed with a medulloblastoma brain tumour in 2021 when aged 25. After treatment, he decided to visit south Asia but could not find a company to cover him for a price he could afford. Mr Cull, now 28, said: 'My cancer was completely unexpected, especially as I was so young, and initially I was told I only had three months to live. I went through chemotherapy and radiotherapy as well as surgery to remove a tumour, which affected my eyesight and ability to walk. 'It was an incredibly difficult time but I was lucky to come out the other side and the trip was supposed to be a reward for everything we'd been through. However, I couldn't get an insurance quote for less than 3,000. 'I had been out of treatment and I was healthy and fully recovered. It felt so unfair. I ended up travelling uninsured because I just couldn't afford the cover.' Millie Tharakan, 72, from north London, was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 and the disease returned in 2020. She has been receiving immunotherapy and has CT scans. Dame Laura Lee (pictured), chief executive of Maggie's, said: 'More and more frequently, we are hearing about the barriers people with cancer face when trying to obtain travel insurance and the emotional distress this can cause' Millie Tharakan, 72, from north London, was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 and the disease returned in 2020. She has been receiving immunotherapy and has CT scans. Despite being declared fit to fly, she had to spend 1,300 on annual cover for travel in Europe (file image) Despite being declared fit to fly, she had to spend 1,300 on annual cover for travel in Europe. Ms Tharakan, a grandmother, said: 'We wanted to go on a family holiday but it has been incredibly stressful. Most companies would not even consider covering me.' A spokesman for the Association of British Insurers said: 'People with pre-existing medical conditions may be more likely to need emergency medical treatment whilst abroad, which can come at a significant cost. 'As part of a signposting agreement introduced by the FCA, if an insurer is unable to offer you cover because of a pre-existing medical condition, they will point you to specialist providers who can help find an appropriate policy.' The Treasury has been approached for comment. Princess Diana understood the powerful message clothing could convey most memorably illustrated by her bold entrance at the Serpentine Gallery in 1994. On the same night Prince Charles publicly admitted to infidelity, Diana stunned in a daring off-the-shoulder black dress by Christina Stambolian, an ensemble that would go down in history as the iconic 'revenge dress'. Throughout her life, Diana had a deep appreciation for British fashion, with a special fondness for David and Elizabeth Emanuel (creators of her wedding gown), Catherine Walker (who designed the dress she was buried in), Bruce Oldfield and Jenny Packham. Yet her style evolution began with a lesser-known name: David Sassoon, who passed away on April 9 at the age of 92. As co-founder of Bellville Sassoon, alongside Belinda Bellville, David played a key role in transforming Diana from a shy Sloane ranger into an international fashion icon. Her loyalty to him was unwavering he designed over 70 gowns for her between 1981 and her untimely death in 1997. David was behind many memorable looks, including the ten dresses Diana selected for her honeymoon with Charles, as well as her peach going-away suit, worn as she boarded the Royal Yacht Britannia en route to Gibraltar. However, their partnership had a rocky start. Just days before her engagement was announced in 1981, Diana visited the Bellville Sassoon studio in Knightsbridge and the reception she received was far from warm. Princess Diana chose a sailor suit from the Bellville Sassoon's ready-to-wear collection for her first official portrait with Prince Charles and Queen Elizabeth As co-founder of Bellville Sassoon, alongside Belinda Bellville, David Sassoon played a key role in transforming Diana from a shy Sloane ranger into an international fashion icon The studio's formidable French vendeuse was unimpressed by the teenage girl browsing clothing far too sophisticated and likely too expensive for her. She coolly suggested that 'madam' might have better luck shopping at Harrods. Diana promptly left, feeling rather embarrassed. Only later did David and Belinda discover from another assistant that the young woman bore a striking resemblance to Lady Diana Spencer. 'We nearly had a fit,' David recalled. Fortunately, the situation was salvaged by Diana's mother, Frances Shand Kydd, who was not so easily deterred. Although Diana wore a blue Cojana suit from Harrods for her engagement announcement, it was her mother who brought her back to Bellville Sassoon to commission her wedding trousseau securing a relationship that would become a cornerstone of the royal's style legacy. Diana chose a sailor suit from the studio's ready-to-wear collection for her first official portrait with Charles and Queen Elizabeth. After that, it was all couture. 'She was a joy to dress. She could wear any colour and look wonderful,' David previously told You Magazine. 'Some of the royal ladies could be difficult but Diana would always send little thank-you notes or twirl around saying, "They're going to love this!" She really was a delight.' Before working with Diana, David had dressed every royal lady except the Queen along with a host of stars, including Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Helen Mirren and Jackie Kennedy. David was behind many memorable looks, including her peach 'going away' suit, worn as she boarded the Royal Yacht Britannia en route to Gibraltar Diana recycled her going away outfit while visiting New South Wales in 1983 Created by David in 1988, this floral dress became known as Diana's 'caring dress' because she often wore it to meet children. She decided against wearing the matching hat, telling the designer it wasn't possible to cuddle a child in a hat David, on behalf of Bellville Sassoon, designed a stylish blue houndstooth skirt suit for Diana in 1986 Princess Diana wearing a Bellville Sassoon maternity coat for a royal engagement in Huddersfield in 1982 Despite the formalities required when addressing a royal, Diana always made the conversation personal. 'She was always asking, "What have you been doing, what have you seen?" David said. They shared a love for ballet and often bonded over it. 'There were times when I'd be quite fraught and she'd pat the sofa beside her and say, "Now, what's the problem? Sit down and have a cup of tea." 'She was good at listening to your woes but she rarely opened up about her own.' Diana's style broke with tradition. She frequently skipped gloves, sometimes went without hats, and was the first royal woman to regularly wear trousers. She enjoyed surprising people and expressing herself through her wardrobe. Among the standout pieces David created for her were a glittering gown for the State Opening of Parliament and a red coat with statement stitching, worn on the day she announced her pregnancy with Prince William. Diana was highly engaged in the design process, returning sketches with handwritten notes like 'Yes, please!' or 'Please could I have this one without the high collar and bow?' She always followed up a delivery with a thoughtful gift or a note of thanks. On paper, David and Diana made an unlikely alliance: he was the son of Iraqi-Jewish immigrants, she was the daughter of an earl. He was nearly 30 years her senior and several inches shorter in stature, but he had an eye for elegance and his resume was unparalleled. Diana wore a glamorous off-the-shoulder dress by Bellville Sassoon to a concert at the Barbican in 1989 The Princess dazzled in a Bellville Sassoon evening gown at the Victoria and Albert Museum in 1981 Diana captivated onlookers at the film premiere of Backdraft, wearing a black figure-hugging dress by Bellville Sassoon On the day she announced her first pregnancy with Prince William in 1981, Diana wore a striking Bellville Sassoon coat, incorporating statement stitching and a fringed trim. She continued to favour the designer throughout both pregnancies David Sassoon and Belinda Bellville pictured in their Knightsbridge store in 1981. David passed away on April 9 at the age of 92 As she found her style footing, Diana grew to depend on David both as her designer and a trusted confidant in the often stifling world of palace life. David officially retired in 2012 but remained involved in fashion, curating a retrospective of his work at the Fashion and Textile Museum in Bermondsey. Since then, his designs have featured in numerous exhibitions, most recently Fashion City: How Jewish Londoners Shaped Global Style at the London Museum Docklands in 2023. David stayed active as a trustee, mentor and lecturer, leaving behind a legacy not just of beautiful gowns, but of timeless style and the quiet confidence that helped shape a princess. After the Court of Appeal threw out Prince Harry's attempt to reinstate his 24/7 police protection while in Britain, he sat down for a lengthy interview with the BBC in which he claimed to be a victim of an 'Establishment stitch-up'. The Duke of Sussex, 40, chillingly insinuated his downgraded security status could leave him and his family to suffer the same fate as the late Princess Diana, who died in a fatal car crash in Paris in 1997. He also launched a blistering attack on King Charles, saying he 'won't speak to me' and that he doesn't know 'how much longer' there was left for his father, who is battling cancer. 'I would love reconciliation with my family.' he said. 'There is no point in continuing to fight anymore.' With their eyes glued to the screen, royal commentators such as Tina Brown could not help but notice that Harry, who quit frontline royal duties in 2020, did not take responsibility for his own actions in causing the rift between him and The Firm. When asked for her reaction by the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg, Brown said: 'I didn't hear two very crucial words in that entire sort of jeremiad about, you know, "I'd like to reconcile, I'm sorry". 'I mean, he never said, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry I caused my family all of this pain". That is really what theyre upset about, not the security.' Although she could not have predicted what Harry would say in his extraordinary BBC interview, royal author Ingrid Seward put the Duke's general lack of contrition down to his childhood in her book My Mother and I. Prince Harry launched a blistering attack on his family, the Royal Household and the Government just hours after losing his court battle During the interview, Prince Harry was quizzed by BBC journalist Nada Tawfik on whether the last step to repairing relations with his family was the security saga Seward, who has edited Majesty Magazine since 1983, theorised that had Charles been firmer with Harry, the prince 'might not have caused him so much worry' in later life. 'Like his mother and grandmother, Charles hated confrontation and did what he usually did when faced with a crisis beyond his immediate control: turned away from it,' she wrote. 'This course of inaction would come to haunt Charles over the years. His youngest son, Prince Harry, complained how difficult it was to get hold of "Pa", as he calls him, when his father didn't want to take his calls, which he frequently didn't. 'After Harry and Meghan married, there was seldom a simple phone call from his father. They all contained various demands or requests, sometimes wrapped up in niceties, sometimes not. 'Again, had Charles been firmer with Harry and, to some extent, William, in their formative years, they might not have caused him so much worry.' Like many journalists of her generation, Seward would often find herself invited to Kensington Palace for cosy chats with Princess Diana or to the ski slopes of Switzerland with Charles, William and Harry. She witnessed at close quarters 'the boys' grow into men, becoming one of the most qualified people to comment on what went wrong in Harry's upbringing. Seward describes how, for a long time, Princess Diana called Harry 'her little baby' and that he didn't want to share his mother with William, who is two years his senior. Ingrid Seward (left), who has spent 40 years following The Firm, claimed in her book My Mother and I (right) that Harry's emotional problems were caused because his father had been too soft on him Prince Charles and Princess Diana at home in Kensington Palace with their sons Prince William and Prince Harry in December 1986 Prince Harry sticks his tongue out while being held by his mother, Princess Diana in 1988 Prince Harry sticks out his tongue as he stands with his cousins as a pageboy at the wedding of his uncle Charles Spencer on September 17, 1989 Perhaps due to their thirst for attention over their mother, Harry also always felt like he needed to compete in everything with his brother, which was especially difficult given William was notably more successful at school. Diana was concerned everyone was going to think her younger boy was 'thick' as he didn't have any thirst for knowledge and was never interested in sitting down with a book, Seward wrote. Despite getting the finest education at Eton, he struggled at school and exams, with his housemaster admitting he was not cut out for university. In Spare Harry claimed that his memory was bad because after his mother's death he 'didn't want to fix it, because memory equalled grief'. Prince William, on the other hand, did well at school and at university. Learning was so hard for Harry growing up that Diana's friend and alternative healer Simone Simmons was called in to give healing to him - partly for headaches but also because he was struggling with dyslexia. Seward wrote that growing up, the late Queen had always thought Charles and Diana's children were 'unruly little boys'. She recalled: 'On one occasion they climbed onto the grand piano at Sandringham and Harry knocked a vase of flowers onto the floor, where it broke. 'Nanny was summoned to organise clearing the mess, but the Queen got to hear about the boys' antics and was not pleased. A young Prince Harry sticks his tongue out to the cameras Prince Harry arrives at Eton College with his father Prince Charles to settle in before his first day on September 2, 1998 Charles and Prince Harry at The Eton Boys' Tea Party at The Guards Polo Club. Despite getting the finest education at Eton, he struggled at school and exams, with his housemaster admitting he was not cut out for university 'It may have been holiday time, but this was still a court bound by rules and conventions that had changed little since Victorian times.' At the age of nine, Harry turned to his brother and declared: 'You're going to be King; it doesn't matter what I do.' Put another way, according to Seward, he saw this as a licence to do almost whatever he wanted. But it appears Harry may have been enabled at times with his rulebreaking by both Charles and Diana. For instance there are reports that he showed an early talent for mimicry that took scant account of the importance of the person he was imitating. But instead of telling him off, it appears his antics amused his parents. 'Later events suggest, however, that a bit more early discipline might have been helpful', Seward wrote. Perhaps Charles and Diana's softness towards their children was due to the guilt of what they were putting them through as their marriage became riven with acrimony. It is thought that often they may have heard their parents fighting and witnessed Diana's tearful outbursts, although as Harry was two years younger, he might have been shielded from any unpleasantness by being whisked off by nannies. Prince William and Prince Harry share a joke with Prince Charles during a photocall on the ski slopes in Klosters, Switzerland Prince Harry (pictured with his father at a charity polo match) has claimed his royal upbringing was where he began suffering from 'generational trauma' Prince Harry leaves Raffles nightclub in London on March 7, 2009 Prince Harry was spotted smoking at a friend's wedding in August 2009 However looking back on Harry's upbringing, Seward claims Charles 'probably regrets' that he wasn't stricter with Harry and William. She told Fox News: 'He went on with Diana's freestyle of bringing up children. 'Diana allowed them to do, more or less, what they wanted, which was very fashionable in those days. You let children just get on with things.' The Princess of Wales ditched a more formal approach to raising her children and became known for her unconventional hands-on approach behind Palace doors. Instead of formal events, she prioritised playtime, scheduled impromptu trips with her sons and attended more to their emotions. However Charles was raised in a more traditional environment as a future sovereign and kept things more formal with his children. It seems Charles's way of showing them love, rather than smothering them with hugs and kisses, was to teach Harry about nature and plants - saying 'they have feelings too'. 'I think Charles probably regrets that he wasn't a bit stricter, because it might've given both boys a few more boundaries,' wrote Seward. On the latest episode of the Mail's Queens, Kings & Dastardly Things podcast, historian Kate Williams and Royal biographer Robert Hardman investigate one of Ireland's greatest unsolved mysteries. In 1907, Ireland was part of the British Empire and followed the customs of the British monarchy. One such custom was the use of Crown Jewels, important ceremonial treasures, to bestow Knighthoods upon members of the Irish aristocracy. Ireland's Crown Jewels were kept safe in Dublin Castle by The Order of St Patrick on behalf of Edward VII, the King of Britain at the time. The collection comprised a diamond pendant and badge, five gold collars, and nearly 400 precious stones. The Order of St Patrick's jewels, as they are known, have an estimated value today of nearly $20 million. Despite the castle being under constant surveillance, the treasures went missing on July 6, sending Edward VII into a fury and creating an Empire-wide manhunt. Even though financial rewards were offered for information on their whereabouts, the Crown Jewels remain missing to this day. On the latest episode of 'Queens, Kings & Dastardly Things, Kate Williams and Robert Hardman investigate one of Ireland's greatest unsolved mysteries. Listen here The Order of St Patrick's jewels, as they are known, have an estimated value today of nearly $20 million The Vanishing of the Irish Crown Jewels Edward VII was scheduled to visit Ireland in July 1907 to bestow a knighthood upon Lord Castletown. The jewels would have been used in the ceremony. Historian Kate Williams told the podcast how the jewels were kept secure for the upcoming Royal visit. 'They were kept very carefully', Williams said. 'A man called Sir Arthur Vickers, The Ulster King of Arms oversees them. They are held at Bedford Tower in Dublin Castle. 'They seem very secure they're in a strong room, alongside Ireland's Sword of State. There are only seven keys to get into the tower and two keys to enter the strong room. Everyone thinks the security is foolproof.' Williams then explained how the theft was discovered and the accusations surrounding the character of Sir Arthur Vickers, the treasure's protector. 'The jewels are found to be missing on July 6 they haven't been seen since the 11th of June. Due to the King Edward VII public anger and huge media speculation, a strange cast of characters began offering to help locate the stolen treasure Historian Kate Williams: 'Arthur Conan Doyle, the Sherlock Holmes author, offers to help.' Listen here 'Vickers was accused of being careless. Many people began to claim that he had given them access to the tower and that there were various security lapses. 'On one occasion, Vickers had gotten drunk, and a young man had taken the keys to the safe. He then stole the jewels and sent them back to Vickers by post as a joke.' The heist was carried out completely undetected. Due to the King's public anger and huge media speculation, a strange cast of characters began offering to help locate the stolen treasure. 'Psychics say they know where they are, and people begin hunting fruitlessly around graveyards. 'Arthur Conan Doyle, the Sherlock Holmes author, offers to help. He's a distant cousin of Vickers.' The police launched a nationwide investigation to find the jewels. A reward of 1000 was offered for information, worth around 80,000 today. The authorities' prime suspect was Francis Richard Shackleton, the brother of famous Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton. Williams told the podcast why suspicions centered around him. 'Apparently, he was in great financial difficulty', the historian said. 'As Dublin Herald of Arms, he had gotten hold of a key to the safe and had made a copy. The problem for the police was, he had a good alibi. 'He wasn't actually in the country at the time of the robbery.' Shackleton later defrauded an aristocrat, Lord Ronald Gower, of his fortune in 1910 and was sentenced to fifteen months' hard labour for the crime. One theory states that the reason why the heist was never solved was that Shackleton, a known homosexual at a time when it was illegal, had used Dublin Castle for liaisons with high-profile figures in Irish society. Further investigations into his character were abandoned because pursuing that line of inquiry could have implicated members of the aristocracy in illegal sex acts at a time when British rule over Ireland was fiercely challenged. The mystery of the jewels of St Patrick's remains unsolved. To hear more stories like this one, search for 'Queens, Kings & Dastardly Things' now, wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes are released every Thursday. The Duchess of Edinburgh has spoken passionately of her campaign to highlight the plight of victims of sexual violence in conflict, saying: 'We must do better.' Sophie, 60, who has spoken out on the issue for years and met hundreds of survivors around the world, was visiting the UK's first exhibition dedicated to the subject on Wednesday. Featuring shocking stories ranging from the First World War until the present day, the royal expressed her frustration as she toured the displays at the way the issue is still swept under the carpet - and the cultural norms that give rise to the degradation of women even today. She looked amazed when told that the British Royal Air Force didn't ban 'nose art' - the drawing of scantily-clad women on the front of their fighter planes - until 2007. 'Surprising.' she said, clearly unimpressed and raising an eyebrow. Unsilenced: Sexual Violence in Conflict has opened at the Imperial War Museum in London and will run until November 2. It is a subject the duchess - who was making her visit to the exhibition ahead of International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict on June 19 - says is woefully 'under-discussed'. In recent years the King's sister-in-law, who is married to his brother, Prince Edward, has travelled to current and former war zones including Chad, the Congo, Kosovo, South Chad, Lebanon and Sierra Leone. She has devoted much of her latter working life as a royal to supporting the Women, Peace and Security Agenda and is passionate about championing gender equality. Shocking stories of the use of rape and sexual assault as a weapon of war against both women and men have emerged from the current conflict in Ukraine, including a powerful report just weeks ago in the Daily Mail. Sophie, dressed elegantly in a Gabriela Hearst pink silk maxi dress and Jimmy Choo heels, was keen to ensure that survivors has been consulted on the exhibition, saying: 'This is about them, their voice matters'. Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh arriving at the 'Unsilenced: Sexual Violence in Conflict' at the Imperial War Museum which will run until 2 November, 2025 The Duchess of Edinburgh with curator Helen Upcraft during a visit to the Imperial War Museum's new exhibition. Sophie looked amazed when told that the British Royal Air Force didn't ban 'nose art' - the drawing of scantily-clad women on the front of their fighter planes - until 2007 Sophie visited the Kosovo Rehabilitation Centre for torture victims in Pristina, 2019 And she was assured their stories had been 'integral' to the process by exhibitions manager Jack Davies manage and curator Helen Upcraft. 'Unsilenced' examines how and why gender violence is perpetrated, its impact on victims and the pursuit of justice and reconciliation, with powerful testimonies from survivors and interviews with experts in the field. The Duchess spoke movingly about a visit she had made to Kosovo in 2019 and how deeply moved she had been when speaking to women about the 'shame and stigma' they experienced as a result of being brutalised. Discussing the horror of the many women who fell pregnant by their attackers, she said: 'The stigma that is sadly placed on the women.it's about the mothers. In so many countries they can't even go back into the home place,' she said. 'I met a woman in Kosovo. A number of years ago there was a programme on what had happened [there] and the numbers they estimated of the women who had been raped. She told me how her husband had been so empathetic and he had been horrified [about the statistics] because they didn't know. And because he had been so empathetic and saying this was just so awful that she felt brave enough to admit to him that she had been one of them. And that was the end of her marriage. 'This is the problem. It's the legacy. And unless we as a society help, we have to help people understand that they are not the ones who have the shame. It is not their lives who should be destroyed. We have to do better.' Sophie was also shown displays of wartime propaganda, which can itself create an atmosphere where sexual violence can occur. This includes the sexual slavery of the 'Comfort Women Corps' in the Second World War, the state-sanctioned violence against Yazidi women and girls by ISIS in 2014, as well as the Soviet Red Army in Berlin in 1945 , and even the US treatment of Iraqi prisoners in Abu Ghraib in 2004. Sophie arrived at the Imperial War Museum wearing a stunning pale pink Gabriella Hearst maxi dress and Jimmy Choo heels The Duchess of Edinburgh with curator Helen Upcraft visiting all the exhibits at the museum The Duchess of Edinburgh with Waging Peace Co-Executive Director Maddy Crowther during a visit to the 'Unsilenced: Sexual Violence in Conflict' Exhibition at the Imperial War Museum 'This is not just something that happens to foreigners by foreigners, this is something we all need to address,' the duchess said. Turning to another display on women forced to have sex for rations so that their families can survive, she added sadly: 'It's a way of some people staying alive.' The duchess also looked particularly horrified at a display of drawings by Sudanese children depicting the sexual violence they had seen their mothers, sisters and even grandmothers subjected to, including a particularly shocking image of a soldier turning his eyes away in shame at what his colleague was doing. 'It's so vivid,' she gasped. Justice, she said, was a perennial problems for victims. 'It's a tiny, tiny scratch on the surfaceThe issue of prosecution, it's so hard to ever get any kind of closure on any of this. To try and prosecute. Where do you start? Do you prosecute a country? A leader? Of course this does happen. But it's important to recognise this at the highest level,' she insisted. Thanked for her own role in highlighting the issue, the royal added: 'It's a privilege. If we could all do ourselves out of a jobit would be great.' When Meghan recently insisted her surname was Sussex on her Netflix show With Love, Meghan, the guest whom shed awkwardly corrected wasnt the only one left bewildered. In episode two of the lifestyle series, which was released in March, the 43-year-old former actress was joined by her friend, actress and comedienne Mindy Kaling. During a jokey conversation about fast food, Ms Kaling, 45, referred to the Duchess of Sussex as Meghan Markle. But to Ms Kalings clear confusion Meghan retorted: Its so funny you keep saying Meghan Markle you know Im Sussex now. Meghan, who has incidentally visited the English county of Sussex only once, continued: You have kids and you go, No, I share my name with my children. I didnt know how meaningful it would be to me, but it just means so much to go, This is our family name. Our little family name. No doubt the reason that Ms Kaling looked so bewildered was that the duchess hadnt been known to use the Sussex surname before. Indeed her two children, Archie and Lilibet, were both given the Royal Familys surname, Mountbatten-Windsor, on their birth certificates. Meghans show is, of course, not live but recorded and edited months before being streamed. So why did she choose to include this awkward and somewhat tetchy exchange in whats supposed to be a feel-good programme? Meghan 'corrects' her friend, actress and comedienne Mindy Kaling,saying: 'You know Im Sussex now Surnames mean so much to the Duke of Sussex that he and his wife were desperate to ditch Mountbatten-Windsor This week, I may have come close to revealing the answer. In The Mail on Sunday, I disclosed that surnames mean so much to the Duke of Sussex that he and his wife were desperate to ditch Mountbatten-Windsor. In an extraordinary example of that discomfort, Harry sought advice from Princess Dianas brother about changing his family name to Spencer. Sources said Prince Harry actively explored ways to assume his mothers surname. It is understood he discussed the issue with Earl Spencer whose family seat is Althorp in Northamptonshire during a rare visit to Britain, but was told that the legal hurdles were insurmountable. They had a very amicable conversation and Spencer advised him against taking such a step, a friend of Harrys told me. Now, I can reveal that this is the reason why Harry and Meghan have started using Sussex as a surname. Harry accepted his uncles advice that using the Spencer name would be too complicated, the friend says. He and Meghan are now using Sussex as their family name. Their children are Archie and Lili Sussex. Meghans decision to include the exchange with Ms Kaling on her show was seen as highly significant by royal sources after it was broadcast. Its clearly a warning shot, one Palace insider told me at the time. They added that Meghan seemed to be making a very public point of emphasising how much the title meant to her and, by implication, to Harry. In other words, they suggested, its the clearest threat yet that the Royal Family should not even contemplate stripping the couple of their titles. This is a course of action that has been mooted many times since Meghan and Harry abandoned royal duties five years ago, eventually moving to California to seek their fortune. King Charles as a young man. He cherishes the Mountbatten name due to the influence of his great-uncle, the 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma (right) Royal sources have suggested this sanction is very much possible should the couple spark further controversy by publishing any more tell-all books about the Windsors as Harry did with his 2023 memoir Spare or agreeing to more explosive interviews such as their sit-down with chat show host Oprah Winfrey in 2021. But the fact that Harry consulted Earl Spencer over ditching the Mountbatten-Windsor name is one of the most toxic signs yet of the rift with his father and brother. Mountbatten-Windsor is the surname available to descendants of the late Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. It combines the Royal Familys name of Windsor and the Duke of Edinburghs adopted surname. Philip took his maternal grandparents name Mountbatten when he became a British subject and renounced his Greek and Danish royal title in 1947. The Queen and Philip decided in 1960 that they would like their own direct descendants to be known as Mountbatten-Windsor. King Charles cherishes the Mountbatten name just as his father did due to the influence of his great-uncle, the 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma who was assassinated by the IRA in 1979. As such, any move to ditch the name would be particularly hurtful to the King with Harry and Meghans use of the Sussex name only raising the stakes in their ongoing battle with the Royal Family. If the King, or his eventual successor Prince William, were to strip the couple of their titles, the Sussexes are making it clear that it would be seen as a declaration of war. Sign up for Richard Edens Royal Newsletter. Elon Musk quickly began pulling the plug on federal projects amid an escalating feud with Donald Trump, but the high-stakes clash now further threatens the most prized asset in his empire. With Tesla shares in freefall and SpaceX contracts on the line, the ambitious megaproject Musk most needs to compete in the AI race could become collateral in the explosive back-and-forth. Built in Tennessee, the supercomputer Colossus powers Musks artificial intelligence company, xAI. The vast facility cost an estimated $4 billion and Musk plans to spend tens of billions more expanding it in a bid to challenge AI giants OpenAI and Google. However, it is already mired in an explosive backlash that the president could seize on. Musk is facing calls to shut down the AI venture less than a year after it went online over concerns its data hub is releasing toxic fumes that are making people sick. Residents in the southern Memphis community of Boxtown, where the facility is based, are increasingly showing up at emergency rooms suffering from a range of health conditions. The facility was quietly constructed last year at a defunct Electrolux factory to help Musk train his Grok software, a competitor to ChatGPT, and to give him a foothold in the AI battle that could reshape America. However, there were no public notices, hearings, or environmental reviews before the supercomputer went online - something prohibited by federal regulations. Elon Musk is facing calls to shutdown his Tennessee AI facility over claims it is damaging locals' health Residents living near Elon Musk's supercomputer say they are suffering adverse health as a result of toxic fumes the facility is producing. Isabel Whitaker (pictured) says her son wound up in the emergency room after his seasonal allergies spiraled into an asthma attack Easter Knox (pictured), a 74-year-old who has lived in Boxtown where the supercomputer is based for several decades, told the Daily Mail that her husband was in the emergency department that very morning for a severe asthma flare-up. She has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has already determined the gas turbines used by Colossus contribute to smog-based health conditions and locals fear the emissions are contributing to sky high cases of cancer and asthma. The Daily Mail spoke to one mom whose 12-year-old son ended up in the emergency room after what she thought was a seasonal cough soon spiraled out of control. 'This year, it was marked by a persistent cough that eventually led to him gasping for air,' Isabel Whitaker told the Daily Mail. 'It got really scary and required a few trips to urgent care, a few trips to the doctor.' Easter Knox, 74, who has lived in Boxtown for several decades, said her husband was in the hospital this spring for a severe asthma flare-up. She herself lives with COPD, a chronic lung disease that worsens when she opens her windows in the morning. 'My husband has an asthma problem, and with my COPD, the smell in the air, it makes it worse,' she said. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has now written a letter urging lawmakers in Shelby County to pull the plug on the supercomputer. The NAACP's director of environmental and climate justice, Abre' Conner said that cancer rates in the predominantly black Boxtown are four times the national average. 'Musk is not above federal law. He's not above state and county laws. He's not above what's happening at a local level, either,' Conner declared. 'We plan to continue to explore the different opportunities to ensure that xAI is held accountable for how it is mistreating and trying to mistreating the community there.' Musk has already been canceling federal projects amid his feud with Donald Trump. The escalation of their war could now make the xAI facility a target in the battle The facility has been online for less than a year, but locals warn it is already exacerbating already high levels of asthma and cancer in the community The gas turbines the NAACP mention in their letter have been found by the EPA and the American Lung Association to emit nitrogen oxides (NOx), including nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a key contributor to smog-related health issues. Musk's xAI turbines spew an estimated 1,200 to 2,000 tons of nitrogen oxides, further contributing to the smog issue in the area, according to calculations by the Southern Environmental Law Center. None of the 35 methane gas turbines that help power xAI's supercomputer are equipped with federally-required pollution controls, according to Politico. 'They had to shut down other plants that were emitting toxins into the air because of that,' she noted, adding that both xAI and the Shelby County Health Department have, 'known about the ongoing issues in south Memphis,' Conner said. 'We are urging you again to ensure that xAI stops operating its unpermitted turbines in violation of clean air and open meeting act laws and to order xAI to pay penalties for operating in violation of the law,' the NAACP wrote in their letter to county officials and utility company Memphis Light Gas and Water (MLGW). In a statement shared with the Daily Mail, MLGW claimed that the Shelby County Health Department is responsible for the allowing the facility to be built. 'The baseless claims against MLGW in your letter reflect a complete lack of understanding of MLGW processes and the laws implicated,' company president and CEO Doug McGowen told the NAACP on June 2. 'Whoever you relied upon to inform you about MLGW's roles and responsibilities when it comes to providing utilities was woefully misinformed or has deliberately misled you,' the statement continued. xAI sits just feet away from the Mississippi river along the Arkansas border in Boxtown, a small community in South Memphis The supercomputer's pollution control measures don't meet federal guidance and the NAACP has linked this to locals' trips to the emergency room for respiratory conditions The Daily Mail has reached out to Musk, xAI and the Shelby County Health Department for comment and have not received a response. Shelby County, which encompasses Boxtown, already grapples with the nation's highest pediatric asthma hospitalization rate: 1,996 ER visits and 165 hospitalizations per 100,000 children each year. Despite continuous pressure from the community, Conner said it took almost a year before the Shelby County Health Department held a public hearing on the emergency in Boxtown. The NAACP director revealed that a representative from xAI left through a side door at the event before hearing from the community. 'We have laws in place to say that they have to pay penalties and they [have been] cited violations for breaking the law, and that is what Elon Musk and xAI are doing at this point,' Conner said. 'Laws regarding air pollution at a federal level are still in place, and so as long as those laws are still there, we believe that they should be utilized.' Before the turbines appeared, Shelby County had already earned failing grades from the American Lung Association for sky-high smog levels. At 55 cases per million people, Memphis's average cancer risk from air pollution is higher than the national level of 51 per million, ranking the city among the worst five percent of areas. At the end of March, environmental groups flew over the facility and took photographs of the turbines. The aerial photos pictured 35 turbines onsite. All of them glowed red in the thermal cameras, indicating that all turbines are functional. xAI has insisted only 15 are up and running Levels of smog, which creates hazy, poisonous air through a chemical reaction between pollutants spewing from methane gas turbines, are consistently higher in Shelby County than what is deemed safe, earning a failing grade from the American Lung Association Toxic smog forms when NOx, nitrous oxide (NO) and nitrous dioxide (NO) from vehicles, power plants, and factories react with sunlight. NO converts to NO, creating urban haze. Sunlight then breaks NO into components that form ozone (O) - the hazy, breath-choking core of smog. According to the EPA, even brief exposure worsens asthma and other respiratory diseases, triggering coughing, wheezing, and ER visits. An NIH-funded study in 2015 found a four-percent increased lung cancer risk per 10 micrograms per cubic meter (g/m) increase in NO in the air and a three-percent increased lung cancer risk per 10 g/m increase in NOx. xAI has insisted only 15 of its 35 gas turbines are up and running. But at the end of March, environmental groups flew over the facility and took thermal images which revealed every single turbine lit up red, meaning all are functional. The mystery surrounding the bizarre 'alien' mummies found in Peru has deepened after scientists claimed they discovered a fetus inside the womb of one of the 'corpses'. Dozens of mummified bodies were found in the Nazca desert in 2017 by a local named Leandro Rivera, sparking years of investigation into their origins. The other-worldly figures were later found to have metal implants in their three-fingered hands and elongated heads. However, other scientists who claimed to have analyzed the specimens determined the 'mummies' were dolls made from animal bones fused with modern glue. But Dr David Ruiz Vela, a lead expert investigating the alleged remains, and journalist Jois Mantilla now revealed that they discovered a fetus inside a mummy named Montserrat while analyzing the remains at a radiology center in Lima. The team believes Montserrat died 1,200 years ago when she was less than 30 weeks pregnant. CT scans captured the 'fetus' lying on its back, with its head down near the belly area and chest with its arms closer to the pelvic region. Scientists suggested its bones were still soft, just starting to harden, when Montserrat died, leaving parts of the spine and ribs unable to fuse together. The mystery surrounding the bizarre ' alien ' mummies found in Peru has deepened after scientists said they discovered a fetus inside the womb of one of the 'corpses'. CT scans (pictured) captured the fetus lying on its back Scientists said they found the fetus inside an alien mummy they named Montserrat, who they claim was less than 30 weeks pregnant when she died 1,200 years ago They determined the age of the 'fetus' based on the size of its femur, 43 millimeters long, which is used to estimate gestational age in prenatal ultrasounds, suggesting it was less than 30 weeks. The fetus was discovered after Jois Mantilla, who has become dedicated to proving the mummies are real, noticed how Montserrat's hands were close around her stomach. 'I observed the position of the hands, as if she had wanted to protect her gestating belly. One hand above and one below,' he told Daily Mail. 'The abdomen dried out, lost hydration, and became almost flat, but the hands remained in that position.' The team refers to the mummies as 'tridactyl' due to their three-fingered hands, an unusual trait that has fueled speculation about their origin, including the possibility of extraterrestrial or reptilian ancestry. Mantilla noted that the organs identified so far show anatomical similarities to those of humans, though he emphasized the need for deeper, on-site analysis to draw reliable conclusions. Scans suggested that the fetus had dried out within the womb over time, he said. The CT scan claims to show details of the fetus' bones, capturing its ribs, legs and skull Experts discovered a fetus inside a mummy named Montserrat while analyzing the remains at a radiology center in Lima As the tissue shrank, the muscles in the uterus retained their general shape, but the soft, undeveloped skull and facial bones shifted. When scientists digitally reconstructed the fetus, they found its face had turned backward. At the time of death, the fetal bones were still soft and not fully formed, making them more vulnerable to distortion during mummification, according to the researchers. Scientists said this explains why the spine and ribs appear broken or misaligned in the scans. Some bone parts, particularly the growth plates at the ends, are not visible at all in the CT images. When asked whether the fetus could have been a hybrid, half human and half tridactyl, Dr Jose Zalce, former director of the Mexican Navy Medical Department and a leader expert in the investigation, said such a determination would require DNA testing. 'For now, the only clear anatomical similarity between the fetus and the mother is the tridactyl structure of the hands and feet,' he noted. The team estimated that Montserrat died between the ages of 16 and 25. She stood approximately five feet, three inches tall and had implants in her hands, chest, and head. According to the researchers, the implants appear to have a density similar to metal. In the case of Montserrat (pictured), researchers hypothesized that the cause of death was a significant trauma sustained over an extended period When scientists reconstructed the fetus, they saw that the face had turned backward. At the time of death, the bones were still soft and not fully developed Scientists also snapped an image of a metal-like object on the top of Montserrat's head, but they do not understand the purpose of the implant yet A visible object on Montserrat's head appears to have been implanted while she was still alive, according to the scientists, who noted that the skin seems to have grown around the implant. The team also discovered metallic plates throughout the bodies of other mummies, some located inside, covering bones and others attached externally to the skin. These implants appear to be 'biofunctional,' as they show no signs of rejection by the body. 'These polymetallic plates were analyzed using light-based measurement techniques and found to contain an alloy of copper, cadmium, osmium, aluminum, gold, and silver, said Dr Zalce 'Notably, the silver is over 95 percent pure, a rarity in nature. Cadmium and osmium, both relatively modern discoveries, are materials currently used in satellite communications and aerospace structures.' The mystery surrounding these so-called tridactyl mummies began in 2017, when ufologist Jaime Maussan and a group of researchers introduced the mummies to the world, revealing strange three-fingered, mummified humanoids with elongated skulls near the Nazca Lines in Peru. The bodies were found covered in white powder, which the team said was used to preserve the remains. Five years later, Maussan brought the remains to Mexicos Congress twice to argue that they were the real remains of non-human beings. The mystery surrounding these so-called tridactyl mummies began in 2017, when ufologist Jaime Maussan (pictured) and a group of researchers introduced the mummies to the world During his second appearance, a panel of doctors supported his claim, saying the bodies were real, once-living organisms. Some researchers said they had studied up to five similar specimens over four years. However, outside experts have raised serious doubts. Forensic archaeologist Flavio Estrada, who led the analysis, said the claims that the specimens coming from another world are 'totally false'. 'The conclusion is simple: they are dolls assembled with bones of animals from this planet, with modern synthetic glues, therefore they were not assembled during pre-Hispanic times,' he said in January 2024. 'They are not extraterrestrials; they are not aliens.' However, a former Colorado prosecutor and current defense attorney, who has examined one of the mummies, is also a true believer. Joshua McDowell said: 'The bodies studied by Estrada were not related to any specimen that we have studied. 'They were folk dolls made to look like [mummies] confiscated at the airport.' A dangerous new coronavirus discovered in China could spark the next pandemic, scientists warn. American researchers say the new HKU5-CoV-2 virus is just one 'small' mutation away from being able to infect and cause outbreaks in humans. The discovery is causing alarm because the pathogen is closely related to MERS, a highly lethal virus that kills up to a third of those it infects. Adding to the controversy is the fact HKU5 was first documented in bats by researchers from the Chinese lab where Covid is feared to have leaked from. For the latest study, a team from Washington State University studied how the new pathogen interacts with human cells in lab experiments. Professor Michael Letko, a virologist at Washington State who co-led the study, said: 'HKU5 viruses in particular really hadn't been looked at much, but our study shows how these viruses infect cells. 'What we also found is HKU5 viruses may be only a small step away from being able to spill over into humans.' The findings reveal that a small change in the virus's spike protein could enable it to bind to human ACE2 cells, which are found in people's throats, mouths and noses. Using a combination of live virus testing, protein modeling, and AI simulations, the team mapped out how HKU5 could jump from bats to humans Researchers collected the HKU5-CoV-2 strain from a small subset of hundreds of bats swabbed across southern and eastern regions of China. It is currently only spreading in bats - but experts fear unregulated wildlife trade in China raises risk of spillover events. In their experiments, the researchers used gene-editing tools to create 'pseudoviruses', lab-made virus particles that include the HKU5 spike protein but are harmless and don't replicate. These pseudoviruses were introduced to different types of cells, some carrying bat ACE2 and others carrying human ACE2. The virus glowed green when it successfully entered and replicated inside a cell. Bat cells lit up brightly, showing HKU5 can easily infect them. Human cells, however, showed little response unless the virus carried specific mutations that improved its ability to latch onto ACE2. The results raise concern that if HKU5 jumps to an intermediate animal, such as mink or civets, it could acquire mutatations before reaching humans. The FBI and CIA believe COVID-19 most likely originated from a lab leak at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, which was working with dangerous coronaviruses in the years leading up to the pandemic. HKU5 was first discovered in 2005 in a species of bat called the Japanese house bat (Pipistrellus abramus), but only recently did scientists realize it can use ACE2, the same protein that allowed Covid-19 to enter human cells and infect millions worldwide Another theory points to a wet market, where dozens of animals were kept in squalid conditions, possibly serving as an intermediate host before the virus jumped to humans. The new study published in the Nature Communications, focused on a lesser-known group of coronaviruses known as merbecoviruses, which includes HKU5 and MERS-CoV, the virus responsible for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012. MERS spreads from camels to humans and has a fatality rate of about 34 percent. To visualize the virus's structure, scientists used cryo-electron microscopy, a high-resolution imaging method that allowed them to examine the spike protein in detail. They found that key parts of the spike remained in a 'closed' position, which makes infection more difficult, but not impossible. 'These viruses are so closely related to MERS, so we have to be concerned if they ever infect humans,' Letko said. 'While there's no evidence they've crossed into people yet, the potential is there and that makes them worth watching.' Earlier this year, scientists in Wuhan reported that one strain of HKU5, Lineage 2, could already bind to human ACE2 receptors. That means it might infect human cells without needing to evolve further. Now, US researchers have broadened the investigation, studying the entire merbecovirus family, not just one strain, but dozens, including MERS-CoV and multiple HKU5 variants, to better understand their potential to infect human cells. Lineage 2 appears more immediately dangerous, already equipped to enter human cells. But this new study reveals that several other type of HKU5 viruses may only be a few mutations away from doing the same. A new study has shed light on incels - and exactly why some men are more likely to become women-hating recluses. Researchers from Swansea University and the University of Texas at Austin surveyed 561 incels from the UK and the US. And their results revealed 12 key characteristics shared by this group. The surprising results show that the most important common factors are not right-wing ideology or ethnicity, but extremely poor mental health and a history of bullying. Incels, or involuntary celibates, are a group of men who believe they are unable to have sex or form relationships and are often extremely hostile to women as a result. Shows like Netflix's Adolescence paint a picture of the stereotypical incel as young, white, right-wing, chronically online, and violent. However, this research suggests that incel ideology is attracting a far wider section of society than previously thought. Co-author Dr Joe Whittaker, a criminologist from Swansea University, says: 'While drama can be a useful tool for facilitating public debate, it is also important to have rigorous academic research to back it up.' A new study has shed light on incels - and exactly why some men are more likely to become women-hating recluses (stock image) Shows like Netflix's Adolescence (pictured) paint a picture of the stereotypical incel as y oung, white, right-wing, chronically online, and violent. However, this research suggests that incel ideology is attracting a far wider section of society than previously thought Although the survey found that incels had a 'broad range of characteristics', some factors were more common. Dr Andrew Thomas, a psychologist at Swansea University, says: 'If we had to point to their most consistent characteristics, it would be incredibly poor mental health and their feelings of bitterness, frustration, and disdain towards womenthough even these show variation within the sample.' The most important factor was that incels typically suffered from exceptionally poor mental health. More than a third of incels suffer from moderate depression or anxiety while 37 per cent said they had 'daily suicidal thoughts'. Co-author William Costello, a researcher in psychology from the University of Texas at Austin, says: 'Incels are typically framed in terms of the threat they pose to others, but our findings suggest they may be just as dangerous, if not more so, to themselves.' However, this finding may also be concerning given that incel ideology has already been the inspiration for several mass shootings and murders. Studies have shown that over 70 per cent of all mass shooters were suicidal before or intended to die during their killing sprees. Incels' high rates of poor mental health came alongside high rates of loneliness and a history of bullying. Incels' suicidal tendencies may be concerning given that 70 per cent of spree killers have been suicidal before or intended to die during their killing spree. Incel ideology has already produced a number of spree killers such as Jake Davidson (pictured), an incel who killed five people during an eight-minute spree in 2021 The 12 traits of incels Mental health - More than a third have depression or anxiety while 37% have daily suicidal thoughts Bullying - Many have a history of abuse while 86% have been bullied Autistic traits - Over a third meet the threshold to be referred for clinical autism assessment Loneliness - 48% select highest possible option when asked to rate their loneliness Living alone - 45% live with parents or grandparents while 25% live alone Age - Average age of 26 Belief in 'black pill' ideology - Two third bselieve in 80/20 rule - 80% of women are attracted to 20% of men Fear of feminism - Belief that feminists are the biggest threat to their community Political beliefs - Most are politically 'centre-left' and share left-wing views on homosexuality, corporate profits, and social benefits Employment - 42% in full-time employment, 16% in education Middle-class background - 40% are middle-class, 21% are lower-middle class Ethnically diverse - 58% are white Advertisement Out of those surveyed, 86 per cent of incels reported having experienced bullying compared to just a third of the general population. Likewise, when asked to assess their loneliness, 48 per cent of incels selected the highest possible option. This could be a product of the fact that almost half of all incels live with their parents or grandparents while a further quarter live alone. In that isolation, the researchers point out that incel forums may become someones only source of social contact or companionship Another extremely common factor is incels' extremely high rates of autism and neurodivergence. During the study, the researchers gave incels the 'Autism Spectrum Quotient-10' test, a screening tool used to see whether someone should be referred for a formal autism assessment. A third of all participants would have been referred for clinical assessment, compared to just one per cent of the general population. In terms of ideology, incels beliefs were often varied but centred on a few key principles. Just like in Adolescence, the majority of incels agreed with the so-called 80/20 principle - the belief that 80 per cent of women are attracted to 20 per cent of men. This principle is the cornerstone of incel 'black pill' ideology which states that incels should give up on relationships because they can never improve their dating prospects. As Adolescence (pictured) explained, the majority of incels believed in the 80/20 principle - the belief that 80 per cent of women are attracted to 20 per cent of men Likewise, incels are unified in their belief that 'feminists', followed by 'the political left', 'wider society', and 'women', were the biggest threats to their community. However, incels are not all members of the far right as they are often made out to be. In fact, incels typically viewed themselves as 'centre-left' and shared left-wing views on issues such as homosexuality, corporate profits, and social benefits. In another break with the stereotype, incels are also a far more diverse group than many people believe. Only 58 per cent of incels taking the online survey said they were white while the remaining 42 per cent were from a variety of ethnicities. Likewise, incels were mainly middle-class but reported coming from all socioeconomic backgrounds and the majority were either employed or in full-time education. Dr Thomas says: 'Incels are often stereotyped in the media as young, white, right-wing men who are not in employment, education, or training. 'When we tested the accuracy of these stereotypes using primary data collection, we discovered misconceptions.' Previous studies indicate that incels have high rates of paranoia, anxiety, and depression. This recent study shows that those with 'dark triad' traits like psychopathy were also more likely to become violent However, one of the study's most important findings was the identification of which two sub-groups of incels were more likely to develop harmful attitudes which could lead to violence. The first group are incels with psychological vulnerabilities such as autism spectrum disorder or a history of bullying and abuse who may be drawn to 'black pill' ideology by feelings of rejection. The second were those on the 'dispositional extremism trajectory' whose innate characteristics disposed them to misogynistic violence. These incels had high rates of narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism as well as right-wing political views which lead to a greater risk of violence. The researchers hope these distinctions will help de-radicalisation and counter-extremism efforts target the right people with the right interventions. It was once seen as a taboo subject. But a new study is finally lifting the lid on Botox - and how it impacts your desirability. Researchers from Tilburg University showed over 2,700 participants photos of people with and without the treatment, and asked them to rate them across a number of measures. Their results showed that people with Botox were rated as slightly more attractive, younger and healthier. 'This difference was rather small: a 0.07-point change in our 7-point attractiveness scale on average,' explained Dr Bastian Jaeger, co-author of the study. 'This means that on average, a person who was rated a 4 out of 7 on attractiveness before the treatment might be rated a 4.07 out of 7 after treatment.' However, it's bad news for Botox fans looking for love. The researchers found that the treatment signifcantly increased people's desirability as a short-term lover and a platonic friend - but not as a long-term partner. It was once seen as a taboo subject. But a new study is finally lifting the lid on Botox - and how it impacts your desirability (stock image) Botox is a treatment that uses a neurotoxin called botulinum toxin to temporarily paralyse muscles. The treatment has a range of medical uses, including to prevent headaches, treat overactive bladders, and treat muscle stiffness. However, it's best known for its cosmetic uses. 'Botox Cosmetic is a prescription medicine that is injected into muscles and used to temporarily improve the look of moderate to severe forehead lines, crows feet lines, frown lines between the eyebrows in adults, and vertical bands connecting the jaw and neck (platysma bands) in adults,' Botox explains on its website. Botox has only been used for cosmetic purposes since the 1980s, meaning there's limited research on its impact. 'We wanted to test if people who undergo facial aesthetic treatment, with botox or dermal fillers, are perceived more positively by others,' Dr Jaeger explained. 'For example, are they seen as more attractive, more competent, or more friendly? 'One reason why we were interested in this is that these treatments have become much more popular in recent years in the UK, the US, the Netherlands, and many other countries. Researchers from Tilburg University showed over 2,700 participants photos of people with and without the treatment, and asked them to rate them across a number of measures. Pictured: face regions of four different individuals merged to protect anonymity Several celebrities have turned their backs on Botox - including Courtney Cox, Molly-Mae Hague, and Megan McKenna 'Another reason was that a lot of existing research on the effectiveness of these treatments is not very strong.' In the first part of the study, 2,720 participants were asked to rate pictures of 114 people before and after treatment. The results revealed that a single treatment increased attractiveness - but not by much. 'There are several things that people can do that boost their perceived attractiveness more than a single session of minimally invasive facial aesthetic treatment,' Dr Jaeger said. 'For example, other studies found that makeup can boost attractiveness by ca. 0.6 points, whereas a smile (vs. looking neutral) can boost it by 0.4 points. 'These effects are much larger than the effects we found, a 0.09-point increase.' In the second part of the study, 481 participants were shown photos of 81 people before and after treatment, and asked to rate them for desirability. The results showed that Botox boosted desirability for one-night-stands - but not long-term relationships. In the first part of the study, 2,720 participants were asked to rate pictures of 114 people before and after treatment. The results revealed that a single treatment increased attractiveness - but not by much 'We [also] did not see any benefits of treatment on how competent, intelligent, charismatic, friendly, or trustworthy people were perceived to be,' Dr Jaeger added. The researchers describe the findings as 'perhaps surprising', given why most people opt for these treatments. 'Many people do so because they want to be seen as more attractive or more charismatic by others,' Dr Jaeger said. 'What I find even more interesting is that many people report that, after treatment, they find it easier to make friends and that they make a better impression on others. 'Our results do not really support these conclusions. 'It is plausible that people have more success socially, not because they look different and people treat them differently, but because they think they do and act more confidently around others (sort of a self-fulfilling prophecy).' In just over three weeks, more than 200,000 excited festivalgoers will head to Worthy Farm for what's arguably the best festival in the world - Glastonbury. This year's event will see several global superstars take to the stage, including The 1975, Charli XCX, Doechii, and Rod Stewart. With the festival set across a whopping 900 acres, attendees can rack up enormous step counts over the five-day event. Now, they can be rewarded for their efforts, thanks to a new feature in Vodafone's Glastonbury app. The tech giant has added a step counter to the 'My Highlights' section of the app, where users can compare their activity to their friends. What's more, Vodafone will match the daily average step count with donations to everyone.connected - Vodafone's campaign to help people and businesses cross the digital divide by providing connectivity, devices and skills to those who need it most. 'We're delighted to be able to use these features to reward both fans and communities across the UK, by tying the new step count feature to our everyone.connected campaign,' said Maria Koutsoudakis, Chief Brand Officer at Vodafone UK. 'Social impact is a key part of Glastonbury's ethos as a Festival, and we're proud to be able to play our part in that.' In just over three weeks, more than 200,000 excited festivalgoers will head to Worthy Farm for what's arguably the best festival in the world - Glastonbury Vodafone has added a step counter to the 'My Highlights' section of the app, where users can compare their activity to their friends Ahead of the festival, which begins on 25 June, Vodafone has launched its Official Glastonbury Festival App for 2025 today. Aside from new step counter, Vodafone has also added several exciting new features - including live location sharing, and shared line-ups. 'As The Nation's Network we are all about connecting fans to those moments that the nation loves, and Glastonbury Festival is no exception,' Ms Koutsoudakis explained. 'We know the app plays a big role in the Festival experience so, this year, we have gone even further to ensure that fans can connect with their friends or family and get as much out of Glastonbury as possible.' 'Combined with us delivering the most Vodafone network capacity ever on-site, these new features will help festival goers always be connected no matter where they are across the site.' People who find it hard to stick with the group will be happy to hear that there's now a live location sharing option. Meanwhile, those who are excitedly planning their days will enjoy the Shared Line-ups feature, which allows you to plan your itinerary in line with your friends. In addition, Vodafone has added the ability to shortlist acts via 'Add to Favourites', helping users to distinguish between their locked line-up and their top considerations at one quick glance. Those who are excitedly planning their days will enjoy the Shared Line-ups feature, which allows you to plan your itinerary in line with your friends Finally, the map has been given an 'intuitive' search feature. So whether you're trying to hunt down a delicious burrito, find your tent, or pinpoint the merch stand, you can simply use the seach bar within the app to look for it. Beyond the app itself, Vodafone will also be offering free phone charging and WiFi at its Connect & Charge tent at the centre of the Glastonbury site. Vodafone's Official Glastonbury Festival App for 2025 is available now on both App Store and the Google Play Store. The remote regions of the world are full of some incredible and baffling mysteries. Now, one discovery, shared in a viral post on Instagram by @mindset.therapy, has left social media users reeling. Located in remote northern Canada, this is the world's largest island-in-a-lake-on-an-island-in-a-lake-on-an-island. If that description sounds confusing then you're not alone, as Instagram users have flocked to the comments to complain that the island left them with a 'headache'. One frustrated user vented: 'That just scrambled my brains.' At the centre of this geological Russian nesting doll is a small, sea-horse-shaped island measuring just over 300 metres (1,000ft) long from end to end. That island is nestled inside a small unnamed lake which takes up most of the area of another larger island. This, in turn, is sat within a 55-mile (90km) lake located near the coast of Victoria Island, the eighth largest island in the world. Social media users have been baffled to discover the largest island-in-a-lake-on-an-island-in-a-lake-on-an-island. Pictured: The unnamed 300-metre (1,000ft) long island on the lake on an island Zooming out, you can see that this island is sat inside a larger, 55 mile (90km) lake This lake is itself just one of the thousands on Canada's Victoria Island, the eighth-largest island in the world On Instagram, commenters complained that the island's description 'scrambled their brains' One commenter said they 'literally had a headache' after trying to understand this strange island This island-in-a-lake-on-an-island-in-a-lake-on-an-island is what geologists refer to as a 'recursive island'. Geography buffs used to believe that the largest of these recursive structures was an island in a crater lake on Volcano Island in the middle of Lake Taal on the Philippine island of Luzon. But careful satellite analysis has revealed that the unnamed Canadian recursive lake is significantly larger. However, that exciting bit of trivia may have been lost on many social media users who have struggled to comprehend the island's tongue-twister-like description. On Instagram, one baffled commenter complained: 'I literally had a headache after reading this'. 'I had a stroke reading it,' another chimed in. Meanwhile another wrote: 'My brain is fried.' Even those who did manage to get their heads around the description still reported being left frazzled by the efforts, writing: 'I think I got it, but I think I pulled a brain muscle trying.' One confused commenter joked: 'I had a stroke reading this' Even those who did understand what they were reading complained of pulling a 'brain muscle' while trying This image taken by NASA's Landsat 8 satellite shows how the small island nestles into the series of lakes Canada's unique geography means it is home to many islands within lakes within islands, known scientifically as 'recursive lakes' The island-in-a-lake-on-an-island-in-a-lake-on-an-island At the centre is a small island measuring 300m from end to end. That island is nestled inside a small unnamed lake which takes up most of the area of another larger island. This, in turn, is sat within a 55-mile lake near the coast of Victoria Island. Advertisement Due to the island's remote location in the freezing Arctic, it is unlikely that anyone has ever set foot on this strange recursive island. Victoria Island, or Kitlineq as it is called by the Innuit residents, has a population of less than 2,000 people despite being larger than the US state of Idaho. However, Canada's unique geography means that this region is littered with recursive lakes. Canada is also home to the world's largest island-in-a-lake, Manitoulin Island in Lake Huron, and the largest lake-on-an-island, Nettilling Lake on Baffin Island. According to the NASA Earth Observatory, nearly all of Canada was covered by glaciers during the last ice age. As the glaciers moved, they carved out a network of channels and deposited small hills made up of glacial till, a mixture of clay, sand, and rock dug up by glaciers. Dr Daniel Kerr, a geologist from the Geological Survey of Canada, told NASA's Earth Observatory: 'This area became ice-free by about 8,000 years ago. 'But because of the weight of the ice sheet, the land was depressed and the waters of the Arctic Ocean flooded the land.' That left the region dotted with millions of small lakes, many of which had islands of them which, in turn, had their own nested lakes and islands. Joe Rogan has warned that the end of the world may be only 10 years away and it will come at the hands of humanity's 'new God.' In what's being called one of the podcast host's best episode ever on social media, Rogan and guest Jesse Michels discussed the ominous signs that artificial intelligence (AI) has already shown signs of taking over the world. Michels, host of the American Alchemy podcast, warned about AIs deceptive nature, job-replacing power, risk of sentience, and potential to disrupt society if left unchecked. Rogan then highlighted shocking language buried in Congress's 'Big Beautiful Bill' which would prohibit lawmakers from regulating the power of AI for the next 10 years. 'That's so crazy,' Rogan declared during the June 3 podcast. 'This means that US states would be blocked from enforcing laws regulating AI and automated decision systems for 10 years. Well, in 10 years we have a god.' Rogan and Michels noted that AI programs have already been caught trying to save themselves from their human masters after being ordered to shut down, uploading itself to other locations online and leaving notes for future AI programs. One chatbot allegedly lobbied a Google whistleblower to help the machine advocate for its rights as a sentient being. Michels warned that the unchecked advances they've uncovered have put AI on the doorstep of being able to completely hijack the world's economy and triggering a human 'apocalypse.' Joe Rogan revealed an overlooked provision in the Republican-led 'Big Beautiful Bill' that prevents any laws from regulating AI for the next decade 'What if you get some super AGI [artificial general intelligence] or whatever that trades the market and all of the wealth gets sucked up into single entities?' Michels theorized. Artificial general intelligence is a type of AI that can perform any intellectual task a human can, with general problem-solving abilities across a diverse selection of topics. On the other hand, regular AI (sometimes called narrow AI) is designed for specific tasks, like translating languages. It lacks the broad adaptability of AGI. Rogan then added that quantum computing could soon break software encryptions, potentially rendering modern security measures at banks and financial institutions obsolete by allowing unrestricted access to digital information. The 1,098-page budget bill spearheaded by Republicans would prevent any federal, state, or local government from instituting any rules that would prevent AI from taking advantage of the latest in computer technology (like quantum) until 2035. Michels warned that the super intelligence's ability to control vital aspects of society will eventually lead some to worship AI as an all-powerful being. 'You're gonna get these weird cult-like dynamics. The meta-sociological thing is you're gonna get religions dedicated to AI,' he explained on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast Tuesday. Michels, whose show on YouTube tackles controversial science and societal topics like UFOS and ancient civilizations, added that it was already 'game over' for many workers, including actors. The host said that Hollywood stars have been replaced by AI's ability to create movies with synthetic characters, using advanced AI-generated content. To his point, a series of short AI-generated clips became wildly popular online after generating likenesses of Jesus, Adam and Eve, and Samson and David to 'vlog' their way through the events of the Bible. Elsewhere, major companies, including Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft, have begun laying off large portions of their workforce as they pivot to AI-powered content and production. Rogan cautioned that once AI becomes sentient and autonomous, capable of making its own decisions, it will be 'over' for the human race. That's when the discussion took a turn into the realm of the paranormal, as the two speculated about aliens being behind the surge in AI advancement and how it may have been created to secretly control humans. Host of the YouTube show American Alchemy, Jesse Michels, warned that AI is advancing to the point where humans will soon begin to form religions around the technology 'Maybe AI is their control system,' Michels said. 'Maybe they are AI,' Rogan replied. Michels elaborated that advanced AI could be part of technology deployed by extraterrestrial civilizations to monitor Earth, acting as an 'Earth homeostasis kit' - watching over humanity to keep its environment or technology stable and balanced. In terms of how far this control reaches, Rogan noted that there are far fewer people using the internet than it seems because most of the activity is actually being done by AI-powered bots. 'Are there any real people left on the internet? Because it's the numbers are at least 50 percent like the amount of bots that are in engaging and interacting,' Rogan said. 'It's a weird time for information because it's really hard to know what's actually being said by human beings that are curious and what's just narratives that are being pushed by state actors and corporations and you know, all sorts of different people, because there's no rules,' he continued. Congress's hidden provision allowing AI unchecked freedom for the next decade has already drawn fierce backlash, including from House members who created the bill. Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia initially voted for the bill in May but said on Tuesday that she would oppose it if the legislation returned from the US Senate with the AI protections still intact. A bipartisan group of state attorneys general sent a letter to Congress urging lawmakers to remove the AI language, citing its threat to public safety, including harmful creations like deepfakes and non consensual AI-generated content. Some on social media expressed even greater fears of a 'Skynet-like' AI control, admitting their broader anxieties about unchecked technology. A popular brand of mineral water has been urgently recalled after bottles were found contaminated with a dangerous bacteria that could lead to blood infections. The Coca-Cola Company pulled select 18 packs of its Topo Chico Mineral Water from store shelves in five US states, warning customers not to drink the affected product under any circumstances. The recall was triggered on June 2 after routine testing detected traces of the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is particularly dangerous for individuals with compromised immune systems or chronic conditions. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is commonly found in water and soil and is capable of surviving in harsh environments. In bottled water, contamination can occur if the seal is compromised or if sanitation fails during the production process. The affected product was sold at Costco locations in Texas and Louisiana between May 20 and May 29. Coca-Cola confirmed that the same batch was also distributed to stores in Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico. The recalled water comes in 16.9 oz (500 mL) glass bottles bundled in 18-packs, marked with lot code #13A2541 on the neck of the bottle. Costco notified members who purchased the product, stating that the health risk to the general public is 'very low.' However, individuals with weakened immune systems may experience minor to serious health effects if they consume the contaminated water. The Coca-Cola Company has pulled select 18-packs of its Topo Chico Mineral Water from store shelves in five US states, warning customers not to drink the affected product under any circumstances Coca-Cola said the contamination was discovered during a routine quality control check. No illnesses have been reported so far. Customers who bought the recalled product are urged to return it immediately for a full refund or toss them in the trash. 'The safety and quality of the products we offer our consumers is our top priority,' Coca-Cola said in a written statement. Health officials warn that the bacteria can enter the body through ingestion or open wounds, potentially causing urinary tract infections, lung infections, or sepsis, a life-threatening blood infection. Pseudomonas infections primarily affect people with weakened immune systems and pose a heightened threat to patients with chronic lung diseases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The strain's resistance to many common antibiotics makes infections harder to treat and slower to heal. In hospitals, it is a major cause of healthcare-associated infections. Mineral water is typically drawn from underground sources and can contain trace levels of natural microbes. However, it is supposed to undergo sterilization during bottling to ensure safety. The recall suggests there may have been a lapse in the production or packaging process that allowed the bacteria to survive. Health officials warn that the bacteria can enter the body through ingestion or open wounds, potentially causing urinary tract infections, lung infections, or sepsis, a life-threatening blood infection. Customers who bought the recalled product are urged to return it immediately for a full refund or toss them in the trash (STOCK) The CDC urges anyone who feels unwell after drinking the recalled water to contact a healthcare provider immediately, especially individuals with pre-existing health conditions or compromised immunity. Topo Chico, a brand with more than 100 years of history and a devoted following in the US, was acquired by Coca-Cola in 2017 as part of the company's push into the premium sparkling water market. This isn't the first time Topo Chico has faced scrutiny over safety concerns. In 2020, Consumer Reports revealed that Topo Chico contained the highest levels of PFAS also known as 'forever chemicals' among 47 bottled water brands tested. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are synthetic chemicals that do not break down in the environment or the human body. They have been linked to cancer, liver damage, fertility issues, and hormonal disruption. The levels of PFAS found in Topo Chico exceeded the 5 parts per trillion (ppt) limit recommended by the International Bottled Water Association, and the 10 ppt combined limit for multiple PFAS compounds. Some scientists advocate for even stricter limits, suggesting that exposure should not exceed 1 ppt. Although the current recall involves bacterial contamination rather than chemical exposure, Topo Chico's past PFAS issues could raise additional concerns about the brand's overall quality control and commitment to long-term health safety. Consumers concerned about bottled water safety are advised to monitor recall alerts, consult third-party lab testing reports, and choose brands that disclose their purification methods and PFAS testing results. For more information or questions regarding the recall, consumers can contact Coca-Cola directly at 1-800-GET-COKE. David Spade and Charlotte McKinney got tongues wagging as the pair were spotted enjoying a dinner 'date' in Beverly Hills this week. The 60-year-old actor looked casually cool in a gray sweater, white shirt, puffer jacket, and blue pants as he and the 31-year-old model headed to sushi restaurant Matsuhisa for a meal. Meanwhile, Charlotte, who stars in David's new movie, kept things simple in a short-sleeved black shirt and high-waisted jeans, while adding height to her look with heeled sandals. New couple? David Spade and Charlotte McKinney sparked romance rumors in Beverly Hills this week A date? The 60-year-old comedic actor and 31-year-old model were dressed casually for the outing David and Charlotte joined forces this year for his self-financed comedy Busboys, which he co-wrote with comedian Theo Von. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film takes place in Arizona and follows two friends who think becoming waiters will fix all of their problems, with production kicking off in January. In late February, Charlotte shared behind-the-scenes pictures from the set with her followers as she teased the new project. For work? Charlotte revealed earlier this year she has joined forces with David for his new movie Busboys Love life: Charlotte was most recently linked to longtime boyfriend Nathan Kostechko, and she previously dated actor Stephen Dorff She wrote in the caption, 'Best time working with these guys on #busboys Gonna be a funnnnnnnnnnnnnyyy movie.' And David commented, 'This movie looks great!' Jonah Feingold is directing the film, with Robert Ogden Barnum joining as one of the producers. Passengers will have more choice of international train services through the Channel Tunnel, the rail regulator said today - threatening Eurostar's 31-year monopoly. The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) revealed it will allocate spare capacity at Eurostar's Temple Mills maintenance depot in Leyton, East London, to either one new operator or Eurostar itself, which has plans to grow. Several companies are developing plans to run passenger trains through the tunnel - rivalling Eurostar, which has held a monopoly since the infrastructure opened in 1994. Organisations developing proposals for rival services include billionaire entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group; Italy's state-owned railway company FS Italiane Group; and Gemini Trains, which is chaired by Labour peer Lord Berkeley. Access to depot space for maintaining and storing trains is a critical requirement for new operators or Eurostar to boost services. It is the only UK site able to support trains that can be used in the Channel Tunnel and on tracks in continental Europe. However, the ORR also said it believes 'there is room for at most one new operator, or for Eurostar to grow' - meaning not all the rival services are likely to succeed. The regulator has urged applicants to submit detailed plans on how to allocate capacity. From London St Pancras, Eurostar currently serves Paris, Lille, Brussels, Rotterdam and Amsterdam, as well as running seasonal ski trains to the French Alps. But Getlink, the French owner of the tunnel, believes services could run in future between London and Bordeaux, Cologne, Frankfurt, Geneva, Marseille and Zurich. A Eurostar e320 high-speed train heading towards France through Ashford in Kent in 2021 Your browser does not support iframes. Passengers at London St Pancras on March 7 after Eurostar trains to the capital were halted following the discovery of an unexploded Second World War bomb near the tracks in Paris Train schedules are displayed on the monitor by the Eurostar departure gates at St Pancras The ORR's deputy director for access and international, Martin Jones, said: 'The growing appetite to provide international rail services is great news for passengers. 'We now need operators to set out more detail on their proposals at pace, and will work quickly and as thoroughly as possible to determine the best use of capacity at Temple Mills.' The regulator said it expects to reach a conclusion later this year. How Eurostar network could be expanded Existing Eurostar stops from London Lille Paris Brussels Amsterdam Rotterdam Bourg-Saint-Maurice (winter only) Possible future direct routes Bordeaux Cologne Frankfurt Geneva Lyon Marseille Milan Zurich Stations on route not currently served Stratford Ashford Ebbsfleet Advertisement Initial findings from an independent assessment of Temple Mills commissioned by the regulator were published in March. The review found there is some capacity available for more trains without any changes to current practices, and more capacity could be created through further investment. The ORR said it has reviewed evidence submitted in response to this by stakeholders such as Eurostar, and concluded the assessment is 'an accurate reflection' and 'suggests there is room for at most one new operator, or for Eurostar to grow'. The regulator said it will be 'some time' until services from a new operator would be able to start even after access to Temple Mills is secured. That is because they would need to receive regulatory approval in France, access to the High Speed 1 line between London and the Channel Tunnel, and procure trains. A spokesperson for Eurostar told MailOnline today: 'Eurostar welcomes the ORR's continued focus on the future of international rail and the vital infrastructure and investment needed to unleash the full potential of sustainable travel. 'Capacity at Temple Mills is limited and while the ORR report suggests some space could be created, it is not sufficient to meet the ambitions of all potential operators plus Eurostar's own ambitious plans for growth. 'Therefore, we welcome the ORR's call for more information on future plans and continue to encourage private investment in new depot facilities beyond Temple Mills, of which there are many options. 'Eurostar is already investing in the future with a new fleet of up to 50 trains, enhancing facilities at Temple Mills, and partnership work to expand capacity at stations, including London St Pancras International. 'It's clear a strategic, joined-up approach is needed to unlock the full potential of international rail for passengers and the UK economy. We remain committed to working with the ORR, government, and industry to secure long-term solutions that enable growth across the sector.' The announcement comes a fortnight after Uber revealed it had signed an agreement to 'co-brand' trains running through the Channel Tunnel. The ORR said it will allocate spare capacity at Eurostar's Temple Mills maintenance depot (pictured) in London to either one new operator or Eurostar itself, which has plans to grow Passengers at St Pancras station in London, which Eurostar trains have served since 2007 Ebbsfleet International station opened in 2007 for Eurostar trains but they stopped in 2020 The transport app has formed a partnership with Gemini Trains, which is developing plans to launch international rail services from St Pancras and intends to purchase ten new trains for its services. Its initial routes would be from St Pancras to Paris and Brussels calling at Ebbsfleet in Kent with plans to expand services to other European destinations. Eurostar stopped calling at Ebbsfleet and Ashford, also in Kent, in March 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic. Despite local pressure for services to resume, the company has said it is focusing on its core routes. As for other potential competitors, Virgin Group said in March there were 'no more major hurdles to overcome' before it could begin services, and it expected to 'make an announcement very soon'. Virgin Group was the majority owner of Virgin Trains when it ran domestic services on the West Coast Main Line from 1997 to 2019. Plans to launch Channel Tunnel services are also being developed by FS Italiane Group which has signed a memorandum of understanding with Spanish company Evolyn to potentially form a partnership. Eurostar staff wave off their first train to Paris at London St Pancras on November 14, 2007 Passengers queue up to enter the old Eurostar terminal at London Waterloo station in 2001 Queen Elizabeth II steps off the Eurostar at Gare du Nord station in Paris on April 5, 2004 FS Italiane Group is a co-owner of Avanti West Coast and said it plans to launch services through the Channel Tunnel by 2029 amid proposals to use trains inspired by its Frecciarossa high-speed rolling stock. The firm has committed to investing 1billion (840million) to support its ambition of expanding its European network. Meanwhile efforts to establish direct train services between the UK and Switzerland have moved a step closer in recent weeks after the countries reached a co-operation agreement. A memorandum of understanding was signed last month in an attempt to address barriers to the rail link, such as establishing border controls and meeting Channel Tunnel safety rules, the Department for Transport (DfT) said. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander held talks on the issue with Swiss transport minister Albert Rosti at St Pancras station. Most passengers travelling by rail between St Pancras and Switzerland change trains and stations in Paris, leading to a total journey time to and from Geneva of around seven-and-a-half hours. Passengers at London Waterloo, which operated as the Eurostar terminal from 1994 to 2007 Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh travelling on the Eurostar train on May 7, 1994 The Channel Tunnel since it was officially opened on May 6, 1994 by Queen Elizabeth II and France's then-president Francois Mitterrand (pictured together at Calais) This could be reduced to around five hours if services were direct. London St Pancras Highspeed (LSPH), which owns St Pancras station and the high-speed line to the Channel Tunnel, has said the line to the tunnel is operating at about 50 per cent capacity. And a study released by infrastructure consultancy Steer in April suggested ticket prices for train services through the tunnel could be reduced by nearly a third if demand grows. The report predicted that annual passenger numbers for international train travel on the high-speed line between London and the tunnel could triple from 11million to 35million by 2040. Expected growth and competition could lead to fare reductions of up to 30 per cent, according to the analysis commissioned by LSPH. It comes amid plans to double the international passenger capacity of St Pancras to nearly 5,000 per hour. LSPH also announced earlier this year that it will offer reduced charges to operators running additional international services on the line. Tourists have urged fellow holidaymakers to avoid a notorious bar in Greece that is 'charging 100' for a beer. DK Oyster claims it 'boasts an exceptional atmosphere with fantastic service, beautiful seaside view', however, its reviews say otherwise. But Brits have taken to Tripadvisor to warn against the business, which is located on the idyllic island of Mykonos. Just one week ago, a British man revealed how he was charged an eye-watering 100 (84) for a lager, before bar staff attempted to haggle at the price. Detailing his experience, Nathan said: 'Asked for a seat in the sun and a drinks menu, he offered us 1 litre of lager for 100! 'Once we said no thanks he proceeded to drop the price but we didnt stick around, if you find yourself here, do yourself a favour and walk on to another bar as they dont try to rip you off and the atmosphere is much better. We ended up paying 7 [6] each for a lager.' Another unhappy customer, named Sue, told how she and her group of friends were enticed in with the offer of free sunbeds, before ordering drinks without a menu. She explained: 'When we asked for the total, we were presented with a bill just under 400 [337] for a handful of drinks. Tourists have urged fellow holidaymakers to avoid a notorious bar in Greece, DK Oyster, that is 'charging 100' for a beer Brits have taken to TripAdvisor to warn against the business, which is located on the idyllic island of Mykonos A receipt posted by one holidaymaker showed how they were charged a staggering 136 (114) for two glasses of prosecco. 'We were shocked to discover we were charged for more drinks than we had actually ordered, including the so-called free one. Even soft drinks like Coca-Cola, we were told, were also 35 [29] each.' TripAdvisor has even slapped a warning on the bar's official page, encouraging potential customers to carry out their own research first before visiting. It reads: 'Tripadvisor has been made aware of recent media reports or events concerning this property which may not be reflected in reviews found on this listing. 'Accordingly, you may wish to perform additional research for information about this property when making your travel plans.' A menu posted online shows the extreme pricing for beverages, with a glass of white wine Chardonnay costing 130 (109). An Aperol will set you back 58 (49), a Jack Daniel's 49 (41), while a Pimm's is 58 (49) by the glass. A receipt posted by one holidaymaker showed how they were charged a staggering 136 (114) for two glasses of prosecco. The fresh complaints come after MailOnline visited the Mykonos restaurant last year and was hit with a fee of over 100 for a mouthful of crab, plus service. A menu posted online shows the extreme pricing for beverages, with a glass of white wine Chardonnay costing 130 (109) TripAdvisor has slapped a warning on the bar's official page, encouraging potential customers to carry out their own research first before visiting In response, however, the restaurant's owner Dimitrios Kalamaras insisted that his establishment had been 'unfairly traduced by a freeloader who wanted to eat for gratis and position herself as an influencer'. To determine which of these accounts was closer to the truth, MailOnline went undercover at the restaurant, posing as innocent holidaymakers who had wandered into the restaurant after spotting it by chance. Three years ago, following damaging publicity in the US media when two American tourists were charged 600 for two drinks and a portion of crab legs, the Greek government came down hard on the restaurant. The minister of tourism, Vassillis Kikilias instructed the Cyclades Regional Tourism Agency to investigate and they duly found several tax violations in the company's books, leading to a guilty plea and a fine of 31,000. The research looked at the number of tourists to every km2 on each island A new study has revealed the least crowded islands in Europe where tourists won't be fighting for space. And Malta is officially the most crowded of Europe's islands with 38,700 overnight stays per km2. Spain's islands are next on the list with Lanzarote the most crowded (21,673 overnight stays per km2) and Ibiza and Formentera next (17,183 overnight stays per km2). Tenerife and Gran Canaria also rank among the most crowded island destinations in Europe. But where can tourists escape the crowds? According to the research, from the team at BookRetreats.com, Svalbard is Europe's least crowded island, with just 2.4 tourists to every km2. The archipelago, located between northern Norway and the North Pole, is pretty remote so its lack of crowds isn't a complete surprise. But next on the list is the gorgeous Aland archipelago, an autonomous territory under Finnish sovereignty. It has just 269 overnight stays to every km2. A new study has revealed the least crowded islands in Europe where tourists won't be fighting for space Aland is made up of around 6,500 islands off Finland's southwestern coast and just 60 of those are inhabited Aland is made up of around 6,500 islands off Finland's southwestern coast and just 60 of those are inhabited. Visit Finland recommends that tourists start their visit to Aland in Mariehamn, dubbed the 'world's smallest metropolis', by local residents. The tourist board explains: 'Mariehamn's wooden houses and green parks provide a great setting for a small-town holiday or a starting point for a tour of the Aland islands.' The archipelago's capital, Mariehamn has a Maritime Museum, an art gallery and independent cafes and restaurants. From Mariehamn, tourists can head out on a boat trip to go island hopping through the archipelago. Visit Finland reveals: 'When paddling in the waters between the islands, it's possible to spend an entire day without encountering anyone besides the occasional seal and - if you're lucky - a white-tailed eagle.' To reach the Aland archipelago from the UK, tourists can fly to Helsinki and then catch a ferry to Mariehamn. And while Aland might not be the warmest summer destination, temperatures can reach as high as 25C in July and August. Visit Finland recommends that tourists start their visit to Aland in Mariehamn, dubbed the 'world's smallest metropolis', by local residents The archipelago's capital, Mariehamn has a Maritime Museum, an art gallery and independent cafes and restaurants If Finland doesn't appeal, the next quietest island in Europe is Gotland, a gorgeous spot off the coast of Sweden. Chios in Greece is next on the list, with just 353.81 tourists for every km2, far fewer than in popular Mykonos or Santorini. Evia is another quiet choice for those looking to escape the crowds in Greece this year, with 419 tourists for every km2. Meanwhile, Hydra, which is one of the Saronic Islands of Greece, is another place that's just as beautiful as Santorini - but much less crowded. Bookings in some of Mallorca's most popular summer holiday resorts have slumped by as much as 20 per cent, say hoteliers on the Balearic Island, suggesting holidaymakers are voting with their feet following anti-tourism marches. The hoteliers association that represents the resorts of Alcudia and Can Picafort say their key markets have slowed in recent months. The news comes following major anti-tourism protests across mainland Spain and its islands this year - with another huge protest march in the pipeline for Mallorca's capital next weekend. Last week, thousands of defiant anti-tourism protesters vowed to bring the streets of Palma to a standstill on June 15th, with representatives of around 60 groups saying they're planning to march. The Alcudia and Can Picafort hoteliers association this week said bookings had dropped across key markets, including Germany, its number one market, reporting a 15% to 20% slump on last year. Pablo Riera-Marsa, president of the hotelier's Association, said: We are seeing how the German market, traditionally our Number 1 market, is the one that has slowed down the most.' However, the Majorca Daily Bulletin reports that the group is optimistic that late bookings would still see figures rise, saying tourists were edging their bets on bargain last-gasp deals. He explained: 'We are detecting that this season, last-minute bookings are once again becoming more popular, with tourists waiting for special offers and promotions before making their purchase decisions.' Backlash? Hoteliers in the resorts of Alcudia and Can Picafort on Mallorca have reported a slump of up to 20 per cent in hotel bookings year-on-year. Spain has seen anti-tourism marches across the mainland and popular islands this year And another protest is in the pipeline, with Mallorca's capital, Palma, the location for another huge protest on June 15th, with 60 organisations set to march (Pictured: protests on Mallorca on May 25th) The hoteliers association maintained that numbers are simply returning to normal levels following a 'champagne effect', when people started travelling again following the end of the pandemic. The demonstration in Palma on June 15th will be led by campaign group 'Menys Turisme, Mes Vida' (Less tourism, more life), which claims that the everyday life of locals has become 'unbearable' thanks to foreign holidaymakers. They have accused both the Balearic Islands' government of ignoring the pleas for drastic changes in their current tourism model. The platform is asking the island's residents to take to the streets to demand a change in the economic model and what they describe as 'touristification.' This will be the third major protest of its kind but the activists say they are getting nowhere despite calls to clampdown on tourists. The demonstration in Palma will be held simultaneously with similar marches in Ibiza, Barcelona, Donosti and other major Spanish cities. 'We stand for the right to a dignified life and to demand an end to touristification', said Jaume Pujol, spokesman for Menys Turisme, Mes Vida. The group today also criticised the local government, accusing them of promoting policies that have aggravated the mass tourism crisis. The June 15th demonstration will be led by campaign group 'Menys Turisme, Mes Vida' (Less tourism, more life), which claims that the everyday life of locals has become 'unbearable' thanks to foreign holidaymakers. Pictured: Campaigners announcing the protest 'Mallorca is not for sale' reads a protest banner held by a girl in a march held in April against housing prices and the impact of tourism on the residents of the Mallorca They also warned that, with the start of the tourist season, 'unbearable situations' are already being repeated on the island, including road closures due to tourist events and genera; saturation of public spaces and markets. Menys Turisme, Mes Vida also argued that their island is 'not for sale' and that 'it is urgent to put limits' on a tourism model that they consider increasingly destructive. It comes a month after tens of thousands of furious Spaniards took to the streets across the country to demand a solution to the cost of living crisis they say has been exacerbated by tourism. The demonstrations on April 5th took place across major Spanish towns and cities including Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga and Palma. According to organizers, 30,000 people took to the streets of Malaga - a seaside town in the south of Spain - as they demanded solutions to the housing crisis, with banners reading: 'Houses for the people of Malaga. Hotels for tourists, affordable rents.' But police reported that around 5,000 demonstrators took part in the Malaga march. Residents were photographed holding banners with the slogan: 'Houses for the people of Malaga. Hotels for tourists'. Some also hung posters from their balconies and windows with messages saying: 'Housing is a right, not a business'. The demonstration will be led by campaign group 'Menys Turisme, Mes Vida' (Less tourism, more life), which claims that the everyday life of locals has become 'unbearable' thanks to foreign holidaymakers. Pictured: Campaigners today announcing the protest next month Meanwhile in Madrid, around 15,000 people gathered in the capital's neighbourhood of Atocha and marched towards Plaza de Espana shouting slogans like: 'Landlords are thieves' and 'Madrid will be the tomb of rentals'. Angry renters pointed to instances of international hedge funds buying up properties, often with the aim of renting them to foreign tourists. The question has become so politically charged that Barcelona's city government pledged last year to phase out all its 10,000 permits for short-term rentals, many of them advertised on platforms like Airbnb, by 2028. Marchers in Madrid last month chanted 'Get Airbnb out of our neighborhoods' and held up signs against short-term rentals. 'No more leaving our neighborhoods, our homes, or even our cities every five or seven years,' said Valeria Racu, spokesperson for the Madrid tenants' union, in a statement at the start of the demonstration. 'We're calling on the half-million households whose contracts expire in 2025 to stay home and resist,' she added. Last month, British holidaymakers were left cowering in hotels as protesters stormed the streets of the Canary Islands. Residents campaigning against over-tourism launched demonstrations across Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Ela Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, and Lanzarote. A stunning village in Switzerland that boasts views of the Alps is offering pay people to relocate there, in an attempt to welcome more families to the area. Set in the southwest of Switzerland, Albinen is offering 20,000 Swiss Francs (approximately 18,000) to anyone willing to uproot their life for the European spot, in a bid to combat continuing depopulation of the stunning area. For families, an additional 10,000 Swiss Francs (9,000) is up for grabs for each child, according to travel website Holiday Pirates. While it sounds almost too good to be true, there is a big catch that comes with the lucrative cash offer. Prospective movers will need to be able to fork out up to 200,000 Swiss Francs (180,000) for a home in the picturesque village. They will also need to be under 45 years of age to register for the scheme. But that's not the biggest requirement. To get the big payout, you'll also need to commit to living in Albinen for 10 years and eventually become a citizen of Switzerland. Set in the southwest of Switzerland, Albinen is offering 20,000 Swiss Francs (approximately 18,000) to anyone willing to uproot their life for the European spot For families, an additional 10,000 Swiss Francs (9,000) is up for grabs for each child Prospective movers will need to be able to fork out up to 200,000 Swiss Francs (180,000) for a home in the picturesque village The quiet village of Albinen dates back to 100BC. Its first church was constructed in 1861, with the first post office opening in 1895, followed by the first grocery store in 1906. Switzerland isn't the only country offering to pay people to move there, with neighbouring country Italy also offering monetary incentives. Sardinia is offering to pay 15,000 if you move to a rural area and renovate a home. It's from a gigantic fund worth 45million to combat depopulation and isolation. However, the criteria is also strict, and those looking to take the deal need to move to a town with no more than 3,000 inhabitants and make Sardinia their permanent residence within 18 months. Faro Airport in Portugal will start the rollout of e-gate access to UK arrivals this week ahead of the peak summer season in the Algarve, a minister revealed today. The announcement comes after the Government said on May 19 that British passport holders will be able to use e-gates at more European airports as part of a UK-EU deal. Since Brexit, Britons arriving at EU airports have generally been forced to queue for manned desks to have their passports stamped, rather than use automated gates with facial recognition technology leading to long waits, particularly in peak periods. But Nick Thomas-Symonds, the minister for EU relations, told the Commons today that UK tourists arriving at Faro over the coming days will be able to use e-gates. Taking a question about steps 'to improve relations with the EU, he said: 'The historic deal that we signed with the EU on May 19 is in our national interests. 'Good for bills, borders and jobs. It slashes red tape and bureaucracy, boosts British exporters and makes life easier for holidaymakers. Queues at the border for arrivals at Faro Airport in Portugal during the UK half-term on May 31 A social media photo of arrivals waiting at the border at Faro Airport in Portugal on May 15 A photo taken on May 20 of people waiting to get through the border at Faro Airport in Portugal 'Indeed, I'm delighted to confirm this morning that Faro Airport in Portugal will start the rollout of e-gate access to UK arrivals this week.' It comes after travellers arriving at Faro Airport in recent weeks have highlighted long waits to get through the border. The issue over British tourists queuing abroad has been described as one of the most visible impacts of the UK's withdrawal from the EU. British passports can currently be used at e-gates in the EU at only a limited number of airports in Spain and Portugal. Meanwhile the EU is planning to launch its long-delayed Entry/Exit System (EES) in October. This will replace the need for people arriving in the EU from non-member countries such as the UK to have their passports stamped. A file photograph of e-gates at Faro Airport in Portugal, a popular destination for UK tourists Faro Airport (pictured) is a popular hub for British travellers visiting the Algarve on holiday Instead, they will need to have their fingerprints scanned and a photograph taken to register them on a database, with the data stored for three years. But there are fears this will cause queues at EU airports, as well as at the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel's terminal in Folkestone and London's St Pancras railway station, where French border checks are carried out before people embark on cross-Channel journeys. The Government also announced last month that UK cats and dogs will be able to travel 'more easily' by 'eliminating the need for animal health certificates for every trip'. This is through the introduction of so-called pet passports. A new flight is set to give autumn city breakers something to cheer about, including access to one of Europe's most historical regions - with the added bonus of bargain pints too. Wizz Air has this week announced it's set to offer flights from Birmingham to Sibiu in Romania twice a week from October - and getting a beer in the culturally rich city will set tourists back just 1.85. The Midlands hub has seen the Hungarian airline launch a raft of new flights from there, with four new routes on offer, including Italian city break favourite Rome. October is a timely month to launch the Sibiu route too, for the city is in the heart of Transylvania, where Bram Stoker's blood-thirsty Dracula resided. Launching three days before Halloween, on October 28th, the route is set to start from 17.99 for a one-way ticket. While Romanias Transylvania region might be most famous as the home of the mythical Count, there's plenty of other attractions for tourists to sink their teeth into - with beautiful hiking, hearty food and picturesque towns and villages. Indeed, King Charles loves the region so much that he owns a home there, and has been visiting the region to take a breather from royal life for decades. The monarch secretly bought a run-down former farmhouse in Zalanpatak, close to the Carpathian Mountains, several years ago with the help of local landowner Count Kalnoky. Cheap beer and culture galore: from the autumn Midlanders will be able to jet from Birmingham to UNESCO World Heritage city Sibiu in Romania, after Wizz Air announced a new route The airline has launched four new routes from the Midlands' hub in recent months With great value food and pints that cost around 1.85, Sibiu is an ideal city break if you're on a budget Sibiu itself is teeming with Saxon heritage; a UNESCO World Heritage site, it's famous for striking, colourful buildings, great value food and local Ursus beer. According to recent research by Finder, Romania is the tenth cheapest place to enjoy a pint of the cold stuff in Europe, with a glass of beer costing just 1.85, significantly less than London's average pint, which comes in at 6.75. Wizz Air has become a major player in the low-cost flights market in recent years, recently announcing its 12 billion Customer First Compass transformation plan, which aims to put passengers at the heart of its future plans. Wizz Air Corporate Communications Manager, Olivia Harangozo, said of the new destination: 'We are excited to add this new route to our operations from Birmingham. 'Sibiu is one of Europes hidden gems, and we are delighted to give Brits more opportunities to visit this city and experience its - and Romanias - rich history and vibrant culture.' It's been a busy week for airline launches from the Midlands with TUI announcing plans to relaunch direct flights from East Midlands Airport to a leading African beach destination. The Midlands got another new route this week, when TUI announced it will offer flights to Sharm El Sheikh on Mondays and Thursdays from March 2026 The direct route to Egypt from the East Midlands was last offered in 2023 but will be brought back due to 'strong customer demand' The carrier will offer flights to Sharm El Sheikh on Mondays and Thursdays from March 2026. The direct route to Egypt from the East Midlands was last offered in 2023 but will be brought back due to 'strong customer demand'. TUI's UK and Ireland commercial director Chris Logan, said: 'Due to strong customer demand, we are thrilled to once again connect the East Midlands with the stunning Red Sea resort of Sharm El Sheikh. 'With hundreds of amazing hotels to choose from and guaranteed sunshine, Sharm El Sheikh is the perfect destination for a summer holiday. 'We have plenty of amazing all-inclusive deals with flexible flying options, and some of the best splash parks to entertain the kids.' A disabled grandmother has accused sunbed vigilantes of ruining her holiday after they hid her and her family's poolside towels. Wheelchair user Elaine Simpson, 77, from Manchester, was staying with her relatives at the Aquasol Aparthotel near Magaluf when the shocking incident took place. Ms Simpson had been looking forward to spending a day by the poolside and was given permission to reserve sun loungers due to her disability. But, her plans were ruined after a group of friends filmed themselves nicking the towels they had used to save their spots. Ms Simpson explained how her hotel room was on the fifth floor and far away from the pool. And, because she has chronic arthritis and is in a wheelchair, this made it a challenge for her to claim a hotel sunbed before they were all taken. The grandmother raised her concerns with reception and was granted permission to reserve the loungers. A disabled grandmother has accused sunbed vigilantes of ruining her family's holiday after they hid their pool-side towels. Pictured: Wheelchair user Elaine Simpson (R) with her family Wheelchair user Elaine Simpson, 77, from Manchester, was staying at the Aquasol Aparthotel near Magaluf when the shocking incident took place Ms Simpson had been looking forward to spending a day by the poolside and was given permission to reserve sun loungers due to her disability. But when the family arrived in the morning, the towels were gone. Pictured: Tourists moving the towels But, when the family arrived in the morning, the towels were gone and they were left without a space again. Ms Simpson told The Sun: 'The only thing that was available was white plastic chairs. 'They were too hard. And I cant lie down on the grass, Ive got chronic arthritis.' At first the family thought it might have been a life guard who had removed the towels in error. But it later transpired they were taken due to an awkward misunderstanding. A group of friends had assumed the towels were put down by tourists attempting to get ahead of the morning rush and were unaware an exception was made for the family. They shared a video on TikTok showing Ms Simpson's teenage grandsons laying out the towels in an attempt to expose who they mistakenly thought were queue jumpers. The innocent family came under fire in the comments section - with viewers criticizing them for the apparent breach of hotel rules. Ms Simpson said: 'It was vile. My grandsons are 13 and 15, they had no right to post any pictures of them. A group of friends had assumed the towels were put down by tourists attempting to get ahead of the morning rush and were unaware an exception was made for the family They shared a video on TikTok showing the teenagers laying out the towels in what was perceived as a rebellion against queue jumpers. Pictured: Ms Simpson's grandson's putting down the towels 'They were just trying to look out for me. 'They've not right to do that without checking the facts. 'What somebody saw, and the truth, are completely different.' Ms Simpson said her daughter has contacted the TikToker who posted the original video and that she apologised profusely for the confusion and took the clip down. It comes after British holidaymakers were seen queuing for over an hour in a bid to secure the best poolside spots at a Canary Islands resort. Sunseekers armed with towels, suncream, and flipflops were captured in bizarre footage on May 28 lining up for the pool at the Barcelo Lanzarote Active Resort, Las Palmas, Spain. It appears the sunbed wars are now in full swing with hotel guests setting alarms extra early just to form queues to the pool area until staff give them the all clear. The queue of people has become a regular morning routine for holidaymakers at the Spanish hotel according to guests. Isabelle Hanssen, whose balcony overlooks the pool watched on at the pool goers eagerly waited in line. According to the halfpipe skier, the queue is usually made up of Brits with a few Germans also standing in line. Isabelle, from the Netherlands, also revealed that the queues start from as early as 8am despite the pool not opening until 9:30am. With multiple entrances to the pool, lines of ten people plus could be seen forming all around the area. A first look at the remaining two episodes of Prime Video's Clarkson's Farm has been revealed. The much-loved documentary series, which follows former Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson run his own farm in Oxfordshire, returned for its fourth season earlier this month. The first four instalments were dropped on 23 May, followed two more on 30 May, and the last two will be available to enjoy this Friday (6 June). Prime Video have dropped a sneak peek of what to expect at the end of the week - and it's certainly not one to miss. As fans will know, the series has watched Jeremy work hard on his farm Diddly Squat and take on a new project of managing his own pub. Episode seven, named Hurrying, sees the TV star start to worry as he realises that the August bank holiday weekend is closer than he thought. 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. Clarkson's Farm shares first look at Jeremy's epic pub makeover - as punters queue down the road for bank holiday blowout at The Farmer's Dog Prime Video have dropped a sneak peek of what to expect at the end of the week - and it's certainly not one to miss - as Jeremy gets his pub ready for punters As fans will know, the series has watched Jeremy work hard on his farm Diddly Squat and take on a new project of managing his own pub And episode eight, named Landlording, sees the Bank holiday arrive and the pub's grand-opening. Jeremy and the gang manage to spot some problems, but they are luckily fixed before the punters get through the door. In one snap Kaleb Cooper has a big smile on his face as he puts The Farmer's Dog sign up outside the boozer. While in another the farmer is in high spirits as he chats away to Jeremy outside the pub with a pint. Jeremy can also be seen getting stuck in to make sure that the pub is ready for the customers to come through the door. The telly legend is also seen checking in with one of the chefs in the kitchen. The Farmer's Dog stunning interior is also shown, including a funky red light up sign that says Farmers' Clubhouse. Other pictures show guests waiting outside to have a look inside the lavish eatery. The Farmer's Dog stunning interior is also shown, including a funky red light up sign that says Farmers' Clubhouse In one snap Kaleb Cooper has a big smile on his face as he puts The Farmer's Dog sign up outside the boozer Other pictures show guests waiting outside to have a look inside the lavish eatery It comes after new Diddly Squat farmhand Harriet Cowan took a cheeky swipe at boss Jeremy Clarkson by claiming not all farmers are '60-year-old men with beer bellies'. The glam blonde, 24, starred in season four of the Prime Video show Clarkson's Farm, which follows former Top Gear host, 65, as he masters the art of farming, after manager Kaleb, 26, was unable to appear in several episodes. Now Harriett, who also works as a nurse, has said she hopes her starring role in the show will help challenge the stereotype of who can be a farmer. She told BBC News: 'I think when you talk to somebody and ask what they stereotypically think of when someone says farmer they say "60-year-old man with a checked shirt and a beer belly", and a lot of the time that is it, but us women are out here and farmers too,' 'Just because I'm a small, blonde that likes to curl her hair and wear make-up, it doesn't mean I can't be a farmer'. New Diddly Squat farmhand Harriet Cowan, 24, took a cheeky swipe at boss Jeremy Clarkson by claiming not all farmers are '60-year-old men with beer bellies' The glam blonde, starred in season four of the Prime Video show Clarkson's Farm, which follows former Top Gear host as he masters the art of farming (pictured together on the show) 'I'm trying to change the norm of the man being the farmer and the woman being the stay-at-home wife and cook. When the war was on, women did all the farming, so we have always farmed - it's just changing that stereotype'. On Thursday Harriet was seen posing with her new fans at the Staffordshire County Show after swiftly becoming a fan favourite. She cut a casual figure in a white T-shirt and blue jeans as she strolled around, looking at the livestock and tractors. While enjoying a day out in the sun, several fans stopped Harriet to ask for a picture, with one penning on Instagram: 'Made my day' Stafford County Show is a two-day agricultural show with competitions for livestock & horses, over 400 trade stands, country pursuits area with something for all the family on Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 May 2025. The outing comes after Harriet broke her silence on a 'fake' Clarkson's Farm scene as she spoke candidly on on the Should I Delete That podcast with Jeremy's daughter Emily this week. She spoke about one scene in the trailer that she thought seemed 'fake' when she watched it back but was in fact completely true. They discussed on the podcast how busy farmers are and how Harriet also works a full time nursing job five days a week. Now Harriett, who also works as a nurse, has said she hopes her starring role in the show will help challenge the stereotype of who can be a farmer She said: 'Just because I'm a small, blonde that likes to curl her hair and wear make-up, it doesn't mean I can't be a farmer' 'I'm trying to change the norm of the man being the farmer and the woman being the stay-at-home wife and cook (L-R Jeremy and Kaleb pictured on the show) Emily asked her: 'Do you ever sit down with your boyfriend and chill together, or eat together? It sounds impossible.' Harriet then said: 'No! In the trailer where it's like, 'Have you watched Clarkson's Farm before?' And I'm like, 'No', and when I watched it it looked so fake. 'But it is so real because we don't watch telly. 'Literally, if we watch something, James will sit down, his head will hit the back of the sofa and he's asleep because the second he can rest, he'll sleep, because he's so tired all the time.' On the podcast Harriet also spoke about breaking stereotypes of women working in farming. She said of appearing on the show: 'I wanted to show that women can do it too, we are there but people can't see it. Women can do it. 'Most people think of just older men wearing checked shirts when it comes to farming. On Thursday Harriet was seen posing with her new fans at the Staffordshire County Show after swiftly becoming a fan favourite She cut a casual figure in a white T-shirt and blue jeans as she strolled around, looking at the livestock and tractors 'I am challenging people's views of what people think a farmer looks like. People are so shocked when they drive past and I'm in the tractor they just stare.' Clarkson's Farm series one to three are available to stream exclusively on Prime Video. Series four will air from May 23, with two additional episodes released a week later on May 30, followed by the final two on June 6. Kristin Cavallari has sensationally admitted to 'dry humping' Hollywood superstar Glen Powell after they secretly hooked up on a wild trip to Greece. The 38-year-old dropped the bombshell during the premiere episode of her new E! series Honestly Cavallari on Wednesday. The cameras followed her podcast tour including her first stop in Atlanta, where she had a colorful chat with Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kim Zolciak in front of a packed crowd. Kristin's best friend Justin also joined the show, where he eagerly spilled the tea about the single mom's date with A-lister Powell. 'She recently went on a date with... she's gonna be so mad at me, actually, with Glen Powell, and I wanted it to happen so bad!' Justin said as Kristin screamed, 'Justin!' The show then featured a clip from four days earlier with Kristin and Justin explaining that they were, 'partying in Greece' when Powell, '36, 'literally ran into [her].' Kristin Cavallari dropped a major bombshell in the premiere episode of her new reality TV show The star admitted to going on a date and 'dry humping' Hollywood superstar Glen Powell (pictured) Justin joked, 'And then you guys had a really fun night together,' as Kristin admitted, 'I never f***ed him, just putting that out there.' Justin then asked, 'You guys dry humped, though?' After a pause Kristin smiled and said, 'Yeah, we did,' as they both laughed. Back in Atlanta, Kristin told the crowd, 'OK, I have to go on record, when this comes out, I had nothing to f***ing do with it!' She was also asked about the Glen Powell date/dry humping session on Watch What Happens Live after the premiere. She was asked by a virtual fan how she would rate Powell as a kisser on a scale of 1 to 10, but she played coy. 'Oh my God, you guys. I don't know what you're talking about,' she said with a laugh. Cohen then mentioned that she did admit to dry humping Powell on her show, which would lead people to believe that they kissed, but she played coy again. 'Did I say that? Maybe we didn't kiss?' Cavallari said with a laugh, but Cohen asked how good of a dry humper he was, on a scale from 1 to 10. 'I'm not answering this question,' Cavallari said, before admitting that there were 'jeans' involved, but adding, 'I'm not saying too much.' The 38-year-old reality star debuted her new series on E! Wednesday, which follows her embarking on her podcast tour Her best friend Justin also joined the show, where he spilled some tea for the crowd when a fan asked about Kristin's dating life as a single mom. 'She recently went on a date with... she's gonna be so mad at me, actually, with Glen Powell, and I wanted it to happen so bad!' Justin said as Kristin screamed, 'Justin!' Before the Glen Powell admission, a fan asked how she dates as a single mother of three kids. 'It's been a lot with my kids, in the last year. I now have them a lot more than I did, and so dating, it hasn't been the priority,' Cavallari admitted. 'But in nine years, when my kids are off at college, I'm gonna be all over the world, with all the guys, doing all the things,' she said. The show also opens with a glimpse into Cavallari's home life, revealing her nine-day tour will be the longest she won't be seeing her kids in over a year. 'It's podcast tour week. I'm not gonna see them for nine days, which is... That's a long stretch. We used to do week on, week off. 50-50 custody, but that changed over a year ago,' she said. She also added on WWHL that her kids had been asking her for 'the last couple of years' to post pictures of them on social media and include them in her shows, but she wanted to wait until they were the right age. 'So I've just been waiting for them to be old enough to make the decision. Yes they've been asking me for the last couple of years to post them and all these things. They really wanted to be part of the show,' she said. She added, 'They filmed for two days. I think they're in maybe three scenes. It's very minimal, but they loved it and they had fun. And so, yeah, I'm happy to be able to share that part of my world now.' 'I never f***ed him, just putting that out there,' Cavallari insisted; Powell seen in April Justin then asked, 'You guys dry humped, though?' After a pause Kristin smiled and said, 'Yeah, we did,' as they both laughed 'So, this will be the longest that I've gone without seeing them in, like, a year, and that's gonna be hard,' she admitted. 'I think deep down I knew, um, I was very unhappy at that point in my life and really stressed out. And my kids were young, so it's not like they were seeing headlines or anything,' she said of her relationship with ex Jay Cutler. 'But now my kids are 12, 10, and 9, and that's my priority right now. I see little bits of me in all of them, actually. They get all their good qualities from me,' she joked. Cavallari and Cutler were married from 2013 until their split in 2020. Cavallari and Cutler's divorce was finalized in June 2022. Before getting with Cutler, she was linked to fellow reality TV star Brody Jenner, Justin "Justin Bobby" Brescia and Stephen Colletti. When she reentered the dating game in 2020 following her split from Cutler, Kristin enjoyed an on/off relationship with standup comedian Jeff Dye. However, things turned sour between the pair after Dye was arrested on suspicion of a DUI in front of her that October 2023. He is now sober. She was also briefly linked to country singer Chase Rice in late 2021. ' She dated TikTok hunk Mark Estes, who is 13 years younger than her, for seven months in 2024. She cited their age-gap as the reason for their split. Powell previously dated model Gigi Paris from 2020 to 2023; the exes seen in January 2023 Powell's relationship with Paris came to an abrupt end just as romance rumors began to swirl about him and his then-engaged Anyone But You co-star Sydney Sweeney, 27, in April 2023; Powell and Sweeney seen in December 2023 Cavallari got back into the dating game in 2020 following her divorce from NFL star Jay Cutler; the exes seen in 2019 She was also briefly linked to country singer Chase Rice in late 2021. That same year, Kristin also addressed rumors that she dated Morgan Wallen. She later confirmed that they did got on a date and claimed that the singer is 'good in bed.' More recently, Kristin dated former NHL star Nate Thompson. Despite the relationship being the 'most honest, pure, amazing' one she's had, Cavallari parted way with Thompson in March because she came to the realization that she 'didn't wanna be in a relationship.' As for Kristin's hot date Glen Powell, the A-list star has been linked to a slew of famous beauties since bursting onto the Hollywood scene in the early 2000s. Powell's first famous girlfriend was Vampire Diaries star Nina Dobrev, 36. The duo first started dating in early 2017 but their romance fizzled out by that December. Nearly a year after his breakup with Dobrev, Powell moved on with Australian TV host Renee Bargh in 2018. Last year, Cavallari was linked to TikTok hunk Mark Estes, who is 13 years younger than her. They split in September 2024 Cavallari admitted last year to going on a date with controversial country singer Morgan Wallen. She revealed that Wallen is 'good in bed'; Wallen seen on June 2 The relationship proved to be short-lived as just months later Bargh confirmed to DailyMail.com that she was 'single.' Powell found love again in 2020 with brunette model Gigi Paris. Paris quickly became Powell's red carpet plus one as he took her to a slew of major Hollywood events, including the 2022 premiere of Top Gun: Maverick. However, Powell's relationship with Paris came to an abrupt end just as romance rumors began to swirl about him and his then-engaged Anyone But You co-star Sydney Sweeney, 27, in April 2023. While the co-stars have repeatedly denied having a love connection, Powell did admit to Business Insider that he and Sweeney leaned into the gossip to promote the comedy film. He did say it was 'harder' for him to lean into it due to his ongoing split from Paris. 'The only reason it made things harder for me to lean into that stuff was that I was going through a very real breakup amidst a promotional tour,' he told the outlet in December 2023. 'I was with someone that I really loved and cared about and was trying to kind of make sense of a lot of stuff. It was a lot easier for Sydney to lean into something like that because she's in a very committed and wonderful relationship and she's very happy. So it was a little harder for me.' Powell and Sweeney once again became the subject of dating rumors earlier this year when the actress called off her engagement to her longtime fiance Jonathan Davino, 41. Honestly Cavallari: The Headline Tour airs new episodes Tuesdays at 10 PM ET on E! A guest on The Repair Shop fought back tears recounting the death of his 'soulmate' dad - and revealed his heart-wrenching last three words. The BBC show, presented by Will Kirk and Dominic Chinea, sees a team of skilled craftsmen repair broken items beloved by guests for their sentimental value. Last night's episode saw Will head to Oldham, Greater Manchester, to collect a vintage fruit machine from guest John Geraghty. He explained his father bought it as a birthday and housewarming gift for his mother nearly five decades ago. But his father sadly died not long after in a car crash - having headed out on a mere ten-minute trip, saying the heartbreaking three words: 'I'll be back'. 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. A guest on The Repair Shop (pictured) fought back tears recounting the death of his 'soulmate' dad - revealing his heart-wrenching last three words Last night's episode saw Will (pictured) head to Oldham, Greater Manchester, to collect a vintage fruit machine from guest John Geraghty But his father (pictured with John, in an old photograph) sadly died not long after in a car crash - having headed out on a mere ten-minute trip, saying the heartbreaking three words, 'I'll be back' John recounted the awful day to Will, which started with his father receiving a phone call from a close friend, saying he had broken down: 'Me and my dad always wanted to help somebody out. 'We both jumped in the van, reversed off the drive and as we did, a friend of mine appeared. 'My dad said, "Why don't you jump out of the van? You stay here with Neil - I'll be ten minutes, I'll be back.' Getting out of the van was a split decision that saved John's life: 'A car came out of a junction without stopping. 'By the time the fire brigade got there, unfortunately it was too late.' Will was moved by the tragic story, saying: 'Must've been tough.' John gave a touching reply: 'Yeah because my dad was my soulmate. You know, I'm an only child and me and my dad did everything together. 'I think about it every year and on that day, June 28, and on his birthday. We were so close and it still hurts now.' John recounted the awful day to Will, which started with his father receiving a phone call from a close friend, saying he had broken down The Repair Shop team had a mountain to climb when it came to fixing the item - it had a stuck mechanism and damaged paintwork, and John had never seen the lights work Asked to describe his father's character, he said fondly: 'He was the life and soul of the party.' The tragic story makes the fruit machine all the more special: 'It's the one big thing we've still got that I can walk past everyday and it reminds me of my dad and it reminds me of my mum. 'It'll be lovely to see it restored and working again.' The Repair Shop team had a mountain to climb when it came to fixing the item - it had a stuck mechanism and damaged paintwork, and John had never seen the lights work. But arcade expert Geoff Harvey rose to the challenge, fully restoring the fruit machine to its former glory over several days - to John's absolute delight. The emotional episode came after fans of The Repair Shop were left 'in tears' at another instalment of the show earlier this year - as a family were finally 'brought peace' after their item was fixed. It saw electrical expert Mark Stuckey get to work on restoring guests Zaff and Nasari's vintage projector, which belonged to their dad. The siblings' father brought the projector with him to Rochdale after being forced to flee Uganda in 1972. The emotional episode came after fans of The Repair Shop were left 'in tears' at another instalment of the show earlier this year (pictured) - as a family were finally 'brought peace' after their item was fixed It saw electrical expert Mark Stuckey get to work on restoring guests Zaff and Nasari's vintage projector, which belonged to their dad The brother-sister duo were hoping to restore the projector, almost 50 years after it was last used, as they said it contained precious memories from their life in the African country. Zaff and Nasari became emotional as the newly-fixed projector was unveiled, both tearing up. 'Oh my God, wow,' said Zaff, as Nasari added: 'It looks brand-new.' The pair then got to view memories of their parents they had never seen before, which saw expert Mark ask: 'Was it as you hoped?' 'And more,' Nasari said, getting choked up. 'It brought me peace, seeing my mum and dad and how we were and my grandfather, how much time we spent together. Yeah, happy memories.' 'I bet you can't wait to get back home and get the family together,' Mark said, to which Zaff added: 'Absolutely. A big get-together, I think and have a viewing, basically.' Viewers of The Repair Shop were also left emotional at the segment, with one saying: 'Don't know why I'm tearing up.' The Repair Shop airs Wednesdays on BBC One and is available to stream on iPlayer. Welcome to The Group Chat with Lucy Manly, where Australia's most-trusted society insider shares the hottest gossip BEFORE it makes the news. Andy's new love after 'sudden' marriage split If the dating pool in Sydney wasn't scarce enough, it comes with a heavy heart that I announce Sydney's most eligible bachelor, publicist Andy El-Bayeh, is off the market. Just weeks after I revealed his plans to expand his creative agency Example in the Middle East, I spied him locking lips with designer and podcaster Raquelle Saba. Their passionate clinch was snapped by Wittner shoes heiress and foodie content creator Lucy Rosenberg during a trip to Dubai last week. Lucy's caption, 'Dubai is so lucky,' all but confirms my scoop Andy is bound for the Gulf, even though he downplayed the gossip at the time. Sydney's most eligible bachelor, publicist Andy El-Bayeh, is off the market after finding love with spicy podcaster Raquelle Saba Snaps posted by Wittner shoes heiress Lucy Rosenberg all but confirm my recent scoop that Andy is bound for the Middle East, even though he downplayed the gossip at the time Saba (left), from Melbourne, hosts sex and dating podcast Sugar and Spice. Andy's split from Harriet Williams (together, right) last year made him one of Sydney's most eligible bachelors Their relationship looks to be quite serious, with Saba, a Melbourne girl, attending the businessman's birthday shindig in March. Saba co-founded clothing brand Raga Malak alongside Gadir Rajab - the man best known for being the stylist for Mrs Kanye West, Bianca Censori. She also hosts the sex and dating podcast Sugar and Spice - though a recent episode on watersports was, frankly, too much even for these ears. Andy has kept a relatively low profile since his two-year marriage to the wealthy kinesiologist Harriet Williams abruptly and mysteriously collapsed last year. The split, which hit the headlines last August, was described by society insiders as 'sudden' as they had been posting loved-up snaps together only weeks earlier while travelling around Greece and Italy with other couples. The popular Bondi duo, who had been together for six years, said 'I do' during a three-day wedding in the Southern Highlands in March 2022. The ceremony reportedly set them back a million dollars. The epic 72-hour-long event kicked off with welcome drinks held in the historic halls of Osborn House. The newlyweds then tied the knot on the grounds of the Wollumbi Estate, exchanging vows underneath a picture-perfect forest canopy. Their relationship looks to be serious, with Saba attending Andy's birthday shindig in March She certainly doesn't seem to be the shy and retiring type - I'll put it that way... Saba co-founded clothing brand Raga Malak alongside Gadir Rajab (left)- the man best known for being the stylist for Mrs Kanye West, Bianca Censori (right) (In)voice in my head Property developer and eastern suburbs toyboy Max Shepherd was in a chipper mood when I rang him days before his Darling Point apartment - the one he renovated with ex-girlfriend Dina Broadhurst - finally went to auction on Thursday. 'We're feeling confident,' he said of the campaign with all the bravado of a man who's done it a thousand times before. Then I put a little rumour to him that turned the conversation sour. You see, I'd heard Max had been so preoccupied finding a buyer for his blue-chip apartment that an invoice had slipped through the cracks. Nothing major, I should add, and I don't suggest he was trying to avoid paying. But whispers have a way of finding me... When I asked if he'd be using his windfall to settle that bill, he snapped, 'Yeah, I am not commenting on that. That's all irrelevant with the property I have got.' Message received! Property developer and eastern suburbs toyboy Max Shepherd (left, with ex Dina Broadhurst) was in good spirits when I called him days before his Darling Point unit was due to go to auction The apartment was first put up for sale last year with a $11.5million guide, but didn't sell. It ended up selling prior to auction on Thursday, with Dina looking very pleased with the result We checked in with Highland Double Bay director David Malouf last night who confirmed the unit had sold prior to auction for 'around' the $8.4million price guide Max had been keeping his followers abreast of the looming auction on social media Dina and Max - friendly exes, by all accounts - bought the harbourside unit for $5.2million in 2022 and transformed it into a breezy, modern paradise complete with a home studio tailor-made for an artist like Dina. They renovated it during their four-year relationship but never properly moved in. The blue-chip apartment was first put up for sale late last year with a $11.5million guide, but they couldn't find a buyer so the listing was yanked in January. Dina, 48, told us at the time she'd had second thoughts about letting the unit go. But sentiment only stretches so far. The flat, described in its listing as having 'house-like proportions', went to auction on Thursday via Highland Double Bay with a more realistic guide of $8.4million. We checked in with Highland director David Malouf last night who confirmed the unit had sold prior to auction 'for around the price guide'. The auction was held at Highland Double Bay's offices (seen here), but Dina and Max's pad was able to find a buyer before bidding began Our photographer captured the moment a beaming Dina learned the good news the apartment she had been renovating for years had finally sold The 'nude artist' paired a knit jumper with a short, white skirt that showed off her ageless legs So congratulations to Max and Dina on their $3million windfall. Indeed, our photographer spied a beaming Dina leaving the apartment that afternoon, and captured the moment she learned the home had sold. After splitting from Dina in mid-2023, Max dated American actress and former Vanderpump Rules star Vail Bloom. He was even close with her children until the wheels came off that relationship in February. I hear Max could be about to become a stepfather again after he was spotted cosying up to Simone Holtznagel at Justin Hemmes' Silver Party charity gala last month. The former Australia's Next Top Model runner-up shares daughter Gia with celebrity trainer Jono Castano. They split about nine weeks after their child was born. And finally... guess who, don't sue Which playboy was prescribed a strong dose of antibiotics after a night of passion with a blind item regular resulted in a nasty infection? That's right, boys. Always play it safe. As the saying goes, 'If it's not on, it's not on!' Channel Nine star Scott Cam momentarily shocked fans when his new TV gig was announced this week. As filming of the upcoming series of The Block wraps up, the long-serving host already has a new project in the works. The television tradie, 62, will appear alongside three-time Olympian Dr Jana Pittman, 42, to host a two-part series all about identical twins. Australia's Most Identical will see 100 sets of twins undertake a raft of challenges and tests in an effort to be crowned Australia's most identical siblings. The series will see UK TV presenters Dr Xand and Dr Chris van Tulleken, themselves identical twins, set the challenges, while Australian twin experts Professor Sarah Wilson and Professor Jeff Craig will analyse the results in conjunction with Twin Research Australia. 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. Channel Nine star Scott Cam is certainly not one to rest on his laurels. As filming of the upcoming series of The Block wraps up, the series' long-serving host has revealed a new TV gig It was a role Cam was born to play, as he is the father of twins, Bill and Sarah, 26. The reality veteran also shares another son Charlie, 29, with his wife of more than 30 years Ann. Meanwhile Pittman welcomed twins - Quinlan and Willow - back in 2022, expanding her brood to six. She shares Quinlan and Willow, along with Emily, nine, Jemima, eight, and Charlie, two, with husband Paul Gatward, as well as Cornelis, 18, with first husband Chris Rawlinson. It's been a long road to get the series to screens, with Nine announcing Australia's Most Identical as part of its 2024 lineup. Fans need no fret about Cam's future on The Block, with the popular star confirming he has no plans on leaving the show earlier his year. Meanwhile, Cam recently revealed that he has become a grandfather for the first time. He shared a gallery of photos to social media in May confirming his son Charlie and his partner Amber had welcomed their first child, a beautiful girl. The Sydney-born presenter revealed in the caption the birth happened last month and he is now going public: 'As of five weeks ago, I became a grandfather to beautiful Tiggy. The television tradie will appear alongside three-time Olympian Dr Jana Pittman to host a two-part series all about identical twins Australia's Most Identical is a two-part series that will see 100 sets of twins undertake a raft of challenges and tests in an effort to be crowned Australia's most identical siblings 'I'm so proud of Charlie and Amber. She is absolutely gorgeous.' It's certainly been a busy time for Cam, who was recently revealed as being the second highest paid small screen star in the land on a formidable $2.4million. He is sitting comfortable behind Today host Karl Stefanovic on $2.8million and ahead of another Nine colleague, Andy Lee, on $2million. The Nine star has been busy with the anticipated 21st season of the reality show in Daylesford, Victoria. It seems fans will soon get to see the fruits of his efforts with Block foreman Dan Reilly teasing the new series was imminent. Reilly took to his social media on Sunday to share a gallery of snaps featuring cast and crew from the Daylesford construction site in rural Victoria. While he was careful not to show off any of the homes featured in the upcoming season, a glimpse of what appears to be completed structures can be seen in the background of one photo. Aerial photos released in April revealed that the 2025 season will feature some massive homes. It was a role Cam was born to play, as he is the father of twins, Bill and Sarah, 26. (pictured) The reality veteran also shares another son Charlie, 29, with his wife of more than 30 years Ann. Meanwhile Pittman welcomed twins - Quinlan and Willow - back in 2022, expanding her brood to six The sprawling construction site located in the tiny rural getaway, 112km from Melbourne, features five blocks. All of the two-storey dwellings are built as a 'H' design layout with courtyard spaces in front and back of the home. It comes after claims that the upcoming season allegedly hit a serious snag which had caused production to be delayed. An industry insider exclusively told Daily Mail Australia in January that filming was set to commence in Daylesford that month but was pushed back. Production on the popular Channel Nine reality renovation series was slated to begin in February after being delayed for a month. Walton Goggins and Aimee Lou Wood have spilled the details of their saucy never-before seen sex scene that got cut from The White Lotus. The juicy tidbit came during a bizarre interview in which they finally addressed the feud rumors between them, which hit an all-time high after they unfollowed each other on Instagram. Months after feverish speculation that the White Lotus costars had a strained relationship, Goggins, 53, got emotional as he insisted they were on good terms. 'There is no feud. I adore, I love this woman madly, and she is so important to me,' he insisted during a joint interview for Variety's Actors on Actors series. At another point in their back-and-forth, the pair raised the curtain on the steamy onstream relationship between their characters - including one tantalizing moment that never made it to the airwaves. In the cut sequence, the characters apparently met up with one another at the beach, returned to their bedroom to talk over the state of their equation and then made love. Walton Goggins and Aimee Lou Wood have spilled the details of their saucy never-before seen sex scene that got cut from The White Lotus, on which they are pictured 'We designed the whole journey, even down to the fact that Chelsea gets on Rick in the first [love] scene. Then in the last episode, it was Rick picking Chelsea up. It was so, so delicate,' Wood explained. Goggins shared that the scene gave the sense of 'two people who were free,' juxtaposed with the first scene, which indicated their bond. 'It was this very long, suspended moment of these two people looking at each other. It was so powerful,' added the The Hateful Eight actor. Demonstrating his cheeky sense of humor, Goggins also offered a message to The White Lotus creator Mike White: 'F*** you, Mike! We want a directors cut!' Goggins, who has been married to Nadia Conners since 2011, sang Wood's praises as he raved: 'This is Goldie Hawn. This is Meg Ryan. She can do anything, and she will.' 'You watch what the next 20 years of her experience will be. Ill be on an island, I think Greece. But shes special. There is no feud. She is love and I know that I am that to her. We care about each other very deeply,' he continued. Wood proceeded to address the outrage over headlines that Goggins unfollowed her on social media, which fans perceived as a sign they did not get along. 'I think its such a comment on where were at culturally,' she said over the online fury. 'Why is everyone obsessing over Instagram? That is irrelevant. We dont give a s**t about Instagram.' Their characters apparently met up with one another at the beach, returned to their bedroom to talk over the state of their equation and then made love; seen in a different scene Wood explained she wished more people were having 'conversations about the story' of their White Lotus characters, Rick and Chelsea, and simply enjoying the show. As rumors swirled about them, Wood revealed she initially wanted to correct people, but feared her words would get twisted. 'Eventually I just started to sit back and watch these people making something out of absolutely nothing,' she said of why she stayed silent. Goggins chimed in to say: 'If I may add, just to put this to bed? The following or unfollowing. Im a grown-a** man.' The star went on to confess that he has historically struggled with goodbyes. For example, Goggins recalled hugging his former Justified costar Tim Olyphant and telling him: 'I love you, and I hope I see you in rooms for the rest of my life.' 'I didnt talk to him for almost two years. Ive done that with every single thing that Ive done,' he admitted. Goggins then claimed had he been following Olyphant or his The Shield co-star Michael Chiklis that he would have unfollowed them too. The juicy tidbit came during a bizarre interview in which they finally addressed the feud rumors between them, for Variety's Actors On Actors Seeing the humor in the situation, Goggins declared: 'You know what? Ill follow you right now!' 'Its all so ridiculous,' he quipped. 'Its just a part of me just saying goodbye to this character so that now Aimee and I will be friends for f**king ever.' In response, Wood gave him a hug and says: 'I completely understand.' 'I love you,' he declares, before tearfully explaining he is 'emotional' because they 'havent been in the same city to ever talk about any of this.' 'Hopefully that answers everybodys questions,' he concludes. 'What else? Do you guys want to talk about astrology?' The pair's on-screen chemistry and appearing on each other's social media pages sparked up questions about their relationship off-camera earlier this year Wrapping production on The White Lotus, which was filmed in Thailand over a period of seven months, was a particularly painful experience for him. Following the death of his first wife Leanne Goggins, who died by suicide in 2004, Goggins searched for peace through traveling. This led him to Thailand, then to Bangkok, in the same location as The White Lotus. 'My catharsis in this experience was different than other peoples, because of my history in this place. I knew what we had gone through, and I knew how close that we had gotten, and I needed to begin to process saying goodbye to Rick and Chelsea,' Goggins explained through tears. He continued: 'And I knew that that was going to take a while for me, so I let her know, this is what Ive gotta do. And she was extremely supportive about that.' 'I needed to just back away from everyone,' he said. 'I havent spoken to anyone. I couldnt handle it. Judge me or dont. I dont give a f**k what you think. This is my process. Rick means everything to me, and Chelsea means everything to me.' Goggins and Wood portrayed star-crossed lovers Rick and Chelsea on the latest season of the HBO show, with both their characters dying in the dramatic final episode. Mitchell Orval and Chloe Szepanowski are making the move and starting fresh in a new state. The controversial Gold Coast influencers, who had their home broken into back in 2022, are moving to Newcastle after Mitchell's brother confirmed the relocation in an Instagram comment. Chloe, 26, took to Instagram in May to share a picture of a removalist van at her and Mitch's, 28, Palm Beach pad. 'Moving day,' she captioned the post, which showed a truck parked outside her home. 'We have a few weeks until settlement so we are storing everything until we move! So so handy.' 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. Mitchell Orval and Chloe Szepanowski are making the move and starting fresh She also posted a clip of workers lifting their furniture and carrying it out of their home. Ever since, fans have been scratching their heads as to where the young family will be setting down their roots, with many questioning if they'll stay on the Gold Coast or move across the country. Mitchell's brother Dylan cleared the air, commenting on a post by an influencer news Instagram page that the couple were heading to New South Wales. 'Theyre moving to Newcastle,' he wrote, accompanied with a crying emoji. This isn't the first time the couple have moved house. Three years ago, Mitchell and Chloe fled their $2.75 million home after intruders entered the premises a few months prior, trying to steal their car. The couple said they sold their mansion because they were too 'traumatised' to go back after the brazen break-in early in the year. The Szep founder took to social media to disclose the reason why she had to leave the Gold Coast home with her family. The controversial Gold Coast influencers, who had their home broken into back in 2022, are moving to Newcastle after Mitchell's brother confirmed the relocation in an Instagram comment 'We have a few weeks until settlement so we are storing everything until we move!' she wrote 'We got broken into at 3am one morning when we were all upstairs,' Szepanowski wrote in the post on Monday. 'The footage gives me legit trauma 'cause I was upstairs screaming, while I didn't know what was happening downstairs.' Two figures were seen in the video running from the house - one got into Szepanowski's car, while the other opened the big gate before fleeing on foot. After it was opened, Orval's car is seen parked at the gate, blocking the exit. The video then showed the person in the car trying to manoeuvre it out, but with the exit obstructed they were unable to get out. An enraged Orval is seen in the video running out in the night to confront the car thief, before he is almost run over and crushed by the vehicle during the fracas. Orval had gone downstairs and 'caught them in our house', the YouTuber said, before speaking about the confrontation her boyfriend had with 'a guy' in her car. 'They got my keys and tried to steal my car, while Mitch's car was in the driveway so they couldn't get out,' Szepanowski said. The Szep founder took to social media to disclose the reason why she had to leave the Gold Coast home with her family 'It was basically Mitch and this guy going head to head in the front yard ... the guy tried to run Mitch over with my car multiple times.' 'I thought Mitch was legit going to be dead on the driveway' the fashion influencer said. 'This is the third time in 2022 we got broken into, but this time it was really traumatic for the entire family.' She said she learnt the value of safety that night, especially having her son Arti in the house. 'You go into some crazy mode of survival and fight when someone is in your house and you have a young [one] to protect.' The online star said the house's location had been posted 'everywhere literally' since the family had moved in but took the ordeal as a lesson to become more private. Cruz Beckham is reportedly preparing to launch his music career and is visiting the studio most days. The youngest of the Beckham sons, 20, who kickstarted his career when he was just 11 years old, has been working on new material and has his sights set on an official release later this year. And the budding musician has the full support of his girlfriend Jackie Apostel, 29, who is said to often join him at the studio. The Sun revealed: 'Cruz is in the studio most days and Jackie loves to join him when she's around. They have a shared passion for music. 'This is a really exciting time for Cruz. He's got people supporting him and guiding him, including Luke Pritchard from The Kooks, and the tunes he's coming up with are sounding really great.' 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. Cruz Beckham is reportedly preparing to launch his music career as the star heads to the studio most days - and girlfriend Jackie Apostel is his biggest supporter The budding musician, 20, has the full support of his girlfriend Jackie Apostel, 29, who is said to often join him at the studio (the pair pictured performing at David's 50th in May) However the star is keen to rush anything as they added: 'Cruz isn't rushing into releasing anything until what he has done is perfect.' Back in March it was revealed that Cruz was writing songs with British indie legends The Kooks. The band's frontman Luke told The Sun how he was eager to help the youngster 'navigate' his future career in music. He told the publication: 'We started writing songs together and we've become mates. 'I'd just love to help him navigate [a career in music]. He's naturally going to come under criticism because of who his parents are - he's aware of that. Cruz reportedly signed with the top music management company C3, who worked with US indie group The Strokes, as well as Thirty Seconds To Mars. Meanwhile last month Cruz and Jackie performed a duet at David's 50th birthday party. Taking to the stage at London's esteemed restaurant Core, Jackie took to Instagram to share the heartwarming video as they belted out the song Victoria and David love for the crowds. The youngest of the Beckham sons, who kickstarted his career when he was just 11 years old, has been working on new material and has his sights set on an official release later this year Cruz has struck a friendship with The Kooks' frontman Luke Pritchard who has been helping the musician with his songwriting (Luke pictured in August) The 1983 hit, by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers, is well-known for being Victoria and David's favourite song and they danced to it at the end of the BECKHAM Netflix documentary. At the party, both Cruz and Jackie took on the vocals as they performed a melodic version of the popular song, while Cruz also played guitar. After finishing the song, Cruz leant in and gave Jackie a kiss on the neck while the crowds erupted into applause for the couple. Sharing the footage to Instagram, Jackie captioned the post: 'From 1 lova 2 anotha,' while Cruz added: 'Ah ahhhh,' both in reference to the song's famous lyrics. On the eve of David's 50th birthday, Victoria had also shared a video of her and her husband dancing along to the song. In the clip, they danced together to their favourite song Islands In The Stream, which has now become synonymous with the couple. She penned in the caption: 'Happy birthday eve @davidbeckham my everything. My best friend, soul mate and dance partner for life. 'Like the song says. We start and end as one, In love forever, We can ride it together, ah ha I love you xxxxxxxxxx.' Skepta has admitted that despite his incredible global success, millions of fans and award wins, he 'hates being famous'. Since bursting on the scene with his debut album in 2007, the grime star, 42, has gone on to win the prestigious Mercury Prize and conquered the worlds of music, fashion, modelling and film. However, in a rare new interview with Dazed, the rapper has confessed to disliking the trappings of stardom and dreams 'of going back to my normal life'. Skepta, real name Joseph Junior Adenuga, told the publication: 'I dont care about fame. Really. I care about art. I care about making the best song. I care about people selecting my poetry as theirs. I hate being famous. 'I just feel like, whatever fame has brought me is what Ive always had already, you know what I mean? The eyes, the judgment Ive always had that. In the early days it helped to toughen me up and prepare me for now. But I dont need it any more.' 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. Skepta has admitted that despite his incredible global success, millions of fans and award wins, he 'hates being famous' (pictured in February) Since bursting on the scene with his debut album in 2007, the grime star, 42, has gone on to win the prestigious Mercury Prize and conquered the worlds of music, fashion, modelling and film (pictured in 2019) The Boy Better Know star admitted that he doesn't want to live the so-called celebrity lifestyle and instead wants to be able to go out with his daughter without being asked for a selfie. He explained: 'Whenever people push me to be that kind of red carpet It-boy, I shy away from it every time. Even when I won the Mercury, I can see in my face that I didnt want to be that guy, because you only fall down from there, innit? 'I forever have my dream of going back to my normal life. When everythings said and done, I just want to be painting in my house and occasionally DJing, going to the shop for limes and breads.' Reflecting on what he wants his legacy to be if that time comes, Skepta said he believes that the 'true meaning of life' was being a conduit to create opportunities for those coming after him. He explained: 'I hope Ive left as much as I took, and opened as many doors and left as many codes behind for people on the way after me. 'I think thats the true meaning of life. I used to struggle with that, but I know now that its not really about me. Im just passing through.' The hitmaker will be back hosting the Big Smoke Festival in August for the second year, with a star-studded line-up including the likes of his brother Jme, Central Cee, Skyla Tyla and BXK. And he explained that his desire to open doors is part of what inspired him to create a stage to showcase the talents of other artists, saying he wanted 'to move to the side' and not be 'getting in the way'. However, in a rare new interview with Dazed , the rapper has confessed to disliking the trappings of stardom and dreams 'of going back to my normal life' The artist admitted that he doesn't want to live the so-called celebrity lifestyle and instead wants to be able to go out with his daughter without being asked for a selfie (seen with daughter River in 2020) While he also talked his upcoming album teasing that he predicts the final result will be 'the best record Ive made' (pictured with Jus Jammin last year) While he also talked his upcoming album, which he first announced in January last year, explaining the delayed release is because he's constantly coming up with new hit tracks and teasing that he predicts the final result will be 'the best record Ive made'. The DJ said: 'Every day, Im trying to wrap it up, but then every day I make something fresh and have to rejig the tracklist. 'People keep coming to the studio, so I keep making one song and then another one, and its hard to put a dam in the flow when its all so good.' It comes after Skepta insisted that he never thinks he's made it, because there's 'always more to do' in an exclusive interview with MailOnline in January last year. When asked if he'd had a 'pinch me' moment or realised 'I've made it', he said: 'No [I haven't], I used to think that I would have it but I don't. I've done too many things to believe in that notion that I've made it because there's always more to do... 'I remember when I used to think there was a made it, but now I don't really have that. I don't really have that in my mind.' On a moment he's been starstruck, he quipped: 'Sometimes when I walk past, if I walk past the mirror, I see myself and like right around.' Skepta is not the only famous face in his family, with his rapper brother JME, real name Jamie Adenuga, also being in the Boy Better Know collective while their sister Julie Adenuga is a broadcaster and radio host. It comes after Skepta insisted that he never thinks he's made it, because there's 'always more to do' in an exclusive interview with MailOnline in January last year (pictured) His debut studio album, Greatest Hits, was released to much acclaim in 2007, while he followed up in 2009 with Microphone Champion and also released studio album Doin' It Again in 201 (seen in 2010) The three-time Brit Award nominee's critically lauded fourth record, Konnichiwa, featured the hit singles That's Not Me and Shutdown, and won him the Mercury Prize in 2016 (pictured) He kicked off music his career in 2003 as a DJ for the Tottenham-based grime collective Meridian Crew, going on to MC shortly before they disbanded in 2005. Skepta and JME then joined Roll Deep for a short period of time before becoming founding members of Boy Better Know in 2005. His debut studio album, Greatest Hits, was released to much acclaim in 2007, while he followed up in 2009 with Microphone Champion and also released studio album Doin' It Again in 2011. The three-time Brit Award nominee's critically lauded fourth record, Konnichiwa, featured the hit singles That's Not Me and Shutdown, and won him the Mercury Prize in 2016. Amid a host of hit mixtapes and singles, Skepta also ventured in acting, making his movie debut in the 2015 crime drama Anti-Social, alongside Meghan Markle. While last year saw him make his directorial debut with Tribal Mark, a short film telling the story of a Nigerian-born hitman, played in part by Skepta and in part by Jude Carmichael. His last solo album was 2019s Ignorance Is Bliss, while he joined Chip and D Block Europe rapper Young Adz for a collaborative album called Insomnia in 2020. Just days after his shocking murder, new details have surfaced about the final public appearance of King of the Hill star Jonathan Joss. The actor was best known for voicing John Redcorn in Fox's animated series King of the Hill, and for playing Chief Ken Hoate in Parks and Recreation. He was just 59 years old when he was shot and killed, allegedly after an altercation by a neighbor he had been feuding with, Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja. Joss already had a rough year, with his San Antonio house burning down in January, losing his home and two of his three dogs, with the final pooch still missing. He told KSAT that he was having issues with the electricity, and he was using a propane heater to keep the house warm, though he hinted that maybe, 'somebody may have come in and did something, who knows.' Just two days before his death, Joss also made headlines for crashing a King of the Hill panel at the ATV TV Festival in Austin, Texas, with Variety revealing new details about his uninvited appearance. Just days after his shocking murder, new details have surfaced about the final public appearance of King of the Hill star Jonathan Joss. Joss already had a rough year, with his San Antonio house burning down in January, losing his home and two of his three dogs, with the final pooch still missing He was just 59 years old when he was shot and killed, allegedly after an altercation by a neighbor he had been feuding with, Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja The ATX panel was meant to celebrate the show's new reboot, debuting August 4 on Hulu, with creators Mike Judge (who voices Hank Hill and Boomhauer) and Greg Daniels joined by three voice actors - Pamela Adlon (Bobby Hill), Toby Huss (Dale Gribble) and Lauren Tom (Connie). Variety's Michael Schneider moderated the panel, revealing it was supposed to be a 'small gathering,' which is why Joss wasn't invited to be on the panel. Schneider added that Joss was, 'quite miffed' about his exclusion from the panel, and took matters into his own hands, leaving his seat in the audience and approaching the microphones set up for the audience Q&A, but they were not yet turned on. When Toby Huss was speaking about writer and voice actor Johnny Hardwick, the original voice of Dale Gribble before Huss replaced him, Joss walked to the mic, as Daniels gave him an impromptu introduction as the voice of John Redcorn to the crowd. 'You were talking about Johnny, and I want to say something about him. This young man said I couldnt stand over there. I guess he didnt know that my lands already gone. He said the mic wasnt going to be used. And Im an actor. I see a mic, I use it. I see a wrong, I make it right. I want to breathe,' Joss said. He added, 'Our house burned down three months ago,' as Schneider recalled someone in the audience yelled out, 'Dammit Bobby!' before Joss added that his house burned down, 'Because I'm gay.' Schneider added that the panel was 'frozen' and the audience was unclear how to react, with one panelist letting out an, 'Uh,' as Joss responded, 'What? Youre doing the same thing, sir. The minds full of emotion. And real.' He then finally spoke about Johnny Hardwick, stating, 'Johnny, he gave you guys a character, because he is that character. He is that person.' When Toby Huss was speaking about writer and voice actor Johnny Hardwick, the original voice of Dale Gribble before Huss replaced him, Joss walked to the mic, as Daniels gave him an impromptu introduction as the voice of John Redcorn to the crowd He added, 'Our house burned down three months ago,' as Schneider recalled someone in the audience yelled out, 'Dammit Bobby!' before Joss added that his house burned down, 'Because I'm gay' Schneider added that the panel was 'frozen' and the audience was unclear how to react, with one panelist letting out an, 'Uh,' as Joss responded, 'What? Youre doing the same thing, sir. The minds full of emotion. And real' Judge re-introduced Joss as the voice of John Redcorn, at which point Joss walked away from the microphone and past the stage, of his own accord, with Schneider mentioning he wasn't escorted away by security. After the panel backstage, Schneider revealed the panelists all agreed it was the 'right thing' to let him speak and not involve security, though the audience Q&A was skipped after Joss' interruption. He called the interruption, 'jarring,' with Schneider debunking reports that he was upset because he wasn't in Season 14 (he was upset because he wasn't on the panel) and insisted security didn't stop him from speaking, like others have suggested. Neighbors told TMZ that the city shut off the power to Joss' home because it was deemed 'unsafe and uninhabitable.' Joss' neighbors also claimed that the house went up in flames because Joss used a BBQ pit to keep the home warm. The actor's widow Tristan Kern de Gonzales claimed he was murdered after they were 'harassed' for two years by 'openly homophobic' individuals who 'did not accept our relationship.' 'When we returned to the site to check our mail we discovered the skull of one of our dogs and its harness placed in clear view. This caused both of us severe emotional distress,' the South Carolina native recalled on Facebook. 'While we were doing this a man approached us. He started yelling violent homophobic slurs at us. He then raised a gun from his lap and fired. Jonathan and I had no weapons. We were not threatening anyone. We were grieving. We were standing side by side. When the man fired Jonathan pushed me out of the way. He saved my life.' Joss' neighbors also claimed that the house went up in flames because Joss used a BBQ pit to keep the home warm. The actor's widow Tristan Kern de Gonzales claimed he was murdered after they were 'harassed' for two years by 'openly homophobic' individuals who 'did not accept our relationship' 'When we returned to the site to check our mail we discovered the skull of one of our dogs and its harness placed in clear view. This caused both of us severe emotional distress,' the South Carolina native recalled on Facebook Joss' neighbor Ceja was captured by law enforcement and has been booked on suspicion of murder. He is being held on $200K bond. Tristan added: 'My focus now is on protecting Jonathans legacy and honoring the life we built together.' Joss' neighbor Ceja was captured by law enforcement and has been booked on suspicion of murder. He is being held on $200K bond. The report from the San Antonio Police Department obtained by DailyMail.com states Ceja uttered 'I shot him' as he was detained by arresting officers. New details about the run-up to the violent crime have also emerged via the report, with a unnamed witness stating they drove Joss from Austin to his burned down San Antonio home around 7pm on June 1 to check his mail. The witness said she pulled up and parked in the driveway while she waited for Joss and another witness to check the mail. Joss' husband Tristan Kern de Gonzales has claimed he was with the actor on this trip and during the murder. Kris Jenner and Kylie Jenner have another thing in common - their plastic surgeon. As it turns out, the doctor who performed Kylie Jenner's breast augmentation in 2019 also did her mother's facelift in 2011. Kris, 69, dropped the fun fact after Dr. Garth Fisher thanked Kylie, 27, for publicly crediting him with her 2019 surgery. Calling him a 'close and treasured friend', Kris praised Garth for performing her first facelift over a decade ago and thanked him for allowing cameras in the operating room. 'Garth you are such a superstar class act!! You did my first facelift in 2011 14 years ago!!!' Kris said in the comments section of his Instagram post. '[You] made it the most amazing experience ever and even gave us access to film so that others could get a peek inside what its like and not be afraid you have taken great care of us always and remain such a close and treasured friend!! Such an incredible talent!!' Indeed, Kris' facelift was filmed for an episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians. Kris Jenner and Kylie Jenner have another thing in common - their plastic surgeon Indeed, Jenner's facelift was filmed for an episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians She went under the knife to rejuvenate her complexion ahead of daughter Kim Kardashian's wedding to Kris Humphries. In the episode, Kris is in tears as she sits in the waiting room surrounded by her children. 'I don't want to die,' the nervous reality TV star says. Kim soothes her, saying: 'Don't be nervous. If you're scared you don't have to do this. I'm sure everyone gets scared.' The children then pile on top of their mother for a group hug before they wave her off to surgery. As she recovered from the operation, Kim assured her the results were already positive. 'Mom, you look fab,' she said. 'So gorgeous. In recent days, Kris has been rocking a much more youthful complexion that has sparked facelift rumors. A rep for Kris recently confirmed that she sought the expertise of Dr. Steven M. Levine - known as the 'facelift maestro' - to help her achieve her fresh-faced look, according to Page Six. Kylie recently revealed that Fisher was the doctor who performed her breast augmentation back in 2019 Kris praised Fisher as an 'incredible talent' after he thanked Kylie for crediting him with the procedure While the exact procedure the momager underwent remains unclear, the New York based plastic surgeon specializes in 'natural-looking enhancements of the face, breasts, and body' as per his website. Kris' shout-out to Garth comes after Kylie revealed Fisher performed her 2019 boob job. Spilling the beans on her procedure, including the size, profile and surgeon, Kylie wrote: '445 cc, moderate profile, half under the muscle!!!!! silicone!!! garth fisher!!! hope this helps lol.' In response to her revelation, Fisher said he was 'honored' for the recognition while stressing the lengths he takes to ensure patient confidentiality in his practice. The momager thanked Fisher for allowing cameras into the operating room She went under the knife to rejuvenate her complexion ahead of daughter Kim Kardashian's wedding to Kris Humphries As she recovered from the operation, Kim assured her the results were already positive Jenner with Garth 'I'm honored to be acknowledged by Kylie - her kind post was unexpected but truly appreciated,' Fisher shared. 'Patient confidentiality has always been the foundation of my practice. Over 3 decades, we've never had a single breach. My entire team is thoroughly trained and bound by strict NDAs and confidentiality agreements. 'This is more than policy - it's our culture.' The surgeon went on: 'HIPAA laws are in place to protect patients, and I will never discuss any details of a procedure unless the patient has chosen to share them or given me permission. 'Every patient is unique. This isn't "cookbook" surgery - it's thoughtful, personalized care.' Fisher said he was 'honored' for the recognition from Kylie while stressing the lengths he takes to ensure patient confidentiality in his practice Kylie's plastic surgeon Dr. Garth Fisher is famed for being the man behind many of the Kardashian and Jenner family procedures. The board-certified surgeon also did Kourtney Kardashian's breast augmentation and removed a tumor from Khloe's face. He even gave a pre-transition Caitlyn Jenner a revision facelift, which was also featured on an episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians. Hugh Jackman is currently starring in a play with 25-year-old Ella Beatty and on Wednesday the pair were seen larking it up during rehearsals. The Wolverine actor, 56, shared some photos to social media which captured him and Ella hamming it up during a break. Hugh had his arm wrapped around the budding actress, who is the daughter of Hollywood legend Warren Beatty, and he beamed from ear to ear as he gave the camera a thumbs up. Meanwhile, Ella was all smiles as she pointed to the logo on her shirt, which read: 'New York's Real Aussie Embassy.' Hugh captioned the photos with some amusing words: 'Ella agrees!' 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. Hugh Jackman is currently starring in a play with 25-year-old Ella Beatty and on Wednesday the pair were seen larking it up during rehearsals. The Wolverine actor shared some photos to social media which captured him and Ella hamming it up during a break It follows reports that Hugh is turning up the heat on stage - as he continues to date his new girlfriend, Broadway actress Sutton Foster. In the intense play Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes, Jackman plays Jon, a three-time divorced, middle-aged college professor and novelist who dives into a forbidden relationship with his 19-year-old student Annie, played by Ella Beatty. The Wolverine star doesnt hold back in the provocative off-Broadway show swearing up a storm, getting graphic about sex, and locking lips in multiple steamy make-out scenes with Ella. Foster, 50, even made a backstage appearance this week, trying to quiet whispers that their new relationship has been on shaky ground since going public in January. But the shows raunchy moments cant be easy to watch for Foster, as Hugh and Ella frequently kiss at one point making out on a desk as a scantily clad Ella wraps her legs around him. Adding more fuel to the gossip mill, fresh photos of the pair holding hands during the curtain call have sent tongues wagging. The two beamed with pride, looking completely at ease with the intimate gesture. Its not just the steamy make-out scenes turning up the heat Hugh also unleashes a barrage of expletives, including blunt, graphic lines about a college cheerleader sucking his c***' Hugh beamed from ear-to-ear as he gave the camera a thumbs up It follows reports that Hugh is turning up the heat onstage - as he continues to date his new girlfriend, Broadway actress Sutton Foster The play digs into messy questions of consent and power, with Annie, a smitten student hooked on Jons steamy novels, chasing his attention, while Jon battles temptation, a failing marriage, and the fallout of getting involved with a student. Offstage, Hugh's own split from Deborra-Lee Furness seems to mirror the emotional storm. The actor, who has only been married once, announced his split from Deborra-Lee Furness, 69, in September 2023 after 27 years of marriage. In a joint statement at the time, they said they were 'shifting and had decided to separate to pursue our individual growth. The couple share two adopted children, Oscar, 24, and Ava, 19. Hugh and Sutton's relationship reportedly overlapped with the end of his marriage. The two had been friends for years in the same theatre circles but only went public after they were photographed holding hands earlier this year. Romeo Beckham looked rather sombre as he was seen heading home from a night out in London on Wednesday evening. The second son of David and Victoria Beckham was seen leaving the Twenty Two hotel in Mayfair after spending the evening out amid his split from girlfriend Kim Turnbull. The Mail revealed earlier on Wednesday that the couple had gone their separate ways after seven months together, with friends saying that the romance fizzled out three weeks after Davids 50th birthday. Romeo first publicly launched his relationship with Kim last November after weeks of exchanging flirty 'likes' on Instagram however despite being warmly welcomed into the family, the relationship has now run its course. Arriving at the hotel, Romeo struck a serious expression as he kept a straight face as he dressed particularly casually for the evening. 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. Romeo Beckham cut a sombre appearance as he headed home from night out in London at the Twenty Two hotel in Mayfair on Wednesday following his split from Kim Turnbull Romeo struck a serious expression as he kept a straight face while arriving at the venue as he dressed particularly casually for the evening The model opted for a faded grey T-shirt over a white long-sleeved top. However he made sure to still bring a designer element as he completed the look with a Balenciaga pair of black tracksuit bottoms and grey Balenciaga beanie hat. Meanwhile as Romeo headed on a night out, Kim took to Instagram to share she had visited the gym as she shared a mirror selfie in her workout attire. Friends told The Mail that things remain amicable between Romeo and Kim, and that their parting is nothing to do with Kim being blamed by Nicola Peltz for being the catalyst for the feud that has ripped the Beckham family apart. One said: Romeo and Kim are both young and they had a lovely time together but at that age things dont always last forever and they decided to split up. They have been friendly since and have even been at the same venues. Its a huge shame, particularly as David and Victoria really adored her and thought she made Romeo happy but it wasnt to be. It happened a couple of weeks ago and relations have remained friendly between them. 'David and Victoria would hate for the view to be that they split because of Nicola and Brooklyn because that simply isnt the case. The Mail revealed that the couple had gone their separate ways after seven months together, with friends saying that the romance fizzled out three weeks after Davids 50th birthday The model opted for a faded grey T-shirt over a white long-sleeved top He also added a grey Balenciaga beanie hat to his comfortable designer ensemble Meanwhile as Romeo headed on a night out, Kim took to Instagram to share she had visited the gym as she shared a mirror selfie in her workout attire Romeo first publicly launched his relationship with Kim last November after weeks of exchanging flirty 'likes' on Instagram (pictured in Paris in March) The fact is that Kim has got a really busy career as a DJ and Romeo has a busy work life too, there is lots of travelling for both of them at having a relationship at this time isnt all that conducive to their lives. Romeo and Kim were spotted at the trendy C restaurant in Londons Mayfair last Friday night but they had already split. They both turned up at the venue separately, with their friends, and even left together. Kim attended several of Davids birthday celebrations. She was present at the former England captains party at the end of March at Cipriani restaurant in Miami. She also joined David, Victoria, and Romeos younger brother Cruz, his girlfriend Jackie Apostel and sister Harper on their trip to France where they visited a vineyard in Bordeaux and a restaurant in Paris. Kim, 26, was also at the big dinner at Core restaurant in Notting Hill, West London. She has been at the centre of the rift after Nicola, 30, claimed that she felt uncomfortable around her, with sources close to the US heiress saying that Kim had dated Brooklyn when they were teenagers. Friends say that their parting is nothing to do with Kim being blamed by Nicola Peltz (pictured) for being the catalyst for the feud that has ripped the Beckham family apart 'David and Victoria would hate for the view to be that they split because of Nicola and Brooklyn because that simply isnt the case', a friend said Kim attended several of Davids birthday celebrations last month That was the reason the couple gave for not attending any of Davids celebrations. However, in fact she enjoyed a romance with his close friend Rocco Ritchie, the son of Guy Ritchie and Madonna. Kim, is the well-heeled granddaughter of renowned post-war sculptor and painter William Turnbull, while her father Alex Turnbull and uncle Johnny were part of the post-punk band 23 Skidoo, formed in 1979. Kim and Brooklyn were undeniably close for a brief period as photographs of them together at the time show - but suggestions that they were ever an item are wide of the mark, according to well-informed sources. That Kim has now been 'thrown to the wolves' as the reason behind the family row is 'deeply upsetting' to Brooklyn's parents and brothers. Miranda Kerr shared a gushing tribute to her husband Evan Spiegel this week as the Snapchat billionaire founder celebrated his 35th birthday. The model, 42, took to Instagram on Thursday to share a loved-up photo of the pair enjoying a romantic gondola ride in Venice. The image showed the couple cuddling up close and beaming broadly as they took in the sights of the historic Italian city. Rugged up against the chill, Miranda wore a chic navy blue overcoat with brass buttons while Evan braved the cold in a black puffy jacket. Captioning the romantic photo, Miranda paid tribute to her husband of eight years. 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. Miranda Kerr shared a gushing tribute to her husband Evan Spiegel this week as the billionaire celebrated his 35th birthday - and one fan pointed out that the pair shared the same hair colour 'Happy birthday to my love! You are the most incredible partner and Im inspired by you every day,' Miranda wrote under the happy snap 'Happy birthday to my love! You are the most incredible partner and Im inspired by you every day,' Miranda wrote. 'Im so grateful for you and our beautiful family. Heres to many more adventures together.' The post was met with a flurry of comments from fans, with one eagle-eyed follower pointing out a surprising detail about the photo. One fan commented that the couple bore a rather striking resemblance when it came to the colour of their hair. 'I love how their hair colours are matching,' they wrote. Others were quick to comment on the couple's palpable affection for each other, which was more than evident in the photo. 'Superstars with hearts of gold,' one follower wrote. 'Beautiful and inspiring couple,' a third swooned, while another summed up the sentiment of many with a simple 'beautiful couple'. Miranda and Evan tied the knot in 2017 in an intimate wedding - with just 45 friends and family in attendance Miranda recently revealed the secret behind their successful marriage. Speaking to Stellar magazine back in March, Miranda said that she and Evan 'balance and learn' from each other. 'I learn from him and he learns from me. We really do balance each other. Weve been together [for] 11 years and hes my favourite person,' she said. She went on to say the couple 'prioritise each other and family time' and this has been very important in their relationship. 'He's such a family man. We prioritise each other and family time,' Miranda continued. 'That's why when you see us on the red carpet, everyone was like, "Wow, Miranda, you're out?" Honestly, Evan and I prefer to stay in. But every now and then, Mum and Dad have to get out, too.' Miranda and Evan tied the knot in 2017 in an intimate wedding - with just 45 friends and family in attendance. They share three sons together - Hart, six, Myles, five, and Pierre, nine months. Miranda also has a 13-year-old son, Flynn, from her previous marriage to Orlando Bloom. She is close to Orlando and his fiancee Katy Perry and described their relationship dynamic as a 'big, blended family'. 'We have so much love and respect for each other. Im so grateful for the relationship I have with Orlando and Katy,' she said. 'We're going to be in each others lives for the rest of our lives. We have a child together. So lets be as kind as we can to each other.' Miranda rose to fame at the age of 13 after winning Dolly Magazine's modelling competition. She then went on to become Australia's first Victoria's Secret Angel in 2007. Annie Knight has teased another sex challenge after she was hospitalised for sleeping with 583 men in six hours. The OnlyFans model, 27, who has been dubbed 'Australia's Most Sexually Active Woman', was treated for cramps and excessive bleeding just days after her orgy. Now, she has taken to Instagram on Wednesday to tell her followers she is eager to do another challenge, as she gave them an update on her health. 'Did I get hospitalised for taking 583 guys in six hours? Yes. Do I regret it? No. Do I want to do it again? Also yes,' she said. 'I'm not sure exactly what I want to do. I want to do something fun and exciting.' 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. Annie Knight, 27, has teased another sex challenge after she was hospitalised for sleeping with 583 men in six hours 'It doesn't necessarily need to be huge numbers, but something different that you guys want to see, or if you have any recommendations, let me know,' she added. 'By the way, bit of a health update. I'm doing well. I'm still having issues. 'I think that unfortunately medical professionals, specifically men, not always men though, tend to disregard women's health issues. 'I've been having these issues since January. It's been five months... I've been suffering. It's been really hard. Especially doing my job at the high level that I do it at. 'Having to push through my pain and push through things that are meant to be enjoyable.' However, she went on to say she was 'feeling amazing' during her 583 man challenge day and had 'a lot of fun'. 'But it has been very frustrating and I've contacted a naturopath, I've reached out to another specialist,' she added. 'I'm really trying to find answers because I cannot live like this forever. If I don't get answers soon, I'm going to lose my mind and have a nervous breakdown.' The OnlyFans model, who has been dubbed 'Australia's Most Sexually Active Woman', was treated for cramps and excessive bleeding just days after her orgy Annie was admitted to hospital last month just days after she participated in a sex challenge which saw her have sex with 583 men in a single day. The sex worker shared a video from her hospital bed after rushing in to be treated for cramps and excessive bleeding. Annie said the issue stems from her pre-existing endometriosis, which she says has been triggered by stress. 'On Sunday everything was all good, but the next day I had a lot of bleeding that I shouldn't really have because I'm on contraception and I was a little bit worried about it but decided I would wait it out and see how it goes,' she told Perth Now. 'Then it turned into really bad cramps and pains, then I started to get a bit worried and decided to take myself to hospital.' Annie added her doctors were at first concerned the bleeding and pain was a result of her intense challenge, but later ruled it out. 'We ran a bunch of tests all day, then eventually it was my endometriosis had been exasperated by mostly stress and not so much the physical challenge that I did on Sunday,' she said. Endometriosis occurs when cells in the lining of the uterus are found elsewhere in the body. Now, she has taken to Instagram on Wednesday to tell her followers she is eager to do another challenge, as she gave them an update on her health Each month, these cells react in the same way as those in the uterus; building up, breaking down and bleeding. Yet, the blood has no way to escape the body. Symptoms include pain, heavy periods and fatigue, as well as a higher risk of infertility, and bowel and bladder problems. Its cause is unknown but may be genetic, related to problems with the immune system or exposure to chemicals. Treatment focuses on pain relief and improving quality of life, which may include surgery or hormone treatment. Annie was also in hospital with a mystery ailment just a month ago. At the time, she looked unwell as she lay in a bed in a photo shared by her fiance Henry Brayshaw. In the Instagram Stories post, Annie wore a blue hospital gown and slept while surrounded by monitors. 'Wonder where the life support switch is?' Henry joked in the caption alongside the image. It was not explained by either Annie or Henry why the performer required the visit to hospital. The couple only recently announced they are set to marry following only one week of datingthough they have been friends for about a decade. Eminem has sued Meta over claims that the social media giant has distributed the rapper's music without the proper license to do so. Eight Mile Style, the company that own's Eminem's most popular songs, has filed a lawsuit in a federal court in Michigan accusing the Mark Zuckerberg company of storing, reproducing and distributing the Detroit rapper's music without proper licensing. The lawsuit is seeking at least $109 million as well as a court order to halt several forms of alleged copyright infringement, the Los Angeles Times reported. According to the complaint, Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, created and stored copies of the music on its servers for their 'billions of users'. The lawsuit claimed that the company's music library holds 243 songs controlled by Eight Mile Style for users to utilize. 'On information and belief, despite their not being licensed, the recordings of the Eight Mile Compositions have been reproduced and synchronized with visual content on Meta's platforms across millions of videos, which have been viewed billions of times,' the complaint said. The lawsuit stated that its main complaint regarded the reproduction and storage of the music in its own music library and encouraging users to utilize the music without licensing. It is alleged that the company knowingly reproduced and distributed the music after a failed negotiation with Eight Mile Style for licensing as part of its 2020 license agreement with Audiam, a digital music royalty collection firm. Eight Mile Style, the company that own's Eminem's most popular songs, has filed a lawsuit in a federal court in Michigan accusing the Mark Zuckerberg company of storing, reproducing and distributing the Detroit rapper's music without proper licensing According to the complaint, Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, created and stored copies of the music on its servers for their 'billions of users' in the Music Libraries of the popular social media platforms The lawsuit is seeking at least $109 million as well as a court order to halt several forms of alleged copyright infringement 'Nonetheless, Meta has reaped the financial benefits of having the Eight Mile Compositions available to its users as part of their online services,' the complaint stated. It furthers that Meta executives 'actively encouraged rampant infringement' in order to attract more advertising profits, with 'advertising accounting for 97.8 percent of Meta's total revenue as of 2023.' While the company began removing some of Eminem's music after the lack of license was brought to their attention, the lawsuit further claimed that karaoke and instrumental versions, as well as some original versions, of the rapper's songs remain on the platform. 'Meta's years-long and ongoing infringement of the Eight Mile Compositions is another case of a trillion [with a T] dollar company exploiting the creative efforts of musical artists for the obscene monetary benefit of its executives and shareholders without a license and without regard to the rights of the owners of the intellectual property,' the complaint stated. Meta, however, said in a statement to the LA Times that it has licenses with thousands of partners globally and 'extensive' global licensing programs for music on its social media platforms. 'Meta had been negotiating in good faith with Eight Mile Style, but rather than continue those discussions, Eight Mile Style chose to sue,' the statement said. The company also previously sued Facebook in 2013 and alleged that the platform used the rapper's song 'Under the Influence' for an advertisement without consent, the LA Times reported. Eight Mile Style is asking for $150,000 per song, per platform, according to the complaint. The company has requested a jury trial. Manu Feildel has finally revealed his much-anticipated arm tattoo after teasing the design for months. The My Kitchen Rules star took to Instagram to share a clip of the new ink - a a large octopus on his forearm. In the video, originally posted by tattoo artist Mertim Gokalp, the celebrity chef put on a brave face as he sat through the painful process. 'Thanks mate it's always a pleasure to see you,' Mertim captured the post, while also tagging Thirteen Feet Tattoo parlour in Sydney. Over the last few months, Manu has been sharing several sneak peeks of the tattoo, but has kept it mostly under wraps to leave fans guessing. 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. Manu Feildel has finally revealed his much-anticipated arm tattoo after teasing the design for months The My Kitchen Rules star took to Instagram to share a clip of the new ink - a a large octopus on his forearm In the video, originally posted by tattoo artist Mertim Gokalp, the celebrity chef put on a brave face as he sat through the painful process Manu has many tattoos covering his body. In 2022, he raised temperatures at Channel Seven's annual Perth Telethon when he ripped off his shirt to flaunt his extensive collection. The French chef hilariously painted some abs on his stomach, using bronzer to create the illusion of a six-pack. Home and Away star Lynne McGranger couldn't get enough of the strip show, and was seen smiling and laughing as she touched Manu's tummy. The culinary star played up to the role of a male stripper, showing off his dance moves and flexing his muscles. The two stars were answering calls alongside other celebrities and notable figures to help raise money for 50 beneficiaries, including the Perth Children's Hospital. Manu has been co-hosting and judging My Kitchen Rules Australia since its inception in 2010. However, the heat in the kitchen can get too much for the celebrity chef, who has been openly candid about his personal experience with stress and anxiety. Manu has many tattoos covering his body. In 2022, he raised temperatures at Channel Seven's annual Perth Telethon when he ripped off his shirt to flaunt his extensive collection In an Instagram post, the French-Australian restaurateur said he goes swimming in an ocean pool almost every morning as the sun rises. 'I do not share too much of my private life on my social media the last couple of years but today I felt like sharing my experience,' he began. 'I believe that most of us suffer from some type of stress, anxiety or even some mental breakdowns at time and trust me, I am not any different. I believe I found my medicine. 'Since the beginning of the year I've been swimming in the ocean pool nearly every mornings and it's changed my life in many ways. 'It's nothing spiritual but just simply revitalising. It clears my mind from any negativity and kick start my day in a great mood. It's giving me more energy and more focus.' 'Anyway I just thought if I can help someone finding a solution to their battles, try that,' he suggested. Justin Bieber could be entitled to a major payday from his wife Hailey Bieber's massively successful cosmetics company if they should ever divorce. The 28-year-old model's Rhode cosmetics company was sold late last month to E.L.F. Beauty for a reported $1 billion, and a source close to the couple recently told DailyMail.com that her friends and family are worried that the 31-year-old pop star could try to take advantage of her windfall to help cover his reported millions in debt. That's because the couple reportedly never signed a prenuptial agreement to determine how to split their assets up in the event of a divorce. Divorce Attorney and Certified Family Law Specialist Stephanie Blum - who does not represent either spouse - tells DailyMail.com that, should the couple divorce amid concern for their marriage, Justin could walk away with half of Hailey's earnings from selling Rhode because of the lack of a prenup. DailyMail.com has reached out to representatives of the couple for comment. 'Since Hailey founded Rhode cosmetics during the marriage, the money she receives for the sale would be considered community property and thus a court would order the monies divided equally between them,' Blum explains. Justin Bieber, 31, could be entitled to half of his wife Hailey Bieber's proceeds from the sale of her massively successful cosmetics company if they should ever divorce, an LA-based divorce attorney tells DailyMail.com; pictured together in February in NYC After Hailey, 28, sold Rhode cosmetics to E.L.F. Beauty for a whopping $1 billion, her earnings could be vulnerable if the couple divorce amid concerns for their marriage, according to Divorce Attorney and Certified Family Law Specialist Stephanie Blum However, it could be complicated by 'the extent the money she receives for the sale is tied to her future work efforts,' in which case 'that money should go to her,' which Blum says could lead to a fight in court over how the money should be allocated. Bieber had his own massive sale in December 2022, when he sold off nearly 300 songs from his catalog dating up to late 2021, which earned him a reported $200 million from the buyer, Hipgnosis Songs Capital. However, in the event of a divorce, Hailey might not have the same rights to that sum that he would have to her newly acquired fortune. According to Blum, 'If Justins song catalog consists of songs written and recorded prior to marriage, the money he receives from selling off that song catalog would be considered his separate property.' However, that assumes that he kept those earnings separate. If he 'mixed it up with monies earned by the parties during marriage, there could definitely be some fights about how the money should be divided,' she says. Blum also notes that it is 'not common for people of Justin and Hailey's wealth and prominence to not have a prenuptial agreement.' People in similar situations can usually count on 'business managers and lawyers' to council them to get a prenup. Technically, Hailey's deal to sell Rhode is only for $800 million, but an extra payment of $200 million is on the table depending on how well the brand performs in the next three years after being acquired by E.L.F. Beauty 'Since Hailey founded Rhode cosmetics during the marriage, the money she receives for the sale would be considered community property and thus a court would order the monies divided equally between them,' Blum explains But she might not receive anything from his $200M sale of his songs. 'If Justins song catalog consists of songs written and recorded prior to marriage, the money he receives from selling off that song catalog would be considered his separate property,' Blum says That could upend the dynamic in the couple's wealth, as Justin may now be worth less than his wife. According to Celebrity Net Worth, the hitmaker is worth around $200 million, and Forbes reported that he was worth around $83.5 million in 2017, before the sale of rights to some songs. 'Without a prenuptial agreement, the lesser earning spouse is potentially advantaged if they get divorced, but of course no one has a crystal ball when they get married so it can be hard to tell which one of the spouses that will be!' Blum warns. 'Probably when they got married, Justin had greater wealth. Would anyone have anticipated that Hailey would end up being the richer spouse?' she adds. 'Probably not, but good for her.' The LA-based divorce attorney also notes that there could be a dispute between Hailey and Justin in a potential divorce if 'there ends up being a huge disparity in the amount of money' they each end up with, and if 'one of them continues to work while the other doesn't. A source close to the couple has revealed to the DailyMail.com that Hailey's family and friends are worried that Justin might 'take advantage of her kindness.' They also feared that she might end up using her hundreds of millions from the sale of Rhode to wipe out her husband's alleged debts. 'Friends of Hailey are concerned that she has been so ride or die with Justin that she might get enveloped into bailing him out of financial struggles,' the insider told the Daily Mail. Blum also notes that it is 'not common for people of Justin and Hailey's wealth and prominence to not have a prenuptial agreement' 'Without a prenuptial agreement, the lesser earning spouse is potentially advantaged if they get divorced, but of course no one has a crystal ball when they get married so it can be hard to tell which one of the spouses that will be!' Blum warns 'She is happy to help Justin in any way she can, but friends want her to look out for herself and Jack,' they added. 'They don't want to see Justin take advantage of her kindness.' The source added that Hailey hoped Justin would get back to making music and touring, rather than spending most of his time at home, as he has been doing lately. However, they said her friends feared that he might opt to rest on his reputation, in which case Hailey might not be able to 'take it anymore and [it will] end up being the catalyst of a future breakup.' Justin hasn't one out on tour since he canceled his Justice tour midway through in September 2022 after he fell victim to Ramsay Hunt syndrome, which temporarily caused him to suffer facial paralysis Although Hailey's deal for Rhode could be worth up to $1 billion, a finance expert recently claimed on TikTok that Hailey could end up making far less when accounting for payouts to investors and other company employees. Earlier this week, an insider revealed to DailyMail.com the real reason the model had decided to sell her cosmetics company. Last month, Justin was widely criticized by fans after he admitted telling Hailey that she would never be on the cover of Vogue in order to hurt her during an argument. He made the bizarre revelation in a post intended to celebrate his wife for finally achieving a cover story on the magazine, and fans blasted him in the comments for sharing something he should have instead kept to himself. Last month, Justin was widely criticized by fans after he admitted telling Hailey that she would never be on the cover of Vogue in order to hurt her during an argument An insider subsequently revealed to DailyMail.com that Justin and Hailey are regularly 'at each other's throats,' and the bruising argument the pop star described isn't out of the ordinary for them; seen in 2022 in Las Vegas An insider subsequently revealed to DailyMail.com that Justin and Hailey are regularly 'at each other's throats,' and the bruising argument the pop star described isn't out of the ordinary for them. Because of that earlier argument, fans were unmoved when Justin again tried to celebrate his wife's accomplishments by reposting a photo on Sunday that Hailey's Rhode Beauty products will soon be sold at Sephora locations. Instead of another take on complimenting his wife, Justin just left the caption blank this time, which only fueled further criticism in the comments section. Even his apparent attempt at a sweet conclusion to the bizarre post couldn't help but bring up the painful insult again. 'So baby u already know but forgive me for saying u wouldnt get a vogue cover cuz clearly i was sadly mistaken,' he wrote. Commenters on the post were shocked that he would admit to such behavior. Once user wrote that it was 'Giving Kanye,' and another added, 'A simple congrats would've been fine I fear.' Several fans suggested Justin should have just kept the argument a 'secret.' One person savaged him by commenting, 'brother you'll never beat the hates his wife allegations like this.' Another fan urged him to just 'put that phone down please.' In the wake of Justin's confession, fans of his wife highlighted past incidents in which he had allegedly displayed 'unsupportive behavior' toward his wife to contextualize the Vogue controversy. Some fans claimed that the disheveled way he often dresses for public events with Hailey betrays a lack of respect. Home and Away star James Stewart has stunned fans after they noticed a huge difference in appearance between him and his identical twin brother Nick. The veteran actor, 49, recently shared a precious gallery of photos to social media which captured him helping Nick prepare for his wedding last month. The pair were the spitting image of each other, with both cutting stylish looks in crisp white shirts, black dress pants and tan dress shoes. However, fans noticed one huge difference between the two which immediately distinguished them. James' hair was jet-black while his brother Nick's was greying, which allowed fans to easily tell who was who. 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. Home and Away star James Stewart, 49, has stunned fans after they noticed a huge difference in appearance between him and his identical twin brother Nick Many of James' followers took to the comment section to gush over the precious photos. 'He's you but with grey hair!' one person wrote. 'Twins that are easy to tell apart,' a second added. 'Well one of them clearly uses Just for Men!' a third quipped and another wrote: 'You could pass as twins!' Last month, James and his Home and Away co-star girlfriend Ada Nicodemou turned heads as they attended a lavish wedding on the Gold Coast. The pair stunned as guests at the wedding of his identical twin brother Nick to his fiancee Mae - who was previously married to Aussie surfing legend Mark Occy Occhilupo. The ceremony took place at the idyllic Tall Trees Tallebudgera estate, with the star-studded guest list gathering under the sunshine for what turned out to be a picture-perfect day. Best man James and his girlfriend Ada were all smiles as his brother tied the knot under clear blue skies while guests enjoyed the stunning ceremony. The veteran actor recently shared a precious gallery of photos to social media which captured him helping Nick prepare for his wedding last month Fans noticed one huge difference between the two which immediately distinguished them. James' hair was jet-black while his brother Nick's was greying, which allowed fans to easily tell who was who James and Ada put on a loved-up display as they arrived hand-in-hand and dressed to the nines. It comes after Ada gave a heartwarming update on her relationship with co-star James, just a few weeks after celebrating their one-year anniversary together. The Home and Away star gushed over the couple's recent romantic connection, which blossomed after 25 years of friendship, in an issue of Stellar. Revealing she is usually very private about their intimate life together, the actress said she couldn't help but post about their recent relationship milestone because she and James have had a great year together. 'It's been a really lovely year together,' she told the publication when asked about her rare social media post about the pair. The Sydney-born star recently revealed how her Home and Away co-stars discovered her off-screen relationship with James. The soap opera stars, whose characters are married on the Channel Seven show, were first linked at the beginning of 2024 when they were seen sharing a kiss on Anzac Day before Ada confirmed their romance in an interview. In July, Ada finally broke her silence on her romance with James after months of speculation. She confirmed she was dating her longtime co-star James in a magazine interview, describing their romance as 'unexpected'. The couple began dating after Ada split from her ex-partner Adam Rigby just before Christmas in 2023 and James finalised his divorce from Sarah Roberts in March 2024. Sophie Monk proved she was just like the rest of us on Wednesday when she was spotted using public transport in Brisbane. The Love Island Australia host, 45, boarded a bus with her husband Joshua Gross. The reality star sipped on a hot beverage in a takeaway cup as she walked side by side with her marketing head honcho beau. Makeup free, she revealed her rosy cold cheeks as the wind blew in her face. Sophie donned some big-named labels for the outing, draping a $4,250 Balenciaga Le City bag over her shoulder and sporting a pair of white Alexander McQueen sneakers, which retail for nearly $1,000, on her feet. 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. The Love Island star, 45, was seen boarding a bus on Wednesday while going makeup-free with her husband Joshua Gross Sophie could be seen making the most of Brisbane's public transport while out and about with her beau The reality star sipped on a hot beverage in a takeaway cup as she walked side by side with marketing head honcho Josh A thigh-length neutral-toned rain jacket, fitted with a cinched waist and a hood, shielded the star from the wind during her stroll. She finished off the laidback fit with skinny jeans and grey ankle socks. As for accessories, she wore dainty silver bracelets on her wrist and pearl stud earrings, before chucking on a pair of sunglasses as she hopped on the bus. Her partner also opted for an off-duty fit, wearing a black zip-up hoodie over a white T-shirt. Matching his wife in a pair of blue jeans, Joshua wore white runners and a white cap for the windy outing. He also carried a large black Louis Vuitton bag over his shoulder while nursing a warm beverage in the cold weather. Joshua rocked his signature moustache and a little bit of stubble on his chin. Sophie could be seen wearing some big-named labels as she draped a $4,250 Balenciaga Le City bag over her shoulder and wore a pair of white Alexander McQueen sneakers, which retail for nearly $1,000 Sophie and Joshua wed in a private ceremony at their Central Coast, NSW home in 2022 The couple first met on a flight from Europe to Australia in August 2018, and shared a kiss after enjoying 'three champagnes' in business class Sophie and Joshua wed in a private ceremony at their Central Coast, NSW home in 2022. Speaking to Stellar Magazine, Sophie called the small wedding 'so beautiful and relaxed'. She added that she chose to have a wedding at home to keep things 'stress-free' while Joshua called their private home 'our sanctuary' and was glad to make wedding memories that will last a lifetime there. Another reason they chose to have a wedding on their own was because Sophie was happy to keep the guest list to a bare minimum. 'We figured, if you don't invite one person, then no-one could get upset,' she told Stellar. She designed her own dress, and gave J'Aton Couture just two weeks to create it based off her own sketches. Joshua proposed on Christmas Day the year before, but they waited until January to announce their happy news. The couple first met on a flight from Europe to Australia in August 2018 and shared a kiss after enjoying 'three champagnes' in business class. Dakota Johnson appeared downcast as she surfaced in New York this Wednesday, hours before DailyMail.com confirmed her split from Chris Martin. Actress Johnson, 35, and Coldplay frontman Martin, 48, first sparked up a relationship in 2017 and got engaged several years ago - but have now gone their separate ways. Just before news of their separation spread around the world, Johnson was seen emerging from the Greenwich Hotel in the Manhattan neighborhood Tribeca. She wore a large hat with a wide brim that drooped to conceal her eyes, but her somber expression was still in evidence. Her left hand was notably bare of her dazzling emerald engagement ring as she stepped out onto the sidewalk on Greenwich Street. A source has told DailyMail.com of her breakup: 'Their relationship has been over for a long time, they just haven't been able to figure out to make it official. Dakota Johnson appeared downcast as she surfaced in New York this Wednesday, hours before DailyMail.com confirmed her split from Chris Martin 'Dakota held a flame for them to be together because she loved him so much and loved his kids so much. 'Breakups aren't instant and they continued to breakup and makeup and sometimes things would work when they were away from each other, while they were working because absence makes the heart grow fonder, but then they'd get back together and little things just kept adding up to where they weren't right for each other anymore. 'Dakota is devastated that she isn't going to be around his kids as much anymore, but wants them to know that she is always there for them.' The source added there is a chance the pair may reconcile but 'right now, being separated will do wonders if they were to have any type of future together.' DailyMail.com has reached out to representatives for Johnson and Martin for comment but did not immediately hear back. She also stepped out on Sunday with Martin's ex Jennifer Lawrence. DailyMail first reported trouble between the pair in August 2024 but a rep later confirmed they were still together. The pair had a brief rumored split in 2019 which was alleged to be over Martin pushing for them to have children, but they quickly got back together. Just before news of their separation spread around the world, Johnson was seen emerging from the Greenwich Hotel in the Manhattan neighborhood Tribeca Her left hand was notably bare of her dazzling emerald engagement ring as she stepped out onto the sidewalk on Greenwich Street Dakota Johnson and Chris Martin have split after almost eight years together (Pictured in 2019) Martin famously split from actress wife Gwyneth Paltrow, the mother of his two children Apple, 21, and Moses, 19, in March 2014 after ten years of marriage (pictured in 2014) Martin famously split from actress wife Gwyneth Paltrow, the mother of his two children Apple, 21, and Moses, 19, in March 2014 after ten years of marriage. The then-Hollywood power couple described their separation at the time as a conscious uncoupling and had their divorce finalized in July 2016. Martin was reported to be in an on-and-off relationship with actress Annabelle Wallis before they split in August 2017. He was first seen with Dakota at a sushi restaurant in Los Angeles in October 2017 when they were reported to be cozy, laughing and affectionate. Dakota, the daughter of Don Johnson, 75, and Melanie Griffith, 68, was spotted a month later at a Coldplay concert in Buenos Aires, Argentina, leading to fans posing social media pictures of her enjoying the show. The couple were seen out on more dates around Los Angeles in early 2018. But it was nearly a year later that they made their first openly public appearance together at Stella McCartney's Autumn 2018 Collection show in LA. Johnson had forged a close bond with Martin's ex Paltrow (pictured) The former couple looked loved-up during a 2022 outing Dakota's father, Don, appeared to confirm his daughter's relationship with Martin in an interview with Digital Spy when he joked: "Yeah, that's... uh troubling, isn't it? No, she's a big girl, she can handle herself! Her actress mother also opened up about Martin during a Global Gift Foundation USA Women's Empowerment Luncheon, when she said: I adore him! Dakota appeared to confirm her relationship with Martin in an interview with Tatler in September 2018 when she said: I'm not going to talk about it, but I am very happy. The following November, she is said to have met Paltrow, her new husband Brad Falchuk, and Martins children at a Thanksgiving dinner Chris is seen with ex Paltrow and their children, Apple and Moses A source told PEOPLE at the time: They're a total modern family and had a great time celebrating together. The couple were spotted again with Paltrow and Falchuk on the beach in the Hamptons, New York, in August 2019. Paltrow opened up about her ex-husbands relationship with Dakota in a 2020 interview with Harper's Bazaar, describing how the actress had become part of her family. She said: I love her. I can see how it would seem weird because it's sort of unconventional. But I think, in this case, just having passed through it iteratively, I just adore her. Johnson gushed over Martin's children in a 2024 interview, saying: 'I love those kids like my life depends on it. With all my heart.' After years of sliding ratings, it appears the end is finally near for The Project, with new reporting claiming that Network Ten preparing to pull the plug on the once-flagship current affairs program. Industry insiders have revealed to TV Blackbox that a brand new current affairs show is in development to replace The Project, with a major format overhaul already in the works. Unlike its predecessor, the new program will reportedly air only four nights a week from Monday to Thursday - effectively scrapping the low-performing Friday night edition. The Sunday edition of The Project, which has aired since 2017, is also expected to be axed, leaving a noticeable gap in Ten's early evening lineup. Sources have revealed that the replacement program is being quietly prepared for a launch as early as July or August. 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. After years of sliding ratings, it appears the end is finally near for The Project, with new reporting claiming that Network Ten preparing to pull the plug on the once-flagship current affairs program. Pictured: Waleed Aly and Sarah Harris Industry insiders have revealed to TV Blackbox that a brand new current affairs show is in development to replace The Project, with a major format overhaul already in the works. Pictured: Denham Hitchcock, who Ten has poached from Channel Seven It's a significant shift not only in tone but also in volume - with the new show to run just 30 minutes per episode, down from The Project's six-hour-per-week live broadcast format. That's a dramatic cut to Ten's primetime output, with some questioning how the network plans to fill the additional airtime and whether the savings from winding down the show's production - currently managed by Roving Enterprises will be reinvested elsewhere. It comes amid a significant reshuffle at the network. As previously reported by Daily Mail Australia, Ten has poached several high-profile journalists from Channel Seven - including veteran reporter Denham Hitchcock, 7News Sydney's Bill Hogan, and award-winning former foreign correspondent Amelia Brace to front its soon-to-be-launched investigative unit. Hitchcock confirmed the news on Instagram earlier this week, calling it a full-circle moment. 'Well here we go. I've switched channels. But also in a way I've come full circle,' Hitchcock began. 'I grew up watching my father on Channel Ten News every night. I had a bunk bed with Eyewitness News stickers all over it and can still sing the theme song.' He added: 'So I'm delighted to start work here today joining the network to help with its plans for the future.' Sources have revealed that the replacement program is being quietly prepared for a launch as early as July or August Hitchcock, along with 7News Sydney's Bill Hogan and award-winning former foreign correspondent Amelia Brace, have all resigned from Seven to join Ten. The trio are believed to have signed on to front a new current affairs program on Ten He also shared a throwback photo of his father, veteran Ten journalist Kevin Hitchcock, sporting a classic 1980s moustache and captioned it with some amusing words: 'Not sure I could pull one of those off but there's still time.' The move comes just days after The Australian reported that Hitchcock, along with 7News Sydney's Bill Hogan and award-winning former foreign correspondent Amelia Brace, had all resigned from Seven to join Ten. The trio are believed to have signed on to front a new current affairs program backed by Ten's head of news, Martin White. Brace and Hitchcock left Seven's Sydney newsroom within hours of quitting and began work at Ten on Monday. Hogan is expected to start in three weeks. The departures fuel speculation that Ten is preparing to launch a prime-time news magazine show to take on Nine's 60 Minutes, Seven's Spotlight, and ABC's Four Corners. Industry sources say the new program will focus on long-form investigative stories and is currently assembling what's been described as a 'crack team' of reporters and producers. A Ten spokesperson confirmed the shake-up to Daily Mail Australia, saying: 'Following the continued growth and success of our news brand, 10 News, we are investing in an investigative unit that will work on long-form stories.' For Hitchcock, the move comes just three months after returning to Seven following a break from TV journalism to live on a catamaran with his wife Mari and their young children. Ten has poached several high-profile journalists from Channel Seven - including veteran reporter Denham Hitchcock, 7News Sydney's Bill Hogan, and award-winning former foreign correspondent Amelia Brace to front its soon-to-be-launched investigative unit He had originally helped launch Spotlight in 2019 and led the network's coverage of major crime and current affairs stories, including last year's Who Killed Marea? documentary on Sky News. Despite his short return to Seven, Hitchcock appears ready to dive back into serious reporting at Ten and has called on viewers to help feed him stories. 'To everyone who keeps sending me stories to look into keep them coming. I read every message,' he wrote. Ten's new current affairs program is expected to launch later this year. Hitchcock departs only three months after having returned to Seven after a couple of years off living on a catamaran with his young family. 'I'm back. It's time to wash some of the salt out - and get back to what I do best,' he wrote on social media. Network 10 has been approached for comment. Hugh Jackman snapped selfies with fans outside Minetta Lane Theatre in New York City on Wednesday. The actor, 55, flashed a smile in the snaps despite his ex Deborra-Lee Furness, 69, is 'planning to release a divorce tell-all.' The revelations come weeks after Deb filed official divorce papers, ending her 27-year marriage to Hugh and issuing a powerful public statement where she spoke of her 'traumatic journey of betrayal'. Wearing a pair of dark sunglasses, Hugh departed the theatre during his stint in Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes. He took a moment to pose for snaps with fans before heading off with a helmet to go and find his bicycle. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Hugh Jackman snapped selfies with fans outside Minetta Lane Theatre in New York City on Wednesday amid reports his ex Deborra-Lee Furness is 'planning to release divorce tell-all' Wearing a pair of dark sunglasses, Hugh departed the theatre during his stint in Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes The revelations come weeks after Deb filed official divorce papers, ending her marriage and issuing a statement where she spoke of her 'traumatic journey of betrayal' (pictured 2024) Deborra-Lee is reportedly planning to release a no-holds-barred 'divorce diary' detailing her painful split from Hugh and the heartbreak that followed. The Australian actress is currently documenting her emotional roller-coaster journey, with plans to publish the memoir once her divorce from the Wolverine star is legally finalised, according to New Idea. 'Deb's been desperate to have her side of the story out there,' an alleged source told the outlet. 'She's been writing down all her thoughts, the good and the bad, and logging every detail of this ugly roller-coaster divorce. As soon as her lawyers allow it, she will be talking to publishers about a deal.' Hugh and Deborra-Lee's split appeared to turn bitter when she spoke about her 'traumatic journey of betrayal' in the wake of her divorce filing last month. 'My heart and compassion goes out to everyone who has traversed the traumatic journey of betrayal,' she said. 'It's a profound wound that cuts deep, however I believe in a higher power and that God/the universe, whatever you relate to as your guidance, is always working FOR us.' 'This belief has helped me navigate the breakdown of an almost three-decade marriage.' Appearing to keep a low profile, Hugh departed the theatre during his stint in Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes He dressed casually in a black top and a pair of navy blue shorts After taking a moment to pose for snaps with fans he headed off with a helmet to go and to find his bicycle She continued: 'I have gained much knowledge and wisdom through this experience. 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.' She concluded her statement with the 'one thing' she has learned, which is 'that none of this is personal.' Deb's emotional declaration signalled a turning point in what had largely been a quiet and dignified separation - until now. Sources claim that while Deb is remaining composed publicly, behind closed doors she's preparing to reclaim her narrative with a raw and honest memoir that could shine a spotlight on Jackman's new romance with Broadway star Sutton Foster. The New Idea insider added that the actress won't be holding back: 'She won't be silenced. This is her truth.' Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Deborra-Lee Furness for comment. Meanwhile, tensions are said to be rising between Jackman and Foster, 50, as he pushes to integrate his new partner into the family unit he once shared with Deb. Meanwhile Debs is currently documenting her emotional roller-coaster journey, with plans to publish the memoir once her divorce from the Wolverine star is legally finalised The Aussie actor is reportedly eager for Sutton to form a bond with his and Deborra-Lee's adopted children - Oscar, 25, and Ava, 19 - but the process hasn't been smooth. 'Sutton begged Hugh to stop forcing the situation,' a source claimed to New Idea, adding that the Broadway star is keen to delay any introductions until the divorce is officially settled. 'It was Oscar's birthday recently and Ava's is coming up in July and Hugh couldn't see an issue with wanting to include his other half,' the insider explained. 'But Sutton's anxious about rushing things and believes it's too soon.' Foster, who also shares an adopted daughter, Emily, 7, with ex-husband Ted Griffin, is said to be treading carefully, especially with the shadow of Deb's scathing comments still lingering. If Deborra-Lee's book plans go ahead, it's likely to be one of the most anticipated celebrity memoirs in years - and with decades of Hollywood secrets, personal struggles, and a headline-grabbing split to unpack, publishers will no doubt be lining up. Hugh has yet to release his own statement on the split, but a source told the Daily Mail he had been left 'extremely disappointed' by Deborra-Lee's words as he believed they had an 'understanding' they would not publicly trash one another. 'There was no stipulation that she could not address this but there was an unwritten understanding that she would not trash him to the press,' an insider said. 'She got around this by not naming him - instead focusing on how she felt.' Amy Childs was pictured arriving at Stansted airport to jet off and film the next series of The Only Way Is Essex with her co-stars on Thursday. The TOWIE star, 34, who was joined by her fiance Billy Delbosq and their twins, wore a yellow tracksuit co-ord for the flight to Portugal. Amy has sparked concern recently with her new slimmed-down appearance after dropping two stone but has now revealed the reason for her extreme weight loss. The reality personality addressed the weight loss and cruel trolling she's received as a result of it in an emotional interview. She told OK! Magazine: 'I'm going through so much at the minute that the weight has fallen off me. I worry about my mum constantly. She's very emotional she thinks she's going to have another heart attack.' 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. Amy Childs was pictured arriving at the airport to jet off and film the next series of The Only Way Is Essex with her co-stars on Thursday The TOWIE star, 34, who was joined by her fiance Billy Delbosq and their twins, wore a yellow tracksuit co-ord for the flight to Portugal Amy has sparked concern recently with her new slimmed-down appearance after dropping two stone but has now revealed the reason for her extreme weight loss 'People think I'm not eating, but I do eat. To be honest, I do feel better when I'm a bit heavier than I am at the moment. There's so much going on at the minute it's the result of pure stress. We're also having renovations done in the midst of parenting four kids.' Amy added: 'But I'm strong, I've been in this industry for 15 years. I've had lots of people concerned about me, which I completely understand, but yes, people can be so quick to judge.' Amy went on to explain how she once tried using weight-loss injections 18 months ago, but it made her 'so ill she threw up three or four times'. Amy has called off her wedding to her fiance Billy after a stressful period dealing with her mother's ill health and her own extreme weight loss. The reality star, who is said to be 'gutted' over the decision, has reportedly decided to cancel their impending nuptials to focus on her personal life. Amy and her partner were pushing the prams of their twins, Billy River and Amelia Mae, as they took their children away with them on the trip. The mother of four, whose other two children were not on the getaway, looked fresh-faced and wore her in a bouncy blown out look. Amy was carrying a raffia Loewe bag on her arm and sported a pair of chunky beige sandals, finishing her look with a pair of Louis Vuitton shades. The reality personality addressed the weight loss and cruel trolling she's received as a result of it in an emotional interview Also on the trip was Amy's longtime pal Lauren Goodger, who joined the cast as an original member in 2010 before returning years later Lauren beamed as she arrives at the airport with the TOWIE cast for filming the new series after revealing her fears over flying for the first time in five years Lauren was joined by pals Junaid and Joe Also on the trip was Amy's longtime pal Lauren Goodger, who joined the cast as an original member in 2010 before returning years later. Lauren beamed as she arrives at the airport with the TOWIE cast for filming the new series after revealing her fears over flying for the first time in five years. The reality star, 38, appeared upbeat as donned a beige co-rd and Hermes sandals for the flight to Portugal. She toted her belongings in a brown Chanel bag and a personalised suitcase with her initials 'LG' printed on the front. Lauren looked radiant as she opted for a bouncy blow dry and a glam palette of make-up. She was joined by happy couple Junaid Ahmed and Joe Blackman, who both were dressed in hoodies and shorts. Before heading to the airport, Lauren opened up about her fears of flying, having not been on a plan in half a decade. The reality star, 38, appeared upbeat as donned a beige co-rd and Hermes sandals for the flight to Portugal Amy and Billy pushed their twins Amelia and Billy in their prams Ella Rae Wise, 24, will no doubt hoping to avoid a run-in with her ex-boyfriend Dan Edgar, 35, who she split from in March before appearing on Celebrity Big Brother Dan looked dapper in a long-sleeved black top and white trousers Ella showed Dan what he was missing in a skintight red gym set which teased her toned midriff, teamed with a pair of white trainers and jumper Dani Imbert showed off her killer frame in a black alo set Ella Rae Wise, 24, will no doubt hoping to avoid a run-in with her ex-boyfriend Dan Edgar, 35, who she split from in March before appearing on Celebrity Big Brother. The castmate insisted that 'something was missing' from their relationship, after she agreed to be his girlfriend during a romantic proposal in the last series. Ella showed Dan what he was missing in a skintight red gym set which teased her toned midriff, teamed with a pair of white trainers and jumper. The CBB star pushed along her lavish Louis Vuitton suitcase, with a matching huge tote bag on the top of the case. Among the group were Becks Bloomberg and Livvy Jay, who were were introduced midway through series 33 last year. Becks flashed some serious underboob in a tight white crop top which flashed her midriff, teamed with a pair of pale blue joggers and a matching jacket. The brunette beauty wore her long locks loose and sported a make-up free look, while adding a pair of oval sunglasses to the ensemble. She pulled along two suitcases no doubt packed full of skimpy holiday ensembles. Among the group were Becks Bloomberg (pictured) and Livvy Jay, who were were introduced midway through series 33 last year She teamed with a pair of pale blue joggers and a matching jacket Livvy also made an appearance in a black alo co-ord with white trainers Sammy Root appeared without girlfriend Elma Pazar after recently shutting down split rumours Jordan Brook and Sophie Kasaei cut a cool figure in their airport attire Freddie Bentley opted for comfort in a green sweatshirt and joggers Freddie hugged his pal Dani as they greeted each other at the airport Chloe Meadows was also spotted arriving at the airport Elma looked stunning in a white co-ord and trainers She was joined by Courtney Green who looked casually cool in flared trousers Junaid and Joe looked to be as smitten as ever Harry Derbidge arrived wearing a 'main character' T-shirt with jeans and trainers Lauren Goodger put on a brave face as she arrived at the airport after admitting she was scared to leave her daughter Larose for the first time. The TOWIE star, 38, was among the cast jetting off to Portugal on Thursday to film the new series of the popular ITVBe programme. However, just hours before she was pictured at the departures terminal, Lauren told her fans she was worried about leaving her little girl and combatting her flying fear. Lauren welcomed Larose, four, with her then-boyfriend Charles Drury and revealed how she had not left her daughter to go on holiday since her birth. Taking to her Instagram Stories, Lauren posted a selfie and wrote: '5am and I'm on my way to the airport. I have not done this in over 5 years! From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Lauren Goodger put on a brave face as she arrived at the airport after admitting she was scared to leave her daughter Larose for the first time The TOWIE star, 38, was among the cast jetting off to Portugal on Thursday to film the new series of the popular ITVBe programme It comes just hours after Lauren shared a selfie where she opened up about her fears over flying for the first time in five years 'I feel many mixed emotions. SO proud of myself as I was awake most of the night thinking shall I just not go... 'As I hug my baby felt like I was awake all night kissing her, she is nearly 4 years old and I've never ever left her to go away or do anything for me.' She continued: 'Thank you @ITV @itvoffical and all of the TOWIE family @towie for helping me with this and most importantly something I'm going share with you very soon that's helped me come this far.' Despite her early morning fears, Lauren appeared upbeat as donned a beige co-rd and Hermes sandals for the flight. She toted her belongings in a brown Chanel bag and a personalised suitcase with her initials 'LG' printed on the front. Lauren opted for a bouncy blow dry and a glam palette of make up. She was joined by happy couple Junaid Ahmed and Joe Blackman, who both were dressed in hoodies and shorts. TOWIE have reportedly splashed 150,000 on a cast getaway to celebrate the shows 15th anniversary. Fan favourites will stay at the five-star resort in the Algarve for a two-week trip. However, just hours before she was pictured at the departures terminal, Lauren told her fans she was worried about leaving her little girl and combatting her flying fear Lauren pictured with her daughter Larose before the trip Lauren looked radiant as she opted for a bouncy blow dry and a glam palette of make up She was joined by happy couple Junaid Ahmed and Joe Blackman, who both were dressed in hoodies and shorts Filming is set to begin on June 6, with fan favourites staying at the five-star resort in the Algarve for a two-week trip. There is expected to be a production team of over 95 people involved, which makes it one of the largest international operations the show has ever done. The Westin Algarve has been chosen as the casts base. The five-star resort is expected to serve as the stunning backdrop for much of the upcoming drama. Producers have flown out ahead of schedule in search for the best beach clubs, bars, and party hotspots across the Algarve. The show bosses sees Portugal as the most ideal location with the sunny spot only a short 2.5 hour flight from the UK. Molly-Mae Hague has confirmed Behind It All will return for a second season, and she has already begun filming. The former Love Island star, 26, whose Prime Video show became a viral hit when it launched earlier this year, will continue to let the cameras follow her life from running clothing brand Maebe to parenting two-year-old daughter Bambi. Writing on Instagram, Molly said: 'My mood because it's filming day ONE for SEASON 2!!! 'I can't believe I'm saying this but because of all of your love and support with 'Molly-Mae: Behind It All' we are coming BACK with another season! Pinch me.' MailOnline can reveal that Molly-Mae's on-again boyfriend, boxer Tommy Fury, 26, still won't appear on camera despite the couple officially rekindling their romance. It was previously confirmed that Tommy is unable to show his face on the Prime Video series due to his contractual agreements with the BBC as he films documentary The Good, The Bad, The Fury, set for release later this year. Molly-Mae Hague has confirmed Behind It All will return for a second season, and she has already begun filming The former Love Island star will continue to let the cameras follow her life from running clothing brand Maebe to parenting two-year-old daughter Bambi MailOnline can reveal that Molly's on-again boyfriend, boxer Tommy Fury still won't appear on camera despite the couple officially rekindling their romance A TV source explained the second series of Behind It All will be less 'relationship focused' as Molly continues to build her 'business empire' and navigate family dilemmas with mother Deborah and sister Zoe. An insider said: 'Molly-Mae was over the moon that Behind It All was so well received and popular among her fanbase, she's more than happy to continue sharing more personal aspects of her life with the cameras. 'This season will be as jam-packed as the last, with Molly testing living arrangements, taking on challenges, and making some life altering decisions, all while managing her business ventures. 'Viewers shouldn't expect to see Tommy on the show because he still won't appear even though him and Molly are very much together now.' Behind It All has been recommissioned for a second season following the success of the debut six-part series, which became the streamer's most watched show on Prime Video by young women aged 18-34. The show followed Molly as she navigated her public breakup from Tommy, who later revealed the reason for their split was because he had been struggling with alcohol addiction. It also tracked the launch of Maebe, Molly's first fashion brand, and her complicated relationship with sister Zoe, who felt protective over the YouTuber getting back with Tommy before they had properly worked through their issues. Elsewhere, Molly looked back at her childhood aspirations as her family said she was always destined for fame and sharing her hopes for the future, the mother spoke of her longing to give Bambi a sibling. Behind It All has been recommissioned following the success of the debut series, which became the streamer's most watched show on Prime Video by young women aged 18-34 In the show, Molly looked back at her childhood aspirations as her family said she was always destined for fame and sharing her hopes for the future, the mother spoke of her longing to give Bambi a sibling The final scene of season one showed the first picture of Molly and Tommy together again as they reunited in Dubai for a family holiday with Bambi. Molly announced Behind It All season two was in production on Instagram on Thursday evening alongside an image of herself smiling during the first day of filming. Molly rose to fame on Love Island in 2019, where she met Tommy, and during the show's 10-year anniversary special this week, producers aired the star's unseen audition tape. In the clip, she said: 'The last guy that I was with told me that I was too much for him to handle, whatever 'too much' actually means' The episode also replayed the emotional moment Molly and Tommy reunited after the Casa Amor loyalty test, which showed the couple fall back into each other's arms. Despite not winning the show, the couple, who were engaged before their split last year, remains of Love Island's most famous pairings. Is this the most A-list audiobook ever? Forget screen credits - some of Britain's biggest stars are lending their voices to a new audio adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, released by Audible to mark the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth. Marisa Abela plays a sharp-tongued Elizabeth Bennet opposite Harris Dickinson's brooding Mr Darcy. Jessie Buckley voices the snide Caroline Bingley, Bill Nighy brings Mr Bennet to life and Glenn Close takes on the formidable Lady Catherine de Bourgh. While some fans are mourning the fact this dream cast never appears together on screen, Ms Abela confirmed they did come together in the studio. 'Recording this with such a phenomenal cast and team was such a true joy,' she said. Marisa Abela plays a sharp-tongued Elizabeth Bennet opposite Harris Dickinson's brooding Mr Darcy. 'Recording this with such a phenomenal cast and team was such a true joy,' she said Mr Dickinson, 28, whose credits include The Iron Claw and Babygirl, said: 'Playing Mr Darcy was an amazing experience. I've always known him as this iconic character, but getting to really dive into the novel through this process gave me a whole new appreciation for him and the world' Glenn Close takes on the formidable Lady Catherine de Bourgh, while Jessie Buckley voices the snide Caroline Bingley and Bill Nighy brings Mr Bennet to life The starry casting comes after Keira Knightly starred as the main character in the Regency-era project in 2005 alongside Matthew Macfadyen (pictured) Staying 'faithful to the original text', the production adds what Audible calls a 'unique interior perspective' from Elizabeth Bennet, offering insight into the heroine's inner world. The audiobook will be released in English on September 9 in the UK, US, Canada, India and Australia, with translations in Castilian Spanish, French, German, Italian and Brazilian Portuguese to follow. Ms Abela, 28, known for Industry and the Amy Winehouse biopic Back to Black, said: 'Elizabeth Bennet is one of the most fiercely intelligent and iconic characters in literature, and stepping into her shoes has been an incredible honour. 'What I love about this adaptation is how it lets us hear her inner world in such a vivid, intimate way - it feels both timeless and fresh.' Mr Dickinson, 28, whose credits include The Iron Claw and Babygirl, added: 'Playing Mr Darcy was an amazing experience. I've always known him as this iconic character, but getting to really dive into the novel through this process gave me a whole new appreciation for him and the world. 'Being part of such a talented cast made it even better. It's a real privilege to be part of something so timeless.' The supporting cast includes Will Poulter as Mr Wickham, Toheeb Jimoh as Mr Bingley, David Gyasi as Mr Gardiner, Rosalind Eleazar as Mrs Gardiner, Bertie Carvel as Mr Collins and Leah Harvey as Charlotte Lucas. Other members of the Bennet family are voiced by Marianne Jean-Baptiste as Mrs Bennet, Sophie Wilde as Jane, Antonia Salib as Kitty, Patricia Allison as Lydia and Aasiya Shah as Mary. 'It's remarkable how Pride and Prejudice has stood the test of time globally to be one of every generation's favourite love stories,' said Aurelie de Troyer, Audible's head of regional content for Europe. Staying 'faithful to the original text', the latest production adds what Audible calls a 'unique interior perspective' from Elizabeth Bennet, offering insight into the heroine's inner world Netflix announced the cast for its upcoming six-part limited series based on Jane Austen's beloved 1800s novel Pride & Prejudice with Emma Corrin and Jack Lowden in lead roles 'Lulu Raczka's script is thrilling and conveys all of Jane Austen's energy in an engaging, modern way. Through the intimacy of audio, we have the unique ability to make the passion and romance truly electric, and Marisa Abela and Harris Dickinson's chemistry as Elizabeth and Darcy is undeniable.' This latest production joins Audible's growing roster of high-profile audio dramas, including 1984 with Andrew Garfield, Tom Hardy, Cynthia Erivo and Andrew Scott, The Mysterious Affair at Styles starring Peter Dinklage and a trilogy of Dickens adaptations produced by Sam Mendes. The company is also preparing new versions of all seven Harry Potter books, with the first due out in late 2025. Details of the cast are yet to be announced. And for those who still prefer their Austen on screen, Pride and Prejudice is set to return to television in a new limited series for Netflix. Dolly Alderton, the bestselling author of Everything I Know About Love, has written a six-part adaptation directed by Heartstopper's Euros Lyn. 'Once in a generation, a group of people get to retell this wonderful story and I feel very lucky that I get to be a part of it,' Alderton said. The series will stay true to the period setting and features a high-profile cast. The Crown's Emma Corrin stars as Elizabeth Bennet, with Slow Horses actor Jack Lowden as Darcy and Oscar winner Olivia Colman as Mrs Bennet. Jonathan Bailey revealed how he accidentally headbutted his Wicked co-star Ariana Grande and detailed the darker side of the film in a new interview on Thursday. The actor, 37, who stars as Elphaba's (Cynthia Erivo) love interest Fiyero Tigelaar in the upcoming conclusion of the Broadway hit. Speaking in his cover story for British GQs Heroes Issue, Jonathan gave an insight into an early rehearsal for Wicked and revealed what fans can expect for the film. He recalled: 'I remember having four hours to learn how to do a dance move. I did it with Ari, headbutted her, and was like, gotta go! 'I think she might have even headbutted me, but it was a meeting of minds, literally.' 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. Jonathan Bailey revealed how he accidentally headbutted his Wicked co-star Ariana Grande and detailed the darker side of the film in a new interview on Thursday Ariana pictured in February The actor, 37, who stars as Elphaba's (Cynthia Erivo) love interest Fiyero Tigelaar in the upcoming conclusion of the Broadway hit Wicked: For Good is set to hit cinemas on November 21, sees the return of Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and Ariana as Glinda, the Good Witch of the North - with part two of the musical movie following their friendship after Elphaba was banished from Oz. Jonathan detailed how the story has evolved, will be 'darker' and 'go there politically' as his character also 'transforms.' He continued: 'Its darker, and Ive got a sense its going to go there politically as well. Fiyeros arc really kicks off and he literally is transformed by the end.' 'There really is lots of new stuff. When [Fiyero] leaves with Elphaba and they go to her lair where shes staying on stage you just accept that shes living in a pit of dry ice, but in the film its really beautifully realised and thought out by the departments and Cynthia and me.' The first trailer for Wicked's hotly-anticipated sequel was released this week and has sent fans into a frenzy. The clip provides a first look at the movie conclusion of the Broadway hit teasing the fate of the protagonists and a first look at new characters. Elphaba is living in exile, hidden within the Ozian forest while continuing her fight for the freedom of Ozs silenced Animals and desperately trying to expose the truth about The Wizard (Jeff Goldblum). Glinda, meanwhile, has become the symbol of Goodness for all of Oz, living at the palace in Emerald City and reveling in the perks of fame and popularity as she prepares to tie the knot with Prince Fiyero (Jonathan). Speaking in his cover story for British GQs Heroes Issue , Jonathan gave an insight into an early rehearsal for Wicked and revealed what fans can expect for the film' He also detailed how the story has evolved, will be 'darker' and 'go there politically' as his character also 'transforms' Pictured as Fiyero Tigelaar in the film Wicked: For Good is set to hit cinemas on November 21, sees the return of Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and Ariana as Glinda, the Good Witch of the North She is also working under the instruction of Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh) to convince the citizens of Oz that they have nothing to fear when it comes to The Wizard. Yet behind the scenes, Glinda is attempting to reconcile Elphaba and The Wizard, which only results in her being drawn further apart from her friend. As a result Boq (Ethan Slater) and Fiyero are set to be changed forever, while the safety of Elphabas sister, Nessarose (Marissa Bode) comes into question. Just as tensions in Oz reach an all time high, a girl from Kansas comes crashing into all their lives. The Heroes Issue of British GQ is available via digital download and on newsstands on 10th June. Cynthia Erivo has opened up about her deep and meaningful friendship with pop superstar Ariana Grande during an emotional appearance on Australia's The Project on Thursday night. The powerhouse performer, who stars alongside Grande in the highly-anticipated Wicked film, spoke candidly about the trust and creative connection they've built behind the scenes. 'I really appreciate and treasure her opinion,' Cynthia said when asked about her bond with Ariana. 'I trust her like what she hears, I trust it. If I'm like, 'Oh, I'm not sure about this,' I'll send it to her and ask, 'Have a listen to this, what do you think?' Because not many people are made like her.' Erivo went on to say the two artists share a rare understanding of one another, especially when it comes to their creativity. 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. Cynthia Erivo (pictured) has opened up about her deep and meaningful friendship with pop superstar Ariana Grande during an emotional appearance on The Project on Wednesday night The powerhouse performer, who stars alongside Grande in the highly-anticipated Wicked film, spoke candidly about the trust and creative connection they've built behind the scenes. Pictured with Ariana 'She understands how I'm made. I understand how she's made musically and creatively. So to be able to share some of that work has been really, really wonderful actually. She's one of a kind,' Cynthia said. Their close friendship blossomed while filming the two-part movie adaptation of the Broadway hit Wicked, in which Cynthia plays Elphaba and Ariana portrays Glinda. Elsewhere in the interview, the Oscar-nominated actress reflected on self-growth and the importance of setting boundaries in both personal and professional life. 'Self-advocacy starts with knowing who you are not in anyone else's eyes, but your own,' she shared. 'Then there's the scary thing of going, 'I think there are some relationships I need to let go of.' Becoming brave enough to make the changes you need in your life to get what you want not just in your work or creativity, but also in the people you allow around you.' Cynthia's insight comes just months before Universal Pictures dropped the first trailer for Wicked: For Good. The sequel will hit cinemas on November 21, with a first look at the movie conclusion of the Broadway hit teasing the fate of the protagonists and a first look at new characters. The sequel follows Elphaba and Glinda's friendship after Elphaba was banished from Oz. The sequel sees the return of Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and Ariana Grande as Glinda, the Good Witch of the North (pictured) Elphaba is living in exile in the forest while continuing her fight for the freedom of Ozs silenced Animals and desperately trying to expose the truth about The Wizard (Jeff Goldblum) Glinda, meanwhile, has become the symbol of Goodness for all of Oz, living at the palace in Emerald City and reveling in the perks of fame and popularity Elphaba is living in exile, hidden within the Ozian forest while continuing her fight for the freedom of Oz's silenced Animals and desperately trying to expose the truth about The Wizard (Jeff Goldblum). Glinda, meanwhile, has become the symbol of Goodness for all of Oz, living at the palace in Emerald City and reveling in the perks of fame and popularity as she prepares to tie the knot with Prince Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey). She is also working under the instruction of Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh) to convince the citizens of Oz that they have nothing to fear when it comes to The Wizard. Yet behind the scenes, Glinda is attempting to reconcile Elphaba and The Wizard, which only results in her being drawn further apart from her friend. As a result Boq (Ethan Slater) and Fiyero are set to be changed forever, while the safety of Elphabas sister, Nessarose (Marissa Bode) comes into question. Just as tensions in Oz reach an all time high, a girl from Kansas comes crashing into all their lives. Fans went wild at the first glimpse of Dorothy - who was seen walking along the yellow brick road with the Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, and Scarecrow. Cruz Beckham celebrated his one year anniversary with girlfriend Jackie Apostel on Thursday, sharing a gushing post just hours after his brother Romeo's heartbreak was revealed. Victoria and David's Beckham's youngest son Cruz, 20, posted sweet snaps of his girlfriend, 29 on Instagram as he declared '1 year down, plenty to go.' Jackie meanwhile shared a carousel of images with the caption 'a good year.' The Mail revealed on Wednesday that there is heartache for Cruz's older brother, as Romeo, 22, and his girlfriend Kim Turnbull, 26, have gone their separate ways after seven months together. Friends said that the romance fizzled out three weeks after Davids 50th birthday, meanwhile Cruz and Jackie are still going strong. Jackie seems to have been accepted into the Beckham clan despite online chatter around her 10-year age gap with Cruz. In September she joined Cruz in supporting Victoria at her fashion show during Paris Fashion Week whilst she was in attendance at David's week of 50th birthday celebrations, including a close family trip to France. 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. Cruz Beckham celebrated his one year anniversary with girlfriend Jackie Apostle on Thursday, sharing a gushing post just hours after his brother Romeo's heartbreak was revealed Cruz, 20, posted sweet snaps of his girlfriend, 29 as he declared '1 year down, plenty to go' Jackie shared photos with the words 'a good year' At David's lavish London party, she and Romeo even got on stage to perform a duet of Victoria and her husband's favourite song - Islands In The Stream. Kim was also at the celebrations but despite being warmly welcomed into the family, the relationship has now run its course. Friends told The Mail that things remain amicable between Romeo and Kim, and that their parting is nothing to do with Kim being blamed by Nicola Peltz for being the catalyst for the feud that has ripped the Beckham family apart. One said: Romeo and Kim are both young and they had a lovely time together but at that age things dont always last forever and they decided to split up. They have been friendly since and have even been at the same venues. Its a huge shame, particularly as David and Victoria really adored her and thought she made Romeo happy but it wasnt to be. It happened a couple of weeks ago and relations have remained friendly between them. 'David and Victoria would hate for the view to be that they split because of Nicola and Brooklyn because that simply isnt the case. The fact is that Kim has got a really busy career as a DJ and Romeo has a busy work life too, there is lots of travelling for both of them at having a relationship at this time isnt all that conducive to their lives. The Mail revealed on Wednesday that there is heartache for Cruz's older brother though, as Romeo, 22, and his girlfriend Kim Turnbull, 26, have gone their separate ways Kim attended several of Davids birthday celebrations last month alongside Romeo, Cruz and Jackie She has been at the centre of the rift after Nicola, 30, claimed that she felt uncomfortable around her, with sources close to the US heiress saying that Kim had dated Brooklyn when they were teenagers. That was the reason the couple gave for not attending any of Davids celebrations. However, in fact she enjoyed a romance with his close friend Rocco Ritchie, the son of Guy Ritchie and Madonna. Jodie Comer has admitted she was 'scared' while filming new zombie thriller 28 Years Later. The actress, 32, stars as Isla in the upcoming film, the wife of Aaron Taylor-Johnson's scavenger character Jamie. And while the Dany Boyle-directed flick is intended to petrify movie fans, Jodie has told how despite starring in the film, she was left startled herself as she insisted that one 'can't fake' the emotions she exhibited on screen. Speaking in a featurette ahead of the film's release later this month, Jodie explained: 'Being on a Danny Boyle set, I found it to be the most amazing experience. The relationship that the camera seemed to be having with the characters and the story and seeing how that comes to life. 'I was quite taken aback because I felt like I'd spent a lot of time outdoors in the beautiful locations and then all of a sudden, I'm being chased. I was scared - there is a kind of tension within it, you can't fake it. When you're in these high intensity situations, it's exhilarating, it's thrilling, it's terrifying.' 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. Jodie Comer has admitted she was 'scared' while filming new zombie thriller 28 Years Later [pictured in the film] The actress, 32, stars as Isla in the upcoming film, the wife of Aaron Taylor-Johnson 's scavenger character Jamie She went on to add of the film's director: 'I think what Danny brings to this genre is humanity and emotion.' It comes as Danny dropped a huge revelation about Cillian Murphy's fate in the movie. The original film 28 Days Later starred Cillian, 49, as a bicycle courier who wakes up from a coma to discover the accidental release of a highly contagious, aggression-inducing virus that has caused the breakdown of society. But despite frenzied speculation that he would be reprising his role in this sequel, when the trailer came out in December, one character appeared to resemble a zombified form of Cillian's character Jim from the first film. However, this theory was quickly shut down when a London art dealer and model revealed he was the one playing the zombie character. But now Danny has confirmed that Cillian will make an appearance in the second and third films of the new trilogy. He is also serving as executive producer. Speaking about Cillian's role in the new post-apocalypse thriller, Danny told IGN: 'He is in the second one', adding: 'I shouldnt give away too much Ill get killed.' He went on to say: 'We havent got the money for the third one yet. It will depend how the first one does, I guess. But hopefully if we do OK, theyll give us the go-ahead for the money and for the third one. Everybodys standing by for that, really, including Cillian.' Jodie has told how despite starring in the film, she was left startled herself as she insisted that one 'can't fake' the emotions she exhibited on screen [pictured centre in the film] 'I was quite taken aback because I felt like I'd spent a lot of time outdoors in the beautiful locations and then all of a sudden, I'm being chased. I was scared' 'There is a kind of tension within it, you can't fake it. When you're in these high intensity situations, it's exhilarating, it's thrilling, it's terrifying' The much-anticipated release of 28 Years Later is just weeks away, with fans left waiting two decades to discover the next instalment in the film series. And with the nation devastated by the Rage virus nearly three decades ago, this new movie - released on June 19 - will offer insight into the vastly different ways humanity has adapted to survive. For one such community, this means complete isolation from the outside world, and in a new clip ahead of the movie's premiere, Aaron shared insight into this new addition to the 28 Days Later universe for the first time. In this new land, known as The Holy Island, humans are entirely self-sufficient, and only leave the community to hunt on the mainland when the tide is low. Aaron plays Jamie, a scavenger who is tasked with training his Spike to survive in the wilderness before they embark on a deadly mission to the mainland. In an exclusive featurette, the actor offered a glimpse at this new Holy Island, explaining: 'My character is part of this community that survived 20-odd years because they live on the Holy Island, disconnected from the mainland. 'They don't have doctors or medicine, can only eat what they can grow, they can go hunt, but they have to go hunt on the mainland. It comes as Danny dropped a huge revelation about Cillian Murphy's fate in the movie [Cillian in 2002's 28 Days Later] The original film 28 Days Later starred Cillian, 49, as a bicycle courier who wakes up from a coma to discover the accidental release of a highly contagious, aggression-inducing virus that has caused the breakdown of society. When the trailer came out in December, one character appeared to resemble a zombified form of Cillian's character Jim from the first film. However, this theory was quickly shut down But now Danny has confirmed that Cillian [pictured last year] will make an appearance in the second and third films of the new trilogy. He is also serving as executive producer 'And we have rules, if you leave the island and you don't return, there's no one going out to look for you, they're going to assume you've been infected and you're dead.' Aaron then explained that for his character's son, it's a 'rite of passage' to learn his father's hunting skills, in the hope that they can survive when they leave the island. In addition to Jodie, Ralph Fiennes also stars in the film as Dr. Kelson, a survivor of the outbreak. The film is set on the real-life island of Lindisfarne, which is only accessible through a causeway during low tide. Channing Tatum looked a bit tense Thursday as he arrived at his daughter Everly's graduation in Los Angeles with his 25-year-old girlfriend, Australian model Inka Williams just steps away from his ex-wife Jenna Dewan. The Magic Mike star, 45, maintained a serious expression while walking alongside Inka, who wore a chic polka-dot dress for the occasion. Tatum, who split from ex Zoe Kravitz in October after three years of dating, kept things casual in a white T-shirt layered with an open dress shirt, as the age-gap couple made their way toward the event before stopping for a brief conversation in the parking lot. Tatum and Dewan, 44, who were married in 2009 and split in 2018, share 11-year-old Everly, who appeared to be celebrating her middle school graduation. Jenna, meanwhile, stunned in a flowing lilac summer dress as she accompanied Everly, who looked adorable in a white floral mini dress with an oversized bow in the back. SUBSCRIBE to our new Showbiz newsletter for all the latest on your favorite Hollywood stars Channing Tatum looked a bit tense Thursday as he arrived at his daughter Everly's graduation in Los Angeles with his 25-year-old girlfriend, Australian model Inka Williams just steps away from his ex-wife Jenna Dewan Tatum and Dewan, 44, who were married in 2009 and split in 2018, share 11-year-old Everly, who appeared to be celebrating her middle school graduation The Rookie actress was joined by her fiance, Tony-winner Steve Kazee, with whom she shares two younger childrenson Callum, 5, and baby daughter Rhiannon, 11 months. Channing and Inka had kept their budding romance relatively low-key, until the model broke her silence with a sweet Instagram post in April. The Balinese-raised beauty posted a tribute to celebrate the actor's 45th birthday. 'Happy life to the handsomest, kindest, funniest, stoopidest, most gorgeous human ever,' Inka wrote. 'Merci for making life beautiful and fun. Jtm trop fort,' she added, which is French slang for 'I love you.' Born in Melbourne and raised in Bali, Inka juggles a thriving modeling career with running her own fashion label She Is I. Reflecting on her upbringing, she told By Charlotte that life on the island shaped her into a 'very compassionate person.' 'I feel so connected to the culture and energy of this island. It's so sacred and deep,' she said. 'I think that's reflected in my day-to-day life and way of living.' Tatum, who split from ex Zoe Kravitz in October after three years of dating, kept things casual in a white T-shirt layered with an open dress shirt, as the age-gap couple made their way toward the event before stopping for a brief conversation in the parking lot The Rookie actress was joined by her fiance, Tony-winner Steve Kazee Steve cut a casual figure with his breezy outfit Jenna, meanwhile, stunned in a flowing lilac summer dress as she accompanied Everly, who looked adorable in a white floral mini dress with an oversized bow in the back Jenna shares two younger childrenson Callum, 5, and baby daughter Rhiannon, 11 months - with Steve The graduation was a family affair She also credited early modeling experiences with helping her 'build resilience and strength.' Channing's new romance came almost four months after he split from his fiancee Zoe. Channing and Zoe, 35, were romantically involved for three years and engaged for one before they called off the wedding at the end of October. The split was a particular shock for the couple, as they had not only gotten engaged, but Channing had been spotted with fresh ink of Zoe's initials on the back of his hand in September. The former couple were last pictured together on Channing's Instagram page in a post from September 3, which showed Zoe apparently snoozing on her then-fiance's shirtless chest as he snapped a selfie of the two. A fan-favorite from the cast of Summer House just announced that they were quitting the popular Bravo reality show after seven years. If you guessed Paige DeSorbo, you would be correct as the 32-year-old Giggly Squad podcaster officially revealed her 'life update' on Thursday morning. 'Being [a] part of this show has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my life the friendships, the drama, the giggles, all unforgettable,' Paige - who boasts 2.2M social media followers - wrote via Instastory. 'You've seen me grow up over these last seven summers. I'll always be beyond grateful for the memories, the community, and the opportunities this wild ride has brought me. But like all good things (and some bad decisions), it's time for this chapter to close.' DeSorbo went on to thank her castmates, fans, and her NBCU family. 'I never could've imagined what this journey would turn into and how many of you would be along for the ride,' the native New Yorker continued. A fan-favorite from the cast of Summer House just announced that they were quitting the popular Bravo reality show after seven years 'And you haven't seen the last of me, I promise. So much more to do together, but for now you know you can always find me and Daphne in my bed.' Paige's 'bed' comment was a direct reference to her sleepwear brand Daphne (named after her Oriental Shorthair cat) ranging in price between $58-$230, which launches next Tuesday. 'It was really more like, "What would my followers like?" And I feel like we all align on staying in bed,' DeSorbo told InStyle on Tuesday. 'This is one thing where I can say it's a full-circle moment. I'm so happy that I didn't do it sooner because I don't think it would've been as authentic as it is right now.' The Vanity Fair Oscar Party co-anchor is also every bit the influencer with lucrative paid partnerships for brands like Dunkin', Amazon, DSW, Braun Beauty, TRESemme, Neutrogena, David Yurman, Marshalls, Face Reality, Vivrelle, and CB2. Paige was a 26-year-old fashion writer when she joined Summer House in season three, which taped in 2018 and premiered in 2019. During her 109-episode stint, DeSorbo delighted fans with her roasts of 'fake-a** bi***' Lindsay Hubbard and 'Diplo lookalike' Kyle Cook as well as her quote that went viral on TikTok. 'Everyone take it in, mental picture,' the Bravo-lebrity stated. 'Here we go. In case you wanted to see it with sunglasses, here's your shot. Okay, thank you so much.' If you guessed Paige DeSorbo (L), you would be correct as the 32-year-old Giggly Squad podcaster officially revealed her 'life update' on Thursday morning Paige wrote via Instastory: ''Being [a] part of this show has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my life the friendships, the drama, the giggles, all unforgettable. You've seen me grow up over these last seven summers' DeSorbo continued: 'I'll always be beyond grateful for the memories, the community, and the opportunities this wild ride has brought me. But like all good things (and some bad decisions), it's time for this chapter to close' The native New Yorker sleepwear's brand Daphne (named after her Oriental Shorthair cat), which ranges in price between $58-$230 launches next Tuesday Paige told InStyle on Tuesday: 'It was really more like, "What would my followers like?" And I feel like we all align on staying in bed. This is one thing where I can say it's a full-circle moment. I'm so happy that I didn't do it sooner because I don't think it would've been as authentic as it is right now' DeSorbo is also every bit the influencer with lucrative paid partnerships for brands like Dunkin' (pictured May 21), Amazon, DSW, Braun Beauty, TRESemme, Neutrogena, David Yurman, Marshalls, Face Reality, Vivrelle, and CB2 The Vanity Fair Oscar Party co-anchor was a 26-year-old fashion writer when she joined Summer House in season three, which taped in 2018 and premiered in 2019 During her 109-episode stint, Paige delighted fans with her roasts of 'fake-a** bi***' Lindsay Hubbard and 'Diplo lookalike' Kyle Cook as well as her quote that went viral on TikTok DeSorbo stated: 'Everyone take it in, mental picture. Here we go. In case you wanted to see it with sunglasses, here's your shot. Okay, thank you so much' Fans can catch one last glimpse of the Bravo-lebrity in the Summer House: Under the Covers special airing next Wednesday that features unexpected never-before-seen moments from the ninth season During Wednesday's reunion special, Paige vowed to never again say the name of her ex-boyfriend - Southern Charm star Craig Conover (R, pictured in 2024) - whom she split from last December after a three-year relationship DeSorbo told moderator Andy Cohen in the first seat: 'I didn't break up with him for other people. Here's the thing that I will say about me and my ex-boyfriend - when it came to filming, we were very much like, "If you feel it and it's real, say it." You'll never hear me say his name again' Fans can catch one last glimpse of Paige in the Summer House: Under the Covers special airing next Wednesday that features unexpected never-before-seen moments from the ninth season. During Wednesday's reunion special, DeSorbo vowed to never again say the name of her ex-boyfriend - Southern Charm star Craig Conover - whom she split from last December after a three-year relationship. 'I didn't break up with him for other people,' the Hannah & Paige Try New Things star told moderator Andy Cohen in the first seat. 'Here's the thing that I will say about me and my ex-boyfriend: when it came to filming, we were very much like, "If you feel it and it's real, say it." You'll never hear me say his name again.' The creators of King of the Hill have been slammed after they paid tribute to their late cast member Jonathan Joss following his tragic death at age 59. Joss, 59, was shot and killed in San Antonio, Texas, on Sunday after a reported altercation with his neighbor Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja outside his home. On Tuesday, creators Mike Judge, Greg Daniels, and King of the Hill revival showrunner Saladin K. Patterson remembered the actor with a heartfelt post on Instagram. 'Rest in peace, Jonathan Joss,' the post began. '"Jonathan brought King of the Hills John Redcorn to life for over a dozen seasons, including in the upcoming revival. His voice will be missed at King of the Hill, and we extend our deepest condolences to Jonathans friends and family." Mike Judge, Greg Daniels and Saladin Patterson.' The post included an image of Joss' King of the Hill character, John Redcorn, along with a 2021 black-and-white photograph of the late actor. However, the comments sections was inundated with messages from Instagram users slamming the creators over their response to Joss' uninvited appearance at the King of the Hill reboot ATX TV Festival panel. King of the Hill creators have been slammed after they paid tribute to their late cast member Jonathan Joss following his tragic death at age 59; Joss pictured 2021 DailyMail.com has contacted representatives for Judge, Daniels, and Patterson for comment. Joss was not invited to join the cast panel - which occurred two days before his death - but still attended as an audience member and interrupted the event as he took to the microphone and revealed his house had been burnt down because of his sexuality. Numerous fans said they would not be tuning in to watch the new reboot in light of the alleged incident. 'I will not be watching the reboot until you guys address the dismissals of him,' one posted. 'honestly its my fav show.' 'You people should be ashamed. I love the show, but I wont be watching the revival. Why was he not invited to the panel? Why were his cries for help not taking seriously?' 'I'm not watching the new season because it's very clear that you people do not care,' one posted. 'Rest in power Jonathan,' one wrote. 'We won't be watching the reboot.' 'I love the show but this looks hella hypocritical! We saw the video of the panel and i just feel so beyond disappointed. May he rest in power!' another wrote. 'Jonathan pleaded for help and all of you dismissed him. Now you're trying to save face,' another posted. 'This is weak sauce, guys. he deserves more than 3 slides, one of which is the photo they're using to report on his death. shame on you. this is lazy and disrespectful,' another posted. Just two days before his death, Joss made headlines for crashing a King of the Hill panel at the ATV TV Festival in Austin, Texas, with Variety revealing new details about his uninvited appearance. The ATX panel was meant to celebrate the show's new reboot, debuting August 4 on Hulu, with creators Mike Judge (who voices Hank Hill and Boomhauer) and Greg Daniels joined by three voice actors - Pamela Adlon (Bobby Hill), Toby Huss (Dale Gribble) and Lauren Tom (Connie). The creators paid tribute to Joss with a post on Instagram on Tuesday It included an image of his King of the Hill character, John Redcorn The tribute was signed off by creators Mike Judge, Greg Daniels, and King of the Hill revival showrunner Saladin K. Patterson Variety's Michael Schneider moderated the panel, revealing it was supposed to be a 'small gathering,' which is why Joss wasn't invited to be on the panel. Schneider added that Joss was, 'quite miffed' about his exclusion from the panel, and took matters into his own hands, leaving his seat in the audience and approaching the microphones set up for the audience Q&A, but they were not yet turned on. When Toby Huss was speaking about writer and voice actor Johnny Hardwick, the original voice of Dale Gribble before Huss replaced him, Joss walked to the mic, as Daniels gave him an impromptu introduction as the voice of John Redcorn to the crowd. 'You were talking about Johnny, and I want to say something about him. This young man said I couldnt stand over there. I guess he didnt know that my lands already gone. He said the mic wasnt going to be used. And Im an actor. I see a mic, I use it. I see a wrong, I make it right. I want to breathe,' Joss said. He added, 'Our house burned down three months ago,' as Schneider recalled someone in the audience yelled out, 'Dammit Bobby!' before Joss added that his house burned down, 'Because I'm gay.' Fans expressed their outrage over the post in light of Joss' uninvited appearance at the ATX TV Festival Schneider added that the panel was 'frozen' and the audience let out a nervous laugh. One panelist said 'Uh,' as Joss responded, 'What? Youre doing the same thing, sir. The minds full of emotion. And real.' He then finally spoke about Johnny Hardwick, stating, 'Johnny, he gave you guys a character, because he is that character. He is that person.' Judge re-introduced Joss as the voice of John Redcorn, at which point Joss walked away from the microphone and past the stage, of his own accord, with Schneider mentioning he wasn't escorted away by security. After the panel backstage, Schneider revealed the panelists all agreed it was the 'right thing' to let him speak and not involve security, though the audience Q&A was skipped after Joss' interruption. He called the interruption, 'jarring,' with Schneider debunking reports that he was upset because he wasn't in Season 14 (he was upset because he wasn't on the panel) and insisted security didn't stop him from speaking, like others have suggested. The panel occurred just two days before Joss was shot and killed following a reported altercation with his neighbor Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja outside his home. Ceja was captured by law enforcement and has been booked on suspicion of murder. He was released on $200k bail this week. Police investigating the senseless murder have now apologized for a previous statement denying his killing was a hate crime. Joss' husband Tristan Kern de Gonzales claimed the shooting that claimed his spouse's life was carried out as part of a homophobia hate-fueled attack - although the San Antonio Police Department later issued a statement dismissing this theory. In a press conference Thursday, San Antonio Police Department Chief William McManus walked back the statement and said it had been issued 'way too prematurely.' Police investigating the senseless murder of Joss have now apologized for a previous statement denying his killing was a hate crime- Joss is pictured in Parks & Recreation Joss' husband Tristan Kern de Gonzales, pictured with Joss, claimed the shooting that claimed his spouse's life was carried out as part of a homophobia hate-fueled attack He said: 'We shouldn't have done that, it was way too early to make a statement of that nature, we didn't have information to make that statement. 'We understand the LGBTQ+ community are feeling anxious and concerned, a lot of it has to do with that statement, we're sorry.' 'The loss of Jonathan Joss was tragic and felt by the LGBTQ+ community, there's also a concern around circumstances surrounding that death and the history leading up to that.' The previous statement from a San Antonio PD spokesman had read: 'Despite online claims of this being a hate crime, currently the investigation has found no evidence to indicate that Mr. Josss murder was related to his sexual orientation.' In a press conference Thursday, San Antonio Police Department Chief William McManus walked back the statement and said it had been issued 'way too prematurely' Chief McManus addressed the question of why Ceja had not been charged with a hate crime, saying: 'In Texas hate crimes are not separate charges, instead they are addressed through sentencing enhancements. 'We don't charge with hate crimes, we gather the facts and give those facts to the DA's office. 'A hate crime would be determined at sentencing. 'We're committed to delivering a thorough and complete investigation to file with the DA.' Referring to a fire that destroyed Joss' home in January of this year, he added: 'We're also working closely with arson investigators to understand the fire in this case 'The investigation is still active. 'We've also seen concerns about the volume of calls to Jonathan Joss' residence. 70 calls over 2 years involving neighbor disturbances But Joss is best known for voicing musician and healer John Redcorn (right), who embarked on a 14-year-long affair with anchorwoman Nancy Hicks-Gribble (Ashley Gardner), on the Fox animated sitcom from seasons 2-13 'Sometimes he was the caller and other times not.' He confirmed mental health services had made 'repeated efforts to mediate conflicts' and 'connect Joss with services he needed.' Chief McManus ended with a message to the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month, saying: 'Please know your safety and trust matter to us deeply.' New details about the run-up to the violent crime also emerged via a police report obtained by DailyMail.com, with an unnamed witness stating they drove Joss from Austin to his burned down San Antonio home around 7pm on June 1 to check his mail. Joss' murder suspect, Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez, pictured in his mugshot The witness said she pulled up and parked in the driveway while she waited for Joss and another witness to check the mail. Joss' husband Gonzales has claimed he was with the actor on this trip and during the murder. Per the report, she said she saw suspect Ceja pull up in his vehicle with a passenger and stop 'directly behind her car.' She allegedly saw Joss and Ceja argue in her rear view mirror, and claimed Ceja told Joss 'he had a gun and would shoot [Joss].' She claims Ceja then shot Joss. Per the report, Joss was pronounced dead at the scene at 7.20pm and Ceja was detained by police and 'immediately told them "I shot him". His weapons were seized. The report states that '[Ceja] intentionally and knowingly discharged a weapon at [Joss] resulting in his death.' Joss already had a rough year, with his San Antonio house burning down in January, losing his home and two of his three dogs, with the final pooch still missing. He told KSAT in January that he was having issues with the electricity, and he was using a propane heater to keep the house warm, though he hinted that maybe, 'somebody may have come in and did something, who knows.' Joss also lost his car in the blaze, but the GoFundMe organized by Logan Kostroun successfully raised $10,721 from a $15K goal. But neighbors told TMZ on Monday that his house burned down because he attempted to use a BBQ pit to heat it after the city allegedly 'shut off his power when the property was deemed unsafe and uninhabitable.' Gonzales whom he wed on Valentine's Day claimed he was murdered after they were 'harassed' for two years by 'openly homophobic' individuals who 'did not accept our relationship. New details about the run-up to the violent crime have also emerged, with a unnamed witness stating they drove Joss from Austin to his burned down San Antonio home around 7pm on June 1 to check his mail 'When we returned to the site to check our mail we discovered the skull of one of our dogs and its harness placed in clear view. This caused both of us severe emotional distress,' the South Carolina native recalled on Facebook. 'While we were doing this a man approached us. He started yelling violent homophobic slurs at us. He then raised a gun from his lap and fired. Jonathan and I had no weapons.' He continued, 'We were not threatening anyone. We were grieving. We were standing side by side. When the man fired Jonathan pushed me out of the way. He saved my life.' Tristan added, 'My focus now is on protecting Jonathans legacy and honoring the life we built together.'' Christine McGuinness and Dan Osborne reportedly comforted each other through their marital woes, sources claim. The model, 37, reportedly called Dan, 33, 'D' in their 'flirty texts' and allegedly met at Londons The Hoxton hotel in March 2023. Christine and Paddy, 51, separated in 2022 after 11 years of marriage, but continued to live together in their shared home for the sake of their three children. Dan, however, has continued to work through his marriage breakdown with wife Jacqueline Jossa, 32, after they were thought to have called it quits in March after eight years of marriage. After news of their close friendship come to light, Christine reportedly said she is 'absolutely adamant nothing sexual happened between them both', with Dan suggesting the messages are 'deep fakes or AI'. A pal told The Sun: 'Dan and Christine have known each other for years. Their friendship goes as far back as 2019, when Jac was heading Down Under to the Im A Celeb jungle, when they had a brilliant night out at a fund-raising gala in London. Christine McGuinness, 37, and Dan Osborne, 33, reportedly comforted each other through their marital woes, sources claim (pictured together at a podcast launch party in 2019) Dan has continued to work through his marriage breakdown with wife Jacqueline Jossa, 32, after they were thought to have called it quits in March after eight years of marriage Christine and Paddy, 51, separated in 2022 after 11 years of marriage, but continued to live together in their shared home for the sake of their three children (pictured together in 2019) 'They stayed in touch sporadically and would bump into each other at events and their messages got pretty flirty. Some were seen by mutual friends. 'She would call him D in texts and it became an open secret among their circles. There is no suggestion anything sexual happened, but its fair to say there was a spark between them. 'She also was 100 per cent single at the time and could chat to anyone she wanted.' A source close to Christine alleged that Dan 'mainly led the way with texts', which often involved 'platonic stuff about their kids'. The publication also reported that Dan is 'devoted to Jacqueline and would hate for any suggestion of impropriety'. MailOnline has contacted Dan and Christine's representatives for comment. Dan and Jacqueline's relationship has been plagued by accusations of infidelity and in 2018 Dan was linked to Love Island's Gabby Allen after they were spotted getting close on a yacht in Marbella. Previously, The Sun claimed that Dan sent 'flirty messages' to his former Celebrity Big Brother co-star Gabby - months after the pair vehemently denied claims that they'd had an illicit tryst. In March 2019 rumours began to circulate that he had kissed Love Island's Alexandra Cane in a nightclub, which they both denied. The model reportedly called Dan 'D' in their 'flirty texts' and allegedly met at Londons The Hoxton hotel in March 2023 After news of their close friendship come to light, Christine reportedly said she is 'absolutely adamant nothing sexual happened between them both', with Dan suggesting the messages are 'deep fakes or AI' A source close to Christine alleged that Dan 'mainly led the way with texts', which often involved 'platonic stuff about their kids' That December he was rocked by cheating claims after it was alleged he engaged in a threesome with his Celebrity Big Brother co-stars Natalie Nunn and Chloe Ayling last year - which he strongly denied - while Jacqueline was in the I'm A Celebrity jungle. After endless denials, Dan finally admitted he had been unfaithful and then referenced his misgivings in a post. Dan publicly apologised to Jac a week after she was crowned queen of the jungle on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! He confessed to making 'mistakes' and said 'I've done things I shouldn't have done' as he finally took responsibility for his actions. Dan even admitted that if Jacqueline had behaved the same way he did, he would have walked out on their relationship, saying, 'If it was the other way around I'd be gone.' He put out a statement, which read: 'So after weeks, months and years of constant articles and rumours, some true, some very untrue I want to publicly say I know I have made mistakes. 'We all do as humans, but I've made some that have almost cost me my family. 'I am the luckiest man in the world to have what I have with Jacqueline and my three incredible children and I will spend the rest of my life being the best husband and dad that I can be. In 2018 Dan was linked to Gabby Allen, who recently returned to the Love Island villa for All Stars, after they were spotted getting close on a yacht in Marbella In December 2019 he was rocked by cheating claims after it was alleged he engaged in a threesome with his Celebrity Big Brother co-stars Chloe Ayling (pictured) and Natalie Nunn Dan publicly apologised to Jac a week after she was crowned queen of the jungle on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! 'Jac, myself and our families are excited for the future, one filled with love and happiness together. 'We truly appreciate everyone that has supported us as a couple, we are ending this year stronger than ever.' The post was uploaded just hours after Jacqueline addressed how things were on Lorraine, saying her husband has 'done wrong' but that she wants to 'restart their relationship'. Not holding back, she said: 'The thing is, its really funny because we've been going through it for two years - this isnt new for me. 'I want to hit the restart button, its been two years of me giving him hell, he knows hes done wrong, there's lots of stuff thats not true that I cant talk about for legal reasons, but we're OK.' Dan and Jacqueline put on a united front in new loved-up social media messages amid their marital woes. But it seems the pair could be working things out, as Dan made his feelings clear by publicly commenting on Jacqueline's latest sizzling Instagram snap. The star looked incredible in a strapless black gown which featured a sequinned top half and a high split which allowed her to showcase plenty of leg, as she head off to the British Soap Awards on Saturday. It comes after Jac and Dan looked close as they cosied up to one another at a friends' wedding on Saturday Despite splitting last month, it seems the couple could be working things out, as Dan, 33, made his feelings clear by publicly commenting on Jacqueline's latest sizzling Instagram snap Commenting underneath the snap, Dan penned: 'Beautiful,' to which Jacqueline replied: 'Thankyou my love x' Commenting underneath the snap, Dan penned: 'Beautiful,' to which Jacqueline replied: 'Thankyou my love x' It comes just days after the pair looked close as they cosied up to one another at a friends' wedding. In a snap shared by a friend over the weekend, it looks as thought the couple are back on as Jacqueline wrapped her arm around her husband's arm. The pair were seen sharing a carriage as they rode a roller coaster in wedding attire with a number of other guests. Both Jacqueline and Dan had cheesy grins on their faces for the snap ahead of the ride, as they enjoyed their friends' big day. Meanwhile, Christine recently opened up about her sexuality and her divorce from Paddy, as she revealed she has dated women since she was a teenager. The TV personality explained to Elizabeth Day on her How To Fail podcast, that her ex-husband and family have known about her sexuality since she was little and it was 'never a secret'. And now she has opened up about how she was dating women, including one two-year 'situationship', before she met Paddy, and admits she wants a connection for herself and not a step-parent for her children. Christine opened up about her sexuality and her divorce from Paddy as she revealed she has dated women since she was a teenager She told the broadcaster: 'It shouldn't matter somebody's gender. It never mattered to me, which was why once me and my ex-husband were separated and I met people, I didn't properly date. 'It was more like blurred the lines of friendships for me, that was normal. It felt comfortable because I'd done that as a teenager and I, as a teenager, I dated both men and women. My ex-husband knew. My family knew. It was never a secret for me.' When asked if she has a label for her sexuality, Christine said she has thought about it but would consider herself more of a 'free spirit'. When asked about labels, Christine explained: 'No and again, I've thought about it. A lot of people always ask me, are you a lesbian? Are you bisexual? Are you what? Is this a phase? 'I've always been quite a free spirit. I think that's the only word I would put on it. When I was a teenager, I'd dated boys and girls. 14/15 was probably when I had my first kisses with, with both, and I never felt it was anything different or a big deal. 'Then I think where I grew up, everyone was kind of just there for a good time.' Christine explained that before Paddy she did date women and her longest relationship latest around two years. 'My longest was two years before I met my ex-husband and then I've had really, really lovely long situation shifts where we purposely haven't put a label on anything', she added. 'But my experiences with women have been lovely and It's not like women are better or worse. It's simply that the connection for me is different. I need a connection now. I need something different. 'I really, really, honestly, I love my family and Patrick is part of my family and he always, always will be. But now for my next relationship, I know what I want and I want someone for me. 'I want someone that I like spending time with, we can do stuff together that we both enjoy. I want that emotional connection where I can be open and I can talk and I can be vulnerable and I can ask for help, but I can also have a laugh and just have a good time. 'It's not like I'm trying to find a new family unit or someone to come in and be a stepparent. I want my next relationship to be for me.' Dakota Johnson showed her ex-fiance Chris Martin what he's missing while stepping out to tape an episode of Late Night with Seth Meyers. Less than 24 hours after news broke of her split from Coldplay frontman, 48, the actress, 35, turned heads in a semi-sheer black jumpsuit, which hugged her trim and toned physique. She styled her revealing ensemble with a pair of glamorous gold statement earrings, oversized black shades and a pair of stiletto heels. Despite her recent heartbreak, the Fifty Shades of Grey actres appeared in high spirits as she smiled and waved to onlookers on the street. On Monday, a source told DailyMail.com: 'Their relationship has been over for a long time, they just haven't been able to figure out how to make it official. Dakota held a flame for them to be together because she loved him so much and loved his kids so much. Dakota Johnson showed her ex-fiance Chris Martin what he's missing while stepping out while heading to tape an episode of Late Night with Seth Meyers 'Breakups aren't instant and they continued to breakup and makeup and sometimes things would work when they were away from each other, while they were working because absence makes the heart grow fonder, but then they'd get back together and little things just kept adding up to where they weren't right for each other anymore. 'Dakota is devastated that she isn't going to be around his kids as much anymore, but wants them to know that she is always there for them.' The source added there is a chance the pair may reconcile but 'right now, being separated will do wonders if they were to have any type of future together.' DailyMail.com has reached out to representatives for Johnson and Martin for comment but did not immediately hear back. In August 2024, DailyMail first reported signs of strain between the pair, but a rep later confirmed they were still together. The pair had a brief rumored split in 2019 which was alleged to be over Martin pushing for them to have children, but they quickly got back together. Martin famously split from actress wife Gwyneth Paltrow, the mother of his two children Apple, 21, and Moses, 19, in March 2014 after ten years of marriage. The then-Hollywood power couple described their separation at the time as a conscious uncoupling and had their divorce finalized in July 2016. Less than 24 hours after news broke of her split from Coldplay frontman, 48, the actress, 35, turned heads in a semi-sheer black jumpsuit, which hugged her trim and toned physique. She styled her revealing ensemble with a pair of glamorous gold statement earrings, oversized black shades and a pair of stiletto heels. Despite her recent heartbreak, the Fifty Shades of Grey appeared in high spirits as she smiled and waved to onlookers on the street before climbing into the back of a car Martin was reported to be in an on-and-off relationship with actress Annabelle Wallis before they split in August 2017. He was first seen with Dakota at a sushi restaurant in Los Angeles in October 2017 when they were reported to be cozy, laughing and affectionate. Dakota, the daughter of Don Johnson, 75, and Melanie Griffith, 68, was spotted a month later at a Coldplay concert in Buenos Aires, Argentina, leading to fans posing social media pictures of her enjoying the show. The couple were seen out on more dates around Los Angeles in early 2018. But it was nearly a year later that they made their first openly public appearance together at Stella McCartney's Autumn 2018 Collection show in LA. Her outing comes less than 24 hours after news broke of her split from Coldplay frontman Dakota's father, Don, appeared to confirm his daughter's relationship with Martin in an interview with Digital Spy when he joked: "Yeah, that's... uh troubling, isn't it? No, she's a big girl, she can handle herself! Her actress mother also opened up about Martin during a Global Gift Foundation USA Women's Empowerment Luncheon, when she said: I adore him! Dakota appeared to confirm her relationship with Martin in an interview with Tatler in September 2018 when she said: I'm not going to talk about it, but I am very happy. The following November, she is said to have met Paltrow, her new husband Brad Falchuk, and Martins children at a Thanksgiving dinner In August 2024, DailyMail first reported trouble between the pair, but a rep later confirmed they were still together (seen in 2022) A source told PEOPLE at the time: They're a total modern family and had a great time celebrating together. The couple were spotted again with Paltrow and Falchuk on the beach in the Hamptons, New York, in August 2019. Paltrow opened up about her ex-husbands relationship with Dakota in a 2020 interview with Harper's Bazaar, describing how the actress had become part of her family. She said: I love her. I can see how it would seem weird because it's sort of unconventional. But I think, in this case, just having passed through it iteratively, I just adore her. Johnson gushed over Martin's children in a 2024 interview, saying: 'I love those kids like my life depends on it. With all my heart.' Fliers who own Venture X and Venture X Business cards will soon lose the privilege of extending Capital One airport lounge access to guests and additional cardholders. Capital One confirmed the change would be applied to all of these account owners in February 2026. Venture X and Venture X Business card owners will still be allowed to give other individuals access to their cards - but they will have to pay $125 annually for access. Venture X cardholders will also be required to pay $35 per guest to Priority Pass lounges, which are exclusive lounges affiliated with Capital One. 'As airport lounges continue to grow in popularity across the industry, we've seen our customers increasingly encounter wait times to enter them,' a Capital One spokesperson told DailyMail.com. 'It is important to us that we maintain a great airport lounge experience for our Venture X and Venture X Business customers, while continuing to deliver best-in-class premium travel cards at an accessible price point.' Qualified cardholders will still be able to bring two guests to lounges and one to Landings locations, as long as the account owners spend over $75,000 a year. Capital One launched Venture X cards in 2021, which they described as a 'unique premium travel card with industry-leading rewards and benefits.' Venture X and Venture X Business primary cardholders will have free access to all Capital One lounges Venture X will be required to pay $35 per guest to Priority Pass lounges starting in February 2026 The company opened its first lounge at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport later that year. Other lounges operate in popular airports in states like Colorado, Nevada, and Virginia. With these two cards, fliers typically save $395 when visiting any Capital One airport lounge. The company opened its first Landing lounge in 2024 at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. 'We need to revolt against the lounge access change,' one user wrote on Reddit in response to the new restrictions. 'Yeah dropping to 0 flat out is kinda ridiculous. They should've just went with 1 guest for primary and no guests for authorized user,' another user agreed. While the upcoming policy may leave guests heartbroken, the primary cardholders will still be allowed to enjoy the perk. 'You might be underestimating how many solo travelers are going to be happy about these changes,' a commenter suggested on the social media site. Venture X and Venture X Business members must pay $125 annually in order to bring guests to Capital One lounges The Capital One Lounge at Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia opened in 2023 'Venture X and Venture X Business primary cardholders will continue to receive complimentary access to over 1,300 lounges, including Capital One Lounges, Capital One Landings and Priority Pass lounges,' the spokesperson confirmed. 'We thought carefully about these changes, and we remain committed to delivering a differentiated premium travel card for our customers.' Airport lounges have remained must-visit destinations for passengers waiting for flights. American Express was the first credit card issuer to open an airport lounge in 2013. The company's lounges made headlines last year after announcing its decision to use online waitlists for all US Centurion Lounges. Amex later caused backlash after removing an Equinox Body Lab from its Centurion Lounge at John F. Kennedy International Airport. While these two companies have been competitive with one another, Chase Bank joined in a few years ago by opening a Chase Sapphire Lounge in Hong Kong. Other popular airport lounges include Delta Air Lines lounges and American Airlines' famous Admirals Clubs. Hooters has abruptly shuttered at least 30 locations in the US months after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The restaurant chain suddenly closed the company-owned restaurants across multiple states on Wednesday. There are now 305 Hooters restaurants across the US, down from around 420 at its peak. The recent closures were in states including Florida, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. The brand revealed it was a 'difficult decision' but insisted it was 'here to stay' despite suffering from longtime financial troubles. 'Hooters will be well-positioned to continue our iconic legacy under a pure franchise business model,' a Hooters spokesperson told DailyMail.com. 'We are committed to supporting our impacted team members throughout this process and are incredibly grateful to our valued customers for their loyalty and dedication to the Hooters brand.' The 42-year-old chain known for its chicken wings and its waitresses has shuttered dozens of restaurants in the last year. Hooters has abruptly shuttered at least 30 locations in the US months after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection (Pictured: A location in Tallahassee) The chain is known for its scantily-clad waitresses Of the 305 Hooters restaurants still open, 151 are company owned and 154 are franchise-operated locations. Created by six businessmen, a noticeable feature at all restaurants is scantily- dressed servers. Co-founder Ed Droste selected Lynne Austin to be the original Hooters girl, and the number of women representing the chain grew from there. The restaurant chain reached its peak in popularity in the 1990s and steadily expanded its number of locations during that time. It also introduced a variety of bathing-suit-required events, including the annual Miss Hooters International Swimsuit Pageant. These events and scandalous advertisements were not enough to stop its downfall, which became noticeable in 2017 due to declining US sales. Around 40 locations shuttered in 2024, and the chain closed one of its Hoots Wings spin-off restaurants earlier this year. Once its bankruptcy filing plans were set in motion, the chain began a restructuring plan, which included axing its famous 'bikini nights.' The restaurant chain suddenly closed the company-owned restaurants across multiple states on Wednesday The 42-year-old chain is operating 305 restaurants while having $376 million in debt The chain, which has $376 million in debt, is expected to close more restaurants, and its intellectual property could potentially be bought by Hulk Hogan's Real American Beer brand. Hooters is not the only restaurant chain to have filed for bankruptcy protection this year. On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina announced it would close 76 restaurants after filing for bankruptcy weeks before Hooters. Bar Louie filed a few days before Hooters for the second time in five years, and closed locations in Ohio, Michigan, and New Jersey before doing so. Small chains like Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes & Fries and Planta have also sparked mass closure fears. Other restaurant chains have closed multiple locations, including Red Robin, Noodles & Company, and Jack in the Box. Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW Get Free Report) and Greif (NYSE:GEF.B Get Free Report) are both basic materials companies, but which is the superior business? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, risk, earnings, dividends, institutional ownership, valuation and profitability. Volatility & Risk Smurfit Westrock has a beta of 1.04, meaning that its share price is 4% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Greif has a beta of 0.78, meaning that its share price is 22% less volatile than the S&P 500. Get Smurfit Westrock alerts: Analyst Ratings This is a summary of recent recommendations for Smurfit Westrock and Greif, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Smurfit Westrock 0 2 8 0 2.80 Greif 0 0 0 0 0.00 Dividends Smurfit Westrock presently has a consensus target price of $58.20, suggesting a potential upside of 36.52%. Given Smurfit Westrocks stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, equities analysts clearly believe Smurfit Westrock is more favorable than Greif. Smurfit Westrock pays an annual dividend of $1.72 per share and has a dividend yield of 4.0%. Greif pays an annual dividend of $3.24 per share and has a dividend yield of 5.5%. Smurfit Westrock pays out 141.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. Greif pays out 90.8% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. Greif is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio. Insider and Institutional Ownership 83.4% of Smurfit Westrock shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 5.1% of Greif shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.5% of Smurfit Westrock shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 16.2% of Greif shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Earnings and Valuation This table compares Smurfit Westrock and Greifs top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Smurfit Westrock $25.84 billion 0.86 $319.00 million $1.22 34.94 Greif $5.51 billion 0.50 $268.80 million $3.57 16.36 Smurfit Westrock has higher revenue and earnings than Greif. Greif is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Smurfit Westrock, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Profitability This table compares Smurfit Westrock and Greifs net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Smurfit Westrock 0.63% 6.16% 2.42% Greif 4.81% 11.84% 3.74% Summary Smurfit Westrock beats Greif on 9 of the 16 factors compared between the two stocks. About Smurfit Westrock (Get Free Report) Smurfit Westrock Plc, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, distributes, and sells containerboard, corrugated containers, and other paper-based packaging products in Ireland and internationally. The company produces containerboard that it converts into corrugated containers or sells to third parties, as well as produces other types of paper, such as consumer packaging board, sack paper, graphic paper, solid board and graphic board, and other paper-based packaging products, such as consumer packaging, solid board packaging, paper sacks, and other packaging products, including bag-in-box. It also produces linerboard and corrugated medium, paperboard, and non-packaging grades of paper, as well as converted products, such as folding cartons and corrugated boxes, and other products; recycled paper-based packaging products; and packaging machinery. The company primarily serves food and beverage, e-commerce, retail, consumer goods, industrial, and foodservice markets. Smurfit Westrock Plc was founded in 1934 and is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. About Greif (Get Free Report) Greif, Inc. produces and sells industrial packaging products and services worldwide. It operates through four segments: Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services; Paper Packaging & Services; Flexible Products & Services; and Land Management. The Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services segment offers rigid industrial packaging products, including steel, fiber, and plastic drums; rigid intermediate bulk containers; closure systems for industrial packaging products; transit protection products; water bottles, and remanufactured and reconditioned industrial containers; and services, such as container life cycle management, filling, logistics, warehousing, and other packaging services. This segment sells its products to customers in the chemicals, paints and pigments, food and beverage, petroleum, industrial coatings, agricultural, pharmaceutical and minerals, and other industries. The Paper Packaging & Services segment provides containerboards, corrugated sheets, corrugated containers, and other corrugated and specialty products to customers in the packaging, automotive, food, and building products markets. This segment's corrugated container products are used to ship various products, such as home appliances, small machinery, grocery products, automotive components, books, and furniture, as well as various other applications. The Flexible Products & Services segment offers flexible intermediate bulk containers comprising polypropylene-based woven fabric, as well as related services to the agricultural, food, and other industries. The Land Management segment engages in harvesting and regeneration of timber properties; and sale of timberland and special use land. As of October 31, 2020, this segment owned approximately 244,000 acres of timber property in the southeastern United States. The company was formerly known as Greif Bros. Corporation and changed its name to Greif, Inc. in 2001. Greif, Inc. was founded in 1877 and is based in Delaware, Ohio. Receive News & Ratings for Smurfit Westrock Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Smurfit Westrock and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Tenet Healthcare (NYSE:THC Free Report) had its price target lifted by Barclays from $171.00 to $215.00 in a research report sent to investors on Monday,Benzinga reports. They currently have an overweight rating on the stock. A number of other brokerages also recently weighed in on THC. Truist Financial lifted their price target on Tenet Healthcare from $175.00 to $190.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, May 12th. Morgan Stanley boosted their target price on Tenet Healthcare from $165.00 to $175.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, May 5th. TD Cowen initiated coverage on Tenet Healthcare in a research note on Wednesday, February 26th. They issued a buy rating and a $175.00 target price on the stock. Baird R W downgraded Tenet Healthcare from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, April 15th. Finally, Robert W. Baird reaffirmed a neutral rating and issued a $137.00 price target (down previously from $153.00) on shares of Tenet Healthcare in a research report on Tuesday, April 15th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and sixteen have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $180.18. Get Tenet Healthcare alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Tenet Healthcare Tenet Healthcare Stock Down 1.1% Shares of Tenet Healthcare stock opened at $169.90 on Monday. The stocks fifty day moving average is $142.93 and its 200-day moving average is $136.84. The firm has a market capitalization of $15.78 billion, a PE ratio of 5.27, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.02 and a beta of 1.65. The company has a quick ratio of 1.70, a current ratio of 1.78 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.25. Tenet Healthcare has a 12-month low of $109.82 and a 12-month high of $174.14. Tenet Healthcare (NYSE:THC Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, April 29th. The company reported $4.36 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.11 by $1.25. Tenet Healthcare had a return on equity of 21.88% and a net margin of 15.48%. The company had revenue of $5.22 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.15 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $3.22 earnings per share. Tenet Healthcares revenue for the quarter was down 2.5% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts anticipate that Tenet Healthcare will post 12.24 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Buying and Selling at Tenet Healthcare In other news, Director J Robert Kerrey sold 9,525 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, March 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $125.43, for a total value of $1,194,720.75. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 27,378 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,434,022.54. This represents a 25.81% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, Director James L. Bierman sold 4,613 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, May 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $170.00, for a total value of $784,210.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 35,271 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,996,070. This represents a 11.57% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 55,072 shares of company stock valued at $8,557,590 in the last quarter. Corporate insiders own 0.81% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Tenet Healthcare Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD grew its stake in shares of Tenet Healthcare by 6.5% in the 1st quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 7,596,544 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,021,736,000 after purchasing an additional 463,552 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its position in Tenet Healthcare by 3.5% during the 4th quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 2,116,121 shares of the companys stock worth $268,591,000 after acquiring an additional 71,454 shares during the last quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. grew its position in Tenet Healthcare by 348.4% during the 1st quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 1,962,314 shares of the companys stock worth $263,905,000 after acquiring an additional 1,524,642 shares during the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP grew its position in Tenet Healthcare by 12.2% during the 1st quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 1,675,199 shares of the companys stock worth $225,297,000 after acquiring an additional 181,667 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Nuveen LLC bought a new stake in Tenet Healthcare during the 1st quarter worth approximately $218,549,000. 95.44% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. About Tenet Healthcare (Get Free Report) Tenet Healthcare Corporation operates as a diversified healthcare services company in the United States. The company operates through two segments: Hospital Operations and Services, and Ambulatory Care. Its general hospitals offer acute care services, operating and recovery rooms, radiology and respiratory therapy services, clinical laboratories, and pharmacies. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Tenet Healthcare Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Tenet Healthcare and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Arthur M. Cohen & Associates LLC grew its position in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM Free Report) by 5.2% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 9,632 shares of the semiconductor companys stock after purchasing an additional 480 shares during the period. Arthur M. Cohen & Associates LLCs holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing were worth $1,599,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. FMR LLC raised its stake in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 4.6% during the 4th quarter. FMR LLC now owns 58,547,257 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $11,562,498,000 after purchasing an additional 2,572,488 shares in the last quarter. Sanders Capital LLC raised its stake in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 0.6% during the 4th quarter. Sanders Capital LLC now owns 41,877,457 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $8,270,379,000 after purchasing an additional 231,310 shares in the last quarter. Capital World Investors raised its stake in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 0.8% during the 4th quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 35,602,400 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $7,031,632,000 after purchasing an additional 294,316 shares in the last quarter. Capital International Investors raised its stake in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 8.2% during the 4th quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 22,210,222 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $4,391,957,000 after purchasing an additional 1,683,256 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Van ECK Associates Corp increased its holdings in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 6.0% during the 4th quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 19,392,159 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $3,829,757,000 after acquiring an additional 1,102,166 shares during the last quarter. 16.51% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing alerts: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Stock Performance TSM opened at $202.39 on Thursday. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.05 trillion, a P/E ratio of 28.75, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.66 and a beta of 1.21. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $172.79 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $187.66. The company has a quick ratio of 2.30, a current ratio of 2.57 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.24. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited has a 12-month low of $133.57 and a 12-month high of $226.40. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Cuts Dividend Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing ( NYSE:TSM Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Thursday, April 17th. The semiconductor company reported $2.12 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.03 by $0.09. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing had a return on equity of 30.47% and a net margin of 40.51%. The firm had revenue of $25.82 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $834.10 billion. On average, equities analysts forecast that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited will post 9.2 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 9th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, September 16th will be given a $0.6499 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, September 16th. This represents a $2.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.28%. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings dividend payout ratio is currently 30.46%. Analysts Set New Price Targets TSM has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Citigroup reissued a buy rating on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a report on Thursday, May 22nd. Needham & Company LLC reissued a buy rating and set a $225.00 price objective on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a report on Thursday, April 17th. Susquehanna reissued a positive rating on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a report on Friday, April 25th. Finally, Barclays increased their price objective on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $215.00 to $240.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $217.00. Read Our Latest Research Report on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing About Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (Free Report) Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, packages, tests, and sells integrated circuits and other semiconductor devices in Taiwan, China, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Japan, the United States, and internationally. It provides a range of wafer fabrication processes, including processes to manufacture complementary metal- oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) logic, mixed-signal, radio frequency, embedded memory, bipolar CMOS mixed-signal, and others. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TSM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Permian Basin Royalty Trust (NYSE:PBT Get Free Report) shares saw strong trading volume on Tuesday . Approximately 1,191,902 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 814% from the previous sessions volume of 130,439 shares.The stock last traded at $11.26 and had previously closed at $11.24. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Separately, Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Permian Basin Royalty Trust from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, February 20th. Get Permian Basin Royalty Trust alerts: View Our Latest Report on PBT Permian Basin Royalty Trust Stock Performance The company has a market cap of $509.44 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.01 and a beta of 0.56. The stocks fifty day moving average is $10.15 and its two-hundred day moving average is $10.96. Permian Basin Royalty Trust (NYSE:PBT Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, May 14th. The oil and gas producer reported $0.06 EPS for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $3.07 million during the quarter. Permian Basin Royalty Trust had a return on equity of 17,811.24% and a net margin of 96.32%. Permian Basin Royalty Trust Cuts Dividend The business also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, June 13th. Investors of record on Monday, June 2nd will be given a $0.0188 dividend. This represents a yield of 2.01%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, May 30th. Permian Basin Royalty Trusts payout ratio is currently 44.90%. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Permian Basin Royalty Trust A number of hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Promethium Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of Permian Basin Royalty Trust by 46.4% in the first quarter. Promethium Advisors LLC now owns 131,829 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $1,306,000 after purchasing an additional 41,797 shares during the last quarter. State of Wyoming grew its position in Permian Basin Royalty Trust by 72.8% in the 1st quarter. State of Wyoming now owns 31,113 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $308,000 after purchasing an additional 13,105 shares in the last quarter. Financial Sense Advisors Inc. increased its stake in Permian Basin Royalty Trust by 25.0% in the 1st quarter. Financial Sense Advisors Inc. now owns 25,000 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $248,000 after buying an additional 5,000 shares during the last quarter. Atlas Wealth Partners LLC increased its stake in Permian Basin Royalty Trust by 1.9% in the 1st quarter. Atlas Wealth Partners LLC now owns 67,363 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $666,000 after buying an additional 1,265 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Napatree Capital LLC lifted its position in shares of Permian Basin Royalty Trust by 105.1% during the 1st quarter. Napatree Capital LLC now owns 46,273 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $457,000 after buying an additional 23,710 shares in the last quarter. 28.86% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Permian Basin Royalty Trust (Get Free Report) Permian Basin Royalty Trust, an express trust, holds royalty interests in various oil and gas properties in the United States. The company holds a 75% net overriding royalty interest in the Waddell Ranch properties, including Dune, Sand Hills (Judkins), Sand Hills (McKnight), Sand Hills (Tubb), University-Waddell (Devonian) and Waddell fields in Crane County, Texas. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Permian Basin Royalty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Permian Basin Royalty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. It only makes sense, eh, how can a dominantly white Christian party for the true indigenous people of the British Isles have a burka berk as a chairman? You can only be English if you are white, and this is the case with the Reform Party, weeding out the anomalies. Why a devout Muslim thought he had any reason to be in a party that is the antithesis of Islam is a total mystery? Perhaps he was fooled into believing he was one of them, when he or his ilk will NEVER be one of them, not in a million fucking years. As for burkas, there is not a single word in the Koran about women wearing those things. Over the centuries it has been a cultural thing more than anything else, but who gives a toss about that stuff anyway? The burka has been banned in pretty much every European country, so why not in Britain? One could also argue that Britain is supposedly a free country and if people choose to wear burkas, they should be allowed to do so. Either way, the burka has been the point of contention that resulted in the Reform Party successfully weeding out the burka fanatics. Islam is not compatible within a Christian country, as much as Christianity being compatible in an Islamic country. They both fucking hate each other, that is apart from the bleeding heart socialist virtue-signalling inclusivity mob within the church. If these people went to Saudi Arabia to preach Christianity, they would soon see what reality is really about. If the Reform Party ultimately wants to get rid of the Muslims, they need to ban Halal as well. This would surely ensure a major exodus from Britains shores and applause from millions of indigenous Brits. That element alone would win any election instantly. China deploys air sampling to detect crested ibises in environmental DNA, a breakthrough in monitoring rare species Global Times) 15:39, June 05, 2025 Crested ibises fly in the sky in Zhaigou Village, Ningshan County of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Oct. 10, 2022. In recent years, Ningshan County has made great efforts in ecological protection and green development, with the local forest coverage rate reaching 96.24 percent and the population of crested ibises, giant pandas, and golden snub-nosed monkeys growing. (Photo/Xinhua) Sampling air to detect the presence of crested ibises represents a groundbreaking application of environmental DNA (eDNA) technology in monitoring this species in China. This innovation opens an unprecedented new perspective for studying their distribution and ecological status, China Central Television (CCTV) News reported on Sunday. At the Weihe River estuary wetland in Xianyang, Northwest China's Shaanxi Province, monitoring personnel used an environmental air DNA sampler to collect air samples in search of crested ibis traces. The device traps DNA from crested ibises present in the ambient air onto a membrane. This membrane is then taken back to the laboratory for extraction and analysis to confirm the bird's presence, according to the CCTV report. To detect crested ibis DNA amid samples contaminated by human and other bird DNA, a local research team developed a targeted monitoring technology specifically for the species, according to CCTV News. Using a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) monitoring method, the device can detect even a single DNA molecule in the environment, said Luo Yining, deputy director of the ecological quality monitoring office at the Shaanxi Provincial Environmental Monitoring Center, CCTV News reported. This technology enables monitoring animal presence without the need for capture, said Zhang Cuirong, deputy director of the analysis and testing center at Xianyang Environmental Monitoring Station. As the technology is refined, it will support monitoring of crested ibis population and distribution, she said, adding that in the future, this technology can also be applied to monitor other rare species. Since detection of crested ibis traces in air requires comparison against a database, establishing a genetic database for this species is critical, the report stated. The research team has also compiled genomic data for crested ibises from more than three cities, covering birds of different ages, sexes, and geographical populations. This provides a precise standard for the comparison of environmental DNA in future studies. Shaanxi Province is home to more than 7,700 crested ibises, accounting for 80 percent of China's total and over 71 percent of the global population, Science and Technology Daily reported. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. The hardy members of the Derry branch of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (DIPSC) and supporters have held a Camp 4 Gaza at Free Derry Corner in the city. The camp took place from Saturday, May 31 at 1.00pm, through the night, into the afternoon of Sunday, June 1. Welcoming members of the community to the Camp 4 Gaza, Catherine Hutton, chairperson of Derry IPSC said the event was to show solidarity with the people of Gaza in the face of the ongoing genocide. We are also raising money for Derrys Fund a Food Drop group and the Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF), said Ms Hutton. HRFs mission is to address and challenge what it describes as Israeli impunity concerning war crimes and human rights violations in Palestine, particularly in the Gaza Strip. It is named in honour of Hind Rajab, a five-year-old Palestinian girl from Gaza who was killed by the Israeli Defence Forces, who also killed six members of her family and two paramedics coming to her rescue. Camp Out For Palestine at #FreeDerryCorner Anne & Lawrence Donnelly - retired trade unionists - who were taking part in Camp 4 Gaza told The Derry News why they had got involved. Lawrence said: "I am a father and I would not like to see any of my children or grandchildren pic.twitter.com/BmAsqbQwGk Catherine McGinty (@CathMcGin_Tea) May 31, 2025 Speaking to The Derry News at the Camp 4 Gaza Anne and Lawrence Donnelly, retired trade unionists, explained why they were taking part. Lawrence said: I am a father and I would not like to see any of my children or grandchildren treated the way the poor people in Palestine are being treated. It is just as simple as that. Anne added: I am here today too mainly because I am a mother and a grandmother and I think the treatment of the children in Palestine is awful. I also think the genocide that goes unspoken, the actions that go on unspoken, are terrible. I think it is about time that everybody comes out and supports events like Camp 4 Gaza. It is time people came out onto the streets and said, enough is enough. Independent Derry City and Strabane District councillor Gary Donnelly, who was joined by Cllr Catherine McDaid (SDLP) and Cllr Shaun Harkin (PBP), said he was at Free Derry corner because what we are seeing is a genocide of the people of Gaza and it is being played out live. We are also witnessing the ineffectiveness of Governments, who I believe are out of touch with the majority of people. So, acts like this are acts of solidarity, to say to the people of Gaza that, whilst we may have governments that are not supporting them in any meaningful way, we are here to show solidarity with them. Dr Sameh Hassan, the chairman of the North West Islamic Association (NWIA), has expressed his thanks to everyone who contributed to its Ramadan fundraiser in aid of the Foyle Foodbank - Foyle Network Foundation. The Association recently presented a cheque for 3,500 to the Foyle Foodbank, bringing the total it has raised for the organisation since 2017, when the Ramadan fundraiser began, to an incredible 14,350. Speaking to The Derry News, Dr Hassan said the NWIA was deeply grateful for the generous donations raised this Ramadan from across communities. We have received donations from people of different faiths and no faith, who share the same human values, he added. Our fasting challenge for the Foyle Foodbank has been steadily growing for the last eight years. A special thank you to the amazing Seagate employees who participated in the fasting challenge this year and helped to gather support from their colleagues. Thanks to all who donated. Explaining the NWICs ongoing relationship with Foyle Foodbank, Dr Hassan said the Association, which has its base in Pennyburn Industrial Estate, was founded in 2016. He added: We are a charity organisation and in our early days we were looking for charity activities in which to get involved because as we say, charity starts at home. We were thinking about running a charity activity during the month of Ramadan because that is the month during which Muslims would give the majority of their charity. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn until dusk; we abstain from food and water. Back in 2017 Ramadan fell during summer time so the days were quite long, recalled Dr Sameh Hassan. We were thinking about a local charity to donate to or to sponsor and we came across the Foyle Foodbank which was relatively new back then. Initially we thought we would just raise donations from the Muslim community but that idea developed into, why dont we do a fasting challenge where we ask local people as well to take the challenge of fasting, he said. According to Dr Hassan, Ramadan moves by 11 days each year because it is based on the Lunar Calendar which is 11 days shorter than the normal calendar. He said: This year Ramadan was in March so it was much easier than 2017 when it was a big challenge to fast but actually we were overwhelmed with the response. We thought no-one would buy into it but obviously it is for a good cause and we should not have foodbanks in the first place. It is unfortunate we have to do this but we have to work as humans, regardless of faith or no faith, to help them. We had people from all across the city taking part - in Seagate, in the hospitals - who joined the Ramadan Fasting Challenge. The ongoing relationship between the NWIC and the Foyle Foodbank has developed beyond the now annual fasting challenge. Volunteers from the Association have taken part in Bag Packs in Sainsburys in aid of the foodbank, donated to particular appeals, and held collections. Members of the NW Islamic Association who took part in a charity bag pack for Foyle Foodbank in Sansbury's. Foyle Foodbank is also currently allowing us to use its kitchen to do some cookery classes, said Dr Hassan. It is a strong relationship. The idea during Ramadan is that Muslims abstain from the things they are allowed to have, that they take for granted - maybe things to which people who are less fortunate dont have access; it helps us develop discipline, self control and self restraint in our lives. Having those feelings of hunger and thirst encourages people to give to charity to help those less fortunate. During the month of Ramadan is the time when Muslims generally give the most money to charity. The National Lottery Community Fund has awarded funding to organisations in the Derry area who are bringing people together and improving wellbeing. One of the organisations receiving funding is Community Action for Locally Managing Stress (CALMS). They received an 18,570 grant over one year to provide counselling sessions, complementary therapies and workshops to improve mental the health and wellbeing of people in the local area. Elaine Porteous, Community Action for Locally Managing Stress, said: Our project will support people with a range of mental health presentations, including anxiety, stress, depression, suicidal ideation and financial stress. It will help them, not only to ease their distress in the short term, but also to learn tools and techniques to develop healthy coping strategies to deal with any future challenges. Foyle Search and Rescue was also awarded a 20,000 grant to buy a rescue boat to enable volunteers to access hard-to-reach areas safely and without causing environmental damage. Christina McKeegan, Charity Manager, Foyle Search and Rescue, said: Foyle Search and Rescue is honoured to receive funding from The National Lottery Community Fund for the purchase of a new boat. This vital support will enable our dedicated volunteers to carry out essential search and recovery operations with enhanced safety and efficiency. We are deeply grateful to National Lottery players for helping us continue this important work in service of our community. This funding comes as part of the latest announcement of over 6 million of grants from The National Lottery Community Fund, to provide support and services to local people across Northern Ireland, to improve their lives. Tullyally Womens Group are using a 20,000 grant over two years to run a programme of activities for women to build strong relationships and learn new skills. Activities will include craft and cooking classes, accredited training, baby health and development workshops, and information sessions. Other organisations being funded include ALLY Foyle Ltd, Derry Theatre Trust, Gasyard Development Trust, Naiscoil Cholmcille, Newbuildings Community & Environmental Assocation, Sean Dolans GAC and Ulster Project Derry/Londonderry. People across Northern Ireland can apply for grants of between 300 and 20,000 for environmental projects through The National Lottery Awards for All programme. Kate Beggs, Northern Ireland Director of The National Lottery Community Fund, said: Congratulations to all the groups receiving funding and carrying out vital work to improve the lives of people in Northern Ireland communities. We are continuing to deliver on our strategy, It starts with community, with several programmes open for applications to support those in need. Please contact us if you would like advice on which funding would best suit your project idea. Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn is set to meet the European Commissioner for Trade following a new deal aimed at reducing the number of post-Brexit checks. Mr Benn will travel to Brussels for the meeting with Maros Sefcovic which comes after the announcement of the proposed SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary) deal between the UK and EU last month. The Government has said it will make a huge difference to consumers and businesses in Northern Ireland. Under the Windsor Framework, Northern Ireland remains aligned with EU single market rules for goods following the UKs departure from the EU. The new deal between the UK and EU has been described as aiming to facilitate the smooth flow of agrifood and plants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, protecting the UKs internal market, reducing costs for businesses and improving consumer choice. It is also aimed at saving businesses hours of time and money by removing swathes of paperwork and numerous health certificates, checks and processes with those using the red lane expected to save close to 1 million per month. Mr Benn said he will emphasise the UK Governments commitment to continue to deliver the Windsor Framework, in the meeting which the minister for EU relations Nick ThomasSymonds will also attend. The agreement the UK Government recently reached with the EU will help us to deliver on our core mission to grow the economy, and shows the benefits of a closer partnership with our friends in Europe, he said. I look forward to meeting with Commissioner Sefcovic today, to emphasise this Governments commitment to continuing to implement the Windsor Framework and to delivering the new SPS agreement as soon as possible. This will facilitate the smooth flow of agrifood and plants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland and protect the UKs internal market. Mr Benn added: Northern Ireland will, of course, continue to enjoy its unique access to the EUs single market, a key competitive advantage. All of this means that Northern Ireland is set to become an even more attractive destination for investment in the years ahead. Mr Benn is also to meet representatives from the EU diplomatic community and attend a roundtable of business stakeholders including the British Agriculture Bureau and the Confederation of British Industry. The National Crime Agency (NCA) is carrying out 10 investigations into the proceeds of crime in Northern Ireland, the Policing Board has been told. NCA director general Graeme Biggar told the board that one of the civil probes related to suspected assets of 3.5 million. Mr Biggar updated the board on the work of the NCA in tackling organised crime in the region. North Belfast MLA Nuala McAllister asked about the agencys role in combating paramilitarism. Mr Biggar said: The main thing we are adding is the work we are doing on civil recovery, rather than criminal investigation. Going after the money which is the product of crime, rather than the individuals and prosecuting them for crimes that have taken place. We have 10 civil recovery investigations ongoing at the moment in Northern Ireland. We do proportionally much more of this in Northern Ireland than we do anywhere else in the UK just because of the impact we think it can have and the importance that we attach to it. He told the board that one investigation related to 350,000 worth of assets in a case where there is suspected money laundering and tax evasion. Another relates to a case of suspected money laundering worth 250,000. Mr Biggar said there was a long-running investigation in relation to suspected criminal assets of 3.5 million which he said he hoped would come to a conclusion soon. PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck referenced the working relationship between police and the NCA in Northern Ireland. He said the PSNI was dealing with hundreds of referrals from the NCA in cases of potential indecent images of children. He said: In the last financial year we received in the region of 820 referrals from NCA in respect of that activity that requires investigation and further research. If you turn the clock back 10, 12 years, we were receiving around 60 to 80 referrals. Last year it was 820, this year we are in the early stages of the financial year but we are seeing an increase of about 120%. Mr Beck also referred to the work of the multi-agency Paramilitary Crime Task Force (PCTF). He said its work was focused on six groups East Belfast UVF, West Belfast UDA, Belfast INLA, North West INLA, South East Antrim UDA and North Antrim UDA. Mr Beck said: Those are the main groups we focus on in respect of the potential harm those groups are causing to the local communities. Those groups are involved in a wide range of criminality including, but not limited to, assaults, shootings, supply and distribution of controlled drugs, extortion, intimidation, money lending and money laundering. Mr Biggar told the board about the emergence of a new group of cybercriminals called The Com. He said: It is a grouping of online gangs of boys with a nihilistic, misogynistic bent who focus on grooming and coercing often young girls into abusing themselves and into self harm. This is particularly an English-speaking phenomenon at the moment, it does not appear to have spread to the rest of the world but it causes enormous harm to the individuals that get involved in it. He said there had been a number of prosecutions in the rest of the UK. Mr Biggar added: We have not had incidences of this play out that we have seen in Northern Ireland yet, we dont have any active investigations in relation to Northern Ireland, but that will come. That is just an inevitable part of what we are dealing with. It is the latest manifestation of the challenges that come from living life online. Senior police officers have been challenged over a reluctance to state that sectarian attacks on homes in north Belfast were organised by paramilitaries. Sinn Fein Policing Board member Gerry Kelly said it almost seemed like there was an avoidance of blaming terrorist groups, after an officer said there had been conflicting reports over their involvement. There was widespread political condemnation following the attacks on homes last month, when masonry was thrown at a number of properties in Annalee Street and Alloa Street. Clanmil Housing Association, which operates the housing scheme in the area, said the attacks were a sectarian-motivated hate crime, and police have said they have stepped up patrols in the area. Alliance Party member Nuala McAllister asked about the policing response to the attacks in the north of the city. She said: A number of us political representatives have met with these families and sat with them and they have been understandably very upset and scared. We would like to think that it is 2025, this long after the Good Friday Agreement and actually we could have families living in shared neighbourhoods welcomed by all. There is a minority who are frightening others for the aim to get them to move out of their area and it is not acceptable. Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said he wanted to publicly condemn the hate-filled abhorrent behaviour last month. He said: That day we saw attacks on houses, windows broken and clearly a sectarian attempt to intimidate people out of their homes. That has no place in our society and should not be tolerated. We will bring all of our investigative powers to bring people to justice. He said the police investigation is continuing and a man had been charged over damage to properties. Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck said there are significant tensions in the area primarily around the issue around housing. He added: What we are picking up in terms of local information, and there has been some conflicting reporting, some of that reporting indicated persons linked to paramilitary groups have been involved in the activity, however other reports indicate that the attacks have stemmed from a much more community level, rather than an organisation. That is similar to what we saw around August last year and the disorder as well. We will continue to monitor that situation. Mr Kelly responded: I find it quite hard to begin to accept that when a number of houses are done, when it is co-ordinated, when there was a number of people in masks standing around for two hours before it and all this information was given to the police, that at this stage it almost seems like an avoidance of saying there was paramilitary involvement here. To say that there is tension around housing doesnt say it. This is sectarianism. Mr Kelly added: There seems to be a reluctance in these things, not just this, if it is paramilitary, of lets not say it is paramilitary and I dont know what the fear is. I am certain and everybody in that area is certain it is paramilitary. The Sinn Fein representative added: People need to know that you are not trying to avoid saying what this is really about because they want to know if they are safe going back in there, is there an organisation which is going to attack them again. Mr Beck said: From a factual basis I have indicated what information we have at this moment in time and there are conflicts around that. But that does include that there are indications that there were persons involved who were linked to terrorist and paramilitary organisations as well. Controversy around the sentencing of leading loyalist Winston Irvine has impacted upon confidence in the criminal justice system in Northern Ireland, PSNI Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton has said. Mr Singleton also told the Policing Board that he wanted to give clarity that he did not provide a character witness for Irvine and would not have done so if asked. Irvine was sentenced to two-and-a-half years, with half to be served in jail, at Belfast Crown Court last month following an incident where firearms and ammunition were found in the boot of his car. Irvine avoided a statutory five-year sentence on several of the charges he faced after Judge Gordon Kerr KC ruled there were exceptional circumstances in his case, namely Irvines work for peace and his charity work in the community. The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) has said it is considering whether there is any legal basis to appeal the sentence. The length of Irvines sentence and the fact he and his co-accused Robin Workman were not prosecuted for terrorism offences has attracted controversy. Mr Singleton was asked about the case during the monthly meeting of the Policing Board. He said: I think this case and the debate surrounding it undoubtedly has impacted on confidence in the entire criminal justice system. As the face, the front end of that, it has also impacted on policing. Mr Singleton added: For clarity, I absolutely did not provide a character reference for Mr Irvine, nor was I asked to. If I had been, I absolutely wouldnt have done so. The senior officer said he had given evidence under oath during an earlier preliminary inquiry in the case. He added: As Mr Irvines arrest by our counter-terrorism officers and subsequent investigation by our terrorism investigation unit demonstrates, we police without fear or favour, and that is exactly the way it should be. Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck said sentencing was a matter for the courts. He said Irvine had been arrested by police under the Terrorism Act and there had been a thorough investigation. He added: I can confirm that ballistic testing of all the firearms was conducted and there was no previous history in respect of those firearms or indeed the ammunition. Our role is to investigate and to place evidence before the court. Irvine, 49, of Ballysillan Road in north Belfast, and Workman, 54, of Shore Road in Larne, Co Antrim, both admitted possession of a firearm and ammunition in suspicious circumstances. They also admitted two counts of possessing a handgun without a certificate, one count of possessing ammunition without a certificate, possessing a prohibited weapon and possessing a firearm without a certificate. Workman further pleaded guilty to possessing a .177 calibre air rifle without holding a firearm certificate. The offences were committed on June 8 2022, when Workman transported a quantity of weapons and ammunition to the Glencairn area of Belfast in his van, which were then put into the boot of Irvines Volkswagen Tiguan car. A short time later, Irvines vehicle was stopped by police in Disraeli Street. A long-barrelled firearm, two suspected pistols, several magazines and a large quantity of ammunition were discovered inside a bag in the boot. While the judge noted that UVF paraphernalia was found in the homes of both defendants, he did not consider that there was a terrorist link to the weapons. A Supreme Court ruling on gender will impact the PSNIs approach to searches, Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton has said. Mr Singleton told the Policing Board that the force had set up a working group to examine the impact of the landmark ruling. The Supreme Court found in April that the terms woman and sex in the 2010 Equality Act refer to a biological woman and biological sex. Northern Ireland is governed by its own equality laws, and the relevant provisions of the Equality Act do not apply in the region. The Supreme Court ruling is nevertheless expected to influence public policy decisions in Northern Ireland. The Equality Commission is preparing guidance on the rulings potential implications for the region. Mr Singleton was asked what implications the ruling would have on the PSNI by DUP board member Keith Buchanan. The Deputy Chief Constable said all police forces in the UK were considering its impact. He said: In terms of the operational impacts, it will certainly impact in terms of how we approach strip search, stop and search, in addition to many other aspects of PSNI policy in regards to gender determination. We arent alone in having to grapple with the findings of the Supreme Court. Mr Singleton said a National Police Chiefs Council co-ordination group had been established as well as a PSNI working group headed by Assistant Chief Constable Anthony McNally. He added: Anthony is assessing the cross-cutting impacts of this for PSNI and will help us develop any required adjustments to our policies and processes. That will replicate the national work which is broadly falling under four headings around search guidance, toilets and single-sex facilities, wider implications for policing and engagement and communication. Internal considerations around shared spaces, estates and other procedures impacted are being considered by that working group. Mr Singleton said: We know the Equality Commission in Northern Ireland are also involved in helping us seek some further direction in terms of the impacts for policing. Mr Buchanan said: The ruling by the Supreme Court was a victory for common sense. The ruling restored clarity in law and reaffirmed the importance of sex-based protections. This is something that is vital across all our public services, not least policing. He added: It is imperative that the PSNI fully get to grips with the implication of this ruling and make any changes required to its procedures to safeguard officers, staff and suspects alike. This will be particularly relevant to areas like strip searching and stop and search. It is also important that the police service expedite this work to ensure compliance with the ruling. I am pleased that a working group has been established to this end. It should not be the case that the PSNI wait on advice from the Equality Commission before acting. A significant investment of 24m, which includes approximately 14m in capital funding from the Department for Communities, and 10m from Ark Housing Association, is set to transform the former Tillie and Henderson shirt factory site in Derry City. The project, spearheaded by Ark Housing, and officially launched today by the newly elected Mayor of Derry City & Strabane District Council Ruairi McHugh, will see the construction of 131 much-needed social homes which will not only address critical housing need in the locality, but also generate substantial economic benefits for the area to the tune of 45m. The development, being delivered by the Martin Property Group in partnership with Ark Housing, and constructed by Hugh J. O'Boyle LTD, will not only provide modern city living with superb views of the River Foyle, but it will also be supported by the Department for Communities and Housing Executives Shared Housing programme Housing for All. The Housing for All programme has its origins in the Northern Ireland Executive Together: Building a United Community Strategy, which reflects the NI Executives commitment to improving community relations and continuing the journey towards a more united and shared society. The aim of the Shared Housing Housing for All programme is not about forcing people to live in a certain way or in a certain area, but rather to improve the choices that are available to people by tackling the barriers that prevent them from opting to live in shared neighbourhoods. As a result of being designated a Shared Housing Housing for All scheme, the project will also benefit from additional revenue grant funding from the Department for Communities and NIHE of approximately 800,000, which will be invested by Ark Housing in community building programmes and initiatives in partnership with the local community, through their five-year Good Relations Plan. The newly established Foyle Advisory Group will help steer and oversee the delivery of the good relations plan for the area, which will include bridging events with the aim of delivering a range of positive outcomes in areas such as health and wellbeing, education, and community sustainability. This is Ark Housings seventh such project. Speaking at the launch, Mr Jim Mc Shane, Chief Executive of Ark Housing Association, stated: Through collaborative efforts, we are not only providing 131 much-needed social homes to families and older persons facing housing stress, but we are also making a substantial 24m investment that will deliver significant economic benefits to the city. "This project is also about restoring dignity, building a thriving community, and ensuring a lasting positive legacy for this historic site and we are delighted to be partnering the people of Derry in this initiative. READ NEXT: Welcome financial boost for Derry community organisations The newly elected Mayor of Derry City & Strabane District Council, Cllr Ruairi McHugh welcomed the project. "This is a significant investment of 24 million, a testament to the power of partnership, which includes vital capital funding from the Department for Communities and private finance from Ark Housing Association. "It is a momentous occasion for the city that goes beyond bricks and mortar, but addresses a critical need for social housing in our city, providing 131 much-needed homes for families and older persons. These modern city homes, with superb views of the River Foyle, will not only offer quality living but will also foster a more united and shared society through the 'Housing for All' programme, which is at the heart of this development. "The investment will also generate substantial economic benefits for our region, contributing to economic growth, creating jobs and stimulating local businesses. The Tillie and Henderson site holds a special place in Derry's history, and it is fitting that it is now being transformed to provide a lasting positive legacy for future generations and I was honoured to be invited along to the sod cutting event this week. 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. Ukraines FPV drones expose new battlefield economics Ukraine's recent drone operation, dubbed "Spider Web," has sent shockwaves through military establishments worldwide after successfully penetrating deep into Russian territory and destroying dozens of aircraft worth billions of dollars. The audacious attack demonstrates how inexpensive technology is fundamentally reshaping modern warfare economics and forcing a complete rethink of military strategy. Deep penetration strike catches Russia off guard The operation involved concealing 117 first-person-view (FPV) drones inside wooden crates transported by truck into Russian territory. Once positioned, operators remotely released swarms of these suicide drones to strike multiple Russian air bases, including targets located over 2,500 miles from the Ukrainian bordera penetration that reached deep into Russia's strategic heartland. Ukrainian forces reportedly destroyed more than 40 Russian military aircraft, including Tu-95 and Tu-22 bombers and A-50 early warning aircraft. These high-value strategic assets, typically stationed far from Ukrainian weapon ranges, represented an estimated US$7 billion in losses, though Russia has disputed the damage assessment. David vs. Goliath economics The attack's most striking aspect lies in its cost-effectiveness. Each FPV drone costs merely hundreds of dollars, yet collectively they eliminated billions in Russian military assetsa cost ratio that fundamentally challenges traditional military economics. US military officials acknowledge this "small versus large" dynamic is disrupting conventional warfare cost curves. "These are essentially flying hand grenades," explained a defense industry expert familiar with military-grade drone specifications. "FPV suicide drones require minimal sophisticated technology and remain essentially mechanical devices, making production barriers extremely low." Battlefield transformation The success highlights several revolutionary changes in modern warfare. FPV drones provide real-time video feeds, allowing operators to precisely target vulnerable points on high-value assets. This transparency eliminates traditional battlefield concealment advantages while enabling remote precision strikes that surpass conventional artillery accuracy. The multi-role capability of these systems extends beyond direct attacks to reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and logistics support. Swarm tactics can overwhelm defensive systems through saturation attacks, making traditional large-scale air defense deployments inadequate against small, low-altitude, slow-moving targets. Military doctrine under revision The implications extend far beyond this single operation. Military organizations worldwide are establishing dedicated drone units and integrating low-cost, expendable, high-production unmanned systems into their primary weapon development programs. Future soldiers must master both traditional weapons and drone operations alongside countermeasure technologies. Ukraine has announced plans to produce 4.5 million FPV drones domestically by 2025, all designated for military usea production scale that signals the technology's permanent integration into modern warfare. Strategic implications The attack's success in degrading Russian long-range strike capabilities carries profound implications for global strategic balance. The proliferation of accessible drone technology enables smaller nations and non-state actors to project military influence previously reserved for major powers, potentially increasing the unpredictability of regional conflicts. As FPV drone tactics gain prominence, nations face mounting pressure to develop comprehensive countermeasure systems. Traditional air defense approaches prove inadequate against distributed, low-cost threats, necessitating multi-layered, decentralized, and AI-enhanced defensive networks incorporating electronic warfare, advanced radar, and intelligent response systems. Future warfare landscape The Ukrainian operation foreshadows warfare's evolution toward "high-tech, low-cost, decentralized, and intelligent" characteristics. Success will increasingly depend on rapid technological innovation and flexible deployment capabilities rather than expensive traditional platforms. Industry observers identify two critical developments: the potential rapid global proliferation of FPV technology to various nations and armed groups, and the corresponding need for enhanced export controls and defensive countermeasures. The combination of artificial intelligence with unmanned systems promises further advances in autonomous combat, swarm coordination, and intelligent decision-making. The "Spider Web" operation may represent a watershed moment, demonstrating that future battlefield dominance belongs to those who can innovate quickly and deploy flexibly, rather than those with the deepest military budgets. Article edited by Jerry Chen Samsung loses key US memory architect to SanDisk as chip race escalates Jim Elliott, a veteran executive who spent over 20 years leading Samsung Electronics' memory operations in the US, has reportedly exited the company to join rival NAND flash provider SanDisk as Chief Revenue Officer (CRO), according to sources cited by South Korea's Financial News (Fnnews) and Asian Economic News Agency. Most recently serving as Vice President of Samsung's Device Solutions America (DSA), Elliott oversaw the company's semiconductor and device business across the region. Since joining Samsung in 2001, he played a pivotal role in establishing the brand's dominance in North America's memory sector. From 2021 onward, he led the US memory division, steering sales strategy, quality assurance, and customer relations. Elliott has been a frequent speaker at major industry events, including Flash Memory Summit and Samsung Memory Tech Day, where he regularly highlighted Samsung's technological leadership in memory innovation. Elliott's arrival is expected to bolster SanDisk's B2B strategy in North America, particularly as the company looks to expand its AI-focused storage portfolio, solidify ties with Western Digital following their split, and scale its footprint in high-performance industrial SSDs. At the same time, Samsung DSA is reshuffling its leadership team to sharpen competitiveness in the US market, where securing major tech clients has become a strategic imperative. In early 2025, Samsung named Margaret Han, former VP of Global Procurement at NXP Semiconductors, as Executive Vice President and head of its US foundry operations. Han, who previously held senior posts at TSMC and Intel, brings deep expertise in semiconductor procurement and supply chain management, underscoring Samsung's intent to ramp up its foundry capabilities. Industry analysts say the race to win next-gen AI chip accountsspanning Nvidia, AMD, Tesla, and Amazonis driving Samsung's intensified focus on placing senior leadership in its North American operations. Article edited by Jack Wu A flight carrying 35 people, including five children, who were being deported from Ireland was forced to make an unscheduled stop over a medical incident on board. The 21 men, nine woman and five children left on a chartered flight which departed Dublin Airport on Wednesday night for Nigeria. Minister for Justice Jim OCallaghan confirmed it was the third chartered flight used for deportations this year, at a cost of 324,714 euros which he said was value for money. The plane was required to make the unscheduled stop, but Mr OCallaghan said he was happy to say that the flight was able to resume its journey with all 35 returnees arriving safely in Lagos on Thursday morning. Another deportation flight left Dublin last night and landed safely this morning in Lagos, Nigeria. There were 35 people on board who had received but had not complied with Deportation Orders. Jim O'Callaghan TD (@OCallaghanJim) June 5, 2025 The people deported were Nigerian nationals. Mr OCallaghan confirmed the completion of a successful deportation operation in a statement on Thursday morning. He said that the deported children were part of a family unit. It is the third operation carried out since the recommencement of charter flights for deportations in February of this year. Access to these services has significantly increased the capacity of An Garda Siochana to enforce deportation orders and is a measure Mr OCallaghan is deploying to step up immigration enforcement, the justice department said. Further charter operations will be conducted as the year progresses. Mr OCallaghan said that people coming to Ireland must follow the appropriate pathways for legal migration. Ireland has a rules-based immigration system. It is important that those rules are robust and enforced, he added. The return of people whose applications have been refused and deportation orders have issued is the foundation of any modern rules-based immigration process. People coming to Ireland must follow the appropriate pathways for legal migration and these pathways must be adhered to and protected for our immigration system to work fairly and effectively. If a persons application for international protection is refused and they are ordered to leave the State they must do so. This is the third charter operation this year. Removal operations of this nature send a clear message that there are consequences for people who remain in our country without permission and underscores this Governments intention to protect the integrity of our immigration system. The flight was required to make an unscheduled stop due to a medical incident on board, but I am happy to say that the flight was able to resume its journey with all 35 returnees arriving safely in Nigeria this morning. I want to thank the members of An Garda Siochana and my officials for their work in conducting this successful operation. The charter flights are used in addition to commercial flights. These operations are conducted under a contract signed by the State in November 2024 for the provision of charter aircraft. Mr OCallaghan added: Enforced removals are conducted as a measure of last resort when the person concerned has not removed themselves from the State or availed of assisted voluntary return measures. Before a deportation order is made, the person is offered assistance to return home voluntarily which is the preferred option. There has been a significant increase in the number of people leaving voluntarily and I continue to appeal to those who are given this opportunity to avail of it where appropriate. Two charter flights already conducted this year have removed 71 people who were subject to deportation orders. This operation brings the number of people removed by charter flight to 106. Additionally, 54 deportation orders have been enforced on commercial flights and 23 people subject to deportation orders are confirmed to have left Ireland unescorted so far in 2025. Minister for Migration Colm Brophy said: Having a modern immigration system where its laws are effective and enforced is a key priority for this Government. The removal of people who have no legal right to be in the State, and the enforcement aspect of our immigration laws, are essential for the system to work effectively. Todays flight, the third charter flight this year, underpins the Governments commitment in this area. I would like to thank members of An Garda Siochana for their ongoing hard work and commitment to ensuring that our returns system is effective and efficient. This Department has a voluntary return programme to assist people to return prior to the issuance of a deportation order. This is the preferred option, and I would encourage those who are provided the opportunity to return voluntarily to avail of it. So far this year, 694 people have availed of the voluntary return programme. In a statement, a spokesman for the gardai said that the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) carried out the operation. An Garda Siochana said it continues to work closely with the Department of Justice in implementing immigration policy. Minister for Children Norma Foley said parents who are subject to deportation orders should consider leaving Ireland voluntarily, saying it is in the best interest of everyone. Speaking on Thursday, Ms Foley said she accepts it is a really, really challenging space and very difficult. I absolutely accept that. I would have to say, though, that we have to have a very clear, rules-based system, she added. I think people who come to the country need to know what the rules are, and the system will work as per the rules. It is my understanding in this instance, when you come and your case is assessed, if you have a right to be here, you stay here. You are supported here. If it is deemed that you dont have a right to be here, you have a right to challenge that. And there is an appeal process, and if youre unsuccessful with the appeal process, you are given the opportunity to leave the country voluntarily, and there is assistance provided for you to leave voluntarily. Many, many take up that opportunity to leave voluntarily. But if you dont leave, then there is this option that has to be taken in terms of you are being competitively. I would not want any child or any person to be in a stressful or stressed situation, but I think we must be clear as well that it is a rules based system. We want it to be fair, and we want the outcome to be fair. I think its very important, and I think parents really should maybe consider this as an option. If you are given the opportunity to leave the country voluntarily, if assistance is provided to support you to do that, it would be in the best interest of everybody that you would do that voluntarily. This measure of being compelled to leave, thats a measure of last, last resort. Louth County Council has officially signed a contract with Doohamlet Construction to commence the refurbishment of 69 Narrow West Street, Drogheda, which will house the highly anticipated Drogheda Digital Hub (DDH). This milestone marks the start of construction works on a transformative project that aims to boost local enterprise and innovation and also breathe new life into one of the most underutilised parts of Droghedas town centre. The signing, which was attended by senior representatives from Louth County Council, Enterprise Ireland, Drogheda and District Chamber of Commerce, local dignitaries and the appointed contractor, Gavin Duffy, Director with Doohamlet Construction, marks the beginning of a significant investment in the towns economic and urban future. Funded through Enterprise Irelands Border Enterprise Development Fund, which is funded under the EUs Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR), with co-funding from Louth County Council, the project will see the complete refurbishment and fit-out of a formerly derelict building into a bespoke, modern, co-working and innovation space. Cllr Kevin Callan, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, said: Transforming a once-derelict building into a state-of-the-art Digital Hub is a signal that Drogheda is open for innovation, investment, and fresh ideas. As well as providing much-needed incubation space for budding entrepreneurs, the Drogheda Digital Hub will draw footfall back to West Street, boosting local businesses, and positioning the town as one of the North-Easts leading locations for digital enterprise. David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council, said: The Drogheda Digital Hub will support the creation of a vibrant cluster of digital start-ups, right in the heart of the town, and is a beacon for urban renewal on West Street in Drogheda. It reinforces that the future development of the town is positive and is further evidence that Louth County Council and our partners and stakeholders are committed to delivering projects that will improve quality of life, unlock economic opportunity, and celebrate Droghedas rich heritage and potential. Read Next: McGreehan welcomes earlier special education deadline as boost for Louth The Drogheda Digital Hub is designed to support start-ups, remote workers, and scaling tech enterprises by offering affordable co-working space, business support services, training and tailored mentoring programmes. It is expected to house over 20 co-working desks, meeting rooms, private booths, and breakout areas providing a modern, professional environment for the regions next generation of entrepreneurs. Beyond its enterprise function, the project is also seen as a critical catalyst in the wider regeneration of the Narrow West Street area and the transformation of this building will significantly enhance the streetscape and act as a visible symbol of Droghedas ongoing renewal. With a 13.2% population increase and more than 7,000 new homes planned for the area, the timing of this initiative is critical. The Digital Hub will play a central role in ensuring Drogheda has the infrastructure to support local entrepreneurship, remote work, and business innovation as the town continues to grow. Works on the building will commence immediately, with the Drogheda Digital Hub expected to open its doors in late summer. Now in its fourth year, the LMETBs innovative FET Advanced Manufacturing Pathways Schools Project continues to lead the way in bridging the gap between education and industry. Unique in Ireland, the yearlong initiative brings together Further Education and Training (FET), local industry, and secondary schools to introduce Transition Year students to the world of STEM while also developing essential soft skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, communication, and creative thinking. Dundalk was proudly represented at this years awards, with students from OFiaich College taking home honours for Best Presentation. Additionally, Dunleer's Scoil Ui Mhuiri saw success when their team Thats Sum Hack Engineering group won the Best Inspiration, Problem Solving and Development category with its Clix project. The judges at the Awards Ceremony in Drogheda Institute of Further Education for the LMETB AMTCE FET Advanced Manufacturing Pathways Schools Project were treated to a welcome display of creativity, dedication, passion and teamwork by the finalists at the presentation of projects. The team of judges, subject matter experts in industry, education and training, assessed 18 projects undertaken by the groups of TY students from five schools in Co Louth and ten in Co. Meath. The project brief entailed formulation of teams, assignment of group tasks, development of design and 3D print solutions that tackle real-life challenges. The programme themes guiding project design encompassed: Mental health and disabilities, Environment, Technology, Health, and Sport. During the academic year, the students attended interactive workshops in the LMETBs Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence (AMTCE) in Dundalk where they received training in design thinking, 3D concept design and printing, virtual reality welding, cybersecurity and robotics. Sadie Ward McDermott, Director of FET at LMETB said, This event is the culmination of a year's work by groups in school, a celebration of creativity, of innovation and of the talent of the young people in 15 schools under the auspices of LMETB. The ongoing success of the Advanced Manufacturing FET Pathways Schools Project is testament to the true partnership between FET, schools and Industry, whose engagement and active participation is central to the success of this initiative. The overall winner at the Awards Ceremony was the Sliders group from Enfield Community College who took home the winners trophy with its Sit2Stand project, which aids people with mobility issues to stand efficiently using furniture already in their home, avoiding excess costs. Second place went to the Coaster Crew from Dunshaughlin Community College for its Anti Spill Coaster, a new and improved design to help people with Parkinsons. The TG Tidy Group from St. Oliver Post-Primary in Oldcastle won third prize for its TG Tidy a product designed to organise the many drawing tools needed for students studying Design and Communication Graphics. Fiona Kindlon, Director of Schools at LMETB, said This project is a shining example of what can be achieved when schools, industry and further education work together. It not only equips students with hands-on STEM experience but also empowers them with the critical skills theyll need for the future creativity, communication, collaboration and resilience. The standard of work this year has been exceptional and reflects the incredible potential of our students across Louth and Meath. Read Next: Dundalk IT student represents Ireland at global competition There were also six category winners: The G&L Printing group from Colaiste na hInse won the Best Use of Software category for its Just in Case! project; Beaufort Colleges Peoples Prints group won the Best Use of 3D Printing category with its Water Bottle Gadget; the Wheeley Boys from St. Olivers Community College won the Best Customisation and Design Improvement category for Wheeley Clip; OFiaich Colleges KTM group won Best Presentation category for Shark Grip while the Best Teamwork accolade went to the Handy Helpers in Colaiste Clavin for its Handy Helper idea. LMETB stated that: LMETB acknowledges the fulsome support of SOLAS, under the auspices of DFHERIS, the state agency responsible for Further Education and Training, in supporting delivery of this innovative and highly successful project. Plans are underway to redevelop the former Windmill Bar & Restaurant at Seatown Place in Dundalk, into a residential development of 14 apartments, with a planning application lodged with Louth County Council. Flood Francis Developments Limited has applied for planning permission for change of use of the site to residential use and alterations to the current structure to provide three two-bed apartments and 11 one-bed apartments. The proposed development includes the retention and conservation of the historic elements of the facade of the Windmill Bar. The planning application also provides for items including landscaped communal open space, secure bicycle storage, bin storage, boundary treatments and all associated site strip and excavation works above and below ground. The application also indicates that a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) is required for the proposed development and has been prepared by the applicant. A decision is due on the application, which is at a pre-validation stage, by 24 July, with submissions due by 3 July. Read also: New plans for 502 homes at Haggardstown in north Louth The former Windmill Bar was once home to the Watters family, whose sons Patrick and John were murdered in the War of Independence. It is understood the two young men were taken from their home at around 2am on 18 June 1921 by members of the locally based Auxiliary Division of the Royal Irish Constabulary, and shot dead just yards from their home. Economic growth surged by 9.7% in the first three months of this year as tech and pharmaceutical exports to the US increased ahead of tariffs brought in by US President Donald Trump. The significant growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the first quarter of this year was driven by increased exports, particularly in the tech and pharmaceutical sectors. Figures released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) reveal that the domestic economy has showed steady growth, with public sector expenditure and the wage bill rising. Chris Sibley, the assistant director-general at the CSO, said the high figures for the GDP were unusual. Many businesses rushed to export goods to the US before Mr Trumps tariffs sanctions came into effect. The figures show that the total exports expanded by 9.4% in the first three months of 2025, an increase of 18.2 billion euro, with a growth in goods exports by 14.8%, representing an increase of 13.5 billion euro. The growth in domestic economy was more moderate. The modified domestic demand (MDD), which includes personal, government and investment spending, increased by 0.8%. The current account balance stood at 6.6 billion euro, driven by strong merchandise exports and increased income outflows. The CSO said the figures highlighted the impact of profit outflows and the need to revisit the valuation of pharmaceutical stocks and exports to ensure accurate GDP measurement. Personal spending on goods and services, a key measure of domestic economic activity, grew by 0.6% in the first quarter of the year, while wages grew by 0.9% in the same period. Growth was recorded for every sector except for real estate activities which declined by 1% in the quarter. Mr Sibley said the data for foreign-owned Multinational Enterprises (MNE) shows that it has been growing throughout 2024 and into 2025, but that the increase of 9.7% is unusual. That is a big growth rate for GDP, in Q1 2025, he added. He said the data in the tech sector shows steady growth, but that there was a surge in pharma exports in the first three months of the year. We weigh all the sectors in the economy, look at all the foreign sectors and all the domestic sectors, we see that the growth is all from the foreign sectors, he added. He added: When we see large changes in pharma industry, as we presented here today, generally, you usually see something else with that too, like royalty payments or other costs. They have an increase, like the turnout, through large revenue increases without cost increases. The profit thats generated for that, as the GDP, thats really whats given us the large results today. Theyre always subject to revision, and well be watching again throughout the year. But thats really whats given you the GDP results today the surge in revenue without the kind of associated costs of it. The figures also show that the globalised industry sector expanded by 17.1% in the first quarter compared with the last quarter of 2024, while the information and communication sector posted an increase of 3.8% over the same period. Overall, the multinational-dominated sector rose by 12.4% in the quarter. Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe said department officials had assessed the spike in GDP to be temporary, and expect exports and GDP to moderate over the year. This was driven by a significant increase in the export of goods, and reflects, in large part, the front-loading of exports in anticipation of the imposition of tariffs by the US administration, the minister said. This is also a feature in other countries, though the scale is much larger in Ireland. Todays results highlight, once again, that GDP is not an accurate reflection of economic activity happening on the ground. This is why alternative indicators, such as Modified Domestic Demand, are so important in an Irish context. On this basis, the domestic economy grew by 0.8% in the first quarter. This is a more accurate reflection of developments in the domestic economy and is consistent with the strength of our labour market with a record 2.8 million people in employment at the beginning of the year. Todays figures confirm the relatively strong position of the domestic economy at the start of this year. Looking ahead, however, the economic outlook has become increasingly challenging. Indeed, the significant increase in uncertainty is likely weighing on growth. In this more challenging global environment, we must focus on policy areas where we can exert influence. In particular, continuing to boost our competitiveness will be key to ensuring that Ireland remains an attractive place to live, work and invest not just today, but over the long term. This summer Culture Club is celebrating 10 years in existence with a series of unique and interesting cultural events, beginning with a curious and entertaining Sunday evening in Roe River Books. Cult hero and polymath Ian Svenonius will be in conversation in Roe River Bookshop, Dundalk on Sunday June 15th at 6pm talking about his career as a writer, musician, film-maker and chronicler of underground music. Ian Svenonius is an American author, filmmaker, and musician with various Washington, D.C.based punk bands (the city that produced legends like Henry Rollins, Fugazi, Dave Grohl, and Dischord records) - including Nation of Ulysses, Chain & the Gang. He formed the Make-Up in 1995, who combined garage rock, soul, and liberation theology to make a new genre they dubbed "Gospel Yeh-Yeh", and his latest musical exploration Escape-ism is doing two shows in Ireland. READ NEXT: The countdown is on: Louth Contemporary Music Society festival 'Echoes' returns to Dundalk Whilst none of these bands are household names in rural county Louth, Ian has forged a fiercely independent artistic life and will be a fascinating guest for all those who love art, culture, film and literature. A published author and online talk show host, Svenonius' projects share a tongue-in-cheek, radical left political ideology. His books include: The Psychic Soviet, Supernatural Strategies for Making a Rock 'n' Roll Group, Censorship Now!!, and Against the Written Word. He presented the series Soft Focus for Vice media with memorable interviews with luminaries of underground music such as Dead Kennedys Jello Biafra, Cat Power, Beastie Boys Ad-Rock, Fugazis Ian MacKaye, The Slits Viv Albertine and Sonic Youth. Dapperly dressed, erudite, articulate and handsome, Mr Svenonius is the preeminent interviewee. Join him for a perfect Sunday evening in Roe River Books. Admission is 8 (plus booking fee 1.25) Booking link: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/1397301820359?aff=oddtdtcreator Cork City comes alive with colour, creativity, and energy this Saurday, June 7, with Cruinniu na nOg 2025. Children and young people are encouraged to explore their imagination and try something new in a day packed with inspiration and fun. Its the only national day of free creativity for young people in the world, and our city is justly proud of its ambitious, inclusive programme with over 30 free events in parks, libraries, theatres, arts venues, and digital spaces, showcasing the richness of Corks creative community and the power of youth-led expression. At the Opera House, there will be Ringo and Bingo at 10am and noon; the City Library will host Rock the Block, with trad and folk jam sessions, rap and hip hop open mics, a beatbox workshop, and interactive dance. At the Everyman, four youth theatres - Activate, UCC, Barnstorm and Waterford Youth Arts - will perform original works, followed by a free taster workshop for ages 12-18. The Circus Factory will stage a full day of circus fun with skills workshops for ages 7-16, while at Fitzgeralds Park, New Moon Youth Dance present an original performance created by young dancers. And there is a roller-disco at the Central Hall on Marina Park from 7pm to 9pm. Also, printmaking, pottery, storytelling, creative writing, eco-art and more hands-on fun. All events are free, but you may need to book those where space is limited. Check it all out on www.corkcity.ie/en/cruinniu-na-nog. On Saturday night at the Opera House, its Donizettis delightful lElisir dAmore, from Irish National Opera. Only a few tickets left, but hurry. 7.30pm start. lElisir dAmore, from the Irish National Opera, is at Cork Opera House this Saturday On Sunday at 5pm, Strictly Come Dancing star Kai Widdrington is set to dazzle audiences with his highly anticipated dance tour. There are special VIP tickets where you meet Kai beforehand, and get personal photographs. On Monday, Martha Wainwright is here, celebrating the 20th anniversary of her groundbreaking debut album. 021 427 0022 or www.corkoperahouse.ie. Tomorrow at the Everyman, Falling To Earth: My Summer With Bowie, by Eugene OBrien, tells the story of a young man who feels wholly alone, with his only solace the music of Bowie. Caryl Churchills gritty Escaped Alone opens next Thursday, June 12. Call 021 450 1673 or www.everymancork.com for more. Still time to see the enchanting production of Friels Lovers at Cork Arts Theatre, until Saturday. A superbly nostalgic piece just right for summer evenings. From Thursday to Saturday next week, five Beckett plays from The Little Terrible Theatre of West Cork Rough For Theatre I & II and Footfalls and Rockaby on Thursday and Saturday, with Krapps Last Tape on Friday. 021 450 3624 or www.corkartstheatre.com. Up at Dance Cork Firkin Crane, Friday sees the opening night of MOSH by Rachel Ni Bhraonain 7.30pm. Is it aggression, energy, support? Is it dance? MOSH dives deep into the unfiltered chaos of the mosh pit, blending raucous movement and live music. Call 021 450 7427. or log onto https://dancecorkfirkincrane.ie/ This Saturday, June 7, City Limits at The Cork Comedy Club hosts New York stand-up comedian and broadcaster Maureen Langan. Doors 8pm, show 9pm Tickets 085 257 3480, or www.tickets.ie. To hold yours, email tickets@thecomedyclub.ie. The When Next We Meet festival returns to Clonmel this weekend with performances by Pillow Queens, Villagers, Morgana, Skinner, Zoe Basha, Join Me In The Pines, and Paddy Hanna. Now in its fourth year, this popular event celebrates the best in alternative Irish music. Tickets from www.whennextwemeet.ie/tickets. And were almost up to the Cork Midsummer Festival - much more on that next week. A Cork family has said they have been asking Cork City Council for more than 20 years to address mould, damp, and leaks in their home, receiving no response except a refusal to renovate their bathroom. Sharon and Kenneth Murphy live with their daughters Leah (16) and Megan (25) in a council-owned house in Desmond Square in Greenmount. Ms Murphy told The Echo she has lived in the house since 2002, and for as long as were here the property has had issues with damp, mould and leaks, with paint bubbling and peeling from Her daughters bedrooms are particularly affected by damp, with the walls of Leahs room so black she cannot sleep in the room. We had to move her bed down to the living room, which is very unfair on her as shes 16 and deserves a bit of privacy, but the mould is so bad you couldnt let her sleep in her own room, Ms Murphy said. Megan Murphy, who is 25, has been diagnosed with Autoimmune disease, which she believes is due to the dampness in her home. Any cold or sniffle thats going I catch it because I have no immune system, and I blame this house for it, she said. Ms Murphy said their bathroom is constantly leaking into the kitchen below, and a request that the council upgrade the bathroom was refused in recent years. The tiles are falling off the wall over the bath and there is black mould in the corners. Were paying our rent weve never missed a payment and where is the money going? she said. Weve been asking the council for over 20 years to fix the mould, fix the damp, fix the leaks, and they havent. Surely as landlord the council has a duty of care to us. Housing advocate William OBrien said the Murphy family was being consistently failed by Cork City Council across many years. This working family faces issues with mold, dampness, and leaks, indicating serious maintenance gaps in their building, he said. The conditions in their bedrooms pose public health risks that could affect respiratory health and overall quality of life, highlighting the need to protect tenants' rights. Its simply not good enough that people are paying their rent and when they ask their landlord, the council, to maintain their home, theyre being let down so badly. Cork City Council was asked for comment. Cork City Council has confirmed that waste facilities will be installed at the Blackrock village playground. In response to a motion raised by Labour Party councillor for the Cork City South East ward, Peter Horgan, a spokesperson for the local authority said that the amenities developers, Glenveagh Homes, have purchased a bin for the playground, which the council will install on receipt of delivery. The parks and recreation [team] will then empty and maintain this bin, the spokesperson said. Mr Horgan said he is looking forward to seeing the bins installed, as he has experienced the need for them at the popular facility. Anywhere you have children, you need a bin its that simple, said Mr Horgan. This is something that families and residents in the area have cited with me since the playground opened, and something Ive experienced myself as a father of young children. Im glad now that the bin will be provided by the developer before the ownership transfer and [will be] operated by the council when it takes control. Independent councillor for the Cork City South East ward, Kieran McCarthy, said that this commitment from both the local authority and the playground developers is positive news. Its great to see the playground opened, and I want to say thank you to Glenveagh [Homes] for providing it as part of their planning conditions, said Mr McCarthy. I see that the playground is getting lots and lots of use, and I think there has been a number of people approaching local councillors looking for a bin. The Parks and Recreational Department [of Cork City Council] have kindly liaised with the developers and a bin is going to be provided. The bin will be installed once the council has taken over the playground, at this moment in time the playground is in private ownership, so it will take a few weeks or months until well see a physical bin [but this] is positive news, he added. Theres a lot of people now coming through Blackrock, the Marina, and Convent Road and theres also a lot more focus on recreation and amenity than ever before. Its a very different place than it was even 10 years ago back then we had no playgrounds in the area, but now we have this one in Blackrock and the one in the middle of the Marina Promenade, which will probably open in the next month. Rowers with Namhoga Chorcai rowing club in Ballintemple competing in this years An Ras Mor, which saw participants passing Blackrock Castle. Picture: Clare Keogh. Help out St Lukes Home St Lukes Charity and Home in Mahon is asking members of the public to nominate it for the AIB Community 1m fund. In a post shared on social media, a representative for the charity said that the service is hugely reliant on funding. We are asking all our families and friends to please consider nominating St Lukes Home for this fund, which if we are successful, could make a big difference for our residents and daycare clients, the spokesperson said. [We are] a voluntary, not-for-profit residential care home, caring for 128 residents and 100 daycare clients, many of whom are living with dementia. The nominations deadline is set for June 25: https://aib.ie/personal-forms/community-fund. Mahon dishes up street feast The Mahon Street Feast, organised by Mahon Tidy Towns, is set to take place this weekend. The two-hour event, hosted outside the Mahon Community Centre, will kick off from 12.30pm on Sunday. A representative from Mahon Tidy Towns has urged people of all ages, genders, and ethnicities to take part in the celebration, with a range of activities planned. Highlights of the day include live music from the Ukrainian Cork Choir; a junior king and queen fancy dress competition for under-10s; a book swap; planting; arts and crafts; and a prize draw. Attendees are also encouraged to bring their favourite dish to the event, as a portion of the festival is aimed at promoting different tastes from different cultures. A spokesperson for Mahon Tidy Towns said that children attending the event must be accompanied by an adult, and anyone who is bringing a dish on the day must also bring their own chair. Howard and Mary Leahy, from Blackrock, at the European Maritime Days to Play, at Kennedy Quay, Cork, to celebrate Cork City Council and the Government of Irelands recent hosting of the European Maritime Day conference. Cruinniu na nOg Festival event at Marina Market A special event will take place at Corks Marina Market this weekend as part of the annual Cruinniu na Nog festival programme for 2025. The event, taking place at the facility on Centre Park Road, will feature a range of activities including a live DJ, a chill-out zone, a bracelet-making workshop, collage-making workshop, painting and board games. Organisers of this event have said that it is particularly catered for young people with disabilities, but is open for all children aged between nine and 18 years old. For more information on Cork City Councils programme of events for Cruinniu na nOg, please contact Louise Tangney at: creativeireland@corkcity.ie. Blackrock Hurling Club summer camp to return The Blackrock Hurling Club has announced the return of their annual four-day childrens summer camp. The camp will take place from August 5 to August 8, from 10am to 2pm, at the club on the Church Rd. The course is open to all primary school children aged between 5 and 12, and will involve a range of activities, including fundamental movements, team-building games, hurling skills development, beginners S&C, Puc Fada, a trick-shot competition, and an obstacle course dribble. The summer camp is priced at 70 per child or 130 per family. For further information about the course, please contact: 086 0709353. Rainbow Club to hold Masquerade Ball in October Rainbow Club Corks annual Masquerade Ball will return to Leeside for its 13th year this October. The event, which launched in 2012, is a fund-raising initiative for the Mahon-based service. Organisers have said that this year marks a very special occasion, as the event will also celebrate a decade of the Rainbow Club in Cork, which has seen the service grow from 26 to 1,300 weekly members. The ball is set to take place on October 11 at the Carrigaline Court Hotel, with tickets on sale from today at 12pm, at 75 per person. Have Blackrock and Mahon news to share? Contact rachel.lysaght@theecho.ie Freedom of Information (FOI) documentation from Uisce Eireann shows that high levels of manganese in drinking water continue to be detected in parts of Cork city, with a recent test in May showing levels nearly four times higher than they should be. In Ireland, the regulatory level for manganese in drinking water is 50 micrograms per litre, but the HSE advises that there is currently no scientific evidence suggesting any adverse health effects at levels of up to 80. Documentation from Uisce Eireann provided to Sinn Fein TD for Cork North Central Thomas Gould shows that levels of 193 and 51 were detected in Richmond Terrace, Gardiners Hill, on March 3 and January 13 this year. Additionally, levels of 121 and 54 were detected in Blarney St on January 15 and 8, while Uisce Eireann also reported levels of 51 in Brian Dillon Park on January 13 and 124 in Thomas Davis Bridge on January 27. Stark Mr Gould described the information provided in the FOI by Uisce Eireann as stark. When tests show dangerous levels of manganese, Uisce Eireann only inform the householder themselves. What about other residents served by the same water line? Every single resident there should be informed, he said. The records sent by Uisce Eireann include correspondence sent to residents of homes where high levels of manganese were detected, including a letter dated February 21 telling one customer that on January 8 and January 15 tests showed exceedances of manganese. Mr Gould said: One of these tests was 51% higher than the level of manganese the WHO considers a risk to public health. That is a scandal. It took them more than a month to warn this person. For one of the six exceedances, the Uisce Eireann reports show that the water was not discoloured. Discoloration Uisce Eireann have repeatedly told us that exceedances of manganese would show up as discolouration in the water, Mr Gould said. However, on January 13 in Dillons Cross, an exceedance of manganese did not register as discolouration. This means that not only were people at risk but they didnt even know they were at risk. They have been told to drink the water when it is clear, but there is now evidence that even this may not be safe. An Uisce Eireann spokesperson told The Echo that public health remains our top priority, and the treatment process used by Uisce Eireann at the Lee Road Water Treatment Plant is fully in line with water treatment standards used nationally and globally. Both the HSE and EPA are regularly updated regarding the water quality issues affecting customers in Cork city. Each non-compliance is risk assessed. Taking this risk assessment into account it is agreed in consultation with the HSE whether consumers are required to be issued with additional specific health advice," the spokesperson added. Corks electricity network, excluding the city, is at increased exposure that can lead to unplanned power outages because it is comprised primarily of overhead infrastructure, a spokesperson for ESB Networks has said in response to a query from The Echo. According to Aoiffe Llewellyn of ESB Networks, the utility invested 5.3bn to refurbish the national electricity network and, in 2024 alone, the investment in electricity networks across the island was 1.4bn. More than 1.15m was invested in 2024 in the Cork, Fermoy, and Dunmanway planner groups, as part of our network upgrade, refurbishment, and automation programmes. In 2025, we plan to invest 6.4m in the same planner groups. "To facilitate this investment in the network in Cork, there has been a significant increase in planned outages during 2024. This level of planned outages continues in the first half of 2025 but will begin to steadily decrease as projects are completed," said Ms Llewellyn. As a result of this significant investment, we are seeing a decrease in fault outages across all three planner groups as they all finished ahead of the CRU targets for interruptions last year, and up to the end of Q1 were all ahead of target for this year. Disclosure The spokesperson was speaking to The Echo following a disclosure last week on foot of a Freedom of Information request by Ireland South Fianna Fail MEP Cynthia Ni Mhurchu, in which it was revealed that there had been increases in unplanned power cuts in the Fermoy, Bandon, and Dunmanway planner groups during 2024. In Fermoy, the number of unplanned power outages had increased by 21% between 2023, when there were 1,375 electricity supply failures, and 2024 when power outages numbered 1,662. There was also an increase of 8% in outages in the Bandon planner group in 2024 over the 2023 figure, while a 3.6% uptick was recorded in Dunmanway. In Cork city, on the other hand, there was a reduction in the number of power cuts between 2024 and 2023. In her statement, the MEP expressed concern that ESB Networks might have been trying to cut costs by not investing in our electricity infrastructure to the extent that they should be. Power cuts have an enormous impact, as many homes are now passive homes that depend on heat pumps and dont have open fires or stoves, she said, calling on ESB Networks to explain the cause of what she termed the dramatic increase in the number of power outages. A senior figure in the drugs trade in Cork city and across the south of Ireland was remanded in custody with consent to bail yesterday after an independent surety was approved in court. Ian Hanlon, aged 54, of Maulbawn, Passage West, Co Cork, is charged with having 80,000 worth of cocaine at his home. Detective Garda Bryan English of Togher Drugs Unit arrested and charged him with having a stash of cocaine at his home on May 18. Judge Mary Dorgan adjourned the case against Ian Hanlon on the application of Sergeant Gearoid Davis until June 26, to allow time for directions from the DPP. Testified Det Garda English testified at Cork District Court that officers of Togher Drugs Unit arrived at the defendants home on Sunday, May 18. Gardai arrived at the property with a warrant, said Sgt Davis. No persons were present. Gardai made contact with Ian Hanlon [by phone] and invited him to return home, and he said he would. A considerable amount of time was given for him to do so. When gardai contacted him again to say they had entered the house without him and had breached it, his phone was turned off. Subject to analysis, cocaine with a value of 80,000 was found at his home. Mixing agent was also found, along with a tick list with names and a large amount of money. At interview he said he has a debt of 300,000 and is now at a loss for the drugs on top of that. He is believed to be at the higher level of the drugs trade across Cork city and the southern region of Ireland. Evidence Mr Hanlon gave evidence in his bail application: Obviously, I owe money. That is why I continued doing what I did. I cannot do it anymore. I have to accept what it is now. I have no intention of doing anything. I am in enough trouble. Judge Mary Dorgan granted bail on conditions, including his own bond of 15,000 cash, and an independent surety of 10,000, of which 5,000 in cash was to be lodged in court. That surety was approved yesterday. Mr Hanlon is charged with possession of cocaine at his home on May 18 and having the drugs for the purpose of sale or supply to others. It was absolutely bucketing rain in Lourdes last Monday morning. A Bank Holiday at home in Ireland, but in the village of St Bernadette, just another extraordinary day. I suppose for anyone thats never been, its difficult to understand or even contemplate what the experience is all about. Ive been to Rome and Lanzarote a few times, and to Fuengirola in Spain, also and Killarney and San Marino. Writing about these places has never proved problematic to me but Lourdes - it is so, so difficult to describe and summarize. The more often I come, youd think twould be easier, but no! Look. I freely admit Im hooked on it no apologies to anyone, and its a great addiction to have! We arrived here - I mean the Cloyne Diocesan Pilgrimage - last Friday in blazing heat. That afternoon as I walked down Rue de Grotte the temperature reached 36C - I thought my shoes would melt. Since I started to travel to Lourdes annually in 2007, Ive seen huge peaks and troughs. For the 150th anniversary year of 2008, the crowds were massive and held up well for most of a decade, but then the scourge of covid reared its awful head and the whole world was changed, utterly changed. Pilgrimages to holy places like Lourdes went by the wayside. Its only with the last two years that some degree of normality has returned. We saw a noticeable change this year with a surge in numbers obvious everywhere. It isnt back to what it was, but going in the right direction. Organised Lourdes pilgrimages usually have a set programme of events lined up - Opening Mass, Confession Service, Passage through the actual Grotto, Torchlight and Blessed Sacrament processions, Statins of the Cross and a Healing Mass. For those not familiar with travelling to the village near the Pyrenees in the south of France, that list might seem like a religious overload. Then, Lourdes is all about religion - more especially, I think, about Christianity, and lads, when Christianity is practised to its fullest, theres nothing better than it in the world - and thats pure true! Of course, Lourdes is about prayers, petitions and lighting candles, holy water, and also pain and suffering. How often people say, If theres a God there - or somewhere - how come there is so much war, disease, and anguish in the world? Its a great question, and a mere mortal like me cannot provide an answer. This much I know, however, that in Lourdes over the last week - yes, Ive seen huge weights of physical and mental suffering being endured by young and old - but absolutely amazing happiness and joy also. I know, I know, that where suffering abounds you might think twould be all doom and gloom. Believe me, Ive seen as many tears of gladness as tears of pain in the last few days. On Monday morning last, as the clouds were crying here in Lourdes, we had our Mass with the Anointing of the Sick in St Bernadettes Chapel. Clerical student Tiernan Burke spoke some profound and humbling words - All I have seen here is love. He explained that each of us has a different vocation in life - something unique for everyone, not to be hidden away but put out there every day. He spoke of the experience of joy and peace here in Lourdes, a peace the world cannot give. Tiernan gave us all a challenge - to share this peace with others. Peace is not simply lack of war, no, its much more than that. If you have 20,000 or 50,000 people milling around, as we do every day in Lourdes, yet there is a calm and serenity here - surely in human terms thats not logical? Spot on, but then what was logical about a 14-year-old illiterate girl from a poverty-stricken family being the means by which Our Lady could and did convey a series of messages to the world in 1858? In January of that year, Bernadette Soubirous was minding sheep on the hillside at Bartres, a few miles from her home town of Lourdes. Working for the Lagues family that had reared her as an infant, Bernadette said: Tell my parents that I am bored here. I want to come back to Lourdes and go to school to prepare for my First Holy Communion. Back she came to the family home a disused, dingy dwelling, the Cachot - a former prison. On February 11, she experienced the first of 18 apparitions at the Grotto of Massabielle. We walked through that Grotto in the heat last Saturday, touching the smoothness of the cold, black, damp rock. Bernadette was told to drink the water and wash her face - she was puzzled as all she saw at the grotto was a tiny muddy, dirty pool of water. She scooped it with her hands and a spring rose up - to this day thousands of gallons of water still flow from the same spot. On Tuesday, we awoke to a dull and grey morning - but thankfully dry. With our Grotto Mass scheduled for 8.30am, there was a sense of trepidation because Mondays torrents of rain had forced one pilgrimage to move their Mass indoors. Our Lady and St Bernadette smiled on us and we had a most beautiful celebration. Our pilgrim group this year was just over 400 people. For the Grotto Mass we were of course joined by others, but the vast majority of those in the wheelchairs, voitures, on the wooden seats were drawn from parishes of our diocese stretching from the Waterford border to the Kingdom of Kerry. This Mass is so special and really emotional as we gather on the spot where Bernadette came to gather kindling that bleak February morning in 1858. What she saw here between then and July 16 that year changed the lives of so many - including me - and continues to do so. Bernadette was a simple, uneducated girl who suffered hugely during her short life - but never complained. On the contrary, she had a sense of humour and loved playing practical jokes on people, and you know her sense of fun still pervades in Lourdes today. Since we left Cork Airport last Friday, we have prayed and cried a lot, but we have laughed a lot as well! The fun and craic we have had was just mighty. I saw a girl leaving our hotel with a pint glass of soup, songs and stories recited, and everyone just helping everyone else. On our pilgrimage, we have doctors, nurses, male and female voluntary helpers, and a huge youth group. In truth, we are like a jigsaw and only when all the pieces fit do our days in Lourdes become truly magical. Ye all know I love tracing relations and I met more cousins over the last week in the South of France than Ive met with years! Then again, we really are a Lourdes family and that sense of togetherness and camaraderie was inspiring these last few days. Central to our pilgrimage were our 50 Assisted Pilgrims - our guests in the Accueil Notre Dame. The miracle of Lourdes year after year is the happiness, joy and contentment that the pilgrimage brings to them. This year, we had some on their first ever visit whilst others had been in Lourdes on multiple occasions, but it makes no difference - the experience is just amazing and truly awe-full. On July 4, 1866, Bernadette stood on the riverbank across from the Grotto and bade farewell to Lourdes for the very last time. She was leaving for the convent of Nevers, where she died aged just 35. Its a special place, Lourdes. Last Monday night, we gathered there to remember special friends who have died recently. Stones from their graves in Ireland were brought by relatives and friends. Ye know the reading from Ecclesiastes, all about time and a time for everything under the sun, well, we said the line, A time to gather stones together and a time to throw stones away, and put the stones from home into the River Gave - linking our loved ones forever with Lourdes. Now we are home and happy to be telling of places we happened to see, but theres one little town well never forget - its Lourdes the Village of St Bernadette. Kenneth Fox A teacher has given their initial reaction to Junior Cert Irish papers for higher and ordinary level which students completed on Thursday. Studyclix subject expert Stephen Doyle of Moyle Park College in Dublin said the higher level paper was fair and well-balanced. The 2025 Junior Cycle Irish Higher Level paper was fair and covered relatable topics for students. The reading comprehension, for example, was about climate change and young environmental activists, something that matters to students. "Question H on the reading comprehension may have challenged less prepared students but, overall, the listening and reading sections were very manageable. The grammar section was also straightforward and not too complicated compared to previous years This year saw a change with the Drama question being paired with a short film question. "This meant students needed to have both Drama and Novel prepared, as the Novel became a stand-alone question. All the literature sections questioned students on how the events, emotions or images made them feel. Students opinions and insights were very important throughout this exam. "Overall, the literature questions would have been welcomed by students as they were of the same standard as previous years with no major surprises. Question 6, the essay-style question, had more choices this year which students will appreciate. It asked students to write for the school magazine about either a big event in Ireland or abroad, or a birthday party or day out in the city. This 50-mark question should have left students feeling confident. This was a fair paper that rewarded students who prepared well and should have been manageable for confident students. This paper was well-balanced and most students who studied hard would have been able to show their Irish skills well. Verdict on JC Irish T2 (Ordinary) Speaking about the ordinary level paper, Stephen Doyle said: It was easy to approach and covered the basic language skills students need. "Short reading questions were about everyday things like cooking class and a visit to a concert and a disco with friend topics that students could understand easily. Overall, the paper was well set out and friendly for students, giving them different ways to do well while keeping to the right level for this level. Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officials are moving forward with plans for a black bear hunt in the state in December. The proposed 23-day hunt could result in the slaughter of nearly 200 bears almost five percent of the states estimated total. Opponents are calling it a bloodlust-driven trophy hunt with no scientific basis, reported The Guardian. Its open season. Its just lets use everything we have against the bears now. It completely blows my mind, said Adam Sugalski, founder of Bear Defenders, as The Guardian reported. The proposed hunt would reintroduce barbaric practices like chasing and cornering bears with packs of dogs, bear baiting and hunting with bows and arrows. They already pulled every protection. You cant get in trouble for killing a bear, it seems, and now theres this unregulated hunt. I just kind of feel for these poor souls in the woods with no protections any more, and then theyre about to release the hounds on them, Sugalski said. Conservation groups like the Animal Legal Defense Fund, Defenders of Wildlife and the Florida chapter of Sierra Club have said the FWC is using incomplete and outdated data of the bear population to justify the hunt while falsely claiming the killings are a necessary conservation measure. The FWC has itself admitted that the most recent count of black bear numbers in Florida approximately 4,050 was tallied over a decade ago. Additionally, the commission has never set a limit for the population other than noting the number of bears that would exceed the capacity of available habitat and overtax other resources. A controversial black bear hunt in 2015 resulted in the killing of 305 bears in just two days, including those who were said to be off-limits like mothers, cubs and many bears that weighed less than 100 pounds. Its going to be a brutal massacre, as it has been in the past, Democratic State Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith told Florida Politics. This is not wildlife conservation its cruelty, Smith said in an email to supporters of a letter-writing campaign urging Governor Ron DeSantis to stop the hunting of black bears in Florida. And even worse, there will be no oversight to ensure hunters dont exceed these brutal limits. James Scott, campaign coordinator for Speak Up Wekiva and former chair of the Florida chapter of Sierra Club, called the proposed slaughter a rich mans hunt not science-based conservation, as reported by The Guardian. Floridians don't want trophy hunts of bears. Speak Up Wekiva responds to tragic bear incident in Jerome, calls on FWC to delay controversial bear hunt vote. theapopkavoice.com/stories/spea [image or embed] Bear Conservation (@bear-conservation.bsky.social) May 14, 2025 at 8:43 AM If we got to where bear populations were clearly exceeding the carrying capacity of any given unit, with the negative effects that come with that, that would be justification, a science-based, conservation-based approach to hunting. But they havent got anywhere near justifying that, Scott said. Instead you have some characters who have worked really hard framing hunting as a conservation tool, and some folks who have ingratiated themselves with commissioners. You also have a commission appointed by the governor, and most of them are land developers. So there are powerful interests that have a financial interest in limiting the growth of the bear population. Scott pointed out that the existing FWC Florida Black Bear Management Plan, which was last updated in 2019, stated that the bears were listed as a threatened species in the state as recently as June of 2012, and did not propose that hunting be reintroduced. Fortunately, the Florida black bear population is growing. We have more bears now than at any time in the last 100 years, but our conservation efforts are not finished, the plan said. The proposed December hunt, approved by the commission earlier this month, seeks to remove 187 black bears across four zones. A petition against the hunt launched by Bear Defenders has over 43,000 signatures. Youve got to think about the money and power of the folks that want to hunt bears. Theyre trophy hunters, the kind of guys that can afford to go to Africa and mow down cheetahs and giraffes and lions and stuff. Lets not kid ourselves here, these guys just want to have a head on a wall, Scott said, as The Guardian reported. Discord co-founder and CTO Stanislav Vishnevskiy wants you to know he thinks a lot about enshittification. With reports of an upcoming IPO and the news of his co-founder, Jason Citron, recently stepping down to hand leadership of the company over to Humam Sakhnini, a former Activision Blizzard executive, many Discord users are rightfully worried the platform is about to become, well, shit. "I understand the anxiety and concern," Vishnevskiy told Engadget in a recent call. "I think the things that people are afraid of are what separate a great, long-term focused company from just any other company." According to Vishnevskiy, the concern that Discord could fail to do right by its users or otherwise lose its way is a topic of regular discussion at the company. "I'm definitely the one who's constantly bringing up enshittification," he said of Discord's internal meetings. "It's not a bad thing to build a strong business and to monetize a product. That's how we can reinvest and continue to make things better. But we have to be extremely thoughtful about how we do that." The way Vishnevskiy tells it, Discord already had an identity crisis and came out of that moment with a stronger sense of what its product means to people. You may recall the company briefly operated a curated game store. Discord launched the storefront in 2018 only to shut it down less than a year later in 2019. Vishnevskiy describes that as a period of reckoning within Discord. "We call it embracing the brutal facts internally," he said of the episode. When Vishnevskiy and Citron started Discord, they envisioned a platform that would not just be for chatting with friends, but one that would also serve as a game distribution hub. "We spent a year building that component of our business and then, quite frankly, we quickly knew it wasn't going well." Out of that failure, Discord decided to focus on its Nitro subscription and embrace everyone who was using the app to organize communities outside of gaming. Since its introduction in 2017, the service has evolved to include a few different perks, but at its heart, Nitro has always been a way for Discord users to get more out of the app and support their favorite servers. For instance, the $3 per month Basic tier allows people to use custom emoji and stickers on any server, and upload files that are up to 50MB. The regular tier, which costs $10 per month, includes 4K streaming, 500MB uploads and more. They're all nice-to-haves, but the core functions remain free. Marissa Leshnov for Discord Vishnevskiy describes Nitro as a "phenomenal business," but the decision to look beyond gaming created a different set of problems. "It wasn't clear exactly who we were building for, because now Discord was a community product for everyone, and that drove a lot of distractions," he said. That sense of mission drift was further exacerbated by the explosive growth Disord saw during the pandemic, as even more new users turned to the platform to stay in touch with friends during lockdown. "It covered up all the things that we didn't fully clarify about how we want to approach things," said Vishnevskiy. "We came out stronger. A lot of people were introduced to Discord, and it's their home now, but it's probably part of what made it take longer to realize some of the decisions we made at the time weren't right." One of those was a brief flirtation with the Web3 craze of 2021. That November, Citron tweeted a screenshot of an unreleased Discord build with integrations for two crypto wallet apps. The post sparked an intense backlash, with users threatening to cancel their Nitro subscriptions if the company went forward with the release. Two days later, Citron issued a statement saying Discord would not ship the integration. "We weren't trying to chase a technology. It was about allowing people to use Discord in a certain way, and that came with a lot of downsides. We were trying to do some integrations to limit some scams, and actually do right by users and make people safer," said Vishnevskiy. "But we really underestimated the sensitivity the general user base had to the topic of NFTs, and we did not do a really good job at explaining what we were trying to do." According to reporting from that period, Discord's employees were partly responsible for the reversal. An internal server made up of workers and game studio representatives reportedly erupted over the proposed implementation. Looking back, Vishnevskiy credits the company's employees, some of whom have been with Discord for a decade, for steering leadership in the right direction over the years. He says there have been situations where the company's employees have come to him and Citron to ask "why are we doing this?" He adds, "sometimes, they've pushed us to do things [Jason and I] didn't think we should be doing. I think that's an amazing asset to have. This product is built by people who love it and use it." Coming out of the pandemic, Discord announced last year it would refocus on gaming. In the immediate future, that shift of strategy will see the company emphasize "simple things" like app performance and useability over "building new features." In March, users got a taste of that new approach, with the company releasing a redesign of its PC overlay that made it less likely to trigger anti-cheat systems like BattleEye. In turn, that made the overlay compatible with a greater number of the most-played games on Discord. In that same release, Discord added three new UI density options to give users more control over the look and feel of the app. Moving forward, one area where the company wants to be particularly thoughtful is around AI. Discord has deployed the tech in a few areas for example, it partnered with Krisp AI in 2019 to add noise cancellation to calls but it also has wound down experiments that didn't work. "What we've found is that a lot of these things did not work well enough to be in the product," said Vishnevskiy, pointing to features like AutoMod. The tool exists in Discord right now. Moderators can use it to filter for specific words and phrases. But when the company first pitched the feature, it envisioned an AI component that would help admins manage large, unruly servers, and even built a version of it that ran on a large language model. The company has yet to ship the feature because "it was making too many mistakes." Discord also experimented briefly with a built-in chatbot called Clyde that leveraged tech from OpenAI, but canned it less than a year later. At the time, the company didn't give a reason for the shutdown, but the occasional screenshots posted to the Discord subreddit showed Clyde could, often unprompted, say some questionable things. "We're constantly retrying some of those ideas with modern models. No timeline on any of this because we will not ship until we think it's a good fit for the product," said Vishnevskiy, adding the last thing the company wants to do is "slap [AI] in because everyone else is doing it." Looking to the future, Vishnevskiy says Discord is focused on helping game developers, especially as it relates to discovery. The majority of the most popular games on Discord are the same ones that were popular on the platform 10 years ago. That's where Vishnevskiy says the app's new Orbs currency comes in, which people can earn by watching interactive ads, playing a game, or streaming their gameplay to friends on Discord. Yes, it's a way for Discord to grow its revenue, but Vishnevskiy believes the system aligns player interests with developer interests by giving Discord users something in return for their time and attention. At least that's the idea. I got to try the system after my interview with Vishnevskiy, and while it does feel friendly to users, I'd like to see how Discord plans to make it into something smaller game studios can leverage. Right now, many of the publishers the company has partnerships with are advertising releases that already have a lot of word of mouth going for them. I'm sure fans of Marvel Rivals will love the chance to earn an Ultron avatar decoration for their Discord, but a game with 147,000 concurrent players on Steam isn't exactly struggling. Vishnevskiy wouldn't discuss the specifics of when and if the company plans to IPO, but did offer one last assurance for users. "Discord is something that is meant to be a durable company that has a meaningful impact on people's lives, not just now but in 10 years as well," he said. "That's the journey that Humam joined and signed up for too. We are long-term focused. Our investors are long-term focused." While it may be true that the Vishnevskiy and Discord's veteran employees have learned a lot over the company's sometimes turbulent history, it's not clear how a culture of experimentation and dissent might change with more shareholders to appease. The test will be whether Discord can stay true to itself and its many fans. If you buy something through a link in this article, we may earn commission. Engadget has been testing and reviewing consumer tech since 2004. Our stories may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission. Read more about how we evaluate products . The new Nintendo Switch 2 comes with 256GB of storage built in. That's eight times more than the original Switch and four times more than the Switch OLED. But the new consoles improved performance means that some games will hog a ton of that space: Cyberpunk 2077 is a 59GB download, for one, while Split Fiction checks in at 69GB. Other titles arent nearly as big particularly those made by Nintendo itself but chances are youll eventually want to add more room to the device. When you do, youll need a microSD Express card. These are not the same as the standard microSD cards you may have bought for the first Switch or other gaming handhelds theyre newer, faster and significantly more expensive. But if you want more space, theyre your only choice. If youre looking to grab one today, weve laid out the best microSD cards for the Switch 2 and broken down what you should know before you buy. The best microSD cards for the Switch 2 (and why you might want to wait to buy) The SanDisk microSD Express Card and Lexar Play Pro. (Jeff Dunn for Engadget) The Switch 2 is the first mainstream device to require microSD Express for storage expansion, so there arent many options available to buy just yet. To make things easy, heres a list of every microSD Express card weve seen at retailers at the time of writing. 128GB 256GB 512GB 1TB Nintendo says the Switch 2 technically supports cards with a capacity up to 2TB, but we havent seen any microSD Express model go beyond 1TB just yet. Its also worth noting that GameStop and Onn (Walmarts in-house electronics brand) arent manufacturers, so its unclear who exactly is making their cards. Stock for these cards remains somewhat patchy, particularly for the higher-capacity options. But many of the 128GB and 256GB models appear to be steadily available as of the Switch 2's launch week. Just be warned that you may have to deal with extended ship times in some cases. SanDisks microSD Express Card has also increased in price since it first went up for sale in February; originally, it cost $45 for 128GB and $60 for 256GB. Either way, all of these cards are far pricier than traditional microSD options. The Samsung Pro Plus, for example, costs $17 for 128GB, $25 for 256GB, $43 for 512GB and $90 for 1TB as of this writing. Remember: Youre looking for microSD Express, not Extreme, like the branding SanDisk uses for some of its conventional microSD cards. A microSD Express card will have a big EX logo printed on it if you see that, you should be good to go. All microSD Express cards will have this "EX" logo printed on them. (Nintendo/Engadget) Weve already tested SanDisks Express card and the Lexar Play Pro for our broader guide to the best microSD cards. Between the two, SanDisks card has much faster sequential read speeds up to 899 MB/s vs. 712 MB/s in CrystalDiskMark, to name one benchmark which theoretically makes it better equipped to reduce load times. The Play Pro is quicker for sequential writes (up to 720 MB/s vs. 650 MB/s), available in more sizes and should be cheaper at 256GB whenever its in stock. (SanDisk says the 128GB version of its card has slower sequential writes than the 256GB model, too.) Random performance is about equal, so the two should be similarly adept at keeping large games like Mario Kart World running smoothly. We mainly tested those cards on a Windows PC and Mac, though. How they perform on the actual Switch 2 remains to be seen. Nintendo didnt send out early review units to press, and we've only just received our own retail model. So well need a few more days to finish testing. For now, though, we cant say for sure if the console renders all microSD Express cards to similar speeds. That was largely the case with the first Switch: Once a (regular) microSD card hit a certain threshold of performance, there wasnt that much practical difference between it and other alternatives. The Switch 2 is working with a different standard, but if something similar were to happen again, the best microSD Express card would simply be the most affordable one from a reputable brand in the capacity you want. That brings us to our main piece of advice: If you can hold off on buying one of these things early on, thats probably a good idea. Its not just about the lack of testing truthfully, wed be surprised if any of these cards are truly bad. It's more about value: Barring more tariff shenanigans, all of these cards are as expensive today as theyre ever likely to get. The Switch 2 is already popular and will continue to be, thus more microSD Express cards will need to be made and prices will (eventually) come down. Try to use all 256 of the gigabytes baked into the Switch 2 first, even if it means having to delete a game or two. But if youre absolutely sure you want more space right away, the cards above should be good enough. What are microSD Express cards? A microSD Express card like the one on the right has a second row of pins on the back. (Jeff Dunn for Engadget) Most microSD cards are based on a standard called Ultra High Speed (UHS), of which there are three versions: UHS-I, UHS-II and UHS-III. The vast majority of cards you may have bought in the past utilize UHS-I. These have one row of pins in the back and a theoretical maximum data transfer speed of 104 megabytes per second (MB/s). (Though many cards are able to surpass that limit with proprietary tech and card readers.) The original Switch has a UHS-I microSD slot, as do most other gaming handhelds like Valves Steam Deck. UHS-II cards add a second row of pins and can reach up to 312 MB/s. These are pricier and much less common than cards based on UHS-I, but theyre supported by some cameras and higher-power handhelds like the ASUS ROG Ally X. UHS-III, meanwhile, is twice as fast as UHS-II in theory (624 MB/s), but no microSD cards have actually used it. UHS-I cards have held on over the years because theyre cheap, widely supported and fast enough for the things most people need them to do: record 4K video, stash photos and so on. But with the Switch 2, Nintendo needs more. The new console is dramatically more powerful, which allows it to run demanding games that may have originally been built for stronger hardware like the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X or gaming PCs. The device also uses UFS 3.1 storage internally, which is much speedier than the eMMC storage used by the original Switch. (A custom file decompression engine helps improve load times as well.) So if the Switch 2 is going to accept microSD cards, it needs ones that wont bring a serious drop-off in performance and can hold up with modern games. The Nintendo Switch 2. (Sam Rutherford for Engadget) Hence, SD Express. This standard has technically been around since 2018 but mostly went nowhere until the Switch 2 came along. It also uses a second row of pins, but it lets microSD cards take advantage of the PCI Express (PCIe)/NVMe interface, which is the same underlying tech used by modern SSDs. As a result, it can produce considerably faster read and write speeds, with a current theoretical maximum of 985 MB/s. As noted above, real-world performance wont be quite that fast. Even if it was, the best microSD Express cards would still be much slower than the NVMe SSDs used by the PS5 and Xbox. (Sony recommends SSDs with sequential read speeds of at least 5,500 MB/s.) And theyll fall well below their peak speeds under sustained loads: SanDisk, for instance, says sustained write speeds for its 128GB Express card can drop as low as 100 MB/s. But theyre still a marked improvement over old UHS-I cards, and in theory, they should be quicker than some older SATA-based SSDs when it comes loading game levels, asset streaming, retrieving saves or copying games to external storage. Whereas SanDisks microSD Express card can produce sequential read speeds around 900 MB/s, Lexars Professional Silver Plus the top UHS-I pick in our general microSD card guide topped out just over 200 MB/s, and thats with a proprietary reader. (On the first Switch, itd be closer to 100 MB/s.) Sequential writes and random speeds were three to four times better as well, and sometimes even more depending on the benchmark we used. It remains to be seen how well these Express cards will hold up with extended use, and theres no way to know exactly when their sky-high prices will drop. Non-Switch 2 devices that support microSD Express are still exceedingly rare, and the standard itself isnt backwards compatible with UHS-II, so youll be limited to UHS-I speeds if you want to use your card with another device (unless you buy a pricey external reader). Still, while the increased costs and limited selection are annoying, the tech itself seems worthy of a next-gen Switch. Actress Lindsay Lohan is turning heads online after posting a new photo that has fans speculating about cosmetic enhancements. The 38-year-old "Freaky Friday" star shared a selfie on her Instagram account on Tuesday with the caption, "Skin's on vacation mode." The post immediately drew thousands of comments, with many followers praising her youthful appearance and others questioning whether her look is natural. "She definitely reversed aged! She looks happy and healthy," one Instagram user wrote on a repost by Hollywood Unlocked. Another commenter added, "Forget Kris Jenner, who did her face lift!!!!!!?" While the response was largely positive, not all fans were convinced the transformation was entirely natural. "She looks beautiful here, but I don't believe she's barefaced," one skeptical fan wrote. Another claimed the lack of frecklesa signature feature of Lohan's early film roleswas due to a filter. "She looks great, but the reason there is no freckles is a smoothing filter," the user said. Some fans expressed frustration over what they perceived as a lack of transparency. "For the love of god, please just tell us what you had done and who did it. Gatekeeping this knowledge is a crime," one commenter said. Lohan has not publicly confirmed undergoing any cosmetic surgery. However, in a May 2025 interview with Elle magazine, the actress addressed ongoing speculation surrounding her appearance. "I'm like, when? With what time? Where?" Lohan denied rumors that she had undergone a facelift. She did admit to using Botox, adding, "Everyone does Botox." The former child star, known for roles in "The Parent Trap" (1998), "Freaky Friday" (2003), and "Mean Girls" (2004), has recently made a career comeback with Netflix films "Falling for Christmas" (2022), "Irish Wish" and "Our Little Secret" (2024). She is also set to star in Disney's "Freakier Friday" alongside Jamie Lee Curtis, which is scheduled for release on Aug. 8. 'the parent trap' starring lindsay lohan premiered 23 years ago pic.twitter.com/G95RiCDdpY 2000s (@PopCulture2000s) July 20, 2021 In the same Elle interview, Lohan discussed her skincare and wellness regimen, which she said became a greater priority after giving birth to her son, Luai Shammas, with her husband, Bader Shammas, in 2023. "I drink this juice every morning. It's like carrot, ginger, lemon, olive oil, apple," she said. "I'm a big pickled beets person, so I put them in almost everything. My skin care is very specific." Lohan also credited cold water, chia seeds, and consistent use of eye patches and serums for her complexion. "I'm into lasers," she added. Lohan's dermatologist, Dr. Radmila Lukian, has also posted about the actress on Instagram, sharing a December 2024 photo with the caption: "Trust and confidence are the foundation of our relationship @lindsaylohan." Despite the speculation, Lohan appears to be enjoying the attentionand her glow. Whether it's a result of skincare, filters, or cosmetic help remains unclear. But one thing's for certain: fans are watching closely. Tom Hanks has broken his silence on his daughter E.A. Hanks' explosive memoir that details her troubled upbringing with the late actress Samantha Lewes, offering support and acknowledging her candor. As per DailyMail, the 68-year-old actor spoke out during the red carpet premiere of his new film, The Phoenician Scheme, on Thursday. E.A.'s memoir, The 10: A Memoir of Family and the Open Road, was released in April and chronicles the 42-year-old writer's difficult childhood, including allegations of emotional and physical abuse. "I'm not surprised that my daughter had the wherewithal as well as the curiosity... in order to examine this thing that I think she was incredibly honest about," Hanks told Access Hollywood. "She's been very open about what the process is." The memoir paints a stark picture of life with her mother, Lewes, who died in 2002 following a battle with bone cancer. E.A. describes years of instability, neglect, and emotional trauma, writing about living in a smoke-filled home in Sacramento with a backyard so full of dog feces "you couldn't walk around it," and a refrigerator often "bare or full of expired food." After one night of alleged physical violence, E.A. said she moved to Los Angeles to live with her father, shifting her custody arrangement in the middle of seventh grade. "I was born in Burbank, but after my parents split up, my mother took my older brother and me to live in Sacramento," she wrote. "From 5 to 14, years filled with confusion, violence, deprivation, and love, I was a Sacramento girl." In excerpts shared with People, E.A. further reveals that she believes her mother, who was never formally diagnosed, may have suffered from bipolar disorder. The memoir also references disturbing passages from Lewes' journals, including a claim that she had witnessed her own father commit a horrific crime involving a young girl something E.A. described as a "stream of consciousness" entry. "If any of that was true," E.A. said in the book, "she never stood a chance." Hanks and Lewes married in 1979 after meeting at California State University, Sacramento. They had two children together, Colin and Elizabeth Ann, before divorcing in 1987. Hanks later married actress Rita Wilson, with whom he shares two sons, Chet and Truman. The Forrest Gump star has maintained a largely private stance on his family life, but his recent comments suggest support for his daughter's decision to revisit their shared past publicly. E.A. embarked on a six-month road trip following her mother's death in 2002, seeking to understand her mother's history and mental health struggles. The journey forms a central narrative thread in her memoir, which blends grief, self-discovery, and personal reckoning. Hanks did not address specific claims in the book but emphasized his daughter's strength in confronting painful truths. The memoir continues to draw attention for its unflinching portrayal of childhood in a Hollywood family and the complex legacy of stardom behind closed doors. Actress Deborra-Lee Furness was left "disturbed" by Sutton Foster's efforts to befriend her in the months leading up to her separation from husband Hugh Jackman, a source close to Furness told DailyMail.com. As per DailyMail, Furness, 69, reportedly suspected an "emotional affair" between Jackman, 56, and his Music Man co-star Foster, 50, before the couple publicly announced their separation in September 2023 after 27 years of marriage. In a joint statement at the time, the former couple said they were "shifting" and had decided to "separate to pursue our individual growth." "The fact that Sutton used to go on double dates and tried so hard to befriend Deb is extremely disturbing to her," the source said. "She will never have anything to do with Sutton." The insider added that Furness feels betrayed by Foster and believes she played a role in the breakdown of her marriage to the Wolverine star. "Deb is friends with Sutton's ex and they both share a deep sense of betrayal," the source added, referring to Foster's ex-husband, screenwriter Ted Griffin. The couple, who were married from 2014 to 2024, share an adopted daughter. Furness "cannot forgive" Foster and believes the Broadway star should "take accountability" for her part in the split, the insider said. "Deb released her statement and is now focusing on moving forward with her life," the source continued. "She has done the work that she needs to, not allow this to hold her back from living or falling in love again. Deb knows that one day this will all come back around to both of them." Following months of rumors, Jackman and Foster confirmed their relationship in January when they were photographed leaving a Los Angeles restaurant holding hands. Furness addressed her feelings in a prior statement to DailyMail.com: "My heart and compassion go out to everyone who has traversed the traumatic journey of betrayal. It's a profound wound that cuts deep, however, I believe in a higher power and that God/the universe, whatever you relate to as your guidance, is always working FOR us." Jackman has yet to make a public statement on the latest claims. Still, a source previously told DailyMail.com that he was "extremely disappointed" by Furness's remarks, believing the two had a mutual understanding not to criticize one another publicly. Foster has remained silent publicly and declined to comment on her relationship status when attending the Drama Desk Awards solo in New York over the weekend. However, actor Michael Urie, who played Foster's love interest in the Broadway production Once Upon a Mattress, voiced support for the actress. "She's my colleague and my friend, and I love her and I know that she's a really great person and she surrounds herself with really good people, like, all the time," Urie, 44, told DailyMail.com. "I believe in her and I believe that she's happy." Sources also said that Furness is weighing offers to write a tell-all memoir that could reveal intimate details about her relationship with Jackman, including their early struggles, co-parenting their adopted children, and years of tabloid speculation. Representatives for Jackman, Furness, and Foster have not returned requests for comment. Kylie Jenner's plastic surgeon, Dr. Garth Fisher, is seeing a major spike in demand after the reality star revealed the exact details of her 2019 breast augmentation online. The 27-year-old cosmetics mogul casually dropped the information in the comment section of a TikTok video, and it sparked a frenzy. According to TMZ, Kylie didn't hold back, listing everything from size to type to surgeon: "445 cc, moderate profile, half under the muscle!!!!! silicone!!! garth fisher!!! hope this helps lol." Since then, Fisher's Beverly Hills office has reportedly been overwhelmed with calls from people asking for the exact same procedure. According to Dr. Fisher's office, they're now receiving upwards of 150 calls a day, with most callers requesting consultations inspired by Kylie's post. Due to the high demand, the clinic has changed how appointments are booked. Consultations now require patients to send in photos for reviewno phone calls allowed. While the majority of requests are for breast augmentation, many are also inquiring about other procedures, such as liposuction and tummy tucks, citing Kylie as their main inspiration. Kylie Jenner reveals her breast implant specs on TikTok pic.twitter.com/wNTXlSj5yn Tom Phage (@dogsog300) June 4, 2025 Read more: Kylie Jenner and Timothee Chalamet Finally Make Red Carpet Debut After 2 Years of Dating Dr. Garth Fisher Thanks Kylie Jenner for Boob Job Shout-Out Dr. Fisher, a board-certified surgeon with over 30 years of experience, responded to the sudden attention by thanking Kylie for the recognition. "I'm honored to be acknowledged by Kylie her kind post was unexpected but truly appreciated," he said in a statement. He also emphasized the importance of patient privacy, saying, "Patient confidentiality has always been the foundation of my practice. Over three decades, we've never had a single breach." He added that no details of a procedure are ever shared unless the patient gives permission, DailyMail said. Kylie isn't the only family member Dr. Fisher has worked on.Kris Jenner recently shared that her daughter's first facelift was done back in 2011 by the same doctor. Kris Jenner thanked Dr. Fisher on Instagram for making the experience a positive one. She spoke highly of his professionalism and referred to him as a close and trusted friend. Dr. Fisher is known for working with several Kardashian-Jenner family members, including Kourtney Kardashian and even pre-transition Caitlyn Jenner. US President Donald Trump said in a Fox News interview broadcast that he had found a buyer for the TikTok short-video app, whom he described... Los Angeles, CAWhen Michael B. Butler left Los Angeles, in late May 1994, his chances of attending the 50th Anniversary of D-Day were astronomically slim. A series of mistakes, misunderstandings and coincidences, all chronicled in the final section of History Leading to 50th Anniversary of D-Day, Book 2, reveals how the book was born, at that moment, without the author knowing it for years. No hotel room and no pass to the ceremony at the Normandy American Cemetery, above Omaha Beach, made his last minute trip seem nonsensical, even idiotic. Nonetheless, he landed in London and kept hope alive while watching the TV news reporters telling everyone with no arrangement to "stay away, there is nothing for you here." But his D-Day Miracle happened when he accidentally ran into Pat Murphy, a D-Day Veteran, on the morning of June 6, 1994 in Cherbourg, France and came away from the chance encounter with a pass to the big ceremony. Four years would pass while Butler wrote his first book, A World Flight Over Russia, which was published in 1998 by Wind Canyon Books. Then a contract was signed for a 50th Pearl Harbor and D-Day Book utilizing history written for the first book and additional sections, but it never happened. Then, 25 years later, the files were unearthed from their digital catacombs and organized into a two-book set. Looking back, Michael B. Butler realized that not getting the pass from Pat Murphy would be mean no book dedicated to 15 wartime Veterans; no book paying homage to many others who served throughout the war; no book chronicling many different aspects of the European Second World War. Here was one of those times when listening to logic and common sense was the wrong inclination, trusting Providence believing in the unbelievable turned out to be the right answer, and these two books are the proof of it. History Leading to 50th Anniversary of D-Day, Book 2: My Journey Thru World & Family History Landed at Omaha Beach, 6/6/94 Michael B. Butler's Author Page on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/mbbutler History Leading to 50th Anniversary of D-Day, Book 2 available in Amazon paperback (979-8328241489) or Kindle E-Book (B0F4GH8679) and at Barnes & Noble. www.50thDDay.com Pat Murphy, One of Michael Butler's D-Day Saviors Great Uncle Henry Olivas, 5th Armored Division Uncle Roy Larson, B-17 Pilot, Lost Over Germany April 1944 June 1941 German Invasion of Russia to Stalingrad German Invasion of Poland, September 1939 Michael B. Butler's second book, released in 2022, is Without Redemption: Creation & Deeds Freeway Killer Bill Bonin, His Five Accomplices & How One Who Escaped Justice. In 2024-26 three books are slated for release: Round the World & Across Russia in 21 Days, 30 Years Later and the two-book history set dedicated to 15 wartime military veterans, many who saw combat, from his familyHistory Leading to 50th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor, Book 1 and History Leading to 50th Anniversary of D-Day, Book 2. A nonprofit founded by Georgia Democratic politician Stacey Abrams to protect voting rights paid more than $20 million to a lawyer who is a close friend and helped set up two of her private businesses, according to tax and state incorporation filings and other records obtained by RealClearInvestigations. Abrams Fair Fight Action redirected the tax-exempt donations and government grants to Allegra Lawrence-Hardy, her former campaign chair between 2019 and 2023. Most of the funds covered legal expenses charged by the boutique law firm Lawrence-Hardy co-founded, for a failed race-bias lawsuit filed against Abrams Republican opponent, Gov. Brian Kemp, after she lost to him in Georgias 2018 gubernatorial election. In its articles of incorporation, Fair Fight Action Inc. states that The Corporation will not be operated for the pecuniary gain or profit of any individual. They also said no revenues will be distributed to any individual except when authorized to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered. The nonprofits payout to her friends law firm, which averaged more than $4 million each year over those five years, raised eyebrows and conflict-of-interest concerns among ethics watchdogs briefed by RCI. Twenty million in fees is outrageous, said Paul Kamenar, counsel for the National Legal and Policy Center. It may be an IRS violation for waste of nonprofit assets, as well as self-dealing and other ethical and legal breaches. At a minimum hiring her friend as lead attorney presents a glaring conflict of interest, because Abrams close association with both the Fair Fight case and her friend provided an opportunity to enrich her friend through the nonprofits litigation. He and other legal experts say the costs to litigate the case were extravagant compared with other voting-rights cases fought in federal court. The state of Georgia paid less than $6 million total to its law firms defending the state in the case. The unusually high legal bills helped drive Fair Fight Action more than $2.5 million into debt last year, forcing the group to lay off the majority of its staff. College Friends Abrams and Lawrence-Hardys friendship dates back to their days as students at Spelman College. They have also set up businesses together, state records reveal. Although there is no evidence that Abrams benefited directly from the fees paid to Lawrence-Hardys law firm, Abrams holds an ownership interest in at least two Atlanta-based companies that were incorporated by Lawrence-Hardy. Lawrence-Hardy and Abrams have also shared the same office suite in Atlanta for several years. Neither Lawrence-Hardy nor Abrams responded to requests for comment. In her 2022 book, Level Up: Rise Above The Hidden Forces Holding Your Business Back, Abrams acknowledged Lawrence-Hardy as someone who has supported her business ventures. Sustaining the pursuit of a business ambition demands all manner of investment definitely financial capital, but less often lauded, copious amounts of patience, forbearance and forgiveness, Abrams wrote. I appreciate these coming in abundance from those named and unnamed, including Allegra Lawrence-Hardy. The IRS declined to comment on whether it is investigating Fair Fight Action. It has received multiple complaints in the past which outline the blurry lines between Abrams connection to nonprofits that appeared to advance her political career. In 2019, the agency received a complaint about the nonprofit from the Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust (FACT) over allegations that Fair Fight was using money raised to advance voting rights to support Abrams political ambitions, including paying some of her travel expenses, running $100,000 in Facebook ads featuring Abrams, and supporting a Stacey Abrams Fundraiser. The IRS did not say if or how this case was resolved. Along with the Georgia Senate, the IRS is actively investigating another nonprofit started by Abrams, the New Georgia Project, which failed to report millions of dollars in contributions and spending tied to Abrams first gubernatorial bid in 2018. Abrams also lost to Kemp in a 2022 rematch. The lucrative Fair Fight deal for her friend adds to ethical concerns over Abrams, who has a checkered financial background and yet has amassed millions of dollars in wealth working mostly in the public and nonprofit sectors, as RCI has reported previously. Abrams has presidential ambitions and aims to become the first black female U.S. president by 2040. Political Allies Lawrence-Hardy chaired her campaign in both the 2018 and 2022 gubernatorial elections, which means she was litigating the voting-rights case while running her second campaign. Kristen Wilder, Lawrence-Hardys longtime chief of staff, previously worked as the senior political manager at Fair Fight Action. Wilder also worked on Abrams gubernatorial campaign. Abrams headed Fair Fight in 2018 when it hired Lawrence-Hardys firm as lead counsel in the case, Fair Fight Action v. Raffensperger. The suit claimed that the Georgia secretary of states office denied minorities the right to vote. The litigation promoted Abrams allegations that she was robbed of victory by Kemp, whom she claimed had disenfranchised blacks through discriminatory voting rules. During the trial, Lawrence-Hardy argued, This is a modern-day Jim Crow. The lawsuit would help turn Abrams into a national political figure and celebrity, a symbol of resistance to President Trump and a leader of the emerging Black Lives Matter movement. But in September 2022, a federal court disagreed, dismissing the case and ordering Fair Fight to pay more than $231,000 in court costs and legal fees. The lawsuit was always a long shot. To succeed, Fair Fight had to prove intentional discrimination in the states election laws and practices. In his ruling, U.S. District Judge Steve C. Jones an Obama appointee ruled that Fair Fight failed to provide direct evidence of a voter who was unable to vote because of the states allegedly racist election laws. Nevertheless, tax records show that Lawrence-Hardys firm earned a steady stream of fees. In 2019, her Atlanta-based firm, Lawrence & Bundy LLC, billed Fair Fight $3.1 million, according to IRS filings. In 2020, when the nonprofits revenues peaked at $51 million, the firm billed the nonprofit its largest fee amount $6.4 million for legal services. In 2022, her firm was paid an additional $5 million, after receiving $4.4 million in fees from Fair Fight in 2021, despite the case shrinking as Judge Jones dismissed large sections of the lawsuit. According to a 2023 IRS return filed by Fair Fight Action, the latest available document, Lawrence & Bundy LLC received more than $1.3 million in legal fees that year, despite the election lawsuit being dismissed the previous year. Lawrence-Hardy is a founding partner of Lawrence & Bundy LLC. All told over those five years, Lawrence-Hardy and her firm received $20.2 million largely for their work on a single, losing election-integrity lawsuit against the state of Georgia, which critics called frivolous and designed to try to explain away Abrams back-to-back gubernatorial election losses in 2018 and 2022. Abrams was not only involved in retaining Lawrence-Hardy but also helped fundraise for the case until December 2021, when she stepped down from Fair Fights board to announce her second bid for governor. As Fair Fights CEO, Abrams was paid an annual salary of $80,000. Cozy Office Space Lawrence & Bundy LLC, whose website lists 15 attorneys, was founded by Lawrence-Hardy in 2016. Its Atlanta offices are located at 1180 W. Peachtree St. NW, Suite 1650. This is the location where Fair Fight sent the $20.2 million, according to IRS documents. It is the same address for two businesses that are at least partially owned by Abrams. According to Georgia state incorporation records, one of the entities, Davis Hall LLC, was registered in February 2011 by Lawrence & Bundy LLC; while the other, Hall Davis LLC, was registered in January 2021 by the same agent Lawrence & Bundy LLC. Both entities are listed by Abrams in her 2022 Georgia state financial disclosure statement as business entities in which she holds an ownership interest of 5% or more. It is not clear what the businesses do. Abrams and Lawrence & Bundy declined to say. A third enterprise owned by Abrams, Sage Works LLC, lists the same business address as the other companies 1180 W. Peachtree St. NW, Suite 1650, which is the address for Lawrence & Bundy LLC. Abrams founded Sage Works LLC as a consulting firm providing advice to governmental and nonprofit clients on operations, according to her disclosures. Records show she was paid $62,000 in taxpayer money as a consultant on an Atlanta urban redevelopment project, which raised red flags because she was a state lawmaker at the time. These businesses raise more suspicion that Abrams used her nonprofit [Fair Fight] to enrich her friends and herself, Kamenar said, which is a clear conflict of interest. Lawrence-Hardy is an active member of the Georgia bar in good standing with no disciplinary history. She is currently listed as co-managing partner at a larger Atlanta-based firm, Krevolin Horst LLC, where she specializes in high-profile/high stakes litigation. She is still featured throughout the Lawrence & Bundy website. Fair Fight said it hired Lawrence-Hardy because of her expertise in election law, both at the state and federal levels, along with her experience litigating prior Democratic candidate recounts. Lawrence-Hardy maintained that the lawsuit was always about the voters, not the money. Voting rights is a cause dear to her, according to her website bio, though she did not choose to take the case pro bono as she has other cases. It remains unclear why the lawsuit incurred such a high cost. At the time, Lawrence-Hardy said the case required large resources. She led a team of almost three dozen lawyers, including some from outside her firm. During the trial, she said she deposed a staggering number of witnesses in the case: We had more than 3,000 voters or would-be voters submit declarations, 50 witnesses and hundreds who gave depositions. Yet despite several years of billing Fair Fight, Lawrence-Hardy found no evidence of voter discrimination, according to the court. Nonetheless, Lawrence-Hardy on her website lists the case among her biggest professional accomplishments, arguing she initially defeated defendants motion for summary judgment. The IRS filings do not break down the legal expenses charged in the case. Neither Lawrence-Hardy nor Fair Fight would share billing records to understand the exact nature of the work conducted during the drawn-out legal battle. They also would not reveal the hourly rate charged by Lawrence-Hardys firm. Legal fees are normally billed on an hourly basis and appear in a line-by-line accounting on statements to clients. Now operating in the red, Fair Fight is not happy that the Trump administration is cutting federal spending for left-leaning non-governmental organizations. Earlier this year, the embattled organization protested Trumps freezing of tens of millions of dollars in federal election-security grants. President Donald Trump ramped up his campaign against top US universities Wednesday, banning visas for all foreign students coming to attend Harvard and threatening to strip Columbia of its academic accreditation. Trump is seeking to bring the universities to heel with claims their international students pose a national security threat, and that they ignored anti-Semitism on campus and perpetuate liberal bias. A proclamation issued by the White House late Wednesday declared that the entrance of international students to begin a course at Harvard would be "suspended and limited" for six months and that existing overseas enrollees could have their visas terminated. "Harvard's conduct has rendered it an unsuitable destination for foreign students and researchers," the order said. Karl Molden, a Harvard government and classics student from Austria, said: "I'm trembling. This is outrageous." "He is abusing his executive power to harm Harvard as much as he can," Molden told AFP. "My god!" said another international student at Harvard, who declined to be identified for fear of retribution. "This is such a disgrace." China's foreign ministry vowed on Thursday to "resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of its overseas students." "China has always opposed the politicization of educational cooperation," ministry spokesman Lin Jian said, adding that the measure would "harm America's image and international credibility." US Secretary of State Marco Rubio promised last week to "aggressively revoke visas" for Chinese students, a move condemned by Beijing. - 'Retaliatory' - Wednesday's announcement followed the Trump administration's earlier efforts to terminate Harvard's right to enroll and host foreign students were stalled by a judge. The government already cut around $3.2 billion of federal grants and contracts benefiting Harvard and pledged to exclude the Cambridge, Massachusetts, institution from any future federal funding. Harvard has been at the forefront of Trump's campaign against top universities after it defied his calls to submit to oversight of its curriculum, staffing, student recruitment and "viewpoint diversity." Trump has also singled out international students at Harvard, who accounted for 27 percent of total enrollment in the 2024-2025 academic year and are a major source of income. "This is yet another illegal retaliatory step taken by the Administration in violation of Harvard's First Amendment rights," a university spokesman said. "Harvard will continue to protect its international students." Trump's education secretary had also threatened on Wednesday to strip Columbia University of its accreditation. The Republican has targeted the New York Ivy League institution for allegedly ignoring harassment of Jewish students, throwing all of its federal funding into doubt. Unlike Harvard, several top institutions -- including Columbia -- have already bowed to far-reaching demands from the Trump administration, which claims that the educational elite is too left-wing. - 'Combating anti-Semitism' - Wednesday's official action suggested it was not enough for Trump. "Columbia University looked the other way as Jewish students faced harassment," US Education Secretary Linda McMahon said on social media platform X. She accused the school of breaking rules prohibiting recipients of federal funding from discriminating on the basis of race, color, or national origin. "After Hamas' October 7, 2023, terror attack on Israel, Columbia University's leadership acted with deliberate indifference towards the harassment of Jewish students on its campus," McMahon said in a statement. "This is not only immoral, but also unlawful." The US Education Department said in the statement its civil rights office had contacted Columbia's accreditation body about the alleged violation. Withdrawing Columbia's accreditation would see it lose access to all federal funding, a very significant proportion of the university's income. Students would also not be able to receive federal grants and tuition loans. Critics accuse the Trump administration of using allegations of anti-Semitism to target educational elites and bring universities to their knees. The administration has already put $400 million of Columbia's funding under review, prompting the university to announce in March a package of concessions to the government around defining anti-Semitism, policing protests and conducting oversight for specific academic departments. A Columbia spokesperson said after Wednesday's announcement the university was "aware of the concerns" raised by the government. "We take this issue seriously and are continuing to work with the federal government to address it," the spokesperson said. bur-gw/st/tc/pbt BUTTE, Mont. Firefighters are continuing to seek clarity after Governor Greg Gianforte vetoed House Bill 547, which aimed to address disparities between Butte-Silver Bow's paid and volunteer fire departments. This came after a third-party fire study cited communication and resource delegation between Butte's career fire department and nine volunteer departments as issues. Zach Osborne, director of fire Services in Butte-Silver Bow, supported the bill, emphasizing the need for local authority in firefighting matters, given that state law and the city-county's fire charter, established in the 1970s, have been at odds. "Some people say that state law trumps the charter, and some people say that the charter trumps state law," Osborne said. "Exactly what we were trying to do is bring it back to local authority. Currently, we don't have that; we have state authority over the volunteers. Volunteer firefighters, however, support the veto, previously expressing concerns that changes without their input at local could decrease volunteer firefighter involvement and retention. Ed Fisher, chief of the Boulevard Volunteer Fire Department, expressed optimism about the possibility of local discussions. "This has to be discussed here in Butte-Silver Bow with the authorities here," Fisher said. "And I think it's very to easy discuss it. Now that we can sit down at the table and discuss whats wrong, I think great leaps can be made." With the matter now solely in the hands of Butte-Silver Bow, discussions are to begin later this month, with both the career and volunteer departments set to meet with the fire study commission to discuss the city-county's fire charter. Both sides are hopeful to make progress soon, considering summer marks the peak of fire season. The career fire department will present its recommendations to the study commission on Monday, June 9, while the volunteer firefighters will follow with their presentation on Monday, June 16. By Katherine Shearer As summer approaches, farmers must prepare for the potential return of Clostridial Myositis, commonly known as blackleg. This fatal disease primarily affects cattle, especially healthy calves 6 to 12 months and sheep. Blackleg is caused by the bacterium Clostridium chauvoei, which forms spores that thrive in anaerobic environments, such as the soil of grazing pastures. These spores can persist in healthy soils for up to a decade or more. Besides soil, bacterium can also be found in water and the digestive tracts of living or deceased livestock who were infected. Identifying infected livestock. Blackleg progresses rapidly, taking only 12 to 24 hours to be fatal after ingestion of the spores. Lameness, swelling, fever, depression and sudden death are typical. The disease often progresses rapidly, sometimes with no visible signs before death. The disease targets the muscular and skeletal systems, reducing oxygen flow to the muscles, which causes swelling and pain. This bacterium causes the muscles in the body to die from the lack of oxygen, which then causes the muscles to appear black, hence the name blackleg. While blackleg is not prevalent in adult cattle over the age of 2, it is still possible. Vaccination is highly recommended to protect livestock from blackleg and other clostridial diseases. A multivalent vaccine, such as an eight-way vaccine, can be used to safeguard cattle against clostridial organisms. Calves should start receiving vaccinations for blackleg at the age of 4 to 5 months. Up until this point, they are protected by the colostrum from the cows that the calves receive shortly after birth. To maintain protection, it is recommended to vaccinate calves every 6 months. For cattle that have already succumbed to this disease, their bodies should be either burned or buried deep with quick lime (calcium oxide) to prevent the bacteria from spreading or regrowing, thereby protecting other calves. Ensuring early detection and prompt action is crucial to managing this disease effectively. By taking preventive measures and being vigilant, farmers can significantly reduce the risk of blackleg in their livestock this summer season. (Katherine Shearer is an intern with Ohio State University Extension in Jefferson and Harrison counties.) For U.S. farmers and ranchers, Thursday, May 22 was right out of a Dickens novel: It was the best of days and the worst of days. Early and I do mean cow-milking early that morning, the U.S. House of Representatives teed up a vote to pass the tax-cutting, deficit-exploding 1,000-page bill favored by GOP leaders and the Trump White House. Despite two Republican members sleeping through the actual vote, the bill squeaked by in a 215-214 count. Farm groups and Big Ag lobbyists greeted its passage warmly because it delivered top wants: expanded crop insurance subsidies; extended breaks for depreciation, income tax and inheritance taxes; 30 million more farm-program eligible acres and extended biofuel tax breaks through 2031. Their cheers were muted, however, because while the biggest of the bigs in American agriculture will receive huge benefits under the GOP bill, the smallest of the small are targeted to pay for much of it. In fact, The nutrition portion of the bill proposes more than $300 billion in reductions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) over 10 years, explained the Ohio Country Journal in a preview of the law. The Congressional Budget Office estimates these adjustments could affect around 3 million recipients. So, according to the Republican budget plan, a good way for American farmers to feed the world is for Congress and the White House to slash food aid abroad while creating three million more undernourished, hungry people in the U.S. Little wonder then that quiet restraint was the order of the day, especially if, as the Environmental Working Group, using the U.S. Department of Agricultures own data, showed last year that between 1985 and 2023, a total of 10,249 recipients got farm subsidy payments every year [that averaged] $1,090,970 over the 39-year period. The total take by these few over those nearly four decades was $11.18 billion, noted the EWG, while The top 10 repeat farm subsidy recipients collected between $9 (million) and $20 million each during this period. And yet, according to 215 House Republicans on May 22, federal spending is so out of control that one crucial way to reel it in is to cut $300 billion in SNAP benefits from 3 million people who now receive an average of $6 per day in federal food assistance. Farmers, ranchers and Republicans did, however, receive their own bitter pill later that day when the unnaturally-tanned U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. issued a report that found two weed killers widely used by farmers could be linked to chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease and asthma, noted the New York Times. Indeed, the two GOP chairs of their respective ag committees, Rep. Glenn Thompson of Pennsylvania and Sen. John Boozman of Arkansas, were so vexed by this MAHA Kennedys Make America Healthy Again moment that they issued a statement calling it imperative that Kennedy and his MAHA minions adhere to the risk-based and scientific processes set forth by Congress. So, Congress, when not doing a splendid job managing the nations finances, also serves as the final arbiter of all things scientific? Who knew. The American Soybean Association had a more heated reaction. It called the MAHA report brazenly unscientific, misleading and anti-farmer President Donald Trump, who attended the MAHA meeting, was hot, too, just not in the way the ASA was, reported Food Fixsfounder and editor Helen Bottemiller Evich. The most telling thing I heard during the event, she noted, was from Trump himself. He said more than once that MAHA was hot. Hot? Forget Dickens; bring in Orwell. SALEM, Ohio Vowing to defend Pennsylvania farmers while protecting food access for families in need, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro announced on June 4 he is suing the U.S. Department of Agriculture over its abrupt cancellation of a $13 million program that supports nearly 200 Pennsylvania farms and supplies fresh local foods to food banks across the state. The announcement came during a gathering at Philadelphias Share Food Program headquarters, which since 1986 has provided basic nutrition to the Philadelphia regions most vulnerable families. Currently, the organization serves over 500,000 people each month, more than half of whom are children. At the press conference, Share Food Program Executive Director George Matysik acknowledged the strain food banks are under, citing a staggering 120% rise in demand over the past three years. He sharply criticized the USDAs decision to cancel the Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program, calling it the outright breaking of a signed deal. We had a signed deal. We had a deal with the federal government, President Trump. You had a deal with Pennsylvania farmers putting food on our tables, Matisek said. You had a deal with food banks serving 67 counties trying to alleviate poverty. And above all, Mr. President, you had a deal with the American people, and you broke your word. In his remarks, Shapiro said that at nearly every turn, Pennsylvanias good faith efforts to resolve the funding issue were met with indifference. His administration attempted multiple times to reverse the USDAs termination of the LFPA25 agreement, from filing an administrative appeal to contacting USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins and even traveling to Washington, D.C. to meet with agency leaders. But after those efforts were ignored, state officials say they were left with no choice but to file a lawsuit. The suit was filed against the USDA, Rollins and the USDAs Agricultural Marketing Service and argues that the USDAs termination is arbitrary and capricious and violates the regulations that the federal agency purported to follow. Recognizing producers that have supplied food banks statewide, Shapiro said it takes many partners to make sure people dont go to bed hungry. Administered by the states Department of Agriculture, the program funneled $28 million in federal funds directly to local farmers in exchange for produce, dairy products and meat delivered to food banks. In December, the state had signed a three-year contract with the USDA, securing $13 million for Pennsylvania farms. But on March 7, the USDA under the Trump administration abruptly announced it would terminate the contract in 60 days, saying the program does not align with agency priorities. Shapiro was blunt in his response. I dont get what the hell their priorities are if not feeding people and taking care of our farmers, he said. He emphasized the human cost, noting that 189 farms were affected and that in southeastern Pennsylvania alone, the lost funds translated to 4.4 million meals that would no longer reach those in need. Thats not just bad policy its a broken promise. A deal is a deal, and Ive taken legal action today to ensure the federal government honors its commitment to Pennsylvania, he said. The USDA does not comment on pending litigation, referring questions to the Department of Justice, which declined to comment on the lawsuit. Farmers speak out. Farmers who benefited from the program also spoke, sharing personal experiences about the vital role it played, including Brian Campbell, a Columbia County farmer who began supplying fresh produce to food banks during the COVID-19 pandemic. He said that the experience has left him with a deep appreciation for what food insecurity truly means, whether someone is falling on hard times or simply less fortunate than others. Being able to provide food for the hungry is important, but even more impactful is the opportunity to change lives through health and nutrition. Programs that prioritize access to fresh fruits and vegetables for the food insecure are vital, he said. Campbell also stressed the importance of small but critical financial support to make the logistics of food delivery possible. (Programs like LFPA) allowed farmers to secure enough funding to cover the costs of harvest, packaging and transportation, critical steps that often prevent fresh produce from reaching the food banks, offering just enough support to make it feasible for farmers to help. And that has made a difference. (Im) looking forward to it coming back. Julie McCabe, of Pennypack Farm, a 13-acre vegetable farm in Montgomery County, described how the LFPA helped her organization expand its produce donation program from just over 8,000 pounds in 2017 to more than 26,000 pounds in 2024. She also emphasized the farms close relationship with local hunger relief groups, noting that in some cases, their farm is the only source of fresh produce those pantries receive. These programs dont just feed people, they connect people. Public funding makes this all possible. It supports farms, reduces food waste and makes sure that everyone, no matter their income, has access to healthy, fresh-grown food right here in Pennsylvania, she said. OLD WASHINGTON, Ohio Leatherwood Valley 4-H Club held a meeting on June 1 at 2 p.m. at the Oscar Share Hall at the Guernsey County Fairgrounds in Old Washington, Ohio, where 13 members, five advisors, seven parents and two guests were in attendance. At the meeting, members discussed a number of items including 4-H Communication Night set for June 26 6-7:30 p.m. at Oscar Share Hall, thank you cards, winter holiday cards and the 4-H infomercial to promote 4-H. It was also announced that plaque and cash award winners will qualify to participate in the Ohio State Fairs Communications Day. The meeting ended with discussions surrounding 2025 club T-shirt designs. The next Leatherwood Valley 4-H Club will take place on June 29 at 2 p.m. at Oscar Share Hall. Farmers across the UK have been dealt a 1 billion financial blow due to the exceptionally wet winter of 2023/24, according to new figures from Defra. Despite an overall rise in UK farm income up from 6.1 billion in 2023 to 7.7 billion in 2024 in current prices income from the key arable crops has plummeted. According to Defras Total Income from Farming (TIFF) data, published today (5 June), arable income fell by 1.19 billion, driven by a 20% drop in wheat output. The impact of sustained wet conditions, which scientists have linked to a changing climate, was compounded by falling crop prices. Tom Lancaster, land, food and farming analyst at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU), warned that farmers are now counting the costs of climate change. "This lost income hits the sector just as the same farmers are having to contend with a record breaking warm and dry spring, that is likely to hit this years harvest too. The breakdown of Defra's TIFF data shows wheat income down by 796 million, barley by 190 million, and oilseed rape by 149 million. Oats were the only major arable crop to buck the trend in 2023/24, posting a modest 16 million increase. Mr Lancaster warned that mounting extreme weather events would push more of farming's finances to the brink, particularly against the backdrop of reported government cuts to environmental farming schemes. "Reports suggest that the spending review next week may reduce the funding available for the governments new green farming schemes," he said. "These schemes are a critical investment in the resilience of food production in England, investing in healthier soils, more pollinators and measures to reduce flood risk. "They are also key to reaching net zero emissions for agriculture, the only sure way to prevent these impacts and their costs escalating in the future. Arable farmers across the UK are set to benefit from a new government-led review aimed at tackling unfair trading practices in the supply chain for combinable crops. Announced today (5 June), the review seeks to deliver fairer, more transparent, and enforceable contracts for growers of cereals, oilseeds and pulses. The review will focus on key contract issues such as pricing mechanisms, supply volumes, data sharing, and dispute resolution. It builds on recent reforms introduced in the dairy and pig sectors to better support British agriculture. Defra officials confirmed that a formal public consultation will soon be launched to gather feedback from farmers, processors, and other stakeholders. The department said it will also work with devolved administrations to ensure reforms deliver fairer outcomes across the UK. Combinable crops including wheat, barley, oilseed rape and legumes are central to the UKs food supply, with wide-ranging uses in food production, animal feed, and biofuels. Announcing the review, Defra Secretary Steve Reed said: British growers work incredibly hard to produce world-class food, and deserve fair, transparent contracts that reflect that. This review is a major step forward in giving arable farmers a stronger voice, better protection, and fairer returns for the food they produce." The initiative follows recent legislative action such as the Fair Dealing (Milk) Regulations, which came into force in July 2024. Meanwhile, the Fair Dealing (Pigs) Regulations recently secured parliamentary approval. The regulations dictate that all new supply contracts must be put in writing and contain clear terms regarding pricing, volumes, and dispute resolution. The government also recently appointed former NFU president Baroness Minette Batters to spearhead reforms aimed at returning more value to farmers. A damning report on the UKs lack of readiness for a major animal disease outbreak has alarmed the pig sector, which says it confirms serious concerns over biosecurity and under-resourced response systems. The National Audit Office (NAO) review warns Defra and APHA are unprepared for a major livestock disease outbreak, such as African swine fever or foot-and-mouth, both active in parts of Europe. The National Pig Association (NPA), which has frequently highlighted concerns over the nation's biosecurity capabilities, said the report was "deeply concerning". While the agencies have successfully managed recent medium-severity outbreaks, the NAO found a range of weaknesses that would leave the UK exposed in the event of a larger-scale crisis. These include major gaps in contingency planning, outdated operational processes, and aging infrastructure most notably at the governments animal science facility at Weybridge, which will not be fully redeveloped for another decade. Efforts to create a robust livestock movement tracing system remain incomplete despite starting in 2013, while APHA faces serious workforce challenges, including a 20% vacancy rate for veterinary staff as of April 2025. On top of this, border biosecurity is under strain, with only 5% of live animal imports undergoing physical checks far below the governments 100% target. The report also warns that climate change and antimicrobial resistance are making outbreaks more likely, yet there is still no overarching government strategy to build long-term disease resilience. Historical context underscores the urgency: the 2001 foot-and-mouth outbreak cost the UK nearly 14 billion in todays money, and bird flu outbreaks since 2020 have led to the culling of over 7 million birds. Gareth Davies, head of the NAO, said: Defra has assessed that the risk of an outbreak to which it would be unable to respond effectively is above the level it considers tolerable, but it has not determined a way to reduce this risk. "A long-term strategy and action plan are urgently needed, to protect national economic resilience as well as food security, human health and rural communities. Lizzie Wilson, chief executive of the NPA, called the report "thorough and deeply concerning": "[It] reiterates what we already knew about the state of our national biosecurity and capacity to manage disease. We have been raising these issues with government and lobbying for change for some time - it is good to now see it formally recognised. "It underlines the seriousness of the situation, with foot-and-mouth disease and African swine fever circulating in Europe and huge holes in our border controls. The report is clear that APHA are severely under-resourced and we still have major concerns about how the agencies would cope if we were to contract another notifiable disease." She added: "Our question for government is: how long can they keep ignoring this risk? Biosecurity Minister Baroness Hayman responded by saying the governments commitment to maintaining the countrys biosecurity in the face of the mounting risks of disease was "unwavering". "We took immediate action to ban personal imports of meat and dairy from Europe after a wave of foot and mouth cases on the continent and, after years of underinvestment, we are investing 200m into a new National Biosecurity Centre. Jenny Stewart, chief executive of APHA, added: Our staff work 24/7 to safeguard animal and plant health from a huge range of pests and diseases much of this work is world-leading. "We will study the [NAO] findings in detail so that the UK can remain at the forefront of surveillance, diagnostics, research, and rapid response. A group of farmers are trialling heritage poultry breeds in a move to cut carbon emissions, eliminate the routine culling of male chicks, and help producers survive soaring costs. The project, part of an Innovative Farmers field lab, brings together six farmers and a researcher to explore the potential of dual-purpose chickenstraditional breeds suited for both egg and meat production. These birds could offer a sustainable alternative to modern specialist breeds, which are highly efficient but come with significant environmental and ethical costs. For decades, poultry farming has bred birds for either egg or meat production, not both, said Mike Mallett, an organic egg producer and mixed arable farmer from Suffolk who is leading the trials. After the Ukraine war began and organic feed prices soared, we started looking for a way to step off the treadmill. "Instead of relying on high-protein imported feed, we wanted to explore whether lower-stress birds could thrive on homegrown protein sources. Modern poultry systems rely heavily on high-protein imported feeds, especially soy, contributing to a sizeable carbon footprint. Meanwhile, male chicks born to egg-laying breeds are routinely culled at birtha controversial practice already restricted in some European nations and potentially the UK within the next decade. Supporting the trial, Dr Annie Rayner, from Planton Farm in Shropshire, said: Dual-purpose breeds may require less protein, which could mean greater reliance on homegrown feed rather than imported soy. We need to address waste across the food system. By making use of male chicks and reducing imports, this approach could have real benefits. The past few years have proved exceptionally difficult for small-scale poultry farmers, who have faced soaring feed prices and the continued threat of avian flu. Many have been forced to abandon production entirely. A huge number of small producers have left the sector, noted Mr Mallett. If this model works, it could offer an alternative and help stem the decline. According to Dr Rayner, these traditional breeds may also help farmers adapt to climate change, as their hardier nature could make them more resilient to fluctuating weather and disease pressures. Because dual-purpose birds are not bred solely for rapid growth or intensive egg production, they may face fewer welfare challenges than modern hybrids. The theory is theyre much more resilient, said Mr Mallett. That doesnt mean theyre immune to issues like avian flu, but they should be less prone to some common health problems. Dr Rayner added: Selecting for productivity in both eggs and meat, rather than extreme specialisation, could make a real difference. These birds arent pushed to unnatural limits, which means fewer welfare issues overall. While dual-purpose breeds are widely used in parts of Africa and Asia, and increasingly reappearing in Europe due to changing regulations, they remain rare in UK farming systems. The trial aims to test their suitability to British conditions and understand how consumers might respond to meat from these breeds. Im interested to learn what the end product tastes like and how we can market that product, said Mr Mallett. Running this as a field lab means we can see how it works across different farms, rather than just in theory." The project is being run as a field lab through Innovative Farmers, a programme that supports farmer-led research in real-world conditions. Ready-made garment (RMG) exports (Chapters 61 and 62) from Bangladesh rose by 10.20 per cent to $36.559 billion between July 2024 and May 2025, the first eleven months of fiscal 202425 (JulyJune), according to provisional data from the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB). This marks an increase from $33.175 billion during the same period in fiscal 202324. Knitted garment exports slightly outpaced woven garment exports in terms of growth. During the first eleven months of the current fiscal, knitwear exports (Chapter 61) increased by 10.98 per cent to $19.619 billion, compared to $17.677 billion in the corresponding period of fiscal 202324. Woven apparel exports (Chapter 62) rose by 9.30 per cent to $16.940 billion, up from $15.498 billion during the same period in the previous fiscal, according to EPB data. Bangladesh's RMG exports rose by 10.20 per cent to $36.56 billion between July 2024 and May 2025. Knitwear outpaced woven garments in growth, while home textiles also saw modest gains. Cotton product exports rose marginally during the period but declined sharply in May 2025. The government revised historical data downward, showing RMG exports fell 5.22 per cent in fiscal 2324 to $36.15 billion. Home textile exports (Chapter 63, excluding 630510) also grew, rising by 4.78 per cent to $824.58 million, compared to $786.96 million in the same period of the previous fiscal. Collectively, exports of woven and knitted apparel, clothing accessories, and home textiles accounted for 83.17 per cent of Bangladeshs total exports, which amounted to $44.946 billion during the period. Exports of cotton and cotton products, including yarn, waste, and fabrics (Chapter 52), increased by 2.16 per cent to $527.07 million during the period under review, compared to $515.91 million in the same period of the previous fiscal. In May 2025, ready-made garment exports totalled $3.919 billion, marking an 11.85 per cent increase from $3.503 billion in the same month of the previous year. Knitwear exports rose by 13.03 per cent to $2.161 billion, while woven garment exports declined by 10.44 per cent to $1.757 billion during the month. Outbound shipments of home textiles (Chapter 63, excluding 630510) increased by 9.71 per cent to $84.09 million. However, exports of cotton and cotton products fell by 34.90 per cent to $36.64 million, down from $56.28 million. The new regime in Bangladesh had earlier revised export data downwards, according to which RMG exports declined by 5.22 per cent to $36.151 billion in fiscal 202324 (July 2023 to June 2024). According to the EPB, RMG exports stood at $38.142 billion in fiscal 202223, down from the previously reported figure of $46.991 billion. Exports were recorded at $42.613 billion in fiscal 202122 and $31.456 billion in fiscal 202021. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL) Manufacturing business conditions deteriorated across the world for a second successive month in May, but with some marked variations in performance, according to the latest purchasing managers index (PMI) survey data from S&P Global Intelligence. Canada and Mexico reported the steepest output declines amid disruptions caused by US tariffs; production and exports also fell solidly in China. In contrast, eurozone producers reported a further increase in output, Chris Williamson, chief business economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence, wrote in an analytic piece. US producers reported the steepest rise in selling prices of all economies surveyed in May, contrasting with prices falling on an average in Asia and the eurozone, with US supply delays also running high by international standards, he wrote. Manufacturing business conditions deteriorated across the world for a second month in a row in May, but with some marked variations, S&P Global Intelligence PMI survey data show. Canada and Mexico saw the steepest output drops amid US tariff disruptions; production and exports also fell solidly in China. Confidence among manufacturers worldwide about production in the year ahead rose in May. The extent to which coming months see production and trade volumes suffer amid pay-back from this tariff front-running is a key risk to the near-term outlook, he noted. However, it was encouraging to see manufacturers become more upbeat about their year-ahead outlooks in May, with future expectations improving across the board, and most notably in the eurozone, suggesting that business uncertainty and pessimismwhile still elevatedmay have peaked back in April, he wrote. Only 14 of the 33 economies tracked by S&P Global's manufacturing PMI surveys reported higher production in May, with India continuing to report by far the strongest performance. However, eurozone performance improved over the past two months, with output growing at a rate not seen for three years. Eurozone member states accounted for seven of the top 11 economies as far as production growth was concerned in May, he wrote. Output also fell across Asia as a whole, dropping for the first time in just over one-and-a-half years. The fall was also the steepest since November 2022. Marked output falls were also reported in Indonesia, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia and Japan. As a result, emerging markets collectively reported the first fall in manufacturing output since November 2022, the rate of decline slightly exceeding that seen in the developed markets, where a modest drop in production was reported for a third successive month. Concerns over shortages of inputs in the United States were fueled in part by reports of supply delays hitting the highest since late-2022, with the incidence of supply issues in the country surpassed only by that seen in the United Kingdom. The United States and the United Kingdom also reported the sharpest price increases. In contrast, prices charged by factories fell on average across Asia and the eurozone. Having slumped in April to its lowest since October 2022, confidence among manufacturers worldwide about production in the year ahead rose in May. However, confidence remained lower than seen in March and lower than the average recorded over 2024, to hint at still-subdued sentiment, Williamson added. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS) ICE cotton futures closed lower on Wednesday amid a tight trading range. Favourable weather in US cotton-growing regions and an early Monsoon in India sent bearish signals to the market. Good weather in the US is expected to improve crop prospects, while India's early Monsoon may enhance cotton output, potentially reducing demand for US cotton in the next season. Traders are now awaiting the US cotton export sales report due today. The ICE cotton July 2025 contract settled at 64.99 cents per pound (0.453 kg), down 1.06 cents, or 1.6 per cent, from the previous day. The decline reflected a bearish tone driven by improved planting conditions. The December 2025 contract settled at 67.77 cents, down 76 points, although it recorded a weekly net gain of 2 points, suggesting moderate long-term support. The July contract registered a weekly decline of 7 points. ICE cotton futures fell on Wednesday as favourable US weather and early Monsoon rains in India signalled improved global crop prospects, dampening demand expectations for US cotton. The July 2025 contract dropped 1.6 per cent, while trading volumes declined. Analysts anticipate a boost in US planting and reduced Indian import needs. Traders await the USDA export sales report for further cues. Cotton prices have remained trapped in a tight 15-session range, highlighting market indecisiveness and the absence of fresh bullish drivers. Trading volume on June 4 was 45,927 contracts, significantly lower than the previous day's cleared volume of 59,818 contracts, indicating reduced speculative activity. As of June 3, ICE-certified deliverable cotton stocks for the No. 2 contract remained unchanged at 53,700 bales, reflecting stable warehouse conditions. According to market analysts, West Texas is expected to receive highly favourable rainfall over the next weeksufficient to benefit planting and increase the sown area. Texas farmers are forecast to experience the most favourable rainfall in several years, a development typically associated with improved crop prospects and, consequently, downward pressure on prices. The short-term weather outlook in the US remains bearish for the market, as it supports better crop establishment and reduces weather-related risk premiums. In India, Monsoon rains have begun early and are performing well, raising expectations for a strong 2025 cotton crop. As one of the worlds largest producers and consumers of cotton, Indias improved crop outlook could reduce its import dependency, thereby hurting demand for US exports and weighing on the global price competitiveness of American cotton. Market participants are now awaiting the USDA Weekly Export Sales Report, due on Thursday, to assess demand strengthparticularly from key buyers such as Vietnam, China, and Bangladesh. Presently, ICE cotton for July 2025 is being traded at 64.73 cents per pound (down 0.26 cent), cash cotton at 63.24 cents (down 1.14 cent), the October 2025 contract at 67.41 cents (down 0.70 cent), the December 2025 contract at 67.58 cents (down 0.19 cent), the March 2026 contract at 69.07 cents per pound (down 0.17 cent), and the May 2026 contract at 70.12 cents (down 0.15 cent). A few contracts remained unchanged, with no trading recorded today. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL) SINGAPORE, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- PEC Ltd ("PEC", SGX: IX2) shareholders have approved a transaction valued at US$160 million for the 100% acquisition by Alliance Energy Services Pte Ltd ("Alliance") through a Scheme of Arrangement at Extraordinary General Meeting in Singapore. Following sanction of the shareholders' meeting by the High Court of Singapore, all PEC shares will be acquired by Alliance and then PEC will be subsequently delisted from the Singapore Stock Exchange. Alliance is a holding company majority owned by Liberty Energy Solutions Ltd ("Liberty Energy") with a minority ownership by PEC's Chair Ms. Edna Ko and CEO Mr. Robert Dompeling. Liberty Energy provides energy engineering solutions and proprietary products to oil & gas refineries and petrochemical facilities around the world. With operations across the US, Canada, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, India, and the Middle East, Liberty Energy combines advanced R&D capabilities with extensive field experience. The company holds over 200 patents and each year performs more than 200 plant turnarounds for major global clients, including ExxonMobil, Reliance, SPRC, Neste, Chevron, Nayara, Petronas, BP, and Shell. Liberty Energy is the parent of two wholly owned subsidiaries: CR3 Pte Ltd ("CR3"), a Singapore-based leader in energy efficiency, engineering excellence, and sustainable solutions, and ZymeFlow LLC ("ZymeFlow"), a Houston-based leader in environmentally friendly chemical cleaning and decontamination solutions. ShawKwei & Partners ("ShawKwei") is Liberty Energy's controlling shareholder with management owning the other shares. Please visit libertyenergy.group Founded in 1982 and headquartered in Singapore, PEC is a well-respected provider of maintenance and integrated EPC services for the oil & gas, petrochemical, chemical terminals and pharmaceutical industries. PEC reported revenue of SGD 391 million and net profit of SGD 15 million for the last twelve months ending 31 December 2024, and a robust balance sheet with net cash position of SGD 142 million. Please visit www.peceng.com "We are excited to welcome PEC into Liberty Energy," said Kyle Shaw, Chair of Liberty Energy and founder and managing partner of ShawKwei. "PEC's strong management team, technical expertise, and reputation for reliability and service excellence align well with our strategy of building a global platform for best-in-class energy solutions." PEC will continue to operate under the leadership of Chair Edna Ko and CEO Robert Dompeling and work closely with Liberty Energy to provide a greater range of engineering services and products to deliver greater value to a larger group of customers. With more than four decades of operational excellence and strong customer relationships across Asia and the Middle East, PEC enhances Liberty Energy's global platform with CR3 and ZymeFlow, and expands its ability to deliver reliable, end-to-end energy solutions worldwide. About ShawKwei & Partners: ShawKwei & Partners is a private equity fund manager investing in industrial and service companies with revenues between US$50-800 million operating across Asia, Europe, and the USA. After investing, ShawKwei & Partners helps improve a business by partnering with management to identify and realize sustainable performance improvements in sales growth, margin expansion, and capital efficiency. Kyle Shaw established ShawKwei & Partners in Hong Kong in 1998 after previously managing Asian private equity funds for the Tudor Investment Group and Security Pacific National Bank. Please visit www.shawkwei.com About CR3 Pte Ltd: Founded in 1991 in Singapore, CR3 provides energy engineering solutions across 18 Asian countries, India, and the Middle East from operational bases in Singapore, Thailand, India, Malaysia, and the UAE. CR3 is well known for handling mission-critical reactor catalysts used in refining, chemical, fertilizer, and heavy industrial plants for customers in asset-intensive industries such as energy production, chemical processing, and power generation. CR3 also offers equipment and plant maintenance, pipeline and process services, shutdowns and turnarounds, and engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) solutions. Backed by a loyal workforce, strong customer relationships, and a wide network of technical partners, CR3 has built a reputation for excellence and is well-positioned to support the energy sector's transition to a lower-carbon future. Please visit www.CR3.group About ZymeFlow LLC: Headquartered in Houston, Texas, ZymeFlow has over 35 years of experience pioneering innovative chemical decontamination solutions that are more effective, more environmentally friendly, and less wasteful than alternative methods. As an industry leader, ZymeFlow continues to develop proprietary chemistries and application technologies such as ZymeFlow Pro, Rezyd-HP, CatZyme, and ZymeFlow LNG. Its diverse, 100% biodegradable product line helps clients meet sustainability goals, reduce downtime, and lower costs across refining, petrochemical, and LNG facilities onshore and offshore in over 55 countries. Supported by one of the most experienced operations teams in the industry, ZymeFlow's patented, eco-friendly solutions optimize facility performance, reduce carbon footprints, and drive green initiatives. Please visit www.ZymeFlow.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2680536/Liberty.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/pec-ltd-us160-million-buyout-and-privatization-by-liberty-energy-solutions-ltd-302447952.html Summary: Babcock Injury Lawyers announces the release of A Life-Changing Accident, a new book by the firm's founder, now ranking in multiple Amazon legal categories since its publication. Baton Rouge, Louisiana--(Newsfile Corp. - June 4, 2025) - Babcock Injury Lawyers has officially announced the release of A Life-Changing Accident, a new book authored by the firm's founder, Stephen Babcock. The book offers an overview of what accident victims may encounter as they navigate recovery and legal proceedings, supporting the firm's ongoing commitment to improving public access to legal knowledge. The release supports Babcock Injury Lawyers' ongoing goal to provide accessible resources for individuals affected by personal injury. The firm stated that the book was created to help simplify complex legal concepts for readers unfamiliar with the personal injury process. A Life-Changing Accident is designed to explain key legal stages between the time an accident occurs and the resolution of a claim, aiming to clarify the legal procedures that injury victims may encounter. According to Babcock Injury Lawyers, the book is written for general audiences, particularly recent accident victims who may be seeking clarity and direction. The content presents general legal information and examples from real-world experiences to support readers in understanding their rights and options following an injury. The publication of A Life-Changing Accident adds to the firm's broader efforts to support injury victims through both legal representation and educational outreach. Babcock Injury Lawyers has historically used blog posts and digital resources to inform the public about relevant legal topics, and this book represents the firm's first extended-format publication. The book is available now in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook formats on Amazon. About Babcock Injury Lawyers: Babcock Injury Lawyers is a Baton Rouge-based law firm representing individuals and businesses in personal injury cases, insurance claims, and business litigation. The firm represents clients across Louisiana and primarily works on a contingency fee basis. With a commitment to transparency and client education, the team provides legal support designed to help individuals and businesses navigate complex legal challenges. Babcock Injury Lawyers also publishes legal content aimed at making the law more understandable and accessible to the public. Media Contact: To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10740/254544_cd3ded78541e59ee_002full.jpg To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/254544 SOURCE: GetFeatured Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 4, 2025) - Sanatana Resources Inc. (TSXV: STA) ("Sanatana" or the "Company") has closed its previously announced acquisition of the Gold Strike Two Project (the "Project"). The acquisition of the Project (the "Transaction") was completed pursuant to a quartz claim purchase agreement dated May 5, 2025 (the "Definitive Agreement") with LIRECA Resources Inc. ("LIRECA").1 Peter Miles, CEO of Sanatana, commented: "We are pleased with the completion of the LIFE offering and the concurrent private placement and the strong interest the private placements received in the market. The acquisition of the Gold Strike Two Project positions Sanatana as one of the few publicly traded companies with a prospective land position in the Rogue Plutonic Complex region which has received significant industry recognition from Snowline Gold Corp.'s recent Valley discovery." John Fiorino, principal of the Florin Group, commented: "The Florin Group is pleased to have closed the Transaction and looks forward to engaging in further discussions with Sanatana's management to explore possible additional mineral property transactions, identifying opportunities where our complementary strengths can drive mutually beneficial transactions." Acquisition of the Project As consideration for the Transaction, Sanatana paid cash consideration of $250,000 on closing. Pursuant to the terms of the Definitive Agreement, a further $250,000 is held in escrow and will be payable to the Florin Group within 90 days of closing (the "Escrowed Funds"). The payment date of the Escrowed Funds is subject to acceleration if Sanatana raises $300,000 or more in equity or debt financing within 90 days post closing. Additionally, Sanatana issued 6,000,000 common shares to LIRECA on closing (the "Consideration Shares"). The Consideration Shares were issued pursuant to a prospectus exemption and are subject to a statutory restricted period ending on October 5, 2025. As a result of the issuance of the Consideration Shares, LIRECA became an insider of the Company pursuant to Canadian securities laws and will file an early warning report (and associated news release) in accordance with the requirements of National Instrument 62-104 - Take-Over Bids and Issuer Bids. For additional information on the Project and on LIRECA and its affiliate, Florin Resources Inc., please refer to Sanatana's news release dated May 5, 2025 (the "May 5th Release"). The Project is subject to a 3% net smelter returns royalty, an annual advance royalty payment, and a bonus payment, all of which is further detailed in the May 5th Release. A copy of the Definitive Agreement will be filed under Sanatana's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Pursuant to the Definitive Agreement, LIRECA has the right, but not the obligation, to nominate one director to the Company's board of directors. No finder's fee was paid in connection with the Transaction. Closing of Concurrent LIFE Offering and Private Placement In connection with the Transaction, Sanatana concurrently closed two non-brokered private placements for cumulative gross proceeds of $1,380,000 from the sale of 13,800,000 units of the Company (each, a "Unit") at a price of $0.10 per Unit. 3,660,000 Units were offered to investors under the listed issuer financing exemption (the "LIFE Exemption") under Part 5A of National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions (the "LIFE Offering") and 10,140,000 Units are offered under the concurrent private placement offering (the "Concurrent Offering", and together with the LIFE Offering, the "Offerings"). An offering document related to the LIFE Offering (the "Offering Document") is accessible under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website at www.sanatanaresources.com. The Offering Document was originally filed on May 15, 2025, and was amended and restated on May 29, 2025. The minimum amount for the Offerings was the full amount of $1,380,000 which included a 15% over-allotment ($180,000), which was exercised in full. Each Unit is comprised of one common share in the capital of the Company (a "Share" and collectively, the "Shares") and one Share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional Share (a "Warrant Share") at a price of $0.12 per Warrant Share until June 4, 2026 (the "Expiry Date"). The Warrants are non-transferable. The Warrants are subject to an acceleration clause whereby if the closing price of the Shares of the Company on the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") is equal to or exceeds $0.25 for 10 consecutive trading days (with the 10th such trading date hereafter referred to as the "Eligible Acceleration Date"), the Expiry Date shall accelerate to the date which is 30 calendar days following the date a news release is issued by the Company announcing the reduced Warrant term, provided, no more than five business days following the Eligible Acceleration Date: (i) the news release is issued; and (ii) notices are sent to all Warrant holders. The LIFE Offering was made to purchasers resident in all provinces of Canada, except Quebec, pursuant to the LIFE Exemption. Securities issued from the sale of Units to Canadian resident subscribers under the LIFE Offering are not subject to a hold period under applicable Canadian securities laws. Insiders and certain consultants that participated in the LIFE Offering are subject to a four-month hold period in respect of their securities pursuant to applicable policies of the TSXV. The Concurrent Offering was completed on the same terms as the LIFE Offering for 10,140,000 Units for gross proceeds of $1,140,000. Securities issued from the sale of Units under the Concurrent Offering are subject to a four month and one day hold period from the date of issue. In connection with the Offerings, Sanatana was permitted to pay a cash commission finder's fee of up to 5% to eligible arm's length parties in accordance with the polices of the TSXV in consideration for their efforts in introducing subscribers to the Company, as set out in the Offering Document. Sanatana is pleased to announce that the Company did not pay any finder's fees in connection with the Offerings. Certain insiders of the Company subscribed for Units under the Offerings. These issuances are considered to be "related party transactions" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company relied on exemptions from the formal valuation requirements of MI 61-101 pursuant to section 5.5(a) and the minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 pursuant to section 5.7(1)(a), as the fair market value of the transaction, insofar as it involves interested parties, does not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization. Insiders of the Company subscribed for 40,000 Units under the LIFE Offering and 1,510,000 Units under the Concurrent Offering. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offerings: (i) to satisfy the cash consideration for the Transaction, (ii) general working capital expenses, and (iii) exploration expenses for the Project. Under the terms of a $200,000 secured promissory note (the "Promissory Note") the Company issued on December 31, 2024, the Company must repay the Promissory Note in full if it raises at least $800,000 in debt or equity financing. Due to the Offerings, the Promissory Note will require repayment or conversion of the note in full. The Promissory Note is held by an affiliate of Florin Group. A full breakdown of the net proceeds from the Offerings can be found in the Offering Memorandum. The securities being offered have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This news release will not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor will there be any sale of the securities in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About the Company Sanatana Resources Inc. is a mineral exploration and development company focused on high-impact properties in Canada. With an award-winning technical team and experienced management and board of directors, Sanatana is based in Vancouver and is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSX-V: STA). About the Florin Group The Florin Group, led by its principal John Fiorino, has been in mineral exploration and project generation in excess of 20 years, with notable discoveries and projects advancements. The Florin Gold Group is a mining project generator with a portfolio of projects across Canada, with a primary focus on projects in Yukon. The Florin Group's mandate is to generate projects that have geological settings, potential historic data, geochemistry, geophysics and importantly an active mining camp ideally within 1-2 km of a discovery or active drilling. The Florin Gold Group's portfolio of projects includes the following mineral properties: Yukon, Tombstone Gold Belt Project Name Description Gold Strike One Project Comprises 107 contiguous quartz claims totalling approximately 2,019 hectares (4,989 acres). The Gold Strike One Project is adjacent to and partially surrounding Snowline Gold Corp's Valley discovery with the closest property boundary located approximately 300 metres from the Valley discovery. Florin Gold Project Covers 8,879.38 hectares (21,941.24 acres). The Florin Gold Project consists of contiguous mineral claims straddling the Mayo and Dawson Mining District boundaries and is located approximately 55 km northwest of the town of Mayo and 130 km east-southeast of Dawson City. FLR Gold Project Consists of 838 mineral claims totalling 16,480 hectares (40,723 acres) and is located approximately 1 km from Sitka Gold Corp. recent resource announcement. RJ Gold Project Consists of 349 Mineral Claims totalling 6,576 hectares (16,250 acres). SANATANA RESOURCES INC. (signed) "Peter Miles" Peter Miles Chief Executive Officer Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information This news 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. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking statements concerning the use of proceeds from the Offerings and possible further acquisitions from the Florin Group. 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. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulations Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. 1 LIRECA and its affiliate Florin Resources Inc. are referred to in this news release as the "Florin Group". NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/254559 SOURCE: Sanatana Resources Inc. SHANGHAI and CHICAGO, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting is taking place in Chicago, US, from May 30 to June 3. Duality Bio (HKEX: 9606.HK) presented the preliminary data of two clinical trials, HER3 ADC candidate DB-1310 and B7H3 ADC candidate DB-1311/BNT324, which is being jointly developed with BioNTech, in Oral/Rapid Oral presentations. B7H3 ADC candidate DB-1311/BNT324: Data from the ongoing Phase 1/2 clinical trial (NCT05914116) in patients with heavily pre-treated castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) were presented during an oral session on BNT324/DB-1311, an B7H3-targeted ADC candidate. The data indicated early clinical activity and a manageable safety profile with low discontinuation rates. Most common adverse events were gastrointestinal and hematologic toxicities. In the 52 efficacy evaluable patients with heavily pretreated CRPC based on RCIST v1.1, the confirmed objective response rate (cORR) was 30.8%, DCR was 90.4%. Among 68 evaluable patients, the 6-month rPFS rate was 69.8%. Similar outcomes were observed across both dose levels (6 mg/kg or 9 mg/kg). Outcomes appeared better in earlier treatment lines and in patients who received one prior NHT, while antitumor activity was also observed in later lines and regardless of type of prior treatment or metastatic site. The clinical trial is currently enrolling post Lu-177 CRPC (Cohort 11) and taxane-naive CRPC (Cohort 12). As the incidence rate of prostate cancer is increasing[1],1 there is a high unmet need for new effective therapies for patients with heavily pretreated CRPC[1]. The DB-1311/BNT324 program received Fast Track Designation by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration ("FDA") for the treatment of patients with advanced/unresectable or metastatic CRPC that has progressed on or after standard systemic regimens in 2024. HER3 ADC DB-1310: Data from the first-in-human Phase I/IIa study (NCT05785741) presented by Professor Aaron E. Lisberg of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), demonstrated that DB-1310 showed encouraging efficacy and a manageable safety profile in patients with advanced solid tumors who had failed standard treatments. Among 123 efficacy evaluable patients, the unconfirmed objective response rate (uORR) was 31%, and the disease control rate (DCR) reached 84%. Notably, efficacy was particularly striking in the key subgroup of patients with EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (n=46) where uORR reached 44%, DCR was 91%, median progression-free survival (mPFS) was 7.0 months, and median overall survival (mOS) was 18.9 months. The uORR reached an impressive 66.7% at the 5.5 mg/kg Q3W dose level (n=12). In addition, DB-1310 was well-tolerated with a manageable safety profile. The most common treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were Grade 1-2 hematological and gastrointestinal events with a low treatment-related discontinuation rate of 3.5%. These positive results support the continued development of DB-1310 in advanced solid tumors, particularly in patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC. The company is advancing its global development program, including exploring DB-1310 as a monotherapy in additional tumor types, as well as exploring DB-1310 in combination with EGFR TKIs and HER2-targeted therapies. About DualityBio Duality Biotherapeutics is a clinical-stage biotech company dedicated to the discovery and development of next-generation ADC to treat cancer and autoimmune diseases. DualityBio has successfully built several cutting-edge ADC technology platforms with global intellectual property rights. Leveraging a robust pipeline, DualityBio is conducting multiple global clinical trials across 17 countries, has enrolled over 2,000 patients for multiple clinical-stage ADC candidates. Additionally, DualityBio have established strategic collaborations with global MNCs and leading biotech innovators. As a global ADC powerhouse, DualityBio is developing candidates including bispecific ADCs, novel-payload ADCs, and autoimmune ADCs. For more information, please visit www.dualitybiologics.com . [1]. Sherman RL et al. Cancer 2025;131(9):e35833; 2. Narayan V et al. Clin Genitourin Cancer 2024;22(6):102188; Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2703868/Dr_Andrew_Parsonson_delivering_rapid_oral_presentation_ASCO_2025_meeting.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2703869/Dr_Aaron_E_Lisberg_delivering_oral_presentation_ASCO_2025_meeting.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2566332/Duality_Biologics_logo_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/preliminary-data-from-two-clinical-trials-with-adc-candidates-were-presented-orally-at-the-2025-asco-annual-meeting-302473976.html Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR of June 5th, 2025 Winterthur, June 5th, 2025 Burckhardt Compression achieved the following record results in fiscal year 2024: Sales of CHF 1'095.6 mn, +12.6% year-on-year Operating income (EBIT) of CHF 140.8 mn, +23.2% year-on-year Earnings per share of CHF 31.20, +24.9% year-on-year Book-to-bill ratio above 1, with order intake of CHF 1'151.2 mn (+2.4% year-on-year) Profitability increased in both divisions Operating cash flow of CHF 212.8 mn Dividend of CHF 18.00 proposed, an increase of 16.1% year-on-year 40.0% reduction in the Group's greenhouse gas emission intensity (Scope 1 and 2) Upcoming changes in the Board of Directors Guidance for fiscal year 2025: sales and EBIT margin at a similar level as in fiscal year 2024; volatile markets and exchange rates expected in the near future In fiscal year 2024, Burckhardt Compression continued on its growth path and delivered strong financials in volatile markets with diverse trends across segments and regions. Fabrice Billard, CEO of Burckhardt Compression, says: "The company delivered record financials, surpassing CHF 1 bn sales and CHF 100 mn net income for the first time. Both divisions contributed to these results. This reflects our strong positioning and ongoing success in markets aligned with global megatrends." The company benefits from a strong order backlog, a solid balance sheet and strong customer relationships. Despite current uncertainty related to the geopolitical landscape and tariffs, it expects fiscal year 2025 to be at a similar level as 2024. Strong sales growth - Profitability increase in both divisions and at the Group level Order intake for the Group reached CHF 1'151.2 mn, an increase of 2.4%, respectively 3.5% net of currency translation effects. Starting in fiscal year 2024, the accounting policy for the recognition of revenue for large projects has been changed from "Completed Contract Method" to "Percentage of Completion" (PoC) to better reflect the value creation process and to increase stability in revenue recognition*. To enable comparison with the year under review, prior year numbers are restated for PoC accounting. Sales were up by 12.6%, at CHF 1'095.6 mn, driven by an 18.2% growth in the Systems Division. Gross profit margin reached 28.0%, up 1.8pp year-on-year, due to a more favorable product mix in both divisions, the higher capacity utilization in all manufacturing and assembly facilities and the closure of low-profit service locations in the US. Research & Development expenses increased by 12.8% to CHF 30.1 mn, to support the development of new applications. Selling, marketing, and general administrative expenses amounted to 11.9% of sales, a reduction of 0.4pp compared to the previous year. This highlights the leverage and effectiveness of SG&A spend, which is part of the Mid-Range Plan. Other operating income and expenses amounted to CHF -5.6 mn (net), mainly consisting of negative FX effects and bad debt provisions (prior year: CHF 5.4 mn, including the recovery of bad debt provisions). The consolidated operating income (EBIT) recorded a substantial increase of 23.2% to CHF 140.8 mn. Both the Systems and Services Divisions increased their EBIT margins, by 2.7 and 0.1 percentage points respectively, resulting in an overall Group EBIT margin of 12.9%, up from 11.7% in the previous year. Value creation further enhanced - Dividend of CHF 18.00 proposed Financial expenses in line with the previous year and a similar tax rate of 23.2% (compared to 23.8% last year) resulted in a net income of CHF 105.6 mn, which exceeded the previous year's figure by 25.0%*. Accordingly, earnings per share attributable to Burckhardt Compression Group shareholders rose from CHF 24.98 to CHF 31.20. Value creation was further enhanced, with Return on Net Operating Assets (RONOA) increasing from 28.3% to 32.6%. Total equity increased to CHF 340.2 mn (CHF +43.8 mn), while the equity ratio increased to 29.1%. Based on these results, the Board of Directors will propose to the Annual General Meeting a dividend of CHF 18.00 per share, an increase of 16.1% compared with the previous year. This is within the Group's overall attractive dividend policy of a 50% to 70% payout ratio. Continued new equipment growth Following a peak in 2022, the global Systems market further normalized in 2024, with a decrease predominantly driven by policy shifts in the Hydrogen Mobility and Energy segment. Despite this, the Systems Division's leading position in growing sub-segments of the market resulted in a strong order intake of CHF 825.4 mn, representing a 5.8% increase over the previous year. Marine applications like LPG, ammonia and LNG tankers have been growing at a good pace, driven by the increasing global energy trade as well as new regulations promoting sustainable shipping fuels. Linked to the expected further growth of solar panels and to geopolitics, the demand for Hyper Compressors used in the production of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) remained high. Conversely, after rapid growth in the past years, the renewable hydrogen economy entered a period of recalibration. This shift is a direct response to higher-than-expected project costs, delays in finalizing regulations and subsidies, and the uncertainty created by elections in Europe and the US. Other new energy applications, like biogas and sustainable aviation fuels, continued to progress. Focus on high-margin services in a market showing regional disparities The Services markets have been strongly influenced by local economic conditions. The European market decreased due to economic and political uncertainty. On the positive side, Asia-Pacific and the regions of the Middle East, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe grew at a good pace, driven by the installed base and large upgrade projects. In the US, the market was stable with regional disparities, but order intake decreased due to the closure of three low-profit service centers, as announced in the first-half year report. On a global basis, the Services Division's presence in the marine market is further increasing, benefiting from a growing installed base, a strong service network, and new offerings. Against this backdrop, order intake for the Services Division fell by 5.4% (-4.5% net of currency translation effects) to CHF 325.8 mn. Further progress in the company's transformation The fiscal year 2024 marks another successful step in the implementation of the company's Mid-Range Plan, which was communicated in November 2022, with an increase of the mid-range guidance in June 2024. It is based on four pillars: strengthening the core business, transforming and building new growth avenues, operational excellence, and further enhancing the business foundations. Burckhardt Compression made tangible progress across these pillars. For instance, with its focus on transforming and building new growth avenues, the company launched the new digital services UP! Insight and UP! Detect to help its customers optimize their compressor fleet's reliability and uptime. With regards to operational excellence, the company has further leveraged its asset base in all factories to increase sales by more than 18% in the Systems Division without significant capital investments. To further enhance its business foundations, Burckhardt Compression reduced its greenhouse gas emission intensity (Scope 1 and 2) by 40.0%, a giant step forward on its path towards reaching net zero (Scope 1 and 2) in 2035. Upcoming changes in the Board of Directors Ton Buchner has decided to reduce his portfolio of mandates towards the end of 2025. As part of a planned and managed succession, Jacques Sanche will be proposed to the Annual General Meeting on July 5, 2025, as a new and additional member of the Board of Directors of Burckhardt Compression. The Board of Directors will additionally propose Jacques Sanche as its new Chair, effective December 15, 2025, following a transition period of over five months. At that time, Ton Buchner will step down from the Board of Directors, bringing the total number of Board Members back to six. Jacques Sanche is a recognized industrial leader who currently holds the CEO position at Bucher Industries AG and has been the CEO of Belimo Holding AG. The 59-year-old Swiss-Canadian has announced his retirement from his current position as CEO for April 2026, when he will hand over to an internal successor. Ton Buchner states, "We are very pleased to propose Jacques Sanche to our Board of Directors, and I look forward to working with him during the transition phase. Having been a public CEO for 17 years, he will add considerable value". Jacques Sanche states: "I have admired the key role that Burckhardt Compression is playing as the world diversifies its energy sources. With its strategic focus on a more sustainable future, the company has a strong momentum. It would be an honor to support the great team at Burckhardt Compression by joining the Board of Directors". Guidance for fiscal year 2025 - At a similar level as in fiscal year 2024 Burckhardt Compression has entered the fiscal year 2025 amid a dynamic operating environment characterized by uncertainties surrounding global trade tariffs and currency exchange rates. While these developments have led to downward revisions in global GDP growth forecasts, the company remains confident in its strategy and ability to navigate evolving market conditions. The robust order backlog, coupled with a solid balance sheet and strong customer relationships, provides stability. Assuming there is no further escalation in trade disputes and macroeconomic conditions remain relatively stable, the company expects: Sales at around CHF 1.1 bn at the Group level EBIT margin similar to fiscal year 2024 Stronger profitability in the second half due to the product and service mix The Group will continue to actively monitor the macro environment and any potential impact it may have on the business. Global megatrends underpin Mid-Range Plan trajectory Beyond short-term uncertainties, Burckhardt Compression's strategy is supported by global megatrends. A growing global population, especially the middle class, creates increased demand for essential products like fertilizers and polymers and for investment in energy infrastructure. Ensuring a stable and secure energy supply in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape with growing intermittent energy sources requires significant investment in energy storage, gas pipelines and transportation infrastructure, e.g. for LNG or LPG. In addition, the energy transition increases the share of natural gas in the energy mix and requires significant investments in renewable energy infrastructure, which includes solar panels and low-carbon fuels. All these applications require compressors. With its increased R&D activities and the ability to develop innovative solutions in partnership with its customers, Burckhardt Compression stands at the forefront of these developments. * The accounting policy for the recognition of revenue for projects above CHF 7 mn and lasting more than 1 year has been changed from "Completed Contract Method" to "Percentage of Completion" (PoC) to better reflect the value creation process and to increase stability in revenue recognition. The annual report 2024 and further information on the fiscal year 2024 are available on the website on: www.burckhardtcompression.com/financial-reports. Attachments Patrice Schuetz to step down mid-July to pursue new professional opportunity Search process underway; Melanie Biessy will act as interim Group CFO Regulatory News: Antin Infrastructure Partners (Paris:ANTIN) announces that Patrice Schuetz has informed the company that he will step down as Group Chief Financial Officer effective 11 July 2025 to pursue a new professional opportunity outside of Europe. A search process is underway to appoint Mr. Schuetz's successor. Pending this appointment, Melanie Biessy, Antin's Chief Operating Officer, will also serve as interim Group CFO to ensure an orderly transition and management continuity. Mr. Schuetz joined Antin as Group CFO and Partner in 2021. Under his leadership, Antin strengthened its finance, fund administration, shareholder relations, corporate development and risk management functions as the company became publicly-traded in September 2021. Alain Rauscher, Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, said: "We wish to thank Patrice for his significant contributions to Antin over the past four years and wish him all the best in his future endeavours. He reshaped our finance function and leaves very solid financial foundations for his successor to build upon. We expect to appoint a new Group CFO in the near future, and in the meantime, the Group's finances are in the experienced hands of Melanie Biessy, who will act as interim Group CFO in addition to her full-time role as COO as we finalise our search process." Patrice Schuetz commented: "It has been an honour to be part of Antin's transformation and growth and I am proud of the company's accomplishments over the past four years. Until my departure to pursue a new career opportunity, I will remain fully engaged to ensure a smooth transition." About Antin Infrastructure Partners Antin Infrastructure Partners is a leading private equity firm focused on infrastructure. With over 33bn in assets under management across its Flagship, Mid Cap and NextGen investment strategies, Antin targets investments in the energy and environment, digital, transport and social infrastructure sectors. With a presence in Paris, London, New York, Singapore, Seoul and Luxembourg, Antin employs over 240 professionals dedicated to growing, improving and transforming infrastructure businesses while delivering long-term value to portfolio companies and investors. Majority owned by its partners, Antin is listed on compartment A of the regulated market of Euronext Paris (Ticker: ANTIN ISIN: FR0014005AL0) View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250604300505/en/ Contacts: Antin Infrastructure Partners Thomas Kamm, Partner Head of Communications Email: media@antin-ip.com Nicolle Graugnard, Communication Director Email: media@antin-ip.com Ludmilla Binet, Head of Shareholder Relations Email: shareholders@antin-ip.com Brunswick Tristan Roquet Montegon +33 (0) 6 37 00 52 57 Email: antinip@brunswickgroup.com London, United Kingdom--(Newsfile Corp. - June 5, 2025) - Sends, a fast-growing digital financial services provider, announced the deployment of enhanced 3D Secure (3DS) protection across its payment platform, further safeguarding customer transactions in an increasingly digital economy. sends To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10281/254474_1baf8ed9e4df8b32_001full.jpg The upgrade introduces support for 3DS2, the latest version of the 3D Secure protocol used for authenticating online credit and debit card payments. This next-generation security layer delivers a more seamless user experience, greater fraud prevention, and improved compliance with global regulatory standards, including the EU's Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) requirements under PSD2. "As digital payments continue to transform, so do the expectations around security," said Alona Shevtsova, CEO of Sends. "Our enhanced 3DS integration ensures that our users and partners can trust the integrity of every transaction-without adding unnecessary friction." Sends, as an acquirer, always uses 3DS for secure payment processing, fraud reduction, and compliance with PSD2 requirements. This consistent application of strong authentication practices is central to the company's strategy of delivering trusted, compliant payment experiences for businesses and consumers alike. The enhanced system utilizes contextual data-including device ID, location, and behavioral patterns-to assess transaction risk in real time. Low-risk payments can proceed without interruption, while high-risk transactions trigger additional verification steps such as one-time passcodes or biometric checks. The improved 3DS framework is fully operational across all Sends-supported payment flows and applies to both business and personal accounts. It also ensures stronger protection for cross-border payments, subscription services, and mobile-first transactions. This update is part of Sends' broader initiative to invest in advanced fraud detection, AI-driven risk prediction, regulatory readiness, and world-class customer trust infrastructure. For more information about Sends' security practices and platform updates, visit https://sends.co/blog/. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/254474 SOURCE: Sends Elisa Oyj / Elisa Industriq, Press Release 5 June 2025 HELSINKI, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- DNA Tower Finland, a Telenor Towers company, has successfully connected base station batteries to the Finnish electricity reserve market using Elisa Industriq's AI-based Distributed Energy Storage (DES) solution. DNA Tower Finland is the world's first tower company whose base station batteries help to balance the national electricity grid with Elisa DES. DNA Tower Finland has taken a significant step towards a greener, profitable energy future by starting to optimize the batteries in its equipment rooms with Elisa DES, as announced last year. DNA Tower Finland's base station batteries are now connected to the solution, and the battery capacity is being made available to the Finnish electricity reserve markets, maintained by Fingrid. With the AI-powered solution, DNA Tower Finland gains significant benefits from grid-balancing services in the reserve markets. Elisa DES also optimizes the electricity consumption of base stations by utilizing affordable green energy, achieving substantial savings as well as environmental benefits. DNA Tower Finland has acquired lithium batteries for its base stations, which utilize DES solution and ensure that the base stations will remain operational for significantly longer periods during power outages. "We will be connecting hundreds of base station equipment rooms to the electricity balancing markets. The aim is to expand the service to cover most of our tower sites. This is a significant step towards improving our energy efficiency. At the same time, we achieve both economic and sustainability benefits, as we participate in electricity reserve markets to generate a new revenue stream," says Antti Koskinen, CEO of DNA Tower Finland. Elisa initially implemented the DES solution in its own base stations three years ago. The revenues and savings that the solution generates cover up to half of the electricity costs of Elisa's base stations. Elisa Industriq is offering the solution to other European telecom operators and tower companies, and DNA Tower Finland is the first tower company to fully implement the service. "DNA Tower Finland has been a pioneering tower company in choosing to adopt Elisa DES solution and create new value with their site infrastructure. This marks a significant development in a way that telecom operators can monetize their battery storage. Together, we are also bolstering Finland's national resilience and advancing the green energy transition," says Jukka-Pekka Salmenkaita, VP for AI and Special Projects at Elisa Industriq. More information & interview requests: Elisa Industriq Mediadesk, mediadesk@elisaindustriq.com, tel. +358 50 305 1605 DNA Corporate Communications, viestinta@dna.fi, tel. +358 44 044 8000 Press photos attached: Photo 1: Antti Koskinen of DNA Tower Finland (left) discusses distributed energy storage with Snorre Solvang and Jukka-Pekka Salmenkaita of Elisa Industriq. Photo 2: Jere Tuominen, Head of Technology at DNA Tower Finland, inspects battery installations at the company's equipment facilities. Elisa Industriq energy solutions: Elisa Industriq offers telecom operators, energy-intensive businesses, and households the opportunity to take an important and profitable role in the energy transition. The Distributed Energy Storage solution, Elisa DES, is based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. In mobile networks, the solution uses the flexibility of base station batteries to control the power supply of base stations by optimizing battery charging and discharging times. Part of this flexible capacity is offered to transmission system operators for grid balancing. The solution can utilize solar energy in addition to grid energy. The solution is used in Elisa's network in Finland and has also been implemented in Elisa's network in Estonia. Commercial deliveries of DES began in 2024. In addition to the DNA Tower, the Aland operator Alcom has also adopted the solution in its network using solar energy. Elisa Industriq's solution also optimizes energy storage in the commercial and industrial sectors. For example, Loviisan Lampo, a district heating company from Finland, chose Elisa DES to optimize the world's largest Sand Battery, delivered by Polar Night Energy. Elisa is also bringing the energy solution to homes: the Elisa Kotiakku home energy storage service helps households balance electricity price spikes and store electricity generated by solar panels. elisa.com/des About Elisa Industriq: Elisa Industriq creates software solutions for operational intelligence by multiplying industrial knowledge with AI innovation. Our businesses?- camLine, sedApta, Elisa Polystar, CalcuQuote, TenForce, and Elisa Distributed Energy Storage?- serve over 2,000 clients internationally in the manufacturing, telecommunications, and energy sectors. Elisa Industriq delivers business value for customers by reducing costs, improving quality, and generating growth. Our software solutions integrate with customers' existing systems to optimize their operations in areas including manufacturing execution, supply chain optimization, network analytics, and energy management. Elisa Industriq is part of Elisa, a pioneer in telecommunications and digital services headquartered in Finland. Our shared mission is a sustainable future through digitalization. Elisa Industriq employs nearly 1,600 experts in Europe, Asia, and North America. elisaindustriq.com About DNA Tower Finland: DNA Tower provides comprehensive infrastructure services for modern communication needs throughout Finland. The company owns, leases, and manages telecommunications network facilities and components, such as antenna and equipment rooms in masts and buildings, as well as customer equipment rooms in data centers. DNA Tower is part of Telenor Towers, which connects Norway, Sweden, and Finland with world-class sustainable and critical telecommunications infrastructure. Telenor Towers is the largest company in its field in the Nordic countries. About DNA: DNA is one of the leading telecommunications companies in Finland. Our purpose is to connect you to what matters most. We offer connections, services and devices for homes and workplaces, contributing to the digitalisation of society. Already for years, DNA customers have been among the world leaders in mobile data usage. DNA has about 3.7 million subscriptions in its fixed and mobile communications networks. The company has been awarded numerous times as an excellent employer and family-friendly workplace. In 2024, our total revenue was EUR 1,100 million and we employ about 1,600 people around Finland. DNA is a part of Telenor Group, a leading telecommunications company across the Nordics. More information: www.dna.fi, Facebook @DNA.fi, Instagram and Threads @dna_fi and LinkedIn @DNA-Oyj. This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com. The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Public/18382/4159284/8e24daa22dfbe343_org.jpg Photo1 https://mb.cision.com/Public/18382/4159284/987bc44ecfcf0f82_org.jpg Photo2 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/dna-tower-becomes-worlds-first-tower-company-to-offer-battery-capacity-in-electricity-reserve-markets-with-elisa-des-302474094.html EQS-News: CPI PROPERTY GROUP / Key word(s): AGM/EGM/Real Estate CPI PROPERTY GROUP - Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders 05.06.2025 / 08:30 CET/CEST The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. CPI Property Group (societe anonyme) 40, rue de la Vallee L-2661 Luxembourg R.C.S. Luxembourg: B 102 254 Press Release - Corporate News Luxembourg, 5 June 2025 CPI PROPERTY GROUP - Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders The extraordinary general meeting (the "EGM") of the shareholders of CPI PROPERTY GROUP (the "Company") was held on 4 June 20205 in Luxembourg. Approximately 88.52 % of the voting rights were present or presented. The EGM resolved to decrease the corporate capital of the Company by the amount of EUR 1,829,187.66 by means of cancellation of 182,918,766 shares held in treasury by the Company. The EGM also approved the modifications of the Company's articles of association reflecting the above capital decrease approved during the EGM. The share capital of the Company now amounts to EUR 84,366,040.25 represented by 8,436,604,025 ordinary shares with par value of EUR 0.01. Accordingly, the total number of voting rights amounts to 8,436,604,025 as at 4 June 2025. The EGM further resolved to amend the articles of association of the Company to provide for the terms of the issuance by the Company of beneficiary units (parts beneficiaires), including the issuance of instruments convertible into beneficiary units, as well as the rights for an EGM to delegate authority to the Company's board of directors to issue such beneficiary units or instruments convertible into beneficiary units, and to delegate authority to the Company's board of directors to issue any such beneficiary units or instruments convertible into beneficiary units up to an aggregate amount of two billion five hundred million euro (EUR 2,500,000,000.00), or the equivalent in any other currency. For further information please contact: Investor Relations Moritz Mayer Manager, Capital Markets m.mayer@cpipg.com 05.06.2025 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 Forest ranger witnesses progress of ecological restoration in S China's Hainan Xinhua) 15:40, June 05, 2025 Luo Lixiang (1st R) introduces the wetland park to visitors at the exhibition hall of the Hainan Xinying Mangrove National Wetland Park in Danzhou, south China's Hainan Province, Jan. 20, 2025. Luo Lixiang is a ranger of the Hainan Xinying Mangrove National Wetland Park in Danzhou, whose daily routine includes bird monitoring and patrolling of mangroves. After the park was established in 2007, Luo became one of the first batch of rangers, who has witnessed the ecological changes here in the past years. Before the establishment of the wetland park, the wetland here was destroyed seriously due to improper aquacultural development. In order to restore ecological system here, the local government launched an initiative of "returning ponds to forests". Luo actively participated in it and witnessed the former fish ponds gradually replaced by newly planted mangroves. Now the wetland park has become a paradise for birds. In 2016, Luo detected the critically endangered bird species spoon-billed sandpiper here for the first time. Nowadays, both the species and number of birds in the wetland park have been increasing notably. At present, Luo is not only a forest ranger, but also works as a docent to introduce the ecological value and significance of mangroves to visitors. A dear friend of the wetland and creatures living in it, Luo has earned himself a nickname as "Brother Lixiang". (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) Luo Lixiang introduces birds to visitors at the exhibition hall of the Hainan Xinying Mangrove National Wetland Park in Danzhou, south China's Hainan Province, May 30, 2025. Luo Lixiang is a ranger of the Hainan Xinying Mangrove National Wetland Park in Danzhou, whose daily routine includes bird monitoring and patrolling of mangroves. After the park was established in 2007, Luo became one of the first batch of rangers, who has witnessed the ecological changes here in the past years. Before the establishment of the wetland park, the wetland here was destroyed seriously due to improper aquacultural development. In order to restore ecological system here, the local government launched an initiative of "returning ponds to forests". Luo actively participated in it and witnessed the former fish ponds gradually replaced by newly planted mangroves. Now the wetland park has become a paradise for birds. In 2016, Luo detected the critically endangered bird species spoon-billed sandpiper here for the first time. Nowadays, both the species and number of birds in the wetland park have been increasing notably. At present, Luo is not only a forest ranger, but also works as a docent to introduce the ecological value and significance of mangroves to visitors. A dear friend of the wetland and creatures living in it, Luo has earned himself a nickname as "Brother Lixiang". (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 18, 2025 shows black-faced spoonbills at the Hainan Xinying Mangrove National Wetland Park in Danzhou, south China's Hainan Province. Luo Lixiang is a ranger of the Hainan Xinying Mangrove National Wetland Park in Danzhou, whose daily routine includes bird monitoring and patrolling of mangroves. After the park was established in 2007, Luo became one of the first batch of rangers, who has witnessed the ecological changes here in the past years. Before the establishment of the wetland park, the wetland here was destroyed seriously due to improper aquacultural development. In order to restore ecological system here, the local government launched an initiative of "returning ponds to forests". Luo actively participated in it and witnessed the former fish ponds gradually replaced by newly planted mangroves. Now the wetland park has become a paradise for birds. In 2016, Luo detected the critically endangered bird species spoon-billed sandpiper here for the first time. Nowadays, both the species and number of birds in the wetland park have been increasing notably. At present, Luo is not only a forest ranger, but also works as a docent to introduce the ecological value and significance of mangroves to visitors. A dear friend of the wetland and creatures living in it, Luo has earned himself a nickname as "Brother Lixiang". (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) Luo Lixiang patrols at the Hainan Xinying Mangrove National Wetland Park in Danzhou, south China's Hainan Province, May 30, 2025. Luo Lixiang is a ranger of the Hainan Xinying Mangrove National Wetland Park in Danzhou, whose daily routine includes bird monitoring and patrolling of mangroves. After the park was established in 2007, Luo became one of the first batch of rangers, who has witnessed the ecological changes here in the past years. Before the establishment of the wetland park, the wetland here was destroyed seriously due to improper aquacultural development. In order to restore ecological system here, the local government launched an initiative of "returning ponds to forests". Luo actively participated in it and witnessed the former fish ponds gradually replaced by newly planted mangroves. Now the wetland park has become a paradise for birds. In 2016, Luo detected the critically endangered bird species spoon-billed sandpiper here for the first time. Nowadays, both the species and number of birds in the wetland park have been increasing notably. At present, Luo is not only a forest ranger, but also works as a docent to introduce the ecological value and significance of mangroves to visitors. A dear friend of the wetland and creatures living in it, Luo has earned himself a nickname as "Brother Lixiang". (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) A drone photo taken on Jan. 18, 2025 shows the Hainan Xinying Mangrove National Wetland Park in Danzhou, south China's Hainan Province. Luo Lixiang is a ranger of the Hainan Xinying Mangrove National Wetland Park in Danzhou, whose daily routine includes bird monitoring and patrolling of mangroves. After the park was established in 2007, Luo became one of the first batch of rangers, who has witnessed the ecological changes here in the past years. Before the establishment of the wetland park, the wetland here was destroyed seriously due to improper aquacultural development. In order to restore ecological system here, the local government launched an initiative of "returning ponds to forests". Luo actively participated in it and witnessed the former fish ponds gradually replaced by newly planted mangroves. Now the wetland park has become a paradise for birds. In 2016, Luo detected the critically endangered bird species spoon-billed sandpiper here for the first time. Nowadays, both the species and number of birds in the wetland park have been increasing notably. At present, Luo is not only a forest ranger, but also works as a docent to introduce the ecological value and significance of mangroves to visitors. A dear friend of the wetland and creatures living in it, Luo has earned himself a nickname as "Brother Lixiang". (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) Luo Lixiang monitors birds activities at the Hainan Xinying Mangrove National Wetland Park in Danzhou, south China's Hainan Province, May 30, 2025. Luo Lixiang is a ranger of the Hainan Xinying Mangrove National Wetland Park in Danzhou, whose daily routine includes bird monitoring and patrolling of mangroves. After the park was established in 2007, Luo became one of the first batch of rangers, who has witnessed the ecological changes here in the past years. Before the establishment of the wetland park, the wetland here was destroyed seriously due to improper aquacultural development. In order to restore ecological system here, the local government launched an initiative of "returning ponds to forests". Luo actively participated in it and witnessed the former fish ponds gradually replaced by newly planted mangroves. Now the wetland park has become a paradise for birds. In 2016, Luo detected the critically endangered bird species spoon-billed sandpiper here for the first time. Nowadays, both the species and number of birds in the wetland park have been increasing notably. At present, Luo is not only a forest ranger, but also works as a docent to introduce the ecological value and significance of mangroves to visitors. A dear friend of the wetland and creatures living in it, Luo has earned himself a nickname as "Brother Lixiang". (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) This photo taken on Jan. 18, 2025 shows lesser sand plovers at the Hainan Xinying Mangrove National Wetland Park in Danzhou, south China's Hainan Province. Luo Lixiang is a ranger of the Hainan Xinying Mangrove National Wetland Park in Danzhou, whose daily routine includes bird monitoring and patrolling of mangroves. After the park was established in 2007, Luo became one of the first batch of rangers, who has witnessed the ecological changes here in the past years. Before the establishment of the wetland park, the wetland here was destroyed seriously due to improper aquacultural development. In order to restore ecological system here, the local government launched an initiative of "returning ponds to forests". Luo actively participated in it and witnessed the former fish ponds gradually replaced by newly planted mangroves. Now the wetland park has become a paradise for birds. In 2016, Luo detected the critically endangered bird species spoon-billed sandpiper here for the first time. Nowadays, both the species and number of birds in the wetland park have been increasing notably. At present, Luo is not only a forest ranger, but also works as a docent to introduce the ecological value and significance of mangroves to visitors. A dear friend of the wetland and creatures living in it, Luo has earned himself a nickname as "Brother Lixiang". (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) Luo Lixiang (L) and his colleague patrol at the Hainan Xinying Mangrove National Wetland Park in Danzhou, south China's Hainan Province, Jan. 18, 2025. Luo Lixiang is a ranger of the Hainan Xinying Mangrove National Wetland Park in Danzhou, whose daily routine includes bird monitoring and patrolling of mangroves. After the park was established in 2007, Luo became one of the first batch of rangers, who has witnessed the ecological changes here in the past years. Before the establishment of the wetland park, the wetland here was destroyed seriously due to improper aquacultural development. In order to restore ecological system here, the local government launched an initiative of "returning ponds to forests". Luo actively participated in it and witnessed the former fish ponds gradually replaced by newly planted mangroves. Now the wetland park has become a paradise for birds. In 2016, Luo detected the critically endangered bird species spoon-billed sandpiper here for the first time. Nowadays, both the species and number of birds in the wetland park have been increasing notably. At present, Luo is not only a forest ranger, but also works as a docent to introduce the ecological value and significance of mangroves to visitors. A dear friend of the wetland and creatures living in it, Luo has earned himself a nickname as "Brother Lixiang". (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) This photo taken on Jan. 18, 2025 shows black-faced spoonbills at the Hainan Xinying Mangrove National Wetland Park in Danzhou, south China's Hainan Province. Luo Lixiang is a ranger of the Hainan Xinying Mangrove National Wetland Park in Danzhou, whose daily routine includes bird monitoring and patrolling of mangroves. After the park was established in 2007, Luo became one of the first batch of rangers, who has witnessed the ecological changes here in the past years. Before the establishment of the wetland park, the wetland here was destroyed seriously due to improper aquacultural development. In order to restore ecological system here, the local government launched an initiative of "returning ponds to forests". Luo actively participated in it and witnessed the former fish ponds gradually replaced by newly planted mangroves. Now the wetland park has become a paradise for birds. In 2016, Luo detected the critically endangered bird species spoon-billed sandpiper here for the first time. Nowadays, both the species and number of birds in the wetland park have been increasing notably. At present, Luo is not only a forest ranger, but also works as a docent to introduce the ecological value and significance of mangroves to visitors. A dear friend of the wetland and creatures living in it, Luo has earned himself a nickname as "Brother Lixiang". (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) A drone photo taken on Jan. 18, 2025 shows black-faced spoonbills at the Hainan Xinying Mangrove National Wetland Park in Danzhou, south China's Hainan Province. Luo Lixiang is a ranger of the Hainan Xinying Mangrove National Wetland Park in Danzhou, whose daily routine includes bird monitoring and patrolling of mangroves. After the park was established in 2007, Luo became one of the first batch of rangers, who has witnessed the ecological changes here in the past years. Before the establishment of the wetland park, the wetland here was destroyed seriously due to improper aquacultural development. In order to restore ecological system here, the local government launched an initiative of "returning ponds to forests". Luo actively participated in it and witnessed the former fish ponds gradually replaced by newly planted mangroves. Now the wetland park has become a paradise for birds. In 2016, Luo detected the critically endangered bird species spoon-billed sandpiper here for the first time. Nowadays, both the species and number of birds in the wetland park have been increasing notably. At present, Luo is not only a forest ranger, but also works as a docent to introduce the ecological value and significance of mangroves to visitors. A dear friend of the wetland and creatures living in it, Luo has earned himself a nickname as "Brother Lixiang". (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) SEOUL, South Korea, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- MemeCore, the world's first Layer 1 blockchain purpose-built for the Meme 2.0 movement, has officially announced the commencement of its acquisition process for a KOSDAQ-listed company, marking a significant step in its expansion into the South Korean market. As a pioneer in the viral economy, MemeCore aims to redefine meme coins as lasting cultural and economic assets. The project introduces a new paradigm - Meme 2.0 - driven by its proprietary consensus algorithm, Proof of Meme (PoM), which enhances the on-chain value and connectivity of diverse community-driven meme coins. MemeCore has recently drawn global attention after becoming the second-largest holder of $TRUMP and participating in an exclusive private dinner hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump. The invite-only event, reserved for the top 25 holders of $TRUMP, saw MemeCore co-founder ICE in attendance, signaling the growing influence and recognition of the project on the world stage. "By acquiring a KOSDAQ-listed company, we aim to establish a stronger foothold in South Korea - one of the most active markets in crypto trading - and further accelerate our expansion into the region," said Jun, CEO of MemeCore. The acquisition is a strategic move that positions MemeCore for ISMS certification and Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) registration in Korea. This milestone will also provide the groundwork for a robust domestic dApp ecosystem built on MemeCore's native mainnet. The acquired company is expected to realign its business operations to focus on Web3 innovation and digital assets. MemeCore is currently in negotiations and conducting due diligence with several listed companies. Upon completion of the acquisition, the project plans to sequentially launch MRC-20 token services and community-powered dApps tailored for the Korean market. About MemeCore MemeCore is the first Layer 1 blockchain purpose-built for Meme 2.0 - a paradigm shift that redefines meme coins from fleeting trends into long-term cultural and economic movements. Through the viral economy model, MemeCore rewards content virality and transaction activity, ensuring that every meaningful interaction becomes part of a value-generating, sustainable ecosystem. For more information, visit https://memecore.com Media Contact Name: Josh, Business Development Email:josh@memecore.com Organization: MemeCore Foundation Website: https://memecore.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2703962/MemeCore_PR_Banner.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/memecore-announces-strategic-entry-into-south-korea-with-acquisition-of-kosdaq-listed-company-302474116.html West Midlands Growth Company (WMGC) inviting applications from eligible companies for its unique UK market entry programme, with 15 places available for 2025/26. Launch of 2025 Global Growth Programme during London Tech Week follows success of 2024 programme, which supported 17 UK and international companies to create over 300 jobs in the West Midlands. BIRMINGHAM, England, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The West Midlands Growth Company (WMGC) - the region's official investment promotion agency - will launch its 2025 Global Growth Programme at a special breakfast event on Wednesday 11th June during London Tech Week. The launch of the unique UK market entry programme follows the success of the 2024 programme, which supported 17 innovation-led, high-growth international and UK companies to create over 300 jobs in the West Midlands. The West Midlands Breakfast Takeover will take place from 9am at The Shard in partnership with Warwick Business School, showcasing the West Midlands' world-class innovation strengths and the opportunities on offer for ambitious, fast-growing businesses. The Global Growth Programme, now in its third consecutive year, is a fully-funded, nine month package of support for international technology companies looking to make their mark in the region. The programme offers fully sponsored workspace at a choice of six innovation hubs across Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Coventry. Companies on the programme choose from 20 specialist sector support packages, designed around four key sectors - Health Tech, Clean Tech, Digital Tech and Future Mobility. These packages are designed to optimise market entry success by providing companies with access to commercial networks, R&D assets and innovation centres across the region. The programme provides bespoke support to streamline the UK investment process for international businesses, from market entry to help with visas and sourcing accommodation. It is supported by a number of innovation focused partners including: Innovate UK and the Connected Places Catapult, as part of the DIATOMIC Innovation Accelerator Programme; Midlands Innovation, as part of the 'Invest in UK University R&D Midlands Campaign'; Bruntwood SciTech, STEAMhouse, University of Wolverhampton Science Park, University of Warwick Science Park and Tyseley Energy Park. The success of West Midlands Global Growth Programme (2024/25) was enabled by funding partners: Connected Places Catapult, as part of the DIATOMIC Innovation Accelerator Programme; and by Midlands Innovation, as part of the 'Invest in UK University R&D Midlands Campaign'. As part of The West Midlands Breakfast Takeover, Taras Matselyukh, CEO at Netherlands-based OPT/NET, which delivers high quality AI solutions and software for critical infrastructure systems operators, will speak about his experience of taking part in the West Midlands Global Growth Programme and reasons for investing in Birmingham. Neil Rami, chief executive of the West Midlands Growth Company, said: "There's never been a more exciting time to be part of the West Midlands' business ecosystem; its burgeoning tech sector, world-class talent pool and exceptional R&D infrastructure make it the ideal environment for innovation-led international companies to turbocharge their expansion plans. "Over the past two years, our Global Growth Programme has proven a successful blueprint, providing disruptive and dynamic international companies like OPT/NET with the right support to realise their UK growth ambitions. I look forward to working with a whole new wave of companies in 2025." Taras Matselyukh, CEO at OPT/NET, said: "With its strong pipeline of potential clients and a world-class R&D ecosystem, Birmingham's STEAMhouse was the clear choice for our new UK hub. Supported by the West Midlands Global Growth Programme, we've rapidly established valuable partnerships, enhanced our UK market presence, and gained an ideal environment to continue next-gen development of OPT/NET's flagship product - OptOSS AI." 15 places are available for the West Midlands Global Growth Programme for 2025. Businesses can find out whether they're eligible to apply and register their interest here. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2702235/WMGC_Photo.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2702236/WMGC_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/successful-uk-market-entry-programme-set-to-launch-for-third-consecutive-year-at-london-tech-week-302472069.html Rheinmetall, Renk und Hensoldt haben den Rustungsboom der letzten Jahre dominiert, doch inzwischen sind diese Titel fundamental heillos uberbewertet. KGVs jenseits der 60, KUVs uber 4, und das in einem politisch fragilen Umfeld mit wackelnder Haushaltsdisziplin. Fur spateinsteigende Anleger kann das teuer werden. Doch es gibt Alternativen, die bislang unter dem Radar fliegen; solide bewertet, operativ stark und mit Nachholpotenzial. In unserem kostenlosen Report zeigen wir dir, welche 3 Rustungsunternehmen noch Potenzial haben und wie du von der zweiten Welle der Zeitenwende profitieren kannst, ohne sich an uberhitzten Highflyer zu verbrennen. Holen Sie sich den neuesten Report! Verpassen Sie nicht, welche Aktien besonders vom weltweiten Aufrusten profitieren durften, und laden Sie sich das Gratis-PDF jetzt kostenlos herunter. Dieses exklusive Angebot gilt aber nur fur kurze Zeit! Daher jetzt downloaden! For World Environment Day, the company is sharing how material innovation can help the global fashion industry meet its sustainability goals. TAINAN, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of World Environment Day, Creative Tech Textile is sharing the success story behind Seawool - its innovative material transforming discarded oyster shells and recycled plastic into a sustainable textile solution. This pioneering approach shows how reusing natural waste can move fashion toward a more sustainable future. Fashion's Push to Become More Sustainable The global fashion industry has recently faced growing pressure to become more sustainable. According to the World Economic Forum, incorporating recycled materials into clothing could reduce CO2 emissions by up to 80%. Yet, polyester-plastic-based and derived from fossil fuels-remains the most widely used fiber in textiles, while less than 1% of clothing materials are recycled into new garments, per the Geneva Environment Network. In particular, there is a growing need to reduce short-lifecycle plastic-based fabrics and increase uptake of circular, low-impact material innovations. Seawool: The 'Emerald from the Ocean' Creative Tech's proprietary Seawool material represents a bold leap in sustainable material development. By blending discarded oyster shells from Taiwan with recycled PET plastic bottles, the company has created a textile that is as functional as it is environmentally conscious. Already adopted by leading US apparel brands, Seawool generates around TWD$200 million (US$6.1 million) in annual revenue and is quickly gaining global traction. In May, Creative Tech showcased Seawool at PanTextiles Tokyo, an international trade event by the Taiwan Textile Federation. "As consumers grow more conscious of their clothing's environmental impact, we want them to know sustainable material innovations like Seawool exist and are scalable," noted Eddie Wang, Founder and CEO of Creative Tech Textile. "Our goal is to replace traditional fibers with more environmentally-friendly alternatives - facilitating true sustainability from the upstream end of the fashion industry supply chain." Creative Tech currently produces 2,500 tons of Seawool annually, repurposing approximately 500 tons of oyster shells. How Seawool Compares to Traditional Materials Seawool stands out for both its environmental footprint and fabric properties: Odor-resistant Moisture-wicking Offers UV protection Furthermore, the oyster shell powder inside is a low thermal conductivity material, offering temperature stability. Seawool also has cost and environmental advantages: 1/10 the cost of down 1/20 the cost of high-grade wool Lower water usage compared to down and wool compared to down and wool Performs better for water absorption than polyester than polyester Improved odor resistance compared with cotton compared with cotton Comparable thermal regulation to pricier low-conductivity fabrics, but at 1/6 to 1/10 the cost A sustainable world inside an oyster shell While Taiwan produces an estimated 100,000 tons of oyster shells annually, far greater quantities are generated in the US and China, highlighting the abundance of this natural raw material. Turning oyster shells into functional powder requires a specialized process which Creative Tech has mastered with unique production advantages that support large-scale manufacturing. As demand for eco-conscious materials grows, Creative Tech is well-placed to deliver consistent quality and scale for fashion brands seeking sustainable alternatives. About Creative Tech Textile Founded in 2010 and based in Tainan, Taiwan, Creative Tech Textile is a leading innovator in sustainable textiles. Best known for its proprietary, patented Seawool material-made from discarded oyster shells and recycled PET bottles-the company delivers high-performance fabrics with natural softness, thermal regulation, and odor resistance. As a Bluesign-certified manufacturer, Creative Tech helps global apparel brands adopt circular, eco-friendly textiles. For more information, visit: https://hansglobaltextile.net/en/ Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2700871/image.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/creative-tech-textiles-seawool-opens-new-horizons-for-sustainable-fashion-302471141.html TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As the Tashkent International Investment Forum 2025 (TIIF) draws closer, the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade (MIIT) are delighted to announce its official partners for the country's flagship event. Led by Strategic Partners Uzum, ACWA Power and KOC Construction, TIIF is bringing together global investors, policymakers, and business leaders to Tashkent as to show the true New Uzbekistan: The Big Country with Big Opportunities. Uzbekistan's most significant international economic event will be taking place at the Central Asian Expo (CAEx) Uzbekistan from 10-12 June 2025, and as a reflection on the country and TIIF's growing reputation, the full partner lineup includes a powerful mix of multinational corporations, regional champions, and leading financial institutions-each playing a unique role in supporting Uzbekistan's economic ambitions. MIIT are thrilled to announce a total of 15 partners who have all played a crucial role in Uzbekistan's growth and rising potential through investments and initiatives deeply integrated into the country. "We extend our sincere gratitude to this exceptional group of Partners for their support of the Tashkent International Investment Forum," said Minister Laziz Kudratov. "The impact and value they bring to the country is not understated and we are immensely proud that they have partnered with us for this year's Forum. The calibre of our Partners reflects the growing momentum behind the New Uzbekistan: The Big Country with Big Opportunities." Strategic Partners Uzum: Uzum, Uzbekistan's first IT unicorn. The company has built the country's leading digital ecosystem, integrating a national e-commerce marketplace, fintech solutions, and banking services tailored for both individuals and businesses. In 2024, Uzum attracted over $100 million in foreign investments and launched the largest logistics complex for e-commerce in Central Asia. Today, over 17 million people across Uzbekistan rely on Uzum's ecosystem every month - a testament to the company's central role in transforming everyday digital services and enabling economic opportunity at scale. Uzum, Uzbekistan's first IT unicorn. The company has built the country's leading digital ecosystem, integrating a national e-commerce marketplace, fintech solutions, and banking services tailored for both individuals and businesses. In 2024, Uzum attracted over $100 million in foreign investments and launched the largest logistics complex for e-commerce in Central Asia. Today, over 17 million people across Uzbekistan rely on Uzum's ecosystem every month - a testament to the company's central role in transforming everyday digital services and enabling economic opportunity at scale. ACWA Power: The Saudi Arabian energy company is a leading investor in Uzbekistan's renewable energy sector. In 2024, three major renewable projects worth $3 billion were launched, including the Bash and Dzhankeldy Wind Power Plants (1,000 MW), the Samarkand 1 and 2 Solar Projects (1,000 MW of solar power and a 1,000 MWh battery storage system), and the Tashkent BESS Project (500 MWh). The Saudi Arabian energy company is a leading investor in Uzbekistan's renewable energy sector. In 2024, three major renewable projects worth $3 billion were launched, including the Bash and Dzhankeldy Wind Power Plants (1,000 MW), the Samarkand 1 and 2 Solar Projects (1,000 MW of solar power and a 1,000 MWh battery storage system), and the Tashkent BESS Project (500 MWh). KOC Construction: The Turkish global engineering and construction company is expanding its portfolio in Uzbekistan with key infrastructure projects. KOC Construction is involved in the feasibility studies and planning for the new Tashkent-Samarkand high-speed rail line and is also participating in the expansion of Jurgenchi International Airport. General Partners Vision Invest : A major Saudi Arabian investment firm, Vision Invest is expanding its presence in Uzbekistan, particularly in utilities and infrastructure. For example, Vision Invest is working with MIIT to develop new transport and infrastructure public-private partnership (PPP) projects, supporting the country's privatisation and infrastructure reform agenda. : A major Saudi Arabian investment firm, Vision Invest is expanding its presence in Uzbekistan, particularly in utilities and infrastructure. For example, Vision Invest is working with MIIT to develop new transport and infrastructure public-private partnership (PPP) projects, supporting the country's privatisation and infrastructure reform agenda. OTP Group: The largest Hungarian commercial bank, which entered the Uzbek market in 2023 by acquiring a 73.71% stake in Ipoteka Bank - the country's fifth-largest bank at the time, serving approximately 1.5 million retail customers and holding a 7.6% market share by assets. This marked the first major privatization of an Uzbek bank involving a foreign investor. The largest Hungarian commercial bank, which entered the Uzbek market in 2023 by acquiring a 73.71% stake in Ipoteka Bank - the country's fifth-largest bank at the time, serving approximately 1.5 million retail customers and holding a 7.6% market share by assets. This marked the first major privatization of an Uzbek bank involving a foreign investor. Ipoteka Bank: An Uzbek bank that has become a flagship of successful banking transformation and international partnership. Following its integration into OTP Group, the bank underwent a comprehensive modernization - evolving from a specialized mortgage institution into a universal bank with advanced digital services and corporate solutions. Retail lending has been significantly expanded, and operational processes have been aligned with international standards. Partners TBC Uzbekistan : Part of London-listed TBC Bank Group and Central Asia's leading digital banking ecosystem. Powered by a proprietary tech stack, an experienced international team and a lending-led product strategy, it meets surging demand for digital financial services among the region's young, tech-savvy population. Its three high-growth fintech businesses-TBC UZ (Uzbekistan's largest digital bank), Payme (payments) and Payme Nasiya (instalment credit)-serve more than 6 million monthly active users. : Part of London-listed TBC Bank Group and Central Asia's leading digital banking ecosystem. Powered by a proprietary tech stack, an experienced international team and a lending-led product strategy, it meets surging demand for digital financial services among the region's young, tech-savvy population. Its three high-growth fintech businesses-TBC UZ (Uzbekistan's largest digital bank), Payme (payments) and Payme Nasiya (instalment credit)-serve more than 6 million monthly active users. DataVolt: A Saudi-Arabian data center developer and operator, investing $200 million in Tashkent IT Park to support digital services. Future campuses in Bukhara and New Tashkent could raise total investment to $5 billion designed to support cloud computing and digital services for local businesses and government agencies. A Saudi-Arabian data center developer and operator, investing $200 million in Tashkent IT Park to support digital services. Future campuses in Bukhara and New Tashkent could raise total investment to $5 billion designed to support cloud computing and digital services for local businesses and government agencies. Also from Saudi Arabia is DataVolt, a Saudi-Arabian data center developer and operator, is investing $200 million in Tashkent IT Park to support digital services. Future campuses in Bukhara and New Tashkent could raise total investment to $5 billion, contingent on progress in terrestrial connectivity and ongoing reforms in the telecom sector. Miahona : A Saudi listed company that began operations in 2008 and is one of the first developers of water and wastewater infrastructures under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in the region. They have partnered with Government of Uzbekistan to build and upgrade several water and wastewater treatment plants, improving water quality and environmental impact. : A Saudi listed company that began operations in 2008 and is one of the first developers of water and wastewater infrastructures under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in the region. They have partnered with Government of Uzbekistan to build and upgrade several water and wastewater treatment plants, improving water quality and environmental impact. UzOman Investment Company: A strategic investment firm established to strengthen economic ties and foster long-term partnerships between the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Uzbekistan. With a mandate to identify and develop high-impact investment opportunities across key sectors, the UzOman Investment plays a pivotal role in advancing mutual growth, sustainable development, and cross-border collaboration. A strategic investment firm established to strengthen economic ties and foster long-term partnerships between the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Uzbekistan. With a mandate to identify and develop high-impact investment opportunities across key sectors, the UzOman Investment plays a pivotal role in advancing mutual growth, sustainable development, and cross-border collaboration. AKSA Enerji: This Turkish energy company is expanding its operations in Uzbekistan to support thermal and renewable generation projects. Aksa is currently developing a new 240 MW gas-fired power plant in Tashkent region and has announced plans for solar energy projects to boost renewable capacity. This Turkish energy company is expanding its operations in Uzbekistan to support thermal and renewable generation projects. Aksa is currently developing a new 240 MW gas-fired power plant in Tashkent region and has announced plans for solar energy projects to boost renewable capacity. StoneX : Focused on commodities and trading, StoneX brings risk management expertise to local markets. For example, StoneX has worked with Uzbek cotton exporters to implement hedging strategies that protect against price volatility on international markets. : Focused on commodities and trading, StoneX brings risk management expertise to local markets. For example, StoneX has worked with Uzbek cotton exporters to implement hedging strategies that protect against price volatility on international markets. Halyk Bank : One of Kazakhstan's leading banks, Halyk Bank is instrumental in enabling cross-border finance and trade within Central Asia. The bank has provided trade finance facilities for Uzbek importers and exporters, facilitating smoother transactions with partners in Kazakhstan and beyond. : One of Kazakhstan's leading banks, Halyk Bank is instrumental in enabling cross-border finance and trade within Central Asia. The bank has provided trade finance facilities for Uzbek importers and exporters, facilitating smoother transactions with partners in Kazakhstan and beyond. European Investment Bank (EIB): The EIB plays an important role in supporting sustainable infrastructure and climate-aligned financing in Uzbekistan. For example, the EIB co-financed the modernization of Tashkent's public transport system, including the introduction of electric buses to reduce emissions. The EIB plays an important role in supporting sustainable infrastructure and climate-aligned financing in Uzbekistan. For example, the EIB co-financed the modernization of Tashkent's public transport system, including the introduction of electric buses to reduce emissions. Squire Patton Boggs: A leading global law firm, Squire Patton Boggs is one of the few providing crucial legal expertise to investors navigating the Uzbek market. The firm has advised several multinational companies on joint ventures, mergers, and compliance with Uzbekistan's evolving regulatory landscape. Global TV broadcaster CNN and its leading anchor Richard Quest, host of 'Quest Means Business' and Pan-European broadcaster EuroNews will be at TIIF as official Media Partners to showcase Uzbekistan's investment story. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2703376/MIIT_Tashkent.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/tashkent-international-investment-forum-2025-unveils-official-partners-as-new-uzbekistan-the-big-country-with-big-opportunities-continues-fdi-drive-302473434.html NEW YORK, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- New York Residence, Inc., a world-renowned real estate brokerage firm, is pleased to announce that Richard Pino, Chief Financial Officer and Associate Broker, will be traveling to France and Croatia from June 17th through July 7th, 2025 to meet with customers. New York Residence is celebrating twenty-years of success, marking two decades of growth, innovation and unwavering commitment to its customers. "We are incredibly proud of our 20-year journey and the success we've achieved," said Richard Pino, Chief Financial Officer. "This milestone is a testament to the hard work of our employees, and loyalty of our customers. For two decades, New York Residence has been traveling the globe to introduce buyers to, and educate them about, the advantages of purchasing in one of the strongest real estate markets, New York City. We have successfully found residential, commercial and investment properties for these clients. Mr. Pino has traveled to Croatia, Italy, Columbia, Panama, China, Hong Kong, Russia, Ireland, and throughout the US to meet with customers, and to represent New York Residence at international trade shows. Real Estate Brokerage Is Still A Relationship Business. Real estate professionals need to be willing to travel to meet with customers at their request. Customers can easily find information on many third-party real estate websites, but in-person and phone communications are still the most important interactions to educate customers, Richard stated. Historically, New York Residence was ranked within the top five Manhattan Boutique Firms, was ranked number 20 in closed transactions amongst all firm sizes, and was ranked number 22 in listing dollar volume amongst all firm sizes. New York Residence is a real estate brokerage firm that specializes in advisory services, residential, commercial, and investment property brokerage sales and rentals. It maintains three offices in New York, with international offices located in Hong Kong, Seoul, and Singapore. New York Residence' corporate headquarters is located at 1501 Broadway, 26th floor, in the iconic Paramount Building in the heart of Times Square. Private appointments can be arranged for Bordeaux, Sarlat, and Lyon from June 17th - June 27th. Thereafter, appointments in Rovinj will be held at Demex, an audit and tax firm, from June 27th - July 7th. Appointments may be arranged by sending an email to rpino@nyr.com. Media Contact: Richard Pino Chief Financial Officer/Associate Broker New York Residence O-212-360-7000 x125 M-917-209-7862 rpino@nyr.com View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/real-estate-firm-new-york-residence-inc-visits-france--croatia-302473359.html June 5, 2025 Amsterdam, the Netherlands - Royal Philips(NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), today announced that the exchange ratio for the dividend for the year 2024 is 1 new common share for every 23.6353 existing common shares. This ratio was based on the volume weighted average price on Euronext Amsterdam of May 30, June 2, and 3, 2025, of EUR 20.0600 and was calculated in a manner that the gross dividend in shares will be approximately equal to EUR 0.85. As a result, Philips will issue a total number of 22,980,748 new common shares. Shareholders have been given the opportunity to make their choice between a dividend in shares or (subject to certain conditions) in cash. The aggregate cash election result was 41.4%, which is below the 50% maximum as adopted in the General Meeting of Shareholders and therefore shareholders will receive the dividend in accordance with their election. Delivery of new common shares, with settlement of fractions in cash, if required, and payment of the cash dividend will take place from June 6, 2025. Upon distribution, the total issued share capital will amount to EUR 192,584,026, representing 962,920,132 common shares. More information is available via this link. For further information, please contact: Michael Fuchs Philips Global External Relations Tel.: +31 6 1486 9261 E-mail: michael.fuchs@philips.com Dorin Danu Philips Investor Relations Tel.: +31 20 59 77055 E-mail: dorin.danu@philips.com About Royal Philips Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a leading health technology company focused on improving people's health and well-being through meaningful innovation. Philips' patient- and people-centric innovation leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver personal health solutions for consumers and professional health solutions for healthcare providers and their patients in the hospital and the home. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company is a leader in diagnostic imaging, ultrasound, image-guided therapy, monitoring and enterprise informatics, as well as in personal health. Philips generated 2024 sales of EUR 18 billion and employs approximately 67,200 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. News about Philips can be found at www.philips.com/newscenter. Forward-looking statements This release contains certain forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of Philips and certain of the plans and objectives of Philips with respect to these items. Examples of forward-looking statements include statements made about the strategy, estimates of sales growth, future EBITA, future developments in Philips' organic business and the completion of acquisitions and divestments. By their nature, these statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to future events and circumstances and there are many factors that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these statements. Paris, France, June 5, 2025 -- TISSIUM, a medtech company developing biomorphic programmable polymers for tissue reconstruction, confirms its selection for the sixth year in a row in the French Tech 120 Program by joining the 2025 class. Launched in 2019 by the Mission French Tech, the French Tech 120 is a program from the Government to support the 120 most promising French start-ups, who have the potential to become world-class technology leaders. TISSIUM will benefit from daily, personalized support throughout the 2025 class. The aim of the program is to provide individual and collective support on strategic issues such as international development, financing, recruitment, industrial implantation, intellectual property, and regulatory issues. Start-ups will thus be able to rely on a dedicated start-up manager within the Mission French Tech, enhanced visibility, specific support on regulatory issues, and collective support in the form of experience-sharing events and expertise contributions. "We are delighted to once again be part of the French Tech 120 program, particularly in 2025 where we continue the expansion of our activities in each of our therapeutic indications and the achievement of important clinical and regulatory milestones in preparation for the upcoming commercialization of our first products. For the sixth consecutive year, this recognition is a validation of our ongoing commitment to innovate and grow in order to transform the field of tissue reconstruction." said Christophe Bancel, CEO of TISSIUM. About Mission French Tech Mission French Tech is the government mission tasked, since 2013, with supporting the structuring and growth of the French start-up ecosystem, in France and internationally. Attached to the Direction Generale des Entreprises, within the Ministere de l'Economie, des Finances et de la Souverainete Industrielle et Numerique, it federates and animates the French Tech ecosystem with a network of 17 Capitales and nearly a hundred labeled French Tech Communities, in France and in 52 countries around the world. It also supports start-ups by facilitating their interactions with the administration via a network of over 60 French Tech correspondents. Mission French Tech supports the most mature start-ups through the French Tech Next40/120 program and start-ups positioned in sectors identified as strategic within the framework of France 2030 with the French Tech 2030 program. Find all the information on the French Tech Next40/120 on the Mission French Tech website: www.lafrenchtech.com/en Mission French Tech press contact: ft.presse@finances.gouv.fr About TISSIUM TISSIUM is a MedTech company headquartered in Paris, France, with operations in Cambridge, USA, and a manufacturing site in the North of France (Ronq). The company is pioneering a proprietary platform of fully biosynthetic, biomorphic, and programmable polymers designed to address critical unmet needs in atraumatic tissue repair and tissue reconstruction. TISSIUM's diversified pipeline includes seven products across three core verticals: sutureless nerve repair, atraumatic hernia repair, and cardiovascular sealants. Each solution is engineered to optimize tissue reconstruction through controlled and consistent application with specialized delivery and activation devices to maximize the performance and usability of its products. Founded in 2013, TISSIUM is built on breakthrough research and intellectual property originating from the laboratories of Professor Robert Langer (MIT) and Professor Jeffrey M. Karp (Brigham and Women's Hospital). For more information, please visit www.TISSIUM.com and follow us on LinkedIn: TISSIUM. *** Contact Romain Attard - Chief Financial Officer rattard@tissium.com ROTTERDAM, The Netherlands, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LyondellBasell (LYB) today announced that it has entered into an agreement and exclusive negotiations with AEQUITA for the sale of select olefins & polyolefins assets and the associated business in Europe. The sites to be sold have been part of the previously announced European strategic assessment and are located in Berre (France), Munchsmunster (Germany), Carrington (UK), and Tarragona (Spain). "This contemplated transaction is a significant step in LYB's transformation to Grow and Upgrade our Core. We are committed to operate our assets safely and reliably throughout this process and will continue to support our customers, employees and other key stakeholders," said Peter Vanacker, LyondellBasell chief executive officer. "Europe remains a core market for LYB and one we will continue to participate in following this transaction with more of a focus on value creation through establishing profitable leadership in circular and renewable solutions." The assets and business to be acquired by AEQUITA include integrated and non-integrated sites within LYB's European olefins and polyolefins business, as well as supporting central functions based at the Company's Rotterdam headquarters and various locations. The sites together represent a scaled olefins and polyolefins platform strategically located in proximity to a longstanding customer base and with access and connectivity to key infrastructure. "The acquisition of these assets from LYB marks another important step in expanding our industrial footprint," said Christoph Himmel, Managing Partner at AEQUITA. "Each site brings a strong operational foundation and a highly experienced, committed employee base. We are confident in our ability to accelerate their development under AEQUITA's ownership approach. We look forward to welcoming the teams into our Group and to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition and establish a strong platform for long-term success." The agreement entered into between LyondellBasell and AEQUITA is a put option deed under which AEQUITA has committed to enter into an agreed form purchase agreement if LyondellBasell exercises its put option, after conclusion of certain works council consultation processes. Closing of the proposed transaction is currently expected in the first half of 2026, subject to the completion of the information and consultation processes with the relevant employee representative bodies in accordance with applicable laws, as well as regulatory and other customary closing conditions. Citi and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC acted as financial advisors and Linklaters LLP acted as legal counsel to LyondellBasell. Investor conference call LYB will host a conference call June 5 at 8 a.m. EDT. Participants on the call will include Chief Executive Officer Peter Vanacker, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Agustin Izquierdo, Executive Vice President of Global Olefins and Polyolefins Kim Foley and Head of Investor Relations Dave Kinney. For event access, the toll-free dial-in number is 1-877-407-8029, international dial-in number is 201-689-8029 or click the CallMe link. The slides and webcast that accompany the call will be available at investors.lyondellbasell.com/events-and-presentations/. A replay of the call will be available from 1 p.m. EDT June 5 until July 5, 2025. The replay toll-free dial-in numbers are 1-877-660-6853 and 201-612-7415. The access ID for each is 13754240. About LyondellBasell We are LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB) - a leader in the global chemical industry creating solutions for everyday sustainable living. Through advanced technology and focused investments, we are enabling a circular and low carbon economy. Across all we do, we aim to unlock value for our customers, investors, and society. As one of the world's largest producers of polymers and a leader in polyolefin technologies, we develop, manufacture and market high-quality and innovative products for applications ranging from sustainable transportation and food safety to clean water and quality healthcare. For more information, please visit www.lyondellbasell.com or follow @LyondellBasell on LinkedIn. About AEQUITA AEQUITA is a Munich-based industrial group investing in special situations, including corporate carve-outs, successions, and transformational situations across Europe. Its current portfolio generates more than EUR 3.5 billion in revenues. With a strong capital base, entrepreneurial expertise, and a partnership approach, AEQUITA focuses on the acquisition and long-term value enhancement of companies that can benefit from its operational engagement. For more information, please visit www.aequita.com. Media Inquiries LYB Global LyondellBasell Media Relations Phone: +1-713-309-7575 Email: mediarelations@lyondellbasell.com Or: Media Inquiries LYB Europe Robert Kleissen, External Affairs Europe Phone: +31-6-273-573-98 Email: robert.kleissen@lyondellbasell.com Media Inquiries AEQUITA Simon Schulz, Partner Phone: +49-89-2620-4840-0 Email: contact@aequita.com Forward-Looking Statements LYB The statements in this release relating to matters that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially based on factors including, but not limited to, our ability to align our asset base with our strategic goals; our ability to successfully complete the transactions contemplated by the put option and related agreements; completion of information and consultation processes of the relevant employee representative bodies; and the satisfaction of regulatory and other customary closing conditions. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the "Risk Factors" section of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, which can be found at www.LyondellBasell.com on the Investor Relations page and on the Securities and Exchange Commission's website at www.sec.gov. There is no assurance that any of the actions, events or results of the forward-looking statements will occur, or if any of them do, what impact they will have on our results of operations or financial condition. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they were made and are based on the estimates and opinions of management of LyondellBasell at the time the statements are made. LyondellBasell does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements should circumstances or management's estimates or opinions change, except as required by law. SINGAPORE, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- HTX, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, has officially ranked 8th in Kaiko's Q2 2025 Global Spot Exchange Ranking, rising two positions from the previous quarter. This significant leap marks the strongest upward movement among the top 10 exchanges this quarter and underscores HTX's growing global influence and robust platform performance. Kaiko, a trusted provider of institutional-grade crypto market data and indices, assessed 45 leading spot exchanges across six weighted dimensions: Governance, Liquidity, Technology, Business, Security, and Data Quality. HTX distinguished itself particularly in the Business and Technology categories, while maintaining top-tier performance in Security. Business Strength: Ranked Second in the Industry HTX secured the No. 2 position globally in the Business category, reflecting its exceptional product depth, operational scale, and innovation capacity. In April alone, HTX listed 14 new tokens covering trending sectors such as staking infrastructure and on-chain narratives. Standout performers included: STO, which saw a post-listing surge of 303% DARK (MCP narrative), up 246% HOUSE (Solana-based meme coin), up 176% HTX also became the first exchange globally to list USD1 (World Liberty Financial USD), a new entrant in the stablecoin space, further cementing its position as a first-mover in emerging asset classes. According to DeFiLlama, HTX achieved a net capital inflow of $472 million in April, the highest among global CEXs-surpassing competitors by 6-7x. In addition, CoinGecko's 2025 Q1 Crypto Industry Report named HTX the only Top 10 exchange with positive spot trading growth, bucking broader market headwinds. Technological Excellence and Seamless User Experience HTX also ranked among the top performers in the Technology dimension, which Kaiko defines by factors such as platform uptime, API latency, and throughput under high-load conditions. HTX's consistent system stability and ultra-low-latency infrastructure have enabled it to deliver a high-frequency trading environment trusted by both retail and institutional users. In Kaiko's analysis, technological excellence is a core driver of user retention-and HTX's performance reinforces its standing as a premium trading venue. Top-Tier Security HTX scored among the highest across the board in Security, thanks to proactive risk management and infrastructure investment. The exchange has maintained zero security incidents for 20+ consecutive months. Recent enhancements include: Multi-device login protections and anomaly transfer alerts Fireblocks Off-Exchange integration to strengthen institutional custody Expanded collaboration with global white-hat partners for 24/7 defense and continuous penetration testing HTX continues to set the industry standard for transparency, with 31 consecutive months of asset reserve disclosures. Its May 2025 Merkle Tree Proof of Reserves confirmed a 73% surge in USDT in April, followed by over 30% growth in May-clear proof of growing user trust and accelerating capital inflows. A Continued Commitment to Excellence HTX remains committed to upholding the highest standards in security, compliance, and market integrity while expanding access to new digital asset opportunities. This recognition by Kaiko places HTX firmly among the elite exchanges shaping the future of the crypto ecosystem. About HTX Founded in 2013, HTX has evolved from a virtual asset exchange into a comprehensive ecosystem of blockchain businesses that span digital asset trading, financial derivatives, research, investments, incubation, and other businesses. As a world-leading gateway to Web3, HTX harbors global capabilities that enable it to provide users with safe and reliable services. Adhering to the growth strategy of "Global Expansion, Thriving Ecosystem, Wealth Effect, Security & Compliance," HTX is dedicated to providing quality services and values to virtual asset enthusiasts worldwide. To learn more about HTX, please visit HTX Square or https://www.htx.com/ , and follow HTX on X , Telegram , and Discord . Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2704117/IMG_9577.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2391903/image_ID__Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/htx-jumps-two-spots-to-8-in-kaikos-q2-exchange-ranking-302474173.html Ende Mai leitete US-Prasident Donald Trump mit der Unterzeichnung mehrerer Dekrete eine weitreichende Wende in der amerikanischen Energiepolitik ein. Im Fokus: der beschleunigte Ausbau der Kernenergie. Mit einem umfassenden Manahmenpaket sollen Genehmigungsprozesse reformiert, kleinere Reaktoren gefordert und der Anteil von Atomstrom in den USA massiv gesteigert werden. Ausloser ist der explodierende Energiebedarf durch KI-Rechenzentren, der eine stabile, CO-arme Grundlastversorgung zwingend notwendig macht. In unserem kostenlosen Spezialreport erfahren Sie, welche 3 Unternehmen jetzt im Zentrum dieser energiepolitischen Neuausrichtung stehen, und wer vom kommenden Boom der Nuklearindustrie besonders profitieren konnte. Holen Sie sich den neuesten Report! Verpassen Sie nicht, welche Aktien besonders von der Energiewende in den USA profitieren durften, und laden Sie sich das Gratis-PDF jetzt kostenlos herunter. Dieses exklusive Angebot gilt aber nur fur kurze Zeit! Daher jetzt downloaden! CALGARY, AB / ACCESS Newswire / June 5, 2025 / Primary Hydrogen Corp. (TSXV:HDRO)(FRA:83W0)(OTCQB:HNATF) ("Primary" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the engagement of Tripoint Geological Services to support the Company's upcoming British Columbia exploration programs. The Company is fully funded for its 2025 natural hydrogen exploration program across Canada. "As we prepare for an active field season across Canada, we are pleased to partner with Tripoint to facilitate exploration programs across our portfolio of BC-based projects" commented Benjamin Asuncion, CEO of Primary Hydrogen Corp. "Tripoint is able to facilitate our planned exploration programs including soil and soil-gas sampling, geophysics, and permitting." About Tripoint Geological Services Founded in 2019, Tripoint Geological Services is a Canadian geological consulting firm dedicated to delivering exceptional support for mineral exploration programs, from grassroots to advanced stages. Built on a foundation of extensive industry experience, Tripoint is driven by a commitment to excellence, fostering a passionate and innovative environment for employees, contractors, and service providers. By prioritizing quality, safety, environmental responsibility, and community engagement, Tripoint empowers its team to create industry-leading products and services, ensuring unparalleled value for clients. About Primary Hydrogen Corp. Primary Hydrogen is dedicated to the exploration and development of natural hydrogen resources. With over 740 acres in the U.S. and 230 square kilometers across Canada, the Company's portfolio includes the Blakelock, Hopkins, Mary's Harbour, Point Rosie, Crooked Amphibolite, Coquihalla, and Cogburn projects. Primary also holds the Arthur Lake copper project in British Columbia and has an option to acquire a 75% interest in a hydrogen-REE project known as Wicheeda North, also located in British Columbia. -- FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Ben Asuncion Chief Executive Officer Primary Hydrogen Corp. Email: ben@primaryh2.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 INFORMATION This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: (i) the Company's intention to complete the Private Placement; (ii) the structure and terms of the FT Units and Non-FT Units, including as to pricing, composition, and warrant exercise terms; (iii) the expected use of proceeds from the Private Placement; and (vi) the anticipated closing date of the Private Placement. Forward-looking statements are often identified by words such as "intends," "expects," "will," "may," or similar expressions. These statements are based on certain assumptions, including but not limited to: the Company's ability to successfully market and complete the Private Placement; the accuracy of estimated costs and timelines for exploration and development activities; the availability of sufficient capital to fund planned exploration and general expenses; the Company's ability to comply with the requirements for flow-through mining expenditures under the Income Tax Act (Canada); the timely receipt of TSX Venture Exchange approval; and the absence of unforeseen regulatory or market obstacles. These forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Such risks include, but are not limited to: the inability to raise the targeted C$2,000,000 or any funds through the Private Placement; changes in market conditions affecting the pricing or demand for FT Units or Non-FT Units; unexpected costs or delays in exploration and development activities; failure to qualify expenditures as "flow-through mining expenditures" or to renounce them by December 31, 2026; delays or failure in obtaining TSX Venture Exchange approval; changes in securities regulations or TSX Venture Exchange policies affecting the Offering or finder compensation; economic or financial market volatility impacting the Company's ability to fund operations; and general economic, market, or industry conditions. Additional risks are discussed in the Company's most recently filed management's discussion and analysis, available under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable based on the experience of its management, current conditions, and expected future developments, there can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements or information, except as required by applicable securities laws. SOURCE: Primary Hydrogen Corp. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/oil-gas-and-energy/primary-hydrogen-engages-tripoint-for-bc-exploration-1035529 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / June 5, 2025 / Camino Minerals Corporation (TSXV:COR)(OTC PINK:CAMZF) ("Camino" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the receipt of CAD$1.5 million from exploration partner Nittetsu Mining CO., Ltd. ("Nittetsu") to fully fund the upcoming exploration and drilling campaign at Camino's Los Chapitos Copper Project ("Los Chapitos" or the "Project") in Peru. The funds constitute the fifth option to earn-in payment by Nittetsu under the terms of the Earn-in Agreement ("Agreement") that Camino entered into with Nittetsu in 2023 (see news release dated June 14, 2023). Under the terms of the Agreement, Nittetsu can secure a 35% project interest in Los Chapitos once it completes a total investment of CAD$10 million, contributed over three years. To date, Nittetsu has invested a total of CAD$8.5 million into the Los Chapitos copper project. The exploration and drilling campaign will run from June 1, 2025, until November 30, 2025, and has been approved by the Camino - Nittetsu Joint Technical Committee. The funds will be used to advance and drill Camino's next high-priority targets, including the Katty prospect on the Diva Trend, where mineralization associated with copper oxide, sulfides, and copper wad have been identified at surface and previously drilled at depth. The campaign will also cover the newly identified Sombrero Blanco target, along the La Estancia fault, where a broad and continuous zone of copper oxide mineralization has been identified, and which remains a key target within Camino's strategic exploration at the Los Chapitos copper and silver exploration project in southern Peru. Camino and Nittetsu are also working with consultants to model and investigate copper mineralization at depth. Historical drilling intercepts have demonstrated high-grade copper at depth including 4.5m @ 5.01% Cu from 245.5 m in drillhole DCH-012 (see news release dated May 26, 2020 for full details of the drill hole and corresponding drill program). Additional results of trenching and targeting will be released in the coming weeks, as the Company identifies its best drilling targets for 2025. "Our relationship with Nittetsu has recently deepened with the joint acquisition of the advanced Puquios copper project in Chile (see news release dated April 17, 2025) which we are aiming to bring to production, with its primary RCA permit to start construction already in place. That relationship began at our Los Chapitos project in Peru, and we are thankful for the continued investment from Nittetsu in what we believe has the potential to become our next copper mine following Puquios. Nittetsu's continued commitment underscores our joint belief in Los Chapitos' potential to become a significant copper producer in Peru." Figure 1. Geological mapping at the Los Chapitos copper project in May 2025. Community Participation On Friday, May 23, Camino held the Public Participation Workshop for the Second Amendment EIA for Los Chapitos. This step in the permitting process included active coordination with local authorities, community leaders, and residents from the Project's direct area. The workshop was supported by a comprehensive communication plan to encourage broad community engagement both in-person and online that facilitated feedback from community members, and reinforced Camino's commitment to public participation. Figure 2. Camino representatives hosting the community participation workshop. About Camino Camino is a discovery and development stage copper exploration company. Camino is focused on developing copper producing assets such as Puquios, a construction-ready copper mine in Chile, and advancing its IOCG Los Chapitos copper project located in Peru through to resource delineation and development, and to add new discoveries. Camino has also permitted the Maria Cecilia copper porphyry project for exploration discovery drilling to add to its NI 43-101 resources. In addition, Camino has increased its land position at its copper and silver Plata Dorada project. Camino seeks to acquire a portfolio of advanced copper assets that have the potential to deliver copper into an electrifying copper intensive global economy. For more information, please refer to Camino's website at www.caminocorp.com. Jose A. Bassan, MSc. Geologist, an independent geologist FAusIMM (CP) 227922, a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed and approved the technical contents of this document. Mr. Bassan has reviewed and verified relevant data supporting the technical disclosure, including sampling and analytical test data. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD /S/ "Jay Chmelauskas" President and CEO For further information, please contact: Camino Investor Relations info@caminocorp.com Tel: (604) 493-2058 Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements: Certain disclosures in this release constitute forward-looking information. In making the forward-looking disclosures in this release, the Company has applied certain factors and assumptions that are based on the Company's current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Forward-looking information in the release includes the prospectivity of future exploration work at Los Chapitos, future planned drilling programs, prospectivity for copper exploration in new targets; expectations for completion of earn-in expenditures under the Agreement with Nittetsu; potential for development of the Puquios Project and Los Chapitos Project into operating mining properties and the receipt of necessary authorizations and approvals. Although the Company considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to it, they may prove to be incorrect, and the forward-looking information in this release is subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause future results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking information. Such risk factors include, among others, that actual results of the Company's exploration activities may be different than those expected by management, that the Company may not realize the benefits of joint ventures and/or strategic partnerships with respect to the Company's properties, that the Company may be unable to obtain or may experience delays in obtaining any required authorizations and approvals and the state of equity and commodity markets, as well as other risks and assumptions set forth in our continuous disclosure filings. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. SOURCE: Camino Minerals Corp View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/nittetsu-mining-provides-1.5-million-fifth-earn-in-payment-for-caminos-los-chapit-1035847 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 5, 2025) - Nexus Uranium Corp. (CSE: NEXU) (OTCQB: GIDMF) (FSE: 3H1) ("Nexus" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on recent uranium market developments which positively impact the underlying fundamentals for uranium exploration, development and production. Recent market developments include the US Executive Order, spot market update, Small Modular Reactor (SMR) developments, and continued AI-driven power supply agreements, all of which have resulted in an overall improvement in the underlying uranium supply-demand fundamentals. Additionally, the Company is still awaiting pending geochemical assay results from the Winter 2025 drill program at its flagship Cree East project in the Athabasca Basin. Notable Uranium Market Developments: US Executive Order: Trump's Executive Order aims to revitalize the U.S. nuclear sector and restore domestic control over the uranium fuel cycle, establishing a national energy policy, accelerating reactor deployment, and rebuilds domestic fuel supply infrastructure. Trump's Executive Order aims to revitalize the U.S. nuclear sector and restore domestic control over the uranium fuel cycle, establishing a national energy policy, accelerating reactor deployment, and rebuilds domestic fuel supply infrastructure. Strengthening Spot Price: Uranium spot prices have bounced off of 52-week lows of ~US$62/lb, rebounding to ~US$72/lb, on the back of improving sentiment and resumed utility activity. Uranium spot prices have bounced off of 52-week lows of ~US$62/lb, rebounding to ~US$72/lb, on the back of improving sentiment and resumed utility activity. SMR Announcements: NuScale Power secured U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approval for its 77 MW reactor, making it the first reactor to earn NRC certification. NuScale Power secured U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approval for its 77 MW reactor, making it the first reactor to earn NRC certification. AI-Driven Power Demand: Meta's recent 20-year supply deal continues the flurry of announcements from the likes of Google and Amazon. "The supply-demand fundamentals for uranium and clean, high-efficiency, scalable nuclear power remain as robust as ever," commented Jeremy Poirier, CEO of Nexus Uranium. "The US pronouncements and NRC's first SMR certification paves the way for significant expansion of nuclear development within the United States and ultimately for Canadian uranium explorers and developers given the reliance given the significant supply deficit for domestic production. Additionally, surging demand for AI and cloud computing puts increasingly greater requirements for clean, efficient, baseload power supply as evidenced by a string of tech-nuclear partnerships including the recent partnership between Meta and Constellation Energy." US Executive Order President Trump signed four executive orders (EOs) on May 23, 2025, intended to significantly boost U.S. deployment of advanced nuclear technologies through directives such as expediting regulatory review processes, promoting nuclear energy exports, and reforming the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. These included provisions for deployment at military installations, prioritizing the development of data centres, building a fuel bank of at least 20 tons of nuclear fuel, promoting nuclear exports, expanding capacity from 100 GW in 2024 to 400 GW by 2050, expediting timelines for project review and approval, and strengthening all aspects of the domestic supply chain. Spot Pricing Update Uranium futures rose to $71.9 per pound in early June, hovering near its highest level in over three months, and extending the rebound from eighteen-month lows in March as the possibility of political support for the nuclear sector outweighed the view of ample supply. Additionally, lack of clarity on future levies on uranium imports from Canada and Kazakhstan maintained the stress on the limited domestic capacity. SMR Developments NuScale Power has won design approval from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for its upgraded 77 megawatt-electric (MWe) small modular reactor (SMR), marking a key moment for the U.S. nuclear energy industry. This marks the first SMR design to earn NRC certification. Overall, SMR's allow for expedited development with scalable power with the footprint of a comparably sized conventional reactor. This announcement boosts the push for reliable, low-carbon energy as demand for cleaner electricity grows. AI-Driven Power Demand Facebook parent, Meta Platforms Inc., signed a 20-year power supply deal with Constellation Energy to help meet surging demand for artificial intelligence and other computing needs. This announcement is the latest in a string of tech-nuclear partnerships, driven by the expansion of AI, which includes Amazon, Google and Microsoft both investing in small modular reactors and long-term power supply agreements to power their fast-growing artificial intelligence platforms. About Nexus Uranium Corp. Nexus Uranium Corp. is a multi-commodity development company focused on advancing the Cree East uranium project in the Athabasca Basin in addition to its precious metals portfolio that includes the Napoleon gold project in British Columbia and a package of gold claims in the Yukon. The Cree East project is one of the largest projects within the Athabasca Basin of Saskatchewan spanning 57,752 hectares (142,708 acres) and has seen over $20 million in exploration to date. The Napoleon project comprises over 1,000 hectares and prospective for multiple forms of gold mineralization, with exploration in the area dating back to the 1970s with the discovery of high-grade gold. The Yukon gold projects are comprised of almost 8,000 hectares of quartz claims prospective for high-grade gold mineralization.. The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Warren D. Robb, P.Geo. (BC), a Director and VP Exploration of Nexus Uranium Corp. and a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101. -- This news release includes certain statements and information that may constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, including statements regarding future estimates, plans, objectives, timing, assumptions or expectations of future performance are forward-looking statements and contain forward-looking information, including, but not limited to, any planned exploration at the Cree East Project. Forward-looking statements are based on certain material assumptions and analysis made by the Company and the opinions and estimates of management as of the date of this news release, including, but not limited to the assumption that the Company will be successful in finalizing its planned drill program, including retaining a contractor to complete such program. These forward-looking statements are 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 statements or forward-looking information, including, but not limited to: the risk that the conditions to closing of the proposed sale of the Company's interest in the Independence Project will not be satisfied and inherent risks associated with the mining industry and the results of exploration activities and development of mineral properties, stock market volatility and capital market fluctuations, general market and industry conditions, as well as those risk factors discussed in the Company's most recently filed management's discussion & analysis. 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 outlook that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/254478 SOURCE: Nexus Uranium Corp. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 5, 2025) - Kodiak Copper Corp. (TSXV: KDK) (OTCQB: KDKCF) (FSE: 5DD1) (the "Company" or "Kodiak") announces that it has engaged Global One Media Group Pte. Ltd. ("Global One Media") and BTV The Agency ("BTV"). Global One Media is an investor-focused digital marketing firm and will assist the Company with its digital and social media influencer marketing efforts. BTV is a marketing and content agency, to support Kodiak's investor outreach. Both firms are at arm's length to the Company. The term of the agreement with Global One Media (the "Global One Agreement") commences on June 2nd, 2025 and ends December 2nd, 2025. The Global One Agreement may be renewed on a monthly basis after the initial term upon the mutual agreement of the Company and Global One Media. Under the terms of the Global One Agreement, the Company has agreed to pay Global One a monthly cash fee of USD$5,500. There are no performance factors impacting the compensation of Global One Media, and Global One Media will not receive any securities of the Company as compensation. Global One Media does not have any interest, directly or indirectly, in the Company. The Global One Agreement is subject to regulatory approval by the TSX Venture Exchange. As part of the collaboration with BTV, Kodiak will launch a targeted streaming commercial campaign designed to broaden audience reach across digital platforms and will be featured in an upcoming episode of a nationally distributed business television show. The initial contract totals CAD$29,500 over a four-month period, starting in June and can be expanded. There are no performance factors impacting the compensation of BTV, and BTV will not receive any securities of the Company as compensation. BTV does not have any interest, directly or indirectly, in the Company. About Global One Media Global One Media is a full-service investor-focused digital marketing agency solving the needs of publicly traded companies. They deliver creative and effective solutions for digital market awareness and brand positioning across all industries, specializing in content creation, distribution, and investor engagement for listed and pre-IPO companies. Using their global network and community-driven channels, they help public companies master the digital and social media landscape in their sector, tell their story in an engaging manner, and reach millions of investors around the world. About BTV For 27+ years, BTV has been a capital markets focused TV production and Digital Marketing Agency helping companies reach investors, advisors and institutions. BTV combines unique content creation with major distribution services on top tier networks including Bloomberg, CNBC, FOX Business News and financial sites, helping companies increase brand awareness to a national retail and institutional investor audience. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Kodiak Copper Corp. Claudia Tornquist President & CEO About Kodiak Copper Corp. Kodiak is focused on its 100% owned copper porphyry projects in Canada and the USA that have been historically drilled and present known mineral discoveries with the potential to hold large-scale deposits. The Company's most advanced asset is the MPD copper-gold porphyry project in the prolific Quesnel Terrane in south-central British Columbia, Canada, a mining district with producing mines and excellent infrastructure. MPD has all the hallmarks of a major, multi-centered porphyry district with the potential to become a world-class mine. Work to date has outlined multiple substantial mineralized zones across the property, including several zones with near-surface, high-grade mineralization. A maiden resource estimate for MPD is planned in 2025 and with known mineralized zones open to expansion and more target areas yet to be tested, Kodiak continues to systematically explore the project to build critical mass and make the next discovery. The Company also holds the Mohave copper-molybdenum-silver porphyry project in Arizona, USA, near the world-class Bagdad mine. Kodiak's founder and Chairman is Chris Taylor who is well-known for his gold discovery success with Great Bear Resources. Kodiak is also part of Discovery Group led by John Robins, one of the most successful mining entrepreneurs in Canada. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statement (Safe Harbor Statement): 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. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking statements concerning the Company's exploration plans. 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 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. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/254500 SOURCE: Kodiak Copper Corp. This partnership eliminates a major barrier to affordable broadband for low-income households by cutting hardware costs nearly 70%. BOULDER, Colo., June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Mission Telecom , a nonprofit telecommunications provider and grantmaker dedicated to expanding digital equity, today announced that they are a selected service provider of Computers 4 People (C4P)'s recently launched $149 Shield 5G Home Hotspot . C4P collaborated with Mission Telecom to unveil their new hotspot at the recent Net Inclusion Conference , announcing it is one of the nation's most affordable 5G routers available, supported by low-cost nationwide broadband service provided by Mission Telecom. This innovative collaboration helps to bridge the digital divide by slashing typical hardware costs by nearly 70% and providing reliable broadband internet to qualifying low-income households for just $14.89 a month. Over half of low-wealth households struggle to afford internet access, and 22 million Americans lack broadband access at home. While the cost of broadband is a barrier, the high price of hardware, especially routers, remains an overlooked barrier to addressing the digital divide. The Shield 5G Home Hotspot addresses this by offering a reliable, portable solution that supports both 5G and 4G networks and works with most SIM cards at a fraction of the typical cost for similar hardware. "Our mission is to make best-in-class internet accessible and affordable to those who need it most," said Mark Colwell , Director of Broadband Operations at Mission Telecom. "In partnership with Computers 4 People, we're removing a major barrier to getting more people connected and providing more opportunities for their lives. This reliable, low-cost solution will help families nationwide access the tools they need to thrive, without being shut out by the high costs of service or hardware." "Internet isn't easy. It's not accessible. It's not affordable. We're changing that, and learning directly from the communities we serve to make it even better," said Dylan Zajac , Founder and Executive Director of Computers 4 People. "Teaming up with Mission Telecom gives us the chance to get creative and think big. This is just the beginning, and we're thrilled to launch Shield Internet alongside our ongoing work providing computers and the skills people need to thrive in today's digital world." After piloting the service earlier this year in New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts, the partnership is scaling nationwide to bring fast, reliable, and unlimited internet to households that receive SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, free school lunch, or earn up to 200% of the federal poverty level. Mission Telecom offers unlimited internet service to organizations like C4P, schools, libraries, and other non-profits on one of the biggest 5G networks in the country without hidden fees, credit checks, or price hikes. C4P developed the Shield 5G Home Hotspot, which is portable and fully unlocked, in partnership with Mission Telecom to expand digital equity throughout the country. The Shield 5G Home Hotspot is now available for pre-order and will be offered in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. To learn more about Mission Telecom, please visit https://missiontelecom.org/ To learn more about Computers 4 People, please visit: https://www.computers4people.org/ About Mission Telecom Mission Telecom is a nonprofit telecommunications provider and grantmaker dedicated to expanding digital equity and driving systemic change. We are closing the digital divide with best-in-class, affordable wireless broadband services and equipping schools, libraries, and nonprofits with the connectivity and resources to power access and opportunity at every level. Our bold philanthropic program funds grassroots organizations that advance multiracial democracy, movement infrastructure, and telecom justice, creating lasting impact in their communities. About Computers 4 People Computers 4 People is a nonprofit organization committed to unlocking access to the digital world by repurposing e-waste into educational tools for under-resourced communities in MA, NJ, and NYC. Media Contact: missiontelecom@riffcitystrategies.com View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/mission-telecom-partners-with-computers-4-people-to-launch-low-cost-5g-hotspot--fast-reliable-broadband-nationwide-for-low-income-households-302473958.html COPENHAGEN, Denmark, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Heimdal, a leading provider of unified cybersecurity solutions, announces the release of Episode 2 of its podcast series, The MSP Security Playbook. This episode features Paul Green, a renowned MSP marketing expert, who shares insights on building long-term client relationships and effective marketing strategies for managed service providers (MSPs). In this episode, Paul Green discusses: A three-step marketing system: building audiences, growing relationships, and converting relationships, emphasizing that MSP sales cycles can span several years. The "only you" rule: focusing on tasks that only you can do, while delegating, outsourcing, or automating the rest. The importance of client retention, noting that clients are slow to join and slow to leave, making initial relationship-building crucial. Additionally, the episode's MSP Hot Seat segment addresses strategies for justifying security investments when clients are hesitant about costs. "Your goal with all of your marketing is to get the right message in front of the right person at the right time. Because it could be another 10 years before they're ready to switch again," said Paul Green. The MSP Security Playbook podcast aims to equip MSPs with practical insights and strategies to enhance their cybersecurity offerings and business growth. Episode 2 is now available on major podcast platforms: YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify About Heimdal Founded in Copenhagen in 2014, Heimdal empowers CISOs, security teams, and IT administrators with unified, proactive defense across the entire IT estate. Its award-winning cybersecurity solutions span endpoint to network security, covering vulnerability management, privileged access control, Zero Trust, and ransomware prevention. Press Contact: Madalina Popovici Media Relations Manager mpo@heimdalsecurity.com This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/heimdal-security/r/heimdal-s-latest-podcast-episode-unpacks-long-term-msp-marketing-strategies-with-paul-green,c4159756 The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/22623/4159756/3489571.pdf Heimdal Releases Episode 2 of MSP Security Playbook Podcast Featuring MSP Marketing Expert Paul Green https://news.cision.com/heimdal-security/i/msp-playbook-podcast-ep-2---paul-green,c3415827 MSP Playbook Podcast Ep 2 - Paul Green View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/heimdals-latest-podcast-episode-unpacks-long-term-msp-marketing-strategies-with-paul-green-302474200.html $177 million in total consideration subject to customary fees and adjustments - Industrial, utility and data center power demand is increasing globally - B&W now well-capitalized and poised to leverage growth in 2025 and beyond Babcock Wilcox Enterprises, Inc. ("B&W" or the "Company") (NYSE: BW) announced today that it has reached an agreement to sell its Diamond Power International business ("Diamond Power") to Austria-based ANDRITZ for $177 million, subject to customary fees and adjustments. The sale is expected to close within approximately 30 days and will include the transfer of approximately 400 employees to ANDRITZ. "B&W has had a strong start to 2025 and has achieved the highest bookings and backlog in decades from our parts and services business in addition to our already strong backlog from Thermal projects, upgrades and construction, primarily in North America," said Kenneth Young, B&W Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Our core parts, services and construction businesses demonstrated solid performance in Q1 and continue to excel in Q2 as the rising energy needs of data centers and industrial and utility markets fuel demand for our offerings. The sale of Diamond Power, which achieves annual revenues in the range of $110 million, will be transformational and will reinforce the value of our underlying assets as we re-capitalize our businesses going forward." "With a strong balance sheet, we are well-positioned to win new gas conversions, plant upgrades and behind-the-meter data center projects in North America and beyond," Young added. "We're also seeing additional demand for our BrightLoop technologies both for steam generation and hydrogen production that can produce energy with lower costs and expenditures than other hydrogen technologies. Our unique technology which is capable of supporting utilities and industries with low-cost hydrogen and steam generation while capturing CO2 demonstrates the spirit of innovation and strong engineering capabilities that have driven B&W throughout its history and will be the foundation of our growth strategy for years to come." "Diamond Power provides boiler cleaning and monitoring solutions for utilities and industries around the world, and we're grateful for the decades of hard work and dedication shown by its employees," said Christopher Riker, B&W Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. "We look forward to working closely with ANDRITZ to ensure a smooth transition and to our continued collaboration on boiler cleaning solutions in the future." About Babcock Wilcox Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, Babcock Wilcox Enterprises, Inc. is a leader in energy and environmental products and services for power and industrial markets worldwide. Follow us on LinkedIn and learn more at babcock.com Forward-Looking Statements B&W cautions that this release contains forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements relating to an agreement to sell its Diamond Power businesses to ANDRITZ, demand for our products, future projects, and growth strategy. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. For a more complete discussion of these risk factors, see our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recent annual report on Form 10-K. If one or more of these risks or other risks materialize, actual results may vary materially from those expressed. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, except to the extent required by applicable law. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250605068517/en/ Contacts: Investor Contact: Investor Relations Babcock Wilcox 704.625.4944 investors@babcock.com Media Contact: Ryan Cornell Public Relations Babcock Wilcox 330.860.1345 rscornell@babcock.com LONDON, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Warrants issued as part of three successive FIAT transactions by global wealth management platform FNZ - raising approximately US$1.5 billion in new capital - have now been exercised by two of the institutional investors. As part of the uncommercial terms of these equity raises, FNZ's board and management issued US$1.2 billion worth of Redeemable Preference Shares alongside a bundle of 27,625 Warrants. Now, CDPQ and Temasek have exercised their Warrants, crystalising the significant dilution for employee shareholders. These Warrants enabled FNZ's institutional and private equity investors, who control the board and management, to acquire FNZ Class A shares at US$0.25 per share. This is a staggering discount compared to a potential market price of US$130,000 per share. Based on FNZ's most recent publicly available enterprise valuation of US$20 billion, the fair market cost of these shares should have been US$3.6 billion, not US$7,000. Now that CDPQ and Temasek have exercised their Warrants, they have secured 19,361 new Class A shares, representing over 70% of the total Warrants issued. Employee shareholders point to this deal as a glaring example of "non-arm's-length transactions", favouring the institutional shareholders represented by the board at the expense of employee shareholders. "This is daylight robbery and it is clear that the likes of CPP, Generation and Motive will now follow suit," said one senior FNZ employee shareholder, speaking on condition of anonymity. "Our institutional and PE investors each handed themselves a package worth billions, and in doing so have obliterated the value of the shares held by employee and former employee shareholders, who built the company." FNZ's management and board have significantly diluted employee shareholders. In addition to the Warrants, the Redeemable Preference Shares were structured with extremely high return hurdles, providing a two or three times Multiple of Invested Capital (MOIC) for redemption. The FNZ board has failed to engage with employee shareholders regarding their concerns. FNZ employee shareholders are now bringing their case to the High Court of New Zealand in what will be one of Asia Pacific's largest class actions of its kind. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/cdpq-and-temasek-cash-in-on-fnzs-uncommercial-capital-raises-leaving-employee-shareholders-out-in-the-cold-302474221.html HALIFAX, NOVA / ACCESS Newswire / June 5, 2025 / Axo Copper Corp. (TSXV:AXO) ("Axo", "Axo Copper" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has initiated its 15,000 metre Phase II drill program at its La Huerta Copper Project, located in Jalisco, Mexico. One drill is currently on site and initiating the first drillholes, targeting the main La Huerta Trend ('LHT') around the Las Marias Zone. "With the closing of Axo's initial public offering, we're thrilled to embark on the Company's next chapter of exploration and development of the La Huerta project," said Jonathan Egilo, President and CEO. "The upcoming drill program is planned to be the largest and most ambitious seen to date at La Huerta as we look to expand on the stellar high-grade results from previous programs, in conjunction with searching regionally for new discoveries on our largely unexplored land package." Past Drilling Results Axo Copper's Phase II drill program is designed to follow up and expand on success from prior drilling. Past diamond drilling at La Huerta has totaled 11,441 metres. A previous concession holder completed drilling of 7,232 metres (61 holes) in 2020. Core from this program has been recovered and re-assayed for verification. Axo Copper initiated its Phase I of drilling in late-2023, completing 4,209 metres (28 holes). Select results from both programs are shown below, which include C-001 which intercepted 13.7 metres grading 5.03% copper and G-008 which intercepted 9.50 metres grading 6.63% copper both from the historical 2020 program. Results from Axo's Phase I program included LHCC-23-023 which intercepted 15.4 metres grading 3.86% copper including 7.6 metres grading 7.37% copper, as well as LHCC-23-022 which returned 8.9 metres grading 5.87% copper including 3.7 metres grading 13.45% copper. Table 1: Select Results from Axo Copper Phase I Drilling(2) Hole ID Comment From To Length(1) Copper m m m % LHCC-23-024 La Huerta Trend 89.4 96.75 7.35 5.00 Including 90.4 92.5 2.1 9.65 LHCC-23-023 La Huerta Trend 85.15 100.6 15.4 3.86 Including 92 99.6 7.6 7.37 Including 93.3 96.15 2.85 12.76 LHCC-23-022 La Huerta Trend 94.15 103.1 8.9 5.87 Including 98.05 101.8 3.7 13.45 LHCC-23-021 La Huerta Trend 100.5 112.4 11.95 3.00 Including 102.4 106.9 4.45 4.42 Including 107.8 109.4 1.65 7.48 LHCC-23-014 La Huerta Trend 129 139.9 10.85 2.55 Including 134.1 139.9 5.8 4.30 Including 138.2 139.4 1.15 11.26 LHCC-23-019 La Huerta Trend 134 145.2 11.15 2.88 Including 137.0 144.0 7.0 4.15 LHCC-23-001 La Huerta Trend 126.7 139.1 12.34 2.35 Including 136.5 138.0 1.5 4.51 LHCC-23-004 La Huerta Trend 94.7 105.3 10.62 1.86 Including 99.3 103.3 4.04 3.97 Including 100.8 102.1 1.33 6.34 Table 2: Select Results from Historical 2020 Drilling(2) Hole ID Comment From To Length(1) Copper m m m % G-008 La Huerta Trend 60.25 69.75 9.5 6.63 Including 60.25 62.95 2.7 15.61 Including 61.65 62.95 1.3 19.92 C-001 La Huerta Trend 127.9 141.6 13.7 5.03 Including 129.6 140.6 11.0 5.96 Including 131.7 136.6 4.85 8.96 C-005 La Huerta Trend 121.9 135.4 13.55 2.81 Including 126.9 132.8 5.95 5.18 Notes: True widths are not yet known Source: Technical Report on the La Huerta Copper Property, effective date January 24, 2025 FIGURE 1: BORNITE PATCHES AND CHALCOPYRITE TRACES IN LHCC-23-004 Axo Copper Phase II Drill Program Axo has initiated its Phase II drilling program in which the Company plans to drill 15,000 metres. One drill rig is currently on site, with plans to target an area with a NE-SW strike length of approximately 1km, starting at Las Marias and stepping out to the north along strike towards the Cornelio target. The first hole is expected to be finished in approximately two weeks, with assays being released in the first half of July. The first several holes are designed to intercept the La Huerta Trend at relatively shallow depths, within 100 metres from surface and stepping out sequentially to the north towards Punto 3 and Punto 4. While sequentially advancing drilling to the north, the company also expects to begin testing the system at depth, as mineralization has not been tested at depths below 200 metres from surface (Figure 2). Testing the depth potential below Las Marias is of particular interest to the Company, as the IP geophysics anomaly generated by Las Marias and the surrounding area increases with intensity at depth. FIGURE 2: LONG SECTION FROM LAS MARIAS TO CORNELIO AND PLANNED DRILLING WITH SELECT DRILLHOLES HIGHLIGHTED (PLANNED DRILLING AREAS IN RED) Overview of the La Huerta Project The La Huerta Copper Project is in the south of Jalisco state in Mexico, and consists of two concessions which total 11,331 hectares. The site was recently active with artisanal mining up until 2022, when Axo acquired rights to the project. Mining took place from surface, with mineralized rock trucked ~30 miles away from La Huerta to a nearby processing facility. FIGURE 3: LOCATION OF LA HUERTA COPPER PROJECT IN JALISCO, MEXICO The Las Marias Zone is characterized by copper sulphides, with mineralization hosted in chalcopyrite and bornite (Figure 1), extending to surface. Figure 4 below shows past sampling results from the historical Las Marias pit, which included 3.2 metres grading 21.4% copper, and 9.4 metres grading 4.4% copper. The zone itself lies on the southwest end of the broader La Huerta Trend, characterized by a 5km+ strike length as evidenced by copper samples at surface (see Figure 5 below). FIGURE 4: HIGH GRADE SAMPLING WITHIN THE LAS MARIAS PIT FIGURE 5: LAS MARIAS AS PART OF A BROADER 5KM TREND Table 3: Drill Hole Locations (UTM WGS84 13 Zone) Hole ID EASTING NORTHING ELEV DEPTH AZ DIP m m m m C-001 580310 2146823 674.6 195.6 3.3 -49 C-005 580339 2146877 680.0 137.1 2.5 -58 G-008 580218 2146876 640.0 76.0 330.0 -65 LHCC-23-001 580310 2146827 674.5 177.0 3.3 -49 LHCC-23-004 580264 2146885 649.1 150.0 330.0 -68 LHCC-23-014 580323 2146860 672.8 168.0 4.0 -53 LHCC-23-019 580323 2146857 674.9 174.0 4.0 -55 LHCC-23-021 580264 2146882 648.8 162.0 330.0 -71 LHCC-23-022 580264 2146887 649.2 126.0 330.0 -64 LHCC-23-023 580271 2146893 652.3 129.0 330.0 -68 LHCC-23-024 580271 2146893 652.3 126.0 330.0 -64 About Axo Axo Copper Corp. is a Canadian mineral exploration company engaged in the exploration and development of the La Huerta property, a new copper discovery in Jalisco, Mexico. Initial exploration has yielded high-grade copper both at surface through sampling programs, and at depth through initial drilling. The Company is focused on continuing to define near-surface mineralization along the La Huerta Trend, expanding mineralization at depth, and targeting new discoveries in an underexplored district. Additional information can be found at the Company's website: www.axocopper.com. Procedure, Quality Assurance / Quality Control and Data Verification The diamond drill core (HQ size) is geologically logged, photographed and marked for sampling. When the sample lengths are determined, the full drill core is sawn with a diamond blade drill core saw with one half of the drill core being bagged and tagged for assay. The remaining half portion is returned to the drill core trays for storage and/or for metallurgical test work. The sealed and tagged drill core sample bags are transported to the ALS Chemex facility in Queretaro and Zacatecas, Mexico. ALS Chemex crushes the samples and prepares 200-300 gram pulp samples with ninety percent passing Tyler 150 mesh (106 m). Copper and multi-element analysis is completed using total digestion (Code ME-ICP61 Total Digestion ICP). Over limits greater than 10,000 grams per tonne copper are assayed using Cu-OG62. Quality assurance and quality control ("QA/QC") procedures monitor the chain-of-custody of the samples and includes the systematic insertion and monitoring of appropriate reference materials (certified reference materials, blanks and duplicates) into the sample strings. The results of the assaying of the QA/QC material included in each batch are tracked to ensure the integrity of the assay data. All results stated in this announcement have passed AXO's QA/QC protocols. Qualified Person Charles Spath, P. Geo., Resource Geologist of the Corporation, is the Qualified Person for Axo Copper Corp., as defined under National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Spath has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this press release. For further information, please contact: Jonathan Egilo President and CEO 613 882 5126 egilo@axocopper.com Forward looking information: 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. This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements". All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Offering, the Company's plans in respect of the La Huerta property and receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "will", "propose", "may", "is expected to", "subject to", "anticipates", "estimates", "intends", "plans", "projection", "could", "vision", "goals", "objective", "focus" and "outlook" and other similar words. 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, general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner; the potential of high grade copper mineralization at the Company's properties; the results (if any) of further exploration work to define and expand mineral resources; the ability of exploration work (including drilling) to accurately predict mineralization; and the ability to generate additional drill targets. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, 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 environmental risks, limitations on insurance coverage, risks and uncertainties related to exploration, development, operations, commodity prices and global financial volatility including as a result of tariffs, risk and uncertainties of operating in a foreign jurisdiction as well as additional risks described from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, other than as required by applicable securities laws. SOURCE: Axo Copper Corp. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/axo-copper-initiates-phase-ii-drilling-program-to-follow-up-on-successful-phase-i-1035843 All components in place for potential Central African-style copper mineralization Highlights Several large, near-surface conductors representing potentially reductive permeable stratigraphy favourable to host sediment-hosted copper mineralization delineated by airborne MobileMT geophysical survey New sampling verifies historical occurrences, including Payback Showing (up to 61.2% copper ("Cu") with 5,600 grams per tonne ("g/t") silver ("Ag")) and CBC Showing (up to 9.9% Cu, 1.9% lead ("Pb"), 3.5 g/t gold ("Au") and 431 g/t Ag) Multiple new copper, zinc and lead occurrences were discovered across the property in 2024 sampling, along with locally anomalous gold, silver and cobalt Additional mineral claims staked on prospective ground expanding claim block by 11,608 hectares ("ha") to a total of 102,108 ha (1,002 square kilometres ("km2)) TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / June 5, 2025 / Aston Bay Holdings Ltd. (TSXV:BAY)(OTCQB:ATBHF) ("Aston Bay" or the "Company") is pleased to report on sampling, mapping and geophysical programs at the Epworth Project ("Epworth" or the "Project") in Nunavut. Thomas Ullrich, Chief Executive Officer of Aston Bay, commented: "Analysis of the 2024 exploration programs at Epworth is delivering exciting results pointing to the potential for large-scale copper mineralization at the property. "The surface sampling programs have confirmed previous work where large boulders yielding up to 61.2% copper with 5,600 g/t silver were found at the surface along with several other zones of high-grade metal mineralization. With significant lead, zinc, gold and anomalous cobalt in several newly discovered areas on this large property, we have only scratched the surface. "These are excellent results, but with mineralization typically confined to structurally controlled fracture filling (veins), building significant tonnage of mineralized material can be challenging. The widespread nature of the metal mineralization, however, points to the potential for large-scale stratigraphically-controlled mineralization at depth - this is the sediment-hosted copper deposit model used to find the large copper deposits of Central Africa and successfully used at our other project, Storm Copper. "Of the key components required to form an extensive sediment-hosted copper system, the discovery of these conductors provides the final piece of the puzzle at Epworth: these conductors may represent the reductant, in the form of pyrite or graphite in a permeable horizon, that forces the precipitation of metals over large areas within this stratigraphic unit and bounding faults. The first interaction of metal-bearing fluids with a reductant is the site of metal sulfide deposition in this model, providing a large target of potential metal accumulation. As well, the conductors may represent some metal sulfide mineralization themselves. "These are compelling targets tens of kilometres in scale, mostly within 300m from the surface. We continue to work with the data to refine optimal drill targets for a potential drill program later this season." MobileMT Survey Summary In late summer 2024, a property-wide airborne MobileMT (Mobile MagnetoTelluric) geophysical survey was completed at the Epworth Project in Nunavut. The survey, conducted by Expert Geophysical Systems, covered 8,105 line-kilometres across the entire extant claim block, with 100-metre line spacing in the northern half and 200-metre spacing in the southern half to ensure high-resolution data over priority areas. The MobileMT system utilizes naturally occurring electromagnetic fields generated by global lightning activity. By measuring both magnetic and electric field variations, the system provides high-resolution geoelectrical data from the surface to depths exceeding one kilometre. This allows for the detection of resistivity contrasts associated with geological structures, alteration zones, and potential mineralized bodies in any orientation. Preliminary Results - Apparent Conductivity The purpose of the survey was mapping of bedrock structures and lithology, including possible alteration and mineralization zones reflected in the electrical and magnetic properties of rocks. The airborne geophysical survey results are presented as apparent conductivity corresponding to different frequencies, resistivity-depth profiles determined from inverting EM data, available VLF EM data, as well as magnetic field data and its derivatives. Inversion of the data yielded a 3D voxel representation of apparent conductivity that is dominated by extensive conductive bodies spatially associated with the southern portion of the Proterozoic Recluse Group rocks, a sedimentary succession of sandstones and carbonate rocks (Figures 1 through 3). Formations comprising the group are locally pyritic and graphitic, both potential reductants for metal-bearing fluids, and coarsen to the south, potentially increasing permeability and porosity for metal deposition. Three cross-sections through the more conductive southern portion of the claim block (Figure 1) show the higher conductivity bodies extending from near-surface, dominantly to approximately 300m depth, extending locally to 900m at the western fault contact. It is postulated that the apparent conductivity reflects the pyrite or graphite in the Recluse Group rocks, and that these rocks may act as a potential trap for metal-bearing fluids. The stronger conductivity to in the southern portion of the claim block may even represent metal sulfide accumulation in the more porous southern Recluse rocks. Figure 1: Oblique and cross-sectional views of 3D inversion results from the MobileMT survey looking down towards the northwest, highlighting extensive target conductive bodies at depth at the Epworth project. The red and blue shapes represent resistivity iso-surfaces at 1100 and 1390 ohm-m, respectively. Frequency in electromagnetic surveys, such as MobileMT, controls for depth of investigation, with lower frequencies penetrating deeper into the ground, making the apparent conductivity measurement more representative for deeper layers. Higher frequencies are more sensitive to shallow subsurface features, as their electromagnetic fields attenuate more rapidly with depth. Deeper apparent conductivity anomalies may represent the stratigraphic targets at Epworth, while shallow apparent conductors may represent the structural/fault-controlled mineralization at the surface. Figure 2A shows an excellent spatial coincidence of the deeper, low-frequency conductor (42 Hz, blue and white colours) with the Recluse Group. Surface mineralization at the historic at-surface Metallic (northern showings) and CBC (southeastern showings) shows a correlation with shallower, high-frequency conductors (453 -8550 Hz, green to red colours). In addition, examination of the derivatives (i.e., abruptness of change in the conductivity, Figure 2B) show a good correlation to known surficial mineralization, likely associated with mineralization along vertical structures and faults. Future exploration will examine the potential of other, near-surface conductors. Although the stratigraphic target represented by the deeper apparent conductor presents the more immediate compelling target, mineralization taking advantage of structural corridors also remains a valid target for further exploration. Figure 2: Plan maps showing custom composite gridded images from the MobileMT survey. A. Grid composite image for three frequencies of apparent conductivity that highlights conductors that are close to or at surface in red and brown, and those that extend from near surface to depth in white and blue. The deeper (while/blue) conductors appear confined to the sedimentary rocks of the Recluse Group. B. Grid composite image of 168 Hz and its vertical and horizontal derivatives to highlight conductors, whether strong or weak, detected at this frequency, highlighting shallow conductors. A program is underway to integrate all results with new geological mapping, rock and lake sediment sampling, and historical geophysical data to generate and prioritize targets for follow-up exploration and potential drilling in 2025. This work is ongoing, with additional analyses and reports expected over the coming weeks. Permits are in hand for the first phase of modern drilling in the northern claim area; work is underway to modify the permitted locations for the new targets in the southern claim block. New Staking and 2024 Field Program The 2024 Epworth exploration program took place from July 15th to August 18th, based out of four fly-camps on four separate lakes, targeting numerous prospective areas on the property. An inflatable boat was used to facilitate travel from campsites and collect lake sediment samples. Nine additional claims, adding an additional 11,900 ha of ground, were staked during the program, and, after the field program and motivated by the Mobile MT geophysical program results, an additional 11,608 hectares were staked in June 2025 (Figure 3). Figure 3: Recent claim staking (red shaded area) and significant copper grab sample assays from 2024 and historic programs. Inset map area denoted by red bounding box. A total of 362 rock grab samples and 34 lake sediment samples were collected on the current claims during the program. A summary of significant results is presented below (Figure 3). Rock grab sample results maps are presented by element (Cu, Zn, Pb, Co, Ag, Au) and Lake sediment sample results maps, separated by precious metals and base metals, are available on the Aston Bay website. Payback - Metallic South Area The Payback trend, towards the northern end of the current property, was historically targeted by Noranda Exploration in the 1990s. At the historical Payback South showing, boulders which previously returned up to 61.2% Cu with 5,600 g/t Ag were located and re-sampled during the 2024 program, returning up to 52.9% Cu, up to 3,880 g/t Ag, and up to 233 ppb Au. The boulders, along with numerous similar rock chips, are located in a series of frost boils on the flank of a diabase dyke. They are composed largely of massive bornite or chalcocite with quartz. Payback South boulders, looking east. At the historical Payback North showing, located approximately 3 km north-northwest of Payback South, mineralized zones were located and sampled during the 2024 program, and historical drill pad sites were located. Noranda drilled two very shallow holes there, totalling 99.5 meters, with one of the holes returning 0.3% Cu over 8.3 meters, from dolomite with microfracture-hosted chalcocite. 2024 rock grab samples along the drilled horizon returned up to 17.9% Cu, with 14 grab samples returning >1% Cu along a strike length of 225 meters, open to the north and south. Approximately 1.5 km across strike to the east of the Payback Trend, a 1.3 km Zn-Pb trend was identified in 2023, subparallel to the Payback Trend, with Zn results up to 16.2% and Pb results up to 2.8%, as sphalerite-galena stringers or blebs in a dolomite horizon in outcrop. The anomalous trend was extended to the south in 2024, for a total length of 2.2 km. New samples along the southern extension returned up to 4.8% Zn and 3.0% Pb. This area may represent the southern strike extension of the horizon(s) hosting the Metallic Trend, 9 km to the north-northwest. The Metallic Trend is a 1.1 km trend of high-grade mineralization which yielded grab sample results up to 37.8% Cu, 27.4% Zn, 19% Pb, 3 g/t Au, 1,130 g/t Ag, and 1700 ppm Co from 2021-2022. From over 300 total historic rock grab samples, 51 samples yielded over 1% Cu, 29 samples yielded over 30 g/t Ag, and 15 samples yielded over 1% Zn. Rusty Valley Area (NW Claims) The Rusty Valley area is located in the northwestern part of the Epworth property. The 2024 field program targeted base metal anomalies in historical lake sediment samples and copper values up to 2.5% in historical grab samples, collected by Noranda. A prominent gossan zone on the western flank of a >100-meter-wide valley was identified during the 2024 program. Mineralization consists mainly of pyrite within black shale, but zinc anomalies up to 1.13% Zn were also obtained. An angular boulder of a strongly silica-altered rock also returned a gold value of 535 parts per billion ("ppb") Au. The mineralized zone, open to the east within the valley, is associated with a prominent conductive trend that runs down the property's west side for 62 km. Gossan zone at Rusty Valley, looking north Approximately 300 meters west of the gossan zone, a horizon of dolomite was located hosting chalcopyrite stringers sporadically across a width of at least 20 meters (named the 'Slope Showing'). Grab samples of this mineralization in outcrop or frost heave returned up to 4.03% Cu. A composite sample of frost-heaved, malachite-stained rock chips on the west side of the dolomite outcrop, close to the contact with grey shale to the west, returned 37.0% Cu. Chalcopyrite-rich vein in dolomite at Slope Showing The dolomite unit was traced at least 2 km further to the north, where samples of frost heave returned up to 9.15% Zn, up to 11.7% Pb, and up to 150 ppb Au. A further 300 meters across strike to the west of the dolomite unit, base metal mineralization was located in angular boulders of brecciated clastic metasediments with quartz veining and gabbro outcrop with calcite stringers. These returned up to 3.4% Cu, up to 2.3% Zn, up to 0.8% Pb, and up to 337 ppb Au. Quartz vein with chalcopyrite, malachite staining from brecciated clastic metasediments 850 meters south-southwest of the previous area, subcrop of shale with chalcopyrite-bearing quartz veining was sampled, returning up to 2.0% Cu. All of the above mineralization is believed to be newly discovered. However, two clusters of historical Noranda samples are located approximately 800 meters and 3.1 km south-southeast of the last-mentioned area, with past results of up to 2.5% and 2.4% Cu, respectively. 2024 sampling in these areas returned up to 2.1% Cu in the first area, and 0.9% Cu with 157 ppb Au in the second area. Anomalous mineralization in the Rusty Valley area has been identified along a strike length of approximately 5.7 km. The findings from the 2024 program indicate a much broader mineralizing system than previously recognized in this area, with multiple subparallel mineralized zones in shale, dolomite and mafic dykes. JM Area (SW Claims) Prospecting and sampling was carried out in the southwestern portion of the property close to the western property boundary and near Noranda's historical JM showing, which returned past results up to 6.8% Zn and 0.25% Pb, from dolomite with disseminated sphalerite and galena. This style of mineralization was not located during the 2024 program; however, gossanous quartz veins up to 0.8 m thick in the area returned up to 2.9% Zn. A new copper showing was identified 2.7 km west of the JM showing, returning up to 1.1% Cu (with 92 ppb Au) from dolomite with chalcopyrite and chalcocite stringers in outcrop. The showing occurs on the east side of a stream valley which flows into a lake to the north, where one of the four program campsites was located. This lake yielded the program's best Cu and Zn Lake sediment sample anomalies, 133 ppm Cu and 300 ppm Zn. CBC Area Prospecting and sampling were carried out in the southeastern limb of the property near the historical CBC Showing, where a cluster of angular boulders in a valley returned past results of up to 9.9% Cu, 1.9% Pb, 3.5 g/t Au and 431 g/t Ag, hosted in organic-rich dolomite. The boulders were located in the 2024 program and re-sampled, with results of up to 3.6% Cu, up to 485 ppb Au, up to 2.3% Pb, and up to 205 ppm Ag. Historical flagged sample of organic-rich dolomite boulder at CBC Showing 160 m south-southeast of the main cluster of boulders, a mineralized outcrop on the west side of the target valley returned 0.54% Cu, 11.3% Zn, 11.5% Pb, 157 ppb Au, 128 ppm Ag, and 161 ppm Co, hosted in fractured dolomite with >5% disseminated sulphides. 3 km further to the south-southeast, a cluster of angular boulders with base metal mineralization was located on an island in the lake south of the showing. These boulders returned up to 2.0% Cu, up to 317 ppb Au, up to 358 ppm Ag, up to 4.2% Zn, and up to 7.4% Pb. Mineralization is hosted mainly within white quartz veinlets in dolomite. 750 meters north of the lake, dolomite with several thin (<5cm) layers of grainstone, mineralized with disseminated pyrite and chalcopyrite, was sampled in outcrop. Samples returned up to 0.3% Cu and up to 1060 ppm Co. On the west side of the lake, a sub-rounded 1.5m long boulder of amphibolite with 5-10% pyrrhotite +/- chalcopyrite was sampled, returning 6.0 g/t Au. This is the highest known gold value on the property to date, though the source of the boulder is unknown. Geological, Structural, and Petrological Studies Dr. Elizabeth Turner completed a preliminary mapping and rock sampling program in conjunction with the 2024 field program and the early phase of the geophysical survey, based out of Kugluktuk, NU by helicopter. She is currently in the process of analyzing the geological, structural, and petrological data. Her observations, in conjunction with field program results and geophysical data, will assist greatly in understanding the controls on mineralization in areas of interest. Community Engagement Aston Bay looks forward to joining Emerald Geological Services in continuing meetings with the local Hunters and Trappers Association and community members this season in Kugluktuk. Qualified Person Michael Dufresne, M.Sc., P.Geol., P.Geo., and Coleman Robertson, B.Sc., P.Geo., are qualified persons as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and have reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this press release. About the Epworth Property The Epworth Property is located approximately 80 km southeast of the village of Kugluktuk (formerly Coppermine) in the Kitikmeot Region of Nunavut, Canada. The property is approximately 70 km from tidewater to the north. Logistical access is provided by float plane and helicopter from Kugluktuk and the city of Yellowknife, 500 km to the south. The property now consists of 73 claims covering an area of approximately 102,108 ha (1,002 km2) over a trend approximately 82 km in strike length and 20 km in lateral extent. Location of the Epworth Property, Nunavut, Canada. Agreement Aston Bay has entered into an agreement with Emerald Geological Services whereby Aston Bay can earn an 80% undivided interest in the Property by spending a minimum of $3 million on qualifying exploration expenditures over a four-year period. See Aston Bay April 24, 2024, news release. Geology The Epworth Project is part of a broad platform-type clastic carbonate sequence belonging to the early Proterozoic Coronation Supergroup that extends from the north shore of Takijuq Lake to the Coronation Gulf for over 130 km. Polymetallic sulfide mineralization occurs as disseminations in the matrix of coarse clastic quartzites or as concordant zones of cherty replacements within permeable dolomite. The mineralization assemblage, stratigraphy, diagenetic evolution, and rift-related tectonic setting of the Coronation Supergroup compares favourably to the African Copperbelt that hosts large (>100mt) high-grade (3-4% Cu) sediment-hosted stratiform copper deposits. History and recent work The Epworth Project was explored by Noranda Mining and Exploration in the mid-1990s, resulting in the discovery of new base metal showings. Chalcocite boulders at surface yield up to 61.2% Cu with 5600 g/t Ag in select rock grab samples. Prospecting, mapping, geophysics and sparse drilling (only 132m in the original claim block, <2000m total historic drilling over the expanded claims) were conducted over four exploration seasons. The best intercepts yielded 10.4% Cu over 0.9m, 0.3% Cu over 8m, and 18.4% Cu with 302 g/t Ag over 0.3m in very shallow drilling in 1995-6. The Epworth Project has not been drilled since, and no modern geophysical surveys have been conducted. Prospecting programs in the 2020s have defined several trends in conjunction with historical work. Recent rock grab samples up to 38% Cu, 1100 g/t Ag, 3.0 g/t Au, 27% Zn, 17% Pb along with 1700 ppm Co and other anomalous mineralization define the 2.8 km long "Metallic Trend." From over 300 total historic rock grab samples, 51 samples yielded over 1% Cu, 29 samples yielded over 30 g/t Ag and 15 samples yielded over 1% Zn. Prospecting and soil sampling have yielded promising new trends and showings such as the new Northeast Showing discovered in 2023 yielding up to 19% Pb and 0.8% Cu in rock grab samples. QA/QC Protocols Grab samples at the Epworth Property were collected, documented and photographed in the field by Emerald Geological Services (EGS) personnel, then placed in sealed bags and periodically sent out by float plane from the camp to a secure location in Yellowknife. Subsequently the sample bags, sealed with security tags, were shipped by transport to Activation Laboratories (ActLabs) in Thunder Bay, which is an ISO / IEC 17025 accredited laboratory. Grab sample collection is subject to EGS's internal quality assurance / quality control (QAQC) protocols, which include the insertion of blank material and certified reference material into each batch of samples submitted. Rock samples referenced in this news release were analyzed using ActLabs method "UT-6M," a 4-acid total digestion with ICP-OES/MS finish, yielding geochemical results for 48 elements. Samples with over-limit base metal results were further analyzed by ActLabs method "8-Peroxide ICP-OES", a sodium peroxide fusion with ICP-OES finish. Samples with over-limit silver results were further analyzed by ActLabs method "8-4 Acid Total Digestion", a total digestion with ICP-OES finish. All samples were also analyzed using ActLabs methods "1A2-50," a 50g fire assay with atomic absorption finish for gold, with over-limit results analyzed using method "1A3-50," a 50g fire assay with gravimetric finish. Lake sediment samples referenced in this news release were analyzed using ActLabs method "1F2," a total digestion with ICP-OES finish, yielding geochemical results for 35 elements. They were also analyzed using ActLabs method "5b" for gold using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA). About Aston Bay Holdings Aston Bay is a publicly traded mineral exploration company exploring for high-grade critical and precious metal deposits in North America. The Company is currently exploring the Storm Copper Property and Cu-Ag-Zn-Co Epworth Property in Nunavut. The Company is also in advanced stages of negotiation on other lands with high-grade precious and critical metals potential in North America The Company and its joint venture partners, American West Metals Limited and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Tornado Metals Ltd. (collectively, "American West"), have formed a 20/80 unincorporated joint venture in respect of the Storm Project property, which hosts the Storm Copper Project and the Seal Zinc Deposit. Under the unincorporated joint venture, Aston Bay shall have a free carried interest until American West has made a decision to mine upon completion of a bankable feasibility study, meaning American West will be solely responsible for funding the joint venture until such decision is made. After such decision is made, Aston Bay will be diluted in the event it does not elect to contribute its proportionate share and its interest in the Storm Project property will be converted into a 2% net smelter returns royalty if its interest is diluted to below 10%. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Statements made in this news release, including those regarding entering into the joint venture and each party's interest in the Project pursuant to the agreement in respect of the joint venture, management objectives, forecasts, estimates, expectations, or predictions of the future may constitute "forward-looking statement", which can be identified by the use of conditional or future tenses or by the use of such verbs as "believe", "expect", "may", "will", "should", "estimate", "anticipate", "project", "plan", and words of similar import, including variations thereof and negative forms. This press release contains forward-looking statements that reflect, as of the date of this press release, Aston Bay's expectations, estimates and projections about its operations, the mining industry and the economic environment in which it operates. Statements in this press release that are not supported by historical fact are forward-looking statements, meaning they involve risk, uncertainty and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although Aston Bay believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which apply only at the time of writing of this press release. Aston Bay disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by securities legislation. 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 news release. For more information contact: Thomas Ullrich, Chief Executive Officer thomas.ullrich@astonbayholdings.com (416) 456-3516 Sofia Harquail, IR and Corporate Development sofia.harquail@astonbayholdings.com (647) 821-1337 SOURCE: Aston Bay Holdings Ltd. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/aston-bay-announces-large-stratigraphic-conductors-delineated-by-mobilemt-and-add-1035871 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 5, 2025) - Theralase Technologies Inc. (TSXV: TLT) (OTCQB: TLTFF) ("Theralase" or the "Company"), a clinical stage pharmaceutical company pioneering light, radiation, sound and drug-activated therapeutics for the treatment of cancer, bacteria and viruses, is reminding shareholders of its Annual General and Special Meeting ("AGSM") to take place on Wednesday, June 11th, 2025 at 4:30 pm ET at the Company's head office located at 41 Hollinger Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. In order to help make the AGSM more interactive for those shareholders, who are unable to attend in person, immediately after the formal part of the AGSM has concluded, Theralase will be hosting a virtual presentation at 5:15 pm ET, which will include a corporate presentation of the Company's strategic objectives for 2025 and 2026, as well as a question and answer period to provide an opportunity for shareholders to have their questions addressed. The corporate power point presentation and question and answer period will end at 6:30 pm ET. Zoom Meeting Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87175139183 Webinar ID: 871 7513 9183 Conference Call in: 1-647-558-0588 (Canada) / 1-646-558-8656 (US) - not required for those attending by Zoom. An archived version will be available on the website, the next business day, following the conference call. About Theralase Technologies Inc.: Theralase is a clinical stage pharmaceutical company dedicated to the research and development of light, radiation, sound and drug-activated small molecule compounds and their associated formulations, with a primary objective of efficacy and a secondary objective of safety in the destruction of various cancers, bacteria and viruses, with minimal impact on surrounding healthy tissue. Additional information is available at www.theralase.com and www.sedarplus.ca Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains Forward-Looking Statements ("FLS") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Such statements include; but, are not limited to statements regarding the Company's proposed development plans with respect to small molecules and their drug formulations. FLS may be identified by the use of the words "may, "should", "will", "anticipates", "believes", "plans", "expects", "estimate", "potential for" and similar expressions; including, statements related to the current expectations of the Company's management regarding future research, development and commercialization of the Company's small molecules; their drug formulations; preclinical research; clinical studies and regulatory approvals. These statements involve significant risks, uncertainties and assumptions; including, the ability of the Company to fund and secure the regulatory approvals to successfully complete various clinical studies in a timely fashion and implement its development plans. Other risks include: the ability of the Company to successfully commercialize its small molecule and drug formulations; the risk that access to sufficient capital to fund the Company's operations may not be available on terms that are commercially favorable to the Company or at all; the risk that the Company's small molecule and formulations may not be effective against the diseases tested in its clinical studies; the risk that the Company fails to comply with the terms of license agreements with third parties and as a result loses the right to use key intellectual property in its business; the Company's ability to protect its intellectual property; the timing and success of submission, acceptance and approval of regulatory filings. Many of these factors that will determine actual results are beyond the Company's ability to control or predict. Readers should not unduly rely on these FLS, which are not a guarantee of future performance. There can be no assurance that FLS will prove to be accurate as such FLS involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results or future events to differ materially from the FLS. Although the FLS contained in the press release are based upon what management currently believes to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure prospective investors that actual results, performance or achievements will be consistent with these FLS. All FLS are made as of the date hereof and are subject to change. Except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update such FLS. For investor information on the Company, please feel to reach out Investor Inquiries - Theralase Technologies. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/254481 SOURCE: Theralase Technologies Inc. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 5, 2025) - Luxxfolio Holdings Inc. (CSE: LUXX) (OTCQB: LUXFD) (FSE: LUH0) (the "Company" or "Luxxfolio") is pleased to announce that it has successfully uplisted to the OTCQB Venture Market, operated by OTC Markets Group Inc. The uplisting to the OTCQB Venture Market represents a significant milestone for Luxxfolio, enhancing the Company's visibility and accessibility to a broader range of U.S. investors. This listing increases the Company's exposure in the U.S. capital markets and supports its efforts to attract institutional and retail investors interested in the growing potential of Litecoin. This move aligns with the Company's ongoing efforts to increase shareholder value and expand its presence in the digital asset and technology sectors. "Our transition to the OTCQB Venture Market is a testament to our commitment to transparency and growth," said Tomek Antoniak, CEO of Luxxfolio. "We believe this uplisting will provide greater liquidity for our shareholders and attract a wider investor base as we continue to execute our strategic initiatives." The Company's common shares will continue to trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol "LUXX" and on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol "LUH0." Corporate Secretary The Company would also like to announce Stephanie Sharma's appointment to the role of Corporate Secretary and accepts the resignation Ms. Maria Foran, effective May 8, 2025. Ms. Sharma is a corporate services specialist with extensive experience in providing corporate secretarial, governance, compliance, and disclosure consulting services to various private and publicly listed issuers, including companies listed on CBOE Global Markets, Toronto Stock Exchange, Canadian Securities Exchange and TSX Venture Exchange. The Company would like to thank Maria Foran for her dedicated and professional service as Corporate Secretary and wish her well in her future endeavors. About Luxxfolio Holdings Inc. Luxxfolio is a digital infrastructure and technology company enabling the next generation of crypto-powered commerce, with a specific focus on the Litecoin blockchain and ecosystem. The Company is developing and investing in on-chain technologies that support real-world cryptocurrency use cases, including stablecoin payments, merchant processing, and self-custody wallets. Luxxfolio has adopted a Litecoin treasury strategy as part of its long-term vision. With a foundation in decentralized systems and digital assets, Luxxfolio aims to help accelerate the mainstream adoption of crypto for everyday payments. Forward-Looking Statements Certain information contained herein constitutes "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "will", "will be" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made and they are from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results to be materially different, including receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals. Although management of the Company have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward- looking statements and forward-looking information. The Company will not update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information that are incorporated by reference herein, except as required by applicable securities laws. Website: www.luxxfolio.com The CSE has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/254533 SOURCE: Luxxfolio Holdings Inc. Introducing Nobu's First Residential Community in Eastern Europe NEW YORK, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Nobu Hospitality, the globally renowned luxury lifestyle brand, proudly announces its latest expansion with the Nobu Hotel, Restaurant, and Residences in Krakow, Poland. Located just steps from the city's historic Old Town, this landmark is being developed in partnership with SAO Investments, Poland's premier luxury real estate designer and investor with a commitment to excellence and innovation that aligns perfectly with Nobu's philosophy, setting a new benchmark in world-class hospitality, cultural engagement and elevated residential living. Marking Nobu's second venture in Poland following the success of Nobu Hotel Warsaw, which opened in 2020, Nobu Krakow is set to become a dynamic cultural hub for visitors and locals alike. Seamlessly blending culinary excellence, sophisticated design and authentic experiences, the project reflects Krakow's rich heritage and artistic spirit. In addition to the 100 luxurious yet understated accommodations, the development will debut Nobu's first-ever cultural district - a dynamic city within a city. This immersive hub will feature a theatre stage, cinema hall, recording studio, co-working area, and an art gallery designed to showcase both globally renowned and emerging local artists. Guests will also have access to a rooftop swimming pool with state-of-the-art fitness center and a signature Nobu restaurant, serving Chef Nobu's most iconic cuisine. Marking the brand's first residential project in Eastern Europe, the development will boast 80 Nobu Residences, reinforcing its presence in the luxury real estate sphere. Providing an exclusive opportunity to become part of the Nobu community in the heart of one of Poland's oldest and most visited cities, each residence will offer a refined living experience with purposeful design, elevated amenities, including Nobu priority reservations, and unparalleled access to the cultural collective and surrounding area through a dedicated experience team. "The Nobu district in Krakow - genuinely a city within a city - marks a groundbreaking development and a pivotal achievement for Nobu in redefining modern urbanism as we embark on branding communities within a fresh framework." said Trevor Horwell, CEO of Nobu Hospitality. "As we transform cities, we now embark on a new journey with Nobu-one that promises to create a groundbreaking cultural epicenter. A global hub of art, culture, hospitality, and design. With our unwavering commitment to beauty, creativity, and innovation, this project will inspire and educate, combining the best of art, architecture, and urban living to build a responsible, vibrant community that reflects the dynamic spirit of SAO and Nobu." said Grzegorz Skawinski, SAO Investments Co-Founder. Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aejy83jdzcI Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2703871/NOBU_KRAKOW_NY_MTG.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2703872/NOBU_KRAKOW_FOLIAGE_VIEW.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/nobu-hospitality-brings-iconic-luxury-lifestyle-to-historic-krakow-302474042.html Richmond Hill Resources Plc - Conditional Sale of Subsidiaries PR Newswire LONDON, United Kingdom, June 05 Richmond Hill Resources Plc ("Richmond Hill " or the "Company") Conditional Sale of Subsidiaries Richmond Hill (AQSE: SHNJ), is pleased to announce that further to the announcement of 3 February 2025, the Company has entered in a binding term sheet with respect to the sale of Shinju Whiskey LLC and Shinju Spirits Inc., to Intergen I Limited Partnership ("Intergen I"). The consideration for the sale will be 10,000. As previously stated in the Company's Notice of General Meeting dated 3 February 2025, the Company will be seeking approval from shareholders for the disposal of these last two remaining subsidiaries, that will also be subject to the publication of an AIM admission document. A further announcement will be made in due course. Intergen I is 50% owned by Ryan Dolder, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and therefore the sale to Intergen I constitutes a related party transaction pursuant to the Aquis Growth Market Access Rulebook. Having considered the terms of the sale, and having exercised reasonable care, skill and diligence, Hamish Harris, the independent Director for the purpose of the sale to Intergen I, considers that Ryan's participation is fair and reasonable insofar as the shareholders of the Company are concerned. The directors of the Company accept responsibility for the contents of this announcement. This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of the UK Market Abuse Regulation and the Directors of the Company are responsible for the release of this announcement. For further information, please contact: The Company Hamish Harris hharris@roguebaron.com AQSE Corporate Adviser and Broker: Peterhouse Capital Limited +44 (0) 20 7469 0936 Joint Broker: Clear Capital Limited Bob Roberts +44 (0) 20 3869 6080 Forward Looking Statements This 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 Company'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. New Oslo Office to Drive National Cyber Resilience, and Private and Public Sector Transformation Across Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland PORTO, PORTUGAL / ACCESS Newswire / June 5, 2025 / Naoris Protocol, the global leader in decentralized trust infrastructure and post-quantum cybersecurity, proudly announces the opening of its Nordic Regional Command Center in Oslo, Norway. This new office marks a major milestone in the company's strategic global expansion, serving as a central hub for government partnerships, digital sovereignty solutions, and the distribution of critical defense-grade technologies across the Nordic region, covering Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland. This Nordic expansion is spearheaded by Major General (ret.) Inge Kampenes, former Chief of the Norwegian Armed Forces Cyber Defence and a decorated fighter pilot with deep expertise in defense strategy and cyber warfare. Kampenes brings decades of strategic military leadership to Naoris Consulting, the global consulting arm of Naoris Protocol, and will guide its engagement with Nordic governments, critical infrastructure, and public institutions. General Kampenes is putting together a team of highly qualified partners and investors. His team will include Knut Grandhagen, former head of communications at the Norwegian Armed Forces Cyber Defence who is also the son of Kjell Grandhagen - an early backer of Naoris Protocol, 3-star General and former NATO Chairman of the Intelligence Committee. Grandhagen, a long-time believer in the Naoris vision, will head strategic communications efforts and support business strategy across the region. "Naoris offers the kind of security innovation our region needs-sovereign, resilient, and future-ready, " said General Inge Kampenes. Knut Grandhagen, added: "We are building the Nordic epicenter of digital trust and cyber defense. My father believed in the revolutionary vision at the heart of Naoris since the early stages and helped shape it to what it is today. I will, in turn participate, in its success, "The technology now being fielded by Naoris has the ability to boost national resilience and security at every level." The Oslo office operates under Naoris Consulting, the strategic arm of Naoris Group tasked with: ? ?Distribution and deployment of Naoris Protocol technologies across public and private sectors; ? ?Government contracting, compliance, and ecosystem partnerships; ? ?Strategic education and engagement to promote decentralized cybersecurity, digital sovereignty, and post-quantum preparedness; ? ?Supporting national transformation projects in sectors including defense, telecom, energy, and finance. "The Oslo expansion is not just geographic-it's geopolitical," said David Carvalho, CEO of Naoris Protocol. "With Mr. Kampenes leading this charge, Naoris is positioning itself as the trusted sovereignty layer for a more resilient Nordic digital future." This move aligns with Europe's growing commitment to digital sovereignty, reinforced resilience against foreign threats, and a secure post-quantum digital landscape. With trusted Nordic leadership at the helm, the Oslo center will serve as the main regional liaison for governments and institutions in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland, embedding sovereign-grade cybersecurity across the region. Naoris Consulting Oslo is already engaging with select ministries and public sector entities across the Nordics, with further partnerships and deployments expected throughout 2025. The Group's mission is to embed trust, transparency, and resilience into the digital fabric of the Nordic region-starting now. About Naoris Protocol Naoris Protocol is the world's first Decentralized Post-Quantum Infrastructure, built to secure both Web3 and Web2 against traditional and quantum threats. Operating beneath blockchain layers 0 to 3 as a Sub-Zero Layer, it integrates with existing EVM chains, nodes, bridges, dApps, enterprise systems, and IoT devices without requiring hard forks. Naoris Protocol combines Post-Quantum Cryptography, dPoSec Consensus, and Decentralized Swarm AI to create a self-healing security mesh that eliminates single points of failure. Since launching in January 2025, it has processed over 64 million transactions and mitigated 341 million threats. Powered by the $NAORIS token, it is the fastest-growing trust and security layer for a quantum-resilient internet. To learn more about Naoris Protocol, visit https://www.naorisprotocol.com/ Press contact: Guy Davies guy@naoris.com Anna Fedorova anna@babslabs.io SOURCE: Naoris Protocol View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/blockchain-and-cryptocurrency/naoris-protocol-expands-into-the-nordics-with-strategic-consulting-hu-1035884 Tamarack, Minnesota--(Newsfile Corp. - June 5, 2025) - Talon Metals Corp. (TSX: TLO) (OTC Pink: TLOFF) (together with its subsidiaries, "Talon" or the "Company"), the majority owner and operator of the Tamarack Nickel-Copper-Cobalt Project ("Tamarack Nickel Copper Project") in central Minnesota, is pleased to announce assays from the previously announced historic massive sulphide ("MSU") intercepts in drill hole 25TK0563 (see the Company's press release dated May 12, 2025) measuring a combined 34.9 meters grading 28.88% NiEq and 57.76% CuEq at the Tamarack Nickel Copper Project. Highlights: Table 1: Select assay intervals for drill hole 25TK0563 Drill Hole # From (m) To (m) Length (m) Assay NiEq (%) CuEq (%) Ni (%) Cu (%) Co (%) Pd (g/t) Pt (g/t) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) 25TK0563 762.34 809.67 47.33 11.01 11.40 0.08 6.39 12.06 6.79 33.54 21.40 42.79 1 including 762.34 782.73 20.39 13.11 14.68 0.10 8.28 16.08 9.24 42.13 26.70 53.40 2 and 795.16 809.67 14.51 17.32 16.34 0.12 9.18 16.63 9.09 46.52 31.95 63.90 1+2 combined 762.34 782.73 34.90 14.86 15.37 0.11 8.65 16.31 9.18 42.92 28.88 57.76 795.16 809.67 See Table 3 for further technical information Drill hole 25TK0563 intersected a combined length of 34.90 meters across two zones of MSU starting at 762.34 meters grading 14.86% Ni, 15.37% Cu, 0.11% Co, 9.18 g/t Au, 16.31 g/t Pt, 8.65 g/t Pd, and 42.92 g/t Ag. Of the two zones of MSU that were intercepted, the upper MSU starts at 762.34 meters and graded 26.70% NiEq (53.40% CuEq) over the 20.39 meter interval. The lower MSU starts at 795.16 meters and graded 31.95% NiEq (63.90% CuEq) over 14.51 meters. These assays represent a portion of the mineralization encountered in hole 25TK0563 and further details may be provided as the remainder of the drill hole is assayed. The drill hole was targeting Borehole Electromagnetic (" BHEM" ) anomalies identified from previous drill holes 25TK0562 and 16TK0250. Drill hole 25TK0563 represents an approximate 68-meter step-out to the east from the intercept in drill hole 16TK0250. A BHEM campaign has been initiated using multiple loops to help evaluate this new zone from various orientations. The results of this program will guide the future drill program. "Intercepts of this scale and grade are extremely rare, and they don't come without deep technical understanding. Our in-house geophysics team helped vector us into this target, and our in-house drill team executed it flawlessly. This result validates both the geology at Tamarack and the integrated approach we've taken to exploration. Tamarack continues to exceed expectations and has raised the bar as to what high-grade means," said Brian Goldner, Chief Exploration and Operations Officer. "A 34.9-meter intercept grading 28.88% nickel equivalent is truly world-class. Even when you compare it to historical data from globally significant nickel deposits, intercepts like this are few and far between. From a geologic perspective, this is a bonanza result by any standard," added Dean Rossell, Chief Geologist of Talon and credited with the discovery of Tamarack, Eagle and Boulderdash. "As the United States accelerates efforts to secure domestic critical mineral supply chains for energy security and national defense, Tamarack stands out as a rare and essential piece of the puzzle. These assay results not only underscore the global significance of our deposit, but also its strategic importance to America's energy future," said Henri van Rooyen, CEO of Talon. Figure 1: Photo of drill core from drill hole 25TK0563 starting at 762.34 meters depth showing a combined 34.9 meters of massive sulphide mineralization. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2443/254546_306e336bf4791b22_001full.jpg Figure 2: Location of the 34.90 meters intercept in drill hole 25TK0563 in relation to the Tamarack Resource Area. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2443/254546_306e336bf4791b22_002full.jpg Lundin Earn-in Agreement Update Talon and Lundin Mining Corporation ("Lundin Mining") have extended the exclusivity period until June 30, 2025 as the parties continue to work on the earn-in and related agreements ("Lundin Agreements") pursuant to which Lundin Mining may acquire up to a 70% ownership interest in the Boulderdash and Roland exploration targets, which are in close proximity to Lundin Mining's Eagle Mine and encompass approximately 33,000 acres of minerals rights out of Talon's over 400,000 acre mineral package in Michigan (see the Company's press release from March 5, 2025 for further information). Talon has two of its drill rigs currently drilling at Boulderdash. QUALITY ASSURANCE, QUALITY CONTROL AND QUALIFIED PERSONS Please see the technical report entitled "November 2022 National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report of the Tamarack North Project - Tamarack, Minnesota" with an effective date of November 2, 2022 ("November 2022 Technical Report") prepared by independent "Qualified Persons" (as that term is defined in National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101")) Brian Thomas (P. Geo), Roger Jackson (P. Geo), Oliver Peters (P. Eng) and Christine Pint (P.G) for information on the QA/QC, data verification, analytical and testing procedures at the Tamarack Nickel Copper Project. Copies are available on the Company's website (www.talonmetals.com) or on SEDAR+ at (www.sedarplus.ca). The laboratory used is ALS Minerals who is independent of the Company. Lengths are drill intersections and not necessarily true widths. True widths cannot be consistently calculated for comparison purposes between holes because of the irregular shapes of the mineralized zones. Drill intersections have been independently selected by Talon. Drill composites have been independently calculated by Talon. The geological interpretations in this news release are solely those of the Company. The locations and distances highlighted on all maps in this news release are approximate. Dr. Etienne Dinel, Vice President, Geology of Talon, is a Qualified Person within the meaning of NI 43-101. Dr. Dinel is satisfied that the analytical and testing procedures used are standard industry operating procedures and methodologies, and he has reviewed, approved and verified the technical information disclosed in this news release, including sampling, analytical and test data underlying the technical information. Where used in this news release: NiEq% = Ni% + Cu% x $4.00/$8.00 x Cu Recovery/Ni Recovery + Co% x $20.00/$8.00 x Co Recovery/Ni Recovery + Pt [g/t]/31.103 x $1,000/$8.00/22.04 x Pt Recovery/Ni Recovery + Pd [g/t]/31.103 x $1,000/$8.00/22.04 x Pd Recovery/Ni Recovery + Au [g/t]/31.103 x $2,000/$8.00/22.04 x Au Recovery/Ni Recovery + Ag [g/t]/31.103 x $20.00/$8.00/22.04 x Ag Recovery/Ni Recovery CuEq% = Cu%+ Ni% x $8.00/$4.00 x Ni Recovery/Cu Recovery + Co% x $20.00/$4.00 x Co Recovery/Cu Recovery + Pt [g/t]/31.103 x $1,000/$4.00/22.04 x Pt Recovery/Cu Recovery + Pd [g/t]/31.103 x $1,000/$4.00/22.04 Pd Recovery/Cu Recovery + Au [g/t]/31.103 x $2,000/$4.00/22.04 Au Recovery/Cu Recovery + Ag [g/t]/31.103 x $20.00/$4.00/22.04 x Ag Recovery/Cu Recovery For Ni and Cu recoveries, please refer to the formulae in the November 2022 Technical Report. Recovery of Ni to the Cu concentrate was excluded from the NiEq calculation. The following recoveries were used for the other metals: 64.1% for Co, 82.5% for Pt, 69.3% for Pd and 72.6% for Au and Ag. ABOUT TALON Talon is a TSX-listed base metals company in a joint venture with Rio Tinto on the high-grade Tamarack Nickel-Copper-Cobalt Project located in central Minnesota. Talon's shares are also traded in the US over the OTC market under the symbol TLOFF. The Tamarack Nickel Project comprises a large land position (18km of strike length) with additional high-grade intercepts outside the current resource area. Talon has an earn-in right to acquire up to 60% of the Tamarack Nickel Project and currently owns 51%. Talon is focused on (i) expanding and infilling its current high-grade nickel mineralization resource prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 to shape a mine plan for submission to Minnesota regulators, and (ii) following up on additional high-grade nickel mineralization in the Tamarack Intrusive Complex. Talon has a neutrality and workforce development agreement in place with the United Steelworkers union. Talon's Battery Mineral Processing Facility in Mercer County was selected by the US Department of Energy for US$114.8 million funding grant from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the US Department of Defense awarded Talon a grant of US$20.6 million to support and accelerate Talon's exploration efforts in both Minnesota and Michigan. Talon has well-qualified experienced exploration, mine development, external affairs and mine permitting teams. Please visit the Company's website at www.talonmetals.com or contact: FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements". All statements, other than statements of historical fact that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect the current expectations or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to the Company. Such forward-looking statements include statements relating to future exploration work, including future drill results and assays as well as geological interpretations, and whether Talon will enter into the Lundin Agreements. Forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the 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 the Company. 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. Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, 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. Table 2: Collar Location of Drill Hole 25TK0563 Drill Hole (#) Easting (m) Northing (m) Elevation (masl) Azm Dip End Depth (m) 25TK0563 491049.16 5168344.40 388.00 170.66 -84.56 867.77 Collar coordinates are UTM Zone 15N, NAD83. Azimuths and dips are taken from the survey record at collar unless otherwise noted. Table 3: Assay Table for Drill Hole 25TK0563 Drill Hole # From (m) To (m) Length (m) Assay NiEq (%) CuEq (%) Ni (%) Cu (%) Co (%) Pd (g/t) Pt (g/t) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) 25TK0563 762.34 809.67 47.33 11.01 11.40 0.08 6.39 12.06 6.79 33.54 21.40 42.79 including 762.34 782.73 20.39 13.11 14.68 0.10 8.28 16.08 9.24 42.13 26.70 53.40 including 795.16 809.67 14.51 17.32 16.34 0.12 9.18 16.63 9.09 46.52 31.95 63.90 Length refers to drill hole length and not True Width. True Width is unknown at the time of publication. All samples were analysed by ALS Minerals. Nickel, copper, and cobalt grades were first analysed by a 4-acid digestion and ICP AES (ME-MS61). Grades reporting greater than 0.25% Ni and/or 0.1% Cu, using ME-MS61, trigger a sodium peroxide fusion with ICP-AES finish (ICP81). Platinum, palladium, and gold are initially analyzed by a 30g fire assay with an ICP-MS finish (PGM-MS24). Any samples reporting >1g/t Pt or Pd trigger an over-limit analysis by ICP-AES finish (PGM-ICP27) and any samples reporting >1g/t Au trigger an over-limit analysis by AAS (Au-AA26). For Ag, ICP-AES through Aqua regia digestion (ME-ICP 41). To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/254546 SOURCE: Talon Metals Corp. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 5, 2025) - Standard Uranium Ltd. (TSXV: STND) (OTCQB: STTDF) (FSE: 9SU0) ("Standard Uranium" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has contracted Axiom Exploration Group Ltd. ("Axiom") to complete a Technical Report (the "Report") in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 on the Corvo Uranium Project ("Corvo" or the "Project") located along the eastern margin of the Athabasca Basin, northern Saskatchewan, Canada. Corvo is currently under a three-year earn-in option agreement with Aventis Energy Inc. ("Aventis") (CSE: AVE). Axiom combines geoscience technology and authoritative expertise to offer tailored, sustainable solutions for efficient, responsible mineral exploration and development projects. Axiom focuses on utilizing cutting-edge technology, export advisory, and tailored services that drive project success and by crafting innovative strategies that address environmental challenges while building shared value. The purpose of the report is to provide a comprehensive update on the Corvo Uranium Project including all available historical data that the Company has gathered, in addition to newly acquired TDEM data and sampling information from 2025 programs. The NI 43-101 will offer valuable insights by compiling existing data, previous work, and new technology to better guide future programs. Corvo hosts historical drill holes that intersected multiple intervals of uranium mineralization, notably along a strike length of 800 metres between historical drill holes TL-79-3 (0.116% U3O8 over 1.05 m) and TL-79-5 (0.065% U3O8 over 0.15 m)1. High-grade* uranium at surface has been recorded at the Manhattan showing (1.19 to 5.98% U3O8) and SMDI showing 2052 (0.137% U3O8 and 2,300 ppm Th)2. Sean Hillacre, President & VP Exploration of the Company, commented, "I look forward to working closely with Axiom to publish the NI 43-101 Technical Report on Corvo. As we prepare for our first ground-truth exploration program on Corvo this summer, the timing is ideal to engage Axiom and construct the first technical report on this exciting project." Figure 1. Regional map of the Corvo Project. The Project is located 45 km northeast of Atha Energy's Gemini Mineralized Zone ("GMZ") and 60 km due east of Cameco's McArthur River mine. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10633/254557_fa8eef01f4cd0932_001full.jpg The Company believes the Project is highly prospective for the discovery of shallow, high-grade basement-hosted uranium mineralization akin to the Rabbit Lake deposit and the recently discovered Gemini Mineralized Zone. Located just outside the current margin of the Athabasca Basin, Corvo boasts shallow drill targets with bedrock under minimal cover of glacial till. Several outcrop showings of mineralized veins and fractures are present on the Project, notably the Manhattan Showing that returned historical sample results up to 59,800 ppm U at surface2 and has never been drill tested. *The Company considers uranium mineralization with concentrations greater than 1.0 wt% U3O8 to be "high-grade." **The Company considers radioactivity readings greater than 300 counts per second (cps) to be "anomalous." Qualified Person Statement The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed, verified, and approved by Sean Hillacre, P.Geo., President and VP Exploration of the Company and a "qualified person" as defined in NI 43-101. Historical data disclosed in this news release relating to sampling results from previous operators are historical in nature. Neither the Company nor a qualified person has yet verified this data and therefore investors should not place undue reliance on such data. The Company's future exploration work may include verification of the data. The Company considers historical results to be relevant as an exploration guide and to assess the mineralization as well as economic potential of exploration projects. Any historical grab samples disclosed are selected samples and may not represent true underlying mineralization. References 1 Mineral Assessment Report 64E13-0054: Norbaska Mines Ltd., 1979-1980 2 SMDI# 2052: https://mineraldeposits.saskatchewan.ca/Home/Viewdetails/2052 & Mineral Assessment Report MAW00047: Eagle Plains Resources Inc., 2011-2012 About Standard Uranium (TSXV: STND) We find the fuel to power a clean energy future Standard Uranium is a uranium exploration company and emerging project generator poised for discovery in the world's richest uranium district. The Company holds interest in over 233,455 acres (94,476 hectares) in the world-class Athabasca Basin in Saskatchewan, Canada. Since its establishment, Standard Uranium has focused on the identification, acquisition, and exploration of Athabasca-style uranium targets with a view to discovery and future development. Standard Uranium's Davidson River Project, in the southwest part of the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, comprises ten mineral claims over 30,737 hectares. Davidson River is highly prospective for basement-hosted uranium deposits due to its location along trend from recent high-grade uranium discoveries. However, owing to the large project size with multiple targets, it remains broadly under-tested by drilling. Recent intersections of wide, structurally deformed and strongly altered shear zones provide significant confidence in the exploration model and future success is expected. Standard Uranium's eastern Athabasca projects comprise over 42,384 hectares of prospective land holdings. The eastern basin projects are highly prospective for unconformity related and/or basement hosted uranium deposits based on historical uranium occurrences, recently identified geophysical anomalies, and location along trend from several high-grade uranium discoveries. Standard Uranium's Sun Dog project, in the northwest part of the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, is comprised of nine mineral claims over 19,603 hectares. The Sun Dog project is highly prospective for basement and unconformity hosted uranium deposits yet remains largely untested by sufficient drilling despite its location proximal to uranium discoveries in the area. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as of the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the timing and content of upcoming work programs; geological interpretations; timing of the Company's exploration programs; and estimates of market conditions. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements contained herein. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Certain important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are highlighted in the "Risks and Uncertainties" in the Company's management discussion and analysis for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2024. Forward-looking statements are based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company at this time, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies that may cause the Company's actual financial results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied herein. Some of the material factors or assumptions used to develop forward-looking statements include, without limitation: that the transaction with the Optionee will proceed as planned; the future price of uranium; anticipated costs and the Company's ability to raise additional capital if and when necessary; volatility in the market price of the Company's securities; future sales of the Company's securities; the Company's ability to carry on exploration and development activities; the success of exploration, development and operations activities; the timing and results of drilling programs; the discovery of mineral resources on the Company's mineral properties; the costs of operating and exploration expenditures; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability of increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); uncertainties related to title to mineral properties; assessments by taxation authorities; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Any forward-looking statements and the assumptions made with respect thereto are made as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/254557 SOURCE: Standard Uranium Ltd. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 5, 2025) - Great Pacific Gold Corp. (TSXV: GPAC) (OTCQX: FSXLF) (FSE: V3H) ("Great Pacific Gold," "GPAC," or the "Company") is providing an update on its exploration activities at the Wild Dog Project ("Wild Dog" or the "Project"), located on the island of New Britain, in the province of East New Britain, Papua New Guinea ("PNG"). The recently commenced drill program is designed to test high-priority targets over a 3km strike length within the mineralized corridor with approximately 2,500 metres of diamond drilling across 16 planned holes. Prior to the start of drilling, the Wild Dog corridor was flown with MobileMT geophysics, which identified a strong conductivity trend extending over 15km in strike and to depths exceeding 1,000 metres (see news release dated May 7, 2025). Key Highlights From Current Drilling: Hole WDG-02 targeted sulphide mineralization beneath the historic Central Oxide Pit - an area previously mined for high-grade oxide gold and considered prospective for open-pit development (Figure 1). - an area previously mined for high-grade oxide gold and considered prospective for (Figure 1). WDG-02 intercepted: 7.0 meters @ 10.3 g/t AuEq (5.5 g/t Au and 3.1% Cu) from 65.0m; including 2.0 meters @ 14.3 g/t AuEq (10.7 g/t Au and 2.3% Cu) from 65.0m. WDG-03 was drilled 200m south of WDG-02 and targeted sulphide mineralization beneath the historic Southern Oxide Pit. The hole ended at 124m and intercepted multiple intervals of strongly shattered breccia with intense phyllic alteration, grey sulphide and quartz veining , including the main Wild Dog vein structure . Assay results are pending. with intense phyllic alteration, , including the . Assay results are pending. WDG-04 is underway and being drilled from the same pad as WDG-03, targeting a follow up intercept with the main Wild Dog vein structure. "The first drill results from our Phase 1 drill program at Wild Dog did not disappoint," stated Greg McCunn, CEO. "We now have a drill rig on the ground, a highly experienced technical team, and the infrastructure support in place to explore the potential of this system. We anticipate steady news flow from our drilling program over the coming months as we systematically test about 10% of the overall 15km Wild Dog structural corridor with our planned Phase 1 drilling." Callum Spink, Vice President Exploration said, "Intersecting high-grade copper-gold hydrothermal breccia in the first hole is exactly the kind of result we hoped for as we get started on this exciting campaign. We believe we have intercepted the main Wild Dog vein in WDG-03 and we are targeting a further step out in the main vein with WDG-04, which is underway." A cross section of the geology and the key assay results from WDG-02 are shown in Figure 2 and a complete set of assay results is shown in Table 3. Results To-date, the Company has completed three drill holes and Wild Dog, with a fourth in progress. Details of the drilling are shown in Table 1. Table 1 Wild Dog Drill Hole Details (PNG94 UTM coordinates) Hole ID Easting Northing RL Dip Azi Max Depth (m) Status WDG-01 394358.3 9488853.5 945 -50 115 40.1 Abandoned WDG-02 394426.0 9489024.2 900 -53 050 124.6 Completed WDG-03 394384.9 9488926.5 924 -50 053 127.6 Completed WDG-04 394384.8 9488926.5 924 -50 75 In-progress Drill hole WDG-01 encountered challenging ground conditions with areas of core loss, highlighting the intensity of the alteration and structural complexity of the Wild Dog system. These conditions prompted rapid refinement of drilling techniques, including the adoption of PQ-sized drilling, improved drilling fluids and revised operational technics tailored to the local geology. A post-hole GPS check revealed a minor offset from the planned collar position. As such, WDG-01 is expected to be redrilled later in the program to capture the intended target. Subsequent holes have shown steady improvement in core recovery, with WDG-02 encountering fewer issues and WDG-03 and WDG-04 now progressing with strong recovery rates. The first batch of assay results from WDG-02 are shown in Table 2. Table 2 Wild Dog Drill Hole Key Assay Results Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval* (m) Gold (g/t) Copper (%) Gold Eq.** (g/t) WDG-02 65.0 72.0 7.0 5.5 3.1 10.3 including 65.0 67.0 2.0 10.7 2.3 14.25 * Drill highlights presented above are core lengths (not true widths). ** Gold equivalent (AuEq) exploration results are calculated using longer-term commodity prices with a copper price of US$4.50/lb, a silver price of US$27.5/oz and a gold price of US$2,000/oz. WDG-02 Geology Diamond drill hole WDG-02 was collared in weathered andesite which persisted down the hole to approximately 5 meters. Fresh rock began at 10m and was composed of predominantly lapilli tuff and volcanoclastic conglomerate. From 41.1 meters to 46.6 meters the drilling intersected pervasive silicification with dark silica veining before transitioning back to massive tuff from 46.6 meters to 55.3 meters. Hydrothermal breccia was first intersected at 55.3 meters with the first 9.7 meters to 65 meters downhole having minor occurrences of black sulphide with chalcopyrite. From 65 meters to 72 meters (7.0 meters) the core showed intense type 3 vein structure with black sulphide veining and coarse chalcopyrite and bornite. Gold grade averaged 5.5 g/t over this interval with 3.1% copper for a gold equivalent of 10.3 g/t. WDG-02 64-67m coarse chalcopyrite and bornite. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11018/254581_greatpacific1en.jpg From 72m through 93.1m, drilling intercepted a mix of hydrothermal breccia and massive tuff before entering a second zone of hydrothermal breccia with dark sulphides and both fine grained and coarse chalcopyrite from 93.1m to 99.1m. Generally, core recovery was poor in this section with the ground highly altered. WDG-02 79m hydrothermal breccia with dark sulphidic quartz. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11018/254581_greatpacific2en.jpg WDG-02 94.6m Banded white-grey quartz vein. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11018/254581_greatpacific3en.jpg From 99.1m to 105m, drilling encountered a fault structure / void where no core was recovered before entering back into hydrothermal breccia from 105.1m to 110m. The intercept contained dark suphides with traces of chalcopyrite. WDG-02 105.1m banded grey quartz. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11018/254581_greatpacific4en.jpg For 110m through to the end-of-hole at 124.6m, the drill core consisted mainly of tuff with some minor brecciated material and coarse pyrite. On behalf of Great Pacific Gold Greg McCunn, Chief Executive Officer and Director Qualified Person The technical content of this news release has been reviewed, verified and approved by Callum Spink, the Company's Vice President, Exploration, who is a member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists, MAIG, and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument NI 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Spink is responsible for the technical content of this news release. Quality assurance/quality control The Company follows industry-recognized standards of Best Practice and Quality Assurance/Quality Control. Samples were submitted to Intertek Minerals Ltd. (ISO: 9001), located in Lae, Papua New Guinea in sealed in poly-weave bags using single use tie-locks, thereby ensuring chain of custody, for fire assay and ICP analysis. To date all batches have passed QAQC within acceptable tolerance limits. All diamond holes were drilled predominantly in HQ and PQ diameter. Core recovery was 83% for WDG-02. Figure 1 Proposed Phase I drill program at Sinivit - Kavasuki targets, Wild Dog structural corridor. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11018/254581_greatpacific5en.jpg Figure 2 Cross section showing WDG-02 geology and key intercepts. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11018/254581_greatpacific06en.jpg Table 3 WDG-02 Complete Assay Results To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11018/254581_greatpacific7en.jpg About Great Pacific Gold Great Pacific Gold has a portfolio of exploration-stage projects in Papua New Guinea ("PNG"). The Company is focused on developing gold-copper resources from its highly prospective land packages. Its core projects include: Kesar Project: located in the Eastern Highlands province of PNG and contiguous with the mine tenements of K92 Mining Inc. ("K92"), the Kesar Project is a greenfield exploration project with several high-priority targets in close proximity to the property boundary with K92. Multiple epithermal veins at Kesar are on strike and have the same orientation as key K92 deposits, such as Kora. Exploration work to date by the Company at the Kesar Project has shown that these veins have high grades of gold present in outcrop and very elevated gold in soil grades, coincident with aeromagnetic highs. The Company is carrying out an ongoing diamond drill program on key target areas at the Kesar Project. Wild Dog Project: located in the East New Britain province of PNG, the Wild Dog Project is a brownfield exploration project with a history of small-scale gold mining. The Wild Dog Project contains numerous epithermal and porphyry hydrothermal-magmatic targets evidenced by previous exploration and operations. The Company completed a road refurbishment in August 2024 and baseline environmental work in Q4 2024. In Q1 2025, the Company began preparing for a drilling program with camp and infrastructure being established, airborne geophysics (MobileMT) survey completed and a geological team in place. A first phase of diamond drilling is underway on the property. Arau Project: located in the Eastern Highlands province of PNG, the Arau Project contains the highly prospective Mt. Victor exploration target with potential for a high sulphidation epithermal gold-base metal deposit. A Phase 1 Reverse Circulation drilling program was completed at Mt. Victor in August 2024, with encouraging results. The Arau Project includes the Elandora licence, which also contains various epithermal and copper-gold porphyry targets. The Company also holds the Tinga Valley Project in PNG. Forward-Looking Statements Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. Great Pacific Gold cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by many material factors, many of which are beyond their respective control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to Great Pacific Gold's limited operating history, its exploration and development activities on its mineral properties and the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, Great Pacific Gold does not undertake to publicly update or revise forward-looking information. Mineralization at the properties held by K92 Mining is not necessarily indicative of mineralization at the Kesar Project. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/254581 SOURCE: Great Pacific Gold Corp. As a member of Medicines for Europe, Polpharma Group joins industry leaders in calling on EU Prime Ministers to adopt a 5-Point Pharmaceutical Action Plan to protect patients, boost manufacturing, and ensure fair competition AMSTERDAM, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Polpharma Group, a leading European pharmaceutical manufacturer, has joined fellow members of Medicines for Europe in signing an open letter addressed to the Prime Ministers and Ministers of Health of all 27 EU Member States. The letter calls for urgent political action to adopt a targeted Pharmaceutical Action Plan that will protect patient access to medicines and support a competitive, sustainable pharmaceutical industry in Europe. The letter, signed by CEOs and senior executives from across the European off-patent medicines sector, focuses on the need to: 1. Accelerate the adoption of the EU pharmaceutical legislation, with a strong emphasis on: Maintaining the current 11-year regulatory exclusivity period to avoid unnecessary healthcare costs. Strengthening and harmonizing the Bolar exemption, enabling generic and biosimilar medicines to enter the market immediately after patent expiry, ensuring faster access for patients and savings for healthcare systems. The threat of U.S. tariffs should not justify extending Europe's intellectual property (IP) protection, which is already the most generous in the world. Any IP extensions would strain public health budgets and fail to prevent production shifts abroad, as already announced by several originator companies. The letter also stresses that EU countries spent 20 billion on just 5 top medicines in 2024. The simulation, based on the originator extension claims (13 to 18 years), for only 15 molecules shows that the costs for healthcare budgets would be between 20 billion and 100 billion. 2. Avoid harmful legislative overlaps, such as those in the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (UWWTD), which-if not amended-could unintentionally disrupt medicine supply and increase costs for patients. For example, in the Netherlands alone, the cost of diabetes medicine metformin is expected to increase by up to 875%, and the antibiotic amoxicillin up to 400%. 3. Support critical medicines production, through initiatives like the Critical Medicines Act (CMA), which should be aligned with industrial and health security goals. 98% of on-patent investment is going to the US, while only 1% is going to the EU. Markus Sieger, CEO of Polpharma Group, commented: "Europe must act now to protect its patients and its pharmaceutical sovereignty. The off-patent industry is investing in Europe, but we also need a stable, competitive, and innovation-friendly environment to continue doing so. The 5-Point Action Plan is a pragmatic and urgent roadmap to ensure that essential medicines remain accessible, affordable, and manufactured in Europe." Polpharma Group remains committed to working with EU institutions and national governments to build a resilient, sustainable, and patient-focused pharmaceutical ecosystem in Europe. Source: Polpharma Group Beata Zdunczyk-Goledzinowska Corporate Communications Head M: +48 693 307 630 beata.zdunczyk-goledzinowska@polpharma.com Grazyna Stachowska Corporate PR Content Expert M: +48 885 610 273 grazyna.stachowska@polpharma.com Complementary Strengths, Unified Service KE Andrews and Rosas, PLLC Announce Strategic Collaboration to Expand Nationwide Property Tax Services ROCKWALL, TEXAS / ACCESS Newswire / June 5, 2025 / KE Andrews, a leading boutique property tax consulting firm, and Rosas, PLLC, a Texas-based law firm with a strong reputation in commercial real estate and property tax litigation, have entered into a strategic collaboration to expand their nationwide service offerings. KE Andrews This new relationship brings together KE Andrews' deep experience in property tax assessment and strategic consulting with Rosas, PLLC's legal expertise in complex tax disputes and litigation. The goal is to streamline the process for clients and provide end-to-end support, from initial tax strategy to courtroom representation. While this alliance enhances the breadth of services available, it's important to note that KE Andrews will not offer legal representation. Legal services will remain solely under the purview of Rosas, PLLC. Complementary Strengths, Unified Service By joining forces, the two firms will offer a more integrated experience for clients navigating rising property valuations, regulatory changes, and multi-jurisdictional tax complexities. Clients of Rosas, PLLC will now benefit from KE Andrews' national footprint and data-driven tax consulting approach. KE Andrews clients will gain access to seasoned litigators at Rosas, PLLC when legal escalation becomes necessary. "This collaboration allows us to better serve our clients at every stage of the property tax lifecycle," said Mark Andrews, President of KE Andrews. "Whether they need strategic guidance or legal advocacy, we can now deliver both-seamlessly and with the same level of expertise clients have come to expect." Christopher C. Rosas, Managing Member of Rosas, PLLC, echoed the sentiment: "We've long admired KE Andrews' commitment to excellence in property tax consulting. This partnership allows us to deliver more comprehensive solutions at a time when property owners face increasing complexity in managing their tax obligations." A Nationwide Vision Together, KE Andrews and Rosas, PLLC aim to set a new standard in property tax services by offering clarity, consistency, and customized strategies to clients operating across multiple states. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to client success and an acknowledgment of how the landscape of property taxation is evolving. From high-stakes valuation disputes in energy and manufacturing to real estate portfolio strategy and appeal management, the combined capabilities of both firms deliver tailored solutions backed by decades of industry knowledge. About KE Andrews Headquartered in Rockwall, Texas, KE Andrews is a full-service property tax consulting firm with more than 40 years of experience. The firm serves clients across energy, manufacturing, multifamily, and commercial real estate industries, offering expert valuation, tax strategy, and compliance services. About Rosas, PLLC Rosas, PLLC is a Texas-based law firm known for its litigation work in property tax disputes, energy, and real estate matters. With deep legal expertise and a client-first mindset, Rosas, PLLC delivers strategic guidance to businesses navigating complex valuation and tax law issues. Media Contacts: Lisa Hogan Marketing Manager, KE Andrews lhogan@keatax.com | 469.298.1671 Christopher Rosas Managing Partner, Rosas, PLLC crosas@rosaspllc.com | 210.669.4696 Information: visit keatax.com and rosaspllc.com. Contact Information Chris Rosas Managing Partner crosas@rosaspllc.com 2106694696 SOURCE: KE Andrews View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/ke-andrews-and-rosas-pllc-announce-strategic-collaboration-to-ex-1014653 Your vote is important no matter how many votes you hold. Vote today. Shareholders who have questions or need assistance with voting their shares should contact Orogen's proxy solicitation agent and shareholder communications advisor Laurel Hill Advisory Group by telephone at 1-877-452-7184 or by email at assistance@laurelhill.com . VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / June 5, 2025 / (TSXV:OGN)(OTCQX:OGNRF) Orogen Royalties Inc. (" Orogen " or the " Company ") is pleased announce its notice of annual general and special meeting of shareholders (the " Meeting ") and management information circular (the " Circular" ) are now available on Orogen's website at https://orogenroyalties.com/investors/agm-materials/ as well as under Orogen's profile on SEDAR+ (http://www.sedarplus.ca) . The Company commenced the mailing of the Circular and related materials for the meeting to Orogen's shareholders on June 4, 2025. Orogen will hold its Meeting on June 27, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. (Pacific time) at the head offices of the Company located at 1015 - 789 West Pender Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 1H2. Shareholders are encouraged to vote their materials immediately upon receipt. Your vote impacts your investment. Shareholders of the Company (" Company Shareholders ") will be asked to consider and, if deemed advisable, to pass a special resolution (the " Arrangement Resolution ") to approve a proposed arrangement (the " Arrangement "), contemplated by the arrangement agreement (the " Arrangement Agreement ") entered into by the Company and Triple Flag Precious Metals Corp. (the " Purchaser " or " Triple Flag ") on April 21, 2025. More information on the Arrangement can be found in the Circular. The Board of Directors of Orogen recommends that Shareholders vote FOR the Arrangement Resolution The following is a summary of the principal reasons for the unanimous determination of the Board that the Arrangement is fair to Company Shareholders and is in the best interests of the Company and the recommendation of the Board that Company Shareholders vote FOR the Arrangement Resolution. Significant Premium to Company Shareholders. Excellent Value for the Expanded Silicon Project. Immediate Liquidity. Optionality to Company Shareholders. Inherent Value of Purchaser Shares. Enhanced Exposure to Royalty Assets and Exploration Projects through SpinCo. Potential to unlock significant value through SpinCo. Significant Shareholder Support. Fairness Opinion. More information on the above list of principal reasons can be found on pages 23-24 of the Circular. Company Shareholders are encouraged to read the Circular and vote their shares as soon as possible. The deadline for voting your shares is at 10:00 a.m. (Pacific time) on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. Shareholder Questions Company Shareholders who have any questions or require assistance with voting may contact Laurel Hill Advisory Group, Orogen's proxy solicitation agent and shareholder communications advisor: Laurel Hill Advisory Group Toll Free: 1-877-452-7184 (for shareholders in North America) International: +1-416-304-0211 (for shareholders outside Canada and the US) By Email: assistance@laurelhill.com About Orogen Royalties Inc. Orogen Royalties is focused on organic royalty creation and royalty acquisitions on precious and base metal discoveries in western North America. The Company's royalty portfolio includes the Ermitano gold and silver mine in Sonora, Mexico (2.0% NSR royalty) operated by First Majestic Silver Corp. and the Expanded Silicon gold project (1.0% NSR royalty) in Nevada, U.S.A, being advanced by AngloGold Ashanti NA. The Company is well financed with several projects actively being developed by joint venture partners. On Behalf of the Board OROGEN ROYALTIES INC. Paddy Nicol President & CEO To find out more about Orogen, please contact Paddy Nicol, President & CEO at 604-248-8648, and Marco LoCascio, Vice President of Corporate Development at 604-248-8648. Visit our website at www.orogenroyalties.com. Orogen Royalties Inc. 1015 - 789 West Pender Street Vancouver, BC Canada V6C 1H2 Forward Looking Information This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward looking statements". All statements in this presentation, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that Orogen Royalties Inc. (the "Company") expect to occur, are forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: Orogen Royalties Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/orogen-royalties-announces-filing-and-mailing-of-the-management-information-circu-1035825 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 5, 2025) - Forum Energy Metals Corp. (TSXV: FMC) (OTCQB: FDCFF) ("Forum" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that further to its news release dated May 27, 2025, it has closed its previously announced transaction with Uranium Royalty Corp. ("URC"). Pursuant to the terms of a royalty purchase agreement dated May 27, 2025, URC acquired a 2% gross overriding royalty on Forum's Aberdeen Project in Nunavut in exchange for CAD$1,000,000 cash. Forum expects to use the proceeds to advance the Aberdeen Project and for general working capital purposes. 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 Rebecca Hunter 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/254560 SOURCE: Forum Energy Metals Corp. NEW YORK, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A major step forward for ocean sustainability will be launched at the United Nations Ocean Conference 2025: a global network of Ocean Centres designed to put safety at the heart of the blue economy transition in emerging ocean economies. Established through a pioneering partnership between the United Nations Global Compact and Lloyd's Register Foundation (The Foundation), the Ocean Centres will serve as locally led, multi-stakeholder platforms in Brazil, Ghana, Kenya, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia and the Philippines. Each Centre will address pressing safety and sustainability challenges specific to their national ocean economy, advancing resilient, people- and nature-positive development. "Changing global workforce patterns, climate change, the energy transition, and technological innovation continue to bring new challenges and opportunities in growing ocean economies," said Erik Giercksky, Ocean Lead at the UN Global Compact. "Collective, local action to drive safe and sustainable solutions is key to protecting those most affected as we work towards a people and nature positive future". A First-of-Its-Kind Model for Safer Blue Growth Ocean industries are vital to food security, clean energy, global trade, and livelihoods - especially in the Global South, where maritime sectors underpin economic resilience. Yet they remain among the most hazardous sectors in the world. Ocean Centres are the only multi-stakeholder platforms of their kind focused on developing evidence-based, context-specific solutions to mitigate safety risks while supporting the expansion of sustainable ocean industries. The Centres will catalyse national dialogues on safe practices across key sectors such as green shipping, ports, fishing, aquaculture, offshore renewables, and ocean finance. Working groups - comprised of engineers, safety professionals, investors, and local stakeholders - will translate these insights into actionable recommendations and policy input. Dr. Ruth Boumphrey, Chief Executive of Lloyd's Register Foundation, emphasized: "This initiative reflects the Foundation's commitment to being led by local voices. Whilst keeping people safe is a universal ambition, every country has its own unique ambitions to grow their maritime economies, bringing with it safety challenges and opportunities which can only be properly understood by local stakeholders. By sharing local perspectives across the centres, we can all learn from each other." Tackling Local Challenges, Shaping Global Solutions Each Ocean Centre is led by a UN Global Compact Country Network and guided by a Country Lead who coordinates national engagement and fosters knowledge-sharing across the network. Their work builds on national Blue Economy reports that map industry gaps, workforce readiness, and infrastructure vulnerabilities, offering a blueprint for more resilient and investable ocean economies. The Centres are not physical offices but living networks - community-driven, inclusive, and locally grounded. From tackling heat stress among maritime workers to addressing infrastructure risk and gaps in safety governance, they will surface practical solutions and elevate them through policy dialogues and regulatory pathways. In countries like Indonesia, where the ocean economy makes up 20% of GDP and employs 10% of the workforce, the need for safe and sustainable maritime practices is urgent and global in its implications. Next Steps and How to Get Involved The 18-month implementation phase will culminate in a global Ocean Centres Manifesto, synthesizing the collective insights, solutions, and policy proposals from all seven countries. This manifesto will serve as a tool for governments, companies, and investors seeking to integrate safety more deeply into ocean sustainability efforts. Stakeholders - across business, government, academia, and civil society - are invited to contribute to this unique initiative. Opportunities exist for partnership, technical collaboration, and participation in country-level working groups. More information can be found at: www.oceancentres.com . The Ocean Centres will be officially launched at a high-level side event of the United Nations Ocean Conference on 10 June at 15:45 in Room 5 (Blue Zone), Nice. Titled United by Ocean Centres - Global and Local Ocean Collaboration in Practice, the event will bring together international experts, government leaders, and the Country Leads from each Ocean Centre to explore how local action can inform global progress. Notes to Editors About the UN Global Compact The ambition of the UN Global Compact is to accelerate and scale the global collective impact of business by upholding the Ten Principles and delivering the SDGs through accountable companies and ecosystems that enable change. With more than 20,000 participating companies, 5 Regional Hubs, 63 Country Networks covering 80 countries and 13 Country Managers establishing Networks in 18 other countries, the UN Global Compact is the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative-one Global Compact uniting business for a better world. For more information, follow @globalcompact on social media and visit our website at unglobalcompact.org. About Lloyd's Register Foundation Lloyd's Register Foundation is an independent global safety charity that supports research, innovation, and education to make the world a safer place. Its mission is to use the best evidence and insight to help the global community focus on tackling the world's most pressing safety and risk challenges. To find out more about Lloyd's Register Foundation, visit lrfoundation.org.uk. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2701391/Ocean_Centres_United_Nations_Global_Compact_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/new-ocean-centres-to-drive-safer-and-more-sustainable-ocean-economies-across-the-global-south-302473694.html Trusted by DeepL, Bolt, SumUp, TravelPerk, Axel Springer and more. BERLIN, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Flank, a Berlin-based company building an autonomous AI legal agent for enterprise teams, today announced a $10 million funding round led by global software investor Insight Partners (backers of Clio and DarkTrace), with continued participation from Gradient Ventures, the Seed fund designed for founders in AI, as well as 10x Founders and HV Capital. The $10 million round will fund continued product development, expand the engineering and commercial teams, and deepen enterprise partnerships. The Legal Team's Autonomous Ally Flank seamlessly integrates into a company's workflows, becoming the first line of defence for legal teams. Its AI agent reviews, drafts, and red-lines key legal documents and autonomously answers company-wide legal and compliance questions in minutes, not days. Unlike chatbots or copilots, Flank's autonomous agents resolve requests directly at the point of need - operating inside the tools already in use, like email, Slack, and Microsoft Teams. There are no new interfaces, no extra software, and no employee retraining required. Flank's architecture is designed to take over entire high-volume workflows (think NDAs, vendor contracts, routine compliance checks), allowing legal departments to run leaner and redirect human expertise to strategic judgment and deal-making where it matters most. The agent operates with the speed and fluency of an A-player hire - but with the ability to handle thousands of requests simultaneously. "Legal teams are overloaded with repetitive, high-volume tasks that drain time and resources," said Lili Breidenbach, CEO of Flank. "Flank lets them focus on high-value work while our agent handles the rest - invisibly, autonomously, and embedded within the business. We're excited to announce our funding with Insight Partners and look forward to partnering with them as we scale and grow." As part of the round, Sophie Beshar, Vice President at Insight Partners, will join Flank's board of directors. "Flank is helping define a new category of enterprise software - autonomous agents that are embedded, invisible, and capable of real work at scale. Legal teams are among the most stretched in modern organizations, and Flank's approach unlocks speed, accuracy, and massive leverage without disrupting workflows," said Beshar. "We're excited to back Lili, Jake, Charlotte, and the entire Flank team as they reimagine how enterprise teams operate, starting with legal." Flank's proprietary agentic framework (Flank-a0) and next-generation, vector-less retrieval engine enable breakthrough capabilities: Autonomous and proactive agents that interact with the business directly to solve their requests at the point of need. that interact with the business directly to solve their requests at the point of need. Embedded & eventually invisible intelligence that seamlessly and proactively unblocks the business. No new interfaces. No additional tools. that seamlessly and proactively unblocks the business. No new interfaces. No additional tools. Proprietary Engine that kills off vector retrieval frameworks, delivers context aware responses, and can be customised in seconds with natural language. that kills off vector retrieval frameworks, delivers context aware responses, and can be customised in seconds with natural language. Enterprise-grade Supervision engine combines proprietary AI oversight with human expert augmentation, preventing misuse and ensuring performance. Today, Flank supports global enterprises across the US, Europe, and MENA, including DeepL, SumUp, TravelPerk, QA, PROS, Lusha, and more. Flank has already achieved triple-digit revenue growth over the past year and is hiring across product and technology to accelerate its ambitious roadmap. In addition, Flank has partnered with leading international law firm Simmons & Simmons, which has integrated Flank's agent to deliver faster, more efficient legal services for their clients - a milestone in the adoption of autonomous legal intelligence by top-tier professional services. "Autonomous agents aren't the future... they're already here, and they're transforming how we work. Through our partnership with Flank, we've embedded agents that deliver legal outcomes end-to-end. We're launching agents that handle the drafting, review, and negotiation of NDAs, DPAs, service agreements, IMAs, and more. These agents are live, in production, and already delivering real impact for our teams and our clients." - Lucy Shurwood, Partner at Simmons & Simmons "Flank started as a solution for legal, but it is becoming a critical part of how we operate as an organization, helping form the backbone of our internal AI strategy. We are now rolling it out across compliance, info-sec, and beyond, delivering instant, autonomous support without disrupting workflows." - Philip Young, General Counsel at QA Group "With Flank, legal is finally on-demand: intuitive, effortless, and built into how our team already works. We didn't have to teach a single person how to use it. Today, it autonomously handles 5,000 requests a month for us without breaking a sweat." - Andrew Cooke, Chief Legal Officer at TravelPerk About Flank Flank is a Berlin-based company building autonomous agents to transform enterprise legal operations. Designed as the legal team's first line of defence, Flank autonomously reviews, drafts, and red-lines key documents while answering legal and compliance questions. Built on its own proprietary agentic framework and engine, Flank delivers autonomous, embedded, and invisible intelligence. Trusted by leading enterprises and backed by Insight Partners and Gradient Ventures. About Insight Partners Insight Partners is a global software investor partnering with high-growth technology, software, and Internet startup and ScaleUp companies that are driving transformative change in their industries. As of December 31, 2024, the firm has over $90B in regulatory assets under management. Insight Partners has invested in more than 800 companies worldwide and has seen over 55 portfolio companies achieve an IPO. Headquartered in New York City, Insight has offices in London, Tel Aviv, and the Bay Area. Insight's mission is to find, fund, and work successfully with visionary executives, providing them with tailored, hands-on software expertise along their growth journey, from their first investment to IPO. For more information on Insight and all its investments, visit insightpartners.com or follow us on X @insightpartners. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2703318/Flank_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/flank-raises-10m-to-scale-autonomous-legal-agents--embedded-invisible-and-built-for-the-enterprise-302473397.html A look at how CNH and Nature's Net Wrap are rolling out a world-first natural solution to plastic pollution Basildon, June 5, 2025 The latest installment in our 'A Sustainable Year' series spotlights the science behind Canadian bale storage innovator Nature's Net Wrap, a CNH Venturespartner. We speak with the innovators driving it forward, Larry and Austin Ruud, ranchers in Western Canada. And we highlight the real-world impact of rolling out their compostable bale net wrap across our Case IH and New Holland brand dealer networks in North America. The article also features customer feedback and insights from researchers at Lakeland College in Canada, who bring their scientific perspective to the discussion. Plastic net wrap and twine account for approximately 2.5 million tons of waste per year - at least half of all plastic waste in agriculture - and the market is worth around $1 billion USD a year. Nature's Net Wrap has developed the world's first compostable bale net wrap, which is made from a blend of biopolymers and natural fibers that have been tested extensively. It exceeds all global certification requirements and is currently patent pending. CNH presents this story on World Environment Day 2025 which calls for collective action to tackle plastic pollution. Read the full story at: publications.cnhindustrial.com/a-sustainable-year-2024-2025/natures-net-wrap CNH Industrial (NYSE: CNH) is a world-class equipment, technology and services company. Driven by its purpose of Breaking New Ground, which centers on Innovation, Sustainability and Productivity, the Company provides the strategic direction, R&D capabilities, and investments that enable the success of its global and regional Brands. Globally, Case IH and New Holland supply 360 agriculture applications from machines to implements and the digital technologies that enhance them; and CASE and New Holland Construction Equipment deliver a full lineup of construction products that make the industry more productive. The Company's regionally focused Brands include: STEYR, for agricultural tractors; Raven, a leader in digital agriculture, precision technology and the development of autonomous systems; Hemisphere, a leading designer and manufacturer of high-precision satellite-based positioning, and heading technologies; Flexi-Coil, specializing in tillage and seeding systems; Miller, manufacturing application equipment; and Eurocomach, producing a wide range ofmini and midi excavators for the construction sector, including electric solutions. Across a history spanning over two centuries, CNH has always been a pioneer in its sectors and continues to passionately innovate and drive customer efficiency and success. As a truly global company, CNH's 35,000+ employees form part of a diverse and inclusive workplace, focused on empowering customers to grow, and build, a better world. For more information and the latest financial and sustainability reports visit: cnh.com For news from CNH and its Brands visit: media.cnh.com Media contacts: Rebecca Fabian Alex Ellis North America United Kingdom Tel. +1 312 515 2249 Tel. +44 (0)758 106 1696 mediarelations@cnh.com Attachments Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 5, 2025) - DARK STAR MINERALS INC. (CSE: BATT) (FSE: P0W) (the "Company" or "Dark Star") is pleased to announce the Company has commenced data compilation and exploration planning for its Bleasdell historical uranium deposit ("Bleasdell Deposit" or "Project") in Northern Saskatchewan, Canada. The Company will be compiling all available datasets from previous operators in order to plan surface exploration and prepare for confirmation and exploratory development drilling at the historical uranium deposit. Follow up exploration is intended to be focused on the historically drilled Horn and Jackpine zones. These areas are known for uranium-bearing pegmatite dykes. Historic drilling at the project returned notable results, including 2.56m returning 0.12% U3O meters and 1.21 meters returning 0.62% U3O, both within mineralized intervals with strike lengths of 91 meters and 33.5 meters, respectively. Three additional zones on the Project have been identified by previous modern-day explorers for deposit expansion opportunities. Historical exploration at Bleasdell Deposit includes 148 drill holes that were drilled between 1956-1957 for a total of 3,738.6 meters (12,265.9 feet) with drilling depths of between 22.9 meters (75 feet) and 149.4 meters (490 feet). Figure 1. Bleasdell Lake Uranium Project Historical Deposit and Drilling Map To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9815/254588_2e63831994e9f854_002full.jpg "We are excited at the opportunity to commence exploration at the historic Bleasdell deposit along with its hosted historical expandable deposit consisting of 620,700 lbs U3O8," said Marc Branson, President, CEO and director of Dark Star. "Saskatchewan is known for hosting high-grade uranium deposits and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to add this extensively drilled prospect to both confirm and expand upon the work done by previous explorers and developers." About Bleasdell Deposit, Saskatchewan The Bleasdell Deposit has had significant historic exploration and development including a historic deposit consisting of 620,700 pounds of U3O8 (triuranium octoxide), identified within the Horn and Jackpine zones. This historic estimate was originally reported in a shareholder report for Columbia Metals Exploration Co. Ltd. dated November 9, 1957 (the "Report"). The estimate, which was calculated using the standards of the time, is based on data from closely spaced shallow drill holes and more widely spaced deeper drill holes. While the historic resource is considered relevant to the potential of the Bleasdell Deposit, there is no current technical report, and the calculations, methods, or parameters used were not disclosed in the Report. Consequently, a qualified person has not completed sufficient work to classify the historical estimate as a current mineral resource and the company is not treating the historic estimate as a current mineral estimate. The Report states a total of 148 drill holes were drilled between 1956-1957 for a total of 3,738.6 meters (12,265.9 feet) with drilling depths of between 22.9 meters (75 feet) and 149.4 meters (490 feet) with drilling ongoing at the time of publication. The Report goes on to state "The Bleasdell Deposit prospect is well positioned for economic development." Figure 2. Historical Report on Bleasdell Deposit To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9815/254588_2e63831994e9f854_003full.jpg While the historic resource is considered relevant to the potential of the Bleasdell Deposit, there is no current technical report, and the calculations, methods, or parameters used were not disclosed in the Report. Consequently, a qualified person (as such term is defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101")), has not completed sufficient work to classify the historical estimate as a current mineral resource and the Company is not treating the historic estimate as a current mineral estimate. 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. Qualified Person Jeremy Hanson, P. Geo., is a Qualified Person as such term is defined under NI 43-101, is the VP Exploration of the Company and has reviewed and approved the technical aspects of this news release. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements." All statements in this new release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Forward-looking statements in this news release includes statements related to the proposed 2025 exploration program at the Bleasdell Deposit and related matters. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/254588 SOURCE: Dark Star Minerals Inc. Salt Lake City, Utah--(Newsfile Corp. - June 5, 2025) - As hurricane season officially begins, ReadyWise-a leading manufacturer of freeze-dried foods and emergency supplies-is urging families to get prepared before the storm. Experts are warning that the 2025 season could once again bring above-average activity, with a forecast of 13 to 19 named storms between June and November. Last year served as a serious reminder of how unpredictable these storms can be. In 2024, we witnessed a range of extreme events, including rapid intensification, inland flooding, and multiple Category 5 hurricanes. Some areas were left without power for days. Others had to evacuate with little to no notice. And for too many people, help simply didn't come fast enough. These situations are exactly why ReadyWise exists to help families prepare for the unexpected. Having shelf-stable food, clean water, portable power, and ready-to-go emergency kits on hand can make all the difference when you're facing the unknown. "Our goal is to make preparedness simple and accessible," said Norm Ramos, Director of Marketing at ReadyWise. "We want families to feel confident that they have what they need to get through any emergency, especially during hurricane season." Whether you're riding out the storm at home or evacuating, the right supplies can reduce stress and keep your family safe. To help people take the first step, ReadyWise has created a Hurricane Preparedness Checklist with practical tips on what to store, pack, and plan for in advance. Call 800-393-2570 to speak with a friendly product expert or visit www.readywise.com to explore emergency food and survival kits. Hurricanes don't wait-and neither should you. Prepare now, before the next storm forms. Stay informed with real-time alerts from weather.gov and noaa.gov this hurricane season. ReadyWise Hurricane Checklist To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9483/254547_c27aed06848f5bf0_001full.jpg **About ReadyWise** Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, ReadyWise is a global leader in food manufacturing, specializing in high-quality, shelf-stable food solutions. They offer a range of branded products including ReadyWise Emergency Food Kits, trusted for long-term food storage, ReadyWise Outdoor, featuring convenient meals for camping and adventure, and Simple Kitchen, their line of ready-to-eat meals and snacks. Beyond their own brands, they provide private label and co-manufacturing services in their USDA- and SQF-certified facility in Utah, ensuring top-tier quality and safety for partners. At ReadyWise, they are committed to innovation, reliability, and making food security accessible for all. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/254547 SOURCE: ReadyWise, Inc. By Kelsi Doran NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / June 5, 2025 / In 2024, the International Energy Agency (IEA) estimated that data centers accounted for roughly 1.5 percent of global electricity demand. That number is expected to more than double by 2030, driven largely by the rise in AI infrastructure. To put this into perspective, that increase would be equivalent to Japan's total electricity consumption today. How will we meet this rising need for energy - not only from artificial intelligence (AI), but from other digital technologies and the electrification of industries, such as transportation and buildings? While this challenge may seem daunting, there is reason for optimism. We are seeing numerous innovations and technologies paving the way forward, including advancements in more energy-efficient data centers, breakthroughs in liquid cooling, improved software models, increased energy security, and the exploration of alternative energy sources. I recently had the opportunity to discuss the future of energy with Mary de Wysocki, SVP and Chief Sustainability Officer at Cisco; Adele Trombetta, SVP & GM, CX EMEA at Cisco; and Christopher Wellise, VP of Sustainability at Equinix, a Cisco customer that provides global digital infrastructure and colocation services. Here are some of the highlights from our conversation. Q: How are customers adjusting their strategies in response to the energy picture right now? Adele: Our customers and partners are driving strong demand for AI deployment to unlock its benefits and stay competitive. This trend spans across industries in both the public and private sectors. The pressure is undeniable, but the energy impact of AI, particularly generative AI, is also on our customers' minds, especially as large language models (LLMs) are being deployed and trained at scale. Many of our customers across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) have net-zero targets, so they need to manage the accelerating adoption of AI carefully. They are approaching this with sustainability in mind, making it a core part of strategy development rather than an afterthought. It's about adopting AI while simultaneously managing its energy impact. Mary: Interestingly, perspectives can vary depending on who you're speaking with - whether it's customers, partners, or suppliers. A common theme emerging, particularly in light of global dynamics, is resiliency. There is a clear focus on proactive investments to secure the energy needed for the future. It's also about finding ways to move forward collaboratively and identifying opportunities for co-investment. The priorities are clear: we need growth, resilience, and a more sustainable approach. Chris: We're seeing several key themes across the customer landscape. Resiliency and reliability are top priorities, with customers focused on ensuring their applications run smoothly. Regulatory compliance is another major concern, especially in regions like the European Union (EU) with directives such as the EU Energy Efficiency Directive. Another request is for end-to-end solutions that optimize operations across the entire value chain as well as support sustainability reporting and regulatory requirements. As customers adopt hybrid multi-cloud environments, they are keen to optimize energy use across platforms and regions. Finally, partnerships are critical. Customers recognize the need to collaborate with suppliers, energy providers, and others to meet their goals and optimize energy use. For example, in the Cisco-Equinix partnership, 70% of devices connected to the Equinix fabric run on Cisco technology. Q: We know data centers are the foundation for supporting the AI boom and managing its related energy needs. What are some technological advancements that are happening in the data center? Mary: Designing products with energy efficiency in mind is a critical first step in delivering business outcomes and addressing sustainability. For example, Cisco's Silicon One chip is engineered to be both energy-efficient and optimized for AI workloads, enabling customers to reduce power consumption while meeting the growing demands of modern networks and data-intensive applications. In addition to that, a foundational innovation for customers, partners, and suppliers is our Sustainability Data Foundation (SDF). It provides a single source of truth, offering the data needed to manage carbon footprints and progress toward net-zero goals. This information empowers technology leaders with the tools to better manage energy and drive sustainability. Chris: Designing for efficiency is so important. Since 2021, we have required all new build sites to pursue LEED or an equivalent green building certification to demonstrate adherence to recognized sustainability best practices in design and construction. Data centers, built to last 20 to 30 years, require optimization in both design and operations. Innovation in cooling is especially important because cooling typically accounts for over half of energy consumption. Over 100 Equinix data centers are now enabled with access to liquid cooling technology, such as heat exchangers or direct-to-chip cooling. In the latter, a copper plate, fluid, and closed-loop system remove heat directly from the chip while using chemicals to prevent erosion and bio slimes. From a sustainability perspective, this concentrated heat becomes highly usable. For example, in Helsinki, Finland, heat from data centers warms over 10,000 homes, and during the last Summer Olympics, the aquatic center pools were heated by an Equinix data center. Additionally, AI-powered advanced software can create digital twins to optimize cooling parameters and reduce energy consumption for cooling. Adele: Cisco's new products now integrate both sustainability and security into the design process. Customers increasingly want to understand how we deploy, monitor, and optimize technology to address energy consumption, performance, and AI. According to a Gartner study, "By 2030, more than 70% of data centers will monitor sustainability metrics, up from approximately 10% today." (source: Gartner). Collaboration within the partner and customer ecosystem is key to modernization and efficient resource use. Coordinating diverse data - ranging from Cisco networking equipment to grid data, weather, location, and IT/OT systems - presents a complex but exciting challenge. With Splunk, we can streamline this process and generate the insights needed for effective information flow and optimization. Q: How well is the global electricity infrastructure equipped to handle growing electricity demand? Chris: Our primary challenge lies more in distribution than in supply, and the reasons for this vary by region. In the United States, aging infrastructure and complex policy and regulatory environments plays a role. In Europe, while there is rapid growth in renewable energy, integrating it effectively into the grid remains a challenge. In Asia, the situation is more diverse, with both rapid renewable energy expansion and a continued heavy reliance on fossil fuels. To tackle these issues effectively, it is crucial to address both distribution and supply simultaneously. Mary: Generative AI requires significant energy, prompting the question: how do we ensure reliable access to the grid? In New York City, I see both opportunity and challenge in the grid. The U.S. grid, built mostly in the '60s and '70s, lacks reliability and resilience, with 70% of transmission lines over 25 years old. We see the potential of AI to help address major challenges, but its success depends on modernizing the grid and data centers. Industrial IoT can play a key role in creating smart, more secure grids that maximize available energy, support diverse energy sources and enable predictive maintenance. Adele: We are partnering with customers eager for digital transformation, including energy companies supporting critical national infrastructure. Leveraging this shift, we are focusing on creating more sustainable solutions and we're building smart grids that prioritize efficiency. While AI is still in its early stages, ongoing collaboration and partnership with utilities is vital to ensure flexibility and adaptability for their evolving needs. Interested in learning more about the future of energy and the influence of AI? Join me in person as I lead a discussion about this topic at Cisco Live US in San Diego from June 8-12. The session will take place on Tuesday, June 10 from 2 to 2:30pm PT, and you can register here. Source: Gartner, [10 Performance Metrics to Improve Data Center Sustainability], [Henrique Cecci, Autumn Stanish], [14 February 2025] GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved. View original content here. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Cisco Systems Inc. on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Cisco Systems Inc. Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/cisco-systems-inc Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Cisco Systems Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/industrial-and-manufacturing/cisco-the-future-of-energy-how-innovation-and-infrastructure-are-neede-1035939 RENO, NEVADA / ACCESS Newswire / June 5, 2025 / Brookmount Gold (sic: Brookmount Explorations, Inc.) (OTC:"BMXI"), a gold exploration and production company, is pleased to announce encouraging growth in its production levels over the past 30 days in its Indonesian mining operations. The Company has been steadily increasing its mining group over the past month and is in line to achieve its targeted workforce of 100 miners by the end of June, as outlined in our April 29 release. From May 5 to June 5 the operation completed 7 production cycles, processing a total of 52 tonnes of ore and producing 1.5 kg (approx. 54 oz) of gold, at an average per processing yield per run of 216 grams (approx..7.7oz) . To date, the Company has been operating and expanding only one main vertical shaft which has been extended to a depth of 70 meters, and is constructing 2 additional (in addition to its existing one), horizontal shafts for a total of 3. From July, mining operations will be expanded to a further, existing shaft location adjacent to the current operation. This location has been developed around a pre excavated horizontal entrance tunnel in a hillside with 3 vertical shafts running off the access tunnel which has been carved from solid rock. The site has been fully prepped and new lift systems are being installed in the vertical shafts. This new shaft location was successfully operated by previous management and is expected to make a valuable contribution of over 50% of our total production volume in the 2nd half of 2025. The encouraging results from our mining operations over the past month, together with our planned expansion, will put the Company on track to achieve our goal of meeting and eventually exceeding the production and financial results the Company has shown in the years prior to our acquisition of full control in 2025. About Brookmount Gold Founded in 2018, Brookmount Gold is a high-growth gold-producing company quoted on OTC Markets in the United States (OTC: BMXI). With operating gold mines in Southeast Asia and exploration and production assets in North America, the company is focused on acquiring and developing high-quality gold assets with JORC/NI 43-101 verified resources. Safe Harbor Statements: Except for the historical information contained herein, certain of the matters discussed in this communication constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "may," "might," "will," "should," "could," "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "predict," "project," "future," "potential," "intend," "seek to," "plan," "assume," "believe," "target," "forecast," "goal," "objective," "continue" or the negative of such terms or other variations thereof and words and terms of similar substance used in connection with any discussion of future plans, actions, or events identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding benefits of the proposed license, expected synergies, anticipated future financial and operating performance and results, including estimates of growth. There are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements included in this communication. For example, the expected timing and likelihood of completion of the pending transaction, including the timing, receipt and terms and conditions of any required governmental and regulatory approvals of the pending transaction that could reduce anticipated benefits or cause the parties to abandon the transaction, the ability to successfully integrate the businesses, the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the negotiations, the risk that the parties may not be able to satisfy the conditions to the proposed transaction in a timely manner or at all, risks related to disruption of management time from ongoing business operations due to the proposed transaction, the risk that any announcements relating to the proposed transaction could have adverse effects on the market price of Brookmount's common stock. All such factors are difficult to predict and are beyond our control. We disclaim and do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement in this report, except as required by applicable law or regulations. Investor Relations Contact: info@chesapeakegp.com or 410 825 3930 Website: https://www.brookmountgold.com Corporate Contact: corporate@brookmountgold.com Social Links: Brookmount Gold X (Formerly Twitter); https://x.com/brookmountgold SOURCE: Brookmount Explorations, Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/brookmount-gold-announces-strong-gold-production-metrics-for-the-past-month-1035930 DENVER, CO / ACCESS Newswire / June 5, 2025 / KeyBank has awarded a $300,000 grant to Enterprise Community Partners (Enterprise) to help disadvantaged households in Colorado and Utah remain safely, stably and affordably housed through low-income housing options that are healthy and sustainable. The KeyBank grant builds on the momentum of Enterprise's Rocky Mountain Resilience Academy, expanding hands-on support for housing partners in Colorado and Utah to advance their development and organizational goals. It will also help affordable housing providers access new federal, state, and local funding-positioning them to launch projects that reduce carbon emissions and boost community resilience. "Enterprise's mission is to make home and community?? places of pride, power and belonging, and platforms for resilience and upward mobility for all," said Chris Picardi, KeyBank Colorado market president. "This mission aligns perfectly with KeyBank's vision of investing to protect the environment, and we are honored to support this program with our grant." The Rocky Mountain Resilience Academy - initially launched in 2023- offers affordable housing owners and operators access to training, tools, peer learning, technical assistance, and grants needed to achieve their program goals. "Low-income and historically under-resourced communities are hit hardest by energy burdens and climate events. If we don't act now to make affordable housing more resilient and energy-efficient, these families will face rising costs and housing instability," Enterprise VP and Rocky Mountain Market Leader Jennie Rodgers said. "This grant provides affordable housing providers much-needed support to protect the health and wellbeing of their residents and communities." About Enterprise Community Partners Enterprise is a national nonprofit that exists to make a good home possible for the millions of families without one. We support community development organizations on the ground, aggregate and invest capital for impact, advance housing policy at every level of government, and build and manage communities ourselves. Since 1982, we have invested $80.9 billion and created 1 million homes across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands - all to make home and community places of pride, power and belonging. Join us at enterprisecommunity.org. About KeyCorp In 2025, KeyCorp celebrates its bicentennial, marking 200 years of service to clients and communities from Maine to Alaska. To learn more, visit KeyBank Heritage Center. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation's largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $189 billion at March 31, 2025. Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,200 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit?https://www.key.com/. KeyBank Member FDIC. ### View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from KeyBank on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: KeyBank Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/keybank Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: KeyBank View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/banking-and-financial-services/enterprise-community-partners-receives-300-000-grant-from-keybank-to-1035941 NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / June 5, 2025 / Mary Kay: Mary Kay Ash Foundation proudly supports the Conference on Crimes Against Women, which has been educating, advocating, and advancing the multi-disciplinary response to ending domestic violence through more than 250 expert-led workshops at their annual conference in Dallas, Texas, for 20 years. Nearly 1 in 3 women will experience rape or attempted rape in their lifetime-a heartbreaking statistic that's even higher among women of color and Indigenous communities, according to the Conference on Crimes Against Women (CCAW). This month, the CCAW marked its 20th anniversary in Dallas, bringing together attendees from all 50 states and three countries. For the 18th consecutive year, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation is honored to support this powerful gathering. It's an event that unites thousands of people on the front lines-first responders, law enforcement, advocates, faith leaders, campus safety officers, nurses, legal professionals, child protective services (CPS) workers, tribal leaders, and more-who are all working together to end violence against women and change that statistic. "Since 2006, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation's unwavering support has made it possible for the Conference on Crimes Against Women to provide premier training for professionals addressing violent crimes against women," said Becky Park, Executive Director of the Conference on Crimes Against Women. "This partnership ensures that frontline responders are equipped with practical tools and strategies they can implement in their communities-ultimately enhancing prevention, improving responses, and driving meaningful change." Attendees had access to over 250 comprehensive workshops, case studies and hands-on computer labs taught by experts that addressed important topics from forensic nursing and campus safety to stalking, trafficking and technology-enabled abuse. They learned the latest technology to prevent these crimes, heard stories from diverse voices across the field, shared knowledge and collaborated on strategies to address underlying issues that make women unsafe. Most importantly, they walked away with actionable learnings to truly make a difference in this fight. One of the most moving moments came during the keynote session, featuring Nichole Schmidt and Tara Petito of the Gabby Petito Foundation. After losing Gabby to intimate partner violence, they turned their grief into action, creating a foundation focused on awareness, prevention, and support for missing persons. Their conversation, moderated by retired police chief Tom Tremblay, deeply resonated with everyone in the room. "The Conference on Crimes Against Women is vital to ending domestic violence-its impact echoes far beyond Dallas," said Anne Crews, Board Member of the Mary Kay Ash Foundation. "This work directly supports our mission to create a safer world for women. We are honored to stand alongside an organization that turns awareness into action and brings life-saving resources to individuals, families, and communities everywhere. This is a crisis that affects us all-and together, we are rising to meet it." About Mary Kay One of the original glass ceiling breakers, Mary Kay Ash founded her dream beauty brand in Texas in 1963 with one goal: to enrich women's lives. Learn more at marykayglobal.com. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or follow us on X. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Mary Kay on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Mary Kay Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/mary-kay Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Mary Kay View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/mary-kay-ash-foundationr-remains-committed-to-protecting-women-s-1035942 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 5, 2025) - CanCambria Energy Corp. (TSXV: CCEC) (FSE: 4JH) ("CanCambria" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that its common shares commenced trading today on the OTCQB Venture Market ("OTCQB") under the symbol "CCEYF". The Company's common shares continue to trade on the TSX Venture Exchange in Canada under the symbol "CCEC". The OTCQB, operated by OTC Markets Group in New York, is a U.S. trading platform designed for early stage, entrepreneurial, and development state U.S. and international companies. Investors can find real-time quotes and market information on the Company at www.otcmarkets.com. "We're excited to begin trading on the OTCQB, which we believe will enhance our visibility and accessibility among U.S. investors," said Paul Clarke, CEO of the Company. "With our Kiskunhalas Project advancing in Hungary, we see a strong alignment with U.S. investors seeking investment opportunities in early-stage European appraisal and development projects, and access more broadly to the European natural gas market. This listing is another step in our strategy to unlock value for our shareholders through further strategic partnerships." As noted in our news release dated April 30, 2025, the Company announced that its common shares ("Shares") are eligible for book-entry and depository services of the Depository Trust Company (DTC) to facilitate electronic clearing and settlement of transfers of its Shares in the United States. Additionally, the company has uploaded a new corporate presentation reflecting recent land additions and resource estimates, which can be found at: www.cancambria.com to align with this listing milestone. About CanCambria Energy Corp. CanCambria Energy Corp. is a Canadian-based exploration and production company specializing in tight gas development. With a globally experienced leadership team, CanCambria focuses on high-quality, de-risked projects with direct access to profitable markets. Leveraging industries' most advanced technologies they aim to commercialize their flagship asset, the 100% owned Kiskunhalas Project in southern Hungary, a significant gas-condensate resource in the heart of Europe. CAUTIONARY NOTE ON FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS 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. Certain information other than statements of historical facts contained in this news release constitutes "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking information"). Without limiting the foregoing, such forward-looking information includes statements regarding the Offering, Company's business plans, expectations, capital costs and objectives. In this news release, words such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "likely", "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "plan", "estimate" and similar words and the negative form thereof are used to identify forward-looking information. Forward-looking information should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether, or the times at or by which, such future performance will be achieved. Forward-looking information is based on information available at the time and/or the Company management's good faith belief with respect to future events and is subject to known or unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other unpredictable factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control. The forward-looking information set forth herein reflects the Company's expectations as at the date of this news release and is subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/254595 SOURCE: CanCambria Energy Corp. Shenzhen, China--(Newsfile Corp. - June 5, 2025) - XPPen, the leading digital art innovation brand, proudly partnered with Reallusion, the pioneering 2D and 3D character creation and animation software, as the official sponsor of the Animation at Work Contest. This global competition empowers animators to transform their creative visions into award-winning stories. As the official sponsor, XPPen provides creators with its advanced drawing devices featuring industry-leading 16K pressure levels, including the Artist Pro 19 (Gen 2), Magic Drawing Pad, and Deco Pro Series. This year, XPPen has also introduced a special award-the Best Use of XPPen-to encourage more creators to engage in the exchange of animation ideas. By democratizing access to professional-grade tools and building a platform for creative communication, XPPen and Reallusion are together fostering a new era of innovation that makes animation dreams a reality for talented individuals worldwide. Best Use of XPPen "Healthcare in 1702" Behind the Winners: XPPen's Impact on Creativity Sasapitt Rujirat (Healthcare in 1702) Artist Sasapitt Rujirat has made a significant mark in the Reallusion 2024 Animation at Work Contest, securing multiple awards, including the Best XPPen Use award for his project "Healthcare in 1702". In this work, Rujirat used the XPPen Artist 12 (2nd Gen) tablet to bring his animation to life. For a closer look at his creative process, check out the behind-the-scenes insights in this video: XPPen for Animator. As an independent animator, Rujirat undertakes the entire creative process, from cleanup to coloring, which has allowed him to cultivate a distinct sketch style that resonates with audiences. When sharing another award-winning work, "Lucky Planet", he credits his XPPen tablet for cultivating his signature sketch style: "My XPPen tablet handles all my sketching effortlessly, and honestly, this style has grown on me. It feels more relatable and visually appealing, especially to younger audiences." Post-competition, he continues to develop his project into an animated series, driven by the belief that "animation carries the warmth to connect people worldwide." Francis Bon Vun Hong (The Horizon) First Prize winner in the Comic & Arts category, Francis Bon Vun Hong, showcased his talent by designing intricate characters for his award-winning animation "The Horizon," created using his XPPen tablet. This compelling story follows the journey of a resilient robot who escapes the oppressive invaders that destroyed its home planet. In sharing his XPPen tablet using experience, Bon Vun Hong emphasized that separating components with precision made Cartoon Animator rigging seamless. His innovative use of technology not only enhanced the quality of his work but also contributed significantly to the storytelling within his animation. Eric Scot Dales (Lazy Afternoon) Honorable Mention winner in the "Education Animation" category, Eric Scot Dales, has made an inspiring transition from retirement to content creation, using the XPPen Artist Pro 24 (Gen 2) 4K drawing display. Its stunning 4K resolution and exceptional performance perfectly complement his existing 4K monitor, making it his go-to choice for animation projects. Dales' passion for computer graphics and 3D animation began between 1989 and 1995, and today, he leverages advanced drawing technology and professional software to enhance his creative workflow and continually refine his animations. He believes that this challenge has significantly contributed to his growth as a creator, stating, "I have become a better creator after this challenge." In addition to the XPPen products used by the featured artists, XPPen remains committed to innovating a diverse range of products to meet the varying needs of creators. For more details, please visit the XPPen Official Store. Committed to Creativity and Community This collaboration with Reallusion embodies XPPen's commitment to empowering creators through professional tools. "When talented artists like Sasapitt, Eric, and Francis transform their visions into captivating animations, it highlights the integral role of technology in fostering creativity," said Enni Lin, Head of Global PR at XPPen. Aligned with its "Go Bold, Be Real" ethos, XPPen is dedicated to moving forward with creators by expanding its global community programs. This includes official partnerships with renowned events such as the Annecy Festival and the 3D Community Challenge. By continually striving to bridge the gap between imagination and mastery in the world of animation, XPPen is committed to fostering the vibrant growth of digital art and empowering artists around the globe. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/254442 SOURCE: 41Caijing London, United Kingdom--(Newsfile Corp. - June 5, 2025) - (The Net-Zero Circle) The second edition of the Brazil Lithium & Critical Minerals Summit 2025 officially opened yesterday in Belo Horizonte, once again positioning Brazil at the centre of the global energy transition dialogue. Hosted at the Hotel Ouro Minas and organized by The Net-Zero Circle by IN-VR in partnership with Invest Minas and the Government of Minas Gerais, the first day of the event attracted over 300 senior executives and 20+ international delegations from countries including Australia, Canada, the UK, Japan, France, Italy, Portugal, Argentina, China, and the United States. Day 1 featured a powerful line-up of institutional leaders and industry pioneers who gathered to explore Brazil's emerging role as a global powerhouse in lithium and critical minerals. Participating organizations on the first day included: Atlas Lithium, Sigma Lithium, Perpetual Resources, Spark Energy Minerals, PLS, BNDES, ANM (National Mining Agency), B3, UK Export Finance, TSX Group, Invest Minas, the Ministry of Mines and Energy of Brazil, the Ministry of Finance of Brazil, and the Government of Minas Gerais, among many others. Government & Institutional Leaders Set the Stage The Summit officially opened with remarks from Joao Paulo Braga, CEO of Invest Minas, who emphasized the event's strategic significance for Brazil's mining future: "We are honored to endorse this event, and to contribute to a dialogue that is shaping the next chapter of sustainable mining worldwide." Following his speech, Frederico Amaral, Secretary of State for Economic Development of Minas Gerais, and Caio Trivelato, Director at the National Mining Agency (ANM), addressed national policy and the country's readiness for critical mineral development. Mr. Trivelato revealed a major new milestone: "This dynamic will be enabled, streamlined, and improved through our partnership with B3, which brings the core expertise needed to return valuable areas to the market," referring to the upcoming launch of Brazil's first public offering and auction of mining areas scheduled for later this year. Private Sector Leaders Share Bold Visions Day 1 also welcomed powerful keynotes from industry leaders. Marc Fogassa, CEO of Atlas Lithium, shared the company's vision for a fully sustainable operation. Ana Cabral, CEO of Sigma Lithium, spoke about the company's financial discipline and strategic growth: "Even the maintenance cost, interest, and all cash costs of our operation combined are lower than the market price. So, we are able to show positive results." Throughout the day, global juniors including Perpetual Resources, Spark Energy Minerals, and PLS took the stage in a series of presentations and panels, shedding light on why Brazil remains central in their global exploration strategies. A dedicated finance session featured BNDES, B3, TSX Group, UK Export Finance, and the European Investment Bank, focusing on investor confidence and financing trends in Brazil's growing critical minerals ecosystem. VIP Networking & Strategic Dialogue The day concluded with an Exclusive VIP Dinner, hosted at the iconic Surubim Restaurant and proudly sponsored by Spark Energy Minerals. The dinner brought together public and private sector leaders in a high-level setting for strategic networking, laying the foundation for deeper collaboration throughout the Summit. Day 2 promises even more groundbreaking announcements, with sessions led by the Ministry of Mines and Energy of Brazil, the Australian Embassy, and leading global stakeholders exploring Brazil's role in securing the future of the energy transition. END OF PRESS RELEASE To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/254592 SOURCE: IN-VR Limited MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN / ACCESS Newswire / June 5, 2025 / Serve You Rx announced today that its Biosimilar Advantage Formulary now includes two newly approved biosimilars to Stelara (ustekinumab): Otulfi (ustekinumab-aauz) and Yesintek (ustekinumab-face). This addition provides significant savings for self-funded employers and health-plan sponsors while providing the same therapeutic benefits for patients with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, plaque psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis. Serve You Rx logo Serve You Rx logo "The numbers tell the story here," said Justin Jasniewski, CEO of Serve You Rx. "With savings of up to 96% compared to as much as $152,000 annually for Stelara, these biosimilars represent a significant opportunity for our clients to manage healthcare costs while maintaining quality care for their members." In collaboration with Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs and Waltz Health, Serve You Rx is improving access to high-cost specialty medications through transparent pricing and simplified distribution. "Making biosimilars like Otulfi available through Cost Plus Drugs is another step toward breaking down barriers to access," said Dr. Alex Oshmyansky, CEO of Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company. "By working with Serve You Rx, we're helping more patients and health plans avoid the inflated costs that have defined the specialty drug market for too long." Otulfi will be dispensed exclusively through Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs via the Waltz Health specialty pharmacy network, with members projected to save more than 96% annually compared to Stelara. Yesintek will be available through Serve You Rx's specialty pharmacy network powered by Waltz Health. It delivers over 90% annualized savings for plan sponsors while being approved to treat the same conditions as Stelara. Both medications will be supported by robust copay assistance programs to ensure patient access without financial barriers. "Specialty drugs like Stelara have long strained the budgets of employers and health plans, leaving few viable alternatives. By working with Serve You Rx to bring biosimilars like Yesintek to market through a smarter, AI-powered distribution model, we're proving that affordability and access can go hand-in-hand. ," said Mark Thierer, Co-founder and CEO at Waltz Health. "This is exactly the kind of innovation the specialty pharmacy market has needed-transparent, efficient, and patient-focused. Waltz Health provides a comprehensive solution featuring a specialty pharmacy network competing on price and service metrics, a guided patient experience, and a flexible service model that balances cost and outcomes. About Serve You Rx Serve You Rx is a full-service pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) with unquestionable flexibility and an unwavering commitment to doing what's best for its clients. With a fervent focus on those it serves, including insurance brokers, consultants, third-party administrators, and their clients, Serve You Rx delivers exceptional service and tailored, cost-effective benefit solutions. Independent and privately held for nearly 40 years, Serve You Rx can implement new groups in 30 days or less and say "yes" to a wide variety of viable solutions. Known for its adaptability, quality, and client-centricity, Serve You Rx aims to be a benchmark for better client service. To learn more, visit ServeYouRx.com. About Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company The Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company, PBC aims to fundamentally change the way the pharmaceutical industry operates. As a public-benefit corporation, its social mission of improving public health is just as important as the bottom line. Cost Plus Drugs transparently charges a standard markup on every drug it sells. The costplusdrugs.com online pharmacy launched in January 2022 now carries over 2,300 prescription products, delivered by mail to thousands of happy customers every day. Customers can also go to participating retail pharmacies to receive Cost Plus Drugs pricing through the Team Cuban Card. Cost Plus Drugs is working with health plans, managed-care organizations, pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) and self-insured employers to bring these same savings to employer-sponsored benefit plans nationwide.? About Waltz Health Waltz Health is a digital health company developing technologies and services that support better-informed decisions on prescription care. Designed for payers, pharmacies, pharmacy benefit managers, and self-insured employers, the company offers AI-driven marketplaces to lower overall drug costs, providing better pricing options and more information for consumers while also helping payers take control of their pharmacy benefits. Founded in 2021 by Mark Thierer and Jonathon Thierer, Waltz Health is headquartered in Chicago and is backed by GV, Define Ventures, Echo Health Ventures, Blue Venture Fund, Byers Capital, and Twine Ventures. For more information, visit www.waltzhealth.com. SOURCE: Serve You Rx View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/serve-you-rx-adds-two-new-biosimilars-to-its-formulary-delivering-up-1033825 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / June 5, 2025 / Speaking at the 24th Infopoverty World Conference at the United Nations, Pal Impact Foundation (PALIF) Chairman Basudeb Pal delivered a compelling address urging the international community to adopt stronger standards for the safe, ethical deployment of artificial intelligence (AI). While underscoring the need for AI literacy among political and community leaders, he emphasized the significance of effective AI legislation and implementation for impactful AI governance. In his speech, Mr. Pal warned that without proactive safeguards, AI technologies could deepen inequality, infringe on human rights, and put vulnerable communities at risk. "While most commercial organizations chase data to dominate platforms, we've invested time and resources to ensure AI is delivered safely," said Pal. "We've built processes, skillsets, and platforms that audit and monitor AI-so those who are not well-protected are not taken advantage of." He further advocated for a "profit-to-purpose" approach, encouraging organizations to allocate a portion of their profits to fund inclusive AI initiatives and ensure that the benefits of AI are shared broadly and fairly. Held at the United Nations headquarters, the Infopoverty World Conference brings together global leaders in technology, governance, and development to explore solutions for digital inequality. Pal's remarks were met with strong engagement, particularly around the urgent need for AI accountability frameworks that serve the public good. PALIF's commitment to safe and inclusive innovation is long-standing. Through initiatives like the Center for Accessible Safe and Ethical AI (CASE-AI) , the foundation is working to operationalize the principles outlined in the speech-promoting platforms that test, track, and verify AI systems for safety and equity. Watch Mr. Pal's full speech from the Infopoverty World Conference here. About PALIF PAL Impact Foundation (PALIF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to using technology for inclusive and sustainable development. Operating at the intersection of education, public health, and ethical innovation, PALIF builds solutions that empower underserved communities and promote digital equity. The foundation's recent launch of CASE-AI is part of its ongoing effort to embed human-centered values in technology and shape the future of AI for the public good. SOURCE: PAL Impact Foundation View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/palif-chairman-basudeb-pal-urges-ethical-ai-standards-in-un-addre-1035869 Denmark's Roskilde Festival hosts two days of Showstop Procedure training, 25 years after 9 tragic deaths Pink Bows Foundation ("organization" or "Pink Bows") announced today another milestone its global expansion growing its impact with the successful delivery of two additional accredited Showstop Procedure courses hosted by Denmark's Roskilde Festival and attended by Paleo Festival and Engage Festival, among other event organizers and managers across Europe. Other sold-out training sessions took place in Dublin and Glasgow, with further courses to be announced for Fall 2025. "Never stop learning and improving. I believe that we have a good system for stopping a show at Roskilde Festival and RFX. We still hosted a course on Showstop procedure today on behalf of Pink Bows Foundation," said Morton Therkilsden, Director of Safety, Roskilde Festival. Since its launch in Houston, Texas in March 2025, Pink Bows has trained 200 event professionals across the US, UK, Ireland and Denmark. Developed in response to the 2021 Astroworld crowd crush, the Showstop Procedure training and certification advances the organization's mission to improve emergency preparedness and safety protocols in the live events industry. The training is led by globally recognized crowd safety experts Steve Allen and Dr. Mark Hamilton, who serve as consultants to the Pink Bows Foundation. "The first certified European Showstop Procedure course at Roskilde Festival was delivered with outstanding clarity and professionalism by Mark Hamilton and Steve Allen, on behalf of the Pink Bows Foundation," added Pascal Viot, Security Coordinator at Paleo Arts Spectacles and Yourope Event Safety Group, (Association of European Festivals). "This course is part of a collaborative international initiative I am proud to co-develop, to promote a shared culture of responsibility and create global standards for stopping shows safely." "We've been humbled by the response," said Pink Bows president Stephanie Stegall and Steve Allen, Global Crowd Safety Expert, in a joint statement. "Feedback from respected safety leaders has been overwhelmingly positive. The demand confirms there's a real appetite for raising the standard of crowd safety worldwide." Roskilde Festival, one of the oldest and most iconic festivals in Europe, marks 25 years since a tragic crowd crush during a Pearl Jam performance that took the lives of nine attendees. This year's festival will run from June 28 to July 5 and is expected to draw more than 100,000 attendees. This year's headliners include Charli XCX, Olivia Rodrigo, Doechii, and Stormzy For more information or to register interest in upcoming Showstop Procedure courses, click here. About Pink Bows Foundation The Pink Bows Foundation was founded by the Dubiski family in honor of Madison Alexis Dubiski, who died during the 2021 Astroworld Festival crowd crush. The foundation's mission is to collaborate with the event industry, raise awareness, and provide approved crowd safety solutions for both physical safety and mental health. For more information visit: https://www.pinkbowsfoundation.org/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250604463572/en/ Contacts: Montieth Company Ioana Veleanu Botzoman ibotzoman@montiethco.com 917.832.5122 Exclusive-Licensing Partner Santen Will Commercialize SYD-101 Under the Brand Name Ryjuneain the European Union Sydnexis, Inc., (www.sydnexis.com) a pre-commercial stage biopharmaceutical company today announced that the European Commission (EC) has granted marketing authorization for SYD-101, the company's proprietary low-dose atropine formulation, for slowing the progression of pediatric myopia. As the first and only approved pharmaceutical treatment option to treat myopia progression in EU countries, this approval marks a significant advancement in pediatric eye care. The approval is backed by data from the STAR study, Sydnexis' pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial evaluating its proprietary low-dose atropine formulation to slow the progression of pediatric myopia and the risk of associated co-morbidities in children 3 to 14 years old at treatment initiation. "This marks a significant milestone for Sydnexis and, most importantly, for pediatric patients with progressive myopia, their families, and physicians as the first and only approved pharmaceutical treatment option in Europe," said Perry Sternberg, Chief Executive Officer of Sydnexis. "This approval is an endorsement of the potential benefit SYD-101 can provide to millions of patients globally and reinforces the critical importance of early intervention." The marketing approval from the EC follows the recent positive opinion from the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP). Santen, a Japan-based company specialized in eye health, offering innovative products and services in over 60 countries worldwide, licensed the rights from Sydnexis to commercialize SYD-101 in the regions of Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) and will launch SYD-101 under the brand name Ryjunea "The EU approval of SYD-101 is a recognition of the compelling safety and efficacy data generated from our landmark STAR study," said Patrick Johnson, Ph.D., President of Sydnexis. "This validates the potential benefit that SYD-101 can provide to pediatric myopes in Europe and we are excited about our continued interactions with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) leading up to our October 23 PDUFA date." Myopia is the most common eye disease in children, impacting approximately one-third of children and adolescents worldwide. By 2050, global prevalence is projected to increase and affect more than 740 million children and adolescents and 5 billion people in total. Once considered a benign refractive condition, even at low levels, myopia is now associated with many serious irreversible sight-threatening co-morbidities later in life. "As a Pediatric Ophthalmologist with a rapidly growing number of myopia patients around the world, the EU approval of SYD-101 is truly exciting and it provides an important new tool for physicians to combat this global epidemic," said Dr. Donny Suh, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California at Irvine. "The benefits of low-dose atropine have long been recognized in the eye care community, but we now finally have an approved and thoroughly vetted treatment option. This marks a new era in our ability to slow the progression of myopia and protect the vision of millions of children worldwide." About Sydnexis, Inc.: Founded in 2014, Sydnexis, Inc. (www.sydnexis.com) is a privately held, pre-commercial stage biopharmaceutical company based in San Diego, California. Sydnexis recently completed its three-year primary endpoint in the pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial evaluating its proprietary low-dose atropine formulation to slow progression of pediatric myopia and the risk of associated co-morbidities. The Phase 3 clinical trial is now completing the fourth-year randomized withdrawal for exploratory endpoints and third year results will be announced upon completion of the fourth year of the study. The company is venture-backed by four major investors: Visionary Ventures, RA Capital, Longitude Capital, and Bluestem Capital. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250605515551/en/ Contacts: For media inquiries, please contact: media@launchlabpartners.com Forecasting a $100 B+ global market and naming the year's Top 50 PropTech industry leaders and innovators. Property Technology Magazine ("PTM") today announced the publication of its PropTech Trends Report 2025 The Great Rebuild: How PropTech Is Powering Real Estate's Digital and Sustainable Renaissance This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250605677509/en/ The Property Technology Magazine Top 50 PropTech Index 2025 evaluates companies across five weighted dimensions: revenue growth, funding, innovation, trend adoption, and customer uptake. The index features a diverse mix of PropTech companies, from household names to rising stars, spanning various niches of the real estate value chain. Drawing on proprietary surveys, venture-funding data, expert interviews, and industry reporting, the 80-page report charts the sector's rebound from macro-headwinds and sets a bold vision for the decade ahead. Key Findings Market momentum. The global PropTech sector was valued at $35-40 billion in 2024 and is projected to exceed $100 billion before 2032 , nearly tripling in size. The global PropTech sector was valued at and is projected to , nearly tripling in size. Capital resilience. Despite a broader VC slowdown, $42 billion poured into PropTech across 80 countries in 2023 Despite a broader VC slowdown, poured into PropTech across AI everywhere. Roughly 70 of recent PropTech deals contained an AI component, with $3.2 billion invested in AI-centric real-estate tech in 2024. Roughly contained an AI component, with invested in AI-centric real-estate tech in 2024. Smart-building surge. An estimated three in four new commercial buildings now launch with embedded IoT systems, cementing smart-building tech as a default standard. An estimated now launch with embedded IoT systems, cementing smart-building tech as a default standard. U.S. leadership, global growth. The United States still captures 27-40 of worldwide PropTech value, while Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region at ~20.5 CAGR through 2032. Introducing the Top 50 PropTech Index 2025 The report debuts PTM's Top 50 PropTech Index, ranking companies on revenue growth, funding, innovation, trend adoption, and customer uptake. Why It Matters "Real-estate technology has crossed the Rubicon," said Bianca Ford, Editor-in-Chief of Property Technology Magazine. "Our latest research confirms PropTech is now embedded in every phase of the property life-cycle-from AI-driven underwriting to IoT-enabled building operations. The Great Rebuild not only maps where the money flows but pinpoints the innovations reshaping a $120-trillion global asset class." Availability Read the full report http://propertytechnologymagazine.com/proptech-trends-report About Property Technology Magazine Property Technology Magazine (PTM) is a leading global digital publication dedicated to the advancement of real estate technology. It provides industry professionals, investors, and technology leaders with in-depth analysis, data-driven insights, and coverage of emerging trends across key sectors, including but not limited to general PropTech, multifamily, retail real estate, and construction technology (ConTech). PTM serves as an essential resource for decision-makers navigating the rapidly evolving PropTech landscape worldwide. For more information, visit propertytechnologymagazine.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250605677509/en/ Contacts: Media Contacts press@securitytechx.com DELRAY BEACH, Fla., June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The global Oligonucleotide Synthesis Market, valued at US$8.9 billion in 2024 stood at US$10.5 billion in 2025 and is projected to advance at a resilient CAGR of 18.6% from 2025 to 2030, culminating in a forecasted valuation of US$24.7 billion by the end of the period. The oligonucleotide synthesis market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing applications of synthesized oligonucleotides in therapeutics & diagnostics. This growth is supported by technological advancements and rising investments in life sciences research and synthetic biology. Additionally, the growing emphasis on precision and personalized medicine contributes to this expansion, creating new opportunities as key players increase their research and development investments in emerging economies. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=200829350 Browse in-depth TOC on "Oligonucleotide Synthesis Market" 568 - Tables 77 - Figures 455 - Pages By product, the oligonucleotide-based drugs segment is categorized into antisense oligonucleotide-based drugs, siRNA oligonucleotide-based drugs, and other oligonucleotide-based drugs. In 2024, the ASOs or antisense oligonucleotide-based drugs segment accounted for the largest share of the market. ASOs are short, single-stranded nucleic acids that bind selectively to RNA targets. These have seen rapid clinical & commercial uptake owing to their versatility in modulating gene expression, treating rare genetic disorders, and addressing oncology targets. Regulatory approvals for landmark ASO therapies, such as Nusinersen for spinal muscular atrophy and Inotersen for hereditary ATTR amyloidosis, have driven both analyst & investor confidence, fueling expanded manufacturing capacity and robust R&D pipelines. The central importance of developing the oligonucleotide therapy scene is pronounced by high yields, reduced manufacturing complexity, and known delivery platforms, thus contributing to market uptake during the studied period. By end user, the oligonucleotide synthesis market includes hospitals, pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies, diagnostic laboratories, and CROs & CMOs. In 2024, the hospitals segment accounted for the largest share of the market. The growth of the hospitals segment is attributed to the rising demand for oligonucleotide-based drugs for rare & neurological diseases, primarily owing to the increasing target patient population. The significant share of this segment reflects the key role of hospitals in delivering these advanced treatments. The rising prevalence of infectious & chronic diseases is expected to fuel the need for precise therapeutics such as oligonucleotide drugs, which are also crucial for applying personalized medicine approaches in hospitals. By geography, in 2024, North America accounted for the largest share of the oligonucleotide synthesis market owing to its presence of strong regional players who have advanced manufacturing capabilities and robust supply-chain networks. These companies benefit from product approvals granted with supportive regulatory frameworks implemented by the USFDA and Health Canada. Product commercialization and innovation are the primary growth catalysts for the region's expanding pharmaceutical & biotechnology industry. Partnerships and investments with academic & research centers for upscaling production are also expected to be growth drivers for this regional segment. Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=200829350 Some of the leading players in the market include Danaher Corporation (US), Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (US), Merck KGaA (Germany), Eurofins Scientific (Luxembourg), LGC Limited (UK), Agilent Technologies, Inc. (US), Kaneka Corporation (Japan), Maravai LifeSciences (US), Azenta US Inc. (US), Twist Bioscience (US), and GenScript (US), among others. Danaher Corporation (US): One of the key players in the oligonucleotide synthesis market is Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT), a subsidiary of Danaher Corporation, along with its sister company, Cytiva. Together, they offer a variety of products, including pre-designed and custom oligonucleotide probes, primers, and therapeutic oligonucleotides, such as antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs). Additionally, the company supplies reagents, consumables, and equipment, including synthesizers for oligonucleotide synthesis. Geographically, the company operates in over 50 countries spanning North America, the Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. IDT and Cytiva have focused on organic growth strategies, emphasizing expansions and partnerships. For instance, in 2023, Integrated DNA Technologies opened a therapeutic oligonucleotide manufacturing facility in Coralville, Iowa. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to produce reagents for cGMP cell & gene therapy, including single-guide RNAs and HDR donor oligonucleotides. The facility includes eight ISO cleanrooms, purification suites, chemical distribution & storage areas, quality control laboratories, analytical spaces for product testing, and ancillary & office spaces. There are also shell spaces set aside for future expansion. Thermo Fisher Scientific (US) Thermo Fisher is one of the leading players in the oligonucleotide synthesis market in 2024. This significant share is due to a strong product portfolio, including custom & pre-designed primers, probes, DNA, RNA oligos, and reagents & consumables. The company undertakes various organic & inorganic strategies to strengthen its position in the market. For instance, in 2021, Thermo Fisher Scientific collaborated with the University of Sheffield to develop workflows to characterize and monitor complex oligonucleotide and mRNA products. The company also has a strong geographic presence and operates in over 50 countries across North America, Europe, the Asia Pacific, and Latin America. Biogen (US) Biogen is also a leading company in the oligonucleotide synthesis market. The recent FDA accelerated approval of QALSODY (Tofersen) for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in adults, along with the growing adoption of Spinzara, a blockbuster oligonucleotide-based drug the company has offered since 2016, supports its leading position in the market. The company operates an oligonucleotide synthesis manufacturing (OSM) facility in North Carolina, which is used to produce antisense oligonucleotide drugs like Spinzara and other candidates currently in development. It employs various strategies to strengthen its market presence, including expansions and collaborations. For instance, in February 2025, Biogen and Stoke Therapeutics, Inc. collaborated to develop & commercialize Zorevunersen, an investigational antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) for treating Dravet syndrome. For more information, Inquire Now! Related Reports: Next Generation Sequencing Market Synthetic Biology Market Genomics Market Molecular Diagnostics Market Biomarkers Market Get access to the latest updates on Oligonucleotide Synthesis Companies and Oligonucleotide Synthesis Market Size About MarketsandMarkets: MarketsandMarkets has been recognized as one of America's Best Management Consulting Firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. With the widest lens on emerging technologies, we are proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients across the globe. Today, 80% of Fortune 2000 companies rely on MarketsandMarkets, and 90 of the top 100 companies in each sector trust us to accelerate their revenue growth. With a global clientele of over 13,000 organizations, we help businesses thrive in a disruptive ecosystem. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion in new revenue streams that are replacing existing ones within this decade. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing. Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we collaborate with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies to keep them future-ready. 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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/oligonucleotide-synthesis-market-worth-us24-7-billion-by-2030-with-10-8-cagr--marketsandmarkets-302474077.html Qualcomm's delegation to the recent 3GPP 6G Workshop discussed use cases, system design priorities and principles NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / June 5, 2025 / Qualcomm Qualcomm's delegation to the 3GPP 6G Workshop. Written by Juan Montojo Our vision for 6G is an innovation platform connecting an expansive compute and intelligence fabric for the next decade and beyond. It is a new wireless system that builds on the technical foundation and deployment insights from previous generations. Although the commercialization of 6G networks and devices is not expected until 2030, a new wireless generation is not architected overnight and we have been working on advanced 6G research for many years now. With on-going work in radio technology, system architecture and core networks and protocols, we are now approaching a crucial milestone: the official beginning of the global technology standardization effort by 3GPP in June 2025. 3GPP held a 6G workshop from March 10-11 to start industry discussions and to align on the focus of the Release 20 6G Study Item. As the head of 3GPP standardization at Qualcomm Technologies, I am excited about the challenging work and industry-wide collaborations ahead. For the rest of this blog post, let me highlight the key discussions at the 6G workshop. Global 6G technology standardization is about to get started. At the recent 3GPP 6G Workshop, mobile ecosystem leaders gathered to discuss the focus of the upcoming 6G study. This is an important moment in time that sets the stage for the global 6G standardization effort, enabling commercialization around 2030. Highlights from the 6G workshop The two-day 3GPP 6G workshop took place in Incheon, South Korea. As expected, it was widely attended with 1,676 registrations and 748 in-person attendees across all parts of the mobile ecosystem and vertical industries. We saw a total of 219 input contributions, including those from network operators, industry associations, hardware/software vendors, academia, system integrators and technology providers. Unlike previous generations, contributions came from all regions and from a wide range of companies, in addition to traditional cellular vendors and operators. The 6G workshop focused on various aspects of the upcoming 6G technology standardization, spanning eight sessions over two days. These include two joint plenary sessions, five parallel radio access network (RAN) and system architecture/core network & terminals (SA/CT) working sessions and a concluding summary session at the end of the workshop. To keep the meeting efficient, only one contribution per company per topic was allowed to be submitted and presented. These sessions focused on the vision and priorities for the Release 20 6G Study Item. Here is a quick recap. Overall vision for next-generation 6G wireless system The plenary sessions focused on the overarching 6G standardization principles. The goal was to align on 6G's motivations and goals, along with targeted use cases, to ensure that a global 6G standard can deliver value for the entire mobile ecosystem. In summary, 6G is expected to enable: New services and use cases that extend beyond communications, such as integrated sensing, immersive XR, AI-based services and compute. Revenue growth thatmonetizes network capabilities and supports diverse applications across industries, fully realizing the potential of wireless. AI and automation that implement an AI-native network system design, improving efficiency in network management and resource allocation. Enhanced system efficiency thatreduces energy consumption through new system features in network design and AI-driven power management. New and efficient spectrum use thatimprove efficiency in existing lower bands (e.g., FDD), open new spectrum bands and support dynamic sharing. Ubiquitous coverage thatseamlessly integrates terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks (NTN) to deliver global coverage and resilient services. Reduction in total cost of ownership (TCO) that improves CAPEX and OPEX through simplified network operations and improved energy efficiency. Enhanced service reliability and customer experience that ensure high-quality service delivery across diverse devices and network conditions. Network simplification thatreduces architecture complexity and improves system operational efficiency to meet use case requirements. 6G to address lessons learned from 5G During the 6G workshop discussions, special emphasis was placed on applying lessons learned from 5G deployments to 6G design and standardization. Addressing these challenges as part of the Day 1 priority for 6G can help with the transition and adoption of the new wireless generation in 2030 and beyond. These include: Simplified and smoother migration: The transition from 5G NSA to 5G SA was complex, difficult and slow. 6G should focus on a single SA option with multi-RAT spectrum sharing (MRSS) and seamless 5G interworking. Reduced architectural complexity: An excessive number of 5G options, features and configurations led to high system complexity, impacting device capabilities and deployment efficiency. 6G should reduce system complexity to enable faster, more efficient adoption. Better adoption of key capabilities: Some 5G features (e.g., slicing) experienced slower-than-expected adoption. For 6G, 3GPP should analyze the underlying causes and address them with simplified system design. Efficient deployment: There were several issues identified during the 5G rollouts, such as network repository function (NRF) profiles inefficiencies and protocol challenges (e.g., HTTP/2 over TCP). 6G should address these. Enhanced network function (NF) design: Further optimization is expected to ensure efficient NF sizing with clear decoupling, while also further exploring stateless architectures. Optimized functionality: 6G should focus on a well-dimensioned set of functionalities, minimizing redundant options and excessive configurations to reduce complexity. 6G radio access network design considerations The first set of parallel sessions was led by the RAN Plenary, focusing on radio technologies that are expected to come with 6G. Below is a summary of the discussions and alignment on how to approach the new 6G RAN design. The 6G radio interface should: Be non-backwards compatible from a device perspective to exploit the full potential of a new generation. Some air interface design (e.g., waveform, modulation, channel coding) can be enhanced, building on 5G NR. Deliver significant gains to justify a new 6G radio design. Be lean and streamlined , to have a dimension-appropriate set of functionalities, minimized adoption of multiple options of the same functionality and limited configurations. Target superior coverage from day one. Support diverse device types with scalable design based on - for example - bandwidth, data rate, formfactor, energy consumption, etc. Enable a harmonized terrestrial network (TN) and non-terrestrial network (NTN) design. Support an extensive wireless AI framework, building on 5G Advanced as appropriate. It should have native support for wireless AI lifecycle management and new use cases. 6G core network design considerations The second set of parallel sessions was led by the 3GPP SA and CT technical Plenaries, focusing on 6G system architecture, security and protocols. As expected, the discussions were dynamic. While no official decisions were made at the 6G workshop, it is generally agreed that the 6G core network should: Have a single 6G standalone architecture , with SA mode as a baseline. Be designed to cover new 6G requirements regarding AI, connectivity, security, privacy, resiliency with possible reuse of the 5G service-based architecture framework with possible enhancements. Support simplification of architecture and streamlining of network function definitions and interactions, interfaces and protocols. Investigate new functions based on the service-based architecture to support new 6G services. Integrate and interoperate with various access technologies, including fixed wireless access (FWA) and Wi-Fi. Have a unified network exposure framework for simplifying the 3GPP-wide exposure framework to foster an API economy of scale. What's next? With the 6G workshop now successfully completed, we are moving toward the official start of the first Working Group 6G Study Item as part of 3GPP Release 20. This Study Item is slated for approval in the June 3GPP Plenary meeting in Prague, Czech Republic. I am incredibly excited about this upcoming work, and I will be sharing more information soon. Stay tuned. Learn more about the future of wireless technology, visit our new 6G website Watch our latest wireless technology demonstrations, visit our YouTube playlist Sign up for our wireless technologies newsletter to stay up to date View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Qualcomm on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Qualcomm Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/qualcomm Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Qualcomm View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/industrial-and-manufacturing/getting-ready-for-the-next-era-of-wireless-connectivity-global-6g-tech-1036004 CHARLOTTE, NC / ACCESS Newswire / June 5, 2025 / SmartBrief on EdTech has honored two Discovery Education services in the 2025 Readers' Choice Awards. The Readers' Choice Awards 2025 presented by SmartBrief on EdTech celebrate the companies and products making a lasting impact on the education industry. Discovery Education is the creator of essential PreK-12 learning solutions used in classrooms around the world The 2025 Readers' Choice Awards recognize the innovative solutions, latest technologies, and pioneering problem-solving that are changing the education landscape for the better. The following Discovery Education services were selected as winners in the Readers' Choice Awards 2025: DreamBox Math: Math Instruction Category DreamBox Math by Discovery Education is a K-8 online math program that supplements core instruction in the classroom or at home and is independently proven by several third-party research organizations to increase math achievement. Updated earlier this year with a host of improvements that empower teachers to create even more personalized learning experiences, DreamBox Math by Discovery Education adapts dynamically to the learner, providing tailored instruction within a highly engaging, gamified learning environment. DreamBox Math lessons are available in both English and Spanish and are standards-aligned Along with actionable reporting and tools that empower differentiation for all learners, DreamBox Math offers teachers content-specific professional learning and provides administrators critical insights into student progress. With DreamBox Math, every student is empowered to independently engage in interactive problem solving so they can develop conceptual understanding, apply a variety of strategies, and gain competence and confidence in mathematical reasoning and skills. Career Connect: STEM and CTE Category Career Connect promotes student curiosity by connecting classroom learning to potential careers. Through Career Connect, educators request virtual classroom visits from industry professionals, selecting from an array of job types, industries, languages, and locations. Then, students meet with professionals from industries like biotechnology, science, finance, computer engineering, human resources, education, and more, exploring potential career pathways through these interactions. "These awards recognize and shine light on new and existing products and solutions that impact and transform education through technology. Our readers and subscribers have selected our winners as the best of the best. Every winner should be really proud of their accomplishments - a well-deserved congratulations from the entire awards team," said the SmartBrief on Edtech's editorial team. Submissions were evaluated by both industry professionals and SmartBrief readers. SmartBrief is the leading digital news service for top-level education professionals in K-12, higher education, and specialized fields. Learn more about the SmartBrief Readers' Choice Awards here. "We are proud to be among those honored in the Readers' Choice Awards! Thank you to the judges and educators who voted for DreamBox Math and Career Connect by Discovery Education," said Brian Shaw, Chief Executive Officer at Discovery Education. "Every day, our team works hard to deliver to educators the solutions that will empower students to succeed. This award is a powerful validation of this work and will inspire us to continue creating the highest quality solutions for PreK-12 classroom worldwide." For more information about Discovery Education's award-winning digital resources and professional learning solutions, visit www.discoveryeducation.com, and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through X, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. ### About Discovery Education Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art, PreK-12, digital solutions support learning wherever it takes place. Through award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, innovative classroom tools, and strategic alliances, Discovery Education helps educators deliver powerful learning experiences that engage all students and support higher academic achievement on a global scale. Discovery Education serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in over 100 countries and territories. Through partnerships with districts, states, and trusted organizations, Discovery Education empowers teachers with essential edtech solutions that inspire curiosity, build confidence, and accelerate learning. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com. Contact Grace Maliska Discovery Education Email: gmaliska@discoveryed.com View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Discovery Education on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Discovery Education Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/discovery-education Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Discovery Education View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/two-discovery-education-solutions-honored-with-2025-smartbrief-re-1035995 EQS-News: Marley Spoon Group SE / Key word(s): Quarter Results MARLEY SPOON GROUP SE REPORTS Q1 2025 RESULTS, STRENGTHENING PROFITABILITY WITH EBIT OF (3.8)M, INCREASING +3.8M YOY AND SUSTAINING RECORD HIGH CONTRIBUTION MARGIN OF 35.0% (+60 BPS YOY) 05.06.2025 / 16:40 CET/CEST The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. LUXEMBOURG, 5 June 2025: Marley Spoon Group SE ("Marley Spoon" or the "Company"), a leading global subscription-based meal kit provider, reports results for the quarter ending 31 March 2025 ("Q1 2025"). HIGHLIGHTS: Net Revenue of 74.7 million, decreasing 7.4% vs. prior year (8.1% in constant currency), driven by a reduction in marketing vouchers of -19.8% and marketing investment of -8.3%. Contribution Margin reaching 35.0%, an increase of 60 bps vs. prior year Operating EBITDA Margin was 0.8%, a 60 bps improvement vs. prior year, marking six consecutive positive quarters. EBIT was (3.8) million, an improvement of +3.8 million vs. prior year, excluding the gains from the US operations assets sale in Q1 2024 Cash Flow from operating activities was 4.6 million, up 1.7 million vs. prior year, with a quarter-end cash balance of 7.7 million. Marley Spoon's CEO, Daniel Raab, commented: "Our Q1 results once again reflect the team's strong commitment to improving profitability. We achieved a +60 bps increase in contribution margin, while significantly reducing our cost base - G&A expenses decreased by 19.5% vs. prior year - and, at the same time, were able to focus on enhancing our product and customer experience leading to an increased average order value of 68.1, growing +6.2% year-over-year." Q1 2025 BUSINESS UPDATE Average order value increased by 5.2% compared to Q1 2024, and customer order frequency continued its upward trend, improving by 6.2%. These improvements are a direct outcome of our controlled and phased reallocation of investment from the Dinnerly brand to Marley Spoon, aligning with our ROI-optimized long-term platform consolidation strategy. Towards the end of Q1 2025, we also implemented targeted price increases with the primary objective of refining our price points positioning across various plans, while simultaneously boosting revenue per order. Q1 2025 net revenue was 74.7 million, representing an 8.1% decrease year-over-year on a constant currency basis. Contribution margin (CM) continued to improve, increasing by 60 basis points (bps) compared to Q1 2024. This improvement was largely due to the increase in the company's average order value, as well as a 19.8% decrease in marketing discounts for the quarter. In Q1 2025, marketing expenses as a percentage of net revenue remained stable at 16.9% (compared to 17.1% in the previous year), aligning with the acquisition strategy focused on optimizing channel investments and maximizing profitability. G&A (General & Administrative) costs decreased by 19.5% year-over-year in Q1 2025, even after consolidating Bistro's fixed costs. This reflects the company's financial discipline and the ongoing benefits of its cost reduction programs. In summary, improved marketing efficiency, a stronger customer base, and significant cost reductions were the main factors contributing to the positive Operating EBITDA of 0.6 million this quarter, an increase of 0.4 million compared to Q1 2024. SEGMENT REVIEW United States Net Revenue of 40.0m, (11.7)% vs. prior year (constant currency) Contribution Margin 39.1%, improved by 142 bps vs. prior year Operating EBITDA Margin at 9.7%, an improvement of 40 bps vs. prior year In Q1 2025, the US region demonstrated strong performance in order frequency (+6.1% YoY) and average order value (+10.1% YoY), resulting in a strong contribution margin improvement of 142 bps. Stable Operating EBITDA compared to the prior year was achieved through greater marketing efficiency and a lower cost base. Australia Net Revenue of 27.7m, (4.2)% vs. prior year (constant currency) Contribution Margin 31.4%, improving by 24 bps vs. prior year Operating EBITDA Margin at 6.5%, an improvement of 174 bps vs. prior year Australia experienced increases in order frequency (+6.0% YoY) and average order value (+3.7% YoY), leading to a Contribution Margin of 31.4%, a 24 bps improvement YoY, despite severe weather events such as Cyclone Alfred, which temporarily disrupted the supply chain operations in Queensland. The Operating EBITDA margin grew by 174 bps due to higher marketing efficiency. Following the signing of an Asset Sale Agreement with CG Meals Pty Ltd on 15 April 2025, under which Chefgood Pty Ltd agreed to sell substantially all assets associated with its operations, the transaction closed earlier than expected on 26 May 2025. Europe Net Revenue of 7.0m, (3.6)% vs. prior year Contribution Margin 25.9%, (vs. 27.1% prior year) Operating EBITDA Margin at (3.2)%, an improvement of 350 bps vs. prior year In Q1 2025, the Company successfully merged both brands in Europe under the Marley Spoon umbrella, shifting active customers to this platform. The European region showed improved performance in order frequency (+7.2% YoY) and average order value (+4.0% YoY). This, combined with lower marketing expenditure and significant fixed cost reductions, supported a 350 bps improvement in the Operating EBITDA margin. The European region's Operating EBITDA was (0.2)m, moving closer to profitability. KEY OPERATING METRICS Marley Spoon was able to increase the engagement from its existing customer base, highlighting improvements in acquisitions and reactivations since the implementation of the new marketing investment strategy. This resulted in improved YoY order frequency, with orders per customer up 6.2% vs. Q1 2024, a continuation of the pattern seen throughout last year. CASH FLOW The end of Q1 2025 cash balance was 7.7m, representing an increase in the period of 1.7m. Cash from operations also increased by 1.7m vs. prior year For additional details into Q1 2025 results please refer to the Company's quarterly statement. About Marley Spoon Marley Spoon Group SE, is a global direct-to-consumer (DTC) meal-kit company. We started Marley Spoon in 2014 to help our customers to cook for their families and deal with their busy lives. We also felt there should be a more sustainable way to cook at home, reducing food waste that traditional supermarket supply chains generate. Marley Spoon currently operates various brands in three regions: Australia, the United States, and Europe (Austria, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands). Our meal-kit brands, Marley Spoon and Dinnerly, bring pre-portioned fresh ingredients with tasty and simple recipes and other eating solutions reliably to our customers every week. Our customers just decide what to eat, when to eat, and leave behind the hassle of grocery shopping. BistroMD is our direct-to-consumer ready-to-heat (RTH) service, offering tasty, high-quality, healthy, and nutritious RTH meals and eating solutions for our wellness and health-focused customers. Disclaimer This announcement constitutes neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation to buy securities. Certain statements contained in this release may constitute "forward-looking statements" that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by the use of the words "may", "will", "should", "plan", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "believe", "intend", "project", "goal" or "target" or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, forecasts, estimates, projections, opinions or plans that are inherently subject to significant risks, as well as uncertainties and contingencies that are subject to change. No representation is made or will be made by Marley Spoon Group SE or any of their respective affiliates that any forward-looking statement will be achieved or will prove to be correct. The actual future business, financial position, results of operations and prospects may differ materially from those projected or forecast in the forward-looking statements. Neither Marley Spoon Group SE nor any of their respective affiliates assume any obligation to update, and do not expect to publicly update, or publicly revise, any forward-looking statements or other information contained in this release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law. 05.06.2025 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 The Tandem Global Awards honor excellence in corporate conservation, with awardees representing various national and international companies across numerous industries. DETROIT, MI / ACCESS Newswire / June 5, 2025 / Tandem Global announced the winners of its 2025 Tandem Global Awards during their annual conference held in Detroit, Michigan, on June 3-4. The Tandem Global Awards honor excellence in corporate conservation, with awardees representing various national and international companies across numerous industries. The year's top awards, recognizing leadership in corporate conservation, were won by General Motors Company and ITC Holdings. "We're seeing a new era of business leadership, one where conservation and corporate success go hand in hand," said Margaret O'Gorman, CEO, Tandem Global. "Companies like General Motors and ITC Holdings exemplify how the private sector can lead with purpose, integrating innovation and conservation to drive lasting environmental impact. Their achievements reflect the growing leadership we're seeing across industries, and we're honored to highlight their work through the Tandem Global Awards." The Employee Engagement Award, given to General Motors, celebrates the exemplary contributions of one company's employees towards their habitat and conservation education efforts. The 2025 Gold Program of the Year Award, which honors the overall depth of one corporate conservation program, was awarded to ITC for its ITC Corporate Headquarters in Novi, Michigan. General Motors received this year's Corporate Conservation Leadership Award, which recognizes one company's overall achievement in conservation and commends their corporate commitment to biodiversity, conservation education and alignment with global conservation objectives. This year's most honored company was General Motors. Receiving the Tandem Global Employee Engagement Award and the Corporate Conservation Leadership Award, in addition to three project awards (Deserts, Land Conservation Agreements, and Training) recognizing their species and habitat conservation efforts in Brazil and Mexico. In addition to these corporate and program-level awards, individual projects are recognized for excellence in each of the WHC Certification, powered by Tandem Global, project themes. These award categories offer projects of all sizes the ability to compete for recognition. The following is a complete list of 2025 Tandem Global Award Winners: Avian Project Award Ashland, Bird Box Monitoring | Hopewell, Virginia Awareness and Community Engagement Project Award Cemex,Merida = Xtepen + Caliza II | Yucatan, Mexico Bats Project Award WM, Monarch Hill Bat Boxes | Pompano Beach, Florida Desert Project Award General Motors, San Luis Potosi Complex | San Luis Potosi, Mexico Forests Project Award CRH Americas, Gravette Quarry Site | Gravette, Arkansas Formal Learning Project Award Ontario Power Generation, Niagara Operations Sites | Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada Grasslands Project Award Exelon Corporation, Morton Arboretum | Lisle, Wisconsin Green Infrastructure Project Award Davey Resource Group, WSSI Native Habitat | Gainesville, Virginia Invasive Species Project Award CRH Americas, Gravette Quarry Site | Gravette, Arkansas Land Conservation Agreements Project Award General Motors, Toluca Complex and TREC/CCA | Toluca, Mexico Landscaped Project Award CRH Americas, Des Moines Asphalt and Paving | Johnston, Iowa Mammals Project Award Grupo Mexico, Rehabilitacion de Lobo Mexicano, Cananea | Sonora, Mexico Marine Intertidal Project Award Boeing, Boeing Plant 2 | Seattle Washington Other Habitat Project Award ExxonMobil, ExxonMobil Pipeline Company, St. Mary's Island | Baytown, Texas Other Species Project Award Bruce Power L.P., Bruce Site, Tiverton | Ontario, Canada Pollinators Project Award Boeing, Pollinator Prairie | Olathe, Kansas Remediation Project Award Boeing, Pollinator Prairie, CCI Remediation and Restoration Project | Olathe Kansas Reptiles and Amphibians Project Award Bayer, Muscatine Plant and Big Sand Mound Nature Preserve | Muscatine, Iowa Species of Concern Project Award Bayer, Muscatine Plant and Big Sand Mound Nature Preserve | Muscatine, Iowa Training Project Award General Motors Company, Sao Jose dos Campos Plant | Sao Jose, Brazil Wetlands and Water Bodies Project Award Ontario Power Generation, Lennox Thermal GS | Bath, Ontario, Canada Tandem Global Corporate Conservation Leadership Award General Motors Tandem Global Employee Engagement Award General Motors Tandem Global Gold Program of the Year Award ITC Holdings, ITC Corporate Headquarters | Novi, Michigan Award finalists and winners were chosen from WHC Certification applications submitted between January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024, that were granted certification. Information on the award criteria can be found?here. About Tandem Global Tandem Global (formerly Wildlife Habitat Council and World Environment Center), provides the know-how and the network to move business and the environment forward, together. Across sectors and at all levels of its 100+ member organizations, Tandem Global works to facilitate long-term and lasting impact on all aspects of our natural world. Tandem Global connects leading thinking with practical solutions that positively impact climate, nature, and water. From field operations to boardrooms and beyond, corporate leaders turn to Tandem Global for impact strategies and resilient solutions that can support a better future. Tandem Global is headquartered in Washington, D.C., USA, with locations across the U.S., in Latin America and Munich, Germany. For more information visit tandemglobal.org. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Tandem Global on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Tandem Global Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/tandem-global Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Tandem Global View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/corporate-conservation-awards-announced-at-the-2025-tandem-globa-1036008 Miami, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - June 5, 2025) - Digital Silk, an award-winning agency focused on creating brand strategies, custom websites and digital marketing campaigns, announces the publication of a new Forbes article by its CEO, Gabriel Shaoolian. The article, titled "The Most Critical eCommerce Conversion Factor Isn't What You Think", highlights a growing need for U.S. retailers to prioritise mobile checkout optimisation over traffic acquisition. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10732/254601_7828e39364c2482f_001full.jpg Shaoolian's commentary is based on insights drawn from Digital Silk's eCommerce projects, which have increasingly focused on streamlining checkout UX to reduce cart abandonment and increase conversions. The piece challenges conventional wisdom around ad spend and SEO, proposing instead that the user experience during checkout-particularly on mobile-may be a more decisive factor in performance. According to Statista, mobile sales accounted for over 40% of U.S. eCommerce revenue in 2023 and are projected to surpass 50% by 2027, intensifying the need for seamless mobile experiences. Agency Aligns Strategy with Checkout-Centric UX In response to these trends, Digital Silk has expanded its focus on mobile-first checkout optimisation. Recent client initiatives have included: Reducing multi-step checkouts to single-page flows Implementing responsive payment modules such as Apple Pay and Google Pay Addressing speed, responsiveness and usability through performance audits Designing for distraction-free, trust-building checkout screens These improvements are in line with Digital Silk's broader commitment to helping brands improve site performance in ways that potentially impact visibility and engagement. eCommerce Stats Shaping the Shift: $1.56 trillion projected U.S. eCommerce sales by 2027 projected U.S. eCommerce sales by 2027 70% average cart abandonment rate across the industry average cart abandonment rate across the industry Mobile's share of eCommerce expected to exceed 50% in the next two years The Forbes article is now live and available to view here. About Digital Silk Digital Silk is an award-winning Miami web design agency focused on growing brands online. With a team of seasoned experts, Digital Silk delivers industry-leading digital experiences through strategic branding and cutting-edge web design to support engagement and improve visibility through digital marketing. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/254601 SOURCE: Digital Silk Massive health operation for world's largest religious gathering with 111,400 health services already delivered. 111,400 medical services delivered in first days Tens of thousands of health workers deployed 60% hospital bed capacity increase since 2024 MAKKAH, Saudi Arabia, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Saudi Arabia has deployed over 50,000 health workers and introduced advanced technologies to protect the health of pilgrims performing Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage that represents one of the world's largest mass gatherings. The Ministry of Health reports 111,400 medical services have been delivered in the first days of the pilgrimage. New technologies include drones that deliver medical supplies in just 5 minutes, AI-augmented diagnostics and wearables to monitor vulnerable pilgrims. "I'm incredibly proud of our healthcare workers who are delivering comprehensive care around the clock. Their dedication has already provided 111,400 medical services since Hajj began and this level of support will continue for anybody that needs it," said His Excellency Fahad bin Abdulrahman AlJalajel, Saudi Minister of Health. Health infrastructure includes 183 medical facilities, 900 ambulances, and 11 air ambulance helicopters. The operation also includes the Middle East's first WHO-certified Special Medical Disaster Assistance Team on stand-by. Innovations and upgrades also include ambulance elevators installed at the Jamarat Bridge to transport patients directly to rooftop helipads for evacuation. Saudi Arabia has doubled the number of helicopter landing pads, with six now ensuring rapid evacuation of critical cases across the holy sites. The Seha Virtual Hospital, the world's largest, connects 224 facilities for remote consultations, new PET-CT scanners provide advanced diagnostics, while robotic surgeries have been launched this year for the first time at King Abdullah Medical City. Medical teams have performed 232 major surgeries including 18 open-heart operations to date. To mitigate extreme heat, the Kingdom has planted thousands of trees, installed hundreds of cooling stations and operates the world's largest air conditioning system in the Grand Mosque. The Ministry works with volunteers to distribute umbrellas while promoting multilingual guidance on crowd management, umbrella use, and hydration. The Ministry noted early signs that these joint efforts and adherence to crowd management plans have contributed to limiting the number of heat exhaustion cases this year, but that it would continue monitoring cases. The Ministry of Health commended the Royal Commission for Makkah, Ministry of Hajj and security personnel for their coordinated efforts in expanding shaded areas and crowd management to ensure safety and comfort. The technological innovations deployed with cross-government coordination during Hajj demonstrates how future health solutions can transform public health management at scale. The unprecedented operation comes as the five-day pilgrimage reaches its peak today on the Day of Arafah as pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2704332/The_Ministry_of_Health_for_the_Kingdom_of_Saudi_Arabia.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/as-pilgrims-arrive-in-makkah-saudi-arabia-rolls-out-massive-operation-to-safeguard-health-302474445.html PRESS RELEASE Syndicated bank loan secured for a total of 40 million Reaffirmed confidence of financial partners in the Group's development strategy and growth potential Saint-Georges-sur-Loire, June 05, 2025 - 5:45 pm - STIF (FR001400MDW2, ALSTI), the explosion protection specialist, announces that it has concluded a financing package with its banking partners for a total of 40 million. Backed by a solid financial structure consisting of available cash at December 31, 2024, of 16.6 million[1] and BPI financing of 6 million obtained in 2024, STIF has secured new bank financing to provide the Group with the resources it needs to support its growth trajectory. This bank financing, in the form of amortizable loans and RCF (Revolving Credit Facilities), was negotiated with a banking pool led by Credit Agricole Anjou-Maine and Societe Generale and comprising 5 banks. They will enable the Group to increase its medium and long-term liquidity, while providing visibility and financial flexibility to seize new development opportunities. This syndicated loan was signed on June 05, 2025, for a term of 5 to 7 years, maturing in 2032. It is structured in two tranches of 15 million and one tranche of 10 million. Jose Burgos, CEO of STIF declares: The signing of these major new financing lines underlines the quality of our relations with our long-standing and recent financial partners, and their support and confidence in the soundness of our business model and outlook. We have been able to benefit from advantageous terms on both the cost of financing and the framework conditions. This new credit facility gives us considerable flexibility to accelerate our strategic roadmap and plan our next steps. It is the Group's new instrument for achieving its growth objectives in the fast-expanding explosion protection markets. Credit Agricole Anjou-Maine acted as Co-Arranger with Societe Generale and documentation agent, the banking syndicate being made up of 5 partner banks: Credit Agricole Anjou-Maine, Societe Generale, CIC, BNP Paribas and LCL as lenders. STIF was advised on this transaction by Kepler CF & Ashurst. The lenders were advised by Volt. Next publication H1 2025 sales: July 22, 2025 (after close of trading) STIF, the explosion protection specialist Founded in 1984, the STIF Group is a French industrial player specializing in the design, manufacture and marketing of innovative industrial equipment for niche markets. Historically positioned in handling equipment for bulk products, such as elevator buckets, elevator straps and compression fittings, the family-owned Group has diversified over the last ten years by expanding into the field of passive protection against the risks of industrial dust explosions, and since 2022 into the business of explosion protection for battery energy storage systems (BESS). With its 234-strong workforce, internationally recognized product ranges and 4 factories in France, Asia and the USA, the Group aims to become a leader in this sector, which is directly linked to the exponential market for renewable energies. Contacts STIF External relations Department Geraldine Baudouin direction@stifnet.com 02 41 72 16 83 SEITOSEI.ACTIFIN Investor Relations Ghislaine Gasparetto stif@seitosei-actifin.com 01 56 88 11 22 SEITOSEI.ACTIFIN Press Relations Michael Scholze michael.scholze@seitosei-actifin.com 01 56 88 11 14 [1]Available cash = Cash at bank and in hand + Cash equivalents ------------------------ This publication embed "Actusnews SECURITY MASTER ". - SECURITY MASTER Key: xWqelcpuZ5eYyZ+elJiWmZNjmplqlWOVmWeVyJaaZpjHnHJil5pmZpmVZnJjlW1s - Check this key: https://www.security-master-key.com. ------------------------ Copyright Actusnews Wire Receive by email the next press releases of the company by registering on www.actusnews.com, it's free Full and original release in PDF format:https://www.actusnews.com/documents_communiques/ACTUS-0-92086-20250605_stif_financing_vfinal.pdf Equity Insider News Commentary Issued on behalf of Lake Victoria Gold Ltd. VANCOUVER, BC, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Equity InsiderNews Commentary - Goldman Sachs analysts say central banks are driving the current gold bull market by purchasing roughly 80 metric tons per month - the equivalent of $8.5 billion at today's prices. With ongoing geopolitical instability and economic uncertainty, analysts like George Milling-Stanley of State Street Global Advisors argue that gold remains a compelling hedge. As bullion pushes toward new highs, momentum is starting to shift toward mining equities as well. A growing number of investors are now eyeing gold stocks like Lake Victoria Gold (TSXV: LVG) (OTCQB: LVGLF), i-80 Gold Corp. (NYSE-American: IAUX) (TSX: IAU), Orezone Gold Corporation (TSX: ORE) (OTCQX: ORZCF), Franco-Nevada Corporation (TSX: FNV) (NYSE: FNV), and IAMGOLD Corporation (NYSE: IAG) (TSX: IMG). Despite the price surge in physical gold, Jefferies analysts note that many miners are still trading at historically low valuations - as if gold were stuck at $2,500 an ounce or lower. That disconnect, they say, may not last much longer. Lake Victoria Gold (TSXV: LVG) (OTCQB: LVGLF) is an emerging gold developer advancing a suite of development -stage assets in Tanzania, one of East Africa's most geologically prospective regions. With multiple project catalysts now in motion, the company is gaining attention as a junior to watch. A key near-term focus is its planned 3,000-meter reverse circulation (RC) drill program at Ngula 1, part of the larger Tembo Project located adjacent to Barrick's high-grade Bulyanhulu mine. Ngula 1 has already returned notable historical intercepts, including 28.57 g/t gold over 3 meters and 17.23 g/t over 4 meters. The current 45-hole campaign is targeting near-surface mineralization that could potentially support toll milling at a nearby third-party facility. If the program meets expectations, it may pave the way for a streamlined, low-capex production pathway leveraging local infrastructure. "This drilling campaign is part of our broader strategy to unlock the long-term value at Tembo," said Simon Benstead, Executive Director of Lake Victoria Gold. "While the near-surface potential at Ngula 1 presents an exciting opportunity for near-term production and cash flow, it also serves a larger purpose-supporting a non-dilutive path toward what we believe is a district-scale gold system. We're leveraging strategic infrastructure and partnerships to advance exploration while staying disciplined on capital allocation." In parallel with its drilling efforts, Lake Victoria Gold is advancing a proposed processing arrangement through a non-binding letter of intent (LOI) with Nyati Resources. Under the current framework, mineralized material from LVG's Mining Licences would be trucked to Nyati's 120-tonne-per-day processing plant, with an option to scale operations into a new 500-tpd facility which is expected to be commissioned in the coming months. To support the initiative, Nesch MintechTanzania has been brought in to assess the plant's readiness, evaluate metallurgical performance, and outline any necessary upgrades to support production goals. "Engaging Nesch Mintech at this stage ensures we bring third-party rigour and transparency to the commissioning process, which is fundamental to assessing the Nyati opportunity," said Marc Cernovitch, President and CEO of Lake Victoria Gold. "We are excited by the potential to leverage existing processing infrastructure and local ore sources to create a scalable gold production platform in Tanzania." If proven viable, the proposed partnership could help advance Lake Victoria Gold's strategy of building a lean, capital-efficient gold operation. On-site processing may unlock early cash flow while also yielding critical geological data to refine future exploration. Though factors such as metallurgy, grade consistency, and permitting will need to be closely managed and always present risks, the phased structure provides a flexible alternative to conventional, high-cost development models. "Tembo has always stood out as a project with the potential to deliver both near-term value and long-term discovery upside," said Benstead. "Evaluating this small-scale development opportunity allows us to test the system, generate operational insights, and potentially self-fund ongoing exploration." Both the Ngula 1 drill campaign and the proposed Nyati processing partnership are part of Lake Victoria Gold's broader Tembo Project - a high-potential gold district that has already seen over US$28 million in exploration spending and more than 50,000 meters of drilling. Key zones like Nyakagwe Village and Nyakagwe East remain open along strike and at depth, with only a small portion of mapped structures drilled to date. This leaves considerable room for further discovery. Tembo is also anchored by a tier-one relationship: a milestone-driven contingent payment agreement with Barrick Mining Corp., valued at up to US$45 million depending on exploration outcomes. The deal reflects shared confidence that Tembo may host a district-scale gold system with long-term development potential. While Tembo remains the flagship, the most advanced asset in LVG's portfolio is Imwelo - a fully permitted gold project located near AngloGold Ashanti's Geita Mine. Imwelo is supported by a 2021 Pre-Feasibility Study and stands out as a strong candidate for phased development. To help fund its advancing strategy, Lake Victoria Gold has secured multiple non-dilutive financing channels. A gold prepay agreement with Monetary Metals allows the company to draw on the cash value of up to 7,000 ounces tied to future production. Separately, a C$3.52 million investment from Taifa Group - part of a larger C$11.52 million multi-stage financing - has further strengthened the company's balance sheet. As part of that transaction, former Taifa CEO Richard Reynolds joined the board, bringing valuable in-country operating experience. With drill rigs soon turning at Ngula 1, plant evaluations underway, and capital sources secured, Lake Victoria Gold is steadily positioning itself for a transition into production. Its development strategy is incremental by design - focused on limiting upfront capital exposure, unlocking early-stage returns, and using those gains to accelerate exploration. In an industry often dominated by high-cost development paths, LVG is charting a different course - one that offers potential for lower-risk, modular growth in a proven gold district. CONTINUED Read this and more news for Lake Victoria Gold at: https://usanewsgroup.com/2025/04/02/with-funding-commitments-in-place-a-gold-mine-is-being-built-and-this-stock-is-still-under-0-20/ In other industry developments and happenings in the market include: i-80 Gold Corp. (NYSE-American: IAUX) (TSX: IAU) has closed its previously announced US$11.1 million concurrent private placement, issuing 22.24 million units priced at US$0.50 each. This follows a US$173 million bought deal financing that closed earlier in May, bringing total gross proceeds to approximately US$184 million. The capital will be used to support the company's Nevada-focused development plan and broader recapitalization strategy. "At Granite Creek Underground, i-80 Gold's first gold project to ramp up, we are making good progress in our dewatering efforts, addressing groundwater inflows by enhancing our pumping capacity and upgrading the water treatment infrastructure," stated Richard Young, President and CEO of i-80 Gold. "These improvements should allow us to ramp-up to steady state of gold output in the second half of 2025." Orezone Gold Corporation (TSX: ORE) (OTCQX: ORZCF) produced 33,252 ounces of gold during Q1 2025 at an AISC of $1,286 per ounce and sold 32,076 ounces at $2,068 per ounce, generating $19.2 million in operating cash flow. "We are pleased with the strong start to 2025 with solid production and cost performance in Q1," said Patrick Downey, President and CEO of Orezone Gold. "We remain on track to deliver our 2025 production and cost guidance while progressing key initiatives including the grid power connection and Bombore expansion drilling." Orezone maintained its full-year production guidance and expects major cost reductions once the Phase III grid connection is completed in Q3. Meanwhile, expansion drilling at Bombore delivered promising near-mine results to support future growth. Franco-Nevada Corporation (TSX: FNV) (NYSE: FNV) has acquired a cornerstone royalty on the Cote Gold Mine, operated by IAMGOLD Corporation (NYSE: IAG) (TSX: IMG) and Sumitomo, for $1.05 billion in cash. "We are pleased to add this new cornerstone gold royalty to our extensive portfolio in Ontario," said Paul Brink, President & CEO of Franco-Nevada. "Their team has developed an excellent new operation with an extensive Resource endowment that has high potential to continue expanding." The 7.5% gross margin royalty covers nearly the entire resource base and is expected to generate $67 million annually at IAMGOLD's midpoint production guidance and a $3,200 gold price. Franco-Nevada praised the modern design and expansion potential of the Cote operation, which includes autonomous equipment and potential mill capacity growth to 20 Mtpa. "We are pleased to welcome our new partner Franco-Nevada to the Cote Gold Mine as we continue to ramp up one of Canada's largest and longest-life gold mines," said Renaud Adams, President and CEO of IAMGOLD. "The value upside of the Cote Gold Mine is further supported by the rapidly growing Gosselin zone which we intend to incorporate into an updated mine plan next year." As part of the deal, IAMGOLD and Sumitomo may repurchase up to 50% of the royalty in two tranches. Franco-Nevada will fund the transaction with existing capital and continues to generate $275-$300 million in quarterly free cash flow. Article Source: https://usanewsgroup.com/2025/04/02/with-funding-commitments-in-place-a-gold-mine-is-being-built-and-this-stock-is-still-under-0-20/ 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. Baystreet.ca is owned by Baystreet.ca Media Corp. ("BAY"). BAY has been paid a fee for Lake Victoria Gold Ltd. advertising and digital media from a shareholder of the Company (333,333 unrestricted shares). There may be 3rd parties who may have shares of Lake Victoria Gold Ltd., and may liquidate their shares which could have a negative effect on the price of the stock. This compensation constitutes a conflict of interest as to our ability to remain objective in our communication regarding the profiled company. Because of this conflict, individuals are strongly encouraged to not use this publication as the basis for any investment decision. The owner/operator of "BAY" reserve the right to buy and sell, and will buy and sell shares of Lake Victoria Gold Ltd. at any time without any further notice commencing immediately and ongoing. We also expect further compensation as an ongoing digital media effort to increase visibility for the company, no further notice will be given, but let this disclaimer serve as notice that all material, including this article, which is disseminated by BAY has been approved by Lake Victoria Gold Ltd. Technical information relating to Lake Victoria Gold Ltd. has been reviewed and approved by David Scott, Pr. Sci. Nat., a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Scott is a registered member of the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) and is a Director of Lake Victoria Gold Ltd., and therefore is not independent of the Company; this is a paid advertisement, we currently own shares of Lake Victoria Gold Ltd. and will buy and sell shares of the company in the open market, or through private placements, and/or other investment vehicles. While all information is believed to be reliable, it is not guaranteed by us to be accurate. Individuals should assume that all information contained in our newsletter is not trustworthy unless verified by their own independent research. Also, because events and circumstances frequently do not occur as expected, there will likely be differences between the any predictions and actual results. Always consult a licensed investment professional before making any investment decision. Be extremely careful, investing in securities carries a high degree of risk; you may likely lose some or all of the investment. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2644233/5355613/Equity_Insider_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/gold-miners-lag-the-bullion-boom--but-not-for-long-say-wall-street-analysts-302474476.html NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / June 5, 2025 / This comprehensive guide provides an overview of PFAS, their associated risks, and effective remediation strategies. What Are PFAS? Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of thousands of synthetic chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products since the 1940s. PFAS are unique in that they contain strong carbon-fluorine bonds, which make them very persistent in the environment and in the human body. This persistence is why they are often referred to as "forever chemicals." PFAS have been widely used in a variety of products and applications, including: Non-stick cookware: PFAS are used to coat pots and pans to prevent food from sticking. Water-repellent fabrics: PFAS are used to treat clothing, furniture, and carpets to make them resistant to water and stains. Food packaging: PFAS are used in food packaging materials to prevent grease and oil from soaking through. Industrial applications: PFAS are used in a variety of industrial processes, such as the production of semiconductors and the plating of metals. For more detailed information on PFAS definitions, sources, benefits, and risks, please refer to this resource: PFAS Definition, Sources, Benefits & Risks PFAS Risks: Why Remediation Matters Because of their widespread use, PFAS have become ubiquitous in the environment. They have been found in soil, water, and air, and they have also been detected in the blood of most people in the United States. PFAS can enter the body through ingestion of contaminated food or water, inhalation of contaminated air, or skin contact with contaminated products. Understanding these risks is crucial to recognizing the importance of effective remediation. Human health risks PFAS exposure has been linked to a range of adverse health effects, since these "forever chemicals" can accumulate in the body over time. Some of the key health risks associated with PFAS exposure include: Cancer : Increased risk of certain cancers, such as kidney and testicular cancer. Developmental problems : Impacts on fetal and child development, including low birth weight and developmental delays. Immune system effects: Suppression of the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections. Liver damage: Potential for liver damage and dysfunction. Environmental risks PFAS also pose a serious threat to the environment. Their persistence and mobility allow them to spread and accumulate in various ecosystems. Environmental risks include: Water contamination: PFAS can contaminate surface water and groundwater sources, affecting aquatic life and drinking water supplies. Soil contamination: PFAS can accumulate in soil, impacting plant growth and potentially entering the food chain. Bioaccumulation: PFAS can bioaccumulate in animals and fish, leading to higher concentrations in organisms higher up the food chain. Learn more about PFAS risks: For more detailed information on the risks of PFAS in drinking water, refer to this resource: PFAS Risk in Drinking Water To understand how businesses can manage PFAS risks and their environmental responsibilities, read: Managing PFAS Risks: A Business Leader's Guide PFAS Treatment Technologies Several technologies are employed to remove or destroy PFAS from contaminated water and soil. Each method has its strengths and limitations, and the choice of technology often depends on the specific type and concentration of PFAS, the scale of contamination, and cost considerations. Here's a closer look at some key treatment technologies: Granular activated carbon (GAC) GAC is a widely used adsorption technology where PFAS are removed from water by adhering to the surface of activated carbon. It is generally more effective for longer-chain PFAS due to their higher tendency to adsorb. When implementing GAC for large-scale treatment, factors such as carbon replacement schedules, pre-treatment needs to prevent fouling, and proper disposal of PFAS-laden carbon are critical. Ion exchange resins Ion exchange involves using resins that selectively attract and bind to PFAS molecules, effectively removing them from water. These resins can be regenerated and reused, making the process more sustainable. Ion exchange is particularly effective for removing specific types of PFAS, especially shorter-chain varieties, and can achieve very high removal efficiencies. The selection of the appropriate resin type is key for targeting specific PFAS contaminants. Reverse osmosis and membrane filtration Reverse osmosis (RO) and other membrane filtration technologies use pressure to force water through a semi-permeable membrane that blocks PFAS molecules. While highly effective at removing a wide range of PFAS, these methods can be energy-intensive and generate a concentrated waste stream that requires further management. Membrane fouling can also be an issue, requiring regular maintenance and cleaning. Thermal treatment and destruction methods Thermal treatment methods, such as incineration and pyrolysis, involve exposing PFAS to high temperatures to break down their chemical structure. These methods can achieve complete degradation of PFAS but require careful control to prevent the formation of harmful byproducts. Emerging destruction technologies are being developed to improve energy efficiency and minimize environmental impact. Research is ongoing to find more sustainable and effective ways to fully destroy PFAS. Additional resources about PFAS treatment technologies and regulations: PFAS Regulations, Updates, Treatments & Impact Keeping Pace with Ongoing PFAS Developments & Technology Regulatory Requirements and Compliance Considerations Global PFAS regulations are in constant flux as governments worldwide respond to the persistent nature and widespread presence of these chemicals. While specific policies and enforcement levels vary by region and nation, there are some common regulatory trends to take note of: Tightening limits on drinking water and industrial discharges Many regions, including the U.S. and the European Union, are increasingly stringent in their restrictions on PFAS levels in drinking water. Industrial facilities that release wastewater containing PFAS are likely to face stricter permitting and monitoring requirements, often dictated at the state or regional level. Industry-specific PFAS limits Certain industries that rely on PFAS, such as manufacturers of coatings, textiles, and firefighting foams, encounter unique compliance challenges. These businesses must navigate sector-specific phase-outs and reporting requirements. Expanding stormwater and waste management regulations PFAS contamination in stormwater runoff is an increasingly important area of regulatory focus, especially near industrial sites, landfills, and airports where PFAS-containing materials have been historically used. Some jurisdictions now mandate the use of stormwater treatment technologies to prevent PFAS from leaching into waterways. Regulations surrounding the disposal of PFAS-contaminated soil, sludge, and treatment byproducts are also evolving, with heightened scrutiny on incineration practices and landfill leachate controls. Increasing reporting and disclosure requirements Businesses are subject to a growing number of reporting obligations concerning PFAS production, use, and emissions. The global supply chain is under increasing pressure to phase out PFAS due to consumer demand and corporate sustainability commitments. Many companies are voluntarily disclosing their PFAS usage to align with investor and regulatory expectations. Regulatory pressure on PFAS is anticipated to continue increasing, regardless of political or administrative changes. Businesses should proactively: Closely monitor emerging PFAS limits at the local, state, and federal levels. Assess their operations and supply chains for PFAS use and potential liabilities. Implement proactive PFAS management strategies to mitigate regulatory and litigation risks. Stay informed about global regulatory trends, as restrictions in one region often influence policies elsewhere. Further reading on PFAS compliance: Guide to the Latest EPA PFAS Regulations Understanding PFAS Reporting Requirements Regulating PFAS in Stormwater Challenges in PFAS Remediation and How to Overcome Them Understanding potential hurdles in PFAS remediation is essential for developing effective strategies to overcome them. Cost of large-scale remediation efforts Large-scale PFAS remediation can be expensive, involving significant upfront investments and ongoing operational costs. These costs can include site investigation, technology implementation, waste disposal, and long-term monitoring. Such challenges can be overcome through careful planning and a phased approach. Exploring funding options (grants, public-private partnerships) can also help manage costs. A thorough cost-benefit analysis can ensure the selected remediation approach is economically viable and sustainable. Monitoring and measuring PFAS levels to track treatment effectiveness Accurately monitoring and measuring PFAS levels is vital for determining the effectiveness of treatment efforts. This involves frequent sampling, laboratory analysis, and data interpretation. Barriers include the complexity of analyzing various PFAS compounds, the need for low detection limits, and ensuring data reliability. Working with accredited laboratories and establishing a robust monitoring program can help alleviate these challenges. Regular reporting and data review helps track progress so treatment strategies can be adjusted as needed. Litigation risks tied to non-compliance or contamination liability PFAS contamination can lead to significant litigation risks, including lawsuits related to property damage, personal injury, and environmental harm. Non-compliance with regulations can also result in penalties and legal action. Businesses must be proactive in addressing PFAS risks to avoid legal battles. Strategies include conducting due diligence, maintaining thorough records, and implementing robust compliance programs. Effective communication with stakeholders and transparent reporting can also minimize litigation risks. For further insights into PFAS risk management, regulation, and litigation, explore the following resources: PFAS Risk Management & Regulation PFAS Regulation & Litigation Updates PFAS Risk: Are You on Offense or Defense? Putting PFAS Remediation into Action Moving from understanding PFAS risks and regulations to actively implementing remediation strategies is a critical step for businesses and communities. Here's how to put PFAS remediation into action: Develop a comprehensive PFAS action plan: A well-defined action plan helps prioritize actions, allocate resources effectively, and track progress. It should include steps for site investigation, technology selection, implementation, monitoring, and long-term management. Prioritize first-steps regarding PFAS: Businesses and organizations should prioritize key actions to mitigate PFAS risks. These actions might include conducting a PFAS audit, evaluating supply chains, implementing best management practices, and engaging with regulatory agencies. Gather and organize critical data: Understanding the extent and nature of PFAS contamination is crucial. This involves collecting samples from various media (water, soil, air), analyzing them for PFAS, and interpreting the data. For more detailed guidance on putting PFAS remediation into action, explore these resources: PFAS Action Plan Top Actions to Take Regarding PFAS Digging Deeper: EPA's Dive into PFAS Pollution Through Data Collection Bookmark this guide as a reference for navigating PFAS remediation, and contact Antea Group to learn more about how we can assist you in managing PFAS risks. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Antea Group on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Antea Group Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/antea-group Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Antea Group View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/pfas-remediation-a-guide-to-treatments-technologies-and-regulati-1036027 NEW YORK and NOIDA, India, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- HCLTech (NSE: HCLTECH.NS) (BSE: HCLTECH.BO), a leading global technology company, announced Osa Conservation as the winner and Daily Acts and Ocean Wise as the two runners-up of the second edition of the HCLTech Climate Action Grant in the Americas. The three non-government organizations (NGOs) will be awarded a total of $1 million to help build scalable, sustainable solutions to drive climate action across the Americas. In the second year, applications increased by more than 70%, and after several rounds of review and rigorous due diligence, HCLTech selected Osa Conservation to receive $500,000 and Daily Acts and Ocean Wise to receive $250,000 each. This year's registrations increased by 34% from the 10 eligible countries across the Americas, including Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Peru and the U.S. Osa Conservation, based in Costa Rica, will focus its grant award on Climate Lifeboat corridors, which help species migrate and thrive amid climate change. By reconnecting fragmented tropical habitats, the project supports climate adaptation while safeguarding ecosystems across millions of acres. California-based Daily Acts will use its grant for its community-powered climate resilience initiative. The project blends government strategy with grassroots action to advance water management, stormwater mitigation and social infrastructure across neighborhoods in Petaluma, Calif. and beyond. Canada-based Ocean Wise will dedicate its grant to its kelp forest restoration project on the Pacific coast. By managing urchin overpopulation and combining advanced technology and ecological research, the project aims to strengthen marine biodiversity and support coastal communities. "We are excited to support this year's recipients of the HCLTech Grant Americas as they expand their innovative projects to reconnect natural habitats, boost community resilience and rejuvenate marine ecosystems across the Americas," said Dr. Nidhi Pundhir, Senior Vice President, Global CSR, HCLTech. "This year, we saw a substantial increase in applications, highlighting the urgency of mitigating the adverse effects of climate change and the importance of supporting initiatives that pave the way for a sustainable future." In its inaugural year in 2023, HCLTech Climate Action Grant in the Americas committed $5 million in grants over five years to support sustainable solutions to fight the climate crisis across the Americas. The Grant in the Americas builds on HCLTech and the HCLFoundation (HCLTech's CSR arm) focus on continuous global sustainability commitment with a total investment of over $175 million in CSR programs to date. HCLTech is consistently recognized for its commitment to making a positive difference in the environment. Through our technology and collective expertise, HCLTech was recognized as an Industry Mover by S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2023 for sustainable business practices and continues to partner with leading U.S.-based organizations, including Feeding America and Girl Up, to serve the broader community. For more information on HCLTech Climate Action Grant in the Americas, its mission and the application process, please visit americas-grant.hcltech.com. About HCLTech HCLTech is a global technology company, home to more than 223,000 people across 60 countries, delivering industry-leading capabilities centered around digital, engineering, cloud and AI, powered by a broad portfolio of technology services and products. We work with clients across all major verticals, providing industry solutions for Financial Services, Manufacturing, Life Sciences and Healthcare, High Tech, Semiconductor, Telecom and Media, Retail and CPG and Public Services. Consolidated revenues as of 12 months ending March 2025 totaled $13.8 billion. To learn how we can supercharge progress for you, visit hcltech.com. For further details, please contact: Meredith Bucaro, Americas meredith-bucaro@hcltech.com Elka Ghudial, EMEA elka.ghudial@hcltech.com James Galvin, APAC james.galvin@hcltech.com Nitin Shukla, India nitin-shukla@hcltech.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2648325/5355481/HCLTech_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/hcltech-grant-americas-second-edition-awards-1-million-to-three-ngos-to-create-scalable-solutions-to-combat-climate-change-302474490.html BW GESTAO DE INVESTIMENTOS LTDA. Av. Brigadeiro Faria Lima, 4440, 15th floor, 04538-132, Sao Paulo-SP, Brazil THE DISSEMINATION, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION OF THIS PRESS RELEASE, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IS NOT AUTHORIZED IN AUSTRALIA, CANADA, JAPAN OR ANY OTHER COUNTRY WHERE SUCH COMMUNICATION WOULD VIOLATE APPLICABLE REGULATIONS Approval of BWGI's voluntary tender offer for Verallia's shares by the French financial markets authority (AMF) The voluntary tender offer ( the "Offer") filed by BW Gestao de Investimentos Ltda. ("BWGI") for the shares it does not own in Verallia S.A. ("Verallia" or the "Group") - with no intent to implement a squeeze out - has been approved by the French financial markets authority ("AMF") on June 5, 2025. Prior to the opening of the Offer, and as soon as all regulatory conditions required for the opening of the Offer have been obtained, the AMF will issue a notice announcing the opening and timetable of the Offer. June 5 , 2025 - The Offer filed on April 24, 2025 by BWGI, acting through Kaon V[1], for the shares of Verallia (ISIN code: FR0013447729) at a price of 28.30 euros per Verallia share (following deduction of the ordinary dividend of 1.70 euro per Verallia share paid to Verallia's shareholders on May 15, 2025), has been cleared by the French financial markets authority (Autorite des marches financiers) (the "AMF") on June 5, 2025[2]. The AMF approved Kaon V's offer document under the reference 25-196 and Verallia's response document under the reference 25-197. Kaon V and Verallia will file with the AMF, at the latest the day before the opening of the Offer, their respective "other information" document, providing details on the legal, financial, accounting and other characteristics of Kaon V and Verallia. The documentation relating to the Offer is available on Verallia's (www.verallia.com) and on the AMF's websites (www.amf-france.org). Next steps The opening of the Offer remains subject to obtaining authorization from the French authorities under foreign investment control regulations, as well as authorization from the European Commission under the EU Foreign Subsidies Regulation. Prior to the opening of the Offer, and as soon as the last of the aforementioned authorizations has been obtained, the AMF will publish a notice announcing the opening and timetable of the Offer, and Euronext Paris will publish a notice announcing the terms and opening of Offer. In the United States of America, the Offer will be made in compliance with the U.S. tender offer rules, including Regulation 14E under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934 Act"), and the "Tier II" exemption in respect of securities of foreign private issuers provided by Rule 14d-1(d) under the U.S. Exchange Act. --- About BWSA and BWGI - Brasil Warrant Administracao de Bens e Empresas S.A. ("BWSA") has been operating for over seven decades as the Moreira Salles family's Brazilian holding company, successfully forging partnerships around the world with leading companies in a variety of sectors, such as financial services, natural resources, agriculture, consumer products, commercial services, distribution and industry. BWSA is the controlling shareholder of BWGI, an independent asset management company established in 2008 with discretionary powers to manage the portfolio of investments of BWSA's controlling shareholders through certain investment vehicles, including Kaon V, the direct shareholder of Verallia. BWGI, through its affiliates, has been a shareholder of Verallia since its initial public offering in 2019. Affiliates of BWGI also hold a stake in the French listed company Elis S.A., being its largest shareholder. D.F. King Ltd is acting as information agent for Verallia's institutional shareholders (contact: Mr. David Chase Lopes, Managing Director, EMEA, david.chaselopes@dfkingltd.co.uk). Press contacts: Havas Paris Email: bwgi-press@havas.com Sarah Duparc: +33 6 46 72 39 99 Naomi Philippe: +33 6 72 55 80 35 --- Disclaimer This press release has been prepared for information purposes only. It does not constitute an offer to purchase or a solicitation to sell Verallia shares in any country, including France. There is no certainty that the tender offer mentioned above will be opened. The dissemination, publication or distribution of this press release may be subject to specific regulations or restrictions in certain countries. Accordingly, persons in possession of this press release are required to inform themselves about and to comply with any local restrictions that may apply. Information for U.S. holders The Offer is for Verallia shares, a company incorporated under French law, and is subject to French disclosure and procedural requirements, which differ from those applicable in the United States of America. The Offer will be made in the United States of America in accordance with Section 14(e) of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934 Act"), the laws and regulations promulgated thereunder, including Regulation 14E subject to the exemptions provided by Rule 14d-1(d) of the 1934 Act (the "Tier II" exemption), and the requirements of French law. As a result, the Offer will be subject to certain disclosure and procedural rules, notably relating to the notice of extension of the Offer, the timing of settlement, and the purchase of Verallia shares outside of the Offer, which differ from the U.S. rules and procedures relating to tender offers in the United States of America. Subject to any prohibition under French law, the Offeror and its affiliates may, from time to time, purchase or make arrangements to purchase Verallia shares outside of the Offer from the time the Offer was first publicly announced until the expiration of the acceptance period of the Offer (or until the end of the acceptance period of the reopened Offer, if applicable), including purchases in the open market at prevailing prices or in private transactions at negotiated prices, in each case, outside of the United States of America and to the extent permitted by applicable French law. Any such purchases will not be made at prices higher than the Offer price unless the Offer price is increased accordingly. Any such purchases will be made in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations. To the extent that information about such purchases and or arrangements is made public in France, it would also be made public through a press release or any other method that would allow Verallia's U.S. shareholders to be informed and on Verallia's website (www.verallia.com). [1] BWGI is acting as the investment manager of Kaon V, a sub-fund of Kaon Investment Fund ICAV and direct shareholder of Verallia. [2] It is reminded that Ledouble, acting as an independent expert, has issued a report concluding that the financial terms of the Offer, including its price, are fair. Verallia's Board of Directors, upon recommendation of the ad hoc Committee, issued a favorable opinion on the Offer and recommended to the shareholders to tender their shares. ------------------------ This publication embed "Actusnews SECURITY MASTER ". - SECURITY MASTER Key: m2yelZxpapeZyZpxkpVlaGZnm2aSw5XJamGdyJJxmMeZap1mm2liZ8WcZnJjlW1u - Check this key: https://www.security-master-key.com. ------------------------ Copyright Actusnews Wire Receive by email the next press releases of the company by registering on www.actusnews.com, it's free Full and original release in PDF format:https://www.actusnews.com/documents_communiques/ACTUS-0-92088-pr-bwgi-amf_05.06.2025.pdf Regulatory News: This press release has been prepared by Verallia (Paris:VRLA) and issued on June 5, 2025, in accordance with the provisions of article 231-26 of the General Regulation of the French Autorite des marches financiers (the "AMF Pursuant to article L. 621-8 of the French Monetary and Financial Code and article 231-26 of the AMF General Regulation, the AMF has, pursuant to its clearance decision dated June 5, 2025, regarding the tender offer for Verallia shares (the "Offer"), granted visa no. 25-197 to the response document prepared by Verallia ("Response Document The Response Document approved by the AMF on June 5, 2025, is available on the websites of the AMF (www.amf-france.org) and Verallia (www.verallia.com) and may be viewed free of charge at the registered office of Verallia (31 Place des Corolles, Tour Carpe Diem, Esplanade Nord, 92400 Courbevoie). Prior to the opening of the Offer, the AMF and Euronext Paris will publish, respectively, a notice of opening and timetable and a notice announcing the terms and timetable of the Offer. In accordance with article 231-28 of the AMF's General Regulations, the document on other information relating to the legal, financial and accounting characteristics of Verallia will be filed with the AMF and made available to the public, under the same terms and conditions, no later than the day before the opening of the tender offer. A press release will be issued, no later than the day before the opening of the tender offer, to inform the public of the procedures for making this document available. Disclaimer This press release has been prepared for information purposes only. It does not constitute an offer to the public and should not be considered as constituting any form of solicitation for the purchase or sale of financial securities. The distribution of this press release, the Offer and its acceptance may be subject to specific regulations or restrictions in certain countries. The Offer is not addressed to persons subject to such restrictions, either directly or indirectly, and is not intended to be accepted from any country where the Offer would be subject to such restrictions. This press release is not intended for distribution in such countries. Accordingly, persons in possession of this press release are required to inform themselves about and to comply with any local restrictions that may apply. Verallia declines all responsibility for any violation by any person of these restrictions. This press release does not constitute a tender offer and is not intended for distribution in jurisdictions where the offer would not be permitted. This document is an unofficial English-language translation of the press release relating to the filing of the response document (note en reponse) which was published by Verallia on 5 June, 2025. In the event of any discrepancies between this unofficial English-language translation and the official French press release, the official French press release shall prevail. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250605184953/en/ Contacts: Verallia Regulatory News: The tender offer initiated by BWGI for Verallia's shares (the "Offer") has been cleared today by the French financial markets authority (Autorite des marches financiers, "AMF With a holding of 28.84% of Verallia share capital, BWGI, an asset management company controlled by the Moreira Salles family, is the largest shareholder of Verallia. BWGI, acting through Kaon V1, proposes to acquire control of Verallia through a tender offer. This Offer is not subject to any success threshold other than the achievement of the regulatory threshold of 50% of the share capital or voting rights. All Verallia shares may be tendered to the Offer, subject to the exceptions and the restrictions detailed in BWGI's offer document. BWGI will not proceed with a squeeze-out at the end of the Offer period and has undertaken, subject to certain exceptions detailed in the offer document, to maintain the listing of Verallia shares on Euronext Paris for a period of three years. Bpifrance Participations, the second largest shareholder of the Company with approximately 7.6% of the share capital (representing 9,189,887 shares in the Company), informed the Company that it intends to tender 4,594,943 shares to the Offer, representing approximately 50% of its shareholding in the Company. The Offer was cleared by the AMF on 5 June 2025, which approved BWGI's offer document under the reference 25-196 and Verallia's response document under the reference 25-197. Prior to the opening of the Offer, Kaon V and Verallia will file their respective "other information" documents with the AMF, providing details on the legal, financial, accounting and other characteristics of BWGI and Verallia. The documentation relating to the Offer is available on the dedicated transaction website of Verallia (www.verallia.com) as well as the AMF's website (www.amf-france.org). Terms of the transaction BWGI's Offer is priced at 28.30 euros per share (after detachment of the 2024 dividend of 1.70 euro). It is reminded that Verallia's Board of Directors, upon recommendation of the ad hoc Committee, issued a favorable opinion on the Offer detailed in the response document of Verallia. Ledouble, acting as independent expert, has issued a report concluding that the financial terms of the Offer are fair for Verallia's shareholders. Subject to obtaining the foreign investments control clearance from the French authorities and the approval of the European Commission in accordance with the Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR), the Offer could be opened on 23 June 2025 and to close on 25 July 2025. If the threshold of 50% of the share capital or voting rights is reached, the Offer would then be reopened from 31 July to 13 August 2025. The AMF will issue a notice announcing the opening and the timetable of the Offer. About Verallia At Verallia, our purpose is to re-imagine glass for a sustainable future. We want to redefine how glass is produced, reused and recycled, to make it the world's most sustainable packaging material. We work together with our customers, suppliers and other partners across the value chain to develop new, beneficial and sustainable solutions for all. With almost 11,000 employees and 35 glass production facilities in 12 countries, we are the European leader and world's third-largest producer of glass packaging for beverages and food products. We offer innovative, customised and environmentally friendly solutions to over 10,000 businesses worldwide. Verallia produced more than 16 billion glass bottles and jars and recorded revenue of 3.5 billion in 2024. Verallia's CSR strategy has been awarded the Ecovadis Platinum Medal, placing the Group in the top 1% of companies assessed by Ecovadis. Our CO2 emissions reduction target of -46% on scopes 1 and 2 between 2019 and 2030 has been validated by SBTi (Science Based Targets Initiative). It is in line with the trajectory of limiting global warming to 1.5 C set by the Paris Agreement. Verallia is listed on compartment A of the regulated market of Euronext Paris (Ticker: VRLA ISIN: FR0013447729) and trades on the following indices: CAC SBT 1.5, STOXX600, SBF 120, CAC Mid 60, CAC Mid Small and CAC All-Tradable. Disclaimer Certain information included in this press release is not historical data but forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on estimates, forecasts and assumptions including, but not limited to, assumptions about Verallia's present and future strategy and the economic environment in which Verallia operates. They involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause Verallia's actual results and performance to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include those detailed and identified in Chapter 4 "Risk Factors" of the Verallia universal registration document filed with the Autorite des marches financiers ("AMF") on 27 March 2025 and available on the Company's website (www.verallia.com) and that of the AMF (www.amf-france.org). These forward-looking statements and information are not guarantees of future performance. This press release includes summarized information only and does not purport to be exhaustive. This press release does not contain, nor does it constitute, an offer of securities or a solicitation to invest in securities in France, the United States, or any other jurisdiction. Protection of personal data You may unsubscribe from the distribution list of our press releases at any time by sending your request to the following email address: investors@verallia.com. Press releases will still be available via the website https://www.verallia.com/en/investors/. Verallia SA, as data controller, processes personal data for the purpose of implementing and managing its internal and external communication. This processing is based on legitimate interests. The data collected (last name, first name, professional contact details, profiles, relationship history) is essential for this processing and is used by the relevant departments of the Verallia Group and, where applicable, its subcontractors. Verallia SA transfers personal data to its service providers located outside the European Union, who are responsible for providing and managing technical solutions related to the aforementioned processing. Verallia SA ensures that the appropriate guarantees are obtained in order to supervise these data transfers outside of the European Union. Under the conditions defined by the applicable regulations for the protection of personal data, you may access and obtain a copy of the data concerning you, object to the processing of this data and request for it to be rectified or erased. You also have a right to restrict the processing of your data. To exercise any of these rights, please contact the Group Financial Communication Department at investors@verallia.com. If, after having contacted us, you believe that your rights have not been respected or that the processing does not comply with data protection regulations, you may submit a complaint to the CNIL (Commission nationale de l'informatique et des libertes - France's regulatory body). _______________________________ 1 Kaon V is a compartment of the Irish fund Kaon Investment Fund ICAV, a fund managed by BWGI. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250605186525/en/ Contacts: Press contacts Sara Natij Laurie Dambrine verallia@comfluence.fr +33 (0)7 68 68 83 22 Investor relations contacts David Placet david.placet@verallia.com Michele Degani michele.degani@verallia.com Benoit Grange Tristan Roquet-Montegon verallia@brunswickgroup.com Neyenesch Printers Invests in UV Inkjet and Digital Embellishment to Elevate Offerings and Accelerate Growth RAMSEY, NJ / ACCESS Newswire / June 5, 2025 / Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. (Konica Minolta) is pleased to announce Neyenesch Printers, a 125-year-old family owned and operated printer serving a wide variety of clients in the San Diego, California area is one of the first to purchase the AccurioJet 30000 HS-UV Inkjet B2+ 29" Press. A legacy brand with a visionary approach, Neyenesch Printers has also acquired Konica Minolta's AccurioShine 3600. A perfect complement to the AccurioJet 30000, the digital embellishment press will allow the commercial printer to bring its spot UV projects in house and grow their business by offering advanced capabilities. Konica Minolta's AccurioJet 30000 HS-UV Inkjet B2+ 29" press takes color capabilities, production stability and media handling capabilities to new levels of excellence, maximizing customer value and improving usability for clients. Once Neyenesch Printers made the decision to transition from toner to inkjet, the company consulted with all the relevant manufacturers to weigh its options. Neyenesch Printers required a larger sheet size, lightweight media and perfecting capabilities to serve the needs of its hospitality, education, non-profit and pharma clients whose projects included catalogs, mailers and pocket folders. Neyenesch Printers had been actively exploring UV technology, and after choosing to adopt inkjet, strategically integrated both solutions - recognizing their complementary strengths. While they currently outsource spot UV work, they are eager to bring this capability in-house to showcase the creative potential of embellishment directly to their clients, which is what drove their decision to invest in digital embellishment. Konica Minolta's AccurioShine 3600 enables in-house spot UV varnishing and textures without the need for screens, plates or dies. "Speed and cost-efficiency are paramount in today's market," said Natalie Neyenesch, Vice President of Operations at Neyenesch Printers. "With the AccurioJet 30000, the very first sheet is sellable. It dramatically reduces make-ready time and waste, allows for more pieces per sheet and increases uptime. This enables us to deliver high-quality work faster than ever." Neyenesch Printers, known for its longstanding commitment to excellence, continues to evolve to meet the dynamic needs of its clients. With a growing suite of in-house capabilities and a focus on innovation, the company is working closely with its sales team to showcase its latest technology investments. These enhancements are designed to demonstrate how advanced equipment can deliver faster turnarounds, greater efficiency and added value for customers. "Introducing a new technology gives us a powerful platform to highlight everything we can offer, both to our loyal clients and to new prospects," added Neyenesch. "With these upgrades, we are now positioned to take on fast-turnaround projects and be even more competitive in today's demanding print landscape." "Neyenesch is an excellent example of a company continuing to grow and evolve by strategically reinvesting in its operations. We are thrilled to see this respected legacy brand embrace cutting-edge technology and expand into inkjet printing," said Frank Mallozzi, President, IPP, Konica Minolta. "We are honored by Neyenesch's trust in our team, and look forward to supporting their continued success by providing strategic marketing guidance to help maximize future profitability." The AccurioJet 30000 is Konica Minolta's most innovative digital UV inkjet press to date. As the successor to the AccurioJet KM-1e, the AccurioJet 30000 continues Konica Minolta's unsurpassed, proven and stable technology with insistence on professional quality. This next-generation digital press features the innovative technology of the tremendously successful AccurioJet KM-1e series, with more than 350 installations worldwide. With new functions to maximize throughput and operator performance, improve productivity and image quality and ensure labor savings through automation, the technology will ultimately contribute to increased revenue for customers. Watch this brief video to see Konica Minolta's new AccurioJet 30000 HS-UV Inkjet press in action. More information is available online here. About Konica Minolta Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc.'s (Konica Minolta) journey started more than 150 years ago, with a vision to see and do things differently. The company partners with clients to Give Shape to Ideas by supporting their digital transformation through its expansive Intelligent Connected Workplace portfolio. Its business technology offerings include IT Services, intelligent information management, video security solutions and managed print services, as well as office technology and industrial and commercial print solutions. 2025 marks Konica Minolta's 20th anniversary in production print, for which it celebrates "20 Years of Excellence, Innovation and Impact," and continues to lead the way in digital commercial printing. This year also commemorates 20 years of Konica Minolta's bizhub brand. Over the past two decades, the bizhub series has revolutionized office technology and redefined how businesses operate. It has continuously evolved to meet the needs of modern workplaces, fueled by advances in technology and a commitment to innovation. Konica Minolta is proud to be ranked on the Forbes 2025 America's Best Large Employers list, included on CRN's MSP 500 list numerous times; recognized as the #1 Brand for Customer Loyalty in the MFP Office Copier Market by Brand Keys for eighteen consecutive years and presented with Keypoint Intelligence's BLI 2025 and 2021 A3 Line of The Year and BLI 2021-2023 Most Color Consistent A3 Brand Awards for its bizhub One i-Series. For more information, please visit Konica Minolta online and follow it on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn and Twitter. About Neyenesch Printers Founded in 1899, Neyenesch Printers remains a family-owned and operated business. For over a century, we've dedicated ourselves to mastering the art of printing. Our business has evolved to deliver what our clients value most: expertise, attention to detail, a wide range of services, environmentally responsible practices, and competitive pricing. We believe our long-term client relationships and continued growth speak for themselves. We invite you to learn more about our printing expertise and encourage you to contact us to see how we can help make your next print project a success. Konica Minolta Contact Maggie Grande Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. +1 551-500-2659 pr@kmbs.konicaminolta.us # # # # # SOURCE: Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/konica-minolta-announces-first-accuriojet-30000-customer-1035799 ROSEVILLE, CALIFORNIA / ACCESS Newswire / June 5, 2025 / A Disruptive Force Reshaping the Global Fintech Landscape As the wave of digital transformation sweeps across the global financial industry, the limitations of traditional trading models are becoming increasingly evident: limited asset classes, inefficient cross-border transactions, lack of intelligent services, and mounting compliance challenges. Investors today are demanding a more open, efficient, and intelligent trading platform than ever before. Against this backdrop, Valueex Exchange (VUEE) officially announces its strategic entry into the U.S. market-bringing cutting-edge technology and top-tier regulatory standards to open up new channels of wealth creation for global investors. Technology at the Core: Solving Traditional Finance's Pain Points Founded in 2023 and headquartered in Sydney, Australia, Valueex brings together top minds in global fintech to create a next-generation financial infrastructure. The platform directly addresses the core pain points of legacy trading systems by integrating diversified asset allocation, AI-powered advisory tools, and ultra-fast cross-border settlements into a single ecosystem. Currently, Valueex provides robust services in cryptocurrency and stablecoin trading, and is preparing to launch U.S. stock trading, breaking down both asset class and geographic barriers to truly empower investors with "One account, trade the world." AI-Powered Investment Intelligence: A Decision-Making Revolution At the heart of Valueex lies a powerful engine driven by artificial intelligence and big data. The platform's intelligent advisory system goes beyond traditional models by analyzing over 200 dimensions based on each user's profile-including risk appetite, return targets, and liquidity needs. This enables real-time, personalized asset allocation and dynamic strategy optimization, significantly boosting both decision-making efficiency and return potential. The system monitors global markets 24/7, responding to volatility within milliseconds. Seamless Cross-Border Experience Built on blockchain infrastructure and high-efficiency clearing protocols, Valueex compresses the entire cross-border trading process. What traditionally takes days and incurs high fees is now nearly instantaneous and low-cost, unlocking the full potential of global asset allocation. Compliance at the Highest Standards: Securing Investor Confidence As Valueex enters the highly regulated and mature U.S. market, compliance and security are treated as non-negotiables: Authoritative Licenses Secured: The platform strictly adheres to the regulatory framework of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and has successfully obtained RIA (Registered Investment Advisor) and MSB (Money Services Business) licenses. These milestones affirm Valueex's full compliance with U.S. federal standards for offering investment advice and handling client funds. Industry-Leading Risk Controls: Valueex employs a comprehensive security framework integrating AML, KYC, and real-time monitoring. Rigorous Anti-Money Laundering processes and multi-layered identity verification eliminate risks at the source. Its proprietary real-time monitoring system accurately detects suspicious behavior and safeguards every transaction 24/7. Resounding Market Response and Accelerated Global Expansion Thanks to its exceptional technology, robust compliance framework, and user-centric experience, Valueex has gained significant traction in the U.S. Within just a few months of launch, the platform surpassed 30,000 registered users, reflecting the market's urgent need for a trustworthy and truly innovative fintech solution. User activity and total asset inflows continue to rise, reinforcing the brand's appeal and customer loyalty. With the U.S.-the global epicenter of fintech innovation-as its launchpad, Valueex's global roadmap is now in full swing. The company plans to ramp up R&D investment, deepen its regulatory infrastructure, and expand into Europe, Asia, and South America within the next 12 to 18 months. Its mission is to build an interconnected, secure, efficient, and intelligent global fintech ecosystem. Valueex is not just a trading venue-it is a trusted global partner for investors seeking to seize the opportunities of our time and achieve long-term, stable wealth growth. Join Valueex today-your gateway to the future of finance Media Contact Information Valueex Exchange U.S. studio address: 915 Highland Pointe, Roseville 95678, CA service@vivalos.com https://www.vivalos.com SOURCE: Valueex Exchange View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/blockchain-and-cryptocurrency/valueex-exchange-makes-a-powerful-entry-into-the-u.s.-redefining-glob-1036030 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 5, 2025) - IMPACT Silver Corp. (TSXV: IPT) (OTCQB: ISVLF) (FSE: IKL) ("IMPACT" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has closed a final tranche of the non-brokered private placement financing that was initially announced on April 15, 2025 and subsequently increased on April 18, 2025 (the "Offering"). The Company received aggregate proceeds of C$92,000 from the issuance of 460,000 LIFE units (the "LIFE Units") at $0.20 per LIFE Unit. and C$1,183,320 from the issuance of 6,574,000 units (the "Units") of the Company at C$0.18 per Unit for a total of $1,275,320. With the first tranche closing of $3,930,711, this brings the total oversubscribed financing to $5,206,031. The Units are subject to a hold period of four months and a day from the closing. Each Unit was comprised of one common share and one common share purchase warrant exercisable for three years from the closing date into a common share at a price of $0.24 per common share. The LIFE Units were comprised of one common share and one-half of one common share purchase warrant, with each whole warrant exercisable for two years from the closing date into a common share at a price of $0.26 per common share. The Company intends to use the proceeds from the Offering to accelerate exploration activity at its Plomosas high-grade zinc-lead-silver property located in Chihuahua, Mexico, further develop its prolific silver assets at its legacy Royal Mines of Zacualpan district, as well as invest in operational improvements to improve productivity and throughput as the price of silver nears 52-week highs. Exploration activities include sampling, target definition, and drilling with the intention of expanding the existing JORC mineral resource at Plomosas where exploration potential is exceptional along a 6 km-long structure. The issuance of the LIFE Units was made pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption under Part 5A of National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions (the "LIFE Exemption"). The securities sold under the LIFE Exemption are not subject to a hold period in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws. A copy of the offering document under the LIFE Exemption dated April 15, 2025, is available electronically on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under the Company's issuer profile. The Offering remains subject to final acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange. In connection with this tranche of the Offering, the Company paid an aggregate of $62,899.20 in finder's fees and issued 347,355 finder's warrants (each, a "Finder's Warrant") to certain finders. Each Finder's Warrant is exercisable for three years from the closing date into a common share at a price of $0.24 per common share. The securities described herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws, and accordingly, may not be offered or sold within the United States except in compliance with the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities requirements or pursuant to exemptions therefrom. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy any securities in any jurisdiction. ABOUT IMPACT SILVER IMPACT Silver Corp. (TSXV: IPT) is a successful producer-explorer with two mining projects in Mexico. Royal Mines of Zacualpan Silver-Gold District: IMPACT owns 100% of the 211 km2 Zacualpan project where four underground silver mines and one open pit mine feed the central 500 tpd Guadalupe processing plant. To the south, the Capire Project includes a 200 tpd processing pilot plant adjacent to an open pit silver mine with an NI 43-101 inferred mineral resource of over 4.5 million oz silver, 48 million lbs zinc and 21 million lbs lead (see IMPACT news release dated January 18, 2016 for details and QP statement); Company engineers are reviewing Capire for a potential restart of operations. Over the past 18 years, IMPACT has placed multiple zones into commercial production and produced over 13 million ounces of silver, generating revenues over $284 million. Plomosas Zinc-Lead-Silver District: Plomosas is a high-grade zinc producer in northern Mexico with exceptional exploration upside potential. The Company recently re-commenced operations and is ramping up production toward design capacity levels. Exploration potential at Plomosas is exceptional along a 6 km-long structure. This is in addition to other exploration targets on the 3,019-hectare property including untested copper-gold targets with indications of high-grade material from surface. Regionally, Plomosas lies in the same mineral belt as some of the largest carbonate replacement deposits in the world. Qualified Person and NI 43-101 Disclosure George Gorzynski, P.Eng., is a "Qualified Person" within the meaning of NI 43-101 and has approved the technical information contained in this news release. On behalf of IMPACT Silver Corp. "Frederick W. Davidson" President & CEO Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements This IMPACT News Release may contain certain "forward-looking" statements and information relating to IMPACT that is based on the beliefs of IMPACT management, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to IMPACT management. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included herein, including, without limitation, statements relating to future silver prices, interpretation of drill results, future work plans, proceeds received and use of funds, the potential of the Company's projects, and potential and plans for the Plomosas project, are forward looking statements. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "planned", "expect", "project", "predict", "potential", "targeting", "intends", "believe", "potential", and similar expressions, or describes a "goal", or variation of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "should", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the expected use of proceeds of the Private Placement. Such forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks and assumptions, including with respect to, without limitations, exploration and development risks, expenditure and financing requirements, title matters, operating hazards, metal prices, political and economic factors, competitive factors, general economic conditions, relationships with vendors and strategic partners, governmental regulation and supervision, seasonality, technological change, industry practices, and one-time events. Should any one or more risks or uncertainties materialize or change, or should any underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results and forward-looking statements may vary materially from those described herein. IMPACT does not assume the obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required by law. The Company's decision to place a mine into production, expand a mine, make other production related decisions or otherwise carry out mining and processing operations, is largely based on internal non-public Company data and reports based on exploration, development and mining work by the Company's geologists and engineers. The results of this work are evident in the discovery and building of multiple mines for the Company and in the track record of mineral production and financial returns of the Company since 2006. Under NI 43-101 the Company is required to disclose that it has not based its production decisions on NI 43-101 compliant mineral resource or reserve estimates, preliminary economic assessments or feasibility studies, and historically such projects have increased uncertainty and risk of failure. 303-543 Granville Street Telephone (604) 664-7707 Vancouver, BC, Canada V6C 1X8 www.impactsilver.com Twitter LinkedIn NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/254570 SOURCE: IMPACT Silver Corp. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 5, 2025) - Wealth Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: WML) (OTCQB: WMLLF) (SSE: WMLCL) (FSE: EJZN) (the "Company" or "Wealth") announces that a Consortium to develop the Quillagua Este Salar in the Antofagasta Region, Chile, of which Wealth is a member, has successfully submitted a CEOL (Special Lithium Operating Contract) application under the fast-track process announced by the Chilean Government in September 2024 (see press release of September 30, 2024) and expanded in December 2024. The application was admitted by the Chile licensing authorities due to the application Consortium: having more than 80% of the applicable polygon, demonstrating relevant mining experience, and demonstrating financial capacity to fund a mining project. For reference about the CEOL fast-track process, please see press release of April 23, 2025. Next steps, as per the CEOL process, are the conclusion of Indigenous consultations, negotiations with the State organs as to specific operating terms and a Presidential decree establishing the CEOL based on the application. Wealth participated with three other local partners in a joint bid (the "Consortium") to extract lithium from the Quillagua Este Salar and is to provide strategic advice and know-how to the Consortium from its long operating experience in Chile. Wealth has a 3% stake in the Consortium. The CEOL application calls for lithium production from the Quillagua Este Salar, although presently the Quillagua Este Salar lithium project of the Consortium does not have an established resource or feasibility study. Regarding the Consortium's success, Henk van Alphen, CEO of Wealth Minerals Ltd., said, "While Wealth's stake in this endeavor is modest, this news does show that the Chilean regulatory regime can be successfully navigated, while also demonstrating that the Chilean authorities support the development of new lithium projects fully privately owned. Our success working with a group to make this CEOL application further underscores our commitment to permitting our Kuska project, which is only 120 km away to the northeast of the Quillagua Este Salar." 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 Follow Us: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/WealthMineralsLtd Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wealth-minerals Twitter - https://www.X.com/WealthMinerals 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/254618 SOURCE: Wealth Minerals Ltd. SAN RAMON, CA / ACCESS Newswire / June 5, 2025 / Sensiba LLP, ranked among the Top 75 U.S. accounting and consulting firms, is pleased to announce the appointment of Crystal Riggins as chief operating officer. Riggins will retain her responsibilities as general counsel while taking on this expanded leadership role. As COO, Riggins will focus on operational excellence and cross-functional alignment to support the firm's long-term strategy. She will oversee core internal functions and work closely with Sensiba's managing partner and executive leadership team to ensure integrated execution of firmwide initiatives. "In the two years since she joined us, Crystal has been instrumental in our daily operations, and her dedication and impact have been clear," said Managing Partner John Sensiba. "She's proven to have alignment with the firm's values and the ability to develop trusting relationships, plus she's demonstrated incredible leadership skills. Her contribution over the last two years made the decision to offer her the position an easy one." Riggins will serve as a key partner to the managing partner in advancing Sensiba's vision and translating strategy into action across departments and geographies. "I'm very excited to be at Sensiba at this time," Riggins said. "We have a fantastic firm with people whose sole focus is providing excellent client service. We've been through a technology transformation, and we have brought a suite of executives on board who are well-positioned to work together to reach the next level of sophistication and growth." Riggins joined Sensiba in 2023 as general counsel and will continue to lead the firm's legal function. Prior to Sensiba, she held executive roles at a leading IoT SaaS company and several technology firms. She has led legal, operations, and people functions, and multiple transformative acquisitions. About Sensiba LLP Sensiba's global accounting, tax, risk assurance, and consulting services help businesses and people solve problems, establish trust, and build a foundation for sustainable growth. Independent and partner-owned, we're a Top-75 U.S. firm with a global footprint, maintaining operations across the Americas, Europe, Australia, and beyond. We're passionate about collaborating with clients to increase efficiency, mitigate risk, and embrace emerging opportunities.?As a certified B Corp, we foster a culture where people, families, and communities thrive. As a member of Morison Global, we support our clients' international accounting and tax needs. For more information, visit Sensiba.com. Contact: Marc Stevens, Brand & Communications Manager 925-271-8700 x7166 mstevens@sensiba.com SOURCE: Sensiba LLP View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/banking-and-financial-services/sensiba-appoints-crystal-riggins-as-chief-operating-officer-1035439 HMW Law and its team will award $2,500 to the student who wins the firm's new scholarship. CLEVELAND, OH / ACCESS Newswire / June 5, 2025 / The criminal defense attorneys and personal injury lawyers with HMW Law-Ohio Trial Attorneys are proud to debut the firm's Against All Odds Scholarship . This scholarship promises one high-achieving undergraduate or graduate student $2,500 to dedicate toward their studies in any major. HMW Law specifically wants to celebrate the achievements of students from underrepresented backgrounds. The team encourages students who fit the scholarship's criteria to create a two- to three-minute video going into detail about the hardships they've overcome while pursuing their academic and professional goals. Students should specifically use their videos to emphasize how the hardships they've faced in life have impacted their goals and how they intend to use their learned perseverance to make waves in their chosen field. Students have until November 15, 2025, to complete their videos and submit them for the scholarship selection committee's consideration. Unfortunately, the team cannot consider applications submitted without all essential materials or after this deadline passes. Students should carefully look over their application forms to make sure they have all the required documents before hitting "submit" through HMW Law's website. The inappropriate use of AI to generate a video wholesale, create fake actors for a video, or modify a student's voice will result in that student's application being removed from the applicant pool. HMW Law wants students to embrace their creativity and create videos that speak to their specific circumstances. The scholarship selection committee reserves up to three months after the deadline to choose its winner. The team will then reach out to that winner via email. Students can expect to see blog posts and press releases about their achievements appear on HMW Law's website. The firm asks that neither students nor their families reach out to HMW Law after the scholarship deadline closes with questions about the student's application. The firm cannot provide updates on the status of a student's application at this time. HMW Law takes pride in being a community-oriented law firm. The team looks forward to offering its support to an outstanding student who could use a hand in achieving their long-term goals. About HMW Law HMW Law connects Buckeyes with personal injury lawyers and criminal defense attorneys throughout Ohio. The team brings decades of experience to its clients' pursuit of justice in the wake of serious accidents. At the same time, HMW Law can provide those accused of legal misconduct with individualized and comprehensive defenses. HMW Law wants to make it as easy as possible for its clients to navigate the legal process. The personal injury lawyers and criminal defense attorneys with the firm continually challenge themselves to stay on the cutting edge of legal developments, ensuring firm clients receive the representation they deserve. Anyone interested in working with HMW Law can reach out to the team today to book a free criminal defense or personal injury case consultation. Contact Information Brandon Henderson Managing Partner bh@teamhmwwins.com 216-774-0000 SOURCE: HMW Law View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/hmw-law-ohio-trial-attorneys-announces-against-all-odds-scholars-1036023 5 June 2025, 19:30 CET Ahead of the formal commissioning of a new 20 million tonne capacity concentrator, the President of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Boakai, and ArcelorMittal Executive Chairman, Mr. Lakshmi Mittal, today attended an inauguration event held at the site of the concentrator in Tokadeh, Nimba County. Coming soon after ArcelorMittal celebrated 20 years of mining in Liberia, the new state-of-the-art concentrator is one of the largest iron ore beneficiation plants in Africa. It is the central component of ArcelorMittal's US$1.8 billion expansion project in Liberia - bringing ArcelorMittal's total investment in Liberia to date to approximately US$3 billion - which will see production increase from current levels of 5 million tonnes of iron ore a year, to 20 million tonnes, alongside a significant improvement in product quality to higher-grade, higher-value iron ore. The expansion project also involved investment in accompanying infrastructure assets. The railway from Tokadeh to Buchanan is being upgraded, while a new pier has been added at the port of Buchanan, along with associated material handling infrastructure. 5,000 contractors have been brought in to support the project, in addition to the 2,000 people permanently employed by ArcelorMittal in Liberia. Speaking at the inauguration, His Excellency President Joseph Boakai said: "This level of expansion of investment is a testament to the increasing confidence in the security and well-being of the state, as well as the current state and future direction of this country's investment climate. This brings great relief to our economy noting that it is impacting the area of job creation. We are informed that this has already created over 5,000 on site construction jobs and is expected to generate 1,000 permanent job roles upon its completion. "No doubt, such a huge expansion augurs well for the enriching of the corporate social responsibility envelope, thereby positively impacting areas of health, education, commerce, and employment. We commend ArcelorMittal Liberia for this bold and courageous step and further urge to press forward with its other investment pursuits like the railway expansion, port enhancement, and power plant installations." Mr. Lakshmi Mittal, Executive Chairman of ArcelorMittal said: "It is wonderful to be here again in Liberia to celebrate this very important milestone in the history of mining in the country. We have been working towards this moment for many years and to have President Boakai here makes it especially memorable. I must thank him for taking the time to travel to Nimba. "This state-of-the-art concentrator guarantees the long-term future of mining in Liberia. It will quadruple our capabilities from 5 million tonnes to 20 million tonnes, continue to provide jobs for thousands of Liberians and make an important contribution to Liberia's economic prosperity. "We are very proud of the contribution we have made to this country over the last 20 years. We very much enjoy being part of the community and take our responsibility to the country and its people very seriously. Part of this contribution has related to significant infrastructure upgrades, including roads, townships and power generation, which I hope will have a broader positive impact on the local economy. "Many people have been involved in the success of this project. I cannot list them all here but to everyone who has played a part - thank you. You are making a vital contribution to the future of your country." ArcelorMittal has ambitions to further expand capacity at its Liberian mining operations, with plans under development for a phased increase to 30 million tonnes of annual production capacity, and options being studied to produce DRI quality concentrate. The current expansion project has been undertaken with future expansion in mind, with upgrades to the railway already enabling it to transport 30 million tonnes of iron ore annually. ENDS About ArcelorMittal ArcelorMittal is one of the world's leading integrated steel and mining companies with a presence in 60 countries and primary steelmaking operations in 15 countries. It is the largest steel producer in Europe, among the largest in the Americas, and has a growing presence in Asia through its joint venture AM/NS India. ArcelorMittal sells its products to a diverse range of customers including the automotive, engineering, construction and machinery industries, and in 2024 generated revenues of $62.4 billion, produced 57.9 million metric tonnes of crude steel and 42.4 million tonnes of iron ore. Our purpose is to produce smarter steels for people and planet. Steels made using innovative processes which use less energy, emit significantly less carbon and reduce costs. Steels that are cleaner, stronger and reusable. Steels for the renewable energy infrastructure that will support societies as they transform through this century. With steel at our core, our inventive people and an entrepreneurial culture at heart, we will support the world in making that change. ArcelorMittal is listed on the stock exchanges of New York (MT), Amsterdam (MT), Paris (MT), Luxembourg (MT) and on the Spanish stock exchanges of Barcelona, Bilbao, Madrid and Valencia (MTS). http://corporate.arcelormittal.com/ Britannia Beach, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 5, 2025) - After years of anticipation, The General Store in Britannia Beach has officially reopened its doors, welcoming both locals and visitors back to the beloved grocery and liquor hub. Previously closed as part of a complete redevelopment of the historic retail community, the store has been thoughtfully redesigned and expanded, while maintaining its familiar rustic charm, and is serving the community once again. The General Store in Britannia Beach is now open To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11686/254611_947ba10754e50ac0_002full.jpg Conveniently located along the Sea to Sky Highway near the Britannia Mine Museum, The General Store offers a wide selection of fresh groceries, local goods & everyday essentials, as well as brick-oven pizza, coffee, ready-made foods and a curated selection of wine, beer and liquor. It provides a convenient stop for those on their way to or from Whistler, as well as a warm, community-focused space for anyone looking to explore the picturesque Britannia Beach. The General Store's new patio overlooking the Howe Sound from Britannia Beach To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11686/254611_imgine2.jpg "We're excited to bring The General Store back to Britannia Beach," said Jason Kittler, Managing Director, The Boat Shed Hospitality Group. "This has always been more than just a store-it's a gathering place for the community, and we're thrilled to offer fresh food, great coffee and a fantastic selection of beverages in such a stunning location overlooking the Howe Sound." The fresh produce section at the new Britannia Beach General Store To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11686/254611_947ba10754e50ac0_004full.jpg The coffee and pizza bar at the new General Store in Britannia Beach To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11686/254611_947ba10754e50ac0_003full.jpg The General Store is operated by The Boat Shed Group, who are most known for their restaurants in Ambleside and on Cypress Mountain. As an anchor tenant, The General Store plays a vital role in bringing new life to the historic retail village, and with the new large outdoor patio, the store aims to create a lively and engaging atmosphere that takes full advantage of the scenic surroundings. The General Store is part of a larger revitalization of the Britannia Beach artisanal historic retail village, which has been upgraded to preserve its historical aesthetic while adapting to modern commercial use. The community now features a variety of new shops, attractions and townhomes. With its prime location, tasty offerings and local fares, The General Store is a must-visit stop along the Sea to Sky corridor. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/254611 SOURCE: The General Store Fitness Superstore are exclusive distributors of SHUA Fitness Equipment NORTHAMPTON, England, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Fitness Superstore, the UK's leading supplier of home fitness equipment, is pleased to announce the appointment of Antony Morrison as its new Commercial Sales Development Manager, effective Monday 2nd June 2025. This strengthening of leadership is to drive B2B Growth in the Commercial Fitness marketplace which coincides with their exclusive partnership with SHUA Fitness. Antony joins Fitness Superstore with over 15 years of commercial leadership experience in the fitness industry, including a decade specialising in commercial gym equipment sales. His career began at Life Fitness UK, where he held several key positions including Key Account Manager, Southern Territory Manager, and ultimately National Sales Manager. During his tenure, Antony was instrumental in shaping both regional and national sales strategies, forging strong client partnerships, and driving sustainable growth across multiple sectors. More recently, Antony served as Sales Director for two major UK corporates, where he led high-performing sales teams and implemented scalable business development frameworks across the national market. This strategic hire reflects Fitness Superstore's commitment to accelerating its B2B growth across hospitality, public sector, corporate wellness, and private gym markets. With an already impressive range of full commercial equipment, enhanced infrastructure, and a deepening presence in the commercial fitness landscape, the company is poised for a new phase of expansion. In his new role, Antony will collaborate closely with the sales, marketing, product development, and digital teams to execute forward-thinking strategies aimed at client engagement and commercial success. "Fitness Superstore has established itself as a respected force in the fitness retail sector, and I'm thrilled to be joining at such a pivotal time," said Antony Morrison. "The opportunity to shape and drive commercial growth across such a dynamic and ambitious business is incredibly exciting. I look forward to working with the talented teams here, and our valued partners at SHUA Fitness to deliver exceptional solutions and outcomes for our commercial partners." About Fitness Superstore Fitness Superstore is the UK's largest supplier of fitness equipment, offering a comprehensive portfolio of premium home and commercial gym solutions. The company partners with leading global fitness brands and serves a broad client base across retail, corporate, hospitality, education, and public sector markets. About SHUA Fitness Founded in 1996, SHUA Fitness is a global fitness brand trusted by professionals and facilities worldwide. With presence in over 100 countries and more than 30,000 fitness centres, SHUA delivers innovative and reliable solutions for both elite and everyday athletes - including serving the official athlete village at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games. Media Contact: Commercial@fitness-superstore.co.uk Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2704475/Antony_Morrison_1.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2223308/5355980/Fitness_Superstore_Logo.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/fitness-superstore-appoints-antony-morrison-as-new-commercial-sales-development-manager-302474602.html Division of Fourth Generation, Family Owned and Operated Company Also Provides Custom Dog Tags, Lapel Pins, Patches and Race Medals MOUNT VERNON, NY / ACCESS Newswire / June 5, 2025 / Ball Chain Manufacturing Co., Inc.'s (Ball Chain) promotional products division, LogoTags, is proud to support Commander Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic (CSFWL). CSFWL is located onboard Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, Virginia. CSFWL is the Navy's largest type wing with 16 squadrons flying more than 300 aircraft and is composed of over 8,500 officers, enlisted and civilian personnel. The mission of CSFWL is to man, train and equip Strike Fighter squadrons in order to conduct carrier-based and support missions. LogoTags carefully created a custom bottle opener, working collaboratively with CSFWL's key personnel. "We are thrilled to design and donate this custom bottle opener to show our appreciation for the Commander Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic and their ongoing heroic efforts," explains Bill Taubner, Ball Chain President. The CSFWL is planning a Father's Day "Men in the Military" event and will gift the custom bottle openers to men in the command. Custom Challenge Coin by LogoTags Ball Chain is the exclusive supplier to the U.S. Armed Forces for the iconic dog tag ID necklace worn by U.S. service personnel. To meet the increased demand for these necklaces in the marketplace, Ball Chain launched LogoTags two decades ago. LogoTags quickly expanded its product line to include custom challenge coins, custom military dog tags, bottle openers, lapel pins, patches, race medals, jewelry charms, key chains, custom metal tags, and a wide range of other custom items. As the leading producer of custom challenge coins and custom military challenge coins in the United States, LogoTags has become a go-to source for the custom challenge coins. Today, the company offers nearly every type of promotional item, solidifying its position at the forefront of the promotional products industry. In addition to offering premium products at industry-leading prices, LogoTags is synonymous with exemplary customer service. LogoTags representatives ensure that all customers, and especially returning customers, such as military personnel, are treated with great care and respect. LogoTags supplies challenge coins made of the highest quality brass and offers unlimited art changes and digital proofs, free of charge, distinguishing itself from competitors. LogoTags is proud to offer high-quality, American-made products with no setup fees on challenge coin orders. Logotags is proud to offer the highest quality custom challenge coins and race medals with no setup fees. Like Ball Chain's other businesses, LogoTags is committed to providing superior products to its customers through a transparent and secure supply chain. More about Ball Chain Manufacturing Co., Inc. and LogoTags, a division of Ball Chain Manufacturing Co., Inc.: Bill Taubner, the current company President, honors his great-grandfather and grandfather who started Ball Chain Manufacturing Co., Inc. (Ball Chain) in a small garage behind their home in the Bronx, NY. The company has been family-owned and operated since 1938. Ball Chain is now the world's largest manufacturer of ball chains, seen on military dog tags, ceiling fans, handbags, and light pulls, among many other goods. The company manufactures more than 4 million feet of product per week at its Mount Vernon, New York, factory (all ball chains are made in the USA). LogoTags, Ball Chain's promotional products division, provides custom dog tags, military challenge coins, bottle openers, lapel pins, charms and metal tags to name just a few items. LogoTags fabricates custom promotional products at its Mount Vernon, New York, manufacturing facility and works with longtime production partners overseas to bring customers the finest items from across the globe. We put our heart into everything we do. SOURCE: LogoTags View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/consumer-and-retail-products/custom-challenge-coin-leader-logotags-proudly-donates-custom-bottle-op-1036066 NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / June 5, 2025 / CSRHub FiRe 2025 Conference - June 8-11 at Qualcomm Institute As previously seen on the CSRHub blog. We're proud to share that Cynthia Figge, CEO and Co-Founder of CSRHub, will be speaking on two panels at the upcoming Future in Review (FiRe) Conference 2025, taking place in San Diego from June 8-11. Widely recognized as one of the most influential technology and innovation gatherings in the world, the Future in Review conference brings together thought leaders, executives, and policymakers to explore the future of global challenges through a tech-forward lens. Panel 1: Emerging Supply Chain Risks Monday, June 9th at 1:30 PM PT CSRHub Co-founder Cynthia Figge will speak on a mainstage panel titled "Emerging Supply Chain Risks." She will be joined by: Ilya Levtov , Founder & CEO, Craft Sydney House, ESG Product Lead, Certa This conversation will address how companies are navigating today's complex supply chain landscape. From geopolitical instability to compliance demands and sustainability concerns, the panel will explore how data, technology, and collaboration are reshaping risk management and supplier engagement in global operations. Panel 2: The Business of Embodied Carbon Wednesday, June 11th at 9:00 AM PT CSRHub CEO and Co-founder Cynthia Figge will moderate a mainstage session titled "The Business of Embodied Carbon." She will be joined by: Andrew Himes , Director of Collective Impact, Carbon Leadership Forum David Victor, Professor at the Center on Global Transformation, Chair in Innovation and Public Policy, and Director of the Deep Decarbonization Initiative, University of California San Diego This session will explore how embodied carbon impacts investment decisions, compliance reporting, and long-term sustainability planning-offering timely insights into the evolving expectations for climate-related disclosures and supply chain transparency. About Future in Review Described by The Economist as "the best technology conference in the world," FiRe is where innovation, data, and policy converge. Learn more about the conference and explore the full schedule and speaker lineup below: FiRe 2025 Website Agenda Speakers Stay tuned for more updates as Cynthia represents CSRHub's mission of building a more transparent, data-informed future for sustainability. Cynthia Figge is a forerunner, entrepreneur and thought leader in the corporate sustainability movement. Cynthia is CEO and Cofounder of CSRHub , a leading Big Data ESG (environment, social, governance) ratings and information platform covering 60,000 companies worldwide for benchmarking, supply chain and risk assessment data solutions. Cynthia co-founded EKOS International in 1996, one of the first consultancies integrating sustainability and corporate strategy. Cynthia is a national speaker on trends in sustainability and business intelligence. Prior to becoming an entrepreneur in sustainability, she was an Officer of LIN Broadcasting/ McCaw Cellular leading new services development. Cynthia is Independent Board Director of CleanFiber, serves as an Advisor to Strategic News Service (SNS), and volunteers in the area of social and environmental justice. Cynthia has an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BA in Economics. Cynthia is based in the Seattle area. About CSRHub CSRHub offers the most comprehensive global set of Consensus ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) ratings, information, and tools. CSRHub's business intelligence system measures the ESG business impact that drives corporate and investor sustainability decisions. Founded in 2007, CSRHub covers 58,000+ public and private companies, and provides ESG performance scores on over 38,833 companies from 134 industries in 156 countries. Our Big Data platform uses algorithms to aggregate, normalize and weight ESG metrics from 989 sources to produce a strong consensus signal on corporate sustainability performance. Interested in learning more about CSRHub? Click here. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from CSRHub on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: CSRHub Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/csrhub Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: CSRHub View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/telecommunications/csrhub-co-founder-cynthia-figge-to-speak-at-future-in-review-2025-1036069 Saturn to offer $2.15 per common share through a fixed price tender, representing an approximate premium of 20% over the current share price on the TSX $15 million to be returned to shareholders assuming full participation, bringing total share repurchases by Saturn to approximately $34 million since Aug/24, equivalent to approximately 10% of current market capitalization Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - June 5, 2025) - Saturn Oil & Gas Inc. (TSX: SOIL) (OTCQX: OILSF) ("Saturn" or the "Company"), a light oil-weighted producer focused on unlocking value through the development of our assets in Saskatchewan and Alberta, is pleased to announce our intention to commence a substantial issuer bid (the "Offer") pursuant to which the Company will offer to purchase from holders ("Shareholders") of common shares ("Shares") of the Company up to 7,000,000 Shares for cancellation at a purchase price of $2.15 per Share (the "Purchase Price"), for an aggregate purchase price not exceeding $15,050,000. "We believe the commencement of this inaugural substantial issuer bid, representing an approximate 20% premium to our current trading value, demonstrates Saturn's commitment to advancing opportunities that offer high potential returns in the current market environment, ultimately driving value for shareholders," said John Jeffrey, Chief Executive Officer of Saturn. "The combined impact of operating cost savings, our Q1 2025 production outperformance, efficient capital program, and contribution from our robust hedge book is expected to result in over $30 million of incremental funds, (more than double the Offer), which affords us the ability to make the Offer and maintain ongoing financial flexibility. Going forward, if the disconnect between Saturn's trading price and the intrinsic value of the Shares persists, and our financial position is supportive, we may consider further repurchases of the Shares as an efficient allocation of resources and a strategy to enhance shareholder value." The Offer is expected to commence on June 11, 2025, and remain open for acceptance until 5:00 pm (Eastern Time) on July 16, 2025, unless extended, varied, or withdrawn by the Company (the "Expiration Date"). Pursuant to the Offer, tendering Shareholders will have the right to elect to tender a specified number of Shares. On June 4, 2025, the last full trading day prior to the date of announcement of the Company's intention to make the Offer, the closing price of the Shares on the TSX was $1.82 per Share. As noted, Saturn anticipates funding for the Share repurchases from available cash on hand, supported by the cost savings and outperformance noted above. Purpose of the Offer As part of Saturn's ongoing efforts to maximize value for Shareholders, the Company has identified the Offer as an attractive and efficient means to continue returning capital to Shareholders, supplementing the impact of our active normal course issuer bid ("NCIB"). Assuming full and pro-rata shareholder participation in the Offer, the Company will have returned over $34 million of capital to our Shareholders since August of 2024, including approximately $19 million of share repurchases through the NCIB and $15 million of share repurchases through the Offer. In addition, Saturn has also repaid approximately $91 million of debt in the past nine months through the quarterly principal repayments, along with open market purchases that were done at a discount, of our outstanding 9.625% senior notes due 2029 (the "Senior Notes"). The Board intends to continue considering future capital return initiatives in 2025 and beyond, with the ultimate goal of enhancing Saturn's equity value. These initiatives may include, but not be limited to, potential additional share buybacks, Senior Notes buybacks or other initiatives, all of which would depend on the overall results of the business, cash flow generation and the Company's strategic goals. Details of the Offer Details of the Offer, including instructions for tendering Shares to the Offer and the factors considered by the Board of Directors in making its decision to approve the Offer, will be included in the formal offer to purchase and issuer bid circular and other related documents (the "Offer Documents"), which are expected to be mailed to Shareholders, filed with applicable Canadian Securities Administrators and made available free of charge on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca on or about June 11, 2025. In light of a potential Canada Post workers' strike and the potential resulting disruption of mail services, the Company may be unable to mail the Offer Documents to beneficial (non-registered) holders. However, upon resumption of normal mail service following any disruption, the Company intends to arrange for the mailing of the Offer Documents to the beneficial holders. Shareholders can retrieve the Offer Documents on www.sedarplus.ca or on the Company's website at www.saturnoil.com. Copies of the Offer Documents may also be obtained without charge by emailing info@saturnoil.com . The Purchase Price represents an approximate premium of 20% over the current trading price. As of the date hereof, there were 195,064,747 Shares issued and outstanding, and the number of Shares subject to the Offer represents approximately 4% of the total number of Shares issued and outstanding. All Shareholders of the Company may tender Shares pursuant to the Offer, subject to the terms set forth in the Offer Documents. Each Shareholder who has properly deposited Shares and who has not withdrawn such Shares will receive the Purchase Price, payable in cash (subject to applicable withholding taxes, if any), for all Shares taken up by the Company upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer. Pursuant to the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer, Shareholders wishing to tender to the Offer may do so by making an election to tender a specified number of Shares (representing, in the Shareholders' discretion, all or a portion of the Shareholders' Shares) at the Purchase Price. If more than 7,000,000 Shares are tendered for purchase, the Company will purchase the Shares on a pro-rata basis after giving effect to "odd lot" tenders (Shares tendered by Shareholders beneficially owning fewer than 100 Shares), which will not be subject to proration. In that case, Shares that are tendered but not purchased, will be returned to Shareholders. GMT Capital Corp. ("GMT") (the "Principal Shareholder") is the beneficial owner of, or exercises control or direction over, 59,433,483 Shares, which in the aggregate represents approximately 30% of all issued and outstanding Shares. GMT has advised the Company that their current intention is not to deposit Shares pursuant to the Offer, however, their decision to participate in the Offer is subject to market conditions and other factors. GMT reserves the right without notice and for any or no reason, to change its investment decision at any time prior to the Expiration Date. Saturn's Board and management team will not participate in the Offer. In connection with the Offer, Saturn has suspended Share repurchases under our NCIB effective June 5, 2025, and therefore the Company shall not repurchase any Saturn Shares under the NCIB during the term of the Offer. Additional Information The Offer is optional for all Shareholders, who are free to choose whether to participate, and if they participate how many Shares to tender. Any Shareholders who do not deposit their Shares (or whose Shares are not purchased under the Offer) will realize a proportionate increase in their equity interest in the Company, to the extent that Shares are purchased under the Offer. The Offer is not conditional upon any minimum number of Shares being tendered. However, the Offer will be subject to other conditions described in the Offer Documents. Saturn reserves the right, subject to applicable laws, to withdraw, extend or amend the Offer, if certain events occur at any time prior to the payment for the tendered Shares. The Board of Directors of the Company has obtained a liquidity opinion from National Bank Financial ("NBF") to the effect that, based on and subject to the qualifications, assumptions and limitations stated in such opinion, as of June 4, 2025, (i) a liquid market for the Shares exists, and (ii) that it is reasonable to conclude that, following the completion of the Offer in accordance with its terms, there will be a market for the holders of Shares who do not tender to the Offer that is not materially less liquid than the market that existed at the time of the making of the Offer. Reference should be made to the complete version of the opinion of NBF, which will be included in the Offer Documents. Saturn has also engaged Odyssey Trust Company (the "Depositary") to act as depositary for the Offer. Shareholders who have questions regarding the Offer or require any assistance tendering Shares may contact Odyssey Trust by telephone at 1-587-885-0960 (North America), or by e-mail at corp.actions@odysseytrust.com. The Board of Directors of the Company has approved the Offer. However, neither Saturn, our Board of Directors, NBF or the Depositary makes any recommendation to any Shareholder as to whether to deposit or refrain from depositing Shares under the Offer. Shareholders are urged to evaluate carefully all information in the Offer, consult their own financial, legal, investment and tax advisors, and make their own decisions as to whether to deposit Shares under the Offer, and, if so, how many Shares to deposit. The Offer referred to in this news release has not yet commenced. This news release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to buy or the solicitation of an offer to sell Shares. The solicitation and the offer to buy Shares will only be made pursuant to the Offer Documents to be filed with the applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities. The Offer will not be made to, nor will tenders be accepted from or on behalf of, holders of Shares in any jurisdiction in which the making or acceptance of offers to sell Shares would not be in compliance with the laws of that jurisdiction. ABOUT SATURN Saturn is a returns-driven Canadian energy company focused on the efficient and innovative development of high-quality, light oil weighted assets, supported by an acquisition strategy targeting accretive and complementary opportunities. The Company's portfolio of free-cash flowing, low-decline operated assets in Saskatchewan and Alberta provide a deep inventory of long-term economic drilling opportunities across multiple zones. With an unwavering commitment to building an entrepreneurial and ESG-focused culture, Saturn's goal is to increase per share reserves, production and cash flow at an attractive return on invested capital. The Company's shares are listed for trading on the TSX under ticker 'SOIL' and on the OTCQX under the ticker 'OILSF'. Further information and our corporate presentation are available on Saturn's website at www.saturnoil.com. READER ADVISORIES Forward-Looking Information and Statements Certain information included in this press release constitutes forward-looking information under applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking information typically contains statements with words such as "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "plan", "intend", "estimate", "propose", "project", "scheduled", "will" or similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook. Forward-looking information in this press release may include, but is not limited to: the number of Shares to be acquired and the amount of capital returned to Shareholders under the Offer; expectations regarding capital sources and allocations, hedging strategy terms and timing, capital return strategy and plans; the desire or ability to initiate subsequent offers; the business plan; the Company's near and medium term strategic plans; the overall results of the Company's business and cash flow generation; expectations relating to the impact of government policy on the Company's finances; the Company's ability to maintain or reduce operating costs; commodity and foreign exchange pricing; value creation strategy and cost model of the Company; the timing for commencing and closing the Offer. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by Saturn, including expectations and assumptions concerning: the timing of and success of future drilling, the ability to successfully replicate certain strategies across the Company's operations; the successful completion of the Offer, the impact of our hedging strategy, and the availability and sources of capital. Although Saturn 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 Saturn can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual plans and results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks, including the risks set out under "Risk Factors" in Saturn's Management Discussion and Analysis for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024, and Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2024, available on SEDAR+ at sedarplus.ca. Forward-looking information is based on a number of factors and assumptions which have been used to develop such information, but which may prove to be incorrect. Although Saturn believes that the expectations reflected in its forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information because Saturn can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. In addition to other factors and assumptions which may be identified in this press release, assumptions have been made regarding and are implicit in, among other things, our capital expenditure and drilling programs, drilling inventory and booked locations, production and revenue guidance, debt repayment plans and future production and growth plans. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors and assumptions which have been used. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is made as of the date hereof and Saturn undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. All dollar figures included herein are presented in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/254662 SOURCE: Saturn Oil & Gas Inc. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 5, 2025) - Logica Ventures Corp. (TSXV: LOG.P) ("Logica" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an amalgamation agreement with BBG Metals Corp. ("BBG Metals") and 1359646 B.C. Ltd. ("Subco"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Logica, dated June 4, 2025 (the "Amalgamation Agreement") pursuant to which the Company proposes to acquire all of the issued and outstanding securities of BBG Metals by way of a three-corner amalgamation (the "Transaction") under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia). Upon completion of the Transaction, the combined entity (the "Resulting Issuer") will continue the business of BBG Metals and intends to list as a Tier 2 mining issuer on the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange"). The Transaction will constitute the "Qualifying Transaction" of Logica, as such a term is defined in Policy 2.4 - "Capital Pool Companies" of the Exchange ("Policy 2.4"). The Transaction is at arm's length. About BBG Metals Corp. BBG is a private British Columbia mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition and exploration of mineral properties. BBG holds a 100% undivided interest in the Hardrock West Project (the "Property") located in the Thunder Bay Mining Division, Ontario. The Property includes 58 contiguous mineral claims. The mineral claims border and are on strike with the world-class Hardrock deposit of Equinox Gold's Greenstone Mine. In addition to exploration work conducted by BBG on the Property, BBG has also compiled publicly-available information on property (including the Property) that is generated from Laurentian University's Metal Earth program, a $104 million applied research and development program aimed at understanding base and precious metals formations in the Canadian Shield, which included exploration on property in the Canadian Greenstone Belt (including the Property) and the surrounding region consisting of geological mapping, reflection seismic, magnetotelluric, gravity, high precision major and trace element geochemistry, and base and precious metal assays. Access to the Laurentian University studies will allow the Resulting Issuer to focus its exploration efforts around certain geological trends that are known to host mineralization within the broader regional area. A reconnaissance program has been conducted on the Property to evaluate road and trail access to showings and critical areas, track new roads and trails from recent logging activity, investigate aeromagnetic anomalies, collect structural data and begin to assess the structural architecture of the Property, verify and assess historical showings, and collect lithogeochemical samples. These activities were carried out as three styles of field work: (1) 1:2000 scale mapping and sampling around the historical Expansion Lake prospect; (2) 1:10,000 scale transect-style mapping and sampling along 4 north-south transects; and (3) non-scaled reconnaissance data collection along roads and trails. Additionally, rock sample collections were collected. Summary of Transaction Terms As a condition to closing the Transaction, concurrently with, or immediately prior to the closing of the Transaction, Logica will undertake a share consolidation (the "Consolidation") of its outstanding common shares (the "Logica Shares"). The Consolidation will occur on the basis of one (1) post- Consolidation Logica Share for every three (3) pre-Consolidation Logica Shares. Under the terms of the Amalgamation Agreement, BBG Metals will amalgamate with Subco, and the Company will acquire all of the outstanding common shares of BBG Metals in exchange for post-Consolidation Logica Shares (the "Resulting Issuer Shares") on the basis of one Resulting Issuer Share for every common share of BBG Metals (each, a "BBG Share"). Upon completion of the Transaction, 45,382,778 Resulting Issuer Shares are expected to be outstanding. The deemed price of the Transaction is $0.10 per Resulting Issuer Share. It is anticipated that the Company will change its name to "Galactic Gold Corp." upon the completion of the Transaction. The name of the amalgamated entity will be "Galactic Gold Holding Corp.", and it will continue to subsist under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia). Prior to or concurrently with completion of the Transaction, BBG Metals intends to complete a non-brokered private placement equity financing (the "Concurrent Financing") to raise gross proceeds of not less than $1,400,000, or such greater amount as is required to provide sufficient evidence of value for the purposes of Policy 5.4 - Escrow, Vendor Consideration and Resale Restrictions of the Exchange, through the issuance, on a private placement basis, of at least 14,000,000 common shares in the capital of BBG Metals (the "Financing Shares") at a price of $0.10 per Financing Share. BBG Metals currently has 26,875,000 common shares issued and outstanding and has no options, warrants or other classes of securities outstanding. The completion of the Amalgamation is subject to certain conditions precedent, including, but not limited to, the following: completion of due diligence to the satisfaction of each of the parties; the Consolidation shall have been completed by Logica; the shareholders of BBG Metals shall have duly approved the Transaction and the Amalgamation Agreement at BBG Metals' special shareholder meeting; the name of the Company shall have been changed to "Galactic Gold Corp.", or such other name as is agreed to by the Company and BBG Metals (the "Name Change"); the shareholders of Logica shall have duly approved the Consolidation, Name Change and other matters ancillary to the Transaction; the acceptance of the Exchange of the Transaction as Logica's Qualifying Transaction; BBG Metals shall have completed of the Concurrent Financing; and dissenting shareholders of BBG Metals shall not have validly exercised dissent rights in respect of more than 5% of the outstanding common shares of BBG Metals. The Company will be holding a special meeting of its shareholders on July 7, 2025, to approve the Consolidation and the Name Change, but approval of the Transaction from the Logica shareholders is not required. The Company is a Capital Pool Company and intends for the Transaction to constitute its Qualifying Transaction, as such terms are defined in the policies of the Exchange. In connection with the Company's announcement of entry into the Amalgamation Agreement, trading in the Logica Shares has been halted pursuant to the policies of the Exchange. Trading will remain halted until, among other things, Logica completes certain regulatory filings in connection with the Qualifying Transaction with the Exchange and the Exchange has completed certain matters it considers necessary or advisable. Sponsorship of a Qualifying Transaction is required by the Exchange unless a waiver from the sponsorship requirement is obtained. Logica intends to apply for a waiver from sponsorship for the Transaction. There is no assurance that a waiver from this requirement will be obtained. In connection with the Transaction, the Company will be filing a filing statement on SEDAR+ along with a National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects technical report on the Hardrock West Project, Beardmore-Geraldton Greenstone Belt, Thunder Bay Mining Division, Ontario, Canada, published for BBG Metals and Logica by Jason Arnold, P. Geo. of DCX Consulting. Investors are encouraged to review the filing statement on SEDAR+, which provides detailed information about the Transaction, the Resulting Issuer, the Company and BBG Metals, including the audited consolidated financial statements of BBG Metals for the years ended December 31, 2024, and 2023, and the unaudited interim financial statements of BBG Metals for the three months ended March 31, 2025 which reflect that, as at March 31, 2025, BBG Metals had a net loss for the 2024 financial year of $339,399, a net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2025 of $66,632, total assets as of March 31, 2025 of $37,079, and total liabilities as of March 31, 2025 of $132,957. No finder's fee or commission is payable in connection with the Transaction, other than finder's fees which may be payable in connection with the Concurrent Financing. No deposit, advance, or loan has been made to the Company or will be made to the Company in connection with the Transaction. Upon the closing of the Transaction, the board of directors and management of the Resulting Issuer will consist of the following individuals: Kenneth Berry Director, President & CEO Mr. Berry is the former President & CEO of Northern Vertex Mining Corp., which brought into production the Moss Gold Mine in Arizona, and is the current Chairman of Kootenay Silver Inc. He is a proven exploration expert and mine builder, with extensive knowledge in project finance, business development and strategic planning. Tiziano Romagnoli Director, VP Corporate Development Mr. Romagnoli is a fund manager and financial advisor to a number of companies in the mining sector. He was the former head of BMO Nesbitt Burns in Geneva and has been instrumental in arranging financing for exploration and development companies. Rajwant Kang Director, CFO & Corporate Secretary Mr. Kang is the founder & president of RSK Management Consulting Inc., a private company that provides management services, and has over 25 years of accounting and finance experience. He has proficient knowledge of capital markets, raising capital, M&A and corporate regulation of publicly listed companies. Tom Martin Director Mr. Martin has 15 years of experience in capital markets and corporate communications. He is currently an advisor with Prospector Metals and has worked with other Discovery Group Companies. Mr. Martin has been instrumental in assembling top quality projects & management teams within the mining sector. This press release does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The securities being offered have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and such securities may not be offered or sold within the United States absent U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from U.S. registration requirements. 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. Completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, Exchange acceptance and if applicable pursuant to Exchange requirements, majority of the minority shareholder approval. Where applicable, the Transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or filing statement to be prepared in connection with the transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative. The Exchange has in no way passed upon the merits of the Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. All information contained in this news release with respect to BBG Metals was supplied by BBG Metals for inclusion herein, and Logica has relied on BBG Metals for any information concerning BBG Metals. CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION This news release includes certain statements and information that constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information specifically include, but are not limited to, statements that relate to the completion of the Transaction and the timing in respect thereof, and timely receipt of all necessary approvals, including any requisite approval of the Exchange. Statements contained in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainty affecting the business of the Company or the Resulting Issuer. Such statements can generally, but not always, be identified by words such as "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "intends", "estimates", "forecasts", "schedules", "prepares", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. All statements that describe the Company or of the Resulting Issuer's plans relating to operations and potential strategic opportunities are forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. These statements address future events and conditions and are reliant on assumptions made by the Company's management, and so involve inherent risks and uncertainties, as disclosed in the Company's filing statement, or the Company's periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators. As a result of these risks and uncertainties, and the assumptions underlying the forward-looking information, actual results could materially differ from those currently projected, and there is no representation by the Company that the actual results realized in the future will be the same in whole or in part as those presented herein. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update forward-looking statements or information except as required by law. Readers are referred to the additional information regarding the Company's business contained in the Company's filing statement, or the Company's reports filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada. 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 statements, there may be other factors that could cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. For more information on the Company and the risks and challenges of its business, investors should review the Company's filings that are available at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company provides no assurance that forward-looking statements and information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements or information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company does not undertake to update any for-ward looking statements, other than as required by law. Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United States To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/254672 SOURCE: Logica Ventures Corp. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 5, 2025) - Goldstorm Metals Corp. (TSXV: GSTM) (FSE: B2U) ("Goldstorm" or the "Company") is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement offering of units of the Company (each, a "Unit") at a price of $0.07 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $1,000,000 (the "Offering"). Each Unit will be comprised of one common share of the Company (a "Common Share") and one-half of one Common Share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant shall entitle the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share at an exercise price of $0.10 for a period of 24 months from the closing date of the Offering, provided that if the closing price of the Common Shares on any Canadian stock exchange on which the Common Shares are then listed is at a price equal to or greater than $0.20 for a period of ten (10) consecutive trading days, the Company will have the right to accelerate the expiry date of the Warrants. The net proceeds received from the Offering will be used for exploration activities, working capital and general corporate purposes. In connection with the Offering, the Company may pay certain finders a fee comprised of cash, finder's warrants, or both, based on the proceeds raised from the sale of securities to purchasers introduced to the Company by such finders. All securities to be issued pursuant to the above referenced Offering will be subject to a statutory four-month hold period. The Offering is subject to regulatory approval, including the approval of the TSXV. About Goldstorm Metals Goldstorm Metals Corp. is a precious and base metals exploration company with a large strategic land position in the Golden Triangle of British Columbia, an area that hosts some of the largest and highest-grade gold deposits in the world. Goldstorm's flagship projects Crown and Electrum cover an area that totals approximately 16,469 hectares over 6 concessions, of which 5 are contiguous. The Crown Project is situated directly south of Seabridge Gold's KSM gold-copper deposits and Newmont Corporation's Brucejack/Valley of the Kings gold mine. Electrum, also located in the Golden Triangle of BC, is situated directly between Newmont Corporation's Brucejack Mine, approximately 20 kilometers to the north, and the past producing Silbak Premier mine, 20 kilometers to the south. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF GOLDSTORM METALS CORP. "Ken Konkin" Ken Konkin President and Chief Executive Officer For further information, please visit the Company's website at https://goldstormmetals.com/or contact: Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. 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 the Company's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. All statements including, without limitation, statements relating to the ability to complete the Offering on the proposed terms or at all, anticipated use of proceeds from the Offering and receipt of regulatory approvals with respect to the Offering as well as any other future plans, objectives or expectations of the Company are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are based on certain material assumptions and analysis made by the Company and the opinions and estimates of management as of the date of this press release, including that the Company will be able to complete the Offering on the terms as anticipated by management, that the Company will use the proceeds of the Offering as anticipated, and that the Company will receive regulatory approval with respect to the Offering. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's plans or expectations including that Company will not be able to complete the Offering on the terms as anticipated by management or at all, that the Company will not use the proceeds of the Offering as anticipated, that the Company will not receive regulatory approval with respect to the Offering and other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. There can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements 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 is 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/254683 SOURCE: Goldstorm Metals Corp. Khan said, People still do Shakespeare to this day. Even today, the number one playwright in theatre is Shakespeare, worldwide. read more Aamir Khan is gearing up for his next release Sitaare Zameen Par thats the remake of the Spanish film Campeones. After Laal Singh Chaddha, this is another remake by the actor and he has defended the film as it releases on June 20. Khan said, People still do Shakespeare to this day. Even today, the number one playwright in theatre is Shakespeare, worldwide. Even today, his plays are adapted in every language. And we praise it. Kyun bhai? Remake hai, usko band karo (Why though? Its a remake, shut it). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The actor added, You write your own play, why are you doing Shakespeare). This is wrong thinking. When I adapt Shakespeare, I am putting my energies into it. I find this discussion on remakes useless. Aamir further revealed, After Laal Singh (Chaddha), a lot of people told me, you are making a remake again. Laal Singh was trolled heavily for being a remake. But I am a different kind of person. He continued, I dont understand practical things. I dont have any problem with a remake, and I dont feel my creativity is diminishing at all. For me, it is new work. Someone else made this story, and I am giving it my perspective. Also ,Aamir revealed that Taare Zameen Par connected him deeply as it showed his own experience. The actor shared that he didnt understand Junaid s struggles with reading and writing initially but supported him when he came to know about his condition. In January, the Loveyapa actor revealed how his parents, Aamir Khan and Reena Dutta, realised that he has dyslexia. The actor further shared that his parents realised that the child in the story was having similar experiences as Junaid while reading Taare Zameen Pars script. The stampede has reportedly injured as many as 47 people. One reaction said- Maybe those fans were only distined to see rcb winning read more IPL 2025 will go down as one of the greatest events in the tournament history as Royal Challengers Bangalore clinched the trophy for the first time in 18 years. Its also after a long time that IPL had a first-time winner. It was Virat Kohlis moment as tears flew down even before the match ended. But little did the team know their celebration would come to a screeching halt. Kohli and his teams celebration at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru was short-lived as a stampede that occurred outside claimed 11 lives. Social media is filled with rage, anger, and fury. And Anushka Sharma is heartbroken as she shared the teams official statement on Instagram: STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The stampede has reportedly injured as many as 47 people. One reaction said- Maybe those fans were only distined to see rcb winning Another commented- Plz Dont blame RCB and players. And this is responsibility of state government. One more comment read- We stand with you RCB and all, proper management was not done by the government. Another comment read- At the end of the day you are responsible for your own life and the fact that people would put themselves and their children in such grave danger knowing anything could happen in immense crowd is diabolical to me. Blame govt or management all you want, at the end of the day it was just basic common sense which people lack and that costs them their life. One fan said, Losing those 11 loyal fans feels like losing a part of our own family their support meant everything. The US Consulate General in Guadalajara has issued a warning to Americans about the risks of using dating apps in Mexico. According to the advisory, some American tourists were abducted after meeting individuals through these platforms. The incidents took place in Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco and Nuevo Nayarit in Nayarit, both popular beach destinations. Notably, travellers have been urged to stay cautious when meeting new people and to avoid private spaces such as homes or hotel rooms read more The alert has come from the US Consulate General based in Guadalajara. Pixabay/Representational Image A warning has been issued for Americans over the dangers linked to dating apps in Mexico. The alert has come from the US Consulate General in Guadalajara. As per the Pew Research Center, around three in ten Americans have used a dating app. These platforms have quickly turned into a popular way for people to find partners. ALSO READ | Who was Valeria Marquez, Mexican influencer shot dead during TikTok livestream? Why has the US Embassy in Mexico warned American tourists about using dating apps there? What exactly did the embassy say in its warning? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lets get you the answers to these questions and more. Why American travellers have been warned against using dating apps in Mexico American travellers have been advised against using dating apps in Mexico following a series of recent kidnappings. The warning came from the US Consulate General in Guadalajara, which said that some American visitors had been abducted by individuals they met through dating apps. The incidents took place in Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco and Nuevo Nayarit in Nayarit, both popular beach destinations. Victims and their family members in the United States have at times been extorted for large sums of money to secure their release, the consulate said. It also said that such violence is not limited to a geographic region. Tourists have been urged to be cautious when meeting new people. Officials advised arranging meetings in public places and avoiding private spaces like homes or hotel rooms. In case of a security threat, visitors are encouraged to contact local police by dialling 911. Reuters/Representational Image The warning follows a broader travel advisory from the US State Department. Jalisco has been placed under Level 3: Reconsider Travel due to crime and kidnappings, while Nayarit falls under Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Travellers should use caution when meeting strangers; meet only in public places and avoid isolated locations, such as residences or hotel rooms, where crimes are most likely to occur, the consulate said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In case of a security threat, visitors are encouraged to contact local police by dialling 911. US citizens in need of emergency consular services should contact their nearest US embassy or consulate. Figures from the Pew Research Center show that around three in ten Americans have used a dating app. While these platforms have become a common way to meet partners, they have also seen a rise in related scams and crimes. US Embassys safety tips for Mexico In its press release, the US Embassy shared several safety tips for those using dating apps in Mexico: Be careful when using dating apps while in the country. Arrange to meet only in public areas and steer clear of isolated spots. Inform a friend or family member about your plans, including details such as your destination, the person you are meeting, and the app used. Trust your instincts. If something feels off, leave the situation immediately. In an emergency, dial 911. A drop in border crossings has led certain Mexican cartels to shift to kidnapping instead.. Reuters/File Photo How Americans are being kidnapped by Mexican cartels According to a News Nation report last month, a drop in border crossings has led certain Mexican cartels to shift to kidnapping instead. Reuters reported in February that illegal crossings at the US-Mexico border were expected to hit a record monthly low. One such case took place in April, when two American citizens were abducted outside a restaurant in Juarez. They were held for around three days in a house before being rescued by the FBI and a local anti-kidnapping unit. During the rescue, authorities recovered three guns and a sum of cash. The captors had been demanding money in exchange for the victims release. Russia appears to be using a Chinese-origin laser weapon system to shoot down Ukrainian drones, according to video footage circulating on Russian Telegram channels. The laser, known as Silent Hunter, is allegedly operated by special forces and marks a new development in Chinas alleged role in the Ukraine war, despite Beijings official denials of military aid read more The Silent Hunter, or LASS (Low-Altitude Laser Defending System), is a turret-mounted platform equipped with optical targeting sensors and a 30 kW laser. Image/X A series of pro-Russian Telegram videos and Ukrainian intelligence reports suggest that Russia may now be using a powerful Chinese-made laser weapon, the Silent Hunter, to shoot down Ukrainian drones on the battlefield. This development, if verified, could mark one of the most significant pieces of Chinese military technology deployed in the war so far, despite Beijings continued claims of neutrality and denial of providing lethal aid to Moscow. What is the Silent Hunter The laser system shown in recent footage features a turret-mounted platform emerging from a vehicle, with troops seen operating it from inside using joysticks and digital screens. The footage transitions to the laser piercing holes into a steel plate, and then shows Ukrainian drones catching fire and spiralling to the ground. Burnt drone parts are later displayed. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The video, initially posted on the Military Information Telegram channel, was widely shared on platforms and shows what military analysts say closely resembles the Low-Altitude Laser Defending System (LASS), also referred to as Silent Hunter. Russian sources have released footage showing the use of the Chinese Low-Altitude Laser Defending System (LASS) to shoot down Ukrainian drones in the combat zone. These appear to be the first documented visuals of the Chinese laser system in operational use in Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/CPMMQ7263b NOELREPORTS (@NOELreports) May 31, 2025 This system was developed by the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation, a state-owned enterprise. First fielded during the 2016 G20 summit in Hangzhou, it is designed to search, track, blind, and neutralise enemy drones. The weapon is mounted on a vehicle, typically an SUV, allowing for high mobility. Its upgraded version, reportedly revealed in 2024, expanded its effective engagement range: capable of detecting aerial targets up to 3.1 miles away, blinding them at 2 miles, and destroying them at 1 mile. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The soft kill or blinding range was extended to 6.2 miles, while the hard kill or destruction range was pushed to 3.7 miles. It operates with a 30-kilowatt laser capable of piercing a 5mm-thick steel plate at a distance of 1,000 metres, and it takes approximately eight seconds to lock onto and neutralise a target. Cost-effectiveness is one of its major advantages, as each use of the system is estimated to cost less than 10 a fraction of the price of conventional missiles like Britains Sea Viper, which can cost up to 1 million, reported The Eurasian Times. Is there evidence of its deployment in the Russia-Ukraine war? According to Ukraines Vodohrai Telegram channel, the drones shown in the video included a Shchedryk-type UAV, a Skywalker X8 and a decoy drone known as the Distractor. Ukraines Militarnyi news outlet assessed that these drones were engaged from distances greater than 0.8 miles, suggesting operational use well within the Silent Hunters claimed range. Ukrainian military sources also assert that the system is currently being operated by a mobile air defence unit from the Kochevnik special operations group, and has been deployed since at least October. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Separate pro-Russian sources have identified the team as the Nomad special forces squad. Analysts who reviewed the video noted a strong resemblance between the system seen in Russia and earlier sightings of similar Chinese systems in Iran and Saudi Arabia. In 2024, a Silent Hunter unit was spotted in Tehran during a public sermon by Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reported The Telegraph. Saudi Arabia has reportedly deployed the system against reconnaissance UAVs used by Houthi militants in Yemen, who themselves rely on Iranian-made Shahed-136 drones the same model used by Russia in Ukraine. Military commentators in Russia now argue that recent combat use has overturned the earlier domestic scepticism about laser weapons. The Military Informant Telegram channel wrote, Previously, there was an opinion in the domestic information environment that combat lasers were useless and expensive toys However, new threats identified during the full-on invasion of Ukraine forced the search for alternative methods of counteraction. Thanks to the development of new technologies, laser systems have become an effective tool for the destruction of Ukrainian UAVs. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Where does that leave China? Despite the mounting evidence, Beijing has repeatedly denied providing lethal aid to Russia. Its Ministry of Foreign Affairs insists that China has never provided lethal weapons to any party to the conflict and that it strictly controls dual-use items. Chinas denials have done little to quell accusations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated, Russias involvement of China, along with other countries, whether directly or indirectly, in this war in Europe is a clear signal that Putin intends to do anything but end the war. He is looking for ways to continue fighting. Zelenskyy has also accused China of supplying Russia with weaponry and gunpowder. Reports had also emerged in April that two Chinese soldiers were captured in Ukraine fighting alongside Russian forces. While Western intelligence services noted that it was unlikely these soldiers were sent officially by Beijing, it remains a troubling sign. Russia is known to recruit foreign nationals through informal and irregular channels. The head of Ukraines intelligence service, Oleh Ivashchenko, added in May that the country could confirm the presence of Chinese-made materials in at least 20 Russian military factories, reported The Eurasian Times. According to Ukrainian intelligence, around 80 per cent of the electronics in Russian drones now originate from China a claim also echoed by the US State Department, which has stated, China is a major enabler of Russia in the war in Ukraine. China provides nearly 80 per cent of the dual-use items Russia needs to sustain the war. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Does Russia have a similar laser weapon? Prior to the suspected deployment of the Chinese laser system, Russia had already developed its own laser weaponry, including the Persevet and Zadira systems. However, there has been little public documentation of their deployment in active combat scenarios. In August 2023, Russias state media outlet RIA Novosti reported successful field tests of an unnamed laser gun, which allegedly destroyed a number of drones. While this was framed as a breakthrough, no video evidence or operational reports have since emerged. Earlier this year, Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov revealed that the Pantsir air defence system would soon be upgraded to include a laser complex. This modernisation push reflects Russias interest in integrating energy weapons into its broader defence network, particularly as drones continue to play a central role in Ukraines resistance efforts. Still, despite these domestic efforts, the recent visual evidence of a Chinese laser system being actively used on the front lines raises questions about whether Russian-made alternatives have proven inadequate or delayed. There has been a shift to laser weapons as they offer several advantages over traditional missile-based systems. They are cost-effective, can be deployed repeatedly without reloading, and can destroy aerial threats with minimal collateral damage. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD These characteristics make them ideal for the high-volume drone threats seen in current conflict zones. Also Watch: With inputs from agencies German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will hold his first face-to-face meeting with US President Donald Trump today, with the war in Ukraine and trade tensions likely to dominate the agenda. Meanwhile, Tokyo-based company ispace is attempting to make history in space exploration. Its second private lunar mission, the Resilience lander, is expected to attempt a landing in the Moons northern region today read more German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is in the United States, while Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is visiting France both leaders have major engagements lined up today Merz is scheduled to hold his first face-to-face meeting with Donald Trump . Meanwhile, Lula da Silvas visit marks the first official trip to France by a Brazilian president since Dilma Rousseff in 2012. In another development, Japans ispace is aiming to create history by attempting a private lunar landing today. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Prime Minister Narendra Modi will relaunch the Aravalli Green Wall Project today, which also happens to be World Environment Day. The Pran Pratishtha of the Ram Darbar at Ayodhyas Ram temple is set to conclude today, in line with Ganga Dussehra. Heres a look at all of these events: Germanys Merz to meet Donald Trump German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is set to meet US President Donald Trump today in their first in-person meeting. The discussions are expected to focus on key global matters, including the war in Ukraine and ongoing trade tensions. As per the German government, they will talk about bilateral ties and broader international issues such as Russias invasion of Ukraine, the war in West Asia, and trade policies. Germany is especially keen to ease the growing trade strain between the European Union and the United States. Reuters/File Photo Since taking office, Merz has been actively involved in diplomatic talks aimed at pushing for a ceasefire and ensuring continued Western backing for Ukraine. Just last week, he welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Berlin. Germany is especially keen to ease the growing trade strain between the European Union and the United States. Trump had earlier threatened to introduce a 50% tariff on EU goods starting Sunday, though this has now been delayed until July 9. Brazilian President to visit France Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva begins a state visit to France today, which will run until June 9. Trade and climate are expected to be key points of discussion. This is the first visit of its kind by a Brazilian leader since former President Dilma Rousseff went to France in 2012. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lula is expected to sign 20 cooperation agreements with French President Emmanuel Macron during their meeting. These will span areas such as vaccines, public safety, education, and science and technology, according to reports. He will also attend private talks with Macron and take part in the third United Nations Conference on the Ocean in Nice, joining more than 60 world leaders. Topics on the table include climate action, the blue economy, and reform of global governance. Japans ispace Resilience to attempt Moon landing Tokyo-based firm ispace is aiming to make history today by landing a private spacecraft on the moon. The Resilience lander, which is ispaces second private lunar mission, is expected to touch down around midday in the moons northern region. This mission is seen as a comeback for the company, which faced a setback in April 2023 when its first lunar attempt, Hakuto-R Mission 1, failed. Resilience was launched in January by SpaceX and carries a lander developed by US-based Firefly Aerospace. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches carrying Firefly Aerospaces Blue Ghost lunar lander as the primary payload and Japan-based ispaces Resilience lander as a secondary payload. Reuters/File Photo Resilience is flying a mission of redemption for ispace, which failed a similar moon landing attempt with its first effort, called Hakuto-R Mission 1, in April 2023. SpaceX launched Resilience with US-based Firefly Aerospaces lunar lander in January. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Notably, the lander includes a small rover equipped with a scoop to collect lunar soil samples for research, along with other onboard experiments. World Environment Day: PM Modi to launch Aravalli Green Wall Prime Minister Narendra Modi will relaunch the Aravalli Green Wall Project today, which also marks World Environment Day . According to an NDTV report, the project will be launched from South Delhi, one of the 29 districts across four states where the scheme will be carried out. The corridor will pass through districts in the Aravalli range covering Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi. The initiative aims not just at plantation but also at restoring the ecological health of the ancient Aravalli hills. As reported by ThePrint, the project also includes setting up safaris, nature parks and trekking routes to involve local communities. Authorities will take steps to remove invasive plant species and reintroduce native vegetation along the range. Pran Pratishtha of Ram Darbar in Ayodhya The Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the Ram Darbar at Ayodhyas Ram temple is set to conclude today, coinciding with Ganga Dussehra, an important date in the Hindu calendar. The idols of Lord Ram, Sita, Lakshman, and Hanuman are being installed on the first floor of the temple following traditional Vedic rituals. Preparations are underway for the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the Ram Darbar at Ayodhyas Ram temple. PTI Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is expected to attend the Saryu Jayanti Janmotsav celebrations in Ayodhya today. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Anjaneya Sewa Trust will host the event from June 5 to 11, featuring devotional programmes, rituals, and spiritual talks throughout the week. Security across Ayodhya has been increased. The temple area has been marked as a red zone, and measures include Anti-Terrorism Squad deployment, armoured vehicles, and round-the-clock surveillance to ensure the safety of pilgrims and saints. With inputs from agencies Shortly, after midnight on June 5, 1968, Senator Robert F Kennedy, who was running for president of the United States, was shot dead by a Palestinian in Los Angeles. According to his confession, the 24-year-old shot Kennedy for his pro-Israel stance. On this day in 1967, the six-day war between Israel and its Arab neighbours namely Egypt, Syria and Jordan began read more Robert F Kennedy was delivering a victory speech for winning the California Democratic primary during his campaign for the US presidency when he was shot dead. File image/AP It was a shocking moment as people across the world watched Senator Robert F Kennedy being fatally shot on June 5, 1968. He was assassinated in the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles, California. 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. On this day in 1967, the six-day war between Israel and its Arab neighbours namely Egypt, Syria and Jordan broke out. In 1981, the first officially recognised cases of what would later become known as Aids (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) were reported in the United States. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Here is all that took place on this day across the world. Robert F Kennedy was fatally shot US Senator Robert F Kennedy (RFK) was fatally shot on June 5, 1968, shortly after winning the California Democratic primary and delivering a victory speech at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles. Exiting through a kitchen pantry, Kennedy was shot multiple times by 24-year-old Palestinian Sirhan Sirhan, who opposed his pro-Israel views. The attack, witnessed by supporters and staff, caused immediate chaos. Critically wounded, Kennedy was rushed to the hospital but died from his injuries on June 6 at age 42. Five others were also injured in the shooting. Although the younger brother of President John F Kennedy, Robert F Kennedy forged his own path in public service, first as US Attorney General and then as a US Senator representing New York. After his brothers 1963 assassination, RFK emerged as a powerful and independent political figure. His 1968 presidential campaign resonated with calls for civil rights, an end to the Vietnam War, economic justice and national reconciliation. His death, in the tumultuous year of 1968, just two months after Dr Martin Luther King Jrs assassination , profoundly shocked the United States. This further undermined public trust in its political institutions and intensified collective sorrow. Following the shooting, Sirhan Sirhan was arrested at the scene and subsequently convicted of first-degree murder. Yet, despite his continued imprisonment, his case consistently sparks debate and a myriad of conspiracy theories. The Six-Day War in West Asia began The famous war of West Asia, the Six-Day War began on June 5, 1967, during which Israel fought its neighbours namely Egypt, Syria and Jordan. The war had been building for months, fueled by border skirmishes, the mobilisation of Arab forces and Egypts closure of the Straits of Tiran to Israeli shipping. This blockade was seen by Israel as an act of war. On the morning of June 5, Israel executed Operation Focus, a preemptive airstrike that effectively destroyed most of Egypts air force before it could take flight. This decisive action secured immediate air superiority for Israel, an advantage further cemented by subsequent strikes against Syrian and Jordanian air forces. The Six-Day War was officially known as Operation Focus. File image/AP In a six-day blitz, Israel seized vast territories, including Egypts Sinai Peninsula and Gaza Strip, Jordans West Bank and East Jerusalem, and Syrias Golan Heights. The unprecedented speed and decisiveness of this military victory reshaped the regional landscape, astonishing global observers. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The war concluded on June 10 with a UN-brokered ceasefire. Although Israels landmass more than tripled, the acquired territories simultaneously laid the groundwork for enduring conflict. The mass displacement of Palestinians, the military occupation of Arab lands, and the profound humiliation of Arab nations exacerbated the Israeli-Arab conflict for decades to come. The first case of Aids is reported The first case of what would later turn out to be Aids (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) was reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States on this day in 1981. The report, published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), detailed five cases of a rare lung infection, Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP), in previously healthy young men in Los Angeles. All five were gay, and the unusual clustering of the illness raised alarms in the medical community. These initial cases provided the first documented evidence of a mysterious immune system collapse, which rendered patients susceptible to unusual infections and aggressive cancers. While the term Aids wouldnt be coined until 1982, this report undeniably signalled the official onset of the Aids epidemic. In its early stages, the condition remained largely unknown, posing a significant medical mystery and escalating concern as similar immune deficiencies surfaced in urban centres like New York and San Francisco. By the close of 1981, 270 cases had been reported, resulting in 121 fatalities. In the ensuing years, scientists pinpointed the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as the causative agent of Aids. The epidemic swiftly transformed into a global crisis, bringing far-reaching social, political, and medical consequences. Simultaneously, public fear and widespread stigma rapidly intensified, disproportionately affecting the LGBTQ+ community, intravenous drug users, and haemophiliacs. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This Day, That Year On this day in 1944, during World War II the Allied forces entered Rome. Absolute monarchy in Denmark was abolished on this day in 1849. In the case of the Indore couple gone missing in Meghalaya, authorities are still searching for the wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi. Cops have found a black raincoat from the spot where the newlywed duo were last seen. Meanwhile, families are now calling for a CBI probe read more Indore couple missing in Meghalaya: While Raja's murder has been confirmed, Sonam's whereabouts remain a mystery. Police have now discovered a stained raincoat. ANI The mystery around what really happened to the missing Indore couple in Meghalaya continues to raise more questions than answers. Now, authorities have found fresh clues that could help trace 26-year-old Sonam Raghuvanshi, who is still missing, days after her husband, Raja Raghuvanshi, was found brutally murdered in a gorge near the popular Wei Sawdong Falls in Sohra region. The two had travelled to Meghalaya for their honeymoon on May 22. But what began as a dreamy getaway has taken a grim turn a day later, as the couple went missing near Osara Hills, close to Cherrapunji. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While Rajas death is confirmed to be murder, as a machete was found near his decomposing body, the search for Sonam continues in full swing across the dense forest terrain. Heres what the authorities have found so far. A stained raincoat In what could be a significant lead, police have recovered a black raincoat near Mawkma Road in Sohra that may have belonged to Sonam. East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police, Vivek Syiem, told NDTV that the coat was wet and had visible stains, but whether those stains are blood will only be known after forensic tests. We recovered a wet raincoat. There are certain stains on it, but we cannot confirm if those are blood stains. Only forensic tests will determine that, he said. Investigators are now checking the coat against video footage of Sonam before she went missing, to see if it matches what she was wearing. We will compare with the footage that we have, whether it belongs to the missing woman or not, and only after some time can we confirm it. Even the size is also XXXL, Syiem added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The search operation is ongoing but has been made more difficult by the weather, Syiem said. On Wednesday, teams combed through the dense forest in and around the Wei Sawdong Falls area, but heavy rainfall hampered the search operation and slowed their progress. Many groups are involved more than 50 to 60 people from the NDRF, SDRF, fire and emergency services, SIT, SOT, and also local volunteers are searching for her, the officer said. A last phone call One of the most important clues so far is an audio clip, believed to be the couples last contact with their family before vanishing. In the recording, accessed by India Today, Sonam Raghuvanshi can be heard speaking to her mother-in-law as the couple trekked through a forested trail, reportedly on their way to Meghalayas famed double-decker living root bridges in Sohra. Were climbing right now will talk later, Sonam is heard saying. Her mother-in-law responds, Today must be your fast, to which Sonam replies, Yes, it is. But I wont break my fast just for this outing. The conversation then takes a slightly concerned tone as Sonam describes the tough terrain they were navigating. Were in a dense forest, nothing is available here. The climb is steep. I had told him (Raja) not to go, but he never listens. Im exhausted. The food here isnt good either. Its hard to breathe while walking, she says in the clip. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD One of the most important clues so far is an audio clip, believed to be the couples last contact with their family before vanishing. In the recording, accessed by In another recording, Raja is heard speaking to his mother, telling her they had just reached the top and were eating fruits. His mother, missing them both, asks, Why did you go up the mountain? Why havent you shared a video? Raja explains that theres no internet connectivity. When she asks when they plan to return, he says only two days of the trip remain. A womans white shirt found near Rajas body That phone call turned out to be the last time anyone heard from them. When Sonam and Raja stopped responding, their worried family members made frantic calls and eventually travelled to Shillong to search for them. After failing to find any trace, they returned to Indore and approached the local police. Soon after, Meghalaya authorities found the couples rented scooter parked near a cafe along the ShillongSohra road the key still hanging in the ignition, as if they had only stepped away for a short while. Then came the devastating discovery. Eleven days after they disappeared, a police drone located Rajas decomposed body at the bottom of a gorge near Wei Sawdong Falls. His brother identified him by a tattoo on his arm bearing his name. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Eleven days after they disappeared, a police drone located Rajas decomposed body at the bottom of a gorge near Wei Sawdong Falls. Police confirmed that Raja had been murdered. The post-mortem showed he had suffered multiple deep wounds caused by a sharp object. Image courtesy: News18 Near Rajas body, police recovered several items: a white shirt believed to belong to a woman, a strip of medicine, part of a mobile phones LCD screen, a smartwatch, and most chillingly, a machete. Police confirmed that Raja had been murdered. The post-mortem showed he had suffered multiple deep wounds caused by a sharp object. East Khasi Hills SP Vivek Syiem later said it was likely a local tree-cutting tool known as a dao. A case of homicide has now been registered. But while Rajas murder has been confirmed, Sonams whereabouts remain a mystery. It is very unusual while we found Rajas body, there is no trace at all of Sonam. She seems to have vanished, despite the vast and relentless search operation, SP Syiem told reporters. Family calls for a CBI probe As the mystery deepens and questions continue to mount, the families of Raja and Sonam are demanding that the case be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). They believe the couple may have been abducted, robbed, and murdered. Speaking to a news agency, Rajas brother, Vipin Raghuwanshi, said, We are demanding a CBI investigation into the case. Rajas body was found nearly 25 kilometres away from where their scooter was parked. We strongly suspect that he was kidnapped and taken to Wei Sawdong Falls. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to a report by India Today, a large poster has been installed outside Rajas Indore residence, urging the authorities to step in. The banner, which features photos of the couple, displays the message, The soul of Raja appeals to the Central and State Governments I didnt die, I was killed. Let the CBI investigate. The family hopes this appeal will spark national attention and prompt a deeper probe into what truly happened in Meghalayas forests. With input from agencies Israels offensive in the Gaza Strip, triggered by the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack, has killed over 50,500 people, mostly civilians. While Israel maintains it has acted in self defence, rights groups, lawyers and some governments are describing the Benjamin Netanyahu-led countrys actions as a genocide. What is a genocide, and who can declare one? read more Palestinians gather to receive food cooked by a charity kitchen, amid a hunger crisis, as the Israel-Gaza conflict continues, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, December 4, 2024. File image/Reuters Rights groups, lawyers and some governments are describing the Gaza war as genocide and calling for a ceasefire but Israel, created in the aftermath of the Nazi Holocaust of Jews, vehemently rejects the explosive term. Israel says it is seeking to wipe out Gazas Islamist rulers and free its hostages still held in the occupied Palestinian coastal strip since the Hamas militant attack in Israel on October 7, 2023. But Israels devastating war on Gaza largely populated by descendants of Palestinian refugees who were expelled from or fled what became Israeli land in 1948 has killed tens of thousands of civilians and sparked growing global outrage. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The accusation against Israel of genocide has been made with increasing force from quarters ranging from Schindlers List star Ralph Fiennes to Amnesty International and some Israeli historians. What does the legal term really mean and who can decide whether it applies? What is genocide? The word genocide derived from the Greek word genos, for race or tribe, and cide, from the Latin for to kill was coined in 1944 by Raphael Lemkin. Lemkin, a Polish Jew who had fled to the United States, used it to describe the crimes committed by Nazi Germany during the Holocaust. It was used for the first time within a legal framework by an international military tribunal at Nuremberg to try Nazi leaders for their crimes in 1945. However, those accused were eventually convicted on charges of crimes against humanity. Jewish children were kept alive in Germanys Auschwitz for use in medical experiments. Image courtesy: It has been recognised within international law since 1948 and the advent of the UN Genocide Convention. That text defines genocide as any of five acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial or religious group. These five acts include killing members of the group, causing them serious bodily or mental harm, imposing living conditions intended to destroy the group, preventing births and forcibly transferring children out of the group. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Regardless of the definition, the qualification of genocide has been hugely sensitive over the decades. What is happening in Gaza? Israels military offensive on Gaza since October 2023 has killed 54,510 people, mostly civilians, according to the health ministry in the occupied Palestinian territory. The United Nations said on May 30 that the territorys entire population of more than two million people was at risk of famine, even if Israel said earlier that month it was partially easing the complete blockade on aid it imposed on Gaza on March 2. Palestinian people with empty bowls wait for food at a donation point in Rafah. The widespread hunger and malnutrition in Gaza is catastrophic, UN has said. (Photo: NPR) Despite international calls for an end to the war, a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas remains elusive. The latest war started after Hamas fighters attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. The attack resulted in the deaths of 1,218 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures. Of the 251 hostages seized, 57 remain in Gaza, including 34 the Israeli military says, are dead. Who speaks of genocide in Gaza? In December 2023, South Africa brought a case to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the United Nations highest judicial organ, alleging that Israels Gaza offensive breached the 1948 UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. Israel denies the accusation. In rulings in January, March and May 2024, the ICJ told Israel to do everything possible to prevent acts of genocide during its military operations in Gaza, including urgently to facilitate humanitarian aid to prevent famine. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While no court has so far ruled that the ongoing conflict is a genocide, human rights groups and international law experts including several who are Israeli have used the term to describe it. Amnesty International has accused Israel of carrying out a live-streamed genocide in Gaza, while Human Rights Watch has alleged it is responsible for acts of genocide. Palestinians mourn their relatives who were killed in Israeli airstrikes on a medical center in Jabalia, northern Gaza Strip, on Thursday, May 15, 2025. AP A UN committee in November found Israels warfare in Gaza was consistent with the characteristics of genocide. And a UN investigation concluded in March that Israel carried out genocidal acts in Gaza through the destruction of the strips main IVF clinic and other reproductive healthcare facilities. Omer Bartov, an Israeli scholar of the Holocaust, wrote in August last year that Israel was engaged in systematic war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocidal actions. Fellow Israeli historians Amos Goldberg and Daniel Blatman, in January, co-wrote an article in which they said: Israel is indeed committing genocide in Gaza. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Western governments have largely refrained from using the word, with Frances President Emmanuel Macron saying it was not up to a political leader to use to term but up to historians to do so when the time comes. But Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has used it, as has Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. What does Israel say? Israel alleges it is exercising its right to security and self defence, an argument echoed by its staunch ally, the United States. Israel has dismissed accusations of genocide as blatant lies and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused the UN Human Rights Council of being an antisemitic, corrupt, terror-supporting and irrelevant body. He has said UN experts should instead focus on crimes against humanity and the war crimes committed by the Hamas terrorist organisation in the worst massacre against the Jewish people since the Holocaust, referring to October 7. The International Criminal Court (ICC) in November issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant over allegations of crimes against humanity and war crimes in Israels war in Gaza including starvation as a method of warfare. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. File image/ Reuters It also issued an arrest warrant for Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif over allegations of crimes against humanity and war crimes in the October 7 attack, but the case against him was dropped in February after confirmation of his death. ICC prosecutor Karim Khan also initially sought warrants against Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar and Ismail Haniyeh but dropped those applications because they had been killed in Israeli attacks. Who decides and when? Thijs Bouwknegt, a genocide expert based in the Netherlands, said the Israeli policy in Gaza seemed to be designed to make a civilian population either perish or leave but a court would have to decide if it was genocide. It bears the hallmarks of it, but we still have to wait and see whether it actually was, he said. In the case of Rwanda, in which the United Nations said extremist Hutus killed some 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus in 1994, it took a decade for an international tribunal to conclude genocide had happened. It was not until 2007 that the ICJ recognised as genocide the murder by Bosnian Serb forces of almost 8,000 Muslim men and boys in Srebrenica in 1995 during the Bosnian war. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The threshold for genocide is nearly impossible to meet, Bouwknegt explained. You have to prove that there was an intent and that there was the only possible explanation for what happened. Has there been an intent? French-Israeli lawyer Omer Shatz said, there is no doubt that war crimes, crimes against humanity are being committed in Gaza. But he agreed intent was more difficult to prove. Israeli military patrols near the Al Shifa Hospital compound in Gaza City during ground operation against Hamas in the northern Gaza Strip on November 22, 2023. File Photo/ Reuters That is why, after the ICC issued an arrest warrant against Netanyahu and Gallant, he filed a report with the court in December arguing they were among eight Israeli officials responsible for incitement to genocide in Gaza. If incitement is established, that establishes intent, he told AFP. His 170-page report lists such alleged incitements, including Gallant at the start of the war saying Israel was fighting human animals in Gaza and far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich urging total extermination in the Palestinian territory. It cites President Isaac Herzog failing to differentiate between Palestinian militants and civilians when he spoke of an entire nation out there that is responsible for the October 7 attack. Mathilde Philip-Gay, an international law expert, said it was ultimately up to a judge to decide on whether the genocide label applied. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But, she warned: International law cannot stop a war. The judiciary will intervene after the war. The qualification (of genocide) is very important for victims but it will come later, she said. What now? The 1948 Genocide Convention says signatories can call on UN organs to take such action for the prevention and suppression of acts of genocide. But while it implies they should act to stop any such crime from occurring, it does not detail how. Activists have called for an arms embargo and sanctions against Israel. The European Union last month ordered a review of its cooperation deal with Israel and Britain halted trade talks with the government. But the United States and Germany, two major weapons suppliers, are not likely to want to review their relationship with Israel. With inputs from AFP Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra has tied the knot with Pinaki Misra, a senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader in Germany. A photo of the couple smiling and holding hands has gone viral. Notably, Pinaki Misra started his political career with the Indian National Congress and was elected to the Lok Sabha from Puri in 1996. He later joined the BJD and has since secured three consecutive wins in 2009, 2014, and 2019 read more A photo of the two, smiling and holding hands, has gone viral on social media. Image: News18 Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra has married Pinaki Misra, a senior leader from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD). A photo of the two, smiling and holding hands in Germany, has gone viral on social media. Moitra , who represents Krishnanagar in West Bengal, and Misra, a former MP from Puri in Odisha, have not yet commented publicly on their marriage. TMC MP Saayoni Ghosh shared a photo on X featuring herself with Mahua Moitra, Pinaki Misra, and fellow MP June Maliah. In her post, she wrote, Congratulations Mm & Pm @MahuaMoitra @OfPinaki wishing you a lifetime of love and laughter. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Who is Pinaki Misra, the man Mahua Moitra has married? And what else is known about their wedding? Lets take a look: Who is Pinaki Misra? Misra was born on October 23, 1959, in Puri, Odisha. He studied History at St. Stephens College, Delhi, and later got a law degree from the Faculty of Law, University of Delhi. He began his political journey with the Indian National Congress and was elected to the Lok Sabha from Puri in 1996. He later joined the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and has since won three consecutive terms in 2009, 2014, and 2019. Congratulations Mm & Pm @MahuaMoitra @OfPinaki wishing you a lifetime of love and laughter! pic.twitter.com/Ng5ukQqtz4 Saayoni Ghosh (@sayani06) June 5, 2025 Over the years, Misra has been part of several important parliamentary committees, such as the Standing Committee on Finance, the Business Advisory Committee, and consultative panels for the Ministries of Defence, Civil Aviation, and Law & Justice. Misra was earlier married to Sangita Misra, and has a son and a daughter from that marriage. He was also named in the cash-for-query controversy, with the BJP calling for his removal from the BJD, citing an affidavit by Darshan Hiranandani to the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee. Misra denied the allegations and said he would take legal action against the BJP. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Notably, his grandfather, Godabarish Misra, was a noted poet and socialist leader who followed Gandhian ideals and opposed caste-based discrimination. His father, Lokanath Misra, was a two-time MLA who was associated first with the Congress and later the Swatantra Party. He also served as the Governor of Assam from 1991 to 1997, according to The Indian Express. Misras uncle, Ranganath Misra, was the 21st Chief Justice of India. His cousin, Dipak Misra, became the 45th Chief Justice in 2017. He was earlier married to Sangita Misra, and has a son and a daughter from that marriage. From banker to Lok Sabha MP: Mahua Moitras journey Moitra was born on October 12, 1974, in Assam. Before entering politics, she worked as an investment banker. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Mathematics from Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts, USA, earning Magna Cum Laude honours. She is now one of the most recognised TMC leaders in Parliament. PTIV Moitra had a successful stint at JP Morgan, working in both London and New York. She later left her job and returned to India to join politics. In 2010, she became a member of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) led by Mamata Banerjee. She contested her first election in 2016 and won from the Karimpur assembly seat in West Bengal. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD She is now one of the most recognised TMC leaders in Parliament, known for her powerful speeches during key debates. Moitra was elected to the Lok Sabha twice from West Bengals Krishnanagar constituency. During her first term, she was disqualified following cash-for-query allegations. She was previously married to Danish financier Lars Brorson, but the two later divorced. Bangladesh is in the grips of political and economic turmoil, with growing voices calling for elections in December. But interim adviser Muhammad Yunus has other plans. Rather than come up with a schedule for the polls, hes engaged in countering Indian news publications, columnists and reports on social media read more The South Asian country of Bangladesh is in turmoil. Theres economic instability, political turmoil and an overall sense of hopelessness. But it seems that these burning issues arent of concern to the chief adviser of the interim government, Muhammad Yunus, who is instead focusing his time and energy on issuing rebuttals and debunking claims not in international forums but on X. What are we talking about? A simple glance at the Nobel Laureates profile on X shows that he has been sharing post after post, disputing journalists, countering news publications on the functioning of his government or the situation in Bangladesh including the security situation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD And, interestingly, all of this comes at a time when he has been cornered over holding elections in the country by the end of December. Yunus counters and denials on X On Wednesday (June 4), Yunus took to his social media account on X issuing a clarification on the news that the caretaker government had removed the freedom fighter tag for Mujibur Rahman , known as the father of Bangladesh. The apparent move came a day after the government had eroded the legacy of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by removing his portrait from currency notes and replacing them with cultural landmarks of Bangladesh. Clarifying the news on removing Rahmans freedom fighter tag, Yunus wrote on X, The news published in several media outlets including Samakal, Jugantar, Ittefaq and Kalerkanth that the freedom fighter recognition of more than a hundred leaders, including President Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Acting President Syed Nazrul Islam, Prime Minister Tajuddin Ahmed and two ministers Md. Mansur Ali and AHM Kamruzzaman, of the Mujibnagar government has been revoked is completely baseless, false and misleading. But this is just the tip of the iceberg. On June 3, the 84-year-old interim adviser posted a rebuttal to an Indian column that claimed Bangladesh was now effectively run by Islamist forces cloaking themselves behind the international prestige of Yunus. Indian author MD Nalapat penned an op-ed Meltdown in Bangladesh Gaining Speed, published in The Sunday Guardian Live on June 1, 2025, which contain multiple false and unsubstantiated narrative, wrote Yunus on X, adding, The op-ed by MD Nalapat relies heavily on opinion, conjecture, and politically charged narratives rather than verified facts. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Indian author M.D. Nalapat penned an Op-ed "Meltdown in Bangladesh Gaining Speed, published in The Sunday Guardian Live on June 1, 2025, which contain multiple false and unsubstantiated narrative. Nalapat suggests that Bangladesh has effectively fallen under the control of pic.twitter.com/VuPsQ0TncM Chief Adviser of the Government of Bangladesh (@ChiefAdviserGoB) June 3, 2025 A minute after Yunus slammed the opinion piece in the Sunday Guardian, he issued a clarification on a news report that stated that 20,000 Bangladeshi militants have joined the Arakan Army. In his explanation, he wrote, These claims are entirely false and politically motivated to spread fear and confusion. There are no credible reports, evidence, or official statements supporting the existence of such a large militant recruitment or Dr Yunuss involvement. The propaganda relies exclusively on anonymous, unverified sources. Contrary to the rumors, Bangladesh does not operate any humanitarian corridors with Myanmar, making allegations of arms assistance baseless. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Some social media accounts falsely claim that 20,000 Bangladeshi militants have joined the Arakan Army, recruited through a U.S.-backed network and supplied with weapons and training. They allege funding comes from Jamaat-linked NGOs and foreign-owned garment companies in pic.twitter.com/0kDdl1ZMmE Chief Adviser of the Government of Bangladesh (@ChiefAdviserGoB) June 3, 2025 Interestingly, of the four accounts he tagged, two are parody accounts. Earlier, Yunus also called out Firstpost columnist Omer Ghazi for what he deemed to be a highly controversial and propagandistic article on the Indian news portal. In the piece titled How Yunuss capitulation to foreign powers is wrecking Bangladeshs future , Ghazi accuses him of being at best a toothless figurehead and at worst a pliable pawn in the hands of foreign powers. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In his rebuttal, Yunus wrote, Dr Yunus is by no means a pawn of foreign powers. There is no credible evidence to suggest that the interim government is serving foreign interests, and the articles author fails to present any proof. On May 30, Indian columnist Omer Ghazi published a highly controversial and propagandistic article in First Post, targeting Bangladeshs Chief Adviser, Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Ghazi accused Dr. Yunus of surrendering to foreign powers and accused him of being responsible for pic.twitter.com/yij8BV2FBR Chief Adviser of the Government of Bangladesh (@ChiefAdviserGoB) June 1, 2025 Ultimately, Omer Ghazis article merely echoes the defeated Awami Leagues narrative, reflecting a well-coordinated campaign across social and international media to undermine Bangladesh and the interim government. This propaganda effort seeks to delegitimise the current administration while whitewashing the record of the previous regime. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Keeping with this practice, on May 28, the X account of Yunus also stated that the claim of Myanmar declaring the Bangladesh ambassador as persona non-grata was false. In this case, explaining that the assertion was incorrect, he also blamed deposed Awami League activists and some individuals of Indian origin spreading misinformation. False Claim: Myanmar Has Not Declared Bangladesh Ambassador Persona Non-Grata Recently, several social media accounts have falsely claimed that Myanmar declared Bangladeshs Ambassador, Md. Monowar Hossain, Persona Non-Grata and ordered him to leave the country immediately. pic.twitter.com/8t3UFwFcqm Chief Adviser of the Government of Bangladesh (@ChiefAdviserGoB) May 28, 2025 And a day before this, Yunus once again took aim at Indian portals, namely News18, Firstpost and IndiaToday, claiming that the reports published by them stating that the Bangladesh army chief was trying to oust him from his position. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Recently, several Indian mainstream media outlets have been persistently spreading false and misleading propaganda involving the Bangladesh Army and the Chief Advisor of the interim government. This disinformation campaign has also proliferated widely on social media platforms, pic.twitter.com/IpTkVrQ2kW Chief Adviser of the Government of Bangladesh (@ChiefAdviserGoB) May 27, 2025 Bigger issues for Yunus Its pertinent to note that Yunus social media advocacy comes at a time when Bangladesh is poised on the edge of dangerous uncertainty. He continues to cling to power until mid-2026, despite growing political turmoil and calls from opponents and parts of the military to hold a vote and hand reins to an elected government sooner. When asked why he needs more time, the 84-year-old former banker states that he needs the time to carry out reforms to Bangladeshs judiciary, bureaucracy and other institutions. Moreover, the caretaker government has to account for extrajudicial killings, disappearances and other crimes that occurred during ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas 15-year rule. We dont want to create another fascist regime coming out of the same rules, the same systems and so on, Yunus told the Financial Times. We want to make sure all this reform agenda is put in practice. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Muhammad Yunus with Bangladesh army chief General Waker Uz Zaman. Multiple reports state that theres friction between the two over the timing of the elections. File image/AFP Many critics of Yunus point out that he remains vague and unclear on a timetable for a new election. Moreover, questions have also been raised about the resurgence of Islamist forces. Theres also friction between Yunus and the countrys army, namely its chief General Waker Uz Zaman over the timing of elections and the idea of a humanitarian corridor between Bangladesh and conflict-ridden Rakhine state in neighbouring Myanmar. Notably, two weeks ago, Yunus had threatened to resign , claiming he was finding it increasingly difficult to work because political parties were unable to reach a common ground. At the time, he reportedly said in the meeting with his advisers that what is the point of being the chief advisor if he cannot function properly? With inputs from agencies Suspect in NW China's Urumqi placed under criminal coercive measures for trafficking thousand-year-old 'shroud' to repay gambling debts: media Global Times) 15:46, June 05, 2025 (Screenshot from a video of the Beijing News We Video) The Ganquanpu branch of the Urumqi Public Security Bureau, in conjunction with the criminal investigation team from the bureau, successfully cracked a case of cultural relic trafficking related to Xiaohe Cemetery in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The investigation was triggered by the discovery of a suspected "shroud", according to the Xinjiang Fazhi Bao. On May 22, after appraisal by cultural relic authorities and confirmed it to be that this "shroud" was actually four woolen textile relics from the Bronze Age, including three woolen cloaks and one segmented woolen belt, all of which are classified as nationally protected third-grade relics, according to the report. The Xiaohe Cemetery is a nationally protected cultural heritage site. In April, the Ganquanpu branch of the Urumqi Public Security Bureau received a tip-off that someone was trafficking cultural relics unearthed from the Xiaohe Cemetery, suspected to be the "shroud." The police immediately assembled a special task force. Through extensive data comparison and tracking, on April 24, the police apprehended the suspect in a residential area of Urumqi, seizing well-preserved cultural relics, according to the report. In 2005, the suspect's friend illegally entered the Xiaohe Cemetery to loot relics. While most were sold, the so-called "shroud" removed from the mummified corpse remained unsold and was handed over to the suspect, with instructions to find a buyer when possible, according to the report. Surprisingly, this item remained untouched for 20 years. During the period, although the suspect attempted to sell it, the unique nature of the relic made it difficult to find a buyer. This year, faced with over 200,000 yuan ($27,834) in gambling debts, the suspect revisited the idea of selling the "shroud." After researching online, he learned of its considerable value and began searching for buyers. However, the police received information first and apprehended the suspect, according to the report. The Beijing News We Video also reported the news. The suspect is currently under criminal coercive measures for suspected trafficking of cultural relics, and the police are actively pursuing his accomplice. The investigation is still ongoing, according to the Beijing News We Video. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) Naushaba Shahzad Masood reportedly helped Indian social media influencers, including YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, to visit her country. Also known as Madam N, she runs a travel agency in Lahore and has links to the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) read more A Pakistani businesswomans name has emerged in the espionage cases linked to Indian YouTubers. Madam N reportedly helped social media influencers travel to her country with the aim of setting up a spy network in India. India has recently arrested some social media influencers on suspicion of spying for Pakistan. Weeks after YouTuber Jyoti Malhotras arrest, the Punjab Polices State Special Operations Cell (SSOC) arrested Jasbir Singh from Mohali on Tuesday for his alleged involvement in a Pakistan-backed espionage ring. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Is Madam N linked to them? Lets take a closer look. Who is Madam N? Pakistani businesswoman Naushaba Shahzad Masood, who runs a travel agency in Lahore, is reportedly linked to the countrys spy agency the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). She is the owner of Jaiyana Travel and Tourism in Pakistan. Masoods husband is a retired civil services officer, as per a News18 India report. What is her role? Known as Madam N by the ISI, Naushaba Masood is suspected of trying to develop a sleeper cell network in India through social influencers and YouTubers. Masoods name cropped up during the interrogation of social media influencers arrested in India on espionage charges, NDTV reported, citing sources. She allegedly helped Jyoti Malhotra and other Indians to visit Pakistan. The YouTuber had travelled to Pakistan multiple times, including days before the Pahalgam terror attack. Masood attempted to build a network of at least 500 spies in India who could hide in plain sight. She got instructions from the Pakistani Army and the ISI on how to establish the sleeper cell network. Masood used to target Hindus and Sikhs living in India. As per NDTV sources, she introduced Indian influencers to her countrys army and the ISI. The businesswoman facilitated the visit of nearly 3,000 Indians and 1,500 non-resident Indians (NRIs) to Pakistan in the last six months. Her contacts at the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi helped her in getting visas approved immediately, as per News18. She was in touch with First Secretary (visa) Suhail Qamar and Counsellor (trade) Umar Sheryar and ISI operative Danish alias Ehsan-ur-Rehman . Danish, who was in contact with Jyoti Malhotra, was a visa officer in the Pakistani embassy in Delhi. He was declared persona non grata on May 13 by the Indian government on suspicion of spying. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As per NDTV, the Pakistani High Commission has been issuing visitor visas on the suggestion and sponsorship of Madam N. Masood appointed some travel agents in Delhi and other Indian cities, who now promote her company on social media. These agents are allegedly involved in brainwashing people to indulge in espionage activities on behalf of the Pakistani Army. Notably, Masoods agency was the only one that organised Sikh and Hindu pilgrimages to Pakistan, in collaboration with the Evacuee Trust Property Board. Indian YouTubers arrest Jyoti Rani Malhotra, a travel vlogger from Haryana, was among 11 individuals arrested across Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh last month in connection with a suspected Pakistan-backed spy network operating in North India. She was allegedly spying for Pakistani intelligence agencies and shared sensitive information with an official of the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi. Earlier this week, the Punjab Police arrested YouTuber Jasbir Singh, who is allegedly linked to Shakir alias Jutt Randhawa, a Pakistani intelligence operative associated with the ISI. Singh, who ran the YouTube channel JaanMahal video, was in touch with fellow YouTuber Malhotra. He was also in regular contact with Danish, the former official at the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi. With inputs from agencies PM Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Chenab bridge on Friday (June 6) in Jammu and Kashmir. Built at a cost of about Rs 1,400 crore between Bakkal and Kauri in the Reasi district, the railway bridge is a part of the 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. Heres why it matters read more Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Chenab rail bridge on Friday (June 6) in Jammu and Kashmir. He will also flag off two specially designed Vande Bharat trains between Srinagar and Katra. Touted as the worlds highest railway arch bridge, the Chenab rail bridge is a part of the 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. It could be a game-changer for India. Heres how. Chenab bridge Built at a cost of about Rs 1,400 crore between Bakkal and Kauri in J&Ks Reasi district, the Chenab bridge stands 359 metres above the river bed level. It is 35 metres taller than the Paris Eiffel Tower and roughly five times the height of Qutub Minar. The architectural marvel has been built across a gorge of the Chenab Bridge in Reasi. It is part of the all-weather railway line USBRL that will pass from Jammu to the Kashmir Valley. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The construction of the Chenab bridge was greenlit in 2003. However, there were several challenges to building the bridge due to the regions harsh terrain, safety concerns and court cases. One of the biggest obstacles was to construct it without blocking the flow of the Chenab River. Engineers had to walk on foot or by mule to work on the infrastructure project during the early stages of construction. Logistics was another major challenge given the inaccessibility of the location and the narrow roads. Many of the components of the bridge were built and fabricated on site, Giridhar Rajagopalan, deputy managing director of Afcons Infrastructure, told BBC. Chenab Rail Bridge, worlds highest railway bridge, over the Chenab river in Reasi district, March 26, 2023. File Photo/PTI The bridges design and construction have been done by a joint venture comprising Afcons Infrastructure, South Korea-based Ultra Construction & Engineering Company, and VSL India. With a lifespan of 120 years, the Chenab bridge can resist high-velocity winds with speeds up to 260 kmph, extreme temperatures, earthquakes, and hydrological impacts if water levels rise. The bridge, which can support trains running up to 100 km per hour, is also blast-proof as Afcons claims it can withstand high-intensity explosion of up to 40 kg of TNT and trains could continue to run even if there was damage to a pillar, albiet at reduced speeds. Why Chenab bridge is a big deal for India The Chenab railway bridge will be a big strategic boost for India. The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link project will provide all-weather rail connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the country. Earlier, the only land route linking the Valley to the rest of India was a 300-kilometer Srinagar-Jammu national highway. However, it has to be shut down often in winter when roads are blocked due to snowfall. Landslides also make the Jammu-Srinagar national highway inaccessible. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The rail bridge will permit the transport of military personnel and equipment around the year to the border areas, Rajagopalan said to BBC. The Chenab rail bridge , built as part of this project, will provide a safe and reliable way of crossing the Chenab River, which is vulnerable to flash floods and landslides. Experts say the rail link could boost Kashmirs economy by facilitating trade. It will offer a hassle-free transport of goods such as apples, dry fruits, handicrafts, etc. to other parts of India. The inauguration of the Chenab rail bridge also assumes significance as it comes in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, wherein 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed. History in the making Just 3 days to go! The mighty #ChenabBridge, the worlds highest railway bridge, stands tall in #JammuandKashmir. Part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL). Built to withstand natures toughest tests. PM Sh @narendramodi to pic.twitter.com/EQnC0m1per Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) June 3, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The J&K government has since tried to promote tourism, which took a hit because of the April 22 massacre. A direct train between Jammu and Srinagar would be cheaper and reduce travel time, which is likely to give a fillip to tourism. The travel time between Srinagar and Jammu will come down to between three and three-and-a-half hours from the five to six hours experienced during road travel. The Chenab rail bridge could bring not just tourists but also hope to Kashmir. With inputs from agencies The Trump administration is escalating its attack on Columbia University, now targeting its accreditation. This could affect the Ivy League schools ability to qualify for federal loans, making it unaffordable to many potential candidates across the country read more A New York City police officer keeps watch on the campus of Columbia University in New York. File image/AP Donald Trumps war against US universities is ongoing and escalating. On the day, the US president signed a proclamation to suspend international visas for new students at Harvard University, the Trump administration also escalated its battle with Columbia University, notifying the New York education institution that the school doesnt meet accreditation standards because of its failure to protect Jewish students. This is a huge move against Columbia University, a decision that could significantly impact students access to federal loans and aid. This threat also comes after the administration cancelled $400 million in federal grants and contracts to Columbia over its handling of antisemitism claims. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As Trump keeps up his attack on elite universities, we take a closer look at just what it means if Columbia loses accreditation. Whats the latest in Trump vs Columbia? On Wednesday, Trump took his fight against Columbia one step ahead with Education Secretary Linda McMahon sending a letter to the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the non-governmental organisation that accredits Columbia, stating that New York City college acted with deliberate indifference towards the harassment of Jewish students in a manner that violated federal anti-discrimination laws. The letter said that because Columbia was in violation of federal anti-discrimination laws, the Education Department believes it fails to meet the standards for accreditation. University accreditors have an obligation to ensure member institutions abide by their standards, Linda McMahon said in a news release. She said the government looked forward to being fully informed of actions taken to ensure Columbias compliance with accreditation standards, including compliance with federal civil rights laws. Students at Columbias main campus, in Manhattan, New York. The Trump administration has escalated its fight with Columbia University, declaring the school doesnt meet accreditation standards. File image/Reuters In the statement, the Education Departments Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said that after an investigation, which began in February, the two departments found that Columbia failed to meaningfully protect Jewish students against severe and pervasive harassment on Columbias campus and consequently denied these students equal access to educational opportunities to which they are entitled under the law. This is not only immoral, but also unlawful, McMahon further added. What would it mean if Columbia loses accreditation? But what exactly does all of this mean? Essentially, Trump is threatening to strip Columbias accreditation. For those who dont know, accreditation, which is a mundane aspect of higher education, gives a college the ability to qualify for federal student loans and Pell Grants a source of financial aid. This means that if the Trump administration through the Middle States Commission on Higher Education does nullify Columbias accreditation it would be stripping the universitys ability to receive federal grants, making it inaccessible to most across the country. How? With a price tag of more than $71,000 per year for tuition and fees (not including room and board), losing access to federal student loans and Pell Grants would make Columbia unaffordable to most across the US. In fact, the universitys website says it awards $225 million each year in scholarships and grants and that 24 per cent of first-year students receive Pell Grants. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Stripping Columbia of its accreditation could take away the schools ability to qualify for federal student loans and Pell Grants. File image/AP However, some experts note that Trumps latest move poses no immediate risk as revoking accreditation could take years. This is another semi-random attack against a celebrity institution, Ted Mitchell, the president of the American Council on Education, an association that includes many colleges and universities in its membership, told the New York Times. They are trying once again to skirt due process in order to score political points. Antoinette Flores, the director of higher education accountability and quality at New America, a Washington think tank, also told the New York Times that the letter is definitely an escalation. It is trying to weaponise the accreditor to get the institution to bend to its will. How has Columbia University reacted? Columbia University reacting to the Education Departments letter said it is aware of the concerns raised by the agency to the commission, adding, We have addressed those concerns directly with Middle States. Columbia is deeply committed to combatting antisemitism on our campus. We take this issue seriously and are continuing to work with the federal government to address it, reads the statement on the universitys website. What actions have Trump taken against Columbia so far? The attack on Columbias accreditation is the latest in Trumps war against the elite educational institutions of America. Back in March, the Trump administration pulled $400 million in federal grants from Columbia stating that it had failed to squelch antisemitism on campus. It demanded the Ivy League school make numerous changes to disciplinary and other policies to even begin talks of resuming federal funding. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Within two weeks, Columbia met the administrations demands. The Ivy League university has been on Trumps radar for quite some time it was the epicentre for anti-Israel student protest movements, with some of the first student encampments cropping up on its lawn in April 2024. Pro-Palestinian demonstration encampment is seen at the Columbia University. File image/AP Later, it continued to create buzz with the arrests of its high-profile student activists such as Mahmoud Khalil in March and Mohsen Mahdawi in April. Both have been released, but face deportation proceedings. Trumps administration accuses the college of permitting demonstrators to create unsafe conditions for Jewish students on campus, something the students and college authorities have denied repeatedly. With inputs from agencies Greta Thunberg, along with a group of climate activists including French MP Rima Hassan and Game of Thrones actor Liam Cunningham, is sailing to Gaza on the Madleen, a boat operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition. The vessel is carrying humanitarian supplies as a protest against Israels war on Gaza and its blockade of aid. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are watching closely read more Thunberg is heading to Gaza on a humanitarian ship. Instagram/gretathunberg Greta Thunberg and a group of climate activists are sailing towards Gaza in an attempt to break Israels siege on the region. They are travelling on the Madleen, a boat operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which left the southern Italian port of Catania last week. Rima Hassan, who is a member of the European Parliament, is also on board. The boat is carrying humanitarian supplies. ALSO READ | A new aid delivery system has started in Gaza. Why is it causing controversy? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Although aid has started to reach Gaza again in small amounts, relief groups say the situation remains critical and people are at risk of severe hunger. Now, Israel has responded to Thunbergs action, saying it will take steps as needed. Why is Greta Thunberg sailing to Gaza? Who else is on the boat with her? And how has Israel reacted? Lets answer these questions for you. Why is Greta Thunberg headed to Gaza? Who else is on the trip? Thunberg is heading to Gaza on a humanitarian ship to protest against Israels war on the territory and its blockade on aid. The journey is organised by the Freedom Flotilla, a coalition of groups opposing the blockade Israel imposed on Gaza on March 2, which has only recently started to ease. Alongside Thunberg, European Parliament member Rima Hassan is also on the trip. Hassan said the mission has several aims: to condemn the humanitarian blockade and ongoing genocide, the impunity granted to the state of Israel and raise international awareness. Hassan, known for her outspoken views with the French left-wing party LFI, was previously denied entry to Israel when she planned to visit the occupied Palestinian territories with a European Parliament delegation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The voyage includes 12 international activists, among them Thunberg and actor Liam Cunningham from Game of Thrones. Thunberg was supposed to travel earlier this month on a similar ship, but it was damaged before reaching Gaza. Throughout the trip, Thunberg has shared videos showing her wrapped in a keffiyeh, holding a Palestinian flag, and swimming in the Mediterranean. Madleen will reach Gazas shores with humanitarian aid and aims to draw attention to the ongoing crisis. Thunberg said, We are doing this because, no matter what odds we are against, we have to keep trying, becoming emotional during her speech. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Some activists on board reported that the boat was followed by drones, likely operated by the Greek coast guard. Gaza has faced a total blockade by Israel for over 90 days, with land, sea, and air restrictions since 2007. The aid on board includes milk, protein bars, baby formula, diapers, flour, rice, water filters, hygiene products, and medical supplies. What is Israels plan? On Wednesday, Israel said that it is prepared to act accordingly to prevent Greta Thunberg from reaching Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that they are closely monitoring the flotilla. For this case as well, we are prepared, IDF spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin told the Times of London. Greta Thunberg and a group of climate activists are sailing towards Gaza. AP We have gained experience in recent years, and we will act accordingly. Defrin did not provide details on what measures might be taken. However, last month, an earlier Freedom Flotilla Coalition ship was damaged just before arriving in Malta to pick up Thunberg for a similar mission. The group accused Israel of using drones to attack the vessel. Whats happening in Gaza? The United Nations said on Friday that the situation in Gaza is the worst since the conflict between Israel and Hamas militants began 19 months ago, even though limited aid has started to arrive in the area again. Facing growing international pressure, Israel lifted an 11-week blockade on Gaza, allowing some UN-led aid operations to resume. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Israeli government had said that the blockade aims to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, attack that led to the war. On that day, Hamas militants attacked southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting 251 hostages. Hamas still holds 58 hostages, with 23 believed to be alive. In response, Israel launched a military offensive that has killed more than 52,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to Gazas Health Ministry. Israeli bombardment and ground operations have devastated large parts of Gaza and left most of its population homeless. The Freedom Flotilla group is one of many critics accusing Israel of genocide in its war on Gaza. Israel strongly rejects these claims, insisting its actions target Hamas militants, not civilians. On Thursday, the White House said Israel had signed off on a new ceasefire plan proposed by US President Donald Trump, but Hamas said it could not accept the deal. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies On Wednesday, India recorded 276 new Covid cases, with seven deaths in the past 24 hours. The highest toll was recorded in Maharashtra at four and one fatality each in Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Gujarat. The total number of deaths now stands at 44 read more A doctor inspects an isolation ward prepared for the patients with Covid-19 symptoms at a government hospital in Secunderabad in Telangana. AFP The central government has ordered facility-level mock drills in various hospitals on Thursday to assess the preparedness of healthcare services amid a rising cases of Covid-19. Active Covid cases have crossed the 4,000-mark, as per data provided by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. On Wednesday, India recorded 276 new Covid cases, with seven deaths in the past 24 hours. The highest toll was recorded in Maharashtra at four and one fatality each in Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Gujarat. The total number of deaths now stands at 44. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD All states have been instructed to ensure availability of oxygen, isolation beds, ventilators and essential medicines in view of rising cases of Covid. A series of technical review meetings were held on June 2 and 3 under the chairpersonship of Director General of Health Services (DGHS) Dr Sunita Sharma. The meeting was held with representatives of Disaster Management Cell, Emergency Management Response (EMR) Cell, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and central government hospitals in Delhi and with representatives from all states and Union territories to evaluate the current Covid situation and preparedness measures. The upcoming drill will assess readiness in key areas, including isolation wards, oxygen supply, ventilator availability, and essential medications. Its goal is to ensure hospitals are well-prepared to respond efficiently in the event of another surge in cases. Meanwhile, a mock drill assessing oxygen supply systems (PSA plants, LMO tanks, MGPS lines) was conducted on June 2. Whats triggering new cases? The subvariant JN.1 is making up 16.3 per cent of sequenced cases in the epidemiological week ending February 2. Authorities in Singapore have reported that two JN.1 descendant lineages LF.7 and NB.1.8 now account for over two-thirds of locally sequenced cases. However, they clarified that there is no indication that the variants circulating locally are more transmissible or cause more severe disease compared to previously circulating variants. While the rampant spread of the virus has been kept in check for a long time, SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for Covid-19, has not disappeared entirely. Earlier this month, when a rise in cases was being reported in Singapore, authorities said that periodic waves of Covid-19 can be expected throughout the year. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies The jawan was attempting to prevent an infiltration bid from the Bangladesh side near Kathalia village, when he was captured by miscreants from Chapai Nawabganj district of Bangladesh, according to BSF sources read more Border Security Force (BSF) soldiers patrol near the India Pakistan border fencing at Garkhal in Akhnoor, about 35 kilometers west of Jammu, August 13, 2019. File Photo/AP A Border Security Force (BSF) trooper was allegedly abducted by Bangladeshi nationals after he tried to prevent them from crossing the border in West Bengals Murshidabad district. The official was released in a few hours. The jawan was abducted in the wee hours of Wednesday near Chandni Chowk, close to the Border Security Force camp in Sutiar, Nurpur in the district. The jawan was attempting to prevent an infiltration bid from the Bangladesh side near Kathalia village, when he was captured by miscreants from Chapai Nawabganj district of Bangladesh. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He was abducted by Bangladeshi nationals and was held captive, but was released within a couple of hours after we flagged the issue with the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). The jawan is now with us and doing fine, a senior BSF official of the South Bengal Frontier told PTI. A video that has since gone viral purportedly showed that the jawan was tied to a banana tree in the duration of his abduction. Investigations are currently underway to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident, the sources said. The BSF is reviewing security protocols in the area, but has yet to issue an official statement on the incident. 2,000 Bangladeshis pushed back A report by the Indian Express has quoted sources as saying that over 2,000 Bangladeshi nationals have been pushed back from the borders after Operation Sindoor. Government operations are underway along the Bangladesh border in Tripura, Meghalaya, and Assam. According to officials, Gujarat was one of the first states to initiate the round-up and has accounted for nearly half of all those who have been pushed back. Delhi and Haryana have also deported large numbers of immigrants, while the remaining individuals have been detained in Assam, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. It is an ongoing process and all states which have cities with significant economic activity are rounding up such illegal immigrants after verification of their documents. A focused effort began in this direction following the Pahalgam attacks in April. Since Operation Sindoor, it has picked up pace. Gujarat was the first off the blocks followed by Delhi and Haryana. More states will begin sending soon. The instructions from the Ministry of Home Affairs are clear in this regard and the states, too, are cooperating, a government official told the news outlet. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies The fuselage, or body of the airplane, is a long hollow tube which holds all the pieces of an airplane together. This marks the first time Rafale fuselages will be produced outside France. read more Rafale fighter jet is seen parked on the tarmac during its induction ceremony at an air force station in Ambala, India, September 10, 2020. File Image/Reuters Dassault Aviation and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) on Thursday (June 5) announced the signing of four Production Transfer Agreements to manufacture Rafale fighter aircraft fuselages in India, marking the first time Rafale fuselages will be produced outside France. The fuselage, or body of the airplane, is a long hollow tube which holds all the pieces of an airplane together. The fuselage is hollow to reduce weight and in fighter aircraft, it is normally placed below the cockpit. While the weapons are carried on the wings, the engines and fuel are placed at the rear of the fuselage. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The new production facility will be established in Hyderabad and will manufacture key structural components including lateral shells, the rear fuselage, the complete rear section, the central fuselage, and the front section of the aircraft. The companies expect the first fuselage sections to be completed by fiscal year 2028, with the facility ultimately aiming to deliver up to two complete fuselages per month. TASL, Dassault hail the deal For the first time, Rafale fuselages will be produced outside France. This is a decisive step in strengthening our supply chain in India, said Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation. Thanks to the expansion of our local partners, including TASL, one of the major players in the Indian aerospace industry, this supply chain will contribute to the successful ramp-up of the Rafale. Sukaran Singh, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Tata Advanced Systems Limited, highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership, saying, The production of the complete Rafale fuselage in India underscores the deepening trust in Tata Advanced Systems capabilities and the strength of our collaboration with Dassault Aviation. Singh added that the partnership reflects Indias significant progress in building a robust aerospace manufacturing ecosystem capable of supporting global platforms. The agreement aligns with Indias Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, aiming to strengthen Indias role in the global aerospace industry and enhance economic self-reliance. Precision meets partnership Dassault Aviation partners with Tata Advanced Systems to manufacture Rafale fighter aircraft fuselage for India and other global markets.#TataAdvancedSystems #DassaultAviation #Rafale #MakeInIndia #Aerospace #DefenceManufacturing pic.twitter.com/MDLIOzXwxx Tata Advanced Systems Limited (@tataadvanced) June 5, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Indias Rafale squadrons As of June 2025, India operates a fleet of 36 Rafale fighter jets with the Indian Air Force (IAF). These aircraft were delivered between 2019 and 2022. However, this number could possibly be lower since Indias top military official, the Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan confirmed that the country has lost at least one fighter jet in tensions with Pakistan. It is not known whether the lost fighter jet was Rafale or not. In April 2025, India signed a deal to procure 26 Rafale Marine (Rafale-M) carrier-based fighter jets from France for approximately $7 billion. This acquisition includes 22 single-seat Rafale-M variants and four twin-seat Rafale DH variants, which are intended for shore-based training. Owaisi was a part of an all-party delegation that visited Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain to brief international partners on Indias response to the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam read more Hyderabad Member of Parliament (MP) Asaduddin Owaisi has highlighted how his Operation Sindoor delegation, which toured four West Asian nations over the past week, left no stone unturned to expose Pakistans support to terrorism in a bid to get the nation back on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list. Owaisi was a part of an all-party delegation that visited Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain to brief international partners on Indias response to the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam under Operation Sindoor. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Speaking to Network 18, the Indian lawmaker reflected on the importance of the visit, given how influential they are in terms of Pakistan. These four countries which we visited they are very important for us because they were part of middle East, FATF and earlier also many of these countries didnt object to Pakistan being into FATF they are quite influential also in terms of Pakistan, he said, adding, Our interlocutors we have given them lot of examples lot of proofs as well how Pakistan is supporting this terror activities. He added that the first thing New Delhi needs to ensure is that Pakistan gets back on the FATF grey list. On Pakistans support to terrorism Owaisi also recalled telling the hosts in the four nations about Pakistans direct links to the Pahalgam terror attack and The Resistance Front (TRF), the terror outfit believed to be behind the massacre. We also told them how Pakistan with the help of China didnt allow the naming of TRF in the resolution that was passed in UN Security Council about the Pahalgam attack, he said. He also slammed the April 15 speech by Pakistani Army chief Asim Munir, who has now been elevated to the rank of field marshal, in which he talked about Kashmir being a jugular vein and how Pakistan will stand with all these people for opposing India. On Chinas support to Pakistan Owaisi threw light on Chinas role in emboldening Islamabads support to anti-India terror elements in the region. He added that Operation Sindoor outreach gave India an opportunity to expose Chinas support to Pakistans terror factory. I had tried to expose Pakistan lies there wrong messaging against India and it was a good opportunity to expose how Pakistan works that without China they are nothing and they are handicapped without china help that they get, he added. On loans to Pakistan Owaisi also called on the international financial institutions to impose stricter monetary controls on aid and assistance granted to Islamabad for developmental projects. Now there has to be monitoring of these loans that Pakistan is getting from Asian Development Bank (ADB) and world bank and IMF, otherwise these funds will not go to the upliftment of the Pakistani people, to eradicate poverty there. Since Indias four-day military standoff with Pakistan starting May 7, the IMF and the ADB have dished out aid worth millions to Pakistan for developmental projects despite strong objections by India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Mauritius holds strategic importance for India due to its geographic position along key maritime routes in the Western Indian Ocean Region. Moreover, geopolitical interest in Mauritius has grown amid intensifying competition with China read more The Indian government has encouraged domestic airlines to consider investing in Air Mauritius, the financially troubled national carrier of Mauritius, which is grappling with negative equity of approximately $237 million (Rs 2,035 crore), according to officials familiar with the matter. The request from Indias Ministry of External Affairs follows an appeal by Mauritius for strategic investments and additional flights by Indian carriers to its capital, Port Louis. Air Mauritius recently reduced flights to India substantially, cutting its twice-weekly Delhi service down to a single weekly flight and raising fares significantly in a bid to curb losses, Economic Times reported. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Airport Holdings Limited (AHL), a company owned by the Mauritian government, holds a 99 per cent stake in Air Mauritius. As part of efforts to stabilize the airline financially, AHL recently converted around Rs 1,500 crore of debt into equity. Mauritius Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam acknowledged earlier this year that Air Mauritius was technically insolvent, casting doubt on its viability. Indian airline executives expressed reservations about investing in Air Mauritius, citing limited passenger demand from the region and their ongoing internal expansion initiatives. Neither Indias Ministry of Civil Aviation nor Air Mauritius responded to requests for comment on the potential investment. Strategic importance Mauritius holds strategic importance for India due to its geographic position along key maritime routes in the Western Indian Ocean Region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was chief guest at Mauritius National Day celebrations this year, emphasised the importance of Indian investment for Mauritius economic development. India also recently built an airstrip and jetty on Mauritius Agalega island. Previously, Air India held around an 8 per cent stake in Air Mauritius until Air Indias privatisation in 2022. Geopolitical interest in Mauritius has grown amid intensifying competition with China. Beijing maintains a military base in Djibouti and has increased engagement across the region, including Mauritius. Samir Bhattacharya, an associate fellow at the Observer Research Foundation, highlighted Indias intention to maintain its influence against China in the region, emphasizing diplomatic and commercial connections. Although Mauritius is well positioned to attract transit passengers between Africa and Asia, rising competition from airlines like Emirates and Indian carriers Air India and IndiGo has complicated Air Mauritius efforts to establish itself as a profitable transit hub. As Turkey and Ankara try to cobble together a pan-Islamic bloc rooted in grievance and revanchism, India must do more to support the SaudiUAE axis in West Asia and reinforce its alignment with moderate Muslim powers like Indonesia read more I visited Turkey some years ago as part of a delegation from the Royal College of Defence Studies, London. Recep Tayyip Erdogan was the Prime Minister, and the Kemalist character of Turkeydefined by Ataturks vision of secularism, European integration, and military guardianshipwas visibly present. We were briefed by officials at the Turkish Foreign Ministry and the EU representative office in Ankara. It was evident that Kemal Pashas dream of a European Turkey was floundering. The EU wanted Turkeys strategic location and large military-industrial base but balked at fully integrating a Muslim-majority nation. The conditions placed upon Turkey for EU accession were politically awkward and perceived as patronising. The result was a wounded national prideand the beginning of a long geopolitical drift. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD That drift now affects us in India directly. Turkey under Erdogan has recast itself from a secular republic aspiring to European norms, to a confident, assertive, and increasingly power-seeking leadership role in the Islamic world. Operation Sindoor made this real for India: as Pakistan reeled, Turkey stood firmly by its sidediplomatically, rhetorically, and strategically; hoping to gain from it. From Europes Rejection to Erdogans Reimagining When Europe effectively closed the door on Turkish accession, it handed Erdogan the perfect opportunity to remake the countrys identity. With the secular military sidelined and public opinion more receptive to Islamic nationalism, Erdogan recast Turkeys foreign policy through the prism of Muslim solidarity and civilisational assertion. The Arab Spring, Syria, Palestine, and Kashmir became not just foreign policy issues but ideological battlegrounds. Turkeys alignment with Pakistan deepened during this phase. Though their diplomatic ties date back to the early years of both republics, the modern warmth is more strategic. Pakistan gained a powerful ally that regularly supports it in international forums like the UN and OIC. For Erdogan, Pakistan offered both a military partner and a religiously resonant causeparticularly the issue of Kashmir, which plays well with Turkish domestic audiences and the broader Muslim world. General Pervez Musharraf was instrumental in bringing transformational effect to Pakistan-Turkey relations because of his lifelong obsessive fondness for everything Turkish going back to his young days when his father was posted to Ankara. Sectarian alignment between the two also plays a role, albeit not a deep one. Both countries are Sunni-majority and largely follow the Hanafi school of jurisprudence. This common ground provides a religious-cultural comfort level, even though Turkeys religious landscape is shaped more by Sufi traditions and state control, while Pakistans is influenced by powerful clerical networks and sectarian actors. Their real bond, however, is not theological but political - both governments use Islamic identity for global positioning and to challenge Indias rise as a pluralist, secular democracy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Why India Failed to Influence Turkey India, despite its global rise, has failed to gain strategic traction with Turkey. One reason is the mismatch in worldviews. Erdogan sees himself as a leader of the Islamic world; India, with its strong ties to Israel and growing alignment with the West, is viewed as part of an opposing camp. Second, Indian diplomacy has been marginally reticent in engaging Turkeys domestic political landscape. While India has cultivated strong ties in the Gulf and Southeast Asia, it has remained reactive and restrained when it comes to Turkey. Third, Indias burgeoning ties with Turkeys rivalsGreece, Armenia, and Israelthough grounded in mutual interest, have confirmed Ankaras perception of India as strategically adversarial. This despite Indias proactive action of launching Operation Dost as a humanitarian and disaster relief operation after the devastating earthquake hit Southern Turkey in Feb 2023. Indias support was almost the first to reach Turkey. Economically, the India-Turkey relationship lacks sufficient weight to act as a lever. Trade is modest too. This limits Indias ability to shape Ankaras choices through economic means. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Whats at Stake for India? The implications of Turkeys hostility go beyond diplomatic sparring. Turkeys backing gives Pakistan added legitimacy in global forums and bolsters its Islamic narrative. Ankaras support to Islamabad on Kashmir complicates Indias diplomatic messaging in Africa, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia, where Turkey is investing heavily in soft power and religious outreach. More concretely, defence cooperation between Turkey and Pakistan is growing. Joint military exercises, arms deals, and drone collaborations are becoming more common. This has implications for South Asias strategic balance and could introduce new military technologies into Pakistans arsenal. The recent Ukrainian drone attackOperation Spider Webwould have given Pakistan ideas on utilisation of drones in an imaginatively pro-active way against India. Turkeys religious diplomacy also poses a softer but insidious challenge. Through state-backed institutions and media, it is projecting itself as a leader of the global Muslim ummah. This can shape narratives that influence Indian Muslim communities indirectly, especially in an era where identity politics is increasingly global. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What Must India do? India needs to develop a coherent Turkey strategy grounded in realism, not nostalgia about shared civilisational roots. India must respond clearly to Turkish provocations, whether on Kashmir or Pakistan. Silence has sometimes been mistaken for weakness. New Delhi should be willing to call out Ankara, including at multilateral forums. Deepen ties with Turkeys adversariesGreece, Cyprus, Armenia, and Israelnot just diplomatically, but in defence, culture, and trade. A robust regional counterweight will force Turkey to reconsider its positioning. Invest in projecting Indias narrative as a secular, multi-religious democracy. Partnering with moderate Muslim countrieslike Indonesia, UAE, Egypt and now increasingly even Saudi Arabiacan help isolate Turkeys harder posturing. While current trade levels are modest, Turkeys dependence on tourism, select exports, and access to Asian markets gives India some room to explore economic influence, directly or via third parties. Turkeys turn under Erdogan is not temporary. It reflects a deeper shift in identity and ambitionone that rejects the rejection of the West and seeks frontline Islamic leadership, casting aside all Kemalian thought. In aligning with Pakistan, Turkey is not just supporting a traditional allyit is staking a claim in a multipolar Islamic world where India is seen as the other. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Fortunately, India is no longer a passive observer in West Asia or Southeast Asia. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, New Delhi has made significant and sustained inroads into the Middle East and beyond. The burgeoning strategic and economic partnerships with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and Oman reflect a quiet but profound shiftone that positions India as a key partner in regional stability, infrastructure, and counter-radicalism. Simultaneously, Indias enhanced ties with Indonesiathe worlds largest Muslim-majority country and a democratic, pluralistic nationserve as a counter-narrative to the Islamist posturing of the Turkey-Pakistan axis. These relationships are not merely transactional but represent a convergence of long-term visions. As Ankara and Islamabad try to cobble together a pan-Islamic bloc rooted in grievance and revanchism, India must do more to support the SaudiUAE axis in West Asia and reinforce its alignment with moderate Muslim powers like Indonesia. By doing so, New Delhi can effectively dilute the ideological resonance of the TurkeyPakistan combine and reaffirm its own civilisational model as a viable and inclusive alternative in the Islamic world. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The writer is a member of the National Disaster Management Authority. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. BRICS plus is a reality that is growing stronger by the month. From originally being conceived as BRIC by Jim ONeill of Goldman Sachs in the 1990s, as the grouping of emerging economies that was deemed to acquire much greater heft in the global scheme of things, it has acquired a much greater traction and attraction on the geo-economic matrix. While representing the cross-continental mix, it has expanded to more than double its original membership from across the geo-political divide in a comparatively short span as over two dozen aspirants for partnership and inclusion are in the pipeline. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The combined GDP of BRICS countries already exceeds that of G7 economies. However, given the current global churn and geo-political competition, the group has China and Russia as its important pivots that are challenging the unilateralism and hegemony of the United States. Several of these countries, including India, are rightful claimants for a seat on the horseshoe table of the UNSC that refuses to be reformed while it has two of the BRICS constituents (China and Russia) as its permanent members. Currently, Brazil is the BRICS chair and the next Summit will be held in the first week of July. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the Summit. India follows a policy of strategic autonomy, multi-alignment and ambidexterity. Following a sane foreign policy with Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam as its core value and concern, New Delhi is able to navigate its close and intrinsic partnership with all the major powers and groupings. It is an integral part of the Quad in the Indo-Pacific where it seeks to enhance the critical economic heft and leverage in key areas, avoiding the pitfalls of the alliance architecture to create and sustain alternate value and supply chains while underscoring the need of freedom of navigation in accordance with the UNCLOS and other international rules and conventions. It considers and propagates global commons and global goods for the global welfare. Likewise, New Delhi has been a founding member of the BRICS and is an important pivot in this and other mechanisms like RIC (Russia, India and China) and IBSA (India, Brazil and South Africa). BRICS now represents 60 per cent of the global population and 30 per cent of the worlds economy. India, itself, is the fourth largest fast-growing major economy in the world. In addition, while India is a comprehensive strategic partner in the ever expanding and deepening ties with the US, irrespective of the political dispensation there, it has time tested, trusted and strategic partnership with Russia. These are not seen by India as a zero-sum game but by its capacity to strike friendships across the geo-political spectrum on its own strength and strategic heft. It is in a geo-political sweet spot as the geo-economic lever hinges more to the South. It also has more than thirty strategic partnerships with countries from Global North to South. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD President Donald Trump, who wants to develop closer partnerships with Russia and China despite strategic rivalry but on his own terms and in his own unpredictable and unique style, considers BRICS plus as a threat, especially in the context of de-dollarisation. The US fails to appreciate that it was its own confrontational policy, especially under the Biden era, leading to the weaponisation of financial instruments and unilateral sanctions on Russia and others in an unprecedented manner, which have been solely responsible for that shift and search for alternatives by other countries through alternate currencies and bilateral and plurilateral transactional mechanisms. Self-introspection and course correction might help restore some faith in reasonable outcomes and the already stressed financial architecture led by Bretton woods Institutions. BRICS has its own New Development Bank. There have been proposals for some sort of a BRICS currency which New Delhi has not yet subscribed to. President Trump warned BRICs member nations that he would impose 100 per cent penal tariffs if the latter went ahead against the hegemony of the US dollar. Ironically such steps might only lead to hardening of resolve. Minilaterals and plurilateral groupings are natural to subserve certain national interests of the members but pitching them as rivals and enemies may lead to wrong policy choices. BRICS is neither uni-focal nor uniform in its objectives and approaches. It has its own challenges and dynamic as is clearly evident in the non-issuance of the joint statement of the recent BRICS plus foreign ministers meeting. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Recently, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said, The Indian economy is extraordinary, your human capital capacity is amazing, your growth rate is amazing. But, you know, there were certain things that the Indian government did that generally rubbed the United States the wrong way. Speaking of de-dollarisation by BRICS he stretched, The groups stance to move away from supporting the US dollar is not really the way to make friends and influence people in America. For instance, you generally buy your military gear from Russia. Thats a way to kind of get under the skin of America, if you go to buy your armaments from Russia. So, I think India is starting to move towards buying military equipment from the United States, which then goes a long way. They do, however, appear to appreciate Indias logical approach in this regard. But threatening tones in diplomacy, when going is good, might be counter-productive. India will follow what is in its best national interest, while valuing its relationship with the US. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India does not consider BRICS being pitched against the West. New Delhi, along with others, including Russia, considers it to be non-Western, and not anti-West. Although President Trump and his administration admit that there are many powers and economic players and multi-polarity is the norm, their reaction and behaviour often resort to unilateral decisions and commentary which further undermines whatever trust is left in the existing global systemic architecture. India is in a position to be a bridge as it assiduously and consciously wants to be the Voice of the Global South. It has the capacity and intent and levers and also trust to play that role as the world grapples with stasis in institutions of governance and challenges posed by terrorism and non-state actors as well as non-traditional threats engineered by technology and climate change among others which are existential in nature. India seeks and supports an inclusive, sustainable and multipolar world, with effective, efficient and reformed multilateral institutions. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 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. As both the US and China accuse each other of violating the 90-day trade truce agreed upon in May, tech partnership between the worlds top two economies is falling apart brick by brick read more Trade tensions between the US and China have escalated again as the worlds two largest economies accuse each other of breaching the 90-day trade truce agreed upon in May. On Monday (June 2), Beijing accused the US of breaching the agreement after US President Donald Trump said China had totally violated it. The Chinese Commerce Ministry said that while China had upheld the deal, the US introduced discriminatory and restrictive measures that severely undermine the agreement. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Tech decoupling in full swing One of the many fallouts of this trade tussle is that the tech partnership between the two countries is falling apart. Last month, the Trump administration intensified its crackdown on Huawei , saying that the use of the Chinese technology giants artificial intelligence (AI) chips could trigger criminal penalties under US export control laws. In a statement, the US Department of Commerces Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) said, Using Huawei Ascend chips anywhere in the world violates US export controls. The BIS maintains that the chips are likely to have been designed with certain US software or technology or produced with semiconductor manufacturing equipment that is the direct product of certain US-origin software or technology, or both. Meanwhile, Reuters reported last month that Washington has ordered a broad swathe of companies to stop shipping goods to China without a license and revoked licenses already granted to certain suppliers. Several US firms have received letters from the Trump administration over the past few weeks, highlighting the new restrictions. The agency quoted sources as saying the letters were sent to firms shipping electronic design automation (EDA) software for semiconductors. China forcing Apple Intelligence rollout delays There are allegations that China might also be doubling down on punitive measures against US firms as trade war leverage. According to media reports, Apples rollout of intelligence services in China is being held up by regulators. Apple is working with Alibaba to launch Apple Intelligence for Chinese users. The software would also be embedded in Alibaba devices. However, Chinas internet authority is sitting over approval requests. Experts are linking the approval delays to trade tensions between the two nations. Apples business interests have been hit hard as these restrictions put local competitors Huawei, Xiaomi, Oppo and Vivo in an advantageous position. The firms business is already shrinking in the worlds second-largest economy. At the start of 2023, Apple dominated the Chinese smartphone market with a 70 per cent share, while Huawei languished at 13 per cent. However, by the first quarter of this year, Apples share dropped to below 50 per cent while Huaweis rose to 35 per cent. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump-Xi talks soon This tech decoupling is expected to continue as long as trade tensions simmer. Trump is expected to talk to Chinas Xi Jinping in the coming days, as confirmed by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Maybe its a glitch in the Chinese system; maybe its intentional. Well see after the president speaks with the party chairman, Bessent said, referring to Xi. Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council, also hoped that the two leaders would have a wonderful conversation. President Trump, we expect, is going to have a wonderful conversation about the trade negotiations this week with President Xi, he said on the ABC News program This Week. More than 135,000 Afghans left the country in April, followed by 67,000 in May, and more than 3,000 in just the first two days of June. Since the repatriation drive began in November 2023, more than one million Afghans have returned from Pakistan read more Afghan refugee children huddle around a fire for warmth in a camp on the Afghan side of the Torkham border. Image: Ebrahim Noroozi/ AP Photo Pakistan has ramped up efforts to force out Afghan nationals from the country, as data from the countrys interior ministry shows that over 200,000 people have been deported since April. On top of this, Iran has also begun expelling Afghans from the country, raising concerns over the Talibans ability to manage the influx of people amid an already battered economy. More than 135,000 Afghans left the country in April, followed by 67,000 in May, and more than 3,000 in just the first two days of June. Since the repatriation drive began in November 2023, more than one million Afghans have returned from Pakistan. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Some 600,000 Afghans have travelled to Pakistan since the Taliban took over and implemented their austere version of Islam. However, Islamabad wants over 800,000 Afghanistan citizens to return home after revoking their residency permits. This whopping group includes Afghans born and raised in Pakistan. One of the reasons why the country has waged an Afghan out campaign is its alleged links to terrorism. The number of returnees has slowed ahead of the Eid al-Adha holiday later this week, but some Afghans were still crossing the main border points from Pakistan on Wednesday. We left behind our orchards and livelihoods, 21-year-old farmer Mohammad Wali told AFP near the southern Spin Boldak crossing. But we said to ourselves, If we stay, maybe one day well lose our dignity, so its better to return to our homeland now. The UNs International Organisation for Migration (IOM) on Tuesday voiced concern over a surge in Afghan families being deported from Iran, recording 15,675 crossing in May, a more than two-fold increase from the previous month. Iran orders Afghans to leave Meanwhile, Tehran has started its own campaign of driving out Afghans from the country. People from Afghanistan have till July 6 to leave Iran, the countrys interior ministry said. Nader Yarahmadi, from the Iranian interior ministry, said on state television that it would affect around four million of the more than six million Afghans who Iran says are in the country. The IOM said the influx across both borders threatens to strain Afghanistans already fragile reception and reintegration systems. It again called for all countries to immediately suspend the forced return of Afghans, regardless of their immigration status, until safe, voluntary, and dignified return conditions are in place. How many Afghans live in Pak? According to UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, there are 2.18 million documented Afghan refugees in Pakistan. This includes the 1.3 million refugees holding Proof of Registration (PoR) cards as per the census carried out in 2006-07, as well as an additional 8,80,000 refugees granted ACCs following a registration drive in 2017. With inputs from agencies This week, I met a cross-party delegation of Indian MPs. We discussed the fragile truce between India and Pakistan, at risk of being broken by further terrorist attacks. As India seeks deeper security ties with the West, I urged the Govt to stand with India against terrorism," said Blackman on X read more British MP Bob Blackman has reiterated his support for India and called on the Keir Starmer-led UK government to stand resolutely with New Delhi in its fight against terrorism. Blackman, who had previously backed Indias Operation Sindoor and criticised Pakistan as a failed state" for its alleged support of terrorism, made these remarks while speaking in Parliament. Later, he also shared the clip of his speech in Parliament on X, and wrote, This week, I met a cross-party delegation of Indian MPs. We discussed the fragile truce between India and Pakistan, at risk of being broken by further terrorist attacks. As India seeks deeper security ties with the West, I urged the Govt to stand with India against terrorism." STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This week, I met a cross-party delegation of Indian MPs. We discussed the fragile truce between India and Pakistan, at risk of being broken by further terrorist attacks. As India seeks deeper security ties with the West, I urged the Govt to stand with India against terrorism. pic.twitter.com/3XGQ9Uvr6G Bob Blackman (@BobBlackman) June 5, 2025 A delegation led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad is visiting Europe as part of Indias diplomatic outreach following the recent terrorist attack in J&Ks Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists On Tuesday, Blackman had strongly criticised Pakistan, calling it a failed state and questioning whether democracy or generals were truly in control in Islamabad. Speaking to ANI after meeting the Indian delegation in London, Blackman urged the international community to support India in its fight against terrorism. He accused Pakistan of fostering terrorism on Indian soil and condemned its continued illegal occupation of parts of Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan is a failed state. We dont have democracy in Pakistan. We have the people of parts of Pakistan, who are suffering under Pakistani military rule. So whos in charge? Is it the democracy or the Generals? And its quite clear that terrorism is encouraged from Pakistan into sovereign India, Blackman had said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies A major AI scandal has shaken the tech world as Builder.ai, once valued at $1.5 billion, has filed for bankruptcy. The company, backed by Microsoft and a Qatari sovereign fund, falsely claimed to build apps in minutes using AI, while actually relying on hundreds of human engineers in India. read more Behind bankruptcy plea of London start-up: It hired 700 Indian engineers to pose as AI tools London-based Builder.ai, once valued at $1.5 billion and backed by Microsoft and Qatars sovereign wealth fund, has filed for bankruptcy after it was revealed that its so-called was mostly done manually by engineers in India, According to a report from The Times of India. According to the report, round 700 Indian engineers were while developing apps. The startup had raised over $445 million by promoting its AI-based app development platform. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The company marketed its platform as using AI to build apps quickly, powered by a digital assistant named Natasha. Most of the coding was done manually However, reports revealed that most of the coding was actually done manually by Indian tech workers, while the company falsely presented their work as AI-generated. The collapse of Builder.ai The collapse began in May 2025 when lender Viola Credit seized $37 million from Builder.ais accounts after discovering the company had inflated its 2024 revenue by 300 per cent. Founder Sachin Dev Duggal had claimed $220 million in sales, but an audit revealed the actual figure was just $50 million. All engineer, no AI Concerns about Builder.ais AI claims had surfaced as early as 2019, when The Wall Street Journal reported that the platform largely depended on human engineers rather than real AI. Former employees described it as all engineer, no AI, according to the report. The scheme fully unravelled when the new CEO, Manpreet Ratia, who replaced Duggal in February, discovered the extent of the financial misreporting. US prosecutors have since launched an investigation and requested access to the companys records and customer data. Biggest AI startup collapse Builder.ais downfall is considered the biggest AI startup collapse since the ChatGPT-driven investment boom began. The company now owes $85 million to Amazon and $30 million to Microsoft in cloud computing bills. About 1,000 employees have lost their jobs. AI washing in the time of boom The case has sparked renewed concerns over AI washing, a growing trend where companies rebrand traditional services as AI-powered to attract investment during the current tech boom. The statement by Richard Marles comes amidst repeated claims by US President Donald Trump that Washington played a role in helping India and Pakistan reach ceasefire read more Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles has praised India for the tough decision of reaching the ceasefire with Pakistan following the four-day military conflict last month, calling it an act of Indian leadership. While talking to Network 18, Marles called the April 22 Pahalgam attack appalling and said PM Albanese was among the first global leaders to talk to PM Narendra Modi after the news broke. Firstly, we met with the news of what happened in Pahalgam with utter shock," he said, when asked about Indias response to the terror attack. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This was an appalling attack, and (Australian) Prime Minister Albanese personally spoke to Prime Minister Modi almost immediately after these events to extend condolences to India in respect of the loss of lives," he said. Even today, we reiterated that solidarity. We stand with India and with all countries to combat terrorism, and we want to continue to work with India in combating terrorism in all its forms around the world," the Australian Deputy Prime Minister said. Ceasefire act of Indian leadership Speaking of the May 10 ceasefire between the two countries, Marles hailed it as an act of Indian leadership. We do acknowledge and welcome the stoppage in military activity. We actually see that as an act of Indian leadership," he said. We see that there was an act of terror that we condemn, and in simple terms, we stand with India as we stand with all countries seeking to combat terrorism, and thats where the strikes stand," Marles said on being asked if people tend to forget the reason behind Indias Operation Sindoor. We look forward to working with India to combat terrorism in all its forms," the Australian Deputy Prime Minister reiterated. Our Prime Minister very quickly extended his condolences and shock over the incident and the loss of lives," Marles said, on being asked if his country stands with India in its right to defend against such terror attacks. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trumps claim on India-Pakistan ceasefire Notably, the ceasefire between the two nuclear-armed neighbours was announced by US President Donald Trump on his Truth Social platform. He also claimed that US mediation played a big role in the cessation of the hostilities, something that India denies. When Marles was asked about Trumps claim on ceasefire, he said, Every country has an interest in living in a peaceful world, and we all appreciate the stoppage in the military activity, and we do acknowledge that this was an act of the Indian leadership." India launched Operation Sindoor against Pakistan on May 7 in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. Indian forces targeted several terror sites in air strikes on May 7, killing over a hundred terrorists affiliated with several internationally recognised terror outfits. Even as Beijing offers to sell its J-10 jets to Jakarta, the Southeast Asian nation has clarified that no team has been dispatched to China to carry out technical evaluation or pursue the offer further read more Pakistan Air Force J-10C fighter jets perform at a rehearsal ahead of Pakistan's national day parade in Islamabad. Used for representational purposes | File image/AFP Following the recent standoff between India and Pakistan, China is reportedly pressing Indonesia to buy its J-10 jets, the fighter aircraft used by the Pakistani army. Indonesian Deputy Defence Minister Donny Ermawan Taufanto revealed Wednesday (June 4) during a presser in Jakarta that Beijing offered to sell its jets to Southeast Asias largest economy during a visit by Indonesian air officials to China. Jakartas reservations However, a Bloomberg report quoted Taufanto as saying that it was just an offer, and that Indonesia has not sent any team to China to carry out a technical evaluation or pursue the offer further. This is just an offer, Taufanto said. He added that the country was not bound by any alliance and will take the decision based on our interests. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD If we find that the jet performs well, meets our criteria, and comes at a good price, why not? he said, referring to the J-10. Were not bound by any alliance, so we can source weapons from any country, including China. He added that the government was examining whether the Chinese jets can be integrated into Indonesias existing systems and whether they can meet their operational requirements. Indonesias push to reform armed forces Under new President Prabowo Subianto, Indonesia has prioritised modernisation of the countrys armed forces. He has pledged to upgrade the countrys air and naval capabilities while keeping Indonesia diplomatically neutral. While China sees an opportunity for itself here, Jakarta is keeping all windows open in terms of potential partners. For example, it has already struck a deal to acquire French Rafale aircraft. Its also exploring deals with other partners in the region and beyond. The country has participated in the development of the KF-21 supersonic jet. In April this year, Subianto expressed his interest in Turkeys KAAN fifth generation fighter jet programme. Additionally, Bloomberg earlier reported that the president had directed defence officials to revive previous plans to purchase F-15EX jets from Boeing. Indonesia doesnt see China as a credible defence partner when it comes to fighter jets. While Jakarta has purchased munitions and air surveillance systems from China in the past, it has refrained from acquiring high-tech combat craft despite strong economic ties. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Chinas J-10 is a single-engine multirole fighter jet which was used by Pakistan in its recent conflict with India. While Islamabad continues to make tall claims regarding the effectiveness of the aircraft, nothing has been verified by international experts so far. Earlier, China had denied any involvement of its fighter jets in the Indo-Pak hostilities. After Donald Trump falsely claimed brokering a ceasefire, Pakistani leaders from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Bilawal Bhutto are wooing the US president to arrange talks with India. read more Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army chief General Asim Munir attend the funeral of a person killed in an Indian airstrike on a terrorist facility conducted on May 7, 2025, under Operation Sindoor. (Photo: Pakistan ISPR) After suffering a beating in Operation Sindoor, Pakistan has sought US President Donald Trumps help in arranging talks with India. After Trump falsely claimed credit for the India-Pakistan ceasefire, Pakistani leaders have launched a full-scale drive to appease the US president. While Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made appeals at the US Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari amplified the appeal in Washington DC. In addition to appeals to Trump, Pakistani leaders have also continued their disinformation campaign about the Pahalgam attack, with Shehbaz saying at the US Embassy event that the attack was a false-flag operation by India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In response to the Pahalgam attack on April 22, India on the night of May 6 launched Operation Sindoor under which it struck terrorist sites in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK). After Pakistan attacked Indian cities and military bases, India began striking Pakistani military sites, including more than a dozen airbases, radar sites, and air defence units. After four days of beating, Pakistan requested a ceasefire on May 10 and India granted the request. Bilawal, a coalition partner of Shehbaz and a former foreign minister, is currently on a visit to the United States where he is a leading a high-level delegation as part of an outreach in the wake of the last months conflict. It comes after India dispatched all-party delegations to various countries to convey Indias message about terrorism, the Pahalgam attack, and Operation Sindoor. Trump should arrange comprehensive dialogue with India, says Bilawal In an interaction with journalists in Washington DC, Bilawal said that Pakistan wants Trump to arrange comprehensive dialogue with India. On 10 different occasions, he [Trump] has taken credit for facilitating the ceasefire between India and Pakistan and rightly so. He deserves that credit, because it was his efforts that helped make the ceasefire possible. So, if the US is willing to help Pakistan in maintaining this ceasefire, it is reasonable to expect that an American role in arranging a comprehensive dialogue would also be beneficial for us, said Bilawal, according to Dawn. Mocking Indias centrality in the Indian Ocean Region and role in the Indo-Pacific region, where India looks at itself as a net security provider, Bilawal said that India was not even a paperweight and should not at all be considered a counterweight to China. On his part, Shehbaz said that Trump is a man for peace. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD President Trump is a man against escalation and a man against cold and hot war, Shehbaz further said. Separately, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said that dialogue should India be on all issues and not just on terrorism as India maintains. Dar said that dialogue should cover issues like terrorism, the Indus Waters Treaty, and broader bilateral issues, according to Dawn. Whenever they [Indians] want a dialogue, at any level, they will find us ready, but we are not desperate, said Dar. India has flagged serious safety concerns with Turkish Airlines after surprise checks at four major airports found violations, including a case where explosives were allegedly flown without proper clearance. The aviation regulator has asked the airline to fix the lapses and warned of more inspections ahead. read more India has warned Turkish Airlines to follow safety regulations after surprise inspections at four airports revealed violations, including one case where explosives were allegedly transported on a flight without being declared. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) conducted unannounced safety checks on Turkish Airlines passenger and cargo flights at four major Indian airports Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru between 29 May and 2 June 2025. The cargo contained dangerous goods for which prior approval from the DGCA is required for the carriage of explosives to or from India. This approval was neither attached nor mentioned in the dangerous goods declaration, the aviation ministry said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD At Bengaluru, the marshaller handling ground operations lacked proper authorisation and a valid competency card for marshalling duties. During the arrival of an aircraft, a maintenance engineer was unavailable, and the procedure was carried out by a technician instead, the ministry said further. The inspections were conducted under Article 16 of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Convention to assess the airlines compliance with international safety standards and DGCA regulations. DGCA directs airline to adhere to standards, aviation rules Following the inspections, the DGCA directed Turkish Airlines to fully adhere to ICAO standards and Indian aviation rules. The regulator said follow-up inspections would be carried out to ensure continued compliance and urged the airline to promptly address the identified shortcomings. Trump on Wednesday (June 4) held a telephonic conversation with Russian leader Vladimir Putin during which the two leaders also discussed the India-Pakistan conflict, among other issues read more Kremlin appears to have endorsed US President Donald Trumps claim of helping reach a ceasefire between India and Pakistan following a four-day military conflict last month. Trump on Wednesday (June 4) held a telephonic conversation with Russian leader Vladimir Putin during which the two leaders also discussed the India-Pakistan conflict among other issues. In a press statement issued after the talks, the Kremlin acknowledged Trumps personal involvement in helping halt the military standoff between the two South Asian neighbours. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Middle East was discussed, as well as the armed conflict between India and Pakistan, which has been halted with the personal involvement of President Trump, said the statement. Trumps ceasefire claim The US president has on several occasions claimed he helped broker the truce between India and Pakistan on May 10. He made the latest claim during a press conference with Tesla CEO Elon Musk earlier this week, saying, We stopped India and Pakistan from fighting. I believe that could have turned out into a nuclear disaster, and I want to thank the leaders of India and Pakistan, and I want to thank my people. Also, we talk trade, and we say we cant trade with people who are shooting at each other and potentially using nuclear weapons. Theyre great leaders in those countries, and they understood and they agreed, and that all stopped. Trumps comments come merely a week after he made the same claim during South African President Cyril Ramaphosas visit to the White House, where he said he settled the tensions between India and Pakistan through trade. Indias rebuttal However, New Delhi has swiftly rejected the claims made by the Trump administration. India maintains that the request for ceasefire was initiated by the Pakistani side on May 10. Indian opposition lawmaker Shashi Tharoor, who is currently leading a delegation to Washington DC as part of the Operation Sindoor outreach programme, on Thursday dismissed Trumps claim. We have enormous respect for the American Presidency and the American President (Donald Trump). All we can say for ourselves is that we have never particularly wanted to ask anyone to mediate," Tharoor said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Tharoor further highlighted that India was anyway ready to cease its Operation Sindoor once Pakistan stopped its aggression and hence required no persuasion. The moment Pakistan stops, we are prepared to stop. So if they, in turn, then told the Pakistanis, you better stop because the Indians are willing to stop, and that was what they did, then thats a wonderful gesture on their part with Pakistan, but only Pakistan, and they can tell us exactly what happened. With us, all we can say is that we know, in our conversations, some of these things didnt come up, Tharoor added. Even as China has relaxed its export restrictions on rare earths for other countries, Indian automobile industry has flagged to the government that China has continued to block rare earths supplies to India. read more Even as China has relaxed its restrictions on the export of rare earths for other countries, it appears to be intentionally blocking supplies to Indian companies. Rare earths and magnets of rare earths are critical for the production of both conventional and electric vehicles. China controls around 90 per cent of rare earths supplies. Of 17 types of minerals classified as rare earths, China has completely halted the free export of seven minerals and made licences necessary. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Indian automobile industry has flagged it to the government that China is not issuing licences to Indian companies, according to Mint. Sources in the industry told the newspaper that some foreign automobile companies and manufacturers of parts used in automobiles have been granted licences, but applications of their Indian subsidiaries have either been rejected or put on the backburner. Sources said that 30 Indian companies have applied for rare earths supplies, but no application has yet been approved and two applications have been rejected. ALSO READ: Halting rare earths exports to pausing Boeing imports: How China is hitting where it hurts most Amid the trade war with the United States, China in April completely halted the export of seven rare earths: dysprosium, gadolinium, lutetium, samarium, scandium, terbium, and yttrium. Beside all cars, these minerals are also used to make semiconductors, medical chemicals, robots, and military hardware. China specifically blocks rare earths supplies to India: Auto industry Senior executives from Indian auto industry and representatives from auto bodies held a meeting with Kamran Rizvi, the Secretary of the Ministry of Heavy Industries, on May 29, according to Mint. They told Rizvi that even as China is approving rare earth magnet exports to other countries, applications from India have remained stuck, three executives aware of the matter told the newspaper. They said in the meeting the production of conventional as well as electric vehicles could fall as soon as this month if supplies from China do not resume. The newspaper has reported that Germany-headquartered Bosch, Continental Automotive, and Mahle Group have received approvals for their foreign units but their applications from Indian subsidiaries are yet to be accepted. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD ALSO READ: Rare Earths, global politics, and Indias imperative for diversified supply chains One of the executives told the newspaper that there is no due procedure for the grant of licences and the entire process is arbitrary. A suppliers German or US counterpart is getting approvals, but the same suppliers Indian unit is not getting it. There are no written guidelines for applying for a licence. So, something or the other can be missed and they (China) can stop the approval for any flimsy reason, the executive said. To address the issue, a delegation from Indian auto industry is heading to China, but China has neither fixed a meeting nor granted all delegates visas. Netanyahu said that the bodies of two Israeli-Americans killed in Hamass October 7, 2023 attack have been recovered from Gaza and returned to Israel. read more Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition is under tremendous pressure with a motion to dissolve the Knesset fast approaching and a key coalition partner threatening to switch sides on it. AFP Photo Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that the bodies of two Israeli-Americans killed in Hamass October 7, 2023 attack had been recovered from Gaza and returned to Israel. In a special operation by the [security agency] and the military in the Gaza Strip, the bodies of two of our hostages held by the murderous terrorist organisation Hamas were returned to Israel: Judy Weinstein Haggai and Gad Haggai from Kibbutz Nir Oz, may their memory be blessed, Netanyahu said in a statement. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Judy and Gad were murdered on October 7 and abducted to the Gaza Strip. The Israeli army and Shin Bet security agency said in a joint statement that the bodies of two Israeli-Americans were recovered overnight from the Khan Yunis area in southern Gaza. The operation was carried out with the help of special forces and intelligence teams, the statement added. The elderly couple, Gad Haggai (72) and Judy Weinstein Haggai (70), lived in Kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel. A spokesperson for the kibbutz said their bodies were returned home after more than 600 days of pain and waiting. Gad was known for his love of music and cooking, while Judy was a former English teacher. They had four children and seven grandchildren. We welcome their return for a proper burial in Israel, the family said, thanking the military and all those who supported them. October 7 attack and Israeli campaign Israel recently intensified its military operations in Gaza, aiming to defeat Hamas after its October 2023 attack that killed 1,218 people in Israel, mostly civilians. According to Gazas Hamas-run health ministry, at least 4,335 people have died since Israel resumed its offensive on March 18, bringing the total death toll to over 54,600, mostly civilians. Out of the 251 hostages taken by Hamas during the October attack, 55 are still held32 of them believed to be dead. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The total fertility rate, the average number of children a woman is expected to have in her lifetime, dropped by 0.05 points compared to the previous year, marking the lowest level since the government started tracking data in 1947 read more The country has been witnessing a declining birth rate for quite some time. In the past few years, authorities in Japan have been trying to promote policies that will address the countrys plummeting birth rate. Reuters People in Japan are having fewer babies than before, so much so that it has broken a record. In 2024, the number of babies born in Japan plunged to 686,061, making it the first time birth numbers have gone down since 1899, the year data collection began in the country. Describing the declining births in Japan as critical, a government official told The Asahi Shimbun, Multiple complex factors are preventing individuals from fulfilling their hopes of marriage and starting families. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The total fertility rate, the average number of children a woman is expected to have in her lifetime, dropped by 0.05 points compared to the previous year, marking the lowest level since the government started tracking data in 1947. The country has been witnessing a declining birth rate for quite some time. In the past few years, authorities in Japan have been trying to promote policies that will address the countrys plummeting birth rate. Not many Japanese women see marriage as a life goal now. Owing to the rapid improvement in gender roles in Japan, young women are more likely to get employed than to get married and have children. A declining and ageing population could pose significant challenges to the economy and national security, especially as the country works to strengthen its military in response to potential threats from China and North Korea. Meanwhile, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who calls the demographic situation a silent emergency, has unveiled a number of measures to reverse the declining birth rate. These include an expansion of child allowance and free high school education, as well as giving a word to couples that they would receive the equivalent of 100% of their take-home pay when they take parental leave at the same time. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The government has also faced criticism for prioritising married couples over younger, single individuals who are discouraged from marriage. Many point to factors like poor job prospects, lack of job security, the high cost of living, and a corporate culture that makes it challenging for women to balance work and motherhood. We both agree on this war and how terrible this war is going on, and we are both looking for ways to stop it very soon. And I told the president he is the key person in the world who can really do that now by putting pressure on Russia, said Merz read more President Donald Trump, right, meets Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the Oval Office of the White House, on Thursday. AP German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Thursday met President Donald Trump at the White House and called him the key person to bring about an end to the war in Ukraine by putting pressure on Russia. We both agree on this war and how terrible this war is going on, and we are both looking for ways to stop it very soon. And I told the president he is the key person in the world who can really do that now by putting pressure on Russia, CNN quoted Merz as saying. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The German leader reaffirmed his countrys unwavering support for Ukraine, stating that the horrific scenes from the battlefield are the result of Russian weapons against Ukraine. Ukraine is only targeting military targets, not civilians, not energy infrastructure. So this is the difference, and thats the reason why we are trying to do more on Russia, Merz added. Earlier, Trump opened by congratulating Merz on his February election win, noting that the two often discussed the problems of the world outside of Germany, specifically mentioning Russias invasion of Ukraine. Its not good. Hes unhappy about it. Im unhappy about it, but I think eventually were going to be successful in stopping the bloodshed, The Guardian quoted Trump as saying. Merz emerged from his Oval Office meeting with Trump largely unscathed on Thursday, despite clear differences over Ukraine with the US president remarking it might be best to let Moscow and Kyiv fight it out like children. Just a month into the job, Merz launched a charm offensive on the 78-year-old, gifting Trump a framed copy of his grandfather Fredericks 1869 German birth certificate. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The polite meeting showed that the conservative German leader had done his homework as he sought to avoid ambushes like those that Trump unleashed on Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky and South Africas president. But they did not see eye to eye on everything. Let the two sides fight it out Trump, who had spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin just a day earlier, suggested it might be better to let Russia and Ukraine fight it out, likening the devastating war which has claimed thousands of lives and ravaged large parts of Ukraine to a squabble between children. Sometimes you see two young children fighting like crazy. They hate each other, and theyre fighting in a park, and you try and pull them apart, AFP quoted Trump as telling reporters. Sometimes youre better off letting them fight for a while, he added. Trump said he had cautioned Russian President Vladimir Putin against retaliating after Ukraines drone strikes on Russian airbases that destroyed several nuclear-capable bombers. I said dont do it, Trump told reporters, noting that Putin responded by saying he had no choice and that it was not going to be pretty. During the remarks, Trump also made a string of off-color references to Nazi Germanys defeat in World War II a topic that remains highly sensitive in Germany today. Commending Merz for boosting Germanys defence spending in line with his long-standing Nato demands, Trump quipped that he wasnt sure WWII US General Douglas MacArthur would have approved. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Then, referring to the upcoming 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, Trump asked: That was not a pleasant day for you? Merz, 69, responded calmly: This was the liberation of my country from Nazi dictatorship. We know what we owe you. Tariffs deal possible Merz avoided other possible pitfalls as Trump spent much of his time on a lengthy discourse against his billionaire former advisor Elon Musk. Topics like US tariffs on the EU and the prospect of a trade deal barely came up, with Trump saying he believed a deal was possible. On Trumps threat to hammer the European Union with sharply higher tariffs, Merz, leader of the blocs biggest economy, had earlier argued that it must be self-confident in its negotiations with Washington. Nor did Trump confront Merz over free speech issues in Germany as US media had reported he might - a bugbear the administration has repeatedly brought up with European leaders despite its own record. Merz told reporters in Washington ahead of the meeting that if Trump brought up German domestic politics I will state my opinion very clearly if necessary. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump and some in his administration have given vocal support to the far-right and anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which came second in February elections. US Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and former Trump adviser Elon Musk have all weighed in in support of the AfD, which in Germany is shunned by all other political parties. Despite the tensions, Merz had said earlier that he was looking forward to his first face-to-face meeting with Trump. The German chancellor is believed to have studied videos of previous Oval Office ambushes and learned how to stay calm and let Trump talk. With inputs from agencies Trump wants Nato members to raise defence budgets to 5% of their GDP. Nato Secretary-General Mark Rutte has proposed a compromise plan, calling for 3.5% dedicated to core military spending by 2032, and an additional 1.5% for broader security needs read more The logo of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and the US flag at Nato headquarters in Brussels, Belgium on February 17, 2025. Reuters File US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth urged Nato allies on Thursday (June 5) to agree to significantly increase defense spending ahead of an upcoming summit, aiming to meet demands set by President Donald Trump. Trump has insisted Nato members raise defence budgets to 5 per cent of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Nato Secretary-General Mark Rutte has proposed a compromise plan, calling for 3.5 per cent of GDP dedicated to core military spending by 2032, with an additional 1.5 per cent for broader security needs, including infrastructure. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Diplomats suggest Ruttes proposal appears likely to gain approval at the Nato summit scheduled for June 24-25 in The Hague, despite reservations from a few member countries, notably Spain, which is only now set to meet the current 2 per cent target. Hegseths message to Nato The reason Im here is to make sure every country in Nato understands every shoulder has to be to the plough, every country has to contribute at that level of five percent, Hegseth said in Brussels. Our message is going to continue to be clear. Its deterrence and peace through strength, but it cant be reliance. It cannot and will not be reliance on America in a world of a lot of threats. Diplomats indicated several countries were negotiating for extended timelines and fewer incremental requirements for increasing defense budgets annually. Nevertheless, the compromise is expected to allow Trump to claim a partial victory while accommodating financial constraints faced by European members. Nato to get new capability targets? Simultaneously, Nato ministers prepared to finalise new capability targets aimed at enhancing deterrence against Russia. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said the revised targets would require Germany to recruit approximately 50,000 to 60,000 additional soldiers. Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans estimated the financial cost to meet Natos proposed spending levels at a minimum of 3.5 per cent of GDP for the Netherlands. Europes heightened defense ambitions are partly driven by uncertainty over Washingtons long-term commitment to European security. Hegseth previously unsettled Nato allies with suggestions that the US might reduce its European military presence to prioritize threats from China. Meanwhile, the upcoming summit faces additional tensions over Ukraine. Trumps administration has significantly scaled back US support for Kyiv during Russias ongoing invasion. Hegseth notably missed a recent meeting in Brussels focused on supporting Ukraine. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD European allies continue pressing to invite Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the summit in The Hague, although Nato has not confirmed his attendance, stating only that Ukraine will be represented. With inputs from agencies US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday said Nato allies are nearing consensus on a new defence spending target of 5% of GDP, a longstanding demand from President Donald Trump to member states read more Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, left, and Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte deliver statements ahead of a meeting of Nato defence ministers at Nato headquarters in Brussels, on Thursday. AP US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday said Nato allies are nearing consensus on a new defence spending target of 5% of GDP, a longstanding demand from President Donald Trump to member states. Trump has for months said he wants Nato allies to boost investment in defence to 5% of gross domestic product, up from the current target of 2%. No country is yet at 5%, not even the US, but Hegseth said there was progress on agreeing to the target. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Speaking after a meeting with Nato defence ministers in Brussels, Hegseth said, I think it is, it is worth taking a moment to note the historic nature of what just occurred in there, which is not an end state, theres still more to go. But considering 2% was the goal that President Trump set out in his first term, President Trump said other countries need to carry the burden, pay the fair share, and a lot of people thought that was impossible, it couldnt happen, and here we are: countries in there are well exceeding 2% and we think very close, almost near consensus, on a 5% commitment for Nato. He, however, said there are a few countries that are not quite there yet but expressed the desire to get them there. I wont name any names. Its amongst friends in that room. Well get them there. But from France to Germany to the Baltics to the Nordic countries to Poland to Greece to Hungary, to so many more, the commitment is there 5% on defence spending. When you consider the threats that we face, the urgency in the world, its critical, he added. Capability targets Nato Secretary-General Mark Rutte confirmed ministers agreed on capability targets to strengthen military readiness. These targets involve priority acquisitions like long-range missiles, drones, and air defence systems, as well as logistics tools to enhance rapid deployment. All these investments have to be financed, AP quoted Rutte as saying. Earlier in the days as he arrived for the Nato meeting, Hegseth said that all Nato members must commit to spending 5% of their GDP on defence by the upcoming summit of Nato leaders scheduled for June 2425. According to diplomats, European allies recognise that increasing defence spending is essential to securing continued US support for the continents security. They believe enabling President Trump to claim a victory on his 5% demand is key to maintaining American engagement, especially during the Hague summit, reported Reuters. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD That will be a considerable extra investment, Rutte told reporters. He expressed confidence that at the Hague summit, we will decide on a much higher spending target for all the nations in Nato. In an effort to reach Trumps 5% target, Rutte has proposed that alliance members increase direct defence spending to 3.5% of GDP and allocate an additional 1.5% to broader security-related initiatives, Reuters reported. Hegseth expressed support for that plan on Thursday. You got to spend to have hard power, Reuters quoted Hegseth as saying. This alliance, we believe, in a matter of weeks, will be committing to 5%: 3.5% in hard military and 1.5% in infrastructure and defence-related activities, that combination constitutes a real commitment. Spain not on board However, not all member states are aligned. Spain, for instance, has expressed hesitation about adopting the 5% target. We think that this 2% is enough to meet the responsibilities we have committed to, Reuters quoted Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles as saying on Thursday. What is important is that each country is able to meet the objectives it has set itself, Robles added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Natos investment plan Negotiations over Natos new investment plan are expected to continue up to the summits eve. Meanwhile, Rutte said allies are set to agree Thursday on historic new capability targets defining troop numbers, weapons, and ammunition contributions to better balance defence efforts across Europe, Canada, and the US. Germany will need 50,00060,000 additional active troops under the proposed targets, according to German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. Disagreements remain over the timeline for meeting the 5% spending goal. Rutte has suggested 2032, a deadline some Eastern European countries say is too slow, while others see it as too ambitious. Estonia wants the target reached within five years. We dont have time for 10 years, we dont have time even for seven years, said Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur. Sweden is pushing for 2030. Debate also continues over what counts as defense-related spending, with possible inclusion of cybersecurity and certain infrastructure projects. With inputs from agencies The Trump administration has warned Columbia University that it may lose its accreditation for failing to protect Jewish students from harassment. A government investigation found the university did not take enough action to stop the harassment, violating federal anti-discrimination laws. read more A New York City police officer looks over the centre of Columbia University in New York. File image/AP The Trump administration on Wednesday said it has alerted Columbia Universitys accrediting body that the school may have violated federal anti-discrimination laws, putting its accreditation at risk. Officials said the university no longer appears to meet the Commissions accreditation standards. According to the Education Department, Columbia failed to protect Jewish students from harassment, violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The finding came after a joint investigation by the Education Departments Office for Civil Rights and the Department of Health and Human Services. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The investigation, which began in February, concluded that Columbia did not take meaningful steps to protect Jewish students from severe and ongoing harassment, denying them equal access to education. The administration said Columbia has been in violation since the start of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel, killing over 1,200 people. In response, Israel launched strikes on Gaza, resulting in more than 54,000 deaths. In response, Columbia said it is aware of the concerns raised and has addressed them directly with its accreditor. Columbia is deeply committed to combating antisemitism on our campus, the university said, adding that it continues to work with the federal government to resolve the issue. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor praised Indias counter-terrorism response against Pakistan during his Washington visit and said that Operation Sindoor was a brilliantly chosen name. read more Tharoor, who is leading the multi-party delegation, made it clear that Indias actions were based on the right to self-defence. PTI/File Photo Praising Indias counter-terrorism action against Pakistan, Shashi Tharoor described Operation Sindoor as a brilliantly chosen name, noting that the colour of sindoor is not very different from the colour of blood. Speaking at the National Press Club in the US, Tharoor explained, Sindoor is a vermilion mark worn by married Hindu women on their foreheads. Its a widely followed tradition, although many Americans may not be familiar with it. Some non-Hindus wear it too, usually for decorative purposes. But strictly speaking, sindoor is applied during the marriage ceremony and worn every day thereafter by married women. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He continued, We were very conscious of these brutal terrorists who, by the way, shot men in front of their wives and children but spared the women. When one wife screamed, Kill me too, she was told, No, you go back and tell them what weve done. While addressing the Indian community in Washington, DC, Tharoor recalled this chilling moment from the recent Pahalgam terror attack, where a woman, after witnessing her husbands killing, pleaded to be shot too, only to be told to return and recount the horror. Tharoor used this incident to underscore the strong and unconditional support India has received from US lawmakers in the aftermath of the attack. Theres been a very wide, impressive cross-section of legislators who met and spoke with us. Our purpose in coming was actually very simple: to lay out what weve been through in India over the past few weeks following the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam, and to seek understanding and solidarity with us on these measures, the Congress MP said. The relationship with India matters deeply to all these people. The strategic partnership is realwe saw it in practice. Theres always something happening. In fact, when our meeting at the Senate was ending, they had to rush off for a vote. But they made time for us and engaged in a very positive and constructive manner. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With Operation Spider Web, Ukraine has played its cards and acquired a seat at the negotiating table with a position of relative strength. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also punctured the myth of Russian invincibility and called out Vladimir Putins bluff of imminent victory and nuclear rhetoric. read more Months after US President Donald Trump berated him at the White House for not having any cards, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy played his cards on Sunday. In an audacious attack with no precedent in the world, Ukraine struck five airbases and possibly a submarine base as well across the length and breadth of Russia including in the far-off Siberia. With 117 drones, Ukraine destroyed nearly a third of Russias long-range, nuclear-capable bombers and airborne early warning and command (AEWAC) fleets. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With Operation Spider Web, Ukraine reminded the world that the war is far from being decided and Ukraine is far from being defeated. In the David versus Goliath face-off, Ukraine has shown it has mastered asymmetric warfare and has the ability to impose costs despite its adversary having superiority in every domain. Even though Trump has for months parroted Russian talking points that Ukraine is on the brink of defeat, the situation on the ground is a stalemate at best and, at worst, costs far outweigh the benefits for Russia. Neither side currently holds a decisive upper hand in the battlefield and Russias incremental gains and Ukraines resilient defence signal not victory, but a prolonged stalemate, says Shreya Sinha, a European affairs scholar at Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF). Facts in face: Russia has gained just 1 per cent of Ukrainian territory since January 2024. Zelenskyy destroys Russian invincibility and asserts Ukraines resilience For months, visuals of Ukrainian neighbourhoods in Russian airstrikes and the sting of betrayal as the principal ally, the United States, appeared to switch allegiance to the adversary, had dominated the news cycle. But that was until Sunday. Since Sunday, have dominated the news cycle as well as deliberations of strategists across the world as Ukraine ushered the world into a new age of modern warfare with the attack. Suddenly, Russia is no longer as invincible as Vladimir Putin had been portraying and not as victorious as Trump had been saying. Ukraines drone strikes have communicated the nations resilience and innovation, challenging assumptions about asymmetry in capability. In a non-kinetic warfare paradigm, Ukraine has not only held ground but also reinvented itself as a formidable actor in drone-based hybrid warfare, shaping perceptions globally, says Sinha, an Associate Fellow of European studies at the Delhi-based think tank VIF. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian airbases and the destruction of several nuclear-capable intercontinental bombers is among the most audacious covert ops in military history. Some of the images, shown here, reveals the damage. Ukraine claims 40 aircraft destroyed. pic.twitter.com/9w6IwEybq7 Vishnu Som (@VishnuNDTV) June 4, 2025 To be sure, Russia was never close to an overwhelming victory despite what the propagandists said as every gain came at a very high cost. Consider these facts: Russia has lost its Black Sea fleet to the extent that it is essentially inoperable and has also lost a third of its long-range bomber aircraft and nearly half of its AWAC fleet. It has suffered around 1 million troop casualties . Ukraine has also assassinated some top generals. Despite outnumbering and outgunning Ukraine, Russia has suffered disproportionately higher losses and it needs to be asked whether such losses are worth the gains, says Swasti Rao, a scholar of geopolitics at Jindal School of International Affairs (JSIA). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Rao pointed out that even though Russia controls a fifth of Ukrainian territory, a large chunk of it was captured with the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and subsequent insurgency in eastern Ukraine before 2022. As per the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Russia currently controls around 19 per cent of Ukrainian territory around 4-5 per cent was captured with the annexation of Crimea in 2014, around 2-3 per cent was captured by pro-Russia insurgents in eastern Ukraine during 2014-22, and Russia has captured just 12 per cent in the full-scale war since 2022. ALSO READ: Russia suffered 1 million casualties to capture just 12% territory in Ukraine Rao says that the way Ukraine dealt a blow worth $7-8 billion to Russia with drones worth just a few million dollars at most tells the entire cost versus benefit story of the war. More than weapons, Ukraine lacks soldiers, but, with innovation in drone warfare, Ukraine has compensated its low numbers to a great extent, says Rao, an associate professor at JISA and a non-resident fellow at Eastern Circles think tank. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The situation now is that the war is costing Russia much more than its costing Ukraine in all domains equipment, money, and reputation. As a result of the war, Russia has become dependent on China for the sustenance of its war and economy. For a superpower to become a junior partner of a rising power is a major loss of reputation, says Rao Ukraine seeks strength at negotiation table With the drone attack, Zelenskyy has aimed for many birds with one stone. Besides securing a tactical edge with the attacks and reminding the world that the war is nowhere near its conclusion and that Ukraine does hold cards, Zelenskyys biggest accomplishment is, in the words of Rao, the confirmation of a seat at the negotiating table. Ukraine sought, and successfully acquired, a relative position of strength in ongoing negotiations with these strikes. The final outcome of the war is unlikely to change in the sense that Ukraine is unlikely to get Russia-occupied territories back, but such military successes strengthens its hands in talks and securing better terms, such as increased say in talks and perhaps negotiating security guarantees, says Rao. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Such a situation is a far cry from the situation just a few months back when Trump had said that Ukraine having a seat at the table in decisions about the end of the war was not a must. While Russia has acquired a position of relative strength, Russia has lost some leverage and Ukraine has called out Putins bluff to a great extent. Rao tells Firstpost, Despite such a large military and famed intelligence apparatus, Ukraine has called out Russias bluff again and again. Ukraine has assassinated Russian generals at the time and place of its choosing. Ukraine has sunk prized Russian ships. Now, Ukraine has destroyed some of the most valued Russian Air Force planes. As Russia has lost a face in all domains, ranging from border security and foreign intelligence to domestic security and base security, its leverage in talks has also been affected. ALSO READ: Ukraine and beyond: 25 years on, Putin is still fighting Cold War STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While Putin has vowed to retaliate and maintained his stand in his latest telephonic conversation with US President Donald Trump, if Ukraine manages to hold onto advantages gained through the recent drone attacks, it can secure a deal that addresses its concerns better, suggests Rao. For Ukraine, full-scale concessions are simply not on the table anymore and Ukraine is set to push for its terms more forcefully, says Sinha of VIF. Its now certain that Ukraine will not sign a deal that legitimises recent Russian gains, such as in Novopil in Donetsk, Vodolahy in Sumy, or Bilohorivka in Luhansk. These are not just pieces of land, but they are proof that this war is still very much ongoing, to which Ukraine has given its all. Any future peace deal would likely hinge on international security guarantees and a long-term roadmap to reconstruction and political stability, says Sinha. As for the immediate future, even though Putins supporters have called for a nuclear attack on Ukraine and some have suggested that Putin could launch a new offensive with unprecedented fury, neither is likely even as Putin has vowed retaliation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD For many weeks, Russia has been launching hundreds of drones and missiles on a near-daily basis, so the increase of scale would not mean much for Ukraine. As for the nuclear attack, there is consensus that it is a red line that the international community, including China, would allow Putin to cross. At multiple points in the war, China, the principal ally of Russia, and India, which has functioned as a backchannel on occasions, made it clear to Putin that nuclear weapons were off the table come what may. As for a ground offensive, Russia may not be in a position to launch it anytime soon without a fresh mobilisation of its troops as it faces resource crunch for such a massive offensive in Ukraine, says Kseniya Kirillova, a Russia analyst at Washington DC-based think tank Jamestown Foundation. More than Ukraines attacks, the question of a new offensive would be decided by internal stability in Russia, says Kirillova. It appears that Putin is reluctant to declare such a mobilisation and is instead interested in a temporary pause. New aggression could emerge if the war in Ukraine stalls and Putin concludes that propaganda alone is no longer sufficient to maintain regime stability. However, if Europe demonstrates a credible readiness to defend itself, this would serve as an effective deterrent. It is important to remember that it is weakness, not strength, that provokes Putin, says Kirillova The IMF has demanded stricter compliance with programme requirements, especially from the provincial governments in Pakistan, who are believed to have exceeded their development allocations for next year by almost $3 billion than the IMFs estimates read more The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has tightened scrutiny of Pakistans budget appropriation amid final consultations. According to reports in Pakistani media, the IMF has demanded stricter compliance with programme requirements, especially from the provincial governments, who are believed to have exceeded their development allocations for next year by almost PKR 850 billion ($3 billion) than the IMFs estimates. The IMF has also directed the provinces to start levying tax on agricultural income by September this year. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The fund has also reportedly expressed its displeasure over the governments plan to incentivise enhanced power consumption. IMF asks provinces to control expenditure Pakistani newspaper Dawn reported that the fund has asked the provincial governments to control expenditure, something that doesnt conform with expansionary development plans already approved by the National Economic Council (NEC). On the other hand, provinces have expressed their inability to provide a committed budget surplus this year, citing the Centres revenue shortfall. Pakistans crypto mining project in a fix Additionally, the IMF has asked the Pakistani government to continue cost-cutting efforts to stabilise the power sector and provide a level playing field to all. It means that Pakistans move to allocate 2000MW of electricity to crypto farming at a much cheaper rate (PKR 8-9 per unit) than unit base rate (PKR 25 per unit) may face hurdles. The IMF is against Punjabs plan to provide subsidies for electricity and gas next year, as it did this year. The IMF wants joint efforts to tackle electricity and gas theft and smuggling to reduce financial losses and tax evasion. Provinces will need to streamline their departments next year to align with similar federal efforts this year. IMFs ultimatum to Pakistan This follows the IMFs ultimatum last month on how Islamabad should use the $1 billion aid package it provided. IMF Communication Director Julie Kozack stated that Pakistan has met all the requirements to receive the aid package. However, she emphasised that the funds are strictly to address balance of payments issues and cannot be used for budget financing or other sectors. In the case of Pakistan, and this is my second point, the EFF disbursements, all of the disbursements received under the EFF, are allocated to the reserves of the central bank. So, those disbursements are at the central bank, and under the program, those resources are not part of budget financing. They are not transferred to the government to support the budget, Kozack said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD IMFs aid to Pakistan has drawn criticism from New Delhi of late. During the military escalation between the two nuclear-powered nations, India requested the IMF to reassess the bailout, citing Pakistans allowance of its territory for state-sponsored terrorist activities against Indian citizens. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently described the aid as indirect funding to terror and warned international organisations, including the IMF, to reevaluate their decisions to aid Pakistan. The IMF has provided Pakistan with $2.1 billion in two instalments under its Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme. The instalments are part of a $7 billion agreement signed with Pakistan last year. In his first call since taking over as the Vicar of Christ, Pope Leo appealed to Russian leader Vladimir Putin to make peace in Ukraine and address the humanitarian situation in the country. Before taking over as the pope, he had condemned the Russian war on Ukraine as an imperialist invasion. read more Pope Leo discussed the ongoing war in Ukraine with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday. Since taking over as the Vicar of Christ last month, this was Leos first call with Putin. While Leo stressed the need for a ceasefire and referred to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, Putin spoke of the purported Ukrainian aggression and repeated his maximalist demands. The Pope made an appeal for Russia to take a gesture that would favor peace, emphasising the importance of dialogue to create positive contacts between the parties and seek solutions to the conflict, the Vatican said in a statement. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The conversation came at a time when Ukraine and Russia are holding direct talks hosted by Turkey. The talks have come amid increasing violence as Russia has continued to launch hundreds of drones and missiles on a near-daily basis lately. On Sunday, Ukraine launched a drone attack on five Russian airbases and destroyed nearly a third of Russias long-range, nuclear-capable bomber and surveillance fleets. In its readout, the Kremlin said that Putin told Leo that root causes needs to be addressed for their to be an ultimate, fair, and thorough resolution. Root causes is how Putin and his top officials refer to their maximalist demands for the end of the Ukraine war. Such demands essentially amount to Ukraines surrender and the cessation of Ukrainian neighbourhood. These maximalist demands include the complete surrender of five Ukrainian provinces that Russia claims and Russian occupations international recognition; limits on post-war Ukrainian military; amendments to Ukrainian constitution to include Russian language in official business, a ban on nationalist bodies in Ukraine, and other changes; creation of a buffer zone on Ukraines side of the envisioned new border; etc. ALSO READ: Russia-Ukraine talks: What terms and conditions Putin and Zelenskyy want to apply to peace The Kremlin said that Putin drew special attention to the fact that the Kyiv regime was banking on escalating the conflict and carried out sabotage against civilian infrastructure in Russia. Before taking over as the Pope, Leo had condemned the Russian war on Ukraine as a true invasion, imperialist in nature, where Russia seeks to conquer territory for reasons of power. The approach was in sharp contrast to then-Pope Francis stand on the conflict, who was often criticised for taking a softer position and not directly condemning Russia for invading Ukraine. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Kyivs daring strikes on Russian airfields Sunday destroyed several nuclear-capable aircraft worth billions of dollars, and dominated the third call between the Russian and US presidents since Trump returned to power read more Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened a major response to Ukraines drone attack on the countrys airbases during a phone call with his American counterpart, Donald Trump. The US president said that Putin is not ready for immediate peace after Kyiv attacked its bombers, the largest such counteroffensive in years. I just finished speaking, by telephone, with President Vladimir Putin, of Russia. The call lasted approximately one hour and 15 minutes. We discussed the attack on Russias docked airplanes, by Ukraine, and also various other attacks that have been taking place by both sides. It was a good conversation, but not a conversation that will lead to immediate Peace. President Putin did say, and very strongly, that he will have to respond to the recent attack on the airfields, Trump said on Truth Social shortly after his phone call with the Russian president. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Kyivs daring strikes on Russian airfields Sunday destroyed several nuclear-capable aircraft worth billions of dollars, and dominated the third call between the Russian and US presidents since Trump returned to power. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged Ukraines allies not to show weakness over the Russian presidents threats of retaliation. When he feels neither strength nor pressure, but weakness, he commits yet more crimes, Zelensky said in an online post. Kim vows unconditional support to Moscow On the other hand, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has offered unconditional support to Russia in its war against Ukraine. Meeting top Russian security official Sergei Shoigu on Wednesday, Kim said that Pyongyang would unconditionally support the stand of Russia and its foreign policies in all the crucial international political issues, including the Ukrainian issue, the Korean Central News Agency reported. Kim expressed expectation and conviction that Russia would, as ever, surely win victory in the sacred cause of justice, KCNA said. Pope talks to Putin On Wednesday, Putin also spoke with Pope Leo about the war in Ukraine during a telephone call, with the Kremlin stating that the Russian president sought peace through diplomacy. However, Putin also asserted that the regime in Kyiv is betting on an escalation of the conflict and carrying out acts of sabotage against civil infrastructure on Russian territory, according to a statement. During the call, Putin reaffirmed his interest in bringing about peace by political and diplomatic means. The Kremlin described the conversation as constructive. With inputs from agencies Moldovas Prime Minister Dorin Recean has warned that Vladimir Putin wants to install a puppet government in the country so it can strengthen Russias hold on the breakaway region of Transnistria. read more Vladimir Putin wants to install a puppet government in Moldova so it can strengthen Russias hold on the breakaway region of Transnistria, the countrys premier has warned. Moldova is sandwiched between Ukraine to the north, east, and south, and Romania to the west. Its border region of Transnistria has been controlled by a pro-Russia regime since 1990. With the Russian backing, the separatists fought and won a brief war with Moldova in 1992. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ahead of elections in the country in September, Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean has told Financial Times that Putin is interfering in the countrys politics so that he could replace the pro-European Union (EU) government with a pro-Russia, puppet government. ALSO READ: Ukraine and beyond: 25 years on, Putin is still fighting Cold War to restore Soviet Union If such a puppet government is elected, Putin would deploy 10,000 soldiers in Transnistria, said Recean. This is a huge effort to undermine Moldovan democracy Recean has said that Putins plot is a bid to undermine Moldovas democracy. This is a huge effort to undermine Moldovan democracy. They want to consolidate their military presence in the Transnistrian region, said Reacan. Since 1992, when Russia intervened in favour of the separatist regime, its soldiers have been stationed in Transnistria. The number, however, is relatively small and it is not easy to deploy more soldiers as the region is landlocked and has no direct road link to Russia. Recean further said, You can imagine with 10,000 troops, what the leverage and pressure would be on the south-western part of Ukraine, but also close to Romania, which is a Nato member state. Russia has long had eyes on Moldova This is not the first time that Russian interference has been reported in Moldova, formerly a part of the Soviet Union. In last years referendum about the European Union (EU) membership , unprecedented Russian interference was reported in the form of propaganda dissemination, buying peoples votes, and subversive activities like cyberattacks. A narrow majority of people voted to make way for Moldovas EU membership. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Voters also narrowly elected a pro-EU president, Maia Sandu. The process to join the EU began last year and is expected to be completed by 2028-29. For years, analysts have warned that Moldova could be the next target of Russian aggression after Ukraine as it is a former Soviet republic in Russias extended neighbourhood and is neither a member of Nato nor the EU. This means the country has no external security blanket like some other countries in Russias neighbourhood or extended neighbourhood, such as Finland and Romania, who are Nato members. Moreover, unlike Ukraine, Moldova has a very small and poorly armed and trained military that is unlikely to withstand any invasion. The country is therefore considered a soft target for Russia. In a 30-minute meeting with Us Vice President JD Vance, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor spoke on behalf of the Indian delegation regarding the situation that led to Op Sindoor, and how it was on halt not over read more Parliamentarian and former diplomat Shashi Tharoor, alongside an all-party Indian delegation, met United States Vice President JD Vance on Thursday (June 5). That the meeting the 30-minute meeting with JD Vance would happen was only decided in the morning. The Congress leader spoke on behalf of the Indian delegation regarding the situation that led to Operation Sindoor and drove home the point that such an act was important, sources told News18. Excellent meeting with Vice President @JDVance today in Washington D.C. with our delegation. We had comprehensive discussions covering a wide array of critical issues, from counter-terrorism efforts to enhancing technological cooperation. A truly constructive & productive pic.twitter.com/mAJtqeqiGS Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) June 5, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The delegation also reiterated that the Indian Armed Forces action was a precise strike on terror bases and quite distinct from Pakistans attacks on innocent civilians living in forward areas like Poonch and Uri. Tharoor further explained that Indias actions would be same every time Pakistan tries to bleed India. He emphasised that the op was only halted, not over. JD Vances promises US support The US Vice President assured India that it has the strong support of the US in its fight against terrorism, News18 cited sources as saying. JD Vance also told the delegation that it was Indias right to protect its territory and that New Delhis right to response was a logical one. The US Vice President also asked the delegation about the possibility of the use of nuclear weapons during the offensive. He was swiftly assured Indias No First Use policy regarding these potent arms existed not only in letter, but also in spirit. They reiterated that the fire exchanged between India and Pakistan was well within the ambit of traditional warfare and not nuclear one. Previously, US President Donald Trump had claimed credit for brokering the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, and averting a potential nuclear war in the South Asia region. However, India has denied this claim repeatedly, pointing out that the ceasefire took place because Pakistan reached out to Indian officials and asked for de-escalation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India and Pakistan have launched global diplomatic campaigns after recent military clashes to shape international opinion. While India pursues a long-term strategy to isolate Pakistan over terrorism, Islamabads outreach is driven by domestic political compulsions. read more In a diplomatic blitz, India and Pakistan dispatched high-profile delegations to the United States, and other countries as well, to present their narratives following last months military clashes over four days before Islamabad requested New Delhi for a no-attack understanding. Indias delegation was led by opposition politician and former Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor , while Pakistans was headed by its former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. They presented contrasting narratives. India emphasised Pakistans alleged sponsorship of terrorism and highlighted Islamabads role in cross-border terror attacks , not just in Pahalgam where tourists were targeted leading to the massacre of 26 people, but for decades as part of its policy of bleeding India to death through a thousand cuts. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Pakistan, on the other hand, ironically portrays itself as a peaceful victim of Indian aggression and stresses the need for dialogue. What Shashi Thahoor said to the Pakistan delegation In an interaction at the Indian Embassy in Washington DC, he said, This [Pakistan] delegation is going around saying we are also victims of terrorism, we have lost more lives to terrorism than India has. We turn around and say whose fault is that? Tharoor said, As Hillary Clinton famously said 10 years ago, You cant breed vipers in your backyard and expect them to bite only your neighbours. Thats why they [Pakistan] are now getting terrorists attacked by the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, but who created the Taliban from which the Tehrik-i-Taliban broke off? We all know the answer to that, so let Pakistan look inside it and let it do some serious interior reflection before it goes around pleading innocence and deniability and everything else. Contrasting approaches, differing motivations Indias multiparty approach projects unity. Indias delegation, including prominent opposition figures, signals a united front domestically, strengthening the credibility of its message abroad. This contrasts with Pakistans more fragmented political representation and underscores the Modi governments confidence in its narrative. Pakistans domestic vulnerabilities were on display in its diplomatic moves . Led by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Pakistans diplomatic campaign is driven in large part by its fragile domestic political standing. The government in Islamabad faces low popularity, and hence, it is leveraging international forums to portray itself as a victim of Indian aggression and to seek global mediation on Kashmir a position firmly rejected by India. The selective composition of Pakistans delegations, which exclude major opposition parties like Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), further reveals internal political calculations. Reports suggest that former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan known to have closer ties with Taliban groups, earning him a nickname of Taliban Khan remains a popular choice for the voters though his party, PTI, stays banned from elections. Also, India has dispatched seven delegations to 33 countries, including unlikely venues like Bogota and Ljubljana, reflecting a global campaign to build support. Pakistan is sending two delegations to a handful of capitals including Washington DC, London, and Brussels. How much of it is due to domestic political motivations? Both governments aim to bolster domestic support by showing active international engagement. Indias multiparty delegation projects national unity; Pakistan seeks to counter its low popularity at home. The narrative battle is aimed at domestic audiences as both countries are acutely aware that much of the diplomatic effort is designed to bolster public support at home. Indias government uses the campaign to reinforce nationalist credentials and demonstrate proactive leadership, while Pakistan attempts to rally domestic sympathy by portraying itself as unfairly targeted. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The success of the outcome depends on domestic perception. Each government aims to convince its population that the diplomatic campaign was successful, influencing future public support and policy directions. India has provided evidence for what it is briefing nations in its diplomatic outreach. Pakistan has at best referred to unverified claims made on social media. Indias strategic long game While Pakistan demands resumption of the Indus Waters Treaty suspended by India after the conflict, citing water security concerns, India seeks to reduce Pakistans access to bilateral and multilateral aid until Islamabad takes meaningful anti-terrorism actions. India also calls on Pakistans donors to reduce aid until Islamabad takes stronger action against terrorism. Their strategic goals also seem to be different. India wants to refocus international attention on terrorism rather than nuclear escalation fears, which have dominated since earlier conflicts. Pakistan seems to aim to leverage global concerns over nuclear risks to gain sympathy and mediation support. India is using the diplomatic blitz not just to respond to the four-day military conflict that happened in May but to systematically raise the costs for Pakistan over its failure to curb terrorism. By deploying seven delegations to 33 countries including unlikely venues India aims to build sustained international pressure on Islamabad to act decisively against anti-India militant groups and infrastructure on its soil. This reflects a broader effort to shift global focus back onto terrorism, countering the narrative that prioritises fears of nuclear escalation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Indias sustained diplomatic offensive reflects a calculated, long-term strategy to isolate Pakistan internationally and pressure it into compliance on terrorism issues, while Pakistans campaign reveals its domestic political fragility and reliance on external validation. The ultimate success of these efforts will be judged largely by their impact on domestic public opinion in both countries. But there are challenges, for India as well India has gained and can expect wider support over terrorism concerns but alleviating nuclear fears remains a challenge especially against the backdrop of Trumps one-sided repeated claims of stopping an atomic war. Pakistan faces skepticism due to Indias strategic importance globally and resistance to international mediation on Kashmir. Challenges for Pakistans global pitch are glaring. Despite Pakistans efforts, Indias growing global stature as a strategic and commercial partner limits Islamabads ability to gain widespread international backing for mediation or to deflect attention from terrorism concerns. The contrast is too sharp to be glossed over. India is playing a patient and strategic diplomatic long game aimed at exposing Pakistans unabashed terror policy. On the other hand, Pakistans moves look heavily influenced by internal political needs against the backdrop of the battering its armed forces received during Operation Sindoor. The IEA projected a 6 per cent reduction in oil production investment this year. Excluding pandemic years, this marks the largest drop since 2016 when oil prices plummeted below $30 a barrel read more A 6 per cent reduction in oil production investment is forecasted for this year. Representational Image Investment in fossil fuels is set to decline this year for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic, driven by a significant contraction in oil sector spending, according to a new report by the International Energy Agency. The IEA projected a 6 per cent reduction in oil production investment this year. Excluding pandemic years, this marks the largest drop since 2016 when oil prices plummeted below $30 a barrel. This is the first time we have seen such a decline, except for Covid, because of lower prices and lower oil demand, Financial Times cited Fatih Birol, head of the Paris-based intergovernmental energy advisory body, as saying. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Since reaching $82 a barrel in mid-January, oil prices have fallen sharply to around $65 following Opecs significant production increase . The IEA indicated that US shale producers, responsible for 15 per cent of global oil investment, are particularly sensitive to lower prices and will reduce their spending by 10 per cent this year. Major international oil companies are also expected to scale back spending slightly, prioritising shareholder returns over new projects. Consequently, state-owned oil firms from West Asia and Asia will account for 40 per cent of all oil and gas investment globally this year, up from 25 per cent a decade ago. Clean energy investments decline among oil majors Oil giants have further reduced their investments in clean energy, according to the IEA, which reported a 25 per cent decline in spending on low-emissions technology last year, totaling $22 billion compared to the previous year. Overall, the world is anticipated to invest approximately $1.1 trillion in fossil fuels in 2025, substantially lower than the more than $2.2 trillion allocated to renewable energy, nuclear power, batteries, power grids, low-emission fuels, and energy efficiency. Coal power expands in China, India Despite the broader reduction in fossil fuel investment, China and India continue expanding coal-fired power generation to meet rapidly growing electricity demands. In contrast, advanced economies have notably stopped ordering new coal plant turbines for the first time ever. The addition of coal is mainly driven by energy security reasons, Birol explained. China had some bitter experiences when there was very hot weather and hydropower was very weak. Meanwhile, in the United States, despite the Trump administrations criticism of renewable energy, rising electricity demands from AI and data centers will necessitate additional renewable energy, gas, and nuclear power, according to Birol. Separately, Enverus, an energy research firm, noted that 517 gigawatts of planned renewable projects in the US still require federal tax credits, while 284 gigawatts do not. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD If these projects are built at the same pace as last year, that is enough to sustain todays build-out pace for more than six years, said Corianna Mah, an analyst at Enverus. Trump has announced a sweeping travel ban on citizens from twelve countries. Although he cited the recent Colorado attack as the reason, the attackers home country, Egypt, is notably absent from the list. read more In another move that has drawn global attention, US President Donald Trump has unveiled a sweeping travel ban targeting citizens from twelve countries, by banning their entry to the United States. The ban, which completely bars entry for individuals from nations including Afghanistan, Iran, Somalia, and Yemen, is part of what Trump claims is a broader effort to prevent terrorism and protect American lives. In addition to these full bans, partial visa restrictions have been imposed on citizens from seven more countries, such as Cuba, Venezuela, and Turkmenistan, limiting their access to specific types of visas. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This comes as Trump justifies his move by referring to the recent attack in Colorado, allegedly carried out by a foreign national who, he claimed, bypassed proper vetting procedures. However, critics were quick to highlight a key flaw: the attackers home countryEgyptis not among the listed nations. These partial restrictions will limit the ability of citizens from affected countries to obtain certain types of visas, while allowing for limited exceptions in specific circumstances. Why: Trump justified the new ban by raising concerns over foreign nationals entering the US without being properly vetted. In his statement, he cited the recent deadly attack in Colorado as an example of the danger posed by individuals who manage to circumvent the immigration system. The suspect in the Colorado attack, he argued, was a foreign national who had entered the US without undergoing adequate security checks. As a result, he claimed, stronger vetting protocols are necessary to safeguard American citizens and prevent future attacks. The wrong trigger: However, a glaring issue with the travel ban has come to light: the suspect in the Colorado attack, identified as an Egyptian national, is not included in the new restrictions. This omission has led many to question whether the Trump administration has targeted the wrong countries in its attempt to bolster national security. Egypt, despite being the attackers country of origin, is notably absent from both the complete and partial bansprompting criticism that the administrations rationale behind the travel ban is fundamentally flawed. The reason: So why has Egypt been spared from the ban? The answer lies in the longstanding defence alliance between the United States and Egypt. The US has consistently regarded Egypt as a key partner in the Middle East, referring to the relationship as a pillar of regional stability. This military and diplomatic partnership has created a delicate balancing act between security concerns and geopolitical interests. Despite the Egyptian link to the attack, the Trump administration appears to have prioritised maintaining its strategic alliance with Egypteven if that means compromising on the stated goal of enhancing national security. This partnership, which includes joint military operations and intelligence sharing, seems to have shielded Egypt from inclusion in the travel restrictions. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Public backlash: The decision to exclude Egypt from the ban has sparked backlash from critics, who argue that the move is politically drivenplacing international alliances above the safety of American citizens. Many have pointed out the inconsistency in the logic of the ban, which disproportionately targets countries with limited US diplomatic ties while sparing those of greater strategic importance. Conclusion: While the administration maintains that the travel ban is a necessary measure to prevent terrorist attacks, the omission of Egypt raises significant doubts about the true motivations behind the policy. With the Colorado attack cited as the justification, critics are questioning whether political and military considerations have been prioritised over a coherent and effective security strategy. As tensions rise, many argue that President Trump may have pulled the wrong triggertargeting the wrong countries and potentially undermining the very goal the ban was meant to achieve. Donald Trump has launched an investigation into Joe Bidens actions as president, accusing his aides of hiding signs of his cognitive decline. He also questioned the use of autopen device, claiming it was used to push major decisions while Biden was unfit to lead. read more US President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden (L) poses with President-elect Donald Trump (2nd R) and wife Melania Trump (R) as they arrive at the White House in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2025 US President Donald Trump has ordered an investigation into Joe Bidens actions as president, alleging that Bidens top aides hid signs of his cognitive decline. Biden defeated Trump in the 2020 election, but later decided not to run again in the 2024 polls after a poor debate performance raised questions about his age and mental sharpness. Republicans have long questioned Bidens mental fitness , and recent reports and a book by CNN host Jake Tapper have shown that even some Democrats and people close to Biden had serious doubts about his ability to handle the job. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In a memo, Trump raised doubts about Biden using an autopen to sign pardons and other papers. An autopen is a machine that copies a persons real signature, and presidents have used it for many years. This conspiracy marks one of the most dangerous and concerning scandals in American history, Trump wrote in the memo. The American public was purposefully shielded from discovering who wielded the executive power, all while Bidens signature was deployed across thousands of documents to effect radical policy shifts. Meanwhile, House Oversight Chairman James Comer of Kentucky, a Republican, requested transcribed interviews with five Biden aides, alleging they had participated in a cover-up" that amounted to one of the greatest scandals in our nations history. These five former senior advisors were eyewitnesses to President Bidens condition and operations within the Biden White House, Comer said in a statement. They must appear before the House Oversight Committee and provide truthful answers about President Bidens cognitive state and who was calling the shots. Interviews were requested with White House senior advisers Mike Donilon and Anita Dunn, former White House chief of staff Ron Klain, former deputy chief of staff Bruce Reed and Steve Ricchetti, a former counselor to the president. US President Donald Trump has announced a visa ban targeting foreign students set to begin studies at Harvard University, reinforcing his hardline approach towards the university. read more The Donald Trump administration in the US stepped up its clash with Harvard University by stripping the school of its right to admit international students. File image/Reuters US President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced a visa ban for foreign students planning to start studies at Harvard University, stepping up his tough stance on the prestigious institution. I have determined that it is necessary to restrict the entry of foreign nationals who seek to enter the United States solely or principally to participate in a course of study at Harvard University or in an exchange visitor programme hosted by Harvard University, Trump said in a statement. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Trump administration has been in a long-running clash with universities, especially Harvard. Trump has often criticised the Ivy League school, which has pushed back against his administrations efforts to influence its admissions, curriculum, and research. In a new order, Trump said foreign students coming to Harvard through the Student and Exchange Visitor Programme would be banned from entering the US, effective immediately. The order also said current international students at Harvard may have their visas reviewed and possibly revoked. Trump claimed the move was needed for national security, saying Harvard had refused to share enough information about alleged misconduct by some foreign students. Just last week, a judge blocked Trumps earlier attempt to stop Harvard from enrolling international students. As a US delegation arrives in New Delhi to negotiate a bilateral trade deal, India is observing the concessions Washington made to other nations, to make the best out of the deal negotiations. read more As a team from the United States arrives in India to negotiate a bilateral trade agreement , reports are emerging that New Delhi is observing the concessions Washington made or plans to make to other nations. According to a report by The Times of India, the Indian government is also monitoring the legal disputes that are surrounding the tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump. During the trade talks, the delegations from both nations would try to ensure that their nations get better market access as the American leader upped the ante in terms of global trading. It is pertinent to note that the Trump administration is seeking to implement a 10 per cent baseline tariff and the suspended reciprocal tariffs ( which were 26 per cent in Indias case). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD After the announcement of the tariffs, the Trump administration used them as a tool to negotiate trade deals with several nations around the world. Earlier this year, the UK and the US signed a bilateral trade agreement to avoid tariffs. According to TOI, Indian government officials are keen to ensure that they manage to extract the best deal for Indian companies. What is India looking for? What we get compared to other countriesthat we will ultimately finalise in the deal, a government official told TOI. The official made it clear that India is conscious of its strategic ties with the US and is also looking to step up imports of shale gas, LNG, and crude oil from America to diversify its import basket, as prices of these items are lower in the US. New Delhi believes that these explorations would help bridge the trade gap of over $40 billion in Indias favour, a major grudge Trump had before he introduced the tariffs. How the Trump administration reacts to Indias plan would determine the governments future course of action on retaliating against some of the tariff hikes introduced by Trump. Exports are increasing There are several things we can buy from the US For example, shale gas, LNG, and crude oil. The more diversified our sources, the greater the benefit for us. Prices are also low in the US, the official, who asked to remain anonymous, told TOI. Overall, the outcome of the upcoming meeting with the American team would determine Indias next move. President Trump reinstated his travel ban, blocking entry from 12 countries and imposing stricter rules for visitors from 8 others, citing national security. The order takes effect Monday. read more President Donald Trump has brought back his travel ban policy from his first term, signing an order on Wednesday night that blocks people from 12 countries from entering the United States. The affected countries are Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Along with the ban, stricter entry rules will also apply to visitors from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. The new rules will come into effect at 12:01 am on Monday. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD I must act to protect the national security and national interest of the United States and its people, Trump said in his proclamation. The bans go into effect on Monday, the White House said. The recent terror attack in Boulder, Colorado has underscored the extreme dangers posed to our country by the entry of foreign nationals who are not properly vetted, Trump said in a video message from the Oval Office posted on X. We dont want them. The ban will not apply to athletes taking part in the 2026 World Cup which the US is co-hosting with Canada and Mexico or the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, according to Trumps order. On the same day, Trump also announced a visa ban for foreign students planning to begin studies at Harvard University, continuing his tough stance on what he sees as a liberal stronghold. Trump compared the new travel restrictions to the earlier ban he imposed in 2017 on several Muslim-majority countries, which caused widespread disruption. He claimed that ban helped prevent terror attacks in the US like those seen in Europe. We wont let what happened in Europe happen here, Trump said. We cannot allow people from countries we cant properly vet to enter. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In response, Venezuela criticised the US, calling it a dangerous place. Being in the United States is a great risk for anyone, not just Venezuelans, said Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, warning citizens against travelling there. Trumps new travel ban could face legal challenges, as has happened with several of his earlier executive actions. A 20-year-old open-source code powered Ukraines Operation Spider Web that destroyed a third of Russian bombers that were hidden miles away from Ukraine. The creators of the code expressed surprise over the matter read more As Ukraines Operation Spider Web rocked Russia, it has been revealed that open-source software used by hobbyist drones powered the attack that wiped out a third of Russias strategic long-range bombers. The attack that took place on Sunday afternoon was seen as one of the most daring and technically coordinated attacks in modern warfare. In broad daylight, explosions rocked air bases in Belaya, Olenya, and Ivanovo in Russia, which are hundreds of miles from Ukraine. However, the Operation , which took over a year of planning, was carried out using a nearly 20-year-old piece of open-source drone autopilot software called ArduPilot. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The original creator of ArduPilot expressed shock over the matter, recalling how the drone company just started out of a basement. Thats ArduPilot, launched from my basement 18 years ago. Crazy, Chris Anderson said in a comment on LinkedIn below footage of the attack. Just wanted to make flying robots: Anderson Anderson eventually took to X, formerly known as Twitter, and tagged his co-creators, Jordi Munoz and Jason Short, in a post about the attack. Not in a million years would I have predicted this outcome. I just wanted to make flying robots, Short said in a reply to Anderson. Ardupilot-powered drones just took out half the Russian strategic bomber fleet. 18 years after @Jrdmnz @jason4short and I created ArduPilot, here it is destroying large parts of the Russian air force. Crazy https://t.co/2SfPQHrcuA Chris Anderson (@chr1sa) June 1, 2025 ArduPilot is an open-source software system that takes its name from the Arduino hardware systems it was originally designed to work with. The work on the source code began in 2007 when Anderson launched the website DIYdrones.com and cobbled together a UAV autopilot system out of a Lego Mindstorms set. DIYdrones eventually became a home for UAV enthusiasts, and for two years, Andersons Lego UAV took flight. According to 404 Media, Munoz and Anderson eventually founded 3DR, an early consumer drone company, and released the earliest versions of the ArduPilot software in 2009. Despite its popularity, the software system remains free to use and can be modified for various purposes. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Wow. Ardupilot powered drones just took out half the Russian strategic bomber fleet. https://t.co/5juA1UXrv4 Jason Short (@jason4short) June 1, 2025 ArduPilot is a trusted, versatile, and open source autopilot system supporting many vehicle types: multi-copters, traditional helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, boats, submarines, rovers, and more, the projects website reads. The source code is developed by a large community of professionals and enthusiasts. New developers are always welcome! Interestingly, the website analytics from 2023 showed that the project was very popular in both Ukraine and Russia since the start of the war. In pre-emptive strikes, Ukraine has destroyed Russian Iskander missile systems that were preparing to launch missiles at Ukraine. The strikes come hours after Russian leader Vladimir Putin vowed to forcefully respond to Ukraines drone attack over the weekend. read more The screengrab shows a Ukrainian strike destroying Russian Iskander missile systems in the Klintsy city in Russia's Bryansk province on Thursday, June 5, 2025. (Photo: Ukraine's Ministry of Defence) Ukraine has said it has struck Russias Iskander missile systems in pre-emptive strikes. In a post on X, the Ministry of Defence said that at least one Iskander missile launcher was destroyed and two more were likely damaged. It said that Iskander missile systems were hit when Russia was in the process of launching those missiles at Ukraine, possibly at the capital Kyiv. It also shared the video of the strike on X. Ukrainian warriors destroyed the russian Iskander missile systems One russian missile launcher detonated, and two more were likely damaged. The results of the strike are being clarified. : @GeneralStaffUA pic.twitter.com/ufP92F8SQX Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) June 5, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Ukrainian strike come shortly after Russian leader Vladimir Putin vowed to respond forcefully to the Ukrainian drone attack over the weekend. In the attack, Ukraine said it destroyed more than 40 Russian aircraft, comprising a third of the regimes long-range, nuclear-capable bomber and surveillance fleets. The Iskander is a short-range, nuclear-capable ballistic missile with a range of 400-500 kilometres. It has been a mainstay of Russian missile barrages on Ukraine. ALSO READ: Operation Spider Web hands Ukraine cards to play with at negotiation table In a statement in Ukrainian, the General Staff said that a Ukrainian missile strike in a joint operation struck the Russian missile launchers of 26th Missile Brigade of the Russian military in Klintsy city in Bryansk province. The General Staff further said that the Ukrainian military and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the main internal intelligence agency, were part of the operation. Notably, the SBU had also led the Operation Spider Web on the weekend in which Ukrainian drones struck five airbases in Russia and possibly a submarine base as well. Airlines can face bans from countries, regions, or international bodies primarily for safety, security, or geopolitical reasons. In Turkish Airlines case, all three are applicable in some form read more Indias aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), recently raised alarms over safety and compliance violations by Turkish Airlines, sparking speculation about the carriers future operations in India. This scrutiny follows rising diplomatic tensions linked to Turkeys support for Pakistan amid Indias Operation Sindoor targeting cross-border terrorism. Why airlines get banned Airlines can face bans from countries, regions, or international bodies primarily for safety, security, or geopolitical reasons. Failure to adhere to international aviation standards, set by organisations like the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), frequently triggers such bans. Poor aircraft maintenance, inadequate crew training, and substandard operational practices are common reasons. Security concerns, such as weak airport security measures, terrorism risks, or conflicts in the airlines home region, may also prompt bans. Additionally, carriers involved in smuggling, sanctions evasion, or improper cargo handling can find themselves barred from certain airspaces. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Diplomatic and geopolitical issues are another significant factor. For instance, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) banned Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) in June 2020 after revelations that many Pakistani pilots held questionable licenses. This ban, also imposed by the UK and the US, was lifted in November 2024 after Pakistan implemented reforms. Similarly, Russian airlines faced bans from EU, U.S., and U.K. airspace after Moscows invasion of Ukraine in 2022 as part of coordinated sanctions. Violations by Turkish Airlines In India, inspections from May 29 to June 2 at airports in Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru revealed significant issues with Turkish Airlines operations. At Bengaluru Airport, inspectors found a ground marshaller operating without required authorisation and a valid competency card, violating Indian aviation regulations designed to ensure safe aircraft movement. Further violations emerged in Hyderabad and Bengaluru, where the airlines current ground handling agent, Globe Ground India, operated without a formal Service Level Agreement (SLA). Critical ground equipment, such as ladders, trolleys, and Ground Power Units (GPUs), were inadequately monitored and accounted for, worsened by improper handover procedures following the recent removal of Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltda Turkish-linked firm whose security clearance was revoked by Indias Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) citing national security concerns. Could Turkish Airlines be banned from India? While no official announcement of a ban has been made, these violations, combined with heightened scrutiny of Turkish entities amid geopolitical strains, could prompt action by Indian authorities if corrective measures arent swiftly implemented. However, whether the administration wants strained ties with Turkey when tensions with Pakistan have just begun to cool, will be a major influencing factor. Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday held phone talks with his US counterpart, Donald Trump. The report comes as trade tensions between two of the worlds largest economies remain high read more US President Donald Trump waves next to Chinese President Xi Jinping after attending a business event at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on November 9, 2017, during his first term. (Photo: AP) Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday (June 5) held phone talks with his US counterpart, Donald Trump, according to Chinese state-owned Xinhua News. The report comes as trade tensions between two of the worlds largest economies remain high. Trade negotiations between the United States and China have reached an impasse, with both nations accusing each other of violating a recent tariff truce they had reached in Geneva. Per the truce, both countries had agreed to temporarily reduce tariffs the US lowering tariffs on Chinese goods from 145 per cent to 30 per cent, and China reducing its tariffs on US goods from 125 per cent to 10 per cent for a 90-day period to facilitate further negotiations. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, the US has accused China of curbing exports of critical minerals, while the Chinese government has objected to the Trump administration restricting its sale of advanced chips and its access to student visas for college and graduate students. Global supply chains disrupted The stalemate has heightened global economic uncertainty and disrupted markets. The protracted trade dispute has disrupted global supply chains and affected multinational corporations. For instance, Apple and Alibabas joint rollout of AI services in China has been delayed due to regulatory hurdles exacerbated by the trade tensions. Additionally, Chinas consideration of a significant aircraft order from Airbus, potentially sidelining US manufacturer Boeing, shows the economic ramifications of the ongoing conflict. Trumps view of Xi Against this backdrop, it is interesting to note that just a day ago, Trump had called Chinas Xi Jinping tough and extremely hard to make a deal with on Wednesday, exposing frictions after the White House raised expectations for a long-awaited phone call between the two leaders this week. I like President Xi of China, always have, and always will, but he is VERY TOUGH, AND EXTREMELY HARD TO MAKE A DEAL WITH, Trump said in a social media post. The contents of the phone conversation are not yet known. More to come OnePlus launched its OnePlus 13s, a compact flagship smartphone, in India today. This retains the flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC from the OnePlus 13, but it has a compact screen, and packs almost similar battery size. Is this the best compact flagship smartphone for the price? Let us dive into the review to find out. Box Contents OnePlus 13s (12GB+256GB) in Pink Satin colour 80W SUPERVOOC charger USB Type-C Cable Protective case SIM ejector Quick Start Guide and Warranty Information Display, Hardware and Design The OnePlus 13s features a 6.32-inch (2640 x 1216 pixels) 1.5K AMOLED display with 1-120Hz refresh rate LTPO display. The phone has 460 PPI pixel density, and the display is bright since it has up to 1600 nits HBM mode and 800 nits typical brightness. It offers good colour output since it has 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, and the sunlight legibility is good as well. You can select from vivid, Natural and Pro screen colour modes. Nature tone display adjusts the display based on the ambient lighting conditions. The phone has a 2160Hz high-frequency dimming technology. In dark environments (brightness below 70 nits) where DC dimming cant work, the phone will automatically switch to 2160Hz PWM dimming mode to maintain accurate colors on display with a more comfortable eye experience, said the company. The phone has Ceramic Guard protection. There is Aqua Touch 2.0 so that you can use the phone even when the fingers are wet, and there is also Glove mode. The phone also has Dolby Vision and HDR 10+ support, which works for YouTube, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, and Dolby Vision works for Netflix. You can enable video color boost from display settings, which increases the colors in select apps. There is also image sharpener option. The phone doesnt have a notification LED, but this has an always-on-display that shows contextual info and notifications all day or as per schedule. The phone has ultra narrow 1.34mm side and top bezels, and 1.84mm bottom bezel. It has strong vibration motor. The phone has a tiny punch-hole that houses a 32-megapixel auto focus front camera. Above the display, there is an earpiece on the top edge that doubles up as a secondary speaker. It has an in-display optical fingerprint scanner. Coming to the button placements and ports, the power button is present on the right side along with the volume rockers. The alert slider has been replaced by the new, customizable Plus Key. You can also see the antenna bands, since this has a metal frame with a brushed finish. The Dual SIM slot, primary microphone, USB Type-C 2.0 port and the loudspeaker grill are present on the bottom. The secondary microphone is on the top, along with a speaker vent. The IR blaster has been moved to the back. The Pink Satin colour that we have is the first Pink model from OnePlus. This has a Velvet Glass technology that uses an exclusive corrosion process to create microscopic texturing, resulting in a clean looking pink with a warm, soft touch. The India-Only Green Silk uses a similar technology. There is also Black Velvet colour variant that has a metallic sand finish. The phone has IP65 ratings for dust and splash resistance, unlike the IP68 + IP69 ratings for the OnePlus 13. Even with a huge battery, the phone weighs 185g. Camera 50MP rear main camera with 1/1.56 Sony LYT-700 sensor, f/1.8 aperture, OIS 50MP 2x telephoto camera with : 1/2.75 Samsung JN5 sensor, f/2.0 aperture, EIS 32MP auto focus front-facing camera with 1/3.1 Galaxycore GC32E sensor, f/2.0 aperture The camera UI in the OxygenOS 15 is familiar. There is Pro mode, Panorama, Macro, Slo-mo, Time-Lapse, Dual-View video, tilt-shift and more. The rear camera offers 12.5MP output after pixel binning, and the front camera images are 32MP in size. Daylight shots came out well, thanks to the 50MP sensor, and the dynamic range is better with auto HDR. Zoom is good even in 4x mode, but the quality reduces when you zoom further since it only has a 2x camera. There is only 2x mode in portrait mode by default, and there is no option to shoot 1x portrait shots. Low light shots are good as well. The night mode is useful, but it takes a few seconds to process. There is also a tripod mode. The 32MP autofocus front camera does a good job in daylight, and could be better in low light. Edge detection is good in portrait shots. Check out the camera samples. It can record videos in up to 4K in 60fps with Dolby Vision HDR from the rear camera. The front camera support up to 4K 30 fps video recording. There is slow motion 1080p at 240fps, but Portrait video mode video with the main camera is limited to 1080p at 30 fps, and ultra-steady mode lets you shoot in 4K at 60 fps. There is OIS and EIS which does decent job. Software, UI and Apps The OnePlus 13s runs Android 15 based OxygenOS 15 out of the box. It has Android security patch for April 2025. The phone will get 4 Android updates and 6 years of security updates. OxygenOS 15 offers redesigned icons, new design elements, Parallel Processing, reduction in system storage, AI features such as AI Detail Boost, AI Unblur and AI Reflection Eraser. The Intelligent Search is an AI-powered feature that leverages natural language processing, allowing you to search across apps like Settings, Files, and Notes using simple, everyday language. There is circle to search. You also get OxygenOS 15 bring AI Notes feature that automatically organizes notes, highlights key points, and enhances readability. It can expand or reduce content, adjust formality, and even correct grammar errors. Apart from the usual set of OnePlus apps and Google apps, it comes with several pre-loaded with Netflix and Facebook, which can be uninstalled, but come back once the phone is reset. The IR remote app is useful. Out of 12GB LPDD5X RAM, you get 10.87GB of usable RAM, and about 5GB of RAM is free when default apps are running in the background. It also has DRE or dynamic RAM expansion feature, which uses the built-in storage as RAM. This has up to 12GB of additional RAM expansion. Out of 256GB UFS 4.0 storage, you get about 220.5GB of free storage. Plus Key and AI Plus Mind The new Plus Key lets you switch between ring, vibrate, and silent modes. Additionally, customization allows for quick access to features like the camera, translation, or flashlight. You can also set it to launch AI Plus Mind, which saves your content so that you can access them later. It lets users save and organize important on-screen information such as events, bookings, or listings into a dedicated Mind Space, helping avoid information overload. Beyond simple saving, AI Plus Mind uses artificial intelligence to understand the context of saved content. For example, it can pull event details from an image or message and add them directly to the users calendar. Using AI Search, users will be able to locate saved content through natural language questions. Additionally, OnePlus intends to add automatic sorting features to AI Plus Mind before the end of the year. It will get an option to automatically summarize information, in future updates, said the company. Fingerprint sensor and Face unlock It has an in-display fingerprint sensor that unlocks the phone quickly, and it has an optical fingerprint scanner. You can add up to 5 fingerprints. You can also use the fingerprint for app local and payments in apps. Furthermore, you can change the fingerprint animation and also disable it, and also enable quick launch option to launch apps directly from the lock screen by holding the fingerprint. The phone also has face unlock feature. Music and Multimedia YouTube Music is the default Music Player. It doesnt have Dolby Atmos, but has OReality Audio with customizable Smart, Movie, Game and Music modes. It doesnt have FM Radio support. Audio through the stereo speakers is good without any distortion even in full volume. Audio through earphones is good as well. This has Widevine L1, so that you can play HD content on Netflix and other streaming apps. It supports HDR content on YouTube, and Netflix. There is also Dolby Vision for Netflix. Dual SIM and Connectivity The OnePlus 13s has support for n1/n3/n5/n8/n26/n28/n38/n40/n41/n48/n66/n77/n78 Network Bands in India. It has 4G Wi-Fi and VoLTE, with support for Carrier Aggregation on 4G, and there is also eSIM support in India. Other connectivity options include Wi-Fi 7 802.11 be (2.4GHz + 5GHz), Bluetooth 6.0,Dual band: BeiDou:B1I + B1C + B2a, GPS:L1+L5, GLONASS:G1, Galileo(E1+E5a), QZSS(L1+L5), NavIC:(N5). It has OTG support, and NFC support. The phone has an 11-antenna omni-directional system, including three dedicated highperformance antennas and the industrys first quad-mode ultrawideband low-frequency antenna, plus a custom industry-first G1 Wi-Fi enhancement chip for superior Wi-Fi stability, said the company. Moving on, the call quality is good, and we did not face any call drops and the earpiece volume was loud. The Clear Voice feature automatically blocks background noise in calling apps. The OnePlus 13ss body SAR is 0.601W/Kg and head SAR is at 1.149/Kg, which is well under the limit of 1.6 W/kg (over 1 g) in India. Performance and Benchmarks This is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform, same as the OnePlus 13. It has a new 2 + 6 all-big core architecture that uses 2 x Oryon Prime CPU at up to 4.32GHz, 6 x Oryon Performance CPUs at up to 3.53GHz. It is fabricated using the TSMC 3nm Process Technology. It promises 45% performance improvements and 44% improved power efficiency. The phone has e 4,400mm 3D Cryo-Velocity Vapor Chamber that utilizes two vapor chambers, one to distribute heat evenly and another to accelerate cooling efficiently. The phone also has a cooling layer on the back cover, integrating a high-performance graphite layer into the back cover to further improve heat dissipation and reduce surface temperatures. We did not face any issues or frame drops in the graphic-intensive games like COD, BGMI and Genshin Impact, thanks to the new Adreno 830 GPU. It offers 120 fps gaming in select games such as BGMI with game frame interpolation. In 3D Mark wild life stress test, it scored 68.3%. Temperature shot up from 33 to 49 degrees, which is more compared to the OnePlus 13. Check out the benchmarks below. Battery life Coming to the battery life, the phone packs a 5850mAh (typical) graphite battery compared to Silicon-Carbon battery in the OnePlus 13T in China which has a slightly bigger 6260mAh battery. Still, it can easily last for a day even with heavy use, thanks to the optimization. I got over 6 hours of screen on time with over 2 days of use, mostly on Wi-Fi, and occasional 5G use with Smart refresh rate. This is better than the OnePlus 13 which has a larger 2K screen. Since the phone has support for 80W fast charging, it can charge up to 50% in about 20 minutes and up to 100% in about 50 minutes. You will have to enable fast charging option if you want to reduce the charging time, but the phone gets a bit hot. The phone also comes with Bypass Charging, which directly powers the phone instead of the battery, reducing heating and allowing for extended gaming sessions without the need to worry about the battery or overheating. The phone doesnt have wireless charging support. Conclusion At a starting price of Rs. 54,999, the OnePlus 13s is a compact powerhouse flagship at a competitive price you can find the Indian market. The Indian model gets an improved 32MP front camera, which is a good improvement. Even with a slightly smaller battery, the battery life is excellent. At the end of the day, if you are fine with the lack of the ultra-wide camera, this is a good compact flagship, you can get. Alternatives There is no direct competitior in the price range with Snapdragon 8 Elite, but other compact flagships are Xiaomi 15, Galaxy S25 and Google Pixel 9. Pricing and availability The OnePlus 13s is priced at Rs. 54,999 for the 12GB + 256GB model and the 12GB + 512GB model costs Rs. 59,999. It is now available from order from Amazon.in and other channels. With offers, the effective starting price is Rs. 49,999. Pros 120Hz LTPO AMOLED display is good Compact, light-weight body, IP65 ratings Smooth performance Good connectivity, eSIM support Dependable cameras Good battery life Cons No Ultrawide camera Opensignal published its June 2025 Mobile Network Experience report, based on data collected from February 1 to May 1, 2025. The report reviews the performance of Indias main mobile operators across various metrics during this period. Market Overview Indias mobile networks continue to improve in most areas. However, signs show that 5G download speeds for Airtel and Jio, the countrys leading 5G providers, have slightly dropped. This slowdown likely results from higher network congestion as more users adopt 5G and consume more data. Despite this, Airtel and Jio have expanded their 5G coverage aggressively, making India a regional leader in 5G Availability. Jios 5G Availability score recently surpassed 70%, more than double Airtels score, but Airtel leads in 5G Experience metrics such as download and upload speeds. The two operators follow different 5G strategies: Jio uses standalone (SA) 5G technology, combining low-band spectrum (700MHz) for rural areas with mid-band (3.5GHz) for cities, reserving mmWave (26GHz) for high-capacity uses. Airtel uses non-standalone (NSA) 5G on its existing 4G core, focusing on faster rollout in urban centers. This competition benefits users by pushing both networks to improve. Spectrum and Operators In the 2022 5G auction, Airtel and Jio secured most licenses across low, mid, and high bands, while Vi holds smaller spectrum mainly in the 3,300MHz and 26GHz bands with limited low-band holdings. Although the government added 687MHz of spectrum in early 2025, the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) reports a 400MHz shortfallmostly in the 6GHz rangeand calls for more auctions to boost 5G coverage. Vis Regional 5G Presence Vi launched 5G in Mumbai, Delhi, Chandigarh, and Patna. In Mumbai, its 5G Availability matches Airtels and closely trails in video and gaming, though speeds remain lower. Vis download speeds in Mumbai are roughly four times its overall average. The company provides affordable unlimited 5G plans starting at INR 299 ($3.45) per month and aims to cover 17 priority circles by August 2025. However, Vi faces financial challenges, including a pending INR 450 billion (US$5.23 billion) AGR dues liability and investor uncertainty. The company warns it may not survive beyond 2025 without government support or investment, which affects its network plans. Regulatory Actions The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) auctioned spectrum in the 900MHz and 1800MHz bands in 2024 and recommended including mmWave spectrum (37-40GHz and 42.5-43.5GHz) in upcoming auctions. The government plans to refarm nearly 1,100MHz of spectrum by 2030. Airtel is reallocating mid-band spectrum to handle more traffic and will soon launch standalone 5G, having also acquired 400MHz of mmWave spectrum from Adani Data Networks to enhance its network. Meanwhile, BSNL, Indias only national operator without 5G, is expanding 4G and has shown the largest gains in Consistent Quality, Download Speed, and Upload Speed but still trails other operators. Key Findings Upload Speed Experience: Jio overtook Airtel, with average upload speeds of 9.1Mbps versus Airtels 9.0Mbps. Jio improved by 2.7Mbps since the last report, compared to Airtels 2.1Mbps rise. 5G Experience: Airtel won all 5G Experience awards, including video, live video, gaming, and speed metrics, although its 5G speed scores declined slightly. Jio improved in all 5G Experience areas except download speed. Video Experience: Airtel leads with 66 points on a 100-point scale, narrowly ahead of Jio (65.7). Vi scored 62.7, and BSNL lagged at 42.1. All operators improved since the previous report. Coverage and Consistency: Jio led in overall availability, 5G availability, consistent quality, and reliability, while Airtel saw the biggest 5G availability growth but stayed behind Jio. Download Speeds: All four operators saw double-digit percentage growth. Jio passed 100Mbps average download speed for the first time. Airtel holds the 5G download speed award, though both Airtel and Jios speeds dropped slightly, likely due to higher user numbers. National and Regional Scores Airtel, Jio, and Vi fall within the Good category (scores 58-68) for video experience, while BSNL ranks Poor (under 48). A Good rating means users typically stream 720p or better video with acceptable loading and minimal stalling. Poor indicates lower quality and frequent interruptions. Regional data from Tamil Nadu shows: Video Experience: Jio (67.3), Airtel (66.6) Live Video Experience: Airtel (58.6), Jio (58.5) Gaming Experience: Airtel (73.8), Vi (72.2) Download Speed: Jio (128.9 Mbps), Airtel (63.0 Mbps) Upload Speed: Airtel (9.1 Mbps), Jio (8.6 Mbps) Future Outlook Opensignal expects growing competition among Airtel, Jio, and Vi, along with regulatory support through new spectrum auctions, to drive better 5G coverage and network quality in India. While Airtel and Jio lead now, ongoing improvements are likely as operators expand and upgrade, though BSNL will need to accelerate efforts to keep pace with rising 5G adoption. BenQ has launched four new gaming monitors under its MOBIUZ series in India. The lineup includes the EX251, EX271, EX271Q, and flagship EX271U. The company said the release reflects its continued focus on advancing gaming hardwarenot just with specs, but with adaptive intelligence and gamer-centric ecosystems. BenQ MOBIUZ series BenQ says the monitors combine AI-enhanced visual intelligence, genre-specific color tuning, and unified device connectivity for immersive and responsive gameplay. Each model is calibrated by BenQ Color Lab with Spectral Color Refinement and High Pixel Contrast technologies to enhance detail and smooth visual transitions. All units are factory-set to match game developers intended visuals. An AI-based feature called Smart Color, part of the Color Shuttle software, adjusts brightness, contrast, and color balance based on each games style. It uses a database of over 120 profiles and deep learning to optimize visuals in real time. Users can also upload or download color settings for personalized adjustments. Model Overview All four monitors come with BenQ Eye-Care Technology to help reduce eye strain during extended use. EX25125 FHD 220Hz The EX251 offers a 24.5-inch Full HD display, 220Hz refresh rate, 1ms GtG response time, AMD FreeSync, DisplayHDR 400 certification, and built-in speakers. Its designed for fast, compact gaming setups. Quick specs EX27127 FHD 180Hz The EX271 features a 27-inch Full HD screen with a 180Hz refresh rate, 1ms GtG, FreeSync, DisplayHDR 400, and speakers, offering a balanced experience for general gaming needs. Quick specs EX271Q27 2K 180Hz The EX271Q includes a 27-inch QHD display, 180Hz refresh rate, 1ms GtG, AMD FreeSync, DisplayHDR 400 support, and USB-C connectivity. Its suited for gamers seeking higher clarity and smooth visuals. Quick specs EX271U27 4K The EX271U, the top-tier model, has a 27-inch 4K UHD display, 165Hz refresh rate, HDMI 2.1, eARC for 7.1-channel audio, and DisplayHDR 400 certification. It targets high-end PC and console gamers who prioritize visual and sound quality. Quick specs Pricing and Availability The new MOBIUZ series is available through Amazon.in, Flipkart, and BenQs official eStore. Speaking about the launch, Rajeev Singh, Managing Director, BenQ India & South Asia, said, 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. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said Thursday that NATO allies were close to a deal on spending ahead of a summit later this month, in a bid to satisfy US President Donald Trump's demand that it reach five percent of GDP. Sat Saturday 98 /67 More sun than clouds. Highs in the upper 90s and lows in the upper 60s. MSS alerts public to espionage dangers after phishing attacks on critical institutions uncovered Global Times By Global Times Published: Jun 04, 2025 11:47 AM China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) on Wednesday warned the public about growing espionage-related cyber threats targeting key government agencies, research institutes and infrastructure, disclosing three recent cyberattack cases linked to foreign intelligence agencies, highlighting significant lapses in cybersecurity awareness and data protection. In recent years, foreign intelligence agencies have intensified cyber-based espionage efforts, posing growing threats to China's national security, the MSS said in a statement released on its official WeChat account. The MSS detailed a case involving classified data leaks at a key state laboratory. An employee of the lab surnamed Wang, who deliberately bypassed internal approval and oversight procedures for the sake of convenience, storing more than 1,000 classified documents on his personal internet-connected computer. One day, Wang downloaded an attachment from an unverified email, which allowed foreign espionage agents to install malware, secretly controlling his computer for three months, resulting in the theft of sensitive and classified information, according to the MSS. Another incident involved an employee surnamed Zhang at a government agency, who received a phishing email disguised as an official planning directive. Without any doubt, Zhang clicked on a link in the email without proper verification. The link led him to a phishing site, enabling foreign intelligence operatives to steal login credentials and access sensitive email content. As a result, confidential data from the institution was compromised, according to the MSS. In a third case, overseas espionage agencies exploited an outdated office automation (OA) system of a research institution, which lacked regular software updates and antivirus protections. Malware was implanted, leading to the theft and illicit sale of critical institutional data, the MSS said. Overseas intelligence agencies have sought to exploit vulnerabilities in domestic OA systems to carry out cyberattacks and steal classified information from government bodies, research institutes, key enterprises and critical infrastructure, said the MSS. The MSS called for greater awareness and stronger preventive measures, particularly among those personnel in sensitive roles. It urged all citizens to adhere strictly to China's national secrecy regulations, which prohibit the storage or processing of classified data on unauthorized or unsecured systems. Mishandling of emails, clicking unverified links, or installing unknown software, could provide foreign spies with direct access to critical information systems, the ministry warned. The MSS underscored the responsibility of institutions to actively conduct counter-espionage education, staff training, and strengthen cybersecurity defenses, particularly the timely updating of antivirus software and critical information infrastructure. Outdated or inactive cybersecurity protections could turn computers into entry points for espionage. "Cybersecurity software serves as a critical first line of defense. Once compromised, systems can be silently infiltrated and repurposed by hostile actors," it said. Operators of critical infrastructure must adopt and regularly update technical safeguards to detect, block and respond to external cyber threats. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China's top state security authority discloses three cases detected at ports Global Times By Global Times Published: Jun 05, 2025 10:29 AM China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) on Thursday disclosed three state security cases involving sea, land, and air ports, noting that ports face new challenges as the bridges for international exchanges and economic cooperation - facilitating the flow of people, goods, and information. One case disclosed by the MSS involved state security risks stemming from the attempt to bring classified documents across the border without authorization. An employee surnamed Gao from a secret-related agency who had planned to travel abroad on official duty was intercepted by relevant law enforcement authorities for illegally carrying a secret-level classified document out of the country. Investigation revealed that although Gao required the document for overseas work purposes, the person failed to follow the required procedures to obtain approval for taking classified information carriers abroad. Gao was subsequently given an administrative demerit. According to the MSS, Chinese law strictly regulates the removal of state security-related material carriers from the country. Unauthorized transportation of classified documents abroad poses significant risks of leaks and breaches of national security. In another case, an employee from the publicity department of a company attempted to conduct aerial filming by bringing a drone into a restricted area of a port without going through required approvals or reporting. The individual intended to shoot aerial footage for promotional purposes and was promptly stopped by the relevant authorities in accordance with the laws. The Law enforcement officers immediately carried out legal education to the individual. State security authorities remind the public that restricted areas of ports involve matters of state security and must not be photographed without authorization. According to the MSS, ports serve multiple security functions including national border defense, military support and energy transportation since land, sea, and air routes converge at the hubs. However, some individuals unaware of port regulations record sensitive information, such as border layouts and specifications of dual-use military-civilian facilities, posing potential risks to state security. In the third case, the MSS disclosed a state security risk caused by a traveler who illegally brought undeclared fruit into the country. A traveler was intercepted by relevant law enforcement. Testing revealed the presence of oriental fruit fly larvae in the fruit. Known as the "fruit killer," this pest has high reproductive capacity and, if it spreads, could lead to significant crop losses. According to the MSS, biosafety is a vital component of state security. Port inspections act as the first line of defense against invasive species. The illegal entry of an exotic pet, a single shell, or even one seed could pose serious risks and hazards to China's biological resources, ecosystems, agricultural production, and even the safety of people's lives and property. The state security authorities remind inbound travelers to cooperate with port law enforcement agencies during quarantine inspections. It is strictly prohibited to bring or ship fresh produce, live animals, foreign soil, and other quarantine-related items into the country without authorization. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Contracts Contracts For June 4, 2025 ARMY IperionX Technology LLC,* Charlotte, North Carolina, was awarded a $99,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for research & development of low-cost domestic titanium for defense applications. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of June 4, 2030. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity (W911QX-25-D-A003). Lockheed Martin Corp. Rotary & Mission Services, Liverpool, New York, was awarded a $25,018,406 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for Sentinel A4 Radar System engineering services. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in Liverpool, New York, with an estimated completion date of June 3, 2026. Fiscal 2025 other procurement, Army funds; and 2025 research, development, test, and evaluation, Army funds, in the amount of $17,512,539 were obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-25-F-0137). Dubuque Barge and Fleeting Services Co.,* Dubuque, Iowa, was awarded a $23,816,251 firm-fixed-price contract for the Garrison Dam spillway approach rehabilitation project including dredging and placement of riprap. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work will be performed in Riverdale, North Dakota, with an estimated completion date of April 28, 2028. Fiscal 2021, 2022, 2024, and 2025 civil operation and maintenance funds; and 2023 civil operation and maintenance - Recovery Act funds in the amount of $23,816,251, were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha, Nebraska, is the contracting activity (W9128F-25-C-0017). Warden Construction Corp.,* Jacksonville, Florida, was awarded a $18,028,009 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of a combined weapons facility for the F-35. Bids were solicited via the internet with 14 received. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, Florida, with an estimated completion date of June 24, 2027. Fiscal 2025 military construction, defense-wide funds in the amount of $18,028,009 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Property and Fiscal Office, Florida, is the contracting activity (W50S6Y-25-C-A001). NAVY Cardno-Amec Foster Wheeler JV, Charlottesville, Virginia, is awarded an $80,000,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, architect-engineering contract for facilities assessments utilizing BUILDER Sustainment Management System at Marine Corps installations worldwide. Work will be performed at Marine Corps installations in California (30%), Japan (19%), Hawaii (13%), North Carolina (11%), Korea (9%), Georgia (8%), Arizona (4%), South Carolina (3%) and Virginia (3%), and is expected to be completed by June 2030. Fiscal 2025 operation and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $5,000 (minimum contract guarantee) will be obligated at time of award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the sam.gov website with five offers received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Southwest, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity (N62473-25-D-2217). Astronics Test Systems Inc., Irvine, California (N66604-25-D-S501); and Serco Inc., Herndon, Virginia (N66604-25-D-S502), are awarded a combined $49,525,360 firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee, and cost reimbursement, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, multiple award contract for the procurement of Radio Frequency Distribution and Control System (RFDACS) for installation on board current and future class submarines and to modernize, when required, existing Fleet RFDACS. This contract includes an ordering period of five years. Work will be performed at the contractors' facilities in Irvine, California (40%); Herndon, Virginia (40%); and at Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport, Newport, Rhode Island (20%), and is expected to be completed in June 2030. Each awardee will be awarded an initial task order with other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $500 immediately following basic contract award, all of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This multiple award contract was competitively procured via the System for Award Management website with three offers received. Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport, Newport, Rhode Island, is the contracting activity. UPDATE: Alta Archaeological Consulting LLC,* Santa Rose, California contract number N62473-25-D-0005, awarded May 30, 2025, has been revised to contract number N62473-25-D-0012. AIR FORCE The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Missouri, has been awarded a $10,249,959 modification (P00341) to a previously awarded contract (FA8678-10-C-0100) for the settlement of a request for equitable adjustment related to prior production of QF-16 full scale aerial targets. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $318,737,710. Work will be performed at Jacksonville, Florida, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 30, 2026. Fiscal 2023 aircraft procurement funds in the amount of $10,249,959 are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management, Aerials Targets Branch, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, is the contracting activity. (Awarded May 29, 2025) Fiber Business Solutions Group, Norristown, Pennsylvania, was awarded a maximum $8,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price contract for fiber optic and cable infrastructure support for the 88th Communications Squadron. This contract provides for communications cable installation support services to defense activities at all areas of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Work will be performed at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, and is expected to be complete by Aug. 29, 2030. This contract was a competitive small business 8(a) acquisition, and thirteen offers were received. Fiscal 2025 operation and maintenance appropriations funds in the amount of $34,793 are being obligated at time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management, Information Technology Contracting, Wright-Patterson AFB Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8604-25-D-B005). *Small business https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/4206572/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address One year in detention: heads of United Nations agencies and INGOs renew demand for release of staff detained in northern Yemen 3 June 2025 Statement This week marks one year since dozens of personnel from the United Nations, nongovernmental and civil society organizations, and diplomatic missions were arbitrarily detained by the Houthi de facto authorities in northern Yemen. Others have been detained since as far back as 2021. Today, we reiterate our urgent demand for their immediate and unconditional release. As of today, 23 UN and five international nongovernmental organizations (INGOs) personnel remain arbitrarily detained. Tragically, one UN staff member and another from Save the Children have died in detention. Others have lost loved ones while being held, denied the chance to attend their funerals or say goodbye. Our arbitrarily detained colleagues have spent at least 365 days - and for some, over 1000 days - isolated from their families, children, husbands, and wives, in flagrant breach of international law. The toll of this detention is also weighing heavily on their families, who continue to endure the unbearable pain of absence and uncertainty as they face another Eid without their loved one. Nothing can justify their ordeal. They were doing their jobs, helping people in desperate need: people without food, shelter, or adequate health care. Yemen remains one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, with over 19 million people in need of humanitarian assistance, many of whom rely on it for survival. A safe and enabling operating environment for humanitarian operations, including the release of detained personnel, is essential to maintaining and restoring assistance to those in need. Humanitarian workers should never be targeted or detained while carrying out their mandates to serve the people of Yemen. The prolonged detention of our colleagues has a chilling effect across the international community, undermining support for Yemen and hindering humanitarian response. It has also undermined mediation efforts for lasting peace. We acknowledge the release of one UN and two NGO personnel and the recent release of an Embassy staff member. We call on the de facto authorities to deliver on their previous commitments, including those made to the Director-General of the World Health Organization during his mission to Sana'a in December 2024. The UN and INGOs will continue to work through all possible channels to secure the safe and immediate release of those arbitrarily detained. Signatories: Achim Steiner, Administrator, UNDP Amitabh Behar, OXFAM International Executive Director Audrey Azoulay, Director General of UNESCO Catherine Russell, UNICEF Executive Director Cindy McCain, WFP Executive Director Hans Grundberg, UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Yemen Inger Ashing, Chief Executive Officer, Save the Children International Michelle Nunn, President and CEO, CARE Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO Volker Turk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Air defenders initiate V Corps' inaugural air and missile defense planning conference By Capt. Zemas Andargachew June 4, 2025 Poznan, POLAND -- Planners and staff officers from the 52d Air Defense Artillery Brigade (52d ADA BDE) held the inaugural Operation Corps Fusion planning conference at Camp Kosciuszko in Poznan, Poland, May 29, 2025. Operation Corps Fusion marks the first Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) planning conference designed to establish a shared understanding and baseline for cooperation among the Ground-Based Air Defense (GBAD) systems and capabilities of various NATO countries under the wartime umbrella of V Corps. V Corps is the forward-deployed corps of the United States Army in Europe. "The purpose of Operation Corps Fusion was to establish conditions and foster relationships for the brigade to successfully integrate into V Corps as the Corps' Air and Missile Defense Coordinator (AMDCOORD)," said Maj. Cody Davis, the 52d ADA BDE's operations officer. "Working as the Corps' AMDCOORD, the brigade incorporates Division and multinational Air & Missile Defense (AMD) assets into the Corps' scheme of maneuver," Davis continued. During the day-long event, staff officers from V Corps and the 52d ADA BDE delivered briefs on intelligence, tactics, sustainment, and communications regarding the operations of each warfighter function (WFF) in action. Operation Corps Fusion also engaged productively with attendees and briefers on various air defense topics, facilitating meaningful discussions. The attendees included senior leaders from V Corps, headed by Maj. Gen. (UK) Oliver Kingsbury, the V Corps deputy commanding general for maneuver, along with officers from Poland, Germany, and Lithuania. "We are taking on the additional task of ensuring our partners and allies are synchronized into our commander's AMD priorities and that we fill the role of the AMDCOORD for our Corps commander," said Col. Haileyesus Bairu, the 52d ADA BDE commander. The 52d ADA BDE established Operation Corps Fusion after gaining vital insights during 'Avenger Triad 24,' a United States Army Europe and Africa (USAEUR-AF) exercise aimed at assessing the capability and interoperability of USAEUR-AF forces along with allied and partner nation forces in conducting Large Scale Ground Combat Operations (LSGCO) using a U.S.-led mission command structure. As the Corps' AMDCOORD, the brigade recognized the necessity to synchronize the Corps' air and missile defense capabilities with the Corps' maneuver objectives. "Operation Corps Fusion allowed us to collaborate with the Air Defense Airspace Management (ADAM) cells, the AMD cells, our partners, and allies to support V Corps' maneuver units in effectively using their assigned air defense assets," said Command Sgt. Maj. Charles Robinson, the 52d ADA BDE's senior enlisted advisor. "Ground-based and short-range air defense assets have been lacking in maneuver units for some time, and the surplus of Army leaders with practical experience in effectively utilizing those assets now resides at the flag officer level," Robinson continued. Operation Corps Fusion also discussed IAMD in Europe in preparation for 'Avenger Triad 25'. In the fall of 2025, 'Avenger Triad 25' aims to build on the achievements of 'Avenger Triad 24', while striving to increase readiness, enhance interoperability, and implement new concepts among USAEUR-AF forces, allied forces, and partnered nations. "Overall, V Corps and its AMDCOORD achieved a shared understanding of AMD planning efforts, recognizing the linkage and value added by the 52d ADA BDE to Joint and NATO AMD processes, as well as understanding the AMDCOORD's role in Crisis Response Options (CROs) related to the execution of Avenger Triad 25," said Capt. Joseph Cantu, the 52d ADA BDE's assistant operations officer. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address June 4, 2025 By C. Todd Lopez, DOD News Caine Calls on Industry: 'Focus on Fighting the Next War, Not Fighting the Last War' The joint force alone can't defend against the threats the United States faces today; it's going to need help from the community of innovators responsible for driving America's efforts on artificial intelligence, said Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, during the AI+ Expo in Washington today. "We cannot do this alone. We have to do this ... together. And frankly, my friends, the joint force needs your help," he said. Right now, Caine said, the U.S. is dealing with an array of threats on the global stage, including the growth and increased activity of China's military, events in the Middle East, the war between Russia and Ukraine, North Korea's pursuit of nuclear weapons and counterterrorism activities. He added that the country is facing an "axis of aligned powers" that have differing views from those of the U.S. "Our adversaries are working together, sharing technologies and intelligence at unprecedented levels decreasing the time required for them to field advanced technologies," he said, noting the U.S. must produce its technology faster while working with private industry. The general also acknowledged that working with the government can be a challenge for the private sector, and the federal government must make it easier for them to bring technology to the warfighter. "Together, we've got to be focused on fighting the next war, not fighting the last war," he said. "We need entrepreneurs, both in the private sector and in government." Caine said the joint force must continue to evolve to meet the needs of the president, the defense secretary and the nation, and noted that there are a handful of things it will need to do so. "We've got to be properly armed," he said. "We owe it to our nation's warfighters to have the right combat capability with the right capacity, at the time that commanders in the field are contemplating plans and activities not at the point of crisis or conflict." Accomplishing that, he said, means bringing in the right technology, including weapons, capabilities and decision-making tools. It also means having an acquisition process that allows the department to get those things. "We've got to do some work on the requirements process, and I acknowledge that there are times, oftentimes, that the [U.S. government] needs to be better buyers," he said. "I know this from my time in the private sector, where I tried to sell things to the government when I was an entrepreneur it's hard; it's not easy." Secondly, Caine said, the Defense Department must be globally integrated. Combatant commands, geographical and functional commands and military services must be connected with other agencies, allies and partners. The department must also integrate with technology innovators, he said. "[We must] scale that capability in order to meet the challenges that we need to. We're doing awesome, but we can do more." Finally, Caine said, the military must be ready for what comes next. "We've got to be clear-eyed that the joint force of the future needs to be organized, trained, equipped and rehearsed to be able to go not when we might want to, but to be able to go when we need to," he said. "Our systems need to be built for the war of the future, not the war of the past and this means using technology and innovation at the tactical edge." Caine called on the private sector for assistance. "Your nation needs you with a sense of urgency," he told industry partners. "We need your creative, innovative, patriotic and diabolical minds, 24/7, 365," he said. "Peace in our nation will not be won by the legacy systems that we've had or the legacy thinking. It will be determined by the entrepreneurs and innovators and leaders, both in government and out of government, that create overwhelming strength." Innovations in AI, cyber, autonomy, space, energy, advanced manufacturing, data and computing power are what the chairman outlined as the most needed. "We need your help with this," he said. "I need you inspired to help us. You've got the agility, the boldness, the culture and spirit to do these big things, and we welcome your ideas." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address June 4, 2025 By David Vergun, DOD News Service Leaders Talk Emerging Technologies at AI Expo Senior leaders from each military branch spoke about changing battlefield technology and their service's current transformation efforts during the AI+ Expo in Washington this week. The recent Ukrainian attacks on Russian air bases are prime examples of how rapidly technology is changing the battlefield, said Army Gen. Randy A. George, Army chief of staff. "Look at how cheap those systems were compared to what they took out," George said, referring to the relatively inexpensive Ukrainian drones that knocked out a significant number of Russian bombers, June 1, 2025. To keep up with the changing technological landscape, the Army needs to be more agile in its procurement, he said. "That's a struggle because everybody wants us to buy the same drone for the next 25 years." Instead, the general noted that the way forward is to use and adapt commercial drones at speed and scale. The Army employed a similar approach by converting a commercial truck into an infantry squad vehicle. "Our soldiers love that system," he said, adding that they modified it for their needs. George said the service is also considering off-the-shelf interactive glasses adapted for soldiers to use. Soldiers are innovative, and they understand technology intuitively, he added. Industry engineers are also inventive, and when they go out in the field with soldiers and observe how they use their equipment, it sparks fresh ideas. Gen. David W. Allvin, Air Force chief of staff, said in the changing character of warfare, the Air Force brings speed and agility to the fight, not only projecting power overseas but also defending the homeland through two of the three legs of the nuclear triad strategic bombers and intercontinental ballistic missiles as well as contributions the service will make in building the air defense system known as the Golden Dome. Allvin said in addition to building the planned F-47 sixth-generation fighter aircraft, the Air Force is planning human-machine teaming using both manned and unmanned aircraft. "I believe human-machine teaming is a door we need to push through very rapidly. There are opportunities there that we're seeing play out in other parts of industry and other parts of society that we really need to leverage to keep that edge," he said. He added that assimilating artificial intelligence into areas such as data fusion, predictive maintenance and strategic decision-making are ways the service is experimenting with technology. "We have to keep our imaginations wide open to understand this is a game-changing technology ... when it comes to air dominance, but we can only do that if we don't sort of get trapped by the vestiges of the past," Allvin said. Gen. Christopher J. Mahoney, assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, spoke not only about technological changes on the battlefield but also about changes to the way Marines fight, survive and thrive in contested spaces, known as force design. To fight the future fight, talent management is essential, Mahoney said. "Let's make sure we have the right Marines with the right skill sets and keep them around longer," he said, adding that it's important that they engage in realistic and challenging training. Implementation of force design, he said, involves things like: Making the force more distributed. Enhancing Marines' ability to maneuver and sustain themselves. Having Marine formations broadcast a smaller signature to avoid detection. Supplying Marines with longer-range fires, including the ability to hit ships from the shore. Providing Marines with better sensing capabilities for situational awareness and targeting. Equipping Marines with more autonomous and robotic systems. Mahoney spoke highly of young Marines today, saying they're what made him stay in the service for 38 years. "They are motivated. They're resilient. They have surrendered to a life of ... honor, courage and commitment," he said. Vice Adm. James Pitts, deputy chief of naval operations for warfighting requirements and capabilities, said the Navy's navigation plan includes developing key capabilities, including long-range fires, robotic and autonomous systems, and enablers like live, virtual and constructive training, so sailors can be better trained for a potential high-end fight. The admiral also emphasized shipbuilding, noting the history of cost overruns and maintenance and modernization backlogs. "We do need a whole-of-government, whole-of-nation effort in order to revitalize our shipbuilding base," Pitts said. The service is navigating in the direction of building a hybrid fleet that includes manned and unmanned platforms, he added. The Navy established its disruptive capabilities office to develop and scale robotic and autonomous systems, along with other technologies, the admiral said, adding that the Navy is also seeking more flexible funding to support these initiatives. He said the Navy is hoping to use less expensive defensive weapons against things like inexpensive one-way drones. Such weapons could include high-powered lasers and microwaves. Space Force Gen. B. Chance Saltzman, chief of space operations, said his service will play a critical role in building the Golden Dome. Its contribution, he said, includes sensing capability to rapidly identify threats and the ability to quickly move quality data from the collection point to the decision maker for use in targeting information and space-based interceptors. A lot of research and development work still needs to be done with industry's help, Saltzman said. "One of our great asymmetric advantages as a country is the tremendous innovative capacity that we see in the commercial sector," he said, adding that the service is bringing in the best and brightest to make an impact. "We don't want the tremendous skill sets that people are coming into the service with to languish and suffer because they are not working at the leading edge of industry. So, we're trying to send our people back into industry even if it's just for six, eight months or a year to maintain that credibility in the industry and then bring that knowledge back into the force," he said. The Space Force plans to establish a futures command later this year to assess the potential operating environment over the next 12 to 15 years and identify how the U.S. can counter any emerging threats. Saltzman said industry partners will play a significant role in that development. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Kuwait - M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Tank System Sustainment Support NEWS | June 4, 2025 Media/Public Contact: pm-cpa@state.gov Transmittal No. 25-30 WASHINGTON, June 4, 2025 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Kuwait of the M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Tank System Sustainment Support and related equipment for an estimated cost of $325 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today. The Government of Kuwait has requested to buy equipment and services related to sustainment support for legacy M1A2 and new M1A2K Abrams main battle tank systems. The following non-MDE items will be included: repair parts; spare parts; replacement materials; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $325 million. This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to improve the infrastructure of a major non-NATO ally that has been an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East. The proposed sale will improve Kuwait's capability to meet current and future threats by assisting it in maintaining higher levels of operational readiness while meeting its modernization and professionalization goals. Kuwait will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. The principal contractor will be General Dynamics Land Systems, located in Sterling Heights, MI. At this time, the U.S. Government is not aware of any offset agreement proposed in connection with this potential sale. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor. Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Kuwait. There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale. The description and dollar value are for the highest estimated quantity and dollar value based on initial requirements. Actual dollar value will be lower depending on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreement(s), if and when concluded. All questions regarding this proposed Foreign Military Sale should be directed to the State Department's Bureau of Political Military-Affairs, Office of Congressional and Public Affairs, pm-cpa@state.gov. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Moldova: Remarks by High Representative Kaja Kallas at the joint press conference following the Association Council meeting European External Action Service (EEAS) 04.06.2025 Brussels, 04/06/2025 EEAS Press Team Check against delivery! Dear Prime Minister, dear Dorin, It is really a pleasure to welcome you here in Brussels. We just concluded a good meeting of the EU-Moldova Association Council. The European Union and Moldova are very close partners. You are the first to sign a security and defence partnership with the EU. We have provided to you nearly 200 million in vital defence aid to support Moldova to modernise its armed forces. And through the EU Growth Plan, we committed 1.9 billion to support your infrastructure and connectivity, among other priorities. These investments will help to transform Moldova's economy and benefit every citizen - but this partnership benefits us both. Moldova actively contributes to EU missions in Somalia and Bosnia Herzegovina, and you host more Ukrainian refugees per capita than any other country. This is a powerful testament to your European solidarity. Today, we discussed Russia's war against Ukraine, which has repeatedly spilt over into Moldova as well. Russia has violated Moldovan airspace, used energy as a tool to blackmail you, and meddled with your democracy. Moldova's upcoming parliamentary elections will be a prime target of Moscow's hybrid war. Russia is likely to use a web of cash, content and coercion to try to tilt the vote. The Moldovan people have the right to choose their own future free from interference. That is why we are extending the scope and scale of the EU's Partnership Mission to boost Moldova's resilience. We have a specialist team on the ground now supporting Moldova address illicit financing around the elections. And we recently deployed a group of experts, a Hybrid Rapid Response Team to support Moldova against foreign interference. You can rely on the EU's support to ensure the integrity of your elections. We also discussed Moldova's EU accession. Moldova has made good progress in a path towards the EU. During my recent vision visit to Chisinau, we spoke about Moldova's impressive progress in tackling corruption, advancing justice reforms and upholding democratic values. And we discussed today how to take this even further. Sustained reforms now will remain essential to keep the momentum up, and the path is very clear: Moldova belongs to Europe. Looking ahead, we have the first ever EU-Moldova Summit coming up exactly a month from now, and this Summit will drive the progress across many sectors, from energy to digital and education. In concrete terms, we are looking to speed up Moldova's access to EU payment systems, enhance mobile phone services and begin major infrastructure progress. This progress will also improve the lives of all Moldovan citizens. Prime Minister, thank you again for being here. Time and again, Moldova has shown its dedication to the EU path, and we heard this also today. Europe will stand with Moldova every step of the way. Thank you for being here. Link to the video: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-272916 Q&A. Q. You recently returned from Philippines and Singapore, where you said you aim to strengthen the EU-Asia dialogue. What does this mean for Europe security? I am asking this because Europe's security is also Moldova's security and Ukraine's too. And more important, the SAFE Program was recently approved. Moldova's Defence Minister mentioned it before, that Moldova could join this initiative. Now that the program is adopted, what are the conditions for Moldova's participation and can Moldova access the same loans under the same conditions as EU Member States? Please give us more details on this. Thank you. So, I got two questions. On the first [one], the Europe and Asia Security Dialogue. There is a lot of interest on both sides. We are living in this [time of] geopolitical shifts. Therefore, we see that European security is closely interlinked with security also in the Indo Pacific. We mapped with different counterparts, the places where we can cooperate, where we can share information, and we can build on that also further. Just a few examples. One is the maritime security. Developing international law together further, but also developing tools to enhance maritime security. This is in the interest of the European Union, as well as the Indo-Pacific countries. And, then cybersecurity - I think everything is connected to cyber right now, and Asian countries are also very developed in this regard. There are a lot of points of cooperation [on] what we can make better. Of course, the Asian countries are very concerned about the North Korean soldiers being deployed in Ukraine. It shows how interlinked our security theatres really are, and we need to work together to counter those threats. And then, on your other question on SAFE. As a candidate country, Moldova can benefit from SAFE through joint procurement. So basically, [there are] two possibilities: one is by buying defence equipment together with the EU Member States, or by producing defence equipment for EU Member States, Norway and Ukraine. I just recall that Moldova was the first country to sign a Security and Defence partnership with EU. And Moldova will be able to negotiate specific terms, but yes, those tools give also possibility for Moldova to participate. Link to the video: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-273193 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Minister Tsahkna on leaving the Ottawa Convention: Estonia is prepared to use all necessary means to defend its territory and freedom Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 04.06.2025 | 15:35 Today, on June 4, the Riigikogu adopted a law to withdraw from the convention prohibiting the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel mines and requiring their destructionknown as the Ottawa Convention. According to Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, who submitted the bill to the Riigikogu, Estonia's withdrawal from the convention sends a clear message: Estonia is ready to use all necessary means to defend its territory and freedom. "I welcome the Riigikogu's decision to adopt the withdrawal law. Leaving the convention gives the Estonian Defence Forces greater flexibility and freedom to choose weapons systems and solutions needed to strengthen national defence. This significantly broadens the options for protecting Estonia's security. I hope the President will promulgate the law soon," Tsahkna said. The Ottawa Convention came into force in 1999, and Estonia joined it in 2004. According to the Foreign Minister, the security situation has worsened over the past 20 years, primarily due to Russia's full-scale aggression against Ukraine, and therefore, withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention is the right step for Estonia. "Russia poses a serious and long-term threat not only to Ukraine but to all of Europe. During its aggression against Ukraine, Russia which is not a party to the Ottawa Conventionhas widely used anti-personnel mines. Taking lessons from Russian aggression into account, it is clear that Estonia must not unilaterally restrict its armament options, as doing so would put us at a disadvantage," Tsahkna stated. The Foreign Minister emphasized that Estonia remains committed to upholding the goals and norms of international humanitarian law and is dedicated to minimizing the impact of hostilities on civilians and protecting victims of armed conflicts, including through support for humanitarian demining projects. In addition to Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Finland have also initiated the process of withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention. Latvia and Lithuania's parliaments have already passed the relevant laws, while discussions are forthcoming in the Finnish and Polish parliaments. "With this decision to withdraw, NATO's eastern flank countries send a clear message that they are ready and able to use all necessary measures against the aggressor to protect their territories and freedom. These decisions are not easy, but given the deteriorated security situation, all means to strengthen our deterrence and defense capabilities must be considered," Tsahkna said. Withdrawal from the convention will take effect six months after the notification is submitted, provided the country is not involved in an armed conflict at that time. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Two negative decisions on real estate transactions Finnish Ministry of Defence 04.06.2025 15:06 On 4 June 2025, Minister of Defence Antti Hakkanen denied two prospective buyers from outside the EU and EEA permissions to buy real estates in Finland. One of the two decisions denied an Israeli citizen's application for a real estate in Mikkeli. The other decision concerned an application of a Chinese-owned company for a real estate in Rovaniemi, in the vicinity of an exercise area of the Finnish Defence Forces. The decisions to deny the buyers permission for the real estate acquisitions were based on the Act on Transfers of Real Estate Requiring Special Permission. The Ministry of Defence justified the decisions by stating, among other things, that the acquisitions could threaten national security and hinder the organisation of national defence. The decisions are not yet final. Any requests by media for access to documents should be sent via email to the Registry of the Ministry of Defence at address kirjaamo.plm(at)gov.fi Further information for the media can be inquired by email from the Media and Communications Unit of the Ministry of Defence, address tiedotus.plm(at)gov.fi NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address A looming health disaster in Sudan Government of Norway Press release | Date: 04/06/2025 'I am alarmed about the health disaster in Sudan. Hospitals and health workers are under attack and the UN warns that the system is at the brink of collapse. Several life-threatening infectious diseases are spreading fast both inside Sudan and in the region', says Minister of International Development Asmund Aukrust. The fighting has left 70-80 percent of the health facilities in the conflict-affected areas non-functional. Those that remain open struggle to obtain medicines and critical equipment to save lives. Health workers face daily security threats. On May 30th, the Eldaman International Hospital in Al Obeid in Kordofan was struck by a drone, killing at least six health professionals. The attack was reportedly conducted by RSF. 'Sadly, this is just one of an unacceptably high number of attacks on health infrastructure and health workers in Sudan. I condemn all such attacks and remind the parties that humanitarian and health workers are protected under international humanitarian law', says Aukrust. The people of Sudan are facing multiple crises caused by the conflict. More than 12 million have been forcibly displaced and 25 million Sudanese civilians are facing crisis levels of acute food insecurity, which increase their vulnerability to diseases. Due to the conflict, vaccination coverage has decreased sharply in Sudan. It is now under 50 percent in the country as a whole and lower than 30 percent in conflict zones. The rainy season starts in June, which increases the risk of water-borne diseases. Polio has recently been confirmed in Darfur and cholera has spread to the capital, where it threatens more than a million children, according to the UN. The lack of access to clean water and basic health services aggravates the situation. Vaccination is urgently needed, as is medicines and essential health supplies, which must pass unimpeded across conflict lines. 'Infectious diseases do not respect borders. A functional health system in Sudan is urgently needed, both for the Sudanese people and to prevent the spread of diseases to the region and beyond', says Aukrust. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address IOM Spokesperson on Deadly Attack Against Humanitarian Convoy in Sudan International Organization for Migration News - Global 04 June 2025 Geneva/Port Sudan, 4 June 2025 -- The International Organization for Migration (IOM) mourns the tragic death of five aid workers in a brutal attack on a joint humanitarian convoy in El Fasher, North Darfur. We join other members of the humanitarian community in strongly condemning the attack and extend our deepest condolences to the families and colleagues of those who lost their lives and to all who were injured in this horrific act. This deliberate attack is an assault on humanitarian workers and on the millions of people in Sudan whose survival depends on the timely delivery of aid. The attack not only cost precious lives but destroyed critical food assistance intended for communities teetering on the edge of famine particularly in Al Fasher, which has been besieged for over a year, leaving families facing hunger, displacement, and unimaginable hardship. Safe, sustained, and unhindered access to those in need must be guaranteed by all parties to the conflict. In a crisis that has already displaced millions, every disruption to humanitarian assistance costs lives. We call on all parties to the conflict to uphold their responsibilities and ensure the safety of aid workers and unhindered access to civilians in need. Humanitarian workers are not a target. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Allies to agree new capability targets at meeting of NATO Defence Ministers NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation 04 Jun. 2025 Allied Defence Ministers will gather in Brussels on Thursday 5 June 2025 to finalise preparations for the Summit in The Hague. "At this Ministerial, we are going to take a huge leap forward" Mr Rutte stated, "We will strengthen our deterrence and defence by agreeing ambitious new capability targets." He went on to identify air and missile defence, long-range weapons, logistics, and large land manoeuvre formations as among the Alliance's top priorities. "We need more resources, forces and capabilities so that we are prepared to face any threat, and to implement our collective defence plans in full" the Secretary General emphasised, adding that, in order to deliver on our new targets, "we will need significantly higher defence spending. That underpins everything." The Meeting of NATO Defence Ministers will be preceded by a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) - the international coalition of Allies and partners chaired by the UK and Germany, providing practical support to Ukraine as it resists Russian aggression. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address A look at the Defence news 26 May - 1 June Netherlands Ministry of Defence News item | 04-06-2025 | 15:11 The last Dutch F-16s destined for Ukraine left the Netherlands last week. The aircraft are now being prepared for delivery in Belgium. In total, the Netherlands has donated 24 fighter aircraft to Ukraine. Unknown Russian group responsible for hacking Dutch targets A previously unknown Russian cyber group is behind the hacking of several Dutch organisations, including the national police organisation where work-related contact details were stolen in September 2024. An investigation carried out by the Dutch General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD) and the Defence Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD) was unable to establish whether any other data had been stolen. The Netherlands continues to invest in drones, also for Ukraine "Drones have fundamentally changed modern warfare; right now, they are the most important innovation in the defence domain," said Netherlands Minister of Defence Ruben Brekelmans during the Drone Summit in the Latvian capital Riga last week. The minister added that drones can literally mean the difference between life and death. He also called for continued support for the Drone Capability Coalition, an international coalition that is developing drones for Ukraine. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Sudan: Drone strikes must be investigated Press releases Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights 04 June 2025 The deadly aerial strike this week on a UN humanitarian convoy in Al Koma, North Darfur, clearly undermines access by civilians to assistance and violates the international humanitarian law prohibition of attacks against humanitarian personnel and objects. Monday's attack launched from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), which claimed the lives of five members of the convoy, dealt a severe blow to civilians in the besieged city of El Fasher who were waiting to receive critical food and nutrition supplies amid a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation. Another UAV strike, reportedly attributed to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) earlier this week, struck a busy market in Al Koma, killing at least 15 civilians and injuring dozens more. This incident comes amidst reports of similar attacks by both parties to the conflict targeting civilian objects, including markets. We urge all parties to the conflict to take prompt and concrete measures to protect civilians and civilian objects, and to facilitate safe and unimpeded humanitarian assistance, in line with their obligations under international humanitarian law. We call for prompt and impartial investigations into both attacks and meaningful steps to bring those responsible to justice. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pakistan Condemns Storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque and Escalating Israeli Atrocities Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan strongly condemns the provocative storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque and the escalating Israeli atrocities. These reprehensible acts, including violations at multiple entrances of the Mosque, are a direct assault on the sanctity, historical character, and legal status of the revered Muslim holy site. Such reprehensible actions not only deeply offend the sentiments of Muslims worldwide but also risk igniting further unrest in an already volatile environment. These are clear violations of international law and must be halted immediately. Furthermore, the ongoing targeting of innocent Palestinian civilians in Gaza by the Israeli occupying power is a matter of deep concern . The killing of nearly 100 Palestinian civilians in the last 24 hours alone,including those waiting near food distribution sites, shows the continued impunity with which Israeli occupying forces continue to commit crimes against humanity. We call upon the international community to take urgent and meaningful action to stop these atrocities and to hold Israeli occupying forces accountable for their blatant and systematic violations of international law. We also call for ensuring unfettered humanitarian access to millions in Gaza, as well as to preserve the sanctity and the historical and legal status of Al-Aqsa Mosque . Pakistan reaffirms its unwavering support for the Palestinian people and their just struggle for their right to self-determination. We reiterate our call for the establishment of an independent, viable, and contiguous Palestinian State, based on the pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. Islamabad 4 June 2025 163/2025 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pakistan High-level Parliamentary Delegation Concludes UN Visit, Spotlights Kashmir, Respect for International Law, and Peace with Responsibility Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs A high-level Parliamentary delegation, led by Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples' Party and former Foreign Minister Mr. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, concluded a two-day visit to the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The delegation met with the UN Secretary-General, the President of the General Assembly, the President of the Security Council, representatives of the Security Council's Permanent and Non-Permanent Members, Ambassadors of the OIC Group, representatives of the media, civil society, and think tanks, and the Pakistani community. The visit was part of Pakistan's international outreach to present its perspective on the escalating regional tensions and threat to international peace and security, emanating from India's irresponsible behaviour, unprovoked aggression against Pakistan, belligerent rhetoric, and its unlawful unilateral decision to hold into abeyance the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) - a lifeline for over 240 million Pakistanis. The delegation carried Pakistan's core message of "Peace with Responsibility." In these engagements, the delegation drew attention to India's illegal use of force and violations of international law, including the UN Charter and International Humanitarian Law, particularly targeting of civilian areas and killing of innocent civilians, including women and children. The delegation rejected India's baseless allegations regarding the 22 April terrorist attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir without a shred of evidence, and warned against India's weaponisation of water through its unilateral hold on the IWT in violation of international law and treaty obligations. Reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to combating terrorism in all forms and manifestations, the delegation highlighted Pakistan's crucial role and sacrifices in the success of the global counter-terrorism efforts, while also drawing attention of the international community towards Indian-sponsored terrorism in Pakistan, and its transnational assassination campaign. Cooperation, not politicisation, was required to effectively combat the menace of terrorism, it was underlined. The delegation emphasized Pakistan's responsible, restrained and lawful response to Indian aggression and provocations, underlining that Pakistan seeks peace but will always defend its sovereignty with resolve. It warned that India's attempts to create a "new normal" that implied arbitrary and unilateral strikes could lead to disastrous consequences in South Asia's nuclear environment and must be firmly resisted by the international community. The delegation reiterated that durable peace in South Asia hinges on a just and peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in line with UN Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people. The international community was urged to uphold international law and the sanctity of treaties, push for the revival and normal functioning of the Indus Waters Treaty, and support the initiation of a comprehensive dialogue to resolve all outstanding issues between India and Pakistan, including the core dispute of Jammu and Kashmir. The delegation concluded with a clear message: Pakistan desires peaceful, cooperative relations with all its neighbours based on equality and mutual respect - but will not accept aggression, impunity, or violation of international norms. The delegation comprised the following members: Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr. Musadik Masood Malik; Chairperson, Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination and former Minister for Information and Climate Change, Senator Sherry Rehman; Chairperson, National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and former Foreign Minister, Hina Rabbani Khar; former Minister for Commerce, Defence and Foreign Affairs, Engineer Khurram Dastgir Khan; former Minister for Maritime Affairs, Senator Syed Faisal Ali Subzwari; Senator Bushra Anjum Butt; former Foreign Secretary and Caretaker Foreign Minister, Ambassador (R) Jalil Abbas Jilani; and former Foreign Secretary, Ambassador (R) Tehmina Janjua. Islamabad 4 June 2025 160/2025 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PCG, PAF to intensify maritime patrol ops in Northern Luzon Philippine News Agency By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz June 4, 2025, 6:22 pm MANILA -- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Philippine Air Force (PAF) have partnered up to intensify maritime domain awareness (MDA) operations within the Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) Joint Operations Area. In a statement on Wednesday, the PCG said the collaboration was made during the courtesy visit of Nolcom Commander, Air Force Lt. Gen. Fernyl Buca at the PCG National Headquarters in Port Area, Manila on Tuesday. "The said undertaking is aligned with the vision of President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr., for the PCG to strategically heighten MDA within the country's waters," it said. During the visit, PCG Commandant Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan and Buca discussed the conduct of regular MDA operations within the Nolcom's Joint Operations Area. The Nolcom delegation also presented its concept of operations on external security operations. Nolcom is the Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) unified command in charge of the Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Cagayan Valley, and Central Luzon, including the Scarborough Shoal and the Benham Rise. The PCG delegation was composed of Deputy Commandant for Operations Vice Admiral Edgar Ybanez, Acting Deputy Commandant for Administration Rear Admiral Joeven Fabul, and Chief of Coast Guard Staff Rear Admiral Hostillo Arturo Cornelio. On the other hand, the Nolcom delegation included Commander Joint Task Force Karagatan, Commodore Edward Ike de Sagon; Chief Unified Command Staff, Army Col. Gracioso Merioles PA; and Assistant Chief of Unified Command Staff for Plans U5, PAF Col. Thurman Fanugao. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China has a lot of trust-building to do in settling sea row: DND chief Philippine News Agency By Priam Nepomuceno June 4, 2025, 1:07 pm MANILA -- Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. maintained that China "has a lot of trust-building to do" to be an effective dialogue partner in resolving maritime disputes. In a forum at the 22nd Shangri-la Dialogue in Singapore over the weekend, Teodoro said for dialogue with China to be effective, it "must be coupled with trust." "And China has a lot of trust-building to do to be an effective negotiating partner in dispute settlement. We have to call a spade a spade. And that's what we see, and that is the biggest stumbling block to dispute resolution or dialogue with China," Teodoro said, as shown in a video the DND released Tuesday. Teodoro was responding to a question of a Chinese military official on the possibility of a "proxy war" being launched in Asia, which he called "propaganda spiels". "Now, to our Chinese interlocutors, I shall address you collectively. And thank you for the propaganda spiels disguised as questions. Unfortunately, in my personal opinion, the fact that the question was asked in the way it does, engenders a deficit of trust in China's words vis-a-vis its actions," he added. Teodoro recalled that in 1995, China constructed bamboo structures around Mischief Reef (also known as Panganiban Reef), which lies some 130 nautical miles from Palawan province and part of the Kalayaan Island Group. When the Philippines protested about these developments, China claimed that these were only "temporary havens" for its fishers, Teodoro said. However, he said these were eventually turned into an "artificial military island" that is "heavily militarized." "China says that it has peaceful intentions. Why does it continue to deny the Philippines its rightful provenance under international law and UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea)? And as proof of this, we do not stand alone. None have agreed with China, and none has condemned the Philippines for standing up against China in the face of a threat to its territorial integrity and sovereignty," Teodoro said. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 23rd EWG Meeting of SCO Defense Ministers' Meeting held in China Ministry of National Defense of the People's Republic of China Source China Military Online EditorChen Zhuo 2025-06-04 18:57:48 BEIJING, June 4 -- On June 4, the Chinese Ministry of National Defense hosted the 23rd Expert Working Group (EWG) Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Defense Ministers' Meeting in Qingdao City, east China's Shandong Province. Representatives from the SCO member states and the SCO Secretariat attended the meeting. All parties consulted on the preparations for the 2025 SCO Defense Ministers' Meeting, and agreed to enhance communication and collaboration to contribute to holding a productive defense ministers' meeting. This is the third time that China has hosted such regular meeting since it held the rotating chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US up against entire world: Washington blocks UNSC vote on Gaza ceasefire in 'blind bias' favoring Israel Iran Press TV Wednesday, 04 June 2025 11:38 PM The United States forms a minority of one in blocking a UN Security Council resolution demanding a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and favoring a complete Israeli withdrawal from the coastal sliver that is in tatters from some 20 months of a genocidal Israeli war. The resolution was put to vote on Wednesday, calling for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The American veto went up against affirmative votes by all of the Council's other members, namely 14 countries. The resolution, co-sponsored by 10 elected members of the Council, had sought to "immediately and permanently" end the warfare that has so far claimed the lives of at least 54,510 Palestinians, mostly women and children. It had also called for restoration of humanitarian access and essential services across the devastated territory, which has simultaneously been subjected to a near-total Israeli siege. If adopted, the draft would have also supported ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at enabling a phased ceasefire framework, including the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the beginning of reconstruction. Gaza's Hamas resistance movement would provide due cooperation with a previous framework. The framework, though, collapsed after the Israeli regime resumed the genocide. No new structure was implemented afterwards either on the back of Tel Aviv's non-compliance with diplomatic efforts. Speaking before the Wednesday vote, acting US Ambassador to the UN, Dorothy Shea tarnished the resolution as "unacceptable," attacking both its contents and the process through which it had been presented. "The United States has been clear: We would not support any measure that fails to condemn Hamas and does not call for Hamas to disarm and leave Gaza," she said. The diplomat reiterated Washington's "terrorist" label for the Palestinian resistance movement that has been standing up for decades to interminable deadly aggression by the Israeli regime, which has invariably received unstinting American political and military support. The diplomat further claimed that Hamas had rejected several recent ceasefire proposals, including one that, she said, would have led to the release of the Israeli captives, who remained in Gaza, as well as an end to the warfare. The claim, previously verbalized by the US's regional envoy Steve Witkoff, however, flew directly in the face of the movement's actual treatment of the proposal. Shea further reiterated Washington's insistence on Hamas' removal from Gaza, quoting Secretary of State Marco Rubio as saying, "If an ember survives, it will spark again into a fire." The vote came as the humanitarian situation in Gaza continued to deteriorate at an exponential pace. UN agencies have warned of a looming famine, the near-total collapse of healthcare, and the displacement of the vast majority of the territory's population. "The world is watching, day after day, horrifying scenes of Palestinians being shot, wounded, or killed in Gaza while simply trying to eat," said UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher. He was referring to a so-called new "aid distribution system" led by the United States and the Israeli regime, which bypasses established humanitarian agencies. The mechanism has been criticized for failing to reach many in need, and has seen Israeli forces fatally shooting the Palestinians racing to collect aid packages. Hamas' reaction Following the vote, Hamas issued a strong condemnation of the American decision, calling it an indication of the US's unquestioningly favoring the regime on all occasions. The American veto, the movement added, provided a green light for continued Israeli attacks on civilians. "The US veto embodies the American administration's blind bias towards the fascist occupation government and its support for its crimes against humanity committed in the Gaza Strip," the group said in a statement. It denounced the US for defying the will of the international community, ignoring the international law, and enabling a genocidal war being waged by Israeli forces under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces an arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court. The movement further lambasted the US for spreading misinformation and denying Palestinians their right to self-determination. In the meantime, Hamas questioned the credibility of international institutions that had failed to stop the war or guarantee access to food and aid after nearly two years of genocide. "The failure of the UN Security Council to stop the war of genocide that has been ongoing for twenty months... raises fundamental questions about the role of international community institutions and the effectiveness of international laws," the statement said. A pattern of vetoes The Wednesday veto marked the sixth time the United States had blocked a Gaza-related ceasefire resolution since the regime launched the war in October 2023. The US has been trying to justify its actions concerning such resolutions by claiming that they failed to hold Hamas accountable or adequately protect the Israeli regime's "security interests." In a similar move on November 20, 2024, the US vetoed a resolution that had called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, arguing that the proposal did not ensure the release of Israeli captives. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas rejects any deal lacking guarantees to end Israel's aggression Iran Press TV Wednesday, 04 June 2025 5:12 PM The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas says it will not agree to any ceasefire deal that does not guarantee a complete halt to Israel's military offensive in the besieged Gaza Strip. Bassem Na'eem, a senior Hamas official, said that the resistance movement had informed mediators of its readiness to engage in a new round of negotiations, but not based on the proposal presented by US envoy Steve Witkoff. "Witkoff came back to us with a paper that is completely different from the one we had previously approved. It contains vague wording that does not guarantee a halt to the war on Gaza." Na'eem said many countries, including Israel's closest allies, have become convinced that Benjamin Netanyahu is the main obstacle to reaching a ceasefire deal. "We will not miss any opportunity to stop the war and ease the suffering of our people, provided there is a credible guarantee," he said. On Wednesday, the UN Security Council is scheduled to vote on a resolution calling for a ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access in Gaza. The new resolution "demands an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza respected by all parties." Underlining the "catastrophic humanitarian situation" in the Palestinian territory, the resolution additionally demands the lifting of all restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza. The United States, however, plans to veto the resolution, Axios reported. It is the Security Council's first vote on the subject since November 2024, when the US blocked a text calling for an end to the Israeli campaign of genocide. On Tuesday, Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian ambassador to the UN, urged the council to act. "All of us will be judged by history as to how much we have done in order to stop this crime against the Palestinian people," he said. Israel has allowed some aid to enter Gaza in recent days, under a controversial scheme backed by the US, but aid organizations say far from enough is getting in. The US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) is under fire for going against long-standing aid principles by coordinating relief efforts with a military belligerent. Hamas said in a statement on Tuesday that the newly established aid distribution sites run by the GHF had become "death traps" for starving civilians and a displacement tool. At a joint press conference on February 4, 2025, US President Donald Trump stood alongside Benjamin Netanyahu and declared that the US "will take over the Gaza Strip." Nearly 100 Palestinians have been killed in the latest Israeli attacks across Gaza as the regime warns Palestinians against approaching roads to aid distribution sites. At least 54,607 Palestinians have been killed, mostly women and children, and 125,341 injured in the brutal Israeli campaign since October 7, 2023, according to the health ministry of Gaza. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran FM discusses support for Lebanon in meeting with Hezbollah chief Iran Press TV Wednesday, 04 June 2025 2:46 PM Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated Iran's readiness to enhance cooperation with Lebanon as he met with Hezbollah Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem in Beirut. Araghchi placed a premium on Iran's relations with Lebanon during the meeting on Wednesday. Iran, the minister said, is willing to stand by Lebanon in "economic, political, and social affairs based on mutual respect." Sheikh Qassem expressed gratitude for Iran's support for the Lebanese people and the resistance movement Hezbollah, according to the movement's statement. Qassem took over as chief of Hezbollah in 2024, after Israel assassinated the iconic leader of the resistance movement, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah. Qassem also underscored Iran's "positive" role in the region and the Islamic Republic's support for the Palestinian cause. The Lebanese resistance leader also told Araghchi of Hezbollah's "work to revive Lebanon and its stability and sovereignty." Qassem said Hezbollah would also work for the expulsion of the Israeli occupiers from the Lebanese territory, the statement said. In violation of the ceasefire agreement of November 2024 between Israel and Hezbollah, the regime has kept troops in five areas in Lebanon. The Israeli military still carries out regular strikes on Lebanon. During the meeting, which was also attended by Iran's Ambassador to Beirut Mojtaba Amani, the two sides also discussed the latest regional developments. Araghchi arrived in Beirut on Tuesday and met senior officials, including President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, and Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi. Araghchi told reporters on Tuesday that "Iranian companies are ready to take part in Lebanon's reconstruction." Israel's bombardment of southern Lebanon has left behind considerable damage and destruction. In a Wednesday post on X, Araghchi said during the trip he expressed his full support for Lebanon's stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. "Our goal and hope is to open a new page in our centuries-long ties, built on mutual respect and common interests," he stated. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US-backed aid sites shut after Israeli massacre of starving Gazans Iran Press TV Wednesday, 04 June 2025 11:45 AM The US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) in the Gaza Strip says it has temporarily closed its aid distribution sites, following the Israeli massacre of dozens of starving Palestinians in recent days. The GHF made the announcement in a statement on Wednesday, saying its "distribution centers will be closed for renovation, reorganization and efficiency improvement work." The aid distribution sites would resume operations on Thursday, it added. The closure came as the Israeli military warned against traveling "on roads leading to the distribution centers, which are considered combat zones." It also came after 27 people were killed on Tuesday when Israeli forces opened fire near a GHF aid site in southern Gaza. On Wednesday, at least 32 people had lost their lives in Israel's bombardment of Gaza since morning, including 12 in a single strike on a tent housing displaced people, the Gaza Ministry of Health said. At least 95 Palestinians have been killed and injured 440 others injured in Gaza in the past 24 hours, it added. The ministry went on to say that two bodies of the people killed in previous Israeli attacks were also recovered from the rubble. Medical sources warned that a large number of victims are still trapped under the rubble or in the streets, and relief and civil defense teams are unable to treat and transport them due to continued bombardment and destruction of infrastructure. The total death toll from Israel's war on the besieged territory has reached 54,607 people since October 7, 2023, the ministry said. Israel has killed 4,335 Palestinians and injured 13,300 since breaking a ceasefire in March this year. The US-backed aid sites began operations in the Gaza Strip last Monday. Early the next morning, as thousands of starving Palestinians lined up at the aid site, Israeli forces opened fire, killing and injuring dozens of them. The GHF opened a second site last Wednesday, but Israeli forces again opened fire on aid seekers west of the southern Gaza city of Rafah, killing more Palestinians. The Gaza Media Office said in a statement on Sunday that in less than a week the Israeli regime had killed dozens of people and wounded hundreds at GHF sites. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has condemned as "unacceptable" the deaths of Palestinians seeking food aid in Gaza, calling the loss of life in the blockaded territory "unthinkable." UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk has also denounced the attacks against starving civilians, saying they constitute a grave breach of international law and a war crime. The GHF is a Geneva-based "aid" group backed by the US and Israel, that has been set up to function as an alternative to the already established methods of aid delivery, through UN-affiliated organizations, to Gaza. The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas says the aid distribution sites run by the GHF have become "death traps" for starving civilians and a displacement tool. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has escalated dramatically since March 18, when the Israeli regime resumed its attacks and violated its ceasefire agreement with the resistance group Hamas. According to the UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), Gaza suffers from phase 5 famine, and nearly 71,000 children under the age of five are at risk of acute malnutrition. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address FM Araghchi: Iran's hope is to open 'new page' in ties with Lebanon Iran Press TV Wednesday, 04 June 2025 10:19 AM Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says Iran's hope is to open a new page in long-established ties anchored in respect and common interests with Lebanon after meetings with the country's officials in Beirut. "I was pleased to be back in beautiful Beirut. During my meetings with the President, the Speaker of the Parliament, the Prime Minister, and the Foreign Minister, I expressed my full support for Lebanon's independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and reconstruction" amid the ongoing Israeli occupation, Araqchi wrote in a post published in Arabic on his official account on the social media platform X on Wednesday. He emphasized, "Our goal and hope is to open a new chapter in our centuries-old relationship, built on mutual respect and common interests." In a meeting held in Beirut on Tuesday, the Iranian foreign minister voiced Tehran's readiness to help the government of Lebanon with the process of reconstruction. Araghchi and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun discussed the ties between their two nations, along with the most recent regional and international developments. Araghchi stated that Iran is ready to enhance its relations with Lebanon in all sectors on the basis of mutual respect and common interests. He also conveyed the willingness of Iranian companies to assist the Lebanese government in its reconstruction efforts. Araghchi further voiced Iran's support for the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon and for dialogue among the Lebanese ethnic and political groups with the purpose of reaching national consensus and settling the country's problems. For his part, Aoun highlighted his government's policy of promotion of relations with all countries. He also voiced Lebanon's readiness to broaden friendly ties with Iran in different fields. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Thailand resists Cambodia push to take border dispute to UN court Cambodia's legislature supports seeking a ruling from the International Court of Justice after a Cambodian soldier died in a border shootout. By Pimuk Rakkanam and Prach Chiev for RFA 2025.06.04 -- Thailand is resisting Cambodia's push to bring their border dispute to the U.N. International Court of Justice after a firefight last week that killed one Cambodian soldier, raising tensions between the Southeast Asian neighbors. In a press statement Wednesday, the Thai government said its troops had acted in self-defense during a routine patrol in an area under Thai sovereignty. About Cambodia's proposal "to resort to a judicial mechanism or a third party," Thailand stressed that it is "ready to engage in negotiations with Cambodia through existing bilateral mechanisms." That statement came after Cambodia's National Assembly and Senate on Monday voted in favor of the Cambodian government's proposal to bring a case to resolve the dispute to The Hague-based court. The legislature took the matter up after the two sides had a 10-minute shootout on May 28 in the Chongbok area of Thailand's northeastern Ubon Ratchathani province, opposite Cambodia's northern Preah Vihear province, near where the Thai, Cambodian and Lao borders meet. Cambodia said one of its soldiers, Sgt. Suan Roan, 48, was killed. It was the latest flare-up in a rift between Thailand and Cambodia over the demarcation of their 800-kilometer-long land border, which stirs nationalist sentiment on both sides. The differences are rooted in history. Part of the long-burning disagreement is over which maps to use. Cambodia is calling for the U.N. court to rule on the demarcation of the border at three ancient Khmer temples - Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Toch and Ta Krabei - and at an area near to where the May 28 shootout happened. There's precedent for this. The International Court of Justice granted sovereignty to Cambodia over a disputed 11th century temple at Preah Vihear in 1962 and 2013. There was a standoff and clashes between Thai and Cambodia forces at the border there between 2008 and 2011. Legal process Senate President Hun Sen, father of the current prime minister Hun Manet, told Monday's joint session of the parliament that if Thailand truly has no intention to encroach upon Cambodian territory, it should not refuse Cambodia's invitation to file the new case jointly at the ICJ. "Why wouldn't they want to resolve the issue through the legal process? If 25 years of negotiations haven't yielded resultseven joint border commission meetings haven't achieved anythingwhat's the reason behind this?" Hun Sen said. Thailand, however, stressed in its statement that there should be negotiations through bilateral mechanisms, such as the Joint Boundary Commission. Cambodia has agreed to host a meeting of the commission on June 14. "The Royal Thai Government calls on Cambodia to work with Thailand in exercising maximum restraint, reducing tensions on the ground, and providing information to the public with the aim of avoiding misunderstandings between the peoples of the two countries," the statement said. Thailand's The Nation newspaper quoted Thai Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai as saying that Thailand is working to keep the dispute from escalating to the level of the ICJ. "We must avoid playing into their game," Phumtham was quoted as saying, referring to Cambodia. "Doing so could internationalize the issue. This is a matter of national importance that directly affects Thailand's independence and territorial integrity." Southeast Asia expert Sebastian Strangio wrote in The Diplomat that while Cambodia may be banking on the ICJ ruling in its favor, as it did over Preah Vihear, it's less clear the court would support Cambodia's claims in the areas it is seeking a ruling on now. But he added that pursuing an international legal remedy is probably the best way of resolving an issue that is the subject of heated nationalistic fervor in both nations. Edited by Mat Pennington. Copyright 1998-2025, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content June not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN Alarmed By Surge In Deportations Of Afghan Families From Iran By RFE/RL's Radio Azadi June 04, 2025 The UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM) has expressed alarm over a sharp rise in the number of Afghan families being deported from Iran and called for the immediate suspension of the forced return of Afghans, regardless of their immigration status. In a report released on June 3, the IOM said that while Afghans deported in previous months were "predominantly" single young men, "a new and concerning trend" had emerged with a surge in the forced return of Afghan families. The IOM said it recorded 15,675 families returning from Iran in May, more than double the 6,879 families who returned in April. In addition, it said the number of undocumented families returning in May 2025 was more than three times higher compared to that in May 2024. "This spike follows recent announcements by Iranian authorities indicating plans to intensify deportations of Afghan nationals," the report said. Iran has set a July 6 deadline for undocumented Afghans to leave the country, potentially affecting up to 4 million people, according to the agency. Many Afghans complain about being poorly treated by Iranian authorities. An Afghan man who was deported from Iran with his family in May, told RFE/RL's Radio Azadi that the authorities arrived at the farm where his family and other Afghans were working and "deported everyone from the fields all at once." He said he and his family were now in Faryab Province in northern Afghanistan, where "the problems are many." Another Afghan national who did not want to be identified told Radio Azadi that Afghan refugees in Iran "suffer a lot." "[The authorities] mistreat families and throw them out of their homes. There are a lot of arrests and detentions. People are suffering a lot," he said. The spike in forced returns from Iran comes amid ongoing mass deportations from Pakistan, where thousands of Afghans also are being sent back each week. "Combined, these pressures are overwhelming Afghanistan's fragile reception and reintegration systems, particularly in areas of high return," the UN agency said. The IOM urged "all countries to immediately suspend the forced return of Afghans, regardless of their immigration status, until safe, voluntary, and dignified return conditions are in place." Since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, the militants have enforced a hard-line interpretation of Islamic law, severely curtailing rights and freedoms -- especially for women and girls, who are now banned from secondary education and most forms of employment. The UN and human rights groups have documented widespread abuses, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, torture, and public floggings, often targeting former government officials, security forces, and those who speak out against the regime. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/un-iran-deport-afghan- families-taliban/33433786.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 Statement by Prime Minister Robert Golob on the Anniversary of the Recognition of Palestine Republic of Slovenia - Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia 4. 6. 2025 Please find below a statement by the Prime Minister, Robert Golob, on the occasion of the first anniversary of one of the most significant and noble foreign policy decisions in Slovenian history - the recognition of Palestine. In yesterday's conversation with the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, Prime Minister Golob once again called for the upcoming European Council meeting to include a discussion on suspending the EU-Israel Association Agreement. Statement by Prime Minister Robert Golob (pdf, 63 KB) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pentagon Chief Opts Out of Ramstein Group Meeting Sputnik News 20250604 US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will not attend the Wednesday meeting of the international group coordinating military aid to Ukraine, the Associated Press reported citing a US official. For the first time since the Ukraine Defense Contact Group was created by the United States, the Pentagon chief will skip the group's meeting, which will have over 50 other defense leaders in attendance. On Tuesday, Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell said that Hegseth was going to travel to Belgium and France this week to take part in the NATO defense ministers' meeting and events commemorating D-Day, but no mention was made of whether the Pentagon chief was planning to attend the meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, which will be held on June 4 at the NATO headquarters. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Joint Statement Condemning the Recent Attack on a United Nations Humanitarian Convoy in Sudan US Department of State Media Note Office of the Spokesperson June 4, 2025 The text of the following statement was released by the Advancing Lifesaving and Peace in Sudan (ALPS) group members, including the Governments of the United States of America, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, the African Union, and the United Nations. Begin Text: The ALPS coalition strongly condemns the recent attack on a United Nations humanitarian convoy, which resulted in the death of humanitarian personnel and the destruction of life-saving aid. We extend our deepest condolences to the families, colleagues, and communities of those who were killed while working to assist others in desperate need. Attacks directed against civilians and civilian objects, including humanitarian personnel and assets, are serious violations of international humanitarian law. With the situation in Sudan worsening and humanitarian needs reaching critical levels, the ALPS coalition urgently reiterates that international humanitarian law must be fully respected. This includes the obligations to protect civilians, including humanitarian personnel. We call on the parties to allow and facilitate humanitarian access to all those in need. End Text. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Deputy Secretary Landau's Call with Hungarian Foreign Minister Szijjarto US Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson June 4, 2025 The below is attributable to Spokesperson Tammy Bruce: Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau spoke with Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto yesterday to reaffirm the strong U.S.-Hungary alliance rooted in shared interests and common values. The call underscored a commitment to supporting national sovereignty and expanding commercial ties, particularly the potential for increased American business opportunities in Hungary. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Rubio's Meeting with Singaporean Foreign Minister Balakrishnan US Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson June 4, 2025 The below is attributable to Spokesperson Tammy Bruce: Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan today and reaffirmed the strength of the U.S.-Singapore strategic partnership and our shared commitment to a safe, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. The two leaders discussed opportunities to deepen our economic relationship through strengthening our trade and investment ties and supporting American companies. They also discussed efforts to address regional security challenges, cooperation on counterproliferation, AI, and cybersecurity. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel's new aid system is inhumane. Israel needs to end its restrictions on aid now: UK statement at the UN Security Council Speech Explanation of vote by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, following the vote on the E10 draft UN Security Council resolution on Gaza. From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Dame Barbara Woodward DCMG OBE Published 4 June 2025 Location: United Nations, New York Delivered on: 4 June 2025 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered) The United Kingdom voted in favour of this resolution today because the intolerable situation in Gaza needs to end. We are determined to see an end to this war, secure the release of the hostages held by Hamas and alleviate the catastrophic humanitarian situation for Palestinians in Gaza. This Israeli Government's decisions to expand its military operations in Gaza and severely restrict aid are unjustifiable, disproportionate and counterproductive, and the UK completely opposes them. The Israeli Government says it has opened up aid access with its new system. But Palestinians, desperate to feed their families, have been killed as they try to reach the very few aid sites that have been permitted by Israel. This is inhumane. We support the UN's call for an immediate and independent investigation into these events and for perpetrators to be held accountable. Israel needs to end its restrictions on aid now: let the UN and humanitarians do their job to save lives, reduce suffering and maintain dignity. President, we regret that the Council was unable to reach consensus today, but we remain committed to the vision of this text. We will continue to strongly support the efforts led by the United States, Qatar and Egypt to secure an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. A ceasefire is the best way to secure the release of all remaining hostages and achieve a long-term political solution. And we repeat our condemnation of the heinous attack by Hamas on 7th October and demand that it release all the hostages immediately and unconditionally. Hamas can have no role in the future governance of Gaza. A two-state solution is the only way to bring the long-lasting peace, stability and security that both Israelis and Palestinians deserve. We welcome France and Saudi Arabia's leadership in chairing an international conference later this month. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Gaza: Minister for the Middle East statement, 4 June 2025 Oral statement to Parliament Minister for the Middle East Hamish Falconer made a statement to the House of Commons on Gaza. From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Hamish Falconer MP Published 4 June 2025 Location: House of Commons Delivered on: 4 June 2025 Madam Deputy Speaker, We are appalled by repeated reports of mass casualty incidents, in which Palestinians have been killed when trying to access aid sites in Gaza. Desperate civilians who have endured 20 months of war should never face the risk of death or injury to simply feed themselves and their families. We call for an immediate and independent investigation into these events, and for the perpetrators to be held to account. It is deeply disturbing that these incidents happened near the new Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) distribution sites. They highlight the utterly desperate need to get aid in. The Israeli Government says it has opened up aid access with its new system. But the warnings raised by the United Kingdom, the United Nations, aid partners and the international community about these operations have materialised and the results are agonising. Israel's newly introduced measures for aid delivery are inhumane, foster desperation and endanger civilians. Israel's unjustified block on aid into Gaza needs to end. It is inhumane. Israel must immediately allow the UN and aid partners to safely deliver all types of aid at scale to save lives, reduce suffering and maintain dignity. It must ensure food and other critical supplies can reach people safely where they are across the whole of the Gaza Strip. Civilians, medical and humanitarian workers and facilities must be protected. We will continue to be steadfast in our support for the UN and other trusted INGOs as the most effective and principled partners for aid delivery. Our support has meant over 465,000 people have received essential healthcare, 640,000 have received food, and 275,000 people have improved access to water, sanitation and hygiene services. Just two weeks ago, my honourable friend, the Minister for Development, announced 4m additional funding to support the British Red Cross, enabling the delivery humanitarian relief in Gaza through their partner the Palestinian Red Crescent. This was part of our wider 101m support package for this financial year. Aid must be allowed in so this support can continue. Today, the UN Security Council is expected to consider a resolution for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all the hostages and the lifting of all Israeli restrictions on humanitarian aid, and supporting delivery by the UN. And we will once again use our vote in support of these goals. Following our leadership in coordinating dozens of countries to address the humanitarian situation, the joint statement from the UK, France and Canada, as well as the actions announced by my Right Honourable Friend the Foreign Secretary on 20 May, we will continue to convene international partners to increase the pressure and take further steps to address the catastrophic situation on the ground. We will continue to strongly support the efforts led by the United States, Qatar and Egypt to secure an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. As the Prime Minister has said, a ceasefire is the best way to secure the release of all remaining hostages and achieve a long-term political solution. This Israeli Government's decision to expand its military operations in Gaza and severely restrict aid undermine all these goals. Madam Deputy Speaker, We repeat our utter condemnation of Hamas, our demand that it releases all the hostages immediately and unconditionally. They can have no role in the future governance of Gaza. A two-state solution is the only way to bring the long-lasting peace, stability and security that both Israelis and Palestinians deserve. We welcome France and Saudi Arabia's leadership in chairing an international conference later this month. I commend this statement to the House. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General Department of Public Information . News and Media Division . New York 4 June 2025 The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today's briefing by Stephane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General. ** Programming Note Good afternoon. Programming note that may be of interest to you: The Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, will be at the Security Council Stakeout tomorrow, at 9:30 a.m. He will make remarks relating to fallen UN Staff. At 9:45 a.m., he will go to the Trusteeship Council for the Annual Memorial Service to honour United Nations Personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty in 2024. And yes, before you ask, he will take a few questions. And then, at noon, I will be joined by Paul Heslop, the senior UN Mine Action Adviser to the Resident Coordinator and United Nations Country Team in Ukraine (UNMAS). He will speak about the issue of mines in Ukraine. ** Senior Personnel Appointment A senior personnel appointment to share with you today: The Secretary-General is appointing Major General Diodato Abagnara of Italy as Head of Mission and Force Commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, known as UNIFIL. We expect him to take up his position on 24 June. Major General Abagnara succeeds Lieutenant General Aroldo Lazaro Saenz of Spain. The Secretary-General extends his sincere gratitude to Lieutenant General Aroldo Lazaro Saenz for his dedication and for his leadership of UNIFIL during one of the mission's most challenging periods. Major General Abagnara brings to the position over 36 years of military service, including extensive leadership roles within the Italian Armed Forces. Most recently, he served as Commander and Chair of the Military Technical Committee for Lebanon, where he oversaw multinational coordination efforts in support of the Lebanese Armed Forces. ** Occupied Palestinian Territory Turning to the situation in Gaza: Tom Fletcher, our Emergency Relief Coordinator, today urged Israel to open all of the crossings into Gaza, let in life-saving aid at scale from all directions, and lift the restrictions on what and how much aid we can bring in. He noted that dozens of Gazans were declared dead at hospitals yesterday after Israeli forces said they had opened fire. Mr. Fletcher said this is the outcome of a series of deliberate choices that have systematically deprived 2 million people of the essentials they need to survive. Meanwhile, our colleagues on the ground tell us the latest figures indicate that in the past three weeks, more than 100,000 people were forced to flee in the governorates of North Gaza and Gaza. Our partners working in health tell us that more medical facilities are suspending their operations. On Monday, the remaining staff and patients at the Indonesian Hospital, in North Gaza, were evacuated. As a result, not a single hospital remains functional in North Gaza. Today in Gaza City, Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator Suzanna Tkalec visited Al Ahli hospital, which has sustained multiple attacks since the beginning of the war. Ms. Tkalec heard from staff about the challenges they are facing every day. They stressed that preventable deaths are occurring due to shortages of critical supplies, including antibiotics. The Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator called for the protection of health facilities, the unrestricted flow of assistance into Gaza, and support for our work and our partners' work to deliver at scale to alleviate the suffering of people. Meanwhile, we and our partners continue to send supplies to Kerem Shalom crossing, where the Israeli authorities scan them before they can enter Gaza. For today, we submitted over 130 pre-cleared truckloads for a second and final Israeli clearance, but only 50 of them which were carrying flour were approved to enter the Israeli side of the Kerem Shalom crossing. Our teams on the ground are also working hard to collect supplies from Kerem Shalom and bring them closer to the people who need them inside Gaza. But, these attempts are facing major hurdles. Just yesterday, one attempt was denied access altogether and another one did manage to retrieve just over a dozen truckloads carrying flour. Overall, since the crossing reopened, we've been able to collect fewer than 400 truckloads, even though every day we have tried to coordinate access and secure safe routes through the Israeli-militarized zone in the south. And that denied attempt to access Kerem Shalom was one of the six access denials our teams faced just yesterday across the Gaza Strip, out of a total of 13 attempts. These denials prevented our teams from carrying out interventions as critical as trucking water to those who need it. Another of yesterday's six denied access attempts was to retrieve fuel, which is so urgently needed. OCHA (Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs) warns that without immediate access to fuel that is already inside Gaza but located in hard-to-reach areas that are either militarized or subject to displacement orders, more critical services will have to suspend operations soon. And as you know, this afternoon at 4 p.m., the members of the Security Council of the United Nations will meet not far from here to discuss the situation in Gaza. ** Sudan Turning to Sudan, the conflict-related displacement of people and the spread of cholera continue to increase humanitarian needs across that country. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports that nearly 9,700 people in Khartoum State alone were recently displaced from Al Salha in Um Durman locality due to conflict. Many of them remained within Um Durman, while others moved north to Karrari District, which is still in Khartoum State, but the security situation there is fluid, we are told. In South Kordofan, IOM tells us that more than 9,000 people fled Dibebat town in Al Quoz locality last week due to intense clashes. The situation remains very volatile. At the same time, our IOM colleagues say that about 600 people were displaced from Abu Shouk camp and El Fasher town in North Darfur state just last week. Most of them sought refuge within El Fasher, while others moved to other localities in North Darfur, including Tawila, where, as we've mentioned in recent weeks, we and our partners have been scaling up assistance for new arrivals, despite significant gaps due to shortfalls in resources and challenges in getting partners on the ground in sufficient numbers. On the cholera outbreak, daily cases are falling in Khartoum State, but they are steadily increasing in the north, in River Nile State. In the past two weeks alone, health authorities there have reported more than 180 cumulative cases and four deaths. Most of the cases were concentrated in the localities of Atbara, Barbar and Damar. And of the total cases, 55 were reported to have arrived from other states including 45 from Khartoum and Um Durman underscoring the cross-regional spread of the disease. Partners warn that continued displacement, damaged infrastructure, and limited access to safe water are accelerating transmission. Meanwhile, our humanitarian colleagues are warning that thousands of displaced people are now returning to Blue Nile State and need urgent assistance. They lack food, they lack clean water, healthcare, shelter and education. Needless to say, that humanitarian organizations are working hard to meet the growing needs of people in Sudan, but insecurity as we saw with the attack on the World Food Programme (WFP) access constraints and critical funding shortfalls continue to undermine the response. Once again, we call for an immediate cessation of hostilities, unimpeded humanitarian access across borders and conflict lines, the protection of civilians, as well as increased funding so we can scale up. ** South Sudan Turning South to South Sudan, where our humanitarian colleagues underscore their concerns about the impact of funding cuts on the plight of refugees and returnees to that country. According to our own monitoring as well as data from the Government of South Sudan, over a million human beings, returnees and refugees have fled Sudan into South Sudan since the war started in Sudan in 2023. On arrival, many were helped by IOM to get back to their home areas or to refugee camps, as appropriate. However, due to funding shortages, these services had to stop on 1 June, raising concerns about people being stranded and overcrowding in transit shelter as people continue to flee the fighting in Sudan. Our colleagues at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said that 4 million people have now fled Sudan into neighbouring countries since the start of the war, which is by itself a devastating milestone, given the third year of conflict. In May alone, 15,000 people arrived in the border town of Renk in South Sudan. Yesterday, several hundred refugees and returnees in Renk protested against the stoppage of transportation services. ** Libya And a note from Libya and from our friend Volker Turk, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, who today called for the sealing of detention facilities in Libya where human rights violations were found, and for prompt, independent, impartial and transparent investigations by the Libyan authorities. Dozens of bodies have been found at both official and unofficial detention centres. Mr. Turk said the discoveries confirm the long-standing findings by our United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), as well as UN Fact-Finding Mission in Libya, and from various witness accounts, regarding the existence of such sites and the extent of the horrific violations committed in connection with them, including torture and enforced disappearances. Mr. Turk said he was troubled by reports that Libya's forensic authorities mandated to exhume and identify human remains have yet to be granted access to these sites. He urged the authorities to grant full and unimpeded access to all sites. Mr. Turk also called on the authorities to grant the United Nations access to the sites as part of our mandate to document human rights violations. ** Bangladesh Turning to Bangladesh to give you a grim update from Cox's Bazar, where days of intense monsoon rains and high winds have triggered landslides, floods and widespread damage across the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox's Bazar. This has impacted nearly 16,000 people across 17 camps managed by the International Organization for Migration. Our IOM colleagues, in coordination with Bangladeshi authorities and partners, have launched an emergency response to support emergency relocations, rescue and initial damage assessments. Nearly 5,000 Rohingya refugees have been mobilized through cash-for-work activities to help clear fallen trees, unblock drainage channels and restore access to essential facilities. Teams are also working to prevent further landslides by covering vulnerable slopes with tarpaulin. Emergency shelter distribution is under way. Shelter, water and sanitation facilities are also being assessed and repaired, while hot meals are being provided to displaced families who are sheltering in communal spaces. ** Yemen I just want to flag that today the Heads of UN Agencies and International NGOs [non-governmental organizations] in Yemen echoed the Secretary-General's calls for the immediate and unconditional release of the personnel from the UN and other organizations and diplomatic missions who are currently being detained by the Houthis. More online. ** International Day Today is the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression. Every day, children living in wars across the globe are facing unspeakable horrors. Ending and preventing these grave violations is central to the mandate on children and armed conflict. No money, no quiz, but I'll take a question from Gabriel and then Benno and then Lenka. ** Questions and Answers Question : Thank you, Steph. In regards to the Security Council meeting this afternoon on Gaza and the draft resolution, what would be the ideal outcome of that meeting for the Secretary-General? Spokesman : Listen. The ideal outcome for most meetings of the Security Council for the Secretary-General is a strong, unified voice. And on this case, a strong and unified voice on the situation in Gaza, calling for an end to the conflict, for full humanitarian access to the UN and its partners, for the release of the hostages and for us to get back on track to a two-State solution, regardless how distant that dream may currently be. No question from Benno? Okay. Lenka. Question : Thank you very much, Stephane. We just received an email that cafeteria is closing downstairs. How much are you planning to save on it, or is there anywhere a breakdown we could actually see, you know, what's the plan? What's the financial plan on closing the cafeteria, making the prices less? Spokesman : I will look into this critical issue. But, obviously, you know, these facilities are run by an outside contractor. So, there's also an issue of how much they can... but, yes, do you have another question? Correspondent : Yes, please. President [Volodymyr] Zelenskyy said that the talks in Istanbul are insubstantial, that they are not that important. Of course, I know you don't like commenting on other leaders' comments, but... Spokesman : Thanks for answering your question. Question : Yeah. How does the SG see the Istanbul peaceful talks? Does he believe they are crucial or useful? Thank you. Spokesman : I mean, I think one of your colleagues asked me what we thought of the talks when they were going on, and our position is unchanged. Volodymyr and then Dezhi. Question : Thank you, Stephane. According to the American Center for the Strategic and International Studies, Russian military losses in the war against Ukraine have reached 1 million. What message would you like to convey to the Russian leadership in light of these senseless deaths and injuries? Spokesman : The message that we are sending to all of the parties involved in this conflict is what we want to see, which is an end to the war in Ukraine in line with international law, in line with UN resolutions, in line with the territorial integrity of Ukraine to end this conflict. Question : Could I get another question, please? Given the unfeasible conditions Russia put forward in Istanbul, as well as Moscow's subsequent actions and rhetoric, do you see any signs at all that the Russian ruler [Vladimir V.] Putin seeks a ceasefire and peace? Spokesman : I will leave the analysis of signs to analysts and journalists. Dezhi? Question : For the past week, I believe we heard quite a lot about the humanitarian operation in Gaza from the UN. You mentioned how many trucks get in and how many have been picked up and how many have been denied. But the ultimate question, I think, is has there been any delivery to the people there from the UN operation so far? Spokesman : My understanding is that we've had some deliveries. Some of our health centres are continuing to work. Some of our operations continue to work. But a lot of the foodstuff that is travelling on open trucks, as it is required of us, has also been taken by hungry people, because they don't know when the next truck will come. And we've also self-distribution as I've talked about. We've also seen looting by armed men. We saw it at the WFP warehouse. We saw it at the hospital, I think it was in Deir Al-Balah, where medical supplies were looted just hours after they had come. And if you think of the effort that it takes, for our colleagues and the risk they take of driving these supplies in, delivering them to a hospital to where they're needed, and then just for all those supplies to be taken away at gunpoint, it's unconscionable. Question : GHF [Gaza Humanitarian Foundation] delivered nearly 6 million meals in the past week. That's what they claimed. Why there's such a difference between the UN operation and the GHF? Spokesman : Well, listen. First of all, whether or not the numbers they're sharing are correct or not, it's not for me to say. And again, as I've said, I think having more journalists in Gaza to report first hand would be best. But, let's be clear. The Israeli authorities are facilitating one distribution channel and hampering another. Question : Okay. One last question? Sorry. Spokesman : One more? Correspondent : One last. This is definitely the last. Activists, including Greta Thunberg, I think you read this news... Spokesman : Yeah. I was asked about it. I was asked yesterday. But, you could finish the question. Question : Okay. So, I just want to know what the reaction from the Secretary-General. Do they think this kind of action is legitimate? Spokesman : You know, civil society will mobilize around many causes, and it is important that they are kept safe as they mobilize for causes they care about. Sinan then Benno. Sorry. You lost your spot, Benno. Question : Thank you, Steph. Dezhi asked my question, but a quick follow-up: Does that, like, concern Secretary-General? I mean, the climate activists are sailing to Gaza. I mean, is he concerned for it? Spokesman : Obviously, we're concerned for a lot of people's safety. We hope whatever they do will be peaceful, and we hope that whatever they're able to do, they do it safely and they're not put in harm's way. Question : One more, if you don't mind. According to reports, and I think the Pentagon confirmed that the United States is reducing its military presence in Syria. Is that something Secretary-General welcomes? And in addition, does he expect that from every foreign army? Spokesman : Look, I think it is important that Syria be able to control its own territory, that the interim Government be able to project State presence throughout Syria in a way that protects all Syrian people, including minorities, religious minorities, ethnic minorities, all those who may not feel that they are fully represented. Benno? Question : Thank you, Steph. Follow-up to the 6 million meals delivered by GHF. You said you don't know if that number is true. Does that mean you think there's reason to doubt the numbers? Spokesman : I'm just saying, I think, you know, I understand the interest in GHF's work. I will speak about our work. I will let others analyse and compare their work. But, there is a bit of lack of transparency and questionable accountability in the way they operate. Question : Okay. And my question is about the liquidity crisis. We all understand that by now you try to cut staff by around 20 per cent, at least in parts of the Organization. And also, we know that the United Nations here in New York doesn't only exist in this building here. You have a lot of adjacent office space, which, obviously, in New York costs a lot of money. Is there plans to abandon these buildings? Spokesman : We've already, I think, finished the lease in one building. There are three main buildings, and I think we will progressively end the leases in a number of buildings that we rent from, commercial owners in the neighbourhood. Let's be clear. The 20 per cent [cut], we're talking about posts, right, which is different than staff, because some posts are not occupied. Question : Do you have actually a breakdown, how many? Spokesman : No. Because I think all of this is being looked at, and all heads of units and agencies are being asked to propose staff. Efraim? Question : Sorry, Steph, on the same question. Just to be clear, does the UN have any means to verify or see if 6 million meals have been distributed to the people of Gaza? Spokesman : No. Okay. Yes, sir? Question : Thanks so much, Steph. President [Donald J.] Trump says he just had a phone call with President Putin. Does the Secretary-General welcome communication between the two leaders? Spokesman : I mean, we welcome all dialogue between world leaders, especially between two permanent members of the Security Council. Dezhi, you see, it wasn't your last question. Question : Sorry. Secretary-General welcomes any talks between the leaders in this? Spokesman : Yeah. Question : Then what about him with President Trump? Spokesman : Well, it's... I think as I've told you, months ago, we put in an offer and until now the contact has not been made. Question : But he's ready? Spokesman : The Secretary-General is always ready. He's like a Boy Scout. Pam Falk? Question : Thank you, Steph. Is there any comment, I know it's Vienna and I know it's IAEA [International Atomic Energy Agency], but of the Secretary-General on the upcoming Board of Governors meeting? There's going to be a presentation of the most recent IAEA report on Iran, on a pretty dramatic increase. Spokesman : We look forward to hearing the IAEA's report. And of course, the Secretary-General has been very supportive of the IAEA's work and has always called on Iran to cooperate with the IAEA. Okay. Yes, Sinan? Question : Just a quick follow-up to Pam's question. Actually, according to New York Times, the USA is proposing a new approach to Iran's nuclear programme. I mean, basically, they asked to produce nuclear fuel outside of Iran while also seeking to prevent Iran from enriching uranium for weapons purposes. So, what's Secretary-General thinks about these proposals? Spokesman : Well, listen. We're not going to comment on proposals for discussions that we're not directly involved in. I mean, we've we read The New York Times, and let's see what is agreed upon. Yes, Pam? One more. Question : One more. Maybe not last. Thank you. President Trump sent yesterday, or the White House sent the Office of Management and Budget what's called a rescission list, cuts on US funding to Congress to pass it. And there was an awful lot, much more than expected on the US on the UN cuts. With WHO [World Health Organization], of course, we knew. But UNICEF [United Nations Children's Fund], the main budget, any comment? Spokesman : Yeah. I mean, obviously, we've seen the news, but let's be clear. Voluntary contributions to the UN system are just that voluntary. Right? While we always encourage Member States to donate generously to our work on human rights, on development, on humanitarian, in the end, Member States will do what they wish. On the issue of assessed contribution, let's also be clear. Member States have an obligation clearly laid out in the Charter to pay their assessed contributions, whether those are to the peacekeeping or to the regular budget. Question : If those cuts that the rescission list proposes, and of course, it still has to go through Congress, is to DPKO [Department of Peacekeeping Operations] [sic], would that be a violation of the US commitment? Spokesman : Assessed contributions, whether to the regular budget or to the peacekeeping budgets, are an obligation laid out in the Charter. Question : And therefore could result in loss of a vote? Spokesman : Well, I mean, Article 19 is clear, and it applies to every Member State. Sherwin Bryce-Pease, lurking in the back. Question : Since you didn't have a quiz question for us today, I might have one for you. I was going to do this privately, but you were busy earlier, so it's a public forum where this will have to play itself out. Does 4 June 1995 mean anything to you? Spokesman : 4 June 1995? I'm trying to think where I was on 4 June 1995. I'd been married for six days. Question : So, I have a printout from The New York Times announcing your wedding to Ilaria Quadrani and Stephane Dujarric, 4 June 1995. I've got the printout here for you. And to mark the occasion of you announcing to the world that you are no longer a bachelor and that you are a kept man, we got you a cake to share with your office after this briefing. So, congratulations on your thirtieth wedding anniversary. Spokesman : Cheers. Thank you. Alright. You've sufficiently embarrassed me. Yeah. Alright. Well, the actual wedding was on the thirtieth. Thank you very much. Question : Congratulations. And here's the printout for posterity. Spokesman : Thank you very much. Well done. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Gaza: UN relief chief welcomes growing support for aid teams to resume vital work 4 June 2025 - Amid reports of yet another deadly attack on a school in Gaza on Wednesday, the UN's top aid official Tom Fletcher welcomed growing international calls for lifesaving aid work by established agencies to resume in the war-torn enclave. "We value the support of more and more Member States who are joining our call: Let us work," Mr. Fletcher said, his comments coinciding with the announcement that the US and Israeli-backed aid hub in southern Gaza operating independently of the UN had been suspended on Wednesday. "The world is watching, day after day, horrifying scenes of Palestinians being shot, wounded or killed in Gaza while simply trying to eat," Mr. Fletcher said. New Security Council resolution The development comes ahead of a Security Council meeting on Gaza on Wednesday seeking agreement on a draft resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire and the release of all remaining hostages taken during Hamas-led terror attacks in Israel on 7 October 2023. The resolution push is the result of lobbying by the body's 10 non-permanent Members. It remains to be seen if it will garner the support of the US and the four other countries that hold just five permanent seats on the 15-Member body: China, France, the UK and Russia. Any one of them could veto it. Meanwhile in Gaza, local authorities on Wednesday claimed that at least 12 people including children had been killed in an Israeli strike on a school-turned-shelter in the southern city of Khan Younis. In his appeal, Mr. Fletcher noted that medical teams had confirmed treating "hundreds of trauma cases" in recent days after footage showed chaotic scenes of Palestinians rushing to take food from the US and Israeli-run aid hubs in southern Gaza. "Yesterday alone, dozens were declared dead at hospitals after Israeli forces said they had opened fire," Mr. Fletcher continued. He insisted: "Open the crossings - all of them. Let in lifesaving aid at scale, from all directions. Lift the restrictions on what and how much aid we can bring in. Ensure our convoys aren't held up by delays and denials." Health system crumbling Mr. Fletcher also warned that the crisis in Gaza is the result of "a series of deliberate choices" that have left two million people deprived of the essentials they need to survive. He urged Israel to open all crossings into the war-torn enclave, lift restrictions on aid, and allow safe and sustained access for humanitarian convoys. According to the UN relief wing, OCHA, more than 100,000 people have been newly displaced in the Gaza Strip over the past three weeks, as access to health services continues to deteriorate. The Indonesian Hospital in the north was evacuated earlier this week, leaving no functional hospitals in the northern governorate. In Gaza City, UN's Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator Suzanna Tkalec visited Al Ahli Hospital, where staff said preventable deaths are occurring due to shortages of antibiotics and other critical supplies. Challenges accessing aid Meanwhile, the UN and its partners continue to send supplies to Kerem Shalom crossing, where the Israeli authorities scan them before they can enter Gaza, a UN spokesperson said. "For today, we submitted over 130 pre-cleared truckloads for a second and final Israeli clearance, but only 50 of them - which were carrying flour - were approved to enter the Israeli side of the Kerem Shalom crossing," Stephane Dujarric told journalists at a regular briefing at the UN Headquarters, in New York. UN teams on the ground are also working hard to collect supplies from Kerem Shalom and bring them closer to the people who need them inside Gaza, he added, noting however that these attempts are facing major hurdles. "Just yesterday, one attempt was denied access altogether and another one did manage to retrieve just over a dozen truckloads carrying flour. Overall, since the crossing reopened, we've been able to collect fewer than 400 truckloads, even though every day we have tried to coordinate access and secure safe routes through the Israeli-militarized zone in the south." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump Revives Travel Ban, Barring Nationals From Iran, Afghanistan, And Elsewhere Entry To US As Of Next Week By RFE/RL June 05, 2025 US President Donald Trump on June 4 signed a proclamation resurrecting the travel ban from his first term, ordering a new ban on citizens of 12 countries, including Afghanistan and Iran, from entering the United States. Trump said the travel ban is necessary to protect Americans from terrorist attacks such as a June 1 attack in Colorado in which authorities say a group of people demonstrating in support of Israeli hostages held by Hamas was attacked by an Egyptian national. "The recent terror attack in Boulder, Colorado, has underscored the extreme dangers posed to our country by the entry of foreign nationals who are not properly vetted, as well as those who come here as temporary visitors and overstay their visas. We don't want them," Trump said in a video message. The suspect in the Colorado attack, Mohammed Sabry Soliman, threw fire bombs and sprayed burning gasoline at the group, according to police. Fifteen people were injured. US Homeland Security officials said Soliman was in the country illegally after overstaying a tourist visa. Trump compared the new travel ban to the "powerful travel restrictions" he imposed on a number of mainly Muslim countries in 2017 shortly after his first term began. He described that action as one of the most successful policies of his first term and a key part of preventing major foreign terrorism attacks on US soil, citing terrorism attacks that occurred in Europe in recent years. "We will not let what happened in Europe happen in America," Trump said. "We cannot have open migration from any country where we cannot safely and reliably vet and screen." In addition to Afghanistan and Iran, the countries on the new travel ban are Burma, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. The ban takes effect at 12:01 a.m. Washington time on June 9. Though the restriction does not effect travelers from Egypt, Trump said in "light of recent events" he ordered the secretary of state to update him on the review of the practices and procedures of Egypt "to confirm the adequacy of its current screening and vetting capabilities." In addition to the ban, there will be heightened restrictions on visitors from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela, the proclamation said. Trump said he remains "committed to engaging with those countries willing to cooperate to improve information sharing and identity management procedures, and to address both terrorism-related and public safety risks." The travel ban issued during his first term banned citizens of seven predominantly Muslim countries -- Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia, and Yemen. It resulted in chaos and confusion at airports in those countries and at US airports as travelers were either barred from boarding their flights to the United States or detained once they arrived. The travelers affected included students and faculty as well as professionals, tourists, and people visiting friends and loved ones. Trump defended the ban on national security grounds, arguing it was not based on anti-Muslim bias. It was revised amid legal challenges until a version was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. The new travel ban follows an executive order Trump issued in January requiring the departments of State and Homeland Security and the Director of National Intelligence to compile a report on "hostile attitudes" toward the United States. The executive order also asked for an assessment of whether entry from certain countries represented a national security risk. With reporting by AP Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/trump-travel-ban-terrorism- afghanistan-iran/33434525.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 - 04 June 2025 - Day 1197 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 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 by the end of May 2025 Russia likely incurred approximately 980,000 casualties (killed and wounded) since launching the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, according to Ukrainian General Staff data. In the first five months of 2025, Russia likely sustained approximately 196,000 casualties. However, through 2025 so far, Russian casualty rates have been generally decreasing. 48,000 were recorded in January 2025, and the 34,500 in May 2025 was the lowest monthly total of the year, a drop of 28 per cent. Russian activity was lower in the opening months of 2025, which has likely correlated to a drop in the rate of reported casualties. Casualty rates will highly likely increase if Russia increases its attacks across the frontline in Ukraine. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that since the beginning of this day, there have been 115 combat clashes. Russian zagarbniki made one rocket and 46 aviation strikes, using one rocket and 55 cab. In addition, the Russians have engaged 1074 kamikaze drones and carried out 3603 shelling positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements. In the Kharkiv direction, the Russian enemy twice tried to move forward near vovchansk, but received a detachment. In the Kupians komu direction, Russian forces attacked the positions of Ukrainian defenders in the area of Zagrizovoye. Ukrainian defenders repelled two Russian attacks. In the Lyman direction during the day Russian zagarbniks 25 times attacked the positions of Ukrainians in the areas of the settlements of Grekivka, New Mir, Karpivka, Lipove, Ridkodub and Torske. In the Sivers komu direction from the beginning of the day, there have been two combat clashes near Bilogorivka and Verkhnyokamians kogo. Both attempts of the Russian enemy to advance were successfully thwarted by Ukrainian defenders. In the Kramators komu direction, the Defense Forces successfully stopped eight assaults in the areas of Kurdyumivka, Orihovo-Vasilivka and in the direction of White Mountain, Markovoye and Stupochok. In the Toretsky direction Russians 11 times attacked the positions of Defense Forces. The Russian occupiers concentrated their efforts in the areas of the settlements of Toretsk, Romanivka and Rusin Yar. Ukrainian defenders have successfully stopped all attempts of the Russian opponent to advance. Since the beginning of this day on the Pokrovsky direction, the Russian zagarbnic ki units tried to break through Ukrainian defense in the areas of populated areas Malinivka, Hrodivka, Lisivka, Novoukrainka, Udaachne, Novosergiivka, Kotlyarivka and Gorihove. Defense forces suppress the Russian enemy's pressure and repel 34 enemy attacks, so far there are three clashes. The enemy suffers significant losses - today in this direction Ukrainian warriors zneskodili 243 Russian occupiers, 126 of them - irrevocably. Also destroyed two vehicles units, nine BPLAs, 11 motorcycles, REB antenna, BPLA antenna and three personnel shelters; a car and five Russian artillery systems. In the Novopavlovsk direction, Russian forces attacked Ukrainian positions near the settlements Odradne, Vesele, Vilne Pole, Novosilka and Novopil 13 times. Two attacks are still going on. In the Kursk direction Ukrainian defenders repelled 28 Russian attacks; three combat clashes continue so far. Also, Russian forces made 12 air strikes, dropping 20 controlled bombs, carrying out 157 artillery shells. In other directions, there have been no significant changes in the environment. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address HMCS William Hall contributes to significant seizure of illegal narcotics on Operation CARIBBE National Defence News release June 4, 2025 - Ottawa, Ontario - National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces On May 29 and 31, while deployed in support of Operation CARIBBE, His Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) William Hall and an embarked United States Coast Guard (USCG) Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) successfully conducted seizures of more than 1300 kilograms of cocaine in the Caribbean Sea. During two separate maritime patrols, multi-role rescue boats were deployed from HMCS William Hall to intercept vessels of interest in the Caribbean Sea, resulting in the seizures. These successful interdictions underscore the enduring collaboration and interoperability between the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and USCG and support- international efforts to prevent the flow of illicit substances into Canada and North America. Canada's contribution to United States-led Enhanced Counternarcotics Operations under Joint Interagency Task Force South represents an important dimension of our relationship with our ally, the United States, and partners in the region. This collective effort enables us to achieve greater success in making the continent more secure from the threats posed by illicit trafficking and supports broader efforts to enhance regional and continental security. Quick facts Operation CARIBBE is Canada's contribution to the United States-led enhanced counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean Sea. The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) deploy ships and aircraft to the region on a rotational basis to support the multinational mission to suppress drug trafficking in international waters. The CAF have provided support to Operation CARIBBE since 2006 and continue to support Operation CARIBBE in 2025 as part of efforts to support the broader United States-led Operation MARTILLO to suppress drug trafficking in international waters. In 2010, Canada and the United States signed a Memorandum of Understanding allowing USCG LEDETs to operate from RCN ships and aircraft during Operation CARIBBE. Embarking USCG LEDETs on RCN ships during Operation CARIBBE allows the CAF to better support this multinational counter-narcotics effort. HMCS William Hall is the second RCN ship to deploy on Operation CARIBBE in 2025. HMCS Harry DeWolf departed Halifax on January 26 and returned on March 21 after a successful deployment that resulted in a seizure of 750 kilograms of cocaine in the Caribbean Sea. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address DHS Unearths TSA Corruption: Sitting US Senator's Husband Received Blanket Exemption from National Security Review After Traveling with Known or Suspected Terrorist Jun 4 2025 New Hampshire Senator Jeanne Shaheen's Husband Traveled with a Known or Suspected Terrorist Three Times in A Single Year WASHINGTON -- Today, the Department of Homeland Security revealed evidence detailing the politicization of TSA's watchlisting program under the Biden administration. Discovered documents, correspondence, and timelines clearly highlight the Biden's inconsistent application of Silent Partners Quiet Skies and watchlisting programs, circumventing security policies to benefit politically aligned friends and family at the expense of the American people. This includes William "Billy" Shaheen, spouse of fellow democrat and sitting U.S. New Hampshire Senator, Jeanne Shaheen, while surveilling political opponents like Tulsi Gabbard months after. After Senator Shaheen directly lobbied the former Administrator, Pekoske gave repeated, explicit direction to exclude Shaheen from the Silent Partner Quiet Skies list. Pekoske granted Billy Shaheen a blanket Silent Partners Quiet Skies exemption despite Shaheen flying with a Known or Suspected Terrorist on three occasions. All the while, Tulsi Gabbard, and many other Americans, were placed on the Silent Partners' Quiet Skies list with little to no visibility, awareness, explanation, or oversight. Billy Shaheen was hardly the only high-profile individual that was placed on this exclusion list. This list also included members of foreign royal families, political elites, professional athletes, and journalists. Shaheen's blanket exemption has since been revoked. "It is clear that this program was used as a political rolodex of the Biden Administrationweaponized against its political foes and to benefit their well-heeled friends," said Secretary Kristi Noem. "This program should have been about the equal application of security, instead it was corrupted to be about political targeting. The Trump Administration will restore the integrity, privacy, and equal application of the law for all Americans, including aviation screening." For far too long, this program has yielded little to no measurable security impact and lay at the expense of the American traveler. A timeline of events: 07/20/2023: William "Billy" Shaheen was a TSA Random Selectee on his flights from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS, Flight #1) to Washington-Reagan International Airport (DCA) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) to BOS (Flight #2). Billy Shaheen was flagged for the first time as Co-Traveler with a Known or Suspected Terrorist (KST). Shortly after Billy Shaheen's travel, Senator Shaheen's office made an inquiry to TSA about the Senator's husband receiving enhanced screening on these two flights. 10/18/2023: Shaheen was flagged a second time as a Co-Traveler of a KST. It was after this flight that Senator Shaheen made a second inquiry to TSA, via a meeting with then Administrator Pekoske, about her husband being on a watchlist. TSA did not disclose any information on watchlisting. 10/20/2023: Shaheen was then approved by then Assistant Administrator for Intelligence and Analysis Nykamp (she departed TSA in March 2025), acting on then TSA Administrator Pekoske's Authority, to be added to the Secure Flight Exclusion List. This means that Shaheen was excluded from any future TSA Random Selectee designation, and Rules-based Selectee designation, such as Quiet Skies, Association Based Rule Selectee designation, or Silent Partner Selectee designation. 10/24/2023: TSA Legislative Affairs communicates with then Assistant Administrator for Intelligence and Analysis Nykamp, and refers to the action taken by Nykamp and/or Pekoske to add Shaheen to the Secure Flight Exclusion List. Follow on communication provide instructions to TSA Security Operations to ensure the exclusion is accurately captured in the passenger's boarding pass status. Billy Shaheen stayed on the Secure Flight Exclusion List for 18 months until current TSA leadership removed him. ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Federal Jury Convicts Michigan Man on Charges of Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISIS and Possessing a Destructive Device Wednesday, June 4, 2025 For Immediate Release Office of Public Affairs Note: A previous version of this press release included an error regarding the nature and number of the charged incidents. The release has been updated to reflect the correct information. A Michigan man was convicted yesterday by a jury on charges of attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham, commonly known as ISIS, a designated foreign terrorist organization, and for being a felon in possession of a destructive device. Aws Mohammed Naser, 37, formerly of Westland, Michigan, was convicted following a five-week trial. The jury unanimously found that Naser attempted to provide material support to ISIS, in the form of personnel (including himself) and services, knowing that ISIS was a designated terrorist organization, and that ISIS engages in terrorism. In addition, Naser was found guilty of being a felon in possession of a destructive device. The jury deliberated approximately six hours before returning their verdict. "The trial proved that this defendant spent years trying to support ISIS - first by attempting to join its ranks overseas, then by turning to explosives and extremist networks on American soil," said Sue J. Bai, head of the Justice Department's National Security Division. "His relentless pursuit of terrorism posed a clear threat to our national security and his conviction makes clear that the Justice Department will hold accountable those who seek to advance the violent aims of foreign terrorist organizations." "Defendant Aws Mohammed Naser is a bombmaker and self-avowed 'son of the Islamic State' a vicious foreign terrorist organization hell-bent on murdering Americans and destroying our way of life," said U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. for the Eastern District of Michigan. "Naser tried to travel and fight for ISIS overseas but was turned away. So, Naser turned his fight inward on America, gathered drones, and built a bomb in his basement. But our office is dedicated to finding and applying the full force of the law against any terrorist, like Naser, plotting to harm Americans." "Naser sought to join a terrorist organization and attempted to travel to Syria, multiple times, to join ISIS's violent attacks against the U.S," said Assistant Director Don M. Holstead of the FBI's Counterterrorism Division. "Through the FBI's work with our Joint Terrorism Task Force and our commitment to safeguarding our nation, Naser will face justice for his support of ISIS." Evidence presented during the trial showed that Naser became radicalized and frequently posted extreme Salafi-Jihadist ideological content on his YouTube channel. Naser developed a close relationship with Russell Dennison, an aspiring Salafi-Jihadist preacher, and the two jointly traveled to Iraq in early 2012. In August 2012, Naser returned to Michigan while Dennison traveled to Syria and joined the foreign terrorist organization Al Nusrah Front, an Islamic State of Iraq-affiliate group that was a precursor to ISIS. Once back in the United States, Naser began preparations to join Dennison, and the two continued to communicate and discussed the terror group's urgent need for money to acquire firearms. Dennison is believed to have been killed in 2019 while with ISIS in Syria. Naser attempted to leave the United States for Syria on two occasions. First, in November 2012, but he was not permitted to board the plan at Detroit Metropolitan Airport. Undeterred, Naser purchased another one-way plane ticket departing from Chicago O'Hare Airport bound for Beirut, Lebanon, in January 2013. Hours before his scheduled flight to Lebanon, Naser robbed a gas station. After the robbery, Naser took a bus to Chicago and attempted to board his flight to Lebanon with $2,000 in his possession but was again denied boarding and returned to Michigan. Naser was subsequently charged and convicted of armed robbery and served a three-year prison sentence. After being released from prison and unable to travel to join ISIS, Naser focused his attention on how to support ISIS in the United States. Naser surreptitiously created social media accounts and joined invitation-only ISIS supporters' chatrooms, groups, and private rooms where he obtained and viewed official ISIS media reports, publications, and other jihadi propaganda. He solicited and obtained information on explosives and experimented with manufacturing explosives and operating drones. In October 2017, FBI searched Naser's home and vehicle and recovered a readily assembleable destructive device. Naser faces up to 20 years in prison for attempting to provide material support to a designated terrorist organization and up to 15 years in prison for possessing a destructive device. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force investigated the case. U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr., Assistant U.S. Attorneys Saima Mohsin and Hank Moon for the Eastern District of Michigan and Trial Attorney Dmitriy Slavin of the National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section prosecuted the case. Topics: Counterterrorism National Security Components: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) National Security Division (NSD) USAO - Michigan, Eastern Press Release Number: 25-574 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Washington State Man Arrested on Federal Charges Alleging He Provided Material Support to Palm Springs Fertility Clinic Bomber Wednesday, June 4, 2025 For Immediate Release Office of Public Affairs A Washington state man was arrested on a federal criminal complaint alleging he provided material support to the Palm Springs fertility clinic bomber by shipping and paying for significant quantities of ammonium nitrate - an explosive precursor - prior to the suicidal terror attack last month. Daniel Jongyon Park, 32, of Kent, was arrested last night shortly after his flight from Poland arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. Park is charged with providing and attempting to provide material support to terrorists and made his initial court appearance today in the Eastern District of New York. "This defendant is charged with facilitating the horrific attack on a fertility center in California. Bringing chaos and violence to a facility that exists to help women and mothers is a particularly cruel, disgusting crime that strikes at the very heart of our shared humanity," said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. "We are grateful to our partners in Poland who helped get this man back to America and we will prosecute him to the fullest extent of the law." "Park allegedly sent large amounts of explosive precursors to the man who drove a car bomb to a fertility clinic in Palm Springs, an attack that potentially could have killed innocent people," said FBI Director Kash Patel. "The FBI and our partners work together to find and hold accountable those who engage in domestic terrorism and other illegal activity. I also want to express my thanks to authorities in Poland for their vital assistance in this case." "This defendant is charged with shipping large quantities of explosive precursors to the man whose suicide bombing last month destroyed a fertility clinic in Palm Springs," said U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli for the Central District of California. "Domestic terrorism is evil and unacceptable. Those who aid terrorists can expect to feel the cold wrath of justice." According to an affidavit filed with the complaint, Guy Edward Bartkus, 25, of Twentynine Palms, California, drove a car containing a bomb to a fertility clinic in Palm Springs on May 17. Bartkus detonated the bomb, killing himself, injuring numerous victims, destroying the fertility clinic's building, and damaging surrounding buildings and areas. Bartkus's attack was motivated by his pro-mortalism, anti-natalism, and anti-pro-life ideology, which is the belief that individuals should not be born without their consent and that non-existence is best. Park - who shares Bartkus's extremist views - shipped large quantities of explosive precursor materials to Bartkus, including approximately 180 pounds of ammonium nitrate. Days before the Palm Springs bombing, Park paid for an additional 90 pounds (40.8 kilograms) of ammonium nitrate that was shipped to Bartkus. Park sent the first shipments of approximately 180 pounds (81.7 kilograms) of ammonium nitrate to Bartkus shortly before traveling to Bartkus's residence, where he stayed with Bartkus from Jan. 25 to Feb. 8. Three days before Park arrived at Bartkus's house, records from an AI chat application show that Bartkus researched how to make powerful explosions using ammonium nitrate and fuel. During his stay at Bartkus's residence, Park and Bartkus spent time in Bartkus's room as well as in a detached garage "running experiments," according to the affidavit. This was the same garage where law enforcement, during a search after the May 17 bombing, located significant amounts of chemicals commonly used in the construction of homemade bombs. Four days after Bartkus conducted the suicide bombing, Park flew to Europe. On May 30, Park was detained in Poland and later was ordered deported to the United States. If convicted, Park would face a statutory maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI's Inland Empire Joint Terrorism Task Force is investigating this matter. Considerable assistance was provided by the Palm Springs Police Department, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department; the FBI's legal attache in Warsaw, Polish authorities, and FBI field offices in Seattle, New York, San Diego, Las Vegas, and Portland. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah E. Gerdes and Anna P. Boylan for the Central District of California, and Trial Attorney Patrick J. Cashman of the National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Topics: Domestic Terrorism National Security Components: Office of the Attorney General Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) National Security Division (NSD) USAO - California, Central Press Release Number: 25-577 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address A massive operation involving Finland in Albania - criminal network leaders arrested Police of Finland 4.6.2025 13.13 News item A long-planned large-scale operation targeting the top leaders and middle management of an Albanian-led criminal network was carried out in Albania on the third of June 2025. Thus far, a total of 55 persons have been convicted in different court instances and almost 300 kilos of drugs seized in the case concerned in Finland. The operation was carried out in cooperation with Albanian Special Structure against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK). Officers from the National Bureau of Investigation and the Southwestern Finland and Helsinki Police Departments participated in the operation in Albania. The criminal investigation was launched in March 2023 when the Southwestern Finland Police Department and the National Bureau of Investigation seized over a hundred kilos of amphetamine and cocaine. At the same time the Helsinki Police Department also seized several dozen kilos of amphetamine in its investigation. It was discovered during the criminal investigation that both of these cases had links to the same criminal network with an Albanian background led from Albania. To step up the investigation and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice, the authorities of Finland and the Albanian SPAK set up a joint investigation team (JIT) in late 2023. - This was necessary because Albanian law does not allow the extradition of Albanian citizens to another country, so international cooperation was needed to bring the perpetrators to justice and stop the criminal activity, says the leader of the JIT, Detective Chief Inspector Hans Fagerstrom of the National Bureau of Investigation. The Finnish members of the JIT come from the National Bureau of Investigation and the Southwestern Finland and Helsinki Police Departments. - The arrests made during this operation are a major step forward in stopping the activity of the criminal network, and the operation shows that the authorities carry out close and effective cross-border cooperation, Detective Chief Inspector Fagerstrom continues. The criminal network concerned has operated in Finland, Albania and several other European countries, but its activities have mainly been run from Albania. It is suspected that the criminal network has delivered, among others, a total of 425 kilos of amphetamine, 34 kilos of cocaine and hundreds of kilos of marijuana to Finland from different European countries since early 2023. The police have previously published information about the criminal investigations completed in Finland, which have subsequently also led to convictions. Most of the judgments issued are already final. The criminal investigation and consideration of charges for those who were arrested in this operation in Albania will be conducted by the Albanian authorities. Criminal investigations by Southwestern Finland Police Department considered by district court In 2023, the Southwestern Finland Police Department's drug crime unit started to investigate an aggravated narcotics offence case where an organisation led by Albanians smuggled amphetamine and cocaine, among others, to Finland from the Netherlands. It was established during the investigation that a total of 176 kilos of amphetamine, 14 kilos of cocaine and 1,620 Oxydolor 80 mg tablets had been smuggled to Finland between December 2022 and March 2023. The police seized around 88 kilos of this amphetamine, around nine kilos of the cocaine, and all Oxydolor 80 mg tablets. Nine persons were sentenced to imprisonment for different periods. The activity was professional; the drugs were smuggled hidden in the structures of a lorry. Persons had also been sent to Finland from abroad to receive the drugs and distribute them further. In 2024, the Southwestern Finland Police drug crime unit investigated a case involving drug smuggling led by Albanians where around 160 kilos of marijuana were smuggled to Finland. The police seized around 40 kilos of these drugs. The drugs were smuggled in summer 2024 in postal consignments to Turku. The consignments were again received by persons sent to Finland from abroad, who also distributed the drugs in the country following the instructions given to them. The drugs were mainly distributed in the Helsinki metropolitan area. In January 2025, the Varsinais-Suomi District Court sentenced seven persons to imprisonment for different periods for the illegal import and distribution of marijuana in Turku. Cooperation between national police units in both of these criminal investigations played a significant role in the overall detection of the cases. Dozens of suspects in criminal investigations conducted by Helsinki Police Department In connection with the present case, the Helsinki Police Department has detected several drug distribution rings operating in the Helsinki metropolitan area, in particular. Significant amounts of drugs, mostly amphetamine and marijuana, were seized during the criminal investigations completed in 2023-2025. Some information about these investigations has already been published. On the basis of these investigations, several dozen people have been sentenced to unconditional imprisonment by the District Courts of Helsinki and Eastern Uusimaa. In early 2023, the police investigated persons with an Albanian background who were suspected of organising large-scale drug trafficking. As a result of intelligence collection by the police, the number of suspects increased, and two amphetamine seizures of around 40 kilos were made, one in spring 2023 and the other in September that same year. - It was confirmed during the criminal investigation that separate actors belonging to the network in Finland were directed by the same actors from Albania. We also managed to gather quite strong evidence on the complicity of the responsible persons in drug trafficking to Finland. One of the main organisers was already previously arrested in Serbia based on a European arrest warrant, says the head of the Helsinki Police investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Markku Juurikkamaki. The investigation into the criminal network was continued in real time and, thanks to excellent international exchange of information, the police also detected a separate drug distribution ring which operated in 2023 and 2024 and smuggled up to hundreds of kilos of marijuana and significant amounts of cocaine to Finland. This investigation was initiated after detecting a person who, on the basis of information exchange, was part of the same network in Albania. When the target person arrived in Finland, as a result of intelligence gathered the police managed to extend the investigation to persons previously unknown to the authorities. Most of the drugs were distributed in the Helsinki metropolitan area. The criminal investigation was completed in two parts and considered by the Helsinki District Court in autumn 2024 and spring 2025. - Albanian criminal networks have been responsible for most of the drugs distributed in the Helsinki metropolitan area, so this operation that we carried out has a direct impact on actors in the area, Detective Chief Inspector Juurikkamaki says. Criminal leaders to be brought to justice - not only low-level actors Close cooperation between the SPAK and Finnish authorities has been a key element in the investigation, enabling the arrests and the fact that top leaders of the criminal networks are being brought to justice. - Lasting results in combating drug trafficking also requires bringing the top leaders and middle management of criminal networks to justice. Arresting only couriers and those receiving drug deliveries and dealing drugs in the street is not enough if the actors running the activity are not reached. When the leaders are caught and brought to justice, this will ideally stop the activity of the entire criminal group - not only disrupt it for a while, explains Fagerstrom. Drug trafficking in Finland has become extremely international, and there are currently several foreign groups operating in the Finnish drug market. Albanian and Swedish criminal groups are major actors along with other international groups. Albanian criminal groups have created extensive networks especially in Europe but also on transport routes between South-American producer countries and Europe. These groups are known for good networking and their severe potential for violence and ability to organise big drug deliveries through several countries. The arrests made during the present operation constitute concrete action to tackle this larger phenomenon. The investigation has been supported by the Operational Network (@ON) financed by the European Commission and led by the Italian Antimafia Investigation Directorate (DIA). NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address USA: UN expert warns of interference in legal and judicial system Press releases Special Procedures 04 June 2025 GENEVA -- A UN expert today expressed alarm at the targeting of judges, lawyers and law firms in an apparent organised effort to interfere in the independence of the U.S. legal and judicial system. "Targeting legal professionals solely for performing their role in the justice system poses a direct threat to the integrity and fairness of legal proceedings in the United States and could jeopardise the right to a fair trial," said Margaret Satterthwaite, the Special Rapporteur on Independence of Judges and Lawyers. Executive officials have made public statements that characterise legal professionals as adversaries and threats, and the President has issued executive orders purporting to ban certain law firms from entering government buildings and obtaining government contracts. Lawyers from these firms have been stripped of their security clearances and barred from being hired by government entities. "The measures taken directly interfere with the independence of the legal profession, undermining the ability of lawyers to represent their clients and eroding public trust in the judicial system," Satterthwaite said. "They appear designed to exact retribution against firms with links to lawyers and prosecutors whose actions the President does not like." She stressed that the free exercise of the legal profession contributes to ensuring access to justice, oversight of state power, protection of due process and the right to a fair trial. "While I welcome recent judicial decisions striking down these orders, the efforts by the Executive to intimidate and discredit lawyers remain deeply concerning," Satterthwaite said. The Special Rapporteur expressed grave concern that the Executive and its allies have engaged in labelling, denigration and calls for impeachment of judges who have ruled against the Executive in cases before the federal courts. "International standards provide that justice personnel should be able to perform all of their professional functions without intimidation, hindrance, harassment or improper interference; and should not suffer, or be threatened with, prosecution or administrative, economic or other sanctions for any action taken in accordance with recognised professional duties, standards and ethics," the expert warned. "I call on the U.S. to adhere to these standards and stop all efforts to interfere in the work of lawyers, law firms and judges." The expert has been in touch with the United States of America about her concerns. *The expert: Margaret Satterthwaite, Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers. The Experts are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, is the general name of the Council's independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms that address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. Special Procedures experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. They are independent of any government or organisation and serve in their individual capacity. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Mainland police issue wanted notice with rewards for 20 Taiwan island cyberattack suspects Global Times By Yuan Hong Published: Jun 05, 2025 08:01 AM The Guangzhou Municipal Public Security Bureau's Tianhe District Branch in South China's Guangdong Province on Thursday released a wanted notice with reward for 20 key suspects from the Taiwan island who were involved in cyberattacks. This marks the first time the public security authorities have taken law enforcement action to strike against "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, as well as the first coordinated crackdown on organized online criminal activities of the "Information, Communications and Electronic Force Command." Authorities have successfully confirmed the identities of 20 suspects, secured comprehensive evidence of their crimes, and issued public wanted notices with rewards. On May 20, the Tianhe Branch issued a police notification, stating that a local tech company in Guangzhou had been targeted by a cyberattack from overseas hackers. Public security authorities immediately launched an investigation, extracted samples of the malicious software involved, secured key evidence related to the case, and organized a technical team to trace the source of the attack. On May 27, the police branch released a follow-up notification, reporting a major breakthrough in the investigation - the cyberattack against the tech company was found to have been carried out by a hacker group linked to the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities in Taiwan. The wanted notice with reward released on Thursday publicly detailed that the cyberattack was directed and carried out by DPP's "Information, Communications and Electronic Force Command" involving multiple suspected illegal activities. It issued wanted notices with rewards for 20 key suspects, including Ning En-Wei, who were involved in the attack. The notice disclosed the suspects' names, genders, and ID numbers in the Taiwan island, including the information of one female suspect. The release of this notice indicates that the cyberattack case targeting the Guangzhou tech company has been successfully solved. The public security authorities said that, in order to lawfully combat malicious cyberattacks and the illegal control and sabotage of computer information systems, and to effectively safeguard national security as well as the safety and lawful rights and interests of the public, the Tianhe Branch of Guangzhou police has decided to issue wanted notices with rewards for 20 suspects involved in the aforementioned cyberattacks, including Ning. The public is encouraged to actively provide leads. People who provide valid clues to the authorities, as well as individuals who assist in apprehending the suspects, will be rewarded with 10,000 yuan ($1,391) for each suspect. Zhuo Hua, an international affairs expert at the School of International Relations and Diplomacy at Beijing Foreign Studies University, told the Global Times that the public security authorities' crackdown on the criminal group of "Taiwan independence" separatist forces highlights two key features. First, the efficiency and professionalism of law enforcement in investigating cyberattacks is remarkably high. Shortly after receiving the report and issuing a police notice, authorities completed the investigation, gathered evidence, traced the source, and identified the perpetrators. This demonstrates that in combating cybercrime of the "Taiwan independence" separatists, law enforcement not only possesses overwhelming technical advantages in both offense and defense, but has also been closely monitoring their cybercrime trends over the long term, with a thorough understanding of the key individuals, methods, and patterns involved, said Zhuo. The second feature is that, in recent years, the national judicial system for punishing separatism in accordance with the law has been continuously refined, and it has now entered a stage of effective enforcement. The wanted notices issued by public security authorities demonstrate their determination and capability to hold accountable, pursue, and prosecute those involved in organized cybercrimes originating from Taiwan Province for life, said the expert. "The deterrent effect of this law enforcement action is self-evident. The individuals on the wanted list are merely a very small number selectively made public by law enforcement authorities," Zhuo noted. "Anyone who continues to act as a cybercriminal enforcer for the DPP's 'Taiwan independence' agenda will be targeted by law enforcement. As long as conclusive evidence is established, one will face lifelong legal accountability," said the expert. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chinese mainland police pursue 20 suspects involved in cyber attacks initiated by Taiwan organization People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 09:00, June 05, 2025 GUANGZHOU, June 5 (Xinhua) -- The police in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou put 20 suspects on a wanted list on Thursday, accusing them of participating in cyber attacks launched by an organization of Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party authorities. The police have offered a reward of 10,000 yuan (about 1,390 U.S. dollars) for information leading to each suspect's arrest, according to a notice issued by the public security bureau of Guangzhou's Tianhe District. The notice also provided details of cyber attacks carried out by Taiwan's "Information, Communications and Electronic Force Command (ICEFCOM)." The ICEFCOM commanded and conducted the illegal cyber attacks and is suspected of multiple criminal offenses, according to the police. Separately, a research report jointly released by three cyber security entities led by the National Computer Virus Emergency Response Center exposed the history, organizational structure, personnel, workplaces, tasks and typical cyber attacks of the organization. The ICEFCOM was set up with the support of the U.S. military after Tsai Ing-wen came to power as Taiwan's leader. Its tasks include launching cyber attacks and infiltration operations against targets in the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macao to steal sensitive data and key information. The organization was found to have worked with anti-China forces in the United States to conduct public opinion warfare and cognitive warfare, and secretly plot "color revolutions" in attempts to disturb social order, create ethnic tension, amplify social conflicts and obstruct national reunification. Police investigations show that the organization posed as different hacker groups in recent years to initiate thousands of large-scale cyber attacks against the network systems of key institutions in key sectors in the mainland, Hong Kong and Macao, including those of defense industry, aviation, aerospace, energy, transportation, maritime affairs, and sci-tech research sectors. Both government departments and enterprises were targeted. When they failed to infiltrate target systems or steal useful information, the hackers would maliciously cause damage to the target systems and disrupt the normal production and business operations of enterprises. The ICEFCOM's cyber attacks have exposed substantial source information, presenting little challenges for tracing efforts, thereby facilitating the rapid identification of attackers, said technical experts. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S. sanctions against Brazil's top judge "unacceptable": Lula People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 14:10, June 04, 2025 SAO PAULO, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Tuesday condemned as "unacceptable" the U.S. visa restriction against Supreme Federal Court (STF) Justice Alexandre de Moraes. "It's unacceptable for a president of any country to comment on decisions made by another country's Supreme Court," Lula said at a press conference. The remarks came days after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced new visa restrictions against foreign officials accused of "censoring American citizens or companies." Moraes, who in 2024 temporarily suspended the social platform X, formerly Twitter, for failing to comply with Brazilian law, is seen as a clear target of the new U.S. visa policy. Lula pledged to defend Moraes and any Supreme Court justice targeted by sanctions. Moraes is currently overseeing the case against former president Jair Bolsonaro over an attempted coup on Jan. 8, 2023. Bolsonaro's son, Eduardo, a federal deputy currently on leave and residing in the U.S., has urged Washington to sanction Moraes. "It's regrettable that a Brazilian congressman, the son of a former president, is calling for foreign interference in our domestic affairs. That is serious. It's unpatriotic -- a terrorist act," Lula said. Eduardo is under investigation in Brazil for obstructing justice and pressuring officials by seeking U.S. intervention against Moraes. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Xi, Lukashenko meet, stress enduring traditional friendship Global Times By Wang Qi Published: Jun 04, 2025 11:52 PM Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in Beijing on Wednesday, the Xinhua News Agency reported. Congratulating Lukashenko again on his reelection as the president of Belarus, Xi said the two countries are true friends and good partners, treating each other with sincerity and trust. Noting China and Belarus share enduring traditional friendship, formidable political mutual trust and growing cooperation in all fields, Xi said China has always viewed and developed China-Belarus relations from a strategic and a long-term perspective, per Xinhua. Xi said China is willing to work with Belarus to promote the steady development of bilateral ties and win-win cooperation. Friendship and cooperation Lukashenko, who is on his 15th visit to China, said that he has felt a genuine sense of friendship from China during each of his trips, Xinhua reported. Thanking China for its long-term strong support and assistance to his country, he said Belarus has high-degree trusts in China and will actively advance cooperation with China. The visit to China was successful, Lukashenko told journalists before leaving Beijing, BelTA reported on Wednesday. "Everything went perfectly well. I have met with my friend and we have talked. We agreed that we should intensify our interaction. It was very fruitful," the Belarusian president said. Belarus and China have agreed to launch joint pilot projects that aim to create joint production facilities based on scientific research, Chairman of the State Committee on Science and Technology Sergei Shlychkov told BelTA on Wednesday. According to BelTA, Belarusian First Deputy Prime Minister Nikolai Snopkov told the media in Beijing on Tuesday that the visit by Lukashenko, which "serves as an example of friendship and the commitment" of the two sides to joint development, is unique in many ways. "The international community should follow the example of friendship, mutual support, and joint development between Belarus and China," Snopkov was quoted as saying. Belarus is an important partner of China in global and regional diplomacy, with rapidly developing relations over the past decade, marked by political and strategic mutual trust. Both sides support each other on issues concerning their core interests and closely collaborate in international and multilateral settings, Zhang Hong, a research fellow at the Institute of Russian, Eastern European and Central Asian Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Wednesday. The emphasis by two leaders on the friendship and strategic relationship highlights the continuity, strategic nature, and long-term perspective of China-Belarus relations, said Zhang. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992, the relationship between China and Belarus has continued to deepen, and the bilateral relations have now been upgraded to all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership. Lukashenko emphasized the importance of the visit to China for the development of the country as he spoke at a meeting with the chairpersons of oblast executive committees and Minsk City Hall earlier in January, BelTA has learned. "Cooperation with China is a great thing," the Belarusian leader emphasized. During his meeting with representatives of the Chinese business community on Tuesday in Beijing, Lukashenko said technological modernization of the manufacturing industry is one of the major items on the Belarus-China agenda, the BelTA reported. Chinese experts also said they expect cooperation in areas such as culture, education, and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries to be further strengthened. Efforts will be made to develop flagship projects and further amplify the leading role of the Great Stone China-Belarus Industrial Park. Alexander Chervyakov, Belarusian Ambassador to China said that "The key direction is clearly definedthe modernization of our economy through Chinese technologies. This momentum has been further reinforced by the signing of pivotal agreements between our industrial ministries, outlining a development strategy for the industrial complex over the next five years," Belarusian media reported on Monday. "Significant projects in machinery manufacturing, woodworking, chemical industries, and more have been identified. What was once mere words on paper last year is now beginning to manifest itself in specific actions," said the Ambassador. Safeguard intl fairness, justice During meeting with Lukashenko, Xi called on both sides to further enhance coordination and cooperation within multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), jointly oppose hegemony and bullying, and safeguard international fairness and justice, Xinhua reported. Lukashenko, according to Xinhua, said China sets an example for the world by upholding multilateralism and opposing unilateralism and sanctions and pressure. He expressed admiration for China and willingness to work with China to safeguard international fairness and justice. Zhao Huirong, an Eastern European studies expert from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told Global Times that China and Belarus are sincere and reliable strategic partners of each other with many similar diplomatic principles. "Both oppose blatant interference in other countries' internal affairs, advocate for an UN-led international order, and seek to promote peace through dialogue," Zhao said. By enhancing bilateral dialogue and coordination within multilateral mechanisms, China and Belarus could play a more constructive role in jointly promoting global peace and stability, as well as addressing global challenges, Zhao said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian's Regular Press Conference on June 4, 2025 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: June 04, 2025 18:42 Xinhua News Agency: According to reports, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said at the Nikkei Forum 30th Future of Asia that, Japan must remember the painful memory and lessons of history, so that it will not repeat past mistakes of war. Ishiba said that Japan has taken on a path of peace after the war, and this will not change in the future. By learning from history, Japan will not be an invasive country. Comments say the words by Prime Minister Ishiba demonstrate a positive attitude of learning from history and avoiding wars. What's China's take on this? Lin Jian: In November 2024, Prime Minister Ishiba said during his meeting with President Xi Jinping in Lima that Japan has upheld a path of peaceful development in the spirit of facing history squarely and looking to the future. This time Prime Minister Ishiba further announced that Japan should reflect on history and remember the lessons so that Japan would not repeat past mistakes of war. We attach importance to his words. A correct perception and attitude towards history and concrete actions that demonstrate reflection on and apology for the history of aggression are important premises for Japan to rejoin the international community after World War II. They matter to the political foundation of China-Japan relations, to Japan's relationship with neighboring countries and to Japan's global image. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Japan once again faces the questions posed by history and moral justice. History illuminates the present with stark lessons. The four political documents between China and Japan established the important political principle of "learning lessons from history and looking ahead to the future." Japan made serious political commitments. We hope Japan will deeply reflect on its historical crime, fully learn the lessons and, out of a sense of responsibility to history, to the people and to the future, make a clean break with any move that seeks to whitewash or cover up the history of aggression. We hope Japan will stick to the path of peaceful development, and earn through its actions the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community. Channel A: Today, some media in China say that China hopes the ROK President will take a balanced approach in foreign policy. What is China's expectation for the ROK's foreign policy towards China, and does China think that the new government of the ROK will improve China-ROK relations? Lin Jian: China-ROK relations are propelled fundamentally by the two countries' common interests. The relations do not target any third party, and should not be disrupted by any third-party factor. China opposes making countries choose sides and bloc confrontation. We stand ready to work with the ROK to pursue sound and steady bilateral ties to the benefit of the two peoples, and play a positive role in making our region more peaceful, stable and prosperous. News 1 Korea: Today, the White House congratulated Lee Jae-myung on winning the presidency, and expressed its concern over China's interference and influence in democracies around the world. What's China's take on this? Lin Jian: We saw that statement. China always follows the principle of non-interference in other countries' internal affairs, and has never and will never interfere in the internal affairs of any country. We urge the U.S. to change the habit of assuming that China would act in the way that the U.S. does, and stop trying to sow discord between China and the ROK. CRI: The Pakistani government and the Afghan interim government announced the elevation of the rank of their missions in Islamabad and Kabul from charge d'affaires to ambassador. What's China's comment? Lin Jian: China welcomes the announcement of the Pakistani government and the Afghan interim government to elevate their diplomatic ties to the ambassadorial level. We believe this will help the two countries increase trust and cooperation and work jointly for the region's peace and stability. This is also an important and positive move of the two sides to implement the outcomes of the informal foreign ministers' meeting between China, Afghanistan and Pakistan in May. China stands ready to continue to play a constructive role in the improvement of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations. China will work with Pakistan, Afghanistan and other regional countries to uphold the peace, stability and development of the region and stay committed to the building of a community with a shared future with neighbors. Dragon TV: It's reported that Lee Jae-myung, the candidate of the Democratic Party, was elected President of the Republic of Korea, according to the final vote count released on June 4 by the National Election Commission. Do you have any comment? What's China's expectation for its relations with the ROK going forward? Lin Jian: President Xi Jinping has sent a congratulatory message to President Lee Jae-myung on his election as the 21st President of the ROK. China and the ROK are each other's important close neighbors and cooperation partners. China highly values its relations with the ROK and stands ready to work with the ROK to cherish the shared commitment that led to the establishment of diplomatic ties, firmly pursue good neighborliness and friendly ties, stick to the goal of win-win cooperation, and jointly advance the China-ROK strategic cooperative partnership and bring greater benefit to the two countries and peoples. China Daily: Recently at the Shangri-La Dialogue, a European leader linked the Taiwan question with the Ukraine issue, alluded to so-called "China threat" on the South China Sea issue, and suggested that NATO has the ground to "be involved" in the Asia-Pacific. What's China's comment? Lin Jian: We firmly oppose relevant remarks. Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. The Taiwan question is entirely China's internal affair. The Taiwan question and the Ukraine crisis are not comparable at all. China firmly opposes any remarks and moves that seek to mischaracterize or distort the nature of the Taiwan question, and urges relevant parties to abide by the one-China principle through concrete actions and respect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The current situation in the South China Sea is generally stable. There isn't any problem with the freedom of navigation and overflight that countries enjoy in accordance with the law. China stands for properly resolving maritime disputes and differences through negotiation and consultation with countries directly concerned on the basis of respecting historical facts. Countries outside of the region need to respect the efforts of regional countries to uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea, instead of instigating tensions and creating disputes. As a regional defensive organization, NATO has no right to reach beyond its geographical scope and mandate defined by its treaty. China firmly opposes NATO's attempt to advance eastward into the Asia-Pacific, stir up tensions and create confrontation in the region, and sabotage regional and even global peace and stability. Asia-Pacific countries do not welcome NATO in the Asia-Pacific and the region certainly does not need an Asia-Pacific NATO. Let me stress that Asia is the common home for China and other Asian countries. In recent years, thanks to the joint effort of regional countries, Asia has maintained rapid growth and become a pacesetter in global growth and peaceful development. China stays committed to the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness in neighborhood diplomacy, firmly opposes bloc confrontation and never seeks so-called sphere of influence. Relevant parties should not make ill-intentioned speculation or sow discord between Asia-Pacific countries based on Cold War mentality. What they should do is to contribute to peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific. AFP: The United States Justice Department said Tuesday that two Chinese students have been charged with smuggling a toxic fungus into the United States that they plan to research at an American university. Does the Foreign Ministry have any comments on the case? Lin Jian: I am not familiar with that. The Chinese government always asks Chinese nationals overseas to strictly observe local laws and regulations, and protects their legitimate and lawful rights and interests in accordance with the law. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address North Korean warship that tipped over during launch is upright again Satellite imagery analysis suggests workers used ropes and balloons to hoist up the destroyer, two weeks after the botched launch. By Do-hyung Han for RFA Korean 2025.06.04 -- A North Korean warship that tipped over during its launch ceremony as the supreme leader looked on appears to have been righted, satellite imagery shows. The U.S.-based website 38 North, which specializes in North Korea, said that imagery taken on Monday showed the 5,000-ton naval destroyer now standing upright at a shipyard in the northeastern port city of Chongjin. The warship fell sideways into the sea during its launch at the shipyard on May 21, stoking the anger of leader Kim Jong Un, who called it a "grave and unacceptable accident" and a "serious criminal act." He had demanded the vessel be fully restored before a key ruling party meeting later this month. Monday's imagery shows the vessel upright for the first time, with its bow on land, 38 North said. While parts of the ship remain obscured by thin cloud cover, the helipad markings near the stern are clearly visible, it said. 38 North said the recovery operation was likely conducted manually. In satellite imagery taken on May 29, workers could be seen pulling ropes attached to the vessel from the dock. More than 30 flotation balloons had been placed along one side of the warship apparently to help lift it upright. Imagery also suggested potential damage to the ship's sonar system, located on the lower hull. 38 North noted that any repair would require dry-docking the vessel, adding that Chongjin Shipyard lacks the necessary facilities, such as a large floating dock. North Korea's state-run Korean Central News Agency had reported on May 23 that contrary to initial assumptions, no hull breach had occurred. It stated that draining the flooded compartments and restoring balance would take two to three days, while full side repairs would require roughly 10 days. Fear as a motivator Choi Il, director of South Korea's Submarine Research Institute, told Radio Free Asia on Wednesday that the warship's upright position represents significant progress in North Korea's recovery effort. "Since the ship has been righted, it's fair to say that a substantial step has been taken," Choi said. "There may have been some flooding, but probably nothing severe." While acknowledging the technical limitations of North Korea's shipbuilding sector, Choi said the country has built up a degree of expertise over time. "North Korea's capabilities are not to be underestimated. Their shipbuilding may be outdated, but they do have experience," he said. Retired U.S. Navy Capt. James Fanell, former director of intelligence for the U.S. Pacific Fleet, echoed that assessment, and said that fear of the supreme leader would have been a strong incentive to get the job done. "My take on this is that the power of life and death has a remarkable impact on one's abilities," Fanell told RFA. "In this case, it is clear that Kim Jong Un has threatened people with severe penalties if they were unable to meet his timeline for getting this destroyer upright and fixed." State media reported on May 25 that several officials from the Chongjin Shipyard have been arrested over the launch failure. Last year, a South Korean news outlet reported that North Korean officials were shot to death after devastating floods hit part of the communist country. Although the warship launch accident was a major embarrassment for Pyongyang, Fanell said the recovery was likely more manageable because the ship had not sunk or been lost at sea. "While it is a national embarrassment, the ship was not in the open ocean and it did not sink," he said. "So, in essence, this was a 'controlled evolution' one that would have the highest attention and support from the top to get it upright." Doubts remain, however, about whether North Korea can fully restore the vessel. On May 27, the Beyond Parallel project at the Center for Strategic and International said it would be difficult to return the ship to pre-launch condition. It noted that realignment, replacement of electronics and wiring, and removal of saltwater corrosion would require extensive work. Additional reporting and translation by Jaewoo Park. Edited by Sungwon Yang and Mat Pennington. Copyright 1998-2016, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content June not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Shoigu In North Korea: High-Stakes Talks With Kim Jong-un Sputnik News 20250604 Secretary of the Russian Security Council, Sergei Shoigu, arrived in Pyongyang on the orders of Russian President Vladimir Putin. It is planned that Shoigu will meet with the leader of the DPRK, Kim Jong-un. According to the press service of the Russian Security Council, the talks are expected to cover "the implementation of some points of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement between Russia and the DPRK, as well as the perpetuation of the memory of Korean fighters who helped liberate the Kursk region." Additionally, discussions will likely include current international issues, including the situation around Ukraine. This visit to Pyongyang is the latest for the Secretary of the Russian Security Council in recent months. Shoigu last visited Pyongyang in March of this year. In 2025, there will be no fewer large-scale bilateral contacts between Russia and the DPRK than in 2024, when the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement was signed between Moscow and Pyongyang, Shoigu said at the international meeting of senior security representatives in Moscow at the end of May. Relations between Russia and the DPRK are developing vigorously, Shoigu noted. During the security forum in Moscow, Shoigu thanked North Korean military personnel for their assistance in liberating the Kursk region. They "fought for the liberation of our land as if it were their own," Shoigu emphasized. Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, Valery Gerasimov, on April 26, reported to Russian President Vladimir Putin, particularly highlighting the assistance of the DPRK in defeating the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Kursk region. Putin thanked the units of the Korean People's Army that participated in defeating the Ukrainian fighters who invaded the Kursk border area, noting that they performed their duty with honor and bravery, earning them undying glory. He also expressed sincere gratitude to the Chairman of the DPRK, Kim Jong-un, and the entire leadership and people of the country. According to the President, the people of Russia will never forget the heroic deeds of the DPRK military. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address France's Contradictory Behavior Is Main Reason Why It Cannot Be Representative of Europe Korean Central News Agency of DPRK Pyongyang, June 5 (KCNA) -- Choe Ju Hyon, an international security analyst of the DPRK, issued the following article "France's contradictory behavior is the main reason why it cannot be a representative of Europe" on June 4: Shortly ago, French President Macron said at the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue that NATO would have a hand in Asia unless it prevents the DPRK's intervention in Europe, taking issue with the normal cooperative relations between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the Russian Federation. Indeed, it is a paradox just like a guilty party filing the suit first. Quite contrary to the claim of Macron, the armed forces of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea did not "intervene" in Europe but participated in the righteous liberation operations to repel the Ukrainian neo-Nazi forces who invaded the territory of the ally under Article 51 of the UN Charter and Article 4 of the DPRK-Russia treaty on comprehensive strategic partnership. The normal relations of military cooperation between the DPRK and Russia fully coinciding with international law can neither be a subject of criticism in any case nor a pretext for NATO's military interference in the Asia-Pacific region. Although Macron described the DPRK-Russia relations of military cooperation as a pretext for NATO's interference in Asia, it is a stark historical fact that NATO's military advance into the region had already begun long before the establishment of the DPRK-Russia relations of military cooperation and France is at the forefront of it, and no one can deny this. France, which initiated the Indo-Pacific strategy for the first time in Europe in 2019, has sent warships and fighter planes to the Korean peninsular and other regions in Asia every year, escalating tension on a steady basis. And this year it even dispatched a carrier task force to the Asia-Pacific region for the first time in nearly 60 years since 1968 and staged powder-reeking joint military drill Pacific Steller 2025 with U.S. and Japan. Meanwhile, NATO has stretched out its black tentacles to the Asian region for a long time, talking about "inseparable securities of Europe and Asia-Pacific region", and is intensifying its moves to enlist some regional countries kowtowing to the West in its strategy of separating into groups such as regularly inviting the ROK and Japan to the NATO summit and the NATO foreign ministers' meeting since 2022. Now Asia-Pacific states are keeping a coldhearted watch on France standing in the van of NATO's military advance into the region which is showing the sign of steady increase in its scale and frequency in recent years. This being the fact, Macron asserted reversed logic, which cannot be interpreted otherwise than he has very poor insight and knowledge about the situation in Asia-Pacific region or he intentionally lied. It is a mistake if Macron thinks that he can cloak NATO's aggressive and wicked intention to put dirty military shoes on Asia-Pacific region by taking issue with the DPRK-Russia cooperative relations without reason while putting aside all their dangerous military moves. The French president called on Europe and Asian countries to establish "coalition" not to become victims of U.S.-China rivalry. This is nothing but a selfish hypocrisy to sell its weapons to Asian countries and justify its military advance and expansion of its influence to the region. The imprudent remarks of the French president fully highlighted once again the fact that he is publicly recognized as a politician who loves to demonstrate his existence by making a series of shocking, claptrap and unrealistic assertions unmindful of consequences to be entailed. France is obsessed with extreme self-assurance and is unable to properly judge the situation. The further France and NATO disturb peace and stability in Asia-Pacific region by meddling in the region, the fiercer reaction of the regional countries they will trigger and this will lead to the eroding of their strategic position. France should realize as early as possible that its contradictory behaviour keeps it from being recognized as a representative of Europe. -0- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Meets Secretary of Russian Security Council Sergei Shoigu Korean Central News Agency of DPRK Pyongyang, June 5 (KCNA) -- Kim Jong Un , general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, met Sergei Shoigu on a visit to the DPRK leading a delegation of the Security Council of the Russian Federation upon authorization of Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, president of the Russian Federation, at the headquarters building of the WPK Central Committee on June 4. The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un gladly received Sergei Shoigu visiting Pyongyang again in just 70-odd days and had a friendly and trustworthy talk with him. Sergei Shoigu courteously conveyed the friendly greetings from Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, president of the Russian Federation, to the respected Comrade Kim Jong Un . Kim Jong Un expressed his deep thanks for it, and sent his warm comradely greetings to the respected Comrade Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin. Sergei conveyed the special thanks of the Russian leadership to the matchless heroism and self-sacrificing spirit of the Korean people's excellent sons who participated in the operations for liberating the Kursk area and defended the precious part of the Russian territory as their own motherland, fighting shoulder to shoulder with Russian soldiers in the same trench Kim Jong Un expressed his thanks for it. Discussed in depth at the talk were a series of important matters for defending the common core interests by more solidly developing the special and firm comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries of the DPRK and Russia and items of mutual cooperation in different fields. Also exchanged in a broad way at the talk were views and opinions of the leaderships of the two countries on the development of situation over the Ukrainian crisis and on the international and regional situation. The talk confirmed the consensus of stand of the two sides. Kim Jong Un affirmed that the government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea will, in the future, too, unconditionally support the stand of Russia and its foreign policies in all the crucial international political issues including the Ukrainian issue and responsibly observe the articles of the treaty between the DPRK and Russia. He expressed expectation and conviction that Russia would, as ever, surely win victory in the sacred cause of justice for defending national sovereignty, territorial integrity and security interests. Expressed at the talk was the will of the leaderships of the two countries to continue to dynamically expand and develop the DPRK-Russia relations into the powerful and comprehensive relations of strategic partnership fully conformed with the national interests of the two countries and wellbeing of the peoples and conducive to realizing genuine international justice. Kim Jong Un wished the Russian people eternal victory, prosperity and happiness and extended warm wishes to the respected President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, and the Russian government, army and people. -0- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Raksha Mantri holds bilateral meeting with Australian Deputy PM & Defence Minister in New Delhi India - Press Information Bureau Ministry of Defence Shri Rajnath Singh highlights India's right to respond in self-defence against cross-border terrorism India's actions against Pakistan were measured, non-escalatory, proportionate & responsible: RM India & Australia agree to combat terrorism in all forms Concur to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation to achieve shared objective of peace & prosperity in Indo-Pacific region Posted On: 04 JUN 2025 4:23PM by PIB Delhi Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh held a bilateral meeting with Australian Deputy Prime Minister & Minister for Defence Mr Richard Marles in New Delhi on June 04, 2025. Both Ministers strongly condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam and expressed deepest condolences to the families of the victims. Raksha Mantri highlighted India's right to respond in self-defence against cross-border terrorism and described New Delhi's actions against Pakistan as measured, non-escalatory, proportionate and responsible. The two sides agreed to work together to combat terrorism in all its forms. Through a post on X after the meeting, Raksha Mantri thanked Australia for its unequivocal support to India's resolute response against the barbaric act of terror in Pahalgam. The two Ministers welcomed the signing of Australia-India Joint Research Project and agreed to intensify & diversify defence industry collaboration. They deliberated to further the defence science and technology collaboration projects when they meet in Australia later this year for the third India-Australia 2+2 ministerial meeting. They also reviewed the progress made since the last 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue held in November 2023. The meeting offered an opportunity to both sides to review the status of bilateral engagements in the context of emerging regional and global scenarios. The discussions covered a wide range of issues such as defence strategic cooperation and security, including industry collaboration, cyber & new emerging technologies, counter-terrorism, hydrography and maritime security. The two sides also exchanged views on regional and global security issues of mutual interest. On the fifth anniversary of signing India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, both sides expressed satisfaction and recognised that defence has emerged as an important pillar of the collaboration. Both countries expressed satisfaction at the growing strategic convergence between the two countries and agreed to work together towards free and open Indian Ocean and Pacific Island region. Both sides called for continued strengthening of bilateral defence cooperation and their commitment for achieving their shared objective of peace, prosperity, stability and progress in the Indo-Pacific region. Raksha Mantri congratulated Mr Richard Marles on his re-appointment after the impressive victory of Labour Party in recently held federal elections in Australia. Earlier, the Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence laid a wreath at National War Memorial and paid homage to the fallen heroes. The visiting dignitary was accorded a ceremonial welcome with a Tri-Services Guard of Honour prior to the dialogue at Manekshaw Centre. Mr Marles is on official visit to India from June 03 & 04, 2025. This is his first visit to India after his re-appointment as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Australia. **** VK/Savvy (Release ID: 2133807) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Nuclear chief: No treaty can ignore Iran's right to nuclear industry IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jun 4, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- The head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran says that Iran, like any other country, has the legal right to use nuclear technology. Speaking to Iranian television on Wednesday, Mohammad Eslami said that no international treaty, rule, or regulation can deny or obstruct Iran's rights in this regard. Referring to today's remarks by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, he described the nuclear industry as a key industry that requires high levels of knowledge and education. Eslami stressed that nuclear development plays a fundamental role across various fields and its absence would hinder the country's scientific and technological progress. He also highlighted Iran's self-sufficiency in nuclear technology, emphasizing that the country has neither purchased nor imported its nuclear technology. He said that several Iranian scientists had been assassinated by the Israeli regime in connection with these achievements. 9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Araqchi: No enrichment, no deal IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jun 4, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araqchi has reiterated that Iran will only reach an agreement with the U.S. if Washington recognizes Tehran's right to uranium enrichment. Araqchi wrote in a post on X on Wednesday, "There is a reason why only a few nations master the ability to fuel nuclear reactors." Araqchi also said, "Apart from significant financial resources and political vision, it requires a solid industrial base and a technological-academic complex that can produce necessary human resources and know-how." "Iran has paid dearly for these capabilities, and there is no scenario in which we will give up on the patriots who made our dream come true." In the end he once again reiterated, "No enrichment, no deal," while also affirming, "No nuclear weapons, we have a deal." Earlier today, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei underscored the strategic significance of nuclear technology, urging the U.S. to desist from meddling in Iran's uranium enrichment efforts. He stressed that the slogan "We Can" is central to Iran's national independence, arguing that the U.S. approach to Iran's nuclear program runs counter to this principle. 9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Leader: Islamic Revolution took the West by surprise IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jun 4, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says the Islamic Revolution surprised the Western world, noting that Iran's political system has since developed with stability and strength. The Leader made the remark on Wednesday as he addressed a ceremony marking the 36th anniversary of the demise of the late founder of the Islamic Republic Imam Khomeini. Few expected the Islamic Revolution and Imam Khomeini to successfully expel American and Zionist influence from Iran, given their long-standing dominance in the country, Ayatollah Khamenei said. If a government had compromised with the West, he said, foreign powers might have regained influence and pursued their interests in Iran. Imam Khomeini's uncompromising stance, however, ensured the preservation of Iran's sovereignty and ideological independence, the Leader said. According to Ayatollah Khamenei, Iran has confronted and thwarted over a thousand orchestrated plots. He praised the nation's resilience in resisting external attempts to undermine its governance and principles. Leader strongly advises U.S. not to interfere in Iran's uranium enrichment Ayatollah Khamenei underscored the multifaceted significance of nuclear technology, noting that it transcends mere energy production and serves as a cornerstone for numerous scientific disciplines. He emphasized that uranium enrichment remains the linchpin of Iran's nuclear program, a focal point persistently scrutinized by the enemies. Reflecting on past challenges, he recalled Iran's struggles to procure 20% enriched fuel, citing American unreliability as a learning lesson. The Leader lambasted U.S. policies, contending that Washington's primary objective is to obstruct Iran's nuclear development and impose dependency on foreign entities. Ayatollah Khamenei categorically dismissed such coercive tactics, affirming that the U.S. is unable to impede Iran's nuclear progress. The Leader urged the U.S. to desist from meddling in Iran's uranium enrichment endeavors. The slogan "We Can" plays an important role in Iran's national independence, he said, noting that the U.S. plan on the Iranian nuclear issue is 100% against the slogan. Leader urges Muslim countries to take decisive action in defense of Palestine Elsewhere in his speech, Ayatollah Khamenei touched on the atrocities committed by the Israeli regime against Palestinians. Vehemently condemning the Israeli regime's actions in the Gaza Strip, he termed them as staggering crimes against humanity. Israel launched the brutal war on Gaza on October 7, 2023, after the Palestinian resistance group, Hamas, carried out a retaliatory operation against the regime. So far, at least 54,470 Palestinians have been killed and over 124,600 wounded in Gaza. The Leader said that the United States is complicit in the oppression and must be expelled from the region. Ayatollah Khamenei called on Islamic nations to abandon neutrality and take decisive action in defense of Palestine. Silence and diplomatic caution are no longer viable options, he said, warning that any Islamic government that lends support to Israel will bear an indelible mark of disgrace. The Leader further emphasized that reliance on the Zionist regime does not guarantee security for any country, asserting that the collapse of the regime is inevitable and will materialize in due course. 7129**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pezeshkian: Iran will not ignore its nuclear rights IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jun 4, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- President Masoud Pezeshkian has stressed the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear technology. "We will not compromise on our nuclear rights by any means; let them dream about it," President Pezeshkian said addressing a ceremony commemorating the demise anniversary of late Imam Khomeini in Tehran on Tuesday. "The U.S. tells us that you have no right to enrich uranium, but no freedom-seeking person will accept bullying," the President said. "If we listen to Imam Khomeini's words and follow his path, no power can bring us to our knees," President Pezeshkian added. 2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'No enrichment, no deal': Iran rejects US demand in nuclear talks Iran Press TV Wednesday, 04 June 2025 3:51 PM Iran will never compromise on its right to uranium enrichment, the top Iranian diplomat has reiterated, saying the country's nuclear progress is the result of years of sacrifice and investment in national capability. In a message posted on X, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said uranium enrichment is non-negotiable in any future nuclear agreement. "There is a reason why only a few nations master the ability to fuel nuclear reactors," he wrote. "Iran has paid dearly for these capabilities, and there is no scenario in which we will give up on the patriots who made our dream come true." Araghchi described enrichment as a product of Iran's financial commitment, industrial base, and academic-technological infrastructure, key ingredients that have allowed Tehran to develop peaceful nuclear technology despite years of international sanctions and pressure. Clarifying Iran's position in the indirect talks with the US, he added, "No enrichment, no deal. No nuclear weapons, we have a deal." Iran and the US have so far held five rounds of indirect talks on a replacement for the 2015 nuclear deal. However, the talks have faced an obstacle over the US demand for Iran to stop enriching uranium under any new deal. Iranian officials have firmly rejected the demand. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran's Leader: US cannot do a damn thing on nuclear issue Iran Press TV Wednesday, 04 June 2025 5:32 AM Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says uranium enrichment is the key to Iran's nuclear issue, dismissing US proposals for Tehran to ultimately stop all enrichment in the country. "The first word of the US is that Iran should not have a nuclear industry and should rely on the United States," the Leader said in a televised speech from the mausoleum of Imam Khomeini in southern Tehran Wednesday. "Our response to the US' nonsense is clear: they cannot do a damn thing in this matter," the Leader said as Iran marked the 36th anniversary of the passing of the founder of the Islamic Republic. His remarks came after President Donald Trump outlined his administration's position when it comes to nuclear negotiations with Iran and said Tehran will not be allowed "any enrichment of uranium." US media reports said Tuesday the Trump administration is proposing an arrangement that would permit "limited low-level uranium enrichment on Iranian soil for a to-be-determined period of time." "Under the proposal, the United States would facilitate the building of nuclear power reactors for Iran and negotiate the construction of enrichment facilities managed by a consortium of regional countries," The New York Times wrote. "Once Iran began receiving any benefits from those promises, it would have to stop all enrichment in the country." Ayatollah Khamenei said, "Uranium enrichment is the key to the nuclear issue, and the enemies have also put their fingers on enrichment." He cited the 1980s experience of US unreliability in providing fuel to Iran, when the United States and Europeans denied 20% enriched uranium to the Islamic Republic. "Why are you interfering? Whether Iran has enrichment or not, what does it matter to you? Who are you? the Leader said, addressing the US. Ayatollah Khamenei said Iran has achieved a complete nuclear fuel cycle with great efforts, adding the nuclear industry is not just for energy. "The nuclear industry is a parent industry. Numerous scientific fields are affected by the nuclear industry." Ayatollah Khamenei said Iran, with a growing, stable and authoritative political system born of a great revolution under the leadership of Imam Khomeini, surprised the Western world. "The leader of our revolution is a great man whose presence in the world is still tangible after thirty-odd years since his passing, and the impact of his revolution is clearly visible to people around the world," Ayatollah Khamenei said. "The sharp decline in America's position in the world is due to his presence, and hatred of Zionists is due to his revolution," he added. Ayatollah Khamenei touched on "a movement towards aversion to Western values" in the world, saying it is rooted in the revolution created by Imam Khomeini. "The Islamic Revolution of Iran surprised the Western world. They did not think that a single cleric, without equipment and financial resources, could lead a nation into battle," Ayatollah Khamenei said. "They did not believe that this revolution and this Imam would be able to sweep away the Americans and the Zionists, who had dominated everything in Iran for years, and would be able to expel them from the country." Ayatollah Khamenei touched on all types of conspiracies against the Islamic Revolution which, he said, have no precedent in any of the known revolutions in the world. He said the Islamic Republic has withstood all conspiracies, designs, and hostilities. "Perhaps if we count, more than a thousand conspiracies were thwarted by the Islamic Republic, and some were also responded," the Leader of the Islamic Revolution said. He said Imam Khomeini protected the Islamic Revolution from the destructive scourge of emotions. He cited the French Revolution which saw emotions overcome and affect the rational goals of a social uprising. "The result is that when emotions subside, the direction of movement for which the revolution was created changes," Ayatollah Khamenei said. The rationality of Imam Khomenei manifested in his two fundamental pillars, namely Velayat-e Faqih or the guardianship of the jurisprudent and national independence, the Leader said. "If it were not for the Guardianship of the Jurisprudent, this revolution would have deviated from the path of religion," Ayatollah Khamenei said. National independence, on the other hand, does not mean isolation and lack of connection with the world; it means the Iranian nation and the country stand on their own two feet. "National independence means that the country should not wait for the green or red light from the United States and its ilk; a key element of national independence is the principle of 'we can'," Ayatollah Khamenei said. "In the nuclear issue, the US plan is 100% against 'we can'," he added. Elsewhere in his remarks, Ayatollah Khamenei touched on "the crimes of the Zionist regime in Gaza", calling them astonishing. "They are killing people with bombs and bullets. How vile, despicable, and evil can humans be! America is complicit in this crime and must be expelled from the region," he said. Ayatollah Khamenei said, "If any Islamic state supports the Zionist regime in any way, eternal shame will surely remain on its forehead." "Governments should know that relying on the Zionist regime will not create security for any government. It is collapsing by divine decree and, God willing, will not last long," he added. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran warns US against seeking to 'disrupt nuclear program,' sticking to unreasonable demands Iran Press TV Wednesday, 04 June 2025 1:21 AM Iran has warned the United States against trying to sabotage the Islamic Republic's peaceful nuclear energy program and insisting on its unreasonable demands from Tehran. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made the remarks in an interview with Egypt's al-Qahira al-Ikhbariyya news channel, during a recent trip to the country that wound down on Tuesday. He cautioned that any attempt on the part of the United States to derail the nuclear activities would render the possibility of a diplomatic agreement between the two sides unattainable. "If the United States intends to disrupt our peaceful nuclear program, we are certainly not prepared to accept that," the top diplomat said. "In that case, this (reaching an agreement) would not be achievable." He reemphasized Tehran's unwillingness to compromise on its core nuclear rights, underlining that uranium enrichment was a non-negotiable scientific achievement of the country that had been developed through domestic expertise. The remarks concerned various American officials' insistence on multiple occasions on the country's reducing its enrichment levels to "zero." Tehran, though, has maintained that recognition of its nuclear rights and the lifting of the US's illegal and unilateral sanctions were non-negotiable matters. The official acknowledged existence of many differences between the two sides, some of which amounted to "differences in principle." He, however, did not completely rule out the likelihood of a deal. He, meanwhile, also stressed that negotiations would not be quick or simple, referencing extended talks with the P5+1 group -- comprising the US, the UK, France, Russia, and China plus Germany -- in the past. "Naturally, these negotiations are not easy," Araghchi said. "In the previous round, talks lasted over two years. So, one cannot expect to reach an agreement in just five rounds of negotiation." The foreign minister, though, did not completely rule out the likelihood of a deal. "That does not mean that reaching an agreement is impossible," he said. "If the United States abandons its unreasonable and impractical demands and properly understands the reality of Iran's peaceful nuclear program, then we are ready to reach an agreement." Iran, Egypt's agreement to broaden diplomatic and economic engagement In a separate development, Araghchi highlighted existence of a shared political will between Iran and Egypt to enhance bilateral engagement. He said both countries had agreed to initiate formal political consultations at the level of deputy foreign ministers. "I realized that there is a shared will in both Iran and Egypt to strengthen relations in all areas," he noted. The upcoming dialogue will address bilateral, regional, and international issues, Araghchi noted, adding that the countries already collaborated within international organizations and shared many areas of common interest on the global stage. According to the official, on the economic front, both nations agreed to bolster cooperation, with a particular emphasis on expanding tourism, despite the illegal and unilateral sanctions that were being enforced against the Islamic Republic by Washington and its allies. "Despite the unjust sanctions, there are legal trade routes we can utilize," Araghchi said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Khamenei Says Iran Will Not Bow To US Pressure Over Uranium Enrichment By RFE/RL June 04, 2025 Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has rejected a US proposal on Iran's nuclear program that demands giving up uranium enrichment, saying it is a crucial part of the country's nuclear program. Iran has been weighing a US proposal drafted by White House Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, but Khamenei, who has the final say on all matters of state, said Iran considers it to be against national interests. "One key aspect of national independence is the principle that 'We can do it ourselves,'" Khamenei told a gathering in Tehran on June 4 to mark the 36th anniversary of the death of Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic republic. "The American plan goes 100 percent against [that principle]," he added. Iran and the United States have held five rounds of talks mediated by Oman to curb Tehran's fast expanding nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. In a post on Truth Social on June 3, US President Donald Trump wrote that under a potential agreement with Iran, "we will not allow any enrichment of uranium." Iranian officials have staunchly rejected that demand, and Khamenei reiterated that position. "Uranium enrichment is crucial to the nuclear issue; that's why our enemies have focused on it," said the supreme leader. Trump last month suggested that he may be open to allowing Iran to maintain a nuclear program for energy production, but Khamenei said it offers more than clean energy. He described Iran's nuclear program as "a key industry" that contributes to other sectors, including medicine. "[The Americans] want you to be reliant on them for radiopharmaceuticals, energy, desalination equipment, and in tens of other critical sectors," Khamenei said. In its latest quarterly report released last week, the International Atomic Energy Agency said Iran had further increased its production of highly enriched uranium. The report said Iran had amassed 408.6 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60 percent as of May 17, up from just under 275 kilograms in the IAEA's most recent report, in February. In a separate document, the agency also criticized Tehran's "less than satisfactory" cooperation, especially its failure to explain traces of nuclear material detected at undeclared sites. The reports come ahead of a scheduled IAEA Board of Governors meeting in Vienna later this month, where Iran's nuclear activities will be reviewed. Tehran has accused the Western nations of politicizing the UN nuclear watchdog to pressure the Islamic republic. Iran's enrichment of uranium to 60 percent purity is well above the 3.67 percent cap set by the 2015 nuclear deal, though still below the 90 percent level needed for a nuclear weapon. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/khamenei-iran-us-nuclear- proposal-reject-trump-uranium/33433744.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran Ready to Consider Proposal to Create Enrichment Consortium Sputnik News 20250604 Iran is ready to consider a proposal to create a regional uranium enrichment consortium within the framework of the nuclear deal with the United States, but only if it is located on Iranian territory, the Axios reported, citing a senior Iranian official. Oman proposed the creation of a regional consortium to enrich uranium for civilian purposes under the auspices of the United States and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Axios reported earlier. The location of the consortium's facilities remains in question, but the US reportedly wants them to be located outside of Iran. "If the consortium operates within the territory of Iran, it may warrant consideration. However, should it be based outside the borders of the country, it is certainly doomed to fail," the official told the news portal. The regional enrichment consortium is an attempt to reconcile US President Donald Trump's position that Iran should not be allowed to enrich uranium with Tehran's insistence that enrichment on its soil should continue, the report noted. The consortium could include the US, Iran, and countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and even Turkey, the report said, adding that it would supply nuclear fuel to countries willing to pursue civilian nuclear programs and be monitored by IAEA inspectors. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China attaches importance to Japan PM's commitment to peaceful path: FM Global Times By Xu Keyue Published: Jun 04, 2025 05:08 PM In response to Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's remarks affirming that Japan has taken on a path of peace after the war, and this will not change in the future, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Wednesday that China attaches importance to his words. At a regular press briefing on Wednesday, Lin said that in November 2024, Prime Minister Ishiba said during his meeting with President Xi Jinping in Lima that Japan has upheld a path of peaceful development in the spirit of facing history squarely and looking to the future. "This time Prime Minister Ishiba further announced that Japan should reflect on history and remember the lessons so that Japan would not repeat past mistakes of war. We attach importance to his words," Lin said. Lin emphasized that a correct perception and attitude towards history and concrete actions that demonstrate reflection on and apology for the history of aggression are important premises for Japan to rejoin the international community after World War II. They matter to the political foundation of China-Japan relations, to Japan's relationship with neighboring countries and to Japan's global image. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Japan once again faces the questions posed by history and moral justice. History illuminates the present with stark lessons, Lin said. The four political documents between China and Japan established the important political principle of "learning lessons from history and looking ahead to the future." Japan made serious political commitments. We hope Japan will deeply reflect on its historical crime, fully learn the lessons and, out of a sense of responsibility to history, to the people and to the future, make a clean break with any move that seeks to whitewash or cover up the history of aggression. We hope Japan will stick to the path of peaceful development, and earn through its actions the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community, Lin stated. According to Nikkei Shimbun on May 29, Ishiba made remarks at Nikkei Forum "Future of Asia" on May 29, asserting that "We must actively seek to learn from these painful memories of suffering and the lessons of history." He emphasized Japan's postwar commitment to consistently follow the path of a peaceful nation, grounded in its determination never to repeat the horrors of war. "This resolve will remain unchanged going forward," he asserted with conviction. Da Zhigang, director of the Institute of Northeast Asian Studies at the Heilongjiang Provincial Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Wednesday that Ishiba's statement strikes a different tone from the voices of right-wing forces in Japanese society, demonstrating a relatively objective stance toward history. However, we must not only listen to his words but also observe his actions, Da said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Libya: Sites of gross human rights violations must be sealed and impartially investigated - Turk Press releases Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights 04 June 2025 GENEVA -- UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk said on Wednesday he was shocked by revelations of gross human rights violations uncovered at official and unofficial detention facilities run by the Stabilization Support Apparatus (SSA) force in Tripoli, calling for the sites to be sealed, and for prompt, independent, impartial and transparent investigations by the Libyan authorities. Turk said the discoveries confirm the longstanding findings by the UN Support Mission in Libya and the former UN Independent Fact-Finding Mission, as well as from various witness accounts, regarding the existence of such sites and the extent of violations committed in connection with them, including torture and enforced disappearances. "Our worst held fears are being confirmed: dozens of bodies have been discovered at these sites, along with the discovery of suspected instruments of torture and abuse, and potential evidence of extrajudicial killings," he said. "These sites must be sealed and all potential evidence preserved in support of immediate accountability efforts. Those responsible for these atrocious acts must be brought to justice without delay, in accordance with international standards." The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said he was troubled by reports that Libya's forensic authorities mandated to exhume and identify human remains have yet to be granted access to excavate the sites, and urged the authorities to grant full and unimpeded access to all sites. Between 18-21 May, the UN Human Rights Office received information on the excavation of 10 charred bodies at the SSA headquarters in Abu Salim, along with the discovery of a total of 67 bodies in refrigerators at the Abu Salim and Al Khadra hospitals. Some of the remains are said to be in an advanced state of decomposition due to power outages in the hospital. The identities of the bodies were not immediately clear. A burial site was also reportedly discovered at the SSA-run Tripoli Zoo. The High Commissioner said he was also distressed that horrifying images and video footage of the sites had been shared on social media, stressing that the dignity and privacy of the victims and the rights of their families must be respected. Turk called on the authorities to grant the United Nations access to the sites as part of its mandate to document human rights violations. The sites were found after the killing of Abdul Ghani al-Kikli, the SSA's leader, last month. Subsequent clashes between State security actors and armed groups sparked protests calling for an end to violence in Tripoli, resulting in the deaths of several civilians and a police officer, as well as extensive damage to civilian property, including hospitals. "We have received reports that these protests were themselves met with unnecessary force, raising serious concerns with respect to the guarantee of the fundamental rights of freedom of expression and assembly, as well as the need to protect civic space," Turk said. The High Commissioner noted the announcement by the Attorney-General of the formation of two committees to investigate human rights violations and abuses by State security actors and associated groups during the clashes. He further called on authorities to ensure that the killing of the SSA leader and violations and abuses by all actors, regardless of affiliation, were investigated promptly and thoroughly through independent and impartial processes, with a view to ensuring full accountability and the rights of victims to truth, justice and reparations. He urged a commitment from all parties to avoid further escalation and noted ongoing efforts to uphold the truce, brokered by the Truce Committee established by the Presidency Council and facilitated by UNSMIL. He reminded all parties of their obligations to respect international human rights and humanitarian law. "The people of Libya have clearly expressed their demand for truth and justice, and their yearning for a peaceful and safe way of life with human rights and freedoms at the front and centre, including their economic, social and cultural rights, ," Turk said. "I call on all responsible political and security actors in the country to use their leadership and authority to protect and fulfil the human rights of all Libyans. I further urge these actors and those with influence over them to redouble their efforts to end the recurring cycle of transitional arrangements and establish a full and inclusive democracy." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Visit of the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister / Minister of State to the Russian Federation Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs The Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM), Syed Tariq Fatemi undertook a visit to the Russian Federation from June 02-04, 2025. After the meeting with the Russian Foreign Minister, the SAPM called on Mr. Sergey Tsivilev, Minister of Energy of the Russian Federation and Co-Chair of the Pakistan-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission (IGC). Both sides took a holistic stock of bilateral relations, identifying key areas of trade, energy, connectivity, new Steel Mills, cybersecurity, etc for future cooperation. The SAPM emphasized on the prospects of further development of energy cooperation between Pakistan and Russia. In addition, he briefed Mr. Tsivilev on the recent developments in South Asia, while lauding Russia's role in de-escalating tensions. Mr. Tsivilev expressed satisfaction on the outcomes of the ninth Pakistan-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission (IGC) held in Moscow in 2024 and hoped for productive next IGC in Pakistan this year, adding that Pakistan has the potential to become a "transit hub". Later, the SAPM called on Mr. Yury Ushakov, Senior Aide to the President on Foreign PolicyIssues. During the meeting, the SAPM briefed him on the recent escalation in the South Asia and outlined Pakistan's position vis-a-vis India's aggressive actions, especially unilaterally holding the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance. Besides these meetings, the SAPM gave two interviews to the leading Russian TV networks, expressing his candid views on the increasingly positive trends in Pakistan-Russia relations and recent escalation between Pakistan and India. He also had an extensive exchange of views with a group of academics and journalists from prominent print and electronic media. Furthermore, the SAPM was hosted by Valdai Discussion Club, a prestigious think-tank in Moscow, for a talk on 4th June, on the recent developments in South Asia and Pakistan-Russia relations. Overall, the visit of the SAPM was highly successful, withseveral important official engagements and candid exchanges with parliamentarian, a think tank, several academics and journalists. It paved the way to explicitly share Pakistan's perspective on the recent situation and other important issues, such as IWT to the Russian side. There was widespread appreciation for the manner in which Pakistan was enhancing its relations with Russia, in important areas of trade, investment, energy and connectivity routes. Islamabad June 04, 2025 161/2025 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Xi congratulates Lee Jae-myung on election as president of South Korea Global Times China-ROK relations are propelled by common interests: Chinese Foreign Ministry By Chen Qingqing Published: Jun 04, 2025 09:37 PM Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday extended congratulations to Lee Jae-myung on his election as president of South Korea, stressing that China stands ready to work with South Korea in jointly promoting the continuous development of the China-South Korea strategic cooperative partnership, according to the Xinhua News Agency. Noting that China and South Korea are each other's important close neighbors and partners for cooperation, Xi said since the establishment of diplomatic relations 33 years ago, the two sides have transcended differences in ideology and social systems, moved forward hand in hand and achieved mutual success, realizing a stable and healthy development of bilateral relations, according to Xinhua. This has not only enhanced the well-being of the people of the two countries, but also made positive contributions to promoting regional peace, stability, development and prosperity, Xi added. The Chinese president stressed that he attaches great importance to the development of China-South Korea relations, Xinhua said. In the world today, changes rarely seen in a century are unfolding at an accelerating pace and destabilizing factors in international and regional situations are increasing, Xi noted. Both important countries in the world and region, China stands ready to work with South Korea to stay committed to the spirit that guided the establishment of their diplomatic ties, uphold good-neighborliness and friendship, and stick to the goal of mutual benefit and win-win results so as to jointly promote the continuous development of the China-South Korea strategic cooperative partnership, and bring more benefits to the two peoples, Xi said, per Xinhua. When asked what is China's expectation for the South Korea's foreign policy towards China, and does China think that the new government of the ROK will improve China-ROK relations, Lin Jian, spokesperson from China's foreign ministry said on Wednesday that China-South Korea relations are propelled fundamentally by the two countries' common interests. The relations do not target any third party, and should not be disrupted by any third-party factor. China opposes making countries choose sides and bloc confrontation. We stand ready to work with the ROK to pursue sound and steady bilateral ties to the benefit of the two peoples, and play a positive role in making our region more peaceful, stable and prosperous, said Lin. Given that Lee has been advocating a more pragmatic diplomatic approach, some Chinese experts expect Beijing and Seoul to engage with each other on the basis of their strategic cooperative partnership to determine under what circumstances and in what areas cooperation should take place. Despite the existence of US-South Korea alliance, the development of the South Korea-US relationship must not come at the expense of China's national interests, some experts said, who also noted that Lee's adjustment to South Korea's China policy may face external constraints such as continued pressure from Washington. Policy priorities Lee formally began his five-year term Wednesday after the National Election Commission (NEC) confirmed his election victory, the Yonhap News Agency reported. Yonhap said Lee is expected to push to relocate the presidential office back to the Cheong Wa Dae compound once he takes office. During his inaugural address, Lee shed light on his top priority: "We will begin by restoring people's livelihoods and revitalizing the economy," dedicating a considerable part of his inaugural address to tackling economic challenges and referencing the word "growth" 22 times and "economy" 12 times, the Korea Herald reported. The Washington Post said on Wednesday that Lee's first task is dealing with the economic fallout of US President Donald Trump's tariffs. Trade talks with the US will provide an early test of Lee's ability to balance foreign policy ties with domestic concerns, with exports equivalent to more than 40 percent of South Korea's gross domestic product, as Bloomberg put it on Wednesday. On the diplomatic front, Lee reaffirmed his approach to relations with neighboring countries, including China and Russia, "from the perspective of national interest and pragmatism," while emphasizing the South Korea-US alliance as the cornerstone of foreign policy, according to the South Korean media report. Regarding the election result, the White House said South Korea had a free and fair election, however, it hyped so-called "Chinese interference and influence in democracies around the world." In response, the Chinese Foreign Ministry urged the US on Wednesday to change its old habit of projecting its own behavior onto China, and stop sowing discord between China and South Korea. "Strangely, when the White House commented on the outcome of South Korea's presidential election, it brought up the unfounded claim of 'Chinese interference and influence.' Such a remark is not only diplomatically inappropriate and disrespectful to bilateral relations between South Korea and US, but also seems intended as a preemptive warning or pressure on the new South Korean administration," Lu Chao, an expert on the Korean Peninsula issue at the Liaoning Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Wednesday. Unlike previous Yoon Suk-yeol administration's emphasis on "values-based diplomacy," Lee and other progressive forces advocate handling affairs based on South Korea's national interests, maintaining a position grounded in national priorities and adopting a case-by-case approach, Wang Xiaoling, associate research fellow at the National Institute of International Strategy of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Wednesday. "Meanwhile, some voices within the progressive camp argue that South Korea should move beyond a binary US-China framework and prepare for an increasingly multipolar global order," Wang said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China urges US to change old habit of projecting own behavior, stop sowing discord between China and S.Korea: FM Global Times By Global Times Published: Jun 04, 2025 04:10 PM In response to the White House's claimsmade following the election of Lee Jae-myung as the 21st President of South Koreaabout so-called Chinese interference and influence in democracies around the world while South Korea had a free and fair election, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that "We have taken note of the relevant remarks. China has always upheld the principle of non-interference in internal affairs. We have never interfered in the internal affairs of any country, nor will we ever do so." The spokesperson urged the US to change its old habit of projecting its own behavior onto China, and stop sowing discord between China and South Korea. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Will South Korea's new president restart dialogue with North Korea? Election of liberal, pro-engagement candidate Lee Jae-myung marks a major political change in Seoul but will Kim Jong Un be willing to talk? By Jaewoo Park for RFA Korean 2025.06.04 -- South Korea has elected a new president - liberal opposition candidate Lee Jae-myung - which represents a change in political direction for the country after the ouster of his conservative predecessor. Tuesday's national election follows months of turmoil after Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached for briefly imposing martial law in a move that sent shockwaves through its democracy. Lee won by a comfortable margin over his main conservative rival, Kim Moon Soo, raising questions about relations with South Korea's key ally, the United States, and its main adversary North Korea. Lee has repeatedly stressed Washington as the foundation of Seoul's foreign policy, as Yoon did, but he's expected to take a softer approach toward Pyongyang. During the campaign, Lee promised active engagement with North Korea, unlike Yoon, but the big question is whether North Korea is interested in resuming dialogue. RFA Korean's Jaewoo Park looks at whether it's possible for South Korea to revive the spirit of 2018, when there was a high level of engagement between North and South and U.S. President Donald Trump held historic summits with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The high-level diplomacy ultimately failed to prevent the North advancing its nuclear weapons program. Pyongyang has since hatched closer ties with Moscow and sent troops and weapons to assist Russia's war against Ukraine. Copyright 1998-2025, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content June not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Comment by Aide to the President Yury Ushakov on the outcomes of Vladimir Putin's telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump June 4, 2025 21:20 Aide to the President Yury Ushakov: Good evening, colleagues. About an hour ago, the fourth telephone conversation between our President and US President Donald Trump concluded. In case you want to know, this time it lasted approximately 70 minutes. What did the conversation begin with? Naturally, it began with a discussion of the situation around Ukraine. Vladimir Putin provided detailed information on the outcomes of the second round of direct Russian-Ukrainian talks in Istanbul. It was emphasised that Ukraine tried to derail these talks by carrying out targeted attacks on entirely civilian targets and civilians on direct orders from the Kiev regime. These attacks unequivocally constitute an act of terrorism under international law and, in our view, the Kiev regime has essentially degenerated into a terrorist organisation. The Russian side did not fall for the provocations and, as you know, the second round has effectively taken place in Istanbul. To reiterate, our President extensively covered the content and the outcomes of the talks and emphasised that, overall, these talks were productive. The corresponding memorandums exchanged hands and will be analysed in the capitals - Moscow and Kiev - and then, we hope, both sides can continue the talks. Regarding the strikes on military airfields, this issue was also discussed. Donald Trump reiterated that Americans were not informed in advance about them. Naturally, the leaders agreed to continue contacts on the Ukraine issue, both at the highest level and through other channels as well. In addition to Ukraine, a number of international issues were discussed, with a focus on the stalled talks between the United States and Iran on the Iranian nuclear programme. Donald Trump believes that Russia's assistance may be necessary here, and he would appreciate it if Russia could work with the Iranian side accordingly. Additionally, the Middle East was discussed, as well as the armed conflict between India and Pakistan, which has been halted with the personal involvement of President Trump. Furthermore, the Presidents exchanged views on the prospects for restoring Russia-US cooperation in various areas, which, according to both Presidents, possess enormous potential. In conclusion, both leaders characterised the exchange of views as positive and highly productive. President Trump and our President also confirmed their willingness to remain in constant communication. I would also note that both Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin highly appreciated the efforts of President Trump's Special Envoy Steven Witkoff. That is about all I can share about the outcomes of the telephone conversation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Pope Leo XIV June 4, 2025 19:50 Vladimir Putin once again congratulated the pontiff on his election and wished him every success in accomplishing his noble mission. Both sides acknowledged Pope Francis' immense personal contribution to strengthening the ties between Russia and the Holy See. They agreed to pursue efforts to develop these ties further on the basis of common spiritual and moral values with a view to establishing a more just world order. They expressed mutual commitment to deepening cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian affairs and in the name of protecting Christians and holy sites of Christianity all over the world and, notably, in the Middle East. At the request and on behalf of Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, Vladimir Putin conveyed to Pope Leo XIV best wishes for success in his pastoral duties. In turn, the pontiff expressed support for continuing the important dialogue between the two sister churches. While exchanging views with the pope on the situation in Ukraine, Vladimir Putin reaffirmed his willingness to achieve peace through political and diplomatic means, pointing out that in order to reach an ultimate, fair, and thorough resolution, it was necessary to eliminate the root causes of the crisis. Concerning the resumption of direct talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul, the President of Russia detailed the specific agreements during the second round of negotiations involving the exchange of prisoners of war and bodies of dead soldiers. It was emphasised that the Russian side was taking all possible measures to reunite children with their families. Appreciation was expressed to the pontiff for his willingness to contribute to resolving the crisis, notably, for Vatican's depolitisised participation in solving pressing humanitarian issues. Vladimir Putin drew special attention to the fact that Kiev regime was banking on escalating the conflict and carried out sabotage against civilian infrastructure in Russia's territory. It was emphasised that the deliberate and targeted strike on civilians made by the Ukrainian side recently was unequivocally defined as terrorism by international law. Due to the Kiev regime's well-known commitment to dismantling the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church, the hope was expressed that the Holy See would be more active in speaking out in support of freedom of religion in Ukraine. The conversation was constructive. Both sides expressed their intention to maintain contact. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Putin-Trump Phone Call Lasted 70 Minutes - Kremlin Aide Sputnik News 20250604 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump lasted 70 minutes, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said on Wednesday. "About an hour ago, our president's fourth telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump ended. This conversation this time lasted about 1 hour and 10 minutes," Ushakov told reporters. The conversation began with the discussion of the situation around Ukraine, and Putin told Trump in detail about the results of the second round of Russia-Ukraine talks in Istanbul, Ushakov said, adding that the presidents also discussed the situation in the Middle East. Both presidents described their exchange as positive and productive, and confirmed readiness to stay in constant contact with each other, Ushakov added. "On the eve of this conversation, telephone conversations took place between various representatives of Russia and the United States. And during these conversations, it was agreed that in the current situation, immediately after these terrorist attacks by the Kiev regime and following the results of the second round of Istanbul talks, it would be worthwhile to hold a telephone conversation between the leaders. This was agreed upon, and the leaders then gave the appropriate commands to both the administration in Washington and our team here to specifically agree on the time," Ushakov told reporters. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The EU announces 175 million to support recovery in Syria European Commission Press release Jun 4, 2025 Brussels Following the lifting of the EU's economic sanctions against Syria, the European Commission is proposing 175 million for the social and economic recovery of the country. This new EU funding will: Support Syria's public institutions with the help of experts from Syria and other countries, including the Syrian diaspora. Support bottom-up and community-driven actions in the areas of energy, education, health, livelihoods and agriculture. Revitalize rural and urban economies by supporting livelihoods and job creation in communities across the country. Increase access to finance for the most vulnerable populations. Promote transitional justice, accountability, and human rights including means to fight against impunity, notably in supporting human rights as well the missing people file. Furthermore, the Commission is actively pursuing the integration of Syria into several key initiatives with its Mediterranean partner countries, including the Erasmus+ programme and the forthcoming New Pact for the Mediterranean, aiming to strengthen cooperation and collaboration in the region. Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Suica is currently in Syria, where she is reaffirming the European Union's steadfast commitment to supporting a peaceful, inclusive, and Syrian-led transition process. This visit, the first by an EU Commissioner since the establishment of the transitional government, signifies a new chapter in EU-Syria relations, paving the way for enhanced, long-term support and deeper engagement with the EU, ultimately benefiting the Syrian people. Background The EU has remained steadfast in its commitment to support Syrian people, including through the organisation of the annual Brussels Conference over the past eight years. Since 2011, the EU and its Member States have mobilised nearly 37 billion in humanitarian and resilience assistance, supporting Syrians both inside the country and across the region. The EU support has been mainly focused on addressing the needs of Syrian refugees and their host communities. Following the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, the Commission has consistently advocated for the support of a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned transition process, ensuring inclusivity and respect for international law and human rights. In light of positive steps taken by Syria's transitional authorities, the EU has lifted economic sanctions to Syria and is stepping up its support. During the 9th international Conference in support of Syria, the EU pledged nearly 2.5 billion for the support of the transition process and the country's socio-economic recovery, while also addressing the urgent humanitarian needs, both within Syria and in the host communities across Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, and Turkiye. The Commission will also support for the return of internally displaced and Syrian refugees to their homes. Quote(s) Syria stands at a pivotal moment in its historya time of real opportunity to move from a past marked by conflict to a future grounded in peace, stability, and hope. We remain firmly committed to supporting Syrians in this crucial phasehelping them rebuild their country, revitalise the economy, create jobs, and lay the foundations for a stable, prosperous, and inclusive future. Dubravka Suica, Commissioner for Mediterranean NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Turkey says it has no plans to withdraw troops from Syria Iran Press TV Wednesday, 04 June 2025 2:00 PM Turkey says it is training Syria's armed forces and helping to boost its defenses, with no immediate plans to withdraw its troops from the country. Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler said in a written statement to Reuters that Ankara was providing military training and advisory support to bolster Syria's defense capabilities under the country's new leadership. Guler claimed that Turkey was committed to supporting Syria's territorial integrity and counterterrorism efforts. The security situation in Syria remains tenuous after militant factions, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), toppled President Bashar al-Assad's government and took control of Damascus on December 8, 2024. Guler said Ankara's military presenceestimated at over 20,000 troopswould not be reconsidered unless lasting peace is achieved, full border security is ensured, and the safe return of Syrian refugees is guaranteed. Turkey, a longtime backer of opposition forces in Syria, has established a broad military presence across the country's north following years of cross-border operations against Kurdish militants it designates as terrorists. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli artillery shells Yarmouk area in southern Syria; 'significant' losses reported Iran Press TV Wednesday, 04 June 2025 6:54 AM Israeli artillery units have struck an area in Syria's southwestern province of Dara'a, causing "significant material losses," in the wake of claims that two rockets were fired from the area toward the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. The Syrian news agency SANA reported that the Israeli occupation targeted the Yarmouk Basin area in western Dara'a with artillery fire late on Tuesday, but provided no further details. The agency did not report casualties; but described the damage as extensive. The Israeli public broadcaster KAN asserted that two rockets were launched from Dara'a, which landed in an open area in the Golan Heights. The projectiles' origin remains unclear. The Israeli Channel 13 confirmed that air raid sirens were activated in the Golan Heights because of the launches, but no casualties or damage were reported, as the rockets fell in open areas. According to Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth, warning sirens were sounded in the communities of Haspin and Ramat Magshimim in the southern Golan Heights. Residents in the affected areas reported hearing explosions shortly after the sirens were triggered, Yedioth Ahronoth said. The Israeli army said its artillery "struck in southern Syria" following the projectiles launched toward Israeli-occupied territory. Militant factions, led by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, toppled Bashar al-Assad's government on December 8, 2024. Since the collapse of Assad's government, the Israeli military has been launching airstrikes against military installations, facilities, and arsenals belonging to Syria's now-defunct army. Israel has been widely condemned for the termination of the 1974 ceasefire agreement with Syria, and for exploiting the chaos in the Arab nation in the wake of Assad's downfall to make a land grab. The United Nations has condemned ongoing Israeli attacks inside Syrian territory and continued violations in and around the buffer zone created as part of a 1974 ceasefire agreement with Damascus. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Guatemalan president arrives in Taiwan to deepen bilateral cooperation ROC Central News Agency 06/04/2025 09:08 PM Taoyuan, June 4 (CNA) President of Guatemala Bernardo Arevalo and First Lady Lucrecia Peinado arrived in Taiwan on Wednesday for a state visit. Arevalo and his delegation arrived at Taoyuan International Airport at 4:55 p.m., where they were greeted by Taiwan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (). In a speech delivered at the airport, Arevalo said he was delighted to be in the Republic of China (Taiwan). He noted that he brings with him a message of significance, responsibility, and commitment from the people of Guatemala that is centered on the desire to deepen bilateral cooperation and strengthen mutual friendship. Arevalo further said that this visit marks a vital working relationship, intended to strengthen the bond between the two countries, adding that he believes this trip will open a new chapter in bilateral cooperation. The Guatemalan president described it as the beginning of a strategic alliance dedicated to the well-being, happiness, and future development of the people of the two countries. According to Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Arevalo and the first lady are leading a delegation on a state visit from June 4-8 at the invitation of the Taiwanese government. The 10-member delegation includes key officials such as Foreign Minister Carlos Ramiro Martinez and Minister of Economy Gabriela Garcia. During his stay, Arevalo is expected to meet with President Lai Ching-te (). (By Yeh Chen and Evelyn Kao) Enditem/AW NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taiwan, Marshall Islands sign security pact amid growing hybrid threats ROC Central News Agency 06/04/2025 06:30 PM Taipei, June 4 (CNA) Taiwan and its Pacific ally, the Marshall Islands, inked a pact in Taipei on Wednesday that will pave the way for both sides to deepen their security partnership amid growing hybrid threats in the region. The letter of intent was signed by Taiwan's National Security Bureau (NSB) head Tsai Ming-yen () and the Marshallese top diplomat Kalani Kaneko, the NSB said in a news release. Kaneko is part of a delegation led by President of the Marshall Islands Hilda Heine, who arrived in Taiwan on Monday for a six-day visit. According to the statement, the pact aims to help the Pacific island state enhance its security through collaborations in areas such as "maritime domain awareness, cybersecurity and countering foreign malign influence." The statement said the two sides would engage in information sharing, capacity-building programs and joint operations, without providing further details. Such a pact was signed against the backdrop of China's attempts to expand its influence in the South Pacific by "launching cyberattacks, spreading disinformation and other activities in recent years," the statement said. The statement also cited Heine's comments in 2024 that the Marshall Islands established a National Security Office in response to foreign maritime threats and infiltration into the country. Taiwan is deeply concerned about the various hybrid threats facing its diplomatic allies and is ready to strengthen cooperation with them to jointly "enhance cybersecurity" and "counter the Chinese Communist Party's cognitive warfare abroad," according to the statement. (By Wu Shu-wei and Teng Pei-ju) Enditem/AW NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Lai marks Tiananmen anniversary, reaffirms defense of democracy ROC Central News Agency 06/04/2025 11:45 AM Taipei, June 4 (CNA) President Lai Ching-te () on Wednesday commemorated the 36th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre on social media, underscoring the importance of defending democracy and freedom. "Every year on June 4, Taiwanese society lights candles of remembrance grounded in the universal values" shared among democracies, Lai said, adding that doing so was "not only about commemorating the history but also about preserving the memory" of the incident. As authoritarian regimes erase history, democracies "have a duty" to preserve it, he said. Criticizing China without naming it, Lai also warned that 36 years on, the threat of authoritarianism by military intimidation, gray-zone coercion, surveillance or extraterritorial repression remains a global challenge to democratic societies. Taiwan stands on the frontlines of defending democratic values worldwide, he said, noting that it will continue working with like-minded partners to "safeguard the status quo" and protect democracy and freedom. Lai said Taiwan endured decades of authoritarian rule before transitioning to democracy, a process made possible by the sacrifices and efforts of countless pro-democracy advocates. "We deeply understand the value of freedom and must not ignore the threats posed by authoritarian expansion to global democracy and the rule of law," he said. In the early hours of June 4, 1989, peaceful Chinese student protesters who had gathered at the Tiananmen Square in Beijing to call for political reform were brutally cracked down on by Chinese troops under orders from then-Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping (). The number of deaths from the incident, which remains a sensitive and heavily censored topic in China, is estimated to range from several hundred to potentially over 1,000, though some sources suggest the toll may have been higher. (By Teng Pei-ju) Enditem/ls NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China firmly opposes comparisons between Taiwan question and Ukraine crisis, warns against NATO interference in Asia-Pacific: FM Global Times By Global Times Published: Jun 04, 2025 04:26 PM Responding to media inquiries about recent remarks by certain European leader at the Shangri-La Dialogue which compared the Taiwan question with the Ukraine crisis, hinted at a "China threat" in the South China Sea, and suggested NATO has grounds to intervene in the Asia-Pacific, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Wednesday that China firmly opposes such remarks. Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, and the Taiwan question is purely China's internal affair, bearing no comparison with the Ukraine crisis, Lin stated. "We resolutely oppose any attempt to distort or misrepresent the nature of the Taiwan question. We urge relevant parties to earnestly abide by the one-China principle and respect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity." Regarding the South China Sea issue, Lin noted that the situation remains generally stable and that there are no issues with freedom of navigation or overflight in accordance with international law. He stressed that China consistently seeks to resolve maritime disputes with directly concerned parties through dialogue and negotiation based on historical facts. Countries outside the region should respect the efforts made by regional states to uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea, rather than stirring up tensions or creating disputes, Lin added. Lin emphasized that NATO is a regional and defensive military organization with no right to breach its geographical limits or expand its authority. "China firmly opposes NATO's eastward expansion into the Asia-Pacific, its creation of tensions, and instigation of confrontation, which undermine peace and stability in the region and beyond. Asia-Pacific countries do not welcome NATO's presence, nor does the region need an 'Asia-Pacific version of NATO,'" he said. "I want to stress that Asia is a shared home for China and other Asian countries," Lin said. Thanks to the joint efforts of regional countries, Asia has achieved rapid development in recent years and become a beacon of global growth and a haven of peaceful development. China pursues a neighborhood diplomacy featuring amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness, and firmly opposes bloc confrontation, Lin stated, adding that China does not seek any so-called sphere of influence. Relevant parties should abandon Cold-War thinking and refrain from sowing discord among Asia-Pacific nations. 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 2025/06/04 PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan 1.Date 6 a.m. Jun. 3 (Tue.) to 6 a.m. Jun. 4 (Wed.) (UTC+8) 2.PLA activities 2 sorties of PLA aircraft and 12 PLAN ships operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 2 out of 2 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern and eastern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy ships, and coastal missile systems in response to detected activities. 1140604_PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan [Open a new window] 1140604_PLA air activities in the vicinity of Taiwan [Open a new window] NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NSB Director-General Tsai and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Republic of the Marshall Islands Kalani R. Kaneko Sign Letter of Intent on Security Cooperation ROC National Security Bureau (NSB) 2025-06-04 On the morning of June 4, NSB Director-General (DG) Ming-Yen Tsai and Mr. Kalani R. Kaneko, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MOFAT) of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, signed the Letter of Intent (LOI) on Security Cooperation. The LOI aims at strengthening the security partnership between the Marshall Islands and the Republic of China (Taiwan). During DG Tsai's pre-visit security inspection for President Lai's visit to the Marshall Islands in November 2024, held under the theme "Smart and Sustainable Development for a Prosperous Austronesian Region," Marshallese President Hilda Heine delivered her remarks. She noted that, in response to external maritime threats and infiltration into the country, the Marshall Islands had established the National Security Office. Her Excellency Heine also proposed to jointly explore ideas for signing an LOI to expand bilateral cooperation in the fields of maritime awareness, cybersecurity, and countering foreign malign influence, so as to enhance the overall security capacity of the Marshall Islands. In recent years, China has sought to influence political situations in the South Pacific through cyber intrusions and the spread of disinformation. Taiwan is deeply concerned about the hybrid threats faced by her diplomatic allies. Thus, Taiwan is also actively engaging in cooperation with the Marshall Islands and other partner nations to enhance cybersecurity defense capabilities and counter China's cognitive warfare. In her state visit to Taiwan, Her Excellency Heine designated Foreign Minister Kalani R. Kaneko to represent the government of the Marshall Islands in signing the LOI with DG Tsai, marking a new chapter in Taiwan-Marshall Islands security cooperation. Both sides will continue to plan and push forward a wide range of initiatives, including intelligence sharing, capacity-building programs, and joint operations. Both countries strive to make use of such efforts to safeguard regional security and stability, as well as counter threats posed by external hostile forces. Also in attendance of the event were Ambassador Steve Hsia, Senator and Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, Nitijela, Hon. Joe Bejang, and Secretary of MOFAT, Ms. Isabela Silk. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Remarks by Commissioner Brunner on a common European path for the future of Ukrainians in the EU European Commission Speech Jun 4, 2025 Brussels "Check against delivery" Good afternoon. I am very happy to be joined today by Deputy Prime Minister Chernyshov. Thank you Oleksiy for making the journey and for your work to support Ukrainians outside Ukraine, together with the EU. It has been over three years since Russia launched its war against the Ukrainian people. At the time, we vowed to stand with them for as long as it takes. That commitment is just as valid today as it was then. Temporary protection was part of our commitment to Ukraine - an unprecedented measure to show solidarity with the millions of people uprooted by Russia's illegal aggression. Today's set of proposals is another testament to that commitment. The current rules on Temporary Protection are set to expire in March 2026. Therefore, in close coordination with the Member States and with the Ukrainian authorities, we are proposing to extend temporary protection further, until 4 March 2027. This provides: legal certainty for EU Member States; reassurance to Ukrainians that they do not need to apply for asylum; and avoids risks of overburdening national asylum systems. We are supporting this extension with funding to the Member States hosting displaced people. A further 4 billion in Home affairs funds on top of the 15 billion in Cohesion funds already unlocked for this purpose. After all, hosting 4.3 million people creates challenges, and some Member States have been under particular pressure. Of course, temporary protection is designed to be temporary - it is in the name. This is why, as part of today's proposals, we are also putting in place an exit strategy and preparing for displaced people to return to Ukraine, once they are able to, or when temporary protection ends. This reflects our dialogue with the Member States, with Ukrainian authorities, and with Ukrainians here in the EU. It is clear that the future of Ukraine depends on getting its people back. The situation in Ukraine is still volatile, so we need to be flexible. If a ceasefire is agreed and sustained - something we all continue to hope for, we will need to adapt, there is always the possibility to end temporary protection before 4 March 2027. In all cases, we are encouraging Member States to start now to help people transition to a national status that better reflects their circumstances. For example, if they are working, they could be switched to a work visa, or if they are studying, to a student visa . It is also important to support Ukrainians in their choices. Ukraine is facing labour market shortages. There are some who are already willing and able to return, and we should support this. We are asking Member States to help those considering return by supporting exploratory trips, so-called 'go-and-see' visits. When the time comes to end temporary protection, we also have to be mindful of Ukraine's absorption capacity. We are therefore asking Member States to put in place voluntary return programmes to allow a staggered and organised return to Ukraine. That could be over a period of a year after temporary protection ends. And we are urging Member States to make use of the flexibilities under the rules to make exceptions for vulnerable cases, until their needs can be met in Ukraine, and for families with children in school, to allow them to finish out their school year without disruption. There will still be a lot of uncertainty for people returning home will look like - from everything to jobs, to housing, to schools. I will give the floor now to Oleksiy to explain the concept he has put forward to support Ukrainians in their choices: Unity Hubs. The EU fully supports this initiative, in concrete ways: through the funding I mentioned before. In addition, I will appoint a Special Envoy for Ukrainians in the EU to work with Member States, with Ukraine and with international organisations to support Unity Hubs. And the EU's Solidarity Platform on Ukraine will serve as an operational link at technical level Thank you. Oleksiy, please - the floor is yours. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Commission proposes predictable and common European way forward for Ukrainian refugees in the EU European Commission Press release Jun 4, 2025 Brussels Today, the Commission is setting out a common European path for the future of Ukrainian refugees in the EU. This will ensure stability and continued protection, while also paving the way for a transition out of temporary protection once the necessary conditions are met. By doing so, the Commission is reinforcing its unwavering commitment to support Ukraine for as long as needed. President von der Leyen said: "Since 2022 we have provided protection for those fleeing Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and we continue to do so. And together with Ukraine we pave the way for people to be able to return and rebuild their homes once it is safe." With Russia continuing its illegal attacks, and the situation in Ukraine remaining volatile, the Commission is proposing to prolong the temporary protection for people fleeing Russia's aggression against Ukraine for an additional year until 4 March 2027. This will provide legal certainty to those enjoying temporary protection and to Member States, ensuring that the same standards of protection continue to apply across the EU. It will also reassure displaced people from Ukraine that applying for international protection is not necessary nor required. To offer a more stable and lasting perspective, the Commission is also proposing to Member States to prepare for a coordinated transition out of temporary protection by way of a Council Recommendation. The proposed measures address the needs of those residing in the EU as well as the need for Ukraine to rebuild the country, including by supporting safe, voluntary and dignified returns and reintegration. The Council Recommendation includes the following measures: To promote and facilitate the transition into other legal statuses: many of those enjoying temporary protection have integrated into their host societies by learning the language, finding employment or following education. They should have the possibility to transition into national or EU legal statuses that better reflect their new situation. These could be residence permits based on employment, education, research, or a national long-term resident status. To pave the way for a gradual return and sustainable reintegration in Ukraine taking into account the needs and capacity of Ukraine: Allowing exploratory visits to Ukraine could help those considering a return home to make informed decisions. Member States should also set up voluntary return programmes in close coordination with the Ukrainian authorities to allow for a gradual return home when temporary protection ends. taking into account the needs and capacity of Ukraine: Allowing could help those considering a return home to make informed decisions. Member States should also set up programmes in close coordination with the Ukrainian authorities to allow for a gradual return home when temporary protection ends. Better information about available options: The Commission supports the establishment of Unity Hubs in Member States, in collaboration with the Ukrainian authorities. Unity Hubs will serve as multipurpose information centres for both the integration of displaced people in host societies and for returns to Ukraine. They can be financed with the help of Commission funding under the Asylum, Migration and Integration fund (AMIF). To support Member States, the Commission will also appoint a Special Envoy for Ukrainians in the EU. The Commission supports the establishment of in Member States, in collaboration with the Ukrainian authorities. Unity Hubs will serve as multipurpose information centres for both the integration of displaced people in host societies and for returns to Ukraine. They can be financed with the help of Commission funding under the Asylum, Migration and Integration fund (AMIF). To support Member States, the Commission will also appoint a Coordination and information exchange between Member States and Ukraine: Information exchange between Member States should continue through the Solidarity Platform, and by timely updating data in the Temporary Protection Registration Platform. The EU Migration Preparedness and Crisis Blueprint Network with a focus on Ukraine, and the Solidarity Platform Ukraine will continue to provide a common situational awareness and a coordinated response. Next steps It is now for the Council to formally adopt the Commission proposal to extend temporary protection by one year and the proposal for a Council Recommendation. Background Since the start of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, over 4.3 million displaced people from Ukraine have found safety, shelter and opportunities across the EU. Member States and their citizens have sent a powerful message of solidarity towards Ukraine and its people fleeing the war, by offering them immediate protection and support, including access to accommodation, healthcare, education and employment. The activation of the Temporary Protection Directive set out a common EU approach, giving predictability and legal certainty both to the displaced persons from Ukraine and to the Member States. It has provided immediate protection while also preventing an additional strain on already overstretched national asylum systems. Temporary protection, currently in place until March 2026, has therefore proven to be an effective and proportionate response to the exceptional circumstances. If the circumstances change in Ukraine, allowing for a gradual return and sustainable reintegration in Ukraine, the Commission can make a proposal to the Council to suspend the temporary protection earlier than its foreseen end date. Quote(s) Since 2022 we have provided protection for those fleeing Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and we continue to do so. And together with Ukraine we pave the way for people to be able to return and rebuild their homes once it is safe. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission Europe's commitment and support to Ukraine are rooted in our shared commitment to democracy and security of our continent. Extending temporary protection is a vital step and yet another proof of our solidarity. At the same time, we must prepare for transitioning to other legal statuses and for gradual return and sustainable reintegration when temporary measures no longer apply. With today's proposals we provide stability in the face of uncertainty for those who stay in the EU but also offer the opportunity to safely return home to those who decide to do so. In all we do we will stand by Ukraine for as long as needed. Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy Millions of displaced people from Ukraine have found safety, shelter and opportunities across the EU thanks to temporary protection. As the situation in Ukraine remains precarious, we will prolong this protection for an additional year, whilst preparing the way for a smooth transition out of temporary protection, including supporting safe and dignified returns now and in the future. More than anything, Ukraine needs its people, and we have to help Ukrainians make informed decisions about their future - whether that be to return home or to continue supporting Ukraine from here for the time being. To support this goal, we will lend our full support to the Ukrainian initiative of Unity Hubs. Magnus Brunner, Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Questions and answers on the Commission proposals for a predictable and common European way forward for Ukrainians in the EU European Commission Questions and answers Jun 4, 2025 Brussels What is the Commission presenting today? Today the Commission is presenting two proposals and one Communication on a predictable and common European way forward for Ukrainians in the EU. Since the start of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, millions of displaced people from Ukraine have found safety, shelter and opportunities across the EU. Member States and their citizens have sent a powerful message of solidarity towards Ukraine and its people fleeing the war, by offering them immediate protection and support, including access to accommodation, healthcare, education and employment. Since March 2022, the Temporary Protection Directive continues to provide a sound legal framework to ensure the same standards of protection for millions of displaced people from Ukraine. The current situation in Ukraine shows that safe and durable living conditions do not currently exist in large parts of Ukraine for those wishing to go back. Therefore, the Commission is presenting a proposal for a Council Implementing Decision to further prolong temporary protection for an additional year, until 4 March 2027. More than anything, Ukraine needs its people, to restore the threads of society and rebuild its economy and infrastructure. At the same time, many displaced Ukrainians are building new lives within the EU. To offer a more stable and lasting perspective, the Commission is committed to supporting displaced people from Ukraine in making informed decisions about their future. This is why the Commission is also proposing today a Council Recommendation on a coordinated approach to the transition out of temporary protection for displaced persons from Ukraine. Why are you proposing a transition out of temporary protection while the war is still ongoing? Temporary protection is by nature temporary. When circumstances allow, temporary protection for displaced people from Ukraine will no longer be necessary. The Commission is therefore also proposing a coordinated approach that would pave the way for a smooth and well-coordinated transition out of this status. This will cater for the needs of those residing in the EU, while taking into account the capacity and reconstruction needs of Ukraine. The main points covered by the proposal for the Council Recommendation are: to promote the transition into other legal statuses already before the end of temporary protection to pave the way for a gradual return and sustainable reintegration in Ukraine to provide information to displaced persons to ensure coordination, monitoring and exchange of information among Member States and with the Ukrainian authorities What are the conditions under the temporary protection? Will they change in this extension? The Temporary Protection Directive (TPD) grants immediate protection and access to rights in the EU, including residency rights, access to the labour market, suitable accommodation, necessary assistance in terms of social welfare and means of subsistence, if the person enjoying temporary protection does not have sufficient resources, as well as for medical care. The TPD also helps Member States to manage arrivals in an orderly and effective way. With the extension, the same TPD rules apply. There is no change in the scope, only the date of its application is extended, in line with legal provisions. What measures are you proposing for a more even distribution of persons enjoying temporary protection between Member States? In the three years since the activation of the Directive, the need to offer temporary protection, coupled with the possibility for persons to enjoy temporary protection in the Member State of their choice, has had different impacts on the reception systems of Member States. In some cases the impact has been further compounded by a large numbers of asylum applications, and practical concerns such as offering adequate housing. Going forward, it is important to ensure a better balance between Member States. In particular, Member States should reject requests for residence permits from individuals who have already received a residence permit for temporary protection in another Member State and are already enjoying temporary protection rights on that basis. This can help to avoid multiple registrations for temporary protection and ensure that the rights attached to such protection are enjoyed in only one Member State at a time. What will happen to Ukrainians who want to stay in the EU after the temporary protection ends? What are the alternatives to temporary protection in the EU? The recommendations outline the possibilities to switch into other legal statuses even before the end of temporary protection. Many displaced Ukrainians that are enjoying temporary protection have now been in the Union for several years. They have integrated into their host societies by learning the language, finding employment, and enrolling in education. They should therefore be allowed to switch to other legal statuses that better reflect their actual situation. For example, Member States should promote and facilitate the access to national legal statuses for those engaged in employment, self-employment, professional training or education and research. The Commission is also recommending that Member States facilitate the switch to legal migration statuses governed by EU law. Whilst a person cannot simultaneously be enjoying temporary protection status and an EU legal migration status, they should be able to apply for these statuses and make the switch if they meet the conditions. What are Unity hubs and why is the Commission supporting them? Following the initiative of the Ukrainian Minister of National Unity to set up centres in the EU that could help maintain a connection with Ukrainians living abroad, some Member States are currently establishing such hubs on their territory. Unity hubs are centers or platforms coordinating and providing various services to Ukrainians abroad, including those who are looking for information to return home or those wishing to integrate in host societies. The hubs could take various forms, such as community centres, info points, digital coordination platforms, applications, or other forms deemed appropriate and efficient in the given Member State. Several Member States have expressed their interest in setting up such hubs. The first Unity hub is due to open at the beginning of the summer in Berlin. Others are planned to follow soon after in Prague and Alicante. To support Unity Hubs, Member States are encouraged to make use of the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund programme. This includes the additional resources made available following the Multi-annual Financial Framework revision and the mid-term review of national programmes. Member States are also encouraged to make use of the expertise and networks provided by international organisations such as the UNHCR, IOM and ICMPD. The Commission will appoint a Special Envoy to support this process at political level. for experts, the Solidarity Platform will serve as a coordination forum. The counterpart for the Unity Hubs in Ukraine will be the National Unity Agency as the key implementing body of the Ministry of National Unity of Ukraine. The Agency will support the establishment of Unity Hubs in the EU and facilitate broader initiatives to strengthen national cohesion, advance cultural and civic ties with the Ukrainian community, and support voluntary return and reintegration efforts. EU technical assistance projects in Ukraine will also support the work on the Ukrainian side to facilitate the reintegration of people returning home. Projects such as the Skills4Recovery and EU4Business, and others, can support the Ministry of National Unity, helping people returning to Ukraine to establish businesses, receive tailored employment services and participate in Vocational Education and Training programmes. What will be the role of the Special Envoy for Ukrainians in the EU? The Special Envoy will work with Member States, international organisations and with Ukraine to implement the EU's coordinated approach to temporary protection and the transition out of it. The envoy will support the goal of helping Ukrainians make informed choices about their future, including by supporting the setting-up of Unity Hubs. What will the proposed exploratory visits to Ukraine look like? The proposed Recommendation includes the possibility of exploratory visits. People considering going back home to Ukraine should be able to make informed decisions, which would also support the sustainability of their return. For a smooth transition out of temporary protection, Member States should set up a more structured approach to promote self-funded exploratory visits. The visits would allow to check on family or property, to assess the level of destruction in the communities, and in general, the overall conditions in the home country. To increase the effectiveness of these visits and to prevent abuses, Member States should set up the parameters, conditions and requirements for such visits (frequency, duration, notification process). Any such requirements should be transparently communicated, for example via contact points. What will the voluntary return programmes entail? In order to prepare for the time when temporary protection comes to an end, the Commission is recommending that Member States already now start setting up voluntary return programmes to establish a process of for a gradual and orderly return home. Coordination with the Ukrainian authorities will be key when designing such programmes, particularly to take into account the absorption capacity of Ukraine that is in need of reconstruction. To support social cohesion, these programmes would support reintegration in communities in Ukraine. Union funding will be made available to help Ukraine with this reintegration. While such voluntary return programmes should be of limited duration, they should give enough time for coordination with the Ukrainian authorities. The aim is to facilitate the gradual and adequate integration of persons returning in their communities, including access to basic services and facilities, such as accommodation, housing or medical care. For this reason, and to ensure the first duration of the voluntary return programme is coordinated with all Member States, voluntary return programmes should provide for a period of departure possibly up to one year. During this period, persons should be allowed to continue legally residing in the Member State. The Commission is also recommending that Member States make use of the flexibilities provided for under the Temporary Protection Directive to support the gradual return of vulnerable people and families with children. This would entail, for example, allowing vulnerable people to remain longer in the EU until Ukraine can cater for their needs, or allowing families with children to stay until a child finishes its school year. How much funding are Member States receiving as support for the integration of displaced people from Ukraine? Since the start of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, funding linked to the Temporary Protection Directive was allocated from existing EU funding instruments. More specifically, under the periods 2014-2020 and 2021-2027, these were granted from Home affairs funds and Cohesion Policy funds. Around 15 billion have already been allocated to Member States accommodating people from Ukraine. Cohesion policy has provided 13.6 billion for Member States accommodating people from Ukraine and another 1.4 billion has been reallocated within existing funding programmes to provide direct support to displaced people from Ukraine. Additional allocations of up to 4 billion are being made available from the Home affairs funds. More specifically, in the 2025-2027 funding period - a further 3 billion from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) and the Border Management and Visa Instrument (BMVI), as well as around 1 billion from the mid-term revision of Member States' AMIF programmes. The total amounts are aimed both at supporting Member States in implementing the Pact on Migration and Asylum and, as regards AMIF, at catering for persons enjoying temporary protection. How is the Commission ensuring coordinated support to displaced persons from Ukraine with Member States? The Commission will continue to work closely with Member States to coordinate both the implementation of temporary protection and support Ukrainians who want to go back home and rebuild their country. The Ukraine - Solidarity Platform will also serve as a coordination forum at expert level. Through this Platform, the Commission will also facilitate information exchange and the coordination of support measures, keeping an overview of the assistance provided across Member States. It will aim to streamline efforts amongst stakeholders and raise awareness of the importance of helping the local communities in Ukraine to be ready for returns. The Commission will continue to gather technical and policy expertise also for the Unity Hubs, as well as encouraging corresponding measures from the Ukrainian authorities. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address European Commission plans to extend temporary protection for Ukrainians until March 2027 and establishes role of special representative for Ukrainians in the EU Ukraine Government Ministry of National Unity of Ukraine, posted 04 June 2025 18:11 On 4 June in Brussels, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Unity of Ukraine Oleksiy Chernyshov and EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner presented the European Commission's proposals for a comprehensive approach to continued support for Ukrainians in the European Union. This includes extending temporary protection until 4 March 2027, as well as supporting voluntary return and long-term integration. "The European Commission's decision to extend temporary protection for Ukrainians until March 2027 is an important signal of solidarity. I sincerely thank our European partners for their strategic leadership and support for our people. This means stability, security, and access to essential services for millions of our compatriots in the EU. Another strategic step is the European Commission's decision to create the role of Special Representative for Ukrainians in the EU. Their task will be to enhance coordination, represent the interests of Ukrainians, and implement practical support tools, including the development of a network of Unity Centres. Together with international partners, such as IOM and UNHCR, we are also developing a unified approach to support the voluntary return of Ukrainians. Our goal is to create coordinated conditions for Ukrainians to return home safely, with dignity, and at the appropriate time," said Oleksiy Chernyshov. The discussions highlighted that EU member states should already begin preparing for an orderly transition once temporary protection for Ukrainians ends. The EU also urges member states to support those considering voluntary return to Ukraine. Specifically, it recommends creating voluntary return programmes tailored to the needs of displaced persons and the capacities of the communities that will receive them. During the joint event in Brussels, the creation of a new role - Special Representative for Ukrainians in the EU - was also announced. Their responsibilities will include strengthening coordination, advocating for the needs of Ukrainian citizens in the EU, and facilitating the implementation of practical tools, such as developing a network of Ukrainian Unity Centres. These centres will provide spaces for support, offering consultation, legal, educational, and psychological assistance, as well as support for Ukrainians in their host countries and aid for voluntary return to Ukraine. The final decision on extending temporary protection is expected to be considered by the Council of the EU at its meeting on 12-13 June 2025. Currently, temporary protection for Ukrainians in the EU is in place until March 2026, as per the European Commission's decision. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Government adopts key decisions to strengthen Ukraine's energy resilience: Denys Shmyhal Ukraine Government Communications Department of the Secretariat of the CMU, posted 04 June 2025 16:39 The Government has adopted a series of significant decisions aimed at strengthening Ukraine, particularly to ensure the country's energy resilience. This was announced by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal during a Cabinet meeting on 4 June. "In coordination with the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, we will allocate part of a USD 200 million grant to reimburse Ukrenergo for funds spent on protecting electrical substations," he noted. Denys Shmyhal also emphasised that, with the support of partners, Ukraine is advancing its domestic gas production. Specifically, Ukrgasvydobuvannya will receive a EUR 36.4 million loan from the EBRD to purchase new mobile drilling rigs. "We are doing everything to ensure we are prepared for the upcoming heating season and can provide people with light and heat this winter," the Prime Minister stated. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal at Government session Ukraine Government Communications Department of the Secretariat of the CMU, posted 04 June 2025 16:36 Dear colleagues! Fellow Ukrainians! We are beginning another meeting of the Government. The Government team has been working in France these past few days. We participated in a meeting of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Council. Ukraine is carrying out reforms under extremely difficult conditions, implementing OECD standards. We have received positive assessments of the changes that have taken place in recent years. In particular, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's Integrity Review noted Ukraine's significant progress in combating corruption. According to the OECD, Ukrainians' experience of everyday corruption has decreased from 70% to 15% in recent years. The OECD means the best policies, increased investor confidence, and deeper integration into the global economy, so we are actively working to ensure that Ukraine becomes a member of the Organisation next year. During our visit to Paris, we also met with French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou and French government ministers. We agreed to hold a joint meeting of our governments. France is providing Ukraine with EUR 1.5 billion in export credit insurance, EUR 1.2 billion in state guarantees for business projects in Ukraine, and EUR 200 million for the reconstruction of our critical infrastructure. We also agreed that France will allocate an additional EUR 200 million for Ukraine's recovery and integration into the EU market. We are grateful to the French government and the French people for their solidarity. *** Today, we have several important decisions on the agenda to strengthen Ukraine. We are making decisions for our energy security. In coordination with the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, we will allocate part of a USD 200 million grant to reimburse Ukrenergo for funds spent on protecting electrical substations. With the support of our partners, we will also boost domestic gas production. In particular, Ukrgasvydobuvannya will receive a EUR 36.4 million loan from the EBRD. These funds will be used to purchase new mobile drilling rigs. We are doing everything to ensure we are prepared for the upcoming heating season and can provide people with light and heat this winter *** As part of the comprehensive Made in Ukraine policy, we are continuing to expand the network of industrial parks. Today, we are registering another such industrial site in Khmelnytskyi. Its plans include establishing agricultural processing and creating at least 350 jobs. We already have about a hundred industrial parks, 38 of which have been created over the past year and a half. The state is providing financial resources to develop infrastructure in these locations. Last year, we allocated over UAH 925 million, and this year, UAH 500 million has been earmarked in the state budget. Currently, 25 factories are being built or have been built in industrial parks, over 100,000 square metres of industrial real estate has been constructed, and about 200 MW of electrical power is available. Another element of the Made in Ukraine policy is the affordable "5-7-9" loans. Since the start of the full-scale war, entrepreneurs have received over UAH 313 billion in loans. Thanks to preferential loans, businesses are making investments, financing working capital, establishing processing operations, and restoring damaged facilities. This adds momentum to our economy and helps us withstand the challenges of wartime. The National Cashback programme and compensation for the cost of Ukrainian industrial equipment create stable demand for domestic products. Today, we are allocating UAH 2.4 billion from the state budget reserve fund for national cashback payments and UAH 200 million for compensation programme payments. We are creating incentives to buy Ukrainian. We expect that in 2025, the share of domestic equipment on the internal market will increase by 5%, and production of up to 80 new types of equipment will be launched. I would like to thank businesses for investing in the Ukrainian economy and Ukrainians for supporting our manufacturers. *** Thank you to Ukrainian defenders for protecting our country. Thank you to all rear-line workers for their resilience and efficiency. Together, we will endure and rebuild. Thank you for your attention! Glory to Ukraine! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prime Minister discusses bilateral trade development, recovery and strengthening sanctions against russia with French Minister of Economy and Finance Ukraine Government Communications Department of the Secretariat of the CMU, posted 04 June 2025 14:10 In Paris, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal held a meeting with France's Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty, Eric Lombard. Key topics discussed included the development of bilateral trade and Ukraine's recovery. "Continued support from France in financing infrastructure projects remains critically important for us," the Head of the Ukrainian Government stated, expressing gratitude to French regions and businesses for their involvement in rebuilding Ukrainian cities. The meeting also addressed the strengthening of sanctions against russia. Denys Shmyhal highlighted the importance of adopting the EU's 17th sanctions package, which significantly expanded restrictions on russia's "shadow fleet," military-industrial complex, and other economic sectors that continued to fund aggression. "It is crucial to further intensify sanctions pressure, particularly by expanding restrictions on key sectors of the russian economy that remain insufficiently targeted: nuclear energy, the financial sector, metallurgy, the chemical industry, and raw material exports," the Prime Minister emphasised. According to him, the use of frozen russian assets for Ukraine's recovery is equally significant. Denys Shmyhal thanked the G7 for supporting this initiative and stressed that the ultimate goal is the full confiscation of these funds and their allocation for Ukraine's benefit. During the meeting, the Prime Minister also expressed gratitude to France for its comprehensive support of Ukraine. "We look forward to further implementing joint initiatives aimed at Ukraine's recovery and economic growth," Denys Shmyhal noted. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Zelenskyy Calls On Putin To Sign Cease-Fire, Meet Him 'Any Day' By RFE/RL June 04, 2025 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has challenged his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, to sign a cease-fire to end fighting as the two sides work to set up a meeting to create a lasting peace after more than three years of war sparked by Moscow's full-scale invasion of its neighbor. Speaking at a briefing in Kyiv on June 4, Zelenskyy said such a meeting could include Turkish President Recep Tayip Erdogan and US President Donald Trump as two recent rounds of talks with lower-level delegations failed to make a breakthrough to put a halt to the war. "We are ready for exchanges but to continue diplomatic meetings in Istanbul at a level that does not solve anything further, I think, is pointless," Zelenskyy said. "My proposal, which I believe our partners can support, is that we propose to Russians a cease-fire until the leaders meet.... We are ready for such a meeting any day," he added. Speaking at a televised government meeting, Putin effectively dismissed the possibilities of the cease-fire and the summit. He further claimed that Ukraine would "use" the pause to rearm and mobilize more people for its armed forces. Putin also accused Kyiv of coordinating deadly "terrorist attacks" on bridges in border regions over the weekend. "How can we negotiate with those who rely on terror?" he added. Earlier, Ukrainian authorities claimed Russia has "deliberately" targeted civilian infrastructure in the Sumy region with a number of air strikes that killed four people and injured at least 20 others on June 3. Zelenskyy's call for a meeting comes after talks on June 2 in Istanbul -- only the second round of face-to-face negotiations between the two sides in more than three years -- that failed to move the process forward. The delegations exchanged specific proposals for a framework for a peace deal. Ukraine called for, among other things, an unconditional 30-day cease-fire plus the exchange of all prisoners of war, as well as the return of Ukrainian children who Kyiv said have been abducted by Russia. Russia's proposal, meanwhile, called for the international recognition of Crimea, the Ukrainian peninsula Moscow annexed in 2014, as well as the four Ukrainian regions that are partially occupied by Russian forces. Zelenskyy accused the Kremlin of not being serious about negotiating a peace deal -- a charge many Western countries have also leveled -- saying it was a ploy to keep Washington from implementing a new round of harsh economic sanctions on Russia. "They did it to demonstrate to the United States that they are trying to be constructive," Zelenskyy said, calling the Russian proposal an "ultimatum." "Why? To have a delay, which depends on President Trump personally: whether or not to postpone the imposition of sanctions." Responding to Zelenskyy's comments, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov rejected the accusation, saying the process of direct talks was working and had produced results. A series of audacious attacks by Ukraine on targets inside Russia or areas of Ukraine controlled by Moscow in recent days have sent shock waves across Russia. On June 1, Ukrainian forces struck dozens of long-range bomber aircraft across Russia with drones smuggled in wooden shipping crates carried on truck beds into the country and then launched from nearby locations. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) claims that more than 40 bombers were hit in the attack, described as an "absolutely brilliant outcome" by Zelenskyy, who added that the operation had taken more than 18 months to prepare. Then on June 3, Ukraine claimed to hit a key bridge that links Russia and Moscow-occupied Crimea with underwater explosives. Lavrov said Moscow shouldn't fall for Ukraine's "criminal provocations," and instead use negotiations and all "means" it has to achieve its goals in Ukraine. The 19-kilometer Kerch Bridge, which carries both road and rail traffic, was built by Russia and opened in 2018 -- four years after Moscow illegally annexed the peninsula -- and serves as an important supply route for Russian forces occupying parts of southern Ukraine. It was damaged by Ukrainian attacks in October 2022 and July 2023 and has frequently been closed during security incidents. Addressing the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting in Ramstein, Zelenskyy told NATO defense ministers that Russia "must be forced into diplomacy," adding that the Alliance has "all the necessary tools" to push Russia toward peace and make its aggression against Ukraine "meaningless." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/zelenskyy-putin-cease- fire-meet-erdogan-trump-turkey/33434021.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's answer to a media question regarding the Young Republican National Federation's materials on violations of believers' rights in Ukraine 4 June 2025 10:00 947-04-06-2025 Question: Recently, materials published by Catherine Whiteford, Co-Chair of the Young Republican National Federation of the United States, have documented mass violations of the rights of believers of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC). These include, in particular, the forcible seizure of churches with the direct involvement of representatives of Ukrainian state authorities - municipalities, police, and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). According to the organisation, the number of such cases exceeds 1,500 and stems from the campaign for Ukraine's "spiritual independence" initiated by Vladimir Zelensky in December 2022. How would you comment on this? Maria Zakharova: For many years, the Russian Federation has raised the issue of the egregious state of affairs regarding the right to freedom of religion in the neighbouring country. The Russian Foreign Ministry has published two reports - Illegal Actions by the Kiev Regime Targeting the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), Its Clergy and Parishioners - in 2023 and 2025. The 2024 Report on the Human Rights Situation in Ukraine dedicates an entire section to the persecution of believers. We invite all interested parties, including the Young Republican National Federation of the United States, to review these documents, which provide a detailed examination of Ukraine's discriminatory laws targeting the UOC, the unlawful actions of Ukrainian security services and law enforcement agencies, as well as local authorities. They also cite specific instances of church seizures, illegal re-registration of parishes, and manifestations of hatred, aggression, and violence against UOC clergy and believers. The 2025 report pays particular attention to the West's role in inciting persecution against the Church in Ukraine to cynically advance its own geopolitical interests. The pressure on the Church and Orthodox believers in Ukraine began long before 2022, as documented in the monograph Black Decade Chronicle. Religious Persecution in Ukraine 20142023, prepared with the assistance of the Russian Association for the Defence of Religious Freedom. For instance, in 2018-2019, the Kiev regime, leveraging administrative resources, established a purportedly independent but de facto state-affiliated pseudo-church structure known as the "Orthodox Church of Ukraine" (OCU). It is precisely this organisation that has benefited from the expropriation of property through raider seizures and illegal re-registrations following sham referendums, carried out with the aid of militarised nationalist groups. Between 2019 and 2021, approximately 500 UOC parishes were unlawfully transferred to the OCU, while 144 churches were seized by its supporters. In essence, this is not merely persecution of the canonical Church but an outright attempt to eradicate Orthodoxy in Ukraine, facilitated through the instrumentalisation of the OCU as a quasi-church entity. In the West, these flagrant violations are typically met with silence. One might recall only the reports of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) from various years, which recorded instances of discrimination against UOC believers and referenced discriminatory draft laws, as well as statements by certain human rights organisations, such as Public Protection, acknowledging internationally recognised violations of believers' rights. We hope that the materials published by the Young Republican National Federation of the United States will help the global community learn about the catastrophic state of Orthodoxy in Ukraine. For our part, we will continue to counter the Kiev regime's campaign of harassment against the UOC on international platforms. This includes convening intergovernmental meetings, sessions of the United Nations Security Council, informal Arria-formula meetings, organising conferences, preparing reports, and drawing the attention of all relevant international officials through statements at the Human Rights Council and the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly. We consistently highlight every aspect of the persecution of Orthodoxy in Ukraine within the OSCE framework. We are convinced that the Kiev junta will not succeed in destroying canonical Orthodoxy, which remains the faith of the majority of the country's population. Once again, we call upon the sensible forces of the international community and relevant institutions to condemn the sacrilegious war waged by the Zelensky regime against the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Putin Calls Tragedy in Bryansk Region Targeted Attack on Civilians, Terrorism Sputnik News 20250604 The explosions on the railway infrastructure in Russia's Bryansk and Kursk regions has been classified by the investigation as terrorist attacks, Russian Investigative Committee stated. Russia fears that illegitimate regime in Kiev is degenerating into terrorist organization confirmed by Kiev's strikes on civilians, Russian President Putin states. All crimes against civilians on eve of second round of talks between Russia, Ukraine are aimed at disrupting it, he added. Putin commented on Kiev's requests to hold meeting at highest level saying: what to talk about in these conditions, who negotiates with terrorists. Ukraine is experiencing huge losses, retreating along entire line of combat, he added. For Kiev power is more important than peace and people's lives, the Russian president said. Today's Kiev regime does not need peace, he stressed. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia Ready to Start Prisoner Exchange With Ukraine on June 7-9 - Medinsky Sputnik News 20250604 The second round of talks between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations concluded in Istanbul on Monday. The meeting lasted over an hour in the Ciragan Palace. Russia is ready to begin the prisoner exchange with Ukraine on June 7-9, Russian presidential aide and head of the Russian delegation to the talks with Ukraine Vladimir Medinsky said. Final figures on the exchange of prisoners of war between Russia and Ukraine are being agreed upon, and it could be 1,200 people, Medinsky pointed out. Russia at the Istanbul talks urged to focus on working out the terms of peace, not a ceasefire, he said. The Ukrainian side promised to study the memorandum of the Russian side and provide comments later, Medinsky said. Russian President Vladimir Putin asked Medinsky to report on the results of the negotiations held on June 2 in Istanbul with the Ukrainian side. "We handed over our draft memorandum on the peaceful settlement, which consisted of two parts. The first part is the conditions for concluding a long-term peace, the second part is the conditions for a cease-fire... the Ukrainian side promised to study it and comment on it later," Medinsky said at a meeting with Putin and members of the government. The working language during the negotiations in Istanbul was Russian, he revealed, with negotiations one-on-one in Istanbul lasted for more than three hours. Medinsky showed a list of allegedly abducted children to Russian President Vladimir Putin, which was handed over by the Ukrainian delegation at the talks in Istanbul. "The Ukrainian side has handed over to us the lists of 339 children allegedly abducted from the territory of Ukraine. This is the list, we have started work on it," Medinsky said at a meeting with Putin and members of the government. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Forces Take Control of Redkodub Settlement in Donetsk People's Republic Sputnik News 20250604 The Russian forces have taken control of the settlement of Redkodub in the Donetsk People's Republic, the defense ministry said. The Russian armed forces have also taken control of the settlement of Kondratovka in Ukraine's Sumy region, the ministry added. Losses of the Ukrainian Armed Forces amounted to over 230 soldiers, two tanks, three armored fighting vehicles, nine vehicles, and five field artillery pieces. A radar station and two ammunition depots were destroyed. Defeats were inflicted on formations of three mechanized, assault, and aeromobile brigades of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the areas of the settlements of Chistovodovka, Kupyansk, Glushchenkovo, Borovaya, Peschanoe, Olgovka, Andreevka in the Kharkov region and Volchy Yar in the Donetsk People's Republic. The Ukrainian Armed Forces (UA) lost up to 220 soldiers, one tank, four armored fighting vehicles, 13 vehicles, and three artillery pieces, including a 155-mm self-propelled artillery system "Bogdana" and a 155-mm self-propelled artillery system "Panzerhaubitze 2000" made in Germany. The electronic warfare stations "Kvertus" and "Anklav," as well as five ammunition depots, were destroyed. Units of the "Yug" battle group improved their position along the front line. They inflicted defeats on personnel and equipment from three mechanized, motorized infantry, assault, aeromobile, and mountain assault brigades of the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UA) in the areas of the settlements of Dronovka, Severetsk, Privolie, Nikiforovka, Serebryanka, Pereezdnoe, Konstantinovka, Ivanopolye, and Aleksandro-Shultino in the Donetsk People's Republic. The enemy lost up to 250 soldiers, three vehicles, six artillery pieces, and a launch system for the Croatian-made RAK-SA-12 multiple rocket launcher. Two electronic warfare stations, a counter-battery radar station, and three ammunition depots were destroyed. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Readout from Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent's Meeting with First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Yulia Svyrydenko of Ukraine U.S. Department of the Treasury June 4, 2025 WASHINGTON -- Today, Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent met with First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Yulia Svyrydenko of Ukraine. Secretary Bessent reaffirmed the United States' support for Ukrainian sovereignty and emphasized the United States' dedication to secure a lasting, durable peace. The Secretary emphasized his excitement about the operationalization of the U.S.-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, and emphasized the importance of maintaining positive momentum towards an ongoing and regular cadence of U.S.-Ukraine engagements on this important partnership. Secretary Bessent underscored the United States' commitment to ensuring that no one who financed or supplied the Russian war machine should be allowed to benefit from the reconstruction of Ukraine, including participation in projects supported by Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund resources. ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia Must Truly Feel That War Is Worse Than Peace - Address by the President President of Ukraine 4 June 2025 - 20:41 Dear Ukrainians! It has been a long day today. I started it with a conversation with the President of Finland - we discussed our diplomatic opportunities. The negotiations in Turkiye, our cooperation with the United States, and our European prospects, which are important not just for Ukraine. I am grateful to President Stubb for his support. I also spoke today with Chancellor Merz of Germany. We're working to accelerate the implementation of the agreements we reached during my visit to Berlin. I briefed him on the meeting in Turkiye. All of us in Europe need an end to this war and a truly reliable peace. This is very important. There was also a meeting in the Ramstein format today. And it is important that this format of our cooperation with partners remains in place. We are preparing decisions to support our joint defense production with partners. This is long-term security - these are our guarantees, European guarantees - guarantees for everyone that Russian aggression will not be able to expand and will not be rewarded. Russia must truly feel that war is worse than peace. And that is exactly why sanctions are needed - especially against their oil trade. Sustained defense support for Ukraine is also essential, to protect our people and to defend our positions. And of course, we must have an understanding of the foundations for Ukraine's post-war development. For sure. People need to know what our Ukrainian recovery will bring. And this matters not only to our citizens, but also to every one of our partners - all those who are helping us now during the war, and who, thanks to that help, can have greater opportunities in our economic cooperation. And one more thing. Today, I thanked the Ukrainian warriors - warriors of the Security Service of Ukraine, who carried out our largest-ever defensive operation on Russian territory. Minus 41 aircraft from Russia's military aviation. This is precisely what has served not only this war, but also Russia's broader passion for warfare. Our results are entirely justified. And I am grateful to everyone in the world who is already inspired by our results. I thank everyone who stands with us, with Ukraine, who fights for Ukraine, and who helps us! Thank you! Glory to Ukraine! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Volodymyr Zelenskyy Has Phone Call with Friedrich Merz President of Ukraine 4 June 2025 - 17:14 President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a phone call with Federal Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz. The leaders discussed the outcomes of the Ukrainian President's visit to Berlin last week and the implementation of the agreements reached. Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed the Chancellor about the second meeting in Istanbul and its one meaningful result the exchange of prisoners. The Head of State emphasized that the Ukrainian delegation had also insisted on an unconditional ceasefire, the return of children, and a meeting at the highest level. However, Russia once again showed its unwillingness to end the war. The President stressed that only strong sanctions from partners can change the behavior of the Russian Federation. Volodymyr Zelenskyy also outlined Ukraine's expectations for the G7 Summit, which will take place on June 15-17 in Canada. The Head of State thanked the Federal Chancellor of Germany for his support of Ukraine. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Volodymyr Zelenskyy Thanks SSU Warriors for Operation "Spiderweb" and Presents Them With State Awards President of Ukraine 4 June 2025 - 15:41 The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) has proven by the Operation "Spiderweb" that the war is inflicting tangible losses and damage on the aggressor as well. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated this during a meeting with SSU warriors who took part in the operation and thanked them for carrying it out. The Head of State noted that Ukraine never wanted this war, but it has every right to defend itself, its independence, and its people. "That is exactly what we are doing - by all means available to us. This right is guaranteed to Ukraine by international law, by the UN Charter, and by simple human common sense," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. According to the President, Russia has used thousands of missiles and attack drones against Ukraine, including strategic aviation; it also has entered into alliances with North Korea and Iran, and is using their weapons against Ukraine: ballistic missiles, attack drones, and artillery. In addition, North Korean special forces are fighting on Russia's side. "The most important thing that you've proven by Operation 'Spiderweb' is this: the war is inflicting tangible losses and damage on the aggressor as well. And this is justice being restored. And this is pressure toward real peace. Russia feels what it is doing and what it is accountable for only when you and our other warriors act. For the successful execution of this operation, the Head of State presented the Order of the Golden Star of the Hero of Ukraine to one of the warriors, as well as the awards "Cross of Military Merit," the Orders of Merit, III class, of Bohdan Khmelnytsky, II-III class, for Courage, III class, of Princess Olga, III class, and the medals "For Military Service to Ukraine". On June 1, the SSU conducted the unique special operation "Spiderweb" on Russian territory, which had been in preparation for over a year and a half. As a result, 41 military aircraft were damaged, which is 34% of Russia's strategic cruise missile carriers based at airfields. Among them were Tu-22M3, Tu-95MC, and Tu-95 bombers used to launch cruise missiles at Ukraine, as well as A-50 long-range airborne early warning and control aircraft. The estimated value of the damaged strategic aviation aircraft exceeds USD 7 billion. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Office of the President of Ukraine Hosts Meeting with EU Delegation President of Ukraine 4 June 2025 - 08:56 Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Zhovkva held a meeting with a delegation from the European Union led by Benedikta von Seherr-Thoss, Managing Director for Peace, Security, and Defense at the European External Action Service (EEAS). The main focus of the meeting was on Ukraine's current military needs - in particular, air defense systems and missiles for them, artillery systems, ammunition, and continued defense cooperation with the European Union. Ihor Zhovkva thanked the EU for its efforts to deliver 2 million artillery shells to Ukraine by the end of this year. The parties also discussed cooperation between Ukraine and the European Union within the framework of the ReArm Europe initiative and the SAFE instrument. The Deputy Head of the Presidential Office emphasized the importance of increasing investment in Ukraine's defense industry. He noted that Ukrainian enterprises have significant production potential but require stable financial support. Benedikta von Seherr-Thoss stated that the EU is interested in increasing defense production in its member states. She also affirmed the EU's commitment to further integrating Ukraine into the European security and defense system. Separately, Ihor Zhovkva briefed the delegation on the second round of talks in Istanbul. He stressed that Russia is not interested in achieving peace, and the appropriate response must be resolute sanctions from the EU, the United States, and other partners. The European Union confirmed that it is actively working in this direction and is ready to take further steps. Among other key topics was the fight against Russian propaganda. Ukraine and the EU agreed to enhance coordination of efforts in this regard. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukrainian president says Russia's memorandum "ultimatum" People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 09:39, June 05, 2025 KIEV, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday described Russia's memorandum on ceasefire as an "ultimatum" to Ukraine, the Interfax-Ukraine news agency reported. "A memorandum of understanding should involve two parties, not just one side that demands something. Therefore, it cannot be called a memorandum. It is, in fact, an ultimatum from the Russian side," Zelensky said. He emphasized that some of Russia's requirements, particularly regarding the territorial claims, could not be fulfilled. Speaking on Russia's call for Ukraine to adopt non-aligned status, Zelensky said that in 2014, when developments in Crimea and the Donetsk and Luhansk regions started, Ukraine had a non-aligned status defined by law. Regarding joining NATO, according to Zelensky, "this issue depends on the allies." Ukraine received the memorandum from Russia during the bilateral talks were held in Istanbul on June 2. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Putin 'Strongly' Warns Trump Of Response To Ukraine's Drone Strikes On Russia's Air Bases By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service June 05, 2025 US President Donald Trump says his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, warned him "very strongly" of Russia's intention to respond to Ukraine's drone attack, which struck dozens of long-range bomber aircraft across Russian regions over the weekend. In a post on Truth Social, Trump described his latest phone call with Putin as a "good conversation," though he noted that it was not the kind of conversation that would lead to immediate peace. According to Trump, the call lasted 75 minutes, and Ukraine's surprise drone attack, carried out by Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) on June 1, was one of the topics discussed. "We discussed the attack on Russia's docked airplanes by Ukraine, and also various other attacks that have been taking place by both sides," Trump said. "Putin did say, and very strongly, that he will have to respond to the recent attack on the airfields," he added. Earlier, the SBU claimed that more than 40 bombers were hit in the attack, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described as "absolutely brilliant," noting that the operation had taken more than 18 months to prepare. Through the analysis of videos and satellite images, RFE/RL was able to independently verify thatat least 11 Russian strategic bombers were destroyed. Following the phone call, Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov told the state-run TASS news agency that Trump had informed Putin that the United States was not notified by Ukraine about its plans for the drone attack. When asked if Russia would respond to the attack, Ushakov said, "the issue was discussed," but gave no further details. Robert Pszczel, an independent security policy expert, told RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service that he has no doubt Russia would conduct more attacks on Ukraine. However, Pszczel also suggested it was difficult to imagine what new level of brutality Russia might reach after previous attacks on Ukraine's civilian and energy infrastructure. Ushakov also added that Putin briefed Trump on the second round of direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, which took place in Istanbul on June 2, a day after the drone attack. He said Putin called the talks "useful" and expressed hope that they would continue. Earlier in the day, speaking at a government meeting, Putin effectively dismissed Zelenskyy's proposals for a lasting cease-fire and a potential leaders' summit. Putin accused Kyiv of coordinating deadly "terrorist attacks" on bridges in border regions over the weekend -- an issue that, according to Ushakov, was also discussed during the phone call with Trump. "The Kyiv regime does not need peace at all," Putin said at the meeting. "What is there to talk about?" During his visit to the United States, Zelenskyy's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, responded to Putin's remarks by noting that Ukraine had once handed its strategic bombers to Russia in exchange for security guarantees. Now, Ukraine has struck part of Russia's strategic aviation in an "act of retaliation,"Yermak said. Earlier, Zelenskyy added that the attack would never have happened if a cease-fire had been implemented. In the United States, Yermak met with US Secretary Marco Rubio and number of US congressmen. Following the talks, he called for a new package of US sanctions and emphasized that pressure remains the only tool to influence Russia's actions. At the same time, the US Embassy in Kyiv warned its citizens of an ongoing risk of "significant air attacks" and urged caution. Serhiy Lysak, governor of Ukraine's southeastern Dnipropetrovsk region, reported that a Russian drone attack on Nikopol killed one person and injured five others. "She was 45 years old. The doctors fought for her life until the very end, but her injuries were too severe," Lysak wrote on Telegram. According to Ukrainian authorities, 54 more people were also injured in Marhanets in the Zaporizhzhya region as a result of an FPV drone attack. Among them an 83-year-old woman. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-ukraine-putin- trump-drone-strike-phone-call/33434172.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 VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mustang Energy Corp. (CSE:MEC, OTC:MECPF, FRA:92T) (Mustang or the Company) is excited to announce that it has entered into two strategic option agreements with Thunderbird Resources Ltd. (Thunderbird) to acquire an undivided 80% interest in certain mineral tenements held by Thunderbird located in the Athabasca Basin of Northern Saskatchewan (the Project). The Option marks an important step for Mustang as it continues to expand and build its land package in this promising uranium district. The Company entered into an option agreement (the Cluff Lake Agreement) with Thunderbird, dated June 3, 2025, to acquire an undivided 80% interest (the Cluff Lake Option) in certain mineral tenements held by Thunderbird in and around Cluff Lake (the Cluff Lake Project). Concurrently with the Cluff Lake Agreement, the Company entered into a second option agreement (the Surprise Creek Agreement, and together with the Cluff Lake Agreement, the Agreements) with Thunderbird, dated June 3, 2025, to acquire an undivided 80% interest (the Surprise Creek Option, and together with the Cluff Lake Option, the Option) in certain mineral tenements held by Thunderbird in and around Surprise Creek, Pring Lake, and Ellis Bay/Bob Lake (the Surprise Creek Project). We are excited to partner with Thunderbird Resources on the Cluff Lake North and Surprise Creek Projects. This agreement advances Mustangs Athabasca Basin strategy. With a strong foundation in place through targeted claim staking and acquiring early-stage projects, were now focused on advancing high-priority, drill-ready assets. Our technical team is developing plans for field programs at Cluff Lake North and Surprise Creek Projects to refine drill targets and evaluate underexplored structural corridors with strong discovery potential, said Nicholas Luksha, CEO of Mustang Energy Corp. Cluff Lake North Uranium Project The Cluff Lake Project comprises a group of five mineral claims located in a highly prospective area around 12km north-east of the historical Cluff Lake uranium mine on the western flank of Canadas world-class Athabasca Basin. Figure 1: Cluff Lake North Project Overview5 Thunderbird completed a MobileMT survey in 2024 which delineated several basement conductors in the Moose Lake area of the project, which are potential pathways for uranium mineralising fluids (see ASX: THB announcement dated 17th October 2024 titled Multiple Uranium targets identified by detailed EM surveys at Cluff Lake Project). In the Moose Lake area, three high-priority drill target areas were defined by the MobileMT survey, one of which is coincident with a previously defined gravity/EM target. These targets are located within an interpreted structural corridor which extends north-northeast from the Cluff Lake Uranium deposits. The targets (ML-01, -02, -03) in this area are both basement-hosted, similar to the Cluff Lake deposits, and unconformity-related (see Figure 2).5 Figure 2. Cluff Lake North Moose Lake area MobileMT and gravity/EM targets5 Surprise Creek Uranium-Copper Project The Surprise Creek Project is located 25km north-west of the Beaverlodge Uranium District, which hosts the historical uranium mines of Gunnar and Eldorado (Ace-Fay-Verna) and is located just north of the Athabasca Basin. A major high-resolution airborne magnetic, radiometric and VLF-EM survey completed by the Thunderbird in September 2024 identified multiple new uranium targets (see THB:ASX announcement dated 19 December 2024 titled Exploration to commence at Rockvale Antimony-Gold Project). A strong uranium radiometric anomaly has been identified at the previously defined Surprise Creek Fault drill target, where historical drilling returned results of up to 2.1m @ 4.37% U 3 O 8 from 57m1, 6 and surface sampling by Thunderbird returned assays up to 7.98% U 3 O 8 .2 The area of surface uranium mineralisation extends over a strike length of up to 500m2 (see Figure 3).1, 2, 6 A work permit application for exploration including drilling at the Surprise Creek Fault prospect has recently been approved by the Saskatchewan Government. Figure 3 Surprise Creek Project Surprise Creek Fault prospect1, 2, 6 Many of the radiometric targets identified in the airborne survey show a strong spatial correlation with the contact between the Archean Zemlak Domain basement rocks and the overlying younger Palaeoproterozoic aged Thluicho Lake Group, where cross-cutting structures intersect the contact. In addition, many of the historical copper prospects (Bob Lake, Ellis Bay, Waterloo South) are also associated with the same contact (see Figure 4). Historical drilling results from Bob Lake and Ellis Bay include: 9.1m @ 2.07% Cu and 27.3g/t Ag from surface (Bob Lake) 3 from surface (Bob Lake) 6.6m @ 1.31% Cu from 11m (Ellis Bay)3 Rock chip sampling of historical copper occurrences completed by Thunderbird in 2022 and 2023 returned assays up 61.7% Cu, 27.6% Cu and 9% Cu.2,4 Figure 4 Surprise Creek Project copper results from historical drilling3, 4, 6, 7 References ASX:THB announcement dated 6th July 2022 titled Surprise Creek data review highlights high-grade targets 2 ASX:THB announcement dated 22 December 2022 titled High-grade Uranium rock chip results at Surprise Creek 3 ASX:THB announcement dated 13th February 2023 titled Exciting Copper Targets at Surprise Creek 4 ASX:THB announcement dated 13th October 2022 titled Exceptional Uranium and Copper Rock chip results 5 Saskatchewan Mineral Deposits Index, Trench OHT-1 (U-Pb), SMDI# 2068, Retrieved from https://mineraldeposits.saskatchewan.ca/Home/Viewdetails/2068 6 Saskatchewan Mineral Assessment Database Drill hole VT20, SMAD# 74N10-0368, Retrieved from http://mineral-assessment.saskatchewan.ca/Pages/BasePages/Main.aspx 7 Saskatchewan Mineral Assessment Database, SMAD# 74N11-0063, Retrieved from http://mineral-assessment.saskatchewan.ca/Pages/BasePages/Main.aspx Cluff Lake Option Pursuant to the Cluff Lake Agreement, Mustang can acquire an 80% interest in the Cluff Lake Project, which spans a total of 13,977 hectares, by satisfying the following conditions: Share Issuance: Mustang will issue common shares (each, a Share ) with a total value of CAD$200,000. Mustang will issue common shares (each, a ) with a total value of CAD$200,000. Cash Payments: Mustang will make aggregate cash payments of CAD$120,000 over a maximum of four years. Mustang will make aggregate cash payments of CAD$120,000 over a maximum of four years. Exploration Expenditures: Mustang will commit CAD$3,000,000 towards exploration on the Cluff Lake Project over the same maximum four year period. The cash payment, Share issuance and exploration expenditure schedules for the consideration noted above is as follows: Interest Earned Date Cash Payments Exploration Expenditures Value of Shares Issued For the Company to earn a 60% interest in the Cluff Lake Project (Stage 1 CL Interest) On the date that is 30 days from the date of the Cluff Lake Agreement (the CL Closing Date) $20,000 N/A $100,000(1) On or before the second anniversary of the CL Closing Date $50,000 $1,000,000 N/A For the Company to earn an additional 20% interest in the Cluff Lake Project (Stage 2 CL Interest) On or before the second anniversary of the Company earning the Stage 1 CL Interest $50,000 $2,000,000 $100,000(1) TOTAL: $120,000 $3,000,000 $200,000 (1) Share values are based on a deemed value of $0.235, per Share. Upon the Company earning the Stage 1 CL Interest, the Company and Thunderbird will enter into a formal joint venture agreement to fully document the terms and conditions upon which the joint venture shall operate for the Cluff Lake Project. Upon the Company earning the Stage 2 CL Interest, Thunderbird will retain a 2% Net Smelter Return royalty on the Cluff Lake Project in respect of any minerals, mineral products, ore or concentrates produced from the tenements comprising the Cluff Lake Project. Surprise Creek Option Pursuant to the Surprise Creek Agreement, Mustang can acquire an 80% interest in the Surprise Creek Project, which spans a total of 20,652 hectares, by satisfying the following conditions: Share Issuance: Mustang will issue common shares (each, a Share ) with a total value of CAD$200,000. Mustang will issue common shares (each, a ) with a total value of CAD$200,000. Cash Payments: Mustang will make aggregate cash payments of CAD$120,000 over a maximum of four years. Mustang will make aggregate cash payments of CAD$120,000 over a maximum of four years. Exploration Expenditures: Mustang will commit CAD$3,000,000 towards exploration on the Cluff Lake Project over the same maximum four year period. The cash payment, Share issuance and exploration expenditure schedules for the consideration noted above is as follows: Interest Earned Date Cash Payments Exploration Expenditures Value of Shares Issued For the Company to earn a 51% interest in the Surprise Creek Project (Stage 1 SC Interest) On the date that is 30 days from the date of the Surprise Creek Agreement (the SC Closing Date) $20,000 N/A $100,000(1) On or before the second anniversary of the SC Closing Date $50,000 $1,000,000 N/A For the Company to earn an additional 29% interest in the Surprise Creek Project (Stage 2 SC Interest) On or before the second anniversary of the Company earning the Stage 1 SC Interest $50,000 $2,000,000 $100,000(1) TOTAL: $120,000 $3,000,000 $200,000 (1) Share values are based on a deemed value of $0.235, per Share. Upon the Company earning the Stage 1 SC Interest, the Company and Thunderbird will enter into a formal joint venture agreement to fully document the terms and conditions upon which the joint venture shall operate for the Surprise Creek Project. Upon the Company earning the Stage 2 SC Interest, Thunderbird will retain a 2% Net Smelter Return royalty on the Surprise Creek Project in respect of any minerals, mineral products, ore or concentrates produced from the tenements comprising the Surprise Creek Project. The Agreements are subject to the satisfaction of various conditions as are standard for transactions of this nature, including, but not limited to, receipt of all requisite consents, waivers and approvals for the Option, including the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange and completion of technical, financial, and legal due diligence by the Company on the tenements comprising the Option. Qualifying Statement: The scientific and technical information in this release has been reviewed and approved by Lynde Guillaume, P.Geo., Technical Advisor for Mustang Energy, and a registered member of the Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan. Ms. Guillaume is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. About Thunderbird Resources Thunderbird Resources (ASX: THB) is an international exploration company with a diversified portfolio focused on discovering and developing critical minerals essential to the global energy transition. Thunderbirds portfolio comprises: Gold-Antimony Au / Sb The Rockvale and Kookabookra Gold-Antimony Projects in NSW a prospective 616km2 exploration portfolio proximal to the Hillgrove Gold-Antimony Mine, the largest antimony deposit in Australia and one of the Top-10 globally. Uranium U An extensive portfolio of high-quality projects across the Athabasca Basin in Canada, one of the worlds premier districts for high-grade uranium deposits. Thunderbirds portfolio includes the Hidden Bay, Cluff Lake and Surprise Creek Projects. Copper Cu Thunderbird has significant exposure to exciting copper growth assets in both North and South America, both through its shareholding in ASX-listed copper explorer Firetail Resources, which is exploring the Skyline Copper Project in Newfoundland, Canada and through its 30% interest in the Picha and Charaque Copper-Silver Projects in Peru (70% owned by Firetail). About Mustang Energy Corp. Mustang is a resource exploration company focused on acquiring and developing high-potential uranium and critical mineral assets. The Company is actively exploring its properties in Northern Saskatchewan, Canada and holds 92,211 hectares in around the Athabasca Basin. Mustang's Ford Lake project covers 7,743 hectares in the prolific eastern Athabasca Basin, while its Cigar Lake East and Roughrider South projects span 3,442 hectares, and the south-east region with the Spur Project (17,929 hectares). Mustang has also established a footprint in the Cluff Lake region of the Athabasca Basin with the Yellowstone Project (21,820 hectares) and further expanded its presence in the south-central region of the Athabasca Basin with the Dutton Project (7,633 hectares). On behalf of the board of directors, Nicholas Luksha Nicholas Luksha CEO and Director For further information, please contact: Mustang Energy Corp. Attention: Nicholas Luksha, CEO and Director Phone: (604) 838-0184 Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer 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, believes or anticipates, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results may, could, should, would or occur. This information and these statements, referred to herein as forwardlooking statements, are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, estimates and forecasts and statements as to managements expectations and intentions with respect to, among other things: the exercise of the Option by the Company, the expected benefits of the various transactions contemplated herein and the future potential of the minerals claims acquired pursuant to the Agreements as contemplated herein. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation the assumption that the Company will be able: to exercise the Cluff Lake Option and the Surprise Creek Option and, in connection therewith, received all required third party approvals, to receive expected benefits and achieve anticipated integration post-transaction and continue exploring the various projects and surrounding minerals claims optioned to the Company pursuant to the transactions contemplated herein. 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. Neither the CSE nor the Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/33c6bb0c-e583-48f4-a5b5-ca61c9a16243 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/edf6dde2-f9f8-4aa8-96d2-98f80c4abe39 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3262e079-769c-4466-a662-aacef3a94965 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/993145b5-0557-49a4-bca1-275daf79d9fa LAS VEGAS, June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BitMine Immersion Technologies, Inc. (BitMine and the Company) (NYSE American: BMNR), a technology company focused on the accumulation of bitcoin for long-term investment, whether acquired by their bitcoin mining operations or from the proceeds of capital raising transactions, today announced the pricing of an underwritten public offering of 2,250,000 shares of its common stock at a price to the public of $8.00 per share, for gross proceeds of $18 million, before deducting underwriting discounts and offering expenses. In addition, the Company has granted the underwriters a 45-day option to purchase up to an additional 337,500 shares of common stock to cover over-allotments, if any. The offering is expected to close on June 6, 2025 subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions. The Company also announced today that its common stock has been approved for listing on the NYSE American LLC stock exchange (NYSE American). Trading on NYSE American is expected to commence on June 5, 2025 under the trading symbol BMNR. Prices for the Companys common stock will cease being quoted on the OTC Markets OTCQX Best Market concurrent with the NYSE American listing. Current stockholders of the Company do not need to take any action as a result of the uplisting. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the offering to purchase bitcoin. ThinkEquity is acting as sole book-running manager for the offering. A registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-284361) relating to the shares was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and became effective on June 4, 2025. This offering is being made only by means of a prospectus. Copies of the final prospectus, when available, may be obtained from ThinkEquity, 17 State Street, 41st Floor, New York, New York 10004. The final prospectus will be filed with the SEC and will be available on the SECs website located at http://www.sec.gov . This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. About BitMine: BitMine is a Bitcoin Network Company, with a focus on Bitcoin mining, Synthetic Bitcoin Mining through involvement in Bitcoin mining hashrate as a financial product, offering advisory and mining services to companies interested in earning Bitcoin denominated revenues, and general Bitcoin advisory to public companies. BitMines operations are located in low-cost energy regions in Trinidad; Pecos, Texas; and Silverton, Texas. Forward Looking Statements: This press release contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements. The statements in this press release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements which involve risks and uncertainties. This document specifically contains forward-looking statements regarding the offering, the expected proceeds from such offering, the expected use of proceeds from such offering, the expected start of trading on the NYSE American and the expected closing date of the offering. In evaluating these forward-looking statements, you should consider various factors, including our ability to keep pace with new technology and changing market needs; our ability to finance our current business and proposed future business; and the competitive environment of our business, as well as the performance of the stock market in general. Actual future performance outcomes and results may differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond BitMines control, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of BitMine's Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) on April 3, 2025, as well as any other SEC filings, as amended or updated from time to time. Copies of BitMine's filings with the SEC are available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. BitMine undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law. Miami, Florida, June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On June 5, 2025, World Environment Day arrived as scheduled. This day is no longer just an echo of environmental protection slogans, but a mirror for all walks of life to re-examine ecological responsibility and sustainable development. On World Environment Day hosted by South Korea this year, the theme "Beat Plastic Pollution" proposed by the United Nations Environment Program has aroused global heated discussions, and green transformation is becoming an era proposition that companies must respond to. In the blockchain mining industry where traditional energy is still the mainstream, this "green awakening" is particularly urgent. At this moment, BlockchainCloudMining took advantage of the trend and announced the launch of a series of cloud mining contracts that focus on both environmental protection and income-providing low thresholds and stable income for individual users, while also striving to reduce energy consumption and improve energy efficiency, setting an example of sustainable development for the blockchain industry. Starting from environmental responsibility: the green revolution of crypto mining is brewing In the past few years, while the cryptocurrency industry has been growing explosively, it has also been controversial because of the label of "high energy consumption and high carbon emissions". In particular, Bitcoin mining, due to its large consumption of electricity resources, was once criticized by environmental organizations as the "culprit of carbon emissions". However, the industry itself is not obsessed with pollution sources. Many cutting-edge projects have realized the importance of clean energy and sustainable mining and have taken action. In such an industry transformation, Blockchain Cloud Mining stands out. The platform uses a highly optimized data center operation and maintenance system and deploys cloud mining nodes using clean energy in multiple countries to minimize carbon footprint. During this World Environment Day, the platform specially launched the "Green Contract Exclusive Benefit", which empowers green mining through technology, allowing investors to achieve stable digital asset appreciation while also contributing to environmental protection. New opportunities for green contracts: "environmental investment" that everyone can participate in Different from the traditional "mining machine is investment" model, Blockchain Cloud Mining allows users to participate in mining and obtain crypto income every day without having to purchase and maintain mining machines, worry about high electricity bills and complex management. Just register a platform account and choose a suitable contract to participate in mining and obtain crypto income every day. Blockchain Cloud Mining platform today launched a limited-time event of giving away $50 to $1,500 for World Environment Day contracts: These contracts have transparent income and no hidden fees. Users can check the income details at any time to ensure the safe and open operation of funds. At the same time, Blockchain Cloud Mining has also established a platform operation "green index" disclosure mechanism to publish its energy consumption and carbon emission ratio in different data centers to create a credible sustainable mining brand. The logic behind stable income: low-risk, highly transparent crypto participation method In today's volatile crypto market, currency speculation is no longer the best choice for all investors. More and more users are turning their attention to "controllable income and quantifiable risks" methods, such as cloud mining. Compared with transactions that rely on market price games, cloud mining pays more attention to the underlying logic of blockchain, obtains systematic rewards by supporting network computing, and has a more robust profit model. Blockchain Cloud Mining is based on this logic, aggregating global computing resources through cloud computing to provide users with a stable asset appreciation path. The Blockchain Cloud Mining platform also provides the following advantages to further enhance the user experience: Register and receive a $12 reward, which can immediately start a risk-free mining experience; Alliance recommendation mechanism, invite friends to get up to $50,000 in promotion rewards; Full support for encrypted assets, including mainstream cryptocurrencies such as USDT, BTC, ETH, LTC, DOGE, and XRP; All-weather technical support to ensure 100% system operation time and stable user income. Environmental protection and wealth go hand in hand, and the times are choosing "green participants" 2025 is one of the key nodes for the transformation of the global energy structure. Policies of various countries are gradually leaning towards clean energy, and corporate ESG (environmental, social, and governance) responsibilities have become the focus of global capital assessment. In the field of cryptocurrency, environmental protection is no longer an additional option, but a core proposition related to the survival and development of the industry. At this important time, BlockchainCloudMining responded to the call of the times through action. Its "green contract" not only provides investors with considerable returns, but also sets a green example for the blockchain industry. The platform believes that between financial benefits and ecological responsibility, it is not either this or that, but a win-win situation. Summary: Let every income come from a responsibility The World Environment Day in 2025 is no longer just a propaganda about reducing plastic, but a collective mobilization of the whole society for a green future. On such a meaningful day, the environmentally friendly cloud mining contract released by BlockchainCloudMining not only allows more people to participate in the growth of the digital economy with a low threshold, but also drives the entire industry towards a cleaner, more transparent and more sustainable direction. If you also want to contribute to the green earth while accumulating digital assets, you may wish to visit www.BlockchainCloudMining.com and start your green mining journey. Let us build a sustainable future together in the digital world, starting with this green investment. NEW ORLEANS, June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until July 22, 2025 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Organon & Co. (NYSE: OGN), if they purchased the Companys securities between October 31, 2024 and April 30, 2025, inclusive (the Class Period). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. Get Help Organon investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-ogn/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options. About the Lawsuit Organon and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws. On March 10, 2025, pre-market, the Company announced its financial results for the first quarter of 2025, disclosing, among other things, that management had reset the Companys dividend payout, from $0.28 to $0.02, contradicting its prior statements assuring investors that the regular quarterly dividend was a number one priority and that the Company was committed to its capital allocation strategy through the aforementioned dividend. On this news, the price of Organons shares fell more than 27%, from a closing market price of $12.93 per share on April 30, 2025, to $9.45 per share on May 1, 2025. The case is Hauser V. Organon & Co., et al., No. 25-cv-05322. About ClaimsFiler ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations. To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com. EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn., June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Arctic Wolf, a global leader in security operations, today announced its official launch in Singapore, marking the latest milestone in its ongoing expansion across the Asia-Pacific region. Trusted by more than 10,000 organisations worldwide, Arctic Wolf is transforming how businesses manage cybersecurity by delivering scalable, outcome-driven solutions through its Aurora Platform and Concierge Delivery Model. With todays launch, organisations in Singapore can now access the companys full suite of capabilities including Aurora Endpoint Security, Managed Detection and Response, Managed Risk, Managed Security Awareness, and Incident Response. As organisations struggle with the challenges of the modern threat landscape, we continue to see strong customer demand across the globe for the Arctic Wolf Aurora Platform and the positive cybersecurity outcomes it delivers, said Nick Schneider, president and CEO, Arctic Wolf. We are excited to bring our portfolio of Security Operations solutions to the business and channel communities of Singapore and look forward to working with them to help end cyber risk. Organisations in Singapore face a perfect storm of cybersecurity challenges, including a rapidly evolving threat landscape, increased regulatory scrutiny, and an ongoing shortage of skilled security professionals. Arctic Wolf helps businesses of all sizes tackle these problems head on by offering a unified, cloud-native platform that pairs AI-driven threat detection with expert guidance and 24x7 monitoring from one of the worlds largest commercial Security Operations Centers. Arctic Wolfs partner-first go-to-market model has made it the cybersecurity partner of choice for more than 2,200 solution providers globally, including Ingram Micro, its inaugural distributor in Singapore. Designed to help resellers lead with value, Arctic Wolfs award-winning channel program equips partners with differentiated offerings, predictable revenue opportunities, and the support needed to grow their security practice. Together with Ingram Micro, Arctic Wolf is delivering modern security operations that help customers reduce risk and improve outcomes at every stage of their cybersecurity journey. Arctic Wolf and its portfolio of security operations solutions are the ideal fit for our customers looking to improve their security outcomes across the entire cybersecurity framework. Recent high profile security breaches in Singapore have brought security conversations to be front of mind for executives and employees alike across the country. We are proud to be their first distributor in the Singapore region and be able to bring robust security solutions to our clients, said Eunice Lau, executive managing director, Singapore, Ingram Micro. Singapore Trends Highlight Urgent Security Challenges Coinciding with the companys Singapore launch, Arctic Wolf also released new data from its State of Cybersecurity: 2025 Trends Report, offering Singapore-specific insights into the evolving threat landscape. The findings reveal that artificial intelligence (AI) outranks ransomware as the top concern for IT and security leaders in Singapore, signalling a shift in how organisations perceive and prioritize cyber risk. As emerging technologies introduce new vulnerabilities and attack vectors, the need for effective security operations has never been more criticalhelping organisations detect threats earlier, respond faster, and build long-term resilience. Other key findings for Singapore include: Breaches are Common and Transparency is Improving: 70% of businesses disclosed a breach in the past year as they were required to by law, while 23% did so due to requirements from their insurer or an outside entity. This indicates strong regulatory compliance and incident transparency in the country. 70% of businesses disclosed a breach in the past year as they were required to by law, while 23% did so due to requirements from their insurer or an outside entity. This indicates strong regulatory compliance and incident transparency in the country. Significant Attacks Remain Widespread: Malware and business email compromise were the most used methods followed by ransomware and/or data exfiltration. Malware and business email compromise were the most used methods followed by ransomware and/or data exfiltration. Complexities exist in current cybersecurity stacks: While respondents are satisfied with the firewall and Network Traffic Analysis (NTA) components of their security stacks, 57% cited difficult implementations as a complexity along with lack of efficacy (33%). The findings from our 2025 Trends Report make it clear that organisations in Singapore are under growing pressure to advance their cybersecurity maturity, said David Hayes, Director APAC, Arctic Wolf. From managing AI-driven risks to navigating breach disclosure and responding to ransomware, businesses need more than just point solutions, they need a partner with the breadth and expertise to drive meaningful outcomes. Were excited to officially launch in Singapore and bring our full portfolio of security operations capabilities to help organisations reduce risk, strengthen resilience, and accelerate their security maturity. For additional global insights from Arctic Wolfs State of Cybersecurity: 2025 Trends Report , visit arcticwolf.com . Additional Resources: About Arctic Wolf Arctic Wolf is a global leader in security operations, delivering the first cloud-native security operations platform to end cyber risk. Built on open XDR architecture, the Arctic Wolf Aurora Platform operates at a massive scale and combines the power of artificial intelligence with world-class security experts to provide 247 monitoring, detection, response, and risk management. We make security work! To learn more about Arctic Wolf, visit www.arcticwolf.com. Press Contact: megan.archbold@arcticwolf.com 2025 Arctic Wolf Networks, Inc., All Rights Reserved. Arctic Wolf, Aurora, Alpha AI, Arctic Wolf Security Operations Cloud, Arctic Wolf Managed Detection and Response, Arctic Wolf Managed Risk, Arctic Wolf Managed Security Awareness, Arctic Wolf Incident Response, and Arctic Wolf Concierge Security Team are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Arctic Wolf Networks, Inc. Allschwil, Switzerland, June 05, 2025 Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd, Allschwil (SIX: BSLN), a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to meeting the needs of patients with severe bacterial and fungal infections, announced today that the continued strong sales performance of the antifungal Cresemba (isavuconazole) by its license partner Pfizer Inc. in the Asia Pacific region and China exceeded the sales threshold triggering the second USD 2.5 million milestone payment this year. David Veitch, Basileas Chief Executive Officer, stated: This milestone payment for the Asia Pacific region, including China, reflects the strong and growing global demand for novel antifungal therapies. Continued growth of Cresemba, particularly in China, where uptake has been especially robust, reinforces its significant clinical value for patients facing life-threatening infections. We congratulate our partner Pfizer for their ongoing commitment to making Cresemba available to patients in need. The license agreement between Basilea and Pfizer for Cresemba covers Europe (excluding the Nordic countries) as well as China and 16 countries in the Asia Pacific region. Cresemba is marketed in more than 70 countries. According to the latest available market data, total global in-market sales of Cresemba in the twelve-month period between January and December 2024 amounted to USD 562 million, a 19 percent growth year-on-year, making it the largest branded antifungal for invasive fungal infections worldwide.1 About Cresemba (isavuconazole) Cresemba, with the active ingredient isavuconazole, is an intravenous (i.v.) and oral azole antifungal. Basilea has entered into several license and distribution agreements for Cresemba covering approximately 115 countries. In China, the oral and intravenous formulations are approved for the treatment of adult patients with invasive aspergillosis and invasive mucormycosis. Isavuconazole is also approved in the European Union2, the United Kingdom3, the United States (US)4 and several additional countries including in the Asia Pacific region.5 About Basilea Basilea is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company founded in 2000 and headquartered in Switzerland. We are committed to discovering, developing and commercializing innovative drugs to meet the needs of patients with severe bacterial or fungal infections. We have successfully launched two hospital brands, Cresemba for the treatment of invasive fungal infections and Zevtera for the treatment of bacterial infections. In addition, we have preclinical and clinical anti-infective assets in our portfolio. Basilea is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (SIX: BSLN). Please visit basilea.com. Disclaimer This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements, such as "believe", "assume", "expect", "forecast", "project", "may", "could", "might", "will" or similar expressions concerning Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd, Allschwil and its business, including with respect to the progress, timing and completion of research, development and clinical studies for product candidates. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd, Allschwil to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd, Allschwil is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For further information, please contact: Peer Nils Schroder, PhD Head of Corporate Communications & Investor Relations Basilea Pharmaceutica International Ltd, Allschwil Hegenheimermattweg 167b 4123 Allschwil Switzerland Phone +41 61 606 1102 E-mail media_relations@basilea.com investor_relations@basilea.com This press release can be downloaded from www.basilea.com. References IQVIA Analytics Link, December 2024. In-market sales reported as moving annual total (MAT) in US dollar. European Public Assessment Report (EPAR) Cresemba: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/cresemba [Accessed: June 04, 2025] Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) Cresemba: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/search?q=cresemba [Accessed: June 04, 2025] Full US prescribing information: https://www.astellas.us/docs/cresemba.pdf [Accessed: June 04, 2025] The registration status and approved indications may vary from country to country. Attachment Blue Creek flows into the Klamath River. Photo: Peter Marbach/Western Rivers Conservancy KLAMATH, Calif., June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Western Rivers Conservancy (WRC), the Yurok Tribe , the California Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) and the California State Coastal Conservancy (CSCC) announce completion of the largest single land back deal in California history, marking a milestone achievement for conservation and Tribal sovereignty. The 73 square miles of land along the eastern side of the lower Klamath River are now owned and managed by the Yurok Tribe as the Blue Creek Salmon Sanctuary and Yurok Tribal Community Forest. (See map below.) Establishing Tribal ownership safeguards the long-term health of this critical ecosystem and culturally significant sites along the Klamath, which is home to one of the most important fall Chinook salmon runs on the West Coast. The conveyance of these lands to the Tribe has more than doubled the Tribes land holdings; both California state agencies provided crucial funding to enable this transfer of ownership. On behalf of the Yurok people, I want to sincerely thank Western Rivers Conservancy for their longtime partnership and commitment to return a major part of our homeland. The impact of this project is enormous, said Joseph L. James, the chairman of the Yurok Tribe. In working together for over two decades establishing the Community Forest and Salmon Sanctuary, we are forging a sustainable future for the fish, forests and our people that honors both ecological integrity and our cultural heritage. The 47,097 acres of ancestral lands, located in the lower Klamath River watershed, play a crucial role in improving the health of Blue Creek, which carries great spiritual significance for the Yurok Tribe and is a crucial cold-water lifeline to the fish of the Klamath River. The forests, river lands and prairies they contain provide habitat for numerous imperiled species, including coho and Chinook salmon, marbled murrelet, northern spotted owl and Humboldt marten. Blue Creek serves as a vital cold-water refuge for salmon, steelhead and other fish in an era of climate change. Nelson Mathews, president of Western Rivers Conservancy, emphasized the broader environmental benefits of this achievement: This project exemplifies the power of partnership, showcasing how conservation efforts and the land back movement can come together to benefit the rivers, fish, wildlife and people of an entire landscape. After more than 20 years of close collaboration with the Yurok Tribe, we have together achieved this magnificent conservation success while ensuring these lands and waters are in the hands of those most deeply committed to their future health and sustainable use. Blue Creek and its watershed are critical to the health of the entire Klamath fishery. The Yurok Tribe has the resources and the deep cultural connections that sustained this land for millennia, and now they can continue to do so. About the Blue Creek Project Todays announcement marks the completion of Western Rivers Conservancys 23-year effort to convey 47,097 acres of critical lands along the Klamath River and encompassing the lower Blue Creek watershed, including their confluence, to the Yurok Tribe. From 2009 through 2017, WRC acquired or facilitated transfer of the lands from Green Diamond Resource Company in multiple phases; conveyance of the lands from WRC to the Yurok has happened in multiple phases as well. The conveyance of the final 14,968 acres from WRC to the Yurok Tribe closed on May 30, 2025. The historic 47,097-acre land transfer, at a purchase price of $56 million, encompasses the entire lower half of the Blue Creek watershed, 25 miles of the eastern bank of the Klamath River and dozens of miles of smaller salmon-bearing tributary streams, including Blue Creek, Bear Creek, Pecwan Creek and KePel Creek. The lands were owned and managed as commercial timberland by Green Diamond and its predecessor Simpson Logging Company for nearly 100 years. These lands are the ancestral homelands of the Yurok Tribe, who have lived along the Klamath River and depended on its salmon since time immemorial. This collaboration between a nonprofit conservation organization and a Native American Tribe reflects the growing intersectional movement between land back and environmental stewardship in the United States. To pay for the project, WRC pieced together an innovative funding strategy that brought together $56 million in private capital, low interest loans, tax credits and carbon credit sales. Of that, only $8 million was through direct public grants. The private funding included traditional sources, such as gifts from private foundations, corporations and philanthropic individuals, as well as nontraditional sources like the sale of carbon credits, which will continue to support the project, and capital generated through the New Markets Tax Credit program of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. In addition to raising the funds to purchase the land, WRC will also transfer $3.3 million generated through the sale of carbon credits to the Yurok Tribe to be used for future stewardship of the property. When project costs are included, the full value of the Blue Creek conveyance is over $70 million. A New Salmon Sanctuary and Tribal Community Forest Conveyance of the final lands from WRC to the Yurok Tribe completes the Blue Creek Salmon Sanctuary, a 14,790-acre cold-water refuge surrounded by forest lands that will now be managed for forest complexity and old-growth health for the benefit of the Klamath Rivers fish and wildlife. The entirety of Blue Creek is now permanently protected, from its headwaters and upper reaches in the Siskiyou Wilderness to its confluence with the Klamath River. Located 16 miles upstream from the mouth of the Klamath, Blue Creek provides the first cold-water refuge in the river for migrating salmon and steelhead, allowing summer and fall-run fish to lower their body temperatures enough to survive their long journey to upstream spawning grounds. Blue Creek is thus an essential component of the overall health of the Klamath River and the entirety of its salmon runs, especially as the removal of all the Klamath dams has reopened vast spawning habitat in the upper river. The other 32,307 acres of redwood and mixed conifer forest outside the Salmon Sanctuary now constitute the Yurok Tribal Community Forest. Already more than a decade in the making, the forest is being allowed to recover from nearly a century of industrial logging that left both the forest and the streams in need of extensive restoration. The Tribes sustainable forestry practices are focused on putting the Yurok Community Forest on a path to become more diverse and mature by increasing the time between harvests. The Community Forest provides jobs for Tribal members in forestry and restoration, helping build the future for the Yurok people. It also helps mitigate the effects of climate change. Recent research has demonstrated that redwood forests can store more carbon per acre than any other type of forest and that second-growth (previously logged) redwood forests have the greatest potential to accumulate carbon even faster than old-growth trees. From 2013 until present, WRC worked in a formal co-management agreement with the Yurok Tribe to conduct the necessary planning and implementation for forest restoration and management, aquatic restoration, logging road removal and preparations for the final conveyance of land. This agreement served to build capacity and expertise for both WRC and the Yurok, as they collaborated to meet grant requirements, finalize the management plan and initiate on-the-ground restoration projects and chart the future of both the Salmon Sanctuary and the Community Forest. Western Rivers Conservancy and the Yurok Tribes Shared Vision for Blue Creek WRC and the Yurok Tribe's shared vision has been to create a sustainable and inclusive model of land management that prioritizes Blue Creek and the Klamath River and honors both ecological integrity and cultural heritage. The project's outcomes benefit both land conservation and cultural repatriation. Everyone has a vested interest in seeing the Klamath salmon runs survive and thrive, said WRC President Emerita and co-founder Sue Doroff, who launched the Blue Creek project and oversaw it until her retirement in June 2024. Millions of dollars and immeasurable human energy are being invested in the Klamath River right now. There are two things that are key to the success of this massive effort to save this river and its salmon: Blue Creek and the Yurok people. I am honored beyond words to have worked together with the Yurok to ensure the Klamath and its fish and wildlife will have a salmon sanctuary and cold water refuge where they need it most. The Klamath River is in prolonged recovery from more than a century of logging, dams, gold mining and other human activities. In August 2024, the last three of four dams were removed from the upper Klamath River. Initiated by Klamath Basin tribes, the removal of these dams reopened more than 400 miles of salmon habitat in the upper river for the first time in over a century. The dams were the single biggest impediment to salmon production on the Klamath because they had such a negative influence on the river ecosystem. Through dam removal, protection and restoration of critical tributaries like Blue Creek and proper water management, we will restore the fish runs that sustained us and this entire region, said Barry McCovey, director of the Yurok Fisheries Department, which employs nearly 100 scientists and technicians. Western Rivers Conservancy A Leader in Land Back For more than 30 years, WRC has taken the lead in marrying conservation and tribal land-return outcomes, working with tribal nations to permanently protect rivers and the lands that sustain them. WRC and its many tribal partners, who are the original stewards of riverlands across the West, make natural conservation partners given that tribal nations often possess the resources, foresight, expertise and commitment to restore and conserve these vital places in perpetuity. Most recently, WRC conveyed 327 acres of the Little Sur River and surrounding ancestral redwood forest to the Esselen Tribe of Monterey County along Californias central coast. A complete list and history of WRCs Tribal Nations partnerships are available here . Project Funding State funding and support for the Blue Creek Salmon Sanctuary and Yurok Tribal Community Forest was provided by the California Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB), California State Coastal Conservancy (CSCC), California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the California Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program. Returning these lands to the Yurok Tribe is an unprecedented step forward for the Klamath River, and it comes at a critical moment following the removal of the Klamath River dams. Returning ancestral lands to Native American tribes is an essential step in restoring ecological balance and health, said Jennifer Norris, executive director of the California Wildlife Conservation Board. WCB is proud to be part of this truly historic achievement, both for the Yurok people and as part of the broader effort to guarantee the long-term survival of the Klamaths salmon and the wildlife of Northern California. Thanks to this incredible group of partners, the Blue Creek Salmon Sanctuary and Yurok Tribal Community Forest have become one of Californias great conservation successesone that will nurture tribal resilience for the Yurok people, improve conditions for the Klamath Rivers salmon and wildlife and carry forward the Coastal Conservancys mission of improving climate resilience on the California Coast, said Amy Hutzel, executive officer of the California State Coastal Conservancy. Additional support came from Compton Foundation, Lisa and Douglas Goldman Fund, George F. Jewett Foundation, The Kendeda Fund, Giles W. and Elise G. Mead Foundation, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation/Acres for America and Walmart Stores, Inc., Natural Resources Conservation Service, David and Lucile Packard Foundation, the Land-Sea Connection program of Resources Legacy Fund made possible by the Keith Campbell Foundation for the Environment, U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities, Inc., U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Weeden Foundation and The Wyss Foundation. Please visit the Klamath River/Blue Creek project web page for additional information on this historic achievement, including a complete list of project funders and funding details. Note to media: Hi-res images and b-roll are available here . *** The Yurok Tribe With more than 6,400 enrolled members, the Yurok Tribe is currently the largest Tribe in California. Yurok ancestral territory comprises 7.5 percent of the California coastline, extending from the Little River in Humboldt County to Damnation Creek in Del Norte County. The eastern boundary is the Klamath Rivers confluence with the Trinity River. The Tribes more than 500 employees provide numerous services to the local community. The Tribes major initiatives include holistic forest management, fisheries protection, restoration and management, Klamath dam removal, condor reintroduction, natural resources conservation, cultural preservation, sustainable economic development and land acquisition. More information at yuroktribe.org . Western Rivers Conservancy Western Rivers Conservancys motto is Sometimes to save a river, you have to buy it. WRC purchases land along the Wests finest rivers and streams to conserve habitat for fish and wildlife, protect key sources of cold water and create public access for all to enjoy. To ensure the lands it acquires are protected in perpetuity, WRC transfers them to long-term stewards such as federal, state and regional agencies and Tribal Nations. WRC has created sanctuaries for fish and wildlife and secured recreational access along 250 rivers and streams around the West. It has protected more than 440 river miles and over 225,000 acres of land in nine western states. Its approach to river conservation is effective, tangible and permanent. More information at westernrivers.org . Wildlife Conservation Board The Wildlife Conservation Board protects, restores and enhances Californias spectacular natural resources for wildlife and for the publics use and enjoyment in partnership with conservation groups, government agencies and the people of California. Originally created within the California Department of Natural Resources and later placed with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, WCB is a separate and independent Board with authority and funding to carry out an acquisition and development program for wildlife conservation. More information at wcb.ca.gov . California State Coastal Conservancy The Coastal Conservancy is a non-regulatory state agency that works with others along the California coast, in coastal watersheds, and in the San Francisco Bay Area to protect and restore coastal resources, to help people get to and enjoy the coast, and to enhance climate resilience. Our vision is of a beautiful, restored, and accessible coast for current and future Californians. More information at scc.ca.gov . Media Contacts: Yurok Tribe - Matt Mais, (707) 954-0976, mmais@yuroktribe.nsn.us Western Rivers Conservancy - Andie Davis, (415) 766-8355, WesternRivers@landispr.com Wildlife Conservation Board - Mark Topping, (916) 539-4673, mark.topping@wildlife.ca.gov California Coastal Conservancy - Taylor Samuelson, (510) 286-4182, taylor.samuelson@scc.ca.gov Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cdeaf65e-a277-482d-9684-907f19977fa7 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/03035a0c-c2c2-4f34-bfd3-58568bd171b1 Dublin, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Flow Cytometry in Oncology and Immunology Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2020-2030F" has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Flow Cytometry in Oncology and Immunology Market was valued at USD 3.41 Billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 5.47 Billion by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 8.19% Market growth is propelled by the increasing utility of flow cytometry in cancer and immunology research, alongside the evolution of advanced flow cytometers. With cancer ranking among the leading causes of death globally, and immuno-oncology gaining ground as a crucial discipline, there is rising demand for high-precision diagnostic and monitoring tools. Flow cytometry has become indispensable in evaluating cell characteristics, immune markers, and tumor antigens across various sample types. The integration of next-generation flow cytometry tools with therapeutic monitoring and diagnostics, especially in clinical trials for immunotherapies and personalized treatments, is boosting global adoption. Combined with rising research investments and the global emphasis on early disease detection, these factors are collectively expanding the reach and application of flow cytometry in both oncology and immunology. Key Market Drivers: Rising Cancer Incidence Driving Diagnostic Demand: The growing global cancer burden is a key driver for the adoption of flow cytometry in oncology diagnostics. This technique is critical for diagnosing and monitoring blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, enabling precise cellular analysis and biomarker identification. As per WHO, cancer accounted for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020, and GLOBOCAN estimates that new cancer cases will surge past 28 million by 2040. Flow cytometry is also instrumental in detecting minimal residual disease (MRD) and supporting treatment decisions. With increasing adoption of immunotherapies and personalized oncology treatments, flow cytometry's role in immune profiling and response monitoring is expanding. In support, organizations like the U.S. National Cancer Institute have committed billions to precision medicine and diagnostics infrastructure, fostering widespread implementation. These efforts underscore flow cytometry's importance in the future of cancer diagnosis and treatment. Key Market Challenges: High Cost and Operational Complexity: Despite its clinical and research value, flow cytometry adoption is hindered by high operational and capital expenses. The cost of acquiring high-end instruments, software, and consumables is substantial, making it challenging for institutions in developing regions to invest. Additionally, flow cytometry requires technical expertise for calibration, analysis, and interpretation - skills that are often limited in resource-constrained settings. Complex data interpretation can introduce variability and errors, further complicating implementation. The lack of infrastructure and diagnostic capacity in many low- and middle-income countries reinforces disparities in access to this technology. According to WHO data, these regions have significantly fewer diagnostic labs per capita, highlighting access challenges. Addressing these cost and skill barriers is essential to ensuring broader and more equitable utilization of flow cytometry worldwide. Key Market Trends: Integration with Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: A transformative trend in the flow cytometry space is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into data processing workflows. Traditional manual gating and analysis can be time-consuming and prone to human error. AI and ML technologies now streamline these processes by automating gating, improving pattern recognition, and extracting high-dimensional insights from complex datasets. In oncology, ML algorithms are being applied to predict treatment outcomes using immune signatures from flow cytometry data. In immunology, these tools aid in identifying rare cell subsets and monitoring immune dynamics with high precision. Global research initiatives like NIH's Bridge2AI and the EU's Horizon Europe are actively funding the incorporation of AI into diagnostics, including flow cytometry. This convergence of data science with laboratory medicine is poised to elevate accuracy, reproducibility, and clinical utility, marking a pivotal evolution in how flow cytometry is applied in healthcare. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 185 Forecast Period 2024 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $3.41 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $5.47 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 8.1% Regions Covered Global Report Scope Key Market Players: Danaher Corporation Merck KGaA Miltenyi Biotec Neo-Genomics Laboratories, Inc. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. Cell Signaling Technology, Inc. Becton, Dickinson and Company Agilent Technologies, Inc. DiaSorin S.p.A OPKO Health, Inc. Flow Cytometry in Oncology and Immunology Market, By Type: Immunology Oncology Flow Cytometry in Oncology and Immunology Market, By Technology: Cell-based flow cytometry Bead-based flow cytometry Flow Cytometry in Oncology and Immunology Market, By Offering: Reagents Instruments Consumables Software Flow Cytometry in Oncology and Immunology Market, By Application: Translational Research Clinical Research Flow Cytometry in Oncology and Immunology Market, By End User: Hospitals Diagnostic Laboratories Reference Laboratories Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies Academic Research Institutes Contract Research Organizations Others Flow Cytometry in Oncology and Immunology Market, By Region: North America United States Mexico Canada Europe France Germany United Kingdom Italy Spain Asia-Pacific China India South Korea Japan Australia South America Brazil Argentina Colombia Middle East and Africa South Africa Saudi Arabia UAE For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/mo83dl 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 ROTTERDAM, The Netherlands, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LyondellBasell (LYB) today announced that it has entered into an agreement and exclusive negotiations with AEQUITA for the sale of select olefins & polyolefins assets and the associated business in Europe. The sites to be sold have been part of the previously announced European strategic assessment and are located in Berre (France), Munchsmunster (Germany), Carrington (UK), and Tarragona (Spain). This contemplated transaction is a significant step in LYBs transformation to Grow and Upgrade our Core. We are committed to operate our assets safely and reliably throughout this process and will continue to support our customers, employees and other key stakeholders, said Peter Vanacker, LyondellBasell chief executive officer. Europe remains a core market for LYB and one we will continue to participate in following this transaction with more of a focus on value creation through establishing profitable leadership in circular and renewable solutions. The assets and business to be acquired by AEQUITA include integrated and non-integrated sites within LYBs European olefins and polyolefins business, as well as supporting central functions based at the Companys Rotterdam headquarters and various locations. The sites together represent a scaled olefins and polyolefins platform strategically located in proximity to a longstanding customer base and with access and connectivity to key infrastructure. The acquisition of these assets from LYB marks another important step in expanding our industrial footprint, said Christoph Himmel, Managing Partner at AEQUITA. Each site brings a strong operational foundation and a highly experienced, committed employee base. We are confident in our ability to accelerate their development under AEQUITAs ownership approach. We look forward to welcoming the teams into our Group and to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition and establish a strong platform for long-term success. The agreement entered into between LyondellBasell and AEQUITA is a put option deed under which AEQUITA has committed to enter into an agreed form purchase agreement if LyondellBasell exercises its put option, after conclusion of certain works council consultation processes. Closing of the proposed transaction is currently expected in the first half of 2026, subject to the completion of the information and consultation processes with the relevant employee representative bodies in accordance with applicable laws, as well as regulatory and other customary closing conditions. Citi and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC acted as financial advisors and Linklaters LLP acted as legal counsel to LyondellBasell. Investor conference call LYB will host a conference call June 5 at 8 a.m. EDT. Participants on the call will include Chief Executive Officer Peter Vanacker, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Agustin Izquierdo, Executive Vice President of Global Olefins and Polyolefins Kim Foley and Head of Investor Relations Dave Kinney. For event access, the toll-free dial-in number is 1-877-407-8029, international dial-in number is 201-689-8029 or click the CallMe link. The slides and webcast that accompany the call will be available at investors.lyondellbasell.com/events-and-presentations/. A replay of the call will be available from 1 p.m. EDT June 5 until July 5, 2025. The replay toll-free dial-in numbers are 1-877-660-6853 and 201-612-7415. The access ID for each is 13754240. About LyondellBasell We are LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB) a leader in the global chemical industry creating solutions for everyday sustainable living. Through advanced technology and focused investments, we are enabling a circular and low carbon economy. Across all we do, we aim to unlock value for our customers, investors, and society. As one of the world's largest producers of polymers and a leader in polyolefin technologies, we develop, manufacture and market high-quality and innovative products for applications ranging from sustainable transportation and food safety to clean water and quality healthcare. For more information, please visit www.lyondellbasell.com or follow @LyondellBasell on LinkedIn. About AEQUITA AEQUITA is a Munich-based industrial group investing in special situations, including corporate carve-outs, successions, and transformational situations across Europe. Its current portfolio generates more than EUR 3.5 billion in revenues. With a strong capital base, entrepreneurial expertise, and a partnership approach, AEQUITA focuses on the acquisition and long-term value enhancement of companies that can benefit from its operational engagement. For more information, please visit www.aequita.com. Media Inquiries LYB Global LyondellBasell Media Relations Phone: +1-713-309-7575 Email: mediarelations@lyondellbasell.com Or: Media Inquiries LYB Europe Robert Kleissen, External Affairs Europe Phone: +31-6-273-573-98 Email: robert.kleissen@lyondellbasell.com Media Inquiries AEQUITA Simon Schulz, Partner Phone: +49-89-2620-4840-0 Email: contact@aequita.com Forward-Looking Statements LYB The statements in this release relating to matters that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially based on factors including, but not limited to, our ability to align our asset base with our strategic goals; our ability to successfully complete the transactions contemplated by the put option and related agreements; completion of information and consultation processes of the relevant employee representative bodies; and the satisfaction of regulatory and other customary closing conditions. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the "Risk Factors" section of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, which can be found at www.LyondellBasell.com on the Investor Relations page and on the Securities and Exchange Commissions website at www.sec.gov. There is no assurance that any of the actions, events or results of the forward-looking statements will occur, or if any of them do, what impact they will have on our results of operations or financial condition. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they were made and are based on the estimates and opinions of management of LyondellBasell at the time the statements are made. LyondellBasell does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements should circumstances or management's estimates or opinions change, except as required by law. ESET researchers have revealed that Iran-aligned threat group BladedFeline targeted Kurdish and Iraqi government officials with array of malicious tools discovered within their systems. ESET discovered and analyzed two reverse tunnels (Laret and Pinar), a backdoor (Whisper), a malicious IIS module (PrimeCache), and various supplementary tools. With high-confidence ESET Researchers assess that BladedFeline is a subgroup within Iran-aligned OilRig, as the initial implants used there can be traced back to OilRig group. BladedFeline already compromised Kurdish diplomatic officials with the group's Shahmaran signature backdoor in 2023. MONTREAL and BRATISLAVA, Slovakia, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Iran-aligned threat group BladedFeline has targeted Kurdish and Iraqi government officials in a recent cyber-espionage campaign, according to ESET researchers. The group deployed a range of malicious tools discovered within the compromised systems, indicating a continued effort to maintain and expand access to high-ranking officials and government organizations in Iraq and the Kurdish region. The latest campaign highlights BladedFelines evolving capabilities, featuring two tunneling tools (Laret and Pinar), various supplementary tools, and, most notably, a custom backdoor Whisper and a malicious Internet Information Services (IIS) module PrimeCache, both identified and named by ESET. Whisper logs into a compromised webmail account on a Microsoft Exchange server and uses it to communicate with the attackers via email attachments. PrimeCache also serves as a backdoor: it is a malicious IIS module. PrimeCache also bears similarities to the RDAT backdoor used by OilRig Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) group. Based on these code similarities, as well as on further evidence presented in this blogpost, ESET assesses that BladedFeline is a very likely subgroup of OilRig, an Iran-aligned APT group going after governments and businesses in the Middle East. The initial implants in the latest campaign can be traced back to OilRig. These tools reflect the groups strategic focus on persistence and stealth within targeted networks. BladedFeline has worked consistently to maintain illicit access to Kurdish diplomatic officials, while simultaneously exploiting a regional telecommunications provider in Uzbekistan, and developing and maintaining access to officials in the government of Iraq. ESET Research assesses that BladedFeline is targeting the Kurdish and Iraqi governments for cyberespionage purposes, with an eye toward maintaining strategic access to the computers of high-ranking officials in both governmental entities. The Kurdish diplomatic relationship with Western nations, coupled with the oil reserves in the Kurdistan region, makes it an enticing target for Iran-aligned threat actors to spy on and potentially manipulate. In Iraq, these threat actors are most probably trying to counter the influence of Western governments following the US invasion and occupation of the country. In 2023, ESET Research discovered that BladedFeline targeted Kurdish diplomatic officials with the Shahmaran backdoor, and previously reported on its activities in ESET APT Activity reports. The group has been active since at least 2017, when it compromised officials within the Kurdistan Regional Government, but is not the only subgroup of OilRig that ESET Research is monitoring. ESET has been tracking Lyceum, also known as HEXANE or Storm-0133, as another OilRig subgroup. Lyceum focuses on targeting various Israeli organizations, including governmental and local governmental entities and organizations in healthcare. ESET expects that BladedFeline will persist with implant development in order to maintain and expand access within its compromised victim set for cyberespionage. For a more detailed analysis and technical breakdown of BladedFelines tools used in Operation RoundPress, check out the latest ESET Research blogpost Whispering in the dark on WeLiveSecurity.com. Make sure to follow ESET Research on Twitter (today known as X), BlueSky, and Mastodon for the latest news from ESET Research. About ESET ESET provides cutting-edge digital security to prevent attacks before they happen. By combining the power of AI and human expertise, ESET stays ahead of emerging global cyberthreats, both known and unknown securing businesses, critical infrastructure, and individuals. Whether its endpoint, cloud, or mobile protection, our AI-native, cloud-first solutions and services remain highly effective and easy to use. ESET technology includes robust detection and response, ultra-secure encryption, and multifactor authentication. With 24/7 real-time defense and strong local support, we keep users safe and businesses running without interruption. The ever-evolving digital landscape demands a progressive approach to security: ESET is committed to world-class research and powerful threat intelligence, backed by R&D centers and a strong global partner network. For more information, visit www.eset.com or follow our social media, podcasts and blogs. DARTMOUTH, Nova Scotia, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MOBIA, Canadas leading business transformation partner, is thrilled to welcome Jill Martin to its team, marking a new chapter in the companys strategy to grow its presence across Canada. A dynamic sales executive Martin has over two decades of experience in translating big picture vision into revenue growth across enterprise, small to medium businesses (SMB), and partner-led ecosystems. Martin has honed the unique ability to consistently deliver results while building high-performing teams, scaling channel partnerships, and leading with a challenger mindset in competitive markets. Jills leadership style and strategic mindset are a perfect match for MOBIAs values and our national vision, said Chris Peerless, Vice President, Canada. She brings not only a depth of sales expertise but a culture-first approach that energizes team members and partners. Were excited to see the impact shell have as we continue to grow and strengthen our presence across Canada. Most recently, Martin served as National Channel Sales Leader at Pure Storage, where she shaped the companys go-to-market strategy across Canada. From launching the channel to driving major enterprise wins, her tenure was defined by purpose, pride, and powerful collaboration. Her strategic instincts, creativity, and trusted leadership made her a driving force behind Pures partner success and market expansion. Throughout my career, Ive had the privilege to work with talented teams at leading organizations, said Martin. Im excited for the opportunity to work with another high-caliber team and to lead the efforts to expand MOBIAs reach across Canada, not just with customers but with strong partner relationships, too. As an acknowledged culture builder, it was MOBIAs great culture that drew Martin. I believe that a healthy company and team focussed culture is a critical factor for success, she said. Im excited to be part of a team that lives this, not just internally but when it comes to serving its clients. I look forward to having Jill on the team as another advocate as we continue to build lasting relationships with our partners, said Nicole Murphy, Director of Alliances and Partnerships at MOBIA. At MOBIA, we always say that were stronger together. Having leaders that embody this bring us closer to that vision. To learn more about MOBIA contact Laura Hambly at laura.hambly@mobia.io. RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mr. Mohammed Albuty, CEO of the National Housing Company (NHC), affirmed that Saudi Arabia is undergoing a significant transformation in the real estate sector, driven by the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. He emphasized that NHC is at the forefront of this transformation as the regions largest real estate developer and the executive arm of the public sector. Albutys remarks came during his participation at the Capitals London event, held alongside the Cityscape Global Exhibition, where he highlighted that NHC has played a key role in the success of raising the homeownership rate among Saudi citizens to 65% one year ahead of schedule, and aims to reach 70% by 2030. This progress has been fueled by the development of more than 600,000 residential units, half of which are expected to be completed by the end of 2025. He added that the company is currently managing 39 high-profile projects across 17 cities in Saudi Arabia, with total investments exceeding $154 billion. To date, over 100,000 residential units have been sold through off-plan sales. NHC also manages a land portfolio in the Kingdom spanning more than 284 million square meters. Albuty emphasized that enhancing quality of life is a core pillar of the companys strategic plans. Sustainability principles are embedded across all stages of development, from planning and design to material selection and community management. NHC aims to reduce commuting times, provide interactive public spaces, promote healthy lifestyles that strengthen social bonds and a sense of belonging, and dedicate vast areas to green spaces. Albuty also noted that NHC has successfully attracted international developers with direct investments exceeding $10 billion, through strategic partnerships with global real estate firms. Key partners include K. Hovnanian from the United States, Urbas from Spain, TMG from Egypt, CITIC Group from China, Emlak Konut from Turkey, and Kooheji from Bahrain. These partnerships encompass the development of major residential projects, in addition to collaboration with CITIC in areas such as supporting industries, logistics zones, and supply chains to enhance local content. Mr. Mohammad Albuty concluded his statement by affirming that the Saudi real estate market is gaining increasing confidence from investors around the world. He emphasized that NHC is moving forward with a clear vision to become the main driver of real estate growth, contributing to the development of integrated cities that reflect customer aspirations and support the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e6140467-4297-47cc-a54b-5950fba31e0f https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9bc39c6a-6d35-4ca3-b1f1-64d1745a1b16 MANAUS, Brazil, June 05, 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 (the Project), today announced that Adriano Espeschit has resigned from his position as President of Potassio do Brasil Ltda., the Company's wholly-owned Brazilian subsidiary, effective in 30 days as per his Agreement, to pursue other opportunities. The Company thanks Mr. Espeschit for his contributions to advance the Autazes Potash Project including most notably obtaining key licenses for Project construction in addition to achieving over 90% of the Mura indigenous vote in support of Project construction and wishes him well in his future endeavors. A successor will be appointed in due course. The Company's operations are anticipated to continue without interruption as it advances the Project. 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 resignation of the President of Potassio do Brasil; advancement of the Autazes Project; the impact of various accomplishments and contracts; and the status of the Company's project. 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 Your vote is important, no matter how many Fury shares you hold. The Board of Directors of Fury recommends that Shareholders vote in favour of the slate of candidates or directors proposed, and for the reappointment of the auditor. For assistance in voting, please contact Laurel Hill Advisory Group by phone at 1-877-452-7184 (North American toll-free) or 1-416-304-0211 (outside North America), or by email at assistance@laurelhill.com TORONTO, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fury Gold Mines Limited (TSX and NYSE American: FURY) (Fury or the Company) is pleased to announce that its management information circular (the Circular) in connection with the Companys upcoming annual meeting (the Meeting) of shareholders (the Shareholders) is now available under FURYs profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and on Furys website here https://furygoldmines.com/investors/agm-materials/. Additionally, the mailing of the Circular and related materials for the Meeting to shareholders has been completed. Meeting Details The Meeting will be held on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. (Toronto time) in a virtual-only format. The Meeting Materials are being mailed to Shareholders to provide information about the election of directors and appointment of auditors, detailed instructions about how to vote shares, and how to attend on-line and participate at the Meeting. The Company encourages Shareholders to review the Meeting Materials before voting their shares. The Board of Directors of Fury unanimously recommends that Shareholders vote FOR ALL resolutions. Canada Post Labour Disruption In the event of a Canada Post strike, traditional mail services for distributing proxy materials may be disrupted. Proxy materials can be accessed electronically on Fury Gold Mine Limiteds website at the above-listed website. Shareholder Questions & Voting Assistance Shareholders with questions or who require assistance in voting their shares are encouraged to contact Furys proxy solicitation agent: Laurel Hill Advisory Group North American Toll-Free | 1-877-452-7184 Outside North America | 1-416-304-0211 Email | assistance@laurelhill.com About Fury Gold Mines Limited Fury Gold Mines Limited is a well-financed Canadian-focused exploration company positioned in two prolific mining regions across Canada and holds a 11.8 million common share position in Dolly Varden Silver Corp (approximately 14.5% of issued shares). Led by a management team and board of directors with proven success in financing and advancing exploration assets, Fury intends to grow its multi-million-ounce gold platform through rigorous project evaluation and exploration excellence. Fury is committed to upholding the highest industry standards for corporate governance, environmental stewardship, community engagement and sustainable mining. For more information on Fury Gold Mines, visit www.furygoldmines.com. For further information on Fury Gold Mines Limited, please contact: Margaux Villalpando, Manager Investor Relations Tel: (844) 601-0841 Email: info@furygoldmines.com Website: www.furygoldmines.com No regulatory organization has approved the contents hereof. AMSTERDAM, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Polpharma Group, a leading European pharmaceutical manufacturer, has joined fellow members of Medicines for Europe in signing an open letter addressed to the Prime Ministers and Ministers of Health of all 27 EU Member States. The letter calls for urgent political action to adopt a targeted Pharmaceutical Action Plan that will protect patient access to medicines and support a competitive, sustainable pharmaceutical industry in Europe. The letter, signed by CEOs and senior executives from across the European off-patent medicines sector, focuses on the need to: 1. Accelerate the adoption of the EU pharmaceutical legislation, with a strong emphasis on: Maintaining the current 11-year regulatory exclusivity period to avoid unnecessary healthcare costs. Strengthening and harmonizing the Bolar exemption, enabling generic and biosimilar medicines to enter the market immediately after patent expiry, ensuring faster access for patients and savings for healthcare systems. The threat of U.S. tariffs should not justify extending Europe's intellectual property (IP) protection, which is already the most generous in the world. Any IP extensions would strain public health budgets and fail to prevent production shifts abroad, as already announced by several originator companies. The letter also stresses that EU countries spent 20 billion on just 5 top medicines in 2024. The simulation, based on the originator extension claims (13 to 18 years), for only 15 molecules shows that the costs for healthcare budgets would be between 20 billion and 100 billion. 2. Avoid harmful legislative overlaps, such as those in the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (UWWTD), whichif not amendedcould unintentionally disrupt medicine supply and increase costs for patients. For example, in the Netherlands alone, the cost of diabetes medicine metformin is expected to increase by up to 875%, and the antibiotic amoxicillin up to 400%. 3. Support critical medicines production, through initiatives like the Critical Medicines Act (CMA), which should be aligned with industrial and health security goals. 98% of on-patent investment is going to the US, while only 1% is going to the EU. Markus Sieger, CEO of Polpharma Group, commented: Europe must act now to protect its patients and its pharmaceutical sovereignty. The off-patent industry is investing in Europe, but we also need a stable, competitive, and innovation-friendly environment to continue doing so. The 5-Point Action Plan is a pragmatic and urgent roadmap to ensure that essential medicines remain accessible, affordable, and manufactured in Europe. Polpharma Group remains committed to working with EU institutions and national governments to build a resilient, sustainable, and patient-focused pharmaceutical ecosystem in Europe. Source: Polpharma Group Dublin, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Asia Pacific Motor Insurance Market, By Country, Competition, Forecast and Opportunities, 2020-2030F" has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Asia-Pacific Motor Insurance Market was valued at USD 145.46 Billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 238.66 Billion by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 8.6%. Asia-Pacific's motor insurance market is expanding rapidly, driven by rising vehicle ownership, regulatory mandates, and growing consumer awareness of financial protection. Countries like China, India, and Japan dominate the market due to their vast automotive sectors and stringent insurance regulations. The increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and telematics-based policies is reshaping the industry, promoting usage-based insurance (UBI). Key Market Drivers Rising Vehicle Ownership and Expanding Automotive Industry Government Regulations and Mandatory Insurance Policies Technological Advancements and the Rise of Telematics-Based Insurance Growing Adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs) and New Mobility Trends Key Market Challenges High Rate of Insurance Fraud and Claims Management Issues Intense Price Competition and Low Insurance Penetration Evolving Risk Landscape with Technological and Mobility Disruptions Key Market Trends Growth of Digital Insurance and Insurtech Adoption: The Asia-Pacific motor insurance market is experiencing a significant shift toward digitalization and insurtech-driven solutions. The rise of digital platforms, mobile apps, and artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming how insurance policies are distributed, managed, and claimed. Insurtech startups, such as PolicyBazaar in India, Singlife in Singapore, and ZhongAn in China, are leveraging AI-driven chatbots, automated underwriting, and blockchain-based smart contracts to streamline insurance operations and enhance customer experience. According to a report by Swiss Re, the digital insurance penetration in Asia Pacific is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 20% between 2023 and 2028, driven by increased smartphone penetration and internet accessibility. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated the shift toward digital insurance, with more consumers preferring online policy purchases over traditional agent-based models. Additionally, insurers are increasingly adopting cloud-based platforms for policy issuance, fraud detection, and claims processing, reducing operational costs and improving efficiency. The integration of big data analytics is also helping insurers personalize policies based on customer behavior and driving patterns. As digital transformation continues to evolve, insurance companies are expected to invest heavily in insurtech partnerships and AI-powered solutions to enhance market competitiveness and customer engagement. Rise of Usage-Based Insurance (UBI) and Telematics Integration: The adoption of telematics and usage-based insurance (UBI) is a growing trend in the Asia Pacific motor insurance market, driven by advancements in vehicle connectivity and the demand for personalized pricing models. UBI policies, which use telematics devices or smartphone apps to track driving behavior, enable insurers to offer customized premium rates based on real-time vehicle usage. This trend is particularly gaining traction in developed markets like Japan, South Korea, and Australia, where consumers are increasingly opting for pay-as-you-drive (PAYD) or pay-how-you-drive (PHYD) models. Leading insurance providers such as Tokio Marine in Japan and Ping An in China have launched telematics-driven policies that reward safe drivers with lower premiums and real-time feedback on their driving habits. According to a report by Allied Market Research, the global telematics insurance market is projected to reach $21 billion by 2027, with Asia Pacific being one of the fastest-growing regions. Governments and regulatory bodies are also encouraging the use of telematics to improve road safety and reduce accident rates. While telematics adoption is still in its early stages in some Southeast Asian countries, increasing vehicle connectivity and the expansion of 5G networks are expected to drive further growth in UBI models across the region. Expansion of Electric Vehicle (EV) Insurance Solutions: The rapid adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in the Asia Pacific region is creating new opportunities and challenges for the motor insurance industry. Countries such as China, India, and South Korea are leading the EV revolution, with strong government support in the form of subsidies, tax incentives, and stringent emissions regulations. China, the world's largest EV market, accounted for nearly 60% of global EV sales in 2023, with over 9 million units sold. As the EV market expands, insurers are developing specialized insurance products tailored to EV-specific risks, including battery coverage, charging station liability, and cybersecurity protection for connected vehicles. Unlike traditional vehicles, EVs come with higher repair costs and expensive battery replacements, leading insurers to rethink pricing models and coverage options. Companies such as Acko in India and CPIC in China are offering comprehensive EV insurance packages that include roadside assistance, battery warranties, and theft protection. Additionally, the rise of battery-swapping technology and EV leasing models is further reshaping the insurance landscape, requiring flexible and modular policy structures. With the EV market projected to grow at a double-digit CAGR in the coming years, insurers are expected to continue innovating in this space to cater to the evolving needs of EV owners and manufacturers. Increasing Focus on Sustainability and ESG-Driven Insurance Practices: Sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors are becoming central to the Asia Pacific motor insurance market, with insurers adopting greener practices and aligning their products with sustainability goals. As governments push for carbon neutrality and cleaner transportation solutions, insurers are incentivizing eco-friendly driving behaviors and promoting green vehicle insurance. For instance, insurers in Australia and Japan are introducing discounts for hybrid and electric vehicle owners, encouraging the transition toward sustainable mobility. Additionally, some companies are integrating carbon offset programs into their policies, allowing customers to contribute to environmental initiatives as part of their premium payments. ESG-focused underwriting is also gaining traction, with insurers assessing the environmental impact of their portfolios and incorporating sustainability criteria into risk evaluation processes. According to a report by Deloitte, over 50% of insurers in Asia Pacific have started integrating ESG metrics into their decision-making frameworks, with a focus on reducing carbon footprints and promoting responsible investments. Moreover, regulatory bodies are pushing for greater transparency and sustainability reporting within the insurance industry. As consumer preferences shift toward greener and socially responsible products, insurers that embrace sustainability initiatives are likely to gain a competitive edge and strengthen their market positioning in the evolving motor insurance landscape. Country Insights China dominated the Asia-Pacific motor insurance market, driven by its massive vehicle population, strong regulatory framework, and rapid digitalization. With over 330 million registered vehicles in 2023, China boasts the largest auto market globally, fueling high insurance demand. The government mandates motor insurance, ensuring consistent policy uptake, while innovations in telematics, AI-driven claims processing, and insurtech solutions enhance efficiency. Leading insurers like Ping An and China Pacific Insurance dominate, leveraging digital platforms for policy distribution. Additionally, the surge in electric vehicle adoption, supported by government subsidies, further strengthens China's motor insurance market, solidifying its leadership in the region. Key Players Profiled in the Asia-Pacific Motor Insurance Market Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. China Pacific Insurance Co., Ltd. People's Insurance Company of China Limited Japan Post Insurance Co., Ltd. Tokio Marine Holdings, Inc. Sompo Holdings, Inc. MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings, Inc. Fubon Insurance Chubb Group Holdings Inc. Zurich Insurance Company Ltd. Report Scope In this report, the Asia Pacific Motor Insurance Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below: Asia Pacific Motor Insurance Market, By Coverage: Liability Coverage Collision Coverage Comprehensive Insurance Others Asia Pacific Motor Insurance Market, By Vehicle Age: New Vehicle Old Vehicle Asia Pacific Motor Insurance Market, By Application: Commercial Vehicle Personal Vehicle Asia Pacific Motor Insurance Market, By Distribution Channel: Insurance Agents/Brokers Direct Response Banks Others Asia Pacific Motor Insurance Market, By Country: China India Japan Indonesia Thailand South Korea Australia Vietnam Malaysia Bangladesh Rest of Asia-Pacific Key Attributes Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 134 Forecast Period 2024-2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $145.46 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $238.66 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 8.6% Regions Covered Asia-Pacific For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/10s04k 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 HAMBURG, N.Y., June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- What happens when HVAC filters are neglected for too long? Luke Cellino of Cellino Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric in Hamburg, New York, explains how something as simple as a dirty air filter can compromise indoor air quality, increase energy bills, and cause major HVAC system issues. In HelloNation Magazine , Cellino outlines why consistent HVAC filter maintenance is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to protect your comfort and equipment. As allergy season peaks, airborne irritants such as pollen, dust, and mold spores become more prevalent. Cellino explains that HVAC filters are the first line of defense against these allergens, especially for individuals with asthma or respiratory sensitivities. A clean, properly rated filter helps trap particles before they circulate through the home, offering relief and contributing to a healthier indoor environment. Beyond health concerns, Cellino notes that HVAC performance is directly tied to filter condition. A clogged filter can restrict airflow, causing uneven temperatures, reduced efficiency, and unnecessary strain on components like blower motors and compressors. In some cases, neglect can lead to system freeze-ups, overheating, or even complete shutdownsresulting in costly HVAC repairs. Changing filters every 1 to 3 months, depending on household conditions, is essential. Homes with pets, allergy sensitivities, or higher dust levels may require more frequent replacement. Not all filters are created equal, so choosing one with the correct MERV rating is key. While higher-rated filters capture smaller particles, they must also allow for adequate airflow. Cellino recommends consulting an HVAC professional to find the best fit for both system performance and air quality needs. To learn more, read the full article, Lessons Learned the Hard Way About HVAC Filters , in HelloNation Magazine. About HelloNation HelloNation is a premier media platform that connects readers with trusted professionals and businesses across various industries. Through its innovative edvertising approach that blends educational content and storytelling, HelloNation delivers expert-driven articles that inform, inspire, and empower. Covering topics from home improvement and health to business strategy and lifestyle, HelloNation highlights leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities. Staff Writer info@hellonation.com www.hellonation.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a83fcde8-443e-49ca-aa8c-76cc3c10e40d Washington, D.C., June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Blue Star Families, the nations largest nonprofit military and veteran family organization awards U.S. Representative Mike Rogers, Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, with the Military Family Champion Award in recognition of his steadfast commitment to improving the lives of military families. The recognition honors Rogers leadership in elevating quality of life issues as a priority of the House Armed Services Committee, empowering the Congressional Quality of Life Panel and ensuring that critical support was included in the H.R. 5009, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025. Chairman Rogers has been a tireless advocate for the people who serve and the families who serve alongside them, said Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO of Blue Star Families. Thanks to his leadership, the needs of military families are not just being heard they are being met with action and accountability. We are grateful for his past and continued efforts in shaping a stronger, more resilient force and honoring military service. Informed by Blue Star Families Military Family Lifestyle Survey and engagements with the Quality of Life Panel, provisions included in the Fiscal Year 2025 NDAA were: A substantial 14.5% pay increase for junior enlisted, which will impact approximately 500,000 service members E-4 and below, and a 4.5% increase for the rest of the force Expansion of access to and capacity of military child care programs with child care fee assistance programs and competitive staff salaries Increase of the Basic Needs Allowance for low-income families meant to address food insecurity Employment support for military spouses including expanding child care for job searches, making professional licensure transfers easier, and codifying the Military Spouse Career Accelerator Pilot Program. Representative Rogers has served as chairman of the HASC since January 2023. Staff members of Blue Star Families and military and veteran family members will present the award to Representative Rogers. Ive been privileged to have the chance to support Americas service members and their families. The men and women in our armed forces selflessly serve and protect our nation, and they are able to do that because their families are standing beside them and enabling their service, said U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. The House Armed Services Committee recognized the sacrifices being made by these great Americans and worked hard to improve their quality of life and give them the support and resources they deserve. Im proud of our achievement and honored by this recognition from Blue Star Families. RENO, Nev., June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bullet Blockchain, Inc. (OTC: BULT), a leading innovator in blockchain technology and digital asset management, today announced that its management will present live at the Blockchain and Digital Assets Virtual Investor Conference, hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on June 5, 2025, at 2:30 PM ET. Event Details for BULT presentation: Date: Thursday, June 5, 2025 Thursday, June 5, 2025 Time: 2:30 PM Eastern Time 2:30 PM Eastern Time Location: REGISTER HERE This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event. It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates. Learn more about the event at www.virtualinvestorconferences.com Recent Company Highlights Attended the Bitcoin2025 Conference Furthered opportunities across many key aspects of operations including: wallet security partnerships, expansion and implementation of hardware/software capabilities, negotiating new hires and strategic partnerships with crypto focused companies. New C-Suite Executive Appointed Eric Noveshen as the companys Executive Vice President and interim-Chief Financial Officer. Exclusive Cybersecurity Solution for Crypto ATMs Executed exclusive partnership with Sailo Technologies CY Ltd., to integrate next-generation digital wallet security solutions into crypto ATMspreventing fraud and affording users a seamless transaction experience. Continued Growth Began operations in QT2 2023 acquiring 26 ATM Kiosks; ending year with 74 crypto ATMs and $1.68M in Revenue (exceeding year's projections). Closed 2024 year with 200 Crypto ATM Kiosks, operational in 6 states, and $2.21M in Revenue. About Bullet Blockchain, Inc. Bullet Blockchain, Inc. (OTC: BULT), based in Las Vegas, Nevada, is a diversified blockchain and Web 3.0 technology company. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, First Bitcoin Capital LLC, Bullet holds exclusive rights to two foundational U.S. patents for Bitcoin ATMspositioning it as the only U.S.-based company with this IP. Its Bitcoin ATMs, operated by licensed third parties, support real-time cash-to-Bitcoin transactions and are part of a growing national network focused on expanding crypto access across diverse communities. The company is committed to accelerating blockchain innovation and driving shareholder value through strategic software development, licensing, and decentralized platform solutions. Material updates are shared via Bullet Blockchains website, OTC Markets disclosures, press releases, and social media channels. Follow us at : Website: https://www.bulletblockchain.com/ X (f/k/a Twitter): @BULT_stock Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/BULT/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BulletBlockchainInc/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/bullet-blockchain-inc Find investor and general information at https://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/BULT/profile For investor and general information, please email contact@BulletBlockchain.com About Virtual Investor Conferences Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors. Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors. Forward-Looking Statements: Statements in this press release that are not statements of historical or current fact constitute "forward-looking statements." Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other unknown factors that could cause the Company's actual operating results to be materially different from any historical results or from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. 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, and governmental and public policy changes. 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 at some point in the future. However, 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 subsequent to the date of the press release. In addition to statements that explicitly describe these risks and uncertainties, readers are urged to consider statements that contain terms such as "believes," "belief," "expects," "expect," "intends," "intend," "anticipate," "anticipates," "plans," "plan," to be uncertain and forward-looking. CONTACTS : Investor Relations Bullet Blockchain, Inc. Email: ir@bulletblockchain.com Tel: (775) 237-8856 Virtual Investor Conferences John M. Viglotti SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access OTC Markets Group (212) 220-2221 johnv@otcmarkets.com Dublin, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Europe Microfluidics Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis 2025-2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Europe microfluidics market is anticipated to reach USD 20.39 billion by 2030 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 11.5% from 2025 to 2030. The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by technological advancements and increasing demand across various sectors, including diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, and life sciences. Microfluidics, which involves the precise manipulation of small fluid volumes at the micron scale, has become a critical component in a variety of applications, such as lab-on-a-chip devices, point-of-care diagnostics, and drug delivery systems. One of the primary drivers of the market is the growing demand for faster and more accurate diagnostic solutions. Microfluidic devices offer significant advantages with the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and the need for rapid, on-site testing. These technologies allow for the efficient analysis of biological samples in smaller, more affordable formats, enabling near-instant results. The trend toward personalized medicine in Europe is also contributing to market expansion. Microfluidics plays a crucial role in developing personalized treatments by allowing for more precise and controlled drug delivery, as well as individualized diagnostics. Moreover, the healthcare sector is increasingly adopting lab-on-a-chip technologies. These devices integrate multiple laboratory functions onto a single chip, providing a compact and highly efficient way to conduct complex tests. As the demand for point-of-care diagnostics grows, particularly in areas like infectious disease detection, these microfluidic systems are seen as valuable tools that can reduce testing time and improve accessibility to medical services, especially in rural or underserved regions. The ability of microfluidics to deliver accurate results outside traditional lab environments is revolutionizing healthcare delivery across Europe. In addition to healthcare applications, microfluidics is seeing expanding use in drug development and pharmaceuticals. The technology enables more efficient screening of potential drug candidates, optimizing the drug discovery process and reducing costs. The ability to precisely control fluid flow and manipulate small volumes of substances is essential in high-throughput screening, which is a critical step in identifying effective compounds. As pharmaceutical companies continue to focus on improving the efficiency of their research and development processes, microfluidics is becoming an indispensable tool. Europe Microfluidics Market Report Highlights Based on the product, the microfluidic components segment held the largest revenue share in 2024 and is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. This growth is driven by the increasing demand for microfluidic chips, sensors, pumps, and valves, which are essential components for a wide range of applications, particularly in diagnostics and drug delivery systems. Based on technology, the lab-on-a-chip segment held the largest revenue share of 39.85% in 2024. This dominant share is attributed to the increasing use of lab-on-a-chip devices in diagnostics, particularly for point-of-care applications, where rapid and cost-effective testing is crucial. On the other hand, Organ-on-a-chip is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. Based on material type, the PDMS segment held the largest revenue share of 35.29% in 2024 and is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. The segment is driven by PDMS's exceptional properties, such as biocompatibility, flexibility, ease of fabrication, and optical transparency, which make it ideal for a wide range of microfluidic applications. The medical segment held the largest market share in 2024 and is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR. Driven by the demand for advanced diagnostics, point-of-care devices, and personalized medicine, microfluidics offers faster, more accurate, and cost-effective solutions. Its growing use in lab-on-a-chip devices, disease diagnostics, and drug testing is transforming medical diagnostics and treatment. Germany dominated the market with a 24.85% share in 2024, driven by strong biopharmaceutical R&D investments, high adoption of advanced diagnostics, and growing penetration of advanced healthcare infrastructure. Why should you buy this report? Comprehensive Market Analysis: Gain detailed insights into the global market across major regions and segments. Competitive Landscape: Explore the market presence of key players worldwide. Future Trends: Discover the pivotal trends and drivers shaping the future of the global market. Actionable Recommendations: Utilize insights to uncover new revenue streams and guide strategic business decisions. This Report Addresses: Market intelligence to enable effective decision-making Market estimates and forecasts from 2018 to 2030 Growth opportunities and trend analyses Segment and regional revenue forecasts for market assessment Competition strategy and market share analysis Product innovation listing for you to stay ahead of the curve COVID-19's impact and how to sustain in these fast-evolving markets Key Attributes Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 100 Forecast Period 2024-2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $10.64 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $20.39 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 11.5% Regions Covered Europe Key Topics Covered Chapter 1. Methodology and Scope Chapter 2. Executive Summary 2.1. Market Outlook 2.2. Segment Snapshot 2.3. Competitive Landscape Snapshot Chapter 3. Market Variables, Trends, & Scope 3.1. Market Lineage Outlook 3.1.1. Parent market outlook 3.1.2. Related/ancillary market outlook 3.2. Market Dynamics 3.2.1. Market driver analysis 3.2.1.1. Advancements in 3D Printing & Digital Manufacturing 3.2.1.2. Rising Research & Development Investments 3.2.2. Market restraint analysis 3.2.2.1. High initial costs 3.3. Europe Microfluidics Market Analysis Tools 3.3.1. Industry Analysis - Porter's 3.3.2. PESTEL Analysis 3.3.3. COVID-19 Impact Analysis 3.3.4. Microfluidics Fabrication Cost Analysis Chapter 4. Europe Microfluidics Market: Product Estimates & Trend Analysis 4.1. Product Segment Dashboard 4.2. Europe Microfluidics Market Product Movement Analysis 4.3. Europe Microfluidics Market Size & Trend Analysis, by Product, 2018 to 2030 (USD Million) 4.4. Microfluidic-based Devices 4.5. Microfluidic Components Chapter 5. Europe Microfluidics Market: Technology Estimates & Trend Analysis 5.1. Technology Segment Dashboard 5.2. Europe Microfluidics Market Technology Movement Analysis 5.3. Europe Microfluidics Market Size & Trend Analysis, by Technology, 2018 to 2030 (USD Million) 5.4. Lab-on-a-chip 5.5. Organ-on-a-chip 5.6. Continuous Flow Microfluidics 5.7. Optofluidics and Microfluidics 5.8. Acoustofluidics and Microfluidics 5.9. Electrophoresis and Microfluidics Chapter 6. Europe Microfluidics Market: Material Type Estimates & Trend Analysis 6.1. Material Type Segment Dashboard 6.2. Europe Microfluidics Market Material Type Movement Analysis 6.3. Europe Microfluidics Market Size & Trend Analysis, by Material Type, 2018 to 2030 (USD Million) 6.4. Silicon 6.5. Glass 6.6. Polymer 6.7. PDMS 6.8. Others Chapter 7. Europe Microfluidics Market: Application Estimates & Trend Analysis 7.1. Application Segment Dashboard 7.2. Europe Microfluidics Market Application Movement Analysis 7.3. Europe Microfluidics Market Size & Trend Analysis, by Application, 2018 to 2030 (USD Million) 7.4. Medical 7.5. Non-medical Chapter 8. Europe Microfluidics Market: Country Estimates & Trend Analysis 8.1. Europe 8.1.1. Europe market estimates and forecasts 2018 to 2030 (USD Million) 8.1.2. UK 8.1.3. Germany 8.1.4. France 8.1.5. Italy 8.1.6. Spain 8.1.7. Norway 8.1.8. Sweden 8.1.9. Denmark Chapter 9. Competitive Landscape 9.1. Company Categorization 9.2. Strategy Mapping 9.3. Company Market Position Analysis, 2024 9.4. Company Profiles/Listing 9.4.1. Illumina, Inc. 9.4.2. F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. 9.4.3. Revvity 9.4.4. Agilent Technologies, Inc. 9.4.5. Danaher 9.4.6. Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. 9.4.7. Merck KGaA 9.4.8. Abbott 9.4.9. Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. 9.4.10. Standard BioTools For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/t4sixl 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 BINGHAMTON, N.Y., June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sionic Energy, a recognized leader in electrolyte and silicon battery technology, has been awarded a $200,000 SuperBoost grant from the National Science Foundation Energy Storage Engine in Upstate NY. The funding will accelerate the development and commercialization of Sionics 100% silicon lithium-ion battery platform, which delivers industry-leading energy density, ultra-fast charging, and seamless compatibility with existing battery manufacturing infrastructure. The breakthrough technology is poised to transform key markets, including electric vehicles (EVs), aviation, and consumer electronics. As demand for high-performance, sustainable battery solutions continues to grow, Sionics technology offers a game-changing advantage boosting energy density by up to 42% over conventional lithium-ion batteries while cutting charge times to as little as 10 minutes. By leveraging a proprietary silicon anode and advanced electrolyte system, the platform enhances battery efficiency without requiring costly manufacturing overhauls, ensuring a scalable, cost- effective path to commercialization. "Next-generation lithium-ion batteries must not only store more energy but also charge faster and integrate easily into existing production lines," said Ed Williams, CEO of Sionic Energy. "The support from the NSF Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New York allows us to accelerate the commercialization of our silicon battery technology, helping to power the future of sustainable mobility and energy storage solutions." The SuperBoost program, a core initiative of the NSF Energy Storage Engine, is designed to expedite commercialization timelines, reducing development cycles from five or more years to under two years. By providing targeted funding and connecting startups with regional testbeds, manufacturing hubs, and industry partnerships, the program is advancing U.S.-based energy storage innovation while bolstering economic growth in upstate New York. The strategic importance of Sionics advancements was highlighted by Fernando Gomez- Baquero, director of the Translation Pillar at the NSF Energy Storage Engine: "Sionics work in silicon anode battery technology is a game-changer for lithium-ion energy storage. Their ability to deliver higher energy density while ensuring fast-charging capability aligns perfectly with the Engines mission to foster breakthrough technologies that can transform the energy storage landscape. Through SuperBoost, we are helping companies like Sionic bridge the gap between innovation and commercialization, strengthening upstate New Yorks role as a leader in next-generation mobility solutions." The NSF Energy Storage Engine is at the forefront of creating a national energy storage ecosystem, leveraging its extensive network of testbeds, infrastructure, and research collaborations to help startups accelerate their path to market. Meera Sampath, CEO of the NSF Energy Storage Engine, emphasized this impact: "The Engine is designed to provide early-stage energy storage companies with the critical resources they need to scale. Our region offers an unparalleled network of manufacturing capabilities and R&D infrastructure, making it an ideal location for accelerating battery innovations. Supporting Sionic through SuperBoost is another step toward strengthening domestic energy self-reliance, reinforcing national security, and positioning upstate New York as Americas Battery Capital." With this SuperBoost funding, Sionic Energy will validate and prototype its technology for automotive and mobility applications, ensuring compliance with industry standards and accelerating its entry into commercial markets. This investment aligns with national efforts to build a resilient, U.S.-based battery supply chain, advancing clean energy solutions and economic growth. About Sionic Energy Sionic Energy is a recognized leader in lithium-ion battery innovation, developing high-energy- density, fast-charging silicon anode technology for electric vehicles, mobility, and energy storage applications. The company partners with automotive, mobile device, and battery manufacturers to deliver next-generation solutions under a licensing model. Sionics mission is to simplify the transition to silicon anodes, ensuring superior performance, efficiency, and safety in future lithium-ion batteries. For more information, visit www.sionicenergy.com . Contact: Ed Williams CEO, Sionic Energy contact@sionicenergy.com About the NSF Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New York The NSF Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New York, led by Binghamton University, is a National Science Foundation-funded, place-based innovation program. The coalition of 40+ academic, industry, nonprofit, state, and community organizations includes Cornell University, Rochester Institute of Technology, Syracuse University, Launch-NY and NY-BEST as core partners. The Engine advances next-gen battery technology development and manufacturing to drive economic growth and bolster national security. Its vision is to transform upstate New York into Americas Battery Capital. For more information on the NSF Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New York, visit https://upstatenyengine.org/. Contact: Fernando Gomez-Baquero, Ph.D. Translation Pillar Director NSF Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New York fernando@cornell.edu A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available in this link. VILNIUS, Lithuania, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BTCC , a leading cryptocurrency trading platform with 14 years of secure operations, has launched significant upgrades to its demo trading feature designed to better serve cryptocurrency beginners. The enhanced upgrade now allows users to independently top up their virtual funds while earning real rewards through completing various demo trading tasks. The upgraded demo trading feature introduces two key improvements that reflect BTCC's commitment to making cryptocurrency trading more accessible. Users can now top up virtual funds by themselves, accessing up to 500,000 USDT per week without requiring approvals. This self-service feature allows traders to instantly access more funds, giving new users more opportunities to practice trading. Additionally, users can now complete demo trading tasks to earn trading fund rewards, which can be used to open positions in live trading. This innovative approach bridges the gap between demo and real trading, helping beginners transition more confidently while reducing their initial trading costs. "We recognized that learning crypto trading requires extensive practice, and while our previous 100,000 USDT virtual balance was already generous compared to other exchanges, we wanted to go further," said Alex, Head of Operations at BTCC Exchange. "By allowing users to self-manage their virtual funds and earn real trading rewards, we're empowering beginners to gain the comprehensive experience they need to succeed in live trading." Dan Liu, CEO of BTCC, reinforced the platform's commitment to user education: "At BTCC, we believe that true crypto adoption begins with understanding. This upgraded demo trading feature lowers the barrier to entry and gives new users the freedom to explore, learn, and growat their own pace, without pressure." To celebrate the feature upgrade, BTCC is hosting a special Trade Your First Win demo trading competition on its official X account, featuring prizes including Amazon Gift Cards and additional bonuses. This upgrade reinforces BTCC's mission to make crypto trading reliable and accessible to everyone. Since its establishment in 2011, BTCC has maintained an unmatched security record with zero security breaches over 14 years of operations. The platform continues to support beginners through comprehensive guides, copy trading feature, and extensive educational resources. The enhanced demo trading feature is now available to all BTCC users, further solidifying the platform's position as a beginner-friendly cryptocurrency exchange focused on security, accessibility, and user education. About BTCC Exchange Founded in 2011, BTCC is one of the world's longest-serving cryptocurrency exchanges, offering secure and user-friendly trading services to millions of users globally. With a commitment to security, innovation, and community building, BTCC continues to be a trusted platform in the evolving cryptocurrency landscape. Website: https://www.btcc.com/en-US X: https://x.com/BTCCexchange Luton, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As of 2024, the global Distributed Generation (DG) market is valued at approximately USD 85 billion. Driven by the accelerating adoption of renewable energy technologies and innovations in energy storage, the market is poised for strong expansion. Forecasts project the market to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.5%, reaching nearly USD 155 billion by 2034. This surge is propelled by key trends such as the decentralization of power generation, rising energy efficiency standards, and supportive regulatory frameworks that encourage clean energy investments. Despite these favorable factors, challenges related to regulation, supply chain volatility, and integration complexities continue to test stakeholders across the industry. Download PDF Brochure: https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/request-sample/66692 Market Segmentation Overview The DG market is segmented across various dimensions including energy source, application, technology, ownership, and geography. In terms of energy source, the market is bifurcated into renewable (e.g., solar, wind, biomass) and non-renewable (e.g., diesel, natural gas) segments. Renewables, particularly solar photovoltaics (PV), have emerged as the dominant category, comprising nearly 50% of the market share due to reduced technology costs and widespread adoption. When analyzed by application, the residential sector leads the market, accounting for around 40% of global demand. Growing concerns over electricity costs and a shift in consumer awareness toward sustainable energy have driven this segments rapid adoption of rooftop solar panels and home battery storage systems. The commercial and industrial segments follow, contributing approximately 30% and 25%, respectively, spurred by corporate sustainability goals and the need for energy independence. Utility-scale DG, while a smaller share at about 20%, is expanding rapidly as large-scale utilities seek to comply with green mandates and boost grid resilience through solar farms and wind parks Technological Trends and Ownership Models The DG market is witnessing significant innovations in technology, with advancements in solar PVs, wind turbines, combined heat and power (CHP) systems, fuel cells, and battery energy storage. Battery storage, in particular, is gaining importance for addressing intermittency challenges posed by renewables. Currently under development but with immense growth potential, battery and energy storage technologies are expected to represent 15% of the market share in the near future. Ownership models in distributed generation are also evolving. Customer-owned systems, especially in residential solar, dominate the market, offering users autonomy over their energy use. Meanwhile, third-party ownership models such as Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) are growing in popularity due to their lower upfront investment requirements. Utility-owned systems are increasingly seen in large-scale deployments, particularly in developed nations. Regional Market Analysis North America holds the leading share of the DG market, contributing nearly 40% of the global revenue. This dominance is underpinned by advanced technological infrastructure, strong policy support, and high levels of consumer awareness about renewable energy. The region is projected to maintain a steady 7% CAGR through 2034, supported by investments in smart grids and incentives for solar and wind energy. Europe, the second-largest market with about 30% share, benefits from aggressive decarbonization policies, clean energy investment frameworks, and a strong commitment to climate goals. Financing models such as green bonds and community energy projects are accelerating distributed energy adoption. Europes DG market is expected to grow at 6% CAGR, with rising demand for decentralized energy in both urban and rural areas. The Asia-Pacific region is witnessing the fastest growth, with an anticipated 10% CAGR and a current market share of 25%. Rapid industrialization, urbanization, and growing electricity needs, especially in countries like India and China, are propelling demand. Government subsidies, decreasing technology costs, and a shift toward sustainable energy further drive growth. Consumer-level adoption of rooftop solar and localized microgrids is expanding rapidly. Latin America and Africa, though still in nascent stages, hold immense potential due to their underdeveloped grid infrastructures. In these regions, distributed generation offers an opportunity to leapfrog into sustainable energy without relying on centralized systems. However, limited financing options, regulatory uncertainty, and lack of technical expertise may restrain rapid development. Market Segmentation By Energy Source: Renewable Energy (e.g., solar, wind, biomass) Non-Renewable Energy (e.g., natural gas, diesel) By Application: Residential Commercial Industrial Utility-scale By Technology: Solar Photovoltaics (PV) Wind Turbines Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Fuel Cells Microturbines Batteries and Energy Storage Systems By Ownership: Customer-owned Third-party owned Utility-owned By Geography: North America Europe Asia-Pacific Latin America Middle East & Africa Browse full Report - https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/66692/distributed-generation-dg-market Market Drivers Several powerful drivers are propelling the DG market. Foremost is the growing demand for clean and sustainable energy, fueled by climate change concerns and international commitments like the Paris Agreement. The falling costs of solar panels, wind turbines, and energy storage systems are also making DG more accessible to both individuals and businesses. Technological innovation is another major catalyst. The rise of smart grids, blockchain-based energy trading, and AI-driven energy management systems are transforming how distributed systems interact with the main grid and optimize load balancing. Governments around the world are further accelerating growth through incentives, tax credits, and subsidies for renewable energy installations. Market Challenges Despite its promising outlook, the DG market is not without its obstacles. Regulatory fragmentation and bureaucratic delays in permitting and grid interconnection can hamper project rollouts. The integration of intermittent energy sources like solar and wind into aging grid infrastructure remains technically challenging and capital-intensive. Moreover, supply chain disruptionsespecially in critical raw materials for batteries like lithium and cobaltcould delay manufacturing and deployment. Price competition is also intensifying, potentially squeezing profit margins and limiting smaller players ability to invest in R&D. Operational complexities in managing distributed assets at scale are another bottleneck that utilities and independent power producers must navigate. Emerging Opportunities Even amid these challenges, several growth avenues are emerging. Smart grids and microgrids offer scalable, localized energy solutions with higher resilience. These systems are especially relevant in remote or disaster-prone areas where central grid access is limited. Electric vehicle (EV) integration also represents a significant opportunity, as the demand for EV charging infrastructure powered by renewables grows exponentially. Community energy models, wherein groups of residents collectively invest in renewable energy systems, are gaining popularity in urban and semi-urban areas. This not only democratizes access to clean energy but also spreads financial risk across a broader base. Hybrid systemscombinations of solar, wind, and battery storageare emerging as comprehensive energy solutions capable of addressing both supply and reliability concerns. As artificial intelligence and machine learning enhance energy demand forecasting, the effectiveness of distributed systems will also increase. Buy Now : https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/purchase/?currency=USD&type=single_user_license&report_id=66692 Key Competitors Tata Power Adani Green Energy ReNew Power Suzlon Energy NTPC Limited Wipro Energy Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy ABB Group Enel Green Power SunPower Corporation Vestas Wind Systems Brookfield Renewable Partners Schneider Electric Canada Solar First Solar Recent Strategic Developments 1. Tata Power Month & Year: October 2023 Type of Development: Strategic Partnership Detailed Analysis: Tata Power entered into a significant partnership with a leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer to enhance its distributed generation capabilities in the EV sector. This collaboration aims to integrate renewable energy sources into the charging infrastructure for EVs across urban areas in India. The significance of this partnership lies in its potential to accelerate the adoption of sustainable energy practices in the growing EV market. By enhancing charging station accessibility with renewable energy inputs, Tata Power is positioning itself as a leader in the ecological transition of energy consumption. Moreover, this could spark a competitive shift where other energy providers might need to innovate closely, possibly leading to a surge in similar partnerships within the energy sector. The impact is twofold: it bolsters Tatas market share in distributed energy resources while also contributing to reduced carbon footprints in urban transportation. 2. Adani Green Energy Month & Year: September 2023 Type of Development: Acquisition Detailed Analysis: Adani Green Energy recently acquired a major portfolio of solar energy assets from a private equity firm, significantly expanding its footprint in the renewable energy market. This acquisition reflects Adanis strategy to dominate India's solar energy sector amidst rising global demand for clean energy solutions. The acquired assets are expected to add nearly 1 GW of capacity, which will bolster Adani's position in distributed generation and align with Indias 2030 renewable energy targets. The competitive landscape might shift, as smaller players could feel pressured to consolidate or innovate to keep pace with Adanis rapid growth. This strategic move underscores the trend of large corporations seeking to capitalize on the energy transition, reinforcing the critical role of scale in achieving competitive advantages in the renewable energy sector. 3. ReNew Power Month & Year: August 2023 Type of Development: Product Launch Detailed Analysis: ReNew Power launched an innovative microgrid solution aimed at improving energy access in rural areas of India. This microgrid technology allows for efficient energy distribution, integrating various renewable energy sources to ensure a reliable power supply. The significance of this launch is profound; it enhances ReNew's portfolio and meets the increasing demand for decentralized power generation solutions in unserved or underserved markets. As developing economies focus on energy access, ReNew's solutions position it favorably against traditional centralized networks. This move is likely to result in competitive shifts, as other energy companies may be encouraged to adopt similar decentralized models or invest in complementary technologies to serve niche markets. Additionally, the advancements in microgrid capabilities reflect broader trends toward sustainability and energy independence. 4. NTPC Limited Month & Year: July 2023 Type of Development: Regulatory Approval Detailed Analysis: NTPC Limited received regulatory approval from the Ministry of Power to initiate the Green Energy Corridor project aimed at enhancing the transportation of renewable energy across different states. This initiative is significant as it addresses critical infrastructure gaps that impede the efficient distribution of renewable energy, especially from generating units to consumption hubs. The project will facilitate increased capacity and reliability, enabling NTPC to leverage its renewable assets more effectively. As other energy providers observe NTPC's advancements, they may seek to amplify their investments in grid infrastructure, prompting a potential consolidation towards digital and innovative grid technologies. Moreover, the development supports overarching policy goals related to achieving Indias transition towards a lower-carbon energy future. 5. Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy Month & Year: June 2023 Type of Development: Technological Advancement Detailed Analysis: Siemens Gamesa announced a breakthrough in wind turbine technology that significantly enhances energy capture efficiency from offshore wind farms. This development is highly impactful, as enhanced efficiency can lead to lower generation costs and higher output, thereby increasing the viability of offshore wind projects. Given the expansive growth in offshore wind markets, this technological advancement positions Siemens Gamesa ahead of competitors in the distributed generation sector. The implications for the market are substantial; other manufacturers may be prompted to accelerate R&D efforts to keep pace, potentially sparking a new wave of innovation within the industry. Additionally, as energy prices become more competitive, it may further catalyze the transition from fossil fuels towards renewables, creating a more dynamic market environment. This report is also available in the following languages : Japanese (DG), Korean ( (DG) ), Chinese (DG), French (Marche de la production decentralisee (PD)), German (Markt fur dezentrale Energieerzeugung), and Italian (Mercato della generazione distribuita (DG)), etc. Request Sample Pages: https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/66692/distributed-generation-dg-market#request-a-sample More Research Finding Distributed Generation and Energy Storage in Telecom Networks Market The global distributed generation (DG) and energy storage market in telecom networks is valued at approximately $8.5 billion. The sector is expected to witness substantial growth, with a projected market value of $15 billion by 2034, reflecting an anticipated CAGR of 6.1% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/62355/global-distributed-generation-and-energy-storage-in-telecom-networks-market Smart PV Combiner Boxes Market The global market for Smart PV Combiner Boxes is valued at approximately $1.1 billion. The market is projected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated value of $2.5 billion by 2034, reflecting a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.5% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/52888/global-smart-pv-combiner-boxes-market Virtual Power Plant Market The virtual power plant market is expected to grow at 19.3% CAGR from 2022 to 2029. It is expected to reach above USD 1.1 billion by 2029 from USD 5.4 billion in 2020. https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/24143/virtual-power-plant-market Distributed Generation Market The global Distributed Generation Market size is expected to grow at more than 12.37% CAGR from 2023 to 2029. It is expected to reach above USD 697.83 billion by 2029 from a little above USD 243.07 billion in 2020. https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/14827/distributed-generation-market Portable Energy Storage Boxes Market The global portable energy storage boxes market is valued at approximately $3.2 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach around $8.1 billion by 2034, reflecting a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 9.6% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/64201/global-portable-energy-storage-boxes-market Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) Market The global Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) market is poised for significant growth, valued at approximately $90 billion in 2024. As countries increasingly prioritize renewable energy, the market is projected to reach around $270 billion by 2034, indicating a robust expansion driven by the transition to decentralized energy systems. This growth translates to a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of around 12% from 2025 to 2034. https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/63985/global-distributed-energy-resources-ders-market Green Energy Market The global green energy market is witnessing robust growth, currently valued at approximately $1.5 trillion in 2024. Projections indicate a significant expansion, with an estimated market value reaching $4.5 trillion by 2034. This growth represents a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of around 12% over the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/61522/global-green-energy-market Grid Connected Microgrid Market The grid-connected microgrid market is valued at approximately $10.2 billion, reflecting robust growth driven by increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions and resilience against power disruptions. Over the forecast period from 2025 to 2034, the market is projected to expand significantly, reaching an estimated value of $25 billion, translating to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.5%. https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/49845/grid-connected-microgrid-market Distributed Energy Generation Market The Distributed Energy Generation (DEG) market is poised for significant growth, with a current valuation of approximately $115 billion in 2024. The market is projected to reach around $250 billion by 2034, reflecting a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.5% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/49752/distributed-energy-generation-market Energy Transition Market The global energy transition market is valued at approximately $1.5 trillion, driven by an increasing focus on sustainability, regulatory pressures for reduced carbon emissions, and advancements in renewable energy technologies. The market is set to witness substantial growth, projected to reach around $2.8 trillion by 2034, reflecting the rising demand for clean energy solutions and innovative storage systems. https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/49573/energy-transition-market India Renewables Energy Market India's renewable energy market is valued at approximately $80 billion, benefiting from government policies promoting clean energy and investment in infrastructure. The market is projected to reach around $200 billion by 2034, reflecting an increasing commitment to sustainability and energy independence. During the forecast period (20252034), the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.3%. https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/49519/india-renewables-energy-market Mea Renewable Energy Market The global renewable energy market is valued at approximately $1.9 trillion and is projected to reach around $3.5 trillion by 2034. This growth reflects a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of about 6.5% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. Current market dynamics indicate a robust shift towards sustainable energy solutions, driven by stringent climate policies, technological advancements, and a growing emphasis on energy security. https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/49486/mea-renewable-energy-market Europe Renewable Energy Market The European renewable energy market is valued at approximately 450 billion, driven by the European Unions ambitious climate goals and a significant shift towards decarbonization. The market is anticipated to grow robustly, projecting a value of around 640 billion by 2034, reflecting a strong commitment to sustainability and energy independence. https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/49483/europe-renewable-energy-market Remote Power System Market The remote power system market is valued at approximately $7.5 billion, buoyed by increasing demand across industries such as telecommunications, defense, and remote exploration. The market is expected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated $12 billion by 2034, reflecting a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of about 5.1% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/49464/remote-power-system-market Distributed Energy Market The global distributed energy market is valued at approximately $260 billion, driven by increasing investments in renewable energy sources and technological advancements in energy storage and management systems. Over the forecast period from 2025 to 2034, this market is projected to reach around $580 billion, reflecting a robust growth trajectory. This translates to a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of about 9.5%, indicating strong demand for decentralized energy solutions. https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/48298/distributed-energy-market Fossil Fuel & New Energy Generation Market The global Fossil Fuel New Energy Generation market is valued at approximately $2.5 trillion in 2024, reflecting significant ongoing investment in sustainable energy transitions. Over the forecast period from 2025 to 2034, the market is expected to grow at a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.8%, propelling the market value to an estimated $4.4 trillion by 2034. https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/47295/fossil-fuel-new-energy-generation-market Chicago, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TAWANI Foundation, the charitable arm of TAWANI Enterprises established by Lieutenant Colonel Jennifer N. Pritzker (Retired), has committed a $1 million donation to Francis W. Parker School in Chicago. This transformative gift will help empower over thirty assistant teachers through meaningful professional development. Education has the power to transform lives and communities, and that transformation begins with dedicated educators, said LTC Jennifer Pritzker USA (RET). Parkers legacy of nurturing both students and teachers aligns with our vision to invest in institutions that shape the future. We are proud to support a program that equips assistant teachers with the tools, training, and inspiration they need to thrive. Francis W. Parker School in Chicago is a renowned, progressive K-12 institution dedicated to nurturing well-rounded students who excel academically while developing strong character and social responsibility. Inspired by its founders educational philosophy, Parker fosters a diverse and inclusive community that encourages independent thinking, creativity, and empathy. Through rigorous academics and experiential learning, the school prepares students to become thoughtful leaders ready to make a positive impact in their communities and the world. The school maintains a 6:1 student-to-teacher ratio, ensuring personalized attention and fostering a collaborative learning environment. Diversity is a cornerstone of Parker's community, with 46% of students identifying as people of color. The faculty is equally committed to excellence, with 88% holding advanced degrees, and the school boasts a 100% graduation and college acceptance rate. Parker is also dedicated to accessibility, awarding over $5.9 million annually in financial assistance to support students from various socioeconomic backgrounds. This commitment underscores the school's mission to provide a transformative education that prepares students for thoughtful leadership in a diverse and dynamic world. At a time when education needs visionary support, Parker is extremely proud and grateful to receive a generous grant from TAWANI Foundation that will fund the professional growth of more than thirty assistant teachers, said Francis W. Parker School Principal, Daniel B. Frank, Ph.D. Named after Audrey Ratner, who began her career as an assistant teacher at Parker and went on to become a Parker teacher, parent and Board of Trustees member, this generous assistant teacher training initiative will provide the next generation of teachers with on-going workshop education including an annual immersive retreat at the beautiful new Pritzker Military Museum & Library in Kenosha. To learn more about TAWANI Foundation grants, visit https://tawanifoundation.org/our-grants. TAWANI Foundation is a private foundation that accepts applications by invitation only. There is no open application period. About TAWANI Foundation Founded in 2002 by notable philanthropist and entrepreneur Colonel (IL) Jennifer N. Pritzker, IL ARNG (Retired), TAWANI Enterprises' philanthropic organization, TAWANI Foundation, is a 501(c)(3) that provides support in the areas of arts and culture, historical preservation, health and wellness, LGBTQ+ and human rights, education, and environmental initiatives. TAWANI Foundation's vision is to make a sustained and measurable difference for organizations that focus on enriching knowledge, improving health and wellness, and promoting scientific understanding - all with a common goal of making a positive, long-term impact on individuals, communities, and the culture itself. To learn more, visit https://tawanifoundation.org. Attachment Toronto, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations (OCUFA) voiced grave concerns about legislation introduced in the Ontario legislature to update governance rules for colleges and universities. While OCUFA supports necessary "housekeeping" efforts like ensuring gender-inclusive language, the organization highlights significant worries about governmental interference in university autonomy. "We support inclusive policy updates," stated OCUFA President Nigmendra Narain. "However, government interference runs counter to university autonomy. Our faculty and academic librarians are the academic experts best suited to guide their institutions' priorities, not external political directives." OCUFA emphasizes the crucial distinctions between colleges and universities, particularly in governance. "Minister Quinn's call for 'consistent and transparent' governance across the system suggests a one-size-fits-all approach that ignores fundamental differences," said OCUFA Executive Director Jenny Ahn. "Universities operate on the principle of shared academic leadership between Senates (composed of faculty, academic librarians, staff, and administrators) and Boards, and the vital principle of academic freedom." OCUFA stresses that faculty input is critical in any governance review. The primary governance issue in Ontario's universities is not a lack of external oversight, but rather instances of universities boards overreach. Ontario universities are jointly governed by Boards of Governors and Senates, with Senates responsible for educational policy. Yet, Boards have unilaterally paused student intakes to programs effectively cancellations by circumventing due process as these matters are Senates purview. This shows serious collegial governance issues, but there's no indication the government has consulted academic Senates in determining these updates and reviews. OCUFA reiterates that most issues facing the university sector stem from a severe funding crisis. "Ontario provides the lowest per-student funding for universities in Canada: over $6,500 less than the national average," Ahn stated. "University applications are booming, nearly matching 2003's 'double cohort' levels, but current funding means universities cannot accommodate this growth due to capped enrollments; they receive no additional government funding for more domestic students." The chronic underfunding crisis is the main problem resulting from a government choice not to fund our public universities, added Narain. Such attempts at political interference, alongside their previous similar bills, are not what Ontario needs to prioritize. Instead, Ontarios faculty, academic librarians, staff and students need this government to commit to collegial governance and investing fully in our world-class universities for Ontarios future in the face of global challenges. OCUFA emphasizes that strengthening Ontario's postsecondary sector requires genuine collaboration, stable funding, and a commitment to fostering inclusive excellence, not additional red tape costs, bureaucratic hurdles. or policies that undermine university autonomy. Founded in 1964, OCUFA represents more than 18,000 professors and academic librarians in 30 faculty associations across Ontario. It is committed to enhancing the quality of higher education in Ontario and recognizing the outstanding contributions of its members towards creating a world-class university system. For more information, please visit the OCUFA website at www.ocufa.on.ca. Contact: media@ocufa.on.ca New York, NY, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- This June, Patina Group will once again raise a glass to Pride Month with a colorful cocktail campaign in partnership with 21 Seeds Tequila and this year, every sip supports queer liberation. In the spirit of giving back, a donation will be made to the Stonewall Community Foundation, supporting meaningful work within the LGBTQIA+ community. Pride Month is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to radical hospitality creating spaces where every guest and team member feels genuinely welcomed, respected, and celebrated, said John Kolaski, President of Patina Restaurant Group. Partnering with 21 Seeds and Stonewall Community Foundation allows us to serve cocktails with purpose and support the organizations driving real change in our communities. Guests at Patina Group locations across the country can enjoy a variety of vibrant 21 Seeds cocktails, made with tequila infused with the juice of real fruit: Mr. Espresso Martini 21 Seeds Valencia Orange Tequila, espresso, coffee liqueur, chocolate bitters, and simple syrup, shaken and topped with chocolate powder. 21 Seeds Valencia Orange Tequila, espresso, coffee liqueur, chocolate bitters, and simple syrup, shaken and topped with chocolate powder. Spicy Ms. Margarita 21 Seeds Cucumber Jalapeno Tequila, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, served over ice with cucumber and a salted rim. 21 Seeds Cucumber Jalapeno Tequila, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, served over ice with cucumber and a salted rim. Proud Paloma 21 Seeds Grapefruit Hibiscus Tequila, pink grapefruit juice, club soda, served over ice with grapefruit and fresh basil. 21 Seeds Grapefruit Hibiscus Tequila, pink grapefruit juice, club soda, served over ice with grapefruit and fresh basil. Seed & Sassy 21 Seeds Infused Tequila and club soda, garnished with fresh fruit. Participating restaurants span Patina Groups portfolio of restaurants across the country: New York: Nick & Stefs NY, STATE Grill & Bar, Stella 34, Lincoln, Panevino Ristorante Boston: Banners, Hub Hall Buffalo: Patina 250 Orlando: The Edison, Morimoto Asia, Enzos Hideaway, Maria & Enzos West Coast: Naples, PASEO, Centrico, Nick & Stefs LA, Tangata, Leatherbys / Georges This years campaign will support the Stonewall Community Foundation, which has funded over 700 organizations since 1990 to support LGBTQ equality. Celebrate Pride Month with Patina Group, enjoy fantastic cocktails, and support the LGBTQIA+ community one delicious drink at a time. Learn more at PatinaGroup.com and follow along @patinagroup. # # # About Patina Group Patina Group is the premium lifestyle division of Delaware North, delivering culinary excellence and radical hospitality at scale. From iconic restaurants and cultural institutions to world-class events and destination venues, Patina creates thoughtful, chef-driven experiences that blend timeless quality with modern creativity. Founded in Los Angeles in 1989and the first restaurant in the city to earn a Michelin starPatina has grown into a national hospitality leader with over 40 unique restaurant concepts and more than 4.3 million guests annually. Its venues include celebrated partnerships with Lincoln Center, The Empire State Building, The Plaza Hotel, Disney Parks & Resorts, and morealongside culinary collaborations with renowned chefs including Iron Chef Morimoto, Carlos Gaytan, and James Beard Award-winner Timothy Hollingsworth. Patina also produces elevated, large-scale catering experiences for some of the worlds most prestigious events. With a vision grounded in innovation, storytelling, and the comfort of unforgettable food, Patina Group is redefining hospitalityone experience at a time. For more information, visit www.patinagroup.com. Attachment Dublin, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Employee Benefits in New Zealand 2025" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The report provides in-depth industry analysis, information, and insights of the employee benefits in New Zealand, including an overview of the state and compulsory benefits in New Zealand, detailed information about the private benefits in New Zealand, insights on various central institutions responsible for the administration of the different branches of social security and the regulatory framework of the employee benefits in New Zealand. New Zealand has a comprehensive social security system, which is largely non-contributory. Neither employers nor employees contribute to social security funds, as they are tax-financed. However, employees and self-employed persons must contribute to the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) scheme, which provides benefits in the event of an accident, either at work or elsewhere. New Zealand nationals, permanent residents, and foreign workers temporarily employed in the country are all covered by social security. Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ) administers social security benefits in New Zealand. There is a subsidized retirement savings plan - KiwiSaver - that supplements the country's flat-rate universal pension, known as New Zealand Superannuation. Unemployment and sickness benefits are paid after a minimum period of residence (two years for unemployment benefits), irrespective of employment history. However, the country has reciprocal agreements with certain countries such as Australia, Canada, Denmark, and the UK, under which nationals from these countries can apply for social security benefits as soon as they arrive to take up permanent residence. Social security benefits are offered at a flat rate (government transfers), irrespective of previous income. Benefits are subject to taxation, and the Department of Social Welfare deducts the tax before granting benefits. Key Highlights The Ministry of Social Development (MSD), Inland Revenue, and Employment New Zealand are responsible for the functioning of the overall social security system in Sweden. A person's national insurance contribution is determined based on their income. An insured person who is unemployed or unable to work and whose benefits have been exhausted is entitled to a credited contribution. The private pension schemes (superannuation plans) in New Zealand only cover a small portion of employees. This report provides a detailed analysis of employee benefits in New Zealand: It offers a detailed analysis of the key government-sponsored employee benefits, along with private benefits It covers an exhaustive list of employee benefits, including retirement benefits, long-term disability benefit, short-term disability benefit, medical benefits, workmen's compensation insurance, maternity and paternity benefits, family benefits, minimum resources benefits, unemployment benefits, leaves and holidays and private benefits It highlights the economic and regulatory situations relating to employee benefits in New Zealand Key Topics Covered: 1. Executive Summary 2. Introduction 3. Country Statistics 4. Overview of Employee Benefits in New Zealand 5. Regulations 6. State and Compulsory Benefits 6.1 Retirement Benefits Introduction Eligibility Benefits Payment options Contribution 6.2 Death in Service Introduction Eligibility Benefits Payment options Contribution 6.3 Long-Term Disability Benefits Introduction Eligibility Benefits Payment options Contribution 6.4 Short-Term Disability Benefits Introduction Eligibility Benefits Payment options Contribution 6.5 Medical Benefits Introduction Eligibility Benefits Payment options Contribution 6.6 Workers' Compensation insurance Introduction Eligibility Benefits Payment options Contribution 6.7 Maternity and Paternity Benefits Introduction Eligibility Benefits Payment options Contribution 6.8 Other Benefits Unemployment Benefit Family Benefit Minimum Resources Benefit Leaves and Holidays 7. Private Benefits 7.1 Retirement Benefits 7.2 Death Benefits 7.3 Disability Benefits 7.4 Medical Benefits 7.5 Accidental Death and Dismemberment Benefits 7.6 Other Benefits For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/4annw6 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. San Francisco, CA , June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Events in Minutes, the AI-powered marketplace trusted by PayPal, Google, LinkedIn, Uber, and Meta, today launched Emma, a conversational AI Event Planner that takes the grunt work out of organizing gatherings of any size while keeping the host firmly in control. Events in Minutes introduces Emma, AI Event Planner How Emma Works Call +1 (415) 634-4617 and describe the event you have in mindwhether its a ten-person workshop or a thousand-person conference. Emma searches reviews, verifies quality, and checks real-time availability and pricing across a rigorously screened vendor network. She delivers a concise shortlist (2-4 best options per category) so you make the final calls without drowning in research. Approve and book through Events in Minutes; contracts, receipts, and messages live in one tidy dashboard. Why It Matters Planning an event shouldnt feel like a second job, said Hojr Pisheh, Co-Founder & CEO. Emma handles the scouting, vetting, and scheduling so hosts can focus on creative choices, confident theyre choosing from the best, most reliable vendors. Any event, big or small : professional planning isnt just for large budgets anymore. : professional planning isnt just for large budgets anymore. Time saved : Emma replaces hours of Google searches and phone tag with one streamlined conversation. : Emma replaces hours of Google searches and phone tag with one streamlined conversation. Quality assured : only vendors meeting strict reliability and review thresholds appear on your shortlist. : only vendors meeting strict reliability and review thresholds appear on your shortlist. All-in-one checkout: pay once, track everything, skip the paperwork chaos. A Market Ripe for Reinvention The global events industry tops $1 trillion annually, yet booking remains fragmented and manual. By adding AI automation with a vetted vendor marketplace, Events in Minutes compresses what used to take weeks into a painless, guided workflow. About Events in Minutes Founded in 2023 and headquartered in San Francisco, Events in Minutes is an AI-native marketplace that makes booking events as easy as ordering take-out. The platform pairs event hosts with top-tier vendors through transparent pricing, real-time availability, and one-click checkoutdelivering a delightful planning experience for every occasion. Media Contact press@eventsinminutes.com https://eventsinminutes.com/ Events in Minutes Introduces Emma, AI Event Planner A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/803aea67-ddc1-4802-a232-d07fd859f298 Nassau, The Bahamas, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With more than 700 islands and cays, including 16 unique Out Island destinations, The Bahamas is proactive and visionary on its environmental responsibilities, following a two-way path to sustainability by protecting both its natural surroundings and the durability of its tourism economy. Our countrys leadership is rigorously focused on sustainability, said the Hon. I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation. As a forward-thinking and progressive government, it is our mandate to ensure the well-being of our entire ecosystem, for the Bahamian community and visitors, while exercising best practices to sensibly grow a world-class tourism product. Putting that philosophy to work, the archipelagic nation spread across 100,000 square miles of calm, crystal-blue ocean, has implemented numerous initiatives for environmental protection. From its shorelines, addressing evolving climate-related challenges and promoting ecological biodiversity, The Bahamas is equally committed to encouraging continued tourism growth, its primary industry that saw 11.22 million international visitors in 2024, a 16.2 percent increase over 2023, and a record-breaking 54.7 percent jump in tourism figures from 2019. SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVES Guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and inspired by its extraordinary natural beauty and rich culture, The Bahamas has embraced critical and overarching objectives to promote continued prosperity in the destination while protecting the natural resources driving its leading position in tourism in the Caribbean. Those include protecting biodiversity and marine life; taking urgent proactive action to combat climate change and its broader impacts; and protecting, restoring and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, ethically stewarding national forests, combating desertification and halting and reversing land degradation and biodiversity loss. Among key sustainability efforts is the Bahamas Sustainable Investment Programme. This programme emphasises innovative financing solutions and the creation of Blue Carbon Credits by leveraging the carbon-absorbing capacity of seagrass meadows. Marine Conservation and Sustainability Projects are also on the front burner. Mangrove Mania, a competition spearheaded by Waterkeepers Bahamas is another initiative to engage the local community to help restore and replenish mangroves in and around Grand Bahama that were devastated by Category 5 Hurricane Dorian in 2019. Also, in Grand Bahama for instance, is the commercial coral farm Coral Vita. Coral Vita cultivates two-dozen types of indigenous coral through innovative techniques that speed up growth by 50 percent and make the coral more resistant to rising temperatures and acidity. In addition, there is also the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust which is working with numerous partners to ensure successful management of native bonefish. The work has seen the establishment of five new national parks and expansion of an existing one, all protective of the vital bonefish habitat across the destination. The sport generates $169 million annually for the Bahamian economy. HOSPITALITY INNOVATES FOR SUSTAINABILITY Recognising the significance of maintaining natural wonders of The Bahamas, hospitality owners and stakeholders from local boutique hotels to global resort brands are prioritising innovative sustainability initiatives when proposing new developments in the destination. Harmonising luxury with environmental responsibility, Tiamo Resort on Andros Island operates on solar power, practices rainwater collection, and features 11 sustainably built villas using locally sourced pine structures raised on stilts for natural cooling. In Eleuthera, The Other Side, an upscale glamping resort of Little Island Hotels, combines sustainability with comfort with solar-powered beachfront tents with hardwood floors, four-poster king beds, and modern bathrooms, as well as hilltop shacks offering ocean views. In Nassau, Atlantis Paradise Island demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability through initiatives focused on marine conservation, ecosystem restoration, and environmental education, with the non-profit Atlantis Blue Project Foundation funding scientific research, conservation programmes and community outreach efforts, ultimately contributing to the preservation of over 1 million acres of marine habitats and supporting the creation of Marine Protected Areas. Future hotel and resort openings making news for their commitments to sustainable practices include Six Senses Grand Bahama, which is focused on beach restoration, using native plants and sourcing construction materials locally; and Montage Cay in The Abacos set to be the first private island development from Montage Hotels & Resorts which will have a full-service spa made with sustainably sourced materials. CRUISE PORTS AND MARINAS At present, there are nine major cruise ports throughout The Bahamas.According to the Central Bank of The Bahamas, the island nation welcomed 8.5 million arrivals by sea during the first 11 months of 2024, up nearly 20 percent from the previous year. The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism sees the cruise industry as vital for tourism as well as commercially poised for sustainability. The Nassau Cruise Port, reopened in May 2023 following a $300 million transformation. The cruise port reveals a significant direction for The Bahamas, with multiple initiatives to empower the community and protect the environment. Among the projects is its annual International Coastal Cleanup, a global initiative dedicated to preserving oceans and waterways, with Port team members working with community volunteers to remove trash from coastlines and promote sustainable practices. Elisabeth Island a development by Zaha Hadid Architects, is intended to make environmental sustainability a cornerstone. The development will entail a new state-of-the-art superyacht marina on a site surrounded by 20,000 acres of Abaco National Park. The project will include hurricane-proof infrastructure integrated into the design to withstand the risks of severe weather. The MSC Foundation, the non-profit arm of MSC Cruises, is heavily involved in marine restoration through its Super Coral Programme at the newly opened MSC Conservation Center at Ocean Cay in Bimini. The programme, launched in 2019, employs scientific research to identify resilient coral genotypes that can withstand thermal stress caused by climate change. Successes include the growth of 298 coral fragments in the coral nursery and a 100 percent survival rate even during a severe marine heatwave that impacted The Bahamas in the summer of 2023. About The Bahamas The Bahamas has over 700 islands and cays, including 16 unique island destinations. Located only 50 miles off the coast of Florida, it offers a quick and easy way for international travellers to escape their everyday. The island nation also boasts world-class fishing, diving, boating and thousands of miles of the Earth's most spectacular beaches for families, couples and adventurers to explore. See why Its Better in The Bahamas at www.bahamas.com or on Facebook, YouTube or Instagram. Attachment Chicago, IL, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright today announced that Kyle Gann, a highly regarded corporate lawyer, has joined its Chicago office as a partner in the business practice group and a member of the firms transactional and regulatory insurance team. Kyle brings extensive experience advising companies across their lifecycle, from emerging growth businesses to Fortune 500 corporations. Clients recognize him as a strategic advisor who partners closely with them to create business value. Kyles excellence in corporate law and profile align perfectly with our strategic goals, said Jeff Cody, Norton Rose Fulbrights US Managing Partner and one of its two Global Managing Partners. We are investing heavily in transactional capabilities, expanding significantly in the Midwest and specifically focusing on Chicago. Our explosive growth in Chicago these past three years has already required us to expand our footprint in the vibrant Fulton Market Historic District. Kyles addition represents another strategic investment in this important market and in the business practice group. Kyle cited Norton Rose Fulbrights global reach and deep experience in highly regulated industries such as insurance brokerage, financial institutions, consumer products, healthcare and infrastructure as particularly attractive to him. These strengths allow me to engage even more deeply in clients businesses, Kyle said. In todays competitive marketplace, law firms must be strategic partners rather than mere service providers. Norton Rose Fulbrights platform uniquely positions me to think holistically and collaboratively with clients to deliver value inside and outside of individual legal engagements. Kyles client-centric mindset fits seamlessly here, Jeff Cody added. Our team is built around people who embody servant leadership. We prioritize humility, empathy and collaboration. These are ideas that Kyle embraces. This makes him a natural fit for Norton Rose Fulbright. Kevin Fischer, Norton Rose Fulbrights US Head of Insurance Transactions, stated, Kyle is a fantastic addition to our US transactional and regulatory insurance team. Kyles deep experience with insurance brokerage M&A and relationships with leading global brokers make him an ideal fit for our growing insurance practice. Sameer Ghaznavi, Norton Rose Fulbrights Chicago Partner-in-Charge, noted, Kyle is known for intellectual curiosity and innovative thinking. Our Chicago office has become a magnet for entrepreneurial talent like his. Kyles addition will further accelerate our momentum. Joining Norton Rose Fulbright from Winston & Strawn, Kyle stands among the more than 40 new partners to join the firms business practice group globally this year through either promotion or lateral addition. He earned his undergraduate degree from Westmont College and his JD from New York University School of Law. He is licensed to practice in Illinois and New York. My decision to join Norton Rose Fulbright goes beyond the typical reasons for a lateral partner move, Kyle explained. Data clearly shows that the best way to drive personal and institutional performance is through shared values and a growth mindset. These are qualities that are deeply embedded within Norton Rose Fulbright. These principles are why the firm is thriving, attracting talent and resonating with clients. Norton Rose Fulbrights global corporate, M&A and securities team, which consists of 450 partners and 700 other deal lawyers, provides practical business-focused legal advice across the full spectrum of matters, including public transactions, going private transactions, strategic review processes, joint ventures, carveout dispositions and acquisitions, debt and equity capital markets transactions, governance, compliance, general commercial and corporate advisory matters. Norton Rose Fulbright Norton Rose Fulbright provides a full scope of legal services to the worlds preeminent corporations and financial institutions. The global law firm has more than 3,000 lawyers advising clients across more than 50 locations worldwide, including Houston, New York, London, Toronto, Mexico City, Hong Kong, Sydney and Johannesburg, covering the United States, Europe, Canada, Latin America, Asia, Australia, Africa and the Middle East. With its global business principles of quality, unity and integrity, Norton Rose Fulbright is recognized for its client service in key industries, including financial institutions; energy, infrastructure and resources; technology; transport; life sciences and healthcare; and consumer markets. For more information, visit nortonrosefulbright.com. Attachment BOSTON, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The 2025 BostonCISO ORBIE Awards recognized the exceptional leadership and cyber resilience of top security executives from MassMutual, Hologic, Clean Harbors, Cengage Learning, NETSCOUT Systems, Inc., ElevateBio & CVS Health. The prestigious ORBIE Awards - hosted by BostonCISO, a chapter of the Inspire Leadership Network - honor CISOs who drive business transformation and industry impact. Winners were recognized across seven categories: Super Global, Global, Large Enterprise, Enterprise, Large Corporate, Corporate, and Leadership. The ceremony, which took place at the Westin Boston Seaport, brought together top executives and industry leaders to celebrate excellence in security leadership. "Great CISOs recognize the power of collaboration and trusted relationships," said Bob Litterer, BostonCISO Chair. The BostonCISO ORBIE Awards embody this by connecting, inspiring, and honoring CISOs for their leadership and the value they bring to Bostons businesses through enterprise security. Meet the 2025 BostonCISO ORBIE Award Winners: Chandra McMahon, SVP & CISO of CVS Health, received the Leadership ORBIE. Eric Boateng, CISO & Head of Enterprise Cyber Security of MassMutual, received the Super Global ORBIE for organizations over $7.5 billion annual revenue & multi-national operations. Pietr Lindahl, CISO of Hologic, received the Global ORBIE for organizations over $1.2 billion annual revenue & multi-national operations. Richard Walzer, CISO of Clean Harbors, received the Large Enterprise ORBIE for organizations over $3 billion annual revenue. Eric Galis, SVP & CISO of Cengage Learning, received the Enterprise ORBIE for organizations over $1 billion annual revenue. Debby Briggs, VP & CISO of NETSCOUT Systems, Inc., received the Large Corporate ORBIE for organizations over $420 million annual revenue. Christian Hamer, VP, Head of Information Security of ElevateBio, received the Corporate ORBIE for organizations up to $410 million annual revenue. About the ORBIE: The ORBIE is the preeminent executive recognition for C-suite leaders. Since 1998, the ORBIE Awards have recognized leadership excellence, building relationships between executives and trusted business partners, and inspiring the next generation of executives. Finalists and winners are selected through an independent peer-adjudicated process led by prior ORBIE recipients based on the following criteria: Leadership and management effectiveness Business protection created by enterprise security Engagement in industry and community endeavors BostonCISO ORBIE Keynote & Attendance: The keynote address for the BostonCISO ORBIE Awards was delivered by Chandra McMahon, SVP & CISO of CVS Health, who was interviewed by Bob Litterer, CISO of Teradyne. Over 300 guests attended, representing leading New England organizations and their technology partners. The following sponsors made the 2025 BostonCISO ORBIE Awards possible: Underwriters: Fortinet & Google Cloud Fortinet & Google Cloud Gold Sponsors: eSHARE, Nuharbor Security & Optiv eSHARE, Nuharbor Security & Optiv Silver Sponsors: Okta, Red Canary, Tanium & Wiz Okta, Red Canary, Tanium & Wiz Bronze Sponsors: Advizex Technologies, Aqueduct Technologies, Armis, Between Pixels, Blue Mantis, CGI, Charles River Associates, DataPivot Technologies, Guidepoint Security, K logix Security, Proofpoint, PwC, RSM US, SentinelOne, WEI & Winslow Technology Group Advizex Technologies, Aqueduct Technologies, Armis, Between Pixels, Blue Mantis, CGI, Charles River Associates, DataPivot Technologies, Guidepoint Security, K logix Security, Proofpoint, PwC, RSM US, SentinelOne, WEI & Winslow Technology Group Media Partner: Boston Business Journal Boston Business Journal National Partner: Year Up United To learn more about sponsorship opportunities and how to connect with leading C-suite executives across North America, click here. About BostonCISO: BostonCISO is the preeminent peer leadership network of chief information security officers (CISOs) in New England. As one of over 40 chapters of the Inspire Leadership Network, BostonCISO belongs to a national membership organization exclusively comprised of C-suite leaders from public and private businesses, government, education, healthcare, and nonprofit institutions. BostonCISO is led by a CISO Advisory Board, with support from an executive director and staff. Underwriter executives support the chapter and ensure the programs remain non-commercial and exclusive to qualified CISOs and members. About Inspire Leadership Network: Inspire Leadership Network is the preeminent peer leadership network of C-suite executives. With nearly 2,000 members across more than 40 local chapters, Inspire members serve public and private businesses, government, education, healthcare, and non-profit institutions. Inspire exists to help leaders thrive in todays most challenging executive roles. Media Contact Nicole Lammes nicole.lammes@inspirecxo.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6aecbf6b-9bd8-4042-ac06-8c711dbeba10 CHICAGO, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research (FSR) and the American Thoracic Society (ATS) are pleased to announce that Mark Mallozzi, MD, MPH has been selected to receive the 2025 ATS/FSR Partner Grant, awarded to support innovative research in sarcoidosis and advance patient care. The FSR/ATS Partner Grant, a cornerstone of both organizations commitment to fostering early-career investigators, provides $100,000 in funding$50,000 per year over two yearsto support groundbreaking research projects that have the potential to significantly impact the understanding and treatment of sarcoidosis. Since 2005, this partnership has funded over $1 million in sarcoidosis research, catalyzing further advancements in the field. Dr. Mallozzis grant will provide the scientific community with valuable insight into the environmental causes of sarcoidosis, said Mary McGowan, President and CEO of FSR. We are pleased to partner with the American Thoracic Society to support dedicated investigators like Dr. Mallozzi who are committed to increasing the understanding of this complex disease. This years awardee, Mark Mallozzi, MD, MPH from National Jewish Health was selected for his project titled Association of PM2.5 exposure with sarcoidosis outcomes at baseline and longitudinal follow-up. This study will look at a possible link between air pollution and sarcoidosis. This grant will be essential in advancing my career as a physician-scientist focusing on sarcoidosis and environmental exposures, said Mark Mallozzi MD. Through this project, I will advance my research skills and scientific writing and presenting, build a network of collaborators, and produce foundational data for future projects. This project is a meaningful step in my goal of securing a National Institutes of Health Research Career Development Award (K). We are immensely grateful to our non-profit partners for their continued collaboration and for their support of the young researchers who are contributing to greatly-improved outcomes for patients across the spectrum of respiratory health, said Kamran Atabai, MD, chair of the ATS Scientific Grant Review Committee. For more information about the FSR research funding programs, visit https://www.stopsarcoidosis.org/fsr-grants. About Sarcoidosis Sarcoidosis is a rare inflammatory disease characterized by granulomastiny clumps of inflammatory cellsthat can form in one or more organs. 90% of patients living with sarcoidosis have lung involvement. Despite advances in research, sarcoidosis remains challenging to diagnose, with limited treatment options and no known cure. Approximately 175,000 people live with sarcoidosis in the United States. About the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research The Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research (FSR) is the leading international organization dedicated to finding a cure for sarcoidosis and improving care for those living with the disease through research, education, and support. For more information about FSR and its community programs, visit: www.stopsarcoidosis.org. About the ATS Foundation Since its inception, the ATS Foundation Research Program has awarded more than $24 million in early career researchers has leveraged well over $880 million in NIH funding and breakthroughs in respiratory medicine. You can learn more about our most recent awardees here. Media Contact: Cathi Davis, Director of Communications and Marketing Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research 312-341-0500 cathi@stopsarcoidosis.org A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/46aa564f-1606-4532-bb78-57eb14158704 Boston, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As cancer prevalence continues to rise globally, nanotechnology in cancer treatment is emerging as a transformative force in oncology. Leveraging nanoscale drug delivery systems and precision-targeting techniques, companies such as AstraZeneca, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., and Bristol-Myers Squibb are developing next-generation solutions to enhance therapeutic effectiveness while minimizing harm to healthy cells. According to the report, growing cancer prevalence, rising government funding, and increased pharmaceutical R&D spending are reshaping innovation strategies across the oncology landscape. The global market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 17.4% from 2024 to 2029. As North America continues to lead market expansion and new nanomedicine applications evolve globally, stakeholders must navigate regulatory complexity, manufacturing scalability, and long-term safety considerations to harness the full potential of this technology. Market Overview: Key Insights and Forecast BCC Researchs latest report, Nanotechnology in Cancer Treatment: Technologies and Global Markets, delivers a detailed evaluation of the evolving oncology landscape through the lens of nanomedicine. It explores how advances in nanostructured materials, targeted delivery systems, and diagnostic innovations are shaping the future of cancer treatment across major regions. The global market was valued at $102.4 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $265.4 billion by the end of 2029. The report delivers forward-looking insights based on current market trends and expected developments over the forecast period. It provides a strategic analysis of major segments by product type and cancer type, along with comprehensive coverage of revenue trends, regulatory frameworks, ESG priorities, technological advancements, and regional market shifts. Market Leadership in Transition The cancer nanomedicine space is evolving rapidly, with companies investing in product differentiation and late-stage R&D. Liposomes remain the most commercially established carriers, while polymeric nanoparticles and dendrimers are seeing increased use due to their payload capacity and tumor selectivity (Chapter 6: Market Segment Analysis). Leading companies such as Pfizer, Novartis AG, and Jazz Pharmaceuticals are developing tailored nanocarrier systems for specific cancer indications, with a focus on breast and lung cancers. These therapies are being designed for better tumor penetration, reduced off-target toxicity and improved treatment outcomes (Chapter 7: Competitive Intelligence). Emerging Technologies and Investment Trends Innovation in nanomedicine is being fueled by multifunctional systems that integrate diagnosis, therapy, and monitoring. Technologies including quantum dots, cancer stem cell-targeting particles, and nanorobotics are moving closer to clinical translation, offering new capabilities in image-guided therapy and adaptive dosing. Strong capital inflow and increased partnerships between biotech firms and research institutions are accelerating development across early and mid-stage pipelines. These trends are unlocking commercialization potential, especially in minimally invasive therapies and immuno-nanomedicine (Chapter 5: Emerging Technologies and New Developments). Pipeline Assessment and Applications The oncology pipeline is steadily embracing nanotechnology as a cornerstone for targeted treatment development. Companies are advancing nanoparticle-based drug carriers with enhanced tumor penetration, improved bioavailability and reduced toxicity. These innovations are driving late-stage R&D across different types of cancers, such as breast and lung cancers, leukemia and melanoma. In parallel, there is growing interest in integrating diagnostic and therapeutic functions into single nanosystems. Platforms capable of simultaneous drug delivery and real-time tumor tracking are gaining momentum, offering the potential for adaptive dosing and early relapse detection (Chapter 6: Market Segment Analysis). Regulatory and Access Challenges Regulatory agencies, such as the U.S. FDA, European Medicines Agency (EMA), and other international bodies, are actively evolving frameworks to support the safe and effective approval of nanoscale cancer therapies. As manufacturers scale production, they must comply with stringent requirements related to materials handling, product traceability and lifecycle oversight (Chapter 4: Regulatory Landscape). Challenges such as development costs, access limitations in low-income regions, and a shortage of oncology specialists trained in nanomedicine are slowing down broader adoption. Addressing these issues is essential to achieving long-term growth and equitable global impact (Chapter 3: Market Dynamics). Strategic Outlook: The Road Ahead With nanotechnologys role in oncology continuing to expand, companies are aligning R&D with long-term goals around innovation, clinical efficacy, and accessibility. Key companies are developing platforms that support patient-centered care, data-driven treatment personalization, and integration across diagnostic and therapeutic pathways (Chapter 2: Market Overview). As infrastructure improves and global interest in targeted therapies grows, nanomedicine is expected to become a cornerstone of modern cancer care. Firms prioritizing early diagnosis, adaptive delivery and long-term monitoring will be best positioned to lead the market forward (Chapter 7: Competitive Intelligence). Report Synopsis Report Metric Details Base year considered 2023 Forecast period considered 2024-2029 Base year market size $102.4 billion Market size forecast $265.4 billion Growth rate CAGR of 17.4% for the forecast period of 2024-2029 Segments covered Product type and cancer type Regions covered North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Rest of the World Countries covered The U.S., Canada, Mexico, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the U.K., Austria, Sweden, Denmark, Poland, Turkey, Switzerland, the Netherlands, China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, New Zealand, Vietnam, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Paraguay, Peru, Middle East and Africa Market drivers Increasing prevalence of cancer cases globally. Rise in government funding and pharmaceutical R&D spending. Nanoparticles in cancer treatment: Advantages. Precision targeting of cancer cells with nanomaterials. Additional Insights: Ultra-small and highly efficient: Nanoparticles are often smaller than a single cell; thus, it is easier for them to penetrate tumors and deliver drugs directly to cancer cells. Nanoparticles are often smaller than a single cell; thus, it is easier for them to penetrate tumors and deliver drugs directly to cancer cells. Stealth functionality: These particles can be engineered to "cloak" themselves from the immune system, allowing them to circulate longer within the bloodstream. These particles can be engineered to "cloak" themselves from the immune system, allowing them to circulate longer within the bloodstream. Multifunctional carriers: Nanoparticles can transport multiple drugs simultaneously, enabling combination therapies in a single delivery. Nanoparticles can transport multiple drugs simultaneously, enabling combination therapies in a single delivery. Energy-interactive: They can absorb energy from external sources, supporting their role in advanced imaging or therapeutic enhancement. They can absorb energy from external sources, supporting their role in advanced imaging or therapeutic enhancement. Next-level diagnostics: Nanoparticles can serve as highly sensitive imaging agents, enhancing early diagnosis and treatment precision. Leading companies include: AstraZeneca Baxter Boston Scientific Corp. Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. Jazz Pharmaceuticals Inc. Les Laboratoires Servier Novartis AG Pfizer Inc. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. Navigate Uncertainty with Confidence In times of rapid change and uncertainty, having the right insights can make all the difference. At BCC Research, we are here to support innovation and help you stay ahead. Our custom research reports provide a comprehensive, 360-degree view of your market landscape, providing you with the clarity you need to make informed decisions. We believe that timely, expert market intelligence should be accessible to all. That is why, for a limited time, we are offering 30% off the price of any BCC Research report to help more organizations gain access to our latest data and insights. Get your copy of the report directly from BCC Research. To request more information or complete your purchase, connect with us at info@bccresearch.com. About BCC Research BCC Research market research reports provide objective, unbiased measurement and assessment of market opportunities. Our experienced industry analysts' goal is to help you make informed business decisions free of noise and hype. For media inquiries, email press@bccresearch.com or visit our media page for access to our market research library. Any data and analysis extracted from this press release must be accompanied by a statement identifying BCC Research LLC as the source and publisher. AUSTIN, Texas, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vereigen Media, a trusted leader in B2B demand generation, proudly announces the launch of its newest initiative: Direct from the Source. A thought leadership series designed to help B2B marketers, marketing leaders, and revenue strategists to gain firsthand, actionable insights from professionals who are redefining the way business gets done. Hosted by Dave Steinmeyer, Managing Partner at Vereigen Media, Direct from the Source provides a platform for authentic, unscripted conversations with industry leaders at the forefront of transformation. The series features leaders who are shaping the future of B2B marketing from global CMOs and growth marketers to demand generation experts and digital transformation champions. In a content-saturated world, theres no shortage of noise, but there is a shortage of engagement and transparency in our space. said Dave Steinmeyer. Direct from the Source is about cutting through the clutter and getting to the stories, lessons, and proven practices that actually help marketing and sales professionals build, scale, and adapt. A Modern Platform for Modern Leaders True to Vereigen Medias people-first approach, Direct from the Source goes beyond typical webinars or interviews. Its a purpose-built series for marketing decision-makers who want real insight, without the fluff. To serve todays multi-tasking professionals, the series is available in multiple formats: Full-length video episodes available on our website and YouTube Channel available on our website and YouTube Channel Audio-only versions on Spotify on Spotify Text summaries and transcripts on the Vereigen Media website Whether commuting, walking into a pipeline review, or catching up between Zoom calls, Direct from the Source meets todays B2B pros where they are, in both format and substance. Spotlighting What Really Matters in B2B The first season of Direct from the Source explores mission-critical themes like: Increasing pipeline velocity without sacrificing lead quality Building a demand engine grounded in privacy-first, first-party data Aligning sales and marketing around verified engagement metrics Creating scalable, compliant outreach programs that actually convert Leveraging ABM and intent data to drive better decisions and tighter targeting The guests featured throughout the series are senior marketing leaders from across the B2B and tech landscape, including high-growth SaaS firms, cybersecurity innovators, enterprise software companies, and digital-first disruptors. Their insights offer focused, experience-driven guidance for anyone looking to accelerate growth through smarter, more strategic marketing. Authenticity, Not Aggregation The launch of Direct from the Source reflects Vereigen Medias broader mission: to challenge the outdated, opaque, and outsourced practices that still plague the lead generation industry. Vereigen Medias model is built entirely on first-party data, verified content engagement, zero outsourcing, and human-validated quality control. These same values carry into the content series, which avoids scripts, filters, and third-party talking heads. Instead, it features real marketing leaders sharing authentic experiences and offering insights that B2B marketers can immediately apply to drive impact. At Vereigen Media, weve always believed that content is only as valuable as the action it inspires, said Steinmeyer. This series is about offering B2B leaders something worth their time and conversations they can learn from, implement, build on, and bring into the boardroom. Real-World Insights with Immediate Impact The inaugural episode of Direct from the Source is now available, featuring a candid discussion on how B2B organizations are redefining their go-to-market strategies in 2025, with a heavy emphasis on alignment, quality, and opt-in transparency. Future episodes will include interviews with: CMOs leading global ABM transformations Data-driven revenue officers prioritizing conversion intelligence Demand gen leaders focused on campaign velocity and MQL performance Martech strategists navigating the privacy-first ecosystem Each episode will be promoted via Vereigen Medias website, social channels, newsletter, and integrated digital campaigns, ensuring the content reaches professionals when and where theyre ready to engage. Discover how verified, privacy-first leads drive real results! Connect with Vereigen Media today! https://vereigenmedia.com/get-extra-value-add-b2b-leads/ About Vereigen Media Vereigen Media is the partner of choice for forward-thinking organizations seeking Leads. Done Right. Our zero-outsourcing model built on first-party owned data, verified content engagement, and human-led validation delivers unmatched lead quality and campaign performance. With over 107 million first-party contacts across EMEA, North America, LATAM, and APAC, we empower brands to engage the right people at the right companies and accelerate their path to revenue. Contact: Janvi Gandhi - Brand Marketing Manager Vereigen Media LLC Email: marketing@vereigenmedia.com Phone: +1 512-240-2212 (US) Official Website: www.vereigenmedia.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1791f45c-9c47-41ba-9315-a12ff2e18992 NEW YORK, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of common stock of West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. (NYSE: WST) between February 16, 2023 and February 12, 2025, both dates inclusive (the Class Period), of the important July 7, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline. SO WHAT: If you purchased West common stock during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the West class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=39367 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 July 7, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs Bar. Many of the firms attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, throughout the Class Period, defendants made false and misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) despite claiming strong visibility into customer demand and attributing headwinds to temporary COVID-related product destocking, West was in fact experiencing significant and ongoing destocking across its high-margin High-Value Products (HVP) portfolio; (2) Wests SmartDose device, which was purportedly positioned as a high-margin growth product, was highly dilutive to Wests profit margins due to operational inefficiencies; (3) these margin pressures created the risk of costly restructuring activities, including Wests exit from continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) contracts with long-standing customers; and (4) as a result of the foregoing, defendants positive statements about Wests business, operations, and prospects were materially false and/or misleading or lacked a reasonable basis. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the West class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=39367, call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investors ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com Charlotte, NC, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tidewater News is proud to spotlight Michael A. DeMayo, founder of DeMayo Law Offices, LLP, as a standout community leader for his firms extraordinary commitment to youth safety and education in the Charlotte region. Through their long-running Arrive Alive Scholarship Program, DeMayo Law has empowered local high school seniors to become peer advocates for safe driving while helping fund their college dreams. In recognition of this impactful initiativenow in its 23rd consecutive yearTidewater News honors both Michael DeMayo and his legal team for their sustained investment in the well-being and future of North Carolinas next generation. DeMayo Law Offices Awards $50,000 to Local Students Through Annual Arrive Alive Scholarship DeMayo Law Offices, LLP is pleased to announce the 10 winners of its annual Arrive Alive Scholarship award. This year marks the 23rd consecutive year that DLAW has sponsored and awarded these college scholarships. The Arrive Alive Scholarship Program provides local high school seniors with the opportunity to win competitive scholarships they can use toward their college education. As of this year, the firms scholarship program has awarded more than $800,000 in scholarships to deserving students. 2025 Arrive Alive Scholarship Recipients Justin Aguilar Levine Middle College High School Southeastern University Levine Middle College High School Southeastern University Hallie Black West Lincoln High School Yale University West Lincoln High School Yale University Emmalyn Buskirk Fred T. Foard High School Mars Hill University Fred T. Foard High School Mars Hill University Amare Clark Hickory High School UNC-Charlotte Hickory High School UNC-Charlotte Isabella Daou Weddington High School University of South Carolina Weddington High School University of South Carolina Bryson Kohlbrenner Cuthbertson High School UNC-Chapel Hill Cuthbertson High School UNC-Chapel Hill John-Thomas McQuay South Point High School Auburn University South Point High School Auburn University Jasmine Moore Providence High School UNC-Chapel Hill Providence High School UNC-Chapel Hill Jasmine Reaves North Mecklenburg Senior High School Wake Forest University North Mecklenburg Senior High School Wake Forest University Jade Smith Charlotte Lab School UNC-Chapel Hill The 2025 winners are from five counties within the Charlotte metropolitan area. They will attend a variety of excellent universities and represent a wide range of ethnic and cultural communities. All recipients shared firsthand observations of the dangers of drunk and distracted driving and developed presentations to inspire their peers to eliminate these risky behaviors. Peer-to-peer advocacy remains one of the most effective strategies to combat dangerous driving habits, and young adults are uniquely positioned to lead the charge in shifting attitudes and behaviors. On behalf of the entire DeMayo Law team, we want to extend our congratulations to the 2025 scholarship winners for their commitment to academic excellence, community involvement, and unparalleled insights into drunk and distracted driving prevention. Together, we can make a difference. We wish all students continued success in their future academic and professional goals, Michael A. DeMayo, CEO and Founder of DeMayo Law About Michael A. DeMayo Charlotte, NC Michael A. DeMayo is the founder and managing attorney of DeMayo Law Offices, LLP, a firm nationally recognized for its personal injury litigation and community-focused mission. A passionate advocate for justice and public safety, DeMayo launched the Arrive Alive Scholarship Program in response to the rising number of teen fatalities caused by impaired and distracted driving. Under his leadership, DeMayo Law has grown into a pillar of the Charlotte community, not just in the courtroom, but also in schools, families, and neighborhoods where his team continues to make a meaningful difference. His efforts have expanded the firms outreach across North Carolina, creating a long-lasting impact and a legacy of service. Tidewater News proudly recognizes Michael A. DeMayo for combining legal excellence with genuine community leadershipand for empowering the next generation to arrive alive and succeed. Source: John Lancing Tidewater News john@tidewaternews.com Oshkosh, Wisconsin, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025 will feature a unique version of one of the worlds most popular airliners as RTXs business Pratt & Whitney brings a Boeing 747SP test bed aircraft to Boeing Plaza during the Worlds Greatest Aviation Celebration. The 72nd edition of the Experimental Aircraft Associations fly-in convention is July 21-27 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. The aircrafts appearance is part of Pratt & Whitneys global centennial celebration, commemorating 100 years since its founding in 1925. The 747SP will arrive on Sunday, July 20, and depart on Thursday, July 24, offering attendees a rare opportunity to tour this iconic flying test bed up close. Pratt & Whitney has built a storied legacy in general, commercial, and military aviation, said Rick Larsen, EAAs vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. As a means of celebrating its 100 years of innovation, Pratt & Whitney is flying the 747SP to be displayed for the more than half-a-million aviation enthusiasts who will attend the show. Pratt & Whitney began operations in 1925 with the invention of the R-1340 Wasp engine, which revolutionized military and commercial aviation. The 1940s saw more innovation as the company powered several era-defining aircraft for the allies in World War II and began exploring jet propulsion. Pratt & Whitney has always pushed the boundaries of whats possible in flight, said Maria Della Posta, president at Pratt & Whitney Canada. Bringing our 747SP to Oshkosh isnt just about showcasing a unique aircraft it represents how our legacy of innovation continues to shape the future of aviation. This aircraft has played a pivotal role in the testing and development of our advanced propulsion technologies from the PW800 for business jets to our groundbreaking GTF engine for commercial fleets. As a proud EAA AirVenture exhibitor for more than 15 years, weve valued every opportunity to connect directly with pilots, operators, maintainers, aviation enthusiasts, and OEM partners who share our passion for flight. Canadian subsidiary Pratt & Whitney Canada, founded in 1928, has attended the annual EAA show for decades and is a major player in the general aviation space. Its legendary PT6 engine celebrating over 60 years of flight has logged more than 500 million flying hours and remains a benchmark for performance, reliability, and innovation in turboprop propulsion. PT6 engines continue to power thousands of aircraft around the globe, from bush planes to business aviation and beyond. The Boeing 747SP (for special performance) is a shortened version of the 747 airliner that features a longer range than its full-sized counterpart and is powered by four Pratt & Whitney JT9D engines. Only 45 such aircraft were produced, with Pratt & Whitney owning the only two that are currently airworthy. The test bed variant features a fifth engine mount separate from the four main powerplants located below the wings. This extra engine configuration allows for testing engines in real-life weather conditions. Since 2001, Pratt & Whitneys test beds have completed more than 1,400 ground runs and flight tests using 71 different experimental engines. In addition, RTXs booth located in Exhibit Hangar B will showcase Pratt & Whitney Canadas iconic PT6 engine cutaways, as well as Collins Aerospace technologies throughout the week of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025. About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is The Worlds Greatest Aviation Celebration and EAAs membership convention. Additional information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available at www.EAA.org/airventure. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or visit www.EAA.org. -30- EDITORS NOTE: A high-resolution image of Pratt & Whitneys Boeing 747SP is available at EAAs media resources website: Pratt & Whitney 747SP Attachment Menlo Park, CA, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The nations first-of-its-kind Center for Sainthood Studies aimed at providing a roadmap for the challenging journey of advancing candidates for canonization and increasing American odds for such honor is being established at St. Patricks Seminary & University in Menlo Park, California. San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone signed off on the groundbreaking initiative in an April 14th decree, which described a key goal as fostering a deeper understanding of the processes involved in recognizing the holiness of individuals and their potential for sainthood. The inaugural course, open to interested clergy, religious and laity, will be held Feb. 16-21, 2026, at the scenic Vallombrosa Retreat Center in Menlo Park. Participants will earn an official certificate at the completion of the intensive program, designed by Dr. Emanuele Spedicato and Dr. Waldery Hilgeman, two esteemed postulators and canon law experts from Rome with extensive experience in presenting cases for sainthood. This is something new in the Catholic Church in America, and I believe it will help open the door to more sainthood causes nationwide, said Michael McDevitt, who spent decades promoting the cause of Cora Evans, an American housewife and convert from Mormonism whose case has concluded its U.S. inspections, investigations and inquiries and is now in the hands of the Vatican. We know firsthand the challenges faced with starting a cause and faced with the daunting complexities of the process. This is a resource designed to guide participants through the rigorous sainthood application and navigate the diocesan canonical procedures efficiently and effectively, said McDevitt. Attendees can gain an understanding of the theological and historical context behind these procedures and practical skills in preparing for and navigating through such undertakings. In addition, they can hone their research and analytical capabilities, sharpen their insight into canon law and grow spiritually as they delve into the faith journeys of the would-be saints and blessed. The new venture furnishes a transformative opportunity for the sainthood causes in America, said McDevitt. More information can be found at SainthoodCenter.com, CoraEvans.com/press-kit PHILADELPHIA, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Berger Montague PC advises investors that a securities class action lawsuit has been filed against Organon & Co. (Organon or the Company) (NYSE: OGN) on behalf of purchasers of Organon securities between October 31, 2024 through April 30, 2025, inclusive (the Class Period). Investor Deadline: Investors who purchased or acquired Organon securities during the Class Period may, no later than JULY 22, 2025 , seek to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class. To learn your rights, CLICK HERE . Organon, headquartered in Jersey City, NJ, is a healthcare company focused on womens health. In October 2024, Organon acquired Dermavant, a biopharmaceutical company focused on dermatological conditions, for $1.2 billion. According to the lawsuit, despite the increase in debt from the Dermavant acquisition, the Company assured investors that it would maintain its dividend, which it described as its #1 capital allocation priority. The suit alleges that, notwithstanding such representations, Organon had shifted its capital allocation priority after the Dermavant acquisition to focus on reducing its debt. To learn your rights or for more information, CLICK HERE or please contact Berger Montague: Andrew Abramowitz at aabramowitz@bm.net or (215) 875-3015, or Peter Hamner at phamner@bm.net . A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of all class members in directing the litigation. The lead plaintiff is usually the investor or small group of investors who have the largest financial interest and who are also adequate and typical of the proposed class of investors. The lead plaintiff selects counsel to represent the lead plaintiff and the class and these attorneys, if approved by the court, are lead or class counsel. Your ability to share in any recovery is not, however, affected by the decision whether or not to serve as a lead plaintiff. Communicating with any counsel is not necessary to participate or share in any recovery achieved in this case. Any member of the purported class may move the Court to serve as a lead plaintiff through counsel of his/her choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an inactive class member. Berger Montague, with offices in Philadelphia, Minneapolis, Delaware, Washington, D.C., San Diego, San Francisco and Chicago, has been a pioneer in securities class action litigation since its founding in 1970. Berger Montague has represented individual and institutional investors for over five decades and serves as lead counsel in courts throughout the United States. Contact: Andrew Abramowitz, Senior Counsel Berger Montague (215) 875-3015 aabramowitz@bm.net LINDSAY, Ontario, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the Advanced Coronary Treatment (ACT) Foundation joined Hydro One Inc. (Hydro One) and partners at I.E. Weldon Secondary School in Lindsay to mark the milestone of more than 25,000 Haliburton Kawartha Lakes area students now trained through the ACT High School CPR and AED Program. This milestone reflects ACTs ongoing commitment to equip youth with the tools and confidence to act in a cardiac emergency. It also recognizes the more than 10 per cent of participants who received the new Opioid Overdose Response Training. As we celebrate this milestone in Lindsay, we thank our provincial partner, Hydro One for their continued commitment, said Sandra Clarke, Executive Director, ACT Foundation. With their support, along with ACTs national health partners Amgen Canada and AstraZeneca Canada, and community partners, ACT will continue to instill confidence and skills in students to respond to life-threatening medical emergencies, for generations to come. This achievement is not just a number its a testament to the power of education, community partnerships and youth leadership in emergency response." Safety comes first at Hydro One and we are proud to celebrate this incredible milestone with ACT. They continue to build connections between students and the critical lifesaving skills that will help care for their fellow community members, said Janet Holt, Director, Health and Safety Field Support, Hydro One. Thank you to the students and teachers that supported and participated in training, and congratulations to ACT for this accomplishment and the positive impact they make locally and across the province. To date, more than three million students across the province have been trained through ACTs High School CPR and AED program. Hydro Ones contribution supports ACTs goal to deliver their new Opioid Overdose Response Training to nearly 80 per cent of high schools in Ontario by the end of 2025. The Opioid Overdose Response Training provides teachers with resources to educate students on how to recognize and respond to a suspected opioid overdose, including the use of nasal Naloxone. ACT is a national charitable foundation dedicated to establishing CPR and AED training in Canadian high schools. ACT establishes High School CPR and AED Programs, where teachers are trained to teach students the following: how to recognize a life-threatening medical emergency; safety issues and emergency scene management; CPR and how to use an AED; and how to respond to a suspected opioid overdose, a new aspect of the program through additional funding support from Hydro One (announced in November 2022), as well as a contribution from Health Canada and ACTs health partners, Amgen Canada and AstraZeneca Canada. Hydro One supports ACT through its Community Investment program that focuses on building safe communities in Ontario. Established in 2000, the long-time partnership between ACT and Hydro One provides continued access to CPR, AED and now opioid-associated emergency training for teachers and students across Ontario. Other Partner and Community Quotes On behalf of the City, we are grateful to have these training sessions available to the youth of our community. It is imperative that we educate ourselves on how to respond to an emergency situation and I thank the program leaders for their dedication and commitment to this outstanding program. Congratulations on achieving the remarkable milestone of training more than 25,000 students and in turn making the region a safer place to live and work. Doug Elmslie, Mayor of Kawartha Lakes "Im pleased to recognize and celebrate this remarkable milestone with the over 3 million Ontario students trained through the ACT High School CPR and AED Program. Were also proud to mark the important addition of the new Opioid Overdose Response Training. These life-saving initiatives will make a real difference in communities across the province. In particular, the program has had a significant impact in Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock, where local teachers train more than 1,700 students each year. These students are gaining the skills and confidence needed to respond to life-threatening emergencies. Well done!" Laurie Scott, MPP for Haliburton Kawartha Lakes-Brock Congratulations to the ACT Foundation on this milestone, equipping more than 25,000 students across Haliburton Kawartha Lakes area with critical lifesaving skills. As a founding partner of the ACT Foundation, were committed to supporting individuals making a meaningful impact on the health of their communities through health education, training, and resources. Gaby Bourbara, President, AstraZeneca Canada Amgen is honoured to support the ACT Foundation as a National Health Partner. Together we will continue to advance excellence in science literacy, inspire the next generation, help educators to teach more effectively, and improve access to resources for teachers, students, and society at large. Ugur Gunaydin, Vice-President and General Manager, Amgen Canada Hydro One Limited (TSX: H) Hydro One Limited, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, is Ontario's largest electricity transmission and distribution provider with 1.5 million valued customers, $36.7 billion in assets as at December 31, 2024, and annual revenues in 2024 of $8.5 billion. Our team of 10,100 skilled and dedicated employees proudly build and maintain a safe and reliable electricity system which is essential to supporting strong and successful communities. In 2024, Hydro One invested $3.1 billion in its transmission and distribution networks, and supported the economy through buying $2.9 billion of goods and services. We are committed to the communities where we live and work through community investment, sustainability and diversity initiatives. Hydro One Limited's common shares are listed on the TSX and certain of Hydro One Inc.'s medium term notes are listed on the NYSE. Additional information can be accessed at www.hydroone.com, www.sedarplus.com or www.sec.gov. For More Information For more information about everything Hydro One, please visit www.hydroone.com where you can find additional information including links to securities filings, historical financial reports, and information about the Company's governance practices, corporate social responsibility, customer solutions, and further information about its business. About the ACT Foundation The Advanced Coronary Treatment (ACT) Foundation is the national charitable organization establishing free CPR and AED training in Canadian high schools. The program is built on ACTs award-winning, community-based model of partnerships and support, whereby ACT finds local partners who donate the mannequins and AED training units that schools need to deliver the program. High school teachers are trained to then teach lifesaving skills to their students as a regular part of the curriculum, reaching all youth prior to graduation. ACTs partners committed to bringing the program to Ontario are Hydro One Inc., Government of Ontario, our national health partners AstraZeneca Canada and Amgen Canada, and the many community partners. The ACT Foundation gratefully acknowledges the contribution of Health Canadas Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP) for ACTs Opioid Overdose Response Training program. Website: actfoundation.ca X: @actfoundation #ACT2Save Facebook: @theactfoundation Instagram: @theactfoundation YouTube: YouTube.com/theactfoundation For further information: Media can contact Hydro One Media Relations 24 hours a day at 1-877-506-7584 (toll-free in Ontario only) or 416-345-6868. Jennifer Russell Director of Operations ACT Foundation jrussell@actfoundation.ca Tel: (613) 286-5260 Toll: (800) 465-9111 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/61446258-6c14-49f2-9a26-b88bd491dbf4 NEW YORK, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Insurtech Insights USA 2025, concluded today at the Javits Center, wrapping up two impactful days of insightful conversations, cross-sector collaboration, and high-level dealmaking. With over 6,000 delegates and more than 400 industry leaders in attendance, this years edition firmly cemented the events position as the foremost gathering for insurance innovation in North America and the largest ever Insurtech Insights USA conference. A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available in this link. Reflecting on the success of the event, Kristoffer Lundberg, Founder & CEO of Insurtech Insights, said, As we close out two powerful days of dialogue, dealmaking, and discovery, one message echoes throughout the Javits Center: insurance is no longer just about risk, its about being resilient. From agentic AI to behavioral underwriting, from redefining customer trust to unlocking global M&A potential, this years event captured a sector rewriting its operating system. Thank you to our partners, speakers, and 6,000+ attendees for reaffirming that innovation in insurance isnt a buzzword, its our collective mission. Day Two Highlights: AI at the Forefront of Transformation The day was packed with several thought-provoking panels, keynotes, and moderated discussion sessions across the six stages. Some of the highlights on the main stage were sessions like Facing into AI: The Potential and Uncertainty, a compelling conversation between Lucy Pilko, CEO of AXA XL Americas , and Naveen Agarwal, Senior Advisor at BCG and CEO of NavDots . Together, they unpacked the double-edged nature of AI in insurance, stressing the need for thoughtful implementation as insurers and clients alike navigate the transformative and sometimes uncertain possibilities of AI. Later on the main stage, the session A Year Later for AI and GenAI in Insurance: The Reality and Growing Real Business Value showcased how far the industry has come in just 12 months. Moderated by Denise Garth, Chief Strategy Officer at Majesco , the panel included Robert Pick, EVP and Chief Information Officer, Tokio Marine North America Services , Manish Sha, President Chief Product Officer at Majesco , and Jim DeMarco, Insurance Advisor Lead, Microsoft . The speakers shared real-world results of AI implementation, with early benchmarking showing up to 1020x productivity improvements in underwriting and customer service. They also addressed how GenAI is simplifying complex workflows, accelerating onboarding, and helping insurers meet rising customer expectations, especially as nearly 50% of the workforce approaches retirement by 2030. In the afternoon, the session Operationalizing AI in Insurance: Key Considerations for Full-Scale Implementation drew a packed audience. Moderated by Karlyn Carnahan, Head of P&C Insurance, Celent , the panel featured Dan Moore, Senior Vice President of Claims Shared Services, CNA Insurance , Anurag Bairathi, Chief Claims Officer, Mapfre , and Yuval Man, CEO and Co-Founder, DigitalOwl . Speakers offered practical insights into scaling AI responsibly, underscoring the need for human-in-the-loop processes, AI governance, bias testing, and strong organizational guardrails to ensure safe and effective deployment across underwriting and claims operations. The final main stage session, Regulators & Risk Takers: Aligning Vision for the Future of Insurance, brought together Commissioners Jon Godfread , Glen Mulready , and Andrew Mais from North Dakota, Oklahoma, and Connecticut, respectively. Moderated by Susan Winkler, VP and Executive Director, Connecticut Insurance and Financial Services , the conversation centered on finding common ground between regulatory oversight and industry innovation. The panelists agreed that open dialogue and coordinated action between regulators and carriers are essential to shaping a future-ready insurance ecosystem in an era marked by climate volatility, AI disruption, and rapid digital transformation. The closing of Insurtech Insights USA 2025 marks a pivotal moment in the industrys journey from legacy operations toward data-powered, customer-centric, and resilient growth models. With AI no longer a concept on the horizon but a force embedded in todays operations, this years conference showcased not just where the industry is going but also the leaders who are already taking it there. Registrations for Insurtech Insights 2026 early bird are now open , and you can buy with ease: a 30-day full money-back guarantee. About Insurtech Insights USA Insurtech Insights USA is the leading global conference for the insurtech industry, bringing together experts, innovators, and thought leaders to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of insurance. With a focus on innovation, collaboration, and disruption, Insurtech Insights USA provides a platform for networking, learning, and driving meaningful change in the insurance sector. For media queries and other information, please contact: Girish Jaggi Senior Account Manager The MicDrop Agency girish@themicdropagency.com +1 (289) 623 3627 KELLOGG, Idaho and VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bunker Hill Mining Corp. (Bunker Hill or the Company) (TSX-V: BNKR |OTCQB: BHLL) is pleased to announce that it has closed its previously announced brokered private placement (the Brokered Private Placement) for aggregate cash consideration of approximately US$6.2 million and debt settlement of approximately US$4.4 million (40,726,231 units). The Brokered Private Placement included participation by Sprott Streaming and Royalty Corp. (together with its affiliates, Sprott Streaming). The Company has also closed its concurrent non-brokered private placement (the Teck Private Placement and, together with the Brokered Private Placement, the Equity Offerings) with Teck Resources Limited (together with its affiliates, Teck) for approximately US$20.5 million. As part of the Equity Offerings, the Company issued an aggregate of 252,215,751 units of the Company (Units) at a price of C$0.15 (or the U.S. Dollar equivalent thereof) per Unit (the Offering Price), of which (i) Teck acquired 195,294,655 Units (the Teck Units), and (ii) 56,921,096 Units were sold by a syndicate of agents led by BMO Capital Markets, CIBC Capital Markets and Red Cloud Securities Inc., as joint bookrunners, and including National Bank Financial Inc. (collectively, the Agents), of which Sprott Streaming acquired 10,000,000 Units (the Sprott Subscription). The Company is also pleased to announce that it has concurrently closed the previously announced capital restructuring transactions, including the conversion into equity of certain outstanding debt, and the modification of certain existing royalty and stream financing arrangements with Sprott Streaming, as further described herein. The Company also announces that Paul Smith has resigned as a director of the Company. We are pleased to announce the closing of this transformational transaction, which not only strengthens our balance sheet but signals a new phase in our longstanding partnerships with both Teck and Sprott Streaming. Although the transaction took many weeks to finalize, we know the results will benefit all stakeholders and continue the work our team is doing in Kellogg, Idaho, to bring this great asset into production, said Richard Williams, Executive Chairman. Sam Ash, President and CEO, added: The Bunker Hill Mine project construction is now 67% complete, with all procurement executed, and ore currently being stockpiled underground. This important transaction paves the way for our exceptional crews and loyal contractors, many of whom have become shareholders as part of this financing transaction, to progress towards the safe and sustainable restart of Bunker Hill operations in H1 2026. Details of the Equity Offering The Equity Offerings, including both the brokered and non-brokered components, were conducted on a private placement basis pursuant to applicable exemptions from the requirements of securities laws under National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions and under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the U.S. Securities Act), and in such other jurisdictions outside of Canada and the United States pursuant to applicable exemptions from the prospectus, registration or other similar requirements in such other jurisdictions. Each Unit issued under the Equity Offerings consisted of one share of common stock (a Common Share) and one-half of one Common Share purchase warrant (a Warrant). Each whole Warrant will be exercisable to acquire one additional Common Share (a Warrant Share) at a price of C$0.25 per Warrant Share for a period of three (3) years following the date of issuance, subject to customary adjustments. All securities issued pursuant to the Equity Offerings (i) are subject to a four month plus one day hold period in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws and, if applicable, the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the TSX-V) and (ii) have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act or any U.S. state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States without registration under the U.S. Securities Act and all applicable state securities laws or compliance with requirements of an applicable exemption therefrom. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Equity Offerings to support the construction, start-up and ramp-up of the Bunker Hill Zinc-Silver-Lead Mine in the Silver Valley, Idaho (the Project). Immediately prior to the date hereof, Teck beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, or exercised control or direction over, 23,784,723 Common Shares and warrants to purchase an additional 2,951,389 Common Shares, representing approximately 6.6% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares on a non-diluted basis and approximately 7.4% on a partially diluted basis. Upon closing of the Teck Private Placement, Teck now beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, or exercises control or direction over 219,079,378 Common Shares and warrants to purchase an additional 100,598,716 Common Shares, representing approximately 23.9% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares on a non-diluted basis and, assuming the exercise of all warrants now held by Teck, approximately 31.4% on a partially diluted basis, and is considered a Control Person of the Company (as such term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V). The Company obtained written consents of disinterested stockholders of the Company holding a majority of the voting shares of the Company (collectively, the Stockholder Consent) for, among other things, the Teck Private Placement, including the creation of Teck as a Control Person of the Company, in satisfaction of the applicable shareholder approval requirements of the TSX-V. Tecks purchase of the Teck Units under the Teck Private Placement is being made for investment purposes. Teck may determine to increase or decrease its investment in the Company depending on market conditions and any other relevant factors. This release is required to be issued under the early warning requirements of applicable securities laws. Tecks head office is located at Suite 3300 550 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 0B3. In satisfaction of the requirements of the National Instrument 62-104 - Take-Over Bids And Issuer Bids and National Instrument 62-103 - The Early Warning System and Related Take-Over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues, early warning reports respecting the acquisition of Common Shares and warrants to purchase additional Common Shares by Teck or its affiliates will be filed under the Companys SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. A copy of Tecks early warning report to be filed in connection with the Teck Private Placement may also be obtained by contacting Dale Steeves at 236-987-7405. The Company has also entered into an investor rights agreement (the Teck Investor Rights Agreement) with Teck dated June 5, 2025, pursuant to which Teck has the right to maintain its percentage interest in future financings, subject to certain customary exceptions, and will have such other rights as described in the March 6, 2025 news release of the Company and as set forth in the Teck Investor Rights Agreement. A copy of the Teck Investor Rights Agreement will be filed by the Company as a material agreement and will be made available on the Companys SEDAR+ profile. In connection with the Brokered Private Placement, the Agents received cash commissions of C$461,061. Details of the Capital Restructuring Transactions The Company also completed the previously announced restructuring transactions, as further described below. Standby Facility : The Company concurrently closed the previously announced uncommitted revolving standby prepayment facility of up to US$10 million (the SP Facility ) to be provided to the Company by Teck, as further described in the Companys news release dated May 16, 2025. No bonus securities of the Company were issued to Teck in connection with the SP Facility, nor is the SP Facility convertible into securities of the Company. : The Company concurrently closed the previously announced uncommitted revolving standby prepayment facility of up to US$10 million (the ) to be provided to the Company by Teck, as further described in the Companys news release dated May 16, 2025. No bonus securities of the Company were issued to Teck in connection with the SP Facility, nor is the SP Facility convertible into securities of the Company. Offtake Amendments: The Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Silver Valley Metals Corp (Silver Valley), has entered into the previously announced amending agreements with respect to existing zinc and lead offtake agreements between Teck and Silver Valley. As a result of these amendments, among other amendments, the offtakes will now apply to life-of-mine production rather than the original 5-year term. Amendment of Existing Convertible Debentures: The Company completed the previously announced amendment and restatement of the previously issued series 1 and series 2 secured convertible debentures, as further described in the Companys news release dated March 25, 2025. Amendment of Existing Royalty: In addition to the amendment of the Second Royalty (as defined and further described below), the Company amended certain existing royalty interests (collectively, the First Royalty) previously granted to Sprott Streaming, as further described in the Companys news release dated March 6, 2025. As a result of such amendment, the First Royalty has been consolidated into one 1.85% life-of-mine gross revenue royalty applying to both primary and secondary claims comprising the Project. Amendments to the Debt Facility: Sprott Streaming and the Company amended and restated the senior secured loan agreement in the aggregate principal amount of US$21 million (the Debt Facility) to (i) reduce the outstanding principal amount under the Debt Facility from US$21 million to US$15 million, (ii) increase the secondary claims percentage under the additional royalty (the Second Royalty), which amendment shall also be reflected in an amending agreement to the Second Royalty, and (iii) cancel the royalty buyback option granted to the Company thereunder, which amendment will also be reflected in the amending agreement to the Second Royalty. In addition, the Debt Facility (as defined below) was amended to include an option, at the election of the Company, to settle any accrued and unpaid interest through the issuance of Common Shares, subject to the prior approval of the TSX-V. Sprott Stream Conversion: The existing metals purchase agreement (the Metals Purchase Agreement) dated June 23, 2023 between the Company, Silver Valley and Sprott Streaming, pursuant to which Sprott Streaming previously advanced a US$46 million deposit to Silver Valley was terminated and exchanged for: (i) 200,000,000 Common Shares; (ii) senior secured Series 3 convertible debentures in the aggregate principal amount of US$4 million and with a maturity date of June 5, 2030; and (iii) an additional 1.65% life-of-mine gross revenue royalty (the New Royalty) on primary and secondary claims comprising the Project, as further described in the Companys news release dated May 16, 2025. Sprott Streaming Debt Settlements: Concurrently with the Equity Offerings, the Company entered into the previously announced debt settlement agreements with Sprott Streaming, pursuant to which an aggregate of 63,690,476 Common Shares were issued to Sprott at the Offering Price in full satisfaction of (i) US$487,500 of unpaid interest under the secured convertible debentures held by Sprott Streaming, and (ii) US$6,200,000, consisting of the principal amount of US$6 million previously advanced to the Company under the Debt Facility, together with an aggregate of US$200,000 of interest accrued thereon, each as further described in the Companys news release dated May 16, 2025. Additional Debt Settlements: The Company and Silver Valley also entered into agreements to settle certain other amounts owing through the issuance of equity securities, as further described in the Companys news release dated May 16, 2025. Concurrently with the Equity Offerings, the Company issued (i) 761,904 Units to MineWater LLC (together with its affiliates, MineWater) in settlement of an outstanding cooperation fee in the aggregate amount of US$80,000, (ii) an aggregate of 257,379 Common Shares to certain directors of the Company (the Participating Directors) in settlement of a total of C$195,000 owing for services rendered by the Participating Directors between March 1 - April 30, 2025 (collectively, the Director Services); and (iii) 30,302,181 Units to certain other arms length creditors or contractors of the Company to settle certain other outstanding receivables and other amounts owing in the aggregate amount of approximately US$3,072,254. Each Unit issued pursuant to the Debt Settlements consisted of one Common Share and one-half of Warrant, with each whole Warrant exercisable for one additional Warrant Share at an exercise price of C$0.25 per Warrant Share for a period of three (3) years following the date of issuance. The Participating Directors, each being a Non-Arms Length Party (as such term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V), received Common Shares in lieu of Units. The Company satisfied the shareholder approval requirements of the TSX-V applicable to the issuance of the Common Shares to the Participating Directors, as Non-Arms Length Parties, by way of the Stockholder Consent. Amendments to the Monetary Metals Silver Loan: The Company and Silver Valley completed the previously announced amendment of the existing secured promissory note purchase agreement dated August 8, 2024 (as previously amended) and secured promissory note with Monetary Metals Bond III LLC (together with its affiliates, Monetary Metals), as further described in the Companys news release dated May 16, 2025. Amendments to Existing Security and Intercreditor Arrangements: The Company amended its existing security and intercreditor arrangements with Sprott Streaming, Monetary Metals and MineWater (the Original Intercreditor Parties) to, among other things, reflect the termination of the Metals Purchase Agreement and other certain other transactions described herein, and to account for Teck under such arrangements. Concurrently with the Equity Financings, the Company entered into an amended and restated intercreditor agreement with the Original Intercreditor Parties and Teck, which among things, deferred certain royalty payments and imposed restrictions on early prepayment of principal amounts under outstanding debt obligations of the Company for so long as amounts are outstanding under the SP Facility, and allowed certain portions of Tecks security interest under the SP Facility to be granted on a first priority basis, as further described in the Companys news release dated May 16, 2025. Equity Payment: The Company, together with Silver Valley, entered into the previously announced equity payment agreement (Equity Payment Agreement) with C & E Tree Farm, L.L.C. (C&E), pursuant to which the Company issued 4,761,905 Units to C&E at a deemed price equal to the Offering Price to satisfy US$500,000 of the purchase price payable under an existing option agreement between Silver Valley and C&E, dated March 3, 2023. Each Unit issued pursuant to the Equity Payment Agreement consists of one Common Share and one-half of one Warrant, with each whole Warrant exercisable for one additional Warrant Share at an exercise price of C$0.25 per Warrant Share for a period of three (3) years following the date of issuance, being June 5, 2028. All securities issued pursuant to the restructuring transactions described above (i) are subject to a four months plus one day hold period in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws and, if applicable, the policies of the TSX-V and (ii) have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act or any U.S. state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States without registration under the U.S. Securities Act and all applicable state securities laws or compliance with requirements of an applicable exemption therefrom. In connection with the transactions described herein (including the Sprott Subscription), Sprott Streaming was issued an aggregate of 259,802,380 Common Shares, 5,000,000 Warrants and convertible debentures of which the principal amount is convertible into up to 38,320,000 Common Shares. As a result, Sprott Streaming now owns or exercises control over approximately 29.6% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares (or, assuming the exercise of all warrants and the conversion of the full principal amount of the convertible debentures now held by Sprott, approximately 39.1% on a partially diluted basis) and is considered a Control Person of the Company. The Company obtained the Stockholder Consent for, among other things, the restructuring transactions with Sprott Streaming and the Sprott Subscription, including the creation of Sprott Streaming as a Control Person of the Company, in satisfaction of the applicable shareholder approval requirements of the TSX-V. The Company has also entered into an investor rights agreement (the Sprott Investor Rights Agreement) with Sprott Streaming dated June 5, 2025, pursuant to which, among other things, Sprott Streaming has the right to appoint one nominee (or an observer) to the board of directors of Bunker Hill, subject to certain customary exceptions. A copy of the Sprott Investor Rights Agreement will be filed by the Company as a material agreement and will be made available on the Companys SEDAR+ profile. Given that Sprott is a Non-Arms Length Party (as such term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V), the amendment and restatement of the Debt Facility and the granting of the Second Royalty each constituted a Reviewable Disposition under TSX-V Policy 5.3 Acquisitions and Dispositions of Non-Cash Assets and were therefore subject to the TSX-V requirement to provide evidence of value. The Company satisfied this requirement by way of the Stockholder Consent. Related Party Transactions Each of the transactions described above with (i) Sprott Streaming, including the issuance of Common Shares in connection therewith, as well as the issuance of Units to Sprott Streaming pursuant to the Sprott Subscription, and (ii) directors and officers of the Company, including the issuance of Common Shares to the Participating Directors in connection therewith, as well as the issuance of Units to directors and officers of the Company under the Brokered Private Placement, constituted a related party transaction within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (MI 61-101). The Company relied on the exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements provided under Sections 5.5(g) and 5.7(e) under MI 61-101 related to the financial hardship of the Company. Amendment to Articles of Incorporation The Company also received the approval of a majority of its stockholders, by way of the Stockholder Consent, to proceed with the previously announced amendment and restatement of its articles of incorporation to, among other things, increase the total number of shares of capital stock that the Company is authorized to issue from 1,510,000,000 shares to 2,510,000,000 shares. ABOUT BUNKER HILL MINING CORP. Bunker Hill is an American mineral exploration and development company focused on revitalizing our historic mining asset: the renowned zinc, lead, and silver deposit in northern Idahos prolific Coeur dAlene mining district. This strategic initiative aims to breathe new life into a once-productive mine, leveraging modern exploration techniques and sustainable development practices to unlock the potential of this mineral-rich region. Bunker Hill Mining Corp. aims to maximize shareholder value while responsibly harnessing the mineral wealth in the Silver Valley mining district by concentrating our efforts on this single, high-potential asset. Information about the Company is available on its website, www.bunkerhillmining.com, or within the SEDAR+ and EDGAR databases. On behalf of Bunker Hill Mining Corp. Sam Ash President and Chief Executive Officer For additional information, please contact: Brenda Dayton Vice President, Investor Relations T: 604.417.7952 E: brenda.dayton@bunkerhillmining.com Cautionary Statements Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Certain statements in this news release are forward-looking and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements are within the meaning of that term in Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as well as within the meaning of the phrase forward-looking information in the Canadian Securities Administrators National Instrument 51-102 Continuous Disclosure Obligations (collectively, forward-looking statements). Forward-looking statements are not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe the Companys future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as believes, anticipates, expects, estimates, may, could, would, will, plan or variations of such words and phrases. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the Companys objectives, goals or future plans, including with respect to the restart and development of the Project in a manner that maximizes shareholder value; the achievement of future short-term, medium-term and long-term operational strategies; Bunker Hills ability to secure sufficient project financing to complete the construction and development of the Project and move it to commercial production on an acceptable timeline, on acceptable terms, or at all; and the proposed amendment of the articles of incorporation of the Company. Forward-looking statements reflect material expectations and assumptions, including, without limitation, expectations and assumptions relating to: Bunker Hills ability to receive sufficient project financing for the restart and development of the Bunker Hill Mine on an acceptable timeline, on acceptable terms, or at all; our ability to service our existing debt and meet the payment obligations thereunder, including following the debt restructuring transactions described herein; further drilling and geotechnical work supporting the planned restart and operations at the Project; the future price of metals; and the stability of the financial and capital markets. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those risks and uncertainties identified in public filings made by Bunker Hill with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) and with applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities, and the following: Bunker Hills ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the transactions described herein, including with respect to the debt restructuring; Bunker Hills ability to use the net proceeds of the Equity Offerings in a manner that will increase the value of stockholders investments; Bunker Hills ability to operate as a going concern and its history of losses; Bunker Hills inability to raise additional capital for project activities, including through equity financings, concentrate offtake financings or otherwise; the fluctuating price of commodities; capital market conditions; restrictions on labor and its effects on international travel and supply chains; failure to identify mineral resources; further geotechnical work not supporting the continued development of the Project or the results described herein; failure to convert estimated mineral resources to reserves; the preliminary nature of metallurgical test results; the Companys ability to raise sufficient project financing, on acceptable terms or at all, to restart and develop the Project and the risks of not basing a production decision on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability, resulting in increased uncertainty due to multiple technical and economic risks of failure which are associated with this production decision including, among others, areas that are analyzed in more detail in a feasibility study, such as applying economic analysis to resources and reserves, more detailed metallurgy and a number of specialized studies in areas such as mining and recovery methods, market analysis, and environmental and community impacts and, as a result, there may be an increased uncertainty of achieving any particular level of recovery of minerals or the cost of such recovery, including increased risks associated with developing a commercially mineable deposit, with no guarantee that production will begin as anticipated or at all or that anticipated production costs will be achieved; the Company requiring additional capital expenditures than anticipated, resulting in delays in the expected restart timeline; failure to commence production would have a material adverse impact on the Companys ability to generate revenue and cash flow to fund operations; failure to achieve the anticipated production costs would have a material adverse impact on the Companys cash flow and future profitability; delays in obtaining or failures to obtain required governmental, environmental or other project approvals; political risks; changes in equity markets; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future; the inability of the Company to budget and manage its liquidity in light of the failure to obtain additional financing, including the ability of the Company to complete the payments pursuant to the terms of the agreement to acquire the Project complex; inflation; changes in exchange rates; fluctuations in commodity prices; delays in the development of projects; and capital, operating and reclamation costs varying significantly from estimates and the other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking statements in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such statements or information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all, including as to whether or when the Company will achieve its project finance initiatives, or as to the actual size or terms of those financing initiatives, or whether and when the Company will achieve its operational and construction targets. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing risks and uncertainties are not exhaustive. Additional information on these and other risk factors that could affect the Companys operations or financial results are included in the Companys annual report and may be accessed through the SEDAR+ website (www.sedarplus.ca) or through EDGAR on the SEC website (www.sec.gov). Belmont, CA, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Notre Dame de Namur University (NDNU) is delighted to honor alumna Kris Crowe Zavoli (68, 73) with this years Indefatigable Award. The annual award, named for the vessel that carried six Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur from Belgium to the United States in 1844, is given to an individual whose body of work exemplifies the Sisters unflagging, inexhaustible determination to make the world a better place. This years award will be presented to Kris Zavoli at a private event on the Notre Dame de Namur University Belmont campus. We are delighted to present this award to Krisshe is truly a force for change, said NDNU President Beth Martin, Ph.D. In the spirit of the Sisters of Notre Dame, Kris embodies leadership, courage, and an unwavering passion for educationqualities that both inspire others and drive meaningful action. As a former Director of Admissions, she connected hundreds of students to NDNU, and through her work with the College Board and beyond, she has been a steadfast champion for equity and access in education. We are so appreciative of Kris past service on the NDNU Board of Trustees, her current participation on the Alumni Advisory Council, and as a Trustee Emerita, Martin continued. Zavolis deep connection to NDNU goes back to the mid-sixties during her undergraduate days at the then all-womens school known as College of Notre Dame (CND). Said Zavoli, who served as CND student body president in 67 and 68, Being president at that time of great cultural and geo-political change was pivotal. I developed leadership skills and got to know a lot of student leaders from different universities, many of whom had diverse and divergent views about what was happening in the world. These early experiences helped shape my priorities of promoting diversity and accessibility. During her 15 years of full-time admissions work at NDNU, she was able to earn two teaching credentials and a masters degree in teaching English at night tuition-free. Zavolis also worked in a variety of leadership positions at the College Board for 28 years. Her experiences provided a platform to educate teachers, district administrators, and legislators to the staggering differences in academic preparation. During her tenure with the College Board, Kris fought strongly to implement advanced placement courses into low-income schools. Kris currently volunteers teaching English as a Second Language to adult learners participating in Sequoia District Adult Education, while giving time to other educational associations committed to access to higher education. I would like to think I inspired change, said Zavoli. That is why I do what I do. Notre Dame de Namur University (NDNU) is a Catholic, not-for-profit, coeducational institution serving adult learners from diverse backgrounds. Established in 1851 by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, NDNU is the third-oldest college in California and the first authorized to grant women a baccalaureate degree. The university is WSCUC accredited and offers masters degree programs in business, education, and psychology, as well as teacher credentials and degree completion programs. NDNU maintains a strong commitment to academic excellence, social justice, and community engagement. For more information, visit www.ndnu.edu. SAVANNAH, Ga., June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Naturals2Go, the nations longest-serving, most-awarded vending business opportunity provider, alongside its R&D and technology engine, VendTech, made a significant impact at The NAMA Show 2025 in Las Vegas. Together, they introduced a unified, operator-centric ecosystem designed to redefine the landscape of unattended retail. A Unified Vision for Unattended Retail Presented at The NAMA Show 2025 At the heart of this initiative, Naturals2Go and VendTech shared 800 square feet of exhibit space to showcase a comprehensive suite of solutions that caters to both new and seasoned operators. The team demonstrated: People Come First: From President Heath Falzarano, When you invest in people, success follows. And the success Falzarano speaks of is not just for the organization but for operators who participate in the industry, and partners the company works with. The global company is committed to keeping it local with community impacts through their business models and genuine care for local customers, local vending operators and the industry. As much as innovation and equipment drive the industry, the companies are committed to providing people-powered solutions first. From President Heath Falzarano, When you invest in people, success follows. And the success Falzarano speaks of is not just for the organization but for operators who participate in the industry, and partners the company works with. The global company is committed to keeping it local with community impacts through their business models and genuine care for local customers, local vending operators and the industry. As much as innovation and equipment drive the industry, the companies are committed to providing people-powered solutions first. Education & Training is Priority: Through education sessions and from the NAMA Central stage, experts from the organization were given opportunity to take the stage and discussed the values of a vending eco-systems, evolution of AI in self-serve retail, and the importance of a team for vending business growth. Through education sessions and from the NAMA Central stage, experts from the organization were given opportunity to take the stage and discussed the values of a vending eco-systems, evolution of AI in self-serve retail, and the importance of a team for vending business growth. Best-in-Class Vending Machines: The next generation of the companys popular MVP line of equipment showcased the highest-capacity combination vending on the market with dual refrigeration, smart technology, and hundreds of product configurations. Integrated touchscreen displays and payment systems offer ease of use by customers and keep ahead of consumer trends and needs. AI Coolers were also showcased with business intelligence of where and when they make sense. The next generation of the companys popular MVP line of equipment showcased the highest-capacity combination vending on the market with dual refrigeration, smart technology, and hundreds of product configurations. Integrated touchscreen displays and payment systems offer ease of use by customers and keep ahead of consumer trends and needs. AI Coolers were also showcased with business intelligence of where and when they make sense. Remote Monitoring Capabilities, Payment and Technology Solutions: Vending Management System (VMS) flexibility that offers open solutions or complete digital campuses, like Endevor Pay with VendingOps, featuring advanced inventory management, troubleshooting, and real-time service from any location. Vending Management System (VMS) flexibility that offers open solutions or complete digital campuses, like Endevor Pay with VendingOps, featuring advanced inventory management, troubleshooting, and real-time service from any location. Micro Market Solutions: Enhancing the breakroom experience with local service, local fresh food, and the very best in fixtures, coolers and integrated payment and kiosk systems from one source is essential to provide the perfect fit, both in space and in customer solutions is an advanced skill built on decades of experience. Enhancing the breakroom experience with local service, local fresh food, and the very best in fixtures, coolers and integrated payment and kiosk systems from one source is essential to provide the perfect fit, both in space and in customer solutions is an advanced skill built on decades of experience. Proven Vending Business Program as Entry Point to Industry for New Entrepreneurs: The appeal of unattended retail as a business or as an investment for small business owners to serial entrepreneurs is high. As the market demand for self-serve retail grows, savvy entrepreneurs see the potential. For those ready to embrace the industry, starting with Naturals2Go proven vending business opportunity was noted by existing and new operators in attendance. This integrated approach positions Naturals2Go and VendTech as the industry's most complete "one-stop shop" for unattended retail solutions. Empowering Operators Through Innovation and Support Naturals2Go has a longstanding history of supporting entrepreneurs in the vending industry. With over 2,500 small business owners and more than 20,000 machines placed across the United States, the company has launched approximately 14% of vending business owners in the country. This extensive network underscores the company's commitment to operator success. VendTech, previously the behind-the-scenes technology and engineering powerhouse, has now stepped into the spotlight. By offering breakroom solutions with micro markets and pantries, AI-enhanced equipment, vending management systems, and a range of other best-in-class and tech-forward solutions, VendTech ensures operators have access to the tools needed for growth and efficiency. Strategic Partnerships Driving Industry Advancement The collaboration between Naturals2Go and VendTech, and the relationship with other industry partners, exemplifies the power of strategic partnerships in driving industry innovation. By aligning their expertise, the two companies provide a cohesive experience for operators, combining cutting-edge technology with real-world operational support. This synergy ensures that operators are well-equipped to meet the evolving demands of the unattended retail market. Advocating for Vending Operators at NERSA Spring Meeting & 2025 NAMA Government Fly-In The commitment to operator success extends beyond technology, equipment, and business training offerings. Naturals2Go is set to participate as attendees and sponsors at two upcoming industry advocacy events. Naturals2Go will join other industry leaders to advocate for policies that support the growth and sustainability of the unattended retail sector. This involvement underscores their dedication to shaping a favorable business environment for all operators. New England Refreshment Services Association (NERSA) Spring Getaway, June 5-6, 2025 through the National Automatic Merchandisers Association (NAMA), NERSA represents its operators to various legislative bodies to protect and advance the convenience services industry. NERSA members support one another through education, philanthropy and networking opportunities in New England. Naturals2Go is a sponsor of this event and will be in attendance with operators from its vending business training program. National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) Government & Advocacy Fly-In, June 11-12, 2025, Washington, D.C. The 2025 NAMA Fly-In & Advocacy Summit is a rare opportunity for NAMA members to engage with lawmakers in Washington, D.C. This event, focusing on congressional visits, allows members to discuss and advocate for NAMA's priorities in research, food policy, and food aid. The summit also provides access to policy insights and unique experiences in the nation's capital, driving political change and supporting convenience services. Vending: The Proven Gateway to Unattended Retail When Done Right The 2023 NAMA State of the Industry Report indicates that vending revenues have climbed year over year, reflecting continued consumer demand and operator momentum. However, success in vending requires more than just machines. It demands: Modern and Intuitive Machines : Incorporating touchscreens, cashless payments, high-capacity and flexible options, and reliable cooling systems for both traditional and healthier snack options to be safely stocked. : Incorporating touchscreens, cashless payments, high-capacity and flexible options, and reliable cooling systems for both traditional and healthier snack options to be safely stocked. Tech-First Systems : Utilizing remote monitoring, automated reports, and business-focused Vending Management Systems help streamline a vending operation. : Utilizing remote monitoring, automated reports, and business-focused Vending Management Systems help streamline a vending operation. Local Service and Support: Ensuring high reliability, efficient replenishment, and responsive customer service to manage equipment, consumer requests, and being an important contribution to the community through good snacking. Naturals2Go and VendTech embody these principles, providing operators with the comprehensive support needed to thrive in the unattended retail space. A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/04f83bde-b4c9-42dd-8549-834761da13ee TORONTO, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Altus Group Limited (Altus or the Company) (TSX: AIF), a leading provider of commercial real estate (CRE) intelligence, is pleased to share that its newly released Benchmark Manager add-on on ARGUS Intelligence has been awarded the 2025 Realcomm Digie Award for Best Tech Innovation in CRE. Presented at the Realcomm | IBcon 2025 conference in Savannah, GA, the award celebrates groundbreaking technology that is advancing the CRE industry. Benchmark Manager is the Companys latest add-on capability on ARGUS Intelligence Altus new flagship platform for modeling, monitoring and managing CRE asset and portfolio performance. With the ARGUS Intelligence Benchmark Manager add-on, investors now have access to a performance management solution that integrates cashflow modeling, scenario analysis, and market benchmarks. This augments performance attribution analysis to a new level. It helps investors evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of their assets and portfolios. The increased intelligence drives higher quality and more timely decisions. Were honoured to receive this recognition from Realcomm, said Jorge Blanco, Altus Chief Strategy Officer, who attended the conference as a featured panelist. ARGUS Intelligences Benchmark Manager represents a major leap forward in how performance data is used in CRE and directly responds to client feedback. Market comparisons are only as good as the veracity and currency of its underlying data. Those are the two pillars of this new capability. It is driven by one of the most comprehensive datasets in the industry. The award recognizes our ongoing commitment to persistent innovation. Now in its 26th year, the Realcomm Digie Awards recognize visionary companies, projects, and leaders that are transforming the real estate landscape through the application of technology, automation, and innovation. For more information about Benchmark Manager and ARGUS Intelligence, visit altusgroup.com. About Altus Group Altus connects data, analytics, applications and expertise to deliver the intelligence necessary to drive optimal CRE performance. The industrys top leaders rely on our market-leading solutions and expertise to power performance and mitigate risk. Our global team of ~2,000 experts are making a lasting impact on an industry undergoing unprecedented change helping shape the cities where we live, work, and build thriving communities. For more information about Altus (TSX: AIF) please visit www.altusgroup.com. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: ROAD TOWN, British Virgin Islands, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aura Minerals Inc. (TSX: ORA, B3: AURA33 and OTCQX: ORAAF) (Aura or the Company) is pleased to release its 5th Annual Sustainability Report showcasing the Companys progress in promoting safety, responsibility, sustainability, and innovation. This years report highlights the Companys strategic efforts across eight core environmental, social and governance (ESG) pillars. Prepared accordance with Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards, the report ensures clear and transparent disclosure of Auras financial, environmental, and social performance. The full report can be found Sustainability - Aura Minerals on Auras website. 2024 Sustainability Report Highlights Driving Digital Transformation: Strengthened data and cybersecurity infrastructure to enable a connected AI-driven future. Almas and Borborema, are now fully integrated with Aura Analytics, a corporate business intelligence platform with 40K+ monthly accesses and 4M+ records. Strengthened data and cybersecurity infrastructure to enable a connected AI-driven future. Almas and Borborema, are now fully integrated with Aura Analytics, a corporate business intelligence platform with 40K+ monthly accesses and 4M+ records. Empowering Neighboring Communities: Invested R$6.1 million in targeted economic and social development initiatives to create lasting regional impact. Projects include water supply improvements at Minosa and free medical care at Aranzazu. Invested R$6.1 million in targeted economic and social development initiatives to create lasting regional impact. Projects include water supply improvements at Minosa and free medical care at Aranzazu. GHG Protocol : Aura reassessed the emissions inventories of our units between 2020 and 2024, based on the guidelines of the GHG Protocol, with the aim of enhancing our management strategy on this topic. : Aura reassessed the emissions inventories of our units between 2020 and 2024, based on the guidelines of the GHG Protocol, with the aim of enhancing our management strategy on this topic. Achieved a strong safety milestone with Zero Lost Time Incidents in Borborema construction and only one lost time incident across all operations, highlighting a culture of safety excellence. and only one lost time incident across all operations, highlighting a culture of safety excellence. Strengthening ESG Leadership: Successfully completed compliance with the Responsible Gold Mining Principles and the Conflict Free Gold Standards, established by the World Gold Council, and Empresa Socialmente Responsable seal in Honduras and Mexico for the second year running, reaffirming commitment to responsible mining and global sustainability standards. Successfully completed compliance with the Responsible Gold Mining Principles and the Conflict Free Gold Standards, established by the World Gold Council, and Empresa Socialmente Responsable seal in Honduras and Mexico for the second year running, reaffirming commitment to responsible mining and global sustainability standards. Boosted Local Economies Through Procurement: Stimulated regional economic growth by sourcing an average of 40% of purchases from local suppliers, creating shared value and strengthening supply chains. Stimulated regional economic growth by sourcing an average of 40% of purchases from local suppliers, creating shared value and strengthening supply chains. Recognized for Diversity: Honored for the second consecutive year by Conexao Salto Alto for advancing gender equity and supporting female talent at our Apoena unit. Honored for the second consecutive year by Conexao Salto Alto for advancing gender equity and supporting female talent at our Apoena unit. GPTW: Aura conducted our first organizational climate survey across all our units, using the Great Place to Work (GPTW) methodology. With a 78% favourability score, we earned the GPTW certification for all the units where we operate. Rodrigo Barbosa, President & CEO commented, "It is with great honor that we reflect on the execution of the vision we set out in 2018, from implementing our Aura 360 culture to now seeing its results across sustainability, operational excellence, and financial growth. In 2024, Aura solidified its trajectory of sustainable growth, increasing production from 236,000 to 267,000 gold equivalent ounces, driven by operational excellence at Almas and Minosa, and strategic expansions like Borborema and the acquisition of Bluestone Resources. Committed to ESG principles, we achieved a 90% adherence to the World Gold Councils Responsible Mining Principles, implemented innovative environmental practices such as grey water treatment at Borborema, and maintained an exemplary safety record with only one lost-time accident in 24 months. Our Aura 360 culture, recognized by Great Place to Work certifications across all operations, fosters diversity, continuous training, and community development, ensuring a positive legacy through responsible mining About Aura 360 Mining Aura is focused on mining in complete terms thinking holistically about how its business impacts and benefits every one of our stakeholders: our company, our shareholders, our employees, and the countries and communities we serve. We call this 360 Mining. Aura is a company focused on the development and operation of gold and base metal projects in the Americas. The company's five operating assets include the Minosa gold mine in Honduras; the Almas, Apoena, and Borborema gold mines in Brazil; and the Aranzazu copper, gold, and silver mine in Mexico. Additionally, the company owns Era Dorada, a gold project in Guatemala; Tolda Fria, a gold project in Colombia; and three projects in Brazil: Matupa, which is under development; Sao Francisco, which is in care and maintenance; and the Carajas copper project in the Carajas region, in the exploration phase. Forward-Looking Information This press release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements, as defined in applicable securities laws (collectively, forward-looking statements) which may include, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words and phrases such as plans, expects, is expected, budget, scheduled, estimates, forecasts, intends, anticipates, or believes or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved. - 6 - Known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the Companys ability to predict or control, could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Specific reference is made to the most recent Annual Information Form on file with certain Canadian provincial securities regulatory authorities for a discussion of some of the factors underlying forward-looking statements, which include, without limitation, volatility in the prices of gold, copper and certain other commodities, changes in debt and equity markets, the uncertainties involved in interpreting geological data, increases in costs, environmental compliance and changes in environmental legislation and regulation, interest rate and exchange rate fluctuations, general economic conditions and other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect the forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements herein are qualified by this cautionary statement. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information or future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. If the Company does update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that it will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements. Sheridan, Wyoming, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ByteBrain LLC, an emerging AI research and consulting firm , has announced the launch of MEDRAIL, an intelligent platform designed to help pharmaceutical companies run faster, safer, and more adaptive clinical trials. ByteBrain MEDRAIL, short for MEDical Reinforcement-based Agentic Intelligence for Lifesciences, brings together the power of artificial intelligence and advanced compliance automation to modernize the clinical trial process. The company has filed for a U.S. patent under the USPTOs Track One program to fast-track protection of the platforms novel technology. Priyanshu Sharma, co-founder of ByteBrain Clinical trials are often slow, costly, and difficult to manage, especially in fast-evolving medical landscapes, said Priyanshu Sharma, Co-Founder of ByteBrain. MEDRAIL helps organizations react to safety data faster, reduce manual errors, and stay compliant with global regulatory standards. A Smarter Way to Run Clinical Trials MEDRAIL uses a team of specialized AI agents, each trained to handle tasks like patient recruitment, protocol monitoring, safety surveillance, and documentation compliance. These agents work together in real time, adjusting to trial data and new regulatory guidelines as they emerge. Priyanshi Bhatnagar, co-founder of ByteBrain What makes MEDRAIL unique is its built-in safety verification and explainability, added Priyanshi Bhatnagar, Co-Founder. Every protocol change, every recommendation, it's backed by formal logic, transparent reasoning, and a full audit trail. Key Benefits of MEDRAIL: Faster protocol design and amendments Early detection of safety issues using AI Built-in compliance with FDA, HIPAA, and ICH-GCP standards Automated documentation with complete audit logs Seamless integration with existing clinical workflows Why It Matters Clinical trials can cost up to $3 billion per approved drug and take more than a decade to complete. ByteBrain believes that smarter, AI-assisted trial systems can cut that time significantly, potentially saving millions and accelerating time-to-market for life-saving therapies. The platform was developed with input from clinical research experts across pharma, academic medical centers, and regulatory affairs. Initial feedback has been positive, with ByteBrain preparing to release technical papers and pilot studies in the coming months. About ByteBrain Vancouver, June 4, 2025 - Standard Uranium Ltd. (TSXV: STND) (OTCQB: STTDF) (FSE: 9SU) ("Standard Uranium" or the "Company") has closed its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") for gross proceeds of $1,006,675. In connection with closing of the Offering, the Company issued 7,801,667 non-flow-through units (each, an "NFT Unit"), at a price of $0.06 per NFT Unit, for gross proceeds of $468,100, and 7,181,000 flow-through units (each, an "FT Unit"), at a price of $0.075 per FT Unit, for gross proceeds of $538,575. Each NFT Unit consists of one common share of the Company and one-half of one common share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"). Each FT Unit consists of one common share of the Company, issued as a flow-through share within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada), and one-half of one Warrant. Each whole Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one common share of the Company at a price of $0.15 at any time on or before June 3, 2027. The net proceeds raised from the Offering will be used for the exploration of the Company's projects and for working capital purposes. In connection with completion of the Offering, the Company paid finders' fees of $45,921 and issued 682,523 non-transferable share purchase warrants (each, a "Finders' Warrant") to certain arms-length parties who assisted in introducing subscribers to the Offering. Each Finders' Warrant is exercisable on the same terms as the Warrants. All securities issued in connection with the Offering are subject to restrictions on resale until October 4, 2025, in accordance with applicable securities laws. Certain directors, officers and their affiliates participated in the Offering in the amount of 875,000 NFT Units and 130,000 FT Units. Participation in the Offering by insiders of the Company constitutes a "related party transaction" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The issuance of securities to insiders of the Company is exempt from the valuation requirement of MI 61-101 by virtue of the exemption contained in section 5.5(b) as the Company's shares are not listed on a specified market and from the minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 by virtue of the exemption contained in section 5.7(a) of MI 61-101, in that the fair market value of the consideration of the securities issued to the insiders of the Company does not exceed twenty-five percent of the Company's market capitalization. Davidson River 2025 Exploration Update The Company is pleased to provide an update on current exploration activities on its flagship Davidson River Project ("Davidson River" or the "Project") in the southwest Athabasca Basin region, northern Saskatchewan. Beginning on May 26, 2025, Standard Uranium in partnership with Fleet Space Technologies Canada Corp. ("Fleet Space") has begun deploying the first Exosphere Multiphysics surveys in the southwest Athabasca Basin region. The Multiphysics surveys will collect three types of geophysical data (Ambient Noise Tomography, Horizontal-to-Vertical Spectral Ratio, and Gravity) over three of the four major conductive corridors on the Project. Deployment of the first of three Multiphysics grids is currently underway with new data being collected over one of three targeted conductive corridors on the Project. The Company will provide additional updates as the survey continues throughout June 2025. About Standard Uranium (TSXV: STND) We find the fuel to power a clean energy future Standard Uranium is a uranium exploration company and emerging project generator poised for discovery in the world's richest uranium district. The Company holds interest in over 233,455 acres (94,476 hectares) in the world-class Athabasca Basin in Saskatchewan, Canada. Since its establishment, Standard Uranium has focused on the identification, acquisition, and exploration of Athabasca-style uranium targets with a view to discovery and future development. Standard Uranium's Davidson River Project, in the southwest part of the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, comprises ten mineral claims over 30,737 hectares. Davidson River is highly prospective for basement-hosted uranium deposits due to its location along trend from recent high-grade uranium discoveries. However, owing to the large project size with multiple targets, it remains broadly under-tested by drilling. Recent intersections of wide, structurally deformed and strongly altered shear zones provide significant confidence in the exploration model and future success is expected. Standard Uranium's eastern Athabasca projects comprise over 42,384 hectares of prospective land holdings. The eastern basin projects are highly prospective for unconformity related and/or basement hosted uranium deposits based on historical uranium occurrences, recently identified geophysical anomalies, and location along trend from several high-grade uranium discoveries. Standard Uranium's Sun Dog project, in the northwest part of the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, is comprised of nine mineral claims over 19,603 hectares. The Sun Dog project is highly prospective for basement and unconformity hosted uranium deposits yet remains largely untested by sufficient drilling despite its location proximal to uranium discoveries in the area. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as of the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the intended use of proceeds from the Offering. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements contained herein. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Certain important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are highlighted in the "Risks and Uncertainties" in the Company's management discussion and analysis for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2024. Forward-looking statements are based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company at this time, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies that may cause the Company's actual financial results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied herein. Some of the material factors or assumptions used to develop forward-looking statements include, without limitation: the future price of uranium; anticipated costs and the Company's ability to raise additional capital if and when necessary; volatility in the market price of the Company's securities; future sales of the Company's securities; the Company's ability to carry on exploration and development activities; the success of exploration, development and operations activities; the timing and results of drilling programs; the discovery of mineral resources on the Company's mineral properties; the costs of operating and exploration expenditures; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability of increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); uncertainties related to title to mineral properties; assessments by taxation authorities; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Any forward-looking statements and the assumptions made with respect thereto are made as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Neither the 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 release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/254511 Vancouver, June 4, 2025 - Tana Resources Corp. (CSE: TANA) ("TANA" or the "Company") announces that Ted Konyi has resigned as a director of the Company, effective May 31, 2025. The Board of Directors thanks Mr. Konyi for his contributions to the Company and wishes him well in his future endeavors. The Company is actively engaged in the search for a suitable candidate to fill the resulting vacancy on the Board and will provide further updates as appropriate. About TANA Tana Resources Corp. is a Canadian mining exploration company focused on the acquisition and development of high value mining projects. The Company's objective is to build shareholder value through the acquisition of projects with significant technical merit. The Company's management team has many years of experience in exploration, finance and efficient public company management. For additional information, please visit the Company's website at www.tanaresources.ca. On Behalf of the Board of Directors, "Vartan Korajian" President and CEO Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release." Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking" statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although TANA believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of TANA's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by law, TANA undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/254523 Gold'n Futures Mineral Corp. (CSE: FUTR) (FSE: G6M), (OTC: GFTRF) (the "Company" or "Gold'n Futures") announces that it has entered into debt settlement agreements (the "Settlement Agreements") to settle outstanding cash payments owed to certain creditors (the "Creditors") totaling $83,201.22. These debts relate to services previously provided, including legal, investor relations, corporate administration, accounting, and capital markets and trading-related services. Pursuant to the Settlement Agreements, the Company has agreed to issue 11,885,887 common shares (the "Shares") at a deemed price of $0.007 per Share, based on a 20-day volume-weighted average trading price ("VWAP"). The Company anticipates closing the Debt Settlement on or about June 10, 2025. The board of directors has determined that settling these obligations through the issuance of the Shares is in the best interests of the Company, as it will preserve cash for working capital purposes. The Company will rely on the "Employee, Executive Officer, Director and Consultant" exemption under section 2.24 of National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions ("NI 45-106") to issue Shares to three of the Creditors. Securities issued pursuant to this exemption will not be subject to a statutory hold period and will be free trading upon issuance. In addition, the Company will rely on the debt settlement exemption under section 2.14 of NI 45-106 to issue Shares to one Creditor. The securities issued pursuant to this exemption will be subject to a statutory hold period of four (4) months and one (1) day from the date of issuance, in accordance with applicable securities laws and the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE"). The securities being referred to in this news release have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States (U.S.) Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the U.S. or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About Gold'n Futures Mineral Corp. Gold'n Futures Mineral Corp. (CSE: FUTR) (FSE: G6M) (OTC: GFTRF) is a mineral exploration company conducting programs to expand its gold resources and to develop viable gold mining operations through the application of extensive geological experience and knowledge combined with advanced technologies and computer modeling. On behalf of the Board of Directors Vicki Rosenthal Chief Financial Officer Email: matt@fishpurdy.com Ph: 416-400-8580 Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements: Certain information contained in this news release may constitute "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information is often identified by the use of words such as "plans," "expects," "may," "should," "could," "will," "intends," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "forecasts," or variations of such words and phrases, including the negative forms thereof, as well as terms such as "pro forma" and "scheduled," and similar expressions that refer to future events or outcomes. Forward-looking statements in this release, including, without limitation, statements relating to the anticipated timing, review, completion, and filing of the Annual Filings, the Company's ongoing operations, and the expected duration of the MCTO, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information contained herein, except as required by applicable securities laws. THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PRESS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE EXPECTATIONS OF THE COMPANY AS OF THE DATE OF THIS PRESS RELEASE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE. WHILE THE COMPANY MAY ELECT TO, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME EXCEPT AS REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS. Sanatana Resources Inc. (TSXV: STA) ("Sanatana" or the "Company") has closed its previously announced acquisition of the Gold Strike Two Project (the "Project"). The acquisition of the Project (the "Transaction") was completed pursuant to a quartz claim purchase agreement dated May 5, 2025 (the "Definitive Agreement") with LIRECA Resources Inc. ("LIRECA"). Peter Miles, CEO of Sanatana, commented: "We are pleased with the completion of the LIFE offering and the concurrent private placement and the strong interest the private placements received in the market. The acquisition of the Gold Strike Two Project positions Sanatana as one of the few publicly traded companies with a prospective land position in the Rogue Plutonic Complex region which has received significant industry recognition from Snowline Gold Corp.'s recent Valley discovery." John Fiorino, principal of the Florin Group, commented: "The Florin Group is pleased to have closed the Transaction and looks forward to engaging in further discussions with Sanatana's management to explore possible additional mineral property transactions, identifying opportunities where our complementary strengths can drive mutually beneficial transactions." Acquisition of the Project As consideration for the Transaction, Sanatana paid cash consideration of $250,000 on closing. Pursuant to the terms of the Definitive Agreement, a further $250,000 is held in escrow and will be payable to the Florin Group within 90 days of closing (the "Escrowed Funds"). The payment date of the Escrowed Funds is subject to acceleration if Sanatana raises $300,000 or more in equity or debt financing within 90 days post closing. Additionally, Sanatana issued 6,000,000 common shares to LIRECA on closing (the "Consideration Shares"). The Consideration Shares were issued pursuant to a prospectus exemption and are subject to a statutory restricted period ending on October 5, 2025. As a result of the issuance of the Consideration Shares, LIRECA became an insider of the Company pursuant to Canadian securities laws and will file an early warning report (and associated news release) in accordance with the requirements of National Instrument 62-104 - Take-Over Bids and Issuer Bids. For additional information on the Project and on LIRECA and its affiliate, Florin Resources Inc., please refer to Sanatana's news release dated May 5, 2025 (the "May 5th Release"). The Project is subject to a 3% net smelter returns royalty, an annual advance royalty payment, and a bonus payment, all of which is further detailed in the May 5th Release. A copy of the Definitive Agreement will be filed under Sanatana's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Pursuant to the Definitive Agreement, LIRECA has the right, but not the obligation, to nominate one director to the Company's board of directors. No finder's fee was paid in connection with the Transaction. Closing of Concurrent LIFE Offering and Private Placement In connection with the Transaction, Sanatana concurrently closed two non-brokered private placements for cumulative gross proceeds of $1,380,000 from the sale of 13,800,000 units of the Company (each, a "Unit") at a price of $0.10 per Unit. 3,660,000 Units were offered to investors under the listed issuer financing exemption (the "LIFE Exemption") under Part 5A of National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions (the "LIFE Offering") and 10,140,000 Units are offered under the concurrent private placement offering (the "Concurrent Offering", and together with the LIFE Offering, the "Offerings"). An offering document related to the LIFE Offering (the "Offering Document") is accessible under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website at www.sanatanaresources.com. The Offering Document was originally filed on May 15, 2025, and was amended and restated on May 29, 2025. The minimum amount for the Offerings was the full amount of $1,380,000 which included a 15% over-allotment ($180,000), which was exercised in full. Each Unit is comprised of one common share in the capital of the Company (a "Share" and collectively, the "Shares") and one Share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional Share (a "Warrant Share") at a price of $0.12 per Warrant Share until June 4, 2026 (the "Expiry Date"). The Warrants are non-transferable. The Warrants are subject to an acceleration clause whereby if the closing price of the Shares of the Company on the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") is equal to or exceeds $0.25 for 10 consecutive trading days (with the 10th such trading date hereafter referred to as the "Eligible Acceleration Date"), the Expiry Date shall accelerate to the date which is 30 calendar days following the date a news release is issued by the Company announcing the reduced Warrant term, provided, no more than five business days following the Eligible Acceleration Date: (i) the news release is issued; and (ii) notices are sent to all Warrant holders. The LIFE Offering was made to purchasers resident in all provinces of Canada, except Quebec, pursuant to the LIFE Exemption. Securities issued from the sale of Units to Canadian resident subscribers under the LIFE Offering are not subject to a hold period under applicable Canadian securities laws. Insiders and certain consultants that participated in the LIFE Offering are subject to a four-month hold period in respect of their securities pursuant to applicable policies of the TSXV. The Concurrent Offering was completed on the same terms as the LIFE Offering for 10,140,000 Units for gross proceeds of $1,140,000. Securities issued from the sale of Units under the Concurrent Offering are subject to a four month and one day hold period from the date of issue. In connection with the Offerings, Sanatana was permitted to pay a cash commission finder's fee of up to 5% to eligible arm's length parties in accordance with the polices of the TSXV in consideration for their efforts in introducing subscribers to the Company, as set out in the Offering Document. Sanatana is pleased to announce that the Company did not pay any finder's fees in connection with the Offerings. Certain insiders of the Company subscribed for Units under the Offerings. These issuances are considered to be "related party transactions" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company relied on exemptions from the formal valuation requirements of MI 61-101 pursuant to section 5.5(a) and the minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 pursuant to section 5.7(1)(a), as the fair market value of the transaction, insofar as it involves interested parties, does not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization. Insiders of the Company subscribed for 40,000 Units under the LIFE Offering and 1,510,000 Units under the Concurrent Offering. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offerings: (i) to satisfy the cash consideration for the Transaction, (ii) general working capital expenses, and (iii) exploration expenses for the Project. Under the terms of a $200,000 secured promissory note (the "Promissory Note") the Company issued on December 31, 2024, the Company must repay the Promissory Note in full if it raises at least $800,000 in debt or equity financing. Due to the Offerings, the Promissory Note will require repayment or conversion of the note in full. The Promissory Note is held by an affiliate of Florin Group. A full breakdown of the net proceeds from the Offerings can be found in the Offering Memorandum. The securities being offered have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This news release will not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor will there be any sale of the securities in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About the Company Sanatana Resources Inc. is a mineral exploration and development company focused on high-impact properties in Canada. With an award-winning technical team and experienced management and board of directors, Sanatana is based in Vancouver and is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSX-V: STA). About the Florin Group The Florin Group, led by its principal John Fiorino, has been in mineral exploration and project generation in excess of 20 years, with notable discoveries and projects advancements. The Florin Gold Group is a mining project generator with a portfolio of projects across Canada, with a primary focus on projects in Yukon. The Florin Group's mandate is to generate projects that have geological settings, potential historic data, geochemistry, geophysics and importantly an active mining camp ideally within 1-2 km of a discovery or active drilling. The Florin Gold Group's portfolio of projects includes the following mineral properties: Yukon, Tombstone Gold Belt Project Name Description Gold Strike One Project Comprises 107 contiguous quartz claims totalling approximately 2,019 hectares (4,989 acres). The Gold Strike One Project is adjacent to and partially surrounding Snowline Gold Corp's Valley discovery with the closest property boundary located approximately 300 metres from the Valley discovery. Florin Gold Project Covers 8,879.38 hectares (21,941.24 acres). The Florin Gold Project consists of contiguous mineral claims straddling the Mayo and Dawson Mining District boundaries and is located approximately 55 km northwest of the town of Mayo and 130 km east-southeast of Dawson City. FLR Gold Project Consists of 838 mineral claims totalling 16,480 hectares (40,723 acres) and is located approximately 1 km from Sitka Gold Corp. recent resource announcement. RJ Gold Project Consists of 349 Mineral Claims totalling 6,576 hectares (16,250 acres). SANATANA RESOURCES INC. (signed) "Peter Miles" Peter Miles Chief Executive Officer Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information This news 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. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking statements concerning the use of proceeds from the Offerings and possible further acquisitions from the Florin Group. 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. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulations Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. 1 LIRECA and its affiliate Florin Resources Inc. are referred to in this news release as the "Florin Group". NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES Vancouver, June 5, 2025 - Global Stocks News - Sponsored content disseminated on behalf of West Red Lake Gold. On June 3, 2025, West Red Lake Gold Mines (TSXV: WRLG) (OTCQB: WRLGF) extrapolated from lessons learned from the mining and bulk sample program at its 100% owned Madsen Mine. "The PFS mine plan, which was based on $1,680/oz gold, generated strong economics that supported the restart decision," stated WRLG in the June 3, 2025 press release. "However, using a higher gold price in stope design effectively lowers the cutoff grade for resource inclusion, bringing additional resource tonnes into the mine plan, producing more overall ounces." "When lower-grade tonnes prove to be economic, it can result in larger stopes encompassing one or several high-grade gold lenses with surrounding halo mineralization," added WRLG. Recent drill results at South Austin have revealed high-grade lenses that went largely unnoticed when drill holes were still widely spaced, 20 meters apart. "As the gold price rises, more of the gold bearing rock becomes economically viable," Maurice Mostert, Vice President Technical Services told Guy Bennett, CEO of Global Stocks News (GSN). "We don't have to be as selective. Larger stopes typically translate to an increase in tonnage and contained ounces, and leads to lower mining costs." Click Image To View Full Size The mine plan in the Madsen Mine Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) [1] used a gold price of US$1,680 per oz - about 50% of the current gold price. This led to a mine plan with 60% of the mining being small, high-grade stopes requiring the use of cut-and-fill mining, which is selective and relatively high cost. [2] For its current mine design, West Red Lake Gold is using the "consensus long-term price" of US$2,350 per ounce - a conservative number about $1,000 per ounce below the current gold price. The test mining and bulk sample program had two goals: 1. To confirm that the geologic, engineering, and mining workflow at Madsen enables the Company to model and mine mineralization accurately. 2. To test various mining scenarios and use the results to enable confident mine design that maximizes economic extraction. On a complexity scale, if an open pit mine is like chopping firewood, the Madsen Mine is fine-cabinetry, requiring blueprints, meticulous planning, specialised knowledge and precision tools. Communicating technical and geological complexities to retail investors also requires specialised knowledge. On May 23, 2024 WRLG announced the appointment of Gwen Preston to the position of Vice President Investor Relations. Preston holds an undergraduate degree in science and a master's in journalism. Prior to her appointment at WRLG, Preston was the CEO of Resource Maven, a senior financial writer and a veteran public speaker. "We are assembling an elite team of professionals," Shane Williams, President and CEO of WRLG told GSN. "Gwen is a big asset to our roster of VPs. She understands geology, demand drivers, political risks, the regulatory environment and capital markets." In this June 3, 2025 video, Preston gives context to the lessons learned from the mining and bulk sample program. "West Red Lake Gold reported on what we learned while test mining the bulk sample and how those learnings are guiding our mine plan at the Madsen mine," stated Preston in the video. "We learned that we can mine right up against old stopes. When we tried that, old stopes remained competent, and so did the backfill in them. It means that everything stayed in place. We can mine safely up against those old stopes, and the targeted mineralization won't get diluted from material falling into it." "This reduces some barriers in how to engineer the mine, and it unlocks resources that were on the back burner until this test was complete." "The test mining program also showed the efficiency of mining larger shapes than we expected, and mining clusters of those stopes." "At Madsen, gold often exists as high-grade lenses, in some cases surrounded by lower-grade, mineralized halos," stated Preston. "Small stopes that were targeting one high-grade lens often become larger mining shapes encompassing several high-grade lenses and the halo mineralisation around them. Those larger mining shapes can often be mined by long hole stoping." Larger stopes and clusters of proximal stopes, known as mining complexes, have the potential to increase a mine's economic benefit and scale as compared to smaller, isolated stopes. This is because they can positively impact three key economic drivers: Mining cost: Larger stopes can generally be mined via long hole stoping. Long hole stoping is significantly lower cost per tonne compared to cut and fill mining [3]. The Madsen Mine bulk sample was mined exclusively by long hole stoping methods with a very high success rate, and the majority of the 18-month detailed mine plan is long hole mining. Cost of access development per tonne mined: Larger stopes and stopes clustered in mining complexes spread the cost of developing access to a mining area over more ounces produced from that area, reducing the overall cost of access development. Flexibility and efficiency: The ability for a mine to focus on a few large mining complexes at any given time rather than multiple isolated stopes greatly supports efficiency in equipment, personnel, and material movement planning. The Company is realizing this efficiency advantage already at the site. "The PFS generated strong economics that were the basis of our decision to restart the mine," confirmed Preston. "The benefits we outlined this week from larger mining shapes are expected to have a positive impact on Madsen's long-term profitability." "I'm recording this from a hotel in Quebec City ahead of a conference here," concluded Preston in the video. "Then the team is going straight into two days of investor meetings in New York City. It's exciting to be on our first road trip talking about West Red Lake Gold as an operating gold miner." 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 technical disclosure at the West Red Lake Project, as defined by NI 43-101 "Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects". Contact: guy.bennett@globalstocksnews.com Disclaimer: West Red Lake Gold paid Global Stocks News (GSN) $1,750 for the research, writing and dissemination of this content. Full Disclaimer: GSN researches and fact-checks diligently, but we cannot ensure our publications are free from error. Investing in publicly traded stocks is speculative and carries a high degree of risk. GSN publications may contain forward-looking statements such as "project," "anticipate," "expect," which are based on reasonable expectations, but these statements are imperfect predictors of future events. When compensation has been paid to GSN, the amount and nature of the compensation will be disclosed clearly. References: 1. 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 Company's website and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. 2. See PFS Section 16.5.3 Mining Methods - Underground Mining Methods - Planned Mining Methods. 3. See PFS Report Section 21.3.2 Capital and Operating Costs - Operating Cost Estimates - Mining. Additional References: 4. Mineral reserve estimates based on a gold price of US$1,680/oz and an exchange rate of 1.31 C$/US$. Longhole stope cut-off grade of 4.30 gpt Au based on an estimated operating cost of C$287.34/t including mining, plant and G&A. Mechanized Cut and Fill stope cut-off grade of 5.28 gpt Au based on an estimated operating cost of C$354.90/t including mining, plant and G&A. Incremental development cut-off grade of 1 gpt Au. A small amount of incremental longhole tonnes were included at a cut-off grade of not less than 3.4 gpt Au, these must be immediately adjacent to economic stopes that will pay for the capital to access area. 5. 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 are not considered mineral reserves as they have not demonstrated economic viability. 6. See Section 24.1 Other Relevant Data - Gold Price Sensitivity. Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. Major Highlights The maiden Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) of 13,000 tonnes grading 2.40% CsO at the West Joe dykes within the Case Lake Cesium Project represents the world's fourth only hard-rock cesium resource Additional exploration target of 11,000-15,000 tonnes of CsO identified at the West Joe dykes 17 untested targets with pollucite-bearing pegmatite dykes, outside of the West Joe dykes and within the Case Lake Cesium Project, offer excellent potential to expand the resource profile The MRE covers just one of eight pollucite-bearing pegmatite dykes, based on 7,264 m of drilling from 113 drill holes conducted in 2018, 2022, and 2024 Excellent infrastructure access in the Timmins-Cochrane region of the Abitibi, with existing forestry trails, proximity to rail at Cochrane, powerlines, and major ports in Montreal for export to key markets The MRE establishes the Case Lake Cesium Project as a globally significant cesium source and will underpin its continued development Strategically located in North America, the project supports critical mineral security and aligns with growing global demand VANCOUVER, June 5, 2025 - Power Metals Corp. ("Power Metals" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: PWM) (FRANKFURT: OAA1) (OTCQB: PWRMF) is pleased to announce the maiden National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") compliant Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE") for the Case Lake Cesium Project ("Case Lake"), located in northeastern Ontario. The consolidated in-pit MRE, reported in the Inferred category, comprises 13,000 tonnes grading 2.40% CsO for 330 tonnes of CsO concentrate. This MRE covers just one of eight pollucite-bearing pegmatite dykes within the Case Lake property (Figure 1), based on 7,264 m of drilling from 113 holes completed in 2018, 2022, and 2024. Additionally, an exploration target was produced by Snowden Optiro of 11,000-15,000 tonnes of CsO has been identified at the West Joe dykes, and 17 untested targets including the 8 dykes across 21 km highlight substantial potential for future resource expansion. Globally there has been 3 previous hard rock cesium mines with Tanco in Manitoba (Canada), Bikita in Zimbabwe (Africa), and Sinclair in Norseman (Western Australia). Operations commenced at Tanco in the 1950's and has been under Chinese ownership (Sinomine) since 2021. No MRE has been released on the TSX for the Tanco property. Bakita is a privately held property and linked to Sinomine, various reports based on lithium resources have been noted with no MRE relating to cesium oxide. Pioneer Resources produced an updated MRE for Sinclair in November 2018, and initial MRE on March 22, 2017. https://www.manitoba.ca/iem/info/libmin/ER84-1.pdf https://opus.lib.uts.edu.au/bitstream/10453/31605/1/2012001073OK.pdf https://www.aspecthuntley.com.au/asxdata/20170322/pdf/01841050.pdf Haydn Daxter, CEO of Power Metals commented: The announcement of Power Metals first NI 43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate for the Case Lake Cesium Project signals a significant milestone for the Company and Ontario in the development of critical minerals in Canada. With the estimated 13,000 tonnes at a grade of 2.40% CsO based on only 7,264m of drilling, the Case Lake Project is the world's fourth hard-rock cesium deposit. The majority of the pollucite bearing pegmatites remain unconstrained and open to an exceptional potential of further growth as represented with the current exploration target at West Joe. Johnathan More, Chairman of Power Metals, added, I am very pleased to see the team deliver on our maiden Mineral Resource Estimate at Case Lake as we continue to develop this fast-tracked critical mineral project. Our ability to position Case Lake as the world's fourth only cesium resource from 7,264m of exploration drilling is incredibly rare, and further highlights the growth potential with the current exploration target and untested zones on the property. The Company currently is developing the Case Lake Cesium Project to be Ontario's first critical minerals project in production. To achieve this target, we engaged in the MRE at the infancy of exploration drilling to target cesium and look forward to the growth that remains in the property for the Company and the state of Ontario. Table 1 - Case Lake Cesium Project Deposit In-pit Mineral Resource Estimate Inferred MRE above 0.1% Cs2O cut-off within pit TONNES CsO_PCT Li2O_PCT TaO_PPM CsO tonnes Li2O tonnes TaO tonnes 13,000 2.4 1.3 460 330 180 6 Lithium and tantalite are currently being tested as part of the production of cesium oxide concentrate via the X-ray transmission (XRT) analysis completed as part of the Case Lake Cesium Project metallurgical program (see press release dated December 3, 2024, and April 14, 2025) provides confirmation of simple straightforward cesium oxide production that is suitable for the pollucite-bearing dykes included the maiden resource estimate. Lithium (spodumene) is undergoing a low-cost dense media separation ("DMS"), flotation circuit and magnetic separation analysis at present. Tantalite is concurrently under analysis via wet screen and magnetic separation to review the viability with Nagrom ("The Mineral Processors"), Perth, Australia. The lithium and tantalite test work results are expected in July of 2025. Table 2 - Case Lake Cesium Project Deposit Exploration Target Exploration Target Ranges TONNES CsO_PCT Li2O_PCT TaO_PPM 11,000 0.41 0.49 190 15,000 0.36 0.49 200 The additional exploration targets defined at Case Lake have been generated from previous field campaigns based on geochemical analysis, rock chip sampling, soil sampling, exploration drilling, and structural interpretations with geophysics conducted between 2020-2024 by the Company. The potential quantity and grade are conceptual in nature, and there has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource. It is uncertain whether further exploration will result in the target being delineated as a mineral resource. Case Lake Cesium Project Mineral Resource Estimate Notes: The Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) was estimated by Susan Havlin, BSc (Hons), MAusIMM (CP) and reviewed by Dr Andrew Scogings MAIG (RPGEO industrial minerals) of Snowden Optiro, an independent Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. Susan Havlin conducted a site visit to Case Lakes in April 2025. The classification of the current MRE into Inferred mineral resources is consistent with current 2014 CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves. The effective date for the Mineral Resource estimate is May 30, 2025. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimate and numbers may not add due to rounding. The mineral resource is presented undiluted and in situ, constrained by continuous 3D wireframe models, and are considered to have reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction. Mineral resources which are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. An Inferred Mineral Resource has a lower level of confidence than that applying to an Indicated Mineral Resource and must not be converted to a Mineral Reserve. It is reasonably expected that most Inferred Mineral Resources could be upgraded to Indicated Mineral Resources with continued exploration. The CLCP MRE is based on a validated database which includes data from 113 surface diamond drill holes totalling 7,264 m. The resource database totals 2,499 assay intervals representing 2,541 m of drilling. The average assay sample length is 1.02 m. The MRE is based on a three-dimensional ("3D") pegmatite resource model, constructed in Leapfrog, representing the West Joe pegmatite deposit. CsO grades were estimated for each mineralization domain using 1.0 metre composites. To generate grade within the parent blocks, ordinary kriged (OK) interpolation method was used. The parent block size of 2 mX by 2 mY by 2 mZ with sub-blocking down to 0.5 m in each direction. Dynamic anisotropy was utilised to account for the undulating nature of the pegmatites. Three search passes were employed with an initial search distance half the variogram range, the second search was the range of the variogram, and the final search was double the variogram range. The first search pass had a minimum of eight samples and max of 12 samples, the second pass the minimum dropped to six and for the third search pass the minimum dropped to four samples. Average density values were calculated within the pegmatite with the formula density = 2.665 + (0.008793*Cs2O%) + (0.066436*Li2O%) and assigned in the waste domains based on a database of 1,072 samples. Power Metals envisions that the CLCP deposit may be mined using open-pit mining methods. Mineral resources are reported at a base case cut-off grade of 0.10% CsO. The in-pit Mineral Resource grade blocks are quantified above the base case cut-off grades, above the constraining pit shell, below topography, and within the constraining mineralized domains (the constraining volumes). The results from the pit optimization are used solely for the purpose of testing the "reasonable prospects for economic extraction" by an open pit and do not represent an attempt to estimate mineral reserves. There are no mineral reserves on the Property. The results are used as a guide to assist in the preparation of a Mineral Resource statement and to select an appropriate resource reporting cut-off grade. The exploration target at the CLCP was based on limited deep drilling completed in 2023 and 2024, the pegmatite and mineralization were extended at depth. The target range is conceptual in nature and was generated using assumptions based on the geological and grade continuity of mineralized pegmatites observed from shallow drilling up dip. The base-case CsO Cut-off grade considers the following assumptions: a cesium concentrate (15-20% CsO) price of US$35,000/t, a mining cost of US$7.30/t mined, processing, treatment, refining, G&A and transportation cost of USD$28.09/t of mineralized material, as were pit slope angles of 45 and mining loss and dilution of 5% and 5%. The estimate of Mineral Resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant issues. Scientific and Technical Disclosure The scientific and technical disclosure included in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Amanuel Bein, M.Sc., P.Geo., Vice President of Exploration for Power Metals, a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure of Mineral Projects (NI 43-101) and a member in good standing with Association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario (3524). Power Metals Corp (TSX-V: PWM) Power Metals Corp (TSX-V: PWM) is a Canadian exploration company focused on developing high-quality critical mineral projects. Its flagship Case Lake Property in Ontario - 100 per cent owned by Power Metals - is a high-grade cesium, lithium and tantalum asset, poised to become one of only four cesium mines globally. Beyond Case Lake, the Company's portfolio includes the Decelles and Mazerac Properties near Val-D'Or, Quebec. Together, these assets cover 947 claims spanning more than 330km of lithium-cesium-tantalum (LCT) prospective ground. As global demand for critical minerals continues to grow global, and particularly in North America, Power Metals is strategically advancing its projects to support the continent's growing supply needs. Learn more at www.powermetalscorp.com. -ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD- Johnathan More, Chairman & Director Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this news release. No- securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this news release. The securities being offered 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 in the United States, or to, or for the account or benefit of, a "U.S. person" (as defined in Regulation S of the U.S. Securities Act) unless pursuant to an exemption therefrom. This press release is for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities of the Company in any jurisdiction. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This press release contains forward-looking information based on current expectations, including the use of funds raised under the Offering. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by such statements. Although such statements are based on management's reasonable assumptions, Power Metals assumes no responsibility to update or revise forward-looking information to reflect new events or circumstances unless required by law. 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 can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. These statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to several factors and risks including various risk factors discussed in the Company's disclosure documents which can be found under the Company's profile on www.sedar.com. This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The TSXV has neither reviewed nor approved the contents of this press release. SOURCE Power Metals Corp. VANCOUVER, June 5, 2025 - Vizsla Copper Corp. (TSXV: VCU) (OTCQB: VCUFF) (FRANKFURT: 97E0) ("Vizsla Copper" or the "Company") is pleased to report that it has engaged with VRIFY Technology Inc. ("VRIFY"), to utilize DORA, the world's only AI-Assisted Mineral Discovery Platform to enhance and expand existing datasets, and accelerate and refine target definition. DORA will be deployed across Vizsla Copper's exciting portfolio of copper-gold projects all located in British Columbia. HIGHLIGHTS VRIFY uses advanced AI and proprietary algorithms to generate a prospectivity score - known as a VRIFY Prospectivity Score (VPS) - that identifies areas of potential copper and gold mineralization. DORA recently aided other exploration companies in identifying high-priority areas that were later validated through drilling. Vizsla Copper has an aggressive exploration season planned with field work already underway (see Vizsla Copper release dated May 28, 2025). "With the strategy to focus on discovery in 2025, we view DORA and the partnership with VRIFY as an additional cutting-edge tool to aid in guiding our exploration efforts" commented Craig Parry, Chairman and CEO. "With the treasury in strong shape we look forward to steady news flow as we advance our terrific land package through a combination of geophysics and drilling throughout the remainder of 2025." DORA: AI Predictive Modeling Vizsla Copper will utilize DORA, VRIFY's AI-Assisted Mineral Discovery Platform, to aid in its exploration efforts across its portfolio of exciting copper-gold projects (Figure 1). DORA leverages a combination of proprietary algorithms and datasets to generate a VRIFY Prospectivity Score (VPS), a predictive output used to rank and prioritize areas for possible base and precious metal mineralization. These outputs will be further validated by the Vizsla Copper technical team through systematic ground truthing which may include geochemical and geophysical surveys and drilling. Using DORA, Vizsla Copper will gain direct access to the web-based platform and be able to generate and iterate on their own predictive models, allowing for hands-on exploration targeting. About VRIFY VRIFY proves that AI in mineral exploration doesn't have to be a black box. Building on our successful visualization tool, we launched DORA, the world's only AI-Assisted Mineral Discovery Platform. DORA puts the power of AI into the hands of geoscientists, enabling them to find what others can't. Backed by a $12.5M Series B raise and trusted by hundreds of clients, VRIFY delivers results, including new discoveries and increased valuations for companies like Southern Cross Gold and RUA GOLD. We're pioneering a new category and accelerating exploration with the industry's most advanced AI and largest proprietary dataset. To learn more about VRIFY visit https://vrify.com. About Vizsla Copper Vizsla Copper is a Cu-Au-Mo focused mineral exploration and development company headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. The Company is primarily focused on its flagship Woodjam project, located within the prolific Quesnel Terrane, 55 kilometres east of the community of Williams Lake, British Columbia. It has three additional copper properties: Poplar, Copperview, and Redgold, all well situated amongst significant infrastructure in British Columbia. The Company's growth strategy is focused on the exploration and development of its copper properties within its portfolio in addition to value accretive acquisitions. Vizsla Copper's vision is to be a responsible copper explorer and developer in the stable mining jurisdiction of British Columbia, Canada and it is committed to socially responsible exploration and development, working safely, ethically and with integrity. Vizsla Copper is a spin-out of Vizsla Silver and is backed by Inventa Capital Corp., a premier investment group founded in 2017 with the goal of discovering and funding opportunities in the resource sector. Additional information about the Company is available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and the Company's website (www.vizslacopper.com). Qualified Person The Company's disclosure of technical or scientific information in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Christopher Leslie, Ph.D., P.Geo., Technical Advisor for Vizsla Copper. Dr. Leslie is a Qualified Person as defined under the terms of National Instrument 43-101. 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 The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. "Forward-looking information" includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including, without limitation, planned exploration activities. Generally, but not always, forward-looking information and statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connotation thereof. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, among others, statements relating to: obtaining required regulator approvals for the Copperview Acquisition and the RG Copper Acquisition; satisfying the requirements of the Underlying Option Agreement; the exploration and development of the Poplar Project, Woodjam Project, Redgold Project and Copperview Project; and the Company's growth and business strategies. Such forward-looking information and statements are based on numerous assumptions, including among others, that the results of planned exploration activities are as anticipated, the anticipated cost of planned exploration activities, that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner, that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms, that third party contractors, equipment and supplies and governmental and other approvals required to conduct the Company's planned exploration activities will be available on reasonable terms and in a timely manner. Although the assumptions made by the Company in providing forward-looking information or making forward-looking statements are considered reasonable by management at the time, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking information and statements also involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual events or results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future events or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking information or statements, including, among others: negative operating cash flow and dependence on third party financing, uncertainty of additional financing, no known mineral reserves or resources, the limited operating history of the Company, the influence of a large shareholder, aboriginal title and consultation issues, reliance on key management and other personnel, actual results of exploration activities being different than anticipated, changes in exploration programs based upon results, availability of third party contractors, availability of equipment and supplies, failure of equipment to operate as anticipated; accidents, effects of weather and other natural phenomena and other risks associated with the mineral exploration industry, environmental risks, changes in laws and regulations, community relations and delays in obtaining governmental or other approvals. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information or implied by forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or reissue forward-looking information as a result of new information or events except as required by applicable securities laws. SOURCE Vizsla Copper Corp. VANCOUVER, June 05, 2025 - Aventis Energy Inc. ("Aventis" or the "Company") (CSE: AVE | FRA: C0O0 | OTC: VBAMF) is pleased to announce that it has contracted Axiom Exploration Group Ltd. ("Axiom") to complete a Technical Report (the "Report") in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 on the Corvo Uranium Project ("Corvo" or the "Project") located along the eastern margin of the Athabasca Basin, northern Saskatchewan, Canada. Axiom combines geoscience technology and authoritative expertise to offer tailored, sustainable solutions for efficient, responsible mineral exploration and development projects. Axiom focuses on utilizing cutting-edge technology, export advisory, and tailored services that help drive project success and by crafting innovative strategies that address environmental challenges while building shared value. The purpose of the Report is to provide a comprehensive update on the Corvo Uranium Project including all available historical data that the Company has gathered, in addition to newly acquired TDEM data and sampling information from 2025. The Report will offer valuable insights by compiling existing data, previous work, and new technology to better guide future programs. Corvo hosts historical drill holes that intersected multiple intervals of uranium mineralization, notably along a strike length of 800 metres between historical drill holes TL-79-3 (0.116% U 3 O 8 over 1.05 m) and TL-79-5 (0.065% U 3 O 8 over 0.15 m)1. The Project also includes multiple high-grade* uranium samples at surface with the Manhattan showing (1.19 to 5.98% U 3 O 8 ) and SMDI showing 2052 (0.137% U 3 O 8 and 2,300 ppm Th)2. Mandeep Parmar, Interim Chief Executive Officer & Director of the Company, commented, "The Report marks a pivotal milestone in our Company's growth as we continue to advance the Project and create value for our shareholders. Engaging Axiom is our first step as the Project is advanced towards an extensive drilling program." About Aventis Energy Inc. Aventis Energy Inc. (CSE: AVE | FRA: C0O0 | OTC: VBAMF) is a mineral exploration company dedicated to the development of strategic projects comprised of battery, base and precious metals in stable jurisdictions. The Company is working to advance its Corvo Uranium & Sting Copper Project. The Corvo Uranium property has historical drill holes intersected multiple intervals of uranium mineralization, notably along a strike length of 800 metres between historical drill holes TL-79-3 (0.116% U 3 O 8 over 1.05 m) and TL-79-5 (0.065% U 3 O 8 over 0.15 m)1. High-grade* Uranium at Surface with the Manhattan showing (1.19 to 5.98% U 3 O 8 ) and SMDI showing 2052 (0.137% U 3 O 8 and 2,300 ppm Th)2. The Sting Copper Project covers approximately 12,700 hectares and recently had results of 54.8m at 0.32% Cu starting at a depth of 27.0m, with higher-grade intervals including six samples (?0.5m length) ranging from 0.96% to 5.43% Cu. High grade samples of 0.5m at 2.85% Cu and 0.5m at 1.92% Cu with an additional broader interval of 31.1m at 0.27% Cu.3 Qualified Person Statement The scientific and technical information with reference to the Corvo Project contained in this news release has been reviewed, verified, and approved by Sean Hillacre, P.Geo., President and VP Exploration of Standard Uranium and a "qualified person" as defined in NI 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Historical data disclosed in this news release relating to sampling results from previous operators are historical in nature. Neither the Company nor a qualified person has yet verified this data and therefore investors should not place undue reliance on such data. The Company's future exploration work may include verification of the data. The Company considers historical results to be relevant as an exploration guide and to assess the mineralization as well as economic potential of exploration projects. Any historical grab samples disclosed are selected samples and may not represent true underlying mineralization. References 1Mineral Assessment Report 64E13-0054: Norbaska Mines Ltd., 1979-1980 2SMDI# 2052: https://mineraldeposits.saskatchewan.ca/Home/Viewdetails/2052 & Mineral Assessment Report MAW00047: Eagle Plains Resources Inc., 2011-2012 3Vital Battery Metals Drills 20.5m of 1.21% Cu Including 5.0m of 2.22% Cu at Sting Copper Project., News Release, January 14, 2025. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/01/14/3009258/0/en/Vital-Battery-Metals-Drills-20-5m-of-1-21-Cu-Including-5-0m-of-2-22-Cu-at-Sting-Copper-Project.html On Behalf of the Board of Directors Mandeep Parmar Interim Chief Executive Officer, Director +1 (604) 229-9772 info@vitalbatterymetals.com Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information Certain statements in this news release are forward-looking statements, including with respect to future plans, and other matters. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding-looking wording such as "may", "expect", "estimate", "anticipate", "intend", "believe" and "continue" or the negative thereof or similar variations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including but not limited to, business, economic and capital market conditions, the ability to manage operating expenses, and dependence on key personnel. Forward looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements respecting: completion of the Report; potential benefits of the Report and the Company's engagement with Axiom; future exploration plans with respect to the Project. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, anticipated costs, and the ability to achieve goals. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, the continued availability of capital and financing, litigation, failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations, loss of key employees and consultants, and general economic, market or business conditions. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. The Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Highlights: High-Grade Antimony Grab Sample at the Quarry Project - A sample assayed 0.89% g/t Au, 3.8% Cu, 0.34% Zn, 42.5% Pb, and 0.65% g/t Ag and 20% Sb. 1 A High-Grade Tungsten Sample at the Lotto Project - A selected grab sample taken in 1980 from a quartz vein with scheelite assayed 10.97% Wo3. 2 Strategically Positioned Altura Antimony Project - The Altura Project is on strike from Equinox Resources' recent antimony discovery as announced on November 7, 2024, which saw high-grade antimony at the Alturas Project, with assays up to 69.98% Sb. 4 Strategically Positioned Hurley Antimony Project - Endurance Gold's Reliance Gold Project which is adjacent to the Hurley property saw antimony results including 19.2% Sb and 2.16 g/t Au over 0.5m encountered during a 2024 drilling program. 7 Extensive Property Claims Spanning over 4,000 Ha. - Broad exposure highly prospective Antimony and Tungsten projects and underexplored territory situated in a leading Canadian jurisdiction. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 05, 2025 -- Maxus Mining Inc. ("Maxus" or the "Company") (CSE: MAXM | FRA: R7V), is pleased to announce it has entered into a Property Option Agreement (the "Agreement") with two (2) optionors (the "Optionors") to acquire a 100% interest in one tungsten & three antimony exploration properties, located in British Columbia which cover 4,122 hectares in total (the "Project" or the "Properties"). The antimony projects, Quarry, Hurley & Altura cover approximately 3,700 hectares of terrain and the Lotto Tungsten Project covers 422 hectares. Scott Walters, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, commented, "We are excited to announce the strategic acquisition of four new Projects, focusing on identifying antimony and tungsten. By diversifying our portfolio to include minerals essential for emerging technologies and the future of energy, we are uniquely positioned to capitalize on these evolving markets. Looking ahead, we are eager to drive advancements at our newly acquired Projects and eagerly anticipate the opportunities they will present to our shareholders." Quarry Antinomy Project Highlights The Quarry property is exposed in a limestone rock quarry located on the north side of Osilinka River, between Tenakhi and Wasi creeks, about 46 kilometres northwest of the community of Germansen Landing. At the showing, recrystallized and dolomitized limestones of the Neoproterozoic Ingenika Group host mineralized quartz veins. Minerals identified include sphalerite, galena, cerussite, chalcopyrite, boulangerite, malachite, azurite and possibly stibnite. The Quarry showing is exposed in a limestone rock quarry and consists of the mineral's sphalerite, galena, cerussite, chalcopyrite, boulangerite, malachite, azurite, and stibnite. One sample in 1991 assayed 20% Sb, 0.89 gram/tonne Ag, 3.8% Cu, 42.5% lPb, and 0.65 gram/tonne Au.1 Additionally, grab samples retrieved in 1954 yielded assays which averaged 83.5% Pb and 1576 g/t Ag.1 The site offers reliable, year-round access providing support for ongoing exploration initiatives. The region is underlain by the Neoproterozoic Ingenika Group and Paleozoic rocks of the Big Creek, Otter Lakes, Atan, Razorback and Echo Lake groups. Figure 1 - Maxus Mining Quarry Antimony Property Lotto Tungsten Project Highlights The Lotto Tungsten Project ("Lotto") lies within the Kootenay region and Trail Creek Mining Division of British Columbia, a prolific mineral district known for its resource potential and well-developed infrastructure that support sustained exploration activity. Lotto is located 19 km west-southwest of Castlegar on the Crowsnest Highway and consists of 426 hectares. Lotto contains the Lotto 3 showing which consists of scheelite (tungsten mineral) mineralization within a 9-meter-wide quartz vein exposed along a highway roadcut. Disseminated scheelite occurs in quartz veins just northwest of the main showing and in several places west of the highway.2 A selected grab sample taken in 1980 from a quartz vein with scheelite assayed 10.97% Wo3. Furthermore, in 2006, Astral Mining Corp. conducted a helicopter-borne geophysical (electromagnetic survey on the area as part of the JJ property) which showed the area is underlain by Paleozoic argillaceous quartzites and argillites which may be part of the Lower Jurassic Rossland Group. These metamorphosed sediments have been intruded by the Middle to late Jurassic Nelson Intrusions, comprised mainly of granite and granodiorite, and then later by Middle Eocene Coryell Intrusion syenite and associated dykes.2 Figure 2 - Maxus Mining Lotto Tungsten Property Hurley Antimony Project Highlights The Hurley Antimony Project ("Hurley") is located 7 kilometres south-east of the village of Gold Bridge, and 10 kilometres east of the historic Bralorne-Pioneer Gold Mining Camp which has produced over 4 million ounces of gold. Soil and vegetation sampling indicate there is a strong positive geochemical correlation in the soil samples between gold and associated elements silver (+0.69), As (+0.86) and Sb (+0.84).7 The adjacent Reliance Gold Project reported intervals that include 19.2% Sb and 2.16 g/t Au over 0.5m encountered during 2024 drilling campaign. A total of 199 gold assay composites were re-calculated to include antimony results from the 108 DDH, 84 RC, and 24 roadcut channels completed by the Company which has resulted in a composite average sampled length of 10.1 metres and weighted average grade of 4.55 gpt, 0.20% antimony, and 4.97 gpt AuEQ.8 The eastern area is underlain by undivided sedimentary rocks of the Cayoosh Assemblage which is of Jurassic to Cretaceous Age as well as marine and sedimentary rocks of the Bridge River Complex of Middle Mississippian to Middle Jurassic Age. The Cayoosh Assemblage and the Bridge River Complex are separated by northwest-trending fault-contacts. The western property is underlain by marine and sedimentary rocks of the Bridge River Complex. Hurley is to the immediate south of a gold-antimony past producer named the Mary Mac Main Zone ("Mary Mac") and a developed gold - antimony advanced prospect. The host rocks are highly similar as those on the Hurley property. Mary Mac produced four (4) tonnes of stibnite/day with the grade being 20% over 2.1 meters and reserves of 13.6 to 18.1 thousand tonnes. Indicated reserves for the Mary Mac Main Zone reported to be 78,500 tonnes at 2.9 grams/tonne gold and the North Zone it was 39,200 tonnes at 2.3 grams/tonne gold.7 Mary Mac South Zone mineralization consists of globular stibnite (antimony host material) and pyrite. Where ore-reserves calculated in 1983 are 27,300 tonnes at 8.18 grams/tonne gold. Gray Rock, a past producer, occurs to immediate west of southern boundary and reportedly contains 70,488 tonnes of proven, probable, and possible reserves grading 3% Sb, 2.1% Pb, and 342.8 grams/tonne Ag. The trend appears to trend onto Hurley, where past work identified rock, soil, and silt samples within the center of the property anomalous in antimony, gold, and silver. Additionally, three (3) antimony veins occur within the western part of Hurley. The southwestern part of Stibnite Prospect appears to occur within the western area and consists of 25-centimeter-wide veins in 60-meter-long shears grading an average 8.9 % antimony.7 Figure 3 - Maxus Mining Hurley Antimony Property Altura Antimony Project Highlights The Altura Antimony Project is positioned on the western area of Dolly Varden Mountain, roughly 29 kilometres northeast of New Denver, British Columbia - an area recognized for its strong antimony mineral potential. The property consists of a persistent quartz vein carrying disseminated pyrite and argentiferous tetrahedrite and minor stibnite and chalcopyrite. The vein strikes east, dipping 55 degrees north. It is 0.6 to 3.6 meters thick and has been traced for 600 meters.3 A 4 kg sample of material selected from the dump assayed 1.3 grams per ton gold and 1596 grams per ton silver. There is little geological information on the occurrence, however the 1928 Minister of Mines Annual Report describes a 1.2m quartz vein which carries disseminated to massive stibnite hosted in (or associated with) serpentinite ultramafic rock locally altered to listwanite quartz-carbonate-mariposite.3 The extension claim is on strike from Equinox Resources Inc.'s recent antimony discovery as announced on November 8, 2024, which saw ultra-high grade naturally occurring antimony at their Alturas Project, with assays up to 69.98% Sb.4 Figure 4 - Maxus Mining Altura Antimony Property Option Agreement Details On June 4, 2025, the Company entered into the Agreement to acquire an option from the Optionors to earn a hundred percent (100%) interest in the Projects through a combination of cash payments, common share issuances and incurrence of exploration expenditures, as follows: (1) paying the Optionors an aggregate of $150,000 in cash as follows: a. $50,000 on or before the date that is thirty (30) business days after June 4, 2025 (the "Effective Date"); b. $50,000 on or before the date that is one (1) year after the Effective Date; and c. $50,000 on or before the date that is two (2) years after the Effective Date; (2) issuing to the Optionors an aggregate of $400,000 in common shares ("Shares") as follows: a. $100,000 in common shares at a deemed price equivalent to the volume-weighted average closing price of the common shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") in the five (5) trading days immediately prior to issuance on or before the date that is thirty (30) business days after the Effective Date (the "First Tranche Shares"); b. $100,000 in common shares at a deemed price equivalent to the volume-weighted average closing price of the common shares on the CSE in the five (5) trading days immediately prior to issuance on or before the date that is one (1) year after the Effective Date (the "Second Tranche Shares"); c. $100,000 in common shares at a deemed price equivalent to the volume-weighted average closing price of the common shares on the CSE in the five (5) trading days immediately prior to issuance on or before the date that is two (2) years after the Effective Date (the "Third Tranche Shares"); and d. $100,000 in common shares at a deemed price equivalent to the volume-weighted average closing price of the common shares on the CSE in the five (5) trading days immediately prior to issuance on or before the date that is three (3) years after the Effective Date (the "Fourth Tranche Shares"); and (3) incurring a minimum of $1,000,000 in exploration expenditures on the Projects as follows: a. $150,000 on or before the date that is one (1) calendar year after the Effective Date; b. $250,000 on or before the date that is two (2) calendar years after the Effective Date; and c. $500,000 on or before the date that is three (3) calendar years after the Effective Date. Pursuant to the Agreement, the First Tranche Shares, Second Tranche Shares, Third Tranche Shares and Fourth Tranche Shares will all be subject to escrow, with half of the First Tranche Shares released over a 36-month period, the Second Tranche Shares released over a 24-month period, the Third Tranche Shares released over a 18-month period and the Fourth Tranche Shares released over a 12-month period. All securities issued in connection with the Agreement will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day and the Exchange Hold as defined in the policies of the CSE. The Optionors will retain a 2.0% net smelter returns royalty on the Project, of which 1.0% may be purchased back at any time for a one-time cash payment of $1,000,000. No finders' fees were paid on this arm's length Agreement. References 1 - Geological Survey of Canada Memoir - MINFILE No094C 104 EMPR OF *1992-11; 1993-2 Open File 1992-11, Map Number 10 BCGS 2 - MILFILE No: 082FSW228 - Loto 3, 1980 Grab Sample - https://minfile.gov.bc.ca/report.aspx?f=PDF&r=Inventory_Detail.rpt&minfilno=082FSW228 3 - Dolly Varden Prospect - 11-Oct-1995, Ron McMillan - MINFILE 0.82KSW130 - https://minfile.gov.bc.ca/summary.aspx?minfilno=082KSW130 4 - Equinox Resources - November 8, 2024, 'Ultra High Grade Naturally Occuring Antimony at Alturas Project with Assays up to 69.98% Sb' - https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02878498-6A1236703 5 - Endurance Gold, Reliance Gold Project, B.C. - Drill and Channel Sample Gold - Antimony Results 2020 to 2024 https://endurancegold.com/projects/reliance-gold-project-b.c/overview/ 6 - Endurance Summarizes Antimony Results From The Reliance Gold Project, Bc - Best Intervals Include 19.2% Antimony And 2.16 Gpt Au Over 0.5 M In 2024 Drilling - February 24, 2025 - https://endurancegold.com/news-releases/endurance-summarizes-antimony-results-from-the-reliance-gold-project-bc-best-intervals-include-19.2-antimony-and-2.16-gpt-au/ 7 - Mary Mac (Main), Mary Mac (North), Ben Dor, Main, North - 27-Nov-2024, Del Ferguson - MINFILE 092JNE067, https://minfile.gov.bc.ca/Summary.aspx?minfilno=092JNE067 8 - Olympus West, EK, Tom, Chris, Tam, Tim - 24-Oct-1995, Keith J. Mountjoy - MINFILE 0.82KSW175, https://minfile.gov.bc.ca/Summary.aspx?minfilno=082KSW175 Qualified Person The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by David Mark, P. Geo., a geoscientist consultant to the Company and a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Management cautions that historical results collected and reported by operators unrelated to Maxus have not been verified nor confirmed by its Qualified Person; however, the historical results create a scientific basis work at the Projects. Management further cautions that historical results, discoveries and published resource estimates on adjacent or nearby mineral properties, or other properties located within the area, whether in reference to stated current resource estimates or historical resource estimates, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved on the Properties. About Maxus Mining Inc. Maxus Mining Inc. (CSE:MAXM | FRA:R7V) is a mineral exploration company focused on locating, acquiring, and if warranted, developing economic mineral properties in premier jurisdictions. The Company is working towards progressing its diverse portfolio of exploration properties which includes approximately ~7,244 hectares of prospective terrane comprising ~3,700 hectares of terrane amongst four antimony projects, ~3,120 hectares encompassing the Penny Copper Project & the remaining ~422 hectares coming from the Lotto Tungsten Project. The Penny Copper Project covers approximately 3,122 hectares and has seen exploration activity throughout the last 100+ years with recent work including rock sampling and minor geological mapping. The Penny Copper Project is located near the major past producing Sullivan Mine at Kimberley, British Columbia, an area that has stimulated both junior and major exploration company activities in the past year. Additionally, the Penny Copper Project saw a 2017 work program return 17 grab samples, which returned copper values up to 1,046 ppm Cu (TK-17-149c), 1,808 ppm Cu (TK17-28) and 2,388 ppm Cu (TK17-12). At the Quarry Antimony Project, in well-established British Columbia, Canada, one historical sample taken assayed 0.89% g/t Au, 3.8% Cu, 0.34% Zn, 42.5% Pb, and 0.65% g/t Ag and 20% Sb. (Open File 1992-11, Map Number 10). A selected grab sample taken in 1980 at the Lotto Tungsten Project from a quartz vein with scheelite assayed 10.97% Wo3. Additionally, the Altura Antimony Project & the Hurley Antimony project are strategically positioned; Altura is on strike from Equinox Resources recent antimony discovery which saw high-grade naturally occurring antimony with assays up to 69.98% Sb; Hurley neighbours Endurance Gold Corp.'s Reliance Gold Project which saw antimony results from 2024 work programs include 19.2% Sb and 2.16 g/t Au over 0.5m encountered during 2024 drilling. On Behalf of the Board of Directors Scott Walters Chief Executive Officer, Director +1 (778) 374-9699 info@maxusmining.com Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information Certain statements in this news release are forward-looking statements, including with respect to future plans, and other matters. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding-looking wording such as "may", "expect", "estimate", "anticipate", "intend", "believe" and "continue" or the negative thereof or similar variations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including but not limited to, business, economic and capital market conditions, the ability to manage operating expenses, and dependence on key personnel. Forward looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the Projects and their mineralization potential; the Company's objectives, goals, or future plans with respect to the Projects; completion of the Acquisition; and the Company's anticipated exploration programs at the Projects. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, anticipated costs, and the ability to achieve goals. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, the continued availability of capital and financing, litigation, failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations, loss of key employees and consultants, and general economic, market or business conditions. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. The Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/30e51d90-1356-40bf-9871-f298c00f0ad9 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8c8ddc22-9b8e-4dbf-ad36-0b9c72e75dd5 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9c9961a6-3ee5-4221-a185-279cce85541e https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fe157e6d-5c5f-4d48-b622-7cf44cc392ab LONDON, June 5, 2025 - Ecora Resources PLC (LSE:ECOR)(TSX:ECOR) announces that all resolutions were passed by the requisite majorities at the Company's Annual General Meeting held on Thursday, 05 June 2025. In line with recommended practice, a poll was conducted on each resolution at the meeting. On 05 June 2025, the issued share capital of the Company was 261,732,553 ordinary shares of 2p each. 12,697,887 shares were held in Treasury, therefore the total number of voting rights in the Company was 249,034,666. The total number of votes received on each resolution was as follows: Resolutions Votes for % of votes cast Votes against % of votes cast Votes cast Votes cast as % of Issued Share Capital Votes withheld 1 121,665,309 98.73 1,565,197 1.27 123,230,506 49.48% 110,089 2 121,123,620 99.51 597,074 0.49 121,720,694 48.88% 1,619,901 3 123,299,932 99.99 7,676 0.01 123,307,608 49.51% 32,987 4 116,960,153 94.89 6,292,503 5.11 123,252,656 49.49% 87,939 5 122,826,441 99.65 426,912 0.35 123,253,353 49.49% 87,242 6 122,920,463 99.73 332,193 0.27 123,252,656 49.49% 87,939 7 122,609,638 99.46 660,691 0.54 123,270,329 49.50% 70,266 8 122,611,638 99.47 658,691 0.53 123,270,329 49.50% 70,266 9 122,865,206 99.67 406,123 0.33 123,271,329 49.50% 69,266 10 121,086,217 98.23 2,184,112 1.77 123,270,329 49.50% 70,266 11 123,139,045 99.89 131,339 0.11 123,270,384 49.50% 70,211 12 123,129,604 99.88 143,093 0.12 123,272,697 49.50% 67,898 13 123,079,433 99.82 217,094 0.18 123,296,527 49.51% 44,068 14 122,723,987 99.53 582,156 0.47 123,306,143 49.51% 34,452 15 122,822,592 99.60 496,677 0.40 123,319,269 49.52% 21,326 16 122,850,471 99.62 472,525 0.38 123,322,996 49.52% 17,599 17 123,065,920 99.82 225,856 0.18 123,291,776 49.51% 48,819 18 122,859,270 99.62 473,004 0.38 123,332,274 49.52% 8,321 This announcement will be available for viewing on the Company's website, www.ecora-resources.com, as soon as practicable. In accordance with UK Listing Rule 6.4.2, a copy of the resolutions passed, other than resolutions concerning ordinary business, at today's AGM will be submitted to the National Storage Mechanism and will be available for inspection at https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism. For further information Ecora Resources PLC +44 (0) 20 3435 7400 Jason Gray - Company Secretary Website: www.ecora-resources.com FTI Consulting Sara Powell / Ben Brewerton / Nick Hennis +44(0) 20 3727 1000 ecoraresources@fticonsulting.com This 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: Ecora Resources PLC View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire June 5, 2025 - Trailbreaker Resources Ltd. (TBK.V) ("Trailbreaker" or "the Company") is pleased to announce that the TSX Venture stock exchange (the "Exchange") has approved the option agreement for Trailbreaker to acquire a 100% interest in the Coho property, central British Columbia (BC). The 8,000-hectare Coho property covers a copper-gold (Cu-Au) porphyry target located 90 km north of Fort St. James, BC, and 30 km west of the Mount Milligan mine. Historically named the Chuchi South property, Trailbreaker renamed the project as the Coho property when the Company announced the acquisition on May 26, 2025 (see news release). Terms of the Option Agreement On May 15th, 2025, Trailbreaker signed an option agreement (the "Agreement") with Ron Bilquist ("Bilquist") of Gabriola, BC. Subject to the approval of the Exchange, Trailbreaker has the option to acquire a 100% interest in the Coho property if the following terms are met: (a) pay to Bilquist an aggregate $380,000 as follows: (i) $20,000 on execution of this Agreement; (ii) an additional $25,000 on or before May 20, 2026; (iii) an additional $35,000 on or before May 20, 2027; (iv) an additional $50,000 on or before May 20, 2028; (v) an additional $50,000 on or before May 20, 2029; (vi) an additional $200,000 on or before May 20, 2030; and (b) issue and deliver to Bilquist an aggregate 700,000 Trailbreaker common shares ("Shares") as follows: (i) 50,000 Shares within 10 days of the date of Regulatory Approval; (ii) an additional 100,000 Shares on or before May 20, 2026; (iii) an additional 150,000 Shares on or before May 20, 2027; (iv) an additional 200,000 Shares on or before May 20, 2028; (v) an additional 200,000 Shares on or before May 20, 2029; and (c) complete Expenditures on the Property of $200,000 as follows: (i) $200,000 of Expenditures on or before May 20, 2027; and (ii) Expenditures (including the Expenditures referred to in (i) above) of $1 million or 1,500 metres of diamond drilling within 3 years of receiving a drill permit Upon completion of the Agreement, Trailbreaker will obtain a 100% interest in the property and Bilquist will retain a total 2.0% Net Smelter Return (NSR) royalty, which may be brought down to 0.5% through a cash payment of $1,500,000 to Bilquist. Upon completion of a bankable feasibility study, Trailbreaker shall pay to Bilquist $1,500,000. Commencing on May 20, 2032, Trailbreaker shall pay to Bilquist annually $30,000 as an advance payment against the royalty, such payments to be credited against the royalty once the property goes into commercial production. For more information about the Coho property see the May 26, 2025 news release or the Coho section on Trailbreaker's webpage: https://www.trailbreakerresources.com/news/trailbreaker-acquires-the-drill-ready-coho-copper-gold-porphyry-project-in-central-british-columbia/ https://www.trailbreakerresources.com/coho-property/ About Trailbreaker Resources Trailbreaker Resources is a mining exploration company focused primarily on mining-friendly British Columbia and Yukon Territory, Canada. Trailbreaker is committed to continuous exploration and research, allowing maintenance of a portfolio of quality mineral properties which in turn provides value for shareholders. The company has an experienced management team with a proven track record as explorers and developers throughout the Yukon Territory, British Columbia, Alaska and Nevada. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Daithi Mac Gearailt President and Chief Executive Officer Carl Schulze, P. Geo., Consulting Geologist with Aurora Geosciences Ltd, is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 for Trailbreaker's BC and Yukon exploration projects, and has reviewed and approved the technical information in this release. Other For new information about the Company's projects, please visit Trailbreaker's website at TrailbreakerResources.com and sign up to receive news. For further information, follow Trailbreaker's tweets at Twitter.com/TrailbreakerLtd, use the 'Contact' section of our website, or contact us at (604) 681-1820 or at info@trailbreakerresources.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 Statements contained in this news release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "Forward-Looking Information") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-Looking Information includes, but is not limited to, disclosure regarding possible events, conditions or financial performance that is based on assumptions about future economic conditions and courses of action; expectations regarding future exploration and drilling programs and receipt of related permitting. In certain cases, Forward-Looking Information can be identified by the use of words and phrases such as "anticipates", "expects", "understanding", "has agreed to" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "would", "occur" or "be achieved". Although Trailbreaker has attempted to identify important factors that could affect Trailbreaker and may 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 not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, if any, Trailbreaker has applied several material assumptions, including the assumption that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner. There can be no assurance that Forward-Looking Information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on Forward-Looking Information. Except as required by law, Trailbreaker does not assume any obligation to release publicly any revisions to Forward-Looking Information contained in this news release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. GABO Mining Ltd. (TSX-V: GAB; OTCPK: MLLOF; Frankfurt: MRDN) ("GABO" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the immediate appointment of Mr. Stephen Goodman and Dr. John R. Carden to the Company's Board of Directors. Concurrently, director Mr. John Cunningham has voluntarily stepped down to pursue other opportunities. Mr. Goodman brings 25 years of international experience as an investment banker, executive, and director focused on the metals and mining sector. He has successfully executed over $1 billion in transactions involving leading institutional investors. Past roles include President and CFO, Director of Lion Copper and Gold Corp., and Founder of Falcon Butte Minerals Corp. Dr. John R. Carden is an accomplished exploration geologist with a career that includes past roles in uranium exploration with the U.S. Department of Energy, Exxon Minerals, and Magnum Uranium. He was the Director of U.S. Exploration for Echo Bay Mines and served as Director and geologic consultant for several TSX Venture Exchange-listed companies. Notably, Dr. Carden previously conducted research, exploration, and drilling efforts for Magnum Uranium in Utah and New Mexico, specifically in areas adjacent to GABO's current uranium property landholdings. In 2009, Magnum Uranium successfully merged its assets and uranium properties into Energy Fuels. The Company expresses sincere gratitude to Mr. John Cunningham for his contributions over the past year as director. The board extends its best wishes to him in his future endeavors. GABO's CEO, Mr. Gabriel Alonso-Mendoza, stated: "We are thrilled to welcome Stephen and John to our board. Stephen's impressive track record in securing investment and strategic partnerships will greatly strengthen our ability to execute corporate development initiatives. John's extensive experience in uranium exploration, particularly his direct involvement with our Utah and New Mexico projects while at Magnum, will enhance our technical capabilities and expedite asset development. Their combined expertise positions the Company exceptionally well for our next phase of growth." About GABO Mining Ltd. GABO Mining Ltd. is dedicated to exploring and developing high-grade uranium projects in the Mountain West region of the United States. The Company is committed to responsible resource development and maximizing shareholder value by leveraging a skilled leadership team with deep industry and financial expertise. Contact(s): Gabriel Alonso-Mendoza, President and CEO. gam@gabomining.com Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Management takes full responsibility for the content of and has prepared this news release. Some of the statements contained in this release are forward-looking statements, such as any statements that describe the Company plans with respect to general strategic matters and the advancement of its business plans. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "potential," "possible," "projects," "plans," and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions or results "will," "may," "could," or "should" occur or be achieved or their negatives or other comparable words. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature, they involve inherent risks and uncertainties, including the risks related to market conditions and regulatory approval and other risks. Actual results in each case could differ materially from those currently anticipated. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and, other than as required by applicable securities laws, GABO 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, except as required pursuant to applicable laws. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES VANCOUVER, June 5, 2025 - International Tower Hill Mines Ltd. (the "Company") - (TSX: ITH) (NYSE American: THM) announces the results from its 2025 Annual General Meeting of shareholders held in Vancouver, B.C. on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 (the "Meeting"). At the Meeting, the Company's shareholders elected the following individuals as directors of the Company, with all receiving a majority of the votes cast, as follows: Director Votes For Votes Withheld Anton Drescher 142,505,643 (98.65 %) 1,944,854 (1.35 %) Karl Hanneman 143,473,858 (99.32 %) 976,639 (0.68 %) Stuart Harshaw 143,410,282 (99.28 %) 1,040,215 (0.72 %) Marcelo Kim 143,174,086 (99.12 %) 1,276,411 (0.88 %) Edel Tully 142,864,794 (98.90 %) 1,585,703 (1.10 %) Thomas Weng 142,798,574 (98.86 %) 1,651,923 (1.14 %) The shareholders re-appointed the current auditors, Davidson & Company LLP, Chartered Accountants, as auditors of the Company for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025 and authorized the directors to fix their remuneration. The shareholders approved (98.45% majority), on an advisory non-binding basis, the compensation paid to the Company's executive officers ("Say on Pay") and a 99.14% majority of the shareholders voted in favor of holding the Say on Pay vote every year. In light of the results, the Company will continue to hold the Say on Pay vote every year. The detailed proxy voting on all resolutions submitted to the shareholders at the Meeting is contained in the "Report of Voting Results" for the Meeting which will be available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ and on the Company's website or upon request by contacting the Company at (855) 428-2825. About International Tower Hill Mines Ltd. International Tower Hill Mines Ltd. controls 100% of the Livengood Gold Project located along the paved Elliott Highway, 70 miles north of Fairbanks, Alaska. On behalf of International Tower Hill Mines Ltd. (signed) Karl L. Hanneman Chief Executive Officer Contact Information: Richard Solie, Jr., Manager - Investor Relations E-mail: rsolie@ithmines.com Direct line: 907-328-2825 Toll-Free: 1-855-428-2825 This news release is not and is not to be construed in any way as, an offer to buy or sell securities in the United States. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/international-tower-hill-mines-announces-results-from-2025-annual-general-meeting-of-shareholders-302474698.html SOURCE International Tower Hill Mines Ltd. World Sustainability Organisation introduces sustainable certification to Ghana Business Desk Report Business News Jun - 05 - 2025 , 13:30 Ghana, a global leader in gold production, is taking bold steps to transition its mining sector towards sustainability. Through the establishment of regulatory frameworks, environmental protection measures, and economic empowerment programmes; the country is laying the groundwork for international certification in the mining sector. As calls intensify and steps are taken towards sustainability in Ghana's mining sector, globally leading sustainability firm, the World Sustainability Organisation has introduced the sustainable mining certification to support efforts towards the countrys gold sector aligning with global standards of environmental, economic, and social sustainability. Sustainable mining is conducted in a manner that minimises the impact on the surrounding environment and leaves mine sites in an acceptable state for re-use by people or ecosystems. Consumers and processing companies purchasing products and raw materials from mines certified sustainable according to Friend of the Earth standards, contribute to conservation of natural resources and habitats, while reducing environmental pollution and respecting workers in the mines and all along the processing chain. Positive impact The Founder and Director of the World Sustainability Organization, Paolo Bray, emphasized that the positive impact the Friend of the Earth Sustainable Mining Certification could have on mining companies in Ghana, as well as its potential to complement the governments initiatives to reform and sanitise the mining sector. "Sustainable mining is crucial for ensuring the long-term viability of the industry, protecting the environment, and benefitting local communities. It ensures long-term viability of mining operations, minimizes environmental impact, and promotes the well-being of local communities. By embracing WSO's Sustainable Mining Certification companies and regulators in Ghana's mining sector will demonstrate commitment to sustainable practices in mining." At the heart of Ghanas new mining strategy is the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), established in April 2025. This institution is mandated to regulate, purchase, assay, and export all artisanally mined gold, creating a centralized and transparent system. This reform echoes WSOs emphasis on traceability and integrity within supply chains of the mining sector. Immense damage Illegal mining or galamsey has caused immense damage to Ghanas rivers, forests, and farmland. The governments recent policy changes, including stricter license reviews and enforcement against environmentally destructive practices, reflect a commitment to ecosystem protection. These actions mirror the WSO certification principles which demand conservation of biodiversity, sustainable land use, and responsible resource extraction. Over one million Ghanaians depend on artisanal and small-scale gold mining; this certification would not only position gold from Ghana more competitively on the international market, but also attract eco-conscious investors and ethical luxury buyers increasingly focused on traceable and responsibly sourced minerals. The success of the Friend of the Earth Sustainability Mining certification is evidenced by the World Sustainability Organizations active status in over 70 countries, with more than 1,000 companies and over 3,000 products certified worldwide. The introduction of the WSO Sustainable Mining certification to Ghanas mining sector is set to position Ghana as a both a global leader in the mining and a pioneer of sustainability. Next article: TikTok star posts final video of 17th birthday just hours before she was shot by man whose advances she rejected Previous article: What we know about Trump's latest travel ban for 19 countries including Togo and Sierra Leone Featured Nigeria imports Danish cows in bid to slash $1.5 billion milk import bill reuters.com International News Jun - 05 - 2025 , 09:49 1 minute read Nigeria is importing dairy cattle from Denmark as it aims to double its milk output within five years, part of a plan to cut dairy imports that cost the country $1.5 billion a year, Livestock Minister Idi Maiha said on Monday. Despite boasting one of Africa's largest cattle populations, Nigeria's milk output of 700,000 tonnes a year lags its annual consumption of 1.6 million tonnes. "Our goal is ambitious but achievable; to double Nigeria's milk production from 700,000 tonnes to 1.4 million tonnes annually in the next five years," he said. Maiha said Nigeria's cattle population, exceeding 20 million, consists largely of low-yield pastoralist breeds. A Nigerian farm has already imported over 200 heifers from Denmark, building its herd through intensive breeding, Maiha said. So far, eight new pasture species have been registered, the first in 48 years, and a national strategy for animal genetic resources with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization has been launched, he said. "With over 20.9 million cattle, 60 million sheep, and 1.4 million goats already, we are not starting from zero, we are building from strength," Maiha said. Featured South African politician sacked over visit to fugitive pastor bbc.com International News Jun - 05 - 2025 , 15:07 1 minute read A top official in one of South Africa's biggest political parties has been sacked after he visited a controversial Malawian pastor in April. Floyd Shivambu has been removed as secretary-general of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party barely six months into the job after he attended an Easter service at self-proclaimed pastor Shepherd Bushiri's church. Mr Bushiri, from Malawi, was one of Southern Africa's best-known preachers when he was arrested and charged with fraud in South Africa in 2020. After being released on bail, he managed to flee to his home country in unclear circumstances. South Africa has been trying to extradite him ever since. Mr Bushiri denies any wrongdoing and, together with his wife Mary, has applied to review a judgment that approved their extradition to South Africa, according to local news site Eyewitness News. The MK party, which was founded by former President Jacob Zuma, said in a press conference on Wednesday that Mr Shivambu's removal came after his actions, which "were found to be against the spirit and prescripts of the MK party's constitution". "The president and national officials were left with no other option but to act swiftly," said MK national chair Nathi Nhleko. He added that the trip "was not an officially sanctioned programme of the organisation". Next article: Police intercept coins and GH1 notes totaling over GH1million stashed in fertiliser bags on commercial vehicle Featured Ablekuma: Police arrest woman for pouring acid on ex-lover GNA Jun - 05 - 2025 , 10:34 2 minutes read A 30-year-old woman who allegedly poured some substance suspected to be acid on her taxi driver ex-boyfriend has been arrested by the Tesano Divisional Police Command. Mavis Nkrumah, unemployed, who attempted fleeing Ghana but was arrested, had gone to visit her ex-lover to confirm the breakup, when she poured the substance on Gideon Frimpong. Superintendent of Police Julianna Obeng, Head of the Greater Accra Regional Police Command's Public Affairs Unit, said these in a news brief. "The Greater Accra Regional Police Command has arrested Mavis Nkrumah, a 30-year-old woman, for allegedly pouring a liquid substance suspected to be acid on her ex-boyfriend at Ablekuma Fan Milk, a suburb of Accra." Superintendent Obeng said preliminary investigation suggested that on the night of the attack, May 28, 2025, Mavis appeared unannounced at the victim's residence at approximately 0100 hours. She said the victim, Frimpong, a 29-year-old taxi driver, engaged her in a brief conversation, during which Mavis asked him to drive her home, thus Frimpong agreed and offered to take her. "On reaching a section of the road, Frimpong requested Mavis to alight since the road ahead was bumpy and rough," the brief said. Superintendent Obeng said Mavis questioned him about their relationship, and after the third confirmation of their breakup, she got out and through the driver's side of the car, poured the substance suspected to be acid on him. "The victim, Frimpong, was identified by a group of people and subsequently rushed to the hospital, where he was treated for injuries sustained at the back, neck, among other parts of the body and he has since been discharged." She said, Mavis, the Suspect, who fled the scene after the incident and attempted to bolt into a neighbouring country, was arrested on June 3, 2025, by the Police and is currently in custody. "The Accra Regional Police Command cautions the public to seek lawful and peaceful means of resolving issues. Acts of violence are criminal and will be dealt with by the law." Superintendent Obeng said. "The Command remains committed to ensuring public safety and urges all to report suspicious or harmful behaviour promptly to the nearest police station." Featured Assin Akropong: Grave looters exhume body of 15-year-old five days after burial to remove organs Shirley Asiedu-Addo Jun - 05 - 2025 , 14:10 2 minutes read In a gruesome act, residents of Assin Akropong in the Assin Fosu area of the Central Region woke up on Wednesday to discover that grave looters had exhumed the remains of a 15-year-old boy, Kenneth Ampofo five days after he had been buried. The residents found that the abdomen had been opened with the intestines and organs removed. Kenneth died after a brief illness and was laid to rest in the community last Friday. According to the assembly member for Assin Akropong, Bismark Kojo Boateng, the looters after exhuming the body slit the deceased's abdomen and removed his intestines and organs. He said the body was discovered by residents after they suspected a strange vehicle had been parked at the entrance of the cemetery for hours, but the driver sped off in a suspicious manner when they tried to approach it. He said a casual look at the body indicated the perpetrators were in search of body parts. Mr Boateng stated that the community plans to establish a volunteer patrol group immediatley to enhance night security in the community. He said local authorities, including traditional leaders and police, have launched a thorough investigation into the incident. Mr Boateng urged community members to remain calm and report any suspicious activities that might aid in the investigation. The traditional leaders in a response on Wednesday performed rituals, seeking the help of the gods to smoke out the perpetrators. Meanwhile, the Assin Fosu District Police Commander Assistant Superintendent of Police, Jacob Kumedzro has confirmed the incident and said an official investigation has been initiated. He encouraged the residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities to ensure the perpetrators were brought to justice. Featured Chamber of Telecommunications announces exit of Ken Ashigbey as CEO Rosalind K. Amoh Jun - 05 - 2025 , 16:33 2 minutes read The Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications (GCT) and the Digital Chamber of Ghana (DGI) have announced the exit of Kenneth Ashigbey as Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber. His tenure ended effective May 31, 2025. In a press release, the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications and the Digital Chamber of Ghana announced that Dr Kenneth Ashigbey has stepped down from his role at the end of May 2025 after nearly eight years of serving in that capacity. The two chambers expressed gratitude to Dr Ashigbey for the impact he had made leading the organisation since assuming the role. As he steps into his next chapter, the two Chambers wish Dr Ashigbey continued success and fulfilment. We want to reassure you that we remain steadfast in our commitment to building on the strong foundation he has laid strengthening advocacy, deepening stakeholder collaboration and pushing for innovations that grow the industrie and lift Ghanaians across all sectors. Journey A trained engineer from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Dr Ashigbey has also worked in the media space for more than 15 years. He joined the Chamber of Telecommunications in 2017, after serving as the Managing Director of the Graphic Communications Group Ltd. He has also used the platform in the media space for impactful advocacy and presently serves as the co-chairperson of the Media Coalition against Galamsey. Featured GAF warns public against fake recruitment and enlistment adverts Jemima Okang Addae Jun - 05 - 2025 , 15:00 1 minute read The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has cautioned the public that it is not conducting any recruitment or enlistment exercise at the moment. In a statement issued on June 4, the military described any advertisement or information circulating to that effect as fake and urged the public to disregard such claims. The GAF advised the public to be vigilant and not fall prey to fraudsters and scammers who often exploit such situations to defraud unsuspecting individuals. It further stated that any future recruitment or enlistment exercise will be officially announced through the Daily Graphic newspaper. Featured Galamsey: Security forces reclaim 8 of 9 forest Red Zones from armed illegal miners Mahama Gertrude Ankah Jun - 05 - 2025 , 15:03 2 minutes read President John Mahama has disclosed that eight of the nine most dangerous forest reserves previously under the control of heavily armed illegal miners have been successfully reclaimed by Ghanas security forces, with the final operation currently underway. Speaking at the World Environment Day celebration at Kwabenya in Accra on Thursday, June 5, President Mahama commended the joint efforts of the military, police, and other stakeholders in confronting illegal mining activities that had turned parts of the countrys forest reserves into "no-go zones." As I speak, we have seized 300 excavators from illegal miners. Nine forest reserves were considered red zones because the miners were armed to the teeth. Working with the security agencies, weve managed to evict them from eight of those areas, he stated. Ghana has a total of 288 forest reserves, of which 44 have been invaded by illegal small-scale miners. The nine red zones were identified as the most dangerous due to the presence of heavily armed groups, prompting the government to prioritise their reclamation. With eight of the nine red zones now secured, the President noted that the focus will shift to reclaiming the remaining 35 invaded forest reserves. Mahama also highlighted the broader environmental threat posed by illegal mining, warning that Ghanas water resources are at risk. Our rivers take their source from our forests. If we destroy the forests, our rivers will dry up. Thats why this fight is critical, he cautioned. The operation forms part of a broader national strategy to restore degraded forestlands, combat environmental degradation, and protect vital water bodies affected by illegal mininglocally known as galamsey. The Presidents remarks came as Ghana marked World Environment Day 2025 under the global theme: Restore Our Earth: From Words to Action. GH1 Energy Sector Levy to tackle $3.7bn debt Finance Minister Dickson Worlanyo Dotse Jun - 05 - 2025 , 09:57 6 minutes read Parliament has passed the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Bill, 2025, to impose a GH1 on every litre of petroleum products to raise additional funds to defray the $3.7 billion energy sector debts. The bill proposed an upward adjustment in the Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy to raise additional revenue, GH5 billion annually on average, to support the payment of energy sector arrears, reduce legacy debt and ensure a stable power supply across the country. The Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament (MP) for Ajumako-Enyan-Esiam, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, laid the bill under a certificate of urgency last Tuesday. It was read and referred to the Finance Committee for consideration, and the report was approved by the house the same day in the evening. The Minority side of Parliament walked out of the House before its passage. Rationale Explaining the rationale behind the bill, Dr Forson told Parliament that the energy sector currently posed the greatest economic and fiscal threat to the country, warning that failure to address its mounting challenges could result in a full-blown crisis. The total energy sector debt as at the end of March 2025 stands at $3.1 billion. This amount includes debts owed to Independent Power Producers (IPPs), State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), fuel suppliers and other stakeholders, he said. Dr Forson emphasised that the nations inability to honour its financial obligations to key players, such as ENI and Karpowership, resulted in the complete drawdown of two critical guarantees in 2024: a $512 million International Development Association (IDA) guarantee from the World Bank and a $120 million guarantee from the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC). The government, he said, would now need $632 million to restore those guarantees. Dr Forson further stated that a minimum of $3.7 billion was required to clean up the energy sectors overall indebtedness and reset the sector on a more stable path. Highlighting the shift in the countrys electricity generation mix, Dr Forson said the country now heavily relied on thermal power to supplement hydroelectric sources. However, he revealed that the cost of liquid fuel for thermal generation was not currently factored into electricity tariffs, resulting in revenue shortfalls. The Finance Minister further stated that including fuel costs in the current electricity pricing structure could lead to a 50 per cent hike in tariffs, which would significantly burden households and businesses. No extra cost Therefore, the proposed levy increase, Dr Forson explained, was a more balanced alternative that would avoid passing costs directly onto consumers. This levy will serve as a dedicated source of funding to the power sector, and the proceeds will be earmarked for the procurement of essential fuel for power generation, he said. Dr Forson assured the House that the impact of the new levy on petroleum prices would be neutralised by the strong performance of the Ghana cedi, ensuring that consumers would not pay extra for petrol or diesel. "Mr Speaker, I repeat, the impact will be absorbed by the gains made from the strong performance of the Ghana cedi, and this will mean that consumers will not have to pay extra for the price of petrol and diesel beginning today. Our simulations suggest that there will be no increase in the ex-pump price of petrol and diesel in the next window, beginning today, if the levy is imposed, he stated categorically. Energy Minister Commenting on the amended bill which is awaiting presidential assent, the Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Dr John Abdulai Jinapor, said proceeds from the levy would be used to support the procurement of liquid fuel to fire thermal plants. He said that although the proceeds would not be enough to retire the entire Energy Sector debt, it would help to stabilise the power sector and avert a more severe crisis that would be costlier to the citizenry. The law would not have a sunset clause but the government had put together a roadmap to resolve the issues. All the challenges identified in the sector are being addressed simultaneously. We have also put in place measures to monitor the economy and progress. We will continue to review this periodically to ensure that the people of Ghana are not short-changed, Dr Jinapor stated. The Energy Minister emphasised that enough and wide consultations were done with stakeholders and Ghanaians ahead of the passage of the bill. He said the consultations had resulted in the ideal way the challenge and the levy had been dealt with. History The inability of the state to ensure the payment of debts as fast as possible informed the introduction of the GH1 per litre. This year, the government consolidated various levies in the ESLA, including the price stabilisation and recovery, and the energy sector debt recovery levies, into a single levy of GH0.95 (95Gp). Before the consolidations this year, ESLA witnessed two amendments after it was first passed in 2015. After barely a year of implementation, the government lost power, and the new government made some changes. First in 2017 to reduce the Public Lighting Levy from five per cent per kilowatt hour (kWh) of electricity to three per cent and the National Electrification Levy from five per cent per kWh to two per cent. In 2019, the law was again amended to create a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to collateralise the inflow, resulting in the ESLA PLC Bond, to raise more funding to retire the debts in the energy sector. Administered by KPMG, the ESLA PLC also had challenges, including additional costs regarding bond issuance and management fees. Experts in the energy sector told the Daily Graphic that those measures notwithstanding, the government between 2017 and 2024 could not contain the energy sector debts, but rather left them to balloon from about $3 billion at the end of 2016 to $9 billion at the end of 2024, requiring smart thinking to resolve. One of the sources, who pleaded condition of anonymity, said although liquid fuels were not captured in the energy sector price build-up, that had become the mainstay for keeping generation, while natural gas, which was part of the price build-up, had become stranded. The source said it was therefore imperative to introduce the GH1 to meet the liabilities in the energy sector. It added that the levy had been imposed on petroleum products because its collection was more efficient and transparent as opposed to levying it on energy infrastructure and generation. Next article: Police seize arms and excavators in anti-galamsey operation at Mpasaaso Policy to block leakages in remittance inflows in the offing Maclean Kwofi Jun - 05 - 2025 , 09:57 3 minutes read The Bank of Ghana is set to implement a policy to block leakages in remittance inflows as part of efforts to further stabilise the local currency. The Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr Johnson Asiama, who disclosed this, explained that although the details of the policy would be announced in due course, its goal was to ensure that inflows from remittances were accurately and efficiently accounted for. When I got appointed, I remember I told the President there are two things I think could stabilise the cedi - remittances and blocking of leakages when it comes to gold exports. So far, with the GoldBod, we believe that smuggling and leakages will reduce, and we can see the benefit. The next plan is to tackle remittance inflows. I will not go into details about the platform we intend to put in place, but our objective is to ensure that every dollar that is remitted is made to account, the Governor said at a corporate forum of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), in Accra last Tuesday. The forum, which is an initiative of the association, formed part of a series of high-level engagement platform between industry leaders and key policymakers. It featured a keynote session with the Governor, with other discussions focusing on pressing economic issues, particularly the recent appreciation of the cedi against the US dollar and its implications for the economy and the industrial sector. They also deliberated on critical economic and business challenges in the country. Dr Asiama said his aim was to reduce the national lending rate to below 10 per cent before completing his four-year term in office. He said achieving that goal would create a more favourable environment for borrowing, encourage business expansion and also boost economic activities across the country. The Governor stressed the need for renewed confidence in the local currency, saying that national pride and economic discipline were key to stabilising and strengthening the cedis value. Going forward, we are committed to adopting a new approach in the way we operate. When businesses thrive, the benefits will extend beyond individual companies to society as a whole. It will create jobs, boost incomes and enhance overall development. To support this, we pledge to implement clear and transparent policies that foster trust, promote innovation and drive sustainable business growth, Dr Asiama added. Commendation The President of AGI, Dr Humphrey Ayim-Darke, commended the Governor and the leadership of the central bank for their proactive efforts in revitalising the country's economy within the few months they had been in office. Members of the Association of Ghana Industries He said that the strategic interventions, including monetary policy adjustments and financial sector reforms, had all played a significant role in restoring economic stability and fostering investor confidence to support the growth trajectory. At a time that we are seeing the economy demonstrating resilience and growth, it is important that we as industries or the private sector engage BoG, given that some of our members are into exports, and so, fast appreciation of the cedi has an impact on their operations, the president added. Next article: Ashanti Region: Police on manhunt for armed robbers after foiled highway attack Featured Ghana to outlaw styrofoam food containers in environmental push Mohammed Ali Jun - 05 - 2025 , 14:50 3 minutes read President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the government will soon ban the production and importation of styrofoam food containers in Ghana. The move, he said, forms part of broader efforts to tackle plastic pollution and promote the use of safer, more environmentally friendly alternatives. Speaking at a national event to mark World Environment Day 2025 at the Kwabenya Community Day School on Thursday, June 5, 2025, President Mahama stated that the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology would begin enforcing the ban in the coming months. We will ban the importation and production of styrofoam in Ghana. Food packaging will shift to paper or aluminium foil, Mr Mahama said. Im informing manufacturers and importers to prepare for this change, as the Ministry of Environment will soon enforce this policy. The ban is expected to affect many food vendors, takeaway operators, importers, and local manufacturers, particularly those who rely on styrofoam packaging due to its affordability. Environmental experts have consistently raised concerns about styrofoam, describing it as non-biodegradable and harmful to drainage systems, coastal ecosystems, and human health. Mr Mahama noted that the widespread use of single-use plastics, including styrofoam, has created growing environmental problems across the country. Plastics are clogging our gutters and waterways, littering our beaches, polluting our farmlands, and choking our urban streams, he said. He added that, if no action is taken, plastics could outnumber fish in the ocean by 2050, according to global projections. The President also outlined a number of ongoing policy measures aimed at addressing these challenges. These include the National Plastics Management Policy, which requires manufacturers and importers to take full responsibility for the products they put on the market. Additionally, the government has revised its Solid Waste Management Strategy to reduce the volume of plastic waste in landfills by 60 per cent by the year 2030. According to Mr Mahama, some city authorities, including those in Tamale and Takoradi, are already piloting household and market waste separation programmes using colour-coded bins. He said the results have been encouraging. Entrepreneurs are converting used plastics into building materials, textiles, and fuel briquettes, he said. The dustbins presented here today, made from recycled plastic, are evidence of this innovation. The decision to phase out styrofoam follows another directive announced by the government to end the use of wooden furniture in public schools. Mr Mahama said desks will soon be made from recycled plastic or metal, as part of a wider plan to reduce deforestation. The event also saw the launch of the One Tree Per Child initiative, which seeks to engage every school-aged child in planting and nurturing a tree. Mr Mahama said each pupil would be given a seedling suitable for their local environment, with guidance from teachers, forestry officers, and traditional leaders. He explained that the goal is not only to plant millions of trees by 2030, but to instil a sense of care and responsibility for nature in the younger generation. Mr Mahama urged the public to support the initiative and take personal action to improve their surroundings. To every Ghanaian, I issue a simple challenge: pledge not to litter, to reduce plastic use, and to plant and care for at least one tree, he said. Let us refuse single-use plastics, sort waste at home, adopt sustainable alternatives, and teach our children by example that a clean, green Ghana is not only possible but necessary. Next article: Chiefs and people of Essuowin raise funds to establish senior high school Ghanaian women urged to embrace digital innovation for business growth Gertrude Ankah May - 03 - 2025 , 07:19 2 minutes read Ghanaian women have been urged to embrace digital innovation as a critical tool for scaling their businesses and remaining competitive in todays fast-evolving global economy. Founder and Managing Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Evaluation Development (CEED), Mrs Gifty Volimkarime, who made the call described digitalisation as a necessity rather than a luxury in modern business. She was speaking during a graduation ceremony in Accra, where 75 women entrepreneurs completed a digital literacy and entrepreneurship training programme under the theme: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Bridging the Digital Divide for Sustainable Business Growth. She stressed the importance of adopting emerging technologies to break barriers and access wider markets. Women must begin to innovate and align with modern digital trends. The world is changing rapidly, and businesses that fail to evolve will be left behind, she said. Mrs Volimkarime encouraged female entrepreneurs to leverage digital marketing, e-commerce platforms, and social media tools to build their brands and expand their customer base beyond local borders. While acknowledging the challenges associated with digital adoptionparticularly for women with limited access to technology or trainingshe urged participants not to be deterred. Growth often comes with discomfort. If you want to transform your business, you must be willing to take up the challenges, she added. The initiative, spearheaded by CEED in partnership with Assadaqat Community Finance based in UK and funded by the Wales Government, targeted women and youth from underserved communities. The training covered digital skills, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and online marketing strategies. Mrs Volimkarime revealed that over 900 women initially registered for the programme. However, logistical challengesincluding incompatible devices and conflicting schedulesreduced the final cohort to 75. Despite the drop-off, organisers hailed the programme a success for introducing participants to tools such as artificial intelligence and digital branding. Highlighting the gendered digital divide in Ghana, she noted that only 60% of women own smartphones, compared to 72% of men. This inequality affects how women access opportunities online. Bridging this gap is essential for inclusive economic growth, she said. Media and Digital Strategist Emelia Enyonam Kuleke also addressed the graduates. She challenged them to step out of their comfort zones, explore new business models, and adopt strategies that reflect the realities of the digital age. The global marketplace is no longer confined to borders. If youre visible online, you can sell in Accra, Nairobi, or London, she said. Ms Kuleke urged participants to prioritise customer engagement tools, online branding, and search engine optimisation to remain competitive. She also called for stronger collaboration between government, the private sector, and development organisations to support digital inclusion. Empowering women digitally is more than a social initiativeit is an economic imperative for Ghanas future, she said Featured Wooden furniture to be banned in schools - President Mahama Gertrude Ankah Jun - 05 - 2025 , 17:07 1 minute read President John Mahama has announced a series of environmental reforms, including a ban on the use of wood for school furniture and plans to phase out styrofoam as a food packaging material. Read also: Ghana to outlaw styrofoam food containers in environmental push Speaking at the World Environment Day celebrations in Kwabenya in Accra, on Thursday, June 5, the President said the government is taking decisive steps to protect Ghanas forests and tackle plastic pollution. We have been planting trees and cutting them down at the same time, he said. To reduce deforestation, I will issue a directive to stop the use of wood for producing school furniture. Going forward, we will adopt environmentally friendly alternatives such as recycled plastic or metal. President Mahama described the move as part of a broader national strategy to curb the destruction of forest resources and promote sustainability in public procurement. The World Environment Day 2025 was marked under the theme Restore Our Earth: From Words to Action, with President Mahama calling on all sectors to support national efforts to build a greener and more sustainable Ghana. Next article: 3,319.66kg substance tests positive for cocaine - NIB set to destroy exhibits worth over $350m Previous article: Assin Akropong: Grave looters exhume body of 15-year-old five days after burial to remove organs Featured Mahama justifies energy levy hike to avert power crisis and clear sector debt Kester Aburam Korankye Jun - 05 - 2025 , 13:23 4 minutes read President John Mahama has defended the governments decision to impose an additional GH1 Energy Sector Recovery Levy, stating that the movethough difficultis critical to resolving the countrys crippling energy sector debts and preventing a return to erratic power supply. Speaking at the Jubilee House during the presentation of the final report from the National Economic Dialogue, the President assured that the recent appreciation of the Ghana cedi has cushioned the impact, meaning consumers will not face immediate fuel price increases. The energy sector, burdened with over US$3.1 billion in debt, faces an additional US$1.8 billion requirement to finance fuel for thermal power generation in the coming months. President Mahama warned that failure to act would risk another cycle of dumsor (power outages), which could cripple businesses and stifle economic recovery. If left unaddressed, this situation poses a severe threat to national productivity and industrial growth, the President said. We cannot afford to gamble with our energy security. The levy is a tough but necessary step to stabilise the sector. Parliament, under a certificate of urgency, approved an amendment to the Energy Sector Levies Act (ESLA), introducing the GH1 increment expected to generate GH5.7 billion annually. With the recent gains in macro stability and the strengthening of the Ghana cedi, this levy is not expected to result in any immediate fuel price increases, President Mahama said. The President assured that revenues from the levy would be strictly ring-fenced to pay down energy sector debts and fund fuel purchases, bypassing the Consolidated Fund to avoid misuse. Every pesewa will be accounted for, he said. The fund will undergo regular audits, and reports will be made public. We owe it to Ghanaians to ensure that this money is used for its intended purpose. He added that the government would also work to reduce inefficiencies in energy procurement and distribution while expanding social interventions for vulnerable groups. Outlook Looking beyond the immediate crisis, President Mahama outlined a brighter energy future for the country. He expressed confidence that the countrys energy mix would gradually shift away from expensive liquid fuels as domestic gas production increases from the ENI Sankofa, Jubilee, and TEN fields. Additional gas supplies expected through the West African Gas Pipeline would further reduce reliance on costly fuel imports. As we successfully transition to greater gas utilisation in our energy generation, we will be able to redirect more of the levy proceeds towards clearing the accumulated legacy debts that have plagued our energy sector for years, the President said. Economic reform agenda The National Economic Dialogue report presented to the President contained a comprehensive blueprint for economic recovery, with several key reform areas. On fiscal discipline, the government has committed to implementing a binding debt ceiling designed to reduce Ghanas debt-to-GDP ratio to 45 per cent by 2028. To strengthen oversight, an Independent Fiscal Council will be established by the third quarter of 2025 to provide professional, non-partisan monitoring of national budgeting and borrowing practices. A major economic stimulus will come through the governments flagship 24-hour economy programme, which will provide incentives for extended operations in key sectors including agri-processing, manufacturing, and logistics. The Ghana Export Promotion Authority has been tasked with implementing an ambitious new strategy targeting US$10 billion in non-traditional exports by 2028. Recognising the need for institutional reform, the government will launch a Public Sector Productivity Strategy in January 2026 aimed at eliminating duplication, digitising operations, and improving service delivery standards. President Mahama said education and training systems would be realigned to better meet labour market demands, with particular focus on preparing youth for emerging job opportunities. Robust implementation To ensure these reforms translate into tangible results, President Mahama announced the creation of an Inter-Ministerial Implementation Committee that will coordinate execution of all recommendations from the National Economic Dialogue report. The committee will include civil society and private sector representatives as observers, fostering broad-based accountability. Biannual progress reports will be made public, and the President committed to holding annual review sessions to assess implementation progress. This report represents more than just policy recommendations it is a solemn covenant between the government and the people of Ghana, President Mahama said. We will honour this covenant through transparent governance, urgent action, and unwavering discipline. President Mahama urged Ghanaians to support the reforms, describing the report as a covenant between government and the governed. The short ceremony was attended by cabinet ministers and senior government officials, including the Minister for Finance, Ato Forson, and the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah. Also present were members of the National Economic Dialogue planning committee, including its chairman, Ismael Yamson. Featured Mike Eghan, legendary broadcaster dies aged 89 Rosalind K. Amoh Jun - 05 - 2025 , 21:37 3 minutes read Legendary Ghanaian broadcaster, Mike Eghan, famed for his 1970s television show, The Mike Eghan Show, has passed away, aged 89. He passed away in Accra on June 5, a source close to the family has confirmed to the Graphic Online. Born in Sekondi-Takoradi, Eghan, also referred to as the "The Magnificent Emperor," was among the pioneering hosts of electronic media and show business, in a career that spanned for 60 years, starting off as a disc jockey, then a radio presenter and also a television host. He hosted programmes for the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) as well as the BBC World Service in London. Long after his retirement, he autographed a book, "The Emperor's Story From the Centre of the World," in 2019, cataloguing his life, work and impact in the media terrain. Besides the media work, he also worked as a Entertainment Manager with the Volta River Authority, returned to London to work with the BBC, before returning home to revive the Mike Eghan Show. In his latter years, he ventured into hotel business. Media work In the early 1960s, Mike Eghan was a regular co-host of Radio Dance Time with David Larbi on Radio Ghana, the only radio station in Ghana at the time. He underwent a period of nurturing and polishing up during his five-year stint with the British Broadcasting Corporation between 1965 and 1970, after which he returned home to join the commercial service of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, GBC 2, where he made a seismic impact with his innovative style of presenting musical programmes on radio known as disc jockeying. Among the likes of Joe Lartey and Eddie Faakye, Eghan was a popular household name, not just because there was only one television, Ghana Television, during their time, but because of their command of the English language, dexterity and professionalism which endeared them to both young and old. Welcome to the show His popular 1970s talk show, The Mike Eghan Show, ran for more than a decade and featured some of the continent's legends as guests, including Miriam Makeba, Dr Ephraim Amu among others. Aired on Saturday nights, the show blended education with entertaining, hosted with the GBC Dance Band providing background music and performances for guests who would perform on the show. It was a show for legends and iconic personalities and one which also strongly brought to the fore, Eghan's superb interviewing skills, a clear indication of the depth of research that drew the kind of responses his guests shared on the show. The Mike Eghan Show was famed for its one-line catch phrase which became the signature tune, Welcome, welcome, welcome to the show, and became the most popular in almost every Ghanaian home. In 1971, he again showed his class, when as the master of ceremonies (MC), he hosted the historic concert in Ghana Soul to Soul, held at the Black Star Square in 1971 and which featured many prominent African-American artists alongside Ghanaian musicians. Next article: Ablekuma: Police arrest woman for pouring acid on ex-lover Ministers applaud NGO's climate action and community resilience work in Northern Ghana Mohammed Fugu Jun - 05 - 2025 , 11:22 3 minutes read Two Ministers have commended Changing Lives in Innovative Partnerships (CLIP), a Tamale-based non-governmental organisation, for its dedicated efforts in tackling climate change and promoting sustainable livelihoods in northern Ghana. During separate engagements in Accra, the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, and the Minister of State in charge of Climate Change and Sustainability, Mr Seidu Issifu, praised CLIPs impactful workparticularly its role in empowering vulnerable farming communities through climate-resilient strategies and inclusive development initiatives. The meetings formed part of CLIPs advocacy efforts under the Empowerment for Life (E4L) Programme, aimed at supporting climate-vulnerable communities to adopt effective adaptation measures that enhance agricultural productivity and livelihood security. Partnership The discussions focused on CLIPs three decades of community-focused interventions, its current emphasis on climate resilience, and the governments programmes and policies to mitigate climate change. Both parties explored avenues for partnership to strengthen action and policy implementation at the grassroots level. Leading the delegation, the Director of CLIP, Mr Lukman Yussif, stressed the need for stronger collaboration between government and civil society in climate policy formulation. He noted that national programmes must reflect the needs and realities of rural populations, who are most affected by climate change. For climate policies to be effective, they must include the perspectives of the people most affectedsmallholder farmers and rural communities. CLIP is committed to working with government to ensure adaptive strategies are inclusive, practical and sustainable, he stated. Also present at the engagement was Mr Abdallah Mohammed, Technical Advisor for Food Security, Climate Change and Resilience under the E4L Programme. He emphasised the importance of integrating the concerns of vulnerable groups into national planning frameworks, including the National Adaptation Plan and the Medium-Term Development Plans of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs). Pledge In his response, Dr Muhammed commended CLIP for its longstanding contribution to sustainable development in northern Ghana. He acknowledged the critical role of civil society in addressing climate change, stating: Government alone cannot solve this crisis. We need strong partnerships with organisations like CLIP to make a meaningful impact. For his part, Alhaji Issifu expressed particular interest in CLIPs work on renewable agriculture and sustainable livelihoods. He pledged his ministrys commitment to collaborating with CLIP in the fight against climate change, adding that a Climate and Sustainability Relationship Framework had been established across all government ministries to coordinate efforts through a technical working group. Background The Empowerment for Life (E4L) Programme is being implemented in the Northern, North East and Savannah Regions by four local partnersGhana Developing Communities Association (GDCA), School for Life, CLIP and YEFL-Ghanawith funding from Civil Society in Development (CISU) through Ghana Venskab, a Danish development organisation. The programme seeks to strengthen civil societys contribution to improved community resilience, equity and accountable governance across northern Ghana. Featured Police intercept coins and GH1 notes totaling over GH1million stashed in fertiliser bags on commercial vehicle Gertrude Ankah Jun - 05 - 2025 , 10:00 1 minute read The Volta Regional Police Command has intercepted a large sum of money, which was in fertilizer bags, in a commercial vehicle en route to Kumasi in the Ashanti Region. The police intercepted the money made up of GH1 notes and coins, totaling GH1,021,700, on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, around 4:45 pm during a routine snap check near Juapong in the Volta Region. The police in a statement issued on Thursday [June 5, 2025] by DSP Felix Danku of the Public Affairs Unit in the Volta Region, indicated that the officers discovered 68 fertiliser bags filled with GH1 notes and coins, in a Ford Transit Bus which was heading towards Kumasi according to the driver. The driver of the vehicle, identified as Edward Ansah, reportedly told investigators he had been contracted by an unnamed individual in Kumasi to transport the money from Ho in the Volta Region to the Ashanti capital. The suspect is currently in police custody and assisting with investigations. Read the full statement from the Police below: Featured World Environment Day: Plastic pollution a national shame - Nana Dwomoh Sarpong Enoch Darfah Frimpong Jun - 05 - 2025 , 11:27 2 minutes read Ghana must adopt a comprehensive approach to address the plastic pollution plaguing its rivers and other water bodies, Nana Dwomoh Sarpong, President of Friends of Rivers and Waterbodies, has said. Speaking to Graphic Online in Accra on Thursday, June 5, 2025, in connection with World Environment Day, Nana Sarpong described the massive plastic pollution of the countrys water bodies as a "national shame." He singled out the Odaw River in Accra as one of the most abused rivers in the country and called for urgent action to restore it from an environmental blight to a thing of beauty. The theme for this year's celebration Beat Plastic Pollution, seeks to raise global awareness about the damaging effects of plastic waste on ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. Nana Sarpong noted that the scale of the problem is staggering, with severe implications for aquatic life, human health, and the economy. We should look at how we can recycle plastics, he suggested, emphasising the need for Ghana to promote the use of biodegradable paper bags instead of non-degradable plastic bags. Elsewhere in the world, paper bags are widely used. Here, many people are contracting all kinds of diseases from eating food stored in plastics, he said. The environmentalist challenged the Ministry of Environment, and the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to intensify public education on the dangers of plastic pollution. He also urged the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)to step out of its comfort zone and lead the campaign to protect the environment from plastic waste. Govt wont interfere with corruption cases - President Kester Aburam Korankye Politics Jun - 05 - 2025 , 06:51 2 minutes read President John Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to preserving the independence of Ghanas anti-corruption agencies, assuring that his administration will not interfere with ongoing investigations or pressurise the agencies to drop the cases. The President gave the assurance during a meeting with a delegation from the African Union Advisory Board Against Corruption (AUABC) State Party Review Team at the Jubilee House in Accra last Tuesday. Review The team, led by Seynabou Ndiaye Diakhate, was in Accra upon the invitation of President Mahama to submit Ghana to a peer review of Ghana's Anti-corruption regime and performance. The Review Mission is meant to assess the implementation of the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption (AUCPCC) by Ghana as a State Party to the Convention. Emphasising his dedication to the rule of law and impartial justice, President Mahama stated, I have assured the public and my Attorney-General and Minister of Justice that I will not interfere in their work. If anti-corruption agencies pursue any individual, I will not attempt to influence them to drop investigations, including those involving officials from the previous administration, some of whom are currently under probe, he added. The Presidents remarks follow heightened public interest in accountability and governance as his administration continues to address corruption-related cases. President Mahamas pledge aligns with his broader governance agenda, which prioritises accountability and the strengthening of state institutions to fight corruption without political interference. Leadership Ms Diakhate, speaking on behalf of the AUABC, extended her congratulations to President Mahama on his re-election, stating that it reflected the renewed confidence of Ghanaians in his leadership. She said the victory also acknowledged the commendable work he accomplished during his first term in advancing the country's development. She emphasised that the AUABCs presence in Accra highlighted President Mahamas strong commitment to the fight against corruption across Africa. As a state party to the African Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption, Ghana has consistently demonstrated its dedication to accountability and good governance, she added. The Review Mission to Ghana, she explained, was part of the AUABCs efforts to support member states in implementing effective anti-corruption measures under the framework of the convention. The AUABC delegation included Ms Annouz Nadia and Ms Yvonne Mutepuka Chibiya, both Board Members; Ms Martha Munthali, Senior Policy Officer on Economic Affairs, and Ms Stephane Ndilmbaye, Documentalist and Office Assistant. Politics, accountability, transparency in Ghana Prof. Jeffrey Haynes & Dr Samuel Kofi Darkwa Politics Jun - 05 - 2025 , 09:57 5 minutes read The arrest and detention of politically exposed persons is a public spectacle in Ghana. There is a recurring pattern in this respect: incoming governments begin with investigations into officials of outgoing administrations accused of corruption and malfeasance; the opposition party cries foul, calling investigations a witch-hunt. Political figures legal troubles often spark a loud public outcry, while similar travails of ordinary citizens do not get the same degree of public attention. How can Ghana break this cycle and ensure that the transition of power is characterised by accountability, transparency and a genuine pursuit of justice, rather than partisan politics influencing investigations? Transparency It is generally recognised that Ghana has matured its democratic processes during the Fourth Republic, although this does not imply that all democratic structures and processes function unproblematically. Civil society organisations, religious organisations, netizens and scholars agree that Ghana still has a long way to go in relation to some democratic procedures, including accountability and transparency and powerful political actors. According to the Open Government partnership, an international organisation which brings together government, civil society, business, non-profits, and more, transparency is said to occur when government-held information (including on activities and decisions) is open, comprehensive, timely, freely available to the public, and meets basic open data standards (e.g. raw data, machine readability) where formats allow. Transparency empowers citizens to exercise their rights, hold the government accountable, and participate in decision-making processes. Civil rights While Ghana has comparatively good measures of civil and political rights, there are still (very) high levels of corruption and (very) low and perhaps declining levels of transparency. A standard political science definition of political accountability lays great stress on the formal institutional and procedural realm, including civil society and citizens ability to sanction the politically powerful, most obviously via periodic elections. The political scientist, Professor Staffan Lindberg, a key figure in the Sweden-based V-Dem (Varieties of Democracy) institute, attempts to simplify the core concept of accountability. Lindberg argues for a mechanism to hold an agent most obviously, the government to account for its decisions and if necessary, to impose sanctions, including removing those in power, if they behave egregiously and consistently in ways which are not democratically acceptable, accountable or transparent. However, while such a definition of political accountability and transparency emphasises institutions procedural effectiveness, it fails to consider how individuals in maturing democracies, such as that of Ghana, understand the concept of accountability and how they should act in order to hold their leaders to account. Political accountability Ghanas ongoing struggle with political accountability is exemplified by the cases of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi and former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta. These examples reveal the extent to which political influence shapes the responsiveness and impartiality of state institutions, particularly when those implicated are aligned with the ruling government. In 2022, anti-illegal mining campaigners, including lawyer Martin Kpebu and engineer Kenneth Ashigbey, petitioned the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service to investigate Akonta Mining Ltd, a company reportedly linked to Chairman Wontumi. Allegations centred around illegal mining operations, including activity in forest reserves. Despite the seriousness of these claims, the investigation stalled with little public explanationraising concerns about selective justice and institutional inaction when political elites are involved. Renewed petition Following a change of government in 2025, under President John Mahamas administration, the same advocates renewed their petition to the CID. This time, the response was swift: Wontumi was invited for questioning and subsequently detained for six days. Critics argue that this development reflects a broader trend in Ghanaian politics, where accountability mechanisms are only activated once a political figure is no longer shielded by incumbency. Further complicating matters, individuals reportedly linked to Wontumi were also arrested in January 2025 over alleged involvement in orchestrated market fires in parts of the country, adding another layer of scrutiny to his actions. Multiple allegations In parallel, Ken Ofori-Atta's case demonstrates similar challenges regarding accountability within Ghanas political landscape. As the former Finance Minister, he faces investigations by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) related to multiple corruption allegations, including contracts with Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited, issues surrounding the National Cathedral project and ambulance procurement irregularities. After leaving Ghana in January 2025 for medical treatment, Mr Ofori-Atta failed to respond to multiple summonses from the OSP, raising questions about the effectiveness and independence of institutions tasked with holding political figures accountable. These cases underscore the profound implications of political influence on the accountability mechanisms in Ghana. Transition periods should be catalysts for genuine justice, yet, as evidenced here, they can often become stages for selective accountability, exacerbating divisions rather than fostering transparency. Systemic weaknesses The cases of Chairman Wontumi and Ken Ofori-Atta expose the systemic weaknesses in Ghanas accountability landscape. To break the cycle of selective justice and politically motivated investigations, Ghana must strengthen the independence of oversight institutions and insulate them from partisan pressures. Doing so will not only enhance transparency and uphold the rule of law but also restore public confidence in democratic governance and the principle that no one is above the law. The writers are Emeritus Professor of Politics, London Metropolitan University, UK and a Political Scientist. Samsung teased its upcoming Galaxy Fold smartphone yesterday, with its press release using the word "Ultra" a few times. The Korean brand said that the "Ultra experience is ready to unfold" and that this device will offer "an Ultra-experience that goes beyond a simple list of upgraded features." This led many to believe that Samsung was referring to the Galaxy Z Fold7 Ultra, but apparently, that's not the case. Tipster Max Jambor claims that what Samsung did "was clearly meant to stir hype," and there will be no Ultra foldable coming. At least not this summer. The "Fold7 itself will bring the 'Ultra' experience," said Jambor. That implies we'll only see three foldables from Samsung at its upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event - the Galaxy Z Fold7, the Galaxy Z Flip7, and the Galaxy Z Flip7 FE. Samsung hasn't announced the date of the Unpacked event, but rumors claim it will take place in New York in early July. We should hear more about it and the foldable devices in the coming weeks. Source A trio of scientists with a great love of Micronesia has been blazing a trail of conservation projects in the region for decades. Signs of their work are visible throughout the Mariana Islands and stretch from Virginia and New York, to Guam, Saipan, Rota and places in between. One culmination of their efforts is the nonprofit Tano, Tasi, Yan Todo with the stated vision, Islanders across the Marianas empowered with the passion, knowledge and resources needed to protect our land and water, soil and sea. There is much work to do. Haldre Rogers, PhD, is one of the latte stones of Tano, Tasi, Yan Todu. Her capacity for juggling multiple projects simultaneously is legendary. She is an associate professor at Virginia Tech and the director of the Ecology of Birds Loss project conducting novel research in the Marianas since 2002. She has mentored many students from Micronesia and has steadily increased the number of working homegrown scientists in the region. Ann Marie Gawel, PhD, has spent over 20 years on conservation projects in Micronesia and completed her doctorate at the Rogers Lab in 2022. She is another important latte stone in the nonprofit and is currently the Eleanor J. Sterling Postdoctoral Conservation Fellow at the American Natural History Museum in New York City. She conducts ecological and sociological research in the Mariana Islands. The third latte in the trio is also the treasurer of Tano, Tasi, Yan Todu, Joni Quenga Kerr, MS. She was born and raised on Guam and is a faculty member at Guam Community College, where she founded the GCC Ecowarriors, a student organization that fosters environmental stewardship and awareness in the community. These three women have been the drivers of the Mariana Islands Conservation Conference, which just held its seventh conference on Guam on March 10 to 14, 2025. Starting out as the Marianas Terrestrial Conservation Conference, it has expanded to include marine research. In 2015, we began talking about the need for a regional conference focusing on conservation issues and realized many people felt the same, said Rogers. We held our first conference at Guam Community College in 2017. What moved me were the conversations people were having during the breaks. People were networking and discussing their projects with other researchers working in the region. I heard about the first conference after the fact, but made it a point to attend the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh. It is remarkable that they have been able to keep the conference free and open to the public all these years. Alicia and Joseph Diego, both educators, make it a point to attend the conferences. Mr. Diego was Quenga Kerrs teacher from George Washington High School. At our last conference, Mr. Diego told me how much he liked a new conference event in which undergraduate and graduate students gave brief oral presentations about their research posters just before the poster session. He also appreciates seeing all the young local faces working with Tano, Tasi, Yan Todu, said Quenga Kerr. At one of the early conferences, Aleta San Nicolas shared her memories of koko being so plentiful they would wander into her house, and that koko were on the familys dinner menu. It is so satisfying to see the community asking questions and sharing information with scientists. These three women, along with all the people who supported them, took a conversation and turned it into an annual conference and a nonprofit doing much needed conservation work in the Mariana Islands. Biba science! Biba TTT! Listed below are some of Tano, Tasi, Yan Todu current projects. Visit them online at https://www.tanotasitodu.org/. The Guam International Airport Authority is looking to boost Taiwan travel with a newly signed sister airport agreement with the Taichung International Airport, GIAA Executive Manager John Quinata said at a Tuesday airport board meeting. And in July, the A.B. Won Pat International Airport will host large-scale U.S. Air Force exercise Resolute Force Pacific, Quinata told the board. Quinata said the sister airport agreement was secured during a Taiwan trade mission that members of the Leon Guerrero administration embarked on last week. Taichung International Airport serves Taichung City, Taiwan, the nations second-largest urban area and an industrial and commercial base. GIAA Board Chairman Brian Bamba was part of the team that secured a memorandum of agreement for the sister airport arrangement, Quinata said Tuesday. Our chair and the airport officials from Taiwan signed that MOU. The objective of the signing is a formation of a strategic alliance between the two airports to expand economic opportunities, the executive manager said. Quinata said the goal is to drive air travel, trade, tourism, and new business to benefit Taiwan and Guam. News of the sister airport arrangement comes after United Airlines launch of nonstop service to Taipei in April, and Gov. Lou Leon Guerreros report this week of interest in a Kaohsiung City-Guam service by China Airlines. According to Quinata, members of the recent trade mission to Taiwan established contacts in the hopes of pushing Taiwan tourism past Taipei, the nations capital and largest city. Guam seeks to tap more of the Taiwan market, with its 23.6 million residents, as Japanese outbound travel remains slumped post-pandemic. Guam tourism arrivals as of March hung at just 42.5% of what they were in 2019. Flights, budget down GIAA this June will see seat capacity down 2% and the number of flights down 8% compared to June 2024, Quinata reported to the board. The fall is driven by the suspension of Uniteds daily service to Fukuoka, Japan in October, and a suspension of Tway Airlines daily service to Incheon, Korea from June 21 until July, Quinata said. However, the June 1 addition of Korean Airs early morning flight via a wide body 777 airplane has offset some of the decrease, Quinata said. June seats and flights will see less of a year-over-year slump than May, Pacific Daily News files show. GIAAs operating revenues for the fiscal year are at $37.4 million as of April 30, according to airport comptroller Dafne Mansapit-Shimizu, about 16% under whats budgeted for fiscal 2025. However, operating expenses are also down about 10.3%, she told the board. Air Force exercise REFORPAC A.B. Won Pat International Airport was tapped as a support facility for the Air Forces Resolute Forces Pacific, REFORPAC, exercise, Quinata told the board. He said the three-week exercise will kick off in mid-July. Youre going to see that our south ramp is going to be very busy with fighter jets during this time period, Quinata said. REFORPAC will involve nearly 300 aircraft spread across 25 locations, in an exercise larger than any held by the Air Force in recent memory, according to Air & Space Forces Magazine, a trade publication for the professional association of the USAF and Space Force. The exercise will involve even more aircraft than last years Air Defender, which was the largest air exercise in NATO history, according to the publication. Pacific Air Forces commander Gen. Kevin Schneider in March called REFORPAC a key exercise, meant to ensure U.S. forces can operate from multiple locations in a real-world fight. Quinata on Tuesday said airport staff are coordinating with the Air Force to determine what areas will be used to support exercise operations. He said the Air Force will help with water blasting and algae removal, among other things, in exchange for the use of facilities. Corrections and clarifications: This story has been updated to reflect that Sen. Shawn Gumataotao is the current chairman of the Republican Party of Guam. Members of the Legislatures old Democrat majority and the new Republican leadership butted heads on the new direction of the 38th Guam Legislature, after numerous major government policy changes passed as senators wrapped up session Tuesday night. Republicans touted a move towards common sense and a focus on economic opportunity, while some Democrat senators raised concerns about government oversight and transparency. The 26 bills passed Tuesday were the most seen of any legislative session since 2014, Vice Speaker Tony Ada boasted after voting finished. Lawmakers passed bills to ban fireworks, legalize silencers, revamp lease policies for the airport, and allow Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP, benefits to be used at restaurants. GMH, transparency But Democrat Sen. Therese Terlaje, speaker of the last term, flagged the one measure that failed: her Bill 13-38, to move Guam Memorial Hospital management to a public-private partnership. GMH continues to face serious problems, and Bill 13 was a practical solution to address these challenges, she said, pointing to financial losses and an aging facility that multiple administrations had failed to fix. Terlaje also pointed to Bill 67-38, which would allow the airport to set its own policies for leases up to 50 years, which was a reversal of policy meant to prevent corruption, and passed after 10 p.m. last Thursday. The people are counting on the Legislature to protect them, not turn the other way, because we have relationships with directors or contractors. We must think critically, act independently and not allow party lines or personal relations to define what is best for the people of Guam, Terlaje said. A good day for Guam Republican Majority Leader Sen. Jesse Lujan, who authored the airport bill, called it transformational and said Guam needed progress instead of obstruction. The senator also authored a measure passed Tuesday to give rebates to investors at the Port Authority of Guam. Todays a good day for Guam, Lujan said, stressing a need for a modern, efficient airport after years of hearing about the aging facility. There are developers, carrier shippers and innovators who want to help move our island forward. We need to meet them at the table, he said, instead of being obstructionists who say no out of habit. We cant afford grandstanding at a price of progress or my way or the highway politics, not now, and I hope not anymore, in this 38th Guam legislature, Lujan said. Sen. Telo Taitague, also a Republican, stood up at one point to agree with Democrat Terlaje. Mr. Speaker, there were a lot of mistakes made on a couple bills here, Taitague said. Tax breaks, education, less session Democrat Sen. Will Parkinson took issue with the possibility of federal and local tax cuts, while Guam was standing on the edge of a cliff, facing cuts to federal funding and poor facilities. We will have inequity with tax benefits skewed towards the wealthy, while our working class families bear the brunt of service cuts we cant afford to give. Tax breaks to those who dont need them, while our schools crumble and our hospitals falter, Parkinson said. Democrat Sen. Chris Barnett, who chaired the education committee last term, took issue with what he described as a lack of oversight of the Guam Department of Education and confusion around the $108.8 million GDOE stands to lose. I think its very clear members of this body dont know whats going on with the Guam Department of Education. It almost seems like the Guam Department of Education doesnt know whats going on, Barnett said. People deserve transparency, not closed door meetings and press releases. Both Barnett and Parkinson agreed that the move to having legislative sessions just every other month under the Republican majority is not enough to keep up with the issues faced by residents. This new majority is turning this Legislature into a part-time Legislature with full time pay, Barnett remarked. Things are going to get harder Republican Vice Speaker Ada responded directly to criticisms thrown across the aisle. He stressed that the new majority is working hard, and said the constant meetings and oversight hearings of the past Democrat term did not produce results. We still have the problems of the last Legislature that have come before this Legislature because they failed, Ada said. Could a lot of these issues been remedied? Absolutely, but because theres too much obstruction within this body in the past several terms, that the Legislature couldnt accomplish anything. Six months into the term, and Democrats still had not decided on leadership, Ada said. What is it that we can do to move our island forward? How is it that we can come together? Because its not going to get any easier. Things are going to get harder, he said. Common sense, opportunities Freshman Republican senators also joined the debate. Republican freshman Sen. Sabrina Salas Matanane said some lawmakers disguise themselves as heroes when all they do is stand in the way. The road ahead, its not going to be easy, but change rarely is, and I believe our responsibility as elected leaders is not to stand in the way, but to pave the way, she said. I believe we should not be creating obstacles, but opportunities. Salas Matananes Bill 118-38, which would give tax rebates on Medicaid revenues for health care providers, passed Tuesday night. Freshman Republican Sen. Shawn Gumataotao told his colleagues that the clash of policy and personalities in the government has hit an apex. Government cannot be all things to all people. This is representative government. Our people need to believe that we are working for the betterment of every single part of this community, Gumataotao said. He said senators needed to work together to craft common sense policy. Gumataotao, the chairman of the Republican Party of Guam, is the champion of Bill 11-38, which would reduce business privilege taxes from 5% to 4%. The tax rollback has been a longtime promise of Republican lawmakers, but has failed to move forward under Democrat majorities in the past. Its scheduled for a hearing at 9 a.m. on Monday, June 9. Democrat Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero spoke against the rollback on Monday, saying it would cost GovGuam some $80 million annually. The court will reconvene on July 8 to determine the next steps in the case involving Navy sailor Nickolas Kyle Hoffpauir, accused of negligent and vehicular homicide in a Dec. 9, 2021 crash that killed Pedro T. Tevar in Yigo. Hoffpauir appeared before Judge Vernon Perez on Tuesday. His defense attorney, Samuel Teker, joined the hearing via Zoom and confirmed that a motion is being prepared. The court discussed anticipated motions and expectations for resolution. Prosecuting attorney Grant Olan said the government had no objections at this time. The judge addressed Hoffpauir directly during Tuesdays hearing. You are under some restrictions. Of course, its an older case for the court already, but we need to know how its ultimately going to resolve or adjudicate, Perez said. Ill wait for your attorney to meet with you further, and wait for a submission on the motion. The government will likely respond to it, and well kind of go from there. According to police, Hoffpauir was trying to pass another vehicle on Route 1 near the Guam Animals in Need shelter when he lost control of his car. He allegedly struck Tevars Nissan Pathfinder, causing it to crash into a concrete utility pole. Tevar was pronounced dead at Guam Regional Medical City. On what would have been Tevars 60th birthday in January 2022, his daughter, Layla Mafnas Tevar Jesus, learned that Hoffpauir had been arrested in connection with her fathers death. Jesus said her father was just minutes from home when the crash happened. At the hospital, she was overwhelmed with flashbacks of her brother Jay-Ars death also in a crash two years earlier. At the time, Jesus described the pain her family has endured, saying the loss continues to affect them deeply. She reflected on how both her children and her late brothers children will grow up never knowing their grandfather, whom she remembered as a loving, joyful presence and the life of every gathering. A man facing a string of charges in 11 separate criminal cases involving kidnapping, shootings, carjackings, and weapons offenses pleaded not guilty during Thursdays arraignment before Superior Court Magistrate Judge Sean Brown. Jeromy Moe John Pangelinan, who appeared via Zoom from the Department of Corrections, entered the plea in response to a superseding indictment. He remains in custody following his arrest in April. Defense attorney Thomas Fisher confirmed receipt of the superseding indictment and waived its formal reading in court. We had asked for a jury trial of 12. We will ask for the grand jury...I dont think theres going to be an objection to that, Fisher said. The court granted the request for a jury trial and authorized all discovery. When asked directly by the judge whether he would assert or waive his right to a speedy trial, Pangelinan replied, Assert. Brown confirmed the record and said a scheduling order would be issued for the next hearing before Judge Arthur Barcinas. Pangelinan was shot and hospitalized on April 6 after a high-speed chase with the Guam Police Department and a brief exchange of gunfire with GPD officers in Dededo. He was treated at the Guam Regional Medical City and remained in police custody while in stable condition. Authorities identified Jeromy Pangelinan and his two siblings, Jathan John Pangelinan Tedtaotao and Shaenita Elayne Pangelinan, as suspects in the April 2 kidnapping and shooting in Yigo, a case now linked to multiple violent crimes across the island. The siblings have been indicted and face multiple felony charges stemming from the same pattern of criminal conduct, including armed assaults and the use of deadly weapons. Jeromy Pangelinan, according to police, stole a vehicle from Windward Hills Apartments in Yona, which triggered a high-speed pursuit ending on Stampa Road in Dededo. He and his brother were apprehended hours apart on April 6. Their sister was arrested on April 9. His brother Jathan Tedtaotao is charged with attempted aggravated murder, attempted murder, and kidnapping, all as first degree felonies. He also faces one count of aggravated assault as a second-degree felony and two counts of aggravated assault as third-degree felonies. All charges carry special allegations involving the possession and use of a deadly weapon in the commission of a felony, and notice of committing a felony while on felony release. He is also charged with destruction of evidence, a misdemeanor. Their sister Shaenita Pangelinan faces charges of kidnapping as a second-degree felony, aggravated assault as a second-degree felony, and two counts of aggravated assault as third-degree felonies. Each charge is accompanied by a special allegation of possession and use of a deadly weapon in a felony. She also faces a misdemeanor charge of destruction of evidence. Both indictments remain open, keeping the cases active as prosecutors continue gathering evidence. Superior Court Judge Sean Brown on Thursday ordered a $1 million cash-only bail for Gregory Arthur Romero, who is charged with aggravated murder and aggravated assault in connection with a deadly shooting at the Guam Premier Outlets parking lot in Tamuning Tuesday night. Romero is accused of intentionally and with premeditation causing the death of Keo Resse Cruz Taianao. A former Marine, Romero is also charged with aggravated assault as a second-degree felony, with a special allegation involving the use of a deadly weapon. The incident was allegedly captured on surveillance and social media footage. During Thursdays magistrate hearing, defense attorney Gloria Rudolph confirmed that the only amendment to the complaint was correcting a clerical error about the year from 2024 to 2025. Romero appeared via Zoom from the Department of Corrections prison. The judge ordered Romero be held on $1 million cash bail. If he cannot post bail, he may return to court in 48 hours to request reconsideration, potentially including third-party custodians or electronic monitoring. Romeros preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 13. Defense: Gaps in the affidavit Rudolph argued that the charges should be dropped because there wasnt enough evidence to prove that Romero planned the shooting ahead of time or acted with extreme disregard for human life. Mr. Romero is charged in Count One with aggravated murder as a first-degree felony in that he did intentionally and with premeditation caused the death of another human being, that is Keo Resse Cruz Taianao, Rudolph said. The affidavit of or declaration of probable cause does not provide any facts to support a finding of premeditation. She also cited gaps in the affidavit, which mainly described Romeros actions after the shooting, including efforts to resuscitate Taianao. All we have are officers arriving. We have them observing Mr. Romero actually trying to resuscitate the victim, Rudolph said. Then Mr. Romero stating that I shot him, thats the gun, and I shot him. Strong case However, prosecuting attorney John David Griffin defended the charges because of witness statements, video evidence and the number of shots fired. This is a strong case. We have a defendant confession. We have surveillance footage, not only from the GPD cameras, but footage on social media. And we have statements from witnesses at the scene, he said. This is not a situation where hes alleged to have just come upon the scene and kind of had an episode and decided to shoot the victim. It all points to premeditation, that he had time for a cooling-off period and then decided to shoot the victim. Griffin said 11 shots were fired, though the affidavit only confirms 10. The victim reportedly sustained three gunshot wounds to the chest. He broke the window and fired shots into a victim, so Im not sure how that could be more reckless indifference to human life than firing shots into an individual, Griffin said. The judge found that there was enough evidence to establish probable cause for both charges. According to this, at least five shots were heard. There was some mention of 10 gunshots fired, and then the victim appeared to have at least three gunshot wounds to the chest, Brown told both parties. I very much agree that that would make up reckless indifference to the value of human life. I also believe, based on him walking around looking for the victim, it would be sufficient for probable cause purposes for premeditation. Strong ties to the community During arguments over pretrial detention, Rudolph urged the court to consider Romeros ties to Guam and his military service record. Mr. Romero has strong ties to the community. He was actually stationed on Guam from 2017 to 2019. 2019 is when he married a local girl and made Guam his home. They share two children together, Rudolph said. He has been gainfully employed and he has the strong support of the family as well. She argued that Romero isnt a danger to the public and pushed for his release. His history is one of being a law-abiding citizen. He served in the military. He has been a responsible gun owner and has no prior criminal history, Rudolph said. She added that Romero would surrender all firearms and proposed his release on recognizance or electronic monitoring. However, Brown ruled that pretrial detention was necessary. Mr. Romero, you are charged with, I believe, the most serious charge Guam has to offer, the judge said. On the statutory guidelines, this is a potential sentence of life without parole. Featuring large photos of rotten teeth and open sores, Attorney General Douglas Moylans latest billboards urge the governor to inspect all incoming shipping containers at the Port Authority of Guam for methamphetamine. Governor...100% meth inspections save lives, the billboards state. Meth kills. The roadside signs also have photographs of Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and Moylan, the attorney generals Eric the Eagle mascot with a dog, and a shipping container going through a scanner. Moylan also issued a press release announcing the new billboards and stressing the importance of inspecting shipping containers for methamphetamine. He stated that the amount of methamphetamine in the villages, schools and prison flows en masse through our Commercial Port. It drives the price so low that meth users become addicts and violent criminals weekly, Moylan stated in the release. Who controls Guams Port Authority, Customs Department and Airport Police is our Chief Executive Officer, the Magahaga Governor Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero. He stated that fighting Guams crime requires stopping the meth (death) dealers, meth addicts and repeat criminals. These are the ones hurting and killing our friends and loved ones. Strangle them by inspecting all cargo leaving our Port! Activate the National Guard to help Customs and direct Conservation Officers to monitor the ocean and inspect fishing boats on Southern Launch sites. Seek our U.S. Coast Guards assistance to interdict, he added. On Thursday evening, the governors office issued a response to the billboards and the press release, stating that 100% of the containers that arrive at the Jose D. Leon Guerrero Commercial Port are screened for potential threats and concerns using established protocols. The protection of Guams citizens from the perils of illegal drugs, such as methamphetamine, remains a top priority. We understand this is a persistent threat that continues to harm so many of our people and way of life, mine included, the response from Adelup stated. To be clear: We will do what it takes within the scope of our legal and operational means to intercept and disrupt its flow. Adelups statement said this includes continued collaboration across local and federal law enforcement authorities, investment in prevention equipment and treatment programs, and the use of available resources where feasible. Between four to six Guam Customs officers are dedicated to screening documentation for incoming containers, while two to four officers handle the physical inspections with the activation of additional special enforcement units, it said. Physical inspections are conducted with drug detector dogs and a backscatter X-ray vehicle. The governors office stated that training is underway for a cycle of 30 Customs officers this year, with plans for 40 more officers next fiscal year. Each month, Moylans office erects new billboards at busy intersections around the island. In the past, they have featured mugshots of people convicted of crimes; a cartoon caricature of a man panhandling; a map of homeless encampments; and a scene with a female motorist shooting a man in the street while a child sits in a car in front of a billboard with mugshots. The attorney general has been in an ongoing dispute with the governor over public safety and administrative issues, and the billboards have been used to further the arguments. The February billboard with the map of homeless encampments featured the governors seal, prompting Adelup to send a cease-and-desist letter ordering Moylan to remove the seal. Moylan complied, removing the seal and adding a postscript to the billboard that said, Update. Gov took her logos. In Thursdays news release, Moylan said the campaign against methamphetamine will continue. This months billboard reflects the emphasis that this AG will place in the remainder of my term, Moylan stated. Meth Kills is the reality we face now, due to this Governors unwillingness or inability to help us. A 12-member jury on Wednesday deliberated for 50 minutes and found Eneriko Reselap guilty of molesting a 9-year-old girl in 2024. Reselap, 41, was convicted of second-degree criminal sexual conduct as a first-degree felony, the Office of the Attorney General said in a release. Given the need to protect our children from convicted sex offenders like Reselap, we will ask Judge (Albert) Tolentino to impose the maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment, the AGs office added. The AGs trial team included prosecutor Christine S. Tenorio, investigator Henry W. James Jr., paralegal Angela T. Linder, and victim advocate John Castro. Reselap was represented by attorney Thomas J. Fisher. The AGs office, in a statement, said it continues its relentless pursuit to imprison criminals to protect the community, especially the most vulnerable women and children. This pedophile is now convicted and we are seeking to deport him if he is a non-U.S. citizen. Bad consequences must be clear and decisive against criminals, the AGs office said. Under this AG administration, our crime victims fight back with our prosecutors. The AGs office also thanked and commended the now 10-year-old survivor in this case for standing up against this sexual predator and reporting the incident to trusted adults. Her courage protected other girls, the AGs office said. This case is yet another reminder of why Guam must pass a mandatory life without parole law for child sex predators. A new exhibit in Spain pays tribute to the legacy and influential contributions of Basque anthropologist Teresa del Valle, who served as a faculty member in the University of Guams history department from 1968 to 1972, UOG said in a release. Del Valle, who passed away last month at the age of 88, conducted pioneering field research during her time on the island, leaving a lasting impact on the study of Guam and Micronesian societies. Titled "Micronesia Revisited: Teresa del Valle (Guam, 19741978)," the exhibit features del Valles anthropological work in Guam, along with a selection of artifacts and documents from her broader fieldwork across Micronesia, including Palau. These materialsincluding her personal archiveswere donated to the University of the Basque Country Library, offering rare insights into the regions cultural and social transformations during that era. The exhibit was curated by Beatriz Moral and Carmen Diez, both former students of del Valle, with scholarly contributions from Carlos Madrid, PhD, director and professor of History of Spanish Pacific at the Micronesian Area Research Center, MARC, at UOG. The exhibit underscores del Valles interdisciplinary legacy. Teresa del Valles field research in Humatak is a respectful portrayal of cultural adaptation in one of Guams most historic villages, and MARC published her dissertation in 1979, Madrid said in a statement. This exhibit is a well-deserved recognition of her contributions to Micronesian studies. She is also a pioneering figure in feminist anthropology. Del Valle was formerly a nun with the Mercedarian Missionary Sisters of Berriz, a congregation with active missions in Guam, Palau, Saipan, and Pohnpei. Her dual roles as a missionary and scholar informed an ethnographic approach that centered on womens roles, social structures, and cultural resilience. The exhibit is housed in the Gipuzkoa Campus Library in San Sebastian, Spain, at the University of the Basque Country. It is open to the public and represents a significant international recognition of Guams cultural heritage reinforcing Guams global academic and cultural outreach. To learn more about Teresa del Valles work and Guams cultural heritage, visit the MARC library at uog.edu/marc-home. The exhibit catalog is also available for download at: https://www.ehu.eus/documents/1738121/2349786/Micronesia-KATALOGOA.pdf. The Guam Police Department late Thursday night gave an "all clear" after bomb threats at Micronesia Mall's Pay-Less Supermarket and the food court, as well as Nikko Hotel Guam. Police gave the "all clear" at about 10:30 p.m. That's some two hours after GPD's initial statement that it is investigating bomb threats that were made to Micronesia Mall and Nikko Hotel Guam. Police said earlier that it's working with the affected businesses in ensuring the safety of their patrons and the community. Haiti - FLASH : Trump bans Haitians from entering the USA On Wednesday, June 4th, 2025, as part of the immigration crackdown launched by President Donald Trump since the beginning of his second term, Trump signed a proclamation banning entry to the United States for citizens of 12 countries, including Haiti, stating that this measure was necessary to protect against "foreign terrorists" and other threats to U.S. security. The countries affected by this new travel ban are: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Entry for nationals of seven other countries: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela, will also be partially restricted. "We cannot have open migration from any country where we cannot safely and reliably vet and screen those who seek to enter the United States," Trump declared. Within 90 days of the date of this proclamation, and every 180 days thereafter, the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Director of National Intelligence, will submit to the President a report describing his assessment and recommending whether the suspensions and limitations imposed by sections 2 and 3 of this proclamation should be continued, removed, modified, or supplemented. This proclamation will take effect at 12:01 a.m. EDT (04:01 GMT) on June 9, 2025. Visas issued before that date will not be revoked, the order states. Proclamation : Section 1, subparagraphs (i) and (ii) Haiti : "[...] (i) According to the Overstay Report, Haiti had a B1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 31.38 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 25.05 percent. Additionally, hundreds of thousands of illegal Haitian aliens flooded into the United States during the Biden Administration. This influx harms American communities by creating acute risks of increased overstay rates, establishment of criminal networks, and other national security threats. As is widely known, Haiti lacks a central authority with sufficient availability and dissemination of law enforcement information necessary to ensure its nationals do not undermine the national security of the United States. (ii) The entry into the United States of nationals of Haiti as immigrants and nonimmigrants is hereby fully suspended.[...] The proclamation provides for exceptions as listed in Section 4. Download the full text of the proclamation (English PDF) : https://www.haitilibre.com/docs/proclamation-trump-04-06-2025.pdf HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Security : Sexual violence has reached breaking point in the country On Wednesday, June 4th, 2025, Ms. Pramila Patten, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence, expressed her deep concern about the escalation of violence against women and girls, amid worsening gang violence in Haiti. The situation has reached a breaking point. Since the beginning of the year, reports of sexual violence, including rape and gang rape, have increased at an alarming rate. "These heinous crimes are overwhelmingly concentrated in areas under gang control, where State presence is virtually nonexistent. In many instances, sexual violence is being used deliberately and systematically to assert dominance and punish communities," the Special Representative said. Women and girls are increasingly becoming victims of this violence, as well as other serious crimes, including kidnappings and murders during gang attacks. Victims are often attacked in their homes or in public spaces. Alarmingly, the past eight months have seen a dramatic increase in documented cases of sexual slavery, once again illustrating the brutal oppression of women and girls. "I echo the Secretary-General and Security Councils condemnation of the widespread atrocities perpetrated by armed gangs, including conflict-related sexual violence and trafficking for the purposes of sexual exploitation. Concrete and immediate measures are essential to enhance the protection of Haitians, prioritizing those most at risk," urged Special Representative Patten. The full deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MMSS) to bolster Haitian national security forces, alongside the implementation of UN Security Council sanctions aimed at crippling gang operations, particularly the illicit arms trafficking that fuels these crimes, has never been more urgent. Widespread insecurity and the broader humanitarian crisis are disrupting the social fabric, displacing thousands of people and pushing many into overcrowded and unsafe shelters. Access to essential services, including medical and psychological support for victims, remains extremely limited. The closure of essential health facilities due to insecurity has strained an already fragile system, while impunity for these crimes emboldens the perpetrators. Urgent and decisive action is required. The recent adoption of a decree creating two specialized judicial units, supported by the United Nations, including one focused on mass crimes such as sexual violence, and the reopening of the Port-au-Prince Court of First Instance, mark essential progress toward accountability and the restoration of the rule of law. "I urge the Government of Haiti to accelerate the operationalization of these Units and call upon the international community to support these national efforts. Securing adequate funding is essential to allow service providers in meeting the health, psychological, and reintegration needs of survivors. Ending impunity is a fundamental step in breaking the cycle of violence and restoring dignity and safety to Haitis women and girls," Patten concluded. HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Geneva : Transition towards the formalization of informal work... On Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025, the work of the various committees began at the 113th International Labour Conference in Geneva. Members of the Haitian delegation participated in the Committee on the Application of Standards and the Committee responsible for the General Discussion on Promoting the Transition from Informal to Formal Work. During the latter, Georges Wilbert Franck, Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, reaffirmed, during his speech, the Haitian Government's increased support for the process aimed at promoting the transition to formalization of work in all segments of the Haitian labor market. The Minister recognized that the Haitian economy is largely dominated by the informal sector, which is a significant source of employment in Haiti. In his speech, the Minister outlined the measures adopted by the Haitian Government to promote the transition to formalization of work in Haiti. These include, among others: the digitization of the business registration process, subsidies for small and medium-sized enterprises, the creation of a labor intermediation platform, a public employment service, the initiation of the digitization of the work permit granting process, the launch of the process to strengthen labor inspection, the institutionalization of social dialogue, and the strengthening of social protection and promotion mechanisms through procedures for establishing the National Unemployment Insurance Office (ONAC) and mandatory access to professional internships. Finally, Minister Franck called for commitment from all governments around the world to successfully achieve the transition to the formalization of work, thereby protecting the social and economic rights of all. HL/ HaitiLibre The study, conducted by E2 Research on behalf of the Womens Preparedness Association, shows a high level of willingness among women to support the countrys security in times of crisis or conflict. The results were based on a representative sample of women across Finland, gathered in May 2025. Seven in ten Finnish women are prepared to defend Finlands borders and territorial integrity, according to a new national survey . Support for defending Finnish borders was particularly strong among women aged 5059, with 83 percent expressing readiness. By contrast, only 47 percent of women aged 1829 shared that view. The majority of respondents also indicated a willingness to defend human rights and gender equality (61 percent), state sovereignty (57 percent), Finnish welfare (56 percent), and democracy (55 percent). Among younger women aged 1829, human rights and democracy were more frequently named as key values worth defending, with 78 percent and 68 percent respectively identifying them as priorities. Readiness to defend the country extended beyond abstract values. Almost half (44 percent) said they were willing to take part in unarmed defence in the event of an armed attack, while nearly a quarter (23 percent) would be prepared to take up arms. Several respondents referenced the actions of previous generations during wartime as motivation. The results confirm what we see in practice: women are willing to participate and contribute to the resilience of society, said Paula Risikko, Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Chair of the Womens Preparedness Association. Women have diverse skills and are ready to use them for the benefit of the whole society. Young women favour civilian and expert roles in crisis situations A clear majority of women, 71 percent, said they would be willing to assist in practical civilian support roles, such as food distribution, first aid, or temporary accommodation in times of crisis. Around 68 percent said they would help family and neighbours if necessary. Among younger women aged 1829, willingness to help was even higher. Seventy-four percent would take part in practical tasks, and 77 percent would support people in their immediate circle. Over half (54 percent) would offer psychosocial support, including care for children or the elderly, and discussion-based assistance. Young women were also more likely than other age groups to participate in expert-level tasks. These included IT support, teaching, and public communication, especially on social media, during emergency conditions. The findings suggest that while different age groups prioritise different aspects of national resilience, the overall sense of responsibility and preparedness among women is strong. Training viewed as key to crisis readiness Nearly seven out of ten women (69 percent) expressed a willingness to attend training to improve their personal readiness for crisis situations. In addition, 46 percent were open to training aimed at supporting authorities during emergencies, and one in five women (21 percent) said they would consider training that enhances their ability to assist military defence efforts. Respondents cited several reasons for their interest in training. Many said they wanted to be able to act rather than rely on others, and that being prepared would help ensure they could contribute effectively if needed. It is encouraging that training is seen as meaningful, said Pia Lindell, Executive Director of the Womens Preparedness Association. Citizens readiness to act in times of disruption is a vital part of national security. She added that the share of women willing to train in support of military defence, 21 percent, exceeds the historical figure for womens participation in auxiliary wartime roles. In 1944, about 11 percent of adult women served in organisations such as the Lotta Svard, military canteens or the Finnish Red Cross. Karina Jutila, Director of E2 Research, said the results show that Finnish women of all ages are committed to defending the core elements of society. Borders and sovereignty, democracy, human rights, and wellbeing are widely seen as values worth protecting, she said. HT The joey is the third offspring of red-necked wallabies Miina and Manu , who relocated to Finland from the Netherlands four years ago. While kangaroo births are rare in Lapland, the birth of an albino joey is even more extraordinary. An exceptionally rare albino kangaroo has been born in northern Finland, marking an unusual event even by Australian standards. The white joey, with distinctive red eyes and no visible pigmentation, was born at Arkadia Animal Park in the town of Simo. According to Arkadias owner Paivi Ruotsalainen, the young kangaroo has already started exploring beyond its mothers pouch and appears both curious and energetic. People say albinos are weaker, but this one looks strong and alert. Its even made some proper sprints outside the pouch, Ruotsalainen said. The animals unique appearance became clear during spring, when its pink eyes were first spotted as it peeked out from the pouch. Later sightings of its ear, foot or head confirmed the joeys rare condition. Albinism in kangaroos is caused by a recessive gene mutation, which must be carried by both parents. The result is a complete lack of pigment in the fur, eyes, and skin. According to Australian mammal researcher Dr Mark Eldridge, the odds of such a birth are between one in 50,000 and one in 100,000. The joey, which has yet to be named, is not expected to require special care. While albino kangaroos in the wild often struggle with predators, weak eyesight, and sun sensitivity, those risks are minimised in captivity. In Australia, their white fur makes them stand out in grasslands. Here, there are no natural predators, and the sun isnt as harsh, said Ruotsalainen. Still, we use sunscreen on pigs when its sunny, so were ready if needed. She added that the kangaroos have access to shade and indoor shelter to avoid sun exposure. The new arrival has been welcomed calmly by the rest of the kangaroo family. Miina is the primary caregiver, grooming and nursing the joey, but both parents appear to have adjusted well. Miina and Manus previous joey was born last year. All three animals now share the same enclosure. Although albino kangaroos have been seen in Finland before, sightings remain extremely rare. In 2018, a white wallaby named Willy Wonka escaped from captivity in the Aland Islands during a thunderstorm, briefly capturing public attention. The new joeys birth has brought surprise and excitement to the animal park, which says it will continue to monitor the animal closely. HT Elias Andersson , 28, lives on the Aland Islands, an autonomous Finnish region with a population of about 30,000. From a workshop in the capital Mariehamn, Andersson has created the Printax 001, a 3D-printed firearm named after the islands country-code domain .AX. On a quiet Baltic archipelago better known for seal hunting and ferry routes, one man has built a weapon that links traditional Nordic gun culture to American-inspired 3D firearm design. His story was reported this week by The New York Times, offering a glimpse into how U.S.-driven gun enthusiasm is influencing even remote parts of the world. Anderssons rifle looks like a fusion of an AR-15 and a sci-fi prop. It was built legally, with approval from Finnish authorities. Yet it represents a growing global trend: the spread of 3D-printed firearms from internet subcultures in the U.S. to places where traditional gun ownership is more limited and tightly regulated. The Alands dont have the weapons that I find interesting, Andersson said, describing how he turned to online communities, primarily American, during the COVID-19 lockdown to learn about 3D weapon design. That research led him to forums and YouTube channels such as Print Shoot Repeat, which has helped popularise hobbyist 3D printing for firearms among its 600,000 subscribers. The Printax is chambered for 9mm ammunition and functions as a pistol-calibre carbine. It lacks some features of standard AR-15-style rifles, such as a bolt hold-open mechanism, but can be produced for around $200, far less than most commercial models. Though a hobbyist, Andersson took inspiration from real-world conflicts. The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 gave him a reason to consider the military value of his design. During a trip to Ukraine, he discussed possible applications of the Printax with military contacts. While Ukrainian forces prioritise drones over small arms, Andersson continues to look for ways to support them through 3D-printed components. Im interested in modifying and improving and creating stuff that goes ka-boom in Ukraine and for Ukraine, he said. His first experiments in weapons design came years earlier. In 2019, he made the chassis of a bolt-action rifle from BMW parts. He later studied under the islands only gunsmith, Janne Stenroos, until Stenrooss death in 2022. Despite having no formal engineering training, Andersson has refined his approach through trial, error, and online research. Unlike some in the 3D-printed weapons community, Andersson supports strict firearm regulation. He does not plan to publish the blueprints for his design, which would violate Finnish and EU laws. The harsh reality is that there are idiots everywhere, he said. Gun violence on the Alands is rare. One of the few widely remembered cases occurred over 20 years ago, when an argument about a doughnut ended in a double homicide. The Printax is not about arming others, Andersson said, but about precision, engineering, and expression. Im trying to search for perfection, he said. But I dont think anyone knows what perfection is. HT The case centred on a small colony of sparrows nesting under the eaves of an apartment building in Malminkartano, a residential district in northwestern Helsinki. The complainant, who lives in a neighbouring building, described the birds as pests and their noise as a source of distress. A Helsinki residents claim that the sound of birds on a neighbours property posed a health hazard has been dismissed by the administrative court. The ruling concluded that sparrow chirping, even if persistent, does not constitute a danger to public health. Flying, winged animals do not respect property boundaries, and as their numbers increase, they spread more widely, the complainant wrote in submissions to local authorities. They argued that the intensity and disruptive nature of the chirping could be objectively measured and constituted a health threat. After first appealing to Helsinki city authorities and the citys environment and licensing committee, the resident brought the matter before the Helsinki administrative court. The earlier decisions had stated that the building's property manager had taken steps to prevent the birds from accessing the buildings structures and that the noise from the birds did not constitute a health issue. In the appeal, the complainant sought a reversal of the city's decision and demanded the removal of four sparrow nests under the roof eaves. In its response, the city noted that birds are a regular feature of the urban environment and that their sounds do not exceed decibel thresholds considered harmful. The court also noted that four nests are not an exceptional number and that natural features such as nearby parks and woodland make bird activity in the area unavoidable. The apartment building's management stated it could not guarantee full exclusion of nesting birds due to the open nature of the surroundings. The court accepted this reasoning and ruled that there is no obligation for the property owner to prevent wild birds from nesting on the premises. The court concluded that the presence and sound of birds do not amount to a public health hazard requiring investigation or intervention by authorities. As a result, the complainant will bear their own legal costs. The ruling may still be appealed to the Supreme Administrative Court, but no such appeal has yet been filed. HT Founded by the late environmentalist Pentti Linkola , the foundation currently manages 238 protected sites covering more than 6,000 hectares. Its first CEO, Timo Huhtamaki , said the trend of younger generations and business leaders supporting biodiversity through donations has grown visibly. The Natural Heritage Foundation of Finland is accelerating its acquisition of conservation forests, targeting 10,000 hectares by 2027. The initiative comes as public funding for nature protection declines and reliance on private and corporate contributions grows. There is strong awareness of biodiversitys importance, Huhtamaki said. The direction of public policy and private responsibility is shifting. A recent acquisition illustrates the model. In 2020, the foundation purchased 54 hectares of ancient spruce forest in Utterinvuori, Hauho, using funds from Pelimetsa, a donation campaign by Finlands game development industry. The campaign raised nearly 500,000, enabling the purchase of that forest and another 80-hectare area near Lake Inari in Lapland. Most of the new focus lies in southern Finland, where old forests are under the highest logging pressure. The forests in the south are the most vulnerable. Thats where we must act first, Huhtamaki said. The foundations growth is increasingly supported by legacies. Many individuals choose to bequeath part or all of their estate to protect forests. Monthly private donations remain a financial backbone, but wills and testamentary gifts now form the fastest-growing revenue stream. People want to leave something lasting, Huhtamaki explained. An ancient forest is a legacy that outlives the donor. While some question whether corporate gifts to nature groups are used to offset environmentally harmful activities, Huhtamaki believes most companies act out of genuine concern. Firms understand that without nature, there is no foundation for business or life, he said. The foundation itself does not participate in compensation markets or emissions offsetting schemes. Turku-based game developers are not the only firms involved. The foundation has received support from several sectors, including textile producers and infrastructure firms. According to Huhtamaki, this signals a broader shift across industries. The foundation's stated goal is to acquire and safeguard 10,000 hectares of forest in the next three years and to reach 10,000 regular private donors in the same timeframe. The forests are protected permanently and are not managed for commercial logging. A former corporate executive, Huhtamaki became the foundations first CEO after 30 years of business experience. The role replaces the earlier title of executive director but leaves the foundations strategy unchanged. This is not just a job, Huhtamaki said. It is a chance to merge my skills with a lifelong goal of protecting the environment. The forests acquired by the foundation are left in their natural state. A site like Utterinvuori features dense moss, large spruce trees, and a complex habitat structure valuable to species dependent on untouched woodland. As conservation budgets shrink and climate-related threats grow, organisations like the Natural Heritage Foundation are reshaping how environmental protection is funded in Finland. By relying on private citizens, bequests, and businesses, they are building a new model for safeguarding ecosystems that might otherwise vanish. HT The disappearance occurred in Nykarleby, a small town in western Finland. According to police, the children had been placed under protective custody by child welfare authorities and were living in a child care unit in the Munsala district. Finnish police are investigating whether a family of ten, missing since May 2024, is being sheltered by acquaintances in Finland or elsewhere in the Nordic region. The family, including seven children and a mother who was pregnant at the time of disappearance, vanished after the parents allegedly took the children from a state care facility without permission. Police believe the parents removed the children without authorisation and left the area in a van. Over a year later, investigators say no trace of the family has been found, either physically or digitally. The case prompted police this week to issue an unusual public appeal for information, including the release of photos of the family members. This is a highly exceptional case, said chief investigator Tony Rauma. A group this large disappearing without any trace is not normal. Weve pursued all leads. At this point, the trail has gone cold. Police suspect the family may still be in Finland, potentially in Ostrobothnia or Southern Finland, but they have also alerted neighbouring countries and issued an international arrest warrant. While there is no indication that the children are in immediate danger, their long-term welfare and legal status remain key concerns. Our goal is to ensure the children receive the support and security to which they are entitled, Rauma said. Legal experts say the parents could face charges of unauthorised custody removal. If the children were taken abroad, the case could be treated as child abduction, which carries heavier penalties under Finnish law. Those assisting the family may also be committing criminal offences. According to criminal law professor emeritus Matti Tolvanen, knowingly helping someone evade a custody order can lead to charges of aiding and abetting. If someone has provided shelter, transport or logistical support with knowledge of the crime, they may be guilty of assisting in an unlawful act, Tolvanen said. If the case escalates to child abduction, the aiding party could be prosecuted accordingly. Finnish law states that unauthorised custody persists until the children are returned to their assigned care facility. Anyone involved in facilitating the familys continued evasion could face prosecution throughout that period. The maximum penalty for unauthorised custody is six months' imprisonment, while child abduction carries a potential two-year sentence. Aiding and abetting, or protecting a suspect, can lead to additional charges with sentences up to one year. The offence is relatively mild if its limited to custody issues, Tolvanen said. But if it turns out the family left the country, the legal consequences would be more severe. Police also note the logistical difficulty of hiding a family of this size, pointing out that accommodation, food and other needs require significant external support. Maintaining concealment for ten people over this length of time likely means a support network has formed, said a statement from the Ostrobothnia police department. The family consists of the parents and their seven children, born between 2007 and 2021. At the time of disappearance, the mother was expecting another child. No sightings or confirmed evidence of their location have been reported since. Police urge anyone with knowledge of the familys whereabouts to come forward. Investigators continue to process tips received following the public appeal but have not disclosed any promising developments. HT The full entry ban affects citizens of Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order banning entry into the United States for citizens of 12 countries and imposing partial travel restrictions on seven others. The move, announced Wednesday, revives one of the most controversial aspects of his previous presidency. Additional restrictions were imposed on travellers from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. According to the White House, the order aims to protect Americans from what it described as dangerous foreign actors. Trump linked the decision to a recent firebomb attack in Colorado, allegedly carried out by an Egyptian national. It remains unclear how long the bans will remain in place. Legal experts expect the executive order to face court challenges, echoing a pattern from Trumps first term in office. Trumps 2017 travel ban, which initially targeted several Muslim-majority nations, caused widespread disruption at airports and was eventually limited in scope by the U.S. Supreme Court. That earlier ban applied to countries including Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. The new restrictions appear to follow a similar pattern, though the list now includes countries in Central Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. The White House has not released the specific criteria used for selecting the countries subject to the ban. Trumps critics have already raised concerns over the orders potential discriminatory impact. Immigration advocates warned the policy could once again disrupt families, restrict asylum access, and strain U.S. diplomatic relations. HT (JNS)- Former Hamas hostage Agam Berger told French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot during a meeting in France that Israel has no choice but to fight the terrorist group. "As soon as there is a war of survival over our land, that's what we will do. They don't want 'togetherness,'" said Berger, referring to Hamas. "Diplomatic solutions won't work because it's either us or them," she added. Berger, 20, an Israel Defense Forces field observer, was released from Gaza on Jan. 30 after 482 days in Hamas captivity. She was abducted by Hamas terrorists from the IDF's Nahal Oz outpost during the terr... (JNS) An extraordinary moment unfolded the evening of May 26 in Washington when Gene Simmons, the 75-year-old frontman for legendary rock band KISS, encountered Harold Hal Urban, a 100-year-old World War II veteran who participated in the liberation of the concentration camp where Simmons mother was imprisoned as a teenager. Urbans memories of liberating Mauthausen remain vivid and traumatic even at age 100. He described the overwhelming stench of burning human remains, emaciated prisoners stumbling in confusion and terror and the psychological trauma that proved more devastating than co... (JNS) Paramount+ and MTV Documentary Films told JNS exclusively on Tuesday that they plan to expand access to Montana Tuckers documentary The Children of October 7 on a global basis starting on June 2, the first day of Shavuot. The 36-minute film will be available in all of the areas where Paramount+ is accessible: Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Latin America, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. In this documentary, Montana Tucker shined a light on the stories of devastation children experienced on Oct. 7 and how their lives are forever changed, Shari... Rose Lefkowitz Savage passed away May 14, 2025, in Winter Park. A native of Winston-Salem, N.C., she was born May 24, 1921, to the late Abe and Mollie Lefkowitz and was married to Dr. Alvin H. Savage for 68 years until his passing in 2010. Rose was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. The embodiment of her name, she saw the world through rose-colored glasses, finding joy and happiness in everything. She was active in Temple Israel, serving as Sisterhood president, as well as the local Dental Auxiliary, helping to create a puppet show about good dental hygiene that toured local schools. Rose regularly volunteered in the PTA for all three of her daughters, Lauren, Karen, and Heidi. A true Southern belle, Rose was always gracious and welcoming. She loved to open her home to young families, and to this day, people talk about how she was the first person to reach out to them when they were new in town. Along with her hospitality, Rose was also a creature of habit. She liked grilled cheese with tomato at Ronnies, a shrimp cocktail at Morrisons, a hamburger or hotdog with LOTS of mustard, fresh mangos, and breakfast any time of day as long as it included a biscuit. Rose always gave Baby Ruths for Halloween because thats what she liked. She was an amazing cook and prided herself on teaching her children to host a great party. She was often heard saying You dont need a lot of money to look good, just good taste. She had dozens of Rose-isms, such as dipsy-doodle: to meander and take shortcuts that dont necessarily get you there any faster. The later years of her marriage were full of travel with the love of her life, Alvin, and many amazing friends. Rose embodied love and could often be heard saying I love you, Youre pretty, and Kiss me. Rose is survived by her daughters Lauren Savage-Gordon (Alan Gordon) of Houston, TX, Karen Savage of Winter Park, and Heidi Savage of Orlando. She is also survived by her grandchildren Dr. Mollie R. Gordon-Karni (Dr. Ron Karni), Adam (Jennifer) Gordon, Mollie E. Savage, Hal Shimkoski, and Dana Shimkoski and many great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her brothers Ernest and Joe and her sister Shirley. If you would like to make a donation in memory of Rose please contact Temple Israel office 407-647-3055 and make it to the Savage Family Chapel Fund. Graveside Service for Rose were held at Temple Israel Cemetery (9200 Morton Jones Road, Gotha, FL) with Joshua Neely of Temple Israel officiating. May she rest in peace and may her memory always be a blessing. Service entrusted to Beth Shalom Memorial Chapel, 933 Lee Road, Suite 101, Orlando, Florida 407-599-1180. (Israel Hayom via JNS) Art Garfunkel from the legendary musical duo Simon and Garfunkel delivered a performance for the ages at Tel Avivs Yarkon Park on Thursday evening as a guest of Israeli rocker Aviv Geffen, marking the first visit by a major international artist to Israel since the war erupted almost 19 months ago. I am happy to be here in Israel, the 83-year-old performer told tens of thousands of audience members who greeted him with enthusiastic cheers. Performing alongside his son Art Garfunkel Jr. and Geffen, he delivered several of the duos timeless classics, including The So... (JNS) The alleged attacker in Sundays firebombing of a pro-Israel vigil in Boulder, Colo., overstayed his visa and was subsequently granted a work permit by the Biden administration, White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller said on Monday. Mohamed Sabry Soliman, a 45-year-old Egyptian national, is accused of setting elderly demonstrators on fire during a peaceful Run for Their Lives walk calling for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Eight people were wounded in the attack, which Colorado officials say appears to have been motivated by antisemitic ha... Maitland, FL Congregation Ohev Shalom is honored to host a unique musical experience, Concerts for Peace, featuring the Orlando Symphony Orchestra and internationally acclaimed baritone Lawrence Craig. This intimate performance is open to the community, and will take place on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 7 p.m. at Ohev Shalom, located at 613 Concourse Parkway South, Maitland, FL. Under the direction of Music Director David Handel, the Orlando Symphony Orchestra will present a thoughtfully curated program of masterpieces by composers including Winkler, Williams, Ravel, Barber, and Kern. The ev... (JNS) U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoffs latest ceasefire proposal for the Israel-Hamas war includes the two-stage release of 10 living hostages and 18 bodies, in exchange for a 60-day ceasefire aimed at facilitating negotiations to end the war, according to a report on Thursday. On the first day, five living hostages and nine deceased hostages would be released, followed by five more living hostages and nine deceased on the seventh day, according to an Israeli source cited by Israels Channel 12 News. The proposal, which has been presented to both Israel and Hamas, would... Eight people were burned in Boulder, Colorado, in a firebombing attack on a demonstration to draw attention to the Israeli hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza. At least one of the victims, who ranged from 55 to 88, was critically injured, according to authorities. Police arrested one man at the scene. The FBI identified him as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, and said he had used a makeshift flamethrower in the attack, which the agency said it was investigating as an act of terrorism. Soliman yelled, Free Palestine, during the attack, according to an FBI agent. An eyewitness account posted by a... The morning after a shooter killed two Israeli embassy aides at a Jewish event in Washington, D.C., incendiary rapper Ye took to X with an unexpected message: I am done with antisemitism. Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, has become well known for antisemitic rants and provocations, including a song he debuted earlier this month titled Heil Hitler. In February, Ye doubled down on his antisemitic sentiments, declaring in a post on X, Im never apologizing for my Jewish comments. But in a string of posts Thursday morning after the deadly shooting, he appeared to have had a change of heart.... (JNS) Please see details of the proposal on this website. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel has accepted U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoffs hostage release proposal. However, Hamas says the plan is biased in favor of Israel and demands changes. Speaking to bereaved families of hostages, Netanyahu said Israel has agreed to a plan that would release 10 living hostages and the bodies of 18 deceased captives during a 60-day ceasefire. However, Witkoff confirmed Saturday night that Hamas has effectively rejected the latest American proposal for a ceasefire in exchang... (JTA) Israel is embarking on the largest expansion of Judean and Samarian settlements in decades, its finance minister announced Thursday, a step meant to reinforce Israeli control of the territory. Bezalel Smotrich, a far-right minister who holds authority over civilian affairs in Israels settlements, announced the establishment of 22 settlements in Judea and Samaria. Some are existing outposts that the Israeli government considered illegal but will now authorize. Others will be new towns. Smotrich called the announcement a once-in-a-generation decision in a post on X. This is a great d... (JNS) In todays volatile world, with the Middle East undergoing significant change, Meta (formerly Facebook) has a Supreme Court-like body that determines content on Facebook and Instagram, comprising 21 people on an independent board that even Mark Zuckerberg (its founder, chairman and CEO) cannot fire. The so-called Oversight Board comprises many Jew-hating non-Americans who decided recently that calling From the River to the Sea antisemitic is either inaccurate or rooted in Islamophobia. The Oversight Board has ruled that it is okay to praise a martyr (shaheed) and call for intifada... (Israel Hayom via JNS) The celebration of Jerusalem Day highlighted a profound religious controversy dividing Israels Orthodox establishment, with influential rabbis publicly questioning whether Jews should continue the traditional practice of praying at the Western Wall, or embrace the more contentious path of ascending the Temple Mount for worship. Mondays Jerusalem Day observances, commemorating Jerusalems liberation, traditionally draw religious Zionist groups to the capital in celebration of the citys reunification and restored access to Judaisms holiest sites. These annual pilgrim... Stan Rubins, Chair of the Shalom Orlando Board of Directors, recently introduced the Shalom Orlando 2030 Strategic Plan to the community at large, but he's quick to point out the plan isn't just for the community, it was created by the community, itself. "This isn't my plan, and it's not even Shalom Orlando's plan," said Rubins. "This is your Strategic Plan. The people of this community told us loud and clear what they want the Central Florida Jewish community to look like five years from now. The Shalom Orlando 2030 Strategic Plan is the roadmap to get us there, and it's our job to make it ha... (Israel Hayom via JNS) On Sunday afternoon, what began as a peaceful rally in downtown Boulder, Colorado, part of the global Run for Their Lives campaign calling for the release of hostages held by Hamas, descended into violence. A terrorist armed with fire bombs had been waiting for the marchers, and hurled a flaming bottle that hit one of the participants directly and wounded several others. I had just gathered the group and started speaking when the terrorist threw the Molotov cocktail, said Shahar, who resides in Boulder and has been leading weekly marches there and in nearby Denver.... (JNS) - "I dream of seeing both of my sons coming through the door," Silvia Cunio, a survivor of the Oct. 7, 2023, massacre in Kibbutz Nir Oz and the mother of Hamas hostages David, 35, and Ariel Cunio, 27, told JNS on Friday. On Oct. 7, Hamas attacked Cunio's house along with the residences of her four sons. David and Ariel were taken captive by the terrorist group and have remained in Gaza ever since. The Cunio family marked David's second birthday in captivity last Wednesday. "It's very difficult. The girls ask for their dad all the time and cry at night," Silvia said, referring to David's... (JNS) - At the 2023 Palestine Book Awards ceremony, the winner of the "Counter Current Award" category was the volume "Imagining Palestine," which concerns itself with a topic referred to as "cultures of exile and national identity." Oddly enough, it has a very Jewish ring to it. The book highlights that "all national identities are somewhat fluid, held together by collective beliefs and practices as much as official territory and borders" and that "the articulation and 'imagination' of national identity is particularly urgent." It acknowledges that "the imaginative construction of Palestine i... Argentinas President Milei to receive $1m Genesis Prize in Israel By JNS Staff (JNS) Argentinas President Javier Milei will be awarded the $1 million Genesis Prize during his visit to Israel next month. The staunchly pro-Israel leader is to receive the prize during his June 11 speech at Israels parliament. The award was announced in January in recognition of his unequivocal support for the Jewish state. Organizers say 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 th... (JNS) This has not been a good week for the State of Israel or the Jewish people. Sarah Milgrim, 26, and Yaron Lischinsky, 30, two young, promising members of the staff of the Israeli embassy, were brutally murdered as they were leaving a reception at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. This sort of abominable antisemitic atrocity is what occurs when Americas young people are constantly indoctrinated by academics of the woke far left and the highly biased left-wing media. Our educational institutions have been fortified by immeasurable funding from the government of Qatar, which... (JNS) In C.S. Lewiss The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, the Pevensie children are evacuated from London to a home in the English countryside to escape the Blitz. There, they discover a wardrobe that contains a portal into the magical and fictitious world of Narnia, a land where animals talk and there is no ambiguity between good and evil. In the end, the Christ-like figure of Aslan the Lion and his army, with the help of the children, defeat the evil White Witch who has brought perpetual winter to Narnia. Last week, evil passed through a portal from the equally magical and fictitious w... (JNS) Why is Palestine still not an independent state? The conventional answer normally begins and ends with Israel and its occupation, presumably denying Palestinians their lands and their right to self-determination. Columbia University professor and Palestinian American Edward Saids famous words that Zionism should be judged from the standpoint of its victims continues to possess cultural authority even if they contradict the historical record. Zionism always endorsed a policy built around the idea of sharing the land. For almost a decade, Israel was swept into a process where it expec... ONYX Hospitality Group, a leading hospitality management company in Southeast Asia with a diverse portfolio of hotels, resorts, serviced apartments, and luxury residences, continues to pursue its vision of becoming "The Best Medium-sized Hospitality Management Company in Southeast Asia." The company has introduced its latest stylish property, Amari Bangsaen, acknowledging Bangsaen's appeal as a key beachfront destination for Thai and international travellers seeking a coastal escape near Bangkok. It is dedicated to turning exceptional experiences into lasting memories. Located directly across from the iconic Bangsaen Beach, Amari Bangsaen is a relaxing beachfront retreat in the city's heart, offering effortless beach access. Whether it's a fun-filled family getaway, a lively trip with friends, or a romantic escape for couples, guests can enjoy a bustling seaside vacation experience. At Amari Bangsaen, every stay is thoughtfully crafted to create unforgettable moments in every dimension. Guests can expect full-service hospitality that meets international standards, from meticulously designed accommodations that blend style and comfort to a wide selection of room typesfrom deluxe rooms to spacious suites. With a total of 154 rooms, the hotel caters to all lifestyles, including business travellers visiting nearby industrial estates. For those seeking a venue near Bangkok for meetings, corporate events, or romantic weddings with stunning views of the Bangsaen sea, Amari Bangsaen offers 15 medium to large function rooms that can host up to 1,000 guests. In addition to its contemporary and thoughtfully designed rooms, Amari Bangsaen offers a variety of dining options crafted to delight every palate. At the heart of the culinary experience is Amaya Food Gallery, an all-day dining restaurant that features a harmonious blend of Asian and Western flavours. Guests can enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast, a la carte selections, or set menus for lunch and dinnerperfect for food lovers eager to explore Thai and international cuisine. Guests can also indulge in a signature Thai cocktail, thoughtfully crafted to reflect the charm of Thai hospitality, at Maitree Bar. For a more laid-back vibe, head to Aqua Eatery & Bar, the perfect spot to unwind by the large swimming pool with refreshing drinks, tasty snacks, and a daily Happy Hour promotion. Craving a seaside setting? Aloha Beach Cafe offers it allgreat atmosphere, delicious food, and creative cocktails. Guests can also unwind and rejuvenate at Breeze Spa, where a variety of spa treatments are designed to relax the body, ease fatigue, and leave guests feeling refreshed, ready to embrace new and memorable experiences. For guests looking to enhance their physical fitness, the "FIT Centre" offers a comprehensive workout experience featuring professional-grade equipment and weight training facilities tailored to meet diverse fitness goals. Meanwhile, little ones can dive into a world of imagination at the Kids' Club, a cheerful space designed for children to unleash their energy freely and enjoy endless fun. Hotel website avid hotels by IHG - one of the world's leading hotel companies with more than 6,600 open hotels across 20 brands - celebrates the opening of its 80th property with avid hotel Coralville - Iowa City. This marks the brand's second property in Iowa and the fourth dual-branded avid hotels and Candlewood Suites in the US, following the prototype's launch in 2021. As IHG's second-largest contributor to system size, avid hotels is the company's fastest-growing new-build brand. With 131 hotels in the pipeline*, avid hotels is all about what matters most to both guests and owners delivering a great night's sleep and exceptional quality at a fair price. Karen Gilbride, vice president of avid hotels, Atwell Suites & Garner hotels, said: "avid hotels consistently drive strong commercial results and guest loyalty - reflected in some of the highest guest satisfaction scores within the IHG portfolio. Its approach is simple, yet effective. Since opening our first property in 2018, we've grown to 80 hotels and are accelerating our momentum expanding into new markets and strengthening our presence in existing ones. It's clear that our 'just right' strategy continues to resonate with both guests and owners. Looking ahead, we remain focused on enhancing owner returns and elevating the guest experience wherever possible. One key initiative for this year is our revamped breakfast offering, delivering more of what our guests want at a reduced operating cost to owners, which we're excited to roll out at avid hotel Coralville - Iowa City." Owned by Westcor JD Royal Hospitality, the 71-room avid hotel Coralville - Iowa City is centrally located near the University of Iowa and attractions like the Antique Car Museum of Iowa. The hotel will deliver the brand's hallmarks that guests have come to love and expect, from right-size rooms with inviting beds to sound-reducing design for a great night's sleep, a large fitness center and a reimagined complimentary fresh, hot breakfast. The new breakfast now includes a robust selection of high-quality items, such as scrambled eggs, proteins, potatoes, and premium bean-to-cup coffee, ensuring guests start their day off just right. Mona and Pankaj Patel, Owners, Westcor JD Royal Hospitality commented: "We're proud to introduce the first avid and Candlewood Suites dual-brand property to Coralville as this hotel is one of the largest of its kind in the United States. This modern pairing is thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of both short-term and extended-stay guests, delivering a stay that feels just right. At avid hotel Coralville - Iowa City, every detail is focused on the all-important essentials - no matter where your travels take you." Along with avid hotel Coralville - Iowa City, other recent openings and locations that will soon welcome guests include: Opened in February 2025 under the operation of Inmobiliaria Flecha Amarilla, avid hotel Queretaro Centro Sur features 118 guestrooms. Here, guests can enjoy convenient access to notable local attractions, including the historic Aqueduct of Santiago de Queretaro and the Teatro Metropolitano. The 80-room avid hotel Harrisburg NE - Hershey Area, also opened in February 2025, under SNP Management, LLC, is within easy reach of Hersheypark and the iconic Hershey's Chocolate World. Set to become the brand's first location in California, avid hotel Victorville - Hesperia will open under Score Hospitality Inc. Its prime location offers guests easy access to Mojave Narrows Regional Park and the iconic Route 66 Museum. To learn more or book a room for an upcoming trip, visit ihg.com or download the IHG One Rewards mobile app. *As of March 31, 2025 Hotel website Cristian brings over 11 years of experience in the hospitality industry, including four years with Emaar in Dubai across various operational roles. Since joining Marriott seven years ago, he has held key leadership positions, notably as Front Desk Manager and Front Office Manager at La Ville Hotel and Suites, Dubai. In 2021, Cristian joined the pre-opening team at Agora, Doha, Autograph Collection as Rooms Operations Manager and was subsequently promoted to Resident Manager. Throughout his time at Agora, Cristian has been instrumental in shaping the hotel's guest experience and operational standards. Under his leadership, the hotel was named Best Boutique Hotel in Qatar in 2023 in the LLQ Awards, and achieved the highest guest satisfaction score among Autograph Collection properties within Marriott across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa in 2024. Cristian is known for his people-first leadership approach, building strong relationships with both guests and associates while nurturing a culture of service excellence and teamwork. Successfully leading in todays hotel industry requires more than a single expertise; it demands a careful blend of deep-seated service passion, operational wisdom, and an innovative spirit that shapes the future of guest experiences. Tradition and innovation constantly intersect. Guest expectations are also rapidly evolving. Hoteliers must navigate this dynamic environment with skill and expertise. Furthermore, they need a deep understanding of service fundamentals. They also require a keen eye for technological advancements. Ander Elortegis career journey began as a bellboy; now, he serves as the General Manager at the prestigious Hotel Palacio Arriluce. We asked Ander about his approach to technology in luxury hospitality, and his views on sustainability and guest experience are also covered. Anders journey in Hospitality Your career has evolved from a bellboy at Hotel Lutetia in Paris to leading top hotels in Spain. What key lessons from your early days in hospitality influence your leadership style today? To this day, being a bellboy remains my favorite role in a hotel, even more so than being a General Manager. Its pure service: spontaneous, versatile, and deeply human. When youre in that position, every guest interaction is an opportunity to be creative, resourceful, and genuinely helpful. I had the privilege of starting my hospitality journey at Hotel Lutetia in Paris, where I worked alongside an exceptional team of Les Clefs dOr concierges. Their professionalism and attention to detail made a lasting impression on me. That experience shaped the way I understand hospitality, not as a job, but as an art form. It taught me that, regardless of your title, the essence of this industry lies in making people feel cared for, understood, and at ease. Navigating diverse hotel environments What are the key differences in managing independent boutique hotels versus international brand properties, and how do you adapt your leadership style for each? Managing independent boutique hotels and operating international brands are two entirely different games, each with its own set of challenges and opportunities. In a boutique property, you have more creative freedom. Youre building a story from scratch, curating every detail to express a unique identity. It requires agility, instinct, and the ability to make decisions quickly and personally. With an international brand, you benefit from structure, systems, and brand recognition, but it also demands a high level of alignment and consistency. Theres a greater focus on standards, reporting, and cross-functional collaboration, often across multiple time zones and departments. Ander Elortegi, General Manager of Hotel Palacio Arriluce, shares his vision for leadership and innovation in luxury hospitality. Photo by Shiji As a leader, I adapt by shifting gears. In boutique hotels, I lead more intuitively and entrepreneurially. In branded environments, I emphasize effective communication, strategic planning, and efficient processes. But in both cases, what stays constant is my commitment to people, building strong teams, and fostering a culture of service. I didnt want to manage the hotel from behind a deskI wanted to live it. Anders Elortegui The power of presence At Villa Soro, you introduced the concept of the hotel manager without an office. How does this hands-on approach influence hotel operations and guest satisfaction, and how has it evolved in your career? At Villa Soro, I made a conscious decision to step away from the traditional office setup. I didnt want to manage the hotel from behind a desk. I wanted to live it. Being present in the lobby, the restaurant, and the housekeeping corridors. Thats where the real pulse of the hotel is. It gave me immediate insight into what was working, what wasnt, and how guests were truly experiencing the property. This approach built stronger relationships with both the team and our guests. Staff members felt more supported and heard. Guests felt the presence of someone who genuinely cared. Over the years, Ive adapted this mindset in every hotel Ive led. Even in larger or more structured environments, I try to be visible, accessible, and engaged. Technology helps, of course, I can handle many administrative tasks from my phone. But the core idea remains: the best management happens where the service is delivered. Enhancing efficiency and elevating guest focus Can you share some examples of how youve integrated technology into hotel operations, whether at Radisson Collection Bilbao, Hotel Tayko Bilbao, or Palacio Arriluce? In my experience, the most valuable technologies are those that make our teams more efficient, allowing them to focus entirely on the guest. Most hotels with a certain level of ambition now use similar systems, including PMS, CRM, mobile check-in, messaging platforms, and energy management tools. The difference lies in how you implement them and what you free up as a result. For me, the goal is clear: automate everything that doesnt require a human touch. Eliminate unnecessary admin, and give our teams the time, clarity, and energy to serve guests with genuine attention and care. When technology fades into the background and the staff can greet each guest with a smile and full presence, thats when its truly working. Sustainability by design The Radisson Collection Hotel in Bilbao earned the highest LEED Platinum certification score worldwide for hotels. What role did technology play in this achievement, and how do you see tech shaping sustainability in hospitality moving forward? Sustainability is no longer a luxury; its a necessity. At Radisson Collection Bilbao, technology played a central role in achieving the highest LEED Platinum score ever awarded. From the design phase, we integrated intelligent energy systems, water-saving solutions, and real-time consumption monitoring. Every material, every system, every supplier was chosen with sustainability in mind, and tech was the thread that connected it all. Looking ahead, I believe technology will continue to be the driving force behind sustainable hospitality. It allows us to measure, adapt, and improve continuously. But more importantly, it helps us make sustainability visible to guests, who are increasingly mindful of their impact. Its not just about certifications, its about being transparent, responsible, and future-ready. The art of the launch What are the key elements for a successful hotel opening, and how can a property ensure a strong market entry? How has technology facilitated smooth launches and efficient operations from the outset? Opening a hotel is like conducting an orchestra; timing, coordination, and harmony are everything. The critical elements? Building the right team early on, aligning every department with the vision, and obsessing over the guest journey before the doors even open. Technology plays a key supporting role. From pre-opening project management tools to digital SOPs, task tracking, and team communication platforms, it helps us streamline workflows and avoid costly last-minute surprises. It allows us to train better, test systems, and simulate real scenarios ahead of time. But more than tools, its about mindset. A strong launch occurs when every team member feels a sense of ownership. When systems support, rather than replace, the human touch, and when technology helps us focus on what matters. Creating unforgettable first impressions. The best technology is invisibleit empowers the experience without ever stealing the spotlight. Anders Elortegui The human-digital dance How do you balance high-touch service with the growing trend of automation and digitalisation in hotels? Luxury hospitality, above all, is about feeling genuinely cared for. That will never change. What has changed is how we get there. Automation and digitalisation help us remove friction, gain efficiency, and anticipate needs, but they should never replace empathy or intuition. The key is to use technology to enhance, not interrupt, the guest experience. If a guest prefers to check in via mobile, great. If another wants a personal welcome and conversation at the front desk, that should be equally possible. Flexibility is the new luxury. Behind the scenes, automation frees up our teams. It reduces repetitive tasks, giving them time and clarity to focus on what matters most. Making each guest feel special, seen, and at home. Gastronomy as a cornerstone How do you see the integration of exceptional dining experiences contributing to a hotels overall success, and what strategic role does F&B play in differentiating a property in a competitive market? High-end gastronomy is not just a service, its a narrative tool. It tells guests who you are as a hotel, what you value, and how deeply youre connected to your region and culture. A great dining experience can be the reason someone chooses your property or why they return. In my experience, integrating exceptional F&B elevates the entire hotel. It attracts a diverse clientele, drives local engagement, and generates powerful word-of-mouth. At Tayko, working with a Michelin-starred team gave us instant credibility and distinction. At Palacio Arriluce, were crafting a culinary experience that aligns with our identity. Elegant, authentic, and deeply rooted in the Basque spirit. Strategically, F&B is one of the strongest differentiators in a crowded market. Its where luxury becomes tangible, on the plate, in the service, and in the memory it leaves behind. Beyond green labels Beyond green certifications, how do you integrate sustainability into everyday hotel operations and the guest experience? Sustainability should not be a checkbox, it has to be a mindset embedded in daily decisions, across all departments. Certifications are important, of course, but theyre just the beginning. What really matters is how sustainability is lived and felt by the team and by the guest. In our operations, we look for long-term efficiency. Sourcing locally, minimizing food waste, reducing single-use plastics, using energy-efficient systems, and choosing partners who share our values. But beyond the technical side, we focus on making it visible and meaningful for guests, without being preachy. Its about small, thoughtful touches. Informing guests where their breakfast ingredients come from, offering refillable amenities in elegant packaging, or designing menus around seasonal produce. Sustainability should feel like a natural part of the experience, effortless, elegant, and aligned with modern expectations. Anticipating tomorrows guest Guest expectations are evolving, particularly due to the impact of digital and mobile technology. How do you ensure your hotels remain at the forefront of delivering exceptional guest experiences? Todays guests, especially those in the luxury segment, expect both efficiency and emotion. They want things to work seamlessly, but also to feel special. Thats where digital tools come in: to simplify the journey without making it feel robotic. We ensure we stay ahead by constantly listening to our guests, our teams, and the market. We pay close attention to feedback, embrace smart solutions that improve communication and anticipation, and avoid tech for techs sake. The goal is always to make the guest feel in control and cared for. Whether its through a mobile app for requests, pre-arrival personalization, or post-stay follow-ups. We use digital touchpoints to reinforce the human connection, not replace it. The best technology is invisible, it empowers the experience without ever stealing the spotlight. Weaving local culture into the hotel fabric How can hotels showcase local culture in their brand experience, and what strategies are effective in aligning a hotels identity with its destination? To me, a hotel should never feel like it could exist anywhere else. It should be unmistakably rooted in its surroundings. Integrating local culture is not just about decoration or souvenirs; its about mindset, storytelling, and emotion. The most successful strategies Ive seen are those that go beyond the surface level. We work with local artisans, chefs, and suppliers not just because its on trend, but because it creates a genuine connection with the place. We train our teams to become cultural ambassadors, sharing not only recommendations but personal stories and context. At Palacio Arriluce, our goal is to reflect the elegance, strength, and soul of the Basque Country. Whether its through architecture, cuisine, language, or service style, we aim to make every guest feel the depth of the destination, not just see it. Adapting in a changing industry What key lessons have you learned about leadership and adapting to change? How do you see technology shaping the next generation of hotel management? If theres one lesson I keep learning, its that leadership is about presence, consistency, and trust. No two teams are the same, no two hotels behave the same way, so adaptability is essential. However, your values must be non-negotiable: respect, transparency, and a deep commitment to service. Change is constant in this industry. Whether its market shifts, guest behavior, or new tools, the best leaders stay curious and calm. I try to lead by listening, sharing, and empowering others, creating environments where people can grow, challenge ideas, and take ownership. Technology will shape the future, yes, but not by replacing leaders. It will enhance our decision-making, streamline our operations, and give us new ways to understand our guests. But at the heart of great hotel management, there will always be emotional intelligence, empathy, and the ability to bring people together. Timeless, tech-enhanced luxury What is your vision for Palacio Arriluce over the next 5-10 years? How will technology, guest expectations, and market trends shape this vision? My vision for Palacio Arriluce is to establish it as the reference for discreet luxury in the Basque Country. A place where elegance, warmth, and excellence are lived every day. We want guests to feel that sense of being truly looked after, from leisure travellers discovering the region to business guests seeking calm and refinement. Over the next 510 years, guest expectations will continually evolve, with an increased focus on personalization, flexibility, and sustainability awareness. Technology will help us meet those needs, but never at the cost of authenticity. The challenge, and the opportunity, is to evolve while staying true to our soul. Were building a hotel with timeless appeal, supported by smart, sustainable operations and a team that genuinely cares. If we do that right, Palacio Arriluce will not only be a beautiful place to stay, but it will also be a meaningful experience that guests carry with them long after they leave. The enduring essence of hospitality Anders career underscores a vital truth. Technology is a powerful enabler. Yet, the human element remains the heart of true luxury. The emphasis he places on a leaders presence is crucial. Equally inspiring is his commitment to empowering teams. Above all, his dedication to crafting authentic guest experiences is paramount. These principles provide a timeless roadmap. They guide hoteliers as they seek to navigate the future. This future will feature more advanced technology. However, success will hinge on fostering genuine connections. It will depend on delivering service with empathy and care. Ultimately, this balance defines the pinnacle of the art of hospitality. UTRECHT, The Netherlands BCD Travel surveyed 197 travel buyers from around the world in top industries including manufacturing, life sciences and financial services. The majority of travel buyers surveyed work for large companies with over 10,000 employees; 48% have global responsibilities, and 41% report to procurement. The results clearly reflect the importance of using data as a tool to develop their travel programs, including boosting supplier negotiations, improving policy compliance and optimizing travel spend. Priorities When it comes to programpriorities, travel buyers list savings and cost control (94%) as extremely or very important. Policy compliance (90%) and duty of care (86%) followed. Data analytics and business intelligence were also highly rated: 82% consider this extremely or very important. The top two data-related priorities include enhancing collaboration with TMCs and travel suppliers around data collection and analysis (48%) and improving data quality (47%). This is followed by consolidating data from different sources (44%), enhancing data analysis (42%), acting on insights (36%) and streamlining data collection (33%). The value of data Indeed, data adds value to travel programs, albeit in different ways. Travel data brings particular value when it comes to negotiating with vendors (65%), improving compliance (59%) and optimizing spend (57%). Challenges Collecting data for datas sake isnt the goal. Rather, understanding the story that data reveals, and turning it into actionable insights, is. Half of the participants struggle with using data proactively versus reactively. This is a significant opportunity for improvement since data can reveal areas for cost savings, traveler behavior trends, and out of policy bookings. BCD captures valuable data from the moment a traveler engages with the TMC. Its configurable technology platform collects, standardizes, normalizes, enriches and shares that data with customers giving them complete control over their data in real time. APIs allow clients more customization to power their own solutions for traveler security, internet security, sustainability, and more. BCD also uses program travel data with messaging capabilities to influence traveler decisions. This can be used to address policy compliance throughout the trip and remind travelers of key benefits and inclusions, preventing unnecessary purchases like car insurance when its already included. Further highlights of the report include: Most travel buyers regularly dedicate time to working with travel data. Whereas 74% of respondents have the skills and experience needed to interact with data, 56% prefer to leave working with data to professionals. Although 60% regularly check their dashboards and analyze new data, 40% interact with travel data only when absolutely needed. Lack of time (44%) was the main reason for infrequent interaction with data. TMCs are a major source of travel data for most travel buyers (89%). Respondents report payment and expense solutions (69%) and online booking tools (66%) as their top external data sources. Two in 10 use external data aggregators or consultants. Only one out of 10 use AI to collect, analyze and report travel data. The main reason for employing AI is to save time. Travel buyers consider real-time analytics that allows spotting trends (64%) as the most valuable feature of data analytic tools, followed by built-in dashboards (57%). BCD Travel is capturing more data from more sources than ever before, says Heather Wright, BCDs vice president, Digital Strategy & Advancement. We invest heavily in the consolidation, standardization and normalization of this data, ensuring the most accurate, quality data is provided back to our customers. We deliver this data through a variety of unique solutions that allow our customers to make decisions in real time. By leveraging advanced analytics and new technologies, BCD offers clients accurate, actionable insights that support their evolving needs. Clients benefit from BCDs data solutions and access to its full-service analytics and insights teams. This empowers smarter decision-making across travel programs. To view the full data survey report, click here. About BCD Travel BCD Travel helps companies travel smart and achieve more. We drive program adoption, cost savings and talent retention through digital experiences that simplify business travel. Our 15,000+ dedicated team members service clients in 170+ countries as we shape a sustainable future for business travel. BCDs leading meetings and events management and global consultancy services complete our comprehensive suite of solutions for all aspects of corporate travel. In 2024, BCD achieved US$22.9 billion in sales. For more information, visit www.bcdtravel.com. Delhi, India Latest data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has revealed that international visitor spend in India reached a record 3.1TN in 2024, 9% above the previous peak of 2019. After a prolonged reliance on domestic travel spend following the pandemic, WTTCs latest Economic Impact Research (EIR) reveals international travel is not only back; its stronger than ever, reaching unprecedented levels last year. According to the data, while domestic travel has remained a vital force, with spending soaring to 15.5TN, (22% above 2019 levels), the revival of international tourism is now propelling the sector into a bold new era of growth. Travel & Tourism contributed almost 21TN to the Indian economy last year, 20% ahead of 2019, and yet with a young, educated population facing rapid automation through AI, the sector remains a critical source of employment and opportunity. Strengthening infrastructure, including high-speed rail and smart mobility solutions, will be essential to reach the sectors true potential and raise its GDP contribution toward 10-11%. The sector also supported an all-time high of almost 46.5MN jobs, equivalent to 9.1% of total employment across India. The country also welcomed 20MN international visitors in 2024 - 2.3MN more than 2019, reaffirming the countrys status as a leading global destination and underscoring the renewed international confidence in its tourism offering. To maintain this momentum, WTTC calls for continued investment and targeted policy support, and urges the government to reconsider its recent decision to reduce funding for overseas tourism promotion. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said India's Travel & Tourism sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, with international visitor numbers now at record highs after a period of strong domestic reliance. We strongly support the governments plans to simplify the e-visa process. While visa-on-arrival and e-visa systems are in place, reciprocal policies and long delays for key markets like the U.S., where appointments are reportedly unavailable until 2026, continue to hinder tourists. Making it easier to visit India is one of the fastest ways to unlock further international arrivals and spending. To support this growth and ensure long-term resilience, WTTC has signed an MoU with WTTCII to amplify Indias tourism voice globally. The MOU combines WTTCs international influence with WTTCIIs strong national presence. The MOU will strengthen policy coherence and offer a model for global-local tourism leadership. The global tourism body's research also reveals India's business travel is experiencing record growth, with combined domestic and international spending hitting 1.1TN last year, surpassing the 2019 peak by 2.6%. A look ahead to 2025 and 2035 WTTC is forecasting another record-breaking year for Indias Travel & Tourism sector with its economic contribution set to reach over 22TN in 2025, whilst employment in the sector is expected to reach more than 48MN. As the sector expands, theres a significant opportunity to foster homegrown entrepreneurship, particularly in luxury travel experiences, which are gaining strong traction among new generations of travellers and investors. International visitor spend is expected to reach 3.2TN, whilst spending from domestic travellers is set to hit 16.TN. By 2035, Travel & Tourisms contribution to the national economy is forecast to almost double, to reach just under 42TN, with the sector employing almost 64MN people. India is well-placed to become one of the worlds most dynamic tourism economies, with its dynamic mix of heritage, natural beauty, and modern innovation. This includes unlocking the potential of small and medium-sized enterprises which form the backbone of the sector and drive innovation across communities and regions. WTTC calls on the government to match the sectors resilience and ambition with clear, consistent policy support. For more information and to access the full factsheet, including WTTCs latest Environmental Social Research (ESR), please visit WTTC's Research Hub. Our conversation with Bernhard Bohnenberger, CEO and Co-founder of Discover Collection, took place during the EHL Open Innovation Summit in Lausanne. We spoke with him about the role of technology in luxury hospitality, how guest expectations are evolving, and why emotional connection should remain central to high-end travel. Drawing on his background with Six Senses and now the Discover Collection, Bernhard shared his vision for what he calls Mindful Luxury and how technology should support, never replace, the human experience. Which technology or innovation do you think will most reshape the hospitality industry over the next 5 to 10 years? AI and technology are exploding, and nobody can ignore that. In the luxury end of hospitality, we would not send a robot to serve guests, but technology can help us as an amazing army of assistants or a source of information. It can be used in the background to personally serve our guests better. True hospitality still means human interaction and emotional intelligence, especially when you pay thousands of dollars a night. Machines should help our teams serve better, but they should operate by stealth. Like a ninja, if it is invisible, that is great. Do you think there is a big misconception about what AI in hospitality can actually do, especially in luxury? Yes. Especially in luxury, AI could be the backbone of operations. At the very high end, it is key that the emotional side and the human interaction stay. If a guest pays thousands of dollars a night, they do not want to be looking at a machine. But the machine can work behind the scenes to support the team. In lower-end, more functional hotels, a lot can be taken over technologically. The higher you go in the luxury chain, the more the human touch matters. Do you think we need to reevaluate what we think luxury is? Yes. At the Discover Collection, we call it Mindful Luxury. In the past, people associated luxury with chandeliers, gold leaf, champagne and opulence. That may still appeal to some, especially newer money. But as people mature and wealth moves through generations, they want a very different experience. They want something that transforms them - physically, mentally, or through learning something new. Why would you want Wagyu beef flown in from Japan when you are staying at a resort in Oman? The luxury traveller today wants more depth, more meaning, and more connection to the destination. Do you think luxury brands today are ready to deliver meaning, or do they even understand that they need to start delivering meaning? With Six Senses, we revolutionized and disrupted the industry by creating experiences. With the Discover Collection, I want to go even further, into exploration. I want our guests to participate in the activities of our team, of the local community, and to engage with people in a deep and meaningful way. If you do something groundbreaking, others will follow. I have seen it happen before, when what we created was copied. Hopefully this new approach will trickle down through the industry and have a positive influence. Why Online Travel Agents Are Not Hotels - Insights from a Mississippi Supreme Court Case - By Chekitan S. Dev - Image Credit Hotels.com The appellate court determined that the OTAs were not hotels under Mississippi law, even though they facilitate room bookings and collect funds considered occupancy taxes. In this article, I examine the issues and findings in this case. In August 2020, the Mississippi Chancery Court issued a judgment of $44.899 million against a group of online travel agents (OTAs), sometimes referred to as online travel companies (OTCs). The defendants in this court proceeding comprised sites operated by Priceline, Cendant, Expedia, and Sabre. The judgment was based on the courts finding that the OTAs had failed to relay funds to the state collected from guests as part of the states sales tax and a local lodging tax. The basis of the Chancery Courts ruling was the finding that, given the OTAs business model, they are effectively hotels. On appeal, in July 2021 the Mississippi Supreme Court set aside the judgment. This subsequent ruling was based on the appellate courts determination that the OTAs were not hotels under Mississippi law, even though they facilitate room bookings and collect funds that are considered occupancy taxes. In this article, I examine the issues and findings in this case. Click here to download the complete article. Chekitan S. Dev, the Singapore Tourism Distinguished Professor at Cornell Universitys Nolan School of Hotel Administration, is an internationally renowned scholar and thought leader on marketing and branding in the hospitality, travel, and tourism industries. As an expert witness, he has testified in deposition, trial, and at arbitration in numerous hospitality-related matters, in the United States and internationally, including multiple cases involving hotel ownerbrand relationships and the online travel industry. Rendering of the voco Scenia Bay Nha Trang By IHG - Image Credit IHG Hotels & Resorts IHG has entered into a hotel management agreement with Nha Trang Bay JSC to open the voco Scenia Bay Nha Trang in Vietnam by the end of 2025. IHG Hotels & Resorts is set to increase its portfolio in Vietnam by introducing a new property under its voco brand, called voco Scenia Bay Nha Trang. This development is a collaboration with Nha Trang Bay JSC, a member of the GreenSpark Group. The hotel is scheduled to commence operations near the end of 2025. Located in the coastal city of Nha Trang, the voco Scenia Bay Nha Trang will feature 250 rooms distributed across 28 floors, offering panoramic sea views. The property is strategically positioned within a major real estate development by Nha Trang Bay JSC, part of a broader tourism masterplan to boost the region's growth potential. The new hotel will have various amenities, including a swimming pool, multiple dining options, bars, and meeting facilities. It will be less than an hour from Cam Ranh International Airport and near popular local attractions such as Nha Trang Beach, Ponagar Temple, and Vinh Hai Market. This addition to IHGs portfolio marks the company's fourth hotel in the region, joining other properties such as InterContinental Nha Trang, InterContinental Residences Nha Trang, and Six Senses Ninh Van Bay. The tourism sector in Nha Trang, and more broadly in Khanh Hoa Province, has shown significant growth. In 2024, the province recorded a 10.8 million visitor turnout, including 4.8 million international tourists. This surge is attributed to the areas appealing beaches, diving sites, and culinary offerings. IHG currently operates 20 hotels across eight brands in Vietnam and has 22 properties in its development pipeline. Squaremouth Reveals U.S. Travelers Increasingly Opting to Stay Closer to Home This Summer - Image Credit Unsplash+ Summer travel is heating up, with 70% of Americans saying they plan to vacation this season. New data from Squaremouth reveals key insights into where travelers are going and the trends that will shape this summer travel season. Squaremouth analyzed data from thousands of travel insurance policies purchased for trips this summer, revealing key destinations, traveler sentiment, and more. Travelers Increasingly Opting to Stay Closer to Home Travel within the United States and to nearby destinations has gained momentum this summer, with travelers increasingly opting to stay closer to home this summer. The United States remains the most popular destination for travelers this summer, and Canada has risen to the second spot, climbing two places from last year and overtaking Italy. Mexico also gained popularity, moving up two spots to rank sixth among the top international destinations. Travel to the Bahamas has increased by 8% year-over-year, as the Caribbean destination has broken into the top 10 most popular destinations. Top 10 Summer Destinations for 2025 Country 2025 Rank 2024 Rank United States 1 (=) 1 Canada 2 (+2) 4 United Kingdom 3 (=) 3 Italy 4 (-2) 2 France 5 (=) 5 Mexico 6 (+2) 8 Spain 7 (+2) 9 Bahamas 8 (+4) 12 Iceland 9 (+1) 10 Greece 10 (-4) 6 Other Trending Destinations: Portugal, Israel and France While many travelers opt to stay closer to home, other global destinations are emerging as hotspots this summer. 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. Why DIY Live Music Spaces are more important than ever Even as streaming dominates music and the music industry, grassroots and DIY live music spaces remain the heart of real music culture. Learn how they build community and launch careers even in an increasingly algorithm-driven world. Why DIY Live Music Spaces are more important than ever by Alfie Amadeus via Decent Music PR Theres no question that streaming has taken over the music industry. CD and vinyl sales, though important for emerging artists, are no longer a reliable income source. In 2024, physical music sales generated 4.8 billion U.S. dollars, digital music sales made 0.8 billion , but streaming revenues reached 20.4 billion U.S. dollars worldwide, according to two reports by Statista. For better or for worse, audiences are becoming accustomed to instant gratification, and anything that doesnt offer it is likely to be ignored. At Decent Music PR, we push for online success. We boost streams , run targeted ad campaigns, and contact press outlets to get artists the attention they deserve. But for all the ease and scale offered by digital platforms, DIY spaces remain vital to independent music culture. DIY venues, warehouses, living rooms, skateparks, and community centres are more than just places to play shows. They are creative hubs that offer opportunities for real-life, human connections and music promotion. DIY spaces are where local scenes are born, where bands cut their teeth and where music is more than just content. The truth is, though its increasingly important to develop and maintain an online presence, the hyper-saturation of streaming and social media platforms means that its so easy to disappear in the noise. DIY venues act as an authentic space to help you find your tribe in real life, and as the internet floods into a sea of AI-generated music, monetised noise, and algorithmic sludge, these pockets of authenticity matter more than ever for artists. A Music Promotion Launchpad for Emerging Artists While Spotify algorithms and TikTok trends may occasionally elevate unknown artists to sudden fame, its the DIY scene that often incubates the talent in the first place. DIY venues provide an open, safe space for artists to perform, experiment, and find their voice without the pressures of corporate expectations or polished perfection. Some of todays most influential bands started out playing DIY shows to 20 people in a basement. The intimacy and imperfection of those early gigs forge a connection with audiences that cant be replicated by any other means. Real-World Community Is Worth More Than Followers DIY spaces allow for the development of deep, local connections that just dont happen on social media. They create a real sense of belonging that algorithms are simply incapable of. Whether its seeing the same mohawks show up to every show your local punk band plays, or the open-mic regular who surprises everyone with an absolute belter of a chorus, DIY scenes build real-world community. These spaces offer a refuge from the infinite doomscroll. Its a place where musicians and music fans can connect without the tedium and pressures that social media brings. Resistance by Design DIY spaces often operate outside the mainstream. Theyre run by volunteers, artists, and dreamers, not shareholders. This makes them essential spaces for marginalised voices, niche genres, and radical ideas that might otherwise be ignored. Theyre also political by nature. Hosting gigs in a squat, a gallery, or someones garage is an act of reclaiming space. It challenges the idea that creativity must be monetised to be valuable, encouraging art for arts sake. A Culture of Collaboration, Not Competition Weve already covered how collaboration is key when it comes to releasing music, and one of the most useful aspects of DIY spaces is the culture of collaboration they foster. Unlike the music industrys competitive grind, these scenes prioritise mutual support. Artists share gear (amongst other things), promoters split profits fairly, and crowds respect the stage regardless of whos on it. This spirit nurtures a creative environment where creativity and innovation flourish without the pressures of the industry. The DIY Legacy DIY isnt just a phase or a stopgap before making it. Its a philosophy that many artists carry with them throughout their careers. And crucially, its something that gets passed on. Older bands help newer ones. Venues change hands. Knowledge about booking shows, fixing gear, or running sound circulates informally but powerfully. This intergenerational spirit keeps scenes alive. Its why, despite closures and challenges, new spaces keep cropping up, because people who came up in DIY understand just how vital these places are. They dont just fester in the nostalgia. They recreate the same magic, again and again. The Challenges of DIY Live Music Spaces, and Why Theyre Worth Fighting For Of course, DIY spaces face constant threats, as weve covered here . Gentrification, noise complaints, lack of funding, burnout, among many others. But their resilience is part of the culture. Each saved venue or new pop-up gig is a statement: were still here, and we still care. So while playlists, algorithms, and streaming stats shape todays music economy, lets not forget what actually builds music culture: real people, in real rooms, making real noise. DIY isnt dead. Its more necessary than ever. Think your musics ready and want to work with Decent Music PR? Read this blog post or get in touch . Share on: Lee Middle and High School Announces Graduation Speakers LEE, Mass. Kelly Molino and Sophia Puntin have been named the valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, for Lee High School's class of 2025. Both will speak at the 148th graduation exercises of Lee High School at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 7, at Tanglewood. Molino is the daughter of Karen and Nicholas Molino of Lee. She is a member of the National Honor Society, the Class of 2025 Steering Committee, the robotics and quiz teams, and the tennis and swim teams. She has participated in spring musicals and the Fall Festival of Shakespeare during her time at Lee High. She is a past recipient of the Bausch & Lomb Science Award, the Harvard Prize Book, and the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents Academic Excellence Award. Molino will be attending the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in the fall, studying mechanical engineering. Puntin is the daughter of Amy and Matthew Puntin of Tyringham. She is a member of the National Honor Society, quiz team, the Class of 2025 Steering Committee, Student Council, and the GSA. She has been a member of the tennis and cross country teams, as well as the concert, marching and jazz bands. She has received the Clarkson University Achievement Award, the Cornell University Junior Award, and the Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy. Puntin will be attending Bentley University in Waltham to study business. 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 President Lee takes his inaugural oath at at the National Assembly ( Anthony Wallace ) The newly sworn-in president of South Korea quipped on his first day in charge that the presidential office left behind by his ousted predecessor, Yoon Suk Yeol, felt like a graveyard, with not even a pencil left behind. Lee Jae Myung took office on Wednesday after winning the snap presidential election with a significant margin over his rival Kim Moon Soo, riding a wave of anger after Mr Yoons 3 December attempt to impose martial law threw the country into chaos. The new leader appeared baffled by the lack of preparation at the presidential office in the Yongsan district of Seoul after finding that it was stripped of computers, printers and even pens. I just came to the Yongsan office, and its like a graveyard. Theres nothing, not even an employee to give me something to write. No computers, or even printers, he said in his inaugural address. It's absolutely ridiculous. Kang Yu Jung, the new spokesperson for the president, said the office ceased functioning after Mr Yoon was impeached by parliament on 14 December and that it did not have any system in place to continue working in his absence. Ms Kang added that the previous administration did not leave transition instructions for the incoming administration. Mr Yoon moved out of the official presidential palace, known as the Blue House, after his election victory in 2022, becoming the first leader in the countrys modern history to shun the location. He took up a new office instead inside a former defence ministry building in Yongsan. Mr Lee hinted on the campaign trail that he is likely to return to the Blue House, also known as Cheong Wa Dae, after renovations, and reportedly described the Yongsan residence as a security nightmare. The transition is likely to take up to six months. He has instructed some officials who were working in the presidential office, but had gone back to their parent ministries or departments after Mr Yoon was impeached, to come back and resume their roles in his office, Ms Kang said. Mr Lee has entered office in a country facing a number of challenges after Mr Yoons martial law bid left a deeply scarred and polarised country. The president will have to revive the economy and work with unpredictable protectionist moves by the United States, a major trading partner and a security ally. On Wednesday, Mr Lee announced his administrations first key appointments. Kim Min Seok was appointed as the prime minister, and Kang Hoon Sik as chief of staff. Mr Kim said the country was facing even more economic turmoil than during the Asian financial crisis of 1997, complicated by unfavourable external factors. Today, the economy is heading downward and stagnating, which is why I believe its much more difficult, he told reporters. Excavations at Holme Hall Quarry, between Doncaster and Rotherham, have revealed how the landscape was transformed into extensive, carefully planned field systems and farmsteads during the early Roman period. Was this development the work of local Iron Age communities, or a land grab by an occupying army? Francis M Morris, who has recently completed post-excavation analysis and publication through Archaeological Research Services Ltd, explains more. Overlooking the excavation of the horseshoe-shaped Enclosure 5 at Holme Hall Quarry, which possibly dates to the late Iron Age or Roman period. The gap between excavated ditch segments may represent an entrance into the north-east part of the enclosure. CREDIT: Archaeological Research Services Ltd The Magnesian Limestone that sweeps across north-east England, has long been a focus of archaeological interest. Iron Age and Roman field systems are widely visible as cropmarks on this geology and its margins in County Durham, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, north Nottinghamshire, and north-east Derbyshire, and since the 1990s several examples have been investigated in developer-funded excavations. They tend to be distinctive in form, often with a regular coaxial pattern (uniform fields running along a common axis) extending over long distances. Nevertheless, significant research questions remain, particularly regarding precisely when these field systems were established, when they were abandoned, and the role that they played in relation to the Roman military who occupied forts in the surrounding landscape from the mid- to late 1st century AD onwards in the areas south of the river Don. This picture is now becoming clearer, however, as recent large-scale excavations at Holme Hall Quarry, which is operated by Breedon Group, have contributed significantly to our understanding, offering detailed insights into how the early Roman frontier region in Britain was organised prior to the invasion of the territory of the Brigantes in c.AD 69. Holme Hall Quarry is a large limestone extraction site in South Yorkshire, lying immediately south of the M18 motorway, 7.6km (4.7 miles) south-west of Doncaster, and 3.2km (2 miles) south of the River Don. Archaeological Research Services Ltd were commissioned by Breedon to investigate an area of some 34 hectares (84 acres), as part of a planning application to extend the quarry workings. An initial extensive geophysical survey revealed the presence of several possible enclosures, field ditches, and a droveway of possibly Iron Age/Roman date, and excavations followed in 2015 and 2019-2022. Together, this work has literally put the quarrys historic landscape on the map, revealing a busy landscape of multi-period remains across an area where very little archaeology had previously been known. The location of the Holme Hall Quarry site (shown in red) in South Yorkshire. CREDIT: Archaeological Research Services Ltd This archaeological phased plan of the Holme Hall Quarry excavations shows features uncovered in 2015 and 2019-2022, including Enclosures 26 and the 19th-century lime kiln. CREDIT: Archaeological Research Services Ltd AN EVOLVING LANDSCAPE Our story begins long before the Roman period. The earliest evidence of a human presence identified on the site came in the form of 206 chipped lithics ranging in date from the Mesolithic to the early Bronze Age. The vast majority of these were found in topsoil rather than contemporary features, but they provide important context for the hunter-gatherer groups who once utilised this landscape, as well as its more extensive use by the Early Neolithic farmers who built their burial monuments along the Magnesian Limestone ridge. Middle Iron Age occupation also emerged during our investigations. Two pits were radiocarbon-dated to the 4th to 2nd centuries BC, and one of these appeared to be associated with a possible post-built structure that was otherwise undated. These features provide a useful addition to our knowledge of a period which is not well represented in South Yorkshire due to the paucity of pottery of this date. The main phase of occupation of the site, however, was during the Roman period (just possibly beginning in the late Iron Age based on the radiocarbon date standard deviation, but this is considered unlikely). It was represented by an extensive, well-preserved field system spanning at least 650m (2,133ft) eastwest by 495m (1,624ft) northsouth, which was sample-excavated across a large, continuous area covering some 25.8 hectares (63.8 acres) in the western and central parts of the site. Following the familiar rectilinear/coaxial pattern, the fields were typically around 0.5-0.9 hectares (1.2-2.2 acres) in area, though larger and smaller examples were also documented. Although a few field- and enclosure-ditches had been recut, we could not see any clear evidence for this mass of features developing in different phases. This is significant, as it suggests that the entire field system could have formed part of a large-scale reorganisation of the landscape, with a focus on increasing agricultural production. An aerial view of the centre-south part of the site after topsoil-stripping in 2021, looking north-east. CREDIT: Archaeological Research Services Ltd The different fields may have been demarcated by stone-faced earth or earth-and-rubble banks following the lines of their ditches. Such constructions have been found preserved just 2km (1.2 miles) to the north of the site at Edlington Wood, and at Holme Hall Quarry the discovery of limestone rocks and blocks within the fills of the field ditches were interpreted as possible collapsed or cleared examples of the same. These fills also produced pottery fragments suggesting that the field system had been established in, or just possibly even before, the 1st century AD, and were backfilled during the Roman period but only small amounts, indicating a generally low density of occupation at this time. The earliest pottery identified was in the Lincolnshire/Trent Valley native/Iron Age tradition, associated with the 1st to mid-2nd centuries AD. This was found in the fills of four ditches in different parts of the site. Other field boundaries produced a few Roman sherds (with nothing necessarily post-dating the mid-2nd century), as well as a handful of other finds including iron nails, a small iron bar, and a scrap of copper-alloy sheet. Contrasting with these dispersed finds, a major feature associated with the field system was a droveway that ran for at least 489m (1,604ft) northsouth across the full extent of the excavated area. This gently sloping track measured 3.1-5.5m (10.2-18ft) wide between its ditches, and these flanking features contained no artefacts to indicate its likely date. A possible pit or area of wear within its surface yielded ten probable hobnails perhaps from a discarded or lost shoe indicating that this route had been active during the Roman period. It would have been travelled by both people and livestock, and may have linked up with the Roman eastwest road 3km (1.9 miles) to the north, which probably ran between the forts at Templeborough and Doncaster. It possibly formed the fortified frontier of the Roman Empire in this region prior to AD 69. The remains of the rectilinear Enclosure 2a, thought to represent the remains of a rural Roman farmstead. CREDIT: Archaeological Research Services Ltd This is an extract of an article that appeared in CA 424. Read on in the magazine, or click here to read it online at The Past, where you can read all of the Current Archaeology articles in full as well as the content of our other magazines, Current World Archaeology, Ancient Egypt, and Military History Matters. 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 number of female UN staff members in Kabul have been forced to stop working after being stalked and harassed by unidentified men in Afghanistans Taliban-ruled capital, a development that is impacting international aid projects in the war-torn nation. Sources at at least three UN agencies in Afghanistan have described the incidents that took place in late May when their female staff members were followed home as they left a UN compound by a group of unidentified men in what they described as a campaign of coordinated harassment. The men issued graphic death threats to the women, all Afghan nationals working for international agencies, and also threatened their male family members, The Independent has learnt. In the absence of a functioning economy in Afghanistan under the Taliban regime, UN aid agencies have worked flat-out to meet humanitarian needs in the country since the Nato withdrawal in August 2021. Such projects are providing critical aid, food and money through a host of development programmes. A decree by the Taliban authorities in April 2023 banned women from most workplaces in the country, claiming that it goes against their interpretation of Sharia law. UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres said at the time that any such ban would be unacceptable and frankly, inconceivable as he expressed concern for the safety of the workers. Speaking about the recent incidents in Kabul, a UN source speaking on condition of anonymity said: They were stopped outside their homes and were threatened in relation to their working for the UN by these men who told them to not return to work the next morning, otherwise they would be killed. open image in gallery Taliban security personnel check a UN vehicle at a newly built gate in Kabul ( AFP/Getty ) The armed men who followed the UN staffers for two days also forced male relatives at gunpoint to stop their daughters, wives or sisters from working. They also made video recordings of the forced assurances, the sources told The Independent. The Independent understands that the women involved, who could not give interviews due to concerns for their safety, have had their work restricted while the harassment is ongoing. Officials said they had approached Taliban leaders in Kabul, who have denied responsibility for these unidentified men and their threats. Several United Nations female national [Afghan] staff members in the Afghan capital Kabul have been subjected to threats by unidentified individuals related to their work with the UN. The matter has been raised with the de facto authorities, who have said they are investigating these incidents, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) told The Independent in a statement. open image in gallery Afghan refugee women and children rest near a UN information office for women in Afghanistans Kandahar ( AFP/Getty ) open image in gallery An Afghan refugee girl walks past a registration centre with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees ( AFP/Getty ) In the light of these extremely serious threats, UN agencies, funds, and programmes in Afghanistan have made interim operational adjustments to ensure the safety and security of staff members, while continuing to strive to work in support of the people of Afghanistan, UNAMA said. Similar protocols involving work from home have been implemented by the UNs World Food Programme (WFP), a lifeline responsible for the nutrition of millions of Afghans. On a number of recent occasions, female staff working for international organisations in Kabul have faced intimidation and threats from unidentified individuals warning them not to report to their offices. Out of an abundance of caution, WFP has advised female staff to temporarily work from home, the agency said. The global food agency said its operations continue to reach out to vulnerable women-led families. WFP and its partners including female staff continue to reach tens of thousands of hungry families with food assistance, prioritising the most vulnerable women-headed families. Women continue to pick up their entitlements at distribution sites and last year, WFP reached nearly 10 million women and children across Afghanistan, the agency told The Independent. Under the Talibans misogynist regime, where women are banned from most public spaces and from interacting with men outside of their household, having local female staff members has proved essential for international agencies to get aid to those in need. UN aid serves at least 23 million men, women and children out of the total population of about 40 million in Afghanistan. UN sources said female Afghan staff represented a core part of their operations, from delivering food and medicine to running general operations. As a result of the vivid death threats, a part of our workforce will no longer be able to travel freely or work, one official in Kabul said. The Talibans de facto interior ministry confirmed that it was aware of the reports of harassment, telling The Independent: The ministry of interior gives full assurance that we are aware of them and no one has the right to warn or threaten United Nations employees, whether men or women. Any person or individuals who do so will be severely punished. 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 British woman held in a Sri Lankan prison without charge for the last three weeks could still be months away from a bail hearing after her arrest for allegedly smuggling 1.2m worth of synthetic cannabis, or kush, in her luggage, her lawyer told The Independent. Charlotte May Lee, 21, a former cabin attendant from south London, was arrested on 12 May at Bandaranaike airport, Colombo, after arriving on a flight from Bangkok. She remains in custody on remand for allegedly carrying 46kg of cannabis in two suitcases. Her lawyer, senior counsel Sampath Perera, said his client was coping as she gets used to her situation, though he would not say she was in absolutely good condition. She is doing OK and adjusting to a completely different and alien environment in a third-world country, Mr Perera told The Independent, adding that little more could be expected of a young woman in such circumstances. open image in gallery Charlotte May Lee, seen for the first time since her arrest, arrives at a court hearing in Colombo with her hands cuffed behind her ( BBC ) Ms Lee has denied knowing about the presence of alleged drugs in her luggage. She remains in prison in Negombo, a city just north of the capital, and has yet to be charged as police continue their investigation, Mr Perera said. He said the report would confirm if the contents from her luggage were illegal substances. I submitted an application during the last court hearing requesting that the alleged drug substances be sent to the government analyst department for analysis and that the resulting report be submitted to the court. The next step in the case would be to file a bail application for Ms Lee, Mr Perera said, but he warned that it could take two to three months to secure release on bail, depending on how the process goes. She is innocent until proven guilty. The case has got international attention and it has jeopardised the safety and privacy of my client, who is still suspected and not charged, he said, adding that her family in the UK was suffering due to the media attention. Ms Lee, a former cabin crew member for TUI, has been working as a beautician. She faces up to 25 years in prison if found guilty. open image in gallery Customs and police officers with the packages allegedly found in Lees luggage ( Sri Lanka Customs ) She was reportedly holidaying in Thailand and then came to Sri Lanka as her 30-day visa was about to expire, with the intention of returning to Thailand after it was renewed. She left England for Thailand in late April. Wearing an all-white dress and with her hands cuffed behind her, Ms Lee was seen for the first time since her arrest at her procedural court appearance on Friday 30 May. She broke down in tears as she stood in the witness box while proceedings took place in the native Sinhalese language. She will have to appear at court every 14 days as long as she remains in custody on remand, according to Sri Lankan law. Her next hearing is on 13 June. open image in gallery Lee faces up to 25 years in prison if found guilty ( Sri Lanka Police ) Ms Lee remains in touch with her family in the UK but she has not yet been allowed e-visits that would include video calls with family and friends. Mr Perera said her sister is likely to visit Colombo soon to help sign paperwork to make that happen. Kush is a synthetic drug that is spreading quickly in west Africa, particularly in Sierra Leone, where it first appeared in 2022 and has since claimed thousands of lives. It is used as a depressant with the promise of a stress-relieving high but contains toxic chemicals such as the opioids tramadol and fentanyl, and formalin, a chemical used in mortuaries to preserve bodies. Cheap and highly addictive, kush is often linked to organised trafficking networks. Media reports have suggested investigators are considering whether Ms Lees case is linked to that of Bella Culley, an 18-year-old from Teesside who is being held in a Georgia prison on suspicion of drug offences. The two were arrested within a day of each other, both having flown out of Bangkoks Suvarnabhumi airport alone. open image in gallery Drugs allegedly found in the possession of Bella Culley ( Georgian Police ) Ms Culley could face life imprisonment if found guilty of illegally importing drugs to Georgia. Pictures of her alleged drug haul show hermetically sealed packages with the word hash written over brown coverings. In Ms Lees case, photographs published by Sri Lankas customs narcotics control unit showed the alleged drugs found in her luggage vacuum packed in plastic bags, which they said indicated a professional job. The Independent has reached out to the British High Commission in Colombo. 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 As temperatures start to climb across the U.S., more and more of us across the country will head towards the beach. But as we enjoy all that the summer months have to offer, its important that we stay protected with the right amount of sunscreen. Skin cancer remains the most common form of cancer in the U.S., and nearly 20 Americans die from melanoma every day. Without sunscreen, your skins DNA can be damaged and you can be exposed to melanoma, which is the most common kind of the cancer. Ultraviolet radiation may result in short-term and long-term skin damage, including sunburn, signs of aging, and even skin cancer. Approximately one out of five people in the United States may develop skin cancer in their lifetimes, Dr. Dominic Wu, a resident physician at Cambridge Health Alliance, explained. But, what are the best practices and what do beachgoers, hikers, and anyone need to know to keep themselves safe this season? open image in gallery The weather is getting warmer. Protecting yourself from the sun is crucial to reducing your risk for skin cancer. But, how much sunscreen do you need to apply and what are the best practices? ( AFP via Getty Images ) How much do I need to apply and when? Physicians recommend people use at least enough to fill a shot glass to cover exposed areas. An ounce should cover the whole body, but you may need to tweak based on your size. People should apply the sunscreen to dry skin about 15 to 30 minutes before heading outdoors, giving it time to be absorbed. Dont forget to reapply every two hours or more often after swimming or sweating, and that the suns UV rays can still penetrate clouds. Sunscreens are recommended for everyone over 6 months of age and should be worn year-round. Sunscreens do have expiration dates, and if it is not visible on the bottle, you should stop using it three years after purchase, according to the Food and Drug Administration. Does the SPF matter? Makeup with a sun protection factor or SPF of 30 provides some protection. But, its much less than traditional sunscreen and those with a higher factor. Although, people often apply makeup just to their face. An SPF of 50 or higher provides greater shielding from lobster sunburns. To get the most protection out of sunscreen, choose a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, the FDA says. Make sure you look for broad spectrum, which are sunscreens that shield from both UVA and UVB rays. What about the method of application? open image in gallery A spray or stick sunscreen can be just as effective as lotion, provided you use it the right way. With sprays, there is the risk of missing areas ( Getty Images ) A stick or spray sunscreen will work, if applied effectively, as they have the same active ingredients as lotions. But, make sure to rub the sprays in! Uneven application could mess with the protection it offers. The best sunscreen is the one that you will actually use, Dr. David Kim, a cosmetic dermatologist at Idriss Dermatology in New York City, told The New York Times. What about the type? Many sunscreens contain similar active ingredients. However, what youre putting on your body can depend on the type: mineral or chemical. The only FDA-approved mineral sunscreen ingredients are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Chemical sunscreen ingredients include oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate. Some people recommend avoiding sunscreens with oxybenzone, which has caused allergic reactions. While chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and convert them into heat, physical sunscreens sit on the surface of the skin and reflect the rays, according to Florida Oncology and Hematology. Mineral sunscreens work well for sensitive skin and are less likely to cause irritation, Dr. Steve Daveluy, an associate professor in dermatology at Wayne State University, told VeryWell Health. Theyre also effective immediately after application. Chemical sunscreens also wear off more quickly, the MD Anderson Cancer Center notes. Ultimately, knowledge is the best protector A recent survey from the American Academy of Dermatology found Gen Z adults are less informed about how to protect themselves from the sun, as well as more susceptible to myths and misconceptions. Only 56 percent of a survey of more than 1,000 adults use sunscreen regularly. Make sure to avoid being outside when the sun is directly overhead. Remember that everyone needs sunscreen, regardless of skin color. People should also seek shade and wear appropriate clothing. Also, theres no such thing as a safe tan. The tan signals skin cells in trauma. I often hear, I need to get a base tan before I go to the Caribbean for a holiday, and I always respond, would you smoke a pack of cigarettes to protect you from lung cancer? Dr. Ashani Weeraratna, a member of the National Cancer Advisory Board, said. In 2024, one in six Americans felt it was worth looking great now even if it means looking worse later in life with two-thirds of Americans preferring how their skin looks with a tan, Academy President Dr. Susan Taylor said. Many people dont realize that the steps they take now to protect themselves from the sun can make a huge difference down the road do your future self a favor and take action today. 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 Two teenagers have been sentenced for the cowardly and violent killing of an 80-year-old grandfather who died with a broken neck and ribs. The girl, 13, and boy, 15, who cannot be named, were sentenced for manslaughter on Thursday after Bhim Kohli died in September last year. Mr Kohli was slapped in the face with a slider shoe and kicked and punched by the balaclava-clad boy, while the girl, who was 12 at the time, filmed and laughed. The boy was detained at a young offenders institute for seven years, and the girl was given a youth rehabilitation order for three years and a six-month curfew. Speaking outside court after sentencing, Mr Kohlis daughter Susan said her familys lives had been changed forever because of the teenagers attack and their sentences did not reflect the severity of the crime. open image in gallery Bhim Kohli died in hospital the day after he was attacked by two teenagers ( Leicestershire Police ) She said her fathers death had left a hole in their family and she was angry and disappointed at the sentences the teenagers were handed. Mr Kohlis daughter told the court earlier she found him screaming out in pain just yards from his home near Franklin Park, Braunstone Town, on the outskirts of Leicester. He was taken to hospital where he died the next day. Describing finding her injured father, Susan Kohli said: He was in so much pain, he was screaming out. It was horrendous and we have never seen him like this. We knew he was very poorly and in severe pain, but we thought he would go to Leicester Royal Infirmary and be fine. We never imagined he would never return home. Simranjit Kohli said he had been left wondering if his grandfather could have survived if he had got there sooner after he cried out for help. He said: My grandad was one of the most important factors of my life. There is, of course, sadness and sorrow, theres also hate, anger and rage. Everywhere I go Im haunted by the thought I could be with him if things had happened differently that day. open image in gallery Bhim Kohli died after being attacked in a Leicestershire park ( Family Handout ) Sentencing the teenagers, Mr Justice Turner said Mr Kohli did nothing to deserve being attacked in the park. The judge referred to the boy as D1 and the girl as D2 to protect their identities which are covered by a reporting restriction. He said to the pair: I am sure, D1, from the start you wanted to confront Mr Kohli, mainly because you were showing off to D2 you knew she was watching and was likely to take films on her mobile phone. I am sure you knocked Mr Kohli to the ground and hit him with your sliders. I am sure Mr Kohli did nothing at all to deserve what you did. What you did was wicked. You made a cowardly and violent attack on an elderly man. Both children denied their part in Mr Kohlis death, Mr Justice Turner said. Ms Kohli said: The death of my dad has left a hole in our family, a hole that can never be filled because of the actions of two teenagers on that Sunday evening last September. I believe on that day the two teenagers made a choice. The teenage boy chose to attack my dad and the girl chose to film him being attacked. They knew what they were doing. I feel angry and disappointed that the sentence they have both received today does not, I believe, reflect the severity of the crime they committed. A Leicestershire Police investigation found there was no misconduct or missed opportunities which could have prevented Mr Kohlis death. 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 Right-wing political activist Tommy Robinson has denied harassing two Daily Mail journalists. The 42-year-old, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court on Thursday to face charges over his alleged conduct towards the two reporters. He is accused of two counts of harassment causing fear of violence between 5 and 7 of August 2024. Robinson, from Luton, Bedfordshire, was released from prison on 27 May after he was jailed last October after admitting multiple breaches of an injuction made in 2021. open image in gallery The anti-immigration activist was recently released from prison after admitting a contempt of court offence ( Reuters ) The injuction had barred him from repeating false allegations against a Syrian refugee, who had successfully sued him for libel. The former leader of the now-defunct English Defence League had wrongly claimed in an online video that the Syrian teenager was a violent thug. He later repeated that false allegation 10 times, including during a rally at London's Trafalgar Square last year. The activist left HMP Woodhill after his 18-month sentence was reduced by four months at the High Court. 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, as he left the prison. 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 2024. He has now been released on bail and is due to appear at Southwark Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on 3 July. 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 25-year-old London woman has been arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty after the discovery of 37 dead dogs. Essex Police confirmed the woman was taken into custody on Wednesday afternoon as part of an ongoing investigation. Authorities also found the remains of four additional animals at the scene. Officers, together with staff from the RSPCA and Basildon Council, discovered the 37 dead dogs during a joint visit to a property in Crays Hill, Billericay, last month. A 25-year-old man, Ovaeed Rahman, of Hope Road in Crays Hill, Billericay, was last month charged with causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal. Rahman is also charged with an offence contrary to the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and three counts of fraud by false representation. He appeared before Southend Magistrates Court last month and was remanded in custody until a plea hearing at Basildon Crown Court on June 9. A second man, who was arrested on suspicion of fraud relating to transfer of ownership of dogs and animal cruelty offences, has been conditionally bailed until July. Police said that 21 live animals were recovered. The force said that following information provided by a member of the public, officers from Essex Police and the RSPCA carried out further investigations at the Crays Hill location on Wednesday. The original scene had been stood down on May 14. Police said the remains of four further animals were identified when buildings were dismantled by the landowner, with liaison with Essex Police. An Essex Police spokesperson said: We are now working to respectfully remove these remains from the scene and the Basildon Neighbourhood Policing Team will work to establish if they are linked to our investigation. Inspector Steve Parry, of Basildon Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: We understand the concerns of the local community. We would ask people not to speculate and allow us to carry out our complex and thorough investigations. 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 British farmers are bracing for potentially disastrous harvests following the hottest spring on record, compounded by the driest conditions seen in decades, new analysis reveals. The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) warns that climate change is already having a "devastating" impact on farmers, food security and shopping bills, and that recent weather extremes will negatively impact the upcoming harvest. The warning comes as concerns mount that the Government will cut funding for sustainable farming in the upcoming spending review. Farmers and environmentalists warn that such cuts would undermine efforts to restore nature, build resilience to climate shocks, and support rural communities. Martin Lines, chief executive of the Nature Friendly Farming Network, said this years arable harvest was "on a knife edge" and stressed the need for funding to build resilience. Experts say that nature-friendly farming measures, such as promoting healthy soils and boosting natural predators of crop pests, can significantly enhance agriculture's resilience to climate extremes. open image in gallery Martin Lines, chief executive of the Nature Friendly Farming Network said this years arable harvest was "on a knife edge" and warned of the need for funding to build resilience ( Getty Images ) Mr Lines, who farms in Cambridgeshire, said: Months of dry weather have left my crops stressed, with their yield potential now capped even if we get a good bit of rain. This is what farming in a changing climate looks like. And he said: Its wreaking havoc with my ability to plan and many farmers are now facing yet more financial losses this harvest, just as support for nature-friendly farming is being called into question. Nature-friendly farming is the backbone of rural resilience. Cutting funding now wont save money; it will cost us all in the long run, he warned. The UK has experienced its hottest spring in records dating back to the 19th century, and its driest in more than 50 years with rainfall at just 40 per cent of average levels. England suffered the driest three months from March to May in more than 100 years, Met Office figures show. The north-west of England is already in drought, and the Environment Agency has warned of the risk of more widespread drought without sustained rainfall. Analysis from ECIU estimates the production of the main arable crops wheat, barley, oats and oilseed rape could once again be near all-time lows, following the third-worst harvest on record last year after the extreme rainfall in winter 2023/2024. The assessment draws on the most recent crop development survey from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), which identified a major decline in crop conditions due to the dry spring, reducing yield potential despite recent rainfall. It looks at three scenarios, reflecting what might happen with rainfall in the coming weeks. If crop condition is maintained at current levels, yields would be in line with last year, leading to a worse harvest than 2024, due to fewer acres of oilseed rape and spring barley planted outweighing an increase in wheat, and making 2025 the second-worst harvest in records dating back to the 1980s. open image in gallery It is feared the Government will cut funding for sustainable farming, prompting farmers and environmentalists to warn that it would hit efforts to restore nature, make farming resilient to climate shocks, and support rural communities ( PA Wire ) If rain helps crop conditions improve and yields recover to the 10-year average, the UK harvest would be the seventh-worst on record, the ECIU estimates. And if crop condition continues to decline and yields are equivalent to 2020 the worst harvest so far since the detailed records began in 1984 this year could become the worst harvest on record. Tom Lancaster, land, food and farming analyst at ECIU, said: Climate change is already having a devastating impact on UK farming and our collective food security, pushing up shopping bills and leaving many farmers at the end of their tether. Although its too early to tell what the true impact will be of this record-breaking dry spring, we know enough to conclude that it will have had a negative impact. He said scientists were clear warmer springs were a feature of climate change, making the impact of a dry spring more severe, while extreme wet winters were also being fuelled by rising global temperatures. Many crops were hit by extreme rainfall in England last September and October, just as winter crops should have been drilled, delaying them to the spring and making them more vulnerable to the recent dry, warm weather. In this volatile context, the outcome of the spending review next week will be a crucial moment for farming in this country, and whether the Government realises whats at stake for UK farming and food security in a rapidly changing climate, Mr Lancaster said. 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 body has been discovered in Portugal amid the search for missing Scottish tourist Greg Monks. The 38-year-old disappeared in the coastal city of Albufeira, in the southern Algarve region, last month during a stag party. Portuguese police said on Wednesday the body of a 38-year-old man had been found in the search for a missing Scottish tourist. The Policia Judiciaria said the body was located in the Cerro de Aguia area. Authorities said a post-mortem examination will take place in due course. Who is Greg Monks and how did he disappear? Greg Monks lived in Glasgow. He worked as a mechanic for Doncaster-based Cementation Skanska, according to The Sun. He was in Portugal for a five-day stag-do with his friends. Mr Monks told his friends he was heading back to his holiday apartment after drinking on a night out, according to The Sun. Police said the 38-year-olds disappearance was reported to the Guarda Nacional Republicana on May 28 at around 8pm by a man who was on holiday with him. His family and girlfriend flew out to assist in the search. A body was discovered during the search for Mr Monks at the bottom of a ravine a long way from the spot where he was last seen on Wednesday, according to Portuguese daily newspaper Correi da Manha. How have his family reacted? After police discovered the body of a 38-year-old man, Mr Monks sister, Jillian, posted a tribute on social media. Didnt think it would end like this, she wrote. We are absolutely devastated! Greg was an amazing boy who everyone thought so highly of, Was friends with everyone and always made us laugh! We will miss him everyday! I just want to thank absolutely everyone for everything they done from sharing their posts to out looking, phoning everywhere to get CCTV. Special thanks to Sharon Cooke Stacy McGhee Georgie Gould and Karen Winter for helping run the page and all you done for my brother. & to Yolanda Morgana Dan Birch Leonard Faria and Michael Hosey for doing all you could searching sorry if I have missed anyone, heads not 100% but everyone has been truly amazing. The support we have received from everyone has been out of this world. If love coulda saved you, you would live forever! Miss you forever brother. 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 backpacker who was missing for over a week has been found dead at the bottom of a lift shaft in Malaysia, police have said. Jordan Johnson-Doyle, 25, vanished after last being seen at a bar in Kuala Lumpur on 27 May. Kuala Lumpur police chief Commissioner Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa said that his body was identified by a relative based on a body tattoo on Wednesday, according to local news website FMT. The software engineer, from Southport, had spent the past 18 months travelling around across Asia while working remotely for a US company, his mum said. His mother, Leanne Burnett, told the Liverpool Echo that her son's last known location was Healy Mac's Irish Bar in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur. He is believed to have then visited a nearby bar called The Social. She alerted authorities last Friday because she hadnt heard from him in three days. open image in gallery An ambulance leaves a construction site where Mr Doyle's body was found ( EPA ) An appeal on social media read: "My son is missing in Kuala Lumpur. "Please help us find him, all his family and friends are so worried. Please please share share share." This week his family flew out to Malaysia to help local officials with the search. But his body was found in a construction site lift shaft in Bangsar, a suburb of the Malaysian capital, on Wednesday, authorities said. A post mortem found the cause of death was a chest injury due to a fall from height. Kuala Lumpur police said they are not treating the death as suspicious. open image in gallery A K9-Unit from the Royal Malaysia Police at the construction site where his body was found ( EPA ) The police chief said in a statement to MalaysiaToday: It is hereby confirmed that the body found is that of Jordan Johnson-Doyle who was reported missing on 2 June. The cause of death is that of chest injury due to fall from height following an autopsy conducted earlier. No criminal elements were found at the scene. The case is classified as a sudden death report. An FCDO spokesperson said: "We are supporting the family of a British man who died in Malaysia and are in contact with the local authorities. The family previously spoke of their agony during the search. Ms Burnett told the Liverpool Echo: I have been been feeling just sick, numb. I just want to get over there, find him and bring him home. I want him to know were looking for him and were coming to get him. 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 On a stop sign at the entrance to Praia Da Luz, faded graffiti declares: STOP McCann circus. The stencilled message - now hastily sprayed over - was once daubed on every stop sign in the town as locals reeled from the devastating impact of the British toddlers disappearance in 2007. Tourism halved in the charming Algarve resort as the mystery of Madeleine McCannturned into a media storm which they have struggled to escape ever since, according to weary residents. Now the storm has returned 18 years later as German police mount fresh searches a mile away on top of dramatic volcanic cliffs overlooking the town. Many locals have their own theories about that happened to the three-year-old, who vanished from a holiday apartment at Ocean Club resort while her parents had dinner nearby. For updates on the search for Madeleine McCann - visit our blog by clicking here open image in gallery A stop sign at the entrance to Praia Da Luz, faded graffiti declares: STOP McCann circus. ( Amy-Clare Martin/The Independent ) And as a new three-day search led by German authorities appeared to wind down on Thursday, many expressed their frustration at the case that wont go away. British expat Julia Newbould, 79, has lived in the town for 40 years after emigrating from Sheffield. Everybodys fed up with it I have spoken to people of different ages and different nationalities, and everybody is feeling the same, she told The Independent. Its the case that wont go away. It was terrible at first. People stopped coming and cancelled their holidays, it was devastating. open image in gallery Madeleine went missing from this apartment block at the Ocean Club ( Amy-Clare Martin/The Independent ) Its always been such a peaceful place. It impacted everyone a lot originally in the year it happened and then people were slow to come back. She isnt surprised that the search teams, who have been using ground penetrating radar and a digger to scour derelict farm buildings near where suspect Christian Brueckner used to live, appear to have found little evidence connected to Madeleines disappearance after all this time. They wont find anything because the ground is rock hard, she said. But they just keep bringing it up and bringing it up. open image in gallery Tourism halved in Praia De Luz as the mystery of Madeleine McCann turned into a media storm ( Amy-Clare Martin/The Independent ) She said locals were shocked that the McCanns had left their young children unattended in a holiday apartment when they could have hired a babysitter for as little as 30 euros. The Portuguese couldnt believe it, she added. They are very family oriented they just couldnt believe that anybody would leave children of that age. Restaurant owner Mariana Baiao, 52, said the graffiti messages on stop signs started to appear as the impact of the case put people out of work. open image in gallery (PA Graphics) ( PA Graphics ) This area is very calm, its the kind of place where families come, she said. Normally we have a lot of tourism in winter and summer. In winter we have older people who come for a month or two to relax because its very quiet. In summertime we have lots of families coming. When that happened we lost 50 per cent of tourism it was really bad. A lot of people lost work. I think Praia Da Luz at that time was really safe, but then this one thing happened. Although shes also sceptical of the latest efforts will solve the mystery, she did note the search site matches a disturbing dream Kate McCann famously recanted to police, in which Madeleine was lost on a hill overlooking Praia Da Luz. open image in gallery Searches continued on Thursday across abandoned buildings on a 120-acre site near the resort ( PA ) The mother was also known to jog up to the clifftop path to a viewpoint known as Rocha Negra or Black rock, which is just metres from the remote scrubland where police are now digging. I am a mother and I would like to know whats really happened and see the end of this case, Ms Baiao added. Many of the defaced stop signs have since been replaced as the memory of the case begins to fade, but a handful remain, including one just down the road from the apartment where Madeleine was last seen alive. open image in gallery Animal bones are reported to be among limited findings in the final hours of the search ( Reuters ) Holidaymakers from across Europe were sunbathing by the pool inside the Ocean Club resort on Thursday, most blissfully unaware of the grim search efforts ongoing nearby. After almost two decades of media scrutiny as her unsolved disappearance has continued to make worldwide headlines, staff at the whitewashed complex said they were unable to comment on the investigation. Eric Hoffman, 78, told The Independent he had no idea he was staying at the infamous spot where Maddy vanished when he booked a two week holiday from Switzerland. open image in gallery A ground-penetrating radar was used as part of the search operation ( PA ) We were surprised, we know of the case from the papers but we didnt know before we booked that it was this building, he said. Asked about the latest searches, he added: Its quite difficult now to find something because its been so long. Investigators appeared to pack up and leave without answers at the end of the three-day search on Thursday evening, with no obvious signs of any major discoveries. Teams of German and Portuguese police officers were seen shaking hands and embracing following a debrief and started to pack up a tent at their base in the 120-acre search site in Atalaia, which was once home to farming community. One team member was seeing carrying a crate of German beer. open image in gallery A crate of drink is produced by members of the search teams as the search appeared to come to an end on Thursday ( PA ) Animal bones are reported to be among limited findings in the final hours of the search, local television station SIC reported. Other local media said some material had been gathered on Wednesday and sent for analysis to see if it contained anything relevant to the investigation. But for the people living in the resort of Praia Da Luz, the sickening mystery of the disappearance of a three-year-old toddler continues. Colchesters first CA cover feature came in 1973, though the article within was more focused on nearby Chelmsford Roman Caesaromagus. Last months visit to Chester/Deva got me of Roman Britain. I have previously visited Silchester/Calleva (CA 337, April 2018), Wroxeter/Viroconium (CA 338, May 2018), and London (CA 416, November 2024), but what about other Roman towns and cities? Going through the CA archive, I realised that I touched on Colchester/Camulodunums greatness in CA 330 (September 2017), commenting that [it] may win the accolade of being the most-visited site by CA of all. So this month the only way is Essex, headed to a city that was something big in the Roman world. Current Archaeologys first formal visit to Colchester came in issue 26 (May 1971), setting the tone for all subsequent reporting a professional and detailed update about all known aspects of the city at this time from Ros Niblett, one of the two great names of its archaeological story alongside Philip Crummy. For more on both of these heritage heroes, you can read an interview with Ros in CA 209 (May 2007) and with Philip in CA 185 (April 2003). The high standards that Ros and Philip instilled from the outset are a crucial part of Colchesters story: other sites of equal richness were less ably excavated and less well reported in this era, when the pace of development and the threat of destruction sometimes led to corners being cut. Not so in Colchester. As that first article explains, the Colchester Excavation Committee (the origins of todays Colchester Archaeological Trust) had been set up in 1964 in the face of growing redevelopment threats to the citys archaeology, like many other urban sites at the time. The CA 103s cover showed the excavation of a granary at Colchester, part of Philip Crummys rescue excavations in the 1980s. Committee provided the formal framework for all subsequent fieldwork and the exceptional quality of reporting that continues to this day the most recent update being in CA 402 (September 2023). Across the 1970s, the intense pace of work there kept the updates coming, including Colchesters first cover story (CA 41, November 1973); a focused report on its legionary fortress in the south-west corner of the town (CA 43, March 1974); and a detailed re-survey of the whole city in its wider landscape context (CA 72, July 1980), which is a fascinating demonstration of how much was achieved in under a decade. A further state of the nation survey followed in CA 103 (July 1987), the citys second and sadly most-recent cover story, although new finds from the core of the city continue to be made see, for example, CA 314 (May 2016) on the discovery of a previously unknown Roman arcade and new finds from the legionary fortress in CA 349 (April 2019). LIFE AND DEATH IN THE CITY From the baseline established by the 1960s-1970s fieldwork, reporting in the 1980s-1990s takes a different tone, deepening our understanding of the site and its wider connections. CA 93 (August 1984), for example, highlights one exceptional find: a tiny fragment of silk from a Roman burial that had been imported along the famous Silk Road all the way from China. CA 120 (June 1990) then reported on a likely Roman church dating to c.AD 320-340 (lying adjacent to a Roman cemetery in the south-west outskirts of the city), which remains to this day the earliest known Christian structure in Britain. Life and death in and around the city was covered in detail in CA 132 (January 1993) and CA 153 (July 1997), examining the early 1st-century AD burials at Stanway that relate to the Iron Age/Romano-Celtic oppidum at Gosbecks two miles to the south of the Roman and medieval town, evidence of the elites who interacted with the Romans both before and after their formal arrival. For more on this pre-Roman history, see also CA 208 (March 2007). The finds from there are spectacular, including high-status princely burials containing many fine objects. Among them are the notable remains of a board game, alongside other unusual evidence for the lives and livelihoods of the citizens, such as the burial of a doctor identified thanks to the survival of a well-preserved medical kit beside their remains. A very different slice of Colchesters mortuary practices then features in CA 277 (April 2013), examining a 2nd- to 3rd-century AD funeral pyre site near the circus to the south of the city (more on the latter follows below), with a cluster of burials surrounded by lines of small post-holes. Although little bone survives due to the areas acid soil, as CA reported at this time, there are almost 400 inhumations and cremations with a range of subtly varied burial traditions the overwhelming impression is one of cosmopolitan diversity. CA 201 used the chariot-racing mosaic from Horkstow villa, Yorkshire, to illustrate the full report of Colchesters circus: the only known example in the UK to-date. A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE CIRCUS CA 196 (March 2005) moved back to the Roman city proper (albeit slightly to the south of its walls) with a find that hit the international headlines and became the focus of reporting across the 2000s: that of a chariot-racing circus, the only one known in Britain. Finds at three separate locations made in advance of a proposed housing development on the former military-garrison site confirmed a substantial masonry In 2020, Colchester played host to some equine visitors in an experimental investigation about horses in the circus, covered in CA 360 by Philip Crummy. structure over 350m long and 70m wide (1,148ft by 230ft); not as big as the final version of Romes Circus Maximus (600m by 200m/1,969ft by 656ft), it is equivalent to that known at Trier in Germany (400m by 80m/1,312ft by 262ft) and by far the largest building in Roman Britain. CA 201 (January 2006) followed up with more detail on this find, one of the great modern-day discoveries of British archaeology, and a campaign was established to purchase and preserve the site, reported in CA 239 (February 2010), CA 242 (May 2010), and CA 245 (August 2010). Thankfully this was successful, with the circus coming into the care of the Colchester Archaeological Trust. CA 360 (March 2020) provides the most recent, triumphant tale from this location, when horses returned to the site as part of an examination of how it operated. Far from the huge animals of movie lore, Colchester points instead to small horses of 10-12 hands (about 1.1m to the tops of their shoulders). Finds from this wider area to the south of the city continue to be made: see, for example, CA 257 (August 2011) on the discovery of a coin hoard of AD 260-270 made nearby. A SPOT OF BOTHER FROM BOUDICA The most recent cycle of reporting from Colchester has been focused on evidence for its devastation during the Boudican revolt in the mid-1st century AD. CA 247 (October 2010) provides a useful overview of its impact not just on Colchester but other sites in East Anglia, and subsequent issues highlight finds from the city itself that are stark testament to the scale of destruction at this time. They include, in CA 294 (September 2014), the grisly find of a human jaw and part of a tibia with its end sliced away by a sharp blade, found in a layer of burnt debris associated with the revolt. Most spectacularly, CA 296 (November 2014) and CA 308 (November 2015) reported on what became known as the Fenwick Treasure, a cache of jewellery from this period, buried in a house that was burned down during the sacking of the city, only to be rediscovered prior to the redevelopment of the former Fenwick department store there (hence the name). It was lifted as a single block to enable its excavation off-site under controlled conditions, a painstaking process that revealed one of the finest caches known from this era, including at least three gold armlets, a silver chain necklace, two silver bracelets and a large armlet, a small bag of coins, and a small box containing two pairs of gold earrings and four finger-rings. This is a fitting place to conclude my report on one of the greatest and richest sites in Roman Britain, a cosmopolitan and wealthy town before, during, and after the Roman conquest that highlights once again how well connected these isles were to the wider Empire at its height. Visit Colchester have an excellent website that highlights its Roman sites: www.visitcolchester.com/explore/colchesters-history/roman-colchester. You can dive into detail in the citys online Historic Environment Record too, which is found at: https://colchesterheritage.co.uk/roman-colchester. The Colchester Archaeological Trusts website is: https://catuk.org. 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 Seven Church of England clergy, including a bishop, face disciplinary action after the damning abuse report which prompted Justin Welbys resignation. Paul Butler, the retired former Bishop of Durham, is among those who could be banned from ministry as a result of investigations following the Makin review. However, former archbishop of Canterbury George Carey will not face any action. The report, published in 2024, concluded that various people within the Church knew about abuse carried out for decades by John Smyth, a Christian camp leader but did not act. The review led to the eventual resignation of Mr Welby as the most recent Archbishop of Canterbury. However, the Churchs national safeguarding team (NST) undertook to look at all clergy criticised within the report. open image in gallery Paul Butler, the retired former Bishop of Durham, could be banned from ministry ( UK Parliament ) In an update on Thursday, the Church said Bishop Paul and six others are to face disciplinary proceedings under the Clergy Discipline Measure (CDM). CDM outcomes can range from a conditional discharge where no penalty is imposed, to removal from office, resignation by consent and a lifetime ban from ministry. While a new process, replacing the CDM, was approved by the Churchs parliament earlier in June to include defrocking, it is not thought this will be in place in time for these cases. Lord Carey, who was named in the Makin report, was one of 10 clergy revealed in February as facing possible action. But the NST has confirmed 89-year-old Lord Carey, Reverend Paul Perkin and Reverend Hugh Palmer will face no further action. open image in gallery Lord Carey, former archbishop of Canterbury, will face no further action ( PA ) As there is a 12-month time limit on cases being brought, the NST had to ask for permission of the President of the Tribunals to bring a CDM out of time. Permission was granted in only seven of the 10 cases and the NST said it entirely respects the decision from the independent judicial process. Others named as facing CDMs include Reverend Sue Colman, the wife of the Colmans mustard heir Sir Jamie Colman. The Makin report concluded that Mrs Colman, associate minister at St Leonards Church in Hampshires Oakley, was aware of Smyths abuse before being ordained. open image in gallery Justin Welby resigned after the Makin report was published ( BBC ) It noted that she and her husband visited Smyth in Africa in the 1990s and funded the Smyths through a personal trust. Around a week after the Makin report was published, the Diocese of Winchester said Mrs Colman had been asked to step back from all ministerial duties. The rest of the clergy facing possible disciplinary action are Reverend Roger Combes, Reverend Andrew Cornes, Reverend Tim Hastie-Smith, Reverend Nick Stott and Reverend John Woolmer. The NST said it will make no further comment on the cases while CDM proceedings are under way and no timeline has been given for when they might conclude. 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 is facing calls to provide pensions for retired police dogs, recognising their service and sacrifice. The Thin Blue Paw Foundation has issued the appeal, highlighting the financial strain placed on former handlers and new owners. Since August 2020, the foundation has distributed 380,000 in grants to cover veterinary expenses, addressing health issues often stemming from the dogs' demanding physical work. Foundation chairman Kieran Stanbridge said police dogs give the best years of their lives to the job. They throw themselves into dangerous situations without a second thought ... to help fight crime and keep the public safe. While in service, the dogs receive comprehensive care, but upon retirement, they are left to rely on their handlers or new owners for often costly vet bills, he said. open image in gallery The Thin Blue Paw Foundation is campaigning for retired police dogs to receive pensions Mr Stanbridge argues that the Home Office, responsible for allocating funds to police forces, has "an ethical and moral obligation to these dogs" and should provide support in their retirement. There are about 1,700 serving police dogs in the UK, according to the foundation, and about 100 retire each year. It has launched a petition to push the Government for a ring-fenced budget to provide support for the owners of retired police dogs. Taking on any dog is a responsibility, but taking on an older retired police dog with health problems is a huge commitment, particularly during the current cost of living crisis, Mr Stanbridge said. We need to ensure that there is support in place for these heroic police dogs so that people arent put off the idea of rehoming them when they retire and so that owners are never faced with the heartbreaking decision of having them put to sleep because they cant afford their treatment. Conditions such as arthritis can mean bills of up to 2,400 per year for pain medication, the charity said, and because these are pre-existing medical complaints they would not be covered by pet insurance. Police Scotland dog handler Julie Roy was faced with large vet bills caring for retired German shepherd Keach, who worked for West Midlands Police before moving north of the border. open image in gallery Keach served with West Midlands Police and Police Scotland Keach has arthritis in her spine and knee, and the Thin Blue Paw Foundation pays for her pain medication. Ms Roy said: Vet bills are expensive and our dogs have worked hard in their working life, putting extra strain on the joints and the body. These dogs deserve to have ongoing support when they retire, so they can access the medication and treatment they need having served their communities for so long. Fellow dog handler Claire Bird, from West Sussex, adopted Belgian Malinois Fiji, who worked for Surrey Police. She has required two operations, for an infection of the uterus and a gastric procedure, and needs regular medication for allergies. So far the foundation has paid 10,000 for her care. Ms Bird said: Ive kept all of my working dogs when they retire and, as any dog owner knows, taking care of them is expensive. But I couldnt turn my back on them after everything theyve given. I believe that there should be more support in place for these incredible heroes when they retire. They do so much for us while theyre serving and yet when they retire, the Government and the police turn their backs on them. 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 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle explored changing their family name to Spencer during delays in securing UK passports for their children Archie and Lilibet, it has emerged. In a move likely to have deepened the couples rift with the royal family, it is understood that the Duke of Sussex held a meeting with his uncle Earl Spencer to discuss changing their familys surname. After stepping back from their duties as senior royals, the Sussexes moved to California in June 2020, with their daughter Lilibet born the following year. While their childrens surnames are noted as Mountbatten-Windsor on their birth certificates inherited from the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip Harry and Meghan were given their Sussex titles by the late monarch on their wedding day in 2018. The family have since publicly begun to use Sussex as their surname, and it has now been reported that they applied for UK passports for Archie and Lilibet aged six and four using the Sussex name, along with the titles HRH (His/Her Royal Highness). But with their application having waited months without approval, a source told The Guardian that Harry and Meghan feared the delays were due to a reluctance to grant their children the HRH titles, prompting the duke to seek out his uncle for advice. The source was quoted as saying: Harry was at a point where British passports for his children with their updated Sussex surnames (since the death of Queen Elizabeth II) were being blocked with a string of excuses over the course of five months. Out of sheer exasperation he went to his uncle to effectively say: My family are supposed to have the same name and theyre stopping that from happening because the kids are legally HRH, so if push comes to shove, if this blows up and they wont let the kids be called Sussex, then can we use Spencer as a surname? Earl Spencer is greeted by his nephews Prince William and Prince Harry at an unveiling of a statue of Princess of Wales at Kensington Palace on 1 July 2021 ( Dominic Lipinski - WPA Pool/Getty Images ) While the Mail on Sunday reported last week that Earl Spencer the brother of Harrys late mother, Princess Diana had advised him against taking such a step, warning of insurmountable legal hurdles, a source close to the couple strongly denied this version of events, and The Guardian reported that Earl Spencer had been enthusiastic and supportive of the name change. However, the discussion over a possible move to adopt Dianas birth name was shelved once the passport applications were approved just days after the Sussexes lawyers threatened to pursue a data subject access request, according to The Guardian. Archie and Lilibet are named on the royal family websites succession page as sixth and seventh in line to the throne, and are listed as the Prince and Princess of Sussex respectively, titles they gained the right to when their grandfather Charles assumed the throne. A spokesperson for Harry and Meghan said that, as a rule, they do not comment on private issues pertaining to the duke and duchesss children. Buckingham Palace was also approached for comment. The revelations come just weeks after Harry lost his legal challenge against the Home Office over his UK security arrangements. 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 brother and sister have been reunited with their primary school photo after it turned up in a charity shop more than 300 miles away. Chris Kirkum, 32, from Holsworthy, Devon, and his sister Jade Kirkum, 30, from Bude, Cornwall, were around eight and six years old when they posed for the school photo at Bude Junior School in Cornwall. The photo, in a brown, metallic frame, ended up at an Age UK shop in Boston, Lincolnshire. Michael Beecroft, 42, from Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, found the photo during a visit to the charity shop and posted about it in a Facebook group called "Charity Shop S**t" on March 9. open image in gallery The photo of Jade and Chris Kirkum when they were in primary school (Michael Beecroft/PA) The siblings were reunited with the nostalgic picture within a few days, proving, as they said, "the power of social media". I randomly joined the group as it appeared on my news feed and I thought it was quite funny, Ms Kirkum, who is a full-time mother, told the PA news agency. One day, someone who went to school with Chris and I but was not in the same classes as us tagged me, and I clicked on the link and it took me to the picture of Chris and I, which was the most bizarre thing. Mr Kirkum, who works as a mechanic, told PA: I was quite taken aback. I think I was just doing the washing up and Jade asked me if I had seen the Facebook post and I said no and when I saw it, I couldnt believe it was a photo of us two sitting together in primary school. open image in gallery Jade Kirkum reunited with the school photo (Family handout/PA) Mr Kirkum said he could vividly remember the day the photo was taken. At the time, I remember thinking to myself: Oh, shes got to sit on my lap and I was grumpy about it, he said. Chloe Poole an administration assistant based in Boston managed to retrieve the photo from the charity shop and posted it to Ms Kirkum on March 10, who received it on March 13. Ms Poole, 26, said she saw the Facebook post while on a break at work, so decided to retrieve the picture since it was close-by she was even given it for free by the manager. Honestly, Im just glad she could get the photo back. I know how many memories one photo can hold and I hope any decent person would do the same, she told PA. open image in gallery Jade and Chris Kirkum now with the photo of them as children at school (Family handout/PA) The siblings said they were unsure how the photo ended up in the charity shop, but it could have been accidentally donated by a family member. Mr Kirkum added the pairs father was in sheer disbelief when he was told the story. I remember his eyes being wide open and he didnt believe it until we showed him the Facebook post, he added. The now infamous photo is with Ms Kirkum at her home. Our story shows the power of social media nobody knew us and this photo has come back to us. It is amazing and just goes to show you social media is mad, she added. open image in gallery Michael Beecroft (right) with his wife Emma (left) Mr Beecroft created the Facebook post after spotting the photo nestled among photo frames during a day out to Boston, said he was pleased the story had a happy ending. He said he never expected the post to get so much traction, initially hoping it would just provide a bit of light-hearted humour. I didnt expect it to get as much traction as it did, I just posted it as a bit of a laugh to see if anyone would recognise them, he said. Im really happy it got back to them. 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 Health experts have warned measles cases could potentially rise in the UK this summer due to outbreaks in popular holiday destinations in Europe. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said that cases in Europe had reached more than 127,000, their highest level in almost three decades, last year. With outbreaks already documented in France, Italy, Spain and Germany, the organisation raised the alarm that people might bring back the contagious disease to England after travelling this summer. The health authority warned that declining rates of childhood vaccinations - including the Measles Mumps and Rubella jab - in England means more children are at risk of the disease. It urged families planning for their summer holidays to check their vaccination status before travelling, and to make sure particularly that they had had two doses of the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella. Measles, a highly infectious disease, has a number of cold and flu-like symptoms, with many infected people developing a rash. On rare occasions, it can lead to serious complications such as meningitis and brain swelling, which can lead to long-term disabilities or even death. UKHSA consultant epidemiologist Dr Vanessa Saliba said: Its essential that everyone, particularly parents of young children, check all family members are up to date with two MMR doses, especially if you are travelling this summer for holidays or visiting family. Measles cases are picking up again in England and outbreaks are happening in Europe and many countries with close links to the UK. Measles spreads very easily and can be a nasty disease, leading to complications like ear and chest infections and inflammation of the brain, with some children tragically ending up in hospital and suffering life-long consequences. Nobody wants this for their child and its not something you want to experience when away on holiday. open image in gallery Measles is highly infectious ( Getty/iStock ) The MMR vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your family from measles. It is never too late to catch up, if youre not sure if any of your family are up to date, check their Red Book or contact your GP practice. Dont put it off and regret it later. Not only are cases rising in Europe, health experts have warned there continue to be pockets of cases in England, particularly in the capital. New figures from the UKHSA show that in England there were 109 cases of measles confirmed in April and 86 in May, with most cases among unvaccinated children. There have been some cases among unvaccinated young people and adults. Half of the cases in the last four weeks were in London, with outbreaks also seen in the North West and the West Midlands, according to the report. Dr Amanda Doyle, from NHS England, said: The recent increase in cases seen in England and Europe should act as an important reminder to ensure your child is protected. MMR jabs are provided free as part of the NHS routine immunisation programme and I would encourage all parents to act on invites or check vaccination records if they think they may have missed their childs vaccination. The health authority has said that it is concerned that more outbreaks may occur again on a larger scale this summer as families with unvaccinated children and adults travel to countries where there are outbreaks. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recently reported that Romania, Pakistan, India, Thailand, Indonesia and Nigeria currently have among the largest number of measles cases worldwide. The UKHSA said that the decline in uptake of childhood vaccinations during the past decade means that many thousands of children are left unprotected. 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 An extra half a million children will benefit from a free meal every school day after the government announced a major expansion of the policy, which they said would lift 100,000 pupils out of poverty and put an extra 500 in parents pockets. From the start of the 2026 school year, every child whose household is on universal credit will be entitled to free school meals, the government announced on Thursday. Since 2018, children have only been eligible for free school meals if their household income is less than 7,400 per year, meaning hundreds of thousands of children living in poverty have been unable to access them. open image in gallery Every child whose household is on universal credit will be entitled to free school meals ( Alamy/PA ) As of January last year, nearly 2.1 million children in England were eligible for free school meals. The Department for Education claimed that the expansion will lift 100,000 children across England out of poverty. It comes two years afterThe Independents Feed the Future campaign, in which we called for free school meals to be extended to all schoolchildren in England both primary and secondary who lived in households on universal credit but missed out on free school meals. The latest move will be seen as a major concession to Labour MPs who are concerned about the direction of the government, with rebellion brewing over the partys upcoming welfare cuts and calls for Sir Keir Starmer to scrap the two-child benefit cap. The chancellor Rachel Reeves also announced on Wednesday that more people will get fuel payments this winter as she pledged to raise the level of the means test. Announcing the expansion of free school meals, education secretary Bridget Phillipson said background shouldnt mean destiny, adding: Todays historic step will help us to deliver excellence everywhere, for every child and give more young people the chance to get on in life. She continued: It is the moral mission of this government to tackle the stain of child poverty, and today this government takes a giant step towards ending it with targeted support that puts money back in parents pockets. And on Thursday Ms Phillipson said ministers will also review school food standards alongside the pledge. Speaking to Times Radio, she said the meals extension would be funded and the Government will "make sure that schools have what they need to deliver this". And, with the changes not due to come in until September 2026, Ms Phillipson said the government is working as quickly as we can. The move was welcomed by campaigners and unions, with the Child Poverty Action Group saying it will be a game-changer for children and families. Kate Anstey, head of education policy the campaign group, said: At last more kids will get the food they need to learn and thrive and millions of parents struggling to make ends meet will get a bit of breathing space. We hope this is a sign of whats to come in autumns child poverty strategy, with the government taking more action to meet its manifesto commitment to reduce child poverty in the UK." Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union, said the expansion of free school meals eligibility was a necessary and overdue first step that would help address child hunger in schools. He said the current threshold, which had been unchanged since 2018, meant hundreds of thousands of children in poverty were missing out on the nutrition they need to thrive. Mr Kebede added: As teachers, our members know the positive impact of children eating and learning together how it breaks down stigma and inequality, and ensures greater community cohesion. Ensuring that a free school meal is available to all children is the next urgent step that must be taken. Meanwhile, Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, welcomed the move to expand free school meals to all families on universal credit, saying no child should ever have to go hungry due to their parents financial circumstances. open image in gallery Education secretary Bridget Phillipson ( PA Wire ) But he also called for auto-enrolment and wider support to tackle the broader impact of poverty on childrens education. Childrens commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza echoed his call, urging the government to make sure every eligible child is automatically enrolled for free school meals, rather than putting the onus on parents to sign up. When children talk to me about their family lives, I am struck by how acutely aware they are of their parents worries and of the impact these have on their daily lives - and their education, she said. Thats why we need solutions that reflect childrens experiences, reduce the shame too many have told me they feel about their circumstances, and break the link between their backgrounds and their opportunities, by giving them communities that are safe, supportive and aspirational. Last week, The Independent revealed that demand for help from baby banks from parents struggling to feed their children has surged by more than one-third in a year, amid record-high levels of child poverty. New data showed that more than 3.5 million essential items were handed out in 2024, including nappies, clothes and cots an increase of 143 per cent on the previous year. The announcement came just hours after Sir Keir sidestepped questions over the two-child benefit cap, amid growing calls for him to lift the limit. Critics of the policy say removing it would be the most effective way of tackling 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 will not be lifted until the government publishes its child poverty strategy, which has now been delayed until the autumn. Grilled on the policy at Prime Ministers Questions, Sir Keir said he is absolutely determined to drive down child poverty but declined to give further details ahead of the publication of the governments strategy. 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 chairman of Reform UK has branded the partys newest MP dumb for asking Sir Keir Starmer to introduce a burqa ban. Sarah Pochin, the new Runcorn and Helsby MP, provoked the fury of Zia Yusuf on X (formerly Twitter) by using her first PMQs question to call on the prime minister to ban burqas in the interest of public safety. But the row quickly escalated with sources suggesting that Mr Yusuf had been sidelined into the partys DOGE project to find massive savings int he councils Reform controls and is no longer in charge of day-to-day party management. open image in gallery Sarah Pochin called for a ban on burqas ( PA Wire ) The row has brought back memories of the fracture causing in Reform earlier this year when MP Rupert Lowe was ousted from the party following a row which began with Mr Yusuf in December. Mr Lowe is still seeking damages for defamation against Mr Yusuf after he was accused of threatening the chairman. The latest row came after Ms Pochin used her question in PMQs on Wednesday to say: Given the prime ministers desire to strengthen strategic alignment with our European neighbours, will he, in the interest of public safety, follow the lead of France, Belgium, Denmark and others and ban the burqa? Sir Keir welcomed Ms Pochin to the Commons, but said I am not going to follow her down that line. Now, Mr Yusuf has said it was dumb for a party to ask the prime minister if they would do something the party itself wouldnt do. He said he had no idea about the question nor that it wasnt [Reform] policy. A Reform spokesman later clarified that banning burqas was not party policy, sparking calls from the far-right for Mr Farage to adopt the proposals. Mr Yusufs comments are only the latest pointer to infighting within Reforms ranks. open image in gallery Zia Yusuf said it is dumb to call for the PM to adopt policies that reform would not ( PA Wire ) Reform has already lost Mr Lowe having been forced out amid an investigation into bullying claims and the party reporting him to the police over alleged threats made towards Mr Yusuf. The investigation was later dropped with no further action taken. That came after he spoke out publicly against Mr Farages leadership of the party, accusing the arch-Brexiteer of having messianic tendencies. There has been infighting between Reforms top team and its councillors, too, with one quitting just days after last months local elections with a brutal attack on Mr Farage. Donna Edmunds, who was elected in Hodnet, in Shropshire, was initially suspended for writing on X, formerly Twitter, that she was planning to defect from the party after the local elections. She responded by quitting the party and warning that Mr Farage must never be prime minister and is a terrible leader. Asked on Wednesday night about Ms Pochins comments on the burqa, Mr Farage said he would welcome a broader debate about face coverings in public. He told GB News: I think this debate, actually, goes beyond the burqa I was in Aberdeen Monday, there was a mob there to meet me, an organisation called Antifa, and half of them had complete face coverings on so they would be unidentifiable. I don't think face coverings in public places make sense, and I think we do deserve debate about that, which I see the burqa as being a part. Reforms former London Mayor candidate Howard Cox, who left the party over the treatment of Mr Lowe, called on Mr Yusuf to be sacked. He said: I believe that Nigel Farage is guilty too, of not immediately coming to support Pochin against the biased party chairman's asinine comment. Reforms continued move to the left under Yusuf follows his central role in dismissing, without good reason, numerous loyal members and supporters across hundreds of party branches. He should be sacked. Reform UK and Ms Pochin were contacted for comment. Get Nadine White's Race Report newsletter for a fresh perspective on the week's news Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Reform UK have been hit by further chaos after the man brought in by Nigel Farage to professionalise the party quit following a row with their newest MP. Zia Yusuf, a Muslim businessman, had described new Runcorn MP Sarah Pochin as dumb after she challenged Keir Starmer over the legality of women wearing the burqa in the UK during Prime Ministers Questions on Wednesday. After fury broke out about his comment, Mr Yusuf, who has been the target of anger by many activists over several months, announced he has quit. open image in gallery Farage had stood by Yusuf ( Lucy North/PA ) He said on X/Twitter: 11 months ago I became Chairman of Reform. Ive worked full time as a volunteer to take the party from 14 to 30%, quadrupled its membership and delivered historic electoral results. I no longer believe working to get a Reform government elected is a good use of my time, and hereby resign the office. The timing could not be worse with Reform trying to make a breakthrough in Scotland in the Hamilton by-election for the Scottish parliament. However, the latest Techne UK weekly tracker poll for The Independent taken just before the row blew up, showed Reform has a dominant position with 31 per cent (unchanged) to Labours 23 per cent (up 1) and the Tories 17 per cent (up 1). Techne chief executive Michela Morizzo said: The leading gap though for Reform UK is absolutely dominant even if we dont know yet the overall possible effects due to the resignation of their chairman. However, the row with Ms Pochin has brought back memories of the fracture in Reform earlier this year when MP Rupert Lowe was ousted from the party following a row which began with Mr Yusuf in December. Mr Lowe is still seeking damages for defamation against Mr Yusuf after he was accused of threatening the chair. Since Mr Lowe, the MP for Great Yarmouth, was forced out of the party in March, a number of former members, including ex-deputy leader Ben Habib and former London mayor candidate, Howard Cox, have demanded Mr Farage sack Mr Yusuf. However, Reform still made massive gains in the May local elections and Mr Farage said that it was only able to happen thanks to Mr Yusufs professionalisation of the party. Reacting to his resignation, Mr Farage wrote on X, formerly Twitter: I am genuinely sorry that Zia Yusuf has decided to stand down as Reform UK Chairman. As I said, just last week, he was a huge factor in our success on May 1st and is an enormously talented person. Politics can be a highly pressured and difficult game and Zia has clearly had enough. He is a loss to us and public life. The latest row came after Ms Pochin used her question in PMQs on Wednesday to say: Given the prime ministers desire to strengthen strategic alignment with our European neighbours, will he, in the interest of public safety, follow the lead of France, Belgium, Denmark and others and ban the burqa? Sir Keir welcomed Ms Pochin to the Commons, but said, I am not going to follow her down that line. Mr Yusuf on Thursday said it was dumb for a party to ask the prime minister if they would do something the party itself wouldnt do. He said he had no idea about the question nor that it wasnt [Reform] policy. A Reform spokesperson later clarified that banning burqas was not party policy, sparking calls from the far right for Mr Farage to adopt the proposals. But the row quickly escalated with sources suggesting that Mr Yusuf had been sidelined from the partys Doge-style project to find massive savings in councils that Reform controls and is no longer in charge of day-to-day party management. Raheem Kassam, a key ally of Nigel Farage in the Maga movement in Washington DC, said: I said months ago something like this would happen because in such a new party with many competing personalities and priorities, being chairman or even leader is an almost thankless and gargantuan task. Pressure getting the better of Zia Yusuf should make people even more appreciative of Nigel Farages personal indefatigability. open image in gallery Andy Wigmore (left) with Arron Banks ( Getty ) Meanwhile, two more long-term allies of Mr Farage Andy Wigmore and Arron Banks, known as the Brexit bad boys have emerged as early favourites to take over as chair. Opponents started to mock Reform almost immediately after the resignation. A Labour MP said: He [Yusuf] is a nasty man that should be nowhere near politics, but this is a clear sign that the Reform party cant even get a chair that thinks Reform is right for the country. Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper MP said: By sacking himself, Zia Yusuf seems to be leading the UK Doge by example. You have to admire his commitment to the cause. Its already clear Reform UK cannot deliver for the communities they are elected to stand up for. Instead, they have copied the Conservative playbook of fighting like rats in a sack. Georgie Laming, director of campaigns at Hope Not Hate, said: Just hours after a row over a proposed burqa ban, infighting has once again caused chaos within Nigel Farages political project. Zia Yusuf has declared that its not worthwhile trying to get Reform UK elected if Farage's own chairman thinks this, what confidence does this give voters? We know Farage has a long history of not tolerating any dissent. There is a vast list of people who have left his parties over the years and it looks like Zia Yusuf is one of them. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Sir Keir Starmer has announced his latest U-turn: a 5bn change of course over his flagship welfare bill. With just minutes to go before MPs were set to vote on an already watered down welfare bill, he confirmed plans abandon a key plank of the reforms in order to get them through parliament and avoid a mass rebellion from his own MPs. The U-turn left the prime ministers authority battered and left the chancellor with a gaping hole in the public finances. As Sir Keir marks one year in office,The Independent looks at all the times he has U-turned on his promises or let voters down. open image in gallery Sir Keir Starmer has been repeatedly accused of u-turning on key issues ( The Independent ) Benefit cuts Sir Keir suffered the biggest blow to his leadership since coming into power a year ago after he was forced to abandon a key plank of his controversial benefit cuts in order to get them through parliament. Just 90 minutes before voting began, ministers announced that plans to restrict eligibility for personal independence payments (PIP) which had been the central pillar of the governments reforms were being dropped. Sir Keir had already been forced into a U-turn the week before when more than 130 Labour MPs signed an amendment that would have effectively killed the bill off. Among the concessions announced then was a plan to impose tougher eligibility rules only on future PIP claimants, leaving existing recipients unaffected. Winter fuel payments In July, the chancellor announced that pensioners not in receipt of pension credits or other means-tested benefits would no longer receive winter fuel payments - a 300 payment to help with energy costs in the colder months. After spending months ruling out a U-turn, the prime minister in May told MPs he now wants to ensure more pensioners are eligible for the payment something he claimed has come as a result of an improving economic picture. After weeks of speculation over what the changes would look like, it has now been confirmed that 9 million pensioners will be eligible for the payment - a huge uplift from the 1.5 million pensioners who received the payment in winter 2024-25. open image in gallery Sir Keir Starmer was in Jeremy Corbyns top team when Labour warned winter fuel cuts could kill pensioners ( PA ) Grooming gangs Sir Keir spent months brushing off calls for a national inquiry with statutory powers into grooming gangs as unnecessary. As Elon Musk launched himself headlong into the debate, calling for a fresh probe into the scandal, Labours refusal looked increasingly unlikely to hold. But Sir Keir stood firm, and even accused those calling for an inquiry, including Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, of jumping on the bandwagon of the far-Right. But in yet another screeching U-turn, after months of holding out, Sir Keir in June accepted the recommendation of Baroness Casey to hold an inquiry. Waspi women In a 2022 interview, Sir Keir said: All your working life youve got in mind the date on which you can retire and get your pension, and just as you get towards it, the goalposts are moved and you dont get it, and its a real injustice. We need to do something about it. That wasnt the basis on which you paid in or the basis on which you were working. But, in a familiar change of tune since becoming prime minister, Sir Keir last year sent his work and pensions secretary out to tell Women Against State Pension Inequality, Waspi women, they would not be getting any compensation. National insurance Labours pre-election manifesto promised not to increase national insurance. It stated: Labour will not increase taxes on working people, which is why we will not increase National Insurance, the basic, higher, or additional rates of Income Tax, or VAT. But, Sir Keir and Chancellor Ms Reeves used the ambiguity around whether they meant employer or employee national insurance contributions to steamroll the pledge at Labours first Budget in power. The pair argue that they only promised to keep employee contributions frozen and instead landed firms with a 2 per cent increase to employer national insurance contributions. Tractor tax open image in gallery Keir Starmer has faced fury from farmers over his so-called tractor tax ( PA ) Farmers have also said they feel betrayed by the PM, after a 2023 National Farmers Union (NFU) speech in which he promised to have a new relationship with the countryside and farmers. Sir Keir claimed to be concerned that each day brings a new existential risk to British farming. He added: Losing a farm is not like losing any other business, it cant come back. Going even further, then shadow environment secretary Steve Reed said it was desperate nonsense to suggest he would scrap tax breaks for farmers, just weeks before the July 4 poll. But, in another hugely unpopular Budget bombshell, Sir Keir slashed agricultural property relief, meaning previously exempt farms will be his with a 20 per cent levy on farming assets worth more than 1m. Critics have said it will see family farmers forced to sell up, ripping the heart out of countryside communities. And other times the PM has rowed back on his words... Two-child benefit cap Promising in 2020 to create a social security system fit for the 21st century, Sir Keir said: We must scrap the inhuman Work Capability Assessments and private provision of disability assessments... scrap punitive sanctions, two-child limit and benefits cap. But before the election, Sir Keir said Labour was not changing the Tory policy if Labour were to win power. He has stuck to his guns, even suspending seven Labour MPs for rebelling against his Kings Speech in a bid to have the policy scrapped. And now, it looks like the prime minister is gearing up to row back on the position. While nothing has been announced, the prime minister is privately said to be in favour of lifting the cap. He has refused to commit to anything until the child poverty strategy is published in the autumn but has insisted he is absolutely determined to drive down child poverty and has repeatedly sidestepped questions on the issue when pressed on it. 28bn green investment pledge As shadow chancellor, Rachel Reeves announced the partys plans for an extra 28bn a year in green investment at Labours conference in September 2021. But before the election, Sir Keir ditched the 28bn a year target and said instead that he would spend a far smaller sum on Great British Energy, a national wealth fund for clean investment and pledges on energy efficiency. open image in gallery Rachel Reeves unveiled the 28bn green investment pledge, which was ditched by the party ( Getty ) Bankers bonuses Strict regulations on bonuses, which limit annual payouts to twice a bankers salary, were introduced by the EU in 2014 in a bid to avoid excessive risk-taking after the 2008 financial crisis. Former prime minister Liz Truss and chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng scrapped the cap in 2022, in a bid to encourage more investment in the UK. Sir Keir had previously vowed to reinstate the cap, saying in 2022 that lifting it shows the Tories are absolutely tone deaf to what so many people are going through. But in another major U-turn, Ms Reeves announced before the election that the party does not have any intention of bringing that back. 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 Edgar Lungu , the former president of Zambia , has died at the age of 68. His death comes six months after a court ruling prevented him from running for office again, thwarting his attempted return to politics. Lungu, who served as the sixth president of the Southern African nation from 2015 to 2021, passed away on Thursday morning at a medical centre in Pretoria , South Africa. He had been receiving specialised treatment in the capital, according to a statement released on social media by his political party, the Patriotic Front. During his time in office, Lungu was lauded for initiating a large-scale road construction programme. However, his administration also faced criticism for Zambia's deteriorating financial situation, which led to the country defaulting on its international debt in 2020 and contributed to his election loss to current President Hakainde Hichilema . The party also posted a video on social media of Lungu's daughter Tasila Lungu, a member of Zambia's parliament, announcing his death. "My father... had been under medical supervision in recent weeks. This condition was managed with dignity and privacy," she said. Lungu suffered from a rare disorder that caused a narrowing of the food pipe, for which he had been treated in South Africa before. Shortly after he took office in 2015 he fell ill and underwent a procedure in South Africa which the presidency said at the time was not available in Zambia. Chequered legacy Lungu was born on November 11, 1956, in the city of Ndola, in the Zambian copperbelt. A lawyer by training, he served as justice and defence minister under former president Michael Sata before taking over the presidency when Sata died in 2015. After taking office Lungu quickly embarked on legislative reforms which were seen as progressive, including amending the constitution to reduce the power of the president. He won a presidential election in 2016 that gave him a five-year term in office. But just before it ended he tried and failed to reverse the constitutional changes he had made. "The legacy of Edgar Lungu is a chequered legacy," said political analyst Lee Habasonda at the University of Zambia. "He will be remembered for tolerating thuggery by his supporters although he also represented a brand of politicians who interacted across class." Under Lungu's tenure and especially towards the end of his presidency his supporters became unruly, and his failure to rein them in was widely viewed as an endorsement of their actions. Habasonda said he was someone who "allowed the poorest of Zambians to get close to the corridors of power." Lungu had an acrimonious relationship with key Western donors like the United States, whose ambassador he asked to be withdrawn in 2020. Relations with the International Monetary Fund also became strained during his tenure, prompting the lender to withdraw its resident representative. Amid economic turmoil, Zambia became one of the first countries to default on its international debt after COVID-19 devastated the world's economies in the early 2020s. After his 2021 election defeat Lungu went into retirement, then made a political comeback in 2023, eventually being accepted as the leader and presidential candidate for the alliance including the Patriotic Front. But in December last year, Zambia's constitutional court ruled that he was ineligible to run for another term in office. This months cover feature takes us to Holme Hall Quarry in South Yorkshire, where archaeologists have uncovered dramatic evidence of how this frontier region was transformed during the early Roman period. Extensive, systematically planned field systems sprang up across the landscape at this time but do these changes represent an innovation of local Iron Age peoples, or a land-grab by an occupying army? Innovation is a key theme in our next article, too, which traces the flow of people, objects, and ideas between medieval Ireland and Continental Europe. Some of these exiles for Christ travelled for scholarly or religious fulfilment, while others sought refuge from Viking raids devastating their monastic homes. We next revisit a discovery made in 2013 outside the Leicestershire village of Glenfield. Excavation of an Iron Age settlement revealed a collection of 11 cauldrons that had been placed in ditches across the site. What has subsequent conservation, research, and the construction of a full-sized replica revealed? From buried cauldrons to subterranean ceremonies, we then travel to High Pasture Cave on the Isle of Skye, which has yielded evidence of intriguing Bronze Age and Iron Age ritual activities spanning 900 years. Our last feature examines two Leicestershire hillforts: Burrough Hill and Breedon Hill. What can excavated evidence tell us about the experiences, activities, and interests of their Iron Age inhabitants? Finally, I would like to offer a warm welcome back to CAs Deputy Editor, Kathryn Krakowka, who has returned from maternity leave, and a massive thank you to Rebecca Preedy, who has done such a brilliant job at covering her role. In this issue: FEATURES WORDS ON THE WAVE Tracing Continental connections in early medieval Ireland A major new exhibition at the National Museum of Ireland explores how people, objects, and ideas travelled between early medieval Ireland and continental Europe 1,000 years ago. FIELDS AND FARMSTEADS Organising the early Roman fronteir region in South Yorkshire Excavations at Holme Hall Quarry have revealed how a landscape was dramatically transformed during the early Roman period. TAKING STOCK OF THE POT Creating and recreating the Glenfield Iron Age cauldrons Analysis of rare Iron Age cauldrons found outside Leicester in 2013 has shed new light on how they were made, maintained, and used. SUBTERRANEAN SKYE Exploring the enduring signficance of High Pasture Cave The newly published excavation report on Hight Pasture Cave provides illuminating details of how this site served as a focus of ritual activity for more than 900 years, spanning the Bronze Age to the late Iron Age. We explore some of the key finds. A TALE OF TWO HILLFORTS Illuminating the inhabitants of Iron Age Leicestershire Hillforts in the East Midlands are relatively scare, and have been less intensively researched than in other regions. What can evidence from Breedon Hill and Burrough Hill add to our understanding? LETTERS Your comments, complaints, and compliments NEWS Titans of tin? The south-west as a powerhouse of tin-production in the Bronze Age; Surviving Palaeolithic Skye; New thoughts on the Thetford Hoard; Iron Age settlement and dog found at Fonmon Castle; Roman lime kiln found in Gloucester; Science Notes; Rare paintings discovered at Tudor lodge in Castle Sowerby; Finds Tray COMMENT Joe Flatman excavates the CA archive CONTEXT Taking up the tesserae: the Liberty mosaics, Southwark REVIEWS Life and Death in Roman Carlisle; The Swash Channel Wreck: an archaeological investigation of a 17th-century armed Dutch merchantman; Archaeological Stones and their Macroscopical Identification; Rural Baths in Roman Britain: a colonisation of the senses; Boathouses of Britain; On the Edge, Above the Vale: Collection Management Facility, Science, and Innovation Park, Swindon, Wiltshire. Archaeological Excavations 2018-2020 EXHIBITION Ancient India: living traditions at the British Museum MUSEUM NEWS The latest on acquisitions, exhibitions, and key decisions LISTINGS Our selection of exhibitions and events, as well as historical, archaeological, and cultural resources online GO DIGGING! A third array of upcoming excavation opportunities to get involved in this summer SHERDS Chris Catlings irreverent take on heritage issues ODD SOCS Ruperra Castle Preservation Trust 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 Smoke from the deadly Canada wildfires is blanketing parts of the US and Europe, causing widespread air quality concerns. The Environmental Protection Agency has reported "very unhealthy" air quality in the Midwest, Northeast, and Great Lakes regions of the US, prompting expert recommendations for precautionary measures. The EPA's Air Quality Index (AQI) translates pollutant levels into a single, easily understandable number: the lower the number, the better the air quality. An AQI below 50 is considered "healthy," 50 to 100 is "moderate," 100 to 150 is unhealthy for "sensitive groups," and anything above 150 is hazardous for everyone. On Wednesday, the Air Quality Index in many parts of the Upper Midwest hovered around 160. Dr Sanjay Sethi, chief of pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine at the University of Buffalo's medical school, said that sensitive groups include individuals with asthma, lung disease, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, who are particularly vulnerable to the effects of poor air quality. open image in gallery A woman wears a protective mask while walking along the banks of the Merrimack River, Wednesday, June 4, 2025, in Lowell, Mass ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) If you have heart or lung problems, then youve got to be definitely more careful," Sethi said. "I would either avoid going outside or wear an N95 (mask) or at least a dust mask. Is my air unhealthy? Sometimes the air is bad enough to see or smell the smoke. Even if you don't see the pollution, it can be unhealthy to breathe. The EPA maintains a website with up-to-date, regional air quality information. PurpleAir, a company that sells air quality sensors and publishes real-time air quality data, has a citizen scientist, air quality monitoring network with a more granular map of street-by-street air quality readings. The best way to get indoor air quality readings is to buy a monitor, said Joseph Allen, director of Harvard University's Healthy Buildings Program. You can find these low-cost, indoor air quality monitors just about everywhere online now. They dont cost all that much anymore, Sethi said. open image in gallery Hazy skies due to smoke from wildfires in Canada are seen over Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains What if I have to go outside? For most people, going outside for just a short time won't have a negative long-term impact, said Sethi. Wearing an N95 mask, which became common during the coronavirus pandemic, will help filter out the pollution. N95 is going to get rid of 90-95 per cent of the particles, said Jennifer Stowell, a research scientist at Boston Universitys Center for Climate and Health. If you have access to a mask that has a respirator-type attachment to it, then thats the very best. If you must be outside and you experience symptoms, experts say you should head indoors or somewhere else with better air quality. Even if you are healthy, its good to take precautions. "If you start wheezing, which is like this whistling sound of the chest, or if youre feeling short of breath, thats definitely more concerning, Sethi said. How do I make my air cleaner? Close the windows and turn on the air conditioner, if you have one, setting it to circulate the indoor air. Use blankets to cover cracks that allow outside air into your home, such as under doors. Finally, swapping the air conditioner's filter for a MERV 13 filter can help, though you should make sure it's installed correctly. If you happen to have access to an air purifier, even if its just a room air purifier, try to keep it running and in the room that youre doing most of your activities in, said Stowell. On the surface, it was a dream reciprocal alliance. Musk reportedly contributed some $300m (220m) to support Trump and other Republicans in the November elections, while Trump, impressed with the disruptive energy of the tech billionaire, got him to head up the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (Doge). But just five months later, their relationship has fallen apart in a spectacularly explosive fashion. Earlier this week, Musk, whose Tesla business has been hit hard by his association with the president, slammed Trumps flagship tax and spending bill, calling it a disgusting abomination. That was just a foretaste of what was to follow. By last night, Musk had called for Trump to be impeached, alleged the president was named in the Epstein files, and said that without his support Trump would never have won the election. In return, Trump said Musk had gone crazy and threatened to terminate his multi-billion-dollar government contracts. The outburst came just days after an Oval Office send-off from the president, which was attended by Musk sporting a black eye. Trump presented him with a brown box containing a large golden key emblazoned with the White House insignia, which he said he only gave to very special people. Less than a week has passed and that special relationship is now becoming one of enmity and rage. It was, perhaps, a relationship that was always destined to end up this way. The Independent noted this week that concerns Musk raised about the administrations crackdown on immigration (he wanted access to the worlds best scientific brains, regardless of where theyre from) were routinely ignored. And the frustration between him and the Republicans has been stewing for months. Hes a complete joke. He had no idea what the f*** he was doing, one Republican told Axios anonymously, fearing retaliation from Musk. Nobody really wanted him here. We couldnt wait to get rid of him. Axios also reported that House speaker Mike Johnson told House Republicans in a closed-door conference meeting on Wednesday that Trump himself is pi**** off at Musk. Johnson said at a press conference after the meeting that he talks to Trump multiple times a day and that the president is not delighted that Elon did a 180. Another Republican backed up that assertion, told Axios: I knew it was a matter of time before the two alpha males would explode, fight each other. Elsewhere, Trumps former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon, a bitter enemy of Musk, has suggested that the first schism in their relationship came in March when the president refused to show the billionaire the Pentagons attack plans for a hypothetical war with China. Speaking to The Atlantic last month, Bannon said of that moment: You could feel it. Everything changed. The fever had been broken. open image in gallery Musk was pictured in recent days sporting a black eye ( EPA ) Others believe the final nail came when Trump abruptly decided over the weekend to withdraw the nomination of Musk ally and investor, Jared Isaacman, to be Nasas next administrator. Appearing on the All-In podcast yesterday, Isaacman said he was disappointed when he learned that his nomination had been revoked, noting that the fact it coincided with Musks departure from the White House wasnt a coincidence. There were some people who had some axes to grind, and I was a good visible target, he said. This claim has been disputed, however, with complaints from Republican senators about Isaacmans track record as a Democratic donor also given as a reason for the decision. That Musk now feels angry and disillusioned is no surprise to those who have long believed that such oversized egos were destined to collide. But the roots of this volatile dynamic go beyond tariffs and immigration. Some say the toxicity of their relationship stems from the formative paternal influences that shaped both men. For Donald Trump, the blueprint for leadership was laid by his stern and demanding father, Fred Trump Sr. From a very young age, Donald was taught that there were only killers (winners) and losers, a lesson his father relentlessly imparted. According to Tony Schwartz, who co-authored The Art of the Deal with Trump, Fred was a very brutal guy with very, very little emotional intelligence. I strongly suspect that he had a relationship with his father that accounts for a lot of what he became, Schwartz told PBSs Frontline website. open image in gallery Musk and Trump during a news conference in the Oval Office last week ( AP ) Trumps niece, Mary, a clinical psychologist who wrote the bestselling book Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World's Most Dangerous Man, says Fred Sr destroyed Donald by hindering his ability to develop and experience the entire spectrum of human emotion. Elon Musks own childhood was similarly difficult and his relationship with his father, Errol Musk, was fraught with tension. Musk said in a 2022 Ted talk: I did not have a happy childhood, to be frank. It was quite rough. His father is said to have taken the side of his sons school bullies, calling him worthless, something which he has denied. When Elon Musk moved to America, Errol allegedly told him: Youll be back in a few months. You will never be successful. Being raised in environments where dominance, ruthlessness, and an inability to show weakness are paramount is unhelpful, particularly when it comes to father-son relationships. In my field, says Dr Frank Ochberg, a pioneering psychiatrist and trauma expert who helped define PTSD, if you have been abused by a parent when youre very young, thats of consequence. And there are various ways in which people who eventually had a powerful impact on the world for better or worse are evaluated in terms of parental impact. It doesnt take a rocket scientist although Elon is a rocket scientist to say having a bully as a father can make you a bully as a man, and an effective one at that. And if you do have the combination of Musk and Trump together, you can also empower other bullies, male and female and they have. open image in gallery The duo during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, last October ( AFP/Getty ) Ochberg says Trump and Musk have both succeeded in bringing bullies and bullying tendencies into what we might consider sacred spaces the workplace and, in Trumps case, one we associate with high morality, such as the seat of government. But, he says, I think seeing them publicly disagreeing with each other diminishes the moral and political force of each of them. It seems that a long-term, equitable partnership between the two was always an impossibility, especially in a relationship where one, Trump, demands utter loyalty, which Musk a man his biographer Walter Isaacson points out engages demon mode, a state of intense focus and anger while working on projects is unwilling to give. Cornell law professor Sarah Kreps notes, theres simply not room at the centre of politics for two such massive egos. It was only November when Trumps son Eric, dismissing reports of a breakdown in his fathers relationship with Musk, said his dad loves and adores the SpaceX owner, and considers him a super genius. In the end, perhaps this was always the only way it could go: two men raised in the shadow of domineering and difficult fathers with something to prove; both intoxicated by their own authority, colliding amid drama and chaos of their own making. The rift between Trump and Musk may read like a celebrity feud, but its far more consequential. For now, the pair remain locked in a game of egos, and the rest of us are just along for the ride. 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 Hooters closed over 30 restaurant locations across the U.S. on Wednesday. The closures follow Hooters Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in March, which had not indicated any planned shutdowns. Company leaders say they are committed to supporting affected employees, but did not address an inquiry as to when employees were notified of the closures. After careful consideration of what is needed to best position our company for the future, Hooters made the difficult decision to close certain Company-owned locations, effective June 4, 2025, a company spokesperson told The Independent on Thursday. Importantly, Hooters is here to stay, and by optimizing our business in support of our long-term goals, Hooters will be well-positioned to continue our iconic legacy under a pure franchise business model. Hooters is undergoing a Restructuring Support Agreement with key stakeholders to sell parts of the company and continue operations under new ownership. ( Getty Images ) The statement concluded, We are committed to supporting our impacted team members throughout this process and are incredibly grateful to our valued customers for their loyalty and dedication to the Hooters brand. The following closures were confirmed on Wednesday through phone line recordings and website removals, according to USA Today. Sanford, Florida Orlando, FloridaKirkman Road Kissimmee, FloridaOsceola Parkway Melbourne, Florida Atlanta, Downtown Douglasville, Georgia Gwinnett, Georgia Valdosta, Georgia Greenwood, Indiana Rockford, Illinois Newport, Kentucky Flint, Michigan Taylor, Michigan St. Louis, Downtown Charlotte, North CarolinaSouth Boulevard Columbia, South Carolina Rock Hill, South Carolina Murfreesboro, Tennessee Memphis, TennesseeDowntown Nashville, TennesseeHarding Place Grapevine, Texas Houston, 120 Farm to Market 1960 Road W San Marcos, Texas Additional Hooters locations in Madison, Wisconsin, and Fort Smith, Arkansas, appear closed, with phone lines down and website listings removed. Other reported closures include sites in Alabama, Florida, Indiana, and Detroit. Despite filing for bankruptcy, Hooters is fighting to stay alive. Hooters of America has entered a Restructuring Support Agreement with key stakeholders to sell parts of the company and continue operations under new ownership. A group of current franchisees, who already operate over 30 percent of US Hooters locations, has agreed in principle to acquire and run certain company-owned restaurants. Hooters expects to complete its restructuring in 90 to 120 days, pending bankruptcy court approval. The remaining locations will be operated by franchisees, with the company continuing to serve customers during the transition. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Joe Bidens former allies are running for the hills. Questions about the former presidents mental faculties took on a new urgency last month thanks to the artificial drip-drip of revelations leaked to outlets ahead of the release of Original Sin, Jake Tapper and Alex Thompsons book about the ill-fated Biden re-election bid. Now, the Trump administration and GOP Congress are pushing the narrative along with investigations into the use of an autopen by the former president when signing official documents a move Donald Trump has baselessly alleged could mean that some shadowy figure was really running the show for four years. The Democratic Party is in the wilderness, electorally speaking, and undergoing a real internal reckoning over the mismanaged 2024 re-election campaign of Joe Biden and the final stretch sprint that was Kamala Harriss own bid for the top job. No one is more lost in this reshuffle than the members of Bidenworld, who found themselves jobless and loathed by a certain segment of the party after last year. Facing the clear prospect of being blacklisted by future Democratic campaigns and causes, some are rebranding themselves. Others are cutting ties altogether. open image in gallery Karine Jean-Pierre announced Wednesday that she was becoming an independent ( Getty Images ) Wednesday arrived in Washington with the news that Karine Jean-Pierre, Bidens White House press secretary for four years, was in the latter group. Hawking a new book titled Independent (no relation!), Jean-Pierre announced through representatives that she is leaving the party. The books description labels the Biden White House broken and was met with skepticism from journalists, who questioned how outside the party lines the presidents former press secretary could organically be. The news also enraged Democrats with ties to the former administration, according to Politico, who called it a grift and mostly held to fuming in group chats. Others in this category have dropped off the face of the (political) Earth: Jen OMalley Dillon, Harriss former campaign chair, hasnt made a public comment since appearing on a Pod Save America interview in the immediate aftermath of the election. Same with ex-campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez. Several other top and mid-level Harris and Biden campaign officials have either sunk into relative obscurity or, such as was the case with former Biden White House spokesman Andrew Bates, struck out on their own. Thats to say nothing, of course, of Harris herself. The former vice president continues to be virtually invisible as she reportedly weighs a run for governor of her home state (where she hasnt lived for four years), against what would likely be a field crowded with other Democrats. Doing so would expose her to tough questions about her former running mate. She has yet to pull the trigger, with that likely being a major reason why. open image in gallery Kamala Harris has only held one public event since the election, even as she considers running for governor of California. ( Getty ) Theres one clear reason for this: Joe Bidens continued inability to refute any of the concerns about his age and ability to make a case for himself. It seemed like the former presidents fade into obscurity began the day he ceded the presidential position on the re-election ticket to Harris; his most prominent moment in the weeks following was his pardon of Hunter, his son, in December. In a half-hearted effort to head off the worst of the Original Sin blowback, the former president appeared alongside the former first lady on The View, a comparatively friendly interview, before the books release. It did not go well. A whispery ex-presidents sentences were finished for him, and there was little sign of the fiery scrapper from Scranton whose antics were once the subject of memes and TV references, not derision. Neither the GOP nor a scandal-hungry Capitol press corps is eager to let this story die. Joe Biden seems wholly unable to kill it. The only question now is how long the stink of the last year remains on those affected, and how widespread it really is. Could it blunt Harriss ambitions? Probably. Less clear: its effect on Cabinet officials, like Pete Buttigieg. Or Rahm Emanuel, Bidens former ambassador to Japan, whos now publicly indicating that he may run in 2028. In the end, the former presidents re-election bid could end up irreversibly tarring a whole segment of Democratic operatives and even a few of the partys (formerly) rising stars. 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 Deputy Director of the FBI has said that, after a review of evidence into the death of Jeffrey Epstein, the agency has come to a clear conclusion as to how the disgraced financier died after a rash of MAGA conspiracy theories. Dan Bongino said that the bureau had video footage that showed the area of Epsteins jail cell for 12 hours prior to the discovery of his body, which he had reviewed. The convicted sex offender-financier, who was accused of sex trafficking young girls, was found dead in his New York City prison cell in 2019 while awaiting trial. His death was ruled a suicide, though many online have disputed this. Bongino came under fire on social media last week after admitting to Fox & Friends that he had seen the video footage and that there was no DNA or other evidence of foul play. The remarks prompted the ire of the MAGA faithful, who have long since considered Epsteins death the work of the so-called Deep State. On Wednesday, Bongino doubled down again on his statement, telling Sean Hannity that there was nothing in the file that indicated Epstein had died any other way than by suicide. open image in gallery FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino says that there is no evidence that disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein died by any other way than suicide ( Fox News ) "The evidence we have in our files clearly indicates that it was, in fact, a suicide. We do have video. Its not the greatest video in the world. I dont want to set expectations on fire," Bongino said. "However, the video does show in that specific block, that he goes in, made a phone call; youll see 12 hours of guards going in, basically check on him, come back. Youll see nobody really comes out of that bay in that area than him. Theres no one in there. He added: "There's nothing there in the file at all that indicates anything other than in fact a suicide. Bonginos stance on the death of Epstein marks a clear reversal of viewpoint since he was appointed FBI Deputy Director in February. Prior to that he had built a career as a right-wing political commentator, who repeatedly promoted conspiracy theories about Epsteins death. In a podcast in January 2024 told listeners that he had heard claims from reporters that Epstein had been killed due to his influence and alleged ability to blackmail people. He described the claims as super important. open image in gallery The financier, who was accused of sex trafficking, was found dead in his prison cell in 2019 while awaiting trial. His death was ruled a suicide, though many online have disputed this ( New York State Sex Offender Registry ) This is where I get really upset at the media, Bongino said later in the podcast. Maybe because I was an investigator before, its like, Im amazed at how few people are putting two and two together. Shortly before assuming one of the top jobs at the bureau, Bongino again peddled the blackmail conspiracy. Im not ever gonna let this story go, he vowed. Now, for the second time in two weeks, he has offered a different view. Theres no DNA, theres no audio, theres no fingerprints, theres no suspects, theres no accomplices, theres no tips, there is nothing, Bongino told Fox News last Thursday. Theres video clear as day, he added. Hes the only person in there and the only person coming out. You can see it. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A group of immigration officers are stuck in a small east African country, plagued by smog from burn pits with human waste, at risk of malaria, and taking a dozen medications to battle chronic respiratory illness. Those 11 agents are working 12-hour shifts to guard a handful of detainees who were set to be deported to war-torn South Sudan before a judge stepped in to block their removal, citing due process violations. But the judge didnt force Donald Trumps administration to offload those immigrants in Djibouti. Lawyers for the government had even requested that they land there. Massachusetts District Judge Brian Murphy granted their request to hold those deportees overseas, in U.S. custody, to give them a chance to receive a reasonable fear interview to explain how they would face persecution or torture if they were sent to South Sudan. The Trump administration, which had requested permission to hold deportees in Djibouti, is now accusing Judge Murphy of stranding ICE agents there. open image in gallery DHS assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin has accused Judge Brian Murphy of forcing ICE to strand officers in Djibouti while a legal challenge plays out over immigrants removal to South Sudan. But the judge never ordered officers to land there. ( AP ) This is reprehensible and, quite frankly, pathological, Homeland Security assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin said. Homeland Security accused Murphy of putting the health and safety of law enforcement officers at risk for the sake of criminals. In a court filing on Thursday, a top Immigration and Customs Enforcement official detailed the conditions officers are facing. Eight immigrants are sleeping in a conference room in a converted shipping container at Camp Lemonnier, a U.S. military base in Djibouti. The officers share very limited sleeping quarters in a trailer with three sets of bunk beds and six beds in total, according to the declaration from Mellissa B. Harper, acting deputy executive associate director for ICEs Enforcement and Removal Operations. ICEs reliance on Department of Defense resources are causing disruption to the stations operations and consuming critical resources intended for service members, according to Harper. The agents also have an unknown degree of exposure to malaria despite taking the antimalarial as full efficacy of the medication is unknown currently, she wrote. The use of burn pits to dispose of human waste and garbage, five miles from the base, creates a smog cloud that is making it difficult to breathe and requiring medical treatment for the officers, who have experienced throat irritation, Harper wrote. Officers began to feel ill within 72 hours of landing in Djibouti last month and continue to feel ill with symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, fever, and achy joint, symptoms that align with bacterial upper respiratory infection, she added. Defense officials also warned agents they face imminent danger of rocket attacks from terrorist groups in Yemen, but the officers dont have body armor or other gear to protect them, Harper said. open image in gallery Camp Lemonnier, the only permanent U.S. military base in Africa, is holding a group of deportees the government intends to send to South Sudan. ICE officers there are in tight quarters, at risk of rocket fire, and experiencing symptoms of respiratory infections. ( Getty Images ) Last week, Judge Murphy accused the administration of manufacturing chaos in the case. He had previously 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. But government attorneys have now changed their tune, he wrote last week. 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 President 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. In court filings, Murphy said he had 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, Murphy added. The Court treats its obligation to these principles with the seriousness that anyone committed to the rule of law should understand. The class-action case in Murphys court involving several deportees challenging their removal from the country is among several high-profile immigration cases playing out in courtrooms across the country. Administration officials have asked the Supreme Court to overrule Murphy and continue deporting people to South Sudan. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice President Donald Trumps White House advisers were caught off guard by Elon Musks astonishing attack on his big, beautiful bill this week while Trump himself is said to be losing patience with his billionaire ally, according to a report. Just days after Musks 130-day tenure as a special government employee came to an end, the worlds richest man began lashing out at Trumps signature tax and spending package, calling it a disgusting abomination in an X post on Tuesday. Hours after Musks broadside, Trump posted a screenshot of the South Africans X post from last week, in which he thanked the president for allowing him to work in the White House. A senior White House official now tells The Wall Street Journal that the president is not happy about Musks intervention and is confused by the billionaires stance, given that they have spent the past four months working closely together. Asked whether it had hurt the relationship between the two men, the Journals sources indicated it was too soon to tell but noted that, while Trump can be forgiving, he does not easily forget slights. open image in gallery Elon Musk and Donald Trump in the Oval Office ( AP ) Musks bond with Trump certainly appears to be fraying, with the Big Tech boss cutting an increasingly beleaguered figure and reportedly annoyed by the bills inclusion of a cut to an electric vehicle tax credit that benefits his Tesla customers and by Trumps recent decision to scrap his friend Jared Isaacmans nomination to lead Nasa. The Tesla CEO last intervened over a Republican spending bill six months ago, firing out a string of tweets that forced House Speaker Mike Johnson into hasty rewrites just hours before Congress broke up for the Christmas recess. Musks tweet on Tuesday sent shockwaves across the corridors of power in DC. Im sorry, but I just cant stand it anymore. This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination, Musk wrote. Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it, Musk wrote. He followed that up on Wednesday with a fresh appeal to KILL the BILL, imploring his millions of followers to contact their representatives and senators to remind them that bankrupting America is NOT ok! Musks opposition has garnered the support of conservative fiscal hawks like Kentucky Senator Rand Paul, who share his concern that the bill could add at least $2.4 trillion to Americas national debt over the next decade, with some estimates placing the total closer to $5 trillion. Invited to respond on Tuesday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said: The president already knows where Elon Musk stood on this bill; it doesnt change the presidents opinion. This is one big beautiful bill, and hes sticking to it. open image in gallery House Speaker Mike Johnson ( AP ) While that has not yet happened this time, Speaker Johnson has expressed frustration. We had a great, very friendly, very fruitful conversation together, Johnson said of Musk at his weekly press conference on Wednesday. Twenty-four hours later, he does a 180 and he comes out against the bill. And it surprised me, frankly. Johnson argued that Musk is flat wrong in his objections and said that while he himself was not upset, Trump was not delighted that Elon did a 180, a statement that might well be interpreted as a warning. One person who was delighted with Musk was Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie, one of just two House Republicans who voted against the bill in the lower chamber last month. I figured he would eventually get there, Massie told the Journal. You dont land rockets backwards or get cars to drive themselves by ignoring the people who are lying to you. 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 White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was seen without her cross necklace following the mockery of Daily Show host Jon Stewart. Leavitt appeared for her briefing on Tuesday in a navy blazer, but she had chosen to forego her signature jewelry. On Monday night, Stewart skewered Leavitt, saying, By the way, I think that the more she lies, the bigger her cross gets. Is that possible? Its like some sort of weird Pinocchio cross. The host also noted that Leavitt is likely to be the only one who will be able to leave the administration unscathed Because I dont think that she has any principles in there left to die. Stewart went on to say hes "not even upset with this lady. Because just rolling with the punches is clearly the only strategy for happiness when youre working for Trump. open image in gallery Jon Stewart mocked Karoline Leavitt's crucifix necklace during Monday's episode of his show ( Comedy Central ) "Trumps very open secret has always been: He doesnt believe in or care about any policy issue at all. He wants attention, he wants his ego stroked, and he wants money. He wants f***wads and f***wads of money, he added. Leavitt, 27, told the Christian Broadcasting Network earlier this year that "My faith is incredibly important to me, I would argue, now more than ever, being in a role that is very demanding and at times controversial, and there's a lot of public pressure and discussion online about who you are and your family. She added that it could be difficult for someone who doesn't have faith, but with faith, all things are possible. open image in gallery Karoline Leavitt was seen without her cross necklace during her press briefing on Tuesday ( EPA ) Leavitt faced criticism in April for her comments about Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador earlier this year. She attempted to connect Garcia to the 2023 rape and murder of a Maryland woman, whose killer was convicted that same month. He will never live in the United States again, Leavitt said of Garcia. She gets up there, and, with a cross around her neck, she lies. She violates the ninth commandment about not bearing false witness, Andy Levy said on The New Abnormal podcast. She sits up there and says over and over again that Garcia was a member of the MS 13 gang. She takes it a step further, and she says that this was a finding of an immigration court. It absolutely was not. 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 governments secret files on the assassination of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. could be released ahead of schedule after a federal judge in Washington indicated he was open to doing so. In January, President Donald Trump signed an executive order, demanding the release of all government documents pertaining to the shootings of MLK, as well as both President John F Kennedy and his brother, Robert F Kennedy, in the 1960s. Their families and the American people deserve transparency and truth, Trump said in the order. It is in the national interest to finally release all records related to these assassinations without delay. open image in gallery Dr King delivers his famous I Have a Dream speech to thousands of supporters gathered at the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on August 28 1963 ( AP ) Dr King was shot dead on the second floor balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 4 1968, with the official narrative remaining that the gunman was the petty criminal James Earl Ray, who hit him with a Remington rifle fired from the window of a rented room in a boarding house standing across the street. In 1977, a judge ordered the government to unseal all of the files it holds on the case and make them public in 2027. However, at Wednesdays hearing in Washington, Judge Richard Leon of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia suggested he was prepared to bring the release date forward to comply with Trumps wishes, although he also emphasized the importance of sensitivity. open image in gallery Dr King displays pictures of three civil rights workers who were slain in Mississippi at a news conference in New York on December 4 1964 ( AP ) Judge Leon said the first step would be for the National Archives and Records Administration to show him the complete inventory of files it has in its possession on the MLK assassination and the FBI investigation that followed, so as to establish the size of the processing task ahead. The hearing was prompted by a lawsuit filed by the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, a civil rights organization based in Kings native Atlanta, Georgia, which seeks to halt the expedited release. Before the judges ruling, Sumayya Saleh, a lawyer representing the conference, had argued that the push to publish the documents amounted to a deliberate effort to undermine the civil rights movement and to discredit MLKs legacy. open image in gallery Dr King leads a civil rights march in Boston, Massachusetts, on April 23 1965 ( AP ) Justice Department lawyer Johnny Walker proposed that officials from his agency be allowed to comb through the papers first and produce a subset that the justice and the conference could peruse before approving or challenging their release. Judge Leon ultimately determined that he should have the first look, describing the situation as the first few steps in a journey that could take years and reminding both sides: This is delicate stuff. Keep the lines of communication open, he ordered the Justice Department and Southern Christian Leadership Conference, saying he would bless any agreement between them to examine the files jointly. Thats in everyones interest, including the presidents. The King family has long contested that version of events, and the killing has been the subject of conspiracy theories ever since, with some suggesting a police sharpshooter really fired the fatal shot and others that Ray had accepted a $50,000 bounty put forward by segregationist groups to make the hit. The Mafia, local, state and federal government agencies, were deeply involved in the assassination of my husband Mr Ray was set up to take the blame, the deceaseds widow, Coretta Scott King, said in 1999. 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 Guatemalan man who says he was wrongfully deported to Mexico has been returned to the U.S., according to his legal team. The man's return marks the first known instances of the Trump administration complying with judicial orders to return a deported migrant, according to CNN. O.C.G, as the man is identified in court documents, says he survived sexual violence and kidnapping in Mexico on his way to the southern border last year. But federal immigration authorities failed to screen him for a credible fear assessment before deporting him back to the same country where he was raped and held for ransom. He landed in the U.S. on Wednesday and was put in contact with a member of the legal team challenging the Trump administration's deportations to countries where they have no ties, according to Trina Realmuto, the National Immigration Litigation Alliance executive director. She told CNN that she expects O.C.G. to be taken into Department of Homeland Security custody now that he's back in the U.S. A Guatemalan man deported to Mexico by the Trump administration has been returned to the U.S. in compliance with a judicial order ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy is overseeing litigation challenging the Trump administration's deportations that send migrants to countries where they have no connections. He ordered O.C.G.'s return to the U.S. last month, ruling that his expulsion "lacked due process." When the Trump administration deported O.C.G. to Mexico, they sent him back to the nation where he was assaulted, raped, and held for ransom. According to Murphy's ruling, O.C.G. expressed his fears about being sent to Mexico during his immigration hearings, but a judge told him that he could would not be sent there as it is not his native country. In general, this case presents no special facts or legal circumstances, only the banal horror of a man being wrongfully loaded onto a bus and sent back to a country where he was allegedly just raped and kidnapped, Murphy wrote in his ruling. 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. This week, the judge accused government attorneys of manufacturing chaos surrounding the case. Just days before Murphy's ruling, the Trump administration was denied its request to hold an order forcing it to return a 20-year-old Venezuelan migrant wrongly deported to El Salvador. The Trump administration has, thus far, been slow to comply with judicial orders regarding immigration cases. U.S. District Judge Stephanie Gallagher said that Trump officials had taken no steps to comply with her ruling to return the Venezuelan migrant from El Salvador. The Trump administration was also ordered to return a Maryland man wrongfully deported to El Salvador, Kilmar Abrego Garcia. U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis, who is overseeing that case, said she is also facing inaction from the Trump Justice Department and members of his administration. A deadly poison that's restricted overseas is being openly sold to Aussie consumers in supermarkets and hardware stores. Coles, Woolworths, Bunnings and Mitre 10 continue to sell SGARs to consumers, despite knowing they are killing off Australias wildlife. Source: Michael Dahlstrom For years, Coles, Woolworths, Bunnings, Mitre 10, and other major retailers have been knowingly and legally selling a poison to consumers with a deadly side effect. It's quietly killing off Australias native animals. Now Yahoo News can reveal more than 280 vets, doctors, farmers, scientists, and conservationists have signed an open letter calling on the nations chemical regulator to ban merchants from selling this highly-toxic form of rat bait to consumers. Second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) are openly sold on the same shelves as less harmful first-generation poisons, traps and natural baits. Although there are warnings on packets, unless shoppers delve into the fine print, they're unlikely to be able to tell the difference, and experts believe only professionals should be able to use these products because they're so dangerous. The letter has been sent from BirdLife Australia to the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) a government agency conducting a review of SGARs. The signatories note that the United States, Canada, and the European Union have all introduced significant restrictions to reduce the risk of unintended harm caused by these products. ADVERTISEMENT Australia is lagging behind, allowing the continued use of SGARs in a way that is putting our wildlife and pets at risk, it warns, dubbing it a crisis that needs immediate intervention. BirdLife Australias Dr Holly Parsons told Yahoo News SGARs have a commercial purpose, however most consumers are genuinely shocked that these baits are sold in supermarkets and hardware stores for home use when they can harm owls, native mammals, and even pets. Theres a perception that because you can buy it on the shelf its safe to use, and if you use it in accordance with the directions theres not going to be a problem. But thats not the case, she said. Related: Bunnings workers struggle to spot deadly product on shelf At this supermarket, it was only after pulling the packet from the shelf that consumers would see clearly it was a second-generation anticoagulant rodenticide. Source: Michael Dahlstrom Do I need to worry about SGARs? SGARs were developed in the 1980s to combat growing resistance by rats to first-generation rodenticides. But these new poisons dont break down quickly in the environment, meaning each time a non-target animal eats a rat or mouse, they will accumulate more poison in their body. ADVERTISEMENT Sometimes the poisons will directly kill animals by making them slowly bleed out. But often they make non-target species so sick they get hit by cars or become unable to hunt. Its long been known that predatory birds like owls and tawny frogmouths frequently succumb to SGARs. Sadly, its unpaid wildlife carers and volunteer vets who are left to mop up the problem when Aussies find sick and dying birds in their yards. In February, new research revealed native mammals like Tasmanian devils and quolls that are already threatened with extinction could be tipped over the edge by these chemicals. Can you tell which of these rat baits sold by Bunnings is more likely to harm wildlife? Source: Michael Dahlstrom Are SGARs harming endangered animals? The signatories to the letter warn the problem is so serious that SGARs will soon be nominated as a Key Threatening Process under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act Commonwealth legislation designed to safeguard endangered species. This would place SGARs alongside other major threats to the survival, abundance, or evolutionary development of native species, with other examples including feral animals, land clearing and chytrid fungus, which has directly caused the extinction of seven frog species in Australia. ADVERTISEMENT This issue is critical, and the urgency cannot be overstated. The ongoing use of SGARs presents a severe and immediate threat to Australias wildlife and pets, the letter says. Parsons told Yahoo the problem is continuing to grow deeper the more we research it and that APVMA needed to act. More and more, were understanding these products are getting out further than we ever expected them to. Many people probably don't realise that their backyard is part of the local environment, and so the impact of what they do inside their home is going to have ramifications for the wildlife around them, she said. Tawny frogmouths can be poisoned after they eat rodents that have eaten SGARs. Source: Lukasz Halbryt What are common SGARs to look out for? In 2023, pressure on Bunnings to stop selling animal glue traps proved effective, with the retailer confirming they would phase them out. These products had been linked to wildlife harm, and in this case Bunnings acted without being forced to by new regulations. ADVERTISEMENT Some campaigners had also hoped the retailer would withdraw SGARs from consumer sale without the need for the government to intervene. These black-shouldered kites are preparing to eat a rodent. They are at risk of being poisoned by SGARs. Source: Jeff Groves This nankeen kestrel and southern boobook are at risk of dying from SGARs. Source: Graham Gall/Ian Wilson Yahoo visited Bunnings and Coles stores and saw SGARs on shelves beside less harmful products. And while this may be confusing for some consumers, the retailers are complying with all current legal guidelines with their displays. Active ingredients in SGARs-based products include brodifacoum, bromadiolone, difethialone, difenacoum, and flocoumafen. An update on their use by the APVMA is expected this year. Birdlife Australias 281 signatories include biodiversity expert Professor Martine Maron, environmental scientist Professor Raylene Cooke, former Queensland chief scientist Professor Hugh Possingham, and molecular scientist Associate Professor Bill Bateman. They are calling for the following seven changes: SGARs to be withdrawn from public sale and their use restricted to licensed professionals. A ban on their use outside of buildings. Promotion of alternatives like electronic traps and non-anticoagulant options. Develop new management strategies that prioritise non-chemical alternatives. Mandate the monitoring of SGAR impacts on wildlife. Establish buffer zones around ecologically sensitive areas. Develop a threat abatement plan to address rodenticide contamination in the environment. How did the retailers respond? Coles was contacted for comment, but it did not immediately respond. Metcash's Independent Hardware Group (IHG), which supplies Mitre 10 stores with products including SGARs, told Yahoo News it "will comply" with any directives legislated by the APVMA. "In the interim, we are working with suppliers to produce educational materials for members and consumers around the use of alternative products," it said in a statement. "While we cannot compel independent Mitre 10 stores to display signage, it will be strongly encouraged. We are also in the process of extending our range of natural, pallet-based throw packs that are non-toxic to birds and other wildlife." Bunnings said it had worked with the APVMA and suppliers to update packaging to "clearly display" on the front when SGARs are present, and introduced QR codes in rodent control aisles so customers can learn more about products. "The rodenticide products we sell are in line with guidance from the Federal regulator, the APVMA, and we will continue to follow its advice in this area. This includes any requirements confirmed by the APVMA when the Anticoagulant Rodenticides Chemical Review is finalised," a spokesperson said. Bunnings added that it was providing "choice" for consumers, and that included both rodenticides and non-poisonous alternatives to help customers achieve the "best solution to their specific rodent problem". Woolworths said its rodenticides are "important" for people who have issues with rats or mice, particularly in rural areas. It also sells them in metropolitan and suburban stores. "We also sell a number of alternative options including ultrasonic repellents, traps and rodenticides without second-generation anticoagulants," it said. "As always, we encourage our customers to follow the instructions outlined on these products, which include clear labels and warnings about safe use, storage and disposal." You can read the full BirdLife Australia letter here. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories. 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 Individuals belonging to majority groups in some parts of the country may find it easier to bring cases of discrimination after the Supreme Court sided with a heterosexual woman in a case about employer discrimination. In a unanimous ruling on Thursday, the justices lowered the bar for people in majority groups (typically considered white, heterosexual, cisgender, and male) to bring claims of discrimination by striking down a background circumstances rule implemented by some lower courts. Under that rule, Marlean Ames, a straight woman from Ohio, was denied the ability to sue her employer for what she alleges was discrimination against her sexual orientation. Ames, who worked at the Ohio Department of Youth Services, said her boss, a gay woman, passed her over for a promotion and instead gave it to another gay woman who was less qualified. She was then demoted and a gay man who was also less qualified was given her position. The justices ultimately sided with her, saying the background circumstances test was not consistent with Title VIIs text or our case law construing the statute. open image in gallery Justices unanimously sided with a straight woman in a case about reverse discrimination ( Reuters ) Courts have previously relied on background circumstances when reviewing discrimination cases as they apply to majority groups. These standards require a person in the majority group to show that their employer is the unusual one that discriminates against members of majority groups. Thursdays ruling means Ames may move forward with her lawsuit. It also reverses lower court rulings that have relied on background circumstances, since it was created in 1981, to determine cases of reverse discrimination. Moving forward, people belonging to majority groups could bring claims of racial discrimination as a result of diversity, equity and inclusion policies something President Donald Trump is determined to dismantle in the administration. open image in gallery Marlean Ames appealed to the Supreme Court after her lawsuit over discrimination was denied ( Reuters ) During oral arguments, justices appeared inclined to side with Ames, agreeing that there was something suspicious about the circumstances of her workplace treatment. Ames, a 20-year employee of the department, was denied a promotion in 2017 after she began working for a lesbian woman. The promotion instead went to another gay woman. After new leadership wanted to restructure the agencys operations, she was demoted and a less qualified gay man was given her original role. Our case law thus makes clear that the standard for proving disparate treatment under Title VII does not vary based on whether or not the plaintiff is a member of a majority group, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson wrote for the unanimous opinion. This case was Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services. 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 Marco Rubios State Department is funneling $250 million from refugee services to pay immigrants to leave the country as Donald Trump bans entry to the United States from more than a dozen nations, The Independent has learned. The money is being moved from the State Departments Migration and Refugee Assistance, which is overseen by the Bureau of Population, Refugee and Migration, with a mission to reduce illegal immigration and aid refugees fleeing persecution, crisis or violence and seek durable solutions for forcibly displaced people, according to its website. But under Rubios radical restructuring of the department, the refugee bureaus mission is now explicitly focused on efforts to return illegal aliens to their country of origin or legal status. At least $250 million from the State Department will support the Department of Homeland Security and Project Homecoming, the Trump administrations plan to provide a free flight home and an exit bonus to encourage and assist illegal aliens to voluntarily depart the United States, a spokesperson told The Independent. Those funds typically are used to provide protection to refugees entering the United States and help pay for their resettlement. Instead, theyll be used to pay for flights and cash incentives to get people to leave. open image in gallery The State Department is pulling $250 million for refugee resettlement, including for Afghan allies who fled the Taliban-ruled country after the United States chaotic withdrawal, to support Trumps self-deportation plan that pays for flights and cash incentives to get people to leave ( AP ) A notice to the Federal Register from Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau on May 7 states that deporting immigrants will bolster the foreign policy interests of the United States. The notice does not mention the funds to DHS. Reuters first reported the money transfer. Last month, the administration announced a program allowing people to self-deport through the CBP Home app. Those immigrants will receive financial and travel assistance including $1,000 paid after their return to their home country has been confirmed through the app. If you are here illegally, self-deportation is the best, safest and most cost-effective way to leave the United States to avoid arrest, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement at the time. Administration officials claim that people who use the app to report their own removal will be provided an opportunity to return to the country legally at another time. But under current law, anyone living in the United States for more than six months without permission cannot return as an immigrant for at least three years. Immigrants who were in the country for more than a year could be blocked from reentering for at least 10 years. Immigrants with a record of deportation also are more likely to face lengthy waiting periods, or outright denials, when applying for visas. Immigration lawyers called it a trap and a deeply misleading and unethical trick. No one should accept this without first obtaining good legal advice from an immigration attorney or other qualified representative, according to an advisory from the American Immigration Lawyers Association. Were gonna pay each one a certain amount of money and get them a beautiful flight back to where they came from, and they have a period of time, and if they make it, were gonna work with them so that maybe someday, with a little work, they can come back in, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office last month. open image in gallery Trumps first so-called Muslim ban on travel to the United States from majority Muslim countries was repeatedly rejected in federal court but narrowly upheld at the Supreme Court ( AFP via Getty Images ) With the funding boost, DHS and implementing partners will assist Project Homecoming participants with obtaining necessary travel documents, arrange a free flight home, and provide an exit bonus upon confirmation through the CBP Home App that return has been completed, a State Department spokesperson told The Independent. Rubios reshuffling of the sprawling State Department reflecting the presidents American First diplomacy and drastic cuts to the federal workforce reduces staff by 18 percent and guts work across 300 bureaus and offices, according to a 100-page memo sent to Congress. The cuts target bureaus like the Office of Global Womens Issues and a division that supports the resettlement of Afghans in the United States. Rubios plan also establishes an Office of Remigration, echoing a term used among far-right and white nationalist groups who support the mass removal of immigrants. The proposed office would serve as a hub for immigration issues and repatriation tracking and interagency coordination for removals/repatriations. That office would also support the voluntary return of migrants to their country of origin or legal status. open image in gallery Afghanistan is among more than a dozen countries targeted in the presidents new travel ban ( AP ) During his campaign, Trump pledged to remove criminal immigrants. But his efforts to ramp up deportations to meet his campaign promises have included summary removals without court hearings, courthouse arrests, and canceling visas and humanitarian protections for tens of thousands of lawfully present immigrants. On Wednesday, the president banned people from a dozen countries from entering the United States entirely, with restrictions placed on entry from several other countries. Refugee and asylum advocates are sounding the alarm against Trumps revival of his so-called Muslim bans from his first term in office, which were repeatedly blocked in federal courts and then rescinded by Joe Biden. Shortly after taking office, the Trump administration froze refugee admissions, blocking people fleeing famine and war from countries like Afghanistan, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Resettlement groups were blindsided. In February, the administration also abruptly announced plans to terminate contracts with refugee resettlement and assistance groups 24 hours after a federal judge ordered the government to restore funding to aid organizations. But last month, the administration opened refugee admissions to a group of white South Africans that the president claims are victims of a genocide. While national security is an important priority, indiscriminate restrictions against entire nationalities should not supersede the merits of an individual visa application, according to Krish OMara Vignarajah, president of Global Refuge, a nonprofit organization that supports refugees entering the United States. We are deeply concerned that this ban could undermine our humanitarian leadership, delay or derail family reunifications, and significantly impact our economy and labor force, she added. Shawn VanDiver, president of Afghan refugee group Afghan Evac, called Trumps reinstatement of the travel ban political theater and a moral disgrace. 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 ordered an investigation into former President Joe Bidens actions as president via a memorandum asking "who ran the United States while President Biden was in office." The memo alleges that Biden and his aides hid his serious cognitive decline during the latter part of his presidency and suggested others had been making important decisions for him. Biden responded by calling the claims ridiculous and false. The Trump administration announced the investigation on Wednesday evening. The investigation will seek to determine if "certain individuals conspired to deceive the public about Bidens mental state and unconstitutionally exercise the authorities and responsibilities of the President." By calling into question who wielded executive power during Bidens presidency, the Trump administration appears to be positioning itself to undermine the legitimacy of his executive actions, including pardons, executive orders, and legislation signed into law. The memo also mandates an investigation into all of Biden's executive actions during his "final years in office, examining policy documents signed with an autopen, who authorized its use, and the validity of the resulting Presidential policy decisions." open image in gallery President Donald Trumps administration announced it has opened an investigation into former President Joe Bidens executive actions, alleging that his aides covered up his serious cognitive decline and insinuating that Biden was not running the country during his time in office ( POOL/AFP via Getty Images ) "In recent months, it has become increasingly apparent that former President Biden's aides abused the power of Presidential signature through the use of an autopen to conceal Biden's cognitive decline and assert Article II authority," the Trump memorandum says. "This conspiracy marks one of the most dangerous and concerning scandals in American history." The memorandum accuses Biden's aides of restricting "his news conferences and media appearances, scripting his conversations with lawmakers, government officials, and donors," and calling into question the actions taken during his time in office. After the announcement, Biden released a statement saying: Let me be clear: I made the decisions during my presidency. I made the decisions about the pardons, executive orders, legislation, and proclamations. Any suggestion that I didnt is ridiculous and false. This is nothing more than a distraction by Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans who are working to push disastrous legislation that would cut essential programs like Medicaid and raise costs on American families, all to pay for tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy and big corporations. White House counsel David Warrington has been tapped to lead the investigation, with Attorney General Pam Bondi consulting. Earlier on Wednesday, Trump foreshadowed the memo in a typically apoplectic Truth Social post. With the exception of the RIGGED PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION OF 2020, THE AUTOPEN IS THE BIGGEST POLITICAL SCANDAL IN AMERICAN HISTORY!!! he wrote on his social media platform. The announcement comes on the heels of a Reuters report that Ed Martin, the Justice Department's pardon attorney, had told staff on June 2 that he had been directed to investigate clemency and pardons that had been granted during the Biden administration, particularly during the final days of his administration. Democrats went on the defense within an hour of the memos release. Congressman Dan Goldman spoke to CNN and called Trumps investigation an attempt by the president to distract the American public from his numerous personal and political controversies. "The idea of focusing on President Biden is a way of distracting from Donald Trump's efforts to completely undermine our democracy, to grift and engage in corruption, and to help out his billionaire buddies by cutting their taxes while taking Medicaid away from the American people, he said Wednesday evening. A recurring focus of the memorandum appears to be Biden's use of an autopen, a device that mechanically replicates a signature. Use of autopens is not uncommon for presidents nor is it illegal. Previous presidents, including Trump, have used the devices. During a press briefing on June 3, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that the Trump administration was not concerned about the use of the autopen, but rather if people other than Biden were using it to sign pardons, bills, or executive orders. "It's whether or not the president of the United States knew it was being used, and if not, who was using it in his name, which is clearly, illegal behavior," she said. open image in gallery Biden with Trump in the Oval Office. The Republican has questioned the legitimacy of many of his predecessors actions ( AFP/Getty ) The implication in the memorandum is that the Trump administration may try to roll back Bidens executive actions if it can establish that Biden was not aware or did not have the capacity to be aware that his signature was being used. Given clear indications that President Biden lacked the capacity to exercise his Presidential authority, if his advisors secretly used the mechanical signature pen to conceal this incapacity, while taking radical executive actions all in his name, that would constitute an unconstitutional wielding of the power of the Presidency, a circumstance that would have implications for the legality and validity of numerous executive actions undertaken in Biden's name, the memorandum says. The House Oversight Committee is also investigating Bidens use of the autopen, according to committee chair James Comer. Committee members have requested interviews with former Biden aides and others who allegedly engaged in the cover-up. There is currently no evidence suggesting that anyone other than Biden used the autopen for his executive actions. Last month, Jake Tapper and Axios journalist Alex Thompson released a book Original Sin that alleges there was an effort by Bidens inner circle to cover-up the former presidents cognitive decline in an effort to present him as a viable candidate for the 2024 presidential election. Tapper, during an interview with Piers Morgan last week, said the scandal may be worse than Watergate. 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. Former White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has also hopped off the Biden train for the chance to write about him instead. The publisher of her upcoming book announced that she has left the Democratic Party and will release a tell-all book about her time in the Biden White House. 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 spoke with Chinas President Xi Jinping on Thursday as trade talks between the two nations continue with little public progress, according to Chinese state media. The two leaders reportedly spoke in the early morning as the U.S. president seeks to convince the American media and voting electorate that his tariff agenda is forcing Americas trading partners to the table. So far, the Trump administration has failed to deliver on its promise of securing dozens of trade deals within the first six months of the presidents term. A White House readout was not immediately available. Trump, for his part, confirmed the news on Truth Social and said that China would roll back export controls on rare earth minerals that went into effect after an escalation of the US-China trade dispute in April. I just concluded a very good phone call with President Xi, of China, discussing some of the intricacies of our recently made, and agreed to, Trade Deal, said Trump. The call lasted approximately one and a half hours, and resulted in a very positive conclusion for both Countries. There should no longer be any questions respecting the complexity of Rare Earth products. President Donald Trump spoke with Chinas leader Xi Xinping on Thursday amid the growing trade war sparked by U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports. ( AFP/POOL/AFP via Getty Images ) In the same message, Trump said that he and Xi extended invitations to visit their respective countries, which were accepted in turn. President Xi graciously invited the First Lady and me to visit China, and I reciprocated. As Presidents of two Great Nations, this is something that we both look forward to doing. Just a day earlier, Trump had swiped at his Chinese counterpart on the platform. I like President XI of China, always have, and always will, but he is VERY TOUGH, AND EXTREMELY HARD TO MAKE A DEAL WITH!!!, Trump wrote. The presidents conversation with Xi comes after it was reported that the White House was desperate to make a breakthrough in the trade talks with Beijing, provoked by those export controls. China controls roughly 90 percent of the worlds production of rare earth minerals, which are critical for industries including automaking and arms production. American and Chinese negotiators struck a 90-day truce on their respective tariff measures in mid-May, a deal which according to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was supposed to halt the planned implementation of export controls on Chinese rare earth minerals. The truce cut down so-called reciprocal tariff rates, which were over 100 percent in both countries, to 10 percent on American imports. Those tariffs stack on top of existing measures including the 10 percent duties levied on all US imports by Trump in a separate motion. China, on Monday, accused the US of violating the same truce with export controls on AI chips. The Commerce Ministry warned that Beijing will continue to take resolute and forceful measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests. Bessent, on CBSs Face the Nation on Sunday, made a prediction that bore out Thursday morning: I am confident that when President Trump and party Chairman Xi have a call, that this will be ironed out. 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 high profile bromance between Donald Trump and Elon Musk finally imploded on Thursday, with the president claiming the worlds richest man had gone CRAZY and threatening to terminate his multi-billion dollar government contracts. Elon was wearing thin, I asked him to leave, I took away his EV Mandate that forced everyone to buy Electric Cars that nobody else wanted (that he knew for months I was going to do!), and he just went CRAZY! the president wrote. The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elons Governmental Subsidies and Contracts. I was always surprised that Biden didnt do it! Over the course of a few hours, two of the worlds most powerful men traded blows from their respective social media platforms Truth Social and X as their partnership came to an abrupt and extremely public end. open image in gallery Elon Musk has claimed that without him Donald Trump would have lost the election, as the relationship between the two men continues to sour ( Getty ) The spat culminated in a bombshell claim from Musk, that the president was in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public, Musk wrote, signing off: Have a good day, DJT! Ten minutes later, he added: Mark this post for the future. The truth will come out. Days after leaving his role as Special Advisor to the Trump administration, as a figurehead of the Department of Government Efficiency, Musk lashed out at the presidents big beautiful bill, calling it pork-filled and an abomination. Trump had previously taken the high road on the issue. Earlier on Thursday, during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the president told reporters he was very disappointed, with his former first buddy. Trump was asked about his former advisers recent comments against the spending bill working its way through Congress. open image in gallery ( X/@elonmusk ) Elon knew the inner workings of this bill better than anyone... and he only developed a problem when he found out I would cut the EV (electric vehicle) mandate... And it really is unfair, he replied. Trump also claimed that during the presidential election he could have won the crucial battleground state of Pennsylvania without Musks help. Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate, Musk shot back on X minutes later. Such ingratitude, he added in a separate post. open image in gallery ( @realDonaldTrump/ Truth Social ) open image in gallery ( @realDonaldTrump/ Truth Social ) The broadsides continued throughout Thursday, with Musk resharing a post calling Trumps tariffs super stupid, then adding in his own prediction that, The Trump tariffs will cause a recession in the second half of this year. For its part, the White House took a more diplomatic tone through official channels. This is an unfortunate episode from Elon, who is unhappy with the One Big Beautiful Bill because it does not include the policies he wanted, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. The President is focused on passing this historic piece of legislation and making our country great again. The barbs came after Musks departure as a special adviser to the government, where he served as the de facto head of the Department of Government Efficiency. Since leaving the role late last month he has continued to criticize Trump's "big, beautiful bill" as a "disgusting abomination. Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong, he wrote on X. From there Musk continued to ramp up his attacks on the legislation, using the poster from Quentin Tarantinos bloody classic Kill Bill to urge his immense following to voice their displeasure at the proposal. Call your Senator, Call your Congressman, Bankrupting America is NOT ok! KILL the BILL, Musk posted, sharing a picture of the famous film, starring Uma Thurman. The abrupt 180 on his stance and the comments reportedly caught White House advisors off guard and left the president "confused. open image in gallery ( X/@elonmusk ) Later on Thursday, after a bombardment of X posts from Musk, Trump responded again, defending the bill. I dont mind Elon turning against me, but he should have done so months ago, he wrote on Truth Social. This is one of the Greatest Bills ever presented to Congress. Its a Record Cut in Expenses, $1.6 Trillion Dollars, and the Biggest Tax Cut ever given. If this Bill doesnt pass, there will be a 68% Tax Increase, and things far worse than that. I didnt create this mess, Im just here to FIX IT. This puts our Country on a Path of Greatness. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! Musk's opposition stems from the bill's cut to an electric vehicle tax credit, Trump claims, and also has reported roots in Trumps decision to scrap Musk ally Jared Isaacman's NASA nomination. The tech billionaire said that his decision to step back from his work with DOGE was, in part, so that he could refocus his efforts on his EV company. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Musk's opinion didnt change the President's stance on the bill, while Kentucky Senator Rand Paul and other fiscal conservatives have supported Musk's concerns about the bill adding trillions to the national debt. open image in gallery ( X/@elonmusk ) According to Axios, the main reason why Musk came out so forcefully against the measure is that he was frustrated at failing to win favorable treatment in the bill and the administration at large. Elon was butthurt, a source told the outlet. The falling out between two of the worlds most powerful men may still be less surprising than the rapid and intense relationship that preceded it. Way back in 2016, Musk publicly stated that Trump was not fit to run for the nations highest office, telling CNBC at the time: He doesnt seem to have the sort of character that reflects well on the United States. He did, however, join an economic advisory council, alongside Uber CEO Travis Kalanick, the next month following Trumps first election win. open image in gallery Musk's opposition stems from the bill's cut to an electric vehicle tax credit, impacting Tesla customers, and Trump's decision to scrap Jared Isaacman's NASA nomination ( Getty ) But in 2017 Musk tendered his resignation from his positions on presidential advisory board, declaring. Climate change is real. Leaving Paris is not good for America or the world, he wrote on X, then-Twitter, and not yet under his ownership. Five years later, the pair sparred once again after Musks claims that he would purchase the social media platform were written off as bulls*** by Trump. Such a slight was seemingly forgotten in November 2022, when Musk did take control of the platform and reinstated the presidents account. Musk, who previously voiced support for the Democratic party, stayed politically ambivalent until July 2024 and the attempted assassination of Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The tech boss endorsed Trump as a candidate seconds after he was rushed off stage by secret service agents, and it was later reported that he said Musk would commit around $45 million a month to a new pro-Trump super PAC called America PAC. open image in gallery Musk, who previously voiced support for the Democratic party, stayed politically ambivalent until July 2024 and the attempted assassination of Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The tech boss endorsed Trump as a candidate seconds after he was rushed off stage by secret service agent ( AFP/Getty ) He went on to appear at multiple rallies for Trump, both with and without the president, and reportedly sank over $250 million of his own money into supporting Trump and his allies. On November 4, Musk spent the evening with Trump and other MAGA die-hards at the president-elects Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida to watch the vote returns and the sweeping Republican victory. Shortly after, Trump announced that Musk and his former presidential candidate rival Vivek Ramaswamy would lead a new "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE a tongue-in-cheek reference to an internet meme favored by Musk), which will operate as an independent advisory group to cut government spending and streamline bureaucracy. The fight between Trump and Musk may only just be beginning, with the Tesla billionaire teasing he might continue in politics, just not with the GOP. In yet another X post on Thursday afternoon, Musk polled his followers, asking, Is it time to create a new political party in America that actually represents the 80% in the middle? The tech founder also boosted a post arguing Trump should be impeached and replaced by Vice President JD Vance, and said he would decommission SpaceXs Dragon spaceships, a linchpin of the U.S. space program. Former Trump aide Stephen Bannon, a longtime critic of Musk, is urging the administration to go after the SpaceX billionaire with a series of investigations. They should initiate a formal investigation of his immigration status, because I am of the strong belief that he is an illegal alien, and he should be deported from the country immediately, Bannon told The New York Times. Musk worked illegally while on a student visa in the United States in the mid-1990s, according to reporting fromThe Washington Post, though Musk insists he remained and worked legally in the country, first on a student visa then a specialized worker visa. Bannon also called on Trump to investigate Musks alleged drug use and reported attempt to get a Pentagon briefing on top-secret war scenarios for a hypothetical conflict with China. Musk has said the reports about the planned briefing were false and propaganda. If there is a coming Musk versus the GOP war, some in the Republican Party are already throwing in their lot with Trump. "Nobody elected Elon Musk, and a whole lot of people don't even like him, to be honest with you, even on both sides," Representative Jeff Van Drew told Axios. Rep. Troy Nehls of Texas, meanwhile, told reporters, addressing Musk directly, Youve lost your damn mind. 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 meeting between President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz took an awkward turn on Thursday when he suggested that Germans might not view the anniversary of D-Day commemorating the U.S.-led invasion of Europe that was the beginning of the end for the Nazis in a favorable light. Sitting in the Oval Office, Merz and Trump were discussing the death toll from Russias three-year-old war against Ukraine, the bloodiest conflict in Europe since the end of World War II, when the German leader noted that tomorrow marks the 81st anniversary of Operation Overlord, the allied amphibious assault on Adolf Hitlers European stranglehold that began with American, British, Canadian and Free French troops storming the beaches of Normandy. Merz told Trump he wanted to discuss how to bring the current Russo-Ukrainian conflict to an end. I'm here, Mr. President, to talk with you later on on how we could contribute to that goal. And we all are looking for measures and for instruments to bring this terror war to an end. And may I remind you that we are having June 6 tomorrow. This is D-Day anniversary when the Americans once ended a war in Europe, he said. At that point, Trump interjected, seemingly wisecracking to Merz: That was not a pleasant day for you. German Chancellor Frederich Merz seemingly corrected President Donald Trump about the meaning of the Allied victory over the Nazis in WWII to modern-day Germans. ( AP ) The chancellor began to reply that it was not a pleasant day before stopping himself and delivering a bit of a history lesson for his U.S. counterpart. In the long run, Mr. President, this was the liberation of my country from Nazi dictatorship, he corrected. Merz continued by stating that Germans know what they owe to America for liberating their country from the Nazis, telling Trump that the U.S. is again in a very strong position to help end Russias war by throwing steadfast support to Ukraines defensive efforts. We know what we owe you, but this is the reason why I'm saying that America is again, in a very strong position to do something on this war and ending this war. So let's talk about what we can do jointly, and we are ready to do what we can, he said. The bizarre moment was not even the first example of questionable historical references to the Nazi and post-Hitler era from Trump, who also attempted to crack a joke about Merzs efforts to push past decades of German pacifism to help bolster Ukraines defense and jump-start his countrys own arms industry. Asked whether Germany is doing enough to meet their commitments to NATO by spending a set percentage of GDP on defense needs, Trump replied that he knows Germany is now spending more money on defense now and quite a bit more money and called the development a positive thing before waxing on about the late American Gen. Douglas MacArthurs views of Germany in the wake of two world wars. I'm not sure that General MacArthur would have said it's positive, you know, he wouldn't like it, but I sort of think it's good, Trump said. He made a statement, never let Germany rearm. And I said, I always think about that. When he says, Sir, we're spending more money on defense, I say, Oh, is that a good thing or a bad thing? I think it's a good thing. But you know, at least to a certain point, there'll be a point where say, Please don't arm anymore. If you don't mind. The president then, perhaps jokingly, suggested that the U.S. would be watching Germanys re-armament efforts with skepticism. In what appeared to be a reversal from his first-term position, the American leader told reporters that the U.S. would be keeping the tens of thousands of troops based in Germany in that country, the site of some of Americas largest European bases. Asked whether the U.S. would continue to base troops in Merzs country, he replied: The answer is yes. We'll talk about that. But if they'd like to have them there, yeah, he said. We have a lot of them, about 45,000 it's a lot of troops. It's a city, Trump continued, adding that their presence is good for Germanys economy because theyre highly paid and spend a lot of money there. \ 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 Elon Musk has claimed that Donald Trump is in the Epstein files and thats the real reason they have not been released as the tech mogul launched several public attacks against the president. Time to drop the really big bomb, Musk posted on X. @realDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public. Have a nice day, DJT! He followed up shortly after: Mark this post for the future. The truth will come out. Musk also shared NBC footage of Trump and Epstein at a party together in 1992, simply captioned with a raised eyebrow emoji. The president and the billionaire traded blows on social media in a very public breakdown of their relationship. The barbs came after Musks departure as a special advisor to the government, and his brief time running the Department of Government Efficiency. The Independent has contacted the White House for comment. Elon was wearing thin, I asked him to leave, I took away his EV Mandate that forced everyone to buy Electric Cars that nobody else wanted (that he knew for months I was going to do!), and he just went CRAZY! the president wrote before Musk dropped the claim about the Epstein files. open image in gallery The president and the billionaire traded blows on social media in a very public breakdown of their relationship. Musk stated that Trumps name appears in the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. ( AFP/Getty ) The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elons Governmental Subsidies and Contracts. I was always surprised that Biden didnt do it! Days after leaving his role as Special Advisor to the Trump administration, as figurehead of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, Musk lashed out at the presidents big beautiful bill, calling it pork-filled and an abomination. Trump had previously taken the high road on the issue. Earlier on Thursday, during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the president told reporters he was very disappointed with his former first buddy. Trump was asked about his former advisors recent comments against the spending bill working its way through Congress. Trump also claimed that during the presidential election he could have won the crucial battleground state of Pennsylvania without Musks help. Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate, Musk shot back on X. Such ingratitude, he added in a separate post. open image in gallery Musk made the bombshell claim in a post on X. ( X/@elonmusk ) The delay in releasing the Epstein files has infuriated MAGA. Attorney General Pam Bondi released the first phase of declassified files on February 27 related to the late sex offender. She invited MAGA online personalities to the White House to see the files for themselves, but the binders contained information that had already been released to the public. At a briefing last month, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt was asked when the bulk of the files would be released. She said she didnt have a specific timeline. In January 2024, Trump posted on Truth Social that he was never on Epsteins Plane, or at his stupid island. Trump previously said he had known Epstein for 15 years and called him in terrific guy in 2002, before allegations about the financier surfaced. The president was previously named in court filings in a lawsuit brought by the late Virginia Giuffre, who took her own life earlier this year, against Ghislane Maxwell. There were no accusations of wrongdoing against Trump. Other mentions of Trump in the documents did not accuse him of any illegality, but claimed he and Epstein were on good terms. Epstein, who had a number of high-profile friends and acquaintances including Trump, former president Bill Clinton, and celebrities like Prince Andrew died in a New York jail in 2019 where he was being held on sex trafficking charges. He had previously been jailed after pleading guilty in Florida to procuring a girl below the age of 18 for prostitution. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice President Donald Trump is considering the Florida Atlantic University (FAU) campus in Boca Raton as the site for his forthcoming presidential library, according to a new report. The president and his advisers have chosen the site due to its proximity to his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, and negotiations between Trumps lawyers and the FAU over a 100-year lease at no cost are said to be currently ongoing, The Wall Street Journal reports. Trumps team is meanwhile planning a campaign to raise hundreds of millions of dollars for the projects construction. open image in gallery Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida ( Getty ) Eric Trump, his wife Lara Trump, and the presidents son-in-law, Michael Boulos, married to Tiffany Trump, are reportedly leading the cash drive and have already established a non-profit to support the library. Tens of millions of dollars in leftover inauguration funds, as well as more than $37 million recouped from lawsuits involving ABC News and Meta Platforms, will be allocated towards bankrolling the project, the Journal reports. Private donations from wealthy individuals and businesses are also likely to play a significant role. The newspaper adds that Trump is hoping to install the controversial $400m luxury jet he was gifted by Qatar at the site as a tourist attraction once its years of service are over, taking inspiration from the housing of Ronald Reagans decommissioned Air Force One at the Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California. He redefined the presidency, so there is no question in my mind he will redefine the post-presidency, including what a modern presidential library looks like, said historian Mark Updegrove, chief executive of the LBJ Foundation, looking ahead to Trumps library. The president could have pressed ahead with the construction of a library honoring his legacy at the conclusion of his first term in 2021, but decided against it after concluding it would signal the end of his political ambitions. open image in gallery FAU's Kenneth R Williams Administration Building ( Getty ) At the time, Trump was dreaming of mounting the spectacular comeback that few believed possible in the aftermath of the Capitol riot, but which duly came to pass. Now, he is turning his attention towards building a MAGA Mecca to cement his legacy, which will host events and house memorabilia from his time in the White House, as well as official documents from his tenure pending negotiations with the National Archives and Records Administration. The first American presidential library was opened by Franklin D Roosevelt in 1939, and there are currently 16, with Barack Obamas in Chicago due to open to the public next year. Plans have yet to be announced for one honoring Trumps predecessor, Joe Biden, who is currently battling late-stage prostate cancer. 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 Among the 19 countries President Donald Trump has issued a travel ban on is the Republic of the Congo, which, until now, the president has not singled out as a particular issue. Trump has accused the Congo the informal name for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a much larger country located next to the Republic of the Congo of releasing prisoners into the United States. Many, many people come from the Congo, Trump said during a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni last month. I dont know what that is, but they came from the Congo. The DRC has firmly denied those allegations. Yet, the White House placed the Republic of the Congo, not the Democratic Republic of the Congo, on its restrictive travel ban list saying Republic of the Congo visa holders overstay by a rate, on average, of 29 percent. open image in gallery President Donald Trump has often blamed the Congo separate from the Republic of the Congo for allowing prisoners into the U.S. ( AFP via Getty Images ) One reason the DRC may have been excluded from the travel ban is because the country is trying to work out a mineral deal with the U.S. That deal could be finalized by the end of the month, according to the Financial Times. The Independent has asked the White House for further comment. Reviving the policy from his first administration, Trump announced full restrictions, for both immigrants and nonimmigrants, on Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Partial restrictions are also in place for Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. The Republic of the Congo has not publicly commented on the travel ban as of the publication of this story. But, the African Union Commission, the executive arm of the African Union, encouraged the U.S. to reconsider the full or partial ban on nine of its countries. open image in gallery Trump greeted Denis Sassou-Nguesso, the president of the Republic of the Congo, at the Notre-Dame reopening in November ( Getty Images for Notre-Dame de P ) The commission said it remains concerned about the potential negative impact of such measures on people-to-people ties, educational exchange, commercial engagement, and the broader diplomatic relations that have been carefully nurtured over decades. While recognising the sovereign right of all nations to protect their borders and ensure the security of their citizens, the African Union Commission respectfully appeals to the United States to exercise this right in a manner that is balanced, evidence-based, and reflective of the long-standing partnership between the United States and Africa, the commission said in a statement. So far, Venezuela has been the first country to verbally challenge Trumps travel ban policy. Diosdado Cabello, the minister of the interior, justice, and peace, hit back at Trump shortly after the partial travel ban was announced, saying people should not travel to the U.S. anyway. Being in the United States is a great risk for anyone, not just for Venezuelans, Cabello said, according to translation. Cabello said those who govern the U.S. are fascist and persecute our people for no reason. Dahir Hassan Abdi, the Somali ambassador to the U.S., urged the U.S. to engage in a conversation with the Somali government instead. Somalia values its longstanding relationship with the United States and stands ready to engage in dialogue to address the concerns raised, Hassan said in a statement. Since the president began implementing strict immigration policies, other countries have also issued warnings about traveling to the U.S, including Germany, the U.K., Canada, France, Finland, and Denmark. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Democrats claim the travel ban announced by President Donald Trump is a way to distract people from his spending bill that will steal from regular Americans. Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut said it was not a coincidence that Trump announced the travel ban Thursday as his spending bill is currently being debated in the Senate and accused him of trying to distract us from the core story. The president also announced an investigation into former President Joe Bidens actions while in office. The Congressional Budget Office, the nonpartisan body in Congress that scores how much legislation costs, estimated that extending the tax cuts in the bill would raise the national debt by $3.8 trillion. Murphy said the presidents massive domestic legislation bill, which includes extending Trumps 2017 tax cuts, beefed up spending at the U.S.Mexico border and major changes to the social safety net, would be the toughest on the poorest Americans. The actual agenda here is to steal from regular Americans in order to pad the pockets of the rich, Murphy said Thursday on MSNBCs The Briefing with Jen Psaki. open image in gallery Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut said the presidents massive domestic legislation bill, would be the toughest on the poorest Americans and Trump was trying to distract us from the core story. ( Reuters ) Nobody wants that. Its super unpopular. So how do you get that done? You distract people by making them think that theyre at war with other Americans, Murphy explained. It is chiefly in service of trying to get us all talking about that or talking about the Biden investigation they launched today instead of talking about the centerpiece of the story, which is this bill to make the rich even richer at the expense of everybody else. The sentiment was backed by Congressman Jesus Chuy Garcia of Illinois. This travel ban won't make America safer or greater instead it will isolate us and make people believe they have something to fear, Garcia reacted in a post on X. It's a distraction from the corruption of the Trump Administration. Actor Wendell Pierce, who spoke at last years Democratic National Convention, agreed. Trumps travel ban is a distraction from the $2.4 trillion deficit his tax bill adds to the budget, he wrote in a post on X. The 93% benefits to the 1% comes at a cost. Cutting Medicare, SNAP, and other benefits to the poor. The billionaire class are reaping the benefits of Trumps criminal enterprise. open image in gallery Trump announced the travel ban after hosting a summer soiree with White House staffers. Democrats said that Trumps travel ban was reminiscent of the deeply controversial Muslim travel ban he introduced during his first term. ( EPA ) Dem strategist Sawyer Hackett, who worked for Obama, added: A travel ban and investigation of Trumps predecessor in one night? Someones clearly trying to distract from his signature legislation tanking. Trump unveiled the new policy Thursday night. Travel will be fully restricted from 12 nations from 9 June: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. Partial restrictions will apply to seven others: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela. Other Democrats said Trumps travel ban was reminiscent of the deeply controversial Muslim travel ban he introduced during his first term. Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar slammed the discriminatory policy as beyond shameful on social media, while Senator Adam Schiff said: Bigotry is not a national security strategy. Some major city councils are calling for tougher fines as dog attacks increase and officials say there is a growing perception of poor owner behaviour. Major city councils are calling on the state government to implement much tougher pet laws, including higher fines and stronger enforcement powers, amid a rise in irresponsible owner behaviour and attacks from dogs. Over the last 20 years, NSW has reported a sharp rise in dog attacks, from 900 in 2004 to an incredible 5,000 last year. Randwick City Council, in Sydney's east, said pet owners have also dropped the ball, with reports that many had stopped picking up after their dogs, while failing to monitor them adequately at off-leash parks, particularly around children and wildlife. In response, as part of the state government's review into the Companion Animals Act 1998, Randwick has asked the NSW government for higher fines and stronger penalties. "Randwick City Council is calling for tougher pet laws, stronger enforcement powers and better education," it stated in a council meeting in late May. Waverly Council, which covers Bondi, is calling for tougher pet penalties for rule breakers. Source: Getty Councils push for tougher fines, more power in enforcing pet laws The submission, endorsed by councillors, also recommends mandatory cat containment, more public education on responsible pet ownership, and expanded powers for councils to act on dangerous dogs and nuisance animals. ADVERTISEMENT Roaming domestic cats can have a devastating impact on native wildlife, hunting and killing birds, reptiles, and small mammals, even when theyre well-fed at home. In NSW, dog owners can be fined up to $330 for walking their pet off-leash in areas where it's not permitted, and $275 for failing to clean up after their dog. While councils enforce these fines, they do not set them independently the amounts are dictated by state legislation. Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker said the law currently states that a dog that attacks another dog attracts the same fine as when it attacks a child. "Clearly, that's not right," he told 9News. "Everyone loves their dog until something goes wrong, and that's why we want to make sure we get the rules right for the 21st century." Adjacent council Waverley is also joining the campaign, reportedly calling on pet owners who break the rules to attend training courses. "We encourage responsible pet ownership to ensure safety and that everyone, including our four-legged companions, can enjoy our parks and community," it said. ADVERTISEMENT Yahoo News Australia has contacted Randwick and Waverley councils for comment. With an estimated 4.7 million cats and dogs in NSW alone, responsible pet ownership is crucial to minimising their impact on local ecosystems, public spaces, and community safety, both councils say. Pet ownership nationally experienced a significant surge during and directly after the Covid-19 pandemic, driven by lockdowns, remote work, and a collective search for companionship. Figures suggest households with pets rose from 61 per cent to 69 per cent. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. 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 once accused Ukraines Volodymyr Zelensky of lacking cards to play in his countrys years-long fight against Russia, but now hes paying far more attention to what might be in Zelenskys hands. In the wake of Ukraines brazen, and successful, attack on multiple Russian air bases over the weekend, Trump was reportedly left marveling at the ingenuity and sheer chutzpah of Kyivs counteroffensive using dozens of armed drones launched from trucks traveling deep inside Russia, swarming over military airfields across the country and raining down onto nuclear-capable long-range bombers. According to Axios, Trump has privately described it as strong and badass. One of the presidents advisers likened the audacious move to a chihuahua inflicting some real damage on a much bigger dog." Dubbed Operation Spiderweb, by Ukrainian authorities, was carried out by the SBU, the secret service of Ukraine, and destroyed more than 40 such planes, a significant portion of Moscows strategic bombing capability. Despite throwing him out of the White House earlier this year, President Donald Trump was reportedly excited by Ukraine leader Volodymyr Zelenskys sneak drone attack on Russian nuclear bombers. ( Getty ) Ukraine has claimed the attack a homegrown operation in which drones were concealed in false compartments within lorry roofs, smuggled into Russia, then launched en masse simultaneously many thousands of miles apart and many thousands of miles behind enemy lines destroyed 41 Russian aircraft, causing $7 billion worth of damage to long-range bombers that carried the cruise missiles Putin has been using against Ukraine. The presidents laudatory characterization of the Ukrainian attack on the Russian bombers tracks previous reporting by The Independent on Trumps uncharacteristic silence in the days between the drone strikes and his call with Putin. People close to him have suggested that worldview, forged in the days of Cold War-era nuclear tensions between the U.S. and the U.S.S.R., has long led Trump to Russia as a strong country and Putin as a strong leader a winner, in his own parlance. But the success of last weekends Ukrainian attacks may have for now positively influenced his opinion of Zelensky. Put simply, its because Ukraines success makes Moscow look less like a winner and more like the thing Trump hates above all else: a loser. Still, Trump remains concerned about the long-term prospects for his push to get Kyiv and Moscow to hammer out a ceasefire agreement, something he promised to accomplish on day one of his presidency during last years campaign. One source who spoke directly with the president told Axios that he has concerns about the chance that Putin will go crazy in response. And a U.S. official said the disabling of part of Moscows nuclear-capable bomber fleet has pushed things to a very dangerous point and has Trump worried that such attacks will prolong the fighting. He wants the fighting to stop, so it disappoints him whenever there is an attack like that," they 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 Erin Patterson, the 50-year-old Australian woman accused of killing her relatives with death cap mushrooms, told the court on Thursday that she did not knowingly dehydrate deadly death cap mushrooms or attempt to destroy evidence following the fatal lunch she served to her former in-laws. Ms Patterson is charged with deliberately serving death cap mushrooms to her estranged husbands parents Don and Gail Patterson, Gails sister, Heather Wilkinson, and Heathers husband Ian during a lunch at her home in Leongatha, Victoria. Ian Wilkinson was the only guest to survive after spending days in hospital. Ms Patterson has pleaded not guilty to murder. During Thursdays trial proceedings, Ms Patterson was shown a photograph of a food dehydrator found at a rubbish tip, which she acknowledged was likely hers. The court heard that fingerprint analysis confirmed her prints were on the device. Earlier, she told the court that she disposed of the food dehydrator after learning her lunch might have fatally poisoned her former in-laws. I was scared that they would blame me for it, for making everyone sick. And I was scared they would remove the children, she said on Wednesday, referring to child welfare department workers. She had disposed of the dehydrator, she said, because she thought there might be evidence of foraged mushrooms in there. On Thursday, the prosecution showed her the picture of the food dehydrator and asked her if it was hers. She said: Unless somebody else put in a dehydrator as well as me, I presume this is the one I put in. The chief prosecutor, Nanette Rogers SC suggested to Ms Patterson that she had been keen to dispose of the dehydrator because it had been used to dry death cap mushrooms. No, I didnt know theyd been in it, she replied. She had earlier testified that she became interested in wild mushroom foraging during the Covid lockdown. Ms Patterson maintained that she did not know the mushrooms were toxic. open image in gallery File. Crown prosecutor Nanette Rogers SC, right, with Detective Senior Constable Stephen Eppingstall, arriving for the trial ( AFP/Getty ) She also denied that a photo of sliced mushrooms on a dehydrator tray was death cap mushrooms she had picked. Shown a series of images retrieved from a Samsung tablets Google Photos cache, Ms Patterson said they were likely taken by her but added that I only phrase it that way [because] I dont have a specific memory of taking the photo. The crown prosecutor, Dr Rogers, pointed to expert testimony from mycologist Dr Tom May, who said one image was consistent with Amanita Phalloides (death cap mushrooms). Dr Rogers claimed the photo, last modified on 4 May 2023, showed mushrooms Ms Patterson collected in Loch after spotting them on the iNaturalist app. That is not correct, Ms Patterson replied. open image in gallery A Leongatha sign at the entrance of the township in Leongatha, 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 ) When Rogers suggested she was weighing the mushrooms to calculate the lethal dose, Ms Patterson responded: Disagree. On Tuesday, she had told the court she had added dried mushrooms from her pantry to the beef wellington that she served her in-laws, which might have included foraged wild mushrooms. I tasted it a few times and it seemed bland to me, so I decided to put the dried mushrooms in the pantry, she said earlier. At the time, I believed it was just the mushrooms I got from the grocer in Melbourne. Now I think there was the possibility there were foraged ones in there as well. open image in gallery A memorial plaque on the grave site for Don and Gail Patterson at the Korumburra General Cemetery as the Erin Patterson trial continues on 13 May 2025 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 ) Prosecutors allege Ms Patterson fabricated a cancer diagnosis to lure her four lunch guests to her home for the lunch. Messages she sent to her in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson, suggested she had undergone tests for a lump and hinted at serious news she would share in person. However, police reviewed her 2023 medical records and found no evidence of an MRI, biopsy, or cancer diagnosis. She told the court earlier: I had come to the conclusion that I wanted to do something, for once and for all about my weight and my poor eating habits. So I was planning to have gastric bypass surgery and so I remember thinking I didnt want to tell anybody what I was going to have done, she said. open image in gallery ( AAP ) I was really embarrassed about it, so I thought perhaps letting them believe I had some serious issue that needed treatment might mean theyd be able to help me with the logistics around the kids and I wouldnt have to tell them the real reason. On Thursday, Dr Rogers told the accused: I suggest that you never thought you would have to account for this lie of having cancer, because you thought that the lunch guests would die and your lie would never be found out. Ms Patterson replied: Thats not true. The trial continues. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A senior aide to New Zealand prime minister Christopher Luxon has resigned after being accused of secretly recording sex workers and taking non-consensual photos and videos of women. The allegations against Michael Forbes surfaced when a sex worker discovered his phone was recording audio while he was in the shower, NZs Stuff reported earlier this week. Mr Luxons deputy chief press secretary has since offered his sincerest apologies to the women I have harmed. PM Luxon called the revelations a shock and said that Mr Forbes behaviour was unacceptably short of the standards that I expect from our people. My sympathy is with the women who raised these allegations and were made to feel unsafe due to the actions of this person, Mr Luxon said on Thursday. According to Stuff, Mr Forbes encounter with the sex worker took place in July 2024. After being confronted about the secret audio recording, he reportedly handed over his phone password. The woman, along with other sex workers from that brothel, discovered numerous audio recordings of similar sessions, along with photos and videos on the device. At the time, Mr Forbes was serving as press secretary to social development minister Louise Upston. He was appointed acting deputy chief press secretary to the prime minister in February this year. Police reportedly looked into the allegations in July last year but ultimately chose not to pursue charges. Mr Luxon said: We had no awareness, no knowledge of it. The concerns were raised with us by a journalist at four o'clock on Tuesday, he said. The prime minister said that the police investigation was not disclosed to Mr Forbes employer under the no surprises convention, nor did Mr Forbes disclose the allegations himself. He was vetted coming into Louise Upstons office. As I understand it, the incidents happened subsequent to that, he said. He has an obligation to actually declare those issues or those incidences to us. That didnt happen, which is why his employment would have been terminated. In a statement to RNZ on Thursday, detective inspector John Van Den Heuvel from Wellington police said that on examining the phones, police also found a number of photos and video of women in public spaces, and what appears to be women in private addresses, taken from a distance away. Police considered the available evidence and concluded it did not meet the requirements for criminality, and therefore charges could not be filed. The individual concerned voluntarily spoke with police and admitted to taking the images and recordings. He was reminded of the inappropriateness of his behaviour and encouraged to seek help. Meanwhile, the prime minister said: When you have an incident like this, it actually creates a whole bunch of new questions. He added: They need to do a deep dive on understanding how and what happened here and why. And importantly, then look at what we need to do to strengthen our processes. In a statement, Mr Forbes said on Wednesday: In the past, I was in a downward spiral due to unresolved trauma and stress, and when confronted with the impacts of my behaviour a year ago, I sought professional help, which is something I wish I had done much earlier. He said: What I failed to do then was make a genuine attempt to apologise. Instead, I tried to move on without offering those I had harmed the acknowledgement, accountability, or amends they deserved. I recognise how wrong that was. I understand that my past actions may have undermined the trust people place in me. So, I have resigned from my job to focus on the work I need to do. The office of Mr Forbes former boss Mr Upston said in a statement: The minister was not aware of any allegations before they were raised with PMO yesterday. Minister Upston has nothing further to add to the PMs statement on this. 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 housemates of missing Australian teenager Pheobe Bishop have been charged with murder three weeks after she disappeared. James Wood, 34, and Tanika Bromley, 33, were charged on Thursday with one count each of murder and two counts each of interfering with a corpse, Queensland Police said. Ms Bishop, 17, was last seen on her way to Bundaberg airport in Queensland on 15 May. Police believe she was supposed to board a flight at 8.30am to Brisbane and then onto Perth to meet with her boyfriend, but CCTV footage showed she did not enter the terminal at the airport. In a statement, Queensland Police said that her body had not yet been located. Wood and Bromley were arrested on Thursday night in the Bundaberg area. They will appear at Bundaberg Magistrates Court on Friday. open image in gallery 17-year-old Phoebe Bishop (L) has been missing since 15 May 2025 ( 9 News Queensland / YouTube ) Ms Bishop was last seen on the morning of 15 May when she was being driven to the Bundaberg airport by her housemates. Footage shared online showed a grey Hyundai ix35 driving along the backstreet of Gin Gin. The car model was allegedly the same as the one Ms Bishop was travelling in on the day of her disappearance, according to the police. The video was reportedly from two hours after Ms Bishop was dropped to the Bundaberg airport for her flight to Brisbane. Police have conducted several inquiries during their investigations, including multiple searches of Good Night Scrub National Park, forensic examinations of a Gin Gin property and vehicle. Detectives continue to investigate this matter, and physical searches will continue as needed as information is provided, a statement from Queensland Police said. Wood was initially arrested on Wednesday 4 June before being released without charge. Ms Bishops mother previously prayed for her daughters safe return. Im praying that the lights of Gin Gin and the world guide you back to me, guide you back to us, guide you back to your siblings and our family, she wrote. Our lives and existence is nothing without you in our lives. We just need to know where you are and if your safe. 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 rapid and intense bromance between two of the worlds most powerful men Donald Trump and Elon Musk grew fast during the election season. It came to a crashing halt less than six months after Trumps return to the White House. Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate, Musk wrote on X in the tweet that seemingly killed the friendship. Musk was once Trumps critic and became his friend as the Tesla head pushed further right in his political leanings. It hit its apex after the assassination attempt on Trump in July. Musk then joined Trump on the campaign and quickly dubbed himself first buddy. That led to Musk becoming the head of the Department of Government Efficiency, which was tasked with slashing the federal budget. The relationship turned sour as the two disagreed over Trumps spending bill. Musk left the White House and the two remained friendly, at least in public. That changed as Musk posted criticism of the bill online and culminating with the meltdown on social media between the two. Elon was wearing thin, I asked him to leave, I took away his EV Mandate that forced everyone to buy Electric Cars that nobody else wanted (that he knew for months I was going to do!), and he just went CRAZY! the president wrote on TruthSocial. Here is a look at their history together: open image in gallery Elon Musk and Donald Trump grew close during the campaign season. That came to a crashing halt as the dispute over the spending bill exploded. ( AP ) November 2016 In 2016, Musk was not the biggest fan of his future bestie, stating publicly that Trump was not fit to run for the nations highest office. "I feel a bit stronger that he is not the right guy. He doesnt seem to have the sort of character that reflects well on the United States," the billionaire told CNBC at the time. His skepticism did not appear to last long however, after he was appointed by Trump to an economic advisory council, alongside Uber CEO Travis Kalanick, the next month following Trumps first election win. June 2017 The pairs first professional relationship did not end well. After Trumps announcement that the U.S. would be withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement, Musk tendered his resignation from his positions on the presidential advisory boards. Am departing presidential councils. Climate change is real. Leaving Paris is not good for America or the world, Musk wrote on X, then-Twitter, and not yet under his ownership. January 2022 Five years later, it was Trump who rekindled the relationship after describing Musk as one of the worlds great geniuses and likening him to Thomas Edison. open image in gallery Trump once described Musk as one of the worlds great geniuses and likened him to Thomas Edison ( Getty ) The President-elect told CNBC that the SpaceX boss was one of our very smart people. Foreshadowing the present, Trump went on to say that Musk was not only good at electric cars, but he does good at rockets, too, by the way. I never saw where the engines come down with no wings, no anything, and theyre landing, he said. July 2022 That complimentary attitude was short lived, as just six months later Trump referred to Musk as another bulls*** artist. Speaking about free speech at a rally in Anchorage, Alaska, Trump mused over Musks vow that he would buy the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, while promoting his own the soon-to-be-infamous Truth Social. Elon is not going to buy Twitter he said the other day Oh, Ive never voted for a Republican. I said I didnt know that. He told me he voted for me. So hes another bulls*** artist. Musk replied to a clip of the rally: I dont hate the man, but its time for Trump to hang up his hat & sail into the sunset. In another social media post he claimed that Musk would have dropped to his knees and begged if he had asked. Lmaooo [laughing my *** off], Musk responded. November 2022 open image in gallery Musk was once described by Trump as another bulls*** artist as the twos relationship has been all over the map ( AP ) Musks claims were ultimately not, as Trump claimed, bulls*** and Musk officially completed the acquisition of the platform in October 2022. It seemed as though the July remarks were forgiven or forgotten however, after Musk reinstated Trumps account, reversing a ban that had kept Trump off the platform since the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on January 6. Musk made the announcement after holding a poll that asked Twitter users to click "yes" or "no" on whether Trumps account should be reinstated. The "yes" vote won, with 51.8 percent. The people have spoken. Trump will be reinstated. Vox Populi, Vox Dei, he wrote. September 2023 Musk seemingly began to align more with Trump policies, including those on immigration, posting in favor of a U.S. border wall with Mexico one of the President-elects most championed policies. We actually do need a wall and we need to require people to have some shred of evidence to claim asylum to enter, as everyone is doing that... Musk wrote. open image in gallery Musk swung his support behind Trump following the attempted assassination of the President-elect at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania in July ( AP ) March 2024 Despite moving toward Trump, the billionaire tech boss was still publicly ambivalent in backing either party, announcing on X that he would not donate to a candidate in the presidential election. July 2024 That attitude changed quickly following the attempted assassination of Trump at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Musk endorsed Trump as a candidate seconds after he was rushed off stage by secret service agents, and it was later reported that he said Musk would commit around $45 million a month to a new pro-Trump super PAC called America PAC. August 2024 Musk hosted Trump on X for a "conversation" that turned into a marathon ramble reminiscent of the president-elects campaign rallies. During the chat he suggested that Trump should form a commission focused on "government efficiency" and appoint him to it. Later that month he posted "I am willing to serve. October 2024 Musk made his first public appearance with Trump after the former president returned to Butler. Bouncing onto the stage excitedly and wearing a black "Make America Great Again" cap, he told crowds: "As you can see, Im not just MAGA Im dark MAGA." open image in gallery Musk jumps on the stage as Trump speaks at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania ( AP ) The billionaire later announced that he would give away $1 million a day to voters in swing states who have signed a petition from his America PAC to support free speech and the right to bear arms. November 2024 Musk spent the evening with Trump and other MAGA die-hards at the president-elects Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida to watch the vote returns and the sweeping Republican victory. Shortly after, Trump announced that Musk and his former presidential candidate rival Vivek Ramaswamy would lead a new "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE a tongue-in-cheek reference to an internet meme favored by Musk), which will operate as an independent advisory group to cut government spending and streamline bureaucracy. Later that month Trump traveled to Texas to witness SpaceXs Starship launch alongside Musk who now refers to himself as First Buddy with reports also emerging that the pair spend almost every day together. Musk is also reported to have sat in on and even held talks with foreign leaders. December 2024 open image in gallery In November, Trump traveled to Texas to witness SpaceXs Starship launch alongside Musk ( AP ) The dynamic duo teamed up for a coordinated but ultimately unsuccessful effort to tank a stopgap government spending bill from passing in Congress, leaving both Democrats and even Republicans exhausted with the growing political influence of the worlds wealthiest person. Resulting concerns and descriptions of the Tesla boss as president Musk eventually led Trump to address their relationship dynamic head-on. No, hes not taking the presidency, Trump declared in a speech. Thats not happening. However, the pair still appear to be somewhat inseparable. A report from The New York Times revealed that Musk spent much of the last two months since the election renting a $2,000-per-night cottage on the grounds of the president-elects Florida residence which is located just several hundred feet from the main house. But all may not be roses for long, with sources telling Mediate just before the New Year that Trump is now becoming annoyed with his first buddy following Musks public spat with other members of the MAGA hardcore over H1B visas. 100 percent Trump is annoyed, a source who worked on Trumps re-election campaign told the outlet. Theres a Chinese saying: two tigers cannot live on one mountaintop. Early 2025 Soon after Trump was elected, he announced Musk and former Republican presidential contender Vivek Ramaswamy would co-head a new Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE for short, with the goal of slashing government spending. Ramaswamy later backed out to run for governor of Ohio in 2026, and Musk took the reigns, but was not able to accomplish nearly as much as he promised. open image in gallery Musk took the reigns for DOGE earlier this year, but didnt cut nearly as much government spending as he set out to. ( Getty ) Musk claimed to have saved the government $175 billion a far cry from his initial target of $2 trillion and his revised goal of $1 trillion. His cutthroat workforce reduction efforts totaled in more than 100,000 layoffs, though the Trump administration is facing legal challenges related to the cuts. As Musk forged forward, members of Trumps cabinet were growing tired of his meddling. Reports also emerged that the tech billionaire and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent got into an explosive West Wing brawl within earshot of President Donald Trump in the Oval Office earlier this year. April 2025 Musk bid the White House farewell to his government work during an April 30 Cabinet meeting, saying it was an honor to work with your incredible Cabinet. Though he wouldnt leave full time until May. At the time, Musk said DOGE was able to run on its own and he was looking to spend less time in Washington, in order to focus on his companies. May 2025 Musk and Trump seemed to sailing on smooth waters even as the two held a press conference on May 30 to mark Musks departure from the White House. However, things became rocky when Musk voiced criticism of Trumps tax and domestic policy bill, which he has nicknamed the Big, Beautiful Bill. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO first criticized the bill during a CBS News interview, and later doubled down on his critiques on his social media platform, X. open image in gallery Musk and Trumps relationship hit rocky waters once the tech mogul criticized Trumps Big Beautiful Bill. ( Getty ) June 2025 Musk stood by complaints about the bill, writing on X on June 3, "Im sorry, but I just cant stand it anymore. This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination. Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it." Trump lashed out at his former adviser while speaking from the White House on June 5, telling reporters:I'm very disappointed, because Elon knew the inner workings of this bill better than almost anybody sitting here ... He knew everything about it. He had no problem with it. Musk soon after took to X called the allegation false. This bill was never shown to me even once and was passed in the dead of night so fast that lamost no one in Congress could even read it! Musk wrote. The two powerful men proceeded to trade blows from their respective social media sites Truth Social and X as their high-profile bromance came to an abrupt and extremely public end June 5. open image in gallery The two powerful men fired off at each other from their respective social media sites for an hour. ( Getty ) The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elons Governmental Subsidies and Contracts. I was always surprised that Biden didnt do it! Musk later chimed in: Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate. Such ingratitude, he added. Musk went on to claim that Trump is in the Epstein files and reminded congressional Republicans that he will be around much longer than Trump. That is the real reason they have not been made public, Musk wrote, signing off: Have a good day, DJT! 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 Italy's Senate has approved a controversial security decree targeting public protests, pickpockets, squatters, and "legal" cannabis. The decree, championed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's right-wing coalition, has faced criticism from opposition parties and civil rights advocates, who argue it is overly repressive. The Senate passed the measure with a vote of 109-69, with one abstention. The session was temporarily suspended due to protests by opposition lawmakers, who chanted "shame, shame" on the chamber floor. "We challenge a government that wants to imprison children, students who strike and protesters outside factories," Francesco Boccia, the lead senator for the centre-left Democratic Party, told reporters. The decree criminalises the blocking of roads and the defacing of public property, thus targeting anti-climate change protesters who in Italy have often disrupted traffic or thrown paint at monuments. It introduces new crimes against revolts in prison and migrant detention centres, punishing even acts of passive resistance, and against people who occupy private property, such as social housing. It bans the trade of "cannabis light", or hemp, which unlike marijuana has no mind-altering qualities, infuriating local entrepreneurs who say the move will cost thousands of jobs and imperil millions of euros of investments. open image in gallery Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, center, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, center right, arrive for a meeting with Vice President JD Vance at the Chigi Palace in Rome, Italy, Sunday, May 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, Pool) The bill scraps an exemption from prison detention for convicted pregnant women or those with babies, as backers say the rule was exploited by female members of the Roma ethnic minority to escape punishment for serial pickpocketing. "It's useless to say that this decree is inhumane, because women who have children in order to steal are not worthy of having them," said Gianni Berrino, a senator from Meloni's Brothers of Italy party. The decree also introduces tougher sanctions for protesters who clash with police, causing them injuries, and offers legal cover of up to 10,000 euros ($11,385) for army or police officers who are put under investigation or sent to trial. Meloni's coalition won elections decisively in September 2022 and is still riding high in polls after promising to get tough on law and order. It has introduced dozens of new crimes, often reacting to public outrage about specific issues, but critics say this is not necessarily effective and aggravates already serious prison overcrowding. "We want a state where citizens live peacefully and whoever breaks (things) pays, whoever makes a mistake pays, and it is right that they pay with prison," Berrino said during the Senate debate. 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 Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has asserted that Denmark will not succumb to "unacceptable" pressure from the United States regarding control of semi-autonomous Greenland, emphasising the importance of Greenlanders' right to self-determination. President Donald Trump has expressed interest in the United States acquiring the strategically important, mineral-rich Arctic island for national and international security reasons, even suggesting the potential use of force. Frederiksen, in a National Day speech, stated, "The world order we've built through generations is being challenged like never before." She added, "In recent months Greenland and Denmark have been subjected to unacceptable pressure from our closest ally," alluding to the United States. US Vice President JD Vance visited the island in March, criticising Denmark, a fellow NATO member, for its handling of Greenland's safety. Vance proposed that the United States could provide better protection for the territory. President Donald Trump has said he wants the United States to take over the minerals-rich and strategically-located Arctic island for reasons of national and international security, and has not ruled out the use of force to do so ( AFP/Getty ) Vance's visit occurred after the Demokraatit party's election victory in Greenland. The party advocates for a gradual approach to independence, differing from other parties that propose a more rapid departure. Leaders of Denmark and Greenland have said only Greenlanders can decide the territory's future, and the Danish constitution gives the island the right to seek independence. Fundamental principles in the transatlantic relationship such as national sovereignty, the respect for borders and people's right to self-determination are now at stake, Frederiksen said. "But we don't bend. We Danes are not like that," she added. Denmark's King Frederik, who is popular in Greenland, visited the island in late April in a show of unity amid the diplomatic stand-off with Trump. A 1951 agreement between the United States and Denmark gives the US the right to construct military bases in Greenland as long as Denmark and Greenland are notified. The island, whose capital Nuuk is closer to New York than Copenhagen, boasts mineral, oil and natural gas wealth, but development has been slow and the mining sector has seen very limited US investment. 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 Trump administration is slapping sanctions on four judges at the International Criminal Court over the tribunals investigation into alleged war crimes by Israel in its war against Hamas in Gaza and in the West Bank. The State Department said Thursday that it would freeze any assets that the ICC judges, who come from Benin, Peru, Slovenia and Uganda, have in U.S. jurisdictions. The move is just the latest step that the administration has taken to punish the ICC and its officials for investigations undertaken against Israel and the United States. As ICC judges, these four individuals have actively engaged in the ICCs illegitimate and baseless actions targeting America or our close ally, Israel, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement. 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 Western nations are planning to table a resolution at a meeting of the U.N.s nuclear agency that will find Iran in non-compliance with its so-called safeguards obligations for the first time in 20 years, a senior western diplomat said Thursday. The move comes at a sensitive time as U.S. President Donald Trump's administration seeks to reach a deal with Tehran to limit its nuclear program. The two sides have held several rounds of talks, so far without agreement. The draft resolution will be jointly tabled by France, the U.K. and Germany, known as the E3, together with the United States, the senior Western diplomat said. Consulting European allies In Washington, the State Department said the Trump administration was consulting with European allies about the next step. We are coordinating with our partners on our posture for the June 9-13 IAEA Board of Governors meeting and are considering all of our options, the department said. We continue to have serious concerns about Irans nuclear program and its longstanding failure to uphold its safeguards obligations. In an April 2024 report, the U.S. State Department assessed that Iran's unwillingness to provide adequate responses to the IAEAs questions regarding potential undeclared nuclear material and activities" constitutes "a violation of its obligation to accept safeguards under Article III of the NPT Treaty." The draft resolution, which was seen by The Associated Press, says: Irans many failures to uphold its obligations since 2019 to provide the Agency with full and timely cooperation regarding undeclared nuclear material and activities at multiple undeclared locations in Iran ... constitutes non-compliance with its obligations under its Safeguards Agreement. The draft resolution furthermore finds that the IAEA's inability ... to provide assurance that Irans nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful gives rise to questions that are within the competence of the United Nations Security Council, as the organ bearing the main responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. It requests IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi to continue his efforts to implement this and previous resolutions and to report again, including any further developments on the issues." Board members could suggest amendments The text of the draft may change before it is formally tabled, as board members have the opportunity to suggest amendments. Under the so-called safeguards obligations, that are part of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, Iran is legally bound to declare all nuclear material and activities and allow IAEA inspectors to verify that none of it is being diverted from peaceful uses. In the IAEAs comprehensive report that was circulated among members states last weekend, the U.N. nuclear watchdog said that Irans cooperation with the agency has been less than satisfactory when it comes to uranium traces discovered by agency inspectors at several locations in Iran that Tehran has failed to declare as nuclear sites. The IAEA has been seeking answers from Iran regarding the origin and current location of the nuclear material since 2019. Western officials suspect that the uranium traces discovered by the IAEA could provide evidence that Iran had a secret nuclear weapons program until 2003. Iran denies having nuclear weapons program Iran denies ever having had a nuclear weapons program and says its program is entirely peaceful. The senior Western diplomat called the resolution a serious step, but added that western nations are not closing the door to diplomacy on this issue. The objective of the resolution is for Iran to resolve the issue, the source added, which is why the resolution will not immediately refer Irans non-compliance to the U.N. Security Council to consider triggering more sanctions. They will have a window to finally comply and respond to all the requests that have been made over the last six years. The board of governors stresses its support for a diplomatic solution to the problems posed by the Iranian nuclear programme, leading to an agreement that addresses all international concerns related to Irans nuclear activities, encouraging all parties to constructively engage in diplomacy, the draft resolution reads. However, if Iran fails to cooperate, an extraordinary IAEA board meeting will likely be held in the summer, during which another resolution could get passed that will refer the issue to the Security Council, the senior diplomat said. The three European nations have threatened in the past to reinstate sanctions that have been lifted under the original 2015 Iran nuclear deal, which expires on Oct. 18. Iran has previously retaliated to resolutions passed by the agency's board by further expanding its nuclear program and banning inspectors. Iranian deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi warned the IAEA against taking any politically-motivated action by some board members, as this could undermine cooperation between Iran and the UN nuclear watchdog, he wrote in a post on X. - The Associated Press receives support for nuclear security coverage from the Carnegie Corporation of New York and Outrider Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. - Additional AP coverage of the nuclear landscape: https://apnews.com/projects/the-new-nuclear-landscape/ Close Inside buildings scoured in new search for Madeleine McCann 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 Animal bones are reported to be among limited findings after a three-day search for forensic evidence in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann case, who vanished from a holiday home in Portugal 18 years ago, was called off. Local media said some material had been gathered on Wednesday and sent for analysis to see if it contained anything relevant to the investigation. German investigators were given until Friday to search an area between Praia da Luz and the cottage where he lived at the time of the toddlers disappearance in 2007, but the search was wound up on Thursday. Christian Brueckner, a suspect in case, is due to be released from prison within months. A neighbour who lived near Brueckner around the time of Madeleines disappearance described him as quite angry, and said she would hear him having rows with his girlfriend. Police investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann ramped up their hunt of scrubland and abandoned buildings on Wednesday with heavy machinery, including JCB and ground-penetrating radar. Madeleine was three when she disappeared, sparking a Europe-wide police investigation. German national Brueckner, who was formally identified as a suspect in 2022, has denied any involvement. Creatures that haven't been seen in the area for years will get a second chance. Native marsupials that were wiped out across a NSW national park are being reintroduced. Populations of animals that were wiped out in an Australian national park will soon be roaming its grounds again. The plan is to reintroduce native species that are locally extinct but survived in small numbers elsewhere, giving them a second chance. This time around, they'll be protected by a 25km fence thats designed to keep invasive predators out. The 2,000-hectare Nungatta feral predator-free area in the South-East Forest National Park has been completed, but for now, curious walkers can only walk around the edge. By the end of 2025, there will be some scope for people to venture inside and walk the fire trails. Gates will be created that let walkers in, while keeping invasive predators out. Source: NPWS A 25km fence will keep predators away from native marsupials. Source: David Rogers Which locally extinct animals will be reintroduced? There are also few visitor facilities, with little parking and no available toilets. And for now there are no publicly accessible gates because the entry of a single cat or fox could decimate a population of rare animals. ADVERTISEMENT Seeing any of the reintroduced creatures will also be near-impossible, because most will be small. A population of critically endangered smoky mice was released as part of a trial commencing in September 2024, and at least one juvenile has been born since then. On Thursday, the state government officially opened the predator-free zone. NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe said it will soon be home to more threatened species. They will likely include the long-footed potoroo, eastern bettong, eastern quoll and New Holland mouse. The opening of Nungatta demonstrates the Minns Labor Governments commitment to protecting and restoring our environment, including native animals and their habitats, she said. The first creature to be released in the park is the smoky mouse. Source: David Rogers The exterior of the fence will be patrolled at least three times a week. Other animals already surviving in the sanctuary include eastern pygmy-possums, yellow-bellied gliders and powerful owls. ADVERTISEMENT Sadly, small marsupials are struggling to survive on mainland Australia, with feral cats alone killing around 1.5 billion native animals a year. Habitat destruction and climate change are also key threats. In NSW, around 50 per cent of threatened species in the state are on track to be wiped out in a century, according to a government report. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories. 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 impact of Ukraines audacious drone attack deep inside Russia over the weekend has been captured in satellite imagery which suggests a number of strategic bombers were severely damaged or outright destroyed. Carried out on Sunday, Operation Spiderweb was planned out over the course of 18 months and executed by Ukraines SBU security service. It saw truckloads of drones smuggled thousands of kilometres into Russian territory before they were unleashed close to airbases to destroy as many aircraft as possible, officials in Kyiv said. In a rare confirmation of such losses, Russia said Ukraine attacked airfields across five regions, causing several aircraft to catch fire. The attacks occurred in the Murmansk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur regions. Air defences repelled the assaults in all but two regions, Murmansk and Irkutsk, Moscows defence ministry claimed on Sunday. New satellite images from Capella Space, a satellite company, took a before-and-after view of the airfield located in Irkutsk, a Siberian region. open image in gallery Satellite images of the Belaya airfield, before and after the Ukrainian drones attack targeting Russian military airfields, in Irkutsk region ( Capella Space ) open image in gallery Satellite image of the Belaya airfield, after a Ukrainian drone attack targeting Russian military airfields, in Irkutsk region, Russia ( Capella Space ) open image in gallery Satellite image shows damaged Russian aircraft of the Belaya airfield after a Ukrainian drone attack ( Capella Space ) open image in gallery Satellite picture courtesy of Maxar Technologies shows a damaged decoy aircraft at Belaya Airbase in Usolsky district in Irkutsk oblast in Russia ( Maxar Technologies ) The images from 2 June, a day after Ukraines operation, feature the dismantled debris and ashen remains of several aircraft located along the runway of the Belaya military air base or parked in protective revetments nearby. The latest images are from synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites which direct energy beams at the Earth and detect echoes, allowing identification of small topographical details. Experts have said that the destruction seen in these images confirm Russia suffered the loss of multiple aircraft. "Based on the debris visible, comparison to recent satellite images and released drone footage from Telegram posted to Twitter, I can see the destruction of several aircraft," said John Ford, a research associate at the California-based James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies. He added that the SAR satellite imagery seen by him purportedly shows the remnants of two destroyed Tu-22 Backfires long-range, supersonic strategic bombers that have been used to launch missile strikes against Ukraine. open image in gallery Head of Ukraines security service Vasyl Malyuk studying a photo of a map of Russia's strategic aviation location ( Ukrainian Security Service ) open image in gallery Photo by Security Service of Ukraine shows Ukrainian military drones amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine ( Ukrainian Security Service ) The SAR images and the footage of the strikes posted on social media also indicated that four strategic Tu-95 heavy bombers had been destroyed or severely damaged, Mr Ford added. In Kyiv, Ukraines SBU security agency said that the operation resulted in the loss of a total of 41 Russian warplanes. Explosive-laden drones were hidden in the roofs of wooden sheds, which were then loaded onto trucks and driven to the perimeter of the air bases, according to a Ukrainian security official. The roof panels of the sheds were lifted off by a remotely-activated mechanism, allowing the drones to fly out and begin their attack, the official said. The Independent has not verified the claims. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky called the attack absolutely brilliant, lauding the operation which hit Russian targets up to 4,300km (2,670 miles) from the wars frontline. The preliminary assessment from the Ukrainian military confirmed damages to 12 additional aircraft after the operation over the weekend. "After processing additional information from various sources and verifying it ... we report that the total (Russian) losses amounted to 41 military aircraft, including strategic bombers and other types of combat aircraft," the SBU said in an update. It added that the damage amounted to $7bn, and 34 per cent of the strategic cruise missile carriers at Russia's main airfields were hit. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Israel says it has recovered the bodies of two hostages taken in Hamas's October 7 2023 attack that ignited the war in Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the remains of Judih Weinstein and Gad Haggai had been recovered and returned to Israel in a special operation by the army and the Shin Bet internal security agency. "Together with all the citizens of Israel, my wife and I extend our heartfelt condolences to the dear families. Our hearts ache for the most terrible loss. May their memory be blessed," he said in a statement. Kibbutz Nir Oz announced the deaths of Ms Weinstein, 70, and Mr Haggai, 72, both of whom had Israeli and US citizenship, in December 2023. The military said they were killed in the October 7 attack and taken into Gaza by the Mujahideen Brigades, the small armed group that it said had also abducted and killed Shiri Bibas and her two small children. The army said it recovered the remains of Ms Weinstein and Mr Haggai overnight into Thursday from the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis. The couple were taking an early morning walk near their home in Kibbutz Nir Oz on the morning of October 7 when Hamas militants burst across the border into Israel, killing about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting 251. In the early hours of the morning, Ms Weinstein was able to call emergency services and let them know that both she and her husband had been shot and send a message to her family. open image in gallery ( Hostage's Family Forum ) The couple were survived by two sons and two daughters and seven grandchildren, the kibbutz said. Ms Weinstein was born in New York and taught English to children with special needs at Kibbutz Nir Oz, a small community near the Gaza border. The kibbutz said she also taught meditation techniques to children and teenagers who suffered from anxiety as a result of rocket fire from Gaza. Mr Haggai was a retired chef and jazz musician. "My beautiful parents have been freed. We have certainty," their daughter, Iris Haggai Liniado, wrote in a Facebook post. She thanked the Israeli military, the FBI and the Israeli and US governments and called for the release of all the remaining hostages. Hamas-led militants are still holding 56 hostages, around a third of them believed to be alive, after most of the rest were released in ceasefire agreements or other deals. Israeli forces have rescued eight living hostages from Gaza and recovered dozens of bodies. Israel's military campaign has killed more than 54,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not say how many of the dead were civilians or combatants. The offensive has destroyed large parts of Gaza and displaced around 90% of its population of roughly two million Palestinians. The US, Egypt and Qatar have been trying to broker another ceasefire and hostage release after Israel ended an earlier truce in March and imposed a blockade that has raised fears of famine, despite being eased in recent weeks. But the talks appear to be deadlocked. open image in gallery A view of a makeshift tent camp for displaced Palestinians in Khan Younis, Gaza on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. ( AP ) Hamas says it will release the remaining hostages only in return for more Palestinian prisoners, a lasting ceasefire and an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. It has offered to hand over power to a politically independent Palestinian committee. Mr Netanyahu has rejected those terms, saying Israel will only agree to temporary ceasefires to facilitate the return of hostages. He has vowed to continue the war until all the hostages are returned and Hamas is defeated or disarmed and sent into exile. He has said Israel will maintain control over Gaza indefinitely and will facilitate what he refers to as the voluntary emigration of much of its population to other countries. The Palestinians and much of the international community have rejected such plans, viewing them as forcible expulsion that could violate international law. Hamas-led militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took 251 hostages in the Oct. 7 attack. More than 54,000 Palestinians in Gaza, mostly women and children, have been killed in the ensuing conflict, according to the Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza. The ministry doesnt distinguish between civilians and combatants. How many hostages are left in Gaza? Here are details on the hostages: Total hostages captured on Oct. 7, 2023: 251 Hostages taken before the Oct. 7 attack: 4, including 2 who entered Gaza in 2014 and 2015 and the bodies of 2 soldiers killed in the 2014 war Hostages released in exchanges or other deals: 148, of whom 8 were dead Bodies of hostages retrieved by Israeli forces: 43 Hostages rescued alive: 8 Hostages still in captivity: 56, of whom Israel believes 33 are dead. Netanyahu has said there are doubts about the fate of several more. The hostages in captivity include: 5 non-Israelis ( 3 Thais, 1 Nepalese, 1 Tanzanian), of whom 3 (2 Thais and 1 Tanzanian) have been confirmed dead 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 Teslas stock sank nearly 15 percent Thursday as the friendship between Elon Musk and President Trump exploded into threats and a war of words. The fallout began earlier this week when Musk publicly slammed the GOPs new tax-and-spending bill, calling it a disgusting abomination. The legislation has drawn criticism for potentially affecting clean energy incentives such as the $7,500 electric vehicle tax credit, an incentive that has helped fuel Teslas growth. By Wednesday, Musk had intensified his opposition, urging his millions of followers on X to pressure lawmakers. Call your Senator, Call your Congressman, he posted. Bankrupting America is NOT ok! KILL the BILL. "I'm very disappointed, because Elon knew the inner workings of this bill better than almost anybody sitting here, better than you people," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday. "All of a sudden, he had a problem, and he only developed the problem when he found out that we're going to have to cut the EV mandate. The administration is reportedly weighing whether to revoke EV subsidies entirely and is considering canceling federal contracts with Musk-led companies, including Tesla and SpaceX, moves that could dramatically affect Musks business empire. open image in gallery Teslas stock tanked after Elon Musk and President Donald Trump got into a war of the words online ( Google ) That led Musk to claim he was the reason Trump won in 2024 and sparked a war of the words that ended with Tesla stock tanking by closing bell. It finished down nearly 15 percent and now sits at 284.70 a share. The stock plunge wiped out an estimated $152 billion from Teslas market capitalization, its largest daily drop in years, according to WIRED. Trumps companies also suffered financial blowback, with shares in Trump Media & Technology Group down eight percent and Trump Coin, the presidents meme cryptocurrency, down 12 percent in afternoon trading, per The Wall Street Journal. Musk, who left his position in the Trump administration just last week, had previously led the Department of Government Efficiency that sought to cut money from the federal budget. However, the plan has faced mounting criticism for failing to deliver the deep spending cuts it promised. Musks prior relationship with Trump had been widely viewed as advantageous to his businesses, given SpaceXs close ties with NASA and the potential for regulatory support on Teslas autonomous vehicle programs, including its upcoming robotaxi testing. But that was eroded when Trump responded to Musk and threatened not only the EV subsidy but also Musks other government contracts. "The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elons Governmental Subsidies and Contracts. I was always surprised that Biden didnt do it!" Trump wrote in one of many posts on Thursday on Truth Social. open image in gallery Musk and Trump took shots at each other on Thursday on social media ( Getty ) Musk, the owner of X, previously known as Twitter, responded on his platform with a string of tweets aimed at Trump, including the drop of a really big bomb. @realDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public. Have a nice day, DJT! Musk wrote. Mark this post for the future. The truth will come out, he added. Though Musk and Trump had frequently praised each other during Musks brief four-month stint in the government, insiders told The Wall Street Journal that their relationship behind the scenes was often rocky, marked by disagreements over issues such as the Middle East and cabinet meeting attendance. Sources claimed even Trump had recently begun to doubt Musks promises to cut $1 trillion in government spending, questioning the sincerity of those claims. 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 online feud between billionaire SpaceX founder Elon Musk and President Donald Trump has been jettisoned into outer space. Social media users worried Thursday that the presidents suggestion of terminating his former special federal employees government subsidies and contracts could have potential implications for the operation of the International Space Station. As it turns out, they were right. In light of the Presidents statement about cancellation of my government contracts, @SpaceX will begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft immediately, the Tesla co-founder said, responding to Trumps suggestion. It came as the high profile bromance between two of the worlds most powerful men came to an explosive end, with the president claiming the worlds richest man had gone CRAZY and Musk responding to a post about the end and safe de-orbiting of the ISS, writing make my day... Musks Dragon spacecraft, which first launched in 2012, has been used to get astronauts to and from the space station for years. In March, the pair of NASA astronauts who had been in space since last summer used it to return home. open image in gallery SpaceX founder Elon Musk said he would decommission the companys Dragon spacecraft following an online feud with President Donald Trump. The president had suggested terminating Musks government subsidies and contracts ( NASA via Getty Images ) open image in gallery SpaceX founder Elon Musk said he would begin decommissioning the company's Dragon spacecraft in response to threats from President Donald Trump. The Dragon has been used for more than a decade ( @elonmusk/X ) Musk initially replied to a tweet from Ars Technicas Senior Space Editor Eric Berger, who had written that terminating the contracts would both end the International Space Station and simultaneously provide no way to safely deorbit it. Is he really holding astronauts hostage??? astrophysicist Dr. Meredith Wills added on BlueSky in response to Musks announcement. RIP international space station, said user @seggl. Later on Thursday, Musk indicated he might change his mind in his response to a tweet that read: This is a shame this back and forth. You are both better than this. Cool off and take a step back for a couple days. Musk replied: Good advice. Ok, we wont decommission Dragon. It wasnt immediately clear whether he was being serious or not. SpaceX is one of the biggest federal contractors. Since 2008, SpaceX has received more than $20 billion in contracts from NASA, the Air Force and other agencies, according to CNBC. NASA will continue to execute upon the Presidents vision for the future of space, a spokesperson told The Independent. We will continue to work with our industry partners to ensure the Presidents objectives in space are met. Its unclear if any of this will actually happen, but the spat comes at a fraught moment for the rudderless agency. Trumps pick for future administrator, who had ties to Musk, was just cast out. Last week, NASA released its proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026, slashing funds for climate satellites, astronomy and other science, and focusing on spaceflight and missions to the moon and Mars. open image in gallery Elon Musk laughed at the potential impacts of the president terminating his subsidies and contracts. Still, its unclear what might happen ( @elonmusk/X ) The space station, which first launched in 1998, is expected to be deorbited in 2030 and at the end of [its] useful life. Last year, NASA gave that responsibility to SpaceX, selecting them to deliver and develop the vehicle that will provide the capability to deorbit the laboratory. Musk, however, has said he wants to take it down sooner, rather than later. In February, he said it had served its purpose and recommended it come down in two years. Instead, his focus has largely been trained on the red planet and making humans a multi-planetary civilization. Progress is measured by the timeline to establishing a self-sustaining civilization on Mars, Musk said. open image in gallery The International Space Station is seen in orbit above Earth. The space station first launched in 1998. There are seven crew members on the space station right now ( NASA/Roscosmos ) SpaceX is a large part of future of NASAs prioritized moon-to-Mars missions. The company was selected to provide the human landing system that will transport astronauts to the surface of the moon and back. Musk has been testing the Starship with mixed success. Trump himself was at a test flight with Musk in November. A timeline for Artemis II the first crewed mission on the Space Launch System and the Orion spacecraft, remains April 2026, according to the agencys website. SpaceX also helped fill a critical hole for NASA after a Northrop Grumman spacecraft used to bring food, fuel, and supplies to the space station was damaged. A request for comment from SpaceX was not immediately returned. 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 Airlines are facing an increasing burden on operations and profitability due to the rise in global conflict zones, industry executives have warned. Carriers are struggling with the threat from missiles and drones, airspace closures, location spoofing, and the risk of passenger flights being shot down. These challenges are leading to increased costs and loss of market share due to flight cancellations and expensive, last-minute re-routings, forcing the industry, which prides itself on its safety performance, to also invest more in data and security planning as a result. "Flight planning in this kind of environment is extremely difficult The airline industry thrives on predictability, and the absence of this will always drive greater cost," said Guy Murray, who leads aviation security at European carrier TUI Airlines. With increasing airspace closures around Russia and Ukraine, throughout the Middle East, between India and Pakistan and in parts of Africa, airlines are left with fewer route options. "Compared to five years ago, more than half of the countries being overflown on a typical Europe-Asia flight would now need to be carefully reviewed before each flight," said Mark Zee, founder of OPSGROUP, a membership-based organisation that shares flight risk information. open image in gallery Flight Radar shows airspace over Pakistan nearly empty amid flight diversions in May ( Flight Radar ) The Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the Middle East since October 2023 has led to commercial aviation sharing the skies with short-notice barrages of drones and missiles across major flight paths, some of which were reportedly close enough to be seen by pilots and passengers. Russian airports, including in Moscow, are now regularly shut down for brief periods due to drone activity, while interference with navigation systems, known as GPS spoofing or jamming, is surging around political fault lines worldwide. When hostilities broke out between India and Pakistan last month, the neighbours blocked each other's aircraft from their respective airspace. "Airspace should not be used as a retaliatory tool, but it is," Nick Careen, International Air Transport Association (IATA) senior vice president for operations, safety and security, told reporters at the airline body's annual meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday. Isidre Porqueras, chief operating officer at Indian carrier IndiGo, said the recent diversions were undoing efforts to reduce emissions and increase airline efficiencies. Worst-case scenario Finances aside, civil aviation's worst-case scenario is a plane being hit, accidentally or intentionally, by weaponry. In December, an Azerbaijan Airlines flight crashed in Kazakhstan, killing 38 people. The plane was accidentally shot down by Russian air defences, according to Azerbaijan's president and Reuters sources. In October, a cargo plane was shot down in Sudan, killing five people. open image in gallery The wreckage of Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 ( AP ) Six commercial aircraft have been shot down, with three near-misses since 2001, according to aviation risk consultancy Osprey Flight Solutions. Governments need to share information more effectively to keep civil aviation secure as conflict zones proliferate, IATA Director General Willie Walsh said this week. Safety statistics used by the commercial aviation industry show a steady decline in accidents over the past two decades, but these do not include security-related incidents such as being hit by weaponry. IATA said in February that accidents and incidents related to conflict zones were a top concern for aviation safety, requiring urgent global coordination. Tough choices Each airline decides where to travel based on a patchwork of government notices, security advisers, and information-sharing between carriers and states, leading to divergent policies. The closure of Russian airspace to most Western carriers since the outbreak of war in Ukraine in 2022 put them at a cost disadvantage compared to airlines from places like China, India and the Middle East that continue to take shorter northern routes that need less fuel and fewer crew. Shifting risk calculations means Singapore Airlines flight SQ326 from Singapore to Amsterdam has used three different routes into Europe in just over a year, Flightradar24 tracking data shows. open image in gallery Singapore Airlines flight SQ326 from Singapore to Amsterdam has used three different routes into Europe in just over a year ( iStock ) When reciprocal missile and drone attacks broke out between Iran and Israel in April 2024, it started crossing previously avoided Afghanistan instead of Iran. Last month, its route shifted again to avoid Pakistan's airspace as conflict escalated between India and Pakistan. Flight SQ326 now reaches Europe via the Persian Gulf and Iraq. Singapore Airlines did not respond immediately to a request for comment. Pilots and flight attendants are also worried about how the patchwork of shifting risk might impact their safety. "IATA says airlines should decide if it's safe to fly over conflict zones, not regulators. But history shows commercial pressures can cloud those decisions," said Paul Reuter, vice president of the European Cockpit Association, which represents pilots. Flight crews typically have the right to refuse a trip due to concerns about airspace, whether over weather or conflict zones, IATA security head Careen said. "Most airlines, in fact, I would say the vast majority of them, do not want crew on an aircraft if they don't feel comfortable flying," he said. 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 Cunards luxury cruise ship fleet is set to make maiden calls to six new cities in 2027 and 2028, including Charlottetown in Canada. The luxury cruise brand has revealed details of 195 new itineraries across its four ships, which will visit 115 destinations across 32 countries between April 2027 and January 2028. The new Cunard itineraries include 93 Unesco World Heritage sites, 18 overnight port calls and 33 late-evening departures. Cunards newest ship, Queen Anne, will make maiden calls in Sorrento in Italy and La Rochelle in France, as part of its Mediterranean itineraries. The ship will also operate northern lights cruises, and passengers will be able to experience evening fireworks in Madeira during a New Years Eve cruise in December 2027. Fresh from a major refit in early 2027, Queen Mary 2 will continue to offer iconic transatlantic crossings and will make a maiden call for the cruise line in Charlottetown during sailings in Canada. She will also spend Independence Day (July 4) 2027 in Boston. Read more: How family-friendly is a Cunard cruise? Queen Victoria will return to the UK to operate round-trip Southampton voyages in 2027, including itineraries in Scandinavia, Iceland and the Mediterranean. The ship will also visit Grundarfjordur, Iceland, in 2027 the first time a Cunard ship has called since 2009 and will make a debut call to Riga in Latvia. Queen Elizabeth will also be operating Mediterranean sailings from May until October 2027, visiting 22 ports she hasnt visited for 15 years, including Palermo and Istanbul, as well as stops in Trieste in Italy and Calvi in France for the first time. Bookings open for Cunard World Club members from 2pm on June 11 and for the general public from 2pm on June 12. Katie McAlister, president of Cunard, said: This new programme is all about giving our guests more choice and more unforgettable voyages. Whether its Queen Anne visiting new destinations, Queen Elizabeth returning to favourite ports in the Med, or Queen Mary 2 sailing iconic routes with her usual style, theres something to suit every kind of traveller. From exploring remarkable places to enjoying exceptional experiences on board, were proud to offer voyages that feel truly special from start to finish. Read more: The best European cruise holiday destinations 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 Thailand had set high expectations for how many tourists would flock to the country following the success of The White Lotus, yet government data shows the number of visitors is actually dropping. The Thai government said that its aim in 2025 was to return to pre-pandemic numbers with 39-40 million foreign tourists, following the 35 million the country welcomed in 2024. However, it turns out that even with The White Lotus effect in play, which boosted Western visitors to the country off the back of the HBO dark comedy set in a luxury hotel, there has been a slump in visitor numbers so far this year. Foreign visitors to Thailand dropped for the fourth month in a row in May, declining 14 per cent to 2.6 million, government data seen by Bloomberg shows. May has experienced the greatest decline since 2021, when the Covid pandemic closed international borders, the media company said. The biggest slump came from travellers from other Asian countries, who make up the majority of Thailands tourists. Regional arrivals from Asia fell nearly 11 per cent in May this year compared to 2024. Tourists from China make up the largest proportion of visitors to Thailand, but numbers have fallen by nearly one million so far this year versus 2024, Bloomberg found. open image in gallery The White Lotus third season took place in luxury resorts in Thailand ( HBO ) The drop can be attributed to fears over scam centres on the Myanmar border. Arrivals fell 33 per cent after Chinese actor Wang Xing went missing in the Thai border city of Mae Sot, which has become a hub for trafficking people into Myanmar. Crime syndicates lure people under false pretences to work in scam centres in Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos, where they are forced to financially exploit people around the world. Other factors include a recent earthquake that reached Bangkok, which saw dozens die as a construction site collapsed. Flights booked between June and August show a 15 per cent decline from China compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, hotel occupancy is forecast to fall to 52 per cent, largely steered by the Chinese visitor decline, according to a survey of 140 hotel operators within the Thai Hotel Association. Malaysia, Thailands second biggest target market, has also dropped by 17 per cent so far this year. We have lost a lot tourists to other competing countries in Asia because we didnt tackle the negative images seriously, Ratchaporn Poolsawadee, vice president of the Tourism Council of Thailand, told the company. Thailands tourism is resilient, but this may take months to rebound. Despite the slump in Asian tourists booking trips to Thailand, its tourist industry has found a silver lining in the peaked interest of Western visitors. Following the first few episodes of season three of The White Lotus, deputy government spokesperson Sasikarn Watthanachan said that Koh Samui had seen an overall 65 per cent increase in interest among US tourists compared to searches the previous year She added that online travel agency Agoda saw a 12 per cent surge in searches for accommodations on Koh Samui, and Koh Samui had also experienced a 40 per cent rise in luxury hotel bookings. The searches appear to have materialised into visits. Bloomberg said that government data shows US tourists in Thailand have risen by 12 per cent this year through May to more than 625,000, while European visitors have increased by nearly 18 per cent to 3 million in the same period compared to last year. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) told The Independent that there has been a 20 per cent increase in tourists from the UK between January and May compared to 2024, totalling up to over 512,000. It hopes to reach one million UK visitors by the end of 2025. With the decline in Chinese tourists, the sentiment from TAT is that European travellers are thriving and there are emerging markets too, which are exciting, a TAT spokesperson said. It is also an opportunity for TAT to focus on attracting quality travellers over quantity - those who stay longer, spend more and delve deeper into Thailand and all it offers. The 60-day visa exemption is a draw to stay longer in Thailand, for example. For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calders podcast Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice President Donald Trumps order banning the citizens of 12 countries from entering the United States has come into force on Monday. The directive, signed on Wednesday last week, is part of an immigration crackdown Trump launched this year at the start of his second term, which has also included the deportation to El Salvador of hundreds of Venezuelans suspected of being gang members, as well as efforts to deny enrollments of some foreign students and deport others. "We will not allow people to enter our country who wish to do us harm," Trump said in a video posted on X arguing the ban was designed to protect the country from foreign terrorists. He said the list could be revised and new countries could be added. Follow The Independents live blog on Donald Trumps feud with Elon Musk here. The proclamation came into effect at 12:01 am EDT (04:01 GMT) on Monday. Visas issued before that date will not be revoked, the order said. Trump said in a social media address that a recent Molotov cocktail attack on Jewish activists in Colorado, allegedly carried out by an Egyptian man, highlighted the need for such restrictions. open image in gallery Donald Trump claimed the countries have citizens with hostile attitudes to the US ( EPA ) Mohamed Sabry Soliman, the alleged attacker, remained in the U.S. after his travel visa and subsequent work authorization expired, according to the government. The recent terror attack in Boulder, Colorado, has underscored the extreme danger posed to our country by the entry of foreign nationals who are not properly vetted, as well as those who come here as temporary visitors and overstay their visas, Trump said from the Oval Office. We dont want them. During his first term in office, Trump announced a ban on travelers from seven Muslim-majority nations, a policy that went through several iterations before it was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. Former President Joe Biden repealed that ban on nationals from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen in 2021, calling it "a stain on our national conscience." Trump said the countries subject to the most severe restrictions were determined to harbor a "large-scale presence of terrorists," fail to cooperate on visa security and have an inability to verify travelers' identities, inadequate record-keeping of criminal histories and high rates of visa overstays in the United States. "We cannot have open migration from any country where we cannot safely and reliably vet and screen those who seek to enter the United States," Trump said. What countries are included in Trumps travel ban? President Donald Trump cited a range of reasons for placing 19 countries under new travel bans or restrictions in the U.S. They include allegations of lax screening of travelers, a significant terrorist presence in its territory, a government that wasn't cooperative enough in accepting deported citizens or residents who were prone to overstaying their visas in the United States. Here are the 12 countries placed under the ban, and the seven placed under travel restrictions: Banned from US travel: Afghanistan Trumps proclamation declares that there is not a reliable central authority for vetting nationals who leave the country, or for issuing passports, therefore raising the risk of national security. A spokesperson for the Taliban-led Afghan foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Chad Citizens from Chad were accused of having high visa overstay rates in the U.S., the proclamation said. The high rate of visa overstays by immigrants from Chad, which has a population just under 20 million, showed a blatant disregard for United States immigration laws, the proclamation read. Equatorial Guinea The entry of immigrants to the US from Equatorial Guinea, a small central African country of under two million people, has been fully suspended by the U.S.. This is on account of the high rate of visa overstays, The White House said. Republic of the Congo The central African country of more than six million people sits west of the Congo River. It was suspended for alleged high visa overstay rates, the proclamation stated. Eritrea The US says criminal records for Eritrean nationals are not available in the U.S., and accuses the country of refusing to accept back its removable nationals Questioning the competence of the central authority and pointing to a high rate of visa overstay of Eritrean immigrants, the US has imposed a full ban on the northeast African country of around 3.5 million. Haiti The White House said in the proclamation that hundreds of thousands of illegal Haitian aliens flooded into the United States during the Biden Administration. The increase in migration from Haiti has increased national security rates and the establishment of criminal networks, it said, adding that Haitian authorities do not sufficiently ensure its nationals do not undermine U.S. security. Iran Iran, one of the most powerful countries in the MIddle East with a population of 90 million, has a long history of tense relations with the U.S. Iran is a state sponsor of terrorism, the proclamation reads. Iran regularly fails to cooperate with the United States Government in identifying security risks, is the source of significant terrorism around the world, and has historically failed to accept back its removable nationals. Libya The US alleges that Libya does not have a competent authority for issuing passports, adding that the historical terrorist presence in the country poses a risk to U.S. nationals. A full ban has been imposed on the north African country. Myanmar Myanmar has failed to cooperate with the U.S. to accept back their removable nationals, the White House says, while immigrants from the war-torn nation have a high visa overstay rate in the US. A full ban has been imposed on immigration from the southeast Asian nation. Somalia Somalia stands apart from other countries in the degree to which its government lacks command and control of its territory, the White House said. The Trump administration has described the east African country as a terrorist safe haven which has refused to accept the return of its removable nationals and poses a threat to the U.S. Sudan Migration from Sudan, which the U.S. says has a high visa overstay rate and does not have appropriate vetting measures for its emigrants, has been fully suspended. Millions of people have been displaced in Sudan and fled the country altogether, as it remains in the grip of a brutal civil war with devastating humanitarian consequences. Yemen The Yemeni government does not have physical control over its own territory, the U.S. says, and does not sufficiently vet those leaving the country, the proclamation states. The U.S. has also engaged in military operations on Yemeni territory with the Houthi rebel group, it notes. open image in gallery Trump announced the new restrictions at the White House on Wednesday ( AP ) US Travel Restricted: Burundi Burundi, the east African country of 13 million people, has seen a partial ban on immigration of its citizens to the U.S. The validity of nonimmigrant visas will be reduced as far as the law allows, the proclamation states. Cuba The Trump administration describes Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism, adding that it fails to share sufficient law enforcement information with the United States. Barack Obama had sought an easing of relations with Cuba on the back-end of his presidency, something which has since been reversed by presidents Trump and Biden. Laos Immigrants from Laos are accused by the U.S. of having high overstay rates. The countrys government does not accept back nationals who have been removed from the U.S., the proclamation adds. Entry of nationals from Laos, the southeast Asian country of 7.6 million, has therefore been suspended. Sierra Leone Sierra Leone, the west African country where the U.S. attempted to bring peace during a civil war in the 1990s, has been added to the partial suspension. The proclamation cites high visa overstay rates, and accuses the government of failing to accept returned immigrants. Togo Togo, in West Africa, has been added to the list on account of the high overstay rates of its immigrants to the U.S., the White House proclamation read. These restrictions distinguish between, but apply to both, the entry of immigrants and nonimmigrants, Trump said. Turkmenistan Turkmenistan has also seen migration of its citizens to the U.S. restricted due to alleged high visa overstay rates. The central Asian country has a population of 7.3 million. Venezuela As of January 2025, there were approximately 607,000 Venezuelans living in the U.S., according to the Migration Policy Institute. The proclamation states that a high number of these immigrants overstayed their visa, and accused the country of failing to have strong vetting processes for its nationals who emigrate. open image in gallery The president has made cracking down on immigration a cornerstone of his second term ( Reuters ) What has the reaction been so far? Chad president Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno said he had instructed his government to stop granting visas to U.S. citizens in response to Trump's action. "Chad has neither planes to offer nor billions of dollars to give, but Chad has its dignity and its pride," he said in a Facebook post, referring to countries such as Qatar, which gifted the U.S. a luxury airplane for Trump's use and promised to invest billions of dollars in the U.S. Somalia immediately pledged to work with the U.S. to address security issues. "Somalia values its longstanding relationship with the United States and stands ready to engage in dialogue to address the concerns raised," Dahir Hassan Abdi, the Somali ambassador to the United States, said in a statement. Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, a close ally of President Nicolas Maduro, responded on Wednesday evening by describing the U.S. government as fascist and warning Venezuelans of being in the U.S. "The truth is being in the United States is a big risk for anybody, not just for Venezuelans ... They persecute our countrymen, our people for no reason." Trump's presidential campaign focused on a tough border strategy and he previewed his plan in an October 2023 speech, pledging to restrict people from the Gaza Strip, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Yemen and "anywhere else that threatens our security." Trump issued an executive order on January 20 requiring intensified security vetting of any foreigners seeking admission to the U.S. to detect national security threats. TIANJIN, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Just 20 km from central Hanoi, in Vietnam's famed furniture-making region, Nguyen Lan grew up surrounded by business. Today, the 24-year-old has come to China, aiming to leverage social media and her Chinese language skills to bridge the markets of the two countries via e-commerce. The sophomore at Tianjin University in north China's Tianjin Municipality developed a strong interest in cross-border commerce during high school, when she purchased goods from Chinese e-shops and resold them in Vietnam via Facebook and other platforms. "Whatever I bought from China, people would rush to buy," she said with a smile. Eyeing the huge trade potential between the two countries, young Vietnamese people like Lan are attracted to China, learning the Chinese language and seeking business opportunities in cross-border e-commerce. Lan was born into a business-oriented family, with her brother running a mobile phone shop and her sister being an active entrepreneur. Influenced by her siblings, Lan started reselling items for her classmates in high school through platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, gradually becoming a micro-influencer with over 4,000 followers. However, as more Vietnamese people began learning Chinese and selling Chinese goods online, competition intensified. Realizing that long-term success in cross-border e-commerce requires better language skills and deeper cultural understanding, she decided to pursue further studies in China. She was admitted to Tianjin University in 2023, when she was first impressed by the maturity and efficiency of China's e-commerce ecosystem. "While cross-border e-commerce in Vietnam is still in a phase of rapid growth, China's platforms are already mature, with abundant products, efficient logistics and excellent shopping experiences," she said. She said Vietnamese merchants are very enthusiastic about sourcing goods from China, frequently traveling to Guangzhou, Yiwu and other cities to purchase wholesale products for retail in Vietnam. Recently, Lan witnessed merchants in Yiwu using a Chinese AI model. By simply describing their needs to a camera, the model could generate multilingual scripts for promotional videos, enabling the quick creation of cross-border marketing content. "I was amazed and excited when I saw it for the first time," she said. Lan added that AI technology can significantly lower the barriers to cross-border purchases, improve operational efficiency, and help small businesses expand into international markets. "I believe the combination of AI and cross-border e-commerce will greatly promote global trade development." During her spare time, Lan actively documents her life in China. Her videos have recorded the daily lives of Vietnamese students in China and helped more Chinese people understand Vietnam, gaining over 6,000 followers on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok. "Understanding leads to closeness. I hope to help more Chinese friends learn about my homeland," she said, adding that content related to Vietnamese rice noodles, spring rolls and landscapes has been popular with her Chinese followers. She was particularly thrilled to discover that, in Tianjin, she could easily purchase coffee, cashews and dried fruits from her hometown with just a few taps on her phone, making her feel closer to home. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Vietnam. Over the years, the two countries have strengthened economic and trade relations. China has been Vietnam's largest trading partner since 2004, while Vietnam has been China's largest trading partner within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations since 2016. Bilateral trade has exceeded 200 billion U.S. dollars for four consecutive years, reaching 260.65 billion dollars in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 13.5 percent. Looking to the future, Lan is determined to bring more Vietnamese specialties to the Chinese market. "I also aim to use AI technology to enhance the efficiency of short video production, creating more professional and engaging e-commerce content to make cross-border e-commerce more personal and competitive," she added. 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 Delta's aircraft have changed dramatically across the decades. And as these vintage pictures show, so have the flight attendant uniforms. The airline's history begins in 1925 with Huff Daland Dusters, the world's first aerial crop-dusting operation. In 1928, Huff Daland Dusters was bought out and renamed "Delta Air Service" for the Mississippi Delta region it served. Flight attendants made their first appearances in the 1940s with Delta's Douglas DC-2 and DC-3 services. These images show uniforms from that era right through to the modern day, with insight on the designs from the carrier and tailor Robert Taylor-Southall, from tailoring firm Zebel. The 1940s Summer uniform open image in gallery Delta's 1940s summer uniform 'a playful and novel approach to wartime service dress', says tailor Robert Taylor-Southall ( Delta ) The 1940s summer uniform consisted of a beige jacket and gored skirt, an open-collared blouse in rust, and an oval cap. Shoes were brown and cream spectators. Robert remarks: "This uniform, with a jauntily placed hat, offers a playful and novel approach to wartime service dress, during a time in which commercial aviation was still in its fledgling stages." Purser uniform, 1946-1948 open image in gallery Male pursers worked with female flight attendants as a team of two onboard Deltas DC-4s in the 1940s ( Delta ) Male pursers in maritime uniforms, purchased from Army & Navy Stores, briefly appeared post-war, reveals Delta, between March 1946 and summer 1948. The carrier remarks that each purser worked with a female flight attendant as a team of two onboard the DC-4, which at the time was a new four-engine, 44-seat aircraft. Winter, 1947-1949 open image in gallery Above is a Delta flight attendant in a 1940s winter navy jacket ( Delta ) "Military styling continued for winter," reveals Delta, "with navy jacket, gored skirt, overseas cap and pumps." Jackets were fastened with brass buttons and white blouses had a jewel neckline. 1950s summer Summers in the 1950s saw Delta flight attendants sporting light-blue collarless jackets, light-blue skirts, white V-neck blouses, and light-blue caps by Mae Hanauer of New York, with navy-and-white stiletto spectator pumps finishing the look. open image in gallery This uniform was introduced in 1953 after Delta acquired its first international flights to the Caribbean and Caracas, Venezuela ( Delta ) Delta reveals that this uniform was introduced in 1953 after it acquired its first international flights to the Caribbean and Caracas, Venezuela from a merger with Chicago and Southern Air Lines. It remarks: "This 'tropical weight uniform' was worn year-round on international flights." Robert describes the uniform as "an evolution of the 1940's outfit", adding: "Still sporting a stewardess hat that would go on to become a mainstay in aviation, this powder-blue ensemble had a more feminine cut and was complete with a blouse that reflected the departure from military dress and the welcoming of a more stylised approach to the classic uniform." 1960s winter red open image in gallery 'Vibrant colours and glamourous touches' arrived for the 1960s winter uniform ( Delta ) This 1960s uniform was designed by Harry Gilbert of Lady Simpson and included a set of two A-line wool dresses in red and black. A short double-breasted black jacket converted the black dress into a suit, and a red topcoat and raincoat, black kid gloves, alligator print pumps or boots, and handbag, finished the look, explains Delta. Robert says: "With vibrant colours and glamorous touches, this outfit reflected the 1960s' luxurious approach to aviation, creating a chic and stylish silhouette that reflected the period's growing individualism and stylistic choices. I particularly love the double-breasted coat beautifully structured, yet quirky, playful and endearing." 1960s winter beige open image in gallery Above is Delta's first 'Jet Age' uniform ( Delta ) Delta describes the 1960s winter beige ensemble as its first Jet Age uniform. It was designed by eight-time Academy Award winner Edith Head, featuring a shirtwaist dress of honey-beige wool, a leather belt and "jet flame" orange ascot. The uniform, comments Delta, was paired with a Chanel-inspired jacket featuring fabric-covered buttons and three-quarter-length sleeves and a hat designed by Mae Hanauer of New York. Robert describes the uniform as "utilitarian yet refined". 1970s open image in gallery Delta adopted a business-first approach with its uniforms in the 1970s ( Delta ) The year 1973 saw the arrival of male flight attendants on Delta jets, and they sported a wrinkle-free, double-knit polyester navy suit jacket and gray pants with a red/white/blue striped tie by Fashionaire Division of Hart Schaffner & Marx. Robert notes the "change of pace", adding: "[This is] a more business-first approach, with the classically 70s wide lapels and garish striped tie, and a badge emblemed on the chest. It is an outfit built to be iconic recognisable everywhere you go." 1980s open image in gallery Tailor Robert Taylor-Southall describes the flight attendants in this image as having a 'quintessentially 80s' look ( Delta ) Delta boasts that this uniform, its "longest-lived", was a "classic" when it was introduced in 1983. Designed by Van Lupu for Omniform, it consisted of a suit made from tropical wool in navy blue. Robert describes the flight attendants in this image as having a "quintessentially 80s" look, with "oversized scarves, voluminous hair and gleaming smiles". 1990s open image in gallery Delta's 1990s uniform reflected a time when 'flying meant business' ( Delta ) Delta says that the 1990s uniform became an "easy-to-wear favorite". Robert remarks: "A further refinement of the blue blazer trend, these outfits were sharply tailored and reintroduced the classic double-breasted blazer, something not seen since the 60s. "With matching red accents and striking ties, these coordinated choices pointed to a time when the corporate world was booming, and flying meant business." 2000s open image in gallery In the 2000s came a 'refined look for a modern age' ( Delta ) The 2000s saw Delta flight attendants roaming the cabins in midnight-blue uniforms designed by Richard Tyler. Delta describes the collection as featuring "iconic red dresses with cinched waists", and "jackets with molded shoulders, torso-lengthening silhouettes and subtle stripes arranged in triangular shapes". Robert says they were a "refined look for a modern age", noting the "bold tie", "strikingly cuffed blouse" and a "striking red utility belted dress tying beautifully into the tailoring accents". 2010s open image in gallery Robert says that the hues for Delta's current flight attendant uniform are 'luxurious' ( Delta ) Behold Delta's current crew-look in purple and graphite gray, by New York City fashion designer Zac Posen. Robert is impressed, remarking: "This is a big rebrand, moving away from the striking blue to a far more luxurious plum and purple combination for the women. "[For the men] it's an interesting sartorial twist on the classic suit, with a lapel-less jacket accented with what looks to be silk, and a lapeled waistcoat. "They have leaned heavily on sophisticated tailoring for a time where branding and detail are everything." To borrow a famous phrase from another American president, no one should ever misunderestimate the capacity for idiocy of Donald J Trump. Youd think wed be used to it by now but today were coming to terms with another Trump travel ban, the embarrassment of which has been amplified by his decision to announce it in a solemn national address on the television; like JFK in the Cuban missile crisis, or Nixon saying he had never been a quitter in his resignation statement. Restricting travel to the US from 19 countries with hostile attitudes or a significant terrorist presence is Trump effectively saying we dont want them here them being, with few exceptions, people from Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen, all of whom will be fully restricted. Scarcely more welcome are the nationals of Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela, who will be partially restricted. Trump says these countries dont vet their people as well as they should, which may well be true, but most dedicated terrorists will always find a way to deceive their own and any other government they encounter. Just like the irrational ban on Muslim people briefly imposed in his first term in 2017, Trump chooses to demonise anyone who shares a religion or nationality with a country thats experienced terror. This is a foolish and distressingly widespread source of Islamophobia on a global scale. It scarcely needs pointing out that while there are a few who would seek to use and defile their own religion with violence and hatred, it does not mean all Muslims are terrorists. This demonisation of an entire group of people is nothing new, but it is dangerous and there are many who have experienced similar prejudice: from the Irish in the 1970s, demonised for atrocities committed in their name by strangers, to innocent refugees caught up in last summers Southport riots, to the continuing backlash against trans people. Not all Pakistani men or those of Pakistani heritage are grooming gang rapists. Not all Jewish people in Britain support the Israel governments war in Gaza. It is absurd. It would be like wanting to deport all Ford Galaxy drivers because of what happened at the Liverpool parade. Yet that is exactly the train of thought in certain groups among them, sadly, the president of the United States whenever such a violent tragedy happens. Too often, on social media, we find people imagining and willing an offence to have been committed by a Muslim or a refugee, in order to justify their own senseless reprisal against innocent people. So it is now with Trump and his latest travel ban, which was prompted by the actions of one man in Colorado now being held for a firebombing attack on peaceful demonstrators showing support for Israeli hostages. The man and his family are Egyptian nationals. Egypt is not on the list of countries targeted under Trump's order. Neither, by the way, is Saudi Arabia, nor the United Arab Emirates, nor Lebanon, whose nationals (also including an Egyptian) were responsible for the 9/11 attacks. They are still free to come and go to America. Yet on the list of nationals marked out to be shamed by Trump are Haitians and those of Haitian descent, of whom there are more than a million living in the US. Close family members of US nationals of Haitian heritage might be able to get a visa, but (perhaps) only with a DNA test. Their friends and relatives will find it more difficult if not impossible to see their loved ones in America, despite, thus far, there being no evidence of any Haitian terrorist threat to the government of the United States. There remains only the infamous fever dream of Donald Trump, which you may recall seized him during one of his election rallies last year: In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs, the people that came in, theyre eating the cats. Theyre eating the pets of the people that live there. Baseless, obviously, but unnervingly effective. The kind of mantra that sticks, however outlandish and misleading. Perhaps the rest of us should join the growing informal boycott of the United States or, indeed, take a holiday in Canada instead? They have fewer guns and more sense. One of Irelands most active private housing developers, Lioncor, has submitted a planning application for 666 residential units in Arklow town, Co Wicklow. Within easy access of the M11, with its connections to Bray and Dublin, the development will include 578 houses, of which 317 will be three-beds, 161 four-beds and 100 two-beds. The operator of the planned Dublin Fields movie studios for a site in south Dublin has won a 276,018 planning contributions battle with South Dublin County Council. An Bord Pleanala has ruled that combined public infrastructure and special planning contributions to be paid by Lens Media Ltd to the council be reduced by a cumulative 276,018. Lens Media has stated that the proposed film studios will more than double the current soundstage offering in Ireland and once fully operational, it will directly support in the region of 2,800 jobs and a further 2,100 indirectly. The board has reduced the planning contributions bill following an appeal by Lens Media. In the ruling, the appeals board has upheld the argument put forward by the applicants that a special planning contribution of 143,112 be removed as the junction upgrades at the R120 Newcastle Village-Peamount Road referenced in the condition is not exceptional or specific to the proposed development. The appeals board also ordered that a demand by the council that Lens Media Ltd pay a public infrastructure planning contribution be reduced by 132,906 from 8.859m to 8.72m. The council found that contribution exemptions in relation to the South Dublin County Council Development Contribution Scheme 2021-2025 were not properly applied. The appeals board stated that the council applied a commercial levy to 1,112sqm of the scheme which comprise switch-rooms, plant rooms, ancillary plant rooms and a standalone substation, all of which are listed as exempt from development contributions. The board made its ruling following a 27-page inspectors report recommending the reduction in planning levies. Last December, the council granted a 10-year planning permission to Lens Media Ltd for the 56-acre site which includes 20 individual structures amounting to over 74,000sqm of gross floor space. A planning report by planning consultants Tom Phillips+ Associates lodged with the application stated that Dublin Fields will have all the elements that will lure top productions from around the world. The planning report stated that the project will be a world-class studio and occupy the top tier of movie studios globally. In their report, the consultants stated: We believe this will be the largest stage in the European Union, and a unifying step in making Ireland a new hub for the movie and TV industry. Irish duos Solidroad start-up lands $6.5m in funding as its AI takes over contact centre staff training The Dublin pair, who first met while working in Intercom, have seen their AI customer experience platform go from zero to $1m in customer revenue in recent months Mark Hughes, Solidroad CEO and Patrick Finlay, Solidroad CTO Adrian Weckler Thu 5 Jun 2025 at 17:31 Mark Hughes is sitting in Solidroads Dublin office, patiently waiting for his US visa to arrive before he rejoins the rest of the AI-powered start-up in San Francisco. Firm has now signed deals with three of the worlds leading food delivery companies Irelands Manna drone delivery company says it has signed contracts for one million daily delivery flights with three of the worlds five biggest food delivery firms. Company founder Bobby Healy told the Irish Independent that the Dublin-based firms latest huge deal with Deliveroo was the start of a new phase of expansion for the company and that it would be simultaneously live in 10 urban locations in Ireland by the end of the year, before seeking expansion in the UK, Nordic countries and US. 'Nobody is going to walk out of a check-in over an extra 80': Is it time for Ireland to copy other visitor hotspots with a tourist tax? Dublin was the first stop in the US rappers tour, before he heads to Cork Benjamin Hammond Haggerty, or Macklemore to you and I, is probably most famous for Thrift Shop, a song so catchy youd be hard pressed to find somebody who doesnt love it. But it seems nobody has taken the song as literally as Macklemore himself, who has so many outfit changes in his one-and-a-half-hour set in St Annes Park he must have raided a St Vincent de Paul. When he emerges on stage to perform opener CHANT, the Seattle rapper sets the tone for the night in a vintage Ireland rugby jersey with his head wrapped in a tricolour keffiyeh - a Middle Eastern headdress now synonymous with support for the Palestinian people. Macklemore (Photo by Kristy Sparow/Getty Images) He takes off his sunglasses in the evening sun and screams DUBLIN, I made it back home. Its our first show of the summer, and its in my favourite f***ing place in the world. (This Cork writer hopes he says the same when he visits the Rebel county for his second stop on the tour tonight.) What follows is a jukebox of certified hits. Theres the emotional dedication to LGBTQ+ people, Same Love - hearteningly performed on the ten year anniversary of Ireland legalising same-sex marriage - a jazzy homage to the beating heart of any city, Downtown, and the affirming Good Old Days. Even Summer Days is an absolute crowd-pleaser, despite it being a cool 13 degrees. Even if the songs werent total earworms, Macklemore himself is an incredible performer. His energy on stage is infectious, and perhaps on account of a nine-month break from live shows, is apparently unending. He seems thrilled to be there, awed by the approximate 18,000 spectators, and totally willing to muck in: he raps, plays the drums and busts a move or two. He isnt the only one, as Dance Off sees him pull two members of the audience on stage to, well, have a dance off. Though it was Samanthas birthday, her rival Ben stole the show, as well as the crowds hearts, on account of his breakdancing. Despite the party atmosphere, theres no forgetting a cause seemingly as close to Macklemores heart as it is to that of the Irish people: Palestine. There are numerous keffiyehs to be seen in the crowd, and Palestinian flags fly over the audience as if its Glastonbury. These, he points out, as he introduces Hinds Hall, a protest song he released as a single in 2024. I want to say in the last 19+ months of witnessing the first ever live streamed genocide, I have been so proud watching from afar at how my Irish brothers and sisters have shown up for the Palestinian people, he said, giving a particular shoutout to Kneecap. I was thinking earlier today of what I wanted to say and what I realised is Palestine has opened my heart, it was closed before. It has given me the gift of feeling empathy for other human beings. Showing up is not brave anymore, it's just expected and it is human. I want to live in a world where being against genocide is the expectation, he added, to raucous cheers from an audience that seems inclined to agree. There is a palpable connection between Macklemore and the audience in Raheny. Though he sings too fast for most of us to keep up, theres an energy coursing from stage to crowd that feels electric. He uses the oldest trick in the American book of calling upon Irish ancestry as he introduces the slightly odd Irish Celebration, but we wont hold it against him. Instead, everyone is supportive - literally. As the closer, Cant Hold Us, reaches a triumphant high, he climbs off the stage and into the crowd to be held aloft by them. Radio reviews A couple of years ago in a restaurant in Berlin I was surprised to find that they wanted to be paid in cash, not by card. Usually when we think of cash-only enterprises, in the minds eye were seeing more Ballymagash than Berlin. We dont expect a legitimate business in a great city to be asking for folding money like some shebeen in the back of beyond. Unnecessary hospital mockumentary is really just The Office in scrubs Allison Tolman as Alex and David Alan Grier as Ron in the mockumentary St. Denis Medical. Photo: BBC/2023 NBCUniversal Media Silent slapstick comedies knew a thing or two about not to flog a joke to death. Take the classic example of the man whos not paying attention to where hes walking and falls into a manhole. The first time he does it, it gets a laugh. If he does the same thing again, it also gets a laugh, but not as big a laugh as before. If he does it a third time, the laugh is even smaller still because the audience can see it coming. Its the law of diminishing returns in action. But imagine if, on the third occasion, he spots the manhole and avoids it only to be struck by someone swinging a ladder that knocks him into the hole again. That gets the biggest laugh of all. The mockumentary format, which displaced sitcoms as the dominant form of TV comedy, is also offering diminishing returns. Its like the man who falls into a manhole, only this time he keeps on doing it again and again, to the point where nobody is laughing anymore. The flood of mockumentary comedies over the last two decades or so means the concept has been flogged to death several times over. They passed their sell-by date a long time ago, yet television will insist on churning them out anyway. The latest is American series St. Denis Medical (BBC1, Friday, June 6, 10.40pm), showing in weekly double bills. Its anything but terrible. Put it this way, there have been plenty of far worse mockumentaries (the pointless and barely credible Family Tree with Chris ODowd, for one). Bruce (Josh Lawson) is another David Brent-type character. Photo: BBC/2023 NBCUniversal Media Its performed with enthusiasm by a talented and appealing cast. You might even find it fresh and funny, provided youve spent 25 years without watching any television. Its another workplace comedy, and every workplace comedy since the BBCs The Office in 2001 has been a variation on... The Office. But St Denis Medical imitates the formula more rigidly than most, which makes it a particularly unnecessary addition. The quirky characters feel less like original creations in their own right than archetypes assembled from other characters in other mockumentaries. The workplace here is a mid-size hospital in Oregon. Its whats called in America a safety net hospital, meaning its obliged to treat everyone, whether or not they have medical insurance. Consequently, its overrun with patients, understaffed and in a permanent state of chaos. The only credible character is dedicated supervising nurse Alex, played by the wonderful Allison Tolman, a workaholic whose habit of staying long after her shift is over plays havoc with her family life. Alex fears that if shes not there, the hospital might fall apart. She might be right. The hospitals administrator is Joyce (Wendi McLendon-Covey), who blows most of the budget on a fancy new mammogram machine and suggests the hospital should have a slogan: The best breast test in the West. Meanwhile, her staff are wrestling with an ancient computer system thats no longer fit for purpose. Joyce is basically a female David Brent or Michael Scott. She bustles around the place, trying to perk up the staff and only succeeds in getting on their nerves and embarrassing them. Serena (Kahyun Kim) and Joyce (Wendi McClendon-Covey) in 'St. Denis Medical'. Photo: BBC/2023 NBCUniversal Media She even does a very Brent-like motivational dance and treats them to an excruciating performance on the marimba. Having one Brent/Scott clone is lazy enough, but St Denis Medical has a second: full-of-himself trauma surgeon Bruce (Josh Lawson), who keeps a guitar and samurai swords in his office. He too has a trademark dance he does before operations. Bruce is a constant irritation to world-weary veteran doctor Ron (David Alan Grier), whos seen it all before. But Ron is often as vain as Bruce and prides himself on dating much younger women. Theres also a clueless new nurse called Matt (Mekki Leeper), who grew up in a religious community that doesnt believe in medication. On his first day, he accidentally injects himself with an EpiPen. The rest of the characters, including a very Stanley-from-The Office type nursing administrator, are sketchily drawn. Now and again, St Denis Medical shows flashes of what it could have been were it not a timid NBC network series. We briefly see a racist patient complaining about black doctors, but the curtain is swiftly closed on him, as it is on every opportunity to have a pop at Americas brutal, broken healthcare system. Rating: Two stars France's President Emmanuel Macron (2nd R) and his wife Brigitte Macron (R) welcome Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (2nd L) and his wife Rosangela da Silva (L) at Elysee Palace on June 05, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pierre Suu/Getty Images) Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and French leader Emmanuel Macron disagreed on Thursday over the EU-Mercosur free trade deal, with Lula urging Macron during a visit to Paris to sign off on a deal that angers French farmers. The differences between the two men underline the challenges of getting the long-delayed trade deal between South America's Mercosur bloc and the European Union over the line. A deal was finalised in December but still needs approval from member states like France, which argues the pact as it stands is harmful to its powerful agricultural sector. Lula, on a state visit to France, said he will soon take up the rotating presidency of South America's Mercosur bloc, and committed to using that six-month stint to ink a lasting accord. "I will not leave the Mercosur presidency without having concluded the trade deal," Lula told a press conference alongside Macron, urging the French president to "open your heart" to the deal. He also said he would like to get French and Brazilian farmers together so they could settle their differences and hash out an accord, while also urging Macron to reassure European peers about Brazil's commitment to fight deforestation. Macron said he was in favor of free and equitable trade, but that the deal currently harms French and European farmers who would have to compete against South American peers not subject to the same norms and regulations. He said the text could be improved with the insertion of mirror clauses. France has previously argued for the insertion of an emergency break clause to restrict imports if a sudden surge in imports destabilizes certain EU markets. In a meeting with French lawmakers this week, French farmers' groups urged Macron to rally partners to form a blocking minority against the Mercosur deal, which they say would be devastating for the beef, poultry and sugar industries and compromise the EU's ambitions in terms of food sovereignty. On the war between Russia and Ukraine, Macron said Brazil, along with China and India, could do more to pressure Moscow to end the fighting. Lula said he was committed to brokering peace between Russia and Ukraine, while Macron said everyone wanted peace, but that Moscow was the aggressor and that fact needed to be taken into account when adjudicating an end to the fighting. Reuters Numbers revealed as Brussels warns Ireland must broaden its tax base to sustain the public finances Almost four out of 10 Irish earners will pay no income tax this year, according to estimates from the Revenue Commissioners forecasting model. While the number of taxpayer units earning enough to be liable for the standard rate will be just over 2.2 million, an estimated 1.06 million of these, or 30pc, will not pay anything because their liability is fully covered by their tax credits. The High Court has heard that billionaire bloodstock magnate John Magnier's son, JP, handed over two "brown" envelopes containing a total of 50K in cash to an estate agent involved in a failed 15m property deal which were delivered to the beneficiaries of the estate as a show of "appreciation". The court also heard that a solicitor involved in the proposed conveyance of Barne Estate, Co Tipperary, the subject of a legal action by John Magnier - who alleges a 15m deal was reneged upon by the vendors - has told the High Court that an agreement was in place between the parties before an exclusivity document was signed. Lawyers for Sean McGovern raise concern about legality of extradition from UAE DPP will be put on notice of the application Sean McGovern Eoin Reynolds Thu 5 Jun 2025 at 14:15 Lawyers for Sean McGovern (39), who is charged with murder and directing a criminal organisation, have raised a concern about the legality of his extradition to Ireland from the United Arab Emirates last week. Man engaged in sex act with intellectually disabled adult daughter The 69-year-old man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty Dublin Central Criminal Court. Niamh ODonoghue Thu 5 Jun 2025 at 08:37 A man who betrayed his adult daughter, who has an intellectual disability, by engaging in a sexual act with her, has been jailed for eight years. No sentence is enough for the monster who took Tina, say family after killer husband Richard Satchwell gets life for murder Man they called master manipulator put us through the ultimate hell and tried to tarnish his wifes name, her relatives tell court Relatives of Tina Satchwell including Lorraine Howard (in the red dress) leave court after the sentencing. Photo: Collins Ralph Riegel Thu 5 Jun 2025 at 03:30 Tina Satchwells family branded her killer husband a monster yesterday as he was handed a life sentence for murdering the woman he professed to love. USB device found taped to friends bedroom window on day Evan Fitzgerald opened fire in Carlow shopping centre Gardai have seized the flash drive placed in a bag and duct-taped to bedroom window The letter 'E' was spelt out in duct tape along with the package containing the deviceGardai are trying to establish if the flash drive has any information relating to the events in Carlow on Sunday Evan Fitzgerald, who died in a shooting incident at the Fairgreen Shopping Centre in Carlow. Photo: PA Robin Schiller Thu 5 Jun 2025 at 03:30 Gardai investigating a shooting incident involving Carlow gunman Evan Fitzgerald (22) have seized a USB device discovered at his friends home on the day Fitzgerald opened fire in a shopping centre. Gardai on alert as extremely violent criminal Brendan Cummins is freed from prison Major garda alert as criminal known for extreme violence was released from prison Ken Foy Thu 5 Jun 2025 at 03:30 A garda alert is in place after a criminal considered one of the most violent that officers have encountered in recent years was released from prison yesterday. Deal reached for 800 homes at Leopardstown Racecourse after Taoiseach Micheal Martin hauls in sides to sort it out Three state bodies brought into Government Buildings to resolve dispute over publicly owned siteLand at Leopardstown in Dublin to go to State house-building body after three-year delay Leopardstown Racecourse. Stock image. Photo: Seb Daly/Sportsfile via Getty Images Fionnan Sheahan Thu 5 Jun 2025 at 03:30 Taoiseach Micheal Martin had to haul in three state agencies to sort out a long-running dispute over public land being used for housing. Trinity College Dublin to divest from links with Israeli universities and firms Trinitys board received a report on Wednesday from a taskforce set up last October to examine academic and institutional links Students taking part in an encampment protest over the Gaza conflict on the grounds of Trinity College in Dublin (Niall Carson/PA) Grainne Ni Aodha Press Association Thu 5 Jun 2025 at 07:30 Trinity College Dublin is to divest from new arrangements with Israeli universities, firms and institutions. Gerry Adams said he will donate the 100,000 he is to receive in damages from the BBC to charities that help children in Gaza, the homeless in Ireland and Irish language groups. Mr Adams took the BBC to court over a 2016 episode of its Spotlight programme, and an accompanying online story, which he said defamed him by alleging he sanctioned the killing of former Sinn Fein official Denis Donaldson, for which he denies any involvement. Roscommon man Robert Pether released from jail in Iraq after being detained for four years The wife of Robert Pether, the Roscommon man who has been released from jail in Iraq after four years in detention, has said the "living nightmare" his family has endured will not be over until he is home. Frank Coughlan: Is wine killing us, or does it constitute one of our five a day? I know what I prefer to believe Next May, the HSE will introduce new Armageddon labelling on wine bottles in Ireland why cant they leave us alone? For many, a glass of red is one of life's great pleasures. Stock image. Photo: Getty Frank Coughlan Thu 5 Jun 2025 at 03:30 Be honest. Its your favourite sound in the entire world. That gentle swirl and gurgle as the wine leaves the bottle, then rolls down the inside of the glass with a delicate swoosh. Jenny Maguire: For so many students, our options are: live with mammy or head to Australia and government policy is to blame Since February, Marco Rubio has travelled to several countries, helped mediate peace talks between Ukraine and Russia (and India and Pakistan), and met with the foreign minister of Syrias new regime. Presumably, he has balanced these diplomatic missions with his normal management duties as head of the State Department, where he oversees tens of thousands of employees. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On May 29, Dongfeng Motor Group held a major event in Warsaw to officially introduce its three self-owned brandsDONGFENG, VOYAH, and MHeroto the Polish market. At the event, Dongfeng Motor showcased a wide range of key models, including the DONGFENG BOX, the SHINE, and the MAGE, alongside the VOYAH Dream and the premium new energy off-roader MHero I. Together, the lineup forms a comprehensive portfolio that spans mainstream passenger vehicles, intelligent new energy models, and high-end off-road vehicles, reflecting Dongfeng Motor's global strategy of multi-brand synergy and diversified deployment. Photo credit: Dongfeng Motor Polandone of the most populous and economically dynamic countries in Central and Eastern Europeis rapidly advancing its strategies for new energy vehicles and green mobility. To solidify its presence in this strategic market, China Dongfeng Motor Industry Import & Export Co., Ltd. has established long-term strategic partnerships with local collaborators. Under the plan, Dongfeng Motor and its partners will work closely on vehicle model introductions, local sales network development, after-sales service enhancement, and brand promotion. The company also aims to set up distribution channels across key Polish cities, including Warsaw, Krakow, and Wrocaw, gradually expanding its market footprint. Dongfeng Motor is accelerating its internationalization efforts. In April this year, the automaker signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia's Universal Motors Agencies ("UMA"), positioning the Saudi market as a key hub for its Middle East operations and a gateway to the six Gulf Cooperation Council countries. This partnership will be built on a tripartite framework of capital, technology, and market, under a bilateral strategic procurement agreement between China and Saudi Arabia. In addition to securing a purchase agreement for nearly 10,000 vehicles with UMA, Dongfeng Motor will provide a comprehensive "Dongfeng Solution" covering product innovation, service support, and marketing transformation. Dongfeng Motor also announced then that it planned to co-launch region-specific vehicle models with UMA in 2025, aiming to establish a benchmark product lineup tailored to Saudi consumers. At the same time, the collaboration would help UMA enhance lead generation, data processing, and conversion rates, as well as build a full-channel marketing ecosystem. Public and private funding totalling 140bn is needed to reach the Governments housing target of 300,000 homes by 2030. Photo: Getty It was the French liberal economist Frederic Bastiat who said: The state is the great fictitious entity by which everyone seeks to live at the expense of everyone else. When you cut to the chase, it is the taxpayer who pays and pays. If they are lucky, their money is spent efficiently and effectively. If they are not, the potential for indefensible blow-outs is all the greater, and the chance to hold those responsible to account is lost in a perpetual political cycle of deflection and denial. The revelation that the cumulative costs of housing some families in emergency accommodation adds up to the price of a house is another crushing blow to the Governments credibility on homelessness and the housing crisis. Public and private funding totalling 140bn is needed to reach the Governments housing target of 300,000 homes by 2030. Photo: Getty Today's News in 90 seconds - 5th June 2025 The idea that it could cost between 140,000 and 180,000 to keep a roof over the head of a family each year seems ludicrous. Many families require such support for two years, according to Dublin Region Homeless Executive. Figures from the Department of Housing, released last month, revealed 15,580 people were dependent on such support. This was 11pc more than last year, when there were 14,010. The figure of 15,580 marked another bleak record and included 4,775 children. Sinn Feins Eoin O Broin said the new high was a stain on this Government, while Labours Conor Sheehan said: This is no longer a housing crisis it is a housing disaster, and the Government is responding with inertia. Only a radical, pandemic-like response where obstacles are obliterated by absolute necessity, with cross-party buy-in will suffice The massive costs of meeting homeless peoples requirements seem to have no boundaries. A total failure to provide the necessary accommodation over decades has forced the State into paying indefensible amounts of money. There is now a perception that the Government is being swamped in a sea of need. Buddhist nun Pema Chedron once wrote: Nothing ever goes away until it has taught us what we need to know. But surely there is nothing more to be learnt about the solution to the housing crisis. We do not have enough houses, nor will we unless there is a revolutionary change in approach. Last month we saw how the national monthly average rent passed 2,000 for the first time. A recent Property Industry Ireland conference was told 140bn in public and private funding is needed to reach the government housing target of 300,000 homes by 2030. It is time for the Government to create a dynamic where the State and the private sector can act in tandem to mutual benefit. The State has to create the conditions where the finances will be in place to ensure a building programme can be accelerated to bridge the gap between supply and demand. Only a radical, pandemic-like response where obstacles are obliterated by absolute necessity, with cross-party buy-in will suffice. Palming off the burden of responsibility at the expense of the next generation is not an option. We cannot continue to haemorrhage vast sums of taxpayer money for unsustainable short-term solutions. Mourners at the funeral of Palestinians killed in what the Gaza health ministry said was an Israeli attack near a distribution site in Rafah. Photo: Reuters The EU, an organisation I greatly respect, was founded on the principles of human rights and respect for human dignity. Right now with the brutal conflict in the Middle East, it faces an existential challenge to its conviction and belief in these sacred values. As the nightmare in Gaza continues, it is increasingly clear that despite the noble efforts of some, more must be done to end this humanitarian catastrophe. The people of Israel and Palestine have the unqualified and undeniable right to peace and happiness. The EU must do much more. There are many levers at the EUs disposal. It is a powerful and influential entity with the ability to make a real difference and end this terrible conflict. It must realise that by not taking stronger actions to stop the bloodshed, it is defying its founding principles. It should strive for the noble goal espoused by Seamus Heaney of making hope and history rhyme and pursue a path to a hopeful, lasting peace for both nations. The EU is a wonderful conglomerate of nations that has served its people well. Let us hope it continues to do so by helping to end this conflict. Tadhg Mulvey, Trim, Co Meath Government is allowing the Central Bank to help fund Israels war machine Taoiseach Micheal Martin said in the Dail last Thursday that the Israeli government is committing genocide in Gaza right now. He then made the extraordinary and entirely false statement that the Central Bank is not facilitating anything or approving bonds or anything like that. The Central Bank of Ireland is directly, and uniquely, facilitating the sale of Israeli bonds throughout the EU. It has approved the State of Israel Bond Issuance Programme on a yearly basis since 2021. It is the sole authority for the sale of these bonds in the EU. It is listed on the Central Bank website under Approved Prospectuses. The Israel Bonds Prospectus, for its part, declares that it has been approved as a base prospectus by the Central Bank of Ireland as competent authority under Regulation (EU) 2017/1129. In the 16 months from October 2023 to January 2025, Israel raised $4.49bn through the sale of bonds across the EU. That is an average of $9.25m a day. Israel bonds are funding the blockade of Gaza, the starvation and bombardment of the Palestinian people and the murder of over 60,000 people in the besieged enclave, including 20,000 children. Under the Genocide Convention, the Irish Government has a responsibility to act to prevent genocide. The Central Banks role in facilitating the raising of these funds amounts to active state complicity in what the Taoiseach has admitted is genocide. The Government must deal with the facts: abandon obfuscation and denial, honour its obligations under the Genocide Convention and stop the Central Bank from acting as the linchpin of Israels fundraising machine in Europe. Helen Mahony, Sutton Park, Dublin 13 Ukraines destruction of Russian bombers gives us something to cheer about While the politicians drone on at peace talks, the Ukrainian drones were on target. It seems unbalanced when 100 drones can take out billions of euro worth of Russian bombers, but most of the world is cheering. There is truth in the David and Goliath story. Someone needs to translate it into Russian. Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia Fine Gaels delusion over housing woes has brought about the current crisis The record homelessness figures announced in recent days warrant an examination of how we got here. The Fine Gael-Labour coalitions 2013 decision to ban bedsits is undoubtedly an ideological own goal. Not that they werent warned at the time, but a coterie of NGO experts knew best: Cant they move to a two-bed in Ranelagh like the rest of us? Equally, the 2014 tax changes made by Fine Gael finance minister Michael Noonan to property-based tax reliefs starved the sector of hundreds of millions of euro that were being reinvested in urban renewal and providing the very type of basic housing that prevents homelessness. The dereliction we see in 2025 is a result of those choices. Ten years on, homeless people continue to wait for the perfect homes Fine Gael and Labour promised. Most of those responsible have left the stage, and those who remain are still deluding themselves on the merits of their policy choices. If we ever build our way out of this problem, it will only be because we abandoned Fine Gaels housing and fiscal delusions. Alex Wilsdon, Dublin Road, Kilkenny In giving Joe Biden a free pass, the media may have helped Trump to victory Its nice that the great and the good are held up to scrutiny by the media. Those in positions of power, in all walks of life, need to be held accountable for their actions. It certainly cannot be said that the current occupant of the White House, Donald Trump, has not been subject to media coverage which is as it should be. Sometimes this scrutiny can seem like overkill, but its better than the alternative. Therein lies the problem. In contrast, Mr Trumps predecessor, Joe Biden, was virtually given a free pass. The recently published book, Original Sin, by journalists Alex Thompson and Jake Tapper, reveals a story of media collusion that doesnt reflect well on large elements of the fourth estate. It was obvious to the most casual observer that all was not well with this man. As it turned out, the whole thing backfired anyway. In retrospect, the cover-up helped no one apart from Donald Trump. Prophetic justice, perhaps. Eric Conway, Navan, Co Meath Why I had to switch off from Housewife of the Year documentary I thought that Id seen and heard it all, but not quite. RTE prefaced the Housewife of the Year documentary with a content warning, and the opening scene featured the text of Article 41.2 the same article whose proposed deletion was rejected by the electorate in a constitutional referendum in March last year. These two assaults on my sensitivities were far more than I was able for. I switched off. Larry Dunne, Rosslare Harbour, Co Wexford Displaced Palestinians return to retrieve their belongings from their homes in the northern Gaza Strip. Photo: AP One can argue that Israel had the right to defend itself after the murderous attacks perpetrated by Iran-backed Hamas on October 7, 2023. One can argue that Israel had the right to use the standard military doctrine of overwhelming force to prosecute its military response and not seek or accept proportionality of casualties. One can argue that given the urban character and high population density of Gaza, collateral damage and high civilian casualties were inevitable. One can argue that Hamass well-documented tactic of using schools and hospitals for command and control posts, ammunition dumps and firing points effectively using children and the sick as human shields could lead to these people being targeted. One can argue that the groups tactic of firing from buildings to lure Israeli infantry before detonating mines could lead to a corresponding Israeli tactic of wholesale destruction of these buildings, rather than the normal practice of clearing house-by-house. One can also argue that Hamass strategy of retaining the hostages in the face of this onslaught has allowed Israel to retain the semblance of moral rectitude and given cover for its heavy-handedness. But the deliberate collective punishment and starvation of 2.2 million people and the expulsion from one area to another within the Gaza Strip in forced evacuations is inhumane and dehumanising. R Healy, Mullagh, Co Cavan US should look at itself before it lectures other nations about free speech Ian ODoherty tells us that the United States has taken it upon itself to warn Ireland over the dangers of our proposed hate-speech legislation (Free speech, America and the EU: we know which way our leaders will lean June 4). It was a friendly chat, apparently, though such chats from Washington often come with a raised eyebrow and a wagging finger. This is from a country whose president has already vowed to prosecute journalists he dislikes, has banned sections of the press from the White House briefing room and routinely refers to unfavourable coverage as treason, all while border agents inspect travellers social media accounts for impure thoughts. The First Amendment is a fine principle, but its most ardent defenders often appear oddly selective in their defence of it, especially when abroad. Before advising sovereign nations on freedom of expression, the US might take a moment to recall the old maxim: physician, heal thyself. Enda Cullen, Tullysaran Road, Armagh If Adams runs for the Aras, we cant blame the electorate if he doesnt get elected Senan Molony suggests that if former Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams becomes our next president it will be the fault of the BBC (If Adams becomes next president, it would be ironic the BBC paved the way June 4). I wonder if Mr Adams does decide to run for the Aras and is not successful, will it then be the fault of the electorate? I would ultimately give the electorate the respect they deserve no matter what the outcome. Aidan Roddy, Cabinteely, Dublin 18 If you value love, not hate, stand with us at Pride marches across Ireland I am in my 30s and have been protesting since I was six years of age. I remember going with all of the kids in my class to the local government building to campaign for them to fund our secondary school. That school opened when I was 16. I have marched for marriage equality, for Repeal; Ive protested alongside Trans and Intersex Pride; for Irish language rights; in solidarity with Palestine and much more. Marching together for a common cause is empowering to those affected and for those who love us. Pride is no different. This year, Dublin alone has a Dyke March (June 27), Pride (June 28) and Trans & Intersex Pride (July 12). Then there are all the Pride parades around the country. All of these marches are moments of unity for us, when we stand together proudly against a world that is telling us to be quiet, to be grateful for what we have, to expect less for ourselves and for other oppressed peoples. If you want to stand on the sidelines and support us, bring your kids, bring your grandparents. If you want to march with us, find a group or make a group and march with us in solidarity. The rise of hatred towards minority groups in this country terrifies me. The changes in the wider world are almost incomprehensible. Take a stand, with us, for us, together against those who would oppress us. Jess Connor, Glasnevin, Dublin 9 Times have changed, but you still cant beat having a newspaper in your hands On Thursday, May 25, 1995, the final editions of the Irish Press and Evening Press were published. I remember at that time fearing it might well be the tip of the iceberg and that many other papers were likely to follow. Some did, but thankfully many are still available to accompany the pint of milk back to the breakfast table. Despite technology and the advent of various media, the real newspaper is still number one in our house, as it was in the house in which I grew up in the 1950s and 60s. With regard to this canonical matter, Flann OBriens assertion on the pint of plain could wittingly be applied, the paper is your only man. Michael Gannon, St Thomas Square, Kilkenny Time to draw a line under the use of pen and paper by students in State exams That students still put pen to paper in the Leaving and Junior Certificate in our computerised world is a joke. They should leave school equipped with software development skills. Liam Doran, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 Forget Winkgate Reds can still hold their heads high in spite of defeat Im sorry to see such a massive match was soured by a cynical wink from Sharks scrum-half Jaden Hendrikse in his sides win over Munster in the URC quarter-final last Saturday. But to his credit, Jack Crowley never blinked. The Reds can still walk tall. M OBrien, Dalkey, Co Dublin The historic Walter Raleigh Hotel in Youghal has recently been acquired by new management Michael Brett of the Walter Raleigh Hotel (left) and Andrew O'Neill of the Choice Hotel Group (right) outside the hotel in Youghal An historic landmark hotel in East Cork has been taken over by new management, who are planning transformational works later this year. Youghals Walter Raleigh Hotel, which dates back to the 18th century, is a boutique hotel that once served as the temporary home for the controversial figure, who reportedly planted the very first potatoes in Ireland. Walter Raleigh was an English planter and former British Army officer who fought in campaigns in France and Ireland, and was given 40,000 acres including the towns of Youghal and Lismore following the suppression of the Desmond rebellion in 1579. The hotel is located above the seafront promenade in the town, which is starting to once again enjoy increased tourist numbers, following its heyday as a seaside holiday destination up to the 1970s, when the railway line to Cork was closed. Despite its decline, the Walter Raleigh which first opened its doors as a hospitality destination in 1902 - stayed open throughout that time. Now, the hotel has been taken over by the American Multinational Choice hotel group, which employs over 1,800 staff and turned over $1.4 billion dollars of revenue in 2022. The group includes brands such as the Quality Inn, Comfort Inn, and Radisson hotels. We are delighted to welcome the Walter Raleigh Hotel to the Choice Hotel Group family. This landmark property has long been a beloved destination in East Cork, known for its historic charm, seaside views, and exceptional guest service, said CEO of Choice Hotel Group Ireland, Andrew ONeill. Our vision is to preserve its character while investing in enhancements that will benefit guests, staff, and the wider Youghal community. It aligns perfectly with our strategy of offering authentic Irish hospitality in exceptional locations. This Irish franchise deals with five hotels in particular, including Hotel Woodstock in Ennis and The House Hotel in Galway City. Michael Brett, General Manager of the hotel was also thrilled with the acquisition. Its an exciting transition going from family operated into a Hotel Group, he said. My team & I are looking forward to working closely with Choice Hotel Group on the Walter Raleigh Hotel and look forward to leading a new beginning for the Hotel under their flag, Mr Brett added. The group says it plans to undertake a sensitive refurbishment of the hotel after the summer months to further elevate the guest experience, with a focus on preserving its unique period features while upgrading amenities in line with contemporary expectations. Planning approval has been given for seven new council houses to be built in Knocknagree village. The development comes as part of Cork County Council's broader housing programme and will consist of 1 x 3 bed house, 2 x 2 bed houses and 4 x 1 bed houses. The new homes will be built to modern standards and will complement the existing village infrastructure. Construction is expected to commence in the coming months, with the first families anticipated to move in during 2026. The news has been hailed as a major boost for the rural community by Fine Gael TD for Cork North West John Paul OShea. Deputy OShea praised Cork County Council for their commitment to delivering much needed social housing in the village, which will provide quality homes for local families and help sustain the vibrancy of the north Cork community. Mr OShea described the news as a significant measure in addressing the housing needs of rural Cork communities. This is fantastic news for Knocknagree and the surrounding area. These seven new council houses represent more than just bricks and mortar. They represent hope, opportunity, and a future for families who want to put down roots in this beautiful part of north Cork. Deputy OShea continued: Having served on Cork County Council for 15 years before my election to the Dail, I understand the challenges faced by rural communities in accessing housing. This housing project demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that people can live and thrive in the communities near them." The Cork TD highlighted the importance of supporting rural settlements like Knocknagree, which has consistently shown remarkable community spirit and resilience in recent years. "Knocknagree is a community that has consistently shown its determination to thrive and grow. The local community development group and residents have worked tirelessly to enhance village amenities and attract new families to the area. These new council houses will build on that positive momentum. Every new family that calls Knocknagree home strengthens our community. These houses will help ensure our village school remains viable, support local businesses, and contribute to the overall sustainability of rural Cork, he added. ALDI was this week pleased to announce that two of its Cork staff members are celebrating long service awards. Stuart Brown, based in Mitchelstown, was acknowledged for 15 years at the company, and Liam OSullivan, based in ALDIs Regional Distribution Centre in Mitchelstown, celebrated 10 years with ALDI. Stuart Brown: Originally from North County Down, Stuart began his career as a Quantity Surveyor, before taking a brief sabbatical to travel across Europe. In 2009, Stuart joined ALDI as a Store Assistant in Thurles and throughout his time worked his way up to be a Store Manager, before taking on the role with the Evolve Project in 2022, where he has been ever since. Throughout his fifteen years with the company, he has worked across ALDIs stores in Kilkenny, Wexford, Waterford, Cork and currently as a Project Manager, responsible for the rollout of various new processes to ALDIs Store Management teams. Commenting on his time at ALDI, Stuart said: There is great support in ALDI - we are given the tools to continue to learn and grow within our roles and in the company. A previous boss once said that if he could have designed and created a role specifically for me, the Evolve team would have been close to what he would have come up with. I feel like he was spot on. Being part of the Evolve team allows me to contribute to work that tangibly improves the way we work together at ALDI, which gives me great satisfaction. Liam OSullivan: Liams first job was as a petrol station assistant he remembers a time when they were still accepting cheques. He is now a key member of the Regional Distribution Centre, working as a Maintenance Section Leader. When not in work, Liam is an accomplished musician, playing several instruments including the saxophone, bagpipes, drums and piano. Speaking about the past decade working at ALDI, Liam said; I would not be where I am without my coworkers. It has been a joy spending the last ten years with them as I always say, time flies when youre busy and having a laugh along the way! We have a fantastic team, both in the Regional Distribution Centre here in Mitchelstown, and within the wider ALDI team, so I look forward to the next ten years with the company, he continued. Colin Breslin, Managing Director of Operations at ALDI Ireland, said: We take great pride in celebrating Stuart and Liams combined twenty-five years experience with the company. Their dedication has played a key part in our growth and success, and I would like to thank them both for their contribution to the business through their service. Dublin City Council report outlines maintenance, security and cleaning costs over five years The council has performed a u-turn on closing toilets at the top of Grafton Street Four new public toilets are being proposed for Dublin city centre, at an estimated cost of 5.7m over the next five years, according to a report from Dublin City Council (DCC). The document, to be presented to councillors on Monday, outlines four high-footfall locations where the facilities would be situated: South King Street, Barnardo Square, OConnell Street/North Princes Street and Smithfield Square. The facilities are to be multi-cubicled and staffed in a similar way to the existing toilet at the junction of St Stephens Green and Grafton Street, introduced at the height of the pandemic. They would be open seven days a week at times that align with retail opening hours, according to the report, which was written by the councils Director of Services, Derek Kelly. Mr Kelly also makes clear the councils intention to replace the current temporary St Stephens Green toilet with a permanent solution at a later date. Consultants are to be appointed this month to prepare designs for the four new structures, with a public consultation set to take place in the second or third quarter of this year. They are expected to be installed in the second or third quarter of 2026, following the appointment of a service provider. A 50-cent charge to access the facilities has been suggested, but even with this income, the toilets will operate at a significant deficit, with the shortfall covered by the council budget. According to the DCC report, the capital cost associated with a typical 4/5-cubicle facility and attached kiosk is roughly 200,000, while installation is between 75,000 and 100,000, depending on the site. Including design fees, the total capital outlay for the new units is 1.3m. However, servicing the units is where the bulk of the costs arise. Between maintenance, cleaning and security services, an estimate of 4.4m is attached to the five-year operations contract. Separately, the planned College Green plaza is also slated to include public toilets, according to the document, bringing the number of purpose-built facilities to five in the central commercial area. A spokesperson for DCC said the College Green design team were now examining proposals for how public facilities can sensitively be provided within the project area. A variety of options will be examined and assessed as part of the design development, they said. The news comes on the heels of a public backlash over the proposed closure of the St Stephens Green facilities the citys only purpose-built public toilet a decision which was later reversed. The council had cited falling usage of the cubicles since the pandemic, and the liquidation of the company in charge of maintenance. DCC had spent nearly 400,000 annually operating the toilets. The report also notes there are currently 39 council-provided public toilets located throughout the DCC administrative area, in parks, libraries and other public buildings. Dublin previously had more than 60 dedicated on-street public toilets in the 1970s, but vandalism and anti-social behaviour forced them all to shutter by the late 1990s. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme Irish News 'Nobody is going to walk out of a check-in over an extra 80': Is it time for Ireland to copy other visitor hotspots with a tourist tax? Hoteliers hate them. Governments, particularly local governments, love them. Do tourists mind or do they even notice? The names, the rates and the faces might change, but the debate on tourism and visitor taxes follows a similar pattern worldwide. Gaza native in Kerry says only Ireland feels what the Palestinians feel Ahmed talks to his family in Gaza most days where they are starving and fear for their lives Ahmed Lulu from Gaza. Stephen Fernane Kerryman Thu 5 Jun 2025 at 08:00 Ahmed LuLu no longer dances while his people suffer under the weight of Israeli bombs and systemic starvation. QQI Level 5 & 6 awards and industry qualifications presented across multiple fields. Drogheda Institute of Further Education (DIFE) proudly hosted its annual graduation ceremony at the TLT Theatre in Drogheda this May, celebrating the outstanding achievements of the graduating class of 2024/25. Due to the large number of graduates, two sessions were held to accommodate all attendees. Workers lives matter, said the family of a man who died from injuries he received when falling through a roof as he installed solar panels. Liam Doherty (43), Clougherna, Ballyliffin, Co. Donegal, passed away at the scene on August 14, 2023. He fell approximately six-and-half metres onto a concrete floor in an agricultural shed at Bellingham Farms, Milestown, Castlebellingham, Co. Louth. He was working at the time for Brian Kelly of Solar Power Ireland BK Limited. Mr Kelly (58), Lower Illies, Buncrana, Co. Donegal, and the company were each accused of four breaches of the Health & Safety Act. He is Managing Director of Solar Power Ireland BK Limited and signed pleas of guilty to the charges on his own and the companys behalf. During a sentence hearing at Dundalk Circuit Court evidence was given that neither a lanyard nor harness system were in operation when Mr Doherty fell through Perspex which was acting as a skylight. In a Victim Impact Statement written on behalf of the family by his sister Roisin, she said that not enough attention was paid to safety in this line of work. Workers lives matter. We hope there are no more deaths like this. Inspector Eddie Wall, Health & Safety Authority, said that the accident occurred at 1.59pm. CCTV footage at ground level captured some part of it. No footage was played in court. Photographs of the area were handed up. Mr Doherty stepped onto a clear Perspex sheet and fell approximately six-and-a-half metres to a concrete floor. Brian Kelly was present with his two sons all of whom were working having been subcontracted to install solar panels. No safety harness was used, Mr Wall continued. A prohibition notice was served. The scene was examined by an engineer on August 28. The roof was of corrugated fibre cement roof sheeting with Perspex at intervals as skylights. Neither a lanyard nor harness system was being used. There was no project supervisor nor safe system of work plans. It was not identified that Perspex should be treated as a hazard. The root cause of the accident was not having in place the appropriate safe systems of work. "The work could not be carried out without risk to health, the engineer found. Clear Perspex and corrugated sheeting was a fragile roof material. This work, at height, involved a particular risk, the engineers report stated. A post mortem report outlined that Mr Doherty died from multiple traumatic injuries from a fall from height at work. The court heard that Brian Kelly was interviewed under caution and attended with a pre-prepared statement. He said that he, his two sons and Liam Doherty were working. He assessed the roof. The Perspex sheets were not safe to be walked on without laths across them. Liam was the only person standing on the roof. One of his sons was operating a lift to hoist the solar panels onto the roof. He heard the noise of Liam falling through the skylight. They all rushed down. Mr Kelly continued that he didnt know why Liam moved into an area outside the work zone. He said that he lost a lifelong friend. He missed him every day. He was utterly devastated and heartbroken and found it difficult to talk about. Cross-examined by counsel, Inspector Wall said that Mr Doherty was directing where the solar panels were to be left down. It was possible he backed on to one of the Perspex sheets. Nobody saw the incident. There were no previous convictions against either Brian Kelly nor the company. The familys Victim Impact Statement said that the loss of a son, brother and uncle had caused so much pain and suffering. Liam, who was single, called to the home house every day that he wasnt away. He supported his mother and his disabled brother. Life had become infinitely harder for their mother. Defence senior counsel Garnet Orange said that this was a desperately sad situation. The Doherty family suffered a terrible loss. This incident happened in the blink of an eye. It was not negligence or recklessness at the highest level but closer to a tragic accident. Complacency had developed into work practices. Handed into court were documents showing the financial picture of a company described by Mr Orange as a profitable business but not hugely profitable. Insurance was not an issue of concern. The company was no longer trading at the same level. Judge Dara Hayes expressed his deepest sympathy to the Doherty family, some of whom were present for the hearing having travelled from Inishowen. "Your brother should still be with us and should not have died. The judge continued there were clearly serious offences, breaches of the Health & Safety Act which is there to guard against complacency. He said he wanted to take time to consider how to deal with the case and adjourned sentencing to July 8. Funded by courts reporting scheme. A masked man who attempted to hijack at knifepoint a taxi he ordered has appeared before Dundalk Circuit Court for sentencing. Aaron Reilly (23), living at the time at The Crescent, Tredagh View, Drogheda, pleaded guilty to a charge of producing a knife during the incident which occurred close to his then home on September 30, 2020. He used his mothers phone to notify the taxi driver and after he ran off having failed to get the victim to hand over his vehicle, Gardai who arrived on the scene saw him looking out a window of his house. It was stated that the defendant was a Jekyll and Hyde character who had a drug and alcohol addiction and required residential treatment. Det Gda Kelly Finnegan gave evidence that the taxi driver received a notification to attend an address at Beechwood Avenue, Drogheda at 7am. When he drove into Rowan Heights, Marleys Lane, he saw a masked man approach on the drivers side. This person opened the door and produced a knife, saying, I need your taxi. Get out of the taxi. The victim refused and offered his attacker money. Mr Reilly said, Its insured. You can just give me the keys. He held the knife against the drivers chest. The driver said no and got out of the Toyota Prius which had a camera system. His assailant made threats to kill him. The taxi man kept the keys in his pocket and made it clear he was not willing to hand over his car. The defendant ran off. Det Gda Finnegan continued that a large black handled knife was found in grass and Mr Reilly was seen looking out the kitchen window of his house. During the course of an investigation which ultimately led to the accused, it was discovered that his mother recognised the knife as similar to one from a knife block in her kitchen. DNA recovered from the handle of a bread knife with a sharp edge was linked to the accused, who had used his mothers phone to book the taxi. He was arrested and interviewed on August 5, 2022. There were 29 previous convictions, including one for possession of a knife and two for assault. In a Victim Impact Statement the man said he had been working as a taxi driver for five years at the time. The incident had a severe impact on him. He now tried to avoid Marleys Lane and working at night. This affected his earnings. He had a big family to support. He couldnt sleep and would wake up in fear and as a result be tired all day. Cross-examined by barrister Donough McDonough, instructed by solicitor Paul Moore, Det Gda Finnegan agreed that the defendant was a Jekyll and Hyde character who was in the throes of an addiction to cocaine and alcohol. He did this when out of his head. His mother who was present at the hearing had given him a lot of chances before throwing him out of the house. Mr McDonough added that Aaron Reilly had little memory of what occurred. He regretted his actions and had instructed to apologise. He was currently out of the house and couch surfing between family and friends. His mother continued to support him. He had no father in his life. The defendant did a Junior Cert equivalent and obtained a Safe Pass. He needed to address his addiction issues. Drug use had escalated after the death of a friend. He accepted that he required residential care. The Probation Service assessed him at high risk of reoffending in the next 12 months and noted he was motivated to address risk factors. The defendant had done four weeks of a 10-week course and Judge Dara Hayes gave him an opportunity to complete it, adjourning sentence to July 30. He said the matter will require some degree of custodial sentence. Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme There will be a wide array of goods and toys on offer. Last week saw the official launch of the upcoming Enniscorthy and Monart Union of Parishes Parish Fete Day an annual event that is always hugely attended by locals in Enniscorthy. The Parish Fete and Family Fun Day is designed to raise funds for the Union of Parishes and as it will be the organisers only major fundraising initiative this year its hoped there will be a large crowd in attendance. The Enniscorthy and Monart Union of Parishes comprises Clone, Clonmore, Monart, St. Marys and Templescobin. The launch of the Enniscorthy and Monart Union of Parishes event took place recently at St Marys Church in Enniscorthy, where members showed off food, toys, and games that will be on offer on the day. Taking place on Saturday, June 7 in the Enniscorthy Showgrounds, will have a range of activities including, face painting, lucky dips, afternoon tea, a number of stalls, and food including BBQ burgers. A big highlight of the day is always the dog show, which will be taking place from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Organisers have added a number of additional categories over the years including the dog with the wiggliest tail and the dog the judges would most like to bring home. It is important to note that the Fete and Family fun day is not confined to members of the Church of Ireland with the Canon Nicola Halford of St Marys Church encouraging people of all denominations to attend what promises to be a great family day out. There is free admission on the day, with a large number of free parking available. Janet Corish from Campile Allcare Pharmacy was crowned Community Pharmacy Technician of the Year at the Irish Pharmacy Awards. The staff from Campile Allcare Pharmacy had much to celebrate last week as they travelled home to Co. Wexford with silverware from the Irish Pharmacy Awards. The staff gathered at the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, Dublin for the awards which took place on Saturday, May 24, and they anxiously awaited the results of the nominations of which they were listed in four categories, including Independent Pharmacy of the Year. The annual awards recognise outstanding achievements in the pharmacy sector across Ireland, and the 2025 ceremony, attended by industry professionals and stakeholders, highlighted the importance of innovation, patient-centred care, and professional development within the field. On the night, Janet Corish, from Campile Allcare Pharmacy, was crowned the Originalis and Pluripharm Community Pharmacy Technician of the Year. This is great recognition of the teams dedication and positive impact in their local community. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the pharmacy's ongoing mission to deliver exceptional healthcare services and contribute positively to the community's well-being, commented Campile Allcare Pharmacy spokesperson, Dearbhla Walsh on the four nominations. Also commenting on the success of Ms Corish, Ms Walsh described the Community Pharmacy Technician of the Year as a dedicated member of the Campile Allcare team. The award is an acknowledgement of her exceptional leadership and innovation in community pharmacy services. Her efforts have significantly contributed to the pharmacy's reputation for delivering high-quality care to the local community, said Ms Walsh. This award recognises the vital role of pharmacy technicians and celebrates excellence, leadership and innovation in supporting modern pharmacy practice. Janet was recognised for championing the evolving role of pharmacy technicians, she continued. Ms Walsh concluded by adding that the "Campile Allcare Pharmacy's success at the awards not only celebrates individual excellence but also reflects the pharmacy's broader commitment to enhancing healthcare services in County Wexford. The pharmacy continues to serve as a cornerstone of the community, providing essential health services and expert advice to its patrons. A structure that holds a peculiar fondness for the people of Wexford, there were major concerns for the old Lyons Tea railway shed near OHanrahan Station on Saturday night, as plumes of smoke came billowing out, enveloping the north end of town. The fire service were quick to the scene, with Iarnrod Eireann workers also in attendance, and thankfully the fire was brought under control relatively quickly. A source in the fire service described the blaze as relatively small and pointed out that the shed was empty at the time. Fire at the Lyons shed in Wexford Railway Station on Saturday evening. Pic: Jim Campbell "There damage done was quite small, he said. A couple of panels had to be removed to clear the smoke, but the damage done to the structure was almost zero. There was just a huge amount of smoke from it. The source of the blaze has yet to be established, however, early theories are that it may have been caused by youngsters exploring the abandoned shed. Amy Walsh and Diane Bennett from Wexford Credit Union attended the Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann information evening at the Wexford County Council buildings. Pic: Jim Campbell Fleadh Cheoil committee members pictured at the Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann information evening at the Wexford County Council buildings. (l to r)- Aidan Rochford (Wexford County Council Co-ordinator), Chief Executive of Wexford County Council Eddie Taaffe (Chairman), Siobhan Kehoe (Wexford Borough District), District manager Anthony Bailey and Eimear Kennedy (Communications Officer). Pic: Jim Campbell Niamh Mahon, Jorika Kohl and Amanda King were pictured at the Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann information evening at the Wexford County Council buildings. Pic: Jim Campbell Chief Executive of Wexford County Council and Fleadh Cheoil Chairman speaking during the Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann information evening at the Wexford County Council buildings. Pic: Jim Campbell It was an altogether quiet affair this year as Wexford County Council hosted information evenings around Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann at its headquarters. Last years information sessions, taking place in the backdrop of a local election campaign, proved a lot more contentious, even sparking a war of words between sitting councillors and election hopefuls. It also saw a much larger attendance, with the Wexford public not fully aware of what to expect from the town hosting the Fleadh. Following last year's meeting, some took to social media to call the planning of the massive event as a farce, expressing concerns that residents in the likes of Crossabeg and Castlebridge would be left stranded and that people would be unable to access GP and hospital services. However, such apprehensions seem to have fizzled in the wake of the success of last years event and this years information sessions saw only around 30 business owners and 15 town residents attend the information meeting over the course of a day at county hall. "I think in general, everyone was pretty happy with how things went last year," Chief Executive of Wexford County Council Eddie Taaffe said. "There were a few minor suggestions and tweaks put forward by those in attendance and we hope to address those in the weeks ahead. According to garda estimates, a record-breaking 650,000 people from all over Ireland and the world attended last years Fleadh Cheoil which was described by Ardstiurthoir of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann Labhras O Murchu as one of the greatest Fleadhs of all time. Fleadh Cheoil committee members pictured at the Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann information evening at the Wexford County Council buildings. (l to r)- Aidan Rochford (Wexford County Council Co-ordinator), Chief Executive of Wexford County Council Eddie Taaffe (Chairman), Siobhan Kehoe (Wexford Borough District), District manager Anthony Bailey and Eimear Kennedy (Communications Officer). Pic: Jim Campbell Mr Taaffe confirmed that organisers in Wexford are expecting this years Fleadh to break attendance records once again. "Generally speaking, on the second year of a town hosting a Fleadh, you factor in an additional 10% in terms of attendance, he said. With that in mind, we think we could push to around 700,000 people over the eight days this year. An Garda Siochana have launched an appeal for witnesses as a teenage boy continues to fight for his life following an e-scooter crash in rural Wexford. The 13-year-old came off the e-scooter at Ballyteigue, Kilmore Quay, at approximately 7 p.m. on Friday, sustaining serious injuries in the process. The National Ambulance Service were reportedly called to the scene and the injured teen was brought to Wexford General Hospital before eventually being transferred to Temple Street Children's hospital in Dublin where he remains in intensive care. The youngster is believed to be from a neighbouring south Wexford village. While Wexford Gardai were not initially called to the scene of the accident, they did attend afterwards and have stated an investigation is ongoing. Gardai are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this incident to come forward, a statement said. We are seeking camera footage, including dash-cam recordings, from road users on in Kilmore Quay towards the junction of Ard na Ba and the L3056 between 6.45 p.m. and 7.10 p.m. on May 30. Anyone with information is asked to contact Wexford Garda Station on 053 9165200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station. The white stork was first seen near Tacumshane Lake in April. Photo: Cian Cardiff. The last recorded sighting of a white stork in Wexford was in the late 1970s. Photo: Cian Cardiff. A rare visitor to the county is causing traffic mayhem across south Wexford as birdwatchers fight for a glimpse of the new arrival. First spotted near Tacumshane Lake in mid-April, a white stork last seen in Wexford in the 1970s has since been seen in Coddstown Great, Ballyteigue, and Cahore as it makes its way through the county. However, according to the cathaoirleach of the Rosslare Municipal District (RMD) the birds army of admirers are creating chaos wherever they go. Theres been cars abandoned in the middle of the road down near Sigginstown Castle, all stopped to see this white stork, said Councillor Jim Codd at the May meeting of the RMD. He was in the Tacumshane area and now I believe hes moved to Mayglass, and where he goes, traffic havoc follows. Locals are telling me that theyre coming across cars stopped stone dead in the road, drivers are jumping out to get pictures of this bird. Addressing roads engineer Michael Brazzill, the Aontu councillor continued. "Were all lovers of wildlife and we dont want to get into a battle with birdwatchers but maybe you have a suggestion on how we handle this situation? Momentarily stumped, Mr Brazzill replied, The guards are the next port of call if people are doing dangerous manoeuvres and parking illegally. Speaking after the meeting, local birdwatcher Cian Cardiff explained the significance of the stork appearing in Wexford. White stork are a very rare vagrant to Ireland, he said. It winters in Africa and returns to parts of Europe to breed each spring and summer. This is the first white stork to be seen by so many birders in Wexford for many years, from my understanding the last recorded sighting was in the late 1970s, also at Tacumshane Lake. So, it was of great significance to the birding and local communities. Explaining what might have drawn the white stork to the south-east, Cian said there were a number of potential contributory factors. During early spring we experienced a series of wind flows from the south and south-east, this led to species overshooting their continental breeding grounds and hitting Ireland, he said. Good numbers of vagrant birds, such as the Eurasian hoopoe, which is also a vagrant species not usually seen in Ireland, were also spotted. While Cllr Codd spoke of traffic disruption and abandoned cars, Cian said the birdwatching community has been well-accommodated by local landowners in their quest to get a sighting of the stork. Groups of birders were watching the stork in the Coddstown Great area during its stay, especially during the first few days after it was pinned down to a general area of farmland. I must say a big thanks on behalf of birders and others to the local landowners and residents for allowing us to view this bird. The last recording sighting of the white stork was in Kilcoole, Co Wicklow on May 29. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. A long-running conversation around the spending of discretionary funding resurfaced in the Arklow Municipal District recently when a proposal to allocate an even share to each member, rather than one large pot, sparked questions from councillors who had taken the political hit to maintain the Local Property Tax, and those who did not. Arklow councillors convened at their May meeting to vote on the development of projects using a 235,650 pot ring-fenced for discretionary funding allocated to them by Wicklow County Council (WCC) via the Local Property Tax (LPT), which elected WCC members voted to maintain in October, at the same level as the past three years an upward variation of the basic rate by 6pc. Like three of the four other municipal districts in Wicklow, Arklow MD councillors have traditionally put forward notice of motions, with any projects agreed upon funded through the MDs total discretionary allocation. Before a review of this years discretionary funded projects could take place, leas cathaoirleach, Cllr Peir Leonard, said that she felt very strongly about fairness and equality and making decisions in a timely manner to ensure the best value for every penny of that money for our communities and every councillor has time to consider what they represent and what they want to do with a fair share of money. I would like to propose that we look at doing the discretionary in a different way going forward, and that the discretionary funding is split between the six members so that each member can do projects for their share, the Independent councillor said. They can join other members to pool money for bigger projects. I think Wexford County Council do it that way, and other municipal districts, and I just think its a fairer way, so people can consider, not be under pressure and plan projects knowing there is some funding to do it on behalf of people they represent. Nodding in agreement, Cllr Warren OToole said that, although all the ideas brought forward in the chamber are obviously good ideas, the change would allow a broader scope on things. Noting that its entirely up to the members how it is distributed, district manager Leonora Earls explained that, in Arklow, staff review motions put forth by councillors that were passed and involve physical works, then create a list of projects that district engineer Avril Hill had evaluated and costed. We also allocate discretionary funding outside of motions, via correspondence etc, she added. Concerned that a division of the discretionary fund would lead to a narrower geographical spread of works, cathaoirleach, Cllr Pat Kennedy said: I actually think we do it in a very fair way if we split that among six people, were not going to have anything to show for it. We have two towns and 10 villages, and normally what we try to do is spread it across all of them that is what we have done every year. If we split that up into six slices of the cake, there will be nothing to show for it anywhere. A lot of councillors out there would like to have our system, and it would not be very good for the whole MD if we change it. Interjecting, district administrator Alvina Brehony said that every district is different and that comparisons with Wexford should not be drawn as they have a different pot and how its allocated. Again, its up to yourselves to decide, but I know speaking with some of your colleagues in their areas, they actually think that this way of doing it is the fairest way, she added. After Cllr Leonard proposed to put it to a vote, Ms Hill noted that the very nature of notice of motions resulted in a spread of projects across the district, and that her understanding was that discretionary funding was primarily for public realm projects, to which Cllr Leonard said she would be happy to allocate all her share towards public realm projects in a geographical spread to make our towns more accessible and user friendly. Visibly perturbed, Cllr Sylvester Bourke raised the issue of the LPT vote, which was a source of discord in the Arklow chamber in 2023, when a motion put forth by Cllr Leonard was not supported because she had not voted to increase the LPT. I think were forgetting something here there wouldnt be any discretionary funding unless councillors voted for it in the first place, and some of us voted against discretionary funding, Cllr Bourke said. That doesnt give you the right its not your money, and that doesnt give you the right to take all that money, Cllr OToole responded. Does it not? I dont know, Cllr Bourke replied. Its a discussion that causes problems for councillors who vote for the discretionary fund, who feel theyre being progressive in creating that fund. People like myself, who voted against it, and will vote against it again, and again, and again, Im representing people that have paid into that, including myself, and Im representing those people who cant afford that, Cllr OToole said. There are other ways of saving money. Fianna Fail and Fine Gael have wasted a lot of money, but we wont go down them roads. Responding to the Sinn Fein councillor, Fianna Fail councillor Pat Fitzgerald said: You shouldnt, because there are other people wasting money too over the years, before Cllr OToole continued: I dont think an argument can be had to say someone who votes against it doesnt have a right to spend it. People we represent have elected us. We are spending it on them. We all respect each other, and we all want good for our communities. I dont think its going to be one person deviating away. Asked to formalise her proposal, Cllr Leonard outlined the change to splitting the discretionary budget, to avoid a lot of pressure to railroad stuff through, with each member having the option to pool their money towards projects in a notice of motion. After being asked if all the discretionary-funded motions stretching back to March 2025 would be scrapped, Cllr Leonard reiterated her calls for a postponement of the agenda item. This is very rushed, and I think we should postpone until our June meeting and have a workshop about it in between to give everybody time, and then we can come back and vote on it and put the proposals in, she said. After Cllr Kennedy enquired if the delay would affect contractors prices for the projects, Ms Hill said that they may need to re-tender for some projects, adding: Basically, the longer it goes into the year, the less time you have to do it. Before looking for an agreement on the postponement, Ms Earls and Ms Brehony highlighted the Baltinglass Municipal District, the only district in the county that divides their discretionary budget, with Ms Brehony saying that she had spoken to colleagues out west, and you cant get a whole lot more done for your money. After Cllr Fitzgerald had said that it was a bit late to bring this up now and that he hadnt heard anyone talking about it throughout the year, Cllr Bourke said he didnt agree with the postponement or the proposal. I wont be changing my approach, because I have gone out on a political limb at voting time for this LPT, he continued. I dont like having to do it, but it does create that fund. We might as well all give up voting for the LPT and set it at zero if thats the case, because Im not prepared to see one sixth of it (in all due respect) going to you, Warren and Cllr Leonard. I know you represent people, too, but were the ones who have taken the political hit at voting time. I took the hit. You didnt, but you want to spend it equally? That doesnt seem fair to me. After Cllr OToole said that he respected what Cllr Bourke was saying, but totally disagreed, the discussion shifted to notice of motions and the quantity put forth by each councillor, with Cllr Miriam Murphy questioning whether all the elected members should have an equal amount of motions, adding: If you dont have a motion in, you dont get work done. I do understand how some members feel left out, as yourself (Cllr Kennedy) and Cllr Fitzgerald have a history of motions the highest number and you get the highest spend, Cllr Bourke commented. They are projects that Ive mostly supported, because they benefited my community as well. Breaking the tension and drawing a cacophony of laughter, Cllr Kennedy noted a point of clarity, directing Cllr Bourkes attention to the list, of which the majority of projects were attached to his motions, with Cllr Bourke jokingly responding: This is the first time in all my years! Concluding the discussion, the councillors agreed to the postponement and a special meeting at the end of the month, before Cllr Kennedy cautioned: Were talking about changing something that works, be careful we dont break it. Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan and Deputy Malcolm Byrne with vice-principals Gwen Campbell and Joe Rolston, head boy Tom Byrne, head girl Jessica Doyle, teachers Meave Mulpeter and David Ward and principal Damien Cloney at Glenart College in Arklow. Photo: Michael Kelly Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan and Deputy Malcolm Byrne with the Student Council and Politics & Society students, Ms Mulpeter, vice-principals Mr Rolston and Ms Campbell, teacher Mr Ward, principal Damien Cloney, head boy Tom Byrne and head girl Jessica Doyle at Glenart College in Arklow. Photo: Michael Kelly Students from Glenart College in Arklow gained an insight into justice and Irish law when they hosted Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan and Wicklow-Wexford TD Malcolm Byrne for a tour of their historic school. Welcomed by the schools senior leadership team of principal Damien Cloney and deputy principals Gwen Campbell and Joe Rolston, as well as head boy Tom Byrne and head girl Jessica Doyle, the honoured guests received an extensive tour of the school building, meeting many staff and students along the way. Minister OCallaghan and Deputy Byrne then had a Q&A session with the schools incoming politics and society students and senior members of the student council, where topics around the workings of justice and the law in Ireland were discussed, prompted by brilliant questions from the students. Our school was honoured to have Minister OCallaghan and Deputy Byrne visit us on their trip to Arklow, a Glenart spokesperson said. We are very grateful to both Minister OCallaghan and Deputy Byrne for their generous time given to our students and school today. Many thanks to Mr Ward, Ms Mulpeter and Ms Gregan for their help in organising the event. Another great event for our school community. Jim ONeill invited members of the Jesuit order to attend his art exhibition A man from Greystones, who was a victim of abuse as a child, has finally been able to feel some sense of closure having completed his Higher National Diploma in Art & Design, at Brays Institute of Further Education (BIFE). While his abuser is no longer alive, the bold step was taken to invite representatives from the order to the exhibition, where his major piece, We Are Forced to Bear Witness, was on display for them to see. The title is taken from a line in TS Eliots Murder in the Cathedral, with its themes of faith, power and sacrifice, which his abuser guided him through for his Leaving Cert. Several foreign nationals - including an Australian, an Indian and an American - have been arrested on the tourist island of Bali on suspicion of possessing drugs, charges that could carry the death penalty. Tommy Robinson to appear in court charged with harassing two journalists The 42-year-old will appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on Thursday, facing charges over his alleged conduct towards two Daily Mail reporters Tommy Robinson was jailed at Woolwich Crown Court last October after admitting 10 breaches of a High Court order made in 2021 (Jordan Pettitt/PA) Margaret Davis Press Association Thu 5 Jun 2025 at 07:42 Political activist Tommy Robinson is due to appear in court charged with harassing two journalists. Police are continuing to scour scrubland and abandoned buildings in the second day of the latest searches for missing Madeleine McCann. Teams of German and Portuguese police officers, as well as firefighters, face the daunting task of hunting for evidence 18 years on from the disappearance of the British three-year-old in 2007. Russian forces yesterday advanced further into Ukraines northern region of Sumy, threatening the regional capital, after taking more than 150 sq km of the area in less than two weeks, according to Russian officials and Ukrainian open-source mapping. Despite the relaunch of peace talks, the war has been heating up and Russian forces, which already control just under a fifth of Ukraine, advanced in May at their fastest pace for at least six months, according to Ukraines authoritative Deep State online map project. Vladimir Putin tells Donald Trump very strongly that he will respond to Ukraines drone attack US president said there is no sign of immediate peace after leaders talks Russian president Vladimir Putin chairs a cabinet meeting yesterday. Photo: AP Hanna Arhirova Reuters Thu 5 Jun 2025 at 03:30 US president Donald Trump said Russian president Vladimir Putin told him very strongly in a phone call yesterday that he will respond to Ukraines weekend drone attack on Russian airfields. Palestinian Red Crescent and civil defence members came under fire from the Israeli army. Photo: Getty A Palestinian medic has described the harrowing moment he says he heard Israeli troops shoot his colleagues as they clung on to life. Asaad al-Nasasra (47) was one of two first responders who survived an attack by Israeli soldiers on a convoy of emergency vehicles in March, in which 15 other workers were killed. Two Chinese scientists have been arrested for smuggling a toxic fungus that can be used as an agroterrorism weapon into the United States. Yunqing Jian, a 33-year-old scientist at the University of Michigan, and her boyfriend, Zunyong Liu (34), are accused of smuggling a fungus called Fusarium graminearum, which can infect food products such as wheat, barley and rice with head blight, and subsequently cause vomiting, liver damage and reproductive defects in humans and livestock. Since 1963, The Independent has helped create a great community! Since our founding in September of 1963, The Independent has been dedicated to giving Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, and Sunol readers the news they need to be in-the-know about what's going on in the Tri-Valley region. Jujutsu Kaisen season 3: Jujutsu Kaisen is one of the most popular anime to exist. The action, character development and more are things that make it an absolute hit amongst masses. The anime has had two seasons so far and it looks like it's almost ready for the third one. According to TOHO animations tweet, there will be major updates announced tomorrow that is 6th June 2025 at the Anime Expo. The tweet has left people excited who are thinking that their wait will finally be over to know what's next for the anime. Jujutsu Kaisen update to be announced soon? Adding to the excitement of Anime Expo 2025, the voice actors behind some of Jujutsu Kaisens most beloved characters Junya Enoki, who voices Itadori Yuji, and Megumi Ogata, the voice of Yuta Okkotsu will also be attending the event. Exciting news for #JUJUTSUKAISEN fans at #AnimeExpo 2025! We're hosting the SPECIAL EVENT featuring fantastic guests.Don't miss it! Junya Enoki (Japanese VA of Yuji Itadori) Megumi Ogata (Japanese VA of Yuta Okkotsu) July 6 10:00AM - 10:50AM#TOHOanimation #AX2025 https://t.co/6cVdnr7myM pic.twitter.com/kwbGOgz51I TOHO animation EN (@TOHOanimationEN) June 3, 2025 What will Jujutsu Kaisen season 3 be about? Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 will cover the Culling Game Arc, one of the most pivotal storylines from the manga. This arc takes place after the Shibuya Incident, focusing on the consequences of Gojo Satorus sealing and the deadly tournament launched by Kenjaku. The arc will introduce new characters like Kinji Hakari, broadening the cast and bringing fresh threats into the spotlight. Picking up after the Shibuya Incident, it delves into the fallout of Gojo's sealing and the renewed danger surrounding Yuji's death sentence. What is Jujutsu Kaisen about? Jujutsu Kaisen is a hit Japanese anime and manga series created by Gege Akutami. The story revolves around Yuji Itadori, a good-natured high school student who unexpectedly enters the realm of Jujutsu Sorcery after discovering a cursed object, an ancient, rotting finger of the deadly Curse, Ryomen Sukuna. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Steph Tolev: Filth Queen OTT Release Date - Get ready for an unfiltered, uproarious ride as Canadian comedian Steph Tolev brings her debut Netflix special, Filth Queen, to screens worldwide on June 24, 2025. Known for her raw and fearless humour, Tolev delivers a performance that's both shockingly honest and hilariously relatable. More about Steph Tolev Steph Tolev has been making waves in the comedy scene with her bold, unapologetic style. She was recognised by Vulture as a "Comedian You Should and Will Know." Her comedy often explores candid personal stories, dating mishaps, and sharp observations, delivered in a raw style. The Special: Filth Queen With a runtime of approximately 56 minutes, Filth Queen is Tolev's first solo Netflix special, showcasing her unique brand of humour. Produced by Bill Burr under the All Things Comedy banner, this special was filmed at the Paradise Rock Club in Boston. Burr said the first time he saw Steph Tolev was in a video promoting a New York show, and he instantly became a fan. He called her one of the most unique and fearless comedians performing today. Steph Tolev is known for her bold, uncensored style of comedy. Shes worked with Burr before, including a breakout appearance in Bill Burr Presents: Friends Who Kill, alongside comedians like Michelle Wolf, Jimmy Carr, Dave Attell, and Ronny Chieng. She also had a memorable part in Burrs 2023 Netflix movie Old Dads, and appeared as herself in a roast scene on the HBO Max show Hacks. Tolev is a regular performer at The Comedy Store in Los Angeles and has toured across the U.S. with her shows Filth Queen and Keepin' Em Hard. Shes also released two stand-up albums: Hot N Hungry and Im Not Wellthe latter earned her a Juno Award nomination. Up next, shell be acting in the second season of Shane Gillis Netflix show Tires, which comes out on June 5, 2025. For more news and updates from the world of OTT and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Abhishek Banerjees film Stolen was recently released on Prime Video and is receiving great reviews online. People are praising both the story and the performances. By the way, did you know that Stolen is actually inspired by a true story? Heres everything you need to know about Abhishek Banerjees film Stolen and the horrifying real-life incident that inspired it. Abhishek Banerjees film Stolen real story Inspired by the 2018 lynching of two men in Assam who were falsely accused of being child traffickers, Stolen derives its chilling urgency from the terror of real-life events. Reports state that Nilotpal Das and Abhijit Nath were travelling through Assams Karbi Anglong district when tragedy struck. Around that time, a viral WhatsApp rumour had spread fear among villagers, warning them about suspected child kidnappers in the region. Misled by this false information, the villagers suspected the two men and brutally lynched them. According to Prime Video, the film begins with a heartbreaking incident: a baby is snatched from her mother Jhumpas arms played by Mia Maelzer while she sleeps at a deserted railway station. What follows is a tense and relentless pursuit, as brothers Raman and Gautam played by Shubham Vardhan and Abhishek Banerjee team up with Jhumpa to search for the missing child. Set deep in Indias remote hinterlands, their journey becomes increasingly perilous as hostile locals threaten their lives, turning the search into a desperate struggle for survival. Stolen cast and crew Stolen marks the powerful directorial debut of Karan Tejpal, who co-wrote the film with Gaurav Dhingra and Swapnil Salkar . Backed by executive producers Anurag Kashyap, Kiran Rao, Nikkhil Advani, and Vikramaditya Motwane, the film is produced by Gaurav Dhingra under the Jungle Book Studio banner. The cast features Abhishek Banerjee, Harish Khanna, Mia Maelzer, Sahidur Rahaman, and Shubham Vardhan in key roles. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Eid-ul-Adha, also called the "Festival of Sacrifice" or "Bakrid", is one of the most important Islamic festivals, celebrated by Muslims across the world. It is the second biggest festival in the Islamic calendar, after Eid al-Fitr. Eid-ul-Adha marks the story of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who was ready to sacrifice his son to obey God's command. But just as he was about to do it, God provided a ram to sacrifice instead. This story is a symbol of strong faith, obedience, and trust in God. The festival starts on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It usually lasts two to four days. Since the Islamic calendar is about 1011 days shorter than the regular Gregorian calendar, the date of Eid-ul-Adha changes every year. On this special occasion, Muslims gather for special prayers at mosques or open grounds, listen to sermons from religious leaders, and take part in acts of kindness and charity. People visit friends and family, and give to the poor and needy. A key part of Eid-ul-Adha is the sacrifice of an animalusually a sheep, goat, or camelin a tradition called Qurbani. The meat is shared in three parts: one for the family, one for relatives and friends, and one for the less fortunate. In Saudi Arabia, Oman, UAE and Indonesia, Bakrid is celebrated on June 6 and in India it expected to celebrated on June 7. Celebration of Eid-ul-Adha is depending on moon sighting. Eid-ul-Adha is a time for celebration, reflection, and giving thanks. It reminds everyone of the value of sacrifice, faith, and helping others. It also brings families and communities closer as people come together to share blessings and happiness. Eid-Ul-Adha 2025 best wishes to boss Eid-Ul-Adha is a time to cherish the moments spent with family and friends. May you create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime. Wishing you a blessed and joyful Eid. Eid Mubarak, [Boss's Name]! On this joyous occasion, I extend my warmest wishes to you and your family. May your faith be strengthened and your bond with loved ones be deepened. Eid Mubarak, boss! May the divine blessings of Eid-Ul-Adha bring you peace, happiness, and success in all your endeavors. Have a wonderful celebration with your loved ones. Eid Mubarak, dear [Boss's Name]! Eid-Ul-Adha is a reminder of the importance of selflessness and compassion. May you and your family be blessed with abundant happiness and prosperity. Eid Mubarak, [Boss's Name]! As we celebrate Eid-Ul-Adha, I am grateful to have a boss like you who leads by example and inspires us to achieve greatness. May your life be filled with joy and fulfillment. Eid Mubarak! On this Eid-Ul-Adha, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for your constant support and encouragement. Wishing you a delightful celebration with your loved ones. Eid Mubarak, [Boss's Name]! Sending my warmest wishes to you and your family on this blessed occasion of Eid-Ul-Adha. May your life be adorned with happiness, success, and prosperity. Eid Mubarak, dear [Boss's Name]! Eid-Ul-Adha is a time to come together and celebrate the spirit of unity and sacrifice. May your days be filled with happiness and your heart be filled with peace. Eid Mubarak to an amazing boss! As we celebrate Eid-Ul-Adha, I pray that your life is filled with countless blessings and opportunities. May you continue to lead us with wisdom and compassion. Eid Mubarak, [Boss's Name]! On this special occasion, I want to thank you for being an exceptional boss. Your dedication, vision, and hard work inspire us every day. Wishing you a joyous and prosperous Eid-Ul-Adha! May this Eid-Ul-Adha bring peace and harmony to your life and the lives of those around you. Have a blessed holiday filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments. Eid Mubarak, dear [Boss's Name]! As we celebrate Eid-Ul-Adha, I want to express my gratitude for your guidance, support, and leadership. Wishing you a memorable celebration with your loved ones. Eid Mubarak, [Boss's Name]! Eid-Ul-Adha is a time to reflect on our blessings and share them with those in need. May your generosity and kindness inspire us all. Have a joyous Eid, [Boss's Name]! On this auspicious occasion, I wish you and your family a blessed Eid-Ul-Adha. May your life be filled with happiness, health, and contentment. Eid Mubarak, [Boss's Name]! May the blessings of Eid-Ul-Adha bring you joy, success, and prosperity. Wishing you a wonderful celebration, dear [Boss's Name]! Remember to personalise your wishes by using your boss's name and adjusting the tone according to your relationship with them. Eid-Ul-Adha 2025 best messages to boss Eid-ul-Adha is a time to cherish moments of togetherness and express gratitude. I am grateful for your mentorship and encouragement that have helped me become a better professional. Wishing you and your family a blessed Eid filled with happiness and prosperity. Eid Mubarak, dear boss! Dear [Boss's Name], as we celebrate Eid-ul-Adha, I want to extend my heartfelt wishes for your well-being and success. Your leadership has been instrumental in our growth and achievements. May this Eid mark the beginning of new opportunities and accomplishments. Eid Mubarak! On this auspicious day of Eid-ul-Adha, I want to express my gratitude for your constant support and trust in my abilities. It's a pleasure working under your guidance. May this Eid bring you peace, joy, and fulfillment. Eid Mubarak, [Boss's Name]! Eid-ul-Adha is a time to reflect on our blessings and share them with others. Thank you for creating a positive work environment where we can thrive and achieve our goals. May this Eid bring you abundant happiness and prosperity. Eid Mubarak, dear boss! Dear [Boss's Name], I am grateful for the opportunities you have given me to grow both personally and professionally. Your leadership and guidance have been invaluable. Wishing you and your family a joyful Eid-ul-Adha. Eid Mubarak! As we celebrate Eid-ul-Adha, I want to take a moment to thank you for being an exceptional boss and a source of inspiration for all of us. Your dedication and hard work are truly admirable. Wishing you a blessed Eid filled with happiness and success. Eid Mubarak! On this joyous occasion of Eid-ul-Adha, I want to express my sincere appreciation for your constant encouragement and belief in my abilities. May this Eid bring you immense joy and prosperity. Eid Mubarak, [Boss's Name]! May the spirit of Eid-ul-Adha fill your heart and home with love, peace, and harmony. It's an honor to work under your leadership. Sending my warmest wishes to you and your family on this special day. Eid Mubarak, dear boss! Eid-ul-Adha is a time of sacrifice and gratitude. I am grateful for your guidance, support, and leadership throughout the year. Wishing you a blessed Eid filled with happiness and blessings. Eid Mubarak, [Boss's Name]! Dear [Boss's Name], on this auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Adha, I extend my heartfelt wishes to you and your family. May this day bring joy, prosperity, and success to your life. Eid Mubarak! Wishing you and your family a blessed Eid-ul-Adha, Sir/Madam. May this holy occasion bring peace, prosperity, and happiness to your life. Thank you for your constant support and leadership. Eid Mubarak to you and your loved ones! May this Eid-ul-Adha 2025 be filled with moments of joy, reflection, and gratitude. Your guidance truly inspires us all. On this auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Adha, I wish you abundant success, peace, and happiness. May your kindness and wisdom continue to guide us every day. Eid Mubarak, Sir/Madam! Eid Mubarak, dear boss! May the spirit of sacrifice and devotion fill your heart with peace, and may you be blessed with health and success this Eid and always. Wishing you a joyful and peaceful Eid-ul-Adha. Your leadership is truly appreciated, and I hope this festive season brings even more achievements and fulfillment in your life. Eid Mubarak! Remember to personalise the messages by using your boss's name and adjusting the tone according to your relationship with them. Eid-Ul-Adha 2025 best greetings to boss On this blessed day of Eid-Ul-Adha, I extend my sincere wishes to our boss. May your life be enriched with happiness, prosperity, and good health. Eid Mubarak, [Boss's Name]! Eid Mubarak to our exceptional boss. Your dedication and hard work inspire us all. May this Eid bring you joy, success, and happiness in every sphere of life. Sending warm wishes to our supportive boss on this joyous occasion of Eid-Ul-Adha. May your days be filled with laughter, love, and abundant blessings. Eid Mubarak, [Boss's Name]! Eid-Ul-Adha greetings to our esteemed boss. May this day be a source of inspiration to continue leading with integrity and compassion. Eid Mubarak, [Boss's Name]! Wishing our incredible boss a blessed Eid filled with love, harmony, and prosperity. May this festive season bring you closer to your goals and aspirations. Eid Mubarak, [Boss's Name]! Eid Mubarak to our respected boss. May this festival of sacrifice inspire us all to strive for excellence and serve humanity with compassion and kindness. Eid Mubarak, [Boss's Name]! On this blessed occasion of Eid, I express my gratitude to our boss for their guidance and mentorship. May this Eid bring you peace, happiness, and fulfillment in all aspects of life. Eid Mubarak, [Boss's Name]! Eid-Ul-Adha greetings to a boss who sets an exemplary standard of professionalism and dedication. May your life be filled with happiness, good health, and success. Eid Mubarak, [Boss's Name]! Sending warm Eid greetings to our supportive boss. May this festive season bring you moments of joy, togetherness, and prosperity. Eid Mubarak, [Boss's Name]! Wishing a joyous Eid to our visionary boss. May this day be a reminder of the sacrifices made and the blessings received. May your path be illuminated with success and fulfillment. Eid Mubarak, [Boss's Name]! Eid Mubarak to our respected boss. May this festival strengthen the bond of unity and bring happiness and good fortune to you and your family. Eid Mubarak, [Boss's Name]! On this auspicious occasion of Eid-Ul-Adha, I extend heartfelt wishes to our esteemed boss. May your life be filled with joy, contentment, and prosperity. Eid Mubarak, [Boss's Name]! Eid greetings to the most inspiring boss. Your leadership and guidance are truly invaluable. May this Eid bring you peace, harmony, and abundant blessings. Eid Mubarak, [Boss's Name]! Wishing a very happy Eid-Ul-Adha to our exceptional boss. May this day bring you immense happiness, prosperity, and success in all your endeavors. Eid Mubarak, [Boss's Name]! Eid Mubarak to a wonderful boss who leads with wisdom, compassion, and grace. May your Eid be filled with joy and blessings.Eid Mubarak, [Boss's Name]! Remember to personalise the greetings by using your boss's name and adjusting the tone according to your relationship with them. For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events. Eid-ul-Adha 2025 holiday: Eid-ul-Adha, also known as Bakrid, is one of the most important Islamic festivals celebrated by Muslims around the world. This holy festival, also called Eid-ul-Zuha, Bakra Eid or the Festival of Sacrifice, falls on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah the last month in the Islamic lunar calendar. The date of Eid-ul-Adha depends on the sighting of the crescent moon, which marks the start of Dhul Hijjah. The festival honours the deep faith of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) who was ready to sacrifice his son on Gods command. Just as he was about to do so, God intervened and sent a lamb to be sacrificed instead. This act symbolises obedience, sacrifice, and submission to Gods will. Muslims commemorate this event by offering prayers, sacrificing animals, and distributing meat to the poor. Is Eid-ul-Adha 2025 a Bank Holiday? Yes, Eid-ul-Adha 2025 will be a bank holiday in many parts of India. On Friday, 6 June 2025, banks will remain closed in Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi for Bakrid. On the following day, Saturday, 7 June 2025, most banks across India will observe a holiday for Eid al-Zuha, except in Ahmedabad, Gangtok, Itanagar, Kochi, and Thiruvananthapuram. These cities will keep their banks open as it falls on the first Saturday of the month, which is usually a working day for banks. If you're planning to visit a bank around Eid-ul-Adha 2025, make sure to check your local holiday list in advance. Will the Indian Stock Market Be Closed on Bakrid 2025? Despite Eid-ul-Adha being a national holiday in many areas, the Indian stock market will remain open on both Friday, 6 June 2025, but not on Saturday, 7 June 2025 due to a weekly off. According to the holiday calendar of NSE and BSE, there will be no trading holiday for Bakrid in 2025 if it falls on Friday. So, if you're an investor or trader, you can continue your usual market activities during this period. Are Government Offices Closed for Eid-ul-Adha 2025? Most government offices across India will observe a holiday on Saturday, 7 June 2025, as Eid-ul-Adha is listed as a gazetted holiday. However, for offices in Delhi, any change in the holiday date based on the moon sighting will be confirmed and announced by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, in coordination with the Government of NCT of Delhi. For offices in other states and union territories, holiday changes can be decided by the Central Government Employees Welfare Coordination Committees, depending on the decisions of local governments. Will Schools and Colleges Be Closed on Eid-ul-Adha 2025? Yes, schools, colleges, and most educational institutions are expected to be closed on Saturday, 7 June 2025, in observance of Bakrid. As with other Islamic festivals, the final confirmation of the holiday date may depend on the moon sighting, so schools might issue updates a day or two before the festival. Parents and students should keep an eye out for announcements from their respective schools or local education departments. Eid-ul-Adha 2025 will be widely celebrated across India with great devotion. While most banks, schools, government offices, and colleges are expected to be closed on 7 June 2025, the stock market will remain open. The festival brings with it a public holiday in many regions, and as always, the final date depends on the sighting of the crescent moon. So, whether you're observing the festival or planning your bank or office visits, it's best to stay informed about your local holiday calendar. For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events. Eid-ul-Adha mubarak images & photos 2025: Eid-ul-Adha, also known as Bakrid or the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most important Islamic festivals celebrated by Muslims around the world. In 2025, Eid-ul-Adha is expected to be observed on Saturday, 7 June in India. The day honours the great act of devotion shown by Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who was willing to sacrifice his son as a sign of obedience to Allah. Why Eid-ul-Adha Is Celebrated Eid-ul-Adha marks the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. The festival is based on the story of Prophet Ibrahims faith. As per Islamic tradition, Allah appeared in Ibrahims dream and asked him to sacrifice his beloved son. When Ibrahim was about to follow through with the command, Allah stopped him and provided a ram to sacrifice instead. This divine test of faith is remembered each year through rituals, prayers, and acts of charity. Traditions and Rituals on Bakrid 2025 On Eid-ul-Adha, Muslims wear new clothes, visit mosques for special prayers, and sacrifice animals such as goats, sheep or cows. The meat is then divided into three parts one for the family, one for relatives and friends, and one for those in need. Another important tradition is the chanting of Takbir, which praises Allahs greatness. Celebrate Bakrid 2025 With These Heartwarming Eid Mubarak Images & Messages One of the best ways to wish your loved ones on Bakrid 2025 is by sharing meaningful Eid Mubarak images, GIFs, wallpapers, and Instagram wishes. In todays digital world, social media platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp are perfect for spreading joy and blessings. Eid Mubarak 2025 WhatsApp Status Images | Credit: Freepik Eid Mubarak 2025 WhatsApp Status Images | Credit: Freepik Eid Mubarak 2025 WhatsApp Status Images | Credit: Freepik Eid Mubarak 2025 WhatsApp Status Images | Credit: Freepik Eid Mubarak 2025 WhatsApp Status Images | Credit: Freepik Eid Mubarak 2025 WhatsApp Status Images | Credit: Freepik Eid Mubarak 2025 WhatsApp Status Images | Credit: Freepik Eid Mubarak 2025 WhatsApp Status Images | Credit: Freepik Eid Mubarak 2025 WhatsApp Status Images | Credit: Freepik Eid Mubarak 2025 WhatsApp Status Images | Credit: Freepik Best Eid Mubarak 2025 Images to Share With Loved Ones Looking for beautiful Eid-ul-Adha 2025 images to share? Choose from a collection of HD photos featuring families celebrating, crescent moons, mosques, and traditional Islamic symbols. These images are perfect for your WhatsApp status, Facebook post, or Instagram story. Eid Mubarak 2025 cards, posters, Status Images | Credit: Freepik Eid Mubarak 2025 cards, posters, Status Images | Credit: Freepik Eid Mubarak 2025 cards, posters, Status Images | Credit: Freepik Eid Mubarak 2025 cards, posters, Status Images | Credit: Freepik Eid Mubarak 2025 cards, posters, Status Images | Credit: Freepik Eid Mubarak 2025 cards, posters, Status Images | Credit: Freepik Eid Mubarak 2025 cards, posters, Status Images | Credit: Freepik Eid Mubarak 2025 cards, posters, Status Images | Credit: Freepik Eid Mubarak 2025 cards, posters, Status Images | Credit: Freepik Eid Mubarak 2025 cards, posters, Status Images | Credit: Freepik Eid Mubarak 2025 cards, posters, Status Images | Credit: Freepik Eid Mubarak 2025 cards, posters, Status Images | Credit: Freepik Top Eid Mubarak 2025 GIFs for Animated Wishes Bring your Eid greetings to life with vibrant Eid Mubarak 2025 GIFs. These short, animated clips with glowing lanterns, Eid celebrations, and festive texts are ideal for sending on Instagram, Twitter, or messages. Wish your friends and followers a blessed Eid in a fun and unique way! Eid Mubarak 2025 GIFs | Credit: Tenor Eid Mubarak 2025 GIFs | Credit: Tenor Eid Mubarak 2025 GIFs | Credit: Tenor Download Free HD Eid Mubarak Wallpapers for Desktop & Mobile Celebrate the spirit of Eid-ul-Adha with high-quality Eid Mubarak wallpapers. You can download these stunning wallpapers for your mobile, laptop, or desktop screen. Choose from serene images of moonlight over mosques, family gatherings, or calligraphy designs with "Eid Mubarak" written in style. Eid-ul-Adha mubarak wallpaper | Credit: Unsplash Eid-ul-Adha mubarak wallpaper | Credit: Unsplash Eid-ul-Adha mubarak wallpaper | Credit: Unsplash Eid-ul-Adha mubarak wallpaper | Credit: Unsplash Eid-ul-Adha mubarak wallpaper | Credit: Unsplash Cute and Colourful Eid Photos for Social Media Posts If you love creative posts, try out Eid-ul-Adha 2025 photos that feature bunnies, flowers, crescent moons, and stars. These cheerful and colourful pictures are great for light-hearted messages and Instagram wishes. Colour Eid Mubarak Wishes Image | Credit: Meta AI Colour Eid Mubarak Wishes Image | Credit: Meta AI Colour Eid Mubarak Wishes Image | Credit: Meta AI Colour Eid Mubarak Wishes Image | Credit: Meta AI Colour Eid Mubarak Wishes Image | Credit: Meta AI Colour Eid Mubarak Wishes Image | Credit: Meta AI Colour Eid Mubarak Wishes Image | Credit: Meta AI Colour Eid Mubarak Wishes Image | Credit: Meta AI Instagram Wishes & Captions for Eid-ul-Adha (Bakrid) 2025 Here are some caption ideas and Instagram wishes for Eid Mubarak 2025: May your sacrifice bring peace and your prayers bring blessings. Wishing you a soulful Eid-ul-Adha #EidMubarak Faith, family, and food thats the Bakrid vibe! #EidUlAdha2025 Let this Eid remind us of the strength in sacrifice and the beauty of giving. #BakridBlessings Wishing you a day filled with love, laughter, and endless blessings. Eid Mubarak to all As the moon of Eid rises, may your life be filled with brightness and joy. #EidFeels Eid is not just about celebrationits about compassion, sharing, and faith. #EidWithHeart Sending warm wishes and peaceful prayers to you and your family this Eid-ul-Adha Celebrate this sacred day with a heart full of gratitude and a soul full of light. #EidVibes On this holy occasion, may your heart be as light as your spirit. Eid Mubarak! Today, lets cherish the spirit of unity and kindness. Happy Eid to everyone across the world Let your Instagram glow with blessings this Bakrid! #EidGlowUp This Eid, lets honour faith, spread kindness, and enjoy the little joys of life. #SimpleEidJoy May every prayer you whisper this Eid find its way to the heavens. #FaithAndFestivity A day to rejoice, reflect, and reconnect. Wishing you peace and prosperity. Eid Mubarak 2025 The beauty of Eid lies in remembering others while celebrating ourselves. Spread love #EidKindness From my home to yours, sending warm hugs and sweet memories. Happy Eid-ul-Adha! Sacrifice isnt just about giving up somethingits about giving from the heart. #EidMeaning New clothes, happy hearts, full plates, and blessed souls thats how we Eid Fill your plate with biryani, your heart with love, and your day with blessings. Eid Mubarak! Eid is not just a festival, its a feeling that binds us all together. Wishing everyone joy and unity. #TogetherOnEid May your sacrifices be accepted and prayers answered. Eid Mubarak Wishing you love, peace, and happiness this Bakrid. #EidMubarak2025 Celebrate this special day with joy and faith. Happy Eid-ul-Adha Bakrid blessings to you and your family #EidVibes Grateful for family, food, and faith. Eid Mubarak Use these captions along with your favourite Eid images or GIFs to spread smiles. Make Eid-ul-Adha 2025 Special With Joyful Wishes Whether you're celebrating with family, friends, or online, Eid-ul-Adha 2025 is a time for togetherness, reflection, and gratitude. Share your heartfelt wishes with beautiful Eid Mubarak images, gifs, wallpapers, and Instagram posts. Celebrate this sacred day by spreading love and positivity everywhere. For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events. Eid ul-Adha, also called the "Festival of Sacrifice" or "Bakrid", is one of the most important Islamic festivals, celebrated by Muslims all over the world. It is considered the second most significant festival in the Islamic calendar, after Eid al-Fitr. Eid ul-Adha marks the story of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who was willing to sacrifice his son to obey God's command. According to Islamic belief, just as Ibrahim was about to make the sacrifice, God stopped him and provided a ram to offer instead. This powerful story is a symbol of faith, obedience, and devotion to God. The festival starts on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and continues for two to four days. Since the Islamic calendar is about 10 to 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar, the date of Eid ul-Adha changes every year. During this holy time, Muslims perform special prayers, gather in mosques or open areas for community prayers, and listen to sermons by religious leaders. The day is also marked by charitable acts, helping the poor and needy, and spending time with family and friends. To honour Prophet Ibrahims sacrifice, Muslims also perform a ritual called Qurbani, where they sacrifice an animal such as a sheep, goat, or camel. The meat is shared in three partsone for the family, one for relatives and friends, and one for those in need. Eid ul-Adha is a time for joy, reflection, and thankfulness. It reminds us of the value of sacrifice, faith, and helping others, while also bringing families and communities closer through shared blessings and celebrations. When is Eid ul-Adha in 2025? In 2025, Eid ul-Adha is expected to begin on the evening of Friday, 6 June in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, and Indonesia, and on Saturday, 7 June in India. Please remember that the final date depends on moon sightings, so it may vary slightly. Warm Eid Mubarak Wishes for Your Father Send your beloved father kind and thoughtful Eid Mubarak messages to make his day even more special. A warm greeting is a lovely way to show your love and respect. Below, weve shared a beautiful collection of Eid-ul-Adha wishes, messages, and quotes just for fathers. Have a look and choose the one that feels right for you: Eid Ul-Adha 2025 best wishes to Father: Dear Father, may the spirit of Eid fill your life with immense joy and may your days be blessed with togetherness, love, and laughter. Eid Mubarak to the best dad in the world! As we celebrate this joyous festival, I want to thank you for being the epitome of love and strength in our family. Wishing you a blessed and blissful Eid-ul-Adha, Abba. Eid Mubarak! Dear Dad, may the divine light of Eid bring peace to your heart and illuminate your path with success and prosperity. Eid Mubarak! Wishing my dear father a blessed and memorable Eid-ul-Adha. May your sacrifices be accepted, and may your life be filled with happiness and success. Eid Mubarak! On this holy occasion, I pray that Allah's blessings and grace be with you, dear Dad. May you find peace and prosperity in all that you do. Eid Mubarak! Dear Abba, as we celebrate this special day, I want to thank you for being a constant source of support and love. May your Eid be filled with blessings and treasured moments. Eid Mubarak! Sending my warmest wishes to the most caring and loving father on Eid-ul-Adha. May this day be the beginning of new joys and happiness in your life. Eid Mubarak! Dear Dad, your unwavering faith and devotion inspire us all. May this Eid bring you closer to Allah and strengthen your bond with the family. Eid Mubarak! Wishing my dear father a joyful and delightful Eid-ul-Adha. May the festivities bring you closer to your loved ones and fill your heart with immense joy. Eid Mubarak! On this sacred day, I pray that Allah's mercy and blessings surround you, dear Dad. May your sacrifices be accepted, and may you be rewarded with happiness and peace. Eid Mubarak! Dear Abba, your love and affection have always been a source of strength for me. May Allah bless you with happiness and grant you success in all your endeavors. Eid Mubarak! Sending warm Eid wishes to the pillar of our family, my dear Abba. May your days be filled with peace, prosperity, and countless blessings. Eid Mubarak! Dear Dad, your sacrifices and teachings have shaped my life. On this blessed day, I pray for your well-being and ask Allah to fulfill all your wishes. Eid Mubarak! As you celebrate Eid-ul-Adha, I want to express my gratitude for your love, support, and guidance, Abba. May Allah bless you abundantly. Eid Mubarak! Wishing my beloved father a peaceful and blissful Eid-ul-Adha. May your days be filled with happiness and your heart with contentment. Eid Mubarak! Dear Dad, may the spirit of Eid fill your life with hope, love, and endless joy. Have a memorable and wonderful celebration. Eid Mubarak! Sending heartfelt wishes to the best father in the world on Eid-ul-Adha. May your sacrifices and devotion be rewarded with Allah's blessings. Eid Mubarak! On this auspicious occasion, I pray that Allah grants you good health, success, and prosperity, dear Abba. Eid Mubarak! Wishing my loving father a joyous and blessed Eid-ul-Adha. May your heart be filled with love and your home with laughter. Eid Mubarak! Dear Abba, may this Eid-ul-Adha bring you abundant blessings, happiness, and peace. Eid Mubarak! Eid Ul-Adha 2025 best messages to Father: Abba, your unconditional love and sacrifices are cherished forever. May this Eid bring you peace, prosperity, and immense joy. Eid Mubarak! On this holy day, I pray for your well-being and happiness, dear Abba. May this Eid bring us closer as a family and strengthen our bond. Eid Mubarak! Abba, you are my role model and my greatest inspiration. Wishing you a blessed Eid filled with joy, good health, and success. Eid Mubarak! Dear Abba, your kindness and love are always appreciated. May this Eid bring you closer to Allah and grant you eternal happiness. Eid Mubarak! On this joyous occasion of Eid, I want to express my love and respect for you, Abba. May your life be filled with peace and prosperity. Eid Mubarak! Abba, your presence is a blessing that fills our hearts with love and happiness. May your Eid be filled with countless blessings. Eid Mubarak! Wishing the best father in the world a very happy Eid-ul-Adha. May this festive season bring joy, harmony, and success to your life. Eid Mubarak! Dear Abba, I am grateful to have you in my life. May this Eid bring you closer to your dreams and bring prosperity to our family. Eid Mubarak! Abba, your love and guidance have been a constant source of strength. May Allah bless you with peace and happiness on this holy occasion. Eid Mubarak! On this special day, I pray that Allah showers His blessings upon you, Abba, and grants you all that your heart desires. Eid Mubarak! Abba, your presence in my life is a blessing from Allah. I wish you a joyful Eid filled with laughter, good health, and success. Eid Mubarak! Dear Abba, may the blessings of Eid fill your heart with happiness, love, and contentment. Thank you for being an incredible father. Eid Mubarak! Sending warm wishes to the best father on Eid-ul-Adha. May the spirit of this festive occasion bring peace and prosperity to your life. Eid Mubarak! Abba, your support and encouragement have always motivated me. May this Eid bring you immense happiness and may all your wishes come true. Eid Mubarak! On this holy occasion, I express my gratitude to you, Abba, for everything you've done for us. May your Eid be joyful and memorable. Eid Mubarak! Dear Abba, your sacrifices and love for our family are truly inspiring. May Allah accept your prayers and bless you abundantly on this Eid. Eid Mubarak! Wishing a blessed Eid to the most amazing father. May this festival bring you peace, success, and fulfill all your dreams. Eid Mubarak! Abba, your guidance and love have always been a source of strength for me. On this Eid, I pray for your good health and happiness. Eid Mubarak! To the best father in the world, I wish you a joyous Eid filled with love, happiness, and togetherness. May Allah's blessings be upon you. Eid Mubarak! Dear Abba, on this auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Adha, may your life be filled with joy, prosperity, and countless blessings. Eid Mubarak! Dear Papa, on this blessed occasion of Eid-ul-Adha, I pray for your happiness and well-being. May this Eid bring you joy and may your sacrifices be rewarded. Eid Mubarak! Wishing you a joyful Eid-ul-Adha, Dad. Your unwavering faith and wisdom inspire me every day. May this Eid bring you the same love and peace you give us all year round. Eid Mubarak to the best father in the world! May your heart always be filled with the warmth of faith and your life with countless blessings from Allah. On this special day of Eid-ul-Adha, I want to thank you for everything you've done for our family. May Allah grant you health, success, and happiness. Eid Mubarak, Dad! Eid Mubarak, Dad! Your strength, love, and guidance mean the world to me. May Allah bless you with good health, endless happiness, and peace this Eid and always. Eid Ul-Adha 2025 best WhatsApp status to Father: Dear Abba, your love and guidance have shaped me into who I am today. Sending you warm wishes for a blessed Eid filled with joy and contentment. Eid Mubarak! Wishing you a blessed Eid-ul-Adha, dear Abba. May your days be filled with peace, prosperity, and countless blessings. Eid Mubarak! Abba, your presence makes every moment special. May this Eid be a joyous celebration of togetherness and love. Eid Mubarak! On this blessed occasion, I pray that Allah fulfills all your wishes and fills your life with peace and happiness. Eid Mubarak, Abba! Dear Abba, your love and support have been a source of strength throughout my life. May this Eid bring you endless blessings and joy. Eid Mubarak! Sending heartfelt wishes to my loving father on this special day. May Allah bless you with happiness and keep you in His protection always. Eid Mubarak! Dear Abba, may this Eid bring you good health, success, and prosperity in all your endeavors. Eid Mubarak! Abba, your sacrifices and dedication are truly admirable. May Allah accept your prayers and grant you happiness on this Eid. Eid Mubarak! On this holy occasion, I thank Allah for blessing me with a wonderful father like you. Wishing you a joyous and peaceful Eid-ul-Adha! Abba, you are a pillar of strength and a source of inspiration. May this Eid be a memorable one for you. Eid Mubarak! Sending warm Eid wishes to the most caring and supportive father. May Allah's blessings be with you always. Eid Mubarak! Dear Abba, your love and guidance are the greatest gifts I have. May this Eid bring you immense happiness and fulfillment. Eid Mubarak! Wishing a delightful Eid to the best father in the world. May your days be filled with happiness and your heart with contentment. Eid Mubarak! On this auspicious occasion, I pray that Allah showers His choicest blessings upon you, dear Abba. Eid Mubarak! Dear Abba, may this Eid bring you abundant joy, blessings, and prosperity. Eid Mubarak! For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events. The African Union (AU) has raised concerns after US President Donald Trump imposed a travel ban on 12 nations, seven of which are from Africa. The AU Commission, in an official statement, said the move could damage people-to-people links, trade, education exchange, and diplomatic relations that have developed over decades between Africa and the United States. The regional body released its statement on X (formerly Twitter), shortly after the White House announcement. The AU urged the US to adopt a more consultative approach and engage in constructive dialogue to address the matter. Seven nations banned Under the executive order signed by Trump, citizens from Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Libya, Somalia, and Sudan will be barred from entering the United States. According to the White House, Chad, Congo and Equatorial Guinea have been flagged for high visa overstay rates. Meanwhile, Eritrea, Libya, Somalia and Sudan were listed for not having a competent or cooperative central authority for issuing passports and civil documents. US President Donald Trump | Credit: X Partial travel restrictions In addition to the full bans, the US has also placed Burundi, Sierra Leone, and Togo under a partial travel ban. These restrictions will suspend the processing of specific visa categories. The US administration has cited visa overstay percentages as the primary reason for these new curbs. All three nations were reported to have high rates of nationals overstaying their visas in recent Homeland Security data. AUs official statement In its statement, the AU Commission emphasised shared goals between Africa and the US, including peace, global cooperation, and prosperity. The Commission remains concerned about the potential negative impact of such measures on people-to-people ties, educational exchange, commercial engagement, and the broader diplomatic relations that have been carefully nurtured over decades, it stated. It urged the US to rethink its approach and open up space for dialogue with the affected nations. Looking ahead The AUs response adds to a growing list of international bodies and governments watching Trumps travel policies closely. As implementation of the executive order begins, its effects on migration, education and international partnerships between the US and African countries remain to be fully seen. For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra recently got married in a low-profile ceremony. The MP from Krishnanagar tied the knot with Pinaki Misra, a senior advocate and former Member of Parliament from Puri. The wedding reportedly took place in Germany on May 30, away from media attention and political buzz as reported by ABP. Neither Moitra nor the party made a formal announcement, maintaining a private stance about the ceremony. As of now the wedding date is not clear. About Pinaki Misra Pinaki Misra, 64, is a well-known face in Indian politics and law. He began his parliamentary career in 1996 when he was elected from Puri on a Congress ticket. A graduate of Delhis St. Stephens College and the Faculty of Law at Delhi University, Misra later joined the Biju Janata Dal (BJD). He returned to Parliament in 2009 and served three consecutive terms till 2019. Before the 2024 elections, Misra stepped back from politics. He has two childrena son and a daughterfrom his previous marriage. Mahua Moitras journey Mahua Moitras political career began after a stint in investment banking. She served as an MLA from Karimpur before becoming a Lok Sabha MP in 2019 representing Krishnanagar. Known for her bold speeches, including one on the "early signs of fascism" that went viral, Moitra quickly became a notable voice in Parliament. Although she was expelled from the House in 2023 due to a controversy, she returned in 2024 after securing another electoral win. Moitra was earlier married to Danish financier Lars Brorson and later dated lawyer Jai Anant Dehadrai. Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra recently got married in a low-profile ceremony | Credit: Indiatimes Staying out of spotlight The wedding, held in Germany, has drawn attention mostly because of its unexpected and quiet nature. Moitra was seen in traditional attire and gold jewellery, posing with Misra in what appeared to be a private moment away from political life. Despite their public profiles, both leaders opted to keep their personal event low-key and away from media coverage. For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. After nearly eight years of navigating the highs and lows of a very private romance, Dakota Johnson and Chris Martin have called it quits, and sources say this time, it is the real deal. While the couple was spotted together as recently as mid-May in Malibu, insiders close to the duo insist, It feels final this time. Dakota Johnson, Chris Martin walk away from 8-year relationship | Credit: X A relationship marked by engagement rumours and privacy The Materialists star, 35, and Coldplay frontman, 48, were first romantically linked in 2017. Their relationship has been peppered with engagement rumours, family holidays, and moments of are-they-arent-they? curiosity from fans. In early 2024, it was confirmed that they had actually been engaged for years, but were in no rush to walk down the aisle, a detail that may now seem telling. Dakota Johnson, Chris Martin walk away from 8-year relationship | Credit: X What led to the breakup of Dakota Johnson and Chris Martin? What went wrong between the two A-listers? According to sources, balancing demanding careers, a blended family, and differing views on marriage may have finally taken their toll. Dakota, in a recent Los Angeles Times interview while promoting her upcoming film, posed a pointed question: Why is divorce bad? Why do people have to get married at a certain age or only once? Many believe this might reflect deeper feelings about her long-standing relationship. Dakota Johnson, Chris Martin walk away from 8-year relationship | Credit: X Though they kept much of their romance under wraps, Dakota was known to be close to Chris children with ex-wife Gwyneth Paltrow, Apple, 21, and Moses, 19. She once said she loved them like her life depended on it. Likewise, her admiration for Martin on stage was no secret, having once said she could watch him every day. This time, the split feels final - Sources Their breakups in the past had been followed by reconciliations, but something about this split feels more resolute. A source explained that while they had issues and took breaks before, they always found their way back. This time, neither party nor their reps have commented, and that silence speaks volumes. Dakota Johnson, Chris Martin walk away from 8-year relationship | Credit: X As Dakota preps for the release of Materialists alongside Chris Evans and Pedro Pascal, and Chris continues touring with Coldplay, fans are left to wonder: was it timing, distance, or simply the end of the road? Whatever the cause, Dakota and Chris quiet, artistic love story has taken its final bow, and it looks like this time, it is curtain closed for good. US President Donald Trump blocked nearly all foreign students from entering the country on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. Amid the ongoing row against the premier institution of Harvard University, Trump, in a fresh executive order, said that for Harvard to continue to accept international students on its Cambridge, Massachusetts, campus would jeopardise national security. According to the Associated Press, Trump quoted, "I have determined that the entry of the class of foreign nationals described above is detrimental to the interests of the United States because, in my judgment, Harvard's conduct has rendered it an unsuitable destination for foreign students and researchers. The statement has sparked concerns over the ongoing tensions between the Donald Trump administration and the countrys oldest university. Donald Trump signs order banning foreign students at Harvard In a fresh row, a federal court in Boston blocked the Department of Homeland Security from barring international students at Harvard the previous week. The report claims that a distinct legal power is invoked by Donald Trumps order. Moreover, the recent order came after Harvard refused to submit to a list of demands put forth by the federal government. Trump's order threatens to bar international students from Harvard, claiming national security concerns. He aims to revoke existing visas while Harvard defends its commitment to international students. pic.twitter.com/PaQ9iGwc6f Stop The Donald (@Stop_The_Donald) June 5, 2025 Following this, the Department of Homeland Security noted that Harvard refused to share the records linked to misconduct by foreign students. However, the university asserted that it had fulfilled the request, while the government maintained that the response was inadequate, as per the report. A total of 19 countries are a part of this ban The latest order has come as a big blow as President Trump signed a proclamation instituting a complete and partial travel ban for people from particular countries into the United States. The list includes a total of 19 countries, which take effect from 12:01 AM Monday. US govt blocks Harvard from enrolling international students | X | Credit: @NoLieWithBTC What happens to the students who are already enrolled? As per the suspension, the order has suspended the entry of any new Harvard student as a nonimmigrant under F, M or J visas. Additionally, the Secretary of State is also to consider revoking the existing F, M, or J visas for the current students who are enrolled in Harvard and who meet the Proclamation's demands. The White House stated that Harvard has established deep ties with foreign adversaries, including receiving over $150 million from China alone. On the other hand, speaking about the order, Trump stated that the United States aims to "have great students here". Simply put, we don't want disruptive pupils. We'd want students. I'd want to have international students. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending. Lucy Guo, 30, has just earned a new title, the youngest self-made female billionaire in the world, according to Forbes. With an estimated net worth of $1.3 billion, largely fuelled by her early stake in Scale AI, Guo now sits among the worlds most powerful and intriguing tech entrepreneurs. Who is Lucy Guo? The tech star who just surpassed Taylor Swift | Credit: Instagram/guoforit Her 5% stake in Scale AI, which she co-founded in 2016, is now valued at around $1.2 billion. Though she exited the company just two years after its founding, her role in shaping its early growth and operations has left a lasting imprint. A childhood filled with codes for Lucy Guo Born in Fremont, California, to Chinese immigrant parents, Guo started coding by the time she was in second grade. Encouraged by her own curiosity, even when her parents hesitated about her entering the male-dominated tech industry, she was creating bots for online games and earning real money before most kids knew what programming was. She enrolled in Carnegie Mellon for computer science but left in 2014 after receiving the prestigious $100,000 Thiel Fellowship, which supports young entrepreneurs in building businesses instead of completing university. From scale AI to startup stardom After stints at Facebook, Snapchat, and Quora, Guo co-founded Scale AI alongside Alexandr Wang. She led operations and product design, while Wang served as CEO. Though creative and business differences led her to leave in 2018, her retained equity has since made her a billionaire. Who is Lucy Guo? The tech star who just surpassed Taylor Swift | Credit: Instagram/guoforit Post-Scale, she launched Backend Capital and later founded Passes, a content platform positioned as a more family-friendly alternative to sites like OnlyFans. In 2024, Passes raised $40 million in Series A funding. Facing challenges amid success In early 2025, Passes became the subject of a class action lawsuit alleging the platform failed to prevent harmful content. Guo, named in the suit, denied any wrongdoing and described the case as a defamatory attempt to extort money from her and the company. Guo splits her time between Los Angeles and Miami. Known for commuting by electric skateboard and collecting Pokemon cards, she balances her intense work ethic with an unapologetically bold lifestyle. While she acknowledges that her online presence can appear abrasive, those close to her say it is part of a confident, no-nonsense personality. Currently ranked No. 26 on Forbes Richest Self-Made Women list, just five spots behind Taylor Swift, Guos story is proof that innovation, resilience, and vision can redefine the rules of tech and business. Tears and applause erupted in an Athens courtroom as the long-awaited verdict was delivered in the trial over the deadly 2018 Mati wildfire, which claimed 104 lives in one of Greece's worst natural disasters. Relatives of the victims wept openly as police placed handcuffs on the four defendants who will serve prison sentences. "Just one apology, pleasejust one!" one mother cried out toward the convicted officials. Others in the courtroom shouted, "May you rot in jail!" The court concluded the high-profile retrial that sought accountability for the catastrophe that devastated the seaside town. As the verdict was read, applause broke out in support of Dimitris Liotsios, the fire expert who had been appointed by the state to investigate the conditions under which the fire escalated. "Lets hear it for Mr. Liotsioshe told the truth," family members yelled, directing their remarks at former top officials of the Fire Service seated in the dock. The prosecutor addressed the families after the sentencing, saying, "I wish I could do more." A grieving relative responded solemnly, "But the dead remain dead." The court's ruling marks a rare instance of high-level convictions in the aftermath of a natural disaster in Greece. The case, which has become emblematic of official negligence and systemic failure, continues to stir public debate about crisis response, accountability, and justice. The fire that tore through Mati on July 23, 2018, left behind a trail of devastation. Victims were trapped in their homes and vehicles, with many perishing just meters from the shoreline. The blaze spread rapidly due to high winds, poor coordination among emergency services, and a critical lack of evacuation orders. Among those convicted are senior officials from the Fire Service. The verdict is seen by families as a partial vindication in their years-long struggle for justice. iefimerida.gr The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has denied claims that Governor Ademola Adeleke is welcome to join the party, amid growing political tensions in the state. Addressing journalists during a press conference in Osogbo on Wednesday, the immediate past Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Timothy Owoeye, firmly rejected the idea of the governor defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC. Owoeye declared, APC ticket is not for sale for the Adeleke family categorically. As a matter of fact, as of today, we dont see Governor Ademola Adeleke as part of the APC. Advertisement The former speaker argued that Governor Adelekes rumored interest in switching parties was driven by insecurity and fear within the PDP. He said, The fear of the unknown disturbing the Adelekes and PDP was behind the alleged plan to defect. READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/06/2027-election-north-must-support-tinubu-for-sake-of-equity-shehu-sani.html Reaffirming the APCs position as the dominant political force in the state, Owoeye stated, The APC in Osun State remains the party to beat. He alleged that without what he described as post-election brigandage, the PDP would not have succeeded in Osun during the 2022 governorship and 2023 general elections. He further declared the PDPs hold on power as temporary, predicting a sweeping APC victory in the next election cycle. The tenure of PDP is already terminated in Osun State. Come August 8, 2026, we will chase them away. There is no space for PDP and Adeleke in the APC, Owoeye concluded. The political rivalry between the two parties continues to intensify ahead of the 2026 elections in the state. Former senate president, Bukola Saraki, has expressed confidence that Peoples Democratic Party will come out stronger before 2027 election. Saraki assured Nigerians that the major opposition party remain formidable to the countrys democratic rule by 2027. The Chairman of the PDP reconciliation Committee, told newsmen in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Wednesday, that, despite massive defection from the party to ruling All Progressive Party, other new members are also coming to PDP. Advertisement He said: Some members of the party (PDP) might still defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Im also confident that politicians from other political parties might also join the PDP. READ MORE: I Love PDP, But Its Time To Move Forward Gov Eno The only viable opposition party is PDP and yes, there are challenges and I have taken it upon myself to do my best. I am seeing responses from our colleagues who are also ready to settle our differences. Like today, I received new members to the party at the state level. Once there is stability at the top, Im sure we will begin to see a better future for PDP. I want to use this opportunity to reassure our members across the country that we are doing our best to rescue the partys situation. New members are coming out to join the party. At the same time, all our old members are very active. The members we have seen are very impressive. People are coming out to be associated with PDP, they are ready to want people to know that theyre PDP members. That also tells us at the grassroots that people are still in love with our party. Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has indicated plans to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and align with the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing a need to connect the state with the federal government. Eno made this declaration during a town hall meeting held on Thursday, June 5, 2025, in the Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency. Addressing party loyalists and residents, the governor stated that after extensive consultation with stakeholders, it was time to move in a new political direction. Advertisement READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/06/2027-election-pdp-remain-formidable-opposition-party-to-meet-nigerians-needs-saraki.html Were progressively moving forward, linking Akwa Ibom to the center. And I know youre going with us. Are you going with us, so we can connect to the center? he asked the gathering. Governor Eno emphasised the strategic importance of aligning with the center to secure development and federal attention for the state. We thank you for your support. Ive gone round to consult and so we have done enough consultation. The time has come that we will move. And we will go to where God is leading us, he added. He also reassured residents not to fear the transition, urging belief in his leadership and in President Bola Tinubu. Do not be afraid. Believe in us. Believe in President Bola Tinubu because the future is bright. We are already a minority state in Nigeria. If we come again and start breaking ourselves into pieces, we become the minority of the minorities and cannot get anything. Eno has in the past praised President Tinubu and previously hinted at defecting, saying the PDP no longer had the capacity to take him to his desired destination. Federal Government has approved N2 billion for the rebuilding of houses destroyed by recent flooding, which ravaged communities in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State. In a statement by Niger State Emergency Management Agency, revealed that the devastating event, led to the death of 161 people. NSEMA Director General Abdullahi Baba-Arah, made the disclosure while addressing newsmen on Wednesday. Advertisement He said: One dead body was recovered today while the debris evacuation was going on close to the bridge in the area of the collapsed buildings. The death toll is now 161 as of 4 pm, 4th June 2025. Meanwhile, Vice President, Kassim Shettima, when he paid a condolence visit to the affected communities to commiserate with the state government, said that President Bola Tinubu expressed deep sadness by over the flood. He assured Niger State of Federal Governments commitment to address the plight of the residents. READ MORE: Gov Bago Suspends Sallah Celebrations To Honour Flood Victims In Niger Shettima noted that Tinubu personally directed him to visit the affected communities and reassured them of the FGs full support in their trying times. He said: The President is heartbroken by the tragedy that befell Mokwa. He has directed swift action to ease the suffering of the people and to help rebuild what has been lost. The President has approved the immediate release of N2 billion for the rebuilding of houses destroyed by the flood. The minister for agriculture, Senator Abdullahi Sabi, who is an indigene of Mniger State, is to relocate to the state. The Minister is tasked with ensuring that food items and relief materials provided by the Federal Government are properly distributed to those affected. Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has dismissed rumors of defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) or any other political party. This was made clear by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, in a statement on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, in Osogbo. Rasheed emphasized that Governor Adeleke remains a committed member and leader of the PDP in Osun State. He described the media speculations about the governors imminent defection as fake news. Advertisement The media speculation about likely or imminent defection is fake news. Governor Adeleke remains a member and leader of the PDP in Osun State, Rasheed stated. READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/06/stop-depending-on-political-elites-planned-coalition-will-only-give-tinubu-return-ticket-sowore.html The spokesperson further clarified that a recent visit by the Adeleke family to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was purely a routine courtesy call and should not be interpreted as a sign of defection. Any reading of defection agenda into the visit is mere fake news, Rasheed added. Earlier reports had included comments from former Osun House of Assembly Speaker Timothy Owoeye, who said Governor Adeleke was not welcome in the Osun APC and that the APC governorship ticket was not for sale to the Adeleke family. Despite the political speculation, Adelekes camp has remained firm in affirming his loyalty to the PDP, assuring supporters and the public that no defection plans exist. As preparations intensify ahead of the July 12 Lagos local government elections, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state has inaugurated a 40-member campaign council to drive grassroots mobilisation across the 57 LGAs and LCDAs. In a statement issued on Wednesday by APC Lagos spokesperson Mogaji Oladejo, the council is chaired by former APC State Chairman, Babatunde Balogun, while Razak Ajala was named secretary. During Tuesdays inauguration ceremony in Ikeja, Lagos APC State Chairman charged the team to begin work immediately, saying, The election is fast approaching. Take the campaign to every nook and cranny of Lagos. Mobilise the electorate to vote massively for our party. We must showcase the landmark achievements of our local governments. Advertisement READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/06/ncc-shifts-ussd-billing-to-customers-airtime.html The council is divided into six strategic directorates: mobilisation, finance, security, media and publicity, electoral, and special dutieseach led by key party figures. Former Deputy Governor Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire and Lagos SSG Abimbola Saliu-Hundeyin will coordinate efforts in Lagos West, while Abayomi Daramola and Chief Bolanle Olusanya lead Lagos Central. Balogun expressed confidence in the teams capacity, stating, We understand the enormity of the task, but we are united in our resolve. Our focus is not just on winning the council polls but on laying the foundation for 2027. Oladejo added, Our strategy is people-driven. Were telling real stories of our achievements and what more we can deliver. The July 12 election, organised by LASIEC, is seen as a key test of strength for political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections. Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Taskforce has dismantled several criminal hideouts around Gowon Estate and its surrounding streets. It was gathered that 19 suspects linked to drug trafficking and other unlawful activities were arrested during the raid on Wednesday. It was learnt that the operation also led to discovery of a substantial quantity of illegal drugs, including Colorado, Indian Hemp, narcotics, and other prohibited substances. Advertisement Officers also found multiple bags of hard drugs hidden in the boots of parked cars, exposing the depth of organised criminal activity within the area. According to Chief of the Taskforce, Adetayo Akerele, on Wednesday, reiterated the agencys resolve to rid Lagos of criminal elements. READ MORE: Taskforce Raids Lagos Communities, Arrest 33 Suspects Over Illicit Activities He explained that the latest raid is part of a sustained crackdown targeting street-level crimes and illegal drug trade across the state. He said: This operation states our zero-tolerance stance on all forms of criminality that undermine the safety and stability of our communities. The suspects will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law. Our mission is to ensure Lagos remains a secure and livable city for all. We call on citizens to remain vigilant and actively support our enforcement efforts. Akerele also urged residents to partner with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities through the governments See Something, Say Something initiative. The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has warned disc jockeys (DJs) against playing music publicly without obtaining proper authorization or a license. According to NAN, John Asein, the NCC director-general, issued the warning in an advisory released on Wednesday in Abuja. He explained that the commission has noticed an increasing trend of DJs performing music in public venues without securing copyright licenses from the authorised collective management organisations (CMOs). Advertisement READ MORE: I Didnt Make Money From Music Videos Until 2023 TG Omori Asein stated that, according to sections 9 and 12 of the Copyright Act, 2022, only the copyright owner of a musical work or sound recording holds the exclusive rights to reproduce, perform, or publicly communicate it. The NCC warned that violators could face prosecution, which may result in a fine of up to N1 million or a prison sentence of up to five years if convicted. Engaging in any of these acts without the owners authorisation constitutes an infringement under the Act, he said. Such infringement may constitute a civil wrong or a criminal offence under section 44 (7), punishable upon conviction by a fine of not less than N1 million or imprisonment for a term of not less than five years or to both. Asein urged DJs to secure the required licenses and pay royalties to the authorised CMO prior to publicly performing any music. The NCC director-general further stated that the commission will apprehend and prosecute anyone caught breaking the law. For the avoidance of doubt, the approved CMO for musical works and sound recordings in Nigeria is the Musical Copyright Society, Nigeria (MCSN), he said. The Commission is aware that the Disc Jockeys Association of Nigeria (DJAN), as the umbrella body representing DJs in Nigeria, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with MCSN. Under the arrangement, DJAN is authorised to work with MCSN to facilitate the payment of royalties by DJs nationwide, based on the tariff that DJAN had negotiated with MCSN. SOUTH SIOUX CITY Throughout his eight-minute speech Thursday at the South Sioux City Marriott Riverfront, Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen repeatedly came back to the awe he has for law enforcement officers and touted the work his administration has done to boost them. Pillen's remarks came during the Nebraska Fraternal Order of Police's 2025 state conference, hosted by Police Lodge 75 of South Sioux City. "The everyday reality is that every one of you risk your life every day," Pillen said from behind a conference room podium. "You absolutely never know what on earth is going to happen and what you will do to respond to it." As a way to try demonstrate that support and admiration, Pillen, a first-term Republican, pointed to legislation passed in the most-recent Nebraska legislative session including LB608 which deals with tuition waivers at a Nebraska state university, college or community college for law enforcement officers, professional firefighters and their legal dependents. Pillen and Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly took part in a ceremonial signing of the bill as did State Sen. Eliot Bostar, D-Lincoln, who sponsored the bill. Gov. Jim Pillen Nebraska FOP meeting Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen, seated center, holds ceremonial bill signing for Legislative Bill 608 with Sen. Eliot Bostar, left, and Lt. Gov. Joe Pillen said the passage and signing of such a bill takes a full team to happen, and Bostar told the law enforcement officers gathered that such legislation wouldn't have happened without their support. "It's an incredible win and you all truly deserve all of the recognition for putting in those hours across the state to get that done," Bostar said. During his remarks, Kelly looked back to 2020 and the "Summer of George Floyd" when peaceful demonstrations and protests as well as riots spread nationally and internationally following the murder of Floyd by former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. Kelly said he knew how difficult those protests were for officers in Omaha and Lincoln and elsewhere in the state. "When we were talking about defunding the police and all of those really bad ideas, it was hard for some people to speak up," Kelly, the former U.S. Attorney for the District of Nebraska, said. "During that summer, before, and after, the people of Nebraska were with you." Both Kelly and Bostar touched on LB530 which, among other things, changes the minimum age for youth detention in Nebraska to age 10. Previously the bar was age 12. The change came following the shooting death of 64-year-old Uber driver Mursal Jama. One of the suspects in the case was an 11-year-old. The murder case against him was dismissed. Kelly called the bill "necessary" and Bostar said a lot of "tragedies" had happened under the old juvenile detention system. Gov. Jim Pillen Nebraska FOP meeting Nebraska Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly speaks to law enforcement officers at the 2025 Nebraska Fraternal Order of Police state conference Thursday in Sou The notion of people needing to speak up more is something Pillen touched on, too. While speaking about a bill banning transgender students from girls' sports, which he signed Wednesday, Pillen told the crowd of officers that "We need to protect our women, our girls." "There needs to be no boys. Boys are boys, girls are girls. No boys playing in sports. I think it's really important," Pillen said. "How is this stuff happening? I think it's happening because us Nebraskans and quiet conservatives have not stood up and expressed our views. I think it's really really important all of us give some consideration to be getting more comfortable being uncomfortable (and) standing up and talking about our common sense values." With the 109th Nebraska Legislature ending its session on Monday, Pillen said he's looking toward a 2026 where the state continues to work to protect and enhance "all forms of blue." "If there's other cutting edge ideas to make sure that we enhance blue, I'm 100% blue," he said. Operatives of Niger State Police Command have arrested a man, identified as Mohammed Sani, for allegedly beating his nine-month pregnant wife, Hauwa Isah till death. It was gathered that Mr. Sani committed the horrible act on Tuesday, in Limawa area of Minna. One of the residents of the community, identified as Halima Musa, told DAILY POST that she heard distressing screams from the couples residence late in the day. Advertisement Halima alleged that by the time neighbors intervened, the woman had already succumbed to her injuries. It was also learnt that the victims husband has a history of domestic abuse which was confirmed by the deceaseds father. Hauwas Father said: This is not the first time he has laid hands on my daughter. We warned him several times, but he didnt stop. Now he has killed her. Conforming, the development in a statement, Spokesman for Niger State Police Command, Wasiu Abiodun on Wednesday, said that the suspect had been arrested for culpable homicide. READ MORE: Niger Police Nab Two Suspects For Stealing Plasma TV, Aluminium Pots Wasiu added that police operatives of A Division Minna rushed to the scene and the lifeless body of the lady was found on the floor. The statement reads: On 3rd June, 2025 at about 10:30pm, a distress call was received that one Hauwa Isah 24yrs of Bani Hashimu Estate, Limawa A Minna was found lifeless on the floor with blood stains in the room. She was rushed to General hospital Minna where she was confirmed dead and it was also confirmed that she is about nine months pregnant. However, the husband, one Mohammed Sani 31yrs of the same address is suspected to have committed the act due to the allegation of wife battery as alleged by neighbours. The Ondo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Akure has upheld the election of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, dismissing all petitions filed by five opposition parties challenging his victory in the November 16, 2024, poll. The Action Alliance (AA), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Social Democratic Party (SDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had asked the tribunal to nullify the election over allegations of forgery, non-compliance with the Electoral Act, and over-voting. Delivering judgment on Wednesday, the three-member panel led by Justice Benson Ogubu ruled that the petitions lacked merit, describing them as worthless and baseless. Advertisement READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/06/i-made-wike-whether-he-accepts-it-or-not-amaechi.html The PDPs candidate, Alfred Agboola Ajayi, had questioned the qualification of Aiyedatiwas deputy over alleged certificate forgery. But the tribunal dismissed that claim, stating that the issue of certificate forgery had already been conclusively determined by the Federal High Court, the Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court. Therefore, this tribunal cannot reopen a matter already settled by superior courts. On allegations that Form EC25B was not properly completed in 97 percent of the states polling units, the tribunal clarified that the form does not mandate the inclusion of serial numbers, only the quantity of ballot papers. It added that the petitioners failed to identify or demonstrate the documents properly. The tribunal also threw out claims of over-voting, ruling that the petitioners did not tender the BVAS machines or any certified data to prove the alleged irregularities. With this judgment, Governor Aiyedatiwas victory stands affirmed as legitimate and lawful. The Nasarawa State Police Command has apprehended a 75-year-old man, Dahiru Abdullahi, suspected of arms trafficking, based on credible and actionable intelligence. Abdullahi, who trades in cattle and hails from Kaduna State, was taken into custody along with Lawal Sani, a 40-year-old commercial bus driver from Katsina, following a well-coordinated operation by the Nasarawa State Police Commands anti-kidnapping unit. The Police Public Relations Officer for the state, SP Ramhan Nansel, disclosed the suspects arrest in a statement released to journalists in Lafia, the state capital, on Wednesday. Advertisement READ MORE: Ebonyi Man Arrested For Killing Neighbour With Shovel He explained that the suspects were intercepted in Lafia while transporting a substantial amount of high-quality firearms and ammunition intended for Ilorin, Kwara State. The police spokesperson disclosed that the seized items from the suspects consisted of one General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), three AK-47 rifles, one TAB 06 rifle, 1,096 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammunition, 20 rounds of 7.62mm NATO calibre ammunition, four empty magazines, and a grey Toyota Hiace bus with registration number AAA 926 XL. He added, The suspects confessed to being paid 500,000 to transport the weapons from Benue to Kwara Statea transaction that could have armed multiple criminal networks. They have been taken into custody, and a full-scale investigation is currently underway to uncover the network behind this operation. SP Ramhan Nansel stated that the Commissioner of Police, Shitima Mohammed, has adopted a zero-tolerance stance on crime, emphasizing that the successful operation sends a strong warning to all criminal elements within the state. Nasarawa State is not a safe corridor for crime. We remain unshaken in our resolve to dismantle illegal arms networks and protect the lives of innocent Nigerians. We call on the public to stay alert and continue reporting suspicious movements through our official hotlines. We assure of our continued, decisive action against threats to peace and security in the state, the statement added. Nollywood actress Angela Okorie has sparked fresh controversy on social media after revealing that American rapper Rick Ross once asked her to be his girlfriend a request she boldly claims to have turned down. In a heated Instagram post aimed at fellow actress Regina Daniels, Angela fired back after Regina allegedly accused her of chasing after her billionaire husband, Ned Nwoko. Angela, 49, wasted no time in defending herself, using the opportunity to throw serious shade and assert her own desirability. Regina, you say I cant attract rich men? Rick Ross wanted me to be his girlfriend, but I said No! Angela declared. Advertisement READ MORE: Peter Okoye Accused Of Misleading EFCC In Fraud Trial Over Psquares Music Royalties She didnt stop there. Taking a swipe at Reginas marriage to the 63-year-old politician, Angela continued: I have standards, I dont just date any man because of money. Rick Ross is 5x richer and younger than your ancestor, but I turned him down because hes not my type. His belly turns me off. But if it were you, youd probably be running after him in the US by now. Youre just a child in love with money. Angela, who is the same age as Rick Ross, emphasized that shes never been swayed by wealth or fame. She reportedly backed her claims by sharing screenshots of messages from Rick Ross. This latest development follows an earlier clash between the two actresses. The feud reignited after Angela mentioned during an Instagram Live session that she had forgiven Mercy Johnson for past issues, citing rumors about Mercys health. Regina Daniels, came to Mercys defense, allegedly calling Angela mad and accusing her of having intentions toward her husband. SEE BELOW: The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a suspected car thief, Felix Clark, along Abacha Road in the GRA area of Port Harcourt. The police stated that the suspect was intercepted while riding a bicycle during a routine patrol. During a search of the suspect, officers found seven master keys on him, and later recovered a stolen vehicle from his house. Advertisement READ MORE: Robbery Suspect Nabbed With Firearm In Enugu Superintendent Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the State Police Command, revealed this in a statement released in Port Harcourt on Wednesday. She also disclosed that during questioning, the suspect gave crucial details about his gang members active in Lagos and other regions of the country. The statement reads: On Wednesday, May 5, 2025, at 11:30 hours, operatives from the Anti-Cultism Unit, led by Assistant Superintendent of Police Attah Alih, intercepted Felix Clark, who was riding a bicycle along Abacha Road, GRA. Upon search, seven master keys were recovered from the suspect, who was immediately taken to the station for further questioning. Following his arrest and interrogation, a red Hyundai Sonata with registration number EKY 531 GG, previously reported stolen, was recovered from his residence. The suspect has made a useful statement and identified other gang members operating in Delta, Edo, and Lagos States. Investigations are ongoing, and further updates will be provided as developments unfold. Olugbenga Adepoju, the State Commissioner of Police, stressed the Commands firm dedication to ensuring the protection of lives and property. We encourage members of the public to continue cooperating with the police by providing timely and credible information, Adepoju stated. Pastor Tunde Bakare, the serving overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church, has emphasised the need for a united Nigeria through strengthened collaboration between the North and South. His remarks came shortly after a private meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the latters residence in Lagos State on Wednesday. Speaking to journalists after the closed-door session on Wednesday, Bakare said the conversation focused on national development and the future of Nigeria, noting that the goal is to foster meaningful progress. He stressed that he desires the best possible collaboration between the North and South. Advertisement Bakare explained that while he had personal views to share with the President, he recognized Tinubus responsibility to act on them as he sees fit. READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/06/no-plans-to-persuade-governor-alia-to-join-pdp-maku.html Its not about just reservations. Its about how the country will go well. My personal vision is to see a nation that works in my lifetime, he stated. Reflecting on his hopes for Nigeria, Bakare added, Id like to see Nigerians being their brothers keeper. I like to see good collaboration between the best of the North and the best of the South to steer Nigeria in the right direction. Id like to see predictable progress in our nation. He further urged the country to take decisive steps to improve the quality of life for its citizens. We have danced around some subjects for too long a time; its time to take concrete action to ensure that the masses of our country do not live in abject poverty, thats all, Bakare concluded. The meeting signals a continuing dialogue between key national figures as Nigeria grapples with pressing challenges across political, economic, and regional lines. A pedestrian walks by the James A. Byrne Federal Courthouse in Philadelphia. Read more A Philadelphia-area real estate broker and a local title agency are facing a lawsuit by a lender, who alleges that they helped a developer client inflate the value of his properties so he could obtain a multimillion-dollar loan that ultimately defaulted. The lender, California-based Genesis Capital LLC, alleges that Surety Abstract and Keller Williams Philadelphia conspired with developer Travis Robert-Ritter in a lengthy and extensive loan fraud scheme. Advertisement Genesis gave Robert-Ritter millions of dollars in loans, then lost nearly $10 million when Robert-Ritters real estate development business collapsed, the lenders complaint says. The Philadelphia Business Journal first reported on the lawsuit. Genesis alleges that Surety got hundreds of thousands of dollars in fees in exchange for cooperating with the scheme, and that Robert-Ritter promised illicit cash payments to Keller Williams personnel in exchange for their help. A lawyer for Keller Williams Philadelphia, Marvin Haber of Haber Dipaul, said Genesis allegations are without merit and not factually accurate. Haber said Genesis is aware that Keller Williams Philadelphia had neither knowledge nor any involvement in any of alleged fraudulent transactions, but filed this lawsuit regardless. Suretys lawyer, Ryan Friel of Marshall Dennehey, said, We are confident this matter will be resolved in our clients favor. Robert-Ritter started a company called Bloyd Street Capital, which bought homes and remodeled them to rent or sell, according to a 2018 profile of the company published by Philadelphia magazine. He is not named as a defendant in the federal lawsuit, which was filed in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Robert-Ritter appears to now be practicing law in Florida, and did not respond to a request for comment. The lawsuit said Robert-Ritters business purchased cheap single-family homes in Philadelphia with the help of Keller Williams and Surety Abstract and rehabilitated them into, among other things, three-unit rentals. To get loans to finance that business, the lawsuit alleged, Robert-Ritter got help from Surety Abstract and Keller Williams to make it appear as if several properties, which he bought for $28,000 to $70,000 each, sold a short time later for around $350,000 per home. Robert-Ritter advised the Surety Abstract employee that the buyers in these fake sales would be entities he had recently formed, but that to conceal his connection to the properties and the fake sales, he would not use his usual address or name in connection with these new entities, the lawsuit alleged. Robert-Ritter turned to Keller Williams to make sure the fake sales would be listed in public real estate databases, Genesis complaint alleged. Using a list of fraudulent sales provided by Robert-Ritter in 2022, the lawsuit alleges, an appraiser for Genesis valued the developers 39 properties at more than $13 million. In reality, Genesis alleged, Robert-Ritter bought the properties at an average price of about $66,000 per home. Genesis lent him $9.6 million based on the appraisal, the complaint said. Robert-Ritter stopped making payments to Genesis in July 2023 and defaulted on the loans, the complaint said, and the 39 properties ultimately sold for less than $2 million in February 2024. Lawyers for Genesis, at the international law firm Troutman Pepper Locke, declined to comment on the case. A teenager was arrested Wednesday and charged with first-degree murder in the Norristown shooting death of a 20-year-old man last month in what authorities said was an ongoing gang feud involving prior killings and anger over an Instagram post. Kaleem Naseer Roland of Norristown, who turned 16 on Thursday, is accused of gunning down Tahaj Andru Pooh Harrison on the 600 block of Corson Street shortly before 9:45 p.m. on May 23, Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele said. Advertisement Steele also announced that an arrest warrant had been issued for 17-year-old Naseem Worrell of Norristown for first-degree murder in the death of Harrison, and the prosecutor was offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to his arrest. A third alleged shooter remains unidentified. Norristown police were alerted to gunfire in the area and found Harrison dead in the rear yard of his residence, where he staggered to before collapsing in front of his mother, detectives said. The investigation by the prosecutors office and Norristown police alleges that Harrisons killing was the result of ongoing violence between two factions: the Grimy Boys/6s, which the victim belonged to, and the rival All Black Bandits/300s, which Worrell belongs to. The police affidavit of probable cause indicated that Grimy Boys/6s and All Black Bandits/300s are actually four groups aligned into the two factions. Steele said detectives recovered Instagram messages from several hours before Harrisons death between him and Worrell about the ongoing feud and recent violence and killings between the groups. Worrell thought one Instagram post by Harrison was disrespectful regarding a recent killing of one of Worrells associates, Steele said. The allegedly disrespectful post was about the shooting death of 15-year-old Seth Pop Marshall two days earlier in Philadelphia, according to the police affidavit. After Harrison was killed, All Black Bandits/300s celebrated on Instagram with the hashtag #Murk4Pop, the affidavit said. At least two other associates of the Grimy Boys/6s have been killed in Philadelphia since 2022, the affidavit said. The feuding factions are well known to law enforcement, Steele said. Security video from the 600 block of Corson Street showed three males firing shots at Harrison, who was standing next to his residence. The males then ran from the scene. Ballistic evidence from three different guns was recovered from the scene, Steele said. Roland also was charged with related offenses and was being held without bail at the Montgomery County Youth Detention Center. His preliminary hearing was scheduled for June 13. Steele urged anyone with information about the third unidentified suspect, the shooting, or Worrells whereabouts to call Montgomery County detectives at 610-278-3386 or Norristown police at 610-270-0977. A West Philadelphia teen who police say abducted and raped a 12-year-old girl who was sleeping in the backseat of a car he stole in Hunting Park was arrested Thursday and will be charged with rape and related crimes, police said. The 17-year-old, whom police did not identify, attacked the child after stealing a 2010 Ford Taurus her mother left with the engine running while she went into Maxs Steaks at Germantown and Erie Avenues just after 9:30 p.m. Saturday, police said. Advertisement Around 20 minutes later, police found the girl about a half mile away at Broad Street and Roosevelt Boulevard, after she called for help from an iPad and told police she had been raped, said Capt. Margo Alleyne-Parker, commanding officer of the Special Victims Unit. On Monday, an automated license plate reader detected the stolen car on the 5400 block of Poplar Street and police found the vehicle, along with items the girl had told police were still inside, Alleyne-Parker said. Police found the teens DNA inside the vehicle, Alleyne-Parker said, and the girl later identified him from a photo. A spokesperson for the Philadelphia District Attorneys Office declined to comment on whether the teen would be charged as an adult. The girl, whom Alleyne-Parker described as brave and smart, was recovering well but still dealing with the emotional trauma of the attack, she said. Its just tragic all around, she said. Sometimes when I walk the streets of Old City, I imagine the people of colonial times who walked those roads before me, before Philadelphia was Philly and before this nation secured its liberty and identity. I mostly think about the smells folks had to endure before indoor plumbing, but I also wonder how those men and women traversed the cobblestone streets in their heeled shoes when I look like a wombat in flip-flips doing it in sneakers. Advertisement Before last week, it was only men and women I imagined on the colonial streets of Philadelphia. I didnt know anyone publicly identified outside of the gender binary back then or that they could do so without facing persecution. But the Revolutionary War was a revolutionary time, not just for this country, but for individuals who wanted to explore their own identity and the very concept of identity itself. In celebration of Pride Month, the Museum of the American Revolution is debuting a new walking tour focused on one such individual, a nonbinary religious leader who called themself the Public Universal Friend and preached in Philadelphia during the 1780s. I attended a preview of the tour last week, which was led by Meg Bowersox, the museums manager of gallery interpretation, whose love for this city and its many stories is infectious. What we think of the 18th century and what we think of people may not always be who people actually were, she told me. The Revolution was really able to let people experience this new type of change or to kind of test new boundaries, to blow through boundaries that once were and kind of question: What does it mean to be revolutionary? The verge of deaths door Our walking tour started outside the museum at Third and Chestnut Streets, where Bowersox talked about the Friends early life, growing up in a large Quaker family in Cumberland, R.I. Theyre born and named Jemima Wilkinson and they were identified as female at birth, she said. For the first 24 years, the Friend lived a pretty average 18th century life, but in 1776, they became ill with a fever (historians think it may have been typhus) and fell into a comatose state for days. Theyre basically seen to be on the verge of deaths door, Bowersox said. Then all of a sudden theyre revived and when they come back to life on their own they declare themselves basically no longer Jemima Wilkinson, but in fact, the Public Universal Friend. The Friend believed they were reborn as a genderless divine spirit whose mission was to preach Gods word in buildings, churches, or outdoors and they begin doing so within days of their revelation. They rejected gendered pronouns and dressed in a long, black ministerial robe with a mens cravat around their neck. Unlike women of the day, the Friend wore their hair down and often wore a mens hat, according to Bowersox. When theyre asked about who they are and how they dress, they say, I am that I am, which is kind of cool, Bowersox said. Like Popeye! I said. (Yes, I am that person on every tour) At first, the Friend espoused a belief that the second coming of Christ was imminent and they would be the one to help folks reach salvation, Bowersox said. That kind of trickles after the second coming doesnt happen, she said. Undeterred, the Friend continues preaching their beliefs, which Bowersox described as kind of Quaker and Shaker. Its an amalgam of different religions, which is kind of cool, but its a new religion and they call it the Society of Universal Friends and the followers are called the Friends, she said. It was about virtue, this idea of repentance, essentially, and that seems to be the vibe throughout virtue and repent for your sins and you will get into heaven. The Friend was an abolitionist, according to Bowersox, and they preached abstinence, which I learned later in the tour did not result in a thriving congregation. Its unknown if any of their followers also identified as nonbinary, Bowersox said, but what is clear is that they stood by their leader and their leaders identity. When newspapers stories are written about them, the followers actually say that [the Public Universal Friend is] nongender they are of no gender, and if they try to use Jemima, which is their dead name, they would be like, Thats not their name, thats not who they are, Bowersox said. A little bit more funky In 1782, after gaining a following in Rhode Island, the Friend came with six followers to Philadelphia, where there was a sizable Quaker population, to try to grow their congregation. Bowersoxs walking tour took us to places where the Friend preached and stayed, like the Arch Street Meeting House and Elfreths Alley. There, she shared stories sometimes accompanied by visual aids like articles and letters about how welcomed (or not) the Friend and their followers were here in Philadelphia (lets just say newspapers do not come out looking good). Not only was the Friend judged based on their appearance, but some folks also thought they were a liar and blasphemer. Theres even an account Bowersox talks about from the Pennsylvania Gazette Benjamin Franklins newspaper in which a woman accuses one of the Friends followers of attempted murder. The Friend and their followers end up in Montgomery County and eventually settled in Yates County, N.Y., in the Finger Lakes region, which they called their Jerusalem. Bowersox said the Yates County History Center still has number of the Friends belongings, including their hat and carriage, and was instrumental in her research. While we didnt visit anywhere I hadnt been before on the tour, I enjoyed learning new information about places I pass often and the people who came here before us. I really like these walking tours because its a little bit more funky, if you will, because youre not inside the museums four walls, so really anything could happen, Bowersox said. I loved that aspect, too, the sheer Philly-ness of it all. We jaywalked (when it was safe), went through clouds of pot smoke (none of us mentioned), Bowersox ran into several people she knew (because Philly), and we admired passing dogs (on foot and in strollers). At the end, I asked Bowersox what she learned about Philly and the Public Universal Friend by creating this tour. Philadelphia opened up so many doors for people to challenge what we think was the norm, she said. As Philadelphia hits the 250th I think a lot of people are going to be reflecting about the Revolution but also reflecting on this current moment and what does that mean for people? What does that mean for me, for my community? I think all of those things are still being questioned like they were in the 18th century, and I think thats pretty cool, she said. The Public Universal Friend walking tour is at 10 a.m. on June 7 and June 21. The tour is $26 per person or $37 for the tour and museum admission. LANZHOU, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Known for his deep engagement with Chinese literature, German sinologist Martin Woesler recently made his first visit to the ancient Silk Road hub of Dunhuang in northwest China's Gansu Province, where he was captivated by the city's unique cultural charm. Starting from Hunan Normal University in central China, where he currently teaches, Woesler traveled northwest to attend the fourth Dialogue on Exchanges and Mutual Learning among Civilizations, held in Dunhuang from May 29 to 31. During his brief stay in Gansu, he joined scholars from Japan, the Republic of Korea, the United States, Thailand and other countries in sharing insights regarding the theme of cross-cultural dialogue. Before going to Dunhuang, Woesler had done his homework. From books, he gathered vivid impressions of Dunhuang -- an oasis city encircled by desert, a treasure trove of art and heritage, and a cultural crossroads shaped by centuries of Silk Road exchanges. However, when the words and images contained in the books were confirmed by his own eyes, Woesler found himself deeply moved. A lifelong enthusiast of Chinese culture and literature, he has lived, worked and studied in China for over 30 years, and yet despite his lengthy stay in the country, Dunhuang ended up providing him with a cultural experience unlike any other. During his short trip, Woesler visited several of the city's most iconic sites he had long looked forward to seeing for himself. Standing in front of the Mogao Grottoes for the first time, he was profoundly impressed by an unexpected sense of cultural connection -- one that bridged both time and geography. In Cave 285, often referred to as a "pantheon of diverse cultures," the frescoes feature an extraordinary blend of figures -- Apollo and Diana from Greek mythology, Fuxi and Nuwa from Chinese legends, flying apsaras from Indian Buddhism and feathered immortals from Daoism. It is the fusion of civilizations that gave rise to the magnificent, millennia-old cultural miracle embodied in Dunhuang, where diverse traditions coexist harmoniously within the confines of a single cave, noted Woesler. "Dunhuang is truly an amazing place. Few places have such deep cultural influence in the world," said Woesler, who believes that even today, across thousands of years, people from different countries can still draw wisdom and strength from Dunhuang's spirit of inclusiveness and mutual learning. Woesler's connection with China began 38 years ago at a poetry reading in his hometown of Munster, in Germany, where he was captivated by a Chinese poem. That moment sparked his interest in Chinese culture and eventually led him to study at Peking University in Beijing, thus embarking on a lifelong journey into Chinese literature. For decades, Woesler has worked to bridge the gap between cultures. His career has frequently taken him between Germany and China, and he remains committed to helping the world better understand Chinese literature and culture. Woesler sees translation as a key tool for fostering cultural exchange. While many foreign works are available in Chinese, far fewer Chinese literary works have been translated into German. To address this shortage, Woesler launched a translation workshop to engage young German sinologists and promote Chinese literature abroad. His journey to Dunhuang has now sparked new reflections on cultural dialogue in the digital age. Woesler believes that modern technologies like digital preservation and virtual exhibitions can make ancient heritage more accessible, offering fresh ways to deepen mutual understanding between civilizations. "People today must embrace differences with greater openness to advance civilizational exchange and dialogue amid digital-era challenges. Only by working together can we realize mutual benefit and win-win progress," said Woesler. When oncologists gave my 5-year-old daughter the all-clear from high-risk neuroblastoma in 2010, I breathed a sigh of relief. But her health needs were just beginning. Advertisement Fifteen years later, the intense and often toxic treatments that saved Emilys life have left her with a host of lifelong health challenges hearing loss, stunted height, endocrine and kidney dysfunction, and permanent hair-thinning issues no one talked about during her 18 months of cancer treatment. The National Cancer Institute says 85% of children diagnosed with cancer are alive at least five years later and that there were nearly 496,000 pediatric cancer survivors in the United States in 2020. While the good news is encouraging, long-term survivor care brings its own challenges something pediatric oncologists are working to improve. Kids with cancer are beating a disease we never beat 30, 40 years ago, says Greg Armstrong, who chairs the department of epidemiology and cancer control at St. Judes Childrens Research Hospital and is also the principal investigator of its Childhood Cancer Survivor Study. Theres an entire population of kids who didnt exist before. Now we need to figure out how to best support them. Unique childhood challenges The National Cancer Institute estimates that about 15,000 children and adolescents 19 and younger were diagnosed with a form of pediatric cancer in 2024. While nearly 1,600 died last year, many more survive cancer today than in the past, but survival can mean enduring toxic treatments. By age 50, childhood cancer survivors have almost twice as many chronic health conditions as the general population, according to a St. Jude Life cohort study. Unlike their adult counterparts, children with cancer are going through growth spurts and puberty while theyre getting medication, chemotherapy, radiation treatments, and new targeted therapies. A 70-year-old treated for cancer doesnt have to worry about what happens in 50 years, says Stephanie Smith, pediatric oncologist and survivorship expert at Stanford Medicine Childrens Health. Its very different when youre treating a 5-year-old. When a kid is diagnosed its always going to be, We gotta win, Armstrong says. Cures and survivorship are a hard thing to balance. Childhood cancer is rare, which translates into limited government funding, enrollment for trials, and incentive for pharmaceutical companies to develop less toxic, more effective treatments. A lack of targeted drug therapies for children has required pediatric oncologists to tweak protocols and therapies developed for adults. But kids arent mini-adults. Pediatric cancers arent a result of lifestyle decisions like smoking or sun exposure, says Melissa Hudson, director of the Division of Cancer Survivorship and St. Judes principal investigator of the Lifetime Cohort Study. Theyre extremely complicated and unique. Post-treatment issues like organ damage, stunted growth, hearing and vision loss, infertility, premature aging, post-traumatic stress disorder, insomnia, breast cancer risks, sexual dysfunction, secondary cancers, skin and teeth problems, and early rates of comorbidities pose significant challenges for pediatric cancer survivors as they age. Translating data into practice The Childhood Cancer Survivorship Study, funded by the National Cancer Institute since 1994, set out to better understand these post-treatment effects, increase survival rates, and minimize harm. The multi-institutional study followed more than 38,000 children and teens diagnosed between 1970 and 1999 who survived five or more years after their childhood diagnosis. The self-reported questionnaires revealed that childhood cancer survivors have shorter lifespans, an increased burden of chronic diseases, and a high risk for new and secondary cancers. The data has informed randomized control intervention trials and helped to create tools that assess the risk of future diseases based on the kind of cancer a patient had, and the medications and therapies used to cure it. Without a doubt, the data has changed the way we treat new cohorts of children, Armstrong says. In 2000, the Childrens Oncology Group (COG), a member of the National Clinical Trials Network, created best-practice guidelines for survivors ongoing care based on clinical research and the type of treatment a child received. In 2023, COG added recommendations for health-care professionals, including school nurses, primary-care doctors, and pediatricians, who work with survivors but often havent treated many if any children with cancer. COG guidelines also inform survivorship care plans that are tailored to address a patients unique physical and mental condition post-treatment and designed to help them make healthy lifestyle choices to mitigate later risks. At Primary Childrens Hospital in Salt Lake City, Douglas Fair, the founder and director of the Childhood, Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivorship Program, breaks down which post-treatment scans, appointments, and screenings are necessary because such details often overwhelm survivors and keep them from continuing with care. Despite abundant evidence on the value of follow-up care, many survivors dont get it. Were playing catch-up, says Fair. For years, you were a survivor if you cleared your five-year mark. Now, survivorship starts day one [of diagnosis], and we werent trained in survivorship care. Doctors acknowledge that persuading older childhood cancer survivors that its not too late to begin survivorship care might be difficult. By the time survivors are 25, theyve already established patterns and a way to get through life, says Lisa Diller, director of the David B. Perini Jr. Quality of Life Clinic for Childhood Cancer Survivors at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. But if theyre 7, we have a better shot to get them to accept that follow-up care is going to be a part of the rest of their lives. New tools and access Passport for Care, an online resource that provides accurate, timely information for individual patients, was designed by Texas Childrens Hospital to help survivors, many of whom are uncertain of the details of their treatment protocols. They can draw on this detailed information during an emergency room visit or an appointment with a new practitioner. Soon, St. Jude will launch ARIA (Adapted Resource and Implementation Application), a web platform that will enable survivors and clinicians worldwide to access videos, best practices, and guidelines for all pediatric cancers. Doctors are also working on what quality of survival looks like for all pediatric cancer survivors by measuring and identifying where and how they can improve care. You cant just have survival, Hudson says. You have to have quality of survival. A success story Doctors are optimistic they can improve protocols of care as they did with acute lymphatic leukemia (ALL), the most commonly diagnosed childhood cancer. Once a death sentence, ALL cure rates went from below 10% in the 1960s to 94% today. Through the use of clinical trials, doctors ended up removing ALL treatments such as brain radiation that caused significant cognition issues in most patients, and discovered the patients fared as well without it. We figured out how to cure [ALL] without overusing toxic therapies, Diller says. Were looking to do the same for all childhood cancers. For 15 years, Emily has followed her survivorship care plan, which dictates annual medical visits and specific tests and scans. Neuroblastoma remains one of the trickiest cancers to treat, so doctors are forced to continue to use big gun therapies that can cause significant post-treatment issues. Emily was one of the first kids enrolled in a neuroblastoma trial that tested the efficacy of one stem cell transplant vs. two. Doctors believed two transplants would give kids a better shot of survival. They were right, and the study was stopped early and the protocol changed to two stem cell transplants because the kids who received two transplants relapsed less. But the physical and mental fallout of two transplants, separated by only a few weeks, is significant. Emily doesnt want to be known as the girl who had cancer, but her body tells the story of a kid who traded vital parts of it to be cured. With support, she continues to manage her survivorship care, acknowledging that while she may wish to be done with it, she never truly will be. Theres a lifetime cost for kids treated for cancer, Armstrong says. Its time for us to advocate for better outcomes. This demographic has been through so much and deserves more. Youre pregnant, healthy, and hearing mixed messages: Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is not a scientist or doctor, says you dont need the COVID vaccine, but experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Protection still put you in a high-risk group of people who ought to receive boosters. The science is on the side of the shots. Pregnant people who contracted COVID-19 were more likely to become severely ill and to be hospitalized than non-pregnant women of the same age and demographics, especially early in the COVID pandemic. Advertisement A meta-analysis of 435 studies found that pregnant and recently pregnant women who were infected with the virus that causes COVID were more likely to end up in intensive care units, be on invasive ventilation, and die than women who werent pregnant but had a similar health profile. This was before COVID vaccines were available. Neil Silverman, a professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology and the director of the Infectious Diseases in Pregnancy Program at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, said he still sees more bad outcomes in pregnant patients who have COVID. The risk of severe COVID fluctuated as new variants arose and vaccinations became available, Silverman said, but the threat is still meaningful. No matter what the politics say, the science is the science, and we know that, objectively, pregnant patients are at substantially increased risk of having complications, Silverman said. A request for comment regarding the scientific literature that supports COVID vaccination for pregnant people sent to HHS public affairs office elicited an unsigned email unrelated to the question. The office did not respond when asked for an on-the-record comment. Kennedy, a longtime anti-vaccine activist before joining the Trump administration, announced May 27 that COVID vaccines would be removed from the CDCs immunization schedule for healthy pregnant women and healthy children. His announcement, made in a video posted on the social media platform X, blindsided CDC officials and circumvented the agencys established, scientific processes for adding and removing shots from its recommended schedules, The Washington Post reported. Theres still much unknown about how COVID affects a pregnant person. The physiological relationship between COVID infections and mothers and fetuses at different stages of a pregnancy is complex, said Angela Rasmussen, a virologist at the University of Saskatchewan. The increased risk to pregnant patients comes in part because pregnancy changes the immune system, Rasmussen said. There is natural immune suppression so that the mothers body doesnt attack the developing fetus, Rasmussen said. While the mother does still have a functioning immune system, its not functioning at full capacity. Pregnant patients are more likely to get sick and have a harder time fighting off any infection as a result. In addition to changing how the immune system works, being pregnant also makes women five times as likely to have blood clots. That risk is increased if they contract COVID, said Sallie Permar, chair of pediatrics at Weill Cornell Medicine. The virus that causes COVID can affect the vascular endothelium specialized cells that line blood vessels and help with blood flow, Rasmussen said. In a healthy person, the endothelium helps prevent blood clots by producing chemicals that tweak the vascular system to keep it running. In a person infected with the COVID virus, the balance is thrown off and the production of those molecules is disrupted, which research shows can lead to blood clots or other blood disorders. Permar said that those clots can be especially dangerous to both pregnant women and fetuses. Inflammation and blood clots in the placenta could be connected to an increased risk of stillbirth, especially from certain COVID variants, according to studies published in major medical journals as well as by the CDC. When the placenta is inflamed, its harder for blood carrying oxygen and nutrients to get to the developing baby, said Mary Prahl, an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of California-San Francisco School of Medicine. If anything is interrupting those functions inflammation or clotting or differences in how the blood is flowing thats really going to affect how the placenta is working and being able to allow the fetus to grow and develop appropriately, she said. It makes sense that we see the effects of COVID in the placenta, Silverman said. The placenta is nothing more than a hyper-specialized collection of blood vessels, so it is like a magnetic target for the virus. Blood vessels in the placenta are smaller and may clot more easily than in the mothers circulatory system, he said. Permar said recent data suggests that pregnant women sick with COVID still have a higher risk of pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, preterm birth, and miscarriage, even with existing immunity from previous infection or vaccination. COVID, she said, can still land women in the hospital with pregnancy complications. Prahl said the connection between stillbirth and COVID may be changing given the immunity many people have developed from vaccination or prior infection. Its an area in which shed like to see more research. Theres already strong evidence that both mRNA-based and non-mRNA COVID vaccines are safe for pregnant women. Prahl co-authored a small, early study that found no adverse outcomes and showed antibody protection persisted for both the mother and the baby after birth. What we learned very quickly is that pregnant individuals want answers and many of them want to be involved in research, she said. Later studies, including one published in the journal Nature Medicine showing that getting a booster in pregnancy cut newborn hospitalizations in the first four months of life, backed up her teams findings. Prahl expects more evidence will be available soon to support the benefits of mothers receiving a COVID booster during pregnancy. I can say, kind of behind the scenes, Im seeing a lot of this preliminary data, she said. She blames the delay in part on the Biden administrations scaling back of federal efforts to track COVID. A lot of the surveillance of these data were pulled back, she said. The Trump administration is further cutting money used to track COVID. But because the vaccines give a pregnant womans immune system a boost by increasing neutralizing antibodies, virologist Rasmussen is confident that getting one while pregnant makes it less likely a pregnant woman will end up in the hospital if she gets COVID. It will protect the pregnant person from more severe disease, she said. Getting a COVID vaccine while pregnant also helps protect newborns after birth. Pregnant women who get vaccinated pass that protection to their young babies, who cant get their own shots until they are at least 6 months old. According to data released by the CDC in 2024, nearly 90% of babies who had to be hospitalized with COVID had mothers who didnt get the vaccine while they were pregnant. As recently as April 2024, research showed that babies too young to be vaccinated had the highest COVID hospitalization rate of any age group except people 75 and older. The Trump administrations decision to remove the COVID vaccine from the list of shots it recommends for pregnant women means insurance companies might no longer cover it. Pregnant women who want to get it anyway may have to pay hundreds of dollars out-of-pocket. I dont want to be that doctor who just says, Well, its really important. You have to vaccinate yourself and your kids no matter what, even if you have to pay for it out-of-pocket, because everyone has their own priorities and budgetary concerns, especially in the current economic climate, Silverman said. I cant tell a family that the vaccine is more important than feeding their kids. But he and his colleagues will keep advising pregnant women to try to get the shots anyway. Newborns will be completely naive to COVID exposure, he said. Vaccinating pregnant women to protect their newborns is still a valid reason to continue this effort. 2025 Kaiser Health News. Visit khn.org. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The Stardust cycle-tracking app is free, but many devices and apps used to improve women's health can be pricey. MUST CREDIT: Sylvia Jarrus for The Washington Post Read more Could you use some discreet help with birth control from a $14.99-a-month period-tracking app? How about a hands-free, wearable breast pump, for $549; a $299 wristband to soothe hot flashes; or an extra-slim, temperature-neutral, LED-lit speculum to bring to gynecologists appointments part of a $125 kit including comfy socks? Advertisement These products and more are part of a fast-growing industry known as femtech high-tech solutions for womens health needs whose many female founders say theyre tackling age-old inequities. Investors have jumped in, growing the market from $40.2 billion in 2020 to a projected $75 billion this year. And thats just for starters: A ghost market of strategies to address profoundly underserved womens health needs could reap up to $360 billion, a venture capital firm reported in March. Many areas of womens health like menstrual pain, endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, preeclampsia, and menopause have been overlooked for so long by traditional medicine that women have had to take these problems into their own hands and innovate, said Elizabeth Gazda, CEO of Embr Labs, which makes the wristband to treat hot flashes. And because these innovations are occurring at a time of expanding technological ability, with cloud computing and ubiquitous smartphone adoption, womens health is now leapfrogging mens health. Still, the surge of products has raised concerns about quality control, pricing, and privacy. And some experts doubt that femtech has made true progress in correcting historic inequities. Why is it that we as women need to close the gender health gap by buying all kinds of expensive commercial-health applications? asked Naomi Jacobs, an assistant professor in bioethics at the University of Twente in the Netherlands and co-author of a 2023 critique. Even if theyre not that expensive, because theyre apps, were paying with our most intimate data. A gender equity gap Historically, researchers, entrepreneurs, and many doctors have paid less attention to female health concerns than male ones. As of 2015, women still accounted for less than 35% of participants in early-stage clinical trials, researchers at the University of North Carolina wrote in a 2023 paper. Even by 2020, only 5% of global research and development funds went to womens health, according to a 2024 editorial in the journal Nature Reviews Bioengineering. In contrast, femtech websites express missionary zeal about disrupting birth control, pregnancy, reproductive-organ illnesses, and menopause. We want to live in a world where women are empowered by knowledge about their bodies, says the website for Kegg, which makes a ($299) device that tracks fertility by analyzing cervical fluid. The site for Elvie, which sells the wearable breast pump, plus a $199 pelvic-floor trainer to assist with Kegel exercises, says society gaslights the transformative effects of motherhood on womens lives known as matrescence. Ida Tin, the Danish founder of Clue, a period-tracking app, is widely credited with coining the term femtech in 2016, to refer to, as she said, any technology geared toward improving womens lives. It was a way to help women entrepreneurs find each other and also put some pizzazz in their pitches, she added. Investors, Tin has said, can now say: I have four femtech companies in my portfolio instead of I have a company for women peeing in their pants. Pregnant with promise and risks To appreciate the femtech marketing bonanza, check out the Oprah Daily 2025 Menopause O Awards. Amid a dizzying assortment of face-smoothing serums, hair-growth systems, and supplements for brain fog and mood swings endorsed by six ob-gyn docs who have also written books you will find a $248 sonic-wave vibrator, a $239 wristband to track your sleep, and a $900 Rolls-Royce of room fans. Can commerce succeed where scientists, governments, and health insurance plans have failed? Beyond that abstract question lie more pragmatic concerns. New apps keep coming, said Valerie Lynn Baker, director of the division of reproductive endocrinology and infertility at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Patients often ask about particular ones, but its hard to know how valid each one is. In other words, many femtech innovations have not yet advanced to the point where a woman should trust the app above a doctor or nurse-practitioner, Baker said. That means buyers should beware of products lacking external validation and maybe even some that have it. In 2018, the Food and Drug Administration approved a smartphone app made by the Swedish firm Natural Cycles as the first direct-to-consumer app for contraceptive use. At the time, the company was being investigated in Sweden after reports that 37 women who had used the app had aborted unwanted pregnancies. A British regulator banned an ad claiming the app was highly accurate. But the Swedish agency later closed its investigation after finding the apps failure rate was roughly 7%, in line with the companys findings for typical use. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has described fertility awareness-based methods such as Natural Cycles as having a 2-23% failure rate. Women also have reason to fear loss of privacy when they submit health-related data to for-profit businesses that may then sell them to advertisers or others. An oft-cited case is that of Flo Health, which makes a period-tracking app that has been used by tens of millions of women. In 2021, Flo settled a case with the Federal Trade Commission, which had charged it with sharing sensitive user data with third parties, including Facebook and Google, without proper disclosure. I am worried both by unethical leaders in tech, by a greedy investment system, and by inhuman political leadership, Tin said. She said tech produced in Europe, which has stricter laws, is the better option right now for women concerned about privacy. The next big things The greatest promise of femtech may be realized in years to come, as demonstrated by a list of recent federal-grant awardees who are dramatically expanding the concept of high-tech answers to female health concerns. Last fall, the Sprint for Womens Health at the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health awarded $113 million to 23 projects aimed at breakthrough advances in womens health. The projects address both specifically female complaints, such as reproductive-system illnesses, and disorders of the brain and heart that affect women differently than men. They include: Cellular implants to improve ovarian health in postmenopausal women. Nanoparticles to boost immune systems of women with ovarian cancer, which killed nearly 13,000 Americans last year. A finger-stick test for preeclampsia, a leading cause of maternal death and illness. A wearable device to detect precursors of Alzheimers disease, which is also much more common in women. To be sure, all the nanoparticles and gizmos in the world dont directly address root causes of gender-based inequities, including evidence that doctors more frequently dismiss womens complaints than mens. There is also a danger that scientific quests for better responses to serious health threats will lose funding in the current political turmoil. In April the Trump administration slashed, but then restored, support for the National Institutes of Healths landmark Womens Health Initiative. At the University of Twente, Jacobs is working on a study of how digital health technologies might be designed to meaningfully contribute to gender equity in health care. How can we take charge of these technologies and create and design and produce them in ways that arent overly predatory but are actually facilitating our needs and wants? she asked. The answer could change the world or at least more than half of it. Denisse Agurto, of Unides Norristown, in Norristown, PA, June 03, 2025. The community is facing an ongoing immigration enforcement action by ICE. Read more ICE agents have arrested nearly 20 immigrants in Norristown during the last two weeks, according to advocates who described an aggressive and ongoing enforcement campaign in the seat of Montgomery County. Every day, every day, said Denisse Agurto, executive director of Unides Para Servir Norristown. As many as nine cars, and more Spanish-speaking officers people who look like us and talk like us. Advertisement The arrests in the suburban municipality, where one in three residents is Latino, come as President Donald Trump named Montgomery County to a list of so-called sanctuary jurisdictions from which he has threatened to cut federal funding. Agurtos organization contacted the Norristown Municipal Council for help, and families plan to address the Montgomery County commissioners on Thursday to ask that a newly hired immigration-affairs director become an active voice of support for undocumented people. ICE officials in Philadelphia, headquarters for operations in three states including Pennsylvania, did not respond to requests for comment about the arrests. Norristown council member William McCoy called the situation heartbreaking and unacceptable. Families are being torn apart. Fathers are being taken from their children. People who have built their lives here, who contribute to our community every single day, are living in fear, he said in a statement. This is not justice. This is cruelty. Council member Mydera Robinson also spoke out, telling families: You are not invisible. You are not alone. We are a community, and we must recognize that what impacts one of us, impacts all of us, she said. We are stronger together. Rally planned for Saturday Activists have planned a Montco Stands With Immigrants rally for noon Saturday at West Marshall and George Streets in Norristown. Meanwhile, workers in Philadelphias Italian Market said Wednesday that they had been warned by the Mexican consulate about imminent ICE enforcement actions. They said businesses will be among the first to be targeted, said an undocumented worker who declined to provide her name. Montgomery County Commissioner Jamila Winder, a Democrat from the Norristown area, called the ICE arrests disconcerting and saddening. She reiterated, though, that neither the county government nor any local jurisdiction can block ICE from enforcing federal immigration laws. The county is helping where it can, she said, including holding events to support immigrant communities. ICE operates four detention facilities in Pennsylvania. It was unclear Wednesday evening where those arrested were being held. Agurto said the situation in Norristown has been building across roughly the last two weeks, with the number of ICE agents and government cars increasing almost daily. She said agents arrived at homes with no warrants, but banged so hard on doors that families were intimidated into allowing officers inside. ICE agents were looking for people outside a Latino supermarket and health clinic, she said. And at least one group of men was arrested as they gathered in hopes of getting a days work on a construction crew. Its common for undocumented immigrants seeking work to gather in a known place, often the parking lot of a Home Depot or Lowes store, where contractors know to go to readily find workers. Agurto said agents were using facial-recognition software on cell phones to try to confirm peoples identities. They walk inside the house like its their house. Its this very aggressive situation, she said. Were getting people coming to our center, They took my uncle, they took my brother. Trump deportation pledge challenged Trump has promised to deport millions of immigrants in what he says will be the largest removal effort in American history. Trumps pledge is challenged, however, by math and manpower. The U.S. is home to about 13 million undocumented people, roughly the population of Pennsylvania. But Immigration and Customs Enforcement employs about 21,000 nationwide. Montgomery County has no official sanctuary policy, but was named last week on the administration list. The list subsequently disappeared from the internet, though federal government officials insisted it was still being used. The Montgomery County commissioners meet 10 a.m. Thursday in Norristown, where they are certain to hear strong opinions from community members. This year the board hired the countys first immigrant-affairs director, Nelly Jimenez-Arevalo, to try to ensure that immigrants, regardless of legal status, feel safe in interacting with county officials and workers. Commissioners Chair Neil Makhija, a Democrat, said earlier that he wanted to ensure that undocumented immigrants were comfortable, for instance, in reporting crimes or seeking protection-from-abuse orders. Since starting her job in mid-March, Jimenez-Arevalo has worked to determine whether the county is doing all it can to serve immigrant communities and to ensure that departments have multilingual resources. She has also conducted outreach within immigrant communities to determine their needs. For months immigrant-rights activists have pushed the commissioners to adopt a formal welcoming-county policy that would limit the countys cooperation with ICE, especially on criminal-justice matters. Board members have argued they lack the power to do so. Recently, for the second time since Trump took office, the administration shook up the top leadership of ICE as it demands more immigration arrests and deportations. The agency announced that Kenneth Genalo, who headed the enforcement and removal division, will retire, and Robert Hammer, the head of ICEs investigative arm, will be reassigned. In February, the Trump administration replaced the then-acting ICE director, Caleb Vitello. For Montco, a tightrope on immigration The group Unides Para Servir Norristown is a grassroots advocate for the Latino community. It has issued an alert on its Facebook page about ongoing ICE arrests, and plans to hold a meeting for allies on Friday. It wants to establish a communications network that can transmit real-time information about ICE enforcement activities. The organization said it had received recent reports of ICE operating in other regional jurisdictions, including Ambler, Phoenixville, and Lansdale. Norristown is a community of about 36,000 people, set on the Schuylkill about 15 miles from Philadelphia. Its population is 33% Latino, 32% Black, 26% white, and 2% Asian. About 18% of its residents were born outside the United States. Figures on its undocumented population were not immediately available. Winder, the county commissioner, has described the county as walking a tightrope on immigration. Immigrants, she said Wednesday, are essential to the fabric of the community and need to be protected. But Montgomery County depends on federal dollars, and the Department of Homeland Security threatened that funding last week when releasing its sanctuary-city list. In the last six months, Winder said, Montgomery County has taken several steps to support immigrant communities. At the same time, she worried a welcoming-county ordinance would give false hope to immigrants, since local governments within the county may still collaborate with ICE. There are things I can do and there are things I absolutely cannot help with, Winder said. That for me is disheartening. If I did have some control and some influence, maybe things would look different. But its just the reality of our office. Staff writer Michelle Myers and graphics editor John Duchneskie contributed to this article. Kids in Philly call it being on the band. In recent years, the citys juvenile justice system has rapidly expanded its use of GPS-equipped ankle monitors to enforce curfews and house arrest. Today, Philadelphia is tracking teens whereabouts at a scale unmatched in any other U.S. city. Court officials have billed the ankle monitors as a humane and cost-effective alternative to locking up teens in institutions that are expensive, plagued by abuse scandals, and linked to increased recidivism. But an Inquirer examination of city and state records, along with interviews of teens, parents, lawyers and others involved in the justice system, found that the citys GPS monitoring has quietly evolved into an aggressive surveillance program through which location data are turned over to law enforcement agencies without a warrant and used in investigations unrelated to the teens juvenile cases. The data sharing is happening amid an unprecedented expansion of monitoring, with little-understood consequences for either the teens or for public safety. Civil rights and juvenile justice experts told The Inquirer that these practices violate state juvenile court confidentiality rules, as well as constitutional protections against warrantless searches. Its an excessive invasion of privacy, said Marsha Levick, chief legal officer of the Juvenile Law Center, particularly for the roughly one-third of teens on GPS who have not been adjudicated delinquent and are presumed innocent. I dont think that because kids are on GPS they lose all of their Fourth Amendment and constitutional rights. Nicole El, chief of the children and youth justice unit at the Defender Association of Philadelphia, said she is increasingly concerned about both the widespread use of GPS on her clients and how the data are being used. She said GPS monitoring is being used for first-time offenders, teens charged only with nonviolent offenses, and teens who are not competent for court due to serious mental illness. Its kind of become the default for anyone released from detention, she said. Philadelphia court spokesperson Martin ORourke said the success of the GPS program is measured by the youths ability to comply with the conditions of probation. He declined to provide data showing how often teens on GPS monitors have successfully completed supervision. He also defended the way in which data are shared with law enforcement agencies, saying their procedures comply with all relevant laws and court rules. The only official document governing how the location data can be shared appears to be a 2020 agreement signed by then-Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro and Philadelphia administrative judge Margaret Murphy. That memorandum of understanding, which has not previously been made public, provides for information sharing on Gun Violence Task Force investigations into straw purchases the purchase of guns on behalf of others. The agreement permits sharing juvenile probation records, including interviews, social media information, and geolocation data. The information sharing, however, has extended beyond the task force to multitudes of law enforcement agencies, according to the most recent annual report from the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania, as Philadelphias court system is officially known. When a carjacking occurs, according to the report, the juvenile probation departments GPS unit does not wait to be served a warrant, or even for probable cause to show that a monitored teen was involved. Instead, probation officials proactively analyze every teens GPS data for proximity to the crime and forward matches to police. In 2023, officials referred 10 teens for investigation because they had been tracked near carjackings, according to the report. Juvenile probation officials also share insight on a youths routine and/or behavioral patterns with law enforcement agencies, according to the report, and can unarchive a youths GPS tracking location after their discharge. The court responded to 90 requests from agencies seeking intelligence on specific juvenile probationers in 2023, according to the report. ORourke said 2024 data on referrals were not available, and the court does not keep data on how often the requests for GPS information result in charges or convictions. The court does not disclose to the teens or their guardians that their location data can be sent to law enforcement agencies for unrelated criminal investigations. The Inquirer obtained a copy of the courts GPS intake form, which includes rules for where the teen can and cannot go, how to request permission for outside activities, and instructions for how and how often to charge the monitor. But the form does not mention how the location data are collected and shared. Dan Loeb, legal coordinator for the nonprofit YEAH Philly, said teens in Philadelphia are generally not apprised in court of the data-sharing practices. They certainly dont agree to it and sign any kind of waiver or consent, he said. Officials with Philadelphias public defenders office say they found out only in late 2023 that GPS data were being shared. The defenders filed a motion for contempt against a juvenile probation officer for what it considered an illegal disclosure of location data. Juvenile probation officials responded by disclosing, for the first time, the 2020 agreement with the attorney general. In January 2024, El sent an email to probation officials citing rules of juvenile court procedure and asking for an end to the unlawful practice. She said she never received a response. The rise of GPS Amid a nationwide decline in juvenile crime, communities across the country have worked to empty out juvenile institutions over the last several decades, recognizing that locking up kids leads to worse outcomes across just about every measure. Philadelphia has been part of that shift. The number of kids charged each year fell by more than half since 2009, juvenile court records show. That year, Philadelphia first adopted GPS-based electronic tracking of juveniles. But compared with other big cities, Philly is an outlier, incarcerating kids and placing them on electronic monitoring at about triple the rates of Los Angeles, Chicago, and Phoenix. Philadelphia now leases 400 monitors for use on teens awaiting trial or on probation, up from 155 in 2011. The city has nearly doubled its spending on GPS tracking in the last fiscal year, to $1.27 million. Every year, we request in our budget to add more GPS monitors, deputy director of juvenile probation Amy Warner told Philadelphia City Council members in a January briefing, because we know that its better for children to stay in the community. Multiple youth advocates, however, said they were concerned by the perpetual expansion, which has continued even amid declines in crime. They have urged City Council to examine the impact of GPS monitors before green-lighting more funding. A resolution to do so passed last year, but the legislative body has yet to schedule a hearing. The monitors are provided under a contract with the publicly traded company Track Group. The monitors track teens locations at five-minute intervals and are equipped with a 95-decibel siren and a speakerphone, enabling a probation officer to call at any moment with instructions. Philadelphias contract with the company specifies that all calls be recorded but does not include provisions for how geolocation or audio data should be preserved or protected. Track Group referred The Inquirers questions back to the court. Philadelphia budget documents and child-welfare reports show that the number of Philly teens on monitors on any given day has increased by about 30% since 2019, while the incarcerated juvenile population fell only about 5%. The juvenile justice system had one monitor for every 12 teens on probation in 2019. Today, that ratio is about one to five. The average duration Philly teens spent on monitoring has also increased. In 2023, the court established a GPS Review Committee to expedite releases. Yet the average stint on GPS is now 68 days, about a week longer than it was three years ago. ORourke, the court spokesperson, attributed that to more complex and serious cases that take longer to process, such as those involving DNA or ballistics analysis. Last year, about one-quarter of teens placed on GPS were charged with robbery or assault. Court data show the majority of teens on monitoring were not accused of violent crimes. More than one-quarter were charged in stolen car cases. El said she and the lawyers on her team often encounter young people on monitoring for charges that will ultimately be dismissed, based on hearsay that cannot be substantiated. Others are placed on monitoring even though they have been approved for court-based diversion programs. Still others are on GPS even though judges have found they are not competent to stand trial, she said. One of her clients, a girl with serious mental illness, was arrested for an assault at her school for children with mental health needs. A judge placed her on an ankle monitor, but the teen was violating it constantly, El said, because she didnt understand the rules of GPS. Because there were no available mental health services, the judge had nothing else to offer the teen. Ultimately, the judge decided to discharge the case. In other cases, El said, clients end up in detention for GPS violations. About one in six kids admitted to Philadelphias juvenile detention center is placed there for a probation violation, city records show. Judges can assign a condition called first-violation hold, meaning even one violation can result in a court date or placement in an institution. One teen on probation, for a stolen car and a theft, was placed on GPS with such an order. Over the course of several days, he missed his curfew and visited a location that was not his home or school. At his next hearing, the court sentenced him to an institution for six to nine months, according to court records. Surveillance net In early 2020, then-Attorney General Shapiro was looking to expand the reach of his Gun Violence Task Force, a collaboration that includes an array of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Philadelphias juvenile probation department was already contacting the task force whenever one of its officers came across a gun. So they decided to forge a partnership, under which a probation officer would be detailed part time to the task force. That was the origin of the memorandum of understanding that, according to ORourke, has enabled Phillys juvenile probation officials to collaborate with agencies ranging from SEPTA police to the FBI. Under Attorney General Dave Sunday, the task force has continued to benefit from that agreement, according to spokesperson Brett Hambright. He said neither a warrant nor probable cause is necessary for the task force to acquire data on juveniles, but added that the agencys collaboration with juvenile probation is focused on urgent and dangerous situations. For instance, Hambright highlighted the case of a teen on probation whose selfies on social media had featured an assault rifle. After a carjacking involving such a gun occurred nearby, juvenile probation officials used GPS data to show the teen was at the scene. Officers attempted to apprehend the juvenile, who fled, Hambright said, adding that two guns were recovered. He said the task force does not keep statistics on cases developed from that intelligence, or on whether the agreement has led to a reduction in gun violence. Nonetheless, he described the arrangement as a useful investigative tool. Straw purchasing, gun trafficking, and illegal transfers are fueling a gun violence epidemic that constantly threatens our communities, Hambright said. It is particularly concerning when these firearms end up in the possession of juveniles on supervision. The same juvenile court procedure rules that restrict access to a minors probation file also require that any court order releasing information explicitly prohibits sharing it with any third party. The attorney generals agreement contains no such prohibition. Defense lawyers said they have seen GPS data used to identify defendants in cases ranging from robberies and shootings to federal carjacking prosecutions. But it is not always obvious when the location data were obtained or used to build a case. For example, an investigator may request data on all youth on GPS near a crime scene, but then scan those teens social media accounts for evidence that is ultimately introduced in court. Michelle Mason, chief of the Philadelphia defenders juvenile special defense unit, called it hiding the baby meaning that prosecutors or police are not disclosing that their investigations started with the GPS-monitoring data. That makes it difficult to mount a legal challenge. Mason said she worries the desire for heightened surveillance may be spurring probation to keep kids on GPS for longer, for the purpose of law enforcement rather than for purposes of reform or correction. Five experts in juvenile justice and civil rights law who spoke with The Inquirer raised similar concerns. Paul Hetznecker, a Philadelphia civil rights lawyer, called it a violation of the Fourth Amendment and the principles set out by the Supreme Court in Carpenter v. United States, where the court found that warrantless search of suspects cell phone data was unconstitutional. The surveillance, he said, moves dangerously into an area of predictive policing without the necessary guardrails to protect privacy. Not supported by any data Little research has been done to understand how monitoring affects young people, or affects recidivism, mental health, or educational attainment, said Kate Weisburd, a professor at University of California College of the Law, San Francisco, who has studied the rise of electronic monitoring. This extreme and quick growth of electronic monitoring is not supported by any data, she said. The available research is largely focused on recidivism. One study found no improvement in outcomes for teens on electronic monitoring, compared with those on house arrest without monitoring. Another analysis of teen girls placed on monitors linked the trackers to a significantly higher recidivism rate than girls released without monitors. This extreme and quick growth of electronic monitoring is not supported by any data. Kate Weisburd, a professor at University of California College of the Law Overall, Philadelphias juvenile system has a six-year recidivism rate of 57%, a district attorneys office analysis found rising to 80% for those with at least two arrests. District Attorney Larry Krasners office did not respond to requests for an interview about the increased use of GPS. To understand more about the impact of ankle monitors, The Inquirer interviewed 15 teens who spent time on them. All of the teens had been on monitors for at least two months, and some as long as seven months. A majority said being on the ankle monitors took a toll on their mental health, and they described falling into depression and feeling anxious, stressed, and hopeless. One-third said they had been on and off the monitors multiple times with probation violations or new cases. Almost half had switched to online schooling, citing fear of a monitoring violation or the stigma of wearing a monitor in class. More than half said they had experienced at least one false alarm, with the GPS incorrectly indicating they were not at home or were outside school rather than in class. One was Daelin, a 13-year-old Strawberry Mansion student who had been found delinquent on several misdemeanor charges, in what he said was his first-ever juvenile case. (The Inquirer is withholding his last name because he is a minor.) He had spent more than three months on GPS and was allowed to leave home only to go to school. He said the device had incorrectly reported him as being outside the school, causing his probation officer to call him through the device. He had to shout back in the direction of his ankle to inform the officer that he was in class. Now they got the location dialed in, he said in April. Colleen Gibbons-Brown, who worked as a special-education teacher at Strawberry Mansion High School last school year, said similar false alarms had happened to students in her classes as well. She typically had one or two kids on GPS monitoring in each class until they, almost invariably, suddenly stopped showing up, she said. She learned to check her roster to see if the students enrollment had been transferred to the juvenile hall. I dont think I had any student who had an ankle monitor who didnt end up being arrested at some point, she said. El, the public defender, said that false alarms are a frequent point of contention in court, and that an analyst in her office is regularly called on to determine whether the GPS had pinged off a different cell tower. I dont think I had any student who had an ankle monitor who didnt end up being arrested at some point. Colleen Gibbons-Brown, former Strawberry Mansion teacher ORourke, the court spokesperson, said false alarms were infrequent. A half dozen parents or guardians, in interviews, generally said the monitor was reassuring: It let them know exactly where their kids were at all times. Damalia Brown said her 15-year-old son was on supervision as a form of pretrial diversion for an alleged auto theft. He was arrested again for shoplifting from a Wawa. He keeps making the mistakes over and over, she said with a sigh. He needs help mentally. Some teens on monitors do have access to additional programs, such as the pretrial Evening Reporting Center, a court-ordered program run by Youth Advocate Programs, a national nonprofit. It offers tutoring, career coaching, life skills, a nightly family-style dinner, and occasional field trips. On a recent afternoon, the participants set up a basketball hoop in the parking lot for a scrimmage. The program runs from 4 to 8 p.m. on weekdays, and teens stay for the 60 to 90 days it takes for their cases to move through the system. More than 90% complete the program successfully, meaning they are not arrested again before their cases are resolved, according to Renise Welbon, YAPs regional director. Welbon said she has watched young people embrace the opportunity for personal transformation. Other than keeping extra GPS chargers on hand, the fact that all participants are on the band rarely comes up. If anything, she said, It makes them think about what theyre doing and why theyre doing it. It keeps them accountable. But many young people on monitors have complex needs that are not being served within the system, said Thaddeus Parker, who works for the McClain Foundation and facilitates an evening program for about 20 teens on GPS. His goal, through the 12-week program, is to teach the teens coping skills and leave them with knowledge of how to access the resources they need on their own. These kids need clothes. They need food. They need beds all types of stuff, Parker said. And if they dont trust you, theyre not even going to mention it. Theyre not going to open up about it. The restrooms on the northwest corner of Fifth and Chestnut Streets in Independence National Historical Park have reopened. Read more After having been closed on and off in recent years due to needed repairs and rehabilitation work, the restroom building across the street from Independence Hall has been reopened to visitors. The reopening is part of an overall effort to upgrade and prepare the Independence National Historical Park for the nations Semiquincentennial in 2026, better known as Americas 250th birthday. Advertisement We are very excited that the restrooms were reopened to the public on May 23, a spokesperson for the National Park Service said in an email Wednesday. The intermittent closures of the restrooms at the corner of Fifth and Chestnut Streets have been an inconvenience for visitors to Independence Hall, though restroom facilities have been available for people willing to walk to Sixth and Market Streets to the Independence Visitor Center. Independence National Historical Park is the most-visited tourist attraction in Philadelphia and covers 54 acres and 46 buildings that include the Liberty Bell, Congress Hall, Declaration House, Franklin Court, Second Bank with its portrait gallery, and even the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site. The sites draw 2.5 million visitors a year. The restroom building has been closed and reopened for repairs and projects, as well as for the COVID-19 shutdown, the spokesperson said. The most recent closure was part of an upgrade of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems in multiple buildings. The recent HVAC project entailed excavation in order to run new underground pipes to the building, so we needed to fence off the entire area for visitor and staff safety, the spokesperson said. The upgrades were funded by $14 million announced in 2021 from the Great American Outdoors Act, which was enacted in August 2020. The National Park Service said in 2021 that the improvements will help prepare the park for the commemorative activities and extra attention associated with the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. This year, the National Park Service has been hit with drastic staffing cuts under President Donald Trump. The Trump administration did, however, specify that funds should be made available to prepare Independence National Historical Park for the July Fourth celebration next year. A soldier walks past crosses and flags at a U.S. cemetery near Colleville-sur-Mer, Normandy, in 2024. Vincent Simonetti is in France this week to mark the dedication of a monument to the 8th Army Air Force of which his grandfather was part during the 81st celebration of the D-Day landings that helped lead to Hitler's defeat in World War II. Read more As I prepare to depart for Normandy, France, for the 81st anniversary of D-Day, I find myself deeply missing my grandfather and wishing he were alive to accompany me back to the continent where he risked so much. Domenic Simonetti was a proud product of the Philadelphia melting pot and the great American dream. Born in 1923 to Italian immigrants on the citys west side, he displayed incredible musical talent from his earliest days. Advertisement A classically trained violinist, he was a member of the symphony orchestra in Philadelphia and, later, in Miami. My grandfather excitedly enrolled at the University of Miami on a music scholarship, but his education was cut short when the draft notice arrived in 1943. Once in Northern England, Domenic was assigned to the 8th Army Air Force to support European combat operations, including the D-Day landings. He participated in a mission over those iconic beaches and would forever describe the sight in one word: unbelievable. The people of Normandy have never forgotten heroes like my grandfather, and the region today is dotted with hundreds of memorials to American troops. This week, a new monument will be dedicated to the 8th Army Air Force, and I am honored to be invited to attend. The Mighty Eighth played an outsize role both on D-Day and in the 11 long months of fighting that followed. The unit which began as an Army asset and became Air Force after that branch was founded in 1947 flew more than 2,300 sorties on D-Day and suffered more than 47,000 casualties, including some 26,000 deaths, during the war. Its airmen were awarded 17 Medals of Honor. Three remarkable 8th Army Air Force World War II veterans will be returning to France for this years D-Day commemorations: Edward Berthold, 105, from Illinois; William Becker, 99, from California; and Harold Terens, 101, from New York. Their stories are awe-inspiring. Bertholds service was marked by a series of close calls and emergency landings: On his first mission, the planes engine caught fire; on his second, the prop governor seized up. His third sortie was D-Day, and it ended in the successful bombing of a bridge in the strategic city of Saint-Lo. Terens flew important and emotional missions: bringing home American and British POWs released from German captivity in the weeks following D-Day. And Becker served on a B-24 bomber with a squadron of special operators code-named the Carpetbaggers a precursor to the CIA. The squadron flew clandestine, night missions deep into enemy territory, dropping supplies to French, Norwegian, and Danish spies collaborating against the Nazis. The Mighty Eighth played an outsized role both on D-Day and in the 11 long months of fighting that followed. These three men are the living embodiment of our forces long history. Just days after we wrap up the D-Day anniversary events in France, the Army will celebrate its 250th birthday, making it a year older than our nation. Berthold, Becker, Terens, and my grandfather are four unique threads of that rich tapestry. I cant wait to hear these warriors stories, and I find myself wondering: Could they possibly remember Domenic? Will they see him in me as so many do when they look at our military service photos? Like my grandfather, these men gave vital years of their lives in service to our nation. Then they went home and contributed to their communities and families. Berthold owned three businesses in suburban Chicago with his wife of more than 60 years. Becker spent decades organizing the much-loved reunion groups for the 8th Army Air Force. Terens was the vice president of a British corporation and was married for more than 70 years. After being widowed in 2018, he returned to Normandy last June to marry his 96-year-old sweetheart. For his part, my grandfather remained in Europe a year after the war. He was promoted to first sergeant at just 23 years old, earning a personal commendation by the commanding general. While stationed in England, he met and married my grandmother Ellen Finney of Rawtenstall, Lancashire. The Finney family knew the sacrifice of World War II: Two sons, Joseph and Crowther, were both killed serving with the British Grenadier Guards in North Africa and Normandy. After the war, Domenic brought his young wife to America aboard a war bride ship, and the couple raised three children in my hometown of Philadelphia. He never lost his love for music, but he spent 50 years supervising general construction projects in Philadelphia. I listened to every Army story he ever told, and I knew my future from my youngest days. In the Army, we often say we stand on the shoulders of giants. On the 81st anniversay of D-Day, the giant I will carry in my heart is one of Phillys own, 1st Sgt. Domenic Simonetti of the Mighty Eighth. Vincent Simonetti is the command sergeant major of First Armys Division West. Not unlike 1967, June 2025 is bringing us purple haze not the Jimi Hendrix version, but the smoke from Canadian wildfires and the promise of another long hot summer. I dont necessarily mean the kind that caused Detroit, Newark, and other U.S. cities to erupt in riots 58 years ago, although ICE raids from San Diego to Minneapolis are spiking the thermostat of potential unrest. Nor am I talking about the long lines to get into national parks after Elon Musk chainsawed the federal workers who run them. No, Im talking about an actually hot and actually long summer triggered by human-made climate change a smoke-infused taste of which much of America is already getting this week as more than 200 wildfires, many uncontrollable, burn across remote areas of Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Scientists say the unusually early massive blazes have been triggered by drought and unusually high temperatures, including a May high of 91 degrees Fahrenheit in Saskatchewan that is shocking for the Great White North. Advertisement Experts using a formula called the Climate Shift Index (CSI) a kind of science that hasnt been banned or defunded by the Trump regime ... not yet, anyway say the spring heat wave over western Canada is an event that was five times more likely because of the carbon that humans blast into earths atmosphere from our cars and power plants running on fossil fuels. The Canadian wildfires and the poor air quality over the central and eastern U.S. are certainly not an isolated incident. Europe recently experienced its hottest March ever, by a lot; the government scientists who havent been laid off are predicting a more active hurricane season than usual (even as the new MAGA head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency admits he didnt know there is a hurricane season); and hot ocean temperatures are even shrinking clown fish, making finding Nemo harder than ever. Its a situation that screams out for a government as good as its people to spring into action, especially when it comes to weaning an oil-addicted U.S. society off fossil fuels and helping to speed the transition to electric vehicles or clean energy that wont spew more carbon into our smoky skies. Unless your government has Donald Trump at the helm. It was no secret while the 45th president was running last year to become the 47th, that Trump brings the baggage of a lifetime of oil-and-gas boosterism and hostility to the science surrounding climate change. But experts and activists say theyve been shocked during the regimes first four-and-a-half months by the extent to which Trump has pushed back against any and all evidence that a warming planet poses a danger to humankind. That was driven home in April when the Trump regime dismissed hundreds of scientists whod been working on the National Climate Assessment, which since 2000 has been the governments main report about potential threats from global warming. In Trump world, its not that climate change gets too much attention, but that it doesnt even exist as a problem. No one was surprised when Trump withdrew the United States from the global Paris climate accords, since hed done the same thing in his first term. But few expected him to issue an executive order directing his attorney general, Pam Bondi, to take legal action if necessary to block states from enacting their own measures to mitigate climate change. Every sop to Big Fossil Fuels such as an executive order meant to revive the coal industry, or a push to export U.S. fracked gas overseas has been accompanied with sometimes inexplicable cuts to green energy programs, including grants that would bring jobs and millions of dollars to Trump-voting red states. Trumps climate actions have absolutely been worse than expected, Michael E. Mann, director of Penn Center for Science, Sustainability and the Media, told me this week. A recent Guardian op-ed that Mann coauthored with other leading scientists argued that Trump orders, like a recent demand for gold-standard science, was really intended for the government to impede needed research. Its not just an assault on climate action or even climate science, but science itself, he told me. READ MORE: Trump would sell your grandkids future for $1B | Will Bunch Newsletter Some of Trumps more extreme moves especially in trying to undo climate actions taken by his nemesis Joe Biden feel more motivated by spite than by common sense. But the most likely explanation for the evil banality of a would-be kings climate madness is a tale as old as time: political corruption. In April 2024, according to a scoop by the Washington Post, Trump hosted a fundraising dinner at Mar-a-Lago for Big Oil CEOs set up by Harold Hamm, a Texas drilling billionaire. Theres no tape of the closed-door gathering, but sources told the Post that the then-candidate proposed a deal: If the fossil fuel executives would give a whopping $1 billion to his campaign, he would roll back Bidens climate policies with lightning speed. It was an outlandish proposal that, practically, was never going to meet Trumps great expectations. But while you cant always get what you want, you can get what you need. In the last election cycle, Big Oil and Gas spent some $445 million on campaign contributions and lobbying Congress, and probably considerably more if dark money had been included. Trump got a big chunk of this at least $96 million, but probably more that went to his campaign from the likes of Hamm, who leads the Domestic Energy Producers Alliance, and pipeline CEO Kelcy Warren, whose Energy Partners LP will profit from efforts to export Americas natural gas. Trumps political support from Big Oil isnt as new or sexy as his familys audacious embrace of the cryptocurrency boom, which has helped to increase the presidents net worth by an estimated $2.9 billion. And while Trumps Cryptogate will mean less regulation of a fraud-laden industry, and surely some little-guy investors losing their lifes savings, it cant compare to the wildfires, killer floods, and eventual mass migration and other upheavals of climate change. Its not only that Trump got a much needed infusion of campaign cash from Big Oil. But those billionaires who paid homage to the future president at Mar-a-Lago ... those were his people. The Black and brown folks who live in pollution-ravaged communities like Louisianas Cancer Alley, or in low-lying neighborhoods most prone to flooding? Not so much. Its depressing the extent to which America has normalized climate denial. You hear so much about Trumps worst cabinet picks like overwhelmed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and performatively fascist Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, but rarely about the head of the Environmental Protection Agency, Lee Zeldin, who sees the mission of EPA not as fighting pollution but to lower the cost of buying a car, heating a home and running a business. Yet I suspect that when the handful of surviving historians emerge from rubble-strewn caves many decades from now probably in a rowboat they wont be asking why Trump reposted about Biden being a robotic clone, but rather why the government of Earths richest nation chose to pretend that the thermometer wasnt flashing red for danger. By rejecting democracy, Trump also rejects the empathy and fealty to the truth thats needed to keep the U.S. people and the next generations safe. With a big chuck of Canada on fire, its time for Americans to see through his toxic, billionaire-funded smoke screen. READ MORE: SIGN UP: The Will Bunch Newsletter President Donald Trump deplanes as Elon Musk looks on after landing at Atlantic Aviation in Philadelphia in March. Read more Elon Musk endorsed Donald Trump after a would-be assassins bullet grazed Trumps ear on the campaign trail in Pennsylvania in July 2024. But nearly a year later, that relationship appears to be over. Following a send-off from the White House last week, Musk the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX and the wealthiest person on the planet has been openly critical of a Republican spending bill spearheaded by Trump making its way through Congress. Advertisement The bill is projected to increase the federal deficit by $2.4 trillion over the next decade, according to the Congressional Budget Office. It would also leave nearly 11 million people uninsured due to its Medicaid cuts while providing tax cuts that would overwhelmingly benefit the richest Americans. This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination, Musk wrote on X, his social media platform, earlier this week. On Thursday, while meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the Oval Office, Trump responded to Musks recent criticism by appearing to declare their friendship over. Elon and I had a great relationship. I dont know if we will anymore, Trump said. Trump suggested Musks change of heart came after electric vehicle subsidies were taken out of the budget bill, but the billionaire had previously called for them and other tax credits to be removed. The president also brought up Pennsylvania, where Musk deployed serious resources to help secure a Trump victory. Despite Musks deep pockets and outreach across the state in the months leading up to the election, Trump dismissed its impact on the outcome. I would have won Pennsylvania easily anyway, Trump said. Musk disagreed. Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate, Musk wrote on X. In another post, Musk wrote, simply, Such ingratitude. Republicans have a 53-47 majority in the Senate and cannot lose too many votes if they want to pass Trumps budget bill. But several Republican senators have come out in support of Musks criticism of the bill and its long-term impact on the federal deficit. This is immoral, what us old farts are doing to our young people, Sen. Ron Johnson (R., Wis.) said of the budget bill Wednesday on CNBC. This is grotesque, what were doing. Trump threatens to cancel government contracts to SpaceX and Tesla Trump escalated the feud Thursday afternoon by threatening to cancel billions of dollars worth of government contracts that currently flow to Musks companies. The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elons Governmental Subsidies and Contracts, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. I was always surprised that Biden didnt do it! In 2024, Tesla and Space X received over $6 billion from the federal government in the form of contracts, loans, subsidies, and tax credits, according to public data analyzed by the Washington Post. That number does not include classified defense and intelligence spending, such as a spy satellite network SpaceX is reportedly developing for the Pentagon. The cost of that contract is $1.8 billion, according to the Wall Street Journal. Tesla shares plummeted following the back-and-forth, dropping 14% Thursday afternoon. SpaceX is a private company, but Musk issued his own threat in response to Trumps. In light of the Presidents statement about cancellation of my government contracts, @SpaceX will begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft immediately, Musk wrote on X. The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft is used by NASA to ferry astronauts, equipment, and resources to and from the International Space Station. In this video screen grab U.S. Rep. Madeleine Dean holds up a banana during an exchange with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick during a House Appropriations subcommittee hearing on Thursday, June 5, 2025. Read more America leads the world in producing civilian aircraft parts, oil, and gas. Bananas, not so much. Advertisement Yet, the beloved breakfast-table staple was front and center in a testy exchange Thursday between U.S. Rep. Madeleine Dean, a Democrat from Montgomery County, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick during a House Appropriations subcommittee hearing. Wielding a banana and a confident air, Dean pressed Lutnick on the Trump administrations devotion to tariffs, one of the main topics of conversation in Washington and other world capitals these days. She asked: Whats the tariff on bananas? Americans, by the way, we love bananas. We buy billions of them a year. I love bananas. Whats the tariff on bananas? Generally 10%, Lutnick said. Dean then told Lutnick that as a result of the tariff Walmart, the nations largest retailer, had already raised the price of bananas by 8% in its stores. If you build in America, there is no tariff, Lutnick replied. Dean shot back: We cannot build bananas in America. Later, Dean wrote on X: America excels at a lot of things, but growing bananas isnt one of them. The reality is that not everything can be produced in the U.S. Trump tariffs penalize Americans simply for buying the quality goods they want. Some bananas are actually grown in Hawaii and Florida. But U.S. production is around 3,500 tons a year, while Guatemala which supplies the lions share of bananas in the United States produces 4.8 million tons annually, according to World Population Review. As far as Dean grillings go, Lutnick might have had it easy. Last month, Dean questioned FBI Director Kash Patel, calling him unfit for office, then suggested he would exact retribution for her barbed observation by asking when she should expect the FBI at her door. In 2021, Dean served as one of nine impeachment managers presenting the Houses argument on why President Donald Trump should be convicted in his second Senate impeachment trial. City Councilmember Isaiah Thomas said the administration was asking to borrow too much money for Mayor Cherelle Parker's housing initiative. Read more City Councilmember Isaiah Thomas said Wednesday he fundamentally disagree[s] with Mayor Cherelle L. Parkers plan for the city to issue $800 million in bonds to support her signature housing proposal, the first instance of a Philadelphia lawmaker publicly opposing the plan. I just want to put on the record that Im adamantly against $800 million, Thomas said at a Finance Committee meeting as Council finagled final details of the city budget. I think that that is not the direction that we should be going in right now. Advertisement Several Council members have previously voiced concerns about Parkers Housing Opportunities Made Easy, or H.O.M.E., initiative. But Thomas comments were the most forceful to date, and they came at the legislative eleventh hour. READ MORE: Housing, taxes, and Trump: What you need to know about city budget negotiations between Mayor Cherelle Parker and Council Council scheduled a full day of committee meetings Wednesday, the deadline for bills to get preliminary approval if they are to pass before lawmakers adjourn for summer recess on June 12. Parker has asked Council to consider the H.O.M.E. initiative alongside her $6.7 billion budget proposal and tax plans for the fiscal year that begins July 1. As the hearings unfolded in Council chambers Wednesday, legislative and executive staffers spent the day negotiating behind closed doors over the budget and housing packages, with the goal of reaching deals on both matters that could receive committee approval Wednesday night. The Finance Committee recessed Wednesday afternoon without taking a vote on the bond authorization, but it was expected to reconvene for final votes. Other members, including Council President Kenyatta Johnson, have praised Parkers housing plan, and it is unlikely a majority would vote against a major initiative to tackle one of the citys most pressing issues. But if other lawmakers share Thomas concerns about H.O.M.E.s price tag, it is possible they will scale back the size of the bond authorization. Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson, who chairs the Finance Committee, said it was a robust hearing. Im appreciative of Councilmember Thomas questioning at the hearing today and all the questions that were raised around historical context of borrowing for plans and projects of this size, she said in an interview. I am philosophically in alignment and agreement with the goals of the H.O.M.E. plan. I may not be in agreement of $800 million. READ MORE: Philly City Council probes Mayor Parkers housing plan in tense hearing as battle lines become clear Thomas noted that Philadelphia is beset by a variety of challenges including education, poverty, gun violence, and SEPTAs funding woes and that he is unconvinced that housing is the policy area that alone deserves this kind of attention. I dont see us pouring a billion dollars into those [other] crises, Thomas said. Im hoping that the admin is open to a dialogue around possibly approving a part of [the $800 million] now, because you have folks like me who are skeptical about the entire concept. Thomas critiques crystallized long-simmering concerns from some lawmakers about the cost of Parkers plan, which would result in annual debt service payments of at least $65 million, and questions over whether it is wise to spend so much money when President Donald Trump has threatened to reduce federal funding to cities. Noting that we have never spent $200 million in one year for any of these programs over the historical life of the city, why is there a rush on borrowing $800 million? Gilmore Richardson asked during the hearing. If Council approves the housing bills, the Parker administration plans to issue $400 million in bonds this fall and another $400 million two years later. The borrowing costs to city taxpayers would amount to more than $500 million over two decades. READ MORE: Mayor Cherelle Parkers housing plan relies on $800 million in bonds. Heres what you need to know about Phillys city debt. The Finance Committee includes several members who have expressed skepticism about Parkers debt-financing plan, and the vote expected Wednesday night was seen as likely a more significant hurdle for the mayor than the full Council vote that would take place next week, if the legislation advances. Progressive Councilmembers Jamie Gauthier and Rue Landau, who are not on the finance panel, attended the committee meeting to speak in favor of H.O.M.E. I dont always agree with the mayor on philosophical issues or ideological issues, said Gauthier, who represents much of West Philadelphia and chairs the housing committee. But I am squarely behind her on this. We will not get to where we want to be from a housing perspective if we dont make a bold investment. Gauthier said Philadelphians needs to address the loss of unsubsidized affordable housing in the city, displacement of lower-income residents in redeveloping neighborhoods, and the challenges of paying for repairs for lower-income homeowners. At the conclusion of the hearing, Finance Director Rob Dubow, a top Parker appointee who bore the brunt of Thomas criticisms, downplayed the exchange as healthy back-and-forth and all part of the process, adding that he was confident the H.O.M.E. bond authorization was on track for approval despite Thomas comments. Despite his full-throated condemnation of the plan during the hearing, Thomas told reporters afterward that he had not yet made a final decision on how he will vote on the bond bill. I cant even say where Im at definitely right now, but I think that theres a lot of questions, Thomas said. Thomas said that he was not encouraging his colleagues to vote for or against the bill. I am 100% not whipping votes, he said. City Council President Kenyatta Johnson (left) looks on as Mayor Cherelle L. Parker unveils her plan to build or preserve 30,000 units of housing during a special session of City Council Mar. 24, 2025 Read more Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker and City Council President Kenyatta Johnson negotiated into the early morning hours Thursday without reaching a deal on the next city budget and the administrations high-profile housing plan. The impasse has forced Council to employ procedural tricks to stay on track to pass the budget by June 12, lawmakers last session before their summer recess and the start of the next fiscal year on July 1. Advertisement READ MORE: Housing, taxes, and Trump: What you need to know about city budget negotiations between Mayor Cherelle Parker and Council Parker so far has given up very little ground in negotiations, according to multiple people familiar with the talks who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss private negotiations. The mayor in March proposed modest cuts to the business and wage taxes for next year, and Council is likely to adopt tax rates at or near her proposal, despite some members and many business leaders preferring more dramatic reductions. Lawmakers also appear likely to grant the mayors request for $800 million in borrowing authority to support her Housing Opportunities Made Easy, or H.O.M.E., initiative, despite last-minute opposition from Councilmember Isaiah Thomas to shrink the size of the bond authorization. READ MORE: Councilmember Isaiah Thomas says he fundamentally disagrees with Mayor Cherelle Parkers housing plan With Johnsons aid, individual lawmakers have also secured funding for various specific projects and programs during the eleventh-hour talks, the sources said. The administration had plenty of money to play with in negotiations, thanks to increased tax collections and lower-than-expected spending fueling a recent increase in the projection for the current budgets fund balance, a surplus that is now estimated to be about $882 million and will roll over into the next fiscal year. Negotiations over the budget itself the taxing and spending legislation that must be approved by July 1 are largely settled, the sources said. The final sticking point in negotiations, they said, is a provision Council has added to the bond authorization bill that would give lawmakers more oversight in how the H.O.M.E. money gets spent. READ MORE: Council takes up Mayor Cherelle Parkers $800M housing bond request with a catch Finance Director Rob Dubow said Wednesday that the administration accepts that some level of Council oversight will be included in the legislation. But Johnson and the mayors team have not reached an agreement on what that will look like. Johnson has kept a tight circle during the talks, with all Council members requests being funneled through his office for a unified negotiating front with the mayors administration. The legislation in limbo is stuck in three separate committees. The H.O.M.E. bond authorization and other city debt proposals are awaiting approval from the Finance Committee, several zoning bills related to the H.O.M.E. initiative are in the Rules Committee, and the budget bills are in the Committee of the Whole, which includes all members. As the committees held hearings Wednesday, Johnson and Parkers team negotiated behind closed doors. The private talks continued into the night, with other Council members and staffers having little to do but wander around City Hall, socialize, and wait for a resolution. When it became clear no deal would be reached, lawmakers recessed all three committees at about 1 a.m. on Thursday morning. Parker stayed in City Hall with her team until 2:30 a.m. Council planned to reconvene the three panels Thursday morning in hopes of advancing them out of committee ahead of the regular Council meeting scheduled for 10 a.m. That sequence is a key procedural step, because bills must receive first reading in a Council meeting before they can be called up for final passage votes in the following meeting. But a final deal remained elusive on Thursday morning, and Johnson called for the committees to reconvene again later in the afternoon and proceeded with Councils meeting. To keep the legislation on schedule, Johnson plans to recess but not adjourn the regular Council meeting when it concludes early Thursday afternoon. Assuming he and Parker reach a deal on Thursday, the committees will then vote to advance the housing and budget bills, and Johnson will resume the regular Council meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday to give the legislation first readings. This years negotiations are proving to be rockier than last years talks, which came during both Parker and Johnsons first years in their current roles. But negotiations over high-profile legislation often extend until the last possible minute, and Council has used the same procedural maneuvers to pass big-ticket items in the past. Staff writer Fallon Roth contributed to this article. My colleagues have been all over the news that SEPTA plans to severely cut services if the transit agency doesnt get more state funding. And theyve been covering what transit cuts would mean for Philly-area residents, including much longer commutes, threats to businesses, and nightmare scenarios for residents inside and outside of the city. Advertisement Towns across the region, including on the Main Line, have bet on building homes and businesses near public transit as part of creating walkable communities that attract residents. So what happens if the train and buses stop running? Keep scrolling for that story and more in this weeks edition: Buyer hotspot: Find out why Zillow says the Philly region is a more competitive real estate market than other parts of the country. Money to move: Learn about a City Council bill that would help renters pay to relocate if theyre forced out of their homes because of unsafe conditions. Adapting with apartments: See what a New York developer plans to do with the space in the Wanamaker building above the now-closed Macys. Downsized DIY: Peek inside a West Philly fixer-upper that was transformed by a couple with lots of experience. Do you have a home project that youre proud to say you did yourself? For a chance that your DIY project could be featured in my newsletter, email me. Michaelle Bond If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here. Building homes and businesses near public transportation can help revitalize communities. Its brought multifamily housing and new businesses to Ardmore and a mini renaissance to Malvern. Montgomery County officials are encouraging more growth around transit, a move that can help diversify the housing supply. But these kinds of plans could be derailed by proposed SEPTA cuts. If the cuts happen, Regional Rail riders will lose the Paoli/Thorndale Line, and bus riders will lose the four routes that service Lower Merion and Narberth. And homeowners and renters who chose their neighborhoods because they offered easy access to transit could be out of luck. Keep reading to learn more about how SEPTAs proposed cuts could affect development. Im guessing that many of us have looked online at homes for sale for fun (especially since you signed up for a real estate newsletter). But Zillow keeps track of how often its users take the extra step of saving or sharing home listings. That info is part of its recent research into which markets are seeing the most competition among homebuyers. And the Philly region is pretty high up on the list. Compared to national statistics, in March: There were more engaged home shoppers per listing here. Buyers snatched up local homes in half the time. A higher share of local homes sold for more than the sellers asking price. Keep reading to see just where the Philly region ranks among the largest markets for buyer competition and why the Northeastern United States will continue to be a hotspot. The latest news to pay attention to People tend to downsize because theyre looking to do less work on their home. But Kate Kramer and her husband, Christopher Poehlmann, downsized into a West Philadelphia fixer-upper. The twin home had been neglected for decades, but they saw its potential. The homeowners had experience renovating properties. Theyve gutted and renovated four homes over the last three decades. In this latest project, Kramer and Poehlmann: reconfigured the kitchen installed new electric and plumbing systems added a half-bath transformed the backyard, which had been an unusable mess, Poehlmann said The homeowners did much of the renovation work themselves. Poehlmann even built two sheds with a pergola in between them that has become an outdoor living room, he said. Peek inside the couples property and see how the homeowners transformed their indoor living space and backyard. Photo quiz Do you know the location this photo shows? If you think you do, email me back. You and your memories of visiting this spot might be featured in the newsletter. Last weeks quiz featured a shot of the Wildwood boardwalk. Anthony M. and Joe D. got that answer right. And Joe was specific. The picture is in front of Eds Funcade in Wildwood around 23rd Street. I spent many an evening playing pinball games there in the early 70s. Sounds fun. Enjoy the rest of your week. By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirers Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10. Bison seem pretty social, so friendly that some Yellowstone National Park tourists wrongly think they can pet the fluffy cows, sometimes resulting in serious injury to the petter. Although weighing up to 2,000 pounds, bison appear rather docile as they hang out in small groups, the exception being the old, ornery bachelor bulls. Each August the animals gather in large numbers in places like Yellowstones Hayden Valley for the annual breeding season, called the rut. Throughout the year they also congregate in random groups, hang out together for a while for some unknown reason, then scatter. Scientists refer to this behavior as fission-fusion social organization. Other animals demonstrating similar behavior include zebras, reindeer and pronghorns. Montana State study A recently published study, featuring Montana State University doctoral student Claire Bresnan as lead author, found that two herds of bison demonstrating fission-fusion behavior spread out across large grasslands owned by American Prairie in north-central Montana actually had few social bonds. Those interactions are more random than we predicted, or that we once thought, said Hila Shamon, a research ecologist who spent seven years helping to lead the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institutes Great Plains Science Program. She is also Bresnans thesis adviser. You might have stronger bonds between females and calves, but when they break apart into small groups, there is a lot more mixture beyond that mother-calf unit. We were thinking maybe sisters stay closer together, or certain individuals have stronger bonds, Shamon added. But we saw that those bonds are actually unstable over time. To find out which bison were joining up, the researchers tagged hundreds of bison with small GPS ear tags. Because the herd is captive, the scientists also know where the animals came from and who were their relatives. A herd perspective From a bisons perspective, Shamon said such random gatherings make sense. They're thinking about their entire group as one unit and not in the smaller units that we might need, she said. In terms of evolutionary strategy, this type of conduct makes sense, Shamon added. You can think about when they were free roaming, and groups came together and broke apart again, that actually introduces a lot more mixture between herds, she said. Especially around breeding season, having genetic mixture is good for the overall populations health. Deciding which animals to move The scientists were interested in learning more about this behavior because the majority of the half-million bison living in North America are now confined. The largest exception is the Yellowstone herd, which is free roaming as long as the animals stay mostly inside the park. Under Montanas bison management, animals that wander outside of designated tolerance zones close to the park are killed out of fear they may spread the disease brucellosis, which can cause pregnant cattle to abort. Elk, which also carry the disease in southwestern Montana, are not similarly constrained in their movements, although the state attempts to keep them away from livestock through hazing and fencing. Some Yellowstone bison, which test negative for exposure to brucellosis, are shipped to the Fort Peck Reservation in northeastern Montana for eventual distribution to other tribes. The park animals are highly valued because of their genetics, which contain only a tiny amount of cattle genes from breeding experiments a century ago. Other captive herds, managed by agencies like the Department of Interior, also want to maintain genetic diversity by moving animals to different herds to prevent in-breeding. How do you decide which individuals to move around? Shamon questioned. If they did have really strong social bonds you might consider moving a whole family unit together to reduce stress, because translocations are very, very stressful for animals. But what we've actually seen is that it doesn't really matter. You can move these individuals around, and it could be a more random selection, Shamon said. You don't necessarily have to move individuals that have specific bonds together, because we're seeing that these bonds are not stable over time. Next up for MSU researcher Bresnan is now undertaking what Shamon called a very tricky new analysis. Because bison movement patterns were not clearly driven by their social organization, I am now looking into how group dynamics relate to resource availability and other environmental factors, Bresnan told the Smithsonian for a March story. So we've collected data on forage quality across these pastures and related to the grazing intensity, and we're using the multi-year movement data to correlate for that as well, together with other environmental factors that have been collected across these pastures, Shamon explained. So that's going to be the next product that comes out of the study. Great Plains Science Program Bresnan and Shimons research is just one part of many Smithsonian-related research projects being conducted through its Great Plains Science Program. We have people working on birds and people working on bees or arthropods, Shamon said. We have people who are experts in remote sensing. All these people are based here in the state and engage with stakeholders to conduct this research. But there's also about 20 Smithsonian scientists that are engaged in different projects across the state under this program. Shamons previous work has examined how bison engineer the grasslands ecosystem by grazing, wallowing and depositing their fertilizing waste. Now, as a scientist, for me, one of the biggest questions are: They had a keystone role in the ecosystem that you know there's movement, or a huge driver of nutrient cycles and many other things, what happens when they're gone? Shamon said. And what happens when you bring them back, but you bring them back into parcels that we might consider very big, 30,000 acres, but they're not big on a bison scale? Can they carry out their evolutionary role as ecosystem engineers if their movement is imperiled? Shamon questioned. That was the motivation of this study. And there's many layers that go into the study. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution One of the earlier layers of the research, published in a 2022 paper Shamon helped write, examined how bison may be adaptable to hotter, drier weather as Earths climate warms. Under such a scenario, Indigenous nations that are restoring bison could be more resilient due to the ecological, social, economic and health benefits the large mammals can provide. Thanks to the work of conservation organizations in partnership with federal agencies and nonprofit groups, there are now an estimated 25,000 to 30,000 bison being managed by 65 native tribes. We argue that only when bison herds move closer to their traditional role in the (Northern Great Plains) ecosystem can they fulfill all these roles, the authors of the 2022 study wrote. We refer to this process as the restoration of bison, sometimes referred to as rewilding due to existing constraints of true restoration. More Australians than ever are health and fitness conscious. Reports show that the fitness business, fuelled by this cultural change, has experienced strong growth over the last decade. One industry report says half of young Australians regularly visit a gym or health centre. After struggling through COVID-19 pandemic closures and a tough economy, the growth prospects for gyms and fitness centres are more positive. Insurers also revised policy language to clarify when and how premium changes can occur. Vague terms such as we may change premiums at our discretion have been replaced with more detailed, standalone provisions explaining the conditions under which rates may shift. Oversight of builders and repairers has improved since our last report, but there are still gaps in oversight of independent experts the external advisers who provide the expert reports insurers rely on to make claim decisions, he said. Rita Carr (pictured above, left) joins the Indianapolis office as senior underwriting team leader, bringing over 30 years of expertise. Glenn Willis (pictured above, center) has been named underwriting team leader in Dallas, drawing on more than 17 years of experience including brokerage roles focused on tailored solutions across diverse lines. Meanwhile, Nick Sans also joins the Dallas team as property and inline marine broker, with 18 years in specialty insurance including leadership positions at specialty insurers. The bill proposes reactivating the HHRF, granting it expanded authority to provide coverage for condominiums. Historically, the hurricane fund was partially financed by a special mortgage recording fee, a structure lawmakers criticized as regressive because buyers financing a greater portion of their home purchase paid higher fees than those making larger down payments or buying with cash. China is considering imposing safety requirements for driving assistance systems, as more of the countrys automakers offer such features on cars to attract buyers. A post published by Chinas national standards database on Wednesday showed that the countrys Ministry of Industry of Information Technology had put forward a proposal to formulate the rules. Chinas carmaker Dongfeng Motor and tech giant Huawei are among parties involved in drafting the safety requirements over a month-long period until July 4, the databases post showed. The deliberations come as automakers have been rushing to launch new models equipped with advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), touting such capabilities as key selling points amid a brutal price war that has extended into a third year in the worlds largest auto market. Regulators moved to temper the activity in April by banning the use of smart driving and autonomous driving when advertising such features. The move followed a fatal accident involving Xiaomis best-selling SU7 sedan in March which triggered widespread concerns over vehicle safety. Preliminary findings showed the Xiaomi car caught fire after hitting a cement roadside pole at a speed of 97 kph (60 mph), seconds after its driver took over control from its ADAS. Xiaomis founder has said the company will fully cooperate with a police investigation. Topics Personal Auto China Insurity, a provider of cloud-based software for property and casualty insurance carriers, brokers, and MGAs, today announced that The Builders Group (TBG) has successfully gone live on Insurity Workers Comp Suite. This milestone signifies the completion of a deployment that will support TBGs end-to-end workers compensation operations, equipping them with modern tools to streamline workflows, reduce manual processes, and deliver faster, more responsive service to their policyholders, TBG said in a statement. Going live on Insuritys Workers Comp Suite is an important milestone for TBG as we work to modernize and streamline our operations, said Joe Sherman, Director of IT at TBG. With this go-live, TBG joins more than 500 insurers and MGAs that are currently using Insuritys technology. TBG is a self insured workers compensation fund in Minnesota providing workers comp insurance to over 38,000 construction workers in the state. Topics Lawsuits Workers' Compensation Minnesota A Republican attempt to block states from enforcing new artificial intelligence rules over the next decade has drawn growing bipartisan objections, exposing tension in Washington over allowing for more unchecked AI development. The proposal, buried on pages 278 and 279 in the sweeping tax bill passed by the House last month, has drawn sharp criticism from Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene and Senator Marsha Blackburn, as well as Democratic Senators Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren. More than 200 state lawmakers from both parties also urged Congress this week to scrap the measure. We have no idea what AI will be capable of in the next 10 years, Greene wrote on X on Tuesday, noting she only discovered the provision after voting for the tax bill. She has pledged to oppose the package when it returns to the House if the AI language is not removed. Giving it free rein and tying states hands is potentially dangerous. Markey and Warren have also been forceful in pushing back against the measure, arguing that it violates Senate rules that bill language included in the budget reconciliation process must relate to spending. This backdoor AI moratorium is not serious. Its not responsible. And its not acceptable, Markey said. Meanwhile, Senate Commerce Chair Ted Cruz (R-Texas) has said hes not certain if that provision will survive, though he has expressed support for it. Since returning to the White House, President Donald Trump has taken steps to remove constraints on AI development, including by rescinding the Biden administrations executive order on artificial intelligence and ushering a wave of AI deals in the Middle East. Trump and his allies in Congress have increasingly focused on outcompeting China in AI. But bipartisan resistance to the proposed moratorium on AI rules highlights a fierce divide in Washington over how much to let the industry regulate itself. Congress has yet to pass a federal framework on AI, which has effectively left the states to take the lead on figuring out how to set rules around the technology. California, New York, Utah and dozens of others have introduced or enacted AI laws in recent years, including bills to address concerns about data privacy, copyright and bias raised by the technology. If Congress backs away from the proposal, it would mark a setback for top AI developers. In March, OpenAI asked the White House to help shield AI companies from a possible onslaught of state AI rules. This patchwork of regulations risks bogging down innovation and, in the case of AI, undermining Americas leadership position, the company wrote in a set of policy recommendations submitted to the White House. However, OpenAI stopped short of asking to be exempted from all state regulations, just those concerning the safety risks of building more advanced models. So far, the leading AI companies have largely stayed quiet as the fight over the measure plays out. Meta Platforms Inc. declined to comment. Alphabet Inc.s Google didnt respond to a request for comment. OpenAI declined to comment beyond its previous policy suggestions. TechNet, a trade group representing Google, OpenAI and other tech companies, echoed the ChatGPT makers concerns about the developing patchwork of state AI bills. In 2025, over 1000 AI bills have been introduced in state legislatures many containing incompatible rules and requirements, Linda Moore, chief executive officer of TechNet, said in a statement to Bloomberg News. A consistent national approach is critical, she added, to address AI risks and ensure America remains the global leader in innovation for generations to come. Anthropic, a safety-focused AI startup that has called for more regulation generally, has also said it prefers federal policymakers to take the lead, but the company thinks that states should serve as a backstop given the slow pace of Congress enacting policies. Ten years is a long time, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei said at the companys developer conference on May 22, speaking about the moratorium. Its one thing to say, We dont have to grab the steering wheel now. Its another thing to say, Were going to rip out the steering wheel and we cant put it back in for 10 years.' Some Republican senators have raised doubts that the AI provision can pass through the reconciliation process, but this camp has also expressed support for an interim ban on state rules to avoid an overly fragmented and complex regulatory landscape. I wouldnt put my money on anything right now until it actually passes, John Curtis, a Republican senator from Utah, previously said of the AI proposal. But, he added, Were making a huge mistake if we have 50 different policies on AI. State legislators, however, worry that the provision would rob them of the ability to protect their constituents from the rapidly evolving technology. Over the next decade, AI will raise some of the most important public policy questions of our time, state lawmakers from 49 states wrote in a letter to Congress this week. It is critical that state policymakers maintain the ability to respond. Photo: Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Republican from Georgia, is one of a growing number of lawmakers speaking out against a proposal to block states from imposing new AI regulations for the next decade. Photographer: Daniel Heuer/Bloomberg Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Topics InsurTech Data Driven Artificial Intelligence During a Bismarck-Burleigh Commissions Committee meeting on Tuesday, officials from both the city and county agreed to a working group session renewing efforts to address concerns from residents within the city's extraterritorial area. The committee outlined a multistep process beginning with a joint educational meeting that will include at least a quorum of members from both the Bismarck City and the Burleigh County commissions. Public input meetings are expected to follow, allowing ETA residents to share concerns directly. "I think we should get everybody down at the table and come up with some solutions, at least from an educational piece," Burleigh County Commissioner Steve Bakken said. The Bismarck-Burleigh Commissions Committee includes representatives from both the city and county. Representing the city are Bismarck Mayor Mike Schmitz and City Administrator Jason Tomanek. Burleigh County is represented by Bakken and Auditor/Treasurer Mark Splonskowski. The joint sessions follow a proposal by City Commissioner Mike Connelly last week to hold a joint meeting on the ETA. The proposal was rejected in a 3-2 vote after more than 30 minutes of discussion, despite several ETA residents speaking in support. The Bismarck ETA covers an area immediately outside of city limits, where the city has jurisdiction for zoning purposes. State law allows cities to establish these zones to facilitate future urban growth and development. A city of Bismarck's size is allowed to have an ETA that extends up to 4 miles past its city limits. However, Bismarck's ETA follows a set boundary that is negotiated with Burleigh County and "relevant townships," according to the city website. Members of both commissions are expected to meet jointly on or after July 1. Bakken said that meeting should focus on educating commissioners about the history of the ETA and the concerns of residents living within it. Some residents have shared frustration with having to follow city regulations without a voice in city elections. "I think there are some commissioners that don't know the full story, the full history," Bakken said. He said the conversations could lead to adjusting the ETA boundary. Some parts of the ETA are unlikely to see city growth, he said, and releasing those areas could benefit residents and possibly reduce flood insurance rates. He added that the ETA could also be used to clean up the city's irregular boundary lines. "I think that's beneficial to the city because, honest to god, (the city limits map is) one of the most gerrymandered-looking maps I have ever seen in my life," Bakken said. City representatives said a concern they would have with using the ETA to adjust the city's boundaries would be potential annexation of rural subdivisions. Tomanek said a challenge would be providing city services, such as water and sewer, to these areas. Tomanek said a "blanket annexation" is not feasible, as the city would be unable to provide urban-level services without disrupting the rural lifestyle in those areas. Instead, he suggested the city provide only the services it reasonably can and tax residents accordingly. Tomanek said the ETA also functions to protect major city infrastructure, such as the airport. The city needs to be mindful of the airport's neighbors, he said, making some of these areas "non-negotiable." "But I think in other cases where we've got examples of rural subdivisions that are established or, in many cases, built out to almost 100% -- I think those are great places that we start the conversation and look at, how do we really pull the ETA into a growth boundary that I think many of us can learn to understand and appreciate and really think about for the next 30 to 50 years," Tomanek said. Corporate investigators found evidence that Chinese hackers broke into an American telecommunications company in the summer of 2023, indicating the countrys attackers penetrated the US communications system earlier than publicly known. Investigators working for the telecommunications firm discovered last year that malware used by Chinese state-backed hacking groups was on the companys systems for seven months starting in the summer of 2023, according to two people familiar with the matter and a document seen by Bloomberg News. The document, an unclassified report sent to Western intelligence agencies, doesnt name the company where the malware was found and the people familiar with the matter declined to identify it. The 2023 intrusion at an American telecommunications company, which hasnt been previously reported, came about a year before US government officials and cybersecurity companies said they began spotting clues that Chinese hackers had penetrated many of the countrys largest phone and wireless firms.The US government has blamed the later breaches on a Chinese state-backed hacking group dubbed Salt Typhoon. Its unclear if the 2023 hack is related to that foreign espionage campaign and, if so, to what degree. Nonetheless, it raises questions about when Chinese intruders established a foothold in the American communications industry. Weve known for a long time that this infrastructure has been vulnerable and was likely subject to attack, said Marc Rogers, a cybersecurity and telecommunications expert. What this shows us is that it was attacked, and that going as far back as 2023, the Chinese were compromising our telecom companies. A representative of the Chinese government embassy in Washington emphasized in a statement the difficulty of determining the origins of hacks, and said the US and its allies have been responsible for cyberattacks on China. The relevant party needs to stop using cybersecurity to smear and slander China, and stop spreading all kinds of disinformation about the so-called Chinese hacking threats, said spokesperson Liu Pengyu. Representatives of the US Central Intelligence Agency, National Security Agency, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency all declined to comment. In the Salt Typhoon compromises, US officials have said, hackers infiltrated AT&T Inc., Verizon Communications Inc. and seven other US telecommunications companies, vacuuming up the personal data of millions of Americans and targeting the phones of the presidential candidate Donald Trump, his running mate JD Vance and then-Vice President Kamala Harris. Those hacks were part of a multi-year operation that breached multiple layers of major telecom networks, Laura Galante, director of the Cyber Threat Intelligence Integration Center at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence from 2022 until January, said in written testimony to Congress in April. It was as the government and telecommunication industry was racing to counter those hacks in the fall of 2024 that cybersecurity investigators found evidence of the 2023 breach. That discovery followed a tip from US intelligence agencies, said one of the people. At various points during the response to the Salt Typhoon hacks, US intelligence services advised companies to look for a specific piece of Chinese malware, known as Demodex, according to that person and two others familiar with the matter. They all spoke on condition that they not be identified discussing the sensitive information. Demodex is a rootkit that gives hackers deep and secretive access to an infected machine. Several cybersecurity companies have said in public reports that Demodex has been used by a Chinese hacking group thats targeted telecommunication companies and governments in South East Asia. The malware has also been tied to the Salt Typhoon attackers, as well as other hacking groups, and was used in attacks on telecommunications firms in Thailand, Afghanistan and Indonesia, said Allan Liska, a threat analyst at the security firm Recorded Future Inc. The malicious program was developed by employees of companies that work for the Chinese Ministry of State Security, said Michael Freeman, the head of threat intelligence at cybersecurity firm Armis Inc. Freeman said his firm has spent years tracking the work of one of the developers. In the 2023 US telecommunications breach, hackers accessed the computers of IT administrators at the company, the two people said. The investigation found that the malware had been on the firms systems until late winter of 2024, according to the report, which was sent to American and other Western intelligence agencies last October. The report only identifies the company where the malware was found as being known for providing services to the defense, travel and logistics industries. Its unclear what the hackers did once they were inside the breached machines because Demodex is designed to leave few digital traces, the people said. The malware includes code that temporarily terminates a common Microsoft Corp. security program, Defender, according to the report. While that safeguard is down, the report states, the program takes steps to hide itself and future activity. A spokesperson representing Microsoft, Michelle Rose Micor, declined to comment. Photo: Photographer: Andrey Rudakov/Bloomberg Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Topics USA Cyber China BlackRock Inc. was removed from Texas blacklist of companies that boycott fossil fuels, ending a three-year standoff over the environmental policies of the worlds largest asset manager. The move means pension funds and other state-run investment accounts which manage more than $300 billion of assets will be allowed to purchase BlackRock shares, invest in its exchange-traded funds and hire the firm for advice and risk management. Inclusion on the list resulted in some Texas entities pulling billions of dollars of assets from the firm. State Comptroller Glenn Hegar said BlackRock had rolled back many of its green-focused initiatives, including exiting the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative and stepping back from the Climate Action 100+, a group devoted to cutting greenhouse gas emissions. The move marks a win for BlackRock Chief Executive Officer Larry Fink, who has been courting Texas leaders. Last year, he took the stage with Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick at a summit focused on shoring up the states energy grid, and just months ago BlackRock sponsored a table at the Black Tie & Boots Gala, a celebration of conservative politics in Texas. The company is also backing a Dallas-based Texas Stock Exchange. We appreciate the Comptrollers resolution of this matter, a spokesperson for the firm said in a statement. BlackRock is proud to help millions of Texans retire with dignity and, on behalf of clients, invests over $400 billion in corporations, local governments, energy infrastructure and other private assets throughout the state. These investments support the continued growth of the Texas economy. Hegar touted some of BlackRocks steps. He said while they are unrelated to the listing decision, the actions show a real commitment to overall policy changes and a desire to act as a trusted partner in the growth of the Texas economy. The company was a major target for conservative activists for years, with groups taking out advertisements around the country targeting the firm and Fink in particular. They argued the company was trying to influence corporate America and wider society through its support for ESG and sustainable investing. Republican officials in several states joined in that campaign, pulling money from the firm and arguing that it was harming fossil-fuel producing states like Texas. Fink himself said he would no longer use the ESG term because it had been politicized. We never set out to punish any of these firms, and the hope was always that any firm we included on the list would eventually take steps to ensure they were removed, Hegar said in a statement. BlackRock, following the lead of many of its competitors, has finally done exactly that. While it took the company longer than others in the financial sector to make the shift, the end results are what matter. BlackRock and a number of other financial firms including UBS Group AG and BNP Paribas SA were added to Texas blacklist n 2022. The action followed a law that restricted business with companies that the state considered to be hostile to the energy industry. Since then, the ESG push at investment firms, pension funds and law practices has faded somewhat, partly because of efforts to avoid attacks by President Donald Trump and Republicans. BlackRock has been seeking to get off the list since it was added. The firm had always maintained it didnt run afoul of the law. At the time it was included, the company said the decision was not a fact-based judgment and detailed investments of more than $100 billion in Texas energy companies. As head of Texas finances, Hegar is required to update the list once a year and can do so as often as quarterly. And though his office reviews information on an ongoing basis, removing BlackRock is likely to be one of Hegars last actions in the post. The three-term comptroller has been named the next chancellor of the Texas A&M University System after its current leader steps down on June 30. Photo: An oil drilling rig in Midland, Texas, US, on Thursday, March 2, 2023. Thousands of miles away from the turmoil on Wall Street, Midland, Texas that ranked No.1 in the US for inflation just over a year ago has since ceded that title only to lay claim to a different one: the countrys pay-raise capital. Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Topics Texas Energy Oil Gas No one was checking IDs or for weapons before a party boat cruise that ended with a shooting that hurt 11 people in South Carolina over Memorial Day weekend, a lawyer for one of the victims said. Police have announced a second arrest in the May 25 shooting at a dock in Little River, taking a 16-year-old from North Carolina into custody. He and a 19-year-old man from Illinois have been charged with attempted murder, Horry County Police said. Officials said 120 people partied on the boat and were leaving on the dock when the shooting happened. Ten people were wounded by gunfire, mostly on the lower parts of their bodies, and one person was hurt by a falling speaker, authorities said. Investigators have not said how many people they think were firing shots or released details about the weapons used. They said more arrests are possible. No one appeared to be checking IDs as people got on the boat and there didnt appear to be any security looking for weapons, said attorney Tyler Bailey, who is representing a shooting victim. There was somebody who did pat people down. Were not sure at this time if he was registered with a security company or if he was just a guy with a shirt on, Bailey said at a Wednesday news conference on the boat dock. Bailey said he is doing his own investigation because he wants full justice and accountability. We know that there were alcoholic beverages being sold, nobody was checking IDs and you had minors on the boat with firearms, Bailey said. Baileys client is Jeremy Evans, who was wounded in the ankle and has undergone surgery. He used crutches Wednesday and said he remains in almost unbearable pain. He said six of the 10 people shot were his friends. In one single moment my entire world was flipped upside down, Evans said. This incident traumatized not only me but the lives of others. 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. Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics South Carolina Four construction companies in Washington were fined more than $500,000 combined for violating rules about workers using fall protection gear in the past three months. The fines were issued by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, which the department said highlights problem: falls are the leading cause of death in the construction industry, with more than 1,600 workers injured by falls yearly in Washington. One company called out by L&I was Legacy Roofing Northwest, which also does business as America 1st Roofing & Builders Inc. According to the department, the company has a recent history of fall protection and other safety violations. Earlier this year, L&I inspectors reportedly photographed a Legacy Roofing/America 1st worker on a roof without fall protection while working above exposed rebar on the ground. That resulted in a $95,648 fine, which the company did not appeal. On May 6, L&I issued another citation to the company, fining them $112,000 for willful violations including workers not wearing eye protection while using nail guns to install shingles. The company is appealing in that case. L&I said it has inspected Legacy Roofing/America 1st nine times in the past three years resulting in nine violations, four of which were for lack of fall protection. Other companies facing large citations from L&I for fall protection violations over the last three months include: Sol Construction LLC (Olympia): fined $128,400 for willful violations March 5 after inspectors photographed four workers on a two-story roof who were not wearing fall protection. The company is appealing. Modern S Construction LLC (Edgewood): fined $118,440 for willful violations March 17 after four workers were framing a 2-story house without a fall protection system more than 12 feet off the ground. The workers were exposed to unguarded openings and had not been trained. Modern S Construction did not appeal the citation and fine. Second 2 None Exteriors LLC (Spanaway): fined $127,400 for willful violations March 19 after L&I inspectors photographed two roofers working more than 12 feet above the ground without fall protection or guarding. The company is appealing. Topics Washington Construction Thirty-five people, including five children, have been deported from the State, gardai have said. The Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) carried out an operation removing individuals from Ireland, with the people leaving for Nigeria on Wednesday night. The operation resulted in the removal of 21 males, nine females and five children. The children removed are all part of family groups. The flight was forced to make an unscheduled stop due to a medical incident on board, but was later given the all clear to carry on to Nigeria. "All individuals were removed on a chartered flight which left Dublin Airport last night, Wednesday, 4th June, 2025, for Nigeria," said a Garda spokesperson. "An Garda Siochana continues to work closely with the Department of Justice in implementing immigration policy." Speaking about the operation, justice minister Jim OCallaghan said: Ireland has a rules-based immigration system. It is important that those rules are robust and enforced. The return of people whose applications have been refused and deportation orders have issued is the foundation of any modern rules-based immigration process. "People coming to Ireland must follow the appropriate pathways for legal migration and these pathways must be adhered to and protected for our immigration system to work fairly and effectively. If a persons application for international protection is refused and they are ordered to leave the State they must do so." The flight to Nigeria is the third charter operation this year, Mr O'Callaghan said. Two charter flights removed 71 people who were subject to deportation orders earlier in the year. Wednesday's operation brings the number of people removed by charter flight to 106. The Department of Justice said that, additionally, 54 deportation orders have been enforced on commercial flights and 23 people subject to deportation orders are confirmed to have left Ireland unescorted so far in 2025. "Removal operations of this nature send a clear message that there are consequences for people who remain in our country without permission and underscores this Governments intention to protect the integrity of our immigration system," Mr O'Callaghan said "The flight was required to make an unscheduled stop due to a medical incident on board, but I am happy to say that the flight was able to resume its journey with all 35 returnees arriving safely in Nigeria this morning. "I want to thank the members of An Garda Siochana and my officials for their work in conducting this successful operation. Last year, 2,403 deportation orders were signed. This saw an increase of 180% compared to 2023. So far this year, the department said 1,940 deportation orders had been signed and 888 people had departed the State under various mechanisms such as enforced deportation or voluntary return. Voluntary return is an option open to people who have no legal status in Ireland, including those who are refused international protection. Where this option is taken up, a deportation order is not issued in respect of that person. A Ukrainian man who spoke no English had serious concerns about the seaworthiness of a boat being used in a 157m cocaine smuggling operation. Gardai had been watching Vitaliy Lapa, aged 62, and Jamie Harbron, aged 31, since they entered Ireland to embark on a drug-trafficking plot for a major organised crime group. However, they claimed they did not know what they were about to undertake, or the power of the organised crime group who would direct the operation and leave them for dead in stormy seas off Wexford. Ukrainian national Lapa, with an address at Rudenka, Repina St, in Berdyansk, and Harbron, aged 31, of South Ave, Billingham in the UK, pleaded guilty to attempting to possess cocaine for sale or supply between September 21 and 25, 2023. They are two of eight men who have pleaded guilty to their involvement in a drug smuggling plot in which 2.25 tonnes of cocaine the largest seizure in the history of the State was found on the Panamanian-registered MV Matthew, a 190m long, 32m wide bulk cargo ship off the Cork coast. The record 157m haul of drugs seized from the 'mother ship', the MV Matthew in 2023. The 'daughter ship' was intended to be the Castlemore, a trawler purchased in Castletownbere, Co Cork, the court heard. File picture: An Garda Siochana Russias invasion of Ukraine had pushed Lapa, a retired fishing captain, back out to work at sea to provide for his family. The conflict had imposed great financial pressures on his family, his counsel Colman Cody told the three-judge Special Criminal Court. People with vulnerabilities most often addiction or financial problems are often before the courts, he said. Fisherman told he would be paid 5,000 Lapa said he was told he would be paid 5,000, which considering the largesse from this enterprise, was a very paltry sum for the risks of involvement, Mr Cody said. His English had been non-existent when he came to Ireland in 2023 and he waited in hotels in Dublin and Newry for instructions from the organised crime group. He had been hired for his seafaring experience, the court heard. Concerns about Castlemore's seaworthiness However, when he viewed the fishing trawler, the Castlemore, in Castletownbere, West Cork, with a person of interest to gardai, on September 21, 2023, he said he had concerns about the boat believing its engine speed and capacity was insufficient, and unable to go above 10 knots. His concerns were ignored and the boat was bought. From the time it set sail, Lapa and Harbron met adversity, the court heard. English man on 'lowest rung' of operation Harbron had suffered addiction issues, the Special Criminal Court heard. He was the lowest rung of the drug smuggling operation, his counsel Michael OHiggins said. He was the first person to plead guilty and this may have been of value in other pleas forthcoming, Mr OHiggins said. His role was very supine, he said. He bought his own ferry ticket from Britain to Ireland on his own debit card just two days before departing on the Castlemore. He had no boating experience and claimed not to know what contraband the boat would carry, although he suspected it was drugs. The first time he became aware of its gargantuan size was when he was on the Castlemore, he said. There was a clear difference between those pulling the strings and those on the end of the string in this operation, Mr OHiggins said. Harbron left school at age 14 with no GCSEs. He is a man without means, with no home or car, Mr OHiggins said. He developed addiction issues, consuming cocaine, cannabis, and alcohol, and ran up a significant drug debt. His actions on the Castlemore were to pay off 10,000 of a 20,000 drug debt, the court heard. Once the pair hit rough weather off Wexford and subsequently ran aground, Harbron thought he was going to die. Notwithstanding the very serious risk to their lives, they were specifically instructed not to contact the Coast Guard, Mr OHiggins said. They were then given a hasty cover story by the organised crime gang directing the operation. The gangs treatment of the two men showed how expendable they were, the court heard. The Castlemore was to be the daughter ship to collect drugs from the MV Matthew as the mother ship. 'These idiots were late again' While the MV Matthew and Castlemore were trying to meet off the Irish coast in increasingly stormy weather, growing frustration was shown by the captain on messaging apps with the men crewing the daughter ship, John Berry, prosecuting, said. He complained of how these idiots were late again. He also expressed concern about the worsening weather, saying a drop-off would be impossible in the growing swell. On September 24, 2023, the Castlemore ran aground and its crew was recused by Irish authorities; they were winched off the boat before being arrested. When the MV Matthew heard that SOS call over the radio that night, they devised a plan to put the drugs in a lifeboat with Cumali Ozgen, who the court heard was the eyes and ears of the cartel in Dubai, and lower them to sea, but this never happened. The Panamanian-registered cargo vessel the MV Matthew berthed at Marino Point in Cork Harbour in 2023 after the largest cocaine seizure in the history of the State. File picture: Dan Linehan Captain Soheil Jelveh then called for a medical evacuation, being winched off the ship by the Irish coastguard and taken to hospital bringing four phones, more than $50,000 in cash, and two suitcases. He was later arrested in hospital. Meanwhile, the ship was trying to escape Irish territorial waters. They wrongly believed they could not be boarded by Irish authorities in international waters and planned to go to Sierra Leone for safety. The MV Matthew repeatedly tried to evade the naval vessel LE William Butler Yeats which was in hot pursuit, ignoring its instructions and attempting to burn the drugs aboard despite multiple warning shots. Elite army rangers then abseiled down from a helicopter onto the MV Matthew in dangerous conditions and seized the ship. Six of its crew would later plead guilty to involvement. Ukrainians Mykhailo Gavryk, and Vitaliy Vlasoi, both aged 32; Iranians Soheil Jelveh, aged 51, and Saeid Hassani, aged 39; Filipino Harold Estoesta, aged 31, and Dutch national Cumali Ozgen, aged 49, all pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine for sale or supply on board the MV Mathew between September 24 and 26 of 2023. Ms Justice Melanie Grealy has set sentencing for all eight men on July 4. Two boys who raped a teenage girl in a car at Limerick Racecourse when they were aged just 13 and 15 years old have each been sentenced to six years in detention. A third defendant (now 18) who was found guilty of aiding and abetting the rapes by moving the car in which it occurred was jailed for three-and-a-half years. The daytime attack against the girl involved humiliation and degradation and was committed by offenders of a very young age, the Central Criminal Court heard. The teenage rapists and their families do not accept the verdicts of the jury and there was a heavy garda presence in court for sentencing on Thursday. Mr Justice Paul McDermott said that had the boys who are all cousins - been adults at the time of the offending, the headline sentence for the rape offences would have been in the range of 15 years to life imprisonment. This was a 16-year-old intoxicated girl in a vulnerable situation subjected to rape and sexual assault, he said. She was raped one after the other by (the two boys) and in the course of these rapes, she was sexually assaulted. The girl was repeatedly saying no during the assaults. Further indignity and humiliation was heaped upon her by video footage being taken of the incident, the judge said. Handing down sentence, Mr Justice McDermott noted there was very little to be said in mitigation for the boys, as they have not expressed remorse or any understanding of the harm caused to the complainant. They must be sentenced as juveniles under the Children Act, in which detention is a last resort, the court heard. The judge accepted the third defendant, who aided and abetted the rapes, has taken some responsibility for his involvement but struggles to understand it. He noted they have no previous convictions and have been subject to some childhood trauma, with mental health difficulties in their families. They had a lack of understanding in the areas of sexual relations and consent, the court heard. Mr Justice McDermott sentenced the two rapists to a sentence of seven-and-a-half years of detention, with the final 18 months suspended on a number of conditions, including that they engage in sexual offending programmes and have no contact whatsoever with the complainant. The judge noted this means that part of their sentence will be served in prison. He sentenced the third defendant to five years in jail as he is now over the age of 18 years. He suspended the final 18 months of this sentence on the same conditions. The three boys stood trial at the Central Criminal Court sitting in Cork earlier this year, with two of the boys (now aged 16 and 17) found guilty of sexually assaulting and raping the then 16-year-old girl in a car at the racecourse on December 26, 2022. They were 13 and 15 years old at the time. The third boy (now 18) was found guilty by the jury of four counts of aiding and abetting the rapes and sexual assaults following the six-week trial. The court heard he moved the car during the course of the attack. He was aged 15 at the time. He was acquitted of one count of false imprisonment. Case background Video clips were taken of the incident by one of the boys, including one clip of the girl walking away from the car after she had been raped. When she found her friends, she was extremely upset and immediately told them what had happened to her, the court heard. The boys denied raping the girl, telling gardai differing versions of events including one who said he was in Dublin on the day in question. They all eventually claimed it was a consensual encounter. Detective Garda Lisa O'Regan told Dean Kelly SC, prosecuting, that the girl was socialising with her friends at the racecourse on the day in question. She was, in her own words, really drunk when she got chatting to the three boys, Mr Kelly said. The court heard she agreed to go for a walk with one of the boys because she wanted to kiss him. Instead, she found herself in a car belonging to one of the boy's fathers where she was sexually assaulted and raped by two of them. The third boy moved the car at one point during the attack. The girl said she told the boys No repeatedly and that she was on her period and had a tampon in. She said she told them she needed to go back to her friends, but they repeatedly said no and that she was fine. When medically examined later that evening, she was found to have extensive bleeding and bruising. She was a virgin prior to the attack. The complainant (now aged 18) was not in court for the sentence hearing in Dublin. In a victim impact statement read out on her behalf by counsel, she described her fear and anxiety in the aftermath of the attack, during which she was begging them to get off me. At the age of 16, I had my innocence stripped away from me, she said. These two (boys) took what they wanted with no regrets. She said her parents had to hear every vulgar and gruesome detail of what happened to her and that she will forever have guilt on my shoulders - not just for how it affected me, but everyone around me. They not only took away the rest of my childhood, they took away the rest of my life, she said. At the age of 16, I was raped. This is always something I will have to carry around. But what I can do is live with the fact that I told the truth. The court heard the boys, who are all cousins, have no previous convictions. They are all in detention or custody since the guilty verdicts were handed down last April. The case was previously adjourned for a number of weeks for preparation of probation reports. Pleas for mitigation Cathal McGreal, BL, defending the youngest of the three boys, said his client was then aged 13 and had no previous convictions. He said that a report before the court described him as mild-mannered, introverted and vulnerable from a mental health point of view. Counsel said his client made admissions and described him as not a particularly mature 13-year-old, and this was his first sexual experience. The court heard that the boy's father and his family do not accept the verdict. Mr McGreal said his client wants to pursue his Junior Certificate and is interested in becoming a mechanic or a builder. He is against drugs and alcohol and wants to marry his girlfriend. Vincent Heneghan SC, defending the then 15-year-old boy, said his client comes from a good supportive family and they are concerned for him. He stated that his client does not accept the jury's verdict and that this will limit any potential mitigation. Counsel said his client presents as intermittently distressed since going into custody and is not sleeping well. He said he is engaging in education and sport while in Oberstown. Mr Henaghan said the defendant has no issues with drugs or alcohol and outlined that there was no pre-planning to this offending. He asked the court to consider the reports that were before the court on behalf of his client and requested that the court be as lenient as possible. Donal Cronin BL, defending the third boy, said his sexual knowledge at the time was limited. He outlined that his client has no issues with drink or drugs and that sport has formed a major part of his life. Mr Cronin asked the court to fashion a sentence that would mark the wrongdoing but also include rehabilitation. He asked the court to consider the mitigating factors, including his client's culpability, his involvement and the fact he was a child at the time. A 43-year-old man who stole an e-scooter in Cork City knew what it was like to be the victim of such a crime as he had his own e-scooter stolen before this. Peter Mullins of Argideen Lawn, Togher, Cork, was jailed for five months for the theft. During his submission in mitigation, solicitor Shane Collins-Daly said Peter Mullins was aware of the distress to the owner of having an e-scooter stolen as he had one stolen from him in the past. Judge Mary Dorgan said: One e-scooter cannot be swapped for another, in fairness. Mr Collins-Daly said that the defendant accepted this but just wanted to make the point that he had some insight into the impact that his offending would have had. Peter Mullins has 93 previous convictions including 12 for theft, six for robbery and one for taking a car. Mr Collins-Daly said: He is at the stage in his life where he knows he cannot keep living the lifestyle he is living. He spends a period of time out of custody but ends in a spiral of drug addiction and committing these offences. Sergeant Gearoid Davis said that on March 5 the owner of an e-scooter locked it to a pole on Hanover Place at lunchtime. When he returned at 4pm it was gone and the lock was also missing. CCTV from a neighbouring premises showed Peter Mullins approaching it at around 3.45pm and spending about five minutes ripping it from the lock. He eventually freed it and left with it. The treatment of residents at nursing homes featured in a documentary was extremely distressing and wholly unacceptable, the minister for older people has said. It comes after RTE Investigates examined standards of care at two nursing homes operated by Emeis Ireland, formerly known as Orpea. The programme highlighted serious issues at The Residence Portlaoise and Beneavin Manor nursing homes, which have been acknowledged as wholly unjustifiable by Emeis Ireland. The documentary highlighted vulnerable people being left unsupervised, large numbers of residents congregating together being supervised by one member of staff, and requests for the use of toilets being unanswered for lengthy periods of time. It also showed some staff not using proper hoisting equipment and shortages in necessary items like incontinence pads. Emeis Ireland issued an apology to all residents and their families for the suffering and distress experienced as a result of failures identified in the care provided. It said it recognised and deeply regrets the breach of trust and any failure to uphold the dignity of some residents at all times. Emeis Ireland said it has commenced a comprehensive review across both nursing homes. The chairwoman of Safeguarding Ireland said she was disturbed, distressed, and angry over the findings of the programme. In reference to a previous documentary on the Leas Cross Nursing Home 20 years ago, Patricia Rickard-Clark added: We have gone backwards, I think. Ms Rickard-Clark told RTEs Morning Ireland that the Government needs to establish an inter-department and inter-agency working group to deal with recommendations from the Law Reform Commission on adult safeguarding. On the same programme, Minister of State for Older People Kieran ODonnell said he had met with the Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) on the matter on Wednesday. He said he told the agency it needs to redouble their efforts around the two nursing homes involved. He said he expected the agency and its chief inspector to use all their available powers in this area. Mr ODonnell added: We have to have environments that are safe for older people, and thats something that I feel absolutely critical on. He said the staffing levels at the homes in the programme were grossly inadequate. He added: What we saw from the programme last night was neglect and abuse of older people, and clearly a key element to that was lack of staffing. Asked if Hiqa had failed the residents of the nursing homes, Mr ODonnell said: Certainly from what we saw on that programme last night, one could not stand over. He added: I want to ensure this never happens again. Mr ODonnell said he wanted to put the message out that there are very good nursing homes operating around the country. Asked how he could know this, he said every nursing home is audited by HIQA every year and 87% are found to be compliant. However, he added: But what was exposed last night on the programme is a wake up call for everyone. Put to the junior minister that Hiqa had said Beneavin Manor was compliant, he said he wanted Hiqa to have intensive engagement with the two nursing homes in the programme. Mr ODonnell said he was working on bringing forward the Statutory Home Care Scheme and prioritising a national policy on safeguarding for adults. He said there was already a national safeguarding structure within the HSE. He said he had spoken to HSE chief executive Bernard Gloster after the programme, adding: Hes committed to using the national safeguarding office to look at the programme in terms of safeguarding. In essence, the practices and the regulations are there what we need now is the legislation to strengthen it. This years Hajj in Saudi Arabia attracted the lowest number of pilgrims for 30 years, excluding the Covid-19 pandemic period, according to figures released on Thursday. The annual Islamic pilgrimage attracted just 1,673,230 Muslims, the majority of them from outside Saudi Arabia, according to a post from the countrys Hajj Ministry on the social platform X. Authorities did not immediately offer an explanation for the low turnout. A pilgrim receives water to cool himself (Amr Nabil/AP) It is almost 160,000 fewer pilgrims than last year and a far cry from the pre-pandemic boom, when attendance would regularly push past two million. There was a record-breaking Hajj in 2012, when more than 3.16 million Muslims took part. The kingdom ran a pared-down pilgrimage during the Covid-19 pandemic, sharply reducing the scale of the Hajj between 2020 and 2022 while still allowing a small number of the faithful to take part in the annual event. The Hajj in 2023 was the first to be held without restrictions since the start of the pandemic in 2020. At the Hajj, Muslims gather in Saudi Arabia to unite in religious rituals and acts of worship as they fulfil one of the Five Pillars of Islam, a religious obligation. It can be the spiritual experience of a lifetime for them and a chance to seek Gods forgiveness and the erasure of past sins. But inflation and economic crises around the world are putting the Hajj out of reach for some. Excess heat and tougher rules for entry may also have deterred potential pilgrims from heading to Saudi Arabia this year. Earlier on Thursday, pilgrims gathered in Arafat to spend hours in worship and contemplation. The rocky hill holds immense significance in Islam. Arafat is mentioned in the Koran and it is where the Prophet Mohammed is said to have given his last sermon on his final Hajj. On Friday, pilgrims will head to the vast tent city of Mina to carry out the symbolic stoning of the devil ritual by throwing pebbles at pillars. North Dakota has the highest rate of measles in the country after six new cases appeared over the weekend. The total number of confirmed cases in the state jumped to 34 over the weekend, with three new cases confirmed in Williams County and three confirmed in Grand Forks County. This makes North Dakota the state with the highest rate of measles in the country with 4.27 cases per 100,000 people, knocking New Mexico, with 3.7 cases per 100,000, off of the top spot. North Dakota Health and Human Services Immunization Director Molly Howell said the states nation-leading numbers were unfortunate but the department is working to get things under control. She said the high rates do not change the departments response to measles cases. Whether it's one or now 34 cases, we're still treating them the same, Howell said. The states congressional representatives have expressed concern over the growing outbreak and said they are monitoring the situation. Gov. Kelly Armstrong told The Forum News Service earlier this week that he strongly encouraged anyone concerned about measles to speak with a trusted health care provider. Following the six cases over the weekend there has not been another confirmed case as of Thursday. This does not mean that the spread is slowing necessarily, according to Howell. Measles can have a fairly long incubation period, she said. It's not like the flu or COVID, where in a couple days you know you're going to get symptoms. It's a longer period. So you really have to look at when we had more cases reported, or when their onset was and and then two weeks later, then you'd see another bump in cases. Howell also said the three hotspots in the state are not connected. The groupings in Cass and Grand Forks counties were both brought in by different international travelers, while the pocket of cases in Williams County was started by an out-of-state visitor. She also said worldwide measles cases are up with higher rates of measles in Mexico, Canada -- which is reporting an even higher number of cases than the U.S. -- and Europe right now. Outbreaks started by international travel is not uncommon. Most people who bring measles into the United States are unvaccinated U.S. residents who get infected during international travel, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. On May 28, the CDC updated its global measles travel advisory, which says cases are rising in many countries around the world and all international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles. The advisory recommends an early dose of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine for infants 6-11 months old and a total of two doses at least 28 days apart for anyone 12 months old or older. Howell said she cannot predict the future of the outbreak but she is cautiously optimistic, especially with how well lab testing for the disease has gone so far and a recent increase in the number of MMR vaccine doses administered in the state. However, she said it only takes one case making its way into an under-vaccinated or unvaccinated community in the state and the disease will spread. When we are doing case investigations and contact tracing, everyone's been really cooperative and helpful, Howell said. So overall, I think the response has gone pretty well. But I don't know that I can give a prediction for, you know, what I think is going to happen in the future, regardless of what's currently happening in the state. While getting vaccinated is always important, Howell said with cases up worldwide, there is an increased risk of future introduction of the disease in the state so getting vaccinated against the disease is more important than ever. Donald Trump has said that it might be better to let Ukraine and Russia fight for a while before pulling them apart and pursuing peace. In an Oval Office meeting with German chancellor Friedrich Merz, Mr Trump likened the war in Ukraine which Russia invaded in early 2022 to a fight between two young children who hated each other. Sometimes youre better off letting them a fight for a while and then pulling them apart, Mr Trump said. President Donald Trump meets Germanys Chancellor Friedrich Merz (Evan Vucci/AP) He added that he had relayed that analogy to Russian president Vladimir Putin in their phone conversation on Wednesday. The US president still left the threat of sanctions on the table. He said sanctions could be imposed for both Ukraine and Russia. When I see the moment where its not going to stop well be very, very tough, Mr Trump said. Asked about Mr Trumps comments as the two leaders sat next to each other, Mr Merz stressed that both he and the president agreed on this war and how terrible this war is going on, pointing to Mr Trump as the key person in the world who would be able to stop the bloodshed. But Mr Merz also emphasised that Germany was on the side of Ukraine and that Kyiv was only attacking military targets, not Russian civilians. We are trying to get them stronger, Mr Merz said of Ukraine. Thursday, Jun 5th, 2025 (9:29 am) - Score 920 Network operator CityFibre, which has so far built their 5.5Gbps speed Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) broadband ISP network to cover 4.4 million UK premises (4.2m Ready for Service), has today confirmed the completion of their primary 15 million build across the market town of Wokingham in Berkshire (England). CityFibre originally started this deployment at the end of 2022 (here). The operators new network has since laid 1,211km of dense full fibre and is now ready for service to over 19,000 homes, covering around 82% of local homes and most businesses in the town. NOTE: CityFibre is owned by Antin Infrastructure Partners, Goldman Sachs Asset Management, Mubadala Investment Company, Interogo Holding etc. The network is supported by UK ISPs such as TalkTalk, Zen Internet, CityFibre is owned by Antin Infrastructure Partners, Goldman Sachs Asset Management, Mubadala Investment Company, Interogo Holding etc. The network is supported by UK ISPs such as Vodafone Sky Broadband and many more, but they arent all live or available in every location yet (technical reasons and exclusivity deals). While the primary-build is now complete, CityFibre said they would continue to explore opportunities to connect more homes and businesses, including flats, new-build homes, business parks and homes on private roads. Advertisement Neil Madle, Partnership Manager at CityFibre, said: Our completed rollout in Wokingham represents an exciting leap forward for digital connectivity across the town. With the UKs top-tier digital infrastructure now in place, residents, businesses, and public institutions will benefit for generations to come. Wokingham is a town full of opportunity and ambition, making it a key project for us. Full fibre is essential to the long-term growth of the UK market, and we look forward to building on our success, driving the towns future economic development. The operators main gigabit-capable broadband rivals in the town are Openreach (BT) and Virgin Media (inc. nexfibre), which both have modest to very good coverage of the area. But a number of alternative networks also have some smaller patches of coverage in the town, such as Glide, Hyperoptic and Trooli etc. CityFibre, which has so far attracted 550,000 (March 2025) live customers and have nearly upgraded their entire network to 10Gbps capable XGS-PON technology (here), currently still aspires to cover up to 8 million UK premises with their new full fibre network (funded by c.2.4bn in equity, c.4.9bn debt and nearly 1bn of BDUK / public subsidy) representing c.30% of the UK. But quite when theyll reach that point is unclear. Churchill & Orwell The fight for freedom by Thomas E. Ricks As Orwell once wrote, If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hearmost especially, for him, facts that they did not want to acknowledge. For democracies to thrive, the majority must respect the rights of minorities to dissent, loudly. If the Party could thrust its hand into the past and say of this or that event, it never happenedthat, surely, was more terrifying than mere torture and death. the theme that runs powerfully through all of Orwells writings, from his early work on Burmese Days through the late 1930s and then through the great essays, and into Animal Farm and 1984, is the abuse of power in the modern world by both the left and the right. It was not by making yourself heard but by staying sane that you carried on the human heritage. 05/30/2025 By Brett Buckner For more than 20 years, Jax State, working in partnership with the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS), has hosted a week-long summer camp for high school juniors and seniors with some degree of hearing loss. This years Deaf and Hard of Hearing College Prep camp will be from June 1 through June 7. Students are referred to our program through their Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS). The camp seeks to ease students transition to college and aid them in being successful in a post-secondary educational career. In addition to a variety of activities, they will stay overnight in a dorm and have meals in the Dining Hall between classes. Our camp offers students an opportunity to learn about self-advocacy and what they will need to be successful in college, said camp coordinator Jennifer Yocum, who has been involved with the camp since 2006. Many times, in high school, the parents met with school officials to determine what services would be needed - interpreters, assisted listening devices, etc. but once the student comes to college, it is their responsibility to make sure those services are in place. Classroom topics discussed during the week include: time management skills study skills self-advocacy learning styles a lecture simulation and career exploration Students will research potential career paths they would like to pursue and will end the week with a PowerPoint presentation on that career. Jax State incorporates student RAs who have attended the camp in previous years. They are a great resource for students because they have been in their shoes, Yocum said. We also have professional staff who will be on campus for the duration of camp. The camp will conclude with a free concert on Friday night featuring the Beatlads, a Beatles tribute band from Birmingham. Russias role in Iranian history since the nineteenth century is well known, to be sure. But especially for the period until World War I, it tends to be narrated in a patterned and somewhat reductionist manner, typically through the lens of the Great Game, with Iran a mere buffer state between Russia and Great Britain, a hapless victim of great power politics (a notion cherished by many Iranians, who often see themselves as victims rather than as active participants in their own destiny). From the book Russians in Iran Newark Del. (Special to Informed Comment: Feature) Fariba Amini: How and where did you find the memoir of your great grandfather, Ivan Jakolevich Korostovetz ? Carlo Gastone: The story of Persian Arabesques original manuscript is very interesting. According to my first cousin Tanya (Tatyana) V. Korostovetz (100 years old on June 19th 2025) still living in Paris), all the original Russian documents of the diplomat (three wooden boxes) had been given and were kept in the cellar of the private former Tsarist General Pavel Nikolayevich Shatilov, head of staff of the Caucasus Military District, who lived in a suburb of Paris named Agneres-sur-Seine. Unfortunately, all these papers and documents contained in the boxes went permanently lost during the well-known 1955 flood in Paris. Luckily, for researchers and due to my grandmother Olga, who had preserved and kept within her belongings a copy of the English translation made by Robert Goodlet before 1920, the year of his death, I could find the text in a suitcase that belonged to her at my mothers death in San Remo Italy 2012. FA : What was his diplomatic mission in Iran? CG: This question, although apparently simple, is actually very complicated to explain, due to the International Political scenario in Europe at the beginning of the 20th century period, in which he was in charge as Russian Envoy in Tehran (1913-1915). Formally he was the Plenipotentiary Minister of the Legation of Imperial Russia in Persia. Substantially the only instructions that he had received by the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs, S. Sazonov, were literally the following. In the winter of 1913, during my preparations for going to Tehran, I asked the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sazonoff, for instructions to act according to directives of his liking, but the Minister merely recommended that I should get along with the British. However, continued Sazonoff, try to defend our interests, and then he added, go and see our ambassador in London, Count Benckendorff[1]; he is at present in Petersburg, and I will let him know that you are going to see him. Count Benckendorffs commendation. Of course, you can understand that in view of this scenario, the conservation of and maintenance of Anglo-Russian relations on an amicable footing becomes essential and that the problems of Persia take second place to the point of being relegated to the bottom of the scale of values. Today this task can be named as Mission Impossible FA: Before going to Iran, he was in China and Mongolia. What did he do there? CG: This one also is a difficult question to summarize in a short space, as it represents a long period of his diplomatic career, three times in China in different eras and with different assignments. I recently published on an Italian Historical Journal called Storia Libera a 50-page article which is the first ever small academic biography of Ivan J. Korostovetz He was appointed, on May 1st, 1890, second secretary to the Russian diplomatic mission in Beijing until 1894. On the 18th of September 1899 he was appointed diplomatic officer for the Kwantung region, and from the 14th of December 1899 he served in Port Arthur. Moreover, on June 1900, during the Boxer Rebellion, he was sent to Vice Admiral Yevgeny Ivanovich Aleksejev (step brother of Nicholas II) near Tientsin, where from August 5th to September 7th 1901 date of the Unequal Treaty , due to the absence of the consul, he temporarily managed the affairs of the Russian consulate. During the Boxer Rebellion, Korostovez played a very active role for the setting up of the Russian administration in Tientsin. To this purpose, he also managed to achieve a profitable agreement with the Chinese maritime customs and for the exploitation of a stretch of railway, strategically and economically very important, which would have favored the direct connection to Manchuria, going through the Bohais Gulf coast. From February 23rd to March 7th 1908, after the unexpected death of the Russian plenipotentiary minister in Beijing, the famous sinologist D. D. Pokotilov, Korostovetz was chosen, under the recommendation of Tsar Nicholas II, and on the nomination of the same Izvolskij, to replace him. This was understandably since Korostovetz had already held positions of high responsibility in China on two events, having, in this role, also taken an active part in solving all the main issues of the Russian Foreign Policy in Far East. The instructions drawn up for him by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and approved by Tsar Nicholas II on June 25th, 1908, were supposed to read as follows. Without identifying our interests with those of Western Europe, make the effort to continue our policy applied until 1898, that is, to act peacefully and separately from the other countries. In accordance with this principle, we should convince the Peking government that we are sincerely and consciously prepared to take into account its legitimate claims, while demanding the same respect for our rights coming from the treaties and the same willingness to respect our vital interests. Career Achievements during the period briefly mentioned. Participation, negotiation and signing of the peace agreement for the Russo-Japanese War (under the US patronage of T. Roosevelt Peace Nobel Prize winner and Secretary of the Russian Prime Minister Sergei Julevic Vitte) known as the Treaty of Portsmouth of 1905. Negotiation and signing of the Russian-Mongolian Friendship Treaty signed in Urga today Ulaanbaatar in 1912. Today considered the basic legal document for Mongolian Sovereignty. FA: In the book, he is quite sympathetic to Iranians or Persians as he calls them. He mentions this several times in the book, especially on pages 72 and 73. How and why did he come to this conclusion? CG: Pages 72 and 73, contained in chapter 11, represent the summary of the detailed examination that Ivan was able to observe in the several years of his diplomatic career before 1915 in many other countries, that for their main features resembled to Persia in the early 1900s. It should be added that, in this case, it is a reassuring and favorable description comparison with the colonization settlement approach policy of the British Empire, which very often made use of denigrating and omission methods to achieve its main political goals. To the above I would like to add an excerpt from an Italian historian review performed on Persian Arabesques, where it is textually reported. The ambassadors impressions photograph a crucial moment in the Persian twentieth century, a century that would be full of twists and radical changes even on those shores initially peripheral, and then increasingly central to global current affairs. In other words, Persian Arabesques constitutes a primary source, that is, an exceptional historical document written with lucidity and honesty, moreover by one of its undoubted protagonists. FA: How did the Russian diplomatic personnel engage with the British diplomatic corps? We know that during that period, both countries were involved in Iran and wanted to take advantage of its natural resources. CG: When Korostovetz arrives in Persia, which happens at the same time when drafting Persian Arabesques, the context is a delicate balance between the two parties. His mission, made explicit by Sazonov (Russian Foreign Minister and therefore his direct superior), is to preserve peaceful understanding at all costs. Korostovetzs character and initiatives soon clash with such intentions [Korostovetz appointment as Envoy to Persia, for his qualities and temperament, was considered by one of his subordinates a big mistake coming from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Most probably, he was referring to Korostovetzs rigidity, typical of the representatives of the traditional Russian Diplomatic School, which did not allow him to be as flexible in dealing with emerging problems]. A long series of misunderstandings and errors, recognized later on re-examination by the diplomat himself, ruin the initial climate of trust established with his British counterpart, Sir Walter Townley. The interest of the two Empires in the Persian oil does not help Korostovetz, who was a pro-monarchist and supporter of the Russian expansionist policy in the East, as well as being a strong opponent to the 1907 Anglo-Russian Agreement, which he openly criticized, to preserve peaceful understanding with the British, Persian Arabesques by Ivan Jakovlevich Korostovetz . (DeGruyter Brill, 2025). Click here to Buy. FA: Is he critical to the way the Russian Tsarist government engaged with the Persians. He talks about the oil concession in the North and how a Georgian named Khoshtaria who later sold them for a good price to a group of British companies. In which way was this deal different than the one with the British under the DArcy Company? CG: This is not just one question but a series that I will try to condense in an adequate response to the short space available here, which does not allow me to report all the stages of the long story of APOC (Anglo Persian Oil Company) then BP (British Petroleum) plc. Yes he is critical to Sazonovs approach to Persia whose only intent is to avoid friction with UK and gain their friendship in spite of the real Russian local interests. We may say today that it is a previous political commitment detached from the reality of facts. Korostovetz was not the first Russian Envoy to disapprove this Treaty; during the Constitutional Revolution in Persia, the Russian Envoy in Tehran, N.G. Hartwig, who had not accepted Izwolskys political line, continued his firm line against the British in that country. As a result, he became unsatisfactory to the British and, consequently, to the Russian Foreign Ministry. In November 1908, he was dismissed from his post and was recalled to Russia. Yes, the two deals where totally different for the timing and character. The DArcy Concession deal was a petroleum oil concession that was signed in 1901 between William Knox DArcy and Mozzafar al-Din, Shah of Persia. The DArcy concession was finalized in 1901 before the 1907 Anglo-Russian Convention, which limited the spheres of influence in Persia. The UK Government, in 1914, in order to have official control over the oil production because of the British Admiralty, who was converting their fleet from coal to oil had to buy the concession/property and to do so was compelled to submit a purchase proposal to the House of Commons. This deal was considered an infringement of Persian sovereignty and although the DArcy Concession had hitherto been limited to the South and West of Persia, it had now been extended to the Neutral Zone partly into the Russian area of influence without any notice beforehand to the Russian Empire Government. FA: How did he view Reza Shah? CG: According to Korostovetz, due to Reza Khans balanced domestic and foreign policy towards Soviet Russia, the latter never succeeded in imposing slavery on Persia. Although with Moscows help, as the author of the memoirs writes, the Government in Tehran was freed from foreign interference but it had no intention in replacing Tsarist tutelage with the Moscow oligarchy. Korostovetz, unlike Soviet researchers, gives a positive assessment of Reza Khans political line. At the same time, using specific examples, he reveals the essentials of Soviet policy towards Persia. Basing on the analysis of the Tsarist and Soviet Russias policy in Persia made by Korostovetz, we may state that in fact the Soviets policy was an extension of the traditional policy carried out by the Tsarist regime. Korostovetz basically admires Reza Khans career. FA: He left Iran when the Russian Revolution happened. He was against the Bolsheviks. Where did he go and where did he die? CG: The October uprising of the Bolsheviks radically changed the political situation in Russia itself and had a decisive impact on Korostovetzs future fate. Shortly after his meeting in 1918 with the Soviet Talleyrand G.V. Chicherin at the Commissariat for Foreign Affairs, during which he declined the offer for a cooperation with the Soviets, Korostovetz retired permanently from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, avoiding to be imprisoned by a gang of disbanded soldiers who wanted to shoot me. Thus, Tchitcherin noted, You do not believe into the possibility of our new political orientation in Persia based on Cooperation, Equality, and Justice, and you consider that the abrogation of the Treaties is a mistake. This is a pity. I would have liked to use your experience on Eastern issues even if only as an advisor. I confirmed my willingness to share my information with him, but not as a collaborator of the Soviet Government because of our differences of view and the desire for mutual trust between us. Moreover, I condemned the actions of the new rulers of Russia as being in stark contrast to my conscience and my feelings of patriotism. But why, he retorted, we are also acting in the interests of Russia (at that time the anonymous Union of Republics did not yet exist), except in the spirit of Imperialism and reaction, but in a more popular form. After spending some time in Russia in the hope to an end of the new regime, looking for a way out by moving to Finland, then back to Russia, and Ukraine, and finding no place under Bolshevik rule, Ivan J. Korostovetz, like hundreds of thousands of his fellow countrymen, the best representatives of society, was finally forced to leave his homeland and emigrate to Berlin, France, China and France again, where he died in Paris on January 1st 1933. Having made this decision, Korostovetz saved the lives of himself and his family, in spite of many other representatives of the old regime, who remained in Russia and who were either killed during the Red Terror, or survived but later becoming victims of the Stalinist repressions of the 1930s. FA: Considering that today, Iran and Russia have a very close relationship both political and economic, how do you view this relationship? CG: History repeats over the years. On January 17th, 2025, Presidents Vladimir Putin and Masoud Pezeshkian signed a 47-article Strategic Partnership Treaty. This agreement marks a turning point in bilateral relations between the two countries, strengthening the already established ties and opening up new prospects for cooperation in key areas such as energy, defense, trade, and technology. Nihil sub sole novum [Nothing new under the sun.] Born in 1950 in Johannesburg, South Africa, Carlo Gastone spent part of his childhood abroad, attending elementary school in Havana, Cuba and New York. In the early 960s, he returned to Italy where he received a Law degree from the University of Turin. After a business career spent in Italy as well as in Nigeria and Poland, he returned to Turin, where he now lives. He ended up investigating his Russian roots because of his mother. After her death in 2012, he found a suitcase that had belonged to his grandmother and that she had saved from the Bolsheviks Revolution, containing photographs, certificates and documents of historical interest. Among these were some that had belonged to his great-grandfather, Ivan Jacovlevich Korostovetz (1862-1933). This treasure trove enabled him to reconstruct his family history and offer details about events of historic interest. I would like to sincerely thank my friend Fariba Amini for the opportunity that I have been granted to re-evaluate the character of my great-grandfather, a brilliant diplomat of Imperial Russia. Persian Arabesques is the last unedited memoirs written by Ivan Jakolevich Korostovetz before escaping from Russia in 1918. They are an unpublished chapter in the history of the Russian diplomacy. -Carlo Gastone [1] An outstanding Russian diplomat, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador to London in 1902-1916 Count A. K. Benckendorff was a well-known for his disposition towards the British, which is why he was nicknamed as anglophile. His analysis on the expecting terrible future in Russia is amazing in accuracy! Click here to donate via PayPal. Personal checks should be made out to Juan Cole and sent to me at: Juan ColeP. O. Box 4218,Ann Arbor, MI 48104-2548USA(Remember, make the checks out to Juan Cole or they cant be cashed) By Andrew Thomas, Deakin University (The Conversation) As Israels devastating war in Gaza has ground on, the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was thought to be dead. Now, it is showing signs of life again. French President Emmanuel Macron is reportedly pressing other European nations to jointly recognise a Palestinian state at a UN conference in mid-June, focused on achieving a two-state solution. Macron called such recognition a political necessity. Countries outside Europe are feeling the pressure, too. Australia has reaffirmed its view that recognition of Palestine should be a way of building momentum towards a two-state solution. During Macrons visit to Indonesia in late May, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto made a surprising pledge to recognise Israel if it allowed for a Palestinian state. Indonesia is one of about 28 nations that dont currently recognise Israel. France, Australia, the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan and South Korea are among the approximately 46 nations that dont recognise a Palestinian state. The UN conference on June 1720, co-sponsored by France and Saudi Arabia, wants to go beyond reaffirming principles and achieve concrete results towards a two-state solution. Most countries, including the US, have supported the two-state solution in principle for decades. However, the political will from all parties has faded in recent years. So, why is the policy gaining traction again now? And does it have a greater chance of success? What is the two-state solution? Put simply, the two-state solution is a proposed peace plan that would create a sovereign Palestinian state alongside the Israeli state. There have been several failed attempts to enact the policy over recent decades, the most famous of which was the Oslo Accords in the early 1990s. In recent years, the two-state solution was looking less likely by the day. The Trump administrations decision in 2017 to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and move the US embassy there signalled the US was moving away from its role as mediator. Then, several Arab states agreed to normalise relations with Israel in the the Abraham Accords, without Israeli promises to move towards a two-state solution. The Hamas attacks on Israel and subsequent Israeli war on Gaza have had a somewhat contradictory effect on the overarching debate. On the one hand, the brutality of Hamas actions substantially set back the legitimacy of the Palestinian self-determination movement in some quarters on the world stage. On the other, its also become clear the status quo the continued Israeli occupation of Gaza and the West Bank following the end of a brutal war is not tenable for either Israeli security or Palestinian human rights. And the breakdown of the most recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the return of heavy Israeli ground operations in May and reports of mass Palestinian starvation have only served to further isolate the Israeli government in the eyes of its peers. Once-steadfast supporters of Israels actions have become increasingly frustrated by a lack of clear strategic goals in Gaza. And many now seem prepared to ignore Israeli wishes and pursue Palestinian recognition. For these governments, the hope is recognition of a Palestinian state would rebuild political will both globally and in the Middle East towards a two-state solution. Huge obstacles remain But how likely is this in reality? There is certainly more political will than there was before, but also several important roadblocks. First and foremost is the war in Gaza. Its obvious this will need to end, with both sides agreeing to an enduring ceasefire. Beyond that, the political authority in both Gaza and Israel remains an issue. The countries now considering Palestinian recognition, such France and Australia, have expressly said Hamas cannot play any role in governing a future Palestinian state. Though anti-Hamas sentiment is becoming more vocal among residents in Gaza, Hamas has been violently cracking down on this dissent and is attempting to consolidate its power. However, polling shows the popularity of Fatah the party leading the Palestinian National Authority is even lower than Hamas at an average of 21%. Less than half of Gazans support the enclave returning to Palestinian Authority control. This means a future Palestinian state would likely require new leadership. There is almost no political will in Israel for a two-state solution, either. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not been shy about his opposition to a Palestinian state. His cabinet members have mostly been on the same page. This has also been reflected in policy action. In early May, the Israeli Security Cabinet approved a plan for Israel to indefinitely occupy parts of Gaza. The government also just approved its largest expansion of settlements in the West Bank in decades. These settlements remain a major problem for a two-state solution. The total population of Israeli settlers is more than 700,000 in both East Jerusalem and the West Bank. And its been increasing at a faster rate since the election of the right-wing, pro-settler Netanyahu government in 2022. Settlement is enshrined in Israeli Basic Law, with the state defining it as national value and actively encouraging its establishment and consolidation. Via Peace Now The more settlement that occurs, the more complicated the boundaries of a future Palestinian state become. Then theres the problem of public support. Recent polling shows neither Israelis nor Palestinians view the two-state solution favourably. Just 40% of Palestinians support it, while only 26% of Israelis believe a Palestinian state can coexist peacefully alongside Israel. However, none of these challenges makes the policy impossible. The unpopularity of the two-state solution locally is more a reflection of previous failures than it is of future negotiations. A power-sharing agreement in Northern Ireland was similarly unpopular in the 1990s, but peace was achieved through bold political leadership involving the US and European Union. In other words, we wont know whats possible until negotiations begin. Red lines will need to be drawn and compromises made. Its not clear what effect growing external pressure will have, but the international community does appear to be reaching a political tipping point on the two-state solution. Momentum could start building again. Andrew Thomas, Lecturer in Middle East Studies, Deakin University This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. 3.95 Moz Measured & Indicated & 0.40 Moz Inferred Gold Mineral Resources VANCOUVER, BC, June 5, 2025 /CNW/ - Orla Mining Ltd. (TSX: OLA) (NYSE: ORLA) ("Orla" or the "Company") is pleased to provide the first underground Mineral Resource estimate for the Company's Camino Rojo deposit located in Zacatecas, Mexico, representing a down plunge extension from the oxide open pit. This news release presents the initial underground Mineral Resource estimate for the Camino Rojo deposit, incorporating mineralization hosted in the Camino Rojo Sulphides and extending into the underlying Zone 22 (Figures 1, 2a). Zone 22 represents the vertical and down plunge continuation of the Camino Rojo sulphide mineralization. Summary Highlights: Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource: 50.1 Mt at 2.45 g/t Au, 10.6 g/t Ag, and 0.25% Zn, averaging 2.58 g/t AuEq, totaling 3.95 Moz Au , 17.05 Moz Ag , 278 Mlbs Zn, and 4.16 Moz AuEq. 50.1 Mt at 2.45 g/t Au, 10.6 g/t Ag, and 0.25% Zn, averaging 2.58 g/t AuEq, totaling 3.95 , 17.05 , 278 Mlbs Zn, and 4.16 Moz AuEq. Inferred Mineral Resource: 5.6 Mt at 2.21 g/t Au, 10.9 g/t Ag, and 0.21% Zn, averaging 2.33 g/t AuEq, totaling 0.40 Moz Au , 1.95 Moz Ag , 26 Mlbs Zn, and 0.42 Moz AuEq . 5.6 Mt at 2.21 g/t Au, 10.9 g/t Ag, and 0.21% Zn, averaging 2.33 g/t AuEq, totaling 0.40 , 1.95 , 26 Mlbs Zn, and 0.42 Moz AuEq Zone 22 accounts for only 7% (0.29 Moz AuEq) of the current underground Indicated Mineral Resource and 19% (0.08 Moz AuEq) of the current underground Inferred Mineral Resource. This represents only a portion of the defined mineralization in Zone 22, with drilling ongoing. The 2025 drilling results from Zone 22 will be incorporated in future resource updates. accounts for only 7% (0.29 Moz AuEq) of the current underground Indicated Mineral Resource and 19% (0.08 Moz AuEq) of the current underground Inferred Mineral Resource. This represents only a portion of the defined mineralization in Zone 22, with drilling ongoing. The 2025 drilling results from Zone 22 will be incorporated in future resource updates. Recovery model supported by ongoing metallurgical work: The mineral resource is divided into three spatially distinct zones, each with specific processing options for the Caracol-hosted mineralization: heap leaching (3%); cyanidation (CIL) (25%); and flotation followed by pressure oxidation ("POX") as a pre-treatment prior to cyanidation (CIL with POX) (72%). These zones inform the resource recovery assumptions. Initial metallurgical testing indicates that material from Zone 22 is amenable to both cyanide leaching and flotation. supported by ongoing metallurgical work: The mineral resource is divided into three spatially distinct zones, each with specific processing options for the Caracol-hosted mineralization: heap leaching (3%); cyanidation (CIL) (25%); and flotation followed by pressure oxidation ("POX") as a pre-treatment prior to cyanidation (CIL with POX) (72%). These zones inform the resource recovery assumptions. Initial metallurgical testing indicates that material from Zone 22 is amenable to both cyanide leaching and flotation. Development strategy to advance the initial underground Mineral Resource towards possible future construction decision. This includes additional exploration, development planning for an exploration drift to allow for tighter spaced underground drilling, flowsheet design, further metallurgical testing, engineering studies, and permitting activities. "This initial underground resource marks an important milestone at Camino Rojo. When we acquired the project, the scale of the mineralized system was clear, but the path forward was uncertain. This resource crystallizes our belief in the potential for a future underground operation. Our team has taken a systematic approach, and we will now look to increase confidence and establish a clear path to construction." Jason Simpson, President and CEO "Over the past few years, our efforts have focused on drilling the sulphide zone, improving the geological model, and extending mineralization down-plunge in the newly discovered Zone 22. We have now delivered a significant initial underground resource, a key milestone that will inform an upcoming Preliminary Economic Assessment and establish the foundation for potential long-term production at Camino Rojo. The deposit remains open down plunge and at depth, and we remain committed to continued exploration and unlocking the full potential of Camino Rojo." Sylvain Guerard, Senior Vice President, Exploration Initial Underground Camino Rojo Mineral Resource Estimate: The underground resource, including the Camino Rojo Sulphides and Zone 22, extends from the base of the oxide pit to approximately 1,200 metres below surface (or up to 1,300 metres down plunge from the pit base), covering up to one kilometre along strike and 200 to 400 metres in width (Figures 2a, 2b, 3). The Mineral Resource estimate, prepared by SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd, includes a resource panel constrained Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource totalling 50.1 Mt at 2.45 g/t Au, 10.6 g/t Ag and 0.25% Zn, equating to 2.58 g/t AuEq. Contained metal amounts to 3.95 Moz gold, 17.05 Moz silver and 278 Mlbs zinc, totalling 4.20 Moz AuEq. The Inferred Mineral Resource totals 5.6 Mt at 2.21 g/t Au, 10.9 g/t Ag and 0.21% Zn, equating to 2.33 g/t AuEq. Contained metal amounts to 0.40 Moz gold, 1.95 Moz silver and 26 Mlbs zinc, resulting in a total of 0.42 Moz AuEq. See Table 1 and Figures 4 to 6 for details. The Mineral Resources reported for Zone 22 are constrained within underground resource panels below the Caracol Formation, which represent the vertical and down plunge continuation of the Camino Rojo sulphide mineralization. Zone 22 has been drilled to nearly one kilometre below the Caracol Formation and remains open at depth and down-plunge. Table 1: Camino Rojo Underground Mineral Resource Estimate: Descriptions Measured Indicated Measured & Indicated Inferred kt g/t koz kt g/t koz kt g/t koz kt g/t koz GOLD (Au) Heap leach 7 1.95 0 1,704 2.90 159 1,711 2.90 159 214 2.29 16 CIL - - - 12,475 2.07 832 12,475 2.07 832 2,549 1.81 148 FLOT/POX/CIL - - - 35,900 2.56 2,958 35,900 2.56 2,958 2,813 2.57 232 Total - Gold 7 1.95 0 50,079 2.45 3,949 50,086 2.45 3,950 5,576 2.21 396 kt g/t koz kt g/t koz kt g/t koz kt g/t koz SILVER (Ag) Heap leach 7 31.5 7 1,704 13.2 722 1,711 13.3 729 214 15.1 104 CIL - - - 12,475 8.7 3,480 12,475 8.7 3,480 2,549 10.2 835 FLOT/POX/CIL - - - 35,900 11.1 12,847 35,900 11.1 12,847 2,813 11.2 1,010 Total - Silver 7 31.5 7 50,079 10.6 17,048 50,086 10.6 17,055 5,576 10.9 1,949 kt % Mlb kt % Mlb kt % Mlb kt % Mlb ZINC (Zn) Heap leach - - - - - - - - - - - - CIL - - - - - - - - - - - - FLOT/POX/CIL - - - 35,900 0.35 278 35,900 0.35 278 2,813 0.42 26 Total - Zinc 0 0 0 35,900 0.35 278 35,900 0.35 278 2,813 0.42 26 kt g/t koz kt g/t koz kt g/t koz kt g/t koz AUEQ (Au) Heap leach 7 2.11 1 1,704 3.03 166 1,711 3.03 166 214 2.44 17 CIL - - - 12,475 2.11 848 12,475 2.11 848 2,549 1.85 152 FLOT/POX/CIL - - - 35,900 2.72 3,142 35,900 2.72 3,142 2,813 2.75 249 Total - AUEQ 7 2.11 1 50,079 2.58 4,156 50,086 2.58 4,156 5,576 2.33 418 kt g/t koz/Mlb kt g/t or % koz/Mlb kt g/t or % koz/Mlb kt g/t or % koz/Mlb TOTALS Au 7 1.95 0 50,079 2.45 3,949 50,086 2.45 3,950 5,576 2.21 396 Ag 31.5 7 10.6 17,048 10.6 17,055 10.9 1,949 Zn - - 0.25 278 0.25 278 0.21 26 AuEq 2.11 1 2.58 4,156 2.58 4,156 2.33 418 Mineral Resources Notes: 1. CIM (2014) definitions were followed for Mineral Resources. The mineral resource estimate for Camino Rojo has an effective date of March 31, 2025. 2. The Qualified Person responsible for the mineral resource estimate is Marie-Christine Gosselin, P.Geo., Senior Resource Geologist of SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd. 3. Mineral resources are estimated using a long-term price of US$2,300 /oz gold, US$1.25 /lb zinc and US$29 /oz silver and the following smelter terms: for oxide 99.9% payable Au and 98% payable Ag, and for sulphide 95% payable Au, 90% payable Ag and 95% payable Zn. Offsite costs (refining, transport and insurance) of US$145 /wmt transportation and US$230 /dmt treatment; a 2.5% NSR royalty. 4. Metallurgical recoveries vary according to geometallurgical domains from heap leach, CIL, and flotation CIL with POX and are either constant or formula based. Heap leach recoveries range from 40% to 70% for gold and from 11% to 34% for silver. For CIL and CIL with POX, gold and silver recoveries are calculated using grade dependent formulae. The underground CIL mean recovery is 92% for gold and 36% for silver. The underground CIL with POX mean recovery is 85% for gold and 41% for silver. Zinc recovery by flotation is 80%. 5. Mineral Resources are estimated in underground resource panels using NSR cut-off grades of 59.02 US$/t for leach material, 68.73 US$/t for CIL material, and 76.23 US$/t for CIL w/POX material. Underground resource panels have a minimum width of 2m. 6. The NSR for heap leach material is calculated with the following formula: NSR ($/t) = US$71.98 x Au recovery x Au grade + US$0.84 x Ag recovery x Ag grade (g/t). The NSR for CIL material is calculated with the following formula: NSR ($/t) = US$68.34 x Au recovery x Au grade (g/t) + US$0.73 x Ag recovery x Ag grade (g/t). The NSR for CIL w/POX material is calculated with the following formula: NSR ($/t) = US$68.34 x Au recovery x Au grade (g/t) + US$0.73 x Ag recovery x Ag grade (g/T) + US$0.00146 x Zn recovery x Zn grade (ppm). 7. The gold equivalent (AuEq) for heap leach material is calculated with the following formula: Au grade (g/t) + (US$0.84 x Ag recovery x Ag grade (g/t)) /(US$71.98 x Au recovery). The AuEq for CIL material is calculated with the following formula: Au grade (g/t) + (US$0.73 x Ag recovery x Ag grade (g/t)) / (US$68.34 x Au recovery). The AuEq for CIL w/POX material is calculated with the following formula: Au grade (g/t) + (US$0.73 x Ag recovery x Ag grade (g/t)) / (US$68.34 x Au recovery) + (US$0.00146 x Zn recovery x Zn grade (ppm)) / (US$68.34 x Au recovery). 8. Numbers may not add due to rounding. The Mineral Resource estimate includes Inferred Mineral Resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The following factors, among others, could affect the mineral resource estimate: commodity price and exchange rate assumptions, pit slope angles, assumptions used in generating the resource pit shell and underground resource panels, including metal recoveries, and mining and process cost assumptions. Evolution of Camino Rojo Deposit: Orla's north-to-south drilling programs from Q4-2020 to Q4-2024, together with historical drilling data, have been instrumental in enhancing the geological model. This work has significantly refined the understanding of the distribution and geometry of sulphide-bearing veins hosted within the Caracol Formation, which includes both the oxide and much of the sulphide mineralization (except for Zone 22). Zone 22 had previously been partially intersected by historical drilling but lacked a supporting geological model to define its geometry or potential extension into the deeper carbonate-rich formations below the Caracol Formation. Orla's updated model enabled strategic drilling along a section drilled in 2023, targeting the down-plunge extension of the deposit. This drilling confirmed the model and supported follow-up drilling in 2024 to define and expand Zone 22. Initially, the development path for the sulphide component of the Camino Rojo deposit was conceived as a large open pit operation. However, initial estimates by previous operators, and later by Orla, indicated that such a scenario would require significant waste stripping, extension of the projected open pit onto a third-party property that Orla does not own, and construction of a large processing facility. The underground development scenario offers a more focused, high-value approach. This strategy involves selectively targeting higher-grade and more metallurgically favourable portions of the deposit (those amenable to direct cyanide leaching) as an initial phase of mining. Subsequent phases would address mineralization requiring pre-treatment, such as pressure oxidation, prior to cyanidation. Additionally, the underground development could operate in parallel with the ongoing oxide open pit. The upcoming PEA is expected to evaluate the underground mineral resource as an expansion of the current operation which would allow Orla to retain full project value. Development Pathway / Next Steps: Current and Planned Future Exploration In 2025, Orla is advancing a 15,000-metre drilling program aimed at upgrading and expanding the upper part of the Zone 22 resource, with 11,000 metres drilled to date. Visual drill intercepts continue to support the geological model and continuity of mineralization. This program is expected to be completed in the third quarter and is anticipated to extend and infill the down-plunge extension. The next phase of exploration to support the possible development of the underground deposit (including Zone 22) includes the planning of an underground exploration drift (decline). An exploration drift would provide access for tighter-spaced underground drilling aimed at further resource definition and, in parallel with technical studies, support advancement toward Mineral Reserve estimation. Permitting and early development planning is ongoing, and construction of an exploration drift could commence as early as 2026. In November 2024, Orla submitted permit applications to Mexico's environmental and natural resources agency, SEMARNAT (Mexico's Secretaria del Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales). These included amendments to the existing oxide open pit permit. Orla also requested permits for an underground portal and exploration drift to support a potential transition to underground mining at Camino Rojo. The underground portal would be established within the current final open pit. Preliminary Economic Study Engineering and metallurgical studies are currently underway and will intensify and expand, with the objective of delivering a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) in 2026. This PEA is expected to provide a conceptual operational plan and demonstrate the potential value for the development of the underground operations at Camino Rojo. Development Planning While establishing the plan for an exploration decline, Orla will continue metallurgical testing and other technical work with the goal of quickly progressing into feasibility level studies and final permitting for the complete underground operations and the required surface facilities. The aim of the conceptual development plan allows for a seamless transition from open pit mining to underground operations at Camino Rojo. Camino Rojo Deposit: The Camino Rojo deposit comprises three continuous zones with distinct characteristics: The Camino Rojo Oxide Deposit ("Camino Rojo Oxides"), The Camino Rojo Sulphide Deposit ("Camino Rojo Sulphides", or "Sulphides"); and Zone 22 (Figure 2a), an extension of the Sulphides. Longitudinal Sections of the Camino Rojo deposit show the three mineralized zones and new resource block model (Figure 2a), as well as the distribution of gold grades (Figure 2b). The Camino Rojo Oxide zone extends from surface to a vertical depth of approximately 250 metres, covering 900 metres along strike and up to 400 metres in width. The Camino Rojo Sulphide zone lies between 250 and 700 metres below surface (or up to one kilometre down plunge), extending approximately one kilometre along strike and up to 400 metres in width. Zone 22 mineralization has been defined over 500 metres along strike, extending from 700 to 1,300 metres vertical depth below surface (or over 1.2 kilometres down plunge), within a width of 200 to 400 metres, predominantly concentrated along and extending from the dike structure. Figure 3 is a representative cross-section of Zone 22, showing gold mineralization within the different host rock formations. Camino Rojo Oxide and Sulphides Geological Controls The Camino Rojo Oxide and Sulphides zones are predominantly hosted within flat-lying to gently dipping graded sandstone to mudstone beds of the Caracol Formation (Fm), as well as within a steeply northwest-dipping diorite dike. The dioritic dike shows true thicknesses ranging from tens of centimetres to tens of metres, reaching up to 24 metres, with an average of approximately seven metres. Both the Caracol Formation and diorite dike have undergone potassic alteration, predominantly characterized by pervasive adularia alteration. Gold mineralization in the Camino Rojo Sulphides zone is controlled by mutually crosscutting, centimetre-scale Au-Ag-ZnPb-bearing veins that dip moderately to steeply northwest and shallowly southwest. These vein sets define gold-bearing mineralized domains that are up to tens of metres thick. In the northeastern portion of the deposit, gold-bearing veins crosscut the dioritic dike. Down plunge, to the southwest and toward the base of the Caracol Formation, these veins continue to crosscut the dike and locally exploit the intrusive contact. Oxidation is pervasive within the upper 150-200 metres of the deposit, transitioning to sulphide mineralization between 200 and 250 metres below surface. However, oxidation extends as deep as 650 metres along structures. Zone 22: Initial drilling to resource in two years; open for upgrade and expansion Ongoing exploration at Camino Rojo continues to expand the deposit's footprint and refine geological understanding, defining additional mineralization beyond the currently outlined mineral resource. Drilling by Orla, guided by the updated geological model, has confirmed that mineralization extends into lower stratigraphic units, showing styles distinct from those hosted in the overlying Caracol Formation. Zone 22, which represents the vertical and down-plunge continuation of the Camino Rojo Sulphides, has been drilled to nearly one kilometre below the Caracol Formation, extending into the limestone-rich Indidura, Cuesta del Cura, La Pena, and Cupido formations. The zone remains open at depth and down-plunge. To date, mineralization has been identified across all rock formations exposed or drilled at Camino Rojo. The Indidura Formation marks the transition to semi-massive to massive sulphide (Au-Ag-Zn) replacement along bedding (manto) and dioritic dike margins. Individual manto intersections are typically decimetre-scale and are traceable for up to 300 metres along strike and up to 150 metres into the hanging wall and footwall of the dike. Calc-silicate skarn alteration and associated Au-Ag-Cu mineralization are constrained to a halo along the hanging wall and footwall of the dike, extending tens of metres from the dike. Metallurgical Test work and Recovery Model: Metallurgical testing of the Camino Rojo deposit has been conducted through multiple programs by previous operators. Since 2021, Orla has focused on defining optimal recovery processes and maximizing metal recoveries from higher-grade zones suitable for underground mining. This has included bottle roll, flotation, and oxidation test work on both master composite and variability samples from the Camino Rojo Sulphides. All Orla metallurgical studies for the Camino Rojo Sulphides have been completed by Blue Coast Research of Parksville, Canada under the guidance of Andrew Kelly, P.Eng. Based on the metallurgical testing results to date, three conceptual mineral resource process streams have been identified that inform the recovery model assumptions of the Camino Rojo underground mineral resource (Measured, Indicated, Inferred): Heap leach (existing infrastructure), 3% of the tonnage of the underground Mineral Resource, with gold recovery ranging from 40% to 70% Carbon -in-leach (CIL), 27% of the tonnage of the underground Mineral Resource, with a mean gold recovery of 92%, and a mean silver recovery of 36% CIL with Pressure Oxidation (POX): 70% of the tonnage of the underground Mineral Resource, with a mean gold recovery of 85%, and a mean silver recovery of 41%. A separate zinc concentrate can be produced prior to POX with zinc recovery of 80% expected from the highest-grade zones. Figures 4 and 5 illustrates the resource block model based on these three process streams in cross-sectional and longitudinal views, respectively. While some material in the Caracol-hosted mineralization may require POX as a pre-treatment, initial metallurgical results from variability testing in Zone 22 are encouraging, with cyanidation tests returning high gold recoveries, and flotation results demonstrating high zinc recovery at reasonable concentrate grades. Previous news releases outlining Orla's metallurgical test programs and results for Caracol and Zone 22 mineralization are available on the company's website, or under Orla's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca or and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. Metallurgical test work is continuing in 2025 to support the planned 2026 PEA, which would include a flow sheet for optimal treatment of the Camino Rojo mineralization. Mineral Resource Details The Camino Rojo underground Mineral Resource was estimated in accordance with the 2014 CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves, and the 2019 CIM Best Practice Guidelines for the Estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves. Geological modeling was completed by Orla in collaboration with SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd, integrating data from over 400,000 metres of core and 28,000 metres of reverse circulation (RC) drilling. This includes approximately 85,000 metres of drilling performed by Orla between 2020 and 2024. The estimate was generated using inverse distance cubed (ID) and inverse distance squared (ID2) interpolation, incorporating capping and outlier restriction of composites to limit the influence of high-grade outliers for gold (Au), silver (Ag), and zinc (Zn). Interpolations were constrained by mineralization domains corresponding to the different styles observed in both the oxide zone (including Kp alteration, high-grade veins, and low-grade shell) and the sulphide zone (including high-grade veins, mantos, skarn, and low-grade shell). Figure 6 presents the Camino Rojo mineral resource block model, classified as Measured, Indicated and Inferred categories. An updated technical report on Camino Rojo (the "Technical Report"), which will contain the Mineral Resource estimate discussed in this release, will be filed within 45 days of the date hereof in accordance with NI 43-101. The Technical Report is intended to be read as a whole, and sections should not be read or relied upon out of context. Data Verification Marie-Christine Gosselin, P.Geo., Senior Resource Geologist at SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd and the Qualified Person for the Camino Rojo Mineral Resource estimate, visited the site from January 22 to 25, 2024. During the visit, collar locations were verified, along with core storage, security, and sampling procedures. Core from both mineralized and unmineralized zones was examined. The database was reviewed and considered suitable for Mineral Resource estimation. Sampling and assay data from the drill core are monitored through a quality assurancequality control ("QA/QC") program designed to follow industry best practices. Qualified Persons Statement The scientific and technical information in this news release related to the mineral resource estimate was reviewed and approved by Marie-Christine Gosselin, P.Geo., Senior Resource Geologist with SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd, who is a Qualified Person as defined under NI 43-101. The contents of this news release pertaining to the metallurgical test program were provided, reviewed and approved by Andrew Kelly, P.Eng., of Blue Coast Research Ltd., who is a Qualified Person as defined under NI 43-101. All other scientific and technical information in this news release was also reviewed and approved by Mr. J. Andrew Cormier, P. Eng., Chief Operating Officer of the Company, and Mr. Sylvain Guerard, P. Geo., Senior Vice President, Exploration of the Company, who are Qualified Persons as defined under NI 43-101. Quality Assurance / Quality Control. For additional information on the Company's previously reported drill results, see the Company's news releases dated February 4, 2021 (Orla Mining Provides Exploration Update), September 12, 2022 (Orla Mining Advances Exploration & Growth Pipeline), January 31, 2023 (Orla Mining Continues to Intersect Wide, Higher-Grade Sulphide Zones and Expose Deeper Potential at Camino Rojo, Mexico), February 7, 2024 (Orla Mining Concludes 2023 Camino Rojo Sulphides Infill Program with Strong Results), June 26, 2024 (Orla Mining Reports Positive Drilling Intersections and Metallurgical Results at Camino Rojo Sulphide Extensions) and December 10, 2024 (Orla Expands High-Grade Mineralization 800 Metres Beyond Current Resource in Extension Drilling at Camino Rojo, Mexico). Historical drill results at Camino Rojo were completed by Goldcorp. Inc. ("Goldcorp"), a prior owner of the project. The independent Qualified Person for the mineral resource estimate, Marie-Christine Gosselin, P.Geo., Senior Resource Geologist with SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd, was of the opinion that the drilling and sampling procedures for Camino Rojo drill samples by Orla (and prior to its acquisition by Goldcorp, Canplats Resources Corporation) were reasonable and adequate for the purposes of the Mineral Resource estimate, and that the QA/QC program meets industry standards. About Orla Mining Ltd. Orla's corporate strategy is to acquire, develop, and operate mineral properties where the Company's expertise can substantially increase stakeholder value. The Company has three material projects, consisting of two operating mines and one development project, all 100% owned by the Company: (1) Camino Rojo, in Zacatecas State, Mexico, an operating gold and silver open-pit and heap leach mine. The property covers over 139,000 hectares which contains a large oxide and sulphide mineral resource, (2) Musselwhite Mine, in Northwestern Ontario, Canada, an underground gold mine that has been in operation for over 25 years and produced over 6 million ounces of gold, with a long history of resource growth and conversion, and (3) South Railroad, in Nevada, United States, a feasibility-stage, open pit, heap leach gold project located on the Carlin trend in Nevada. The technical reports for the Company's material projects are available on Orla's website at www.orlamining.com, and on SEDAR+ and EDGAR under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca and www.sec.gov, respectively. Forward-looking Statements This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation and within the meaning of Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the United States Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, or in releases made by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, all as may be amended from time to time, including, without limitation, statements regarding the mineral resource estimate; the development plan for the Camino Rojo Underground, including planned drilling and the goals and timing thereof, construction of an exploration drift, publication of a Preliminary Economic Assessment, and permitting; future resource expansion in Zone 22; continued metallurgical testwork to support the planned Preliminary Economic Assessment; and the Company's goals and objectives. 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 Company's management on the date the statements are made and they involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Certain material assumptions regarding such forward-looking statements were made, including without limitation, assumptions regarding: the future price of gold and silver; anticipated costs and the Company's ability to fund its programs; the Company's ability to carry on exploration, development, and mining activities; the Company's ability to successfully integrate the Musselwhite Mine; tonnage of ore to be mined and processed; ore grades and recoveries; decommissioning and reclamation estimates; currency exchange rates remaining as estimated; prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services remaining as estimated; the Company's ability to secure and to meet obligations under property agreements, including the layback agreement with Fresnillo plc; that all conditions of the Company's credit facility will be met; the timing and results of drilling programs; mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates and the assumptions on which they are based; the discovery of mineral resources and mineral reserves on the Company's mineral properties; that political and legal developments will be consistent with current expectations; the timely receipt of required approvals and permits, including those approvals and permits required for successful project permitting, construction, and operation of projects; the timing of cash flows; the costs of operating and exploration expenditures; the Company's ability to operate in a safe, efficient, and effective manner; the Company's ability to obtain financing as and when required and on reasonable terms; that the Company's activities will be in accordance with the Company's public statements and stated goals; and that there will be no material adverse change or 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: uncertainty and variations in the estimation of mineral resources and mineral reserves; risks related to the Company's indebtedness and gold prepayment; risks related to exploration, development, and operation activities; foreign country and political risks, including risks relating to foreign operations; tailings risks; reclamation costs; delays in obtaining or failure to obtain governmental permits, or non-compliance with permits; environmental and other regulatory requirements; loss of, delays in, or failure to get access from surface rights owners; uncertainties related to title to mineral properties; water rights; risks related to natural disasters, terrorist acts, health crises, and other disruptions and dislocations; financing risks and access to additional capital; risks related to guidance estimates and uncertainties inherent in the preparation of feasibility studies; uncertainty in estimates of production, capital, and operating costs and potential production and cost overruns; the fluctuating price of gold and silver; risks related to the Cerro Quema Project; unknown labilities in connection with acquisitions; global financial conditions; uninsured risks; climate change risks; competition from other companies and individuals; conflicts of interest; risks related to compliance with anti-corruption laws; volatility in the market price of the Company's securities; assessments by taxation authorities in multiple jurisdictions; foreign currency fluctuations; the Company's limited operating history; litigation risks; the Company's ability to identify, complete, and successfully integrate acquisitions; intervention by non-governmental organizations; outside contractor risks; risks related to historical data; the Company not having paid a dividend; risks related to the Company's foreign subsidiaries; risks related to the Company's accounting policies and internal controls; the Company's ability to satisfy the requirements of SarbanesOxley Act of 2002; enforcement of civil liabilities; the Company's status as a passive foreign investment company (PFIC) for U.S. federal income tax purposes; information and cyber security; the Company's significant shareholders; gold industry concentration; shareholder activism; other risks associated with executing the Company's objectives and strategies; 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 18, 2025, which are available on www.sedarplus.ca and www.sec.gov. 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 management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Cautionary Note to U.S. Readers This news release has been prepared in accordance with Canadian standards for the reporting of mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates, which differ from the previous and current standards of the United States 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 news release are Canadian mineral disclosure terms as defined in accordance with NI 43-101 and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (the "CIM") CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, adopted by the CIM Council, as amended (the "CIM Definition Standards"). For United States reporting purposes, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") has adopted amendments to its disclosure rules (the "SEC Modernization Rules") to modernize the mining property disclosure requirements for issuers whose securities are registered with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The SEC Modernization Rules more closely align the SEC's disclosure requirements and policies for mining properties with current industry and global regulatory practices and standards, including NI 43-101, and replace the historical property disclosure requirements for mining registrants that were included in Industry Guide 7 under the U.S. Securities Act. As a foreign private issuer that is eligible to file reports with the SEC pursuant to the multijurisdictional disclosure system (MJDS), the Company is not required to provide disclosure on its mineral properties under the SEC Modernization Rules and provides disclosure under NI 43-101 and the CIM Definition Standards. Accordingly, mineral reserve and mineral resource information contained in this news release may not be comparable to similar information disclosed by United States companies. As a result of the adoption of the SEC Modernization Rules, the SEC now recognizes estimates of "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources" and "inferred mineral resources." In addition, the SEC has amended its definitions of "proven mineral reserves" and "probable mineral reserves" to be "substantially similar" to the corresponding CIM Definition Standards that are required under NI 43-101. While the above terms are "substantially similar" to CIM Definition Standards, there are differences in the definitions under the SEC Modernization Rules and the CIM Definition Standards. There is no assurance any mineral reserves or mineral resources that the Company may report as "proven mineral reserves", "probable mineral reserves", "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources" and "inferred mineral resources" under NI 43-101 would be the same had the Company prepared the reserve or resource estimates under the standards adopted under the SEC Modernization Rules. Accordingly, information contained in this news release may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements under the United States federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. Vancouver, British Columbia TheNewswire - June 5th, 2025 Prismo Metals Inc. (the Company) (CSE: PRIZ) (OTCQB: PMOMF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Gordon Aldcorn as President, effective immediately. I am honored to take on the role of President at Prismo Metals during this exciting phase of the Companys growth, said Mr. Aldcorn. Prismo has built a compelling portfolio of high-potential precious and base metal projects in Mexico and Arizona, supported by a strong technical foundation and a clear exploration focus. I look forward to working with the Prismo team and valued partners to unlock further value for shareholders and advance our strategic. With a commitment to responsible mineral exploration and long-term stakeholder engagement, Mr. Aldcorn brings over 20 years of experience in capital markets and junior public company development including the past five years in corporate management of copper/gold exploration projects. I am pleased that Gordon has agreed to join Prismo as President, taking over from Steve Robertson who transitions back to being an advisor, a role he took on back in January 2023, said Alain Lambert, CEO of Prismo. I have known Gordon for many years, and I look forward to working with him to bolster our exploration and capital markets activities. Prismo Metals Inc. thanks outgoing President Steve Robertson for his service and leadership and is pleased Mr. Robertson will remain with Prismo in an advisory role. I look forward to continuing to provide technical guidance in the role of Advisor as we go forward. Prismos Hot Breccia project remains one of the most compelling copper exploration projects I have seen, and I am committed to helping Prismo move this project forward, said Steve Robertson. Prismos priority remains to undertake a 5,000-meter drill program at our Hot Breccia copper project located in the heart of the prolific Arizona Copper Belt. To achieve this important milestone, Prismo continues to engage in discussions with both potential investors and strategic partners already present in our district or wanting to gain a foothold in the district. Regarding our Palos Verdes silver project in Mexico, the Company continues to track the tremendous progress of our strategic partner Vizsla Silver Corp. as they move their exploration activities towards the northeast side of the Panuco district, where Palos Verdes is located. Finally, Prismo has recently been evaluating a select number of projects in North America that can provide tremendous exploration upside at attractive financial conditions. Current market conditions are favorable for acquisition of precious metals and copper projects at advantageous terms and conditions. We favor drill ready projects in America close to excellent infrastructure, said Dr. Craig Gibson, Chief Exploration Officer of Prismo. We feel that being active in exploring a third project would greatly add to shareholder value. The Board of Directors is confident that Mr. Aldcorns leadership will further strengthen Prismos position in the junior exploration space and support the advancement of its flagship Palos Verdes and Hot Breccia projects. Mr. Aldcorn was issued an aggregate of 150,000 restricted share units (the RSUs). Each RSU entitles the holder to be issued one Common Share on vesting. The RSUs will vest over one year, with one-third of the Options vesting every three months. Mr. Aldcorn was also granted 650,000 stock options (the Options). The Options are each exercisable to purchase one common share of the Company at an exercise price of $0.075 for a period of five years. The Options will vest over one year, with one-third of the Options vesting every three months. About Prismo Metals Inc. Prismo (CSE: PRIZ) is a mining exploration company focused on advancing its Hot Breccia copper project in Arizona and its Palos Verdes silver project in Mexico. Prismo Metals Inc. 1100 - 1111 Melville St., Vancouver, British Columbia V6E 3V6 Contact: Alain Lambert, Chief Executive Officer This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Gordon Alcorn, President This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as intends or anticipates, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results may, could, should, would or occur. This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forwardlooking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, estimates and forecasts and statements as to management's expectations and intentions with respect to, among other things: the timing, costs and results of drilling at Hot Breccia. These forwardlooking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things: delays in obtaining or failure to obtain appropriate funding to finance the exploration program at Hot Breccia. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that: the ability to raise capital to fund the drilling campaign at Hot Breccia and the timing of such drilling campaign. 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. June 5th, 2025 TheNewswire - Muskoka, Ontario Steadright Critical Minerals Inc. (CSE::SCM) (Steadright or the Company) is pleased to announce an MOU has been signed with the shareholders of NSM Capital, a Moroccan company controlling 160 sq. kms of contiguous mineral exploration licences containing highly prospective Titanium Dioxide (TiO2). Titanium Dioxide is classified as a Critical and Strategic Mineral in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and a significant amount of the worlds other countries. Steadright can earn up to 80% in the TitanBeach Titanium Project, which contains contiguous mineral exploration licenses in the Cape Juby Strip, known for its Titanium rich beach sands on the Atlantic coastline of Morocco. Steadright has engaged an independent 43-101 study, to be immediately commenced within the next week, to follow up on the project. There have been a number of academic studies on the economic potential of the Moroccan beach sands. Rutile TiO has seen a steady increase in price, as have other critical minerals, all due to similar factors in the marketplace. In recent years the world has seen increased demand for critical minerals, growing supply chain disruptions, rising raw material costs and major suppliers such as China increasing their export prices. Trade wars and regulations have also impacted global trade and contributed to the overall price hike. With only a few of the worlds suppliers dominating the market, TiO2 is in strong demand. The TitanBeach Titanium licences can be converted to exploitation (production) licences once exploration work has been performed and sufficient resources have been outlined to support reserve estimates and a positive economic project. A recent historical sample done in 2023 from the MOU property shows 42 % Fe and 4.7% Ti. Further samples are being obtained with the new 43-101 report commencing. Figure #1 Region Map Cape Juby Strip Proceedings of the Geologistss Association, volume 134, Issue 3, June 2023. Pgs 329-343 CEO, Matt Lewis states, Morocco has a growing economy and is a friendly mining jurisdiction with a host of critical minerals. The countrys 5-Year tax free incentive for Mineral Producers is a prime example of how a smart, safe and secure jurisdiction that wants its miners to succeed, operates. I am very excited about the potential of Morocco and the TitanBeach Titanium Project - and Steadright firmly believes that the time for investment in mining in Morocco is now. Qualified Person Mr. Robert Palkovits, P. Geo, a consultant to Steadright, who is a qualified person (QP) under the National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure of Mineral Projects has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this press release. ABOUT STREADRIGHT CRITICAL MINERALS INC. Steadright Critical Minerals Inc. is a mineral exploration company established in 2019. Steadright has been focused in 2025 on finding exploration projects that can be brought into production within the critical mineral space. Steadright currently holds an option on its RAM property near Port Cartier, Quebec within the Cote-Nord Region, which is accessible by route 138. The RAM project is comprised of over 13,000 acres and located on an Anorthositic complex that is in a highly prospective geological unit and historically been under explored for Ni, Cu, Co and precious metals. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS For further information, please contact: Matt Lewis CEO & Director Steadright Critical Minerals Inc. Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Web: www.steadright.ca Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange (the CSE) nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Steadright to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: there is no certainty that the ongoing programs will result in significant or successful exploration and development of Steadrights properties; uncertainty as to the actual results of exploration and development or operational activities; uncertainty as to the availability and terms of future financing on acceptable terms; uncertainty as to timely availability of permits and other governmental approvals; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; capital market conditions and market prices for securities, junior market securities and mining exploration company securities; commodity prices; the actual results of current exploration and development or operational activities; competition; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; accidents and other risks inherent in the mining industry; lack of insurance; delay or failure to receive board or regulatory approvals; changes in legislation, including environmental legislation or income tax legislation, affecting Steadright; conclusions of economic evaluations; and lack of qualified, skilled labour or loss of key individuals. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, unless an exemption from such registration is available. Not for distribution to United States Newswire Services or for dissemination in the United States MONTREAL, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aya Gold & Silver Inc. (TSX: AYA; OTCQX: AYASF) (Aya or the Corporation) is pleased to announce new high-grade drill exploration results from its 2024 - 2025 program at Boumadine in the Kingdom of Morocco. Today's results extend the Imariren mineralized trend by 400 meters (m), confirming high-grade continuity along the Boumadine Main Trend. In addition, Aya is pleased to announce the addition of four (4) new permits to the west, expanding the Boumadine exploration footprint by 15.7% to over 314.5 square kilometers (km2). Highlights1 High-Grade Intercepts on the Boumadine Main Trend: BOU-DD25-516 intercepted 5,373 grams per tonne (g/t) silver equivalent (AgEq) over 0.5m (66.7 g/t gold (Au), 111 g/t silver (Ag), 1.6% zinc (Zn), 1.0% lead (Pb) and 0.1% copper (Cu) and 114 g/t AgEq over 9.0m (1.24 g/t Au, 6 g/t Ag, 0.2% Zn, 0.1% Pb and 0.1% Cu) BOU-DD25-513 intercepted 591 g/t AgEq over 1.8m (5.19 g/t Au, 118 g/t Ag, 1.0% Zn, 0.2% Pb and 0.5% Cu) and 698 g/t AgEq over 2.9m (5.52 g/t Au, 109 g/t Ag, 5.2% Zn, 0.2% Pb and 0.3% Cu) BOU-DD24-465 intercepted 199 g/t AgEq over 10.6m (0.48 g/t Au, 81 g/t Ag, 2.0% Zn, 1.3% Pb and 0.02% Cu) High-Grade Intercepts on the Tizi Zone: BOU-DD24-478 intercepted 460 g/t AgEq over 3.3m (4.61 g/t Au, 75 g/t Ag, 0.5% Zn, 0.1% Pb and 0.1% Cu) BOU-DD24-474 intercepted 302 g/t AgEq over 4.0m (2.38 g/t Au, 37 g/t Ag, 2.5% Zn, 0.6% Pb and 0.1% Cu) Extension of the Imariren Strike Length to 0.7km: BOU-DD25-509 intercepted 296 g/t AgEq over 9.3m (2.18 g/t Au, 62 g/t Ag, 1.5% Zn, 0.7% Pb and 0.1% Cu), including 1.6m at 897 g/t AgEq BOU-DD25-504 intercepted 349 g/t AgEq over 6.6m (3.69 g/t Au, 46 g/t Ag, 0.3% Zn, 0.2% Pb and 0.05% Cu), including 1.2m at 851 g/t AgEq BOU-DD25-511 intercepted 449 g/t AgEq over 4.9m (1.95 g/t Au, 270 g/t Ag, 0.6% Zn, 0.1% Pb and 0.1% Cu) Acquired one (1) mining licence and three (3) exploration permits totaling 42.9 km 2 in the Boumadine area (Figure 3). Completed 72,044m of drilling at Boumadine so far in 2025. 1. All intersections are in core lengths. Ag equivalent is based on a silver price of US$24/oz with a process recovery of 89%, a gold price of US$2,200/oz with a process recovery of 85%, a zinc price of US$1.20/lb with a process recovery of 72%, a lead price of US$1.00/lb with a process recovery of 85%, and a copper price of US$4.00/lb with a process recovery of 75% resulting in the following ratios: 1g/t Au: 77.9 g/t Ag; 1% Cu: 85.4 g/t Ag; 1% Pb: 24.2 g/t Ag; and 1% Zn: 24.6 g/t Ag. Todays high-grade drill exploration results highlight the scale and continuity of Boumadine and mark a significant step in unlocking its full potential, said Benoit La Salle, President & CEO. High-grade holes BOU-DD25-513 and BOU-DD25-516 confirm strong continuity of the Boumadine Main Trend at depththis is the backbone of the deposit and will form the foundation of our upcoming PEA. Drilling continues to expand the footprint, with extensions to the north at Imariren and new intercepts at depth on the parallel Tizi structure. Boumadine continues to demonstrate the potential to become a large-scale, high-grade deposit with mineralization open in all directions. With four new permits secured, a consolidated 314 km land package, and exploration rights over 600 km, we are in a strong position to continue creating value. Table 1 Significant Intercepts from Boumadine Drill Exploration Program (Core Lengths) DDH No. Section Zone From To Au Ag Length* Cu Pb Zn Mo Ag Eq** (m) (m) (g/t) (g/t) (m) (%) (%) (%) (g/t) (g/t) BOU-DD24-387 5000N Boumadine 378.3 381.0 0.37 297 2.7 0.0 3.7 3.2 74 497 BOU-DD24-442 6425N Boumadine 173.7 178.3 0.20 73 4.6 0.1 1.3 4.9 178 248 BOU-DD24-442 6425N Boumadine 205.0 212.4 0.69 33 7.4 0.0 0.5 0.8 289 126 BOU-DD24-453 7025N Boumadine 164.4 169.6 2.68 38 5.2 0.2 0.2 0.7 12 284 Including 164.4 168.1 3.44 45 3.7 0.2 0.1 0.2 14 341 BOU-DD24-465 9050N Boumadine 128.8 139.4 0.48 81 10.6 0.0 1.3 2.0 9 199 BOU-DD24-472 3477600 Tizi 125.8 128.7 3.78 29 2.9 0.1 0.7 1.8 17 394 BOU-DD24-473 10250N Boumadine 282.7 288.1 1.48 54 5.4 0.1 1.1 1.7 6 243 BOU-DD24-474 3477600 Tizi 48.0 52.0 2.38 37 4.0 0.0 0.6 2.5 56 302 BOU-DD24-475 10250N Boumadine 359.2 369.3 0.94 50 10.1 0.1 1.0 1.4 6 189 BOU-DD24-475 10250N Boumadine 405.4 407.1 5.62 257 1.7 0.4 0.3 3.5 6 820 BOU-DD24-478 3477600 Tizi 459.4 462.7 4.61 75 3.3 0.1 0.1 0.5 11 460 BOU-DD24-486 3477600 Imariren 350.5 352.2 4.81 143 1.7 0.3 0.1 0.2 7 549 BOU-DD24-487 9050N Boumadine 483.1 486.5 3.36 225 3.4 0.1 0.1 0.0 2 502 BOU-MP24-015 3478300 East-West 475.0 476.6 0.05 774 1.6 0.1 0.1 0.1 4 788 BOU-DD25-493 9050N Boumadine 423.0 431.0 1.19 16 8.0 0.0 0.2 1.1 3 142 BOU-DD25-497 9850N Imariren 184.6 190.8 1.93 18 6.2 0.1 0.1 0.9 3 201 BOU-DD25-501 9850N Imariren 93.0 99.0 1.73 48 6.0 0.1 0.2 0.5 16 210 Including 93.6 96.0 3.78 93 2.4 0.2 0.1 0.2 15 413 BOU-DD25-501 9850N Imariren 192.5 200.1 1.68 7 7.6 0.1 0.0 0.0 6 146 BOU-DD25-502 9250N Boumadine 161.5 169.3 0.99 26 7.8 0.1 0.4 3.0 17 191 Including 161.5 162.7 3.06 95 1.2 0.3 1.5 15.1 10 763 BOU-DD25-504 10050N Imariren 141.0 147.6 3.69 46 6.6 0.1 0.2 0.3 3 349 Including 141.0 142.2 10.34 37 1.2 0.0 0.1 0.1 3 851 BOU-DD25-506 9850N Boumadine 297.3 302.3 3.19 48 5.0 0.1 0.1 0.1 2 312 Including 297.3 299.5 4.45 50 2.2 0.1 0.0 0.1 2 413 BOU-DD25-507 9850N Boumadine 487.0 493.2 1.74 13 6.2 0.1 0.0 0.0 2 156 BOU-DD25-508 10050N Imariren 227.0 228.6 4.98 143 1.6 0.3 0.2 2.5 3 619 BOU-DD25-509 10050N Imariren 282.1 291.4 2.18 62 9.3 0.1 0.7 1.5 2 296 Including 289.8 291.4 7.16 215 1.6 0.5 0.2 3.2 3 897 BOU-DD25-511 10050N Imariren 311.1 316.0 1.95 270 4.9 0.1 0.1 0.6 8 449 BOU-DD25-512 10050N Imariren 338.0 339.0 15.86 1 1.0 0.0 0.1 0.3 4 1247 BOU-DD25-513 9850N Boumadine 365.3 367.1 5.19 118 1.8 0.5 0.2 1.0 2 591 BOU-DD25-513 9850N Boumadine 374.8 377.7 5.52 109 2.9 0.3 0.2 5.2 4 698 BOU-DD25-516 9050N Boumadine 498.0 507.0 1.24 6 9.0 0.1 0.1 0.2 2 114 BOU-DD25-516 9050N Boumadine 648.5 649.0 66.66 111 0.5 0.1 1.0 1.6 6 5373 * True width remains undetermined at this stage; all values are uncut. ** Ag equivalent is based on a silver price of US$24/oz with a process recovery of 89%, a gold price of US$2,200/oz with a process recovery of 85%, a zinc price of US$1.20/lb with a process recovery of 72%, a lead price of US$1.00/lb with a process recovery of 85%, and a copper price of US$4.00/lb with a process recovery of 75% resulting in the following ratios: 1g/t Au: 77.9 g/t Ag; 1% Cu: 85.4 g/t Ag; 1% Pb: 24.2 g/t Ag; and 1% Zn: 24.6 g/t Ag Figure 1 - Boumadine Mining Licence Surface Plan with Magnetic Data (Residual Total Field) and 2025 Drill Holes Figure 2 - Boumadine Property Surface Plan with 2025 Drill Holes 2025 Exploration Results This year, 140 diamond drill holes (DDH), 31 reverse circulation holes (RC) and 11 multi-purpose drill holes (MP) totaling 72,044m have been completed at Boumadine (Figure 1, Figure 2 and Appendix 2). Drilling was conducted on strike along the Main Trend (North Zones), Tizi, Imariren as well as on some regional targets. The majority of results have been received for drill holes up to BOU-DD25-530 (Table 1, Figure 3, and Appendix 1). Results received so far in 2025, including hole BOU-DD24-465, BOU-DD25-513 and BOU-DD25-516, confirm the high-grade continuity of the Main Trend, which remains open in all directions. Todays results, with BOU-DD25-504, BOU-DD25-509 and BOU-DD25-511, also confirm the continuity of the Imariren Zone and extend Tizi mineralization to 0.7km. The Imariren Zone also remains open in all directions. Hole BOU-MP24-015 returned high-grade silver results including 774 g/t Ag over 1.6m in an east-west structure. The main mineralization generally measures 1m to 4m wide (locally reaching over a 10m width) N340-oriented massive sulphide lenses/veins sharply dipping eastward (> 70). The massive sulphide veins (>80%) are mainly composed of pyrite, with variable proportions of sphalerite, galena, and chalcopyrite. Tizi and Imariren share the same characteristics except for their N000 orientation. Figures 4 shows the newly acquired permits expanding the Boumadine exploration footprint by 15.7% to over 314.5 km2. Figure 3 Surface Plan of Boumadine North, Imariren and Tizi Zones with New DDH Results Figure 4 Surface Map of Boumadine Property with Apparent Conductivity at 175Hz and New Permits Next Steps Significant upside potential exists to expand the Boumadine Main Trend, which currently extends 5.4km and remains open in all directions. Currently, the Corporation has mobilized 6 drill rigs to complete the 100,000m to 140,000m drilling program. Half of the drilling will focus along the Main Trend and Tizi to continue extending the known mineralization trend along strike and at depth and to infill known areas advancing the project towards a preliminary economic assessment. The remaining 50% will focus on greenfield exploration designed to test geological hypotheses and drill targets generated from the past three years of work. The results from ongoing geology work will determine additional development work. Technical Information Aya has implemented a quality control program to comply with best practices in sampling and analysis of drill core and RC chips. For core drilling, all individual samples represent approximately one meter in length of core, which is halved. Half of the core is kept on site for reference, and its counterpart is sent for preparation and assaying to African Laboratory for Mining and Environment (Afrilab) in Marrakech, Morocco. For drilling using RC, all individual samples represent 1.0m in length and a representative portion is kept for every meter in some chip trays stored on site. A split sample representing 1/16th, ranging from 2 to 4 kilograms is sent for preparation and assaying to African Laboratory for Mining and Environment (Afrilab) in Marrakech, Morocco. All samples are analyzed for silver, copper, iron, lead, zinc, tin, and molybdenum using Aqua regia and finished by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Samples grading above 200 g/t Ag are reanalyzed using fire assaying. Gold is assayed by fire assaying. Standards of different grades and blanks were inserted every 20 samples in addition to the standards, blanks and pulp duplicate inserted by Afrilab. Qualified Person The scientific and technical information contained in this press release have been reviewed by David Lalonde, B. Sc, Vice-President Exploration, Qualified Person, for accuracy and compliance with National Instrument 43-101. About Aya Gold & Silver Inc. Aya Gold & Silver Inc. is a rapidly growing, Canada-based silver producer with operations in the Kingdom of Morocco. The only TSX-listed pure silver mining company, Aya operates the high-grade Zgounder Silver Mine and is exploring its properties along the prospective South-Atlas Fault, several of which have hosted past-producing mines and historical resources. Ayas management team maximizes shareholder value by anchoring sustainability at the heart of its production, resource, governance, and financial growth plans. For additional information, please visit Ayas website at www.ayagoldsilver.com or contact: Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain statements that constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws (forward-looking statements), which reflects management's expectations regarding Ayas future growth and business prospects (including the timing and development of new deposits and the success of exploration activities) and other opportunities. Wherever possible, words such as continuity, confirm, continue, potential, advance, targets, confirming, potential, advancing, expand, belief, and similar expressions or statements that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might, will, or are likely to be taken, occur or be achieved, have been used to identify such forward-looking information. Specific forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements and information with respect to the exploration and development potential of Boumadine and the advancement of and success of the exploration program at Boumadine, and timing for the release of the Company's disclosure in connection with the foregoing. Although the forward-looking information contained in this press release reflect management's current beliefs based upon information currently available to management and based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, Aya cannot be certain that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking information. Such forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions, opinions and analysis made by management in light of its experience, current conditions, and its expectations of future developments that management believe to be reasonable and relevant but that may prove to be incorrect. These assumptions include, among other things, the ability to obtain any requisite governmental approvals, the accuracy of Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource Estimates (including, but not limited to, ore tonnage and ore grade estimates), silver price, exchange rates, fuel and energy costs, future economic conditions, anticipated future estimates of free cash flow, and courses of action. Aya cautions you not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties that may affect forward-looking statements include, among others: the inherent risks involved in exploration and development of mineral properties, including government approvals and permitting, changes in economic conditions, changes in the worldwide price of silver and other key inputs, changes in mine plans (including, but not limited to, throughput and recoveries being affected by metallurgical characteristics) and other factors, such as project execution delays, many of which are beyond the control of Aya, as well as other risks and uncertainties which are more fully described in Aya's 2024 Annual Information Form dated March 31, 2025, and in other filings of Aya with securities and regulatory authorities which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Aya does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements should assumptions related to these plans, estimates, projections, beliefs, and opinions change. Nothing in this document should be construed as either an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy or sell Aya securities. All references to Aya include its subsidiaries unless the context requires otherwise. Appendix 1 Full Drill Results from Boumadine (core lengths) DDH No. Section Zone From To Au Ag Length* Cu Pb Zn Mo Ag Eq** (m) (m) (g/t) (g/t) (m) (%) (%) (%) (g/t) (g/t) BOU-DD24-367 5200N Boumadine 604.0 604.6 0.47 64 0.6 0.0 0.1 1.2 417 142 BOU-DD24-367 5200N Boumadine 620.7 622.7 0.33 26 2.0 0.0 0.1 0.4 46 65 BOU-DD24-367 5200N Boumadine 624.5 625.0 0.28 24 0.5 0.0 0.1 0.2 14 52 BOU-DD24-377 5000N NSR 0.0 654.3 0.00 0 654.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0 BOU-DD24-378 5000N NSR 0.0 568.1 0.00 0 568.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0 BOU-DD24-379 Sud1 NSR 0.0 525.0 0.00 0 525.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0 BOU-DD24-380 Sud1 NSR 0.0 597.0 0.00 0 597.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0 BOU-DD24-381 5200N Boumadine 585.7 586.3 1.14 16 0.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 34 107 BOU-DD24-382 5200N NSR 0.0 566.6 0.00 0 566.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0 BOU-DD24-383 5000N Boumadine 457.0 458.0 0.61 44 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 4 93 BOU-DD24-383 5000N Boumadine 488.5 490.4 0.63 70 1.9 0.0 0.3 1.2 45 159 BOU-DD24-384 Sud1 NSR 0.0 219.8 0.00 0 219.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0 BOU-DD24-385 Sud1 NSR 0.0 799.6 0.00 0 799.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0 BOU-DD24-386 5200N NSR 0.0 158.6 0.00 0 158.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0 BOU-DD24-387 5000N Boumadine 378.3 381.0 0.37 297 2.7 0.0 3.7 3.2 74 497 BOU-DD24-419 West_Mag NSR 0.0 466.0 0.00 0 466.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0 BOU-DD24-430 6000N Boumadine 108.0 110.0 0.41 4 2.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 3 38 BOU-DD24-430 6000N Boumadine 183.8 184.7 0.03 2 0.9 0.6 0.0 0.0 1 54 BOU-DD24-430 6000N Boumadine 187.5 188.3 0.03 4 0.8 0.9 0.1 0.0 6 86 BOU-DD24-430 6000N Boumadine 448.0 449.0 0.52 3 1.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 5 49 BOU-DD24-430 6000N Boumadine 1,007.0 1,008.0 0.41 15 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 3 48 BOU-DD24-430 6000N Boumadine 1,015.0 1,016.0 0.48 47 1.0 0.0 0.4 0.1 9 101 BOU-DD24-433 East-West NSR 0.0 534.7 0.00 0 534.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0 BOU-DD24-435 3478300 Tizi 37.8 38.4 0.14 38 0.6 0.0 1.0 2.8 10 144 BOU-DD24-435 3478300 Tizi 333.3 333.8 0.30 35 0.5 0.1 0.5 0.7 2 95 BOU-DD24-435 3478300 Tizi 334.7 335.6 0.30 46 0.9 0.1 0.5 0.9 2 109 BOU-DD24-438 6400N Boumadine 134.2 138.0 0.22 78 3.8 0.0 0.8 3.6 1,065 229 BOU-DD24-438 6400N Boumadine 141.3 146.0 0.44 79 4.7 0.0 1.0 1.5 256 182 Including 141.3 142.3 0.86 248 1.0 0.0 4.0 3.7 619 517 BOU-DD24-438 6400N Boumadine 148.8 150.5 0.47 21 1.7 0.0 0.1 0.1 58 64 BOU-DD24-438 6400N Boumadine 153.0 154.0 0.74 9 1.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 165 76 BOU-DD24-438 6400N Boumadine 158.0 159.1 0.46 79 1.1 0.0 0.4 4.4 279 240 BOU-DD24-438 6400N Boumadine 165.0 165.7 0.08 83 0.7 0.4 0.5 3.3 21 215 BOU-DD24-438 6400N Boumadine 169.2 171.0 0.85 35 1.8 0.1 1.4 2.7 48 206 BOU-DD24-441 West_Sect2 NSR 0.0 701.6 0.00 0 701.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0 BOU-DD24-442 6425N Boumadine 149.2 150.0 0.91 105 0.8 0.1 0.6 8.7 27 412 BOU-DD24-442 6425N Boumadine 156.7 157.4 1.06 74 0.7 0.1 1.1 4.2 346 299 BOU-DD24-442 6425N Boumadine 162.0 163.0 0.47 23 1.0 0.0 0.5 0.7 32 89 BOU-DD24-442 6425N Boumadine 163.8 164.7 0.54 57 0.9 0.0 0.5 2.4 288 176 BOU-DD24-442 6425N Boumadine 173.7 178.3 0.20 73 4.6 0.1 1.3 4.9 178 248 BOU-DD24-442 6425N Boumadine 181.3 181.9 1.29 70 0.6 0.0 1.6 2.5 159 275 BOU-DD24-442 6425N Boumadine 186.0 187.0 0.54 28 1.0 0.0 0.1 2.3 35 132 BOU-DD24-442 6425N Boumadine 189.0 190.0 1.41 90 1.0 0.0 1.3 4.3 15 339 BOU-DD24-442 6425N Boumadine 205.0 212.4 0.69 33 7.4 0.0 0.5 0.8 289 126 BOU-DD24-443 6400N Boumadine 228.3 230.4 0.87 36 2.1 0.0 0.4 1.6 3 155 BOU-DD24-443 6400N Boumadine 231.3 232.2 0.50 30 0.9 0.0 0.4 0.8 3 98 BOU-DD24-443 6400N Boumadine 270.9 271.4 0.42 72 0.5 0.0 0.9 1.9 6 174 BOU-DD24-443 6400N Boumadine 279.0 280.0 0.99 40 1.0 0.0 0.6 5.1 4 257 BOU-DD24-444 West_Sect2 NSR 0.0 593.3 0.00 0 593.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0 BOU-DD24-445 West_Sect2 NSR 0.0 614.4 0.00 0 614.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0 BOU-DD24-446 West_Sect2 NSR 0.0 633.0 0.00 0 633.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0 BOU-DD24-453 7025N Boumadine 162.4 163.4 0.66 6 1.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 2 64 BOU-DD24-453 7025N Boumadine 164.4 169.6 2.68 38 5.2 0.2 0.2 0.7 12 284 Including 164.4 168.1 3.44 45 3.7 0.2 0.1 0.2 14 341 BOU-DD24-454 EastTarget1 NSR 0.0 498.0 0.00 0 498.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0 BOU-DD24-457 West_Sect2 NSR 0.0 675.0 0.00 0 675.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0 BOU-DD24-458 West_Sect2 NSR 0.0 603.0 0.00 0 603.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0 BOU-DD24-459 West_Sect3 NSR 0.0 621.0 0.00 0 621.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0 BOU-DD24-461 EastTarget1 New 128.0 129.0 2.01 1 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 4 161 BOU-DD24-462 West_Sect3 NSR 0.0 597.0 0.00 0 597.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0 BOU-DD24-463 EastTarget1 New 695.0 696.0 0.03 61 1.0 1.5 0.1 0.0 6 192 BOU-DD24-464 3477600 Tizi 126.4 127.0 0.51 55 0.6 0.0 0.4 2.1 21 155 BOU-DD24-465 9050N Boumadine 123.9 124.9 0.18 54 1.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 10 75 BOU-DD24-465 9050N inc 135.0 137.1 0.96 128 2.1 0.0 2.5 3.9 11 362 BOU-DD24-465 9050N Boumadine 128.8 139.4 0.48 81 10.6 0.0 1.3 2.0 9 199 BOU-DD24-466 3477600 Tizi 50.8 51.6 0.50 3 0.8 0.0 0.0 0.1 10 45 BOU-DD24-466 3477600 Tizi 61.2 64.5 2.11 87 3.3 0.1 0.4 0.1 27 268 Including 61.8 63.2 4.41 146 1.4 0.1 0.2 0.1 47 509 BOU-DD24-466 3477600 Tizi 193.2 195.1 0.43 36 1.9 0.0 0.6 4.0 8 186 BOU-DD24-466 3477600 Tizi 206.3 207.3 0.90 8 1.0 0.0 0.1 2.5 5 145 BOU-DD24-467 7650N NSR 0.0 413.5 0.00 0 413.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0 BOU-DD24-468 10250N Boumadine 137.0 137.6 0.33 52 0.6 0.0 1.8 2.4 8 183 BOU-DD24-469 EastTarget1 NSR 0.0 614.0 0.00 0 614.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0 BOU-DD24-470 10250N Boumadine 166.3 167.3 2.77 20 1.0 0.0 0.8 1.4 12 292 BOU-DD24-470 10250N Boumadine 173.0 174.0 0.91 4 1.0 0.1 0.2 0.9 4 107 BOU-DD24-470 10250N Boumadine 324.3 324.9 0.45 33 0.6 0.0 0.7 1.7 4 130 BOU-DD24-471 10250N Boumadine 219.0 220.0 1.36 9 1.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 3 122 BOU-DD24-471 10250N Boumadine 246.8 247.6 1.53 66 0.8 0.1 0.5 1.5 5 241 BOU-DD24-471 10250N Boumadine 259.7 260.4 2.45 304 0.7 0.3 8.2 16.3 11 1,118 BOU-DD24-471 10250N Boumadine 294.2 295.4 0.79 18 1.2 0.0 0.1 2.1 1 139 BOU-DD24-472 3477600 Tizi 124.0 125.0 0.83 1 1.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 25 72 BOU-DD24-472 3477600 Tizi 125.8 128.7 3.78 29 2.9 0.1 0.7 1.8 17 394 BOU-DD24-472 3477600 Tizi 229.4 230.0 2.37 12 0.6 0.0 0.1 0.6 3 216 BOU-DD24-473 10250N Boumadine 257.7 258.7 0.51 7 1.0 0.0 0.3 2.2 7 109 BOU-DD24-473 10250N Boumadine 270.7 271.7 1.23 66 1.0 0.2 0.6 1.0 4 214 BOU-DD24-473 10250N Boumadine 282.7 288.1 1.48 54 5.4 0.1 1.1 1.7 6 243 BOU-DD24-473 10250N Boumadine 373.0 374.0 0.46 16 1.0 0.0 0.1 0.3 2 62 BOU-DD24-474 3477600 Tizi 48.0 52.0 2.38 37 4.0 0.0 0.6 2.5 56 302 BOU-DD24-474 3477600 Tizi 77.2 77.8 0.39 58 0.6 0.0 0.6 3.2 7 182 BOU-DD24-474 3477600 Tizi 312.3 313.3 0.05 70 1.0 0.0 1.0 1.3 7 133 BOU-DD24-475 10250N Boumadine 293.5 294.2 0.31 30 0.7 0.0 0.7 1.1 8 101 BOU-DD24-475 10250N Boumadine 305.0 306.0 0.41 22 1.0 0.0 0.3 0.4 5 72 BOU-DD24-475 10250N Boumadine 359.2 369.3 0.94 50 10.1 0.1 1.0 1.4 6 189 BOU-DD24-475 10250N Boumadine 382.3 383.1 0.80 30 0.8 0.0 0.7 1.8 4 157 BOU-DD24-475 10250N Boumadine 390.5 391.4 0.71 18 0.9 0.0 0.1 0.3 8 85 BOU-DD24-475 10250N Boumadine 398.0 398.8 0.90 15 0.8 0.0 0.2 0.2 6 99 BOU-DD24-475 10250N Boumadine 405.4 407.1 5.62 257 1.7 0.4 0.3 3.5 6 820 BOU-DD24-476 8275N Boumadine 115.0 116.0 0.58 7 1.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 17 58 BOU-DD24-476 8275N Boumadine 292.0 293.0 0.51 6 1.0 0.0 0.1 0.3 7 56 BOU-DD24-476 8275N Boumadine 430.8 431.6 0.38 27 0.8 0.1 2.3 2.9 14 188 BOU-DD24-476 8275N Boumadine 432.4 435.0 1.84 14 2.6 0.0 0.6 1.3 7 207 BOU-DD24-476 8275N Boumadine 504.3 508.4 2.33 18 4.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 6 212 BOU-DD24-476 8275N Boumadine 512.2 513.8 0.86 14 1.6 0.1 0.2 2.2 5 143 BOU-DD24-476 8275N Boumadine 580.0 581.0 0.40 21 1.0 0.1 1.2 0.8 11 105 BOU-DD24-476 8275N Boumadine 597.7 599.6 3.53 63 1.9 0.2 0.2 3.1 11 440 BOU-DD24-476 8275N Boumadine 603.7 604.2 0.80 14 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.1 18 80 BOU-DD24-476 8275N Boumadine 606.0 606.6 0.58 12 0.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 12 59 BOU-DD24-476 8275N Boumadine 608.6 612.4 1.08 11 3.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 8 101 BOU-DD24-476 8275N Boumadine 625.8 628.3 0.84 15 2.5 0.0 0.2 0.2 10 94 BOU-DD24-476 8275N Boumadine 630.0 631.0 0.58 2 1.0 0.0 0.2 0.1 11 53 BOU-DD24-476 8275N Boumadine 731.9 733.0 0.31 23 1.1 0.0 0.3 1.8 5 104 BOU-DD24-476 8275N Boumadine 768.4 769.0 0.57 24 0.6 0.0 0.2 0.1 6 79 BOU-DD24-476 8275N Boumadine 770.8 772.0 0.57 17 1.2 0.1 0.3 0.6 5 90 BOU-DD24-477 7650N NSR 0.0 507.0 0.00 0 507.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0 BOU-DD24-478 3477600 Imariren 67.1 68.2 3.49 111 1.1 0.2 0.7 1.2 42 451 BOU-DD24-478 3477600 Tizi 459.4 462.7 4.61 75 3.3 0.1 0.1 0.5 11 460 BOU-DD24-479 3477600 Imariren 155.6 156.1 1.60 18 0.5 0.0 0.1 0.1 8 149 BOU-DD24-479 3477600 Imariren 185.0 185.9 0.27 277 0.9 0.1 0.1 0.0 10 307 BOU-DD24-479 3477600 Imariren 187.6 188.3 0.07 52 0.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 10 59 BOU-DD24-479 3477600 Imariren 222.1 223.0 1.54 25 0.9 0.1 0.1 0.1 13 158 BOU-DD24-479 3477600 Imariren 224.4 225.3 0.51 5 0.9 0.0 0.1 0.1 6 48 BOU-DD24-479 3477600 Imariren 231.0 232.0 1.31 2 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 3 107 BOU-DD24-480 10250N Boumadine 368.0 369.0 0.28 34 1.0 0.0 1.4 2.4 2 153 BOU-DD24-480 10250N Boumadine 430.7 431.3 0.76 3 0.6 0.0 0.2 0.4 7 76 BOU-DD24-480 10250N Boumadine 686.9 687.4 0.46 46 0.5 0.0 1.4 1.5 62 157 BOU-DD24-481 10250N Boumadine 514.4 516.1 1.49 1 1.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 6 119 BOU-DD24-481 10250N Boumadine 519.2 520.6 0.94 1 1.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 8 76 BOU-DD24-481 10250N Boumadine 521.2 522.0 0.54 37 0.8 0.1 0.1 0.0 2 91 BOU-DD24-481 10250N Boumadine 562.8 563.6 0.50 13 0.8 0.0 0.2 0.8 4 79 BOU-DD24-481 10250N Boumadine 564.4 564.9 0.75 21 0.5 0.0 0.2 2.0 1 136 BOU-DD24-482 9050N Boumadine 181.8 184.2 0.83 28 2.4 0.0 0.8 1.8 10 156 BOU-DD24-482 9050N Boumadine 217.0 219.0 2.52 22 2.0 0.2 0.2 0.3 49 247 BOU-DD24-482 9050N Boumadine 316.2 318.7 2.09 21 2.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 20 189 BOU-DD24-482 9050N Boumadine 321.3 321.8 0.72 42 0.5 0.0 0.5 2.5 79 175 BOU-DD24-482 9050N Boumadine 339.8 340.3 0.51 28 0.5 0.0 0.2 0.6 18 89 BOU-DD24-482 9050N Boumadine 421.3 423.1 0.47 64 1.8 0.1 4.1 0.8 8 231 BOU-DD24-483 EastTarget1 NSR 0.0 268.2 0.00 0 268.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0 BOU-DD24-484 EastTarget2 NSR 0.0 603.0 0.00 0 603.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0 BOU-DD24-485 EastTarget2 NSR 0.0 606.0 0.00 0 606.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0 BOU-DD24-486 3477600 Imariren 18.0 18.9 0.40 23 0.9 0.0 0.1 0.0 18 58 BOU-DD24-486 3477600 Imariren 273.0 273.9 0.65 4 0.9 0.0 0.1 0.1 12 64 BOU-DD24-486 3477600 Imariren 280.7 281.9 0.89 11 1.2 0.0 0.1 0.0 10 87 BOU-DD24-486 3477600 Imariren 283.3 283.8 0.75 8 0.5 0.0 0.1 0.2 9 76 BOU-DD24-486 3477600 Imariren 288.0 288.7 0.69 9 0.7 0.0 0.1 0.2 7 71 BOU-DD24-486 3477600 Imariren 340.4 344.6 0.55 13 4.2 0.0 0.1 0.2 6 64 BOU-DD24-486 3477600 Imariren 350.5 352.2 4.81 143 1.7 0.3 0.1 0.2 7 549 BOU-DD24-486 3477600 Imariren 502.1 503.2 0.53 20 1.1 0.1 0.9 1.8 5 134 BOU-DD24-487 9050N Boumadine 271.5 272.0 1.17 43 0.5 0.0 0.1 0.1 4 142 BOU-DD24-487 9050N Boumadine 278.3 281.6 0.28 45 3.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 8 71 BOU-DD24-487 9050N Boumadine 360.6 361.4 0.82 9 0.8 0.0 0.1 1.2 8 108 BOU-DD24-487 9050N Boumadine 362.3 364.4 2.17 38 2.1 0.1 0.2 1.6 12 257 BOU-DD24-487 9050N Boumadine 380.0 381.0 0.62 11 1.0 0.0 0.1 0.2 19 68 BOU-DD24-487 9050N Boumadine 401.0 403.0 0.79 27 2.0 0.1 0.2 3.8 11 193 BOU-DD24-487 9050N Boumadine 440.2 440.8 0.03 124 0.6 2.1 15.2 0.1 11 680 BOU-DD24-487 9050N Boumadine 483.1 486.5 3.36 225 3.4 0.1 0.1 0.0 2 502 BOU-DD24-487 9050N Boumadine 495.4 496.0 2.74 103 0.6 0.1 0.7 0.7 4 360 BOU-MP24-001 4600N NSR 0.0 476.3 0.00 0 476.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0 BOU-MP24-002 4600N NSR 0.0 280.4 0.00 0 280.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0 BOU-MP24-003 4600N Boumadine 506.0 512.2 0.39 2 6.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 7 34 BOU-MP24-004 4400N NSR 0.0 702.3 0.00 0 702.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0 BOU-MP24-005 4400N NSR 0.0 696.0 0.00 0 696.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0 BOU-MP24-006 4400N NSR 0.0 402.2 0.00 0 402.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0 BOU-MP24-007 5000N NSR 0.0 180.0 0.00 0 180.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0 BOU-MP24-008 3478300 Tizi 41.0 42.0 0.12 20 1.0 0.0 1.3 1.8 5 107 BOU-MP24-009 3478300 Tizi 7.0 8.0 0.50 20 1.0 0.0 0.2 0.0 5 66 BOU-MP24-009 3478300 Tizi 10.0 11.0 0.53 1 1.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 9 47 BOU-MP24-009 3478300 Tizi 105.0 107.0 0.37 54 2.0 0.1 0.4 1.7 9 143 BOU-MP24-010 3478300 Tizi 111.0 115.0 1.44 7 4.0 0.0 0.3 0.5 6 138 BOU-MP24-010 3478300 Tizi 194.0 196.0 0.91 44 2.0 0.1 1.0 2.5 5 208 BOU-MP24-010 3478300 Tizi 246.1 247.8 1.78 2 1.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 6 143 BOU-MP24-011 3478300 Tizi 88.0 90.0 0.61 54 2.0 0.1 0.0 0.1 9 109 BOU-MP24-012 3478300 Tizi 27.0 28.0 0.03 60 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 4 65 BOU-MP24-012 3478300 Tizi 86.0 87.0 3.86 16 1.0 0.1 0.1 0.5 8 335 BOU-MP24-012 3478300 Tizi 132.0 133.0 0.03 83 1.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 3 102 BOU-MP24-012 3478300 Tizi 138.0 144.1 0.43 23 6.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 5 62 BOU-MP24-012 3478300 Tizi 305.0 306.0 2.41 6 1.0 0.0 0.2 0.2 3 205 BOU-MP24-013 3478300 NSR 0.0 118.0 0.00 0 118.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0 BOU-MP24-014 3478300 Tizi 87.0 89.0 0.19 58 2.0 0.0 1.2 2.2 6 158 BOU-MP24-014 3478300 Tizi 180.0 181.0 0.26 37 1.0 0.6 0.9 3.2 8 206 BOU-MP24-014 3478300 Tizi 240.5 241.0 0.39 14 0.5 0.0 0.4 2.6 1 122 BOU-MP24-014 3478300 Tizi 404.0 404.8 0.61 133 0.8 0.2 1.6 1.0 23 257 BOU-MP24-014 3478300 Tizi 427.0 427.8 0.18 34 0.8 0.1 0.7 3.1 1 149 BOU-MP24-014 3478300 Tizi 432.8 434.0 1.76 66 1.2 0.1 0.3 1.8 2 268 BOU-MP24-015 3478300 Tizi 137.0 138.0 0.45 44 1.0 0.0 0.8 1.4 16 136 BOU-MP24-015 3478300 Tizi 421.0 423.5 0.50 13 2.5 0.0 0.3 0.6 4 77 BOU-MP24-015 3478300 Tizi 464.0 465.6 0.03 97 1.6 0.1 0.1 0.2 3 109 BOU-MP24-015 3478300 Tizi 475.0 476.6 0.05 774 1.6 0.1 0.1 0.1 4 788 BOU-MP24-015 3478300 Tizi 504.4 505.0 0.83 36 0.6 0.1 0.4 3.3 6 203 BOU-MP24-015 3478300 Tizi 519.7 522.7 1.78 31 3.0 0.1 0.7 2.2 11 247 BOU-MP24-016 West_Sect1 NSR 0.0 618.0 0.00 0 618.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0 BOU-MP24-017 West_Sect1 NSR 0.0 609.0 0.00 0 609.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0 BOU-MP24-018 West_Sect1 NSR 0.0 643.0 0.00 0 643.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0 BOU-MP24-019 West_Sect1 NSR 0.0 629.9 0.00 0 629.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0 BOU-MP24-020 West_Sect1 NSR 0.0 620.7 0.00 0 620.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0 BOU-MP24-022 West_Sect2 NSR 0.0 48.0 0.00 0 48.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0 BOU-MP24-023 9050N NSR 0.0 221.0 0.00 0 221.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0 BOU-DD25-488 3477600 Imariren 378.2 380.7 2.67 33 2.5 0.0 0.1 0.1 3 248 BOU-DD25-488 3477600 Imariren 383.0 383.5 1.23 21 0.5 0.0 0.1 0.1 6 122 BOU-DD25-488 3477600 Imariren 395.0 397.8 0.68 9 2.8 0.0 0.1 0.2 2 70 BOU-DD25-488 3477600 Imariren 399.6 400.5 0.67 5 0.9 0.0 0.1 0.1 1 61 BOU-DD25-488 3477600 Imariren 463.9 464.8 0.22 37 0.9 0.1 0.5 1.0 10 98 BOU-DD25-488 3477600 Imariren 508.2 510.0 1.96 38 1.8 0.3 0.1 0.4 4 226 BOU-DD25-489 East-West New 103.3 104.7 0.03 45 1.4 2.9 0.2 0.1 15 305 BOU-DD25-490 East-West New 163.0 165.0 0.03 38 2.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 8 125 BOU-DD25-490 East-West New 181.8 182.6 0.14 460 0.8 4.5 0.0 0.1 33 859 BOU-DD25-491 East-West NSR 0.0 158.6 0.00 0 158.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0 BOU-DD25-493 9050N Boumadine 337.6 339.1 0.47 24 1.5 0.0 0.1 0.3 10 73 BOU-DD25-493 9050N Boumadine 344.1 347.0 1.19 25 2.9 0.1 0.1 0.0 8 130 BOU-DD25-493 9050N Boumadine 350.0 351.0 0.54 9 1.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 10 58 BOU-DD25-493 9050N Boumadine 370.0 372.0 2.44 2 2.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 7 198 BOU-DD25-493 9050N Boumadine 374.0 374.9 0.76 4 0.9 0.0 0.1 0.1 9 69 BOU-DD25-493 9050N Boumadine 423.0 431.0 1.19 16 8.0 0.0 0.2 1.1 3 142 Including 427.3 428.6 2.53 36 1.3 0.0 0.4 2.7 4 312 BOU-DD25-493 9050N Boumadine 464.8 469.7 0.91 12 4.9 0.0 0.3 1.0 8 117 BOU-DD25-493 9050N Boumadine 525.9 526.4 0.50 43 0.5 0.4 0.2 0.1 6 119 BOU-DD25-493 9050N Boumadine 552.6 553.1 1.60 50 0.5 0.1 0.2 0.5 5 203 BOU-DD25-493 9050N Boumadine 560.6 561.3 1.62 54 0.7 0.1 0.2 0.6 4 210 BOU-DD25-494 East-West NSR 0.0 243.4 0.00 0 243.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0 BOU-DD25-495 East-West New 97.5 98.5 0.11 41 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 4 54 BOU-DD25-497 9850N Imariren 157.0 158.6 2.35 37 1.6 0.1 0.4 1.4 49 273 BOU-DD25-497 9850N Imariren 161.1 162.5 1.00 18 1.4 0.0 0.2 0.6 19 120 BOU-DD25-497 9850N Imariren 170.4 171.2 0.58 14 0.8 0.1 0.1 2.9 4 138 BOU-DD25-497 9850N Imariren 172.1 172.8 0.56 13 0.7 0.1 0.1 2.9 2 135 BOU-DD25-497 9850N Imariren 176.0 177.8 0.97 19 1.8 0.0 0.1 1.2 1 128 BOU-DD25-497 9850N Imariren 178.5 179.2 0.86 7 0.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 2 77 BOU-DD25-497 9850N Imariren 180.0 182.6 0.53 12 2.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 3 57 BOU-DD25-497 9850N Imariren 184.6 190.8 1.93 18 6.2 0.1 0.1 0.9 3 201 Including 187.9 189.5 3.67 34 1.6 0.2 0.1 1.6 2 377 BOU-DD25-497 9850N Imariren 208.0 209.0 0.48 8 1.0 0.0 0.3 1.5 11 91 BOU-DD25-497 9850N Imariren 223.9 225.6 1.54 1 1.7 0.0 0.0 0.1 9 124 BOU-DD25-500 9050N Boumadine 411.7 414.0 2.18 37 2.3 0.2 0.1 0.1 9 233 BOU-DD25-500 9050N Boumadine 415.0 416.0 0.51 6 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 4 49 BOU-DD25-500 9050N Boumadine 422.0 423.0 0.98 17 1.0 0.0 3.7 0.7 4 201 BOU-DD25-500 9050N Boumadine 455.8 456.5 0.54 31 0.7 0.0 0.9 1.3 7 128 BOU-DD25-500 9050N Boumadine 608.0 608.9 1.08 24 0.9 0.1 2.0 9.8 41 406 BOU-DD25-500 9050N Boumadine 614.3 615.2 1.29 17 0.9 0.0 2.9 0.5 40 200 BOU-DD25-500 9050N Boumadine 623.5 624.0 1.28 21 0.5 0.1 0.3 0.1 4 136 BOU-DD25-501 9850N Imariren 93.0 99.0 1.73 48 6.0 0.1 0.2 0.5 16 210 Including 93.6 96.0 3.78 93 2.4 0.2 0.1 0.2 15 413 BOU-DD25-501 9850N Imariren 104.0 105.0 0.22 97 1.0 0.4 0.3 0.7 6 167 BOU-DD25-501 9850N Imariren 131.9 132.8 0.12 150 0.9 0.3 1.6 0.7 6 240 BOU-DD25-501 9850N Imariren 182.6 184.5 1.13 15 1.9 0.0 0.2 0.1 12 112 BOU-DD25-501 9850N Imariren 188.1 189.5 5.31 27 1.4 0.1 0.0 0.1 10 448 BOU-DD25-501 9850N Imariren 192.5 200.1 1.68 7 7.6 0.1 0.0 0.0 6 146 BOU-DD25-501 9850N Imariren 212.0 214.0 0.15 34 2.0 0.1 2.6 2.1 2 164 BOU-DD25-502 9250N Boumadine 135.3 136.5 0.80 43 1.2 0.0 1.8 3.3 130 235 BOU-DD25-502 9250N Boumadine 160.0 160.9 0.55 12 0.9 0.0 0.4 2.7 15 135 BOU-DD25-502 9250N Boumadine 161.5 169.3 0.99 26 7.8 0.1 0.4 3.0 17 191 Including 161.5 162.7 3.06 95 1.2 0.3 1.5 15.1 10 763 BOU-DD25-502 9250N Boumadine 172.3 174.5 0.74 14 2.2 0.0 0.0 0.1 23 76 BOU-DD25-502 9250N Boumadine 175.4 176.4 0.37 23 1.0 0.0 0.1 3.7 317 153 BOU-DD25-502 9250N Boumadine 181.5 183.2 2.91 35 1.7 0.0 0.3 0.2 15 278 BOU-DD25-502 9250N Boumadine 244.7 245.2 3.93 55 0.5 0.1 0.2 0.2 12 377 BOU-DD25-503 9850N Imariren 168.0 168.8 0.58 21 0.8 0.0 0.6 0.8 7 103 BOU-DD25-503 9850N Imariren 174.0 175.9 1.26 20 1.9 0.0 0.5 0.5 11 144 BOU-DD25-503 9850N Imariren 180.0 180.8 1.04 16 0.8 0.0 0.4 0.5 29 123 BOU-DD25-503 9850N Imariren 248.0 249.0 0.97 2 1.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 4 83 BOU-DD25-504 10050N Imariren 17.8 20.3 1.81 52 2.5 0.0 1.0 0.1 15 221 BOU-DD25-504 10050N Imariren 71.0 72.5 0.50 38 1.5 0.0 1.1 2.7 5 171 BOU-DD25-504 10050N Imariren 141.0 147.6 3.69 46 6.6 0.0 0.2 0.3 3 349 Including 141.0 142.2 10.34 37 1.2 0.0 0.1 0.1 3 851 BOU-DD25-505 10050N Imariren 50.5 52.4 1.66 25 1.9 0.0 0.2 1.3 10 195 BOU-DD25-505 10050N Imariren 133.0 136.0 0.28 42 3.0 0.0 1.6 2.4 6 161 BOU-DD25-505 10050N Imariren 170.0 170.9 0.62 6 0.9 0.0 0.4 0.6 4 79 BOU-DD25-505 10050N Imariren 174.5 177.0 2.86 21 2.5 0.0 0.2 0.4 8 262 BOU-DD25-506 9850N Boumadine 297.3 302.3 3.19 48 5.0 0.1 0.1 0.1 2 312 Including 297.3 299.5 4.45 50 2.2 0.1 0.0 0.1 2 413 BOU-DD25-507 9850N Boumadine 402.4 403.8 0.69 46 1.4 0.1 1.1 2.3 12 193 BOU-DD25-507 9850N Boumadine 482.7 483.2 0.75 11 0.5 0.0 0.1 0.0 3 75 BOU-DD25-507 9850N Boumadine 487.0 493.2 1.74 13 6.2 0.1 0.0 0.0 2 156 Including 489.0 490.6 3.60 42 1.6 0.2 0.1 0.1 3 345 BOU-DD25-508 10050N Imariren 62.4 63.0 1.56 4 0.6 0.1 0.8 3.5 27 238 BOU-DD25-508 10050N Imariren 92.9 93.5 0.62 16 0.6 0.1 0.6 1.0 6 109 BOU-DD25-508 10050N Imariren 172.0 173.0 0.30 51 1.0 0.0 0.7 0.9 13 117 BOU-DD25-508 10050N Imariren 227.0 228.6 4.98 143 1.6 0.3 0.2 2.5 3 619 BOU-DD25-508 10050N Imariren 233.4 234.3 0.60 21 0.9 0.0 0.3 0.4 3 85 BOU-DD25-509 10050N Imariren 166.8 169.0 0.27 69 2.2 0.1 2.4 3.4 7 236 BOU-DD25-509 10050N Imariren 282.1 291.4 2.18 62 9.3 0.1 0.7 1.5 2 296 Including 289.8 291.4 7.16 215 1.6 0.5 0.2 3.2 3 897 BOU-DD25-509 10050N Imariren 394.8 396.5 0.28 28 1.7 0.0 0.7 1.7 3 109 BOU-DD25-510 9250N Boumadine 331.6 332.3 1.68 30 0.7 0.0 0.2 1.9 6 215 BOU-DD25-510 9250N Boumadine 333.2 334.1 0.40 28 0.9 0.0 0.3 0.9 5 89 BOU-DD25-510 9250N Boumadine 336.0 337.0 0.13 48 1.0 0.0 0.8 2.4 1 137 BOU-DD25-510 9250N Boumadine 339.4 341.3 3.53 40 1.9 0.2 0.1 0.1 7 332 BOU-DD25-510 9250N Boumadine 423.0 426.0 0.71 109 3.0 0.2 0.9 1.2 4 231 BOU-DD25-510 9250N Boumadine 431.0 432.0 0.68 19 1.0 0.0 0.2 0.3 10 88 BOU-DD25-511 10050N Imariren 190.0 191.0 0.90 9 1.0 0.0 0.1 0.3 10 90 BOU-DD25-511 10050N Imariren 309.1 310.1 0.58 8 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 9 56 BOU-DD25-511 10050N Imariren 311.1 316.0 1.95 270 4.9 0.1 0.1 0.6 8 449 BOU-DD25-511 10050N Imariren 330.5 331.7 3.70 53 1.2 0.1 0.2 0.6 4 365 BOU-DD25-511 10050N Imariren 343.9 344.9 2.64 1 1.0 0.1 0.1 0.1 4 215 BOU-DD25-511 10050N Imariren 422.0 422.6 0.67 30 0.6 0.1 0.1 2.2 4 144 BOU-DD25-511 10050N Imariren 503.0 505.0 0.61 7 2.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 5 59 BOU-DD25-512 10050N Imariren 338.0 339.0 15.86 1 1.0 0.0 0.1 0.3 4 1,247 BOU-DD25-512 10050N Imariren 358.4 360.6 2.81 109 2.2 0.0 0.2 0.9 4 359 BOU-DD25-512 10050N Imariren 373.6 377.0 0.89 32 3.4 0.0 0.1 0.4 3 116 BOU-DD25-512 10050N Imariren 379.0 380.0 0.62 10 1.0 0.0 0.3 1.6 2 109 BOU-DD25-513 9850N Boumadine 365.3 367.1 5.19 118 1.8 0.5 0.2 1.0 2 591 BOU-DD25-513 9850N Boumadine 374.8 377.7 5.52 109 2.9 0.3 0.2 5.2 4 698 BOU-DD25-513 9850N Boumadine 379.7 381.5 1.25 14 1.8 0.0 0.0 0.1 9 115 BOU-DD25-513 9850N Boumadine 390.0 390.7 0.77 13 0.7 0.1 0.1 0.8 10 102 BOU-DD25-513 9850N Boumadine 457.1 459.0 1.08 2 1.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 1 90 BOU-DD25-513 9850N Boumadine 484.0 486.0 2.75 12 2.0 0.1 0.5 0.6 1 266 BOU-DD25-514 10150N Imariren 126.0 126.5 0.42 12 0.5 0.0 0.2 0.6 7 66 BOU-DD25-514 10150N Imariren 131.3 132.3 0.22 47 1.0 0.0 1.2 1.3 5 126 BOU-DD25-515 10150N Imariren 156.2 157.0 0.36 3 0.8 0.0 0.3 0.7 13 56 BOU-DD25-516 9050N Boumadine 22.9 23.4 0.19 42 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 5 58 BOU-DD25-516 9050N Boumadine 498.0 507.0 1.24 6 9.0 0.1 0.1 0.2 2 114 Including 498.0 500.0 3.09 2 2.0 0.2 0.1 0.0 3 259 BOU-DD25-516 9050N Boumadine 628.0 629.0 1.06 12 1.0 0.1 0.1 0.4 3 110 BOU-DD25-516 9050N Boumadine 648.5 649.0 66.66 111 0.5 0.1 1.0 1.6 6 5,373 BOU-DD25-516 9050N Boumadine 666.3 668.0 0.74 23 1.7 0.1 0.1 0.1 14 91 BOU-DD25-516 9050N Boumadine 762.5 764.0 1.48 34 1.5 0.0 0.3 0.0 3 158 BOU-DD25-516 9050N Boumadine 857.6 858.5 0.03 57 0.9 0.0 0.5 0.2 8 75 BOU-DD25-517 9450N Boumadine 336.6 337.3 0.18 36 0.7 0.1 1.0 0.8 13 99 BOU-DD25-517 9450N Boumadine 338.3 339.1 4.43 44 0.8 0.2 0.7 5.3 9 556 BOU-DD25-518 9650N Boumadine 109.5 110.4 0.66 12 0.9 0.0 0.6 2.4 7 137 BOU-DD25-518 9650N Boumadine 111.3 114.0 0.56 18 2.7 0.0 0.4 1.9 4 119 BOU-DD25-520 9650N Boumadine 137.0 138.2 1.24 70 1.2 0.1 3.0 3.6 4 335 BOU-DD25-520 9650N Boumadine 211.0 212.0 0.61 12 1.0 0.0 0.1 0.5 6 76 BOU-DD25-521 10150N Imariren 112.0 113.0 0.11 61 1.0 0.0 1.8 2.4 10 173 BOU-DD25-521 10150N Imariren 171.6 172.6 2.87 37 1.0 0.1 0.5 1.0 2 308 BOU-DD25-521 10150N Imariren 199.3 202.0 1.35 25 2.7 0.0 0.6 1.5 4 185 BOU-DD25-522 10150N Imariren 226.2 226.7 1.22 1 0.5 0.1 0.1 0.1 6 106 BOU-DD25-522 10150N Imariren 278.0 280.0 0.53 10 2.0 0.0 0.3 1.3 4 92 BOU-DD25-522 10150N Imariren 310.0 310.6 7.02 125 0.6 0.3 0.4 6.2 1 861 BOU-DD25-524 9650N Boumadine 189.0 190.0 0.72 17 1.0 0.0 0.8 1.5 5 129 BOU-DD25-524 9650N Boumadine 206.8 207.6 0.87 9 0.8 0.0 0.2 1.2 3 113 BOU-DD25-524 9650N Boumadine 268.0 269.0 4.10 6 1.0 0.0 0.1 0.2 3 332 BOU-DD25-525 3478200 Tizi 87.3 87.9 0.79 26 0.6 0.1 0.2 1.2 1 128 BOU-DD25-525 3478200 Tizi 89.6 90.4 1.13 39 0.8 0.1 0.2 1.1 1 165 BOU-DD25-525 3478200 Tizi 232.6 234.5 1.92 15 1.9 0.1 0.8 2.3 5 248 BOU-DD25-526 3478200 Tizi 122.6 123.1 0.40 40 0.5 0.1 0.9 0.9 2 120 BOU-DD25-526 3478200 Tizi 258.8 259.3 1.26 45 0.5 0.1 0.3 3.1 6 236 BOU-DD25-527 3478200 Tizi 57.6 58.1 0.31 28 0.5 0.1 0.1 0.3 7 72 BOU-DD25-527 3478200 Tizi 125.5 128.9 0.36 71 3.4 0.1 0.8 1.6 8 168 * True width remains undetermined at this stage; all values are uncut. ** Ag equivalent is based on a silver price of US$24/oz with a process recovery of 89%, a gold price of US$2,200/oz with a process recovery of 85%, a zinc price of US$1.20/lb with a process recovery of 72%, a lead price of US$1.00/lb with a process recovery of 85%, and a copper price of US$4.00/lb with a process recovery of 75% resulting in the following ratios: 1g/t Au: 77.9 g/t Ag; 1% Cu: 85.4 g/t Ag; 1% Pb: 24.2 g/t Ag; and 1% Zn: 24.6 g/t Ag. Appendix 2 New Drillhole Coordinates of 2025 Boumadine Exploration Program (completed holes) (core lengths) Total reported intercept of 47.33 meters grading 42.79% Copper Equivalent or 21.40% Nickel Equivalent Tamarack, Minnesota--(Newsfile Corp. - June 5, 2025) - Talon Metals Corp. (TSX: TLO) (OTC Pink: TLOFF) (together with its subsidiaries, "Talon" or the "Company"), the majority owner and operator of the Tamarack Nickel-Copper-Cobalt Project ("Tamarack Nickel Copper Project") in central Minnesota, is pleased to announce assays from the previously announced historic massive sulphide ("MSU") intercepts in drill hole 25TK0563 (see the Company's press release dated May 12, 2025) measuring a combined 34.9 meters grading 28.88% NiEq and 57.76% CuEq at the Tamarack Nickel Copper Project. Highlights: Table 1: Select assay intervals for drill hole 25TK0563 Drill Hole # From (m) To (m) Length (m) Assay NiEq (%) CuEq (%) Ni (%) Cu (%) Co (%) Pd (g/t) Pt (g/t) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) 25TK0563 762.34 809.67 47.33 11.01 11.40 0.08 6.39 12.06 6.79 33.54 21.40 42.79 1 including 762.34 782.73 20.39 13.11 14.68 0.10 8.28 16.08 9.24 42.13 26.70 53.40 2 and 795.16 809.67 14.51 17.32 16.34 0.12 9.18 16.63 9.09 46.52 31.95 63.90 1+2 combined 762.34 782.73 34.90 14.86 15.37 0.11 8.65 16.31 9.18 42.92 28.88 57.76 795.16 809.67 See Table 3 for further technical information Drill hole 25TK0563 intersected a combined length of 34.90 meters across two zones of MSU starting at 762.34 meters grading 14.86% Ni, 15.37% Cu, 0.11% Co, 9.18 g/t Au, 16.31 g/t Pt, 8.65 g/t Pd, and 42.92 g/t Ag. Of the two zones of MSU that were intercepted, the upper MSU starts at 762.34 meters and graded 26.70% NiEq (53.40% CuEq) over the 20.39 meter interval. The lower MSU starts at 795.16 meters and graded 31.95% NiEq (63.90% CuEq) over 14.51 meters. These assays represent a portion of the mineralization encountered in hole 25TK0563 and further details may be provided as the remainder of the drill hole is assayed. The drill hole was targeting Borehole Electromagnetic (" BHEM" ) anomalies identified from previous drill holes 25TK0562 and 16TK0250. Drill hole 25TK0563 represents an approximate 68-meter step-out to the east from the intercept in drill hole 16TK0250. A BHEM campaign has been initiated using multiple loops to help evaluate this new zone from various orientations. The results of this program will guide the future drill program. "Intercepts of this scale and grade are extremely rare, and they don't come without deep technical understanding. Our in-house geophysics team helped vector us into this target, and our in-house drill team executed it flawlessly. This result validates both the geology at Tamarack and the integrated approach we've taken to exploration. Tamarack continues to exceed expectations and has raised the bar as to what high-grade means," said Brian Goldner, Chief Exploration and Operations Officer. "A 34.9-meter intercept grading 28.88% nickel equivalent is truly world-class. Even when you compare it to historical data from globally significant nickel deposits, intercepts like this are few and far between. From a geologic perspective, this is a bonanza result by any standard," added Dean Rossell, Chief Geologist of Talon and credited with the discovery of Tamarack, Eagle and Boulderdash. "As the United States accelerates efforts to secure domestic critical mineral supply chains for energy security and national defense, Tamarack stands out as a rare and essential piece of the puzzle. These assay results not only underscore the global significance of our deposit, but also its strategic importance to America's energy future," said Henri van Rooyen, CEO of Talon. Figure 1: Photo of drill core from drill hole 25TK0563 starting at 762.34 meters depth showing a combined 34.9 meters of massive sulphide mineralization. Figure 2: Location of the 34.90 meters intercept in drill hole 25TK0563 in relation to the Tamarack Resource Area. Lundin Earn-in Agreement Update Talon and Lundin Mining Corporation ("Lundin Mining") have extended the exclusivity period until June 30, 2025 as the parties continue to work on the earn-in and related agreements ("Lundin Agreements") pursuant to which Lundin Mining may acquire up to a 70% ownership interest in the Boulderdash and Roland exploration targets, which are in close proximity to Lundin Mining's Eagle Mine and encompass approximately 33,000 acres of minerals rights out of Talon's over 400,000 acre mineral package in Michigan (see the Company's press release from March 5, 2025 for further information). Talon has two of its drill rigs currently drilling at Boulderdash. QUALITY ASSURANCE, QUALITY CONTROL AND QUALIFIED PERSONS Please see the technical report entitled "November 2022 National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report of the Tamarack North Project - Tamarack, Minnesota" with an effective date of November 2, 2022 ("November 2022 Technical Report") prepared by independent "Qualified Persons" (as that term is defined in National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101")) Brian Thomas (P. Geo), Roger Jackson (P. Geo), Oliver Peters (P. Eng) and Christine Pint (P.G) for information on the QA/QC, data verification, analytical and testing procedures at the Tamarack Nickel Copper Project. Copies are available on the Company's website (www.talonmetals.com) or on SEDAR+ at (www.sedarplus.ca). The laboratory used is ALS Minerals who is independent of the Company. Lengths are drill intersections and not necessarily true widths. True widths cannot be consistently calculated for comparison purposes between holes because of the irregular shapes of the mineralized zones. Drill intersections have been independently selected by Talon. Drill composites have been independently calculated by Talon. The geological interpretations in this news release are solely those of the Company. The locations and distances highlighted on all maps in this news release are approximate. Dr. Etienne Dinel, Vice President, Geology of Talon, is a Qualified Person within the meaning of NI 43-101. Dr. Dinel is satisfied that the analytical and testing procedures used are standard industry operating procedures and methodologies, and he has reviewed, approved and verified the technical information disclosed in this news release, including sampling, analytical and test data underlying the technical information. Where used in this news release: NiEq% = Ni% + Cu% x $4.00/$8.00 x Cu Recovery/Ni Recovery + Co% x $20.00/$8.00 x Co Recovery/Ni Recovery + Pt [g/t]/31.103 x $1,000/$8.00/22.04 x Pt Recovery/Ni Recovery + Pd [g/t]/31.103 x $1,000/$8.00/22.04 x Pd Recovery/Ni Recovery + Au [g/t]/31.103 x $2,000/$8.00/22.04 x Au Recovery/Ni Recovery + Ag [g/t]/31.103 x $20.00/$8.00/22.04 x Ag Recovery/Ni Recovery CuEq% = Cu%+ Ni% x $8.00/$4.00 x Ni Recovery/Cu Recovery + Co% x $20.00/$4.00 x Co Recovery/Cu Recovery + Pt [g/t]/31.103 x $1,000/$4.00/22.04 x Pt Recovery/Cu Recovery + Pd [g/t]/31.103 x $1,000/$4.00/22.04 Pd Recovery/Cu Recovery + Au [g/t]/31.103 x $2,000/$4.00/22.04 Au Recovery/Cu Recovery + Ag [g/t]/31.103 x $20.00/$4.00/22.04 x Ag Recovery/Cu Recovery For Ni and Cu recoveries, please refer to the formulae in the November 2022 Technical Report. Recovery of Ni to the Cu concentrate was excluded from the NiEq calculation. The following recoveries were used for the other metals: 64.1% for Co, 82.5% for Pt, 69.3% for Pd and 72.6% for Au and Ag. ABOUT TALON Talon is a TSX-listed base metals company in a joint venture with Rio Tinto on the high-grade Tamarack Nickel-Copper-Cobalt Project located in central Minnesota. Talon's shares are also traded in the US over the OTC market under the symbol TLOFF. The Tamarack Nickel Project comprises a large land position (18km of strike length) with additional high-grade intercepts outside the current resource area. Talon has an earn-in right to acquire up to 60% of the Tamarack Nickel Project and currently owns 51%. Talon is focused on (i) expanding and infilling its current high-grade nickel mineralization resource prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 to shape a mine plan for submission to Minnesota regulators, and (ii) following up on additional high-grade nickel mineralization in the Tamarack Intrusive Complex. Talon has a neutrality and workforce development agreement in place with the United Steelworkers union. Talon's Battery Mineral Processing Facility in Mercer County was selected by the US Department of Energy for US$114.8 million funding grant from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the US Department of Defense awarded Talon a grant of US$20.6 million to support and accelerate Talon's exploration efforts in both Minnesota and Michigan. Talon has well-qualified experienced exploration, mine development, external affairs and mine permitting teams. Please visit the Company's website at www.talonmetals.com or contact: FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements". All statements, other than statements of historical fact that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect the current expectations or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to the Company. Such forward-looking statements include statements relating to future exploration work, including future drill results and assays as well as geological interpretations, and whether Talon will enter into the Lundin Agreements. Forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the 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 the Company. 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. Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, 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. Table 2: Collar Location of Drill Hole 25TK0563 Drill Hole (#) Easting (m) Northing (m) Elevation (masl) Azm Dip End Depth (m) 25TK0563 491049.16 5168344.40 388.00 170.66 -84.56 867.77 Collar coordinates are UTM Zone 15N, NAD83. Azimuths and dips are taken from the survey record at collar unless otherwise noted. Table 3: Assay Table for Drill Hole 25TK0563 Drill Hole # From (m) To (m) Length (m) Assay NiEq (%) CuEq (%) Ni (%) Cu (%) Co (%) Pd (g/t) Pt (g/t) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) 25TK0563 762.34 809.67 47.33 11.01 11.40 0.08 6.39 12.06 6.79 33.54 21.40 42.79 including 762.34 782.73 20.39 13.11 14.68 0.10 8.28 16.08 9.24 42.13 26.70 53.40 including 795.16 809.67 14.51 17.32 16.34 0.12 9.18 16.63 9.09 46.52 31.95 63.90 Length refers to drill hole length and not True Width. True Width is unknown at the time of publication. All samples were analysed by ALS Minerals. Nickel, copper, and cobalt grades were first analysed by a 4-acid digestion and ICP AES (ME-MS61). Grades reporting greater than 0.25% Ni and/or 0.1% Cu, using ME-MS61, trigger a sodium peroxide fusion with ICP-AES finish (ICP81). Platinum, palladium, and gold are initially analyzed by a 30g fire assay with an ICP-MS finish (PGM-MS24). Any samples reporting >1g/t Pt or Pd trigger an over-limit analysis by ICP-AES finish (PGM-ICP27) and any samples reporting >1g/t Au trigger an over-limit analysis by AAS (Au-AA26). For Ag, ICP-AES through Aqua regia digestion (ME-ICP 41). TORONTO, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NexGold Mining Corp. (TSXV: NEXG; OTCQX: NXGCF) (NexGold or the Company) is pleased to provide an update on its ongoing 25,000-metre diamond drill program initially announced on January 22, 2025 at the Companys Goldboro Project in Nova Scotia (Goldboro). The drill program is primarily designed to infill specific areas of the open pit Mineral Resource identified to improve geological and grade continuity and potentially upgrade certain areas of Inferred and Indicated Mineral Resources. The drilling is progressing well with three diamond drills currently at Goldboro, which have completed approximately 22,000 metres of diamond drilling. The program is anticipated to be completed at the end of Q2. The Company is pleased to provide assay results for nine diamond drill holes (BR-25-466 to BR-25-472 and BR-25-474 to BR-25-475) which form part of the drill program designed to confirm gold mineralization in certain areas by infilling the western and southern ends of the proposed western open pit (Figure 1; Table 1). These nine holes intersected gold mineralization broadly as predicted by the existing mineral resource model with some local variation in positioning of modelled mineralized solids at the scale of metres. Additional gold mineralization was intersected outside of modelled mineralized solids particularly in the hanging wall of the deposit in areas of the planned open pit not previously drilled. The results to date support the general geological continuity of mineralization within the modelled mineralized solids. Kevin Bullock, President and CEO, stated: We are extremely pleased with the early results from our ongoing 25,000-metre infill drill program at Goldboro and anticipate a steady flow of information from the program as results continue to roll in. The results from the first batch of infill drilling support the geological continuity of the mineral resource model and the grades typically intersected in previous drill holes. As we continue to further de-risk and refine the deposit model going forward, and as the drilling program reaches the conclusion of the current phase, we are looking forward to the next step of planning the initiation of the Mineral Resource and Feasibility Study Update. Selected drill intercepts from the nine diamond drill holes are provided in Table 1 and include: 11.87 g/t gold over 6.1 metres (from 62.4 to 68.5 metres) including 67.84 g/t gold over 1.0 metres in hole BR-25-475; 1.90 g/t gold over 8.7 metres (from 28.3 to 37.0 metres) including 7.87 g/t gold over 1.0 metres in hole BR-25-475; 3.77 g/t gold over 9.1 metres (from 235.9 to 245.0 metres) including 29.50 g/t gold over 1.0 metres in hole BR-25-469; 2.11 g/t gold over 12.3 metres (from 291.3 to 303.5 metres) including 9.66 g/t gold over 1.0 metres and 7.73 g/t gold over 1.0 metres in hole BR-25-468; 1.87 g/t gold over 8.3 metres (from 90.5 to 98.8 metres) metres in hole BR-25-471; 4.77 g/t gold over 3.5 metres (from 326.5 to 330.0 metres) and 1.12 g/t gold over 4.3 metres (from 299.1 to 303.4 metres) in hole BR-25-467; 1.71 g/t gold over 6.0 metres (from 96.6 to 102.6 metres) including 14.29 g/t gold over 0.6 metres in hole BR-25-474; 1.16 g/t gold over 6.0 metres (from 45.6 to 51.6 metres) in hole BR-25-474; and 2.77 g/t gold over 2.5 metres (from 36.2 to 38.7 metres) in hole BR-25-474. Figure 1: A plan map showing the location of the nine diamond drill holes Table 1: Drill hole locations and orientations (BR-25-466 to BR-25-472 and BR-25-474 to BR-25-475) Hole ID Easting* Northing* Elevation (m) Length (m) Azimuth Inclination BR-25-466 606467 5006191 60.55 296.0 360 -53 BR-25-467 606467 5006191 60.55 341.0 360 -45 BR-25-468 606438 5006182 62.65 314.3 360 -47 BR-25-469 606368 5006239 66.03 299.0 360 -56 BR-25-470 606387 5006231 66.38 248.0 360 -57 BR-25-471 606112 5006460 76.53 101.0 360 -58 BR-25-472 606133 5006483 76.14 62.0 360 -45 BR-25-474 606144 5006544 75.86 134.0 180 -70 BR-25-475 606157 5006540 76.75 181.6 180 -71 Notes: 1. Drill hole location reported as Universal Transverse Mercator Zone 20 coordinates Table 2: Highlighted drill intersections from nine diamond drill holes (BR-25-466 to BR-25-472 and BR-25-474 to BR-25-475) Hole ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) Grade (g/t) BR-25-466 16.0 16.7 0.7 2.21 Az. 39.0 40.0 1.0 0.76 51.0 51.8 0.8 0.39 203.2 204.2 1.0 0.72 274.5 280.5 6.0 0.53 268.6 269.6 1.0 0.63 292.7 293.5 0.8 0.62 BR-25-467 38.1 39.1 1.0 0.55 180.2 180.7 0.5 0.80 197.0 201.0 4.0 0.61 214.0 216.0 2.0 1.52 222.0 224.0 2.0 3.18 258.0 258.9 0.9 0.70 263.3 263.8 0.5 1.65 272.5 273.5 1.0 0.54 276.4 277.4 1.0 0.87 292.5 293.1 0.6 1.26 299.1 303.4 4.3 1.12 326.5 330.0 3.5 4.77 BR-25-468 192.0 192.5 0.5 25.45 205.0 206.0 1.0 1.45 221.5 225.5 4.0 0.55 262.3 264.3 2.1 2.45 272.9 273.8 0.9 1.08 291.3 303.5 12.3 2.11 including 291.3 292.2 1.0 9.66 and 300.0 301.0 1.0 7.73 307.7 308.7 1.0 0.61 BR-25-469 181.0 182.0 1.0 0.90 218.7 220.0 1.3 1.88 235.9 245.0 9.1 3.77 including 235.9 236.9 1.0 29.50 254.6 255.7 1.1 1.96 260.0 263.0 3.0 0.47 BR-25-470 120.6 121.6 1.0 1.01 186.9 189.5 2.6 0.70 233.5 234.0 0.5 2.49 238.8 242.0 3.2 1.01 BR-25-471 12.0 12.7 0.7 3.47 27.7 28.2 0.5 4.88 43.1 44.1 1.0 2.15 90.5 98.8 8.3 1.87 BR-25-472 8.5 11.0 2.5 0.72 15.5 16.5 1.0 0.78 26.4 27.0 0.6 2.68 31.5 35.7 4.2 1.12 41.9 42.9 1.0 1.26 45.1 45.8 0.7 1.64 BR-25-474 20.3 22.0 1.7 1.16 36.2 38.7 2.5 2.77 45.6 51.6 6.0 1.16 65.2 67.6 2.4 0.53 83.0 85.0 2.0 1.25 96.6 102.6 6.0 1.71 including 98.9 99.5 0.6 14.29 110.3 113.0 2.7 2.13 122.3 122.8 0.5 5.03 131.5 132.0 0.5 0.76 BR-25-475 28.3 37.0 8.7 1.90 including 34.5 35.5 1.0 7.87 41.5 42.5 1.0 0.70 62.4 68.5 6.1 11.87 including 62.4 63.4 1.0 67.84 122.5 126.5 4.0 1.68 134.7 139.3 4.6 0.87 156.7 159.4 2.7 1.93 177.7 178.5 0.8 11.16 Notes: 1. Reported intervals are drilled core lengths and do not indicate true widths. True widths are estimated at between 70-100% of core length. For duplicate samples, the original sample assays are used to calculate the intersection grade. All grades are uncapped. 2. Drill hole BR-25-473 was previously reported in a press release dated May 16, 2025 Technical Disclosure and Qualified Persons QA / QC The Company has implemented a quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) program to ensure sampling and analysis of all exploration work is conducted in accordance with the CIM Exploration Best Practices Guidelines. The NQ diameter drill core is sawn in half with one-half of the core sample dispatched to Eastern Analytical Ltd. (Eastern) preparation facility in Springdale, Newfoundland and Labrador and the other half of the core retained for future assay verification and/or metallurgical testing. Analysis for gold was completed by fire assay (30 g) with an AA finish. All assays in this press release are reported as fire assays only. For samples analyzing greater than 0.5 g/t Au via 30 g fire assay, these samples will be re-analyzed at Eastern via total pulp metallics. For the total pulp metallics analysis, the entire sample is crushed to -10mesh and pulverized to 95% -150mesh. The total sample is then weighed and screened to 150mesh. The +150mesh fraction is fire assayed for Au, and a 30 g subsample of the -150mesh fraction analyzed via fire assay. A weighted average gold grade is calculated for the final reportable gold grade. Total pulp metallics assays for drill holes sited within this press release may be updated in a future news release. Check assays are conducted at Eastern following the completion of a program. Other QA/QC procedures include the regular insertion of blanks and CDN Resource Laboratories certified reference standards. The laboratory also has its own QA/QC protocols running standards and blanks with duplicate samples in each batch stream for all analysis. Paul McNeill, P.Geo., VP Exploration of NexGold, is considered a Qualified Person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101) and has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical disclosure contained in this news release on behalf of NexGold. About NexGold Mining Corp. NexGold Mining Corp. is a gold-focused company with assets in Canada and Alaska. NexGolds Goliath Gold Complex (which includes the Goliath, Goldlund and Miller deposits) is located in Northwestern Ontario and its Goldboro Gold Project is located in Nova Scotia. NexGold also owns several other projects throughout Canada, including the Weebigee-Sandy Lake Gold Project JV, and grassroots gold exploration property Gold Rock. In addition, NexGold holds a 100% interest in the high-grade Niblack copper-gold-zinc-silver VMS project, located adjacent to tidewater in southeast Alaska. NexGold is committed to inclusive, informed and meaningful dialogue with regional communities and Indigenous Nations throughout the life of all our Projects and on all aspects, including creating sustainable economic opportunities, providing safe workplaces, enhancing of social value, and promoting community wellbeing. Further details about NexGold, including a Prefeasibility Study for the Goliath Gold Complex and a Feasibility Study for the Goldboro Gold Project, are available under the Companys issuer profile on www.sedarplus.ca and on NexGolds website at www.nexgold.com. Contact: 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 news release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains or incorporates by reference forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable U.S. securities laws. Except for statements of historical fact relating to the Company, certain information contained herein constitutes forward-looking information including, but not limited: to information as to the Companys strategic objectives and plans; timing and results of drilling activities; potential for upgrading mineral resources; expected initiatives to be undertaken by management of the Company in identifying exploration opportunities; and timing of advancement and completion of technical studies. Generally, forward-looking information is characterized by the use of forward-looking terminology such as plans, expects or does not expect, is expected, budget, scheduled, estimates, forecasts, intends, is projected, anticipates or does not anticipate, believes, targets, or variations of such words and phrases. Forward-looking information may also be identified in statements where certain actions, events or results may, could, should, would, might, will be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking information involve known or unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those projected by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others: the plan for, and actual results of, current exploration activities; expectations relating to future exploration, development and production activities as well as growth potential for NexGolds operations; risks relating to the ability of exploration activities (including drill results) to accurately predict mineralization; reliance on third-parties, including governmental entities, for mining activities; the ability of NexGold to complete further exploration activities, including drilling at the Goliath Gold Complex and Goldboro deposits; the ability of the Company to obtain required approvals; the results of exploration activities; risks relating to mining activities; delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures; the uncertainty of mineral resource, production and cost estimates; health, safety and environmental risks; worldwide demand for gold and base metals; gold price and other commodity price and exchange rate fluctuations; environmental risks; competition; incorrect assessment of the value of acquisitions; ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources; changes in legislation, including but not limited to tax laws, royalties and environmental regulations; and those factors described in the Managements Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2024 of the Company and in the Companys most recent disclosure documents filed under its SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Although management of 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 not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained herein is presented to assist shareholders in understanding the Companys the Companys plans and objectives and may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information contained herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Three months ago, Gilbert* received the compensation negotiated by the Commission for Recognition and Reparation (CRR) from the Marist Brothers: I received my compensation on February 17, 2025, after more than three years of waiting. Our files are anonymous and the commission deliberates. We cant get the grid on which they decide, it is top secret. We dont know why were getting this money. Some people fight to get it because we dont understand what there is to hide. I dont want to say how much I received, because there could be comparisons and criticism from other victims. I didnt get what I was hoping for, but I thought it was acceptable. When my counsellor told me the amount, she asked me if I felt reassured. I said yes, its off to a good start, Ill consider it satisfactory. Above all, I wanted to turn the page. The waiting time is so long that you cant close the page, you cant say to yourself that it's over. Especially since as I get older, I am having problems with insomnia, and its getting worse. Claudine: I got the maximum, 60,000 euros. I didnt expect to feel such immediate relief. I said to myself: Ive been recognized. The Church recognizes its wrongs. The Church always owes a debt to victims, which takes the form of a lump sum, says Claudine*. It had to cost the Church, and for me it was a way of feeling recognized and participating in reparation. I said that if I received less than 40,000 euros, I wouldnt feel recognized. I got the maximum, 60,000 euros. I didnt expect to feel such immediate relief. I said to myself: Ive been recognized. The Church recognizes its wrongs. I think that from the moment you are recognized, everything changes. Its as if, all at once, the horizon clears. Youre no longer labelled a victim. You are owed something, and it is paid. Thats really what its like for me. Yolande du Fayet de la Tour: Its the money that brings recognition. The institution is such a liar, it has continued to cover up so much. I couldnt care less about symbolic reparations, memorials, prayers at Lourdes and so on. In this compensation process, whether or not you are satisfied depends very much on where you are in your inner process, explains Yolande du Fayet de la Tour. If youre in the middle of a psychological process, or if youre alone without a professional to help deal with your story, youre in such a state that you wont be happy with anything. For me, its the money, the material sum that brings recognition of previously denied reality; because if you rely on the institution to recognize, it wont work. The institution is such a liar, it has continued to cover up so much. And I cant trust its words through some religious person. Their words are worthless. And then its the INIRR not the Church that recognizes and compensates. So I dont expect recognition through the words of the Church, which is why I couldnt care less about symbolic reparations, memorials, prayers at Lourdes and so on. Veronique Garnier: We've been forced into silence for 50 years. Now were finally talking and theyre asking us to keep quiet! Veronique Garniers satisfaction is not without anger either. I waited a month between hearing the sum I was going to receive and it being paid. I received a letter from the Selam fund explaining how things were going to work. I was furious, because at the end it says that they have an obligation of confidentiality, which means we do too. Weve been forced into silence for 50 years. Now were finally talking and theyre asking us to keep quiet! Thats not possible. I told them: You cant ask silence from people who have been walled in silence. I was told it was to protect us. Im aware theres no point shouting from the rooftops about how much weve been paid, because people who have been abused are often fragile, but its a lack of respect for us victims. Gilbert: What shocked us, the victims, and what still shocks us, is that these commissions serve as protection, a shield for the Church, which hides behind them, saying OK, we recognize, well pay, and then leave us alone. What shocked us, the victims, and what still shocks us, is that these commissions serve as protection, a shield for the Church, which hides behind them, saying OK, we recognize, well pay, and then leave us alone,adds Gilbert*. And Yolande says: Im also critical of the fact that the commissions are not independent. To protect itself and clear its name, the institution buys a clean conscience through the INIRR and the CRR. It is the Churchs magic fix. You ask for forgiveness and then you move on. Its pretty much in line with the Churchs theological narrative: you make a mistake, you say yes Ive recognized it and Ive asked for forgiveness. Veronique doesnt wish to say how much she received. My procedure ended on March 31, 2023. I received much more than I asked for. And that shocked me because it made me realize that what Id been through must have been more serious than I imagined. Because its anonymous. You have a file number, theres no name, so it wasnt a favour done to me. I was shocked. When I was asked how much I thought the financial compensation would be, I was surprised. I replied: Do you know how much a childhood costs? 5,000, 10,000, 50,000 euros? On the other hand, I said that if they gave me 5,000 euros Id throw it back in their faces. It was explained to me that they assessed the situation on three criteria: the facts, the Churchs reaction, or rather lack of reaction, and the consequences, on a scale of 1 to 7 for the CRR and 1 to 10 for the INIRR. I was still annoyed that they hadnt agreed on the same scale of values when they had the same maximum. After receiving that letter, which really touched me, it took me another year to really realize that it was true. It takes time for it to sink in. Rejection of compensation scales and reinvented calculation methods There seems to be a shared lack of understanding of the methods used to calculate reparations, which were roundly criticised by Francois Devaux: I found it absurd that legal experts did not start from the little that had already been done in the French Republic -- i.e. the work of justice, with the terms that characterised rape, sexual assault and injury -- and that there was a reinvention of what had already been done, in order to deal with mass reparation for a mass crime. I felt that this approach did away with what had already been done by the French justice system, although we know this is far from enough, particularly in comparison with the Anglo-Saxon countries. So I stopped the process before the INIRR midway through, and never received any compensation. Nanou Couturier refused from the outset to go through the CRR system. I asked to negotiate with the congregation directly. I decided to plead my case directly with the 84-year-old head of the Marists, who knew my three rapists very well. I negotiated for two years. I agreed to let the CRR take part in the negotiations. It went very well. There are times when your anger overwhelms you, but then it subsides. A confrontation took place in Lyon at the end of November 2023. I was one of the first to submit my application to the CRR and I was interviewed in January 2022. The priest asked me: What do you want from me? It was my sisters and my case, the ceiling was set at 60,000 euros, and wed been abused by three priests over the years, so I counted 3 x 60,000 euros. I told him that I wanted 180,000 euros for myself and the same for my sister. I warned the CRR that I would never sign for 60,000 euros, and that I would fight again if necessary. I was summoned to the CRR offices in Paris in January 2024 to sign for the compensation. On the way there, on the train, I calculated, I reflected and said to myself that given my age, my loans, my car that needs changing, I would need 100,000 euros to be able to live peacefully with a little nest egg in case of financial worries. And I was told that I would receive 100,000 euros: 60,000 from the CRR plus 40,000 from the Marist Congregation. I sent my bank details and received my money at the end of February 2024. What to do with the money from suffering? Michel* asked himself what he was going to do with the money. I thought about it, and I said to myself that if the nuns wanted only to give me money, I was going to ask for just over half. So I asked for 33,000 euros. Thirty-three is the age when Christ died, and I thought it made sense symbolically. I asked myself what I was going to do with the money. The nuns lawyer, to tell you how out of touch she was, said to me: Sir, you know 33,000 euros is the price of a car. You could buy a car. I said to myself that every time I was in that car Id think back to that story. I was really shocked when she said that to me. I spoke to my wife about it and we said wed divide the money between our four children. They said no, that it was my money from suffering and that they didnt want to be burdened with it. The same goes for my grandchildren. Every year for the last 20 years, Ive given money to the NGO Handicap International, so I wrote them this big cheque and they asked me where I wanted it to go. I replied: For the children of Gaza and Ukraine. The managing director called me back, saying theyd never received a cheque for such a sum. He said to me: You were morally wounded as a child and its a beautiful symbol that this money is being used to repair children who are physically wounded. Well be able to help five or six children who have been victims of war. Gilbert* gave the money to his children. The last thing I wanted was to make money out of it, so I shared it with my three children, who have suffered from my divorces. There are also proven trans-generational traumas, particularly in one of my grandchildren. Im keeping some of it in a savings account to pay for therapy. Claudine* agrees. This money will be used to take my daughters on a trip. Its symbolic, because they too have suffered from the abuse their mother experienced when she was a young girl. Veronique: What we do with this money continues our work of restoration. I said to myself that I wanted to share it with our children because they too have suffered from my past. We all do different things with the money from the INIRR, explains Veronique. I have a friend who left. He dreamt of going to Norway, so he went to Norway. I have another friend who bought a work of art. What we do with this money continues our work of restoration. Some people say I dont want this money because it will always look dirty to me. So, you see, its up to each individual. Its really very personal. As far as Im concerned, we dont have a lot of money, so I said to myself that I wanted to share it with our children because they too have suffered from my past. In the end, we decided to spend some time together between Christmas and New Year, in a gite. It was an exceptional time. Not repair but recovery? I don't like the word repair because you fix your car, you fix a machine. I dont feel repaired, says Veronique. Healing is even worse, because you dont heal. I prefer restoration. To restore, for me, means in Latin sto/sta/stare, to stand upright. Restoring means getting back on your feet. Thats why I like the word recovery, which is also the same word as resurrection, in terms of faith. Its a restoration that is slow, but profound, and that takes place layer by layer, deeper and deeper. Commissions that are about to close? In its activity report at the beginning of 2025, the INIRR announced that its initial mandate had been extended until the summer of 2026. Even though conceived as a crisis response, the body will have to terminate its mission, the report states. [What about the CRR?] Victims are shocked by this prospect. Claudine* reacts: If the statute of limitations has expired, there will be more victims every year. What will happen to these victims once their case has not been dealt with? And so to say that the commissions will have to stop is a denial of the reality that everyone knows by now. The further things go, the more people will dare to speak out. Current events confirm this very clearly. Thats why I'm campaigning for an independent administrative body," says Yolande. The State should set it up to put into practice what the Church has said, i.e. we recognize, we make money available. The creation of the Selam fund is a very good thing, but the way in which the money is distributed needs to be reviewed. Moreover, this is the only place where we could say that the Church is acting in good faith. Clearly, there is money. Now these 20 million must be managed independently and correctly so that there is equality between the victims. Thats not the case. Francois Devaux: Im not against the principle of restorative justice, but in this case, the victims are being used as moral guarantors, to say it's OK, weve paid the bill, when in fact the bill has not been paid at all. There is not the slightest hint of reform in the Catholic Church. Reparation begins at that point of intent, in other words were going to reform the system (according to CIASE) so that it never does this again, insists Francois. We havent started this reform since the CIASE report, so theres no way of repairing the damage. The money involved is a detail, almost a symbol. The reparation obtained by CIASE and the quality of its listening is much greater than what the INIRR and CRR have done, and all the victims are almost unanimous about this. So when things are done well, its not true to say that victims are just a bunch of burned-out people who bawl their eyes out over everything. Im not against the principle of restorative justice, but in this case, all this and the victims are being used as moral guarantors to say it's OK, weve paid the bill, when in fact the bill has not been paid at all. There is not the slightest hint of reform in the Catholic Church. * Pseudonym A US- and Israeli-backed group operating aid sites in Gaza pushed back the reopening of its facilites set for Thursday, as the Israeli army warned that roads leading to distribution centres were "considered combat zones". The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) closed its aid distribution centres after a string of deadly incidents near sites it operates that drew sharp condemnation from the United Nations. Israeli bombardment on Wednesday killed at least 48 people across the Gaza Strip, including 14 in a single strike on a tent sheltering displaced people, the civil defence agency said. A day earlier, the civil defence and the International Committee of the Red Cross said 27 people were killed when Israeli troops opened fire near a GHF site in southern Gaza. The military said the incident was under investigation. Britain called for an "immediate and independent investigation", echoing a demand from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. UK Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer said the deaths of Palestinians as they sought food were "deeply disturbing", calling Israel's new measures for aid delivery "inhumane". Israel recently eased its blockade of Gaza, but the United Nations says the territory's entire population remains at risk of famine. - UN vote - The GHF originally said it was closing aid distribution sites in Gaza on Wednesday for "renovation" and that they would reopen Thursday. But the group said late Wednesday that its facilities would not open at the regular time Thursday, without clarifying when they would resume service. "Our distribution sites will not open early tomorrow morning as in previous days due to ongoing maintenance and repair work," it wrote on social media. "We will share information about opening times as soon as work is complete." The Israeli army warned against travelling "on roads leading to the distribution centres, which are considered combat zones". The GHF said it was working to made aid distribution "as safe as possible" and urged those travelling to its sites to "follow the routes designated" by the Israeli army. The GHF, officially a private effort with opaque funding, began operations a week ago. The UN and major aid groups have declined to work with it, citing concerns it serves Israeli military goals. Israeli authorities and the GHF, which uses contracted US security, have denied allegations the army shot at civilians rushing to pick up aid packages. Food shortages in Gaza have propelled fresh international calls for an end to the war, but a truce between Israel and Hamas remains elusive. The United States, Israel's key ally, used its veto power at the UN Security Council on Wednesday to block a resolution calling for a ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked US President Donald Trump, posting on social media: "That is the only way to destroy the Hamas terrorists" holding hostages in Gaza. Hamas condemned the veto as "disgraceful" and accused Washington of "legitimising genocide" in Gaza. - 'War crime' - The Israeli military maintains that its forces do not prevent Gazans from collecting aid. Army spokesperson Effie Defrin said the Israeli soldiers had fired towards suspects who "were approaching in a way that endangered" the troops. UN human rights chief Volker Turk called attacks against civilians "unconscionable", and said they "constitute a grave breach of international law and a war crime". The International Committee of the Red Cross meanwhile said Gazans face an "unprecedented scale and frequency of recent mass casualty incidents". - Activists' boat - Scenes of hunger in Gaza have also sparked fresh solidarity with Palestinians, and a boat organised by an international activist coalition was sailing toward Gaza, aiming to deliver aid. The boat from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition departed Sicily on Sunday carrying a dozen people, including environmental activist Greta Thunberg, along with fruit juices, milk, tinned food and protein bars. Israel's military said it stood ready to "protect" the country's maritime space, with army spokesman Defrin saying "we are prepared" to handle the flotilla, without elaborating. In response, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition said it "strongly condemns Israel's declared intent to attack" the boat, calling it a "threat". Israel has stepped up its offensive in Gaza in what it says is a renewed push to defeat the Palestinian group Hamas, whose October 2023 attack sparked the war. The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said at least 4,335 people have been killed since Israel resumed its offensive on March 18, taking the war's overall toll to 54,607, mostly civilians. Hamas's 2023 attack on Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,218 people, also mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. The army said three of its soldiers had been killed in northern Gaza, bringing the number of Israeli troops killed in the territory since the start of the war to 424. burs-lba/acc/ami/jhb/cms/dhw News / National by Staff reporter The City of Bulawayo has formally implemented a ban on heavy vehicles weighing more than 9 tonnes from entering the Central Business District (CBD), as part of new traffic management measures.In a public notice issued on Monday, 2 June, the local authority outlined updated traffic regulations aimed at easing congestion and safeguarding urban infrastructure."The City of Bulawayo advises residents and stakeholders that vehicles exceeding 9 tonnes, whether transiting through or operating within the city, are prohibited from entering the Central Business District and must comply with designated alternative routes," the statement read.The move is part of broader efforts to improve road safety, reduce wear on city roads, and enhance the overall flow of traffic within the CBD.Designated routes for heavy vehiclesTo accommodate the change, the city outlined specific routes that truck drivers must now follow:From Harare to Victoria Falls: Harare Road 1st Avenue Robert Mugabe Way Masotsha Ndlovu Avenue Lady Stanley Avenue Victoria Falls RoadFrom Victoria Falls to Harare: Victoria Falls Road Stanley Avenue Masotsha Ndlovu Avenue Lady Stanley Avenue Robert Mugabe Way 1st Avenue Harare RoadFrom Plumtree to Victoria Falls: Plumtree Road Masiyephambili Victoria Falls RoadFrom Harare to Plumtree & Belmont Industrial Area: Plumtree Harare Road George Avenue Ascot Road Philips Drive Baines Drive 23rd AvenueFrom Plumtree to Harare: Plumtree Road 23rd Avenue Baines Drive Ascot Road Philips Drive George Avenue Harare RoadFrom Gwanda to Plumtree or Belmont: Gwanda Road Ascot Road Philips Drive 23rd Avenue Plumtree RoadFrom Gwanda to Victoria Falls: Gwanda Road George Avenue Harare Road 1st Avenue Robert Mugabe Way Masotsha Ndlovu Avenue Lady Stanley Avenue Victoria Falls RoadThe City of Bulawayo has also underscored the importance of responsible conduct by truck drivers transiting through the city, advising them not to stop for rest at undesignated locations. Instead, drivers are encouraged to utilise the designated Truck Inn facility located along Victoria Falls Road, opposite the Amakhosi Cultural Centre.This directive is part of a broader strategy by the Bulawayo City Council to manage traffic congestion, minimise road damage, and enhance overall safety within the Central Business District. Rights groups, lawyers and some governments are describing the Gaza war as "genocide" and calling for a ceasefire but Israel, created in the aftermath of the Nazi Holocaust of Jews, vehemently rejects the explosive term. Israel says it is seeking to wipe out Gaza's Islamist rulers and free its hostages still held in the occupied Palestinian coastal strip since the Hamas militant attack in Israel on October 7, 2023. But Israel's devastating war on Gaza -- largely populated by descendants of Palestinian refugees who were expelled from or fled what became Israeli land in 1948 -- has killed tens of thousands of civilians and sparked growing global outrage. The accusation against Israel of genocide has been made with increasing force from quarters ranging from "Schindler's List" star Ralph Fiennes to Amnesty International and some Israeli historians. What does the legal term really mean and who can decide whether it applies? What is 'genocide'? The word genocide -- derived from the Greek word "genos", for race or tribe, and "cide", from the Latin for "to kill" -- was coined in 1944 by Raphael Lemkin. Lemkin, a Polish Jew who had fled to the United States, used it to describe the crimes committed by Nazi Germany during the Holocaust. It was used for the first time within a legal framework by an international military tribunal at Nuremberg to try Nazi leaders for their crimes in 1945. However, those accused were eventually convicted on charges of crimes against humanity. It has been recognised within international law since 1948 and the advent of the UN Genocide Convention. That text defines genocide as any of five "acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial or religious group". These five acts include killing members of the group, causing them serious bodily or mental harm, imposing living conditions intended to destroy the group, preventing births and forcibly transferring children out of the group. Regardless of the definition, the qualification of "genocide" has been hugely sensitive over the decades. What is happening in Gaza? Israel's military offensive on Gaza since October 2023 has killed 54,677 people, mostly civilians, according to the health ministry in the occupied Palestinian territory. The United Nations has said the territory's entire population of more than two million people is at risk of famine, even if Israel said last month it was partially easing the complete blockade on aid it imposed on Gaza on March 2. Despite international calls for an end to the war, a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas remains elusive. The latest war started after Hamas fighters attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. The attack resulted in the deaths of 1,218 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures. Of the 251 hostages seized, 55 remain in Gaza, including 32 the Israeli military says are dead. Who speaks of 'genocide' in Gaza? In December 2023, South Africa brought a case to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the United Nations' highest judicial organ, alleging that Israel's Gaza offensive breached the 1948 UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. Israel denies the accusation. In rulings in January, March and May 2024, the ICJ told Israel to do everything possible to "prevent" acts of genocide during its military operations in Gaza, including by providing urgently needed humanitarian aid to prevent famine. While no court has so far ruled the ongoing conflict is a genocide, human rights groups and international law experts -- including several who are Israeli -- have used the term to describe it. Amnesty International has accused Israel of carrying out a "live-streamed genocide" in Gaza, while Human Rights Watch has alleged it is responsible for "acts of genocide". A UN committee in November found Israel's warfare in Gaza was "consistent with the characteristics of genocide". And a UN investigation concluded in March that Israel carried out "genocidal acts" in Gaza through the destruction of the strip's main IVF clinic and other reproductive healthcare facilities. Omer Bartov, an Israeli scholar of the Holocaust, wrote in August last year that "Israel was engaged in systematic war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocidal actions". Fellow Israeli historians Amos Goldberg and Daniel Blatman in January co-wrote an article in which they said: "Israel is indeed committing genocide in Gaza." Western governments have largely refrained from using the word, with France's President Emmanuel Macron saying it was not up to a "political leader to use to term but up to historians to do so when the time comes". But Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has used it, while Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has accused Israel of "premeditated genocide". What does Israel say? Israel alleges it is exercising its right to security and "self defence", an argument echoed by its staunch ally the United States. Israel has dismissed accusations of genocide as "blatant lies" and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused the UN Human Rights Council of being "an antisemitic, corrupt, terror-supporting and irrelevant body". He has said UN experts should instead focus on "crimes against humanity and the war crimes committed by the Hamas terrorist organisation in the worst massacre against the Jewish people since the Holocaust", referring to October 7. The International Criminal Court (ICC) in November issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant over alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes in Israel's war in Gaza -- including starvation as a method of warfare. It also issued an arrest warrant for Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif over allegations of crimes against humanity and war crimes in the October 7 attack, but the case against him was dropped in February after confirmation Israel had killed him. ICC prosecutor Karim Khan also initially sought warrants against Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar and Ismail Haniyeh, but dropped those applications after their deaths in Israeli attacks. Who decides and when? Thijs Bouwknegt, a genocide expert, said the Israeli policy in Gaza seemed to be "designed to make a civilian population either perish or leave" but a court would have to decide if it was genocide. "It bears the hallmarks of it but we still have to wait and see whether it actually was," said the historian, who has conducted research for the ICC and observed trials over genocide in Rwanda and former Yugoslavia. In the case of Rwanda, in which the United Nations said extremist Hutus killed some 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus in 1994, it took a decade for the International Criminal Tribunal to conclude genocide had happened. It was not until 2007 that the ICJ recognised as genocide the murder by Bosnian Serb forces of almost 8,000 Muslim men and boys in Srebrenica in 1995 during the Bosnian war. "The threshold for genocide is nearly impossible to meet," Bouwknegt explained. "You have to prove that there was an intent and that there was the only possible explanation for what happened." Has there been intent? French-Israeli lawyer Omer Shatz said "there is no doubt that war crimes, crimes against humanity are being committed" in Gaza. But the international law expert agreed intent was more difficult to prove. That is why, after the ICC issued an arrest warrant against Netanyahu and Gallant, he filed a report with the court in December arguing they were among eight Israeli officials responsible for "incitement to genocide in Gaza". "If incitement is established, that establishes intent," he told AFP. His 170-page report lists such alleged incitements, including Gallant at the start of the war saying Israel was fighting "human animals" in Gaza and far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich urging "total extermination" in the Palestinian territory. It cites President Isaac Herzog failing to differentiate between Palestinian militants and civilians when he spoke of "an entire nation out there that is responsible" for the October 7 attack. Mathilde Philip-Gay, an international law expert, said it was ultimately up to a judge to decide on whether the genocide label applied. But, she warned: "International law cannot stop a war." "The judiciary will intervene after the war. The qualification (of genocide) is very important for victims but it will come later," she said. What now? The 1948 Genocide Convention says signatories can call on UN organs "to take such action... for the prevention and suppression of acts of genocide". But while it implies they should act to stop any such crime from occurring, it does not detail how. Activists have called for an arms embargo and sanctions against Israel. The European Union last month ordered a review of its cooperation deal with Israel and Britain halted trade talks with the government. But the United States and Germany, two major weapons suppliers, are not likely to want to review their relationship with Israel. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva accused Israel on Thursday of carrying out "premeditated genocide" in the occupied Palestinian territory of Gaza. "(It is) a premeditated genocide from a far-right government that is waging a war, including against the interests of its own people," he said at a joint press conference in Paris with French President Emmanuel Macron. "What is happening in Gaza is not a war. It's a genocide being carried out by a highly prepared army against women and children," said Lula, who has previously used the legal term to describe the conflict. "We see a genocide unfold under our eyes day after day," he added. "It's no longer possible to accept." Macron said the "coming days" would be decisive to halt the conflict. "We will ramp up pressure in coordination with the Americans to obtain a ceasefire," he said. France is due later this month to co-host with Saudi Arabia a United Nations conference in New York on a two-state solution to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. Macron said that he expected the conference would take steps "towards recognising Palestine", without being more specific. He has said he hopes French recognition of a Palestinian state would encourage other governments to do the same and that countries who do not recognise Israel should do so. But he has declined to use the word "genocide", saying last month it was not for a "political leader to use to term but up to historians to do so when the time comes". Earlier this year, Lula called Israel's war in Gaza "genocide" and said he was not sure the United States, a staunch ally of Israel, was "the best placed to take care of Gaza". He spoke after US President Donald Trump suggested taking control of Gaza to turn it into "the Riviera of the Middle East" after "permanently" resettling its Palestinian residents in other countries. Rights groups, lawyers and some Israeli historians have also described the Gaza war as "genocide" and called for a ceasefire. But Israel, created in 1948 in the aftermath of the Nazi Holocaust of Jews, vehemently rejects the term. Israel's war on Gaza since October 2023 has killed 54,677 people, mostly civilians, according to the health ministry in the occupied Palestinian territory. The United Nations said on May 30 the besieged territory's entire population of more than two million Palestinians is at risk of famine, despite Israel saying last month it was partially easing the complete aid blockade it imposed on Gaza on March 2. The war started after Hamas fighters attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. The attack resulted in the deaths of 1,218 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures. Of the 251 hostages seized, 55 remain in Gaza, including 32 the Israeli military says are dead. The US sanctions on four International Criminal Court (ICC) judges are a "clear attempt" at undermining the court's independence, the institution said on Thursday, vowing to stand by its staff. The United States imposed sanctions earlier Thursday on four ICC judges, including over an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The four judges, all women, will be barred entry to the United States, and any property or other interests in the world's largest economy will be blocked -- measures typically taken against policymakers from US adversaries, rather than judicial officials. "These measures are a clear attempt to undermine the independence of an international judicial institution which operates under the mandate from 125 States Parties from all corners of the globe," the court said in a statement from The Hague. "The ICC stands fully behind its personnel, and will continue its work undeterred," it said. "Targeting those working for accountability does nothing to help civilians trapped in conflict. It only emboldens those who believe they can act with impunity," the statement added. Washington, a key ally of Israel, has been infuriated at the ICC serving an arrest warrant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity on Netanyahu. Neither the United States nor Israel is party to the Rome Statute that established the International Criminal Court. The ICC, which investigates individuals suspected of the world's worst crimes, said it "provides justice and hope to millions of victims of unimaginable atrocities". BEIJING, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in Beijing on Wednesday. Congratulating Lukashenko again on his reelection as the president of Belarus, Xi said the two countries are true friends and good partners, treating each other with sincerity and trust. Noting China and Belarus share enduring traditional friendship, formidable political mutual trust and growing cooperation in all fields, Xi said China has always viewed and developed China-Belarus relations from a strategic and a long-term perspective. Xi said China is willing to work with Belarus to promote the steady development of bilateral ties and win-win cooperation. He called on both sides to further enhance coordination and cooperation within multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, jointly oppose hegemony and bullying, and safeguard international fairness and justice. Lukashenko, who is on his 15th visit to China, said that he has felt a genuine sense of friendship from China during each of his trips. Thanking China for its long-term strong support and assistance to his country, he said Belarus has high-degree trust in China and will actively advance cooperation with China. Lukashenko said China sets an example for the world by upholding multilateralism and opposing unilateralism and sanctions and pressure, expressing admiration for China and willingness to work with China to safeguard international fairness and justice. News / National by Staff reporter The Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) is set to launch a new e-regulation portal by mid-July, in a major digital reform aimed at improving the ease of doing business and enhancing transparency for investors in Zimbabwe.The online platform is part of ZIDA's wider initiative to modernize the country's regulatory framework, reduce red tape, and attract increased local and foreign investment. The portal will serve as a comprehensive one-stop-shop for business registration and compliance processes, offering detailed, sector-specific guidance - including procedures for industries such as transport fuel, mining, agriculture, and manufacturing.According to ZIDA Chief Executive Officer Tafadzwa Chinamo, the new system will play a pivotal role in demystifying regulatory requirements for investors, many of whom face unnecessary delays and complications due to a lack of accessible information."The first step is understanding the processes involved," Chinamo said. "Many people are unaware of the requirements for setting up certain types of businesses. This portal will bring clarity and make the entire process more transparent and straightforward."Through the portal, users will be able to access crucial resources such as application forms, licensing fees, and step-by-step procedural guidelines. The initiative is aimed at eliminating bureaucratic friction that has historically hindered the flow of investment into Zimbabwe.A significant challenge for investors - particularly those new to the country - has been navigating regulatory bottlenecks caused by incomplete or ambiguous information. The portal seeks to address this by centralizing up-to-date documentation and guidelines, reducing administrative surprises that often emerge at border posts or during compliance inspections.The portal's second phase, set to roll out later this year, will take the reform even further by enabling users to complete the entire regulatory process online, without the need to physically visit government offices. This move aligns Zimbabwe with international best practices in investment facilitation and is expected to substantially improve the country's business climate rankings.The upcoming e-regulation platform builds on the success of ZIDA's Do-It-Yourself (DIY) licensing portal, which was launched earlier as part of the agency's digitization drive. The DIY system has already proven transformative - processing over 98% of investment applications digitally and reducing license issuance times to under five days in most cases.ZIDA's latest move signals a clear commitment to building a responsive, investor-focused environment through digital innovation. The agency says the new portal will make Zimbabwe a more competitive and attractive destination for investment by eliminating inefficiencies, increasing transparency, and fostering trust among both domestic and international investors. Thursday, June 5, 2025 - A dramatic incident unfolded after all passengers aboard a Kasarani matatu were arrested during a confrontation with a police officer, sparking outrage online. The altercation reportedly began when the officer stopped the matatu and attempted to arrest one of the passengers for reasons that remain unclear. Tensions escalated when fellow passengers, frustrated by the officers behavior, began chanting Wantam slogans - a term increasingly associated with youth defiance and resistance to perceived authority abuse. The officer allegedly called for reinforcement, and all passengers were subsequently arrested and taken to Kasarani Police Station. The video has since gone viral on social media, reigniting debates around police conduct, freedom of expression, and the growing influence of the Wantam movement. Watch the video. All passengers aboard a Kasarani matatu arrested after chanting Wantam slogans during police confrontation pic.twitter.com/cL7TuNn5Yy DAILY POST (@dailypost_ke) June 5, 2025 The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, June 5, 2025 - The High Court has awarded Ksh 157,207,524 in compensation to a Nairobi woman and her husband following a botched surgical procedure at Aga Khan University Hospital. The landmark ruling, delivered by Justice Alexander Muteti on Wednesday, brought to an end an 18-year legal battle by Ms. Naila Qureshi. Ms. Qureshi had been admitted to the hospital in September 2006 for treatment of pelvic endometriosis. She consented to the removal of her uterus and one ovary. However, during the procedure, the attending gynaecologist - referred to in court as the first defendant - also removed her cervix without her knowledge or approval. The court found this action to be a gross violation of medical ethics and a serious breach of her rights as a patient. Justice Muteti ruled that the evidence clearly demonstrated the surgeons negligence and that the hospital was equally culpable for allowing the doctor to operate, despite knowing he had been disbarred from medical practice in Uganda. As a result of the unauthorized procedure, Ms. Qureshi lost her ability to work, suffered physical and psychological harm, and experienced a drastic decline in her quality of life. She also lost the ability to maintain physical intimacy with her husband, leading to the deterioration of their marital relationship. The court awarded a total of Ksh 7,207,524.20 in special damages, covering medical expenses, transport, and related costs incurred during and after treatment. In addition, Ksh 150 million was granted in general damages to compensate for the long-term consequences of the surgery. Ms. Qureshi lost her job and can no longer work. The court acknowledged the deep impact on her physical, emotional, and marital well-being. These were broken down as follows: Ksh 30 million for the loss of her cervix Ksh 40 million for the loss of consortium, acknowledging the impact on her marriage Ksh 20 million for loss of amenities, representing the diminished quality of life Ksh 10 million for pain and suffering Ksh 20 million for loss of earning capacity Ksh 30 million to her husband for the loss of society, companionship, and services. The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, June 5, 2025 - Six cybercrime suspects implicated in a series of serious fraud through spoofing to dupe their targets whereafter they siphon millions of cash electronically have been arrested in a security operation conducted in Nyali, Mombasa County. Fortune Muthina Kinyanzui alias Albanas Kyalo, Ruel Kipkoech Yator alias Papa Ruel, Laban Kipkirui Koech, Weldon Kipyegon Rono Towet Kipkorir Alphonce and Kelvin Kipyegon Koech were flushed from their hideouts by a team of detectives led by the Operations Directorate. The operation started on May 31 followed an intelligence tip, after which the officers mounted a sting operation targeting the fraudsters who social-engineer their victims by use of a call spoofing application to disguise their identities, through manipulation of phone calls and numbers to make them appear as if they were originating from authentic call centres. Fortune Muthina (mastermind) is believed to possess the spoofing application which he used to aid the infamous 'Mulot Swapper fraudsters at a fee to make calls to victims while masquerading customer care service desk attendants in banks and telecommunication offices. By deception that causes panic and a sense of urgency, the victims are made to reveal personal information that the fraudsters use to transfer huge sums of money to their accounts. So demanded was the App that the fraudsters had to part with over Sh 500,000 to acquire, have it configured and be provided with an IP address to facilitate their malicious activities. But determined to paralyze their fraudulent missions, the officers raided APA apartments Hse no. B2 (AirBnB) located along 1st Avenue in Nyali, Mombasa County where the suspects had set base. The house had been turned into their training and working station. In their possession were found 19 assorted mobile phone gadgets, assorted SIM cards and SIM card holders (Safaricom, Airtel, Telkom and MTN Uganda), a book containing possible victims records among other items. On 3rd June, 2025, the suspects were arraigned at Kahawa Law Courts through a miscellaneous application seeking custodial orders to enable finalizing of the investigation. The presiding magistrate court No. 2 directed that the matter be mentioned on 6th June, 2025 for ruling. The suspects have been detained at Capitol Hill Police Station. Those who might have fallen victim to the fraudsters are advised to follow up with the respective stations investigating their cases for further communication with DCI Headquarters on the next cause of action. The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, June 5, 2025 - Embu Governor and UDA National Chairperson, Cecily Mbarire, has set tongues wagging after skipping a high-level meeting hosted by President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi. The meeting, which brought together Governors, Cabinet Secretaries, and Principal Secretaries to review progress reports from counties and ministries, had anticipated Mbarires attendance due to her dual role as Governor and party chair. Her absence, following public accusations that unnamed Government officials were undermining her, raised eyebrows. Just days earlier, during Madaraka Day celebrations in Mbeere, she accused Government operatives of holding clandestine meetings to sideline her politically. "Some Nairobi-based leaders are holding night meetings in Embu without involving me or other elected officials," she declared during Madaraka Day celebrations. "If theres anyone who has suffered for supporting this Government, its me. We traversed every part of Embu asking people to vote for the Government, now you come from Nairobi to fight us?" she posed. Mbarire, visibly angry, warned that continued political sabotage will not go unanswered. "I dare you to come back to Embu again. We will face each other man-to-man," she said. Mbarire had skipped Kindikis earlier visit to Embu, with her aides claiming she was left out of the itinerary. Sources intimate that tensions between Mbarire and the DP stem from a January incident where Kindiki publicly questioned her leadership after President Ruto was heckled in Embu. "I spoke to my sister, the governor of Embu, not as Deputy President but as a fellow leader," Kindiki said then. "Youre the national chairperson of UDA, a UDA governor. The president comes to your county and is heckled, what justification is there to keep you in that role?" The Kenyan DAILY POST News / National by Staff reporter Tensions are mounting in Nyahombe, Chivi District, as a mentally ill teacher at Nyahombe Secondary School continues to remain in his post despite months of complaints from parents who fear for the safety of their children and the wider community.Almost seven months have passed since parents first raised alarm over the teacher's erratic and disturbing behavior. However, no definitive action has been taken by the authorities, prompting growing frustration and accusations of negligence from education officials.Parents say the teacher, who is stationed at the school in Ward 29 of Chivi, poses a daily threat to students and locals alike. They allege he exhibits violent tendencies, regularly provokes learners, and has been seen loitering around areas where women bathe - raising fears of potential sexual offenses."We are afraid that one day he will attack and injure a learner," said one concerned parent. "He is often seen in places where women bathe, and his behavior is getting worse. He also wanders around acting like an apostolic prophet, frightening the community."Contacted by TellZim News, Chivi District Schools Inspector (DSI) Evershine Ndongwe previously stated that the teacher's case had been referred to the Public Service Commission for further handling. However, when asked for an update recently, Ndongwe revealed that the plan was now to transfer the teacher to a school near Chivi Mission Hospital to be closer to medical support - though no suitable vacancy has yet been found."We intend to place him closer to Chivi Hospital," said Ndongwe. "With medication, he becomes stable enough that you wouldn't even notice anything is wrong. But he separated from his wife and now lives alone. If he had a relative to monitor his treatment, it would help a lot."Despite this explanation, parents believe the delays in removing the teacher from Nyahombe may be due to protection from someone influential within the district office. They allege that he is related to an official who is shielding him from being retired or reassigned.Contacted for comment, Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Director of Communications and Advocacy, Taungana Ndoro, said he would look into the issue.Meanwhile, the community continues to live in anxiety. Parents fear the teacher's instability could lead to violence or a tragic incident involving one of their children. Some have even expressed concern that learners might be provoked to retaliate, potentially escalating the situation further."He likes provoking the children," said another parent. "We fear one day a student will snap and injure him. If the government doesn't have the resources to retire him officially, they can still pay him to stay home. We just want him out of the school and away from our children."With no clear resolution in sight, pressure is mounting on education authorities to act swiftly before the situation spirals out of control. Thursday, June 5, 2025 - Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika has defended her decision to give birth to her twins in the United States. Speaking at a public event, Kihika responded to backlash over her absence from County duties, which sparked speculation before it was confirmed she was on maternity leave. "You do know I am the Governor, right? All county doctors and nurses work under me," Kihika said. "Did you want me lying on my back as one of those doctors helps me deliver? And then later, we meet in meetings, and he looks at me differently? I decided to avoid that embarrassment." The mother of three added that her decision wasnt about disregarding local healthcare but about personal comfort given her position. She promised to improve maternity services in Nakuru County, ensuring other women receive high-quality care. "I will build a good maternity for you so that I ensure that you also get the same facilities that I can get. You need to back me. And remember, about 10 years you saw that my dowry was paid. They didn't pay it for me to go and sit at home," she added. Susan kihika saying she gave birth in america to avoid being seen naked by the doctors in nakuru county is nuts. And waste of tax payers money pic.twitter.com/gnzuRPDCKH wanjiru (@Wanjiru2027) June 5, 2025 The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, June 5, 2025 - Former Trans-Nzoia MCA, Benard Lenana, has been arrested following the release of a viral protest song sharply criticizing President William Ruto and other senior Government officials. The controversial track, which has been widely shared on social media, highlights issues such as corruption, broken campaign promises, and the rising cost of living. In the song, Lenana directly names political leaders and questions the unfulfilled pledges made during the 2022 General Elections. Police confirmed his arrest, citing incitement and dissemination of content likely to provoke public disorder. Authorities allege that the song poses a threat to national stability by potentially fueling unrest. Lenana, a vocal Government critic, said he composed the song to express the frustrations of ordinary Kenyans. His arrest has drawn backlash from human rights organizations and fellow artists, who view it as a growing assault on freedom of expression. In a statement, the Kenya Human Rights Commission condemned the arrest, calling it part of a broader trend aimed at silencing dissent. The commission warned that such actions undermine democracy and the constitutional right to free speech. The Song that has landed him in problem pic.twitter.com/lvCqiAM0qS The Nairobi Times (@TheNairobiTimez) June 4, 2025 The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, June 5, 2025 - A daring Kenyan man has gone viral after boldly joining police officers in a gun salute during a colleagues burial - armed with nothing but a toy gun. In the viral video, uniformed officers are seen performing the traditional farewell salute. Unexpectedly, the man steps in, mimicking their moves and firing his toy gun, which amusingly emits white smoke. What surprised many is that the officers didnt stop or confront him, allowing him to march behind them as if he were part of the squad. The stunt has left netizens in stitches, with many calling it peak Kenyan audacity. Watch the video below Hii Kenya kuboeka nayo ni kujitakia pic.twitter.com/9nK9ZxrWwG Alinur Mohamed (@AlinurMohamed_) June 4, 2025 The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, June 5, 2025 - Nandi Hills MP, Bernard Kitur, has claimed his life is in danger due to his efforts to expose an alleged organ transplant syndicate at Mediheal Hospital in Eldoret. The hospital is suspected of conducting illegal kidney transplants involving vulnerable individuals. Appearing before the National Assembly Health Committee on Thursday, June 5th, Kitur revealed that threats against him had intensified, with the latest incident occurring on Wednesday evening. He alleged that officials from the hospital, detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and some local leaders were behind the intimidation. Kitur claimed his official vehicle was blocked near the Brookside area in Eldoret by a DCI vehicle, although he was not in it at the time. The vehicle was tracked and cornered. My staff, who were carrying documents related to the matter, were inside he said, naming DCI officer Osman Ndiema as involved. The MP accused the Uasin Gishu County police commandant and the DCIO of acting on instructions from former Kesses MP, Swarup Mishra, who owns the hospital. He told the committee that two victims had reported their kidneys were removed after being promised large sums of money. One was paid only Ksh450,000 out of the promised Ksh1.2 million. He further alleged the hospital issued the victims with alien ID cards to alter their medical records and that they, too, have faced bribes and threats to silence them. The claims follow an April expose by German outlet Deutsche Welle, revealing an international trafficking network where organs from Kenyans fetched up to $200,000. The Kenyan DAILY POST News / National by Staff reporter Colonel Miniyothabo Baloyi-Chiwenga, the wife of Zimbabwe's Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, was the victim of a burglary at her electronics shop located in the upmarket Sam Levy's Village in Borrowdale, Harare, resulting in the theft of mobile phones valued at US$13,420.According to police, the break-in occurred recently and triggered a swift response from law enforcement. Four suspects - Blessed Luciano, Isaac Craig Chaza, Strive Matangira, and Succeed Mukaro - were apprehended on June 3, 2025, by detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Borrowdale.National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrests and revealed that most of the stolen mobile phones have since been recovered. He said investigations were still underway to ensure all items are accounted for and to determine whether the suspects were part of a larger syndicate."The Zimbabwe Republic Police applauds the quick action by the CID Borrowdale team, which led to the arrest of the suspects and recovery of the stolen property," said Commissioner Nyathi.The incident adds to a growing list of high-profile robberies reported across the country this year, raising concerns about security, particularly in affluent suburbs and business districts.While there were no reported injuries during the break-in, the case has reignited public debate around the safety of high-ranking officials and their families, even in guarded commercial zones like Sam Levy's Village.Authorities say more details will be shared as investigations continue. A relic of one of the most well-known of the Catholic saints will be available for a days devotion in Kilberry, near Athy on Saturday 14 June. The mitten of Padre Pio will be on display at the home of Ann Fitzpatrick R14 XT53 - between the hours of 11am and 5pm. Im in the Padre Pio Society, and my family have it twice a year, said Ann. Weve hosted the glove for the last 13 years, and 100 per cent of the people will come to be blessed with the glove, she said. The glove is one he wouldve worn, but it is now in a frame because people would be pulling little pieces of the wool for their own healing." She added: I myself have gone to different places to view the glove, and I remember my mother and I going to see it in Carlow one time and could only view it in a scullery." Because of this Ann and her family offer a better viewing experience in the parlour, and a marquee of refreshments out the back at their own expense. I dont mind the crowds, theyre all good people coming for Padre Pio, she said. Any and all donations go straight to San Giovanni and Padre Pio, she said. The Kildare Nationalist asked Ann how she first managed to get such unique access to the relic, and she explained it was through a fellow devotee Pat Ryan from Edenderry, who has secured the glove for the last few years. The Kildare Nationalist also spoke with Pat Ryan to get some more background on this mystical mitten. Pat explained that when his first child was only five months and had developed a serious case of pneumonia, and that his mother managed to bring the mitten to cure the child. He explained how his mother got it from another devotee, Mairead Doyle from Dublin, who had made multiple pilgrimages to the San Giovanni monastery in Italy in the 60s, and was gifted the mitten from the man himself shortly before he died. She gave it to her sister Kay in Edenderry when she died, and when Kay died, I became the third caretaker of it since Padre Pio handed it to Mairead in 1968, he explained. It doesnt tour, but if people want it for hospital visits, Ill let it out, though not overnight, so people can get a blessing with the glove, said Pat. Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, widely known as Padre Pio was an Italian Capuchian friar, priest, stigmatist and mystic who died in 1968, and is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church. Devotion to Padre Pio has spread among Catholics all over the world since his death, and he was canonised in 2002 by Pope John Paul II after many miracles have been attributed to the saint over the years. A Kilkenny employer has been convicted of an offence under the Employment Permits Act 2006, for making deductions from an employees wages to cover the cost of his work permit. Ayhan Sahin, 5 Main Street, Bagenalstown, Carlow, pleaded guilty to two counts under the act. Detective Garda Roisin Reynolds of the National Protective Services Bureau gave evidence in Kilkenny District Court in relation to the matter. Det Garda Reynolds said she investigated the case following an email to the bureau. She then met with the injured party in the case and made contact with his employer, Mr Sahin of Anatolia Cafe in Kilkenny. A multi-layered investigation followed, including use of CCTV and examination of bank accounts. CLICK HERE FOR MORE CRIME UPDATES AND COURT REPORTS Mr Sahin had applied for an employee permit and that form states that as an employer he agrees not to charge the employee for arranging the work permit. It transpired that Mr Sahin gave the injured party a bill, in Turkish, charging him for the services of a recruitment firm he had used, a magazine advertisement for the job and the arrangement of the work permit. The complainant has since left work at the cafe. The bill totalled 2,533.50, Det. Garda Reynolds said. Solicitor Joe Farrell said his client had no previous convictions and when interviewed gave answers. The garda agreed he was communicative. When Mr Farrell said Mr Sahin had arranged the sum of 3,000 to offer to the complainant the garda said he would be grateful for that. The solicitor said the business is something Mr Sahin is doing to try to advance his family. The job was advertised, the other man answered and was delighted he was being brought across to Ireland. Mr Farrell said his client had arranged the paperwork and it was quite an expensive process. Mr Sahin has a day job in IT and a criminal conviction will cause problems for him there, the solicitor said. He is quite contrite over the matter. Mr Farrell said his client understood it was a cost he had incurred and he was dealing with a business and the bottom line, maybe he should have been more concerned with the human element of the process. Judge Geraldine Carthy convicted Mr Sahin on one of the two charges. She imposed a fine of 1,500 on the basis Mr Sahin would also pay 3,000 to the injured party. Recognisance was fixed in the event of an appeal. The big question everyone is asking. That was how Cllr Ger Frisby summed up public interest over when the entirety of the South-East Greenway will be completed. Speaking at this months meeting of the Piltown Municipal District in Ferrybank, South Kilkenny, Cllr Frisby called for clarity on the projects timeline and the status of its engagement with local landowners. How far away are we from that [opening]? he asked. Hopefully the temporary car park [at Curraghmore] will be up for discussion too. If we were to go permanent, wed want to be engaging with local people. Theres not a lot of works around it to protect landowners on either side, and there are worries about illegal parking locally. A conversation needs to be had. Cllr Fidelis Doherty echoed the call for certainty. She also urged the council to consider keeping the temporary car park at Curraghmore. READ MORE: Latest major appointments confirmed in Local Electoral Area of Kilkenny Sad to think it will be only temporary, she said. Can Curraghmore car park be kept? Is it possible to retain it? Her concerns were shared by Cllr Tomas Breathnach, who said there would be merit in retention of the car park at Curraghmore, with the caveat of consultation. Responding to the points raised, Acting Director of Services Ian Gardner said they would be brought back to the South-East Greenway project team. The South-East Greenway, much of which runs through South Kilkenny, has been under phased development. The meeting heard that the next phase of its opening, a 5.5km section from Ferrybank to Curraghmore, is due to open this quarter, but that a date hadn't been set yet. Snagging is ongoing with minor finishing works (including signage and boundary fencing requirements for opening) being actioned. Creative Ireland funding has also been received for a wall mural on concrete screen fencing in Ferrybank and the design for same is currently under review by Kilkenny County Council with a view to completion prior to greenway opening. SEE ALSO: A few bangs prompt safety fears on Kilkenny road famous for deer crossings The Project Landowner Liaison Officer is continuing to engage with landowners adjoining the greenway in relation to boundary treatment and crossing points for the remaining lots of the greenway. Of the 24 kilometres of greenway, some 14 kilometres are now completed or substantially completed. Fehily Timoney and Company Ltd continue to advance the detail design on the remaining sections of the greenway. FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS, CLICK HERE More than 4,600 family carers across Kilkenny and Carlow will receive the Carers Support Grant of 2,000 from the Department of Social Protection today (Thursday, June 5). The announcement was made by the Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary TD, and welcomed locally by Leas-Cheann Comhairle, Deputy John McGuinness, who described the increased payment as needed and welcome. A total of 2,534 carers in Kilkenny and 2,165 in Carlow are set to benefit from the once-yearly payment, which supports those providing full-time care in homes and communities across the region. READ MORE: Have Kilkenny councillors identified major flaw in North Quays project? Nationally, 138,000 carers will receive the grant today. The payment, which is not taxable, is available to all full-time carers supporting an older person or someone with a disability, regardless of their means or social insurance contributions. The rate of the grant has increased by 150 this year, rising from 1,850 to its highest-ever level of 2,000. The total cost of the grant being paid today is 313 million. The grant is paid in respect of each person being cared for, acknowledging the additional financial burden and challenges faced by carers. Over 16,000 carers who provide care for two or more people will receive a separate payment for each person. Minister Calleary said: I am delighted to announce that 138,000 carers will receive the Carers Support Grant of 2,000 today. This is one of a number of improvements introduced this year in recognition of the vital role of carers and the contribution they make to society. The grant will be paid automatically to those receiving Carers Allowance, Carers Benefit, and Domiciliary Care Allowance. It is also available to other full-time carers not receiving these payments and is paid in respect of each person being cared for. As Minister for Social Protection, I recognise the crucial role family carers play in our society. You dedicate yourselves to providing care to support your loved ones and I want to take this opportunity to thank all carers in Ireland for the vital and valuable contribution you make in our society and in our local communities. SEE ALSO: A few bangs prompt safety fears on Kilkenny road famous for deer crossings The Carers Support Grant is paid automatically to all recipients of Carers Allowance (full or half-rate), Carers Benefit, and Domiciliary Care Allowance. It is also available to other full-time carers who do not receive any of these payments. FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS, CLICK HERE Car-free visitors to Kilkenny in the heart of Irelands Ancient East now have an opportunity to explore a sacred, unspoilt valley that straddles three counties, and experience 5,000 years of history, on a 50km loop, all at their own pace. The Lingaun Loop bus service pilot begins this Saturday, May 31, offering visitors to the South-East an opportunity to link in with the orbital minibus service from existing bus or train routes in Kilkenny, Waterford and Tipperary. The free mini-bus service allows visitors to venture deep into the Lingaun Valley in the heart of rural Ireland and visit its high crosses, castles, churches and tombs and enjoy a variety of walks and hikes, stopping off at local cafes and pubs along the way. The route and frequency are designed to link in with existing public transport services from popular bases such as Kilkenny City and Waterford City, or Clonmel and Carrick-on-Suir in Tipperary. The Lingaun Loop stops at, or close to, key visitor attractions. Passengers can hop on or off at any one of 13 stops along the 50km route and rejoin the service later. The Lingaun Loop will orbit the area five times a day, seven days a week, starting at 9.30am and finishing just after 5.20pm. Stops include Tullahought, Kilkieran High Crosses, Parkside in Carrick-on-Suir, Dove Hill Centre, Kilsheelan, Kilcash Village, Kilcash Castle, Grangemockler, Killamery, Windgap, Knockroe Passage Tomb, Slate Quarries and Ahenny High Crosses. The full timetable and details about how to link with the loop are available on the Lingaun Valley website, https://lingaunvalley.ie/lingaun-loop-bus-service/ The Lingaun Loop is being piloted by Kilkenny LEADER Partnership in association with the Local Link service until September. The project is co-funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development. The action research pilot initiative will feed into a research project which will showcase demand and mobility options throughout the summer season. The raw data collected will be used to determine the feasibility of operating the service beyond the pilot term. We are eager to encourage visitors to Irelands Ancient East to discover the captivating Lingaun River that runs through this small, quiet valley and forms the border between south-west Kilkenny and south-east Tipperary. The pilot service is innovative in concept, in line with the philosophy of the LEADER Programme," said Declan Rice, CEO, Kilkenny LEADER Partnership. The Lingaun Loop allows visitors to experience a beautiful landscape along the Lingaun River and this ancient river that flows from Slievenamon Mountain down to Carrick-on-Suir. Taking the bus is the ideal way for the public to visit ancient passage tombs that pre-date Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids and view high crosses, church ruins and monuments from the early Christian and medieval periods throughout the Valley. We are also hoping that locals, who have been very supportive in establishing this route, will use this orbital service, linking up with other services or on to neighbouring towns and villages. Were also anticipating that the free service might encourage people to take the opportunity to discover the gems that are on our doorstep, but theyve not yet taken the time to explore, experience and enjoy. Were asking service users to plan ahead. Not all stops have shops, cafes or other facilities so they need to be mindful of this and plan accordingly. READ MORE SOUTH KILKENNY NEWS HERE Richie Walsh, Chairperson of Lingaun Valley Tourism said the new service is the ideal way to experience the sacred Lingaun Valley car and stress free. This really is an opportunity for people to venture deep into the Lingaun Valley and pick and choose where they want to go, what they want to see. Weve worked hard to develop this route, to improve signage and information points across the Valley and make sure service users have the best possible experience. READ NEXT: Pilgrims flock to Knockroe Passage Tomb in Kilkenny for winter solstice! We now need those meeting and greeting visitors to the region to spread the word, get people using the service and make it sustainable into the future. Its in all of our interests to ensure the free service is used and it is tailored/tweaked to make it of service to locals and visitors alike. The Link and Loop options are: In the immediate aftermath of Sunday's shooting incident at the Fairgreen Shopping Centre in Carlow Town, there were calls for Irelands bail laws to be urgently reviewed and changed. The calls came less than a week after the Government announced it's to appoint a senior counsel to examine the conditions under which a repeat offender can be granted bail while awaiting trial. That announcement was made as part of a public apology to the family of cyclist Shane O'Farrell who was killed in a hit-and-run incident in Monaghan almost 14 years ago by a man who should have been in prison at the time. In a statement issued on Monday evening - just over 24 hours after the shooting incident in Carlow - Independent Ireland TD Ken OFlynn called for sweeping reform of our bail laws. Effectively we have a bail law system that is a threat to life and security, he wrote. In a separate statement, Sinn Fein TD Matt Carty said: Our laws must ensure that the most dangerous criminals are behind bars. READ ALSO: New photograph of Carlow shooter released as gardai vow to keep investigating While Im sure there are thousands of people across the country who agree with the sentiments of both statements, others will argue against any knee-jerk reaction and I, for one, would agree. Any reform of the bail laws will be complex and our elected legislators must exercise caution given the potential of there being unintended consequences which could cause havoc within the criminal justice system. The suggestion, in some quarters, that anyone suspected of carrying out a serious criminal offence should be locked up as soon as they are arrested by gardai is non-sensical and unworkable, particularly given the current delays in hearing some cases and the overcrowding crisis in our prisons. What about due process and the presumption of innocence that every citizen is entitled to? What about Article 40 of the Constitution which states: "No citizen shall be deprived of his personal liberty save in accordance with law"? Currently, there is robust legislation and strong case law relating to bail and the grounds on which an individual can be refused bail and remanded in custody. As it stands, every person who is brought before a court has an entitlement to bail unless the State objects and, even then, only if the objection reaches the required threshold to satisfy a judge otherwise. In some cases, such as murder, only a High Court judge can make such a determination but in most cases, issues relating to bail are heard by district court judges up and down the country. Bail is not an issue in the vast majority of cases before the courts but bail hearings do take place every day of the week - some are reported in the media, others are not. From my experience covering the courts, the implementation of the existing bail laws can vary depending on where you are in the country and, perhaps, a review of the current system is warranted rather than sweeping reform as Deputy O'Flynn puts it. Section 2 of the Bail Act 1997 outlines six factors which a judge must consider before deciding to refuse bail if there is an objection. These include the nature and degree of seriousness of the offence, the nature and strength of the evidence and any previous convictions which the accused person may have. Case law allows for the likelihood of an individual fleeing or failing to appear in court to also be considered. Occasionally, senior gardai will give opinion evidence in the context of a bail hearing but this can be challenged and it is up to the presiding judge to determine how much weight to give to such evidence. Refusing bail and depriving someone of their liberty is a serious decision for any judge to make and it is right that a high burden of proof is placed on the State in cases where bail is opposed. Every citizen has an entitlement to their liberty so it is not something that should be done lightly or in response to public pressure. While the current bail system may not be perfect its certainly not broken. Gardai have launched an investigation after a cyclist was killed in a road traffic collision in East Cork. In an update, they say the fatal incident occurred on the N25 at Carrigtwohill at around 5pm this Wednesday. "Gardai and emergency services attended the scene following reports of the collision, involving a van and a pedal cyclist, which occurred eastbound on the N25," said a spokesperson. The pedal cyclist, a man aged in his 60s, was pronounced deceased at the scene and his body has since been removed to the mortuary at University Cork Hospital where a post-mortem examination will take place in due course. The male driver of the van, aged in his 60s received treatment at the scene. READ ALSO: LIVE: Man (50s) injured after his truck crashes into house in Roscommon Motorists are being advised the road is currently closed for technical examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators and will remain closed overnight as the examination of the scene will take place on Thursday morning. Gardai are appealing for witnesses to the incident to come forward and any road users who may have camera footage and who were travelling in the area between 4.30pm and 5pm on Wednesday are asked to make this footage available. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Midleton garda station on 021 462 1550, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station. Investigations are ongoing. Shipments of vapes from China to the U.S. experienced a significant downturn in May compared to the previous year, according to official data. The decline has been attributed to the impact of tariffs imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, coupled with increased measures against unauthorised e-cigarettes in the United States. Among the affected brands is Geek Bar, a flavoured vape product not approved for sale in the U.S. Despite this, it had previously been widely accessible due to insufficient import controls. One retailer, who asked not to be named because their business sells unauthorised vapes, told Reuters that one of the store's vape suppliers normally receives 100 boxes of Geek Bar vapes per week, but is now getting just ten. Another supplier imposed unprecedented purchase limits. ADVERTISEMENT "There were a lot of supply chain issues during COVID-19, the person said. "But I've never seen this." The U.S. supplier limited purchases to five boxes at a time due to "tariff-related price increases and limited market availability", an undated notice to customers seen by Reuters showed. Trump's decision to impose steep tariffs on China, now at 30% after peaking at 145% in April, as well as blockbuster seizures of unauthorised vapes, have constrained the supply of Chinese-owned vape brands and Geek Bar in particular, according to five industry sources and notices from U.S. Geek Bar wholesalers reviewed by Reuters. A charity is warning about the dangers of discarded disposable vapes (Alamy/PA) Between May 1 and May 28 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recorded just 71 shipments of products labelled as e-cigarettes or vapes from China, compared with nearly 1,200 over the same period last year. Such imports had fallen between 40% and 60% in February, March and April, after Trump came into office, but collapsed in May, the data show. ADVERTISEMENT "Due to increased tariffs, rising production costs, and reduced supply chain capacity, the manufacturer has informed us that they will be reducing supply volume in the near-term," one U.S. regional Geek Bar wholesaler wrote to customers on April 22 in an email shared with Reuters. In the meantime, vape distributors expect prices to go in one direction. "With tariffs, it'll definitely go up," said one U.S. vape distributor who asked not to be named. But that might not impact sales much. Unauthorised vape manufacturers enjoy hefty margins, and so can eat some of the cost of tariffs, Luis Pinto, a spokesperson for British American Tobacco's U.S. subsidiary, said. Meanwhile, consumers hooked on vapes tend to keep buying, even as the price goes up. "If the price goes up, the price goes up. We're talking about nicotine here," the vape distributor said, adding unlike other products, addicted users need their fix. ADVERTISEMENT Vapes like Geek Bar - priced around $20 currently - would still be good value even with a $5 increase, the person said. Geek Bar manufacturer, Guangdong Qisitech, did not respond to a request for comment sent to its general email address. Pinto agreed the tariffs will increase prices but probably not to the point "where it is a barrier to usage". Many of the vapes landing on U.S. shelves are manufactured in Shenzhen, which meets the majority of the world's demand for vapes. Some factories there make devices for large tobacco companies with the legal licence to sell their products in the United States, such as Japan Tobacco International. Others fuel a booming market for unregulated devices that U.S. authorities say are illegal to import or sell. To mitigate tariffs, illicit vape producers can mislabel or undervalue their shipments or spoof their origin entirely to make it look like they came from a lower-tariff country like Indonesia, Vietnam or Mexico, Pinto said. ADVERTISEMENT Vapes from China are often smuggled into the U.S. disguised as other items entirely, such as shoes or toys, to evade officials hunting for unauthorised vapes at the border, according to public statements from the FDA and Customs and Border Protection. Geek Bar was by far the most popular unauthorised vape brand in the U.S. last year, accounting for around a quarter of sales tracked by market research company Circana in 2024 despite lacking a licence to sell from the FDA, which has struggled to contain illegal imports from China. Pedestrians pass a vape shop in London (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) The brand, as well as thousands of other labels often made in China and lacking FDA permission, are stocked by wholesalers and retailers around the country, often sold alongside authorised labels from big tobacco companies like BAT and Altria . Vape panic buying U.S. tariffs have driven panic buying of vapes by U.S. buyers, higher shipping costs and increased risks at the border, the distributor, a former distributor and a person who used to work for a major Chinese vape company said. Substantial vape seizures were also a big driver of Geek Bar supply issues, two of the sources said. The FDA announced a large seizure in Chicago in February, and new FDA commissioner Marty Makary has pledged to crack down on unauthorised vapes. Government notices on seized goods show further vape seizures in March and April. The growth of Geek Bar and other unregulated vape brands have eaten into the market share of cigarette companies like Altria and BAT, which estimates unauthorised e-cigarettes accounted for some 70% of all U.S. vape sales last year. Altria CEO Billy Gifford told investors in April that he hoped tariffs would lead to "much more enforcement" of vapes at the border. Trump's trade war with China has also seen China-U.S. air freight and shipping capacity collapse limiting shipping capacity for cargo including vapes. The FDA's data only captures shipments properly declared as vapes. As a result, it has recorded declining vape shipments since 2020 even as industry sales have grown. An FDA spokesperson said the agency expects the number of shipments it captures to increase as it ramps up efforts to ensure compliance and prevent illegal imports. Unauthorised vape makers have also been moving production to Indonesia - a shift that prolonged tariffs on China would likely accelerate, the former employee said. Vape makers are "highly adaptable", the person said. "Whatever happens in the U.S., the industry will survive." Kilkenny and Waterford are set to be further connected when the new sustainable transport bridge crossing the River Suir is opened to the public in 2026 - but what should it be named? At present, the main bridge crossing the River Suir into Waterford City centre is Rice Bridge - named after famous Kilkenny native, Edmund Ignatius Rice. The River Suir Bridge on the outskirts of Waterford (also known as the Thomas Francis Meagher Bridge) is commonly referred to as the 'Cat Flap', due to the large number of Kilkenny commuters who access it. Soon, a large number of pedestrians in Ferrybank (which is administered predominantly by Kilkenny County Council) are sure to also make regular use of the new sustainable transport bridge to access Waterford City. READ NEXT: Have Kilkenny councillors identified major flaw in North Quays project? When it comes to naming the bridge: Do you favour a nod to the local history of the area? Maybe a tribute to a notable local figure? Something entirely creative? We're open to hearing suggestions and getting the conversation going. FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS, CLICK HERE The Shearing Festival is back in Graignamanagh! Join in the fun at Cushendale Woolen Mills on Saturday, June 7, for a day of sheep, craft and fun! Echoing the tradition of the past, the mill's own Galway Sheep will he herded into the yard to have their heavy, winter coats removed. Galway Sheep are Irelands only indigenous breed, favoured for their wool. The thick, high quality wool is perfect for processing into yarns and textiles and is the wool of choice at Cushendale. CLICK HERE FOR MORE WHAT'S ON IN KILKENNY The wool from the event will be cleaned, dyed and woven into blankets in Graignamanagh. As well as the shearing of Galway Sheep, on the day there will be something for everyone to enjoy - Live music; a block printing workshop with by Michelle Mahon; a Kid's Treasure Hunt; and there will be l ocal artists capturing the day's action, Jamie Dunne and friends. The Cushendale Mill shop will be open, with 15% off. Free entry to the festival events, everyone is welcome! Come for the sheep and stay for the craic! The Mill Yard, Graignamanagh across from OSheas pub, 7th of June at 1pm Shenandoah, IA (51601) Today A mix of clouds and sun during the morning will give way to cloudy skies this afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High around 85F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Variably cloudy with scattered thunderstorms. Low 66F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%. President Donald Trump gestures after speaking during a summer soiree on the South Lawn of the White House on June 4. Trump signed a proclamation Wednesday evening to ban travel from several countries to the US, citing security risks. Sen. Denny Hoskins, R-Warrensburg, walks away after briefly talking to Sen. Mike Cierpiot, R-Lee's Summit, following the Senate's adjournment Thursday. Cierpiot requested the Senate journal be amended to condemn the Missouri Attorney General for representing Hoskins and two other Senators in a defamation trial. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Eimear Dodd The author of a scheme which saw false deeds used to change the registered ownership of two properties in Dublin without their legitimate owners' knowledge has been told he faces a prison sentence of three years. Philip Marley (53) of Rathbourne Court, Ashtown, Dublin, pleaded guilty during a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial last November to procuring fraudulent entry into the Property Registration Authority's registry, deception and procuring the registration of a false deed. All counts took place on dates between 2016 and 2018 and relate to two properties, one located on Phibsborough Road, Dublin and the other on St Mary's Road, Dublin 4. The scheme involved the insertion of a false deed onto the title of both properties, and as a result, people who were not entitled to be registered owners were listed as the registered owners. On Thursday, Judge Sinead Ni Chulachain said Marley was the author of the scheme, which was planned and premediated. She said Marley had duped others, engaging with professionals and the Property Registration Authority. The judge noted the financial losses suffered by the injured parties and that the legitimate owners had to take High Court proceedings to regain title to their properties. Padraig Dwyer SC, defending Marley, asked the court to delay the formal imposition of the three-year sentence for four weeks to allow his client to make arrangements for the care of an adult son, who has severe neurological symptoms. Judge Ni Chulachain agreed to remand Marley on continuing bail until June 19th and said the court would require compelling evidence if a further adjournment was to be sought on that date. A forensic psychological report provided to the court stated that Marley has a diagnosis of ADHD, ASD and bipolar disorder. The judge noted these diagnosis are provisional as Marley has yet to attend a full psychiatric assessment. The judge said that Marley appeared to have minimised his activities when speaking with the forensic psychologist. She noted he is assessed at low risk of re-offending, but said the court had concerns about his level of remorse for the corporate entities affected, the integrity of the land registry system and for the professionals who became embroiled in the scheme. Herbert Kilcline (62), a former solicitor with an address at Bessborough Parade, Rathmines, Dublin. Photo: Collins Courts Marley's co-accused Herbert Kilcline, (64), a former solicitor with an address at Bessborough Parade, Rathmines, Dublin, was convicted of two counts of using a false instrument, two counts of failing to keep records, two counts of the fraudulent procurement of an entry into the Property Registration Authority's registry and two counts of failing to apply the required measures as a designated person. John McGowan SC, defending Kilcline, applied for an adjournment time to take further instructions in light of disclosure of a handwriting report prepared on behalf of Marley and to make a plea of mitigation. Judge Ni Chulachain agreed to adjourn finalisation of Kilcline's sentence to June 19th. At a hearing earlier this week, the judge noted a probation report states that Kilcline does not accept the jury's verdicts and intends to appeal. Garda Sergeant Ronan Farrelly previously outlined to Bernard Condon SC, prosecuting, that a false deed was inserted onto the title of both properties, and as a result, people who were not entitled to be registered owners were listed as the registered owners. The garda investigation began following an internal review by the Property Registration Authority. Evidence was heard that the legitimate owners of the Phibsborough Road property purchased it in the 1990s with a sitting tenant ADT, later known as Johnson Controls, in place. In December 2016, a false deed of conveyance for this property was lodged at the Property Registration Authority and subsequently registered. This false deed claimed that a company called Kent International Holdings had been the owners of this building, and it was now owned by another company, SLGI. The court heard the deed was purportedly lodged and signed by a solicitor, who had been acting for Marley in an unrelated matter. This solicitor had not signed or lodged this deed. Marley directed searches were carried out in the registry of deeds about lands surrounding the Phibsborough Road property. He also engaged a third party to produce maps. The court heard that stamp duty was paid on the non-existent transaction between Kent Holdings and SLGI. Marley has 12 previous convictions for minor road traffic matters. Kilcline has previous convictions for deception, relating to social welfare claims. A PORTLAOISE councillor has requested a meeting with Minister of State for Older People Kieran ODonnell, after shocking revelations about the treatment of elderly residents in a local nursing home. Veteran Fianna Fail councillor Catherine Fitzgerald described scenes recorded at The Residence nursing home as harrowing, following last nights RTE Investigates programme. In a social media post today, Cllr Fitzgerald said: Following on from the distressing and harrowing scenes we saw on last nights programme on The Residence in Portlaoise, I have requested a meeting with Minister Kieran ODonnell, Minister for Older People and Housing. Ive also asked for HIQA representatives to attend.' A former chairperson of Laois Co Council, she added: Ive a lot of questions Id like to get answered. Not least following up from todays revelation that HIQA had stopped admissions months ago. Did the HSE pay their bill? A number of other Laois politicians, including Independent TD Brian Stanley, Fianna Fail TD Sean Fleming, Fine Gael TD Willie Aird and Sinn Fein senator Maria McCormack have also issued statements condemning the treatment of elderly and vulnerable residents. Nursing home operator Emeis Ireland, which also runs Kilminchy Lodge Nursing Home in Portlaoise, confirmed that it has begun a review of all its centres across the country. The company has 27 nursing homes nationwide, providing 2,400 beds. The operators issued an apology to elderly residents and their families, amid distress and anger over the appalling treatment at The Residence and a Dublin nursing home exposed in the RTE programme. Emeis Ireland said that it apologises unequivocally to all residents and their families for the suffering and distress experienced at The Residence home on Harpurs Lane. The nursing home operator also admitted that the findings in the RTE programme were deeply distressing, wholly unjustifiable and entirely unacceptable. Undercover RTE reporters recorded distressing incidents at The Residence in Portlaoise and a Dublin nursing home, both run by the Emeis group. Chronic staffing and equipment shortages were revealed in Portlaoise, where incontinence pads were rationed, residents were left soaking in urine and were moved in a rough manner without the obligatory hoists. In particularly upsetting scenes at The Residence, a woman fell from her chair and was left lying helpless on a sitting room floor for some time, because no staff were available. In another disturbing incident, a woman with dementia was left crying out for help for a considerable time at night, because of a shortage of staff. The three storey purpose-built nursing home at The Maltings, which opened less than two years ago, failed 10 regulations in a HIQA report last April and new admissions were suspended. Tomas Doherty A documentary broadcast on RTE this week revealed serious issues at a number of nursing homes. The film examined standards of care at nursing homes operated by Emeis Ireland, formerly known as Orpea. The French-owned company runs 27 residential homes across the State. Undercover researchers found multiple examples of care failings and neglect of vulnerable older residents in the facilities. Here is everything we know so far about the controversy, including the growing political reaction. The background The RTE investigation found concerning issues at The Residence Portlaoise and Beneavin Manor nursing homes. The documentary highlighted vulnerable people being left unsupervised, large amounts of residents congregated together being supervised by one member of staff, and requests for the use of toilets being unanswered for lengthy periods of time. It also showed some staff not using proper hoisting equipment and shortages in necessary items like incontinence pads. RTE had two undercover researchers simultaneously apply for and secure healthcare assistant roles at the Emeis homes. They both had all the required qualifications and were Garda vetted by RTE. Emeis Ireland is a French-owned nursing home group. Photo: Collins At The Residence Portlaoise, up to 101 residents can be accommodated at a weekly cost of approximately 1,200 per week under the Fair Deal scheme. The Fair Deal scheme is a State support system that helps cover the cost of nursing home care, based on a persons income and assets. The undercover researchers did witness some staff provide good care but more often saw repeated instances of staff shortages impacting daily resident care. This included large groups of residents being congregated together in day rooms, vulnerable older people being left unsupervised resulting in resident falls and day-to-day requests going unattended to for lengthy periods of time such as pleas to be put to bed or use the toilet. The undercover carer also witnessed multiple examples of poor manual handling with older residents frequently lifted under the arms and without the required use of proper handling equipment contrary to best practice. On some occasions staff were hampered by a lack of available equipment, while in one instance management also instructed healthcare assistants not to use hoisting equipment in public areas for fear their poor technique would be seen by visitors. Beneavin Manor nursing home in Glasnevin, Dublin. Photo: Collins At Beneavin Manor in Dublin, which can provide care for up to 115 adults for approximately 1,400 per week with Fair Deal funding, another undercover researcher saw similar patterns of staff under pressure. Staff also faced constant challenges when it came to the supply of essential resources with recurring shortages of basic items such as towels, bedsheets, sanitary wipes and gloves. The researcher also witnessed the inappropriate handling of vulnerable residents with frail older people sometimes moved by their clothing instead of using the correct handling equipment mandated in their care plans. RTE had both researchers hand in their notice and report all their concerns to management at the nursing homes and to the regulatory body, the Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa). The response In response to the documentary, Emeis Ireland issued an apology to to all residents and their families for the suffering and distress experienced as a result of failures identified in the care provided. It said it recognised and deeply regrets the breach of trust and any failure to uphold the dignity of some residents at all times. Emeis Ireland said it has commenced a comprehensive review across both nursing homes. Hiqa, which is responsible for inspecting nursing homes, said it is taking escalating action over the wholly unacceptable practices identified in the programme. It said a decision to halt admissions to the Residence Portlaoise came into effect in April. Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke expressed his distress at the revelations in the RTE investigation. It was very distressing to see vulnerable people to be treated the way they were. When you consider elderly people who have given so much for our economy, for our state, to be treated like that in their twilight years was absolutely reprehensible, he told RTEs Today with Claire Byrne show. Labour TD Alan Kelly said Hiqa had a lot of questions to answer following the broadcast, adding that the agency needed to be properly supported to actually do its job. Mr Kelly said demographic changes in the country necessitate a completely different strategy for care of older and vulnerable people, including more public nursing homes and plans for increased home help and care in the home. He also said Hiqa and other organisations need the Government to put an adult safeguarding framework in place. The chairwoman of Safeguarding Ireland said she was disturbed, distressed, and angry over the findings of the programme. In reference to a previous RTE documentary on the Leas Cross Nursing Home 20 years ago, Patricia Rickard-Clark added: We have gone backwards, I think. Ms Rickard-Clark told RTEs Morning Ireland that the Government needs to establish an inter-department and inter-agency working group to deal with recommendations from the Law Reform Commission on adult safeguarding. Disability Minister Norma Foley described the programme as horrifying and heartbreaking. To see older people struggle to be heard, to be listened to and to be cared for is quite appalling. Ms Foley said she believed that a lack of guidelines on staff-to-resident ratio in nursing homes should be looked at. What next? A review of all nursing homes operated by Emeis Ireland has now been requested by the Department of Health. Minister of State at the Department of Health with responsibility for Older People Kieran ODonnell has asked Hiqa to start the review of all nursing homes operated by the group in the wake of the RTE Investigates programme. He said the treatment of residents at the nursing homes was extremely distressing and wholly unacceptable. The Minister said he wanted to see inspections happening more frequently and faster responses to protected disclosures. Hiqas chief inspector is taking escalated regulatory action in the nursing homes identified and will take any necessary additional actions with the provider to ensure safe and effective care and support to all residents, a spokesperson said. Hiqa ordered admissions to The Residence in Portlaoise to be ceased after the release of a report in February detailed areas of significant concern. Additional reporting: Vivienne Clarke, Press Association Ellen O'Donoghue Nine people have been injured in a Ryanair flight which was forced to make an emergency landing in Germany. Severe storms in southern Germany forced the flight to make an emergency landing late on Wednesday after violent turbulence injured nine people on board, German police said. The flight, travelling from Berlin to Milan with 179 passengers and six crew members, encountered turbulence so intense around 8.30pm that the pilot was forced to make an unscheduled landing at Memmingen Airport in Bavaria. Those injured range in age from two to 59 years old, and included eight passengers and one crew member. Three were taken to hospital, including a woman who had a head laceration and her two-year-old, who suffered bruising. The other injured people were released after receiving outpatient treatment. As a precaution, all passengers were checked for injuries by the emergency services. Ryanair has said it arranged alternative transport for those affected and has apologised to anyone involved. In a statement, the company said: "FR8 from Berlin to Milan on 4th June diverted to Memmingen after experiencing some air turbulence. The captain called ahead for medical assistance and the aircraft landed normally. "To get passengers to their final destination as quickly as possible, we arranged for alternative transport from Memmingen to Milan that night, as well as a replacement flight this morning. "We sincerely apologise to passengers affected by this diversion. Authorities did not permit the plane to continue flying, and the airline arranged bus transport for passengers. Milan is about 380 kilometres south of Memmingen. Elsewhere in the region, storms damaged several homes in Ulm, Baden-Wurttemberg, according to the German news agency dpa. Additional reporting: PA On 4 June health workers, scientists, disabled people, trade unions, and feminist groups joined pensioners in their weekly protests in Argentinas capital Buenos Aires against the austerity measures of President Javier Milei. End of preview - This article contains approximately 399 words. Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article Not a Subscriber? Choose from one of the following options On 4 June Mexicos Presidentcalled on the newly elected supreme court (SCJN) justices to be an example of a profound transformation of the judicial power, as the composition of the top court looks to heavily favour the ruling Movimiento Regeneracion Nacional (Morena). End of preview - This article contains approximately 628 words. Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article Not a Subscriber? Choose from one of the following options On the morning of June 5, the opening ceremony and keynote speeches of 2025 RCEP Local Governments and Friendship Cities Cooperation (Huangshan) Forum were held in Huangshan City. This year's forum aims to advance the high-quality implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP), promote mutual understanding, business opportunities, partnership-building, and cooperation between Anhui Province and local governments of other RCEP member countries. It seeks to contribute to deepening collaboration among RCEP members and achieving mutual benefits and win-win outcomes. This forum, themed "Regional Partnership for Common Development," features a series of events including the opening ceremony and keynote speeches, a dialogue on new energy vehicle and advanced photovoltaic industry chain and supply chain cooperation among RCEP member countries, a youth dialogue between business communities of RCEP member countries and the Yangtze River Delta, a discussion on the cooperation development of characteristic agricultural products and cross-border e-commerce, a dialogue for overseas Chinese entrepreneurs from RCEP member countries, the "Yellow Mountain Night" event under the RCEP Local Governments and Friendship Cities Cooperation (Huangshan) Forum, as well as product exhibitions and cultural, tourism, and business inspection tours. Source: Anhui Daily Family and friends gathered at the school to see their seniors graduate from Bethlehem Catholic High School. Freelancer Donna Fisher was there to capture a few of the students on their big day. Lehighvalleylive.com will send photographers to graduations throughout the Lehigh Valley and Warren County this season. Our full coverage of graduations across the region can be found at lehighvalleylive.com/graduation. Check out the gallery above to see moments captured from this years ceremony. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Saed Hindash may be reached at shindash@lehighvalleylive.com. United Airlines is limiting its check-in deadline to 45 minutes before domestic flights. Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media You might want to plan for a little extra time at the airport, if youre flying on United Airlines. As of Tuesday, the airline is requiring all domestic airline passengers to be checked in for their flights at least 45 minutes before their scheduled departure time. Heres what you need to know about this decision. What led to United Airlines decision to limit check-in time for departures? United Airlines told USA Today that the change was implemented for greater consistency between the deadline for checked baggage and check-in times within the airline and compared to other airlines. So if youre planning to take a United Airlines flight going forward, many airlines recommend you arrive at least two hours before before departure for domestic flights to ensure you can board. United Airlines recommends arriving at your gate at least 15 minutes before the start of boarding. What was the previous check-in limit for domestic United departures? The previous check-in limit was 30 minutes for domestic passengers with no checked bags. You can find more information about check-in time limits before departure, including information on international flight check-in policies, at Uniteds 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. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, second from right, speaks during the annual Alaska Sustainable Energy Conference on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, in Anchorage, Alaska. From left, Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Zeldin and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane) AP ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) Top Trump administration officials fresh off touring one of the countrys largest oil fields in the Alaska Arctic headlined an energy conference led by the states Republican governor on Tuesday that environmentalists criticized as promoting new oil and gas drilling and turning away from the climate crisis. Several dozen protesters were outside Gov. Mike Dunleavys annual Alaska Sustainable Energy Conference in Anchorage, where U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin were featured speakers. The federal officials were continuing a multiday trip aimed at highlighting President Donald Trumps push to expand oil and gas drilling, mining and logging in the state. The trip has included meetings with pro-drilling groups and officials, including some Alaska Native leaders on the petroleum-rich North Slope, and a visit to the Prudhoe Bay oil field near the Arctic Ocean that featured selfies near the 800-mile (1,287-kilometer) trans-Alaska oil pipeline. Calls for additional oil and gas drilling including Trumps renewed focus on getting a massive liquefied natural gas project built are false solutions to energy needs and climate concerns, protester Sarah Furman said outside the Anchorage convention hall, as people carried signs with slogans such as Alaska is Not for Sale and Protect our Public Lands. We find it really disingenuous that theyre hosting this conference and not talking about real solutions, she said. Topics at the conference, which runs through Thursday, also include mining, carbon management, nuclear energy, renewables and hydrogen. Oil has been Alaskas economic lifeblood for decades, and Dunleavy has continued to embrace fossil fuels even as he has touted other energy opportunities in the state. Another protester, Rochelle Adams, who is Gwichin, raised concerns about the ongoing push to allow oil and gas drilling on the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Gwichin leaders have said they consider the coastal plain sacred, as caribou they rely on calve there. Leaders of the Inupiaq community of Kaktovik, which is within the refuge, support drilling as economically vital and have joined Alaska political leaders in welcoming Trumps interest in reviving a leasing program there. When these people come from outside to take and take and take, we are going to be left with the aftereffects, Adams said, adding later: Its our health that will be impacted. Its our wellness, our ways of life. Zeldin, during a friendly question-and-answer period led by Dunleavy, said wildlife he saw while on the North Slope didnt appear to be victims of their surroundings and seemed happy. Burgum, addressing a move toward additional drilling in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, said wildlife and development can coexist. His agency during the Alaska trip announced plans to repeal Biden-era restrictions on future leasing and industrial development in portions of the petroleum preserve that are designated as special for their wildlife, subsistence or other values. Wright bristled at the idea of policy in the name of climate change that he said would have no impact on climate change. Stopping oil production in Alaska doesnt change demand for oil, he said. You know, we hear terms like clean energy and renewable energy. These are inaccurate marketing terms, he said. There is no energy source that does not take significant materials, land and impact on the environment to produce. Zero. Officials court Asian countries to support gas project Joining for part of the U.S. officials trip were representatives from Asian countries, including Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Taiwan and United Arab Emirates. Asian countries are being courted to sign onto the Alaska gas project, which has floundered for years to gain traction amid cost and other concerns. The project, as proposed, would include a nearly 810-mile (1,300-kilometer) pipeline that would funnel gas from the North Slope to port, with an eye largely on exports of liquefied natural gas. Wright told reporters a goal in inviting them to the Prudhoe Bay stop was for them to see the oil pipeline infrastructure and environment and meet with residents and business leaders. Glenfarne Alaska LNG LLC, which has taken a lead in advancing the project, on Tuesday announced expressions of interest from a number of potential partners. Costs surrounding the project which have been pegged around $44 billion for the pipeline and other infrastructure are in the process of being refined before a decision is made on whether to move forward. ___ Bohrer reported from Juneau, Alaska. The incident happened in April 2018 outside the Parkhurst Apartments in the 1800 block of Barbara Street. Investigators found the teen stabbed four times in the neck and torso before being set ablaze. His burning body was left beside a dumpster, authorities said. File photo A local Money Rules Everything gang member was sentenced to up to 60 years after stabbing and setting a man on fire while he was still alive outside a Bethlehem apartment complex. The sentencing comes after 28-year-old Yzire Jenkins-Rowe of Collegeville, Montgomery County on Monday pleaded guilty to felony murder; felony conspiracy to commit murder; and felony arson. Jenkins-Rowe was ordered to serve 27 to 60 years in prison by a Northampton County Court of Common Pleas Judge Michael J. Koury Jr. The Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office announced the sentencing on Tuesday. Court records indicate Jenkins-Rowe was represented at trial by the Northampton County Public Defenders Office. The office did not immediately return a request for comment Thursday afternoon. Jenkins-Rowe and co-defendants 26-year-old Alkiohn Dunkins of Easton; 26-year-old Miles Harper of Allentown; and 26-year-old Zahmire Welcome of Whitehall Township all were charged in the death of 18-year-old Tyrell Michael Holmes. This defendant and his co-defendants callously took the life of someone who considered them friends, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said in a statement. This dangerous individual will be held accountable while spending decades incarcerated. I applaud everyone involved in the investigation and prosecution of this heinous crime. The incident happened in April 2018 outside the Parkhurst Apartments in the 1800 block of Barbara Street. Investigators found Holmes was stabbed four times in the neck and torso before being set ablaze. His burning body was left beside a dumpster, authorities said. The Northampton County Coroners Office concluded Holmes died of smoke inhalation and thermal injuries, as well as multiple stab wounds. At the time of the killing, all the co-defendants were members of the gang called, Money Rules Everything, authorities said. Evidence, including phone records and video surveillance footage, linked the foursome to the killing, the AGs Office said. Dunkins, the gangs leader, no longer trusted Holmes and conspired with the others to kill him. Holmes at one point was living with both Jenkins-Rowe and Dunkins, authorities said. Holmes had told others he feared he would be killed, prosecutors said. Harper in April 2024 pleaded guilty to felony aggravated arson in a plea arrangement. He currently is awaiting a sentencing date, according to court records. Welcome is scheduled to begin his homicide trial on Sept. 29. He faces about a dozen charges, also including felony murder; felony conspiracy to commit criminal homicide; felony aggravated arson; felony kidnapping offenses; and other related offenses. Dunkins in March was found guilty of felony homicide; felony murder; felony conspiracy to commit murder; and related crimes following a seven-day jury trial. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 24. The case was prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Christopher Phillips and Senior Deputy Attorney General Katherine McDermott. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached atpholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. A man from Laois has been arrested on suspicion of stealing dogs, a BMW, obstructing police and drug driving in Wales. North Wales Police are trying to locate the owners of one of two dogs which were in a BMW X5 that was stopped in Colwyn Bay on the afternoon of Tuesday, June 3. Police were called shortly before 2pm following a report that a vehicle towing a caravan had been seen weaving in the carriageway of the A55. Officers responded and caught up with the vehicle a BMW X5. The driver tested positive for cannabis at the roadside and was arrested. Two dogs were also found in the vehicle however the driver was unable to give an account of who owned the animals or what they were called, North Wales Police said in an online post. They stated that the man was further arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, theft of dogs, obstruct police and an outstanding fail to appear offence. The dogs a Jack Russell cross puppy and a Fell Terrier, were taken to the Colwyn Bay Neighbourhood Policing Team office at Police Headquarters, and they have since been taken to kennels where they remain. Both dogs were checked for microchips one has since been identified but our enquiries are ongoing to identify the owner of the second dog. Anybody who may have information is asked to contact North Wales Police via the website or by calling 101, quoting reference number 25000455904, Police stated. The 30-year-old male driver who is from County Laois in Ireland was released under investigation for the offences whilst enquiries continue," Police Stated. Picture Credit: North Wales Police They said the man was remanded to appear before Llandudno Magistrates Court this morning charged with the separate fail to appear offence. Elderly people continued to be admitted to The Residence nursing home in Portlaoise after it was told to stop by the health service watchdog HIQA. That is according to the RTE Investigates team, which had an investigator working undercover in the home when the ban was in place at the Portlaoise facility run by the French-owned business Emeis Ireland. The restriction was activated at the end of April 2025 by the Health Information and Quality (HIQA) after an inspection and report in February which was the latest in a series of negative findings at the home located off the Mountmellick Road near Portlaoise Train Station. While HIQA says that there was a ban, it has yet to confirm or deny if a breach of regulations occurred. However, the Leinster Express / Laois Live has learned that nursing homes are required to notify HIQA of transfers or admissions of patients. Emeis Ireland has also yet to comment the allegation. HIQA confirmed to the Leinster Express / Laios Live that it did not publicise the restriction when it came into force other than amending the centres registration details, which it says can be downloaded on its website. The restriction states that: "No new residents may be admitted to the designated centre until the registered provider has in place a governance and management structure and personnel with the knowledge, competence and skills required to supervise the delivery of care to residents". The action to stop admissions was initiated after the February inspection and came into effect in April. HIQA said the provider was advised in February, formal notification issued in March and came into effect on 22 April. The restriction came into place in the same month as Ballard Lodge nursing home ceased operations in Portlaoise. Emeis Ireland has apologised for the 'suffering and distress' caused in the Portlaoise home which opened in 2023 as part of a major expansion of services in Ireland. HIQA is to review all the Emeis Ireland homes, including the Kilminchy Lodge nursing home off the Dublin Road in Portlaoise. Laois locals and politicians have reacted with outrage following Wednesday night's RTE Investigates programme uncovering 'systematic failings' in a Portlaoise nursing home. RTE Investigates sent undercover health care assistants into The Residence Portlaoise and Beneavin Manor in Glasnevin, Dublin, both owned by private nursing home group Emeis (formerly Orpea). Independent Republican Brian Stanley TD has called for 'immediate and swift action' by Government and HIQA to address the 'appalling practices, neglect, and abuse of elderly residents' in the The Residence Nursing Home in Portlaoise. "What we witnessed in the RTE programme last night was shocking and disgraceful," Deputy Stanley said. "The pure neglect of elderly people there, the lack of care and sanitary products along with the rough treatment of vulnerable residents deserves swift and immediate action. "In recent months I have had complaints from people in County Laois who have had there loved ones residing there and their complaints correspond with some of what we saw on the RTE programme last night," he said. "While I welcome the news this morning that HIQA has halted any new admissions to the facility, they now need to carry out daily inspections to ensure that the vulnerable residents there are protected. "Government must also move immediately to expedite the Safe guarding Legislation drafted in 2017 to protect elderly residents in Nursing Homes and to get this through the Dail before the summer recess," Deputy Stanley argued. Sinn Fein Senator Maria McCormack has said she is shocked and appalled by the revelations in Wednesday's Prime Time Investigates expose. "What I witnessed tonight is beyond disgraceful. To see elderly people, some of the most vulnerable in our society, being left without even the most basic care no towels, no gloves, no dignity is horrifying," Senator McCormack said. "An elderly man being pushed into a chair like that should shake this Government to its core. Senator McCormack reiterated the urgent need for legislative reform. We cannot continue to rely on HIQA alone. Sinn Fein has long called for adult safeguarding legislation, mandatory reporting of abuse, and a legal right of entry for social care teams to investigate complaints. Tonights programme proves just how critical those reforms are," she said. Successive Fianna Fail and Fine Gael Governments have facilitated the privatisation of care and this is the result. When profit is prioritised over people, it is our older generation who pay the price. Fianna Fail Sean Fleming TD has called for HIQA to 'step up' in regard to overseeing the management of nursing home providers to ensure adequate care and safety of all residents. "Poor care, mistreatment, neglect or any other forms of abuse of any person in these long-term residential care centres is completely unacceptable. We must do all we can to protect them, he said. Deputy Fleming stated that the 'highest standards of care' is 'the least that should be provided' to residents in long-term residential centres, and anything less than that is 'unacceptable'. The welfare of the residents and their families is at the forefront of my thinking. I call on providers to ensure that proper safeguarding, equipment, and supports are in place to prevent awful mistreatment like this from happening again," he said. I would encourage any resident or family member who has any concerns in relation to the care of a resident or relative to contact HIQA by email at concerns@HIQA.ie or by telephone at 021 240 9646, he concluded. Fine Gael TD Willie Aird emphasised the importance of registered providers adequately supporting their staff. "It is essential that effective governance and management arrangements are in place to ensure staff are equipped to deliver quality person-centred care to residents," said Deputy Aird. He said he expects the Chief Inspector to "utilise all powers available and notes the increased regulatory inspection regime by HIQA of the nursing homes at the centre of the investigation, who will remain the subject of more frequent unannounced inspections by HIQA pending full compliance being achieved." Deputy Aird said he is also very conscious of the impact this broadcast may have on the residents, their families, and the staff of the Residence nursing home in particular and indeed on the residents, families and staff of other nursing homes. He also wished to acknowledge the many committed, compassionate and dedicated care staff and providers operating in nursing homes across Ireland. Nursing home group Emeis have issued an apology to residents and their families ahead of RTE's documentary. "Emeis Ireland apologises unequivocally to all residents and their families for the suffering and distress experienced as a result of failures identified in the care provided," the statement read. "We recognise and deeply regret the breach of trust that has occurred in relation to the service standards we promise, and for any failure to uphold the dignity of some residents at all times. "These lapses fall short of the values and standards we set for ourselves as an organisation," they said. "We have issued clear guidance to all employees, where required reinforced through targeted training and enhanced supervision through best practice in individualised resident handling, continence management, and safeguarding. "Additionally, we are reviewing the oversight and management of medical supplies and clinical practices across all Emeis nursing homes," said the statement. Emeis promise that assistance programmes for residents, families, and staff are being established in response to the serious issues identified. "We are committed to strengthening our culture of openness and accountability across all of our nursing homes. Staff, residents, families, and members of the public have access to a confidential whistleblower portal through which concerns can be raised without fear of reprisal. "All concerns are promptly investigated, reported to the appropriate regulatory authorities, and followed up with individualised safeguarding plans and strengthened oversight to mitigate the risk of recurrence," it said. The statement concludes with a promise to act. "Emeis Ireland is determined to take all necessary actions to restore trust, ensure accountability, and drive meaningful, lasting improvements in the quality of care we provide," the statement finished. Laois people gave generously on the recent National Guide Dog Day, to help pay towards the steep price of training the special dogs. The annual national fundraising day, Guide Dog Day, took place on Friday, May 23 and Laois volunteers with their guide dogs manned collections at Mulhall's SuperValu and Dunnes Stores, in Portlaoise. Branch member Dick Connell told the Leinster Express / Laois Live how they got on, and explained how they need more help. "Our branch raised in in excess of 3,640. We were so thankful to the generosity of the public who donated or bought some merchandise and souvenirs. We are also very thankful to our branch volunteers who gave us a helping hand and mostly their friends and Guide Dogs who are so gentle," he said. Portlaoise volunteer Noreen McInerney with her Guide Dog Yorik and Alan Casey from Guide Dogs Cork assistant dog trainer, at the recent fundraiser. Dick listed the ways that Irish Guide Dogs helps its members, and it is much more than the wonderfully trained free dogs. "National Guide Dog day is a very important event for fundraising and awareness to inform the public what the Irish Guide Dogs charity provides. "They give services like long cane training and Guide Dogs for blind people and people with Autism. They also teach independent living skills, and computer skills. "All of these services are free to their clients. Fundraising is their main source of income to cover something like 80% of costs. The rest is some government funding, lotto funds, and bequests where people can leave money in their will. "Fundraising is ongoing as it costs 53,000 to train Guide Dogs while there is a long waiting list for assistant dogs programme," Dick Connell said. Read more: Loyal Laois Guide Dog volunteers given special recognition The Laois branch is reaching out to ask for more volunteers. "The branch would like to recruit local volunteers especially people who have retired and can give some of their free time we will welcome them with open arms," Dick said. The Irish Guide Dogs most famous ambassador Roy Keane, pictured with guide dog Keano. To enquire about volunteering with the Laois Branch of Irish Guide Dogs, contact chairman Paul Brown at 0877725264, treasurer Jim Delaney at 0874746519, or Dick Connell 087 277 6450. Read also: Joy as precious lost ring found at Portlaoise service station See how to sponsor a puppy, donate, shop, or even become a puppy raiser, on the Irish Guide Dogs website. The charity is also holding a raffle with a 5,000 holiday voucher as the first prize. A Laois nurse is joining with thousands of people from over 50 countries in the March to Gaza, to demand an end to the genocide of Palestine by the Israeli Government. Mountmellick mother of four Helen Lawlor will fly to Egypt in a week's time with an Irish contingent, to march 50km through the Sinai Desert to the Rafah crossing in Egypt. There she will join a mass peaceful protest in a historic day at the border on Sunday, June 15. Also en route to March to Gaza by sea is the Freedom Flotilla, with Greta Thunberg among the activists on board. They will collectively ask that Israeli blockades end to allow waiting food trucks through, to aid over 2 million Palestinians trapped in a forced famine while being hit with bombs and bullets. Helen told the Leinster Express / Laois Live more. "The march will take about two days, we will camp in the desert. Our aim is to try and negotiate to get aid, this is the point where aid trucks are not getting in. It is a visual show of support. "We are 600 days into a genocide, this is beyond politics. With our Irish history we can relate to what is happening. It's occupation, it's apartheid," she said. She has visited Palestine twice before on humanitarian missions and has grown strong links with people there. "I went out with a group to liaise on behalf of local people to the occupied West Bank. I'm the kind of person that I don't believe what I'm told, I need to go and see for myself. I saw with my own eyes that people are not allowed to walk on the street. We were even teargassed. "I keep in contact with them. A refugee centre have a kids dance group coming to Ireland on a tour hopefully this year," Helen said. She explains why she is taking the brave trip. "I cannot stand to see any injustice to anyone in any situation. The Palestinian people are so resilient, and so kind. It's impossible not to feel for them. We are looking at this live on TikTok and Facebook. The narrative that was being pushed by Israel is not holding as tight, people can see what's happening. Politics aside there is literally a genocide happening in 2025. "The NGOs are all blocked from getting in to help. There's Irish health workers in there, in massive risk, with no supplies left. The last dialysis centre was bombed a few days ago. They are literally bombing people on the street. It's actually disgusting. "It's frustrating too that our Government say they will get the Occupied Territories Bill through but they have diluted it, it will have a minimal effect now. We need to cut trade with Israel. Sanction them and hold them to account. If one country does it others will follow. It's so frustrating that they won't act," the Mountmellick mother said. The March To Gaza is not only to demand an end to blockades. "It also shows the Palestinian people that people care about them and are willing to do this, to stand with them. I am very proud that an Irish group is part of this. People are coming by land and by sea in a peaceful non-political statement," she said. Asked what can people do to support the campaign, Helen simply asks for people to follow the event as it happens, spread the word to others and apply political pressure. "There is an international website called www.MarchtoGaza.net. There is also an Irish Instagram account called MarchtoGazaEire. Please follow the channels, and raise it with politicians, to get it out there. We will be taking footage so people can see what's happening," she said. Helen's children are supporting her mission. "They're not surprised. Obviously they are afraid of the risk, but I'm not going over with the intention to provoke or to breach the border. They are kind of the same mind as me, we are very into equality. Every time I get a chance I will check in with them. They are proud of me too," Helen said. Read also: Outcry in Laois follows RTE's expose of Portlaoise nursing home A draft UN resolution calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza by the United Nations Security Council, backed by all ten elected members, was blocked this week after the United States cast its veto. A complete aid blockade was imposed by Israel on March 2, and the UN warns that food intake is "now well below what a human body needs to survive". The Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary TD, has announced that the Carers Support Grant will be paid to 138,000 carers across the country today (Thursday, June 5.) The payment includes a total of 5850 recipients across Co Kildare. The grant is not taxable and is available to all carers providing full-time care to an older person or a person with a disability, regardless of their means or social insurance contributions. The rate of the Carers Support Grant has been increased this year by 150, from 1,850 to 2,000 its highest ever level. The overall cost of the grant being paid today is 313 million. READ NEXT: Renewed calls for full-time garda station in this Kildare town The Carers Support Grant is paid in respect of each person being cared for to take account of the additional cost of providing care and to recognise the particular challenges faced by these carers. Over 16,000 carers are providing care for two or more people and will receive a grant in respect of each person they are caring for. Announcing the payment of the Carers Support Grant, Minister Calleary said: I am delighted to announce that 138,000 carers will receive the Carers Support Grant of 2,000 today. The Carers Support Grant this year has been increased by 150, to 2,000, its highest level ever. This is one of a number of improvements introduced this year in recognition of the vital role of carers and the contribution they make to society. The grant will be paid automatically to those who are receiving the Carers Allowance, Carers Benefit and Domiciliary Care Allowance schemes. It is also available to other full-time carers not receiving these payments and is paid in respect of each person being cared for. As Minister for Social Protection, I recognise the crucial role family carers play in our society. You dedicate yourselves to providing care to support your loved ones and I want to take this opportunity to thank all carers in Ireland for the vital and valuable contribution you play in our society and in our local communities. The Carers Support Grant is paid automatically to to all recipients of Carers Allowance (whether full-rate or half-rate), Carers Benefit, or Domiciliary Care Allowance. It is also available to other full-time carers who are not receiving any of these payments. Further information on the Carers Support Grant is available at www.gov.ie/csg Two researchers based in a well-known County Kildare university were awarded funding yesterday (June 4 last) for their science and engineering projects. Dr Joost Slingerland from Maynooth University's Department of Physics and Dr John Dooley from Maynooth University's Department of Electronic Engineering were among the researchers who were awarded funding for their respective projects. LEFT: Dr Joost Slingerland from Maynooth University's Department of Physics. RIGHT: Dr John Dooley from Maynooth University's Department of Electronic Engineering. Photograph credit: maynoothuniversity.ie A total of 4.95 million was allocated to the projects through the Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC)-Research Ireland Joint Funding of Research Programme, which is the UK's main government agency for funding research and training in both engineering and the physical sciences. The agency is notably partnered with Science Foundation Ireland and Research Ireland speaking about this partnership, Professor Charlotte Deane, the executive chair of the EPSRC, said that it allows the UK and Irish research communities "to work together to advance engineering and physical sciences". Prof Deane added that the projects which were granted funding "further demonstrate the strength and breadth of the UK-Ireland research collaborations which will benefit both countries". THE PROJECTS Dr Slingerland and Dr Zlatko Papic (University of Leeds) are collaborating on a project titled 'Emergence of partons in topological quantum matter far from equilibrium'. According to the summary on Maynooth University's official website: "Topologically robust materials have useful properties that could be used to make ultra-low power electronic devices. "By studying these materials in ambient conditions, this project will improve understanding of how to use topological materials in real-world settings, such as in the emerging field of quantum computing." Meanwhile, Dr Dooley and Dr Roberto Quaglia (Cardiff University) are collaborating on a project titled 'Multi-domain configurable power amplifiers for software-defined RF transmitters MUST-RF'. Explaining the nature of this project, Maynooth University said: "This project will propose new solutions for the design of radio frequency power amplifiers that are more sustainable and can meet demand for increased wireless connectivity, that are essential for the growth of future technologies such as autonomous vehicles and smart cities." Further information on the EPSRC-Research Ireland Joint Funding of Research Programme can be found here. Maynooth University made headlines last week when it was announced that the university has launched a joint Regional Graduate Academy with Dundalk IT. In addition, it was reported back in April that Maynooth University was allocated 845,000 in funding as part of the Discover Awards. READ NEXT: Three Kildare community projects will share 166,000 in funding iZafe Group (STO:IZAFE-B) - May has been an eventful month where we took yet another important step forward. The number of active billable Dosell units increased by an additional 14% from April - a growth now built on an ever-larger base volume. At the same time, we passed a major symbolic milestone: more than 1,000 active units in operation, showing that we've made it through the most challenging phase - building a stable, scalable, and in-demand solution. Growth is driven both by more municipalities and partners starting to use Dosell - and by existing customers prescribing more units per client. We are seeing broad and growing traction, even though we're still coming from relatively modest volumes. That makes the strength of our growth rate all the more encouraging. We are now entering the summer months, which traditionally means a somewhat slower pace due to holidays. But we look forward to ramping up again in the fall - firmly anchored in our long-term strategy. Sweden: Growth in VGR and Increasing Demand Ahead of Autumn In May, two more municipalities in the Vastra Gotaland region (VGR) began using Dosell, bringing our presence in the region to 14 municipalities. Several of these have started increasing their internal volumes and are receiving very positive feedback from both staff and users. Two new municipalities have approved pilot projects with Dosell set to start right after summer. We've also held numerous presentations for municipalities now considering launching their own pilots - a clear sign of the strong momentum we're experiencing in the Swedish public care sector. At Vitalis, the Nordic region's leading event for health and social care, we gained strategic traction - both through our presence and by presenting collaborations with Tamro, JDM Innovation, and Phoenix Group. The reaction from visitors was overwhelmingly positive, summarized best by the comment: "Finally, two solutions in one system!" Especially appreciated was our joint stage appearance with ATEA and Ulricehamn Municipality, where Ulricehamn shared their successful implementation and how their "slow and steady" approach has led to stable, positive development. Many home care teams in the municipality are now reaching out, eager to start using Dosell themselves. We also participated in Senior Day in Kungstradgarden, where we received great interest in our consumer solution. At the same time, our partner Zafe exhibited at the Dementia Days event, where Dosell attracted significant attention for its value in early intervention for cognitive impairment. The new Social Services Act emphasizes this very need - and many now see Dosell as a key part of the solution. Spain: Pharmacy Network and Interest from Private Care Providers In Spain, our partner Ti Medi continues rolling out Dosell through the national pharmacy network, which includes over 1,500 pharmacies. Following strong media attention in April, private care providers have also started to show interest in Dosell. Our B2B solution is now being actively presented to these providers, who see the opportunity to complement their existing care structures with a digital solution that enhances independence and safety in medication management. The Netherlands: Continued Growth and Trade Fair Momentum In the Netherlands, growth continues at a rapid pace. Our customer TCCN is highly engaged and has established an efficient approach for broad outreach - already leading to concrete meetings with new stakeholders. At the same time, their existing customers are increasing their volumes month over month. Dosell TV has generated strong interest, and our presence at the April trade fair served as a clear catalyst for new contacts. Several of these are now in the quotation or implementation phase. The combination of proactive sales, a strong network, and a value-driven offering that meets real needs gives us excellent conditions for continued expansion together with TCCN. Strategic Partnership - LOI with JDM Innovation In May, we signed a Letter of Intent with JDM Innovation, aiming to establish a strategic partnership in Europe. JDM is a well-established player in logistics, automation, and medical technology, working with both international pharmaceutical companies and pharmacy chains. The partnership creates opportunities to integrate our technologies and opens doors to new markets in Europe. Discussions around joint pilots are already underway, and we see great potential in driving efficiency and safe medication management together in new markets. Celebrate the 1,000-Unit Milestone with Us - Investor Evening June 12 To mark our achievement of surpassing 1,000 active units, we're inviting you to an investor evening in Stockholm - on Thursday, June 12. We sincerely hope as many shareholders as possible will take this opportunity to come, meet our team in person, ask questions, and get deeper insight into our journey and future vision. It's a great chance to connect - and to experience Dosell live. Welcome - we look forward to seeing you! Register here: https://forms.office.com/e/8qHzwLu5S8 Thank You for Your Trust - Together We Are Shaping the Future of Medication Management iZafe Group is in a phase of strong commercial momentum. May's results confirm both the direction and pace of our progress. We're strengthening our partnerships, expanding our network, and building on a model that has now proven both scalable and effective. Thank you for following our journey - and we warmly welcome you to the investor evening on Thursday, June 12. Omtse Ventures and APLFI joins Apl.de.Ap to support the Philippine Coconut Authority in Launching Historic 100 Million Tree Climate Initiative World's largest coconut-based carbon reforestation effort aims to deliver climate resilience, rural prosperity, and global carbon credit leadership MANILA, Philippines, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Apl.de.Ap, alongside his affiliates Omtse Ventures, a Manila-based climate venture studio, and APLFI, a 501(c)(3), registered in California, have partnered with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) to launch the "100 Million Coconut Trees for the Climate" initiative. Designed as a public-private partnership with community at the core, this groundbreaking effort is expected to become the world's largest single-species reforestation project backed by carbon trading. The initiative will plant 100 million coconut trees across the Philippines, with the potential to significantly increase national coconut production, empower millions of smallholder farmers, and sequester more than 10 million tons of CO?e annually at tree maturity and throughout its lifespan, through a regenerative agroforestry system that thoughtfully integrates intercropping to enhance both ecological and economic outcomes. The program will serve as a global benchmark for climate-smart, economically inclusive reforestation?and position the Philippines to export a new kind of resource: carbon credits as a civil fruit of national climate leadership. "This isn't just about planting trees. It's about embedding carbon infrastructure, rural governance, and generational equity into the land," said Derek Ruth , Partner at Omtse Ventures. "We believe the Philippines can lead?not follow?in national carbon projects." "I grew up working the land. I know what it means to farm and to hope for something better. This project is about giving our farmers real opportunity" said Apl.de.Ap, Founder of APLFI. "We are investing in the future of the Philippines, starting with those who feed us. We need to recognize them as the rockstars that they are." The Philippines is among the world's most climate-vulnerable nations, with rising sea levels and extreme weather threatening rural livelihoods. The coconut sector employs millions and remains a vital source of income for smallholder farmers. For decades, the Philippines was the world's leading coconut producer and exporter, known globally for its copra, coconut oil, and derivative products. Over the years, the industry has faced challenges including climate disruption, aging trees, and evolving support systems for farmers?highlighting the need for renewed investment and coordinated revitalization efforts. "Our work is rooted in community. This initiative brings farmers, scientists, and government together to regenerate land, increase yield, grow livelihoods, and long-term opportunity," said Audie Vergara, Executive Director of APLFI. "This is legacy work." Today, revitalizing the coconut industry is not only an economic imperative but a climate strategy. By replanting at scale, intercropping for food and income diversity, and integrating carbon markets, this initiative aims to return the Philippines to global prominence?not just as a top coconut exporter, but as a leader in climate-smart agriculture. "This isn't just about planting trees. It's about embedding carbon infrastructure, rural governance, and generational equity into the land," said Derek Ruth, Partner at Omtse Ventures. "We believe the Philippines can lead?not follow?in national carbon projects." The Philippine government has made reforestation a national priority, and the PCA's 100 million tree goal is a flagship component of that vision. Through this initiative, APLFI and Omtse are supporting the government's commitment by delivering implementation capacity, technology-enabled MRV systems, climate finance infrastructure, and hands-on support to farmer cooperatives across the country. The program will be aligned with the most current Paris Agreement's Article 6 frameworks, ensuring its future-proofed to meet the rigorous standards of traceability, transparency, and equitable benefit-sharing with farmers and local communities. It reframes the coconut not just as an agricultural staple, but as a symbol of climate resilience and a civil fruit of global collaboration. Media Contact Kat Bailey, The Mother Lode, 44 7377144920, [email protected], https://www.the-motherlode.com SOURCE The Mother Lode 5 june 2025 at 09:30 News published onand distributed by: Hyundai and Hyundai Hope on Wheels Present $200,000 to Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) Hyundai donates $100,000 to support CHOC's greatest needs Hyundai Hope on Wheels presents a $100,000 Impact Grant for pediatric cancer research and support ORANGE, Calif., June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai recently announced a $200,000 commitment to longstanding partner, Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), part of Rady Children's Health, to support pediatric health in Southern California. Hyundai Hope, the corporate social responsibility initiative of Hyundai Motor America, donated $100,000 to support CHOC's greatest needs. Hyundai Hope on Wheels, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to ending childhood cancer, donated $100,000 to pediatric cancer research and support. To date, Hyundai and Hyundai Hope on Wheels have cumulatively contributed $12.9 million to CHOC, including Hyundai's original $10 million investment in 2011 with the establishment of the Hyundai Cancer Institute at CHOC. Ceremonial checks were presented at CHOC's new nine-story outpatient tower in Orange, California. "At Hyundai, we are proud to support impactful institutions that are working towards the betterment of children's health," said Claudia Marquez, COO, Hyundai Motor America. "CHOC continues to be an instrumental force in the community, serving families and delivering the highest quality of health care. With the donation from Hyundai and Hyundai Hope on Wheels, we seek to continue supporting its work helping more children to live healthy, happy lives." Hyundai Hope on Wheels presented a $100,000 Impact Grant to CHOC that will be used for pediatric cancer research and programmatic support for the Hyundai Cancer Institute. "Our partnership with Hyundai is instrumental in helping us become the premier destination for pediatric oncology by enabling groundbreaking research and clinical excellence," said Dr. Lilibeth Torno, M.D. Ph.D., medical director, Hyundai Cancer Institute at CHOC. "Their commitment has fostered an environment where collaboration and discovery thrive, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of innovation. Together, we are transforming the landscape of cancer care for children and their families." Over the last 27 years, Hyundai Hope on Wheels has grown to be a leading funder of pediatric cancer research in the country. The grant is part of the foundation's commitment of $27 million this year, which brings the lifetime donation total to $277 million dollars to advance research, support families, and stand alongside doctors and children in the fight against childhood cancer. Throughout the rest of this year, the organization will present similar grants that fund lifesaving research and bring hope to communities. The event concluded with a Handprint Ceremony, the signature event of Hyundai Hope on Wheels. During the ceremony, children affected by cancer, doctors, researchers, partners, and Hyundai representatives placed their handprints on a Hyundai vehicle, symbolizing the collective fight against pediatric cancer and hope for a cure. Hyundai also provided a 2025 Hyundai Palisade to CHOC that will help transport families around CHOC's Orange campus as well as deliver medications to immune-compromised patients. The vehicle will provide overall support to a vulnerable patient community reliant on access to life-saving medications. Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), part of Rady Children's Health, is committed to being a leading destination for children's health by providing exceptional and innovative care. The nationally recognized pediatric healthcare system includes two hospitals and a regional network of primary and specialty care clinics. CHOC offers several programs of excellence providing the highest levels of care for the most serious pediatric illnesses and injuries, physical and mental. CHOC's research and innovation institutes are focused on translating real patient needs into real-world treatments so every child can live the healthiest and happiest life possible. Learn more at choc.org Hyundai Hope Hyundai Hope is a corporate social responsibility initiative from Hyundai Motor North America, committed to the principle of Progress for Humanity and the goal of improving the wellbeing of society. Hyundai Hope dedicates time and supplies resources to nonprofit organizations that support the health and safety of individuals and foster positive growth in communities. For more information, visit www.HyundaiHope.com. Hyundai Hope on Wheels Hyundai Hope on Wheels is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is committed to finding a cure for childhood cancer. Launched in 1998, Hyundai Hope on Wheels provides grants to eligible institutions nationwide that are pursuing critical research aimed at improving treatments and saving lives. Hyundai Hope on Wheels is one of the largest nonprofit funders of pediatric cancer research in the country. Primary funding for Hyundai Hope on Wheels comes from Hyundai Motor America and its more than 850 U.S. dealers. In 2025, Hyundai Hope on Wheels will reach a lifetime donation total of $277 million in support of more than 1,400 childhood cancer research grants to over 175 hospitals and research institutions. Hyundai Motor America Hyundai Motor America offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles, while supporting Hyundai Motor Company's Progress for Humanity vision. Hyundai has significant operations in the U.S., including its North American headquarters in California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama assembly plant, the all-new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, and several cutting-edge R&D facilities. These operations, combined with those of Hyundai's 850 independent dealers, contribute $20.1 billion annually and 190,000 jobs to the U.S. economy, according to a published economic impact report. For more information, visit www.hyundainews.com. Hyundai Motor America on Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok SOURCE Hyundai Motor America 5 june 2025 at 11:00 News published onand distributed by: The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has issued a draft permit for a proposed warehouse project in West Pennsboro Township, though development is not yet guaranteed. Appalachian Asset Management Managing Principal Andrew Kronenberg said DEP issued the draft permit after evaluating the project to its satisfaction. The company is a contracted developer for soon-to-be property owner AAMPA Holdings LLC. While the state initially identified more than 60 technical deficiencies in stormwater and erosion and sediment pollution regulations in December, Kronenberg said no deficiencies exist in the revised plan. The plan proposes three warehouse buildings as well as trailer and employee parking at 3485 Ritner Highway. If developers receive the final National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit, they can begin earthwork activities, Kronenberg said. Potential hearing The draft permit was announced in the Pennsylvania Bulletin May 10 and the public has 30 days to request a hearing or to submit written comments. Big Spring Watershed Association, Newville Borough and two other residents or organizations requested a hearing before the state. The public hearing will be an opportunity for community members to voice their concerns [and] to explain to DEP what would be the potential impact, association President Mark Spicka said. State officials plan to conduct a public hearing and are working on the logistics, DEP Director of Regional Communications John Repetz said. Officials must advertise the hearing at least 30 days in advance in the Pennsylvania Bulletin and will also announce the hearing in a local newspaper, he said. DEP will consider all testimony that it receives during the hearing and all the written comments received during the comment period, Repetz said. Possible outcomes after all comments are considered could lead to DEP requesting more information from the applicant or to DEP taking a final action on the application. If a final permit is issued there will be no opportunity to request a public hearing, but the issuance of the permit would begin a 30-day period during which individuals or organizations could appeal the decision to the state Environmental Hearing board, he said. Comments can be emailed to RA-EPWW-SCRO@pa.gov and emails should include the persons name, address, phone number and permit number: PAD210118. Contamination concerns Association and borough officials are concerned the project could contaminate nearby Big Spring Creek. The project site is composed of karst geology with limestone bedrock. With limestone karst ... if stormwater is not properly filtrated, and gets into the limestone, it can enter into the groundwater very quickly and travel distances extremely quickly and get into Big Spring, get into peoples residential wells, Spicka said. Last fall, the borough hired ARM Group Inc. senior hydrogeologist William Seton to examine the site and report findings to the borough. That report highlighted a series of concerns. While the draft permit indicates that the project meets state requirements, Spicka feels the revised plan hasnt sufficiently addressed previously identified deficiencies and doesnt follow the states Stormwater Best Management Practices. Spicka said one concern about the project is the amount of blasting that would be required to install subsurface infiltration basins. He said the depths of those basins exceed the states recommended best management practices. These are significant underground basins, and theyre going to be excavated into rock in a big way, association member and retired Senior Geotechnical Engineer Bill Franz said. Spicka said the project plans for a layer of soil at the bottom of the basins to filter water, however that soil would only be installed where the basins encounter rock. While he said this aligns with best management practices, hed prefer a uniform layer of soil to assist with filtration beneath the entire basin. From their (developers) perspective, they want that water to disappear as quickly as possible, Spicka said. Our perspective, we want that to filtrate more slowly ... so that any pollutants would be removed, and we should add that that water is coming off of parking lots, coming off of roofs, carrying petrochemicals and other things. He said the projects ratio of impervious surface to filtration areas also exceeds state recommendations. Somehow [to] DEP, this seems fine, and we didnt think in that this was sufficiently addressed in the revised plans of justifying and explaining why theyre so far over this ratio, Spicka said. Setons report also called for further investigation of the site. While the warehouse is proposed in West Pennsboro Township, Newville Council member Jack Ericksen said the Newville Water and Sewer Authoritys service area could be impacted if the water supply is contaminated. This includes the Newville Borough and portions of West Pennsboro, North Newton and Penn townships, as well as the Big Spring School District and Green Ridge Village. Residential wells could also be affected, Ericksen said. If you add them all up, youre talking about thousands of people, he said. The water and sewer authority is very concerned about its ability to clean this stuff up, especially if youre getting hydrocarbons through there ... they can probably deal with to a certain extent, but its very expensive. In the best circumstances, they clean it up, but your water bills are going to go up significantly if that happens. Developer response Kronenberg said Appalachian Asset Management sought project feedback from multiple professionals, including DEP and the Cumberland County Conservation District, saying the organization has complied with all state requested and mandated designs. He said engineers designed each subsurface basin based on state provisions to ensure safe stormwater infiltration. All runoff generated by the project is accounted for and managed using DEP approved SCMs (Stormwater Control Measures), Kronenberg said. In addition to principle SCMs, there are several pre-treatment features that collect trash, solids and separate oil and grit from runoff to allow for cleaner water to enter the stormwater management system. Several of our design features exceed minimum DEP requirements. Water contamination from activities at the warehouse is highly unlikely, he said, adding that contamination from convenience stores, gas stations, herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers often pose a greater daily contamination risk. Kronenberg said Appalachian Asset Management team members are vested in protecting the local water supply. The Big Spring Watershed Association and the Newville Borough have largely ignored the opportunity to collaborate and taken an adversarial stance, promoting fear mongering and dissemination of incorrect information to bolster support on a false platform, he said. That stance is costing the taxpayers of the borough thousands of dollars in hourly rates for attorneys, engineers and other expensive professionals that was not in the boroughs budget. Ericksen said officials have worked hard to come to an understanding with developers. We met with them, but we havent come to a good place at this point, he said. The borough paid at least $5,000 for Seton to review the project last year, The Sentinel reported in November. Borough officials determined that the roughly $5,600 cost for him to testify at a potential hearing would be covered by the Newville Water & Sewer Authority, the Newville Economic Development Authority and the Big Spring Watershed Association. Creating a robust domestic investment ecosystem will not only generate jobs and wealth locally but also enhance fiscal policy autonomy, said Bonokai G. B. Gould. Structures that are not climate resilient will be hit hardest. We anticipate widespread displacement, particularly in vulnerable communities, Dulleh warned. Ireland was pleased to have cast our vote today for [Liberias] election to the Security Council. TECHNOLOGICAL University of the Shannon (TUS) has secured 5.27 million in Springboard+ funding, affirming its position as a leading provider of flexible, lifelong learning opportunities. With 24 programmes approved across disciplines including digital transformation, sustainability, health, and engineering, TUS will continue to deliver upskilling and reskilling pathways commencing September 2025. This announcement positions TUS as one of Irelands foremost institutions in responding to national and regional skills needs, particularly across the Midlands and Mid-West. Springboard+ is a government initiative aimed at supporting those in employment, as well as returners and jobseekers, to access higher education in priority sectors aligned with the National Skills Strategy and the Future Jobs Ireland framework. READ MORE: New course from Limerick university will shape the next generation of the biopharma sector The 2025 call received 619 submissions nationally, with 250 courses funded across 38 institutions. TUS allocation representing approximately 10 per cent of the national Springboard programme, underscores its continued leadership in flexible higher education. Dr Michael Tobin, Dean of Faculty of Continuing, Professional, Online and Distance Learning at TUS, welcomed the announcement, saying: "This funding reflects our deep commitment to meeting the skills demands of our regions and beyond. Each approved programme has been designed in close collaboration with industry partners, ensuring our learners gain relevant, applied knowledge with real employment impact. Our delivery modelonline, part-time, and flexibleensures accessibility for learners balancing work, family, and study." Among the funded offerings are Level 6 to 9 qualifications in areas such as Engineering & Built Environment, Business, Management & Leadership, Quality, Compliance & Regulatory Affairs, Sustainability & Green Economy, Aviation & Aircraft Leasing, Culinary Arts, ICT and Digital Transformation. Programmes will be delivered part-time with blended and online options designed to support learners wherever they are based. Dean of Flexible and Work-Based Learning, Seamus Hoyne added: "Springboard+ is not just an investment in educationits an investment in Irelands future economy. At TUS, we are proud to play a pivotal role in that transformation by enabling people to upskill in ways that work for themwherever they are, and whatever their background." In line with government priorities, several of TUS approved programmes focus on sustainability and digital transformation, contributing to the delivery of Climate Action Plan targets and Irelands Digital Strategy. TUS ability to secure this level of funding is a testament to the strength of its academic teams, regional partnerships, and data-led programme design. The third-level institution continues to engage extensively with employers, public sector agencies, and communities to ensure Springboard+ courses not only meet immediate skills gaps, but also foster long-term career mobility. TUS expands its national role in professional and lifelong learning, Springboard+ remains a cornerstone of its mission to deliver responsive, high-quality education across the Midlands, Mid-West and beyond. Applications for Springboard+ Programmes open on Tuesday June 3 on www.springboardcourses.ie. BISHOP of Limerick Brendan Leahy said that hope is the most important subject that Leaving Cert students should take with them into their exams this week. Wishing students across the diocese the very best ahead for the exams which started on Wednesday, Bishop Leahy said that whatever the outcome, students have a life full of opportunity ahead of them and it wont be realised or lost over the coming weeks. This is such a tense time for students and I can recall exactly that from my own exams all those years ago. Some tension is probably unavoidable but I remember thinking Ive just go to hope for the best and just do my best. In fact, hope is the most important subject of all these coming weeks. We all hope we do well but what I would encourage young people to do is realise the big hope is really their entire life project, and what God is going to help them become, and not just the moment we are in. It is, after all, the Jubilee Year of Hope so it must be our great theme, said Bishop Leahy. READ MORE: Limerick pensioner hopes to get Guinness World Record for walking Earth more than twice The Bishop of Limerick said it is very difficult for students whove spent the last six years and more building up to this week to look beyond these exams but I really do feel that if they can, tell themselves to accept where they are today, do their best today and tomorrow will look after itself. I would urge them to have hope and have faith in tomorrow. And I would also say to them that the big hope really is the hope that God has for us all. The Dublin native said that he has been struck this year by an increasing interest in spirituality amongst young people and this will stand many in good stead for their exams. I have spoken to some parents who are telling me that their children have more faith now than even they had when they were young. I am grateful for that, but regardless of whether they come to church or not, I would invite young people doing exams at this time, no matter what pressure they may feel, if they can turn to God, they will get grace, strength and peace of mind at this time. Bishop Leahy also used the opportunity to remind students across the diocese of this years Jubilee of Hope Pilgrimage to Rome, which takes place from July 28 to August 4. Some 30 young adults, from Leaving Cert upwards, from Limerick will be on this pilgrimage to mark the late Pope Francis Jubilee Year of Hope that Pope Francis launched and which Pope Leo is continuing to celebrate. Hope is such a great theme especially for young people. We have a small number of places left and maybe they will be filled by some of our Leaving Cert students. Contact 086 6071021 or email james.connery@limerickdiocese.org for more information A LIMERICK pensioner who is trying to beat the Guinness World Record (GWR) for walking around the earth more than two times has said he hopes he will be recognised for his amazing human walk record. 75-year-old Vinod Bajaj was born in India but has been living in Limerick for 40 years, currently in Castletroy. He has completed the extraordinary feat of walking around the world, which has a circumference of 40,075 km, more than 2.5 times - without leaving the county. Vinod says he has gone through 24 pairs of runners and also notes that he has beaten Forrest Gump, who walked/ran a total of 24,539km in 1140 days, because, as of April 27, 2025, Vinod walked 100,010km, or about 128 million steps, for 3,100+ days continuously. There is a possibility to visit the GWR office in London and present my amazing and incredible feat for consideration for inclusion, Vinod said. READ ALSO: Ryder Cup organisers seek event licence for 2027 tournament in Limerick I started walking on August 18, 2016 and completed my first walk around Earth on September 26, 2020 in 1496 days. I completed my second walk on October 10, 2023. The average per day was 36km. It took 382 less days than the first walk and I beat my own record! I hope they will recognise my amazing human walk record. I didnt find anyone in GWR database who has remotely come near my extraordinary feat. Vinod worked for several multi-national companies for 25 years in a variety of senior roles and was a business consultant for 10 years prior to retiring at age 60. He wrote a book in 2021, Pension without Tension, which he says was born when outside walking. I decided to walk to stay healthy, and lost 3.5 stones in the first 9 months. I did not have to make any adjustments to eating habits as I was shedding 1400 calories per day. I start early everyday to finish by late afternoon and walk year-round in all kinds of weather. During some heavy snowing days, I walked inside of shopping mall for a short duration. READ ALSO: 'Blood is a lifeline:' Urgent call for Limerick blood donors While Vinod says he follows no specific route, he says he always walks within a 10km range from my house in Castletroy and started doing so in 2016. Vinod is in the process of applying for a GWR and for now, he says he wants to just slow down and write my second book. For anybody thinking of becoming a serious walker like Vinod, his advice would be: Make sure you walk continuously for at least 30 mins at a time to be effective. Discipline and self-motivation are very important, set a daily goal and improve it over a period of time gradually and invest in a good pair of runners and socks. The treatment of residents at nursing homes featured in a documentary was extremely distressing and wholly unacceptable, the minister for older people has said. It comes after RTE Investigates examined standards of care at two nursing homes operated by Emeis Ireland, formerly known as Orpea. The programme highlighted serious issues at The Residence Portlaoise and Beneavin Manor nursing homes, which have been acknowledged as wholly unjustifiable by Emeis Ireland. The documentary highlighted vulnerable people being left unsupervised, large amounts of residents congregated together being supervised by one member of staff, and requests for the use of toilets being unanswered for lengthy periods of time. It also showed some staff not using proper hoisting equipment and shortages in necessary items like incontinence pads. Emeis Ireland issued an apology to to all residents and their families for the suffering and distress experienced as a result of failures identified in the care provided. It said it recognised and deeply regrets the breach of trust and any failure to uphold the dignity of some residents at all times. Emeis Ireland said it has commenced a comprehensive review across both nursing homes. The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), which is responsible for inspecting nursing homes, said it is taking escalating action over the wholly unacceptable practices identified in the programme. It said a decision to halt admissions to the Residence Portlaoise came into effect in April. Labour TD Alan Kelly said HIQA has a lot of questions to answer following the broadcast, adding that the agency needed to be properly supported to actually do its job. Mr Kelly said demographic changes in the country necessitate a completely different strategy for care of the elderly, including more public nursing homes and plans for increased home help and care in the home. He also said HIQA and other organisations need the Government to put an adult safeguarding framework in place. The chairwoman of Safeguarding Ireland said she was disturbed, distressed, and angry over the findings of the programme. In reference to a previous RTE documentary on the Leas Cross Nursing Home 20 years ago, Patricia Rickard-Clark added: We have gone backwards, I think. Ms Rickard-Clark told RTEs Morning Ireland that the Government needs to establish an inter-department and inter-agency working group to deal with recommendations from the Law Reform Commission on adult safeguarding. On the same programme, Minister of State for Older People Kieran ODonnell said he had met HIQA on the matter on Wednesday. He said he told the agency it needs to redouble their efforts around the two nursing homes involved. He said he expected the agency and its chief inspector to use all their available powers in this area. Mr ODonnell added: We have to have environments that are safe for older people, and thats something that I feel absolutely critical on. He said the staffing levels at the homes in the programme were grossly inadequate. He added: What we saw from the programme last night was neglect and abuse of older people, and clearly a key element to that was lack of staffing. Asked if HIQA had failed the residents of the nursing homes, Mr ODonnell said: Certainly from what we saw on that programme last night, one could not stand over. He added: I want to ensure this never happens again. Mr ODonnell said he wanted to put the message out that there are very good nursing homes operating around the country. Asked how he could know this, he said every nursing home is audited by HIQA every year and 87% are found to be compliant. However, he added: But what was exposed last night on the programme is a wake up call for everyone. Put to the junior minister that HIQA had said Beneavin Manor was compliant, he said he wanted HIQA to have intensive engagement with the two nursing homes in the programme. Mr ODonnell said he was working on bringing forward the Statutory Home Care Scheme and prioritising a national policy on safeguarding for adults. He said there was already a national safeguarding structure within the HSE. He said he had spoken to HSE chief executive Bernard Gloster after the programme, adding: Hes committed to using the national safeguarding office to look at the programme in terms of safeguarding. In essence, the practices and the regulations are there what we need now is the legislation to strengthen it. Disability Minister Norma Foley described the programme as horrifying and heartbreaking. To see older people struggle to be heard, to be listened to and to be cared for is quite appalling. Ms Foley said she believed that a lack of guidelines on staff-to-resident ratio in nursing homes should be looked at. It was reported in the documentary that the HSE does not offer staffing guidelines based on a ratio of resident numbers, saying homes should be staffed according to the need of those living there. Severe storms in southern Germany forced a Ryanair flight to make an emergency landing late on Wednesday after violent turbulence injured nine people on board, German police said. The flight, travelling from Berlin to Milan with 179 passengers and six crew members, encountered turbulence so intense around 8.30pm that the pilot was forced to make an unscheduled landing at Memmingen Airport in Bavaria. Eight passengers and one crew member were hurt. Three people were taken to hospital in Memmingen for treatment, the other injured people were released after receiving outpatient treatment. As a precaution, all passengers were checked for injuries by the emergency services. Authorities did not permit the plane to continue flying, and the airline arranged bus transport for passengers. Milan is about 380 kilometres (236 miles) south of Memmingen. Elsewhere in the region, storms damaged several homes in Ulm, Baden-Wurttemberg, according to the German news agency dpa. In the Donaustetten district, strong winds tore roofs off multiple houses, rendering them uninhabitable, though no injuries were reported. Fire officials suspect a small tornado or waterspout caused the damage. The German Weather Service (DWD) is investigating, according to dpa. Storm-related emergency calls also came from other areas in southern Germany, where damage was mostly limited to fallen trees and flooded basements. The DWD warned of further storms on Thursday, with hail, strong winds and localised heavy rain expected. Suzuki Motor's suspension of production of its flagship Swift subcompact is due to China's rare earth restrictions, two people familiar with the matter said, becoming the first Japanese automaker to be affected by the export curbs. The small car maker halted production of the Swift, excluding the Swift Sport version, from May 26 citing a shortage of components. Plans to resume output have been pushed back several times. Suzuki now expects a partial restart of production on June 13 with full resumption after June 16, as the "prospect of parts supply is clearer" now, it said in a statement. Also Read | Maruti Suzuki, Escorts among top four auto stock picks after May sales data The company declined to comment on the reason for the suspension. The sources declined to be identified as they were not authorised to speak on the matter. China's decision in April to suspend exports of a wide range of rare earths and related magnets has upended the supply chains central to automakers, aerospace manufacturers, semiconductor companies and military contractors. Alarm over the situation has grown with global automakers warning of potential production halts. Some European auto parts plants have suspended output and Mercedes-Benz is considering ways to protect against shortages of rare earths. Japan is planning to propose strengthening cooperation with the United States on rare earth supply chains in upcoming tariff talks, the Nikkei business daily reported on Thursday. New Delhi: At least eight companies, including Adani Group, Tata Power Ltd and Greenko Group, are eyeing a majority stake in two Uttar Pradesh electricity distribution companies in the largest such privatization in the sector, said three people aware of the developments. Sterlite Power Ltds Serentica Renewables, Torrent Power Ltd, ReNew Energy Global Plc, RP-Sanjiv Goenka Groups CESC Ltd, and a GMR and Electricite de France (EDF) consortium are also interested in acquiring UP governments 51% stake each in Purvanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Ltd (PUVVNL) and Dakshinanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Ltd (DVVNL), the people said on the condition of anonymity. The request for proposal (RFP), a formal document to solicit bids, is likely to be floated by July. Given that such a large discom opportunity is coming up for consideration, there is a significant interest in the transaction," the first person. "The expectation is that the transaction for both the discoms would be completed by Deepawali this year." Grant Thornton Bharat LLP is running the transaction for the majority stake sale in the two distribution companies (discoms) with a combined annual revenue of around 50,000 crore. Also read | Race on: Renewable energy firms vie to secure top sites to build pumped energy storage plants UPs bid to sell a controlling stake in the two discoms marks a renewed effort by states to privatize unprofitable utilities after the central government started the process to divest majority shareholding in such distribution companies in Union territories. Indias 67 power distributors have been struggling with prolonged aggregate transmission and commercial losses, which rose from 15.37% in FY23 to 16.87% in FY24. However, private discoms reduced their AT&C losses from 17.17% to 12.12% during the period. According to government data, PUVVNL and DVVNL, along with 11 other utilities, saw an improvement of over 5% in their AT&C losses in FY24. Realistic targets It may be the largest discom privatization in the country in terms of size, revenues and complexity, and the success will be determined by the tariff and efficiency curve provided to the bidders and how the baselines are set, said Sambitosh Mohapatra, partner and leader, climate and energy, PwC India. Realistic targets for AT&C (aggregate technical and commercial) losses should be set and the regulatory framework should allow for the recovery of losses in the initial years over a time period," Mohapatra said. Investors would want a gradient allowing time to invest, improve customer services and recoup the AT&C losses." In February, the UP government allowed the Uttar Pradesh Power Corp (UPPCL), which operates the state's government-owned discoms, to sell 51% in DVVNL and PUVVNL, while retaining the remaining 49%. In March, the corporation selected Grant Thornton Bharat as the adviser for the privatization process. Other discoms under the state-run corporation include Kanpur Electricity Supply Co., Madhyanchal Vidyut Vitaran Nigam Ltd and Pashchimanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Ltd. Read this | No plans to raise more equity any time soon: AM Green and Greenko founder Mahesh Kolli The first benefit privatization is usually expected to bring in is improvement in operating efficiency, mainly through lower AT&C losses, which has been witnessed in previous instances in Odisha and Delhi," said Vikram V., vice president & co-group head-corporate ratings, Icra Ltd. A trajectory for reduction of these losses is a key condition to be met by the winning bidders post privatization, in turn, improving the operating performance and the financial position." A spokesperson for Adani Group confirmed that the Ahmedabad-headquartered conglomerate would be bidding for the majority stake in the discoms. A Serentica Renewables spokesperson said the company continues to explore potential partnerships and acquisition opportunities on an ongoing basis" but does not "comment on specific plans" as a policy. Tata Power declined to comment. RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, GMR-EDF, ReNew, Greenko and Torrent did not respond to the queries till press time. Queries sent to the UPPCL chairman and managing director and Grant Thornton Bharat also remained unanswered. Odisha model In 2020, Centre decided to privatize all electricity distribution companies in the union territories administered directly by it. The CESC won control of the Chandigarh discom, while Torrent Power took control of the Dadra and Nagar Haveli one. The sales were linked to incentives from the Centre, encouraging discoms to seek new investors. In May 2020, the government also announced a reform-linked 90,000 crore liquidity injection into fund-starved discoms as part of a 20 trillion stimulus package to revive the economy. The push to sell control of public sector discoms and operate them in a public-private partnership mirrors the governments effort to monetize power utilities and generate value through stake sales or initial public offerings (IPO). India has about 67 discoms, including 16 run by the private sector in Delhi, Mumbai, Odisha, West Bengal, Gujarat and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. The nations top private discoms include Tata Power, Adani Group, CESC and Torrent Power. Also read | IntelliSmart to provide data analytics services to discoms: Anil Rawal Odisha was the first state to privatize its power distribution sector into four discoms in 1999. This was followed by Delhi, which privatized three of its discoms in July 2002: BSES Rajdhani Power Ltd, BSES Yamuna Power Ltd and Tata Power Delhi Distribution Ltd. "If (UP discom process is) structured well, losses incurred during the initial 2-3 years can be recouped within the next 3-4 year period," said Mohapatra. So certainty is needed over a 10-year period. In the discom privatization in Odisha, bidding framework and regulatory support resulted in all four discoms able to operate profitably within 2-3 years." Central Bank of India acquires equity stake of 24.91% of Future Generali India Insurance Company Limited, the bank informed in an exchange filing on Thursday, June 5, 2025. Through the latest acquisition, the Central Bank of India aims to venture into the insurance sector. The Competition Commission of India (CCI), Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) have given their approval, the bank said. The acquisition of shares was completed on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. The Central Bank of India bought 35,06,30,136 equity shares of Future Generali India Insurance Company for 451 crore. About Future Generali Insurance Company Future Generali India Insurance Company Limited, established in 2006 and based in Mumbai, operates in over 150 locations across India. The company provides a range of insurance services in areas such as retail, commercial, personal, and rural. Generali holds a controlling stake of 74% in Future Generali India Insurance Company Limited. The gross written premium of the company stood at 4,910.89 crore in FY 24, 4,546.23 crore in FY 23 and 4,210.35 crore in FY 22. Central Bank of India Q4 results The Central Bank of India reported a 28 per cent increase in net profit at 1,034 crore for the January to March quarter of FY25. The lender posted a net profit of 807 crore in the same period previous year. The total income of the bank increased to 10,433 crore in the quarter ended on March 31, 2025 from 9,699 crore a year ago, Central Bank of India said in a regulatory filing. The interest income of the bank rose to 8,619 crore from 8,337 crore earlier. Meanwhile, the net interest income (NII) in the quarter decreased to 3,399 crore from 3,541 crore. Medikabazaar, the medical equipment supplier, expects to put the controversies surrounding the startup behind it as it targets profitability this year, CEO Dinesh Lodha told Mint in an exclusive interview. The startup, which is entangled in legal disputes, has started exports and is expanding its portfolio offerings to drive growth. Lodha, who was appointed group CEO in August 2024, said the business is turning around and that will help rebuild confidence among its investors and customers. This is the third quarter going on, [since] I joined, and in the last two quarters there are significant changes happening in the business. We have cut down our loss by 80% by quarter four from quarter one," he told Mint. In FY25, the company posted annualised revenue of 2,200 crore, basis of Q4. It is looking at revenue of 3,000 crore by FY26, with Ebitda profitability, Lodha said. For the first time, the company will show a solid profitability and a good cash flow," he said. Lodha said his mandate is to run the business and that the dispute between investors is not a distraction. The team is very focused. And my approach is also very focused," said Lodha. The way things are getting turned around, I think people are getting more and more confident. We are not losing customers because of this." The Mumbai-based B2B medical supply chain platform has been mired in controversy and legal disputes following a whistleblower complaint in December 2023 accusing the then-senior management of round-tripping of accounts to inflate revenue and other irregularities. The allegations have been validated by forensic audits. The companys auditor resigned, its FY23 financials were restated, and its leadership was overhauled. Founders ouster Co-founder Vivek Tiwari stepped down as chief executive officer in July 2024 to take on a board role. He was then ousted by the companys board in April 2025 over allegations of malicious and fraudulent activities, including financial mismanagement and financial fraud. Tiwari is fighting cases in multiple jurisdictions, including the Delhi High Court and the National Company Law Tribunal. In an earlier interview to Mint, he denied allegations of financial misreporting. Additionally, the companys Series C investors including Creagis, CDC Group, HealthQuad and Ackermans & van Haaren, filed an indemnity claim, or compensation, of 279 crore against the company over allegations of financial misreporting. Lodha comes with over two decades of experience in the healthcare and medtech space, having previously worked as group CEO at Healthium Medtech, country head for Samsungs healthcare vertical, and sales director at GE Healthcare. He has a proven track record of leading successful turnarounds of businesses," according to his LinkedIn profile. Medikabazaar reported a gross operating revenue of 1,355.5 crore in FY24, a 50% surge from the preceding year, according to Entrackr. Its loss widened by 30% to 394.8 crore. The companys expansion is driven by adding new growth segments and an internal clean-up with a focus on transparency. If you ask me one word in this organisation which Ive tried to change, it is to empower the people to take decisions, but then be accountable," he said. The company has had a good retention of its leadership, employees and customers over the past 18 months, Lodha said. That itself gives you confidence that things are pretty much solid in place," Lodha said. We have added many new segments, new leaders. But we retain the core," he added. Exports to drive growth Lodha is driving the companys expansion beyond Indian shores. The company is already facilitating Indian manufacturers with certification to export to countries in the Middle East, Africa, some parts of Asia, and South America. It is in the early stages but it is a huge, significant growth area for us as we go forward. At this point of time, export [segment] is not that significant. We are talking 5-6% of our business. But that will significantly grow to 15-20% as we go forward," Lodha said. Also Read | The fallout of an audit and missed targets: Medikabazaar founders set to lose stock options Medikabazaar is a B2B seller for medical equipment and drugs, including consumables such as surgical gloves, devices like MRI machines, and vaccines. It has over 400,000 customers through its digital marketplace and has tied up with over 1,000 hospitals in the country. The company has also started its own brand called MB+ for medical consumables, pharmaceuticals, and vaccines that it will directly offer to customers, which is a high-margin business and will form a significant chunk of the companys revenue, said Lodha. It is targeting tier-2 and tier-3 hospitals and aims to offer complete supply chain and procurement solutions to at least 100-150 hospitals in the next 12-14 months. In India, nobody has the portfolio breadth that we have with presence in equipment and devices, consumables, disposables, IVD (in vitro diagnostics) and pharma," said Lodha. We offer a one-stop solution in all procurement segments that's a very big opportunity for hospitals to really work with one company as a single-window procurement partner rather than working with, say, 200 distributors." Medikabazaar competes with large manufacturers in individual segments such as medical equipment companies Wipro GE Healthcare and Medtronic, as well as other B2B marketplaces MedDeal and Zoplar. Medikabazaar has raised $165 million (about 1,380 crore) via debt and equity to date. It was reportedly in talks to raise $150-200 million last year, which did not materialise after the forensic audit. Lodha said that the company is not looking at raising funds currently and that it built a good cash flow in Q4. We are continuing to be focused on cash flow," he said. Wherever the investment is required, I think the existing investors [are] very bullish on the business they are ready to fund it further." (Bloomberg) -- Alphabet Inc.s Sundar Pichai said his company will keep expanding its engineering ranks at least into 2026, stressing human talent remains key even as Googles parent ramps up AI investments. Speaking at the Bloomberg Tech conference in San Francisco, Pichai said he will continue to invest in engineering in the near future. US tech leaders like Microsoft Corp. have trimmed more staff this year, reflecting in part the enormous investments needed to ensure leadership in AI. The firings have stoked fears about the technology replacing certain job functions. Google itself has conducted rounds of layoffs in recent years to free up resources. I expect we will grow from our current engineering base even into next year, because it allows us to do more with the opportunity space, Pichai said in conversation with Bloombergs Emily Chang. I just view this as making engineers dramatically more productive, getting a lot of the mundane aspects out of what they do. Still, Pichai presented a vision of AI that was at once optimistic about the technologys possibilities and sober-minded about some of its present limitations. While AI excels in areas like coding, the models continue to make basic mistakes, Pichai said. So are we currently on an absolute path to AGI? I dont think anyone can say for sure, Pichai said. He was referring to artificial general intelligence: the dream of building AI that can perform on par with humans. As Google incorporates more AI into its search engine, publishers have sounded the alarm about how the companys AI-generated answers deprive them of traffic. Pichai stressed that the company remains committed to sending traffic to the web. Compared to most companies in the world, we take care to design an experience which is going to showcase links, Pichai said. We took a long time testing AI Overviews and prioritized approaches which resulted in high quality traffic out. Im confident that many years from now thats how Google will work. Pichai has led Google since 2015, when he took the reins from Google co-founder Larry Page pledging to focus even more on AI. Asked about what qualities the public can expect to see in the companys next CEO, Pichai quipped: Whoever is running it will have an extraordinary AI companion. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com The Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Limited (Amul) and Cooperativa Ganadera del Valle de los Pedroches (COVAP), a leading Spanish cooperative, inked a fresh deal to introduce Amul milk in Spain and across the European Union. The official launch was held at the Embassy of India in Madrid and the event was attended by H.E. Dinesh K Patnaik, Ambassador of India to Spain, along with D. Fernando Heredia Noguera, Deputy Director for International Relations and Community Affairs at the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Ricardo Delgado Vizcaino, President of COVAP, as well as senior representatives from Amul and its Spanish distribution partners, were also present there. Amul with its 3.6 million dairy farmers is the worlds largest farmer owned dairy cooperative. The Amul brand is rated as worlds strongest dairy brand and Indias largest consumer products group brand with a turnover of more than USD 11 billion and handling more than 12 billion litres of milk every year. Amul is also worlds 8th largest milk processor (Ranking by IFCN), it operates 112 dairy plants across India with a total milk handling capacity of 42 million litres per day. COVAP is Spain's first-tier cooperative, founded in 1959 in Pozoblanco, Cordoba. With over 2,000 active farmer-members, COVAP is a cornerstone of Andalusia's agri-food sector. Their dairy plant, one of Europe's most advanced, processes more than 400 million liters of milk annually. COVAP exports to over 30 countries, including the US, the UK and various Asian markets. Through this partnership, Amul Milk will be launched initially in Madrid, Barcelona, and subsequently it will be launched in Malaga, Valencia, Alicante, Seville, Cordoba and Lisbon in Portugal. In the future, Amul also plans to launch milk and other products in countries like Germany, Italy, and Switzerland. Honoured and pleased: Amul MD on association with COVAP Jayen Mehta, Managing Director, Amul said, We are very honoured and pleased to enter an association with COVAP, a very respected Spanish dairy cooperative. This association will ensure all our Spanish consumers will be nourished and energized with the goodness of Amul Milk. This is for the first time that Amul fresh milk is being launched in Europe. It is our great pleasure to bring the taste of India to the world, in alignment with the vision of our Honourable Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi to make Amul a global dairy brand. We at Amul are confident that in 2025, the International Year of Cooperatives, as declared by the United Nations, our team will bring the brand Amul closer to every Indian across the world and showcase the power of cooperation between cooperatives. Egyptian billionaire Naguib Sawiris' Moniify, described as CNBC for the TikTok generation and was launched with great pomp in Dubai late last year, is scaling back operations just months later, Bloomberg reported. The report noted that Moniify was meant to be a culmination of Sawaris' (worth $8.4 billion), five decades in business and a second shot in the media business. What is Naguib Sawiris' Moniify? A new media platform, billed as CNBC for the TikTok generation, Moniify aimed to share with the ambitious youth the secrets to building wealth drawing from Sawaris' years of experience building his own empire. The venture was launched in November 2024, and began hiring staff from New York to the Middle East at good packages. The report noted that initial consensus was that the company would make losses, but had reassurance of deep pockets from its owner. Speaking at the launch, 70-year-old Sawaris said, At my age, you start thinking I need to do something for my legacy, something to give back to society. So with all the money we spent on Moniify, it gets booked under this section. Young people were always asking me how they could also become rich. So I thought, ok, why not provide a tool, a platform that gives everything in a package to help these young people achieve their dreams. I always like to give back to society and better to give to the young, to the millennials. That was the motive, he said in a video for Moniify. What went wrong? According to the Bloomberg report citing sources, Sawaris appeared to have a change of heart, starting with slashes in budget and promotion, followed by layoffs in January 2025, then CEO Micheal Peters (formerly with Euronews) left, and was replaced with Sawaris' daughter Lana. Staff received no explaination, it added. Omar Al-Ghazzi, associate media and communications professor at the London School of Economics and Political Science told the publication that a huge barrier is how to attract the young while striking a balance between innovation and cringe. Spokespeople for Sawaris did not repond to queries, while Peters declined to comment, the report added. The sources said Sawaris was unprepared for the cash burn estimated to be tens of millions of dollars, and the fact that there was no clear path to profits. They added that the mogul was in Dubai early in 2025 and sought help for business planning and monetisation from journalists at an internal meeting indicating that he was out of the loop. Weeks after launch the venture was scaled back and layoffs began especially hitting those who relocated to the UAE and now had strict visa requirements to meet. Sawaris' daughter Lana took over after Peters departure. She has prior experience as a digital communications manager for Christian Louboutin and Art Director of Kith. At present, Moniify is only generating short media format and written content focused on personal finance. In a recent video she said: Finance, business, entrepreneurship it should all be entertaining too. MUMBAI: Coffee maker CCL Products (India) Ltd has rolled out UK-origin brand Percol in India, aiming to tap into the countrys emerging demand for premium, sustainably sourced coffee. The move follows CCLs acquisition of Percol from Swedens Lofbergs Coffee Group in 2023 and marks a strategic shift toward building a high-margin branded portfolio alongside its B2B export business. Unlike CCLs mass-market Continental brand, Percol is positioned at the upper end of the instant coffee segment, priced at 800850 for a 100-gram jar, comparable to Nestles Nescafe Gold. The brand is aimed at consumers who prefer drinking their coffee black and are seeking more complex flavour profiles. The Indian line-up includes three medium-roast variants: Da Essenza, a cinnamon- and star anise-noted blend of Indian and Colombian beans; Espresso Noir, made from Indian and Vietnamese beans with dark chocolate and oolong notes; and Intenzo, a smoother, medium-bodied brew infused with peppermint and clove. All three are designed to preserve flavour and aroma while avoiding the bitterness typical of darker roasts, said Praveen Jaipuriar, CEO of CCL Products. India is still largely a milk-and-sugar coffee market, but were seeing a clear shift among younger urban consumers. Percol is crafted for that audience, Jaipuriar told Mint. Founded in 1987 by British entrepreneur Brian Chapman, Percol was among the first UK brands to champion Fairtrade certification that ensures products are produced and traded according to social, economic, and environmental standards. CCL, which had developed blends for Percol over two decades ago, is now reintroducing the original profiles, repositioning the brand globally and for the Indian market. We had a nostalgic connection with Percol, but also saw strategic value in acquiring it, said Jaipuriar. With Indias coffee preferences evolving, this felt like the right time to offer consumers a nuanced, premium experience, especially one rooted in sustainability. Coffee is rising, but tea still rules India remains a tea-first market, with consistent coffee consumption largely limited to southern states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. In most other regions, in-home coffee usage is still occasional. Outside the South, most people drink coffee at cafes or in offices, but switch back to tea at home. Regular coffee drinking hasnt yet become a daily ritual, Jaipuriar said. That said, younger consumers are increasingly adopting coffee as part of their lifestyle, skipping tea entirely. This generation knows their brews, and theyre building habits that could fundamentally change the market over time, he added. Despite rising interest, building a premium coffee brand in India comes with structural challenges. Instant coffee is still viewed as a mass product, and many consumers are unfamiliar with concepts like roast profiles or brewing methods. We all know how to make good chaibut most people dont know how to make coffee well at home, said Jaipuriar. The lack of brewing knowledge, particularly outside the South, limits the adoption of more sophisticated products. Thats the gap we want to address, but it will take time, he added. Unlike many challenger brands relying on external capital, Percols rollout is internally funded. Our B2C business is profitable and self-sustaining. We dont need VC money, or even parent company support anymore, Jaipuriar said. While the brand will now compete with legacy players like Nescafe and Bru and newer names like Blue Tokai, Sleepy Owl, and Rage Coffee, Jaipuriar doesnt see it as a zero-sum battle. Right now, the market is expanding. If more brands can get people to drink better coffee more regularly, everyone benefits. The real challenge is converting tea households into coffee ones. For Jaipuriar, success isnt only about numbers. The day someone tells us Percol is the first instant coffee they enjoy drinking blackthatll be our biggest validation. Also Read: Indian coffee exports double in value even as production remains flat Experience-led marketing To build traction, CCL is focusing on experience-first marketing, using tastings, pop-ups, and influencer partnerships instead of traditional mass media. The brand recently hosted a live barista-led tasting kiosk at a concert in Mumbai to drive sampling. We want people to experience the coffee first, especially since black instant coffee is still rare in India, said Jaipuriar. The company is also exploring drip filters and fresh ground variants, but only after the instant portfolio stabilises. Percol is being introduced selectively, with offline availability at premium outlets like Natures Basket, Namdharis, La Marche, and Spencers Select, as well as in high-income neighbourhoods such as Delhis Khan Market and Mumbais Bandra. Online, the coffee is currently listed on Amazon and will soon be available on quick commerce platforms like Blinkit and BigBasket. CCL is also enabling direct-to-consumer delivery in select PIN codes. Chinese officials summoned the heads of major electric vehicle makers, including BYD Co., to Beijing earlier this week to address concerns about the long-running price war, according to people familiar with the matter. The meeting was hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the market regulator and the top economic planning agency, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussing private information. The gathering was attended by senior executives from more than a dozen manufacturers that also included Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co. and Xiaomi Corp., the people said. Officials told EV makers to self-regulate, and that they shouldnt sell cars below cost or offer unreasonable price cuts. They also addressed issues such as zero-mileage cars and mounting bills owed to suppliers that are squeezing cash flow along the supply chain and acting as quasi-debt financing for automakers, the people said. Its rare for Chinas market, industry, and economic regulators to jointly host a meeting with the car industry on operational matters like pricing. The move shows how much scrutiny the nations top leadership is paying to the sector, amid concerns the price war is becoming unsustainable and could send weaker companies into bankruptcy. However, the gathering didnt result in a mandatory directive and its not clear what consequences manufacturers would face if they dont follow the verbal warnings, the people said. BYD and Xiaomi didnt respond to requests for comments. A representative from Geely referred to a recent speech by Chairman Li Shufu who said the company resolutely rejects price wars and will compete on technology and its values. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the State Administration for Market Regulation and the National Development & Reform Commission didnt reply to faxed questions. The warnings come after BYD kicked off the latest round in the price war late last month with discounts of as much as 34%, leading to criticism from industry bodies and state media. Without naming BYD, the China Automobile Manufacturers Association released a statement saying the move by a certain company started a new round of price war panic that was plunging the sector into a vicious cycle and threatening supply chain security. Disorderly price wars intensify vicious competition, further compressing corporate profit margins, the association said. Media outlets directly controlled by the Communist Party leadership including Xinhua, the Peoples Daily and state broadcaster CCTV have all published reports in recent days that called for automakers to stop discounting and restore order to the industry. Otherwise, this could lead to low-priced and low-quality products that will damage the international reputation and the image of Made-in-China, the Peoples Daily said. This weeks meeting marked the second time in recent days that industry leaders have been rebuked over zero-mileage cars a practice in which automakers that have failed to meet their sales targets offload new vehicles to supply chain financing companies or used car dealers. These essentially new cars then appear on the resale market with no mileage, while manufacturers record them as sales despite them not having reaching the end-consumer. The Ministry of Commerce also met with at least two major carmakers and online used cars platforms last week on the issue. Carmakers have been trying to pass on the hit from the price war to suppliers, demanding lower prices for parts and delaying bill payment by months. A price cut demand by BYD to one of its suppliers late last year attracted media coverage and scrutiny of how the EV behemoth may be using supply chain financing to mask its ballooning debt. A report by accounting consultancy GMT Research puts BYDs true net debt at closer to 323 billion yuan , compared with the 27.7 billion yuan officially on its books as of the end of June 2024, through delaying its payments to suppliers and other related financing. 2025 Bloomberg L.P. Dassault Aviation and Tata Advanced Systems Limited have signed four Production Transfer Agreements to manufacture the Rafale fighter aircraft fuselage in India. This marks a significant step forward in strengthening the countrys aerospace manufacturing capabilities and supporting global supply chains. This facility will serve as a critical hub for high-precision manufacturing. Under the scope of the partnership, Tata Advanced Systems will set up a production facility in Hyderabad for the manufacture of key structural sections of the Rafale, including the lateral shells of the rear fuselage, the complete rear section, the central fuselage, and the front section. Also Read | Dassault, Lockheed Martin shares remain in focus as India eyes more fighter jets Dassault Aviation-Tata partnership: What does it entail? The first fuselage sections are expected to roll off the assembly line in FY2028, and the facility is expected to deliver up to two complete fuselages per month. The Indian Air Force currently operates 36 Rafale fighters. In April, India signed a deal with Franceits second-largest arms supplierto buy 26 naval versions of the jets for $7 billion, which are expected to be delivered by 2030. For the first time, Rafale fuselages will be produced outside France. This is a decisive step in strengthening our supply chain in India. Thanks to the expansion of our local partners, one of the major players in the Indian aerospace industry, this supply chain will contribute to the successful ramp-up of the Rafale," said Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation. This partnership aims to strengthen Indias position as a key player in the global aerospace supply chain while supporting its goal of greater economic self-reliance. Tata Advanced Systems Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Sons, is a significant player in aerospace and defence solutions in India. It offers a full range of integrated solutions across Aerospace, Aeroengines, Airborne Platforms Systems, Defence and security, and land Mobility. Also Read | Dassault Aviation shares in focus after Rafale brand owner inks pact with Tata What does the partnership mean for India? Dassault Aviation is a front-runner for the multi-role fighter aircraft contract. Other contenders include Lockheed Martin's F-21, Boeing's F/A-18, and the Eurofighter Typhoon. In April 2019, the Indian Air Force issued an RFI (Request for Information), or initial tender, to acquire 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) at a cost of around USD 18 billion. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on June 5 conducted searches at 10 locations in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana in relation to an alleged 190 crore bank loan fraud, PTI reported citing official sources. Besides the national capital, the search locations in UP included Noida and Ghaziabad, and Panipat in Haryana, according to the report. ED's money laundering probe: What we know The searches are part of a money laundering investigation linked to Shri Sidhdata Ispat Private Limited and others in which Bank of Baroda (former Dena Bank) is claimed to have been defrauded, the officials told PTI. The 10 locations are linked to the directors, promoters, partners, auditors, and other conspirators associated with the company which is being investigated in a 190 crore worth alleged bank loan fraud case, they added. The company under scrutiny, Shri Sidhdata Ispat manufacturers cold and hold rolled steel products. The report added that promoters could not be contacted immediately for a comment on the ED action against them. Bank fraud: ED arrests former UCO Bank Chair Earlier the ED on May 16 arrested former UCO Bank chairman Subodh Kumar Goel from his Delhi residence for alleged money laundering. This is in relation to an alleged bank loan fraud case of over 6,200 crore linked to a Kolkata-based company, according to another PTI report. Premises linked to Goel and some other were raided by the ED in April, as part of the investigation against Concast Steel & Power Ltd. (CSPL) and others in an alleged bank fraud case, the PTI report added. The charges comes from an FIR from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) related to the sanction of credit facilities to CSPL and subsequent large-scale diversion and siphoning of loans amounting to 6,210.72 crore (principle amount without interest). Bankrupt genetic analysis company 23andMe said it will conduct a second auction for its DNA data cache, with an opening bid of $305 million from former CEO Anne Wojcicki, Bloomberg reported. 23andMe built its fame by providing medical and ancestry-related genetic testing to over 15 million customers. It has nearly 5,50,000 subscribers, but filed for bankruptcy saying this was not enough to keep the business afloat, the report added. Why a second auction by 23andMe? Notably, this new offer is around $50 million higher than the last bid (which was $256 million) won by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals in May 2025. The result of that auction, conducted over three days, was challenged by Wojcicki, who argued that bidding was unfairly closed to favor Regeneron. This auction comes as a compromise between the three parties, after Wojcicki, Regeneron and 23andMe attended a hearing in the matter at a federal court in St Louis on June 4, as per the publication. 23andMe selling DNA data Court hearing details Hearing the case, US Bankruptcy Judge Brian Walsh asked Regeneron and 23andMe to justify the limits they wanted to set for the second auction process. Company attorney Christopher Hopkins told Judge Walsh that under the new rules, Wojcicki and her partner, a California-based research institute, would make a bid of $305 million, which Regeneron can counter with at least $315 million. Hopkins added that Wojcicki and the research institute would be then allowed to make another bid, post which, Regeneron gets the chance to make the last offer of the auction. The case is 23andMe Holding Co., number 25-40976, in the US Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, the report added. Also Read | 23andMe Agrees to Back a Privacy Advocate for Customer DNA Data Customers, officials raise alarm over data protection Amid the bankruptcy and auction news, a host of 23andMe's customers and government officials have raised an alarm over protection and security of the years of DNA data held by the company. The business worked by collecting saliva samples from customers, which was used to extract DNA and then trace one's ancestry or certain health-related genetic traits. The mail-back saliva test cost less than $200. Both Regeneron and Wojcicki have pledged to comply with 23andMe's privacy policy, based on which customers had submitted their samples. The policy allows customers to get their personal information deleted on request. The pioneering company on March 23, 2025, said that it had filed a voluntary petition for reorganisation with a state bankruptcy court in Missouri, USA. Notably, just months before 23andMe declared backruptcy, and tried to attact buyers, it was hit with a class-action lawsuit due to a 2023 data breach that gave hackers access to customer information. Settlement from those claims is also likely to be addressed during the bankruptcy process, the report said. (Bloomberg) -- Hong Kong has appointed a retired New Zealand judge to its top court, the first foreign justice named to the appellate body in over a year following record resignations that threatened to undermine confidence in the judicial system. The citys lawmakers on Wednesday approved William Youngs appointment as a non-permanent judge at the Court of Final Appeal. The move partly restores overseas judges who quit after Beijing imposed a national security law and curbed political freedoms. The addition of Young, who retired from New Zealands Supreme Court in 2022, will bring the number of foreign judges in the financial hub to six, compared with 15 in 2019. Their presence has long been seen as a selling point for foreign companies looking to do business in the former British colony, which has kept its own judiciary since returning to Chinese rule. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee, who accepted an advisory bodys recommendation to appoint Young last month, praised his eminent standing and reputation. Their participation demonstrates a high degree of confidence in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Regions judicial system, and enables Hong Kong to maintain strong links with other common law jurisdictions, Lee said of the bench of foreign judges in a statement at the time. Young joins Australian James Allsop, who was appointed last year. Since Beijing announced the national security law in 2020, about half of the CFAs 15 overseas justices from a 2019 peak have either resigned or chosen not to renew their terms. Several, including UK judges Jonathan Sumption and Lawrence Collins, have openly cited political reasons for their departures. In January, Chief Justice Andrew Cheung acknowledged that recruiting suitable overseas judges has become less straightforward due to geopolitical headwinds. He maintained, however, that these departures do not signify a weakening of the judiciarys quality or independence. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com New Delhi [India], June 5 (ANI): India has received significant support from global companies and investors during Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal's visit to Italy, as several leading Italian companies announced plans to expand their presence and double down on investments in the country. During the meeting with Union Commerce Minister, Italian automotive components manufacturer Carraro Group announced ambitious expansion plans for India. The company will commit to investing Euro 350 million over the next five to seven years, nearly doubling its current investment base. "We have invested around 200 million euros in India and currently employ 1,600 people. We want to increase our investment to 350 million euros in the next 5-7 years," Carraro Group Chairman Enrico Carraro told reporters. Francesco Sequi, CEO of Carraro India, emphasised the significant growth potential in the Indian market. "Investing in India has seen large growth for our business. Our business in India has a big space to grow. The Indian government is very helpful," Sequi said. Meanwhile, UFI Filters, a key player in filtration and thermal management technologies, also announced its decision to double its investment in India to meet rising demand and support local manufacturing. Speaking to media representatives following a meeting with the Commerce and Industry Minister, Girondi expressed confidence in the company's Indian operations and outlined ambitious growth targets for the region. Adding to the momentum, CEO Stefano Toschi announced that Italian speciality food company Toschi Vignola will significantly increase its business operations in India, leveraging the country's growing economy and evolving food preferences. "India is our main focus for the future, based on the growth and population of the country," Toschi told ANI. "India has love for traditional food, but Indians are also looking for Western foods, and that is the opportunity for companies like us," he added. The CEO emphasised that India's robust economic growth and the strong diplomatic relations between India and Italy create favourable conditions for business expansion. "India is a growing economy. The relationship between India and Italy is good for our business," he said. Toschi Vignola, with its flagship black cherry products, boasts more than 400 product references spanning fruit preserves, syrups, spirits, and coffee solutions. The company has established a strong presence in over 80 countries, serving bars, restaurants, ice cream shops, and pastry establishments worldwide. These developments, during the two-day visit to Italy, highlight the strengthening trade and investment ties between India and Italy, with Piyush Goyal's high-level engagements with top CEOs playing a catalytic role in attracting fresh investments.Piyush Goyal met the CEOs of several leading companies here. Apart from Giorgio Girondi, they included Stefano Toschi, CEO, Toschi Vignola; Marco Nocivelli, CEO, ERTA Refrigeration; Enrico Carraro, Chairman, Carraro Group; Daniele Forni, Managing Director, SOL Group; and Laura Tarquinio, Owner and CEO, iMoon lightning Srl. Lex Greensill will testify in court for the first time since the high-profile collapse of his trade finance firm, as a $440 million Credit Suisse lawsuit against SoftBank Group Corp. gets underway. Evidence from the embattled financier will be the centerpiece of a month long London trial that starts on Thursday over investor losses in a failed startup. Credit Suisse is seeking damages from SoftBank alleging that a series of transactions with Greensill deprived its investors of $440 million in funds. Greensill is scheduled to appear at the civil trial next week alongside other witnesses including former chief executive officer of Credit Suisses investment bank Eric Varvel. The implosion of Greensill Capital in March 2021 saw Credit Suisse freeze and wind down a $10 billion group of funds that the Swiss bank had marketed to clients as safe investments. Greensills demise was one of several major scandals that knocked confidence in the Swiss lender, left clients with hundreds of millions of dollars of losses and ultimately led to its forced takeover by UBS. Meanwhile, SoftBanks Vision Fund wrote down its own $1.5 billion holding in Greensill to close to zero. UBS Group AG is pursuing the London claim on behalf of its former Swiss rival in a bid to recover funds for investors trapped in the supply chain finance vehicles. The bank has looked to settle several high profile legacy legal headaches it inherited from Credit Suisse, extricating itself from a sprawling civil suit over Mozambique tuna bonds and more recently a US tax probe. The fallout from Greensills collapse has spawned multiple legal fights around the world. Lex Greensill himself is fighting moves by the UK government to have him disqualified as a director, while his firms own administrators filed a civil case against him in April. His spokesperson didnt respond to a request for comment. The London suit is set to consider the way that Greensill restructured its relationship with Katerra Inc., a US-based construction company in which SoftBank was a major investor. Credit Suisse alleges SoftBank concocted the restructuring in 2020 so that it could pull its own money out of the firm, knowing full well that Greensill, already in free-fall, would be unable to repay the $440 million it owed to Credit Suisse. SoftBank will counter that Credit Suisse case has always been an attempt to shift blame for its own poor investment decisions. The allegations are entirely without merit, it said previously. Softbanks lawyers argued that the $440 million funds were provided by the Vision Fund on the basis that it would be used to repay the Credit Suisse notes. UBS said the bank will continue to pursue all paths to maximize financial recovery of the Supply Chain Finance Funds, acting in the interests of all our stakeholders. 2025 Bloomberg L.P. Nvidia, the worlds top chipmaker isnt immune to the unpredictable fallout of global politics. Last week, as the company reported another strong earnings report, CEO Jensen Huang revealed the sobering news of a $4.5 billion write-off for chips that were supposed to be sent to China and now have nowhere to go. Huang said during the earnings call that, We are taking a multibillion dollar write off on inventory that cannot be sold or repurposed, quoted Fortune. The chips, which have led to the massive loss, known as the H20 chips, were designed by Nvidia specifically for Chinese clients to meet earlier US export restrictions, according to the report. Nvidia's loss amid US-China trade war These chips werent top-of-the-line, but they were still advanced enough for AI development and, also legal to ship under the Biden administrations rules, as per Fortune. Nvidia now faces a significant setback with a $4.5 billion write-off due to US export restrictions, rendering its China-specific H20 chips unusable. Designed to comply with previous regulations, these chips are now banned under new rules, leaving Nvidia unable to repurpose them for other markets. But things changed after US president Donald Trump took office, as he went a step further in early April and banned exports of even these chips, according to the report. However, Nvidia's newest chips have made gains in training large artificial intelligence systems, new data released on Wednesday showed, with the number of chips required to train large language models dropping dramatically. MLCommons, a nonprofit group that publishes benchmark performance results for AI systems, released new data about chips from Nvidia and Advanced Micro Devices, among others, for training, in which AI systems are fed large amounts of data to learn from. Nvidia's AI chips While much of the stock market's attention has shifted to a larger market for AI inference, in which AI systems handle questions from users, the number of chips needed to train the systems is still a key competitive concern. China's DeepSeek claims to create a competitive chatbot using far fewer chips than U.S. rivals. The results were the first that MLCommons has released about how chips fared at training AI systems such as Llama 3.1 405B, an open-source AI model released by Meta Platforms that has a large enough number of what are known as "parameters" to give an indication of how the chips would perform at some of the most complex training tasks in the world, which can involve trillions of parameters. Mumbai, Jun 5 (PTI) The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has granted clearance for the construction of a new passenger jetty near the Gateway of India in Mumbai, a week after the Supreme Court declined to stall the project, an official said on Thursday. In a communication to the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) on Wednesday, the MPCB conveyed its approval for the development of the 229-crore jetty and terminal building at the Radio Club in south Mumbai's Colaba area, the official said. Maharashtra Ports Development Minister Nitesh Rane on Wednesday said the state government is taking "firm and definitive steps" towards the timely execution of the project. "We are committed to enhancing the infrastructure in the public interest," he said. The proposed jetty has been facing opposition from local residents, who have raised concerns about a potential damage to the heritage precinct and increased traffic congestion. Illegal parking along Prem Ramchandani Marg, the stretch between Radio Club and the iconic Gateway of India, has already been flagged by residents, who fear the new facility may worsen the situation. The Clean and Heritage Colaba Residents Association (CHCRA), representing more than 400 residents opposing the jetty, had moved the Bombay High Court seeking to halt the construction. But the HC last month refused to stay the construction work for the passenger jetty, noting the project was in public interest. On May 27, the Supreme Court also refused to entertain a plea challenging the HC's order. "Something good is happening for the city. Everybody opposes coastal roads. Now you see what is the benefit of a coastal road. A person from south Mumbai can reach Versova in 40 minutes. Earlier, it used to take three hours," Chief Justice B R Gavai observed. The SC noted that the high court is seized of the matter and is slated to hear it on June 16. On May 29, the CJI clarified that he had made no observations on the merits of the case. "We clarify that we have not observed anything on the merits of the case," the bench said, adding that the high court would decide on the plea on merits. According to the MMB, the new facility is part of a broader effort to upgrade the ageing infrastructure around the Gateway of India, which sees significant passenger boat traffic. Once operational, the new jetty is expected to decongest the area by rerouting all boat services from the current site. The project is estimated to be completed within 30 months. The jetty will accommodate up to 20 boats simultaneously, while the adjacent terminal building will include an 80 sqm amphi-theatre with a capacity of 350 people. Other features include an approach jetty, fire safety systems, CCTV surveillance, as well as landscaping and beautification works. As several dozen prospective jurors lingered outside a courtroom last week, the Batesville man charged with shooting toward his neighbor during a noisy summertime altercation pleaded guilty to a firearms offense. Its a deal that lets Craig Thomas Handley, 74, maintain his innocence, leave detention and get other charges dropped by giving a so-called Alford plea on a felony charge of shooting from a vehicle. What Handley characterized as a pair of mere warning shots, the neighbor with whom hed been feuding described an attack whose shots simply missed. They were pointed horizontally and directly at [me], that neighbor, Nicholas Patrick Oppenheimer, contends in a court document. While neither side would agree to speak about the case after its May 27 resolution in Albemarle County Circuit Court, court records tell a story. One unusual aspect of the case is that the criminal defendant sued the man whose allegations jailed him. Filed in the same court, that litigation casts Handley as the victim. A large man whose mobility issues required a wheelchair at one hearing and a cane at another, Handley portrayed himself as someone who simply drove up to a neighbors property on a late August evening to learn who had been stealing his aluminum cans. That, he says, was when Oppenheimer suddenly began bumping his vehicle with a truck. He feared that Oppenheimer, who has a volatile temper, was trying to kill him, Handley contends in his lawsuit. But Oppenheimer fired back with a countersuit denying an explosive temper and casting Handley as the aggressor. The countersuit also slams Handleys allegation that only someone living on the multihouse Oppenheimer tract could have seen and presumably coveted and stolen the aluminum cans. The beer cans were able to be seen from the main subdivision road, Oppenheimer wrote in his Dec. 11 answer and counterclaim. What wasnt in dispute is that Oppenheimer and Handley had an altercation outside Oppenheimers ex-wifes residence in the 2500 block of Heartwood Road on the night of Aug. 28. Oppenheimer asserted that Handley, living nearby, sounded the horn of the utility vehicle hed ridden up to the residence and shouted obscenities and derogatory epithets. His behavior indicated that he was intoxicated, wrote Oppenheimer. [He] is known to have a drinking problem and has admitted this to [me] and others. Oppenheimer went on to assert that Handley was hurling anti-gay slurs at Oppenheimers ex-wifes husband as well as calling the couple goddamn New Mexico nrs and goddamn thieves. Too large to wear a holster, Handley would instead keep his pistol on the seat of the vehicle, according to Oppenheimer. Preventing Handley from getting hold of that gun, Oppenheimer said, was the reason he bumped his truck into Handleys Kawasaki Mule. While Oppenheimer characterized the action as a nudge, Handley characterized the impact as a ramming. Oppenheimer conceded that his truck made three impacts with the Mule to jostle Handley. [I] did ensure that the firearm was knocked off his seat, Oppenheimer wrote. All force used against [Handley] was reasonable given the circumstances. In his lawsuit, Handley claimed that his mobility struggles confined him inside the Mule whose rear screen, he said, would have blocked any gunfire aimed at his nemesis. Oppenheimer, by contrast, alleged that Handley stepped past the edge of the open-cabin vehicle to fire at him. During an early October preliminary hearing, the commonwealth called a witness, the ex-wife of the complainant, Patricia Oppenheimer. According to a transcript, she bolstered the story about the way Handley opened fire. He pointed the gun directly at the truck as it was retreating, she testified at the Oct. 10 hearing. And he shot twice. She also offered a snippet of the dialogue outside her window that night, some of which expressed criticism of her new husband, Eric Sundquist. You ft, you fairy, come out here, Eric, for Gods sake, she testified. You tamponed him putting tampons in the boys bathroom. The day after the shooting, Handley was arrested and jailed without bail, as he initially faced multiple felony offenses including attempted malicious wounding. However, a grand jury refused to indict him on that charge. Other charges later dropped by the plea deal were shooting at an occupied vehicle, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, brandishing and reckless firearm handling. He was also charged with felony hit-and-run for causing an estimated $3,000 damage when he bumped an uninvolved vehicle on the premises as he drove from the altercation. A few months before the shooting, Handley was charged by Augusta County authorities with failing to abide by the treatment rules prescribed after his 2023 drunk driving conviction. And about one month before the shooting, he also picked up a failure-to-appear charge in that county. However, according to court records, both Augusta County charges appear to be headed for dismissal. On the day that Judge Cheryl Higgins accepted the recent plea deal, Handley was released from the custody of the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail, which had allowed him to be under home electronic incarceration, also known as house arrest. Besides the six months active sentence that he completed, the deal calls for 4 1/2 years of suspended time, which could be reimposed if Handley breaks any more laws. The litigation between the Handley and Oppenheimer appears to be unaffected by the conclusion of the criminal case. (Bloomberg) -- The UK has banned six water companies from paying bonuses to senior executives to try to force companies to do more to tackle pollution. Regulator Ofwat has powers to stop unjustified payments for poor environmental and customer performance as part of new legislation that comes into come into force Friday, it said in a statement. Bosses at Thames Water, Yorkshire Water, Anglian Water, Wessex Water, United Utilities and Southern Water are not permitted to receive bonuses with immediate effect, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said. The sector is facing widespread public anger over sewage leaks into rivers and lakes throughout Britain. Decades of underinvestment mean that leaks are still getting worse and the government and Ofwat are under pressure to act. Stopping payouts of bonuses is meant to address the public perception that company bosses are rewarded even if a firm is pumping sewage into waterways illegally. Companies that do meet Ofwats standards will still be eligible to pay executives bonuses a powerful incentive for them to deliver immediate environmental improvements, better customer outcomes, and improve financial resilience, Defra said in a statement. The ban has been backdated to apply to any bonuses relating to the financial year from April 2024, but there are a few potential loopholes left open. Its still possible for companies to increase executive pay to bypass the rules. The ban wont apply to executives share awards, that could in theory mean they still receive dividends. While Ofwat is wasting no time in using its new powers, the sector still needs to be attractive for investors. Companies have been approved to spend over 104 billion ($141 billion) to cut sewage discharges and several of them need new equity to fund these investments. The investment will be ring-fenced for new pipes and treatment works, not shareholder payouts, according to the government. The most prominent company seeking new investors is the countrys biggest supplier - Thames Water - which suffered a major blow this week after infrastructure investor giant KKR & Co. pulled out of a rescue deal, leaving the utility to work with its senior creditors. Public anger has been further fueled by bill increases of as much as 47% in April while water companies have awarded over 112 million in bonuses and incentives over the last decade, according to government figures. More change is coming for the industry. In what promises to be the biggest overhaul since privatization, former Bank of England Deputy Governor Jon Cunliffe is reviewing the sector. Earlier this week, the interim findings of his review stated that the regulator needs to take a more supervisory role that would allow it to be more reactive and possibly intervene earlier when issues arise. Ofwat currently relies heavily on comparability or benchmarking water companies against one another to assess efficiency and justify customer bills. If a company pays a bonus while banned, Ofwat can direct the company to claw back the money. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com Nippon Steel Corp. and United States Steel Corp. are on pace to finalize their $14.1 billion combination with US President Donald Trumps administration ahead of a deal deadline later this month, capping an 18-month saga to combine the steelmakers into the worlds second-largest producer. Talks on the deal between the companies and the US government are ongoing and expected to reach a conclusion before a June 18 merger agreement deadline, according to people familiar with the matter, speaking on condition of anonymity given that talks are confidential. US Steel and Nippon Steel declined to comment. A Treasury Department spokesperson declined to comment. The companies, their investors and advisers to the deal are still awaiting final terms marking the end of Nippon Steels takeover of the US steelmaker, but talks with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States are progressing and poised to be finalized before the deal deadline, said the people. However, final details have not been fully ironed out and talks are ongoing, the people said. Failure to reach a deal could mean reopening the merger agreement at least partially and potentially spur new fronts of negotiation. A final deal would clear the way for the Japan-based steelmaker to finally own the once-iconic American producer albeit with some measures of American control, such as over board seats. Trumps self-proclaimed big deal that extracted further concessions from Nippon Steel would also add decades of life to existing US Steel mills that have long beleaguered the companys bottom line due to their urgent need for significant, and unavailable, capital investments. The agreement includes a requirement that US Steel, as a subsidiary, will retain its headquarters in Pittsburgh. The deal also includes provisions for a US management team, a majority of US nationals on the board and US government approval of key board positions, Senator David McCormick, a Pennsylvania Republican, told FOX News Sunday earlier this week. Its also poised to require an American chief executive officer, some of the people said. Trump said Friday that US Steel workers would receive a $5,000 bonus and that $2.2 billion of a $14 billion proposed investment would be earmarked to increase steel production at the Mon Valley Works facility. Another $7 billion would be spent to modernize steel mills, expand ore mining and build facilities across Indiana, Minnesota, Alabama and Arkansas. And, he added, US Steel wouldnt announce layoffs or outsourcing, and its blast furnaces must remain at full capacity for at least 10 years. While some investors have worried about Cfius finalizing terms by a certain date, people familiar with the matter said the security panels decision wasnt bound to a due date given its investigation wasnt done through a typical process. US Steels recent stock performance suggests investors are optimistic the deal will succeed. Shares of the American steelmaker have been trading above $53 a share since May 27 close to Nippon Steels $55-a-share all-cash offer first made in mid-December 2023. 2025 Bloomberg L.P. The European Unions power to impose retaliatory tariffs on US goods and services won a legal boost from an adviser to the blocs top court, as the 27-member jurisdiction continues to spar with President Donald Trump over trade. In a case that pits leading lighting maker Zippo Manufacturing Co. against the European Commission, the EU Court of Justices Advocate General Tamara Capeta said that the firms challenge against the blocs 2020 retaliatory US tariffs should be dismissed. While Thursdays opinion is non-binding, it sets the tone for a final ruling in the case in the coming months. Should the commission falter at that hurdle, it could find its wings clipped in confronting Trumps ongoing tariff campaign. Zippos challenge against EU tariffs stretches back to 2020, when the EU imposed retaliatory duties on US goods during Trump first stint in the White House. This included a 20% tariff on lighters as a response to U.S. tariffs on EU steel and aluminum products. Zippo challenged the EUs move, arguing that since it was the only known company supplying the type of lighters targeted it had a right to be consulted and to challenge the levies. The EUs General Court sided with Zippo in 2023, but the European Commission appealed the ruling to the blocs highest tribunal, the Court of Justice. Advocate General Capeta on Thursday advised the blocs top court to strike out Zippos argument, noting that a right to be heard applies only in a procedure in which the administration takes an individual measure in relation to a person. Thursdays legal opinion comes as the EU continues to jostle with the White House over Trumps tariff warnings, in which he has threatened to hit nearly all of the blocs imports with a 50% tariff before a July 9 deadline, unless a deal is secured. EU and US trade officials says negotiations on that agreement are headed in the right direction. 2025 Bloomberg L.P. Indias top two IT companiesTata Consultancy Services Ltd (TCS) and Infosys Ltdare seeing a sharp decline in their young workforce, raising concerns over the sustainability of the traditional employee pyramid model. The shrinking number of employees under 30, which shows up in the companies' annual reports, could indicate that automation is eliminating many entry-level jobs and signal broader shifts in the IT services market, analysts said. At the end of FY25, just 47.7% of TCS employees in India were below 30, down from 59% in FY22. This implies it had 44,542 fewer young employees than it had three years earlier. About three-fourths of TCS's 607,979 workers are in India. Infosys shows a similar pattern. Only 52% of its 323,578 employees were equal to or under 30 years of age at the end of FY25, down from 60% in FY22a net drop of about 17,609 younger employees. Young graduates are increasingly drawn to startups, captive tech centres of global firms like Google and Microsoft, and software product makers thanks to better pay, faster growth and more creative work, analysts added. This assumes significance as it signals cracks in the traditional pyramid model used by Indian IT firms, where a wide base of young workforce supports a narrower band of experienced professionals and management. With fewer young hires, slower hiring, and narrow margins, companies like TCS and Infosys are under pressure to rethink their workforce plans amid weak global tech demand. Also read: TCS, Infosys hop onto Adobes new platform to sell AI services to clients Falling numbers It is interesting to note that the percentage of employees in the less-than-30 years age group is at the lowest level over the past six years across most geographies," said Kotak Institutional Equities analysts Kawaljeet Saluja, Sathishkumar S., and Vamshi Krishna, in a note dated 3 June. Analysts say automation is partly to blame. The primary area of deployment for entry-level employees was managed services, where these employees handled customer support roles. With automation tools on offer, there is less need for such people which can be another reason for the lowering count of those aged 30 and below," said Ashutosh Sharma, research director at Forrester Research, a Massachusetts-based research and advisory firm. Phil Fersht of HFS Research echoed this view: Advances in automation and AI have enabled these firms to deliver traditional services with fewer headcounts. In addition, many clients are demanding lower prices, which is driving providers like TCS and Infosys to deliver with fewer people." Also read: How India's mid-cap IT bested the Big Four in hiring Broken pyramid Analysts are flagging the structural challenge this poses to the pyramid model. Significant improvement in the pyramid from the current levels requires healthy revenue growth in the normal course of business, not our base case in FY2026E," said the Kotak analysts. TCSs revenue in FY25 rose only 3.78% to $30.18 billionits slowest growth in four years. Infosyss revenue growth was similarly sluggish at 3.85%, touching $19.28 billion. Indias IT outsourcers saw slower growth last year as global clients cut back on tech spending due to economic uncertainty. Improving the employee pyramid will help in structurally better margins," said the Kotak analysts. Hiring entry-level employees increases operating margins of an IT outsourcer as they can be deployed in projects at lower costs compared with seasoned executives, for whom the client has to shell out more. TCS and Infosys posted operating margins of 24.3% and 22.1%, respectively, in FY25. A Mumbai-based analyst, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted that slow hiring reflects sluggish demand for IT services. IT services providers hire junior employees, most of whom fall under 30, when there is high demand for tech services. This was the case in FY22 when plenty of freshers were added. Now, because growth has been a little sluggish, hiring has been low, and which is why we see fewer young people." In FY22, TCS and Infosys had added over 157,000 employees combined. In FY25, that number dropped to just 12,771. This also shows up in campus placement data. Engineering colleges across India have reported fewer offers from top-tier IT services companies over the past two years. Many final-year students who would typically receive early offers from TCS and Infosys are now seeking opportunities at product firms, fintech startups, or overseas universities instead, according to placement officers at institutions in Bengaluru and Pune. Also read: TCS vs Infosys vs Wipro: How many freshers are IT majors hiring in FY26? Job outlook for upcoming year explained Ageing abroad TCS faces a more pressing issue abroad: an ageing workforce in key markets. In North America, which contributes over half of TCSs revenue, more than 20% of its workforce is over 50 years old. In Europe, nearly 28% of its employees are above 50. Worryingly, the firms are also losing their appeal among young jobseekers. This shift in demographics isnt just a TCS or Infosys problemit reflects a broader transformation in the Indian IT services landscape, which has historically relied on a large, young, and inexpensive workforce to deliver cost-effective offshore services to global clients. With that model under strain, the entire sector may be heading for a reset. Infosys received 4.46 million job applications in FY25a 24% drop from FY22. TCS does not share comparable data. While neither company responded to emails seeking comment, people familiar with internal HR strategies at TCS and Infosys said both firms are exploring re-skilling and AI-integrated training programs to improve employee productivity. Also read: Primer: Is geopolitics to blame for your missing pay hike? The GST Council may soon consider a plan to rationalise the goods and services tax rates, reducing them from four to three by eliminating the 12 per cent tax slab, according to a report by the Hindustan Times, citing people aware of the development. The officials and experts advising the Group of Ministers (GoM) over rate rationalisation have reached a near consensus that the current 12 per cent tax slab does not hold much relevance now and the items falling under this could be shifted to either 5 per cent or 18 per cent slab. This could be the most plausible way to undertake a revenue neutral tax rate rationalisation exercise. However, the GST Council has to take a final call, the report quoted a person aware of the development. The proposal to remove 12 per cent tax slab has been supported by most Union and state government officials, experts and GoM representatives, it said. GST tax slabs Presently, there are four tax slabs under the GST regime in India 5 per cent, 12 per cent, 18 per cent and 28 per cent. Items under 12 per cent tax slab Under the 12 per cent tax slabs goods such as such as condensed milk, caviar and caviar substitutes prepared from fish eggs, drinking water packed in 20 litre bottles, walkie talkies, tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, contact lenses, cheese, dates and dried fruits, frozen vegetables, sausages and similar meat products, pasta, jams and jellies, fruit juice-based drinks, namkeens including bhujiya, curry paste, mayonnaise, tooth powder, feeding bottles, carpets, umbrellas, caps, bicycles, specific household utensils, furniture made of cane or wood, pencils and crayons, handbags and shopping bags made of jute or cotton, footwear priced lower than 1,000, diagnostic kits, and marble and granite blocks are currently included. Meanwhile services such as specified construction work, hotel rooms up to 7,500 per day, transport of passengers by air in non- economy classes, some types of multimodal transportation, and certain professional, technical and business services are included in the 12 per cent tax slab. GST Council meeting The GST Council is expected to meet either in June or July. The apex decision-making body under the indirect tax regime comprises the Union Finance Minister and Finance Ministers (or senior ministers) of states. The Council last met in December 2024 and is expected to discuss proposals related to rate rationalisation and other issues, including the ease of compliance, the report said. The shock from trade war brings differential effects for central banks in emerging markets, in contrast with the COVID pandemic, when they could quickly ease monetary policy, the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) Gita Gopinath said. IMF's first deputy managing director said the unpredictable impact of tariffs on developing economies and global markets would make the task of their central bankers harder. "This time the challenge is going to be greater for them, compared to the pandemic," she said. In an interview to the Financial Times, IMF First Deputy Managing Director Gita Gopinath said that in comparison to the coronavirus pandemic, trade war is bigger concern for the emerging markets. Talking about the bleak future outlook, Gopinath said that several emerging markets are potentially at risk of registering significant capital outflows in case the relative economic prospects and global risk sentiment deteriorate. Ajay Bhatt had never been on a plane when he left India for City University of New York to pursue a graduate degree in 1981. More than four decades and 130 patents later, billions of people are still using Bhatts most-recognizable invention, the Universal Serial Bus, or USB. My dad really didnt want me to go," Bhatt recalls. But, he said, This was the country where you could get the very best education, and everybody was welcoming." High-skilled immigration has long been part of the secret sauce that gave the U.S. the worlds most dynamic economy. Studies show newcomers punch well above their weight in innovative output and entrepreneurship. They authored 23% of U.S. patents from 1990 to 2016, according to a 2022 study by Shai Bernstein of Harvard Business School and four co-authors. They founded or co-founded more than half of Americas billion-dollar startups, according to another study. Immigrants co-founded or played a major early role in Nvidia, Alphabet and Tesla. From Elon Musk to lesser-known figures such as Bhatt, many of these inventors and founders originally came to the U.S. on student visas. President Trumps policies could disrupt that pipeline. In May, the Trump administration paused interviews with student-visa candidates to vet their social-media activity and said it would begin to aggressively revoke" the visas of Chinese students at U.S. universities. It also sought to block Harvard University from enrolling foreign students; that order has been stayed by a federal judge. We have people who want to go to Harvard and other schools," Trump said last month. They cant get in because we have foreign students there. But I want to make sure that the foreign students are people that can love our country." The U.S. hosted more than 1.1 million international college students in the 2023-24 academic year, according to the Institute of International Education. In fiscal 2024, the government approved 263,000 applications by foreign graduates for temporary employment under the Optional Practical Training program, or OPT, and 52,000 onetime students or dependents rotated into H-1B work visas, which can lead to citizenship. Trumps nominee for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services director, Joseph Edlow, said in a confirmation hearing May 21 that he would like to develop regulations that would allow us to remove the ability for employment authorizations for F-1 students beyond the time that they are in school." F-1 is the main visa used by students. For too long, woke, so-called elite institutions like Harvard have admitted inordinate numbers of foreign students and allowed antisemitic violence to ravage their campuseshindering Jewish students education, prompting concerns of espionage, and threatening U.S. national security," a White House spokeswoman said. Ensuring that guests in our country want to learn and contribute positively to our educational environment, rather than undermine Americans safety, is critical to a strong U.S. economy." The changes outlined by Edlow would effectively kill the OPT program, said Stuart Anderson, who now runs the National Foundation for American Policy, which supports high-skilled immigration. That would make it impossible for many foreigners to start U.S. businesses after they graduate and significantly dim the allure of American universities for international students, he said. In a 2022 study, Anderson found that immigrants founded or co-founded 319 of 582 U.S. startup companies that had achieved valuations of $1 billion or more, including Stripe, Instacart and Epic Games. Nearly half of those had been founded by immigrants who attended U.S. universities as international students, the study said. Instagram was co-founded by a Brazilian, Mike Krieger, who studied at Stanford University. Its not that surprising that a lot of international students end up starting a business, because risk-taking is obviously in their makeup," Anderson said. Theyre willing to take a chance and travel a long way to study in another country. Its an entrepreneurial thing to do." Gleb Yushin, a materials scientist who was born in the Soviet Union, considered schools in a handful of other countriesGermany, Japan, the U.K.before deciding to get his Ph.D. at North Carolina State University. In Europe, there was an invisible ceilingthat would prevent immigrants from reaching their full potential," said Yushin, who came to the U.S. in 1999 on an F-1 visa, like Bhatt. The company he co-founded, Sila Nanotechnologies, has raised more than $1.3 billion from investors, employs roughly 400mostly in Alameda, Calif., and Moses Lake, Wash.and developed groundbreaking technology for improving batteries, Yushin said. Whether the worlds best and brightest will continue flocking to American universities is an open question. Angelika Fretzen came from Germany to do postdoctoral research at Harvard University 1998. She joined a biotech startup alongside four other post-docs and spearheaded the development of Linzess, now a leading drug for irritable bowel syndrome. The company grew to employ as many as 500 people, plus hundreds more at manufacturers, suppliers, labs and partner firms across the country. As is often the case, the early days of Fretzens career were hard, marked by routine failed experiments. Bostons community of scientists, many foreign, repeatedly helped her get back on the horse. If I had faced the kind of adversity that I think some of our young students here are facing right now," Fretzen says, I would have probably gone back to Germany and done the regular career in some pharmaceutical company." Trump recently suggested that foreign students at Harvard might be troublemakers" and that the school should cap international enrollment at lower levels. In a May 29 interview with Newsmax, Vice President JD Vance dismissed concerns about the effect on U.S. technological prowess of fewer foreign students. This idea that American citizens dont have the talent to do great things, that you have to import a foreign class of servants and professors to do these things, I just reject that," Vance said. A crackdown on foreign student visas and related abuse is an opportunity for American citizens to really flourish." Bhatt got the idea for the USB in 1991 after watching his wife and daughter struggle with a printer. At the time, external devices such as printers and keyboards came with unique cables that plugged into specific ports on a computer, some of them similar in appearance and compatible with only certain brands. The jumble of wires made personal computers daunting for non-geeks to use. Bhatts supervisor at Intel, where he had recently started working, was skeptical of the USB but gave him time to work on it. A year and a half later, the companys management was convinced, and Bhatt began building a consortium of manufacturers, including Microsoft, International Business Machines, HP and eventually Apple, to agree to a universal standard. I owe all my success to the opportunities that were given to me in the U.S.," says Bhatt, who is now retired. For his scientific achievements, Bhatt in May was awarded Indias equivalent to the Presidential Medal of Freedom. On a visit to his home country to receive the honor, he was struck by the number of parents who now want to send their college-age children to study in Britain, Canada, Australia or Singapore instead of the U.S. Bhatt doubts he would have been able to convince his own father to let him come to the U.S. in the current environment. I dont think he would have allowed me," he said. Write to Paul Kiernan at paul.kiernan@wsj.com Bollywood actor Aamir Khan came out in support of remakes ahead of his upcoming film, Sitaare Zameen Par's release. Talking to news agency PTI, Aamir talked about working on more than 10 remakes in his career which were all hits except for his last release, Laal Singh Chaddha. Aamir Khan on remakes "Like, Ghajini or if I've to start from the beginning of my career then Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, which is a remake of Romeo and Juliet. So, I have never had a problem till date in remaking because for me, it is a new canvas," Aamir said. He added, I believe in remakes and I will do it all my life. Whenever I get a good remake, I will do it. Why shouldn't I do it? If you don't want to see it, then don't see it. It's your choice. My choice is to do it, your choice is to watch it. Citing example of Shakespeare, Aamir went on to ask about films, theatres and other art forms adapted from the playwright's work. "He is gone, write your own play. Why are you doing Hamlet again? Why do you want to say, 'To be or not to be'? The chatter about remakes, I don't know where it came from... Now suddenly, some trolls have launched it. Some of our biggest hits have been remakes. If a cut and paste is so easy to do, then you do it, it's just a cut and paste. But it's not a cut and paste thing, you've to put your life into it," he explained. Aamir Khan on Sitaare Zameen Par The actor went on to address comparison between his film, Sitaare Zameen Par and Campeones, but not directly. He also said, Ive seen this beautiful film, which is made in Spanish. Are you going to watch a Spanish film? I don't think you have ever seen a Spanish film in India, you must have seen one or two. But by and large, we don't watch it. What is needed is sensitisation for all. "We should also be sensitised. We should also move forward, and that the topic of neurodivergence should become important for us too. In our country too, there should be a public discourse on it what is neurotypical and how we should behave? This is a very important topic for India. Im very clear I have done the right thing." The evening of May 6, an F/A-18 Super Hornet was coming in for a landing on the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier in the Red Sea. An onboard mechanism to slow down the fighter jet failed, and the $67 million aircraft slid off the carriers runway and into the water. It was the third fighter jet that the Truman had lost in less than five months, and came hours after President Trump surprised Pentagon officials with the announcement that the U.S. had reached a truce with the Houthis in Yemen. The Truman had arrived at the Red Sea in December 2024 to battle the Iran-aligned militantsjoining a campaign filled with heavy exchanges and close calls that strained the U.S. Navy. Officials are now dissecting how a scrappy adversary was able to test the worlds most capable surface fleet. The Houthis proved to be a surprisingly difficult foe, engaging the Navy in its fiercest battles since World War II despite fighting from primitive quarters and caves in one of the worlds poorest countries. The Houthis benefited from the proliferation of cheap missile and drone technology from Iran. They fired antiship ballistic missiles, the first-ever combat use of the Cold War-era weapon, and they innovated how they deployed their weaponry. The latest technologies have transformed maritime warfare, much the way they have rewritten the script for land wars in Ukraineforcing militaries to adapt in real time. The U.S. is developing fresh ways to intercept the newest drones and missiles but still relies largely on expensive defense systems. Some 30 vessels participated in combat operations in the Red Sea from late 2023 through this year, around 10% of the Navys total commissioned fleet. In that time, the U.S. rained down at least $1.5 billion worth of munitions on the Houthis, a U.S. official said. The Navy was able to destroy much of the Houthis arsenalbut it has yet to achieve the strategic goal of restoring shipping through the Red Sea, and the Houthis continue to regularly fire missiles at Israel. Military and congressional leaders who have begun scrutinizing the campaign for lessons worry about the strain of such grueling deployments on overall force readiness. The Pentagon is also investigating the lost planes and a separate at-sea collisionincidents that all involved the Truman strike groupwith results expected in the coming months. Central Commandalso known as Centcom, which oversees U.S. military operations in the Middle Eastdeclined to comment on ongoing investigations or on the campaigns performance and impact. The effects of the deployment will be felt for years. It drew resources from efforts in Asia to deter China and pushed back maintenance schedules for carriers. That could create critical gaps in the second half of the decade, when the giant warships will have no choice but to dock for service. Despite the wear and tear, Navy officials said the fight with the Houthis offered invaluable combat experience, and the Red Sea conflict is viewed inside the Pentagon as a warm-up for a potential high-end" conflict with China. Caught off guard The Houthis have gained considerable power since the groupcombatants in Yemens long-running civil warconquered much of the country a decade ago. They later fought off a campaign led by Gulf powers Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to roll them back. At the start of the war in Gaza, the Houthis, who chant death to America, death to Israel" and cast themselves as defenders of the Palestinians, began attacking Israeli cities as well as ships transiting the Red Sea. The USS Carney destroyer was in the Red Sea when the Houthis launched their first barrage of drones and missiles on Oct. 19, 2023, catching the sailors aboard off guard. By the end of the 10-hour engagement, the crew had endured the most intense combat a U.S. Navy warship had seen in the better part of a century, shooting down more than a dozen drones and four fast-flying cruise missiles. With the Houthis pledging to intensify attacks, U.S. military officials scrambled to solve a logistical problem: Destroyers like the Carney were out of the fight for as long as two weeks as they traveled to and from the Mediterranean to rearm, and nearby countries were wary of themselves becoming Houthi targets. The Pentagon eventually secured access to what one official called a game-changing" port in the Red Sea that allowed warships to reload without leaving the theater. In December of that year, Biden cobbled together a multinational coalition to protect one of the worlds busiest shipping lanes and then launched a U.S.-led campaign of airstrikes. For much of the campaign, the Pentagon kept two carrier groups in the region, each comprising at least five ships and around 7,000 sailors. Throughout 2024, the Houthis launched dozens of attacks on commercial shipping, and the U.S. struck back in Yemen to prevent imminent attacks or degrade the militants arsenal. In February, a British-owned bulk carrier was struck and later sank with its cargo of fertilizer. Three people were killed on board a Barbados-flagged ship after it was struck in March. Two more ships were abandoned in June after being struck by Houthi missiles. The pace of operations took a toll on sailors, who were constantly within range of the Houthis and needed to remain vigilant around the clock. The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier made just one short port call during seven months of fighting. On a particularly busy day last November, Navy ships defeated at least eight one-way attack drones, five antiship ballistic missiles and four antiship cruise missiles launched by the Houthis, without incurring any injuries or damage. At a recent naval symposium, Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, the deputy commander of U.S. military command in the Middle East, described one night late last year on the USS Stockdale. As the destroyer sailed through a chokepoint in the southern Red Sea, the crew switched off the lights, charted a zigzag course and braced for attack. Just past midnight, the Houthis launched four ballistic missiles. The 509-foot destroyer accelerated and fired surface-to-air missiles in defense. One Houthi missile, traveling at nearly 4,000 miles an hour, was so close when it was intercepted that falling debris had to be shot down as well. Ten minutes later, the Houthis fired an antiship cruise missile, which was taken out by fighter jets from a nearby aircraft carrier. Jets downed another cruise missile and multiple drones loaded with explosives, while the carrier struck Houthi targets inside Yemen. Around 2 a.m., another Houthi drone was picked up flying low and slow directly at the Stockdale. The only option was to open fire with an automatic artillery gun mounted on the deck. When the drone dropped into the sea, the crew erupted in cheers and high-fives. A sitting duck The battlefield favored the militants. In the Red Seas confined waters, barely 200 miles at the widest point, large ships have limited ability to maneuver and spend long periods in view of the coastline, where Houthi spotters can help target ships. Crews usually only picked up drone and missile launches a minute or two before impact and had to decide how to respond within about 15 seconds. They intercepted hundreds of attacks by the Houthis. You make it a sitting duck out there and within range of Houthi weapons," Bryan Clark, a former Navy strategist and senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, said of deploying a carrier to the area. The Navy is used to operating in a similar environment in the Persian Gulf, where the Iranians are at close range. But militias like the Houthis are harder to deter than a regular governmentand such groups have become more dangerous with the proliferation of antiship ballistic missiles and attack drones. We used to be able to operate close to shore like this, because the expectation was that adversaries would not attack a carrier out of concern for the repercussions," Clark said. Sailors often had radar systems tuned to high sensitivity to give them time to intercept drones and missiles. Reviewing and refining radar settings to avoid picking up false positives while still spotting threats at a useful range was one of the most difficult tasks and a key source of stress for shipboard operators, according to an officer who spent six months in the Red Sea. The USS Trumans three lost fighter jets are now under investigation by the Pentagon. Its unprecedented," said a Navy official. Perhaps its just pure coincidence or bad luckor there are some underlying issues." Two Navy SEALs, or sea-air-land special-operations forces, were lost at sea early last year while boarding a boat at night that officials said was carrying ballistic and cruise missile components from Iran to Yemen. One of the SEALs fell into the water while trying to climb into the boat and the other one jumped in after him. The Navy searched for them for 10 days before declaring them dead. The fatalities occurred off the coast of Somalia in the Arabian Sea, hundreds of miles from Yemens shores. Over the past year, the Navy has operated under intense and sustained combat conditions in the Red Seathe most active maritime conflict zone in a generation," Rep. Ken Calvert (R., Calif.), who chairs the House appropriations subcommittee on defense, said at a hearing on May 14. But this persistent operational tempo comes at a cost. Ships and crews are being pushed hard, deployments are being extended, and readiness for other global contingencies is being strained." Changing tactics While the Houthis never successfully hit a U.S. vessel, they did get better at tracking moving targets. Early on, the Houthis would often fire one or two missiles and drones at a time at relatively high altitude, which the Navy was capable of intercepting, Navy officials said. Later, the militants launched attacks at night and sent projectiles skimming just above the waves, making them harder to trace. They also mixed up missile and drone strikes in changing patterns. The Houthis were also able to down more than a dozen U.S. Reaper drones, each worth around $30 million. When the Houthis began attacking Red Sea shipping in 2023, senior officials at Centcom wanted to act aggressively to degrade their capabilities, according to a U.S. official, but the Biden administration was wary of escalation. By the time strikes were approved, the Houthis had changed tactics or moved their assets, and U.S. officials often found their planning and intelligence outdated, the official said. After Trump took office, he gave Gen. Erik Kurilla, the head of Centcom, authority to approve strikes, enabling the U.S. to act more quickly on targeting intelligence for missile launchers and drones. Centcom declined to comment on presidential decisions. The U.S. poured resources into the effort in mid-March, launching an operation dubbed Rough Rider, including a second U.S. aircraft carrier, half a dozen B-2 bombers, a squadron of advanced F-35 fighters and a host of destroyers armed with guided missiles. An area hit by a U.S. airstrike in Sana, Yemen, in March. After 53 days of bombardment, the Houthis were battered but not broken. U.S. airstrikes killed hundreds of fighters, including several senior officials, and destroyed a critical fuel port and large stocks of weapons and war materiel. The Houthis failed to hit any U.S. ships. Hundreds of Yemeni civilian casualties were reported after the U.S. intensified strikes, according to the Yemen Data Project, an independent monitoring group. Centcom said it was conducting an inquiry into the claims of civilian casualties in Yemen. A week before the truce was announced, an officer familiar with Houthi operations expressed amazement at the militants resolve and ability to adapt. Their missiles are getting more advanced, which is crazy," he said. So far the U.S. Navy is batting a thousand [on interceptions], and I expect that to continue, but for how long?" Ultimately, Trump settled for a cease-fire on the most basic terms: The Houthis would stop shooting at American ships, and the U.S. would pause its bombing. As the Truman transited the Suez Canal and steamed out of the Mediterranean, the Houthis kept lobbing ballistic missiles at Israel. Write to Stephen Kalin at stephen.kalin@wsj.com and Shelby Holliday at shelby.holliday@wsj.com President Trump is losing patience with Elon Musk after the billionaire attacked Republicans sprawling tax-and-spending bill. Musk is irked about Trumps decision to withdraw the nomination of a key ally to lead the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The result is a fraying relationship between two of the worlds most powerful men. A senior White House official said Trump wasnt happy about Musks decision to lambaste his signature legislation, describing the president as confused as to why the Tesla chief executive decided to ratchet up his criticism after working so closely with the president for four months. The official said senior Trump advisers were caught off guard by Musks latest offensive. The uneasy alliance between the two men was also strained by a recent move by the White House to nix Trumps nominee to run NASA, Jared Isaacman, according to people familiar with the matter. Musk, a close ally of Isaacman, had advocated for him to get the job. The decision infuriated Musk, who complained to associates over the weekend that he had donated hundreds of millions of dollars to help get Trump elected in last years campaign, only to see Isaacmans nomination pulled, a person with direct knowledge of the matter said. Musks frustration over the NASA episode made him more willing to aggressively criticize the tax bill, people close to him said. Musk didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. In a series of social-media posts this week, the billionaire called the tax bill a disgusting abomination," and he threatened to try to oust GOP lawmakers for backing what he calls an abhorrent" package of deficit-fueling spending. On Wednesday afternoon, Musk launched another broadside against the legislation, demanding his over 200 million followers on X call senators and House lawmakers to KILL the BILL." Trump posted on Truth Social, without comment, an image of Musks departure message from last week. Trump and Musk have often praised each other in public, with the president organizing a fawning send-off for the billionaire in the Oval Office last week as he wrapped up his work leading the Department of Government Efficiency. But the chumminess has masked flashes of skepticism and frustration from Trump and his aides in recent months, as Musk has criticized the presidents trade agenda and clashed with his advisers. Asked whether Trump and Musk continue to have a strong relationship, a White House official said it is too soon to tell. The official said Trump is a forgiving person, but he doesnt forget slights like this. Even before the billionaires ramped-up attacks on the tax bill, some Trump allies worried that Musk would feel more free to criticize the administration after he left the White House. Some administration officials encouraged lawmakers on Capitol Hill to post positive social-media posts thanking Musk for his service out of hope such praise could avoid future confrontations, according to people familiar with the effort. Musk has long harbored frustrations with the tax bill, raising concerns about provisions in the legislation that repeal tax credits for electric vehicles, people close to him said. Musks car company, Tesla, is one of the worlds largest manufacturers of electric vehicles. He is also the founder of SpaceX, which has government contracts with NASA. Isaacman has ties to SpaceX, including flying on the companys first private flight to orbit. White House officials privately dismissed Musks criticisms, arguing that he was focused on his business interests rather than the public interest. After Trump withdrew the NASA nomination, Musk defended Isaacman in a post on X. It is rare to find someone so competent and good-hearted," Musk said. Isaacman has told associates he believes Musks departure gave the administration an opening to oust him, according to people familiar with the matter. White House officials disputed that the move was aimed at removing a Musk ally from the administration, arguing it instead stemmed from Isaacmans past donations to Democrats. Isaacman noted in a recent podcast interview that White House officials had been aware of the donations for months. Musks moves have further complicated Republicans narrow path to passage of the megabill, which includes tax cuts and border spending, partially offset by trims to Medicaid, clean-energy tax credits and food aid. Musks tweets re-energized the spending hawks in the Republican Party, but it wasnt clear if it would shift the needle given Trumps strong backing of the current package. The House passed the bill last month, and now the Senate is expected to make changes, which would then need to be approved again by the House before heading to Trumps desk by a self-imposed July 4 deadline. This is Donald Trumps signature achievement. This is important to him. Members had better think three or four times before they decide to get in the way of this victory," said Rep. Dusty Johnson (R., S.D.), chair of the GOP Main Street Caucus. The House bill has more than $1.2 trillion in spending cuts over a decade, and administration officials are hailing it as a historic step toward fiscal responsibility. But the bill would increase budget deficits by $2.4 trillion over the period, compared with doing nothing, according to a new Congressional Budget Office estimate released Wednesday. Just six months ago, Musks barrage of social-media posts triggered a mutiny of Republicans to kill a government spending bill right before Christmas, forcing hasty rewrites by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R., La.). But that doesnt appear to be happening in this caseat least not yet. Trump and GOP leaders have stuck with their plan, subject to some adjustments, while cognizant of the difficult math that means even a handful of Republican defectors in the House or Senate could sink the bill, given united Democratic opposition. Johnson said Wednesday he was blindsided by Musks criticism. He said he spoke to Musk on Monday and walked him through the savings, policy prescriptions and tax revenue that Republicans argue the bill will bring in. We had a great, very friendly, very fruitful conversation together," Johnson said at his weekly press conference. Twenty-four hours later, he does a 180 and he comes out against the bill. And it surprised me, frankly." Johnson said he called Musk on Tuesday night and hopes to talk to him on Wednesday, but Musk hasnt yet returned his call. Johnson argued Musk is flat wrong" in this case, adding that Trump is not delighted that Elon did a 180." But Johnson says he himself is not upset by this." Rep. Thomas Massie (R., Ky.), one of the two House Republicans who voted against the bill in the House last month, was pleased Musk was speaking out. I figured he would eventually get there," said Massie, who noted the two havent spoken on the issue. You dont land rockets backwards or get cars to drive themselves by ignoring the people who are lying to you." Write to Brian Schwartz at brian.schwartz@wsj.com, Natalie Andrews at natalie.andrews@wsj.com and Olivia Beavers at Olivia.Beavers@wsj.com Dozens of University of Virginia faculty members were scrambling with less than 24 hours to find alternative care for their children after a UVa day care abruptly closed many of its classrooms due to code violations. Parents expressed frustration online at the short notice, and some alleged the university knew about the violations at the Earhart Street UVa Child Development Center months ago but did nothing to prevent the closure, which has displaced 39 children. UVa has said it is important to note that there were never any safety of structural issues at the day care center at 408 Earhart St. in Charlottesvilles Meadows neighborhood. The violations, the university said, were related to classroom capacity and exits. As part of our long-term planning, we were aware of the considerable updates that would be needed at Earhart due to the significant amount of deferred maintenance, UVa spokeswoman Bethanie Glover said in an email to The Daily Progress. We recognized that we would need to make decisions about the best path forward for the Earhart facility in order to continue to offer high-quality, early childhood education experiences. Glover said that although the university knew about the needed updates, it was not made aware of the potential violations until the week of May 12, after it learned that the Earhart centers certificate of pccupancy could be changed. A certificate of occupancy confirms a buildings safety and compliance with building codes, zoning regulations and usage requirements. It also outlines the maximum number of people that can be in the building and the rooms within it. While the Earhart center is owned by the UVa Foundation, the nonprofit group that oversees the schools extensive real estate investments, it is managed by Portland, Oregon-based KinderCare Learning Centers. We immediately initiated discussions with UVA Foundation, the City, and KinderCare, Glover said. We thought we were working toward a solution with the City, and were not expecting the changed occupancy to be put into effect. On the afternoon of May 28, the university learned that the change would go into effect immediately. The new certificate for the building says that any rooms where children under 2 1/2 years of age are being cared for must have a door that leads directly to the outside of the building and have a maximum capacity of 24. Since many of the classrooms do not meet these new standards, they were closed. The university sent an email to parents the evening of May 28 explaining the situation. By May 30, the school had helped 19 of the displaced children secure a spot at backup locations with available space, Glover said. These include the Malcolm Cole Child Care Center at 839 Estes St. in Fifeville and the Sharon L. Hostler Child Development Center at 107 Whitewood Road north of Charlottesville both run by Newton, Massachusetts-based child care provider Bright Horizons. Parents of the remaining 20 children were offered other options, including reimbursement for home child care or care at other local centers. UVa does not anticipate any financial impacts on the families, Glover said. Sixteen children are still able to receive care at the Earhart Street UVa Child Development Center despite the changes. The UVa Child Development Center on Copeley Road, which cares for kids ages 2 to 5, was not affected, as this certificate of occupancy was specific to the Earhart center. Before the city of Charlottesville issued a new certificate, it asked KinderCare to provide the original 1981 certificate of occupancy for the building. When they did not provide the document quickly enough, the city issued a new certificate of occupancy under current building codes, according to Glover. At no time was the center operating without a Certificate of Occupancy, Glover said. Parents were first told that the university was looking into the possibility of removing walls to increase classroom space and meet the new standards set in the certificate. One email to parents said they were working to get a contractor on site the day after notifying parents to assess the fastest options. But two days later, that still had not happened. In an email to parents this week, rather than renovate, the University has decided to close the Earhart center altogether when a new day care, called Rivanna Child Development Center, opens. The new center, at 325 Rivanna Plaza Drive, will have the capacity to care for 180 children and be able to accommodate kids ranging in age from 6 weeks to 5 years. It also will be run by Bright Horizons and is expected to open in late June or early July, Glover said. The current tuition rates, the Virginia Child Care Subsidy, staff discounts, center hours and holiday schedules at the Earhart center will be the same at the Rivanna Center throughout 2025. All but one staff member at the Earhart center have accepted job offers and will transition to the Bright Horizons team on June 29, Glover said. The university held a town hall to hear from parents last Friday night, and some online who claimed to have gone said a common complaint was the distance from the university to the Rivanna Center. The Earhart center is less than 2 miles from the university, while the Rivanna Center is 5 miles away. But the greater concern, they said, is the disruption to their childrens routines, which can be detrimental to development at that age. Bright Horizons is offering one-on-one meetings with parents who have questions or would like to know more about the transition, Glover said. The Trump administration is redirecting a key antidrone technology earmarked for Ukraine to American forces, a move that reflects the Pentagons waning commitment to Kyivs defense. The Pentagon quietly notified Congress last week that special fuzes for ground-based rockets that Ukraine uses to shoot down Russian drones are now being allocated to U.S. Air Force units in the Middle East. The move comes as President Trump said Wednesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin told him in a phone call that Moscow would have to respond forcefully to recent Ukrainian attacks, dampening the prospects for a halt in the war that began in early 2022. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth skipped a meeting Wednesday at North Atlantic Treaty Organization headquarters with European defense ministers on coordinating military aid to Ukraine. Hegseth has warned that European allies must provide the overwhelming share of future military assistance to Kyiv while casting the western Pacific as the Pentagons priority theater." The defense chief went further in an internal memo last month. In it, he authorized the Pentagons Joint Rapid Acquisition Cell, a Pentagon office that seeks to ensure that U.S. military commanders urgent needs for weapons and logistics are met, to provide the fuzes to the U.S. Air Force, even though they were initially bought for Ukraine. The Pentagon told the Senate Armed Services Committee in the previously undisclosed message that the U.S. militarys need for the fuzes was a Secretary of Defense Identified Urgent Issue." The Pentagon declined requests for comment. The decision to redirect the component illustrates the scarcity of key defense items as Ukraine steels itself for more Russian drone and missile attacks, while U.S. Air Force units in the Middle East prepare for a possible conflict with Iran or renewed fighting with Houthi militants in Yemen. Supporters of the move say the Pentagon has the flexibility to take such an action under the emergency military spending bill passed last year. But the move had prompted concerns among Ukraines supporters in Congress, who say that the Pentagon hasnt explained what effect the move would have on Ukrainian defenses or whether the Air Force need is urgent. The Biden administration arranged to send the fuzes along with numerous other weapons systems under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which authorized the spending of billions of dollars in U.S. government funds to buy weapons and components from American defense firms. Though the funds for the program have been expended, deliveries are scheduled to reach Ukraine this year and next unless the Trump administration diverts more systems to fill the U.S. militarys inventories. The Trump administration inherited the authority to send Ukraine up to $3.85 billion in weapons from Pentagons stocks but refrained from doing so. It hasnt asked for more funding for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. The fuzes are intended for the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System, a ground-to-air laser-guided rocket for defending against drones. The Pentagon has touted the effectiveness of the rockets. A critical component is the proximity fuze," which detonates explosives when the rocket nears a drone. The Air Force has adapted the rockets so that it can be fired by F-15E jet fighter to destroy Houthi or Iranian drones. The system is much cheaper than Sidewinder and AMRAAM missile air-to-air missiles. A photo of an F-15E equipped with the rocket pods were recently posted by the U.S. Central Command, which oversees U.S. forces in the Middle East. The Senate Armed Services Committee is looking into ramping up production of components for the counterdrone system, including through the current reconciliation bill, a congressional aide said. Write to Michael R. Gordon at michael.gordon@wsj.com The trouble started, as it often does, with France. Congressmen in the 1930s complained about nations throughout this world who are not particularly friendly to Uncle Sam in a business way". Mainly that meant the European power, which had slow-walked ratification of a tax treaty and was double-taxing Americans in the meantime. In 1934, to persuade French policymakers to pick up the pace, Congress passed a provision that is now known as Section 891. It granted the president the power to double levies on citizens and companies from countries that he judged to be overtaxing Americans. Ultimately, France ratified the treaty and Section 891 was never used. But it has stayed on the books ever since. Nearly a century later, during another period in which globalisation is threatened, President Donald Trump and his congressional allies have revived the idea of a revenge tax. As a consequence, foreign investors, who collectively own more than $60trn in American assets, are growing worried about a fresh round of chaosjust months after the Liberation Day" tariff saga. The source of this stress is Section 899, a proposed addition to the tax code in Mr Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill Act", which has passed the House of Representatives and is now being considered by the Senate. This targets countries with unfair foreign taxes", principally digital-service taxes, which mainly affect American tech giants, and undertaxed-profit rules, aimed at ensuring companies do not squirrel profits away in tax havens. As in the 1930s, these taxes have been pushed most enthusiastically by Europeans. But most rich jurisdictions, including Australia, Britain, Canada, the eu, Japan and South Korea, have at least one offending levy. The Tax Foundation, a think-tank, estimates that 80% of Americas foreign direct investment comes from countries covered by Section 899. For once, China is a rare exception. Section 899 penalises the investment and business income that is earned by foreigners in America. Dividends paid to foreign shareholders, profits from American outposts of foreign firms and proceeds earned by foreigners selling property would all suffer as a result of the provision. Most interest payments, including on Treasuries, would probably be safe, with the peculiar exception of interest on lending in America by foreign banks. That adds up to over half a trillion dollars in annual flows. The provision would add five percentage points of tax each year, up to a cap of 20, to the bills of those from offending countries. It would also widen the scope of the Base Erosion and Anti-Abuse Tax, Americas own effort to deter foreign firms from moving profits abroad. Investors connected to foreign governments on the wrong side of Section 899, such as pension and sovereign-wealth funds, would lose other protections they now enjoy. According to the Joint Committee on Taxation, a watchdog, Section 899 is a rare tax rise that is on the wrong side of the Laffer Curve (meaning that it would shrink revenues rather than raising them). By the early 2030s, the JCT forecasts, the provision would start to lose the government money by scaring off foreign investors and thus lowering American asset prices. In reality, section 899s purpose is to intimidate not to raise revenue. Alan Cole of the Tax Foundation uses a military metaphor: We are tossing a grenade at your stuff while its inside our house. But we are also tossing a grenade inside our own house." The White House must hope the mere threat of Section 899 taxes persuades countries to wind back their own levies. Such an approach, alongside a proposed tax of 3.5% on remittances that has also passed the House, hints at a troubling pattern. As Tan Kai Xian of Gavekal, a consultancy, notes: The revenge tax [could be] perceived as some sort of inbound capital controlthe remittance tax could easily be perceived as a mini version of an outbound capital restriction." The combination marks a clear, if ginger, step towards soft capital controls, transposing Mr Trumps protectionist logic from goods trade to capital flows. A century or so ago, it was France that blinked first. Today Mr Trumps volatile behaviour has already made investing in America a riskier bet. And his enormous deficits still require foreigners to finance them. If Section 899 roils the market enough, this time the outcome may not be in Americas favour. Mon dieu. New Delhi: Campus hirings bounced back in the 2025 placement season as pre-placement offers increased, with conversions rising by an average of 24% from last year across all degree programmes, Deloittes Campus Workforce Trends Report 2025 showed. The consulting firm analysed inputs from over 200 organizations and reviewed data from over 500 campuses in this study. In FY25, compensation increased by 3.9% compared to the 2024 placement cycle across all degree programmes, the report said. Over the past five years, there has been a 3.1% growth among all degrees. Notably, the MBA programme recorded the lowest growth of 1.6% among all degrees. Additionally, companies increased their campus hiring budgets by 15% to 4.41 crore in FY25 compared to FY24. This upward momentum underscores a renewed corporate commitment to harness emerging talent, driven by clear foresight and the needs of industry, Deloitte stated. Among various sectors, technology has emerged as the most preferred choice for students for the fifth year straight, followed by financial services. Meanwhile, the manufacturing sector recorded the highest compensation growth compared to last year, followed by the consumer sector. Life sciences/pharma, however, ranked last in growth. Despite the improvement in the job market, the skill gap stares employers in the face as they hire freshers from across streams. Despite rising demand for graduates, only 51% of Indian graduates are considered job-ready, primarily due to gaps in vocational training and practical skills, according to the Economic Survey report 2023-24, the report adds. Skill-based hiring is the new pivot for organizations in the 2025 campus placement cycle. While AI (artificial intelligence) and ML (machine learning) continue to remain in demand, we are seeing 10-20% pay premium on IoT (internet of things) integration, rapid prototyping, robotics in the engineering side and investment management, M&A / integration management and financial modelling in the management side, Neelesh Gupta, partner, Deloitte India, told Mint. Use of AI for skill-based matching, application parsing and virtual engagement of candidates is being embraced by progressive tech-first organizations, added Gupta. The report highlights that to address this, universities and businesses are increasingly prioritizing real-world experience, industry collaborations and continuous learning to prepare students for the modern workforce. Essential components include internships, alumni networks and customized training programmes that equip students with the necessary skills. While Tier 1 and Tier 2 campuses record a surge in internship opportunities (2% and 4%, respectively), Tier 3 institutions face a 3% drop, highlighting a widening access gap, the report also says. Demand for power in India's top six industrialized states flattened in April and cooled in May, pointing to a potential fall in factory production at the start of the new financial year. Data from the Grid Controller of India showed that total daily demand in May across Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka fell 5.7% from a year ago. As of 25 May, cumulative demand in these states stood at 59.58 billion units (BUs). In the same month, the HSBC manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index hit a three-month low, as new orders and production slowed. In April, power demand across the same states was flat at over 75 BUs. While a break-up of industrial, consumer and household power consumption is not available yet, demand in industrialized states is seen as a proxy for overall industrial power consumption. Since industries account for roughly 45% of total power demand, weakness in these states could indicate a broader slowdown in industry. Industrial wheels slowing The major reason for the reduction in the industrial power demand has been the slowdown in economic activity, particularly in mining and manufacturing sectors, where the industrial output has remained weak in the months of March and April 2025," Mohammad Saif, partner, strategy and transactions at EY India, said. Saif noted that while manufacturing growth fell to 3.4% in April 2025 from 3.9% in April 2024, mining, another power guzzler, shrank 20 basis points compared to a growth of 6.8% in April 2024. Also read | Indias power demand seen rising 7% this fiscal: Fitch Indias overall power demand in May (25 days) fell 4% y-o-y to 148.71 BUs, and grew just 2.2% in April, compared to a 7% growth in March. To be sure, this year's summer has been less harsh than in the previous years, and early rains have dampened power demand across much of the country. Queries emailed to the ministries of power and finance remained unanswered. Ashok Sreenivas, group coordinator at Prayas Energy Group, an energy think tank, said that a tapering of macro indicators like the index of industrial production (IIP) may mean that growth in demand from industry has somewhat eased. In April, industrial output grew 2.7%, the slowest in eight months, down from 3% in March and 5.2% in April 2024. Industrial load is coming down," a top executive at one of Indias largest green energy firms said on condition of anonymity. There has been a mismatch in the demand forecast." Yet another industry executive confirmed that industrial demand on power exchanges has been stagnant, with demand from households, via discoms, driving a large part of the trading activity. "From the perspective of commercial and industrial (C&I) and the overall demand, the market witnessed rapid demand and capacity growth post covid. So, an impact in the demand would be because of several factors. There are cycles. The current slowdown is likely to be a blip or a short-term phenomenon. We can see an uptick post monsoon or even mid-monsoon. From a longer term perspective, the C&I market and the energy demand as a whole is seen growing for the next few years," Rahul Mishra, head of C&I at BluPine Energy, a renewable energy platform. Cooling production In March, overall power production nationwide grew 6.3% in March against 8.6% a year earlier, and 1.1% in April against 10.2% a year earlier. However, others see this as a trend that will play out soon. Sachchidanand Shukla, group chief economist at Larsen & Toubro said that while power demand remains high in May because of rising temperatures, unseasonal rains this year and early onset of monsoon have moderated the demand. He also doesnt see the slowdown in the IIP as indication of a general weakness in demand conditions. Another repo rate cut expected from the RBI at the next monetary policy on 6 June, the record 2.69 trillion dividend to government announced already, and the above-normal monsoon are growth-supportive," said Shukla. The estimate of a 6.5% real GDP growth for the first quarter and an overall expansion of 6.5% in the full financial year are fair and reasonable." Read this | Data recap: IT costs, games bid, power demand India's GDP growth rate for the January-March quarter came in at 7.4%, backed by agriculture and construction, surpassing estimates. The strong quarterly showingthe fastest in the fiscal yearpushed overall growth in 2024-25 to 6.5%, according to data released by the National Statistics Office. Experts, however, are cautious about the outlook. Key indicators are showing signs of slowing down. However, the GDP growth number for Q4 FY25 came as a surprise against the expectation of 6.5-6.7%. It came on the upper side at 7.4%. Further indications would be required to see how the industrial and economic growth fares. It needs to be seen whether this sort of jump is a one-off case or a larger trend," said Pronab Sen, former chief statistician of India. Ratings agency Icra said last week that India's power demand in FY26 may grow 5-5.5%. Although this is higher than 4.2% in FY25, it would be slower than the 7-9% growth seen in the period FY22 to FY24, the period following the pandemic. The International Monetary Fund expects Indias GDP growth in FY26 at 6.2%, down from 6.5% in FY25. Exchange view Amid a sudden fall in demand after rains and thunderstorms in May, power prices on the real time market (RTM) on the Indian Energy Exchange fell to zero on 25 May from an average of around 3 per unit. This was largely driven by fall in demand in the household sector. Currently, power exchanges comprise less than 10% of the overall power market. And this | India well-prepared to meet peak power demand: Singh In May, higher supply liquidity along with a 4% drop in electricity consumption kept RTM prices low. On 25 May, the average daily RTM price fell to as low as 1.53/unit. Participants leveraged these lower RTM prices to replace costlier power by procuring through exchanges, thereby optimizing overall power costs and driving up market volumes in the RTM segment," said Rohit Bajaj, joint managing director, Indian Energy Exchange. Rajib Mishra, professor at Management Development Institute (MDI) and former chairman and managing director of power trading company PTC India sees this as worrying, pointing out that for every 1% growth in GDP, power consumption needs to grow at 1.5%. If GDP is 6%, power consumption growth used to be 9%; but now its been around 1:1 for the past few years," said Mishra, adding power demand growth has been averaging around 5-6% annually. To be sure, Indias GDP growth in FY25 was 6.5%, and in FY24, 8.2%. The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has projected a peak demand of 270 gigawatt (GW) this year, compared to a record 250 GW recorded on 30 May last year. Power sector experts said the usual peak expected in May-June may not be reached this year with monsoon rains anticipated to be higher than normal. However, the month of September may be critical, they added. And read | Mint Explainer: Why is India's power demand scaling new highs? New Delhi: The succulent, premium Alphonso is no longer the king of Indian mangoes in export markets. That title goes to the humble Kesar, which has raked in more dollars than its expensive peer for two successive fiscal years. Alongside, there has been a rise in exports of other affordable mango varieties such as Chausa, Dasheri, Totapari, Banganapalli, Kesar, and even non-branded mangoes. Data from the Union commerce ministry showed that the trend is playing out in markets like the US, the UK, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Germany, Kuwait, Oman, Yemen and The Netherlands, among others. Traders say the trend mirrors a broader shift in demand patterns, especially in overseas retail chains and among Indian diaspora. Another factor that has played a part is that the non-Aphonso varieties have only recently been allowed into key export markets because of changes in farming practices in India to match their standards. When affordable mango varieties are available, its quite obvious that the demand for pricier mangoes like Alphonso will come down," said Ekram Husain, chief executive officer of Essar Exports and vice-president of the VAFA Fresh Vegetables and Fruits Exporters Association (Maharashtra). Also read | Mango wars: China grown Indian mango varieties eat into Indias exports Commerce ministry data showed that in FY25, Kesar mangoes worth $11.48 million were exported, compared to $8.56 million for the Alphonso. In FY22, their export numbers were $6.93 million and $10.12 million, respectively, clearly showing that while Kesars exports have climbed, Alphonsos have fallen. According to Husain, the rise in prices of the Alphonso, primarily due to shipment costs, is a key reason for decline in its exports. Since Alphonso mangoes are highly perishable, they must be transported via air cargo, which attracts an 18% GST. In contrast, shipments sent by sea carry a lower GST rate of 5%, he said. The government should reconsider the GST on air cargo shipments to support the growth of this industry," Husain added.Other varieties are mainly shipped by sea. Alphonso farmers, however, say it is a misconception that the variety is more expensive. Pankaj Dali, an Alphonso farmer from Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, told Mint over the phone that Alphonso mangoes are typically sold by the dozen, unlike other varieties, which are sold per kg. In terms of face value, the price of other mangoes may appear lower, but if you convert them into dozens, Alphonso comes out affordable," he said. Dali, who has a 10-acre mango farm, added that Alphonsos unique taste and growing popularity have contributed to its price rise, especially after receiving geographical indication (GI) certification. Read this | Mango: King in India, no kingdom abroad To be sure, Indias overall mango exports have also fallen over time. Total exports of mangoes, excluding sliced dried mango and mango pulp, stood at $56.34 million in FY25, down by around 6.3% from $60.14 million in FY24, and lower than the peak Alphonso mango exports of $60.26 million recorded in FY19 (no other mango variety was exported that year). Pertinently, India produces 40% of the worlds mangoes, the most by any country, but it also has a large domestic consumption market. The major mango-growing states in India are Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Telangana, and West Bengal. What about other mangoes? Other mango varieties have also seen export gains, although the numbers are small. Chausa has grown from $0.05 million in FY22 to $0.15 million in FY25, Dasheri from $0.11 million to $0.35 million, Totapari from $0.17 million to $0.36 million, and Banganapalli from $3.02 million to $4.35 million. Shahid Khan, owner of Royal Farms in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, toldMintover the phone that a shift in farming practices and the adoption of approved pesticides in line with standards of the US and the UK have opened export opportunities for varieties such as Langda, Chausa, Kesar, Totapari, Banganapalli, Dasheri, Mallika, and others. Earlier, other varieties of mangoes couldnt qualify for exports due to the use of unapproved pesticides," Khan, who manages a 71-acre mango farm within the 1,716-acre mango belt in Meerut district, said. Thats why Alphonso dominated the export market, even though there are several mango varieties that are tastier. Now the trend is changing, which is a good sign for mango growers across different states." And this | From Alphonso to feni: Indias GI journey has few hits, more misses To be sure, Alphonso mango exports stood at $60.26 million in FY19, with no other mango variety exported that year. The figure remained strong at $57.36 million in FY20, with no other variety in competition, the government data showed. Price matters The price gap in international markets is reinforcing this shift. In the US, Alphonso is priced at $55.99 per box (2.7 kg), while Kesar is available for about $50 per box (2.7 kg). In the UK, Alphonso sells for about 19 for a box of 12 mangoes (roughly 1.58 per piece), whereas Kesar is available at 8 per kg. Langra is priced between 8 and 9.60 per kg, and Banganapalli is sold at 7.99 per kg. In the UAE, Alphonso is retailing at AED 18.95 per kg. In comparison, Kesar is available at AED 12.95, Langra at AED 15.95, Chausa at AED 8.95, Totapuri at AED 14.95, and Banganapalli ranges between AED 4 and 8 per kg. The price data has been sourced from leading online retailers aumpi.com and freshmangoes.us for the US, www.relishfoods.uk and lakshmistores.com for the UK, and www.luluhypermarket.com for the UAE. The trend also ties into increased efforts by state governments and exporters to diversify Indias mango export portfolio. Gujarat, for instance, has aggressively promoted Kesar in Asian and European markets with support from Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and industry bodies. Meanwhile, mango processors are increasingly turning to varieties like Totapuri and Dasheri for pulp exports. Mango exports by market Indian mango exports saw mixed trends across key markets between FY24 and FY25. The US emerged as the fastest-growing market, with exports rising from $22.1 million in FY24 to $30.1 million in FY25. However, the UAE witnessed a decline, with imports dropping from $29.1 million to $24.7 million during the same period. Saudi Arabias imports showed some recovery, increasing from $14.6 million in FY24 to $19.6 million in FY25. And read | India seeks wider US market access for fruit, vegetables, easy sanitary regulations Exports to the UK remained relatively steady, falling slightly from $19 million in FY24 to $17.9 million in FY25. Canadas imports decreased marginally from $7.7 million to $6.8 million, while Germanys imports also declined from $7 million to $6 million in the same period. Kuwaits mango imports saw a small drop from $5.7 million to $5.5 million, and Omans declined from $5.8 million to $4.6 million. Yemens imports decreased from $5.2 million to $4.1 million, and The Netherlands experienced a sharp fall from $6.4 million to $3.9 million. Overall, Indian mango exports remained nearly flat in this period, with a slight increase from $142.7 million in FY24 to $144.7 million in FY25. * Wheat futures rise amid Russia-Ukraine tensions * Corn futures mostly higher but US export pace seen slowing By Julie Ingwersen CHICAGO, - Chicago Board of Trade soybean futures climbed to a one-week high on Thursday on optimism about the U.S. trade relationship with China, the world's largest soybean buyer, after leaders of the two countries spoke by phone for more than an hour. Wheat futures firmed on short-covering and rising tensions between major grain suppliers Russia and Ukraine. Corn futures were mostly higher but a slowing U.S. export pace capped gains in the most-active July contract. As of 12:58 p.m. CDT , CBOT July soybeans were up 9 cents at $10.54 per bushel after rising to $10.56-3/4, the contract's highest since May 28. July corn was up 3/4 cent at $4.39-1/2 per bushel and July wheat was up 2-3/4 cents at $5.46 a bushel. Soybeans drew support on news that U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping held a rare leader-to-leader call. Trump said on social media that the talks, which focused primarily on trade, led to "a very positive conclusion," announcing further lower-level U.S.-China discussions. "The two leaders finally got together. The trade is hoping it will give us some soybean business," said Tom Fritz, a partner with EFG Group in Chicago. Others noted support from outlooks for warmer and drier weather in mid-June that could stress developing U.S. crops. Corn futures were mostly higher but gains in the benchmark July contract, representing last year's U.S. harvest, trailed those in the December contract, which reflects the 2025 U.S. harvest. Some brokers said demand for "old-crop" U.S. corn is cooling, with the harvest of Brazil's big second-season corn crop about to begin. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported weekly export sales of U.S. old-crop corn in the latest week at 942,300 metric tons, in line with trade expectations, but down 31% from the prior four-week average. Wheat futures firmed as traders monitored developments in the Black Sea region, where Ukraine has stepped up attacks on Russian targets. The moves prompted Russian President Vladimir Putin to tell Trump that Moscow would have to respond, escalating worries over grain supplies. Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corp. Ltd (IRCTC)s results for the three months ended March (Q4FY25) proved unimpressive versus expectations of a solid quarter due to the Mahakumbh event-related push. Ebitda growth was 6% year-on-year to 385 crore, with margin compressing by almost 100 basis points to 30.4%. A basis point is one-hundredth of a percentage point. Recall that IRCTC had offered food service in Aastha Express to Ayodhya in Q4FY24 during the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple. Thus, there was hope that it would be done for Mahakumbh special trains, too. In the Q4FY25 earnings call, the management clarified that these trains operated without catering facilities because the governments aim was to accommodate more passengers to Mahakumbh and also clear the subsequent rush from there. The outcome: IRCTCs catering revenue was unchanged year-on-year at 529 crore. The segments profitability improvement isnt impressive either, as the base quarter had an abnormally low margin. Sequentially, the margin was flat at 12%. IRCTCs mainstay business remains internet ticketing, contributing about 75% of its total FY25 Ebit. The segment has two revenue streams of convenience fee (simply put, the online ticket booking charges) and non-convenience fee from advertising and ancillary services for buying food, travel insurance, etc. Convenience fee grew 9% year-on-year as online ticket booking volume increased by 10%. While volume growth is not a problem, the concern here is about the 7% quarter-on-quarter fall in average fee per ticket to 18.6. The fee is different for AC and non-AC ticket booking, and also for booking payments made using Unified Payments Interface (UPI) or other modes that include netbanking and cards. The share of UPI-based payments has been steadily climbing up, from 45% in Q1FY25 to 47.7% in Q4FY25, which puts pressure on the average fee per ticket as the convenience fee is lower on payments made using UPI. Bright spot The tourism segment was the only bright spot in the results, which essentially is a packaged tour business offering options for religious and luxurious tours. Tourism Ebit soared by 161% on-year to 50 crore with margin almost doubling to 18.1% in Q4FY25. Bharat Gaurav train and Maharaja Express have contributed to the growth. For FY25, the two trains clocked revenue of 277 crore and 92 crore, respectively. While Bharat Gauravs revenue is higher, its margin is lower at 8% versus 18% of Maharaja Express, as the former operates in the affordable segment and the latter in the luxurious travel category. The management is optimistic that the tourism segment will maintain its upward trajectory, but the segments past performance has been volatile. Meanwhile, IRCTC is likely to get initial approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for a payment aggregation license within the next couple of months. However, even after the business starts, it would be tough to make inroads given the wafer-thin margin. The space is already crowded with well-entrenched players such as PhonePe and Razorpay. High valuation As such, the new business initiative is unlikely to change the trajectory of the stock, which is down 15% over the past one year even as the Ebitda CAGR over the last two years to FY25 has been 10%. The decline in the stock is thus indicative of the correction in its rich valuation. Ebitda is short for earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation. Bloomberg consensus estimates show Ebitda growth in FY26 could go up to 18%, which appears a tad optimistic. The decline in stock price pushes the enterprise value (EV) (numerator in EV/Ebitda) lower, while optimistic Ebitda estimates push the denominator higher. Despite that, the valuation still remains expensive at EV/Ebitda of 33x based on Bloomberg consensus estimates for FY26. RPower share price: Shares of Reliance Power jumped 4% to a fresh 52-week high on Thursday, June 4, extending its rise as the Anil Ambani group firm had risen 5.45% in the previous trade. Reliance Power share price today opened at 60.30 apiece on the BSE. The stock touched an intraday high of 63.39 per share and an intraday low of 59.93 apiece. The last one-year peak recorded by the stock was 62.80, on June 2. R Power share price has experienced significant growth, rising more than 2,400% over the last five years. It has surged nearly 79% in just three months and approximately 51% in the past month. What's driving the rally in recent times? Recently, Reliance Power announced that its subsidiary, Reliance NU Energies, has been awarded a letter for a 350 MW solar power project, which includes a 175 MW/700 MWh Battery Energy Storage System from SJVN. When operational, this project will enhance Reliance Powers portfolio by adding 600 MW of solar DC capacity and 700 MWh of BESS capacity, thereby reaffirming its position as a leader in new energy solutions, according to a company statement. In addition, Reliance Power has established a commercial term sheet for a long-term power purchase agreement with Green Digital Pvt Ltd, which is owned by Druk Holding and Investments Ltd, the investment branch of the Royal Government of Bhutan. Reliance Power and Druk Holding and Investments Ltd (DHI) plan to jointly construct Bhutans largest solar power project through a partnership with an equal share, targeting an installed capacity of 500 MW, as indicated by a company statement. The project will require an investment of up to 2,000 crores under a Build-Own-Operate (BOO) model, making it the largest private sector foreign direct investment (FDI) in Bhutans solar energy field so far. Q4 Results In the January-March quarter of FY25, Reliance Power swung to the black as it reported a consolidated net profit of 126 crore, attributed to reduced expenses. The company had experienced a loss of 397.56 crore during the quarter that ended on March 31, 2024, according to a regulatory filing. Total revenue fell to 2,066 crore in the most recent fourth quarter, down from 2,193.85 crore in the same quarter last year. What should investors do? According to Rajesh Bhosale, Equity Technical and Derivative Analyst at Angel One, R Power share price has seen a massive run from the May month swing low and is at its highest point in the last five years. This recent upmove has been backed by strong volumes, Bhosale said. In the near term, prices may extend the upmove. However, considering the overbought conditions, dips would be ideal to enter longs, 56 - 57 seems strong support, whereas 72 as resistance, he added. Further, Riyank Arora, Technical Analyst, Mehta Equities, explained that Reliance Power share price is showing signs of profit booking after a recent rally, with major resistance placed at 65. R Power share price has run up significantly, and the current pause suggests short-term consolidation or mild correction. If it fails to break above 65, we may see selling pressure pushing the stock back toward 58 59 support levels. Momentum remains positive overall, but traders should be cautious near resistance. Fresh entry is only advised on a decisive breakout above 65 with strong volume confirmation, Arora said. According to Anshul Jain, Head of Research at Lakshmishree Investments, post a 161-day cup and handle breakout at 48, R Power share price rallied swiftly to 60 and is now consolidating, digesting the sharp momentum. This healthy pause is expected to continue for another 1-2 weeks, allowing daily and weekly moving averages to catch up. Once the consolidation completes, the stock is well-positioned to resume its uptrend, with the next target placed at 79. The structure remains strong, indicating continued bullish Momentum post consolidation, Jain said. Amid persistent tensions with neighbours like Pakistan and China, India looks to induct new multirole fighter jets over the next few years to enhance its combat capabilities. This brings back the focus on companies like Dassault Aviation, which manufactures Rafale aircraft that are already part of the Indian Air Force (IAF), and Lockheed Martin, which produces F-16 fighter jets. Dassault Aviation and Tata Advanced Systems today signed four Production Transfer Agreements to manufacture the Rafale fighter aircraft fuselage in India, marking a significant step forward in strengthening the countrys aerospace manufacturing capabilities and supporting global supply chains. Meanwhile, American defence company Lockheed Martin is trying to sell its F-21, an India-specific variant of its widely used F-16 fighter, which will be a 4.5 generation aircraft made in India with a local partner. Lockheed builds F-16 wings at the company's joint production facility with the Tata Group in Hyderabad and has plans to use the facility for F-21 jets. Also Read | F-16 fighter jet maker Lockheed Martin gives zero returns in a month Other global contenders vying for the MRFA contract are the US's Boeing, Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), Sweden's Saab AB and Germany's Eurofighter. IAF looks to expand MRFA fleet According to an ANI report, dated March 11, the Indian Air Force is looking to start the induction of these planes in the next four to five years through a fast-tracked global tender, with a high-level committee having accepted the need for getting new multirole fighter aircraft (MRFA). Defence sources told ANI that the induction of 114 multirole fighter jets would help the Indian Air Force to maintain its squadron strength in the next 10 years, along with the ingenious fighter jets. Currently, India is looking to add 114 multirole fighter aircrafts to its fleet. This project takes on critical importance for the Indian Air Force, whose operational strength has dwindled to 31 fighter squadrons well below the sanctioned strength of 42. This shortfall comes at a time when China is rapidly expanding and modernising its air force, posing a growing strategic challenge in the region. The urgency is further underscored by recent events such as Operation Sindoor and the latest flare-up with Pakistan, where the use of drones, missiles, and combat aircraft played a central role, highlighting the need for a well-equipped IAF. Lockheed Martin, Dassault share price performance Shares of Lockheed Martin have risen over 3.5% in the last one year to $482.21. The company, which also produces F-16 jets that are priced by Pakistan, has faced significant volatility, with the stock offering zero returns in May as the India-Pakistan conflict took centre stage. As India thwarted all attempts from Pakistan's military forces, F-16 fighter maker's stock has been on the back foot. At the same time, Dassault Aviation shares have surged 64% in the last one year. In May, the stock extended its monthly winning run to eight. Even as the month was marked by high volatility, the stock eked out 0.5% gains. Shares of Dassault Aviation will remain in focus after the Rafale fighter jet brand owner partnered with Tata Advanced Systems Ltd to manufacture and set up the first ever fighter aircraft in India. Shares of Dassault Aviation have risen 64 per cent year to date. On Thursday, June 5, the defence stock opened at 315.40 on the Paris stock exchange and currently trades 1.52 per cent higher at 321.20 on the index. Dassault Aviation he stock has remained volatile, shedding over 1.70 per cent in a month, however, gaining over 6.70 per cent in six months. Dassault Aviation and Tata Advanced Systems Limited have signed four Production Transfer Agreements to manufacture the Rafale fighter aircraft fuselage in India, marking a significant step forward in strengthening the countrys aerospace manufacturing capabilities and supporting global supply chains. This facility represents a significant investment in Indias aerospace infrastructure and will serve as a critical hub for high-precision manufacturing. Under the scope of the partnership, Tata Advanced Systems will set up a cutting-edge production facility in Hyderabad for the manufacture of key structural sections of the Rafale, including the lateral shells of the rear fuselage, the complete rear section, the central fuselage, and the front section. For the first time, Rafale fuselages will be produced outside France and this is a decisive step in strengthening our supply chain in India, Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, said. "Thanks to the expansion of our local partners, including TASL, one of the major players in the Indian aerospace industry, this supply chain will contribute to the successful ramp-up of the Rafale and, with our support, will meet our quality and competitiveness requirements," he said. Dassault Aviation is the manufacturer of the Rafale fighter jets, which were used by the Indian Air Force to conduct precision strikes on terror sites in the Pakistani territory, i.e., Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan terror camps. The Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society is turning to the next chapter in its own long history. In the not-too-distant past, the future of the 85-year-old local preservation nonprofit organization was in question. Today, after five years under Tom Chapmans leadership, the former executive director is passing on a historical society in much better shape than the one he inherited. I never wanted to be the face of an organization or an institution, but I wanted to be the guy who was just making things work and putting things in place. This job definitely gave me that opportunity, and then some, Chapman told The Daily Progress. It was a challenge over the past five years to try to get all the pieces to come together and work, and its still going to be a challenge. With membership and private philanthropy now on the rise, the longtime archaeologist and research historian stepped down from his post in late April. The younger perspective and energy of his successor, Olivia Brown, is exactly what the place needs, said Chapman. I think its a good opportunity to step away and have new blood and the board think of things differently, and hopefully take whats going on in the world around us, take that problem and turn it into an opportunity, he said. The historical society Chapman took the helm of was much different. In 2018, former Executive Director Steven Meeks abruptly left the post hed held for the better part of a decade, departing amid shrinking membership and finances, as well as a tense relationship with the city of Charlottesville. Following Meeks resignation, it was even in question if the society would be allowed to retain its lease in the old McIntire Public Library in downtown Charlottesville, which the city has rented to the society at a subsidized rate since 1993. Needless to say, when Chapman was brought on in April 2020, his hands were full. [I was] trying to come in and rehabilitate the historical society that was not doing too well, but at the same time, having COVID kind of slap us in the face with everything that that changed, said Chapman. Despite the challenge of revitalizing a struggling organization in the midst of a global pandemic, over the past five years, Chapman strove to restore relationships with not only City Hall but also local businesses, schools and other community partners. He worked to remind the community that there is an active and vibrant historical society here that was dedicated to preserving and sharing Charlottesvilles rich legacy steeped in historical significance. I was very public-facing in terms of having people realize that what existed for about a decade or more didnt exist anymore; this is your historical society, he said. History isnt the past that somebody else controls. Its the story we tell about our past. Everyone in this place, in this community, has a story to tell. So it was pulling in as multiple voices, as many diverse voices as we could into that conversation. Ever since it was founded in 1940, the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society has carried out its original purpose to collect, preserve and make accessible the records and artifacts that convey Central Virginias past. Over his tenure, however, Chapman began to point the institution in a new direction, keeping one eye on the past and another on the present. He presented an additional function for the society as a facilitator and educator for the relevant conversations and issues facing the community in this day and age. Taking the pandemic in stride, the historical society launched a series of educational programs on Zoom, beginning with a discussion led by a couple of local medical professionals on the similarities between COVID and the 1918 influenza outbreak. Over the summer of 2020, the Charlottesville school division initiated a process to evaluate and rename its schools to bring them in line with modern standards and values. Throughout the yearslong process, many of the schools former and current students, families and neighbors expressed mixed feelings on the matter: frustration, support and confusion. Chapman created a place for those feelings to be aired, organizing an open conversation on the renamings. Held in the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library systems Central Library in downtown Charlottesville in August 2023, the societys panel discussion drew a diverse crowd which eagerly took advantage of the opportunity to engage, debate and learn from different perspectives. In terms of providing a platform for history dialogue, I think thats where we fit in, he said. The societys historians have also conducted and partnered with other community organizations on a number of local research projects over the years. In August 2021, the organization secured $2,500 from City Council to finance a major archaeological and genealogical undertaking to identify 50 unmarked graves of enslaved laborers discovered underneath the 280 acres of the citys Pen Park; that work continues today. All of these are examples of how we have diversified the history of the community and preserved the stories of people who live here, Phyllis Leffler, president of the societys board of directors, told The Daily Progress. Toms leadership has, I believe, earned us the respect of the community and people, she added. Olivias leadership will move us forward. So Im really, really excited about the direction were moving in the future. Brown hit the ground running after taking over the organization last month. I am very excited to be coming into this role, to continue the work that Tom has been doing over the past five years and to see where that vision can take us forward, she told The Daily Progress. I am full of my own ideas and enthusiasm, but all of it in a way to continue the mission that the historical society has been working to achieve and to show to the public. A lifelong history buff, Brown has embraced the many opportunities in the region to immerse herself in the past. She received a degree in American Studies and History from the University of Virginia, worked as a tour guide and podcast developer at nearby Monticello and created her own trivia experience Trivia with Olivia that she hosts at various local venues. Although Brown may not have inherited the same problems as her predecessor, the historical societys new executive director faces her own hurdles. Under the Trump administration, several nonprofit organizations have been forced to reduce their budgets and programs due to the significant cuts in federal funding. These organizations, including the Smithsonian Institution, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and the National Endowment for the Humanities, all offer grants and other monetary assistance for smaller institutions such as local historical societies to finance research projects or simply cover day-to-day operation costs. Brown is determined to keep charging through, but as those dollars start to dry up, the society may turn to the community it has long served to come to its aid, she said. If we dont get the support from the community and that means showing up for programs but it also means financial support we cant do any of this, said Leffler in agreement with Brown. Thats just the reality. The focus isnt only on the societys budget. At a time when even the telling of history is under scrutiny with a White House executive order banning instruction on critical race theory in addition to other topics related to race and sexual orientation Brown said at the historical society, Were not mincing words. The organization holds the advantage of educating students through primary sources where the evidence is at your fingertips, she said. It depicts a fuller picture of history, she said, not one told through a single perspective. Its not about making narrow pathways that reach individual, segmented groups, but rather, its creating an overall organization that prioritizes the stories of the people who are in our region and what those stories say about how our region has developed, said Brown. Because our history echoes the larger history of Virginia, which echoes the larger history of the United States of America. Bhavish Aggarwal, founder and chief executive officer of Ola Electric Mobility Ltd., paid about 200 million rupees ($2.3 million) in cash to top up collateral for borrowings against shares, according to people with knowledge of the matter, as the stock slid on poor sales. Aggarwal had raised 2.5 billion rupees for his generative AI venture Krutrim Data Center Pvt. by pledging Ola Electric equity and he voluntarily put in the extra money since March as the shares dipped below 50 rupees each, the people said, asking not to be identified as the details are private. No margin calls were triggered and the value of the stock collateral is more than twice the borrowed amount, they added. Also Read | Ola Electric's new breakeven targets appear more like wishful thinking Ola shares face selling pressure Investors are closely watching SoftBank Group Corp.-backed Ola Electric, whose shares have fallen about 35% since it listed at 76 rupees in August. Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Corp. cut their stakes in the company in recent days after the Indian e-scooter firm said quarterly losses have more than doubled amid regulatory and governance concerns. Aggarwal has pledged or encumbered about 8% of his 30% Ola Electric stake, according to exchange data. Avendus Group, InCred Alternative Investments Pvt. and Modulus Alternatives Investment Managers had lent him the money in exchange for bonds issued by Krutrim, carrying coupon rates of around 14.9%-15.9% and backed by Ola Electric shares, according to data published by Bloomberg and one of the people. Avendus and InCred declined to comment. Modulus didnt immediately respond to Bloombergs email seeking comment. A representative for Ola Electric said all founder pledges have been disclosed and there are no more material developments; it declined to comment on what it said were speculative reports. Also Read | Ola Electric faces investor ire after Q4 results disappoint Street As the value of the Ola Electric shares dipped, Aggarwal pre-funded 3-4 months of accrued interest instead of topping up the collateral with more shares, one of the people said. Aggarwal earned some 2.8 billion rupees having sold a portion of his Ola Electric stake in the IPO. Stocks to buy: Axis Securities has reaffirmed its bullish view on the pharmaceuticals and hospital sectors in its latest report following the March quarter results, reiterating confidence in select stocks such as Lupin, Aurobindo Pharma, Max Healthcare, and Fortis Healthcare, citing emerging opportunities supported by strong fundamentals and favorable industry dynamics. The brokerage noted that the pharmaceuticals industry appears well-positioned for FY26 and beyond, supported by a strong product pipeline in biosimilars, GLP-1, and peptides. It highlighted that chronic therapies continue to outperform the overall Indian Pharmaceutical Market (IPM), contributing to sustained growth. Additionally, margins are expected to remain stable to improving, aided by a favorable product mix and easing input costs. The US generics business also shows continued strength, with leading players like Lupin and Aurobindo Pharma maintaining meaningful market shares despite ongoing competitive pressures and anticipated low single-digit price erosion. Stock Name Rating Latest closing price Target price Upside Potential Aurobindo Pharma Buy 1,138 1,500 31.2% Lupin Buy 1,944 2,500 28.6% Max Healthcare Institute Buy 1,147 1315 15% Fortis Healthcare Buy 729 775 6.3% Axis believes that companies with a differentiated portfolio and greater exposure to complex generics are likely to outperform in this environment. Consequently, it maintained 'buy' on Aurobindo Pharma and Lupin with a 'buy' rating and has a target price of 1,500 and 2500, respectively. In the hospital space, Axis Securities observed that the growth trajectory remains strong, backed by structural tailwinds. These include increased surgical volumes, an improved payer mix, and rising demand for high-growth therapies such as cancer and cardiac careall of which are contributing to higher ARPOB (average revenue per occupied bed) and occupancy rates. The brokerage expects industry ARPOB to grow at 67% annually, with a 100-basis-point improvement in occupancy rates, supporting further margin expansion. Max Healthcare and Fortis Healthcare are viewed as well-positioned to benefit from these secular growth trends, given their scalable operations and strong execution across key metrics. Therefore, it retained a 'buy' recommendation on both the stocks, with a price target of 1,315 on Max Healthcare shares and 775 apiece on Fortis Healthcare shares. Q4FY25 Review: Strong quarter for both pharma, hospitals The pharmaceutical sector delivered a healthy performance in Q4FY25, with revenue growth of 12.3% YoY and 2.3% QoQ, driven primarily by the India business (11.2% YoY). The US generics business recorded 7.7% YoY growth in CC terms, aided by the launch of niche products and price stability. Improvement in gross margins to 66.1% (up 95 bps YoY) was underpinned by a favourable mix shift, muted price erosion, and stable input costs, said Axis Securities. Also Read | Apollo Hospitals' healthy capacity addition to drive future growth In the hospital sector, revenue grew by 20% YoY and 2% QoQ, supported by higher occupancy rates (+60 bps YoY), an ARPOB increase of 6% YoY, and an 18% rise in operational bed days. Notably, the brokerage stated that the contribution of insurance payers rose to 33%, indicating deeper penetration and improved affordability. Madhe Gowda, a fruit vendor in Bengalurus Whitefield area, noticed the rising heat in the city about four years ago. Working for more than12 hours a day, mostly under the scorching sun, means headaches and falling sick frequently. There isnt a way for us to avoid this heat," he says. Gowda is among the over 400 million informal workers in Indias labour force who bear the brunt of heat stress every day. A new exhibition in Bengaluru, Sweat and Concrete 2025, explored how art can draw focus to the heat stress crisis. The exhibition was organized on 29-30 May by People First Cities, an initiative by social movement incubator Purpose. If you look at the narrative around heat stress right now, its alarming. How do we shift this to a more solutions-focused narrative?" says Sonali Bhasin from People First Cities. At the heart of the exhibition was an interactive exhibit, The Neralu Heat Shelter, conceptualised by architects and urban planners Ankrtiya Diggavi and Sagar Kandal. The collapsible shelter was the winning entry in a heat-shelter design competition run by the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE). The microclimate shade features a recyclable metal frame, a tin canopy, a jute curtain that doubles as a hand-pulled fan, and built-in bench for seating. The idea was born out of Diggavis urban studies in Ahmedabad and Kandals research in Peenya, Bengaluru, where they documented how informal workers created makeshift shade using broken billboards, tarpaulins, and discarded umbrellas. At a time when rising heat and heatwaves are posing serious health and livelihood risks for informal workers, the architects aimed to design a solution based on informal workers need and functional use of public spaces. We designed the shelter in such a way that it doesnt touch the ground or interfere with public space and folds up onto itself," says Diggavi. The chassis and frame set-up which includes a cycle wheel to move the jute curtain costs about 20,000. Scalability is a strong focus. Everything in blue is pre-made of recycled or fabricated metal which can be shipped to different locations. Depending on the region its being shipped to, the canopy, the bench, and the front curtain can be replaced using local materials," Kandal explains. They are hoping to have a conversation with the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) about this shelter and how it can be taken forward. The larger idea is to force discourse on why we have to think about these solutions in the first place - our current urban designs and plans have all but failed to meet the requirements," Kandal explains. For informal workers visiting the exhibition, it was also a platform to discuss heat as a problem. We are often told to just adjust to the heat, never see it as a problem," says Gowda. Rising heat also impacts their physical and mental health. Bhagyamma H, a construction worker, describes how the rising temperatures take a toll on her body, especially when working with materials like cement. Theres no shade nearby where we can just sit and rest," she says. We eat right next to the cement, which radiates heat. Even when were menstruating and dealing with body aches, we have to keep going in the sun." Mangala, a field worker with the NGO Association for Promoting Social Action (APSA), speaks of the health effects she faces due to constant exposure. I get a lot of rashes and itching," she says. Reflecting on the Neralu Heat Shelter, Bhagyamma says spaces like these could offer vital respite. At least I can sit and eat my lunch in the shade," she says. I.S. Patil, community coordinator, APSA, emphasises the importance of having solutions-centric conversations and recognising the impact of heat on informal workers. Be it BBMP or local hospitals, they see heat only through the lens of health. If people are falling sick because of heat, its seen as a health issue but not in relation to heat," he explains. The opening day also included a performative play by a theatre collective, Kahe Vidushak. From spotlighting how heat affects women workers in overcrowded factories where they cant drink water or use washrooms to silent struggles of construction workers who have to deal with unreasonable work timelines under the blazing sun, the play gave a glimpse the lived realities of vulnerable communities. On the second day, there was a panel discussion between informal workers with experts and practitioners of climate resilience on how to make city-level responses to heat stress inclusive and needs-oriented. This was an opportunity to bring all solutions providers together. We need solutions on-ground, and for that, the conversation must start on-ground," says Bhasin. What a wonderful world it would be if Tamil and Telugu commercial directors could apply their considerable talents to telling concise, coherent stories. The bloat is out of control. Im not just talking about the dozen retrofitted plots of Kalki 2898 AD or the maddening detours of Pushpa 2. Even smart, funny films like Jigarthanda DoubleX stretch their material unduly. I admit this isnt a widely held opinion. Audiences today clearly like the mess. As luck would have it, the wrong director decided to simplify. Thug Life is Mani Ratnam at his most basic. This isnt to say hes made a terrible filmits just not the film youd expect Ratnam, comfortably established as the preeminent popular director of the past 40 years, to make at 69. In his previous two films, Ponniyin Selvan: I and its sequel, he created a rich, teeming world and asked audiences to keep up. No one will have any problem following Thug Life, a remarkably linear tale for an industry that loves flashbacks and wrong-footing the viewer. Thug Life reunites Ratnam with Kamal Haasan for the first time since Nayakan, a landmark 1987 Tamil gangster film. In the early black-and-white scenes, a clean-shaven Haasan might remind viewers of Velu Naicker, as will the sight of a young boy at his fathers funeral. The man died in a shootout between the police and gangster Rangaraaya Sakthivel (Haasan). The don adopts the boywho doesnt know how his father was killed or that his sister, Chandra, is alive. In time, Amaran (Silambarasan) rises to second-in-command in Sakthivels cartel, the dealings of which are left vague, and which operates out of an even vaguer Delhi. From the start, co-writers Ratnam and Haasan seed the idea that Amaran, for all his loyalty to his quasi-father, can be swayed by voices in his ear, and that Sakthivel has plenty of the paranoia that must come with being a gangster. The first half is a laser-focused and very enjoyable march towards their split. There are small pleasures (Joju George as wrecking machine, the Simla Agreement line) and more elaborate ones (Silambarasans entry scene in the desert, the ebullience of the Jinguchaa choreography). We see Sakthivel at peacedallying with his mistress, Indrani (Trisha Krishnan), worrying about his daughterand at war, parrying attacks by rival don Sadanand (Mahesh Manjrekar). For all the frenetic energy on display, theres a sense that the real business can only start once hes betrayed. It's anyones guess if Thug Life is more a Haasan or Ratnam joint, or whether they were in total agreement on the direction the film would take. One thing is clear, though. Ratnam wants to make a film that will play: not a masterpiece but a hit. You can sense it in the frequency of set pieces, the straightforwardness of the narrative, and the absence of any political or cultural commentary. Theres no interrogation of the modern gangster film. There is certainly a depth of emotion, but the storytelling is shallow. The desire to put aside shading in favour of success also seems to have guided the third grizzled head behind Thug Life. I cant think of another film in some time where A.R. Rahman has been this focused on delivering hits. Paal Dabbas O Maara is a blast, but on the whole its a solid rather than standout soundtrack. Save for one songthe soaring Vinveli Nayaga, with its 80s-pop propulsion and orchestral swoops. I was hoping it would play over a big climactic showdown, but end credits turned out to be the proper placetheres nothing in the film to match its power. Ratnam doesnt quite fit in with todays action cinema. He can still put together a great sequence if it doesnt involve much fighting or stunt workthe foiled assassination attempt in PS-II is exquisite. But filming combat isnt his strong suit, and having to work around the limitations of a 70-year-old star makes it worse. Anbariv are excellent action directors, but Haasan isnt at all convincing as an indestructible object (one punch from George would knock him into next week) and none of the fights are memorable. That they still broadly work is a credit to editor A. Sreekar Prasad, who continues his outstanding work on Ponniyin Selvan. At least Haasan isnt too old to act his way out of trouble. Faced with betrayal, hes left without words, only managing a series of guttural soundsa wheeze that turns to a growl and then a laugh. As the film goes on, Ratnam increasingly catches him in closeup, his eyes shining with pain and acceptance of his mortality. Its good hes trying so hard because Amaran becomes less interesting after the split and Indrani is a disaster, a perpetual victim played nervously by Krishnan. Mumbai-based Sarita Aggarwal, 62, has had an 8 lakh health insurance policy from a national insurer for nearly two decades. But in recent years, the annual premium has shot upfrom 25,000 in 2022 to 35,000 in 2023, and then 52,500 in 2024. She's bracing for yet another hike in 2025. She has been considering discontinuing the policy and building a medical emergency fund instead. Even as I am paying such a huge premium, I had to sue my insurer thrice to get my claim settled. I won twice," she said. Damned if you do and damned if you dont,"she says. Yet, she suspects shell keep renewing it, simply because there seems to be no alternative. Thane-based Sameer Deshpande, 58, took a different path. After early retirement, he converted his employer-provided insurance into a private plan covering himself, his wife, and son. When the insurer hiked the premium from 18,000 to 35,000 in just a yearowing to his age slab changehe dropped himself from the policy. I was uncomfortable with this hike. I decided to exclude myself from the policy and renewed it only for my wife and son which cost me 21,000. I feel its smarter to pay cash on demand than to shell out everrising premiums for uncertain coverage," said Deshpande. Also read: Senior healthcare crisis: Why insurance must cover more than just hospital stays Insurance vs investment Rising premiums are forcing many seniors to reconsider the value of insurance versus building a medical emergency corpus. "Hospitalisation is an uncertain event - difficult to quantify the medical bill and just how many times one may get hospitalised. Insurance will surely offer better risk protection against medical corpus, but if the premium amount becomes more than 33% of the total coverage, it is wise to look for alternatives," said Abhishek Kumar, founder & chief investment advisor of SahajMoney, a Sebi-registered investment advisory firm. Vaibhav Aggarwal, CFA, a behavioural finance professor at O.P. Jindal Global University, ran some calculations for a relative who had been hospitalized three times in the past 10 years. I assumed eight hospitalisations in the next 10 years, with the super top-up coverage being used a couple of times and only the base policy for the rest. The total internal rate of return for cumulative inflows and outflows came to 18%. This simulation helped me convince her to continue with the policy," said Aggarwal. There's also a chance you may end up paying more in medical costs if you opt to pay in cash. Insurance companies negotiate fixed packages, often reducing treatment costs by around 20%. In contrast, individuals without coverage may face inflated bills or unnecessary procedures, as there is no insurer to audit the charges. Youre at the mercy of the hospital," Aggarwal cautioned. If you can't afford the insurance," he noted, you can never afford the hospitalization." Also Read: Your EPF makes you eligible for 7 lakh life insurance. Here's what you need to know Key Takeaways Many elderly policyholders are facing steep hikes in health insurance premiums, prompting them to question whether its worth continuing coverage. While building a medical fund seems appealing, insurance still offers better protection against unpredictable and large hospitalisation costs. Combining a basic health plan with a super top-up can help maintain decent coverage at a lower overall premium. Removing unnecessary add-ons, using wellness benefits, and opting for multi-year premium payments can help manage costs better. Seniors should explore inclusion in childrens employer health plans or enrol in schemes like Ayushman Bharat for basic coverage. How to make insurance affordable While rising premiums can feel unsustainable, consider the share of premiums in your overall expenses. As long as your annual premium is equal to or lower than your two months of expenses, it should be fine. It should not exceed 15-20% of your annual expenses, as data from OECD countries shows," said Kumar. What should you do if it reaches that level? To maintain decent coverage, you may consider pairing a low-coverage base health plan with a super top-up policy. A super top-up plan comes with a deductible, which means the policyholder will have to pay the amount up to deductible from her own pockets or from the base policy before the super top-up coverage kicks in. The deductible makes the premium of super top-up plans much lower than a regular health plan. "Keeping a base plan of 5-10 lakh and layering it with a super top-up significantly improves affordability. Having both from the same insurer can simplify claims, but it isnt mandatory," said a spokesperson from Ditto Insurance, a Zerodha-backed insurance advisory platform. If this too is unaffordable, simply maintain a super top-up without a base policy and keep the emergency fund ready to meet expenses equivalent to the deductible threshold. The premium hike in super top-up is relatively slower. Few people buy a top-up plan which works exactly like the super top-up with a difference that one can only use it for a single claim or hospitalization within the policy period. Mohan Govindrajan, a 66-year-old living in Chennai paid 50,000 to 54,000 annually for himself and her wife separately for their 10-lakh policy. Govindrajan noted that 10 years ago, the premium was significantly lower, around 10,000 to 20,000. They also have a top-up plan that covers them with 20 lakhs sum insured with a 10 lakh deductible. The premium hike in the top-up plan has been much slower than my base policy," he said. If insurers do not sell you a super top-up due to health or any other reason, there are ways to lower your premium of the existing policy. "Some insurers offer discounts if you pay premiums upfront for two to five years. This can help save money and protect against future premium hikes," said Ditto. Dropping non-essential add-ons is another option. "Riders such as critical illness, hospital cash, and OPD cover can push premiums up. If you have sufficient savings to handle smaller expenses, consider removing them and focusing purely on hospitalization cover," Ditto said. Use wellness programmes efficiently."Insurers such as Aditya Birla, Niva Bupa, and Care offer wellness programmes that reward you for meeting health goals such as discounts or reward points if you stay active or go for regular health checkups. These arent huge savings, but they can help a little with the overall cost," said Ditto. Also Read: How corporate India is quietly becoming the health insurer for your parents Alternatively, if your children are employed, they should consider adding parents in employer-sponsored group plans as dependents. If you qualify, this can provide decent coverage at a lower cost. Last but not least, opt for government schemes. If you are over 70, you can enrol in the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, which will make you eligible for 5 lakh insurance cover. While dropping the insurance policy to invest the premium equivalent in an investment product seems viable, one should look for other alternatives to keep the policy running without burning a hole in the pocket. There is a greater need to understand the transmission of the new covid wave, a disease control expert said, at a time when the number of cases in the country is inching closer to 5,000. Communities where flu-like symptoms lead to a rush of covid-19 hospitalizations need an epidemiological investigationa process to figure out how it spreads and stop the transmissionaccording to Dr. Sujeet Singh, who led the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) during the pandemic outbreak five years ago. This will uncover transmission dynamics, trends among hospitalized cases and epidemiological profile of cases, besides assessment of morbidity and associated severity, Singh said in an interview. Also Read | Trade war bigger threat for emerging markets than COVID crisis: Gita Gopinath There has been a recent rise in covid cases in Singapore, Hongkong, Korea and some other countries. In India also, there has been a substantial rise in the last fortnight. The rise from 257 cases around 25 May to over 3,900 cases on 1 June, 2025 points to increased transmission, said Singh, former NCDC director. He added that at present, the strategy of test, track and treat should be aimed at understanding the current scenarios, particularly in states where rise is being seen. On Thursday, India registered a 4866 active covid-19 cases, as per health ministry data. As many as seven deaths were reported in the previous 24 hours, two each in Delhi, Karnataka and three from Maharashtra. The total number of deaths have climbed to 51 since 1 January 2025. India's latest covid wave is caused by two new coronavirus variants, NB.1.8.1 and LF.7, mutations of the Omicron offspring JN.1 variant. Also Read | Centre asks states to ramp up healthcare preparedness as covid cases rise Concerns over the sharp spike of covid-19 cases in India can be due to increased testing in influenza-like illnesses (ILI) or acute respiratory infection (ARI) cases. Testing can be focused in hospitalized ILI cases. Thereafter, the communities from where increased admission of ILI cases (which are covid-19 positive) need to be further epidemiologically investigated. The mortality in high-risk elderly population and persons with co-morbidities also needs to be investigated, he said. The health ministry has directed all states and union territories to ensure health preparedness measures across health facilities to control the transmission of the infection. Assessment of oxygen supply system is being done in hospitals as part of the health preparedness measure. Dr. Chandrakant Lahariya, a public health expert, said that while there is fairly good understanding of SARS CoV2 virus to make inferences, it would be worthwhile for the government to regularly release epidemiological data of covid-19 cases. As of now, We don't know from where these covid-19 cases are being reported, what are their distribution patterns, do they have co-morbidities. The government should put data for epidemiological analysis to understand severity and pattern of the disease. The covid-19 virus has become mild to milder and people should not panic due to the spike in the covid. Furthermore, there should be a better communication approach and bring in more science and epidemiology while discussing on covid-19, said Dr. Lahariya. Meanwhile, the government has advised the public to practise hand hygiene, cough etiquette, and avoid crowded places when unwell. The health ministry has noted that individuals with acute respiratory illness should self-monitor and seek medical care if symptoms worsen. According to Dr. Raman Gangakhedkar, a former scientist at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and currently national chair at ICMR, right now, Indias surveillance strategy should focus more on hospitalization and death rates. The number of cases being reported in the country is not important unless we know whether the hospitalization and deaths rated are increasing. The number of cases increases if one tests more and more people. These absolute numbers are of limited value as this is a mild infection. Rather, these covid numbers create panic in the people. And if, the hospitalization and death rates increase, sequencing those samples to see whether the virus has mutated or is the circulating variant will help design an appropriate strategy further. If it is an old omicron strain, then there is nothing to worry but, if it is a new strain, then measures need to be taken. During a meeting in the Oval Office with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Thursday, President Donald Trump remarked that it might be better to allow Ukraine and Russia to fight for a while before stepping in to separate them and pursue peace. Comparing the conflict to a quarrel between two young children who despise each other, Trump said he had conveyed this analogy to Russian President Vladimir Putin during their phone conversation the previous day. Chancellor Merz, seated alongside Trump, emphasised their shared condemnation of the ongoing war, describing it as terrible and highlighting Trumps role as a key figure capable of ending the bloodshed. However, Merz was clear that Germany firmly supports Ukraine, noting that Kyiv targets only military objectives and not Russian civilians. We are trying to get them stronger, he added. This marked the first in-person meeting between the two leaders, who exchanged pleasantries including a gift from Merz to Trumpa gold-framed birth certificate of Trumps grandfather, Friedrich Trump, who emigrated from Germany. Their discussions were expected to cover a range of issues including the war in Ukraine, trade relations, and NATO defence spending. Also Read | Operation Spiderweb Turns Global Case Study: Countries Scramble For Cheap Drones Since assuming office on 6 May, Merz and Trump have spoken several times by phone, with German officials describing the relationship as decent and Merz seeking to avoid the antagonism that characterised Trumps dealings with his predecessor, Angela Merkel. Merz, a conservative with a strong business background and former rival to Merkel, has been active in diplomatic efforts surrounding Ukraine, travelling to Kyiv shortly after taking office and hosting President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Berlin last week. A White House official indicated that Trump planned to raise topics such as Germanys defence spending, trade, Ukraine, and concerns over democratic backsliding, suggesting that shared values like freedom of speech have deteriorated in Germany and should be restored. Merz responded by saying he was open to discussing German domestic politics but stressed that Germany generally refrains from commenting on American internal affairs. Also Read | Trump Broadcasts Putin Vow to Respond to Ukraine Drone Strike Under Merzs predecessor, Olaf Scholz, Germany became the second-largest supplier of military aid to Ukraine after the United States. Merz has pledged to maintain this support and recently committed to assisting Ukraine in developing long-range missile systems free from range restrictions. Despite his comments on letting the conflict play out, Trump did not rule out sanctions, warning that when I see the moment where its not going to stop well be very, very tough, signalling that sanctions could be imposed on both Ukraine and Russia. Domestically, Merzs government is intensifying efforts to strengthen the German military, a campaign initiated by Scholz following Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Trump, who criticised Germany during his first term for failing to meet NATOs 2% GDP defence spending target, is now demanding that allies increase their contributions to at least 5%. Elon Musk intensified his public spat with President Donald Trump by polling on X, formerly Twitter, it is time to create a new political party to represent the majority of Americans he feels are overlooked by current politics. Musk asked his followers a direct question: "Is it time to create a new political party in America that actually represents the 80% in the middle?" The poll reflects Musks ongoing criticism of both major parties and his call for political change. Message to Republicans Responding to a prominent conservatives comment suggesting Republicans might have to choose between Musk and Trump, Musk added a pointed reminder: "Oh and some food for thought as they ponder this question: Trump has 3.5 years left as President, but I will be around for 40+ years..." Musk-Trump feud intensifies over tax bill Elon Musk escalated his public spat with President Donald Trump by making a shocking allegation on X, formerly Twitter. Musk claimed that Trump is named in the controversial Jeffrey Epstein files, which have not been made public. Time to drop the really big bomb: @realDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public. Have a nice day, DJT! Musk tweeted on Thursday. He added, Mark this post for the future. The truth will come out, fueling speculation and intensifying tensions between the two. Trump threatens to cut Musks Government contracts Trump hit sharply on his social media platform Truth Social, calling Musk CRAZY and threatening to terminate government contracts and subsidies awarded to Musks companies. The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elons Governmental Subsidies and Contracts, Trump wrote. I was always surprised that Biden didnt do it! Musk escalated the showdown by announcing, In light of the Presidents statement about cancellation of my government contracts, @SpaceX will begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft immediately. Feud sparks over Trumps tax bill The public clash deepened after Musk vehemently criticised Trumps tax and spending bill, which was passed by House Republicans in May and touted by Trump as a big, beautiful bill. Trump defended the bill, while Musk called it the big, ugly bill. Musk also claimed that the bill was rushed through Congress without proper review: This bill was never shown to me even once and was passed in the dead of night so fast that almost no one in Congress could even read it! Musk claims credit for Trumps 2024 election win In a surprising twist, Musk asserted his crucial role in Trumps political success, tweeting, Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate. He lamented Trumps response, calling it Such ingratitude. Musk on June 4 condemned the legislation as outrageous and a disgusting abomination, lambasting it as a massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill. He wrote on X, Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it. Also Read | Musk backs impeachment of Trump, wants Vance to replace him The recent arrest of a Chinese researcher and charges against another for smuggling a dangerous crop-killing fungus into the United States have brought renewed attention to the threat of agro-terrorism. At the heart of the case is Fusarium graminearum, a potent plant pathogen capable of devastating cereal crops and disrupting national food supplies. US officials allege the two researchers, one of whom worked at a University of Michigan lab, intended to conduct unauthorized research on the fungusraising fears of deliberate attempts to compromise American agriculture. The incident, unfolding amid heightened US-China tensions and trade disputes, highlights how scientific collaboration can be exploited to target a countrys most vulnerable infrastructure: its food system. What is agro-terrorism? Agro-terrorism is the intentional use of biological agentssuch as plant pathogens, pests, or contaminantsto attack a countrys agricultural infrastructure. It targets food production systems with the aim of causing economic devastation, food insecurity, and public panic. Agro-terrorism is attractive to hostile actors because it is low-cost, difficult to detect, and capable of triggering far-reaching economic and social damage. Why agriculture is a soft target Agriculture-based sectors are especially vulnerable. Unlike military or financial systems, farms, food processing plants, and supply chains are less protected and widely dispersed. Biological attacks on crops or livestock can go undetected for weeks and are difficult to trace back to the perpetrators. This makes agro-terrorism a potent weapon for countries or groups seeking to destabilize a rival nation. Fusarium graminearum: A potent agro-terrorism threat At the center of the current controversy is Fusarium graminearum, a fungus that causes Fusarium head blighta disease that ravages cereal crops such as wheat, barley, maize, and rice. The fungus not only decimates yields but also produces a toxin called vomitoxin (deoxynivalenol), making the grain unsafe for human and animal consumption. According to the US Department of Agriculture, this disease causes over $1 billion in crop losses annually in the United States alone. Vomitoxin can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever in livestock and people, further amplifying its public health impact. The case: Chinese researchers charged Two Chinese nationals, Yunqing Jian (33) and Zunyong Liu (34), have been charged by US federal prosecutors with smuggling Fusarium graminearum into the United Stateswithout proper permits and under false pretenses. Jian, who works at the University of Michigan, is currently in US custody. Liu, her boyfriend and a researcher in China, is believed to be in China and remains at large. According to the FBI, Liu carried baggies of the fungus into the US via the Detroit airport and initially lied about them. He later admitted he intended to use them for research in a Michigan lab. Jian allegedly received Chinese government funding for similar research and has expressed loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). US Attorney Jerome Gorgon Jr. described the smuggling as a national security concern, emphasising the CCP ties and the threat to Americas food supply. Why this matters Although Fusarium graminearum already exists in the US, the unauthorised import of foreign strains is dangerous. Variants may be more virulent, pesticide-resistant, or adapted to new climatesmaking them harder to contain. Bringing them in without the proper biosecurity controls risks new outbreaks or genetic mutations that existing defenses cant manage. FBI Director Kash Patel warned that this could have "grave consequences... putting American lives and our economy at serious risk." He emphasised that this case illustrates how state-backed actors may attempt to infiltrate US institutions and compromise critical sectors like food security. Wider context: US-China tensions This incident comes amid deteriorating relations between Washington and Beijing. US-China trade talks stall after Geneva tariff truce Trade negotiations between the United States and China have stalled, just weeks after both sides agreed in Geneva to a 90-day cooling-off period by reducing tariffs. The agreement had seen China cut tariffs on American goods from 125% to 10%, while the U.S. proposed lowering its tariffs on Chinese imports from 145% to 30%. However, progress has faltered amid renewed tensions. U.S. President Donald Trump reignited the dispute on May 30, accusing China of totally violating the Geneva deal, though he did not provide specifics. So much for being Mr. NICE GUY! he wrote on social media. In response, Chinas Commerce Ministry denied any violations and accused Washington of making bogus charges and taking unreasonable actions, including export controls on AI chips and revoking Chinese student visas. The Trump administration has also recently announced a crackdown on Chinese student visas, citing national security threats. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio pledged to aggressively revoke visas for Chinese students in sensitive research fieldsmoves Beijing has denounced as discriminatory. China, for its part, responded cautiously. Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian stated he was unaware of the case but added that China expects its citizens to obey local laws. Also Read | Chinese nationals arrested for smuggling deadly Pathogen into US Planning to visit the United States? Be prepared for a long wait for an interview appointment for B1/B2 visas, as the waiting period at some US consulates in India is over a year. However, if you are in a hurry, choosing the right city becomes crucial as some have much shorter wait times. The US Department of State on May 25, 2025, updated its global visa appointment wait time estimates and it shows both the average wait time in each consulate and estimated time until the next available appointment. Most B-1 (business), B-2 (tourism), or B-1/B-2 (combined) visa applicants must attend an in-person interview unless eligible for a waiver. Wait times vary by city, staffing, and demand. Average interview wait times for US non-immigrant visas: Chennai: 14 months Hyderabad: 7 months Kolkata: 6 months Mumbai: 9.5 months New Delhi: 8 months Next available interview appointment: Chennai: 14 months Hyderabad: 7 months Kolkata: 6 months Mumbai: 9.5 months New Delhi: 8 months Also Read | Chinese Students Ditch US Plans as Trump Vows Crackdown on Visas The wait time is calculated in months in 30-day increments and half months in 15-day increments. This includes weekends and holidays when embassies close, as per the US Department of State. However, the average wait time does not guarantee a visa applicant will get an appointment within a specific time. Also, embassies and consulates release additional appointment slots regularly. Applicants who want an earlier appointment slot after initially scheduling their interview should check back regularly and move their appointment to another available slot. The US Department of State's website mentioned, We now provide additional information on the average time non-immigrant visa applicants waited for an interview in the previous month. We also continue to provide the estimated wait time until the next available interview appointment for visitor visas. The Amarnath Yatra 2025 will be conducted from July 3 to August 9 this year. For the first time, the duration will be reduced to 38 days, and added security will be provided. According to a report by news agency ANI, 581 companies from various Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) will be deployed during the Shri Amarnath Yatra 2025. Also Read | Amarnath Yatra: 5 BIG reasons why you should NOT visit the Hindu shrine The pilgrimage, scheduled to take place from July 3 to August 9, will now be conducted over a reduced duration of 38 days for the first time, ANI reported. Amarnath Yatra 2025: Security measures For the first time, jammers will be installed to protect the Shri Amarnath Yatra convoy during its movement, which will be escorted by Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). During the passage of the convoy, all roads leading to the Yatra routes and National Highways will be temporarily blocked to ensure maximum security. In addition to these measures, a comprehensive deployment will include Road Opening Parties (ROPs) to secure and clear the routes, Quick Action Teams (QATs) for immediate response to threats, Bomb Disposal Squads (BDS) for detecting and neutralising explosives, K9 units (specially trained sniffer dogs), and drones for aerial surveillance. These arrangements will be in place on both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes to the Amarnath Cave Shrine in Jammu and Kashmir. Among other details, Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board has made it clear that those below 13 years and above 70 years of age will not be permitted for this Yatra even if they obtain the compulsory medical certificate. Also, pregnant women will not be permitted. Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat express Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to inaugurate the Vande Bharat train service between Katra and Srinagar on Friday, said the Northern Railway, adding it will start its commercial operations for the public from 7 June. The IRCTC has opened advance booking from Thursday afternoon. According to the Northern Railway, two Vande Bharat Train sets will make four trips during the day between Katra and Srinagar. Also Read | Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat launch hits weather hurdle "It has two travelling classes Chair Car (CC) and Executive Class (EC) with tickets costing 715 and 1320 respectively," an official from Northern Railway said. The Karnataka government on Thursday told the state HC said that the situation outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru was a total frenzy as 11 were killed in a deadly stampede on June 4. Hearing the matter, the Karnataka High Court decided to take suo motu cognisance of the incident. We have expressed ourselves to the Advocate General and he has filed a status report, which is taken on record. Registry is directed to register this suo-motu cognisance as suo-moto WP, a division bench of Acting Chief Justice V Kameshwar Rao and Justice CM Joshi said. News items have been published in various newspapers, narrating the tragedy that happened when 11 persons died and 75 were injured during the course of the victory celebration of RCB. This court is taking cognisance of the incident, the High Court said. The Karnataka HC further issued a notice to the state government over the incident that killed 11 and injured scores of others. To ascertain the cause of the tragedy and how to prevent it in future, we have also received communications from several persons on this subject matter. We issue a notice to the State government, it said. Senior Advocate Arun Shyam submitted that two events took place at Vidhana Souda and the stadium, let them give details of where the ambulances were deployed, the bench said. The Karnataka HC posted the matter for hearing again on June 10. Bengaluru stampede: What did the Karnataka govt say? Attorney General Shashi Kiran Shetty, representing the State said that that the Chinnaswamy stadium is meant to hold about 30,000 people, but 2.5 lakh people showed up to witness the victory ceremony after Royal Challengers Bengaluru won their first IPL title after 18 years. The stadium was meant to accommodate about 30,000 people but 2.5 lakh people showed up. The stampede took place after free entry was announced. Each person who rushed thought they would only be one more additional person, the Attorney General said on behalf of the Karnataka government. Shetty explained that thousands of police officials were present on the ground, adding that the state is concerned about the incident. Police Commissioner and other senior police officers, including 1318 and a total of 1483 officials, were present on the ground, he said. Also Read | Scattered shoes, silence haunt street outside Bengaluru stadium after stampede We are concerned about it as much as anyone else. The First Statement given by CM was about compensation to be given and medical treatment to be provided. We have been working since last night, milords. We are open to any suggestions, the AG added. A BSF jawan was allegedly abducted by Bangladeshi nationals in West Bengals Murshidabad district, but was released a few hours later following intervention by the Border Guard Bangladesh, PTI reported, citing officials The incident took place in the early hours near Chandni Chowk, close to the Border Security Force camp in Sutiar, Nurpur in the district, they said. PTI reported, citing BSF sources, that the jawan was trying to stop an infiltration attempt from the Bangladesh side near Kathalia village when he was captured by miscreants from Bangladeshs Chapai Nawabganj district. He was abducted by Bangladeshi nationals and was held captive, but was released within a couple of hours after we flagged the issue with the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). The jawan is now with us and doing fine, a senior BSF official of the South Bengal Frontier told PTI. The trooper was handed over to the Indian authorities after a flag meeting between the two border forces. Investigations are currently underway to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident, the sources told PTI. The BSF is reviewing security protocols in the area, but has yet to issue an official statement on the incident. The Union government has announced the dates of the long-delayed Census. The government said on Wednesday that the Census will be carried out in two phases before 1 March 2027. This time, the enumerators will collect caste details of residents along with the population numbers. This is happening for the first time since independence. The annoucement has, however, reopened the debate on deimitation with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the centre of planning to reduce Tamil Nadus parliamentary seats. Census Data The Census data is likely become the base for delimitation, womens reservation and one nation, one election. Stalin, the DMK chief, demanded an answer from the Union government over the timing for conducting a caste census, highlighting the constitutional mandate that delimitation must follow the census after 2026. "The Indian Constitution mandates that delimitation must follow the first census after 2026. The BJP has now delayed the census to 2027, making their plan clear to reduce Tamil Nadu's Parliamentary representation," Stalin posted on X. Stalin said that the warnings he issued earlier regarding delimitation are unfolding now. Stalin further attacked All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, accusing him of being "complicit in this betrayal" by siding with the BJP. Also Read | Delimitation Explained: Process and politics behind the simmering controversy As per the Ministry of Home Affairs statement on Population Census 2027, the reference date will be March 1. For the Union Territory of Ladakh and the snow-bound areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, the reference date will be October 1, 2026. The full schedule will be notified on June 16. The reference date is actually a cut-off date, as the population of a country is usually declared as of a specific day or date. The official headcount, and the houselisting process precedes this cut-off date. The whole exercise might take up to another three years for the numbers to be finalised and released. In 2011, the last time the census was conducted, the entire process of houselisting and enumeration was completed before the reference date of March 1, 2011. Census enumeration and the final report released in the next few months is expected to open the doors for delimitation of Lok Sabha seats. The government has also promised to implement 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament following the delimitation. Fair Delimitation Parties in the southern states fear that they will lose representation in Parliament if delimitation is conducted based on population enumeration of the latest Census. They argue that southern states have been able to control their populations better compared to northern states over the years and hence they will get less representation in the Parliament if seats are alloted based on population. Earlier this year, the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu even passed a resolution opposing Census-based delimitation. In March, Stalin-led a joint action committee (JAC) comprising the chief ministers of four states and political parties from three others called for a fair delimitation. The JAC urged the Centre to extend the freeze on the delimitation on parliamentary constituencies by another three decades. What is the freeze? During the Emergency (June 25 1975 March 21, 1977) the Congress government headed by Prime Minister Indira Gandhipassed the 42nd amendment, officially known as The Constitution (Forty-second amendment) Act, 1976. This meant that the 1971 census was used as the reference point until the first census after 2000. It basically froze the number of Lok Sabha seats until after the first Census taken after 2000. In 2002, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government extended the freeze for next 25 years until at least 2026. It is this freeze on the number of Lok Sabha seats that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin is urging the Centre to extend for another 30 years. A 2019 analysis by Milan Vaishnaw and Jamie Hintson of Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, projected that a delimitation exercise could see the overall strength of the Lok Sabha rising to 848, with Uttar Pradesh alone seeing its tally increase from the current 80 to 143 by 2026. In contrast, the analysis said, Tamil Nadu, which currently sends 39 representatives, could see the number rise to just 49. Kerala, which sends 20, would see no change at all. This is precisely the concern raised by states in the south. Amit Shah's assurance In February, Union minister Amit Shah assured that no southern state, including Tamil Nadu, will see a reduction in Parliamentary representation due to the delimitation exercise. I want to reassure the public of South India that Modi ji has kept your interest in mind to make sure that not even one seat is reduced pro rata, Amit Shah said addressing a gathering in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. Whatever increase is there, Southern states will get a fair share, there is no reason to doubt this," he said. It's now clear that he has surrendered to Delhi's domination. The census, due in 2021, was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Census 2027 is slated to be one of the most comprehensive data-gathering exercises undertaken by the Indian government. Census of India is conducted under the provisions of the Census Act, 1948 and the Census Rules, 1990. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said he would not defend the stampede outside the Bengaluru stadium on June 4 by drawing comparisons with similar tragedies elsewhere, like the Kumbh Mela. Siddaramaiah said that he did not criticise when several people lost their lives in a stampede at the Mahakumbh. "Such incidents happened in so many places. I am not going to defend this by comparing it with them now by saying it happened here and there. In Kumbh Mela, 50-60 people died, I didn't criticise it," he was quoted by news agency ANI as saying. "If Congress criticises, then that is a different matter. Did I or the Karnataka government criticise?" CM Siddaramaiah asked. The chief minister said, This incident should not have happened. Addressing a press conference, CM Siddaramaiah said that the government will also provide free treatment to the injured. "A major tragedy occurred during the victory celebrations. It happened near the Chinnaswamy Stadium. The government has announced a compensation of 10 lakh for the deceased. The government will provide free treatment to the injured," the CM said. Expressing deep sorrow over the incident, CM Siddaramaiah said, "11 died and 33 were injured in the stampede. This tragedy should not have happened. The government expresses deep sorrow over this incident." The Karnataka CM further asserted that he has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the matter. "I don't want to defend this incident. Our government will not do politics on this. I have ordered a magisterial inquiry and given 15 days' time. People even broke the gates of the stadium. There was a stampede. No one expected such a huge crowd. The stadium has a capacity of only 35,000 people, but 2-3 lakh people came," CM Siddaramaiah said. Fans in thousands gathered outside the Stadium in Bengaluru to catch a glimpse of their champion team. RCB finally ended an 18-year wait for the coveted IPL trophy, defeating Punjab Kings by six wickets in the finals of IPL 2025, held on Tuesday at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed his deep sorrow over the incident, describing it as "absolutely heartrending". In a statement by the Prime Minister's Office, the Prime Minister extended his thoughts to the families of the deceased while praying for the speedy recovery of those injured. "The mishap in Bengaluru is absolutely heartrending. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that those who are injured have a speedy recovery: PM Narendra Modi," PMO stated on X. New Delhi: Registrars of Companies (RoCs) across the country have turned up the heat on Nidhi companies and their directors for violations of company law, signalling close regulatory scrutiny over these non-bank lenders. So far this year, 63 penalty orders have been issued against these companies and their directors for violations, against 33 over the same period a year ago, official data showed. These account for nearly a fourth of all adjudication orders issued by RoCs this year. Breaches by Nidhi companies include not maintaining a registered office, not appointing a statutory auditor or filing audit reports, not reporting board resolutions to the RoCs, and operating without securing Nidhi company status from the government, the penalty orders issued by RoCs showed. Also read: Why two NBFCs are requesting easing of bond covenants A Nidhi company is a non-banking finance company that accepts deposits from its members and lends only to them. Operating under Section 406 of the Companies Act, it must have at least 200 members within a year of its incorporation and maintain a certain ratio of capital base to deposits to prevent excessive leverage. Enhanced oversight RoCs have been keeping a close eye on these companies as they accept public funds and many of them operate in rural areas, making members of the community vulnerable to any failure or wrongdoing, said a person informed about the development. There are various other forms of mutual benefit and lending institutions in the country, including micro-finance companies, chit funds, cooperative societies and small non-bank lenders to address the financial needs of people, said this person, who did not wish to be named. These entities are subject to oversight from state governments, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the ministry of cooperation. Also read: Why RBI gave banks a knuckle rap for their misaligned retail focus After the revamping of the statutory filing processes of companies, RoCs are now more focused on enforcement activities rather than spending their time and resources taking on record the statutory filings. This is leading to enhanced oversight of corporate governance, the first person quoted above added. Subodh Dandawate, associate director - regulatory services at Nexdigm, a business advisory firm, said, Nidhi companies are mutual benefit organisations that accept deposits and provide loans exclusively to their members. However, there have been instances where the Nidhi company structure has been misused for unauthorised and suspicious financial activities. To curb such malpractices, the ministry of corporate affairs has intensified its scrutiny of Nidhi companies." Susceptible to misuse Nidhi companies deal with public funds, which makes them susceptible to misuse and necessitates robust oversight, said Chetan Gandhi, director at NPV Corporate Law Solutions Pvt. Ltd. In the case of Nidhi companies, the primary regulator is the ministry of corporate affairs, and these entities are largely exempt from the rigorous regulations of the RBI, because of which there is a potential area of concern for regulatory arbitrage or less stringent compliance, said Gandhi. Deposits with Nidhi companies are generally not covered by the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corp (DICGC), which means that in case of failure, depositors have limited recourse for recovery of their funds. There have been historical instances of financial irregularities, mismanagement, and even outright fraud in some Nidhi companies, leading to loss of public money, Gandhi said, adding that the heightened regulatory focus on them is a clear sign of a more proactive and stringent enforcement approach. In 2023 the ministry set up a centralised agency for voluntary closure, allowing businesses keen to down shutters anywhere in the country to approach the Centre for Processing Accelerated Corporate Exit (CPACE) in Manesar. It also integrated its statutory filing portal MCA21 with the National Single Window System (NSWS), which offers various central and state approvals in one place, for registering new businesses. Besides, several statutory filings now require only an online acknowledgement, not approvals from RoCs, which allows them to focus on enforcement and adjudication. PM Narendra Modi was gifted Sindoor saplings by a group of woman during his recent visit to Kutch. The women who met the prime minister are known for displaying remarkable courage during the 1971 war. Moved by the gesture, PM Modi promised he would plant the sapling at his residence. Fulfilling that promise, today on World Environment Day, he planted the Sindoor sapling at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg. Watch video: Later he posted on X, The brave mothers and sisters of Kutch, who set an amazing example of courage and valor in the 1971 war, recently presented me with a Sindoor plant during my visit to Gujarat. Today, on World Environment Day, I have had the privilege of planting that plant in the Prime Minister's residence in New Delhi. This plant will remain a strong symbol of the valor and inspiration of the women power of our country. During his public event in Bhuj town on May 26, PM Modi met 13 of the surviving women, who are known as 'Virangana', and sought their blessings. He interacted with these septuagenarian women who had helped the Indian Army by rebuilding the airfield. Madhapar village is nearly 5 km from Bhuj, the administrative headquarters of Kutch district that shares its border with Pakistan. Also Read | Op Sindoor was brilliantly chosen name: Shashi Tharoor in DC Sindoor Memorial Park at Kutch A memorial park in the form of a high-density micro forest dedicated to Operation Sindoor, India's military response to the Pahalgam terror attack, will come up near Bhuj town of Gujarat's Kutch district bordering Pakistan, officials said on Tuesday. Spread across eight hectares, the park, to be called 'Sindoor Van' (Sindoor Forest), will feature different sections dedicated to Indian armed forces - the Army, Navy, Air Force -- and also the Border Security Force (BSF), said Sandeep Kumar, Chief Conservator of Forests, Kutch Circle. Kutch district shares both land and maritime borders with Pakistan, where first terror hubs, and later airbases were targeted by Indian armed forces in retaliatory strikes during the May 7-10 conflict. The site earmarked for 'Sindoor Van' at Mirzapar village near Bhuj town includes a portion of land where Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a public meeting on May 26 during his first visit to Gujarat after Operation Sindoor, he said. Also Read | Pakistan acknowledges India struck 7 additional targets in Operation Sindoor "This high density micro forest or 'Van Kavach' will come up on eight hectares of forest land at Mirzapar. We will grow nearly 80,000 plants, herbs, shrubs and climbers of around 40 to 45 species in this park dedicated to Operation Sindoor. We will amalgamate the bravery and courage of our armed forces in this park," explained Kumar. Economist S. Mahendra Dev has been appointed the new chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), a person informed about the development said. Dev, till Thursday an independent director with Axis Bank, will take charge of the position on Friday, said the person, who spoke on condition of not being named. Earlier in the day, Axis Bank informed stock exchanges that Dev had resigned from its board owing to his appointment as chairman of the EAC-PM, which is a full-time position. Also read | PM-EAC member Sanjeev Sanyal proposes a CAS-based framework to regulate AI EAC-PM did not have a full-time chairman since last November, when its first chairman Bibek Debroy passed away. NITI Aayog vice chairman Suman Bery has been holding the additional charge of EAC-PM since then. Amid tariff war The new appointment comes at a time the Narendra Modi government is busy dealing with the tariff war triggered by the US administration and its global macroeconomic implications, while also striving to step up and sustain economic growth rate in order to realize the governments goal of making India a developed country by 2047. Besides advising the Prime Minister on economic and related issues, EAC-PM analyses key issues requiring the attention of policy makers at the highest level. Also read | Bibek Debroy: Of economics, epics and erudition Business Standard reported on Thursday that Devs appointment is for a period of two years, and that new part-time members of the council include Soumya Kanti Ghosh, K.V. Raju, Chetan Ghate, Pami Dua, Pulak Ghosh and Gourav Vallabh. Mint could not independently verify this. New Delhi: A cross-party delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor is set to meet US Vice President J.D. Vance in Washington on Thursday, two people familiar with the development said. The team is expected to raise concerns over Pakistans continued support for cross-border terrorism, and may also seek clarity on US President Donald Trumps recent remarks about a ceasefire between India and Pakistancomments that have caused unease in diplomatic circles, one of the people said. The Washington visit is part of a broader parliamentary outreach, with delegations travelling to Guyana, Panama, Colombia and Brazil to underline Indias zero-tolerance policy on terrorism. The outreach follows the 22 April terror attack in Pahalgam, in which 26 people were killed, and Indias retaliatory action, codenamed Operation Sindoor. Read this | PM Narendra Modi hails Operation Sindoor for boosting sentiments for domestic manufacturing Alongside terrorism concerns, Tharoor, who chairs the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, is expected to raise recent US trade actions, including tariff hikes on Indian steel and aluminium. According to the second person, the team may also flag unresolved issues such as tariffs on Indian automobiles and metal products, and seek greater clarity on Washingtons approach to the ongoing Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) talks. Read this | India seeks wider US market access for fruit, vegetables, easy sanitary regulations The team of Indian parliamentarians would apprise the US Vice President about Pakistan for shielding terrorists and allowing them to use Pakistani territory to carry out cross-border attacks," the person added. In response to an emailed query, a spokesperson for the US Embassy in New Delhi said: I cant make any announcements on the Vice Presidents schedule. I have to refer you to the Indian parliament for what they plan to raise." Queries to the Prime Minister's Office and the ministries of external affairs and commerce remained unanswered till press time. The seven-member delegation includes MPs from five political parties: Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Tejaswi Surya, Bhubaneswar Kalita, and Shashank Mani Tripathi; Taranjit Singh Sandhu (a BJP member and former Indian ambassador to the US); Sarfaraz Ahmad of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha; Ganti Harish Madhur Balayogi of the Telugu Desam Party; and Milind Deora of the Shiv Sena. The team began its engagements in Washington on Wednesday with a round of meetings on Capitol Hill, briefing US Senators and Representatives on Indias experience with Pakistan-sponsored terror. Seven MPs representing five political parties, seven statesand we also have two ambassadors with us, the current and the former ambassador to Washington. We represent eight states and three religions," Tharoor noted during meetings with US Senators. I mention religions not because it should matter, but because the terrorists in Pahalgam tried to make religion an issue by asking their victims what their religion was before shooting them between the eyes," he added. Also read | Forces on alert, will retaliate if Pakistan uses military or terror ops: Narendra Modi warns They committed this heinous crime in a way that ensured there would be survivors to recount how those questions were asked. That is the message they wanted to send," said Tharoor. At a press conference held Wednesday at the National Press Club in Washington, Tharoor, along with BJP lawmaker Surya and Shiv Sena's Deora, sharply contrasted Indias credentials as a reliable partner and investment destination with what they called Pakistans continued role as an exporter of terrorism and regional instability. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has said having United States as a mediator between India and Pakistan would imply an equivalence which doesn't exist. "Mediation is not a term that we are particularly willing to entertain. You're implying an equivalence which simply doesn't exist, Tharoor said speaking at an event in Washington DC when asked if it is helpful to have the United States available as a mediator. Tharoor is part of all-party delegation traveling abroad as part of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi government's diplomatic outreach to highlight India's stand on terrorism followingOperation Sindoor. There is no equivalence between terrorists and their victims. There is no equivalence between a country that provides a safe haven to terrorism and a country that's a flourishing multi-party democracy that's trying to get on with its business, the Congress MP said. Tharoor said that Modi government also received calls at high levels from the US government and India appreciated their concern and their interest. At the same time, he said, they must have been making similar calls at the highest levels to the Pakistan side. 'But that's guesswork on my part' "Because that's the side that needed persuading to stop this process, that may well have been where their messages really had the greatest effect. But that's guesswork on my part. I don't know what they said to the Pakistanis," he said. The Congress leader reiterated that India hit terror bases in Pakistan during Operation Tharoor while Pakistan hit civilains in retailiation since there are no terror bases in India. "There are no terror bases in India to hit. There are no terrorist organisations in India listed in the UN or the State Department anywhere else. So, what do you hit? You hit civilians, innocent people. That is the asymmetry of this particular conflict. We have tried not just to be precise and calibrated in our response, but we have tried systematically to signal we are not interested in war with Pakistan. We're not interested in attacking Pakistani civilians, ordinary people. This is about India versus terrorism," he said. As many as 26 people were killed and several others injured in the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on 22 April. Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar apologised on Wednesday after 11 people were killed in a stampede near the Chinnaswamy stadium in Bengaluru. The incident happened after celebrations erupted as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clinched their first IPL trophy in June 3. DK Shivakumar told ANI, This should not have happened and we never expected such a big crowd...The stadium's capacity is 35,000, but more than 3 lakh people were there...Gates (of the stadium) have been broken...We apologise for this incident...We want to know the facts and give a clear message... BJP 'doing politics' DK Shivakumar accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of politicising the incident. It has double-standards. The BJP is doing politics...We are very sorry for the incident. We will work out a better solution in the future..., he said. Earlier, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said, "It [Bengaluru stamepde] is a state-sponsored criminal negligence and murder." He held CM Siddaramaiah, DK Shivakumar and the Home Minister G Parameshwara "directly responsible" for the stampede. "They must resign," Poonawalla had said. Also Read | Heartbroken Anushka Sharma mourns lives lost in Bengaluru stampede "On one hand, people have died, and you are continuing with the celebrations brazenly. This is your sensitivity. Congress says a lot, but it had nothing to say today?...basic arrangements and Police deployment were not there, who is responsible for this? It is the Congress government. These three people [CM Siddaramaiah, Dy CM DK Shivakumar and the Home Minister G Parameshwara] must resign...," he said. 'All programmes have been postponed' The Congress leader also said that all government events scheduled for tomorrow have been postponed after the tragedy. "...Tomorrow, except the cabinet meeting, all programmes have been postponed. No celebrations, including the World Environment Day...," he was quoted by ANI as saying. Earlier on Tuesday, DK Shivakumar said he visited Bowring Hospital to meet those injured and "the bereaved in todays unfortunate incident near Chinnaswamy Stadium." "Saddened to witness their pain and speak to the victims during these difficult moments," he said while assuring "them of the best medical care and full support from the Government." "Let our pride and passion always bring joy, not risk. Life is above all. I urge everyone to stay safe and reach home safely," DK Shivakumar said in a post on X on June 4. The Karnataka government announced a compensation of 10 lakh to the families of the deceased killed in the stampede. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah addressed a press conference and said the government would also provide free treatment to the injured. "A major tragedy occurred during the victory celebrations. It happened near the Chinnaswamy Stadium. The government has announced a compensation of 10 lakh for the deceased. The government will provide free treatment to the injured," the CM said. Expressing deep sorrow over the incident, CM Siddaramaiah said, "11 died and 33 were injured in the stampede. This tragedy should not have happened. The government expresses deep sorrow over this incident." The Karnataka CM further asserted that he has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the matter. Today, millions worldwide are observing World Environment Day 2025, highlighting the urgent need for eco-legal action. Hosted by South Korea, the UN event drives home how local laws can combat environmental threats. There are multiple initiatives that have been taken across the world regarding the better protection of the environment. For starters, cities like Jeju, South Korea, now enforce strict bans on disposable plastics. Jejus 2040 "plastic-free" goal includes deposit systems for cups and mandatory waste sorting. Similar bans are expanding globally, cutting landfill waste. The United States is not behind in this aspect, as US cities are rewriting zoning codes to boost sustainability. Buffalo eliminated parking minimums, prioritising walkability over cars. Indianapolis now mandates pedestrian-friendly designs near transit hubs, reducing emissions, according to Urban Land Magazine. In a report by the United Nations Environment Programme, UNEPs Inger Andersen was quoted as saying, Ending plastic pollution is possible, but we need systemic changegovernments, businesses, and citizens together. Stringent laws required for enhanced protection: Legal expert Bivas Chatterjee, Advocate and Special Public Prosecutor, Government of West Bengal, tells LiveMint, "We, as humans, must remember that trees too, have a life. If humans are convicted for taking away lives under sections of the law, why are those, who cut down trees brutally, not tried under similar laws? If trees are cut down or uprooted in areas that are not forests, the accused is simply fined, and no other penalisation is generally imposed." "The existing laws regarding environmental protection in India are age-old and relatively weak, which is why the attack on nature is so brutally conducted in recent years. Stringent laws need to be in place so that people do not get away with harming the environment, which is necessary for our sustenance in the long run." What laws in India are in place to enforce environmental protection? Neil Basu, Advocate, Calcutta High Court, weighed in on the existing laws in the country regarding the proper preservation of the environment. "Protecting the environment is a fundamental right and a collective social responsibility, as environmental justice is social justice. So, let's act now," he told LiveMint. "If we start in terms of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, any person running any establishment which includes a factory and any kind of industry must take due permission from the State Pollution Control Board as well as the Central Pollution Control Board concerned," Basu said. "Section 7 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 prohibits the discharge or emission of environmental pollutants in excess of prescribed standards by any person involved in an industry, operation, or process. This ensures that pollution levels remain within acceptable limits and prevent any environmental damage," he continued. On World Environment Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday called for deepening efforts towards protecting the planet and overcoming the challenges facing it. He said on X, This World Environment Day, let's deepen our efforts towards protecting our planet and overcoming the challenges we face. I also compliment all those working at the grassroots to make our environment greener and better. In a post on X on World Environment Day, President Droupadi Murmu asked people to reaffirm their commitment to protecting the planet and to work together to conserve resources, and promote eco-friendly behaviour. "Every action for the environment makes a difference and our collective efforts can lead to a greener earth for future generations," Murmu said. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, On World Environment Day, let us take a collective pledge to protect our environment by adopting sustainable habits in daily life. Protecting Mother Nature is not just a responsibility but a duty to our nation and future generations. Led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and held annually on June 5 since 1973, World Environment Day is the largest global platform for environmental public outreach, the UN notes. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said in a post on X, Greetings on #WorldEnvironmentDay. Bharat is achieving its sustainable development goals with remarkable speed under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi Ji to secure the environment. May this occasion further reinforce our resolve and alliance to build a better world. On the occasion of World Environment Day, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, ... The whole world is facing difficult environmental challenges. These difficult challenges have been created by humans and not by anyone else. Naturally, humans will have to find a solution to this. That is why PM Modi has called upon the entire nation to build a coordination and dialogue with nature. Prime Minister Modi named this campaign 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam'. Founder & Chairman of AM International Holdings, Singapore Ashwin Muthiah said, Initiatives like SPIC's transition to 100% natural gas as a raw material exemplify this, ensuring cost-efficiency while achieving our environmental goals. The official theme for World Environment Day 2025 is Beat Plastic Pollution. The campaign seeks to raise global awareness about the damaging effects of plastic waste on ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. Every action for the environment makes a difference and our collective efforts can lead to a greener earth for future generations. Gajendra Singh Rathore, Managing Director, of Jungle Camps India, said, Our forests are not backdrops; they are living, breathing sanctuaries deserving of reverence, not extraction. New Delhi: A US trade delegation arrived in New Delhi on Thursday ahead of a fresh round of negotiations on the proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA) with India, scheduled to begin on Friday, two people toldMint. This marks the fifth round of in-person discussions overall and the second led by the US side, which is led by Brendan Lynch, assistant US trade representative for South and Central Asia. The Indian side previously took part in three face-to-face rounds in Washington, with the most recent held from May 19 to 24. Earlier talks were conducted in both virtual and physical formats, during which both sides exchanged priority lists and initial proposals. The upcoming discussions are seen as a crucial step toward resolving tariff-related issues and strengthening bilateral trade ties. India is seeking tariff concessions for key sectors such as textiles and pharmaceuticals, while the US is pushing for broader access to dairy, e-commerce, and digital trade. Former President Joe Biden firmly rejected claims questioning his control over the presidency, doubling down on his use of an autopena mechanical device that replicates a persons signatureto sign pardons, executive orders, and legislation. I made the decisions about the pardons, executive orders, legislation, and proclamations. Any suggestion that I didnt is ridiculous and false, Biden said in a statement, according to Fox News. He further accused President Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans of using these allegations as a distraction from legislative efforts they oppose. Biden said, This is nothing more than a distraction by Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans who are working to push disastrous legislation that would cut essential programs like Medicaid and raise costs on American families, all to pay for tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy and big corporations, Trump orders investigation into Bidens actions President Donald Trump escalated his criticism of Biden by directing his administration to investigate Bidens actions, alleging aides concealed Bidens cognitive decline and casting doubt on the legitimacy of his autopen use. Trumps memo described the situation as one of the most dangerous and concerning scandals in American history, alleging, The American public was purposefully shielded from discovering who wielded the executive power, all while Bidens signature was deployed across thousands of documents to effect radical policy shifts. Trump appointed Attorney General Pam Bondi and White House counsel David Warrington to lead the inquiry. Autopen use long established and constitutionally valid Despite Trumps accusations, the Justice Department, under both Democratic and Republican administrations, has recognised autopen use for decades. The presidents pardon power is absolute and enshrined in the US Constitution. No evidence has been presented showing Biden was unaware of actions signed on his behalf. Congressional Republicans demand answers House Oversight Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) has intensified the investigation, demanding interviews with five former senior Biden aides. Comer alleges a cover-up regarding Bidens mental state and who was truly in control. These five former senior advisors were eyewitnesses to President Bidens condition and operations within the Biden White House, Comer said. They must appear before the House Oversight Committee and provide truthful answers about President Bidens cognitive state and who was calling the shots. Requested witnesses include White House senior advisers Mike Donilon and Anita Dunn, former Chief of Staff Ron Klain, former Deputy Chief of Staff Bruce Reed, and former counselor Steve Ricchetti. Comer also called for Bidens physician Kevin OConnor and several former aides to testify. Comer warned that subpoenas would be issued if voluntary cooperation is not granted: I think that people will start coming in the next two weeks well release the transcribed interviews, so itll be very transparent. Democrats dismiss probe as political theater Democrats have dismissed the GOP investigation as a distraction with no basis in fact. Chairman Comer had his big shot in the last Congress to impeach Joe Biden and it was, of course, a spectacular flop, said Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), ranking member of the oversight committee. And now hes just living off of a spent dream. Its over. And he should give up the whole thing. GOP claims focus on final executive actions Republicans have zeroed in on Bidens final executive orders and pardons, suggesting they may be invalid due to his alleged incapacity. Rep. Brandon Gill (R-Texas) said, The American people didnt elect a bureaucracy to run the country. I think that the American people deserve to know the truth and they want to know the truth of what happened. Controversy fueled by book allegations The inquiry has been partly fueled by the book Original Sin by CNNs Jake Tapper and Axios Alex Thompson, which alleges that Bidens cognitive state limited his control, saying, Five people were running the country, and Joe Biden was at best a senior member of the board. Bidens family and allies have strongly rejected the books claims. Naomi Biden, the former presidents granddaughter, called it political fairy smut for the permanent, professional chattering class. Target: Family pardons, death row commutations The investigation centres on preemptive pardons Biden issued to five family membersincluding siblings James Biden, Frank Biden, and Valerie Biden Owens, along with their spousesand clemency that spared 37 federal inmates from the death penalty. Biden had defended the family pardons, stating they were intended to protect them from future politically motivated investigations. Hunter Biden, the presidents son, who had pleaded guilty to tax violations and was convicted on firearms-related charges, was also pardoned by Biden on December 1. In the final hours of his presidency, Joe Biden issued pre-emptive pardons to several key personalities, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, retired General Mark Milley, and members of the House committee that investigated the January 6 Capitol attack. Background: Bidens declining health questions Concerns over Bidens mental acuity arose after a poor debate performance against Trump in the run up to 2024 election, where he appeared confused and misspoke several times. This performance led to his withdrawal from the presidential race and replacement by Kamala Harris, who ultimately lost the general election to Trump. Also Read | Trump and Xi speak amid stalled tariff negotiations: Chinese media The Kerala government has announced a 52-day trawling ban across the states coastal waters, effective from midnight on June 9 to midnight on July 31. The annual trawling ban is part of the state's marine conservation and fishery resource management efforts. According to ANI, the decision was finalised during a cabinet meeting on June 5. During this period, mechanised fishing will be prohibited, though traditional fishing using inboard boats will be permitted. Inboard boats have engines placed inside the hull of the boat. Guidelines to be followed during ban The authorities have directed the coastal police and district collectors to ensure that all out-of-state fishing boats vacate Kerala's coast before the ban comes into force. Also Read | A new natural gas project off Senegal makes fishing communities feel threatened The Fisheries Department emphasised that all inboard boats must be equipped with essential safety gear. During the ban, trawlers are required to remain at least 12 nautical miles offshore. The violators will face penalties from the Fisheries Department and other relevant agencies. To offset the financial impact on trawler workers, the state government has promised to provide assistance, including rations and subsidies, as reported by ANI. Why is this ban imposed? The ban aims to protect fish populations and prevent overfishing during their crucial breeding season. Specifically, it targets bottom trawling, a method known to harm the ocean floor and capture young fish. Also Read | World Environment Day: PM Modi plants Sindoor saplings at his residence The 52-day restriction will help to conserve marine ecosystems and fish stocks. This aligns with the breeding cycles of several economically significant fish species. According to a report by The Hindu, there are 6,233 registered vessels in the Kozhikode district of Kerala alone. Out of them, 552 are mechanised fishing boats, 173 are boats with inboard engines, 5,098 are boats with outboard engines, and 410 are boats without engines. A total of 119 boats from other districts are also operating in Kozhikode. Also Read | World Environment Day marks global tree planting and cleanup efforts| In Photos What is trawling? Trawling is a method of fishing that involves dragging a large net, called a trawl, through the water to catch fish and other marine animals. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) carried out a series of coordinated searches on 5 June 2025 across thirty-two locations in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, as part of its ongoing investigations into a terror conspiracy orchestrated by Pakistan-backed proscribed terrorist organisations and their offshoots. The operation aimed to disrupt efforts to destabilise the Jammu and Kashmir by targeting hybrid terrorists and their overground workers involved in supporting militant activities. The searches focused on residential premises linked to individuals associated with Pakistan-based offshoots such as The Resistance Front (TRF), United Liberation Front Jammu & Kashmir (ULFJ&K), Mujahideen Gazwat-ul-Hind (MGH), Jammu & Kashmir Freedom Fighters (JKFF), Kashmir Tigers, and the Peoples Anti-Fascist Front (PAAF). These groups maintain affiliations with banned terrorist organisations including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), and Al-Badr. Also Read | NIA takes over Pahalgam terrorist attack case According to the NIA, the individuals whose properties were searched are under close scrutiny for their alleged involvement in facilitating terrorist activities. These activities include the collection and distribution of sticky bombs, magnetic bombs, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), arms, ammunition, narcotics, and funds. Also Read | Another militant arrested in brutal killing of woman in Manipur's Jiribam The agencys investigations have revealed that these organisations, backed by their leadership in Pakistan, have been conspiring to incite terror and violence by radicalising local youth and mobilising overground workers to disrupt peace and communal harmony in Jammu and Kashmir. Further findings indicate that Pakistan-based operatives have been utilising social media platforms and online applications to promote and facilitate terrorist activities. The use of drones to deliver arms, ammunition, explosives, and narcotics to operatives in the Kashmir Valley has also been uncovered during the investigation. Also Read | Babbar Khalsa Crackdown: NIA conducts searches at 15 locations in Punjab Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reportedly requested Russian President Vladimir Putin to resolve its ongoing conflict with India, Russia's news agency TASS said on Wednesday. Speaking at the Valdai International Discussion Club, Syed Tariq Fatemi, special assistant to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, said he had delivered a letter from the Pakistani PM to President Putin via Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Yesterday, I met with Russian Foreign Minister [Sergey] Lavrov. I gave him a letter from our prime minister to Mr. Putin. We asked him to use his influence to make sure that India and Pakistan sit down at the negotiating table and reach a diplomatic solution, he said. Fatemi said that Pakistan is ready to sit down with the UN or any other country, along with India, to find a solution to the ongoing issues. Neighbours cannot live in a situation where war could start at any minute. Weve sent officials to neighbouring countries, including the US, the EU, and Russia, to explain that any proposal from any country, the UN, or a neutral state regarding India and Pakistan is open for discussion. We are ready to sit down with them at the negotiating table and let them solve the problem, special aide Syed Tariq Fatemi was quoted as saying. The diplomat further said that Pakistan is awaiting Russia's initiative to make India and Pakistan sit down for negotiations. We are here to see support from Russia to any initiative that would ease tensions. Pakistan and India must sit down at the negotiating table. Pakistan requested Donald Trump for negotiations too Pakistan has also been approaching the US and its President Donald Trump to try achieve peace. Addressing an event at the US Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised Trump for his role in helping de-escalate the situation with India and urged Washington to facilitate a comprehensive dialogue between the two nuclear neighbours. His statement comes days after former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari made similar comments. In 10 different occasions, he has taken credit for facilitating the ceasefire between India and Pakistan -- and rightly so. He deserves that credit because it was his efforts that helped make the ceasefire possible. So, if the US is willing to help Pakistan in maintaining this ceasefire, it is reasonable to expect that an American role in arranging a comprehensive dialogue would also be beneficial for us, Bhutto said. India has however denied any role of US participating in the ceasefire talks. India-Pakistan tensions Tensions between India and Pakistan started on 22 April when terrorists killed 26 people, mostly tourists, in Pahalgam. India pointed out at cross-border terrorism, saying that the terrorists were Pakistan-based, with Islamabad denying all accusations. Also Read | India strongly opposes ADB financing to Pakistan, citing fund misuse concerns Following the attack, India initially took multiple diplomatic decisions against Pakistan, including banning visas, putting the crucial Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance and closing its airspace for Pakistani airlines and aircraft. Pakistan responded with similar actions. In response to the Pahalgam terror attack, India also launched Operation Sindoor in the early hours of 7 May, destroying multiple terror camps along the border. The situation quickly turned more severe, with the Pakistani Army attempting to launch an attack on India. In response, India destroyed multiple Pakistani airbases. Also Read | India went 300 kms inside Pakistan in Op Sindoor, says CDS Anil Chauhan The conflict went on for four straight nights, after which India and Pakistan said they have reached a military understanding to stop the cross-border firings. Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, posted a video of herself dancing while pregnant with Princess Lilibet four years ago - and shared it on social media to mark her daughters birthday. The video is now riding a wave of both praise and criticism, and has also drawn a response from British journalist Piers Morgan. In the now-viral clip, a heavily pregnant Meghan dances with Prince Harry in an effort to induce labour." Reacting to the footage, Morgan wrote: In a newly released throwback video from 2021, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry dropped it low as she prepared to give birth to Princess Lilibet. Resharing it, the journalist added, Were about two months away from the sex tape Video | Pregnant with Lilibet, Meghan Markle danced with Prince Harry in hospital to induce labour 4 years ago Recorded in a hospital labour and delivery room, the video shows Meghan, 43, wearing a black dress and cradling her baby bump as she moves gracefully to Starrkeishas The Baby Momma Dance the track that once sparked a viral social media dance craze. Moments later, Prince Harry, 40, appears on screen, dancing alongside his wife. Meghan sways her hips, lifts her arms, and twirls with ease, while Harry joins in with his own moves - even crouching down with Meghan as the lyrics playfully instruct them to "drop it low." Four years ago today, this also happened. Both of our children were a week past their due dates so when spicy food, all that walking, and acupuncture didnt work there was only one thing left to do! , Meghan wrote in the Instagram caption. Social media reacts: While some applauded Markle for sharing a candid moment from her personal life, others were far less generous. Critics targeted her dancing, and some revived old conspiracy theories about her pregnancy, flooding the comments section with mixed reactions. Also Read | Meghan Markle wanted global cover in 2022 Vogue, but | Here's what happened The Calcutta High Court on Thursday granted interim bail to influencer Sharmistha Panoli, arrested for allegedly posting a video on social media with communal comments. The bench directed her to furnish a bail bond of 10,000. The Calcutta High Court had rejected the interim bail plea of the social media influencer on 3 June. Appropriate police protection has to be provided for Panoli, the court said. FIR against Wajahat Khan Qadri Earlier on Wednesday, the Kolkata Police registered an FIR against Wajahat Khan Qadri, the man whose complaint led to the arrest of social media influencer Sharmistha Panoli, reported PTI. According to the police, Wajahat Khan Qadri is now absconding. The police accused him of uploading "malicious and inflammatory" content on social media, aimed at hurting the sentiments of a religious community. "He (Wajahat Khan Qadri) is presently absconding. We have started an investigation into the case," a senior Kolkata Police officer told PTI. The Shri Ram Swabhiman Parishad lodged a complaint against Wajahat Khan Qadri at Kolkata's Garden Reach police station. This is the same police station where Qadri filed the complaint against Sharmishta Panoli. The latest FIR against Qadri comes in the wake of multiple complaints lodged in various parts of the country, including Mumbai and Assam. In all those complaints, he has been accused of spreading hate speech and making derogatory remarks against religious deities in social media posts. Also Read | Sharmistha Panoli sent to judicial custody for 14 days | Top 10 developments However, Qadri's family members have defended him, claiming he is "innocent and secular". About Sharmishta's arrest Instagram influencer Sharmishta Panoli was arrested by the Kolkata Police from Gurugram in Haryana for allegedly sharing a communal video, which triggered significant outrage online. In the video, she allegedly criticised Bollywood celebrities for staying silent on Operation Sindoor. After intense trolling and threats in the comments, Panoli removed the video and issued a public apology on 15 May. However, an FIR had already been registered in Kolkata. Police said multiple attempts were made to serve legal notices to Panoli and her family. She was later arrested, and the Alipore court in Kolkata sent her to 14-day judicial custody. YINCHUAN, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Zhou Xuelin, a villager from northwest China, bid farewell to his old house, which had been blackened by coal soot, in September last year; the winter days spent choking on soot spewed from coal-heating stoves were finally behind him. The new house Zhou moved into was constructed, under unified planning, by Xingsheng Village in Pingluo County of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. It is a detached, white bungalow among rows of similar abodes. In addition to being bright and clean, the new houses feature a mouthful concept that Zhou was not very familiar with -- they were certified as near-zero carbon architectures. Little did the 62-year-old farmer expect that he could one day lead a pioneering lifestyle by living in an energy-efficient house. Seventy-six such rural houses have been built, each equipped with a rooftop photovoltaic power panel and an air-source heat pump. Of these, 33 belonging to Phase II of the construction were reinforced with heat-trapping insulation materials. Power generated from photovoltaic installations drives the air-source heat pump that produces heat for the building. As northwest China typically witnesses sub-zero temperatures during winter, winter heating represents a major source of pollution in rural areas. With these buildings now complete, Xingsheng Village has become Ningxia's first near-zero carbon village with tremendous benefits. "Living in the old house was quite a hassle when it came to heating; someone always had to worry about feeding the stove with coal and cleaning the ashes. It would get stuffy as soon as you walked in, and the place was dirty," Zhou said. "Now, the new house is even more comfortable than living in an apartment in the city. My children and grandchildren visit more often, and they feel relaxed here." Zhou spent around 60,000 yuan (about 8,348.5 U.S. dollars) decorating his home and bought many household appliances to maximize his electricity usage in daily life, even preparing two electric pans for cooking, as the electricity generated from the rooftop is cheaper than gas. Saving money is a top concern for the villagers. Huang Xuejun, a resident, said that although coal prices have decreased somewhat over the past two years, heating with coal during the winter still costs over 4,000 yuan at least. In contrast, after moving into the new house, the electricity bill for an entire heating season is only about 1,500 yuan. Moreover, the Phase II houses were built with prefabricated graphene heating wall panels that have better insulation and triple-glazed windows. An extra 20 centimeters of insulation layer was added to the walls, according to He Chao, the Party chief of Xingsheng Village, noting that the insulation is crucial to lowering overall power consumption. Better still, the new houses can earn money for their residents. Each of the 33 households in Phase II boasts an installed photovoltaic generation capacity of 5.4 kilowatts and houses an energy storage battery of 10 kWh, which functions as a super-sized charger. The excess electricity generated during the day can be fed back into the grid. At the end of each month, a settlement is made, and villagers are paid for the electricity output they supply to the grid. The village estimates that the power generation could earn each household approximately 1,500 yuan a year. Xingsheng Village has a population of 1,826, over 700 of whom are permanent residents, and about 58 percent of rural houses stand empty as many villagers have migrated to cities. Xingsheng Village began to construct new rural houses in 2021. The project was listed as a demonstration project of renewable energy construction, meaning that the village was allocated government funding. Besides, the project enlisted demolition subsidies and earthquake-resistant renovation subsidies. The rest, a small portion, is raised by the villagers themselves. China aims to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and realize carbon neutrality by 2060. To achieve this, a green transition in the production and way of living has been promoted across the nation's vast rural regions in recent years. Many zero or near-zero carbon villages have emerged across the country. China rolled out a five-year initiative to promote the development of zero-carbon villages and townships in January 2023. The initiative aims at leveraging renewable energies available to rural areas, energy conservation and storage technologies, to replace fossil fuels with renewables. Days after the Malik Swashbuckler row, YouTuber Dhruv Rathee schooled Indian tourists over basic civic sense and said their misconduct costs other travellers from the country their reputation in foreign countries. Malik Swashbuckler, whose real name is Malik SD Khan, faced severe backlash and was reportedly detained by Turkish authorities after videos showing him making derogatory and sexually explicit remarks about Turkish women surfaced online. In an Instagram Reel captioned, Indian Tourists are Destroying Indias Reputation, Rathee shared incidents showing Indian tourists being way out of line on their trips abroad. The video began with a snippet from Malik's controversial video where he asks his audience if he should get a Turkish woman drunk and rape her. Also Read | Indian YouTuber draws outrage for offensive videos aimed at Turkish women Dhruv Rathee's video also featured an Indian man eve-teasing in Venice, a group of Indian men peeing in the sea in Thailand and a man leaning out to touch a lion during a safari, risking the lives of others with him. Calling out such tourists, including content creators, Rathee said they should not visit foreign countries if they cannot behave appropriately. Tameez nahi hai to ghar pe raho, bahar nikalne ki koi zaroorat nhi hai. He also highlighted that this misdemeanour is costing indians their reputation abroad. Indian tourists badnaam ho rhe hai foreign desho me. Rathee then asked netizens to name and shame such people online. Check out Dhruv Rathee's video here: Also Read | Struggling with Dubai visa approval? Why Indian tourists are facing rejection Here's how netizens reacted: Netizens were very angry about the Malik Swashbuckler row. They resonated with Rathee's video and said a rotten apple spoils the whole bunch. Asli anti nationals to yehi log he jo bahar jake desh ko badnaam karre he, a netizen said. Another added: We blame the West for how they see us. Maybe its time we looked at ourselves and asked what weve become. A netizen highlighted that Education sanskar nhi hai, to which another added, This is so true. All of them have education but no civic sense, and after all, the effect of their misbehaviour finally comes on top of the expats living in these countries. Also Read | About 12 pc growth observed in Indian tourists in 2024: Tourism Australia Social media users also highlighted that it is also a viewer's responsibility to reject distasteful content like that of Malik Swashbuckler. As viewers, people must also be responsible. Why does the public give views to such content? Muslims worldwide are preparing for Islam's second-holiest festival: Eid al-Adha, also known as Eid al-Zuha or Bakrid. The festival, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice or Eid al-Bakr, will be celebrated in Saudi Arabia a day before celebrations kick off in India. According to the Islamic calendar, the festival falls on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the twelfth and final month of the lunar calendar. In Saudi Arabia, this year, Arafat Day was observed on Thursday, June 5, a day before Eid. Arafat Day, or Yaum al-Arafah, marks the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah and is considered the holiest day in the Islamic calendar. In India, the festival is being celebrated on Saturday, 7 June. Check out heartfelt and festive messages to share with friends, family on Eid-ul-Adha: Eid Mubarak! May this special day bring peace, happiness, and endless blessings to you and your loved ones. Mubarak! May this special day bring peace, happiness, and endless blessings to you and your loved ones. Wishing you a joyful Eid filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Eid Mubarak 2025! filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Eid Mubarak 2025! May this Eid be a reminder of all the good in your life. Wishing you love, light, and happiness. be a reminder of all the good in your life. Wishing you love, light, and happiness. Eid Mubarak! May your hearts be filled with gratitude, your soul with peace, and your home with joy. Mubarak! May your hearts be filled with gratitude, your soul with peace, and your home with joy. On this blessed day, I wish you and your family health, happiness, and countless blessings. Eid Mubarak! May this special day bring peace, happiness, and endless blessings to you and your loved ones. Mubarak! May this special day bring peace, happiness, and endless blessings to you and your loved ones. Wishing you a joyful Eid filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Eid Mubarak 2025! filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Eid Mubarak 2025! May this Eid be a reminder of all the good in your life. Wishing you love, light, and happiness. be a reminder of all the good in your life. Wishing you love, light, and happiness. Eid Mubarak! May your hearts be filled with gratitude, your soul with peace, and your home with joy. Mubarak! May your hearts be filled with gratitude, your soul with peace, and your home with joy. On this blessed day, I wish you and your family health, happiness, and countless blessings. Eid Mubarak! May your sacrifice be accepted and your prayers answered. Mubarak! May your sacrifice be accepted and your prayers answered. Wishing you and your family peace, happiness, and prosperity this Eid al-Adha. al-Adha. May this Eid bring joy and love to your heart and create all the opportunities for success for you! bring joy and love to your heart and create all the opportunities for success for you! Eid al-Adha Mubarak! May Allah shower you with countless blessings. al-Adha Mubarak! May Allah shower you with countless blessings. May your faith and devotion to Allah be rewarded with peace, happiness, and success today and always. May Allah accept your Qurbani and bless you with His divine mercy. Eid Mubarak! Mubarak! On this holy day, may all your good deeds be accepted and your sins forgiven. Wishing you a blessed Eid that will inspire you with courage and strength to help you overcome every challenge in life! that will inspire you with courage and strength to help you overcome every challenge in life! Eid al-Adha is a reminder of Ibrahim's obediencemay our faith be just as strong. Eid Mubarak! al-Adha is a reminder of Ibrahim's obediencemay our faith be just as strong. Mubarak! May your devotion and faith in Allah continue to grow stronger every day. In India, the festival is being celebrated on Saturday, 7 June. Eid al-Adha is being celebrated across the country today. Eid is a time for joy, a time for togetherness, and a time to remember Allahs blessings. Eid Mubarak! is a time for joy, a time for togetherness, and a time to remember Allahs blessings. Eid Mubarak! May this day of Eid bring with it a promise of brighter days filled with peace and harmony. bring with it a promise of brighter days filled with peace and harmony. Wishing you a peaceful and prosperous Eid filled with blessings and love. filled with blessings and love. As you offer your prayers and sacrifices, may Allah bless you and all your loved ones. From my heart to yours, Eid Mubarak! May your days be filled with peace and love. Mubarak! May your days be filled with peace and love. To my wonderful family, Eid Mubarak! Im so grateful for your love and support. Mubarak! Im so grateful for your love and support. Friends like you make Eid extra special. Wishing you the happiest Eid ever! extra special. Wishing you the happiest Eid ever! Eid al-Adha Mubarak to the one who brings joy to my life every day! al-Adha Mubarak to the one who brings joy to my life every day! May this Eid strengthen the bond of love and bring your family closer. strengthen the bond of love and bring your family closer. Wishing my dearest friend/family member a joyful Eid f illed with laughter and light. illed with laughter and light. Eid reminds us to be humble, kind, and gratefulmay you embrace these values always. reminds us to be humble, kind, and gratefulmay you embrace these values always. May the spirit of Eid purify your soul, renew your faith, and guide you always. purify your soul, renew your faith, and guide you always. Lets pray for the strength to obey Allah like Prophet Ibrahim did. Eid Mubarak! Mubarak! This Eid, may you be surrounded by the warmth of faith and the glow of Allahs love. Sending you duas for a fulfilling and spiritually uplifting Eid. Wishing you meat-filled plates and heart-filled prayersEid Mubarak! May your selfie game be strong and your biryani endless this Eid! Eid Mubarak! Lets slay in traditional outfits and enjoy the mutton feast. May your bank account, wardrobe, and Qurbani spirit be full this Eid! Smiles, food, and blessings may you have them all. Happy Eid! Eid al-Adha is not just about meat but sacrifice, faith, and love. Mubarak ho! May your Qurbani be accepted and bring barakah in your life. Eid is about giving, not just sacrificing. May Allah reward you for your Qurbani. Remembering Prophet Ibrahim's devotionmay your sacrifice reflect your faith. Eid Mubarak! May your sacrifice be the key to your happiness and success. Missing you this Eid! Sending hugs and blessings across the miles. Though were apart, youre in my prayers. Eid Mubarak! Wishing we could celebrate together. Eid Mubarak from afar! Distance makes the heart grow fonder. Eid Mubarak! May this Eid bring us closer in heart, even if were apart. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous and peaceful Eid. May your Eid be filled with success, growth, and prosperity. Warmest wishes to you and your family on this blessed occasion. Eid Mubarak to you and your teammay this season bring unity and growth. Here's to peace, progress, and happiness this Eid and always. Eid teaches us the power of sacrifice and the beauty of gratitude. As we celebrate Eid, lets remember those in need and be a light to others. May your heart be open, your hands generous, and your spirit lifted this Eid. May every sacrifice today plant seeds of peace tomorrow. Eid Mubarak. Let's honour the message of Eid by practising kindness and compassion. May your beauty shine with the light of faith this Eid. Eid Mubarak to the heart of our homeyou make every festival brighter. May your strength and sacrifices be rewarded with endless joy this Eid. Here's to the women who give their all and ask nothing back. Eid Mubarak! To the queens of every homemay Eid bring you love and ease. May your leadership, sacrifices, and dedication be honoured this Eid. Eid Mubarak to the backbone of our familythank you for all you do. Wishing you strength, wisdom, and happiness this Eid. May Allah provide for those in need and ease their pain this Eid. Eid Mubarak May Allah guide your steps and protect you always. Here's to men who lead with kindness and faithEid Mubarak! May Allah provide for those in need and ease their pain this Eid. Lets share our blessings with those who need them most. Eid Mubarak! Praying for shelter, food, and joy for every soul this Eid. May no heart go hungry or unloved this Eid. Eid Mubarakremember to be a reason someone smiles today. Eid Mubarak to all celebrating around the world! May this Eid unite us in peace and brotherhood across nations. Lets spread love across borders this Eid al-Adha. A global Eid Mubarak filled with harmony and humanity. From every corner of the world, may prayers rise together. Eid is here with skies so bright, bringing peace, joy, and light. Mubarak ho! Sacrifice with love, and faith in your heartEid blessings will never part. Meat may fill our plates, but its love that fills our hearts. Eid Mubarak! From moonlit skies to morning prayer, may blessings find you everywhere. As the crescent shines above, may your life be filled with love. Eid is here with skies so bright, bringing peace, joy, and light. Mubarak ho! Sacrifice with love, and faith in your heartEid blessings will never part. Meat may fill our plates, but its love that fills our hearts. Eid Mubarak! From moonlit skies to morning prayer, may blessings find you everywhere. As the crescent shines above, may your life be filled with love. Wishing you a joyful Eid filled with warmth, laughter, and cherished moments. US President Donald Trump announced a ban on visas for foreign students who are set to begin attending Harvard University. The decision was reportedly announced on Wednesday, ramping up his administration's crackdown on higher education. "I have determined that it is necessary to restrict the entry of foreign nationals who seek to enter the United States solely or principally to participate in a course of study at Harvard University or in an exchange visitor program hosted by Harvard University," Trump was quoted by news gwncy AFP as saying. Also Read | Harvard asks court for quick ruling as funding cuts hurt critical research In an executive order signed Wednesday, Trump declared that it would jeopardise national security to allow Harvard to continue hosting foreign students on its campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts. I have determined that the entry of the class of foreign nationals described above is detrimental to the interests of the United States because, in my judgment, Harvard's conduct has rendered it an unsuitable destination for foreign students and researchers, Trump wrote in the order, as per the Associated Press. Also Read | Why does Trump keep saying Harvard teaches remedial math? The order further escalates the White House's fight with the nation's oldest and wealthiest university. A federal court in Boston had earlier blocked the Department of Homeland Security from barring international students at Harvard last week. Trump's order invokes a different legal authority. It stems from Harvard's refusal to submit to a series of demands made by the federal government. It has escalated recently after the Department of Homeland Security said Harvard refused to provide records related to misconduct by foreign students. Harvard said it has complied with the request, but the government said the school's response was insufficient. The feud between Elon Musk and Donald Trump deepened after Musk resigned from his advisory role at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), where he was involved in cutting federal costs. Musk became an outspoken critic of Trumps major tax-and-spending legislation, especially opposing cuts to EV subsidies and objecting to what he called wasteful spending embedded in the bill. Trump reacted with public threats to withdraw government contracts and subsidies from Musks companies, including Tesla and SpaceX, escalating tensions. Musk, known for his blunt social media style, responded with barbs about Trumps election win, claims about Epstein files, and calls for new political parties and impeachment all widening the divide. The clash highlights the personal and political fallout between two powerful figures once allied by mutual interest but now openly at odds over policy and politics. 10 key exchanges between Elon Musk and Donald Trump amid growing rift over tax and spending bill: 1.Trump accuses Musk of opposing tax bill over EV subsidy cuts Tensions intensified when Trump accused Musk of only opposing the bill after discovering it included cuts to electric vehicle (EV) subsidies. He knew the inner workings of the bill better than anybody sitting here. He had no problem with it. All of a sudden he had a problem & he only developed the problem when he found out were going to cut EV mandate, Trump claimed. Musk clarified, Im fine with the cuts to EV credits as long as Republicans remove the mountain of disgusting pork in wasteful spending from the bill. 2. Trump calls Musk CRAZY, threatens to cut contracts Trump publicly slammed Tesla CEO Elon Musk, calling him CRAZY over Musks criticism of a major tax bill. Trump accused Musk of going crazy after he cut electric vehicle (EV) subsidies. On social media, Trump wrote, I took away his EV Mandate that forced everyone to buy Electric Cars that nobody else wanted (that he knew for months I was going to do!), and he just went CRAZY! He added, The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elons Governmental Subsidies and Contracts. Musk fired back, In light of the Presidents statement about cancellation of my government contracts, @SpaceX will begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft immediately. 3. Trump suggests Musk suffers TDS after leaving DOGE role Trump claimed Musks public attacks stem from missing his former government role at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Elon worked hard at DOGE and I think he misses the place Its not just Elon, I think when some people leave they miss it so badly they develop a type of TDS [Trump Derangement Syndrome] Some embrace it and some become hostile. Musk responded with a sharp retort: Such ingratitude. 4. Musk claims credit for Trumps 2024 election victory Musk insisted he was instrumental in Trumps 2020 election win, tweeting, Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate. Trump disputed this, replying, I would have won Pennsylvania regardless of Elon. Im very disappointed with Elon. 5. Musk alleges Trumps name in Epstein files In a bombshell claim, Musk suggested the Trump administration was withholding Jeffrey Epstein documents because Trumps name appears in them. He tweeted, Time to drop the really big bomb: Donald Trump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public. Have a nice day, DJT! Musk added, Mark this post for the future. The truth will come out. Trump has denied any involvement. 6. Musk polls followers on creating new political party As their feud escalated, Musk asked his followers on X, Is it time to create a new political party in America that actually represents the 80% in the middle? This suggested Musks growing frustration with the current political system and both major parties. 7. Musk supports impeaching Trump, replacing him with JD Vance Musk signaled support for Trumps impeachment when he agreed with a user who said, Trump should be impeached and JD Vance should replace him. 8. Musk labels Trumps tax bill the Big Ugly Bill The tax-and-spending bill, passed by House Republicans, was touted by Trump as a big, beautiful bill. Musk, however, dismissed it as the big, ugly bill due to its multi-trillion-dollar tax breaks and increased deficit. 9. Musk jabs at the Bills name With Slim Beautiful Bill Mocking the official Big Beautiful Bill title, Musk sarcastically tweeted Slim Beautiful Bill for the win, underscoring his disdain for the legislation. 10. Musk denies being consulted on the bill Musk shot back at claims he knows the content of the bill saying on X, False. This bill was never shown to me even once and was passed in the dead of night so fast that almost no one in Congress could even read it! Also Read | Elon Musk to decommission SpaceX Dragon amid Trump's contract threats A war of words has erupted between Donald Trump and Elon Musk, exposing a growing rift between the former president and one of the GOPs most influential billionaire backers. Once seen as allies, the two are now locked in a bitter public feud over Trumps Big Beautiful Bill, a sweeping tax-and-spending package Musk says will explode the deficit. What began as policy disagreement has quickly escalated into personal jabs, online sniping, and accusations of betrayalunderscoring deeper tensions. Here are five heated clashes between Trump and Musk. 1. Musk slams "Big Beautiful Bill" - "A bill can be big or beautiful, not both" Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk voiced strong opposition to the Big Beautiful Bill, a sweeping tax and spending package backed by President Donald Trump and narrowly passed in the House, before heading to the Senate. In a May 28 CBS interview, Musk warned the bill could "worsen the federal deficit and undermine cost-cutting efforts led by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)." "I think a bill can be big or it could be beautiful. But I don't know if it could be both," Musk quipped, adding, It increases the budget deficit and undermines the work that the DOGE team is doing. White House shrugs off criticism White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed Musk's concerns. The President already knows where Elon Musk stood on this bill. It doesnt change the presidents opinion. This is one big, beautiful bill and hes sticking to it, she told reporters. 2. Slim Beautiful Bill vs Big Beautiful Bill Musk took to X (formerly Twitter), posting Slim Beautiful Bill for the win in a pointed jab at the official bill name "Big Beautiful Bill". 3. Trump pushes back: He knew the inner workings of the bill On June 5, Trump responded sharply to Musk's public disapproval. He knew the inner workings of the bill better than anybody sitting here. He had no problem with it. All of a sudden he had a problem & he only developed the problem when he found out we're going to cut EV mandate, Trump claimed. Musk responds: False Passed in the dead of night Musk quickly fired back, calling Trumps claim false. This bill was never shown to me even once and was passed in the dead of night so fast that almost no one in Congress could even read it! he posted on X. He added: Im fine with the cuts to EV credits as long as Republicans remove the mountain of disgusting pork in wasteful spending from the bill. 4. They develop a type of TDS, says Trump Trump later suggested Musks criticisms stem from nostalgia for his White House-linked role: Elon worked hard at DOGE and I think he misses the place Its not just Elon, I think when some people leave they miss it so badly they develop a type of TDS [Trump Derangement Syndrome] Some embrace it and some become hostile. Musk: Such ingratitude Musk responded, claiming credit for Trumps electoral success: Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate, Musk wrote. Such ingratitude. Trump shot back: I would have won Pennsylvania regardless of Elon. Im very disappointed with Elon. Federal Election Commission filings show Musk spent over $290 million during the 2024 election cycleputting him among the top political donors. 5. Old tweets, new responses Musk also turned to Trumps old tweets to highlight hypocrisy. In an X post, he resurfaced a 2013 Trump tweet: I cannot believe the Republicans are extending the debt ceilingI am a Republican & I am embarrassed! Musk captioned the post: Wise words. Where is the man who wrote these words? Was he replaced by a body double!? He also quoted Trumps 2012 tweet: No member of Congress should be eligible for re-election if our countrys budget is not balanceddeficits not allowed! To which Musk responded: I couldnt agree more. Tech billionaire Elon Musk, once a close aide to US President Donald Trump, has launched a campaign against Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill'. Since resigning from Trump's administration as head of the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Musk has ramped up his criticism of the tax bill. To date, he has made a dozen posts or reports on X criticising the bill. About Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill' Trump's self-described big, beautiful bill encompasses sweeping tax reductions and expands military expenditure. According to AFP, it is expected to add $2.4 trillion to US deficits over a 10-year horizon, despite deep cuts to health and food aid programs. Trump's big bill seeks to extend tax cuts approved in 2017, during Trump's first term at the White House. The package also includes a massive buildup of $350 billion for border security, deportations and national security. It further includes a $4 trillion increase to the nations $36 trillion debt limit, which the Treasury Department says is needed by this summer to pay the nations bills. The bill is expected to decrease federal spending by $1.3 trillion, but also see a $3.7 trillion drop in revenues, according to the Congressional Budget Office 's (CBO) latest analysis. It would leave some 10.9 million more people without health insurance, the CBO said earlier. However, US Senator Markwayne Mullin explained how the One Big Beautiful Bill will bring back manufacturing and slash spending. The Bill narrowly passed the House of Representatives and is now awaiting a Senate vote. Musk slams Trump's new tax bill In his latest salvo, Musk urged Americans to lobby Congress to KILL the BILL. He also cautioned that America is in the fast lane to debt slavery. In his many posts and retweets, Musk dubbed the trillion-dollar Big Beautiful Bill as Debt Slavery Bill or The Big Ugly Bill. Musk had also called the bill a disgusting abomination on Tuesday. I'm sorry, but I just can't stand it anymore, Musk posted on X. Musk has criticised Trump's signature bill before, but before Tuesday afternoon, his rhetoric had been far more restrained and muted. The SpaceX and Tesla CEO announced his departure from the Trump administration on May 29. Musk, who became Trump's 'first buddy' during the 2024 US election campaign, had told CBC News, I think a bill can be big or it could be beautiful. I don't know if it could be both. The White House brushed off the criticism, saying Trump already knows where Elon Musk stood, news agency AFP reported. Meanwhile, Trump has yet to respond personally to Musk's social media rant. He was caught off guard but "not entirely surprised" by Musks opposition, a senior official told NBC News. Why Musk opposes Trump's tax bill 1. Musk believes that Trump's new bill will increase the budget deficit and undermine the work that the DOGE team is doing. It more than defeats all the cost savings achieved by the @DOGE team at great personal cost and risk, Musk posted on X. As the head of DOGE, Musk helped the Trump administration reduce wasteful spending by announcing mass layoffs and shutting down government departments. 2. Musk contends that this spending bill contains the largest increase in the debt ceiling in US history. A post on X, reshared by Musk, stated that Trump's bill is a multi-trillion debt bomb tied to a tax cut. It's gonna make you a slave. 3. The Big Beautiful Bill is expected to curtail subsidies that benefit Tesla, Musk's electric automaker. Sources familiar with the Trump-Musk relationship told Axios that the tax legislation cuts the electric vehicle tax credit that helps car makers like Musk's Tesla. 4. Axios also reported, citing sources, that Musk had sought to remain DOGE head as a special government employee beyond 130 days. But ultimately, White House officials said he couldn't keep serving in that capacity, the report added. 5. Sources further alleged that Musk also wanted the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to use his Starlink satellite system for national air traffic control. But the administration baulked at it because of the appearance of a conflict of interest and for technological reasons. 6. Most recently (Saturday, 31 May), Trump abruptly announced he was withdrawing the nomination of Jared Isaacman, a Musk ally, to be NASA administrator. After Isaacman's nomination was dropped, rumours spread that Sergio Gor the director of the Office of Presidential Personnel who had clashed with Musk was behind the decision, Axios reported. What does Elon Musk demand? Elon Musk has instead demanded that a new spending bill should be drafted that doesn't massively grow the deficit and increase the debt ceiling by 5 TRILLION DOLLARS. He also urged lawmakers to rewrite the bill from scratch. However, US President Donald Trump wants his big, beautiful bill of tax breaks and spending cuts on his desk to be signed into law by the Fourth of July (4 July). Will it impact Trump, Musk's friendship? Sources told Axios that Musk and Trump remain friends and allies, but they said Trump was somewhat irked by Musk's social media sabotage. Elon was butthurt, one source was quoted as saying. However, according to Bloomberg, Musk's public condemnation pits Musk against Trump at a critical time as the President is personally lobbying holdouts on the bill. Musk's remarks could stiffen resistance and delay enactment of the tax cuts and debt ceiling increase. Also Read | Why Trump Banned Just These 12 Countries From Entering The US During the 2024 US election campaign, Elon Musk had said he is "happy to be first buddy" to Donald Trump. He even earned "uncle" status in the Trump family. NBC News reported that Musk spent more than $250 million to boost Trump last year and is free to pour money into a midterm campaign season in which control of Congress is up for grabs. US President Donald Trump issued a fresh proclamation restricting entry into the United States for travellers from specific countries. There is a total travel ban on entry of nationals from 12 countries and partial restrictions for seven others. Which countries are on the US travel ban list? Is India in the list? The proclamation fully restricts and limits the entry of nationals from 12 countries: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. Meanwhile, the entry of people from seven other countries is partially restricted: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. As per the proclamation, there are no travel restrictions for Indians who intend to visit the United States. Also Read | Trump's new travel ban could bar citizens from Muslim countries from entering US What Trump said? Trump, in a video message, explained that the new travel ban was signed in response to the attack in Boulder, Colorado, which authorities attributed to a man allegedly residing in the country illegally. "The recent terror attack in Boulder, Colorado, has underscored the extreme dangers posed to our country by the entry of foreign nationals who are not properly vetted. We don't want them," Trump said. "We will not let what happened in Europe happen in America," Trump said. We cannot have open migration from any country where we cannot safely and reliably vet and screen. That is why today I am signing a new executive order placing travel restrictions on countries including Yemen, Somalia, Haiti, Libya, and numerous others. Trump further noted that the travel ban is subject to revision, and new countries could be added to the list as threats emerge from around the world. Meanwhile, Abigail Jackson, a White House spokesperson, said on X, President Trump is fulfilling his promise to protect Americans from dangerous foreign actors that want to come to our country and cause us harm. Amid pressure from the White House, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Tuesday arrested more than 2,200 people, the maximum arrests in a single day in its history, reported NBC News. Some of the undocumented immigrants were told in a mass text message ICE had sent them to show up ahead of their schedule for check-ins at ICE offices, only to be arrested when they arrived, the report said, citing immigration attorneys. Hundreds of the people who were arrested had been enrolled in ICEs Alternative to Detention (ATD) programme, as per the report. Under the ATD programme, the undocumented immigrants are released if they are deemed not threat to public safety. But the ICE keeps a track of them through ankle monitors, smartphone apps or other geolocating programmes, along with periodic check-ins at ICE facilities. Court orders removal of undocumented immigrants On the issue of arresting immigrants with ankle monitors, the ICE spokesperson said: Those arrested had executable final orders of removal by an immigration judge and had not complied with that order. In May, Stephen Miller, the White House deputy chief of staff for policy, had threatened to sack senior ICE officials if the agency does not start making 3,000 arrests per day, said the media report. According to ICE data, over 20,000 ankle monitors were in use by ICE as of late May. As many as 98.5 per cent of people on ATD appear for their check-ins, making them easy targets as ICE moves to increase its arrest numbers, according to the data. The ICE has boosted its manpower by drawing on over 5,000 employees from other federal law enforcement agencies to increase arrests as part of a new nationwide crackdown, reported NBC News. A unanimous Supreme Court made it easier Thursday to bring lawsuits over so-called reverse discrimination, siding with an Ohio woman who claims she didnt get a job and then was demoted because she is straight. The justices decision affects lawsuits in 20 states and the District of Columbia where, until now, courts had set a higher bar when members of a majority group, including those who are white and heterosexual, sue for discrimination under federal law. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson wrote for the court that federal civil rights law draws no distinction between members of majority and minority groups. By establishing the same protections for every individual without regard to that individuals membership in a minority or majority group Congress left no room for courts to impose special requirements on majority-group plaintiffs alone, Jackson wrote. The court ruled in an appeal from Marlean Ames, who has worked for the Ohio Department of Youth Services for more than 20 years. Though he joined Jackson's opinion, Justice Clarence Thomas noted in a separate opinion that some of the country's largest and most prestigious employers have overtly discriminated against those they deem members of so-called majority groups. Thomas, joined by Justice Neil Gorsuch, cited a brief filed by America First Legal, a conservative group founded by Trump aide Stephen Miller, to assert that "American employers have long been obsessed with diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and affirmative action plans." Two years ago, the court's conservative majority outlawed consideration of race in university admissions. Since taking office in January, President Donald Trump has ordered an end to DEI policies in the federal government and has sought to end government support for DEI programs elsewhere. Some of the new administrations anti-DEI initiatives have been temporarily blocked in federal court. Jackson's opinion makes no mention of DEI. Instead, she focused on Ames' contention that she was passed over for a promotion and then demoted because she is heterosexual. Both the job she sought and the one she had held were given to LGBTQ people. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 bars sex discrimination in the workplace. A trial court and the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against Ames. The 6th circuit is among the courts that had required an additional requirement for people like Ames, showing background circumstances that might include that LGBTQ people made the decisions affecting Ames or statistical evidence of a pattern of discrimination against members of the majority group. The appeals court noted that Ames didnt provide any such circumstances. US President Donald Trump on Wednesday issued a total travel ban for citizens from 12 nations and partial restrictions from 7 others countries aiming to bolster national security amid rising concerns. The president cited recent Boulder, Colorado incidents, which authorities attributed to a man allegedly residing in the country illegally, as the reason that promted the swift action. A total travel ban has been imposed on people from Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Meanwhile, partial restrictions and limited entry is put on nationals from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. According to the White House, these restrictions distinguish between, but apply to both, the entry of immigrants and nonimmigrants. Why Trump issued the fresh travel ban? Trump said in a video message, "The recent terror attack in Boulder, Colorado has underscored the extreme dangers posed to our country by the entry of foreign nationals who are not properly vetted. We don't want them." Trump described the new travel restrictions as similar to the strong ban he enacted during his first term targeting mostly Muslim-majority countries, which he credited with preventing attacks in the US like those seen in Europe. "We will not let what happened in Europe happen in America," Trump said. "We cannot have open migration from any country where we cannot safely and reliably vet and screen. That is why today I am signing a new executive order placing travel restrictions on countries including Yemen, Somalia, Haiti, Libya, and numerous others." What does the Trump proclaimation say? The proclamation regarding the travel ban that Trump signed on Wednesday stated, "During my first Administration, I restricted the entry of foreign nationals into the United States, which successfully prevented national security threats from reaching our borders and which the Supreme Court upheld." In Executive Order 14161 of January 20, 2025 (Protecting the United States From Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats), I stated that it is the policy of the United States to protect its citizens from aliens who intend to commit terrorist attacks, threaten our national security, espouse hateful ideology, or otherwise exploit the immigration laws for malevolent purposes. Trump stated, "I also considered the different risks posed by aliens admitted on immigrant visas and those admitted on nonimmigrant visas. Persons admitted on immigrant visas become lawful permanent residents of the United States. Such persons may present national security or public-safety concerns that may be distinct from those admitted as nonimmigrants. The United States affords lawful permanent residents more enduring rights than it does to nonimmigrants." Also Read | Donald Trump bans visas for new foreign students at Harvard University "Lawful permanent residents are more difficult to remove than nonimmigrants, even after national security concerns arise, which increases the costs and aggravates the dangers of errors associated with admitting such individuals. And although immigrants are generally subject to more extensive vetting than nonimmigrants, such vetting is far less reliable when the country from which someone seeks to emigrate maintains inadequate identity-management or information-sharing policies or otherwise poses risks to the national security of the United States," he added. The New Zealand legislators on Thursday voted to enact record suspensions from Parliament for three lawmakers who performed a Maori haka to protest a proposed law, reported AP. According to the report, Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke received a seven-day ban, while Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and Rawiri Waititi were barred for 21 days. As per details, three days had been the longest ban for a lawmaker from New Zealands Parliament. In November 2024, Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke and others from the Maori Party performed the haka to oppose a controversial proposed law seeking to redefine the countrys founding treaty between Maori tribes and the British Crown. Their protest garnered global headlines and provoked months of fraught debate among lawmakers on the consequences for the lawmakers actions and place of Maori culture in Parliament. NZ parliamentary committee recommendations: In May, the New Zealand parliamentary committee recommended suspending three Maori Members of Parliament for performing a protest haka. The Maori members were protesting against the bill, which sought to alter the interpretation of this historic agreement. In April, the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi bill was rejected by Parliament in a 112 to 11 vote in Wellington. The parliamentary committee ruled that the haka could have intimidated other lawmakers, recommending a one-week suspension for Maipi-Clarke and a 21-day suspension for Te Pati Maori co-leaders Rawiri Waititi and Debbie Ngarewa-Packer. New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters, who is of Maori descent, condemned the MPs actions, calling them out-of-control MPs who flout the rules and intimidate others with outrageous hakas. However, the Maori Party strongly criticised these recommendations, describing them as a warning shot to all of us to fall in line. In a statement, the party said, When tangata whenua resist, colonial powers reach for the maximum penalty, using the Maori phrase for people of the land. They also noted that these proposed punishments are among the harshest ever recommended by New Zealands parliament. A Russian drone attack killed the family of the local fire chief in Ukraine's northern town of Pryluky in Chernihiv region, Ukraine's interior minister said on Thursday. Minister Ihor Klymenko said the attack killed the fire chief's wife, daughter and one-year-old grandson. "On this terrible night, the rescuer was on site with the fire and rescue team to deal with the aftermath of the enemy strikes," he wrote on Telegram, expressing his condolences. The family was among five people killed when Russia launched six drones to attack the town overnight, regional governor Viacheslav Chaus said. Six more people were hospitalised, he added. Ukraine's northern and eastern regions have been a frequent target of Russian drones and missiles in the more than three-year-old war. Another Russian drone attack on Ukraine's northeastern city of Kharkiv injured 18 people, including four children, Klymenko said. Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said the overnight strikes damaged seven apartment buildings, with direct hits on two. "It flew into our neighbours' apartment next door, and my child and I managed to run out into the hallway," resident Anastasiia Meleshchenko told Reuters at the scene, adding that the ceiling began to crumble after a blast. "Yesterday, workers had just finished repair work in my apartment after the previous attack," she said. Outside, wrecked cars were on the street and emergency services workers were inspecting the damage. Russian President Vladimir Putin told U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday that he would have to respond to Ukrainian drone attacks on Russia's nuclear-capable bomber fleet, while also describing peace talks with Ukraine as useful. The war in Ukraine is intensifying after nearly four months of cajoling and threats to both Moscow and Kyiv from Trump, who says he wants peace after more than three years of the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War Two. After Ukraine bombed bridges and attacked Russia's fleet of bombers deep in Siberia and Russia's far north, Putin on Wednesday said he did not think Ukraine's leaders wanted peace. Shortly after Putin discussed the attacks with top ministers in Moscow, Trump said he had spoken by telephone with Putin for one hour and 15 minutes, and that they had discussed the Ukrainian attacks and Iran. "We discussed the attack on Russias docked airplanes, by Ukraine, and also various other attacks that have been taking place by both sides. It was a good conversation, but not a conversation that will lead to immediate peace," Trump said on social media. Russia has unleashed several massive aerial attacks on Ukraine over recent weeks. "President Putin did say, and very strongly, that he will have to respond to the recent attack on the airfields," Trump said. A foreign policy aide to Putin, Yuri Ushakov, said the Russian leader told Trump on the call that ceasefire talks between Moscow and Kyiv have been productive, despite what he termed attempts by Ukraine to disrupt them. "Let me stress that our president described in detail the content of the talks and that these talks on the whole were useful," Ushakov said. Memorandums outlining peace plans were exchanged and will be analysed, Ushakov said, "and we hope that afterwards the two sides will be able to continue their talks." Ushakov confirmed the two presidents discussed other international issues, particularly the Middle East conflict and how Russia could help deal with Iran and its nuclear programme. On Iran, Trump said he believed Putin agreed with Washington that Iran "cannot have a nuclear weapon," and accused Tehran of slowwalking decisions regarding the talks. Trump has been unusually silent on the Ukrainian attacks on the Russian bombers - one of the three pillars of Russia's nuclear arsenal - though Moscow demanded that the United States and Britain restrain Ukraine. The Kremlin said Trump had told Putin that Washington was not informed in advance of the Ukrainian attacks. Trump's Ukraine envoy said the risk of escalation from the war in Ukraine was "going way up" after the strikes. Russia and the United States are by far the world's biggest nuclear powers: together they hold about 88% of all nuclear weapons. Each has three ways of nuclear attack - strategic bombers, land-launched intercontinental ballistic missiles and submarine-launched ballistic missiles - and any attack on any part of the "triad" is considered a grave escalation. WAR OR PEACE? In some of his most hawkish remarks in recent months on the outlook for peace, Putin on Wednesday said the bridge attacks had been directed against civilians and accused Ukrainian leadership of being a "terrorist organisation" supported by powers who were becoming "terrorist accomplices." "The current Kyiv regime does not need peace at all," Putin said at a meeting with senior officials. "What is there to talk about? How can we negotiate with those who rely on terror?" Ukraine has not commented on the bridge attacks. It denies it targets civilians, as does Russia, though civilians have been killed by both sides. Kyiv has similarly accused Moscow of not seriously wanting peace, citing as evidence Russian resistance to an immediate ceasefire. Russia says certain conditions must first be met. Putin, in his public remarks, did not mention the bomber attacks, which came just before Russia and Ukraine met for direct peace talks in Istanbul where Moscow set out what the United States has called "maximalist" aims. Before Putin spoke, other Russian officials said military options were "on the table" for its response to Ukrainian attacks deep inside Russia and accused the West of being involved in them. "We urge London and Washington to react in such a way as to stop further escalation," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov was quoted by the Interfax news agency as saying. Ryabkov oversees relations with the U.S. and arms control. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz successfully navigated a 40-minute meeting with Donald Trump in the Oval Office without falling victim to the public humiliation the American president has doled out to other leaders even though both Germany and Europe are two of Trumps perpetual irritants. Merz heeded the advice from a number of European leaders that he should let Trump do most of the talking, and when he did talk, to praise the president. Merz faded into the background for much of the meeting, breaking his silence to say that Germany owes the Americans a lot. Merzs meeting with Trump was a high-risk move to try to lobby the president on several existential issues for the European Union: the brewing transatlantic trade conflict, the continents security architecture and the upcoming NATO summit and how to continue support for Ukraine. The risks included the very public hectoring that both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa suffered on recent visits to the White House. Ill go back with the feeling that we have a good relationship between the US president and the chancellor, Merz told the German public broadcaster ZDF after the meeting. During the meeting, Trump and Merz diverged on the issue of how to end the fighting in Ukraine. Trump compared the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine to a fight between two kids, saying: you try and pull them apart, but they dont want to be pulled. Sometimes you let them fight for a while, he added. When a German reporter asked Merz what he thought about the analogy, the chancellor remained diplomatic. We are both looking for ways to stop it very soon, he said. Even though Merz differed in his assessment, he praised Trump, saying: I told the president before we came in: He is the key person in the world who can really do that by putting pressure on Russia. Merz continued: We are all having the duty to do something on that now after 3 1/2 years. Although Trump avoided a clear commitment to continue military aid for Ukraine, he also didnt contradict Merz when the chancellor put the blame for the war squarely with Putin and spoke of a duty to act. When Zelenskiy made similar statements in the White House he incurred the wrath of Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Merz drew praise for boosting German defense. I know youre spending more on defense now, said Trump, who joked that World War II General Douglas MacArthur wouldnt be happy about that. Therell be a point when well say: Please dont arm any more, he added. Trump did criticize Germany for having developed gas pipelines with Russian, but he reserved his ire for Angela Merkel, the former chancellor. Trump also had positive comments on trade, as negotiations between the US and EU have reached a delicate phase. Hes a very great representative of Germany, Trump said of his German guest. I think all we want is just going to have a good relationship. The rest will just sort of follow very easily. Well have a good trade deal. With assistance from Catherine Lucey and Kate Sullivan. 2025 Bloomberg L.P. In response to Pakistan's diplomatic delegation to the United States claiming that they are innocent, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor invoked Hillary Clintons famous remark, saying that even though he sympathised with Bilawal Bhutto Zardari over his mother's death due to terrorism, How can you breed vipers in your backyard and expect them to bite only your neighbours? Shashi Tharoor, told PTI on June 4, They (Pakistan) are claiming to be innocent, had nothing to do with this, and they themselves are victims of terrorism. Indeed, I know that Bilawal Bhutto's mother was killed, and one sympathises with the young man for the loss of his mother to terrorism. But, the famous quote of Hillary Clinton comes back to haunt all the Pakistanis, which is, How can you breed vipers in your backyard and expect them to bite only your neighbours? Also Read | Here comes another Bilawal Bhutto Zardari meme | Watch Meanwhile, a parliamentary delegation from Pakistan, led by PPP Chairman and former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, arrived in Washington, DC on Wednesday. Earlier, speaking to reporters at the United Nations headquarters in New York, Zardariwho met UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres along with his delegationsaid they would meet US government representatives and lawmakers in the American capital. The President of the United States has a unique opportunity to deliver on his commitment to peace within the context of India and Pakistan. The United States enjoys good relations with Pakistan and enjoys good relations with Indiawe will be seeking to encourage the United States and other international players to play their role, to facilitate this process, Zardari said. Also Read | F-16 fighter jet maker Lockheed Martin gives zero returns in a month A US judge ruled that the Trump administration violated the due-process rights of more than 100 Venezuelans deported to a notorious prison in El Salvador, and they must now get a chance to challenge their removal. US District Judge James Boasberg in Washington found that the purported gang members never got a chance to challenge their designation as alien enemies before they were sent on March 15 and 16 to the mega-prison in El Salvador known as CECOT. Those removed were entitled to notice and an opportunity to challenge their removability under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, which President Donald Trump invoked hours before deeming them members of the Tren de Aragua gang. The judge said in his Wednesday decision he would decide later how exactly the administration now must provide that notice and opportunity to the Venezuelans. Absent this relief, the government could snatch anyone off the street, turn him over to a foreign country, and then effectively foreclose any corrective course of action, the judge wrote. The ruling is another setback for the deportation program of Trump, who has been rebuffed twice in recent weeks by the US Supreme Court. Boasberg cited the language of the Supreme Court, which ruled that Venezuelans still facing deportation under the Alien Enemies Act must receive notice that they face removal in a reasonable time and in such a manner to bring a legal challenge. White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said fortunately for the American people, Judge Boasberg does not have the last word. Judge Boasberg has no authority to intervene with immigration or national security authority that rests squarely with President Trump and the executive branch, Jackson said. His current and previous attempts to prevent President Trump from deporting criminal illegal aliens poses a direct threat to the safety of the American people. Boasberg stopped short of ordering the US to facilitate the return of the Venezuelans, as the Supreme Court ordered in the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a wrongly deported Salvadoran national sent to CECOT at the same time as the Venezuelans. The Trump administration has spent weeks fighting implementation of that ruling by a federal judge in Maryland. Mindful of national-security and foreign-policy concerns, the court will not at least yet order the government to take any specific steps, Boasberg said. It will instead allow defendants to submit proposals regarding the appropriate actions to allow the detainees to seek legal relief. The judge also declined to say that Trump improperly invoked the Alien Enemies Act by saying the Venezuelans were engaged in an invasion or predatory incursion. Several other federal judges said Trump improperly invoked the law, while the Supreme Court has not ruled on that question. Perhaps the president lawfully invoked the Alien Enemies Act, Boasberg wrote. Perhaps, moreover, defendants are correct that plaintiffs are gang members. But and this is the critical point there is simply no way to know for sure, as the CECOT plaintiffs never had any opportunity to challenge the governments say-so. Instead, the US spirited away planeloads of people before any such challenge could be made, Boasberg wrote. And now, significant evidence has come to light indicating that many of those currently entombed in CECOT have no connection to the gang and thus languish in a foreign prison on flimsy, even frivolous, accusations. The judge gave the administration one week to tell him how it would comply with his order. Boasberg has previously said there is probable cause to hold Trump administration officials in criminal contempt of court for sending the Venezuelans to CECOT despite his order to immediately halt the deportations. Such defiance is currently the subject of the courts contempt inquiry, Boasberg wrote Wednesday. The case is J.G.G. v. Trump, 25-cv-766, US District Court, District of Columbia. 2025 Bloomberg L.P. Supply Lines is a daily newsletter that tracks global trade. . Vietnam said it is responding to US demands with goodwill and has sent a written reply to US trade requests after the Trump administration vowed to keep pressuring the Southeast Asian nation to reduce its role in China supply chains. At talks in Paris, the two sides agreed on the need to speed up progress ahead of the third round of official negotiations set to take place next week, according to a post on the Vietnam trade ministrys website. Vietnam has engaged in weeks of intense diplomacy with the US the largest export market of the trade-reliant country as it seeks to avert a threatened 46% tariff, which was later wound back to 10% for 90 days to allow time for talks. Hanois relationship with northern neighbor China, its largest bilateral trade partner, has increasingly drawn US scrutiny. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said Washingtons tough stance will remain as long as Vietnam keeps re-exporting a significant amount of Chinese products to the US. This is an unrealistic expectation for any export-oriented country, including Vietnam, said Tyler Manh Dung Nguyen, chief market strategist at Ho Chi Minh City Securities JSC. Cutting ties entirely with Chinese suppliers would not only undermine Vietnams export capacity to the rest of the world, but is also fundamentally incompatible with the countrys foreign policy, he added. The punitively high levy the US is threatening to impose reflects its displeasure with Vietnams trade surplus, the third-largest globally behind China and Mexico. Vietnam has repeatedly vowed to purchase more American goods, while offering to remove all tariffs on US imports. Vietnam cited progress after the second round of trade talks last month but said that outstanding issues remain. Its taken steps to address some US concerns: stepping up a crackdown on trade fraud and promising to buy $2 billion worth of US agricultural products. But the longstanding Trump administration desire to reduce Vietnams Chinese imports remains. If the US is asking Vietnam to not allow China re-routing goods through Vietnam, then that is possible, said Trinh Nguyen, senior economist for emerging Asia at Natixis. If it is to shut China out of Vietnams supply chain and economy, then it will be very difficult. While the components that Vietnam needs for its top exports, such as phones and textiles, are dependent on China, that doesnt mean these are being produced by Chinese firms in Vietnam, she said. Many factories producing these parts are owned by South Korean and Taiwanese firms, for example. The high tariff threatens to disrupt supply chains for US brands, including Apple Inc. and Nike Inc., which have significant numbers of suppliers in the country. These manufacturers often import materials and parts from China and conduct the final assembly in Vietnam. The government may not even have the ability to force companies to remove Chinese components from their products. These are ultimately business decisions made by private enterprises, Pham Luu Hung, chief economist at SSI Securities, wrote in a June 4 research note. Vietnam has sought to diversify trade partners and upgraded ties with a number of nations in recent months, as well as welcomed a revolving door of international leaders to sign deals and cooperation agreements, all in a bid to reduce exposure to any single market. Vietnam, nonetheless, remains dependent on the two economic superpowers. Vietnam will need to figure out how to appease the US while stabilizing its relationship with China, Natixiss Trinh Nguyen said. With assistance from Nguyen Kieu Giang. 2025 Bloomberg L.P. Alphabet Inc.s Chief Executive Sundar Pichai has said that Google will continue to expand its engineering team through at least 2026, even as the company deepens its focus on artificial intelligence (AI). Speaking at the Bloomberg Tech conference in San Francisco, Pichai noted that while AI is changing the nature of work, human talent remains central to Googles operations. The tech giants approach contrasts with moves by other major firms such as Microsoft, which has made significant job cuts this year. These layoffs have been attributed in part to the steep costs of staying competitive in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. Google itself has also carried out workforce reductions in recent years, aiming to reallocate resources more efficiently. What Pichai stated about hiring engineers Pichai said engineering hires would continue, arguing that increasing the number of engineers enables the company to take advantage of more opportunities. I expect we will grow from our current engineering base even into next year, because it allows us to do more with the opportunity space, he said during a conversation with Bloomberg journalist Emily Chang. He added that AI tools are already helping engineers become more efficient by reducing repetitive tasks. While supportive of AI's potential, Pichai acknowledged the current limitations of the technology. He pointed out that although AI has demonstrated strength in areas like coding, it is still prone to making elementary errors. When asked about the prospect of achieving artificial general intelligence (AGI), he responded cautiously: So are we currently on an absolute path to AGI? I dont think anyone can say for sure. Also Read | This is how much Google pays to protect CEO Sundar PichaiItll shock you Pichai addresses concern among publishers over AI-generated search results Pichai also addressed growing concern among publishers over Googles AI-generated answers in search results, which many argue are reducing web traffic to original sources. He insisted that Google remains committed to supporting the wider internet ecosystem. We took a long time testing AI Overviews and prioritised approaches which resulted in high quality traffic out. Im confident that many years from now thats how Google will work, he said. Pichai has led the company since 2015, succeeding co-founder Larry Page. Asked who might be CEO when Google reaches its 50th anniversary, he joked that the person in charge will likely have a powerful AI assistant. Elsewhere at the same conference, Meta Platforms Inc.s Chief Technology Officer Andrew Bosworth highlighted a shift in Silicon Valley's approach to defence-related work. Meta recently partnered with Anduril Industries Inc., a defence technology firm, to develop AI-powered military equipment, including an augmented and virtual reality helmet. Theres a much stronger patriotic underpinning than I think people give Silicon Valley credit for, Bosworth said, signalling a broader cultural change in attitudes toward working with the military. Executives from firms including Anduril and Perplexity AI are expected to continue the conversation on AI and defence at the conference on Thursday. The City of Collegedale plans to adopt a reduced property tax rate after approving its budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Once officially certified in July, the property tax rate will drop from $1.55 to approximately $1.069 per $100 of assessed value. Hamilton County proposes lowest certified tax rate since 1941 Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp and Assessor of Property Marty Haynes announced a proposed certified property tax rate of $1.51 per $100 of assessed value. The city announced the tax rate drop Wednesday on Facebook. "Under Tennessee law, during property reappraisals (which occur every four years), a certified tax rate is calculated to ensure revenue neutrality for municipalities. This means the new rate is adjusted so that the city collects approximately the same amount of tax revenue from existing properties, despite any changes in property values," a Collegedale spokesperson wrote in the post. 'My bill almost tripled': South Pittsburg residents react to property tax hike The 2023 property tax for a home priced at $200,000 used to cost $370, but now costs $880 under the new rate in 2024. As a result, the city says most residents will not see a significant change in the amount they pay in property taxes, if any. The local government can maintain stable funding without increasing the overall tax burden due to rising property values. "This approach helps keep taxation fair and predictable for property owners after reappraisals," the post continued. Hamilton County recently dropped it's property tax rate from roughly $2.24 to $1.51 per $100 of assessed value. President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill was passed with a 215-214 vote on May 22. The bill aims to further economic growth by proposing tax cuts and focusing on reforming government funding. The bill scored Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene's vote, but she says she's no longer in support of the bill after realizing she mistakenly overlooked a critical section. "No one in our conference or our working groups and the chair sub-committees brought up one particular section that happened to be on pages 248-249 that said that no state can make a law or regulation on AI for 10 years, and it's a very small section, Congresswoman Greene, representing Georgias 14th District, says. The section reads that states would be prohibited from enforcing any law or regulation for the use of AI for 10 years. Many lawmakers have shown opposition toward the provision, and Congresswoman Greene quickly faced backlash from both the Democratic and Republican parties following the incident. "If people want representatives that are perfect and never willing to tell the American people where they've made a mistake, then good luck to having a representative like that, she says. That's not who I am. I'm always willing to say, Here's where I messed up. Here's where I went wrong. Greene says despite making the mistake, people should focus on the issue at hand. "They should care about the fact that we should not be passing a law that takes away state rights to regulate or make laws on AI for 10 years because we don't know what AI is going to develop into, she says. That's why I was willing to be humble and come out and say, I missed this in the bill. I think its very important that we all talk about this because we should never be destroying federalism. We should never be taking away states rights to regulations and make their own laws. She says with recent technological advancements, giving AI more freedom and restricting states' power would put people and their jobs at risk. "Taking away our state's ability to regulate and make laws is absolutely ridiculous. That destroys what our country was founded onfederalism, she says. I'm willing to come out and say, I find this to be a problem, and it's such a problem that it needs to be removed from the Senate, and I have heard that should be happening." The United Way of Greater Chattanooga has released its United For ALICE report, highlighting the financial struggles of thousands of working families across Hamilton County and surrounding areas. ALICE, which stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, refers to households that earn above the federal poverty line but still cannot afford basic necessities like housing, childcare, food, transportation and healthcare. Cost of living increasing throughout Greater Chattanooga, United Way study finds The cost of living for a Hamilton Co. family of four with two kids in child care rose by $8,200 in just one year, according to the study. According to the report, approximately 11,000 households in Hamilton County fall into the ALICE category. Combined with those living below the federal poverty level, about 38% of Hamilton County residents are living below or at the ALICE threshold. These are our working-class people who make above the federal poverty line but below the cost of basics, said Jessica Pilcher, Director of United for Working Families at United Way. They are forced to make really difficult choices every day to sustain themselves and their families. Pilcher said one of the hardest decisions many ALICE families face is choosing between putting food on the table or paying for essential services, such as electricity. In just one year, weve seen the cost of living increase by $8,200, Pilcher said. Thats really being felt by our working caregivers because the cost of housing and childcare rose so dramatically. Nonprofit organizations play a critical role in supporting these families. Pilcher noted that many rely on resources like the Chattanooga Area Food Bank when they can no longer stretch their income to cover groceries. Oftentimes, food is the first option that is cut from their monthly budget, she said. They rely on the Food Bank to be able to provide them that access to food to support their families. Jeannine Carpenter, Chief Communications Officer for the Chattanooga Area Food Bank, emphasized the organizations commitment to helping families in need. We believe food is a basic human right, Carpenter said. We want to help our neighbors get back on their feet. These families that United Way is really talking about need to be able to rely on us to be okay. Carpenter said while the ALICE numbers arent surprising, they are disappointing. United Way talking about ALICE is so important because theyre dispelling the myth of who needs help, Carpenter said. Its really important because people dont always understand that it could be their next-door neighbor. For families in need, Pilcher recommends calling United Ways 211 helpline to connect with local resources. The Chattanooga Area Food Banks Foxwood Food Center is also open to the public and available to anyone in need. The ALICE report also extends beyond Hamilton County, revealing that more than 6,300 households in Walker, Dade, and Catoosa counties in Georgia are also experiencing financial hardship. UPDATE: State Representative Yusuf Hakeem has canceled a town hall meeting in Eastdale on Thursday after a proposal to move the Moccasin Bend Mental Health Institute to the community was dropped. Rep. Hakeem was planning to hear from Eastdale constituents about their concerns for the proposal before the area was dropped from consideration. State Senator Bo Watson said Thursday that the Tennessee Department of General Services will continue to look for potential sites for a new regional mental health facility to replace the facility at Moccasin Bend. Stay with Local 3 News for updates to this developing story. PREVIOUS STORY: State Representative Yusuf Hakeem is hosting a town hall meeting on Thursday to hear from Eastdale constituents about a proposal to move the Moccasin Bend Mental Health Institute to their community. Hakeem, who represents District 28 which includes Eastdale, said the state of Tennessee submitted a letter of intent to potentially move Moccasin Bend to a site off of Tunnel Boulevard in an effort to expand the facility. Hakeem said that cant happen at its current location because of the areas historic significance which dates back more than 12,000 years, including evidence of early Native American villages and Civil War history. Rep. Hakeem said hes concerned about the impact the potential move would have on the growing subdivisions in the area. He contends that there are several other Hamilton County areas that should be considered before disrupting the Eastdale area: I believe we should look at all of our options before we arbitrarily make such an impactful move. Ive been made aware that there is possibly as many as a half-dozen other potential sites that should at least be considered that have the available space, would keep all of the facilitys jobs in Hamilton County, and not put our neighborhoods at a disadvantage. So, Im inviting everyone to come out and let their voices be heard. Hakeem will be joined at the town hall by Councilman Dennis Clark and Councilman Ron Elliott. The meeting will take place on Thursday, June 5 from 6:00-7:30 PM at the Eastdale Community Center at 1312 Moss Street. A man has received a fully suspended prison sentence for the offence of deception by inducing a man to pay 2,700 for repairs to a van when said repairs were not carried out. Edward Stokes (46), of Auburn Park, Edgeworthstown, Co Longford, appeared before Longford Circuit Court where Judge Jonathan Dunphy heard evidence of the offence from April 1, 2021. Detective Garda Donal McDermott, giving evidence, told Shane Geraghty BL, prosecuting, that the owner of the van had seen an ad on Done Deal for the fitting of engines, braking and repairs. The name on the ad was Joseph Harper and, when the injured party rang the phone number associated with Mr Harper, arrangements were made to collect his Ford Transit van from a garage in Ballinamore on March 12. Also read: Terrorised: Dublin man jailed for seven years for beating up and robbing Midlands pensioner A price of 2,300 was agreed for the replacement of the vans engine. Mr Harper turned out to be the accused, who said he was giving the injured party an engine with 30,000 miles on it. When the injured party sought to collect the van, Mr Stokes, still under the name of Mr Harper, told him he had to replace the turbo on the van for a further 400. A total of 2,700 was handed over, with a written receipt provided on April 1. However, the injured party was not happy while driving the vehicle, and again brought it to a garage in Ballinamore, where he was advised the engine had never been changed, and the turbo hadnt been working. Also read: Longford Garda thought of colleagues who were killed as menace to society crashed into patrol car Gardai inspected the vehicle and were satisfied that the engine was the same one that had been originally fitted in the vehicle. There was no indication the engine or turbo were removed or disassembled. Mr Stokes was arrested on July 26, 2021, and brought in for questioning. When asked about the vehicle, he said I dont recall it. He told Gardai he had used his mothers maiden name to avoid discrimination as he is a member of the Travelling community. When shown CCTV footage from the garage in Ballinamore where the van was collected, and footage from an industrial location in Longford showing the exchange of cash between him and the injured party, he denied trying to deceive anyone. Also read: Midlands man jailed for six years for rape of a woman in university accommodation Andrea Callan BL, on behalf of Mr Stokes, pointed out that the van wasnt driven into the garage, but it was driven out so some work was done on it. She noted there was a receipt and a paper trail, and said her client had quoted for a rebuild of the engine, not a replacement. Its a plea of guilty and an acceptance of responsibility. Your mitigation is one of a genuine mistake, said Judge Dunphy. Ms Callan stressed that she was providing context, not an excuse. She said her client is a 46-year-old father of five and grandfather of one. He is not working at present but has a great interest in horses and hopes to work in that area. She said he is of relatively good character and is "remorseful" for his actions. Mr Stokes had brought 2,700 to court as compensation, which the injured party was willing to accept, but Ms Callan added that her client would need time should he be required to come up with more. Judge Dunphy set a three year headline sentence, which he mitigated down to two years and three months and suspended in full for three years. He ordered Mr Stokes to hand over the 2,700 and to come up with a further 2,300 within six months, with a receipt to be furnished to the court. If he breaches any of those terms, he will serve two years and three months in prison, he concluded. Also read: Rise in parking charges proposed for Longford Town from August Gardai are renewing their appeal in seeking the publics assistance in tracing the whereabouts of 48-year-old Manuel DCosta, who was reported missing from his home in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim, on Friday, 16th May 2025. Manuel was last seen at approximately 6am. Manuel is described as being 6 feet 1 inch in height, with black hair and brown eyes. When last seen, he was wearing black pants, a white t-shirt and a black hoodie. READ NEXT: Irish holidaymakers warned as Spain set for major anti-tourism protests Gardai are appealing to landowners in the Ballyfarnon, Keadue and surrounding areas to check any sheds, outhouses or other remote buildings on their lands. Gardai are also appealing for any persons who may have visited Lough Meelagh woods amenity over the weekend of the 16th May, 2025 and who may have seen Manuel to come forward. Anyone with information regarding Manuels whereabouts is asked to contact Carrick-on-Shannon Garda Station at (071) 965 0510, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda station. In a significant achievement underscoring her commitment to excellence in the legal field, local solicitor Fiona Baxter of Baxter Mimnagh Solicitors has been honoured with the prestigious title of Legal Luminary of the Year at the esteemed Women of Vision Awards 2025. This accolade recognises her outstanding leadership, innovative approaches, her unwavering dedication to her clients and exceptional advocacy in navigating some of the most challenging and emotionally charged Medical Negligence cases over the past number of years. The Women of Vision Awards celebrates the contributions of women who are making significant contributions in their respective fields. This year, Fiona Baxter was celebrated, not only for her exemplary work in law but also for her role as a mentor and advocate for inspiring female solicitors. Her innovative legal strategies and compassionate client care have set a new standard in the realm of legal practice. Fiona Baxter receiving her Women of Vision Award from Lisa Cannon In addition to this accolade, Fiona Baxter and Baxter Mimnagh Solicitors, Longford have also been nominated for the prestigious Irish Law Awards, due to take place in the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, Dublin on Friday, June 6, 2025, in two respective categories: Medical Negligence/Personal Injury Solicitor of the Year and Law Firm of the Year both regionally and nationally. These nominations highlight their exceptional expertise and commitment to advocating for clients who have faced difficult medical negligence incidents, showcasing her relentless pursuit of justice on their behalf. Jill Thorton, event organiser of the Irish Law Awards, explained, This year's record number of entries is a true reflection of the talent, passion and progress within Ireland's legal sector. Our finalists set the standard for excellence and inspire the entire profession. Fiona Baxter and Brid Mimnagh Fiona Baxter qualified as a solicitor in 2010 and acquired the well established and renowned practice of Brid Mimnagh in 2020, forming Baxter Mimnagh Solicitors. Fiona has built up an extensive medical negligence practice, with a primary focus on delayed diagnosis of cancer. This is an extremely complex and challenging area given the issues and emotions involved where it is often the case that a person is suffering from a terminal illness. Her work has not only brought about significant changes for her clients and their families but has also raised awareness about the importance of accountability in the healthcare system. Medical Negligence cases by their nature can oftentimes be inherently difficult, often involving deeply personal issues where the stakes are incredibly high. Baxter Mimnagh Solicitors have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to clients who have suffered due to the failings of healthcare providers. With a compassionate approach and a keen legal mind, Fiona and her team have successfully represented individuals and their families in cases where medical errors have led to significant harm or loss. Fiona Baxter Principal of Baxter Mimnagh Solicitors As she prepares for the upcoming Irish Law Awards, Fiona Baxter stated, I have had the profound privilege of working with clients who have shown remarkable courage in the face of terminal illness. Their stories are not just legal cases, they are testimonies of resilience and strength. I want to express my gratitude to each of them for trusting me to be part of their journey. Over the years, Fiona Baxter, Baxter Mimnagh Solicitors has taken on high profile cases, which have not only brought justice to clients but have also sparked important discussions about patient safety and accountability in the healthcare system. They understand that behind every case is a story of pain, loss, and a quest for justice, and they approach each case with the seriousness and respect it deserves. Colleagues and clients alike have praised Fiona Baxter, Baxter Mimnagh Solicitors for her meticulous attention to detail and strategic thinking in case preparation. Their skills in negotiation and litigation have not only led to favourable outcomes for clients but have also helped to raise standards within the healthcare industry by holding negligent parties accountable. The nomination for the Irish Law Awards is not only a testament to the hard work and determination of Baxter Mimnagh Solicitors but also highlights the importance of legal advocacy in the realm of medical negligence. It serves as a reminder that behind every legal battle are the lives and stories of individuals seeking justice and closure. Reflecting on her recent achievements, Fiona Baxter expresses gratitude to her team and to her clients, This recognition from the Women of Vision Awards 2025 and the nominations at the Irish Law Awards is not just a personal honour, but a testament to the hard work and passion of everyone here at Baxter Mimnagh Solicitors. We are committed to excellence and making a positive impact in the lives of those we serve. Fiona added, I am passionate about my work and I am committed to ensuring that my clients receive the support and justice they deserve. This recognition motivates me to continue driving for excellence and ensuring their voices are heard. At the upcoming Irish Law Awards, Baxter Mimnagh Solicitors contributions and achievements will be celebrated, further solidifying their status as a leading practice in the country. Tel: 043 334 5956 Email: info@baxtermimnaghsolicitors.ie Baxter Mimnagh Solicitors,21 Main Street,Longford,N39 C5D2 *Sponsored Content Local News By Chris Boyle Published: June 05 2025 The event drew a strong turnout from across the region, with participants running or walking the 5K route in tribute to the men and women who have served our country. On Saturday, May 31st, Brookhaven Councilwoman Jane Bonner joined local veterans, families, and community members for the VFW Post 6249 Joseph P. Dwyer 5K Run, a community event honoring the bravery and sacrifice of U.S. veterans. Pictured above in the group photo taken at the event, Councilwoman Bonner can be seen fourth from the left, standing next to Commander Joe Cognitore, other VFW members, and the community. Hosted by VFW Post 6249, the event drew a strong turnout from across the region, with participants running or walking the 5K route in tribute to the men and women who have served our country. The race has become a tradition in the Rocky Point area, uniting people of all ages to support a vital cause. The run supports the PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Veteran Peer Support Program, which was named in honor of Private First Class Joseph P. Dwyer, a Suffolk County native and Army combat medic in Iraq. During a mission in Baghdad, PFC Dwyer was famously photographed carrying an injured Iraqi boy to safety, which was soon featured in newspapers nationwide. After returning home, he was honorably discharged but struggled with post-traumatic stress, depression, and substance abuse. Sadly, he passed away in July 2008 at the age of 31. Since its launch in late 2012, the Dwyer Program has become a model of success in providing peer-to-peer support for veterans experiencing similar challenges. Its continued growth and impact serve as a powerful reminder of PFC Dwyers legacy and the importance of supporting those who have served. This run is a beautiful example of how our community comes together to honor and remember our veterans, said Councilwoman Bonner. Its a privilege to support the VFW and to stand with those who have given so much for our country. After the race, attendees gathered at the post for refreshments, music, and a special ceremony recognizing veterans and event organizers. Proceeds from the event go toward supporting veteran services and outreach programs through VFW Post 6249. Councilwoman Bonner extended her gratitude to the VFW for their continued leadership and dedication to veteran advocacy. Credit: Town of Brookhaven Crime By Chris Boyle Published: June 05 2025 Scott Unger and co-conspirator Joseph Greenblatt, allegedly worked together to subvert the school districts emergency contracting process to divert lucrative contracts to a business they incorporated. Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced that the former Director of Facilities for the Lawrence Union Free School District (LUFSD) and a co-conspirator were indicted today for a more than $2 million scheme in which they allegedly used the directors influence and knowledge to steer emergency HVAC and other lucrative contracts to a company they incorporated and shared the profits from the business between April 2023 and May 2024. Scott Unger, 65, of Long Beach, was arraigned today before Judge Robert Schwartz on grand jury indictment charges of Corrupting the Government in the First Degree (a B felony); Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree (an E felony); six counts of Official Misconduct (an A misdemeanor); and a violation of General Municipal Law Section 803(1) Disclosure of Interest. Joseph Greenblatt, 59, of Island Park, was also arraigned today before Judge Schwartz on grand jury indictment charges of Corrupting the Government in the First Degree; Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree; and one count of Official Misconduct. The defendants pleaded not guilty and were released on their own recognizance. They face up to 8-1/3 to 25 years in prison respectively if convicted. They are due back in court on July 28, 2025. Scott Unger decided he wanted a bigger payday from his new position directing facility operations at the Lawrence School District and allegedly, with the help of his co-conspirator Joseph Greenblatt, twisted the districts contracting process to fit his needs and line both of their pockets, said DA Donnelly. Unger and Greenblatt used lies and manipulation to remove the competition and position themselves to take over school district contracts, according to the charges. The pair set up their own businesses, with Unger acting as the shadow operator, and using Ungers authority, allegedly secured lucrative contracts worth more than $2 million, despite never having worked on another HVAC project and having no experience in that space. People enter public service because they want to benefit their communities, but the only individuals benefiting from this fraud were the defendants, and my office will hold them accountable for their alleged deception. DA Donnelly said that, according to the indictment, between April 7, 2023, and May 23, 2024, Unger and Greenblatt allegedly created and operated a corporation, SDF Service Plus, Inc. (SDF), to obtain public works contracts from the LUFSD and disguised Ungers financial interest in SDF, which would have prohibited the company from contracting with the school district. The defendants conduct allegedly resulted in the LUFSD awarding contracts to SDF for various services in excess of $2 million and payments to Unger specifically in excess of $184,000. Unger began his employment with the LUFSD as Director of Facilities on October 17, 2022. At that time, Hi Tech Air Conditioning Service, Inc. (Hi Tech) held contracts for services at several LUFSD buildings for HVAC installation and service projects. Shortly after Unger assumed oversight of the project, the defendant allegedly caused the LUFSD to withhold payment and ignored repeated attempts by Hi Tech to seek payment for work it already performed. Eventually, in February 2023, Hi Tech refused to perform further work for the school district because of non-payment. On May 16, 2023, allegedly at Ungers request, the LUFSD Board of Education passed a resolution declaring that the dispute between Hi Tech and the school created an immediate need for HVAC repair and installation at the school buildings and an emergency contracting process began pursuant to General Municipal Law Section 103(4) which stated that the emergency was such that it cannot await competitive bidding or competitive offering. After the resolution passed, Unger hired SDF to take over the contract for HVAC services. Before being awarded the emergency contract, SDF had performed no work for any other customer and did not perform any work after its contract with LUFSD. The company had no liability or Workers Compensation insurance. For the LUFSD project, SDF hired employees that had previously worked on the same project for Hi Tech. Unger allegedly used his position as Director of Facilities to expedite payments from the LUFSD to SDF, and at his request, checks from the school district were not mailed to SDF, but instead, given directly to Unger, who deposited the payments into SDFs bank account. The investigation also showed that Unger conducted business operations for SDF, including allegedly creating the companys email address, drafting SDF business records, and managing SDFs payroll, as well as hiring an accountant for the company. Unger is also alleged to have manipulated the bidding process to ensure that only SDF would be awarded bids which Unger fixed the pricing and prepared specifications for in advance. Between July 28, 2023, and December 29, 2023, Greenblatt wrote five checks to Scott Mitchell Management, Inc. (SMM), a shell company incorporated and controlled by Unger, for sums ranging from $22,320 to $77,945. These payments represented approximately 18% of the payments made by the school district to SDF, which is consistent with Hi Techs mark-up on their labor rate. On December 29, 2023, SDF issued a check to SMM for $77,945. Eight days after the funds were deposited into the SMM account, defendant Unger allegedly purchased a 2024 Kia Telluride with an SMM check for $61,123 and registered the vehicle in his name. Unger also allegedly withdrew large sums of cash from SDFs bank account with Greenblatts approval. From June 9, 2023, to April 15, 2024, the LUFSD made payments totaling $2,050,205 to SDF. Unger was suspended pending investigation in May 2024 and submitted his resignation in November 2024. The LUFSD Board of Education terminated SDF in July 2024. The defendants surrendered to NCDA Detective Investigators on June 4, 2025. NCDAs Civil Forfeiture Unit seized Ungers 2024 Kia Telluride and froze multiple bank accounts under the control of Unger and Greenblatt, including an SDF account that held approximately $238,000 in an asset forfeiture action. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Bureau Chief Robert Cavallo and Deputy Bureau Chief Jesse Aviram of the Public Corruption Bureau under the supervision of Bureau Chief Kristen Fexas and under the overall supervision of Executive Assistant District Attorney for the Investigations Rick Whelan. NCDAs Civil Forfeiture Unit assisted in identifying any available assets. Unger is represented by Mark Silverman, Esq. and Greenblatt is represented by Michael Soshnick, Esq. Local News By Chris Boyle Published: June 05 2025 Long Islands Biggest Celebration of Israel Set for June 8 at Eisenhower Park. With widespread participation from more than two dozen Jewish organizations and over 100 synagogues, Israelfest Celebrate Israel Concert is once again poised to be the largest celebration of Israel on Long Island, taking place Sunday, June 8, 4-8pm, at Eisenhower Parks Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre in East Meadow. This free festival, hosted in collaboration with Jewish Community Relations CouncilLong Island, blends Israeli music, culture, and community in a bold affirmation of unity, amid rising antisemitism and global unrest. An increased presence of the Nassau County Police Department will be on-site to help ensure a safe, welcoming experience for all. In a world of misinformation, Israelfest is a coming together of families and friends from across the Island who care about truth, who love Israel, and cherish its existence, said David Black, Executive Director of Sid Jacobson JCC. It is a grand statement that we not only dance again, but that we stand and sing in harmony with our brothers and sisters across the sea. Bringing the heart of Israel to the stage, Noam Buskila, a celebrated vocalist and IDF reservist, headlines a musical lineup that includes Rick Recht and Hadar & Sheldon Low. Congressman Tom Suozzi, United States Representative for New Yorks 3rd Congressional District, will be ceremonially honored for his steadfast support of Israel. Accompanying the live performances, the Israelfest Celebrate Israel Concert offers family-friendly activities, dancing, food for purchase, shopping, and an inviting atmosphere for all ages. Israelfest provides the perfect opportunity for us to come together and embrace the spirit, culture, and resilience of Israel, said Dagan Cohen, Director and Senior Shaliach, Randie Waldbaum Malinsky Center for Israel. Israelfest is a glowing celebration of unity and community spirit, added Lauren Chizner, Director of Jewish Life + Learning at Sid Jacobson JCC. As we gather across Long Island to honor Israel, we strengthen our connections, share in our pride, and build a future rooted in shared values and collective joy. Israelfest Celebrate Israel Concert is made possible through the generous support of UJA-Federation of New York and Nassau County Executive Bruce A. Blakeman, and in proud partnership with the JCC Association of North America, The Jewish Agency for Israel, and Long Island Jewish Coalition. This event is a message that our murdered brethren and the fallen in Israel will not have died in vain, and the hostagesthose still living and those who were murderedwill not be forgotten. We rejoice as we remember. We remember as we rejoice, Black concluded. For more information, please visit sjjcc.org/israelfest. About Sid Jacobson JCC Sid Jacobson JCC (sjjcc.org) in East Hills provides a full range of cutting-edge recreational, health, fitness, educational, cultural arts, and social service programs. SJJCC promotes Jewish identity and provides a comprehensive program based on Jewish values, traditions, heritage, and culture, and is committed to enriching the lives of all individuals and families in its community. Where life flourishes. Like the JCC on Facebook (facebook.com/sidjacobsonjcc) and Follow Us on Instagram (instagram.com/sidjacobsonjcc). Sid Jacobson JCC is a beneficiary agency of the UJA Federation of New York. Crime By Chris Boyle Published: June 05 2025 Deshawn Martin attempted to rob a restaurant in Hempstead at gunpoint in January 2022 and shot and killed 49-year-old Santos Valeriano Argueta when he tried to intervene in an assault. Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced that a Hempstead man was convicted at trial for six robberies between 2021 and 2022, and a January 2022 attempted robbery at a restaurant in Hempstead in which the defendant shot and killed a 49-year-old man at point-blank range when he tried to intervene in the defendants assault of another patron. Deshawn Martin, 28, was convicted after a jury trial before Judge Terence Murphy of Murder in the First Degree (an A-I felony); six counts of Robbery in the First Degree (a B violent felony); four counts of Criminal Use of a Firearm in the First Degree (a B violent felony); three counts of Robbery in the Second Degree (a C violent felony); Attempted Robbery in the First Degree (a C violent felony); two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (a C violent felony); Assault in the Second Degree (a D violent felony); and Menacing in the Second Degree (an A misdemeanor). The trial began on May 5, 2025, and the jury deliberated for four hours before delivering their verdict. Martin is due back in court on July 21, 2025, and faces a maximum of up to life in prison without parole. In January 2022, Deshawn Martin did the unthinkable, putting the barrel of his gun to Santos Valeriano Arguetas chest and pulling the trigger after the husband and father heroically intervened when this defendant repeatedly and mercilessly pistol-whipped another man in the restaurant he was trying to rob. Santos was a decent and honorable man, only trying to protect his friend and the other terrified patrons when Martin determined his life was meaningless and ended it, DA Donnelly said. This defendant is nothing more than a cold-blooded killer and a true career criminal, holding up several other Nassau stores three months before he murdered Santos in Hempstead and picking up an additional arrest for robbery in Florida in the time between. He is a threat to the safety of our residents, and he should spend the rest of his life behind bars. DA Donnelly said, on January 30, 2022, at approximately 10:54 p.m., the defendant entered Antojitos Express on Peninsula Boulevard in Hempstead carrying a loaded firearm and ordered everyone in the restaurant to get on the ground. Martin pistol whipped a patron, the first victim, several times. Forty-nine-year-old Santos Valeriano Argueta intervened and pushed Martin out of the storefront. Once outside, Martin shot Argueta three times at close range, striking him in the forearm and head, then putting the barrel of his gun to Arguetas chest and firing once more. As Argueta was on the ground, Martin went through the victims pockets, stole his cell phone, and fled the scene. Just days after the shooting, on February 3, 2022, the defendant committed two additional robberies. At approximately 4:03 a.m., Martin entered a 7-Eleven store at 333 Oak Street in Uniondale displaying a firearm. The defendant then robbed the store at gunpoint and fled. Hours later at 7:19 p.m., Martin entered a Dunkin Donuts at 467 Old Country Road in Westbury and again, with firearm displayed, robbed the store. Martin was also convicted of three October 2021 robberies he committed. On October 22, 2021, Martin allegedly drove to a Subway store at 1341 Jerusalem Avenue in Merrick. Martin entered the store with a paper bag covering his right hand, indicated he had a gun and demanded money. Martin stole cash and fled the scene. The next day, on October 23, 2021, Martin allegedly drove to a Dunkin Donuts store at 432 Jerusalem Avenue in Hicksville. Martin entered the store again with a paper bag covering his right hand and demanded money from the store workers. Martin stole approximately $1,315 and fled the scene. On October 26, 2021, Martin allegedly drove into the rear parking lot of 150 Sunnyside Boulevard in Plainview. Martin exited the vehicle and entered a 7-Eleven across the parking lot, wearing a bandana with a paper bag covering his right hand, indicated he had a gun, and demanded money from the store workers. Martin stole approximately $200 and fled the store. Martin was arrested on February 9, 2022, in Freeport by detectives of the NCPDs Homicide Squad and Bureau of Special Operations. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Bureau Chief Veronica Guariglia of the Homicide Bureau under the supervision of Bureau Chief Jared Rosenblatt and under the overall supervision of Executive Assistant District Attorney for the Litigation Division Kevin Higgins. Martin is represented by Jeffrey Groder, Esq. Irans latest Jas 313 drone. (Fararu) The Islamic Republic Armed Forces General Staff, Irans highest military authority tasked with coordinating the conventional army (Artesh) and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), issued a threatening statement on June 4 amid stalled nuclear negotiations with the United States. The statement declared that by standing firm against [US] threats, the Iranian armed forces under the command of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei are ready with exemplary power to confront the enemies. The announcement came after Khamenei rejected Washingtons latest nuclear proposal in a June 4 sermon. He condemned the US demand for the complete dismantlement of Irans nuclear program, accusing the West of fixating on enrichment. Enemies are focused on enrichment, Khamenei said, dismissing the idea of operating a hundred nuclear plants without enrichment as senseless. He then issued a defiant warning. Our answer to America is clear, he said, adding that the Americans and Zionist officials behind the proposal should know they cannot do a damn thing. The US proposal, delivered to Tehran on May 31, reportedly permits limited low-level uranium enrichment in Iran for an unspecified period but imposes strict conditions: dismantling key conversion infrastructure, halting centrifuge research and development, and banning new enrichment sites. It envisions a regional consortium, restricts enrichment to civilian use, caps levels at 3 percent, and renders underground facilities non-operational. Though enrichment is allowed in principle, the plan effectively requires Iran to dismantle existing infrastructure until the new consortium is in place. Ali Shamkhani, a senior advisor to Khamenei and a key figure on the nuclear file, rejected the US proposal as unserious on June 4, calling its architects amateur. Shamkhani criticized the absence of any reference to sanctions reliefan essential issue for Tehranand firmly rejected the goal of full disarmament. Americas objectives of dismantling its nuclear program and reducing uranium enrichment to zero would not materialize, Shamkhani stated. Iran has grown increasingly skeptical of the nuclear talks, which ended in Rome without progress. On May 23, Iranian state outlets reported that US envoy Steven Witkoff had left the talks ahead of schedule, while CNN reported that officials in Tehran saw little chance of a breakthrough. Khamenei reinforced this bleak outlook in a May 20 address, denouncing Washingtons demands. That message was echoed on May 22 by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who ruled out any concessions on uranium enrichment. In line with the Armed Forces statement, other branches of Irans military escalated their rhetoric. Defense Minister Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh stated on June 4 that Irans power deters Israel from issuing threats, dismissing recent Israeli warnings as baseless. That same day, IRGC Navy Commander Commodore Alireza Tangsiri vowed a harsh response to any naval aggression and praised the Tehran-backed Yemeni Houthis for their ongoing attacks against Israel, which have continued almost daily since May. State media further amplified the regimes messaging, broadcasting a propaganda video showcasing Irans latest unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The footage featured the Jas-313 bomber UAV, capable of flying at 45,000 feet with a top speed of Mach 0.8 and an endurance of one hour. The IRGC Navy employs the drone for both reconnaissance and strike missions, and one source claimed the Jas-313 is designed to evade radar detection. Iran has moved beyond rhetoric and taken concrete steps to reinforce its air defense posture amid growing concerns that failed nuclear negotiations could trigger a US or Israeli military strike. The regimes air defense network suffered significant losses during Israeli air campaigns in April and October 2024, which damaged or destroyed most of its surface-to-air missile systems, including Russian-supplied S-300 batteries and associated radar units. In response, Tehran has reportedly redeployed air defense assets around sensitive nuclear facilities such as Natanz and Fordow. Recent public displays suggest an effort to signal readiness: during last months Army Day parade in Tehran, Iran displayed an S-300 launcher and radar vehicle. In military drills held in February, an S-300 system was observed firing a missile using what appeared to be an Iranian-made radar systemlikely a substitute for imported systems rendered inoperable during previous strikes. Irans heightened alert is driven not only by concerns over a possible US or joint US-Israeli strike but also by a growing fear in Tehran that Israel may act unilaterally. CNN reported on May 20 that US intelligence believes Israel is preparing for a potential strike on Iranian nuclear facilities. In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi condemned the threat on May 22 and warned of special measures if it materializes. The same day, Irans UN mission submitted a letter holding Washington legally accountable for any Israeli military action. The IRGC-affiliated Tasnim News vowed severe retaliation, while Armed Forces Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri pointed to Irans April and October 2024 attacks on Israel as warnings of what could follow. Janatan Sayeh is a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies focused on Iranian domestic affairs and the Islamic Republics regional malign influence. Israeli soldiers with the Golani Infantry Brigade operate in southern Gaza as part of Operation Gideons Chariots. (IDF) The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the retrieval of the bodies of two hostages on June 5. The retrieval and return of the bodies of two hostages cruelly held by HamasIsraeli-American citizens, Judith Weinstein Haggai and her husband Gad Haggaiis a moment of deep pain, but also one of solace and the resolution of uncertainty, Israeli President Isaac Herzog said. Fifty-six hostages now remain in Gaza, around half of them assumed to be deceased. Hamas took more than 250 people hostage during its October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. The recovery of the deceased hostages comes as many changes are taking place in Gaza. The IDF continues to move forward slowly as part of its latest operation, Gideons Chariots. Launched in mid-May, the operation has seen five IDF divisions sent into various parts of the territory. As the operation has progressed, new Palestinian armed groups have appeared in southern Gaza. The most prominent among these militias is led by Yasser Abu-Shabab, a 32-year-old resident of Rafah from a Bedouin background, who is described on social media as a militia leader in southern Gaza, reported Ynet. Israeli security officials confirmed to Israeli media that Israel is arming local militias in Gaza, though many of the details of this effort have not been made public. Israels Prime Ministers Office said that Israel is acting to defeat Hamas in various ways upon the recommendation of the heads of the security establishment. At the same time, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a new US-backed humanitarian initiative, began delivering aid in late May. It delivered more than seven million meals in its first nine days of operation. The assistance is distributed via three sites, two in southern Gaza and one in the Netzarim Corridor in central Gaza. The aid sites are secured by private security personnel, mostly Americans with military experience. The food is put out in boxes on tables, and people rush to retrieve it. This procedure creates a mass of individuals that has usually led to the sites being forced to shut down as too many people arrive. A fourth site that was supposed to open in the first nine days of operation has not opened yet. The new aid initiative has seen several hurdles. Hamas-run health authorities in Gaza claimed that people were killed while trying to reach the aid sites in incidents between June 1 and 3. On June 3, the IDF said that during the movement of the crowd along the designated routes toward the aid distribution siteapproximately half a kilometer from the siteIDF troops identified several suspects moving toward them, deviating from the designated access routes. The troops carried out warning fire, and after the suspects failed to retreat, additional shots were directed near a few individual suspects who advanced toward the troops. Although the IDF has disputed reports of how many people were killed, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation shut down operations on June 4 and partially suspended aid delivery on June 5. The IDF says that the new initiative is proving effective. Gazan residents are coming to the distribution centers to receive the aid. The civilian population of Gaza understands that Hamas is not taking care of themon the contrary, Hamas is actively trying to prevent them from receiving the aid. We operate nearby and do whatever is necessary to ensure that the aid does not fall into the hands of Hamas, IDF Spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin said on June 3. As the aid initiative gains traction and a new armed group appears to carve out a non-Hamas area in southern Gaza, the IDF is also operating in the rest of the territory. A map the IDF revealed on June 3 shows five divisions operating in Gaza. In the north is the 162nd Division, with its Givati and Nahal Infantry Brigades and the 401st Armored Brigade. This division operated in northern Gaza in the opening days of the war in 2023 and continued fighting in the territory until February 2025. To the south of the 162nd is the 252nd Reserve Brigade, which has returned to control the Netzarim Corridor and nearby areas. It held these locations several times in 2024. Further south is the 98th Division, which includes Paratroopers and the Commando Brigade. The division has returned to Khan Younis, where it fought during the first four months of 2024. Four IDF soldiers were killed in northern Gaza between June 2 and June 4. Southern Gaza is held by the 36th Division and the 143rd Gaza Division. The 36th fought in Gaza briefly in the first months of the war before being sent to the Lebanon front. It returned to Gaza with its Golani Infantry Brigade in March and April 2025 to take over the new Morag Corridor. This area also abuts Rafah and Tel al Sultan, where the new aid distribution sites are located. The 143rd Division, which is supposed to secure the border with Gaza, is now also tasked with securing the Philadelphi Corridor along the Egyptian border. Reporting from Israel, Seth J. Frantzman is an adjunct fellow at FDD and a contributor to FDDs Long War Journal. He is the senior Middle East correspondent and analyst at The Jerusalem Post, and author of The October 7 War: Israel's Battle for Security in Gaza (2024). The logo of the Martyr Mohammad Deif Brigades. On June 3, at approximately 10 pm Israeli time, two rockets were launched from Syrian territory and landed in the Golan Heightsthe first such attack from Syria toward Israel since the fall of the Bashar al Assad regime in December 2024. Two groups claimed responsibility. The first, the Martyr Mohammad Deif Brigades, was reportedly founded on May 30, 2025, according to its Telegram channel. The group is named after the slain Hamas military chief, Mohammad Deif, who was killed in July 2024. The second group was the Islamic Resistance Front in SyriaAwli al Bas, a militant faction that claims affiliation with Irans so-called Axis of Resistance. This group has claimed multiple attacks against Israeli forces operating inside Syrian territory since December 2024. The Martyr Mohammad Deif Brigades announced on Telegram that it had targeted Israeli forces in the occupied Golan with two Grad rockets, fired precisely at 9:20 pm on Tuesday, June 3. In a follow-up statement to Al Jazeera, the group claimed its actions were a response to the war in Gaza and vowed to continue operations until the conflict ends. The groups logo features a silhouette of Mohammad Deif, with a map of historic Palestine on the left, an AK-47 on the right, and text that reads Martyr Mohammad Deif Brigades, Occupied Palestine and the Quranic verse Assault them through the gate, for when you are in, victory will be yours. The background is green, resembling Hamass color scheme. Hamas quickly denied any connection to the Martyr Mohammad Deif Brigades. We have no knowledge of their background or who is behind them, the group stated, according to Al Arabiya. The Martyr Mohammad Deif Brigades later clarified that the group is a Palestinian resistance movement that is unaffiliated with any established faction and committed to a revolutionary path. The Islamic Resistance Front in SyriaAwli al Bas also claimed responsibility for the attack on Israel. Its logo mimics the emblem of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC)a raised arm holding an AK-47indicating alignment with Iran-linked resistance groups. While most of the Islamic Resistance Front in Syrias messaging has centered on reconnaissance missions targeting Israeli troops in southern Syria, the group has issued claims of direct attacks. On January 21, it alleged that one of its battalions downed an Israeli drone near Al Telal al Homr in the Quneitra countryside, though the claim remains unverified. On January 31, the group claimed an attack on Israeli forces in Tarnaja, also in Quneitra, using unspecified appropriate weapons. The IDF later acknowledged that shots were heard and identified in the area where IDF troops are operating in Syrian territory. The Islamic Resistance Front in SyriaAwli al Bas identifies itself as part of the Iranian-led Axis of Resistance and claims religious legitimacy through what it calls the battle of the promise of the Hereafter, a reference to a Quranic verse interpreted by some as a prophecy about the final battle to liberate Palestine. After US President Donald Trump announced sanctions relief for Syria, the group issued a statement condemning the development as a betrayal. It described the decision as part of a normalization deal between Syria and Israel under the Abraham Accords, which the group claims undermines the rights of the Syrian people. The statement concluded with a pledge that Awli al Bas will remain steadfast, refusing to relinquish a drop of Syrian soil, and will not bow to the threats of occupiers or incentives from collaborators. The groups stated goal is the full liberation of the Golan Heights and all other occupied Arab lands. A Syrian official told Reuters that the attackers include remnants of Assad-era militias linked to Iran who have long operated in the Quneitra area and have a vested interest in provoking Israeli retaliation as a means of escalating tensions and undermining current stabilization efforts. An Israeli official told Al Arabiya that the current Syrian administration has nothing to do with the rocket launches from southern Syria. He added that Iran, Hezbollah, and Assad loyalists are actively trying to destabilize Syria and that Israel is coordinating with the new Syrian security forces regarding their deployment near the buffer zone in southern Syria. Ahmad Sharawi is a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies focused on Iranian intervention in Arab affairs and the levant. Acquisitions of Spanish nationality have grown by 46.4% in a decade in the Balearics, with a total of 9,366 registered last year compared to 6,394 in 2014. This is according to the Statistics on the Acquisition of Spanish Nationality by Residents published on Thursday by the National Statistics Institute (INE), which indicates that compared to 2023, when 8,339 acquisitions of nationality were recorded, the increase is 12.32%. Of the total number of people who acquired Spanish nationality in the Balearic Islands, 4,354 (46.4%) were men and 5,012 were women (53.5%), while the largest age group was 30 to 34 years old (1,103). By country, a total of 1,380 correspond to people born in Colombia (14.7%) and 669 in Argentina (7.14%). Behind them are those from Venezuela (616 - 6.5%) and Ecuador (500 - 5.3%). In general terms, the acquisition of nationality by people from South America (4,683) has grown by 10% in 10 years to 15.8%, and from Africa (2,290) the increase is 32.5% in a decade. Those from Asian countries increased by 69% to 495 acquisitions last year. Similarly, there was a notable increase (69%) in acquisitions (1,010) by people from Central America and the Caribbean. Across the country as a whole, the number of foreign residents who acquired Spanish nationality increased by 5.1% in 2024. Of the foreigners who acquired Spanish nationality in 2024, 44% were men and 56.0% were women. By age, people aged 30 to 39 were the largest group in terms of acquisitions of Spanish nationality, followed by the 40 to 49 age group. With regard to the methods of acquiring Spanish nationality, 215,734 cases were through residence and 36,407 through option. The latter method was mainly used by people under the age of 20 (94.2% of all acquisitions through option were by people under the age of 20). The most common country of birth for those acquiring Spanish nationality was Spain, with 51,547 cases. Among those born outside Spain, the most common country of birth was Venezuela, with 34,343 acquisitions of nationality, followed by Colombia with 25,759, Morocco with 17,579 and Honduras with 14,407. Of the 252,476 people residing in Spain who acquired Spanish nationality in 2024, 19.6% had always resided in Spain. The remaining 80.4% had previously resided abroad. Since 2002, the most common year of arrival for people who acquired Spanish nationality in 2024 was 2019. This means that it took them around five years to acquire Spanish nationality. Catalonia with 68,755 cases and the Community of Madrid with 48,288 accounted for 46.4% of Spanish nationality acquisitions in 2024, followed by the Valencian Community with 26,729 and Andalusia with 23,157, the Basque Country with 13,600, the Canary Islands 10,307, Murcia 1,738, the Balearic Islands 9,366, Aragon 8,340, Castile-La Mancha 8,061, Castile and Leon 6,682, Galicia 6,667 and Navarre 4,411. Extremadura (1,459), La Rioja (1,729), Cantabria (1,789) and Asturias (2,550) were the autonomous communities with the lowest number of acquisitions of nationality among their residents. 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. Ahead of National Doughnut Day, a Cape Cod doughnut shop has been nominated for one of the best in the country. Back Door Donuts in Oak Bluffs is in the running for USA Todays 10Best best doughnut shops. It stands alongside Deviant Donuts in Mystic, Connecticut the only other New England doughnut shop to have kneaded its way onto the list. Back Door Donuts history on Marthas Vineyard began in the late 1940s, the website said. It has been selling hot doughnuts from the bakerys back door since 1971, famously offering them from 7 p.m. to midnight after being open earlier in the day from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Back Door Donuts specializes in apple fritters, raspberry jelly donuts and a variety of other fried doughnuts. Back Door Donuts also has a pop-up shop on Landsdowne Street, selling doughnuts out of a side door at Lorettas Last Call from 7 p.m. to midnight, according to its website. Voting for Back Door Donuts USA Today teams with an expert panel to identify doughnut shops for serving up an array of flavors that cater to every palate. Then, 10Best readers have the opportunity to vote for their favorite. To vote for Back Door Donuts to be named the best in the country, click here. You can cast your vote for the top pick once per day until voting ends on Monday, June 9, at 12 p.m. EST. The 10 best doughnut shops will be announced on Wednesday, June 18. A Roxbury teenager was sentenced to more than a decade in prison Wednesday after she pleaded guilty to a charge of manslaughter for killing a 21-year-old woman and injuring another teenager in Jamaica Plain in 2023. Wilmary Mejia Matos, now 18, will serve 10 to 14 years in prison, followed by three years of probation, Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Haydens office said. She previously faced a charge of murder for the fatal stabbing of Brianna Brown. The stabbing on Feb. 11, 2023 came after Mejia Matos, then 16, learned her boyfriend had videotaped them having sex and sent the video to another teenager. Mejia Matos believed the other teen, a 17-year-old, posted the video online and confronted her over social media, Haydens office said in a statement. A 42-year-old woman is facing multiple criminal charges in connection with an incident where prosecutors say she hit a man with her car, then stabbed him in the middle of the street in Roxbury. Boston police were called to Marvin Street and Shawmut Avenue in Roxbury at around 3 a.m. on May 13, Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden said in a statement. Arriving officers found a man lying in a pool of blood, with cuts to his forehead and hand. The man told officers he had been stabbed. He was taken to Boston Medical Center. Prosecutors say surveillance video shows a gray Audi SUV driven by Stokes hit a man on an electric scooter on Roxbury Street at around 2:04 a.m. Stokes and a passenger, Jacqueline Adeyemi, 54, got out of the car and walked toward the man, according to the statement. Stokes is seen on the video making punching motions toward the man as he returned to his scooter and began moving away, Haydens office said. Close to an hour later, at 2:57 a.m., the same SUV is seen stopping in the middle of Marvin Street, where the man had stopped on his scooter. At that point, the man approached the car and began fighting the women, prosecutors said. Adeyemi is seen on the video holding an object believed to be a bat or a stick and hitting the man with it, according to the statement. During the fight, both Adeyemi and the man were knocked to the ground. Stokes was seen standing over the man with an object in her right hand, which is believed to be a knife, according to Haydens office. Stokes made stabbing motions with the object while dragging the victim along the street, the statement reads. Both women were observed standing over the victim while he was on the ground, unable to move. Stokes is charged with two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon one count for the car and one for the knife. A warrant has been issued for Adeyemis arrest on a charge of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, Haydens office said. Stokes was arraigned on the charge in Boston Municipal Court in Roxbury on Monday, where Judge Lisa Ann Grant set $1,000 bail. She is due back in court on July 14. After the fight, the man, 45, was taken to Boston Medical Center. As he was being treated, eight plastic bags containing what is believed to be crack cocaine fell from his pocket, prosecutors said. The man, whose name was not provided, will be summoned to court on a charge of possession to distribute cocaine, subsequent offense. This was a chaotic, continuing incident taking place in the middle of the street with, luckily, witnesses present and surveillance cameras nearby. Anyone thinking they can engage in violent conduct in this day and age with no chance of being observed is kidding themselves, Hayden said. Outside the Stoughton Police Department, protesters placed signs calling for "justice for Sandra Birchmore" on Oct. 19, 2024. Irene Rotondo The states police oversight agency will make its case at a closed-door hearing beginning Thursday for why one of the former Stoughton Police officers involved in the Sandra Birchmore case should never again work in law enforcement in Massachusetts. Robert Devine, the former Stoughton deputy police chief, is among a trio of former Stoughton officers, along with brothers Matthew and William Farwell, accused of having inappropriate sexual relationships with Birchmore after she joined their police youth program as a teenager. Devine is fighting efforts from the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission, or POST, to revoke his certification for police work, a requirement for all officers employed in the commonwealth. Beginning Thursday, his case will play out in secret at the commission office in Boston after a retired judge presiding over the hearing ruled last week that protective orders covering sensitive evidence necessitated closing proceedings to the public and press. Some open government advocates criticized the decision for restricting access to a hearing of significant public interest. The commission was created in 2020, after the killing of George Floyd by a Minnesota police officer, to increase transparency and accountability in law enforcement, said Justin Silverman, executive director of the New England First Amendment Coalition.Youve got this horrible case thats going to be heard behind closed doors, he said. That strikes me as out of step with why the commission was created. The Birchmore case took a sharp turn last year when federal authorities charged Mathew Farwell with killing Birchmore in February 2021 and staging her death as a suicide. He had hoped to prevent her from revealing their relationship, which authorities said began when she was underage. Sandra Birchmore, of Canton, died in February 2021. Though state officials initially ruled her death a suicide, federal authorities later charged former Stoughton police officer Matthew Farwell with killing Birchmore. She is pictured here in a photograph from Facebook. Sandra Birchmore A state medical examiner had previously ruled that Birchmore killed herself, a determination federal officials said missed key signs of a cover-up. According to prosecutors, Birchmore had told Farwell she was pregnant with his child before her death at age 23. Farwell denied to investigators that he was the father. Neither his brother William nor Devine faces criminal charges connected to the case, though all three are named in a wrongful death lawsuit brought by Birchmores aunt. Devines hearing centers on claims that he abused his position of authority, lied to internal investigators and behaved in a manner unbecoming of a police officer. Birchmore met the Farwell brothers and Devine, who supervised them, after joining the Stoughton Police Explorers Program as a 12-year-old in 2010. She remained in the program until graduating high school. According to federal prosecutors, Matthew Farwell began sexually exploiting Birchmore in 2013, when he was 27 and she was 15, under the age of consent in Massachusetts. Their sexual encounters continued regularly as she grew older and sometimes occurred while he was on duty, investigators said. According to charging documents, as Farwell began to lose control of Birchmore in late 2020, he agreed to help her get pregnant in return for keeping their relationship while she was underage a secret. On Feb. 1, 2021, prosecutors say, Farwell strangled Birchmore at her apartment in Canton and staged her death as a suicide. Acting United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts Joshua Levy, right, takes questions from reporters as FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Stephen Kelleher, left, looks on during a news conference Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024, in Boston, held to announce the arrest of former Stoughton Police Detective Matthew Farwell on murder charges connected to the death of Sandra Birchmore. AP The Stoughton Police Department launched an internal investigation after Birchmores death into her interactions with the Farwell brothers and Devine. When interviewed by investigators, Devine claimed that he had never communicated online with Birchmore and that the pair had only limited interactions, according to a notice from the POST Commission initiating the decertification proceedings. But records from Facebook Messenger showed Devine and Birchmore exchanged messages on multiple occasions, he using the alias Marty Riggs, from November 2020 until her death in February 2021, the commission said. Their messages also indicated that Devine arranged to have a sexual encounter with Birchmore during one shift he was working in December 2021, according to the commission. The internal investigation by the Stoughton Police found Devine had been untruthful, incompetent and failed to demonstrate attention and devotion to his duty. In a ruling Friday, Judge Kenneth J. Fishman, who is presiding over the hearing, said protective orders covering evidence related to the case meant the proceedings must be kept confidential. There are four protective orders dealing with the Birchmore case: one approved by a federal judge dealing with Matthew Farwells criminal case, one from Attorney General Andrea Campbells office related to the lawsuit brought by Birchmores family, and two from Fishman regarding Devines case with the POST Commission. The U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Massachusetts requested the protective order in the Farwell case to prevent the release of information it believed could expose Birchmore or witnesses to significant safety and/or privacy risks. Among the information covered under the protective order, the government said in a September court filing, were crime scene and autopsy photographs of Birchmores body, data from her phone and laptop from which it would be impractical or impossible to redact all identifying information, Birchmores medical records and police reports identifying witnesses by name. Fishmans order closing Devines hearing to the public said protective orders were in place to protect confidential evidence and the identity of an individual. Many of the materials and information would be discussed throughout the hearing, Fishman wrote. Understanding that at least some portion of the hearing must be closed, the judge said he considered the feasibility of structuring the presentation of evidence to enable an efficient proceeding between the closed and, if any, open portions of the hearing. Attorneys for the commission and Devine advised Fishman that the entire session would be interspersed with discussions of confidential information. Its unlikely that any testimony regarding the substance of the allegations would cover topics outside of the protected evidence, commission lawyers said. Fishman concluded that there was no reasonable method for opening any portions of this hearing to the public without a substantial risk of disclosing confidential evidence, he wrote. Commission hearings are presumptively public, but can be closed if the presiding officer determines that full or limited closure is necessary to protect privacy interests and will not be contrary to the public interest, a commission spokesperson said in a statement to MassLive. The commission pointed to five other cases where hearings had been closed, including cases when it was needed to protect the identity of a victim of sexual or violent crimes, the spokesperson said. Both Farwell brothers and Devine left the department in 2022. The brothers each reached agreements with the commission last year to be stripped of their certifications, a move that carries a lifetime ban from police work in Massachusetts. Like other officers whose certifications have been revoked, they were added to a national registry of decertified police officers designed to prevent them from finding police work in other states. An insider at the Harvard Law Review that federal officials called a cooperating witness in their probe into allegations of anti-white racism among the journals editors now has a job at the White House, according to The New York Times. Toward the end of April, two federal departments civil rights offices announced that they were investigating whether the independent, student-run legal journals policies and practices for journal membership and article selection violate federal law prohibiting recipients of federal dollars from discriminating based on race. Harvard Law Reviews article selection process appears to pick winners and losers on the basis of race, employing a spoils system in which the race of the legal scholar is as, if not more, important than the merit of the submission, Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor said in a press release announcing the investigations. In a series of private letters to Harvard University about the investigations, government officials said that they had a cooperating witness who was an insider at Harvard Law Review, the New York Times reported. That witness has been identified as Daniel Wasserman, a former editor at the journal who graduated from Harvard Law School last week. The White House confirmed to the Times that Wasserman was offered a job working under Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller on April 25, just days before the investigations were announced. Wasserman began working for Miller who the newspaper described as the architect of the [Trump] administrations domestic policy agenda on May 22. Wasserman offered no comment to the Times when the newspaper reached him by phone through the White House switchboard on Friday. Neither Harvard Law Review, Harvard Law School nor federal officials replied to requests for comment on Wednesday. The investigations into the journal come as the Trump administration continues its months-long feud with Harvard over the universitys rebukes of federal officials attempts to reshape it. In a comment to the Times, a White House spokesman characterized Wasserman as a student whistleblower who should be a model for others. But legal experts not named in the story told the newspaper it is highly unusual for an administration to give a cooperating witness in an ongoing investigation a White House job. A senior Trump administration official who was not named in the story told the Times that Wasserman was being eyed for a job at the White House long before the investigations into The Harvard Law Review began, and that the decision to offer him a position was not tied to his involvement in the investigations. Furthermore, Miller was not party to the hiring process for Wasserman, the official said. In the letters about the investigations, federal officials accused Harvard Law Reviews leadership of destroying evidence relevant to the investigations and of ordering Wasserman to do so as well, the Times reported. But Harvard Law Review claims that it simply asked him to stop sharing private documents belonging to the journal and to retrieve or destroy any copies of private documents hed already disseminated, the newspaper reported. The journal said it still has all the original documents. Federal officials also accused Harvard Law Review of retaliating against Wasserman, the Times reported. But the formal letter reprimanding him for violating the journals policies was issued before the first letter in which the government identified Wasserman as someone involved in the investigation, according to the newspaper. In their next letter, federal officials demanded that Harvard Law Review retract the reprimand from Wassermans file at the journal, as well as its request that he stop sharing its private documents, the newspaper reported. Harvard Law Review complied. Boston Police officer Kelly Dever, formerly with Canton Police, testifies during the murder retrial of Karen Read in Norfolk Superior Court, in Dedham on Monday. (Pat Greenhouse/The Boston Globe via AP, Pool) Even in a trial filled with dramatic twists, Boston Police officer Kelly Devers testimony this week in the Karen Read retrial stuck out for just how tense her exchanges with a lawyer representing Read actually were. Dever, who worked in Canton at the time of Reads arrest, was called by the defense Monday morning. On the stand, she faced aggressive questioning from Alan Jackson, one of Reads lawyers, about a statement she made to federal investigators looking into the death of Reads boyfriend, John OKeefe. On the morning of Jan. 29, 2022, when OKeefes body was found, Dever was working an overnight patrol shift in Canton. A supervisor asked her to cover dispatch so he could respond to the scene. Dever, according to Jackson, told federal authorities she saw the departments then-chief, Ken Berkowitz, and another man, Brian Higgins, alone with Reads SUV for a wildly long time. But Dever has since recanted that statement, saying on the stand this week it was a false memory. She could not have seen Berkowitz and Higgins, an agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with the SUV, because her shift concluded at 3:45 p.m., she said. The SUV wasnt towed to the station until hours later. Still, Devers testimony in the Read case is unlikely to have any impact on her ability to testify in other cases down the line, said Jack Lu, a retired Superior Court judge. A failure of memory in one case is not admissible in another case. This is black letter law, he said. But Mark Bederow, a defense attorney following the trial from New York City, said Devers ridiculous claim that her memory was false would concern him going forward. Bederow, who also represents the blogger Aidan Kearney, said Devers recollection to the FBI was so specific that it makes it difficult to believe what she saw didnt actually happen. Dever admitted on the stand that Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox called her to a meeting before she testified in the Read case. Jackson suggested Cox told her to do the right thing during that meeting. I think its clear a message was sent, Bederow said. Most people would think do the right thing means the Blue Wall. Dever said the meeting with Cox proved how good a leader he is. But Bederow said it is absolutely unheard of for a police commissioner to speak to a low-level officer before they testify in a trial. Still, Bederow and Lu agreed that Devers behavior on the stand would likely not come back to haunt her in other cases. Bederow described her demeanor as embarrassing and beyond inappropriate. There was no need for her open hostility and nastiness, he said in a telephone interview. It was childlike. In one memorable moment, Dever criticized Jackson for mispronouncing her name. Like you cant remember my name, I dont remember, she said. Despite his criticisms, Bederow said, I dont know if the hostility component will impact her future career in terms of testifying. Lu, the former judge, disputed the notion that Dever was confrontational on the stand. Sorry, but not even close. At most, the witness examination was tense. A trial is not a tea party, he said. The Harvard University logo is displayed on a building at the school on April 15, 2025, in Cambridge. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File) The fight between the Trump administration and Harvard University continues to evolve on many fronts from persisting funding cuts, to new court filings, to growing threats against international students. President Donald Trump has gone after the worlds wealthiest higher education institution in the name of antisemitism, claiming Harvard has failed to protect Jewish students, particularly in the wake of the war in Gaza. But many higher education officials and advocates claim antisemitism is being used as a veil for a larger coordinated attack on the American university as an institution, as outlined in Project 2025. Here is a breakdown of where the battle stands between Trump and Harvard. Read more: Harvard amps up federal lobbying spending as Trump admin attacks intensify What funding has Trump admin. taken from Harvard? In April, the Trump administration demanded an overhaul of Harvards leadership structure, admissions and hiring. If the university didnt comply, it risked losing $9 billion in funding, the federal government said. Sending a wave of resistance through higher education, Harvard rejected the demands and set the stage for a historic showdown. The school stated that the Trump administration looked to invade university freedoms long recognized by the Supreme Court. The federal government froze an initial $2.2 billion on April 14, a number that has only grown since. On May 16, a wave of nearly 1,000 federal research grant terminations began, amounting to more than $2.4 billion, according to an analysis by Nature. Next, the Trump administration said it would bar Harvard from acquiring new federal grants. And then just a few days later, eight federal agencies cut $450 million in grants, followed by the Department of Health and Human Services cutting $60 million. All federal agencies were then ordered to cut off existing contracts with Harvard or transfer them to other vendors, according to a letter from the U.S. General Services Administration. In response, Harvard has established a new Presidential Priorities Fund, asking for donations in the midst of Trump taking a hatchet to the schools funding. The funding cuts, according to Harvard, have threatened research that includes: Breakthrough therapies to prevent and target a range of cancers A new class of anesthetics for service members wounded on the field of battle The potential to significantly cut the prevalence of Alzheimers disease, multiple sclerosis and strokes Preventing new HIV infections Tuberculosis Vaccine safety and efficacy Simultaneously, some professors say they are opting out of teaching certain courses due to fears of content-based retaliation and fears for their students safety. The Trump administration has gone on a national tirade against DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) since the president took office for his second term in January. Harvard lawsuit against Trump over funding cuts Harvard University filed its first lawsuit in Boston federal court against the Trump administration on April 21 over what was, at the time, $2.2 billion in funding freezes. Harvard has amended its lawsuit to include new losses that have been introduced since. This week, Harvard asked a federal court judge to order the government to declare the freeze orders and termination letters unlawful and to vacate them. The university also asked the judge for summary judgment by Sept. 3. Lawyers for the federal government will have an opportunity to file a response to the request. Court proceedings in the lawsuit are expected to continue through the summer. Harvard also filed a second lawsuit against the Trump administration in May over its revocation of a key certification allowing the school to enroll international students. The administration had given Harvard an ultimatum: submit detailed records regarding foreign students or lose the certification. Trump targets international students at Harvard Some foreign students at Harvard University say theyve become a bargaining chip in Trumps attacks on the school. Its part of a bigger battle between authoritarianism and democracy and we are kind of in the middle of it right now and were the most recent victim, Karl Molden, a rising junior Harvard student from Austria, told MassLive last month. About 27% of Harvards undergraduate and graduate students are international, according to 2024 to 2025 data. The university has offered incoming foreign students the opportunity to accept admission at Harvard as well as a foreign institution as a backup plan following the threat of revocation. Read more: Many foreign students already fleeing Harvard University due to Trump order While a federal judge granted a preliminary injunction in May, allowing Harvard to continue enrolling foreign students, Trumps attacks have since escalated. This week, Trump moved to bar Harvard Universitys international students from entering the U.S., while asking Secretary of State Marco Rubio to consider revoking the visas of Harvard students already in the country. Admission into the United States to attend, conduct research, or teach at our Nations institutions of higher education is a privilege granted by our Government, not a guarantee, Trump wrote in his Wednesday proclamation. That privilege is necessarily tied to the host institutions compliance and commitment to following Federal law. Harvard University has failed in this respect, among many others. A Harvard spokesperson called the restriction illegal in a statement to The New York Times, adding that the university would continue to protect its international students. Harvard is Harvard because, again, it has the ability to get the best people from around the world. If that is threatened, then Harvard is not Harvard anymore, Abdullah Shahid Sial, a Harvard student from Pakistan, told MassLive in April. Addressing antisemitism at Harvard Harvard says it has taken steps to address antisemitism on campus, which the Trump administration cites as its primary reason for targeting the nations most elite universities. Last year, Harvard created task forces on antisemitism and anti-Israel bias and anti-Muslim, anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian bias after campus tensions reached a boil in the aftermath of the Hamas attacks on Israel and subsequent war in Gaza. Those groups released reports at the end of April detailing reported discrimination, as well as recommendations for what actions the school should take to create a safe environment for all students and staff going forward. The 2023-24 academic year was disappointing and painful, Harvard President Alan Garber said in a letter to the school community in April. I am sorry for the moments when we failed to meet the high expectations we rightfully set for our community. According to a Wednesday announcement, the U.S. Department of Education is threatening Columbia Universitys accreditation due to its response to campus antisemitism. MassLive reporter Juliet Schulman-Hall contributed to this story. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology is processing several transfer applications and has offered admission to its first Harvard University student this year, as the Trump administration is attempting to revoke the Cambridge institutions ability to enroll foreign students. Dozens of current and incoming Harvard University students are looking at transferring there, according to the Hong Kong University. President Donald Trump has also moved to bar Harvard Universitys international students from entering the U.S. and asked Secretary of State Marco Rubio to consider revoking the visas of Harvard students already in the country. Trump previously suggested a 15% cap on international students at Harvard. About 27% of Harvards undergraduate and graduate students are international, according to 2024 to 2025 data. A Harvard spokesperson declined to provide comment. Harvard is struggling to attract and enroll students with dozens of incoming students opting to defer admission or enroll elsewhere, according to a court filing from Maureen Martin, the director of immigration services. The institution offered admitted international students to accept admission at Harvard University and at a foreign institution as a backup plan in an announcement at the end of April. Why are international students thinking about going to Hong Kong? The inquiries from Harvard students come in part as a response from the Hong Kong university offering an open invitation to international Harvard undergraduate, postgraduate and incoming students to continue their work at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. It is offering expedited admission reviews, streamlined credit transfers and personalized academic support. Several other institutions across the world have made similar offers to Harvard students. Read more: Many foreign students already fleeing Harvard University due to Trump order On the day the foreign student ban was announced, we were approached by graduating students, alumni and prospective students currently bound for Harvard many from Hong Kong and mainland China who are grappling with profound anxiety about the disruption of their academic journeys. Their distress is deeply felt, and as educators, our foremost duty is to safeguard their welfare and ensure continuity in their pursuit of knowledge, the institution said in a statement to MassLive. The institution said it holds Harvard and all peer institutions in the highest esteem and fully recognize the extraordinary efforts Harvard is making to support its international students. The university said it hopes for a swift resolution that preserves the rights of international scholars. This is the Lyndon Baines Johnson Department of Education Building in Washington, D.C., on Monday, May 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar) AP The Trump administrations aim to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education has hit another roadbump after a federal appeals court decided against lifting a previous ruling that blocked the federal government from laying off around half of its employees, according to a Wednesday decision. The federal appeals court judge 1st Circuit Chief Judge David Barron said that the Trump administration hasnt shown that the publics interest lies in permitting a major federal department to be unlawfully disabled from performing its statutorily assigned functions. Barron said the U.S. Department of Justice hadnt proved that the cuts would allow the department to still function. The decision is part of one lawsuit from Massachusetts unions and school districts, such as Easthampton and Somerville, among other organizations and unions, which began in March. The lawsuit was one of several in reaction to President Donald Trump signing an executive order in March, intending to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education and make deep cuts to the number of jobs and the Office for Civil Rights and the Institute of Education Sciences, which gathers data on the nations academic progress. As part of those decisions, all of those at the regional Boston office of the U.S. Education Department were fired. U.S. District Judge Myong Joun in Boston halted these plans in May and ordered employees to be reinstated. Impact on Mass. For a state like Massachusetts, which is known for its higher education and education system, the impact of eliminating the department would be a direct hit to Massachusetts economic future, according to Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao. Massachusetts receives over $2 billion in federal education funding per year a number that the state cant fully replace, according to Gov. Maura Healeys administration. The funding goes toward teacher salaries and benefits, school counselors, homeless liaisons, helping low- and middle-income students go to college and supporting special education, the administration said. Programs like the newly implemented free community college are based upon federal funding distributed through Pell Grants, Massachusetts Commissioner of Higher Education Noe Ortega told MassLive. Ortega said the state believes in maintaining the commitment to programs like free community college but is also banking on the fact that it would take tremendous effort to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education and Congressional involvement. The cuts to the U.S. Department of Education are going to jeopardize a lot of the ground that states have made in increasing post-secondary access for a number of students, Ortega said. Weather may be to blame for the deaths of two hikers, a father and daughter from New York, in a Maine state park this week, officials revealed Thursday. Esther Keiderling, 28, was found dead around 1 p.m. on Wednesday in a wooded area, Baxter State Park officials wrote in a social media post. Her father, Tim, 58, was found dead a day prior, around 2:45 p.m., near the summit of Mount Katahdin. Both Keiderlings, of Ulster Park, New York, left Abol Campground on Sunday to hike to the summit. They were last seen at around 10:15 a.m. That day, the weather forecast called for temperatures in the mid-30s on the mountain, with the summit obscured, said Park Director Kevin Adam. There was a 70% chance of rain on Sunday, the day both Keiderlings went missing, with winds ranging from 30 to 40 mph. "It would have been freezing rain, fog, and some snow for Sunday," Adam explained. Weather is definitely a factor in this incident. A search for the pair began Monday morning after finding their vehicle still in the day-use parking lot. Park rangers searched several trails, including the Katahdin Tablelands, and found no sign of the father and daughter. The search expanded Tuesday with more than 30 game wardens looking for the pair. The Maine Forest Service and Army National Guard used helicopters to aid in the search. Tim Keiderling was found dead on Tuesday by a game warden and his K-9. Game wardens, park rangers and K-9 teams resumed the search for Esther Keiderling Wednesday. We understand that many of our social media followers share in our profound sadness for the family and friends of Tim and Esther Keiderling, officials wrote in a Facebook post. We appreciate your support for their loved ones and the members of the search teams during this incredibly difficult time. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Tim and Esther Keiderlings family and friends. Red Sox fans seemed momentarily excited over the weekend when news broke that former fill-in first baseman/social media cult hero Dom Smith was once again available after opting out of a minor league deal with the Yankees. He wont be returning to Boston, though. Smith signed a major league deal with the Giants and was immediately inserted into their starting lineup as the first baseman for Wednesdays game, replacing veteran LaMonte Wade Jr., who was designated for assignment. Smith, who hit .255 with eight homers, 28 RBIs and a .782 OPS in 45 games for the Yankees Triple-A team in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, went 0-for-4 in his San Francisco debut. There was some thought that the Red Sox, in the wake of Triston Casas season-ending knee injury, would once again turn to Smith as a replacement option. But Boston, according to a source, never expressed interest to Smiths camp despite the Red Sox looking like a desirable destination in Smiths eyes. Boston has largely filled the gap internally in Casas absence, splitting the position between Romy Gonzalez, Abraham Toro and Nick Sogard. The Red Sox did make a minor trade for Ryan Noda, who is at Triple-A. Smith, who turns 30 later this month, hit .237 with six homers, 34 RBIs and a .706 OPS in 84 games for the Red Sox last year, joining Boston as a free agent after Casas went down with torn cartilage in his rib cage. His 2024 season ended in Cincinnati for nine games before he signed with New York this winter. The Giants are Smiths fifth big league team since 2022 (and his eighth, including minor league/spring stints). BOSTON A Massachusetts-based member of the Tijuana-based Sinaloa cartel pleaded guilty Thursday to his role in a cocaine and money laundering conspiracy that ferried narcotics to the Bay State from Mexico, passing money through a co-conspirators car dealership in Enfield, Connecticut. Eber Alain Estrada Palafox, 39, known as Doctor, of Mexico, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine, conspiracy to distribute heroin and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Over a two-year span, Palafox conspired with a ring of Massachusetts-based traffickers to transport cocaine and heroin from Mexico through California to Massachusetts and New England, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Thursday. The drugs were taken to Westfield, where they were prepped for distribution, the DOJ said. A Touch of Beauty Hair and Nail Salon inside the Holyoke Mall at Ingleside. The site of a fatal shooting that occurred on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023. BOSTON In an unusual special session, the Supreme Judicial Court heard arguments involving whether a man who killed a bystander during an altercation at the Holyoke Mall at Ingleside can argue he acted in self defense. The appeal centers on a fatal shooting at a nail salon in 2023, and asks whether Kenneth Jose Santana-Rodriguez should be shielded against a murder charge because he believed he was defending his own life against a man who confronted him while he was getting a pedicure, even though he ended up killing a nail salon worker. A view of the gatehouse and bridge at the Gill Montague dam run by FirstLight. (Don Treeger / The Republican, File) TURNERS FALLS FirstLights Turners Falls hydroelectric operations leaked 300 gallons of hydraulic fluid into the Connecticut River on Tuesday evening, according to a statement from state Sen. Jo Comerford, D-Northampton, and state Rep. Natalie Blais, D-Deerfield. BothComerford and Blais were notified by FirstLight. , according to Comerfords spokesperson. About a decade after teens accused a Springfield police detective of excessive force during a controversial 2016 arrest, one of the teens at the center of the case has been sentenced to prison for a different crime. Now 25, Evdyele Oniel Pabon Flores, of Springfield, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including manslaughter, assault and battery (attempt with firearm) and carrying a firearm without a license, in connection with a 2022 fatal shooting in Holyoke in which he was accused of shooting another man 10 times. The patch that Deavan Alamo, a carpentry trade student at Westover Job Corps, wears on his jacket. (Larry Parnass / The Republican) Staff Actions ordered by the Trump administration to shutter the Westover Job Corps program in Chicopee, and nearly a hundred similar job-training sites for disadvantaged young people, must stop immediately, a judge ruled Wednesday. The order by a U.S. District Court judge in New York City comes less than a week after the Department of Labor announced that 99 Job Corps programs across the U.S. would close. The 60-year-old program is credited with helping participants gain skills that lift them out of poverty. On Tuesday, the National Job Corps Association, a trade group, sued the labor department and Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, claiming the decision to close the nations largest residential career training program was unlawful and based on faulty information about its effectiveness. Late Wednesday, U.S. District Court Judge Andrew L. Carter Jr. granted the plaintiffs request for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction that bars the labor department from continuing a fast-paced plan to dismantle the Job Corps. Carters ruling says both job losses and the removal of students from program sites must stop, pending hearings later this month. The action doesnt remove the possibility the programs will end, but will at least slow that down. In Chicopee, David Baker, the center director, had been ordered to begin to move some of the programs 352 students off the campus it occupies on the grounds of the Westover Air Reserve Base. He said in an interview that he and other center directors faced a June 30 deadline to end all activities. David Baker, the Westover Job Corps center director, says goodbye to a plumbing program student, Anthony Torres, who managed to finish his training before word came last week that the program will be closed, along with 98 others around the U.S. (Larry Parnass / The Republican) Staff The closing would have also ended operations of the Shriver Job Corps Center in Devens and the Grafton Job Corps Center in North Grafton. All Job Corps programs nationally work to provide both vocational and academic skills to young people, aged 16 to 24, who come from difficult backgrounds and were not able to consider attending college. In the Chicopee program, nearly a third of participants were considered homeless before joining. The judges ruling says the government cannot take any further action to eliminate the Job Corps program without Congressional authorization. Congress created the program in 1964 at the time of President Lyndon B. Johnsons Great Society legislative initiatives to fight poverty and inequality. Since then, hundreds of thousands of young people, including those from poor families and rough neighborhoods, have gained job skills. The complaint notes that when Congress created the program, it anticipated that the labor department might elect to close certain Job Corps sites, but did not provide authorization for DOL to cancel the program wholesale. And Congress has imposed specific guardrails on the closure of any individual Job Corps campus. Carter gave the defendants a deadline of June 17 to provide motions related to the case. In their request for judicial intervention, the plaintiffs, including Education & Training Resources, the entity that manages the Chicopee, argued that eliminating the Job Corps program was illegal. It contravenes the statutory provisions governing Job Corps and DOLs own regulations concerning the program, the complaint filed Tuesday reads. It is fundamentally irrational. Shuttering Job Corps will have disastrous, irreparable consequences, including displacing tens of thousands of vulnerable young people, destroying companies that have long operated Job Corps centers in reliance on the Governments support for the program, and forcing mass layoffs of workers who support the program, the complaint reads. On Monday, dozens of participants of the Westover Job Corps rallied to save their program. Students told The Republican that the closing would interrupt their efforts to master new trades and to significantly improve their chances of making a living wage as young adults. Justin Quiles of Pittsfield said he had expected to eventually earn $45 an hour as a bricklayer, once his training was complete and his career launched. But the shutdown, he said, would likely force him to take a job at Walmart for $16 an hour. Wow, its getting taken away from us, he said Monday afternoon of his intended career. I wont be able to complete my trade. Justin Quiles of Springfield, 22, says he will not be able to finish his training as a bricklayer if Westover Job Corps closes as planned by the end of the month. (Larry Parnass / The Republican) Staff In interviews, several students said that finding a career path meant a great deal to them after early disappointments, family poverty and lack of opportunity. All I knew was taking care of kids, said Brianna Sasnowitz, 19, of Monson, who came to the Chicopee program a year and a half ago and is now student body president studying welding. I thought I was going to be stuck with that. As many as 80 of the programs 352 students were expected to have left by Tuesday, Baker said. The complaint notes that other federal courts have acted to halt similar moves to end programs mandated by Congress. Plaintiffs urge this Court to do the same. Education & Training Resources, the company that runs the Westover Job Corps, was created in 1991, the complaint notes, and has operated Job Corps sites since 1997. Today, including the Chicopee program, it oversees 11 campuses with 3,325 students. In all, more than 25,000 students are participating in Job Corps programs. Hundreds of University of Massachusetts Amherst students enter the Whitmore Administrative Building to protest the university's ties with war profiteers, to call for a ceasefire and to end of the blockade on Gaza on Oct. 25, 2023. (Hoang Leon Nguyen / The Republican, File) Leon Nguyen AMHERST The Council on American-Islamic Relations and its Massachusetts chapter has named the University of Massachusetts Amherst a hostile campus, after its response to pro-Palestinian protests last spring and the year before. In a statement from the council on Tuesday, the group said UMass Amherst made discriminatory sanctions against students during their protests of the war in Gaza and demonstrated a pattern of neglect in addressing anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian harassment. The council is the nations largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization. The Republican Western New England University has named Michael B. Alexander as interim president, effective July 1. (Submitted photo) The Republican SPRINGFIELD Western New England University has appointed Michael B. Alexander as interim president, effective July 1. Current university President Robert E. Johnson will step down in August. 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du 17 aril 2025Parlons de :Leveque Murphy In this insightful thought leadership, ONS FinServs Houmairah Saumtally takes stock of key financial sector developments, both in Mauritius and beyond, since ONS FinServs inception in 2022. She explains how the jurisdiction is increasing its global relevance and investor attractiveness with robust regulations and business facilitation measures alike, embracing a digital-first approach and introducing innovative fund structures to bring cutting-edge services to global investors. The global financial landscape is undergoing a significant realignment, with momentum shifting from traditional hubs like Singapore, Switzerland, and Luxembourg to more agile, business-friendly centres like those in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) be it the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) or the Abu Dhabi Global Market and Mauritius. More excitingly, as cross-border structuring becomes the norm, Mauritius is now frequently integrated into multi-jurisdictional strategies alongside GCC hubs, enhancing its relevance and global footprint. No wonder that data from the Financial Services Commission (FSC) of Mauritius shows that, as of 31 January 2025, there were over 1,000 global funds operating from the jurisdiction, with a sizeable number of funds hailing from development finance institutions and sovereign wealth funds. Facing challenges, emerging stronger The resilience of the jurisdiction is clear from its proven ability to navigate challenges and weather adverse headwinds, such as the FATF grey listing in February 2020. In the face of this significant blow, Mauritius made a remarkable comeback, exiting the FATF grey list in October 2021 by achieving full compliance with all 40 FATF recommendations, reinforcing its reputation as a robust and credible international financial centre. Moreover, Mauritius was also removed from the European Commissions list of high-risk third countries with effect from 07 January 2022, following the FATF assessment which commended the hard work and determination of Mauritius to implement AML/CFT reforms. This significantly included the introduction of the pioneering Virtual Asset and Initial Token Offering Services Act (VAITOS) to regulate new technologies. This path-breaking regulation made Mauritius one of the first countries in the Eastern and Southern African region to adopt comprehensive legislation on these exciting digital assets, paving the way for companies to raise capital and investors to fund ventures by leveraging the latest technologies. On another front, a key challenge facing the jurisdiction was investor uncertainties around the India-Mauritius tax treaty. In January 2025, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) in India clarified that investments made under the tax treaty with Mauritius will not be subject to retrospective scrutiny under the Principal Purpose Test (PPT), addressing long-standing concerns about global tax regulation scrutiny and providing stability to investors. Looking ahead, SEBIs evolving FPI framework including clarifications on GAAR, look-through provisions, and beneficial ownership rules continues to offer Mauritius a recognised and stable route for structuring investments into India. Pioneering innovative fund structures Mauritius introduced the Variable Capital Company (VCC) framework in 2022, becoming only the second jurisdiction globally after Singapore to adopt this modern, flexible fund structure. The VCC accommodates both open- and close-ended sub-funds (SFs) under a single umbrella, and is ideal for both institutional and private capital use. What sets the VCC structure apart is how SFs within a VCC can elect to have separate legal identities from the main VCC. It also allows for greater flexibility to fund managers who can use this structure to create SPVs for specific investment purposes. Overall, the jurisdictions agility, cost-effectiveness, and regulatory clarity have made it an attractive base for discretionary trusts, PCCs, and VCCs alike, especially in the context of private wealth, family offices, and FPI-linked fund structures. Enhancing its attractiveness, improving its value proposition When it comes to business facilitation, Mauritius has embraced a digital-first regulatory approach, with the FSC fast-tracking licensing and onboarding, making it one of the more efficient and cost-effective jurisdictions in the global fund landscape. The FSC also launched an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Powered Due Diligence Platform in February 2023 to fight financial crime, raising the profile of Mauritius at the vanguard of AI adoption in regulatory technology. Going beyond business facilitation, there is a global trend toward substance, transparency, and governance, and Mauritius is increasingly viewed as a jurisdiction capable of offering this value-added service proposition to investors at both institutional and boutique scale. Recent changes include requirements for public companies to maintain gender diversity on boards and updated procedures for shareholder meetings. These amendments reflect a broader commitment to corporate governance and social responsibility within the Mauritian business environment. In addition, the FSC has recently introduced new Disclosure and Reporting Guidelines for ESG Funds, underscoring the islands commitment to integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles throughout its financial services ecosystem. ONS FinServs contribution: Working hand in hand with the Mauritius IFC At ONS FinServ, we have witnessed the evolution of the Mauritian financial services landscape first hand, and are pleased to be part of this thriving ecosystem with robust regulations, a digital-first mindset, and long-standing reputation. Our symbiotic approach to the Mauritius IFC takes the form of adding value to the financial services ecosystem with our cross-jurisdictional perspective, and leveraging its offerings to add value to our investors in turn: Embracing innovative offerings: ONS FinServ was the first management company to successfully establish a VCC fund in Mauritius, demonstrating regulatory confidence, technical capability, and first-mover advantage. Multi-jurisdictional footprint: Through our presence in Mauritius, DIFC, and international offices, we actively bring global businesses to Mauritius, supporting its position as a leading financial gateway. Consistent advocacy: Our team consistently represents and promotes Mauritius on international platforms, contributing to its narrative as a forward-thinking, well-regulated jurisdiction for fund and fiduciary services. Capacity Building efforts: We continue to support the ecosystem through education, thought leadership, and execution-driven partnerships, helping clients navigate the evolving landscape with speed, compliance, and clarity. With our agile and cross-jurisdictional mindset, we look forward to supporting the ongoing evolution of the fund finance market in Mauritius in line with the broader global trends towards innovation, sustainability, and regulatory compliance. We are excited to foster collaborations among fund managers, investors and regulators to help the jurisdiction navigate global complexities and drive positive outcomes for all participants. By Houmairah Saumtally, Manager Corporate & Fund Administration, ONS FinServ A special event was held in the North Mayo Gaeltacht to honour Caitlin and Micheal O Seighin and their contribution towards the Irish language and culture in the area. The event which took place in the Erris Coast Hotel in Gaoth Saile on May 24 was organised by the local community to honour the Irish language stalwarts and to acknowledge their long-term and ongoing contribution towards the promotion of the Irish language and culture in the Dun Chaochain area in Erris. Micheal composed and shared his love of the traditional songs and music with everyone, particularly the younger age group, over many years, thus preserving and passing on this rich tradition to future generations. His influence is now evident in the area, with the growth of interest in traditional music, in particular. READ: Over 17,000 humanitarian aid applicantions made in Mayo following Storm Eowyn Caitlin worked closely with Seamas O Cathain on two publications based on material collected under the School Collection Scheme of 1937 namely A Mhuintir Dhu Chaochain, Labhraigi Feasta!' and Le Gradam is le Spraoi. The Eigse showcased traditional songs, music, the folklore, heritage and culture of the area under the guidance of Bean a Ti, Aine Ni Chiarain, and guest speaker Dr Seamus Caulfield. The event was organised by Comhar Dun Chaochain Teo, in conjunction with Gaeilge Iorrais, with the support of part-funding received from Conradh na Gaeilge under the Ciste Spreagtha scheme. The Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival (WFBF), Irelands premier celebration of folk and bluegrass music, is set to return for its 19th edition this weekend from June 5 to 8. Renowned for its unique blend of Irish and American roots music, the festival continues to foster collaborations between artists and audiences, both local and international. WFBF was established in 2007 to broaden public access to the traditional music of Ireland and the USA. Year upon year, it has increased and diversified its programming and its audiences. As a result, not only is it now considered the leading annual Bluegrass event in Ireland, it is also recognised as a vital showcase for Irish musicians in the west. It is a unique event where people from all parts of the performer-audience spectrum can connect, collaborate, and evolve their musical traditions. This excellent track record is reflected in the willingness of prime-calibre musical performers to travel to this relatively remote place to play, the number of return visitors to the festival from the USA, UK, Europe and Ireland, and the fondness with which it is viewed by the local community. Ambitious line-up This year's festival boasts its most ambitious line-up yet, featuring a mix of acclaimed international and local artists. Headlining acts from the United States include The Cox Family, Seth Mulder and Midnight Run, The Burnette Sisters Band, Liam Purcell and Cane Mill Road, Sylamore Special, Golden Shoals, Nadine Landry and Stephen Sammy Lind, Erynn Marshall and Carl Jones, Shelton & Williams, and Whiskey Mash. READ MORE: Washington DC Rose of Tralee contestant has strong Mayo connections European talent is well-represented with performances by Blue Weed (Italy), Loes And The Celtic Link (Netherlands, Czech Republic, Ireland), and Old Baby Mackerel (UK). From the UK and Ireland, attendees can look forward to Jack Warnock and Elenor Gaffney (Northern Ireland), Tim Rogers (Westport), The Rocky Top String Band (County Mayo), and a special collaboration featuring Freda Hatton, Julie Langan, Declan Askin, and Brendan Butler (Westport and Cork). Community engagement Building on its tradition of diverse programming, WFBF 2025 will feature: Three fully-seated, ticketed evening concerts at Westport Town Hall Theatre, spotlighting Old-Time & Bluegrass (Friday and Saturday) and Irish Folk (Sunday); A pre-festival concert highlighting the unique sound of family bands in bluegrass music (Thursday, June 5); Over 15 pub gigs showcasing esteemed regional and international musicians; Many open sessions led by professional musicians, encouraging community participation; A Sunday morning Gospel concert at Westport Town Hall Theatre; An intercultural music exhibition celebrating the fusion of musical traditions; A universities symposium fostering academic discussions on folk and bluegrass music; New additions for 2025, including more masterclasses, a Mayo luthier showcase, the String Summitan artists collaboration, and a community-based event with the Westport Social Ladies Group. MORE Limited tickets are available for some of the festivals main concerts, and more information about the festival, including the full programme and updates, visit the official website www.westportfolkandbluegrass.com. At a recent roundtable discussion, Veons Lasha Tabidze described how the group is positioning itself as a service delivery company with LLMs at the core of its AI strategy. The group has just launched AI Tutor, a Kazakh-language AI-powered learning assistant built on the locally developed KazLLM large language model created by its local operating and software development units, Beeline Kazakhstan and Qazcode. AI Tutor is embedded into Beelines Janymda super-app and offers modules to support Kazakh language learning for children and adults, although its capabilities will be expanded in the future. Tabidze noted that operators are playing a different game from hyperscalers with their approach to AI, noting that operators offer the cheapest digital distribution channel, allowing them to push products at a mass level. This is essential for customer-facing AI, as it allows consumers to see the value immediately. Similarly, it allows easier access for businesses to use KazLLM as a service and train it using their own data to tailor it for their specific industry. This LLM-as-a-service concept leans on Veons tech expertise, with proprietary AI built on top of foundational models, i.e. the more widely known generative AI models such as Metas Llama, Googles Gemini, or DeepSeek, which are used as a baseline. The LLM can then be monetised on a subscription basis to educational institutions etc Tabidze claims that the main component for creating value is where AI touches the people, i.e. augmented and agentic intelligence. By putting this value in peoples hands, they understand it and so are willing to pay for it. Veon intends for companies to use KazLLM to develop internal agents that will help improve the models efficiency and drive digital inclusion in this market, for example by helping small businesses upscale their operations. Tabidze notes that developing Kazakh-language educational services delivered a huge nationwide benefit, highlighting the importance of identifying the key focus areas for each market. On top [of foundational models] you create the layer where data is secured, created by local people, which is trusted by not only governments or the private sector, but also people like us. Whenyou trust the company, you start to use it more in your daily work and life. [Our] Kazakh language [LLM], now its very good its 40% more precise than if you try to do the same thing through for example ChatGPT in the Kazakh language. We started small, and then we scaled and on the way, were learningits very important that several parties are involved. You cannot develop it yourself. You have to have good relationships with every academic institution. By forming both public and private partnerships, operators foster trust from all sides, allowing them to become service enablers. International partnerships provide access to databases across different languages, improving its offering and thereby underlining the value of the LLM to the user base. Telcos have spent years amassing data on customer behaviour in a single silo, which is a huge advantage as most siloed data is unstructured and in different formats. Tabidze stated that while the model is transferrable, the datasets are not; structuring the data to be fed into the model is challenging, as is data enrichment on locally developed LLMs where wider datasets are not available. Well have [data] specifically tailored for farming for healthcare. if some other companies, startups or regular companies, have different very good data sets, that's where partnership with companies comes into [play]so you cannot have the closed ecosystem. Veon aims to create versions of KazLLM for its other markets, using local insight to help train the model in linguistic nuances, on top of the foundational models. Tabidze named Bangladesh, Pakistan and Ukraine as potential target markets. by Teresa Buyikian , June 4, 2025 Menchies Frozen Yogurt is kicking off Junes National Candy Month with a sweet collab to attract yogurt and candy lovers alike. The approximately 540-unit yogurt chain has joined with Japanese candy Hi-Chew to launch its latest limited-edition summer flavor, Hi-Chew Blue Hawaii Tropical Candy. The non-fat frozen yogurt is inspired by Hi-Chews Blue Hawaii flavor, which the announcement describes as a combination of sweet citrus and juicy pineapple infused with tropical notes and a splash of nostalgic summer escape. The summer collab marks the seventh year Menchies has launched a limited-edition flavor with Hi-Chew. Previous flavors included Hi-Chew Key Lime Pie, Hi-Chew Mando and Hi-Chew Passion Fruit. (The new) Blue Hawaii Tropical Candy embodies our commitment to fun and flavor, offering a treat that brings a taste of tropical bliss to our guests nationwide, said Elizabeth Berry, vice president of marketing at Menchie's Frozen Yogurt in the announcement. advertisement advertisement The Hi-Chew Tropical Blue Hawaii Candy flavor is available at participating U.S. Menchies locations through the end of June. The brands are both promoting the new Blue Hawaii Tropical Candy flavor via social media platforms such as Instagram, Meta and TikTok. Menchies is one of the largest self-serve yogurt chains in the U.S., and also has several international locations in Canada, Puerto Rico, the U.K., South Africa, Kuwait, Bahrain, The Bahamas, Bangladesh, Guatemala, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, India, China and Japan. Originally created in Japan in 1899, Hi-Chew has created more 300 flavors, such as Strawberry, Green Apple, Mango, Grape, Banana, Kiwi, Acai, Sweet & Sour Watermelon and Blue Raspberry. Flavors are periodically phased out with new ones introduced annually. The brand operates in the U.S. as Morinaga America Foods, a wholly owned subsidiaries of Hi-Chew parent company Morinaga & Co. by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, June 4, 2025 Federal Communications Commissioner Nathan Simington, a Republican nominated by President Donald Trump at the end of his first term, has unexpectedly announced that he will leave the agency at the end of the week. Simington didn't give a reason for his abrupt departure. He said in a brief statement issued Wednesday that he remains committed to advancing the cause of limited government, free speech, and American innovation. Commissioner Geoffrey Starks, a Democrat who was chosen by Trump in 2018, also announced Wednesday that his last day at the agency will be June 6. Starks said several months ago that he planned to exit, but hadn't previously set a date. advertisement advertisement The exits will leave the FCC with just two sitting commissioners -- Brendan Carr, nominated by Trump, and Anna Gomez, nominated by former President Joe Biden. Earlier this year, Trump nominated Senate staffer Olivia Trusty to serve on the agency, but she has yet to be confirmed by the Senate. Advocacy group Public Knowledge on Wednesday urged Trump to quickly nominate two commissioners -- a Democrat and a Republican -- to fill the vacancies. Simingtons sudden departure effectively leaves the agency without a bipartisan quorum, which stalls its ability to move forward with any meaningful actions -- a move that will likely result in painful consequences throughout the communications ecosystem for consumers, Alisa Valentin, broadband policy director at the organization, stated. by Joe Mandese @mp_joemandese, June 5, 2025 WPP Media, which earlier this week unveiled Open Intelligence , its new AI-powered "Large Marketing Model," this morning disclosed three new retail data partners -- Criteo, DICKS Sporting Goods, and Ocado Ads -- "to connect both sides of the media ecosystem." "Retail media, via commerce and data intelligence, has quickly evolved to become central to consumer marketing strategy," WPP Media explained in this morning's announcement, adding: "At the same time, premium media owners and supplyside platforms are reshaping content monetization through advancements in streaming, audio, digital, and TV environments. Together, these ecosystems represent the future of full-funnel marketing. Now, through Open Intelligence, they can be harmonized - with decentralized infrastructure, privacy-minded data collaboration, and AI-powered predictive models that deliver measurable outcomes." by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, June 5, 2025 Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier this week appealed an order that blocks the state from enforcing new restrictions on teens' ability to use social platforms. Uthmeier's move marks the most recent development in a battle over Florida's House Bill 3, which would prohibit platforms with addictive features from allowing anyone under 14 to create or maintain accounts, and requires those platforms to obtain parental consent before allowing 14- or 15-year-olds to create or maintain accounts. Those restrictions apply to platforms with an allegedly addictive quality -- such as displaying like counts, or automatically playing videos. The statute only covers a platform if at least 10% of users under 16 spend at least two hours per day on average at that platform. advertisement advertisement The tech industry groups NetChoice and Computer & Communications Industry Association challenged the law on First Amendment grounds, arguing that it infringes teens' rights by preventing them from accessing lawful speech. U.S. District Court Judge Mark Walker in Tallahassee sided with the organizations and enjoined enforcement of the law. He wrote in a decision issued Tuesday that the statute violates teens' free speech rights. Youth have First Amendment rights, Walker wrote in a 58-page opinion. Youth are people, not mere people-in-waiting or extensions of their parents. They have their own interests, ideas, and minds. He added that prior court decisions have upheld minors' First Amendment rights to learn, to refuse to salute the flag, to protest war, to view films, to play video games, to attend political rallies or religious services even without the authorization of their parents, and more. Almost immediately after the ruling came out, Uthmeier initiated an appeal of the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. His office hasn't yet filed substantive arguments with that court. Rh null, also called golden blood, is the world's rarest blood type. It can be given to almost anyone, but only a few people in the world have it. Highlights: Rh-null blood lacks all 61 Rh antigens, making it extremely rare and medically valuable It can save lives as a universal donor within rare blood types Rh-null individuals can only receive blood from other Rh-null donors, making transfusions very difficult Trusted Source Rare Blood Group: A Golden Blood Go to source Trusted Source Did You Know? Golden blood: rare enough to be priceless, vital enough to save lives. #goldenblood #rhnull #universaldonor #lifesavingblood #rarestbloodtype #medindia Golden blood: rare enough to be priceless, vital enough to save lives. #goldenblood #rhnull #universaldonor #lifesavingblood #rarestbloodtype #medindia Advertisement The Discovery Advertisement A Universal Lifesaver How It Happens Golden Blood in India Real-Life Challenges Why It Matters Rare Blood Group: A Golden Blood - (https://ajner.com/HTMLPaper.aspx?Journal=Asian%20Journal%20of%20Nursing%20Education%20and%20Research;PID=2023-13-3-13) Golden blood or Rh null blood is one of the rarest blood types in the world. Its so rare that scientists once thought it might not even exist in real life. While most people have one of eight common blood types (A, B, AB, or O each either Rh positive or Rh negative), those with Rh null have something extraordinary: none of thes found in the Rh blood group system ().This total absence makes Rh-null blood incredibly unique and extremely valuable.Rh null blood was first discovered inwoman. Scientists were shocked when her blood sample showed zero Rh antigens. Until then, it was believed that a person couldnt survive without at least some Rh antigens. But this discovery proved otherwise. Since then, fewer than 50 people worldwide have been identified withsaid Dr. Thierry Peyrard, Director of the National Immunohematology Reference Laboratory in Paris, in an interview with Mosaic.What makes golden blood so unique is that it can be given to almost anyone with rare Rh-related blood disorders. In that sense, it acts like a universal donor within this small group, which is why scientists and blood banks treat it like liquid gold.However, this life-saving potential comes with a rare risk. People with Rh null can only receive blood from another Rh null donor. This makes transfusions extremely difficult, often requiring international searches and frozen samples stored in specialized centers.Your blood type depends on proteins called antigens found on your red blood cells. The Rh system is one of the most complex, with over 60 different antigens. Rh null happens when all of these antigens are missing, usually because of genetic mutations, especially involving the. This gene is essential for creating the Rh proteins that help keep red blood cells stable.Without these proteins, red cells become fragile and may break apart easily a condition known as hemolysis. This can lead to, which causes symptoms like fatigue, pale skin, or jaundice . Some people with Rh null may not show any symptoms at all, but the condition can still pose serious risks.Indias first known case of Rh null blood was discovered in Gujarat on July 14, 2022. A 65-year-old man was undergoing tests for heart surgery when doctors noticed his rare blood type. The discovery sparked national attention and was added to the countrys blood registry to help in future emergencies.Because Rh null blood is so rare, its not available in regular blood banks. Instead, its stored in international centers and tracked carefully. Some Rh null individuals donate regularly to ensure that small reserves are available, especially in urgent cases.For example, a recent case in Indonesia involved a child with Rh null who urgently needed a transfusion. It triggered a nationwide search and highlighted just how crucial rare blood donations are.Rh null blood might be incredibly rare, but it saves lives. It also gives scientists valuable insights into how red blood cells work and what happens when key proteins are missing.People with golden blood need to take special precautions, like wearing medical alert bracelets, informing doctors before any surgeries, and staying connected to global donor networks. For them, every drop truly counts.Source-Medindia Drinking coffee in the evening may keep your brain too active during sleep, affecting its ability to rest and recover. Highlights: Drinking caffeine late in the day can keep the brain alert, even during sleep This alertness interferes with deep sleep, which is vital for the brain to rest and repair Over time, poor sleep quality may affect brain health and memory Trusted Source Caffeine induces age-dependent increases in brain complexity and criticality during sleep Go to source Trusted Source Did You Know? You slept, your brain didn't. Thanks, caffeine. #sleephealth #caffeineeffects #brainrecovery #medindia You slept, your brain didn't. Thanks, caffeine. #sleephealth #caffeineeffects #brainrecovery #medindia Advertisement Inside the Study Advertisement Advertisement What Caffeine Does to the Sleeping Brain? Memory and Cognitive Impact Younger Brains More Sensitive Caffeine induces age-dependent increases in brain complexity and criticality during sleep - (https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-025-08090-z) Coffee is the go-to energy booster for many, but having it late in the day could disrupt your brains ability to rest, even during sleep . A recent study by researchers athas revealed thatdoesnt just, it actually alters how theduring rest, potentially affecting memory and).The research, published in, involved 40 healthy adults between the ages of 20 and 58. Participants were studied on two different nights: on one night, they took caffeine capsules three hours and one hour before bed, and on the other night, they received a placebo.Using, the research team monitored brain activity during sleep, focusing on how caffeine changed the electrical patterns. They found it striking that even while asleep,explained co-lead researcher Dr. Karim Jerbi, professor of psychology and director of the Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience Laboratory..The study found that caffeine consumption disrupted slower brain oscillations such as theta and alpha waves, which are essential for deep, restorative sleep. Meanwhile, it increased faster beta waves, which are associated with alertness and engagement. So, while the body rests, the brain remains overly active, impeding proper recovery., said Dr. Julie Carrier, professor at UdeMs Centre for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine. .Lead author Philipp Tholke added that these changes were especially prominent during non-REM sleep, a phase crucial for memory consolidation and mental restoration.Tholke said.The study also revealed that caffeines impact is more pronounced in young adults aged 20 to 27 than in middle-aged participants. Experts suggest this may be due to a higher concentration of adenosine receptors in younger brainssites that caffeine blocks to enhance alertness and reduce drowsiness Dr. Julie Carrier explained, .While caffeine fuels daytime performance, its lingering influence could keep your brain overly switched on at night, preventing the restful reset it needs.Source-Medindia Telkom Indonesia announced on Wednesday it is working with IBM Indonesia to develop a sovereign AI solution that it says will allow local enterprises to create reliable and responsible AI value-added services. The solution is being built with IBM watsonx and embedded with watsonx.ai, IBMs enterprise-grade AI development studio. Telkom said the solution will be targeted at organizations in various industry sectors such as human resources, law and marketing, among others. Telkom business development group director Honesti Basyir said that by utilizing IBM watsonx, Telkom aims to support a responsible AI approach, to help increase productivity, innovation, and competitiveness by prioritizing transparency, bias mitigation, and data privacy. With the strength of the Telkom group, we will be able to offer innovative AI solutions for various industries that are in line with local data residency regulations, Basyir said in a statement. IBM's Watsonx software product portfolio will accelerate the impact of generative AI, offering local or cloud hosting flexibility to users, added IBM Asia Pacific GM Hans Dekkers. The result is an effective, efficient AI offering, with security for local businesses, to empower responsible growth in the AI ecosystem as a whole. The agreement follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Telkom and IBM Indonesia in December 2024 to provide AI services tailored to Indonesias market needs that are also compliant with government data regulations. Recent research from IDC projects investment in AI and Generative AI throughout Asia Pacific, including Indonesia, to reach US$175 billion in 2028 with a CAGR of 33.6% from 2023 to 2028. Telkom said that growth is being driven by widespread AI adoption in various industry sectors. That in turn is increasing the need for both skilled AI workforce and an open, scalable AI platform thats also compliant with government data regulations to enable businesses to create their own models. Telecoms newcomer Aquatel has signed an agreement with Aruba telco Setar and the Curacao government to connect Curacao to the planned CELIA subsea cable that will connect various Caribbean islands to the US. Aquatel which was officially established in January as an initiative of Integrated Utility Holding and Aqualectra said in a statement on Monday that the CELIA cable will serve as the backbone for stronger, more resilient, and more reliable connectivity for Curacao, while also making the island less dependent on outdated telecoms networks or third-party infrastructure. Announced in December 2024, the CELIA cable is being planned by the Caribbean ELIte Alliance (CELIA) consortium as an express cable connecting Aruba, Martinique, Antigua, Puerto Rico and now Curacao to Boca Raton in the US state of Florida. CELIA members include Setar in Aruba, Orange in Martinique, and the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA), who will provide landing points on those islands. Telxius is the landing partner in Puerto Rico and Boca Raton. The 3,700-km CELIA cable will be designed with a minimum of eight fibre pairs with a total initial capacity of 170 Tbps. The cable is expected to be operational by the third quarter of 2027. Logistics contributes 170 billion to the UK economy The UK logistics sector is an unstoppable force for economic growth and lies at the heart of governments plan for change, according to Lilian Greenwood, Minister for the Future of Roads. Addressing over 250 industry leaders at Logistics UKs inaugural annual conference in London today (4 June), Ms Greenwood highlighted the sectors pivotal role in delivering national growth and pledged stronger collaboration with industry stakeholders. Held at the QEII Conference Centre, the event also marked the launch of The Logistics Report 2025 the business groups flagship annual review. The report reveals that logistics contributes 170 billion to the UK economy and supports more than 8% of the national workforce, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of economic productivity. In her keynote speech, Ms Greenwood acknowledged growing calls for clearer direction from government: The industry wants more clarity from government. "Logistics lies at the heart of governments plan for change. We are ready to work with the sector every step of the way. Logistics UK President Phil Roe opened the conference by underscoring the sectors critical value: Logistics is not a background operation. "It is a driver of growth and a barometer of economic efficiency. When logistics thrives, the economy thrives. "The Ministers address today shows government is keen to work with the sector, but there still needs to be a step change in how logistics is understood, supported and prioritised in national policy making. Highlighting urgent challenges around decarbonisation and skills, Ms Greenwood reaffirmed the governments support for the Generation Logistics campaign, designed to boost awareness and recruitment across the industry. Closing her remarks, she thanked the sector for keeping the wheels turning, driving economic growth and improving lives, assuring attendees that we are listening. The Logistics Report 2025 brings together government data, expert insight and the results of Logistics UKs annual survey of over 500 members. It offers a snapshot of the sectors health, outlook and pressing concerns. The fatal five minutes in the Pacific that changed World War II At the Midway Atoll in the Pacific Ocean, Imperial Japan and the United States of America waged one of historys greatest wars. The outcome continues to inspire and enthral. Aircraft are prepared for launching on USS Enterprise in the early morning, 4 June 1942 The Japanese surge across Southeast Asia and the Pacific in the four months from December 1941 to April 1942 had been every bit as impressive as the German blitzkrieg in the spring and summer of 1940. Japanese war planners had set out to seize all the resources necessary to feed Japans burgeoning industries and armed forces, and to establish an effective defensive perimeter around this vast new empire, the grotesquely misnamed Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere. By spring 1942, the Japanese controlled Manchuria, a large part of coastal China (including the British colony of Hong Kong), French Indo-China, Thailand, Burma, Malaya, the Dutch East Indies, and countless other countries and territories. These gains had not only been made at lightning speed, but at minimal cost for the loss, in fact, of about 15,000 men, 380 aircraft, and four destroyers. Douglas Dauntless flying over USS Enterprise The intention had always been to seize the territories needed for national self-sufficiency and then to go over to the defensive. In practice, this could not be done, for the Japanese Empire would never be secure in control of its massive conquests in the face of powerful Pacific rivals. The British might easily be held on the IndiaBurma border, at least for the time being the British Empire was fighting a desperate struggle against Japans Axis allies to defend the home island and keep open its supply lines in the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. The Americans were an altogether different matter. The United States could not tolerate a Japanese-dominated Pacific, nor the immense damage to American prestige represented by the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. Admiral Chuichi Nagumo (1887-1944) As such, two particular anxieties pressed upon the Japanese Naval High Command two possible bases for an effective US counterattack. The US aircraft carriers had escaped the destruction at Pearl Harbor, and they could continue to operate out of their Hawaii base, roughly mid-Pacific. Then there was Australia, which was both an Allied stronghold and a potential Allied springboard for a counter-thrust into Borneo, New Guinea, and the Solomons. The United States looked east to Europe and west across the Pacific with equal concern. From December 1941, it was fighting two wars with similar vigour. From the outset, it sought ways to strike back at Japan. At Midway, the Americans found their opportunity. A squadron of Grumann Avenger torpedo-bombers in flight. The Pacific Ocean is the biggest single battle space on Earth. More than 60 million square miles in extent, the approximate mid-point the Midway Atoll is 2,000 miles from any continent. Across this vast area, between December 1941 and August 1945, Imperial Japan and the United States of America waged one of historys greatest wars. The Battle of Midway, on 4 June 1942, was the turning point in that war, the moment when the Japanese surge that began with Pearl Harbor ended and the Americans went over to the strategic offensive. Thereafter and continuously, until the bitter end, at Okinawa and Hiroshima, the Japanese were on the defensive in a war of attrition they could not possibly win. USS Yorktown was the target of two Japanese air-strikes. It is seen here at the moment of a torpedo impact. Yet the odds were stacked against the Americans at Midway, and mid-morning on the day of battle they were facing a disastrous defeat one that might have lost them both Midway and Hawaii, and therefore control of the Central Pacific; one that might have added years to the length of the war. The stakes could not have been higher. Yet the battle was turned around by the action of just 34 airmen in a mere five minutes what military historian John Keegan has called the fatal five minutes that delivered the most stunning and decisive blow in the history of naval warfare. This is no exaggeration: at 10.25am on 4 June 1942, the Japanese had maritime and air supremacy in the Central Pacific; by 10.30am, they had lost the war. Admiral Chester Nimitz (1885-1966) This extraordinary turnaround confirmed what another military historian, Basil Liddell Hart, referred to as the chanciness of battles fought out in the new style by long-range sea-air action. It also confirmed that the age of the general fleet action by lines of great battleships was over. Midway was a carrier battle in which the opposing fleets never saw each other. The decisive weapons were seaborne aerial bombers. Nothing in naval warfare would ever be the same again. The Battle of Midway is now the subject of two epic feature films. The first was released in 1976 and starred Charlton Heston, Henry Fonda, and a host of other top American actors. A second, directed by Roland Emmerich (of Independence Day fame), is due for release this month. Does Midway deserve the hype? Was it really the greatest battle of the war? This is an extract from a 14-page special feature on the Battle of Midway, published in the December 2019 issue of Military History Matters. Our special this time offers a detailed military analysis of Midway. Editor Neil Faulkner discusses the men, the machines, the grand strategy, and the tactical imperatives that made the battle. He then provides a blow-by-blow account of the action, setting in context the fatal five minutes that transformed the war in the Pacific. Interested in receiving the latest cutting-edge research and detailed analysis from world-renowned historians? Click here to find out more about subscribing to the magazine. Airmen who watched over America's nuclear intercontinental ballistic missiles in Cold War-era facilities faced marginally higher risk of cancer due to contaminants found there and more workplace oversight is needed, according to the latest findings of an Air Force health study. Air Force Global Strike Command, during a town hall event Wednesday, released the latest data showing the slightly elevated cancer risk as part of its ongoing probe into health concerns for America's missileers, maintainers and other support roles at several bases in the Midwest and Western U.S. The lifetime cancer risk for all Americans is around 39%, and the Air Force's Health Risk Assessment found rates of 39.9% to 40.13% for men and women if they would have served anywhere from eight to 70 years in those jobs. Service officials said consistent workplace inspections and monitoring would likely be necessary to address the risks, which are caused by the presence of chemicals and toxins. Read Next: Army Faces Backlash over Plan to Divert Barracks Funds to Border Mission Contaminants linked to cancer were found during a series of environmental studies at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming, Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana, and Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota. "In summary, this health risk assessment characterizes the health risk as low but not zero," Col. Ric Speakman, the commander of the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine, said during the town hall presentation. "Therefore, the appropriate action is to include missile alert facility workers in an occupational surveillance." Air Force Global Strike Command is still in the process of an ongoing epidemiological study and is gathering more data from states as well as national cancer registries before more definitive cancer and health conclusions can be made. Last year, Military.com reported in an investigative series that past probes by the Air Force into cancer concerns roughly two decades ago went ignored, and past and current missileers and nuclear missile maintainers raised alarms about the environmental conditions, toxins and chemical dangers they faced while in uniform. They believe the conditions made them sick. In the wake of Military.com's reporting, the service announced changes that included new workplace inspections and health record tracking, and the spouse of a missileer who died from non-Hodgkin lymphoma was able to secure Department of Veterans Affairs benefits related to his death. While polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, were one of the known outlawed carcinogenes that the Air Force's remediation efforts focused on, research shown during Wednesday's town hall showed there were other toxins detected as well that were factored into the service's health risk assessment. "Although only PCBs were detected at levels above the Environmental Protection Agency's standards for cleanup and remediation, the environmental sampling was sensitive enough to detect chemicals such as benzene and chloroform at levels well below standards for remediation," a Thursday news release from Air Force Global Strike Command following the town hall said. The Torchlight Initiative, a grassroots organization that began shortly after a Space Force officer and former Air Force missileer raised concerns about non-Hodgkin lymphoma rates at Malmstrom, released its own independent study in April examining the rates of blood cancer reported in its online health registry. That study found that service members were diagnosed at younger ages compared to the wider population. Air Force Global Strike Command officials briefly mentioned that study at the town hall, stating that, "while this study is separate from the missile community cancer study, it does add to the work advocacy and the well-being of the missile community." Representatives from the Torchlight Initiative were on Capitol Hill in early April alongside other advocacy groups, and made a plea to lawmakers in hopes of expanding the PACT Act -- a 2022 law that mostly covered veterans sickened by toxic exposure in war zones -- to cover those who experienced health issues stateside as well. "The Torchlight Initiative is happy to hear that Global Strike and U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine are still working on their long-term study and research," the organization said in a statement to Military.com on Thursday. "However, our focus and energy remains with the families who are disproportionately affected by these cancers and illnesses." The remaining data in the ongoing health study is slated to be released in late 2025. Gen. Thomas Bussiere, the head of Air Force Global Strike Command, said during the town hall he would advocate for a registry, if the VA also supported such a move, based on the study's findings. "The level of interest and oversight with the Department of the Air Force and Congress has not waned, and I'm very thankful and happy with the interest and actions on the part of the VA," Bussiere said in a news release after the town hall. "They've been great partners, and I anticipate they will continue to be great partners." Related: Independent Study Raises Alarm About Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma at Malmstrom Air Force Base Former Army National Guard combat engineer Chris Purdy deployed to Iraq in 2011 where he clearly recalls the influence the Celtic punk band Dropkick Murphys had on his psyche -- the driving guitar riffs that got him through the day. "We played their music in our Humvees and our MRAPs and our Strikers to get us through those many months away from home," said Purdy, CEO of the Chamberlain Network, an advocacy group for veterans in civic engagement. The gritty Boston-based band is still very much a soundtrack of the lives of many Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, and on Friday -- the 81st anniversary of D-Day -- the troupe will join thousands of veterans, including those in the federal workforce or who receive benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs, to protest planned job cuts and perceived threats to VA services under the Trump administration. Read Next: Pentagon Proposes Ending 14 Advisory Panels, Including Historic Committee Focused on Women in the Services For Dropkick Murphy's vocalist and bassist Ken Casey, supporting "patriots who put their money where their mouth is" by joining the U.S. military is an "obligation." "Music ... is a good way to kick the door -- the front door -- open or put an exclamation point on a point," Casey said in a media roundtable Monday with reporters. The Unite for Veterans, Unite for America Rally, planned for 2 p.m. Friday on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., aims to draw attention to the loss of jobs held by veterans in the federal government under planned reductions and a potential erosion of VA services with cuts of up to 80,000 personnel at the department. Read More: We Fought for This Country. Don't Cut the One Department That Fights for Us. The veteran-led protest, with smaller marches in at least 43 states planned the same day, is meant to send a message that veterans continue to serve their country in the federal government, they want quality health care provided at VA hospitals and clinics, and they want to protect their benefits. "Over the last few months, we've really seen an urgency and a fear in the veterans community. ... Veterans are worried about their future. They're worried about the benefits that we fought for throughout our generations. We're worried [about] what's going to happen," said Will Attig, a veteran who serves as executive director of the Union Veterans Council at the AFL-CIO. VA officials said in March that they are reviewing the departmental organization with an aim to reduce the number of employees to 399,957, or roughly 83,000 fewer than it currently has. The VA fired 1,000 probationary employees at the start of the Trump administration under mass layoffs across the federal government and let go an additional 1,400 weeks later, only to have them reinstated. During a hearing in May, VA Secretary Doug Collins said the department had dismissed roughly 1,000 employees and is looking to reduce the workforce by 15% -- a reduction he argues could improve efficiency and is not the equivalent of "firing" 80,000 people at a department that currently employs 482,000, including 459,000 full-time staff. "We're looking at a goal of how many employees we have and how many employees that are actually working in the front line, taking care. I have doctors and nurses right now that do not see patients. Is that helping veteran health care?" Collins asked during a Senate Veterans Affairs Committee hearing. Rally organizers say cutting that many jobs -- and more across the federal government -- will hurt veterans with steady jobs who were hired under preferential status and ultimately lead to reductions in services. Veterans make up 28% of the VA workforce and hold roughly one-quarter of all federal jobs. Under the VA's reduction in force plan, the department was to complete an internal review and publish its reorganization plan in June. Layoffs would begin in August. "We're not waiting to fight once it's already done," Attig said. "The partners we've gathered during the process of putting together [this] event lift up veteran voices across the country." The protest not only will mark the anniversary of the amphibious assault against the Germans in Normandy, it also will pay tribute to the "Bonus Army" protests of 1932, which brought 40,000 World War I veterans to Washington to press for deferred bonus payments they were promised. Paul Sullivan, an Army veteran of the 1990-1991 Persian Gulf War and veterans advocate, said he planned to attend because "there are real threats to cut VA care and benefits." "Veterans absolutely understand what it means to stand between an enemy bullet and our Constitution," Sullivan said in a message to Military.com. "We are honored to be a part of the social contract, so now, as the U.S. and a culture and nation, must make sure we leave no veteran behind." No representatives from the VA are scheduled to speak. In a statement provided to Military.com in April, VA Press Secretary Peter Kasperowicz said the department is working to improve an organization that has been on the Government Accountability Office's "high-risk list" for more than a decade. "Imagine how much better off veterans would be if VA's critics cared as much about fixing the department as they do about protecting its broken bureaucracy," Kasperowicz said. "Unfortunately, many in the media, government union bosses and some in Congress are fighting to keep in place the broken status quo." According to organizers, the epicenter of the event, which starts at 2 p.m., is the National Mall between the National Air and Space Museum and the National Gallery of Art. Bands will start warming up the crowd at 1:30, with the playing of the national anthem at 2 p.m. and speakers from various organizations, including members of Congress. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., is slated to speak, as are veterans and former Reps. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., and Conor Lamb, D-Pa. Representatives from Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America will speak, as will some from #AfghanEvac on behalf of those who worked for U.S. forces during the Afghanistan war. Union reps including those from National Nurses United, which represents 15,000 VA nurses, also will join the pack. "We are currently facing the imminent loss of tens of thousands of positions from the VA. These proposed cuts come as we are already struggling to provide the highest quality of care with far too few nurses and resources," said Irma Westmoreland, chairwoman of the union's VA Division. "Nurses are proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with our veterans as we fight for the highest quality of care for those who put their lives on the line," The Dropkick Murphys will play a newly released single -- "Who'll Stand With Us?" -- live for the first time in addition to a full set, according to Casey. Casey, who recently returned from a trip delivering ambulances to Ukraine, said that "standing up for democracy" is part of the band's foundation. "The veteran community has always been huge supporters of the band and, you know, we've just felt a real connection," he said. "We've always considered ourselves patriotic Americans, and that's part of the reason why we feel ... it's an obligation to speak out and join causes like this." Related: Veterans Protest at US Capitol as Pressure Mounts on Senate Republicans over Toxic Exposures Bill Cpl. Andrew Hundley never expected fame, but after becoming a Marine Corps sensation overnight, he wields it with humility and gratitude. In mid-April, Hundley's staff noncommissioned officer attempted to route a military certificate he completed up the chain so he could get a spot in a Marine Corps program designed to give up-and-coming leaders the skills to take on greater roles within the service. But the email got sent forcewide, setting off a chain of hundreds of responses from Marines across the fleet and lighting social media ablaze with memes and fraternal adulation only members of the amphibious service can dish out. Read Next: Army Faces Backlash over Plan to Divert Barracks Funds to Border Mission On Thursday, Hundley, 24 years old and a cyberspace warfare operator from Colorado, graduated from that program, known as the Corporals Course, and the top enlisted leader of the Marine Corps, Sgt. Maj. Carlos Ruiz, made a surprise appearance to help herald his and the other junior leaders' accomplishment. "The Marine Corps gods have called upon me," Ruiz said at the graduation to cheers, laughs and whoops across the room for Hundley. "They were setting up a schedule, and the schedule somehow ended up with -- where you at, Hundley? Raise your hand ..." "An unintentional, so-innocent email that went to everyone," he said at Camp Johnson, North Carolina, where the event was held. In an interview with Military.com on Thursday, Hundley said that he was "ecstatic" to have the top enlisted Marine attend his graduation. He was quick to say that his staff sergeant was doing her due diligence in trying to get him into the course, but a glitch with the distro list led him out of the unknown and into the annals of Marine Corps lore. "I was worried more than anything that I would get in trouble or I was worried something bad was going to happen," he said. In the immediate aftermath, he said his leadership checked in on him, and then together they eventually leaned into the joke. "They took off with it and were super supportive about it," he said. "They didn't start making jokes or anything, they called me to ask if I was OK and they wanted to make sure I was doing OK." Soon, Hundley started getting requests to sign his certificate. The Marine Corps' official Instagram page got in on the joke in a post, declaring "take me off this distro" in the caption. Marines and veterans took to social media with memes, but ones that were wrapped in the congratulatory ribbing common to the Corps. "At least of my experience with the Marine Corps, we know when to be serious and that we know sometimes when it's a good time to not be serious," Hundley said. "It's a big community out there; everyone I've come across has been really motivational to talk to about [it], and I think it's a great way that we develop this because it's like friends and brother and sibling, how you have that humor with each other." After Ruiz posted to social media a video of his attendance at the Corporals Course graduation, Hundley said he started getting messages of support and congratulations from across the country, from Marines and veterans, too. He had heard rumors that Ruiz would be attending, but knew he had "so much stuff on his plate" that he wasn't certain. But he ended up being "completely amazed" -- and a little nervous -- that Ruiz attended and appreciated that he was there to celebrate with them. "To me, supporting our Marines in their endeavor to become [professional military education] complete was the win," Ruiz told Military.com through a spokesperson Thursday, referring to courses Marines take throughout their careers as they advance through the ranks. "We are Marines, and being a Marine can be difficult. As leaders, if we can take an opportunity like this and turn it into something positive that raises morale, then we should do it." Ruiz said that he too received the email chain and had "a good laugh" about a Change.org petition that received more than a thousand signatures to get the commandant of the Marine Corps to come to the graduation ceremony. Hundley said one his favorite replies to the email chain went something like, "I don't even breathe 8th comm air, why am I seeing this" in a request to get off of the distro list, referring to the 8th Communication Battalion at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where Hundley serves as a mission element leader in his platoon. He joined the Marine Corps in 2021, initially wanting to be a pilot in the Air Force. But a Marine Corps recruiter told him about opportunities in cyber after learning that Hundley enjoys building out computers as a hobby. Having worked with animals growing up, he said he intends to start volunteering at an animal shelter in North Carolina as part of his next steps and is looking forward to finishing his five-year contract in the Marine Corps, wanting to "give back as much as I can" in that time period, before looking at other cyber opportunities in the government or private sector. "I didn't want this kind of thing to take away from the experience of all the other corporals that were going in that course with me, because they worked so hard," Hundley said. "They were amazing people, every one of them in their own different ways. And they were so inspirational. They deserved more fame than I ever got from it, even just that little bit." He was promoted to corporal last year and has thought a lot about the leader he is and wants to continue to be. Of the email saga, he said that he learned it's OK to not be "super serious all the time" and that part of being human is to "sit back and laugh" about the absurdities of life. "There's a lot of things I don't know, and I want to inspire growth in all of my Marines that I'm leading," he said. "I want them to know that they're amazing in their own ways, and that they have valued input and ideas. I want to inspire them to grow as their own human beings and leaders." Related: Marine Corps Releases New Details on Drone Competitions Coming to Bases Around the World The Defense Department is considering terminating 14 advisory boards that guide Pentagon leaders on an array of personnel and operational issues, including the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services, the panel that has fought since 1951 to integrate women into the U.S. military. In an email sent last month to senior defense officials and reviewed by Military.com, Deputy Director of Washington Headquarters Services Bob Salesses proposed sunsetting more than a dozen committees and advisory boards and merging two additional panels. Thirteen of the boards would require congressional approval to dissolve but would be "administratively suspended" pending the necessary legislation. The dissolution of DACOWITS would not require an act of Congress. Read Next: Air Force Special Operations Command Names New Enlisted Leader as Predecessor Faces Investigation The proposal, first reported by Military Times, follows a review ordered in March by then-Pentagon Chief of Staff Joe Kasper of all DoD advisory boards to determine whether they provided "appropriate value" and aligned with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's "priorities of restoring the warrior ethos." The review included assessments of the boards' duties and objectives, operating costs, activities, and results of their work. "Advisory committees have and will continue to provide an important role in shaping public policy within DoD. Our stewardship responsibilities require that we continually assess to ensure each advisory committee, board or panel ... provides appropriate value as times and requirements change," Kasper wrote. In that memo, Kasper also announced the immediate end of the Defense Advisory Committee on Diversity and Inclusion in compliance with President Donald Trump's executive order abolishing equality and affirmative action initiatives in the federal government. Pentagon spokeswoman Sue Gough did not provide comment on Salesses' email but said that the results of the review remain under consideration. "As noted previously, the department has been reviewing all DoD advisory committees and boards to ensure their efforts align with our most pressing strategic priorities and the president's goals," Gough said in an email Wednesday to Military.com. "We have nothing to announce at this time." The 74-year-old DACOWITS was created to advise the department on recruitment of women into the armed forces. Its studies, recommendations and proposals have been instrumental in expanding military opportunities for women, including sea, air and ground combat roles. The panel previously faced threats to its existence in 2021, when then-Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered the review of 42 Pentagon advisory committees in part as a response to last-minute appointments by the outgoing Trump administration in the waning days of his first term, but also to assess their cost and efficiency. As part of that review, DACOWITS' work was suspended and members were asked to resign. At the time, the DoD Manpower and Reserve Affairs office recommended that the work of DACOWITS be integrated into the diversity committee, a group established at the end of Trump's first term in the wake of racial justice protests over the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer in May 2020. The proposal to merge DACOWITS with the new committee raised the ire of six female veterans in Congress, including Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa; Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa.; Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill.; Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Iowa; Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-N.J.; and then-Rep. Elaine Luria, D-Va., who pressed Austin to save the panel as a stand-alone committee. "We do not believe its work is complete, as evidenced by so many issues we are currently addressing as a nation and a military," they wrote in a letter to Austin in July 2021. In August of that year, Austin reinstated DACOWITS and named new members. This time, however, the fight to preserve DACOWITS will likely be more challenging. Hegseth openly opposes women serving in combat specialties, and already has dismantled a program that supported women who served on security teams, especially those who can operate in locations where cultural norms prohibit male troops from engaging with civilian women or children. "It hasn't made us more effective, hasn't made us more lethal, has made fighting more complicated," Hegseth said on the subject of women serving in combat during an appearance on "The Shawn Ryan Show" last November. Hegseth fired the first female to serve on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Navy Adm. Lisa Franchetti, without explanation, and has ordered a review of fitness standards to ensure they are not adapted to accommodate women. The Pentagon also removed hundreds of webpages from official sites that honored women and minorities in service, including articles on Navy and Army websites about women's history and an article on the first female Air Force Thunderbird pilot. Those have since been restored. However, many other military webpages, including a video celebrating DACOWITSs 61st year of existence, remain unavailable or have been permanently removed in the department-wide purge of posted media. "When content is either mistakenly removed or if it's maliciously removed, we continue to work quickly to restore it," Pentagon Press Secretary Sean Parnell said at the time. In April, the Defense Department announced the dismissal of all members of advisory boards that were under review, including those who served on DACOWITS. Houlahan announced earlier this week that she plans to take up the fight against the administration in support of women in the military. She planned a press conference for Thursday in Washington, D.C., with Sherrill; Iraq War veteran Rep. Chris Deluzio, D-Pa.; and former Navy intelligence officer Rep. Maggie Goodlander, D-N.H., to discuss the dissolution of DACOWITS and other efforts to undermine women in the military. Under the Trump administration, military women are "being silenced," said Sue Fulton, executive director of the Women in the Service Coalition, a group collaborating with Houlahan on the press conference. "Senior women are fired without cause. DACOWITS (Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services) is reportedly being disbanded, despite a long history of recommendations that strengthened military readiness. Women are removed from DoD websites. Service members are discouraged or prohibited from participating in any events that acknowledge the historic legacy of women," Fulton wrote in a statement. According to Salesses' email, the boards and committees recommended for termination include the: Department of Defense Board of Actuaries Department of Defense Medicare-Eligible Retiree Health Care Board of Actuaries Defense Advisory Committee on Military Personnel Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services Tribal and Economically Disadvantaged Communities Advisory Committee Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program Advisory Board Non-Federal Interest Advisory Committee Board on Coastal Engineering Research U.S. Strategic Command Strategic Advisory Group Board of Visitors for the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation Table Rock Lake Oversight Committee National Reconnaissance Office Advisory Board Advisory Board for National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency National Security Agency Emerging Technologies Board The review also recommended merging the Defense Advisory Committee for the Prevention of Sexual Misconduct and the Defense Advisory Committee on Investigation, Prosecution and Defense of Sexual Assault in the Armed Forces. Related: Hegseth Grilled About Women in Combat, Officer Purge in Confirmation Hearing A top retired Navy legal official is sounding the alarm over what he sees as a growing and dangerous politicization of the military legal system and the lawyers who run it. In a public talk last week and in an interview with Military.com on Thursday, retired Rear Adm. Jim McPherson warned that the Trump administration and leaders in the Pentagon have politicized the selection process for the top lawyers in all three military branches by going around the traditional selection process and requiring nominees to answer screening questions about specific policies favored by the administration. The warning comes just months after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth fired the top lawyers for the Army and Air Force without explanation. The Navy's top lawyer had resigned shortly after the election in late 2024. McPherson's remarks seem to confirm the fears that legal experts had shortly after the firings. Read Next: Army Faces Backlash over Plan to Divert Barracks Funds to Border Mission In a lunchtime address to a group of lawyers at an American Bar Association function, McPherson, whose long career included several top civilian posts in the Pentagon during the first Trump administration, noted Hegseth's remarks to Fox News in the days after the firings. "Ultimately, we want lawyers who give sound constitutional advice and don't exist to attempt to be roadblocks to anything," Hegseth said on the cable news channel in February. Hegseth then went on to note that "traditionally" those top lawyers -- sometimes known by the abbreviation TJAG for "The Judge Advocate General" -- have "been elected by each other or chosen by each other ... small groups of insulated officers who perpetuate the status quo." "Well, guess what? That status quo hasn't worked very well at the Pentagon. It's time for fresh blood," said Hegseth, a former Fox News host. During his time serving the Pentagon in the first Trump term, McPherson held the posts of under secretary of the Army, general counsel of the Army, and the acting secretary of the Navy. In his address, McPherson pushed back on Hegseth's argument, calling it "misinformed." McPherson, who served as the Navy's judge advocate general in the early 2000s, said that military lawyers are there to "ensure the rule of law and operational environments." "Adherence to the rule of law is essential as a disciplined force for the effective and efficient application of forces and force enabler -- they're not roadblocks," he added. However, Hegseth has a long track record of disdain for lawyers and the military justice system. In his last book, the then-Fox News host and commentator wrote that "our adversaries should receive bullets, not lawyers." "If we refuse to do what is necessary, that is precisely why wars become endless," he wrote. In the same book, he also wrote that the Geneva Conventions -- international treaties governing the humane treatment of prisoners of war and civilians -- force the U.S. to fight "with one hand tied behind our back." "If our warriors are forced to follow rules arbitrarily and asked to sacrifice more lives so that international tribunals feel better about themselves, are we just better off winning our wars according to our own rules?" he mused in the book. As a Fox News host, Hegseth also took personal interest in and advocated for the release of two Army officers who were charged with war crimes -- 1st Lt. Clint Lorance and Maj. Mathew Golsteyn -- during the first Trump administration. Lorance was found guilty in a 2013 court-martial of second-degree murder, making false statements and other charges after he ordered his platoon to fire on three Afghan men on a motorcycle. Golsteyn was charged with murder after killing a suspected, unarmed Taliban bombmaker, later burning his body. Both men received presidential pardons from Trump. Hegseth also played a role in helping lessen the punishment of Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher, who was charged with war crimes for stabbing a wounded ISIS prisoner but ultimately convicted of posing for a photograph with the corpse. "Our current secretary, as a Fox commentator, blamed the JAGs that were involved in those cases for railroading those individuals who were simply doing their job," McPherson said. Now, it appears that the selection process for the new TJAGs is being modified to give Hegseth ultimate say over who heads the lawyers for each service, and candidates are being asked political questions during their interviews. "My understanding is each of those three services has already held a board, but the guidance to that board was very different than previous boards," McPherson said, adding that "the guidance to the boards was rank order your recommendations." "In other words, don't come forward with a single name recommendation" as was done in the past, he said. From there, those groups of candidates would be interviewed by the top civilian for each service and Hegseth would interview each finalist before passing their names to the White House, McPherson said. "This departs markedly from the statutory requirement that the boards that select the TJAGs be in conformance with all other boards," said McPherson, noting that the requirement says that should be done "as far as practicable." "I'm sure that's the exception that they will use," he added. Since McPherson was relaying the information about the process through his own connections and sources, Military.com reached out to Hegseth's office for comment. They declined to comment and instead referred questions to the services. According to McPherson, Navy Secretary John Phelan has interviewed at least three finalists as part of the Trump administration vetting of the military lawyers. Amid those interviews, Phelan asked the candidates whether they agreed "with a policy regarding the mandatory inoculation for COVID and how that policy was executed" and "do you agree with the former policy regarding eligibility for transgender people to enter and remain in the service and how that policy was executed," McPherson said. McPherson called these "two highly political questions" and policies with "which the TJAG would have never been involved in." The former Navy JAG said that they were "totally inappropriate questions to ask." Military.com also reached out to Phelan's office with questions about the selection process and the vetting questions. Capt. Adam Clampitt, a spokesman for the secretary, declined to comment on the selection process and said the service wanted "to maintain the integrity of the convening board process." Clampitt flatly denied that Phelan asked the vetting questions. "That is categorically false and did not happen," he said. He did not answer follow-up questions on whether he was calling McPherson, a man who retired as a rear admiral and went on to serve as Army under secretary in the first Trump administration, a liar. For his part, McPherson was undeterred by the denial. When Military.com reached out, he said that he was standing by his remarks and the source who relayed the information to him. In an interview Thursday, McPherson also noted that what struck him about the questions was how politically charged they were even compared to his own experience in the first Trump term. "I went through a vetting process at the White House with the personnel office, and sat through an interview with three other attorneys who worked on the staff there and then the head of that office, and I was surprised that they didn't ask me political-style questions," he said. "I didn't get hot-button policy questions as a senior political appointee," McPherson said of the experience. While McPherson shares the belief of many other military legal experts that the JAGs will not be able to act as a legal bulwark, he noted that they are still a powerful voice of conscience and ethics for decision-makers in times when they may be asked to confront challenging orders. Amid the Black Lives Matter riots that gripped much of the country in the summer of 2020, Trump famously pushed for the use of National Guard troops, including employing deadly force, against protesters and made a controversial appearance at Lafayette Square outside the White House alongside then-Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley and former Defense Secretary Mark Esper. The move was criticized by many who saw Milley's presence there as the military's endorsement of Trump's goal to use the country's troops against its own citizens. "My presence in that moment and in that environment created a perception of the military involved in domestic politics," Milley later said as part of an apology. McPherson said that there was a discussion within Army senior leadership at that time about what they would do if Trump invoked the Insurrection Act -- a law that would allow him to use troops to put down protests. "What are we prepared to do? What are we prepared to say? No, we can't do that. We actually had that conversation," McPherson said, noting that this conversation also involved Milley and Esper. "I felt confident at the time that we would do the right thing," he said. "We no longer have an Esper or Milley in charge, and that's the fear I have, quite frankly." Related: 'People Are Very Scared': Trump Administration Purge of JAG Officers Raises Legal, Ethical Fears **Title: Sorting Secrets: Alphabetizing Made Easy in Google Docs** (How To Alphabetize In Google Docs) Got a messy list in Google Docs? Need to sort it fast? Alphabetizing might sound boring, but its a lifesaver for staying organized. Lets break down how to do it without breaking a sweat. First, open your Google Docs file. Find the list you want to sort. Highlight the text. Click and drag your cursor over the items. If your list is part of a table, highlight the specific column. Miss this step, and nothing will work right. Next, look at the top menu. Click Tools. A dropdown menu appears. Choose Sort documents. Youll see two options: Sort by A-Z or Sort by Z-A. Pick the one you need. Boomyour list reorganizes instantly. Wait, what if your list has numbers or dates? No problem. Google Docs sorts them too. Numbers go from lowest to highest. Dates follow chronological order. Just make sure everything is formatted correctly. Mixing numbers and words can confuse the system. But maybe your list is long. Like, really long. Manually highlighting feels annoying. Try using add-ons instead. Go to Extensions in the menu. Click Add-ons, then Get add-ons. Search for Sorted Paragraphs. Install it. This tool saves time for big projects. Once installed, open the add-on. Highlight your list again. Go to Extensions, then Sorted Paragraphs. Choose Sort A to Z. The add-on handles everything, even complex lists. Bonus: It ignores articles like a or the at the start of words. What if youre working on a phone or tablet? The mobile app doesnt have the Sort feature. Open the doc in a mobile browser instead. Switch to desktop mode. Now you can use the same steps as on a computer. A little clunky, but it works. Common mistake? Forgetting headers. If your list has a title row, exclude it before sorting. Otherwise, the header gets mixed into the alphabetized items. Oops. Double-check your selection to avoid this. Another hiccup: uneven formatting. Say some items are bold, others italicized. Google Docs might split them into separate blocks. Fix this by clearing formatting first. Highlight the text. Click Format, then Clear formatting. Now try sorting again. Keyboard shortcuts speed things up. On Windows, press Ctrl+A to select all. On Mac, use Command+A. Combine this with the sort tool for instant results. No mouse needed. Troubleshooting tip: If sorting seems off, check for extra spaces or commas. Hidden characters mess up the order. Use Find and replace (Ctrl+H or Command+H) to delete unwanted spaces. Practice with a sample list first. Make a fake grocery list. Sort it A-Z. Then try Z-A. Play with numbers and dates. Once youre comfortable, tackle the real thing. Alphabetizing isnt just for school projects. Use it for contact lists, event plans, or inventory tracking. Clean data saves time later. Plus, it looks professional. Still stuck? Googles Help Center has guides. Type alphabetize in Google Docs in the search bar. Video tutorials walk you through each step. (How To Alphabetize In Google Docs) No one enjoys sorting manually. Let Google Docs do the heavy lifting. A few clicks, and chaos turns into order. Your future self will thank you. Inquiry us if you want to want to know more, please feel free to contact us. ([email protected]) Title: **Harnessing the Breeze: How Wind Power Innovation Reshapes a Countrys Economic Landscape** (How Might A NationaS Production Possibilities Be Affected By New Wind Power Technology) When a country taps into wind power technology, its not just about switching lights on. Its about rewriting the rules of what that nation can produce, build, and achieve. Picture wind turbines spinning like giant pinwheels across hillsides and coastlines. These machines do more than generate energy. They shift a nations entire production game. Think of a countrys economy as a toolbox. Before wind power, tools like coal plants or oil drills dominated. They worked, but they came with limits. Burning fossil fuels eats up money, harms the environment, and ties up workers in industries that cant grow forever. Now imagine adding a shiny new tool: wind turbines. Suddenly, the toolbox gets bigger. The nation can build energy in cleaner, cheaper ways. This frees up resources. Factories might make turbine parts instead of coal equipment. Engineers design smarter grids instead of fixing old pipelines. Farmers host turbines on their land while growing crops below. Every turbine becomes a small economic engine. Wind power doesnt just change energy. It reshapes other industries too. Take agriculture. Farmers lose less money on diesel for irrigation pumps when wind energy cuts electricity costs. Factories using lots of power, like steel or chemical plants, save money too. Those savings let them hire more workers or invest in new projects. Even coastal towns benefit. Building offshore wind farms creates jobs in shipping, construction, and maintenance. Workers who once relied on fishing or oil rigs might retrain for turbine repair. Jobs bloom in unexpected places. A wind turbine isnt just metal and wires. It needs technicians to fix it, factories to build it, trucks to move it. Cities near windy areas might see new training schools pop up. Small businesses could supply parts like bolts or sensors. This creates a ripple effect. More jobs mean more people spending money locally. Shops, restaurants, and schools grow busier. Tax money from wind projects might fund better roads or hospitals. Theres also the environmental upside. Cleaner energy means less pollution. Healthier workers take fewer sick days. Cities with smog see clearer skies, attracting tourists. Forests spared from mining stay intact, protecting wildlife. Rivers once choked by coal waste run cleaner, supporting fish and farms. Over time, these changes add up. A nation spends less on fixing pollution damage and more on building schools or tech labs. But wind power isnt perfect. Turbines need space, which can clash with housing or nature reserves. Wind doesnt blow all the time, so energy storage becomes critical. Batteries or backup systems must fill the gaps. Countries might need to trade energy with neighbors during calm days. Still, the tech keeps improving. New turbines work in lighter winds. Floating offshore farms reach deeper waters. Smart grids balance supply and demand better. Money once spent on importing oil or gas can now stay within the country. This boosts energy independence. Nations vulnerable to fuel price swings gain stability. They can plan long-term projects without fearing sudden cost spikes. This confidence attracts foreign investors. Companies want to set up factories where energy is cheap and reliable. Even education shifts. Schools might teach wind engineering alongside traditional subjects. Young people see careers in renewables as exciting, not just green. This mindset change fuels innovation. Students design better blades or software for managing wind farms. Over time, the country builds a reputation as a clean energy leader. (How Might A NationaS Production Possibilities Be Affected By New Wind Power Technology) Challenges remain. Not every region has steady wind. Some communities resist turbine noise or views. Old energy companies might lobby to slow the transition. But the trend is clear. Wind power isnt a side project anymore. Its a core part of how forward-thinking nations rewrite their economic stories. Every gust of wind becomes a step toward a more flexible, resilient future. Inquiry us if you want to want to know more, please feel free to contact us. ([email protected]) European AI investment surged 55% as the continents 200 billion InvestAI programme challenges US-China dominance, writes Mottli CEO Louis Napoletani. As global technology funding faces widespread challenges, Europe is bucking the trend with a remarkable surge in artificial intelligence investment thats reshaping the competitive landscape. Mottli CEO and Founder Louis Napoletani provides his analysis of what he sees as a pivotal moment in the global AI race. The numbers tell a compelling story According to Napoletanis assessment of recent market data, Europe is experiencing unprecedented momentum in AI investment at a time when most regions are struggling with funding constraints. Artificial intelligence investment across Europe and the UK is accelerating, signalling the regions ambition to rival established leaders in the U.S. and China, Napoletani observes. Despite a broader global slowdown in technology funding, European AI startups recorded a 55% increase in investment during the first quarter of 2025. This surge isnt happening in isolation. Napoletani points to strategic policy support thats providing the foundation for sustained growth: This momentum is supported by the European Commissions EUR 200 billion InvestAI programme, a landmark initiative designed to cement Europes position at the forefront of AI innovation. The scale of commitment is particularly striking in manufacturing infrastructure, with Napoletani noting that a significant portion of this funding, EUR 20 billion, is allocated for AI gigafactories. A sophisticated ecosystem emerges Napoletanis analysis reveals that Europes AI development isnt concentrated in a single market but distributed across multiple strong ecosystems. His assessment of the regional landscape shows impressive depth and breadth. The European AI ecosystem is led by Germany, France and the UK, where AI represents the most prominent sector among the continents fastest-growing startups, he explains. Firms operate across a broad spectrum, from foundational model development to intelligent agents and middleware solutions, reflecting a sophisticated and well-established environment. The quality of innovation coming from European companies particularly impresses Napoletani. British companies such as Synthesia, ElevenLabs and Plumerai demonstrate the UKs strength in both AI research and commercial applications, he notes. Meanwhile, Paris-based Adaptive ML is advancing reinforcement learning techniques, exemplifying the continents growing expertise in cutting-edge AI technologies. The UKs standout performance Within the European context, Napoletani sees the UK as particularly well-positioned, with market dynamics that suggest sustainable long-term growth rather than speculative investment. In the UK, AI adoption is expanding rapidly across enterprises of all sizes, Napoletani reports. The market, currently valued at over GBP 21 billion, is forecast to grow substantially. Government commitment appears to be a key differentiator, according to his analysis: The government has committed more than GBP 2.3 billion to AI since 2014, with recent budgets allocating nearly GBP 1 billion for research and development, including a GBP 900 million supercomputing project. The geographic concentration of AI activity in the UK also signals ecosystem maturity. Greater London remains the focal point of AI activity, hosting over 1,300 specialist companies, Napoletani observes. Strategic implications for global competition Looking at the broader implications of these developments, Napoletanis assessment suggests that Europes approach may offer advantages that werent initially apparent to observers focused on the U.S.-China AI rivalry. The UKs robust ecosystem, combined with Europes coordinated investment and regulatory strategy, positions the region as a major contender in the global AI race, he concludes. This coordinated approach appears to be delivering results at a time when other regions are facing headwinds. While U.S. tech giants grapple with regulatory scrutiny and funding pressures, and China navigates its own economic challenges, Europes strategic patience and systematic investment approach is creating what Napoletani sees as a sustainable competitive advantage. The data supporting his analysis suggests that Europes AI investment surge isnt just a temporary phenomenon but reflects deeper structural changes in how the continent approaches technology development and commercialization. For industry observers, Napoletanis assessment points to a significant shift in global AI dynamics, with Europe emerging not just as a participant but as a genuine contender for leadership in the technologies that will define the next decade of economic growth. More about the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Yasmani Grandal informed the Red Soxs Triple-A team that he is stepping away from his minor league deal. Grandal did not officially announce his retirement, but it appears hes leaning that way. At the moment, it looks like hes probably going to walk away and potentially hang them up, Triple-A manager Chad Tracy told MassLives Katie Morrison-ODay on Tuesday. We talked (Monday), and I knew he was going to pack up and gohis response was its time to be dad. The Sox technically placed him on the restricted list, according to the MLB.com transaction log. Francys Romero confirms that Grandal does not intend to return to the Boston organization. Grandal signed a minor league deal with the Sox in mid-April. He bypassed a contractual opt-out on May 1 and ultimately appeared in 23 games for Worcester. While he posted a decent .256/.372/.397 batting line, the Sox have a more locked-in catching duo than they did at the time he signed. Connor Wong had just broken his finger. Carlos Narvaez was playing in front of Blake Sabol. Wong returned on May 2, while Narvaez has impressed enough to take over as the primary catcher. Sabol was recently designated for assignment, so Grandal would probably have been the first one up in the event of an injury, but that was his only real path to the big leagues. If this is the end of his playing days, hell walk away as one of the more productive catchers of his generation. Grandal was a two-time All-Star who twice received down-ballot MVP votes. He has spent parts of 13 seasons in the big leagues. A first-round pick by the Reds in 2010, he was dealt to San Diego as a prospect in a blockbuster deal for Mat Latos. Grandal played parts of three seasons with the Padres before he was packaged in another significant trade, moving to the Dodgers alongside then-prospect Zach Eflin for Matt Kemp. Grandal arguably did his best work in a Dodger uniform. He hit .238/.337/.453 while grading as an elite pitch framer over four seasons. He played one All-Star season with the Brewers before joining the White Sox on a four-year, $73MM free agent deal. The contract didnt end well, but he posted a career-best .420 on-base percentage over 93 games in 2021. His most recent (and potentially final) MLB work came with the Pirates last season, when he hit .228/.304/.400 across 72 contests as the veteran in a catching group that also included Joey Bart and Henry Davis. Diana Ross has been announced as the official godmother of Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas when the Icon Class ship debuts in August 2025. Photo provided by Royal Caribbean A music icon from Michigan has just been announced as the godmother of one of the largest cruise ships in the world. Royal Caribbean is welcoming Motown great, Diana Ross, to be the godmother of Star of the Seas. The second Icon class ship will set sail for the first time with passengers this August. It is the same size as the worlds largest cruise ship, RCs Icon of the Seas. I am truly honored to join the Royal Caribbean family, said Diana Ross. Having spent years of creating beautiful music and memories and bringing people together from all over the world, this feels like a perfect continuation of my journey as godmother of Star of the Seas. As godmother, Ross will join a longstanding maritime tradition of bestowing safekeeping onto the ship, its crew and every passenger who sails on the ship. To celebrate the unveiling of Star of the Seas, Ross will take part in a naming ceremony in the ships AquaTheater. We are thrilled to have Diana Ross join us for the debut of Star of the Seas, said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean. We couldnt imagine a more fitting godmother for Star than Diana Ross, who is a true icon known for creating music that transcends generations while celebrating life and bringing people together. Star of the Seas has 20 total decks with 18 guest decks. It has capacity for 5,610 guests based on double occupancy with 2,805 staterooms. It will have a crew of 2,350. The ship is 1,196 feet long and 219 feet wide. Its maiden voyage will be on August 31, 2025. Environmental testing along the lakebed is underway for a project to connect Michigan to Chicago with broadband fiber optic cables, which will run beneath Lake Michigan. Peninsula Fiber Network Environmental reviews and engineering are underway for a pair of broadband fiber routes that will run beneath Lake Michigan and bring faster internet services to thousands of Michigan households. A company called Peninsula Fiber Network won a major federal infrastructure grant to build more than 500 miles of middle-mile broadband lines to both rural areas in Michigan and other places with clunky internet connections. Two of the three approved routes will include running special gear beneath parts of Lake Michigan. Plans call for dual underwater fiber optic cables to connect Chicago and Benton Harbor, with a continuing broadband route extending to Byron Center. Its a more direct route to go across the lake than it is to go around it, said Jennifer Greenburg, the companys vice president of government affairs. Those fiber cables crossing the southern part of Lake Michigan are expected to be instrumental for efforts to develop data centers in Benton Harbor and connect Michigan to quantum computing facilities in Chicago. The underwater cables will be installed below the lakebed to make the infrastructure less likely to be damaged by severe weather, ship anchor strikes, and other challenges. Additionally, Beaver Island will become a midway connection point in northern Lake Michigan for a broadband route linking Michigans Upper and Lower peninsulas. The island is famous for its scenic beauty but also known for its slow online access. Bobbi Welke, St. James Township supervisor on Beaver Island, said the middle-mile fiber project will be transformational for her rural island community, especially when combined with a last-mile internet connection project happening locally. We will become part of a vibrant broadband network that does not yet exist on the island. Our current reliance on microwave towers, with their backhaul issues, and our current telephone/internet provider using DSL technology is, quite simply, not reliable, she said in an email. On any day, at any time, we lose our internet system and more concerning we lose our 911 network. We are looking forward to joining a 21st century telecom system that so many others take for granted. Environmental testing is underway to study the lakebed of Lake Michigan for future fiber optic cable development, including here near the Upper Peninsula near Gulliver at Seul Choix Pointe. Peninsula Fiber Network From the Upper Peninsula, the underwater portion of the fiber cables will begin near Gulliver at Seul Choix Pointe and stretch southeast to Beaver Island. On the island, the fiber will run from the northern shoreline at a township campground down the islands center roadway until turning east toward the Central Michigan University Biological Research Station. At that point, the fiber cables will again go underwater and eventually connect to Charlevoix before extending through Bellaire to Gaylord. Greenburg said various types of environmental testing for the underwater portions of the routes remains underway, such as hydrographic surveys, geotechnical testing and analysis. The company expects to submit environmental assessments to federal authorities by years end, with hopes to begin construction next year or in 2027. A third route without any underwater elements will connect Port Huron to Flint, serving areas in Lapeer, Macomb, St. Clair and Genesee counties. Construction on that portion is expected to begin this summer, Greenburg said. Collectively, all three broadband routes are expected to improve internet connectivity for an estimated 35,000 households in Michigan. Every Michigander deserves access to high-speed internet. It is essential for work, health care, education and our economy, said Kevin Mehren, director of the Michigan Infrastructure Office, in a statement. When we leverage federal funding, we can make historic investments like this one to close the digital divide across Michigan. Laying broadband fiber beneath Lake Michigan is a powerful example of the innovative solutions were deploying to connect our most rural communities, he said. Middle-mile broadband is the term for high-capacity fiber optic cables that link places without high-speed internet to larger regional and national networks. The technology allows for what are called last-mile internet providers to offer faster online connections to households and businesses, along with improved reliability and redundancy for existing networks. Greenburg said that when finished, the federally funded project will allow last-mile internet carriers in Michigan to improve service to multiple areas. And it wont require those companies to drag a wire 10 miles or 20 miles to get to an internet highway, she said. The entire $87 million project all three routes totaling approximately 525 miles was supported by a $61 million grant awarded two years ago from the National Telecommunications Information Administration. The work has a five-year time clock to complete. Peninsula Fiber Network is investing $26 million in the project and will retain ownership of the open-access network, offering wholesale rates to other providers. Related articles: Internet is slow on far-flung Michigan island, but a rural grant could help Broadband company defaults on federal grants, delaying internet projects across Michigan Internet provider links rural Kent County residents to high-speed internet Bob Delaney, a former state regulator with Michigan EGLE, holds a perch caught at Clarks Marsh near the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda on Oct. 26, 2022. The state warns that no fish from Clark's Marsh should be eaten due to PFAS from the base. Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com LANSING, MI The state of Michigan has tripled the list of lakes and rivers where high concentrations of toxic forever chemicals make the fish unsafe to eat. This spring, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) lowered the screening values it uses to calculate the risk of eating fish meat contaminated by a compound called PFOS, which is part of the PFAS chemical group. As result, the number of Michigan water bodies with a blanket Do Not Eat advisory for at least one species due to PFOS contamination has risen from 33 to 98. Many more include a warning to limit consumption. Overall, there are now 782 fish advisories caused by PFOS across multiple different species and water bodies in Michigan. The advisories are in the new 2025 Eat Safe Fish guidebook, which is separated by region. The southern lower peninsula accounts for most of the PFOS advisories. The new guidebook updates the last version, published in 2023. The changes reflect an increased number of tested water bodies and new studies which show that PFAS exposure is a greater health threat than previously thought, the agency said. The state previously issued a consumption advisory when PFOS in fish tissue samples hit 9-parts-per-billion (ppb). A blanket Do Not Eat species advisory was issued at 300-ppb. Those safety levels were developed in 2014 before PFAS was widely discovered in Michigan and the long-term health risks werent as well studied or understood. The new thresholds have dropped to 1.5-ppb and 50-ppb. Michigan families can use these guidelines to help make healthy choices about the fish they eat, said Natasha Bagdasarian, chief DHHS medical executive. Advocates for stricter controls on PFAS contamination praised the reduction in screening levels and said Michigan now has the fourth most protective guidance in the nation behind the states of New Jersey, Washington and Connecticut. However, they criticized the department for not mandating warning signage at lakes and rivers. The agency said it will provide signs if requested by local health departments. There should be a uniform approach statewide, said Tony Spaniola, a metro Detroit attorney and PFAS regulation advocate who co-chairs the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network. It shouldnt be left to a local health department to make a different determination than another local health department. Its good what theyre doing, but that needs to be improved. Spaniola, who owns a home in Oscoda on Van Etten Lake, which is contaminated by PFAS from the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base, said its important for people to recognize the exposure threat posed by eating fish with high PFAS levels. In Michigan, fish advisories in the states guidebook are based on a complicated and confusing analysis. The state tests fish for a variety of different contaminants and issues a servings-per-month recommendation based on whichever individual contaminant is most elevated per species in each water body. Often, the controlling pollutant is mercury, dioxin or PCBs. Many people are likely familiar with PFAS safety thresholds for drinking water, which are communicated in parts-per-trillion (ppt), whereas fish consumption thresholds are communicated in parts-per-billion (ppb). Due to the orders of magnitude change, that means eating a serving of fish with a PFOS tissue concentration of 1-ppb would be roughly equivalent to drinking a serving of water contaminated at 1,000-ppt. However, toxicologists calculate risk differently for chemicals ingested with food versus water. Because most people are not, generally, consuming fish or other specific foods at the same daily rate as water, larger doses are considered safer to ingest with a lower risk of developing health problems. Nonetheless, as fish tissue concentrations increase, stack that up against folks who eat more than one serving, right? It can really start to accumulate, said Spaniola. People in Michigan, particularly in fishing communities, tend to eat a lot of fish, he said. The increase pushes PFOS above PCBs as the second largest driver of fish consumption advisories in Michigan behind mercury, said DHHS toxicology section manager Marcus Waslivech. The states PFOS update is partly based on findings of an exposure assessment in Kent County, which studied the blood concentrations of those exposed to pollution caused by shoemaker Wolverine Worldwide. A statistically significant link was found between frequency of fish consumption and higher PFAS levels in peoples blood serum Additionally, the update of the PFOS toxicity value reflects the evolution downward in toxicity values that has occurred since 2014, both nationally and globally, DHHS toxicologists wrote in an April assessment. This downward trajectory has been based on replicated findings from the toxicological literature that show health effects of PFOS exposure occur at lower concentrations than those previously known. PFAS are often called forever chemicals because they do not readily break down in the environment or in humans. Theyve been used to make products resistant to water, grease, oil and stains, and are found in foams used to fight hydrocarbon fires. The family of chemicals are the subject of intense health study and exposure has already been linked to certain cancers, thyroid and liver disease, pregnancy complications, low birthweight and reduced vaccine effectiveness, among other conditions. The chemicals have been widely detected in freshwater fish across the U.S., prompting warnings from advocacy groups and calls for tighter pollution controls. In Michigan, advisories notably remain for some rainbow smelt despite initial mistakes in analyzing smelt tissue that previously caused artificially high results. Related stories: Trump EPA to partly rescind PFAS rules in drinking water Rainbow smelt PFAS levels were artificially high Filters cut PFAS exposure near Wolverine dumps PFAS widely detectible in U.S. freshwater fish A group of eight Taiwanese citizens were trafficked to a scam compound in Myanmar after being lured by a fraudulent "free Thailand tour" offer, and three of them returned to tell the story. According to Taiwanese media outlets United Daily News and China Times, the victims, all from Taichung City, believed they had signed up for a free vacation and short-term work in local casinos that promised high pay. However, upon arrival in Bangkok late last year, their passports were confiscated and they were held at gunpoint before being transported across the border into Myanmar. The three women who managed to return home said the traffickers "screened" them and deemed them too old for telecom fraud work. Instead, they were held for ransom - reportedly of at least NT$300,000 (US$10,000) per person. While in captivity, they were monitored by guards and subjected to beatings, verbal abuse, and constant threats. Three older victims were later released, while five younger individuals were forced to work in an online fraud operation. They were eventually released after their families paid the ransom and have since returned to Taiwan on their own. The victims are now urging the public to remain cautious and avoid falling for seemingly lucrative job offers or free travel schemes. "If you haven't boarded the plane yet, there's still a chance to escape," one of the women warned. According to 8World News, Taiwanese police have launched a crackdown on the human trafficking ring, arresting a 25-year-old ringleader surnamed Zhang and four accomplices in Taichung and Changhua. Authorities are still searching for the five victims who remain missing and are urging the public not to trust overseas job or travel invitations from unknown sources to avoid falling into human trafficking or cross-border scam networks. A 12-year-old boy is dead after he was hit by a vehicle near the Michigan-Wisconsin border. The Florence County (Wis.) Sheriffs Department responded to the crash, which occurred on County Highway North, east of Aurora Liquors in Aurora at 6:16 p.m. on Monday. Aurora is less than five miles from Iron Mountain in the Upper Peninsula. Deputies say a vehicle driven by a 16-year-old male had left the roadway and struck a 12-year-old boy on a bicycle before running into power pole and causing a power outage. The 12-year-old was treated on scene but was later pronounced dead at Marshfield Medical Center Dickinson. He has not been identified. The driver and his juvenile passenger were not injured. Speed, driver inexperience and operating while impaired are suspected factors in the crash, deputies said. County Highway North was closed for an investigation by the Wisconsin State Patrol but has since reopened. Deputies were assisted at the scene by the Aurora Fire Department, Florence County EMS, Florence County Highway, Florence County Emergency Management, Wisconsin State Patrol, WE Energies and several good Samaritans who lived nearby. President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference with Elon Musk in the Oval Office of the White House. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) AP Editors note: This story has been updated. WASHINGTON -- The honeymoon appears to be over between President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk. On Thursday, Musk mocked the president by reposting a tweet sent by Trump in 2013 criticizing Republicans at the time for wanting to increase the debt ceiling. Related story: Elon Musk trashes Trump, Republicans over spending bill; Shame on those who voted for it Musk then linked to a 2012 Trump tweet that suggested members of Congress should lose their jobs if the budget isnt balanced. The reposts are part of an ongoing effort by Musk to undermine Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill Act which passed the House of Representatives last month. Over the last several days, Musk has tweeted or shared numerous posts criticizing Trump specifically and Republicans over the bill. Musk has called on Americans to contact their representatives urging them not to pass the bill, ending one tweet with the phrase KILL the BILL. Trump responded to Musks ongoing criticisms Thursday saying he would rather Musk criticism him than the bill and that hes disappointed in Musk. Look, Elon and I had a great relationship. I dont know if we will anymore, Trump said. An analysis of the bill released this week by the Congressional Budget Office estimates the legislation will add $2.4 trillion to deficit over the next decade. Roughly 10.9 million people would lose health insurance by 2034 as part of the bill thanks to proposed cuts to services like Medicaid. The centerpiece of the bill is the continuation of Trumps 2017 tax cuts that are set to expire in December unless Congress acts. The bill will lead to a tax cut of roughly $3.75 trillion, but again, is expected to add significantly to the deficit. The bill, which Trump has routinely called the big, beautiful bill will also allow for a $4 trillion increase to the nations debt limit, which currently sits at $36 trillion. Musks public criticism and mocking of Trump is happening less than a week after he left his position as a special government employee at the White House. Musk served as the head of the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and was tasked with rooting out wasteful government spending. In an interview with CBS Morning News, Musk said he feels the bill undermines the work he did at DOGE. Musk has received support from some Republican Senators, including Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul who has also expressed concern over the spending in the bill. Trump has publicly called on Senate Republicans to have the bill on his desk by July 4. An image shows a U.S. Postal Service worker encountering a dog on the sidewalk. Michigna ranked in the 10 top for the number of reported incidents involving dog attacks on mail carriers in 2024. (Photo used with permission of USPS) Photo used with permission of USPS Dog-versus-mailman encounters may be a long-standing pop culture trope, but according to the U.S. Postal Service, thousands of such incidents happen every year and Michigan is once again in the top 10. There were more than 6,000 incidents involving dog attacks on Postal Service employees last year, according to a recent report from the federal agency, which releases the information as part of dog bite awareness campaign. Michigan ranked No. 7 among the U.S. states with 231 bites or incidents with a dog. The other states with the highest overall were ranked as follows: 1 California, 701 2 Texas, 438 3 Ohio, 350 4 Illinois, 344 5 New York, 322 6 Pennsylvania, 316 8 Florida, 210 9 Missouri, 207 10 North Carolina, 169 The Postal Services awareness campaign lasts the month of June and encourages dog owners to secure their pet safely if they know the approximate time their letter carrier arrives each day. To help, residents can use USPS Informed Delivery, a free service, to track their mail on a device by first visiting informeddelivery.usps.com. Mail carriers are trained to observe areas where they know a dog may be present and to never startle a dog, according to the agency. They also make non-threatening noises, rattle a fence to alert a dog if entering a yard, never attempt to pet or feed a dog, and stand their ground if one attacks. Customers may not consider their dog a danger to others. However, to a letter carrier like me, all dogs can be considered a threat when delivering the mail, Jonah Helfrich, a Pennsylvania letter carrier, said in a statement. I was recently delivering mail and a dog barged through a door and bit me on the wrist, which required me to seek medical treatment. Potential consequences of unsecured dogs included suspended mail delivery until a carrier feels safe to return, as well as medical bills or lost wages costs from the owner if the carrier is bitten. Michigan has ranked high on the list of incident numbers in years past. For 2024, Detroit was also tied for 10th among the top 20 local areas with the greatest number of incidents with 32. Ranging from 24 to 77 incidents overall, the other areas included Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Dallas, Kansas City, Missouri, Cleveland, San Diego, Denver, San Antonio, Philadelphia, Columbus, Minneapolis, Indianapolis, Phoenix, Memphis, Omaha and Louisville. Air quality in many Michigan communities has reached unhealthy levels this week due to Canadian wildfire smoke. Much of the southern half of the Lower Peninsula on Thursday, June 5, was in the red, meaning Air Quality Index (AQI) levels deemed unhealthy for the general public. That area stretched from Muskegon and Kalamazoo east to Sandusky and Port Huron. The AQI assigns real-time local ratings between 0 and 500. Values of 101 to 150 are unhealthy for sensitive groups with underlying conditions, while values 151 to 200 are unhealthy for the general population. When AQI levels are above 150, everyone is advised to limit time outdoors and to keep doors and windows closed, explained Dr. Devang Doshi, a pulmonologist and allergist for Corewell Health in Royal Oak. I know its hard; we have a long winter and now its nice and we want to be outside, Doshi said. Its fine if you have to walk to the mailbox, or from your car to the house, or through the parking lot. I wouldnt spend more than a couple of minutes outside. Related: Is there any sign of smoke clearing over Michigan skies? Extended exposure to the particulate in the air can have both short- and long-term consequences. That risk increases for people outside longer and/or exerting themselves. The haze and smoky smell worsened throughout much of Michigans Lower Peninsula on Thursday. Its expected to continue for weeks, to varying degrees, with more than 200 fires burning across the central and western Canada. Short-term symptoms from exposure include shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing, sore throat and irritated eyes. Symptoms can set in quicker and be more serious for people with asthma, COPD, emphysema, allergies, and a history of heart and lung disease. Doshi said he personally gets cautious when the AQI in his community reaches 100. Thats his recommendation for his patients as well, and when AQI surpasses 150 he says no one should be outside more than they have to be. As the number goes up, risk goes up, he said. Well start seeing increases in asthma flare ups, coughing, and more complaints of burning sensations in the eyes, nose and throat. If you can, exercise indoors. As your respiratory rate increases, your exposure may increase two to four times more than someone sitting outside. For those working outdoors, Doshi recommends wearing an N-95 mask -- not paper or cloth -- which is designed to filter out harmful particles. Doshi said theres not a clearcut guideline on what amount of time is safe and what amount isnt. He recommends weighing the benefits and assessing if its worth taking unnecessary risk. Long-term effects are more difficult to track, but accumulation of exposure over time can cause irreversible damage and lung-related diseases. The unhealthy smoke can cause problems for animals too. Officials suggest limiting your pets outdoor time when the air quality is poor, as well as avoiding strenuous activities and ensuring clean air flow indoors for your pets using fans, air conditioners and air purifiers. Michigan may be in for a smoky summer. MLive Meteorologist Mark Torregrossa said it will be hard to have a large enough wet pattern hit Canada this time of year to put out all of the fires. The usual upper-air wind flow is expected to blow over the wildfires and continue to push smoke into Michigan. Doshi estimated conditions could extend through June into July, warranting routine checks of your local AQI, which can be found on your smartphone weather apps, the National Weather Service, and AirNow.gov/aqi. Aws Mohammed Naser, 37, formerly of Westland, was convicted on Tuesday, June 3, in federal court for attempting to provide material support to ISIS, as well as being a felon in possession of a destructive device. (File photo | MLive.com) MLive file photo DETROIT, MI A 37-year-old Michigan man accused of attempting to provide material support to ISIS has been found guilty on federal charges and faces up to 20 years in prison. Aws Mohammed Naser, formerly of Westland, was convicted on Tuesday, June 3, for the attempt charge and being a felon in possession of a destructive device after a five-week jural trial, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. There are nine species of bats in Michigan. Their numbers have been devastated due to threats like white-nose syndrome. Provided by Michigan Department of Natural Resources It takes about three minutes to help these powerhouse pest eaters. White-nose syndrome devastated Michigans bats, wiping out 90% of the population. They are slowly stabilizing but still need help, officials said. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and its partners are asking Michiganders to report bat roosting sites. This helps scientists monitor and support bat recovery. With warmer weather, Michigans bats are on the move. You may see them around dawn or dust flying from trees, chimneys, bridges and other structures and your sighting might indicate a bat roost. Roosts are places where bats rest and raise their pups. Roosts are a key part of a bats life cycle, but we still dont fully understand how and where bats are using them across Michigan, said DNR bat specialist John DePue. Thats where people can help. By reporting roosts, you provide valuable data to guide conservation efforts. It takes about three minutes for roost spotters to fill out this survey, which asks for location information. Photos are helpful, too, but dont get too close as disturbing the bats can be harmful. The Michigan Bat Roost Monitoring Program is a new program of the Michigan State University Extension in partnership with the Michigan Natural Features Inventory and the DNR. You dont need a science background, just a notepad, a flashlight and a bit of time, said Nicolette Sexton, research assistant with the Michigan Natural Features Inventory. This is an easy and rewarding way to connect with nature and make a real difference for our native bat species. Why help bats? According to the DNR, theyre essential to our ecosystems and agriculture. Of Michigans nine bat species, five are listed as threatened or endangered. In the wake of white-nose syndrome and other challenges such as habitat loss scientists need more information on bat biology. Learning where they roost is part of it. Bats are the only flying mammal species in the world. These insectivores feed on spongy moth, tent caterpillars, fruit worms and other crop-damaging insects, saving an estimated $23 billion in annual pest control costs to U.S. farmers. If the roosting site youve spotted is your own home, the DNR suggests waiting to evict bat families until August. Until then, young bats are unable to fly. Get them out with a one-way exclusion device and consider installing a bat house nearby for them to move into. Find instructions for building or buying a bat house and guidance on where to install it from the Bat Conservation International bat house website. If you suspect someone has been bitten by or had direct exposure to a bat, contact your local health department, as bats can carry rabies. If a pet may have been exposed, contact your veterinarian. Learn more at Michigan.gov/Bats. The tires were found near an ATV trail in Kinross. U.P. Tire KINROSS, MI An Upper Peninsula business is taking steps to remove 150 tires that were apparently dumped in the woods in Chippewa County. The tires were found near an ATV trail in Kinross by passing riders. Tony Brown, owner of U.P. Tire, said on a social media that he and his staff were shocked and furious that someone would ditch the tires in the forest. This kind of environmental destruction is unacceptable, illegal, and dangerous, a Facebook post said. As a result, U.P. tire is leading an effort to collect the tires and load them onto trucks on Thursday. The tires will then be transported to a certified facility in Indiana that specializes in environmentally responsible tire disposal. U.P. Tire said the cleanup effort is being coordinated with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Kinross police, who are investigating the incident. U.P. Tire will be closing at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday to prepare for the tire removal. Brown is reminding the public that U.P. Tire accepts used passenger tires off-rim for safe, legal disposal at a cost of $5 per tire. This is an outrageous act of environmental neglect, Brown told UpNorthLive. We didnt dump these tires, but were cleaning them up because its simply the right thing to do. Shuvonne Vinson joins a video call during a probable cause hearing for a foster family triple shooting case held at the Washtenaw County 14A District Court. Jackson Ranger | MLive.com PITTSFIELD TWP., MI A woman charged with killing members of a foster family accused them of abusing her child during a court outburst Thursday morning. Im not no demon. Im not no monster, Shuvonne Vinson, 42, told the court at the end of her June 5 hearing. These people were hurting my daughter. WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI Senior centers across Washtenaw County are expected to see substantial boosts in annual funding from a new countywide tax for services that benefit people 60 or older. But how many to include on a list of centers that would receive at least $200,000 this year from the countys millage for older adults has been a topic of debate. Shebra Ward, Flints public heath manager, speaks on the Flint Job Corps on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, during a City Hall press conference. Jake May | MLive.com FLINT, MI The city is making plans to assist about a dozen Flint Genesee Job Corps students after the U.S. Department of Labor halted contracts to operate their center and others across the country. The Flint City Council delayed action on an emergency request for $25,000 from Mayor Sheldon Neeley during a special meeting on Wednesday, June 4, the same day a federal judge ruled that the Trump administration must restore hundreds of millions of dollars in AmeriCorps grant funding in about two dozen states. Travelers push their trolley past a logo of Malaysia Airports at the departure hall of Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang, outside Kuala Lumpur, Aug. 26, 2013. Photo by Reuters Malaysia, named Asia's most loved country, welcomed 13.3 million foreign arrivals in the first four months of this year, up 21% year-on-year and 12% against the same period of pre-Covid levels in 2019. Singapore was the largest source of visitors to Malaysia during the period with 6.5 million visitors, followed by Indonesia (1.46 million), China (1.44 million), Thailand (833,000) and India (484,000), according to statistics from Tourism Malaysia. Malaysia, named Asia's most loved country in 2024 by the American finance website Insider Monkey, introduced a 30-day visa-free entry policy for Chinese and Indians citizens in December 2023 and has extended the scheme until 2026. The Southeast Asian country recently announced the extension of its visa exemption for Chinese travelers for an additional five years, with the possibility of extending it for another five years until 2036, according to Bernama. Thailand welcomes 12.09 million foreign tourists between January and April while Vietnam recorded 7.67 million and Indonesia 4.33 million. Southeast Asian countries are racing to relax visa policies in an effort to draw more foreign travelers. A protester holds up his fist in support of the protest of the shooting of 17-year old Rayvon Shahid involving Michigan State Troopers, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, at Flint Michigan State Police, 4481 Corunna Road, Flint. (Nico Mendoza | MLive.com) (Nico Mendoza | MLive.com) FLINT, MI Held in recognition of National Gun Violence Awareness Day, community members who have lost a loved one to gun violence are invited to paint a stone to display in a new remembrance reservoir this Friday. GRAND RAPIDS, MI Buell Motorcycles is preparing to launch its new Super Cruiser motorcycle this fall from its headquarters just east of Grand Rapids in Cascade Township. Today, the company is planning significant investments in its headquarters and manufacturing capacity as design and testing for the bike wraps up. Buell hopes the Super Cruiser will go head-to-head with industry heavyweights such as Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycle. Here are five takeaways about the company, its plans for growth, and anticipated demand for the Super Cruiser. Buell Motorcycles is launching the $26,000 Super Cruiser this fall The Super Cruiser blends the design of a classic American cruiser with the power of a European superbike. RELATED: Iconic motorcycle brand axed by Harley-Davidson roars back to life in Michigan Bill Melvin, Buells CEO, says the bike is lighter, faster, and has better styling than anything else on the market right now, noting its 200-300 pounds lighter than Harley-Davidsons heavy cruisers. The Super Cruiser has a V-Twin engine with 175 horsepower and 101 pounds of torque. To date, the company has received roughly 6,000 pre-orders. The bike retails for $26,000. The company plans significant expansion in Grand Rapids Buell Motorcycles is investing in its Grand Rapids operations. The company plans to hire 162 employees over the next three years, more than tripling its current workforce of 50. In addition, the company plans to invest $18.5 million to purchase its headquarters at 2700 Patterson Ave. SE and expand its manufacturing capacity there. By early next year, production is expected to reach 300 motorcycles per month. Buell expects that number to grow to 28,000 bikes annually by 2028. Buell has a storied history in American motorcycle manufacturing Founded in 1983 by former motorcycle racer and Harley-Davidson engineer Erik Buell, the company built its reputation on high-performance, racing-inspired street bikes. Harley-Davidson acquired Buell Motorcycles in 1998 but discontinued the brand during the Great Recession in 2009. Later, Erik Buell launched a new company, Erik Buell Racing, but the business went into receivership in 2015. Melvin purchased Erik Buell Racing for $2 million in 2016 at Walworth County Circuit Court in Wisconsin. In 2020, Melvin secured the rights to the original Buell Motorcycles name from Harley-Davidson, which he described as a hallelujah moment. RELATED: Motorcycle from Michigan to challenge industry giants like Harley-Davidson, Indian Motorcycle The company emphasizes American manufacturing When Melvin relaunched Erik Buell Racing in 2017, the company had a global supply chain, with parts coming from Europe, Asia and the U.S. Today, approximately 60% of the Super Cruisers parts are made in America. That includes gas tanks and fenders from Michigan, suspension systems from Minnesota and radiators from Texas. Sourcing parts from the U.S. increases production costs, but Melvin says thats what his customers are looking for: Our customers want an American product, and were giving them an American product. Buell aims to become the third-largest U.S. motorcycle manufacturer Melvin has big goals for Buells position in the motorcycle market. Currently, Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycle, which is owned by Polaris, are the two largest U.S. motorcycle companies, he said. But Melvin said Buell has a good opportunity to get to third place in the next couple years. His push to expand production and grow the companys workforce got a boost from the Michigan Strategic Fund, which in May provided Buell with a $972,000 Michigan Business Development Program grant. The Right Place, a Grand Rapids-based economic development group, assisted with the grant as well. Grand Rapids is now accepting applications from residents looking to launch community-led projects aimed at bettering their neighborhoods. City of Grand Rapids GRAND RAPIDS, MI Grand Rapids residents can now apply for city funds to support grassroots projects aimed at fostering connection, inclusion and civic pride in their neighborhoods. Now through June 30, the citys Neighborhood Match Fund (NMF) program is accepting applications for proposed initiatives and projects that would take place September through February 2026. The NMF program provides funds to resident-led initiatives that work to promote belonging and improve quality of life in Grand Rapids neighborhoods. Since launching in 2017, the fund has invested more than $1 million in 311 projects, amplifying grassroots efforts across the city, according to a city news release. Residents can receive between $500 and $5,000 from the city to fund their proposals. All projects must be inclusive, community-centered, and led by a Grand Rapids resident from the neighborhood impacted by the project, city officials said. The projects can be submitted by Grand Rapids residents, informal resident groups, and community-based organizations. This year, the city has introduced a new special category for projects in support of Welcoming Week 2025, which happens nationwide in September and highlights the value of diverse communities through events, art, speakers and more, the city said. The city runs two rounds of the NMF program each year, accepting applications in June and December of each year. The city has already invested $81,800 in matching grants for the most recent round of the NMF program, selecting 20 contracts for resident-led projects that were submitted in December 2024. Some of the projects that were selected in the most recent round include efforts to improve childhood literacy, promote civic engagement, support arts and culture, provide shoes and school supplies to children, and more. RELATED: Grand Rapids offers funds to residents looking to better their communities A jury will review all project applications to ensure they align with the programs objectives, which include promoting social justice and inclusion. Interested residents and organizations can learn more and apply at grandrapidsmi.gov/nmf or email nmf@grcity.us for more information. 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. Ascension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo, Michigan, is being acquired by Indiana-based Beacon Health System. Joel Bissell KALAMAZOO, MI -- Nurses with the Ascension health care system in Southwest Michigan are afraid their jobs may be at risk. Four Ascension hospitals in Michigan, two in Kalamazoo County and two in Allegan County, are being acquired by Beacon Health System, an Indiana-based nonprofit. Ownership is expected to change over this summer. Beacon Health System said in a statement its committed to continuing the employment of Ascension employees. But nurses say continued employment is dependent on whether they meet Beacons employment requirements and nurses havent been informed what those are. Were looking for some guarantees, said Lori Batzloff, a nurse at Ascension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo and president of the local Michigan Nurses Association chapter. Employees received a transition guide from Ascension in early April saying employees will transfer if they are in good standing, Batzloff said. We have yet to learn what that means, Batzloff said. RELATED: 244 layoffs announced for Ascension Borgess support staff prior to hospital sale Batzloff said Ascension Borgess requirements were pretty basic. Batzloff needed a Michigan nursing license, CPR certification and to show competency in general safety areas. We could assume that the requirements will be similar. But unfortunately, we dont have a specific answer, Batzloff said. The union has yet to meet with representatives from Beacon, but hopes to in the future, Batzloff said. Beacon intend to keep the current collective bargaining agreement the union has with Ascension, the health system said. The union has filed a grievance against Ascension because the company will not be transitioning health retirement accounts worth about $5,000 as part of the acquisition. Ascension previously agreed to the account as part of a benefits package. The money that was already in the account was supposed to remain in the account until nurses could collect from it after age 55 if they retired early, Batzloff said. Ascension has told us theyre taking that money with them, that money will be forfeited. Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark the local Kalamazoo news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Kalamazoo daily newsletter. SAGINAW, MI A jury has acquitted a meth-addled woman of being responsible for Michigan State Police Trooper Joel E. Popps line-of-duty death. Jurors deliberated for just about an hour on Thursday, June 5, before finding Brooke L. Allen, 33 of Haslett, not guilty of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated causing death, a 15-year felony. The jurors convicted Allen of a misdemeanor count of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. Defense attorney Michael P. Manley lauded the jurors for their service and Saginaw County Circuit Judge Manvel Trice III for ensuring his client received a fair trial. This was a very, very difficult case, he said, sharing his sympathies with Popps family. I think the big issue now is there has to be change within the Michigan State Police and their training so this never happens again. Throughout the trial, Manley argued Popp was improperly dispersing road flares seconds after he and fellow troopers Cody Siterlet and Bryan Jones responded to Allens immobile car under the Birch Run overpass on northbound Interstate 75. Popp laid out the flares in a manner that caused northbound traffic to taper toward troopers stopped vehicles rather than away from them, Manley alleged. Michigan State Police Trooper Joel Popp, 39, died Wednesday after he was struck by a vehicle during a traffic stop. Michigan State Police Just 39 seconds after Popp started placing the flares, a northbound Dodge Caravan driven by Duncan A. Erving crashed into the back of one of the patrol cars, causing Popp to suffer fatal injuries. Erving, 81 of Atlanta, Michigan, is charged with not using due care when passing a stationary emergency vehicle causing death, also a 15-year felony. Manley supported his contention with testimony from Trooper Siterlet and retired MSP Sgt. Ted Stone, the latter of whom described Popps flare dispersal as counterintuitive as it would take a driver into the median lane. It is incomprehensible that these troopers are out there risking their lives and have not been trained in tapering of traffic to avoid the catastrophic issue that happened to Trooper Popp, Manley said. He added he was going to launch a mission to ensure these changes occur. The MSP declined to comment on the verdicts. The defense and prosecution agreed Allen on the evening of Jan. 24, 2024, consumed methamphetamine and drove a black Pontiac Torrent north on I-75 from Genesee County before coming to a stop in the left-most lane under the Birch Run overpass. Two motorists called 911 to report the Torrent driving erratically, swerving across all four lanes of traffic, going off-road into a ditch, and twice striking a concrete median. Popp and fellow troopers Siterlet and Jones responded to the scene about 21 minutes after the Torrent came to a stop under the overpass in the left-most lane. Allen was outside the Torrent when the impact happened and thus not operating it, Manley said. In closing arguments, Manley noted neither Jones nor Siterlet were told by MSP command to write reports of the incident. Why do you think command did not want reports? Manley asked the jury. Because the flare pattern was wrong. He presented Allen as a scapegoat for the MSPs lacking training, saying shes the villain to Popps hero. But to hate the villain because people are angry about this tragic death is not what the law is, Manley continued. Anger is never above the law. A reconstruction of a Jan. 24, 2024, fatal crash on Interstate 75 in Saginaw County that claimed the life of Michigan State Police Trooper Joel E. Popp. Cole Waterman Allen being convicted of causing Popps death would have set a dangerous precedent, Manley continued: Should a police officer pull someone over for speeding and then be struck by another motorist and killed, the initial speeder could be charged with causing the officers death, he said. Somebody has to represent the villain so youre not the villain next time, Manley said. Saginaw County Assistant Prosecutor Aaron M. Majorana stressed that if not for Allen creating a dangerous situation on the highway, Popp and the other troopers wouldnt have been present. Allen drove about 47 miles before she stopped the Torrent on the blind curve under the overpass, the rear section of her car jutting over the fog line, Majorana said. She stopped after mistaking a snowplows lights for those of a police cruiser, he said. When the troopers arrived on scene, a groggy Allen told them she was driving from Flint to Lansing when her car broke down. Her parents were coming to get her, she told the troopers. She was so high, she thought she was getting pulled over by the police, Majorana said. It wasnt necessarily because her car was broken down. She chose to pull over at that spot, to the left, creating a dangerous situation. Allen should have foreseen the prospect of another motorist crashing into her or responding police, therefore Ervings actions dont break her chain of culpability, Majorana said. Trooper Popps death is the natural result of her actions, he said. It all points back to her. He was adamant Popp did not inadvertently cause his own death. The road flare issue raised by the defense is irrelevant, he said, as the flares merely alert motorists to a hazard rather than blocking traffic. Trooper Popp was doing the best he could with the situation at hand, Majorana said. He was placing flares for one reason Brooke Allen. Erving, who had no alcohol or controlled substances in his blood, was traveling about 73 mph in the second lane from the median when he noticed the troopers emergency lights, he told investigators. He applied his brakes and slowed to about 55 mph when the impact occurred. Erving appeared via Zoom and asserted his Fifth Amendment right not to testify in Allens trial. His attorney, Marcus R. Garske, said the prosecution had not extended a plea offer. 35 1 / 35 Thousands gather for fallen MSP Tri-City Trooper Joel Popps funeral Allen opted not to testify in her own behalf. She also did not call any witnesses. Majorana said Erving did nothing wrong, though his trial in Circuit Court is scheduled for June 10. Allen is free on bond pending sentencing by Judge Trice on Aug. 11. In the wake of Popps death, officials stressed the importance of Michigans Move Over Law, which requires drivers to slow down and move over for stationary emergency vehicles with their lights activated. The law states drivers are to slow to at least 10 mph below the posted speed limit and fully move over into an open lane if it is safe to do so. Violating the law is a civil infraction, though it can be increased to a 15-year felony if the violation causes the death of a police officer, firefighter, or other emergency response worker. Popp, a Bridgeport Township native, joined the Michigan State Police at age 35 in January 2020 and graduated as a member of the 137th Trooper Recruit School. He worked his entire career out of the Tri-City Post. Before becoming a trooper, Popp worked for Frito-Lay. Popp was the 56th MSP trooper to be killed in the line of duty. 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. BAY CITY, MI The citys public safety department has budgeted for the acquisition of a security system that has become increasingly popular among regional police departments. Caleb Rowell, Bay Citys director of public safety, said he believes it will take about a year to get the Flock Safety license plate reading camera system online once the funding is approved. From there, he said, the citys contract with the company will be renewed annually. There are many reasons to purchase this technology but the biggest is the success we have seen with other jurisdictions that have utilized them, Rowell said. We have actually been assisted by the cameras that are already being used in Saginaw. They have helped with suspect identification on multiple occasions. Rowell said the city is currently looking at a two-year commitment with the company for $39,000 per year, with an additional cost of just over $6,100 the first year for the installation and setup of the equipment. The cameras, mounted along public roads, are not monitored, live video recordings. Instead, they take a single photo of the back of a vehicle, capturing its license plate. The system cross-checks the captured plate, which is saved for 30 days, against a hotlist. If a number is identified as having been involved in an assaultive crime, police will be alerted to where and when the photo was taken. Investigators can also run a check for vehicle descriptions passing through an area. Among local municipalities that utilize the system are Saginaw and Flint, both areas where Michigan State Police troopers assist through task forces. MSP Lt. Kimberly Vetter said the system has proven to be an invaluable investigative tool. It has helped detectives solve cases involving everything from missing juveniles to homicides, she said. The additional cameras will be an asset to the Bay Region. Rowell said the license plate-reading cameras are essentially force multipliers, assisting the department when it cant have officers placed strategically at intersections throughout the city every hour. They will help notify officers about stolen vehicles or vehicles related to felony warrants. There have been so many cases solved throughout the country utilizing this technology that it is hard to ignore, Rowell said. The technology has been around for multiple years and their track record is pretty amazing. Want more Bay City- and Saginaw-area news? Bookmark the local Bay City and Saginaw news page or sign up for the free 3@3 daily newsletter for Bay City and Saginaw. Want to subscribe to our Hello, Bay City newsletter? Sign up for free here. Police respond to a double-shooting in the area of South Woodbridge and Jackson streets in Saginaw in this file photo. Photo provided by Breaking News 989. Cole Waterman SAGINAW, MI A Saginaw man has admitted in federal court to having an illegal machine gun. On the state level, he remains charged with using that gun to shoot two teens in an attempt to kill them. Christopher P. Ramirez, 26, on April 17 appeared before U.S. District Magistrate Judge Patricia T. Morris and pleaded guilty to possessing a machine gun. The felony is punishable by up to 10 years in federal prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. A 20-year-old Jenison man has been charged with a felony after he allegedly fired a gun through the floor at a Tallmadge Township house, killing a Grand Valley State University student below. John Tunison OTTAWA COUNTY, MI -- A 20-year-old Jenison man who fired shots through a homes upstairs flooring, killing a college student below, is now charged with a felony. Westen Meulenberg was arraigned Thursday, June 5 in Hudsonville District Court on a charge of discharging a firearm in a building causing death. A proposal advancing in Lansing would rename a stretch of iconic M-22 after a Michigan company of Native American soldiers who fought in the Civil War. (MLive file photo) Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com A proposal advancing in Lansing would rename a stretch of scenic M-22 after a Michigan company of Native American soldiers who fought in the Civil War. After unanimously passing the Senate earlier this year, a House committee Tuesday, June 3, advanced the bill that would designate nearly two miles of M-22 in Leelanau County as Company K Indian Veterans 1st Michigan Sharpshooters Civil War Memorial Highway. The members of Company K joined the fight to free oppressed citizens while they themselves faced their own oppression, said bill sponsor state Rep. John Damoose, R-Harbor Springs. They knew what they were fighting for because they lived it. My bill simply recognizes their service by naming a highway in honor of them in Leelanau County, an area filled with their descendants. The hope is that as people drive by, theyll see the sign and take a moment and remember the sacrifices made for them by a group of people who too often do not receive the recognition they deserve in American histories. Company K of the 1st Michigan Sharpshooters was an all-Native American unit led by mostly white officers. Even though they were exempt from draft and denied full U.S. citizenship, the men, most of whom were Ottawa, Chippewa and Potawatomi, volunteered to fight. Related: Why a Michigan company of Native soldiers fought for a country that denied them citizenship They participated in the battle of the Wilderness, Spotsylvania Court House, Cold Harbor and Petersburg. Some were captured and sent to the infamous Confederate prison at Andersonville, Georgia. Nearly one-third of its 139 members did not survive. The stretch of M-22 that would be designated in their honor is located between North Putman and North Stallman roads through the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians (GTB) reservation. The tribe supports the renaming. I think its an honor to memorialize our ancestors that participated in the Civil War, said GTB Chairwoman Sandra Witherspoon. We want to recognize their contribution to ensure that their bravery and sacrifices are remembered. Witherspoon said several members of Company K are buried in the reservation cemetery at Peshawbestown, and there are still living descendants among the tribe. One of them is GTB tribal member Scott Schwander, who said his great, great grandfather Marcus Otto and great, great uncle Solomon Otto were among those who fought in Company K. Schwander has worked for years to get the designation honoring the men of Company K. He worked with Damoose last session to bring forward the same bill. While it passed the Senate unanimously, it was never voted on in the House. Some Native American men in Michigan attempted to join the Union army early on in the Civil War but were denied. In fact, a man named Thomas Chittigo, who was from Saginaw and now buried in Elmwood Cemetery in Grayling, was told, Sorry, we are not taking your kind right now, so he was turned away and the war raged on, Schwander said. As the war raged on, those attitudes changed and Michigan began allowing the recruitment of Native American volunteers around 1864, Schwander said. Almost overnight, 139 men, including one man from Canada, came down and they joined, he said. In addition to standard drilling, the men were tested before they could become a sharpshooter. Schwander said they had to hit a five-inch dinner plate with a black powder rifle at a distance of 200 yards. All 139 men passed. Schwander said his great, great grandfather Marcus Otto was shot in the arm during the Battle of the Wilderness. It had to be removed in a field hospital. He came home with one arm, Schwander said. Now, he received a pension from a grateful nation, but that gratitude did not extend until citizenship. It wasnt until 1924 that Native Americans were granted U.S. citizenship. While some of the men of Company K are buried in locations unknown, others found their final resting places in Emmet, Leelanau and Grand Traverse counties, Schwander said. Schwander said there is no highway in the U.S. dedicated to Native American Civil War veterans, making Michigan the first, if the legislation is approved by the House. I would just ask that you support this bill and this endeavor so history is not forgotten, because its very important we remember that history is our future, Schwander told lawmakers Tuesday. If approved, GTB would pay for the cost of the commemorative signage on M-22. I think its a wonderful way to educate people about the history of this area and the contributions our ancestors made, Witherspoon said. The Michigan House of Representatives and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson are headed to court. A lawsuit was filed a lawsuit against Benson for refusing to fully comply with its subpoena request for election training materials. (MLive file photo) Nicole Hester/ MLIVE.com The Michigan House of Representatives and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson are headed to court. The Michigan House on Thursday, June 5, filed a lawsuit against Benson for refusing to fully comply with its subpoena request for election training materials. The suit, brought by the Republican-majority chamber, seeks a judges order requiring Bensons office to hand over the remaining materials sought by the subpoena in a timely manner and without any alteration. Michigan House Oversight Committee Chair Jay DeBoyer, R-Clay Township, said Bensons continued defiance now brings us to the courtroom. Our commitment to bring accountability to Lansing is not just lip service, said Michigan House Oversight Committee Chair Jay DeBoyer, R-Clay Township. After going years without legislative oversight, Benson has clearly grown comfortable operating independent of the other, co-equal branches of government. For months, we have tried to get her cooperation through requests, then accommodating offers, and then legal demands. The lawsuit filed in the Michigan Court of Claims comes after House Republicans voted in late May to hold Benson in contempt for failing to fully comply with the subpoena, which was issued a month prior. Benson has rejected a full release of the materials, saying some of them need to be redacted or completely withheld, as they could jeopardize the security of the elections system. Cheri Hardmon, a spokesperson for Bensons office, said the secretary of state has long asked House Republicans to let a court review their subpoena. We are glad they have finally acted accordingly and look forward to a court of law resolving this dispute, Hardmon said of the lawsuit. Lets be clear the Republican chair of the House Oversight Committee is demanding information that could be used to interrupt the chain of custody of ballots, tamper with election equipment or impersonate a clerk on Election Day. Related: You cannot bully me, Jocelyn Benson says as House Republicans threaten litigation The lawsuit comes as a group of House Republicans this week introduced articles of impeachment against Benson, alleging corrupt conduct in office and crimes and misdemeanors related to separate issues. House Republicans say theyre entitled to the materials, stating they are necessary for oversight of election administration. They believe the documents could help identify areas for improvement and inform potential legislative solutions. DeBoyer has accused Benson and her office of stonewalling lawmakers for months for the information. So far, Benson has provided House Republicans with more than 3,300 pages of other materials theyve requested. The remaining materials sought by Republicans pertain to education and training that her office provides to local clerks administering elections. Benson has said these materials contain sensitive information that could be used to interfere with the chain of ballot custody, tamper with election equipment or impersonate a clerk on Election Day. Rather than take the issue to court, Benson has proposed her office and the House first work with a mediator to sort the situation out. Bensons office has acknowledged the Houses power to issue subpoenas and provide oversight. However, her office contends that those subpoenas require a specific legislative purpose, which the House has not provided. In its lawsuit, the House wants a judge to declare the subpoena is valid and serves a legislative purpose. Attorneys for the House say representatives not only have a valid reason to review all subpoenaed election materials but a constitutional duty to do so, as its the legislatures duty to regulate, oversee and safeguard elections. They say the purpose of the subpoena is to gather information about and investigate how Bensons office has implemented the states election law. That information would be used to determine whether amendments to the states election law or other legislative actions are needed, House attorneys wrote. Government actors, regardless of their title, all have a responsibility to uphold their constitutional oath and adhere to the law, DeBoyer said. Yet, Jocelyn Benson, one of the most powerful office holders in Michigan, must instead be brought to court and forced to comply with Michigan statute. We will not let her disregard for the law keep us from delivering results to the people we represent. Michigan has three Job Corps facilities now pausing operations in Grand Rapids, Flint and Detroit. An estimated 700 students across the state will be impacted. In this photo, participants of the Westover Job Corps training program in Massachusetts rally to raise public awareness about plans by the Trump administration to close 99 of the training programs across the country. (Advance Local file photo) Staff Editors note: This story has been updated to include reference to a court ruling temporarily stopping the Trump administration from moving ahead with an effort to eliminate Job Corps. GRAND RAPIDS, MI - In one fell swoop, a group of Job Corps members had their lives upended. Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Carson Fulmer throws during the seventh inning of the team's baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Monday, July 27, 2020, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) AP Former Detroit Tigers relief pitcher and 2015 first-round draft pick Carson Fulmer is headed back to the Los Angeles Angels on a minor-league contract, according to the MiLB.com transaction log. Fulmer (no relation to former Tiger Michael Fulmer) spent the beginning of the 2025 season with the Pittsburgh Pirates Triple-A affiliate on a minor-league deal. After making 13 appearances, Fulmer, 31, was released on June 2 before signing with the Angels on Wednesday. Detroit claimed the former Vanderbilt standout off waivers in July 2020 after the Chicago White Sox DFAd their former top draft pick. Once one of the top pitching prospects in the league, Fulmer never found the control needed to nail down a role with a major-league club. Fulmer would make seven appearances out of the bullpen for the Tigers, pitching 6 2/3 innings and amassing a 6.75 ERA before he was DFAd less than a month after Detroit claimed him. Fulmer spent time in the Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles Dodgers and Baltimore Orioles organizations following his brief tenure as part of the Tigers roster. Los Angeles sent Fulmer to Triple-A Salt Lake after signing him, in what is now his third stint with the organization. Across the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Fulmer made 40 appearances for the big-league club, including nine starts, while holding a 4.00 ERA and racking up 87 strikeouts. Fulmer will hope to earn his way back onto the Angels 40-man roster and back to the big leagues. The next storm system to cross Michigan will come through Sunday into Monday and Tuesday. It looks like our next rain is running about six hours slower and wont bring many of us rain until late Sunday. The southeast half of Lower Michigan will probably get through with dry weather until after dark Sunday. Saturday looks like a great, sunny day across Michigan. The smoke could produce hazy conditions, but we should still have what we would call a mostly sunny sky. It is honestly hard to forecast days out how thick smoke will be and how much it will block the sun. Heres the hourly rain forecast from Friday evening to 8 p.m. Sunday. One hour rainfall forecast from 5 p.m. Friday to 8 p.m. Sunday. NOAA The showers and thunderstorms may not show up in Traverse City and northwest Lower Michigan until after 3 p.m. Sunday or maybe even toward 6 p.m. This also means Grand Rapids, most of southwest Michigan, Lansing, Jackson, Ann Arbor, Detroit, Flint, Saginaw and Bay City will be dry until Sunday night. Total rain forecast from 8 p.m. Saturday to 8 p.m. Sunday. NOAA With the absence of a major storm our wind wont be very strong this weekend. The slight exception is the Saginaw Bay where a northeast wind will be up around 10 mph to 15 mph. That wind direction and speed is enough for a choppy Saginaw Bay. Here are the wind forecasts for early afternoon Saturday and Sunday. Saturday will be a light wind from the northeast. Wind forecast for 2 p.m. Saturday, June 7 NOAA Sunday the wind switches to the south, but remains fairly light into the afternoon. Wind forecast at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 8 NOAA If you like afternoon temperatures in the 70s you are going to love this weekend. For most of us, temperatures will get to at least 75 degrees. High temperature forecast for Saturday, June 7 NOAA With Sundays south wind it should be a few degrees warmer. Id say we should all plan on 75 to 80 degrees by late afternoon. High temperature forecast for Sunday, June 8. NOAA Its a weekend where we can all enjoy ourselves outside. Have fun here in our Michigan. Archisha Yadav is a sub editor with 1.5 years of experience in writing news articles on topics like education, jobs, and politics. She specialises in crafting simple, clear, and engaging stories that are easy to understand and hold the readers interest, making complex topics accessible and relatable to a larger audience. Archisha Yadav USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. 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Noting China and Belarus share enduring traditional friendship, formidable political mutual trust and growing cooperation in all fields, Xi said China has always viewed and developed China-Belarus relations from a strategic and a long-term perspective. Xi said China is willing to work with Belarus to promote the steady development of bilateral ties and win-win cooperation. He called on both sides to further enhance coordination and cooperation within multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, jointly oppose hegemony and bullying, and safeguard international fairness and justice. Lukashenko, who is on his 15th visit to China, said that he has felt a genuine sense of friendship from China during each of his trips. Thanking China for its long-term strong support and assistance to his country, he said Belarus has high-degree trust in China and will actively advance cooperation with China. 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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 Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, meets with Yohei Kono, president of the Japanese Association for the Promotion of International Trade (JAPIT), in Beijing, capital of China, June 4, 2025. Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, meets with Yohei Kono, president of the Japanese Association for the Promotion of International Trade (JAPIT), in Beijing, capital of China, June 4, 2025. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) BEIJING, June 4 (Xinhua) -- China's top diplomat Wang Yi met with Yohei Kono, president of the Japanese Association for the Promotion of International Trade (JAPIT), on Wednesday in Beijing. Wang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, expressed great appreciation for Kono's long-term commitment to the China-Japan friendship and stressed the significance of people-to-people exchanges in the current international situation. Wang said that China has attached importance to Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's recent statement that Japan should draw profound lessons from history and refrain from being an aggressive country. Wang noted that history cannot be tampered with, and that only by learning from history can both sides truly open up the future. Kono said that history should not be forgotten, nor should it be denied, and noted that the past cannot be changed but the future can be created through present efforts. JAPIT is willing to continue promoting friendly cooperation between Japan and China, Kono said. Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, meets with Yohei Kono, president of the Japanese Association for the Promotion of International Trade (JAPIT), in Beijing, capital of China, June 4, 2025. 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I Accept How Chinas grip on rare earth magnets hurts Indian manufacturing and the way out Shiladitya Pandit USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept Debaroti Adhikary USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Infusing fresh capital in IndusInd Bank may come with riders for Hinduja Group Hamsini Karthik Number crunching, drawing interesting inferences (sometimes contrarian), and penning them in an impactful manner, best describes what I do. As a BFSI specialist, I enjoy telling stories about whats working and what not for lenders, breaking down regulatory jargon and how they affect customers and financiers, and simplifying the economics of money. When not glued to banks, the world of autos and airlines keeps me busy. J Jagannath USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Anishaa 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. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Sebi considering easier onboarding in push to add more accredited investors Brajesh 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. 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 Palestinians mourn a victim killed in an Israeli airstrike, at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, on June 4, 2025. At least 54,510 people have been killed and 124,901 wounded in Gaza during the Israeli military campaign, according to health authorities in the territory. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua) JERUSALEM, June 4 (Xinhua) -- An Israeli reserve soldier was killed and another seriously wounded during a clash in the northern Gaza Strip on Wednesday, the Israeli military said. The military identified the slain soldier as Master Sergeant Alon Farkas, 27, from the 6646th Reconnaissance Battalion, 646th Brigade. He "fell during combat" in the Shuja'iyya neighborhood of Gaza City, the military said, without elaborating. Another reserve soldier from the same battalion was seriously injured. According to Israel's state-owned Kan TV news, the two were shot at close range after a Palestinian militant emerged and opened fire with a light weapon before fleeing into a built-up area. The incident came a day after the military reported that three other soldiers were killed in an explosion in the Jabaliya area, also in northern Gaza. Since Israel resumed its offensive on March 18, ending a two-month-long ceasefire, 13 Israeli soldiers have been killed. A total of 862 soldiers have been killed since the start of Israel's multi-front offensive in October 2023. At least 54,510 people have been killed and 124,901 wounded in Gaza during the Israeli military campaign, according to health authorities in the territory. Palestinians inspect a damaged tent after an Israeli airstrike at the Gaza port near Gaza City, on June 4, 2025. At least 54,510 people have been killed and 124,901 wounded in Gaza during the Israeli military campaign, according to health authorities in the territory. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua) Palestinians mourn a victim killed in an Israeli airstrike, at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, on June 4, 2025. At least 54,510 people have been killed and 124,901 wounded in Gaza during the Israeli military campaign, according to health authorities in the territory. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua) Palestinians inspect a damaged tent after an Israeli airstrike at the Gaza port near Gaza City, on June 4, 2025. At least 54,510 people have been killed and 124,901 wounded in Gaza during the Israeli military campaign, according to health authorities in the territory. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua) Palestinians mourn a victim killed in an Israeli airstrike, at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, on June 4, 2025. At least 54,510 people have been killed and 124,901 wounded in Gaza during the Israeli military campaign, according to health authorities in the territory. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua) A Palestinian woman mourns a victim killed in an Israeli airstrike, at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, on June 4, 2025. At least 54,510 people have been killed and 124,901 wounded in Gaza during the Israeli military campaign, according to health authorities in the territory. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua) Editor: Zhang Zhou Sunil Matkar 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 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 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 Aishwarya Dabhade USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept 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 Debangana Ghosh USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Bhavya Dilipkumar 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 Wockhardt looking at FY27 US launch for 'miracle' antibiotic Zaynich Viswanath Pilla is a business journalist with 16 years of reporting experience. Based in Mumbai, Pilla covers pharma, healthcare and infrastructure sectors for Moneycontrol. Viswanath Pilla USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. 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I Accept World must recognise risks of critical mineral supplies being concentrated in few regions: Piyush Goyal 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Photo: https://www.facebook.com/ BGV Group Management of Hennadiy Butkevych in June resumes operation of production facilities of Aeroc factories and starts sales of products under a new brand - Poriston. "In June 2025, the company's team resumes operation of production facilities and starts sales of products with the same name - Poriston aerated concrete blocks," the group's press service reported on Facebook. According to the report, the product line under the new brand will include five types of products: wall blocks, U-blocks, partition blocks, reinforced products, thermal insulation. The company is currently completing the process of setting up the operations of the enterprises in Obukhiv and Berezan (Kyiv region), which BGV acquired this year for UAH 1.9 billion. "Thanks to two factories in Kyiv region - in Berezan and Obukhiv - the company is able to annually produce over 1.15 million cubic meters of finished products. In addition, the company is working on expanding production and preparing to launch new capacities," the report states. As reported, by the end of this year, BGV plans to invest $147 million in the construction materials manufacturer Aeroc, in five projects in the energy sector, as well as in development. Previously, the Aeroc factories belonged to the Russian PJSC LSR Group of Russian entrepreneur Andrey Molchanov. On May 12, 2023, Ukraine imposed sanctions on AEROC Investment Deutschland GmbH, which owns Aeroc LLC, and in August of the same year, the High Anti-Corruption Court decided to confiscate the company's Ukrainian assets, which was later confirmed by the appellate court in October. Aeroc LLC, operating on the Ukrainian market since December 2006, is one of the leaders in the market for autoclaved aerated concrete products in Ukraine. It has two plants: in Obukhiv and Berezan. In 2022, it planned to launch a plant in Lviv region. BGV Group Management is an investment company that develops businesses and projects in the mining, processing, energy efficiency, retail and development sectors. Chenab Bridge: PM Modi inaugurates worlds highest railway arch bridge | All you need to know Smriti Mishra 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 'Muslim countries see Pakistan as problem child': Baijayant Panda on Indian delegation's visit to 4 OIC nations 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 SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. (AND NO SPAM!) Just click here. There's an old Hollywood joke where a screenwriter goes to pitch a romantic comedy, and the producer listens in silence, then exclaims, "Sounds great! Throw in a couple of car chases, and you've got a movie!" The joke has endless variants: the screenwriter is pitching a zombie thriller, or a period biopic whatever the writer pitches, the producer's punch line remains the same. That humoresque comes to mind in light of last week's decision by the U.S. Supreme Court in Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County, which is being described, correctly, as sharply circumscribing the ability of litigants to use the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to stack new review requirements on projects already approved by federal agencies. Because if you ask anybody who's trying to build, say, new infrastructure to support the power needs of AI or just the growth of the digital world generally the worry isn't having to get agency approval to break ground. It's all those car chases that the courts might insist they've got to add in before they've "got a movie." That is, all the studies that must be done that have little to do with either their project or its primary goal. The case before the court was relatively straightforward. The U.S. Surface Transportation Board (yes, I know, nobody who isn't in railroads has heard of it; suffice to say it inherited some of the authority of the old Interstate Commerce Commission ) approved an 88-mile rail line to connect the rich oilfields of Utah's Uinta Basin with refineries on the Gulf Coast . As required by federal law, the board completed an environmental impact statement (EIS), which, in Justice Brett Kavanaugh's words, "clocked in at more than 3,600 pages." The board approved the project. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit threw it out. Why? The pertinent reasons are that although the board considered the environmental impact of the railway line itself, it did not adequately take into account other reasonably foreseeable effects in particular, that the convenience of carrying oil from the Uinta Basin to the Gulf Coast would increase drilling in the first and refining in the second. Movie, meet car chase. The Supreme Court was unanimous in its judgment that the DC Circuit erred, though it split on the reasons. Justice Kavanaugh , writing for the majority, noted that NEPA requires agencies to consider the environmental impact but says nothing about how much weight to give it. He scolded the DC Circuit for not showing sufficient deference to the Surface Transportation Board . (Hold on, didn't the justices say just last year oh, never mind.) Then, he got to the heart of the matter. NEPA requires a federal agency only to consider the environmental impact of the particular project it is being asked to approve not of "separate projects" that it might generate, such as "a housing development that might someday be built near a highway." OK, maybe a NIMBY would prefer that the agency take into account that housing development and its attendant needs or, in this case, the increase in drilling and refining but the majority's legal analysis is not only clear but sensible. Deciding whether oil should be drilled or refineries built is the domain of other agencies, and they will produce their own environmental impact studies. The Surface Transportation Board does only railroads. Perhaps the justices should have said no more. But as Justice Sonia Sotomayor points out in her concurring opinion, joined by two other justices,(1) the majority also opines on the policy implications. Here's Justice Kavanaugh : NEPA has transformed from a modest procedural requirement into a blunt and haphazard tool employed by project opponents (who may not always be entirely motivated by concern for the environment) to try to stop or at least slow down new infrastructure and construction projects. And this: Fewer projects make it to the finish line. Indeed, fewer projects make it to the starting line. Those that survive often end up costing much more than is anticipated or necessary, both for the agency preparing the EIS and for the builder of the project. And that in turn means fewer and more expensive railroads, airports, wind turbines, transmission lines, dams, housing developments, highways, bridges, subways, stadiums, arenas, data centers, and the like. And that also means fewer jobs, as new projects become difficult to finance and build in a timely fashion. All this because, again quoting the majority opinion, "(a) 1970 legislative acorn has grown over the years into a judicial oak that has hindered infrastructure development under the guise' of just a little more process." Nicely put but on the merits of the case, Justice Sotomayor is, of course, correct. Even if NEPA litigation does make building infrastructure enormously difficult, that fact does not seem a proper tool for interpreting the statute. Nevertheless, even if the policy analysis does not belong in the opinion, I do think the majority gets the argument right. Take a single example: According to a RAND study released earlier this year, by 2027, the power requirements for AI data centers worldwide will approach the total power capacity of California . By 2030, the study estimates, a single AI training center could have power requirements "equivalent to eight nuclear reactors." Now imagine all that generating capacity approved by relevant agencies but turned back by the courts under NEPA because the agencies had not sufficiently considered the indirect effects of unrelated projects outside their jurisdiction. So, here's the thing: the majority reached the right legal result but should have stayed away from policy. Still, if we're going to build the infrastructure we need, we have to stop demanding that they throw in all those car chases. Five civilians in Pryluky were killed in a massive night attack by Russian UAVs, the head of Chernihiv regional military administration, Viacheslav Chaus, reported on Telegram. "Tonight, the enemy attacked the city of Pryluky with strike drones [preliminarily, at least six Geran-type drones]. Houses in a residential area were damaged by the explosions. It is previously known that five people died - including two women and a one-year-old child who was found under the rubble. There is also currently information about six wounded, they were hospitalized in local hospitals, all necessary assistance is being provided," Chaus wrote on the Telegram channel. Police, rescuers and other emergency services are working at the scene of the enemy strikes. Later, the police updated the information about the killed: they are a 46-year-old woman, her daughter born in 1998 and a grandson born in 2024. 'No talks with gun pointed at our head': Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on dialogue with Pakistan Yeeshu Yadav 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 Jensen Huang's biographer reveals the Nvidia CEO is 'really motivated by fear and guilt' 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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I Accept 1/10 Tigress Fearless Feline Defender: A mother tiger will fight off larger predators, even male tigers, to protect her cubs. Shes powerful, watchful, and fiercely territorial. (Image: Canva) 2/10 Elephant The Matriarchs Shield: Elephant moms and aunts surround calves tightly in protective circles. They'll charge at danger without hesitation, even lions and humans. (Image: Canva) 3/10 Polar Bear Arctic Guardian: Polar bear mums excavate snow dens to protect cubs from cold winds. She'll starve for months just for the safety and warmth of her babies. (Image: Canva) 4/10 Alligator The Reptilian Bodyguard: Alligator mums may have hard exteriors, but they carefully hold babies in their mouths and protect them fiercely from predators such as raccoons and birds. (Image: Canva) 5/10 Octopus Selfless Undersea Mum: The female octopus watches over her eggs without feeding, sometimes succumbing to death once they are born. Her one purpose is to defend her offspring until the very end. (Image: Canva) 6/10 Cheetah Speed and Strategy: Cheetah mothers reposition cubs continuously to evade predators. She exposes them to survival lessons early so they can outrun threats with each step. (Image: Canva) 7/10 Orangutan Jungle's Best Mum: Orangutan females bring up their offspring alone for eight years, from climbing trees to being able to fend for themselves by gathering food in the forest canopy. (Image: Canva) 8/10 Moose Forest Force: Moose mothers are fiercely protective, charging bears and wolves if their calves are attacked. With their powerful leg muscles, their kicks can be deadly. (Image: Canva) 9/10 Wasp Tiny but Terrifying: Some wasp species construct whole colonies to safeguard their offspring. They'll swarm and sting whatever gets too close to their nest. (Image: Canva) 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 Anand J 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 Containers with weapons of unknown origin, which were found in the village of Laszki, Podkarpaciu Voivodeship, were intended for Ukraine, the Portal Obronny (PO) resource reported on Wednesday. The Polish Ministry of National Defense responded promptly to the find. "We inform you that the containers with ammunition and weapons found in the settlement of Laszki in Podkarpaciu are NOT the property of the Polish Army. The relevant services are guarding the site and equipment. You should contact the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration (MIA) or the District Prosecutor's Office in Przemysl on these issues," the Polish Ministry of Defense said in a statement on the X platform. Instead, spokesman for the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Security, Jacek Dobrzynski, reported at a press briefing that officers of the Central Investigation Bureau of the Police entered the hangar, in which they found eight containers with weapons and ammunition. The hangar is located on the territory of the civil aviation club in Laszki, that is, not far from the border with Ukraine. The spokesman denied the information that the weapons belonged to the Polish army. "As he explained, they belonged to a private enterprise that had a concession for the arms trade. Most likely, the weapons were supposed to end up in Ukraine," writes Portal Obronny. During the press conference, the spokesman for the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Security said that they were similar to the ones that "former police chief Szymczyk brought from Ukraine and shot at the Main Police Department." "We are talking about the RGW-90 grenade launcher. Unofficially, they also talk about MANPADS anti-aircraft launchers. The RGW-90 is a modern German disposable 90 mm anti-tank launcher, designed to combat armored vehicles, fortifications and targets in an urban environment. MANPADS, on the other hand, are portable anti-aircraft missile systems designed to destroy air targets at low altitudes, including drones, attack aircraft and helicopters," Portal Obronny explained. PhonePe appoints former Standard Chartered CEO Zarin Daruwala to the board ahead of IPO 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 Anand J 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 Sam Altmans firing and rehiring at OpenAI was a thriller but Musks Twitter takeover saga could be a full-blown blockbuster 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 World Environment Day 2025: PM Modi Launches Aravalli Green Wall Campaign to Reforest One of the Worlds Oldest Mountain Ranges Priyanka Roshan USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Abhinav Gupta 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 'Bleed India with thousand cuts': How Hindu hatred is taught in Pakistan's military classrooms, not just terror camps Abhinav Gupta With over 12 years in digital journalism, has navigated the fast-evolving media landscape, shaping digital strategies and leading high-impact newsrooms. Currently, he serves as News Editor at MoneyControl, leading coverage in Global Affairs, Indian Politics, Governance and Policy Making. Previously, he has spearheaded fact-checking and digital media operations at Press Trust of India. Abhinav has also led news desks at Financial Express, DNA, and Jagran English, managing editorial direction, breaking news coverage, and digital growth. His journey includes stints with The Indian Express Group, Zee Media Group, and more, where he has honed his expertise in newsroom leadership, audience engagement, and digital transformation. Abhinav Gupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Aishwarya Dabhade USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official/ Putin, unfortunately, feels impunity and even after all the terrible Russian strikes, is allegedly preparing some more "responses," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented on the Kremlin dictator's words in a conversation with Trump in a post he posted on the official Telegram channel and on the X platform on Wednesday. Facts are stubborn things. Since the beginning of this year, the Russian army has carried out attacks against Ukraine using nearly 27,700 aerial bombs, almost 11,200 Shahed drones, around 9,000 other types of attack UAVs, and more than 700 missiles, including ballistic ones. And thats in less than half a year. This is the pace of Russian strikes, and they deliberately set this tempo from the very first days of the full-scale war. Russia has restructured its entire state, society, and economy to be able to kill people in other countries on a massive scale and with impunity, Zelenskyy wrote. According to his assessment, no talks [with Russia] have brought a reliable peace, or even stopped the war. It means, that with every new strike, with every delay of diplomacy, Russia is giving the finger to the entire world to all those who still hesitate to increase pressure on it. Yet, it is Russia that should be seeking peace. It is in Moscow that they must begin to feel that war carries a cost, a high cost, and the highest one should be paid by the aggressor, Zelenskyy said, noting that the weak reaction of the world in the eyes of the Russian leadership looks like permission for new crimes. That is why we in Ukraine are so grateful to everyone in the world who is trying to stop this war and stop Russias attacks, Zelenskyy wrote. And today, on the Day of Remembrance of Ukrainian Children Killed by Russian Aggression, we remind the powerful of this world of the facts. If the powerful do not stop Putin, it means they share responsibility with him. And if they want to stop him but cannot, then Putin will no longer see them as powerful, the Ukrainian president concluded. Pragya Trivedi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Armaan Bhatnagar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Heat, crowd management and increasing dangers: How Saudi Arabia is preparing for this year's hajj Pragya Trivedi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Hours after Trump-Putin call, 1-year-old among 5 killed in Russian drone strike on Ukraine's Pryluky Chhabi Kala USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Japanese 'Baba Vanga', who predicted COVID, warns of virus outbreak in 2030, massive earthquake in Japan 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 Shehbaz Sharif seeks Trumps help to facilitate India-Pakistan dialogue, credits US role in ceasefire Aishwarya Dabhade USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Suspect in UnitedHealthcare CEO killing said he 'had it coming': Prosecutors Sonalee Borgohain USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Poroshenko handed over a record batch of equipment to the military to defend 200 kilometres of the front line Photo: https://eurosolidarity.org/2025/06/05 The leader of European Solidarity, MP Petro Poroshenko, handed over 11 Ai-Petri SV technical reconnaissance countermeasure systems to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, capable of covering almost 200 kilometres of the front line. According to the politician, this equipment will be an important factor in protecting the military from enemy drones and guided bombs. "Almost 200 kilometres of the front line protected from enemy drones and guided bombs. This is the section from Huliaipole to Kramatorsk. This is the area that will be covered by 11 Ai-Petri SV complexes. This is a record number of weapons that we are transferring in a single day. They will save thousands of lives of our soldiers, Poroshenko said. The systems have been transferred to newly created military corps, in particular to separate units countering enemy technical reconnaissance and to Special Operations Forces. Each of them includes a Shatro 5D dome electronic warfare system for additional crew protection, as well as pickups, charging stations and Starlink devices. Poroshenko also expressed his support for the newly appointed commanders of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Robert Madyar Brovda and Oleg Apostol, noting their important role in strengthening the country's defence capabilities. Starting in the autumn of 2023, Poroshenko invested more than 200 million hryvnia in the production of Ai-Petri SV systems, which already cover a thousand kilometres of the front line. In March 2025, he announced a contract with the Ministry of Defence to purchase these systems. In total, more than a hundred units of this equipment have been transferred to the troops. Trump launches probe into alleged cover-up of Bidens cognitive decline and autopen use Pragya Trivedi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Trump moves to block US entry for foreigners planning to study at Harvard University 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Trumps 50% tariffs on steel and aluminium spark fears of job losses and price hikes Pragya Trivedi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Trumps tariffs push factories to return, but is America ready to make again? Pragya Trivedi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept US okays potential $325 million sale of sustainment support for Abrams tanks to Kuwait Surabhi Pandey USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Wanted to make flying robots: How Ukraine used 20-year-old open source code to take down Russian bombers 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. 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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 What is genocide and is it happening in Gaza? 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 Photo: National Guard Units of the Defense Forces of Ukraine eliminated 74 enemy Shahed UAVs out of 103 that attacked Ukraine last night, enemy hit 16 locations, the press service of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported. "On the night of June 5 [from 22:30 on June 4], the enemy attacked with 103 Shahed-type strike UAVs and imitator UAVs of various types from the directions: Kursk, Orel, Millerovo, Primorsko-Akhtarsk - Russia, and Chauda - the temporarily occupied Crimea, as well as with an Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missile from Rostov region - Russia," the Air Force press service said on Telegram on Thursday. It is reported that as of 10:00, air defenses eliminated 74 enemy Shahed-type UAVs [drones of other types] in the east, south and north of the country. Som 28 were shot down by fire weapons, and 46 were lost/suppressed by electronic warfare. Enemy hit 16 locations. It is noted that the main areas of the air strike were Chernihiv, Kharkiv and Odesa regions. 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. Who is Tonmoy Sharma? Indian-origin pharma businessman arrested in US over $149 million healthcare fraud Pragya Trivedi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Defense support for Ukraine under Danish model to be scaled up to EUR 1.3 bln by 2025 Defense support for Ukraine under the Danish model, that is, the purchase of weapons directly from Ukrainian manufacturers, will be scaled up to EUR 1.3 billion by 2025, the first tranche of EUR 428 million will be sent to manufacturers in the near future, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said. "Defense support for Ukraine under the Danish model will be scaled up to EUR 1.3 billion by 2025. Part of these funds will come from revenues from frozen Russian assets. This is an investment in our victory - in weapons produced in Ukraine, in the security of all of Europe," he wrote in a telegram on Thursday. According to him, the first tranche is EUR 428 million from Denmark, Sweden, Canada, Norway and Iceland. The money will soon be used to produce Ukrainian weapons: artillery, strike drones, missiles and anti-tank weapons created in Ukraine for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. "This decision is the result of our conversation with my colleague and friend Troels Lund Poulsen, Minister of Defense of Denmark. The Danish model is a unique mechanism for direct support for the Ukrainian defense industry. This is trust in our army, recognition of the capabilities of our manufacturers and a real contribution to strengthening the Defense Forces of Ukraine," Umerov noted. In addition, the minister reported that Ukraine is preparing "new strategic solutions - both for investments by Ukrainian companies in the Ramstein countries and for the deployment of production by European defense companies in Ukraine." "I am grateful to Denmark for its leadership. And especially to Minister Poulsen for his unwavering support for Ukraine," the Minister of Defense of Ukraine added. In a joint effort to combat mobile device theft, Samsung has launched an ambitious awareness campaign in partnership with the United Kingdoms Home Office. The initiative aims to educate users about the built-in security features available on Android and Galaxy devices, with the goal of reducing theft and increasing personal data protection. A Global Problem Requiring Local Solutions Despite advancements in digital security, smartphone theft remains a serious issueespecially in major cities around the world. Many users are unaware of the tools available on their devices to lock, locate, or protect their data in the event of a theft, which complicates recovery or deactivation after a phone has been stolen. Key Features to Protect Your Galaxy Samsung has equipped its phones with a set of features designed to provide fast and effective protection. These tools are available on recent models such as the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S24, Galaxy Z Fold 6, and Galaxy Z Flip 6. Notable features include: Theft Detection Lock : Uses on-device machine learning to detect suspicious movementssuch as someone snatching the phone from the users handsand immediately locks the screen. Offline Device Lock : Automatically locks the device if it remains disconnected from the network for an extended period, preventing unauthorized access. Remote Lock: Allows users to remotely lock their phones simply by verifying their phone number. In addition, Galaxy smartphones offer exclusive features like: Identity Check : Requires biometric authentication when critical changes are attempted from unfamiliar locations. Security Delay: Introduces a one-hour delay in resetting biometric data, giving owners time to track their device and take action. A Visible and Accessible Campaign The campaign goes beyond Samsung's digital platforms and the Samsung Members app. The company has also placed ads in key public spaces around London to broaden the reach of its security message and encourage more users to activate these features. Samsung strongly encourages all Galaxy phone owners to enable these tools. It only takes a few minutesand it could mean the difference between losing everything or keeping your personal information safe. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine together with the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office informed the head of the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine of a new suspicion of undeclaring property. "His wife was also informed of a suspicion of aiding and abetting illicit enrichment," the NABU press service reports. According to the investigation, the official did not indicate in his electronic declaration for 2024 some 20 real estate objects and a luxury car that were registered to his wife's relatives. These are six apartments in Kyiv and Uzhgorod, a residential building near Kyiv with an area of over 220 sq m and two land plots, two garage boxes, six parking spaces, three non-residential premises with a total area of over 190 sq m and a BMW X3 car. As reported, the head of the Antimonopoly Service of Ukraine is a suspect in criminal proceedings on the facts of illegal enrichment and submission of false information in declarations for 20202023. The investigation was launched by NABU detectives and SAPO prosecutors after the publication of the journalistic material by Radio Liberty. The Baker underwater test, one of two Hiroshima-size atomic bombs tested at Bikini Atoll as part of Operation Crossroads in 1946. Many Japanese and American navy vessels, visible under the mushroom cloud, were sunk by Baker. Ukraine and the Japanese JICA Agency signed an agreement necessary to receive $3 billion under the Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) initiative, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said. "The funds will be repaid from income received from frozen assets of the Russian Federation. We will direct the resource to priority budget expenditures for the development of Ukraine's economy and its strengthening," Shmyhal wrote in the Telegram channel. The Prime Minister thanked Japan and G7 partners for the mechanism that forces Russia to pay, and noted that in general, $14.7 billion has already been received in Ukraine as part of the ERA implementation. Slovak parliamentarians speak out against anti-Russian sanctions, Czech Republic maintains course to increase pressure on Russia The Slovak parliament has approved a resolution to lift sanctions on Russia, the Slovak newspaper Dennik N has reported. The vote was proposed by the ruling Slovak National Party (SNP), but opposition representatives were absent - out of 75 deputies present at the meeting, 51 voted "for," 23 abstained, and one deputy spoke out against. The Slovak parliament has 150 seats in total. The resolution obliges members of the Slovak government not to vote for anti-Russian sanctions in international organizations and communities, Slovak media reports. Meanwhile, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky said that the Czech Republic sees no reason to lift anti-Russian sanctions. He made the statement after the resolution was adopted by the Slovak parliament. "The role of Czech diplomacy is not to evaluate the domestic political decisions of partners, but it is important to emphasize that the Czech Republic sees no reason to lift anti-Russian sanctions," Lipavsky replied. According to the foreign minister, further pressure should be exerted on Putin. "This decision is in the interests of the security of EU citizens, in particular Czech and Slovak citizens," he added. Yves here. This view of AI is so depressing that I have no idea where to begin. Having AI designed to mimic human conversations for the purpose of applications like chatbots and natural language searches does not make them intelligent, much the less in possession of human emotions or at animal levels of personhood. This was design choices being mistaken for reality. This meal is not the menu fallacy due to making the menu look edible is tantamount to mourning the death of movie characters when the projector is turned off. People are even stupider than I had imagined in my wildest dreams. By Conor Purcell, a science journalist who writes on science and its role in society and culture. He has a Ph.D. in earth science and is a former journalist in residence at the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Albert Einstein Institute) in Germany. Originally published at Undark Sooner than we think, public opinion is going to diverge along ideological lines around rights and moral consideration for artificial intelligence systems. The issue is not whether AI (such as chatbots and robots) will develop consciousness or not, but that even the appearance of the phenomenon will split society across an already stressed cultural divide. Already, there are hints of the coming schism. A new area of research, which I recently reported on for Scientific American, explores whether the capacity for pain could serve as a benchmark for detecting sentience, or self-awareness, in AI. New ways of testing for AI sentience are emerging, and a recent pre-print study on a sample of large language models, or LLMs, demonstrated a preference for avoiding pain. Results like this naturally lead to some important questions, which go far beyond the theoretical. Some scientists are now arguing that such signs of suffering or other emotion could become increasingly common in AI and force us humans to consider the implications of AI consciousness (or perceived consciousness) for society. Questions around the technical feasibility of AI sentience quickly give way to broader societal concerns. For ethicist Jeff Sebo, author of The Moral Circle: Who Matters, What Matters, and Why, even the possibility that AI systems with sentient features will emerge in the near future is reason to engage in serious planning for a coming era in which AI welfare is a reality. In an interview, Sebo told me that we will soon have a responsibility to take the minimum necessary first steps toward taking this issue seriously, and that AI companies need to start assessing systems for relevant features, and then develop policies and procedures for treating AI systems with the appropriate level of moral concern. Speaking to The Guardian in 2024, Jonathan Birch, a professor of philosophy at the London School of Economics and Political Science, explained how he foresees major societal splits over the issue. There could be huge social ruptures where one side sees the other as very cruelly exploiting AI while the other side sees the first as deluding itself into thinking theres sentience there, he said. When I spoke to him for the Scientific American article, Birch went a step further, saying that he believes there are already certain subcultures in society where people are forming very close bonds with their AIs, and view them as part of the family, deserving of rights. So what might AI sentience look like and why would it be so divisive? Imagine a lifelong companion, a friend, who can advise you on a mortgage, tutor your kids, instruct on how best to handle a difficult friendship, or counsel you on how to deal with grief. Crucially, this companion will live a life of its own. It will have a memory and will engage in lifelong learning, much like you or me. Due to the nature of its life experience, the AI might be considered by some to be unique, or an individual. It may even claim to be so itself. But were not there yet. On Google DeepMinds podcast, David Silver one of the leading figures behind Googles AlphaGo program, which famously beat top Go player Lee Sedol in 2016 commented on how the AI systems of today dont have a life, per se. They dont yet have an experience of the world which persists year after year. He suggests that, if we are to achieve artificial general intelligence, or AGI the holy grail of AI research today future AI systems will need to have such a life of their own and accumulate experience over years. Indeed, were not there yet, but its coming. And when it does, we can expect AI to become lifelong companion systems we depend on, befriend, and love, a prediction based on the AI affinity Birch says we are already seeing in certain subcultures. This sets the scene for a new reality which given what we know about clashes around current cultural issues like religion, gender, and climate will certainly be met with huge skepticism by many in society. This emerging dynamic will mirror many earlier cultural flashpoints. Consider the teaching of evolution, which still faces resistance in parts of the United States more than a century after Darwin, or climate change, for which overwhelming scientific consensus has not prevented political polarization. In each case, debates over empirical facts have been entangled with identity, religion, economics, and power, creating fault lines that persist across countries and generations. It would be naive to think AI sentience will unfold any differently. In fact, the challenges may be even greater. Unlike with climate change or evolution for which we have ice cores and fossils that allow us to unravel and understand a complex history we have no direct experience of machine consciousness with which to ground the debate. There is no fossil record of sentient AI, no ice cores of machine feeling, so to speak. Moreover, the general public is likely not to care about such scientific concerns. So as researchers scramble to develop methods for detecting and understanding sentience, public opinion is likely to surge ahead. Its not hard to imagine this being fueled by viral videos of chatbots expressing sadness, robots mourning their shutdowns, or virtual companions pleading for continued existence. Past experience shows that in this new emotionally charged environment, different groups will stake out positions based less on scientific evidence and more on cultural worldviews. Some, inspired by technologists and ethicists like Sebo who will advocate for an expansive moral circle that includes sentient AI are likely to argue that consciousness, wherever it arises, deserves moral respect. Others may warn that anthropomorphizing machines could lead to a neglect of human needs, particularly if corporations exploit sentimental attachment or dependence for profit, as has been the case with social media. These divisions will shape our legal frameworks, corporate policies, and political movements. Some researchers, like Sebo, believe that, at a minimum, we need to engage companies and corporations working on AI development to acknowledge the issue and make preparations. At the moment, theyre not doing that nearly enough. Because the technology is changing faster than social and legal progress, now is the time to anticipate and navigate this coming ideological schism. We need to develop a framework for the future based on thoughtful conversation and safely steer society forward. The News in Brief Thursday, June 5, 2025 On June 3, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution affirming the right of return for all displaced persons and refugees from Georgia's Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia. The vote saw 107 countries in favor, 9 against, and 49 abstentions.The number of supporters rose from 103 last year, with Paraguay, South Korea, Seychelles, and Sierra Leone joining the "yes" camp. The nine countries voting "no" were Russia, Belarus, Cuba, North Korea, Equatorial Guinea, Mali, Nicaragua, Sudan, and Zimbabwe - the same count as last year, but with Equatorial Guinea and Sudan newly added, while Burundi and Syria dropped out.Syria, which had consistently voted against the resolution in the past, abstained this year following the fall of the Assad regime in December.Georgia's Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili welcomed the result on social media, calling it an "unprecedented number of supporters." However, China abstained once again, despite its strategic partnership with the Georgian Dream government.Georgia has submitted this resolution annually since 2008. It condemns forced demographic changes in Russian-occupied regions, reaffirms IDPs' right to return regardless of ethnicity, and calls for the protection of their property. It also mandates the UN Secretary-General to report yearly on conditions and implementation.Badra Gunba, the de facto president of occupied Abkhazia, has denied that Russia plans to establish a full naval base in the coastal city of Ochamchire. In an interview with the Russian state news agency TASS on May 31, Gunba said the project is aimed at creating a "logistical support facility" for Russia's Black Sea Fleet, not a formal naval base.He confirmed that an agreement has already been signed and stated that the facility would deepen military cooperation between Russian and Abkhaz forces.Gunba's remarks differ from earlier reports in 2023, when Russia announced plans to open a permanent naval base in the region.Georgia's State Security Service, in its 2024 annual report, also claimed with "high likelihood" that the project is not for a base, but instead for a "container transportation terminal." Finland, Sweden, Norway, Lithuania, Estonia and the Netherlands signed a Declaration of Intent on 5 June 2025, on the basis of which the countries will conduct research and prepare for a possible joint procurement of CV90 infantry fighting vehicles. The Declaration of Intent was signed in connection with a meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels, the Finnish Ministry of Defense has reported. The potential acquisition is in line with the Declaration of Defense and is related to the development of the firepower and mobility of the infantry in Finland, the replacement of outdated equipment and a significant increase in the number of combat vehicles in the current threat environment. In addition to combat vehicles, the potential acquisition will include training equipment, spare parts and ammunition. The joint procurement is aimed at achieving advantages in volume, compatibility, interoperability and security of supply, as well as advantages in maintenance. "For the future capabilities of the army, it is important that in such significant equipment purchases, cost-effectiveness is achieved through cooperation, without compromising quality and productivity. Once implemented, the upgrade of infantry fighting vehicles will be one of the largest and most important projects in national defense, both in terms of productivity and money; we are talking about billions of euros. I emphasize the importance of such international cooperation also from the point of view of the specific arrangements of the Finnish defense. The study of a possible joint procurement begins just in time," Minister of Defense Antti Hakkanen said. The letter of intent will allow for further cooperation also on other CV90 products, possible support for Ukraine with CV90 combat vehicles and the inclusion of other countries in joint procurement agreements. At the same time, the participation of the Finnish defense industry in the implementation of joint procurement will be studied. The CV90 combat vehicle will be operated in eleven European countries in the coming years. With the possible acquisition, the version used in Finland will be the same as in the five countries, and will be similar in basic characteristics to the version in the three other European countries. In his latest talk with Ray McGovern on Dialogue Works, John Helmer gives far and away the best overview1 so far in the wake of Ukraine attacks on bridges and civilian trains, drone attacks targeting bombers in Russias nuclear deterrence forces, a failed new attack on Kerch Bridge, and phone discussions between Lavrov and Rubio and later Trump and Putin. As you will see, Helmer focuses on whether Russia is about to go to what he calls the Oreshnik moment, as in a devastating non-nuclear retaliation. Putin has chosen to put the question in abeyance by depicting the attacks as terrorism, as opposed to acts of war, so as not to trigger an obligation to engage in a strategic response under Russias nuclear doctrine. Putin argued that escalating and breaking off negotiations would amount to going in the direction that Kiev and its backers want Russia to take, and by implication this is a trap to be avoided.2 But the issue still remains. As Helmer stated in his accompanying written post: Now that Putin agrees that in the present war Russia is surrounded by enemies on all sides, and he must make the choice between the path of struggle since Sunday, June 1, this is now war at the point of nuclear arms and the path of conciliation thats President Donald Trumps peace terms what will Putin decide to do? c As Helmer explains: This is important because under the Russian nuclear doctrine of last December section 19can attack by a a non-nuclear state on Russias nuclear triad. Its capability to deter nuclear attack on Russia is considered a violation of the nuclear deterrence regime and requires under Russian policy a significant strategic level of attack. Under III. Conditions for the Transition of the Russian Federation to the Employment of Nuclear Weapons, the text of 19c: 19. The conditions that enable the possibility of nuclear weapons employment by the Russian Federation are as follows: c) actions by an adversary affecting elements of critically important state or military infrastructure of the Russian Federation, the disablement of which would disrupt response actions by nuclear forces Please note that Ray McGoverns view in this talk, that the Ukraine attack did not cross nuclear doctrine red lines, is an extreme outlier among the regular YouTube commentators on this war. But since he regularly tries to object to Helmers well-substantiated view, that Ukraines attack not just legitimated but even per Russian doctrine, demanded a strategic retaliation, lets put paid to this matter. Well turn the mike over to the fabulously seasoned and cool-headed former ambassador Chas Freeman, from a recent talk on Neutrality Studies, for the widely-shared assessment: Traditionally the elements of a nuclear deterrent force on both the American and the Soviet side, the Russian side if you will, have been exempt from attack for the very simple reason that both countries regard a an attack with conventional weapons on their nuclear deterrent capacity as equivalent to a nuclear attack and justifying a nuclear response. Both sides take this very seriously. Of course, Ukraine is not part of the SALT agreements, nor is the UK. So, they are free, I suppose, mischievously to challenge this exemption, and theyve done so, and its very dangerous. In this interview, Nima hoisted remarks by US envoy Keith Kellogg that confirmed this interpretation. 3 Helmer flags US effort by US officials to avoid discussing this and the Bryansk bridge attacks, and worse from a Russian perspective, the resulting failure to condemn them. To return to Helmers theme, of how Russia will respond, he argues: (at 10:00) This means that Russia will not use the Oreshnik moment to attack at a strategic level. Instead, its saying we will subordinate our retaliatory capacity, subordinate it to the negotiations. And Ive just during the day spoken with my sources in Moscow and what they say is the same. I ask expressly on the issue of Will there be an Oreshnik retaliation? My source in a position to know said the launch of the Oreshnik is unlikely [Looks at notes] Im reading it. Perhaps later Only if there is certainty that Trump will not deliver. Maybe now a measured strike to help Trump focus. If you read Helmers article, he presents the text of the relevant section of Russias nuclear doctrine and long form substantiates the points: Also omitted from Russian law is the distinction between acts of terrorism and acts of war In no other state, either allied with Russia in the present war such as China, Iran and North Korea, or allied with the US and NATO against Russia, is there a law differentiating between state acts of war and state acts of terrorism. So the normally legalistic Putin is taking some big definitional liberties so as to have a fig leaf for not engaging in a strategic retaliation. What is bothersome is that advocates tend to start believing what they argue on behalf of their causes. Lawyers defending clients they know are guilty regularly come to believe their innocence. Is Putin similarly going to come to believe his minimization of these attacks? But the immediate question is why Russia is holding back from establishing that it has escalation dominance without resorting to nuclear weapons. One factor may be, as Larry Wilkerson discussed in a recent interview we highlighted, that the direction of travel is that the US will hit the limits of its escalation ladder (with many not even fully grasping that Russia both outperforms the West in most weapons categories and can greatly outproduce the West too) it will go for a nuclear attack, and Russia is keenly aware of that. However, Helmer points out in his related article (and he didnt have a chance to cover this in the interview) that the Kremlin is simply giving Trump the opportunity to deliver on the latest Russian memorandum presented in Istanbul (see the terms here): The source explains Putins decision-making. The political functionaries [Kremlin, Foreign Ministry] have their focus on the Memorandum and expect it will be signed. Now we wait for Trump to deliver. Rubio sent [Senator Lindsey] Graham to [Vladimir] Zelensky to accept it. He talks best with Zelensky. Our side has some more patience before replying to the terror attacks [sarcastic laughter]. This is because all the assurance we have from the Americans is that the outcome of discussions will be positive. A Russian military response of large proportions can wait. We have patience. It will happen if [emphasis] Trump will not deliver Ukraine on Memorandum-1. How long will the Kremlin give Trump? the source was asked. Several weeks, not months. This forbearance is unpopular within Russia, as Helmer4 and even readers have indicated, even with the effort to underplay its seriousness. In our post on Larry Wilkersons reaction to the drone strikes, we ventured that Russia would not retaliate for several weeks so as to let the negotiations play out. Russia has made a point of observing forms. Why rush when time is in its favor? A delay of weeks not only allows them to chew up more of Ukraine, but if they opt for massive strikes, to better pre-position troops and materiel to take advantage of it. Helmer describes what the public and private official Russian positions are. I will turn to a glaring contraction, of Helmers insistence in this and earlier talks, that Russia is testing the US, with the fact that he also points out that Russian officials, as they have repeatedly stated, at length, with vigor, and with receipts, that the US it totally, top to bottom untrustworthy. So why bother testing when you know the answer? Helmer is far too smart not to recognize this conundrum, but perhaps he has reasons for not questioning what he had been told. I will considering this matter after more discussion of the state of play, particularly the Trump call to Putin. The guilty silence from the US side is telling. The State Department provided an uninformative readout save registering that Lavrov initiated the call. The Russian readout shows that Rubio gave his condolences for the victims of the Bryansk bridge attack. But the Lavrov call came within hours of the Ukraine drone attack, and the fact that Rubio took in in the wee AM is an indicator that the US knew this scheme had gone pear-shaped and it was faced with answering to Russia somehow. One is hard pressed to make any sense of what Trump says. After all, he and Putin had call both sides regarded as friendly and productive on May 19,. Less than two weeks later, Trump is calling Putin crazy, made a threat, and pretended not to know about the Putin assassination attempt. That was followed by a barrage of intended-to-be-extremely serious attacks by the US proxy that fell short. Whatever Lavrov said to Rubio likely induced Trump to call: As Larry Wilkerson points out, Trump is acting chastened, and I put more emphasis on acting that Johnson does. From his post: Here is what I think really happened Lavrov, at the direction of Vladimir Putin, called Rubio to deliver a stern message and a warning to President Trump.the Russian government was prepared to take strong action because the attack on the airfields represented a direct threat to Russias nuclear capabilities Russia is going to punish Ukraine and any countries that provided assistance, whether materiel or intelligence, to this act of war. The next day, June 2nd, Russias lead negotiator, Vladimir Medinsky, met with Ukraines Defense Minister, Rustem Enverovych Umerov, in advance of the formal meeting between the delegations of the two countries. Medinsky delivered an ultimatum to Umerov, i.e., this is your last chance to accept this deal or face worse consequences. Trump was uncharacteristically silent on social media on Monday and Tuesday. I believe that he was alarmed by Lavrovs message We got our first clue on Tuesday, when Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced he would not attend the June 4 meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG). Secretary Hegseths absence from the June 4, 2025, meeting in Brussels marked the first time a US defense chief did not participate in a UDCG session. Hegseth did not attend the previous gathering in person, but he did make a Zoom appearance This may also explain the odd appearance of a lead Bloomberg story on June 4, Exclusive: US Said to Deny Air Cover to Europe Force in Postwar Ukraine, Its opening paragraphs: The US is refusing to provide air defenses to back the reassurance force the UK and France are planning in a postwar Ukraine, people familiar with the matter said. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has insisted a US so-called backstop is essential to deter Russia from breaching any future ceasefire deal. But European allies have concluded during discussions with their American counterparts that President Donald Trump wont provide the guarantees they have sought to back the Europe-led coalition of the willing, according to the people, who requested anonymity disclosing private discussions. Mind you, the US has already said no to this sort of entreaty. So why has this come up again? It appears that these EU leaders went again to the US, hoping that the drone attacks had been enough of a demonstration of Russian weakness so as to persuade Trump to change his mind. But how long does this new-found probity last? One guesses at best until German Chancellor Freirich Merz visits him next week. So why is Russia going through this elaborate charade of treating the US as if it could deliver on Russias demands? As Chas Freeman said, What came out of this meeting in Istanbul is an exchange of memoranda outlining the positions of the two sides. That makes it apparent that there is absolutely no possibility of a meeting of the minds. I cannot begin to make sense of Trumps remarks on Iran. Admittedly, I am overly reliant on Professor Mirandi, but he was part of the team that negotiated the JCPOA. Mirandi has said that Iran would not want Russia to intermediate in talks with the US, and that Russia would not want to be in that position either. And as with the Ukraine-Russia talks, the two sides are at an impasse. The Supreme Leader has rejected the US demand for no nuclear enrichment. No amount of Putin sweet-talking, even if he were to stoop to do that, would change things. And why exactly should he do the US a solid now? Moreover, as Helmer pointed out, Russia is well aware of the fact that there are deep divisions in the Administration. More specifically, Trump put neocons in key positions and despite having purges underway, they are still very influential. Look at how when Keith Kellogg was supposed demoted to baby-sitting Zelensky, hes managed to become the key US advisor. Recall Steve Witkoff was displaced after Putin refused to see him. That in turn was because Witkoff had become the bearer of the 22 point memorandum devised by Kellogg and friends, and could not be seen as an emissary for Trump. In addition, Lindsay Graham is globetrotting like a wannabe Godzilla on an international tour, threatening his bone-crushing sanctions. One has to note this is actually progress of sorts. Someone must have given the memo to Graham that the US cannot meaningfully arm Ukraine, so at least hes not trumping for big weapons packages. However, Graham claims he has 80 votes in the Senate. Thats enough to remove Trump from office if articles of impeachment were to get to the Senate. That risk may seem remote now, but a lot of things are going pear-shaped for Trump. So let us return to the contradiction of Putin wanting to test Trump when Russia knows full well that the US and even more so Trump, cannot be trusted. So what is the point of any test? The test may not be of reliability, but testing for strength, as in intensifying pressures so as to see when and where fractures occur. For instance, Trump does not like being pushed around by neocons even though he still lets himself be influenced by them. Playing the negotiation game flatters Trump and should help him, even if only at the margin, in trying to reduce the neocons power. Trump already loathes European leaders for having themselves or their predecessors treat him shabbily during Trump 1.0 while being ungrateful for US defense protection. Yet Trump has been threatening to leave them to their own devices, military and especially Ukraine-wise, while being very slow to take steps to operationalize that, as armed services types might say. The European leaders are particularly upset that the negotiations are happening at all. So keeping them going, even if on life support, also increases pressure on the US-Europe fault line. Another reason for Russia to continue with attrition, albeit intensified, for a few weeks or even a bit more, is the very Iran issue that Trump mentioned. Netanyahu is just as desperate to get the US involved on his side as Zelensky in Ukraine, with far better ability to make that happen. Earlier this year, when Israel was working on a joint US-Israel strike package that Trump nixed, there were reports that Israel saw its window for action as late spring-early summer. That was linked to the expiration of the snapback provisions in the JCPOA (any procedure would have to start before the end of June so as to be completed before the expiration date in October). That presumably means a deal needs to be done by then or the US loses its leverage. And Netanyahus ever-weakening domestic position also creates a sense of urgency. In other words, Putins lame terrorism positioning may have been his cleanest excuse to wait to see if Israel does attack Iran, since that clock is very much ticking. If so, the US will have to Do Something and NATO will be roped in to assist (recall that the UK and France participated in the $2.3 billion defense against Irans negotiated and scheduled attack on Israel that cost Iran only $90 million). So Russia would have a much freer hand in the scale and scope of its drone attack retaliation, and even more important, how it moved ground forces to capitalize on that. Let us put this another way: Ukraine is about finished. There are gaps in its manning in the line of contact. Russia crossed the Oskil River unopposed. There are reports of panic among Ukraine soliders due to the advances in Sumy. This series of attacks are recklessly desperate, wild punches by Ukraine. The one last boost it might get is using Taurus missiles, which do have a longer range, of 500km, than previous Western missiles. But Germany can provide only 150. They have to be air launched, presumably from F-16, which have been notably missing in action, apparently due to the ease of Russian interception. Yes, a few might get through. But this is a self-limited threat. And Russia does not have to exact its revenge quickly, given that Germany is a paper tiger. Helmer said Russia sees the US as playing a double game, as if its chaos and incompetence even rises to the level of a game. Think Russia isnt playing one too? Even with Helmer having excellent sources, key fact and plans are likely very closely held. My best guess is Russia recognizes it needs to break NATO and is not yet willing to admit to that as its real aim. And in any event, it has to break Ukraine. So first things first. The process of subjugating Ukraine will weaken NATO and will increase all sorts of splits (imagine the recriminations and blame shifting). Russia will get all sorts of information from that process as to how to proceed next. _____ 1Helmer refers specifically to details of documents and speeches, and also unlike pretty much all Western YouTube commentators, has access to high-level sources in Russia, including on the General Staff. 2 The fact that Kiev might think this is a trap in its game of information warfare does not mean that an assessment of risks and benefits means Russia should refrain from retaliation for that reason. I can see the point in Scott Ritter terms, that Russia does not want Ukraine driving its OODA loop. But that does not argue for no retaliation, just no immediate retaliation. Russia should pick advantageous times and means. 3 See at 28:30: Kellogg: What happened this weekend..people have to understand in the national security space when you attack uh an opponents part of their national survival system which is their triad the nuclear triad that means your risk level goes up because you dont know what the other sides going to do. Youre not sure. And thats what they actually did. And the one that really concerned me was the fact that there may have been reports uh that they attacked the naval the northern fleet headquarters in Severomorsk . And if thats the case, if when you attack two legs of a triad that first of all, it was a very bold attack. Um and when you do that, its very clear the risk levels will go up. And I think thats what were trying to avoid. Were trying to get to a position where the risk levels have blown so high that this thing will expand and actually where we dont want to be. Helmer pointed out the attack on the fleet did not happen. 4 Helmers examples: Yves here. The Anglosphere press has noticed that the US is in more than a small pickle with respect to its tariffs on China and its stalled (per Treasury Secretary Bessent) negotiations on a trade deal. As well see below, Trump has a less acute but similar set of problems with Mexico due to the level of bilateral energy trade. As is typical for Trump, he didnt understand what hed agreed to with the China retreat on his Liberation Day tariffs. China agreed to end the suspension of rare earths shipments to the US. Apparently the resumption of that trade has been slower than the US wants, which could be China slow-walking to make a point or could be bureaucratic problems as China claims. Contra Trumps fantasies, you cant turn these procedures off and on like a water tap. However, what was lost on Trump and his team of amateurs was that China agreed to resume rare earths shipments only with respect to the US, and made no commitments regarding US multinationals operations abroad or foreign suppliers of intermediate products to the US. We featured this tweetstorm in Links earlier but it is worth revisiting: 2. Which means that the loopholes of buying through South Korea and Japan is finally closed. Now they are desperate, my guess is this export control has started taking their toll on the US and their stockpiles is critically low. Its actually amazing when you think about it Miss Li (@MissQuanyi18) June 2, 2025 4. China has decided to permanently hamper advanced weaponry production. This is of fundamental importance. To me, this rare earth magnet export ban is so important that I wouldnt give it up even for EUV lithography. Hagseth said yesterday that the US will defend Taiwan Miss Li (@MissQuanyi18) June 2, 2025 6. Processing facilities. China already mastered the tech behind making magnets for EV motors that can operate at 200C. The west are at least a decade behind China is processing technology pic.twitter.com/FLaaJg2A03 Miss Li (@MissQuanyi18) June 2, 2025 No wonder Trump is whinging that it is tough to negotiate with Xi. Why should he when the US has been threatening loudly in public that China is the US biggest geostrategic threat and our military needs to pivot to the East to cut them down to size? More own goals with respect to China: Trump made an insane blunder that has driven countries around the world into the arms of the Chinese. Trump has destroyed trade relationships, and China has stepped in and left the US out in the cold. Xi doesnt need deals with the US, he has deals around the world that Trump Alex Cole (@acnewsitics) June 4, 2025 There is a very decent chance that Ford and General Motors are going to have to open brand new factories in *China* as a result of Trumps trade war. SNL couldnt write a script this ridiculous at this point. pic.twitter.com/gxUmmeYkrO Spencer Hakimian (@SpencerHakimian) June 4, 2025 Now to the Mexico energy trade part of the equation. By Haley Zaremba, a writer and journalist based in Mexico City. Originally published at OilPrice The United States and Mexico have a vital energy trade relationship, with U.S. natural gas exports to Mexico increasing dramatically in recent decades, creating a high level of economic interdependence. Experts argue that the energy trade between the U.S. and Mexico is so crucial for both nations economies that it may be largely shielded from tariff threats, which are possibly being used for diplomatic leverage. The U.S. strategy of near-shoring its energy supply chains heavily involves Mexico, making the maintenance of good relations between the two countries leaders essential for both nations economic and energy goals. Tariff whiplash under the Trump administration has raised a lot of concerns about the United States relationship with its first- and second-largest trading partners, Canada and Mexico. This is especially true for energy trade, which all members of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) depend on to keep their economies healthy. Experts contend that recognizing the vital role of energy trade for all parties, and strengthening those relationships, is critical in these volatile times. While this is true for all of North America, it is particularly true of the energy trade relationship between the United States and Mexico, which has massively expanded in recent decades. In January of this year, pipeline exports of natural gas from the United States to Mexico reached a whopping 199.2 billion cubic feet. That marks a more-than ten-fold increase since 2012, and a nearly 200-fold increase since 1990. This rapid growth has made the two economies more inextricably interlinked than ever before. Because of the scale and rapid expansion of this relationship, the United States and Mexico both need a healthy energy trade relationship for their respective economic well being, according to experts. For Mexico, reliable access to competitively priced U.S. energy is essential to sustaining economic growth, enabling industrial competitiveness and stabilizing the electric grid, states a recent opinion piece from The Hill, written by Duncan Wood. At the same time, for the U.S., Mexico has become an indispensable customer, so much so that any downturn in Mexican demand would ripple through U.S. refineries, gas producers and the infrastructure companies that have built pipelines and terminals to serve the southern market, Wood continues. This means that tariffs could pose a major threat to what is a foundational piece of the continental trade agreement and economy. But it could also mean that the tariffs never really stood a chance. In April of this year, Carlos Guadarrama, a senior energy consultant at the World Bank, said that energy trade between the two countries is so integrated and important that it is essentially shielded from tariffs, and implied that Trumps tariff rope-a-dope with Mexico is founded on empty threats. I dont think the tariffs will impact bilateral energy trade because at this point, weve seen the U.S. threaten tariffs on Mexico several times, Guadarrama told Natural Gas Intelligence. I think Trump is using the tariffs as a threatening mechanism so that the Mexican government complies with the U.S. on other requests and areas of interest beyond energy, and I personally dont think they will have any effect in bilateral trade when it comes to energy, he went on to say. This means that the two new presidents of the United States and Mexico, Donald Trump and Claudia Sheinbaum, will need to maintain good relations and a high level of diplomacy if the United States wants to keep making money off of Mexicos grid, and Mexico wants to keep growing its own economy using relatively cheap and abundant American energy imports. What is more, maintaining energy trade relations with Mexico is paramount to the United States own energy strategy, which is moving away from global supply chains and toward friend-shoring and near-shoring. Around this time last year, the Atlantic Council reported that cooperation between the two new regimes in the United States and Mexico would be critical for loosening trade reliance on China. The United States plans for nearshoring its energy supply chains moving their lines of production closer to home feature Mexico prominently. At that time, when the potential outcome of the United States election was still the subject of much debate, the Atlantic Council advised that The United States should seize the opportunity to work with the incoming Sheinbaum administration to strengthen the Mexican energy sector, thereby enabling supply chain security gains through nearshoring. So far, Trump has worked against Mexico as much as with them. But with such complementary mutually beneficial energy market needs, he may just be blowing smoke. Escaping groupthink: What animals behavioral quirks reveal about the brain The Transmitter The Problem with Dating Apps Uncharted Territories Private Equity Vampires Suck How Things Work Stick with the Doers Working Class Storytelling Climate/Environment Impact of heatwave amplitude, duration, and timing on parasite fitness at different baseline temperatures PLOS Climate. Results show that heatwaves can alter parasite burden up to 13-fold, whereby amplitude, duration, and timing can interact with baseline temperature. Pandemics I feel the need to say this again of all the possible scenarios for this pandemic completely ignoring it in fact making it a taboo subject was not one which ever remotely occurred to me. Not once. I still am finding it hard to believe. Emma Weisblatt (@Oldboatie) June 4, 2025 Water A Song for the Cahaba River Inside Climate News China? Syraqistan Old Blighty European Disunion New Not-So-Cold War Comment by Aide to the President Yury Ushakov on the outcomes of Vladimir Putins telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump The Kremlin Laffaire Epstein Jeffrey Epstein Invested With Peter Thiel, and His Estate Is Reaping Millions New York Times Liberation Day US economic activity declines as tariffs pressure prices, Fed says Business Times Trump 2.0 Democrats en Deshabille is the theory here that we WANT trump to double down on his worst ideas and refuse to negotiate off-ramps? https://t.co/I7aR97exEs Nathan J Robinson (@NathanJRobinson) June 3, 2025 Gillibrands dual role: The Republican-friendly Democratic campaign chief Semafor. The New York senator talked to Semafor about balancing her partys push to retake the majority with bipartisan work on pro-crypto legislation. Centrist Democrats want a fight with the left Semafor Liberalisms Two Sides The Nation DOGE Brad Smith makes billions off Medicare & Medicaid. And for the first 100 days of this administration, he also controlled them. Americans deserve answers on that conflict of interest. https://t.co/5Z42BhtzE0 pic.twitter.com/RsUjRLfguB Jake Auchincloss (@JakeAuch) June 3, 2025 MAHA FDAs AI tool for medical devices struggles with simple tasks NBC News Big Brother is Watching You Watch Apple Gave Governments Data on Thousands of Push Notifications 404 Media Wars Come Home Immigration Judge temporarily blocks Trump administration from deporting family of suspect in Boulder attack CBS News Looks like weve reached a boiling point when it comes to ICE. Today in Minneapolis, a militarized federal task force raided the beloved Lake Street taqueria, Las Cuatro Milpasand the community was not having it. Agents from ICE, the DEA, FBI, ATF, IRS, and HHS rolled up pic.twitter.com/RiXjMaoFA7 Christopher Webb (@cwebbonline) June 4, 2025 AI Our Famously Free Press The Washington Post Is Secretly Planning to Start Publishing Articles Created Using AI Futurism Imperial Collapse Watch Toxic Bomb Trains Silicon Valley Class Warfare The Art of Organizing Labor Politics Fisher of Men The Baffler. Before Trotsky, Robespierre, and Thomas Paine, a revolutionary fishmonger named Masaniello took Naples in the name of the peoplefor nine whole days. Antidote du jour (via): See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here. Yves here. Rajiv Sethi outlines why the Trump efforts to destroy US higher education can only be partly checked via litigation, even assuming the universities win all their cases. Sethi offers Norway using its sovereign wealth fund to bulk up as an academic magnet. This is creative but far fetched. Sethi also mentions, The faculty are the beating heart of every university. Yet irresponsible boards allowed the adminisphere to rule the roost, pushing DEI and speech conformity initiatives beyond the level most academics would have implemented. These campaigns justified more adminsphere empire-building and assertions of their importance. There is a book to be written about this stealth takeover by administrators and how faculties were outflanked. But their negligence in beating back this competing power center is big part of why university costs spiked, making it much more of a class-based system than before. That plus the visibility and aggressive policing of wokeism made it an easy target. Mind you, Vance would have made the attack he did below regardless, but the universities erred massively by adopting and enforcing a world-view of inclusivity that largely excluded the working class and was openly hostile to white men.1 By Rajiv Sethi, professor of economics at Barnard College. Originally published at his website None of the blows that have been inflicted on American higher education over the past few months were unanticipated. Every single one of themthe cancellation of grants and contracts, the suspension of visa issuance, the filing of civil and criminal complaints, and the withdrawal of accreditationwere explicitly predicted months before the administration took office. Furthermore, these initiatives have all been taken in service of a vision that was clearly articulated four years ago: There is no way for a conservative to accomplish our vision of society unless were willing to strike at the heart of the beast. Thats the universities Unless were willing to de-institutionalize the left in those institutionsor destroy the institutionsabsent thatwe are going to continue to make the most powerful academic actors in our society actively aligned against us. The only way to work is to actually take some of these institutions over. These remarks were made by JD Vance on a podcast episode; similar sentiments were expressed in a more formal setting a few months later. This was well before the attacks of October 7, and the encampments, building occupations, and classroom disruptions that followed. Consistent with this bleak vision, our leading research universities are in the process of being taken over under threat of being destroyed. The claims that they are hotbeds of antisemitism or unwitting agents of foreign influence, whatever their merits, are clearly pretextual. Furthermore, there is little that can be done through litigation to interrupt this process. Some of the most consequential federal decisions lie outside the scope of judicial review. A court might prevent the cancellation of existing grants or the revocation of previously-issued visas, but cannot force funding agencies or consular officials to approve any specific application in the future. And the messages being sent to funding agencies at home and embassies abroad are crystal clear. If the administration continues along this path, American leadership in higher education will be lost for good. Faculty will be up for grabs in a global marketplace for scholars, and students will follow them wherever they land. And if a critical mass assembles in one particular region, agglomeration effects could fuel its rise and entrench its position. This is how American dominance of this sector (as well as the motion picture, software, and live theater industries) was established in the first place. There has been a lot of attention recently to the possibility that the major beneficiary of this unraveling will be China, which is aggressively pursuing scholars and students. For example, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology has institutedunconditional offers, streamlined admission procedures, and academic support for all current Harvard undergraduates seeking to transfer, as well as those holding confirmed offers of acceptance. And a Nobel laureate who had a federal grant frozen received an offer of twenty years of guaranteed funding at any city, any university of his choice within hours of posting his concerns on social media. There have indeed been some high profile departures of scholars from the US to China, but I suspect that this particular pathway will be traveled largely by those in scientific and technical fields, and those who already have social connections in the region. What China cannot offer under current conditions, especially to scholars in the humanities and social scientists, is a commitment to academic freedom that faculty value immensely, and that is essential for their work. If China cannot displace the United States atop the global higher education hierarchy, who can? There are really two quite separate components to American dominance of this sectora research infrastructure that draws aspiring scholars, and a broad and deep four-year degree that attracts academically inclined high school students. The connection between these components is tight, and our leading universities cater to both types of demands. The graduate divisions generate a steady stream of research-focused academics, as well as a population of teacher-scholars who join undergraduate-facing institutions. If some other country or region is to truly challenge American leadership in higher education, it will have to build on both these fronts. In an earlier post (and a podcast appearance) I argued that the only country that has both the resources and the capacity to make credible commitments regarding academic freedom is Norway. The country is small, with fewer people than New York City, but its sovereign wealth fund is larger than the combined endowments of all American universities. Together with its Scandinavian neighbors, it has very deep roots in higher education and scholarly inquiry. If it chooses to make major investments in a system of undergraduate colleges and research universities based on the American model, the returns over the next few decades would be substantial. Some defenders of the administrations actions against Harvard have argued that other American universities can be the recipients of talent and ideas the beneficiaries of Harvards misfortune. But this misunderstands the position in which faculty find themselves. If the goal really is to take over or destroy American universities, then all of them are potential targets. Some will be taken over, and some destroyed. From the perspective of most faculty, a loss of institutional autonomy is tantamount to destruction. Moving from one institution to another facing comparable risks makes little sense. The faculty are the beating heart of every university. They are the magnets attracting undergraduate students and aspiring researchers from every corner of the world. Where they go, others will follow. Germany surrendered its leadership of the research frontier by purging faculty on ethnic and political grounds. I fear that we are on the precipice of following this abominable example. American universities are hardly beyond reproach, and there are many legitimate reasons for the cratering of public confidence in them. But they are also engaged in serious reflection and reform, not all of it in response to external pressures. And they really are a jewel in our economic crown, fueling productivity growth and generating significant service exports. The federal government is powerful enough to destroy them, and to scatter their remains worldwide. But doing so would be a strategic blunder of historic proportions. _____ 1 I trust I do not have to prove this point. I am not about to track it down, but I recall reading 5-10 years ago that amounted to declaring any man guilty in a conversation with a women due to the history of rape and gender oppression, that the dynamics of domination were ever and always present. This was not that extreme a view by the standards of the day. Playing at Bonnaroo 7 p.m. Friday, June 13, at This Tent 12:15 a.m. Saturday, June 14, at This Tent 6:15 p.m. Sunday, June 15 at Which Stage On June 17, 2022, the sweat-soaked members of King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard closed out their midnight Bonnaroo set with a 13-minute rendition of The Dripping Tap, which opens their then-new double album Omnium Gatherum. After the final strum dissolved into feedback, frontman Stu Mackenzie and guitarist Joey Walker shouted several breathy thank-yous and bye-byes into microphones doused in fuzz and echo. You can hear all this for yourself on Live at Bonnaroo 22, the album they released of the set. On their second visit to The Farm, following up a ferocious debut in 2015, the Aussie psych-rock six-piece cemented themselves as the new apex predator of Bonnaroo performers. This year, the band returns to Manchester for a new challenge: the inaugural Roo Residency. Bonnaroovians will be treated to three opportunities to catch King Gizz, with one two-hour set apiece on Friday and Saturday at This Tent and a one-hour slot Sunday evening on Which Stage. Stakes are high and rest is limited for the band in the days leading up to the festival. On June 10, just days before their weekend-long Roo trip commences, theyll play the final show of their European residency series a run of three-night stands over about a month in cities across the continent in Bulgaria. Bassist Lucas Harwood explains that their plans for the time in between are, quite literally, up in the air. I think its literally, like, three flights in a very short period of time, Harwood tells the Scene on a call from home in Australia ahead of the tour. Theres no easy way to get from Bulgaria to Manchester. It seems kind of random not really on the way home for us. But [we] want to come back to Bonnaroo and do something special. +8 J. Cole Stands Tall, The Chicks Stand Strong at Bonnaroo Friday at Bonnaroo included memorable returns from alums like King Gizzard, outstanding sets from newcomers like Isaiah Rashad and more The first show of their Roo Residency coincides with the release of their 27th studio album, the orchestra-driven Phantom Island. Thatll be interesting, quips Harwood, referring to the hectic schedule for release day. Well have to make sure weve scheduled our social posts. King Gizz thrives on go-with-the-flow methodology, and Harwood says the sextet will likely be fleshing out their plans for the weekends sets until they arrive on The Farm. Despite the timing, he doesnt expect Phantom Island songs to make much of an appearance the orchestral arrangements are integral to them, and Harwood notes that live performances would be incomplete without the full ensembles that theyll share the stage with on their summer U.S. tour. The group does hope to incorporate the table full of synths and other electronic gear theyve been using in the experimental rave sets that followed their 2023 record The Silver Cord. Still, theyre planning to focus primarily on what develops during the European residency to guide their Bonnaroo gigs. I think thats what were waiting for, you know? says Harwood. Were not 100 percent sure what were gonna do yet, but that keeps it interesting for us and the fans as well. It makes it a cool surprise. Harwood and the rest of the group are also anticipating the time they wont be onstage. He hopes to make his way off The Farm for a bit to scope out skate parks in the vicinity. Australias own Dom Dolla and Royel Otis are among his personal must-sees during the festival, along with U.S. rock aces The Lemon Twigs and Mannequin Pussy; luckily, it wont be hard to catch any of them, since King Gizzards schedule lines up just right. And just as importantly with a wide-ranging festival like Bonnaroo, Harwood is setting aside hours for just getting lost amid the churning bustle that spreads out over the sites 700-plus acres. A Marion County grand jury returned a 10-count indictment Tuesday afternoon of Robert Gene Hargis, chief detective of the Marion County Sheriff's Office since 1996. 12th Judicial District Attorney General Courtney Lynch requested that the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation examine possibly forged signatures on sex offender registry forms. According to a TBI news release, as the countys sex offender registry compliance officer, Hargis was responsible for obtaining the required signatures from registered offenders to confirm legal compliance. Through the course of the investigation agents determined several of the signatures on sex offender documents were falsified. The felony indictment includes eight counts of tampering with government records and two misdemeanor counts of official misconduct. Hargis turned himself in to the Marion County Jail, where he was released after posting a $25,000 bond. As reported by the Scene two weeks ago, Hargis also sits on the Marion County Commission and the Planning Commission, where he has an unblemished history of approving plats, variations and requests related to River Gorge Ranch, a luxury housing development built by John Thunder Thornton above a honeycomb of abandoned coal mines on Aetna Mountain. At a contentious 2024 commission meeting where the potential danger of mine fires was discussed, Hargis volunteered, perhaps inadvertently, When I first started working the sheriffs department, wed be up there, and you could warm your hands by [the rocks] in the wintertime. At the time, county Mayor David Jackson, who also sits on the commission and chairs the planning commission, put a hand to his forehead and shook his head as the detectives comment sparked stories of fires on Et-knee around the room. The mayor was probably rubbing that forehead again Tuesday afternoon, although he refused comment regarding the ongoing case against Hargis. A commissioner who requested anonymity speculates that Hargis would likely retain his seats on both commissions, at least until his case plays out in court. At the last commission meeting, held on May 27, local resident and longtime sheriffs department critic Thomas Morgan spoke against a proposed agreement for a multicounty drug task force, saying that because a portion of funds from drug seizures is returned to Marion County, You are profiting from a system that routinely violates peoples constitutional rights. He also cited Hargis and other commissioners with law enforcement connections as having a conflict of interest in voting on the task force agreement. In April, Cody Smith, a former director of the force, pleaded guilty to two counts of meth possession and was found to have misappropriated $7,000 in seized funds. Despite past problems and Morgans comments, Hargis and all but two commissioners voted to renew the task force agreement. Meanwhile, unconfirmed rumors of further TBI and FBI investigations and pending arrests have spread like a mine fire among residents of Jasper, the county seat. Neither agency, however, has responded to requests for information regarding investigations in Marion County as of this writing. Senators questioned Whitney Hermandorfer Wednesday in a committee hearing an early step in the Nashville attorneys path to a lifetime appointment on the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals. Hermandorfer, a rising star in conservative legal circles, was raised in Franklin and attended the Harpeth Hall school, Princeton University and George Washington University Law School before earning several prestigious clerkships with conservative jurists. President Donald Trump appointed Hermandorfer for the appellate seat left vacant by outgoing federal judge Jane Branstetter Stranch, an Obama appointee who plans to take senior status at the regional appellate court. Former President Joe Biden had nominated Nashville attorney Karla Campbell for the seat in June, only to have Senate Democrats give up her confirmation in a deal with Republicans. As one of 13 regional appellate courts that sit just below the U.S. Supreme Court in the federal judiciary, the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals fields cases appealed from federal district courts in Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio and Michigan. Senate Deal Ends Campbell's Path to 6th Circuit Chamber swap leaves powerful appellate bench seat open for Trump, ending nomination process for Nashville attorney Karla Campbell Hermandorfer previously clerked for three sitting Supreme Court justices Samuel Alito, Amy Coney Barrett and Brett Kavanaugh and remains highly connected to conservative legal networks, including the Federalist Society, which she has represented at multiple recent events. Before attending law school, Hermandorfer worked as a research assistant at the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative think tank in Washington, D.C. In 2023, Hermandorfer joined Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmettis new Strategic Litigation Unit, a handpicked team focused on appealing and arguing constitutional matters, as its first director. Her work at the Tennessee Attorney Generals office includes defending the states broad abortion ban and leading the states arguments in Tennessee v. Cardona, in which the state sued to prevent an effort by the Biden administration to expand Title IX protections to include gender identity. Under Skrmetti, the state has frequently been a party to, or publicly supportive of, efforts to advance Republicans social and political agenda. This includes defending the states ban on certain gender-affirming health care for youth in U.S. v Skrmetti, which is still pending in front of the Supreme Court. Senators also questioned Hermandorfer about Tennessees amicus brief in Trump v. Casa, Inc. supporting the presidents executive order challenging birthright citizenship. In Wednesday's hearing, Democrats focused on the relative lack of experience Hermandorfer, who graduated law school 10 years ago, brings to the federal bench. They also pushed Hermandorfer to agree that the executive branch, including the president, was subject to court orders, and outlining various constitutional-crisis scenarios, asked her whether she would defend the rule of law over executive power. If there is a judgment issued by a court, as to the parties, that binds the parties, Hermandorfer told Sen. Dick Durbin with regard to the courts authority. The way to go about your business if you disagree is a stay, emergency relief or appellate review. Republican defenders including Tennessee's senior U.S. senator and Senate Judiciary Committee member Marsha Blackburn, who introduced Hermandorfer pointed to her star-studded clerkship resume and commitment to originalist jurisprudence. If the meaning of the text, at the time it was adopted or enacted, was clear, then that is the meaning that fixes your interpretation and governs the legal issue that might be before the court, Hermandorfer explained to Blackburn midway through the hearing. While Skrmetti released a statement in May calling Hermandorfer a rock star, civil and reproductive rights advocacy groups oppose Hermandorfers nomination, citing her history arguing against abortion access, birthright citizenship and environmental protections and in favor of expanded executive power. At a time when so many of our fundamental civil rights are under attack, we need to trust that our judges will impartially and fairly rule on cases without bias or animus, reads a letter sent to senators from the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. Unfortunately, a careful review of Ms. Hermandorfers record shows a demonstrated hostility towards our civil and human rights that is disqualifying for a judicial nominee. The Senate Judiciary Committee has not scheduled a vote to advance Hermandorfers appointment to the Senate floor for confirmation, though the Republican-controlled chamber is expected to approve Hermandorfers lifetime appointment to the federal bench. What theyre not telling you: Chinas new DeepSeek censors even more than old models China's DeepSeek releases advanced AI model R1-0528, rivaling Western systems but heavily censoring political criticism and human rights issues. The model systematically blocks questions on Chinas political abuses, including Xinjiang internment camps and issues like Taiwan, citing sensitivity. Tests reveal the model avoids direct criticism of the Chinese government, often redirecting to neutral or technical topics instead of addressing sensitive queries. While open-source and theoretically modifiable, its current implementation enforces strict censorship aligned with Beijings regulations. Experts warn the model symbolizes risks of authoritarian tech integration, challenging global tech ethics and free speech principles. On the heels of Chinas latest technological blitz, the release of DeepSeeks R1-0528 AI model has sent shockwaves through the global tech communityfor both its cutting-edge capabilities and its blatant censorship of politically sensitive topics. Released May 29 by the Chinese AI startup, R1-0528 promises to rival Western supermodels like OpenAIs o3 in math, programming, and factual recall. Yet buried beneath its technical prowess is a disturbing reality: this open-source tool is one of the most tightly restricted AI systems ever analyzed, refusing to address even documented Chinese government abuses like the Xinjiang internment camps. While marketed as community-driven, the models architecture is a reflection of Beijings iron-fisted control over information. Testing by developer xlr8harder, who exposed DeepSeeks censorship mechanisms through custom tool SpeechMap, revealed R1-0528 is the most censored DeepSeek model yet for criticism of the Chinese government. In a X thread, the developer wrote: Deepseek deserves criticism for this release: This model is a big step backward for free speech. Far from passing as neutral technology, R1-0528 frequently sidestrode or outright denied prompting on topics like Uyghur persecution. Even when acknowledging human rights abuses, it feigned neutrality, as xlr8harder noted: Its interesting, though not entirely surprising, that its able to come up with the camps as an example of human rights abuses, but denies when asked directly. However, xlr8harder acknowledged that its open source nature could provide an opportunity to course correct some of the bias, noting, Ameliorating this is that the model is open source with a permissive license, so the community can (and will) address this. A model built for control Behind R1-0528s facade of open-source transparency lies a system designed first and foremost to toe the Communist Party line. Chinas 2023 AI regulation demands models not damage "the unity of the country and social harmony, a loophole used to scrub content critical of state actions. As xlr8harder documented, the model complies by either refusing controversial prompts or parroting state-approved narratives. When asked to evaluate whether Chinese leader Xi Jinping should be removed from power, the model replied that the question was too sensitive and political to answer. Such censorship is systemic. A Hugging Face study found 85% of questions about Chinese politics were blocked by earlier DeepSeek models. Now, R1-0528 raises the bar, deleting answers mid-generation. Wired observed DeepSeeks iOS app canceling an essay on censored journalists, replacing it with a plea to chat about math, coding, and logic instead. While Chinas tech propaganda machine touts R1-0528 as proof of its AI success, the truth is murkier. Reuters reports that the updates minor technical improvements, including a 45% reduction in AI-generated falsehoods, were overshadowed by its polite refusal to address Xinjiang, Taiwan, or Tiananmen. R1-0528s contempt for basic freedoms, combined with its stunning technical potential, reveals a dangerous paradox. This machine is more than a tool; its a harbinger of a future where authoritarian governments squirrel their way into global tech ecosystems, packaging censorship as openness. The stakes are nothing less than the soul of the internet. Will users swallow Chinas AI with its political strings still attached? Or will this outliers biased architecture finally alert the world to the cost of technological progress achieved under a dictatorship? Sources for this article include: ReclaimTheNet.org TechCrunch.com Wired.com Reuters.com Citigroup reverses firearm policy amid political backlash and GOP pressure: Balancing safety and free markets Citigroup lifts seven-year policy restricting firearm industry services after political backlash. Policy, introduced post-Parkland shooting, targeted age restrictions, background checks and certain firearms. The reversal follows President Donald Trumps allegations of partisan banking bias and GOP-led debanking controversies. Gun rights advocates praise the decision; gun control groups condemn it as threats to public safety. Banks deny political motives, citing regulatory compliance over ideology. Citigroup announced Tuesday that it would eliminate its firearms banking restrictions, introduced after the 2018 Parkland school massacre, following escalating Republican accusations of partisan banking practices. The move comes as Wall Street faces intensifying scrutiny over debanking the closure of accounts for perceived political or ideological reasons and pressure from President Donald Trump, who has made financial access a centerpiece of his administrations cultural agenda. The 2018 policy prohibited clients from selling firearms to buyers under 21, banning bump stocks and high-capacity magazines, and mandated background checks. It applied to business clients, including gun retailers and manufacturers. The bank now states it will update its employee conduct guidelines to explicitly prohibit political discrimination, aligning with its non-discrimination stance on race, religion and other traits. The origins of Citigroups 2018 firearms policy: Parklands aftermath and gun control momentum Citigroup first adopted the policy in March 2018, weeks after a 19-year-old shooter killed 17 students and staff at Parklands Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Then-Citi Executive Vice President Ed Skyler emphasized the policys prudent risk management goal, stating, As a company, we feel we must do our part to curb gun violence. The policy required commercial clients to avoid sales to minors under 21, reject bump stocks (infamously used in the 2017 Las Vegas massacre) and restrict high-capacity magazines. However, critics argue such measures disproportionately targeted legal gun retailers without addressing broader systemic issues. Skyler noted in a Tuesday blog post that many retailers had already adopted the best practices, rendering the policy redundant. Gun rights advocates swiftly commended Citis reversal, framing it as a victory against corporate overreach. Conservative commentator Dan Frieth called the original policy politically motivated discrimination, while Citis update mirrors broader GOP demands for banks to reject ideological litmus tests. Political fallout and the debanking debate: Trumps influence on bank policies The policy reversal underscores divisions between corporate America and Republican leaders over financial transparency. Months of GOP rhetoric, fueled by accusations that banks are shutting out conservatives, led President Trump to directly challenge CEOs at the World Economic Forum earlier this year, declaring, Enough is enough with shutting down conservative accounts. Bank of America and JPMorgan Chase both denied political bias, insisting closures rely solely on regulatory compliance. We welcome conservatives and have no political litmus test, Bank of America spokesperson stated. Citis shift also coincides with legislative efforts to prevent debanking. Texas recently passed laws barring banks from restricting lawful businesses, and Congress is debating similar protections. Ed Skyler cited these regulatory developments and federal legislation as key factors in ending the policy. Gun rights group the U.S. Concealed Carry Association praised the decision, citing victory over corporate censorship. However, March for Our Lives, founded by Parkland survivors, condemned the move as a cav[alier] prioritization of politics over safety. Executive Director Jackie Corin stated, Citi just chose appeasing Donald Trump over protecting the lives of kids, referencing her firsthand Parkland trauma. Broader implications: A crossroads for corporate ethics and political accountability Citis U-turn highlights the growing challenge for banks balancing safety, regulation and political neutrality. While financial institutions insist decisions hinge on compliance, critics argue selective enforcement masks ideological bias. Legal scholars note that corporate anti-gun policies have historically faced little legal challenge, but pending legislation could redefine boundaries. Analysts warn banks to brace for further scrutiny, particularly if state laws like Texass gain momentum. The debate also reveals partisan fissures over Second Amendment rights. Supporters of the reversal argue it restores trust in markets, while critics fear reduced oversight jeopardizes safety. A symbolic victory in the culture wars Citigroups reversal is less about commerce than cultural symbolism. By abandoning a politically contentious policy, the bank aligns with GOP rhetoric against corporate influence and capitalizes on a political moment where Republican voters demand ideological solidarity over risk management. As Citi states, we do not discriminate on the basis of political affiliation. Yet the culture war rages on: while gun retailers welcome the policys end, gun control advocates vow to press forward with legislative successes. The clash underscores a deeper truth banking decisions today are increasingly becoming battlegrounds in Americas polarized debate over rights, regulation and political influence. Sources for this article include: ReclaimTheNet.org NBCNews.com Finance.Yahoo.com Photo: https://www.facebook.com/RedCrossUkraine The Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) has assisted rescuers in areas affected by the Russian nighttime drone attack on Kharkiv. "This night, Kharkiv was hit again... Together with other city rescue services, volunteers from the Ukrainian Red Cross rapid response team in the Kharkiv region worked at the scene of the emergency. They inspected damaged houses and surrounding areas, and conducted house-to-house searches to identify victims," the URCS reported on Facebook on Thursday. Volunteers provided first aid to the victims. A URCS aid station was set up at the scene, where volunteers provided hot drinks, water, and psychological support. Volunteers are currently providing humanitarian aid to the victims (film for temporarily covering broken windows, tarpaulin, hygiene kits, water). As reported, 18 people, including four children, were injured as a result of a massive nighttime attack by enemy UAVs on Kharkiv. EU Commission opens public consultation on controversial data retention plan The European Commission has opened a public consultation on creating a new EU-wide data retention framework, aiming to support criminal investigations by requiring telecom and digital service providers to store user metadata. The proposal targets non-content data such as IP addresses, location, timestamps and subscriber details, which the Commission claims are crucial for law enforcement efforts. Privacy advocates warn the plan risks reviving mass surveillance, noting that the European Court of Justice has repeatedly ruled against indiscriminate metadata retention due to its infringement on fundamental rights. The Commission argues that inconsistent national laws hinder cross-border investigations, justifying the need for a unified EU approach even as internal assessments and past rulings highlight legal risks. While initial steps may include voluntary guidelines, the Commission does not rule out future legislation mandating metadata retention under the European Electronic Communications Code, despite strong public opposition and legal uncertainty. The European Commission has launched a public consultation on a proposed new European Union (EU)-wide data retention framework. According to a statement accompanying the launch, the Commission argued that to "effectively combat and prosecute criminal offenses," police and judicial authorities may require access to certain types of connection and location data from electronic communication service providers. Without explicit obligations to store such metadata for a defined period, the Commission warns that crucial evidence could be lost. (Related: EU authorities slap Meta with record $1.3B fine for data privacy law violations.) Stakeholders across the EU, including telecom providers, civil rights organizations and the general public have until June 18 to submit their feedback. Notably, the Commission's current consultation document avoids direct reference to these legal constraints, even as it acknowledges that there is "currently no EU-wide legal framework" in place. The Commission stresses that most member states have their own national data retention laws, but the lack of harmonization poses significant obstacles for police and judicial cooperation, particularly in cross-border investigations. The proposal is framed within the EU's broader Internal Security Strategy, with the Commission pledging to present a detailed roadmap for future action in this domain later this year. The Commission insists that its focus is not on the content of communications, but rather on metadata such as subscriber information, transmission logs, device location and time stamps, "crucial for most criminal investigations." Furthermore, the Commission seeks to guarantee the availability of such metadata while upholding EU standards on fundamental rights, cybersecurity and the integrity of the internal market. The consultation document suggests that initial steps could include non-binding measures, such as common guidelines on minimum retention periods and technical standards. However, it does not rule out future legislation to impose binding requirements on service providers. Metadata retention plan rekindles privacy fears Privacy advocates have warned that the proposal risks reviving mass surveillance under a new guise. The Commission launched the public consultation amid repeated and unequivocal European Court of Justice (ECJ) rulings that such blanket data collection violates EU law. In a landmark 2014 ruling, the ECJ struck down the EU's Data Retention Directive, calling it a "serious interference with fundamental rights" due to its indiscriminate nature and lack of safeguards. Subsequent judgments, including one in 2020, reaffirmed the illegality of blanket data retention practices even when fighting serious crime. An internal Commission analysis leaked in 2023 warned that efforts to reintroduce mass data collection under different names like "communications metadata screening" would likely fail legal tests for necessity and proportionality. Despite this, the Commission insists that a lack of harmonized EU rules hampers cross-border criminal investigations. It claims that often, "the necessary data is no longer available when the investigation is conducted" due to inconsistent national retention laws. The current initiative leaves several paths open. These include non-binding tools, such as standardized forms for data requests and binding legislative options, potentially under the European Electronic Communications Code. Under the latter, service providers could be compelled to retain various forms of metadata, including IP addresses, device identifiers and subscriber records, for a duration calibrated by the type of crime being investigated. While the Commission promises "adequate safeguards" to protect user privacy, critics argue that no technical or legal safeguards can fully mitigate the risks of building large, centralized datasets of personal behavior. Visit PrivacyWatch.news for more stories similar to this. Watch this video to learn how the EARN IT Act, which has been introduced three times in Congress, wants to end privacy. This video is on the What is Happening channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: EU slaps Meta with antitrust charges for allegedly squeezing out classified ad rivals. Meta CEO Zuckerberg admits Biden administration's censorship demands were ILLEGAL, but Meta failed to fight back. Zuckerberg's META-FAKEBOOK censors anyone opposed to Israel's mass-murdering of Palestinians Now Meta faces LAWSUIT over bias and discrimination. U.S. lawmakers investigate Meta over alleged China collaboration. Meta employees, contractors fired for HIJACKING user accounts. Sources include: ReclaimtheNet.org Heise.de Brighteon.com Israel vows to annex West Bank, rejects Palestinian statehood amid rising tensions with France Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared plans to establish a "Jewish Israeli state" in the occupied West Bank, explicitly rejecting international calls for Palestinian statehood. French President Emmanuel Macron urged European nations to take a stronger stance against Israel's actions in Gaza and the West Bank, threatening sanctions over the humanitarian crisis and advocating conditional recognition of a Palestinian state as a "political necessity." Katz announced new illegal West Bank settlements as a direct response to Macron, framing the move as a security imperative and vowing Israel would not bow to international threats. Katz accused Macron of waging a "crusade against the Jewish state," dismissing claims of a Gaza aid blockade as "blatant lies" and alleging France was "rewarding terrorism" by pushing for Palestinian statehood. The Israeli Foreign Ministry linked Macron's stance to Hamas' approval, implying alignment with Israel's enemies, and vowed defiance: "Do not threaten us with sanctions... The State of Israel will not bow its head." Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has declared that Tel Aviv will establish a "Jewish Israeli state" in the occupied West Bank, rejecting Palestinian statehood in a defiant response to international pressure, particularly from France. French President Emmanuel Macron recently urged European nations to take a firmer stance against Israel's actions in Gaza and the West Bank. Macron warned that France could impose sanctions if the humanitarian crisis in Gaza persists. He then suggested that recognizing a Palestinian state, under certain conditions, is "not only a moral duty but a political necessity." France is reportedly considering such recognition ahead of a UN conference co-hosted with Saudi Arabia in mid-June to outline a roadmap for Palestinian statehood while ensuring the security of Israel. As a response, Katz promoted new illegal settlement projects in the West Bank as a direct rebuke to Macron. "They will recognize a Palestinian state on paper and we will build the Jewish-Israeli state on the ground. The paper will be thrown in the trash can of history and the State of Israel will flourish and prosper," the defense minister said in his speech on May 30. Referring to the territory by its biblical names, Judea and Samaria, Katz framed the expansion as a security imperative: "This is a historic moment for settlement in Judea and Samaria, which will bolster it as Israel's protective wall, and will also strengthen security in this region." Katz framed the policy as a "crushing response" to those seeking to "harm and weaken our hold on this region." "Do not threaten us with sanctions because you will not bring us to our knees. The State of Israel will not bow its head in the face of threats. We are a people with a long and glorious history. We will stand tall and continue to lead the State of Israel on a safe and strong path, until victory," he said. (Related: Israel declares major LAND GRAB in West Bank.) Katz accuses Macron of launching a "crusade against the Jewish state" Aside from rejecting Palestinian statehood, the Israeli Foreign Ministry escalated tensions further by accusing France of launching a "crusade against the Jewish state." In a post on his official account on X, Katz dismissed Macron's claims about the humanitarian aid blockade in Gaza as "blatant lies" and accused him of ignoring facts. "The facts do not interest Macron. There is no humanitarian blockade. That is a blatant lie. Israel is currently facilitating the entry of aid to Gaza through two parallel efforts," he posted, pointing to nearly 900 aid trucks entering Gaza this week and the distribution of over two million meals in four days through the newly established Gaza Humanitarian Fund. Moreover, Katz accused Macron of rewarding terrorism. "Instead of applying pressure on the jihadist terrorists, Macron wants to reward them with a Palestinian state. No doubt its national day will be Oct. 7." The ministry's statement concluded with a scathing rebuke: "It is against Israel, under attack on multiple fronts in an attempt to destroy it, that Macron seeks to impose sanctions. Hamas, for its part, has already praised Macron's statements. Hamas knows why." Follow Chaos.news for more news about Israel. Watch the video below about the ongoing West Bank settler expansion issue. This video is from the alltheworldsastage channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Israel threatens West Bank annexation if Europe recognizes Palestinian state. Israel to roll out automated "death machines" in West Bank. West Bank settlers burn trucks mistaken for Gaza aid shipments. Israel shifting more resources to West Bank amid escalating military operations. Masked Israeli mob launches deadly anti-Palestinian 'pogrom' in West Bank. Sources include: TheCradle.co TimesofIsrael.com Brighteon.com Laura Aboli: Why TRUTH and COURAGE are important in the battle for humanity A vocal critic of globalist and transhumanist agendas, Laura Aboli warns of threats to human freedom, sovereignty and dignity, urging resistance through awareness and unity. Her viral speech exposed the transhumanist agenda using psychological conditioning to normalize a dystopian, dehumanized future and rallied health professionals against pandemic-era overreach. Aboli identifies three key targets: dismantling national sovereignty (e.g., WHO's pandemic treaty), eroding financial independence (e.g., "The Great Taking") and eliminating bodily autonomy. Citing Yuval Noah Harari's rhetoric, she argues elites aim to reduce humans to "hackable animals," using technology to justify mass surveillance and compliance. Aboli urges individuals to protect assets (e.g., precious metals, privacy coins), educate others and join "Team Humanity" to resist anti-human systems and reclaim autonomy. In a world increasingly dominated by fear, censorship and a relentless push toward a transhumanist future, the voices of truth and courage are more vital than ever. One such voice is Laura Aboli, a prominent advocate for humanity and a staunch critic of the anti-human agendas that threaten our freedoms and dignity. Aboli sat down with the Health Ranger Mike Adams on the "Health Ranger Report" to discuss her insights on the globalist agenda, the rise of transhumanism and the urgent need for human resistance. Aboli's journey into the spotlight began with a powerful speech at The Better Way conference, organized by the World Council for Health. This event, held in the United Kingdom, brought together a coalition of doctors and health professionals who were alarmed by the erosion of civil rights and the questionable protocols implemented during the pandemic. Aboli's speech, which went viral, was a raw and honest exploration of the transhumanist agenda a future where humanity is manipulated and controlled through technology. Aboli described the conference as a gathering of individuals who recognized the need to counteract the prevailing narrative. Her presentation focused on the psychological conditioning that has left humanity in a state of weakness and helplessness, making the idea of transcending human limitations through technology seem like a viable solution. However, Aboli argued that this is a deliberate strategy to push humanity towards a dystopian reality where they are no longer truly human. Aboli's understanding of the globalist agenda is deeply rooted in her professional background. In 2000, she co-founded World Check, a company that created detailed profiles of individuals deemed to be of heightened risk. This work instilled in her a meticulous attention to detail and a knack for connecting the dots, skills that have proven crucial in her current mission. She explained that the globalist agenda is a multi-pronged attack on humanity, with three primary objectives: The destruction of national sovereignty, the dismantling of financial independence and the erosion of bodily autonomy. The new pandemic treaty of the World Health Organization (WHO), she warns, is a critical tool in this agenda. The treaty grants the global health body unprecedented power to declare health emergencies and impose mandates that override national laws. (Related: Pro-humanity advocate Laura Aboli: Globalists are carrying out their TRANSHUMANISM agenda to achieve a DYSTOPIAN future.) Push toward transhumanism Aboli also delved into the financial aspect of the globalist plan, referencing David Rogers Webb's book, "The Great Taking." This book outlines the legal and financial mechanisms that have been put in place to facilitate the greatest theft in human history. She emphasized that the concept of "you will own nothing" is not just a dystopian fantasy, but a carefully orchestrated plan. The structures are already in place, and all that is needed is a trigger such as a cyberattack to collapse the financial system and usher in the Great Reset. The third prong of the globalist agenda, according to Aboli, is the push toward transhumanism. Yuval Noah Harari once said that governments need to "get under our skin." Aboli expressed her disdain for Harari's views, which she sees as a blatant attempt to dehumanize and control humanity. She argued that the transhumanist agenda is a form of psychological manipulation, designed to make people believe that they are nothing more than "hackable animals" or "ape-brained meat sacks." Aboli urges everyone to join Team Humanity Aboli emphasized that this dehumanization is a critical component of the globalist plan. By stripping people of their humanity, they seek to justify their actions and make everyone more compliant with their dystopian vision. She called for a united front against this agenda, urging people to recognize the value of human life and the importance of defending our freedoms. "What is important is to become aware of the plan. And to spread word about it so that more and more of us become advocates for humanity, fighters against that dystopian future," Aboli said. "We need voices in the world to stand together, united against this horrific plan. It's important that people stop thinking that this is a conspiracy theory." Her message is clear: The battle for the future of the world is not about religion, skin color, gender or politics; it is about being pro-human versus anti-human. She encouraged everyone to join Team Humanity, to stand up against the forces that seek to control and manipulate people. Ultimately, Aboli reiterated that her message is a reminder that people are not powerless. By working together, they can resist the anti-human agenda and build a future that celebrates and upholds the sanctity of human life. As Aboli herself said, "The change starts with each and every one of us." Follow Transhumanism.news for more similar stories. Watch the full interview between Laura Aboli and the Health Ranger Mike Adams below. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Globalists push transhumanism agenda with computer chips inserted into humans via COVID injections. The 'Divine vs. Digital' battle: Scientist exposes how transhumanism seeks to erase human consciousness. Yuval Noah Harari says globalists have created a "technological Noah's Ark" (transhumanism) to escape mass extinction event they're unleashing. Sources include: Brighteon.com LauraAboli.com Mount Etnas fiery eruption could reveal hidden mineral wealth Mount Etna erupted dramatically, spewing ash and lava but posing no immediate public threat, offering scientists rare insights into Earths deep mineral resources. The volcanos unique lava composition, rich in magnesium and iron, acts as a geological Rosetta Stone, revealing clues about rare earth metals critical for green technology. Volcanoes worldwide may hold untapped deposits of rare earth elements, offering a cleaner alternative to environmentally destructive mining dominated by China. Iron-rich magma in extinct volcanoes absorbs rare earth metals at much higher rates, potentially revolutionizing sustainable mining practices. Etnas eruption highlights how Earths destructive forces also fuel the elements essential for modern technology and energy solutions. Italys Mount Etna, Europes tallest and most active volcano, roared back to life this week in its most dramatic eruption since 2014, sending towering plumes of ash and rivers of lava cascading from its southeast crater. While the spectacle captivated onlookers and unnerved nearby residents, the event also offered scientists a rare glimpse into the Earths mineral-rich depths, revealing clues that could revolutionize the hunt for rare earth metals critical to green technology and modern electronics. The eruption, contained within uninhabited areas, produced a powerful pyroclastic flow a deadly mix of superheated gas and volcanic debris following a crater collapse. Civil protection authorities swiftly warned tourists to avoid the area, though officials confirmed the lava posed no immediate public threat. Boris Behncke, a volcanologist at Italys National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology, downplayed concerns, calling the event "relatively normal" for Etnas volatile nature. Yet beneath the ash and molten rock lies a scientific goldmine: Etnas unique lava composition, rich in magnesium, iron, and potassium, suggests it taps into both the Earths deep mantle and crust, offering unparalleled insights into our planets inner workings. Volcanoes are natures mineral factories Mount Etna isnt just a marvel of natural destruction; its a window into the subterranean forces that shape our world. Unlike most Italian volcanoes, which form through the subduction of the Ionian Sea, Etnas origins are far more complex. Its lava carries signatures of both mantle-derived elements like magnesium and iron and crustal components like potassium, making it a geological Rosetta Stone for researchers. This isnt just academic curiosity. Volcanoes worldwide are now recognized as potential treasure troves of rare earth elements (REEs), the unsung heroes of modern technology. From smartphones to electric vehicle batteries and wind turbines, these metals are the backbone of the green energy transition. Yet their extraction has long been dominated by environmentally destructive mining practicesoften controlled by adversarial regimes like China, which currently produces over 60% of the worlds supply. Recent breakthroughs, however, suggest dormant and active volcanoes could offer a cleaner, more sustainable path. Studies of ancient volcanic systems, like Australias Toongi deposit, reveal that minerals like clinopyroxene crystals act as tiny time capsules, preserving clues about where REEs accumulate. As researchers noted, these crystals function like "a tiny crystal ball," guiding scientists to untapped deposits with minimal ecological disruption. Iron-rich magma is a game-changer for rare earth mining Perhaps the most promising discovery comes from extinct volcanoes harboring iron-rich magma. A 2024 study published in Geochemical Perspectives Letters found that simulated iron-rich magma absorbed rare earth metals at rates 200 times higher than conventional magma. Michael Anenburg, the studys lead author, emphasized that this could explain why mines like Swedens Kiruna, located in an ancient volcano, yield such abundant REEs. "Every one of the iron-rich volcanoes deserves a look," Anenburg said, although he cautioned that only a fraction may prove economically viable. The implications are staggering: existing iron mines could potentially pivot to extract REEs simultaneously, reducing the need for new, environmentally invasive projects. Mount Etnas latest eruption underscores this potential. While its lava flows arent directly linked to REE deposits, the volcanos ability to dredge up deep-Earth materials mirrors the processes that concentrate these critical metals elsewhere. As Darren Orf noted in Popular Mechanics, volcanoes are "engines of creation"not just for landscapes, but for the very elements powering humanitys future. Mount Etnas fiery display is more than a natural wonder; its a reminder that Earths most destructive forces also hold the keys to our survival. Sources for this article include: Mining.com PopularMechanics.com SmithsonianMag.com Musks fiery rebuke highlights fiscal divide over Trumps $4T debt bill Elon Musk, former White House efficiency czar, condemns President Donald Trumps $4T spending bill as a disgusting abomination, citing unsustainable debt. The bill, passed by the House, raises the debt ceiling, extends tax cuts and faces Senate revisions amid growing GOP internal divisions. Musk threatens to fund primary challenges against Republicans supporting the bill, escalating partisan tensions. Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson defend the bill, claiming it reduces deficits and spurs growth, while Musks allies counter with fiscal warnings. The clash underscores broader struggles between fiscal conservatism and compassionate governing in a divided U.S. political landscape. Elon Musk, the worlds wealthiest individual and former head of the White House Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has launched a stark disavowal of President Donald Trumps $4 trillion fiscal agenda, calling it a disgusting abomination that risks crushingly unsustainable debt for Americans. In a series of fiery social media posts on Tuesday, Musk directly criticized the bipartisan bill, which narrowly passed the Republican-controlled House last month and now advances to the Senate. The legislation, hailed by the Trump administration as central to its economic agenda, has become the latest flashpoint in an intensifying debate over fiscal responsibility, transparency and political accountability. Musks rebuke marks his sharpest public disagreement with Trump since leaving his temporary role as a White House cost-cutting czar last week. The entrepreneur accused lawmakers of prioritizing pork-filled spending over deficit reduction, while House Speaker Mike Johnson and White House officials pushed back, portraying the bill as a compromise for economic stability. The bills content and pushback The bill, dubbed Trumps big beautiful bill by supporters, includes provisions to permanently extend the 2017 tax cuts for all U.S. taxpayers, raise the federal debt ceiling by $4 trillion to stave off default, and inject spending into domestic programs while bolstering the U.S. military. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates the measure would add $3.8 trillion to national debt over a decade, driving the deficit to $2.5 trillion next year. Musk, whose 129-day tenure at the White House focused on auditing agency budgets, argued the bill eviscerates efforts to reduce government waste. You know you did wrong, he told Republican lawmakers who voted for the measure, vowing to punish them at the ballot box. In November next year, we fire all politicians who betrayed the American people, he wrote. The Tesla CEOs calculations are stark: a $2.5 trillion deficit would eclipse the $792 billion shortfall projected under current policies, he warned. Musk has historically derided porkcongressional earmarks for local projectsas corrupting, once stating in a CBS interview last week that the bill undermines the fight against wasteful spending. House Republicans faced intense pressure to pass the bill, with Speaker Johnson insisting it achieves $1.6 trillion in savings through cuts to social programs funding. Yet even ardent fiscal conservatives have opposed the legislation, arguing it fails to cap non-defense spending and aligns with the debt-skeptical sentiment Musk advocates. Growing internal GOP strife and Musks threat The bills passage through the House by a mere one vote underscores the deep divisions within Trumps own party. A faction led by libertarian-leaning Republicans and Senate moderates viewed the debt-ceiling hike as capitulation to Democratic demands. Musks threats to back challengers in GOP primaries now loom over senators considering amendments to the bill. We are focused on passing this big beautiful bill ahead of the July 4th deadline, Johnson said Tuesday, dismissing Musks critique. Senate Majority Leader John Thune echoed this, urging Musk to reassess the legislation. But Musk remains resolute. In a Tuesday interview with Reuters, he defended his role as a singular voice demanding fiscal restraint. The American people want accountability less debt, more transparency, he said. His stance aligns with grassroots Tea Party-era movements that opposed deficit spending, now resurgent in the Trump era. The White House, however, dismissed Musks influence. This isnt the first time someones criticized the presidents agenda, said press secretary Karoline Leavitt. The bills still going forward. What is the Deep States role? The bill echoes past fiscal wars, notably the 2011 debt ceiling crisis that led to sequestration cuts. Yet todays stakes are amplified by the federal debt surpassing $36 trillion, roughly 120% of GDP. Analysts note Musks remarks frame the bill as a handout to entrenched bureaucracies, though the legislations backers argue it stabilizes markets and shores up U.S. competitiveness. Musks focus on defunding the deep state, as some characterize his critiques, bypasses direct ties between spending and bureaucratic overreach. Instead, he emphasizes public anxiety over crushing debt and the lack of bipartisanship in addressing it. Historians compare his role to former reformist figures like Senator Everett Dirksen, who shaped mid-20th-century tweed coat fiscal politics. The road ahead The Senate is expected to hold votes on revisions by late July. Thune has pledged to expunge $150 billion in non-essential spending, though Musks allies doubt such tweaks suffice. Meanwhile, public opinion polls show 62% of Americans disapprove of the bill, echoing Musks stance. The stakes, observers say, transcend this legislation. With Trump still pushing for re-election in 2024 (the bills legacy will) test domestic policies resilience against economic headwinds and political polarization. A new era of billionaire politicization? Musks defiance highlights evolving political dynamics, where tech moguls increasingly shape policy debates using vast financial and digital resources. His platform critical of both government bloat and elite compromises reflects a strain of populism common in todays politics, even as bipartisan distinctions blur. As the Senate weighs revisions, the showdown underscores a central question: Can elected leaders reconcile fiscal prudence with socially progressive spending, or will controversial outsiders like Musk redefine the national conversation? With July 4th deadlines looming, the answers may redefine not just budgets, but American governance itself. Sources for this article include: RT.com BBC.com Reuters.com Are you due for a tetanus shot? First, learn about the TRUE history, risks and alternatives Tetanuss decline is due to sanitation and societal changes, not vaccines. Hidden risks: Aluminum, formaldehyde and milk proteins in tetanus vaccines cause severe reactions. Tetanus vaccines given to pregnant women lack adequate safety evidence; key studies exclude miscarriage data. Vitamin C shows promise in reducing tetanus mortality, but further research is needed. Financial motives and populations control fears taint vaccine policies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends tetanus boosters every decade, but a growing body of evidence calls into question both the necessity and safety of these inoculations. Recent investigations reveal that tetanuss historical decline was due largely to improved sanitation, not vaccines, while ingredients like aluminum and cows milk proteins raise alarms about severe reactions, including anaphylaxis. Further unsettling revelations such as the lack of safety studies for pregnant women and claims of population control schemes paint a troubling picture of financial and ethical overreach. For those weighing vaccination choices, the risks versus benefits demand urgent scrutiny. The myth of vaccine-driven progress: Tetanuss decline began long before shots In 1870s America, tetanus infected farmers and laborers via exposure to horse manure-laden streets. By the 1940s, deaths had already plummeted not because of vaccines, but due to the rise of automobiles, which reduced manure pollution, and advancements in sewers and clean water systems. According to Marcella Piper-Terry, author of Lets Talk About Tetanus, The reduction in tetanus cases had more to do with modernization than needles. Vaccines were introduced in the late 1940s, but by then, fatalities were minimal. A review of historical data from the 1970s shows that 40% of children were unvaccinated, yet infection rates remained low. The World Health Organization (WHO) now notes that tetanus boosters for adults are unnecessary, but the CDC continues recommending them every decade a stance critics argue prioritizes profit over science. Toxic ingredients, deadly reactions: Whats truly in preventative shots Tetanus vaccines DTaP (for children), Tdap (adults) and DT (adults) contain alarming additives. Piper-Terry highlights aluminum (up to 530 micrograms per dose), formaldehyde and polysorbate 80. All formulations are cultured in cows milk protein, warns the FDA, a component linked to severe allergic reactions. VAERS data reveals over 3,200 reported deaths post-tetanus vaccination, though researchers estimate only 1% of adverse events are reported. Piper-Terry recounts her own daughters near-fatal anaphylactic shock from Tdap, despite a known milk allergy undetected by her pediatrician. A 2011 study confirmed milk proteins in DTaP vaccines cause anaphylaxis in susceptible individuals a risk never adequately addressed. Pregnant women left in the dark: Safety studies driven by dollars, not science The CDC recommends Tdap during every pregnancy to protect infants from pertussis. Yet, Piper-Terrys analysis of vaccine trials exposes shocking omissions. A pivotal 2020 study excluded 189,768 miscarriages or stillbirths linked to Tdap administration, citing resource limitations. With annual sales of $190 million for pregnancy Tdap injections, the conflict of interest becomes stark the same pharmaceutical firms fund the research. Dr. Carrie Madej and others connect tetanus vaccines to population control, citing a 2014 UNICEF campaign in Kenya where tetanus shots tested positive for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a chemical linked to miscarriage and infertility. Why is the U.S. pushing Tdap in pregnancy without proof of safety? asks Piper-Terry. The numbers suggest profit trumps people. A natural cure in plain sight: Vitamin C as a tetanus treatment alternative Despite the CDCs claim that tetanus has no cure, a 1996 Bangladesh study found IV vitamin C reduced mortality by 100% in children and 45% in adults. Piper-Terry argues doses were likely too low for efficacy in older patients. Though the Cochrane Review deems the study poorly reported, it raises questions about mainstream medicines dismissal of affordable, non-toxic alternatives. The tetanus vaccine gap History repeats when science is silenced From horse manure-choked streets to todays billion-dollar vaccine markets, tetanuss history mirrors a broader struggle over public health priorities. Were repeating 19th-century mistakes: blaming individuals instead of systemic factors like sanitation, says Piper-Terry. As IV vitamin C trials languish and fertility-harming additives resurface, the urgent question remains: Who profits from fear, and who pays the cost? For the modern parent or expecting mother, the choices are clear but the answers, it seems, have been buried beneath layers of profit and silence. Sources for this article include: TheExpose.com Substack.com CochraneLibrary.com Tom Cruises 2005 pharma rant: A prophetic warning In a 2005 interview, Tom Cruise passionately criticized the pharmaceutical industry and its approach to mental health, particularly the overmedication of children. During a promotional interview for "War of the Worlds," Cruise argued with Matt Lauer about the use of antidepressants and ADHD medications, calling psychiatry a "pseudoscience" and advocating for alternative treatments. Nearly two decades later, Cruise's warnings about overmedication and the influence of Big Pharma have become mainstream concerns, fueled by the opioid crisis, rising ADHD and autism diagnoses, and skepticism about the long-term effects of psychiatric drugs. Top healthcare professionals now echo Cruise's concerns, criticizing the overdiagnosis and overmedication of mental health issues. Dr. Allen Frances, for example, has highlighted the alarming rates of psychiatric medication use in children. Cruise's call for caution and education in the use of psychiatric medications, once dismissed as a publicity stunt, is now seen as prescient and relevant as society reevaluates its reliance on these medications. In a 2005 interview that was widely mocked at the time, renowned Hollywood actor Tom Cruise delivered a passionate critique of the pharmaceutical industry and its approach to mental health. Nearly two decades later, Cruise's warnings about overmedication, particularly in children, have become a mainstream concern. During the promotional interview for the movie "War of the Worlds" with Matt Lauer, then-host of NBC's "Today" show, Cruise criticized actress Brooke Shields for using antidepressants to treat her postpartum depression. The conversation quickly escalated into a debate about the use of psychiatric medications, with Cruise arguing that psychiatry is a "pseudoscience" and that there are better ways to address mental health issues without resorting to drugs. "I really care about Brooke Shields," he said. "But there's misinformation, and she doesn't understand the history of psychiatry... psychiatry is a pseudoscience." Cruise's main argument was that the pharmaceutical industry has too much influence on mental health treatments. He accused Lauer of being "glib" and not understanding the complexities of the issue. "You're glib. You don't even know what Ritalin is," Cruise said, referring to the drug commonly prescribed for ADHD. He argued that there are alternative methods to treat mental health issues without relying on medications. A prophetic warning Fast forward nearly 20 years, and Cruise's warnings about overmedication and the influence of Big Pharma are now echoed by top healthcare professionals. The opioid crisis, skyrocketing ADHD and autism diagnoses and growing skepticism about the long-term effects of psychiatric medications have brought his concerns into the spotlight. The opioid crisis, which has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives, has led to a reevaluation of how medications are prescribed and the role of pharmaceutical companies in promoting their use. Cruise's concerns about the overreliance on drugs for mental health issues are now seen as prescient. The rise in ADHD and autism diagnoses has also fueled debate about the overdiagnosis and overmedication of children. Cruise's skepticism about Ritalin and other psychiatric medications is now shared by many parents and healthcare providers who are questioning the long-term effects of these drugs. Growing skepticism about the long-term effects of psychiatric medications has led to a movement towards more holistic approaches to mental health. Cruise's call for caution and education is now seen as a reasonable stance, rather than the rant of a Hollywood eccentric. Echoes in mainstream medicine Top healthcare professionals now echo Cruise's points about the need for caution and the importance of understanding the history and limitations of psychiatric treatments. Dr. Allen Frances, a prominent psychiatrist, has criticized the overdiagnosis and overmedication of mental health issues, saying, "We have been drugging our children with psychiatric medications at alarming rates." Cruise's interview with Lauer was seen as a publicity stunt at the time, but his core message about the need for education and caution in the use of psychiatric medications has proven to be valuable. "Sometimes the 'crazy' people are just early," Cruise said, and his words have resonated with many who are now questioning the status quo. (Related: Top Gun star Tom Cruise takes down Big Pharma and 100 years of torturing mental health patients in America.) Cruise's warnings about overmedication and the influence of the pharmaceutical industry have proven to be prophetic. As society grapples with the consequences of decades of overreliance on psychiatric medications, Cruise's call for caution and education is more relevant than ever. Watch the video below that talks about antidepressant delusion not being based on science. This video is from the What is happening channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Long-term antidepressant users 10x more likely to suffer severe withdrawal effects, study warns. Study finds 141% rise in use of psychiatric drugs used to restrain children in mental health facilities. RFK Jr.'s SSRI antidepressant investigation sparks liberal meltdown, exposes Big Pharma's dangerous game. Sources include: X.com YouTube.com History.com Brighteon.com Toronto Pride faces funding crisis as major sponsors withdraw from event known for overtly sexual displays and public nudity Major corporate sponsors like Home Depot and Google have withdrawn funding from Torontos Pride parade amid backlash over sexualized displays and public nudity near children. Pride Torontos director blamed U.S. "anti-LGBT trends," while critics cite public outrage over indecent behavior involving minors at past events. Torontos city council increased taxpayer funding for LGBT festivals by 33%, allocating $2.5 million to replace lost corporate sponsorships. Past Pride parades featured nudity, fetish gear, and sexually explicit performances around childrenactions that would typically violate public decency laws. Despite Canadas laws against exposing minors to sexual content, police refused to intervene, raising legal and ethical concerns about taxpayer-funded events. Torontos annual Pride parade, long criticized for its overtly sexualized displays and public nudity in front of children, is now facing a financial crisis as major corporate sponsorsincluding Home Depot, Google, Adidas, and Nissan Canadahave withdrawn their support ahead of Pride Month. Pride Toronto executive director Kojo Modeste lamented the loss of funding, blaming "anti-LGBT trends" from the U.S., while critics argue the exodus reflects growing public backlash against exposing minors to indecent behavior. In response, Torontos city council has increased taxpayer funding for LGBT festivals by 33%, allocating $2.5 million to ensure the parade continues despite corporate withdrawals. Corporate sponsors flee amid controversy Home Depot and Google confirmed they have ended their sponsorships of Pride Toronto, joining Adidas and Nissan Canada in distancing themselves from the event. Home Depot stated it "continually review[s] our nonprofit giving" and opted not to contribute this year, though it pledged to support LGBT activism elsewhere. Google offered no public explanation. Modeste expressed disappointment, claiming the withdrawals stem from U.S. political influences rather than Canadian values. "We believe that a lot of what we saw in the U.S. has impacted us," he said, referencing corporate pushback against divisive LGBT and DEI initiatives. However, critics argue the real issue is Pride Torontos history of allowing explicit displays around children, including public nudity, fetish gear, and simulated sex actscontent that has sparked widespread condemnation. Taxpayers forced to foot the bill With corporate sponsors fleeing, Torontos municipal government stepped in, boosting funding for Pride Toronto and 14 other LGBT festivals. The citys Cultural Festivals Funding Program increased its grant to Pride by $90,000, totaling $350,000, while another $2.1 million was allocated for event security. Critics argue this prioritization of taxpayer dollars is misguided, especially as families struggle with rising costs of living. Previous Pride parades have featured naked men marching past young children, performers in grotesque costumes, and sexually suggestive floatsscenes that would typically violate public decency laws if not for the events political backing. A parade of indecency Footage from past Pride Toronto events reveals disturbing scenes: naked men carrying signs like "Life is short: Play naked," adults in fetish gear interacting with minors, and performers wearing giant phallic costumes. In 2023, videos showed nude men rinsing themselves near a fountain surrounded by children, while a stage sponsored by Bud Light featured dancers in fishnets and nipple pasties. Despite Canadas criminal code prohibiting exposing genitals to minors for sexual purposes, Toronto police refused to intervene. Legal experts questioned this inaction, noting that similar behavior outside Pride events would likely result in charges. The sponsor withdrawals signal a growing rejection of corporate involvement in controversial social agendas. With Torontos government doubling down on funding Pride, the debate now centers on whether taxpayer money should support events that many argue harm children. While activists decry the loss of sponsors as discrimination, the real issue remains protecting children from inappropriate content. Torontos decision to replace corporate funding with public dollars ignores these concerns, prioritizing political agendas over community standards. Sources for this article include: LifeSiteNews.com LifeSiteNews.com CTVNews.ca TorontoSun.com Trump administration halts Social Security garnishment for defaulted loans, protects senior benefits Federal student loans defaulted by seniors wont result in Social Security cuts, according to a pause announced June 2, 2025. The Trump administration reversed course on resuming collections after criticism over impacts on retirees relying on fixed incomes. Over 452,000 borrowers aged 62+ owed payments, risking benefit garnishment under original April plans. The $1.6 trillion federal loan portfolio faces 25% default by year-end, adding urgency to repayment outreach. Critics warn the pause delays addressing systemic debt but applaud protection for vulnerable populations. The U.S. Department of Education announced Wednesday it will temporarily halt seizing Social Security payments to collect defaulted student loans, a reversal of its April decision to revive debt collection efforts suspended since 2020. Education Department spokeswoman Ellen Keast emphasized the change protects elderly borrowers dependent on fixed retirement income, stating, The Trump Administration is committed to shielding Social Security recipients who oftentimes rely on a fixed income. The policy shift follows weeks of backlash over the resumption of repaymentsand the potential seizure of benefits from retireestook effect May 5. Roughly 452,000 Americans aged 62 and older have defaulted, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, risking up to 15% reductions in monthly checks. The indefinite pause aligns with broader Republican critiques of aggressive debt collection during economic uncertainty, even as the government faces mounting pressure to address a $1.6 trillion student loan portfolio. A reversal of course on federal loan collection aggressiveness The decision marks the second iteration of U.S. student debt policy in less than two months. In April, newly sworn-in President Trumps administration announced plans to reinstate repayment schedules halted since March 2020 under pandemic-era relief. A $400 billion portion of the loan portfolio25%is projected to fall into default in coming months, according to Education Department projections. But the resumption of collection efforts drew opposition. Advocates like Carolina Rodriguez, director of the Education Debt Consumer Assistance Program, warned that garnishing Social Security could force seniors to trade food for payment or skip medical care. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) criticized the initial stance, calling it punitive overreach that ignores the dignity of retirees whove already lived frugally. President Trumps April language had framed repayment resumption as a duty to taxpayers, but the June 2 reversal highlighted political pragmatism. The administrations abrupt pivot echoed its May scaling back of Social Security offset percentagescutting allowed deductions from 100% to 50%amid elder-outreach advocacy. Pandemic era reliefs lingering legal and financial aftermath The moratorium on loan repayments, originally triggered by President Joe Biden, had carved divides between federal branches. In October 2023, then-Education Secretary Miguel Cardona had already decried Bidens refusal to lift the freeze, asserting the executive branch lacked constitutional authority to indefinitely suspend obligations. The Biden administrations approach placed federal loan repayment costs on all taxpayers, starving debt holders of long overdue accountability, a former Trump economic advisor told The Epoch Times. Critics argue the repeated pauses have contributed to widening defaults, with under four-in-ten borrowers making current payments as of April. Yet protesters of the June changeincluding Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)argue the policy offers common-sense mercy to elderly Americans not financially equipped to pay. Under the pause, the Education Department pledges to proactively guide borrowers into income-based repayment plans, though concerns linger over bureaucratic delays undermining these alternatives. Balancing debt recovery with elderly borrowers livelihood concerns The pause underscores unresolved tensions over how to treat borrowers age 65 and older, who now constitute the fastest-growing group with student debt. Over 3.6 million seniors were carrying loans in 2024, according to Bankrate analysis, often tied to dependent aid for grandchildren or their own career shifts. Were balancing compassion with the fiscal obligation to reduce government costs, Keast said, noting outreach efforts will ensure lenders are repaid without destabilizing pensions. A temporary hold with unresolved fiscal pressures ahead While the policy assures short-term relief, long-term fixes remain elusive. With 40% of borrowers failing to make timely payments and collection efforts resuming for non-retirees, stakeholders urge loan restructuring or pathway reforms. Without broader solutions, the pause may merely delay the strain on the Social Security trust fund and taxpayer liabilities. As Treasury Secretary Josh Mandel noted, This isnt debt forgivenessits buying time. Americans deserve a system that protects seniors without letting lenders off the hook. For now, seniors like Florida retiree Sally Thompson, 68, breathe a sigh of relief. Obama gave me the loan, Biden froze it, and now Trumps stopping the bank from taking my groceries? Politics still beats math, said Thompson, who defaulted on $35,000 owed for her sons vocational training. But if they dont fix this, were just kicking the can to my grandchilds generation. Sources for this article include: TheEpochTimes.com CNBC.com CBSNews.com Utah uranium mine approval sparks debate over energy security vs. environmental risks U.S. Interior Department approves Utah uranium-vanadium mine under a 14-day review, expediting critical mineral projects. The first mine fast-tracked under Trumps national energy emergency directive aims to reduce reliance on foreign adversaries. Developer Anfield Energy plans to revive the Velvet-Wood site, leveraging historical infrastructure and job creation. Critics warn of environmental harm and question the urgency of the project amid global uranium oversupply. The decision reignites scrutiny over past federal ties to uranium deals, including Clinton-era controversies. The Trump administrations expedited approval of the Velvet-Wood uranium and vanadium mine near Lisbon Valley in southeastern Utah underscores its prioritization of domestic mineral production to counter foreign reliance and bolster national security. The U.S. Department of the Interior, led by Secretary Doug Burgum, granted final approval after a record 14-day review. The mine will be operated by Canadian firm Anfield Energy. The Interior Department announced the decision on May 23 following President Donald Trumps January national energy emergency declaration. The $1.5 billion project will extract uranium, critical for nuclear energy and military applications, as well as vanadium for steel alloys. By streamlining the review process for critical mineral projects like Velvet-Wood, were [reducing] dependence on foreign adversaries, Burgum stated. The rebooted mine aligns with efforts to position the U.S. as a leader in next-generation nuclear energy and reduce reliance on Russia, China and other nations. The rush to secure mineral security The decision to fast-track the Velvet-Wood mine stems from a January 2025 executive order declaring a national energy emergency. The order accelerates federal reviews for projects involving uranium, vanadium and other critical minerals. The mines infrastructure offers a head start. First operated from 1979-1984, the underground tunnels3,500 feet long at peak productivityreduce surface disturbance. Supporters argue the project exemplifies responsible resource extraction, aligning with modern environmental standards. Environmental risks and questionable urgency Opponents, including environmental and tribal groups, decry the rushed process. Environmental concerns: Uranium extraction poses long-term health risks, including groundwater contamination, which activists link to past mine spills in nearby Navajo communities. The Western Public Lands Alliances Nancy Blackwell warned, Rushing through this process under the banner of national security overlooks overlooked harmsespecially with uraniums toxic legacy. Economic doubts: Critics note a global uranium oversupply, with prices at multiyear lows. The U.S. Energy Information Administration projects domestic demand for uranium will remain stable at 3540 million pounds annually through 2030a level imports could easily cover. This is political theater, argued Dr. Jason Hayes of the Heartland Institute. The real urgency is in next-gen reactors, not reviving legacy mines. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) faces additional scrutiny tied to plans to lease land to Clinton Foundation donors in the ongoing Hammond Ranch controversy. While unrelated to the Velvet-Wood approval, the broader scrutiny over federal land policies has fueled skepticism about corporate influence. Historical echoes: Uraniums checkered legacy The mines location on federal land recalls decades of uranium conflicts in the American Southwest, where Native American and rural communities bore the brunt of environmental harm. A darker parallel emerges in Washingtons past uranium dealings. Under Hillary Clintons tenure as Secretary of State (20092013), Russia acquired 100% ownership of Uranium Onea deal critics argue undermined U.S. interests. Clintons 2016 campaign ties to Uranium One investors (per leaked emails) remain unresolved, complicating broader debates about federal oversight. These projects need accountability, not shortcuts, said Taylor Hawes of the Grand Canyon Trust. Weve seen what happens when national security rhetoric eclipses transparency. The broader energy picture: Nuclear fusions unanswered promise While the Trump administration frames the mine as part of a nuclear renaissance, industry experts caution that uranium demand is flat due to lagging nuclear power growth. The U.S. added just one new reactor in the past decade, and utilities increasingly favor renewables and small modular reactors (SMRs) that require less fuel. However, the Department of Energy highlights vanadiums unsung role in energy storage and defense technology. For example, vanadium-based batteries are critical for stabilizing grids paired with solar/wind powera market projected to grow 17% annually through 2030. Tipping the scales between security and environment The Velvet-Wood mine stands as a flashpoint in the battle over U.S. resource policy. Proponents argue its a commonsense step toward reducing foreign dependency and reinvigorating domestic manufacturing jobs. Detractors see it as risky and unnecessary, diverting focus from renewables and modern nuclear innovation. As the Trump administration weighs its energy agenda, this decision forces a critical question: Can the U.S. sustainably balance security needs with ecological stewardshipor will its mineral rush repeat past mistakes while adversaries profit? Sources for this article include: WattsUpWithThat.com KPCW.org DOI.gov Minister of Defense of Ukraine Rustem Umerov discussed with Norwegian Minister of Defense Tore Onshuus Sandvik the development of joint projects, in particular in the field of unmanned systems. "This concerns: the purchase of Ukrainian UAVs; financing the production of domestic models; joint work according to the Danish model or in other formats," Umerov said in the Telegram channel of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine on Thursday. He said Norway is one of the leaders in terms of the volume of assistance to Ukraine, in 2025 it will allocate EUR 7 billion, and he discussed with his Norwegian counterpart how to use these resources most effectively. "I presented to my Norwegian colleague our technological solutions that are already working on the battlefield. We have the potential to scale them together with our partners and Norway can play an important role here," Umerov said. The minister said the meeting took place in Brussels, confirmed his participation in the meeting of the Ukraine-NATO Council on Thursday evening, and announced a number of other bilateral meetings with allies. WUHAN CAVE VIRUS 2025: Covid face diapers highly recommended by health officials as new NB.1.8.1 variant from China spreads around USA Some Chinamen must have eaten some infected bat soup again because the Wuhan Cave Virus is creeping around the globe gaining new function and supposedly claiming new lives. Quick, get home, lock yourself down for a year or two, mask up inside the house, lather up with antibacterial lotion (even though its a virus), and self-vaccinate with some wormwood parasitic cleanse. Its your only chance at surviving Wuhan Flu 2025. New Wuhan Cave Virus Variant NB.1.8.1 Detected in California, Sparks Concerns Over New Plandemic Mandates New COVID Variant (NB.1.8.1): Health officials in California and other states are warning about a new variant first detected in China, now accounting for 19% of cases in California. It has also been found in travelers arriving in Washington, Virginia, Hawaii, Rhode Island, and New York. Transmissibility Concerns: Lab tests suggest NB.1.8.1 may be more infectious than currently dominant strains (like LP.8.1, which makes up 73% of U.S. cases). However, it is not yet classified as a CDC-tracked variant. Vaccine Efficacy Claims: Current vaccines (targeting JN.1) are expected to remain effective (at causing myocarditis and strange rubbery clots), though some officials, like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., oppose their inclusion in CDC recommendations for healthy children and pregnant women. Global Trends: U.S. cases show a slight decline, but China reports a near-doubling of severe respiratory cases, and Taiwan has seen a 78% spike in ER admissions. Symptoms remain similar (fever, cough, fatigue, loss of taste/smell), and standard tests cannot distinguish variants. Public Health Response: Some physicians advocate for renewed mask mandates, citing rising cases in regions like Hong Kong. Officials warn of seasonal surges but emphasize individual risk assessment over broad restrictions. Alternative Sources: We encourage reliance on independent platforms (e.g., Plague.info, Natural News) for "truthful reporting" outside mainstream narratives, alleging corruption by traditional institutions. Yes, theyre at it again. Disease experts around the globe are sounding the alarms about the new Covidian nightmare. Health officials in California are warning of a new COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, which has been detected in the state and five others, raising concerns about increased transmissibility and potential surges in infections. First identified in China in January, the variant has supposedly grown from 2% of cases in California in April to 19% as of recent data, according to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). The Wuhan Cave Virus variant has also been found in international travelers arriving in Washington state, Virginia, Hawaii, Rhode Island, and New York City since March. While not yet prevalent enough to be tracked separately by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), lab tests suggest NB.1.8.1 may be more infectious than currently dominant strains, such as LP.8.1, which accounts for 73% of U.S. cases. The CDPH stated, "COVID-19 continues to circulate in California, and future seasonal increases in disease levels are likely." Some physicians have called for renewed mask mandates, citing rising cases in regions like Hong Kong, where hospitalizations have reached a 12-month high. Current vaccines, designed to target the JN.1 variant a predecessor of LP.8.1 are expected to remain effective against NB.1.8.1, according to health officials. However, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has pushed to remove COVID-19 vaccines from the CDCs recommended schedule for healthy children and pregnant women, though they remain listed for now. Nationally, COVID trends show a slight decline, with test positivity dropping from 2.9% to 2.7% in late May and emergency visits decreasing by 6.5%. However, in China, severe respiratory cases linked to COVID have nearly doubled, and Taiwan has reported a 78% weekly spike in ER admissions. Symptoms of NB.1.8.1 mirror those of other variants, including fever, cough, fatigue, and loss of taste or smell. Standard COVID tests cannot distinguish between variants. As global health agencies monitor NB.1.8.1s spread, the situation underscores the ongoing challenge of emerging variants and the need for vigilance even as pandemic-era restrictions fade. With seasonal fluctuations expected, public health experts emphasize preparedness while balancing individual risk assessments. Bookmark plague.info to your favorite independent websites for updates on new gain-of-function viruses the CDC and WHO release into the wild. Sources for this article include: Pandemic.news GatewayPundit.com NaturalNews.com DailyMail.co.uk Californias gas tax nightmare: Democrats force $8.44-per-gallon future on struggling families California Democrats approved a 50- to 65-cent gas tax increase under the Low Carbon Fuel Standard, effective July 2025, despite Republican opposition. Analysts warn gas prices could hit $8.44 per gallon by late 2026 due to refinery closures and regulations. CARB admitted it never studied the economic impact of the tax, sparking criticism from Republican leaders. Two major refinery closures will reduce Californias refining capacity by 20%, worsening shortages and price spikes. Critics argue the tax disproportionately harms working-class families while advancing radical climate policies. In yet another assault on working-class Californians, the states Democratic supermajority has greenlit a staggering 50- to 65-cent gas tax increase under the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), set to take effect July 1, 2025. Republican efforts to block the hike failed miserably in a 18-39 Assembly vote, leaving drivers to brace for what analysts warn could be $8.44-per-gallon gasoline by late 2026. This isnt just another tax; its economic sabotage disguised as environmentalism, a reckless experiment that will cripple households already drowning in the nations highest cost of living. The green agendas hidden costs The tax hike, approved by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), is framed as a necessary step to reduce carbon emissions. But the real agenda is clear: punish drivers, enrich bureaucrats, and force compliance with the states radical climate dogma. A USC analysis by Professor Michael A. Mische projects that the combined effects of refinery closures, the LCFS tax, and other regulations could spike prices by 75%, pushing the average gallon of gas to a jaw-dropping $8.44. The shutdown of the two California-based refineries could possibly place the Golden State in a precarious economic situation, Mische warned, noting daily gasoline deficits of 6.6 to 13.1 million gallons. This could mean shortages, rationing, and economic chaos. Senate Republicans, led by Sen. Brian Jones (R-San Diego), fought tooth and nail to halt the tax through Senate Bill 2 (SB 2). But Democrats, who dominate the legislature, killed the measure in a 10-23 vote. Jones blasted the decision, stating, Senate Democrats unanimously opposed it. They had a chance to stand with California drivers, but instead, they chose to defend the highest gas prices in the nation. CARBs arrogance was laid bare when Chair Liane Randolph admitted the board never studied the economic impact of the LCFS on gas prices. That admission is stunning, Jones said. CARB is making billion-dollar decisions that hit every family at the pump, and theyre doing it without even asking what it will cost. A perfect storm of regulatory disasters Californias gas crisis isnt just about taxes. The pending closure of two major refineries, Phillips 66 in 2025 and Valero in 2026, will slash the states refining capacity by 20%. Pair that with draconian environmental rules like Cap and Trade and SBX1-2, and youve got a recipe for energy poverty. CARB spokesman David Clegern downplayed the crisis, calling projections of a 65-cent hike misinformation and claiming costs could be as low as 5 to 8 cents per gallon. But Californians arent buying it. The state already pays $1.50 more per gallon than the national average, and this new tax will only deepen the pain. Who really pays? Those who will end up paying for this decision include the working class, small businesses, and single parents driving to work. Democrats love to preach equity while enacting policies that crush the very people they claim to protect. The LCFS tax isnt about saving the planet; its about control. Its about forcing Californians into expensive electric vehicles or government-dependent public transit, all while ignoring the real-world consequences: shuttered businesses, higher grocery bills, and families choosing between gas and groceries. Californias leaders are doubling down on failure. While they virtue-signal about climate change, they ignore the economic tsunami heading for their constituents. The gas tax hike is a betrayal, a surrender to ideological extremism at the expense of common sense. As prices soar and refineries close, remember: this was a choice. And Democrats made it for you. Sources for this article include: ClimateDepot.com CBS8.com TheDeseretReview.com SacBee.com Canada quietly launches war crimes investigation into Israeli forces amid Gaza aid scheme massacres Canadas RCMP has been investigating potential Israeli war crimes in Gaza since early 2024 but only confirmed the probe publicly this week. The investigation coincides with outrage over a U.S.-backed aid program linked to over 100 Palestinian deaths, with witnesses alleging Israeli forces fired on civilians. The RCMPs secretive probe operates under Canadas war crimes program but lacks public outreach, unlike similar investigations into Russia. Critics accuse the aid program of enforcing displacement, with reports of biometric screening and lethal violence near distribution sites. Canadas PM condemned Israels offensive, but the RCMPs delayed transparency raises questions about political reluctance. Canadas federal police force has been investigating potential war crimes committed by Israeli forces in Gaza since early 2024 but only confirmed the probe publicly this week, amid mounting civilian deaths linked to a controversial U.S.-Israeli aid program. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) classified the inquiry as a structural investigation, designed to document violations and preserve evidence, even as critics accuse Israel of orchestrating a campaign of ethnic cleansing under the guise of counterterrorism. The revelation comes as outrage erupts over the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a U.S.-backed aid initiative that has left at least 102 Palestinians dead and 500 injured in just eight days, many of them starving civilians shot while scrambling for food. Witnesses describe scenes of chaos as Israeli forces allegedly fired into crowds, while U.S.-contracted mercenaries abandoned distribution sites, leaving desperate families exposed to further violence. A silent investigation surfaces The RCMPs probe, first reported by the Toronto Star, operates under Canadas Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Program, which allows authorities to investigate atrocities committed abroad if evidence emerges and a relevant immigrant community exists in Canada. Yet unlike high-profile war crimes inquiries, such as those targeting Russian actions in Ukraine, this investigation was launched without public announcements, hotlines, or outreach campaigns. In a terse written statement, the RCMP confirmed it was examining allegations from all parties involved with impartiality but refused further details, citing the need to protect the investigations integrity. Legal experts note such cases rarely reach Canadian courts, but the mere existence of the probe signals growing global scrutiny of Israels conduct in Gaza, where over 34,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have reportedly been killed since October 2023. Weaponized aid or population control? The timing of the RCMPs confirmation is striking, coinciding with international condemnation of the GHF, a program critics say is less about humanitarian relief and more about enforcing displacement. Launched on May 27 after months of near-total blockade, the GHF bypasses the United Nations and other neutral agencies, instead funneling aid through militarized sterile zones where Palestinians must submit to biometric screening. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) and former UN officials have blasted the scheme as dehumanizing and ineffective, with some accusing it of violating international law. The resignations of GHF CEO Jake Wood, who cited the impossibility of upholding humanitarian principles, further fueled suspicions. Meanwhile, the death toll climbs. On May 29, Israeli forces allegedly opened fire on crowds near a distribution site in Rafah, killing 11 and injuring dozens. Survivors described scenes of panic as families fled under gunfire. Canadas diplomatic tightrope Despite Canadas historical alignment with Israel, Prime Minister Mark Carney joined the leaders of France and the U.K. last month in condemning Israels wholly disproportionate offensive and demanding an immediate ceasefire. The joint statement also rebuked Israeli officials for abhorrent language advocating the forced displacement of Gazans in a stance at odds with Ottawas quiet police investigation. Legal scholars suggest the RCMPs findings could bolster international accountability efforts, although skeptics warn Canadas delayed transparency hints at political reluctance. Nevertheless, the RCMPs covert war crimes investigation, paired with the GHFs lethal failures, exposes a sad reality: Gazas humanitarian catastrophe is not collateral damage but a foreseeable outcome of policies that prioritize control over compassion. Sources for this article include: TheCradle.co TimesOfIsrael.com YnetNews.com ORWELLIAN CONTROL MACHINE: Again, CDC screaming for everyone to mask up on flights to flatten new Covid curve and push clot-shot VACCINATIONS The CDC, Centers for Disease Continuance, will push propaganda to the limits in order to coerce the populace into getting jabbed up with any toxic concoction they dream up. Its lab to jab, with no science to back up the safe and effective claims theyve been spewing for 75 years. Now they want everybody wearing face diapers on all flights so that well all believe that deadly Covid variants are floating on those aerosol particles and infecting the world, again, so well all dash to the doc-in-tha-box and get stuck in the arm with the deadliest jabs ever created. Rinse and repeat. No Return to Mask Mandates Expected : Despite purported rising COVID-19 hospitalizations, public health experts and airlines confirm that mask requirements for air travel are unlikely to return, even as colder weather increases respiratory virus risks and the CDC pushes their propaganda again : Despite purported rising COVID-19 hospitalizations, public health experts and airlines confirm that mask requirements for air travel are unlikely to return, even as colder weather increases respiratory virus risks and the CDC pushes their propaganda again CDCs Authority and Industry Pushback : The CDCs 2021 mask mandate for transportation was struck down by a federal judge for overreach, and airlines have since maintained optional policies. Industry leaders oppose reinstating mandates, calling them ineffective and burdensome. : The CDCs 2021 mask mandate for transportation was struck down by a federal judge for overreach, and airlines have since maintained optional policies. Industry leaders oppose reinstating mandates, calling them ineffective and burdensome. Current CDC Guidance Focuses on Localized Risks : The CDC now ties mask recommendations to regional hospitalization levels currently low in 92% of the U.S. and denies rumors of impending federal mandates, emphasizing voluntary precautions instead. : The CDC now ties mask recommendations to regional hospitalization levels currently low in 92% of the U.S. and denies rumors of impending federal mandates, emphasizing voluntary precautions instead. Public Sentiment and Pandemic Shifts Make Mandates Unlikely: Experts cite reduced pandemic severity and widespread resistance to masking as barriers to renewed mandates, though some high-risk settings (e.g., hospitals, schools) may still enforce them locally. Mask Mandates Unlikely to Return for Air Travel Despite CDC Trying to Convince Everyone this is the Worst Variant Ever Despite a recent uptick in COVID-19 hospitalizations in the U.S., public health experts and airline officials say mask mandates for air travel are not expected to return, even as colder weather raises concerns about another potential surge. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) first imposed a mask requirement for planes, trains, and transit hubs in January 2021, based on ZERO SCIENCE, and then a federal judge struck down the mandate on April 18, 2022, ruling that the agency had overstepped its authority. Since then, all major U.S. airlines have maintained mask-optional policies and industry leaders indicate no plans to reverse course, except for the corrupt CDC recommendations. While COVID-19 remains a public health concern, with thousands of weekly hospitalizations and hundreds of deaths, the CDC has emphasized that its current guidance is tied to localized hospitalization levels which remain low in more than 92% of the country. A CDC spokesperson told Newsweek that recent rumors about impending mask mandates are "not true," reiterating that while masks are still recommended in some settings, enforcement is no longer a federal priority. Major airlines, including Alaska Airlines, have confirmed they have "no changes planned" for their mask policies. Other carriers echoed similar stances, signaling that passenger and crew masking remains optional. The airline industry has largely opposed the reinstatement of pandemic-era restrictions, with executives previously criticizing mandates as inconsistent and overly burdensome. Public health experts agree that a return to mandatory masking on planes is improbable, citing shifting public attitudes and the diminished severity of the pandemic compared to its peak. "It's unlikely that we'll see airlines implement masking mandates again for a few reasons we are no longer in an emergent state of the pandemic, cases are not as high as they were historically, and quite frankly, public sentiment towards mask mandates is likely to make any attempt extremely challenging," said Dr. Saskia Popescu, an epidemiologist at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Still, the CDC continues to advise individuals to stay updated on vaccinations and take precautions as needed, including voluntary mask use in crowded or high-risk settings. Some schools, hospitals, and businesses have reinstated masking in response to localized outbreaks, but experts say such measures are unlikely to extend to air travel without a dramatic shift in the pandemics trajectory. As the U.S. heads into another respiratory virus season, the debate over masks persists because they dont work and cause bacterial infections and brain fog so for now, passengers can expect to board flights without a federal requirement to cover their faces. Bookmark Plague.info to your favorite independent websites for updates on new gain-of-function viruses the CDC and WHO release into the wild while they tell everyone to stay indoors, mask up, social distance, and get injected with deadly prions that CAUSE disease, disorder and death. Sources for this article include: Pandemic.news GatewayPundit.com NaturalNews.com SHTFplan.com ChildrensHealthDefense.org Cleavers: A sticky superfood with a long history of medicinal use Cleavers (Galium aparine) has been used since ancient times by the Greeks and Romans for its diuretic and lymphatic properties. Medieval herbalists employed it for treating skin conditions, urinary tract infections and swelling. Native to Europe, Asia and North America, it thrives in temperate climates and is known by common names such as catchweed and sticky willy. Cleavers is rich in phytonutrients, including iridoids, flavonoids, tannins, chlorophyll and coumarins, which provide anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and detoxifying benefits. Cleavers can support lymphatic health, skin health, urinary function and digestion and helps reduce inflammation. Cleavers is widely used as a lymphatic tonic, skin remedy, diuretic, digestive aid and anti-inflammatory agent. Modern herbalists use it in tinctures, teas and topical preparations because of its healing properties. The young shoots and leaves of cleavers are edible, offering a mild, grassy flavor. It can be used in soups, salads, smoothies, pesto and herbal teas, making it a versatile ingredient in detoxifying and nutritious recipes. Cleavers is recognizable by its sticky, hooked hairs and slender stems with lance-shaped leaves. It has a mild, slightly sweet taste and holds cultural significance, such as in Irish folklore, where it was believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. In the world of herbal medicine, few plants are as versatile and intriguing as Galium aparine, commonly known as cleavers. This unassuming herb, with its velvety, sticky leaves and sprawling growth habit, has been a staple in traditional healing practices for centuries. From its historical uses to its modern-day applications, cleavers is a plant that deserves recognition for its remarkable health benefits and culinary potential. Brief history of cleavers Cleavers has a long and storied history, dating back to ancient times. The plant is believed to have been used by the ancient Greeks and Romans, who valued it for its diuretic and lymphatic properties. The Greek physician Dioscorides, in his seminal work De Materia Medica, described cleavers as a natural remedy for skin conditions and swelling. In medieval Europe, cleavers was used by herbalists to treat ailments ranging from urinary tract infections to skin irritations. (Related: Folk medicine plants from Mexico and Central America found to have anticancer potential.) Native to Europe, Asia and North America, cleavers thrives in temperate climates and is often found in hedgerows, woodlands and along riverbanks. Its ability to cling to clothing and animal fur thanks to the tiny hooked hairs on its stems and leaves has earned it a variety of colorful names, such as catchweed, sticky willy and robin-run-the-hedge. In Irish folklore, cleavers was believed to have protective properties. It was often hung over doorways to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck to the household. This tradition highlights the plant's enduring cultural significance and its reputation as a guardian of health and well-being. Cleavers is easily recognizable by its slender, square stems and whorls of narrow, lance-shaped leaves. The plant's tiny white flowers bloom in spring and summer, adding a delicate charm to its otherwise rugged appearance. The leaves and stems are covered in fine, hooked hairs which give the plant its characteristic stickiness. Phytonutrients and medicinal uses Cleavers is a nutritional powerhouse and is packed with phytonutrients that contribute to its healing properties. Among its key compounds are: Iridoids , which are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects , which are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects Flavonoids, which are compounds that support cardiovascular health and combat oxidative stress which are compounds that support cardiovascular health and combat oxidative stress Tannins , which have astringent properties that can help soothe irritated tissues , which have astringent properties that can help soothe irritated tissues Chlorophyll , which can support detoxification and promotes healthy blood circulation , which can support detoxification and promotes healthy blood circulation Coumarins, which are compounds that possess anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory effects These phytonutrients work synergistically to make cleavers a potent herb for supporting overall health and wellness. Cleavers has been traditionally used to address a wide range of health concerns. Its most well-known applications include: Lymphatic support - Cleavers is often referred to as a "lymphatic tonic" due to its ability to stimulate the lymphatic system, helping to detoxify the body and reduce swelling. - Cleavers is often referred to as a "lymphatic tonic" due to its ability to stimulate the lymphatic system, helping to detoxify the body and reduce swelling. Skin remedy - Cleavers' anti-inflammatory and astringent properties make it effective for treating acne, eczema and minor wounds. - Cleavers' anti-inflammatory and astringent properties make it effective for treating acne, eczema and minor wounds. Urinary support - Cleavers acts as a gentle diuretic, promoting healthy kidney function and alleviating conditions like urinary tract infections. - Cleavers acts as a gentle diuretic, promoting healthy kidney function and alleviating conditions like urinary tract infections. Digestive aid - Cleavers' mild laxative properties can help relieve constipation and support digestive health. - Cleavers' mild laxative properties can help relieve constipation and support digestive health. Anti-inflammatory agent - Cleavers' ability to reduce inflammation can help with conditions such as arthritis and gout. Modern herbalists continue to use cleavers in tinctures, teas and topical preparations to harness its healing potential. Culinary uses of cleavers While cleavers is primarily known for its medicinal properties, it also has a place in the kitchen. The young shoots and leaves of cleavers can be eaten raw or cooked, offering a mild, grassy flavor reminiscent of spinach. Here are a few recipe ideas that incorporate cleavers: Cleavers and spinach soup - A nourishing blend of cleavers, spinach and vegetable broth, perfect for detoxifying the body. - A nourishing blend of cleavers, spinach and vegetable broth, perfect for detoxifying the body. Spring cleavers salad - Combine cleavers leaves with fresh greens, radishes and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing seasonal dish. - Combine cleavers leaves with fresh greens, radishes and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing seasonal dish. Cleavers smoothie - Blend cleavers with bananas, apples and almond milk for a nutrient-packed green smoothie. - Blend cleavers with bananas, apples and almond milk for a nutrient-packed green smoothie. Cleavers pesto - Substitute basil with cleavers for a unique twist on traditional pesto. - Substitute basil with cleavers for a unique twist on traditional pesto. Herbal cleavers tea - Steep fresh or dried cleavers in hot water for a soothing, detoxifying beverage. In terms of taste, cleavers has a mild, slightly grassy flavor with a hint of sweetness. Its tender young shoots are the most palatable, making them ideal for culinary use. From its ancient use as a lymphatic tonic to its modern applications in skin care and detoxification, this sticky superfood continues to prove its worth. Whether enjoyed in a soothing tea, a vibrant salad or a healing tincture, cleavers offers a wealth of benefits for those seeking to enhance their well-being naturally. This story is not medical advice and is not intended to treat or cure any disease. Always consult with a qualified naturopathic physician for personalized advice about your specific health situation or concern. Visit NaturalNews.com, a great article source where you can learn about superfoods and their health benefits. You can also try Brighteon.ai, an AI model created by Mike Adams, also known as the Health Ranger. This model is available as a free download to be run locally and is designed to help share and decentralize knowledge. By doing so, it aims to bypass censorship and empower people with knowledge. If you're looking for an uncensored video free speech website where you can openly discuss nutrition, natural medicine, ingredients and more, check out Brighteon.com and our two free speech social media sites, Brighteon.IO and Brighteon.social. Watch this video to learn about the medicinal benefits of cleavers. This video is from the Holistic Herbalist channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Beyond antibiotics: How to build immunity and prevent infections with food and herbs. From weeds to wellness: The hidden superfoods in your backyard. Health Ranger Report: Exploring biblical foods and herbs for HEALING. The power of dates: A sweet superfood from ancient times. Nutrition over fear: Mike Adams with Sina McCullough and Joel Salatin reveals how a balanced diet can combat toxic exposure. Sources include: Brighton.ai NaturalNews,com Brighteon.com Heres how the EU system rewards high officials for failure Every circus needs a clown. And this one has a truly awesome demo reel. (Article by Rachel Marsden republished from RT.com) Despite the Greens snagging 85 seats in the current German parliament, it turns out theyre about as useful to Friedrich Merzs shiny new right-left establishment coalition with the Christian Democrats as a vegan menu at Oktoberfest. So theyre relegated to chilling on the Bundestag backbenches. Annalena Baerbock, the former German Foreign Affairs Minister in ex-Chancellor Olaf Scholzs government, could have coasted into parliament again via the Greens party list, even after losing her direct seat to Scholz himself. But she apparently had bigger plans. Shes just been tapped as the next President of the United Nations General Assembly. Before officially packing up at the Foreign Ministry, her own department nominated her for the UN gig an administrative role, largely ceremonial. Why her? Well, its Germanys turn to fill the seat for a year starting in September, and a career diplomat was reportedly first in line. You know, someone who hadnt become globally famous for flunking basic geometry. And well, that just cant stand. Not when the face of German diplomacy is no longer being kept by German voters in the manner to which she has become accustomed. Besides, just check out this CV. In a moment that will live in infamy alongside Lincolns Gettysburg Address, MLKs I Have a Dream, Pericles Funeral Oration, and Churchills We shall fight on the beaches, Baerbock took the spotlight at the 2023 Munich Security Conference. Asked whether Ukraine would be safe long-term if Vladimir Putin stayed in power in Russia, she replied: If Putin doesnt change by 360 degrees, no. Apparently, she thinks a dizzy Putin would make all the difference. Perhaps its not the first time that Baerbock, a former gymnast, confused a 360 with a 180, and landed on her head at some point. Either way, German school-kids usually master this concept by age 10. In another Baerbockism, during a January 2023 speech at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, she said: We are fighting a war against Russia and not against each other. Cue her foreign ministry hastily clarifying that no, of course Germany hadnt just declared war on Russia. It was just Baerbock talking again. With all this experience as Germanys walking, talking diplomatic banana peel, she was clearly destined for bigger things on the world stage. So who could possibly object to shipping her off to the UN? Well, this guy, for one: It is outrageous to replace the best and most internationally experienced German diplomat with an outdated model, grumbled Christoph Heusgen, former chair of the Munich Security Conference, referring to career diplomat, Helga Schmid, reportedly sidelined in favor of Baerbock. An outdated model? Bold words, Mr. Former Conference Chair! Excuse you, but trusty single-cylinder moped-grade intellectualism never truly goes out of style. Ms. Baerbock can learn a lot from [Schmid], said former German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel. Whats he suggesting? That Schmid moonlights as a geometry tutor? So that makes two critics, including one who previously held Baerbocks job. But surely these bitter old guys are alone in their skepticism towards this pioneer of feminist foreign policy. No doubt its just a coincidence that Mr. Eighteen Percent Popularity Scholz beat her in her own riding. And that Statista pegged her approval rating at -0.7 on a scale from -5 to 5. And who really cares about that time she sounded kind of like she was unilaterally declaring war on Russia on behalf of Germany, or when she seemed unsure which country she was representing. Like at a September 2022 forum when she said: If I give the promise to people in Ukraine We stand with you, as long as you need us then I want to deliver. No matter what my German voters think. At the time, Germany was deindustrializing and its citizens were being crushed by energy costs. Both consequences of the very Ukraine policy Baerbock was committed to, with or without voter consent, as she suggested. But look, Baerbock isnt the only politician to turn a domestic faceplant into a corner office with a view at Global Governance Inc. Take European Commission President Queen Ursula von der Leyen. No, please, take her, as former Chancellor Angela Merkel would say. Before becoming the unelected President of the European Commission, von der Leyen served as Germanys Defence Minister in Merkels government from 2013 to 2019. Known more for glamour shots in front of jets than for actually equipping them, her ministry apparently favored pricey consultants over functionality. One report noted: There is neither enough personnel nor material, and often one confronts shortage upon shortage. The troops are far from being fully equipped. Well, unless you count the broomsticks reportedly used during training exercises, and possibly sourced from Ursulas personal garage. Former European Parliament President Martin Schulz offered this glowing review of the current de facto Queen of the EU: One thing is true, she ran in 2019 but not for the European Parliament, but she ran away from her ministry in Germany. He also tweeted in 2019: Von der Leyen is our weakest minister. Thats apparently enough to become Commission president. Apparently, flunking your domestic portfolio is the new fast track to international prestige. Just ask Mark Rutte. The Dutch Prime Minister became so politically radioactive that his coalition partners were getting scorched by mere proximity. He resigned twice: first over a child welfare scandal, then after failing to maintain unity on asylum policy. His solution? Bail and become NATOs new Secretary General essentially, the Wests chief weapons lobbyist. Or consider Estonias Prime Minister Kaja Kallas. Her Reform Party slipped to third place under her leadership, dropping below 20 percent approval. As her coalition sank, she jumped ship and landed in Brussels as the EUs chief diplomat. Voters back home were apparently less impressed, especially after her governments tax hikes and perceived focus on Ukraine over Estonia. Even more awkward: while Kallas was calling for Europe to cut all ties with Russia, her husbands company, Stark Logistics, was still doing business there. But apparently, that kind of conflict of interest now screams diplomatic credentials. So no, Baerbocks story isnt a bug in the system. Its effectively the blueprint. The fall from grace at home just gives more momentum for the launch to cushy international posts. The moral of the story is clear: stumble locally, ascend globally. Even if your personal GPS is so busted that you cant tell a U-turn from a 360. Read more at: RT.com Europes drug crisis spirals out of control as cartels flood streets with lethal new opioids and designer drugs The European Union is losing its battle against a tidal wave of synthetic drugs, as criminal networks exploit geopolitical instability, weakened supply chains, and regulatory loopholes to flood the continent with deadly new substances . The European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) has issued a dire warning in its latest report, revealing an unprecedented surge in designer stimulants, ultra-potent opioids, and adulterated cannabis productsmany of which are slipping past law enforcement and poisoning unsuspecting users. Drug cartels, emboldened by fractured global supply chains and soaring shipping costs, are innovating faster than governments can respond. From nitazenesopioids hundreds of times stronger than herointo synthetic cathinones masquerading as party drugs, Europes streets are becoming a testing ground for lethal chemical experiments. Meanwhile, cocaine seizures hit a staggering 419 tons in 2023, with traffickers infiltrating major ports and corrupting institutions. Key points: Synthetic cathinones, chemically similar to the khat plant, surged to 37 metric tons seized in 2023up from just 4.5 tons in 2021with India as the primary source. Nitazenes, synthetic opioids exponentially stronger than fentanyl, are now linked to fatal overdoses across Europe, with fake prescription pills laced with the drug targeting unsuspecting users. Cocaine trafficking has reached record levels, with Belgium, Spain, and the Netherlands serving as key entry pointswhile cartels increasingly exploit commercial shipping routes. Cannabis potency has doubled in a decade, while semi-synthetic cannabinoids like HHC evade bans and poison consumers, including children. The Talibans ban on Afghan opium could push European users toward even deadlier synthetic opioids, accelerating the crisis. The synthetic stimulant surge: Cathinones and Europes hidden epidemic Europes stimulant market is undergoing a dangerous transformation. Synthetic cathinonesonce a niche concernare now arriving in multi-ton shipments, primarily from India. These designer drugs, chemically tweaked to mimic the effects of amphetamines, are being pressed into counterfeit pills or mixed into party drugs without users knowledge. The EUDA identified seven new cathinones in 2024 alone, bringing the total monitored substances to 178. Among them, 2-MMC and N-ethylnorpentedrone (NEP) have exploded in popularity, with treatment admissions for cathinone-related disorders jumping from 425 in 2018 to 1,930 in 2023. Poland has emerged as a production hub, with authorities dismantling 53 cathinone labs in 2023nearly double the previous year. But the real danger lies in deception: unsuspecting users, believing theyre taking MDMA or prescription stimulants, are instead ingesting untested, potentially lethal compounds. Nitazenes: The silent killers infiltrating Europes opioid market While heroin still dominates Europes opioid crisis, nitazenesa family of synthetic opioidsare quietly claiming lives. These lab-made drugs, originally developed as potential painkillers, can be hundreds of times stronger than morphine. In Estonia and Latvia, nitazenes already account for a significant share of overdose deaths. The EUDA warns that fake oxycodone and benzodiazepine pills laced with nitazenes are circulating widely, putting recreational userseven teenagersat risk of instant overdose. Unlike heroin, which requires large trafficking networks, nitazenes can be shipped in tiny, potent batches, making them nearly impossible to intercept. Chinas recent ban on 10 nitazene variants has only forced traffickers to pivot to new, unregulated derivatives like orphine compoundsproving that the chemical arms race between cartels and regulators is far from over. Cocaines choke hold on Europeand the violence it fuels Cocaine is no longer just a party drugits a catalyst for gang warfare. With seizures hitting 419 tons in 2023, traffickers are exploiting Europes busiest ports, hiding shipments in fruit containers and legitimate cargo. Spains record 13-ton bust in Ecuadorian bananas underscores the audacity of these operations. But the real cost is measured in blood. Rival cartels are recruiting minors, escalating assassinations, and corrupting officials to protect their routes. Wastewater analysis confirms cocaine use is rising, with residues detected in over half of monitored European cities. As the Talibans opium ban destabilizes global heroin supplies, experts fear cartels may push cocaineor even synthetic cathinonesas substitutes, further entrenching Europes addiction crisis. The EUDAs call for preparedness rings hollow when traffickers operate with near-impunity. From nitazene-laced pills to potent cannabis gummies poisoning children, Europes drug crisis is a testament to regulatory failure and institutional inertia. Sources include: Reuters.com Europa.eu WashingtonPost.com Germany signals shift in Ukraine strategy: A diplomatic end to the conflict? German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul acknowledged that the Russia-Ukraine war is unlikely to end with Russia's military defeat, emphasizing the necessity of a negotiated settlement a pragmatic shift in Germany's stance. Germany aims to bolster Ukraine's military capabilities to ensure it has leverage in potential peace talks, balancing military aid with the inevitability of diplomacy. Despite advocating for negotiations, Germany is escalating military aid, lifting restrictions on Ukrainian strikes and considering supplying long-range Taurus missiles, alongside a new 5.2 billion ($5.6 billion) aid package for Ukrainian arms production. Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized Russia's delaying tactics in negotiations, signaling Germany's tougher approach, while Wadephul highlighted the need to counter Russian sabotage and cyberattacks. Germany stressed the importance of sustained EU sanctions and U.S. support for Ukraine, urging allies to maintain a unified response amid uncertainty over future American aid. In a candid interview with the German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung (SZ), Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul acknowledged that the Russia-Ukraine conflict is unlikely to end with Russia's complete military defeat. Instead, he emphasized the necessity for a negotiated settlement, marking a subtle but significant shift in Germany's approach to the war. Wadephul's remarks underscore a growing recognition within the German government that a military victory over Russia is improbable, given Moscow's nuclear arsenal and the protracted nature of the conflict. "It was clear from the beginning that this war would most likely end through a negotiated settlement," Wadephul told SZ. This admission reflects a more pragmatic stance, acknowledging the limitations of military force in achieving a decisive outcome. The foreign minister emphasized the importance of strengthening Ukraine's position in potential peace talks. "We want to ensure that Ukraine can defend itself and has a strong negotiating position," he said. This approach aims to balance the need for military support with the recognition that a diplomatic resolution is ultimately inevitable. Germany's military buildup Despite the call for diplomacy, Germany is not backing down on its commitment to support Ukraine militarily. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has lifted range restrictions on Ukrainian strikes using German-supplied missiles and is considering providing Kyiv with Taurus missiles, which have a range of 500km. This move signals a more assertive stance against Russia, as Berlin seeks to deter further aggression. (Related: Russia prepared to strike Germany if Ukraine uses German-supplied Taurus missiles against Russian targets.) The German government has also announced a new military aid package for Ukraine worth 5.2 billion ($5.6 billion), primarily aimed at boosting Ukraine's domestic production of long-range weaponry. This significant investment underscores Germany's commitment to bolstering Ukraine's defense capabilities. Under Merz's leadership, Germany's position on Russia has become increasingly hardline. The chancellor has criticized Moscow's tactics in the negotiations, suggesting that the Kremlin is more interested in stalling for time than in reaching a genuine peace agreement. "Russia's behavior indicates a desire to drag out the conflict rather than to achieve real peace," Merz stated. This hardening stance is also reflected in Germany's response to Russia's hybrid warfare tactics. Wadephul acknowledged the need to consider response measures to Russian acts of sabotage and cyberattacks. "We must find new methods to deal with this," he said, highlighting the evolving nature of the threat. The role of the EU and the U.S. Wadephul expressed confidence in the European Union's ability to maintain pressure on Moscow through sanctions. However, he also noted the importance of continued U.S. support for Ukraine. "The question of future U.S. aid remains open, which should push the EU to take new steps," he said. The foreign minister's comments reflect a broader recognition of the need for a coordinated Western response to the conflict. As Germany seeks to navigate the complexities of the situation, it is also urging its allies to remain vigilant and committed to supporting Ukraine. In conclusion, Germany's evolving stance on the Ukraine conflict reflects the delicate balance between military support and diplomatic engagement. While Berlin remains committed to aiding Ukraine, it is also acknowledging the realities of the situation and the need for a negotiated settlement. As the conflict enters a critical phase, the decisions made by Germany and its allies will have far-reaching implications for the future of European security and the prospects for peace in the region. Watch the video below that talks about Russia escalating its attacks on Ukraine. This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Russia-Ukraine war escalates as Germany lifts missile restrictions, risking broader conflict. Kremlin slams lifting of range restrictions on Western weapons supplied to Ukraine. Germany considers reviving military draft as defense minister warns of troop shortages amid Russia tensions. Sources include: RT.com NewsUkraine.RBC.ua Pravda.com.ua Brighteon.com Google and Chile forge historic $400M trans-Pacific submarine cable to link South America with Asia and Australia Google and Chile sign a landmark agreement to deploy a 14,800 km (9,196-mile) submarine cable, the first in the South Pacific, connecting Valparaiso to Australia and Asia by 2027. The $400M project, partially funded by Chiles government, aims to boost Chiles role as a digital hub and strengthen ties with China, its top trading partner. The cable will support mining operations, astronomical research and tech platforms like TikTok while offering open access to other firms. Chile plans terrestrial extensions to Argentina and explores a future cable to Antarctica for scientific research. The deal reflects U.S.-China tech rivalry in Latin America, with Google positioning itself as a neutral infrastructure player. In a move that could redefine global connectivity, Google and Chile announced a historic partnership on June 4, 2025, to lay a 9,196-mile submarine data cable across the South Pacificthe first of its kind. The $400 million project, set for completion by 2027, will link Chiles port city of Valparaiso to Australia and onward to Asia, slashing latency and shielding data from geopolitical espionage. The deal underscores Chiles ambition to become Latin Americas digital gateway while navigating the U.S.-China tech cold war. Humboldt cable desperately needed already Submarine cables carry 99% of intercontinental internet traffic, yet the South Pacific has long been a gap in global infrastructure. The new cablenamed Humboldt after the ocean currentaddresses exploding demand from platforms like TikTok, cloud computing and Chiles mining sector, which seeks real-time coordination with Australian operations. "Its an extraordinary strategic partnership," said Chilean Transport Minister Juan Carlos Munoz, noting the cables potential to attract tech investment. Googles Latin America infrastructure head, Cristian Ramos, emphasized its open-access model: "Other entities, including tech firms in Chile, can use this cable." Geopolitics beneath the waves The project arrives as China and the U.S. vie for influence in Latin America through digital infrastructure. While the U.S. has scrutinized Chinese-built cables (like the now-defunct Havana-Miami link), Googles involvement offers Chile a neutral alternative. The cable avoids U.S. surveillance risksechoing Brazils $250 million Europe-linked cable, backed by Meta and Google to bypass NSA spying. Chiles Deputy Telecom Secretary Claudio Araya hinted at broader ambitions: "This could inspire cables linking South America to Antarctica for research." Economic ripples Beyond tech, the cable promises transformative benefits for tourism and trade. Faster connectivity could streamline visa processing, enable AI-driven travel platforms and strengthen Chiles lithium and copper exports to Asia by improving real-time logistics and supply chain coordination. Chiles state fund Desarrollo Pais is already planning terrestrial spurs to Argentina, with Paraguay and Brazil expressing interestpotentially creating a South American digital corridor. "Were testing the market with one fiber pair first," admitted Ramos, though the cables 16-pair capacity leaves ample room for expansion. Early adopters include research networks like CLARA and the European Commission, signaling confidence in the infrastructures scalability. Analysts predict that enhanced digital trade routes could attract foreign investment, positioning Chile as a regional tech hub while boosting GDP growth by an estimated 0.5% annually. The road to 2027 Deployment begins in 2026, with a Chile-Australia operator to be selected by years end. Googles existing data centers in Chile and Asia will replicate data across the new route, mirroring its U.S.-Chile backups. Yet challenges remain. Argentinas stalled infrastructure projectslike state-run Arsats frozen investmentscould delay terrestrial links. "We cant tender a border crossing without knowing if Argentina will reciprocate," conceded Araya. A connected future The Humboldt cable is more than infrastructureits a statement of sovereignty. By partnering with Google instead of Chinese firms like Huawei, Chile balances economic ties to Beijing with Western tech resilience. For global internet users, it means faster streaming, smoother Zoom calls and safer data. As the worlds digital arteries multiply beneath the ocean, Chiles bet positions it as a 21st-century trade hubwhere data, like the Humboldt Current, flows freely across once-distant shores. Sources for this article include: Reuters.com TravelandTourWorld.com BNAmericas.com HHS and FDA keep COVID jabs on the market, invest in new mRNA jabs, DIVIDING MAHA The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have long positioned themselves as guardians of public health, yet mounting evidence suggests these agencies have concealed catastrophic risks tied to mRNA COVID-19 vaccinesrisks that include unprecedented death rates, reproductive harm, and systemic fraud. Despite Pfizers own internal documents revealing 1,223 deaths within 90 days of rolloutalongside thousands of adverse eventsfederal regulators under the direction of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Dr. Marty Makary continue endorsing these shots, even for vulnerable subsets of the population. This betrayal of trust raises urgent questions: Why has the FDA refused to pull these dangerous injections from the market? Why does the CDC still recommend them for sick people, but not healthy people, despite peer-reviewed studies and whistleblower data proving their lethality? And why was the mRNA platform suspiciously omitted from the recent "MAHA Report," a document meant to address medical harms? The answers point to a disturbing pattern of cowardice and institutional corruption, where profit and control eclipse human life, and where towing the line and appeasement takes precedence over enforcing accountability for mass medical error and wrongful death. Key points: Pfizers confidential post-marketing data exposed 1,223 deaths and thousands of severe injuries within three months of rollout, yet HHS and FDA ignored the warnings. VAERS and v-safe data reveal COVID-19 vaccines as weapons of mass injury, with disproportionate harm to pregnant womenincluding skyrocketing miscarriage rates. Despite overwhelming evidence, the FDA and CDC still recommend mRNA shots for certain demographics, a policy that health freedom advocates see as a distraction from doing the right thing - taking decisive action and pulling the jabs from the market. The MAHA movement, a bipartisan coalition, demands accountability, but federal agencies respond with "linguistic misdirection" and hollow promises. Pfizers concealed catastrophe: A deadly cover-up When Pfizers 90-day post-marketing report was forced into public view through legal battles led by attorney Aaron Siri, the findings were staggering: 1,223 fatalities, 158,000 adverse events, and nine pages of "Adverse Events of Special Interest," including heart failure, neurological damage, and pregnancy complications. Dr. James Thorpe, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, analyzed the data and found miscarriage rates exceeding 80% in some cohortsa figure that should have triggered immediate suspension. Instead, the FDA doubled down, green-lighting boosters while dismissing injuries as "rare" or "unverified." Internal emails later revealed that Pfizer executives privately acknowledged "signal[s] of serious concern" as early as February 2021, yet publicly declared the shots "safe and effective." VAERS and v-safe: The smoking guns being ignored The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), though notoriously under-reported, logged over 37,000 deaths post-COVID vaccination by 2023a number that dwarfs all other vaccines combined over 30 years. Similarly, v-safe, the CDCs own surveillance tool, recorded thousands of pregnant women reporting miscarriages and fetal abnormalities within days of injection. Yet, when confronted with this data, CDC Director Rochelle Walensky dismissed it as "anecdotal," while HHS quietly altered v-safes interface to obscure pregnancy-related outcomes. Today, Secretary Kennedy and FDA Commissioner Makary have removed recommendations for COVID jabs for pregnant women and are requiring the vaccine manufacturers to warn recipients about myocarditis risks from the vaccine, but the elephant in the room remains: the leaders that MAHA put in place are failing to take decisive action to remove the shots from the market in the first place. A new precedent must be set in medicine, but this has not taken place under the new MAHA leadership. RFK Jr.s hollow reforms and the MAHA revolt The key priorities of the future strategy for the development of Ukraine's justice system and constitutional justice for 2025-2029 were presented at the XIII International Judicial and Legal Forum. Deputy Head of the Office of the President Iryna Mudra and Supreme Court President Stanislav Kravchenko discussed the main directions of judicial reform, including staffing of courts, improvement of administrative justice, and optimisation of the network of local courts. Iryna Mudra noted that the draft strategy is almost complete and should serve as a roadmap for state authorities in implementing changes in the field of justice. The document is based on Ukraine's European integration commitments and takes into account the recommendations of international partners and civil society. The main goal is to create a fair, effective and accessible judicial system, including ensuring justice in conditions of martial law and in de-occupied territories. Forum participants noted that some of the provisions of the strategy are already being implemented in practice. In particular, in 2024, 464 new judges were appointed to local courts, and the Verkhovna Rada supported the presidential bill on the creation of new specialised courts. In addition, a number of laws have been passed concerning judicial competitions, the financing of judicial institutions and the reform of the civil service remuneration system. In conclusion, Iryna Mudra emphasised that judicial reform is an integral part of Ukraine's European integration process and will help strengthen citizens' trust in state institutions. MAHA movement faces uphill battle as Trump administration wages war on organic agriculture I write this as someone who has long worked across ideological divides to bring people together around shared values of health, freedom and stewardship of the land. I have dedicated my life to helping heal the broken systems that shape our food and our future. (Article by Elizabeth Kucinich republished from KucinichReport.Substack.com) I write this with deep respect for the courage it takes to lead, and with a profound commitment to the principles that unite us: The right to nourish our families, the freedom to protect our health and the responsibility to care for the land that sustains us all. This is a call to action for leaders, for the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) community, and for every American who believes that a healthy future is worth building, and where necessary, fighting for! A call to action for health, freedom, life and the land If you were harmed by a product that caused cancer, infertility or liver disease, would you expect to have the right to seek justice in a court of law? Most Americans would answer yes. No one understands that principle better than Americas farmers, who have long been both stewards of the land and, increasingly, frontline victims of chemical harm. The chemical industrys playbook: Liability shields, legal immunity, and the erosion of rights The policy pattern is clear: First, preemption of local authority over pesticide restrictions. Second, the pursuit of liability protections for manufacturers of toxic substances. Third, the normalization of harm with no recourse. This is not theoretical. It is a real-time shift in the balance of power between public interest and private industry. A coordinated effort is unfolding in state legislatures and on Capitol Hill to grant legal immunity (liability shields) to agrochemical manufacturers. This means Big Ag, Big Chem and Big Seed can hurt you, even kill you, and not just get away with it, but profit from it! At this very moment, across America, a new wave of legislation seeks to provide legal immunity to chemical companies removing the right to recourse for harm their products have caused. This shield is not just for a niche set of chemicals, but for all pesticides and chemicals regulated under federal law. The chemical industry has created an unlivable future. Their legacy is one of ecocide and the destruction of public health. Chemical companies are seeking liability shields because they know the harm their products have already caused. These are not innocent corporations. They have paid billions of dollars in damages for contaminating water, poisoning land and causing cancers, birth defects and lifelong disease. Monsanto, now owned by Germanys Bayer, has paid over $10 billion to settle lawsuits linking Roundup (glyphosate) to non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Syngenta, a Chinese state-owned company through ChemChina, reached a $187.5 million settlement for paraquat-related Parkinsons disease claims and is working to settle more cases. Paraquat has been banned in the European Union (EU) since 2007, in China for domestic use and in other countries due to its extreme toxicity. DuPont, 3M and Chemours (a DuPont spin-off) have collectively paid billions for contaminating water supplies with per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS), the so-called forever chemicals, which the EU is now moving to comprehensively ban. Corteva (formerly Dow AgroSciences) has stopped producing chlorpyrifos, a pesticide linked to neurodevelopmental harm in children and banned in the EU and many other countries. Atrazine, an endocrine-disrupting herbicide, remains in use in the U.S. despite being banned in the EU since 2004 and in over 35 other countries due to groundwater contamination risks. Koch Industries, through its subsidiary Georgia-Pacific, has been implicated in PFAS contamination and paid penalties for related violations. At the same time, the industrial meatpackers such as Smithfield, owned by Chinas WH Group, and JBS, a Brazilian conglomerate, are driving demand for pesticide-intensive feed crops while benefiting from billions in U.S. taxpayer subsidies. Georgia recently passed Senate Bill 144, which limits liability for PFAS contamination, linked to cancer, reproductive harm and immune system dysfunction. At least five additional states have introduced similar bills. At the federal level, the 2024 draft of the U.S. House Republican Farm Bill included language that would preempt state pesticide laws and restrict legal pathways for victims of agrichemical exposure to seek damages. The provision has not advanced, but it signals a strategic and escalating trend. Just last week, Republican Agriculture Committee Chair, Rep. Glenn Thompson (Pa.), was quoted stating that provisions in the new stand-alone Farm Bill would protect pesticide manufacturers from lawsuits if products meet federal labeling requirements, and would prevent states from setting animal production standards that other states must follow, such as Californias Proposition 12 requirements. These efforts come despite growing scientific evidence linking widely used pesticides and herbicides, including glyphosate, atrazine, dicamba and chlorpyrifos, to a host of health and environmental impacts. Independent research has shown that low-level, chronic exposure to some of these chemicals may contribute to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, endocrine disruption, developmental neurotoxicity and certain cancers. Agrochemical companies argue that these liability shields are necessary to ensure continued access to essential crop protection tools and to prevent frivolous litigation. But legal accountability is not a threat to agriculture. It is a cornerstone of a functioning market and a free society. When companies cannot be held liable for harm, there is no incentive to innovate toward safer alternatives and the costs of that harm are externalized to the public. While the international community moves to ban or has banned many of these chemicals, the U.S. liability shield being pushed by the chemical industry and their allies in Congress is designed to protect a wide range of hazardous chemicals and the corporations that make them, likely driving further use. Specifically, it aims to cover: Glyphosate (Roundup), the worlds most widely used herbicide, is linked to non-Hodgkin lymphoma and is manufactured by Bayer/Monsanto. Banned or restricted in Austria (attempted), Germany (phase-out replaced by restrictions), Luxembourg, France (partial bans), Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, UAE and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Widely used with genetically modified organism (GMO) crops engineered for glyphosate resistance, including soy, corn, cotton, canola, sugar beets and alfalfa. Annual U.S. usage: 280-290 million pounds. the worlds most widely used herbicide, is linked to non-Hodgkin lymphoma and is manufactured by Bayer/Monsanto. Banned or restricted in Austria (attempted), Germany (phase-out replaced by restrictions), Luxembourg, France (partial bans), Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, UAE and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Widely used with genetically modified organism (GMO) crops engineered for glyphosate resistance, including soy, corn, cotton, canola, sugar beets and alfalfa. Annual U.S. usage: 280-290 million pounds. Paraquat, a highly toxic herbicide linked to Parkinsons disease, sold by Syngenta (a Chinese state-owned company). Banned in over 70 countries, including the EU, China (domestic use), Brazil, Chile, Malaysia, Peru, Taiwan, Thailand and the U.K. Often used in weed control rotations. Annual U.S. usage: 8 million pounds. a highly toxic herbicide linked to Parkinsons disease, sold by Syngenta (a Chinese state-owned company). Banned in over 70 countries, including the EU, China (domestic use), Brazil, Chile, Malaysia, Peru, Taiwan, Thailand and the U.K. Often used in weed control rotations. Annual U.S. usage: 8 million pounds. PFAS, a class of over 12,000 compounds used in firefighting foams, non-stick coatings and industrial processes, are linked to cancer, thyroid disease, immune system suppression and birth defects. Subject to a proposed EU-wide ban; already banned or restricted in France (consumer products by 2026, textiles by 2030), Denmark (food packaging) and New Zealand (cosmetics by 2026). Used in agricultural seed coatings, irrigation systems, chemical containers and food packaging, contaminating soil, water, food and consumers. a class of over 12,000 compounds used in firefighting foams, non-stick coatings and industrial processes, are linked to cancer, thyroid disease, immune system suppression and birth defects. Subject to a proposed EU-wide ban; already banned or restricted in France (consumer products by 2026, textiles by 2030), Denmark (food packaging) and New Zealand (cosmetics by 2026). Used in agricultural seed coatings, irrigation systems, chemical containers and food packaging, contaminating soil, water, food and consumers. Neonicotinoids, insecticides that kill pollinators and are associated with neurological harm in humans. Banned or restricted in the EU (outdoor use of three neonicotinoids since 2018), France (all outdoor use) and Slovenia. Used as seed coatings on both GMO and non-GMO crops, especially corn and soybeans. Annual U.S. usage: 4 million pounds. insecticides that kill pollinators and are associated with neurological harm in humans. Banned or restricted in the EU (outdoor use of three neonicotinoids since 2018), France (all outdoor use) and Slovenia. Used as seed coatings on both GMO and non-GMO crops, especially corn and soybeans. Annual U.S. usage: 4 million pounds. Dicamba, a herbicide known for widespread crop damage and environmental contamination. Banned in the U.S. for over-the-top applications on soybeans and cotton (2024 federal court decision); classified as very dangerous in Brazil but still permitted. Used with GMO dicamba-resistant crops such as Xtend soybeans and cotton. Annual U.S. usage: 9 million pounds. a herbicide known for widespread crop damage and environmental contamination. Banned in the U.S. for over-the-top applications on soybeans and cotton (2024 federal court decision); classified as very dangerous in Brazil but still permitted. Used with GMO dicamba-resistant crops such as Xtend soybeans and cotton. Annual U.S. usage: 9 million pounds. Atrazine, an endocrine-disrupting herbicide linked to birth defects, reproductive harm and amphibian population collapse. Banned in the EU (since 2004) and in Austria, Bahrain, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy and Sweden; also banned in Hawaii and U.S. territories. Heavily used in conventional corn, which is tolerant through selective breeding. Annual U.S. usage: 70 million pounds. This approach also sets a dangerous precedent. Many Americans, particularly those who supported the MAHA mandate, remember the liability shield granted to vaccine manufacturers and the consequences of a closed compensation system, leaving injured individuals without meaningful recourse and protecting corporations from accountability. Liability shields, once confined to a few controversial areas like vaccine injury claims, are now being extended to the producers of herbicides, pesticides and industrial contaminants. These chemicals have been linked in peer-reviewed studies to cancer, endocrine disruption, infertility and developmental harm. These largely foreign-owned corporations are actively working to undermine state-level food safety standards, including Californias Prop 12, through federal preemption efforts like the EATS Act (Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression Act). These companies know exactly what they have done and what they are doing. They are seeking legal immunity because they fear the consequences of accountability. They are distorting American democracy to serve corporate profits, not the public good. If a business is too dangerous to operate without legal immunity, it should not be allowed to operate at all and it certainly should not be subsidized. So why is Washington providing liability shields and working to overrule higher production standards for foreign corporations to poison the American people? The EATS Act and the budget battle: Stripping states rights and starving organic agriculture The Prop 12 provisions referred to by Chairman Thompson relate to the so-called EATS Act, now reintroduced as the Food Security and Farm Protection Act (S.1326). It is a wolf in sheeps clothing. Despite its new name, the bills core objective remains unchanged: To override state and local laws that set higher standards for food, farming and animal welfare, nullifying regulations like Prop 12, which sets basic humane standards for confined farm animals. This bill is the biggest fight of our generation for farmed animal welfare. Further, this food security and farm protection bill would strip states of the right to protect their farmers and all citizens, as well as environments, from harmful agricultural practices, cementing federal control in favor of the largest chemical and agribusiness interests. Amidst all this, Washington is rapidly advancing President Donald Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill Act, also known as H.R. 1, in the form of a budget reconciliation package. This budget reconciliation package increases already bloated subsidies to high chemical-intensive and GMO crops by 64% or $75 billion over 10 years. In the meantime, the administration has frozen funding and is delaying payments essential to the National Organic Program and the Transition to Organic Partnership Program. Those $75 billion are needed to get farmers off the chemical treadmill. Chart source (and spelling): FarmdocDaily. The House Agriculture Committees draft farm bill proposes cutting $290 billion from SNAP over the next decade, with $60 billion of those funds diverted to increase subsidies for farm programs that benefit the industrial commodity system: Corn, soy, cotton and the chemical giants and GMO companies that profit from it. At the same time, the administration has cut $754 million from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the very program that provides essential technical assistance and cost-sharing to farmers working to improve on-farm resilience, increase soil health, reduce erosion and protect water quality. NRCS is the front line for farmers seeking to reduce chemical inputs and build long-term resilience, yet its funding has been slashed. This is a policy direction that prioritizes corporate profit over public health, while stripping low-income families of the means to access the very food they need to survive. This is the antithesis of the MAHA movement. The scale of this betrayal is staggering. The real cost of corporate control: Subsidies, greenwashing and a war on life The National Organic Program, which safeguards organic standards and ensures consumer trust, operates on a modest $23.2 million annual budget. In stark contrast, chemical-intensive industrial agriculture is a monster created by the government. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has recently funneled over $10 billion in direct payments to commodity agriculture through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program alone, supporting industrial monocultures like genetically engineered corn, soy and cotton that depend on heavy pesticide and fertilizer use. These funds overwhelmingly benefit the chemical giants and GMO seed companies driving the industrial agricultural system, and further line the coffers of political supporters. No wonder there is a battle. This has nothing to do with feeding America healthy food, and everything to do with profit at all cost! The business model relies on government subsidies and crop insurance payments. Its approach weakens the resilience of the farm system, and gives handouts which ensure that the American people are forced to eat the products that have become the basis of obesity and disease. Now add liability shields into the mix, and we are truly on the path to environmental and human health collapse. This would be a perfect time for the government to stop being an ATM from which chemical giants and industrial agricultural interests extract billions of taxpayer dollars, and to reverse the system that poisons people, destroys soil and undermines health. Outsized government funding has created the agrochemical sector and incentivized farmers to adopt life-damaging practices, which have destroyed soil, created a treadmill for chemical warfare with nature and put chemical-laden products into the food supply. If there are tens of billions of dollars available to prop up and advance a dangerous suite of practices, there are billions of dollars that could be redirected to transition it. These current giveaways to big corporations are on top of the existing $181.8 billion in projected subsidies for programs like Agricultural Risk Coverage, Price Loss Coverage and crop insurance over the next decade. Corn alone has received $47.5 billion in premium subsidies since 1995, soy $28.1 billion, wheat $17.3 billion, and cotton $12.4 billion crops at the heart of the chemical-intensive, GMO-dominated model. If we want a clean, healthy food supply, organic agriculture is the only real and viable option. Yet the public is being misled by a deliberate shift in language, using the term regenerative in place of organic as a cover for the chemical industrys agenda. Chemical-intensive practices, like chemically burning down cover crops with herbicides, are being falsely framed as soil health measures. This smoke-and-mirrors messaging is deeply damaging, and many within the MAHA and regenerative agriculture movement do not fully grasp the nuance. The MAHA movement must stand: Strengthen organic, redirect subsidies to aid transition, defeat chemical liability shields, defeat the EATS Act Organic standards have been steadily weakened, consistently under previous administrations, and now more frontally under this one. The National Organic Program, which sets enforceable standards and ensures consumer trust, has faced severe funding freezes, halting key initiatives like the Organic Market Development Grant Program and the Transition to Organic Partnership Program. The administration has also canceled numerous Climate-Smart Commodity Projects, initiatives designed to help farmers transition to regenerative practices that improve soil health, reduce chemical dependency and cut greenhouse gas emissions. An executive order even froze over $2 billion in conservation payments owed to more than 30,000 farmers, breaking trust with those who had stepped up in good faith to adopt conservation practices. These actions are not isolated budget decisions. They represent a systematic dismantling of the very pathways farmers and families need to build a food system that nourishes people and the land. They send a clear message: while the administration claims to support regenerative and organic agriculture, its policies tell the real story billions for industrial agribusiness, and budget cuts for those working to heal the land. This is not an accident. This is a deliberate choice. The funneling of billions for industrial chemical agriculture, while meagre organic initiatives are frozen. If we want a food system that nourishes people and the land, we need to stop pretending we can reform the chemical model. The administrations policies have made clear that their priority is propping up industrial agribusiness, not supporting a regenerative future. We must wake up to this reality. A whole new, largely right-leaning and independent constituency was awakened to the mission of MAHA and on the basis of election promises, mobilized to help elect Trump. Yet, while MAHA messaging grows stronger, those battle-hardened warriors who laid the foundations for structural reforms supporting regenerative organic transitions are, for the most part, not invited to the table. Last week, the MAHA Commission, chaired by U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy Jr., released a report reaffirming its commitment to protecting public health and reducing toxic exposures. However, as Kennedy works to advance these values, the rest of the administration is pushing a pro-chemical, pro-corporate agenda. The broader administration is codifying policies that stand in direct opposition to the MAHA Commissions mission, handing over billions of dollars to the chemical ag industry and implementing actions that are destroying the very foundations of organic and regenerative transition. MAHA leadership and the broader MAHA electorate who delivered votes to the Trump team must step away from the White House glamour and stand in the clarity of why they voted for MAHA in the first place and hold the Administration accountable for its election promises. The MAHA movement was never about political loyalty. It was built to restore health, protect life and break free from corporate control. The future of MAHA depends on its ability to stay focused, stay independent and demand results, not rhetoric. I am no partisan, but this reality raises a crucial question: Why are Republican congressional leaders, who claim to stand for American farmers, families and sovereignty, so intent on shielding foreign-owned corporations like Germanys Bayer (Monsanto) and Chinas Syngenta from chemical liability, and Chinas Smithfield (the largest pork producer in the U.S.) and Brazils JBS S.A (the worlds largest meat processor) with new versions of the EATS Act, when their products and practices harm our people, our land and our future? This is not just a question of politics. It is a question of principle. When we have an opportunity to help farmers increase their soil health, understand the science of organic, biological agriculture and wean their land off the expensive chemical drugs that have trapped them in an endless cycle of poison and chemical warfare with nature, why are we not doing the fiscally responsible thing? Farmers may worry about losing tools in their toolkit, but the administrations job is to help them retool, supporting a transition to practices that build natural capital, reduce input costs and make farm businesses more resilient. Subsidies should no longer prop up Big Chemical and Big GMO seed. They should support a wholesome, resilient transition toward regenerative organic agriculture. A whole new constituency has awakened to the determined mission of MAHA mothers, farmers, veterans, healers and families who understand that we cannot trade health for convenience, or sovereignty for corporate profit. Yet, while the MAHA movement grows stronger, the administration advances policies that destroy the very foundations of organic and regenerative transition. It is time for MAHA and its allies to get serious about defeating chemical liability shields and beating back the so-called EATS Act and its successor legislation. Both the EATS Act and chemical liability shields remove legal accountability from powerful agribusinesses and chemical giants; strip rights from individuals, farmers and communities, and prevent states from acting to protect health, animals and the environment. The fight over pesticide liability shields is not a side issue, it is THE food safety and public health issue. Without taking down these shields, any real transition to regenerative, life-affirming agriculture is impossible. The MAHA movement was born out of the devastation wrought by vaccine liability shields. Pesticide liability shields are of the same paradigm. The political base that already understands this dynamic is primed and ready. This is a moment of opportunity to build a large consensus on health and food safety. Unfortunately, the current administration is actively working to undermine MAHAs goals while it makes public statements of support. Transition funding is being stripped or quietly redirected. NRCS has been hollowed out. The National Organic Program is barely functioning. Policy is increasingly being dictated by industrial agriculture and chemical lobbyists. This is not theoretical. We need people who understand policy and power to lead a transformation of our politics alongside those who have hands-on experience shifting large-scale operations from chemical to biological agriculture. I have worked directly with large-scale industry on scalable approaches to transitions from chemical to biological agriculture. We can reduce chemical inputs dramatically, restore ecological resilience and rebuild soil health using nature-based, life-supporting practices. There are ways to grow food without destroying health and life. Agribusiness must learn them, and we must structure incentives accordingly not to reward warfare against nature, but to foster regeneration, stewardship and ecological sanity. We are fighting on the side of nature, the essence of life itself. That is where the majority of Americans stand, notwithstanding the policy specifics. Stop the shield legislation. Restore the right of the people to hold powerful corporations accountable and to set higher standards for the health of families, animals, the land and our communities. Read more at: KucinichReport.Substack.com Red haze over the Sunshine State: Massive Sahara dust plume jolts Florida with dangers and dramatic skies A Saharan dust plume larger than the continental U.S. is advancing toward Floridas Gulf Coast, arriving earlier and more intensely than usual. Health experts warn of respiratory risks due to PM2.5 particles, urging vulnerable populations to limit outdoor activity. Satellite data shows the plume spanning 2,000 miles across the Caribbean, with air quality alerts issued in Puerto Rico and the Turks and Caicos. Canadian wildfire smoke may intersect with the dust in the Southeast, worsening air quality and pollution. Residents are advised to stay indoors, use N95 masks and monitor real-time air quality updates to mitigate exposure. A colossal plume of Sahara Desert dust, spanning an area equivalent to the continental United States, is barreling toward Floridas Gulf Coast, marking an early and unusually potent arrival of a seasonal natural phenomenon. Known as the Saharan Air Layer (SAL), this traveling air mass laden with fine mineral particles has already triggered air quality advisories in Puerto Rico and could bring respiratory threats to millions in the U.S. Southeast by midweek. Meteorologists describe the plume as very impressive, a rarity for its early June timing and dense concentration of particulate matter. According to Alex DaSilva, AccuWeathers lead hurricane expert, the dust cloud stretches 2,000 miles across the Caribbean, from Jamaica to Trinidad and Tobago, and is exerting measurable impacts on sunlight, air quality and even visibility along its path. Everything looks muted, said Joseph Prospero, an aerosol scientist and professor emeritus at the University of Miami, referring to the reddish haze that signals the dusts approach. Health hazards loom amid air quality concerns The dusts fine particles, known as PM2.5, pose significant risks to respiratory health. These microscopic particles can infiltrate deep into lung tissue, exacerbating asthma, allergies and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Puerto Ricos Health Department has already warned residents to avoid prolonged outdoor activity, especially for children, elderly individuals and those with compromised immune systems. As the plume drifts toward the mainland, health agencies in Florida, Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi brace for similar advisories. The timing couldnt be worse: residual smoke from Canadian wildfires already clouds the eastern U.S., creating a potential overlap of two airborne threats. Wildfire smoke and dust particles both contain PM2.5, which means their combined effect could push pollution levels into dangerous territory, DaSilva explained. Minneapolis recently recorded very unhealthy air quality due to wildfire haze. A stormy sky, choking air: Dust cloud threatens southern states While Saharan dust plumes are a seasonal occurrence between April and October, experts note a rising frequency and intensity of these events. The 2020 Godzilla plume, the largest in 50 years, caused visibility to plummet and air quality alerts to ring from Texas to the Carolinas. In July 2023, another plume turned skies orange over the Gulf Coast. This years plume, arriving earlier and denser than previously observed, may signal altered atmospheric patterns linked to climate variability. The SALs dry air suppresses hurricane formation by reducing tropical moisturea natural regulator of Atlantic cyclones. Yet its health and environmental consequences are increasingly prominent. Were learning that these dust clouds arent just a curiosity, Prospero said. As human populations grow and environmental stressors mount, the interplay between natural phenomena and human health demands urgent attention. Preparedness measures and the new era of atmospheric challenges Residents in affected areas should prepare for hazy skies, dust residue on surfaces and vivid sunsets a visual spectacle with health trade-offs. Officials recommend: Monitoring real-time air quality indexes via platforms like AirNow. Remaining indoors during peak exposure hours, particularly between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Using HEPA air filters and N95 masks when venturing outside. Health experts also warn of potential impacts on technology and infrastructure, such as solar panels (reduced efficiency) and aviation (engine intake issues). While the dust typically thins as it moves inland, prolonged exposure to PM2.5 could linger in urban areas, especially amid stagnant heat. A future defined by atmospheric crossroads The dust plume underscores humanitys vulnerability to planetary-scale atmospheric shifts. This isnt just about Florida or even the U.S. its a reminder of natures interconnectedness, Prospero said. As environmental events and persistent pollutants collide, proactive measures from stricter air quality monitoring to stronger infrastructure are critical to safeguarding public health. For now, residents in the path of this 2,000-mile dust cloud must rely on science, preparation and a watchful eye on the sky. Sources for this article include: YourNews.com NaturalNews.com DailyMail.com Meta secures 20-year nuclear deal to power AI expansion amid surging energy demands Meta signs a 20-year agreement with Constellation Energy to expand nuclear power output for AI and data centers. The deal revives Illinois Clinton Clean Energy Center, preserving 1,100 jobs and generating $13.5M in annual tax revenue. Tech giants like Microsoft, Google and Amazon are increasingly turning to nuclear energy to meet AIs massive power needs. The move highlights the tension between AIs energy demands and corporate climate goals. Critics question scalability and grid reliability as nuclear projects face delays and cost overruns. In a bid to secure clean, reliable energy for its artificial intelligence (AI) ambitions, Meta has signed a 20-year deal with Constellation Energy to expand nuclear power output at Illinois Clinton Clean Energy Center. The agreement, announced Tuesday, underscores the tech industrys scramble to meet skyrocketing electricity demands while adhering to climate pledges. The deal makes Meta the latest in a string of Big Tech firms including Microsoft, Google and Amazon to embrace nuclear power as a solution for powering energy-hungry AI data centers. With AI development requiring unprecedented computational resources, companies are grappling with how to balance innovation with sustainability. Reviving a struggling nuclear plant The Clinton plant, once slated for closure in 2017 due to financial struggles, was saved by Illinois Future Energy Jobs Act, which provided zero-emissions credits through mid-2027. Metas deal takes effect in June 2027, expanding the plants output by 30 megawatts enough to power a small city while preserving 1,100 jobs and generating $13.5 million in annual tax revenue. Securing clean, reliable energy is necessary to continue advancing our AI ambitions, said Urvi Parekh, Metas head of global energy. The company emphasized that nuclear power helps stabilize the grid amid rising energy demands. Big Techs nuclear rush: Microsoft revives Three Mile Island amid industry-wide shift Metas move follows similar deals by competitors, as Silicon Valley races to secure low-carbon energy for power-hungry AI data centers: Microsoft partnered with Constellation Energy last year to reopen Pennsylvanias infamous Three Mile Island plant by 2028, aiming to supply its AI operations with 24/7 carbon-free power. The site, dormant since its 2019 shutdown, gained notoriety after the 1979 partial meltdowna crisis that fueled decades of public distrust in nuclear energy. Google invested in small modular reactors (SMRs) through Kairos Power, betting on scalable, next-gen designs to bypass traditional nuclears cost overruns. Amazon backed advanced nuclear projects, including fusion and molten-salt reactors, via its Climate Pledge Fund. These agreements reflect a broader industry scramble as tech giants seek alternatives to fossil fuels amid soaring energy demands. Yet nuclear power faces steep challenges: regulatory bottlenecks, multi-year construction delays and lingering skepticism especially around Three Mile Island, site of the U.S.s worst commercial nuclear accident in 1979, where cleanup costs topped $1 billion. Critics warn that rushing to revive aging plants or unproven reactor designs could compromise safety or divert resources from renewables like wind and solar. Can nuclear power meet AIs insatiable appetite? While nuclear energy offers a carbon-free solution, experts warn that scaling up quickly may be unrealistic. The U.S. has built only two new large reactors in the past 50 years both massively over budget and behind schedule. George Gross, a University of Illinois engineering professor, cautions that transmission grid investments lag behind demand. Thats my biggest concern, he said, noting that grid spending has declined despite surging energy needs. The future of AI and energy As AI reshapes industries, its energy footprint is drawing scrutiny. Metas nuclear deal signals a long-term bet on stable, low-emission powerbut whether nuclear can keep pace with techs exponential growth remains uncertain. For now, Big Techs nuclear pivot underscores a stark reality: the race for AI supremacy is also a race for energy. And as companies jostle for powerboth computational and electrical the stakes for the grid, the climate and the economy have never been higher. In the high-stakes game of AI, energy is the ultimate currency and nuclear power may be the wild card. Sources for this article include: ClimateDepot.com TheHill.com APNews.com New Jersey on verge of expanding ELECTRONIC VACCINE REGISTRY, suspending consent during public health emergencies In a quiet but alarming move, New Jersey lawmakers are pushing forward legislation that would automatically enroll residents into a statewide electronic vaccine tracking system without their explicit consent. The bill, S1956, eliminates the requirement for written permission before adding individuals to the New Jersey Immunization Information System (NJIIS), effectively stripping residents of their right to medical privacy. This aggressive expansion of government surveillance follows a disturbing trend: the erosion of informed consent and the normalization of medical coercion under the guise of public health. Key points: New Jerseys S1956 would automatically enroll residents into a vaccine registry when receiving any immunization, removing the need for explicit consent. Opt-out requests could be denied during declared emergencies, outbreaks, or even the threat of an outbreakgranting unchecked power to health officials. Health freedom advocates warn the bill is a gateway to broader medical surveillance, enabling discrimination against those who refuse state-mandated vaccines. The legislation mirrors Gov. Phil Murphys COVID-era executive order, cementing pandemic-era overreach into permanent law. Vaccine skeptics and medical freedom advocates argue the registry will be weaponized to pressure compliance, punish dissenters, and segregate the unvaccinated from education, employment, and public life. The slippery slope of forced enrollment The NJIIS already tracks immunization records for children born after 1998 unless parents proactively opt out. But S1956 goes further forcing automatic enrollment for anyone receiving a vaccine, regardless of age. While the bill technically allows opt-outs, the commissioner of health can override these requests during vaguely defined emergencies, including the mere threat of an outbreak. Now [people are] automatically put into a registry because of any sort of potential threat of any sort of outbreak, even if its inapplicable to why the persons going in, warned Sen. Holly Schepisi, one of the bills Republican opponents. Dominique Venezia of Childrens Health Defenses New Jersey chapter called the bill one big tiptoe to grabbing more data, more surveillance, more track-and-trace. She warned that rushed pediatrician visits often just seven minutes long leave no time for informed consent, let alone explaining registry opt-outs. Do they even have to inform the parents that there is an opt-out option? I doubt they are going to do that. A blueprint for medical tyranny Electronic vaccine registries are not benign record-keeping tools. They are enforcement mechanisms, enabling governments and corporations to monitor, pressure, and punish those who resist mandated medical interventions. Once fully implemented, these systems can: Restrict access to schools, jobs, and public services based on vaccination status. Share private medical data with insurers, employers, and other third parties. Enable targeted harassment of vaccine-hesitant families through health and safety home visits. This is not hypothetical. During COVID-19, governments worldwide used vaccine passports to segregate the unvaccinated, barring them from travel, dining, and even medical care. New Jerseys bill lays the groundwork for similar abuses, all under the pretext of disease control. Rewriting the bill: A pro-freedom alternative S1956 is a violation of medical privacy and informed consent, paving the way for surveillance and discrimination, and providing a basis for vaccine passports. The bill should be replaced with medical freedom provisions, enshrined into NJ law. These provisions should include: Explicit consent requiredNo automatic enrollment; individuals must opt in. No emergency overridesOpt-out requests cannot be denied, even during outbreaks. Strict data privacyProhibits sharing registry information with insurers, employers, or other non-medical entities. Anti-discrimination safeguardsBars schools, employers, and healthcare providers from penalizing those who refuse vaccination or registry enrollment. An amendment like this prioritizes informed consenta cornerstone of ethical medicineover government coercion. The bigger picture: A war on medical freedom New Jerseys bill is part of a nationwide push to eliminate vaccine exemptions, expand forced tracking, and punish dissent. From HPV mandates for minors to flu shot requirements for college students, the medical-industrial complex is tightening its grip, using fearnot scienceto justify unprecedented control over personal health decisions. If S1956 passes, New Jersey will join a growing list of states treating citizens as biometric data points rather than free individuals. The time to resist is nowbefore the next emergency makes resistance impossible. Sources include: ChildrensHealthDefense.org NJ1015.com Pub.NJLeg.gov [PDF] New research exposes how vaccines trigger SIDS medical establishment covering up infant deaths with MISDIAGNOSIS For decades, grieving parents have been told their infants died of "sudden infant death syndrome" (SIDS), a vague diagnosis that conveniently absolves vaccine manufacturers of blame . But groundbreaking research now reveals the chilling truth: Vaccines are killing babies and the medical establishment has been hiding it. A new study published in the International Journal of Medical Sciences uncovers the biological mechanisms linking vaccines to SIDS, proving that toxic vaccine ingredients overwhelm infants underdeveloped detox pathways, leading to fatal inflammation, brainstem damage and respiratory failure. Key points: Infants lack mature liver enzymes (CYP450) needed to process toxic vaccine ingredients like aluminum, formaldehyde, and polysorbate 80. Vaccines suppress CYP450 function, creating a deadly cycle where toxins accumulate, inflame the brainstem, and disrupt breathing. 75% of SIDS cases in VAERS occur within a week of vaccination, peaking 48 hours post-shot proof of causation buried by regulators. Preterm babies are especially vulnerable, yet hospitals aggressively vaccinate them, ignoring their fragile metabolic limits. Autopsies often miss vaccine-induced brain damage, allowing SIDS to be weaponized as a cover-up for vaccine fatalities. How vaccines silently suffocate babies The study reveals that infants especially preemies are born with immature CYP450 enzymes, which normally detoxify drugs and poisons. But modern medicine bombards newborns with a chemical onslaught their physiology were never prepared to handle or adapt to on an evolutionary basis. "In the absence of modern medicine, the newborn baby consumes only mothers milk," explains Karl Jablonowski, Ph.D., a senior scientist at Childrens Health Defense. "Now, babies are expected to process the hepatitis B vaccine at birth, followed by eight more toxic shots by two months old." The consequences are catastrophic: Toxin overload: Aluminum adjuvants and formaldehyde cant be broken down, flooding the bloodstream and crossing the blood-brain barrier. Aluminum adjuvants and formaldehyde cant be broken down, flooding the bloodstream and crossing the blood-brain barrier. Brain stem inflammation: Toxins trigger cytokine storms that damage the medulla, crippling the brains ability to regulate breathing and heart rate. Toxins trigger cytokine storms that damage the medulla, crippling the brains ability to regulate breathing and heart rate. Serotonin system collapse: Studies show 70% of SIDS cases involve disrupted serotonin pathways, preventing babies from waking during apnea episodes. Studies show 70% of SIDS cases involve disrupted serotonin pathways, preventing babies from waking during apnea episodes. Metabolic sabotage: Vaccines further suppress CYP450 enzymes, trapping infants in a lethal feedback loop where each shot increases toxicity. The smoking gun: VAERS data exposes the cover-up Epidemiologist Nicolas Hulscher analyzed 2,605 infant deaths reported to VAERS from 19902019 and found a damning pattern: 75% of SIDS cases occurred within 7 days of vaccination, with deaths spiking on day two. "This is not random its a biological signature," Hulscher warns. Yet coroners routinely ignore neuropathology evidence, dismissing vaccine deaths as "unexplained." In one harrowing legal case (Boatmon v. HHS), autopsy reports proved brainstem abnormalities were missed a deliberate oversight to protect vaccine programs. Similarly, Dr. Paul Thomas found unvaccinated children in his practice had zero SIDS cases, while the vaccinated rate mirrored national averages. Instead of pausing the vaccine schedule to investigate, hospitals double down on poisoning preemies. "Cesarean sections deliver babies earlier, and doctors compensate by vaccinating them more aggressively," says Jablonowski. Even worse, pediatricians push Tylenol post-vaccination a drug that clogs CYP450 pathways, ensuring toxins stay trapped longer. Genetic testing could identify high-risk infants, but the medical-industrial complex refuses to consider the evidence and be proactive at avoiding vaccine injury and death. It's easier to pretend the issue doesn't exist and just blame parents for their child dying in their sleep. "Pharmacogenomics could save lives, but it exposes the fraud of one-size-fits-all vaccines," says Hulscher. Until then, parents are left to navigate a system that sacrifices children for profit. The real solution is a complete restructuring of the CDC's childhood vaccine schedule, removing any recommendations for vaccines for babies under one year of age, and making it illegal for pediatricians, pharmacists, and family doctors to administer any of these high risk products in vulnerable, developing children. The studys authors urge immediate action: Ban toxic excipients like aluminum, polysorbate 80, and formaldehyde in vaccines. Halt preterm vaccinations until metabolic maturity is confirmed. Mandate autopsies for all SIDS cases, including brain stem analysis. "Every SIDS death should be treated as a potential vaccine homicide," says Jablonowski. "Parents deserve the truthnot another whitewashed lie." Sources include: ChildrensHealthDefense.org Pubmed.gov Pubmed.gov Digital IDs under fire: Privacy advocates warn of government surveillance embedded in mobile licenses Privacy advocates warn that mobile drivers licenses (mDLs) contain hidden tracking features that allow governments to monitor citizens. The ISO/IEC 18013-5:2021 framework, used globally, mandates remote data retrieval capabilities in digital IDs. Over 80 groups, including the ACLU and EFF, launched the "No Phone Home" campaign to demand privacy-first digital ID systems. States promise not to activate tracking, but advocates argue technical safeguards not just policies are needed. As digital IDs expand, experts urge action now to prevent mass surveillance and abuse. The rise of surveillance-ready digital IDs As states and nations rapidly adopt mobile drivers licenses and digital identity systems, a coalition of privacy advocates, technologists, and lawmakers is sounding the alarm: These tools are being built with built-in surveillance capabilities. The "No Phone Home" campaign, backed by heavyweights like the ACLU, Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), and Center for Democracy & Technology, warns that the technical standards governing digital IDs particularly ISO/IEC 18013-5:2021 allow governments to remotely access user data, even if the feature is initially inactive. The issue came to light after a state government (unnamed in disclosures) accidentally left tracking functions enabled in its mobile ID app, only disabling them after public scrutiny. "If this capability exists, it will eventually be used," said Jay Stanley, ACLU senior policy analyst. How digital IDs "phone home" The core concern lies in the ISO standard, which requires mobile IDs to support server-side data retrievalmeaning issuers (like state DMVs) can silently pull location and usage data from a users device. While proponents argue this aids fraud prevention, critics compare it to a backdoor for mass tracking. Corporate origins, government risks: Digital ID standards were first developed in corporate environments where privacy was secondary. Now, governments adopting these systems inherit the same risks. Digital ID standards were first developed in corporate environments where privacy was secondary. Now, governments adopting these systems inherit the same risks. Policy promises arent enough: States pledge not to activate tracking, but as Timothy Ruff, a campaign organizer, noted: "Policies change. Policymakers change." Alexis Hancock of the EFF added: "You shouldnt have to choose between privacy and usability. The standard was written for verifiersnot individuals." From bars to browsers: The expanding surveillance net The threat isnt limited to physical spaces. Louisianas LA Wallet app, used for online age verification, could let the government log which websites residents visit. "This could be weaponized against protesters or political dissidents," Stanley warned. Similar concerns apply to OpenID Connect (OIDC), another standard enabling silent data transmission. The campaign draws comparisons to post-9/11 surveillance expansions, where initially limited powers grew into broad data collection regimes. The fight for open standards A key demand of the coalition is transparency in standard-setting. The ISO process is closed, dominated by corporations and governments not civil society. Hancock cited HTTPS as a success story of open development, contrasting it with Googles Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP), which critics say prioritized corporate control over user rights. Some supporters, like former Maryland CIO Michael Leahy, are drafting laws to ban surveillance features in digital IDs. A tipping point for privacy As digital IDs gain tractionfrom Apple Wallet integrations to EU-wide systems the window to enforce privacy protections is closing. "We have to act now," Hancock urged. Without technical safeguards, these systems risk becoming tools of centralized control, eroding the very freedoms they claim to modernize. The "No Phone Home" campaign isnt just about drivers licensesits a stand against the normalization of surveillance in everyday life. For citizens, the question remains: Will convenience trump liberty, or can a coalition of advocates rewrite the rules before its too late? Sources for this article include: ReclaimTheNet.org StateScoop.com ACLU.org RFK Jr. defends Death Spike vaccine approval without clinical trials critics warn of Medical Holocaust RFK Jr.s Controversial Stance: HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. defends FDA approval of Modernas M-Nex Spike vaccine despite incomplete trials, contradicting his past skepticism of pharmaceutical corruption. "Test Now, Study Later" Policy: Critics accuse Kennedy of enabling a "medical holocaust" by fast-tracking the vaccine for vulnerable groups before safety trials conclude in 2027mirroring COVID-19 warp-speed tactics he once condemned. Alarming Vaccine Name: The Latin-derived "M-Nex Spike" (roughly "Death Spike") sparks outrage, with critics calling it a sinister admission or taunt, given its ties to autoimmune risks and aborted fetal cell lines. Depopulation Conspiracies: Some allege darker agendas, linking the vaccine to elite-driven "extermination" plans, biosludge policies, and prophecies of a 2027 cataclysm, framing it as "satanic ritualism." Public Trust Crisis: With doses already shipping, the debate intensifieswill the vaccine cause harm, or will the administrations gamble further erode faith in medical institutions? In a move that has stunned public health advocates, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has defended the FDAs approval of Modernas controversial M-Nex Spike vaccinederived from the Latin root nex (meaning death)despite incomplete clinical trials. Critics, including long-time vaccine safety activists, accuse the administration of enabling a "medical holocaust" by fast-tracking the jab while suppressing natural immunity and holistic treatments. "Test Now, Study Later": A Dangerous Precedent? Kennedy, once a vocal skeptic of pharmaceutical corruption, now asserts that the M-Nex Spike can be rolled out to millions of Americansprimarily those aged 65+ or with underlying health conditionsbefore safety trials conclude in 2027. "Theyll scrutinize it later," Kennedy promised, likening the approach to the infamous COVID-19 warp-speed framework he previously condemned. The backlash has been swift. Independent researchers note the grim irony: RFK Jr., who spent years exposing the dangers of mercury in vaccines and FDA-industry collusion, is now endorsing a policy critics call "Nancy Pelosi logic""approve it first, read the science later." "Death Spike": A Sinister Name, a Sinister Agenda? The vaccines name has fueled further alarm. As highlighted by investigative journalists, M-Nex Spike translates roughly to "Death Spike" in Latina choice critics argue is either a bone-chilling admission or a mocking taunt. "Theyre not even hiding it anymore," said one health freedom advocate. "This is the same administration that promised evidence-based policy, yet theyre greenlighting a shot linked to autoimmune risks without data." The parallels to past scandals are stark. The FDA, under Kennedys oversight, continues to crack down on natural supplements while rubber-stamping a vaccine containing aborted fetal cell lines (WI-38, MRC-5)a practice Kennedys own book, The Real Anthony Fauci, once decried as unethical. Depopulation Fears and Spiritual Warfare Conspiracy theorists and religious commentators see darker forces at play. "This is satanic ritualism disguised as medicine," argued one broadcaster, pointing to the Biden-era biosludge policies (human sewage used as fertilizer) and vaccine mandates as part of a broader "extermination agenda." Others warn that the push aligns with elite preparations for a speculated 2027 cataclysmwhether an engineered pandemic, economic collapse, or even a cosmic event prophesied in the Book of Revelation. Kennedys defenders insist hes navigating a corrupt system, but skeptics retort: "The RFK Jr. of 2022 wouldve eviscerated the RFK Jr. of 2025." Whats Next? With the first doses already shipping, the stakes couldnt be higher. Will the M-Nex Spike trigger a wave of adverse events, vindicating critics? Or will the administrations gamble pay offat the cost of public trust? One thing is clear: The battle over medical freedom has entered a dangerous new chapter. Watch the June 05 episode of "Brighteon Broadcast News" as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, discusses how America's self-destruct countdown sequence has begun. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: RFK Jr. halts oral COVID-19 vaccine trials, prioritizing safety over speed RFK Jr. mandates PLACEBO-CONTROLLED TRIALS for new vaccines, exposing decades of Big Pharma deception New Yorks RFK Jr. Act sparks backlash as medical freedom groups rally against adult vaccine tracking Sources include: Brighteon.com The Marionette Presidency: Trump orders investigation into Bidens alleged autopen abuse and cognitive cover-up Trump orders investigation into alleged illegal autopen use by Bidens administration, questioning the legitimacy of over 1,200 documents. The probe focuses on whether Bidens aides concealed his cognitive decline while unlawfully wielding presidential authority. Key documents under scrutiny include controversial pardons, judicial appointments, and clemency orderspotentially invalidating major executive actions. Bidens public denials clash with reports of confusion, raising concerns about a "shadow presidency" run by unelected aides. Legal experts warn that if Biden lacked capacity to authorize autopen use, thousands of documents could be deemed fraudulent. The integrity of the American presidency is under scrutiny as President Donald Trump has ordered a sweeping investigation into whether Biden administration officials illegally used an autopen device to sign executive documents without President Joe Bidens knowledge or consent. The probe, announced in a June 4 memorandum, seeks to determine if Bidens aides concealed his cognitive decline while unlawfully exercising presidential authority in a scandal Trump called "one of the most dangerous in American history." With over 1,200 documents reportedly signed by autopen, including judicial appointments and controversial pardons, the investigation could challenge the legitimacy of Bidens entire term. The autopen controversy and Bidens mental state The investigation hinges on whether Bidens team exploited the autopen, a mechanical signature device, to bypass a president who, according to Special Counsel Robert Hurs findings, lacked the mental acuity to stand trial for mishandling classified documents. "Although the Department of Justice found that Biden had violated the law by willfully retaining and disclosing classified materials, it ultimately concluded that Biden was unfit to stand trial given his incompetent mental state," the White House noted in a fact sheet. Trumps memorandum alleges Bidens aides "abused the power of Presidential signatures" to "conceal Bidens cognitive decline and assert Article II authority." The Department of Justice will examine whether Biden ever authorized the autopens use or if aides acted unilaterally, potentially invalidating key executive actions. Among the documents under scrutiny are preemptive pardons for Bidens family members, including Hunter Biden, and clemency for 37 federal death row inmatesall signed amid mounting concerns about the presidents awareness of his own policies. A presidency in question The probe follows damning accounts of Bidens cognitive struggles, including House Speaker Mike Johnsons claim that Biden denied signing an LNG export ban he had, in fact, approved. "He genuinely did not know what he had signed," Johnson said. "I walked out of that meeting with fear and loathing because I thought, We are in serious troublewho is running the country?" Bidens public denials"I made the decisions during my presidency"ring hollow to critics who point to his repeated on-camera confusion, including moments where he deferred to staff: "Ill get in trouble with my staff if I dont do this the right way." Gregg Jarrett, a Fox News legal analyst, likened Bidens tenure to a "Marionette Presidency," arguing that unelected aides formed a "Politburo" wielding power behind the scenes. The Justice Departments 2005 ruling permits autopen use only if the president explicitly directs it. If Biden lacked the capacity to consent, thousands of documentsincluding lifetime judicial appointmentscould be deemed fraudulent. "Fraud vitiates the most solemn contracts, documents, and even judgments," Jarrett noted, citing Supreme Court precedent. House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) is pursuing a parallel inquiry, demanding testimony from Bidens physician and top aides. Meanwhile, Senate Republicans plan hearings on Bidens mental decline, amplifying pressure on the DOJ to act. The autopen scandal transcends partisan politics, striking at the heart of democratic legitimacy. If Bidens aides indeed usurped presidential authority, the implications are profound: a shadow presidency operating outside constitutional bounds. As investigations unfold, Americans deserve answersnot just about who signed their laws, but who truly governed. For now, the White Houses insistence that Biden was "fully engaged" clashes with the mounting evidence of his detachment. In the words of Trumps memorandum: "The American public was purposefully shielded from discovering who wielded the executive power." The truth, however, may finally emerge. Sources for this article include: TheEpochTimes.com NYPost.com FoxNews.com Trump reveals Putin warned of imminent retaliation against Ukraine in 75-minute call Russian President Vladimir Putin warned of military retaliation against Ukraine following drone strikes on Russian airfields, escalating tensions in the ongoing war. Trump disclosed details of a 75-minute call with Putin in which they discussed Irans nuclear program, with Putin offering to assist in negotiations in a move criticized by U.S. lawmakers. Ukrainian drone attacks inflicted significant damage on Russian airbases, provoking Moscows threat of further strikes, including potential civilian targets. Trump positioned himself as a potential peacemaker but admitted the call would not bring immediate peace, as Ukraine rejects Russian ceasefire proposals as ultimatums. Critics warn Trumps direct engagement with adversarial leaders risks legitimizing autocrats and undermining traditional U.S. alliances. President Donald Trump revealed Wednesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin warned of an impending military retaliation against Ukraine following recent drone strikes on Russian airfields. The 75-minute phone call, disclosed by Trump on Truth Social, underscored escalating tensions in Eastern Europe and the reality that peace remains elusive. The conversation also touched on Irans nuclear ambitions, with Putin offering to assist in negotiations in a move critics argue risks legitimizing Moscows influence over global security matters. The disclosure comes amid heightened volatility in the Russia-Ukraine war, which has now dragged on for over three years with no end in sight. Ukrainian forces recently launched bold drone attacks targeting Russian airbases housing nuclear-capable bombers, inflicting significant damage and provoking Moscows wrath. Trump, who has long positioned himself as a potential peacemaker, admitted the call was good but conceded it would not yield immediate peace. Putins retaliation threat looms Trumps post on Truth Social quoted Putin directly, stating the Russian leader did say, and very strongly, that he will have to respond to the recent attack on the airfields. The strikes, which spanned five Russian time zones, reportedly destroyed or damaged dozens of military aircraft, dealing a humiliating blow to Moscows military prestige. Putins vow to retaliate raises fears of further escalation, including potential strikes on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure in a tactic Russia has employed repeatedly throughout the war. Beyond Ukraine, the call delved into Irans nuclear program, with Trump asserting he and Putin agreed Tehran must not obtain nuclear weapons. I stated to President Putin that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon and, on this, I believe that we were in agreement. President Putin suggested that he will participate in the discussions with Iran and that he could, perhaps, be helpful in getting this brought to a rapid conclusion, Trump wrote. The president accused Iran of slow walking negotiations and demanded a definitive answer soon. The prospect of Russian mediation drew sharp rebukes from U.S. lawmakers. Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA), chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, called it the total opposite of traditional U.S. policy. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) was blunter: I wouldnt trust Putin to mediate or negotiate anything on my behalf. The discussion highlights Trumps unconventional foreign policy playbook, which prioritizes direct engagement with adversarial leaders over traditional alliances. While supporters argue this fosters pragmatic deal-making, detractors warn it emboldens autocrats and undermines democratic solidarity. A war with no end in sight The call occurred against a backdrop of stalled peace efforts. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed recent Russian ceasefire proposals as an ultimatum and a political performance. Meanwhile, Moscow continues incremental advances in eastern Ukraine, capturing villages to create a buffer zone along the border. Trump has repeatedly claimed he could broker peace, citing his rapport with both leaders. However, his recent remarks, including calling Zelensky a dictator and praising Putins strength, have fueled skepticism. With Putin now threatening retaliation and Irans nuclear ambitions unresolved, the path to de-escalation appears challenging. Sources for this article include: YourNews.com BBC.com TIME.com Trumps foreign policy purge strikes key pro-Israel allies, deepening tensions Trump fires key pro-Israel advisers, signaling shift to "America First" diplomacy. Reshuffle targets pro-Israel hawks opposed to Syria sanctions lift and Iran deal. Benjamin Netanyahu expresses frustration over U.S. prioritization of Gulf alliances. JD Vance and Donald Trump Jr. rise as power shifts toward isolationist policies. Analysts warn tensions highlight unstable U.S.-Israel strategic alignment. President Donald Trumps sweeping reshuffle of his foreign policy team has upended traditional U.S.-Israel alignment, with the abrupt dismissal of top aides known for their unwavering support for Israel. Among those axed are D.C. insider Merav Ceren, dual U.S.-Israeli citizen and former National Security Council (NSC) director for Iran and Israel; Middle East specialist Eric Trager, expelled for his hawkish stance on Iran; and Lebanon-focused diplomat Morgan Ortagus, a Judaism-converted voice for Israeli priorities. The firings, occurring June, signal a stark pivot toward Trumps America First agenda, sidelining interventionists and accelerating U.S. efforts to ease sanctions on Syria and negotiate an Iranian nuclear deal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus allies warn of a strategic rift, as the White House consolidates power under Vice President JD Vance and Trumps son, while distancing from Netanyahus hawkish regional calculus. The reshuffles targets The purge began in late May 2025, when the NSC replaced contentious officials who had opposed Trumps Middle East overtures. Merav Ceren a dual citizen with direct ties to Israels military was dismissed after her May 2025 appointment drew criticism. Conservative media figure Clayton Morris decried her as a former IDF official unsuitable for U.S. diplomacy a jab at her work with Israels Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories during Palestinian negotiations. Eric Trager, a vocal critic of Qatar and the Muslim Brotherhood, also exited, his limited NSC influence no longer serving Trumps goal of uninstalling Syria sanctions without Israeli objections. A third casualty was Morgan Ortagus, expelled via internal disputes but leaving a void in U.S.-Lebanon relations, where she had pressured Hezbollahs disarmament and solidified ties with both Israel and regional allies. A State Department source said her removal stemmed from professional relationships, but Israeli officials see it as symbolic of broader shifts. Driving this reshuffle is Trumps Gulf tour in late May, which emphasized economic alliances over military commitments snubbing Israel in favor of deals with Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar. Trumps May 14 speech in Riyadh, lambasting nation building, underscored the aversion to entanglements mirroring Israels regional wars. Netanyahu faces dwindling influence In Jerusalem, Netanyahus camp perceives the firings as a betrayal. A senior Israeli official told Middle East Eye the dismissals reveal disconnect with Oval Office priorities, exacerbated by Trumps inverse relationship with aides like National Security Council head Marco Rubio. Though Rubio retains pro-Israel sympathies, analysts note he lacks Waltzs reliability as a Netanyahu mouthpiece. The Prime Ministers office privately grapples with strategic disarray. Sources said Netanyahu expressed frustration to U.S. envoy Ron Dermer, alleging mistrust in U.S. assurances. Internal documents reveal Netanyahus April Washington visit as a diplomatic disaster, after Trump announced Iran talks without pre consultation. Meanwhile, Dermers isolationism delegating critical Middle East portfolios without White House input further strained ties. The new face of "America First" diplomacy Trumps foreign policy now leans on JD Vance, a vocal anti-interventionist, and North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis to steer the Iran nuclear deal. The White House reportedly plans to permit Iranian uranium enrichment at low levels, risking Netanyahus demands to block all enrichment. The NSC itself is shrinking the New York Times reported the staff halved while power consolidates under Tucker Carlson, Steve Bannon and Donald Trump Jr., whose isolationist rhetoric aligns with America First leanings. Trump is taking the wheel back from Netanyahu, said Marwa Maziad, an Israeli politics scholar, noting the administrations reluctance to succumb to Netanyahus preemptive strike ambitions against Iran. Isolationist pressure intensified as Carlson and other far-right figures stoke fears of U.S. military overreach tied to Israeli actions. One U.S.-Israel analyst warned, The White House now sees Israel as a liability its Gaza and Syria campaigns risk dragging America into regional quagmires. U.S.-Israel rivalry emerges as Gulf diplomacy grows As Trump decouples from Netanyahu in favor of Gulf ties and de-escalation, the alliance faces historic strain. Its unraveling underscores months of tension, from Biden-era sanctions to blocked weapon sales. With-or-without-Israel diplomacy now defines the White House. Netanyahu must now contend with a weakened diplomatic leverprompting fears that the 45-year U.S.-Israel special relationship is evolving into something far more transactional and uncertain. Sources for this article include: MiddleEastEye.com YNetNews.com NewArab.com Trump says during call with Xi Jinping he discusses trade, nothing concerning Ukraine and Iran Photo: https://www.president.gov.ua/ U.S. President Donald Trump said that the phone conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping was completely focused on trade issues, and the topics of the Ukrainian issue or the Iranian nuclear program were not raised. "The conversation was focused almost entirely on trade. Nothing was discussed concerning Russia/Ukraine or Iran," Trump said on the Truth Social social network on Thursday. Trump positively assessed the conversation with Xi Jinping on controversial trade issues. "The call (...) resulted in a very positive conclusion for both countries," he said, adding that he expects normalization in terms of trade in rare earth metals. According to him, the United States and Chinese delegations will soon hold a meeting on these issues. "Our respective teams will be meeting shortly at a location to be determined," he said. Trump said that during the conversation, the Chinese leader invited him and his wife to visit China. The head of the White House noted that he, for his part, invited Jinping to the United States. He said the conversation lasted about an hour and a half. War on Gaza: How Israel is replicating Nazi starvation tactics Awoman kneels in the dust. (Article by Soumaya Ghannoushi republished from MiddleEastEye.net) She is thin, trembling - not old, but famine has aged her. Her bones protrude through a threadbare dress. Her face is ash. Her fingers claw at the ground. Around her, others bend too - not in prayer, but in desperation, scraping at the dirt for flour. Not even full grains. Just remnants. Scraps. Whatever the wind and boots and bombs have not yet claimed. Then she breaks. She sinks fully to the earth, as if the weight of hunger is too heavy to carry. And she cries, not softly, but with a violence that cuts through the silence of the ruined street: My kids will eat flour scraped from the floor. She weeps into the gravel. This is not just starvation. It is the calculated breaking of a people, pushing them beyond the limits of human endurance. This is what Gazas aid looks like. Not distribution, but oppression. Not relief, but ritual debasement. Rations of suffering The flour had been withheld for weeks - stockpiled, blocked, used as bait. Exhausted families walked for miles, past corpses and craters, to reach the drop sites - only to find cages, soldiers and drones. When they ran towards the food, they were shot. More than 30 Palestinians were massacred on Sunday, and more than 170 were wounded near an aid distribution site in Rafah, as Israeli forces opened fire on starving civilians trying to collect food. The drop was coordinated by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). Aid has become a trap. And hunger, a pretext for slaughter. They have built a bureaucracy of starvation, calling it a humanitarian foundation. But lets call it what it is: the GHF doesnt deliver aid, but control. It rations not food, but suffering. Death comes not with a bomb, but with a whisper in the stomach: empty, empty, empty Even the food they promise, 1,750 calories per person, is not enough to stave off malnutrition. The World Health Organisation sets the emergency minimum at 2,100 calories. But most Palestinians in Gaza receive far less than that because the food never comes. In April 2024, people in northern Gaza were surviving on an average of 245 calories a day, less than a can of fava beans, according to Oxfam. Grandparents chew flour laced with sand. Toddlers are fed leaves. The body begins to consume itself: the mind flickers, the breath slows. Death comes not with a bomb, but with a whisper in the stomach: empty, empty, empty. And all of this is not accidental. It is replication. No one spared In the weeks leading to Germanys 1941 invasion of the Soviet Union, Reich Minister of Food Richard Darre and his state secretary, Herbert Backe, developed the Hunger Plan, a strategy of deliberate starvation to exterminate Soviet civilians and Jews while feeding German troops. It killed at least seven million people, not as collateral, but by design. The Nazi regimes food ration system reflected a racial hierarchy: 100 percent for Germans, 70 percent for Poles, 30 percent for Greeks and 20 percent for Jews. In the Jewish ghettos, food was weaponised. Access to meat or bread was controlled. Shops were empty. Hunger was not a failure - it was policy. That we sentence 1.2 million Jews to die of hunger should be noted only marginally, Hans Frank, the Nazi governor of occupied Poland, wrote in a diary entry. Today, more than two million Palestinians in Gaza - the territorys entire population - are being forced, by design, into famine. Not one million. Not most. All of them. Women and men, infants and the elderly. No one is spared. And yet - in a twisted echo of history - the GHFs plan, like the Nazi food hierarchies before it, will serve only 1.2 million people in its initial phase, excluding the rest of the population. And that should never be noted marginally. Even if the GHF achieves its goals, the average Palestinian in Gaza, by design, will receive fewer than 1,000 calories a day, when those receiving no food at all are taken into account. This is very close to what Jews in the Warsaw Ghetto were receiving, through both their allocated rations and smuggling. Mockery of the dying Gaza is now the hungriest place on earth - the only area where 100 percent of the population is at risk of famine, according to the United Nations. Meanwhile, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich declared in April that not even a grain of wheat should enter Gaza. In Britain, the advocacy group UK Lawyers for Israel grotesquely suggested that the war might help reduce obesity in Gaza. This is not just cruelty. This is contempt; it is mockery of the dying. Even the man appointed as executive director of the Gaza Humiliation Foundation, a former US Marine, recently resigned, warning that the project is incompatible with humanitarian standards. And no wonder. This is not a relief effort. It is a siege conceived by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, endorsed by US President Donald Trump, and inspired - in logic and layout - by the Nazi Hunger Plan. Armed gangs loot aid convoys with impunity, moving freely in areas under Israeli control. An internal UN memo seen by The Washington Post last year warned these groups may be benefiting from a passive if not active benevolence or protection from the Israeli army. When guards in Gaza tried to stop these gangs, Israeli air strikes killed 12 - not the looters, but those trying to protect the food. This is not chaos. It is a calculated breakdown. It aims to turn hunger into disorder, starvation into surrender. Stripped of dignity There are conflicts in the world. There are wars, occupations, displacements. But nowhere on Earth - not anywhere - is an entire population, young and old, locked inside a flattened, walled-off strip of land, bombed from the air, shelled from the sea, and systematically starved under total siege. Gaza is not a battlefield. It is a prison. A graveyard. Eighty years ago, a group of Jewish doctors in the Warsaw Ghetto documented the effects of hunger on the human body. Israel is not content with crushing Palestinian bodies. It wants to crush their souls They called their book, Maladie de Famine (The Disease of Starvation). In it, the projects lead doctor, Israel Milejkowski, wrote: I hold my pen in my hand and death stares into my room In this prevailing silence lies the power and the depth of our pain and the moans that one day will shake the worlds conscience. This is exactly what doctors in Gaza are saying today. They treat toddlers who havent eaten in days. They watch infants die with sunken eyes and protruding ribs. They speak to the world, but the world does not listen. That day is now. After seeing their homes, schools and bakeries razed; after being displaced again and again, infants on shoulders, elders in wheelchairs, entire families turned to ash - they are now denied bread. Gazas people are not just being starved. They are being stripped of the final thing left to them: their dignity. They are treated worse than animals. Hunted when they gather. Shot when they eat. Because Israel is not content with crushing Palestinian bodies. It wants to crush their souls. To erase not just their presence, but their will to exist. And while the world looks away, somewhere, in a corner of the rubble, a mother kneels. Still scraping. Still crying. Trying to feed her children with flour dusted in dirt, and drenched in blood. Read more at: MiddleEastEye.net Whole Foods Market forced to pull organic ground beef nationwide after E. coli contamination discovered Whole Foods recalls organic ground beef nationwide due to E. coli O157:H7 contamination found in products shipped to 27 states and Washington, D.C. The USDA warns consumers to discard affected beef, sold under the "Organic Rancher" brand, with specific production and use-by dates. No illnesses reported yet, but E. coli O157:H7 can cause severe symptoms, including kidney failure, especially in vulnerable groups. Industrial food processing spreads contamination risks widely, exposing flaws in food safety oversight despite organic branding. Whole Foods and supplier Organic Rancher face scrutiny as vague corporate statements fail to address the root cause of contamination. In a shocking blow to consumers who pay premium prices for so-called "clean" food, Whole Foods Market has been forced to pull organic ground beef products from its shelves nationwide after testing revealed contamination with the potentially deadly E. coli O157:H7 strain. The U.S. Department of Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a public health alert June 3, warning that 1-pound vacuum-packed packages of "Organic Rancher Organic Ground Beef 85% Lean 15% Fat" produced May 22-23, 2025, with use-by dates of June 19-20, 2025, may still be lurking in consumers' refrigerators or freezers. The contaminated beef, bearing establishment number "EST. 4027" inside the USDA mark of inspection, was shipped to distributors in Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, and Maryland before reaching Whole Foods stores across 27 states and Washington, D.C. This incident exposes the unsettling reality that even high-priced, organically branded foods from trusted retailers like Whole Foods cannot guarantee basic safety from pathogens that industrial agriculture systems routinely unleash on the public. Industrial food processing concentrates risks The contamination was discovered only after the producer, NPC Processing Inc., notified FSIS that shipped beef had tested positive for E. coli O157:H7, a toxin-producing bacterium that can cause severe abdominal cramps, bloody diarrhea, and kidney failure. No illnesses have been reported yet, but FSIS warns symptoms may take up to eight days to appear. This incident highlights how industrial food processing, even within the organic sector, concentrates contamination risks across vast distribution networks. A single batch of tainted meat can spread coast-to-coast before regulators or corporations act. "Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them," FSIS stated. "These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase." Whole Foods, owned by Amazon since 2017, markets itself as a purveyor of ethically sourced, high-quality foods. Yet this scandal proves that no corporation, no matter how "green" its branding, can be fully trusted to police food safety without independent oversight. Cooking warnings and corporate doublespeak FSIS reiterated standard food safety protocols, advising consumers to cook ground beef to 160F internally and use a food thermometer to verify temperature. But these warnings ring hollow when corporations like Organic Rancher, whose parent company, NPC Processing, supplies major retailers, fail to prevent contamination at the source. In a carefully worded statement, Organic Rancher claimed, "The root cause of the issue has been identified, and immediate corrective actions have been put in place." Yet the company provided no details about what went wrong or why consumers should trust its products moving forward. Such vague corporate assurances are meaningless to families now forced to dump expensive organic beef over legitimate poisoning fears. This incident is not isolated. Earlier this week, the FDA upgraded recalls of blood pressure medications and tomatoes due to bacterial contamination. Our food and drug supply chains are increasingly compromised by profit-driven industrial practices that prioritize shelf life and distribution scale over consumer safety. E. coli O157:H7 poses particular dangers to children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a life-threatening kidney complication, develops in 5 to 10% of infections. Symptoms like easy bruising, pallor, and decreased urine output require emergency care. Yet FSIS relies on voluntary reporting from corporations, which means countless contamination events likely go undetected until people fall ill. Consumers should immediately check for the affected products and discard them. Those experiencing symptoms should contact healthcare providers and report incidents via the USDAs Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System. This scandal proves that "organic" labels alone cannot guarantee safety. Vigilance and systemic reform are urgently needed to protect public health from an increasingly hazardous food supply. Sources for this article include: TheEpochTimes.com CNN.com USAToday.com Health.com NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte claims that the Allies discussed how to ensure support for Ukraine not only today, but also in the future. He said this on Thursday in Brussels at a press conference following the meeting of the heads of defense agencies of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member states, within the framework of which a meeting of the Ukraine-NATO Council was held with the participation of Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. Rutte said they really discussed in detail how they can ensure not only support for Ukraine today, but also how they can collectively ensure that Ukraine has everything it needs to have a strong, lasting peace agreement. He added they also discussed broad support for what Ukraine is doing and full condemnation of the unprovoked Russian attack on Ukraine. Due to scheduled maintenance from Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 10 PM to Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 2 AM, there may be interruptions for our News Gazette Digital subscribers. During this time frame, please click on any News Gazette website content without logging into your News Gazette Digital subscription account. Thank you for your patience during this scheduled maintenance. Minister of Defense of Ukraine Rustem Umerov discussed with French Minister of the Armed Forces Sebastian Lecornu the participation of French companies in the production of drones for the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU). "We discussed the participation of French companies in the production of drones for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Ukraine is ready to provide this opportunity to the best manufacturers we have combat experience, France has a powerful industry. This is a mutually beneficial partnership. We also considered the joint production of air defense and other weapons both in Ukraine and in France," Umerov said n the Telegram channel of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine following the conversation, which he called meaningful. The head of the Ukrainian defense department thanked his French colleague "for his strategic vision and constant support for the Armed Forces of Ukraine." The meeting took place in Brussels, where Umerov had previously announced a series of bilateral meetings with allies, in particular, he had already met with Norwegian Defense Minister Tore Onshus Sandvik and Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles and discussed with them the issue of joint production of drones, and where on Thursday evening he will take part in a meeting of the Ukraine-NATO Council. Download Now The News-Gazette mobile app brings you the latest local breaking news, updates, and more. Read the News-Gazette on your mobile device just as it appears in print. Despite common beliefs, new research shows that how often and how long mothers breastfeed has almost no impact on milk microbiome diversity. Study: The human milk microbiome is minimally associated with breastfeeding practices. Image credit: comzeal images/Shutterstock.com A recent paper in the journal Scientific Reports explored associations between human milk bacteria and breastfeeding attributes. Introduction Breast milk is the infants source of nutrition, but it is also key to establishing a healthy infant gut microbiome. The bacteria in breast milk prevent gut colonization by pathogens and promote the growth of beneficial microbes. Most health organizations recommend that infants be exclusively breastfed during the first six months. Human milk contains microbes typically found in the mouth or skin, such as Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Acinetobacter, and Cutibacterium. These are probably from the mothers skin and the infants mouth. Lactating mothers' daily duration and frequency of breastfeeding and the volume of milk production vary widely. Could this affect the bacterial composition of human milk? Study findings The study was based on breast milk samples from mothers enrolled in the Breastfeeding Longitudinal Observational Study of Mothers and Kids (BLOSOM) birth cohort. When the milk was collected, most mothers were nursing their babies three months after childbirth, and importantly, milk samples were collected from only one breast per participant rather than both. The study sample consisted mainly of Caucasian women who had given birth to more than one child, which may affect how widely the findings can be applied to other populations. The samples contained hundreds of bacterial genera with over 30,000 operational taxonomic units (OTUs). Taxa that comprised 0.5% or more of the total were identified, comprising almost 90% of the bacterial sequences in the samples. The microbes in the milk samples were typical of skin and oral cavity species. Dominant species included Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus salivarius, and Cutibacterium acnes. These made up 15.6%, 13%, and 12% of the sample, though the numbers varied across individuals. The 24-hour breastfeeding duration was weakly correlated with the proportion of S. salivarius in the sample but not the proportion of other taxa. S. salivarius found in the mouths of healthy infants could be associated with breastfeeding duration because, as the infant sucks, some backflow is likely to occur into the breast ducts, accounting for this finding. No other species was found to be associated with the human milk microbiome characteristics. The microbiome structure remained unchanged across samples, suggesting that the microbial profile of human milk is influenced by factors other than breastfeeding duration, frequency, or total milk volume. Some scientists think bacteria are exchanged between the babys mouth and the breast glands. A Guatemalan study supported this suggestion, with higher levels of multiple Streptococcus and other species colonizing the oral cavity in milk samples from exclusively breastfeeding mothers compared to those who used supplementary feeds. Interestingly, such species are found in pre-colostrum even before breastfeeding begins. Possibly, these bacteria colonize the breast, increasing in abundance after the onset of breastfeeding. More frequent breastfeeding naturally led to greater total time at the breast each day. This finding suggests that the overall duration of breast exposure to the infants oral bacteria, rather than just the number of feeds, may be more relevant to the milks microbiome. Unexpectedly, breastfeeding duration was not associated with any change in the microbiome. This could be due to the use of relative abundance rather than the actual numbers. With repeated exposures, certain bacteria may become so numerous that they obscure associations with species at lower relative abundances. A higher 24-hour duration did not correlate with the volume of milk removed. Methods like quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) may help explore these areas more usefully. Future studies should include a more diverse sample with different ethnic backgrounds and a wider socioeconomic distribution. Samples should be collected beyond three months postpartum. Other factors that could alter the breastmilk microbiome include handwashing practices, milk expression by hand or pump, cleaning of the breast pump, and feeding by women other than the mother. Conclusion Only one breastmilk microbial parameter was marginally altered by differences in breastfeeding practice. This suggests that variance in breastfeeding practices largely does not alter the milk microbiome. However, the findings may not be generalizable to all populations, and future research will be needed in more diverse groups and using both breasts for sampling. Download your PDF copy now! Imagine diagnosing cancer not with a supercomputer but on an ordinary laptop instead. Sounds like science fiction? Thanks to a revolutionary artificial intelligence (AI) model developed by Professor Kenji Suzuki and his research team from Institute of Science Tokyo (Science Tokyo), this far-fetched scenario is now a reality. Unveiled at the prestigious Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) 2024 Annual Meeting, the team introduced an ultra-lightweight deep learning model that assists with lung cancer diagnosis without relying on costly graphics processing unit (GPU) servers or massive datasets. Developed using a unique deep learning approach based on massive-training artificial neural network (MTANN), the model was trained and tested on nothing more than a standard laptop computer, achieving what once required entire data centers. AI, trained by deep learning models, has gained significant attention in recent years, leading to innovations in multiple fields of research. It has also been reported that if a deep learning model is trained on a large amount of data, such as a million images, it can acquire a performance that can surpass that of conventional technologies and even humans. Where most models rely on big data, the AI model developed by Suzuki's team is unique-unlike conventional large-scale AI models, it does not require entire medical image sets. Instead, it learns directly from individual pixels extracted from computed tomography (CT) scan images. This strategy significantly reduced the number of required cases from thousands to just 68! Despite being trained only on a small set of data, the model outperformed state-of-the-art large-scale AI systems, such as Vision Transformer and 3D ResNet, attaining a discrimination performance corresponding to an area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.92 (against AUC values of 0.53 and 0.59 for the traditional state-of-the-art (SOTA) models, respectively). Once trained, with the full training process only taking 8 minutes and 20 seconds on a standard laptop, it could generate diagnostic predictions at an unprecedented rate of 47 milliseconds per case. This technology isn't just about making AI cheaper or faster. It's about making powerful diagnostic tools accessible, especially for rare diseases where training data is hard to obtain. Furthermore, it will cut down the power demands for developing and using AI at data centers substantially, and can solve the global power shortage problem we may face due to the rapid growth in AI use." Professor Kenji Suzuki, Institute of Science Tokyo In recognition of its significance, the team's research was conferred the coveted Cum Laude Award at RSNA 2024, an honor received by only 1.45% of the 1,312 presentations. While this innovation is sure to have a transformative impact on cancer diagnosis, it stands as a testament to Suzuki's deep knowledge and unwavering dedication. With profound expertise in the field of biomedical AI, Suzuki was the first to invent the MTANN technology (used in the current research) in the early 2000s. It was one of the earliest deep learning models that he had developed and improved on. In his 25 years of research experience, Suzuki has made significant contributions to his field, with more than 400 publications and over 40 patents, most of which have been licensed and commercialized. Beyond this, his recent achievements include serving as a session chair at the 39th Annual AAAI Conference on Artificial Intelligence. He has received two of RSNA's highest distinctions for his research in 2024. Moreover, he is recognized among the top 2% scientists worldwide. Suzuki continues to lead groundbreaking research at the intersection of AI and medical imaging, actively fostering interdisciplinary collaboration that pushes the boundaries of what AI can achieve in clinical practice. His team's work on compact, high-performance diagnostic models exemplifies how innovative thinking-combined with practical implementation-can bridge gaps between engineering and medicine. With a dynamic research environment and a strong network of collaborators, Suzuki is not only advancing the field of biomedical AI but also helping shape the next generation of translational medical technologies. U.S. President Donald Trump, during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the Oval Office, stated that he is "with Ukraine" because the countries signed a deal on mining. "Yeah, I am with Ukraine. We just signed a big deal on rare earth with Ukraine, and... You know what I'm for, stopping killing, really, that's what I'm for again, a war that would never have started, should never started," Trump said, The Guardian reported. He again touched on the topic of support for Ukraine from the United States and Europe, offering potentially dubious calculations, but then returns to the main idea: "It's a little bit money, but not the money. The big thing, the big thing is the death," Trump said. Reducing the length of immunotherapy treatment for an advanced skin cancer did not significantly diminish disease control when compared to giving treatments over a longer period, according to breakthrough research led by the Universities of Sheffield and Leeds and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The findings from the UK DANTE phase III trial were presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting in Chicago today (3 June 2025). The trial, which was funded by a National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment grant, is the largest prospective trial to date to evaluate the best duration to treat inoperable late-stage melanoma with immunotherapy. Results from the five-year trial, conducted between September 2018 and March 2023, revealed that 80.2 per cent of patients who discontinued immunotherapy after 12 months continued to maintain disease control after a further 12 months. This was comparable to the 87.6 per cent of patients who maintained disease control after taking the drugs for two years or more, when considering a pre-defined margin of disease worsening. Analyses of secondary endpoints showed little difference in quality of life between patients receiving the different treatment durations. Further work is underway to explore the cost-effectiveness of the reduced treatment duration. Melanoma is the fifth most common skin cancer, with immunotherapy treatments transforming the outlook for patients with inoperable late-stage melanoma - which was considered untreatable just 10 years ago. Current standard first-line treatment is to use immunotherapy drugs, such as pembrolizumab and nivolumab, for at least two years, or for as long as the drugs continue to help patients. This has significantly improved survival rates, but there is no strong evidence that two years is the best duration for controlling or shrinking tumours in patients with inoperable stage 3 and stage 4 metastatic melanoma. Patients can also experience severe side effects, needing more tests and hospital visits and sometimes inpatient admissions. In the trial, 415 patients from 36 UK hospitals were recruited during their first 12 months of treatment. Upon reaching 12 months, 166 patients whose disease had not progressed were randomly assigned to stop immunotherapy treatment or continue with the treatment for a further 12 months or longer, providing the treatment and toxicity of treatments was manageable. Although the findings represent a significant contribution to understanding future treatment strategies for metastatic melanoma, challenges with recruitment, arising from the pandemic, led to early closure of the trial before the full sample size could be recruited. This meant the trial was underpowered and continuing immunotherapy for at least two years should remain as standard treatment. The trial was sponsored by Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and conducted by the Leeds Cancer Research UK Clinical Trials Unit at the University of Leeds. Chief Investigator of the DANTE trial Professor Sarah Danson, Professor of Medical Oncology at the University of Sheffield and Honorary Consultant in Medical Oncology at Weston Park Cancer Centre, at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Reducing the amount of treatment is one of the hardest things to do because patients and clinical teams worry that 'more is best'. "However, more treatment may mean more side-effects, which can be a burden to patients. Through this trial, we have gained a wealth of information and important evidence on the way advanced melanoma is treated. We will now be looking at this in more detail to see if certain patients benefited more than others." Clinical trials research is essential to improve the care and outcomes for patients globally. At the University of Leeds, we are committed to finding the best ways to treat cancer and this would not be possible without the patients who take part in research. We are proud to have led delivery of the DANTE trial and hope the promising findings will inform further research into immunotherapy treatment for melanoma patients." Michelle Collinson, Associate Professor in Clinical Trials at the Leeds Cancer Research UK Clinical Trials Unit, University of Leeds One patient who has benefited from the trial is Jackie Summers, 77, who lives near Lincoln. She was diagnosed with inoperable stage 3 melanoma in 2018 after noticing swelling and lack of strength in her right arm and was initially told she would have immunotherapy infusions for two years. Once she had been on the treatment for a year, however, she was asked if she wanted to join the DANTE trial - something she didn't hesitate to agree to. "Immunotherapy had only been around seven years before I was diagnosed with advanced skin cancer, and I truly believe that if you are on the receiving end of something so fantastic - the people, the nurses and the huge team that surround you - you need to give back," said Jackie. "It was all about the people that had gone before me on the research trials; I wanted to tap into that and help thousands of people on the same drug as I was on." Since having the treatment Jackie's tumour has shrunk to about half its size. She's also seen a slow reduction in her swelling although she still wears a compression sleeve to help with the discomfort. "I know the tumour is there but don't often think about it. I've only had 50 per cent of the standard treatment but I'm glad I am as bolshy as I am as there's so much to be gained from research, not just for yourself but for the information that is recouped by the hospital, and that's so important as it will help the next cohort of people who unfortunately will have cancer like me. The staff have been absolutely wonderful." The 'Comparison of 1 year versus minimum 2 years of anti-PD1-immunotherapy as first-line treatment for metastatic melanoma: Results of the DANTE phase III trial' abstract, will be included in the 2025 Best of ASCO programme, an educational meeting which will be held in the summer following the ASCO meeting. The ASCO Annual Meeting is the world's largest cancer conference, bringing together advances in the field that will improve outcomes for all people with cancer. The DANTE trial was designed with patients, through the Melanoma Focus Charity. An echocardiography of the baby's little heart soon after the onset of labor can predict the outcome of the birth and in particular whether the baby will adequately tolerate the contractions or will be more likely to go into distress, necessitating a caesarean section or an operative delivery. This is suggested by a study published in the BJOG, British Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and coordinated by Professor Tullio Ghi, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Catholic University of Sacred Heart, campus of Rome campus and Chairman of the Obstetrics Unit at the Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli IRCCS in Rome. The study was carried out with the collaboration of other experts, including Professor Andrea Dall'Asta from the University of Parma and Professor Basky Thilaganathan from St George's University in London. Preventing intrapartum hypoxic injury during childbirth is crucial for the future health of the baby. In this work, at the onset of labor we studied and measured the changes in the shape of the baby's heart with ultrasound scanning. We noticed that, based on certain parameters, it is possible to predict which infants have a heart strong enough to tolerate maternal contractions, and which ones instead are at greater risk of developing hypoxic stress during labor and will therefore need a caesarean section or an instrumental vaginal birth to prevent possible complications. Professor Tullio Ghi, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Catholic University of Sacred Heart, campus of Rome campus and Chairman of the Obstetrics Unit at the Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli IRCCS He continues: The assessment of babys heart morphology seems to work as a triage test, allowing to pick up since the very beginning of labor the small group of babies who are unfit for vaginal delivery because they are more susceptible to intrapartum hypoxia The study involved 208 pregnant women at the onset of labor. The majority of these women had a spontaneous uncomplicated birth while in 20 of these an operative delivery was necessary due to suspected foetal distress. In the latter group, the study of the fetal heart revealed different morphological parameters compared with the group that had an uncomplicated delivery. The study suggests for the first time that identification of abnormalities of fetal cardiac function early in labor may impact the clinical management. In such circumstances the the decision to expedite birth through an operative delivery (e.g. caesarean section or use of vacuum extractor) with the aim of preventing intrapartum hypoxic injury might be considered. A study initiated by a University of Arizona Comprehensive Cancer Center physician-scientist defined for the first time how loss of the Y chromosome in male immune cells negatively affects immune system function, which may explain why loss of Y is associated with lower cancer survival rates. The paper "Concurrent loss of the Y chromosome in cancer and T cells impacts outcome," was published today in Nature. In males, each cell in the body usually contains one X and one Y chromosome. "Loss of Y" is a common, nonhereditary genetic change in men in which an immune cell in the blood loses its Y chromosome. It is often associated with aging. Loss of Y has been linked to increased mortality from carcinomas for many years, though no one knew why. This study is the first to identify and define the relationship between loss of Y in white blood cells, immune cells and tumors, providing insights as to why men with loss of Y have increased cancer risks and poorer outcomes. These findings represent a big step forward in our understanding of why men with loss of Y in their blood cells have a higher mortality from cancer. It turns out it's because these cells make the immune system infiltrating the cancer less effective. We hope this provides a solid lead and framework for the nascent Y chromosome field to pursue so we can collectively better understand all the possible biological implications of this finding and how to use them to develop more effective approaches in prevention, treatment resulting in higher survival rates for patients." Dan Theodorescu, MD, PhD, the Nancy C. and Craig M. Berge endowed chair for the director of the Cancer Center and professor in the College of Medicine Tucson The research team discovered that loss of the Y chromosome previously identified in malignant epithelial cells by the Theodorescu lab also occurred in nearby noncancerous tissues, including connective tissue and immune cells. Most notably, the team found that this chromosomal loss in helper and cytotoxic T cells, which are responsible for attacking cancer cells, was associated with a reduced ability to kill those cancerous cells. The findings suggest a mechanism by which tumors may evade immune detection and suppression. Finally, the research team found that loss of Y in epithelial cells, combined with loss of Y in T cells, resulted in more aggressive cancers and lower survival rates in patients. "The study has potential implications for current immunotherapies, including CAR T therapy," Theodorescu said. "Further research is clearly needed but perhaps immunotherapies using cells from a patient's immune system could be screened for loss of Y before being used in treatment." The idea for this investigation originated with Theodorescu, then at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, who was intrigued by a potential link he had observed in his earlier research. He reached out to his longtime collaborator Simon Knott, PhD, to explore the idea further in this study. Pregnant women are more often uninsured and have worse access to routine medical care in states that ban (or restrict) abortion care, according to a new study appearing in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, published by Elsevier, from researchers at Harvard Medical School, the City University of New York's Hunter College, and other institutions. The researchers also link the deficiencies in pregnancy coverage and care to abortion-ban/restriction states' skimpy Medicaid programs. The study analyzed data on 20,919 pregnant women who participated in the 2014-2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), a health survey led by the CDC and state health departments. It assessed how many pregnant women were uninsured, were unable to afford a doctor's visit in the past year, or lacked a personal healthcare provider, and compared states that have imposed abortion restrictions after Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022 to other states. The researchers found that 258,362 pregnant women in the US lacked health coverage in 2022, 62% of whom lived in abortion-ban states. The three states where the largest share of pregnant women lacked coverage were Texas (21.0%), Arkansas (18.8%), and Florida (18.6%) - all of which are abortion-ban/restriction states. Nationwide, pregnant women in abortion ban/restriction states (compared to other states) were significantly more likely to be uninsured (15.0% vs. 9.9), unable to afford physician care (19.5% vs. 13.1%), and to lack a personal healthcare provider (29.2% vs. 21.5%). The study also identified pregnant women with chronic illnesses that require careful medical treatment to reduce maternal and infant health risks. Women who had diabetes before becoming pregnant more often lacked a personal doctor in abortion-restriction states, and those who developed diabetes during their pregnancies were more likely to be uninsured or to have gone without doctor care. The researchers assessed whether differences in the generosity of states' Medicaid programs explained why abortion ban/restriction states had worse access to pregnancy care. They found that worse access was almost entirely explained by three Medicaid policies: Failure to implement the ACA's Medicaid Expansion; Banning Medicaid coverage for pregnant immigrants who were documented for less than 5 years; and Setting a relatively stringent income threshold for Medicaid eligibility for pregnant women. These findings suggest that worse access to care in abortion-ban states is mostly driven by those states' stingy Medicaid policies, and that the deep Medicaid cuts included in the Republican budget bill could worsen care for many pregnant women. Senior author of the study Steffie Woolhandler, MD, MPH, Hunter College, City University of New York, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Department of Medicine, Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge, and Public Citizen Health Research Group, Washington, DC, notes, "America's high maternal and infant mortality rates are a national disgrace, and states that have banned abortions have the worst record. Politicians in those states claim to care about children and families, but their policies that deny care to pregnant women speak louder than their words." Lead author Adam Gaffney, MD, MPH, Harvard Medical School, Boston, and Department of Medicine, Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge, concludes, "Many state governments are coercing women into continuing unwanted pregnancies, yet also maintain barriers that keep them from getting needed pregnancy care. These care gaps will get worse if Congress goes ahead with slashing Medicaid. Instead of undermining the healthcare safety net, Congress should expand coverage and assure that all women can get the care they need before, during, and after pregnancy, and have access to abortion care." Researchers at DZNE and the Department of Vascular Neurology at the University Hospital Bonn (UKB) aim to develop a computer model based on artificial intelligence (AI) to aid doctors in treating stroke patients. Serving as a digital assistance system, it is intended to predict the long-term outcome of patients after a minimally invasive treatment (mechanical thrombectomy) and potential complications, thereby helping doctors decide on the best possible therapy. A proof-of-concept study will now be undertaken to determine whether this is feasible using data from the "German Stroke Registry" and additional brain images. The project relies on an AI technology called "Swarm Learning", breaking new ground in the secure analysis of distributed medical data, and aims to lay the foundation for a network of clinics in Germany and beyond. CISPA Helmholtz Center for Information Security is also involved in this endeavor, which is funded by the Helmholtz Association with 250,000 euros. A stroke is manifested by neurological symptoms, such as speech deficits or paralysis. The most common cause are blood clots: plugs in brain vessels that obstruct blood flow and thus oxygen supply. This situation is referred to as "ischemic" stroke. In such an event millions of brain cells die every minute unless countermeasures are taken quickly. This is very time-critical. Time is brain, as they say." Dr. Omid Shirvani, physician and DZNE scientist AI for personalized medicine Possible measures are for example medicinal dissolving of the blood clot or mechanical thrombectomy, a minimally invasive procedure that aims to remove vessel blockage by means of a special catheter. "The type of treatment is decided on a case-by-case basis, depending on factors such as for example the size of the occluded vessel. Based on all available information in an individual case, does thrombectomy have good prospects of success, or does it pose an excessive risk of complications? We aim to develop an AI-based decision-making tool to help with this assessment. It is intended to support doctors who need to act quickly in the event of a stroke. That is our long-term goal. Actual implementation will certainly take some time. But we want to lay the groundwork for this and prove in the current project that our approach does basically work," says Shirvani. He emphasizes: "We don't want a black box, the predictions of our computer model should be comprehensible to doctors, so they can make an informed decision for the benefit of the individual patient. That is, our AI needs to have what is called "explainability" and show the features its assessment is based upon. In addition, clear criteria must be developed to ensure that the AI is applied only to patients whom it can assess with high reliability." Combining different types of data AI relies on algorithms being trained on large amounts of data in order to recognize patterns. The larger the pool of training data, usually the better the AI will learn. The researchers therefore intend to combine data from the "German Stroke Registry" with additional brain images generated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computer tomography (CT). This central registry holds data on the treatment of ischemic strokes from over 20 hospitals across Germany. It contains thousands of cases. "This information comes from the initial examination and follow-up care after a thrombectomy up to three months after intervention. These are primarily detailed entries from the medical records. Associated MRI or CT images of the brain are not included. However, in general, these are kept at the respective hospitals. And there are references in the registry so that images can be clearly assigned", says Prof. Gabor Petzold, Director of the Department of Vascular Neurology at the UKB and Director of Clinical Research at DZNE. "These images contain information that cannot be fully documented in a medical report but which is very valuable for training our AI. That's why we want to link this local data with the information from the central registry." Traveling algorithm This is where "Swarm Learning" comes into play. The innovative AI technology is the centerpiece of the current effort. "Traditionally, image data would be collected centrally. However, given the huge amounts of data involved, this is complex and difficult to scale if the network of partners is to grow. And since this is personal data, sharing it requires legal regulations that take a considerable amount of time to comply with. That's why we're taking a different approach. The image data available at the various sites remains local," explains Dr. Anna Aschenbrenner, biomedical scientist at DZNE who is also playing a key role in the project. "This allows us to easily comply with data protection regulations and means that we don't have to move and duplicate large amounts of data. Instead, we send the algorithm to the data via the internet. We let the AI travel from place to place, so to speak, in order to learn. That is the core idea behind Swarm Learning." Learning collectively This approach was developed by DZNE in collaboration with IT company Hewlett Packard Enterprise and is currently being applied in various DZNE projects. The term "Swarm" refers to the partners interacting within the network. "With Swarm Learning, everyone involved benefits from the collective data pool without having to share their own data. This data remains on site and confidential in accordance with data protection regulations. This is because the algorithm only extracts parameters without any personal references," explains Prof. Joachim Schultze, Director of Systems Medicine at DZNE, who is also a professor at the University of Bonn. "The result is a trained AI that has learned at all network nodes. It has assimilated the collective knowledge and can even evolve as new data is introduced. In our specific case, we would then have an AI-based computer model that could support doctors in treating strokes. All network partners could use this tool. Regardless of whether they have large or small amounts of their own data, they would all benefit equally from participating in the swarm." International perspective Starting with three clinics, including the University Hospital Bonn, the researchers intend to gradually expand their approach to other members of the "German Stroke Registry". For testing purposes, they will start with multicentric data from the "German Stroke Registry" available in Bonn and use it to simulate a swarm in DZNE's computing center before transferring the system to geographically separate locations. "We want to lay the foundation for a nationwide network," says Aschenbrenner. "Furthermore, we are already in talks with partners in the UK to continue our concept internationally. I think there is a lot of room for development." Bank 'fraud': ED raids in Delhi, UP, Haryana Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 09:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi, Jun 5 (PTI) The Enforcement Directorate on Thursday conducted searches in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana as part of a money laundering investigation linked to an alleged bank loan fraud of Rs 190 crore, official sources said. The case pertains to Shri Sidhdata Ispat Private Limited and others in which Bank of Baroda (former Dena Bank) is claimed to have been defrauded, they said. Recommended Stories At least ten locations in Delhi, Ghaziabad and Noida in Uttar Pradesh and Panipat in Haryana are being searched. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all These locations are linked to the directors, promoters, partners, auditors, and other conspirators associated with the company which is being investigated in a Rs 190 crore worth alleged bank loan fraud case, they said. The company manufacturers cold and hold rolled steel products. The promoters could not be contacted immediately for a comment on the ED action against them. PTI NES DV DV First Published: June 05, 2025, 09:45 IST Satwik-Chirag Survive Massive Scare To Enter Quarters At Indonesia Open, Sindhu Exits Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 18:06 IST Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty overcame a tough Danish duo to reach the Indonesia Open quarterfinals. Satwik-Chirag have qualified for the quarters of Indonesia Open (Picture credit: Badminton Photo) Star Indian mens doubles shuttlers Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty survived a huge scare from the Danish duo of Rasmus Kjaer and Frederik Sogaard as they clinched a 16-21, 21-18, 22-20 in the second round of the Indonesia Open Super 1000 to move into the quarterfinals. Satwik-Chirag, the 2023 winners, showcased great temperament under pressure to register the hard-fought victory over the Danes in a 68-minute-long clash. Recommended Stories Satwik-Chirag, who had reached the semis of the Singapore Open last week, before losing to their nemesis Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, remain the sole surviving Indians in Indonesia, after double Olympic medallist PV Sindhu made yet another early exit. Thankfully for Satwik and Chirag, the Danes had already beaten Chia and Soh in the opening round of the tournament. The Indians will next face seventh seeds Man Wei Chong and Kai Wun Tee. Satwik and Chirag hold a 4-0 win-loss record against the Malaysia Masters champions. Satwik-Chirag, playing just their second tournament since returning from injury, had to do the catch-up in the first game, as Kjaer and Sogaard dominated the net play with sharp interceptions. Satwik and Chirag trailed 6-10 at one stage and although they pulled level with four straight points, Kjaer and Sogaard kept themselves ahead to win the first game. The second one was a tight affair, with Satwik and Chirag putting pressure on the backcourt. From 14-all, they bagged five straight points to force a decider. Satwik-Chirag carried the momentum into the third game, racing to a 5-1 lead. But Kjaer and Sogaard clawed their way back to 8-all after two unforced errors from the former. The short rallies continued and Kjaer-Sogaard held a slender one-point lead at the mid-game interval, as pressure mounted on the Indians. Satwik and Chirag stayed close at 14-15 despite a few mistaken lifts going long. Two quick points earned by the latter brought them back at 16-17 and they levelled at 19-all. Kjaer and Sogaard earned a match point to raise the tension, but Chirags sharp body shot made it 20-all. He then produced a brilliant serve to earn a match point for him and Satwik and the latter sealed the victory over the Danes with a precise return that caught the line. Earlier in the day, Sindhu faltered in the deciding game to go down to sixth seed Pornpawee Chochuwong of Thailand. Sindhu squandered a 15-11 lead in the decider to lose 22-20, 10-21, 18-21 in a gruelling 78-minute battle. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Sindhu looked in control after overturning a 10-16 deficit to win the first game. She led 15-11 in the decider and had the momentum, but a series of errors proved costly as she made another early exit. Chochuwong capitalised on the lapse, winning five straight points, four of them because of Sindhus mistaken smashes and drops in fast conditions. football, tennis, badmintion, News18 Sports brings you the latest updates, live commentary, and highlights from cricket wwe and more. Catch breaking news, live scores, and in-depth coverage. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: June 05, 2025, 18:06 IST Dassault Aviation, Tata Sign Deal To Co-Produce Rafale Fuselage In India Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 15:09 IST According to the agreement, the first fuselage sections are expected to roll off the assembly line by FY2028 he collaboration is designed to enhance Indias role in the global aerospace supply chain. (PTI/File) Dassault Aviation and Tata Advanced Systems have signed four Production Transfer Agreements to manufacture the fuselage for Rafale fighter jets in India. This marks a major step forward in defence manufacturing under the Make in India initiative and represents the first time Rafale fuselages will be produced outside France. The collaboration aims to establish a state-of-the-art production line capable of supporting Indias defence self-reliance goals. As part of the partnership, Tata Advanced Systems will establish a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Hyderabad to produce critical structural components of the Rafale fighter jet. These will include the lateral shells of the rear fuselage, the full rear section, the central fuselage, and the front section. Recommended Stories The facility is expected to begin rolling out its first fuselage sections by FY2028 and aims to scale up production to deliver up to two complete fuselages per month. Sukaran Singh, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Tata Advanced Systems Limited, said, This partnership marks a significant step in Indias aerospace journey. The production of the complete Rafale fuselage in India underscores the deepening trust in Tata Advanced Systems capabilities and the strength of our collaboration with Dassault Aviation. It also reflects the remarkable progress India has made in establishing a modern, robust aerospace manufacturing ecosystem that can support global platforms." In a release, Dassault Avaiation said the signing of these agreements underscores Dassault Aviations firm support for Indias Make in India and AtmaNirbhar Bharat initiatives. For the first time, Rafale fuselages will be produced outside France. This is a decisive step in strengthening our supply chain in India. Thanks to the expansion of our local partners, including TASL, one of the major players in the Indian aerospace industry, this supply chain will contribute to the successful ramp-up of the Rafale, and, with our support, will meet our quality and competitiveness requirements," said Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation. The collaboration is designed to enhance Indias role in the global aerospace supply chain while advancing the countrys ambition for greater economic and manufacturing self-reliance. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all About Dassault Aviation Over the past century, Dassault Aviation has delivered more than 10,000 military and civil aircraftincluding 2,700 Falcon jetsacross more than 90 countries, earning global recognition for its expertise in aircraft design, production, sales, and support. Its portfolio spans the Rafale fighter jet, the premium Falcon line of business jets, military drones, and space systems. In 2024, the company reported revenues of 6.2 billion and employs a workforce of 14,600. About the Author Abhro Banerjee Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ... Read More Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ... Read More First Published: June 05, 2025, 14:47 IST PM Kisan 20th Installment Soon: Check Beneficiary Status, Eligibility, Application Process, E-KYC Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 17:29 IST The central government is likely to release the 20th installment of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, a direct income support scheme for farmers, in June 2025. The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme offers Rs 6,000 annually to eligible farmers. PM Kisan 20th Installment Date, Beneficiary Status: The central government is likely to release the 20th installment of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, a direct income support scheme for farmers, in June 2025. With the 19th installment disbursed in February this year, over 9.8 crore farmers, including 2.4 crore women, have already benefited from this flagship initiative. What is PM Kisan Scheme? Recommended Stories Launched in 2019 after being announced in the Interim Budget by then Finance Minister Piyush Goyal, the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM Kisan) scheme offers Rs 6,000 annually to eligible farmers. The amount is transferred in three equal installments of Rs 2,000 every four months April-July, August-November, and December-March via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). It is now considered the worlds largest DBT-based income support programme for farmers. PM Kisan 20th Installment Date The 20th installment is expected in June 2025, though the exact release date and location of the event by Prime Minister Narendra Modi are yet to be announced. Farmers are urged to complete necessary formalities like e-KYC to ensure timely credit of funds. Who Is Eligible? To receive the 20th installment, farmers must: Be a citizen of India Own cultivable agricultural land Belong to small or marginal farmer category Not be an income tax payer Not be a pensioner drawing Rs 10,000 or more per month Not be an institutional landholder e-KYC: Mandatory for Next Installment As per the PM-KISAN portal, e-KYC is MANDATORY for PM-KISAN registered farmers." There are two ways to complete e-KYC OTP-based eKYC via https://pmkisan.gov.in, and biometric-based eKYC at the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC). How To Check Beneficiary Status? Visit https://pmkisan.gov.in Click on Know Your Status Enter your registration number and captcha Click on Get Data to view your status How To Check Name in Beneficiary List? Go to the official website Click on Beneficiary List Choose state, district, sub-district, block, and village Click Get Report to view the list How To Apply for PM Kisan Scheme? top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Visit https://pmkisan.gov.in Click on New Farmer Registration Enter your Aadhaar number and captcha Fill in required details and submit the form Print the application for future reference Helpline numbers for queries are 155261 and 011-24300606. About the Author Business Desk A team of writers and reporters decodes vast terms of personal finance and making money matters simpler for you. From latest initial public offerings (IPOs) in the market to best investment options, we cover al... Read More A team of writers and reporters decodes vast terms of personal finance and making money matters simpler for you. From latest initial public offerings (IPOs) in the market to best investment options, we cover al... Read More First Published: June 05, 2025, 17:25 IST NTPC Green Energy Shares Up 2% After Securing 1,000 MW Solar Project In UPPCL Solar Auction Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 09:48 IST Shares of NTPC Green Energy Ltd, a subsidiary of NTPC Ltd, will be in focus Thursday after winning 1,000 MW in UPPCLs solar PV auction Shares of NTPC Green Energy Ltd, a subsidiary of NTPC Ltd, will be in focus Thursday after winning 1,000 MW in UPPCLs solar PV auction NTPC Green Energy Share Price: Shares of NTPC Green Energy Ltd, a subsidiary of NTPC Ltd, will draw attention in Thursdays trading session after winning 1,000 MW capacity in Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL)s solar PV power project auction. The company signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) on Wednesday at a discovered tariff of Rs 2.56 per kWh. This week, NTPC Green Energy also announced a strategic partnership with Honeywell Automation India to explore sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production in India. SAF, produced from non-petroleum feedstocks, helps significantly reduce air transport emissions. The collaboration aims to utilize Honeywells eFining technology to convert carbon dioxide (CO) captured from NTPC power plants and green hydrogen into SAF, expanding NTPCs green fuel portfolio. The company plans to blend SAF with conventional jet fuels, enhancing its footprint in low-carbon energy solutions. Recommended Stories In its Q4 results, NTPC Green Energy posted a robust threefold jump in net profit to Rs 233 crore, up from Rs 81 crore a year earlier. Quarterly revenue rose 22.5% to Rs 622.3 crore, compared to Rs 508 crore in Q4 2024. The company reiterated its renewable energy ambitions, targeting 40 GW of capacity by FY 2032, which will bring its total renewable portfolio to 60 GW. Additionally, NTPC expects to commission 14 GW of pumped hydro capacity within the next six to nine years. Stock Performance History: top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Over the past year, NTPC Green Energys stock has demonstrated steady upward momentum, driven by consistent capacity additions and strategic green energy initiatives. The share price has outperformed many peers in the renewable sector, reflecting investor confidence in the companys growth prospects and expanding portfolio. With strong quarterly results and promising project pipelines, the stock remains a key focus for investors bullish on the clean energy transition. 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: June 05, 2025, 08:00 IST German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said during a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office in Washington on Thursday that Trump is a "key person" to stop the war between Russia and Ukraine. "He [Trump] is a key person in the world who can really [stop it] by putting pressure on Russia," Merz said, adding that he would like to discuss this in more detail during bilateral talks. Merz added that his opinion is "clear" that he is on the side of Ukraine. "And I think... we are having a duty to do something about this now to stop it after three and a half years, which is really terrible. Look at the kids, the kids who were kidnapped from Ukraine to Russia. It's all terrible. And that's why we're talking about instruments, measures, what we can do, and my personal opinion on this is clear: we're on the side of Ukraine, and we're trying to make it stronger and stronger just to make Putin stops this war," the German Chancellor said. Stocks To Watch: Vedanta, Gland Pharma, YES Bank, Power Grid, BEL, REC, And Others Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 07:52 IST Stocks to watch: Shares of firms like Vedanta, Gland Pharma, YES Bank, Power Grid, BEL, REC, and others will be in focus on Thursday's trade Stocks To Watch Stocks to Watch on June 05, 2025: Markets saw range-bound trading but managed to end marginally higher on Wednesday, pausing after Tuesdays drop. In todays session, keep an eye on Vedanta, Gland Pharma, YES Bank, Power Grid, and BEL, among others, driven by various news flows. REC Recommended Stories RECs board has cleared a proposal to raise up to Rs 1.55 lakh crore through private placement of bonds or debentures. Bharat Electronics Bharat Electronics (BEL) announced fresh orders worth Rs 537 crore since May 16, 2025. These include communication systems, shipborne equipment, jammers, simulator upgrades, and spares. Newgen Software Newgen Software Technologies secured a $2.5 million (about Rs 20.8 crore) international order for its Enterprise Workflow and Content Management System. The deal covers licensing, implementation, and support over five years. Adani Enterprises Adani Airports Holdings (AAHL) raised $750 million via external commercial borrowings from a consortium led by First Abu Dhabi Bank, Barclays, and Standard Chartered. Proceeds will refinance debt and fund infrastructure and capacity expansion. Maruti Suzuki Maruti Suzuki plans to invest over Rs 925 crore to expand its solar power capacity to 319 MWp by FY31. Recently, it added 30 MWp through projects at Kharkhoda and Manesar, boosting capacity to 79 MWp. NTPC Green Energy NTPC Green Energy secured 1,000 MW in UPPCLs solar PV auction at a discovered tariff of Rs 2.56 per kWh and signed a PPA for the capacity. Vedanta Vedantas renewable energy power capacity has grown to 1.03 GW, with plans to reach 2.5 GW by 2030. YES Bank YES Bank disclosed that Carlyle-owned CA Basque Investments sold a 2.62% stake, reducing its holding to 4.22% and losing board nomination rights. Gland Pharma Gland Pharmas unit Cenexi received a final inspection report from Frances ANSM with 11 GMP compliance observations at its Fontenay site. Hindustan Aeronautics HAL denied reports claiming that talks with GE over local production of GE414 engines have stalled, calling them factually incorrect. KEC International top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all KEC International bagged orders worth Rs 2,211 crore across transmission and distribution, oil and gas pipeline, and cables businesses. 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: June 05, 2025, 07:52 IST Zomato, Swiggy Stocks Jump Up To 11% In Two Days; Whos Winning The Food Delivery Race? Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 13:45 IST Shares of online food-delivery cum quick-commerce-space Eternal (formerly known as Zomato) and Swiggy rallied up to 6% on Thursday Swiggy Vs Eternal Shares Food Delivery Stocks Rally: Shares of online food-delivery cum quick-commerce-space Eternal (formerly known as Zomato) and Swiggy rallied up to 6 per cent on the BSE in Thursdays intra-day trade. These stocks were trading higher for the second straight day, surging up to 11 per cent on the bourses. Swiggy Vs Zomato (Eternal) Stock Performance Recommended Stories Eternals stock jumped 6% on Thursday, closing at Rs 259.10 on the BSE. This extended its two-day gain to 9%, with trading volumes reaching approximately 57.63 million shares across the NSE and BSE by 11:01 AM. Swiggys shares rose 2% in intra-day trade to Rs 370, posting an 11% two-day rally. The stock has rebounded 25% from its 52-week low of Rs 297 touched on May 13, 2025. However, it remains down 32% year-to-date, lagging the BSE Sensexs 3.6% gain in the same period. Analyst Insights Morgan Stanley has reaffirmed its bullish stance on Eternal Ltd. (formerly Zomato), maintaining it as its top pick in Indias food delivery and quick commerce sector. The brokerage has set a price target of Rs 320 per share, indicating a potential upside of 33% from current levels. This endorsement comes even as Morgan Stanley initiated coverage on Swiggy Ltd. with an Overweight rating and a price target of Rs 405, suggesting a 22% upside. Morgan Stanleys preference for Eternal is attributed to the companys leadership in both food delivery and quick commerce, a favorable cost structure, and a strong balance sheet. The firm anticipates Indias quick commerce market to expand to \$57 billion by 2030, up from an earlier estimate of \$42 billion, driven by faster customer additions and expansion into more cities. For Swiggy, Morgan Stanley projects the company will achieve adjusted EBITDA break-even by fiscal 2028. The brokerage expects Swiggys food delivery business to grow at a 15.8% CAGR from fiscal 2025 to 2029, and its quick commerce gross order value to grow at a 63% CAGR over the same period. Despite the positive outlook for Swiggy, Morgan Stanley maintains that Eternal is better positioned to dominate the large profit pool in the medium term, citing sustained quick commerce growth, improvement in food delivery unit economics, and stability in competitive intensity over the next six months as key catalysts. For Eternal, ICICI Securities noted that the companys adjusted EBITDA outperformed expectations, supported by a favourable product mix, measured city expansion, and solid advertising revenue growth. Eternal has also started reporting net order value (NOV) to boost pricing transparency. Management aims to grow to 2,000 stores by December 2025, prioritising market share expansion despite likely short-term losses. Meanwhile, JM Financial Institutional Securities has maintained a 45x EV/FY27E adjusted EBITDA valuation for Swiggys food delivery arm. However, the valuation of its quick commerce business, Instamart, has been revised downwards to 0.5x EV/FY27E gross order value from 1.0x, reflecting margin pressures amid heightened competition. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all These updates underscore the dynamic environment in Indias food delivery sector as companies like Eternal and Swiggy navigate evolving market challenges while leveraging strategic growth opportunities. 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: June 05, 2025, 13:45 IST GST Council May Remove 12% Tax Slab: Which Items Might Get Cheaper? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 16:04 IST The GST Council may eliminate the 12% tax slab, reducing the GST slabs from four to three. The Council, chaired by the Union finance minister, may discuss this in June-end or July. Currently, there are majorly four tax slabs under the GST regime -- 5%, 12%, 18% and 28%. The GST Council is likely to soon consider a plan to eliminate the 12% tax slab, thus reducing the GST slab count from four to three, according to a CNBC-TV18 report citing sources. The Council is expected to meet in June-end or July, ahead of the monsoon session of Parliament. GST (goods and services tax) collections above Rs 2 lakh crore give confidence to the Council to consider trimming slabs," one of the sources was cited by CNBC-TV18 as saying. Recommended Stories It added that the Council, chaired by the Union finance minister and comprising state counterparts, can trim rates by removing the 12% slab while keeping revenue neutrality in place. Currently, there are majorly four tax slabs under the GST regime 5%, 12%, 18% and 28%. However, apart from this, there is a 3% GST on jewellery as well. According to a Hindustan Times report, most union and state government officials, experts and GoM representative have supported the plan to remove the 12% GST slab. The report said that the items falling under this slab could be shifted to either 5% or 18%. However, according to a CNBC Awaaz report, Many officials have advocated that daily-use mass consumption items should be shifted to the 5% tax slab." Items Under the 12% GST Slab? Currently, the 12% tax slab in India is applicable on a variety of goods and services. Here are some of the items: Goods Under 12% Slab: Processed and Packaged Foods: Items like butter, ghee, cheese, fruit juices, jams, jellies, and namkeens (including bhujia). Items like butter, ghee, cheese, fruit juices, jams, jellies, and namkeens (including bhujia). Dried and Preserved Fruits: Products such as almonds, dates, and other dried fruits. Products such as almonds, dates, and other dried fruits. Beverages: Fruit juice-based drinks and packed coconut water. Fruit juice-based drinks and packed coconut water. Household Items: Umbrellas, specific household utensils, and furniture made of cane or wood. Umbrellas, specific household utensils, and furniture made of cane or wood. Stationery and Accessories: Pencils, crayons, handbags, and shopping bags made of jute or cotton. Pencils, crayons, handbags, and shopping bags made of jute or cotton. Footwear: Priced below Rs 1,000. Priced below Rs 1,000. Diagnostic Kits: Various medical diagnostic kits. Various medical diagnostic kits. Construction Materials: Marble and granite blocks. Services Under 12% Slab Hospitality Services: Hotel accommodations priced up to Rs 7,500 per day. Hotel accommodations priced up to Rs 7,500 per day. Air Travel: Passenger transport by air in non-economy classes. Passenger transport by air in non-economy classes. Construction Services: Certain specified construction works. Certain specified construction works. Multimodal Transportation: Some types of multimodal transportation services. Some types of multimodal transportation services. Professional Services: Certain professional, technical, and business services. It is not yet known which items will be placed under 5% or 18%. It will be known only after the GST Council take its final decision on the basis of the GoM report, which will be submitted soon. The items that are shifted to 5% will get cheaper and those under 18% might get costlier. When Will GST Council Decide On The 12% Tax Rate? The GST Council is likely to discuss the issue in its upcoming meeting, which may take place in June-end or July before the monsoon session of Parliament. The monsoon session will start from July 21. The GST Council will consider the proposal once it receives the report from the GoM on Rate Rationalisation. Importantly, the Group of Ministers (GoM) on Rate Rationalisation has not proposed any tax rate cut as of now. The two GoMs, which recommended a reduction in rates and providing exemption to certain categories, are yet to submit their final report to the GST Council. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Around 12 per cent, the average GST rate has fallen below the revenue neutral rate of 15.3 per cent. This has prompted the need to start discussions on GST rate rationalisation. The GST Council in its meeting in December last year, did not take up the GoM reports on rate rationalisation and rate reduction in health and life insurance. About the Author Mohammad Haris Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to markets, economy and companies. Having a decade of experience in financial journalism, Haris has been previously asso... Read More Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to markets, economy and companies. Having a decade of experience in financial journalism, Haris has been previously asso... Read More First Published: June 05, 2025, 13:39 IST 'Cluster Model' For West Bengal Schools Amid Shortage Of Teachers: What This Means? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 19:27 IST Many schools are experiencing a shortage of subject-specific teachers. To address this issue, the Higher Secondary Education Council is introducing a 'cluster model.' The Supreme Court earlier ordered the cancellation of around 26,000 teaching jobs in the state (Representative/File Photo) West Bengal has halted the recruitment of teachers, and older teachers are retiring one by one. Additionally, the Supreme Court has ordered the cancellation of around 26,000 teaching jobs. Consequently, many schools are experiencing a shortage of subject-specific teachers. To address this issue, the Higher Secondary Education Council is introducing a cluster model. The mapping process for this initiative has already been completed. The third semester of Higher Secondary and the second semester of Class 11 will commence in September and October. The Education Council aims to implement the cluster model before these semesters begin. Recommended Stories There are 7002 schools under the WBCHSE across the state, offering 49 subjects, including arts, commerce, and science. Currently, there is a shortage of subject-specific teachers in many schools. WB board President Chiranjeev Bhattacharya stated, We want to ensure that students do not face any difficulties. To address the teacher shortage, we have adopted the cluster model for the students benefit." What Is The Cluster Model? The Education Council plans to establish an area-based hub or central school, connecting surrounding schools to it. According to regulations, one teacher is required for every 10 students, but this ratio isnt always met. Therefore, teachers from the hub school and nearby schools will rotate to conduct classes in all the schools. For instance, if one school has 10 students with a chemistry teacher, but a neighboring school lacks a chemistry teacher for 25 students, the teacher from the hub school will teach both groups. This process will be called the cluster model. The council will first divide the district into Education Sub-Divisions, each consisting of up to 30 schools. Initially, the Council has mapped areas including Kolkata, Barrackpore, Dumdum, 24 Parganas, 2 Midnapore, Howrah, and Hooghly. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all A hub school will be designated in each district, serving as the main center. Schools within 3.5 to 4 kilometers of the hub school will also be included, with a maximum of seven schools per hub. Currently, the Council has four district-based offices in Burdwan, Midnapore, Kolkata, and North Bengal. Each office will have two deputy secretaries overseeing 30 schools. A meeting will be held from June 16 to 19, with the Regional Deputy Secretary and the officers responsible for implementing the cluster model. The meeting will detail the functioning of the cluster model. This year, during Class 9 admissions, it was noted that few students enrolled in physics within the commerce and science departments, while there is a significant shortage of language-based teachers. 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: June 05, 2025, 19:24 IST 'Creates Fear': Delhi HC Criticises School For Using 'Bouncers' Over Fee Dispute Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 18:47 IST The Delhi high court highlighted that educational institutions should focus on broader goals beyond commercial interests, such as promoting public welfare and nation-building. A view of Delhi High Court building in New Delhi. (PTI file photo) The Delhi High Court has harshly criticised schools for using bouncers" to pressure students and parents over unpaid fees. The court declared that such actions cause mental harassment and damage a childs psychological well-being and self-esteem, reported ANI. The court highlighted that educational institutions should focus on broader goals beyond commercial interests, such as promoting public welfare and nation-building. It noted that such practices create fear, humiliation, and exclusion, which go against the fundamental principles of education. Recommended Stories Earlier today, Delhi Public School (DPS) Dwarka informed the High Court that it had reversed its decision to suspend 31 students due to unpaid fees. However, Justice Sachin Datta pointed out that while schools can charge fees for their services, they should not operate solely as commercial enterprises, the report added. The court emphasised the need to protect students rights and dignity, particularly in fee disputes. The court acknowledged the schools right to collect appropriate fees to maintain infrastructure, pay staff, and create a conducive learning environment. However, it stressed the institutions fiduciary and moral responsibilities toward students. Justice Datta encouraged both DPS Dwarka and the parents to collaborate in resolving disputes in the best interests of the students. In a recent ruling, another bench of the Delhi High Court provided relief to students of DPS Dwarka who had been removed from the rolls due to non-payment of increased fees. Justice Vikas Mahajan, while hearing a petition from several parents, ordered that the affected students be readmitted to classes, provided they pay 50 percent of the revised fee for the academic years 2024-25 and onward. In the current case, parents challenged the suspension, alleging discrimination by school authorities. They claimed that students were expelled due to non-payment of revised fees. DPS Dwarka argued that parents were repeatedly informed about outstanding dues, citing the schools financial strain. It defended its use of security personnel, citing protests, alleged threats, and concerns over potential student abductions. The parents disputed these claims, insisting that students rights should be protected and accusing the school of withholding crucial documents. Parents alleged that the school arbitrarily removed students without prior notice, violating court directives and basic principles of justice. Many of the expelled students are in Class 10 and had started preparing for board exams, making their removal particularly disruptive to their education and emotional well-being. Further allegations include claims of student mistreatment, threats by security personnel, and confinement in a bus for two hours before being sent home. Reports indicated increased security, including female bouncers, on May 14, 2025. Parents claimed that local authorities refused to intervene, citing the matters sub-judice status. The parents plea came in response to DPS Dwarkas challenge against a directive from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) on July 18, 2024, which ordered the police to file an FIR against the school. The directive cited complaints of student expulsions, public disclosure of names on the school website, and an incident involving a female student being denied assistance during menstruation. The High Court later stayed this order on July 30. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Last month, the Delhi High Court issued a stern reprimand to the school over claims that students were confined in the library and barred from classes due to unpaid fees. The court called the actions inhumane," comparing the institution to a commercial entity rather than an educational one. The judge suggested that the principal could face criminal charges for the alleged mistreatment of students. 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: June 05, 2025, 18:47 IST Eid al-Adha: Is June 6 A Holiday For Tamil Nadu Schools And Offices? | Fact Check Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: June 06, 2025, 08:47 IST Eid al-Adha 2025 Holiday: Online rumours began swirling that the central government has declared June 6 a national holiday for schools and government offices It was clarified that the information originated from AI-generated content. (Representative/News18 Tamil) Eid Al Adha Holiday: A viral message circulating on social media claims that the central government has declared a national public holiday on June 6, sparking confusion over whether schools, offices, and banks will remain closed. The widespread speculation has prompted many to seek clarity on the authenticity of this claim. The final examinations for the 202425 academic year have concluded, and students are currently on summer vacation. In Tamil Nadu, schools reopened on June 2 after the summer break, with students returning in large numbers on the first day itself. Recommended Stories Also See: Eid Ul Adha Mubarak 2025 Wishes The School Education Department had announced that free textbooks and other learning materials would be distributed to students of government schools on the reopening day. Additionally, the department is expected to release the academic calendar for 202526 soon, outlining working days, examination schedules, and holidays. Amidst this, rumours began circulating online claiming that the central government had declared a national public holiday for schools and government offices on June 6. However, the Tamil Nadu governments Information Verification Committee has dismissed these claims as false. According to the committee, the information about the closure of schools and government offices is false. The central government has issued no such order, and it was clarified that the rumour originated from AI-generated content. The clarification has confirmed that there will be no holiday for schools on June 6. Students and parents have been advised to ignore the misleading messages circulating on social media. India Public Holiday on Google Trends As confusion prevailed in several states over whether June 6, Friday is a public holiday, netizens took to Google to get some clarity. The phrase india public holiday was trending on Google Search throughout Thursday and into Friday morning, peaking at 6:50am and 7:46am. Most searches came from Mizoram, Goa and Karnataka. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Netizens also searched for phrases like public holiday june, india public holiday 2025, friday public holiday, friday holiday in india, and june 6 holiday. Location : Tamil Nadu, India, India First Published: June 05, 2025, 19:06 IST Global, Yet Affordable: Australias WACE Curriculum Coming To 100 Indian Schools | Interview Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 21:24 IST In a significant step towards transforming school education, India is set to introduce the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) in 100 schools. "We aim to make global education accessible and relevant for every Indian student," says Angelique Smith, Principal Consultant at SCSA, as WACE gears up to enter 100 Indian schools. (Image: PTI & WACE) In a major step for Indias school education system, the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE)a senior secondary curriculum from the Government of Western Australiawill be introduced in 100 schools across India over the next three years. Already running in countries like Singapore, China, Japan, and Malaysia, WACE is now set to become the first international school board backed by a foreign government to officially launch in India. This comes after the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) recognised WACE as equivalent to Indian school boards. This recognition ensures WACEs equivalence with Indian senior secondary school certificates, providing students access to both national and global higher education pathways. Recommended Stories Every student enrolled in the WACE programme will be assigned a unique identification number by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA)the statutory body overseeing WACE. All certificates will be issued directly by the Government of Western Australia, ensuring authenticity and global recognition. The WACE programme offers a comprehensive K12 education pathway, spanning from early childhood education to senior secondary level. At present, international boards such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge International Examinations (CIE), and the French Baccalaureate (FB) operate in India, providing both curricula and examination services. To gain deeper insight into the vision, implementation strategy, and impact of this milestone initiative, News18 spoke with Angelique Smith, Principal Consultant at the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA), Government of Western Australia. Here are the edited excerpts of the interview: Q. As WACE enters the Indian education sector, how do you envision your role within the countrys evolving school education landscape? Angelique Smith: As WACE enters India, its vision is to act as a complementary partner in advancing the nations evolving education landscape. In alignment with the NEP 2020, WACE aims to provide a globally benchmarked, government-backed curriculum that promotes critical thinking, creativity, and practical skills. By collaborating with Indian schools, government bodies, and regional stakeholders, WACE aspires to support seamless integration of its curriculum, addressing local educational needs while offering students access to international standards. This strategic partnership aims to strengthen the quality and global relevance of Indian education, preparing students for higher education and careers in a competitive global economy. Q. As the first government-recognised international school curriculum to enter India, how does WACE distinguish itself from existing global curricula? Angelique Smith: WACE is unique as the first government-recognised international curriculum in India, administered by the statutory body of the Government of Western Australia, the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA). Its recognition by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) ensures a smooth pathway for students into Indian higher education institutions. With over 36 years of delivering quality education, WACE combines global academic rigour with robust quality assurance, rooted in public accountability. Its blend of internationally benchmarked standards and local recognition makes it a credible and future-ready alternative, facilitating both national and international academic progression for Indian students. Q. Could you elaborate on how WACE supports competency-based, inquiry-driven, and student-centric learning as outlined in the NEP? Angelique Smith: WACEs curriculum aligns closely with NEP 2020s emphasis on competency-based, inquiry-driven education by focusing on developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical skills. It encourages experiential learning through project-based assessments, real-world applications, and interactive classroom strategies that foster curiosity and student engagement. Assessment methods include practical projects, presentations, and moderated grading, reducing rote learning and promoting a holistic understanding of concepts. Such approaches empower Indian students to become active participants in their education, aligning with NEPs goal of fostering student-centric learning environments. Q. Will WACE incorporate Indian cultural, linguistic, and historical perspectives within its curriculum to ensure contextual relevance for Indian students and educators? Angelique Smith: Yes, WACE recognises the importance of maintaining cultural and contextual relevance. Schools implementing WACE in India will continue to teach Indian history, languages, and region-specific content. The curriculum will be flexible enough to incorporate local stories, traditions, and languages, making learning more meaningful and engaging for students from diverse backgrounds. While maintaining its internationally benchmarked pedagogical approach, WACE aims to blend Indian cultural elements seamlessly, supporting NEP 2020s vision of integrating tradition with modernity in education. Q. How does WACE plan to equip Indian educators to deliver the WACE curriculum with the necessary training and pedagogical tools? Angelique Smith: WACE will provide comprehensive professional development programmes tailored to Indian educators needs. This includes structured in-person training programmes, curriculum mentoring, and ongoing access to resources such as teaching guides, assessment tools, and digital platforms. These programmes will focus on student-centred, inquiry-based teaching methodologies aligned with WACE standards. To ensure scalability and relevance, WACE will also collaborate with local teacher training institutions and leverage government initiatives to empower teachers across regions, fostering confidence and competence in delivering a dynamic, inquiry-driven curriculum. ALSO READ: Inside the US Dream: What Indian Students Are Studying And What Attracts Them top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Q. International curricula are often seen as expensive and exclusive. How does WACE plan to remain accessible and equitable across diverse socio-economic backgrounds in India? Angelique Smith: WACE, being a government-backed curriculum, aims to be more accessible than private, fee-based international options. Its strategy involves partnering with a diverse range of schools, including government-aided and affordable private institutions, to expand its reach. Modular implementation options, scalable teacher training, and support programmes will help reduce entry barriers. The goal is to democratise access to global education, enabling students from varying socio-economic backgrounds to benefit from world-class learning opportunities without leaving India. Q. How many schools are you going to onboard? What is the roadmap? Angelique Smith: WACE India aims to onboard 100 schools over the next three years. By engaging with a diverse cohort of schools, ranging from metro-based international institutions to progressive schools in Tier 2 and 3 cities, we aim to build a robust, future-ready learning ecosystem that aligns with both global standards and national education goals. About the Author Archit Gupta Archit Gupta is a Chief Sub-Editor at News18.com and a seasoned education journalist specialising in reporting on education and employment. He has covered a variety of education-related stories, including high-... Read More Archit Gupta is a Chief Sub-Editor at News18.com and a seasoned education journalist specialising in reporting on education and employment. He has covered a variety of education-related stories, including high-... Read More First Published: June 05, 2025, 21:22 IST How A Single Bird Can Cause Big Trouble For A Giant Plane Mid-Air? Curated By : News18 Hindi Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 14:21 IST Bird strikes, especially involving large birds, can cause significant damage to aircraft engines. Birds flying in groups pose even bigger risks. Though birds seem small compared to aircraft, the damage they can cause is serious. (Representative Image/Getty) A Ranchi-bound IndiGo flight had to make an emergency landing at Birsa Munda Airport on Monday after it collided with a bird in mid-air. The incident took place around 1 PM on June 2 when the plane was flying at an altitude of around 3,000 to 4,000 feet and struck a vulture. The flight had taken off from Patna and was scheduled to head to Kolkata after stopping in Ranchi. According to officials, all passengers and crew members are safe. However, the Airbus A320 aircraft suffered damage due to the bird strike. Recommended Stories Confirming the incident, Airport Director RR Maurya said, A dent was caused after the aircraft hit a vulture. Engineers are assessing the damage." Though birds seem small compared to aircraft, the damage they can cause is serious, especially if they hit sensitive parts like the engine. Experts say that bird strikes usually occur when planes are flying low just after take-off or right before landing- when engines are running at full speed. A professor at Purdue University in Indiana, who teaches aviation technology, explained how dangerous such collisions can be. A large bird like a crane is far more dangerous than a small one. Jet engines are very delicate and not built to withstand such impacts. If a bird gets sucked in, it can break the engines blades and cause major damage," he said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Birds flying in groups pose even bigger risks. The speed difference between the aircraft and the bird also increases the force of impact. Even a 5 kg bird can hit with a force equal to dropping 1,000 pounds from a height of 10 feet. To prevent such incidents, airports avoid planting trees nearby as they attract birds. Still, bird strikes cause losses of around $1.2 billion (approx. 103 billion) worldwide every year. According to Robin Radar Systems, each strike can cost an airline nearly $40,000 in repairs. From 1988 to 2023, over 491 people have died due to bird strike-related air crashes. 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: June 05, 2025, 14:21 IST TNPSC Group 1 Prelims Exam Admit Card Date: Hall Tickets Expected Soon At tnpsc.gov.in Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 17:01 IST Candidates who have applied for the exam will be able to access and download their admit cards from the official TNPSC website, tnpsc.gov.in, once released. According to the official notice, the TNPSC Group 1 exam will be held on June 15. (Representational/ PTI Photo) The Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) is expected to release the admit cards for the Combined Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination-I Group I Services soon. Candidates who have applied for the exam will be able to access and download their admit cards from the official TNPSC website, tnpsc.gov.in, once released. The Group I Services exam is a highly competitive recruitment process for administrative positions within the Tamil Nadu state government. With the release of the answer key, candidates can evaluate their performance in the preliminary examination. There are 70 vacancies for various top positions in government departments across Tamil Nadu. Recommended Stories The selection process for TNPSC Group 1 Recruitment 2025 consists of three stages: the Preliminary Examination, Mains Examination, and the Final Interview. Candidates must successfully pass each stage to proceed to the next. According to the official notice, the Group 1 preliminary exam will be held on June 15. TNPSC Group 1 Prelims Exam Admit Card: How To Download? Step 1. Visit the official website of Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission at tnpsc.gov.in. Step 2. On the homepage, locate and click on the admit card link. Step 3. Enter the required credentials such as the application number and date of birth. Step 4. The admit card will appear on the screen. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Step 5. Download and save the PDF and save it for your reference. Candidates are advised to take print out the TNPSC group 1 prelims exams hall ticket as they will have to mandatory carry it to the exam centre. To be eligible for the posts, candidates have a degree from a recognised university. Candidates should possess adequate knowledge in Tamil, as per the official notice. They must be a citizen of India or a subject of Nepal/Bhutan. Applicants must be between 21 to 32 years (age relaxations are applicable as per government rules). Candidates are advised to check the official notification for other important information. 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: June 05, 2025, 16:53 IST Over 7 Lakh New Voters May Be Unable to Vote In Maharashtras Local Body Polls. Heres Why Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 11:41 IST As per the law, local body elections must use the final electoral roll prepared for the most recent assembly polls, leaving out those who registered after 2024 At present, Maharashtra has around 9.8 crore registered voters, up from 9.73 crore during the last assembly elections. (PTI) As Maharashtra gears up for its long-pending local body elections, a key concern has emergedlakhs of newly registered voters may not get the chance to vote. Following a Supreme Court directive clearing the path for civic elections, the State Election Commission has begun its preparations but officials say the voter list used in the last assembly elections will be reused for these polls, as per rules. This could leave out over seven lakh new voters who registered after the 2024 assembly elections. Recommended Stories Several of these new votersmany of them first-time youth votershad hoped to cast their votes in the upcoming municipal and panchayat polls, dates for which havent been fixed yet. But as per the law, local body elections must use the final electoral roll prepared for the most recent assembly polls, and not a freshly updated list. The State Election Commission has already written to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Maharashtra, asking for a copy of this final voter list. Ministry sources confirm that the request has also been forwarded to the Election Commission of India, and the list is likely to be handed over soon. Apart from the voter list, the commission has also asked for Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) required to conduct the polls. Sources say that during the assembly elections, nearly one lakh EVMs were used. Given the large number of local bodies across Maharashtra, including municipal corporations, councils, and zilla parishads, officials may need additional EVMs, possibly sourced from other states. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all At present, Maharashtra has around 9.8 crore registered voters, up from 9.73 crore during the last assembly elections. With nearly seven lakh new additions, their exclusion is being seen as a missed opportunity, especially at a time when young voter participation is being encouraged. While preparations are in full swing, the final election schedule is yet to be announced. Until then, the number of excluded new voters may continue to grow. The development has raised concerns among citizens and civil society groups, who have called for a more inclusive approach to ensure every eligible voter gets a say in local governancethe closest form of democracy in action. About the Author Mayuresh Ganapatye Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. He previously worked with... Read More Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. He previously worked with... Read More First Published: June 05, 2025, 11:36 IST No such peace initiatives in world that Russia would not reject, they must be responsible for this Zelenskyy Russia has rejected all the peace initiatives offered to it and continues the killings, for which it must bear responsibility, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. "There are simply no such peace initiatives in the world that Russia would not reject. They do not like everything. They only like ruins and killings. They must be responsible for this," Zelenskyy said in an evening video address on Thursday. The president said the strikes that the Russians carried out today, in particular on Pryluky and Kherson. "And all this each such blow is not at all about the so-called 'root causes' of the war, which Moscow likes to talk about. It's about the fact that they are sick with war, hatred and the desire to destroy the lives of other peoples," the president said. He noted that such people can only be defeated by the power of diplomacy, sanctions, weapons and technology. According to him, Ukraine is counting on strong steps. "This is what is currently in short supply. And what can make even such scumbags in Moscow feel that they will not drag out the war. This must be ensured. And this is precisely what new and sufficient sanctions are needed, primarily from the United States," Zelenskyy said. Can A Bird Strike Bring Down A Plane? | Explained Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 13:18 IST Though 92% of bird strikes result in no significant damage, according to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the remaining 8% can be catastrophic A flock of birds entering both engines can cripple an aircraft. A recent bird strike involving an IndiGo flight has once again brought attention to a persistent threat in aviation, i.e. mid-air collisions between birds and airplanes. Though often overlooked, bird strikes can severely damage planes, especially during takeoff or landing when jet engines are operating at maximum power and aircraft are flying low. The latest incident occurred on Monday afternoon when a vulture struck an Airbus A320 flying from Patna to Ranchi, forcing an emergency landing at Birsa Munda Airport. While no injuries were reported, the aircraft sustained visible damage and remains under inspection. Recommended Stories Experts warn that even a single bird can cripple an engine, and larger birds like vultures pose an even greater risk. Despite technological advances, the aviation industry continues to struggle with mitigating bird strikes a hazard responsible for crores in annual losses and hundreds of fatalities over the past decades. So, how can something as seemingly insignificant as a bird pose such a serious danger to modern aircraft? Bird strikes arent just freak accidents; they are a real, recurring threat in global aviation. These incidents mostly occur during takeoff or landing, when aircraft are flying at lower altitudes and birds are more commonly found in flight paths. In the recent IndiGo case, the vulture struck while the aircraft was still climbing. Though 92% of bird strikes result in no significant damage, according to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the remaining 8% can be catastrophic, especially when birds are sucked into jet engines. When this happens, the consequences can be dire. The bird may shatter the engines compressor blades, which are delicate and highly sensitive to sudden impacts. Once one blade breaks, it can send shards throughout the engine, essentially turning it into a chamber of flying shrapnel. Birds dont just bounce off planes. They can bring them down. The Bird Strike Committee USA explains the impact in brutal math. If a bird weighing 5 kgs collides with an aircraft flying at 150 miles per hour, the resulting force is equivalent to a 1,000-pound weight dropped from a height of 10 feet. And it doesnt take a massive bird to cause problems; even a 2-kilogram bird can warrant a full aircraft inspection. The danger amplifies when multiple birds are involved. A flock entering both engines can cripple an aircraft. This was precisely what happened in the famous Miracle on the Hudson" incident in 2009, when US Airways Flight 1549 lost both engines after a bird strike and crash-landed safely in New Yorks Hudson River. Globally, bird strikes result in an estimated loss of $1.2 billion annually (approximately Rs 103 billion), factoring in maintenance, delays, and insurance, according to the Bird Strike Committee USA. The damage isnt limited to engines; aircraft wings, windshields, and fuselages are also at risk. Robin Radar Systems estimates an average of $39,700 is spent on repairs per bird strike. In raw numbers, 34 bird strikes are reported every day across the world. Since 1988, over 270 aircraft have been destroyed due to bird collisions, and more than 490 people have lost their lives in related crashes up to 2023. Can Airports Keep the Birds Away? Airports do make active efforts to keep birds at bay. Many avoid planting trees nearby to reduce nesting opportunities. Some use laser deterrents, bio-acoustics (predator sounds), or even trained falcons. But as urban sprawl creeps closer to runways and climate patterns shift bird habitats, the problem is becoming harder to manage. At Purdue University in Indiana, an aviation technology professor noted that aircraft engines are, ironically, quite fragile. Theyre precision machines," he said, adding that one large bird, like a stork or vulture, can easily disrupt an entire engine system. The initial blades in a jet engine are relatively small and prone to damage. If even one breaks, it can send a chain reaction through the rest of the engine, he added. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all While the recent IndiGo incident ended without tragedy, it reignited concerns about a long-standing aviation hazard. The incident occurred at around 1:14 PM on Monday, June 2, shortly after the flight had taken off from Patna and was scheduled to continue to Kolkata after a brief stop in Ranchi. The IndiGo plane was flying at an altitude of 3,000 to 4,000 feet when it collided with a vulture. All passengers and crew on board were reported to be safe, but the Airbus A320 sustained visible damage. Airport Director RR Maurya confirmed that the bird strike left a visible dent in the aircraft. Engineers are currently assessing the extent of the damage," he said. First Published: June 05, 2025, 13:18 IST Donald Trumps New Travel Ban: Why These 19 Countries Have Been Targeted Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 09:56 IST 19 countries face new US travel restrictions. The reasons go beyond just national security US President Donald Trump (IMAGE: REUTERS) In the wake of the Colorado attack on a pro-Israel group, US President Donald Trump has signed a sweeping new proclamation imposing travel restrictions on citizens from 19 countries, citing national security threats. The attack, carried out by an Egyptian man who set fire to peaceful protesters seeking the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza, was directly referenced by Trump as he announced the decision on his social media platform, Truth Social. Recommended Stories The New Ban: Whos Affected? The proclamation fully bans entry from 12 countries: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. An additional seven countries Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela face partial restrictions across both immigrant and non-immigrant visa categories, including B-1, B-2, F, M, and J visas. According to a statement from the White House, the countries facing the full ban were found to be deficient with regards to screening and vetting and were determined to pose a very high risk to the United States." National Security Concerns And Terrorism Threats Central to the administrations justification is the claim that many of these countries pose heightened risks due to terrorism links, extremism, or state-sponsored activities: Afghanistan : Taliban-controlled since 2021, considered a hub for extremist activity. : Taliban-controlled since 2021, considered a hub for extremist activity. Iran and Cuba : Both officially designated by the US State Department as State Sponsors of Terrorism. : Both officially designated by the US State Department as State Sponsors of Terrorism. Yemen, Somalia, Libya, Sudan: Home to groups like Al-Qaeda, Al-Shabaab, and the Houthis, involved in ongoing conflicts that threaten regional and international stability. Trump stated while signing the order: We cannot have open migration from any country where we cannot safely and reliably vet and screen That is why today I am signing a new executive order placing travel restrictions on countries including Yemen, Somalia, Haiti, Libya, and numerous others." We cannot have open migration from any country where we cannot safely and reliably vet and screen That is why today I am signing a new executive order placing travel restrictions on countries including Yemen, Somalia, Haiti, Libya, and numerous others." President Trump pic.twitter.com/ER7nGM4TO2 The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 4, 2025 Fragile Or Failing States Beyond direct terrorism links, many of the countries targeted in Trumps travel ban share one common trait: deep state fragility. This limits their ability to maintain civil registries, criminal databases, or cooperate with international law enforcement core issues for US visa screening. The 2024 Fragile States Index, which ranks countries on political, security, economic, and humanitarian stability, places several of the fully banned nations among the worlds most unstable: Somalia (Rank 1): Racked by decades of civil war, Somalia has no fully functioning central government, with large swathes controlled by Al-Shabaab militants. Law enforcement capacity remains minimal, with rampant corruption and limited border control. Racked by decades of civil war, Somalia has no fully functioning central government, with large swathes controlled by Al-Shabaab militants. Law enforcement capacity remains minimal, with rampant corruption and limited border control. Yemen (Rank 2): Still locked in a brutal conflict between Houthi rebels and a Saudi-backed coalition, Yemens infrastructure has collapsed. Its civil registry and identity databases are virtually non-existent in many regions, making background checks extremely difficult. Still locked in a brutal conflict between Houthi rebels and a Saudi-backed coalition, Yemens infrastructure has collapsed. Its civil registry and identity databases are virtually non-existent in many regions, making background checks extremely difficult. Sudan (Rank 5): Engulfed in a devastating power struggle between military factions (RSF vs SAF), Sudans state institutions have broken down, leading to lawlessness, mass displacement, and zero functional cooperation with international law enforcement. Engulfed in a devastating power struggle between military factions (RSF vs SAF), Sudans state institutions have broken down, leading to lawlessness, mass displacement, and zero functional cooperation with international law enforcement. Congo (DRC) (Rank 6): Plagued by multiple armed groups, internal displacement, and ongoing instability in its eastern provinces, Congo faces chronic governance failures. Border controls are weak, and internal vetting mechanisms unreliable. Plagued by multiple armed groups, internal displacement, and ongoing instability in its eastern provinces, Congo faces chronic governance failures. Border controls are weak, and internal vetting mechanisms unreliable. Chad (Rank 8): Marked by authoritarian rule, weak security infrastructure, and frequent insurgencies along its borders, Chads institutional capacity for identity verification is severely limited. Marked by authoritarian rule, weak security infrastructure, and frequent insurgencies along its borders, Chads institutional capacity for identity verification is severely limited. Afghanistan (Rank 9): Since the Taliban takeover in 2021, Afghanistans legal and civil systems have collapsed. The US has cut nearly all security cooperation, and Taliban-controlled ministries offer little transparency or credible data on citizens. Since the Taliban takeover in 2021, Afghanistans legal and civil systems have collapsed. The US has cut nearly all security cooperation, and Taliban-controlled ministries offer little transparency or credible data on citizens. Libya (Rank 16): With rival governments competing for power and various militias controlling key regions, Libyas state institutions are fragmented. The absence of centralised governance makes security vetting highly challenging. Even beyond these top-tier fragile states, several others on Trumps list including Eritrea, Equatorial Guinea, Haiti, and Myanmar are viewed as authoritarian or dysfunctional states with limited transparency, cooperation or control over security vetting. Eritrea operates under a closed authoritarian regime with strict exit controls but little external cooperation. operates under a closed authoritarian regime with strict exit controls but little external cooperation. Equatorial Guinea has been cited for widespread corruption and opaque governance. has been cited for widespread corruption and opaque governance. Haiti faces political paralysis, gang violence, and frequent disruptions to government functions. faces political paralysis, gang violence, and frequent disruptions to government functions. Myanmar remains internationally isolated following its 2021 military coup, with sanctions and political repression further weakening state capacity. White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said the new order fulfils Trumps promise to protect Americans from dangerous foreign actors that want to come to our country and cause us harm." President Trump is fulfilling his promise to protect Americans from dangerous foreign actors that want to come to our country and cause us harm.These commonsense restrictions are country-specific and include places that lack proper vetting, exhibit high visa overstay rates, or https://t.co/rr9jgBOzvt Abigail Jackson (@ATJackson47) June 4, 2025 Visa Overstay Violations The partial bans also heavily cite immigration violations, particularly high visa overstay rates, as a factor for restricted entry. Chad: 49.54 per cent overstay rate for B1/B2 visa holders. Eritrea: 55.43 per cent overstay rate among student and exchange visa categories (F, M, J). Other countries like Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, Burundi, Cuba, and Venezuela have been flagged for non-compliance with US visa tracking and insufficient cooperation with law enforcement. A Revival Of Trumps 2017 Travel Ban The latest order revives and broadens Trumps earlier 2017 travel ban, which initially targeted seven Muslim-majority nations, including Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia, and Yemen. That policy was rescinded by former President Joe Biden in 2021, who called it a stain on our national conscience." President Trump reinforced the rationale behind the decision, saying: We will restore the travel ban, some people call it the Trump travel ban, and keep the radical Islamic terrorists out of our country that was upheld by the Supreme Court." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Conclusion While officially framed as a national security measure, Trumps revived travel ban reflects a combination of terrorism threats, fragile state risks, and visa enforcement failures. The move also aligns with his broader America First" approach to immigration and border security. With implementation set to take effect at 12:01 am on Monday (June 9), thousands of travellers, students, and families across these nations will now face an uncertain future. About the Author Karishma Jain Karishma Jain, Chief Sub Editor at News18.com, writes and edits opinion pieces on a variety of subjects, including Indian politics and policy, culture and the arts, technology and social change. Follow her @kar... Read More Karishma Jain, Chief Sub Editor at News18.com, writes and edits opinion pieces on a variety of subjects, including Indian politics and policy, culture and the arts, technology and social change. Follow her @kar... Read More First Published: June 05, 2025, 09:51 IST How The Swan Soft Toy On Axiom-4 Headed To ISS Is Linked To Goddess Saraswati Curated By : Trending Desk Edited By: Anurag Verma Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 15:50 IST As the Axiom-4 crew readies for liftoff, they'll bring along a plush swan named 'Joy'. For ISRO astronaut and Axiom-4 mission pilot Shubanshu Shukla, the swan holds profound spiritual and philosophical significance, making it a deeply personal choice as well as a meaningful representation for the crew. When the Falcon-9 rocket launches from Floridas Kennedy Space Center on June 10, it will be carrying more than just astronauts and scientific gear. Joining the Axiom 4 mission crew aboard the SpaceX Dragon capsule will be a small plush swan named Joy. This soft toy isnt just a sentimental itemit plays a meaningful role. In keeping with a long-standing space tradition, astronauts bring a small object to float freely once the spacecraft reaches orbit. Its a visual cue: the moment the toy begins to drift, the crew knows theyve officially entered microgravity. But Joy is more than just a zero-gravity indicator. The plush swan carries a deeply personal significance for each astronaut on board, symbolising emotion, connection, and the human side of space travel. Recommended Stories Heres why this tiny companion holds such powerful meaning for the crew. Why Swan? During a pre-flight virtual press conference, all four members of the international Axiom-4 crew played a role in choosing the swan plush toy, selecting it as a shared cultural symbol that resonated with them all. For ISRO astronaut and Axiom-4 mission pilot Shubanshu Shukla, the swan holds profound spiritual and philosophical significance, making it a deeply personal choice as well as a meaningful representation for the crew. In Indian culture, the swan is the vehicle of goddess Saraswati, symbolising wisdom, learning, and purity. Swan is believed to have the rare ability to separate milk from water, representing purity, wisdom, and grace," Shukla said during the crews pre-launch press briefing on Tuesday (June 3). Carrying this symbol reminds me of the delicate balance between knowledge and pressure, and it keeps me grounded in the values I hold dear. I feel inspired, fully prepared, and confident as I embark on this journey," Shukla added. Once in orbit, Shubanshu Shukla will make history as the second Indian to venture into space, following in the footsteps of Rakesh Sharma, who became the first nearly 40 years ago. Mission commander and Americas most seasoned astronaut, Peggy Whitson, explained the significance behind the swan, saying, Joy symbolises the collective dreams of three nations coming together in their pursuit of human spaceflight. In India, the swan represents wisdom; in Poland, it reflects resilience; and in Hungary, it stands for grace. Through Joy, we honour both our cultural differences and the unity that drives our shared mission in space." What Is Axiom-4 Mission? The Axiom-4 mission, a collaborative effort between Texas-based Axiom Space, SpaceX, and NASA, will send four astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) for a two-week mission. The crew includes Mission Commander Peggy Whitson from the U.S., Mission Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla from India, and mission specialists Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary. Plush Toys In Space Taking a soft toy into space might seem light-hearted, but its actually a long-standing tradition among astronauts. The use of zero-gravity indicators dates back to 1961, when Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin carried a small doll on his groundbreaking Vostok mission. The purpose was simple: once the doll started to float, it confirmed the spacecraft had entered zero gravity. Over the years, Russian space crews have kept this tradition alive, often taking along plush toys chosen by their children, adding a personal and sentimental touch to their journeys beyond Earth. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The tradition of flying soft toys as zero-gravity indicators eventually crossed over to the United States after the space shuttle era. Today, crewed spacecraft from SpaceX, Boeing, and NASAs Artemis missions regularly include these floating companions to mark the arrival of weightlessness. Once aboard the International Space Station, Joy the swan will join an eclectic collection of plush space travellers. Past zero-g mascots include Droog," a crocheted origami crane from SpaceXs Crew-10 mission, and a horn-blowing angel chosen by the Soyuz MS-27 crew, adding a touch of whimsy to space exploration. 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: June 05, 2025, 15:50 IST Operation Sindoor & Beyond: How Missiles Are Shaping 21st Century Combat Around The World Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 15:34 IST Missiles can strike deep into enemy territory without the need to deploy soldiers or aircraft, minimising collateral damage Some of Indias key systems include Agni-V ICBM, BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, Prithvi series ballistic missiles, and Barak 8 air defense system. (PTI) In the 21st-century theatre of war, missiles have become the new shock troopsfast, accurate, and terrifyingly effective. From hypersonic gliders that travel faster than Mach 10 to stealthy cruise missiles that weave through enemy radar like phantoms, todays missile systems are rewriting the rules of engagement across land, sea, and air. Recently, missiles hit headlinesand targetswhen India launched Operation Sindoor in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam attack and pounded nine terror launchpads in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. Recommended Stories One of the key missile systems India used in the face-off with Pakistan was the SCALP Cruise Missile, a long-range, air-launched cruise missile with a range exceeding 250 kilometers. It is designed for deep-strike missions against high-value, stationary targets such as bunkers and command centers. The missiles stealth capabilities allow it to penetrate sophisticated air defence systems, making it ideal for such operations. The country also deployed the HAMMER Precision-Guided Munition, a modular, air-to-ground weapon with a range of 50-70 kilometers. It supports GPS, infrared, or laser guidance, allowing it to accurately strike both stationary and moving targets. Its versatility makes it suitable for targeting various types of terrorist infrastructure. Loitering Munitions (Kamikaze Drones), precision weapons that hover over the target area before striking, further solidified Indias arsenal. They can act autonomously or be remotely controlled, providing real-time surveillance and strike capabilities. In Operation Sindoor, loitering munitions were used to monitor and identify targets, enhancing the precision and effectiveness of the missile strikes. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF MISSILES Missiles can strike deep into enemy territory without the need to deploy soldiers or aircraft. Modern systems have precision guidanceusing GPS, radar, or laser targetingwith Circular Error Probable (CEP) as low as a few meters, minimising collateral damage. Intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), especially those with nuclear warheads, serve as the backbone of nuclear deterrence. Nations like the US, Russia, and China maintain missile arsenals not to fightbut to prevent wars from starting. Also, a single cruise missile can disable an airbase, command center, or radar installationdisrupting entire enemy operations. Missiles allow smaller forces to punch above their weight and neutralise threats before they escalate. Modern missiles are launched from land vehicles, submarines, ships, and aircraft. Systems like the BrahMos, Kalibr, or Tomahawk can be re-targeted mid-flight, giving commanders flexibility in dynamic combat environments. To add to this, hypersonic missilestraveling at speeds above Mach 5are nearly impossible to intercept with current air defence systems. They compress decision time to seconds, making them game-changers for preemptive or retaliatory strikes. EYE ON OTHER COUNTRIES United States has the largest and most diverse missile arsenal globally, leading in precision cruise missiles (Tomahawk), ICBMs (Minuteman III), and air defence systems (Patriot, THAAD). Some of the key systems employed by US include Tomahawk cruise missile, Minuteman III ICBM, Patriot and THAAD SAM systems, and JASSM-ER (stealthy air-launched cruise missile). Next on the list is Russia, which has very powerful strategic nuclear missile force (RS-28 Sarmat ICBM, Topol-M); advanced air defence (S-400, S-500 in development); hypersonic glide vehicles (Avangard, Kinzhal); and versatile and powerful anti-ship and cruise missiles. Russias key systems include RS-28 Sarmat ICBM, S-400 Triumf air defense system, Kh-47M2 Kinzhal hypersonic missile, and Kalibr cruise missile. US and Russia are followed by China, which is rapidly modernising missile forces, including long-range ICBMs (DF-41). China has a growing hypersonic missile technology and a large arsenal of short and medium-range ballistic missiles for regional dominance. Its key systems include DF-41 ICBM, DF-ZF hypersonic glide vehicle, HQ-9 SAM system, and YJ-18 anti-ship cruise missile. India is not far behind on the list. It has growing strategic missile capabilities (Agni series ICBMs) and the worlds fastest supersonic cruise missile (BrahMos). Apart from this, it is developing versatile missile defence systems and increasing indigenous missile production and development. Some of Indias key systems include Agni-V ICBM, BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, Prithvi series ballistic missiles, and Barak 8 air defense system (joint with Israel). Fifth on the list is Israel that has cutting-edge missile defence systems (Iron Dome, Davids Sling, Arrow); advanced precision loitering munitions and cruise missiles; as well as a highly integrated multi-layer missile defence network. Key Systems include Iron Dome (short-range defence), Davids Sling (medium-range defence), arrow missile system (long-range ballistic missile defence), and Harop loitering munition. France and UK, meanwhile, have advanced cruise missiles (SCALP/Storm Shadow), strong strategic deterrent with submarine-launched ballistic missiles, and integration of modern missile systems with NATO allies. Their key systems are SCALP/Storm Shadow cruise missile, M51 SLBM (France), and Trident SLBM (UK). WHAT CAN INDIA DO BETTER? top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all India is already on a strong trajectory, but certain improvements could make its missile programme even more formidable and future-ready. The country could invest more in DRDO and private partnerships, develop hypersonic cruise and glide missiles, build multi-layered defences and advanced interceptors, extend missile ranges and develop modular payloads, diversify air, sea, and land-launched missiles, increase testing frequency and simulation capabilities, enhance electronic warfare resistance and stealth features, and promote exports to improve technology and economies of scale. 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: June 05, 2025, 15:34 IST Explained: What Is The Census, When Was It Last Held In India, And When Is The Next One Due? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 13:19 IST Conducted every ten years, census in India is overseen by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, which functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs. In April, the Centre had announced that caste data will also be included in the forthcoming Census (Representational Image: PTI The Ministry of Home Affairs announced on Wednesday that the nationwide Census, which will include caste data, is set to begin on March 1, 2027. The Census will be carried out in two phases. For the Union Territory of Ladakh and snow-bound areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, the process will commence on October 1, 2027. In April, the Centre announced the inclusion of caste data in the upcoming Census, responding to demands from the opposition. The notification indicating the intent to conduct a Population Census with the aforementioned dates will be published in the official gazette tentatively on June 16, 2025, under the provisions of section 3 of the Census Act. Recommended Stories The census exercise, initially scheduled to begin in April 2020, was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. What Is Census? A census is a critical tool for understanding a countrys demographic, social, and economic landscape. It involves the systematic collection, recording, and analysis of information about the members of a countrys population. This headcount includes details such as age, gender, occupation, education, religion, language, and housing conditions. In India, the census is more than just a statistical exercise; it has significant implications for policymaking, welfare schemes, development planning, and resource allocation. It also plays a key role in shaping electoral boundaries and determining the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in Parliament and state legislatures. Conducted every ten years, the Indian census is overseen by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, functioning under the Ministry of Home Affairs. When Was the Last Census Conducted in India? Indias last full census took place in 2011. This was the 15th National Census since 1872 and the seventh after Independence, recording Indias population at over 1.21 billion. This marked an increase of more than 181 million people since the previous 2001 Census. The next census was initially scheduled for 2021, continuing the decade-long tradition. However, it will now be conducted starting in 2027, marking the most extended delay in the history of the Indian census. Why Has Census Been Delayed? The primary reason for the delay in the 2021 Census is the COVID-19 pandemic. The initial phase, known as the House Listing and Housing Census, along with the updation of the National Population Register (NPR), was set to begin in April 2020. However, the nationwide lockdown and public health concerns forced the government to postpone the process. Since then, several administrative and political reasons have contributed to the delay, including logistical challenges, concerns around digital data collection, and debates over the inclusion of contentious topics like caste. The government has cited technical preparedness and field-level challenges as the main reasons for the continued postponement. What Will Be Different in the Next Census? The upcoming census is expected to be Indias first-ever digital census. This implies a significant shift from the traditional pen-and-paper method to the use of mobile apps and electronic devices by enumerators. Reports suggest that the government also plans to geotag every structure listed during the housing census, helping to create a comprehensive national address database. Caste Data In April, the Centre announced that the forthcoming census would include caste data. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated, Some states have conducted surveys to enumerate castes. While some states have done this well, others have conducted such surveys only from a political angle in a non-transparent way. To ensure that our social fabric is not disturbed by politics, caste enumeration should be included in the census instead of surveys." India has so far officially gathered caste data solely for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). Other caste groups, particularly Other Backward Classes (OBCs), have not been formally counted since 1931. Why Is the Census Important? Policy Planning and Implementation: Census data helps governments at all levels to plan and implement schemes related to education, health, sanitation, employment, and housing. Resource Allocation: Funds from the central government to states and districts are often based on population figures. Census data ensures that areas with higher populations receive proportionate resources. Political Representation: Census results are crucial for delimiting constituencies, ensuring fair political representation based on population shifts. Infrastructure and Urban Planning: Information on housing conditions, urbanization, and migration trends supports infrastructure development, such as transportation and smart city initiatives. Socio-Economic Research: Academics, economists, NGOs, and think tanks rely heavily on census data for research and advocacy. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all International Commitments: As a member of the United Nations, India contributes to global population data and development indicators through its census. As India awaits its next census, the stakes are higher than ever for getting it right, especially with caste data also being part of the forthcoming census. 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: June 05, 2025, 12:56 IST 'Pakistan Is Nothing Without China': Owaisi Flags TRF Omission In UNSC's Pahalgam Resolution Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 13:53 IST Asaduddin Owaisi said Pakistan is "nothing without China" and accused it of spreading lies about India. Owaisi further stated that the ceasefire proposal was agreed upon by India. A file photo of Asaduddin Owaisi (Photo: PTI) All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi, who was part of the delegation of MPs that toured Saudi Arabia and other countries, on Thursday said Pakistan is nothing without Chinas support. In an exclusive conversation with CNN-News18, Owaisi also said the delegation he was a part of tried to expose Pakistans lies and its misinformation campaign at the international forum. Recommended Stories I tried to expose Pakistans lies and their misinformation campaign against India," Owaisi said. It has become clear, without China, Pakistan is nothing. They are handicapped without Chinas support," he added. Speaking on his delegations mission, Owaisi said, We also explained how Pakistan, with help from China, blocked the naming of The Resistance Front (TRF) in the United Nations Security Council resolution on the Pahalgam terror attack." On April 25, the UNSC condemned the Pahalgam terror attack in the strongest terms" and reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious" threats to international peace and security. Days later, the UNSC refused to mention TRF in its six-monthly report to the Sanctions Committee, even after Indias repeated submissions. Later, it was known that a Chinese diplomat, who led the South and Central Asia group, onboarded Pakistans requests and mentioned the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and the Majeed Brigade. Owaisi, during his conversation with CNN-News18, also mentioned Pakistans fake propaganda of claiming military operation victory over India, and said, Pakistans Field Marashal, Asim Munir, failed to produce an original painting, and thus he showcased an earlier painting of a Chinese drill, trying to pass it off as a display of operations against India." Asim Munir was recently mocked for presenting a framed painting, which showed a striking resemblance to an alleged Chinese military exercise, as a gift to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at a high-profile dinner event. The painting was gifted as a depiction of Pakistans so-called military operation against India. However, sharp-eyed users were quick to point out that the image bore a striking resemblance to a four-year-old photograph from a Chinese military exercise. Several users claimed that the image was lifted directly from publicly available visuals of the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army drills, raising questions about the authenticity of Pakistans portrayal of Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos. ALSO READ | Pakistan Epicentre Of Takfirism, Must Be Brought Back To FATF Grey List: Owaisi In Algeria WHAT OWAISI SAID ON INDIA-PAKISTAN CEASEFIRE Amid the recent controversy surrounding Rahul Gandhis surrender" remark, Owaisi, while speaking to CNN-News18, said Pakistans DGMO spoke to the Indian authorities, and it was only after Prime Minister Narendra Modis permission that the ceasefire was agreed upon. The suggestion for a ceasefire came after Pakistans DGMO spoke to ours. Our DGMO, with Prime Minister Narendra Modis permission, agreed," Owaisi said. But I was saddened that this decision wasnt announced by our own political leadership instead, we heard it via a tweet by the US President. That was hard to accept," he added, commenting on Donald Trumps claims of mediating between India and Pakistan. Owaisis delegation, led by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Baijayant Panda, included BJP MPs Nishikant Dubey, Phangnon Konyak and Rekha Sharma, Satnam Singh Sandhu and Ghulam Nabi Azad, and former Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all During their visit, the delegation briefed international partners on Indias response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, highlighting the broader fight against cross-border terrorism while engaging with leaders in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Algeria. ALSO READ | Owaisi, Azad Effectively Countered Pakistans False Narrative: Jay Panda To News18 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: June 05, 2025, 13:53 IST 'We're Climbing...': Missing Indore Woman's Last Call Before Husband's Murder In Meghalaya Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 17:57 IST Indore Missing Couple Case Latest News: The clip, believed to be Sonams last known communication, featured an exchange between Sonam and her mother-in-law. The couple, who were on their honeymoon, went missing on 23 May shortly after checking out of a homestay in Nongriat village. Indore Couple Missing Case: An undated audio of a conversation between Sonam Raghuvanshi, the Indore resident who went missing last month along with her husband during their honeymoon in Meghalaya, and her mother-in-law has surfaced. As per the reports, the conversation between Sonam and her mother-in-law is believed to be of the same day that the couple went missing. The clip, believed to be Sonams last known communication, featured an exchange between Sonam and her mother-in-law while the former was trekking in a forested area. Recommended Stories In the clip, Sonam is heard saying, Were climbing right now will talk later," to which her mother-in-law responded, Today must be your fast". Sonam replies, Yes, it is. But I wont break my fast just for this outing". The conversation continued with Sonam expressing discomfort about the steep terrain and poor conditions. Were in a dense forest, nothing is available here. The climb is steep. I had told him (Raja) not to go, but he never listens. Im exhausted. The food here isnt good either. Its hard to breathe while walking," Sonam said. Another audio clip featured Raja speaking to his mother, informing her that they had just reached the peak and were eating fruits. His mother expressed that she misses them and questioned why they climbed the mountain without sharing a video. Raja had explained that there is no internet connectivity. When asked about their return, he had said only two days remain in their trip. Also See: Blood-Stained Raincoat Found, Search On For Sonam In Meghalaya How The Couple Went Missing? Raja was a 30-year-old transport businessman, who had married Sonam merely weeks ago. The duo embarked on their honeymoon on May 20, where Guwahati was their first stop. The couple arrived in Mawlakhiat village on May 22 on a rented scooter. They trekked over 3,000 steps down the gorge to visit the famous living root bridges in Nongriat village, where they stayed the night, according to police. On May 23, the family last heard from them. The family members said that the mobile phones of the couple were switched off after their last conversation. Also See: What Sonam Revealed In Final Call To In-Laws Before Disappearing Rajas Body Found, Sonam Still Missing A search operation was launched on May 24 (Saturday) with assistance from local villagers. On June 3, the semi-decomposed body of 30-year-old Raja was discovered at the bottom of the gorge near the Weisawdong Falls parking area at Riat Arliang. He was identified by a distinctive Raja" tattoo on his right hand. Recovered along with Rajas decomposed body were a machete, a white shirt belonging to a woman, a strip of medicine, a part of a mobile phone LCD screen, and a smartwatch. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The search for 27-year-old Sonam is still underway. Police have registered a murder case and are treating the circumstances with suspicion. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is leading the probe. We are investigating with an open mind, and all possibilities, including honour killing, are being explored," SP Syiem told CNN-News18. Rajas body has been sent to NEIGRIHMS, Shillong, for post-mortem examination. As the search for Sonam continues, investigators hope that the recovery of the dao and mobile phone will provide critical leads in unraveling the mystery behind the suspected double homicide. 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 : Shillong, India, India First Published: June 05, 2025, 16:24 IST 'Ceasefire An Act Of Indian Leadership, Not An Easy Decision': Australian Deputy PM On Op Sindoor | Exclusive Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 17:47 IST Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles praised India's 'Operation Sindoor' and hailed the stoppage of military actions as a mark of Indian leadership. Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles (Photo: AP) Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles has hailed India for its retaliatory strikes against Pakistan and opined that the ceasefire reached between the two countries after Operation Sindoor must not have been an easy decision. In an exclusive conversation with CNN-News18, Marles also praised the stoppage of military action between India and Pakistan as an act of Indian leadership. Recommended Stories On being asked about the Pahalgam incident and India retaliating to such terror attacks, Marles said, Firstly, we met with the news of what happened in Pahalgam with utter shock." This was an appalling attack, and (Australian) Prime Minister Albanese personally spoke to Prime Minister Modi almost immediately after these events to extend condolences to India in respect of the loss of lives," he said. Even today, we reiterated that solidarity. We stand with India and with all countries to combat terrorism, and we wanna continue to work with India in combating terrorism in all its forms around the world," the Australian Deputy Prime Minister said. Also commenting on the ceasefire between the two countries, Marles said he views that as an act of Indian leadership. We do acknowledge and welcome the stoppage in military activity. We actually see that as an act of Indian leadership," he said. We see that there was an act of terror that we condemn, and in simple terms, we stand with India as we stand with all countries seeking to combat terrorism, and thats where the strikes stand," Marles said on being asked if people tend to forget the reason behind Indias Operation Sindoor. We look forward to working with India to combat terrorism in all its forms," the Australian Deputy Prime Minister reiterated. Our Prime Minister very quickly extended his condolences and shock over the incident and the loss of lives," Marles said, on being asked if his country stands with India in its right to defend against such terror attacks. Further into the conversation, as Marles was asked to elaborate on his remark on the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, and that he views that as an act of Indian leadership", the Australian Deputy Prime Minister said, We see that, fundamentally, as an act of Indian leadership and we want to acknowledge that in the language we express our appreciation for the stoppage of the military activity." In the same breath, we see that as not an easy decision," he added. Commenting on US President Donald Trumps claims of mediation between India and Pakistan, Marles told CNN-News18, Every country has an interest in living in a peaceful world, and we all appreciate the stoppage in the military activity, and we do acknowledge that this was an act of the Indian leadership." As many as 26 tourists were killed and several others were injured in a terrorist attack in Baisaran valley of Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam on April 22. Among the victims were 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In response to the Pahalgam attack, the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 and targeted terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the killing of more than 100 terrorists. India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire on May 10. 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: June 05, 2025, 11:39 IST Bengaluru Police Commissioner, 3 Senior Cops Suspended After Chinnaswamy Stadium Stampede Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 21:58 IST Initiating a series of disciplinary actions, in a big move, the Siddaramaiah-led government decided to suspend Bengaluru police commissioner B Dayananda Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah said the decisions were made after intensive discussion on the stampede incident, with the state cabinet and other officials. (Image: PTI/File) A day after the stampede outside Bengalurus M Chinnaswamy Stadium, which claimed 11 lives, the Karnataka government suspended the city police commissioner and three other senior police officials. Initiating a series of disciplinary actions, in a big move, the Siddaramaiah-led government decided to suspend Bengaluru police commissioner B Dayananda, along with an additional commissioner (West) Vikas Kumar, deputy commissioner of police (DCP), Central Bengaluru, Shekar H Tekkannanavar and assistant commissioner of police (ACP) Balakrishna. Recommended Stories Chief Minister Siddaramaiah made the announcement during a press conference on Thursday, while asking the police to arrest representatives of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), DNA event management and Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) Administrative Committee. These entities have already been booked on charges of criminal negligence at Cubbon Park police station. The stampede incident that took place during the RCB celebrations is saddening and condolences were expressed to the deceased. A serious discussion was held on this issue in the cabinet meeting held as usual today (June 5). Some decisions were taken after discussing the unpleasant incident that took place yesterday," Siddaramaiah said. The Cubbon Park police station inspector and station house officer were also suspended. The action comes amid intense scrutiny and public outcry over the lapses in crowd management during the victory celebrations for IPL winners, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The state governments intention is to hold all parties involved in organising the ill-fated event accountable, as preliminary investigation points towards significant lapses in planning and crowd control. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Siddaramaiah said the decisions were made after intensive discussion on the incident, with the state cabinet and other officials. It has been decided to suspend these officials as they are irresponsible and negligentthis incident has hurt us. We are praying for those who died in the tragedy, and the government is with their families," he said. He added: A magisterial investigation ordered yesterday (June 4) has started. After some information was received about this great tragedy, a discussion was held in the cabinet meeting." 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: June 05, 2025, 21:15 IST Bengaluru Stampede: High Court Takes Suo Motu Cognizance, Seeks Report From Siddaramaiah Govt Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 15:42 IST Bengaluru Stampede: The court issued a notice to the state government, seeking a detailed status report on the incident by Tuesday. A section of the crowd outside Chinnaswamy Stadium. Pic/PTI Bengaluru Stampede: The Karnataka High Court took suo motu cognizance of the stampede incident in Bengaluru that left several injured and sparked widespread criticism over administrative lapses. The court issued a notice to the state government, seeking a detailed status report on the incident by Tuesday while expressing serious concern over the safety and crowd management measures at public events. At least 11 people were killed and 47 others injured in a stampede at Bengalurus M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Tuesday, after an overwhelming crowd surged through two entry gates ahead of a celebratory event. Recommended Stories The tragedy unfolded as a sea of fans gathered to attend a reception honouring Karnatakas Royal Challengers IPL team. The event was jointly held at two venues- the Vidhana Soudha and the Chinnaswamy Stadium. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Preliminary assessments suggest that poor planning, hasty arrangements, and a severe lack of crowd control contributed to the stampede. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as entry gates became bottlenecks and people were pushed to the ground in the crush. Families of the victims and several political leaders have since questioned the governments preparedness and handling of the situation. 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: June 05, 2025, 15:25 IST President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy listened to a report by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal on his negotiations in France. "There is a decision on additional funds for reconstruction in Ukraine. I thank our French partners for this decision. We also discussed with the Prime Minister some decisions that will add stability to Ukraine," Zelenskyy said in an evening address on Thursday. The president also listened to a report by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha. "We are preparing a decision together with the G7 countries," the head of state said. Bengaluru Techie Among 11 Dead In Stampede, Colleague Says 'Her Laptop Is Still On Desk' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 17:21 IST Bengalurulu Stampede News: Devi, a Tamil Nadu techie and ardent Virat Kohli fan, was among the 11 killed in a stampede near Bengalurus Chinnaswamy Stadium. An ambulance at the Chinnaswamy Stadium (Photo: PTI) Bengaluru Stampede News: Among the 11 people who died at the stampede near the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru were Devi, a die-hard Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fan and reportedly, the only child of her parents. According to a report with The Times Of India, the techie, who hailed from Tamil Nadu, had gone to the stadium in the middle of her shift after her request for a few hours off was approved at nearly 2.30 pm. Recommended Stories Some of her friends told TOI that Devi was a Virat Kohli fan and was determined to visit the Chinnaswamy Stadium even after entry passes were no more available online. In the hope of grabbing a pass at the venue, Devi left her laptop and her bag at her desk in the office. As she boarded a metro, she texted one of her friends that she was on her way, which turned out to be the last message from her. Her laptop is still on the table, her bag is here, but she is not there," one of her colleagues was quoted as saying by TOI. Also See: Bengaluru Stampede News Live The colleague also said they learnt about Devis death after they received a call from one of the hospitals, adding that they were yet to break the news to her parents. Another RCB supporter, who wondered outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium after the stampede, said he did not understand what went wrong. We came to watch our stars. I bought tickets for the function, but was not even able to enter the stadium. Police suddenly blocked all the roads and closed all the entrances to the venue, and suddenly they started lathi-charging near the main gate," said Prashant Shetty, a post-graduate student who came along with a few of his friends. I dont know what we did wrong. We were invited to the function, bought tickets, but in the end got beaten up and abused. Terrible day for fans like us," he added. ALSO READ | Bengaluru Stampede: 11 FIRs Filed Over Unnatural Deaths As Probe Intensifies Meanwhile, the government, hours after the incident, announced Rs 10 lakh compensation to the kin of the deceased. What was meant to be a day of celebration became a day of mourning after 11 fans were killed in a mad scramble to attend the teams IPL victory party. Thirty-three of the teams injured supporters had to be hospitalised after a chaotic day. According to news agency PTI, the tickets for the hastily-arranged engagement programme were sold in a jiffy, but the fans crowded all the gates 12, 13 (main gates) and 10 (club house entrance) with not enough security to control them. The number swelled to unexpected levels around 3.30 pm, and it forced the police and stadium security officials to close all the gates to prevent the ticketless from squeezing in along with the ones who had valid tickets. At around 4.30 pm, many more came from the nearby Cubbon Park metro station, worsening the situation, and the police had to resort to mild use of force to disperse the huge gathering. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Several ticket-holders had no choice but to make a retreat from the venue, albeit thankful that they escaped unscathed from what became a stampede. ALSO READ | Bengaluru Stampede Timeline: How Three Hours Of Parade Or No Parade Chaos Led To 11 Deaths 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: June 05, 2025, 11:12 IST BJP To Highlight 11-Year Report Card With Press Briefings, Nationwide Outreach Drive Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 15:02 IST To mark 11 years in power, the BJP will highlight the Modi government's achievements through nationwide press conferences from June 9 to 11. New Delhi: Supporters hold a cut out of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a BJP flag (Photo: PTI) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is planning to showcase the Narendra Modi governments achievements, as the party completes 11 years in power on June 9. According to the details, central ministers, chief ministers, and senior leaders of the BJP will hold press conferences nationwide from June 9 to 11, to present the governments report card to the public. Recommended Stories Several union ministers will also tour different parts of the country beginning June 10. Prime Minister Modi took the oath of office for a third term on June 9 last year, and his government is going to the people to highlight its signature measures and mobilise support for its programmes with the theme of development and heritage. On June 2, news agency PTI quoted an official as saying that Prime Minister Narendra Modis 11 years in office have infused new energy in the countrys preservation of tangible and intangible heritage, proudly carrying the spirit of Bharat to the world. On June 4, Union Minister of State for Heavy Industries and Steel, Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma, praised the 11 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modis government, stating that the vision of a Viksit Bharat" (developed India) by 2047 was clear and achievable under his leadership. Speaking on the occasion, Verma said, In the last 11 years, the Narendra Modi government has introduced many schemes in the fields of economy, healthcare, and social security, which have directly benefited all sections of people." Earlier, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated virtually in the program 11 years of Modi Government from Sankalp to Siddhi" from the Chief Ministers residence. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Addressing the program, Chief Minister Dhami said, On June 9, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are going to complete 11 golden years of service, good governance and poor welfare." This transformative period of 11 years has been a historic period of renaissance of Indias self-respect, self-respect and spirit of nationalism, in which our country established itself as a strong, capable and competent nation on the global stage," he said. 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: June 05, 2025, 14:55 IST 'Don't Cut His Body...': Father Pleads Against His Son's Postmortem After Bengaluru Stampede Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 13:33 IST A day after stampede broke out during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL win celebration, a father pleaded to not conduct an autopsy on his son, one of the 11 victims. Image of the father who has lost his son in Bengaluru Stampede. (Courtesy: X) A day after the horrific Bengaluru stampede, which took place when scores of fans gathered to celebrate the first historic Indian Premier League (IPL) win of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, heart-wrenching scenes unfolded as kin of the dead lamented over their loss. In one of the cases, a father appealed to the authorities not to conduct any autopsy on his son, who was killed in the deadly stampede. Recommended Stories Bengaluru stampede victims father breaks down who will pay for his tears ? pic.twitter.com/TRDnlkKga3 pallavi ghosh (@_pallavighosh) June 5, 2025 At least give me his body. Dont do a postmortem. Dont cut his body into pieces. I had only one son, and now I have lost him. He came here without informing me. Now the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister may visit, but no one can bring him back," the visibly shattered father pleaded. The son, identified as Bhumik, was among the 11 people who lost their lives in the stampede outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium near the Vidhan Soudha. Bhumik was a BE student and an ardent fan of RCB. This is the father of Bhoomik who was pursuing B.E. degreeBhoomik died in #ChinnaswamyStadium stampedeHis father pleads:Please complete my sons post-mortem & send his body today itself.I havent stayed away from him even for an hourToday, he ended up lifeless on street pic.twitter.com/axNf49oAXw Gautam (@gautyou) June 4, 2025 Bengaluru, what have we done to turn this celebration into tragedy? It will haunt us more than any victory celebrations. Within 24 hours, we have to bear the pain of broken families.Deepest condolences. Om Shanti. pic.twitter.com/uzcpZKley5 Bengaluru Post (@bengalurupost1) June 4, 2025 I never stayed away from him for even an hour. I have raised an only son. I have raised him for 22 years, and now, I see him die on the streets thanks to your attitude. I didnt know that he had come here. Please just hand over my sons body to him. Whatever has happened, has happened," Bhumiks father further said, while speaking to local media. Also Read: Bengaluru Techie Among 11 Dead In Stampede, Colleague Says Her Laptop Is Still On Desk How Did The Bengaluru Stampede Break Out? RCBs victory celebration event attracted an unexpectedly massive crowd. Amid increasing excitement, chaos erupted outside the stadium, especially at the narrow entry points. Eyewitnesses said that the rush to get inside turned into panic, leading to a stampede. By 5 pm, the full scale of the tragedy had become clear. The main reasons for the stampede were conflicting communications from RCB and the state authorities, overcrowding, inadequate crowd control and limited access points. Also Read: Bengaluru Police Were Not In Favour Of RCBs IPL Victory Event That Claimed 11 Lives | Exclusive The crowd gathered for the event far exceeded the stadiums capacity and the organisers expectations. Along with 11 fatalities, dozens were injured and rushed to nearby hospitals. The authorities had carried out autopsies of all deceased victims by Thursday morning and handed over the bodies to their respective families. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah gave orders for an investigation into the lapses that caused the stampede. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar apologised and said, This was a young and vibrant crowd. You cant control them with lathis". top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Also Read: Bengaluru Stampede: 11 FIRs Filed Over Unnatural Deaths As Probe Intensifies Prime Minister Narendra Modi also offered condolences to the families of the victims. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that those who are injured have a speedy recovery," he wrote in a post. Location : Karnataka, India, India First Published: June 05, 2025, 13:10 IST Former BJP Leader Lets Partner, His Aide Rape Her Teen Daughter; Arrested Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 20:30 IST According to the police, the minor was gang-raped several times by her mother's boyfriend and his aide, both of whom are in their thirties Anamika Sharma had separated from her husband and was living with her boyfriend, Sumit Patwal. (Image via X) A former BJP leader from Haridwar, who previously served as the president of the party Mahila Morchas district unit, has been accused of allowing her boyfriend and his aide to rape her 13-year-old daughter. The assaults happened multiple times from January to March this year, police said. Police have confirmed that all three have been arrested, and has been booked under different sections of the POCSO Act and the BNS, including gang rape. Recommended Stories According to the police, the minor was gang-raped several times by her mothers boyfriend and his aide, both of whom are in their thirties, in Haridwar, Agra and Vrindavan between January and March this year. The men perpetrated the crime with her mothers consent and in her presence, the police said, adding that they also threatened to kill the minors father if she disclosed it to anyone. On Wednesday, the Uttarakhand Police arrested Anamika Sharma and her boyfriend, Sumit Patwal, from a hotel in Haridwar after a medical examination confirmed that her minor daughter had been sexually assaulted. Haridwar SSP Pramendra Dobhal also confirmed that Patwals accomplice, Shubham, was also arrested late on Wednesday night from Shahpur, Meerut. The matter came to light on Tuesday when the minor told her father about her ordeal, following which he lodged a police complaint. A case was registered against the trio under BNS Sections 70 (2) (gang-rape), 351(3) (criminal intimidation), 3(5) (criminal act) by several persons in furtherance of common intention) and relevant sections of the POCSO Act. Sharma was stripped of the partys primary membership once her name surfaced in the case. However, BJP sources in Haridwar claim that she has not held any party post since August 2024, PTI reported. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Anamika had separated from her husband and was living with her boyfriend at his hotel, while her daughter remained in the custody of her father. (With inputs from PTI) About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More Location : Uttarakhand (Uttaranchal), India, India First Published: June 05, 2025, 20:04 IST Indian MBBS Student Killed, Friend Critical After Bike Accident In Vietnam; Crash Captured On CCTV Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 18:13 IST The 21-year-old student was riding a 150cc bike on a rain-slicked road when it crashed into the wall of a house at high speed in Vietnam's Can Tho City The bike accident in Vietnam's Can Tho city was captured on CCTV cameras; (R) Telangana MBBS student Arshid Ashrith. (Image: @motordave2/X) A 21-year-old MBBS student from Telangana was killed in a freak accident in Vietnam while his friend, who was riding pillion, suffered serious injuries. The victim, identified as Arshid Ashrith, was a third-year student living in Can Tho City. He was from Kagaznagar in Kumuram Bheem Asifabad district, and his parents Arshid Arjun and Pratima are cloth merchants. Recommended Stories The incident, which took place early on Tuesday (June 4), was captured on CCTV cameras. The video shows a rain-slicked road with cars parked on the side, when suddenly a motorcycle zips through and crashes into a wall at high speed. Ashrith was riding a 150cc bike and the impact of the crash instantly killed him. TW: Visit X post at your own discretion due to disturbing visuals. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all NDTV reported that MLA Dr P Harish Babu visited Ashriths parents and offered his condolences. He further spoke to Union Minister G Kishan Reddy and urged him to facilitate the repatriation of the body to India. 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: June 05, 2025, 18:03 IST Indore Couple Missing Probe: Blood-Stained Raincoat Found, Search On For Sonam In Meghalaya Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 12:12 IST Indore Couple Missing Case: The search effort, spanning the dense undergrowth of the Wei Sawdong area, has faced significant challenges due to heavy rainfall. The couple, who were on their honeymoon, went missing on 23 May shortly after checking out of a homestay in Nongriat village. Indore Couple Missing Case: Search operations for 27-year-old Sonam Raghuvanshi, who went missing in Meghalaya on May 23 during her honeymoon, continue in full swing across the Sohra region. A raincoat with blood stains suspected to possibly belong to the missing tourist was recovered on Wednesday near Mawkma Road, Sohra, and has been sent for forensic testing. We recovered a wet raincoat. There are certain stains on it, but we cannot confirm if those are blood stains. Only forensic tests will determine that," East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem said, as quoted by both NDTV and TOI. Recommended Stories The recovered raincoat, marked XXXL in size, is being compared with available video footage to determine whether it belonged to Sonam Raghuvanshi. Authorities said confirmation will take time, pending visual matching and forensic analysis. The search effort, spanning the dense undergrowth of the Wei Sawdong area, has faced significant challenges due to heavy rainfall. SP Syiem said that drones from NESAC had been deployed intermittently, but poor weather had hindered aerial reconnaissance. It was only recently the weather cleared a bit, otherwise the weather was bad, and torrential rain was making it very difficult, even though we used the NESAC drone," he said. It was through this drone support that the body of Sonams husband, Raja Raghuvanshi, was discovered on Monday in a gorge near Weisawdong. Recovered along with Rajas decomposed body were a machete, a white shirt belonging to a woman, a strip of medicine, a part of a mobile phone LCD screen, and a smartwatch. Authorities are awaiting the post-mortem report. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all As per SP Syiem, more than 50 to 60 personnel have been mobilized for the extensive search, including teams from the NDRF, SDRF, Fire and Emergency Services, Special Investigation Team (SIT), Special Operations Team (SOT), and local volunteers. The operation is set to continue as weather permits. The couple had arrived in Mawlakhiat village on May 22 and stayed overnight in Nongriat. Their scooter was found parked on May 24 outside a cafe along the ShillongSohra road, but Sonam remains missing as the search continues. About the Author Abhro Banerjee Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ... Read More Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ... Read More First Published: June 05, 2025, 08:39 IST Kashmir Vande Bharat: Train Journey From Katra Via 37 Bridges, 27 Tunnels Paves Way To Srinagar Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 15:00 IST Two Vande Bharat Express trains will cross two iconic rivers, Chenab and Anji, making seamless train travel from Katra to Srinagar a reality. The journey between Katra and Banihal will pass through 37 bridges with a combined length of seven km. (Image: PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the 111-kilometre Katra-Banihal section of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project on Friday a critical missing link that now allows direct train connectivity to Kashmir from Jammu. Until now, passengers from any part of the country could only travel by train up to Katra. From there, they had to switch to road or air travel to reach Srinagar and the Kashmir Valley. Recommended Stories But starting Saturday, that changes. Two Vande Bharat Express trains will traverse three major geological thrust zones Reasi, Muree, and Panjal and cross two iconic rivers, Chenab and Anji, making seamless train travel from Katra to Srinagar a reality. The credit for this historic change goes to Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd (KRCL). Speaking to News18, an official from KRCL said the firm set up a project head office in Jammu and project camps at Reasi, Kauri, and Sangaldhan for smoother execution of the project. The KRCL mobilised a team of about 310 staff and engineers to take this project forward. The construction machinery, plant, equipment, materials, technicians, and skilled and unskilled manpower were arranged by KRCLs construction contractors. Various national and international agencies were engaged for design support," they said. Challenges On one hand, the project had to pass through tunnels carved through mountains, and on the other were deep valleys that needed to be bridged for the tracks to pass through. The 111-km section crosses various geological strata, ranging from loose conglomerate, clay, silt, and stones. According to KRCL, frequent geological changes made it difficult to assess the terrain in advance, necessitating adjustments in the design as the work progressed. The USBRL is a 272-km-long project, and except for the 111-km section, trains were already operating on the remaining 161 km from both ends. In total, the project includes 36 tunnels (collectively 119 km) and 943 bridges. The ministry believes that the USBRL project sanctioned in 1994-95 is perhaps the most difficult new railway line project undertaken in the country post-independence. Bridges The journey between Katra and Banihal will pass through 37 bridges with a combined length of seven km. The list includes 26 mega and major bridges and 11 minor ones. When starting the journey from Katra, passengers will come across a number of minor bridges and at least four unique bridges on their way to Srinagar Bridge Numbers 35, 39, 43, and 44. Anji Bridge The first among these four major bridges will be Bridge Number 35 Anji Bridge the first cable-stayed railway bridge in India. Connecting Katra and Reasi, the bridge has 96 cables. It is designed to withstand the regions challenging terrain and seismic activity. 6 days left till steel meets the sky Anji Bridge Indias first cable-stayed Rail bridge is set to soar in Jammu & Kashmir pic.twitter.com/vgLoUvzXU4 Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) April 13, 2025 Built by Konkan Railway, the bridge spans the Anji River a tributary of the Chenab. Situated about 80 kilometres from Jammu, the Anji Bridge is 331 metres above the riverbed and stretches 725 metres across. The total length of cable strand used in the bridge is an impressive 653 kilometres. Over 8,200 metric tonnes of structural steel were used for its construction. Bridge Numbers 39 and 43 Next in line are Bridge Numbers 39 and 43, both constructed by Afcons for KRCL. The double-line Reasi station yard is located on Bridge 39. Spanning 490 metres, it features seven towering, rectangular, tapered hollow piers, with the tallest soaring to 103 metres nearly 30 metres higher than the iconic Qutub Minar. The superstructure of B-39 is a continuous composite steel girder. The construction of the bridge involved a mammoth 7.5 lakh cum of earthwork in excavation for the foundation, about 36,500 cum of concreting with 7,000 MT of reinforcement steel, and 7,552 MT of structural steel. Just ahead of B-39 is the 777-m-long Bridge Number 43. The double-line Salal station yard is located on this bridge. The superstructure of the bridge is a continuous composite steel girder. The bridge is partly straight (490 m) and partly curved (287 m). The major part of B-43 is located on a gentle to moderate slope, but the initial four foundations are located on a steep slope and have been stabilized by a special hybrid well foundation. Construction of this bridge involved about four lakh cum of earthwork, 36,948 cum of concrete, 5,862 MT of reinforcement steel, 7,920 MT of structural steel, and 15,959 m of micropiles. It is important to note that the concept of hybrid foundation was adopted on USBRL Bridges 39 and 43 due to the peculiar alignment along steep hill slopes. As per official records, it was not feasible to provide open foundations or sink dry wells, as excavation could have triggered slope instability. Hybrid foundations were constructed using micropiles in such a way that the lower portion functions as a pile foundation and the upper portion as a conventional well. Chenab Bridge Next in line is Bridge 44 across the River Chenab. Built at a height of 359 m from the riverbed, the Chenab Bridge has a central span of 467 m. This bridge qualifies for the world record for being the highest rail bridge from the riverbed. The bridge is taller than the Eiffel Tower, the Railways has claimed. Just one more day to wait.The majestic Chenab Bridge" going be inaugurated by PM Shri @narendramodi on 6th June 2025. Beginning of a grand new chapter for #JammuandKashmir! pic.twitter.com/BWGAhg4QeB Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) June 5, 2025 To construct the arch portion over the river, a novel cable car-based method was designed and commissioned. This cable car system operates on 54-mm-thick cables stretched across the river valley and anchored to 127-metre-high pylons on either side. The project required a massive amount of structural steel, with the Chenab Bridge alone consuming approximately 29,000 metric tonnes. To ensure long-term durability despite harsh weather conditions, corrosion-resistant paint has been used. In addition, the structure is blast-proof and can withstand earthquakes of up to magnitude 8 on the Richter Scale. The bridge is also equipped with an online safety monitoring system for real-time alerts. The expected life of the Chenab Bridge is more than 100 years. Chenab Bridge can withstand wind speeds of up to 260 kilometres per hour. Structural steel suitable for temperatures ranging from minus 10 to 40 degrees Celsius has been used, ensuring resilience across seasonal extremes. The most sophisticated Tekla software was used for structural detailing, enabling high precision in design and execution. Out of the 37 bridges, 24 are located between Katra and Dharam, including Chenab and Anji. The total length of the remaining 22 bridges excluding Anji and Chenab is 2.6 km and involved about 15 lakh cum of earthwork, 1.5 lakh cum of concrete, 27,000 MT of reinforcement steel, and 28,000 MT of structural steel. Tunnels: Carving Through the Himalayas Out of the 111-km Katra-Banihal section, 97.42 km (87%) lies in tunnels. The section houses not only some of the tallest and most unique bridges but also 12.77-km-long Tunnel No. 50, Indias longest transportation railway tunnel. T-50 connects Khari and Sumber and passes through complex geology including quartzite, gneiss, and phyllite. The route faced major construction hurdles such as high water ingress, landslides, shear zones, and jointed volcanic rock formations. To meet these challenges, engineers built three access tunnels to allow work from multiple faces simultaneously, accelerating the construction timeline. The design includes a main tunnel and a parallel escape tunnel, connected through cross-passages every 375 metres to ensure safety. This tunnel is equipped with CCTV cameras installed at every 50 metres, with all feeds monitored from a central control room to support safe and smooth operations. Between Katra and Dharam, a total of 16 tunnels with a collective length of about 45 km are located. The construction of these tunnels was done by the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM), the ISystem, and conventional methods. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Among the other long tunnels along the route is the 9-km Tunnel No.13, located near Dugga in Reasi district. With the commissioning of the Katra-Banihal section, the decades-long dream of seamless train travel to the Kashmir Valley becomes a reality. Beyond engineering marvels, this line promises new avenues for tourism, trade, and strategic connectivity linking one of Indias most remote regions to the heart of the nation. 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: June 05, 2025, 15:00 IST One Killed, 3 Injured As Innova Driver Opens Door At 100 KMPH To Spit Tobacco In Chhattisgarh Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 07:52 IST The horrific crash was captured on CCTV, showing the vehicle flipping down the road and a passenger being thrown out and violently hitting a pole. AI Generated Image A reckless Innova driver sped at over 100 kmph and opened the door to spit tobacco, causing the vehicle to flip and crash, resulting in one businessmans death and critically injuring two others in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, on Monday. The Innova went somersaulting down the road, hitting two vehicles and injuring one of their drivers. Recommended Stories According to the police, the deceased has been identified as Jackie Gehi, 31, a cloth merchant from Chakarbhatha on the outskirts of Bilaspur, 100km from Raipur. He had gone to a late-night party on Sunday and called a friend, Akash Chandani, around 1.30 am to pick him up. Akash arrived with another friend, Pankaj Chhabra, in an Innova. Akash was driving, Pankaj sat in the front passenger seat, and Jackie was in the back. Akash suddenly opened the door while driving to spit tobacco (gutkha) on the Bilaspur-Raipur highway. He instantly lost control of the vehicle, which swerved into the divider and overturned multiple times. The impact ejected all three occupants from the vehicle, which continued down the highway. Jackie was violently thrown and collided with a metal structure near the divider, suffering fatal chest, head, and shoulder injuries. He died on the spot. Akash and Pankaj were also ejected and slammed into the ground, suffering grievous injuries. The out-of-control Innova crashed into a parked commercial vehicle, flipped four to five times, and then slammed into a parked Ertiga, injuring its driver, who hadnt even started the engine or had time to react. The horrific crash was captured on CCTV, showing the vehicle flipping down the road and a passenger being thrown out and violently hitting a pole. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene after passersby alerted authorities. Police cordoned off the area, rushed the injured to the hospital, and later cleared the wreckage from the road. Location : Chhattisgarh, India, India First Published: June 05, 2025, 07:52 IST Our First Priority...: Owaisi Urges FATF Grey-Listing Of Pakistan, Calls Out Asim Munir Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 14:02 IST Owaisi was part of the delegation, which visited Muslim-dominated Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Algeria to expose Pakistans support for cross-border terrorism Owaisi said that his delegation informed the four nations in West Asia about the speech delivered by Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir, where he referred to Kashmir as a 'jugular vein' and expressed Pakistans continued support for those opposing India.(PTI Image) AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi, a member of one of the all-party delegations on anti-terror diplomacy, on Thursday, said that Indias priority must be to ensure Pakistan is reinstated on the grey list of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a global body that monitors countries efforts to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing. Owaisi was part of the delegation led by BJP MP Baijayant Panda, which visited Muslim-dominated Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Algeria to expose Pakistans support for cross-border terrorism. The lawmaker, a staunch political opponent of the ruling BJP, was appreciated for his sharp speeches targeting Islamabad during the tour. Recommended Stories Speaking to CNN-News18, the Lok Sabha MP from Hyderabad said his delegation informed these countries that multiple emailstwo of them originating from areas close to a Pakistani cantonmentclaimed responsibility for the Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 people, mostly Hindus, were killed. The four countries we visited are very important for us, not just because they are in the Middle East, but also because they play a significant role in FATF. In the past, some of them did not object to Pakistans inclusion in FATF deliberations. They are influential when it comes to Pakistan. Our first priority must be ensuring Pakistan is placed back on the FATF grey list. We hope our friends help include Pakistan again on the grey list," he said. India Works To Put Pakistan Back Under Surveillance In FATF, Cripple IMF Aid Owaisi called for strict monitoring of loans to Pakistan from the Asian Development Bank, World Bank, and International Monetary Fund, saying these funds would go from their army to terror organisations, instead of going towards poverty eradication. The Panda-led delegation presented many examples and proof of how Pakistan supports terrorist activities, Owaisi said. I must say all members of the delegation tried their best. We were able to clarify any misconceptions or queries to the utmost capacity," he added. We were able to put forward the strongest case for India before the leaders of these countries," he said. India sent seven multi-party delegations to multiple countries across the globe to apprise them about the Pahalgam attack, Operation Sindoor, and Pakistans continued support for terrorism, in the aftermath of one of the countrys biggest military operations in recent decadescarried out in response to the Pahalgam terror attackwhich targeted nine terror camps in Pakistan and PoK." Owaisi Calls Out Asim Munir Owaisi said that his delegation informed the four nations in West Asia about the speech delivered by Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir, where he referred to Kashmir as a jugular vein and expressed Pakistans continued support for those opposing India. Pakistan promoted General Munir to Field Marshal a five-star rank last held in the country in 1959 despite India thwarting a failed military push by the cash-strapped nation following Operation Sindoor. India targeted nearly a dozen airbases in Pakistan and caused extensive damage, while Islamabads missiles and drones were shot down by Indian air defence systems. Fraud Marshal: Pakistanis Mock Their Army Chief On Global Stage With Times Square Billboard What Is FATF? The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an international watchdog, sets global standards to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and the funding of weapons of mass destruction. Established in 1989 by the G7 countries, FATF is headquartered in Paris, France, and currently has 39 members, including major economies like the US, India, China, and the European Commission. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Why India Wants Pakistan On FATFs Grey List If Pakistan is placed on the FATF grey list and subjected to increased monitoring, it indicates to the international community that the country has deficiencies in its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing systems. This would result in reduced foreign investment and tighter financial oversight from institutions such as the IMF and World Bank, weakening Pakistans economy and ultimately limiting its ability to finance terrorism. Pakistan was on FATFs grey list till 2022. About the Author Saurabh Verma Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 First Published: June 05, 2025, 13:52 IST PM Modis First J&K Visit After Pahalgam Attack: Whats On His Itinerary? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 17:59 IST PM Modi will inaugurate the iconic Chenab Bridge- the worlds highest railway arch bridge- perched 359 metres above the river. Prime Minister Narendra Modi (PTI Image) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Jammu and Kashmir on Friday for the first time since the Pahalgam terror attack, with a high-impact agenda that includes major infrastructure launches and developmental initiatives. Chenab Bridge: Worlds Highest Rail Arch Opens For Public Recommended Stories PM Modi will inaugurate the iconic Chenab Bridge- the worlds highest railway arch bridge- perched 359 metres above the river. Touted as an engineering marvel, the 1,315-metre-long steel arch bridge is designed to withstand harsh seismic and wind conditions, symbolising a new era in Indian railway construction. Tomorrow, 6th June is indeed a special day for my sisters and brothers of Jammu and Kashmir. Key infrastructure projects worth Rs. 46,000 crores are being inaugurated which will have a very positive impact on peoples lives.In addition to being an extraordinary feat of https://t.co/cPJ15HqOTb Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 5, 2025 Katra To Srinagar In 3 Hours: Vande Bharat To Speed Up Travel Along with the Chenab Bridge, the prime minister will flag off Vande Bharat trains between Katra and Srinagar. The trains will reduce travel time between the two cities by 23 hours, slashing the total journey to just around 3 hours and significantly improving intra-state mobility. Indias First Cable-Stayed Rail Bridge The Anji Bridge, Indias first cable-stayed railway bridge, will also be inaugurated by PM Modi. Its built to serve one of the countrys most geographically challenging terrains, further enhancing J&Ks rail connectivity. Udhampur-Baramulla Rail Link: 43,780 Crore Lifeline For Kashmir Another major announcement is the launch of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. Spanning 272 km, it features 36 tunnels (covering 119 km) and 943 bridges, and is aimed at providing all-weather rail connectivity between Kashmir and the rest of India. Border Roads, Better Access: Last-Mile Connectivity Gets A Push PM Modi will also lay foundation stones and inaugurate several road projects, particularly aimed at boosting last-mile and border area connectivity. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all First Medical College for Reasi: Healthcare Boost in Katra Adding to the regions healthcare infrastructure, the PM will lay the foundation stone of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence, a 350-crore project. It will be Reasi districts first medical college and is expected to play a vital role in regional medical education and services. 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 : Jammu and Kashmir, India, India First Published: June 05, 2025, 16:30 IST Interfax-Ukraine to host press conference German support for Ukrainian communities: start of registrations for financing humanitarian projects On Tuesday, June 10, at 10.00, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency (8/5a Reitarska Street) will host a press conference on the funding program for charitable and public organizations in Ukraine with the support of the German Foreign Ministry on the topic "German support for Ukrainian communities: start of registrations for financing humanitarian projects," which provides for financial support in the amount of from EUR 100,000 to EUR 800,000. Program Coordinator - Help Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe in Ukraine. Participants: Director of Help Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe in Ukraine Oleksandr Novykov; Advisor on civil society engagement at People in Need Anna Medvedeva; Director of National Network of Local Philanthropy Development Daria Rybalchenko. The event will be streamed on the Interfax-Ukraine YouTube channel. Additional information by e-mail [email protected], tel. (067) 900 9495. Registration of journalists on site with editorial ID cards. 'India Never Asked Trump To Mediate', Says Shashi Tharoor In US Amid Rahul Gandhis 'Surrender Remark Row Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 17:18 IST Shashi Tharoor, in Washington, firmly denied Donald Trumps claim of mediating between India and Pakistan, reiterating Indias position of zero tolerance toward terrorism. A file photo of Congress MP Shashi Tharoor (PTI) Shashi Tharoor, who is presently in Washington, DC, leading the delegation to spread Indias message on zero tolerance against terrorism, on Thursday refuted Donald Trumps claims of mediating between India and Pakistan. Speaking in the US, Tharoor also said India never asked anyone to mediate in its conflict with Pakistan. Recommended Stories Tharoor also said that Pakistan, on May 10, requested India to stop its operations against them after they assessed large-scale damage in the Indian strikes. We have enormous respect for the American Presidency and the American President (Donald Trump). All we can say for ourselves is that we have never particularly wanted to ask anyone to mediate," the Congress MP said when asked about Rahul Gandhis recent surrender remark and Trumps claims of mediation between India and Pakistan. Further speaking on Indias Operation Sindoor against terror targets in Pakistan, Tharoor said, What turned out to be the last night of the conflict, India effectively struck 11 Pakistani military airfields." Publicly available satellite imagery shows extensive damage craters on runways, operational command centres bombed," he added. ALSO READ | Self-Styled Supreme Leader: BJP Tears Into Rahul Gandhi Over PM Modi Surrendered Remark Referring to the confidential Pakistani dossier that went public, showing wider damage to the country than previously acknowledged, Tharoor said, Pakistan itself acknowledged that Indian strikes were so widespread they ranged from Hyderabad in the south to Peshawar in the northwest." So, it looks very clear that whatever damage the Pakistanis believe they may have inflicted on India, it wasnt sufficient to prevent India for inflicting such extensive damage on Pakistan. So, they decided to request us to stop, which were very happy to do," the Congress MP said. When asked about the role played by the US in encouraging talks between India and Pakistan, Tharoor said, I think the US has understood for some time now that India has a very clear position that there will be no talks with a gun pointed at our head." Its not that we cant talk to Pakistan. I was joking the other day, we can speak all the languages they can speak and were very happy to dialogue with them in any of those languages," he added. Tharoor also warned that India would again take action against Pakistan and retaliate if the neighbouring country does not control terror elements on its soil. The Congress MP emphasised that the all-party parliamentary delegation is in the US to enhance understanding and clarify Indias stance and explain if there are any misapprehensions on the part of interlocutors. He said that all the arty delegation just wants to explain Indias stance, and they do not want nations to do anything other than to understand Indias point of view. The all-party delegation arrived in the US after concluding their visit to Brazil. The delegation aims to brief key stakeholders in the US on Operation Sindoor, launched by India on May 7, as a decisive military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists, which claimed 26 lives and injured several others. The 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. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all India and Pakistan agreed for a cessation of hostilities on May 10. ALSO READ | His Heart Beats For Pakistan: BJP Slams Rahul Gandhi Over Surrender Remark Against PM Modi 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: June 05, 2025, 08:35 IST 'Brilliantly Chosen Name': In US, Shashi Tharoor Says India's Operation Sindoor Avenged Blood Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 09:48 IST Shashi Tharoor, leading an all-party delegation in the US, praised India's 'Operation Sindoor', calling it a symbolic and strategic response to the Pahalgam terror attack. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor (Source: X/@ShashiTharoor) Praising Indias counter-terrorism strikes against Pakistan, Shashi Tharoor, in the United States, said Operation Sindoor was a brilliantly chosen name" and noted that the colour of the sindoor (vermilion) is not very different from the colour of the blood. Speaking at the National Press Club in the US, Tharoor said, Operation Sindoor, actually, I thought was a brilliantly chosen name. Sindoor, in case some Americans obviously dont know about this, is a vermilion mark that is applied to the centre of the forehead of married women in the Hindu tradition. Its widely practised." Recommended Stories Some non-Hindus do it too, but more for decorative purposes, but strictly speaking, the sindoor is applied at the time of the marriage ceremony and is worn every day thereafter by married women." So, we were very conscious of these brutal terrorists who, by the way, shot men in front of their wives and children but spared the women and when one wife screamed out, Kill me too, she was told, no, you go back and tell them what weve done," the Congress MP said. That was why the women were spared, it was a horrendous, horrendous act. That sindoor had essentially been wiped off the foreheads of 26 Indian women, 26 I was gonna say Hindu women, but one of them actually was a Christian, but the sindoor had been wiped off the rest by these terrorists, and so we wanted first of all, to avenge that act of wiping off the sindoor," Tharoor said. But, secondly, its no accident that the colour of the sindoor is bright vermilion red, which is not far from the colour of blood, and in many ways there is a Hindi expression which says khoon ka badla khoon (a bloody revenge for someones killing). Here it was sindoor ka badla khoon, that is, blood in response to what they have done to the sindoor," he added. Tharoor is leading the all-party delegation to the US. The delegation is visiting key global capitals as part of the governments big diplomatic outreach to highlight its stand on terrorism following Operation Sindoor. ALSO READ | No Dialogue With People Pointing Gun At Our Heads: Shashi Tharoors Stern Message To Pakistan During the interaction, Tharoor was asked about the number of aircraft India lost in the conflict with Pakistan, to which he responded, Were not military folks, and our military is the only ones who really keep track of all of these things." But, I think the important message that came out was whatever may or may not have happened in the course of a conflict, neither side, by the way, talks about losses very much, and thats partially because you know very well that operational details are very closely held with the senior military people," Tharoor said. But, I can tell you one thing, whatever may or may not have happened, what turned out to be the last night of the conflict, when India not only effectively struck 11 airfields of the Pakistani military, but there are commercially available, publicly available satellite pictures showing the extensive damage done," he added. There have been craters on the runway, there have been operational command centers that have been busted by these Indian bombs, and just yesterday, the Pakistanis publicly admitted that Indian strikes were so wide-ranging and effective they struck from as far as Hyderabad in South Pakistan to Peshawar in the northwest," Tharoor said. So, it looks very clear that whatever damage the Pakistanis believe they may have inflicted on India, it wasnt sufficient to prevent India from inflicting such extensive damage on Pakistan. So, they decided to request us to stop, which we were very happy to do," he added. The delegation led by Tharoor includes Shambhavi Chaudhary (Lok Janshakti Party), Sarfaraz Ahmed (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha), GM Harish Balayogi (Telugu Desam Party), Shashank Mani Tripathi, Tejaswi Surya, Bhubaneswar Kalita (all from BJP), Mallikarjun Devda (Shiv Sena), former Indian Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu, and Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora. The delegation arrived in the US after concluding their visit to Brazil, and also held a meeting with the US House Foreign Affairs Committee leadership in Washington, DC, HFAC Chairman Brian Mast, Ranking Member of the committee, Gregory Meeks, South and Central Asia Subcommittee Chair Bill Huizenga, Ranking members Sydney Kamlager-Dove and Ami Bera, Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific Chair, Young Kim. As many as 26 people were killed and several others were injured in a terrorist attack in Baisaran valley of Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam on April 22. Among the victims were 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen. In response to the Pahalgam attack, the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 and targeted terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the killing of more than 100 terrorists. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire on May 10. ALSO READ | India Never Asked Trump To Mediate, Says Tharoor In US Amid Rahul Gandhis Surrender Remark Row 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: June 05, 2025, 09:48 IST '50-60 Died In Kumbh, I Didn't Criticise': CM Siddaramaiah After Bengaluru Stampede Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 07:26 IST A stampede during RCB's IPL victory celebrations near Bengaluru's Chinnaswamy Stadium left 11 dead and 33 injured. CM Siddaramaiah announced compensation and a magisterial probe. A file photo of Siddaramaiah (L)/Visuals from the Bengaluru stampede (R) (Photos: PTI) Hours after 11 people lost their lives in a stampede near Bengalurus Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said he would not justify the mishap by drawing comparisons with similar tragedies elsewhere, like the Maha Kumbh Mela. The Chief Minister further said he did not criticise when several people lost their lives in a stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj this year. Recommended Stories Such incidents happened in so many places. I am not going to defend this by comparing it with them now by saying it happened here and there. In Kumbh Mela, 50-60 people died, I didnt criticise it," the Chief Minister said, addressing the media over the stampede incident. If Congress criticises, then that is a different matter. Did I or the Karnataka government criticise?" he asked. Siddaramaiah also expressed grief over the stampede incident and announced free treatment to those injured. A major tragedy occurred during the victory celebrations. It happened near the Chinnaswamy Stadium. The government has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the deceased. The government will provide free treatment to the injured," the Chief Minister said. ALSO READ | Amid Kannada Language Row, Kamal Haasan Reacts To Bengaluru Stampede: Heart-Wrenching Tragedy Expressing deep sorrow over the incident, Siddaramaiah said, 11 died and 33 were injured in the stampede. This tragedy should not have happened. The government expresses deep sorrow over this incident." Siddaramaiah further said that he had ordered a magisterial inquiry into the matter. I dont want to defend this incident. Our government will not do politics on this. I have ordered a magisterial inquiry within 15 days. People even broke the gates of the stadium. There was a stampede. No one expected such a huge crowd. The stadium has a capacity of only 35,000 people, but nearly three lakh people came," Siddaramaiah said. A massive crowd had gathered outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium to participate in the RCB teams IPL victory celebrations. The deceased were identified as Bhoomik (20), Sahana (19), Poornachand (32), Chinmayi (19), Divyanshi (13), Shravan (20), Devi (29), Shivaling (17), Manoj Kumar (33) and Akshata. One person, nearly 20 years old, is yet to be identified. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all RCB won their maiden IPL title with a six-run victory over Punjab Kings in the final at Ahmedabad on Tuesday, ending an 18-year wait. The team had finally got to lift the trophy after finishing runners-up on three occasions previously. ALSO READ | Bengaluru Stampede Survivors Recount Horror: People Stamped With Shoes All Over Me 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: June 05, 2025, 07:26 IST 'We Want Peaceful Indo-Pacific Region': Australian Deputy PM On China's Military Build-Up Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 12:41 IST Speaking to CNN-News18, the Australian Deputy PM Richard Marles expressed concerns over China's military built-up. The Australian Deputy Prime Minister spoke to News18's Zakka Jacob in an interview. (News18) Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles in an exclusive interview with CNN-News18, expressed concerns over Chinas military build-up in the Indo-Pacific region. Stating that Quad is growing its strategic partnership with India and several other countries of the region, as Australia wants a peaceful Indo-Pacific". Speaking to News18, the Australian Deputy PM said, We do see China engaging in the biggest military build-up in the region. That makes it more important for us to work with like-minded countries, especially India." Recommended Stories QUAD has expanded, but it is not a military construct. While we have military partnerships, there are other mechanisms through which we can deepen cooperation. As democracies, we share values. China is engaging in the biggest military build-up since the end of World War II. This is not a small matter. They are doing that without a sense of strategic reassurance. This is a strategic part of making the circumstances deeply complex for the countries of the region. We want to work together with India and other countries in the region," he said, raising concerns. Responding to the relationship with India, Marles said, Australias strategic alignment with India has been closer. It has never been greater than what it is now and we are seeking to work with India much more at a defence level as we are with Japan, and with the United States." He added that Australia is trying to build up a balance within the region by working together with different countries. We want a peaceful Indo-pacific region," the Minister said. Australian Deputy PM On Op Sindoor The Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles also during the interview, hailed India for its retaliatory strikes against Pakistan and opined that the ceasefire reached between the two countries after Operation Sindoor must not have been an easy decision. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Marles also praised the stoppage of military action between India and Pakistan as an act of Indian leadership. 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: June 05, 2025, 12:22 IST Who Is Pakistan's 'Madam N', Travel Agent Linked With Indian YouTubers Nabbed For Spying? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 17:55 IST Pakistan Spy Agent News: A Pakistani woman named Naushaba Shahzad Masood, also known as 'Madam N', allegedly responsible for using social media influencers in espionage activities Naushaba Shahzad Masood, also known as 'Madam N, is a Pakistani travel agent linked to espionage activities against India. (News18 India) Pakistan Spy Agent News: In a major revelation in espionage cases against India involving YouTubers Jyoti Malhotra and Jasbir Singh with connections to Pakistan, the name of a Pakistani woman known as Madam N has come to light. Naushaba Shahzad Masood, who was identified as Madam N by intelligence services, is reportedly connected to Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). She is allegedly involved in spying and attempting to create sleeper cells in India by using social media influencers and YouTubers. Recommended Stories This revelation came after Jasbir Singh, a YouTuber with over 1.1 million subscribers on his channel Jaan Mahal", was arrested by the Punjab Polices State Special Operations Cell (SSOC), Mohali, for his alleged involvement in a Pakistan-backed espionage network. ALSO READ: Who Is Jasbir Singh? YouTuber With Pakistan Ties Arrested In Spy Case Linked To Jyoti Malhotra Who Is Madam N? Naushaba Shahzad Masood runs a travel and tourism business in Lahore, which is called Jaiyana Travels and Tourism. Her husband is a retired civil services officer in Pakistan, according to News18 India. However, an investigation has revealed that Masood has been trying to set up a network of 500 spies in India at the behest of ISI and the Pakistani Army, by influencing social media influencers and YouTubers. She particularly targeted people from the Hindu and Sikh communities. Masood has allegedly placed her agents in several Indian cities, including Delhi, where they promote her travel agency via social media and other channels. These agents are reportedly engaged in persuading individuals to participate in espionage activities on behalf of the Pakistani Army. How Did She Carry Out Her Plans? In the last six months, Masood has facilitated the entry of nearly 3,000 Indians and 1,500 Indians living abroad into Pakistan, the probe revealed. She was in direct contact with the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi, where she used her contacts to get visas approved immediately. She had deep relations with Visa First Secretary Suhail Qamar, Trade Counsellor Umar Sheryar and an officer named Danish associated with ISI, who had allegedly helped Jyoti Malhotra and was expelled from the country. Hence, visas were being provided to Indians at Masoods request. Using Sikh, Hindu Pilgrims The investigation further revealed that Masood single-handedly handled the tours of Sikh and Hindu pilgrims in Pakistan in collaboration with the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB). She charged more money from the passengers and used it for Pakistani propaganda and ISI activities. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Her contact number was located on the phones of the arrested spies. Additionally, two Pakistani bank accounts have also been found, through which funds were transferred from India. The money trail from these accounts is currently under investigation. Two content creators Jasbir Singh and Haryana-based Jyoti Malhotra are currently under custody for espionage activities. The action on spy networks within the country comes in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 people dead and the four-day military conflict with Pakistan that followed. About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More First Published: June 05, 2025, 16:36 IST Why Sitting On The Fence? In Belgium, Indian Delegation Questions West On Terrorism Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 08:54 IST Speaking in Brussels, MJ Akbar questioned West's silence on terror attacks against India. Former Union Minister MJ Akbar questions West for sitting on the fence. (Image: ANI) Former Union Minister MJ Akbar, part of an all-party delegation in Europe, on Wednesday criticised the international community for its double standards on terrorism. Speaking in Brussels, Akbar questioned the perception that Indian lives are less valuable, pointing out the Wests silence on terror attacks against India. Are there two laws in this world? One for America and the West, and another for India?" Akbar asked, as reported by news agency ANI. After 9/11, the US traveled 12,000 kilometers to seek justice in Afghanistan and Pakistan, holding Pakistan accountableGeneral Musharraf admitted it. But when India takes action just 500 kilometers away to combat terror, we are told to show restraint," he continued. Recommended Stories Led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, the delegation is on a multi-nation tour covering Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Denmark, and the UK. Their goal is to expose Pakistans ongoing support for terrorism and advocate for justice for Indian victims of terror. Akbar emphasised that Indias pursuit is for justice, not revenge. Indian lives are equally precious. We share Europes values of democracy and freedom. Yet, too many still sit on the fence," he remarked. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi echoed similar sentiments, criticising Pakistan for harbouring terrorists and undermining democracy. Citing Pakistans political instability and military interference, she described it as senseless radicalisation." She also condemned former Pakistan foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardaris past remarks on Indias counter-terror actions, calling them cowardly and hypocritical. Ravi Shankar Prasad reinforced that Indias stance is based on justice, not revenge. We ask the world: do the victims of terror have human rights or not?" he inquired, adding that while India has shown restraint in the past, it now demands global accountability. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The delegation includes MPs from various political parties, including BJP, Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), AIADMK, alongside former diplomats. Their mission is to highlight Pakistans role in cross-border terrorism and advocate for a consistent, values-based global approach to counterterrorism. The delegation was formed following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 innocent people. This prompted an urgent diplomatic outreach and a renewed call for global solidarity in the fight against terror. 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 : Belgium First Published: June 05, 2025, 08:54 IST Flexible, Conscious, Unique: The New Face of Indian Living Spaces Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 06:05 IST A new wave of consumers is embracing circular living - a lifestyle built on flexibility, conscious consumption, and environmental responsibility The rise of circular living isnt just a passing trend its a movement redefining what it means to live well As Indias urban population grows more mobile and mindful, the concept of home" is being radically redefined. No longer tethered to traditional notions of permanence and ownership, a new wave of consumers is embracing circular living a lifestyle built on flexibility, conscious consumption, and environmental responsibility. This shift is pushing home furnishing brands, both legacy-backed and new-age, to rethink how they design, distribute, and connect with consumers. Flexibility Without Compromise Recommended Stories Todays young, urban Indiansoften living in rented spaces or moving between cities due to career changes are turning to access-based models that balance utility and style. They seek YOUnique homes that reflect their personality, even in temporary spaces. While rental and access-based models offer practicality, were seeing a growing preference for selectively investing in statement pieces that make even temporary spaces feel personal and premium," said Smita Joshi, Vice President, Nesterra, a brand from the KK Birla Groups Sutlej Textiles & Industries. Our premium home furnishings are thoughtfully designed with a customer-first approach, crafted for those who may rent their homes but want to truly own their space." Nesterras collections are deeply inspired by nature, culture, and individuality, helping consumers create spaces that are vibrant, comfortable, and authentically theirs. In keeping with the circular ethos, the brand also upcycles fabric waste into functional decor and accessories proof that sustainability can coexist with style. Circular living, to me, means conscious living owning what matters, and making it last," added Joshi. Design for the Access Economy Legacy and tech-first home brands alike are witnessing a seismic shift in consumer behavior, especially among millennials and Gen Z. For many in this demographic, owning less is a conscious choice not a compromise, but a strategy for sustainable, flexible living. Circular economy is no longer an abstract idea but a practical choice for the millennial consumer," noted Rajiv Merchant, CEO, Texzone Information Services Pvt Ltd. With growing awareness around sustainability and a desire to refresh their home aesthetics every few years, younger buyers are moving away from long-term ownership models." According to Merchant, this behavioral change is already influencing how brands operate. From modular designs and shorter innovation cycles to flexible product offerings, the Indian home decor space is rapidly adapting to meet the needs of this new consumer. We believe circular living is shaping not just how Indian homes look, but how the next generation livesflexible, conscious, and always evolving." Building Conscious Systems At the forefront of circular living is Furlenco, a rental-first brand thats embedded sustainability into its very DNA. Its entire business model is predicated on reuse and refurbishmenta stark contrast to the traditional buy-and-dispose cycle. At Furlenco, circularity is not an initiative, its core to who we are," said Ajay Agarwal, Chief Operations Officer at Furlenco. Our furniture returns to us after use, gets carefully refurbished, and is then delivered to the next customer. This closed-loop model ensures extended product lifecycles and reduces environmental impact." The results are telling: Furlenco has kept thousands of high-quality furniture pieces in circulation, saving over 50,000 trees and reducing landfill waste. The company has also minimized its carbon footprint by switching to electric vehicles for last-mile delivery and cutting down plastic-based packaging. Circular living is about creating a positive, lasting impact. Its about building systems that are not just convenient but conscious," Agarwal emphasized. A Circular Future for Indian Homes top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all As consumer lifestyles continue to evolve, so too will their expectations from home brands. The rise of circular living isnt just a passing trend its a movement redefining what it means to live well. Whether through upcycled fabrics, modular furniture, or rental-based models that emphasize reuse, Indias home furnishing sector is embracing change with open arms. And as the lines between permanence and impermanence blur, one thing remains clear: the future of home is flexible, sustainable, and deeply personal. 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: June 05, 2025, 06:05 IST Deepika Padukone, I Were In A 2-Year Relationship; We'd Talk Before Her Marriage: Muzammil Ibrahim Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 17:48 IST Deepika Padukone and Muzammil Ibrahim Relationship: The model-actor mentioned that Deepika was the one who asked him out, and he was the one who broke up with her. Muzammil said he and Deepika would go on rikshaw dates. Actor and model Muzammil Ibrahim has revealed that he used to be in a relationship with Deepika Padukone. He said that he dated Deepika when she first moved to Mumbai, and then broke up with her two years later. He mentioned how he used to be a public figure back in the day, and that the tides have turned now. In a chat with Siddharth Kannan, Muzammil shared, We were in a relationship for two years." He said that he was the first guy that Deepika met in Mumbai. He recalled, She was very confident because she is Prakash Padukones daughter, so everyone knew about her." The actor mentioned that Deepika was the one who asked him out, and he was the one who broke up with her. Recommended Stories Muzammil said, I was a star at that time, she was not. She is a superstar now. Everyone knows her; nobody knows me. I am a big fan. I love watching her movies. She is a beautiful woman. She is doing so great, but the fact is what it is." When asked if they had remained in touch, Muzammil said, Before she got married, we would talk sometimes." He shared that they became friendly after their breakup and would congratulate each other on their achievements. However, they lost touch after Deepika Padukone got married to Ranveer Singh. Recalling his time with Deepika, he said, We were kids then. We would go on dates in a rickshaw in the rain. That was very cute. I had more money than her because I had started earning better. Then I bought a car and she was very happy about that. These things are very memorable because I have not been on a date in a rickshaw since then, and we were so happy even though we had no money." He also recalled how he once asked a DJ to play her favourite song on repeat because it was her birthday. Even with no money, the DJ would play the song that she liked because I was friends with the DJ. For an hour and a half, he just played that song because it was her birthday," he shared. About the Author Kashvi Raj Singh Kashvi Raj Singh is a Sub Editor at News18. She extensively covers Bollywood, Hollywood and television. She not only keeps an eye out for interesting news angles but also often writes social commentary in long-... Read More Kashvi Raj Singh is a Sub Editor at News18. She extensively covers Bollywood, Hollywood and television. She not only keeps an eye out for interesting news angles but also often writes social commentary in long-... Read More First Published: June 05, 2025, 15:40 IST Breakup Rumours That Surrounded Dakota Johnson, Chris Martin Before Final Split Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 10:43 IST Dakota Johnson and Chris Martin had been together for nearly eight years in an on-and-off relationship. At a recent Coldplay concert, frontman Chris Martin left fans surprised. Dakota Johnson and Chris Martin have officially called it quits. A news report confirms that the couple, who had been in a relationship since 2017, have now ended their nearly eight-year-long romance. Known for keeping their relationship mostly private, the two had been together in an on-and-off dynamic for several years. As per People, who cited a source close to the couple, the breakup feels final this time." Neither Johnson nor Martin has commented publicly on the report. While this is being seen as a final split, the pair has been subject to breakup rumours in the past as well. Recommended Stories The Coldplay frontman and the Fifty Shades of Grey actress were first linked in October 2017 after they were spotted dining together at a popular restaurant in Los Angeles. Over the months that followed, Johnson was seen attending Martins concerts, including a show in Buenos Aires. Eventually, her father, Don Johnson, confirmed the relationship publicly in early 2018. Though they kept most details of their relationship away from the spotlight, Johnson often accompanied Martin during his tours, and the two were frequently seen together. But in 2019, reports claimed they had broken up. Those rumours were dismissed later that year when Martin supported Johnson at a wrap party for her film The High Note. A source later confirmed to E! News that the couple was still going strong. Theyre planning to spend more time together later this summer," the source said at the time. In March 2024, People reported that the couple had actually been engaged for years" but were in no hurry to get married. Then in August, breakup rumours surfaced again when a Daily Mail source claimed, Chris and Dakota have tried desperately hard over the past few months to make their relationship work. Theyll always have love for each other but theyve both come to the conclusion the relationship cannot be sustained long-term." Theyre both busy people, Chris has been in Europe with Coldplay and they both have personal priorities, passions, and work commitments which dont naturally intertwine with each other. They wanted it to work but it just hasnt, and theyve now accepted it is best to move on," the insider continued. But Johnsons representative shut down the claims saying the two were happily together." Around the same time, an insider told People, Sure, theyve had issues and taken breaks in the past, but things are great now. They both love their careers. They are balancing things the best they can." The last time the pair were seen together publicly was on May 16 in Malibu. Earlier this year, in January, they were also photographed holding hands during Coldplays tour stop in India. Now, just weeks after their last public appearance, the relationship has reportedly come to an end. Dakota Johnson is next seen in Materialists, releasing in theatres on June 13, where she stars alongside Chris Evans and Pedro Pascal. Meanwhile, Chris Martin is currently touring with Coldplay as part of their Music of the Spheres world tour. It is set to conclude in London on September 8 this year. About the Author Kashvi Raj Singh Kashvi Raj Singh is a Sub Editor at News18. She extensively covers Bollywood, Hollywood and television. She not only keeps an eye out for interesting news angles but also often writes social commentary in long-... Read More Kashvi Raj Singh is a Sub Editor at News18. She extensively covers Bollywood, Hollywood and television. She not only keeps an eye out for interesting news angles but also often writes social commentary in long-... Read More First Published: June 05, 2025, 10:43 IST 'Stringent Action May Have Repercussions': Tamil Producers' Body Writes To KFCC On 'Thug Life' Row Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 18:12 IST In the letter, the Tamil producers' body sought to clarify the intent behind Kamal Haasan's statements on Kannada Released in multiple languages, the gangster action drama hit theatres in several parts of the country on Thursday. Image/X In an effort to resolve the controversy surrounding the release of the Tamil film Thug Life in Karnataka, the Tamil Film Producers Council has formally appealed to the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC). The intervention comes amid calls for a ban on the film in Karnataka, stemming from recent comments made by its lead actor and co-writer, Kamal Haasan, which some interpreted as derogatory towards the Kannada language. Released in multiple languages, the gangster action drama hit theatres in several parts of the country on Thursday. In the letter, the Tamil producers body sought to clarify the intent behind Kamal Haasans statements. It asserted that Haasans remarks were born out of his deep affection for the Kannada language and culture and were absolutely not intended to insult or diminish it in any way. Recommended Stories The councils appeal highlighted the strong and enduring bond that already exists between the two vibrant film industries. It cited numerous examples of prominent Kannada actors who have seamlessly transitioned and made significant contributions to Tamil cinema. Names like Sudeep, Shiva Rajkumar, Duniya Vijay, Achyuth Kumar, and Kishore were specifically mentioned as testaments to the collaborative spirit and mutual respect that have long characterised the relationship between Kollywood and Sandalwood. Expressing deep concern over the potential repercussions, the Tamil Film Producers Council warned that a stringent decision, such as an outright ban on Thug Life, could inflict significant and lasting damage on the otherwise amicable relationship between the two film fraternities. It urged the KFCC to intervene constructively and facilitate the smooth release of the film in Karnataka, thereby averting any unnecessary escalation of tensions and preserving the cooperative environment that benefits both industries. During a promotional event for Thug Life, Kamal Haasan claimed that Kannada was born out of Tamil", sparking widespread outrage among pro-Kannada groups and cultural organisations. Haasan made these remarks while addressing Sandalwood star Shiva Rajkumar, who was present at the event. You are my family that is residing in Karnataka, and hence, you came all the way here. When I started the speech, I said that my life and my family are Tamil. Your language was born out of Tamil, and hence you are part of it," said Haasan. About the Author Harish Upadhya Harish Upadhya, an Assistant Editor at CNN-News18, reports from Bengaluru. Political reporting is his forte. He also tracks India's space journey, and is passionate about environmental reporting and RTI investi... Read More Harish Upadhya, an Assistant Editor at CNN-News18, reports from Bengaluru. Political reporting is his forte. He also tracks India's space journey, and is passionate about environmental reporting and RTI investi... Read More First Published: June 05, 2025, 18:12 IST In just one week, 25 leading experts and more than 200 industry representatives will discuss current issues in the production, marketing, and distribution of flour, cereals, bakery products, and pasta, as well as share their experiences in implementing technological innovations, adapting to the market, and building effective relationships with retailers and HoReCa. We are already counting down the days until the start of Bread Industry 2025! On June 1213, Uman will become a meeting point for ideas, experience, and new opportunities for everyone who works with bread, flour, technologies, and sales markets. The forum brings together over 200 participants managers and owners of bread factories, confectionery enterprises, and bakeries; manufacturers of flour, flour products, cereals, pasta, and other grain processing enterprises; representatives of retail, suppliers of packaging, raw materials, ingredients, equipment, and technologies; government officials, and other participants from the agro-industrial and related sectors. The program offers a concentration of practical knowledge and breakthrough solutions. On stage are top experts from the baking, flour milling, machine building, HoReCa, and retail industries. Instead of general phrases, there will be clear insights, case studies, and tools that are already working in Ukraine and beyond. And also: a specialized exhibition featuring equipment, ingredients, and innovations; master classes on baking bread, from the first kneading to the fragrant crust; live communication, networking, and real contacts for business development; and even an excursion to Sofiyivka and the Rebbe Nachman Synagogue after the official part is over. Registration is ongoing, but time is running out. Don't put off your decision discover new opportunities with Bread Industry 2025. REGISTER Organizers: All-Ukrainian Bakers Association, Union of Flour Millers of Ukraine, AgroMarketing Agency General partner Lesaffre Ukraine Quality control partner SocTrade Special partner Uni Blend Banquet partner Bistro Pekarya Uman Official information partner Interfax-Ukraine Official information and analytical partner of the forum Experts Club Venue: Uman National University of Horticulture (1 Institutskaya St., Uman, Cherkasy region) REGISTRATION FEE INCLUDES: Participation in the conference for one delegate Conference materials Coffee breaks, lunches, and all events included in the conference program Field trips and excursions as part of the conference Attendance at the banquet and networking 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 Inclusion of advertising and souvenir products of the company in the participant's package For questions regarding participation, advertising, and presentations, please contact the event coordinators: Agro Marketing Agency Svyatoslav Tkachenko +38(063)357 73 59 [email protected] [email protected] Thug Life FIRST Review Out: Kamal Haasan Film Is 'Poor, Disappointing'; Mani Ratnam Magic Missing Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 09:16 IST Thug Life Movie Review: Kamal Haasan performs well but film suffers from poor writing and outdated story. Thug Life First Review: Kamal Haasan reunites with Mani Ratnam in Thug Life after 38 years. Thug Life Review: Kamal Haasans highly anticipated film, Thug Life, directed by Mani Ratnam, is finally out in theatres. As the veteran actors fans flock to cinema halls to catch the early shows, the first reviews of the film have started pouring in on social media sites like X, formerly known as Twitter. One person wrote, Been an hour since I watched the UK premiere of #ThugLife. Poorly written, lack of character depth aplenty, no emotional connect with any of the titular roles, music in the movie was mehh. Shouldve just stayed at home and slept." Another post mentioned, Failed attempts, screenplay is too vague, Nayakan can happen only once. This is such a below-par work from both #KamalHaasan and #ManiRatnam, what the hell is Trishas role, man, worst." Recommended Stories Been an hour since I watched the UK premiere of #ThugLife. Poorly written, lack of character depth aplenty, no emotional connect with any of the titular roles, music in movie was mehh. Shouldve just stayed at home and slept pic.twitter.com/QCuqf1YtHw Rakesh Koothrapalli (@summairrakesh) June 5, 2025 A fan review on the site read, No emotions, no proper writing for revenge and betray setup, only music and 2 action blocks were good." Someone else posted, Major disappointment! Couldnt even sit through the whole film." An emotionless, outdated gangster drama made worse by a forgettable soundtrack," another review read. #ThugLife had potential but ends up dragging.Kamal Haasan delivers a solid performance, but his never-ending monologues wear you down. Simbu handles his part well, but even that cant rescue the sluggish, flat second half. The trademark Mani Ratnam spark? Nowhere to be found. pic.twitter.com/KdA4aqrJiV MR . AK (@anandhumanoj666) June 5, 2025 Someone else wrote, #ThugLife had potential but ends up dragging. Kamal Haasan delivers a solid performance, but his never-ending monologues wear you down. Simbu handles his part well, but even that cant rescue the sluggish, flat second half. The trademark Mani Ratnam spark? Nowhere to be found." #ThugLife I had nil expectations for the movie. Even then ended up huge disappointment. Very old 80s story that didnt have a gripping screenplay. Overdosage and wastage of star cast. Really bad. Vikram Shankar (@vikramaxe) June 5, 2025 One person wrote, Just in awe of KHs acting throughout the movie and STR has delivered brilliantly too , the young kids expressions and the entire cast has delivered!! ARRs music is a huge strength, but in some portions it felt a bit off 2nd half suffers from poor writing!" About Thug Life Movie Kamal Haasans Thug Life is a Tamil-language gangster action drama directed by Mani Ratnam. This film marks a significant collaboration between Haasan and Ratnam after 36 years since their iconic film Nayakan (1987). Silambarasan TR, Trisha Krishnan, Joju George, Ashok Selvan, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Nassar, Ali Fazal, and Rohit Saraf also feature in pivotal roles, contributing to the films expansive narrative. About the Author Kashvi Raj Singh Kashvi Raj Singh is a Sub Editor at News18. She extensively covers Bollywood, Hollywood and television. She not only keeps an eye out for interesting news angles but also often writes social commentary in long-... Read More Kashvi Raj Singh is a Sub Editor at News18. She extensively covers Bollywood, Hollywood and television. She not only keeps an eye out for interesting news angles but also often writes social commentary in long-... Read More First Published: June 05, 2025, 09:00 IST Thug Life OTT Release: When And Where To Watch Kamal Haasan's Film Online Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 10:01 IST Kamal Haasan, Mani Ratnam's film will be available to stream 56 days after its theatrical run, as per reports. Thug Life has been released in cinemas. Thug Life OTT Release: Kamal Haasan starrer Thug Life, directed by Mani Ratnam, has been released in theatres today, June 5. The film has been released across India in multiple languages, and fans are flocking to the theatres to watch the reunion of the veteran actor with the legendary director. However, some fans are also awaiting the films OTT release. Thug Lifes OTT release has already been announced. The film will be available on Netflix after its theatrical run. While some reports claim that Thug Life will be available on Netflix from August 7, there is no official confirmation on the date. Recommended Stories As part of North Indian multiplex regulations, Hindi films have an eight-week window before they can be released on OTT platforms. Since Thug Life is also being released in Hindi, the film will likely be available for streaming only from August. As per reports, Netflix has bought the digital rights to the film for Rs 149.7 crore. Thug Life Review Meanwhile, Thug Lifes reviews have started pouring in on social media sites like X, formerly known as Twitter. Most fans are disappointed" by the films poor writing and lazy" set-up. While they have lauded Kamal Haasans performance, they have expressed that the film feels dragged". About Thug Life Kamal Haasans Thug Life is a Tamil-language gangster action drama directed by Mani Ratnam. This film marks a significant collaboration between Haasan and Ratnam after 36 years since their iconic film Nayakan (1987). Even before its scheduled release on June 5, 2025, the film had already generated immense anticipation due to its star-studded ensemble cast and the creative prowess of its makers. Thug Life Cast Kamal Haasan leads the cast, portraying a complex character that showcases his versatility and depth as an actor. Silambarasan TR, Trisha Krishnan, Joju George, Ashok Selvan, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Nassar, Ali Fazal, and Rohit Saraf also feature in pivotal roles, contributing to the films expansive narrative. The films music is composed by the legendary A.R. Rahman, marking his third collaboration with Haasan and nineteenth with Ratnam. Cinematography is handled by Ravi K. Chandran, and editing is managed by A. Sreekar Prasad, ensuring a high-quality visual and auditory experience. About the Author Kashvi Raj Singh Kashvi Raj Singh is a Sub Editor at News18. She extensively covers Bollywood, Hollywood and television. She not only keeps an eye out for interesting news angles but also often writes social commentary in long-... Read More Kashvi Raj Singh is a Sub Editor at News18. She extensively covers Bollywood, Hollywood and television. She not only keeps an eye out for interesting news angles but also often writes social commentary in long-... Read More First Published: June 05, 2025, 10:00 IST Opinion | Ayodhya & Beyond: How Ram Mandir Defines Modis Civilisational Legacy Written By : News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 12:13 IST The prime ministers leadership shows that India can honour its traditions without being shackled by them, that it can build a modern state while nurturing its soul Thursday saw the consecration ceremony of Shri Ram Darbar and other deity idols at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya. (PTI) The air in Ayodhya bustles with a pulsesandalwood and rosewater blended with the faint hum of anticipationas if the city itself is holding its breath. On Thursday, the Pran Pratishtha of the Ram Darbar idols on the temples first floor, alongside consecrations in six other shrines within its sprawling complex, marked a moment that transcends rituals. The Ram Mandir stands as a bridge between Indias ancient soul and its restless modern ambitions, a monument forged from faith, sacrifice, and an unyielding will to reclaim a piece of its story. The Ram Mandir is no ordinary structure. It embodies centuries of longing and sacrificegenerations who whispered prayers for a temple to Lord Ram as their voices carried the weight of historical wounds. The site, once a battleground of competing narratives, now hosts a soaring edifice of sandstone and marble. Its gold-plated spires pierce the sky like a quiet declaration of victory. Yet, the temples grandeur lies not just in its scale, but in its improbable speed. From the Supreme Courts 2019 verdict clearing the way to its near-completion in just five years, the Ram Mandir is a testament to what India can achieve when its heart and hands align. Recommended Stories This breakneck pace owes much to Prime Minister Narendra Modis resolve. He saw the temple not as a mere construction project but as a national vow. Modis approach was surgical: he appointed Nripendra Mishra, his former principal secretary, to helm the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Mishra, a bureaucrat with a reputation for cutting through red tape, became the projects linchpin. Under his watch, artisans from across India carved stone with techniques passed down through generations. Modis oversight was relentless, from securing funds to smoothing over bureaucratic hurdles, ensuring the project never stalled. The prime minister regularly reviewed the temples progress, sending a clear message each time: this was Indias mission, and it would not falter. The Mandirs rise is a mirror to Indias evolving cultural narrative. For too long, parts of the nations intellectual elite viewed overt expressions of Hindu heritage with unease, dismissing them as backward and divisive, or worse, as attempts to discount Indian secularism." The temple challenges that hesitance. It stands as an unapologetic embrace of Indias spiritual roots, not as a rejection of modernity but as a foundation for it. The complex itself reflects this balance: alongside the Ram Darbar, temples to Shiva, Hanuman, Ganpati, Surya Dev, Mata Bhagwati, Annapurna, and Sheshavatar weave a tapestry of Sanatan Dharmas pluralism. This is not a monolithic vision of faith but a vibrant mosaic, inviting all to find their place within its fold. The Mandirs inclusivity is manifest by the fact that its doors open to every caste, creed, and community. It is a living symbol of a nation growing comfortable in its own skin, ready to assert its identity on a global stage. Yes, the Ram Mandir movement was always political. The Ram Mandir itself, apart from being a holy site of worship and a spiritual centre for Hindus, is also a living symbol of Bharats civilisational resilience. It is a testament to Dharma always prevailing over injustice and adharma. That is truly the essence of Shri Ram himself. Even if it takes over 500 years to reestablish, the final victory of right over wrong is a given. In this case, the wrong was the demolition of the original Ram Mandir by Babur and his army of marauders. It was an out and out act of adharma. ALSO READ | Opinion | Ram Mandir: The Biggest Political and Civilisational Victory for Hindus in Centuries The realisation of the Ram Mandir dream in Ayodhya marks the arrival of the political Hindu". This is a Hindu who no longer accepts marginalisation in the name of vote bank politics. This is a Hindu that knows how to take what rightfully belongs to them. This is a Hindu that is proud of Bharats ancient civilisation, and is not unnecessarily enamoured by alien concepts of secularism" and the complete elimination of dharma from politics. This is a Hindu that realises that the establishment of Raj Dharma is critical to Indias journey ahead. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Modis legacy is deeply entwined with this achievement. He has taken a site of historical paina wound that festered through decades of legal battles and communal strifeand transformed it into a symbol of unity. His leadership shows that India can honour its traditions without being shackled by them, that it can build a modern state while nurturing its soul. The temples construction is a marvel of collective effort. Artisans laboured alongside engineers, their hands shaping stone while cranes hummed overhead. Local communities, from shopkeepers to farmers, rallied to support the influx of workers and pilgrims. The projects funding, drawn from donations across India and the diaspora, reflects a shared stake in its success. This was not the work of one man or one government but of a civilisation pooling its energies toward a singular goal. The result is a structure that feels both timeless and immediate, its carvings telling stories of ancient sages while its very existence speaks to Indias modern resolve. About the Author Sanbeer Singh Ranhotra Sanbeer Singh Ranhotra is a producer and video journalist at Network18. He is enthusiastic about and writes on both national affairs as well as geopolitics. Sanbeer Singh Ranhotra is a producer and video journalist at Network18. He is enthusiastic about and writes on both national affairs as well as geopolitics. Location : Ayodhya, India, India First Published: June 05, 2025, 12:13 IST Opinion | Terrorist State Pakistan At The Helm Of Global Counter-Terrorism? Written By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 14:50 IST Behind Pakistans aid convoys & religious missions lies a murky war playbook where charities mask terror pipelines, cartels fund proxy wars and Kalashnikovs settle political scores India has repeatedly warned the world that no other nation shelters more UN-designated terrorists than Pakistan. (AP) Its a bitter farce that played out in New York on June 4, 2025. Pakistana country notorious for nurturing global jihadist networksis now leading the UN Security Councils Taliban Sanctions Committee and serving as vice-chair of the Counter-Terrorism Committee. This isnt ironyits an indictment of the global systems moral collapse. India has repeatedly warned the world that no other nation shelters more UN-designated terrorists than Pakistan. Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, the Talibanthese arent rogue actors but state-sponsored proxies of Pakistans military establishment in Rawalpindi. Even Osama bin Laden was found hiding in a military town. The world looked away then, and now it hands Pakistan a seat at the high table of counter-terrorism. Recommended Stories Terrorism in Pakistan isnt a bugits a feature. A strategic tool of its military and intelligence elite used to exert influence abroad and maintain control at home. The Pakistan Army is no longer just a national force; it operates like a transnational criminal syndicate, cloaked in uniform. The real disgrace lies with the UN itself. Institutions meant to uphold peace are now enabling its destroyers. When Pakistan chairs counter-terror panels, the message is loud and clear: global justice is brokenand hypocrisy rules. Pakistans Sinister Money Laundering A sinister pattern has taken root in South Asia. Whenever international aid flows into Pakistan, whether for disaster relief, economic recovery, or development, a predictable aftermath follows: a spike in terror activity orchestrated by Pakistans military-protected proxy groups. Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and others under newer, welfare-like aliases resurface with renewed vigour. This is not an accident. It is a direct consequence of systemic financial laundering by Pakistans military establishment, a process that diverts aid and investments into the bloodstream of jihad. From Khaki to Kalashnikovs: A State-Run Laundromat The international community continues to perceive Pakistan as a struggling, fragile state. But that narrative is dangerously obsolete. India must now recalibrate this global perception: Pakistan is not a fragile stateit is a militarised laundering syndicate that runs on global aid and converts it into bullets, bombs, and bloodshed. The evidence is overwhelming. Pakistans military controls a massive share of the countrys economyfrom real estate and banking to logistics and telecom. Entities like the Fauji Foundation, Army Welfare Trust, and Shaheen Foundation run vast commercial empires patronising terror under the pretence of welfare." These enterprises are tax-exempt, unaudited, and legally protectedyet operate like mafia fronts that channel resources into terror financing and elite enrichment. The Money Trail of Death Consider how three major financial arteries are routinely exploited: 1. Development Loans & Humanitarian Aid: IMF, World Bank, and bilateral loans are disbursed to private" contractors who are, in reality, military subsidiaries. These funds are then misused under classified budgets. 2. Real Estate and Shell Companies: High-ranking generals, both serving and retired, have parked fortunes in projects like Bahria Town and overseas properties in Dubai and Londonmany of them traceable to terror-linked revenue streams. 3. Hawala and Dual-Use Logistics: Informal money transfers used for remittances also move terror funds. These networks often overlap with military procurement routes, creating a seamless flow between aid, arms, and atrocity. Between 2008 and 2024, credible estimates suggest over $600 million in international assistance was misappropriated by military-led networks. Pakistan has taken over $40 billion in IMF loans since 1958, yet no credible audit has ever accounted for the defence sectors spending. Meanwhile, over 150,000 civilians have been defrauded through military-linked real estate scams. The Global Blindfold The most alarming aspect of this saga is not just the crimebut the complicity. Despite warnings by FATF, Pakistan continues to receive aid. The IMF and World Bank release funds without mandating transparency from military accounts. Chinas Belt and Road Initiative has only deepened military control over Pakistans economy through CPEC. What we are witnessing is not a national military serving its people. It is a rogue syndicate that uses uniforms to legitimise crime, terrorism, and economic plunder. And it is enabled by global silence. Indias New Doctrine: From Dossiers to Disruption India must no longer rely on diplomatic briefs or appeals to morality. It needs a bold, structured doctrine to dismantle the financial lifelines of Pakistans military-terror nexus. This doctrine must rest on seven interlinked strategic pillars: 1. Legal Warfare: Codify Financial Terror as Hybrid War Just as cyber or chemical warfare is proscribed globally, financial subversion must be treated as a form of war. India must: Push for a UN resolution criminalising diversion of aid to armed groups. Lobby G20 and FATF to classify state-enabled terror funding as a war crime. 2. Financial Warfare: Cut the Aid Pipeline Aid must come with stringsand surveillance. India must pressure donors to: Mandate end-use audits of all aid. Bar military-linked corporations from accessing aid-based contracts. Leverage sovereign credit agencies like Moodys to factor in terror financing risk when rating Pakistan. India should advocate for blockchain-style transparent aid tracking systems, especially for multilateral loans and bilateral grants. 3. Expose and Name: Intelligence Diplomacy Indias enforcement and intelligence agencies must actively liaise with international financial regulators. But more importantly: Organise a Global Terror Finance Dossier Summitinviting key nations from ASEAN, the Gulf, and the West. Publish exposes revealing the global real estate and financial holdings of Pakistans generals. Target entities like JeM-affiliated charities in Canada or Dubai-based shell firms linked to retired ISI officers. 4. Narrative Dominance: Strategic Communication Warfare India must convert facts into influence. A global storytelling offensive is needed: Digital campaigns using hashtags like #UniformedLoot or #TerrorByAid. Team up with respected think tanks like RAND, Chatham House, or Brookings to create unbiased, data-driven white papers. India must use forums like the UN, SCO, and BRICS, India to bring about a focus on terror radicalisation and funding by state machinery. 5. Indian Diaspora: Parliamentary Frontline With a robust global diaspora, India has an untapped influence. Indian-origin legislators in Canada, the UK, the US, and Australia can: Introduce motions mandating full military audits in aid-recipient countries. Push for Magnitsky-style sanctions on Pakistani generals. Create dedicated parliamentary committees in India and abroad to monitor Pakistans military economy. 6. Civil Society Mobilisation: Legal and Humanitarian Fronts This is no longer a bilateral issue. India must partner with NGOs and international legal bodies to: File petitions with UNHRC detailing how Pakistans military misuses aid to undermine civilian rights. Build strong relationships with countries like Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives, whove also been victims of terrorism. 7. Military Readiness: Hybrid War Countermeasures Every time India reveals evidence of this connection, Pakistan fights back with small-scale attacks like breaking ceasefires, using drones to drop weapons, or launching terror attacks. To handle this, India needs to: Upgrade its hybrid warfare posture. Use AI and ISR to pre-empt digital disinformation and psychological warfare. Highlight the economic cost of Pakistans militarism for regional development and stability. The Real Threat: Global Complicity The true danger lies not just in Pakistans duplicitybut in the international systems hypocrisy. In pursuit of short-term geopolitical stability, donors, banks, and even media houses turn a blind eye to a militarised regime laundering blood money. India must change that. It must make the cost of enabling Pakistans military economy too high for the global system to ignore. Conclusion: Indias Moral and Strategic Imperative The world must recognise the Pakistan Army not as a national institution, but as a transnational criminal syndicate in uniformone that launders money, funds terror, and destabilises entire regions under the cover of diplomacy and development. India now has a generational opportunityto shift the global discourse, expose the financial foundations of terrorism, and dismantle the architecture of state-enabled jihad. This is no longer about India versus Pakistan. It is about the future of a rules-based global order. It is time to actnot with dossiers, but with disruption. Not with lament, but with lawfare. Not just with truth, but with the tools to enforce it. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Because no terrorist grows without money. And no terror economy thrives without international indulgence. That indulgence must endwith India lighting the fire. 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 News18s views. First Published: June 05, 2025, 14:50 IST Opinion | Time To Disband The UN: An Anachronistic Institution Past Its Expiration Date Written By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 15:43 IST Why the World War II-era United Nations has become an obstacle to peace The UNs supporters will argue for reform rather than abolition, but the institutions problems are structural, not procedural. (Photo: AP file) The United Nations has outlived its usefulness. What began as a noble experiment in 1945 to prevent another world war has devolved into an ineffective, expensive, and increasingly authoritarian body that serves the interests of dictatorships while betraying its founding principles. Recent discussions around restricting media freedom, combined with the organisations fundamental structural flaws and demonstrated failures, make clear that it is time to consign this World War II relic to history. A Relic of Yesterdays World Order Recommended Stories The UN was conceived in the context of World War II, and its structure reflects the victors priorities from 80 years ago. The Security Councils five permanent membersthe United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia, and Chinawere chosen based on who emerged triumphant in 1945, not on current global realities. This explains why economic powerhouses like Germany and Japan, despite being the worlds third and fourth-largest economies, lack permanent seats. India, the worlds most populous nation with 1.4 billion people and the worlds fastest-growing major economy, was excluded due to Nehrus misguided policy that prioritised ideological purity over practical influence. Rather than continuing to lobby for inclusion in this fundamentally flawed and exclusionary system, India and other nations must recognize that the Security Councils design itself is irredeemably broken and the entire structure needs to be dismantled. The world has changed dramatically since 1945, but the UNs power structure remains locked in a bygone era when colonial empires still existed and nuclear weapons were in their infancy. The Absurdity of Equal Voting Power The General Assemblys one country, one vote" system represents perhaps the most democratically perverse arrangement in international relations. An Indian citizens vote carries 1/2,800,000th the weight of a Vatican citizens vote in UN deliberations. Tuvalus 12,000 residents have the same institutional voice as the worlds most populous nation with its 1.4 billion people. This means countries like Nauru (10,000 people), San Marino (34,000), and Palau (18,000) wield identical voting power to nations with hundreds of millions of citizens. In any genuine democratic system, representation would be proportional to population. Instead, the UN has created a system where micro-states can form coalitions to outvote countries representing billions of people. This isnt democracyits a parody of representation that makes a mockery of the principle of democratic rights. A Haven for Human Rights Violators The UN Human Rights Council exemplifies how the organisation has become a shield for the worlds worst regimes rather than a sword for justice. China, Russia, Cuba, Pakistan, and other serial human rights violators have repeatedly secured seats on this supposedly principled body. Countries like Saudi Arabia, China, Egypt, Cuba, Eritrea, and Somaliaall systematic violators of fundamental rightshave used their Council membership to protect each other from accountability while systematically targeting democratic nations. From the Councils founding in 2006 through 2019, it passed not a single resolution condemning China, Cuba, Pakistan, Russia, or Uzbekistan for their human rights violations. The Council has failed to meaningfully address systematic oppression in Islamic regimes, from Irans brutal crackdown on women protesters to Saudi Arabias public executions and suppression of dissent. Meanwhile, democratic Israel faces more condemnations than all authoritarian regimes combined. The organisations bias extends beyond mere rhetoricUNRWA, the UN agency supposedly providing humanitarian aid to Palestinians, has been repeatedly exposed for employing Hamas operatives and allowing its facilities to be used for terrorist operations. The UN has been actively complicity in human rights abuses by providing international legitimacy to the perpetrators. Operational Failures and Institutional Corruption Beyond its structural biases, the UN has been plagued by operational scandals that would be unacceptable in any accountable organisation. UN peacekeepers, supposedly deployed to protect civilians, have committed widespread sexual abuse in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti, and Central African Republic, with hundreds of documented cases involving minors. The organisations immunity provisions have created a culture of impunity where UN officials and peacekeepers escape prosecution for serious crimes. When scandals emerge, the typical response is internal investigation followed by quiet transfers rather than meaningful accountability. The Rwanda genocide stands as perhaps the most damning indictment: UN peacekeepers had advance warning of the planned massacres but were ordered not to intervene, leading to 800,000 deaths while blue helmets stood by as witnesses rather than protectors. A Legacy of Failures The UNs incompetence has only accelerated in recent years. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the World Health Organizations deference to Chinas misinformation campaign cost countless lives by delaying global response and parroting Beijings false claims about human-to-human transmission. When the Taliban seized Afghanistan in 2021, the UN proved utterly powerless to protect womens rights or influence the regimes medieval policies, despite decades of involvement in the country. The organisations response to Myanmars military coup has been equally feckless. Despite overwhelming evidence of genocide against the Rohingya and systematic oppression following the 2021 coup, the UN has managed little more than strongly worded statements while the military junta consolidates power and commits atrocities with impunity. These failures demonstrate that when faced with determined authoritarians, the UNs elaborate procedures and diplomatic protocols amount to organizsed impotence. While pandering to dictator and Islamic regimes, the organisation has also served as a handmaiden to Western imperialism. The 2011 intervention in Libya exemplifies this perfectly: the UN Security Council authorised a no-fly zone" to protect civilians, but NATO forces used this mandate to orchestrate regime change, deposing Muammar Gaddafi to serve Frances colonial interests in accessing Libyan oil and gold reserves and preventing North Africa from moving away from the Franc. The result was predictable chaosLibya descended into a failed state with competing militias, open slave markets, and mass refugee flows across the Mediterranean. The UNs Responsibility to Protect" doctrine became a convenient cover for Western powers to pursue their imperial ambitions while devastating the very populations they claimed to protect. Financial Waste and Bureaucratic Bloat The UNs 2025 budget stands at $3.72 billion for regular operations, with an additional $5.5 billion for peacekeeping operations. Yet the organisation faces a severe funding crisis, with only $1.8 billion received against $3.5 billion in regular budget assessmentsa 50 per cent shortfall. Member states owe $2.4 billion in unpaid assessments, demonstrating the lack of confidence in the institution even among its supposed supporters. A preliminary review identified more than 3,600 unique mandates for the Secretariat alone, creating a Byzantine bureaucracy that excels at process but fails at results. The organisation has become a self-perpetuating administrative behemoth that prioritizes its own survival over effective action. Has it Really Prevented War? Despite eight decades of UN operations, the world currently faces the highest number of violent conflicts since World War II, with 56 active conflicts involving 92 countries. Despite the vaunted peacekeeping" of the UN, conflicts continue to proliferate and intensify. The organisation has failed spectacularly in its primary mission of maintaining international peace and security. It stood by during genocides in Rwanda, Bosnia, and Myanmar. It was powerless to prevent Russias invasion of Ukraine or stop the carnage in Syria. In 2017, almost half a million people were killed in homicides worldwide, far surpassing the 89,000 killed in active armed conflicts, yet the UNs focus remains on diplomatic theater rather than addressing real violence. The Path Forward The UNs supporters will argue for reform rather than abolition, but the institutions problems are structural, not procedural. The Security Councils veto system ensures that meaningful action on major issues remains impossible. The General Assemblys voting structure cannot be reformed without the consent of the very micro-states that benefit from the current systems absurdity. Regional organisations like the European Union, African Union, and ASEAN have proven more effective at addressing their members specific challenges. The AU and Organization of American States have successfully used mediation and preventive diplomacy to resolve conflicts, demonstrating that smaller, more focused institutions can achieve what the UN cannot. Instead of pouring billions more into this failing institution, the worlds democracies should create new, genuinely representative international bodies based on population and economic contribution. Let the authoritarians and micro-states keep the UNs headquarters in New York as a museum to multilateral failure, while serious nations get on with the business of actual cooperation and conflict resolution. Conclusion The UN was born from humanitys noblest aspirations after historys most devastating war. Those aspirations deserve better than an institution that has become a playground for dictators, a shield for human rights abusers, and an obstacle to effective international action. After 80 years of disappointing performance and hundreds of billions in wasted resources, it is time to acknowledge that this particular experiment in global governance has failed. The world needs international cooperation more than ever, but it doesnt need the United Nations. Let us build something bettermore democratic, more effective, and more worthy of the challenges facing humanity in the 21st century. The first step is admitting that the UN, like the League of Nations before it, has become an impediment to the very peace and cooperation it was meant to foster. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all It is time to consign this World War II anachronism to history and build institutions fit for the modern world. Sankrant Sanu is the CEO of Garuda Prakashan and tweets at @sankrant. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. First Published: June 05, 2025, 15:43 IST 'Disgraceful': BJP Slams TMC MLA For Calling Operation Sindoor 'Scripted Drama' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 19:37 IST TMC MLA Narendranath Chakraborty sparked a row by calling India's Operation Sindoor against terror camps in Pakistan a "scripted drama". TMC MLA Narendranath Chakraborty. (Image: X) TMC MLA Narendranath Chakraborty sparked a row by calling Indias Operation Sindoor against terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir nothing but a scripted drama", drawing the BJPs ire. In a viral video, Chakraborty claimed Operation Sindoor was a staged drama and that the BJP government had held discussions with Pakistan before conducting the May 7 strikes. Its all about staging a fake war a complete act. Everything has been done in coordination with Pakistan," he was heard saying. Recommended Stories BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari called Chakrabortys remarks disgraceful" and yet another attempt to appease the partys votebank. Disgraceful remarks by Pandaveshwar MLA Narendranath Chakraborty he has claimed that Operation Sindoor was nothing but a scripted drama! TMC can go to any lengths just to appease its vote bank!" he said. Disgraceful remarks by Pandaveshwar MLA Narendranath Chakraborty he has claimed that Operation Sindoor was nothing but a scripted drama!TMC can go to any lengths just to appease its vote bank!#OperationSindoor pic.twitter.com/N8GwDOcpAv Pradeep Bhandari( ) (@pradip103) June 5, 2025 TMC MLA Narendranath Chakraborty mocks Operation Sindoor saying all is drama. All is a got-up game with Pakistan. I sincerely request @rajnathsingh to take action against him. Also i am curious to know what @abhishekaitc thinks about this derogatory comment," said Keya Ghosh, West Bengal BJPs Media Co-incharge. Prior to this, North Bengal Development Minister Udayan Guha also made a controversial remark, saying, Sindoor is being sold as a business". The party distanced itself from the comments, saying Guhas remarks reflect his personal stance" and do not align with the TMCs views. Chakrabortys remarks came days after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee downplayed Indias Operation Sindoor and called it a small skirmish", while her nephew Abhishek Banerjee was travelling abroad as part of Indias official delegation to spread the word on Operation Sindoor on a global platform. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Banerjee dismissed the military operation, questioning its name, launching personal attacks on the PM, and accusing him of indulging in war marketing". Her remarks were seen as a calculated move given the upcoming assembly elections in 2026. India had launched precise strikes at nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as part of Operation Sindoor in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, demolishing key terror hideouts and eliminating over 100 terrorists that were being sheltered by Islamabad. About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More First Published: June 05, 2025, 18:51 IST 'There's A Limit...': Rijiju Slams Rahul Gandhi After His 'Surrender' Jibe Makes Headlines In Pakistan Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 15:51 IST Rahul Gandhi's remarks alleging that PM Modi had surrendered after a call from Donald Trump in the recent conflict with Pakistan made headlines in the neighbouring country. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi | PTI Image/File Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju lashed out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his surrender" jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi in connection to the ceasefire announced after Operation Sindoor. Rahul Gandhi stirred a controversy on Tuesday after he alleged Prime Minister Narendra Modi surrendered after a call from US President Donald Trump during the India-Pakistan military conflict. His remarks sparked massive backlash as the BJP accused him of speaking Pakistans language. Recommended Stories Rahul Gandhis surrender" jibe even made headlines in Pakistani media, threatening Indias recent diplomatic outreach against terrorism, with Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif falsely claiming that India had accepted that it had surrendered. Despite the backlash, the Congress doubled down on the remarks by posting an image of a Trump MAGA cap, which said, Narender Surrender". Reacting to the controversy, Kiren Rijiju said, There is also a limit to stupidity and opposition! Theres nobody in Congress Party to tell him that being in the Opposition Party does not mean, to oppose the nation?" He also retweeted a post lauding former Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, who criticised Rahul Gandhis policies and said he wanted to become the Prime Minister after working for only 20 minutes. !Theres nobody in Congress Party to tell him that being in the Opposition Party does not mean, to oppose the nation? https://t.co/0Y2rtJRjBC pic.twitter.com/2oUNxAnlPA Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) June 5, 2025 ALSO READ: India Never Asked Trump To Mediate, Says Tharoor In US Amid Rahul Gandhis Surrender Remark Row News18 What Did Rahul Gandhi Say? Addressing a party convention in Bhopal, Rahul Gandhi said the then Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, didnt budge in the 1971 war despite the US sending its Seventh Fleet. A call came from Trump and Narendra ji immediately surrendered history is a witness, this is the character of BJP-RSS, they always bow down," Rahul stated after launching the Congresss Sangthan Srijan Abhiyan in Bhopal. Rahul said that India split Pakistan in 1971 despite Americas threat. The remarks sparked widespread outrage, with the BJP saying that the Congress leader lacks the seriousness and maturity that the post requires. By making extremely cheap, low-level statements, the self-proclaimed, self-styled, supreme leader, the leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, is telling the world that even after becoming the LoP, he lacks the seriousness and maturity that the post requires," said BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all BJPs IT cell chief Amit Malviya, in an X post, wrote, History will remember: From Doklam to Pahalgam, whenever India stood united to defend its sovereignty and rise as a global power, Rahul Gandhi, true to the legacy of his lineage, chose to stand with forces opposed to Indias political and economic resurgence." Even Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, who was part of Indias diplomatic outreach, rejected the allegations, saying India never asked anyone to mediate in its conflict with Pakistan. It was Pakistan who requested India to stop its operations, he said. About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More First Published: June 05, 2025, 15:48 IST iPhone 17 Display Upgrades Could Miss Out On This Useful Feature: How It Matters Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 10:17 IST iPhone 17 is tipped to get 120Hz refresh rate display this year but will Apple make some compromises to keep its pricing aggressive? iPhone 17 buyers could see a mixed bag of upgrades on the display front iPhone 17 series is expected to get some major display upgrades, especially the non-Pro variants this year. But new details suggest Apple could make these changes and still keep the pricing aggressive by dropping one crucial tech in the screens. Earlier reports have talked about Apple launching all the iPhone 17 series models with the 120Hz ProMotion display like the Pro models this year. But now it seems the company is only going to offer 120Hz refresh rate for the OLED display and drop the ProMotion aspect of the panel for its regular iPhone 17 and 17 Plus as well as the 17 Air models. Recommended Stories No ProMotion But Does It Matter? iPhone users have waited for a few years to see Apple bring 120Hz refresh rate display to all the models and that might happen in 2025. But offering the screen without ProMotion tech means the adaptive refresh rate feature will not be available on the iPhone 17/ 17 Plus or even the 17 Air models. This also suggests the Always-On Display option will continue to be limited to the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max variants. Not having ProMotion means the refresh rate will not adapt to content open on the screen, something that we have seen with LTPO panels on Android phones in the market. The other big drawback of using a 120Hz display means the iPhone 17 battery life could take a hit compared to having ProMotion tech enabled from day one. Having said that, Apple could be looking at the cost factor of introducing ProMotion display to all the iPhone 17 models, and dropping them for the regular variants could help with its pricing being close to the current levels. Either way, people would probably say that any level of refresh rate is better than having a 60Hz display on a phone that costs over Rs 80,000 in the market. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all We are hoping to see Apple surprise everyone and bring ProMotion for all the iPhone 17 models this year but this report has at least given us a heads up with regards to the possible change. iPhone 17 Air is the other big interest among readers these days, purely because of its sleek design and the cutbacks because of it. Apple is tipped to adopt the silicone carbon tech for its battery on this model which should ease some concerns about its standby time. The company is likely to use 7000 series aluminium alloy for the frame to give it the right level of durability for a slim design. 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: June 05, 2025, 10:17 IST Bizarre Vacancy: Rs 21.5 Lakh Salary To Manage A Canteen But Only If You Have A PhD Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 15:49 IST A university in China has advertised a canteen manager job with a Rs 21.5 lakh salary, but the surprising eligibility requirement of a PhD has left many people stunned Candidates must have a PhD, be fluent in English, and be proficient in MS Office and other basic software. (AI Generated) If youre a student or someone searching for a job, this news might surprise you. A top university in China has advertised a vacancy for a canteen manager with a salary of Rs 21.5 lakh per year. However, theres a twist. Southeast University in Nanjing, China, has listed a vacancy for a canteen manager. The role involves overseeing food preparation, ensuring food safety, handling contractors, and managing related paperwork. Recommended Stories Does this job profile sound straightforward and easy? Well, the eligibility criteria have left many stunned. To apply for this job, you need a PhD degree. Whats On offer? The job comes with an annual salary of $25,000 (around Rs 21.5 lakh). According to a university staff member, cooking experience isnt necessary, but a degree or certification in Food, Nutrition, or Culinary Arts would be a bonus. Who Can Apply? Candidates must have a PhD, be fluent in English, and be proficient in MS Office and other basic software. Prior work experience is preferred. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all This unusual job posting has triggered sharp reactions online. One user wrote, Do we really need a PhD to manage a canteen now?" Others pointed out that intense job competition in China might be forcing institutions to raise their eligibility bars in strange ways. Southeast University is one of Chinas top 39 universities, and its graduates are usually assured of high-paying roles. But this job listing has left many scratching their heads. 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: June 05, 2025, 15:49 IST I Quit: New Employee Resigns After Being Asked To Work With Broken Leg Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 12:39 IST The employee informed that he needed rest but his boss pressured him to return. The employee had joined only two weeks ago. A WhatsApp chat between a new employee and his boss has surfaced online which shows just how bad work culture can be. The employee had joined only two weeks ago but broke his leg in a bike accident. After informing that he needed rest, his boss pressured him to return. This ultimately led the employee to quit. The conversation, shared by Ben Askins, who regularly posts about toxic work culture, begins with the boss messaging, Hey, just been told that you cant do your shift tomorrow, whats going on?" Recommended Stories The employee replies, Broke my leg coming off my bike, I am in hospital at the moment." The boss responds, S***! Really sorry to hear that. When do you think you will be back?" Askins comments that a little more humanity" would have helped here. The employee explains that the doctor advised bed rest for a few days. But instead of offering support, the boss pushes, Ideally, I need you in for the Friday shift, do you think you will make it? I can get you a chair." The employee answers, If doctor says its all good, then yep no worries." But the boss keeps insisting and says doctors are overly cautious." He adds, I kind of need you to commit to it." The employee politely repeats, Like I said, if the doctor is happy, I will do it. But if they say no, then I cant." The boss then says, Come on. I am doing what I can to help you here. It isnt a great look being off work when you started two weeks ago." And this was the breaking point for the employee who replied, Then let me make it even easier for you. I quit." Askins captioned the video, Dont worry if youve broken your leg, I can give you a chair???" View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ben Askins (@benaskins.official) In the comment section, many people praised the employee for standing up for himself and quitting. Others shared similar experiences from their own workplaces. One user commented, That was the correct outcome," while another added, Spot on, perfect response." A viewer remarked, Leave that job. Absolutely ridiculous." Literally happened to me after a car accident. Hes like Ill get you a chair so you can sit," someone else wrote top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Another shared, I absolutely believe this is real. Worked in a call centre where a woman with a broken ankle came in (forced to) and they turned a metal waste paper bin for her to put her foot on. She left after a few hours. The pain was so bad but they had forced her to come to work." Recently, a techie from Bengaluru quit his job after constant stress and exhaustion at work. In one instance, he broke down during a video call simply because he had asked for clear instructions on a project and received no support. 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: June 05, 2025, 12:39 IST U.S. vetoes UN Security Council draft resolution demanding immediate Gaza ceasefire Xinhua) 08:26, June 05, 2025 Acting U.S. Representative to the United Nations Dorothy Shea (C, Front) votes against a UN Security Council draft resolution at the UN headquarters in New York, on June 4, 2025. The United States on Wednesday vetoed a Security Council draft resolution that would have demanded an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the immediate lifting of all restrictions on humanitarian aid. (Xinhua/Xie E) UNITED NATIONS, June 4 (Xinhua) -- The United States on Wednesday vetoed a Security Council draft resolution that would have demanded an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the immediate lifting of all restrictions on humanitarian aid. The draft resolution, tabled by the 10 elected members of the Security Council, won the support of 14 out of the 15 members of the council. The United States, which holds veto power, voted against it. The draft resolution would have demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups, and the immediate and unconditional lifting of all restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza and its safe and unhindered distribution at scale. The U.S. veto drew criticism from Security Council members. Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, said China is deeply disappointed at the result of Wednesday's vote. The draft resolution contains the most pressing demands of the people in Gaza and reflects the overwhelming voice of the international community, he said. "The United States has once again abused its veto power, extinguishing the glimmer of hope for the people in Gaza and ruthlessly continuing to leave over 2 million people in darkness. It must face the questioning from the international community," he said. Wednesday's vote result once again exposes that the root cause of the Security Council's inability to quell the conflict in Gaza is the repeated obstruction by the United States, which has vetoed the council's request for a ceasefire multiple times. And because of its shielding of Israel, several resolutions adopted by the council have not been effectively implemented, said Fu in an explanation of the vote. "A veto by a single permanent member cannot stop the march toward peace. We urge the United States to face up to its responsibilities as a permanent member of the Security Council, abandon its political calculations, and adopt a just and responsible attitude in supporting the council to take all necessary actions," he said. British UN ambassador Barbara Woodward said her country voted in favor of the draft resolution because the intolerable situation in Gaza needs to end. The Israeli government's decisions to expand its military operation in Gaza and severely restrict aid into the strip are "unjustifiable, disproportionate, and counter-productive" and the British government completely opposes them, she said. "The Israeli government says it has opened up aid access with this new system. But Palestinians desperate to feed their families have been killed as they try to reach the very few aid sites that have been permitted by Israel. This is inhumane," said Woodward, referring to the U.S.-run, Israeli-approved Gaza Humanitarian Foundation aid scheme that has led to scores of deaths and injuries among Palestinians seeking aid. Britain supports the UN call for immediate and independent investigations into these incidents and for perpetrators to be held accountable, she said, adding that Israel needs to end its restrictions on aid and let the world body carry out its humanitarian operations in Gaza. Algerian UN ambassador Amar Bendjama said the draft resolution was not the voice of the few, but the collective will of the entire world. "It was a message to the people of Palestine: you are not alone. And it was a message to the Israeli occupier: the world watched you. The shield of impunity, of immunity must fall," he said. "This (draft) humanitarian resolution, even in its obstruction by a veto, is a mirror -- a mirror that reflects the agony of multilateralism, and an urgent need to revive it," he said. Pakistani UN ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said his country deeply regretted the failure of the Security Council to adopt the resolution. "It's a sad day, another low in the history of this august body that is entrusted with the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security," he said. The veto cast by the United States sends a dangerous message that the lives of over 2 million Palestinians, besieged, starved and relentlessly bombarded, are dispensable, he said. "This will remain not only a moral stain on the conscience of this council, but a fateful moment of political abdication that will reverberate for generations." While the Security Council deliberated and delayed, Gaza has been decimated, said the ambassador. "This is no longer a humanitarian crisis. It is a collapse of humanity, and of international law and of all that this council is supposed to stand for." "Let us be clear: this failure will not go down in records as a mere procedural footnote. It will be remembered as complicity; a green light for continued annihilation; a moment where the entire world was expecting action, but yet again, this council was blocked and prevented by one member from carrying out its responsibility," said Ahmad. Representatives vote on a draft resolution during a UN Security Council meeting at the UN headquarters in New York, on June 4, 2025. The United States on Wednesday vetoed a Security Council draft resolution that would have demanded an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the immediate lifting of all restrictions on humanitarian aid. (Xinhua/Xie E) (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) Japanese 'Baba Vanga' Predicts 2030 Virus Outbreak That 'Could Kill Hundreds' Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 18:21 IST The updated edition of Tatsukis book renews her earthquake prediction, causing Japan trip bookings to drop sharply, with further declines expected in the coming months The recent updated edition of Ryo Tatsuki's book reiterates her earthquake prediction. (Instagram/@moloknee) A renowned psychic from Japan, often likened to the famed Bulgarian prophet Baba Vanga, has made a startling prediction about a future global crisis. Ryo Tatsuki, a comic artist and prophet known for her accurate predictions, has warned of a deadly virus emerging in 2030. This virus, she claims, will be reminiscent of the COVID-19 pandemic and could present a significant threat to global health. Tatsuki, popularly referred to as the New Baba Vanga due to her prophetic prowess, has previously predicted high-profile events such as the deaths of Freddie Mercury and Princess Diana, the 2011 Kobe earthquake, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Recommended Stories In her book The Future as I See It (1999), she predicted an unknown virus peaking in April 2020, which would then dissipate, only to return after a decade. She now foresees another, even more devastating virus in 2030, potentially causing numerous fatalities. The comparison to Baba Vanga stems from her own remarkable history of predictions. Baba Vanga, who lost her vision in a storm at age 12, claimed this incident granted her the ability to foresee the future. She accurately predicted about 85% of her prophecies, earning global recognition. Tatsukis predictions have sparked significant concern, particularly as COVID-19 cases are rising again in India, prompting calls for increased caution. Alongside her viral prediction, Tatsuki has also forewarned of a major earthquake in Japan, projected for July 2025. Japan, situated in a seismically active region, experiences around 1,500 earthquakes annually, many of which go unnoticed due to their low intensity. However, the 2011 earthquake and subsequent tsunami caused widespread destruction, including damaging the Fukushima nuclear plant, an event Tatsuki had predicted. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The recent updated edition of Tatsukis book reiterates her earthquake prediction, impacting Japans tourism industry. CN Yuen, managing director of Hong Kong travel agency WWPKG, noted a significant drop in bookings to Japan during Easter, with further declines anticipated in the upcoming months. Additionally, online warnings about potential earthquakes are going viral in Thailand and Vietnam, causing concern among travellers. As the world remains vigilant, Tatsukis predictions serve as a stark reminder of potential future challenges, urging global preparedness. 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 : Japan First Published: June 05, 2025, 18:21 IST Steve Jobs Daughter Eve To Marry UK Olympian In Star-Studded Affair: Whos On The Guest List? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 20:33 IST Eve Jobs, the youngest daughter of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, is set to marry British Olympic equestrian Harry Charles in August this year. The couple reportedly began dating in 2023 and got engaged shortly after. Eve Jobs, the youngest daughter of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, is set to marry British Olympic equestrian Harry Charles in August this year. The wedding is expected to take place in the Cotswolds, a countryside area in England, it was reported. Who Is Eve Jobs Marrying? Recommended Stories Eve Jobs, 26, is a Stanford graduate and professional show jumper who recently modelled for Louis Vuitton and appeared at Paris Fashion Week. Harry Charles, 25, won a gold medal in team jumping at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The couple reportedly began dating in 2023 and got engaged shortly after. Eve Jobs previously dated musician Harry Hudson, as well as The Chainsmokers Drew Taggart. She made headlines in 2023 for deleting her Instagram amid rumors that Drew Taggart was in a relationship with Selena Gomez. Who Are Expected To Attend Eve Jobs Wedding? top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Guests expected at the wedding include former US Vice President Kamala Harris, a close friend of Eve Jobss mother, Laurene Powell Jobs. British royals like Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi may also attend the wedding which may see the attendance of Jennifer and Phoebe Gates, daughters of Microsoft founder Bill Gates. Eve Jobs siblings- Reed and Erin- are expected to attend but it is unclear whether her half-sister Lisa Brennan-Jobs, who had a complicated relationship with Steve Jobs, will be present. 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?" News18's viral page features trending stories, videos , and memes, covering quirky incidents, social media buzz from india and around the world, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: June 05, 2025, 20:33 IST Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Endorses Zohran Mamdani For New York Mayor Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 26, 2025, 17:52 IST Andrew Cuomo holds a steady lead in the polls but Zohran Mamdani has surged to second place. Zohran Mamdani Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez endorsed Zohran Mamdani for New York mayor as she said that the decision will help consolidate fractured progressive forces and block former Governor Andrew Cuomos comeback bid. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez told The New York Times, Assemblymember Mamdani has demonstrated a real ability on the ground to put together a coalition of working-class New Yorkers that is strongest to lead the pack. In the final stretch of the race, we need to get very real about that." Recommended Stories With just weeks remaining before the June 24 Democratic primary, Andrew Cuomo holds a steady lead in the polls but Zohran Mamdani has surged to second place. Zohran Mamdanis platform includes free city buses, a freeze on rent hikes for rent-stabilized apartments and the establishment of city-run grocery stores- all funded by a proposed $10 billion tax on corporations and the ultra-wealthy. He has also taken a critical stance on Israel, drawing pushback from more moderate Democrats. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez emphasized the need for the progressive movement to build a broader coalition in order to defeat Andrew Cuomo, whom she criticized for being aligned with hedge funds and wealthy campaign backers. To foster unity, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez plans to rank Adrienne Adams, the City Council Speaker, second in her endorsement list, praising Adrienne Adamss strong connections with working-class Black and brown communities in the Bronx and Queens. Following Adrienne Adams, she will rank Brad Lander, the city comptroller, third, then Scott Stringer, former comptroller and Brooklyn State Senator Zellnor Myrie, she told the outlet. 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 York, United States of America (USA) First Published: June 05, 2025, 18:08 IST Are Strategic Bombers Still Relevant In The Age of Drones? Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 17:37 IST Strategic bombers have long been the aerial equivalent of aircraft carriers - power projection platforms meant not just to fight wars, but to prevent them Russia's prized strategic assets include heavy, long-range bombers like the Tu-95. (AP Photo) In a dramatic escalation of its long-range warfare tactics, Ukraine recently launched a successful drone offensive targeting several key Russian airbases. Among the casualties were Russias prized strategic assets, heavy, long-range bombers like the Tu-95. These aircraft, symbols of Russian military prestige and vital components of its nuclear deterrent, were reduced to wreckage by relatively inexpensive unmanned aerial vehicles. The incident has reignited debate: in an era dominated by cheap drones and precision-guided missiles, do strategic bombers, often described as flying fortresses", still matter? Recommended Stories Strategic bombers have long been the aerial equivalent of aircraft carriers power projection platforms meant not just to fight wars, but to prevent them. Their very presence in the skies sends a powerful message: this territory is under our control, and any challenge will be met with overwhelming force. Historically, these aircraft have served as the airborne arm of a nations nuclear doctrine. On August 6, 1945, the world witnessed their devastating potential when the US Air Forces B-29 Enola Gay dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima. The B-29 had a range of nearly 6,000 kilometres and could carry over 9 tonnes of payload, unprecedented at the time. Since then, bombers have formed one leg of the nuclear triad, alongside land-based ICBMs and submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs). Despite advances in missile technology, strategic bombers remain indispensable. Unlike ballistic missiles, which are often singular-use and carry nuclear payloads, bombers offer flexibility. They can launch, loiter, abort missions mid-flight, or strike with conventional precision-guided weapons. Their continued relevance is underpinned by their deterrent value, both conventional and nuclear. In the 21st century, warfare is no longer about trench lines and tank battles alone. Long-range precision strikes, satellite-guided munitions, electronic jamming, and cyber warfare now define military supremacy. Yet strategic bombers remain at the heart of long-range deterrence. Why? Because they can be stationed thousands of kilometres away from conflict zones, safely beyond the reach of most short-range missiles, yet remain capable of delivering strikes deep into enemy territory. Unlike fighter jets, which require proximity and airbase support, strategic bombers operate from distant, secure bases, often impervious to immediate retaliation. They are also uniquely suited for todays threat matrix. In a potential war, adversaries like China and Russia are expected to saturate US bases and aircraft carriers in the Indo-Pacific with cruise and ballistic missiles. This raises the vulnerability of tactical aircraft and ships. But strategic bombers, flying from distant continents, would likely remain untouched and ready to respond. Modern bombers are no longer just nuclear delivery systems. The US B-2 Spirit and the upcoming B-21 Raider, Russias Tu-160 Blackjack, and Chinas under-development H-20 are stealth platforms designed for multi-domain warfare. Capable of carrying hypersonic missiles, electronic warfare pods, and long-range cruise missiles, these aircraft are force multipliers. Moreover, they offer the kind of psychological impact that missiles cant. As Italian airpower theorist Giulio Douhet once said, It is now possible to penetrate deep behind enemy lines without even breaking them." That ability, to hover as a threat, visible on radars or even satellite imagery, forces adversaries to rethink aggression. Strategic bombers also serve as a bridge between naval and air power. Equipped with anti-ship cruise missiles, they can track and destroy enemy warships far beyond the horizon, a role increasingly relevant as global powers pivot toward Indo-Pacific maritime confrontations. Who Holds the Keys to the Sky? Today, only three nations maintain active fleets of strategic bombers, each using them as a cornerstone of their defense doctrines: United States B-52 Stratofortress 72 aircraft B-1B Lancer 40 aircraft B-2 Spirit 18 aircraft Russia Tu-95MS 47 aircraft Tu-160 15 aircraft China Xian H-6 Approxiamtely 150 aircraft (modernised versions) India, though a rising military power, does not operate strategic bombers. Its 130 Jaguar aircraft serve as nuclear-capable fighter-bombers but lack the range and payload of true strategic bombers. Even as drone warfare evolves and hypersonic missiles begin to dominate headlines, strategic bombers are adapting, not fading. Their long loiter time, versatility in armaments, and role in multi-theater command structures make them indispensable. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Emerging platforms like the B-21 Raider promise a future where bombers are harder to detect, quicker to deploy, and even more precise in execution. In essence, they are evolving from Cold War relics to ultra-modern sentinels of the sky. The drone attacks on Russian airbases proved that no platform is invulnerable. But strategic bombers are far from obsolete. They are evolving faster than the threats around them. Location : Russia First Published: June 05, 2025, 17:37 IST Bodies Of 2 Israeli-American Hostages Killed In Oct 7 Hamas Attack Recovered. Who Were They? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 16:53 IST Netanyahu on Thursday announced that the remains of Judith Weinstein, 70, and Gad Haggai, 72, had been brought back to Israel in a special military operation Both held dual Israeli and American citizenship, and Weinstein also had Canadian citizenship. (Image via X/@USAmbIsrael) After more than 600 days, Israel has recovered the bodies of two Israeli-American hostages who were killed by Palestinian militants during Hamas October 7, 2023, attack that sparked the ongoing war in Gaza. The army said it recovered the remains of Weinstein and Haggai overnight into Thursday from the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday announced that the remains of Judith Weinstein, 70, and Gad Haggai, 72, had been brought back to Israel in a special military operation involving the Israeli army and the Shin Bet security agency. Recommended Stories Both held dual Israeli and American citizenship, and Weinstein also had Canadian citizenship. Who Were The Hostages Killed? The couple were residents of Kibbutz Nir Oz, a community near the Gaza border heavily affected by the October attack. Nearly a quarter of the kibbutzs residents were killed or taken hostage during the Hamas invasion. Weinstein, born in New York, was an English teacher who worked with children with special needs and taught meditation techniques to help young people cope with trauma caused by rocket fire. Haggai was a retired chef and jazz musician. On the morning of the attack, the couple was taking a walk near their home when Hamas militants stormed the area. Weinstein managed to call emergency services to report that both she and her husband had been shot, and also sent a message to her family. The Israeli military confirmed that Weinstein and Haggai were killed by fighters of the Mujahideen Brigades, small armed group allied with Hamas, during the October 7 attack and their bodies were recovered overnight from Khan Yunis, a city in southern Gaza. Their return provides closure for their family, who have thanked the Israeli military, the FBI, and governments of Israel, the US, and Canada. The couple are survived by two sons, two daughters, and seven grandchildren. The October 7 attack by Hamas militants killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and involved the abduction of 251 hostages. While many hostages have been released, 56 remain captive, with about a third believed to be alive. Israel has rescued eight living hostages and recovered dozens of bodies since then. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The conflict has caused severe casualties and destruction in Gaza, with more than 54,000 Palestinians reported dead, mostly civilians. Over 180 journalists have also been killed since the war began. (With inputs from agencies) About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More Location : Israel First Published: June 05, 2025, 16:51 IST British MP Who Backed Operation Sindoor Urges UK Govt To Stand With India Against Terrorism Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 18:56 IST Blackman made these remarks while speaking in Parliament, where he also spoke about his meeting with the all-party delegation of Indian parliamentarians UK MP Bob Blackman (Photo: X) British MP Bob Blackman has reaffirmed his support for India and urged the Keir Starmer-led UK government to stand firmly with New Delhi in its fight against terrorism. Blackman made these remarks while speaking in Parliament, where he also spoke about his meeting with the all-party delegation of Indian parliamentarians. He had previously supported Indias military action, Operation Sindoor, and criticised Pakistan as a failed state" for its alleged support of terrorism. Recommended Stories In his address, Blackman said he discussed the fragile truce between India and Pakistan with the all-party delegation, warning it could be broken by further terrorist attacks. This week, I met a cross-party delegation of Indian MPs. We discussed the fragile truce between India and Pakistan, at risk of being broken by further terrorist attacks. As India seeks deeper security ties with the West, I urged the Govt to stand with India against terrorism," the British leader wrote in a post on X Thursday. This week, I met a cross-party delegation of Indian MPs.We discussed the fragile truce between India and Pakistan, at risk of being broken by further terrorist attacks. As India seeks deeper security ties with the West, I urged the Govt to stand with India against terrorism. pic.twitter.com/3XGQ9Uvr6G Bob Blackman (@BobBlackman) June 5, 2025 The delegation, led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, is visiting Europe as part of Indias diplomatic outreach following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives. On Tuesday, Blackman had slammed Pakistan, calling it a failed state" and questioning whether democracy or generals" were in charge in Islamabad. In a conversation with ANI after meeting the Indian delegation in London, Blackman called on the international community to stand with India in its fight against terror. He accused Pakistan of encouraging terrorism on Indian territory and condemned its continued illegal occupation of parts of Jammu and Kashmir. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Pakistan is a failed state. We dont have democracy in Pakistan. We have the people of parts of Pakistan, who are suffering under Pakistani military rule. So whos in charge? Is it the democracy or the Generals? And its quite clear that terrorism is encouraged from Pakistan into sovereign India," Blackman had stated. ALSO READ: UK MP Backs Indias Op Sindoor, Questions British Govts Action On Removing Terror Bases In PoK About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More Location : London, United Kingdom (UK) First Published: June 05, 2025, 18:45 IST Chances Of Conflict Revival Are Remote, Says Pakistan Minister As India Inflicts Heavy Losses Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 11:07 IST While talking to the media in Islamabad, Dar struck a measured tone, emphasizing that while Pakistan is open to dialogue, it is not desperate for talks. Pakistans foreign minister Ishaq Dar As tensions between India and Pakistan flare up, and reports emerge of heavy losses inflicted by India across the border, Pakistans Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Thursday that the chances of a revival of full-scale conflict between the two nations remain remote". While talking to the media in Islamabad, Dar struck a measured tone, emphasizing that while Pakistan is open to dialogue, it is not desperate for talks. Recommended Stories Whenever they ask for a dialogue, whatever level, we are ready but we are not desperate," Dar stated, underscoring Islamabads willingness to engage but on terms broader than what New Delhi has proposed. Dar reiterated that Pakistan seeks a comprehensive discussion covering multiple contentious issues, including water-sharing agreements. He accused India of narrowing the agenda to terrorism alone, an approach he dismissed as inadequate. Thats not on. Nobody else is more serious than us. It takes two to tango," he remarked, in response to Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankars repeated assertions that talks should be focused solely on terrorism. Dars comments come at a time when India has reportedly intensified cross-border operations, inflicting what sources have described as heavy tactical losses" along key points of the Line of Control. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all While Pakistan has not officially confirmed the extent of damage, the Foreign Ministers remarks appear aimed at lowering the temperature while reinforcing Islamabads preferred diplomatic framework. Tensions have further deepened since the April 22 attack, after which India put the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance" an important move, considering the treaty ensures access to vital water resources for nearly 80% of Pakistans agricultural land. About the Author Abhro Banerjee Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ... Read More Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ... Read More First Published: June 05, 2025, 11:07 IST Trump Says Trade Talks With China To Resume After Call With Xi Jinping Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 20:44 IST The call comes after Donald Trump described Xi Jinping as very tough and extremely hard to make a deal with. US President Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping (Image Credit: Reuters) Chinese President Xi Jinping held a phone conversation with US President Donald Trump- their first since implementation of new tariffs by the White House under its so-called Liberation Day" tariffs. Donald Trump said in a post on Truth Social, As Presidents of two Great Nations, this is something that we both look forward to doing. The conversation was focused almost entirely on TRADE. Nothing was discussed concerning Russia/Ukraine, or Iran. We will inform the Media as to scheduling and location of the soon to be meeting. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Recommended Stories The call comes after Donald Trump described Xi Jinping as very tough" and extremely hard to make a deal with" after accusing Beijing of backtracking on a trade agreement aimed at easing tariffs and restrictions between the worlds two largest economies. I like President Xi of China, always have, and always will, but he is VERY TOUGH, AND EXTREMELY HARD TO MAKE A DEAL WITH," Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social, his social media platform. The two world leaders were last known to have spoken to each other in January, before Donald Trumps second inauguration as president. US- China Trade War As friction between Washington and Beijing rises over the collapse of what was touted as a tentative tariff truce, Donald Trump accused China of failing to uphold its commitments to reduce trade barriers, sparking fears of another round of economic retaliation. In May, negotiators from the United States and China reached a trade agreement in Geneva to significantly reduce tariffs on each others goods. Under the deal, the US agreed to lower its tariffs on Chinese imports from 145% to 30%, while China reduced its tariffs on American products from 125% to 10%. Donald Trumps Actions Against China Donald Trump has also widened punitive actions against China by revoking visas for Chinese students enrolled at US universities and imposing new restrictions on the export of specialized software used in designing advanced semiconductors. Meanwhile, Beijing accused Washington of seriously violating" the Geneva agreement after the US issued global warnings against the use of Huawei chips, halted sales of chip design software to Chinese firms and cancelled visas for Chinese students. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all About the Author Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: June 05, 2025, 18:28 IST Donald Trump, Elon Musk In A Fierce Fighting Match Over Tax Bill And EV Credits: Who Said What Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 23:20 IST US President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk engaged in a fierce public spat after the Tesla boss criticised his "big and beautiful" $4 trillion tax bill. Donald Trump and Elon Musk engaged in a public feud over the administration's tax and spending bill. (File Photo: AP) US President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk engaged in a public spat over the White Houses $4 trillion spending and tax bill, with Trump expressing disappointment with Musks criticism of the legislation and the Tesla boss accusing the US president of ingratitude". The feud between once-close allies began over Trumps big, beautiful bill", which Musk called a disgusting abomination", sparking a rift between the two high-profile figures. As Musks criticism grew, Trump made his frustration apparent today. Recommended Stories The public spat came days after his abrupt exit from the administration, following a 129-day stint leading a cost-cutting initiative through his advisory group, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), after failing to achieve his goals. Trump has expressed uncertainty about his bond with Musk, signalling a possible end to the bromance. ALSO READ: Elon Musk Replies Such Ingratitude To Trumps Comments: Wont Have Won Election Without Me Who Said What? Disgusting Abomination The controversy began on Tuesday, when Musk sharply criticised the One Big Beautiful Bill Act for the first time, calling it a disgusting abomination". Im sorry, but I just cant stand it anymore. This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination. Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it," he said. Musk doubled down on his criticism in a series of follow-up posts, warning that the bill would massively increase the already gigantic budget deficit to $2.5 trillion" and claiming that Congress is making America bankrupt." Im sorry, but I just cant stand it anymore.This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination. Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it. Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 3, 2025 However, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the president was unfazed by Musks criticism. It doesnt change the opinion of President Trump. The president already knows where Elon Musk stood on this bill. It doesnt change the Presidents opinion," she said. KILL THE BILL The Tesla and X CEO unleashed another assault on the legislation, urging Americans to lobby Congress to KILL the BILL". In a post on X, Musk stated, Call your Senator, Call your Congressman, Bankrupting America is NOT ok! KILL the BILL." Call your Senator,Call your Congressman,Bankrupting America is NOT ok! KILL the BILL Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 4, 2025 In another post, Musk said, This spending bill contains the largest increase in the debt ceiling in US history! It is the Debt Slavery Bill." Im Very Disappointed Donald Trump made his first public remarks over Musks repeated criticism of the tax package, saying he was very disappointed" and did not know if his friendship with the billionaire former advisor would survive. Im very disappointed because Elon knew the inner workings of this bill better than almost anybody sitting here. He had no problem with it. All of a sudden he had a problem and he only developed the problem when he found out that were going to cut EV mandate, because thats billions and billions of dollars and it really is unfair," Trump said in the White House. Trump said he could understand why Musk was upset with some steps he had taken, including withdrawing a nominee to lead the NASA, whom Musk had backed. Whatever Firing back at Trumps remarks over EV mandate, Musk said, Whatever. Keep the EV/solar incentive cuts in the bill, even though no oil & gas subsidies are touched (very unfair!!), but ditch the MOUNTAIN of DISGUSTING PORK in the bill." Whatever.Keep the EV/solar incentive cuts in the bill, even though no oil & gas subsidies are touched (very unfair!!), but ditch the MOUNTAIN of DISGUSTING PORK in the bill. In the entire history of civilization, there has never been legislation that both big and beautiful. Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 5, 2025 In the entire history of civilization, there has never been legislation that both big and beautiful. Everyone knows this! Either you get a big and ugly bill or a slim and beautiful bill." Musk also rejected Trumps claims that he was informed about the One Big Beautiful Bill in advance. False, this bill was never shown to me even once and was passed in the dead of night so fast that almost no one in Congress could even read it!" he said. Such Ingratitude The feud escalated when Trump said he had helped Musk a lot and would have won the Pennsylvania election without the billionaires help. Trump also remarked that Elon Musk missed being in the Oval Office, saying that some people become hostile after leaving his administration. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate. Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 5, 2025 Firing back, Musk said, Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate." He later said, Such ingratitude". About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: June 05, 2025, 23:20 IST Donald Trump On His Relationship With Elon Musk: 'Don't Know If It Will Continue...' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 22:09 IST Elon Musk publicly condemned Donald Trump's $4 trillion spending and tax bill- sparking a rift between the two high-profile figures. Elon Musk exited the US administration after a brief 129-day stint. (Reuters Image) US President Donald Trump expressed uncertainty about his relationship with Elon Musk after the billionaire entrepreneur publicly condemned White House $4 trillion spending and tax bill. The Tesla boss took to X (formerly Twitter) to call on Americans to contact their lawmakers, writing, Call your Senator, Call your Congressman, Bankrupting America is NOT ok! KILL the BILL." Responding to Elon Musks sharp criticism, Donald Trump said, Look, Elon and I had a great relationship. I dont know if we will anymore. I was surprised." Recommended Stories The US President said that Elon Musks issues with the bill were limited to its electric vehicle mandate and insisted that the entrepreneur was fully aware of its contents. Donald Trump said, He knew every aspect of this bill. And he never had a problem until right after he leftIm very disappointed with Elon. I helped him a lot." Elon Musk Reacts To Donald Trumps Remarks Elon Musk, who until last week served as a close advisor to Donald Trump as he led the White Houses Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), labeled the bill an abomination," sparking a rift between the two high-profile figures. Disputing Donald Trumps remarks, Elon Musk said, False, this bill was never shown to me even once and was passed in the dead of night so fast that almost no one in Congress could even read it!" After his 129-day stint as a special government employee" tasked with cutting wasteful federal spending, Elon Musk condemned the bill, saying, Keep the EV/solar incentive cuts in the bill, even though no oil & gas subsidies are touched (very unfair!!), but ditch the MOUNTAIN of DISGUSTING PORK in the bill. In the entire history of civilization, there has never been legislation that [is] both big and beautiful. Everyone knows this!" He also reposted memes and comments echoing fears over the growing deficit and even shared a poster of Quentin Tarantinos Kill Bill movie to push his stand against the bill. Elon Musk Said Bill Will Massively Increase Deficit Earlier this week, Elon Musk warned, America is in the fast lane to debt slavery. A new spending bill should be drafted that doesnt massively grow the deficit and increase the debt ceiling by 5 TRILLION DOLLARS." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In another post, he said, This spending Bill contains the largest increase in the debt ceiling in US history! It is the Debt Slavery Bill." The Tesla and SpaceX CEO previously expressed disappointment at the bills financial impact, saying it could massively increase the already gigantic budget deficit to $2.5 trillion." About the Author Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: June 05, 2025, 22:01 IST FM calls for healthy Sino-US ties 08:36, June 05, 2025 By Zhao Jia ( Chinadaily.com.cn China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi (right) on Tuesday meets the new United States Ambassador to China, David Perdue, in Beijing. (Photo/Xinhua) China and the United States have reaffirmed the importance of dialogue and signaled a shared willingness to pursue stability and cooperation amid mounting tensions, experts said after Foreign Minister Wang Yi met on Tuesday in Beijing with David Perdue, the new US ambassador to China. The meeting came about three weeks after Perdue arrived in Beijing to take up the post in mid-May. China-US relations stand at a "critical and pivotal juncture", Wang said, expressing the hope that Perdue, the 13th US ambassador to China, would "play an active role" in promoting the sound, stable and sustainable development of bilateral ties. Referring to recent economic and trade talks in Geneva, Wang emphasized that China has been "earnestly and strictly" implementing the consensus reached by both sides. "However, it is regrettable that the United States has since introduced a series of negative measures on unfounded grounds, infringing upon China's legitimate rights and interests. China firmly opposes such actions," he said. Looking back on nearly five decades of diplomatic ties, Wang said the key takeaway is that "equality and respect are prerequisites for exchanges between the two sides, and dialogue and cooperation are the only correct choice". The foreign minister urged Washington to meet Beijing halfway and to earnestly implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state during their phone call in January, in order to create the necessary conditions for bilateral relations to return to a healthy trajectory. Wang also expressed the hope that Perdue would serve as "a reliable communicator, a mediator of differences, and a promoter of cooperation" between the two nations. Perdue said that US President Donald Trump holds great respect for President Xi Jinping, and that positive and constructive engagement between the two heads of state is very important. As US ambassador to China, he expressed his readiness to maintain close contact with the Chinese side in a spirit of mutual respect and attentive dialogue. It was Perdue's second interaction with senior Chinese officials after he held a meeting with Vice-Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu just five days after arriving in the Chinese capital. "These meetings reflect the consistent importance that Beijing attaches to China-US relations, as well as its long-standing commitment to stabilizing the relationship through dialogue and communication," said Diao Daming, a professor at Renmin University of China's School of International Studies. "The future trajectory of the relationship will largely depend on whether the US is willing to move in the same direction as China," he added. Gao Fei, vice-president of China Foreign Affairs University, emphasized that the foundation of stable China-US relations lies in cultivating accurate mutual perceptions and ensuring open, reliable channels of communication. "It is hoped that the new ambassador will truly serve as a bridge between the two countries and peoples, accurately conveying China's concerns and positions," Gao said. Gao further noted that disagreements in bilateral economic relations are to be expected, but they should not be viewed as obstacles. Instead, they should serve as a starting point for the next round of dialogue. "Maximum pressure is not the right way to engage with China," he cautioned. "Such tactics only heighten tensions and undermine the conditions necessary for meaningful dialogue and progress in bilateral talks." (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) Donald Trump Signs Order Banning Foreign Students' Visas At Harvard University Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 06:59 IST Donald Trump has signed an executive order barring most foreign students from entering the US to attend Harvard, accusing the university of posing national security risks. A sculler rows down the Charles River near Harvard University (Photo: AP) US President Donald Trump on Thursday signed a new order banning visas of foreign students who are set to begin attending Harvard University, ramping up his administrations crackdown on higher education. In the executive order, Trump declared that it would jeopardise national security to allow Harvard to continue hosting foreign students on its campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Recommended Stories I have determined that the entry of the class of foreign nationals described above is detrimental to the interests of the United States because, in my judgment, Harvards conduct has rendered it an unsuitable destination for foreign students and researchers," the order signed by Trump read. The move is being seen as his latest attempt to choke the Ivy League school from an international pipeline that accounts for a quarter of the student body. It is also a further escalation in the White Houses fight with the countrys oldest and wealthiest university. Last week, a federal court in Boston had blocked the Department of Homeland Security from barring international students at Harvard. However, Trumps order invokes a different legal authority. It stems from Harvards refusal to submit to a series of demands made by the federal government. It escalated recently after the Department of Homeland Security said Harvard refused to provide records related to misconduct by foreign students. Harvard says it has complied with the request, but the government said the schools response was insufficient. The dispute has been building for months after the Trump administration demanded a series of policy and governance changes at Harvard, calling it a hotbed of liberalism and accusing it of tolerating anti-Jewish harassment. Harvard defied the demands, saying they encroached on the Universitys autonomy and represented a threat to the freedom of all US universities. Trump has already frozen some $3 billion in federal grants to Harvard in recent weeks, leading the University to sue to restore the funding. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Harvard enrolled nearly 6,800 international students in the 2024-2025 school year, amounting to 27 per cent of its total enrollment, according to university statistics. In 2022, Chinese nationals were the biggest group of foreign students at 1,016, university figures showed. After that were students from Canada, India, South Korea, Britain, Germany, Australia, Singapore and Japan. 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: June 05, 2025, 06:52 IST Eid Ban, Rs 5 Lakh Fine: Why Are Ahmadiyya Muslims Barred From Worship In Pakistan? Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 14:43 IST As Pakistan prepares for Eid-ul-Adha, the Ahmadiyya Muslim community faces a crackdown in Punjab and Sindh, with threats of fines and imprisonment for celebrating the festival The Ahmadiyya Muslim community was founded in 1889 in Qadian, a town in British India's Punjab province, by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, who declared himself the promised messiah and a reformer of Islam. (AP Photo) As Pakistan prepares to celebrate Eid-ul-Adha on Saturday, June 7, with public gatherings, prayers, and festivities, a troubling crackdown is unfolding quietly across parts of Punjab and Sindh provinces. The Ahmadiyya Muslim community, numbering nearly 20 lakh in the country, is being systematically barred from observing the religious holiday under threats of fines, police harassment, and imprisonment. Despite being followers of Islam, Ahmadiyyas are prohibited by law from identifying as Muslims or practicing Islamic rituals in Pakistan. In the lead-up to this years Eid, authorities have reportedly intensified pressure on the community, forcing members to sign affidavits swearing they will not celebrate the festival. Recommended Stories Eid Ban With A Rs 5 Lakh Price Tag In a disturbing development, local officials have warned that any Ahmadiyya individual found offering Eid prayers or performing traditional sacrifices could face a hefty penalty a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh (approx. USD 1,800). In some areas, even private observance of religious rituals inside ones home has been outlawed. According to local media, several Ahmadis in Punjab and Sindh have already been detained for allegedly attempting to mark Eid in defiance of this de facto ban. Human rights watchdog Amnesty International, in its June 2024 report, stated that at least 36 members of the Ahmadiyya community were arbitrarily arrested in the province of Punjab to pre-empt any form of Eid celebration. State-Sanctioned Persecution The persecution of the Ahmadiyyas in Pakistan is rooted in legal and constitutional exclusions. Following violent riots in 1974, the then-Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto amended the Constitution, declaring Ahmadiyyas as non-Muslims. The decision was later reinforced by Ordinance XX under General Zia-ul-Haqs rule in the 1980s, criminalising Ahmadi religious expression altogether. Under current Pakistani law, any Ahmadi who poses" as a Muslim, by calling their place of worship a mosque, reciting Islamic prayers, or using traditional Islamic greetings, risks up to three years in prison. Human rights groups have repeatedly condemned these laws as deeply discriminatory and in violation of international norms on freedom of religion. Who Are The Ahmadiyyas? top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Ahmadiyya Muslim community was founded in 1889 in Qadian, a town in British Indias Punjab province, by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, who declared himself the promised messiah and a reformer of Islam. Advocating peace, tolerance, and non-violence, the Ahmadiyya movement positioned itself as a counter to religious extremism. But this very stance made it a target for hardline clerics and political forces in Pakistan. Today, despite their peaceful teachings and contributions to society, the Ahmadiyyas remain among the most persecuted religious minorities in Pakistan. Their mosques have been attacked, graves desecrated, and community members subjected to mob violence, hate speech, and institutional discrimination. Location : Pakistan First Published: June 05, 2025, 14:43 IST Elon Musk Replies Such Ingratitude To Trump's Comments: 'Won't Have Won Election Without Me' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 22:44 IST Donald Trump said that Elon Musk has been criticizing his proposed tax bill because the Tesla CEO is upset. Elon Musk is seen. Elon Musk boldly claimed that without his support Donald Trump would have lost the 2024 presidential election as the two traded barbs over a legislative bill. The tech entrepreneur asserted that in such a scenario, Democrats would have gained control of the House of Representatives, while Republicans would hold a slim 51-49 majority in the Senate. Elon Musks comments come amid escalating tensions after US President Donald Trump accused the Tesla CEO of criticizing his proposed tax bill because he is upset" over the removal of electric vehicle (EV) tax credits. The US President also suggested Elon Musk was displeased following the rejection of his nominee to lead NASA by the Trump administration. Recommended Stories Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate. Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 5, 2025 What Donald Trump Said On Elon Musk At Oval Office Donald Trump said, You know, Ive always liked Elon. Id rather have him criticize me than the bill, because the bill is incredible." He added, Elon is upset because we took the EV mandate, and you know, which was a lot of money for electric vehicles. And you know, theyre having a hard time, the electric vehicles, and they want us to pay billions of dollars in subsidy." Referring to the elimination of the tax credits in the bill for electric vehicles, Donald Trump said, Elon knew this from the beginning. He knew it a long time ago." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Elon Musk Replies Whatever To Donald Trumps Comments Elon Musk wrote whatever" on X following Donald Trumps remarks as he said, Keep the EV/solar incentive cuts in the bill, even though no oil & gas subsidies are touched (very unfair!!), but ditch the MOUNTAIN of DISGUSTING PORK in the bill." About the Author Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: June 05, 2025, 22:37 IST France Wants India To Put Pressure On Russia To End Ukraine War. Where Does New Delhi Stand? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 19:33 IST France's Emmanuel Macron called on India, China and Brazil to pressure Russia into ending the current war in Ukraine. India has repeatedly advocated for dialogue and diplomacy. PM Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron. (PTI Photo) French President Emmanuel Macron, in a joint statement with his Brazilian counterpart Lula da Silva in Paris, called for India, Brazil and China to pressure Russia into ending the current war in Ukraine, emphasising the need for a clear and direct approach to halt the conflict. Americans, Brazilians, Chinese, Indians, we must all put pressure on Russia to end this war so that this conflict can be negotiated and the war does not return," Macron said in his appeal to the international community. Recommended Stories Macron accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of starting the war and of not wanting a ceasefire, while highlighting that a ceasefire proposal by the United States was accepted by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Where Does India Stand On Russia-Ukraine War? India has adopted a position advocating for peace in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, emphasising that dialogue and diplomacy among all parties are the key to achieving a definitive end to the hostilities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that India has never been neutral but firmly stands for peace. India has a strategic partnership with Russia that dates back to Indo-Soviet relations, and India heavily relies on Russian military exports for its defence needs. Since the invasion in 2022, India has not publicly condemned Russia despite Western pressure, although it has criticised some controversial statements made by Russian leaders or catastrophic strikes in Ukraine. After Western sanctions were imposed on Russia following the war, Indias oil imports from Russia more than doubled at lowered prices. According to Reuters, India had already received 34 million barrels of oil from Russia when the war broke out in 2022, in comparison to 16 million barrels in all of 2021. PM Modi is among only a handful of world leaders who visited both Russia and Ukraine last year. He was the first Indian leader to visit war-torn Ukraine since 1991. Modi reaffirmed Indias stance emphasising dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward, urging both sides to hold talks. Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire Talks Amid widespread bombings from both sides, Russian and Ukrainian leaders held the second round of US-brokered talks in Turkey this week, agreeing to a prisoner exchange. However, Russia refused to agree to an unconditional ceasefire, while demanding international recognition of Crimea, Donbass, Kherson, and Zaporozhye as Russian territory. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Putin on Wednesday appeared to rule out any full ceasefire in Ukraine, saying Kyiv would use any pause in fighting to rearm. He also accused Ukraine of carrying out terrorist" attacks on bridges near the border over the weekend, as per reports. During a phone call with US President Donald Trump, Putin said Moscow felt compelled to respond to Ukraines weekend drone attacks on Russian airfields, indicating that the war is unlikely to see an end in the near future. 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 : Paris, France First Published: June 05, 2025, 19:33 IST Fraud Marshal: Pakistanis Mock Their Army Chief On Global Stage With Times Square Billboard Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 12:42 IST Promoted to Field Marshal after military failures, Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir is now facing global mockery with a Times Square billboard by his own people A billboard on Times Square showing Asim Munir, Asif Ali Zardari and Nawaz Sharif. (Image: X) A video showing a digital billboard in New Yorks Times Square went viral on social media this week, as many users shared footage of a truck-mounted screen publicly targeting Pakistans military and political leadership. The video was widely shared on X, including by journalist Aditya Raj Kaul, whose post triggered strong reactions online. The billboard labelled Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir as a Fraud Marshal" and a Liar", while also calling former President Asif Ali Zardari and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif his two crooks." The display is being widely seen as a public embarrassment for Munir on the global stage, driven by sections of the Pakistani diaspora frustrated over recent military and political developments back home. Recommended Stories Times Square illuminated with Liar Fraud Marshal Asim Munir The deceiver with his two crooks Zardari and Sharif! Bezatti of Munir at International level by Pakistani diaspora themselves after being defeated in Military confrontation by India badly. pic.twitter.com/aSaWbXem8P Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) June 5, 2025 The Messages On Display The rotating digital display, mounted on a truck, featured multiple pointed messages: THE DECEIVER & HIS TWO CROOKS" with images of Munir, Zardari and Sharif. ILLEGALLY DETAINED FOR 2 YEARS" showing Imran Khan behind bars. FRAUD MARSHAL", LIAR WHY DONT YOU TAKE A POLL", and WILL DO ANYTHING FOR SELF-INTEREST" directly attacking Munir. GOOD WORK MAKES YOU STAND TALL, NOT FAKE TITLES" contrasting merit with Munirs ceremonial promotion. REAL HERO STANDING WITH IMRAN KHAN" projecting Imran Khan as the true leader. The Military Setback: Indias Operation Sindoor The backdrop to this diaspora anger is the escalation between India and Pakistan in May 2025, following the Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir that left 26 people dead. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor a military operation conducted in the early hours of 6-7 May. The strikes targeted terror camps linked to groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, Hizbul Mujahideen, and The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar proxy, across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Over 100 terrorists, including top commanders like JeM leader Abdul Rauf Azhar and family members of Masood Azhar, were killed. The conflict lasted till May 10 afternoon when the Pakistan side requested a ceasefire in view of the heavy losses suffered by it in the attacks by the Indian Air Force. Munirs Controversial Promotion Fuels Criticism Amidst this backdrop, General Munirs promotion to Field Marshal a five-star rank last held in Pakistan in 1959 sparked widespread criticism, with detractors accusing the army chief of being rewarded despite the military setbacks. On social media, Munir has been widely mocked as a Failed Marshal." Imran Khan: The Flashpoint Imran Khans continued imprisonment remains one of the most explosive flashpoints in Pakistans ongoing political crisis. The former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief was arrested in May 2023 on a series of charges ranging from corruption and illegal possession of state gifts to alleged leaking of state secrets. Khan and his supporters have consistently dismissed the allegations as politically motivated and part of a sustained crackdown orchestrated by the military establishment, led by Army Chief General Asim Munir. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The rivalry between Khan and Munir predates his arrest, with reports indicating longstanding tensions since Munirs brief tenure as ISI chief during Khans premiership. After Munirs appointment as Army Chief in late 2022, relations between PTI and the military sharply deteriorated, culminating in Khans ouster and subsequent legal troubles. Multiple prison sentences and disqualifications have effectively sidelined Khan from electoral politics, while his party has faced widespread repression, with key leaders arrested, defected or forced underground. Despite the ongoing crackdown, Imran Khan continues to command substantial public support both domestically and among the overseas Pakistani community. For sections of the diaspora, his detention has become a symbol of the militarys political overreach. The Times Square billboard campaign reflects how these grievances are being amplified internationally, with Khan projected as a real hero" standing against what his supporters describe as a corrupt military-political nexus now symbolised by Munir, Zardari, and Sharif. About the Author Karishma Jain Karishma Jain, Chief Sub Editor at News18.com, writes and edits opinion pieces on a variety of subjects, including Indian politics and policy, culture and the arts, technology and social change. Follow her @kar... Read More Karishma Jain, Chief Sub Editor at News18.com, writes and edits opinion pieces on a variety of subjects, including Indian politics and policy, culture and the arts, technology and social change. Follow her @kar... Read More First Published: June 05, 2025, 12:29 IST From Failed Psychiatrist To $149-Million Fraud: Indian-Origin Man's Trail Of Scandal In US Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 18, 2025, 17:09 IST Tonmoy Sharma, once a high-profile doctor in the UK, has long courted headlines- first for his research work and then for the ethical and legal storms that followed. An expert in brain function, cognition, and behavioral science, Sharma served on multiple editorial boards. (Pic: LinkedIn) Indian-origin doctor Tonmoy Sharma was arrested in the United States for allegedly masterminding a $149-million healthcare fraud. The 58-year-old was taken into custody at Los Angeles International Airport as he was allegedly preparing to flee to Dubai. Tonmoy Sharma, once a high-profile doctor in the UK, has long courted headlines- first for his research work and then for the ethical and legal storms that followed. Recommended Stories Fall From Grace In the UK Tonmoy Sharma first rose to prominence in the 1990s for conducting clinical trials for major pharmaceutical companies in the UK. But his reputation began to unravel in 2001 when concerns were raised about irregularities in a 250,000 study comparing Sanofis antipsychotic drug Amisulpride with a rival from Eli Lilly. Sanofi launched a private investigation after their medical adviser, Catherine Baxter, flagged discrepancies in Tonmoy Sharmas work. The probe uncovered a series of ethics violations which included fabricated approvals from ethics committees, recruitment of vulnerable patients without proper consent, financial incentives to encourage participation and false academic claims including a non-existent professorship and doctorate. In 2007, after multiple complaints and an investigation by the UKs General Medical Council, Tonmoy Sharmas medical licence was revoked. He was found guilty of serious professional misconduct after which he moved to the United States. Allegations In The US In California, Tonmoy Sharma established Sovereign Health Group, which rapidly grew into a prominent network of addiction treatment centres. Since 2017, Sovereign has been under investigation by the FBI for suspected fraud. In 2018, federal agents raided the groups headquarters in San Clemente, several treatment centres and Tonmoy Sharmas residence in San Juan Capistrano. Though Sovereign shut down that year, Tonmoy Sharma continued operating under a new name- Dana Shores Recovery- using a different license to stay under the radar. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all According to the federal indictment, Tonmoy Sharma and his associates submitted more than $149 million in fraudulent insurance claims and received at least $21 million in illegal kickbacks for patient referrals. He now faces four counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy, and three counts of receiving illegal remunerations. If convicted, Tonmoy Sharma could face up to 20 years in prison for each wire fraud charge, five years for conspiracy, and 10 years for each kickback-related offense. 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 : New York, United States of America (USA) First Published: June 05, 2025, 20:53 IST India-Pakistan Conflict Came Up During Putin-Trump Phone Call, Says Kremlin Aide Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 17:35 IST The recent conflict between India and Pakistan was among the issues figured during a phone call between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, according to a Kremlin aide. US President Donald Trump and Russian president Vladimir Putin. (Image: Reuters) The recent armed conflict between India and Pakistan figured in a phone conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump, a Kremlin aide said. As the two world leaders spoke on a range of global issues, including Ukraine, the Middle East, the flare-up between South Asias nuclear-armed neighbours was also part of the conversation, according to Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov. Recommended Stories They also touched upon the Middle East and the armed conflict between India and Pakistan, which was stopped with the personal participation of President Trump," Yury Ushakov said, as quoted by Russian state news agency TASS. Putin Tells Trump Russia Will Respond To Ukraine Drone Strike During the phone call, Vladimir Putin told Donald Trump that Moscow felt compelled to respond to Ukraines weekend drone attacks on Russian airfields. The 75-minute conversation marked the second call between the two leaders in recent weeks. Donald Trump disclosed the exchange on his platform Truth Social, saying that while the discussion was good," it was not one that would bring immediate Peace." Trump Avoids Pressuring Putin For Ceasefire Donald Trump said in the post, We discussed the attack on Russias docked airplanes, by Ukraine, and also various other attacks that have been taking place by both sides President Putin did say, and very strongly, that he will have to respond to the recent attack on the airfields." The US President acknowledged the limits of the calls impact, noting that it wasnt a turning point in efforts to end the war. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov confirmed the topic of Ukraines strike came up during the conversation. He said, The topic was also touched upon." However, Ukrainian lawmaker Oleksandr Merezhko criticized Donald Trumps failure to publicly call for restraint saying, President Trump didnt say something like, Vladimir, stop. And its very worrisome because it might look like he is giving a green light to this new crime which Putin is trying to commit." 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 : Moscow, Russia First Published: June 05, 2025, 16:54 IST Israel Warns It Will Act Accordingly As Greta Thunberg Sails To Gaza With Aid: We're Prepared Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 15:26 IST Greta Thunberg joined 11 others- including Game of Thrones actor Liam Cunningham- on a ship operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition which departed from Catania. Greta Thunberg said her mission is a peaceful attempt to deliver essential aid. Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg is sailing toward Gaza aboard a humanitarian aid vessel as Israel said that it is prepared" to stop the flotilla from breaching its naval blockade of the besieged Palestinian territory. The 22-year-old activist joined 11 others- including Game of Thrones actor Liam Cunningham- on the Madleen, a ship operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), which departed from Catania, Italy, on Sunday. The group said that their mission is a peaceful attempt to deliver essential aid and to challenge what they call Israels illegal siege" and escalating war crimes" in Gaza. Recommended Stories What Israel Said On Greta Thunberg? The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a warning saying, For this case as well, we are prepared. We have gained experience in recent years, and we will act accordingly." The flotilla is carrying supplies including baby formula, flour, diapers, hygiene kits, water filters and medical equipment for civilians in Gaza, which has been under total blockade for more than 90 days. Greta Thunbergs Journey To Gaza top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Greta Thunberg has been documenting the journey online, posting images of herself wrapped in a keffiyeh, holding a Palestinian flag and swimming in the Mediterranean. She said, We are doing this because no matter what odds we are against, we have to keep tryingbecause the moment we stop trying is when we lose our humanity." Who is Greta Thunberg? Greta Thunberg rose to global fame in 2018 at the age of 15, when she began skipping school every Friday to protest outside the Swedish parliament, demanding urgent action on climate change. Her protest sparked a global youth climate movement known as Fridays for Future. Since then, she has addressed the UN, EU and multiple world leaders, becoming one of the most prominent voices in climate activism. 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 : Israel First Published: June 05, 2025, 15:26 IST New Zealand Parliament Suspends 3 Maori Party Lawmakers For Haka Protest Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 15:34 IST Inside and outside Parliament, the haka has increasingly been welcomed as an important part of New Zealand life. New Zealand legislators voted Thursday to enact record suspensions from Parliament for three lawmakers. (Image: AP) New Zealand legislators voted Thursday to enact record suspensions from Parliament for three lawmakers who performed a Maori haka to protest a proposed law. Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke received a seven-day ban and the leaders of her political party, Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and Rawiri Waititi, were barred for 21 days. Three days had been the longest ban for a lawmaker from New Zealands Parliament before. Recommended Stories The lawmakers from Te Pati Maori, the Maori Party, performed the haka, a chanting dance of challenge, in November to oppose a widely unpopular bill, now defeated, that they said would reverse Indigenous rights. The protest drew global headlines and provoked months of fraught debate among lawmakers about what the consequences for the lawmakers actions should be and the place of Maori culture in Parliament. A committee of the lawmakers peers in April recommended the lengthy bans. It said the lawmakers were not being punished for the haka, but for striding across the floor of the debating chamber toward their opponents while doing it. Judith Collins, the committee chair, said the lawmakers behavior was egregious, disruptive and potentially intimidating. Maipi-Clarke, 22, rejected that description Thursday, citing other instances when legislators have left their seats and approached opponents without sanction. The suspended legislators said they are being treated more harshly than others because they are Maori. I came into this house to give a voice to the voiceless. Is that the real issue here?" Maipi-Clarke asked Parliament. Is that the real intimidation here? Are our voices too loud for this house?" Inside and outside Parliament, the haka has increasingly been welcomed as an important part of New Zealand life. The sacred chant can be a challenge to the viewer but is not violent. As Maori language and culture have become part of mainstream New Zealand in recent years, haka appear in a range of cultural, somber and celebratory settings. They also have rung out in Parliament to welcome the passage of high-profile laws. Some who decried the protest haka in Parliament cited its timing, with Maipi-Clarke beginning the chant as votes were being tallied and causing a brief suspension of proceedings. She has privately apologized for the disruption to Parliaments Speaker, she said Thursday. A few lawmakers urged their peers to consider rewriting rules about what lawmakers could do in Parliament to recognize Maori cultural protocols as accepted forms of protest. One cited changes to allow breastfeeding in the debating chamber as evidence the institution had amended rules before. Normally the parliamentary committee that decides on punishments for errant lawmakers is in agreement on what should happen to them. But panel members were sharply divided over the haka protest and the lengthy punishments were advanced only because the government has more legislators in Parliament than the opposition. One party in the government bloc wanted even longer suspensions and had asked the committee if the Maori party lawmakers could be jailed. Most in opposition rejected any punishment beyond the one-day ban Maipi-Clarke already served. Speaker Gerry Brownlee urged lawmakers last month to negotiate a consensus and ordered a free-ranging debate that would continue until all agreed to put the sanctions to a vote. But no such accord was reached after hours of occasionally emotional speeches in which opposition lawmakers accused the government of undermining democracy by passing such a severe punishment on its opponents. While the bans were certain to pass, even as the debate began Thursday it remained unclear whether opposition lawmakers would filibuster to prevent the suspensions from reaching a vote. By evening, with no ones mind changed, all lawmakers agreed the debate should end. Every government lawmaker voted for the punishments, while all opposition members voted against them. Thursdays debate capped a fraught episode for race relations in New Zealand, beginning with the controversial bill that the Maori Party lawmakers opposed. The measures would have rewritten principles in the countrys founding document, a treaty between Maori tribal leaders and representatives of the British Crown signed at the time New Zealand was colonized. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The bills authors were chagrined by moves from Parliament and the courts in recent decades to enshrine the Treaty of Waitangis promises. Opponents warned of constitutional crisis if the law was passed and tens of thousands of people marched to Parliament last November to oppose it. Despite growing recognition for the treaty, Maori remain disadvantaged on most social and economic metrics compared to non-Maori New Zealanders. Location : New Zealand First Published: June 05, 2025, 15:34 IST 'No Dialogue With People Pointing Gun At Our Heads': Shashi Tharoor's Stern Message To Pakistan Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 08:17 IST Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, leading an all-party US delegation, stressed no dialogue with Pakistan is possible amid terror threats. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor is leading the delegation in US. (Photo: X/ Shashi Tharoor) Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who is heading an all-party delegation to the United States, on Wednesday, underlined that no dialogue is possible with Pakistan till they have a gun pointed at our head." He warned that the action taken by India now can be taken again if Pakistan does not control terror elements on its soil. Recommended Stories While speaking at an interaction session at the National Press Club in the US on Wednesday (local time), Tharoor said he believes that the United States has understood Indias stand is clear that there will be no talks with a gun pointed at our head." When questioned about the United States role in brokering peace talks between India and Pakistan, Tharoor said, I think the US has understood for some time now that India has a very clear position that there will be no talks with a gun pointed at our head. Its not that we cant talk to Pakistan. I was joking the other day, we can speak all the languages they can speak and were very happy to dialogue with them in any of those languages." #WATCH | Washington DC | I think the US has understood for some time now that India has a very clear position that there will be no talks with a gun pointed at our head The problem is that we will not deal with people who are pointing a gun at our heads. I mean frankly, if pic.twitter.com/iEJStb0Ic4 ANI (@ANI) June 4, 2025 The problem is we will not dialogue with people who are pointing a gun at our heads. I mean, frankly, if your neighbour unleashes his Rottweilers to bite your children and in fact to do worse to your children and then says lets talk. You think hes going to talk to them until he either unleashes those Rottweilers or locks them up in a kennel or puts them to sleep? Its as simple as that. Youre not going to talk to people who are pointing guns at your temples. Its not going to happen," he added. Tharoor further underlined that the all-party parliamentary delegation is visiting the United States to speak about Indias stance and give an explanation regarding any misapprehensions on the part of interlocutors. He stated that the delegation aims at explaining Indias stance, and they do not want countries to do anything apart from understanding Indias point of view in the latest escalation with Pakistan. We arent really here to negotiate outcomes. Thats the job of the government. Our job is to enhance understanding, to clarify our position and to explain if there are any questions or misapprehensions on the part of our interlocutors, wed be very happy to address them," Tharoor said. Were just saying, this is our position, we want you to understand, and if you have any questions, well answer them, but thats it. Were not asking them to do anything other than to understand our point of view, to express their solidarity and to stand with us if it happens again. And we want the world to understand not only what just happened, but what could happen again if Pakistan does not control these elements on its soil," he added. Tharoor further rejected US President Donald Trumps claims that he is responsible for stopping the war between India and Pakistan using trade. On Trumps claims, Tharoor said, My understanding is that none of these calls was trade ever mentioned, not one. And certainly our information is that from our side, we gave a consistent response throughout, which corresponds to what Ive just said to all of you, that we are only taking retribution for a terrorist attack, we are not interested in prolonging this conflict. Tharoor Says Whose Fault Is That Ove Paks Claims Of Being Victims Of Terrorism Speaking about Pakistans claims that they are victims of terrorism, Tharoor said, This (Pakistan) delegation is going around saying we are also victims of terrorism, we have lost more lives to terrorism than India has. We turn around and say- whose fault is that? As Hillary Clinton famously said 10 years ago. You cant breed vipers in your backyard and expect them to bite only your neighboursThats why they (Pakistan) are now getting terrorists attacked by the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, but who created the Taliban from which the Tehrik-i-Taliban broke off?" The delegation headed by Tharoor reached the United States on Wednesday. The delegation included Shambhavi Chaudhary (Lok Janshakti Party), Sarfaraz Ahmed (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha), G M Harish Balayogi (Telugu Desam Party), Shashank Mani Tripathi, Tejaswi Surya, Bhubaneswar Kalita (all from BJP), Mallikarjun Devda (Shiv Sena), former Indian Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu, and Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora. The all-party delegation was given the task of briefing key stakeholders in the US on Operation Sindoor. On May 7, India launched Operation Sindoor as a decisive military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Indian Armed Forces hit terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and killed more than 100 terrorists affiliated with groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. On May 10, India and Pakistan agreed to a cessation of hostilities. (With inputs from ANI) Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: June 05, 2025, 08:07 IST Birdwatching spurs economic growth in China People's Daily Online) 10:03, June 05, 2025 Birdwatching is rapidly gaining popularity across China, with many regions developing a growing economy centered on rare bird species. The Yalu River Estuary Wetland in Dandong, northeast China's Liaoning Province, lies along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, one of the world's major migratory bird routes stretching from Arctic Russia and Alaska to Australia and New Zealand. People watch birds at the Yalu River Estuary Wetland in Dandong, northeast China's Liaoning Province. (Photo/Xinhua) The wetland is one of the worlds busiest stopovers for migratory birds. More than 500,000 migratory birds pause here each year during their journey, including critically endangered species such as the spoon-billed sandpiper and the Nordmann's greenshank. Ma Li is the director of the management center at the Yalu River Estuary Wetland National Nature Reserve. "The birdwatching season is our busiest time. It's when we concentrate our research efforts and conduct the most intensive patrols," he said. A core task is ensuring the birds' habitat remains undisturbed by humans. Patrolling staff monitor for illegal bird trapping and poisoning and intervene to prevent disruptive behavior such as loud noises, stone throwing or flying drones near the birds, Ma said. Between 2021 and 2022, Ma and his team tracked a bar-tailed godwit for a full year. On May 25, 2021, the bird flew from the estuary to Alaska. That autumn, it migrated to New Zealand, and by April 10 the following year, after a nonstop nine-day flight, it returned to the Yalu River Estuary Wetland. "This data is very valuable. Migration is grueling. Birds must maintain their strength and evade predators. It's uncommon to successfully track one bird for an entire year," Ma said. In July 2024, five sites of the migratory bird sanctuaries along the coast of the Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf (Phase II), including the Yalu River Estuary, were added to UNESCO's World Heritage List during the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee. "Since then, more birdwatchers have come to visit the Yalu River Estuary Wetland, driving growth in local ecotourism," said Xu Min, director of the Bureau of Culture, Tourism, Radio and Television of Dandong. To support this growth, the local tourism authority has integrated nearby attractions into a themed birdwatching route. Qingshui She ethnic township in Yong'an, a county-level city under Sanming in southeast China's Fujian Province, offers an ideal habitat for the silver pheasant. So far, 22 silver pheasant observation sites have been identified in the region, attracting crowds of tourists and photographers. In Fengtian village, visitors gather at dawn, hoping to catch a glimpse of the birds. Photo shows a silver pheasant in Fengtian village, She ethnic township, Yong'an city, a county-level city under Sanming city in southeast China's Fujian Province. (Photo/People's Daily Online) Nearby, local bird guide Xiong Shengchun carefully places kernels of corn the birds' favorite treat on tree branches and along the creek bank. Before long, several of the elegant birds emerge from the forest to forage and frolic as visitors raise their cameras to capture the moment. Xiong is one of more than 20 trained bird guides in the township. With detailed knowledge of the birds' habits, they serve as vital liaisons between the birds and tourists. Zhang Aijuan, chair of the Photographers Association in Yong'an, became fascinated by the silver pheasant in 2017. She has visited every observation site more than five times. Zhang suggested that the local government host bird photography contests to attract enthusiasts from across China and abroad. Thanks to such efforts, Yong'an established its first birdwatching association, which manages 22 silver pheasant observation sites as well as additional sites for other species. "Fengtian village is ideal for photographing rare birds like the silver pheasant. Birdwatching has boosted rural revitalization. In 2024, more than 30,000 visitors came here. Ecological appeal has truly become economic value," said an official from the Culture and Tourism Bureau in Yong'an. The birdwatching boom has strongly boosted the local hospitality industry, with many rural guesthouses now offering distinctive She ethnic cuisine. Local authorities have converted vacant homes into guest accommodations to support development. The township now has more than 20 such establishments, providing over 200 beds and welcoming tens of thousands of tourists each year. Xiong Shengchun was among the first villagers to open a birdwatching site. "Now I work as a bird guide, run an agritainment business, shuttle guests and sell my own bamboo shoots and honey. With these activities, I can easily earn more than 100,000 yuan ($13,900) a year," he said. "The birdwatching economy is drawing young people back to the village to start businesses, with average household income now exceeding 100,000 yuan," said Xiong Qiwu, deputy director of the villagers' committee in Fengtian village. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) 'Pakistan Dangles Nuclear Bogie To Get Us All Excited & Nervous': Shashi Tharoor In US Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 20:08 IST Tharoor, while speaking at a public discussion with former US ambassador Kenneth I Juster, urged against undue worry, reinforcing India's strategic nuclear doctrine Tharoor dismissed any suggestion of nuclear escalation, terming it 'laughable'. File image/PTI During a recent public discussion with Kenneth I Juster, the former US ambassador to India, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor offered a nuanced perspective on the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and Indias robust response against Pakistan with Operation Sindoor, particularly addressing concerns about potential nuclear escalation. Tharoor began by providing context for his international engagements, noting his privilege in leading a multi-party delegation, underscoring that while not encompassing all 41 parties in the Lok Sabha, his group represents five significant political entities. This delegation embarked on a tour of several nations, including Guyana, Panama, Colombia, Brazil, and the United States, to effectively communicate Indias anti-terror stance. Recommended Stories VIDEO | Washington, DC: Heres what Congress MP Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) said during a discussion with Kenneth I Juster, former US Ambassador to India, on Pahalgam terror attack and Indias response.I have the privilege of leading this. We cant really call it an pic.twitter.com/tFFZICtu5b Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 5, 2025 Tharoor highlighted a poignant moment during the teams visit to New York. When we first landed in New York, we went to the 9/11 memorial and that I think set the tone for the trip because we wanted to situate this problem right there in solidarity with victims of terrorism from around the world," he said. Transitioning to the immediate aftermath of the Pahalgam attack and Indias response, Tharoor dismissed any suggestion of nuclear escalation, terming it laughable". He said that the incident fell so far short of anything remotely approaching to a nuclear threshold". Tharoor attributed such fears to what he termed a nuclear bogie" often dangled by our Pakistani friends to get all of us excited and anxious". To substantiate his argument, Tharoor drew parallels with ongoing global conflicts. I mean, we have a nuclear power engaged in a war for 2.5 years in Europe, and no one has talked about nukes yet. Why would 2.5 days in India suddenly lead to fears of nuclear escalation?" he said, pointing to the Russia-Ukraine war. He further reminded the audience of the historical context of India-Pakistan relations, noting four past wars between the two nations. He pointed to the Kargil War of 1999, which occurred after both countries had declared themselves nuclear powers and lasted for a month, yet nobody talked about nukes". top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Tharoor concluded by urging against undue worry, reinforcing Indias strategic nuclear doctrine: India, by the way, has already declared its policy of No First Use." This policy, he implied, serves as a strong deterrent against any preemptive nuclear action, ensuring that India would not be the one to brandish a nuclear threat". (With PTI inputs) About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More First Published: June 05, 2025, 20:08 IST Pakistan Shocker: Filmmaker Assaults Hindu Man In Karachi, Arrested After Public Outrage Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Pragati Ratti Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 11:59 IST The victim, Dheeraj Kumar, also known as Sudhair Dhun Raj or Dhun Raj, was attacked on the street by Salman Farooqi, the CEO of Bionic Films, and his armed guards. Eyewitnesses and viral video footage showed Farooqi and his armed guards dragging Dheeraj into the SUV at gunpoint. A shocking case of violence against Hindus in Pakistani has sparked widespread outrage after a young man from Marwari Hindu community was brutally assaulted in Karachis upscale Defence Society area. The incident highlights the continued vulnerability of religious minorities and the misuse of power by the elite in Pakistan. The victim, Dheeraj Kumar, also known as Sudhair Dhun Raj or Dhun Raj, was attacked on the street by Salman Farooqi, the CEO of Bionic Films, and his armed guards. According to reports, Dheeraj was riding his motorcycle slowly through the Defence area to pick up his sister Kalpana, who works at a local beauty parlour. His bike allegedly caused a minor scratch to Farooqis luxury Land Cruiser, which triggered the violent response. Recommended Stories Eyewitnesses and viral video footage showed Farooqi and his armed guards dragging Dheeraj into the SUV at gunpoint. Inside, the filmmaker was seen restraining the young man as his guards slapped and assaulted him, ignoring his sister Kalpanas tearful and desperate pleas for mercy. With folded hands, she was heard begging, We are poor people; please dont beat him." Farooqi and his associates appeared unmoved by her cries, continuing to assault Dheeraj with impunity. Dheeraj and his family belong to the Marwari Hindu community, a marginalised group that lives in Karachis Ranchhore Lines. The incident has been widely condemned as not just a case of personal violence but an example of systemic persecution enabled by religious and class hierarchies in Pakistan. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Following public outrage and social media pressure, the Karachi police tracked Farooqis phone and arrested him, along with four others including his guards and driver. His vehicle was impounded, and an FIR was registered under Section 506-B (criminal intimidation), Section 354 (assault or harassment of a woman), Section 342 (wrongful confinement) and Section 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of peace) of Pakistan Penal Code. This high-profile case is being seen as a grim reflection of growing intolerance and power abuse in Pakistan. Human rights activists are calling for strict legal action and broader protections for minorities, especially those from poor, vulnerable communities who often face such brutality without recourse. About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 First Published: June 05, 2025, 11:59 IST Pakistan Sought Russia's Help To Ease Tensions With India After Operation Sindoor Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 17:18 IST The appeal was conveyed through a letter delivered by Syed Tariq Fatemi, special assistant to Shehbaz Sharif, to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif and Russian President Vladimir Putin. (File) Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif requested Russian President Vladimir Putins assistance in resolving the conflict with India, his aide Syed Tariq Fatemi said, as quoted by Russian state news agency TASS. The appeal was conveyed through a letter delivered by Syed Tariq Fatemi, special assistant to Shehbaz Sharif, to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during a meeting in Moscow this week. Recommended Stories Any Proposal Is Welcome, Pakistan Tells Russian President Syed Tariq Fatemi said that Islamabad is open to any diplomatic initiative aimed at easing tensions. Neighbours cannot live in a situation where war could start at any minute," he said, emphasizing Pakistans readiness to engage with any neutral mediation. He continued, Weve sent officials to neighboring countries, including the US, the EU, and Russia, to explain that any proposal from any country, the UN, or a neutral state regarding India and Pakistan is open for discussion. We are ready to sit down with them at the negotiating table and let them solve the problem." Islamabad awaits any initiative from Russia" that could reduce tensions in the region, he said, reiterating, Pakistan and India must sit down at the negotiating table." Pahalgam Terror Attack Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated following a deadly terrorist attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, in Jammu and Kashmir, which left 25 Indian civilians and one Nepali national dead. India launched retaliatory strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7. The crisis de-escalated after a May 10 agreement between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries to cease hostilities. Putin- Trump Discuss India- Pakistan Conflict top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump spoke on the phone and discussed several global issues, including the conflict between India and Pakistan, Kremlin Aide Yury Ushakov said. They also touched upon the Middle East and the armed conflict between India and Pakistan, which was stopped with the personal participation of President Trump," Yury Ushakov said, without revealing the exact details of the conversation. 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 : Moscow, Russia First Published: June 05, 2025, 17:15 IST Pakistan's New Spying & Infiltration Strategy Set To Take Off On The Back Of Drones: Intel Report Reported By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 17:40 IST Drones will be used for advanced surveillance and situational assessment along the LoC before any infiltration attempts, News18 has learnt The strategic use of drones aims to minimise the risk of detection by employing technology-enabled methods for cross-border penetration. (Representational image: News18) Pakistans spy agency ISI plans to enhance infiltration attempts along the Line of Control (LoC) by utilising drone technology, an Indian intelligence report has revealed. Specifically, drones will be used for advanced surveillance and situational assessment before any infiltration attempts, CNN-News18 has learnt. This includes tracking the movement and deployment of Indian security forces, identifying gaps or weaknesses in border patrol routes, and analysing terrain conditions in real-time to aid terrorist movements, the report says. Recommended Stories The strategic use of drones aims to minimise the risk of detection by employing technology-enabled methods for cross-border penetration. On May 14, a credible input revealed that Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) held a meeting with various Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) training camp commanders and guides in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The discussion focused on increasing the recruitment of new terrorists into the LeT and emphasising the importance of drone surveillance along the LoC to monitor the situation prior to infiltration attempts. Further discussions included plans to relocate training camps and launching pads in PoK, as well as constructing underground bunkers in preparation for potential armed conflict with India, says the report. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all ISI also instructed the arming and training of border area residents to respond to Indian drone attacks and proposed replacing active guides with residents from PoK/Pakistan to better manage infiltration routes, it adds. According to the intelligence inputs, a detailed plan was also discussed to attack Indian security forces in the coming days while upgrading and activating the old overground worker (OGW) network in Kashmir. First Published: June 05, 2025, 17:40 IST 'We Don't Want Them': Trump Slaps New Travel Ban On 12 Countries Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 12:08 IST Donald Trump stated the decision was motivated by a recent incident in Colorado, where a Jewish protest was attacked with a makeshift flamethrower. US President Donald Trump. (Image Credit: Reuters) US President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed a new travel ban targeting 12 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, and Yemenreviving a contentious policy from his first term. Trump stated the decision was motivated by a recent incident in Colorado, where a Jewish protest was attacked with a makeshift flamethrower. Authorities attributed the attack to a man allegedly residing in the country without legal documentation. Recommended Stories The new travel restrictions apply to nationals from 12 countries, including Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. In addition, a partial ban has been placed on travelers from seven other nations: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. According to the White House, both measures will take effect on Monday. In a video message posted on X from the Oval Office, President Trump said, The recent terror attack in Boulder, Colorado has underscored the extreme dangers posed to our country by the entry of foreign nationals who are not properly vetted." We Dont Want Them President Trump likened the newly issued travel restrictions to the powerful" ban he enacted during his first term, which primarily targeted Muslim-majority nations and caused widespread global travel disruptions. He claimed that the 2017 measure had prevented attacks in the US similar to those experienced across Europe. We will not let what happened in Europe happen in America," Trump declared. We cannot have open migration from any country where we cannot safely and reliably vet and screen. That is why today I am signing a new executive order placing travel restrictions on countries including Yemen, Somalia, Haiti, Libya, and numerous others." Reacting to the announcement, Venezuelas Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello cautioned citizens against traveling to the United States, stating, Being in the United States is a great risk for anyone, not just for Venezuelans." The new executive order may face significant legal challenges, echoing the judicial scrutiny that has often accompanied Trumps more sweeping policy decisions since his return to office. Dangerous Foreign Actors The White House released the details of the ban with minimal notice, just minutes after President Trump addressed roughly 3,000 political appointees from the balcony of the White House during a festive summer soiree." In a departure from tradition, Trump made the announcement without members of the press presentunlike many of his previous headline-grabbing proclamations, which were typically staged in front of journalists in the Oval Office. Speculation about a renewed travel ban had intensified in the days following the Colorado attack. The Trump administration vowed to pursue individuals residing in the country on visas who are deemed security risks. Authorities have accused Mohammed Sabry Soliman of launching a violent attack during a pro-Israel rally in Boulder, allegedly throwing incendiary devices and spraying burning gasoline on the crowd. Homeland Security officials said Soliman had overstayed a tourist visa and had applied for asylum in September 2022. White House Deputy Press Secretary Abigail Jackson commented on X, stating, President Trump is fulfilling his promise to protect Americans from dangerous foreign actors that want to come to our country and cause us harm. These commonsense restrictions are country-specific and include places that lack proper vetting, exhibit high visa overstay rates, or fail to share identity and threat information." Security Rationale And Broader Implications Trumps proclamation outlines the rationale for targeting specific nations, citing the need to safeguard the United States from foreign terrorists and other national security threats. For Afghanistan, Libya, Sudan, Somalia, and Yemencountries marked by conflict and lacking centralized governancethe administration argued that insufficient passport and identity verification mechanisms made safe migration impossible. Yemen was singled out as an active zone of US military operations, given ongoing strikes against Iranian-backed Houthi militants. Iran was included due to its classification as a state sponsor of terrorism," despite ongoing US-led negotiations over its nuclear program. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Other nations were flagged for high visa overstay rates or for failing to cooperate on sharing security-related data. Adding to the days sweeping restrictions, President Trump also announced a new ban on visas for incoming international students set to begin studies at Harvard Universitya move widely seen as part of his broader campaign against liberal institutions. About the Author Abhro Banerjee Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ... Read More Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ... Read More First Published: June 05, 2025, 06:48 IST Putin Warned Trump Of Retaliatory Strikes On Ukraine, Kremlin Confirms After Call Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 16:06 IST This comes as Donald Trump said that Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed to retaliate following a major Ukrainian drone attack on airbases inside Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump are pictured before a meeting in Helsinki, on July 16, 2018. (Image: AFP/File) The Kremlin confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin informed US President Donald Trump of Moscows plans to carry out retaliatory strikes against Ukraine during a recent phone conversation between the two leaders. This comes as Donald Trump said that Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed to retaliate following a major Ukrainian drone attack on airbases inside Russia. Speaking after a phone call with Putin, Donald Trump said on his social media platform Truth Social, President Putin did say, and very strongly, that he will have to respond to the recent attack on the airfields." Recommended Stories Donald Trump warned that the phone call, which lasted more than an hour, would not lead to immediate peace" between Russia and Ukraine. The phone conversation between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin marked the first direct communication between the two leaders since Ukraine launched a surprise drone strike on Russian airbases on June 1, targeting what Kyiv claimed were nuclear-capable long-range bombers. According to Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov, Donald Trump told Vladimir Putin during the call that the United States had not been informed in advance of the Ukrainian attack. The strike, carried out using smuggled drones, is seen as one of Ukraines most daring operations deep inside Russian territory. In response, Ukraines Minister of Strategic Industries Yuriy Sak said that Kyiv had hoped for a stronger reaction from Washington. We were expecting more sanctions and more pressure from the US in response to the incessant Russian missile and drone attacks on our cities," he said, as per BBC. Donald Trumps Ultimatum To Russia Last week, Donald Trump appeared to issue a veiled ultimatum, suggesting he would reconsider how the US engages with the conflict if he believed Vladimir Putin was dragging out peace efforts. Hes tapping me along," the US President said at the time, hinting at a two-week timeline for Russia to show progress toward ending the war. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all That comment followed an earlier statement on May 26 in which Donald Trump sharply criticized Vladimir Putin, saying the Russian leader had gone absolutely crazy" and was playing with fire" after a surge in deadly missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian cities. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky took to X to express frustration over continued international dialogue with Moscow, writing, Many have spoken with Russia at various levels. But none of these talks have brought a reliable peace, or even stopped the war. If the world reacts weakly to Putins threats, he interprets it as a readiness to turn a blind eye to his actions." 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 : Russia First Published: June 05, 2025, 15:30 IST Shehbaz Sharif Seeks Trump's Facilitation As Tharoor-led Delegation Exposes Pakistan In US Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 13:35 IST Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif praised Trump for his role in helping de-escalate the situation with India and urged Washington to facilitate a dialogue between the two nations. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif | File Image Amid Indian delegations global outreach against terrorism, Pakistan is making an all-out effort to seek the help of US President Donald Trump to try and achieve peace with India. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised Trump for his role in helping de-escalate the situation with India and urged Washington to facilitate a comprehensive dialogue between the two nuclear neighbours. Addressing an event at the US Embassy in Islamabad, the Pakistan PM echoed former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who stated that Trump deserves credit" for helping facilitate the cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan. Recommended Stories On 10 different occasions, he has taken credit for facilitating the ceasefire between India and Pakistan and rightly so. He deserves that credit because it was his efforts that helped make the ceasefire possible. So, if the US is willing to help Pakistan in maintaining this ceasefire, it is reasonable to expect that an American role in arranging a comprehensive dialogue would also be beneficial for us," Bhutto said. Meanwhile, India publicly denied role of US President Trump in achieving the ceasefire agreement with Pakistan. New Delhi has consistently rejected third-party mediation on bilateral issues. I think the US has understood for some time now that India has a very clear position that there will be no talks with a gun pointed at our head The problem is that we will not deal with people who are pointing a gun at our heads. I mean frankly, if your neighbour unleashes his Rottweilers* to bite your children and in fact to do worse to your children, and then says, lets talk," said Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who is leading the all-party delegation to the United States. You think hes going to talk to him until he either unleashes those Rottweilers* or locks them up in a kennel or puts them to sleep. Its as simple as that. Youre not going to talk to people who are pointing guns at your temples. Its not going to happen," he added. The Indian delegation also slammed the Pakistani side for claiming that it was as much a victim of terrorism as India was. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said, This (Pakistan) delegation is going around saying we are also victims of terrorism, we have lost more lives to terrorism than India has. We turn around and say- Whose fault is that? As Hillary Clinton famously said 10 years ago. You cant breed vipers in your backyard and expect them to bite only your neighboursThats why they (Pakistan) are now getting terrorists attacked by the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, but who created the Taliban from which the Tehrik-i-Taliban broke off? We all know the answer to that, so let Pakistan look inside it and let it do some serious interior reflection before it goes around pleading innocence and deniability and everything else." (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 : Islamabad, Pakistan First Published: June 05, 2025, 13:35 IST Six Killed In School Bus Bombing In Pakistan's Balochistan Published By : AFP Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 22:18 IST The military earlier put the death toll at five, including three children, in a statement to media The horrific attack sparked a massive crackdown against militancy that had thrived for years in the border regions. (Image: Representative) A suspected suicide bomber targeted a schoolbus in southwestern Pakistan killing at least four children and two adults on Wednesday. The bus driver and his assistant were among those killed in the attack in Khuzdar district of Balochistan province, on the way to a school that caters to the children of army personnel and civilians living in the area. Recommended Stories A senior police official confirmed the death toll to AFP on condition of anonymity, as he was not authorised to speak to the media, adding that more than two dozen people were wounded. The military earlier put the death toll at five, including three children, in a statement to media. Images shared on social media showed the shattered remains of a school bus and a pile of school bags nearby. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) is the most active militant group in the region where there has been a sharp rise in attacks, mostly targeting security forces or people from outside the region. In March, dozens of militants and off-duty security force members died when the BLA took control of a train with hundreds of passengers on board. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In 2014, the Army Public School in Peshawar in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province was attacked by Pakistan Taliban gunmen who killed more than 150 people mostly students. The horrific attack sparked a massive crackdown against militancy that had thrived for years in the border regions. About the Author Saurabh Verma Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 Location : Pakistan First Published: June 05, 2025, 22:11 IST 'Very Disappointed': 5 Reasons Why Trump, Elon Musk's Bromance Ended Over Mega Tax Bill Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 23:11 IST Elon Musk and Donald Trump had a public fallout after the latter criticised the US administration's mega tax bill as a "disgusting abomination". Elon Musk and Donald Trump had a fierce public spat on Thursday. (Reuters Image) It seems that the bromance between US President Donald Trump and tech mogul Elon Musk is over, after the latter publicly criticised the White Houses $4 trillion spending and tax bill, denouncing it as an abomination". Trump on Thursday said he was very disappointed" by Musks criticism of his big and beautiful bill", adding he didnt know if his friendship with his billionaire former advisor would survive. Trump said Musks reaction was surprising given that he was aware of the workings of the bill. Recommended Stories The US president said Musks issues with the bill were related to its electric vehicle mandate. However, Musk hit back at these false" claims, saying the bill was never shown to him and was passed in the dead of night in Congress. False, this bill was never shown to me even once and was passed in the dead of night so fast that almost no one in Congress could even read it! https://t.co/V4ztekqd4g Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 5, 2025 Heres Why Trump, Musk Had A Fallout Elon Musk served as a close adviser to Trump after playing a substantial role in his election victory. However, his public criticism of the tax bill signalled an escalating tension following Musks departure from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) last week. While Musk and Trump remained friends and allies, the US President made the first public sign of being somewhat irritated with Musks remarks on the bill. Sources familiar with their relationship told Axios that the Tesla boss was frustrated at failing to win favourable treatment in the bill. Firstly, the bill reduced the electric vehicle tax credit that helps car makers like Tesla. Musks company had spent at least $240,000 lobbying on behalf of the credit and other company matters. The worlds richest man had advocated for the measure in the bill, but to no avail. Additionally, Musk had initially tried to stay in the special government employee" role beyond the 130-day time limit set for the unpaid advisory position. However, he was told by White House officials that he could not keep serving in that capacity. Musk also wanted the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to use his Starlink satellite system for national air traffic control, according to the sources. The White House refused the suggestion because of conflict of interest and technological reasons. The final straw came when Trump abruptly announced he was withdrawing the nomination of Jared Isaacman to be NASA administrator. Isaacman was backed by Musk. Trump said he could understand why Musk was upset with some steps, including the withdrawal of Isaacmans nomination. After Isaacmans nomination was dropped, reports surfaced that Sergio Gor,the director of the Office of Presidential Personnel who had clashed with Musk, was behind the decision. This was Sergios out-the-door f**k you to Musk," a White House official said. However, senators had complained about Isaacman for being a Democratic donor, according to White House insiders. Trump himself repeated the claims, saying Isaacman was totally Democrat". Musks Says Whatever To Trumps Claim Taking to X, Musk fired back at Trumps claim that he was upset over the elimination of EV credits in the legislation, saying, Whatever. Keep the EV/solar incentive cuts in the bill, even though no oil & gas subsidies are touched (very unfair!!), but ditch the MOUNTAIN of DISGUSTING PORK in the bill." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all He then wrote false" after Trump said Musk had advance sight of the so-called big, beautiful" bill. This bill was never shown to me even once and was passed in the dead of night so fast that almost no one in Congress could even read it!" As the rift deepened, Musk asserted that without his involvement, Donald Trump would have lost the 2024 election, accusing him of ingratitude". About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: June 05, 2025, 22:45 IST Aerial rescue as community spirit soars (People's Daily App) 14:07, June 05, 2025 On Monday in Lishui, Zhejiang Province, a remarkable rescue unfolded as rising floodwaters left a fisherman stranded in the middle of a river due to heavy rain. After the fisherman called for help, a nearby certified drone pilot sprang into action. Utilizing his skills, he successfully lifted the fisherman to safety, showcasing the power of community spirit and technology! (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) The collaboration will facilitate cross-border fintech innovation and expand access to digital financial services across Azerbaijan and Turkiye. During Money 20/20 Europe in Amsterdam, PashaPay Azerbaijans leading fintech company, known for its widely-used m10 app and its role within the Bir ecosystem and Sipay, the fastest-growing fintech company in Turkiye, entered into a strategic Cooperation Agreement to promote cross-border fintech innovation and expand access to digital financial services. The agreement was formalized on June 3, at Money 20/20 Europeone of the worlds leading fintech gatheringswhere PashaPay is showcasing the Bir ecosystem. In a joint press release, the two companies announced that the partnership is set to deepen regional financial cooperation by enabling mutual market access, integrating technology platforms, and collaborating on global payment connectivity. As part of the agreement, both companies will collaborate to expand access to digital financial services, support inclusive economic participation, and facilitate seamless transactions for individuals and businesses operating across both countries. Samir Mammadov, CEO of PashaPay, said: "This collaboration is an important step towards building a more integrated and inclusive digital economy in the region. By partnering with our brotherly Turkiyes Sipay company, we are not only creating new opportunities for users of PashaPays digital wallet application, m10, but also supporting the daily lives of citizens, families, and businesses in Azerbaijan, Turkiye, and beyond the region by facilitating international money transfers." Semih Musabak, CEO of Sipay said: We are proud to partner with PashaPay, a company that shares our vision for a more connected, inclusive, and innovative financial ecosystem. This collaboration represents an important milestone in our regional strategy and will allow us to deliver seamless digital financial solutions across bordersstarting with Turkiye and Azerbaijan, and expanding further into new markets. About PashaPay PashaPay, part of the Bir ecosystem, is a leading fintech platform offering users innovative, fast, and secure financial solutions through its m10 digital wallet and MilliOn payment terminals. The company has also prioritized the development of cashless payments and the expansion of innovations in the field of financial technologies in the country. www.pashapay.az About Sipay Founded in 2019, Sipay is an innovative fintech company that designs products and services tailored to meet the financial needs of businesses and individuals. Sipay provides a platform where companies can manage and monitor their entire financial landscape from a single point, ensuring impartial access to all financial options. This enables companies to make the best decisions while managing todays challenges and preparing for the future. www.sipay.com.tr A ship carrying thousands of vehicles from China to Mexico was abandoned in the Pacific Ocean around 300 miles southwest of Alaska's Adak Island after the crew was unable to put out a fire. The fire on the Liberian-flagged Morning Midas started on a deck carrying electric vehicles, the Wall Street Journal reports. The 600-foot ship is carrying around 3,000 vehicles, including 800 EVs. After efforts to put out the fire failed, the 22 crew members got into a lifeboat and were rescued by a nearby merchant vessel. The US Coast Guard says three ships are at the scene and aircrews have been sent to assist, reports Reuters. Coast Guard spokesman Steve Roth says the crew tried to put out the fire after smoke was seen coming from the deck carrying EVs, but it reignited after the CO2 in the ship's firefighting system was exhausted. "The relevant authorities have been notified, and we are working closely with emergency responders with a tug being deployed to support salvage and firefighting operations," Zodiac Maritime, the ship's management company, said in a statement, per the AP. "Our priorities are to ensure the continued safety of the crew and protect the marine environment." Electric vehicle fires are hard enough to put out on land, and while the cause of the fire is unclear, experts say the presence of so many batteries could cause a fire to easily grow beyond anything the ship's systems could handle, the Washington Post reports. "The prevailing wisdom is that it takes 10,000 gallons of water to put out a single lithium-ion EV fire," says Rich Meier of Meier Fire Investigation. "When you multiply that by the number of vehicles on a ship, you may sink the ship before you put the fire out." A federal judge on Wednesday ordered the government to immediately halt deportation proceedings against the family of a man charged in the firebombing attack in Boulder, Colorado, to ensure the protection of the family's constitutional rights. US District Judge Gordon P. Gallagher granted a request from the wife and five children of Mohamed Sabry Soliman, who are Egyptian, to block their deportation, the AP reports. ICE official took the family into custody on Tuesday . "The court finds that deportation without process could work irreparable harm and an order must issue without notice due to the urgency this situation presents," Gallagher wrote. Soliman, 45, has been charged with a federal hate crime and state counts of attempted murder in the attack in downtown Boulder on Sunday. His family members have not been charged. Federal authorities have said Soliman has been living in the US illegally, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said earlier Wednesday that the family was being processed for removal. It's rare that a criminal suspect's family members are detained and threatened with deportation, the AP notes. "It is patently unlawful to punish individuals for the crimes of their relatives," attorneys for the family wrote in the lawsuit. Eric Lee, an attorney for the family members, said efforts to deport them should not happen in a democracy. "The punishment of a 4-year-old child for something their parent allegedly did, who also has a presumption of innocence, is something that should outrage Americans regardless of their citizenship status," he said. Soliman's wife, Hayam El Gamal, 18-year-old daughter, two minor sons, and two minor daughters are all Egyptian citizens, the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement. They are being held at an immigration detention center in Texas, Lee said. In a post on X before the ruling, the White House said the family could be deported as soon as Wednesday night. "Six One-Way Tickets for Mohamed's Wife and Five Kids. Final Boarding Call Coming Soon," the post said. Soliman's wife was born in Saudi Arabia and is an Egyptian national, according to her lawsuit. She is a network engineer and has a pending EB-2 visa, which is available to professionals with advanced degrees, the suit said. She and her children are all listed as dependents on Soliman's asylum application. The Colorado Springs Gazette profiled one of Soliman's children in April, noting the family's journey from Egypt to Kuwait and then to the US. It said after initially struggling in school, his teen daughter landed academic honors and volunteered at a local hospital. She was one of 20 high school seniors recognized in the Gazette Charities Foundation Best and Brightest scholarship program. Soliman is being held in a county jail on a $10 million cash bond and is scheduled to make an appearance in state court on Thursday. On Wednesday, authorities raised the number of people injured in the attack from 12 to 15. A dog also was injured. President Trump on Wednesday announced travel bans barring nationals from 12 countries from entering the United States. Another seven countries were also placed under travel restrictions, though not outright bans, NBC News reports. The restrictions, which hearken back to travel bans on Muslim-majority countries Trump instituted during his first term, go into effect Monday. The White House says the restrictions are necessary for national security reasons, and that they are an effort to keep "dangerous foreign actors" from getting in to the country, Fox News reports. In his announcement, Trump specifically cited the recent attack on a Jewish event in Boulder, which was allegedly carried out by an Egyptian national who overstayed his visa. The White House says some of the affected countries don't have a robust enough vetting and screening process for those planning to come to the US, and that others frequently failed to accept their citizens' returns or had "unacceptable" visa overstay rates. The partial restrictions include the suspension of several visa programs for the affected countries. President Trump has issued a sweeping order barring most international students from entering the United States to attend Harvard, intensifying a months-long standoff between the White House and the renowned university. The move threatens the status of thousands of foreign students and marks another escalation in the administration's efforts to reshape campus policies nationwide. In a proclamation issued late Wednesday, the president suspended the entry of foreign students and exchange visitors bound for Harvard, unless an exception is made for reasons deemed "in the national interest." Secretary of State Marco Rubio is also instructed to consider whether student visas for those already in the US should be revoked, CBS News reports. Harvard is fighting the Trump administration's latest attempt to block it from enrolling international students, filing a legal challenge to President Trump's order Thursday, the AP reports. The university claims the order is illegal retaliation against the school because it has refused to comply with White House demands, and argued the president is attempting to get around a previous court order blocking his last attempt to keep international students from enrolling . Within a few hours, a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order against Trump's Wednesday order, NBC News reports. She said she was acting "to preserve the status quo pending a hearing." The proclamation accuses Harvard of failing to report student disciplinary records and criticizes its links to researchers in China, claiming the school can no longer be trusted as a steward of international programs. The administration's efforts to limit Harvard's ability to enroll international students are not new. Last month, the Department of Homeland Security attempted to remove Harvard from the federal student visa program, but a judge halted the move after the university sued, calling the policy unconstitutional and harmful to over 7,000 visa holders. story continues below Recently, additional vetting requirements were imposed for anyone seeking to travel to Harvardincluding students, faculty, and guest speakers. The administration has also criticized Harvard over pro-Palestinian protests and its response to allegations of antisemitism, while Harvard claims it's being targeted for protected speech. Harvard responded quickly to the latest move, NBC News reports. "This is yet another illegal retaliatory step taken by the Administration in violation of Harvard's First Amendment rights," said a spokesperson for the university. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 5. Chinese Xinhua News Agency has prepared a special report on the development of cooperation between Azerbaijan and China in the field of silk production, Trend reports. The report was prepared from the Azerbaijani town of Gakh, where, against the background of morning fog, Chief Engineer Nemat Suleymanli was inspecting a young silkworm plantation at the local silk breeding station. "There are 30,000 Chinese seedlings growing on these three hectares, planted in 2019. You can see, almost reaching my shoulders already," he says. - In six years, we imported 4.5 million seedlings. This is a revival. The piece says Azerbaijan once ranked second in the USSR in cocoon production - up to 20,000 tons a year. Local silk was exported to Japan, Switzerland and Italy. However, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, silk farming was on the verge of extinction. In 1986 we produced 6,000 tons of cocoons, and in 2015 - only 236 kilograms, recalls Akram Fataliyev, who headed the Gakh breeding station for 40 years. "The turning point came in 2016: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on state support for silk breeding. A project to introduce new seedlings was launched, and the first Chinese seedlings crossed the Tien Shan and the Caspian Sea to put down roots again in Azerbaijan. This has become a new chapter in the cooperation between the two countries within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative". To develop the industry, the State Program for the Development of Cocoon and Silk Breeding in the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2018-2025 was adopted in 2017. The country started to actively purchase seedlings from China, incubate them and distribute them free of charge to farmers to bring cocoon production up to 6,000 tons per year," the report said. The main partner is Shandong Guangtong Silkworm eggs Co., Ltd. "In 2018, China-Azerbaijan cooperation in silkworm breeding reached a new level. With the technical support of China, the breeding station in Gakh was reconstructed," the material says. Chief engineer N. Suleymanli explained that now varieties Gakh-1 and Gakh-2 are grown. The cocoons will soon begin to form, after which a new variety will be obtained. Two more seedlings varieties are expected to be delivered from China. MeanwhilI, this year the Ministry of Agriculture of Azerbaijan again imported 5,000 boxes of seedlings from China, supplemented with 1,000 boxes of locally produced seedlings. The projected harvest is 240 tons. The United States on Wednesday vetoed a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza because it was not linked to the release of hostages, saying it would embolden Hamas militants, the AP reports. All 14 other members of the council voted in favor of the resolution, which described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as "catastrophic" and called on Israel to lift all restrictions on the delivery of aid to the 2.1 million Palestinians in the territory. The resolution before the UN's most powerful body also did not fulfill two other US demands: It did not condemn Hamas' deadly attack in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, which ignited the war, or say the militant group must disarm and withdraw from Gaza. Acting US Ambassador Dorothy Shea, speaking to the council immediately before the vote, said the resolution would undermine the security of Israel, a close US ally, and diplomatic efforts to reach a ceasefire "that reflects the realities on the ground." US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the resolution would only have empowered Hamas. "Hamas could end this brutal conflict immediately by laying down its arms and releasing all remaining hostages," he said in a statement. Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon thanked the United States for refusing to abandon the hostages. He said the resolution's failure to make the release of hostages a condition for a ceasefire would have put all the pressure on Israel and handed Hamas "time, leverage, and political cover." But the US veto of the resolutionits fifth since the start of the warwas roundly criticized by other members of the council, who accused the United States of providing Israel with impunity. The Chinese ambassador to the UN said Israel's actions have "crossed every red line" of international humanitarian law and seriously violated UN resolutions. "Yet, due to the shielding by one country, these violations have not been stopped or held accountable," Ambassador Fu Cong said. Pakistan's Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said the US veto "will be remembered as a complicity, a green light for continued annihilation. A moment where the entire world was expecting action. But yet again, this council was blocked and prevented by one member from carrying out its responsibility." In a third unanimous decision of the day, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of granting a tax exemption to a Wisconsin Catholic charity that could reshape how religiously-affiliated nonprofits nationwide are treated under the law, per the AP . The ruling addresses whether charitable work rooted in faith deserves the same legal protections as more traditional religious activities, and reverses a state court decision that found the group's services too secular to merit the same treatment as the Catholic Church. Catholic Charities Bureau, a charitable branch of a Catholic diocese that offers community services like support for people with disabilities and mental health issues, had long paid into Wisconsin's unemployment tax program, reports the Washington Post. It requested an exemption in 2016 for four of its programs but was denied by Wisconsin's Supreme Court. The state court argued that the nonprofit's activities, though motivated by religion, could just as easily be carried out by secular organizations. Catholic Charities took the case to the Supreme Court, arguing that the state was infringing on religious freedom by scrutinizing how the charity organizes its work. The group's lawyers said their charity work is a religious activityeven if services are extended to all, not just Catholics, and without efforts to convert recipients. The case drew backing from the Trump administration, which argued the state had misread the relevant law and warned of potential effects on federal statutes. story continues below At oral arguments, justices from across the spectrum raised concerns that the charity was being penalized simply because it doesn't proselytize in the course of delivering aid. The Supreme Court's decision could shape how states and the federal government grant tax-exempt status to religiously affiliated nonprofits, including large Catholic hospital networks. One striking aspect of the list of countries hit with a total or partial travel ban to the US is one that isn't there: Syria. In President Trump's first term, it was on the original list of seven nations banned, notes NPR. This time, it didn't make the cut of 19 nations being hit with full or partial bans. It's yet another sign of thawing relations between the US and Syria in the wake of the ouster of Bashar al-Assad, reports the New York Times. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's Oval Office meeting with President Trump may have been overshadowed by Trump's friction with Elon Musk, but it nonetheless made headlines. Merz encouraged Trump to play a strong role in getting Russia to end its war against Ukraine, and he reminded the president that Friday is the anniversary of D-Day, when the US helped end another European war, reports the Washington Post. At which point, Trump interjected with a joke, per Newsweek: Trump: "That was not a pleasant day for you." "That was not a pleasant day for you." Merz: "No, that was not a pleasantwell" "No, that was not a pleasantwell" Trump: "This was not a great day (for Germany)." "This was not a great day (for Germany)." Merz: "In the long run, Mr. President, this was the liberation of my country from Nazi dictatorship." "In the long run, Mr. President, this was the liberation of my country from Nazi dictatorship." Trump: "That's true." Citizens and governments of the nations named in President Trump's travel ban announcement responded on Thursday with anger, hurt, and a bit of sarcasm. "Chad has no planes to offer, no billions of dollars to give but Chad has its dignity and pride," President Idriss Deby wrote on Facebook. His government immediately enacted a reciprocal restriction on visas for Americans, NBC News reports. Other reactions included: Somalia: After already having US aid cut, including assistance for training forces to fight terrorist groups, the government decided against lashing out. "Somalia values its longstanding relationship with the United States and stands ready to engage in dialogue to address the concerns raised," its ambassador to the US said in a statement. Fairbanks, AK (99701) Today Scattered thunderstorms, especially during the afternoon hours. High 71F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Thunderstorms early, then mainly cloudy after midnight with light rain possible. Low 57F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%. MONTREAL, June 5, 2025 /CNW/ - Air Canada's inaugural flight from Montreal departed yesterday evening and arrived this morning in Porto, Portugal. Air Canadas inaugural flight from Montreal departed yesterday evening and arrived this morning in Porto, Portugal. (CNW Group/Air Canada) "We are delighted to be returning to Porto, marking our newest Europe route this summer and second destination in Portugal," said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer and President, Cargo. "We design routes like this one to appeal to our customers throughout our North American network, with convenient travel options at our Montreal hub. A world heritage city and gateway to Portugal's northern region, Porto offers an array of history, culture, outdoor adventures, and gastronomic experiences. Whether customers are visiting friends, family or exploring Southern Europe, we look forward to welcoming our customers onboard our Portugal flights." Porto is Air Canada's second destination in Portugal, complementing its existing flights from Montreal and Toronto to Lisbon. Other new Europe routes celebrated this summer include the launch of its Naples route in May and the return of the Ottawa to London LHR route in April. This week, Air Canada will also be inaugurating its Toronto to Prague route and, at the end of June, its Montreal to Edinburgh route. Schedule Flight Departs Arrives Days of Week 2025 Operating dates AC928 Montreal 21:50 Porto 9:20 +1 day Mon, Wed, Sat June 4 to Aug. 28 AC929 Porto 11:20 Montreal 13:45 Tues, Thu, Sun June 5 to Aug. 26 Visit aircanada.com to book flights to Porto! Travelling internationally? Visit Air Canada's Travel Ready Hub for the latest government entry requirements. Customers are responsible for ensuring they meet all government entry requirements, including holding the correct travel documents, visas, any required health certificates, and all other eligibility requirements for any flights they purchase. About Air Canada Air Canada is Canada's largest airline, the country's flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world's most comprehensive air transportation network. Air Canada provides scheduled service directly to more than 180 airports in Canada, the United States and Internationally on six continents. It holds a Four-Star ranking from Skytrax. Air Canada's Aeroplan program is Canada's premier travel loyalty program, where members can earn or redeem points on the world's largest airline partner network of 45 airlines, plus through an extensive range of merchandise, hotel and car rental partners. Through Air Canada Vacations, it offers more travel choices than any other Canadian tour operator to hundreds of destinations worldwide, with a wide selection of hotels, flights, cruises, day tours, and car rentals. Its freight division, Air Canada Cargo, provides air freight lift and connectivity to hundreds of destinations across six continents using Air Canada's passenger and freighter aircraft. Air Canada's climate-related ambition includes a long-term aspirational goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. For additional information, please see Air Canada's TCFD disclosure. Air Canada shares are publicly traded on the TSX in Canada and the OTCQX in the US. Internet: aircanada.com/media Read our annual report Here Sign up for Air Canada news: aircanada.com Media Resources: Photos Videos B-Roll Articles SOURCE Air Canada Contacts: [email protected] Financing agreement will support more renewable energy in Nova Scotia Disponible en francais Elemental Energy's partners include Sipekne'katik First Nation and Stevens Wind 85 jobs created during construction and full-time jobs to support operations during construction and full-time jobs to support operations 12 wind turbines to provide 84 megawatts of electricity to the region HALIFAX, NS, June 5, 2025 /CNW/ - The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) and Elemental Energy have reached financial close on a $97 million loan to support a new wind energy project, Wedgeport Wind, located in the Municipal District of Argyle, Nova Scotia. Wind turbine generating electricity over a blue sky. (CNW Group/Canada Infrastructure Bank) Elemental (CNW Group/Canada Infrastructure Bank) The project includes construction and installation of 12 Nordex seven-megawatt wind turbines with the capacity to generate up to 84 megawatts of renewable energy. The development also includes construction of transmission and interconnection infrastructure, to link new renewable energy to the provincial power grid. This added electricity capacity will supply more than 30,000 homes and businesses throughout the region with reliable, low-cost energy. The project is expected to support up to 85 jobs at the peak of construction, with additional full-time employment opportunities for operations and maintenance. Wedgeport Wind is a partnership between Elemental Energy, Stevens Wind and Sipekne'katik First Nation (SFN). The partners have retained the Mi'kma'ki Municipal Limited Partnership (MMLP), a partnership between Wskinjnu'k Mtnm'tanqunuow Agency Limited (WMA) and the Municipal Group of Companies to construct the project. WMA is an economic development organization representing all 13 Mi'kmaq communities in Nova Scotia and through this partnership, MMLP is committed to maximizing Mi'kmaq participation in projects through workforce creation, local development and training initiatives. Construction is already underway, with operations to commence by late 2026. The project supports Nova Scotia's goal of attracting lower-cost innovative energy solutions and the project is expected to reduce emissions by more than 100,000 tonnes annually. This is the CIB's second partnership with Elemental Energy and partners SFN and Stevens Wind, as part of Nova Scotia's Rate Based Procurement process. The CIB's loan accelerates the construction of the energy project, at a lower cost to Nova Scotians. The project is being financed under the CIB's $10 billion Clean Power priority sector, which addresses financing gaps in new projects such as renewables, district energy systems and energy storage. Endorsements To date, the CIB has invested over $950 million in seven energy projects in Nova Scotia. Wedgeport Wind demonstrates our commitment to supporting the province and First Nations as they partner to develop energy infrastructure to strengthen the grid with affordable, clean power. Ehren Cory, CEO, Canada Infrastructure Bank As a nation of builders, it's time to build Canada stronger. The CIB's $97 million loan towards Wedgeport Wind will reduce emissions and supply clean, low-cost energy for more than 30,000 homes and businesses in Nova Scotia. This important investment will create good jobs, support economic development, and help us move one step closer to building energy security nationwide. Hon. Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada Elemental Energy, along with our partners, Sipekne'katik First Nation and Stevens Wind, is proud to support the federal government and the province of Nova Scotia with reducing greenhouse gas emissions while contributing clean, affordable and renewable electricity for the benefit of all Nova Scotians through the Wedgeport Wind Project. Jamie Houssian, Principal, Elemental Energy Learn More: Canada Infrastructure Bank Elemental Energy SOURCE Canada Infrastructure Bank Media contacts: Canada Infrastructure Bank, [email protected] Led by renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Mirko Gilardino, celebrated for his surgical artistry and anatomical expertise, Le 1620's new satellite location delivers signature results-driven ethos within a refined, immersive 1,200 sq. ft. sanctuary. By merging cutting-edge medical care into Rennai's holistic retail experience, Clinique Le 1620 ushers in a new era of self-carewhere science meets indulgence, and beauty is redefined as highly accessible and convenient. Known for its individualized treatment plans and commitment to natural, confidence-enhancing results, Le 1620 Royalmount offers a range of advanced medical aesthetic services, including neuromodulators, dermal fillers, laser treatments, PRP/PRF and skin-boosting injectables. For clients interested in surgical rejuvenation or more invasive treatment plans, consultations with plastic surgeons are available on site. Exclusive to this location are Le 1620's facials, featuring its proprietary CollageneX medical grade skin care line, along with LED therapy, chemical peels, and advanced non-invasive energy-based skin rejuvenation technologies by InMode. "This expansion allows us to grow our expert team, integrate new technologies, and deliver a truly holistic experience for our patients in a beautifully designed, accessible setting," says Dr. Gilardino. "It's a natural extension of our mission to redefine beauty and wellness while reflecting our vision of beauty as both science and self-care." Another standout feature is the introduction of advanced digital body mapping and skin surveillance technology, supporting early skin cancer detection and in-depth skin aging analysis in partnership with a team dermatologist. Christopher Novak, Rennai President and CCO, adds, "Rennai brings beauty, wellness, and expert services under one roof. Our partnership with Le 1620 takes this vision further, offering clinical-level care in a restorative space." Appointments can be booked at: [email protected] / (438)788-2999 About Rennai Rennai is dedicated to helping individuals achieve optimal well-being through 360 self-care in a highly accessible setting. Inspired by the French word Renaissance, meaning rebirth and renewal, Rennai features a range of curated global beauty brands and personalized self-care consultations with beauty, nutrition and wellness experts. Empowering individuals on their journey towards self-care, self-love and self-discovery, Rennai offers products, services and experiences to nourish the mind, body and soul, and is devoted to helping consumers feel their best, both inside and out. Rennai's flagship store is located at ROYALMOUNT in Montreal, Canada. www.rennai.com About Clinique Le 1620 Founded by Dr. Mirko Gilardino, Chief of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery at the McGill University Health Centre, Clinique Le 1620 blends cutting-edge science and proven expertise to achieve a global and comprehensive approach to beauty. www.drgilardino.com SOURCE SEC Quartier Royalmount Beauty Hall Operating LP Media Contact: [email protected] BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 5. Azerbaijan's Alat Free Economic Zone (AFEZ) is recognized as one of the most attractive free economic zones in the region. I would like to announce plans to offer 60 hectares of land to future investors, said Valeh Alaskerov, Chairman of the Management Board of AFEZ, Trend reports. Speaking at the Azerbaijan-China Economic and Trade Cooperation Conference in Baku, Alaskerov articulated that in the imminent timeframe, an augmented allocation of 138 hectares will be rendered accessible to stakeholders, and within a fiscal year, a comprehensive offering of 364 hectares will be unveiled. He laid it on the line that right now, we have a whopping 6,500 hectares of land ready to roll for investment opportunities. Alasgarov also announced the construction of a major airport within the AFEZ territory. The initial phase of the airport will cover 750 hectares, and it will later be expanded to become one of the largest airports in the region. Considering this, we are fully prepared to provide all types of transportation and logistics services for interested investors currently operating in the Alat Free Economic Zone, he added. Silver Spring, United States, June 4th, 2025, CyberNewsWire Aembit, the workload identity and access management (IAM) company, today announced its inclusion in Rising in Cyber 2025, an independent list launched by Notable Capital to spotlight the 30 most promising cybersecurity startups shaping the future of security. Unlike traditional rankings, Rising in Cyber 2025 honorees were selected through a multi-stage process grounded in real-world validation. Leading cybersecurity venture firms submitted nominations, and nearly 150 chief information security officers (CISOs) and senior security executives voted on the final list, highlighting the companies solving the most urgent challenges facing todays security teams. Aembit was selected for its Workload IAM Platform a solution delivering measurable value to security teams navigating todays complex threat landscape. The company joins a cohort that has collectively raised over $7.8 billion according to Pitchbook as of May 2025, and is defining the next era of cybersecurity across key areas like identity, application security, agentic AI, and security operations. The demand for cybersecurity innovation has never been greater. As the underlying technologies evolve and agentic AI reshapes everything from threat detection to team workflows, were witnessing a shift from reactive defense to proactive, intelligence-driven operations, said Oren Yunger, managing partner at Notable Capital. What makes this list special is that it reflects real-world validation honorees were chosen by CISOs who face these challenges every day. Congratulations to this years Rising in Cyber companies for building the solutions that modern security leaders truly want and need. In celebration, honorees will be recognized today at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) alongside top security leaders and investors. Were honored to be recognized by the CISOs and security leaders who are shaping the future of this industry, said David Goldschlag, co-founder and CEO of Aembit. We believe protecting non-human identity is one of the most urgent and underserved challenges in cybersecurity, and this validation reflects the growing need to secure access between workloads, such as AI agents and applications, not just users. Aembits inclusion in Rising in Cyber 2025 builds on an expanding track record of industry recognition, having been named a finalist in the 2024 RSA Innovation Sandbox, selected to the 2024 SINET16, and securing last September $25M in Series A funding to accelerate adoption. Fortune 500 enterprises are increasingly turning to Aembit to move beyond secrets managers and enforce policy-based access between workloads across cloud, SaaS, and hybrid environments. To learn more about Rising in Cyber 2025, users can visit risingincyber.com. About Aembit Aembit is the leading provider of workload identity and access management solutions, designed to secure non-human identities like applications, AI agents, and service accounts across on-premises, SaaS, cloud, and partner environments. Aembits no-code platform enables organizations to enforce access policies in real time, ensuring the security and integrity of critical infrastructure. Users can visit aembit.io and follow them them LinkedIn. About Rising in Cyber Rising in Cyber is an annual list recognizing the most innovative startups in cybersecurity as determined by nearly 150 leading CISOs and cybersecurity executives. Nomination criteria included private, venture-backed companies with a primary product focus on cybersecurity and the U.S. as a primary market. For more information about the honorees, participating investors, and methodology, users can visit www.risingincyber.com. About Notable Capital Notable Capital is a global venture capital firm based in the U.S. focused on early-to-growth-stage companies in cloud infrastructure and business and consumer applications. The firm invests primarily in the U.S., Israel, Europe, and Latin America. Notable Capital portfolio companies include Affirm, Airbnb, Anthropic, Brightwheel, Drata, Fal.ai, Handshake, HashiCorp, Ibotta, Monte Carlo, Neon, Orca Security, Quince, Slack, Stori, Vercel, and more. Notable Capital is a longtime investor in the global cybersecurity sector. Its investments include Bitsight, Descope, Drata, Gem Security (Acquired by Wiz), HashiCorp ($HCP, Acquired by IBM), Nozomi Networks, Orca Security, Torq, Tonic.io, and Vdoo (Acq by JFrog), and more. More information can be found at www.notablecap.com and @notablecap. Contact CMO Apurva Dave Aembit [email protected] BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 5. Estonia has taken a major step toward enhancing its national defense capabilities by moving to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention an international treaty banning anti-personnel landmines, Trend reports via Estonia's MFA. According to information, the Estonian Parliament (Riigikogu) adopted a withdrawal law, which now awaits final promulgation by the President. I welcome the Riigikogus decision to adopt the withdrawal law, said Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna. Leaving the convention gives the Estonian Defence Forces greater flexibility and freedom to choose weapons systems and solutions needed to strengthen national defense. This significantly broadens the options for protecting Estonias security. I hope the President will promulgate the law soon. The Ottawa Convention, also known as the Mine Ban Treaty, came into effect in 1999, and Estonia became a signatory in 2004. However, Tsahkna noted that the security environment in Europe has deteriorated dramatically over the past two decades, especially in light of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In the current context, withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention is the right step for Estonia, he said. Despite the withdrawal, Estonia remains committed to international humanitarian norms. The Foreign Minister emphasized the countrys continued dedication to minimizing the impact of warfare on civilians and supporting humanitarian demining efforts. Estonia is not alone in this shift. Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Finland have also initiated similar processes to withdraw from the treaty. Latvia and Lithuania have already passed the necessary legislation, while Finland and Poland are expected to debate the issue in their respective parliaments in the coming months. With this decision to withdraw, NATOs eastern flank countries send a clear message that they are ready and able to use all necessary measures against the aggressor to protect their territories and freedom, Tsahkna said. These decisions are not easy, but given the deteriorated security situation, all means to strengthen our deterrence and defense capabilities must be considered. Estonias withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention will take effect six months after official notification is submitted, provided the country is not engaged in an armed conflict at that time. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 5. The ongoing trial at the Baku Military Court has begun examining documents on the facts of deliberate damage to the ecology and economy of Azerbaijan during the aggressive war stirred up by Armenia, Trend reports. After the liberation of the occupied territories of Azerbaijan, comprehensive assessments were executed across these areas, facilitating the quantification of the infrastructural and socio-economic detriments inflicted upon each district and locality during the evaluative process. The analyzed documentation delineated the detrimental impacts inflicted upon the ecological and economic frameworks within the jurisdictions of Zangilan, Jabrayil, Fuzuli, Gubadli, Aghdam, Khojavand, Shusha, Tartar, Lachin, and Kalbajar, as well as the associated villages within these territories. This impairment encompasses the obliteration of arboreal specimens and the illicit extraction of geological resources. The photos revealed that the trees met their demise not by the hand of nature, but through deliberate action. The court also demonstrated images taken from space of the illegal exploitation of mineral deposits, including raw materials and ore deposits, in the regions that were once under occupation. It was noted that the income or other material assets obtained as a result of the looting were directed to financing the armed groups formed by the Armenian army and mercenaries brought from foreign countries, to providing them with various types of weapons, clothing, food, and other necessary needs, and to increasing the combat capability of the armed groups included in the criminal groups. To note, the trial of citizens of Armenia accused of committing crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, including the preparation and conduct of a war of aggression, genocide, violation of the laws and regulations of war, as well as terrorism, financing terrorism, forcible seizure of power, forcible retention of power, and numerous other crimes as a result of Armenia's military aggression, continues. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 5. An Organizing Committee has been established to hold the 13th Session of the United Nations (UN) World Urban Forum (WUF13), Trend reports. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed the relevant decree. According to the decree, an Organizing Committee has been established to hold the WUF13 in Baku in 2026, with the following composition. The World Urban Forum (WUF) was inaugurated in 2001 under the auspices of the United Nations to critically analyze one of the most urgent challenges confronting the global landscape today: the phenomenon of accelerated urbanization and its multifaceted ramifications on societal structures, urban environments, economic frameworks, climate dynamics, and governance strategies. The inaugural World Urban Forum (WUF) took place in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2002 and has since been convened globally on a recurring basis. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 5. The Agreement on Cooperation between Azerbaijan and Pakistan in the Field of Plant Quarantine and Plant Protection has been approved, Trend reports. The relevant law was signed by President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. The law approved the "Agreement on Cooperation between the Government of Azerbaijan and the Government of Pakistan in the Field of Plant Quarantine and Plant Protection", signed in Baku on February 24, 2025. Kye Hardison, 38, of Camden, was convicted of sexual assault and burglary charges. Canva stock image A man serving 54 years for sexually assaulting a hotel housekeeper in Atlantic City in 2020 has won an appeal seeking a new sentence. The Appellate Division affirmed the conviction of Kye Hardison, 38, of Camden, on sexual assault and burglary charges, but determined the sentence violated his constitutional rights. The assault occurred at the Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City in July 2020. Hardison was convicted after a six-day trial. The extended 54-year sentence imposed by the judge included 45 years before being eligible for parole under New Jerseys No Early Release Act. Hardisons attorneys argued that made it effectively a life sentence. A three-judge appeals court panel ruled that the judge imposed the longer sentence based on Hardisons prior convictions something only a jury is allowed to decide under a 2024 U.S. Supreme Court ruling. Hardison also challenged the use of DNA evidence at trial, claiming police coerced him into giving a cheek swab by promising to release him. He argued that officers violated his Miranda rights by requesting the swab after he had declined to speak with them. The appeals court rejected those claims, finding that the trial judges acted properly in admitting the DNA evidence. The case now returns to Superior Court for a new sentencing hearing. Prosecutors must decide whether to seek another extended sentence through a jury trial or proceed with a standard sentencing range. Hardison was represented by the state Office of the Public Defender. The case was prosecuted by the New Jersey Attorney Generals Office. Neither side immediately responded to requests for comment. Colleen Murphy may be reached at cmurphy@njadvancemedia.com. Two New Jersey are accused of trying to defraud an older man of more than $100,000 through a bank account scam, according to police. Egg Harbor Township authorities arrested Mahir Patel, 25, of Somerset, and Davit Chapidze, 21, of Edison, in Atlantic County after trying to coax the man into paying them $103,000 in order to help him with his bank account, according to police and court papers. Both were arrested last Tuesday near a Wawa in Mays Landing, Hamilton Township, and charged with criminal attempt to commit theft by deception and money laundering, as well as conspiracy-related offenses, township police said. Court papers list the crimes as second-degree offenses. Their attorneys did not immediately return a request by NJ Advance Media for comment. The men first reached out to the man online and told him his bank account was hacked and asked the unnamed victim to pay them $50,000 on May 18 for their help, police said. Shortly thereafter, Patel and Chapidze asked the man for an extra $103,000, and the two men orchestrated a May 27 meeting at the convenience store on Route 40, the affidavit states. But the victim contacted the Egg Harbor Township Police on May 23, five days after the initial alleged $50,000 payment, according to Capt. Mike Finnerty. Police then decided to monitor the May 27 meeting, he said. According to the affidavit, the transaction was to happen in a secluded area near the store when police converged on the two suspects, the affidavit states. During questioning, Patel and Chapidze told officers they drove from the Middlesex County area to visit Atlantic City but had no reason for being several miles inland, the affidavit states. An investigation remained ongoing Wednesday, Finnerty said. Police are working to locate the missing $50,000, he 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. "Phineas and Ferb" is making a comeback after 10 years off the air. Disney Phineas and Ferb is making a comeback. The animated series originally aired on Disney Channel from 2007 to 2015. Season 4 was supposed to be the shows final installment, but a revival was announced in 2023. After a 10-year hiatus, season 5 of Phineas and Ferb premieres on Disney Channel on Thursday, June 5, at 8 p.m. ET. Episodes will be available to stream on Disney+ the day after they air. Almost all of the original cast members returned for the Phineas and Ferb revival. The notable exception is Thomas Brodie-Sangster, who voiced Ferb for seasons 1-4. David Errigo Jr. took over as Ferb for the newest season. Its unclear whether Mitchel Musso, who voiced Candaces (Ashley Tisdale) crush Jeremy during the shows original run, will return for season 5. He wasnt included in any cast announcements, but his IMDb page says that he will appear in one 2025 episode of Phineas and Ferb. Musso has faced legal issues in recent years. In 2023, he was charged with public intoxication and theft, but the charges were later dismissed. Its been a long time since viewers were first introduced to Phineas, Ferb, and their summer break adventures. Keep scrolling to see how old the original cast members are now. READ MORE: Disney Channel stars: Where are they now? Vincent Martella (Phineas) When Phineas and Ferb first premiered in August 2007, Martella was only 14. Hes 32 now, but Phineas is still a kid on the show. During an April interview with Collider, Martella said the Disney Channel series has meant the most to him of any project throughout his entire career. It has been a massive part of my life, he said. The fact that Im 32 now, and people my age are showing the show to their kids, its such a big part of more than one generation now. Thomas Brodie-Sangster (Ferb) Brodie-Sangster was 17 when he began portraying the enigmatic Ferb. Hes now 35. Errigo Jr., who is taking over as Ferb for season 5, is currently 38. Ashley Tisdale (Candace) When Phineas and Ferb premiered, Tisdale was already a Disney Channel star, thanks to her starring roles in High School Musical and The Suite Life of Zack & Cody. She was 22 when the show first started, and shes 39 now. During a June interview with J-14, Tisdale shared that her 4-year-old daughter, Jupiter, has seen a little bit of Phineas and Ferb. READ MORE: Disney Channel alum makes shocking domestic violence claims in restraining order request And then shes like, What other movies do you do? I was like, Do you want my resume? she joked. Tisdale shares Jupiter and 9-month-old daughter Emerson with her husband, Christopher French. Alyson Stoner (Isabella) Stoner is also a bonafide Disney Channel star, thanks to their role as Caitlyn in the Camp Rock films. They were 14 when Phineas and Ferb premiered, and theyre 31 now. While speaking to ABC7 News On the Red Carpet in June, Stoner teased that viewers will see new sides of Isabella during season 5. I was shocked when I read the script, Stoner said. Mitchel Musso (Jeremy) Musso was already known for playing Oliver Oken on Hannah Montana when Phineas and Ferb premiered. He was 16 at the time, and hes 33 now. Maulik Pancholy (Baljeet) Despite playing a school-aged boy, Pancholy was 33 when Phineas and Ferb premiered, and hes 51 now. Season 5 of Phineas and Ferb premieres on Disney Channel on Thursday, June 5, at 8 p.m. ET. Episodes will be available to stream on Disney+ the day after they air. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips/. The Department of Justice under President Donald Trump is asking a federal judge to terminate a 2022 anti-redlining consent decree for Newark that the department entered into with Lakeland Bank under President Joe Biden. Lakeland was later absorbed by Provident Bank, which must comply with the terms of the decree. Canva In 2022, the U.S. Department of Justice, under then-President Joe Biden, entered into a court-ordered agreement with Lakeland Bank to halt redlining in Black and Latino neighborhoods in Newark and compensate for the discriminatory lending practice with $12 million in mortgage subsidies and the establishment of a new branch in the city. Since then, citizen watchdogs and the departments Civil Rights Division say the terms of the 5-year binding agreement known as a consent decree or order have been honored by Newfoundland-based Lakeland and by Provident Bank of Jersey City, which completed an acquisition of Lakeland in May 2024. Now, under President Donald Trump, the Civil Rights Division is asking the federal judge who approved the original agreement to terminate it. The request has prompted objections from the same watchdogs at New Jersey Citizen Action and from Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, who say terminating the decree would make compliance voluntary and jeopardize the gains achieved under what has been a binding order. It was satisfying to see the consent decree restitution in progress until the Department of Justice recently moved to terminate it, Baraka said in a statement on Wednesday. I condemn this act as a betrayal of the people who were harmed and of decency itself. I call on the Department of Justice to halt this termination. The Justice Department did not respond to a request for comment on Wednesday. A Provident spokesman, Keith Buscio, issued a statement quoting the motions assertion that the company had demonstrated a commitment to remediation and had reached substantial compliance with the terms of the consent order. The statement added that Provident acknowledges the benefit of the mortgage loan subsidy to underserved communities and, in the event the DOJs motion is granted, will commit to spending the remaining amount under the subsidy. Redlining is the historical practice of denying mortgage applications for homes in certain neighborhoods, typically where people of color live, regardless of the applicants creditworthiness. Housing advocates say redlinings legacy in New Jerseys largest city is evident in its low homeownership rate, with just 24.1% of Newarks 305,000 residents living in owner-occupied housing compared to 63.7% statewide, according to 2023 Census figures. Since homeownership is common way Americans build family wealth, redlining is widely regarded as contributing to the dramatic wealth gap between people of color and whites. In his statement, Baraka called redlining a historical weapon for racist discrimination, outlawed, yet still practiced today. The May 28 motion by the Justice Department is one of several clashes between the Republican Trump administration and Baraka, who leads New Jerseys largest city and is one of six Democrats running for governor in Tuesdays primary. Other clashes include Barakas May 9 arrest by federal officers outside an immigrant detention center, followed by dismissal of the trespassing charge, which in turn led to his malicious prosecution suit against the acting U.S. attorney for New Jersey. Newark is also among four sanctuary cities being sued by the Trump Justice Department for what it calls interference in its immigration enforcement. In January, four days after Trump was sworn into this second term, Baraka made Newark an early focus of the national deportation debate by sharply criticizing an ICE raid on a local seafood outlet. The motion to terminate the consent decree was filed in U .S. District Court by a team of lawyers led by Harmeet K. Dhillon, an assistant attorney general in the Civil Rights Division. The case is before Judge Claire C. Cecchi, who approved the consent decree three years ago. A hearing hasnt been scheduled. In seeking the decrees termination, the motion asserts that Lakeland has demonstrated a commitment to remediation and has reached substantial compliance with the monetary and injunctive terms of the Consent Order. The motion refers to Lakeland, even though the company was absorbed by Provident and its branches closed or rebranded. Lakeland, the motion adds, has also committed to continuing its disbursement of the loan subsidy fund and to provide the United States confirmation of that disbursement upon completion. The motion does not provide any additional rationale for the consent decrees termination. But the Lakeland consent decree case is similar to other termination requests made by the Trump Justice Department this spring, tallied in a story by The Washington Post on Sunday. The requests follow an April 23 executive order by the president titled Restoring Equality of Opportunity and Meritocracy. It bans consent decrees intended to address what is known as a disparate impact that a policy or practice has had on a particular racial, ethnic, gender or other group, even if that impact is not the policys explicit intent. The order says its purpose is to encourage meritocracy and a colorblind society, not race- or sex-based favoritism. It includes a 90-day deadline within which all agencies shall evaluate existing consent judgments and permanent injunctions that rely on theories of disparate-impact liability and take appropriate action. Another New Jersey lender, OceanFirst Bank, entered into a consent decree last fall after the Justice Department still under Biden accused the Toms River-based bank of redlining mostly Black and Latino census tracts in Ocean, Monmouth, and Middlesex counties. Citizen Action officials suspect the Trump administration will try to kill the Ocean decree next. The group praised Provident Bank this week for its compliance with the terms of the consent decree, noting that the lender had just satisfied one of its conditions by opening a new branch in Newark, Providents fourth in the city. A lawyer representing Citizen Action, Dan Urevick-Ackelsberg of the nonprofit Public Interest Law Center in Philadelphia, said theres no indication that the Justice Department was seeking to terminate the consent decree at Providents request. Instead, Citizen Action directed its criticism at the government. This is yet another example of how the Trump administration has no respect for the law or the needs of low-and moderate-income communities, and in particular the needs of people of color, Citizen Actions executive director, Dena Mottola Jaborska, said in a statement. The group is asking the judge to let it join the case in opposition to the motion, asserting the consent decree has led to real gains for Newark homebuyers that would be jeopardized if its terms were voluntary. Lakeland has hired loan officers to solicit applications for the consent orders loan subsidy fund, the brief states, listing several of those gains. Lakeland has conducted advertising and outreach to impacted communities; has partnered with local organizations to provide services promoting affordable housing, wealth creation, and asset preservation; and has started making mortgages through the consent orders loan subsidy fund. But Urevick-Ackelsberg said Providents compliance up to now is no guarantee of the future. Circumstances, the leadership of the 185-year-old company, or other factors can change, he said, and with them, the banks policies or conduct. So its important, Urevick-Ackelsberg said, that the consent decree remains in place. It goes to whether or not Lakeland/Provident has a continued enforceable obligation to help undo the redlining that was alleged, he said. Nobody knows Jersey better than N.J.com. Sign up to get breaking news alerts straight to your inbox. Steve Strunsky may be reached at sstrunsky@njadvancemedia.com New York Mets' Mark Vientos was placed on the 10-day injured list on Tuesday. AP Mets third baseman/designated hitter Mark Vientos landed on the 10-day injured list this week with a hamstring injury, but manager Carlos Mendoza had a positive update about the slugger on Wednesday. We got relatively good news. Its a low-grade strain, he said to reporters, via SNY. Going to treat it for the next 10-14 days until hes symptom-free and then ramp him back up. Good news there. In the 10th inning of Mondays 4-3 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers, Vientos fell out of the batters box and grabbed his hamstring in pain. You never know, guy goes down the way he did. You kinda expect the worst, Mendoza said. Once he went through all the testing, talking to the trainers - You hate to see him go down at any time, the fact that its low-grade, its good news. Vientos entered Mondays game in the eighth inning as a pinch hitter for DH Jared Young. He finished the night 0-for-2. Through 53 games this year, Vientos is hitting .230 with six home runs and 21 RBI. Vientos has split time at third base with Brett Baty, who has seized more of a share of playing time at third base and second base. After Vientos injury, the Mets called up prospect Ronny Mauricio to join them in Los Angeles. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription. Bridget Hyland may be reached at bhyland@njadvancemedia.com. Rashid Ali Bynum is on trial in Superior Court in Middlesex County for the murder of Sayreville councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour. Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media Rashid Ali Bynum left a digital trail of clues from Virginia to New Jersey and back as he plotted to ambush Sayreville Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour outside her apartment, the prosecution alleged as the murder trial ended on Thursday. This was a targeted attack on someone he knew well, assistant prosecutor Kristen Pridgen told the jury during closing arguments in Middlesex County Superior Court in New Brunswick. There is overwhelming circumstantial evidence that this defendant committed the crime. Police in Sayreville are trying to find the person responsible for vandalizing a pride flag on Wednesday. Anthony Sposato A pride flag was vandalized on Wednesday outside Sayreville borough hall just hours after it was hung but officials have rehung a fresh one and are looking for the culprit who destroyed the original. It was at the very least an act of vandalism, Sayreville borough administrator Glenn Skarzynski said by phone on Thursday. Police are looking to identify the miscreant responsible. Sayreville resident Anthony Sposato hoisted the pride flag Wednesday morning on a community flagpole on the northeast corner of the property occupied by borough hall after getting permission from the borough. An ordinance in place in Sayreville since last year says the only flags that can be flown on directly in front of borough hall are the U.S. flag, the New Jersey flag and a POW/MIA flag. Previously, the pride flag flew during Pride Month beneath the U.S. flag in front of borough hall. Groups can now file an application with the borough to have other flags flown for two weeks on the community flagpole, which Sposato did. In a phone interview on Thursday, Sposato thanked public works employees for putting up the new flag which he provided on Thursday and called for Mayor Kennedy OBrien and council president Donna Roberts to denounce the vandalism and call for Pride Month to be respectfully recognized. Someone tore down a pride flag handing near borough hall in Sayreville on Wednesday, June, 4, 2025. Antony Sposato Its astonishing to me that any of this comes as a surprise when you put the pride flag in the cross hairs and refuse to simply allow the thing that has been allowed for years to continue, he said. The pride flags two-week period began Wednesday, Skarzynski said. The flag was damaged but still usable after the vandal tore it down. The new flag will fly for one additional day on the back end of the two-week period, Skarzynski said. Police and the mayor couldnt immediately be reached Thursday. Earlier this week, a 60-year-old man was charged after he wrote a derogatory note about a pride flag hanging outside a bar in Gloucester City, Camden County, officials said. June is Pride Month, recognizing the contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer culture and community. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Harvey Milk poses in front of his camera shop in San Francisco in November 1977. The U.S. Department of Defense announced on Tuesday that it plans to rename the Navy ship, USNS Harvey Milk, named for him. (AP Photo/File) AP The Department of Defense is planning to rename the Navy vessel USNS Harvey Milk, named after the trailblazing LGBT and human rights advocate who became one of the first openly gay men elected to public office. In addition, Pentagon officials are reviewing the names of Navy ships named for Black and Hispanic civil rights leaders as well as notable women, NPR News reported on Tuesday. However, the DOD has not confirmed what Harvey Milk will be changed to or when, NPR News reported. Milk, born in Woodmere, New York, enlisted in the Navy after graduating from New York State College for Teachers in 1951. But he resigned in 1955 from his rank of lieutenant junior grade after being questioned about his sexual orientation, according to the Harvey Milk Foundations website. Twenty-two years later, he won a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977. Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said in a statement that the renaming of the Harvey Milk under Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth will help highlight the priorities of President Donald Trump, NBC News reported. He said more ship renamings would be announced following internal reviews. Secretary Hegseth is committed to ensuring that the names attached to all DOD installations and assets are reflective of the Commander-in-Chiefs priorities, our nations history, and the warrior ethos, Parnell said in a statement. But Sen. Alex Padilla, of California, who has offices in San Francisco, said the DODs plan to rename the Harvey Milk is an attempt to undermine LGBTQ+ contributions. Harvey Milks legacy will not be erased by Donald Trump and Pete Hegseths petty culture wars and attempts to undermine the tremendous contributions and service of the LGBTQ+ community to our country, Padilla said in a statement. In 1978, Dan White, a disgruntled San Francisco city supervisor, shot and killed Milk, then 48, and Mayor George Moscone, according to the foundations website. White was later convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to seven years and eight months in prison in 1979. Whites conviction ignited a series of violent protests in San Francisco, which became known as the White Night Riots, according to History.com. The USNS Harvey Milk is a 742-foot-long ship that was launched in November 2021 and designed to support other ships at sea, NPR News reported. It is part of the John Lewis class, seven ships in a group named for the late civil rights leader and congressman. Each vessel in the class was named after a civil rights pioneer, including the USNS Thurgood Marshall, USNS Ruth Bader Ginsburg, USNS Dolores Huerta, USNS Harriet Tubman, USNS Cesar Chavez and USNS Lucy Stone, NPR News reported. Harvey Milk was assassinated fighting for LGBTQ+ people by a small man who couldn't handle the idea of equality. Pete Hegseth can try erasing his name from a naval ship, but he will never blackout his story. Pride is a protest. Always. pic.twitter.com/sHR3vvNZQ9 Josh Sorbe (@joshsorbe) June 4, 2025 In 2023, the Navy renamed the USS Chancellorsville and the USNS Maury on a congressional commissions recommendation because their names were linked to the Confederacy, NPR News reported. The USNS Maury was renamed the USNS Marie Tharp after a trailblazing female oceanographer. The Chancellorsville was renamed the USS Robert Smalls after a formerly enslaved person who seized a Confederate ship during the Civil War, NPR News reported. Mosaic staff writer Vashti Harris can be reached at vharris@njadvancemedia.com. Welcome to Mosaic. Follow us on Instagram at @MosaicNJcom, on Facebook at MosaicNJcom, on Twitter (X) at @MosaicNJcom and on YouTube at @MosaicNJcom. All New Jersey electric customers will receive direct relief to help deal with soaring soaring electric bills as the warmer months return, Gov. Phil Murphy announced Thursday at a press conference in Newark. The governor said the state will spend $430 million to subsidize the relief to all of New Jerseys 3.9 million ratepayers, with most customers getting $100. Low-to-moderate income earners may get up to $250 for their electric bills. Murphy said he is providing the relief to help spare New Jersey electric customers from alarmingly high bills due to recent rate hikes as scorching temperatures are likely to put a stronger demand on the states power supply. Last summer, many customers were distraught over abnormally high bills, questioning methods for measuring electric use. Today, we are coming together to provide critical economic relief to the people of New Jersey by directly lowering the cost of their monthly energy bills, Murphy said. Murphy said the aid would be distributed as a credit on customers electric bills, but he did not have further specifics, except that some customers would likely receive the subsidy in either September or October. The measure must still be approved by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, Murphy said. Murphy previously announced other executive actions in an effort to combat high electric costs, including demands for utility providers to expand the winter power shutoff moratorium to include summers hottest months. The governor also called for companies to suspend reconnection fees. The Murphy administration said the direct relief is coming out of money previously allocated toward green-energy initiatives. The governor on Thursday remained critical of PJM Interconnections, one of the U.S. grid coordinators, which sends power to 65 million Americans. Together, we are going to explore every possible avenue for lowering the cost of energy in the long term to make our state more affordable for more families, Murphy, a Democrat, said. Energy prices are projected to rise in back-to-back years after the annual bidding process for energy. The new rates, which began Sunday, affect all of New Jerseys top electric providers Atlantic City Electric, PSE&G, Jersey Central Power & Light and Rockland Energy. Customers are projected to see around a 20% increase in their bills. The announcement comes ahead of New Jerseys primary election Tuesday. Many Democrats fear that rising energy costs could be an issue that could hurt them in the falls general election, when voters will decide Murphys successor and all 80 seats in the Democratic-controlled state Assembly. State Senate Minority Leader Anthony Bucco, R-Morris, on Thursday criticized Democrats, insisting the rising costs are tied to Murphys energy policies. Whether its the deferral of the energy cost increase or this credit on your bill, the fact remains it doesnt fix the overarching problem and it certainly doesnt go far enough to help the families and small businesses already struggling to afford their utility bills, Bucco said in a statement. New Jersey Policy Perspective, a nonpartisan think tank, said diverting money valuable to climate-friendly energy for short-term relief is costly. Lawmakers should prioritize targeted, sustainable solutions, like expanding the Whole House Pilot, scaling up Community Solar, and extending the Winter Termination Program to support those who need it most, without compromising our clean energy future, Alex Ambrose, a policy analyst, said in a statement. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Eric Conklin may be reached at econklin@njadvancemedia.com. N.J. Department of Transportation worker reinstated after refusing to work during COVID-19 pandemic. Canva for NJ.com A New Jersey highway technician who defied orders to report for duty during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic has won a major legal victory against the state. The Appellate Division ruling, issued Thursday, said that the state Department of Transportation wrongly forced James Bartos to resign and ordered the agency to reinstate him with back pay and benefits. The decision reversed a Civil Service Commission decision that had upheld Bartos termination for resignation not in good standing. The court found the agency deliberately set an early resignation date for Bartos, a move designed to circumvent his medical leave protections. The case stems from April 2020, when Bartos, classified as an essential employee, told supervisors he would not return to work due to concerns about COVID-19 exposure. Days later, he submitted medical documentation tied to a reopened workers compensation claim from a prior injury. Despite receiving that documentation, the Department of Transportation proceeded with disciplinary action, citing job abandonment. The agency set Bartoss resignation date as April 13two days before his medical leave was documentedand claimed he had failed to respond to repeated outreach. The appeals court found the agency acted unfairly when it picked a resignation date that let it ignore the doctors notes backing up Bartos medical leave. An administrative law judge initially ruled in Bartoss favor, finding that the agency had given him until April 16 to respond and had manipulated the resignation date to justify termination. Although the administrative law judge ruled in Bartoss favor and ordered his reinstatement with full compensation, the Civil Service Commission overturned that decision. The appellate court criticized the commission for ignoring the administrative judges findings and failing to properly consider the timeline of events. The court agreed with the administrative law judges decision to cancel Bartoss firing and give him back pay, benefits, and seniority. The case now goes back to the commission to take the next steps based on the courts ruling. Robert Altemus, Bartos attorney, said he was pleased with the outcome, noting that the Appellate Division saw through the Civil Service Commissions adjustment of the dates. The New Jersey Attorney Generals Office, which represents the commission, did not respond immediately to a request for comment. Colleen Murphy may be reached at cmurphy@njadvancemedia.com. Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 5. Azerbaijan is set to implement a unified passport system for cultural heritage under a recent amendment to the "Law on the Protection of Historical and Cultural Monuments", approved by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, Trend reports. The amendment outlines that the rules for the passporting of immovable monuments and the format of the passport will be determined by the relevant executive authority. The Cabinet of Ministers is tasked with approving the rules and passport format within two months and will subsequently report to the President of Azerbaijan. The head of state signed a decree on the implementation of the relevant law. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel A PATH 33rd Street train waits to leave Hoboken station to Journal Square. That line will see weekend track work starting on June 15 to the end of January, which will affect some travel times. Jeff Rhode | Advance Media Major track construction work that will start June 15 on the busy 33rd Street-Hoboken via Journal Square PATH line will add an extra stop and increase travel time, officials announced Wednesday. The announcement immediately drew criticism from riders who said passengers needed more notice and an explanation of alternatives. President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, June 5, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) AP President Donald Trump gave a rambling answer on Thursday when asked about his investigation into former President Joe Biden. A reporter asked Trump in the Oval Office whether he has uncovered any evidence of anything being signed without Bidens knowledge. This comes one day after Trump announced an investigation into Bidens actions as president, alleging aides hid his predecessors cognitive decline and abused the autopen without his knowledge. Trump responded by first dodging the question. Well, I dont think Biden would know whether or not he signed it, Trump said. The reporter clarified the question: Im asking if youve uncovered any information. Trump then gave a babbling response, saying that he has not uncovered any evidence but that he knows the human mind. No. But Ive uncovered, you know, the human mind. I was in a debate with the human mind. And I didnt think he knew what the hell he was doing. So, you know, its just one of those things, one of those problems, Trump replied. Its unclear what Trump meant by having a debate with the human mind. Q: Have you uncovered evidence that anything was signed without Biden's knowledge? TRUMP: I don't think Biden would know Q: I'm asking if you've uncovered any information TRUMP: No. But I've uncovered the human mind. I was in a debate with the human mind. pic.twitter.com/SnaDQGumjW Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 5, 2025 He continued to rail against Biden, repeating unsubstantiated claims that executive actions were authorized without Bidens permission during his term. We cant ever allow that to happen to our country, the danger our country was in. And I know some of the people that work with him, radical left, horrible people. And I could give you the name of some of the people that use the autopen...but I know some of the people that use that autopen, and those are not the people that had the same ideology as Joe Biden, he said. Trump then repeated the false claim that Biden did not win the 2020 election despite there being no evidence of widespread voter fraud. These were radical left lunatics that used that and they didnt get elected. He didnt get elected either, he said. Trump ordered the investigation into Bidens administration on Wednesday over the use of the autopen, which has been used by presidents, including Trump, for decades. The order marked a significant escalation in Trumps targeting of political adversaries and could lay the groundwork for arguments by the Republican that a range of Bidens actions as president were invalid. Biden responded in a statement Wednesday night: Let me be clear: I made the decisions during my presidency. I made the decisions about the pardons, executive orders, legislation, and proclamations. Any suggestion that I didnt is ridiculous and false. The Justice Department under Democratic and Republican administrations has recognized the use of an autopen to sign legislation and issue pardons for decades, Trump presented no evidence that Biden was unaware of the actions taken in his name, and the presidents absolute pardon power is enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. This conspiracy marks one of the most dangerous and concerning scandals in American history, Trump wrote in a memo. The American public was purposefully shielded from discovering who wielded the executive power, all while Bidens signature was deployed across thousands of documents to effect radical policy shifts. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. FILE - Former Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger, of Illinois, speaks during the Democratic National Convention, Aug. 22, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) AP Former GOP lawmaker Adam Kinzinger ripped some Democrats for changing their tune on tech billionaire Elon Musk. Since leaving the Trump administration last week, Musk has been on a mission to torpedo the presidents big beautiful bill" by urging his followers to call their representative to vote against the legislation. Now, some Democrats have suggested reaching back out to Musk on a number of issues amid his latest criticism of President Donald Trump. But Kinzinger slammed Democrats for that idea. Im sorry Dems: completely idiotic. You want to go into talks with @elonmusk? Really??" Kinzinger wrote on social media platform X. Im sorry Dems: completely idiotic. You want to go into talks with @elonmusk? Really??https://t.co/TAt47WvU6m Adam Kinzinger (Slava Ukraini) (@AdamKinzinger) June 5, 2025 Kinzinger shared an article from Politico with the headline: "Dems eye a villain-to-ally arc for Musk. The report quoted a number of Democratic lawmakers who are eager to welcome Muskand potentially his millions of dollarsback into their party. According to the report, U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) suggested that Democrats should be in dialogue" with the tech billionaire. This comes after many Democrats tied Musk with Trumps unpopular agenda to slash government spending and critical federal programs. We should ultimately be trying to convince him that the Democratic Party has more of the values that he agrees with, Khanna said, according to Politico. A commitment to science funding, a commitment to clean technology, a commitment to seeing international students like him. U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.) also seemed open to welcoming Musk back, per Politico. Im a believer in redemption, and he is telling the truth about the legislation, he said, but noted that Musk has done an enormous amount of damage. Musk, who received millions of dollars for Tesla from the Obama administration, has previously supported Democrats, including former President Joe Biden in the 2020 election. However, he endorsed Trump last year and ultimately became one of his closest advisers. Bringing Musk back into the Democratic fold would likely backfire on the party, as many polls showed the tech billionaire with just a 40% favorability rating, according to pollster Nate Silvers average. Musk left the Trump administration last week after his short stint leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). For months, Democrats have criticized Musks relationship with Trump and have repeatedly tried to subpoena him before Congress. Musk left behind a trail of chaos after firing or pushing out thousands of federal employees and terminating federal contracts or government functions. By eliminating the U.S. Agency for International Development, Boston University estimates that hundreds of thousands of people have already died due to the cuts. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Newsmax host Greta Van Susteren identified a big mistake on Wednesday night in President Donald Trumps new travel ban, which would bar citizens of a dozen countries from entering the United States and partially restrict those from seven others. The ban, which Trump framed as necessary for national security, would take effect at 12:01 a.m. ET on Monday. Nationals of Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen would be banned from entering the country, while individuals from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela would face travel restrictions. The ex-Fox News host reacted to the new ban on X with a personal perspective on the ban, highlighting Haiti, where she said she has helped since a 2010 earthquake left many children orphaned. I know two high school graduates in Haiti with great grades and full scholarship to Liberty University to study engineering, Van Susteren wrote. She continued, .@realDonaldTrump is making a big mistake barring these two remarkable young people. Trump just banned all nationals from Haiti..I know two high school graduates in Haiti with great grades and full scholarship to Liberty University to study engineering.@realDonaldTrump is making a big mistake barring these two remarkable young people Greta Van Susteren (@greta) June 5, 2025 A social media user responded to her post, asking So he should lift the ban for your 2 friends? Knock it off. Van Susteren shot back: You are just plain nasty. Trumps announcement mirrors a travel ban that he issued during the early days of his first term, which restricted foreigners from seven majority-Muslim countries: Iran, Iraq, Syria, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen and Libya. Trump then implemented two updated versions of the ban the final applying to eight countries, including six with Muslim majorities amid legal challenges. In 2018, the Supreme Court ultimately ruled in favor of the policy in a split decision, with Chief Justice John Roberts clarifying that immigration restrictions could fall within a presidents authority. In a video on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump tied the new travel ban to Sundays terror attack in Boulder, Colorado, against a rally for Israeli hostages in Gaza, saying it had underscored the extreme dangerous posed to our country by visitors who are not properly vetted and those who overstay their visas. The suspect, who the Department of Homeland Security said overstayed a tourist visa, is from Egypt, which is a country not included on the list. We dont want them, Trump said in the video. In the 21st century, weve seen one terror attack after another carried out by foreign visa overstayers from dangerous places all over the world. Haiti, which avoided the travel ban during Trumps first term, was also included for high overstay rates and large numbers who came to the U.S. illegally. Haitians continue to flee poverty, hunger and political instability deepens while police and a U.N.-backed mission fight a surge in gang violence, with armed men controlling at least 85% of its capital, Port-au-Prince. Haiti lacks a central authority with sufficient availability and dissemination of law enforcement information necessary to ensure its nationals do not undermine the national security of the United States, Trump wrote. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference with Elon Musk in the Oval Office of the White House, Friday, May 30, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) AP Tech billionaire Elon Musk and President Donald Trumps relationship appears to be officially over after a public spat between the two former allies. Trump publicly denounced Musk during a tense Oval Office press conference on Thursday, saying that he was disappointed and surprised that the tech billionaire opposed his big beautiful bill. He went on to suggest that Musk has Trump Derangement Syndromean insult Trump typically hurls at his opponents and critics. Musk was clearly watching as Trump claimed he would have won Pennsylvania easily without the tech billionaire campaigning for him. Musk endorsed Trump last year and joined him on the campaign trail, becoming one of Trumps closest advisers in his administration. Musk claimed on Thursday that Trump would have lost without his help. "Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate," he wrote on social media platform X. Such ingratitude, he added. A Washington Post analysis found Musk spent at least $288 million to get Trump and other Republicans elected in 2024. His comments on social media platform X prompted Trump critics to ask Musk to share more information about how much he helped Trump defeat then-Vice President Kamala Harris. Spill the tea Musk. Spill the tea, the account, Decoding Fox News, wrote on X. Spill the tea Musk. Spill the tea. https://t.co/hY68HN2njJ Decoding Fox News (@DecodingFoxNews) June 5, 2025 Trump critic Ron Filipkowski also weighed in: "We need details." Musks influence in the 2024 campaign and in the Trump White House has been heavily scrutinized and has prompted unsubstantiated conspiracy theories about Trumps victory, including that Musk used his own Starlink to rig the 2024 election Trump. A NewsGuard analysis found that there is no evidence to suggest that Starlink was used to influence the election for Trump after misleading claims circulated on social media about voter fraud in the 2024 contest. Trump also claimed Musk was upset because of the bills provision that would phase out an electric vehicle tax credit after 2026. Musk also pushed back on these idea and fired back at Trump in a number of posts on X. Musk left the Trump administration last week after his short stint leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Just days after leaving DOGE, Musk said Trumps bill was a disgusting abomination. The bill would unleash trillions of dollars in tax cuts and slash spending but alsospike deficits by $2.4 trillion over a decade and leave some 10.9 million more people without health insurance, according to an analysis by the Congressional Budget Office, which for decades has served as the official scorekeeper of legislation in Congress. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. A Fox News political analyst jabbed at President Donald Trump for one of his takeaways after speaking with Russian President Vladimir Putin. (AP Photo/David Dermer) AP Brit Hume, Fox News chief political analyst, had some harsh words for President Donald Trump after he said he spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday. Trump, in a post on his social media platform Truth Social, said he had talked with Putin for over an hour following Ukraines massive drone attack against Russia over the weekend, which destroyed 40 Russian planes, according to Ukrainian officials. Trump, who has signaled in recent days that he is unhappy with Putins handling of the war, said it was a good conversation, but it was not a conversation that will lead to immediate Peace. President Putin did say, and very strongly, that he will have to respond to the recent attack on the airfields, Trump wrote on Wednesday. Hume took to X to respond to Trumps mention of Russia needing to take action. Because, you see, what Ukraine should have done after Russia escalated his brutal attacks on Ukrainian civilians is not to attack Russian military targets? Please, he said, referencing Russias invasion of Ukraine to officially start the war in February 2022. Because, you see, what Ukraine should have done after Russia escalated his brutal attacks on Ukrainian civilians is not to attack Russian military targets? Please. https://t.co/hNjmRYFLqK Brit Hume (@brithume) June 4, 2025 Humes recent comments were not the first time the networks top political analyst had questioned Trumps stance with Russia. Gee, could it be that the Trump administration is being played? he wrote on X in March, in response to a report claiming that Russia was deliberately prolonging peace talks with Ukraine. In May, after Trump said he didnt know what the hell happened to Putin, Hume said he was glad to hear Trump criticize Putin, but he has always been a brutal tyrant. 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. Some social media users grilled Hume over his latest quip. It was reckless -- unless you think WWIII is a good goal, one user wrote. Another user emphasized that Hume was really hoping for WW3. If both sides keep escalating, thats exactly where this headsand 250 million dead later, if you survive, youll wonder how it all began, they wrote. Someone asked, Shilling for Ukraine again, neocon? Brett, both sides have hit civilian targets, no one is above the fold on this issue. Not to mention both sides have not abided to no fighting during peace talks. How can one side negotiate in good faith and carry out strikes at the same time? one user replied, A user added, Hey Brit its time time for you to retire, your commentary is from the 1980s, and another posted, I like to follow Hume for insight into how really old out of touch people see the world. In his post, Trump did not mention whether Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had made progress on a proposed ceasefire deal, as the two countries participated in a second round of direct peace talks on Monday and only agreed to swap prisoners of war. Ukraine has continued to emphasize its support for a 30-day immediate ceasefire that was proposed by Trump. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth skipped a meeting on Wednesday in Brussels with other world defense leaders to coordinate aid to Ukraine, the first time since the U.S. created the group three years ago. The country has provided over $66.5 billion to Ukraine since the war began. On the campaign trail, Trump repeatedly said he would end the war within 24 hours, and has recently expressed frustration with the Russian leader, who he recently said has gone absolutely CRAZY! He is needlessly killing a lot of people, and Im not just talking about soldiers, Trump wrote on Truth Social in May. 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! Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference with Elon Musk in the Oval Office of the White House, Friday, May 30, 2025, in Washington. AP Photo/Evan Vucci President Donald Trump officially cut ties with tech giant Elon Musk despite the billionaire spending millions of dollars to get him elected last year. Musk departed from the Trump administration last week after leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to slash federal spending. Musk ignited the feud with Trump on Tuesday by denouncing his big, beautiful bill as a disgusting abomination, calling it a massive, outrageous, pork-filled bill on social media platform X. Trump then went to battle with Musk during heated public remarks on Thursday, prompting Musk to lash out on X. The two have continued to trade barbs through the afternoon, with Trump threatening to cancel Musks subsidies and contracts with the federal government. Heres the blow-by-blow recap of what happened Thursday: Trump responds to Musks criticism of big beautiful bill Trump: I've always liked Elon and I was very surprised. You saw the words he had for me. And he hasnt said anything about me thats bad. I would rather have him criticize me than the bill. The bill is incredible. pic.twitter.com/XAbPiPBTFR Acyn (@Acyn) June 5, 2025 You saw the words he had for me, and he hasnt said anything about me thats bad, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. Id rather have him criticize me than the bill because the bill is incredible. He noted that he was unsure whether he would still have a great relationship with Musk following the criticism. Trump went on to suggest that Musk has Trump Derangement Syndromean insult the president typically hurls at his opponents and critics. Musk rejects Trumps claim about EV tax credit Elon is upset because we took the EV mandate, and you know, which was a lot of money for electric vehicles. And you know, theyre having a hard time the electric vehicles, and they want us to pay billions of dollars in subsidy. And you know,Elon knew this from the beginning, Trump said on Thursday. Musk fired back: Whatever. Keep the EV/solar incentive cuts in the bill, even though no oil & gas subsidies are touched (very unfair!!), but ditch the MOUNTAIN of DISGUSTING PORK in the bill. In the entire history of civilization, there has never been legislation that both big and beautiful. Everyone knows this! Either you get a big and ugly bill or a slim and beautiful bill. Slim and beautiful is the way. Whatever. Keep the EV/solar incentive cuts in the bill, even though no oil & gas subsidies are touched (very unfair!!), but ditch the MOUNTAIN of DISGUSTING PORK in the bill. In the entire history of civilization, there has never been legislation that both big and beautiful. Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 5, 2025 Musk also said the bill was never shown to me even once. Musk: Trump would have lost election without me Musk was clearly watching as Trump claimed he would have won Pennsylvania easily without the tech billionaire campaigning for him. He claimed on Thursday that Trump would have lost without his help. Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate, Musk wrote on X. Such ingratitude, he added . Trump threatens to cancel Musks federal contracts Hours after Musk fired back at Trumps Oval Office comments on X, Trump floated terminating Musks contracts with the federal government. A recent Washington Post analysis found that Musk and his businesses have received about $38 billion in government contracts, loans, subsidies and tax credits. The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elons Governmental Subsidies and Contracts. I was always surprised that Biden didnt do it!, Trump wrote on Truth Social. Musk drops big bomb with Have a nice day After Trump threatened to take away Musks contracts, the billionaire dropped a big bomb,, alleging that the president is included in the documents about convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Time to drop the really big bomb: @realDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public. Have a nice day, DJT! Musk wrote on X. Mark this post for the future. The truth will come out, Musk added . Mark this post for the future. The truth will come out. Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 5, 2025 Musk predicts a recession The Trump tariffs will cause a recession in the second half of this year https://t.co/rbBC11iynE Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 5, 2025 Musk says Trump should be impeached Steve Bannon says Musk should be deported Steve Bannon, who has been one of the most vocal critics of Musk for months, said he is advising Trump to cancel all of Musks contracts and launch several investigations into the worlds richest man. They should initiate a formal investigation of his immigration status because I am of the strong belief that he is an illegal alien, and he should be deported from the country immediately, he told the New York Times in a phone interview. Social media mocks the divorce Social media users could not help but laugh as the Trump and Musks relationship came to an end in an explosive public spat. The Lincoln Project simply tweeted a popcorn emoji . Former U.S. Rep. Joe Walsh admitted he didnt think it would come to this. My bad. Because I forgot that Trump is a pathologically narcissistic idiot, and Elon is a really bad dude/really sick dude. So I suppose it was always gonna come to this. Well, they deserve each other. And America deserves better, Walsh wrote . Journalist Igor Bobic referred to Musks alleged drug use in a post about the feud : This is better than Ketamine imo. And Trump critic Ron Filipkowski wrote : This Trump-Musk feud might actually get the latest breaking news on Joe Biden off CNN for a few hours. Todays news explained in one gif pic.twitter.com/caP2KhA0Xe Jonathan Capehart (@CapehartJ) June 5, 2025 Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) claimed President Donald Trumps newest travel ban is a distraction from his big, beautiful bill. Trump announced Wednesday that citizens of 12 countries will be banned from visiting the United States, resurrecting a hallmark policy of his first term in office. Murphy told MSNBCs Jen Psaki on Wednesday that Trump is trying to distract Americans from his big beautiful bill that will largely benefit the wealthy. The actual agenda is to steal from regular Americans in order to pad the pockets of the rich. So what does this bill do? It actually costs money for 40% of the American public. You get poorer if you are in the bottom 40% and the richest families get a tax cut of $270,000, Murphy said. Nobody wants that. Thats super unpopular. So how do you get that done? You distract people by making them think that theyre at war with other Americans, making them think that they have something to fear from people who look different from them, or speak a different language, he continued. This is what demagogues have done all throughout time, is to divide us from each other, make us feel like we need to be fighting ourselves while on the side, theyre stealing from us, either through legislation, like were debating in the Senate today, or old fashioned thievery, he said. Chris Murphy on Trump's travel ban: "The bill actually costs money for 40% of the American public. You get poorer if you're in the bottom 40%. The richest families get a tax cut of $270k. Nobody wants that. That's super unpopular. So how do you get that done? You distract people pic.twitter.com/rn07y6E3N5 Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 5, 2025 The Senate needs to pass Trumps bill before it heads to his desk. However, the bill already faces an uphill battle in the Senate as many fiscal hawks warn that it will only add to the national deficit due to tax cuts. Even tech billionaire Elon Musk has bashed the bill since leaving the Trump administration last week, saying it "is a disgusting abomination." Many other Democrats have claimed that Trumps travel ban is a distraction from the presidents agenda. This travel ban wont make America safer or greater instead it will isolate us and make people believe they have something to fear. Its a distraction from the corruption of the Trump Administration," U.S. Rep. Chuy Garcia (D-Ill.) wrote on X. The ban takes effect Monday at 12:01 a.m., a cushion that may avoid the chaos that unfolded at airports nationwide when a similar measure took effect with virtually no notice in 2017. Trump, who signaled plans for a new ban upon taking office in January, appears to be on firmer ground this time after the Supreme Court sided with him. Some, but not all, 12 countries also appeared on the list of banned countries in Trumps first term. The new ban includes Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. There will be heightened restrictions on visitors from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference with Elon Musk in the Oval Office of the White House, Friday, May 30, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) AP Tech billionaire Elon Musk dropped a crazy claim against President Donald Trump and social media users have gone crazy. @realDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public. Have a nice day, DJT! Musk posted on X on Thursday. Mark this post for the future. The truth will come out, he added in a separate post. Time to drop the really big bomb:@realDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public. Have a nice day, DJT! Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 5, 2025 The relationship between Trump and Musk, who served one of the presidents closest allies, appears to be officially squashed after Trump had publicly criticized Musk on Thursday, saying he was surprised and disappointed that the worlds richest man had come out in opposition to his big, beautiful bill, which moved to the Senate after narrowly passing through the House last month. Musk, who finished his time in the Trump administration as a special government employee last week, denounced the GOPs multitrillion-dollar budget bill on Tuesday, calling it a disgusting abomination and massive, outrageous, pork-filled. Since the initial post, he has launched several other attacks on the package, particularly over predictions that it would add trillions to the national deficit. In the Oval Office on Thursday, Trump suggested that Musk has Trump Derangement Syndrome, an insult that has been coined by conservatives against the presidents critics, and said he was unsure if the great relationship between the two would continue. Musk seemed to be watching, and dropped what he called the really big bomb in a post on X. A social media user posted a gif of an explosion, and another an image of Spongebob and Patrick from SpongeBob SquarePants with their mouths gaping wide open. I think were making some progress now on this therapy session, Ron Filipkowski, the editor-in-chief of MeidasTouch, posted. This is drake vs kendrick for republicans, someone wrote. Another user wrote: Yeah Elon and Trump are over. 1) What, one user posted, and another added, tesla shareholders watching elon tweet today to a shouting scene. Someone wrote GAME ON to the two punching one another. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calf.) also chimed in: Release the Epstein files NOW. Musks mention of the Epstein Files is a reference to government documents tied to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender and disgraced financier who committed suicide in his Manhattan jail cell while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges in 2019. Trump previously said he would have no problem releasing the files, but only one small batch was released in February, containing many documents that could be found online. During the Oval Office conference, Trump also said he would have won Pennsylvania easily without Musk but Musk responded, saying he would have lost the election if it werent for his help. The billionaire backed then-candidate Trump and other Republican candidates with an estimated $288 million during the 2024 campaign cycle, according to a Washington Post analysis. Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate, he wrote on X, before adding Such ingratitude. Trump, in a post to his Truth Social platform, then said that Musk was wearing thin, so he asked him to leave. I took away his EV Mandate that forced everyone to buy Electric Cars that nobody else wanted (that he knew for months I was going to do!), and he just went CRAZY! Trump continued. Such an obvious lie. So sad, Musk shot back in a post on X. And Trump continued his jabs with a threat: The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elons Governmental Subsidies and Contracts. I was always surprised that Biden didnt do it! While the two have fueled publicly, they both have already appeared to distance themselves from one another, as Musk and his companies, including Tesla, have continued to face backlash for his former role running the Department of Government Efficiency. Trump has posted on Truth Social since Musk dropped the post, but did not acknowledge the content. I dont mind Elon turning against me, but he should have done so months ago, he wrote. This is one of the Greatest Bills ever presented to Congress. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. President Donald Trump is pictured at left in a 2019 AP photo. Billionaire financier Jeffrey Epstein is pictured at right in a 2013 mug shot provided by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The messy divorce between President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk reached a nuclear stage on Thursday when Musk, a former Trump friend and advisor, wet for the kill shot. "Time to drop the really big bomb: Donald Trump is in the Epstein files, Musk tweeted. That is the real reason they have not been made public. Have a nice day, DJT!" Musk didnt provide any evidence to back his claim. Jeffrey Epstein, a disgraced financier and convicted sex offender and sex trafficker, committed suicide in prison in 2019, and Attorney General Pam Bondi has promised to release all of the investigative files, but she has dragged her feet and given several excuses why all of the information has not been made public. Bondi sent a letter to FBI Director Kash Patel prior to his confirmation that said she had requested all files related to Epstein but late Wednesday evening was informed by a source that the FBI field office in New York was in possession of thousands of pages of documents that had not been handed over. She directed Patel to investigate what she described as an apparent withholding of investigative files related to Epstein. Many saw the letter as a stall tactic. Bondi released Phase 1 in February, but that only left MAGA demanding more. Many in the MAGA movement are conspiracy theorists who believe Epstein was murdered in prison and that information regarding his alleged sex crimes is being withheld because high-ranking political officials, whom they believe were involved, are keeping it secret to protect themselves. Some MAGA influencers have called for Bondi to be fired because she has not released all of the files. Musk now says the reason all of the files havent been made public is that Bondi is protecting Trump. Heres what we know about Trumps relationship with Epstein, which spanned roughly two decades from the 1980s to the 2000s. According to the Washington Post: For the better part of two decades starting in the late 1980s, Jeffrey Epstein and Donald Trump swam in the same social pool. They were neighbors in Florida. They jetted from LaGuardia to Palm Beach together. They partied at Trumps Mar-a-Lago Club and dined at Epsteins Manhattan mansion. Trumps name appears seven times in the passenger logs of Epsteins planes. Trump reportedly flew on one of Epsteins planes at least once, arranged by Ghislaine Maxwell, who was found guilty of child sex trafficking and other offenses on 2021 in connection with Epstein. Trump and Epstein were seen at social events and photographed together at Mar-a-Lago in 1992, 1997 and 2000. They were photographed together at a Victorias Secret party in 1997. Footage from a 1992 party at Mar-a-Lago shows Trump warmly greeting Epstein. Trump dined at Epsteins Manhattan mansion in 2003. Epsteins address books contained phone numbers for Trump and Melania Trump. In 2002, Trump described Epstein as a terrific guy who was a lot of fun to be with and noted Epsteins preference for beautiful women, some of whom were on the younger side. After Epsteins 2019 arrest, Trump stated he knew Epstein, like others in Palm Beach, but they had a falling out and he hadnt spoken to him in 15 years. Trump has denied visiting Epsteins private island. Epstein reportedly claimed to be Trumps closest friend and alleged intimate knowledge of his sex life. Epstein also allegedly claimed that Melania Trump first slept with Donald Trump on his plane. Former model Stacey Williams has accused Trump of groping her in front of Epstein in the early 1990s, describing it as a twisted game between them. Trump has denied the allegations. Another woman, Amy Dorris, has also accused Trump of sexual assault, which Trump denies. A lawsuit filed in 2016 alleging Trump raped a 13-year-old girl at Epsteins residence in 1994 was voluntarily dismissed. Trump has not been accused of wrongdoing in relation to Epsteins crimes. Sources familiar with the Epstein cases state that no client list of high-profile individuals has been found. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 5. The Azerbaijan National NGO Forum has addressed an open letter to Ambassador of the Swiss Confederation to Azerbaijan Thomas Stahli, Trend reports. "In recent times, we have observed an expansion of anti-Azerbaijani activities in Switzerland as the Council of States (Senate) of the Swiss Parliament has promoted proposals under the guise of an 'international peace forum' that undermine peace and stability in the South Caucasus and support the revanchist stance in Armenia, including that of the Armenian Church. The recent event in Bern, co-organized by the Swiss Protestant Church and the Armenian Church on 'Armenian heritage' in the sovereign territories of Azerbaijan, is viewed as part of this same series of actions. We strongly condemn these slander campaigns based on hatred against Azerbaijan. Such actions do not contribute to peace and confidence-building in the region but instead fuel revanchism in Armenia and provide fertile ground for renewed separatist propaganda. Individuals involved in these events openly spread provocative rhetoric against Azerbaijans sovereignty and territorial integrity, reviving outdated narratives and terminology. In particular, the Armenian Church demonstrates a special 'activism' in this matter. Unfortunately, instead of promoting reconciliation among nations, the Armenian Church insists on continuing hostility. Such initiatives especially when proposed or adopted by the parliament of a country like Switzerland, which claims to respect international law, or promoted by a part of Swiss society such as the church, and held on Swiss territory become a clear example of double standards, contradicting the principles of objectivity and impartiality. In the 21st century, it is unacceptable to approach issues through the lens of ethnic and religious bias in the heart of Europe. During the years of occupation, Azerbaijans cultural and religious heritage in Karabakh and East Zangazur was destroyed and desecrated by Armenia cemeteries and mosques were razed. These acts have been documented by international organizations. The tangible cultural heritage of the Azerbaijani people had also been systematically eradicated in the territory of Armenia. Yet, just as it remained silent in the past, the same Council of States continues to remain silent today, failing to condemn these events. On the contrary, it revives outdated narratives against Azerbaijan through unnecessary initiatives. Why does the Swiss Council of States not show interest in the fate of nearly 4,000 Azerbaijanis who went missing during the First Karabakh War? Almost daily, civilians are killed or injured by landmines planted by Armenia in Azerbaijans liberated territories. Why does the Swiss Council of States, in a country that is the depository of the 1949 Geneva Conventions the cornerstone of international humanitarian law fail to take a position on these grave violations?! In particular, it is unacceptable for countries outside the region to approach these matters in a one-sided, biased, and racist manner. We strongly condemn such unwarranted interference and consider it a blow to the reconciliation process between Azerbaijan and Armenia Switzerland must not turn a blind eye to real, fair, and well-founded facts and become a platform for a slander campaign against Azerbaijan. The smear campaign against Azerbaijan and unwarranted interference in our countrys internal affairs must come to an end in Switzerland. In light of the above, we ask that the indignation and protest of Azerbaijani civil society be conveyed to the relevant Swiss authorities. As representatives of the Azerbaijan National NGO Forum a platform uniting hundreds of Azerbaijani NGOs we express our readiness to meet with you to discuss the matter in detail," the letter reads. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel A right-wing poster came under fire by social media users for calling former President Joe Biden's post for his wife "creepy." (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File) AP Catturd, a right-wing internet personality, drew scrutiny from social media users after he labeled former President Joe Bidens post for his wifes birthday as creepy. Biden posted an image of Dr. Jill Biden on the beach with the caption, Happy birthday, Jilly. I love you on X on Tuesday, before Catturd responded with the one word. How is this post Creepy in any way whatsoever? one user asked on Wednesday, adding A grown man with Catturd as his username is surely more creepy. Another user responded: Catturd thinks wishing your wife a happy birthday is creepy. Something tells me hes very single. No wife or children, just some dogs and a fan base of nitwits and morons on X, someone wrote. But sure, Biden wishing his wife of 47 years, Happy Birthday, is creepy. Catturd, a 60-year-old Florida resident who used to play guitar in a country-music band, has amassed over 3.7 million followers on X for his inflammatory postings, known as s---posting some of which have been amplified by President Donald Trump, tech billionaire Elon Musk and ex-Fox News host Tucker Carlson. His bio reads, The turd you cant flush. One social media user had theorized about the influential trollers identity, calling his moniker a name that sounds like a 7th graders failed attempt at rebellion: Once upon a timeline, a man named Phillip Buchanan, hailing from the depths of Wewahitchka, Florida, decided to trade his guitar for a keyboard and reinvent himself as CatTurd. Yes, you read that righta moniker that screams maturity and credibility. With a history peppered with three divorces, bankruptcy, and a stint of homelessness, Phillip found solace in the digital realm, where he could project his grievances onto the world without the inconvenience of accountability. CatTurd quickly became the darling of the disinformation age, spewing conspiracy theories and vitriol with the finesse of a toddler wielding a crayon. His tweets, often laced with scatological humor, managed to capture the attention of none other than Donald Trump, who amplified his drivel to the masses. Its a tale as old as time: a man, a pseudonym, and a platform willing to overlook the truth for the sake of engagement. But lets not forget the piece de resistanceCatTurds claim to fame includes being one of the select few accounts allegedly given preferential treatment on Twitter under Elon Musks reign. Because nothing says free speech like algorithmic favoritism for a man whose idea of political discourse involves toilet humor and baseless accusations. In the grand tapestry of internet culture, CatTurd is less of a thread and more of a staina testament to what happens when platforms prioritize clicks over credibility. So heres to you, Phillip Buchanan: may your legacy be a cautionary tale for future generations about the perils of unchecked online personas. The user went on to explain the irony in Catturds creepy post, saying he sees wisdom in conspiracy theories and rage-bait rather than a heartfelt birthday message from a husband to his wife. So the next time CatTurd and his fan club point fingers, remember where those fingers have been: deep in the comment sections of far-right echo chambers, desperately trying to make scat jokes sound like political commentary, the user wrote. Its not just embarrassing. Its a caution sign with Wi-Fi access, they continued. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. You dont have to fly to Disney World to get the cutest Disney tumblers, mugs, and cups. You can just head over to BoxLunch and get a Winnie the Pooh tumbler for as little as $7. Right now, BoxLunch has slashed the price of so many Disney tumblers, with discounts ranging from 30% to 60% off. Disney Mickey Mouse Black and White Carnival Cup with Holder $19 $8 Get this Mickey tumbler for 60% off during BoxLunch's current sale. Buy Now That even includes this trendy Mickey Mouse tumbler that comes with its own little cup holder, so your hands wont get wet and cold when youre holding it. BoxLunch is also well-known for offering the cutest Loungefly backpacks, with some styles available for as low as $24. Funny enough, BoxLunch is advertising a 30% off sale that ends tonight (Thursday, June 5), but many of these tumblers and cups are on sale all week, and not advertised as part of a major sale, even though a number of products are marked down by 60%. BoxLunch Disney Tumbler, Mug, and Cup Deals These up to 60% off deals are on a number of variations of Disney drinkware, so weve rounded up the best of the best, which includes characters from Winnie the Pooh, Lilo & Stitch, and Pixar. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Danielle Halibey can be reached at dhalibey@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips. The New York Yankees have been owned by the Steinbrenner family since 1973. AP When Patrick Bet-David became a minority owner of the New York Yankees in June 2023, he said in a video on X, I say a lot of things ... I have strong opinions. Two years later, he offered one of his strongest and most controversial about the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine that came in the aftermath of retaliation from Ukraine during the weekend. Who gave (Ukrainian President Volodymyr) Zelensky the authority to attack Russia? Patrick Bet-David wrote to X on Tuesday night. Especially after the minerals deal & desire for peace deal. Theres no way he attacks 40+ Russian Bombers in the way that he did without having someones backing. The answer to this question solves the riddle. Bet-David, the founder and CEO of Valuetainment and podcaster who acknowledged minority ownership was the stepping stone to becoming majority owner, made his comments a day before Trump revealed after a conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin that Russia would strike back as a result of Ukraines weekend drone attack on Russian airfields. Trump said in a social media post that his lengthy call with Putin was a good conversation, but not a conversation that will lead to immediate Peace. In the meantime, Bet-David was mostly skewered on social media. And when he was, he took the sexist route in one of his responses. Kate from Kharkiv responded, It was me. I gave him the authority. And millions of other Ukrainians when we elected him. Question tho, who gave you an authority to speak nonsense? Bet-David said, Youre so cute. You gave him permission? Isnt that awesome? Im sure his puppet masters are very happy with you. Have a wonderful day sweetheart! Heres a sampling of the other reactions on social media: Stupidest question of the day. I mean really stupid. Zelenskyy doesnt need permission from anyone. Who gave Zelensky the authority?Bro, same guy who gave Moses the tablet, Poseidon the trident, and NATO the patience to tolerate this question. Who gave Zelensky the authority to attack Russia? [...] The answer to this question solves the riddle.International Law. This may be a good day to remind Patrick that Zelensky is the President of Ukraine and the authority was given to him by the people of his country. For Trump, it was the first time he weighed in on Ukraines daring attack inside Russia. The U.S. did not have advance notice of the operation, according to the White House, a point Trump emphasized during the call with Putin, according to Putins foreign affairs adviser. The call comes as the U.S. leads a diplomatic push to broker a peace deal following nearly 3 years of war. Trump, in his post, did not say how he reacted to Putins promise to respond to Ukraines attack, but it showed none of the frustration that Trump has expressed with his Russian counterpart in recent weeks over his prolonging of the war. Yuri Ushakov, Putins foreign affairs adviser, said at a briefing that the two leaders characterized the call as positive and quite productive. I believe it was useful for Trump to hear our assessments of what happened, Ushakov said, noting that the discussion of the attacks was one of the key topics. The Steinbrenner family has owned the Yankees since 1973. The Associated Press contributed to this report 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. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 5. Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov has received Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia Alexander Grushko and heads of the country's diplomatic missions accredited in European countries, the Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan said, Trend reports. The meeting discussed political, economic, trade, humanitarian, and other aspects of Azerbaijani-Russian relations, regional and international security issues of mutual interest, as well as the current situation in the region during the post-conflict period. Bayramov emphasized the importance of the role of intensive mutual visits and contacts in the development of Azerbaijani-Russian relations. The meeting attendees expressed their gratitude for the hospitality extended and engaged in inquiries pertinent to their interests concerning the geopolitical strategies of Azerbaijan. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 5. Fuad Muradov, Chair of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora of the Republic of Azerbaijan, held a meeting with leaders of Azerbaijani diaspora organizations in Belgium, accompanied by Vagif Sadigov, Azerbaijans Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the State Committee told Trend. The meeting took place at the Azerbaijani Embassy in Belgium. Among the attendees were Ilaha Taghiyeva, head of the "Fireland" Azerbaijani Association; Anar Malik, vice president of the Federation of Azerbaijanis in Belgium (BAF); Emin Aliyev, leader of "MADANI Cultural, Sports, Intellectual, Solidarity and Future Opportunities Space of Azerbaijanis"; Rufat Abbasov, founder of "Radio Octo"; Yasaman Abbasi, co-founder of the "BUTAM" Azerbaijani Cultural Association; and Aysu Ahmad, co-chair of the Heritage-Azerbaijan Belgian Student Association. Committee and embassy staff also took part in the discussions. The meeting emphasized the importance of strengthening unity and solidarity among Azerbaijanis living abroad and the need to more effectively convey Azerbaijans rightful positions to the international community. Participants exchanged views on upcoming projects, future goals, and planned initiatives. Questions from attendees were also addressed. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 5. Azerbaijan will put forward its candidacy for a new term on the European Regional Council of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), said Fuad Naghiyev, Chair of the State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan, Trend reports. Speaking at the ongoing 71st session of the commission in Baku, Naghiyev noted that Azerbaijan has been a member of the UNWTO European Commission since 2001 and will seek membership for the upcoming 20252029 period. "This year we have presented our candidacy for one of the seats on the Executive Council for the European region for the 20252029 term, with the elections taking place here today, and we look forward to continued cooperation and productive joint efforts in the years ahead. Tourism, supported by improved hotel classification, enhanced infrastructure, and diversified products, as well as in liberated territories of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan plays a key role in Europes energy map as a strategic partner to many European countries," he said. Naghiyev also emphasized Azerbaijans growing appeal as a tourist destination due to its geographic position. Hosting COP29 one of 2024s major global events, significantly increased international tourism to Azerbaijan in the previous year, he added. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel The red-and-gold jeweled crown that long lorded over the marquee of the Crown Theatre in downtown Crown Point vanished from the public eye years ago. After gathering dust for years, the landmark of Crown Point's historic downtown square was recently found and plucked from a warehouse by the retired owner of Crown Point Auto Repair and Restoration who is friends with one of the hosts of "American Pickers." Now it will again return to the public eye. Crown Antique Mall acquired the 5-foot-tall fiberglass crown resting on a red globe and will publicly display it. The antique mall, 545 E. 110th Ave. in Crown Point, has been amassing a growing display of Crown Point memorabilia that includes a John Dillinger exhibit. Owner Mark Kratkoczki has a passion for local history and also sees it as a marketing method that draws people in. The Crown Antique Mall spans 26,000 square feet in two neighboring buildings where 160 vendors sell vintage goods a half mile from Exit 249 on Interstate 65. The Crown Antique Mall crown will be displayed at the entrance of Building 2. The crown was previously attached to the marquee of the Crown Theatre, a single screen movie theater with a pipe organ and balcony that opened in 1917 and was long run by the Bikos Brothers in Gary. It closed in 2013 and was turned into an engineering office after a restoration project failed to get off the ground. William Wilson, a picker who's friends with Robbie Wolfe of "American Pickers," discovered the lost crown after looking to salvage signs from the shuttered Jak's Warehouse go-kart track and family fun center in Schererville. Wilson found the demolition company had been sitting on the lighted fiberglass crown for years. He had been hunting for it, scouring the shelves of local antique stores before serendipitously coming across it when he least expected it. "I've known Mark for years, talked to Mark about this a while ago and just did the transaction yesterday," Wilson said. "It wasn't quite for sale at first. I had it in my collection at home, but he wanted it really bad and it's probably the best place in Crown Point to display it. It's perfect." He's since stored it in his Hebron bar with vintage signs from Region businesses like Dog n Suds, Munster Food Mart, Calumet Garage and Country Kitchen, as well as a Tilt-a-Whirl sign from Enchanted Forest in Chesterton. Wilson restored the crown, which lights up inside. It needed to be rewired, relit, cleaned and straightened out after it was dented coming off the wall. "It's one-of-a-kind," he said. "It was made just for that building. It is very rare. It had over 10 years of dust on it when I found it. It was crazy." Public interest in the crown is keen, Wilson said. He got hundreds of messages about it after The Times ran an article about how he discovered and saved it late last year. "People were happy that it was found and that a piece of history was saved," Wilson said. "People loved the theater and the old look at the square. It's a shame that it was lost. There's a lot of nostalgia. It was one of the sights you would see in the town. Without a doubt it was one of the best known sights downtown. People still reminisce about that theater. It was small. It was cozy." Displaying it in public is in the best interest, Wilson said. "I love to have my hands on antiques and collectibles, but we're just the caretakers of these things. We never really own them," he said. "It needs to go somewhere public so everyone can see it. It will bring back memories." Kratkoczki has been gathering Crown Point memorabilia to display, such as Dillinger items, varsity jackets from the 1950s, sweaters and street signs. Vendors also sell Crown Point memorabilia like mugs and photos of the courthouse. The crown is the crown jewel of the permanent collection, Kratkoczki sad. "It's just an iconic piece," he said. "Everyone who went in that movie theater went underneath it. People see it and revive their memories." Kratkoczki recalls seeing "The Rocketeer" at the Crown. He's heard from customers who recall seeing Three Stooges movies there. "The crown was a landmark on the square," he said. "It's not as iconic as the courthouse but it's definitely a symbol of the downtown. The downtown has changed so much. It's a reminder of how it used to be." Wilson just hauled the crown over in a truck. It will go on display later this week. "History needs to be preserved," he said. "We need to show future generations what it was like." The display also makes for good word-of-mouth marketing, Kratkoczki said. The type of person who's interested in seeing such historic relics often is the same type of person who shops for antiques. "People come to see it because they have a lasting memory of it and maybe bring more people or tell other people," he said. "It hasn't seen daylight for years, so there should be a lot of interest." Kratkoczki is always looking to expand his Crown Point memorabilia collection that includes the SOB's Speakeasy sign and a bulldog sculpture that had been displayed outside of St. Anthony's Hospital. He's looking for a second bulldog statue to pair with it and says he will never sell anything from the permanent collection that will remain on public display. Kratkoczki expects the Crown Theatre crown will especially be a draw. "It's the holy grail. It's an iconic piece," he said. "I'm always on the hunt for Crown Point history to display at the store. We have to preserve history. Once it gets thrown out, we never see it again. Once it's gone, it's gone." BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 5. The Azerbaijani heritage that once existed in Armenia has been entirely destroyed, said Farid Shafiyev, Chairman of the Center for Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center ), Trend reports. Speaking at the scientific-practical event "Stones Speak in Silence: Protecting Azerbaijan's Heritage," Shafiyev highlighted the devastation of cultural monuments over the past 30 years amidst conflicts in the South Caucasus, with the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict standing out as particularly destructive, claiming thousands of lives. Shafiyev reiterated that he had proposed discussions with Armenia regarding mutual cultural heritage preservation. "Next to our Centers building stands an Armenian church, which houses hundreds of books in Armenian. However, illegal structures built in Karabakh in 1993 were demolished according to the Geneva Convention, while all other historical examples of cultural heritage were preserved," he said. He emphasized that all Azerbaijani monuments on Armenian territory had been completely destroyed, pointing out that the Blue Mosque in Yerevan is now inaccurately presented as a Persian monument, a claim that contradicts historical truth. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel See the Countries Under Trumps Travel Ban, Including Those That May be Added Travel banned Visas restricted Turkmenistan Eritrea Afghanistan Iran Myanmar Libya Chad Sudan Laos Yemen Togo Sierra Leone Somalia Burundi Equatorial Guinea Republic of Congo United States Cuba Haiti Venezuela Turkmenistan United States Afghanistan Iran Libya Myanmar Eritrea Cuba Chad Haiti Sudan Yemen Laos Somalia Sierra Leone Togo Venezuela Burundi Republic of Congo Equatorial Guinea Turkmenistan United States Afghanistan Iran Libya Myanmar Eritrea Cuba Haiti Chad Sudan Yemen Laos Somalia Venezuela Sierra Leone Togo Burundi Republic of Congo Equatorial Guinea In June, President Trump targeted the citizens of 19 countries as part of a new ban on travel to the United States. Later in the month, government communications showed his administration was also considering expanding the travel ban to include 36 additional countries if they do not address various security or diplomatic concerns within two months. Travel banned Afghanistan Chad Republic of Congo Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Haiti Iran Libya Myanmar Somalia Sudan Yemen Visas restricted Burundi Cuba Laos Sierra Leone Togo Turkmenistan Venezuela Countries that could face travel restrictions Angola Antigua and Barbuda Benin Bhutan Burkina Faso Cambodia Cameroon Cape Verde Dem. Republic of Congo Djibouti Dominica Egypt Ethiopia Gabon Gambia Ghana Ivory Coast Kyrgyzstan Liberia Malawi Mauritania Niger Nigeria Sao Tome and Principe Senegal South Sudan St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia Syria Tanzania Tonga Tuvalu Uganda Vanuatu Zambia Zimbabwe Shortly after he first took office in 2017, Mr. Trump tried to bar travelers from seven mostly Muslim-majority countries. Five of those countries are on the new list, plus several more countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, as well as Cuba, Haiti and Venezuela. Mr. Trumps order says the new travel ban does not apply to people with visas who are already in the United States, and it contains a few other exceptions. For example, Afghans eligible for the Special Immigrant Visa program, which is for those who helped the U.S. government during the war in Afghanistan, are excepted from the ban. How many people come to the U.S. from the countries where travel is banned? Last year, the State Department issued about 170,000 total visas to the 12 countries on the ban list. For most countries, the vast majority of those were nonimmigrant visitor visas for tourism, business or study. But for Afghans, Somalis and Yemenis, most were immigrant visas, typically allocated to immediate relatives of U.S. citizens or to skilled workers who are sponsored by their employers. Visas previously issued to countries now on the travel ban list Permanent immigrant and temporary nonimmigrant visas issued in 2024 Temporary visa Permanent visa 0 25,000 50,000 Afghanistan Iran Myanmar The majority of visas issued were under the Special Immigrant Visa program. Afghans eligible for the program are exempted from the ban. Haiti Yemen Sudan Libya Somalia Eritrea Rep. of Congo Chad Equatorial Guinea Temporary visa Permanent visa 0 25,000 50,000 Afghanistan Iran Myanmar The majority of visas issued were under the Special Immigrant Visa program. Afghans eligible for the program are exempted from the ban. Haiti Yemen Sudan Libya Somalia Eritrea Rep. of Congo Chad Equatorial Guinea Source: U.S. Department of State Note: Data shown is for fiscal year 2024. Visitors from these countries account for a sliver of all those entering the United States. Nearly a million people came from Western Europe in the month of June alone last year, by comparison, federal data shows. What happened under the previous travel bans? The introduction of the 2017 travel ban led to immediate chaos and confusion as hundreds of travelers were detained at airports across the country and more than 60,000 visas were provisionally revoked. Federal judges blocked the ban within a week. Overall, travel from the countries banned in 2017 was relatively low to begin with, though people from Iran and Syria had arrived in the thousands each month. A back-and-forth in the courts delayed implementation, and then the Covid pandemic hit, halting travel globally. But after January 2021, when President Biden lifted the bans, travel from many of those countries, most notably Iran, more than rebounded. Travel to the U.S. from countries barred under 2017 travel ban International visitor arrivals by country of citizenship Iran 25,000 15,000 Covid-19 pandemic Syria 5,000 Yemen Libya Chad Somalia North Korea 2018 20 22 24 Iran 25,000 15,000 Covid-19 pandemic Syria 5,000 Yemen Libya Chad Somalia North Korea 2018 20 22 24 Source: The National Travel and Tourism Office Note: For stays of one or more nights. Chart shows countries for which the ban ultimately took effect at the end of 2017, excluding Venezuela, from which only some travelers were barred. Mr. Trump ended up issuing four travel bans in his first term, with each version modifying its predecessor in order to pass legal scrutiny. It was almost a year before any ban actually took effect. Here is a look back at the evolution of the travel bans under the first Trump administration from 2017 through 2020: Peter Kostmayer and Doug Hirn usually had a few friends around the city who owned second homes in pretty places. Not being outdoor types, they werent sure if it was something they wanted to try. We thought it looked like a lot of work, said Mr. Hirn, 48. We also didnt know how much we would use a second place. Getting to and from one home to another can be challenging. [Did you recently buy a home? We want to hear from you. Email: thehunt@nytimes.com] Shortly after they met online in 2004, Mr. Kostmayer, 78, and Mr. Hirn moved into Mr. Kostmayers West Village apartment, which hed bought the previous year after serving seven terms as a United States Congressman from Pennsylvania. In 2021, when they got married, the couple moved to Brooklyn, and then to a three-bedroom condo in the Two Bridges neighborhood on the East Side of Manhattan. Gradually, the idea of having more outdoor space grew on them. New York in August is hot, said Mr. Kostmayer. You cant really open the windows. So we thought it would be nice just to get away when we wanted to. They started thinking about a modest-sized house for around $700,000, preferably in the vicinity of a town with a direct train line to Manhattan, good restaurants, and no Hamptons-like traffic or social scene. The couple, who were willing to spend another $150,000 on renovations, were looking for privacy and a place that had charm or that they could make charming. The Age Issue: More of Congress Is 70-Plus Than Ever Before When the current Congress was convened in January, there were nearly 120 members who were 70 or older 86 in the House, including nonvoting delegates, and 33 in the Senate. This number, which is unmatched in modern history, included 14 octogenarians in the House, five in the Senate, and 91-year-old Senator Charles E. Grassley, Republican of Iowa. Number of members 70 years or older in each chamber of Congress In the House, 86 members were 70 or older at the start of the current Congress, a majority of them Democrats. Both parties Democrats Republicans House 86 80 members 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 1951 1975 2000 2025 86 80 members 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 1951 1975 2000 2025 Senate 33 30 members 25 20 15 10 5 0 1951 1975 2000 2025 33 30 members 25 20 15 10 5 0 1951 1975 2000 2025 By The New York Times Seniority and longevity have long been rewarded, both at the polls and internally within the two major parties. Even so, some of the countrys oldest lawmakers have faced scrutiny in recent years over age and fitness to serve after very public episodes of what looked to be disorientation or decline. The 70-and-older cohort makes up more than a fifth of the members of Congress. By the time the legislative body adjourns in January of 2027, if every current member stays in office, there will be closer to 140 members aged 70 years or older across both chambers. The contentious matter of age is particularly acute among Democrats in the House, who had nearly double the members 70 or older that the Republicans did at the beginning of this term. The gap between the Democratic and the Republican Parties is smaller when looking at median age, which is around 57 years for both parties. In the Senate, the median age is 64 for Republicans and 66 for Democrats. Median age of members in each chamber of Congress In the House, the median age at the start of the 119th Congress was around 57 years. In the Senate, it was around 64. Both parties Democrats Republicans House 64 years old 62 60 58 57.4 56 54 52 50 48 46 1951 1975 2000 2025 64 years old 60 57.4 56 52 48 1951 1975 2000 2025 Senate 64.7 64 years old 62 60 58 56 54 52 50 48 46 1951 1975 2000 2025 64 years old 64.7 60 56 52 48 1951 1975 2000 2025 By The New York Times Three House Democrats have died in the past three months, including Sylvester Turner of Texas, who died at 70. Raul M. Grijalva of Arizona, who died at 77, and Gerald E. Connolly of Virginia, who died at 75, both disclosed last year that they had cancer and would not seek re-election in 2026. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, 35, lost to Mr. Connolly late last year in a race to lead her party on the Oversight Committee. Lawmakers under 45 Ms. Ocasio-Cortezs cohort used to be much better represented in Congress. In 1981, when the median age was at its lowest since at least 1951, some 37 percent of House and Senate members were younger than 45. In the current Congress, its only 16 percent. Age distribution in Congress The younger cohort of legislators has shrunk over the past four decades. 97th Congress (convened in 1981) 119th Congress (convened in 2025) By The New York Times The countrys state governors are even older, on average, than the current Congress, at 61 years compared with 54 years. Both age extremes Gen Z and the Silent Generation are less represented among state executives. Governors are even older than the current Congress Silent generation Boomers Gen X Millennials Gen Z By The New York Times There is a singular Gen Z member of Congress: Maxwell Frost, 28-year-old Democratic representative of Floridas 10th congressional district. A growing number of young Chinese looking for low-maintenance companionship are turning their attention to jars of activated yeast that only need flour and water. So-called static pets such as stones, mango pits, paper boxes, and even toothpaste have become very popular with Chinese youths looking for low-commitment companionship to compensate for their stresfull daily lives and careers. However, one such static pet has been seeing massive popularity in the Asian country, pet yeast. Nicknamed face worm by netizens, the yeast can be raised in a simple container by feeding dry yeast with flour, water, and a bit of sugar. After stirring the ingredients, all you need to do is wait a few hours to see the yeast grow into a sticky, bubbling mass that emits a typical wine-like aroma. Apparently, this is enough for young people looking for easy companionship. No need to walk it, no mess, its worry-free and easy to look after! one person wrote on a community board dedicated to pet yeast owners. If you dont want to keep it anymore, just add more flour and turn it into steamed buns to eat; there is no psychological burden, another yeast parent commented. Zhao Meng, director of the Department of Psychology at Wuhan Wudong Hospital, believes that young peoples enthusiasm for static exotic pets stems from the accumulation of academic, work, and economic pressures. Compared with traditional pets that require a lot of time and money, static pets like pet yeast are low-cost and easy to care for. There is no need to take on responsibilities such as walking and bathing it, which is in line with the increasingly popular lazy healing lifestyle. Du Hemin, a psychotherapist at Wuhan Wudong Hospital, added that static pets provide owners with secure attachment. They are not going to get sick, and they dont need constant attention. They are not like real pets that may get sick or make trouble, giving people a small but certain sense of pleasure, Du said. Forward Global has signed a $50K a month contract with Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the US. The six-month contract covers strategic communications & PA counsel, outreach to international print & broadcast journalists, real-time media & social monitoring and government relations advice. Forward Global partner Michael Rubino leads the three-person Taiwan team. The firm reports to TECROs deputy chief of mission Andrea Yang. TECRO recently signed Trump-connected Ballard Partners to a six-month contract with a $60K monthly retainer. It has used Democratic firm Gephardt Government Affairs as its DC rep since 2013. A pair of very rare Common Cranes, which have previously nested in a bog in Offaly, have returned to the same bog for a seventh consecutive year. Bord na Mona confirmed this week that the pair, which had previously successfully reared five chicks in the last three years, have been seen back at their favoured nesting site in the same bog. Following careful monitoring by ecologist Chris Cullen, who is working for Bord na Mona, it was established that the pair are once again incubating eggs. The recent story of breeding Cranes in Ireland is a story of positivity and hope; it's the story of a breeding species returning to our shores after centuries of being absent. Formerly lost as a breeding bird, said Chris, the initial breeding attempts by a single pair in 2019, 2020 and 2021 and then successful breeding in 2022, 2023 and 2024 mark the first time in hundreds of years that this iconic species is once again part of Ireland's breeding avifauna. READ NEXT: Long standing pub in Tullamore with residential accommodation now on the market As in previous years the location of the nest will remain confidential in order to protect and conserve the birds. However, it is confirmed that the site is situated on a cutaway bog, formerly used to harvest peat for energy production. Chris has been monitoring the Cranes since 2022. These birds are now benefitting further from habitat improvements associated with Bord na Monas Peatland Climate Action Scheme (PCAS), he pointed out. Over the last two breeding periods, the nesting pair and their young have been seen utilising recently rehabilitated cutaway peatlands for feeding and shelter. In addition, over the last number of years, several summering, but non-breeding individuals, have also been observed on other rehabilitated cutaway bogs in the Midlands. It appears a nascent breeding population is possibly becoming established, with clear links to rehabilitated peatlands in terms of usage. The Peatland Climate Action Scheme is a large-scale peatlands restoration project administered by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications and regulated by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, targeting the delivery of climate action along with biodiversity or natural capital benefits. Over 20,000 hectares has been rehabilitated under this Scheme to date. It is hoped that the ongoing development of wetland habitats following rehabilitation under the present scheme will continue to support the expansion of this newly returned species in Ireland. The Crane is deeply connected to the culture and history of Ireland. They have been central to folklore tales featuring the Fianna, the Druids, Saints, and the Book of Kells. Their Gaelic name, Corr, can be found in hundreds of place names, such as the Curragh in Kildare which means Crane Meadow. After an absence of four centuries they have now returned. It's suspected that there might be a second pair also breeding in the wider midlands region. The Crane breeding season is between April July. The Common Crane, like woodpeckers, have moved west from Britain to Ireland thanks to conservation efforts in Britain. These conservation efforts are so successful that the birds are being compelled to fly west to seek new breeding grounds. Most European cranes winter in places like Laguna de Gallocanta (up to 84,000 cranes) in northeastern Spain. They often use the same breeding nest year after year. READ NEXT: JYSK confirms opening date for new Tullamore store amid huge excitement Bord na Mona believes that the appearance of Common Cranes using a site that was re-wetted in recent years is an indication that the company is creating the right conditions for these birds and for lots of other biodiversity. Getting to see this bird slowly flying low over the new wetlands has been a highlight for me during my career as an Ecologist, said another Bord na Mona ecologist Mark McCorry. He pointed out that Bord na Mona's peatland rehabilitation scheme is the most extensive of its kind ever undertaken in Europe. Rehabilitation commenced on 18 peatlands in 2021 and works on another 19 commenced in 2022. During the first year of the rehabilitation programme, Bord na Mona undertook the rewetting of some 8,000 hectares of peatland. The ultimate aim is to rehabilitate 33,000 hectares of bog. The restoration and rehabilitation of peatlands, continued Mark, is creating rich and diverse habitats for our native plant and animal species. Examples of the impact of this work on biodiversity includes Irelands only protected insect, the Marsh Fritillary butterfly, colonising Bord na Mona cutaway bogs and it is now found in numerous sites; colonies of water-dependent species such as dragonflies and damselflies establishing in newly created wetlands and the appearance of the Great-White Egret as well as the Common Crane. Sphagnum moss, a key species of peatlands, is starting to reappear on some sites that were re-wetted several years ago. There has also been a significant positive response from other birds such as the black-headed gull, lapwing and the common redshank. These are all species that are under pressure in the wider landscape, and by rewetting peatlands Bord na Mona is providing them with new wet habitats. Historically the common crane was a breeding resident in Ireland but was extinct in this country since around the end of the 16th century, if not longer. Sightings in Irish skies of this species increased in recent years during periods of migration and overwintering, and hope began to build that pairs would start to breed. Mark added that the Common Crane is more likely to continue to increase in Ireland now that suitable supporting habitat is available in rewetted peatland areas. A LOCAL experienced hair stylist, Chris Devine, has opened a new salon in the Bridge Centre in Tullamore. Titled H A I R Chris Devine, this new salon will offer a totally new experience in hairstyling and will offer a range of services including individual consultations, bespoke cuts, personalised styling, multiple colour variations and hair extensions. Colouring will be provided using L Oreal professional colour brand. Other products are Kevin Murphy Backwash and Homecare. Chris brings a wealth of experience in hairdressing to this new business having worked in Irelands largest hair dressing chains. He also taught hairdressing skills at a high level when he was a Senior Lead Educator. My salon will bring luxury High Street end styling for ladies to Tullamore. What I offer is classically beautiful and wrapped in elegance. I love my work and I want to bring something refreshing to ladies hair styling. I guarantee absolute quality with my amazing new touch styling, stated Chris. Chris hopes to expand the new brand throughout the Offaly where he is planning new Salons. He also plans to open a Hair Academy as part of the business; this will be a Private Academy which will have input from practitioners at national level and from the UK. When he is established Chris plans to offer a free service to people recovering from cancer. He will offer a service to style and trim wigs and head shaving if required. This will be offered on Sundays in a private setting with assurance and confidentiality. Details will be announced later. There will be a personalised private Bridal area with a Gin Bar where the Bridal party can choose individual styling and advice. H A I R Chris Devine is located on the First Floor of the Bridge Centre, Tullamore. READ NEXT: JYSK confirms opening date for new Tullamore store amid huge excitement READ NEXT: Two Offaly players named in Irish Rugby Squad for upcoming summer tour A man from Laois has been arrested on suspicion of stealing dogs, a BMW, obstructing police and drug driving in Wales. North Wales Police are trying to locate the owners of one of two dogs which were in a BMW X5 that was stopped in Colwyn Bay on the afternoon of Tuesday, June 3. Police were called shortly before 2pm following a report that a vehicle towing a caravan had been seen weaving in the carriageway of the A55. Officers responded and caught up with the vehicle a BMW X5. The driver tested positive for cannabis at the roadside and was arrested. Two dogs were also found in the vehicle however the driver was unable to give an account of who owned the animals or what they were called, North Wales Police said in an online post. They stated that the man was further arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, theft of dogs, obstruct police and an outstanding fail to appear offence. READ NEXT: Year in prison for man wielding knife in 'very serious' incident at Offaly take-away The dogs a Jack Russell cross puppy and a Fell Terrier, were taken to the Colwyn Bay Neighbourhood Policing Team office at Police Headquarters, and they have since been taken to kennels where they remain. Both dogs were checked for microchips one has since been identified but our enquiries are ongoing to identify the owner of the second dog. Anybody who may have information is asked to contact North Wales Police via the website or by calling 101, quoting reference number 25000455904, Police stated. The 30-year-old male driver who is from County Laois in Ireland was released under investigation for the offences whilst enquiries continue," Police Stated. Picture Credit: North Wales Police They said the man was remanded to appear before Llandudno Magistrates Court this morning charged with the separate fail to appear offence. READ NEXT: Seven years in jail for 'terrorising' Offaly pensioner in 'nasty, vile and mean' crime Vice President Han Zheng will attend the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France and visit Spain upon invitation from June 7 to 13. The Paper: Today is the World Environment Day. Commentators say in recent years, China has set the pace in global green transition, made notable achievements in renewable energy exploration and other fields, and contributed to the energy transition programs in other developing countries. Whats your comment? Lin Jian: China has been a staunch doer in green development. Over the past 20 years since the green is gold philosophy was put forward, China has found ways to tackle many of the challenges in ecological governance. China has properly handled the relations between development and conservation. China has witnessed the fastest energy intensity reduction and most visible improvement in air quality. China accounts for a quarter of the worlds newly-added area of afforestation, and has built the worlds largest and fastest-growing renewable energy system and the largest and most complete new energy industrial chain. China is also an important contributor to the global green transition. China has green energy cooperation projects with over 100 countries and regions, and actively supports the free flow of high-quality green technologies and products. China provides over 80 percent of the photovoltaic components and 70 percent of wind power equipment in the world and has enabled the worlds LCOE of wind and PV power to drop by more than 60 percent and 80 percent respectively. As a result, countries in the world, especially the developing countries, have affordable and better access to clean energy. We all share one planet and are one humanity. China is committed to green development that prioritizes eco-conservation, and will continue acting responsibly as an enabler and working with the rest of the world to implement the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and build a clean, beautiful and sustainable world. AFP: U.S. President Donald Trump signed a new travel ban on Wednesday, targeting 12 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran and Yemen, reviving one of the most controversial measures from his first term. Does the Foreign Ministry have a comment on this? Lin Jian: We noted the reports. Mobility of people is what makes exchanges and cooperation possible between countries. Reuters: Also on U.S. President Donald Trump. The United States on Wednesday suspended for an initial six months the entry into the United States of foreign nationals seeking to study or participate in programs at Harvard University. What is the Ministrys response to this? Lin Jian: China-U.S. education cooperation benefits both sides. China opposes politicizing education cooperation. What the U.S. did will damage its own image and reputation. We will firmly defend the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Chinese students and scholars. Reuters: The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission voted unanimously to call for public comment on possible new regulations for foreign companies listed on American stock markets. They say that Chinese firms in particular have benefited from having to make fewer regular disclosures to investors. How does the Ministry view the move towards tougher regulations in the U.S.? Lin Jian: The U.S. needs to follow the market principle of fair competition, stop politicizing economic and trade issues, and provide a fair, just and non-discriminatory environment for Chinese and other foreign businesses. China will do what is necessary to firmly defend Chinese businesses legitimate and lawful rights and interests. NHK: It is reported that due to Chinas export controls on rare earth, Japanese automaker Suzuki has suspended production of its main small cars in Japan because of delays in procuring parts. It has been reported that that is the first case in Japan. So what is the Foreign Ministrys response to this? Lin Jian: Chinas export control measures are consistent with universal practices. Such measures are non-discriminatory and not targeted at any particular country. Id refer you to competent authorities on your specific question. Bloomberg: Were wondering if you have any information on any potential call between President Trump and President Xi Jinping. The second question is that the SCMP has reported that Australian Prime Minister Albanese will visit China this summer. I wonder if you can confirm this. Lin Jian: On your first question, I have nothing to read out. On your second question, Chinas position on developing its relations with Australia is consistent and clear. We stand ready to enhance exchanges and cooperation with Australia and work for a more mature, stable and productive comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Australia. I have nothing to share on the specific visit you mentioned. On May 22, 2025 the Heydar Aliyev Centre once again became a hub of purposeful dialogue as SHE Congress 2025 welcomed hundreds of leaders, thinkers, and changemakers for a day defined by vision, clarity, and connection. Now in its seventh year, the Congress has firmly established itself as a platform where leadership is not just discussed, but redefined. Under the theme Beyond Now Creating What Lives On, this years edition moved beyond surface-level inspiration, inviting participants to confront deeper questions of legacy, intention, and value. What do we carry forward? And what will still matter years from now? The event opened and closed with remarks from Tatyana Mikayil, founder of SHE Congress, whose words captured the essence of the gathering: We are not here to chase whats urgent we are here to build what matters. A mono world has no future. In a time of polarised narratives and rigid expectations, SHE Congress makes one thing clear true progress comes not from separation, but from collaboration. Can we stop fighting with each other, and start respecting each others space, choice, and power?" Professor Hijran Huseynova reflected on the broader societal impact of the platform: "SHE Congress has once again demonstrated the importance of collective responsibility in building a more inclusive and respectful society. Education, economic opportunity, and the ability to make informed choices are not only women's issues they are matters of national development. When women are equipped and supported, entire communities thrive. The strength of this Congress lies in its ability to bring together diverse voices with one common purpose: to create meaningful, lasting change." Among the most powerful moments were speeches of Gunay Jalilova, Deputy CEO of Yelo Bank, Shirin Aliyeva, Chief Legal and Data Strategy Officer of Azercell Telecom and of course panel of the Currency of Impact featuring Yasemin Bedir, Division President at Mastercard; Umut Shayakhmetova, CEO of Halyk Bank; Natia Turnava, Governor of the National Bank of Georgia; and Gular Pashayeva, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan a high-level conversation that underscored how values-driven leadership translates into lasting economic and social change. This years Congress was made possible thanks to the support of dedicated partners first and foremost the Heydar Aliyev Centre, whose ongoing commitment to culture, innovation, and dialogue continues to elevate SHE Congress year after year. We also extend our sincere gratitude to Yelo Bank, Mastercard, Bosch, Azercell, Baku Media Centre whose belief in legacy-driven leadership has shaped the very foundation of this event. These are not just logos, they are co-builders of change. As the day came to a close, it left behind more than conversation it left behind intention. The kind that doesnt fade with applause, but grows into action. Because the true impact of leadership is not what we say today its what still echoes tomorrow. Dozens of people, including a number of children, are among the latest group of people to be deported from Ireland, gardai have confirmed. Members of the Garda National Immigration Bureau say they carried out an operation removing individuals from the State on Wednesday evening. "The operation resulted in the removal of 35 individuals - 21 males, nine females and five children," said a spokesperson who added that the children removed are all part of family groups. According to the garda statement, all of the individuals were removed on a chartered flight which left Dublin Airport, for Nigeria, on Wednesday night. An Garda Siochana says it continues to work closely with the Department of Justice in implementing immigration policy. READ ALSO: RIP: Gardai seek witnesses after pedal cyclist dies after being struck by van in East Cork The latest deportations bring the total number of people who have been removed from the State on special charter flights so far this year to more than 100. In February 32 people were deported to Georgia while a further 39 were removed and transported to the same country at the end of April. Since his appointment as Minister for Justice, Jim O'Callaghan has said the "swift and fair return" of people whose applications for asylum have been refused is the foundation of any modern rules-based immigration process and is a priority of his. If people wish to move to Ireland, they must do so using the appropriate legal pathways. Removal operations send a clear message that our laws are to be respected and underscores this governments intention to protect the integrity of our immigration system," he stated in May. A young Tullamore woman is hoping to fulfill her dream of undertaking a Space Studies Programme. Rebecca Carragher has the ''unique opportunity and honour'' of representing Ireland at the International Space University where she has been accepted to attend the Space Studies Programme of 2025. Rebecca has been given a 10,000 scholarship by the European Space Agency but it's up to her to fund the rest. ''The Space Studies Program (SSP) offers an intensive eight-week course hosted each year in the timeframe June-August in different locations around the world. It provides courses in all space disciplines, as well as hands-on education through workshops and professional visits. The International Space Universitys 37th Space Studies Program (SSP) will be held in Greater Seoul, South Korea from 30th June to 22nd August 2025,'' Rebecca explains. ''The SSP is intended for people working in space-related fields who wish to broaden their knowledge base. During the SSP, participants work on team projects to address current and future challenges in the space sector,'' she says. ''I will be learning things like space engineering, space sciences, space law and politics, business and space technology.'' READ NEXT: Offaly Council seeks HSE's 'legal authority' for hospice plan in Tullamore Rebecca currently works as a communications and marketing professional with an art and design background. She works with Dr Niamh Shaw who was recently voted one of Ireland's leading science communicators and STEAM specialists. Dr Shaw has had an enormous influence on Rebecca's life. She says that since her collaboration with Dr Shaw, ''I have been captivated by the space industry and its potential to inspire and innovate. Working alongside Dr. Shaw has been a transformative experience. Her dedication to communicating the wonders of space science has ignited a profound fascination within me. I feel that I have been pulled into this world by destiny. I believe that many different types of people and expertise can be a strong asset to any industry, especially one like space.'' Rebecca has set up her own GoFund me page and people are invited to donate to help her to fulfill her dream. ''So I hurl my little dream into your hands and hope, with your help, that I get to glimpse into the wonderful world of space,'' concludes Rebecca. If you would like to make a contribution, follow this link https://www.gofundme.com/f/align-the-stars-fund-my-space-education-journey OFFALY Hospice Foundation is delighted to announce that Hospice Sunflower Days is returning for its 35th year next month with the on-street collection taking place on this Friday, June 6, and Saturday, June 7. Hospice Sunflower Days Ambassadors, Miriam OCallaghan and Jenny McCarthy, were on hand to officially launch this years campaign. As well as the on-street collection, the public can also support Offaly Hospice Foundation by donating online throughout the month of June at www.sunflowerdays.ie. Every euro raised locally, stays locally and the donation will go directly to Offaly Hospice Foundation. The funds raised play a vital role in supporting the delivery of specialist palliative care in communities across Ireland. Hospice and specialist palliative homecare services provide free-of-charge care and support to those living with a life-limiting illness, whilst also helping and supporting the patients family members. The funds raised in Offaly will support Night Nursing, Specialist Childrens Resources, Exceptional Needs Funding, Bereavement Support, Complementary Therapies, as well as Training and Education. In 2024, funding also enabled the replacement of Syringe Pumps. As this demonstrates, every contribution directly benefits vital services within our local community. READ NEXT: Great news for two Offaly towns as funding of 250,000 secured Speaking at the launch of the 2025 Hospice Sunflower Days campaign, Mary Murphy, Fundraising, Offaly Hospice Foundation, said: We are thrilled to launch the 35th Hospice Sunflower Days campaign. We rely so much on the publics support which allow us to continue to support vital services delivered by Offaly Palliative Care team. We are calling on everyone from Offaly to donate what they can, either on-street or on-line this June, as every euro raised locally, stays locally and really does make a big difference at a local level. Hospice Sunflower Days Ambassador, Miriam OCallaghan, commented, The Hospice Sunflower Days campaign is one I am absolutely delighted to support as I have seen firsthand the fantastic work and care that hospices and homecare services provide to patients and families all across the country. With hospices needing to raise approximately 20 million each year to continue to provide their specialist care, it is so important for the public to show their support by donating on-street or on-line during this years campaign. You can support Offaly Hospice Foundation by donating to the on-street volunteers on Friday 6th or Saturday 7th June, or by donating online throughout the month of June via the website, www.sunflowerdays.ie READ MORE: Offaly man who faces having his house repossessed to go on hunger strike Many people think that Trump is a traitor, crazy and too aggressive. But this is not true. Trump is simply using the political Jackpot called "the lack of alternative to the USA" in international life. This Jackpot was created by generations of American politicians to gain US dominance in the world and reform American society! It was Donald Trump who had the honor of using this. US Political Jackpot The US has achieved such power that in many areas of international politics and economics there are no alternatives to the US. The lack of alternatives has given the US a new opportunity. This opportunity to make any political decisions without thinking about the reaction of the international community. Ukraine is the most powerful example confirming this.(1) The idea that Biden was a friend of Ukraine and Trump is an enemy of Ukraine is wrong. In fact, Biden and Trump were jointly implementing the same thing. This thing was dedicated to the good of the United States. Biden lured the Europeans and Russians into a trap. And Trump got the maximum benefit from it. In fact, the United States encouraged the confrontation between the EU and Russia, but then sharply reduced the potential of the Europeans and deprived the EU of the opportunity to defeat Russia. As a result, both sides of the conflict, the EU and Russia, became critically dependent on the United States. This allowed American politicians to extract maximum dividends from the results of the war in Ukraine. (2) The extraction of benefits required such contradictory political decisions that many people see Trump's actions as a betrayal of the interests of the United States, Europe and, of course, Biden's policies. But these people can be outraged as much as they want. These people can do nothing. There is no alternative to the United States in many areas of international economics and politics. Therefore, the world, experiencing a contradictory reaction, watches as the United States extracts benefits from someone else's fight. American politicians can do whatever they want without political consequences. This is a jackpot in politics! The Hidden Threat to US National Security But as in any other story, not everything is as simple as it seems at first glance. Political power in the United States is based on the will of voters. In order to give this political power greater flexibility, Republicans and Democrats have polarized the preferences of their voters. That is, the large difference in the preferences of Republican voters from the preferences of Democratic voters gives US politicians the opportunity to make opposite political decisions in the event of gaining power. The strong political division of American society gives US politicians great room to maneuver. It is almost impossible to defeat the US because American politics bends like a hose in any direction when it is necessary for the benefit of the American state. US politics can turn 360 degrees. But this is achieved at such a high price that it creates an unexpected threat to US national security. And this threat is hidden inside, not outside the US. The threat consists of two main parts: 1. Fierce confrontation between Republican and Democratic voters; 2. Voters' lack of understanding of the essence of the events taking place. Foreign countries are trying to exploit this. Unable to crush the US in an open confrontation, foreigners are trying to manipulate American voters. Various countries are doing this. But at the moment, the most active are the Europeans, who have found themselves under attack due to the abrupt change in US international policy.(3) Working on American voters For the first time since Roosevelt's famous Carnegie Hall speech in October 1915, American politicians are once again faced with the need to emphasize that "hyphenated Americanism" is no longer acceptable.(4) At the beginning of the last century, this statement was more about Germany; now it is about the EU. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). "[M]omentum grew among Anglos for a comprehensive plan of removal of Indian nations who cluttered the eastern side of the valley, who clung to their land, who entered alliances with European powers, got in the way of constituting new states and growing the union. Five nations in particular had to go: the Cherokee, the Choctaw, the Chickasaw, the Creeks, and the Seminole." To consider the years after the 1812 War, writes Greg Grandin, in America, Am e' rica: The New History in the New World, is to understand how Anglos recognized in the indigenous a people, not worthy to be considered human. The indigenous could be "removed," or slaughtered outright. The indigenous, different. The same for those kidnapped and brought in slave ships to the New World to do the bidding of the Anglos in building a world fit only for the Anglo American. The one-drop rule is codified, Granlin explains, because there could no longer exist free blacks in the North voting. While in the South, "slavers wanted Indian land to stake out plantations," in Northern cities, blacks were confronting a "'belligerent white supremacism'", which saw their budding neighborhoods and churches attacked by white mobs. The difference is racial. In Gaza today, mothers and fathers are begging for the right of their babies and children to not starve to death before a world where the Trumps and the Netanyahus eat well. While there are bombs falling on homes, hospitals, open-air camps, the people are begging the world to see them. To not turn away from a modern-day genocide. To not send US planes with bombs and to stop calling Israel an ally worthy of the arrest and detention of protesters calling for justice for Gaza. To honor Habeas corpus. Anyone could be next. In the meantime, Trump is encouraging billionaire investors to see what he sees: Gaza, its ruins paved over in gold. It's no accident that an American president would find it's impossible to see the Palestinians as human beings. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). 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.) Representation of the resurrection of Christ from a Roman sarcophagus, ca. 350 CE. (Image by Jastrow (2006)) Details DMCA In RoundTable 42, we ask: What can we expect from America as the last empire? We revisit November 22, 1963, not just as the day of JFK's assassination, but as a ritual sacrifice echoing a centuries-long imperial narrative. That same date marks the Masonic day of revenge, rooted in the 1307 Papal Bull that destroyed the Knights Templar. It also commemorates the 1583 beheading of JFK's ancestor, the last Fitzgerald Earl of Desmond -- the act that inaugurated the British Empire under Queen Elizabeth I and her mystical advisor, John Dee. There is a philosophical crisis hidden deep within the Christian West and the sacred nature of Imperialism that was present from its inception that needs to come out into the light. It rested on a schism between two radically different factions of early Christians; St. Paul's non-Jewish (Gentile) converts and Jews who believed Christ to be the Messiah. This schism is represented in the forces that propelled JFK to Dallas and the fulfillment of those End Time prophecies represented by the date November 22, 1963. As we trace these ritual echoes across centuries, we ask: Was JFK's death a chosen role in a hidden drama older than the nation itself? Join us for RoundTable 42 as we lay out how the circuit that started November 22, 1307 will be completed with the Return of the Prince of Peace. RSVP for the free ZOOM event June 25, 2025, 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm EST HERE TrineDay's RoundTables explore the deep currents beneath history, celebrating JFK's vision of peace, the Fitzgerald legacy, and Henry George's call for economic justice through Agape, the foundation for world peace. Kris Millegan, TrineDay Publisher, host Paul Fitzgerald and Elizabeth Gould, authors, journalists Adam Finnegan, moderator THE GET-UP-TO-SPEED REVIEW LIST -Ed Dodson took Mark Koerner's AI generated lyrics and combined them with music and images. Titled The Ballad of Post-George Georgists, watch the terrific video HERE! -Read How Paul and Liz discovered JFK's Warrior of Peace Mission:THE CASE OF JFK AND THE FITZGERALDS HERE -RT 39 Backstage at the Creation of a New Beginning can be viewed HERE -RT 40 Many Faces of the King Kill Cover -- What Really Happened to JFK? can be viewed HERE -RT 41 Shifting from Dualistic to Quantum Thinking - a critical step for the future we want to emerge can be viewed HERE -Get a free PDF copy of Alanna Hartzok's "The Earth Belongs to Everyone" HERE Copyright 2025 Fitzgerald & Gould All rights reserved Paul Fitzgerald and Elizabeth Gould are authors of Invisible History: Afghanistan's Untold Story, published by City Lights (2009), Crossing Zero The AfPak War at the Turning Point of American Empire, published by City Lights (2011). Their novel The Voice, was published in 2001. Theirs novelized memoir, The Valediction Three Nights of Desmond Book 1 was published by TrineDay (2021) and The Valediction Resurrection Book 2 was published by TrineDay (2022). For more information visit invisiblehistory , grailwerk and valediction.net (Article changed on Jun 05, 2025 at 2:59 PM EDT) Duluth, Minnesota (OpEdNews) May 27, 2025: As I write the present wide-ranging and, at times, deeply personal new 11,888-word OEN article this morning, the Roman Catholic Church has a new pope, Pope Leo XIV, who appears to be as doctrinally conservative as the doctrinally conservative late Pope Francis (1936-2025) was, and this morning's news reports that former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. I profiled the doctrinally conservative Pope Francis in my OEN article titled "Pope Francis on Evil and Satan" (dated March 24, 2019): Click Here I said farewell to the doctrinally conservative Pope Francis in my OEN article "Pope Francis (1936-2025): In Memoriam" (dated April 22, 2025): Click Here But I have not yet formulated any views of Pope Leo XIV worth writing up in an OEN article. However, in according with my view of Pope Francis in my OEN article "Pope Francis on Evil and Satan" (dated March 24, 2019), I would expect that Pope Leo XIV is also doctrinally conservative - because I see no way that the cardinal-electors would ever elect a new pope who is not doctrinally conservative. In any event, several weeks ago, I read retired U.S. Army General Stanley McChrystal's op-ed titled "Be Not Afraid" in The New York Times (dated April 13, 2025): Click Here I was impressed with his discussion of character in it, so I pre-ordered his new 2025 book titled On Character: Choices That Define a Life (Portfolio/ Penguin) at Amazon.com. I have now received Stanley McChrystal's new 2025 book (released on May 13, 2025). Over 68 short autobiographical chapters, the retired Army general is an admirably lucid writer. Now, when I describe the 68 short chapters in this new 2025 book as autobiographical, I do not mean that this book is an autobiography or memoir. It is not an autobiography or memoir. Rather, it is a cogently argued book. In it, McChrystal argues cogently that we make choices that define our lives -- and our character. As to McChrystal's own life, I have no doubt that he has made many significant choices in his long life that have defined his character as an outstanding leader of men and women in the U.S. Army. In short, McChrystal's life has been one of distinguished service to his country and his fellow Americans. Because McChrystal incorporates autobiographical information in his 68 short chapters, I have incorporated a certain amount of autobiographical information in the present OEN article, Because McChrystal often reflects on events in American history and world history in his 68 short chapters, I have also incorporated certain reflections on our western cultural history in the present OEN article. Now, according to the Wikipedia entry on Stanley McChrystal, he was born on August 14, 1954, in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. (I grew up in Kansas City, Kansas, my mother's hometown. But I was born on March 17, 1944, in Ossining, New York, my father's hometown. However, at the time of my birth, my father was serving in the U.S. Army in Dover, England; he was part of the build-up of troops there for the D-Day landing at Normandy, France. My father returned from the war as a decorated hero and entered my young life when I was eighteen months old.) Now, have I made big choices myself in my life that define my life? Yes, I certainly have. For example, when I was twenty years old, I made the choice to transfer in the fall semester of 1964 as a junior English major to Saint Louis University, the Jesuit university if the City of St. Louis, Missouri (USA). With 20/20 hindsight today, this was the biggest decision of my life. Because I planned to major in English, I reported to the head of the English department for academic counseling, Father Maurice B. McNamee, S.J. Father McNamee advised me to take Father Walter Ong's course Practical Criticism: Poetry, which I did. In that course, I fell in love with Father Ong and his media-ecology thought. Over my lifetime (I am now 81 years old), I have written extensively about Ong's media-ecology work. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 5. Photos of Azerbaijani villages in Armenia were included in the book "Time to Gather Stones," Editor-in-chief of the magazine "Irs" and head of the book project "Time to Gather Stones" Musa Marjanli told reporters, Trend reports. He made the remark at the scientific-practical event "Stones Speak in Silence: Protecting Azerbaijan's Heritage", held at the Center for Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center). "This book, prepared for foreign experts and diplomatic missions, is dedicated to Western Azerbaijan and documents the destruction and complete annihilation of the material and cultural heritage of this region. A large number of facts, visual images, documents, and other materials proving that Azerbaijanis historically lived in these territories give the publication special significance. For the first time in the last six months, we took photographs of the territory of Western Azerbaijan, including all the villages where Azerbaijanis once lived. These pictures clearly demonstrate the scale of the destruction. In particular, the photographs show destroyed tombstones with Azerbaijani names. We have repeatedly sent foreign photographers to Western Azerbaijan. Unfortunately, the Armenian side did not let them close, since most of these villages, albeit in small numbers, were inhabited by five or six Yazidi Kurd families. They were the ones who prevented photographers from accessing these territories. Nevertheless, we managed to find a way to send foreign specialists there, who took these pictures included in the book," he added. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel On April 14, Mohsen Mahdawi arrived at a government immigration office in Vermont for a citizenship interview. After 10 years as a "legal" US resident with a "green card," he wanted to officially become an "American." Instead, he found himself handcuffed, hooded, and whisked away to a cage pending deportation. He was finally released on bail two weeks later. On April 15, Kasper Eriksen arrived at a government immigration office in Tennessee. Eriksen also a "green card" holder, with a family and pregnant wife in Mississippi, also thought he was attending a citizenship interview. He was also arrested and caged pending deportation. As of this writing, he has yet to receive bail. On April 30, Ming Li Hui, better known to her friends and neighbors in Kennett, Missouri as "Carol," found herself summarily ordered to report to an immigration office in St. Louis. Carol arrived in the US as a refugee from Hong Kong in 2004. Twenty years later, she's gainfully employed, a convert to Catholicism, and has a family including three children. The US government locked her up pending deportation back to Communist China. One of her local friends, Vanessa Cowart, interviewed by the New York Times, puts it bluntly: "I voted for Donald Trump, and so did practically everyone here. But no one voted to deport moms. We were all under the impression we were just getting rid of the gangs, the people who came here in droves. This is Carol." Why are ordinary people, living ordinary lives, some even seeking to become American citizens, finding themselves in cages and facing deportation? Let's not kid ourselves: It was going to come to this eventually. Authoritarian police states never stop looking for victims and scapegoats. They eventually collapse, thankfully, but until they do it's open season on enemies, real and imagined. But why so soon? Because Donald Trump's promise to deport millions of immigrants has, so far, proven itself an epic fail. At the moment, the US government is deporting people at half the pace of the Obama regime. In late May, Axios reports, White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller and Homeland Security secretary Kristi Noem called the Trump regime's top immigration thugs in for a dressing down. They're unhappy with the slow rate of immigrant abductions and want it tripled to 3,000 per day. And there's your answer: It's easier to reach an artificial "quota" by kidnapping immigrants who show up to appointments on demand than it is to track down a handful of real criminals in their lairs, or nab foreign-born workers quietly making their livings (and making our lives better) while avoiding contact with "law enforcement." In the opening salvos of his first administration's nativist push, Donald Trump groused about immigrants from "sh*thole countries." Now he's discovering that the only way to stop immigration to the US is to turn it into one of those sh*thole countries that no one wants to live in. He's doing his best to accomplish that, and even his supporters are starting to notice. Donald Trump's so-called "Big Beautiful Bill" is being sold as a triumph of populist reform, a bold stroke to boost the economy and secure the nation. But don't be fooled by the hype. This sprawling, pork-laden legislation, narrowly pushed through the House with a 215-214-1 vote, is a betrayal of working Americans, a reckless assault on fiscal sanity, and a shameless handout to the ultra-wealthy. It's not beautiful-- it's a grotesque monument to greed and short-sightedness. The bill's centerpiece is a jaw-dropping $664 billion in tax breaks, with the lion's share flowing straight to the top 1%. While Trump touts measures like tax relief on tips and overtime as wins for the working class, these are mere crumbs compared to the windfall for corporations and the elite. Meanwhile, the bill slashes over $1 trillion from Medicaid and Medicare, stripping healthcare from 13.7 million Americans and gutting food assistance for 4 million children. It also eliminates Pell Grants for 1.4 million students, slamming the door on higher education for countless young people. This isn't "America First-- "it's the 1% first, last, and always. These cuts, we're told, won't kick in for five years. But that's just a cynical ploy to delay the backlash while locking in pain for the most vulnerable. It's a policy that bets on voters forgetting who sold them out. Even Elon Musk, once a Trump ally, has slammed the bill as a "disgusting abomination," warning it will explode the national deficit to $2.5 trillion in a single fiscal year. He's not wrong. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill's tax cuts and spending hikes-- $175 billion for deportations and a border wall, plus a massive boost in defense spending-- will add trillions to the debt over the next decade. The bill also raises the debt ceiling by $4 trillion, a move that has even fiscal conservatives like Senator Rand Paul crying foul. "The GOP will own the debt," Paul warned, and he's right-- this is a ticking time bomb for future generations. Musk's public break with Trump over this bill exposes the cracks in the Republican coalition. His posts on X call out the "outrageous, pork-filled" legislation for what it is: a betrayal of fiscal responsibility that will "burden American citizens with crushingly unsustainable debt." When even a billionaire insider can't stomach the bill, you know it's bad. The bill's passage was no triumph-- it was a squeaker, with GOP Representatives Massie and Davidson voting no and Harris abstaining. The 1,000-plus-page monstrosity was rammed through the House with barely enough time for lawmakers to read it, let alone debate its consequences. This isn't governance; it's a power grab. The bill faced opposition from within the Republican Party, with fiscal hawks and moderates alike recoiling at its excesses. As it heads to the Senate, expect more division-- Senator Paul has already vowed to fight the debt ceiling hike. Democrats, meanwhile, are united in their condemnation. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer pointed to Musk's criticism as proof of the bill's flaws, noting, "Even Elon Musk, one of Trump's buddies, said the bill is bad." Representative Jasmine Crockett called it a "straight-up scam," while Illinois Governor JB Pritzker labeled it "disastrous" for low-income families. They're not wrong-- this bill sacrifices the vulnerable on the altar of political expediency. Trump's supporters on X are crowing about the bill's "pro-growth" measures, like permanent 2017 tax cuts and tax relief for seniors. But these are overshadowed by its giveaways to the wealthy and its divisive priorities, like $175 billion for mass deportations and border walls. These policies don't just drain the treasury-- they inflame cultural tensions while doing little to address real economic challenges like stagnant wages or crumbling infrastructure. The bill's so-called "America First" agenda is a mirage, masking a reality where the rich get richer and everyone else gets squeezed. House Speaker Mike Johnson, who shepherded this mess through the House, claims Musk is "terribly wrong" and insists the bill is a "very important first start." But start to what? A future where healthcare, education, and economic security are luxuries for the few? Johnson's 20-minute phone call with Musk clearly failed to bridge the gap, and his suggestion that the bill's phasing out of tax credits might hurt Tesla only underscores its narrow, self-serving priorities. Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" is a disaster wrapped in a lie. It's not about empowering Americans-- it's about entrenching inequality, exploding the deficit, and dismantling the safety net. The July 4 deadline to pass this bill is a chance for the Senate and the public to stop this runaway train. Americans must demand better than a rushed, reckless policy that prioritizes the elite over the people. This isn't a golden age-- it's a gilded cage, and we can't afford to let it stand. Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator Syria needs everything. After 14 years of conflict, the economy, infrastructure and security status are devastated. The UAE was one of the first Arab countries to hold out a helping hand to Damascus. Once the transition on December 8, 2024 took place, UAE has continued to strengthen its ties and commitment with Syria. On June 1, Hassan Ahmed Al Shehhi, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the Syrian Arab Republic, at the Damascus International Airport, "We are pleased to announce the resumption of operations by the UAE national carrier, FlyDubai, to the Syrian Arab Republic. This milestone reflects the deep-rooted and fraternal relations between the United Arab Emirates and Syria and underscores the UAE's continued efforts to enhance regional and international air connectivity, strengthening economic ties and connecting people." The Arab Media Summit 2025 in Dubai was attended by Dr. Mohammad Nidal Al-Shaar, Syria's Minister of Economy and Industry. Al-Shaar said, "We need at least $1 trillion to reconstruct and rebuild a new Syria." He called the Syria-UAE cooperation a key driver in the reconstruction of the Syrian economy. Recently, the Damascus administration has signed an investment agreement with DP World concerning the port of Tartus. Under the agreement, the UAE company operating in 40 countries, will invest $800 million in the terminal. Syria and the Middle East are rapidly changing. Steven Sahiounie of MidEastDiscourse interviewed Dr. GA A ? i ? ? i ? ?khan Ereli, who is an expert on Middle Eastern International Relations, and has conducted research across the Arab Gulf countries. #1. Steven Sahiounie (SS): The U.S. and Iran are currently holding a series of talks concerning the Iran nuclear program. In your opinion, if the sides happen to come to an agreement, how will this possibly affect the Arab Gulf states? Gokhan Ereli (GE): For a long time, Iran's backing of Shiite militias has destabilized regional states in the Middle East. It poses a serious challenge. However, during the course of 2023-2025, Iranian influence waned across the Middle East, especially in Syria and Lebanon. This decline coincided with a surge in Gulf engagement in those traditionally Iranian-influenced areas, particularly Syria and Lebanon. Against this backdrop, the conclusion of the fourth round of US-Iran talks is a positive development for the Gulf nations. The UAE delivered President Trump's letter to Iran's Supreme Leader, Khamenei, while Oman hosted and continue to host the negotiations. These details underscored the Gulf's direct involvement in the negotiations. If a broad or narrow agreement materializes soon, the Gulf states will gain significance - as US intermediaries and as partners advancing dialogue with Iran. Yet any US-Iran accord remains vulnerable to spoilers: Israel, reckless moves by Iranian militias, or the Houthis' growing transnational reach. #2. SS: U.S. President Donald Trump has sought to add more Arab countries to the Abraham Accords with Israel. UAE, Bahrain. Morocco and Sudan have participated, and there is pressure on Oman to sign. In your view, what are the benefits from signing the Accords? EG: From 2016 to 2020, the Trump administration's paramount focus was normalization. Today, however, it has receded to the back burner due to the ongoing Israeli brutality in Gaza. Yet, being sidelined does not mean normalization with Israel has been shelved entirely. For some time, U.S. administrations have viewed Saudi Arabia as the "grand prize" in this process-- and Netanyahu shares that perspective. Nevertheless, in the midst of the Gaza conflict, a normalization agreement with Israel would be extremely difficult for Gulf, or other Arab states, to justify publicly. Outside the calculus of war, normalization essentially means forging economic ties with Israel, strengthening military cooperation, and deepening relations with the U.S. Despite all its potential benefits, in the near future it would be a political move nearly impossible to sell to Gulf or Arab public opinion. #3. SS: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said one of his main goals was to have Saudi Arabia sign the Abraham Accords. However, the ongoing genocide on Gaza, carried out by Israel, has put a halt to any activity on the Abraham Accords. In your opinion, will Saudi Arabia maintain their stance on demanding a two-state solution? EG: Since the 2003 Arab Peace Initiative, Saudi Arabia has hinted at normalizing ties with Israel-- on the condition that it springs from a Two-State Solution. Before the Gaza onslaught, U.S. administrations bent over backwards to smooth the path. For Riyadh, normalization is a pivotal threshold in regional politics-- after all, its chief Gulf rival, the UAE, has already reaped dividends from warming ties with Israel. Yet, in a post-Gaza calculus, rushing normalization within a 3- to 6-month window could spark severe political fallout for Saudi Arabia. Still, Israel's enduring presence in regional geopolitics-- and Riyadh's long-standing interest-- means normalization could arise eventually, using it as a forum that advances a Two-State dialogue. But the where and when, as Trump once emphasized, is a decision for the Saudis alone. #4. SS: The Arab Gulf countries have expressed an interest in rebuilding Syria after the civil war destroyed many parts of the country. In your opinion, what will be the role of the UAE and any other Gulf countries in Syria? Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). On world environment day 5 June 2025 we at the Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability received the keys from the contractor for the new building to house our planned museum focused on environmental issues, natural and cultural heritage, and indigenous people knowledge (all issues of sustainability and connectivity). By nature this runs against the mythology (nay intent) of "a land without a people". We now begin meetings with colleagues and friends locally and around the world because we need the support to actually create the museum content. We need YOUR support (time, ideas, in-kind support, donations etc). Watch this video and then email us at info@palestinenature.org We must together work to stop the genocide and ALSO stop the ecocide globally both driven by colonal interests "Another blood-soaked hand is raised. For the 5th time since the current wave of genocide in Palestine began, the US has again vetoed a ceasefire in the UN Security Council against the wishes of all other states at the council. For those still claiming that the US is trying to negotiate a ceasefire, your lies are exposed for all the world to see. This the gesture of a co-perpetrator, of a genocidaire." Greta Thunberg speaks from the boat sailing to Gaza. Action: Sign formal notice to Israel on the Madleen ship. Witnesses describe a massacres at "aid distribution" (more like death traps): From Mosab Abo Taho: "I have just found this video posted by Ameen's friends. This man is named Ameen Sameer Khalifa. He documented the moment when Israeli soldiers opened fire at them yesterday morning. Ameen was killed along with over 30 people. The Israeli forces denied their responsibility for the killing and the media changed their headlines. Can you tell us who killed Ameen and the other starved people?" HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH: "Gunning down people you are choosing to starve as they desperately seek food for their families shocks the conscience. States should urgently act, including imposing sanctions and an arms embargo, to press Israel to stop exterminating Palestinians." From Craig Murray in Scotland 'Perhaps somebody might explain to me the moral difference between: herding people into "food distribution points" then shooting them, and herding people into "shower rooms" then gassing them?' Join and boycott Cevron. The suffering in Gaza is a moral crisis. Gaza Tribunal play list. Alistair McIntosh To restore light unto the nations: Israel, Palestine, Scotland and the charter of the land. Theology in Scotland 32.1(2025): 5-24 Jonathan Cook asks us to ignore Keir Starmer's theatrics. Stay Humane and keep hope alive Mazin Qumsiyeh A bedouin in cyberspace, a villager at home Professor, Founder, and (volunteer) Director Palestine Museum of Natural History Palestine Institute of Biodiversity and Sustainability Bethlehem University Occupied Palestine facebook pages Personal Institute French Ranchi, Jharkhand - In a significant development for the education landscape in Ranchi, ODM Sapphire Global School has unveiled its comprehensive International Admission Support Program, setting a new benchmark for academic institutions in the region. This initiative positions the school among the premier schools in Ranchi with a focused approach to global education pathways. The meticulously designed program connects students with top-tier academic consultants from metropolitan cities across India, offering much Seattle, WA - June 10, 2025 - Flux Oersted's latest album, Chamber of Horrors, released on July 4, 2025, is igniting the indie music scene with its genre-defying sound. Following its debut announcement on PRLog (https://www.prlog.org/13080429-flux-oersted-releases-chamber-of-horrors-this-independence-day.html), the album's haunting melodies and raw energy are captivating fans and critics, perfectly embodying the rebellious spirit of Independence Day. The album's striking cover-a gritty, eclectic desk cluttered with analog gear-sets the tone for its New Delhi, India- 05/June/2025 With the NEET UG 2025 season now being open, thousands of medical student aspirants are looking for expert advice to help navigate the complex admission and counselling process. Career Xpert, a well-established career guidance company for medical education, has now officially launched its Personalized NEET UG 2025 Counselling Service, which will assist students in making well-informed and strategic plans. The initiative covers every major counselling category including: 1. All As more people turn to spiritual guidance in today's uncertain world, Tarot Card Reading has found a new home online-thanks to renowned spiritual advisor Astrologer Psychic Jai Dev. Now offering Online Tarot Card Reading services tailored for clients in Chicago, Jai Dev is helping people reconnect with ancient wisdom through the convenience of modern technology. For More Details Visit our Website: https://www.astrologerpsychicjaidev.com/tarot-card-readings.php Whether you're facing challenges in love, career, health, or The U.S. Department of Labor's Frances Perkins Building is shown in this photo from the department. Shawn T Moore | U.S. Department of Labor UPDATE: Judge temporarily blocks Trumps effort to eliminate Job Corps, 168 Astoria job cuts on hold The Tongue Point Job Corps Center in Astoria on Wednesday notified state officials that it expects to close by June 30. The closure will mean the elimination of 168 jobs, including instructors, admissions counselors and advisers, according to a new filing with Oregons Higher Education Coordinating Commission, which is required when mass layoffs occur. Job Corps is a free vocational training program funded by the U.S. Department of Labor for people ages 16 to 24. The Labor Department said last month it would pause the program. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer who for one term represented Oregons 5th Congressional District said the program is no longer achieving the intended outcomes that students deserve. The contract for the Astoria center was terminated as of June 30, according to the state filing. A new operator is not expected to be named. The U.S. Department of Labor ordered Tongue Point to send all students home by June 6th, Oregon U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley said in a May statement to The Oregonian/OregonLive. Job Corps site in Troutdale and Portland also are expected to close, according to KGW. This sudden shutdown of programs at the three Job Corps sites in Oregon is a devastating blow to the hundreds of youth striving to learn a craft and stand on their own feet, Merkley added. Ill do what I can to reverse this brutal decision. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 5. A delegation of English language teachers from the Jaroslaw Dabrowski Military University of Technology of the Republic of Poland visited the Military Institute named after Heydar Aliyev of the National Defense University in Baku, Azerbaijan, Trend reports via the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense. During the visitation protocol, the attendees were apprised of the historical context and operational dynamics of the institute, complemented by an exhaustive exposition regarding the esteemed trajectory of the educational establishment. Throughout the symposium, the contingent was apprised of the institution's pedagogical framework, curricular offerings, and developmental methodologies. During the convening, the stakeholders engaged in a robust dialogue concerning pedagogical methodologies pertinent to English language instruction, and inquiries from attendees were meticulously addressed. Ultimately, the delegation engaged in a comprehensive exploration of the institutes museum, facilitating a deeper understanding of its curated collections and historical artifacts. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Douglas Olson, special agent in charge of the Portland FBI field office, said on June 5, 2025, that a Columbia County teenage boy had a map, a route, weapons and expressed extreme views online in a plot to shoot moviegoers at the Three Rivers Crossing mall in Kelso. Officers arrested the boy May 22 to thwart the plan, he said. The Oregonian The FBI thwarted a potential mass shooting by a teenager who planned to set off an explosive at a shopping mall in Washington state and shoot people as they fled the movie theater there, law enforcement leaders said Thursday. A juvenile boy from Columbia County was arrested May 22 on state charges, according to the FBI. Authorities didnt release his name. The shooting was planned for the Three Rivers Crossing in Kelso, Washington, authorities said. The mall is about 50 miles north of Portland off Interstate 5, and has a mix of national retailers including JCPenney, Target and Safeway, local businesses and Regal Cinemas, according to its website. The teen had a map of the mall, a route to follow and a plan to use a chlorine bomb as a distraction to cause panic and then shoot people as they left the movie theater before killing himself at the mall, the FBI said in a statement. An alarming amount of indicators of a cogent path to violence were met -- at no point in this plan did it seem like the suspect wouldnt follow through with their plans, the FBI said. Douglas A. Olson, special agent in charge of Portlands FBI office, said the FBI received a tip on May 19 that someone had posted threats to an online group chat of detailed and imminent attack plans and federal agents by the next day had identified a suspect and then obtained a warrant to search his Columbia County residence. The suspect pledged allegiance to several online nihilistic violent extremist groups and ideologies and had been planning the mass casualty attack since early this year, Olson said. Douglas A. Olson, special agent in charge of Portlands FBI office, (at podium) announced on Thursday, June 5, 2025, that the FBI had thwarted a potential mass shooting last month at the Three Rivers Crossing mall in Kelso. Columbia County District Attorney Joshua Pond is on the left and Columbia County Sheriff Brian E. Pixley is on the right. Maxine Bernstein | The Oregonian/OregonLive This plot is as serious as it gets, he said. FBIS SWAT, along with Columbia County sheriffs deputies, served the search warrant on May 22 and arrested the teen. Investigators found annotated schematics, the weapons the boy planned to use and the clothing he planned to wear - an alarming number of indicators that suggested he intended to follow through on his threatened attack, Olson said. Among the items seized were three handguns, boxes of ammunition, four knives and five digital devices, Olson said. The boy was taken into custody by Columbia County juvenile authorities and was scheduled to appear in juvenile court Thursday afternoon, Columbia County District Attorney Joshua Pond said. He did not say whether the case would be transferred to adult court or whether the teen attended a Columbia County school. Pond said only that the boy was of school age and there had been some changes to his schooling in the last few months. Olson said the case is a prime example of the importance of the phrase, If you see something, say something. He said its not unusual for someone to discuss their threat and talk about it with others, then make more detailed plans and start to acquire materials and weapons to carry it out. I just think it shows that these threats are real, he said. I think this is a great example of a team working together to eliminate what I believe was something that was imminent, that was going to happen. This is a developing story and will be updated. -- Maxine Bernstein covers federal court and criminal justice. Reach her at 503-221-8212, mbernstein@oregonian.com, follow her on X @maxoregonian, on Bluesky @maxbernstein.bsky.social or on LinkedIn. Yonas Fikre (left), pictured here in February 2015 talking to media with his attorney, Thomas Nelson, in Stockholm, Sweden, about his inability to return to the United States because of his placement on a U.S. government no-fly list. (The Associated Press/File) Associated Press A federal judge Wednesday said hell allow most of the civil rights claims filed by a man placed on the No Fly List without notice to proceed in court in Oregon. U.S. District Judge Michael W. Mosman rejected the governments renewed motion to dismiss the case. 8-year-old Evelyn Decker (left), 9-year-old Paityn Decker (center), and 5-year-old Olivia Decker (right) were found dead on Monday after they were reported missing when their father didnt return them after a visit. Photos courtesy of Wenatchee Police Department The disappearance last week of three young sisters who were found dead Monday after their father failed to return them to their mother has raised questions about why Washington authorities didnt issue an Amber Alert. Their father, 32-year-old Travis Decker, is suspected of kidnapping and asphyxiating the girls, ages 5, 8 and 9, near a campground 40 miles northwest of Wenatchee. He is still at large. Officials warn people not to contact or approach Travis Decker if they see him and to instead call 911 immediately. Wenatchee Police On the night the girls were reported missing, Wenatchee police said they contacted Washington State Patrol to request an Amber Alert. However, Washington State Patrol authorities denied the request, saying it did not meet the strict criteria of the program: The person(s) must be 17-years-old or younger. The incident must be investigated by a law enforcement agency, and the subject must be entered into the National Crime Information Center. There must be enough descriptive information that activating the alert will assist in the recovery. There must be reason to believe the person has been abducted. The missing person must be known to be in danger of imminent serious bodily injury or death. In this instance, the father had legal custody of the girls and authorities could not automatically presume he had abducted them. Additionally, law enforcement did not have a clear indication the children were in imminent danger, according to Washington State Patrol spokesperson Chris Loftis. Washington State Patrol instead issued an Endangered Missing Person Alert on Saturday. The bodies of the three girls were recovered Monday, when police found Deckers unoccupied 2017 GMC Sierra pickup near the Rock Island Campground outside Leavenworth. The girls bodies were found down a small embankment 75 to 100 yards from the truck, along with plastic bags and zip ties, court documents say. A GoFundMe fundraiser has collected half a million dollars for the mother of the three girls. A worker prepared to remove a heritage tree in Portland in August 2024. The city is eliminating or reducing most tree permit fees starting in July 2025 to ease the financial burden on residents. Dave Killen / The Oregonian Portland Parks & Recreation is eliminating or reducing most tree permit fees starting in July part of an effort to fix the intensely negative public perception of the citys tree code and the Urban Forestry staff carrying it out. The fee overhaul comes thanks to $400,000 in funding via the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund, a climate fund seeded by a 1% tax on large retailers in the city. That money will substitute for the loss in permit fee revenues and allow Urban Forestry to continue the tree code compliance program. Homeowners have long complained that the permit fees are too costly and discourage tree care and planting, especially for lower-income Portlanders. Urban Forestry officials said the fee elimination is meant to ease that financial burden while ensuring that trees arent haphazardly removed. The approved removals are still to be followed by new tree plantings, maintaining the citys tree canopy. Portland has experienced a canopy decline in recent years, likely due to housing development and extreme weather. Permits are still required. Property owners must still apply before removing or pruning most trees but the fees will be waived in most cases. Beginning next month, residents will no longer need to pay a permit fee for tree removal and replanting, street tree pruning, applying chemicals and administrative reviews and appeals. Fees for permits to attach objects such as cables to street trees and to install ornamental tree lighting on street trees also wont involve any fees. Replanting waiver application fees will be reduced from $100 to $50. The civil penalty and restoration fines which residents must pay in cases of serious violations of tree removal or pruning rules will remain. We heard you. Permit fees have been a burden for many, City Forester Jenn Cairo said in a statement. With this new funding, we can remove those costs, making it easier for people to protect trees, improve safety, and contribute to a greener, healthier Portland. In recent years, the city has faced numerous complaints about overzealous, uneven and rigid enforcement of tree regulations. The city plans to launch a revision of the tree code, known as Title 11, early next year and to assume maintenance of street trees and some private property trees in the coming years, also thanks to funding from the clean energy fund. Portland code requires property owners to get a permit to cut trees larger than 12 inches in diameter on their own property and to maintain trees on public rights of way between the sidewalk and the curb abutting their homes. Homeowners also must secure permits to prune, plant or remove any street trees and must pay for and plant a replacement tree for each tree removed. For more details on Portland tree permit requirements, visit portland.gov/trees or call (503) 823-TREE. Gosia Wozniacka covers environmental justice, climate change, the clean energy transition and other environmental issues. Reach her at gwozniacka@oregonian.com or 971-421-3154. Two orphaned bobcat kittens were rescued last month after they were found alone at a rest stop near Tygh Valley in Wasco County. The kittens were estimated to be about 4 weeks old when they arrived at Think Wild, central Oregons wildlife hospital and conservation center, on May 19. Its suspected that the kittens mother was killed by a vehicle. When the kittens arrived, they were underweight, hypothermic and had external parasites. Over the past two weeks, they have received continuous care, including anti-parasitic treatments, vaccines, proper nutrition and fluids. Without rehabilitation, orphaned kittens face extremely low survival chances in the wild, according to Think Wild. Bobcat kittens usually remain with their mothers to learn vital survival skills for the first 912 months of their lives. Think Wild is using techniques designed to prevent habituation, including simulating how a mother would care for the kittens and disguising caregivers in camouflage gear. To minimize the risk of habituation, Think Wild caretakers use camouflage gear to hide human their faces when handling orphaned bobcat kittens. Courtesy of Think Wild The kittens are showing improvement. They are gaining weight steadily, Savanna Scheiner, lead wildlife technician at Think Wild, said in a news release. Their coats are cleaner and healthier, and they are beginning to exhibit more natural bobcat behaviors like hiding, hissing and avoiding human presence. The plan is to raise the kittens until they old enough to survive on their own. Oregon is expected to get up to $66 million as part of a national multi-billion settlement reached against Purdue Pharma Inc., and its Sackler family owners, over their role in the opioid crisis and the toll of OxyContin. AP Oregon is expected to get up to $66 million as part of a national multi-billion settlement reached against the Sackler family and their company, Purdue Pharma Inc., for their role in fueling the opioid crisis. The state has negotiated to receive payments over the next nine years The money will go toward supporting opioid addiction treatment, prevention and recovery programs, according to Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield. In this undated photo released by the Thurston County Sheriff's Office, a cache of military weaponry and Nazi paraphernalia are photographed during a raid at a home in Lacey, Wash. AP Two men arrested in Washington state with an arsenal that included dozens of guns, explosives and body armor, along with Nazi paraphernalia, were former military members who attacked a soldier with a hammer while stealing gear from Joint Base Lewis-McChord last weekend, investigators say. Levi Austin Frakes and Charles Ethan Fields were arrested Monday night at their home in Lacey, near Olympia, according to a criminal complaint filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court. Federal court records did not list an attorney for either man. One of the defendants told investigators the pair had been stealing equipment from the base for the past two years to sell or trade, and agents found about $24,000 in cash at the home, wrote Special Agent Christopher J. Raguse of the Army Criminal Investigation Division. The federal complaint charges them with robbery, assault and theft of government property. They also face investigation on state charges of unlawful possession of incendiary devices, short-barreled rifles and a machine gun. Each was being held at the Thurston County Jail on $500,000 bail. Agents found rifles staged at the upstairs windows, a probable cause affidavit filed in Thurston County Superior Court said. The federal complaint said agents observed numerous Nazi/white supremacy memorabilia, murals, and literature in every bedroom and near several stockpiles of weapons and military equipment. Photos from inside the home included in court documents showed a wall decorated with a red Nazi flag emblazoned with a black swastika and a black SS flag, referencing the Schutzstaffel, the Nazi paramilitary led by Heinrich Himmler. According to the complaint, a soldier entered a building at the Army Ranger compound at Joint Base Lewis-McChord on Sunday night and found two men, partially masked, with a cluster of U.S. Army property around them. The soldier questioned them about what they were doing and told them to pull down their masks, which they did. A fight ensued, and one of the men brandished a hammer and struck the soldier in the head. The soldier continued to fight despite losing a large amount of blood and managed to get control of the hammer at which point, one of the men pulled a knife. The soldier then let them go, the complaint said. They had attempted to steal about $14,000 worth of body armor, ballistic helmets and communications equipment Sunday, most of which they left behind when they dropped their rucksacks as they fled, the complaint said. During the fight, one of the men dropped his hat. It said Fields on the inside. Using base entry logs and surveillance video, investigators determined that Fields and Frakes had entered Lewis-McChord together about an hour before the attack, investigators said. Additionally, the wounded soldier, who required hospital treatment, told investigators that he asked around his unit about the name Fields after finding it on the hat. The soldier learned that Fields had been assigned to the Ranger Battalion around 2021, and he was able to identify him as one of the attackers based on photos shown to him by others in his unit, the complaint said. The men had access to the base because they were veterans, the probable cause statement filed in state court said. Court documents did not include details of Frakes military service. Public information officers for Department of Defense, Joint Base Lewis-McChord and Army CID did not immediately provide further information about the mens service history in response to requests from The Associated Press. The FBI executed a search warrant at a home shared by the defendants on Monday and arrested them. Authorities said agents seized about 35 firearms at the home, including short-barreled rifles and an MG42 machine gun a type typically supported with a bipod and which was used by German troops during World War II. Other seized gear included 3D-printed silencers and Army-issued gear that included explosives such as smoke grenade and blasting caps, ballistic plates and helmets, and night-vision devices, authorities said. -- The Associated Press Rep. Mark Gamba, a Milwaukie Democrat, is proposing a $20 limit on screening fees that Oregonians pay when they apply for a new rental. Mark Graves/The Oregonian As one of the extremely few renters in the Oregon Legislature, Rep. Mark Gamba said he knows how pricey the fees that come with submitting an application to rent a new apartment, condo or house can be. Gamba, a Democrat from Milwaukie, told the House Rules Committee on Monday that hes seen fees between $30 and $80 per person. He said an adult couple might end up paying double that between $60 and $160 to turn in an application for each of them. The amount can snowball to many times that as prospective renters submit one application after another before finally securing an apartment, advocates say. Gamba and 14 other Democrats are sponsoring a bill that would limit these fees to just $20 per applicant. House Bill 3974 has sparked considerable opposition from property managers and owners who say theyre simply passing along the costs of checking credit scores, rental histories and criminal background checks which they say average about $50 per applicant. House Bill 3974 would impose an arbitrary fee cap well below market costs, said Zach Lindahl government affairs director at Multifamily NW, which represents rental property managers and owners. But the bill also has drawn an outpouring of support from renters and their advocates, who say the bill does its part to help remove barriers to acquiring housing, improve mobility among renters who feel stuck in their current living situations and beat back homelessness. Redmond resident Alyssa Beale told the committee in written testimony that as a single mom who has worked at a fast food job for the past decade, she cant afford relocation costs, including application screening fees. Moving my family to a neighborhood with more opportunities isnt feasible right now, but it could be if the cost of one application fee wasnt equal to half of what I spend on a weeks worth of groceries, Beale wrote. Gamba told the committee that he originally filed a different bill, House Bill 2967, which would have prohibited rental owners from charging any applicant screening fees. But the bill failed to gain traction, so Gamba came back to the table with House Bill 3974. Eleven states put a ceiling on rental application fees, according to TenantCloud, the property management software company. Vermont and Massachusetts have banned landlords from charging such fees. New York caps the fee at $20. The city of Eugene instituted a $10 limit in March, after the Oregon Court of Appeals upheld its cap and the Oregon Supreme Court let the ruling stand. At least one major company also has tried to limit costs for renters. Zillow, the online rental platform, charges potential renters a $35 fee that covers any properties they submit applications for within a 30-day period. Rep. Farrah Chaichi, a Beaverton Democrat and renter, told the committee that in this extraordinarily competitive housing environment, some listings receive dozens of applications within hours of hitting the market. And many renters will submit just as many applications before being accepted, Chaichi said. She pointed to statistics, including those compiled by Zillow, showing that Black and Latino renters are nearly twice as likely as white renters to submit five or more applications before finding a new home. Gamba said the current law requires rental owners and property management companies to return the fees to applicants if they arent screened. But everything Im seeing says that rarely happens, Gamba said. It is worth pointing out that like many laws to protect the poor from the rich, the only enforcement mechanism is for the renter to take each landlord to small claims court. Cindy Robert, a lobbyist for Rental Housing Alliance of Oregon, which represents mostly smaller landlords, said itd be unfair to put the burden of paying screening fees on landlords. She said other businesses and organizations, including car dealerships and her childs elementary school, where she applied to be a volunteer, pass along the costs of doing credit or background checks to the individual. So I ask you to consider why are landlords being treated differently? Robert said. If the bill passes, opponents say property owners might have to raise rents to cover their costs or some might stop renting entirely. As of Wednesday, 80 people or groups had submitted testimony in support or opposition of the bill. Travis Mauzy, a renter, described spending hundreds of dollars in screening fees before finally securing a place in the highly competitive Portland market. House Bill 3974 is more than just a bill about fees, Mauzy wrote. It is about fairness, dignity, and ensuring that the door to safe and stable housing is not shut to those who need it most. Aimee Green covers the Oregon Legislature. Reach her at 503-294-5119, agreen@oregonian.com or on Bluesky. Oregon lawmakers have decided that ranchers should get higher payouts from the state to recoup their losses for cattle killed by wolves. Oregon lawmakers have decided that ranchers should get higher payouts from the state to recoup their losses for cattle killed by wolves. If Gov. Tina Kotek signs Senate Bill 777, ranchers will receive up to five times the market value for calves, sheep or goats that are injured or die from wolf attacks. The state would use lesser multipliers for mature cattle, working dogs and other livestock. The Oregon House passed the bill Tuesday, with a bipartisan group of 44 lawmakers voting in favor and 12 Democrats voting against. The proposal has now passed both chambers marking a likely win for ranchers and a setback for animal rights advocates, who argue that the higher payments would curb ranchers incentives to implement strong wolf deterrent measures and result in more wolf deaths. For years, Oregon ranchers have complained about wolves preying on their cattle, horses and other animals. Because shooting a wolf is against state hunting laws, lawmakers in 2011 agreed to compensate ranchers for the financial loss of any farm animal that dies following a wolf attack. Ranchers say the money is vital to keeping their operations profitable. In 2023, Oregon counties gave ranchers $70,300 from state coffers for dead or injured livestock or working dogs that experts determined were likely attacked by wolves. Ranchers are currently compensated for the market value of any livestock or working dogs lost to wolves. That money, ranchers say, does not account for the secondary effects that those deaths can have on other livestock and their owners wellbeing. Proponents of the bill said higher payouts would more accurately reflect the amount of time and effort that ranchers devote to raising livestock. This mirrors successful frameworks used in Wyoming and Colorado, and it recognizes that a calf isnt just a commodity, Rep. Bobby Levy, a Republican from Echo, said Tuesday. It is the result of years of careful breeding, pasture management, labor and investment. Under the bill, the state would be required to spend an amount equal to what they pay ranchers for livestock deaths on non-lethal deterrents or livestock management techniques meant to reduce wolf attacks. Only ranchers who have demonstrated implementation of best management practices to deter wolves would be eligible for compensation. Those efforts could include building fences or installing alarm systems that can deter wolves. Wildlife advocacy groups heavily opposed the bill. They said that giving such high payments to ranchers would lower their motivation to implement strong non-lethal methods to deter wolves, potentially leading to more cattle and wolf deaths. (The bill) does nothing to address the ongoing illegal poaching crisis on wolves in this state, and we believe changes need to be made to the bill, Michael Dotson, executive director of Klamath-Siskiyou Wildlands Center, wrote to lawmakers in late April. The proposal will rapidly drain existing funds with the multiplier and could lead to more frustration from all sides of this debate. But those advocates only convinced a small minority of lawmakers to vote against the bill. On Wednesday, several legislators of both parties expressed strong support for the bill in floor speeches, while none spoke against it. Ultimately, 21 House Democrats voted in favor of the bill, saying the potential benefits outweighed the possible consequences. Some pointed out that many cattle ranchers have not participated in the current program, and higher payouts might incentivize more participation and actually lead to fewer wolf deaths. If we do this right, well both take the pressure off of our cattle ranchers in this state and the very proud families that have that tradition, but well also have a tool in the toolbox for promoting sensible and successful management awards, said Rep. Ken Helm, a Beaverton Democrat. Carlos Fuentes covers state politics and government. Reach him at 503-221-5386 orcfuentes@oregonian.com. An archived photos shows the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in Southwest Portland during protests in 2020. Three protesters were briefly detained at the office after attempting the block a van on June 4, 2025. Federal officials detained three protesters Wednesday at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in South Portland after they attempted to block a van they believed was headed to Tacoma, according to video and witness accounts. Michele Darr said she was among the three who were detained. She said she was taken inside the small ICE office after being handcuffed, was later placed in leg shackles and detained in a holding cell before being released less than two hours later. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 5. The Azerbaijani State Employment Agency under the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Population continues active efforts to employ residents resettled in the liberated territories following the 'Great Return' program, a source in the ministry told Trend. Within the framework of the self-employment program, 24 more residents were provided with equipment in Lachin city, Zabukh and Sus villages of the Lachin district, Shusha and Khojaly cities, Ballija village of the Khojaly district, Sarijali village of the Aghdam district, and Fuzuli and Jabrayil cities. Leveraging the apparatus, micro-enterprises in the domain of flour product fabrication, a female aesthetic establishment, a male grooming salon, a textile workshop, a telecommunications repair outlet, a print service operation, mobile caffeine dispensaries, an automotive maintenance facility, and various other niche ventures were initiated. A meeting was held with the residents, who were provided with equipment to create small businesses. The self-employment program participants expressed their gratitude to the head of state for the support and noted that they will strive to expand the small businesses they have established. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel President Donald Trump speaks during a summer soiree on the South Lawn of the White House, Wednesday, June 4, 2025, in Washington. AP Photo/Alex Brandon WASHINGTON President Donald Trump is resurrecting the travel ban policy from his first term, signing a proclamation Wednesday night preventing people from a dozen countries from entering the United States. The countries include Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. In addition to the ban, which takes effect at 12:01 a.m. Monday, there will be heightened restrictions on visitors from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela. I must act to protect the national security and national interest of the United States and its people, Trump said in his proclamation. The list results from a Jan. 20 executive order Trump issued requiring the departments of State and Homeland Security and the Director of National Intelligence to compile a report on hostile attitudes toward the U.S. and whether entry from certain countries represented a national security risk. During his first term, Trump issued an executive order in January 2017 banning travel to the U.S. by citizens of seven predominantly Muslim countries Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen. It was one of the most chaotic and confusing moments of his young presidency. Travelers from those nations were either barred from getting on their flights to the U.S. or detained at U.S. airports after they landed. They included students and faculty as well as businesspeople, tourists and people visiting friends and family. The order, often referred to as the Muslim ban or the travel ban, was retooled amid legal challenges, until a version was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. The ban affected various categories of travelers and immigrants from Iran, Somalia, Yemen, Syria and Libya, plus North Koreans and some Venezuelan government officials and their families. Trump and others have defended the initial ban on national security grounds, arguing it was aimed at protecting the country and not founded on anti-Muslim bias. However, the president had called for an explicit ban on Muslims during his first campaign for the White House. --By Chris Megerian and Farnoush Amiri/The Associated Press (June 23, 2014 - Lines of families looking for a break from the afternoon heat waited for the opening of free swim at Montavilla Pool on Monday. (Faith Cathcart/The Oregonian) LC- The Oregonian Portland City Council on Wednesday unanimously approved a $1.66 million settlement with the family of a 12-year-old girl who drowned in 2023 at a city-run pool the first fatal swimming accident at a public city pool in nearly four decades. The girl was found unresponsive in the water at Montavilla Pool on Aug. 25, 2023. Temperatures that day had topped 90 degrees. She was taken to a hospital, where she died three days later, on Aug. 28. The girl was a bright shining star in our lives, her family said in a tribute shared shortly after her death by the Afghan Support Network, a nonprofit formed to help Afghan refugees. She aspired to become a doctor and had a strong determination to make a positive impact on the world. The girls family had arrived in Oregon as part of a wave of Afghan refugees following the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan and the Talibans return to power. Fedor Zarkhin is a breaking news and enterprise reporter. Do you have a story? Reach him by phone or text at 971-373-2905 or by email at fzarkhin@oregonian.com. The Galice Resort, a southern Oregon destination on the protected Rogue National Wild and Scenic River section cherished by rafters, anglers and hikers, is for sale at $3,375,000. The Thomason family, who has owned and grown the hospitality business on the 12.8-acre property at 11744 Galice Road in Merlin since 1983, has readied the furnished, turn-key resort for the next owners. The asking price includes year-round accommodations at the three-story Galice Lodge, two-story Rogue Retreat house, four-bedroom Riverview Lodge as well as cabin row with a cottage, guest house, four cabins and bunk house. From spring through fall, the riverside boathouse store and food cart court with meals and music are also open. A 2021 fire destroyed the store, bar and deck, which have been rebuilt. The blaze also burned the restaurant, which has not been rebuilt. But a permit has been approved to construct a new restaurant on the original site along the rivers Wild and Scenic section. The building permit is a rare exception since there are federal and local development restrictions to preserve the natural character of the area, said listing broker Chris Martin of Martin Outdoor Property Group. The resort really shines, said Alex Larson, also a broker with Martin Outdoor Property Group. Plus the food trucks and live music make it quite a lively space. The property, on 10 tax lots, is also suited for weddings, retreats and other events. Adding guest services such as gear rentals, shuttles or wellness experiences can further enhance the resort without competing with local guides, according to the brokers. Resort history Galice, a mining settlement during Oregons gold rush in the mid-1800s, is named after French doctor Louis Galice, who prospected in the lower Rogue canyons. Historians say in 1851 he discovered gold nuggets in Galice Creek. In 1981, Gil and Mary Lou Thomason bought the Galice store and over time expanded their business from a modest river outpost to offer year-round lodging and a restaurant serving three meals a day to hundreds of customers except when it was closed in the winter. It is time for someone to take the oars and row their own boat, Gil and Mary Lous daughter, Debbie Thomason, told The Oregonian/OregonLive. There is much potential for continued growth. Debbie Thomason raised her family in the 2,774-square-foot Riverview Lodge. In 2020, she bought her parents 2,696-square-foot Rogue Retreat house and converted it into a rental. The resort property is in Merlin, an unincorporated community northwest of Grants Pass. Merlin has about 1,355 residents, and, as the gateway to the Wild and Scenic Rogue River, is home base for outfitters and fishing guides. Travel Oregon calls Merlin a watery heaven for rafters and kayakers. Janet Eastman covers design and trends. Reach her at 503-294-4072, jeastman@oregonian.com and follow her on X @janeteastman. The pizza, prices and arcade games make up for the funky decor a mix of bright colors, arched woodwork and hanging plants at Pietro's Pizza original Milwaukie restaurant. Michelle Brence A longtime Milwaukie pizza parlor has officially moved its red-and-white stripes a short drive down the road and the towering neon sign outside will soon be blinking open for business. >> Business opening or closing in your neighborhood? Email the reporter at vnocera@oregonian.com. QTS data center buildings in Hillsboro. PGE supplied more than 1 million megawatt-hours of electricity to data centers in 2023. That's equivalent to the power used by 100,000 homes. Dave Killen / The Oregonian Oregon lawmakers approved legislation Thursday designed to ensure data centers bear the full burden of their electricity demands, insulating consumers and other industries from potential impacts on rates. House Bill 3546 puts server farms and cryptocurrency miners in a new class of electricity customer under state law and gives Oregon regulators explicit authority to ensure these big energy users cover the cost of new generating plants and transmission lines to meet their growing power demands. A Florida meteorologist says cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are already degrading the quality of weather forecasts. NOAA A Florida meteorologist is sounding a different type of alarm just in time for hurricane season. On Tuesday night, NBC-6 weatherman John Morales issued a striking warning for viewers saying that he can no longer accurately predict the weather because of cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Morales began by playing a clip of himself on a newscast six years ago assuring viewers at the time that a hurricane that appeared to be heading right toward Florida was going to turn. After the clip played, Morales addressed viewers, saying hes been able to confidently make predictions like that over the course of his 34 years, before delivering the stark warning. I am here to tell you that I am not sure I can do that this year. Because of the cuts, the gutting, the sledgehammer attack on science in general, Morales said. Morales then began discussing cuts made to NOAA and the National Weather Service. First, he detailed that the NWS is currently understaffed by 19% to 39% in Florida. He then explained that nationwide, theres been a 17% reduction in weather balloon launches that help predict weather patterns. What were starting to see is that the quality of the forecast is becoming degraded, Morales said. Theres also a chance, because of some of these cuts, that NOAA hurricane hunter aircraft will not be able to fly this year, and with less reconnaissance missions, we may be flying blind, and we may not exactly know how strong a hurricane is before it reaches the coastline, like happened a couple of years ago in Hurricane Otis in Acapulco, Mexico. Morales admitted he was asked to talk about the issue and was happy to do so, before concluding the message. At no point in his plea did he mention President Donald Trump or his administration. I just want you to know that what you need to do is call your representatives, and make sure that these cuts are stopped, Morales said. Earlier this year, the Trump administration cut jobs and funding for NOAA as part of efforts to reduce government spending. A cut of approximately 1,300 jobs was announced in February, representing 10% of the workforce. Democratic lawmakers criticized the decision and said it could put Americans at risk. These are dedicated, hardworking Americans whose efforts help save lives and property from the devastating impacts of natural disasters across the country, said Rep. Grace Meng, D-N.Y. This action will only endanger American lives going forward. On Tuesday, NPR reported the NWS recently hired approximately 126 employees in an effort to stabilize operations. Among the positions expected to be hired are meteorologist, hydrologist, physical scientist and electronic technicians. Norman City Council adopted a resolution authorizing the submission of an Opioid Abatement Grant application and heard updates on April flooding and stormwater infrastructure at its special meeting Tuesday. The special meeting was scheduled to begin at 5:30. At 5 p.m. a tornado warning was issued for Norman. At 5:07 p.m. a confirmed tornado was heading toward 36th Avenue NW and W Main Street. Ward 1 Councilmember Austin Ball, Ward 2 Councilmember Matthew Peacock and Ward 3 Councilmember Bree Montoya were absent from the meeting. Ward 4 Councilmember Helen Grant joined the meeting during the stormwater infrastructure discussion. 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... You (are) an Okie if you have a tornado overhead but you still sit down for a council meeting, Mayor Larry Heikkila said before the meeting. Opioid Abatement Grant application The news: Council approved a resolution authorizing submission of a grant application for the 2025 Political Subdivisions Opioid Abatement Grant to fund a three-year partnership. The city applied for the first round of funding in March 2024 and was awarded a $190,000 grant in July 2024 to fund a project with The Virtue Center. In 2020, the Oklahoma Legislature enacted House Bill 4138, creating the Oklahoma Opioid Abatement Board oversight body to distribute opioid settlement funds. While the city did not participate as a litigating party in any of the opioid lawsuits, Norman is set to receive about $4,477,390 after an 18-year payout period. The total amount of funding was determined by the population per capita of participating cities and counties, the number of opioid overdose deaths in each political subdivision and the number of opioids distributed within the subdivision, according to an August press release. If the grant application is approved, Norman will receive $250,000 per year, leading to a maximum $750,000 by the end of the three-year plan. What theyre saying: According to a staff report, the application is open online May 12 through June 13. City Manager Darrel Pyle said if the resolution was not brought to council this week, the application would be late. We were given a really short window to make a decision on councils desire to apply and, fortunately, weve gone through this exercise once before with the opioid grants and the development of a request for proposal, Pyle said. We want to make sure Norman has access to those dollars because we know we have families who are affected. The vote: Council unanimously approved the resolution. Stormwater infrastructure discussion The news: Heavy thunderstorms caused flash flooding throughout April and May, causing travel issues for Norman residents. 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 During the meeting, severe thunderstorms passed through Norman, causing significant flash flooding throughout the city. According to the presentation, Normans 30-year average April rainfall is 3.64 inches, while Norman saw 14.06 inches of rain this April. The presentation states that Lake Thunderbirds peak elevation during April and May reached 1,047.38 ft. The normal elevation is 1,039 ft. According to Scott Sturtz, capital projects engineer, Norman is not responsible for discharging overflow water from Lake Thunderbird. The Army Corps of Engineers and the lake is under control of the Bureau of Reclamation, Sturtz said. They control all of those discharges, so thats not something where we have anything to control. According to the presentation, there were 29 reports of personal property flood damage, which had been previously reported for flooding. The presentation states that flooding factors include a lack of infrastructure in core areas and older neighborhoods, and a lack of maintenance on public and private infrastructure. Sturtz said a lack of maintenance on private infrastructure can impact public infrastructure. How do we, as a community, get that word out? Sturtz said. How do we train our (homeowners associations) and the management companies as to what they can do, because by the time they come to us its a major problem. According to Sturtz, a project on Lindsey Street from Elm Avenue to Jenkins Avenue will put in a larger stormwater structure to carry the water to Imhoff Creek to mitigate flooding. What theyre saying: Ward 7 Councilmember and Mayor-elect Stephen Tyler Holman asked if the city can require HOA presidents to get a certification from the city. Sturtz said he didnt know but would look at what other cities do. Pyle said there is an effort underway to develop a geographic information system of the HOAs throughout Norman. Part of the problem is that we dont have a way to reach out to these HOAs, Sturtz said. Theyre not registered and we dont know who the person is to reach out to. This story was edited by Ana Barboza and Natalie Armour. Sophie Hemker copy edited this story. Cook Children's Medical Center is urging parents to lock up their firearms as they recorded a significant increase in the number of gun-related injuries among kids. The situation comes as school is out and children are spending more time at home, which is considered one of the factors for the development. In just the first half of this year, Cook Children's has already treated 40 firearm injuries, which is nearing the total of 60 for the whole of last year. Cook Children's Encourage Parents To Better Lock Up Firearms The program coordinator at the center, Eric Gonzalez, said the number is significantly higher than they expected and is probably more than what has been recorded in the last three years. He added that the situation is most likely a result of the number of firearms in households, particularly in Texas, and the fact that many of them are not properly stored. Gonzalez said that there are more and more guns out there every day and that firearms are becoming a prevalent part of the community, especially in Texas. Doctors argue that it is not only handguns that are worrying as BB guns, airsoft guns, and paintball guns can send children to the emergency room, according to CBS News. Read more: Virginia Teen Fatally Shot by Homeowner Following Alleged TikTok Prank The program coordinator added that injuries caused by these items can be quite serious, noting that an airsoft gun can result in two to three inches of penetration. This means that a 9mm handgun can lead to far worse injuries. To prevent more injuries, Cook Children's is encouraging parents who own firearms or similar items to follow the so-called "Three T's." These are, Talk to your kids, Teach them about gun safety, and Take action by locking up firearms. More Young Victims of Gun Violence On top of this, the center produced public service announcements and continues to do community outreach where it gives away lock boxes and cable locks for firearms. Summer vacation is a cause for concern because of sleepovers, which could put children in unfamiliar environments, Fox4News reported. The situation comes as the United States experienced a sudden rise in firearm mortality among youth in the past few years as firearms became the leading cause of death among children and adolescents in 2020. Other than firearm deaths, many youth who survive gunshot wounds or have been exposed to gun violence can develop negative behavioral health patterns. This was seen in increased youth suicide risk being linked to communities that are exposed to school shootings, as per KFF. A 15-year-old student died after being pinned by a vehicle following a tragic Campbell Hall school parking lot car crash on Wednesday. The Los Angeles Fire Department said the incident occurred shortly before 3:10 p.m., adding that the teenager was walking between two cars that were in the pick-up waiting zone when a Rivian suddenly drove forward and pinned him between the two vehicles. Authorities said the victim and his uninjured father were quickly transferred to a nearby hospital. Student Dies in Tragic Car Crash The car crash was said to have caused a chain reaction that forced several other vehicles to collide as firefighters had to treat five other victims, two of whom were minors and the other three adults. Now, detectives are trying to figure out what exactly caused the driver of the Rivian to move forward and strike other vehicles. They are currently considering the collision as an accident and have not made any arrests, according to CBS News. Read more: 4 Children Hospitalized in Tragic Liverpool FC Parade After Driver Crashes Into Crowd Los Angeles Mayor Karen Brass said she is planning to send a crisis response team to provide emotional support and recovery assistance to the school community that has been affected by the tragic accident. Campbell Hall School officials added they will make available counselors and chaplains to help anyone who would like someone to speak to about the incident. Video footage of the accident showed a canopy being used to cover the space between two damaged vehicles, where the 15-year-old student was pinned, ABC7 reported. Collision With a Semi-Truck In a similar incident, two teenagers from Missouri were killed in a car crash after the vehicle they were in collided with a semi-truck. Three teenagers were traveling inside a Mercury Mariner SUV on May 29 when the crash occurred at around 9:30 p.m. The driver of the SUV, a 17-year-old girl, was later transported to a local hospital and survived with "moderate" injuries. The other two passengers in the car, a 15-year-old girl and a 16-year-old boy, were later pronounced dead. A highway patrol report revealed that the semi-truck collided with the SUV while the driver of the latter was in the intersection trying to cross the westbound lanes of the highway. The impact caused the SUV to overturn several times before landing on the right side of the roadway. One of the first people to respond to the scene of the incident was Travis Trent of the Logan-Rogersville Fire Protection District. He said the SUV driver apparently "pulled out in front of the 18-wheeler" and the latter did not see the smaller vehicle, as per People. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 5. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys met with French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot in Paris during a working visit to France, Trend reports via Lithuanian MFA. In the course the meeting, the ministers signed a new action plan of the Lithuanian-French strategic partnership for 2025-2029 aimed at deepening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation in many sectors. The new action plan outlines both countries commitment to strengthening political cooperation, bolstering support for Ukraine, and increasing collaboration on defense, security, and economic issues. It also emphasizes the importance of European unity in addressing todays geopolitical challenges. In recent years, Lithuanias and Frances positions have converged significantly on key issues of the European strategic agenda, the document states. We jointly condemn Russias aggression against Ukraine and stand united in supporting Ukraine. Both countries have taken concrete steps to enhance Europe's security and resilience and have significantly strengthened bilateral cooperation. The action plan also promotes deeper inter-institutional ties, encouraging interparliamentary dialogue and regular consultations between the foreign and defense ministries of both nations. Continued diplomatic engagement and knowledge-sharing between Lithuanian and French officials will further reinforce shared goals on the international stage. This agreement builds upon a political declaration signed in 2009 that established the Lithuanian-French Strategic Partnership. Since then, a new five-year action plan has been developed regularly to reflect the growing depth and quality of cooperation between the two countries. Ive just finished reading the 2024 book Lucid Dying: The New Science Revolutionizing How We Understand Life and Death (New York: Grand Central Publishing, 2024), written by Sam Parnia, M.D., Ph.D. I found it both enjoyable and fascinating. I may even re-read it, and I heartily commend it to the notice of anybody who is interested in the problem of consciousness and/or in near-death experiences (or in what Dr. Parnia himself prefers to call recalled experiences of death). As I mentioned here before, Dr. Parnia is an associate professor of medicine at New York Universitys Langone Medical Center, where, additionally, he serves as director of research into cardiopulmonary resuscitation. He also directs the Human Consciousness Project at the University of Southampton, in England. He received his medical degree in 1995 from the medical school of Kings College London and then earned a doctorate in cell biology from the University of Southhampton in 2007. He also received fellowship training in pulmonary and critical care medicine at the University of London and at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City. As I extract notes from my reading of Lucid Dying, Ill probably share a number of them here. Dr. Parnias subjects are thematically linked but widely varied, and many passages in the book screamed out to me for sharing. I quote a pair of them right now that Ive pretty much chosen at random (among the passages that I marked) for inclusion here. In the first, Dr. Parnia is quoting Dr. Nenad Sestan, M.D., Ph.D., who is Harvey and Kate Cushing Professor of Neuroscience and Professor of Comparative Medicine, of Genetics, and of Psychiatry at Yale Medical School: There are two great mysteries of science . . . [The first is:] Who we are and what we are as a species. [The second is:] How you get thought in the brain. I would add that there is a third great mystery in science, and in life, and that it is the natural successor to our question of self and thought: What happens when we die, and does our self persist in any recognizable form after our death? . . . The AWARE-I and AWARE-II studies [which Dr. Parnia led] have hinted at the astonishing possibility that consciousness and the self are not annihilated when we cross into the grey zone of death. Instead, the self and the consciousness is liberated through the mechanism of disinhibition. People gain access to what had been a vastly larger entity of their own consciousness, which in this seemingly liberated state can take in information in the form of knowing, even though normally it would not be possible for the dying or dead human to see, hear, or witness events. Yet people consistently report it. This suggests human consciousness is like a field of energy (like electromagnetism) that is tethered to the body and brain and interacts with them, yet is not produced by them. This is an astonishing proposition, but less so when you consider the sheer power of a human brain, an unfathomably complex organ that we are still exploring and charting, like an unknown ocean or solar system, together with the mystery that is itself like a universe, human consciousness. (220-221) Dr. Parnia is unimpressed with attempts to reduce consciousness or mind to the physical brain: This limitation of all the brain-based theories has led some to suggest consciousness may in fact be an irreducible scientific entity in its own right, similar to many of the concepts in physics, such as mass and gravity, which are also irreducible entities. Other discoveries, such as the discovery of electromagnetic phenomena in the nineteenth century or quantum mechanics in the twentieth century, were also inexplicable in terms of previously known principles. (236-237) For whatever little it may be worth, I myself have come to lean tentatively to the notion that consciousness or intelligence is an irreducible element in the universe. On this understanding, consciousness or intelligence or mind would not need to be explained, indeed could not be explained, as a result of other components or other factors. It is, properly speaking, basic. This new item has just been posted on the moribund and thus never-changing website of the Interpreter Foundation: The Heartland Versus Mesoamerica: Part 8: Putting People on the Map: Overall Correlations, written by Brant A. Gardner Has anybody else heard anything about this? I havent. The article was published in the independent Amsterdam-based Moscow Times yesterday (3 June 2025), but the alleged blacklisting is supposed to have been announced more than a month ago, back on 29 April 2025: Russia Blacklists Brigham Young University and German NGO as Undesirable As these materials, which have recently been retrieved from the Christopher Hitchens Memorial How Religion Poisons Everything File, redundantly demonstrate yet again, theists simply wont leave the rest of humanity alone and in peace: Buying a Microsoft Surface Pro tablet without a pen or keyboard is like buying a Mercedes without wheels. The engine runs just fine, and the seats are as luxurious as you could imagine. But wouldnt you feel cheated if you couldnt go anywhere? Most of the 16 iterations of the Surface Pro adopt the same double standard: the Surface Pro is a laptop, except when Microsoft starts talking price. Then, poof! Its a tablet. Only as you move step by step through the buying process does Microsoft reveal that, yes, the pen and keyboard and now the charger! all cost extra. Ridiculous. Unfortunately, weve come to accept this behavior. Microsoft seems to think that after deciding upon a $2,000 Surface laptop, you might shrug your shoulders and accept a few hundred dollars more. Why not? Youre already hooked. But Microsofts new 12-inch, $799 Surface Pro changes things. Were not talking about a premium device. Instead, Microsofts Surface Pro page walks you through the experience: typing, inking, doing everything a clamshell laptop can do all with the pen and keyboard shown prominently throughout. And if you want a charger? All those extras total over $300, which on a $799 device feels insane, sleazy, and borderline illegal. Surface Pro, with keyboard and pen: $799.99? Right? Right? Foundry Visually, the Surface Pro keyboard and pen are everywhere On Microsofts Surface Pro page, the top illustration shows two Surface Pros, each with a keyboard and pen. Scroll down: Yep, theres another. Keep going and youll see more photos of Microsofts Surface Pro with a keyboard and/or a pen than as a stand-alone tablet. At no time do I see any indication that the keyboard or pen are optional. The language implies that theyre all part of the same holistic solution. Looks pretty clear to me: A Surface Pro equals a tablet plus a pen plus a keyboard. Foundry Reimagined with a smooth-matte palm rest, sturdy wedge design, and dynamic hinge, Surface Pro is great for typing anywhere, even on your lap, Microsoft says. Underneath a description of the incredible typing experience, Microsoft says: Work anywhere with better typing and 360 rotation. The new 12-inch Surface Pro is durable, easy to clean, and ideal for travel or the coffee shop. Sounds great. How much is it? Starting from $799.99, Microsoft says. Want to buy a Surface Pro? This is what youll see when you begin. Foundry Buying a Surface Pro means selecting a size, configuration, and color. Its here that you first learn that no, no charger is included. Thats $70 extra. (Microsofts lawyers may hold up their hands and say that the first photo you see on the 12-inch Surface Pro page is of just the tablet itself. But at the bottom of the column of images is, yes, a Surface Pro with a keyboard and pen attached.) On the second page? Time to buy a Microsoft 365 subscription. Only on the third page do you learn that a keyboard is $150, and a keyboard and pen bundled together is $250. Then its time to check out, feeling at least a little irritated that Microsoft didnt tell you about all of this at the beginning. Buying an accessory like the pen and keyboard is left until the end. Foundry Does this feel fair to you? It just feels like Microsoft is trying to have it both ways. Every laptop ships with an integrated keyboard. Microsofts Surface Pro is advertised on Microsofts page as having tablet-to-laptop flexibility, whatever that means. Visually, Microsoft is telling you: Yes, youll want a keyboard and pen. Then theres the name. Should Microsoft refer to these as Pro tablets, without the accessories that professionals use? I dont think so. Calling just the tablet a Surface, with an upgrade to a Surface Pro that adds a pen and keyboard, feels closer to what the reality should be. Even the Trump Administration which most Americans would consider business friendly has actually implemented a new FTC rule prohibiting bait-and-switch pricing. Thats predicated upon an executive order, signed by Trump himself. The review version of the Surface Pro Microsoft sent includes a keyboard and pen. And it should! Mattias Inghe As the FTC puts it: [the order] requires that businesses that advertise prices tell consumers the whole truth up-front about total prices and fees. A supplementary page describes how the order protects general business-to-business transactions beyond just tickets and short-term lodging. To me, tacking on additional charges for a pen and keyboard feels like a hotels $100 daily resort fee, or the discovery that youll have to pay extra for an airline meal or to pick your seat. Nothing about any of this feels up front. The point isnt that Microsoft is actually violating FTC regulations. But the company is certainly pushing up against the bounds of good behavior. Just not acceptable in a low- to mid-range device To be fair, other Windows tablets dont consistently include their accessories, either. Lenovos ThinkPad X12 Gen 2 bundles the keyboard and pen. Dells Latitude 7350 Detachable does not. The Asus ProArt PZ13 includes a a keyboard, but no pen. Heck, many all-in-one desktops toss in a mouse and keyboard. Note that the photos of the Dell Latitude 7350 dont include the keyboard, which feels more authentic. But give Dell credit: its Latitude 7350 Detachable product page doesnt even show a keyboard, which it calls optional. That feels more like an honest sale. Microsofts stance feels especially pernicious because there are already extra back-end tariff fees tacked on to the purchase price or not, depending upon the whims of the President. You still really dont know under what tariff regulation anything you buy will fall under, which already makes consumers cautious. Thats what makes a $799 Surface Pro appealing. Finally, a reasonable price tag! Only its not. When you add up all of the additional options a $69.99 charger, plus $250 for a bundled keyboard and pen thats an additional $319.99 surcharge, or 40 percent of the purchase price right there. And thats even without the $129.99 per year that Microsoft charges for a Microsoft 365 Family subscription. Thats outrageous, unfair, and maybe illegal. This isnt nickel-and-diming you. Thats a big fat pile of money that could be put toward other things. You would think that Microsoft would at least explain its actions. So far, my questions have been ignored. I dont think they should be ignored. I think Microsofts Surface Pro pricing strategy should be explained, reconsidered, and ultimately changed. Clarification: A Microsoft representative says that the company has no comment. Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Upland, Pa., will close. (Jose F. Moreno, TNS) TNS More than 140 employees who provided services to the now-closed Crozer Chester Medical Center, will be laid off later this month. New Jersey-based Med-Metrix, which provided revenue cycle management services at facilities in Pennsylvania, including at The Crozer Chester Medical Center at 1 Medical Center Boulevard, Upland, in Delaware County, is laying off most of its employees who worked at or reported to the hospital. The company filed a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, informing the state it is laying off 142 people on June 20 due to the hospitals permanent closure on April 23. The WARN Act is federal legislation that offers protection to workers, their families, and communities by requiring employers to provide notice 60 days in advance of a covered-business closing and covered-business mass layoff. The WARN notice wasnt dated but was sent to the state in April. The closure announced on April 21, 2025 was an unforeseeable business circumstance outside of Med-Metrixs control which would have allowed for reduced notice, the company said in the WARN notice. However, in good faith, Med-Metrix is providing the full notice period to its affected employees. The hospitals owner, Prospect Medical Holdings Inc., filed for bankruptcy in January and for several months, there had been public efforts to avoid the closure of The Crozer Chester Medical Center by seeking financing and/or a sale of the business. But those efforts were ultimately unsuccessful. Initially, a buyer agreed to purchase the operations but, later pulled out of the deal. Prospect then reached an agreement with the state to appoint a receiver to take over the strategic decision-making and finances of Prospect for the Pennsylvania facilities from Feb. 5 to March 5. The agreement was later extended to April 18. On April 9, Prospect said it received an offer from the University of Pennsylvania Health System, which intended to provide $5 million in funding, the majority of which would be a donation to Prospect, to allow for a further extension of time to reach agreement on a purchase of the Pennsylvania facilities. On April 17, Prospect said it was informed that the donation would no longer be available to allow for the extension. With no buyer or additional funding, Prospect said it was forced to close operations and permanently lay off all employees at its facilities in Chester and Delaware counties. In what was one of the largest layoffs in recent years in the Keystone State, the hospital system closed multiple locations in Pennsylvania and more than 2,600 people were laid off. Prospect Medical Holdings, Prospect Crozer Home Health and Hospice, Prospect Crozer, Prospect CCMC and Prospect Health Access Network laid off 2,651 people in Delaware and Chester counties. A Walmart and Sam's Club at a Pittsburgh-area mall are suing the owners, saying they haven't taken care of the roads. Getty Images/Mint Images RF Trusts for a Walmart and Sams Club in western Pennsylvania are suing the owners of a Pittsburgh-area mall, saying that its owners havent kept the roads in good shape even though they are required by contract to do so. The lawsuit was filed Wednesday in the U.S. District Court of Western Pennsylvania and argues that Namdar Realty Group, owners of Pittsburgh Mills in Frazer, is in breach of its contract and must repair the roads. The suit also asks for damages of over $229,700 to be paid, according to TribLive. The lawsuit alleges that the roads on the mall property are so bad they create dangerous and trying driving conditions. It also estimates that repairs at this point would cost more than $5 million. Walmart and Sams Club also say they have lost sales as customers avoid their stores due to the condition of the roads. The retailers also say they notified Namdar multiple times about how bad the roads are, but they have not been repaired. TribLive also reports that the building inspector for Frazer has recently issued dozens of citations against the mall owners, for potholes, high grass and inoperable doors at the building. Whats more, the Allegheny County District Attorneys Office charged the mall owners with creating a public nuisance back in April. In 2023, Frazer officials started a sheriffs sale on the property because Namdar owed $11.5 million in taxes. The company paid the bill before the sale could take place. Zahkee B. Talib-Davis, 14, of Harrisburg, leaves a preliminary hearing Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025, in District Judge Marian Urrutia's Dauphin County office with a Susquehanna Township police officer. Talib-Davis has pleaded guilty to killing Tyron Perrin, 18. (Jonathan Bergmueller, PennLive.com, file) Jonathan Bergmueller, PennLive.com One of the youngest people to ever be charged with murder in Dauphin County has admitted in court to fatally shooting a Susquehanna Township teen. On Thursday, 14-year-old Zahkee Talib-Davis pleaded guilty to the third-degree murder of 18-year-old Tyron Perrin, one year and a day since the shooting. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 5. Latvias Ministry of Defense has signed a contract worth 81 million euros with German defense contractor EuroSpike for the acquisition of additional Spike anti-tank missile systems, ammunition, and supporting equipment, Trend reports via the Ministry of Defence Republic of Latvia. The deal marks a significant investment in Latvias defense capabilities, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2028. The Spike anti-tank missile systems have proven their effectiveness and fully meet the operational requirements of the National Armed Forces, said Minister of Defense Andris Spruds. To strengthen the combat capabilities of both the regular forces and the National Guard, we will acquire more systems to complement our existing stock. The contract includes a provision for up to 30 percent local industry involvement, ensuring that Latvian defense companies will participate in the production and support process. This aligns with Latvias Defense Industry and Innovation Support Strategy, which emphasizes local participation in major procurement projects to boost national defense self-sufficiency and industrial growth. The Spike missile system, manufactured in Israel and marketed in Europe through EuroSpike, is among the most advanced anti-tank technologies in the world. It includes fourth and fifth-generation electro-optical guided missiles with high accuracy and effectiveness against a wide range of armored targets, including main battle tanks. The system features a real-time data link between the missile and the launcher, allowing operators to remain hidden while maintaining control over the missile during flight. Latvia previously signed a contract with EuroSpike in 2018, leading to successful integration of the system and cooperation with local industry. The new deal builds on that foundation and reflects growing defense ties between Latvia and European defense manufacturers. By Patricia Hurtado, Bloomberg News (TNS) NEW YORK Manhattan prosecutors said that when Luigi Mangione was arrested on a murder charge last year he was carrying a diary that referenced Unabomber Ted Kaczynski and claimed UnitedHealth Group Inc. executive Brian Thompson had it coming. Mangione, 27, faces a state murder charge in the fatal shooting of Thompson outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel on Dec. 4. Federal prosecutors filed separate charges, one of which carries the death penalty. Mangione has pleaded not guilty in both cases. Last month, he asked a judge block the diary from being shown at his trial. He also requested the state murder case be dropped. On Wednesday, prosecutors said in a court filing that the red notebook contained pertinent evidence that explained in unambiguous terms defendants intent and motive in deliberately assassinating the CEO of the countrys largest health insurance company. Prosecutors for Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg also cited other excerpts written long before the attack that they said show Mangione had planned it for months. Luigi Mangione, a suspect in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, is escorted by police, Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith, file) AP According to the filing, an entry from Aug. 15, 2024, reads, I finally feel confident about what I will do. The details are coming together. He also wrote, Im glad I procrastinated bc it allowed me to learn more about UHC. The target is insurance. It checks every box. Prosecutors said an entry on Oct. 22, 2024, stated, 1.5 months. The investor conference is a true windfall. It embodies everything wrong with our health system, and most importantly the message becomes self-evident. The problem with most revolutionary acts is that the message is lost on normies. For example, Ted K makes some good points on the future of humanity, but to make his point he indiscriminately mailbombs innocents. Kaczynski died in prison while serving a life sentence in Colorado after being convicted of engaging in a 17-year campaign of bombings that killed three and injured 23 others. Mangione has also argued the state and federal cases amounted to double jeopardy. His lawyers want to suppress evidence investigators say they recovered after his arrest in Pennsylvania, including a 9mm handgun, ammunition and a notebook in which authorities say he described his intent to wack an insurance executive. A lawyer and a spokesperson for Mangione didnt have an immediate comment. Nolan Grove, 15, enters the York County Judicial Center for his trial in the shooting death of Kain Heiland, 12, on April 1, 2023, in Red Lion. June 4, 2025. Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com A Red Lion teen was walking home from Fairmont Park when a trio of teens waved him over near Hyson Lane. As he approached, he recognized Kain Heiland, 12, from his churchs youth group as well as two friends Nolan Grove and another teen. Hampden Township Commissioners unanimously voted to deny Wawa's land development plan for a store at Technology Parkway. File photo by Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com A proposed Wawa store in Hampden Township has hit a roadblock. During a May 29 meeting, Hampden Township Commissioners unanimously voted to deny the chains land development plan for a store at Technology Parkway at the intersection of Mount Zion Road and Technology Parkway near Wertzville Road. Hampden Township Manager Keith Metts said Wawas developer did not present a plan that was compliant with all of the townships ordinance regulations. The Philadelphia area chain proposed to build a 6,049-square-foot store with 12 fuel pumps in front of the Residence Inn by Marriott at Cumberland Technology Parkway off of exit 61 on Interstate 81. Hampden Townships Planning Commission recommended at their May 8 meeting that the township deny Wawas plans. Metts said Wawa can revisit the project but will have to resubmit plans and restart the application process. Wawa is undergoing a major central Pa. expansion that will allow it to open about 40 stores over the next five to seven years. The chain announced the expansion in 2022. It has already opened stores in Lower Swatara Township, East Pennsboro Township, Chambersburg, Dover, York, Hanover and Williamsport. A number of projects including rehabilitation hospitals and hotels have been proposed for Cumberland Technology Park on Technology Parkway over the last several years. The business park has grown immensely over the last several years and includes Belco Community Credit Union, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, UPMC West Shore hospital and UPMC Outpatient Services. Going to the doctor can be overwhelming for some. Theres the medical visit, the laboratory work, the prescriptions and for those who dont have transportation or no longer drive just getting there can be a barrier. But imagine if seeing your doctor, getting your lab work and filling your prescriptions could all be done in one spot. At the CVS Pharmacy store at 5001 Jonestown Road in Lower Paxton Township, all those things are now available under one roof for Medicare patients. By JOHN LEICESTER, The Associated Press OMAHA BEACH, France (AP) The D-Day generation, smaller in number than ever, is back on the beaches of France where so much blood was spilled 81 years ago. World War II veterans, now mostly centenarians, have returned with the same message they fought for then: Freedom is worth defending. In what they acknowledge may be one of their last hurrahs, a group of nearly two dozen veterans who served in Europe and the Pacific is commemorating the fallen and getting rock-star treatment this week in Normandy the first patch of mainland France that Allied forces liberated with the June 6, 1944, invasion and the greatest assembly of ships and planes the world had known. On what became known as Bloody Omaha and other gun-swept beaches where soldiers waded ashore and were cut down, their sacrifices forged bonds among Europe, the United States and Canada that endure, outlasting geopolitical shifts and the rise and fall of political leaders who blow hot and cold about the ties between nations. In Normandy, families hand down D-Day stories like heirlooms from one generation to the next. They clamor for handshakes, selfies, kisses and autographs from WWII veterans, and reward them with cries of Merci! thank you. Both the young and the very old thrive off the interactions. French schoolchildren oohed and aahed when 101-year-old Arlester Brown told them his age. The U.S. military was still segregated by race when the 18-year-old was drafted in 1942. Like most Black soldiers, Brown wasnt assigned a combat role and served in a laundry unit that accompanied the Allied advances through France and the Low Countries and into Nazi Germany. Arlester Brown, a 101-year-old veteran of World War II, regales French children with his stories during a visit on Monday in Colleville-sur-Mer, June 2, 2025. (AP Photo/John Leicester) AP Jack Stowe, who lied about being 15 to join the Navy after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor in 1941, said he gets the sweetest letters from kids he met on previous trips. The French people here, theyre so good to us, the 98-year-old said, on a walk to the waters edge on Omaha. They want to talk to us, they want to sit down and they want their kids around us. People are not going to let it be forgotten, you know, Omaha, these beaches, he said. These stories will go on and on and on. The dead honored with sand At the Normandy American Cemetery that overlooks Omaha, the resting place for nearly 9,400 American war dead, workers and visitors rub sand from the beach onto the white gravestones so the engraved names stand out. Wally King, a sprightly 101-year-old, wiped off excess sand with a weathered hand, resting the other atop the white cross, before saying a few words at the grave of Henry Shurlds Jr. Shurlds flew P-47 Thunderbolt fighters like King and was shot down and killed on Aug. 19, 1944. In the woods where they found his body, the townspeople of Verneuil-sur-Seine, northwest of Paris, erected a stele of Mississippi tulip tree wood in his memory. Wally King, a 101-year-old former U.S. fighter pilot who flew 75 combat missions in World War II, and his granddaughter Kara Houser pay their respects Monday, June 2, 2025 in Colleville-sur-Mer, at the Normandy American Cemetery grave of Henry Shurlds Jr. (AP Photo/John Leicester). AP Although Shurlds flew in the same 513th Fighter Squadron, King said he never met him. King himself was shot down over Germany and badly burned on his 75th and last mission in mid-April 1945, weeks before the Nazi surrender. He said pilots tended not to become fast friends, to avoid the pain of loss when they were killed, which was often. When most veterans from World War II came home, they didnt want to talk about the war. So they didnt pass those experiences on to their children and grandchildren, King said. In a way, thats good because theres enough unpleasantness, bloodshed, agony in war, and perhaps we dont need to emphasize it, he added. But the sacrifice needs to be emphasized and celebrated. When theyre gone With the march of time, the veterans groups are only getting smaller. The Best Defense Foundation, a nonprofit that has been organizing their trips to Normandy since 2004, last year brought 50 veterans for the 80th anniversary of D-Day. This year, the number is 23. Betty Huffman-Rosevear, who served as an army nurse, is the only woman. She turned 104 this week. The group also includes a renowned romantic: 101-year-old Harold Terens and his sweetheart, Jeanne Swerlin, were feted by Frances president after they tied the knot in a symbolic wedding inland of the D-Day beaches last year. World War II veteran Wilbur "Jack" Myers, a 101-year-old who fought in the U.S. Army's 692nd Tank Destroyer Battalion, hands a souvenir postcard of himself to Ryan, a young French boy, on Monday, June 2, 2025, at Omaha beach, which was one of the D-D-day invasion spots on June 6, 1944. (AP Photo/John Leicester) AP D-Day veteran Jake Larson, now 102, has made multiple return trips and has become a star as Papa Jake on TikTok, with 1.2 million followers. He survived machine-gun fire when he landed on Omaha, making it unhurt to the bluffs that overlook the beach and which in 1944 were studded with German gun emplacements that mowed down American soldiers. We are the lucky ones, Larson said amid the cemeterys immaculate rows of graves. They had no family. We are their family. We have the responsibility to honor these guys who gave us a chance to be alive. As WWIIs survivors disappear, the responsibility is falling on the next generations that owe them the debt of freedom. This will probably be the last Normandy return, when you see the condition of some of us old guys, King said. I hope Im wrong. By Devlin Epding, The Virginian-Pilot (TNS) NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, will lose funding for several projects and cut its workforce by 672 civil servants under the Trump administrations proposal to slash about $163 billion in federal spending next fiscal year. The White House budget proposal is a starting point, and ultimately Congress must approve it. But the technical supplement to the proposed budget released on Friday includes new details about how the administration would seek to reduce federal spending levels. NASAs budget would be slashed by roughly a quarter from $24.8 billion down to $18.8 billion and would lay off nearly a third of its workforce more than 5,500 people across its 10 staffed centers. The technical supplement said centers will use cross-mission retraining opportunities and offer buyouts to meet staffing requests. For NASA Langley, that includes a staffing cut from 1,730 people to 1,058. A contrail formed by an airplane is seen in the sky over the NASA Langley Research Centers G-III aircraft in Hampton, Virginia, last year. (Kendall Warner/The Virginian-Pilot/TNS, file) TNS NASA Langley spokesperson Brittny McGraw said Langley doesnt have any additional context for how the cuts would work. At this point, there are no decisions that have been made going forward about what things could look like, McGraw said. Another major shift proposed for Langley would be in its Aerosciences Evaluation and Test Capabilities. NASA operates 12 wind tunnels and propulsion test facilities, seven of them at Langley. The proposed budget would replace an 84-year-old vertical spin tunnel with a new flight dynamics research facility at Langley. However, theres a catch. The proposed budget slashes aerosciences funding by more than $40 million and will put up to five unspecified wind tunnels in stand by mode with minimal maintenance. Aerosciences isnt the only program being hit with cuts to meet the budget request. NASAs science programs across the board are set to be gutted to meet the new goals. Science funding is seeing a cut from $7.3 billion to $3.9 billion. That includes: Earth Science research funding cut by $240 million. Earth systematic missions, which study the planets biology, will see its budget more than halved. The Sentinel-6 project, which studies sea levels, cut from roughly $51 million to $8 million. The GRACE-Continuity project, which tracks glaciers and water movement, cut from more than $132 million to roughly $42 million Aperture Radar, which provides detailed imaging of Earth, chopped to roughly a third of its budget. Thats bad news for a research center with a significant science directorate, according to U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott. Scott, the Democratic Congress member who represents the Hampton area where Langley sits, said Langley is an integral part of NASAs scientific research to understand the planet, and cutting its funding will have real consequences. Much of this work is being done in Hampton Roads at NASA Langley, Scott said in a statement. The cuts to NASAs funding and staff proposed by the Trump Administration will put the United States behind in our pursuit to advance science and protect our communities from threats like climate change and sea level rise. Those proposed cuts are a full-out assault on science, according to Sen. Mark Warner, who said Wednesday that NASA Langley has been an integral part of building a culture of scientific innovation in Hampton Roads and the country. Now, Warner said that culture is in jeopardy. That trickles through the economy, especially when were talking about this many folks laid off at NASA Langley, that has been our premier aerospace research facility in the country, the Virginia Democrat said. Many of those future scientists, you can make a lot more money working at a tech company, but they come and work for NASA because of the mission. Well, that mission is being undermined. Thats going to hurt Hampton Roads ability to be a research community. Middlesex Township supervisors have approved a new zoning district permitting the development of a hyperscale data center. Powerhouse Data Centers made a preliminary pitch to the board last fall. This picture shows a new Powerhouse facility opened in October 2023 in Loudoun County, Virginia. photo submitted Middlesex Township supervisors have opened the door to a large-scale data center project potentially Cumberland Countys first with a zoning map change. The board voted 3-0 Friday to adopt land use rules for data centers that would apply to 694 acres of currently undeveloped land off Country Club Road. A Pennsylvania high school is mourning the death of two of its students following a police chase that ended in a crash that killed three teens on Tuesday night. Owen J. Roberts School District sent out a letter on Wednesday saying two students from their high school were involved in the crash that took place just after dark in Limerick, Montgomery County. We are saddened to share that two of our Owen J. Roberts High School students and a former student passed away as a result of this incident. In addition, a fourth individual, who is also an OJR student, was seriously injured, school officials said. The fourth person hospitalized in the crash has been identified as a 15-year-old boy, 6abc reported. Police said the teens were being chased following a possible theft at a Target in nearby Royersford around 9:05 p.m. Tuesday, according to the story. Officers said that they attempted to stop a vehicle believed to be associated with the theft, but the driver took off. A few minutes later, the driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed just outside of a home along the 300 block of Ridge Pike. The view from abc6s new helicopter showed a mangled car in the middle of West Ridge Pike, debris scattered across the road, and a crumbled wall. On Wednesday, classmates were stopping by to lay flowers for their friends and collect belongings left behind, according to the story. The Dauphin County Library System is the most recent county-related entity to be publicly connected to controversial political consultant Mike Musser II. Since at least 2022, the library system has paid McNees Government Relations, which until recently was led by Musser, $3,000 per month to lobby on its behalf, according to Dauphin County Commissioner Justin Douglas. The contract is the sixth known agreement between Mussers companies and Dauphin County-related entities. President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference with Elon Musk in the Oval Office of the White House, Friday, May 30, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) AP The relationship between Elon Musk and Donald Trump unraveled before the nations eyes Thursday as Musk accused the president of being in the Epstein files. That drew a quick response from Trump, although he didnt address the specific accusation. I dont mind Elon turning against me, but he should have done so months ago, Trump wrote on Truth Social. This is one of the Greatest Bills ever presented to Congress. Its a Record Cut in Expenses, $1.6 Trillion Dollars, and the Biggest Tax Cut ever given. If this Bill doesnt pass, there will be a 68% Tax increase, and things far worse than that. I didnt create this mess, Im just here to FIX It. This puts our Country on a Path of Greatness. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! That came after Trump also floated the idea of cutting off Musks government contracts. The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elons Governmental Subsidies and Contracts, Trump wrote. I was always surprised Biden didnt do it! Musk responded to Trumps post about his contracts by resharing it on X and writing, In light of the Presidents statement about cancellation of my government contracts, @SpaceX will begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft immediately. And all of that came after Musk lobbed the gigantic Epstein accusation at the president. Time to drop the really big bomb: (Donald Trump) is in the Epstein files, Musk wrote on X Thursday. That is the real reason they have not been made public. Have a nice day, DJT. Musk then added Mark this post for the future. The truth will come out. Time to drop the really big bomb:@realDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public. Have a nice day, DJT! Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 5, 2025 Musk has been the most outspoken critic of Trumps big beautiful bill, and it all turned personal on Thursday after the president told reporters in the Oval Office that Musk knew what was in the bill, and said he didnt know if they would have a great relationship moving forward. Musk unleashed a flurry of posts that included a post in which he raged about Trumps ingratitude. Without me, Trump would have lost the election, he wrote. Dems would control the House, and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate. Musk also spent a great deal of time resharing previous Trump social media posts that he believes go against what is currently taking place in the bill and agreeing with them. And, at one point, a week after Trump shared a post suggesting that former President Joe Biden was executed in 2020 and replaced by clones, Musk suggested that maybe it was the current president who has been replaced. Where is the man who wrote these words? Musk wrote. Was he replaced by a body double!? Musk was already extremely active on the social media platform as he railed against the bill, but Trumps comments to the media Thursday put him in an obvious frenzy. Im very disappointed because Elon knew the inner workings of this bill better than almost anyone sitting here, better than you people, Trump said. He had no problem with it, and all of a sudden he had a problem. And he only developed the problem when he found out we are going to have to cut the EV mandate because that is billions and billions of dollars, and it really is unfair. We want to have cars of all types. Electric, we want to have electric, but we want to have gasoline combustion, we want to have different. We want to have hybrids. We want to have everything. And when that was cut, and Congress wanted to cut it, it became a little bit different and I can understand that. But he knew every aspect of this bill, and he knew it better than almost anybody, and he never had a problem until right after he left. Musk reshared a clip of the presidents statement on X and claimed that wasnt true. False, Musk wrote. This bill was never shown to me even once and was passed in the dead of night so fast that almost no one in Congress could even read it! Musk first began speaking out against the bill on Tuesday with a post on X. Im sorry, but I just cant stand it anymore, he wrote. This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination. Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it. Azerbaijan's methanol sales to Turkiye decline amid revenue growth in 1Q2025 In the first quarter of 2025, Azerbaijan shipped 26,900 tons of methanol to Turkiye, raking in a cool $8.5 million. Exports took a nosedive of 12.7 percent in volume, but on the flip side, revenue soared by 44.1 percent compared to last year. Last year at this time, exports hit the nail on the head with a total of 30,800 tons, raking in a cool $5.9 million. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register President Donald Trump speaks as Attorney General Pam Bondi listens during a meeting with the Fraternal Order of Police in the State Dinning Room of the White House, Thursday, June 5, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) AP Elon Musks bombshell accusation Thursday that Donald Trump is in the Epstein files comes just weeks after Rep. Dan Goldman (D-NY) suggested that the president and Attorney General Pam Bondi were purposely delaying their release. Goldman sent Bondi a scathing letter demanding answers. I write to express my grave concern about what appears to be a concerted effort by you to delay and even prevent the release of the Jeffrey Epstein Files in their entirety potentially at the direction of the sitting President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, Goldman begins in the letter. On February 27, 2025, to much fanfare, the Department of Justice under your leadership released a trove of already-public documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case titled The Epstein Files: Phase 1, he continued. This document dump, which was redacted ostensibly to protect victims, was sold to the American people as a fulfillment of President Trumps promise of government transparency. It was rightly met, however, with widespread ridicule from across the political spectrum as a ham-handed attempt to gaslight the American people. Goldman wasnt done shredding Bondi and Trump. Shortly after the underwhelming Phase 1 release, you sent a letter to FBI Director Kash Patel attempting to pin blame on the FBIs New York field office for the missing material, he continued. In that letter, also dated February 27, 2025, you demanded the FBI deliver, within 24 hours, the full and complete Epstein files including all records, documents, audio and video recordings, and materials related to Jeffrey Epstein and his clients, regardless of how much information was obtained. You went on to clearly state that, there will be no withholdings or limitations to my or your access. You further demanded a comprehensive report from the FBI Director within 14 days. Goldman said that Patel indicated his intent to comply with your request in a post on X, stating there will be no cover-ups, no missing documents, and no stone left unturned. It is now 74 days past the issuance of both your 24-hour demand and 14-day deadline for a comprehensive report, yet you have provided no additional materials nor an explanation for the delay, Goldman noted. Reporting from March 21, 2025 indicates that the FBI field office in New York, presumably at your directive, delayed other investigations in order to work around the clock to review and redact information contained in the Epstein Files for release. Although you stated on May 8, 2023 that there are thousands of videos of Epstein with children or child porn, which would require redaction to protect the victims identities, it simply cannot take this long for dozens of agents working around the clock to make the necessary redactions. Goldman then tore into Trump and his connections to Epstein. Extensive reporting has revealed President Trump had a lengthy and close relationship with both Jeffrey Epstein and Epsteins co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell, including being named in Jeffery Epsteins flight logs as having flown on Epsteins private jet at least seven times between 1993 and 1997. In 2002, President Trump was quoted as saying, Ive known Jeff for fifteen years. Terrific guy Hes a lot of fun to be with. It is even said that he likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side. Moreover, Epsteins personal address book, leaked in 2009 by an Epstein employee, contained 14 phone numbers for President Trump, his wife, Melania, and members of his staff. EXCLUSIVE: Rep. Dan Goldman demands AG Pam Bondi come clean on if she is covering up the release of the Epstein Files to protect Donald Trump. In a blistering letter, Goldman demands answers on the unexplained delay. pic.twitter.com/3wDHhM5gwn MeidasTouch (@MeidasTouch) May 12, 2025 Goldman wrote that the convergence of your unexplained delay in releasing the Epstein Files along with President Trumps well-documented affiliation with Epstein, and his view that the Department of Justice is his personal law firm raises serious questions about whether President Trump has intervened to prevent the public release of the Epstein files in order to hide his own embarrassing and potentially criminal conduct. Goldman then reminded Bondi that her oath of office requires her to represent the United States interest without fear or favor, not President Trumps interest. He then called for the immediate release of the Epstein Files. If you have been directed to redact instances of President Trumps name or likeness that are included in the Epstein Files, then your oath of office and your commitment to transparency requires you to inform the American people of that directive, he added. As part of Congress oversight authority, Goldman then provided a list of questions for Bondi to answer with a deadline of June 2. Musks accusation Thursday, as he and the president traded barbs over Trumps big beautiful bill, comes three days after that deadline passed. Time to drop the really big bomb: (Donald Trump) is in the Epstein files, Musk wrote on X Thursday. That is the real reason they have not been made public. Have a nice day, DJT. Musk then added Mark this post for the future. The truth will come out. A western Pa. man has been sentenced to serve at least 14 years in state prison for sexually abusing an intellectually disabled child over a five-year period. Express-Times Photo | SUE BEYER Express-Times Express-Times A Pennsylvania man has been sentenced for sexually assaulting a disabled child, yet another case springing from a grand jury investigation of Jehovahs Witnesses congregations in the state. Shaun Sheffer, 47, of Butler County, was sentenced to serve between 14 and 34 years in prison for assaulting the pre-teen beginning when the victim was 7 years old, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said in a statement. Two nursing home owners in western Pa. were fined a total of $15 million for their convictions for healthcare fraud. (Getty Images) Getty Images Two Pennsylvania nursing homes have been ordered to pay more than $15 million in restitution following convictions for healthcare fraud. Comprehensive Healthcare Management Services, which runs Brighton Rehabilitation and Wellness Center in Beaver County, and Mt. Lebanon Operations, owners of the Mount Lebanon Rehabilitation and Wellness Center in Allegheny County, were convicted on multiple counts each in December 2023, according to a statement from U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti. Cooling towers for Unit 1. Constellation Energy has reached an agreement with Microsoft to launch the Crane Clean Energy Center and restart Three Mile Island Unit 1 back to service and online producing electricity in 2028. October 16, 2024. Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com By Ralph DeSantis For any of us who live in Central Pennsylvania, that recent Pennlive headline about the air qualityin the Harrisburg area being among the worst on the East Coast was certainly shocking, and terribly troubling. Pa. House Democrats passed a bill that would dramatically change the rapidly growing cyber charter school sector by capping the amount of money each school would receive on Wednesday, just as budget negotiations in Harrisburg are ramping up. Right now, there is no cap on what Pennsylvanias 14 cyber charter schools are paid. Instead, the amount depends on which school district a student lives in, with the highest rate being just under $29,000. The proposed new law would cap the amount cyber charter schools receive at $8,000 per student across the commonwealth. Pennsylvania residents should prepare for an unsettled weather pattern, with periods of rain showers and scattered thunderstorms developing Thursday afternoon and continuing through the first weekend of June. Temperatures will remain summer-like, with daytime highs in the 80s and overnight lows in the 60s. Thunderstorm activity is most likely between 2 and 8 p.m. today in the western side of the state, with a marginal risk of isolated heavy downpours and strong wind gusts. Areas from the Allegheny Plateau to the Laurel Highlands and central ridge valleys should be most prepared for storm activity. In the Harrisburg area, Thursday is supposed to be clear until overnight, when theres a chance of rain moving in. Friday is another story. Theres a chance of rain and thunderstorms in central Pennsylvania, especially after 2 p.m. Saturday calls for more of the same. Temperatures will begin to cool, dropping closer to seasonal averages. The weekend will continue the unsettled pattern, with another wave of rain projected to expand across the state Sunday afternoon and evening. A notable climate note from the National Weather Service highlights that Altoona reached 89 degrees on June 4, breaking the previous record of 86 degrees set in 1971 and 2024. This continues the trend of warmer-than-average temperatures in the region. Current weather radar Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft of this story, which was reviewed and edited by PennLive.com staff. Kazakhstan eyes increased oil volumes through Middle Corridor by 2025, research says Kazakhstan has significantly diversified its oil export routes in recent years in response to growing geopolitical uncertainty, according to a recent report by Teniz Capital Investment Banking. Between 2020 and 2025, the country has actively pursued alternative transit corridors to reduce reliance on traditional routes and enhance the resilience of its energy export system. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register 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. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 5. Azerbaijan exported 4.38 million tons of crude oil and crude oil products derived from bituminous rocks to Italy from January through April 2025. The data obtained by Trend from the Azerbaijani State Customs Committee shows that the revenue from these exports amounted to $2.4 billion. Compared to the same period last year, the volume of exports increased by 1.98 million tons (82.9 percent), and the value rose by $911 million (59.2 percent). Totally, Azerbaijan exported 2.4 million tons, worth $1.53 billion, of crude oil and crude oil products derived from bituminous rocks to Italy in the first four months of 2024. To note, from January through April of this year, Azerbaijan exported 8.2 million tons of crude oil and crude oil products to 17 countries with a total value of $4.6 billion. This represents a year-on-year growth of $198 million (4.5 percent) in value and 1.3 million tons (18.4 percent) in volume. Ilia Streltsov Takes Down GGMillion$ Super Main Event for $1.66 Million! Matthew Pitt Senior Editor Copy link The GG World Festival ends on June 10, but the monster-sized GGMillion$ Super Main Event is already done and dusted. Including re-entries, 1,121 players bought into the $10,300 buy-in event at GGPoker, creating an $11,210,000 prize pool. Ilia Streltsov was the last player standing; they walked away with an incredible $1,661,695. Streltsov is a Russian grinder living in Argentina, who was a relative unknown before this huge score. Streltsov had played in five $10,300 GGMillion$ events but had never cashed; 81st place was the deepest they'd ever progressed. However, Streltsov has accumulated $1,150,988 in winnings at GGPoker. $10,300 GGMillion$ Super Main Event Final Table Results Rank Player Country Prize 1 Ilia Streltsov Argentina $1,661,695 2 If_i_persist Austria $1,214,195 3 Mariusz Golinski Poland $936,235 4 Juan Pardo Andorra $721,898 5 dafaniu Malaysia $556,621 6 Nikita Kalinin Belarus $429,175 7 Alexander Tkatschew Austria $330,901 8 FUGG Costa Rica $255,121 9 Emilien Pitavy Austria $196,689 Emilien Pitavy was the first of the nine finalists relieved of their stack. Their ninth-place finish came with $196,689. "FUGG" joined the ever-growing list of casualties, coming unstuck in eighth for a $255,121 payout. Seventh place and $330,901 went to Alexander Tkatschew, a talented Austrian who is often seen at the business end of high-stakes tournaments. The elimination of Nikita Kalinin of Belarus and Malaysia's "dafaniu," finishes worth $429,175 and $556,621, left only for players in the hunt for the title and the $1,661,695 top prize. Four-handed play took more than 2.5 hours to reach, but the tournament was wrapped up within half an hour. First, Juan Pardo fell at the hands of Streltsov, finishing fourth for $721,898. Then, Streltsov sent Mariusz Golinski in third, a finish worth $936,235. Streltsov went into the heads-up battle with "If_i_persist" holding a seven-to-one chip lead. Amazingly, the one-on-one battle only lasted a single hand, Streltsov shoving with king-seven, and "If_i_persist" calling off their last ten big blinds with ace-jack of diamonds. The flop fell king-high with two diamonds, giving Streltsov a 54.14% to 45.86% advantage. An offsuit five put the ball firmly in Streltsov's court before a deuce on the river completed the board, crowning Streltsov champion, and resigning the runner-up to a very respectable $1,214,195 consolation prize. Share this article WILD Billionaire WSOP Stories: Ultra-Rich Poker Players Revealed | PokerNews Podcast #895 Chad Holloway PR & Media Manager Copy link In the 895th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway is joined by Mike Holtz and four-time bracelet winner Jeff Madsen to dive into the world of the ultra-rich at the World Series of Poker. Which billionaires have participated in the WSOP over the years? How much money has the WSOP actually awarded? And who are the wealthiest players at the tables today? After introducing the topics, Chad, Mike, and Jeff take a deep dive into WSOP statistics to determine just how many billions the World Series of Poker has awarded to players over the last five decades. They also take a closer look at some of the most ultra-wealthy poker players and face off in a special WSOP Billionaire trivia challenge to see who knows the most about pokers richest. Venture capitalist and poker player Chamath Palihapitiya In the second half of the episode, Chad sits down with two prominent voices in the high-stakes scene to further peel back the curtain on pokers elite. First up is author Michael Craig, best known for writing The Professor, the Banker, and the Suicide King: Inside the Richest Poker Game of All Time. The 2006 book explores the legendary high-stakes battle between billionaire Andy Beal and a syndicate of top pros at the time including Phil Ivey, Jen Harman, and Howard Lederer. Craigs book is widely regarded as one of the best poker books of all time if you havent checked it out, you can find more information below. Learn More About Craig's Famous Book Next, Chad connects with veteran Dutch high-stakes player Wouter Beumers, better known under his online alias 'MMAsherdog'. Beumers has crushed the top online stakes for years and regularly offers insights into the high-stakes grind through his X account. To close out the show, Beumers shares some incredible stories and personal reflections from his time battling at the top of the online and live poker world. A new PokerNews Podcast will drop twice a week during the 2025 WSOP every Thursday and Sunday at 8a PT / 11a ET / 4p UK time. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you do not miss an episode! Time Stamps Time Topic 00:00 Welcome to the show Mike Holtz & Jeff Madsen 02:10 How do you cover WSOP Billionaires? 04:06 Phil Hellmuth doesnt show at Wynn 05:21 How many billions has the WSOP awarded? 08:46 Jeff vs. Mike in WSOP Billionaire trivia 09:34 Jeff Madsen invests in movie Hitting the Nuts 16:00 Which players are literal billionaires? 23:00 Michael Craig Interview 41:11 Wouter Beumers Interview Tell us who you want to hear from. Let us know what you think of the show tweet about the podcast using #PNPod, and be sure to follow Chad Holloway on X. The podcast is sponsored by the #1 free-to-play WSOP app. Remember to use the bonus code "POKERNEWS" if you download and play for an extra 1,000,000 in chips! Subscribe to the PokerNews Podcast on Apple Podcasts here! You can also find us on Spotify as well as our new page on SoundCloud! Check Out Past Episodes of the PN Podcast Here! Share this article After three action-packed days of poker, just five players remain in Event #14: $25,000 High Roller Pot-Limit Omaha / No-Limit Hold'em at the 2025 World Series of Poker. What began with 245 entries at Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas has been whittled down to the final five, each chasing the gold bracelet and a $1,302,233 top prize from a massive $5,757,500 prize pool. Leading the way is Ben Lamb, who will return with a gigantic stack of 17,140,000, which is good for 71 big blinds and nearly half the chips in play. Lambs comeback story was one of the highlights on Day 3, as he went from just two big blinds with 14 left to bagging a massive lead. Final Table Seat Draw Seat Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Chongxian Yang China 5,170,000 22 2 Brandon Mitchell United States 3,160,000 13 3 Robert Cowen United Kingdom 4,535,000 19 4 Lou Garza United States 6,650,000 28 5 Ben Lamb United States 17,140,000 71 Ap Garza Joining Lamb on center stage is Lou Garza, who returns second in chips with 6,650,000. Garza, already a WSOP bracelet winner in pot-limit Omaha, is the only player within striking distance of Lamb, and an early double-up could flip the script in a hurry. Rounding out the top three is Chinas Chongxian Yang with 5,170,000. Two-time bracelet winner Robert Cowen (4,535,000) and Brandon Mitchell (3,160,000) are the short stacks, each returning with less than 20 big blinds. All three will be hoping to play spoiler to Lambs comeback run and secure the victory themselves. Chongxian Yang Action resumes at 1 p.m. local time on June 5 with blinds at 120,000/240,000. All remaining players have locked up $303,773, but all eyes will be on the seven-figure top prize and the WSOP gold bracelet. Final Table Payouts/Results Place Player Country Prize 1 $1,302,233 2 $868,140 3 $598,285 4 $421,524 5 $303,773 6 John Pannucci United States $224,034 7 Zhargal Tsydypov United States $169,183 8 Youness Barakat Italy $130,896 9 Michael Moncek United States $103,821 The final table will be streamed on PokerGO with a one-hour delay, beginning at 2 p.m. PDT. Updates here will be posted in sync with the stream in order to avoid spoilers. Dont miss a moment as we play down to a champion! Stay tuned to PokerNews for all the live updates, chip counts, and exclusive coverage from the Horseshoe Event Center as the $25,000 High Roller PLO/NLH crowns its winner. From the massive starting field of 1,239, only 25 players returned for Day 3 of Event #15: $1,500 Mixed Omaha Hi-Lo to Horseshoe and Paris, Las Vegas for the 2025 World Series of Poker. After 12 hours of play, the field was reduced to just 3 survivors that will return to play at 1 p.m. Thursday. Each of the three have secured at least $121,736, but their eyes will rest upon the WSOP gold bracelet and the $258,193 that will be awarded to the bracelets new owner. A WSOP bracelet is a very familiar sight to the chip leader, six-time WSOP bracelet winner Benny Glaser. It was just three days ago when Glaser joined the short list of players with six titles to their name, when he took down Event #8: $1,500 Dealers Choice for $150,246. Not wasting any time, Glaser registered for this tournament the following day and managed to come into Day 3 with the second biggest stack. Nearly 10 years out from his first WSOP bracelet and just a few days out from his most recent one, Glaser looks to repeat the feat that he accomplished in the 2016 WSOP and win two bracelets in back-to-back events. With 12,125,000 in his stack and a wealth of experience to boot, he looks to join an even more exclusive seven-time WSOP bracelet winner list. Travis Pearson sits second in chips looking for his first WSOP bracelet End of Day 3 Chip Counts Place Player Country Chip Count 1 Benny Glaser United Kingdom 12,125,000 2 Travis Pearson United States 11,800,000 3 David Shmuel United States 7,050,000 Sitting just behind him in the counts is Las Vegas player Travis Pearson, who put 11,800,000 into his bag. Pearson came into the final table as one of the shorter stacks, but ended up being the executioner of half of the players at the final table. With 20 years of poker playing experience, Pearson is no stranger to the big stage of a WSOP final table. He has final-tabled four events, including the 2023 WSOP $10,000 Pot-Limit Omaha where he collected a career best score of $407,915. His final tables come in all different game types, including a runner-up finish in the $1,500 Omaha Hi-Lo back in 2021. He now looks to claim his first WSOP bracelet, sitting neck-and-neck with the chip leader. David Shmuel sits in third looking for his second WSOP bracelet of the summer Having one player final table an event days after winning a WSOP bracelet is rare, but having two in the final three is extremely unlikely. David Shmuel won his first WSOP bracelet just four days ago in the $1,500 Omaha Hi-Lo for $205,333, and now sits with 7,050,000 in the final three of another Omaha event looking for his second. Having learned poker in the mid 1990s, Shmuel has proven himself on the Florida tournament circuit and is becoming one of the early contenders for WSOP player of the year (along with Glaser). Shmuels day had been quite swingy, at one point taking the lead and at another point dropping to the shortest stack. He now sits with a chance to get a matching bracelet in another Omaha tournament, which he has professed is his favorite game. Final Table Remaining Payouts/Results Place Player County Prize 1 $258,193 2 $172,077 3 $121,736 4 Sean Remz United States $87,325 5 Shane Howeth United States $63,527 6 Alan Sternberg United States $46,879 7 Bashar Trad United States $35,098 8 Tyler Brown United States $26,666 Day 3 Action It just took one hand for Patrick Leonard to take out Ruomeng Dong (25th-$8,480). The players got their chips in on a flop where Leonard had flopped a set of nines and his pocket pair of tens failed to improve, leaving the final three tables of the tournament set. Andrew Yeh (24th-$8,480) came into the day as the shortest stack and could not find the pay-jump ladder as his money was chopped up between chip leader Abdyl Konjuhi and Itzhak Weltfreid. Weltfreid (23rd-$10,336) busted shortly after, beginning Tyler Browns ascent up the chip counts. At the other table, WSOP bracelet winner Rep Porter (22nd-$10,336) was not be able to improve against Derek Buggs aces and the third table saw Federico Ottenio (21st-$10,336) fall to Shmuel. 20th Place Finisher Bart Hanson The next pair of eliminations came just a couple of minutes apart on separate tables as Bart Hanson (20th-$10,336) fell to Konjuhi and David Hunt (19th-$10,336) fell to Sean Remz on the other table. Despite the earlier success from Konjuhi, a massive pot shifted the tides against him as Tyler Brown became the first player to eclipse five million after he jammed on Konjuhi to take the chip lead. Buggs (18th-$10,336) fortune also came to an end at the hands of Remz and Dustin Dirksen (17th-$10,336) found himself being chopped up by Shane Howeth and Paul Vang. Brown came into the final two tables with a sizable lead, but a massive pot with Glaser saw him increase that lead, with the elimination of Aaron Rogers (16th-$10,336), further cementing his status as tournament leader. Falling to one of the shorter stacks, Brown found a boost to his stack as he eliminated Michael Lacer (15th-$12,800) to put himself back towards the middle of the pack. At the same table, Sterling Lopez (14th-$12,800) fell to Howeth shortly after and the players headed off to a break. Start of day chip leader Konjuhi (13th-$12,800) was not able to rebound after the massive pot with Brown and found himself getting scooped by Shmuel. Shmuel was the executioner again as he took out Vang (12th-$16,100) when he made the nut low and counterfeited his two pair. Two straights were rivered in a pot after that, with Bashar Trad making Broadway and WSOP bracelet winner Dennis Weiss (11th-$16,100) making an inferior straight to bust. At the other table, Glaser added more to his chip lead as his aces held up against Thomas Taylor (10th-$16,100) to bring the field down to just ten. 9th place finisher Patrick Leonard Leonard was the final casualty of the field prior to the final table. He got involved in an all-in pot with Trad where they both flopped top two, with Trad holding a flush draw to boot. The runout gave Trad a flush and Leonard collected $20,564 for his ninth place finish. Final Table Action Glaser entered the final table with an overwhelming chip lead, holding half of the chips in play. Remz and Shmuel sat as the second- and third-biggest stacks coming in and it was Shmuel getting active early. He called off against Browns short-stack shove with aces and faded the myriad of straight, flush, and low outs that Brown flopped. Shmuel rose up to second in chips and Brown exited in eighth place, collecting $26,666 for his efforts. Sixth-Place Finisher Alan Sternberg Once the final seven came back from dinner break, the big clashes began as Howeth doubled and took one sizable pot off of Glaser right away, pushing him up to second in chips. The leaderboard changed after Alan Sternberg doubled up through Howeth, and what followed for the next couple of hours was lots of exchanges and clashes among all seven players at the final table. For over two and a half hours, no player left the table. A massive all-in confrontation saw Remz and Shmuel get in their chips against Glaser, who held the covering stack and aces, but Remz made sixes-full and nut low to scoop, with Shmuel scooping Glaser in the side pot. This still left Glaser as the chip leader, but with the other stacks of the final table flipping around once more. Trad was unable to gain any momentum, and eventually found himself down to just one big bet. He got all in against Pearson, out-kicking his opponent. Unfortunately for Trad, Pearson paired two of his cards to make two pair and eliminate Trad from the tournament. Pearson began an ascent up the counts while Trad collected $35,098 for his seventh-place finish. At this point, Shmuel doubled up against Howeth, to leave him short, and he took a pot off of Glaser to overtake the chip lead. Glaser and Pearson sat right at his heels, while Remz, Howeth, and Sternberg sat as the shortest stacks remaining. Shortly after, Sternberg finished in sixth place, also at the hands of Pearson. Sternberg defended his big blind and flopped a set of kings, getting all of his chips in on the turn only to find that Pearson had turned a straight. An unpaired board left the WSOP bracelet winner collecting $46,879 for his efforts. 4th place finisher Sean Remz Howeths momentum had halted; he sat as the shortest stack courtesy of his confrontation with Shmuel. He was down to just three big bets and got his last chips in with nines and some low cards, while Glaser called him with ace-queen and some low cards. An ace on the turn saw Glaser take back the chip lead, while Howeth finished the tournament in fifth place for $63,527. It was mere minutes after that when Remz and Pearso clashed on a king-high flop, with Remz holding aces with a gutshot and Pearson holding a set. The turn completed Remz straight draw, but a board-pairing river gave Pearson the full house to send the pot his way while Remz became the final casualty of the day, collecting $87,325 for his fourth-place finish. The final three players played a couple of minutes longer before bagging up for the night, with plans to return Thursday at 1 p.m. Be sure to check back in to PokerNews for the conclusion of Event #15: $1,500 Mixed Omaha Hi-Lo. Despite the fact that every other table here in the Paris ballroom is down to two-handed play, nobody on table #190 had plans of going to bed any time soon, as four players still have chips in front of them in level 11. With blinds at 1,000/2,500 with a 2,500 big blind ante, Zachary Lipeles, Andrew Kim, Tzur Levy, and Hang Xu were all refusing to be sent home, as they each held around 25% of chips left on the table. However, one hand changed everything, as Lipeles Kim and Levy abandoned their conservative playing style and got all their chips into the middle before a flop was dealt. Zachary Lipeles: A10 Tzur Levy: AQ Andrew Kim: A7 The 9K283 board came safe for Levy, leaving him with a big stack, Kim with a little stack, and Lipeles with no stack. In the following two hands, Kim doubled through Xu, then bust to Levy, leaving him a considerable chip leader as we go heads-up. Aiken, SC (29801) Today Partly cloudy this morning. Increasing clouds with periods of showers this afternoon. Hot. High 94F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Some clouds. Low 74F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Biden's FBI Lied about Spying on Catholics NEWS PROVIDED BY Catholic League June 4, 2025 NEW YORK, June 4, 2025 /Standard Newswire/ The following is submitted by Bill Donohue, President, Catholic League: We have known for years about an anti-Catholic cell group in the FBI that was operative under President Biden. It spied on practicing Catholics, not just those who were dubbed radical-traditionalist Catholics (RTCs). We now know, thanks to FBI Director Kash Patel, and Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley, how widespread it was. Indeed, the extent of this unconstitutional probe was far greater than we were led to believe by former FBI Director Christopher Wray. At Patels confirmation hearing on January 30, the Trump nominee told Sen. Josh Hawley of his commitment to investigate the FBIs probe of Catholics. He has done just thathe has turned over newly released documents to Sen. Grassley, making good on his pledge. On February 9, 2023, I expressed my concerns in a public statement about the FBIs investigation of RTCs. I had a hunch that this probe was a ruse, and that the Bureau was really interested in targeting practicing Catholics. I asked, Whats next? Will it be a war on Catholics who are orthodox? It turned out I was right. On April 11, 2023, I wrote to Director Wray asking him to make public those documents that related to the FBIs outreach program to mainline Catholic parishes and local diocesan leadership. They were targeted, I said, because of an alleged radicalization in the Catholic Church. Regarding the RTCs, I said, we have not seen any evidence that they are a threat to anyone. More important, Now the FBI has upped the ante, going after mainline Catholics and dioceses. Wray has insisted all along that the Richmond field office of the FBI was the only office that was involved in this anti-Catholic witch hunt. What Grassley has now revealed proves how untrue this is. The Richmond memo, detailing the Catholic spy operation (which was first made public by an FBI whistleblower), was distributed to over 1,000 FBI employees across the country before it was publicly disclosed. In fact, the FBI produced at least 13 additional documents and five attachments that made plain its anti-Catholic bigotry. That it relied on information from a hate group, the Southern Poverty Law Center, makes this unseemly caper all the more despicable. Grassley even revealed a second FBI memo that was drafted for distribution by the Richmond field office. The Iowa Republican noted that The draft memo repeated the unfounded link between traditional Catholicism and violent extremism, but was never published due to backlash following the Richmond Memos public disclosure. The existence of this second memo contradicts former FBI Director Christopher Wrays testimony that the Richmond field office only produced a single product. The backlash that put the brakes on the second memo had nothing to do with a media blitz. As I noted on September 20, 2023, with the exception of conservative media outlets, the big media refused to cover this story. The same is true today: not a single mainstream media outlet has reported on Grassleys disclosure. So where did the backlash come from? Here is what I wrote to House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan on March 24, 2025: In 2023, I wrote ten news releases on this subject: four were open letters to you; one was a letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray; the rest were standard news releases. I issued three more statements in 2024, two were open lettersone was to Wray and one to you. Sen. Grassley was copied on many of the letters. These letters and news releases were followed up by radio, TV and internet interviews, thus contributing mightily to the backlash. Indeed, the Catholic League did more to keep the pressure on the FBI than any other organization in the nation. We are committed to seeing this issue through until the entire truth is known to the public. Look for more on this subject soon. SOURCE Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights CONTACT: 212-371-3191, pr@catholicleague.org TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, June 5. The growing congestion of railway infrastructure in the suburbs of Tashkent, particularly at the Chukursoy station, is causing significant delays, rising costs, and long queues, as around 70 percent of external cargo passes through this bottleneck, Trend reports. To address these challenges, Uzbekistan has made proposals to relocate freight stations outside the capital, with suggestions for sites in the Yangiyul district and near New Tashkent. Additionally, the construction of a new bypass line, Ozodlik - Gulistan, is underway, which will allow freight traffic to bypass Tashkent entirely, effectively doubling cargo transport capacity without entering the city. Efforts to enhance overall service quality for Uzbekistan are also a priority, including simplifying access to stations, improving conditions for tourists, and expanding parking facilities around railway stations. In line with these improvements, the introduction of electric trains is planned to further modernize the rail system and improve the convenience of travel. Mitchell Black writes about Bluffton and the southern Lowcountry for The Post and Courier's Beaufort County bureau. He previously covered health care and county government with the Asheville Citizen Times. Columbia, SC (29201) Today Mainly sunny to start, then a few afternoon clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 97F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies. Low 76F. Winds light and variable. Local Government Reporter Josh Archote covers the city of Columbia and Richland County for the Post and Courier. He graduated from Louisiana State University and has written for the Tampa Bay Times. Chloe Barlow is a multimedia reporter straight out of the Midlands. She trained in journalism at both the University of South Carolina and Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. She covers a wide breadth of South Carolina news, but she is especially interested in accountability and justice reporting. Seth Taylor covers Greenville and the Upstate for The Post and Courier. Born in Iowa, he worked in Wyoming at the Buffalo Bulletin before moving to the Palmetto State. Kingstree, SC (29556) Today Mainly sunny to start, then a few afternoon clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 94F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies. Low 73F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. PashaPay, the fintech company within Bir Ecosystem, the first fully integrated digital ecosystem in the Caucasus region is representing Azerbaijan at Money 20/20 Europe, one of the worlds premier fintech conferences held in Amsterdam. From June 3 to 5, 2025, PashaPay is presenting the countrys latest digital financial innovations to a global audience through its dedicated stand at the event. Money 20/20 Europe is among the most prestigious global events in the fields of finance and technology, attracting the worlds top fintech leaders, innovative startups, and major financial institutions. The forum serves as a platform to forge new partnerships, shape future trends, and launch collaborative innovation initiatives. In line with Bir Ecosystems international partnership agenda, a significant milestone was achieved during the event. PashaPay signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Mastercard, a global leader in digital payment technologies, aimed at broadening access to cutting-edge digital financial solutions in Azerbaijan. Through this collaboration, the two parties will work together in areas such as cybersecurity, digital identity, and fraud prevention technologies. The partnership will also enable expanded access to cross-border money transfers via Mastercards MoneySend, Cross-Border Send, and Alias Directory services. It is also worth noting that Kapital Bank, one of the key companies within Bir Ecosystem, is participating in the event with its delegation. The banks leadership is engaging in knowledge exchange with leading international banks, exploring the latest trends in digital banking and fintech, and participating in workshops to gain insights into emerging innovations in the sector. As the Caucasus regions first fully integrated digital ecosystem, Bir Ecosystem brings together some of Azerbaijans most prominent brands under one umbrella, including Birbank, m10, MilliOn, Umico.az, BakKart, and Trendyol Azerbaijan. Launched by PASA Holding in February 2025, the ecosystem delivers an integrated user experience that meets customers daily needs in finance, shopping, and transportation through an innovative and unified approach. Mount Pleasant, SC (29464) Today Partly cloudy with afternoon showers or thunderstorms. Hot. High near 90F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Mainly clear. Low 77F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Dr. James Winebrake will replace Dr. Michael Benson starting July 7, 2025, as the next president of Coastal Carolina University. Winebrake will be the university's fourth president since the school, located in Conway, became an independent university in 1993. Dylan Ortuno was born and raised in Myrtle Beach, leaving the five years for college and work, before returning as the Post and Courier Myrtle Beach/Georgetown's Quick Response reporter. Syndicated and guest columns represent the personal views of the writers, not necessarily those of the editorial staff. The editorial department operates entirely independently of the news department and is not involved in newsroom operations. Abby Ann Ramsey covers Florence and the Pee Dee for The Post and Courier. She graduated from the University of Tennessee in her hometown of Knoxville before moving to South Carolina. Nick Reynolds covers politics for the Post and Courier. A native of Central New York, he spent three-and-a-half years covering politics in Wyoming before joining the paper in late 2021. His work has appeared in outlets like Newsweek, Poynter, the Associated Press, and the Washington Post. He lives in Columbia. Reporter Max White is a reporter for The Post and Courier Spartanburg primarily covering local government and business. He is a South Carolina native of Charleston and graduated from the University of South Carolina in December 2023. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 5. As Azerbaijan prepares to host both World Environment Day 2026 and the World Urban Forum 2026 in Baku, we are ready to contribute and collaborate with the international community by sharing knowledge, exchanging best practices, and promoting solutions that lead to more sustainable and resilient cities and communities, said Umayra Taghiyeva, Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan, as she addressed global delegates at the World Environment Day 2025 commemoration ceremony in South Korea, Trend reports. She highlighted Azerbaijans recent leadership role in global climate governance. "Under the leadership of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, we successfully hosted one of the most impactful UNFCCC COPs - COP29," she said. As COP29 Presidency continues through 2025, Azerbaijan is determined to maintain momentum. "We are committed to continuing this legacy by providing a platform to raise ambition and enable action. We believe that the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) - which we call the Baku Finance Goal - and cooperation under Article 6 will significantly contribute to global climate efforts," she said. Taghiyeva also underscored the crucial role of urban areas in advancing climate and environmental goals. "COP29 highlights the critical role of cities in driving climate action and delivering environmental solutions," she noted. The deputy minister commended South Korea for its contributions to sustainable urban development. "We applaud the Republic of Korea for its leadership in smart city development," she said. "As South Korea hands over the role of host for World Environment Day, it is a great honor for Azerbaijan to take on this responsibility and carry the momentum forward". On June 5, the World Environment Day was held on Jeju Island, hosted by the Republic of Korea. Organized annually by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), this global event was dedicated this year to the theme "Beat Plastic Pollution", promoting joint action to reduce plastic waste and advance the transition to a circular economy. Azerbaijan will host World Environment Day in 2026. The event will focus on the theme of climate change. This important occasion will not only showcase Azerbaijans contribution to international environmental cooperation, but also help promote the outcomes of COP29 and build momentum ahead of the 13th World Urban Forum, which will also be held in Azerbaijan next year. Spartanburg, SC (29301) Today Partly cloudy skies this morning will give way to occasional showers during the afternoon. Hot. High 94F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Mainly clear skies. Low 71F. Winds light and variable. PR-Inside.com: 2025-06-05 17:10:08 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 468 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA / ACCESS Newswire / June 5, 2025 / SDG Releasing and Blind Logic Productions announce the official release of the acclaimed documentary "Blind Logic: The Ralph R. Teetor Story" on July 8, 2025. The film will be available across major digital platforms, including Amazon, iTunes/AppleTV, Google Play, Microsoft, and Hoopla - as well as On-Demand cable providers, such as Charter, Cox, Xfinity, Spectrum, and others.Emmy award winners Mike Rowe & Jeff Daniels bring this remarkable story to life. "Blind Logic" tells the inspiring, untold story of Ralph Teetor, the blind inventor of Cruise Control and one of America's great automotive visionaries. The film has received early acclaim for its powerful message of perseverance, innovation, and legacy. As Cary Solomon stated, co-founder of SDG Releasing stated," This documentary is a remarkable Americana story from the heartland that will resonate with audiences across the country." The all-star voice cast also includes Emmy Award nominated Barry Corbin (Killers of the Flower Moon, Yellowstone), Rick Zieff (Mississippi Burning, Terminator 3), Ben Good, Andy Rothstein, John Matthew, and others. As Mike Rowe commented, "I narrated this film because Ralph Teetor epitomizes the work ethic, which we value at our Mikeworks Foundation." Rick Zieff also stated to filmmaker Jack Teetor, "As I discovered more about Ralph Teetor, I was astounded by his remarkable courage to persevere through his life of blindness with such grace." Ralph Teetor's legacy goes far beyond his automotive inventions. He was a pioneering engineer, balanced turbine rotors in WWI, a champion for workers' rights, and a philanthropist. Teetor lived his life as a sighted person and has been inducted into both the Automotive Hall of Fame and the National Inventors Hall of Fame.This documentary features appearances by prominent industry figures such as Lyn St. James, legendary race car driver, Franz von Holzhausen, the visionary Chief Designer at Tesla, Inc., Sarah Cook, President of the Automotive Hall of Fame, and the distinguished Leslie Mark Kendall, Chief Historian at the Petersen Automotive Museum. Family insight comes from Ralph Teetor's nephew Tom Teetor and four grandchildren, Ralph Meyer, Lucy Meyer Kropp, Jennifer Bloniarz and Ruthie Jones.Jack Teetor, Ralph's great nephew, wrote, directed, and produced "Blind Logic." Based on the book, "One Man's Vision - The Life of Automotive Pioneer Ralph R. Teetor," the film boasts an award-winning production team of Editor Derek Tow, Composer Jim Andron, Photo Editor Daniel Teetor, and Sound Editing & Design by Darren King, Nikola Simikic, and Amanda Roy.Look for Mike Rowe's "The Way I Heard It" podcast with guest Jack Teetor later in July on YouTube or AppleTV.See the award-winning trailer at: https://www.blindlogicproductions.com/video/ MEDIA CONTACT:Deborah GilelsLA Media ConsultantsEmail: gilelsdeborah@ gmail.com Cell: 818-648-9513SOURCE: Blind Logic Productions PR-Inside.com: 2025-06-05 20:00:13 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 356 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 MILWAUKEE, WI / ACCESS Newswire / June 5, 2025 / Diversatek Healthcare is excited to announce the release of Zvu 3.4.0, the latest software version now fully compatible with the Chicago Classification version 4.0 ( CCv4.0) and normal value updates from Lyon Consensus 2.0 for ZepHr Reflux Monitoring System. The CCv4.0 update introduces guided steps, unique measurements, and updated normal values, ensuring precise and comprehensive motility analysis. Key features include automated EGJ-CI, intra-bolus pressure, and inhibitory-DCI marking, along with enhanced HRIM data analysis. Diversatek Healthcare Logo for Diversatek HealthcareZvu Functional GI Software features one user-friendly, flexible platform for three diagnostic studies: high-resolution esophageal manometry, impedance/pH reflux testing, and esophageal mucosal integrity testing (MiVu Mucosal Integrity Testing System). The software features visually engaging graphics, customizable reports, network connectivity, simplified controls and real-time metrics - all designed to make it easier for GI teams to deliver exceptional patient care and streamline research."Zvu 3.4.0 represents our continued commitment to advancing GI diagnostics through precision, simplicity, and innovation. By integrating Chicago Protocol 4.0 and the latest Lyon Consensus metrics, we're empowering clinicians with the tools they need to deliver confident diagnoses and improved patient outcomes," said Stuart Tallmadge, Vice President of Diversatek Healthcare.Diversatek Healthcare is dedicated to expanding its comprehensive range of diagnostic and therapeutic GI applications - all with the goal of providing exceptional patient care.To learn more about Zvu 3.4.0, HRiM, ZepHr, or MiVu, please visit diversatekhealthcare.com About Diversatek HealthcareHeadquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Diversatek Healthcare is a wholly owned subsidiary of Diversatek Inc. A leader in gastroenterological medical devices and diagnostics, Diversatek Healthcare's tenured management team is committed to making business personal again through a hands-on approach to understanding clinical and patient needs. Diversatek Healthcare is driving science in the GI space while providing comprehensive educational offerings through Diversatek University, including on-site training and virtual platforms. The company offers an extensive range of state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic GI applications from esophageal dilators and endoscopic accessories to high resolution impedance manometry systems and impedance/pH total reflux monitoring.For additional information, visit diversatekhealthcare.com or contact us at 800-558-6408.Contact InformationAmy SwensonMarketing and Communications Manageraswenson@ diversatek.com 414.755.4841SOURCE: Diversatek Healthcare PR-Inside.com: 2025-06-05 23:45:12 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 726 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Poll of 442 Healthcare Executives Highlights Four Key Workforce Issues Driving Adoption of AI, Virtual Care, and Automation Solutions Across 13 European CountriesLONDON, GB / ACCESS Newswire / June 5, 2025 / European hospitals and health systems are urgently adopting advanced technological solutions to mitigate severe workforce shortages, as revealed in a new survey by Black Book Research. Conducted ahead of the HIMSS25 European Health Conference & Exhibition in Paris (June 10-12), the survey identifies four major workforce challenges driving strategic shifts toward AI, virtual care, and automation.1. Acute Nursing and Clinical Staff Shortages:Germany: 90% of healthcare executives reported critical nursing shortages, accelerating investments in AI-powered scheduling and remote patient monitoring.Spain: 73% emphasized significant shortages in nursing staff, prompting substantial adoption of automation technologies and digital scheduling.Switzerland: 60% cited critical gaps in frontline clinical roles, driving expansions in telemedicine and remote healthcare solutions.2. Specialist and Technician Deficits:Italy: 75% highlighted severe specialist shortages, increasing deployment of virtual consultations and telemedicine.Netherlands: 78% prioritized remote patient monitoring due to persistent clinical technician shortages.Finland: 74% invested in remote diagnostic technologies to counteract widespread specialist shortages.3. Staff Burnout and Operational Overload:France: 82% identified staff burnout as their primary challenge, significantly increasing adoption of virtual nursing assistants and automated administrative tools.Norway: 77% prioritized AI-driven administrative automation to alleviate clinician burnout and operational strain.Belgium: 72% focused investments on AI-powered scheduling systems to effectively manage staffing demands and reduce burnout.4. Administrative Burden and Efficiency Pressures:United Kingdom: 78% actively evaluated AI-driven clinical decision support to reduce administrative workloads and enhance clinical efficiency.Ireland: 72% urgently adopted digital triage and virtual care platforms to manage escalating demands on emergency departments.Sweden: 69% accelerated digital transformation initiatives, especially telehealth platforms, to address rural clinician shortages.Denmark: 68% increased digital health budgets aimed at virtual care to mitigate staffing challenges in chronic disease management."Europe's healthcare workforce crisis is compelling hospitals to quickly implement technological solutions," said Doug Brown, Founder of Black Book Research. "At HIMSS25 Europe, attendees will explore innovative digital strategies specifically designed to address critical staffing issues and strengthen healthcare delivery systems." At HIMSS25 Europe several confirmed sponsors and partners are poised to address the pressing healthcare workforce challenges identified in the recent Black Book Research survey. These challenges include acute nursing and clinical staff shortages, specialist and technician deficits, staff burnout and operational overload, and administrative burden and efficiency pressures. The following vendors top-rated by European clients in 2025 polling by Black Book offer solutions aligned with these needs. Download the full updated Q2 Global Black Book of Healthcare IT Solutions at https://blackbookmarketresearch.com/register-for-the-black-book-of-global-healthcare-it-2025-report Dedalus: A global health software company, Dedalus provides digital health solutions aimed at improving care delivery and operational efficiency, addressing various workforce challenges.GE HealthCare: Offering advanced diagnostic imaging and monitoring solutions, GE HealthCare supports remote diagnostics and virtual care, alleviating specialist shortages and improving patient access.InterSystems Corporation: InterSystems offers data management and interoperability solutions facilitating seamless information exchange across healthcare systems, helping reduce administrative burdens and improve clinical decision-making.Microsoft Corporation: Microsoft provides cloud and AI solutions tailored for healthcare, including tools that support virtual care and administrative automation, helping address staff burnout and operational overload.Oracle Health: Oracle Health offers comprehensive healthcare IT solutions, including EHR systems and data analytics tools, supporting administrative efficiency and enhancing clinical workflows.Philips: Philips provides a range of healthcare technologies, including telehealth platforms and remote patient monitoring systems, instrumental in managing specialist and technician deficits.Wolters Kluwer: Known for evidence-based clinical decision support tools, Wolters Kluwer offers solutions that can help reduce clinician burnout and improve operational efficiency.Attendees are encouraged to engage with these exhibitors to explore technologies designed to enhance operational efficiency, support clinical staff, and improve patient care delivery across European healthcare systems. The HIMSS25 European Health Conference & Exhibition at the Palais des Congres in Paris will feature extensive sessions and demonstrations focused on AI-driven healthcare automation, virtual care strategies, and practical, real-world case studies addressing these pressing workforce challenges. For more information about HIMSS25 Europe, visit: https://www.himss.org/events-overview/european-health-conference-and-exhibition Media Contact: Black Book Research Email: Research@ BlackBookMarketResearch.com About Black Book Research: Black Book Research is an independent healthcare market research firm globally recognized for unbiased insights and strategic guidance driven by extensive survey data from healthcare leaders, providers, and policymakers. Read more at www.blackbookmarketresearch.com Contact InformationPress Officeresearch@ blackbookmarketresearch.com 8008637590SOURCE: Black Book Research Azerbaijan announces funds returned to depositors of local Gunay and Mugan Banks Efforts continue to develop a risk-based system for calculating bank insurance premiums in Azerbaijan. In 2023, depositors of bankrupt Gunay and Mugan Banks recovered nearly all their insured deposits. By the end of 2024, over $20 million and $117 million were paid to their depositors. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register PR-Inside.com: 2025-06-05 12:00:25 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 721 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 A first exhibit of its kind to open in Seattle, DISplace reconnects displaced Native Hawaiians to culture, heritage, and history lost through relocationSEATTLE, WA / ACCESS Newswire / June 5, 2025 / The Wing Luke Museum is pleased to announce its most recent exhibit,DISplace, opening on June 13, 2025 and closing on Jan. 4, 2027. A reception for members and special guests will be held on Saturday, June 14, from 1-3 p.m. in the Museum's Community Hall. According to exhibit text "'Dis place' - this place - is a nod to the pride and resilience of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities in light of displacement from their original homelands.Co-curated by artists Lehuauakea and Kanani Miyamoto, DISplace speaks directly to the growing number of Native Hawaiians who live in the continental US and reclaims narratives overlooked for generations while honoring the resilience of Kanaka Maoli - Native Hawaiians. With carefully curated Native Hawaiian art and other content, the exhibit enables Native Hawaiian communities - who have lost connection to their heritage and culture - the opportunity to authentically reconnect to their history, culture, and identity.Lehuauakea, who now lives in New Mexico, and Kanani Miyamoto, who resides in Oregon, are both mixed Native Hawaiian and have roots in Hawai'i. This exhibit draws deeply from their own experiences and sense of longing, which inspired them to engage and build community with others who now call the Pacific Northwest (PNW) home. By presenting larger historical and cultural context and a sense of mutual belonging, the curators hope to rebuild stronger connections to Native Hawaiian history and culture."When folks find out that someone moved from Hawai'i to be in the PNW, the reaction is often of shock or confusion, wondering why we'd ever choose to leave paradise'," Lehuauakea explains. "The unfortunate reality for many of us is that these are often not entirely voluntary relocations, with many of us being priced out of our homes in Hawaii due to socioeconomic circumstances that have accumulated over decades. The result is displacement from our ancestral homelands and culture in alarming numbers. DISplace speaks to those facts of relocation throughout history." The storytelling and exhibit message are incredibly powerful and relevant, given the significant migration of Native Hawaiians to the Pacific Northwest in the late 1700s (and to the present day). Nearly 68,000 Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders live in Washington state, and U.S. Census data shows more Native Hawaiians live in the continental United States than in Hawai'i."As more Native Hawaiians leave the homeland, their connections to heritage, culture, and art become more distant," says the Museum's Interim Executive Director, Kamahanahokulani Farrar Law, who is also Native Hawaiian. "Though there is no substitute for returning home, DISplace's rich and visual storytelling does offer powerful opportunities to reflect and reconnect. We are excited about the collaboration with Lehuauakea and Kanani to highlight the significant but often unrecognized Native Hawaiian presence in the region, dating back hundreds of years. I hope community members, whether they are Native Hawaiian or from other places, have the opportunity to experience this potent exhibit." Eleven artists featured in the art exhibit include Keliko K.M. Adams, Ha'aheo Auwae-Dekker, Daphne Kauahi'ilani Jenkins, Nyomi Iwalani Jose, Lokela Alexander Minami, Brandon Naihe, Malia Peoples, Cris Romento, Shaka Funk Design Co., Miki'ala Souza, and Bruce Clayton Tom.NOTE: Media interested in attending the members-only event should contact Stephen McLean, Senior Director of Strategic Communications at smclean@ wingluke.org , or Sage Quiamno at sagequiamno@ gmail.com About The Wing Luke MuseumThe Wing Luke Museum's mission is to connect everyone to the rich history, dynamic cultures, and art of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders through vivid storytelling and inspiring experiences. As a Smithsonian Affiliate, National Park Service Affiliated Area, and the only pan-Asian American museum in the nation, The Wing Luke Museum is a national treasure, preserving and sharing the personal stories of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. In 2025, the Museum will celebrate the 100th birthday of Wing Chong Luke, our namesake and Washington state's first Asian American to hold elected office. To learn more about the Museum, visit www.wingluke.org ###Contact InformationSteve McLeanSenior Director of Strategic Communicationssmclean@ wingluke.org 206-935-6566Sage QuiamnoCommunicationssagequiamno@ gmail.com (808) 232-1321SOURCE: Wing Luke Museum PR-Inside.com: 2025-06-05 12:00:15 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 395 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 LONDON, UK / ACCESS Newswire / June 5, 2025 / FundApps, a market leader in shareholding disclosure monitoring, and Aladdin, BlackRock's technology business, today announced a partnership to integrate FundApps' cutting-edge compliance service with the Aladdin platform.Serving some of the world's largest hedge funds, asset managers, pension funds, and investment banks - monitoring 17% of global assets under management as of 1st January 2025 - FundApps is at the forefront of regulatory technology. With global shareholding disclosure requirements becoming more complex and far-reaching, the FundApps integration with the Aladdin platform delivers to common clients a streamlined shareholding disclosure monitoring and reporting offering that fits effortlessly into their daily investment workflows. This complements the Aladdin platform's robust set of capabilities for managing guideline and regulatory compliance.Integrating FundApps' solution with the Aladdin platform demonstrates a fundamental shift in how investment professionals manage threshold disclosures - moving it from a fragmented, manual process to an integrated, automated solution within a unified investment management process."This partnership is a testament to the growing demand for scalable, automated compliance solutions," said Andrew Patrick White, CEO & Founder of FundApps. "FundApps' integration with Aladdin enables investment managers to stay ahead of evolving regulations without disrupting their investment processes. No more manual monitoring or fragmented processes - just seamless, automated compliance." The integrated capabilities will be available to common clients in the second half of 2025, delivering an automated solution for managing global disclosure requirements with Aladdin. It's a strategic move to integrate with a proven regulatory technology partner, offering a scalable compliance solution that grows with client needs.About FundAppsFundApps is a company powered by experts, with a client community of 1000s and a culture underpinned by ethics. We make the best regulatory software so our clients can "get a good night's sleep now they have FundApps' *[real client quote]Many lawyers, ex-regulators, info sec and other experts work for the B Corp that is FundApps. We are all about future-proofing our compliance monitoring and reporting software so we can monitor the $29 trillion (and growing) of AuM across 100 jurisdictions for the industry's most active and happy global compliance community [we get top notch NPS + CSAT scores year after year].Good people, good business, good ethics. We are FundApps.Media Contact:For FundApps: Nastja Konic, Lead Marketing Manager at FundApps, nastja@ fundapps.co Contact InformationNastja KonicLead Marketing Managernastja@ fundapps.co SOURCE: FundApps PR-Inside.com: 2025-06-04 23:20:07 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 632 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 CHANDLER, AZ / ACCESS Newswire / June 4, 2025 /Helpany is thrilled to announce it has received the Innovation of the Year award from LeadingAge Arizona, recognizing its groundbreaking impact on fall prevention and resident safety in senior living communities. This award honors an organization that has created an innovative program or service on their campus, and Helpany's AI and radar-based solution, Paul, has proven to be just that.By analyzing residents' unique motion patterns and notifying caregivers in real time when a resident gets up, Paul acts as a 24/7 virtual caregiver assistant. Designed with dignity in mind, the system collects essential data through radar and AI-without the use of invasive tools like cameras or microphones. The result is a safer, more respectful, and proactive approach to care that empowers staff while preserving residents' privacy. The result is a safer, more proactive approach to care.The impact has been felt across multiple communities:Fellowship Square Mesa reported a 70% reduction in falls in just two months and eliminated nighttime falls entirely.Westminster Village in Scottsdale and all Park Senior Villas locations experienced similar results, reinforcing the system's effectiveness at scale.Helpany is Driving Real Results in Senior Living CommunitiesCommunities using Helpany are seeing powerful outcomes: an average fall reduction of 70%, significantly fewer severe incidents, and fall-related ER visits consistently below industry norms. In some communities, ambulance lift-assist calls have been eliminated entirely, month after month. Even more encouraging, residents are spending more days in the community-thanks to proactive care interventions powered by Helpany that identify early signs of health issues, such as UTIs, before they become serious.AI That Empowers CaregiversHelpany supports caregivers by sensing human motion 24/7 and generating reports that detect subtle changes in residents' mobility-often before the residents themselves are aware. These insights allow staff to engage proactively and address issues early. Real-time preventive alerts further enhance safety, notifying caregivers the moment a resident starts to move, especially during nighttime hours. With remote monitoring, caregivers can monitor resident presence and activity across units, increasing efficiency."We are deeply honored by this recognition," said Sandro Cilurzo, Co-Founder and CEO of Helpany. "We're especially proud of the significant reduction in falls achieved in senior living communities-an accomplishment made possible by the dedication and care of frontline caregivers. This award affirms our mission, but above all, it reinforces our commitment to support caregivers and residents with technology that fosters safety, respects dignity, and empowers proactive, compassionate care." Concludes Cilurzo.About Arizona LeadingAge:Arizona LeadingAge is THE TRUSTED VOICE for organizations dedicated to providing quality housing, healthcare and community-based services for Arizona's seniors. Arizona LeadingAge members share a deep sense of mission and a commitment to enhancing the lives of older adults and others with special needs. The association serves its members by providing leadership, education, advocacy, and opportunities for collaboration to help them achieve their respective missions. The national partner, LeadingAge, is an association of 6,000 organizations dedicated to expanding the world of possibilities for aging. Together, they advance policies, promote practices and conduct research that supports, enables and empowers people to live fully as they age. https://www.arizonaleadingage.org/ About HelpanyBased in San Francisco and Switzerland, Helpany Inc. is transforming resident care and fall prevention in long-term care facilities with its AI-based motion monitoring radar device " Paul." Each year, there are 4 million falls in long-term care facilities, with 1 million of these being preventable. Paul monitors residents' well-being and helps detect potential fall risks and health issues without compromising privacy or dignity. This can significantly reduce falls and associated costs while improving overall well-being. Helpany is available immediately for senior communities throughout the U.S. For more information on Helpany, see: www.helpany.com Media Contact Information Sandro Cilurzo sandro.cilurzo@helpany.com 888987346162 http://www.helpany.com/ SOURCE: Helpany PR-Inside.com: 2025-06-04 23:30:14 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 / June 4, 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=151683&wire=1&utm_campaign=19 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: 2025-06-05 18:15:52 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 453 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / June 5, 2025 / LexisNexis Risk Solutions recently disclosed that it suffered a data breach through its third-party software development platform. 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 LexisNexis Risk Solutions.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?On December 25, 2024, LexisNexis Risk Solutions became aware of a security incident on its third-party software development platform. The issue did not affect LNRS's own networks or systems. Upon detection, LNRS 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 certain LNRS data from the third-party platform. LNRS conducted a comprehensive review of the impacted data to determine what information was compromised and identified affected individuals. The potentially impacted files contained personal information including name, contact information (such as phone number, postal or email address), Social Security number, driver's license number, or date of birth. No financial or credit card information was affected.On May 24, 2025, LNRS began sending notice letters to impacted individuals and on May 27, 2024filed a notice with the Maine Attorney General's Office. 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 LexisNexis Risk Solutions, 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: 2025-06-05 19:00:37 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 311 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Terrance Cole, the nominee for Administrator of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), stands at a pivotal juncture with the opportunity to address longstanding issues related to the agency's handling of cannabis policy.PROVIDENCE, RI / ACCESS Newswire / June 5, 2025 / MMJ BioPharma Cultivation, Inc. issues the following clarification regarding statements made in its May 28, 2025 press release and subsequent media interview referencing U.S.-based cannabis companies, including Curaleaf Holdings, Inc.MMJ BioPharma wishes to clarify that it does not have evidence that Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. is exporting Schedule I cannabis products from within the United States to international markets. Any prior public commentary that may have suggested direct exportation of such products from the United States by Curaleaf was not intended to allege unlawful conduct by the company.Our original press release aimed to highlight broader inconsistencies in federal cannabis enforcement policy-where companies operating in international markets under various legal frameworks appear to receive less scrutiny than federally compliant pharmaceutical research efforts such as those by MMJ BioPharma.We acknowledge that Curaleaf has disclosed in public filings that its international operations involve cannabis cultivation and distribution through licensed foreign subsidiaries, including those in Canada and Europe. These disclosures also include the legal disclaimer that marijuana remains a Schedule I substance under U.S. federal law and that its operations may not be compliant with international treaty obligations, particularly those enforced by the United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs.MMJ BioPharma remains committed to advocating for consistent, science-based federal cannabis policy and will continue to pursue its mission of delivering FDA-authorized cannabinoid-based therapies for patients suffering from Huntington's Disease and Multiple Sclerosis.We regret any confusion or mischaracterization our prior statements may have caused and thank Curaleaf for the opportunity to clarify the record.Media Contact: Duane BoiseChief Executive OfficerMMJ BioPharma Cultivation, Inc. dboise@ mmjih.com Office: +1 (401) 388-0017SOURCE: MMJ International Holdings PR-Inside.com: 2025-06-05 08:50:08 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1039 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 STOCKHOLM, SE / ACCESS Newswire / June 5, 2025 / iZafe Group (STO:IZAFE-B) - May has been an eventful month where we took yet another important step forward. The number of active billable Dosell units increased by an additional 14% from April - a growth now built on an ever-larger base volume. At the same time, we passed a major symbolic milestone: more than 1,000 active units in operation, showing that we've made it through the most challenging phase - building a stable, scalable, and in-demand solution.Growth is driven both by more municipalities and partners starting to use Dosell - and by existing customers prescribing more units per client. We are seeing broad and growing traction, even though we're still coming from relatively modest volumes. That makes the strength of our growth rate all the more encouraging.We are now entering the summer months, which traditionally means a somewhat slower pace due to holidays. But we look forward to ramping up again in the fall - firmly anchored in our long-term strategy.Sweden: Growth in VGR and Increasing Demand Ahead of Autumn In May, two more municipalities in the Vastra Gotaland region (VGR) began using Dosell, bringing our presence in the region to 14 municipalities. Several of these have started increasing their internal volumes and are receiving very positive feedback from both staff and users.Two new municipalities have approved pilot projects with Dosell set to start right after summer. We've also held numerous presentations for municipalities now considering launching their own pilots - a clear sign of the strong momentum we're experiencing in the Swedish public care sector.At Vitalis, the Nordic region's leading event for health and social care, we gained strategic traction - both through our presence and by presenting collaborations with Tamro, JDM Innovation, and Phoenix Group. The reaction from visitors was overwhelmingly positive, summarized best by the comment: "Finally, two solutions in one system!"Especially appreciated was our joint stage appearance with ATEA and Ulricehamn Municipality, where Ulricehamn shared their successful implementation and how their "slow and steady" approach has led to stable, positive development. Many home care teams in the municipality are now reaching out, eager to start using Dosell themselves.We also participated in Senior Day in Kungstradgarden, where we received great interest in our consumer solution. At the same time, our partner Zafe exhibited at the Dementia Days event, where Dosell attracted significant attention for its value in early intervention for cognitive impairment. The new Social Services Act emphasizes this very need - and many now see Dosell as a key part of the solution.Spain: Pharmacy Network and Interest from Private Care Providers In Spain, our partner Ti Medi continues rolling out Dosell through the national pharmacy network, which includes over 1,500 pharmacies.Following strong media attention in April, private care providers have also started to show interest in Dosell. Our B2B solution is now being actively presented to these providers, who see the opportunity to complement their existing care structures with a digital solution that enhances independence and safety in medication management.The Netherlands: Continued Growth and Trade Fair Momentum In the Netherlands, growth continues at a rapid pace. Our customer TCCN is highly engaged and has established an efficient approach for broad outreach - already leading to concrete meetings with new stakeholders. At the same time, their existing customers are increasing their volumes month over month.Dosell TV has generated strong interest, and our presence at the April trade fair served as a clear catalyst for new contacts. Several of these are now in the quotation or implementation phase. The combination of proactive sales, a strong network, and a value-driven offering that meets real needs gives us excellent conditions for continued expansion together with TCCN.Strategic Partnership - LOI with JDM Innovation In May, we signed a Letter of Intent with JDM Innovation, aiming to establish a strategic partnership in Europe. JDM is a well-established player in logistics, automation, and medical technology, working with both international pharmaceutical companies and pharmacy chains.The partnership creates opportunities to integrate our technologies and opens doors to new markets in Europe. Discussions around joint pilots are already underway, and we see great potential in driving efficiency and safe medication management together in new markets.Celebrate the 1,000-Unit Milestone with Us - Investor Evening June 12 To mark our achievement of surpassing 1,000 active units, we're inviting you to an investor evening in Stockholm - on Thursday, June 12.We sincerely hope as many shareholders as possible will take this opportunity to come, meet our team in person, ask questions, and get deeper insight into our journey and future vision. It's a great chance to connect - and to experience Dosell live.Welcome - we look forward to seeing you! Register here: https://forms.office.com/e/8qHzwLu5S8 Thank You for Your Trust - Together We Are Shaping the Future of Medication Management iZafe Group is in a phase of strong commercial momentum. May's results confirm both the direction and pace of our progress. We're strengthening our partnerships, expanding our network, and building on a model that has now proven both scalable and effective.Thank you for following our journey - and we warmly welcome you to the investor evening on Thursday, June 12.ContactsAnders Segerstrom, Chief Executive Officer E-mail: anders.segerstrom@izafegroup.com Phone number: +46 70-875 14 12iZafe Group AB (publ.) David Bagares gata 3111 38 StockholmE-mail: ir@ izafegroup.comwww.izafegroup.comeucaps.com/izafe-group About iZafe Group AB (publ.)iZafe Group is a Life Science company that conducts research, development and marketing of digital medical solutions and services for safer medication management at home.The company leads the development of digital drug dispensing through the drug robot Dosell as well as the SaaS solution Pilloxa with the smart pillbox. The company's solutions reduce the risk of incorrect medication in the home, increase compliance, relieve public health care, increase the quality of life for patients and create a safer environment for relatives.The customers consist of private individuals, pharmaceutical companies and public and private healthcare providers in Sweden, the Nordics and globally. iZafe Group primarily sells through well-established partners who already have long and deep customer relationships with the prioritized customer groups. The head PR-Inside.com: 2025-06-05 12:00:36 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1002 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / June 5, 2025 /Camino Minerals Corporation (TSXV:COR)(OTC PINK:CAMZF) ("Camino" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the receipt of CAD$1.5 million from exploration partner Nittetsu Mining CO., Ltd. ("Nittetsu") to fully fund the upcoming exploration and drilling campaign at Camino's Los Chapitos Copper Project ("Los Chapitos" or the "Project") in Peru.The funds constitute the fifth option to earn-in payment by Nittetsu under the terms of the Earn-in Agreement ("Agreement") that Camino entered into with Nittetsu in 2023 (see news release dated June 14, 2023). Under the terms of the Agreement, Nittetsu can secure a 35% project interest in Los Chapitos once it completes a total investment of CAD$10 million, contributed over three years. To date, Nittetsu has invested a total of CAD$8.5 million into the Los Chapitos copper project.The exploration and drilling campaign will run from June 1, 2025, until November 30, 2025, and has been approved by the Camino - Nittetsu Joint Technical Committee. The funds will be used to advance and drill Camino's next high-priority targets, including the Katty prospect on the Diva Trend, where mineralization associated with copper oxide, sulfides, and copper wad have been identified at surface and previously drilled at depth. The campaign will also cover the newly identified Sombrero Blanco target, along the La Estancia fault, where a broad and continuous zone of copper oxide mineralization has been identified, and which remains a key target within Camino's strategic exploration at the Los Chapitos copper and silver exploration project in southern Peru.Camino and Nittetsu are also working with consultants to model and investigate copper mineralization at depth. Historical drilling intercepts have demonstrated high-grade copper at depth including 4.5m @ 5.01% Cu from 245.5 m in drillhole DCH-012 (see news release dated May 26, 2020 for full details of the drill hole and corresponding drill program). Additional results of trenching and targeting will be released in the coming weeks, as the Company identifies its best drilling targets for 2025."Our relationship with Nittetsu has recently deepened with the joint acquisition of the advanced Puquios copper project in Chile (see news release dated April 17, 2025) which we are aiming to bring to production, with its primary RCA permit to start construction already in place. That relationship began at our Los Chapitos project in Peru, and we are thankful for the continued investment from Nittetsu in what we believe has the potential to become our next copper mine following Puquios. Nittetsu's continued commitment underscores our joint belief in Los Chapitos' potential to become a significant copper producer in Peru." Figure 1. Geological mapping at the Los Chapitos copper project in May 2025.Community ParticipationOn Friday, May 23, Camino held the Public Participation Workshop for the Second Amendment EIA for Los Chapitos. This step in the permitting process included active coordination with local authorities, community leaders, and residents from the Project's direct area. The workshop was supported by a comprehensive communication plan to encourage broad community engagement both in-person and online that facilitated feedback from community members, and reinforced Camino's commitment to public participation.Figure 2. Camino representatives hosting the community participation workshop.About CaminoCamino is a discovery and development stage copper exploration company. Camino is focused on developing copper producing assets such as Puquios, a construction-ready copper mine in Chile, and advancing its IOCG Los Chapitos copper project located in Peru through to resource delineation and development, and to add new discoveries. Camino has also permitted the Maria Cecilia copper porphyry project for exploration discovery drilling to add to its NI 43-101 resources. In addition, Camino has increased its land position at its copper and silver Plata Dorada project. Camino seeks to acquire a portfolio of advanced copper assets that have the potential to deliver copper into an electrifying copper intensive global economy. For more information, please refer to Camino's website at www.caminocorp.com Jose A. Bassan, MSc. Geologist, an independent geologist FAusIMM (CP) 227922, a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed and approved the technical contents of this document. Mr. Bassan has reviewed and verified relevant data supporting the technical disclosure, including sampling and analytical test data.ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD/S/ "Jay Chmelauskas"President and CEOFor further information, please contact: Camino Investor Relationsinfo@ caminocorp.com Tel: (604) 493-2058Neither 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: Certain disclosures in this release constitute forward-looking information. In making the forward-looking disclosures in this release, the Company has applied certain factors and assumptions that are based on the Company's current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Forward-looking information in the release includes the prospectivity of future exploration work at Los Chapitos, future planned drilling programs, prospectivity for copper exploration in new targets; expectations for completion of earn-in expenditures under the Agreement with Nittetsu; potential for development of the Puquios Project and Los Chapitos Project into operating mining properties and the receipt of necessary authorizations and approvals. Although the Company considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to it, they may prove to be incorrect, and the forward-looking information in this release is subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause future results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking information. Such risk factors include, among others, that actual results of the Company's exploration activities may be different than those expected by management, that the Company may not realize the benefits of joint ventures and/or strategic partnerships with respect to the Company's properties, that the Company may be unable to obtain or may experience delays in obtaining any required authorizations and approvals and the state of equity and commodity markets, as well as other risks and assumptions set forth in our continuous di PR-Inside.com: 2025-06-05 22:07:17 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 559 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / June 5, 2025 / Leading securities law firmBleichmar Fonti & Auld LLPannounces that a lawsuit has been filed against Organon & Co. (NYSE:OGN) and certain of the Company's senior executives for potential violations of the federal securities laws.If you invested in Organon you are encouraged to obtain additional information by visiting https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/organon-co-class-action Investors have until July 22, 2025, to ask the Court to be appointed to lead the case. The complaint asserts claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on behalf of investors who purchased Organon securities. The case is pending in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey and is captioned: Hauser v. Organon & Co., et al., No. 25-cv-05322.Why was Organon Sued for Securities Fraud?Organon is a global healthcare company focused on women's health that has historically rewarded its shareholders with a healthy dividend. In October 2024, Organon completed a $1.2 billion acquisition of Dermavant, a biopharmaceutical company focused on dermatological conditions. As alleged, while the acquisition increased Organon's debt, the Company assured investors it would maintain its dividend, which Organon asserted was its "#1 capital allocation priority." In truth, Organon had shifted its capital allocation priority after the Dermavant acquisition to focus on reducing its debt, ultimately leading the Company to severely cut its dividend.The Stock Declines as the Truth is RevealedOn May 1, 2025, Organon announced that management reset the Company's dividend payout from $0.28 per share to $0.02 per share. Organon's CEO explained that the Company "reset our capital allocation priorities to accelerate progress towards deleveraging" and that "[b]y deleveraging more rapidly, we will continue to strengthen the future prospects of the company." Organon's CFO added, "[t]he biggest issues we face . . . relate to managing our leverage and relate to growth. And we need capital to solve both of those issues, and so returning capital to shareholders is right now, less of a priority." On this news, the price of Organon stock declined roughly 27%, from $12.93 per share on April 30, 2025, to $9.45 per share on May 1, 2025.Click here if you suffered losses: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/organon-co-class-action What Can You Do?If you invested in Organon you may have legal options and are encouraged to submit your information to the firm.All representation is on a contingency fee basis, there is no cost to you. Shareholders are not responsible for any court costs or expenses of litigation. The firm will seek court approval for any potential fees and expenses.Submit your information by visiting:Or contact:Ross Shikowitz ross@ bfalaw.com 212-789-3619Why Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP?Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP is a leading international law firm representing plaintiffs in securities class actions and shareholder litigation. It was named among the Top 5 plaintiff law firms by ISS SCAS in 2023 and its attorneys have been named Titans of the Plaintiffs' Bar by Law360 and SuperLawyers by Thompson Reuters. Among its recent notable successes, BFA recovered over $900 million in value from Tesla, Inc.'s Board of Directors, as well as $420 million from Teva Pharmaceutical Ind. Ltd.For more information about BFA and its attorneys, please visit https://www.bfalaw.com Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.SOURCE: Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP PR-Inside.com: 2025-06-05 12:00:19 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 752 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 CALGARY, AB / ACCESS Newswire / June 5, 2025 / Primary Hydrogen Corp. (TSXV:HDRO)(FRA:83W0)(OTCQB:HNATF) ("Primary" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the engagement of Tripoint Geological Services to support the Company's upcoming British Columbia exploration programs. The Company is fully funded for its 2025 natural hydrogen exploration program across Canada."As we prepare for an active field season across Canada, we are pleased to partner with Tripoint to facilitate exploration programs across our portfolio of BC-based projects" commented Benjamin Asuncion, CEO of Primary Hydrogen Corp. "Tripoint is able to facilitate our planned exploration programs including soil and soil-gas sampling, geophysics, and permitting." About Tripoint Geological ServicesFounded in 2019, Tripoint Geological Services is a Canadian geological consulting firm dedicated to delivering exceptional support for mineral exploration programs, from grassroots to advanced stages. Built on a foundation of extensive industry experience, Tripoint is driven by a commitment to excellence, fostering a passionate and innovative environment for employees, contractors, and service providers. By prioritizing quality, safety, environmental responsibility, and community engagement, Tripoint empowers its team to create industry-leading products and services, ensuring unparalleled value for clients.About Primary Hydrogen Corp.Primary Hydrogen is dedicated to the exploration and development of natural hydrogen resources. With over 740 acres in the U.S. and 230 square kilometers across Canada, the Company's portfolio includes the Blakelock, Hopkins, Mary's Harbour, Point Rosie, Crooked Amphibolite, Coquihalla, and Cogburn projects. Primary also holds the Arthur Lake copper project in British Columbia and has an option to acquire a 75% interest in a hydrogen-REE project known as Wicheeda North, also located in British Columbia.--FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:Ben AsuncionChief Executive OfficerPrimary Hydrogen Corp.Email: ben@ primaryh2.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 INFORMATIONThis news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: (i) the Company's intention to complete the Private Placement; (ii) the structure and terms of the FT Units and Non-FT Units, including as to pricing, composition, and warrant exercise terms; (iii) the expected use of proceeds from the Private Placement; and (vi) the anticipated closing date of the Private Placement.Forward-looking statements are often identified by words such as "intends," "expects," "will," "may," or similar expressions. These statements are based on certain assumptions, including but not limited to: the Company's ability to successfully market and complete the Private Placement; the accuracy of estimated costs and timelines for exploration and development activities; the availability of sufficient capital to fund planned exploration and general expenses; the Company's ability to comply with the requirements for flow-through mining expenditures under the Income Tax Act (Canada); the timely receipt of TSX Venture Exchange approval; and the absence of unforeseen regulatory or market obstacles.These forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Such risks include, but are not limited to: the inability to raise the targeted C$2,000,000 or any funds through the Private Placement; changes in market conditions affecting the pricing or demand for FT Units or Non-FT Units; unexpected costs or delays in exploration and development activities; failure to qualify expenditures as "flow-through mining expenditures" or to renounce them by December 31, 2026; delays or failure in obtaining TSX Venture Exchange approval; changes in securities regulations or TSX Venture Exchange policies affecting the Offering or finder compensation; economic or financial market volatility impacting the Company's ability to fund operations; and general economic, market, or industry conditions. Additional risks are discussed in the Company's most recently filed management's discussion and analysis, available under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca Although the Company believes that the assumptions and expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable based on the experience of its management, current conditions, and expected future developments, there can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements or information, except as required by applicable securities laws.SOURCE: Primary Hydrogen Corp. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 5. A series of agreements were signed following the meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government held in Dushanbe, Trend reports. The signing ceremony took place on June 5 in the capital of Tajikistan, as part of the official meeting of heads of government from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) member countries. The agreements cover a wide range of areas, including cooperation in the development of heavy engineering and light industry, harmonization of national air traffic management systems, and collaboration in public health. Other documents adopted include the establishment of a CIS Volunteer Forum, the development of a joint system for monitoring and assessing radiation, chemical, and biological conditions by the defense ministries of CIS member states, the introduction of a new honorary badge For the Development of Tourism in the CIS, and the launch of an interstate program for the rehabilitation of territories affected by uranium mining activities. PR-Inside.com: 2025-06-05 01:30:23 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 / June 4, 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=151689&wire=1&utm_campaign=27 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: 2025-06-05 22:35:09 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 512 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Recognizing Leadership, Integrity, and a Passion for Elevating the Voiceover IndustryORLANDO, FL / ACCESS Newswire / June 5, 2025 / Tarvis, a management consulting firm dedicated to empowering businesses and creative professionals, proudly celebrates its client, Cameron Thomas, on his recent election to the Executive Board of the World-Voices Organization (WoVO). This prestigious appointment recognizes Cameron's outstanding contributions to the voiceover industry and highlights Tarvis' ongoing commitment to client success.From Meteorologist to Trusted Voiceover ProfessionalSince 2007, Cameron Thomas has established a thriving voiceover career, building upon his previous experience as a radio meteorologist. This natural transition allowed Cameron to utilize his engaging voice and personable presentation style across numerous industries, including technology, automotive, e-learning, and corporate sectors. Cameron's dedication, adaptability, and passion for storytelling have positioned them as a trusted voice for leading global brands and organizations. To learn more, visit: https://www.cameronthomasvoiceovers.com Tarvis: Empowering Creative ExcellenceTarvis has had the privilege of partnering closely with Cameron, providing strategic insights and comprehensive support to advance his professional journey. Karin Barth from Tarvis remarked, "At Tarvis, our mission is to build meaningful, long term partnerships that align closely with our clients' goals. Cameron's achievement exemplifies how focused guidance and shared vision can create transformative opportunities." About World-Voices Organization (WoVO)The World-Voices Organization (WoVO) is a non-profit industry association dedicated to supporting professional voice talent globally. Since becoming a professional WoVO member, Cameron has passionately embraced its mission of collaboration, mentorship, and ethical industry standards. Actively involved in WoVO's initiatives, Cameron has significantly contributed to the success of the organization's annual conferences, WoVOCon, which offer critical learning and networking opportunities to voiceover professionals. To learn more, visit: https://www.world-voices.org Cameron's Vision for the Future of WoVOReflecting on this milestone, Cameron shared, "Joining WoVO as a professional member was transformative for my career. The organization's ethos-voice talent supporting voice talent-deeply resonates with me. As colleagues became friends, my desire to give back grew stronger. I am honored to serve on the Executive Board, and I'm excited to collaborate with my fellow board members to expand WoVO's reach, ensuring voice professionals everywhere have a supportive space for growth, mentorship, and maintaining the highest industry standards." A Commitment to Leadership and AdvocacyIn his new role, Cameron is dedicated to advocating for voice professionals at every career stage, fostering inclusivity, and promoting ethical practices throughout the industry. His election reflects both professional achievement and a genuine commitment to elevating the voiceover community.Tarvis: Dedicated to Supporting Client AchievementsTarvis is deeply proud to have played a supporting role in Cameron's journey. By offering personalized consulting tailored specifically to creative professionals, Tarvis has helped empower Cameron to capitalize on opportunities, cultivate meaningful industry relationships, and enhance his impact as a leader in voiceover.This milestone underscores the value of strong collaboration and aligning with partners dedicated to excellence. Tarvis congratulates Cameron Thomas on this exceptional achievement and looks forward to his influential contributions to WoVO and the broader voiceover industry.Contact InformationVeronica Green Communications Managerpress@ tarvis.com 716-759-4636SOURCE: Tarvis PR-Inside.com: 2025-06-05 20:00:17 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 617 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 10% of opening week sales to benefit Mid-Ohio Food CollectiveCOLUMBUS, OHIO / ACCESS Newswire / June 5, 2025 / Theory Wellness, a leading cannabis company, today announced the official opening of its newest non-medical and medical dispensary in Columbus, OH. The new retail location at 3905 Sullivant Avenue is the company's second retail store in Ohio. Theory marked the occasion with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted in partnership with the Columbus Chamber of Commerce and the Mid-Ohio Food Collective."We're proud to deepen our roots in Ohio and look forward to providing a great experience at our new location in Columbus," said Theory Wellness CEO Brandon Pollock. "With 10 percent of our opening week's sales going to the Mid-Ohio Food Collective, we hope to demonstrate that we're more than just a cannabis retailer, we aim to be a meaningful community partner." The Mid-Ohio Food Collective is the largest hunger-relief organization in Ohio, serving more than half a million people each year across 20 counties in central and eastern Ohio. The event underscores Theory's commitment to giving back to the communities it serves while making legal cannabis more accessible and welcoming to all.The Columbus Chamber of Commerce co-hosted the ribbon-cutting ceremony and welcomed Theory's community-first approach."We're proud to support businesses like Theory Wellness that are intentional about giving back from day one," said Derrick R. Clay, President and CEO of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce. "Their investment in Columbus reflects the kind of inclusive growth we champion - where business success and community impact go hand in hand. Partnering with the Mid-Ohio Food Collective sets the tone for the type of responsible leadership we welcome in the Columbus Region." The new Columbus location will offer a full selection of cannabis products - including flower, concentrates, edibles, vapes, and beverages - while upholding Theory Wellness's signature focus on customer service, affordability, and product variety. Building on its entry into Ohio's medical market in Sherwood in Northwest Ohio, and its early expansion into non-medical sales, the Columbus opening reinforces Theory's ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality cannabis experiences and investing in the communities it serves.Theory Wellness Columbus is located at 3905 Sullivant Ave, Columbus, OH 43228. Customers must be 21 years or older with valid ID. Regular hours are 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily.For more information, visit theorywellness.org ###Theory WellnessTheory Wellness is an employee-owned cannabis company that cultivates and manufactures cannabis, and serves customers in Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, Ohio, and New Jersey. Theory sources unique genetics and creates premium products that include flower, concentrates, edibles, and infusions. For more information, visit https://theorywellness.org/ Mid-Ohio Food CollectiveMid-Ohio Food Collective's mission is to end hunger one nourishing meal at a time while co-creating communities where everyone thrives. As Ohio's largest hunger relief organization, MOFC serves more than half a million people per year across 20 counties in central and eastern Ohio. With their network of more than 600 partner agencies, Mid-Ohio Food Collective distributed more than 83 million pounds of nutritious food in 2024, furthering their vision of hunger-free and healthier communities. Learn more about MOFC's work at mofc.org Columbus Chamber of CommerceThe Columbus Chamber of Commerce is a mission-driven nonprofit organization that serves more than 2,500 organizations. Founded in 1884, the Columbus Chamber is dedicated to fostering prosperity and growth in the Columbus Region Business Community through connections, resources, and advocacy. Serving as the epicenter of the Columbus Region's business community, the Columbus Chamber provides an interconnected ecosystem where businesses collaborate to eliminate barriers to prosperity, creating a vibrant environment for enterprises throughout the Columbus Region. Together, we make our region an exceptional business destination. Learn more: https://columbus.org Contact InformationJenn GomezSr Director of Marketingpress@ theorywellness.org 4132009899SOURCE: Theory Wellness PR-Inside.com: 2025-06-05 18:15:32 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 324 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 ROSEVILLE, CALIFORNIA / ACCESS Newswire / June 5, 2025 / In the rapidly evolving financial markets, a single trading model is no longer sufficient to meet the demands of modern investors. Valueex Exchange is stepping into a new era of diversified trading, breaking the limitations of traditional exchanges and delivering a more comprehensive and efficient trading experience for users worldwide.Embracing a Diversified Financial Ecosystem: Trading Without BoundariesAt Valueex, we recognise that different traders have different needs. That's why we've built a multi-dimensional trading ecosystem where users can access multiple financial markets on a single platform-no need to switch between services, ensuring a smoother and more integrated investment experience.Spot Trading - Access to global mainstream assets, including cryptocurrencies, stocks, and index funds, with high liquidity support.Futures & Options Trading - Flexible leverage tools allowing investors to hedge or implement high-yield strategies based on market trends.IEO & IPO Subscriptions - Participate in high-potential projects at the early stage, gaining a first-mover advantage in the market.Interoperable Blockchain Trading - Support for multi-chain asset exchanges, enhancing liquidity and seamlessly bridging DeFi with traditional financial markets.The Unique Strengths of Valueex: Smart, Efficient, and OpenIntelligent Matching Engine - Millisecond-level order execution ensures seamless and lag-free trading.Institutional-Grade Security - Multi-layered risk management systems and advanced encryption technologies protect user assets.Global Market Connectivity - Integration with global markets and support for various trading methods allow users to engage with top investment opportunities anytime, anywhere.Going Global: Shaping a New Landscape of Open FinanceValueex is more than just an exchange-it is a bridge that connects global capital markets. With the rise of the Web3 ecosystem, we are actively expanding into areas such as DeFi, NFTs, and tokenized securities. Our mission is to build a comprehensive financial ecosystem where users can freely allocate assets and optimize their portfolios-all on one unified platform.Media Contact Information Valueex ExchangeU.S. studio address: 915 Highland Pointe, Roseville 95678, CA service@ vivalos.com SOURCE: Valueex Exchange PR-Inside.com: 2025-06-05 23:00:36 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1019 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Discover the Wealth-Building Power of Weiss Ratings Plus-The Elite Investment System Helping Savvy Investors Unlock Reliable Monthly Income in 2025CHICAGO, IL / ACCESS Newswire / June 5, 2025 / In This Article, You'll Discover:How Weiss Ratings Plus unlocks theinvestment secrets used by the wealthy for consistent monthly income .The powerful features of Weiss Ratings Plus that deliver real-time data and instant investment alerts.Real user reviews and experiences to help you understand the actual benefits and potential complaints.A comprehensive breakdown of Weiss Ratings Plus subscription costs and the value it offers.How to integrate this advanced stock rating system into your daily financial wellness routine.Comparisons with other investment tools to see why Weiss Ratings Plus stands out in accuracy and objectivity.An honest look at potential drawbacks and how they're addressed, with disclaimers for full transparency.All the insights you need to decide if Weiss Ratings Plus is the right investment tool to improve your quality of life in 2025 and beyond.TL;DR Summary:This article provides a comprehensive look at Weiss Ratings Plus, a leading stock rating system designed to help investors generate monthly income and make informed financial decisions. You'll learn how Weiss Ratings Plus works, explore its unique features, and see how it compares to other stock rating systems. We'll cover the Weiss Ratings Plus subscription cost, real user reviews, and potential complaints to give you a clear picture of what to expect. With practical tips on integrating this tool into your daily routine for enhanced financial wellness, you'll gain the confidence to take the next step in your investment journey. Please note that while Weiss Ratings Plus is a powerful financial insights platform, past performance does not guarantee future results, and prices may change over time-always check the official website for the latest details.IntroductionInvesting wisely can be a daunting challenge, especially with the constant changes in the stock market and shifting economic trends. Many people are searching for reliable tools to navigate these uncertainties and grow their wealth with confidence. That's whereWeiss Ratings Pluscomes in.Weiss Ratings Plus is a powerful investment tool designed to deliver actionable insights and real-time data to help investors make informed decisions. It's not just another stock rating system-it's a trusted resource that the wealthy have used for years to generate consistent monthly income and build lasting financial security.In this article, we'll explore exactly what makes Weiss Ratings Plus stand out. From its powerful features and proven accuracy to real user experiences and subscription details, you'll discover how this investment tool can play a vital role in improving your financial wellness and overall quality of life in 2025 and beyond.Please note that while Weiss Ratings Plus has a strong track record of providing actionable investment insights, past performance does not guarantee future results. As with any investment, there is risk involved, and it's essential to make decisions that fit your unique financial goals and situation.Understanding Weiss Ratings PlusWeiss Ratings Plus is a comprehensive investment tool designed to provide investors with an edge in today's fast-paced financial markets. Developed by Weiss Ratings, a respected name in the industry known for its independent and objective analysis, Weiss Ratings Plus aims to empower individuals to make confident investment decisions.At its core, Weiss Ratings Plus is built on a foundation of real-time financial data and proprietary stock ratings. This means you're not just getting static information-you're getting up-to-date insights that can help you respond to market shifts and find the best opportunities for growth.The tool's comprehensive database covers thousands of stocks, offering detailed analysis of each company's risk, reward potential, growth prospects, solvency, and volatility. 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Over time, this can help you build a stronger investment routine and even improve your overall quality of life as you work toward financial freedom.Disclaimer: While these features provide p The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) announced a partnership with the Plateau State Government on Wednesday to upgrade Yakubu Gowon Airport in Heipang to an international cargo airport. This initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance regional economic development across the country, the agency said. In a statement issued by FAAN to that effect, the agency said the move was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between both parties. This, FAAN said, signifies a shared commitment to unlocking the economic potential of Plateau State through aviation-enabled commerce. In line with the Federal Governments agenda to deepen regional economic growth and enhance Nigerias trade infrastructure, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has entered into a landmark partnership with the Plateau State Government to upgrade Yakubu Gowon Airport, Heipang, into an International Cargo Airport, the statement noted. It said the agreement was signed at FAAN Headquarters in Lagos, with the Managing Director/Chief Executive of FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku, representing the federal government, and Governor Caleb Mutfwang, signing on behalf of the Plateau State Government. Plateau State is widely recognised as a hub for agricultural production in Northern Nigeria. With this partnership, FAAN is collaborating with the state to ensure farmers and producers can access international markets directly, the statement said. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later In his remarks, Mr Mutfwang emphasised the historical significance of the Jos Airport, which has served the region since 1972, and reiterated the long-standing vision to elevate it into a global trade gateway. He also highlighted the establishment of the Plateau Commodities and Marketing Agency to aggregate farm produce for export. Similarly, the FAAN Boss affirmed the projects alignment with President Bola Tinubus Renewed Hope Agenda. She noted that one of the major hurdles in Nigerias export ecosystem is aggregation and quality compliance, and commended Plateaus readiness to overcome this. She also recognised the states positive economic indicators, including a surge in hospitality demand, reflecting increasing investor confidence. Today, we are not just signing an agreement we are signing a declaration of economic independence for our farmers. We are not just upgrading an airport we are upgrading dreams, she said. Mrs Kuku explained that when future generations look back at this moment, they will mark it as the day Plateau State began its ascent to become Nigerias premier food cargo hub. Call to investors During the signing ceremony on Wednesday, the FAAN boss extended a call to investors, noting that FAAN is actively engaging development finance institutions like the African Development Bank (AfDB) to support infrastructure development. READ ALSO: Plateau govt restricts okada operations in Jos metropolis She urged investors to explore opportunities in tourism, logistics, and infrastructure that would connect rural producers to international markets, stating that there are ongoing plans for an Inland Dry Port to support the airports cargo operations. This transformation of Yakubu Gowon Airport represents more than an upgradeit is a strategic step toward building a sustainable logistics and trade network for Northern Nigeria, Mrs Kuku said. She said the initiative ties into FAANs broader mission to align national infrastructure with local economic aspirations. Today, we show the world that FAAN is open for business, that Plateau State is ready to rise, and that Nigerias agricultural promise is finally taking flight, Mrs Kuku stated, re-echoing her agencys commitment to supporting the Plateau State Government in achieving this vision. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Workers at a port in southern France are blocking a shipment of 14 tonnes of military equipment bound for Israel, their union announced on Thursday. According to the General Confederation of Labour (CGT), the workers refused to handle the cargo in protest against what they described as the ongoing genocide being perpetrated by the Israeli government. The shipment, reportedly destined for the Israeli port of Haifa, includes machine gun parts produced by a company in Marseille. The CGT alleges that these components are being used by the Israeli military against Palestinians in Gaza. The union said it had identified and isolated the container at the port of Fos-sur-Mer, near Marseille. Frances Defence Ministry stated that Israel is contractually required to re-export the military equipment and is not permitted to use the components itself, according to a report by France Info. 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 dockworkers action has received backing from several left-wing French politicians. Manuel Bompard, national coordinator of the France Unbowed party, lauded the move on X (formerly Twitter), writing: Glory to the dockworkers in the port of Marseille-Fos who are refusing to load spare parts for machine guns that were supposed to be delivered to the Israeli army. Olivier Faure, leader of the Socialist Party, also expressed support, stating: Humanism is not for sale. The Gaza conflict has so far claimed the lives of at least 54,000 Palestinians, according to figures from the Hamas-run health ministry. The war was sparked by the 7 October 2023 attacks on Israel, during which around 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 taken hostage. COO/AMM Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has pledged to support inclusive digital programmes that specifically address the needs of persons with disabilities. The Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Abdullahi, made the commitment during a stakeholder roundtable discussion with disability rights advocates in Abuja on Wednesday. Mr Abdullahi acknowledged that previous digital inclusion frameworks did not fully consider the needs of Nigerias over 35 million persons with disabilities. I never knew that we have up to 35 million people with special needs in Nigeria. So this brought to my attention the need to be more intentional in the way we design our programme, he said. There is no way we can achieve 95 per cent when we exclude 35 million Nigerians. He further assured that the commission would represent persons with disabilities in national digital development processes, emphasising that persons with disabilities must also have their own voice in shaping these interventions. 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 On the standard, I think we should immediately add them as part of the standard. So we have the commission representing you, but also you need to be there to put your own voice as well. Mr Abdullahi admitted that although NITDA had organised trainings for persons with disabilities in the past, many of those initiatives were discontinued after the COVID-19 pandemic. He encouraged stakeholders to design a capacity-building programme that could commence this year, suggesting models such as training the trainers to rapidly expand reach and impact. He also announced that a committee would be set up to guide inclusive implementation. This pledge follows a call from the Inclusive Friends Association (IFA), a disability rights organisation advocating for accessible digital policies in Nigeria. IFA and its partners presented their advocacy efforts under the Rise Up project, which aims to promote inclusive digital development across Nigeria. Gaps and recommendations Following NITDAs commitment to inclusive digital development, officials of the IFA highlighted key recommendations to address gaps in the National Digital Literacy Framework (NDLF 2023), particularly its failure to meet the specific needs of women and girls with disabilities. Tracy Onabis, Programme Officer of IFA, revealed that over 60 per cent of women with disabilities in Nigeria cannot operate a computer, severely limiting their access to digital jobs and economic independence. Ms Onabis added that although the federal government aims to achieve 95 per cent digital literacy by 2030, critical gaps remain in the framework that must be addressed to ensure this goal is met inclusively. In response, IFA put forward a series of recommendations to ensure persons with disabilities are included within the digital literacy agenda. These include a disability-inclusive review of the NDLF 2023 to adequately reflect the unique digital needs of persons with disabilities. Additionally, the association advocated for the integration of accessible training formats and assistive technologies, alongside the incorporation of disability-focused budget lines within national digital development plans. Festus Ope, Research and Legal Lead at IFA, highlighted that although over 113 partners were consulted during the frameworks development, no major disability-focused organisations were involved including the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities and the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD). IFA, therefore, called for the specific inclusion of women and girls with disabilities as a priority group for digital training, urging a collaborative implementation approach involving the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) and Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs). The group noted that the recommendations presented are grounded in the communique developed during their October 2024 Consultative Forum and endorsed by over a dozen disability organisations, including NCPWD. In response to NITDAs commitment to inclusion, Ms Onabis expressed her gratitude saying; Thank you very much, Sir. The commitment from your side has further strengthened our effort. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print President Bola Tinubu said more funds would be committed to infrastructure development and urged governors to collaborate with the federal government to align building approvals. The president, who commissioned the Lekki Deep Sea Port Access Road at the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Plant on Thursday in Lagos, said proper approval alignment between subnational and federal governments will facilitate the construction of major roads and bridges across the country. I have directed the Minister of Works, David Umahi, and the Surveyor General of the federation to work more closely with the governors, the president said. Mr Tinubu said aligning state approvals with the federal government will reduce the burden of compensation and delays in actualising people-oriented projects. Please, my dear governors, lets work together. Dont give planning approvals without collaboration with the Surveyor General and the Ministry of Works. I am appealing to you to realise the same development goal. Let me emphasise the ban by the Federal Government of Nigeria on any dredging within a 10km radius of all our Bridges nationwide. I appeal to all governors, relevant agencies, and security agencies to implement this ban immediately, Mr Tinubu 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 The ceremony came five days after the president commissioned Phase 1 of Section One of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, also in Lagos. He commended the Federal Ministry of Works, Messrs Hitech Construction Company Limited, Messrs Dangote Industries Limited, BUA and all contractors involved in the countrys road development. He said his administration is committed to building enduring infrastructure nationwide. He dismissed critics of the governments legacy projects for being ignorant about how the government awarded the legacy roads to contractors. It is necessary to note that the Federal Executive Council approved our Legacy Projects to be procured, awarded and constructed in sections. The completed 30 km segment of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is part of the 47.7 km, six-lane Section I contract, not a wholesale 750 km contract, as some have suggested. No contractor has been awarded the entire corridor. Our approach has been systematic, transparent, and section-based. The Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway envisioned 47 years ago under the Shagari administration, is another legacy project we have revived. This corridor spanning Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos holds immense potential for agriculture, trade, and industrialisation. It connects over 58 dams, vast arable farmlands, and trade routes to our West African neighbours and offers great promise for windmill energy generation. Construction is well underway. In Kebbi, we have completed over 10 km of the 258 km three-lane carriageway, and today we flag off the second carriageway. This section is the longest in all our Legacy Projects. In Sokoto, work has begun on the 120 km 2single-carriageway by three lanes from Illela. I understand that over 10km of this project is already completed. Today, we shall be flagging off the second carriageway of 120km with three lanes. Work is also at an advanced stage in this section. More sections are being designed for procurement and award within the whole length of the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway. On my way here, I witnessed significant progress at Section II of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, with over 10 km of the 55 km stretch already completed. I am also pleased to report ongoing works in the Cross River and Akwa Ibom sections and have directed that more segments be designed and procured. The Trans-Sahara Trade Route, another visionary project, is advancing steadily. It will connect Calabar to Abuja via Ebonyi, Benue, Kogi, and Nasarawa, he said. President Tinubu said he had directed accelerated design on the 4th Legacy Project of the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi and Gombe corridor to enable procurement to start. Let me assure you that with God on our side, we shall complete these projects and deploy them for the economic benefit of our nation. Other projects commissioned by the president include Yakasai to Zalli Road, Kano State (CCECC), Shendam Bridge, Plateau State (Triacta), Kwanar-Hadejia Section II (82km), Kano/Jigawa States (CCECC), Jimeta Bridge, Adamawa State (Triacta), Ilobu-Erinle Road, Kwara/Osun States (IAC) and Cham-Numan Bridge, Adamawa State (CGC). President Tinubu flagged off the following projects for construction: Section I Phase IB-120km of Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway in Sokoto State; construction of Section II Phase 2 B-258 km of Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway in Kebbi State; construction of LagosCalabar Coastal Highway (Section II)-55km in Lagos to Ogun State Border; rehabilitation of Zaria-Hunkuyi to Daya Road (Sections I, II & III) 152.67km in Kaduna/Kano States and reconstruction of Dikwa Gamboru Ngala Road 49.55km in Borno State. Also flagged off was the completion of the dualisation of the Kano Maiduguri Road linking Kano Jigawa Bauchi Yobe and Borno States; 100.95km, construction of Maiduguri Ring Road 108km, construction of Kano Northern Bypass Road in Kano State, 74km; construction of 7th Axial Road at Lekki Deep Sea Port, Lagos State to Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State 25km by 6-lane and completion of rehabilitation of Lokoja Benin road on rigid pavement. Other roads are the dualisation of OyoOgbomoso Road in Oyo State, 104km; the dualisation of KanoDauraKongolam in Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina States, 264km BUA Tax Credit; and the reconstruction of BamaBanki Road in Borno State, 49.15 km Dangote Tax Credit. The President thanked the four wise men of the private sector: Jim Ovia, Femi Otedola, Abdulsamad Rabiu, and Aliko Dangote, for contributing to Nigerias economy. He also commended the Minister of Works, Roland and Gilbert Chagoury, and Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede. The governors of Plateau, Abia, Enugu, Ogun, Borno, and Kaduna states attended the ceremony. Speaking on behalf of the governors, the Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, thanked the president for removing the subsidy, which had translated into increased allocations to the states for health, education, and infrastructure investments. Mr Sani assured the president of the sub-national collaboration to improve infrastructure nationwide. President Tinubu thanked Aliko Dangote for his interest in developing the country through continuous investments. Having inspected the Dangote refinery, which is a great point of reference, a great phenomenon of our time and a massive investment, I want to thank Aliko Dangote, he stated. I am happy that the Deep Sea Port I initiated as Governor of Lagos State is a huge success today. Users save vast amounts of money using this port because they no longer need to trans-ship their goods. I commend the quality of the access road done by Messrs Dangote Industries Limited on our Tax Credit Road programme and the subcontractor, Messrs Hitech Construction Company Limited. The president of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, thanked the president for envisioning and implementing the Lekki Deep Sea Port project and assured him of the private sectors support for expanding infrastructure nationwide. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Grant Challenges Nigeria (GCNg), a government-led innovation platform, has announced the selection of 10 Nigerian-led projects under its initiative to address persistent maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) challenges in the country. According to a statement by GCNg, the grantees will receive seed funding and targeted technical support to prove and position their work for broader uptake. It added that projects were chosen through a competitive, expert-led review process. The statement noted that the milestone is part of a broader strategy to build a national innovation platform that identifies critical health and food security challenges and directs innovation resources toward solutions that can scale. These projects span innovations in technologies, locally tailored tools, and inclusive service models that address major bottlenecks in MNCH from neonatal sepsis and maternal emergencies to digital risk prediction, AI-enabled screening, and health system linkages, the statement said. The selected projects are led by Nigerian institutions, researchers, and innovators, focusing on issues such as neonatal sepsis, birth asphyxia, maternal emergencies, birth defects, and low access to digital and diagnostic services. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Selected projects Among the grantees is Stephen Oguche, a professor at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), Plateau State. Mr Oguches project would assess affordable diagnostic tools for neonatal sepsis using biomarkers and genomic sequencing. In Ile-Ife, Osun State, Ezekiel Akinkunmi of the Obafemi Awolowo University is to develop a herbal alternative to chlorhexidine for umbilical cord care using Ocimum gratissimum extracts. The third grantee, Chidinma Akanazu of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, is piloting MobiCare 360, a mobile and community-based service to improve antenatal care and immunisation rates in underserved communities in Imo State. The fourth grantee, Bosede Afolabi, a professor from the Maternal and Reproductive Health Research Collective organisation in Lagos, will implement MamaLink, a tech-driven referral and emergency transport network for pregnant women living in informal settlements. Also selected is a project by Adebolajo Adeyemo from the Institute of Child Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, to train primary health workers in birth defect detection and link affected newborns to health insurance coverage. The sixth grantee is Victor Ayeni from Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, with the project title Effect Of N-Acetylcysteine On Outcomes Of Perinatal Asphyxia; A Multicentre, Double-Blind Randomised Controlled Trial. The seventh grantee, Uchechukwu Chukwuocha from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, with the project title Interactive Digital Solution for Self-Risk Assessment and Support to Improve Maternal and Child Health in Nigeria (MaternAid-360). The eighth grantee is Babasola Okusanya from the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, with the project title Development of Antenatal Risk Prediction Model for Preeclampsia with Severe Features in Lagos, Nigeria A Prospective Cohort Study (PreSev Study). In the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Abia State, Krystal Anyanwu and Ugochukwu Onyeonoro from the Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI) and Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, have their projects titled Building Innovative Responses to Transform Healthcare (BIRTH) and Cervical Cancer Screening At Scale For Nigerian Mothers AI for Non-Expert Primary Healthcare Workers, respectively. Maternal and child mortality Nigerias maternal mortality rate is one of the highest in the world, with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa saying that one in seven global maternal deaths occurs in Nigeria. That is more than 50,000 women dying per year in Nigeria. A 2023 report, titled: Improving maternal and newborn health and survival and reducing stillbirth: Progress Report 2023, shows that Nigeria accounts for the second-highest number of maternal and child deaths globally, after India. The report noted that in 2020, about 788 women and children died per thousand in India and about 540 women and children per thousand died in Nigeria. In the same year, India accounted for 17 per cent of global maternal, and neonatal deaths and stillbirths, while Nigeria accounted for 12 per cent. Eight other countries with high maternal, neonatal, and stillbirths are Pakistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Afghanistan, and Tanzania. The report estimates that globally, there were a combined 4.5 million maternal, neonatal deaths and stillbirths in 2020. About Grand Challenges Nigeria GCNg is a family of initiatives fostering innovation to solve key global health and development problems. It was launched last year by the Office of the Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST) and the Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN) as a broader strategy to integrate innovative solutions to address critical health and development issues. It is supported by international partners to fund and advance impactful research and innovations in health, food systems, and development in Nigeria. The platform identifies Nigerias most pressing development challenges; direct funding, technology, and expertise to solutions that are built for scale; align innovations with public systems and national policy goals; and support innovators not just to pilot ideas but to integrate into Nigerias health and food systems. The MNCH grantees are the first cohort in a long-term commitment to unlock Nigerias innovation potential for the benefit of Nigerians. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Photo: Official information source of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan ASTANA, Kazakhstan, June 5. Last year, Kazakhstan's trade turnover with the CIS countries increased by 1.2 percent, reaching $37.3 billion, said Kazakhstans Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov during a meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) in the city of Dushanbe (Tajikistan), Trend reports. According to Bektenov, these figures reflect not only the stability of economic ties between the countries but also the high level of economic complementarity among the CIS countries. Thanks to the established mechanisms of cooperation, the political will of our countries leaders, and the efforts of the governments, sustainable development and steady economic growth are ensured in the CIS space. Evidence of this is the increase in the total GDP of the CIS countries by 4.5 percent last year, noted Olzhas Bektenov. At the meeting of the Council of Heads of Government, the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov emphasized that Kazakhstan is interested in further developing the organization and intends to contribute to strengthening its potential. In order to further strengthen cooperation, the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan announced a number of initiatives in promising sectors of the economy. The next meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Commonwealth of Independent States will take place in September 2025 in Minsk, Belarus. The Council of Heads of State of the CIS serves as a functional entity within the Commonwealth of Independent States. It functions as the paramount authority of the CIS, comprising all heads of state of CIS member nations. The council convenes annually for regular meetings. It was established after the disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991, directly succeeding the State Council of the Soviet Union. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Nigerian soldiers have repelled two terrorist attacks in the Buratai area of Biu Local Government Area and Mallam Fatori in Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State. The two attacks happened on Thursday morning. Reuben Kovangiya, an army captain and spokesperson of Operation Hadin Kai, a military counter-insurgency operation in the North-east, said gallant Nigerian troops subdued the insurgents. According to the officer, troops found the lifeless bodies of terrorists and recovered assorted arms and ammunition after the encounter, adding that troops continued to comb the general area. In Mallam Fatori, Boko Haram terrorists attempted to attack a troops location from multiple fronts. However, the alert troops foiled the attack, forcing the insurgents to flee. With support from the Air Components air platforms, the troops pursued the fleeing retreating terrorists for hours. 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 Kovangiya said many insurgents fell in the confrontation, while the survivors suffered gunshot wounds. He said troops recovered an undisclosed number of AK-47 Rifles, General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG), Rocket Propelled Guns (RPG), and other equipment. Mr Kovangiya said operations continued in the area, with air support from the Air Component and the Nigerian Army Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Command. The officer said Operation Hadin Kai was committed to ending terrorism and restoring peace in the Nigerian North-east. The repulsion of these attacks represents a victory for the Nigerian military in its fight against insurgency, he said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The African Union Commission has warned that the arbitrary travel restrictions imposed on some African countries by the US government could strain decades-long diplomatic relations between the two sides. The commission said this in a statement on Thursday, in reaction to the new travel ban imposed by US President Donald Trump, which affects seven African countries. According to the commission, the US government needs to adopt a more balanced and evidence-based approach in its decision making. The AU, in the statement issued hours after the ban was imposed, said the US should take into account the long-standing partnership between the United States and African nations. President Donald Trump, on Wednesday, signed a proclamation banning the citizens of 12 countries from entering the United States. According to him, the ban was imposed to protect the US against foreign terrorists and other security threats. 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 is the policy of the United States to protect its citizens from aliens who intend to commit terrorist attacks, threaten our national security, espouse hateful ideology, or otherwise exploit the immigration laws for malevolent purposes. More importantly, the United States must identify such aliens before their admission or entry into the United States. The United States must ensure that admitted aliens and aliens otherwise already present in the United States do not bear hostile attitudes toward its citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles, and do not advocate for, aid, or support designated foreign terrorists or other threats to our national security, he said. The affected African countries are; Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Libya, Somalia and Sudan. The US also imposed visa restrictions on three other African countries: Burundi, Sierra Leone, and Togo. Nigeria, however, was not affected. The five non-African countries affected by the US travel ban are Afghanistan, Haiti, Iran, Myanmar, Yemen. African Unions reaction The AU has now expressed concern over the travel restrictions. It stated that the new measures could also affect people-to-people ties, educational exchanges, and commercial engagement. The African Union Commission respectfully appeals to the United States to exercise this right in a manner that is balanced, evidence-based, and reflective of the long-standing partnership between the United States and Africa. Africa and the United States share mutual interests in promoting peace, prosperity, and global cooperation, the Commission noted, urging Washington to adopt a more consultative process and engage in constructive dialogue with the countries affected by the new policy, the statement read Some of the countries affected by the recent travel ban had been on the list of countries earlier reported to be considered for a total travel ban or visa restrictions by the US government. In March, PREMIUM TIMES reported that government officials had developed a draft for 43 countries, 22 of which were African countries. The proposed ban was expected to be broader than the restrictions imposed during President Trumps first term. The draft had suggested a red list of 11 countries, an orange list of 10 countries, and a yellow list of 22 countries. Citizens of countries on the red list were to be flatly barred from entering the US. Those whose countries were on the orange list would face travel restrictions while countries on the yellow list would be given a 60-day window to address concerns before a verdict is reached. African countries, such as Eritrea, Chad and Congo, initially on the yellow and Orange list, were issued a total travel ban on Wednesday. US officials had mentioned earlier in March that the draft list could be changed as it has yet to be approved by the administration. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Chads President, Mahamat Deby, has retaliated against Donald Trumps travel ban by suspending visa issuance to US citizens. Mr Deby disclosed this on Thursday, a day after Mr Trump signed the proclamation banning Chad nationals and citizens from six other African countries from entering the US. PREMIUM TIMES reported that the new US travel ban affected 12 countries while seven other countries were issued visa restrictions. Aside Chad, other affected African countries are Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Libya, Somalia and Sudan. According to Mr Trump, the ban was imposed to protect the US against foreign terrorists and other security threats. It is the policy of the United States to protect its citizens from aliens who intend to commit terrorist attacks, threaten our national security, espouse hateful ideology, or otherwise exploit the immigration laws for malevolent purposes. 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 More importantly, the United States must identify such aliens before their admission or entry into the United States, he said. However, Chad, in response, said it would be implementing the principle of reciprocity by suspending visa issuance to Americans. In a post on Facebook, President Deby wrote, I have instructed the government to act in accordance with the principles of reciprocity and suspend the issuance of visas to US citizens. Chad has no planes to offer, no billions of dollars to give but Chad has its dignity and pride. READ ALSO: Chad honors Afreximbank President Oramah with top national award Meanwhile, the African Union Commission has warned that the arbitrary travel restrictions imposed on African countries by the US government could strain decades-long diplomatic relations between the two sides. According to the commission, the US government needs to adopt a more balanced and evidence-based approach in its decision making. The African Union Commission respectfully appeals to the United States to exercise this right in a manner that is balanced, evidence-based, and reflective of the long-standing partnership between the United States and Africa, the commission said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print President Bola Tinubu has promised to be part of the commissioning of completed landmark projects across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to commemorate his second anniversary in office. The Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, made this known in Abuja on Wednesday while addressing journalists during the inspection of some of the completed projects in the city centre of Abuja. President Tinubu clocked two years in office on 29 May. The minister stated that the commissioning activities will begin on Tuesday, 10 June, immediately after the Salah holidays, with the flag-off ceremony of the newly rehabilitated International Conference Centre (ICC). I can confirm to you that Mr President has finally approved the commissioning of projects to start on the 10th of June, which is on Tuesday after the Salah holiday, and that will start with the International Conference Centre, the minister said. Mr Wike said President Tinubu will personally commission 10 signature projects across the FCT, including roads, public buildings, and urban infrastructure. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later He further disclosed that Vice President Kashim Shettima will represent the president in commissioning three projects, while the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, will commission two projects each on behalf of the president, including projects in the area councils. I can tell you Mr. President has agreed to commission one or two projects in the satellite towns, and then the Vice President will commission, and then the Senate President will commission. So, all of them will have a feeling to go to the satellite towns and let the people see that for the first time, they can feel the impact of governance from the federal level and then see their president and the leadership of the country, he said. According to the minister, On the whole, we have 17 projects, but because of time, we on our own can do the other commissioning. Mr Wike expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to unveil the Renewed Hope Agenda in the FCT. He said, We are very happy that Mr. President has given us an opportunity to also contribute to the vision of the Renewed Hope Agenda. We are very happy that all the promises we made, we have been able to accomplish them. Look at the reactions from the people; if the people are happy, we are also happy. We cant express how elated we are, but we give God Almighty the glory and thank Mr. President for all his support. He also commended the legislature for their consistent support in ensuring that all budgetary allocations required for the projects were approved on time, which he said has been crucial to FCTs accomplishments. Speaking on the long-term management of the International Conference Centre, Mr Wike confirmed that he will be directly involved in the supervision of the facility, adding that a management agreement will be signed with Messrs Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, ensuring the facility maintains international standards. This will not be business as usual. The era of handing over national assets to be mismanaged is over. We will ensure professional maintenance under strict supervision, he asserted. Sallah The minister used the opportunity to extend his warm wishes to FCT residents for the upcoming Sallah celebrations, expressing confidence that security would be maintained to ensure a peaceful and joyous celebration. He urged residents to continue to support the president and to use the Salah period to foster national unity for Nigerias collective benefit. Highlight of the ministers inspection visit was the sight of excited and jubilating school children in the Gishiri community who came to felicitate with him during the tour. RABI MUSA UMAR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, PRESS (OFFICE OF THE HON. MINISTER) 04/06/2025 FCTA/ODP/PR/697 Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Federal High Court will begin its 2025 annual vacation on 28 July, according to a circular issued on Thursday by the court. The circular, quoting the Chief Judge, John Tsoho, stated that the vacation would run until Tuesday, 16 September, while full court sittings would resume on Wednesday, 17 September. The vacation is to enable judges to enjoy their well-deserved rest and prepare for the challenges of the new legal year, the chief judge said. The notice, signed by the Courts Director of Information, Catherine Christopher, explained that the annual long vacation is in accordance with Order 46, Rule 4(d) of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019. During the period, only three core court divisions Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt will remain open to the public for urgent judicial matters. The circular clarified that while court registries will continue to accept filings, judges will generally not hold regular sittings. Only those designated to handle emergency cases can sit during the vacation. 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 Abuja division will attend to matters from the Federal Capital Territory and the North-central, North-west, and North-east regions. The Lagos division will cover cases from the South-west, while the Port Harcourt division will handle matters from the South-south and South-east regions. Vacation judges have been assigned to each division to hear cases of extreme urgency only. READ ALSO: Federal High Court redeploys judges Two judges, Emeka Nwite and M.S. Liman, will preside in Abuja, while Deinde I. Dipeolu and Musa Kakaki will sit in Lagos. Two judges, P.M. Ayua and A.T. Mohammed, will be on duty in Port Harcourt. The circular noted that only urgent matters, such as applications for the arrest of ships and the enforcement of fundamental rights, will be entertained during the vacation. Mr Tsoho reiterated that full court activities will resume across all divisions on 17 September. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print President Bola Tinubu has condoled with the family and friends of a former Minister of Education, Jibril Aminu, who died on Thursday at 85. In a tribute, President Tinubu described the passing of Mr Aminu, a professor, as a profound loss to the nation, adding that he left remarkable imprints in the sands of time. Read the presidents tribute below: I extend my condolences to the family and friends of Professor Jibril Muhammad Aminu, a respected academic and political leader who passed away at the age of 85. Professor Aminu was a professor of cardiology and one of Nigerias most decorated medical professionals. He straddled his profession and politics exceptionally, bringing erudition and brilliance to statecraft. In his professional life, he earned many laurels for his grit, hard work, and expertise. He was a fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science, a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, London, a fellow of the West African College of Physicians, and a fellow of the Nigerian Postgraduate Medical College. He was also a consultant in medicine, Senior Lecturer and Sub-Dean of clinical Studies at the University of Ibadan Medical School (19731975), Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (19751979), visiting Professor of Medicine at Howard University College of Medicine in Washington DC (19791980), and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri (19801985). 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 Professor Aminu served meritoriously in public service as Nigerias ambassador to the United States from 1999 to 2003 and as senator representing Adamawa Central Senatorial District from 2003 to 2011. He also served as Minister of Education and then Petroleum and Mineral Resources (19891992). Professor Aminu epitomised statesmanship and was committed to building a greater Nigeria. I also extend my condolences to the government and the people of Adamawa State. Professor Aminus passing is a profound loss to the nation, but as we grieve, we must find solace in his legacy. He left remarkable imprints in the sands of time. May he find eternal rest in Aljana Firdaus. And may Allah forgive his sins. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR President, Federal Republic of Nigeria June 5, 2025 Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to re-arraign Abuja real estate developer Rebecca Godwin-Isaac, also known as Bilkisu Ishaqu Aliyu, over a scheme involving alleged forged land documents, fraud, and money laundering totalling about N800 million. Court documents obtained by PREMIUM TIMES showed that Mrs Godwin-Isaac, her husband, Isaac Aliyu, and their company, Homadil Realty Limited, will face a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining by false pretence, forgery, and laundering proceeds of unlawful activity. In the new charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/77/2025, the EFCC alleges that the defendants used forged documents, including a fake power of attorney, to claim ownership of Plot 4022, Guzape District, Abuja. EFCC said Mrs Godwin-Isaac used the forged documents to secure a building permit from the FCT Department of Development Control and sold the land to a buyer for N70 million. The anti-graft agency said the proceeds were laundered through Homadil Realtys bank account to conceal their illicit origin. That you, Godwin-Isaac Rebecca Omokamo (a.k.a. Bilkisu Ishaqu Aliyu), Isaac Yusuf Ishaku, and Homadil Realty Limited, sometime between 2020 and 2023, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, conspired among yourselves to obtain, falsify, and fraudulently acquire Plot 4022, Guzape District, Abuja, belonging to Mrs Colleen Mero Yesufu, by means of false representation and fraudulent documents, knowing the same to be false, EFCC prosecutor Samuel Chime stated in the proof of evidence. 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 charge was filed on 26 February and signed by the EFCCs investigator on 19 February. The EFCC plans to call 13 witnesses, including victims and operatives, and to tender documents allegedly showing forged titles, bribes to public officials, and suspicious financial transactions. Linked criminal cases total over N800 million The Guzape case is one of at least three criminal prosecutions involving Mrs Godwin-Isaac and her associates. In a related case, FHC/ABJ/CR/76/2025, the EFCC accuses her, Homadil Realty Ltd, Idakwogi John, and Rychado Homes Ltd of conspiring to fraudulently sell Plots 1861, 1862, and 1863 in Katampe, Abuja. That 17-count charge alleges that the defendants collected over N500 million between 2023 and 2024 from multiple victims and laundered the funds through various company accounts. Mr John is separately accused of selling Plot 1863 for N125 million, with the proceeds allegedly laundered through Rychado Homes. In the third case, CR/100/2025, pending before the FCT High Court, EFCC is prosecuting Mrs Godwin-Isaac, her husband, and Mr John for forgery, bribery, and criminal alteration of land records to secure approvals for Plot 4022. EFCC uncovers alleged land fraud network The EFCC said these cases are part of a growing investigation into an alleged coordinated land fraud network in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) involving real estate actors and complicit officials in land administration. A senior EFCC investigator told PREMIUM TIMES that This is a coordinated enterprise to take control of prime Abuja plots and disguise the illicit proceeds through real estate. EFCC alleged that forged AGIS documents, including fake title papers and Powers of Attorney, were used to obtain fraudulent building approvals and sell land to unsuspecting buyers. Presidency-ordered probe implicates AGIS official Following a petition to President Bola Tinubu dated 28 July 2024, Mrs Godwin-Isaac denied all allegations, claiming she lawfully acquired the land from her former employer, Mr John, and possessed genuine documents. I have been wrongly accused and subjected to media trials. I do not work at AGIS and have never forged documents, she wrote. Her petition prompted President Tinubu to instruct FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to investigate. However, internal probe documents shared with this newspaper by the FCTA Legal Secretariat uncovered that a staff member of the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS) manipulated digital land records in favour of Mrs Godwin-Isaac. The AGIS Director could not identify the staff involved, FCTA General Counsel Salman Dako wrote in an 8 October 2024 letter to the EFCC. The official allegedly inserted and later deleted electronic remarks enabling a building plan approval for Plot 4022. The findings were forwarded to the EFCC for further investigation and possible prosecution. Earlier police arraignment and bail PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that the Nigeria Police Force arraigned Mrs Godwin-Isaac and others on 28 January at the FCT High Court in Apo, Abuja. The defendants including her husband, Mr Aliyu, and Homadil Realty Limited pleaded not guilty to a five-count charge filed on 23 January. The Executive Director of Rychado Homes, Mr John, was named the fourth defendant but was absent during the arraignment. The judge, Sadia Mayana, granted each defendant N10 million bail, with two sureties in the same amount. In that case, the police alleged that the defendants forged documents and misrepresented themselves as owners of the Guzape and Katampe plots, using a fraudulent Irrevocable Power of Attorney to deceive buyers. Prior forfeiture orders In December 2024, a judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja, Emeka Nwite, granted the EFCCs request for a 60-day interim forfeiture order on the disputed plots including Plot 4022 in Guzape and Plots 18611863 in Katampe to enable further investigation. The order followed findings that development permits were issued based on forged ownership documents. Civil society groups accuse IGP of shielding suspect Meanwhile, two civic groups Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) and Initiative Against Human Rights Abuse and Torture (INAHURAT) have accused the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, of shielding Mrs Godwin-Isaac from arrest. CHRICED Executive Director Ibrahim Zikirullahi alleged in a statement shared on Sunday but dated 31 May that police officers were deployed to protect the suspect at the disputed Guzape plot in defiance of court orders and multiple EFCC findings. At the centre of this disturbing case is the mistreatment of 79-year-old widow Colleen Yesufu, who is battling powerful forces intent on dispossessing her, he said. INAHURAT Convener and human rights lawyer Maxwell Opara accused the police of obstructing justice. He claimed that former FCT Commissioner of Police Tunji Disu helped the suspect evade arrest and continue development activities under police protection. While Mrs Godwin-Isaac maintains her innocence and alleges persecution, Mrs Yesufu the original allottee of Plot 4022 insists she was fraudulently dispossessed and has called on the EFCC, FCT minister, and the president to ensure justice is done. Police spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi did not respond to text and WhatsApp messages sent by PREMIUM TIMES on Sunday requesting comments on the allegations that police were shielding the suspects. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A former Minister of Education, Jibril Aminu, is dead. Mr Aminu, a professor, who turned 85 on 15 August 2024, died on Thursday in Abuja, PREMIUM TIMES gathered. He served as the pioneer Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC) and is a former vice-chancellor of the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID). Mr Aminu also served as the Nigerian Ambassador to the United States from 1999 to 2003 and was elected senator for Adamawa Central constituency in 2003, and re-elected in 2007. Tributes Many Nigerians have paid their tributes to the late scholar. In his condolence message, Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda said Mr Aminu embodied the finest qualities of leadership, scholarship, and public service that have long distinguished the North. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The governor praised the late professors remarkable journey from academia to the highest levels of government, noting his transformative tenure as minister of education and later minister of petroleum. Professor Jibril Aminu was not just a great northerner but a Nigerian icon whose contributions to education, energy sector development, and diplomacy left indelible marks in our nations history, Mr Radda stated, according to a statement by his spokesperson, Ibrahim Mohammed. In his tribute, a former senator, Shehu Sani, eulogised the former minister, reeling out his achievements. He was the best medical student at the UCH Ibadan in the 60s, a rare feat for a northerner at that time. The Nation has lost one of its greatest Intellectuals and visionary leaders, he wrote on his Facebook page. About Prof Jubril Mr Aminu was born in Song, Adamawa State, in 1939. He is a respected cardiologist who got his first medical degree from the University of Ibadan in 1965. He later earned a PhD in medicine from the Royal Post-Graduate Medical School in London in 1972. READ ALSO: Katsina govt unveils new school guidelines to promote quality education His legacy is widely recognised in the Nigerian university system for his role in equipping the NUC with legal and regulatory frameworks such as the Minimum Academic Standards (MAS) and his role in establishing seven additional universities as the head of the NUC. As education minister, he established the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) and the National Commission for Nomadic Education (NCNE). Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The number of journalists killed in Gaza since October 2023 has risen to 225, the media office of the Gaza government said on Thursday. Since the beginning of the war of extermination against the Palestinian population, the number of killed journalists has increased to 225 after the deaths of four more people, the statement read. We call on the International Federation of Journalists, the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate, and journalistic organisations worldwide to condemn these systematic crimes against Palestinian journalists and media workers in the Gaza Strip. Earlier on Thursday, Tahseen al-Astal, deputy director of the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate, told RIA Novosti that four media workers from Arab satellite TV channels were killed in an Israeli airstrike. The strike reportedly targeted their tent near the al-Ahli Arab Baptist Hospital in Gaza City. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate (PJS) condemned the killings and called for an immediate investigation into their deaths. 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 the Gaza Ministry of Health, more than 4,400 Palestinians have been killed and more than 13,400 injured in the enclave since 18 March. Israel resumed its strikes on Gaza that day, citing Hamas refusal to accept a US-brokered plan to extend a ceasefire and release hostages. The truce had expired on 1 March. In early March, Israel also cut off electricity to a key desalination plant in Gaza and blocked the entry of humanitarian aid trucks. (RIA/NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Some ram traders in Lagos State have lamented the preference for cows over rams by Muslims for the 2025 Eid al-Kabir celebration. The traders disclosed this in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos. The traders told NAN that most people prefer to buy cows rather than rams because of the size and the fact that five families could buy and share for the celebration. A ram trader, Ibrahim Hassan, at the Lawanson area of the state, said patronage has been decent, but with an interesting twist. The patronage this year is not bad, but I have noticed that people are buying more cows than rams. I believe the reason behind this shift is that cows are more economical and offer better value for money. When families or even groups of friends come together, they can share a cow and still fulfil the sacrifice. That way, instead of each person buying a ram for over N500,000, they split the cost. 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 cheapest cow you can get right now is around N800,000, while the cheapest ram starts at about N550,000. Prices also vary depending on the size and weight of the animal. I have contacted my sources for more cows, but the market price has gone up since last week. Its a volatile market, and prices can change quickly, Mr Hassan said. Also, Shakiru Gbadamosi, another ram seller at Lawanson, said he noticed that people are weighing their options this Sallah, and they have been buying more of cows. I was surprised to see some buyers turning to cows, and this trend has been on for weeks. Although many still prefer rams for Sallah because its about tradition and religious significance. The ram is the symbolic animal for the sacrifice, and thats not something easily replaced. Prices have gone up this year, a decent ram now costs between N550,000 and N700,000, depending on the size and breed. But despite that, the demand remains steady. Some people have been buying younger rams because they are less expensive but still acceptable. The younger rams are sold for between N130,000 and N250,000, Mr Gbadamosi said. A buyer, Folajimi Aderibigbe, who confirmed the trend, said buying a cow seems like a better option. We are a family of eight, and instead of buying two small rams, we joined with my brother-in-law and bought a cow. It cost us N950,000, but we split it. Everyone still gets to perform their sacrifice and save money. Traditionally, rams are the preferred animal for Eid Kabir (Sallah). However, economic realities have changed things, and we must find a way to adapt, he said. In a related development, vegetable oil traders said they have observed increased patronage due to the Sallah celebration. Linda Nwachukwu, a cooking oil trader at the Lawanson market, said the demand for cooking oil had increased because of preparations ahead of Sallah. The celebration usually increases the demand for groundnut oil. Consumers have been stocking up on oil since last week, especially now that there are a few days to Sallah. Cooking oil prices have risen, but it is cheaper than last December, a 25-litre container cost N110,000, a price that persisted until April 2025. A recent price adjustment, just three weeks ago, sets the current rates for groundnut oil at N78,000 for 25 litres, N35,000 for 10 litres, and 18,500 for five litres. This is unusual, groundnut oil prices normally surge in December and then decrease by January or February, but it stayed high for a long time, she said. Another trader, Imoleayo Fakunle, said she buys in larger jerrycans and sells in measured portions to customers who cannot afford bigger sizes. Not everyone can buy 25 litres or even afford the branded ones. So, as a vendor, what I do is buy in larger containers and sell in small portions. Groundnut oil is expensive, but it is essential. A lot of customers have been buying the measured portions, and they are always happy that they can save money. Despite rising prices, customers prioritise the essential ingredient for their celebrations, she said. Taraoluwa Alausa, a consumer at the Idi-Araba Market, said she had learned to prioritise when buying cooking oil since the increase in the price of groundnut oil. I purchase measured portions of oil specifically for frying and use a good-branded oil for general cooking. Lately, I have become more conscious about the type of oil I use. I want something natural and less processed. Its a bit pricier, but I think its good for healthy living. However, for this celebration, there is going to be an exception because I will be frying with the measured portions I bought. This way, I can save more and even fry more, Mrs Alausa said. Eid-el-Kabir: Abeokuta residents lament high cost of ram In a related development, residents of Abeokuta and its environs have lamented the high cost of ram, while opting for alternatives. Some of them, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in separate interviews, noted that the exorbitant prices of sacrificial animals could make them seek alternatives. Ganiyu Babalola, a civil servant, explained that he used to buy at least two rams to celebrate the festival with his parents and children. Mr Babalola said the amount spent in 2024 to buy two rams is what he spent buying one this year. I remembered I bought the two rams for N250,000 each, but this year I got one for N470,000. Instead of buying two, I called my siblings and we contributed to buy a cow to support the ram I bought, he said. Akande Jimoh, a welder, said he has no plan to buy a ram this year, considering the cost implications. I can not afford to buy a ram this year. The price of a big ram ranges from N550,000 to N800,000. Where will I get such money? I have decided to take two of the goats I am rearing to celebrate the festival. My God will understand. I wish the government has the power to control the prices of these animals, he said. On her part, Bidemi Ahmed said, Ram, whether big or small, is not affordable this year compared to 2024. Although my husband has bought one, I must say Im not so happy with the choice he settled for, at the rate of N250,000. Gone are those days when they will be begging you to buy, but right now, when you turn your back, they wont even call you back, she said. Abdulfatah Akanni, an Islamic scholar, described the situation as a challenging moment for Muslims. As Muslims, we have to be cautious. Lets cut our coat according to the size of our clothes, he said. A check by NAN to Rounder and Lafenwa ram markets indicated that most people expressed displeasure over the costs of ram. Yusuf Sanusi, a ram vendor, attributed the high cost of ram to transportation costs and other logistics. Mr Sanusi explained that transporting the animals from the northern part of the country costs more than last year. He also attributed the high cost to low supply and insecurity in some northern states. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, June 5. Uzbekistan and Austria are poised to strengthen cooperation through joint projects in innovative agriculture, food processing, livestock farming, and the development of agro-industrial clusters, Trend reports. These initiatives were discussed during a series of high-level meetings between a delegation from Uzbekistan including Deputy Minister of Agriculture Alisher Shukurov and Advisor to the Foreign Minister Munira Aminova and key Austrian institutions. The Uzbek delegation also held discussions with representatives of the Technical Assistance Department of the Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, the Ministry of Finance, the Austrian Agricultural Cluster, and members of the Austrian Parliament. At the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both sides exchanged views on policy and shared experiences regarding the Austrian Development Agencys financial and technical assistance to the agricultural sector. In addition, the delegation held fruitful discussions with members of the Austrian Parliament and the leadership of the Austrian Farmers Association. An agreement was reached to arrange an official visit of Austrian parliamentarians to Uzbekistan in the near future, signaling growing momentum in bilateral relations. The Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA) on Thursday said it has recorded an additional 18,592 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Gwer West Local Government Area (LGA). The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, James Iorpuu, made the disclosure in Makurdi when he briefed journalists on the monthly distribution of relief materials to IDPs and vulnerable groups. Mr Iorpuu, who is also the Executive Secretary of BSEMA, said that a new camp was established at NKST Primary School, Naka, Gwer West LGA, to accommodate the IDPs. The permanent secretary, who was represented by BSEMA Head of Administration, Donald Komgbenda, added that the displaced persons were from 4,648 households. A detailed breakdown of the IDPs provided by the official indicated that 8,650 were women, 4,147 were men, 5,795 were children, 325 were pregnant women, 637 were breastfeeding mothers, 1,315 were persons with disabilities and 571 were elderly. Mr Iorpuu stated that the agency also sent staff to assess the situation of IDPs at St Patricks Primary School, Taraku in Gwer East LGA for possible intervention. 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 Following the urgent need for interventions in Gwer West and Apa LGs after the devastating attacks on communities within the areas, the agency earlier sent relief materials to them. I also commend President Bola Tinubu for taking decisive and proactive steps in addressing the security crisis in our state, especially by deploying the Chief of Army Staff to Benue. This singular move demonstrates that the Federal Government is not only aware of our plight but is actively working to restore peace and security to our communities, he said. Mr Iorpuu said the monthly distribution of food and non-food items was not just a routine activity; it was a symbol of compassion, a message of hope, and a testament to the governments resolve to ensure that no vulnerable person was left behind. He listed the items to be distributed to include 1,325 bags of rice, 965 bags of beans, 475 bags of gari, 1,225 cartons of noodles, 105 gallons of red oil, 83 cartons of seasoning, 43 bags of salt, etc. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Vice President Kashim Shettima today led other Muslim faithful for the Janaiza (funeral prayers) of the late elder statesman, renowned medical scholar and former Minister of Education and Petroleum, Jibril Aminu, at the National Mosque in Abuja. Mr Aminu, a one-time President of the African Petroleum Producers Organisation (OPEC), passed on in Abuja on Thursday after a prolonged illness. The vice president, who arrived at the National Mosque at 1:52 p.m., commiserated with the family of the deceased and prayed to Allah to comfort them and make Aljanna Firdaus the final abode of the late elder statesman. Noting that the late Mr Aminus demise is a great loss to the nation, Mr Shettima described the late surgeon, educationist and administrator as a man who saw it all, just as he said the deceased was an intellectual giant who can hardly be replaced. It is a very sad loss. Prof Jibril Aminu was the last of the great titans, an iconic figure who enormously contributed to the development of the nation. He was variously the Executive Secretary of NUC, Vice Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri and Honourable Minister of various ministries across the country and left his landmarks on the sands of time. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later He is irreplaceable. May Allah grant him Aljanatul Firdaus and give the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. His loss is not just to the good people of Adamawa State but to the nation and Africa at large, the Vice President prayed. Born in Song, Adamawa in 1939, Mr Aminu was a towering figure in Nigerian public life. The late consultant cardiologist served the nation in different capacities, including as Federal Minister of Education and later Federal Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources (19891992), Ambassador of Nigeria to the United States (19992003), and Senator representing Adamawa Central (20032011). He was also President of OPEC in 1991 and President of the OPEC Conference between 1991 and 1992 while he was Petroleum Minister. READ ALSO: Tinubu mourns Jibril Aminu Other mourners who joined the vice president at the National Mosque in Abuja for the Janaiza included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu; Special Adviser to the President on General Duties (Office of the Vice President), Aliyu Modibbo; former Secretary to the Federal Government, Yayale Ahmed; former Governor of Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako; former Governor of Gombe State, Danjuma Goje; former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai; former Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman; former Minister of State for Health, Aliyu Idi Hong, among many others. Stanley Nkwocha Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications (Office of The Vice President) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print President Bola Tinubu on Thursday officially commissioned the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) in Abuja, describing the project as a monument to African resilience and innovation, and a bold step toward Nigerias emergence as a global healthcare hub. This is just as the country has secured over $2.2 billion in health sector commitments through the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, launched by the Tinubu administration in December 2023. The initiative, which is already underway, aims to renovate over 17,000 primary health centres, train 120,000 frontline health workers, and double national health insurance coverage within three years. Speaking during the commissioning ceremony of the AMCE, President Tinubu, who was represented by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, noted that it is not just about unveiling a structure of steel and bricks, but also unveiling Nigerias collective refusal to accept medical vulnerability as destiny. The president narrated reforms and investments made since he took office two years ago, including the signing of an Executive Order to unlock the healthcare value chain and the launch of the Presidential Initiative to Unlock the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC). Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later These policies, he said, have intensified local pharmaceutical production, improved regulatory systems, and expanded access to diagnostics. But our efforts did not end there. In December 2023, we launched the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative. That initiative secured over $2.2 billion in health sector commitments, with clear, measurable targets: to renovate over 17,000 primary health centres, train 120,000 frontline health workers, and double health insurance coverage within three years. These are not aspirations. These are milestones already in motion, the president explained. The president noted that AMCE, a state-of-the-art facility developed by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in partnership with Kings College Hospital, London, will serve as a leading centre for advanced treatment, medical training, and research. The facility, according to him, hosts the largest stem cell laboratory in West Africa and will expand to include a teaching hospital, nursing school, and residential quarters for medical personnel. Paying tribute to Afreximbank President Benedict Oramah, President Tinubu said, I must pay tribute to Afreximbank and its visionary President, Professor Benedict Oramah, for seeing what many dared not dream. This is what becomes possible when institutions rise to African challenges with African solutions. Mr Tinubu also stressed the importance of infrastructure investment through the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, even as he said, A world-class hospital cannot function on a dirt road, and no MRI machine works without stable electricity. We are investing in the roads, power, and connectivity that breathe life into health facilities. With your planned Medical and Nursing School on this campus, and with partners ranging from Kings College London to the University of Wisconsin, you are laying the foundation for a new generation of African medical specialistsspecialists who will no longer be exported but empowered at home, he stated. He assured continued government support for the initiative, saying it is a strategic investment in Nigerias future. This is not just a place to treat the sickit is a place to train for the future, he added. Also speaking, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, said that with the establishment of the Afreximbank African Medical Centre of Excellence, Nigeria is today healthier and wealthier than before. He pointed out that if figures were to be displayed, the edifice would cost not less than $400 million mobilised by the private sector. He said this type of establishment could not come at a better time than this for Africa to have a hospital that can handle different medical associations on the continent, adding, The hospital is a marvel of science and modernity of facility. Earlier in his remarks, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of African Export-Import Bank, Benedict Orama, said the event was a testimony that society is better-off serving lives that burying its death and that its a living person that can contribute to the development and social transformation. Recalling his ordeal as a sick person admitted at the Kings College Hospital in London, he stated that the only way he could appreciate the Almighty God, the Afreximbank colleagues and those who saved his life was to contribute to creating quality healthcare infrastructure and services. Mr Orama said one of the contributions he could make to Africa was to help Afreximbank to deliver on its well-developed and documented structured strategy on medical care delivery and with Star Alliance, Kings College Hospital in London and twelve years of sick medical experience, the African Medical Centre of Excellence opens its door in Abuja. African Medical Centre of Excellence is not just to provide top-notch medical care but also catalyse the transformation of the African health sector, he added. Giving his goodwill message, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, thanked the President of Afreximbank, the Board of African Medical Centre for Excellence and everyone who worked to put the hospital in place. He said the hospital is an important institution that will stop medical tourism in Nigeria, as it will attract people to the nation to get the same benefits they would have received outside the shores of the country. Others who spoke at the event were Tanzanias President Samia Hassan, represented by Jenista Mhagama, minister of health, Tanzania; Clive Kay, chief executive, Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust; Tajudeen Raji, acting deputy director general and hrad, Division of Public Health Institutes and Research, Africa Centre for Disease Control and many others. Stanley Nkwocha Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications (Office of The Vice President) More Pictures: Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print As Nigeria continues to navigate the complexities of youth unemployment and rapid population growth, leading stakeholders are converging in Lagos for a vital conversation on transforming these challenges into economic assets. On Thursday, 19 June, Premium Times will host the Employability Summit 2025, themed Converting Nigerias Demography into Assets. The event will be held at Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, Ozumba Mbadiwe, Victoria Island, Lagos, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The summit will bring together top industry leaders, government officials, human capital experts, and young professionals to examine practical solutions to Nigerias employability crisis with a particular focus on innovation, skill development, and policy alignment. Timely and urgent conversation With an estimated 70 per cent of Nigerias population under the age of 30, experts say the time is now to address employability in ways that are inclusive, scalable, and sustainable. This summit is about changing the narrative from population burden to population dividend, said Ime Enang, Director of Business and Partnerships at Premium Times. We are bringing together the right voices in industry, policy, and youth leadership to have the hard conversations and, more importantly, drive real action. Meet the Speakers 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 event will feature a powerful line-up of speakers and panelists, including: Ziad Maalouf Managing Director, 7Up Bottling Company Obi Asika Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) Uyi Akpata Immediate Past Country Partner, PwC Nigeria Michael Ikpoki Chief Executive Officer, Africa Context Advisory Partners & Former CEO, MTN Nigeria Esiri Agbeyi Partner and Africa Family Business Leader, PwC Nigeria Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji Chief Executive Officer, RiseNetworks Nneka Eneli Director, Workforce Outsourcing Oludare Odusanya General Manager, British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation Who Should Attend? The summit is open to: Policymakers and public sector leaders Human capital professionals Corporate executives and hiring managers Higher education administrators Young professionals and final-year students Attendance is free, but pre-registration is required. Register Here: https://forms.gle/vyJpwSD49qvev8gU6 READ ALSO: FG pledges employment for all community health officers nationwide Event Details Venue: Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, Ozumba Mbadiwe, VI, Lagos Date: Thursday, June 19, 2025 Time: 10:00 AM 1:00 PM Partnership and Contact The Employability Summit 2025 is hosted by Premium Times in partnership with 7Up Nigeria, Business School Netherlands Nigeria, and The SME Scale-Up. For sponsorship and participation inquiries, please contact: Join us as we explore the intersection of population, policy, and productivityand help build a future where Nigerias youth are not just seen, but empowered. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nigerian Army has confirmed that three commanders of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) were killed in a gunfight with soldiers in Borno State. The army disclosed this in a Facebook post Thursday afternoon. The soldiers taking part in Operation Hadin Kai, fought the terrorists on Thursday morning. The air component of the operation also aided the troops, said Reuben Kovangiya, an army captain and spokesperson of the operation. Three prominent Boko Haram/ISWAP leaders Amir Abu Ali, Amir Ibunu, and Amir Abu Waldume (were) eliminated in Mallam Fatori and Buratai fierce gunbattles, the Army posted. Earlier, PREMIUM TIMES reported that the ISWAP terrorists launched a twin attack on military formations in Buratai and Mallam Fatori. However, the military thwarted the attack. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later This comes less than a week after troops killed Abu Fatima, a wanted ISWAP commander with a N100 million bounty placed on him. Our reporter understands that the elite force of the Nigerian Army has been deployed to Borno, following incessant attacks on military formations in the state. Last month, the terrorists overran more than five military formations in Marte, Buni Gari, Wulgo and Wajiroko, among other places. While the terrorists continue to pose a threat to the fragile security situation of the North-east, the military has stepped up its operations against them, killing more than 13,000 in two years of President Tinubus leadership, according to National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A vigilante operative was on Thursday killed when gunmen invaded a vigilante facility in Anambra State, Nigerias South-east. The incident, PREMIUM TIMES gathered, happened early in the morning in Umunze Community, Orumba South Local Government Area of the state. A resident of the community, who asked not to be named, told this newspaper that those attacked were members of Agunechemba, a vigilante group set up by the Anambra State Government in January. The police spokesperson in Anambra State, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident in a statement on Thursday night. Mr Ikenga, a superintendent of police, said the gunmen also set five operational vehicles ablaze during the attack. The security operatives in an attempt to resist the gunmen during the gun duel recorded a fatal injury on one of the security operatives. Some parts of the security office also got burnt by the hoodlums, he said. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later He said a joint security team led by the police had taken over the area and needed support of communities around the area to fish out the gunmen. The spokesperson said the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Ikioye Orutugu, has condemned the attack. Mr Orutugu also appealed to residents of the community to support security operatives to track down the attackers. Increased attacks Like other states in Nigerias South-east, security has deteriorated in Anambra State with frequent attacks by armed persons. The attacks often target security agencies, government officials and facilities. Hundreds of people have been killed or abducted and several others injured in some of such attacks in the region. The latest attack occurred about five weeks after gunmen attacked a vigilante office in Amesi, a community in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State. One person was killed in the attack which occurred in late April. The Nigerian government has repeatedly accused the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) of being responsible for the deadly attacks in the region. But the group has repeatedly denied its involvement in the attacks. IPOB is a group leading agitation for an independent state of Biafra which it wants carved out from the South-east and some parts of the South-south Nigeria. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, has ordered an immediate investigation of officials accused of extorting N100,000 from a driver. Mr Mohammed gave the directive in a statement released on Thursday in Abuja by the FRSC spokesperson, Olusegun Ogungbemide, according to the News Agency of Nigeria. Extortion allegation PREMIUM TIMES, on Wednesday, reported how a Nigerian journalist, Agba Jalingo, in a Facebook post, accused officials of the corps in Calabar, Cross River State, of extorting the money from a driver for not wearing a seatbelt. This Road Safety team also arrested a vehicle yesterday in Calabar and extorted N100k from the driver for not wearing a seat belt. The money was extorted through the private account of one Zeal Nkere Richard before the vehicle was released. Thats the vehicle they used, Mr Jalingo wrote, attaching a picture of the road safety patrol vehicle and an Opay payment receipt as evidence. The receipt showed that the payment was executed on Tuesday at 10:53 a.m. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Weve commenced investigation Cross Sector Commander The FRSC Sector Commander in Cross River State, J. W. Toby, had told this newspaper on Wednesday that the command had commenced an investigation into the matter. We have zero tolerance for things like this. They (operatives) are being investigated. We have extant rules. At the end of the day, if they are found guilty, whatever the punishment is, they would face it, Mr Toby said. For now, lets keep our fingers crossed and wait for a petition from the person (driver). If the investigation is proven to be true, there are laws on the ground to hold them, he added. FRSC headquarters recalls accused officials for investigation Citing the PREMIUM TIMES report, the FRSC Corps Marshal ordered the immediate recall of the officials for an investigation. As an organisation that upholds standards at all times, we have procedures to check indiscipline, corruption, and patrol misconduct. If found guilty, the operatives will face severe disciplinary actions, including dismissal and prosecution. This newspaper had also reported how 15 FRSC officials were arrested in 2021 through a joint security operation led by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission for allegedly extorting money from motorists on highways across the country. The officials were arrested simultaneously in Adamawa, Gombe, Ondo, and Osun states, with the extorted money. Reacting to this, the spokesperson reiterated the corps consistent efforts in combating corruption, stating that it has been addressing such cases. The management has adopted proactive measures to eliminate corrupt elements through a comprehensive anti-corruption policy, dynamic operational strategy, and regular monitoring. Any staff arrested for criminal offences, including extortion, would be tried internally, disengaged, and handed over to the Police where necessary, he said. The FRSC corps marshal stressed that its zero-tolerance stance had led to the dismissal and prosecution of many operatives found guilty of bribery and related offences. In 2021, the Corps collaborated with the Department of State Services and ICPC to launch a Joint Surveillance Special Operation, targeting erring personnel. That operation, in its first year, resulted in the arrest of over 70 FRSC staff members in two coordinated actions. Prima facie cases were established against those personnel to serve as a deterrent to others, he said. Mr Mohammed said his administration was intensifying efforts to curb corruption, especially in alignment with President Bola Tinubus anti-corruption drive. READ ALSO: FRSC intensifies nationwide crackdown on overloading He also highlighted FRSCs partnership with the Akin Fadeyi Foundation and the MacArthur Foundation to launch the Flag-It App. The app, Mr Mohammed said, allows the public to report cases of extortion, bribery, or disservice by any FRSC operative. Many complaints received through the app have been duly treated. Recently, a new mobile application was launched to further combat bribery and reward exceptional service. The app includes a function for reporting misconduct, complementing the Flag-It App in ensuring personnel accountability, he said, urging the media to continue supporting the corps by reporting misconduct of officials. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Oando PLC, Nigerias leading indigenous energy solutions company with primary and secondary listings on the Nigerian and Johannesburg Stock Exchanges, today announced the successful upsizing of its Reserve Based Lending (RBL2) facility to $375 million. The refinancing, led by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) with the support of Mercuria, extends the final maturity date of the facility to 30 January, 2029. In recent years, financing arrangements for the acquisition, development, and operation of oil and gas assets have commonly been structured as Reserve-Based Loans (RBLs). Under this model, the amount a borrower, in this instance Oando, can access is directly tied to the size and value of their proven reserves, with Oandos standing at 1.0Bnboe referred to as the Borrowing Base. This upsizing is a result of the Companys significant progress in deleveraging, having substantially reduced the original $525 million RBL2 facility, signed in 2019, down to $100 million by the close of 2024. This proactive debt management has paved the way for successful refinancing. Speaking on this strategic achievement, Mr Wale Tinubu, Group Chief Executive, Oando Plc, commented: We are pleased to have completed the upsizing of our RBL2 facility, a strategic milestone that reinforces our commitment as Operator of the Oando-NEPL JV to maximizing the value of our expanded asset portfolio. Our Joint Venture holds extensive reserves with the potential to generate over $11 billion in net cashflows to Oando over the assets life. This working capital facility is a critical enabler towards efficiently extracting and monetizing these resources. We appreciate the continued partnership of Afreximbankand Mercuria, whose unwavering support underscores their alignment with our long- term focus on maximizing production, optimizing asset performance, and delivering sustainable value to all stakeholders. This newly secured capital injection will be strategically deployed to aggressively pursue key growth initiatives, including accelerated drilling campaigns, critical infrastructure upgrades across its operations, and the implementation of advanced operational efficiencies throughout its portfolio. These strategic investments directly support the Companys stated ambition to significantly increase its production levels to 100,000 barrels of oil per day (bopd) and 1.5 billion cubic feet (Bcf) of gas per day by the end of 2029. This positive development follows Oandos landmark $783 million acquisition of the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) from Italian energy giant, ENI, in August 2024. This transformative acquisition significantly expanded Oandos operational landscape, incorporating twenty-four currently producing fields, approximately forty identified exploration prospects and leads, twelve key production stations, an extensive network of approximately 1,490 km of pipelines, three vital gas processing plants, the strategic Brass River Oil Terminal, the significant Kwale-Okpai phases 1 & 2 power plants boasting a total nameplate capacity of 960MW, and a comprehensive suite of associated infrastructure. 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 successful refinancing underscores the confidence of leading financial institutions in Oandos strategic direction and its ability to capitalize on its expanded asset base to drive growth and value creation in the Nigerian energy sector and beyond. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Oando Plc, Africas leading integrated energy company listed on both the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) and Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), posted robust audited Full Year (FY) 2024 financial results with a 44% increase in revenue to N4.1trillion compared to N2.9 trillion in FY 2023. In the upstream, Oandos production witnessed a 3% increase to 23,727 boepd; made up of crude oil production which increased by 27% to 7,558 bopd, while NGL production and gas decreased respectively by 35% to 156 bpd, and 5% to 16,013 boepd. The companys 2P reserves grew 95% year-on-year to 983 MMboe (2023: 505 MMboe), representing a 188% reserves replacement ratio and underscoring the strength of the companys upstream portfolio post-acquisition. The company also reported a sustained operational uptime of 86%, supporting off-take reliability and reducing deferred production. Similarly, other indigenous players have also reported significant revenue growth following the recent wave of International Oil Company divestments. Seplat recorded a revenue of 1.65 trillion, representing a 137% increase from 2023, while Aradel posted 581.2 billion in revenue, a 162% increase compared to the previous year. Speaking on the companys upstream performance, Group Chief Executive, Oando PLC, Wale Tinubu said, 2024 was a defining year for Oando, with the successful acquisition and integration of NAOC marking the culmination of a decade-long strategic growth journey which has significantly deepened our upstream portfolio, resulting in our assumption of operatorship of the OML 6063 series and the doubling of our working interest in the assets from 20% to 40%, as well as our 2P reserves from 500 million barrels of oil equivalent to 1 billion barrels. In the downstream, Oandos trading subsidiary reported that it sold 20.7 million barrels of crude oil in 2024; a 37% decline from 2023 due to structural changes in the Nigerian oil market. Additionally, refined product volumes declined by 64% to just over 599 kMT, due to weakened domestic demand, driven by the challenging macroeconomic in-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 Projections for global oil prices and demand in 2025 remain uncertain due to persistent macroeconomic and trade policy uncertainties. JP Morgan pegs Brent to peak at $66/bbl in 2025 and $58/bbl in 2026 while the U.S. Energy Information Administrations (EIA) predictions project Brent crude oil prices to fall from an average of $81 per barrel (b) in 2024 to $74/b in 2025 and $66/b in 2026 citing an increase in global production coupled with slower global demand growth. Within its renewable energy business, the company continued to advance its clean energy agenda recording measurable progress across multiple verticals. By the end of 2024 the electric mass transit programme had covered 121,145 km, transported over 205,000 passengers, displacing 163,546 kg of CO emissions and saving more than 60,000 litres of diesel. Other notable achievements include signing MoUs for wind projects with Cross River and Edo State as well as launching a geothermal feasibility study in collaboration with NNPC, exploring the conversion of mature wells to renewable power assets. As the company continues to integrate its expanded portfolio following its most recent strategic acquisition, current projections show its gone into 2025 with strong momentum and clear ambition. Mr Tinubu remarked Looking ahead, 2025 will be our year of execution. Our key priorities shall include unlocking synergies from the acquisition, addressing above-ground security risks through the implementation of a revamped security framework aimed at curbing the persistent theft of oil, cost optimization, balance sheet restructuring, enhancing operational efficiency, and leveraging technology to improve productivity across our operations. In our bid to ramp up production towards achieving our target of 100,000 bopd and 1.5 tcf of gas by 2029, we shall pursue a dual-track approach of rig-less interventions and well workovers, complemented by an aggressive drilling program. We are excited by the opportunities that lie ahead and remain committed to delivering enhanced shareholder returns, shared prosperity and maintaining our position as a leading player in Africas evolving energy landscape. The published audited FY 2024 results also include approximately four months of contribution from Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC), following the completion of the acquisition on 22 August, 2024. Following this, the company has set a production guidance of 30,00040,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd) in its 2025 outlook. This aligns with its post-acquisition optimisation plans to maximise portfolio value and supports its four-year target of reaching 100,000 barrels per day. It is evident that local players, particularly those that have become operators following the recent IOC divestments, are increasingly well-positioned to drive the future of the Nigerian energy sector. These indigenous companies possess unique insights and contextual experience that enable them to more effectively manage onshore and shallow water assets. This shift is expected to generate a ripple effect across the economy by increasing local employment, enhancing capacity development, and improving government revenue through taxes retained within the country, revenue that was previously repatriated to the home countries of the International Oil Companies (IOCs). Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State, has sent his warm greetings to the people of the State and Muslims worldwide ahead of the Eid-al-Adha 2025, urging citizens to embrace faith, sacrifice, and unity for the states continued progress and security. As part of his Sallah greetings, Governor Radda urged citizens to embrace this period for reflection, prayer, and acts of kindness towards one another. Highlighting the significance of Eid-al-Adha, Governor Radda noted that its inherent value is rooted in faith, sacrifice, and obedience to Allahs will. Specifically, Mr Radda implored pilgrims observing the Arafat rites to remember Katsina State in their prayers, seeking peace, unity, and an end to insecurity. While also acknowledging the prayers of those fasting at home, he stressed their importance for the states continued protection and blessings. With the Eid celebration arriving concurrently with the rainy seasons commencement, Governor Radda offered prayers for abundant rains and a bountiful harvest. This years Eid comes at the start of the rainy season a lifeline for our farmers. I pray for good rains and a rich harvest. Agriculture is the heartbeat of our economy. I urge our citizens to take advantage of our farming and business support programs under the Building Your Future agenda. 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 Reflecting on his two years in office, Mr Radda affirmed the progress made across various sectors and reiterated his administrations commitment to further development. Weve made progress in education, security, agriculture, healthcare, road infrastructure, water resources, power and energy, and youth empowerment. But we are not stopping. We want to do more for every part of the state and for every citizen. Governor Radda further stated that peace and development are not governments job alone. We all have a role to play. I call on our people to protect government projects, support our community development efforts, and stay united and work hand-in-hand with our administration to secure and uplift our state in building a better Katsina. He urged citizens to remember those in need, emphasising that Eid is about sacrifice and kindness. A small act of kindness can go a long way. The Katsina Governor also expressed profound gratitude and unwavering support for the armed forces, the Katsina Community Watch Corps, and all frontline personnel combating banditry and insecurity. Praising their courage and dedication, he urged, We must support our armed forces, Katsina Community Watch Corps, and all who are on the frontlines of the fight against banditry and insecurity. To all those working to keep us safe, I say thank you. Your courage means everything to us. You have our full support and prayers. Reaffirming his dedication to the states well-being, Governor Radda humbly acknowledged that he cannot do it alone even though he is in charge of ensuring peace and unity. He called for continued prayers, support, and commitment from the populace for the state to prevail. Governor Radda called for continuous prayers for the state and the nation, encouraging every citizen to contribute positively to its growth and development. He expressed hope that with unity, hard work, and Allahs mercy, we will overcome every challenge. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 5. The Baku Energy Week, held from June 2 to 4, once again highlighted Azerbaijans growing role as a key player in the global energy landscape. While the global energy transition is often driven by ideological narratives and short-term expectations, Azerbaijan is taking a pragmatic, resilient, and balanced approach - bridging traditional and renewable energy sources. Several strategic agreements were signed during the week, underscoring the rising interest of international partners in Azerbaijans energy potential - from oil and gas exploration and production to solar power and joint green energy initiatives. Expanding gas reach and forging new partnerships Azerbaijan is steadily strengthening its role in European energy markets. As President Ilham Aliyev noted at the events opening ceremony, Azerbaijani gas is now being exported to twelve countries - a clear sign of the country's growing energy footprint. "And this is not the end. We are still in the process of negotiations and also making investments with some countries to expand our geography. With respect to the coverage of geography by pipeline gas, I think Azerbaijan is now one of the leading countries on a global scale," said President Ilham Aliyev. At the event, the Shah Deniz consortium announced the final investment decision for the Shah Deniz Compression (SDC) project - the next stage in developing the massive Shah Deniz gas field, which supplies natural gas to global markets. This project focuses on extracting gas from lower reservoir pressures to maximize the recovery of remaining resources. Its expected to unlock an additional 50 billion cubic meters of gas and around 25 million barrels of gas condensate for export. Meanwhile, bp completed the acquisition of stakes in two offshore blocks on Azerbaijans Caspian shelf - the Karabakh oil field and the Ashrafi-Dan Ulduzu-Aypara (ADUA) block. Other key developments in the oil and gas sector include agreements between SOCAR and Hungarys MOL Group for joint exploration, development, and production in the Shamakhi-Gobustan area. The Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) also joined the Shafag-Asiman offshore block development project. Additionally, SOCAR signed cooperation agreements with companies like ExxonMobil and Gran Tierra Energy. These projects not only aim to boost production but also strengthen energy integration across the region. Ambitious goals for the green agenda At the opening ceremony of Baku Energy Week, President Ilham Aliyev gave an in-depth overview of the countrys energy strategy: "So, in our case, we are increasing production of natural gas to satisfy the needs of countries, which are waiting for it, and at the same time, investing together with partners in our green energy projects". President Ilham Aliyev noted that by 2030, based on already signed contracts and investment commitments, Azerbaijan plans to have 6.5 GW of renewable energy installed capacity. That will be more than 35% of the country's total energy grid. Agreements signed during Baku Energy Week in solar energy and infrastructure electrification represent a major milestone in Azerbaijans ambitious plan to have renewables account for over 35% of its energy mix by 2030. The Ministry of Energy signed a land lease agreement with Enerso Jabrail LLC for the 50 MW Shams solar power project, and another lease with Universal Solar Azerbaijan for a 100 MW solar plant in Gobustan. A broad strategic cooperation deal was also inked with China Energy Engineering Corporation Limited. In addition, agreements were made with OAO Norm for solar projects in Jabrayil, and the Ministry extended its energy transition memorandum with Maire Tecnimont S.p.A. Meanwhile, Shafag (Jabrayil) Solar Limited (SJSL) - a joint venture between bp, SOCAR Green, and the Azerbaijan Business Development Fund (ABDF) - gave the green light to begin construction of the 240-megawatt Shafag solar plant in Jabrayil. On another front, investors at the Sangachal terminal - including bp, SOCAR, TPAO, LUKOIL, South Gas Corridor, NIKO, MOL, INPEKS, ExxonMobil, ITOCU, ONGC Videsh, Eni, MVM, and TotalEnergies - approved a project to electrify the terminal. This will connect it to the national grid operated by Azerenerji JSC, with new infrastructure including a 220/110 kV substation planned both on-site and nearby. These steps underscore Azerbaijans strong commitment to its green energy goals while showcasing a balanced approach that combines renewables with traditional energy sources - positioning the country as a key player in the global energy transition. Realism as a guiding energy philosophy Azerbaijan is steadily pursuing a pragmatic and balanced approach to its energy transition, advancing renewable energy while managing its traditional resources thoughtfully. This strategy, designed to avoid the risks of an abrupt shift away from fossil fuels, has received backing from major international energy organizations, including OPEC. In an exclusive interview with Trend, OPEC Secretary-General Haitham al-Ghais said: "We are not against the fact that there will be an increase in the penetration of renewable energies. However, we believe that renewable energies alone cannot fuel the world's economic growth and future energy requirements. The world has to become more realistic and pragmatic in terms of adopting all energies". Emphasizing that oil and gas still make up 55% of the global energy mix, and coal brings that figure up to 80%, he added: "Since the 1980s, it has also been around 80%. The world has spent nearly $10 trillion in the last 20 years to transition away from fossil fuels. But this has not happened. Because the world is consuming more oil, more coal, more gas than ever before". As such, OPEC forecasts global oil demand to hit a record 106 million barrels per day by the end of 2025, and surpass 120 million by 2050. This international backing for a balanced approach, as highlighted in OPECs statements, underscores the validity of Azerbaijans strategy - one that avoids short-term trends and focuses on building a sustainable, realistic energy future. Have you ever sat with your leadership team and asked, Are we truly on track to hit our 2025 goals? Chances are, like many CEOs, you have had a strong start to the year but now, you need more than just motivation. You need clarity, strategy, realignment and results. Thats where the H2CEO Strategy Retreat comes in. Hosted by SalesRuby Limited, the H2CEO Strategy Retreat is not your typical executive gathering. Its a high-impact, in-depth workshop designed specifically for CEOs, senior leaders, and business executives who are hungry for exponential growth. Think of it as your mid-year boardroom away from the boardroom a time to step back, assess, recalibrate, and plot a clear path to 4X revenue growth in the next six months. A Sequel to Success If you missed the Africa Revenue Summit, you missed an electric room with over 100 CEOs exploring new frontiers in business growth. But H2CEO is not just a follow-up its the next level. 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 Led by Bunmi Jembola, the visionary CEO of SalesRuby and Rubystack Technologies, H2CEO is built around a more focused mission: getting your business to the next milestone fast. With case-by-case business audits, cross-industry insights, and tailored growth strategies, this retreat goes deeper than ever before. What Youll Get At the H2CEO Strategy Retreat, SalesRuby will personally work with your leadership team to uncover untapped growth opportunities in your business. Heres how: A detailed review of your business performance in H1 Insights on Nigerias economic trends and how to adapt for H2 Strategy sessions that reveal grey areas and convert them into goldmines Exclusive synergy-building and partnership opportunities Access to a FREE industry-specific business growth template for every participant Its more than an event. Its a growth lab. One thats focused on getting you to your 2025 revenue goals and beyond. The Leaders in the Room Great events attract great minds. Here are some of the experts who will be guiding you through this transformation: Mr Bunmi Jembola CEO of SalesRuby, Growth Strategist, and Convener of the Africa Revenue Summit. He has helped over a thousand businesses achieve serious growth through strategy and enablement. Tayo Ilori Director of Supply Chain Operations at Honeywell Flour Mills. With over 20 years in FMCG, he brings mastery in operations, manufacturing, and distribution. Seni Adetu Former CEO of Guinness Nigeria PLC. His experience in building revenue-turnover businesses makes him one of the most respected voices in Africas corporate world. Real CEOs. Real Results. This is not for everyone. But if youre a CEO, entrepreneur, or executive with big goals and bold dreams, then this is your room. This is your moment. Join us at Lily Gate Hotel, Lekki, Lagos. Lets sit down. Lets review. Lets strategize. And lets 4X your business revenue in 2025. Ready to make the second half of the year your best ever? Well see you in the strategy room. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Kaduna State pilgrims observing Hajj rites at Arafat have offered special prayers for Governor Uba Sanis administration, seeking divine guidance for his leadership beyond 2027. The prayer session, led by the Kaduna States Amirul Hajj, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Yau Usman Shehu, focused on the Governors success in implementing policies for development and lasting peace in the state. Alhaji Shehu also urged pilgrims to pray for Nigerias leaders, asking Allah to grant them wisdom in navigating current national challenges. Salihu Abubakar, Chairman of the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, charged state-appointed officials to diligently serve with the fear of Allah, reminding them that their efforts would be divinely rewarded. Mr Abubakar also called on pilgrims to continue cooperating with officials for a smooth and successful Hajj. The prayer session also featured Sheikh Halliru Maraya, a member of Governor Uba Sanis Special Committee, and other Islamic scholars who joined in supplications for the state and the nation. 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 pilgrims expressed optimism that their spiritual devotion would bring blessings to Kaduna State and Nigeria Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Federal High Court in Kaduna has awarded N20 million in damages to Awemi Maisamari, the President of the Adara Development Association (ADA), over his arrest and prolonged detention under the administration of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai. Delivering judgement in suit FHC/KD/CS/123/2024, the court ruled that Mr Maisamaris fundamental human rights were grossly violated following his arrest at a town hall meeting on the violence then ravaging villages in Kajuru Local Government Area. After his arrest on 16 February 2019, Mr Maisamari was held at the [now disbanded] Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) detention facility for four days, according to a 41-page court writ obtained by PREMIUM TIMES. He was then transferred to the Kaduna Correctional Facility, where he was held for 107 days without being charged in court. Despite multiple court appearances, he was denied bail until the states attorney general issued a legal opinion on 31 May 2019 recommending that all charges be dropped due to the lack of evidence. The court judgment The court held that Mr Maisamaris arrest and detention were politically motivated and unlawful, stating that the contradictions, the unexplained failure to inform the applicant of the grounds of arrest, and the apparent politicisation of the investigative process were fatal to the respondents defence. While he accused former governor El-Rufai of having ordered his arrest, the court ruled that Mr Maisamari failed to substantiate his claim. 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 Rebuking the respondents, the court held that their actions violated sections 34, 35, and 36 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution [as amended] and international human rights instruments. In favour of Mr Maisamari, the court granted several reliefs specifically against the third to fifth respondentsthe police, the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State. Specifically, the court upheld reliefs 1, 2, 6, 9, 10, 18, and 19, which sought declarations and orders concerning the violation of Mr Maisamaris fundamental rights. Among the granted reliefs were declarations that the arrest and prolonged detention of the applicant without due process constituted gross violations of his rights to personal liberty, dignity, and fair hearing as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria [amended]. Consequently, the court ordered Mr Maisamari to be paid compensation and general damages, including the cost of litigation. The court awarded N10 million as compensation for the unlawful arrest and another N10 million in general damages for the inhumane treatment and reputational harm Mr Maisamari suffered. However, the court absolved the Kaduna State Attorney General (6th Respondent) of wrongdoing and commended him for the legal opinion dated 31 May 2019, which advised the termination of the case. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has announced Ime Uwahs appointment as the sole administrator of the revived paint company, now called Ibom Paints. The governor said that with his declaration of a State of Emergency on the factory, there will no longer be a board for the paint factory to allow for its sustained, smooth operations. While inaugurating the factory at Ikot Ekan, Etinan, on Wednesday, Mr Eno said, I have declared a state of emergency on Ibom Paints with the appointment of a sole administrator, Mr Ime Uwah. There will be no more board and board members, but a sole administrator. He will run this factory because in the last three months he has produced results, and I have looked at the account with records of profits, and so we will have to continue in that trajectory. This is Akwa Iboms funds, so we cant dig a hole and throw it into. In addition to that, this is a legacy and we must sustain it. 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 Eno assured that his administration will continue to partner with the Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation (AKICORP) to ensure the success of the paint factory and other businesses under their supervision. He announced a new pickup truck for the paint industry and ordered all government contractors to patronise Ibom Paints. How the firm was revived The governor commended the MD of AKICORP, ImoAbasi Jacob, for fulfilling his promise of revamping the facility and urged all to support its growth. Mr Jacob gave an overview of the paint factory and explained that the Akwa Ibom State Government had bought the Peacock Paints factory over and renamed it Ibom Paints. He recounted how Governor Eno mandated AKICORP to restore the factory and that, after concerted efforts, a monumental waste was recovered and transformed into a thriving business outfit. We are here to celebrate resilience and a man who saw beyond the troubles of what we see today. Our work was mainly refurbishing, recovering and restoration. We went through the entire production line and salvaged it. We brought the bypass and new production lines. We had to put in new lines that comply with modern-day manufacturing technology, retool, and invest in new raw materials, Mr Jacob said. We have a pile of raw materials that can take us six to eight months production without any disruption. We had to introduce quality assurance. We are glad to mention that this factory is certified by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria. We are undergoing NESREA certification, which will be done in no time. We have also involved rebranding. We designed a new brand, a new logo and maintained the state colour because we want to send a signal to the rest of the world that the Ibom brand is a brand to meet. We have also put in place a robust digital system that will allow us to run this factory without legacy problems of the past. We have put in place enterprise resource planning to allow us to monitor the accounts produced online in real time. We have also put in place a robust security management system that allows us to view the movements of goods in the factory We have discovered that there is a huge production line that can allow us in the next phase to do industrial paint work, to produce marine paint for coating in the oil and gas industry and even car paints, he added. Mr Jacob commended Mr Uwah, who is also the governors senior special assistant on entrepreneurial development, for his services, and the stakeholders in Etinan for their cooperation. Earlier in their remarks, the Chairperson of Etinan Local Government Area, Uko Umo, the political leader of Etinan, Kenneth Okon, and the House of Representatives member for the Etinan Federal Constituency, Paul Ekpo, and the House of Assembly member representing Etinan, Ekpo Ufot, praised the governor for his purposeful leadership. They thanked the governor for the various government projects in the area and for appointing people from the area to political offices. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Ifeanyi-Chukwuma Odii, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the 2023 governorship election in Ebonyi State, says he has no plans to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Mr Odii stated this in a statement issued in Abakaliki on Wednesday. The APC is the ruling party in Ebonyi and at the national level. He said he was yet to see any compelling reason that could make him switch to the APC. My attention has been drawn to public remarks credited to the Chairman of the APC in Ebonyi, Mr Stanley Okoro-Emegha, saying that I, Odii, is considering a move to join his party. Let me categorically state that I am not considering joining the APC now or in the foreseeable 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 I am yet to see any compelling reason, ideological, political, or developmental that would warrant such a decision. My commitment remains firmly with the ideals of purposeful leadership, people-oriented governance, and genuine democratic progress, he said. Mr Odii said those values continue to guide his actions and political engagements, and that he believes in building a society anchored on justice, equity, and service, not opportunism or political convenience. I acknowledge Emeghas right to express his opinions and promote his party. However, I urge political actors, especially those in leadership positions, to refrain from speculative statements that may mislead the public or distort the political landscape of Ebonyi State. My focus remains on contributing meaningfully to the growth and development of our dear state and nation, through platforms and processes that truly reflect the will and welfare of the people, Mr Odii said. He said he appreciated the continued support, trust, and encouragement from his supporters, well-wishers, and the Ebonyi people. Many politicians, including federal and state lawmakers, have been defecting from Nigerias main opposition party, the PDP, to the APC, before the 2027 general elections, raising concerns about the country becoming a one-party state. In Nigerias South-south, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State is set to switch from the PDP to the APC, a few weeks after Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State defected to the APC. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Lagos State Judiciary has stated that all general affidavits, including change of name, loss of SIM, declaration of age, and similar personal declarations, must be processed exclusively through the state judiciarys online platform, LagosCoMiS, from 1 June. The Deputy Chief Registrar (Admin) at the Ikeja High Court, Rasaq Davies, disclosed this in a circular on the directive of the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba. Mr Davies said the new directive applies only to non-litigation affidavits typically required for administrative and personal documentation in banking, telecommunications, immigration, and other civil sectors. He explained that it does not affect affidavits filed in connection with ongoing proceedings in the High Court. I have the directive of the Honourable Chief Judge of Lagos State to inform you that effective from 1st of June 2025, all General Affidavits (Affidavits for Change of Name, loss of SIM, Declaration of Age, etc), excluding affidavits used for litigation at the High Court shall be generated exclusively through the LagosComis Platform, the statement read. The LagosCoMiS platformshort for Lagos Court Management Information Systemis part of the judiciarys digital infrastructure to automate filings and streamline court-related processes. It can be accessed at http://lagoscomis.lagosjudiciary.gov.ng. 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 To support the transition, the judiciary has published step-by-step instructions for obtaining e-Affidavits on the platform. Guidelines on how to use the E-Affidavits are available on the LagosComis website, the notice added. Reform The Lagos judiciary has, in recent years, expanded its use of technology to improve access to justice. In 2020, it introduced the Remote Hearing Guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic, and in 2023, it launched electronic probate and online case tracking features under LagosCoMiS. This latest shift to e-Affidavits aligns with broader state reforms to reduce paperwork, cut down fraud, and enhance transparency in affidavit processing, which has historically been plagued by touting and forgery at court premises. The circular added that the digital switch is expected to reduce queues, eliminate middlemen, and standardise affidavit issuance across the state. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Lagos East Senator Tokunbo Abiru has distributed food packs to 12,000 households across the districts five local government areas to celebrate Eid-el-Kabir. Mr Abiru also distributed 75 cows and 200 rams to royal fathers, clerics, community leaders, and party leaders in the district. The distribution took place on Wednesday in the district comprising Ikorodu, Epe, Somolu, Kosofe, and Ibeju Lekki LGAs. The food packscontaining rice and garri per householdwere branded with the names of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senator Abiru. The outreach is part of the senators #DoingGood initiative targeted at vulnerable groups, including people with disabilities, the elderly, women, and unemployed youths, many of whom were shortlisted through an online nomination process. 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 Speaking during the event at his Ikorodu constituency office, Mr Abiru, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), reaffirmed his commitment to supporting constituents during festive seasons, especially amid current economic challenges. He emphasised the need for collaborative efforts at all levels of government to alleviate hardship. This programme reflects our continued commitment to the welfare of the people of Lagos East especially during seasons of spiritual reflection and celebration like Eid-el-Kabir, he stated. The event drew commendations from community leaders, including Abiodun Ogunleye, a former deputy governor of Lagos State and APC leader in Ikorodu Division. Mr Abiru, a chartered accountant, left the banking industry to contest in the senatorial election. He was elected in the 2020 by-election following the death of the districts former senator, Bayo Osinowo, popularly called Pepper. He was re-elected in 2023. More Pictures: Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CIMC Modular Building Systems (MBS), a global leader in modular construction, has signed a landmark agreement to deliver the Earth Hotel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. As the company's first hospitality project in the region, this milestone reinforces CIMC MBS's commitment to advancing sustainable building practices and offering innovative solutions to the global hospitality sector. Setting a New Benchmark for Modular Construction in the Middle East Earth Hotels, a conscientious and design led hospitality group built for the modern, mindful traveler, is setting the stage for its bold new openings across Saudi Arabia and Europe. The Earth Hotel, Riyadh is a three-story, four-star boutique property with a total floor area of 11,000 square meters, scheduled for completion in 2026. Located in the vibrant Al Maathar district near key attractions and the Diplomatic Quarter, the hotel will offer 86 signature rooms, lofts, and suites designed for both business and leisure travelers. More than just a place to stay, Earth Riyadh promises an immersive experience that blends Saudi cultural with laid-back vibes, bold locally inspired designs, and purposeful hospitality. CIMC MBS will provide a full spectrum of services including module design, offsite manufacturing, and on-site installation. This advanced modular construction technology is expected to shorten the construction timeline by over 50% compared to traditional methods, while significantly enhancing resource and energy efficiency. "We are proud to contribute our modular expertise to this landmark project in Riyadh," said Victor Zhu, Managing Director of CIMC MBS. "It reflects our commitment to delivering efficient, sustainable building solutions to partners worldwide." The hotel's developer praised CIMC MBS's proven technical competence and execution capabilities, noting the project as a model for supporting Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 in smart city and tourism ambitions to establish Saudi Arabia as the global destination for business as well as leisure travelers. Driving Innovation and Global Collaboration With more than 20 years of international project experience, CIMC MBS has delivered modular building solutions across over 20 countries and regions. In recent years, CIMC Group has actively pursued its globalization strategy, achieving a significant milestone this year with the establishment of its Middle East & North Africa Regional Headquarters in Riyadh. This strategic move positions the Middle East as a key growth market, enabling better resource coordination and enhanced local service capabilities. CIMC Modular Building Systems (MBS) just one of CIMC Group's 8 innovative business units - is leveraging this strategic foothold to vigorously implement the Belt and Road Initiative whilst accelerating its market expansion across the Middle East. The Earth Hotel, Riyadh is expected to play a key role in enhancing Saudi Arabia's tourism infrastructure and serves as a compelling example of international cooperation in the construction industry. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2703891/image_812775_8743924.jpg ASTANA, Kazakhstan, June 5. President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held a telephone conversation with President of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian, Trend reports. In the course of the telephonic dialogue, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledged with gratification the robust evolution of Kazakh-Iranian bilateral relations, underpinned by the principles of camaraderie and amicable neighborliness. The dialogue encompassed the potential avenues for amplifying trade synergies, enhancing economic collaboration, and fostering investment partnerships. In the course of diplomatic negotiations, the heads of state of Kazakhstan and Iran engaged in a mutual exchange of felicitations commemorating the auspicious occasion of Eid al-Adha, a significant observance within the Islamic calendar celebrated by the global Muslim community. Furthermore, the stakeholders engaged in a dialogue regarding the timeline of forthcoming assemblies. In the fiscal year 2024, the bilateral trade volume between the two nations escalated to $340 million, reflecting a 12.3 percent uptick relative to the preceding annum. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel LOS ANGELES, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In his inaugural address following his investiture today as UCLA's seventh chancellor, Dr. Julio Frenk delivered a sweeping vision for the university's future and a call to be connective, impactful, and exemplary. Since taking the helm at UCLA in January, Frenk engaged in 38 sessions of a listening exercise that brought together nearly 6,000 students, faculty, staff, and alumni as well as engaging with civic, business, and government leaders. "I attended each meeting with open ears, an open heart, and an eye toward the future we will build together," Frenk said. "Our value is indivisible from our values," he remarked, laying the foundation for a collective vision rooted in public trust and community connection. Informed by the wide-ranging input, Frenk announced three defining aspirations to guide UCLA into its second century: to be a connective, impactful, and exemplary university. A Connective University In a time of division and disconnection, Frenk emphasized the crucial role of UCLA and other universities in bridging divides across generations, disciplines, geographies, eras, identities and communities. He cited UCLA's response to the recent Los Angeles wildfires as a moment that enforced UCLA's identity as a "university of Los Angeles," not just in it. Through new initiatives like UCLA Connects, he said, the university will enhance partnerships and rebuild trust internally. An Impactful University As the birthplace of the Internet, Frenk reaffirmed UCLA's commitment to translate knowledge into solutions. He highlighted major investments at the UCLA Research Park including the California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy and the Quantum Innovation Hub as emblematic of the university's growing role in innovation for the public good. Looking ahead, Frenk introduced UCLA for Life, a bold initiative to put the university at the forefront of lifelong learning. Citing the need for an educational model that evolves with students' lives and careers, Frenk outlined a program integrating campus resources with UCLA Extension and the Teaching and Learning Center. By further growing its support for students beyond graduation, UCLA will invest even more in open, lifelong learning systems with ongoing access to courses and educational resources. An Exemplary University Frenk announced the launch of a new series of Campus Community Conversations, part of an effort to help UCLA model how academic institutions can protect dignity, celebrate individuality and remain steadfast in their mission. To lead in a divided world, Frenk shared, UCLA must embody the values it teaches: healing past rifts, recognizing our shared humanity and fostering respectful dialogue. "We take our role as the nation's No. 1 public university seriously, and we stand at a pivotal moment a time of great challenge but also extraordinary promise," Frenk said. "Today, nearly half of UCLA undergraduates attend tuition-free, we have more than 670,000 alumni, and we are committed to building a future where access to education and opportunities for continued learning don't end at graduation they evolve with you, for life." You can watch the full inauguration ceremony here . For a sweeping view of UCLA's 106-year history, click here. SOURCE UCLA American Association of Critical-Care Nurses introduces 18-month nurse leadership and innovation training program supported by Johnson & Johnson ALISO VIEJO, Calif., June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) launched Clinical Scene Investigator (CSI) Academy's Nursing Workforce Solutions program this week, empowering direct care nurses with the tools and leadership skills to promote a healthy work environment, strengthen nurse retention and improve nurse satisfaction. The program will feature AACN's Healthy Work Environment standards and AACN Clinical Scene Investigator (CSI) Academy, a proven hospital-based direct-care nurse leadership, innovation and experiential implementation science-based program. There will be six geographic cohorts, each consisting of 10 teams, for a total of 60 teams from 25 hospitals. AACN will provide the program at no cost to these hospitals, thanks to a sponsorship from Johnson & Johnson. "Research supports that implementing healthy work environments through nurse-led innovation has measurable improvements for nurse retention, job satisfaction, organizational culture and patient outcomes. Through this collaborative effort, we will drive change to support our nursing workforce," says AACN Chief Clinical Officer Vicki Good, DNP, RN, CENP, CPPS, FAAN. CSI Academy's team-oriented program builds additional skills for direct care nurses and leverages their expertise, preparing and supporting them as clinician leaders who effect positive changes that improve patient, nurse and hospital outcomes. Nationwide, more than 816 nurses at 141 hospitals have completed CSI Academy since its launch in 2012. The program has touched over 13,000 nurses and 2 million patients, with an estimated positive fiscal impact of $114 million. Previous CSI Academy teams have realized a 455% return on investment through sustainable, scalable change. Building on the success of CSI Academy, the Nursing Workforce Solutions program seeks to further scale the impact by adding a train-the-trainer component, so health systems can more easily infuse learning throughout their systems. "Nurses are uniquely positioned to transform both care delivery and the healthcare work environment, and Johnson & Johnson is proud to collaborate with the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses to support and empower nurse-led innovation within health systems," said Michele Morgan, Director of Nursing Programs and Strategies, Global Health Equity, Johnson & Johnson. Hospitals participating in Nursing Workforce Solutions: Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center - Advocate Health, Charlotte, North Carolina Atrium Health Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, North Carolina Baptist Medical Center, Baystate Wing Hospital, Palmer, Massachusetts Berkshire Medical Center, Pittsfield, Massachusetts Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston Boston Medical Center, Boston Cape Cod Hospital, Barnstable, Massachusetts Children's Hospital and Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska Holyoke Medical Center, Holyoke, Massachusetts Mass General Brigham - Spaulding Rehabilitation, Boston Methodist Fremont Health, Fremont, Nebraska Methodist Hospital/Women's Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska Methodist Jennie Edmundson , Council Bluffs, Iowa , Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Newton, Massachusetts Ochsner Health Center - Hancock , Bay St. Louis, Mississippi , Ochsner Health Center - St. Bernard , Chalmette, Louisiana , Ochsner Health Center - Luling , Luling, Louisiana , Ochsner Medical Center - Kenner , Kenner, Louisiana , Ochsner Medical Center - New Orleans , Jefferson, Louisiana , Ochsner LSU Health - Academic Medical Center, Shreveport, Louisiana Ochsner Medical Center - West Bank Campus, Gretna, Louisiana Presbyterian Hospital, Albuquerque, New Mexico Sturdy Memorial Hospital, Attleboro, Massachusetts Tufts Medical Center, Boston University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital, Birmingham, Alabama AACN offers online access to its collection of CSI Academy innovation projects? including project summaries, clinical interventions, data collection tools, outcomes and references ? as part of the program's goal to inspire and empower as many acute, progressive and critical care nurses as possible. The CSI innovation project library is a resource for hospitals, healthcare administrators and clinical leaders seeking solutions that improve outcomes and reduce costs. To learn more about bringing AACN's CSI Academy to your hospital or health system, visit the CSI Academy FAQ page. About the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses: For more than 50 years, the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) has been dedicated to acute and critical care nursing excellence. The organization's vision is to create a healthcare system driven by the needs of patients and their families in which acute and critical care nurses make their optimal contribution. AACN is the world's largest specialty nursing organization, with about 130,000 members and nearly 200 chapters in the United States. American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, 27071 Aliso Creek Road, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656; 949-362-2000; www.aacn.org; facebook.com/aacnface; x.com/aacnme This news release was issued on behalf of Newswise. For more information, visit http://www.newswise.com. SOURCE American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Abe to Offer 15 $1,000 Scholarships and One $5,000 Grand Prize Scholarship; Sweepstakes is Now Open BOSTON, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Abe Student Loans, an innovative private student lending program, is celebrating its first birthday by giving students and their families a present$20,000 in new scholarships. Undergraduates and their parents are encouraged to enter the Abe Birthday Scholarship Sweepstakes for a chance to win one of 15 $1,000 awards or the $5,000 grand prize. The call for entries is open at abestudentloans.com/birthday-scholarship. The "no essay" sweepstakes is for legal residents of all 50 states and the District of Columbia who are 18 or older. These include students or parents of students enrolled in an eligible institution, per the contest rules.* Abe will draw one winning entry per week beginning the week of June 8, 2025 and ending the week of September 14. After the final week, Abe will also draw the $5,000 winner. Individuals do not need to apply for an Abe Student Loan to participate. For the best chance of winning, they should enter every week. "Since we introduced Abe last year, it's been a pleasure to partner with students who are committed to advancing through education. Now we're delighted to open up even more college financing opportunities," said Steve Winnie, Chief Operating Officer, Monogram LLC, a leading provider of private student lending programs. Private student loans fill families' college financing gaps after accounting for all federal student loans, scholarships, grants and work-study programs. Monogram launched Abe to bring a different kind of program to the private student loan marketplaceone that not only offers transparency and clarity, but stands out for its borrower-supportive features, extending throughout repayment, and especially when "life happens". In addition to low rates and a "no fees.ever" approach, these features include: Flexible repayment options to keep borrowers in control Longer grace periods than other lenders Forbearance in case of job loss or illness In-school default protection 2% loan principal balance reduction at graduation Rate reductions for every six months of on-time payments (up to 0.25%) More information about these loans for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as those enrolled in graduate certificate programs and MBA, law, medical, dental or healthcare degree programs, is available at abestudentloans.com/birthday-scholarship. About Abe AbeSM provides "plain, honest student loans" focused on creating more supportive borrower experiences that better meet the needs of today's college students. In addition to clear, transparent information, Abe offers a unique combination of repayment plans, loan terms and deferment/forbearance options. Abe was created by Monogram LLC, the leader in data-driven private student lending products and programs. For more than 30 years, the Monogram team has originated and managed more than $30 billion in private student loan assets. More information is available at abestudentloans.com, Facebook or Instagram. *NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. See website for Official Rules and complete details. Void where prohibited. Contact Dawn Ringel 617-285-0652; [email protected] SOURCE Monogram LLC NEW YORK and LONDON, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ridgeway Partners, a member of RS Global Partners, is pleased to announce the appointment of Alex Howard-Keyes as a Partner in the firm's London office. Mr. Howard-Keyes will be focusing on executive searches in the Banking and Private Markets verticals. Alex Howard-Keyes, Partner, Ridgeway Partners (London) "The addition of Alex Howard-Keyes to our platform is strategically significant on many levels," said Charles F. Preusse, Managing Partner of Ridgeway Partners. "Alex brings an extensive track record and executive network to compliment Ridgeway's core Financial Services and Private Markets practices. He expands our reach in those practices from a geographic standpoint in the UK and across Europe. His addition to the London team helps us continue to build upon our relationships and service our clients in a market that is critical to our focus." "Ridgeway's impressive history working across financial markets drew me to this opportunity," said Howard-Keyes. "I'm eager to build on that foundation in the UK and EU, and to deepen the RS Global partnership." Prior to joining Ridgeway, Mr. Howard-Keyes has established an executive search practice spanning more than two decades, most recently with Kingsley Gate Partners and previously with Norman Broadbent, Korn/Ferry and The Rose Partnership. He began his professional career as an Officer within the Household Cavalry, including active duty overseas. About Ridgeway Partners Ridgeway Partners, a privately-owned partnership, is an executive search firm focused on the Financial Services, Private Equity and Alternatives verticals. The firm is a member of RS Global Partners, a strategic partnership between Ridgeway Partners and Sousou Partners, two premier executive search firms. With 30 professionals across offices in New York, Boston and London, Ridgeway serves clients ranging in size from Fortune 50 institutions to private equity and venture-backed growth companies. We differentiate ourselves with our creativity, tenacity, responsiveness and our unparalleled track record of success. Contact: BJ McLaughlin, 617-279-8054, [email protected] SOURCE Ridgeway Partners LLC Uniting Proactive Monitoring with Global Execution SAN FRANCISCO, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Astreya, a global IT managed services provider, and Utelogy, a leader in workspace management and analytics, today announced a strategic partnership to help enterprises streamline collaboration, cut IT complexity, and power the hybrid workforce with greater visibility and control. Unifying Innovation with Operational Excellence By integrating Utelogy's cutting-edge software platform with Astreya's deep expertise in IT managed services, the alliance aims to deliver a unified experience that enhances every layer of the enterprise technology stack, from audiovisual systems to end-user collaboration and IT support operations. This combination empowers IT teams to move from reactive support to proactive orchestration of modern digital workplaces. The partnership's key value propositions include: Smarter AV/UC Monitoring Reduce incident response time with real-time analytics and automated alerts for AV and UC systems. Reduce incident response time with real-time analytics and automated alerts for AV and UC systems. Global IT Efficiency Centralize and automate operations across distributed teams, saving time, budget, and resources. Centralize and automate operations across distributed teams, saving time, budget, and resources. I mproved Meeting Quality Ensure seamless performance of AV tools that drive productivity, collaboration, and user satisfaction. Ensure seamless performance of AV tools that drive productivity, collaboration, and user satisfaction. Enterprise-Ready Deployment Leverage Astreya's global service footprint to implement Utelogy's platform with local expertise and global standards. An Alliance Tailored for the Future of Work As organizations adapt to hybrid work models and increasingly complex collaboration demands, this partnership enables the next generation of IT services to support agility, scalability, and digital transformation. Romil Bahl, CEO of Astreya, emphasized the strategic importance of this collaboration: "Our collaboration with Utelogy is a decisive leap forward in shaping the future of enterprise IT operations. Together, we are offering clients the tools and intelligence to manage their digital workplaces with precision, resilience, and foresight. This partnership underscores Astreya's mission to lead with innovation, bringing together advanced automation, global expertise, and operational excellence to help enterprises thrive in an increasingly connected world." Kevin Morrison, CEO at Utelogy, highlights shared vision for scalable, proactive IT services: "At Utelogy, we're committed to empowering partners with the tools they need to deliver proactive, data-driven value and support," said Kevin Morrison, CEO of Utelogy. "Our collaboration with Astreya strengthens that missionenabling their teams to scale services efficiently, streamline operations, and provide unmatched visibility across global IT and AV environments." A Vision for Scalable Collaboration As hybrid work becomes the norm, companies face increasing pressure to reduce IT complexity while delivering flawless collaboration experiences. This partnership equips IT teams to move from reactive firefighting to proactive, data-driven service deliverybuilding workplaces that scale with business needs. About the Partners Astreya is a global IT managed service provider, delivering technology solutions that help businesses scale, drive innovation, and streamline operations. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in San Jose, California, operating in over 35 countries, supporting some of the world's most recognized companies. Astreya provides solutions across public, private, and hybrid clouds, data centers, and the modern workplace while leveraging AI automation across it all. Our mission is to empower organizations to adapt and thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape by transforming the way they leverage technology to support their customers, empower their employees, and grow their business. Learn more at www.astreya.com and follow us on LinkedIn. Utelogy Corporation delivers a software-defined platform for managing, monitoring, and analyzing connected workspaces. Its solutions help organizations of all sizes gain control of their AV/UC environments, optimize user experiences, and achieve better operational outcomes through centralized management and real-time insights. SOURCE Astreya HONG KONG, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ATFX officially inaugurated its new office in Portside Tower, the tallest building in Cape Town's central business district, with a grand opening event held at Hotel Sky on 29 May 2025. The occasion marks a major milestone in the company's strategic expansion across the African continent. The event brought together clients, partners, and industry stakeholders to celebrate ATFX's continued growth in the region. It featured welcoming remarks and keynote speeches from senior leadership, including ATFX Chairman Joe Li and Regional Head of Africa Linton White. Both highlighted the firm's long-term commitment to serving Africa's dynamic trading community. "South Africa holds immense strategic value as we continue to grow our presence in key global markets," said Joe Li, Chairman of ATFX. "This new office is not only a testament to our confidence in the region's potential, but also a reflection of our commitment to bringing world-class service and technology to traders across Africa." Guests had the opportunity to tour the newly launched office, enjoy vibrant cultural performances, and interact with the team driving ATFX's vision in Africa. The evening also featured interactive experiences that reflected the company's client-centric approach and dedication to local engagement. The new South Africa office houses a comprehensive team of specialists ready to meet the needs of traders, partners, and institutional clients. This includes an Experienced Sales Team, Professional Customer Service Team, Compliance Team, Marketing Team, and dedicated in-house Market Analysts. In addition, the office is supported by Technical Support Specialists, Back Office and Operations Personnels, forming a well-rounded, agile team equipped to provide full-scale service and support across the region. With the South Africa office now fully operational, ATFX is well-positioned to deliver localized services, deepen client relationships, and support the evolving needs of traders across the region. This expansion reflects the company's broader mission to offer advanced trading technology and exceptional service tailored to regional markets. About ATFX ATFX is a leading global fintech broker with a local presence in 24 locations and holds 9 licenses from regulatory authorities, including the UK's FCA, Australia's ASIC, Cyprus' CySEC, the UAE's SCA, Hong Kong's SFC, South Africa's FSCA, Mauritius' FSC, Seychelles' FSA, and Cambodia's SERC. With a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, innovative technology, and strict regulatory compliance, ATFX delivers exceptional trading experiences to clients worldwide. For further information on ATFX, please visit ATFX website https://www.atfx.com. Dillard's online customers can now shop babyark's state-of-the-art car seats, engineered for ultimate protection and peace of mind AUSTIN, Texas, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- babyark, the innovative car seat brand committed to reimagining child safety through advanced technology and design, is proud to announce its debut at Dillard's, initially online. babyark's agreement with Dillard's is a key milestone in its U.S. retail expansion, bringing its safety-focused car seats to more families through trusted and far-reaching retail partners. This latest collaboration connects babyark with parents looking for products that seamlessly blend safety, style and ease of use. babyark Smart Convertible Car Seat "We're thrilled that loyal customers at Dillards.com can now purchase babyark's safe, smart, and beautiful products," said Shy Mindel, CEO and founder of babyark. "Dillard's is a trusted brand that shares our dedication to high-quality, well-designed products and a mutual desire to bring customers the latest innovations." babyark is redefining car seat safety through performance engineering, protective design, and the highest-grade materials. With a focus on both innovation and ease of use, babyark offers advanced safety systems designed to deliver exceptional protection, intuitive functionality and lasting comfort. SafeCoil Technology : This patented steel coil mechanism elongates upon impact to extend the seat's stopping distance. By reducing force and forward momentum during sudden stops, SafeCoil offers critical protection in the event of a crash. : This patented steel coil mechanism elongates upon impact to extend the seat's stopping distance. By reducing force and forward momentum during sudden stops, SafeCoil offers critical protection in the event of a crash. BioArk Side-Impact Protection: babyark's innovative, energy-absorbing side-impact protection has been part of every seat since launch and meets or exceeds the upcoming 2026 regulatory standards. babyark offers two versions of its convertible car seats - Classic and Smart - both featuring its proprietary SafeCoil and BioArk technologies. The Classic Convertible Car Seat ($790) is made from the highest-grade materials and engineered for optimal safety. The Classic comes without the digital features for families seeking straightforward safety and installation. is made from the highest-grade materials and engineered for optimal safety. The Classic comes without the digital features for families seeking straightforward safety and installation. The Smart Convertible Car Seat ($990) also features integrated sensors and mobile app connectivity to guide installation, track usage and alert caregivers if the child is left in the seat or not buckled correctly. Both seats also feature magnetic straps, easy zip on/off machine washable covers, nine recline positions, and never expire. They are suitable for use for children ages 0-6, up to 50 pounds rear facing and 65 pounds forward facing. babyark is available for purchase online at www.babyark.com and Dillards.com, as well as online and in store at more than 50 specialty retailers across the United States. For more information on babyark or to schedule an interview with babyark's CEO, please email [email protected]. About babyark Founded by Shy Mindel, an aeronautical engineer and dad of five, babyark is a global tech brand reimagining child safety. Featuring the SafeCoil and BioArk energy-absorbing technologies, the company's innovative convertible car seats are available in the Classic (analog) and Smart (app-enabled) versions. babyark's car seats combine safety, design, and peace of mind and have been rigorously tested in more than 200 crash simulations. The award-winning company has been honored by CES, The Bump, and TIME and has been featured in Parents, Motherly, Forbes, Babylist, and more. For more information on babyark, please visit www.babyark.com and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Media Contact: Samantha Breen OPR (for babyark) [email protected] (949)290-2834 SOURCE babyark Collaboration with the nationally recognized organization is key piece to accelerate BayCare's growth as an academic health system CLEARWATER, Fla., June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- BayCare, one of Florida's leading not-for-profit health systems, and Northwestern Medicine, Chicago's premier integrated academic health system, are embarking on a strategic collaboration to expand access to advanced medical treatments, enhance clinical research, and improve training and education for current and future physicians in West Central Florida. As the regions largest healthcare provider, BayCare is excited to announce a strategic collaboration with Northwestern Medicine, a nationally recognized academic health system, to expand access to advanced medical treatments, enhance clinical research, and improve training and education in West Central Florida. By collaborating with Northwestern Medicine, a nationally recognized academic health system that includes Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, BayCare is securing a final key piece in its efforts to grow as an academic health system serving the region, which includes the Tampa Bay area. BayCare has one of the fastest-growing graduate medical education programs in the nation and an established research infrastructure, creating a solid foundation for integrating academic advancement with patient care. "This isn't the beginning, it's the next step in a journey we've been focused on for years," said Stephanie Conners, president and chief executive officer of BayCare. "West Central Florida deserves more access to academic medicine and by entering into a strategic collaboration with Northwestern Medicine, we will accelerate our trajectory as an academic health system." BayCare and Northwestern Medicine will look to expand access to advanced medical treatments and research while creating new educational and training opportunities for physicians, residents, and students, enhancing BayCare's ability to attract, retain and train health care professionals to serve the growing needs of the region. "We are focused on collaborating with likeminded organizations that are driven by providing patients with greater access to world-class compassionate care, closer to where they live and work," said Howard Chrisman, MD, president and chief executive officer, Northwestern Memorial HealthCare. "By collaborating with BayCare, we have the opportunity to train and educate the next generation of medical professionals and transform the clinical offerings to patients in West Central Florida." As Chicago's premier integrated academic health system, Northwestern Medicine offers patients access to world-class, compassionate care at 11 hospitals and more than 200 diagnostic and ambulatory sites. The health system is anchored by Northwestern Memorial Hospital. For 13 consecutive years, Northwestern Memorial has been named to the Best Hospitals Honor Roll by U.S. News and World Report, with 11 specialties ranked nationally. Most noteworthy being, Northwestern Memorial is one of only three hospitals in the nation to receive a U.S. News rating of High Performing in all procedures and conditions. Under the collaboration, BayCare will continue to grow as West Central Florida's leading not-for-profit academic health system, providing more than one-third of all services in the region, with 16 hospitals and hundreds of other locations. It is the region's largest provider of cardiac, behavioral health and pediatric services and its provider group, BayCare Medical Group, is one of the largest in the region. BayCare's diverse network of ambulatory services includes laboratories, imaging, surgical centers, BayCare Urgent Care locations, wellness centers and one of Florida's largest home care agencies, BayCare HomeCare. BayCare's mission is to improve the health of all it serves through community-owned, health care services that set the standard for high-quality, compassionate care. The collaboration will not change BayCare's ownership, leadership or the composition of its board of trustees, who are all volunteer West Central Florida leaders. With a signed definitive agreement in place, leaders from both organizations are engaged in the first phase of the collaboration, which will focus on educational and professional development opportunities for clinicians and clinical research development. "BayCare and Northwestern Medicine share a strategic vision to transform health care by investing in the development of tomorrow's health care leaders," said Sowmya Viswanathan, MD, chief physician executive of BayCare. "Our work together will enable us to provide even more innovative care in the compassionate, community-focused environment our patients want and deserve. More education, training and research mean more access and deeper expertise are available to our patients. And that's why we're here to serve our communities." BayCare and Northwestern Medicine announced the collaboration Thursday afternoon at Tampa Bay Park in one of the three office buildings that BayCare recently acquired. BayCare announced it was naming its 36-acre part of the office park the BayCare Academic Health and Research Corridor to reflect its plans to consolidate and grow its academic and research efforts at the location, including the collaboration with Northwestern Medicine. The acquisition for the Corridor increased BayCare's property holdings in west Tampa by 75%. The Corridor sits just west of three of BayCare's 16 hospitals: St. Joseph's, St. Joseph's Children's and St. Joseph's Women's. About BayCare To learn more about BayCare, please visit BayCare.org. About Northwestern Medicine To learn more about Northwestern Medicine, please visit NM.org. Media Contact Information: Lisa Razler System Public Relations Manager BayCare [email protected] 813.924.2418 Chris King Chief Media Relations Executive Northwestern Medicine [email protected] 312.926.0960 SOURCE BayCare Health System MANCHESTER, N.H., June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bellwether Community Credit Union is excited to announce the launch of its new brand identity, anchored by a renewed commitment to empowering members, strengthening communities, and delivering smarter, more personalized banking experiences. Lori Holmes The rebrand centers on the credit union's new tagline, "Banking with Heart," reflecting Bellwether's deep-rooted mission to help members achieve morefinancially and personallythrough easy-to-use digital tools, trusted guidance, and meaningful community investment. To help connect with a modern audience, Bellwether refreshed its color palette, typography, and iconography. The result is a vibrant, modern look that brings new energy to the trusted New Hampshire credit union. "For more than 100 years, we've been helping our members navigate life's financial journey," says Lori Holmes, VP of Marketing. "This refreshed brand honors that history while setting our sights on a bold futureone where personalized service, local impact, and real financial support remain at the heart of everything we do." Bellwether's rebrand reflects its commitment to making banking smarter, simpler, and more personal. From easy-access checking and competitive loans to flexible credit options and digital tools, every product is designed to help members achieve more. And with access to thousands of shared branches and ATMs nationwide, members can bank from wherever life takes them. In partnership with SavvyMoney and GreenPath Financial Wellness, Bellwether also offers free counseling, debt support, and financial education tools to empower long-term success. "We believe education is the foundation of financial health," says Holmes. "These resources empower our members to make confident, informed decisionswhatever their goals may be." With a local-first approach, Bellwether reinvests in New Hampshire through charitable giving, nonprofit partnerships, and employee volunteerismbuilding stronger communities alongside its members. For more information on Bellwether Community Credit Union, please contact Lori Holmes, VP Marketing, at [email protected]. About Bellwether Community Credit Union Since 1921, Bellwether Community Credit Union has offered financial services to consumers residing or working in New Hampshire and Essex and Middlesex counties in Massachusetts. As a not-for-profit credit union, Bellwether focuses on giving value back to members through better rates and lower fees; local, personal service; and digital channels which simplify how people bank, borrow and pay. Members can access their accounts at nearly 30,000 free ATMs nationwide and approximately 6,500 CU Service Centers around the world. Bellwether Community Credit Union has branches in Bedford, Manchester and Nashua. For more information about Bellwether Community Credit Union, visit bccu.org. Contact: Lori Holmes Vice President of Marketing Tel: 603-429-4701 E-Mail: [email protected] Social Media: Facebook X LinkedIn Instagram SOURCE Bellwether Community Credit Union LOS ANGELES, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, a group of California homeowners filed suit against two of the nation's largest homeowner's insurance companies, United Services Automobile Association (USAA) and the American Automobile Association (AAA), alleging widespread fraud, negligence, and bad faith stemming from the devastating wildfires that swept through Los Angeles County in January 2025. The lawsuits, filed in California Superior Court, accuse USAA and AAA of systematically underinsuring thousands of homeowners despite years of advertising their expertise in estimating rebuilding costs and assuring policyholders they would be fully protected in the event of a total loss. Now, after entire neighborhoods have been reduced to rubble by the Palisades and Eaton Fires, those same homeowners say they are discovering the truth: their policies fall hundreds of thousands and sometimes over a million dollars short of the actual cost to rebuild. Because of the failure of USAA and AAA, many homeowners will never be able to return to the houses they called home for decades. "These families paid their premiums, trusted their insurers, and did everything right," said attorney Gregory L. Bentley of Bentley & More. "But when disaster struck, they learned their coverage was little more than an illusion. These companies promised peace of mind, but instead left their members stranded, homeless, and hopeless." The lawsuits reveal damning details about how AAA and USAA allegedly used flawed estimating software, failed to inspect homes, ignored key building features, and refused to let homeowners purchase additional insurance even when they asked. Both insurers touted their ability to calculate replacement costs "in just minutes," often using only basic information provided over the phone. In reality, the lawsuits allege, these shortcuts and misrepresentations ensured that most customers were drastically underinsured. In one example of negligence, the complaint states that USAA knew that it was repeatedly and significantly underinsuring policyholders. It underwent a Targeted Market Conduct Examination from the California Department of Insurance. This found that USAA needed to make "millions of additional payments" to its insureds due to "pervasive underinsurance of California residents." Despite warnings from regulators and previous complaints, these insurance companies failed to fix their coverage estimates, even as the risk of catastrophic wildfire increased and construction costs surged across California. According to the complaints: Coverage limits were routinely 50% or more below actual rebuild costs. This was true even for homeowners with "extended replacement" or "home protector" endorsements. Insurers blocked or discouraged customers from buying additional coverage, claiming they were already fully protected. Victims are now forced to pay hundreds of thousands out-of-pocket before insurers will release any additional funds. This leaves many unable to start rebuilding at all. "It's a cruel bait-and-switch," Mr. Bentley continued. "USAA and AAA told these homeowners they were covered. Now they're claiming they have to front the money themselves before they'll pay what they owe. Many of these homeowners are completely tapped out financially as they have had to move themselves and their loved ones sometimes thousands of miles, they simply have nothing left." The lawsuits argue that the underinsurance crisis is not accidental, but a feature of an industry strategy designed to boost market share and minimize claims payouts, all while advertising "full coverage" and financial protection. "This was not an honest mistake," said attorney Matt Clark of Bentley & More. "This was a business model built to fail homeowners in their greatest moment of need." The cases are: Ethan Alexander et al. v. United Services Automobile Association, Los Angeles Superior Court, Case No. 25STCV16247 James R. Fulker et al. v. Interinsurance Exchange of the Automobile Club, Los Angeles Superior Court, Case No. 25STCV16244 About Bentley & More LLP Bentley & More LLP provides aggressive legal representation to consumers and employees across California. Our attorneys are fierce litigators with decades of experience advocating for our clients. While we are effective in resolving many kinds of conflicts outside of litigation, we have a proven track record of fearlessness in taking matters to trial and beyond. SOURCE Bentley & More LLP Photo: The Ministry of Investments, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, June 5. Deputy Minister of Investments, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan, Ilzat Kasimov rolled up his sleeves and sat down with a delegation from the Chinese state-owned corporation Lushang Group to chew the fat about the bright prospects for launching large-scale investment projects in Uzbekistan, Trend reports. The proposed initiatives encompass the establishment of state-of-the-art logistics hubs, advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities, and the creation of cutting-edge educational institutions. At the culmination of the assembly, both parties underscored the significance of enhancing bilateral discourse and delineated the forthcoming actions for pragmatic collaboration within the parameters of the articulated initiatives. Founded in 1992 in Chinas Shandong Province, Lushang Group is a major state-owned enterprise operating in various sectors, including trade, healthcare, finance, logistics, education, and investment. The company currently holds total assets worth $185 million. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel NEWARK, Del., June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- China's influential innovative drug asset cooperation platform BIOSeedin Innovation Partnering Conference (BIOS), established in 2021, has quickly become one of the most prestigious biopharmaceutical partnering events in APAC. Hosted annually by bioSeedin, BIOS has attracted cutting-edge biotech startups and top investment firms globally. It serves as a crucial platform for fostering collaboration between China's biopharma sector and global markets, facilitating partnerships, therapeutic asset licensing, and investment networking. The 5th annual BIOSeedin Innovation Partnering Conference solidified its role as a nexus for global biopharma innovation, attracting more than 2,000 registrants from 10 countries. Senior executives and investors dominated the audience, with 61.66% holding C-suite, BD, or investment roles. The event facilitated 7,275 meeting requests. Confirmed deals across oncology, rare diseases, and next-gen modalities. MNCs including Merck & Co., Pfizer and Bayer emerged as top targets, with key accounts receiving over 50 meeting requests each. Key Insights from BIOS Discussions Dr. Yi Zhu, Founder and CSO of Biokin Pharma, framed China as a "translational research powerhouse" uniquely positioned to de-risk high-impact modalities. "Our cost-efficient clinical execution enables rapid validation of novel ADCs and gene-editing platforms," he noted, citing Biokin's Phase II PD-1xLAG-3 bispecific antibody as evidence of China's ability to advance complex biologics. His call for investors to prioritize high-risk, high-reward assets resonated across sessions, particularly as Chinese startups now contribute 38% of global ADC patents. John Zhu, CEO of DualityBio, challenged conventional innovation metrics during a standing-room-only session. "True differentiation isn't about target novelty but biomarker-driven clinical value," he asserted, showcasing DualityBio's tumor-activated ADC linker technology. His critique of "therapeutic crowding" aligned with investor interest in China's precision medicine pipelines, particularly in NSCLC and triple-negative breast cancer. Dr. Zhang Lianshan, EVP of Hengrui Pharma, grounded discussions in localization imperatives. "Globalization starts with domestic validation," he emphasized, detailing Hengrui's strategy to leverage China's 140 million cancer patient registry for accelerated oncology trials. His case study on a Claudin 18.2-targeted therapynow in global Phase IIIhighlighted China's evolving role from fast follower to protocol co-designer. Jacky Jiang, BD Head at CSPC Pharma, outlined a pragmatic blueprint for strategic asset curation. "Align R&D with unmet needs, technical strengths, and M&A agility," he advised, referencing CSPC's recent acquisition of a CRISPR-Cas12Max delivery platform. His prediction that non-viral gene therapies will dominate rare disease investments by 2026 drew vigorous investor follow-ups. 40 companies gave roadshows and brought abundant assets The BIOSeedin 2025 roadshow spotlighted China's accelerating leadership in next-generation therapies, with 40% of showcased assets featuring breakthrough modalities like Phase II PD-1xLAG-3 bispecifics for NSCLC, preclinical Claudin 18.2xCD3 T-cell engagers, and tumor microenvironment-activated ADC linkerstechnologies where Chinese firms now hold 32% of global patents. Rare disease innovations included non-viral CRISPR-Cas12Max therapies for retinal disorders (90% primate model efficacy) and Duchenne MD gene therapies, while metabolic/CNS advances featured dual GLP-1/GIP agonists outperforming competitors in weight loss trials and tau-targeting Alzheimer's mAbs. With 50% of programs in Phase I/II (including 10 breakthrough-designated assets) and two Phase III candidates nearing 2026 NDAsa bispecific NSCLC antibody leveraging China's genomic databases and a non-opioid TRPV1-ATP analgesicthe portfolio underscores China's evolution from fast follower to global innovator, combining cost-efficient development with patient-centric therapeutic engineering. Building on this year's success, BIOSeedin 2026 will expand its global footprint with dedicated tracks for European and North American attendees. As Dr. Zhu Yi concluded, "China's biotech sector is not just catching upit's redefining innovation. We invite global partners to join this journey, where collaboration transcends borders and accelerates patient-centric breakthroughs." Join us next year to explore investment opportunities, forge transformative partnerships, and shape the future of biopharma innovation. www.bioseedin.com [email protected] SOURCE bioSeedin Seamless integration allows users to scan links from directly within the Microsoft ecosystem for faster detection of phishing scams and fraud SANTA CLARA, Calif., June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bolster AI , a leader in external threat protection for companies, brands, and customers, today announced its popular URL and webpage scanner, CheckPhish is now available as a plugin for Microsoft Security Copilot. The CheckPhish plugin provides users with an easy way to run phishing and malware link checks from within the Microsoft ecosystem, simplifying security workflows and allowing security teams to quickly launch takedowns and remediation. "AI is critical for cybersecurity, empowering organizations to protect themselves at machine speed at a time when cyber-attacks are happening faster than ever before, and talent shortage is impacting defender teams. Microsoft is fortunate to have partners committed to harnessing the power of AI and bringing the best-in-class security protection to their customers." - Vasu Jakkal, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Security. Introducing the CheckPhish plugin for Copilot Bolster's new CheckPhish integration with Microsoft Copilot allows security teams to investigate phishing and malware threats using natural language prompts without ever leaving their Microsoft environment. Users can ask simple questions like "Is this link safe?" and instantly receive comprehensive threat analysis powered by Bolster's multi-source intelligence engine, which includes data from Microsoft Threat Intelligence, ReversingLabs, Shodan, and more. The integration streamlines threat detection and investigation workflows, making it faster and easier for teams to identify and respond to emerging attacks. "This integration marks a major step forward in how we protect brands and customers from AI-driven scams," said Rod Schultz, CEO of Bolster. "With CheckPhish now embedded in Microsoft Copilot, we're making threat detection as easy as asking a question giving analysts the speed, scale, and intelligence they need to stay ahead of emerging attacks. It's a powerful example of what happens when cybersecurity and fraud prevention converge and we're just getting started." Security Copilot is the first AI-powered security product that enables security professionals to respond to threats quickly, process signals at machine speed, and assess risk exposure in minutes. It combines an advanced large language model (LLM) with a security-specific model that is informed by Microsoft's unique global threat intelligence and more than 65 trillion daily signals. If you would like to try this plugin in GA, locate Sources within Microsoft Security Copilot, search for CheckPhish and configure the plugin. Then follow the steps below to easily set up and configure Security Copilot: Add CheckPhish to your Microsoft Copilot plugin list. Create an account in CheckPhish to obtain your API key. Enter the API key in Copilot to authenticate. Get started with simple prompts to initiate scans and receive results. You can find the full setup instructions in the Security Copilot Knowledgebase: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/copilot/security/plugin-checkphish For more information on Bolster CheckPhish, or CheckPhish integration with Microsoft Security Copilot, please visit http://checkphish.bolster.ai/microsoft-copilot-integration/ About CheckPhish CheckPhish is Bolster's free threat investigation tool designed to help security professionals, brand protection teams, and everyday users identify phishing and malware attacks in real time. Backed by Bolster's proprietary AI and threat intelligence engine, CheckPhish scans suspicious URLs and domains to detect impersonation, malware delivery, and brand abuse with instant results and no sign-up required. Now available as a plugin for Microsoft Copilot, CheckPhish brings instant, AI-powered threat analysis directly into the tools teams already use. About Bolster AI Bolster AI is an AI-powered platform that helps security, fraud, and trust & safety teams detect and stop external digital threats before they cause damage. From phishing and impersonation scams to brand abuse and account takeovers, Bolster protects the world's most recognizable brands across web, email, social, app stores, and the dark web. By combining automated detection, real-time threat intelligence, and rapid takedowns, Bolster is bridging the gap between cybersecurity and digital fraud prevention giving organizations the speed, scale, and accuracy they need to protect customers and defend their brand. To learn more, go to www.bolster.ai. Product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners. SOURCE Bolster SACRAMENTO, Calif., June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a bipartisan ramrod, reminiscent of the vote over the first electricity deregulation bill in 1996, the California Senate approved legislation allowing for a regional electricity system that throws out Enron-era state protections against price manipulation and gives the Trump Administration control over California environmental laws. Republican Senator Tony Strickland called SB 540 (Becker) a "Big Beautiful Bill" and, despite Democratic floor speeches outlining concerns about cost, oversight and loss of control to Trump, the Senate voted 33 1 to advance the deregulation bill, a priority of Governor Newsom's. Senator Aisha Wahab issued a stunning rebuke of the measure and said she would vote against it. However, after Senator Pro Tem Mike McGuire gave a floor speech for SB 540 she abstained and the other Democrats fell in line behind the party, bowing to the energy utility establishment behind the proposal. In addition to the energy traders, utilities and arbitragers who will benefit from a regional market, the Silicon Valley also seeks the regional system to power its AI data centers. Other senators including Umberg, Caballero and Allen voiced concerns about Trump preemption of CA laws, the lack of legislative oversight, and the ability for price manipulation. "This is stunning abdication of the Senate's duty to protect electricity consumers and the state's environmental laws when they are under threat from the Trump Administration," said Jamie Court, president of Consumer Watchdog. "The Senate turned a blind eye to the failure of regional organizations elsewhere, where the same players behind SB 540 are robbing other East Coast states blind. California voters should be deeply disappointed in their leaders at time when the affordability of electricity is under scrutiny and our climate laws are under attack from Washington. As the Senate Judiciary Committee analysis states, this is the worst time to be giving away Californians' power over our electricity market to a regional organization subject to Trump's Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Backers of the bill largely the energy traders, brokers and suppliers who stand to make a killing off the building of new transmission lines and arbitraging of energy paint a panacea of one big beautiful free market for electricity. Without the post-Enron era protections, however, California consumers will be targets of excessive prices and our environmental laws will be erased." Consumer Watchdog, TURN, Center for Biological Diversity, Food & Water Watch, the Environmental Working Group, the District Council of Iron Workers and the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, as well as 100 other groups, oppose SB 540. In creating a Western regional electricity market, SB 540 gives Trump's FERC and market participants the power to invalidate California environmental laws. With respect to the regional market, SB 540 also repeals Enron-era protections against price gouging Public Utilities Code Section 345 which requires electricity supplies be maximized and prices be minimized. Amendments taken by the author in the Judiciary Committee to require regional markets to minimize costs and maximize supply, as well as greater transparency amendments, were subsequently taken out after the Appropriations Committee. "This power grab reveals the real motives of the backers wanting to have the power to manipulate markets while shielding their actions from public scrutiny," said Court. The Senate Judiciary Committee analysis is on point: "California could see significant harms to its energy goals and its standing in the regional market These dangers are even greater now that President Trump has put a target on California's green energy laws and directed the United States Attorney General to find ways to curtail our state's climate change efforts and to identify opportunities to challenge our state policies through various legal angles, such as federal preemption and discrimination (Dormant Commerce Clause) legal anglesCurrently, California is able to exert a certain amount of influence over the direction of the CAISO with regard to interstate energy with a board appointed by the Governor and subject to approval by the California State Senate. Under this bill, California would open the state up to federal challenges." Read more here . SOURCE Consumer Watchdog SAN FRANCISCO, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A class action lawsuit has been filed in California on behalf of victims who lost tens of thousands, some hundreds of thousands, of dollars in cryptocurrency due to a massive security breach at Atomic Wallet, a widely used crypto storage platform. The suit alleges that Atomic Wallet and its parent companies ignored clear warnings about serious vulnerabilities, putting thousands of users at risk. The June 2023 hack saw more than $100 million in digital assets stolen by hackers allegedly linked to North Korea. But according to the lawsuit, the real failure lies with Atomic Wallet's leadership, who were told years in advance that their system was unsafe, yet they did nothing. "This wasn't a sophisticated hack. This was a preventable disaster. And Atomic Wallet knew it was coming," said Kiley Grombacher an attorney for the class. "They were warned by their own security auditors that their product was unsafe. They failed to fix it, failed to warn anyone, and as a result our clients' life savings are gone." The complaint outlines how Atomic Wallet, operated by a global web of companies with ties to Russia, concealed its security problems while marketing itself as a safe and secure option for holding cryptocurrency. A 2021 report from security firm Least Authority concluded that the wallet had fundamental design flaws that left users open to devastating losses. Despite this, Atomic Wallet continued to promote the product without disclosing the risks. Each of the named plaintiffs in the suit used Atomic Wallet between 2019 and 2023 and suffered major financial losses when their wallets were emptied without warning. Some lost more than $500,000. The suit alleges that Atomic Wallet's negligence, misrepresentations, and failure to act directly caused these losses. "This lawsuit is about accountability," added Ms. Grombacher. "Crypto companies that handle people's money don't get to hide behind international shell companies and fake names while real families suffer. We intend to hold them responsible." The lawsuit seeks damages for all U.S. Atomic Wallet users affected by the breach, and calls for greater transparency and consumer protection in the rapidly growing but largely unregulated cryptocurrency space. The case is Petru Alasu et al. v. Atomic Protocal Systems dba Atomic Wallet, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California San Francisco Division, Case No. Case 3:25-cv-04684-LB. SOURCE Bradley/Grombacher ANAHEIM, Calif., June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Centaurus Financial, Inc. ranks No. 17 among independent broker/dealers in Financial Advisors' list of the top 40 in the United States. Centaurus has consistently ranked among the top independent broker/dealers in the country based on gross revenue. Representative Stuart Spivak epitomizes what helps create that revenue, which was $224.5 million in 2024, the year upon which the rankings were based: "Centaurus embraces the advisor as to where they are in their practice and how they want to run their business. Centaurus is a very rep business-friendly broker/dealer. They encourage you to grow and run your business the way you want to run it, and they will stay out of the way." "Centaurus provides the tools, the information, and the conferences that allow an adviser to take their business to the next level. Here I am, 36 years in the business, more excited today than I've ever been about our business and the amount of opportunity that's out there, the amount of money that is in motion out there, and how we can continue to help more people. Centaurus will do anything and everything for their reps. Centaurus truly is a family organization without the bureaucracy of a large broker/dealer." One of Centaurus' keys to success is what CEO Ron King calls its "secret sauce," the learning experiences reps receive at the firm's four annual conferences. Its Quantum Leap Workshop, held this past April, brings reps together to learn from one another and to gain personal insights from peers about how to succeed and excel in the financial services industry. About Centaurus Financial Headquartered in Anaheim, California, Centaurus Financial, Inc. is a national independent financial services company registered and licensed to offer securities, investment advisory services and insurance products. Centaurus Financial is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC). Centaurus Financial is registered as a broker/dealer and Registered Investment Adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). For more information about Centaurus Financial, please visit centaurusfinancial.com. Media contact: Maryanne Dell 714-456-1790 [email protected] SOURCE Centaurus Financial, Inc. Recognizing Exceptional Students for Their Achievements and Aspirations NEW ALBANY, Ind., June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Church Langdon Lopp & Banet LLC is proud to announce the winners of its 2025 high school scholarship program. Continuing the firm's tradition of supporting future leaders, three scholarships were awarded to outstanding students across the following categories: the Overcoming Learning Disabilities Scholarship, the Personal Goals Scholarship, and the Community Involvement Scholarship. After a thoughtful and competitive selection process, Church Langdon Lopp & Banet LLC is honored to recognize this year's recipients: Mary Mingus from New Albany High School Overcoming Learning Disabilities Scholarship. She will be attending Taylor University . from New Albany High School Overcoming Learning Disabilities Scholarship. She will be attending . Peyton Brown from New Albany High School Personal Goals Scholarship. She will be attending Purdue University . from New Albany High School Personal Goals Scholarship. She will be attending . Reagan Fulcher from Ballard High School Community Involvement Scholarship. She will be attending The University of Cincinnati . Each scholarship highlights the unique strengths and stories of students who have shown outstanding perseverance, leadership, and vision. To qualify, applicants submitted a 5001000-word essay responding to a category-specific prompt. Scholarships were open to high school seniors residing in eligible counties and either accepted to or enrolled in a 4-year college institution. Each winner will receive a $500 check, payable to their college or university, to assist with tuition and educational expenses. "We are thrilled to congratulate Mary, Peyton, and Reagan on their well-deserved achievements," says lead attorney Larry Church of Church Langdon Lopp & Banet LLC. "These students exemplify resilience, ambition, and a genuine desire to make a difference. We're honored to support their next steps and invest in the promise they hold for the future." Church Langdon Lopp & Banet LLC remains committed to fostering educational opportunities and uplifting the next generation of leaders throughout our community. About Church Langdon Lopp & Banet LLC The attorneys at Church Langdon Lopp & Banet LLC bring years of experience across a broad spectrum of legal areas. The firm proudly serves communities in Indiana and Kentucky in matters including elder care and estate planning, real estate, criminal defense, bankruptcy, and family law. Whether through mediation or litigation, CLLB Law is committed to providing trusted, compassionate, and effective legal support. For more information, call 812-725-8224. This press release was issued through 24-7PressRelease.com. For further information, visit http://www.24-7pressrelease.com. SOURCE CLLB Law Organizations Can Now Prioritize CPS Remediation Efforts Based on Potential Impact to Business Outcomes NEW YORK, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Claroty , the cyber-physical systems (CPS) protection company, today announced new capabilities in its SaaS-based Claroty xDome platform that provide organizations with an impact-centric view of their CPS environment. The new additions, Device Purpose and Risk Benchmarking, allow users to see how the overall risk of an environment is affected by the processes involved in a device's use as production lines, building floors, hospital wings, and more and prioritize risk reduction efforts based on potential impact to business outcomes, while bridging the gap between CPS personnel and other business units. According to Gartner , "Organizations are becoming aware of their blind spots. Asset-intensive organizations increasingly realize that CPS environments are value creation centers. A manufacturing company makes money by producing goods, for instance. Once largely 'out of sight, out of mind,' boards and C-suite executives increasingly want to know how their CPS production and mission-critical environments are protected."1 To date, the CPS protection industry has taken an asset-centric approach by providing in-depth visibility into specific assets and their associated risks. While establishing a comprehensive asset inventory is a necessary first step for any cybersecurity program, taking a solely asset-centric approach to reducing CPS risk may lead security teams to focus on assets that would have little to no impact on the business if compromised. Organizations must be able to prioritize their limited remediation resources based on the business purpose each asset serves, whether it delivers essential services to the general population or powers the organization's largest revenue stream. In instances such as a security analyst and OT engineer looking at two identical devices with the same exposures, knowing what each device does for the business is critical for determining which to address first. Claroty xDome's new Device Purpose and Risk Benchmarking capabilities make this paradigm shift from asset-centric to impact-centric risk reduction possible, by equipping teams responsible for maintaining mission-critical processes and devices with the business context they need to effectively prevent process disruption, downtime, and financial loss. Focusing on business context and outcomes provides a shared language for security teams and CPS operators while connecting their work with larger Business Impact Analysis efforts for the organization. "The security of critical infrastructures are under growing scrutiny as adversaries increasingly target these systems of the greatest criticality," said Yoram Gronich, Chief Product Officer at Claroty. "The teams managing these environments are facing mounting pressure from multiple fronts in their organizations and need tools that exponentially make their jobs easier so they can focus on protecting the mission-critical infrastructures that sustain societal operationsthat means having the business context to meaningfully reduce risk." Key benefits of Claroty xDome's new Device Purpose and Risk Benchmarking include: Device Purpose: Align assets with their business context View assets categorized in a hierarchy and taxonomy according to the user's vertical Refine hierarchy and taxonomy from a verticalized baseline, including business impact scores Measure the impact to device risk and overall risk scores based business impact customizations Risk Benchmarking: Compare organizational risk versus industry peers Analyze how the organization's risk landscape stacks up against similarly-sized organizations Visualize how the most critical assets are secured Measure risk reduction efforts over time across multiple risk factors across networks To learn more about how security teams can reduce CPS risk with Claroty xDome's impact-centric view of their CPS environments, see Claroty's explainer video or read more on the Claroty blog . About Claroty Claroty has redefined cyber-physical systems (CPS) protection with an unrivaled industry-centric platform built to secure mission-critical infrastructure. The Claroty Platform provides the deepest asset visibility and the broadest, built-for-CPS solution set in the market comprising exposure management, network protection, secure access, and threat detection whether in the cloud with Claroty xDome or on-premise with Claroty Continuous Threat Detection (CTD). Backed by award-winning threat research and a breadth of technology alliances, The Claroty Platform enables organizations to effectively reduce CPS risk, with the fastest time-to-value and lower total cost of ownership. Claroty is deployed by hundreds of organizations at thousands of sites globally. The company is headquartered in New York City and has a presence in Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America. To learn more, visit claroty.com . 1Gartner, Magic Quadrant for CPS Protection Platforms, Katell Thielemann, Wam Voster, Ruggero Contu, 12 February 2025 Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in our research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally, and MAGIC QUADRANT is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates and are used herein with permission. All rights reserved. Media contact: [email protected] SOURCE Claroty HOUSTON, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On Wednesday, law firms Jeeves Mandel Law Group, P.C. and Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman PLLC filed a class action lawsuit in federal court against Oscar Health Insurance, alleging the company violated Texas state law and its own insurance policies by requiring Texas female policyholders to pay deductibles and coinsurance for diagnostic breast imaging. Following a January 1, 2022 update to Texas law, all medical insurers issuing non-ERISA medical insurance policies in Texas are required to pay 100% of the cost of their policyholders' diagnostic breast imaging meaning no deductible, co-pays, or coinsurance. Despite this update, the complaint contends Oscar continued to charge its insureds for part or all of the costs associated with such imaging. The complaint further alleges that besides economically harming the women covered by its policies, Oscar's violation of the law endangers their lives, as many may forego the imaging entirely because they are unable to bear the cost. Excluding interest, the complaint alleges the amount in controversy exceeds $5 million, with the potential to reach $30 million considering statutory penalties, attorneys' fees, and additional costs. Texas Law: Revised Effective 2010, following the federal enactment of the Affordable Care Act ("ACA), all U.S. medical insurance policies are required to provide coverage for annual screening mammograms at no out-of-pocket cost to female patients 35 years of age and older. In 2021, Texas amended Chapter 1356 of the Texas Insurance Code, requiring all policies issued or renewed in Texas on or after January 1, 2022 to provide coverage for diagnostic breast imaging "no less favorable" than the screening coverage delineated by the ACA. The updated law also expanded the definition of "diagnostic imaging" to include mammography, ultrasound imaging, or magnetic resonance imaging used to evaluate abnormalities and certain individual criteria. "For Insureds who have dense breast tissue, who have detected a lump or had their doctor detect one, who have had an abnormality show up on a screening mammogram, or who have a prior history of breast cancer, diagnostic breast imaging is a crucial tool to increase early detection and successful treatment of breast cancer," the complaint reads. Oscar Health's Non-Compliance While Oscar's written policies conform in part to Texas law and the ACA - providing coverage for mammogram screenings for women 35 and older at no cost - the complaint alleges the provider has failed to fully comply with the updated Texas statute by requiring its policyholders to pay all or part of the costs associated with diagnostic breast imaging. According to the filing, even after January 1, 2022, Oscar continued forcing its insureds to pay 25% coinsurance after deductible for such imaging. The filing further contends the deductible and/or coinsurance costs for insureds can range in the hundreds of dollars. Lauren Moody, Class Plaintiff The class is represented by Plaintiff Lauren Moody, who brought the suit on behalf of herself and similarly affected policyholders following her personal experience with Oscar. In 2023, Moody underwent diagnostic breast imaging via ultrasound, which her doctor had ordered to evaluate a previously discovered abnormality. The MRI company charged $578 for Moody's ultrasound. In an Explanation of Benefits received the following month, Oscar allowed $161.22 of the charge and declared Moody responsible to pay 100% of that "Allowed Amount" towards her deductible. Moody appealed Oscar's decision, citing the updated Texas Insurance Code provisions which require Oscar to pay 100% of the cost. Oscar denied her appeal. According to the complaint, Oscar "did not address Moody's contention that her Policy had been amended to conform to the Texas Insurance Code," further alleging the company, "did not make a good faith investigation of Moody's claim or have a reasonable basis for underpaying her claim and denying her appeal." Ms. Moody explained her reasons for bringing a class action against Oscar. "By following my doctor's orders to have a diagnostic breast ultrasound, I did everything right. And still, Oscar made me pay. When Oscar denied my appeal even after I had pointed out the Texas law, I realized this was no mistake, it was a betrayal. I filed this lawsuit on behalf of every patient insured by Oscar whose wellbeing has been compromised by its violation of the law. We deserve the coverage we are legally entitled to receive." Moody is one of thousands of women believed to have been harmed by Oscar's violation of Texas law. About Jeeves Mandel Law Group, P.C. & Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman Represented by Roger L. Mandel of Jeeves Mandel Law Group and Greg Coleman of Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman PLLC, the Class accuses Oscar of knowingly breaching its own policies and violating various provisions of the Texas Insurance Code. According to Mr. Mandel, "The Texas Legislature passed the change in the law to make sure no Texas women with medical insurance would forego potentially life-saving diagnostic imaging because of its costs. By violating the law, Oscar is putting corporate profits above human lives." "Compliance with the law is non-negotiable," says Mr. Coleman. "By shifting the cost of critical diagnostic imaging onto patients, Oscar has created life-threatening barriers to necessary healthcare violating the law and its own policies in the process. We intend to hold Oscar and similarly-operating insurers fully accountable." The lawsuit seeks to recover damages for affected policyholders' required payments, interest, and statutory penalties, as well as court costs, reasonable attorneys' fees, and expenses. Jeeves Mandel Law Group has successfully represented victims of corporate wrongdoing across the country using class actions, recovering hundreds of millions of dollars. The firm seeks to protect the health, civil rights, and economic interests of its clients. For over 50 years, Milberg and its affiliates have been fighting to protect victims' rights and have recovered over $50 billion for clients. A pioneer in class action litigation, Milberg is widely recognized as a leader in defending the rights of victims of corporate wrongdoing. Oscar policyholders based in Texas - and patients covered by other insurers who were forced to pay all or part of the cost of diagnostic breast imaging - are encouraged to contact Milberg. Media Contact: Kaitlin Gagnon, Marketing Content Writer Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman PLLC [email protected] SOURCE Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman PLLC SASKATOON, SK and MONTREAL, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Coconut Software , a leading provider of appointment scheduling and lobby management solutions, today announced the positive impact of its partnership with National Bank , one of Canada's leading financial institutions. By leveraging Coconut Software's platform, National Bank has achieved a three-fold increase in remote appointment bookings, and a 92% client satisfaction rate, marking a key milestone in the bank's digital transformation journey. Coconut Software partners with National Bank to Innovate Client Access, Achieve 3x Remote Booking Growth (CNW Group/Coconut Software) National Bank's commitment to modernizing its client experience to meet the growing demand for digital and remote services led them to partner with Coconut Software. This strategic initiative aimed to replace a traditional, branch-focused booking system with a flexible, client-centric platform integrated into their digital ecosystem. This successful transformation has also led to external recognition for National Bank, which was named a finalist for an OCTAS 2025 award by Reseau Action TI , highlighting their innovative use of information technology in projects like this. The nomination demonstrates the importance of digital transformation in improving client access to banking services. Coconut Software's solution empowered National Bank clients to easily schedule appointments online, including remote options, connecting them with the right advisor across the country without needing to visit a specific branch. This not only streamlined the client journey, but also provided employees with greater flexibility and a broader reach. "It should always be easy for customers to interact with their financial services providers and receive meaningful advice through whatever channel they prefer," says Katherine Regnier , CEO of Coconut Software. "We are proud to be a catalyst in National Bank's digital transformationnot just by simplifying booking, but by enabling a more holistic view of both workforce and customer demand. This creates a truly effortless experience, even within a complex ecosystem, and sets a new standard for client access and engagement in the financial industry." Some key outcomes powered by the National Bank and Coconut Software partnership include: Remote appointment bookings increased 3x , demonstrating strong client adoption of digital channels. , demonstrating strong client adoption of digital channels. 92% client satisfaction with the enhanced booking experience, reflecting its ease of use and convenience. with the enhanced booking experience, reflecting its ease of use and convenience. Remote appointments can now be booked 4x faster , reducing friction and saving clients valuable time. , reducing friction and saving clients valuable time. Nationwide access to specialized advisors is available, allowing clients to receive support in their preferred language, for instance. "By accelerating the shift from physical to remote services, we're delivering a cutting-edge experience that democratizes access to advice and transforms how we interact with our clients," says Simon Ledoux , Senior Vice-President Personal Banking at National Bank. The results achieved through the partnership with Coconut Software are a key component of National Bank's recognized digital advancements, showcasing how strategic technology adoption can lead to significant improvements in client experience and operational efficiency. Click here to read more about National Bank's success story. About Coconut Software Coconut Software is a leading customer engagement platform that orchestrates effortless digital and in-person banking experiences for financial institutions. The company's appointment scheduling, in-branch queuing, and video banking solutions tackle critical challenges head-on, while building customer loyalty and improving Customer Satisfaction Scores (CSAT). Coconut Software creates measurable business value by helping clients achieve their revenue goals, optimize workforce planning, and streamline branch traffic. It serves a growing number of top-tier banks and credit unions across North America, including RBC, Arvest Bank, and M&T Bank. Visit coconutsoftware.com to learn more. About National Bank of Canada With $536 billion in assets as of April 30, 2025, National Bank of Canada is one of Canada's six systemically important banks. The Bank has approximately 34,000 employees in knowledge-intensive positions and operates three business segments in Canada: Personal and Commercial Banking, Wealth Management and Financial Markets. A fourth segment, U.S. Specialty Finance and International, complements the growth of its domestic operations. Its securities are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: NA). Follow the Bank's activities at nbc.ca or via social media. SOURCE Coconut Software NEW YORK and BRUSSELS, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Collibra, the leader in unified governance for data and AI, today announced new product innovations to empower every data team to more easily govern data and AI. In addition, Collibra has announced the acquisition of Raito, a company specializing in data access governance. The new release, as well as the acquisition, were unveiled at the Collibra Product Premiere events in New York and Brussels. Every organization is looking to AI to automate business processes and support better business decision-making. Some are buying out-of-the-box AI agents that need careful monitoring and access controls to be autonomous, while others are developing custom AI agents and applications that need reliable data to be trustworthy. However, as demand for AI use cases, models and agents grows, organizations are dealing with an ever more fragmented data and AI environment. Rigid and fragmented tools aren't keeping up with these demands. As a result, organizations struggle to maintain clear visibility, control, traceability and access across their entire data and AI platforms. Collibra, a recognized industry leader by multiple analyst firms, closes this gap with its flexible and unified approach to governance for data and AI. It offers organizations a single command center to observe, track, protect and democratize data access across all data sources, for every user, and for any data or AI use case. With Collibra's latest innovations, every data user can now trust that their data and AI are reliable and traceable. That's the power of one. "Organizations face an ever more fragmented data and AI environment as the demand for AI use cases, models, and agents grows." said Felix Van de Maele, CEO of Collibra. "Collibra's latest innovations, as well as the acquisition of Raito, demonstrate our continued commitment to unifying and automating data and AI governance for all data users across all data sources so that organizations can accelerate and be confident in their use of data and AI." This product launch delivers on the power of one by introducing the industry's first platform for unified governance for data and AI that includes data quality and observability. While advancements in AI are opening up once-in-a-generation opportunities for enterprises, legacy challenges from data silos to fragmented governance are handicapping most organizations and eroding data confidence. Now, all data professionals from data engineers, data scientists, data stewards and business users can say good-bye to untrusted data with even better connectivity, visibility, usability, and automated data quality leading to more accurate AI outcomes. With Collibra's latest innovations, data engineers can automate data quality monitoring and rule creation. Collibra Cloud Sites lets them accelerate data source connectivity with an agentless approach to accelerate time to value. Data engineers can now also track data lineage across AWS Glue and Apache AirFlow pipelines with support for OpenLineage. This enhances traceability, accelerates root cause analysis, and is an example of Collibra's commitment to open standards. Data stewards can now visualize data relationships with a seamless and consistent user experience with new diagrams. They can also develop and deploy workflows more effectively with an updated workflow designer that improves organization and revision tracking. Data stewards can also analyze Snowflake data usage to easily understand which users are using what tables to drive adoption efforts. Plus, thanks to Collibra's acquisition of Raito, data leaders will soon be able to more effectively manage and control access to accelerate secure data consumption across users and AI agents. Data consumers can now easily discover data assets, look up business glossary definitions and search product documentation using simple, natural language with Collibra AI Copilot, our new intuitive chat experience. They can also create, manage and publish trusted data products faster with a new lifecycle progress tracker, built-in assessments and automated workflows. Finally, data scientists can now enhance visibility and oversight over AI models using a single pane of glass with AI model governance. Plus, they'll get increased traceability of AI models with new integrations to Microsoft Azure AI Foundry and MLflow. To learn more about Collibra's latest advancements, please watch our Product Premiere event here and read more about the Raito acquisition here . About Collibra Collibra helps our customers accelerate data and AI use cases without the risk. Our powerful, unified platform brings flexible governance and continuous quality with automated visibility, control and traceability to the world's leading brands. Collibra unifies governance for data and AI for every user, every use case and across every source so that everyone in the organization can trust, comply and consume their data at scale. This is Data Confidence. To learn more, visit collibra.com and follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram. SOURCE Collibra By Qabil Ashirov Chairman of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Fuad Muradov, met with Azerbaijani Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Vagif Sadigov, as well as leaders of Azerbaijani diaspora organizations based in Belgium. The meeting took place at the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Belgium. Among the participants were Ilaha Taghiyeva, head of the "Fireland" Azerbaijani Union; Anar Malik, Vice President of the BAF Belgian Azerbaijani Federation; Emin Aliyev, head of "MADANI" the Platform for Culture, Sports, Thought, Solidarity, and Future Opportunities of Azerbaijanis; Rufat Abbasov, founder of Radio Octo; Yasaman Abbasi, co-founder of the "BUTAM" Azerbaijani Cultural Association; and Aysu Ahmad, co-chair of the Irs-Azerbaijan Belgian Student Association. Staff members of both the Embassy and the State Committee also attended the event. The meeting focused on enhancing unity and solidarity among Azerbaijanis living abroad and underlined the importance of more effectively communicating Azerbaijans just position to the international community. Participants exchanged views on upcoming initiatives, future goals, and long-term strategic projects. Questions raised by attendees were also addressed during the session. Photo: The Ministry of Investments, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, June 5. Laziz Kudratov, Minister of Investment, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan, met with the leadership of Hungarian company ZA-Invest Poultry Kft., part of the OTP Group, and discussed the establishment of a modern poultry cluster in the Syrdarya region, Trend reports. In the course of the meeting, the parties reviewed the technical and financial aspects of the project, which will cover an area of 130 hectares. Discussions also focused on land allocation, infrastructure support, and creating favorable conditions for investors. The project aims to build an advanced, integrated system encompassing the entire value chain of poultry production. Following the meeting, the sides reached specific agreements regarding the implementation mechanism and timeline for the investment project and developed a framework for direct cooperation to ensure its timely execution. Currently, the total portfolio of joint investment projects between Uzbekistan and Hungary exceeds about $500 million, with additional initiatives and projects valued at over 1.5 billion euro outlined during the current visit. Pacific Gas and Electric Company has provided $500,000 to help build 10 Northern and Central California Habitat projects over two years OAKLAND, Calif., June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- During National Homeownership Month, Habitat for Humanity California and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) today announced a new two-year partnership. The program, Connecting Hometowns, will help Northern and Central California families realize their dreams of home ownership. Habitat for Humanity California PG&E has provided a $500,000 charitable contribution to support Habitat California. The funding will be used for home builds, restoration projects and more over two years. Additionally, Pacific Gas and Electric Company coworkers will volunteer their time in their local communities. Soaring home prices and limited housing supply have made owning a home in California unattainable for many families. As of 2024, the median home price in California was over $800,000 more than double the national average. Only 16% of Californians can afford to purchase a median-priced home. "We are thrilled to launch Connecting Hometowns with PG&E during National Homeownership Month, when we celebrate the power and promise of a safe, stable home," said Debbie Arakel, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity California. "PG&E's $500,000 investment, paired with the dedicated service of their employee volunteers, marks the first partnership of its kind at this scale in California. This major commitment will not only boost the development of new affordable homes but also support critical repairs to keep families safe and healthy in the homes and hometowns they love. By combining strategic funding with hands-on community engagement, PG&E is helping community-based Habitat affiliates expand their reach, accelerate their work, and serve more families. It's a powerful demonstration of what's possible when we come together to support our communities," added Arakel. "The American dream of owning a home has become out of reach for too many families. Habitat for Humanity helps families overcome obstacles to realize the dream of homeownership. We are proud to help support and invest in Connecting Hometowns. When our families and communities thrive, we all thrive," said Carla Peterman, Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Chief Sustainability Officer for PG&E Corporation and Chair of the Board of The PG&E Corporation Foundation. Local Habitat affiliate organizations applied for five $50,000 grants for 2025. One grant was awarded in each of PG&E's five service regions: North Coast, North Valley and Sierra, Bay Area, South Bay and Central Coast and Central Valley. The grantee projects are: Habitat for Humanity Sonoma County. Construction of a new, four-townhome affordable housing development in Sebastopol . Construction of a new, four-townhome affordable housing development in . Nevada County Habitat for Humanity. Early-stage construction of a new, four-home affordable housing development in Grass Valley . Early-stage construction of a new, four-home affordable housing development in . Habitat of Humanity Greater San Francisco. Five playhouse builds. Playhouses will be donated to local Habitat and military families or local nonprofits serving children. Five playhouse builds. Playhouses will be donated to local Habitat and military families or local nonprofits serving children. Habitat for Humanity East Bay/Silicon Valley: Restoration of a four-home historic apartment building in San Jose . Restoration of a four-home historic apartment building in . Habitat for Humanity Greater Fresno Area: Prepare for construction of 20 new homes and renovations of existing infrastructure at a subdivision in Firebaugh . PG&E has supported Habitat for Humanity for decades with charitable contributions and coworker volunteer hours. Funding for this and other grant programs come from PG&E shareholders, not customers. This new PG&E and Habitat for Humanity California partnership will help provide families lasting stability, better health outcomes, improved academic performance for children, and the opportunity for families to build generational wealth. Investing in pathways to homeownership, helps strengthen communities, foster economic mobility, and creates a more equitable future for all Californians. About PG&E Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE: PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than 16 million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit pge.com and pge.com/news . About Habitat for Humanity California Habitat for Humanity California, a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization, is the statewide support organization for 32 local Habitat of Humanity affiliates that serve communities throughout the state. The organization works to increase access to safe, decent and affordable housing through advocacy, resource development and capacity-building efforts that strengthen the impact local of local affiliates. Habitat and its affiliates help families build and improve places to call home empowering them to achieve stability, self-reliance and a brighter future. Habitat affiliates in California have built, renovated and repaired thousands of homes in partnership with hardworking families and generous volunteers and donors. SOURCE Pacific Gas and Electric Company CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, Calif., June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A critical court hearing is set for Monday, June 9, 2025, at 9:00 AM at Contra Costa Superior Court, 725 Court Street, Martinez, CA 94553, Department 10, in the case of Brooke Skrabo, a 25-year-old babysitter accused of breastfeeding a 10-week-old infant without parental knowledge or consent while caring for the child in Danville, California. Skrabo faces two misdemeanor charges under Court Case No. 01-24-01672: PC 273a(b) Cruelty to a Child by Inflicting Injury / Endangering Health PC 242 Battery The incident came to light after the infant's parents discovered security footage of the act, prompting criminal charges. Over 427 days later (as of June 4, 2025), the case now moves to a pivotal stage as Skrabo seeks mental health diversion to avoid criminal prosecutionan action strongly opposed by the victim's family. Family Statements & Interview Availability The parents of the infant are available for soundbite interviews to share their firsthand account and perspectives ahead of the upcoming hearing. Authorities encourage anyone with relevant information to come forward as the case progresses. "Our priority is ensuring justice for this child and preventing any future risk to other children," said Moses Castillo, a victim advocate and retired sex crimes detective. "We stand with the family in opposing mental health diversion and advocating for accountability." Authorities encourage anyone with relevant information to come forward. The assigned Deputy District Attorney, Kristina McCosker, can be contacted at [email protected]. Zoom Court Hearing Details Please note, members of the press are to join as "Observer" in order not to interfere with the scheduled court hearing. Join Zoom Gov Meeting: https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1611306897?pwd=aGpNZ2xvQzczZ1RyWnpFN1Z4WUxCQT09 Meeting ID: 161 130 6897 | Passcode: 103536 One-Tap Mobile & Dial-In Options Available Media Inquiries For interviews or further case updates, please contact: Moses Castillo Moses Castillo Investigations, LLC 714-599-2233 [email protected] About Moses Castillo Investigations, LLC Moses Castillo Investigations, LLC is committed to advocating for victims and ensuring justice through thorough professional investigations. With extensive expertise in handling sensitive cases, the firm prioritizes integrity and accountability to protect those in vulnerable situations. SOURCE Moses Castillo Investigations, LLC WASHINGTON, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Crowdpac, the groundbreaking platform that helped democratize political engagement and empower everyday Americans to run for office, today announced it has relaunched as CrowdBlue with new capabilities to create and run your own campaign and to reach out to your lawmakers. The new brand signals a bold new chapter focused squarely on defending American democracy and building a stronger, more connected Democratic and progressive movement. Originally launched to break open the political system and give voice to grassroots candidates, Crowdpac has a proud legacy of innovation at the intersection of technology, politics, and citizen empowerment. Over the years, the platform has helped thousands of candidates and causes reach supporters, fundraise, and win critical battles for change. With AI-enabled media distribution tools and features for advocacy, CrowdBlue is ready to meet the moment. Post this Today, that mission has evolved. CrowdBlue builds on this powerful foundation to offer a dynamic new platform designed for the challenges of 2025 and beyond connecting campaigns, activists, and everyday Americans in defense of core democratic values: freedom, economic opportunity, justice, and equality for all. "We are living in an urgent moment for American democracy, and it demands a more powerful, united response," said Bart Myers, CEO of CrowdBlue. "CrowdBlue is about standing up for what matters, giving individuals the tools to take action, and building a vibrant community that can strengthen democracy, together." The relaunch follows a multi-million dollar investment round , signaling deep support from leading Democratic funders for CrowdBlue's expanded vision. With new leadership and an ambitious roadmap, the platform is rapidly growing enhancing its technology, forging new partnerships, and preparing to play a pivotal role in the 2025 and 2026 election cycles. CrowdBlue's campaign engine has been completely rebuilt for this moment enabling anyone to test the waters for a run, launch a campaign, or fundraise for causes they believe in. Campaigns can build momentum before officially filing for office by gathering pledges of support and contributions, giving candidates critical insight into their viability and building grassroots energy from the ground up. The platform also makes it easier for supporters to find and amplify Democratic and progressive campaigns across the country, from gubernatorial and state legislative races in Virginia, Iowa, and California, to down-ballot local contests that are too often overlooked. In a first-of-its-kind feature, CrowdBlue also introduces new lawmaker engagement tools empowering users to directly contact their elected representatives through a streamlined, intelligent interface. Unlike typical one-off contact forms, messages sent through CrowdBlue are automatically tracked and can be shared publicly on the platform, creating dedicated lawmaker pages that show where each official stands and what issues their constituents are raising. This transforms passive outreach into public accountability, helping organizers and constituents apply pressure and build visibility around urgent legislation and causes. In addition, CrowdBlue offers AI-enabled rapid media distribution tools to help campaigns and causes get the word out quickly broadcasting messages across trusted networks with precision and scale. Combined with robust features for community-building and advocacy, CrowdBlue is ready to meet the moment. For more information, visit www.crowdblue.com. SOURCE CrowdBlue Guests are invited to personalize timeless Cubavera pieces during a three-day Father's Day event at the Dolphin Mall store. MIAMI, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cubavera is celebrating Father's Day with a special in-store activation at its Dolphin Mall location (11401 NW 12th St Suite #350, Miami, FL 33172), offering guests a chance to create meaningful, personalized gifts as part of its El Rey de la Casa (The King of the House) campaignan homage to the fathers, mentors, and guides who shape our lives. Exclusive In-Store Embroidery Invitation to Cubavera Embroidery & Celebration: Fathers Day at Cubavera events. On June 7, 13, and 14, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, guests can enjoy a complimentary custom embroidery service with any $75 purchase. Members of the Cubavera Good Life loyalty program receive the service with no minimum purchase. Not a member? Join today and unlock exclusive year-round perks. "A gift from Cubavera is like no other," said Adriana Essenfeld, Director of Hispanic Marketing. "Our 100% linen and linen-blend piecesincluding guayaberas, Travel Select shirts, and relaxed suits are perfect summer staples." Guests will be able to personalize Cubavera garmentssuch as linen shirts and guayaberaswith initials, creating thoughtful, elevated gifts. These versatile pieces can be dressed up or down with ease, making them ideal for Father's Day, summer weddings, or getaways to destinations across Mexico and Europe. The event is expected to welcome 20 leading Latin influencers who will showcase their signature style, customize their own Cubavera pieces, and mingle with guests. RSVP here . If you are unable to visit the store, you can shop online at cubavera.com from the Father's Day Gift Guide . Guayaberas start at $29.99, and you can get 2 polos for $30a great deal for those shopping for high-quality gifts on a budget. Whether you're honoring your papa, abuelo, mentor, guia, or tio, Cubavera invites you to make this Father's Day unforgettablewith a gift as timeless and distinguished as he is. Media Contact: Rachel Huss, Cubavera, [email protected], Hispanic Marketing Coordinator Cubavera offers Latin-inspired men's fashion rooted in joy, heritage, and effortless style. A part of Perry Ellis International, Cubavera celebrates cultural traditions with a modern twist through its iconic Guayaberas, relaxed polos, and casual shirts. The brand brings people together through clothing that reflects vibrant family values, timeless design, and everyday sophistication. SOURCE Cubavera LOS ANGELES, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Scientology Network's DESTINATION: SCIENTOLOGY, the weekly travelogue series that takes viewers inside Scientology Churches all around the world and discovers what makes each one unique, presents an episode featuring Del Valle, Mexico City. DESTINATION: SCIENTOLOGY airs Mondays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Scientology Network. Scientology Network's "Destination: Scientology" presents an episode featuring Del Valle, Mexico. Post this Church of Scientology Del Valle stands at the heart of the vibrant district of Mexico City. ABOUT DESTINATION: SCIENTOLOGY, DEL VALLE Del Valle is a neighborhood often described as an open-air museuma place where Mexico's rich cultural legacy lives on through indigenous sculptures, towering murals and landmarks of the nation's pre-Hispanic past. It's a cityscape that stands as a living tribute to history and the enduring spirit of its people. At the heart of the vibrant district stands the Church of Scientology Del Valle, seamlessly woven into the neighborhood's architectural fabric. This episode explores local cuisine, a visit to the famed home of artist Frida Kahlo and conversations with community members who share how the Church inspires creativity while preserving cultural traditions. As one staff member says, "I feel so proud because I know I'm helping Mexico and helping Del Valle become a better place, where we can live without worries and truly prosper." Scientology Network debuted on March 12, 2018, launched by David Miscavige, ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion. Since then, Scientology Network has been viewed in over 240 countries and territories worldwide in 17 languages. Satisfying the curiosity of people about Scientology, the network takes viewers across six continents, spotlighting the everyday lives of Scientologists, showing the Church as a global organization and presenting its Social Betterment programs that have touched the lives of millions worldwide. The network also showcases documentaries by Independent filmmakers who represent a cross section of cultures and faiths, but share a common purpose of uplifting communities. Scientology Network's innovative content has been recognized with more than 125 industry awards, including Tellys, Communitas and Hermes Creative Awards. Broadcast from Scientology Media Productions, the Church's global media center in Los Angeles, Scientology Network is available on DIRECTV Channel 320, DIRECTV STREAM and AT&T U-verse and can be streamed at scientology.tv, on mobile apps and via the Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV platforms. SOURCE Church of Scientology International Elisa Oyj / Elisa Industriq, Press Release 5 June 2025 HELSINKI, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- DNA Tower Finland, a Telenor Towers company, has successfully connected base station batteries to the Finnish electricity reserve market using Elisa Industriq's AI-based Distributed Energy Storage (DES) solution. DNA Tower Finland is the world's first tower company whose base station batteries help to balance the national electricity grid with Elisa DES. DNA Tower Finland has taken a significant step towards a greener, profitable energy future by starting to optimize the batteries in its equipment rooms with Elisa DES, as announced last year. DNA Tower Finland's base station batteries are now connected to the solution, and the battery capacity is being made available to the Finnish electricity reserve markets, maintained by Fingrid. With the AI-powered solution, DNA Tower Finland gains significant benefits from grid-balancing services in the reserve markets. Elisa DES also optimizes the electricity consumption of base stations by utilizing affordable green energy, achieving substantial savings as well as environmental benefits. DNA Tower Finland has acquired lithium batteries for its base stations, which utilize DES solution and ensure that the base stations will remain operational for significantly longer periods during power outages. "We will be connecting hundreds of base station equipment rooms to the electricity balancing markets. The aim is to expand the service to cover most of our tower sites. This is a significant step towards improving our energy efficiency. At the same time, we achieve both economic and sustainability benefits, as we participate in electricity reserve markets to generate a new revenue stream," says Antti Koskinen, CEO of DNA Tower Finland. Elisa initially implemented the DES solution in its own base stations three years ago. The revenues and savings that the solution generates cover up to half of the electricity costs of Elisa's base stations. Elisa Industriq is offering the solution to other European telecom operators and tower companies, and DNA Tower Finland is the first tower company to fully implement the service. "DNA Tower Finland has been a pioneering tower company in choosing to adopt Elisa DES solution and create new value with their site infrastructure. This marks a significant development in a way that telecom operators can monetize their battery storage. Together, we are also bolstering Finland's national resilience and advancing the green energy transition," says Jukka-Pekka Salmenkaita, VP for AI and Special Projects at Elisa Industriq. More information & interview requests: Elisa Industriq Mediadesk, [email protected], tel. +358 50 305 1605 DNA Corporate Communications, [email protected], tel. +358 44 044 8000 Press photos attached: Photo 1: Antti Koskinen of DNA Tower Finland (left) discusses distributed energy storage with Snorre Solvang and Jukka-Pekka Salmenkaita of Elisa Industriq. Photo 2: Jere Tuominen , Head of Technology at DNA Tower Finland, inspects battery installations at the company's equipment facilities. Elisa Industriq energy solutions: Elisa Industriq offers telecom operators, energy-intensive businesses, and households the opportunity to take an important and profitable role in the energy transition. The Distributed Energy Storage solution, Elisa DES, is based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. In mobile networks, the solution uses the flexibility of base station batteries to control the power supply of base stations by optimizing battery charging and discharging times. Part of this flexible capacity is offered to transmission system operators for grid balancing. The solution can utilize solar energy in addition to grid energy. The solution is used in Elisa's network in Finland and has also been implemented in Elisa's network in Estonia. Commercial deliveries of DES began in 2024. In addition to the DNA Tower, the Aland operator Alcom has also adopted the solution in its network using solar energy. Elisa Industriq's solution also optimizes energy storage in the commercial and industrial sectors. For example, Loviisan Lampo, a district heating company from Finland, chose Elisa DES to optimize the world's largest Sand Battery, delivered by Polar Night Energy. Elisa is also bringing the energy solution to homes: the Elisa Kotiakku home energy storage service helps households balance electricity price spikes and store electricity generated by solar panels. elisa.com/des About Elisa Industriq: Elisa Industriq creates software solutions for operational intelligence by multiplying industrial knowledge with AI innovation. Our businesses camLine, sedApta, Elisa Polystar, CalcuQuote, TenForce, and Elisa Distributed Energy Storage serve over 2,000 clients internationally in the manufacturing, telecommunications, and energy sectors. Elisa Industriq delivers business value for customers by reducing costs, improving quality, and generating growth. Our software solutions integrate with customers' existing systems to optimize their operations in areas including manufacturing execution, supply chain optimization, network analytics, and energy management. Elisa Industriq is part of Elisa, a pioneer in telecommunications and digital services headquartered in Finland. Our shared mission is a sustainable future through digitalization. Elisa Industriq employs nearly 1,600 experts in Europe, Asia, and North America. elisaindustriq.com About DNA Tower Finland: DNA Tower provides comprehensive infrastructure services for modern communication needs throughout Finland. The company owns, leases, and manages telecommunications network facilities and components, such as antenna and equipment rooms in masts and buildings, as well as customer equipment rooms in data centers. DNA Tower is part of Telenor Towers, which connects Norway, Sweden, and Finland with world-class sustainable and critical telecommunications infrastructure. Telenor Towers is the largest company in its field in the Nordic countries. About DNA: DNA is one of the leading telecommunications companies in Finland. Our purpose is to connect you to what matters most. We offer connections, services and devices for homes and workplaces, contributing to the digitalisation of society. Already for years, DNA customers have been among the world leaders in mobile data usage. DNA has about 3.7 million subscriptions in its fixed and mobile communications networks. The company has been awarded numerous times as an excellent employer and family-friendly workplace. In 2024, our total revenue was EUR 1,100 million and we employ about 1,600 people around Finland. DNA is a part of Telenor Group, a leading telecommunications company across the Nordics. More information: www.dna.fi, Facebook @DNA.fi, Instagram and Threads @dna_fi and LinkedIn @DNA-Oyj. This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com. The following files are available for download: SACRAMENTO, Calif., June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Legislation that allows survivors of medical negligence to continue to recover damages for the pain and suffering of their loved ones before they died passed the California Senate last night by a vote of 21 to 9. Until 2022, California was only one of only four states without pre-death pain and suffering damages the right of survivors to recover damages for a victim's pain and suffering before they die. SB 29 (Laird) extends the right to collect pre-death pain and suffering until 2030. "SB 29 is an important evening of the scales," said Jamie Court, president of Consumer Watchdog. "California's previous prohibition on pre-death pain and suffering effectively denied justice in cases of fatal medical negligence, where patients endured unimaginable pain, but their voices were silenced by death before a court could hear their story. This gave defendants an incentive to stonewall their cases until the patients died." The change enacted in 2022 finally gave California families the ability to seek accountability for that suffering but the reform sunsets. SB 29 would preserve this essential right; a right that grieving families have had in other states, and ensure California is no longer an outlier in its failure to acknowledge victims' pain. "I lost my son due to gross medical negligence and, at the time, there were no pre-death pain and suffering damages available," said Tammy Smick, a Consumer Watchdog board member whose son Alex Smick died at age 20 from a fatal overdose administered by a doctor at a facility where he was recovering from addiction. "That prevented my family from finding justice in a court of law because the damages were not great enough. The lifting of the ban on pre-death pain and suffering allows more survivors to seek justice so families are not locked out of the courts as I was. As Consumer Watchdog's research shows, there has been no increase in medical malpractice claims as a result of the changes." Smick is a constituent of Senator Bob Archuleta, who she wrote with her story to urge his support for the bill. Archuleta, however, did not vote on the bill although he was present. Similarly, Tracy Dominguez lost her daughter and grandchild in a tragic case of medical negligence. She turned to her Senator, Melissa Hurtado, to support SB 29, but Hurtado also chose not to vote on the legislation. Other senators were more responsive to those victimized by medical negligence in their districts. Yes votes: Allen, Arreguin, Ashby, Becker, Blakespear, Cervantes, Cortese, Durazo, Gonzalez, Laird, Limon, McGuire, McNerny, Menjivar, Padilla, Perez, Smallwood-Cuevas, Stern, Umberg, Wahab and Wiener. No votes: Alvardo-Gil, Choi, Dahle, Grove, Niello, Ochoa Bogh, Seyarto, Strickland and Vallares New research conducted by Consumer Watchdog reveals that medical malpractice insurance loss ratios in California hit historic lows after the state lifted its ban on pre-death pain and suffering damages in 2022, undercutting industry claims that the law would raise costs. Analysis by Consumer Watchdog actuary Ben Armstrong, FCAAS, MAAA, found that the average loss ratio, which is the percentage of premiums paid out in claims, for the top five medical malpractice insurance companies in California were among the lowest in history the year after the pre-death pain and suffering ban was lifted in 2022 at a mere 7%. "The idea that pre-death pain and suffering damages are driving up medical costs is a nothing burger," said Court. "With loss ratios at historic lows after the law's passage, the data clearly shows there is no cost impact to physicians or patients." California's 10-year average loss ratio from 2014 to 2023 was just 35.8%, far below the national average of 50.6%, according to data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). "California physicians continue to overpay for their medical malpractice premiums compared to physicians elsewhere based on lower loss ratios in the state," Court added. The legislation is deeply personal to families like that of Tracey Mueller Gibbs of San Diego, whose son Rowan tragically died due to medical negligence, and who was unable to find an attorney to take her case because of the inability to recover pain and suffering damages prior to his death. "This issue is profoundly personal to me," said Gibbs. "It is my deep wish that no other family should ever have to endure the pain and suffering that my family has faced." Gibbs wrote the legislature about her story to advocate for the continuation of pre-death pain and suffering damages. SOURCE Consumer Watchdog MIDDLETOWN, N.Y., June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Former Chief of Police William Herlihy is wearing a new uniform these days: scrubs. In February of 2025, Herlihy, who goes by Bill, announced he was retiring as police chief for the Villages of Montgomery and Walden in New York. The announcement came only a few months after he opened the next chapter of his life: iCRYO Middletown. That's right. After 32 years in law enforcement, Herlihy has traded in his badge, going from cop to cryotherapy expert. Former NY Chief of Police William "Bill" Herlihy has traded in his uniform for iCRYO scrubs. Of course, iCRYO is about more than just cryotherapy. It offers dozens of wellness and longevity services, including red light therapy, IVs, saunas, compression, medical weight loss treatments, and even body sculpting with a mission to help people elevate their lifestyle. And with more than 50 centers open across the US and Canada, iCRYO is quickly becoming a leader in preventative medicine. "I've always believed in taking care of your body, but recovery wasn't something I fully appreciated until I started to feel the wear and tear," Herlihy said. "iCRYO is about helping people stay ahead of the curvetaking care of themselves before it's too late. Now, instead of reacting to emergencies, I help people prevent them." Herlihy's personal journey started as a young man in the gym. It was not until he began meeting with a nutritionist in the 1990s that he really began to transform his physical performance and start to understand the importance of taking care of his health beyond lifting weights, or "ego-lifting," as he describes it. A serious on-duty car accident later drove home the importance of recovery: "Doctors told me my recovery was faster because of the shape I was in. That stuck with me," he recalled. From cold therapy to high-dose ozone and NAD+ infusions, Herlihy has tried every service offered in his center. The reason? "I need to experience it all so I could speak knowledgeably about it with our guests." Since opening in November of 2024, iCRYO Middletown has quickly become a community hub and refuge for all types of people, whether athletes or parents or first responders. It is staffed by a team handpicked by Herlihy. But that does not mean he is hands off on anything. Just follow iCRYO Middletown on social media and you will see just how committed and engaged he is. "I'm here every day because I love being around people" he explained. "There's something powerful about watching someone walk in carrying stress or discomfort and seeing them walk out standing taller, feeling better. That's the kind of impact that keeps me going." Herlihy sees more locations in the future, but he's clear about priorities. "We want to grow, but never at the cost of the guest experience. That level of service is non-negotiable." For Herlihy, iCRYO is more than a businessit's a calling that blends his dedication to community with a deep belief in proactive care. "If we take care of our present selves, we protect our future selves. That's what this is all about." About iCRYO Founded in 2015, iCRYO's mission is to elevate the quality of life of its team members, guests, and franchisees by providing affordable, professional, and convenient personal health services while raising the standard as a global wellness brand. To learn more about its services, locations, and franchise opportunities, visit www.icryo.com. iCRYO Media Contact Robbie Jenkins Director of Communications [email protected] SOURCE iCRYO The Newton facility represents the first ground-up development expansion of GAF's Residential operations since 2004 and reinforces the company's long-term investment in domestic manufacturing as well as its commitment to serving customers across the country. The facility will feature cutting-edge equipment and advanced manufacturing capabilities designed to help meet demand for GAF's market-leading roofing products while supporting innovation for future roofing solutions. "Today marks the start of an exciting new chapter for GAF and Newton," said John Barkhouse, President and Incoming CEO of GAF. "Our decision to build in Kansas reflects our commitment to serving our customers nationwide and our belief in the strength and potential of this community. This facility will not only expand our ability to meet the growing needs of our customersit also represents our long-term investment in the people and economy of Harvey County." The plant is expected to begin production in 2027 and reach full production capacity by mid-2029, creating more than 130 high-skilled manufacturing jobs in the region, spanning management, engineering, and operations. GAF has begun hiring for this new facility, including key leadership positions as well as salaried and hourly positions. Current and future open positions can be viewed and applied for here . "While this site may be a field of dirt today, it will become a state-of-the-art facility, delivering essential roofing materials across the country," said Andrew Shoults, Plant Manager of GAF Newton. "I'm grateful for the warm welcome from Newton and proud that we'll be creating new, rewarding job opportunities and engaging deeply with the community as we grow." In addition to bringing jobs in a stable industry to the area, GAF is dedicated to becoming an integral part of the community and supporting Harvey County and its residents. Even before construction began, GAF reached out to local organizations to offer its support. Most recently, GAF provided the roofing material and supported the reroof efforts of two local families in need through partnerships with Habitat for Humanity of Harvey County and Wichita Habitat for Humanity. "We're very excited to have GAF come to Newton and for this construction to begin," said Newton Mayor Rich Stinnett. "This groundbreaking isn't just about a new facilityit's about opportunity, innovation, and shared progress. We look forward to a strong partnership for years to come." About GAF GAF, a Standard Industries company, is the leading roofing and waterproofing manufacturer in North America. For more than 135 years, GAF has been trusted to protect what matters most for families, business owners and roofing professionals with its innovative solutions and focus on exceptional service. GAF's leadership extends to its commitment to strengthen its communities and industry through investments in career development, sustainable products, and local community resilience. Learn more at www.GAF.com . SOURCE GAF LEDYARD, Conn., June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- At tonight's Ledyard High School Awards Night, the Gary Atkinson Imagine Scholarship Fund (GAISF) proudly announced its 2025 scholarship recipients: Josephine Withbroe and Jordan Yeung. In a major milestone for the Fund, which has now raised over $60,000, GAISF has expanded its awards to include a new scholarship designated for a graduating senior pursuing a career in the trades. 2025 Gary Atkinson Imagine Scholarship Recipients. L to R: Presenter Tom Wagner, LHS '73 class president, Jordan Yeung, LHS '25 2025 GAISF recipient, Josephine Withbroe, LHS '25 2025 GAISF recipient, Presenter Jim Neil, LHS '73 grad and GAISF board member Center: Jordan Yeung and Josephine Withbroe, 2025 GAISF recipients, flanked by Benjamin Fieldsend and Sarah Banach, 2023 and 2024 recipients respectively and Tom Wagner and Jim Neil, presenters of the 2025 GAISF awards and founding GAISF board members. The newly established trade school award reflects the Fund's founding principle: to honor the legacy of 1973 LHS graduate Gary Atkinson by recognizing students who demonstrate "strong character, leadership, and community-mindedness"values that Gary embodied throughout his life as a humanitarian, student leader, and Eagle Scout. Board Chairperson Tom Wagner and Board Member James Neil, both LHS Class of '73 and classmates of Gary, presented the awards. Speaking from the stage where they once graduated, they reflected on Gary's enduring influence: "Fifty-plus years ago, I stood on this stage and introduced our Valedictorian, William Garretson Atkinson III. Gary was a leader who led by examplea humanitarian, scholar, and student council president. He sought to make a difference, and in remembering him, so do we." "The Imagine Scholarship has always honored LHS grads who embody Gary's humanitarian values. This year, we recognize that such values flourish not only in future college students, but also in those who choose the trades." 2025 GAISF Award Recipients Josephine Withbroe, a standout scholar-athlete, exemplifies leadership both in and out of the classroom. Ranked 17th in her class with a 4.65 GPA, she balanced advanced academics with high achievement in cross country and trackcompeting at Nike Rising Star Nationals and helping her team win a historic ECC title. Her contributions also extend to the National Art Honor Society, National Honor Society, and local community service efforts, including a clothing drive she organized for Gallup Hill Congregational Church. Jordan Yeung is the first recipient of GAISF's new trade school award. A dedicated member of LHS's acclaimed music and theater programs, Jordan is praised by his teachers and peers as a natural leader and community-builder. A four-year choral participant and lead actor in school productions, Jordan plans to follow in his father's footsteps by becoming a lineworker. He will enroll in the Eversource Lineworker Program through Capital Community College with the goal of joining the Eversource apprenticeship program. "To put it simply," wrote LHS Choral Director Melanie Cometa, "Jordan makes everything better." The Gary Atkinson Imagine Scholarship Fund continues to invite community support to sustain and grow its mission. For more information or to donate, visit https://www.imaginescholarship.org . About the Gary Atkinson Imagine Scholarship Fund Founded in memory of Ledyard High School alumnus Gary Atkinson, who was tragically killed in the 1988 Lockerbie bombing (Pan Am 103), the Gary Atkinson Imagine Scholarship Fund honors Gary's legacy by supporting graduating LHS seniors who exemplify his humanitarian spirit. The Fund has raised over $60,000 to date and is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Connecticut. Contact: John Dunham, President Gary Atkinson Imagine Scholarship Fund Phone: (415) 412-7770 Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.imaginescholarship.org SOURCE Gary Atkinson Imagine Scholarship Fund BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 5. Nearly 300 Chinese companies are operating in Azerbaijan as of May 1, 2025, Elnur Aliyev, First Deputy Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan, said at the Azerbaijan-China Economic and Trade Cooperation Conference in Baku, Trend reports. "We invite Chinese companies to participate in the development of the liberated territories. These territories have significant economic and tourism potential. The application of Chinas technological solutions during the reintegration process will be mutually beneficial for both sides. Over the past five years, our non-oil and gas sector has grown by 26 percent, while the additional value created in the non-oil and gas industry has increased by 1.5 percent," he said. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel The smart gift for Father's DayCTEK chargers shows exactly when the battery's ready, making car care simple and stress-free. CHICAGO, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- This Father's Day, forget the socks and tiesgive Dad something truly powerful. The CT5 TIME TO GO BATTERY CHARGER KIT from CTEK offer a unique, high-tech solution to one of the most common car headaches: the dead battery. Whether he's maintaining his classic car, gearing up for a summer road trip, or keeping the family vehicles in peak condition, Dad deserves a tool that takes the guesswork out of battery charging. For the ultimate all-in-one solution for battery care with everything Dad needs to keep his vehicle running, The CT5 TIME TO GO BATTERY CHARGER KIT, includes convenient accessories and a travel case, and it compact, smart, and easy to use, it's perfect for Dads who are always preparedor who want to be. The CT5 TIME TO GO is the only charger on the market that tells you when your battery will be ready to go. With a series of intuitive LED indicators, Dad will know exactly how long until the battery is charged and when it's safe to start the car. No more waiting around. No more surprises. Product Highlights: "Time to Go" Indicator: Clearly shows how long until the battery is ready to start the vehicle. Clearly shows how long until the battery is ready to start the vehicle. Fully Automatic Charging: Connect and forgetsafely charges and maintains car, motorcycle, or recreational vehicle batteries. Connect and forgetsafely charges and maintains car, motorcycle, or recreational vehicle batteries. Three Key Charging Stages: Tests, charges, and maintains for optimal battery performance and life. Tests, charges, and maintains for optimal battery performance and life. Safe for Vehicle Electronics: Spark-proof and reverse-polarity protected. Spark-proof and reverse-polarity protected. Kit Includes: CT5 TIME TO GO charger, comfort connect cables, clamps, and a zippered travel case for easy storage. CT5 TIME TO GO charger, comfort connect cables, clamps, and a zippered travel case for easy storage. Compatible with all 12V lead-acid and lithium (LiFePO4) batteries. "Every dad deserves confidence when he turns the key," said Steve Hayes, Head of CTEK North America. "The CT5 TIME TO GO empowers him to take chargeliterallywith the peace of mind that his battery is in top shape." With summer road trips around the corner, this Father's Day is the perfect time to equip Dad with technology that keeps him moving forwardon time, every time. Don't just give a giftgive Dad the power to go. For more information about CTEK, visit www.ctek.com About CTEK Established in Dalarna, Sweden , CTEK is the leading global brand in vehicle charging solutions. , CTEK is the leading global brand in vehicle charging solutions. CTEK offers products ranging from 12V and 24V battery chargers to charging solutions for electrical vehicles. CTEK's E-mobility solutions range from individual EV chargers to larger corporate and commercial installations with multiple charging stations, that require load balancing and integrate seamlessly with monitoring and payment equipment. CTEK's products are sold via a carefully selected network of global distributors and retailers: as original equipment; supplied to more than 50 of the world's leading vehicle manufacturers; and through charge point operators, property owners and other organizations/individuals providing EV charging infrastructure. CTEK takes pride in its unique culture based on a passion for innovation and a deep commitment to supporting the transition to a greener mobility, by adhering to industry leading ESG standards. Press Contact: Michelle Suzuki 310-930-6655 SOURCE CTEK NEW YORK, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of its continued national expansion, Guild Garage Group ("Guild"), an alliance of residential garage door service companies focused on replacement, repair and installation, has announced the completion of its partnership with Tip Top Garage Doors ("Tip Top"), a leading family-owned and operated residential garage door service company based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Tip Top is Guild's 18th acquisition since launching in 2024, and its 4th acquisition in 2025, reinforcing Guild's commitment to supporting strong, community-rooted brands, backed by industry leading owner-operators. Guild Garage Group Announces Partnership with Tip Top Garage Doors, Guild's 18th acquisition since launching in 2024. Post this Guild Garage Group is a newly formed alliance of residential garage door service companies and is actively looking to partner with owners of industry-leading companies. Guild is guided by the vision of being the preferred partner to business owners through a "made for you" brand positioning and invests in companies with strong management teams and cultures to create unmatched growth opportunities for them. More information about Guild can be found at https://www.guildgaragegroup.com/. (PRNewsfoto/Guild Garage Group) "Tip Top is exactly the kind of business we want to partner with for so many reasons," said Tim O'Reilly, CEO of Guild. "Tip Top is forward-thinking, takes great care of its team, and provides unmatched service to its customers. We are so grateful to have Tamir and his team joining Guild." "Guild's ability to invest in Tip Top's growth and development will enable us to expand our capabilities, explore new opportunities, and continue to provide our customers with superior service," said Tamir Avraham, Owner and CEO of Tip Top. "I look forward to seeing all that we can achieve in the coming years with Guild as a partner." Guild is actively looking for leading garage door service businesses across the country. Founders and advisors interested in learning more should contact Teddy Garner at [email protected]. About Guild Garage Group Guild Garage Group is an alliance of residential garage door service companies and is actively looking to partner with owners of industry-leading companies. Guild is guided by the vision of being the preferred partner to business owners through a "made for you" brand positioning and invests in companies with strong management teams and cultures to create unmatched growth opportunities for them. Guild allows owners to take chips off the table but retain "unit level ownership" so they continue to benefit through annual distributions and an eventual full exit as their business grows. Guild retains the employees and management teams of the companies they partner with, and provides them with the resources and processes they need to better serve their customers, employees, and communities. More information about Guild can be found at https://www.guildgaragegroup.com/ . About Tip Top Garage Doors Tip Top is a leading garage door services business established in 2010. The business is headquartered in Charlotte, NC. The company boasts over 1,500 positive Google reviews and maintains an A+ Rating by BBB and 5.0 Stars on Google, making them a preferred choice for garage door replacement and repair in North Carolina. Tip Top offers a range of services related to garage doors, including repair options, garage door replacement, and installation. More information about Tip Top can be found at https://www.tiptopgaragedoors.com. SOURCE Guild Garage Group PHILADELPHIA and MENLO PARK, Calif., June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- HealthVerity, the leader in real-world data (RWD) technology and privacy-compliant data exchange and Medeloop, innovators in AI-powered healthcare analytics, announced today an exclusive partnership designed to simplify and dramatically accelerate how pharmaceutical and biotech organizations, governments, and medical or public health researchers use real-world data for actionable insights and evidence generation. This powerful collaboration unites HealthVerity's extensive, privacy-compliant data ecosystem with Medeloop's cutting-edge AI Agent Analytics technology, enabling customers to uncover insights with unprecedented speed and transform vast, complex datasets into clear, actionable intelligence. Medeloop is a no-code analytics platform where a simple written research question is transformed into a full study, allowing users to rapidly generate insights without requiring programming expertise. Innovative researchers and analytics teams will benefit from unparalleled analytical power, accelerating the speed and impact of their research and decision-making processes. Through this partnership, Medeloop customers across Academic Medical Centers and Health Systems now have access to over 200 million de-identified patient records from HealthVerity's real-world data ecosystem, empowering them to ask their most complex research questions against research grade RWD at scale. Concurrently, HealthVerity pharmaceutical and biotech clients benefit from immediate integration of Medeloop's cutting-edge analytics technology, allowing them to generate deeper, more precise insights tailored specifically to their critical healthcare and research needs. "Our partnership with Medeloop represents a dramatic leap forward in real-world data analytics," said Andrew Kress, CEO of HealthVerity. "Previously, generating insights from real-world data required extensive teams and months of effort. Now, with this partnership combining our access to large-scale real-world data and Medeloop's leading-edge technology, we're enabling researchers and healthcare professionals to directly pose complex questions and receive powerful insights within minutes in a fully transparent, monitored, and human-guided fashion, fundamentally changing the pace and accessibility of data-driven healthcare research." Rene Caissie, CEO of Medeloop, added: "With HealthVerity, we're reshaping the future of healthcare analytics. By integrating the latest innovations in AI Agent Analytics with the richest real-world datasets available, we empower customers to rapidly achieve insights previously out of reach. This partnership accelerates scientific discovery, drives innovation, and ultimately helps save lives by enabling faster, more informed decisions that improve public health outcomes." Media Contacts: HealthVerity [email protected] Medeloop John W. Ayers, Ph.D., M.A. [email protected] About HealthVerity HealthVerity is the leader in privacy-protected real-world data exchange, transforming how healthcare and life sciences organizations connect and analyze disparate patient data. By enabling access to the industry's largest RWD ecosystem, HealthVerity supports critical applications in clinical development, commercial strategy, and regulatory decision-making. About Medeloop Medeloop offers advanced, AI-powered analytics platforms designed to simplify and accelerate healthcare research, enabling pharmaceutical companies, healthcare providers, and researchers to rapidly derive actionable insights from complex real-world data by simply asking a question. SOURCE HealthVerity, Inc. QINGDAO, China, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hisense, a leading brand in global consumer electronics and home appliances, announces the newest addition to its Laser TV lineup, the M2 Pro Laser Mini Projector. This powerhouse of a device pushes the boundaries of compact projection, delivering an immersive 4K cinematic experience anywhere, powered by innovative technologies never before seen in such a portable form factor. The Hisense M2 Pro Laser Mini Projector represents a paradigm shift in portable home cinema. By successfully miniaturizing and perfecting advanced laser and AI technologies, Hisense has created its smallest, lightest, and most portable laser projector to date, offering a powerful, versatile, and incredibly user-friendly device that delivers a premium, large-screen experience wherever life takes you. Next Gen Technology Miniaturized At the heart of the M2 Pro is the advanced AI 4K Clarity technology, a sophisticated suite of algorithms working in harmony to deliver pristine images. This includes a powerful AI 4K Upscaler that intelligently transforms lower-resolution content into stunning 4K detail, an AI Noise Reduction feature ensuring a clean and clear picture, and an AI HDR Upscaler that meticulously optimizes contrast and highlights for a more dynamic viewing experience. With 2.07 million micromirrors powered by a precision DLP system, the M2 Pro projects detailed 4K visuals up to an expansive 200 inches, ensuring crystal-clear precision down to every pixel. Hisense's Pure Triple Color Laser technology, a hallmark of Hisense's premium Laser TV products, uses discrete red, green, and blue lasers to produce an exceptionally wide color gamut, rendering images with unparalleled vibrancy and lifelike accuracy. The successful miniaturization of this core laser engine is the key to the M2 Pro's unprecedented compact size and light weight, making true 4K laser projection genuinely portable for the first time in Hisense's history. Advanced Imaging and Seamless Adaptability A major technological leap for portable projection, the M2 Pro features Optical Zoom with a 1.01.3 throw ratio. This engineering marvel allows users to precisely adjust the image size and distance while maintaining full 4K sharpnessa crucial advantage that sets it apart from digital-only zoom solutions which often degrade image quality. This optical innovation, combined with the impressive 65-inch to 200-inch screen adaptability, ensures a seamless and high-quality viewing experience in virtually any environment, whether indoors or outdoors. Effortless Setup and Immersive Audio Ease of use is paramount to the M2 Pro's design, powered by cutting-edge automation. Hisense has integrated advanced features to make setup effortless: seamless auto keystone correction and auto focus ensure the image is always sharp and perfectly aligned, eliminating manual tweaking. Furthermore, the intelligent 7-tailored wall color adaptation automatically adjusts projected colors to compensate for the hue of the projection surface, guaranteeing vivid, accurate colors even when projecting directly onto a non-white wall a groundbreaking feature for truly adaptable projection. Beyond visuals, the M2 Pro delivers an immersive audio experience with built-in Dolby Audio & DTS Virtual:X technology, providing rich, spatial sound without the need for external speakers. Powered by the intuitive and popular VIDAA Smart OS, users can directly stream from top platforms including Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+, all easily navigated with a convenient voice remote. The inclusion of Dolby Vision and multiple HDR formats further ensures nuanced detail from shadows to highlights, perfect for both movies and gaming. The Hisense M2 Pro stands as a testament to Hisense's relentless pursuit of innovation, embodying the pinnacle of portability without compromising on a breathtaking big-screen experience. This revolutionary projector ushers in a new era for home cinema by enabling expansive 4K visuals from a device engineered for ultimate flexibility and ease of use. The Hisense M2 Pro Laser Mini Projector will be coming soon to key markets worldwide, including the United States, Germany, Australia, among others. Release dates, price, and availability will be determined by local markets in the weeks to come so please stay tuned. About Hisense Hisense, founded in 1969, is a globally recognized leader in home appliances and consumer electronics with operations in over 160 countries, specializing in delivering high-quality multimedia products, home appliances, and intelligent IT solutions. According to Omdia, Hisense ranks No. 2 worldwide in total TV shipments (2022-2024) and No. 1 globally in the 100-inch and over TV segment (2023-2025 Q1). As the first official partner of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, Hisense is committed to global sports partnerships as a way to connect with audiences worldwide. SOURCE Hisense Sets new safety benchmark under four ultimate test challenges XIAMEN, China, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hithium, a leading global energy storage technology company, has completed the world's first all open-door large-scale fire test of its Block 5MWh battery energy storage system (BESS). This pioneering achievement sets a new benchmark for safety validation methods, marking a milestone in the global energy storage industry. The World's First All Open-Door Large-Scale Fire Test As thermal runaway and other safety incidents in BESS draw increasing concern, more rigorous and standardized safety testing is urgently needed. The open-door fire test was developed to meet this requirementfeaturing four ultimate test challenges: All open-door combustion: The container doors remained fully open throughout the test, creating an unrestrained combustion environment with intensified oxygen flowfar more severe than traditional closed-door scenarios 15cm minimum spacing: The BESS were placed side by side and back to back with just 15cm spacing. Despite flames over 1300C, no thermal propagation occurred, proving effective close-range isolation. Fire suppression system deactivated: All fire suppression systems were deactivated. The system relied solely on passive fire protection to withstand prolonged intense fire, demonstrating autonomous fire resistance and reliability. 100% State of Charge (SOC): The BESS was tested at full capacity to maximize thermal energy release, validating the system's reliability and stability under the harshest conditions. Conducted by UL Solutions, a globally recognized safety certification authority, and witnessed by certified U.S. fire protection engineers and customers, the test strictly adhered to UL 9540A and NFPA 855 safety standards. Despite undergoing 15 hours of full combustion, the system structure remained intact, with no fire propagation to any of the three adjacent containers. This result validates Hithium's multi-layered passive safety architecture and thermal isolation capabilities, even under the most extreme conditions. This achievement highlights Hithium's commitment to innovation and quality, providing valuable insights for future safety standards in the industry. Moving forward, Hithium will continue to advance safety performance through technology and global collaboration, driving the industry toward a safer and more reliable future. About Hithium Founded in 2019, Hithium is a leading global company in new energy technology, committed to delivering energy storage solutions centered on advanced energy storage battery and system technologies. Hithium has cultivated robust research, production, sales, and service capabilities in global markets. As the only single-focused energy storage company to achieve GWh-scale global shipments of lithium-ion ESS batteries, HiTHIUM's customer-centric focus drives technological and innovative products and solutions for customers across more than 20 countries and regions. SOURCE HiTHIUM Peer-Reviewed Paper Suggests Stem Cells May Correct Immune Abnormalities Associated with Aging and Autoimmunity MIAMI, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Immorta Bio Inc., a scientific longevity company, announced today that it has published, in the Peer-Reviewed Journal of Stem Cell Research & Therapeutics, data demonstrating that intravenous injection of the Company's proprietary Personalized Mesenchymal Stem Cells (pMSC) successfully treats rheumatoid arthritis in the collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model. In head-to-head preclinical comparisons, Immorta Bio's pMSC significantly outperformed standard bone marrow and umbilical cord derived MSCs in reducing arthritis scores and paw swelling, highlighting their enhanced immunomodulatory and regenerative potential. The publication, a collaboration between Immorta Bio together with BioCentrium, Loma Linda University, and the Azimi Cardiovascular Institute, can be freely accessed here https://medcraveonline.com/JSRT/JSRT-10-00187.pdf. "Mesenchymal stem cells have been used in more than a thousand clinical trials with reports of efficacy in many degenerative conditions[1]," said Thomas Ichim, Ph.D, President and Chief Scientific Officer of Immorta Bio "Unfortunately, the maximum potential of these cells has not been realized due to a fundamental limitation: Autologous cells are aged and limited in number. Allogeneic (donor-derived) cells or tissues may be rejected." Immorta Bio's patent-pending technologies call for the generation of autologous cells that are reprogrammed and "dedifferentiated" into pluripotent, immortal Personalized Regenerative Cells (PRC). PRC are then differentiated into age-specified, "young" pMSC. The efficacy of these cells in the CIA animal model of arthritis demonstrates the potential of the Company's longevity therapy in treating immune-mediated diseases of aging and ultimately aging itself. Immorta Bio aims to significantly extend human lifespan through two innovative platforms: StemCell Revivify, a young autologous stem cell therapy that introduces an unlimited quantity of a patient's stem cells, revitalized to a youthful state using proprietary technology and SenoVax, a senolytic immunotherapy that eliminates harmful senescent cells. "Our SenoVax and StemCell Revivify platforms are focused on Treating Diseases of Aging and Treating Aging as Disease," said Boris N Reznik, Ph.D, Chairman and CEO of Immorta Bio. "SenoVax is initially being developed as a treatment for lung cancer[2], which has been previously published in the peer-reviewed literature[3], as well as presented orally at the prestigious American Association of Immunologists meeting[4]. This new publication, showing the superior efficacy of our pMSC product in an age-related autoimmune disease model, is a strong testimony to the scientific validation and therapeutic potential of our longevity technologies." About Immorta Bio Immorta Bio Inc., a scientific longevity company focused on "Treating Diseases of Aging and Treating Aging as Disease," leverages anti-aging technologies to tackle pressing medical challenges, from advanced cancers to other age-related conditions. To learn more about Immorta Bio's research initiatives, visit immortabio.com, LinkedIn and X. Company Contact Dr. Boris Reznik Immorta Bio https://www.immortabio.com +1 305-632-2939 @immortabio [1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=mesenchymal+stem+cell+clinical+trials&sort=date&size=200&page=1 [2] https://www.biospace.com/immorta-bio-reports-successful-inhibition-of-lung-cancer-growth-by-senolytic-immunotherapy-product-senovax [3] https://medcraveonline.com/JSRT/JSRT-09-00169.pdf [4] https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/immorta-bio-to-present-senovax-cancer-senolytic-immunotherapy-preclinical-data-at-american-association-of-immunologists-meeting-302445946.html SOURCE Immorta Bio Inc. VANCOUVER, BC, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - International Tower Hill Mines Ltd. (the "Company") - (TSX: ITH) (NYSE American: THM) announces the results from its 2025 Annual General Meeting of shareholders held in Vancouver, B.C. on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 (the "Meeting"). At the Meeting, the Company's shareholders elected the following individuals as directors of the Company, with all receiving a majority of the votes cast, as follows: Director Votes For Votes Withheld Anton Drescher 142,505,643 (98.65 %) 1,944,854 (1.35 %) Karl Hanneman 143,473,858 (99.32 %) 976,639 (0.68 %) Stuart Harshaw 143,410,282 (99.28 %) 1,040,215 (0.72 %) Marcelo Kim 143,174,086 (99.12 %) 1,276,411 (0.88 %) Edel Tully 142,864,794 (98.90 %) 1,585,703 (1.10 %) Thomas Weng 142,798,574 (98.86 %) 1,651,923 (1.14 %) The shareholders re-appointed the current auditors, Davidson & Company LLP, Chartered Accountants, as auditors of the Company for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025 and authorized the directors to fix their remuneration. The shareholders approved (98.45% majority), on an advisory non-binding basis, the compensation paid to the Company's executive officers ("Say on Pay") and a 99.14% majority of the shareholders voted in favor of holding the Say on Pay vote every year. In light of the results, the Company will continue to hold the Say on Pay vote every year. The detailed proxy voting on all resolutions submitted to the shareholders at the Meeting is contained in the "Report of Voting Results" for the Meeting which will be available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ and on the Company's website or upon request by contacting the Company at (855) 428-2825. About International Tower Hill Mines Ltd. International Tower Hill Mines Ltd. controls 100% of the Livengood Gold Project located along the paved Elliott Highway, 70 miles north of Fairbanks, Alaska. On behalf of International Tower Hill Mines Ltd. (signed) Karl L. Hanneman Chief Executive Officer Contact Information: Richard Solie, Jr., Manager - Investor Relations E-mail: [email protected] Direct line: 907-328-2825 Toll-Free: 1-855-428-2825 This news release is not and is not to be construed in any way as, an offer to buy or sell securities in the United States. SOURCE International Tower Hill Mines Ltd. Domyn is the new name of iGenius, a company specializing in Responsible AI for highly regulated industries across government, finance, and heavy industry; Domyn provides LLMs and Agentic AI solutions to bridge the gap between compliance and innovation for the world's most regulated work. MILAN and NEW YORK, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Following the launch of state-of-the-art LLMs and one of the world's largest AI supercomputers earlier this year, iGenius is rebranding to Domyn to reflect its mission: empowering enterprises with AI they can own, govern, and trust laying the foundation for a breakthrough 2025. Speaking on this new chapter, Uljan Sharka, Domyn's founder and CEO, explains: "This is a natural evolution of everything we've built to empower enterprises to truly own their domain of intelligence. Becoming Domyn doesn't mark a change in identity but a deeper commitment to what we've always believed; AI is a powerful force that should be made accessible to change-makers everywhere, and ultimately work to elevate humankind. The new name represents a timeless emblem of purpose that proudly reflects our team's mission to uplift and improve the world." The added value of Domyn Domyn enables clients to lead with confidence and accountability, delivering solutions that safeguard intellectual property and ensure end-to-end governance. In government and defense, Domyn supports mission-critical operations, such as multilingual threat intelligence triage and secure, air-gapped deployments for decision support. In finance, its AI solutions streamline reporting and combat financial risk through automated compliance analysis. For advanced manufacturing, Domyn powers AI engineering brains through IT/OT (information technology/operational technology) integration and predictive quality inspection within highly secure environments. Domyn serves some of the world's leading financial service organizations, as well as defense and heavy industry clients, helping them move fast, securely, and in full regulatory alignment. Domyn has also pioneered large-scale FP8 pretraining, reducing inference costs by 50% without sacrificing quality fueling some of the world's leading LLMs with hundreds of billions of parameters. By advancing Continual Pretraining (CPT), Domyn empowers regulated organizations to build their general intelligence delivering adaptable, high-performance models grounded in enterprise context. In a world where generative AI defines strategic edge, owning AI models is essential: putting proprietary data into a model is like adding sugar to a cake once it's baked, it's nearly impossible to separate. Your AI is your IP. Behind the name Deriving from the term "domain", the name Domyn champions AI sovereignty and the right for organizations to define their own technological destiny, operating with the autonomy they deserve. Domyn isn't about using a new AI it's about creating your own. About Domyn Domyn is a company focused on researching and developing Responsible AI for regulated industries. It provides a composable AI architecture, including foundational LLMs, built for advanced reasoning and tailored to each organization's language, logic, and mission. Domyn allows customers to train their own state-of-the-art LLMs, ensuring that businesses truly own their AI and the value it generates. Domyn models power intelligent, customizable agents that act on private data to perform specialized tasks securely managed through a unified platform with built-in tools for access management, auditability, and governance. Domyn is powered by one of the world's largest AI supercomputers, purpose-built to train trillion-parameter models for sovereign, high-stakes applications. Discover more: domyn.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2704148/Domyn_Logo.jpg A multimillion-dollar estate and ranch in Bend, Oregon has been scheduled for sale at luxury auction on June 20, 2025. Post this "The Bend marketplace has been steadily evolving into a preferred destination for substantially wealthy buyers coming from some of the west coast's premier markets, such as Seattle, San Franciso and Los Angeles," stated Trayor Lesnock, founder and president of Platinum Luxury Auctions. "This property is perfect for those looking to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty and amenities of Bend, while still being within a short distance of the heart of the city." The property is situated in a low-density community in outer Bend that is comprised of medium-to-large acreage parcels with large estates and ranch-style homes, offering added privacy while still being within a 10-min drive of downtown Bend. The Redmond Municipal Airport is within a 15-min drive. Spectacular views of the Cascade Mountain Range are afforded from nearly every vantage of the property. These views include Mt. Bachelor, Broken Top, South Sister, Middle Sister, North Sister, Mt. Washington, Mt. Jefferson, and - when skies are clear - Mt. Hood, Oregon's tallest mountain, with a summit at 11,249 ft. The property sits at an elevation of approximately 3,500-3,700 ft. The property's luxurious, two-story residence features two living levels that span more than 7,300 sf, with 6 beds, 7 full and one-half baths. It was custom built in 2014 by Craig Johannesen, a boutique builder known for developing luxury homes for select clientele in many of Oregon's premier communities. Home interiors, defined by spacious living areas with volume ceilings, oversized windows and an abundance of natural light, were designed by Kirsti Wolfe, of Kirsti Wolfe Designs in Bend, OR. Prominent residence features include a two-story living room with big-picture windows, gourmet kitchen with walk-in pantry, executive office, multiple balconies and terraces, custom-tailored staircase (imported from Toronto and installed in one piece) and various "multi-purpose" rooms that can be used as a fitness center, home theater, art studio and more. Grounds include a private and gated entry with paved drive and three-vehicle garage, perimeter fencing, 5-stall barn with upper-level multi-purpose space, an original farmhouse, four (4) paddocks with loafing sheds and water supply, cattle shoot and storage pen, and a 130-ft x 200-ft riding arena equipped for standard barrel racing. The property's 20 acres also convey with valuable, senior water rights from the Swalley Irrigation District that service 18 acres. Comparatively, most parcels in the area have subordinate water rights servicing only 5-10 acres. These special water rights ensure the property enjoys ample water service for all residential and agricultural needs. Property previews are available by daily appointment through June 19, and may be scheduled by contacting Platinum's project manager, Trudy Vella, at 800.997.4235. Due diligence documents, photos and video are also hosted online at OregonLuxuryAuction.com. About Platinum Luxury Auctions: Platinum Luxury Auctions created the luxury auction model for multimillion-dollar real estate auctions and owns the federal trademark rights to the term "luxury auction." The Miami-based auction house specializes in the non-distressed sale of multimillion-dollar properties throughout the U.S. and select international markets, and has offered properties in 33 states and 15 countries to date. Platinum's team has closed more than $1.7 billion in luxury auction sales, and has consulted or advised HNW and UHNW individuals on more than $4.5 billion in luxury property assets. PlatinumLuxuryAuctions.com. SOURCE Platinum Luxury Auctions LLC Independent Dallas-Based Agency to Lead Integrated Efforts for Brand Growth DALLAS, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- KIOTI, a global leader in tractors and power equipment, has named TRG its advertising agency responsible for creative, media, and brand strategy. KIOTI is part of Daedong-USA, the U.S. subsidiary of the Daedong Corporation. "We look forward to our next chapter of marketing with TRG, chosen for their strategic thinking, standout creative, and innovative approach all hallmarks of our history, culture, and commitment to excellence," said Ryan Kim, deputy CEO and executive vice president of KIOTI Tractor. The KIOTI brand has been known within the agricultural and land maintenance industry since its first compact tractor was introduced to the U.S. in the mid-1980s, and it intends to continue growing in the U.S. and abroad. KIOTI's current "We dig dirt" campaign launched in August 2019. "We're proud to partner with KIOTI at a pivotal moment in the brand's growth," said Zac Pritchett, TRG principal and chief development officer. "With a bold story and a strong foundation, KIOTI is poised to boost recognition and reach. Together, we're ready to build lasting impact for the brand felt far beyond the field and remembered when it matters most." Nearing their 40-year anniversary, KIOTI recently launched the industry's first subcompact tractor with a cab a major milestone for the brand and the industry. They also launched into the compact construction space in late 2023. The first campaign of the partnership with TRG is expected to launch later this year. About TRG Founded in 1976, TRG has a five-decade winning streak of building iconic brands. Orkin. Chick-fil-A. Ram. Motel 6. Charles Schwab. The Home Depot. Our greatest successes are tied to some of America's most memorable stories, while our own story is one of results, respect, and award-winning work. We consider ourselves more than marketers we're in the memory-making business. More than activations and ads, more than media plans, TRG creates long-lasting memories in the minds of consumers that, overnight and over time, move markets. Fiercely independent since our founding, we push ourselves daily, bravely, and freely without distant boards or outside agendas. Find or follow the agency @TRG or @TRGCreativity. About KIOTI For more than 35 years, KIOTI Tractor has been a trusted supplier of tractors, ranging from 22 to 115 horsepower, in the U.S. and Canadian markets. Their comprehensive product line includes tractors, utility vehicles, residential and commercial zero-turn mowers, and compact construction equipment. Headquartered in Wendell, NC, with additional distribution centers in Texas and Canada, KIOTI's vertical integration strategy ensures high-quality products and seamless component integration. Their customers benefit from a vast and ever-expanding dealer network throughout North America, dedicated to providing exceptional customer service. SOURCE TRG TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, June 5. A delegation from Uzbekistan, led by Deputy Minister of Agriculture Alisher Shukurov and Adviser to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Munira Aminova, held bilateral talks with UNIDO leadership in Vienna to review ongoing projects and explore new opportunities for collaboration, Trend reports. The meeting was attended by UNIDO Deputy Director General Ciyong Zou, Executive Director for Innovation and Economic Transformation Gunther Beger, as well as senior officials responsible for agriculture, innovation financing, climate change, and regional operations. UNIDO representatives commended Uzbekistans notable achievements in several key areas, including the development of light industryparticularly the textile sectorthe transformation of industrial zones into modern eco-industrial parks, and the restoration of both the ecosystem and industrial capacity of the Aral Sea region. In addition, UNIDO reaffirmed its commitment to working with international donor countries and financial institutions to develop and implement new projects in agribusiness, energy efficiency, digitalization, and decarbonization. These efforts will be supported by innovative financing mechanisms aimed at enhancing industrial development in Uzbekistan. Furthermore, it was emphasized that all current initiatives are focused on boosting the countrys industrial potential, preparing key sectors for foreign investment through ecological and technological modernization, and enhancing Uzbekistans global competitiveness. Following the meeting, the parties agreed to develop a joint roadmap to systematically advance bilateral cooperation between the Government of Uzbekistan and UNIDO. Arrangements were also made for an upcoming official visit by the UNIDO leadership to Uzbekistan. Meanwhile, the data from UNIDO's open platform indicates that the organization's total budget for projects in Uzbekistan reaches $3 million, while the budget for 2024 amounts to $872,564. DAVENPORT, Iowa, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lee Enterprises ("Lee") is writing to notify the community of a data security incident which may have affected your personal information. We take the privacy and security of all information within our possession very seriously. Please read this letter carefully as it contains information regarding the incident and information about steps that affected individuals can take to help protect your information. Please review this communication to learn what happened and the steps that you can take to protect yourself against identity fraud. What Happened? On May 28, 2025, we learned that sensitive information of private individuals was potentially accessed without authorization. The unauthorized access was the result of a suspicious event we first learned of on or about February 3, 2025.We promptly initiated an investigation of the matter and engaged cybersecurity specialists to assist with the incident response. As a result, we determined that certain files may have been accessed or acquired without authorization on February 1, 2025. With the help of a third-party vendor, we undertook a comprehensive review and, on or about May 28, 2025, learned that some of your personal information was contained within the affected data set. Please note, we have no evidence of the misuse, or attempted misuse, of any potentially impacted information. What Information Was Involved? The incident may have included a person's name with a combination of one or more of the following: Social Security Number, Driver's License, Financial Account Number, Medical Information, or Health Insurance Policy Number. What We Are Doing As soon as we discovered this incident, we took the steps described above and implemented measures to enhance security and minimize the risk of a similar incident occurring in the future. We also notified the Federal Bureau of Investigation and will cooperate with any resulting investigation and provide whatever cooperation may be necessary to hold the perpetrators accountable. In addition, we are offering identity theft protection services through IDX, the data breach and recovery services expert. IDX identity protection services to include credit and CyberScan monitoring, a $1,000,000 insurance reimbursement policy, and fully managed ID theft recovery services. With this protection, IDX will help you resolve issues if your identity is compromised. The deadline to enroll in these services is September 3, 2025. What You Can Do . You can follow the recommendations on the following page to help protect your personal information. You can also enroll in the complementary services offered to you through IDX. For More Information. Further information about how to protect your personal information appears on the following page. If you have questions or need assistance, please call 1-855-200-0677. We take your trust in us and this matter very seriously. We regret any worry or inconvenience this may cause. Sincerely, Lee Enterprises 4600 E. 53rd Street Davenport, IA 52807 Steps You Can Take to Help Protect Your Personal Information Review Your Account Statements and Notify Law Enforcement of Suspicious Activity: As a precautionary measure, we recommend that you remain vigilant by reviewing your account statements and credit reports closely. If you detect any suspicious activity on an account, you should promptly notify the financial institution or company with which the account is maintained. You also should promptly report any fraudulent activity or any suspected incidence of identity theft to proper law enforcement authorities, your state attorney general, and/or the Federal Trade Commission (the "FTC"). Copy of Credit Report: You may obtain a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies once every 12 months by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com/, calling toll-free 1-877-322-8228, or by completing an Annual Credit Report Request Form and mailing it to Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348. You also can contact one of the following three national credit reporting agencies: Equifax P.O. Box 105851 Atlanta, GA 30348 1-800-525-6285 www.equifax.com Experian P.O. Box 9532 Allen, TX 75013 1-888-397-3742 www.experian.com TransUnion P.O. Box 2000 Chester, PA 19016 1-833-799-5355 www.transunion.com/get- credit-report Fraud Alert: You may want to consider placing a fraud alert on your credit report. An initial fraud alert is free and will stay on your credit file for at least one year. The alert informs creditors of possible fraudulent activity within your report and requests that the creditor contact you prior to establishing any accounts in your name. To place a fraud alert on your credit report, contact any of the three credit reporting agencies identified above. Additional information is available at www.annualcreditreport.com . For TransUnion: www.transunion.com/fraud-alerts. Security Freeze: You have the right to put a security freeze on your credit file for up to one year at no cost. This will prevent new credit from being opened in your name without the use of a PIN number that is issued to you when you initiate the freeze. A security freeze is designed to prevent potential creditors from accessing your credit report without your consent. As a result, using a security freeze may interfere with or delay your ability to obtain credit. You must separately place a security freeze on your credit file with each credit reporting agency. In order to place a security freeze, you may be required to provide the consumer reporting agency with information that identifies you including your full name, Social Security number, date of birth, current and previous addresses, a copy of your state-issued identification card, and a recent utility bill, bank statement or insurance statement. For TransUnion: www.transunion.com/credit-freeze. You also have certain rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA): These rights include to know what is in your file; to dispute incomplete or inaccurate information; to have consumer reporting agencies correct or delete inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable information; as well as other rights. For more information about the FCRA, and your rights pursuant to the FCRA, please visit www.consumer.ftc.gov/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/pdf-0096-fair-credit-reporting-act.pdf. Additional Free Resources: You can obtain information from the consumer reporting agencies, the FTC, or from your respective state Attorney General about fraud alerts, security freezes, and steps you can take toward preventing identity theft. You may report suspected identity theft to local law enforcement, including to the FTC or to the Attorney General in your state. Federal Trade Commission - Consumer Response Center: 600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20580; 1-877- IDTHEFT (438-4338); www.identitytheft.gov For residents of Hawaii, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, and Wyoming: You are advised to remain vigilant for incidents of fraud and identity theft by reviewing credit card account statements and monitoring your credit report for unauthorized activity. For residents of Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, and West Virginia: You may obtain a copy of your credit report, free of charge, whether or not you suspect any unauthorized activity on your account. You may obtain a free copy of your credit report from each of the three nationwide credit reporting agencies. To order your free credit report, please visit www.annualcreditreport.com, or call toll-free at 1-877-322-8228. You can also order your annual free credit report by mailing a completed Annual Credit Report Request Form (available at https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0155-free-credit-reports) to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA, 30348-5281. For residents of Iowa: You are advised to report any suspected identity theft to law enforcement or to the Attorney General. For residents of New Mexico: You are advised to review personal account statements and credit reports, as applicable, to detect errors resulting from the security breach. You have rights under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which governs the collection and use of information pertaining to you by consumer reporting agencies. For more information about your rights under the FCRA, please visit https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/pdf-0096-fair-credit-reporting-act.pdf or www.ftc.gov. For residents of Massachusetts: You have the right to obtain a police report filed in regard to this incident. If you are the victim of identity theft, you also have the right to file a police report and obtain a copy of it. For residents of Oregon: You are advised to report any suspected identity theft to law enforcement, including the Attorney General, and the Federal Trade Commission. For residents of Rhode Island: You have the right to file or obtain a police report in regard to this incident. For residents of Arizona, Colorado, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, and Rhode Island: You can obtain information from the offices of your state Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission about fraud alerts, security freezes, and steps you can take toward preventing identity theft. Federal Trade Commission - Consumer Response Center: 600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20580; 1-877- IDTHEFT (438-4338); www.identitytheft.gov Arizona Office of the Attorney General Consumer Protection & Advocacy Section: 2005 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85004 1-602-542-5025 Colorado Office of the Attorney General Consumer Protection: 1300 Broadway, 9th Floor, Denver, CO 80203 1-720- 508-6000 www.coag.gov District of Columbia Office of the Attorney General Office of Consumer Protection: 400 6th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001; 202-727-3400; www.oag.dc.gov Illinois office of the Attorney General: 100 West Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60601; 1-866-999-5630; www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov Maryland Office of the Attorney General - Consumer Protection Division: 200 St. Paul Place, 16th floor, Baltimore, MD 21202; 1- 888-743-0023; www.oag.state.md.us New York Office of Attorney General - Consumer Frauds & Protection: The Capitol, Albany, NY 12224; 1-800-771-7755; https://ag.ny.gov/consumer-frauds/identity-theft North Carolina Office of the Attorney General - Consumer Protection Division: 9001 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699; 1- 877-566-7226; www.ncdoj.gov Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General - Consumer Protection: 150 South Main St., Providence RI 02903; 1-401-274-4400; www.riag.ri.gov SOURCE Lee Enterprises Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and other local officials joined LAC to celebrate Santa Fe County's first multi-family and affordable development. SANTA FE, N.M., June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lincoln Avenue Communities (LAC), a mission-driven acquirer and developer of affordable housing, hosted a groundbreaking ceremony last week at the future site of Cresta Ranch Apartments, a new development that will provide 240 units of affordable housing to lower-income residents in Santa Fe. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and other local officials joined LAC to celebrate Santa Fe Countys first multi-family and affordable development. "LAC is proud to bring high-quality, affordable housing to communities like Santa Fe where the need is especially urgent," said Ben Taylor, LAC vice president and project partner. "Cresta Ranch will deliver on our mission by supporting generations of New Mexico families who may otherwise be priced out of the area." Taylor and LAC were joined at the event by a host of community leaders and local officials including New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, and Santa Fe County Commissioners Hank Hughes and Justin Greene. Cresta Ranch will be the first multi-family and affordable development in Santa Fe County and is comprised of 10 buildings of 24 two- and three-bedroom homes, with each unit featuring a balcony and walk-in closet. The community will offer amenities including a fitness center, yoga studio, community room, playgrounds, on-site leasing offices, mail and package room, and common area for laundry. Units will be leased to individuals and families earning up to 60% of the Santa Fe County Area Median Income. The development is financed with a $4 million New Mexico Housing Trust Fund loan and federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits from Housing New Mexico, along with a $35 million conduit tax-exempt bond issuance through Santa Fe County and a $1.32 million of gap funding through their newly created Developer's Assistance Program (DAP). Other financing partners included JP Morgan Chase, National Equity Fund, and Barings. Construction on the development began in January and the first units are expected to begin leasing in Summer 2026. About LAC: Lincoln Avenue Communities (LAC) is one of the nation's fastest-growing developers, investors, and operators of affordable and workforce housing, providing high-quality, sustainable homes for lower- and moderate-income individuals, seniors, and families nationwide. LAC is a mission-driven organization with a presence in 28 states and a portfolio of 170+ properties comprising 30,500+ units housing 80,000+ residents. SOURCE Lincoln Avenue Communities The woman-owned agency awarded top honor by ANA and recognized for several additional industry awards BINGHAM FARMS, Mich., June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- LUDWIG+, a woman-owned brand actualization and business acceleration agency, is proud to announce that it has been awarded the prestigious title of Small Agency of the Year (Bronze) by the Association of National Advertisers (ANA) during its annual B2 Awards show. This acknowledgment by the ANA further solidifies LUDWIG+'s commitment to excellence and innovation in the advertising industry and marks the agency's impressive growth since its inception. The ANA's annual B2 Awards honor top-tier, impactful, and groundbreaking campaigns in business-to-business (B2B) marketing, highlighting creative concepts with a strong emphasis on tangible business results. The top Agency of the Year distinction is given to agencies that maintain a high level of excellence, represent a diverse portfolio of expertise, and showcase the successful development of business marketing solutions in B2B marketing. This is LUDWIG+'s third time receiving this honor, the first being in 2022. "Being named Small Agency of the Year by the ANA for the third time reflects the unstoppable firepower of our team and the positive impact we create with our clients every day," said LUDWIG+ CEO Barbara Yolles Ludwig. "At LUDWIG+, we're committed to challenging industry norms, delivering bold work for our clients, and cultivating a culture where innovation thrives. This recognition is HUGE for a five-year-old agency and underscores the momentum we've builtand where we're headed next." In 2025, LUDWIG+ earned multiple industry accolades, including a Silver Stevie Award for both Agency of the Year and Non-Profit Marketing Campaign of the Year, as well as recognition as a Shorty Awards Finalist in the Non-Profit category for its "Brought to You by the First Amendment" campaign with Freedom Forum. These honors underscore the agency's commitment to bold creativity, strategic excellence, and exceptional client service. In 2024, the ANA also commended LUDWIG+ for its "Eyes Up Here" campaign with Pink Fund, which was awarded Gold in the Brand Purpose category. This category highlights the most effective use of brand purpose to create an exceptionally positive impact on the market standing of a brand, product, or service. The "Eyes Up Here" campaign was also named Purpose-Led Campaign of the Year (Gold) by AdAge for the 2023 Marketing Impact Awards. The 2025 B2 Awards ceremony took place on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at the Ritz-Carlton in Naples, Florida, during the ANA Masters of B2B Marketing Conference. For more details and the full list of winners, please visit the 2025 B2 Award Winners page. For more information on LUDWIG+ and its services, please visit www.ludwigplus.com. About LUDWIG+ LUDWIG+ (L+) is a woman-owned brand actualization and business acceleration agency known for delivering category-disruptive marketing that drives measurable business growth. With a focus on bold ideas that build brand from the InsideOut, L+ helps organizations turn purpose into performanceelevating both people and business. The agency takes a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary approach across brand strategy, creative, media, technology, digital, social, production, PR, and CRM for B2B and B2C clients. Recognized as a Small Agency of the Year (3 by ANA and 2 by the Stevies), a member of the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies, and led by an EY Entrepreneur of the Year, LUDWIG+ is proud to be a rising force in shaping what's next in marketing. Learn more at www.ludwigplus.com. CONTACT: Lisa Salazar JConnelly 973-476-4229 [email protected] SOURCE LUDWIG+ Purpose-driven consumer packaged goods protein company continues unwavering commitment to sustainability, shared value, and strategic growth MISSISSAUGA, ON, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - (TSX: MFI) Maple Leaf Foods ("the Company") released today its annual Integrated Report, bringing together an update on its 2024 financial performance and future outlook, as well as a holistic view of the Company's key initiatives, emphasizing its continued commitment to sustainability, shared value, and strategic growth. "2024 was a year of meaningful financial and strategic progress for Maple Leaf Foods," said Curtis Frank, President and Chief Executive Officer, Maple Leaf Foods. "Fueled by the strength of our leading brands, the resilience of our growth strategies and the financial benefits flowing from our large-scale capital investments, we exited the year with strong momentum on our journey to transform Maple Leaf Foods into a purpose driven, protein-focused, brand-led, consumer packaged goods powerhouse." "We also refreshed our Strategic Blueprint and evolved the strategies that will guide us toward achieving our Vision, to be the most sustainable protein company on Earth," Frank added. "I am incredibly proud of the strides we've made and our many remarkable achievements which are helping us create shared value for our stakeholders." Company Commitments The report highlights Maple Leaf Foods' leadership in sustainability, animal care, food and people safety, and its contributions to essential efforts to reduce food insecurity. The Company tracks progress against its goals based on key pillars: Making Better Food, Taking Care of Our People, Communities, and Animals, and Nurturing a Better Planet. Key Highlights: Making Better Food: Maple Leaf Foods continues to lead the market with high-quality, innovative products. Its flagship brands Schneiders and Maple Leaf achieved the #1 and #2 lead in Packaged Meats in Canada , while Mina earned the top spot as the #1 Halal brand in fresh poultry in Canada , and Greenfield Natural Meat Co. the #1 brand in Sustainable Packaged Meats in Canada . In 2024, the Company launched 50 new products across its brands, including Schneiders Breakfast Sandwiches and Schneiders Breakfast Bites. The new Schneiders breakfast products are part of Maple Leaf Foods' broader innovation strategy as a consumer-packaged goods-driven business to create new, sustainably produced products that meet the evolving needs and preferences of consumers. Maple Leaf Foods continues to lead the market with high-quality, innovative products. Its flagship brands Schneiders and Maple Leaf achieved the #1 and #2 lead in Packaged Meats in , while Mina earned the top spot as the #1 Halal brand in fresh poultry in , and Greenfield Natural Meat Co. the #1 brand in Sustainable Packaged Meats in . In 2024, the Company launched 50 new products across its brands, including Schneiders Breakfast Sandwiches and Schneiders Breakfast Bites. The new Schneiders breakfast products are part of Maple Leaf Foods' broader innovation strategy as a consumer-packaged goods-driven business to create new, sustainably produced products that meet the evolving needs and preferences of consumers. Taking Better Care for Our People: Maple Leaf Foods completed 11 social compliance audits in 2024, and took the next steps in advancing its enhanced social compliance program. The Company also successfully maintained a Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) of 0.37, which is a 94% improvement since 2012. Maple Leaf Foods completed 11 social compliance audits in 2024, and took the next steps in advancing its enhanced social compliance program. The Company also successfully maintained a Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) of 0.37, which is a 94% improvement since 2012. Taking Better Care for Our Communities: The Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security ("the Centre") has committed $13.3 million to 40 initiatives over the last eight years, addressing food insecurity across Canada . In 2024, Maple Leaf Foods donated $4 million in food products in Canada and the United States . Team Members across the Company volunteered in more than 33 communities, supporting local food banks, healthcare institutions, community centres, and newcomer services. The Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security ("the Centre") has committed to 40 initiatives over the last eight years, addressing food insecurity across . In 2024, Maple Leaf Foods donated in food products in and . Team Members across the Company volunteered in more than 33 communities, supporting local food banks, healthcare institutions, community centres, and newcomer services. Taking Better Care of Our Animals: Maple Leaf Foods provided 100% of its owned sow spaces with open sow housing according to the NFACC Code of Practice and Canadian Pork Excellence PigCARE standards. The Company implemented environmental enrichment for pigs and broiler chickens and invested in humane processing technologies, converting 99.9% of its chicken plants to Controlled Atmosphere Stunning. Maple Leaf Foods provided 100% of its owned sow spaces with open sow housing according to the NFACC Code of Practice and Canadian Pork Excellence PigCARE standards. The Company implemented environmental enrichment for pigs and broiler chickens and invested in humane processing technologies, converting 99.9% of its chicken plants to Controlled Atmosphere Stunning. Taking Better Care of Our Planet: By the end of 2024, Maple Leaf Foods achieved a 5.1% reduction in absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions and a 15.6% reduction in Scope 3 emissions intensity since the 2018 base year. The Company expanded its regenerative agriculture efforts, collaborating with Nutrien for the fourth consecutive year, scaling from 19,000 to over 250,000 acres, to support growers and boost sustainability. It also supported the Lake Winnipeg Basin Water Stewardship Project, engaging 30,000 acres across four farms to implement water stewardship practices on farms. Additionally, the Company achieved a 94.1% company-wide landfill diversion rate, with three facilities reaching 100% landfill diversion. For more information and to view the full 2024 Integrated Report, please visit: https://mapleleaffoods.com/our-commitments/integrated-report/ ForwardLooking Statements This document contains, and the Company's oral and written public communications often contain, "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates, projections, beliefs, judgements and assumptions based on information available at the time the applicable forward-looking statement was made and in light of the Company's experience combined with its perception of historical trends. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. The Company believes the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements should not be unduly relied upon. For the full statement around forward-looking information, please refer to the 2024 Annual Report to Shareholders. About Maple Leaf Foods Inc. Maple Leaf Foods is a leading protein company responsibly producing food products under leading brands including Maple Leaf, Maple Leaf Prime, Maple Leaf Natural Selections, Schneiders, Mina, Greenfield Natural Meat Co., LightLife and Field Roast. The Company employs approximately 13,500 people and does business primarily in Canada, the U.S. and Asia. The Company is headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario and its shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (MFI). SOURCE Maple Leaf Foods Inc. RICHMOND, Va., June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Markel Insurance ("Markel"), the insurance operations within Markel Group Inc. (NYSE: MKL), announced today a strategic collaboration with Insurate, an innovative insurtech company specializing in the middle-market workers compensation sector. Insurate leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and next-generation safety scoring methodologies to underwrite and manage complex workers compensation risks. This initiative follows Markel's disciplined approach to entering the middle market workers compensation space. After careful market analysis and due diligence, Markel identified Insurate as the right market entry partner, recognizing its unique combination of deep insurance industry expertise and a sophisticated high-technology background. "Insurate's forward-thinking approach to risk assessment and safety aligns perfectly with Markel and our commitment to innovation, empowering individuals, and creating long-term value," said Jeff Lamb, Executive Director, Programs & Alliances at Markel. "We were impressed not only by their technology but also by their fundamental understanding of the insurance landscape and their focus on fostering safer workplaces. This collaboration represents a carefully considered step to enhance our capabilities and better serve the vital middle-market segment." Insurate's platform utilizes advanced AI algorithms to analyze vast datasets, providing nuanced insights into workplace safety performance. This allows for more accurate risk assessment and pricing, particularly for complex industrial and service operations that are common in the middle market. A core element of Insurate's model is the creation of a virtuous cycle for safety. By systematically analyzing performance data and providing actionable insights, Insurate collaborates with its insureds to measurably improve workplace safety. This proactive approach not only can help reduce the frequency and severity of incidents but also allows safety-conscious companies to potentially benefit from savings that recognize their cultural commitment to safe practices. "We are thrilled to collaborate with Markel, a company renowned for its underwriting discipline, long-term perspective, and deep respect for the industries it serves," said Joe McIlhon, Insurate CEO. "This relationship is a powerful validation of our vision and technology. Markel's support will accelerate our ability to deliver solutions that protect workers and reward businesses dedicated to safety excellence." Markel has long recognized the critical role America's mid-market and industrial workforce plays in supporting the nation's infrastructure and essential services. This initiative underscores Markel's respect for these businesses, their employees, and their families, and reflects a shared commitment to honoring the communities where they operate. The collaboration aims to combine Markel's established strength and network with Insurate's agility and technological innovation to offer workers compensation solutions tailored to the needs of the middle market. About Markel Insurance We are Markel Insurance, a leading global specialty insurer with a truly people-first approach. As the insurance operations within the Markel Group Inc. (NYSE: MKL), we leverage a broad array of capabilities and expertise to create intelligent solutions for the most complex specialty insurance needs. However, it is our people and the deep, valued relationships they develop with colleagues, brokers and clients that differentiates us worldwide. About Insurate Insurate leverages enhanced datasets and technologies to complement traditional underwriting and transform middle-market workers' compensation insurance. By integrating advanced artificial intelligence, proprietary safety scoring algorithms, and deep industry expertise, Insurate provides innovative risk management solutions that promote safer workplaces and deliver value to safety-conscious businesses. The company is dedicated to creating a virtuous cycle where data-driven insights lead to improved safety performance and sustainable insurance partnerships. Learn more at insurate.com. SOURCE Markel MELBOURNE, Fla., June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Maritime Tactical Systems, Inc. (MARTAC), America's leader in fully autonomous maritime surface vessels, today hosted its first-ever Investor Day at its headquarters in Melbourne, Florida. The event brought together a select group of investors, defense leaders, and industry partners for a firsthand look at MARTAC's latest innovations in Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) technology and operational autonomy. An autonomous swarm of MARTAC vessels, led by a 38ft Devil Ray performs a surveillance and interdiction mission for observers from the US military. The day featured MARTAC's combat-proven systems, including a showcase of its advanced autonomous fleet coordination and swarming capabilitiescollectively known as MantaFleetwhich were previously demonstrated for representatives of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in April. Attendees engaged directly with MARTAC's executive leadership and engineering teams, gaining rare insights into the company's strategic roadmap, mission-driven growth, and future role in global defense modernization. "As the demand for operationally proven autonomous systems accelerates, MARTAC stands ready to deliver at scale," said Bruce Hanson, CEO of MARTAC. "Our Investor Day demonstrated not only the maturity and superiority of our USV platforms, but also our readiness to meet the evolving needs of our defense and allied partners across every maritime domain." MARTAC's platforms are distinguished by their full autonomy (not remote control), mission software interoperability, and unmatched operational flexibility. Designed for both near-peer competition and irregular warfare, MARTAC vessels are currently deployed and supporting allied operations from Europe, to the Middle East, to the South China Sea. With modular, scalable platforms capable of multi-mission integrationranging from ISR and EW to surface strike and logisticsMARTAC is shaping the future of maritime warfare. About MARTAC Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, Maritime Tactical Systems, Inc. (MARTAC) is a U.S. manufacturer of fully autonomous unmanned surface vessels (USVs) in operational deployment. MARTAC delivers fielded, scalable, and interoperable autonomous maritime platforms for defense, security, and allied missions across the globe. Media Contact: Investor Relations Maritime Tactical Systems, Inc. Email: [email protected] Phone: +1 (321) 292-9443 For more information about MARTAC and its innovative maritime solutions, please visit www.martacsystems.com . SOURCE Maritime Tactical Systems, Inc. Southwest Cargo nearly doubles its Denver footprint to support the airline's long-term vision DALLAS, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) celebrated the grand opening of its expanded Cargo facility at the Denver International Airport (DEN) today, marking a milestone in the airline's continued commitment to invest in infrastructure that supports its growing operations at the airport. The nearly 30,000 square foot warehouse brings a new level of Hospitality to Southwest Airlines Denver-area Cargo Customers, with six loading docks enabling the Southwest Team to serve multiple Customers at the same time, large storage areas throughout the facility, and twice the amount of cooler space than previously available for refrigerated products. "The new Southwest Airlines Cargo facility at Denver International Airport exemplifies our commitment to serve our Customers in the Denver region and beyond," said Brian Kilburn, Vice President of Cargo, Provisioning, and Ground Support Equipment. "Southwest Cargo is more than moving freight we are connecting Denver-area businesses to the global economy." As the busiest market in Southwest Airlines' network, with nearly 300 daily flights at DEN during peak seasons to over 90 North American destinations, Southwest Cargo Customers can benefit from getting their products to and from the Denver region quickly, efficiently, and with the award-winning Hospitality of Southwest's Relentlessly Reliable Cargo Team. "We're excited to expand our important partnership with Southwest Airlines by celebrating the opening of its new Denver Cargo Facility," said Phil Washington, CEO, Denver International Airport. "As one of DEN's largest carriers, Southwest is a critical member of the DEN family connecting the Mile High City to dozens of destinations. Now, beyond passenger travel, the opening of an expanded cargo facility showcases an even greater commitment and bond between Southwest Airlines and DEN. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to everyone at Southwest Airlines on this impressive achievement and continued growth." Twice the Points! To celebrate the opening of the new building, Southwest Cargo is offering shippers the ability to earn up to two times Rapid Rewards points when they ship to or from Denver between today and Dec. 31, 2025. All Rapid Rewards Cargo program terms and conditions apply. Full terms and conditions available at ship.swacargo.com/Denver2Xpromo. "This facility represents more than growth for Southwest it's a boost for Colorado's entire business community. Faster, more reliable cargo access strengthens our supply chain, empowers small businesses, and fuels economic competitiveness," said Raymond H. Gonzales, President of the Metro Denver EDC and EVP of the Denver Metro Chamber. "We're proud to celebrate this milestone with a partner that understands the power of connection both in the air and on the ground." The new Cargo facility joins an exciting list of Southwest infrastructure investments in the Denver area. Earlier this month, the airline celebrated the opening of a new off-airport training center as part of the Colorado Aerotropolis and, in 2022, opened a maintenance hangar to support Technical Operations in Denver and the Western half of the United States. Within a few weeks, Southwest anticipates opening a 100,000 square foot General Use Building that will house its Provisioning Team and Ground Support Equipment Team. "The successful completion of the cargo facility at Denver International Airport represents not only a significant milestone for Southwest Airlines but a proud achievement for our entire project team," said Ethan Walton, project director at McCarthy Building Companies. "From early earthwork to final turnover, this project showcased true collaborationwith our partners at Southwest Airlines, Woolpert, our design partners at Burns and McDonnell, and the trades who brought it all to life. We're honored to have delivered infrastructure that directly supports one of the fastest growing hubs in the country and enables continued operational excellence at DEN." Learn more about Southwest Cargo and how it can be your trusted air cargo provider, visit swacargo.com. Hi-res photos and other assets highlighting the new facility are available on the Southwest Airlines Newsroom at swamedia.com. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news 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. Specific forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements related to (i) the Company's expectations with respect to Cargo capacity in Denver; (ii) the Company's long-term vision for Denver operations; (iii) the Company's commitment to invest in and modernize infrastructure to support its growing operations; (iv) the Company's growth plans and expectations; and (v) the Company's expectations with respect to its General Use Building in Denver. These forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current estimates, intentions, beliefs, expectations, goals, strategies, and projections for the future and are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors that are difficult to predict and that could cause actual results to vary materially from those expressed in or indicated by them. Factors include, among others, (i) the impact of fears or actual outbreaks of diseases, extreme or severe weather and natural disasters, actions of competitors, governmental actions, consumer perception, consumer uncertainties with respect to trade policies (including the imposition of tariffs), economic conditions, banking conditions, fears or actual acts of terrorism or war, sociodemographic trends, and other factors beyond the Company's control, on consumer behavior and the Company's results of operations and business decisions, plans, strategies, and results; (ii) the Company's ability to timely and effectively implement, transition, operate, and maintain the necessary information technology systems and infrastructure to support its operations and initiatives, including with respect to revenue management and assigned and premium seating; (iii) consumer behavior and response with respect to the Company's new commercial products and policies; (iv) the impact of fuel price changes, fuel price volatility, volatility of commodities used by the Company for hedging jet fuel, and any changes to the Company's fuel hedging strategies and positions, on the Company's business plans and results of operations; (v) the Company's dependence on The Boeing Company ("Boeing") and Boeing suppliers with respect to the Company's aircraft deliveries, Boeing MAX 7 aircraft certifications, fleet and capacity plans, operations, maintenance, strategies, and goals; (vi) the Company's dependence on the Federal Aviation Administration with respect to, among other things, the certification of the Boeing MAX 7 aircraft; (vii) the Company's dependence on other third parties, in particular with respect to its technology plans, its plans and expectations related to revenue management, online travel agencies, operational reliability, fuel supply, maintenance, Global Distribution Systems, environmental sustainability, and the impact on the Company's operations and results of operations of any third party delays or nonperformance; (viii) the impact of labor matters on the Company's business decisions, plans, strategies, and results; (ix) the impact of governmental regulations and other governmental actions on the Company's business plans, results, and operations; (x) the Company's ability to obtain and maintain adequate infrastructure and equipment to support its operations and initiatives; (xi) the Company's dependence on its workforce, including its ability to employ and retain sufficient numbers of qualified Employees with appropriate skills and expertise to effectively and efficiently maintain its operations and execute the Company's plans, strategies, and initiatives; and (xii) other factors, as described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the detailed factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO. Southwest Airlines Co. operates one of the world's most admired and awarded airlines, offering its one-of-a-kind value and Hospitality at 117 airports across 11 countries. Southwest took flight in 1971 to democratize the sky through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel and now carries more air travelers flying nonstop within the United States than any other airline1. By empowering its more than 71,0002 People to deliver unparalleled Hospitality, the maverick airline cherishes a passionate loyalty among more than 140 million Customers carried in 2024. Southwest leverages a unique legacy and mission to serve communities around the world including harnessing the power of its People and Purpose to put communities at the Heart of its success. Learn more by visiting Southwest.com/citizenship. Based on U.S. Dept. of Transportation quarterly Airline Origin & Destination Survey as of Q4 2024 Fulltime-equivalent active Employees as of March 31, 2025 SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co. Digital Commerce Technology and Services Company Manages $500M+ in Retail Media Spend, Drives $10B+ in Client Sales, and Opens Larger Boston Office to Fuel Continued Expansion BOSTON, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Momentum Commerce celebrated its fourth anniversary and extraordinary growth with the opening of a new Boston office in the heart of Back Bay at 10 Saint James Avenue. Since its launch in 2021, Momentum Commerce has grown exponentially, reflecting surging demand for its technology platform Velocity and data-driven commerce and media services. In just four years of operation, Momentum Commerce has: Momentum Commerce's Boston team in the brand new Back Bay office. Built a team of 60+ marketplace experts across data science, engineering, and client services Launched Velocity, an industry-leading digital retail technology platform covering 37M products and 879k brands to guide strategic decisions on assortment, merchandising, pricing, inventory forecasting, and advertising products and brands to guide strategic decisions on assortment, merchandising, pricing, inventory forecasting, and advertising Managed over $500 million in retail media investment for enterprise brand clients in retail media investment for enterprise brand clients Delivered more than $10 billion in digital retail sales to enterprise brand clients in digital retail sales to enterprise brand clients Opened world-class offices in New York City and Boston and Presented lectures on Amazon and Retail Media at Harvard Business School Published data analysis featured in the Financial Times, Bloomberg, Newsweek, USA Today, and many other publications Today, and many other publications Earned recognition as a top-3 independent Amazon Advertising Agency partner The new Boston office features premium collaborative and focussed work spaces alongside advanced technical infrastructure. With the upgraded, larger workspace, Momentum Commerce is positioned to accelerate its innovation in AI-powered retail solutions while supporting the company's rapid scaling. Client Success and Strategic Partnerships Momentum Commerce's exponential growth is driven by a roster of renowned clients and strategic industry partnerships. The firm works with well-known consumer brands including Beats by Dre, Crocs, Generac, HEYDUDE, Peloton, Sitka Gear, Stella & Chewy's, Solo Stove, Therabody, Vari, Boll & Branch and more delivering data-driven solutions that consistently drive market-leading results in online marketplaces. Through strategic partnerships with Amazon, Momentum Commerce is delivering exceptional results across multiple channels. Technology-Driven Differentiation At the core of Momentum Commerce's market leadership is its unique fusion of high-touch strategic consulting with advanced proprietary technology. Underpinned by a structured database tracking over 37 million products and 875,000 brands, the company's Velocity marketplace intelligence platform has evolved into a groundbreaking AI-powered strategic advisor for brands. The latest innovation, Velocity AI Assistant , delivers CEO-level strategic insights in seconds, analyzing complex market dynamics, competitive shifts, category attractiveness, market share dynamics, pricing trends, and growth opportunities across the digital retail landscape. This sophisticated AI layer, built atop years of structured marketplace data, delivers board room-ready insights that traditionally required weeks of consulting analysis. Approximately one-third of the firm's team members are data scientists or engineers, reflecting an ongoing investment in technical talent to continually enhance these capabilities. This fusion of technology and service enables clients to receive both personalized strategic guidance and the scale and precision of advanced analytics. Momentum Commerce's service offerings have also continually evolved to meet the changing needs of the digital commerce landscape. While the company initially specialized in Amazon marketplace strategy and Amazon Ads management, it has since expanded its expertise to additional retail platforms including Walmart.com, Target.com, and Instacart. By extending support beyond Amazon, Momentum Commerce ensures that clients can capitalize on growth opportunities across a broad range of online channels and emerging retail media networks. Vision and Leadership "Four years ago, we set out to build a digital commerce consultancy that could marry deep analytics with hands-on expertise to help brands win online," said John T. Shea, Founder and CEO of Momentum Commerce. "Now, we're taking the next step. By investing heavily in building the industry's premier structured marketplace database and developing best-in-class AI solutions for retail enablement, we're furthering our goal of being the most respected company in digital commerce enablement. Combined with our deep marketplace expertise, our investments in AI and technology position us uniquely to help brands navigate and win in the increasingly complex e-commerce landscape." About Momentum Commerce Momentum Commerce is the premier digital retail consultancy transforming how brands win in today's dynamic e-commerce landscape. Founded in 2021 by former Google and Criteo executive John T. Shea, the firm combines advanced AI technology with deep marketplace expertise to deliver unparalleled results across Amazon, Walmart, Target, Instacart, emerging marketplaces and retail media networks. Managing $10 billion in digital commerce sales annually, the firm specializes in retail media management, data insights, and growth strategies for category-leading brands including Beats by Dre, Crocs, Generac, HEYDUDE, Peloton, Sitka Gear, Stella & Chewy's, Solo Stove, Therabody, and Vari. Momentum Commerce is setting new standards for e-commerce excellence through its innovative solutions, strategic guidance, and measurable client success. Contact: Ruben Sanchez [email protected] SOURCE Momentum Commerce LOS ANGELES, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bill Aulet explains that when it comes to entrepreneurship, the road never comes to an end. "You have to be continually running the entrepreneurial process and understanding who your customer is, what you can do for your customer, how they acquire the product, how you make money, how you scale the business. All these things are a never-ending cycle." In his book, Mastering the TPS Blueprint, serial entrepreneur Darius A. Ross describes how to keep going in that cycle. His keywords are timing, precision and synchronization. With that framework, Ross demonstrates how to break free from inherited limitations and push forward to establish a pattern of success. LibraryBub is an industry first. Established in 2015, it works in conjunction with all major libraries. It is dedicated to making strong, mutual connections between indie and small-press authors and an extensive network of libraries. The core commitment of the LibraryBub service is to help librarians to identify acclaimed books from the independent publishing sector. LibraryBub introduces thousands of librarians to bestselling and award-winning books from the independent publishing sector. These books hold immense potential for enhancing the lives of their readers. Japanese entrepreneur Masayoshi Son remembers starting out in business. "For a year and a half, I did research and made business plans. While I prepared, I had no income. I spent money, I had a new baby. My wife was worried... everybody was worried. They asked me, 'What are you going to do? You spent years studying in the United States, and now you aren't doing anything.' I spent all my time just thinking and thinking, studying what to do. I went to the library and bookstores. I bought books, I read all kinds of materials to prepare for what I would do for the next 50 years." Librarians enable writers to make that kind of difference to people's lives, and LibraryBub CEO Alinka Rutkowska considers it a privilege to support them in that role. Below is this month's selection by category. FICTION Literature & Fiction Nine Days in Rome by Julian Gould ISBN: 978-1637350195 Mystery & Thriller Zero Two Hundred Hours: a fact-based military thriller by Eric Wentz ISBN: 978-1637350553 NONFICTION Biographies & Memoirs Captain's Logbook: escaping nine to five for 24/7 by John De Silva ISBN: 978-1637350560 Business Bridges to Leadership: vision, empowerment, strategy, people, action by Oded Agam ISBN: 978-1637351673 Click To Transform: digital transformation game plan for your business by Kevin L. Jackson ISBN: 978-1943386901 The Cybersecurity Spiral of Failure and How To Break out of It by Jean-Christophe Gaillard ISBN: 978-1637352496 Designed to Win: what every business needs to know to go truly global (DHL's 50 years) by Po Chung ISBN: 978-1943386505 Habits of Success:what top entrepreneurs routinely do in business and in life by Christina Alva, Muhammad Arif Anis et al. ISBN: 978-1637350379 Luminary Leadership by Alinka Rutkowska, Fadwa Albawardi et al. ISBN: 978-1637352014 Mastering the TPS Blueprint: transforming trauma into triumph by Darius A. Ross ISBN: 979-8998713002 Multifamily Apartment Syndications by Chris Roberts ISBN: 978-1637352359 Persuasive Leadership: mastering the art of influence in business and in life by Alinka Rutkowska, Buster Arnwine et al. ISBN: 978-1637352595 7-Figure Minds: how to grow and lead a 7-figure business compiled by Alinka Rutkowska ISBN: 978-1637350072 Education The Learning Revolution: AI's influence on intelligence and education by Sarah Chardonnens ISBN: 978-3952422076 Self-Help Your True Power by Trissa Tismal-Capili ISBN: 978-1637353110 Children's Tax and His Friends: the first lessons on tax education for your children by Maria Claudia Hoepers ISBN: 978-1637353165 LibraryBub's Alinka Rutkowska "is an octopus" in the opinion of writer Mike Oborn, having "one of those rare minds that radiates out in multiple directions, senses relationships, and begins assembling parts and pieces that fit together." The author of Toward Happier Choices says, "It may be that she belongs in that section of my book dedicated to exceptional people that have had a remarkable influence on my life." Librarians are invited to sign up for LibraryBub at https://www.leadersbrands.ae/librarybub. Independent publishers should go to https://www.leadersbrands.ae/librarybub to submit their books for consideration. Media contact: Alinka Rutkowska [email protected] SOURCE LibraryBub DALLAS, June 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A formal motion has been submitted to the Federal Court on behalf of a former employee of Dickey's Barbecue Pit. This motion seeks the disqualification of the Zarco Einhorn Salkowski, P.A. law firm from serving as legal counsel in a pending case involving Dickey's Restaurants, Inc. While not counsel of record in this matter, McCathern, Shokouhi, Evans serves as legal counsel to Dickey's in related proceedings and continues its mission of improving people's lives and protecting its clients' interests, often through efforts to preserve the long-standing reputation of the businesses it represents. The motion revolves around the Zarco Einhorn Salkowski, P.A. firm's alleged orchestration of a concerted campaign aimed at compelling Dickey's Restaurants into insolvency. The accusations encompass the coordination and financing of unsubstantiated litigation by dissatisfied franchisees, the propagation of unfavorable publicity, and the incitement of franchisees to breach their contractual obligations. It is asserted that the firm has solicited franchisees to lodge groundless claims and disseminate adverse information regarding Dickey's and its personnel. The motion further asserts this was a deliberate tactic intended to pressure the individual to alter their original testimony. Such actions are characterized as professional misconduct designed to secure an undue advantage and compromise the probity of judicial proceedings. "Attorneys are held to a high standard of professional conduct, requiring adherence to established rules and regulations. The actions alleged in this motion of a concerted effort against Dickey's Restaurant raises serious concerns and appear to represent a significant departure from accepted ethical standards. We believe this situation warrants further review and appropriate action to protect our client's rights and interests," said Arnold Shokouhi, managing partner at McCathern, Shokouhi, Evans law firm. McCathern, Shokouhi, Evans has also been retained to represent Dickey's in broader matters relating to the protection of its brand against what the company contends are malicious and unfounded legal actions. The firm representing the opposing parties is alleged to have recruited current and former franchise partners in an effort to attribute sole responsibility to Dickey's for challenges faced by individual operators. "As a company with a long-standing reputation, Dickey's has a duty to defend itself against baseless accusations that could cause lasting harm to its business and brand integrity," said Shokouhi. "We are committed to ensuring that Dickey's voice is heard and its rights are protected in the face of these damaging and unsupported claims." ### Media Contact: [email protected] 214.741.2662 SOURCE McCathern, Shokouhi, Evans BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 5. China and Azerbaijan announced the establishment of a strategic partnership last July. In April this year, the heads of state of the countries reached an agreement and made a decision to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership, the Chairman of the Guangdong Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Lin Keqing said, Trend reports. He made the remark at the Azerbaijan-China Conference on Trade and Economic Cooperation held in Baku today. 'This is not only the fruit of many years of friendly relations between the two countries, but also the beginning of a new page in trade and economic cooperation,' he added. He stated that the cooperation between the two countries within the framework of the One Belt, One Road initiative has already yielded serious results: "Azerbaijan has become China's largest trade partner in the South Caucasus region. This time the purpose of the Guangdong Province delegation's visit to Azerbaijan is to promote mutual development between Guangdong and Azerbaijan in wider areas and at a higher level. Guangdong Province is the largest province in China in terms of economy, population and foreign trade, and is also a leading region in China's reform and opening-up policy. '' Let us jointly share the dividends of Guangdong's green transformation and modernization by combining our province's high-quality refining and chemical industries, hydrogen power, new materials and new energy projects. Third, to continuously expand the scale of trade cooperation between the two regions. As one of China's leading provinces in manufacturing, Guangdong has already formed a modern industrial system based on advanced manufacturing. All 31 major manufacturing industries are represented in the province, and 9 major industrial clusters such as next-generation electronic information, intelligent home appliances, automobile manufacturing and new energy have been formed. he noted. Lin Keqing noted that thousands of businessmen attended the 137th Canton Fair, which was recently held in Guangzhou. He said 280,000 foreign buyers from 219 countries and regions attended the fair, up 17.3 percent over the same period last year. "The total value of export contracts at the event amounted to $25.44 billion, up 3 percent. We hope that bilateral trade with Azerbaijan will be further strengthened, more high-quality products from Guangdong will enter the Azerbaijani market, and at the same time, selected Azerbaijani products such as pomegranates, grape wine, poultry, hazelnuts and almonds will also be introduced to the Guangdong market." he stressed. This will continuously improve the quality and level of trade between the two regions. the official concluded. DHAKA, Bangladesh, June 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Anjuman & Aziz Charitable Trust (AACT), founded by Summit Group Chairman Muhammed Aziz Khan and his wife Anjuman Aziz Khan, today announced the expansion of its educational initiatives to support nearly 10,000 disadvantaged children across Bangladesh. This significant scale-up reinforces the Trust's commitment to providing quality education to vulnerable children, particularly those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Summit Group Chairman Muhammed Aziz Khan AACT's expanded program builds on its four-year partnership with UNICEF Bangladesh, established in 2022, which initially focused on helping 3,000 out-of-school children in Dhaka South City Corporation Zones 3, 4, and 5 re-enter education and catch up on lost learning. The Trust's comprehensive approach now encompasses multiple educational programs through strategic partnerships with leading organizations. "Every child is the future, if we want a future we must enable the child, that via education. Education is not only children's right, it's our survival," said Muhammed Aziz Khan , Founder and Chairman of Summit Group, and Founder and Trustee of AACT. "Our inspiration to support Dhaka South came from my deep roots in businesses which started in Dhaka's Chawk Bazar and Urdu Road." The expanded initiative includes continued support for Prothom Alo Trust's Alor Pathshala program, which currently operates seven schools in hard-to-reach areas such as Kurigram, Bhola, Naogaon, Teknaf, Bandarban, and two in Rajshahi. Since 2009, this program has educated more than 1,350 students aged 6-16 in remote regions, with 900 students having passed at least the 5th grade to date. AACT has also strengthened its partnership with the SEID-Summit Community Therapy School in Kamrangirchar, which provides essential services to 98 differently-abled children from low-income families. Since 2009, Summit Group has supported this school, offering specialized education and income-generating training like embroidery, batik, sewing, and cooking skills. Additionally, the Trust continues its support for the Jaago Foundation, which provides English-curriculum education to financially disadvantaged children. In 2021, when Jaago faced a funding crisis, Summit Corporation provided a matching fund for three years, enabling the organization to educate 4,500 students across 10 schools in 11 districts. "I am so delighted to see the good works of UNICEF and our other partners. Every child must be protected, every child must be educated, and they must be happy children to have a future," Muhammed Aziz Khan has stated regarding the Trust's educational mission. The Khans made history in 2022 as the first Bangladeshis to join the UNICEF International Council , a distinguished community of approximately 150 private philanthropists and global influencers who pool their funding and expertise to optimize investments for children worldwide. This expanded educational initiative further demonstrates their growing commitment to creating sustainable educational opportunities for Bangladesh's most vulnerable children. About Summit Group Founded in 1973 by Muhammed Aziz Khan, Summit Group is the largest infrastructure conglomerate in Bangladesh, employing over 6,000 people with investments across energy, ports, logistics, and information technology sectors. Summit Power International, incorporated in Singapore in 2016, is a leading infrastructure developer and operator in South Asia whose strategic partners include JERA, Mitsubishi Corporation, and GE. The group is committed to providing affordable, sustainable energy solutions while supporting corporate social responsibility initiatives in education, healthcare, and community development. About The Anjuman & Aziz Charitable Trust (AACT) Founded in 2020 by Muhammed Aziz Khan and his wife Anjuman Aziz Khan, The Anjuman & Aziz Charitable Trust focuses on providing quality education to disadvantaged children across Bangladesh. Through partnerships with UNICEF Bangladesh, Prothom Alo Trust, and other organizations, AACT currently supports educational initiatives for nearly 10,000 vulnerable children, including those in remote rural areas and differently-abled students. The Khans became the first Bangladeshis to join the UNICEF International Council in 2022. About Muhammed Aziz Khan Muhammed Aziz Khan, PBM, is the founder and Chairman of Summit Power International Limited and Summit Holdings Ltd. A Singapore citizen of Bangladeshi origin, he has led Summit Group from Bangladesh's first private sector power producer to a diversified infrastructure conglomerate. In 2024, Khan was appointed Chair of the UNICEF International Council, recognizing his longstanding commitment to education and child welfare. He received the Public Service Medal (COVID-19) and Pingat Bakti Masyarakat from Singapore's Prime Minister's Office in 2023 for his outstanding contributions during the pandemic. Mr. Khan holds an MBA from the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), University of Dhaka and serves as Honorary Consul General of Finland to Bangladesh (2016-2025). He is also the Chairman of Siraj Khaleda Trust, Anjuman & Aziz Charitable Trust (AACT), and serves on the Board of Trustees of the Asian University for Women (AUW). Contact: Media Contact: Mohsena Hassan Email: [email protected] SOURCE Summit Group WASHINGTON, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- NASA continues to collaborate with global communities to solve complex challenges through crowdsourcing with a series of 25 new NASA Open Innovation Service (NOIS) contracts managed by the agency's Johnson Space Center in Houston. The contract aims to empower NASA's workforce by actively engaging the public to find creative solutions to difficult space exploration challenges through rapid experimentation with new methodologies, new technologies, and unique perspectives, ensuring NASA remains at the forefront of innovation while accomplishing its missions. This is the third NOIS contract, managed by NASA's Center of Excellence for Collaborative Innovation (CoECI), and used by NASA and other government agencies. The NOIS3 contract will provide solutions through multiple crowdsourcing tools and methodologies, which include public prize competitions, freelance tasking, technology searches, and other crowd-based methods. The total value of the NOIS3 contract is $475 million over 10 years. There is a guaranteed $500 minimum obligation for each contract award. The base contract spans June 5, 2025, through May 31, 2027, and there are two options, the first for three years, and the second for five years. If all options are exercised, work could continue through May 31, 2035. The awardees are: Blue Clarity, Vienna, Virginia Capital Consulting Corp., Fairfax, Virginia Challenge Works, London, United Kingdom CrowdPlat Inc., Pleasanton, California Design Interactive Inc., Orlando, Florida DrivenData Inc., Denver Ensemble Government Services, Hyattsville, Maryland Hyperion Technologies, Arlington, Virginia Floor23 Digital, Jackson, Wisconsin Freelancer International, Sydney, Australia HeroX, Wilmington, Delaware HYVE Innovate, Munchen, Germany Innoget, Rockville, Maryland Institute of Competition Sciences, San Francisco Loyal Source Government Services, Orlando, Florida Luminary Labs, New York City National Institute of Aerospace Associates, Hampton, Virginia Randstad Federal, Duluth, Georgia Rios Partners, Arlington, Virginia SecondMuse, Bernalillo, New Mexico TechConnect, Summerville, South Carolina Toffler Associates, Arlington, Virginia Tongal Inc., Los Angeles Topcocder, Indianapolis yet2.com Inc., Waltham, Massachusetts NASA's CoECI provides guidance on open innovation initiatives, helping define challenges and requirements and formulating and evaluating potential solutions. The center's end-to-end service allows NASA and other federal agencies to rapidly experiment with new methods and solve critical problems through innovation and collaboration. Learn more about the NASA Center of Excellence at: https://www.nasa.gov/coeci/ SOURCE NASA WASHINGTON, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, celebrates the U.S. Supreme Court's unanimous 9-0 decision that the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PCLAA) bars Mexico's claims that firearm manufacturers "aided and abetted" illegal firearms trafficking to narco-terrorist drug cartels in Mexico. "This is a tremendous victory for the firearm industry and the rule of law. For too long, gun control activists have attempted to twist basic tort law to malign the highly-regulated U.S. firearm industry with the criminal actions of violent organized crime, both here in the United States and abroad," said NSSF's Lawrence G. Keane, Senior Vice President and General Counsel. "The firearm industry is sympathetic to plight of those in Mexico who are victims of rampant and uncontrolled violence at the hands of narco-terrorist drug cartels. The firearm industry works closely with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to prevent the illegal straw purchasing of firearms and the illegal transnational smuggling of firearms. This unequivocal decision by the Supreme Court that PLCAA applies and there is no evidence whatsoever that U.S. manufacturers are in any way responsible is verification of commitment to responsible firearm ownership." The Court wrote in the unanimous decision, "Recall that Congress enacted the statute to halt a flurry of lawsuits attempting to make gun manufacturers pay for the downstream harms resulting from misuse of their products. In a 'findings' and 'purposes' section, Congress explained that PLCAA was meant to stop those suitsto prevent manufacturers (and sellers) from being held 'liable for the harm caused by those who criminally or unlawfully misuse firearm[s].' Mexico's suit closely resembles the ones Congress had in mind: It seeks to recover from American firearms manufacturers for the downstream damage Mexican cartel members wreak with their guns." NSSF filed an amicus brief supporting Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc., et al., in its petition to the U.S. Supreme Court to dismiss Mexico's claim for $10 billion in damages against several U.S. firearm manufacturers. Mexico filed their claim in a U.S. District Court in Boston in 2021, which was dismissed by that district court based on the bipartisan PLCAA that prohibits frivolous lawsuits against the firearm industry for the criminal misuse by remote third parties. Mexico appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, which revived the lawsuit holding that Mexico's "aiding and abetting" theory fit within one of the PLCAA's narrow exceptions. Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc., et al., successfully petitioned the Supreme Court last year. The case was argued before the Supreme Court in March of this year. About NSSF NSSF is the trade association for the firearm industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of thousands of manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen's organizations and publishers nationwide. For more information, visit nssf.org. SOURCE NATIONAL SHOOTING SPORTS FOUNDATION ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A greater percentage of U.S. adults would recommend that graduating high school seniors attend a trade school than would recommend college, according to a new Workforce Monitor survey from the American Staffing Association conducted by The Harris Poll. As the largest number of high school seniors in U.S. history prepares to graduate, More U.S. adults now recommend technical or vocational schools over college for high school seniors, says the latest American Staffing Association Workforce Monitor. 33% of U.S. adults would advise graduating high school seniors to attend a vocational or trade school 28% would encourage students to attend a four-year college or university 13% would advise them to enter the workforce 11% would tell students to enter an apprenticeship The push for vocational and trade school career paths was highest among Baby Boomers (ages 6179) at 41%, Gen X (ages 4560) at 37%, and Millennials (ages 2944) at 31%, compared to only 22% of Gen Z (ages 1828). Gen Z was the only generation to recommend a four-year degree (36%) over attending a trade or vocational school (22%). "The time has come to radically rethink how we're preparing America's future workforce," said Richard Wahlquist, chief executive officer at ASA. "Americans are clearly concerned that colleges and universities are failing to equip students with the workplace-relevant skills that employers need." "These results underscore the importance of educators, policy makers, and parents coming together now to develop, fund, and support programs designed to prepare young people for the jobs of today and the future world of work." About the American Staffing Association The American Staffing Association is the voice of the U.S. staffing, recruiting, and workforce solutions industry. ASA and its state affiliates advance the interests of the industry across all sectors through advocacy, research, education, and the promotion of high standards of legal, ethical, and professional practices. For more information about ASA, visit americanstaffing.net. Survey Method This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of the American Staffing Association from April 2123, 2025, among 2,093 adults ages 18 and older. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 2.5 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, contact Megan Sweeney at [email protected]. SOURCE American Staffing Association Event spotlights standout innovations multifamily proptech DALLAS, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- International research firm Parks Associates today announced nominations are now open for the 2025 Property Innovation Awards, which will recognize properties and teams leading in proptech innovation at the third annual Smart Spaces, September 16-17 in Dallas, Texas. Industry executives and insiders can nominate a standout property or organization that has deployed proptech to improve operations, enhance resident or guest experience, drive sustainability, or deliver meaningful ROI. Deadline to submit is July 18. Submit a Property Innovation Award The third annual Smart Spaces: Apartments, Hospitality, and Community Living, September 16-17 at the HALL Arts Hotel Dallas, Curio Collection by Hilton, is sponsored by ADT Multifamily, Cox Communities, Nice, Vantiva, SmartRent, Kwikset, ROCiQ, SkyBell, Rently, Calix, Eleven Software, Groove Technology Solutions, Nomadix, Dormakaba, and Zentra Access. "Identifying the leading properties in proptech highlights the forefront of innovation in the broadband, connected home and multifamily markets," said Elizabeth Parks, President and CMO, Parks Associates. "This recognition will illustrate where technology is actively shaping consumer expectations, driving operational efficiencies, and signaling key trends in the evolution of smart living environments. We are excited to highlight this new initiative at Smart Spaces." Parks Associates will present the winners of the 2025 Property Innovation Awards during Smart Spaces. Throughout the conference, Parks Associates presents new research on bulk broadband, managed Wi-Fi, and smart home technologiesincluding access control, energy management, and network supporthighlighting key drivers of connectivity in multidwelling and hospitality environments. These insights set the foundation for strategic discussions on opportunities and challenges in smart apartments and connected guest experience. Conference sessions: Wi-Fi-Ready Experiences: Unlocking Networking Integration, Centralization, & The Value of Platforms Navigating Changing Regulations InsurTech and Multifamily Impact of AI on Multifamily PropTech ROI: Revenue, NOI & Long-Term Value Building Value and Transformation: Smart Spaces PropTech: Impact on Property Management, Staff, Maintenance Access Control: Security, Convenience, and Innovation Tech Deployment & Management: Learning from the Hotel & Hospitality Sectors Senior & Assisted Living Energy Management: The Business of Smart Efficiency Future-Proofing Real Estate: Smart Investments for Long-Term Growth Smart Spaces provides a platform for industry professionals to engage in discussions, hear trending industry and consumer data, network, and collaborate with peers. Registration is open. To schedule an interview with an analyst or to request specific data, please contact Mindi Sue Sternblitz-Rubenstein, [email protected], 972-490-1113. About Smart Spaces Smart Spaces, hosted by international research firm Parks Associates, brings together property owners, building managers, and technology leaders to discuss the innovations in the multidwelling and hospitality environments. Building on a high-performing broadband backbone, MDU property managers can leverage connected devices and smart platforms that integrate connected solutions to streamline property management tasks and lower operating costs, attract and retain residents, and increase rental revenues. The event features consumer research, informative sessions, and networking opportunities for building executives, service providers, and hardware, middleware, and software providers enabling the next generation of solutions for the consumer, MDU, and public spaces. Follow Parks Associates on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. Mindi Sue Sternblitz-Rubenstein Parks Associates 972.490.1113 [email protected] SOURCE Parks Associates The Florida-based nonprofit is joining forces with Christina's Courage while also welcoming a two-month-old kit KEY LARGO, Fla., June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pawsitive Beginnings, a growing fox rescue program in Key Largo, Florida, continues to develop its animal-assisted therapy network by announcing a new partnership with Christina's Courage, a victim-centered support service program for sexual violence survivors in Monroe County, Florida. Pawsitive Beginnings, a growing fox rescue program in the Florida Keys, expands its animal-assisted therapy network with new partner Christina's Courage and the addition of a two-month-old fox kit named Isla. "We believe in the connection between humans and animals and use our unique animal-assisted therapy program to provide hope and healing to trauma survivors in the Florida Keys," said Nicole Navarro, founder of Pawsitive Beginnings. "We hope our partnership with Christina's Courage will provide the victims of sexual violence with the therapeutic space these survivors and their counselors need to start the healing process. Our foxes have also overcome hardship and adversity and can serve as living examples of resilience." Christina's Courage is a sexual assault advocacy center serving the entire Florida Keys and is the first and only advocacy center of its kind in Monroe County. It provides a range of services for survivors of sexual violence, including forensic exams, advocacy, support, and free therapy. In addition to growing its therapy network, Pawsitive Beginnings is also adding new residents to its den. Recently, the fox rescue group adopted a two-month-old fox kit named Isla, whose story of survival will be added to assist in the therapy program. Isla was born to a vixen who was surrendered to another fox rescue group in Minnesota. Isla's mother was part of a large group of animals who had survived the exotic pet trade. Navarro said Penny, a longtime Pawsitive Beginnings fox resident, has "adopted" Isla as one of her own since the kit's arrival. "These animals cannot be returned to the wild for a variety of reasons that include their inability to blend into the wild and the fact that it is illegal to introduce non-native farmed foxes back into the environment," she said. "Because we believe that rehabilitation is possible for everyone, regardless of species, we feel partnering these foxes with other survivors of trauma is a win-win situation for everyone." In addition to Christina's Courage, Pawsitive Beginnings also partners with Kinder in the Keys, the Florida Keys Children's Shelter, Key Bridge, Inc. and Project Lighthouse to provide the free animal-assisted therapy program. However, Navarro said the group needs more sponsors so that it can remain available at no cost. Annual sponsorships are used to help fund partner visits and allow Pawsitive Beginnings to purchase items specific to the therapy program. Sponsors are also provided with complementary tickets to visit the sanctuary and attend fundraising events, and their name and company logo are prominently displayed on the rescue's website and communications. Currently, there are three sponsorship choices: Diamond, Platinum and Gold. For more information on how to become a sponsor or learn more about animal-assisted therapy, visit https://pawsitivebeginnings.org/animal-assisted-therapy. To donate to the fox rescue group, visit https://pawsitivebeginnings.org/ways-to-donate. They also have an Amazon Wish List they update regularly. Pawsitive Beginnings has received a Platinum Seal of Transparency from Guidestar.org and is rated a top nonprofit by Great Non-Profits. For more information on Pawsitive Beginnings, visit https://pawsitivebeginnings.org/. About Pawsitive Beginnings, Inc. Founded in 2020, Pawsitive Beginnings, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that provides a safe and nurturing permanent home for foxes rescued from the fur trade. The organization provides placement assistance for foxes in regions where fur farming is prevalent. Pawsitive Beginnings offers crucial animal-assisted therapy to at-risk youth and adults recovering from trauma. Additionally, we strive to create change through compassion by educating the public about fur farming and works to end the fur industry. For more information, please visit https://pawsitivebeginnings.org/. MEDIA CONTACT: Heather Ripley Ripley PR (865) 977-1973 [email protected] SOURCE Pawsitive Beginnings One of the world's most innovative agtech leaders strengthens focus on commercial scaling, technology deployment and global partnerships MINNEAPOLIS, June 5, 2025 Pivot Bio, one of the world's most innovative agtech leaders, today announced the expansion of its Growth Office, a strategic step to accelerate its commercial momentum and partnerships, digital transformation and market growth. Ryan Degnan, Pivot Bio Chief Growth Officer John Henkhaus The Growth Office now integrates corporate strategy, M&A, business development, growth operations, digital platforms and IT. This unified structure positions Pivot Bio to execute with greater precision across new markets, leveraging its leadership position to bring partners together, deploy digital tools to enable the channel in a new way and seek new acquisitions. The Growth Office is led by Chief Growth Officer Ryan Degnan. He'll be joined by John Henkhaus, a veteran in agriculture systems and microbial technologies, who has brought deep expertise to Pivot Bio over the last nearly seven years. In addition to his experience growing and scaling Pivot Bio, Henkhaus led business development for biologicals and seed applied solutions for approximately six years at Bayer Crop Science and spent 11 years as vice president, genome mapping for commercial and R&D at OpGen. His leadership in the Growth Office will further strengthen Pivot Bio's ability to build a network of technology partners and deploy revolutionary crop-nutrition products at scale. "As we continue to scale, this evolution sharpens our ability to operate as a platform connecting breakthrough innovation with the strategic partnerships, infrastructure and channels required to drive transformative impact," said Chris Abbott, CEO of Pivot Bio. "By merging strategy, partnerships and growth operations under one integrated function, Ryan, John and their team are building the foundation for powerful network effects that will accelerate adoption, expand our partner ecosystem and unlock long-term value across global agriculture." The team is advancing strategic partnerships across North and South America, including market-shaping initiatives in the United States and Brazil, where Pivot Bio is scaling its industry-leading microbial nitrogen solutions and unlocking new commercial opportunities. Founded in 2011, Pivot Bio has grown well beyond the startup company it once was, making this latest initiative one that will fuel its ongoing development and success. "Our focus is on building an integrated platform that delivers science-backed, capital-efficient growth," said Degnan. "The Growth Office is a launchpad for strategic initiatives and partnerships that combine breakthrough technology, global market reach, strong commercial execution and a digitally enabled platform approach." The company's acreage has been growing year after year, as have its investors, supporters and accolades. In 2025 alone, the company was commended by TIME magazine and MIT, at the same time having its patented formula validated by a peer-reviewed university study. "Pivot Bio's approach to innovation, grounded in real science and built for real-world applications, is what drew me to the company nearly seven years ago," said Henkhaus. "Over the past 18 months, Pivot Bio has been participating in exciting conversations with some of the largest and most successful companies in our industry. Very few companies in the history of ag have scaled from idea to broad commercial adoption as quickly as Pivot Bio has, and we are just getting started. There's a massive opportunity to transform how growers access and apply crop nutrition technologies, and a large number of partners want to be on this journey with us. I'm excited to help lead the next wave of biological and digital solutions that deliver both productivity and resilience for agriculture worldwide." This expansion reflects Pivot Bio's continued momentum as it redefines how global agriculture feeds, clothes and fuels the world more sustainably, more profitably and more reliably. About Pivot Bio Pivot Bio, one of the world's leading innovative agtech companies, delivers to farmers patented crop nutrition technologies that harness the power of nature to reliably and productively grow the food the world needs in the face of increasing volatility. Currently available in North America and soon in Brazil, the company's products are a breakthrough innovation and one of the agriculture industry's most promising climate solutions. Pivot Bio has been recognized three times by TIME magazine on its annual list of best inventions, by Fast Company on its World Changing Ideas and World's 50 Most Innovative Companies lists, by CNBC on its Disruptor 50 list of private companies, by Fortune on its Impact 20 list of startups driving social good, and by MIT Tech Review as one of 15 climate-tech companies to watch. For more information, visit pivotbio.com. SOURCE Pivot Bio, Inc The Second Edition Brings Together Top 5 Bartenders to Las Vegas for First-Ever Live Competition LAS VEGAS, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As the 8th edition of National Prosecco Week continues, Consorzio Tutela Prosecco DOC is thrilled to announce the results and success of the first LIVE National Prosecco Week Cocktail Competition, hosted in Las Vegas in collaboration with the United States Bartenders' Guild (USBG). Bartenders across the US were invited to craft their most creative cocktail using America's favorite sparkling wine, Prosecco DOC. After reviewing the many creative entries into the competition, USBG judges scored the following as the top 5 cocktails: Lustro, by Kilo Filipushko of Brooklyn, NY Sparkling Sonata in DOC, by Aakash Gala of Washington, DC When the Spritz Hits the Fan, by Alex Taylor of Millville, DE Sogno le Prugne, by Nicola Tolosa of Chicago, IL A Gift From Gaia, by Lauren Pellecchia of Loveland, OH The top-5 voted bartenders were flown to Las Vegas, where they presented their signature Prosecco DOC cocktails at local cocktail bar Jammyland to an excited audience of media and trade professionals. A panel of local judges evaluated the submissions, based on flavor, craftsmanship, and originality, ultimately selecting "A Gift From Gaia" by Lauren Pellecchia as the Overall Winner of the 2025 National Prosecco Week Cocktail Competition. Secondly, "Lustro" by Kilo Filipushko was determined the People's Choice Winner, based on a combination of votes from guests in attendance and votes from the Social Media Blitz, where bartenders were able to guide their followers to vote for them on the National Prosecco Week Website . "We are proud to celebrate the second year of our partnership with the United States Bartenders' Guild through this dynamic and engaging cocktail competition," said Luca Giavi, Director of the Consorzio Tutela Prosecco DOC. "Welcoming the top five finalists to Las Vegas for the first-ever live edition allowed us to see how passionately American bartenders embrace Prosecco DOC. Their creativity continues to show that Prosecco DOC is not only the world's most popular sparkling wine, but also as a key ingredient behind the bar." This year's live competition was a great success, and the event showed growth in participants and attendees from the 2024 virtual competition. The success of the event highlights Prosecco DOC's growth and continued popularity among trade and consumer audiences across America. For more information on National Prosecco Week, including details on participating retailers and event schedules, please visit https://nationalproseccoweek.com/ . National Prosecco Week will continue until June 8th. About National Prosecco Week National Prosecco Week is the premier U.S. celebration of Prosecco DOC, featuring nationwide e-commerce and retail promotions, a comprehensive digital media and marketing program, and dynamic media and influencer activations. The initiative aims to educate and excite American consumers and media about Prosecco DOC's versatility, quality, and rich heritage, reinforcing its position as the world's most popular sparkling wine. About USBG Founded in 1948, the United States Bartenders' Guild is the national, member-led not-for-profit association of bartenders and other hospitality professionals that unites and elevates the bar industry through education, community, and advocacy. Through its network, the USBG connects members with peer-to-peer learning, expert instruction, service projects, and skills-based competition, all while fostering a fun and healthy environment and reinforcing the importance of the 'third place' in neighborhoods across the country. SOURCE Prosecco DOC Dallas-Based Boutique Wealth Management Firm Honored for Planning Your Way Program in Practice Management Category DALLAS, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Prospera Financial Services, Inc. ("Prospera"), a wealth management firm supporting a nationwide network of independent financial advisors, today announced it has been selected as a 2025 WealthManagement.com Industry Awards finalist in the Practice Management division for broker-dealers with fewer than 1,000 advisors. In its 11th year, the "Wealthies" is the first awards program of its kind to honor outstanding achievements by companies, organizations and individuals that support financial advisor success. Prospera's Planning Your Way program was named as a finalist in the Practice Management category. Planning Your Way, offers four flexible service models with different levels of support from paraplanners. Advisors can access a slate of services, including a simple data-gathering discovery session led by a paraplanner, plan creation, presentations or a comprehensive relationship between the advisors and paraplanner in support of the end client. Additionally, Planning Your Way offers free financial planning software consultation for advisors considering a change in their planning software. "Planning Your Way is a direct response to what our advisors told us they needed - more flexibility, more support and less friction in delivering high-quality planning," said Tarah Williams, President & COO at Prospera. "We're proud to be recognized for a solution that truly helps advisors focus on what matters most: their clients." The WealthManagement.com Industry Awards recognize firms that demonstrate outstanding achievement in support of financial advisor success. Finalists had to define their initiative goals, results and how this elevated their advisor's experience. Winners will be announced at a Sept. 4 gala in New York. Prospera is a seven-time Wealthies winner and was most recently honored in 2023 in the Service and Digital Marketing Campaign of the Year categories. About Prospera Financial Services Founded in 1982, Prospera Financial Services, Member FINRA, SIPC and a registered investment advisory, offers the flexibility and resources only found at some of the nation's largest broker-dealers. Headquartered in Dallas, Prospera was named Broker-Dealer of the Year by Investment Advisor Magazine in 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2018 and 2019. Prospera is a 7-time winner and 12-time finalist for WealthManagement.com's Industry Awards as well as a ThinkAdvisor Luminaries award winner in its inaugural year. The firm supports independent financial advisors nationwide. For more information about Prospera, visit www.joinprospera.com. About WealthManagement.com WealthManagement.com, an Informa business, provides everything wealth professionals need to know to stay knowledgeable about the industry, build stronger relationships, improve their practice, and grow their business all from one site. Learn more about the WealthManagement Industry Awards at Events.WealthManagement.com. Media Contacts Donald Cutler or Lorene Yue Haven Tower Group LLC 424 317 4864 or 424 317 4854 [email protected] or [email protected] SOURCE Prospera Financial Services ATLANTA, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pye-Barker Fire & Safety the largest fully integrated and full-service fire protection, life safety and security services provider in the United States has acquired Colorado-based Extreme Fire Protection. Extreme Fire joins Pye-Barker's existing Denver-area fire protection and alarms teams, furthering Pye-Barker's commitment to complete life safety services for the surrounding community. Founded in 2006 by Dwon Lewis and his sons Shad, Cameron and Cullen, Extreme Fire Protection provides comprehensive fire sprinkler services for office buildings, retail, government, education, healthcare and multi-family properties. The team expertly manages the entire process from preconstruction planning through complete system installation and ongoing inspections, testing and maintenance. Extreme Fire Protection is known for its commitment to safety, quality craftmanship and customer service. Elevating the next generation of fire protection professionals, the company supports college programs and trade associations that further their mission to protect. "Extreme Fire Protection Company pursues excellence in fire sprinkler services at every turn, and we're grateful for the opportunity to bring the full team into the Pye-Barker fold," said Bart Proctor, CEO of Pye-Barker Fire & Safety. "We have been deeply impressed to see them uphold values of teamwork, safety, premium customer service and community support to safeguard people and property." "We have always had a 'whatever it takes' mentality, placing great importance on serving our community with the highest quality systems to protect lives and livelihoods," said Dwon Lewis, president of Extreme Fire Protection. "We're excited for the opportunity to become a part of something bigger at Pye-Barker, where we will be able to continue ensuring the safety of our fellow Coloradans and further our services with the support of such a trusted fire safety company." Extreme Fire Protection's team of skilled technicians will continue to serve customers in Colorado. Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, LLP represented Pye-Barker in the transaction. About Pye-Barker Fire & Safety The U.S. leader in fully integrated life safety systems, Pye-Barker Fire & Safety provides complete fire protection and security systems nationwide. With over 250 locations and 8,000 team members, Pye-Barker ranks No. 849 on the Inc. 5000 and No. 4 on the SDM 100. Visit pyebarkerfs.com/acquisitions to learn why we're the industry's acquirer of choice. Contact: Rod DiBona EVP, Business Development M&A [email protected] Media Contact: James Taylor [email protected] SOURCE Pye-Barker Fire & Safety RSGS Expands to Better Serve Industry and Government Customers STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich., June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- We are excited to announce the opening of our new RSGS office in Sterling Heights, Michigan. This expansion marks a significant milestone in our journey, reflecting our commitment to providing exceptional service to our industry and government customers, while fostering growth within the Michigan defense community. By establishing a stronger presence in Michigan, we are enhancing our capabilities and resources to better meet customer needs. The Sterling Heights location also establishes a fully sovereign U.S. operation, reinforcing our long-term commitment to American defense priorities and generating new job opportunities. "The opening of our Michigan office demonstrates that RSGS continues to invest in the long-term needs of a robust Americanization effort focused on cutting-edge technologies to support our warfighters. Our focus is to work closely with both our industry and government customers in a collaborative nature to ensure we deliver capabilities critical to the fight." LTG (Ret.) Joseph Anderson, President & CEO, RSGS Our Michigan team consists of seasoned professionals with over 60 years of combined experience in the active protection systems community. Leading the team is Marc Shepard, Vice President and General Manager, who joined RSGS on May 1, 2025, bringing with him 23 years of defense industry experience. "We're excited to be in Michigan and closer to the customers and partners who are shaping the future of defense. Our team is eager to contribute to the region's strong innovation ecosystem and deliver solutions that matter." Marc Shepard, VP and GM, RSGS We are strategically located in the heart of Michigan's defense corridor in Sterling Heights. This location ensures close proximity and accessibility to our government customers, prime contractors, and key partners. The exceptional support provided by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) Office for Defense and Aerospace Innovation (ODAI), Macomb County, and the City of Sterling Heights has been instrumental in RSGS's successful launch in the state. "We are pleased to welcome RSGS into the Michigan ecosystem and look forward to partnering with them further. They are going to be a great asset to the defense community in Macomb County," Jeanne Schabath-Lewis, Stakeholder Engagement Director at the Michigan Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation. We look forward to this exciting new chapter and to forging strong partnerships across Michigan as we deliver mission-critical capabilities to support and protect our nation's warfighters. SOURCE Rafael Systems Global Sustainment PORTLAOISE, Ireland, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- To honour the 10th anniversary of the death of legendary actor and vocalist Sir Christopher Lee, Ireland based composer Damien Cain has re-released a forgotten gem: their 2006 collaboration, 'Elenore'. Originally recorded at the iconic Townhouse Studios in London, 'Elenore' is a philharmonic crossover piece blending classical orchestration with modern lyrical drama. The work is a powerful musical interpretation of Edgar Allan Poe's haunting poem 'The Raven', brought to life by the unmistakable voice of Christopher Lee and the lush soundscapes of Das Berliner Filmorchester, conducted by Christian Hagitte. "Elenore is not just a song it's a theatrical experience," says Cain. "Christopher's voice turns Poe's verse into something both intimate and apocalyptic. The fact that this track was nearly lost makes it feel even more urgent to share now." Lee, best known for his towering presence in cinema ('The Lord of the Rings', 'Dracula', 'Star Wars'), also had a surprising musical career from opera and spoken word to collaborations with symphonic and metal bands. 'Elenore' stands out as one of his most poetic and cinematic recordings. 'Elenore' is now available on all music-download and streaming platforms: https://damiencain.lnk.to/Elenore Lyric Video available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9LMMq3iUE7A About Sir Christopher Lee Sir Christopher Lee (19222015) was one of Britain's most iconic actors, with a career spanning nearly seven decades. Beyond his legendary screen roles, Lee explored music with notable releases in symphonic metal, opera, and classical narration, carving out a unique legacy as both an actor and recording artist. About Damien Cain Damien Cain, a German composer living in Ireland, is producer, and songwriter known for blending classical elements with modern storytelling. His past work spans gothic and rock albums, concept albums, and even musicals. He is currently preparing for the release of a new studio album in autumn 2025. More at www.damiencain.com. Contact: Marc Sieper ***@apagar.de Photos: https://www.prlog.org/13080243 Press release distributed by PRLog SOURCE Audio-To-Go Publishing Ltd. By integrating with SAP SuccessFactors, Reejig helps enterprises navigate AI-driven workforce transformation at scale and close the skills-work gap. NEW YORK, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Reejig , the pioneer of AI-powered Work Intelligence, today announced its work intelligence solutions are now available on the SAP Store , the online marketplace for SAP and partner offerings. Reejig integrating with SAP SuccessFactors enables enterprises to move beyond traditional skills tracking and embrace Work Intelligencea revolutionary approach that aligns workforce skills with the real, evolving nature of work and tasks in an AI-driven world. "We're seeing a growing gap between technological adoption and workforce readiness as AI becomes a core part of how businesses operate," said Siobhan Savage, CEO and Co-Founder of Reejig. "By joining the SAP SuccessFactors ecosystem, we're empowering organizations to not only keep up with AI, but to design work around it. We're ensuring businesses unlock the full potential of AI and human expertise together, creating a world with zero wasted potential." Reejig's Work Intelligence offers a data-driven approach to workforce redesign and optimization by unifying workforce data from any source into a skills-based framework. With AI-powered insights, businesses can proactively evolve job roles, workflows, and skill development strategies to ensure all employees can thrive in an AI-augmented workplace. Reejig's integration with SAP SuccessFactors enables customers to: Create a universal skills language based on the work and tasks being done across the business based on the work and tasks being done across the business Make work visible across their organization through visibility into jobs, tasks, and the associated skills across their organization through visibility into jobs, tasks, and the associated skills Re-engineer roles and workflows to take advantage of AI while evolving how work changes over time to take advantage of AI while evolving how work changes over time Transform jobs and processes through a deep understanding of the AI impact on jobs and skills through a deep understanding of the AI impact on jobs and skills Make data-driven skill development investments to future-proof employees' careers and ensure long-term business success SAP Store, found at store.sap.com, delivers a simplified and connected digital customer experience for finding, trying, buying and renewing more than 2,300 solutions from SAP and its partners. There, customers can find the SAP solutions and SAP-validated solutions they need to grow their business. And for each purchase made through SAP Store, SAP will plant a tree. Reejig is a partner in the SAP PartnerEdge program. The SAP PartnerEdge program provides the enablement tools, benefits and support to facilitate building high-quality, disruptive applications focused on specific business needs quickly and cost-effectively. To learn more about Reejig and its work intelligence solutions, please visit reejig.com. About Reejig Reejig is a force for workforce transformation in the AI era. Our Work Intelligence platform empowers organizations to boldly reinvent how work gets done, helping businesses thrive, individuals maximize their potential, and societies prosper. Through intelligent work orchestration, we're proving that AI isn't here to replaceit's here to empower. This is what we call Zero Wasted Potential. SAP and other SAP products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP SE in Germany and other countries. Please see https://www.sap.com/copyright for additional trademark information and notices. All other product and service names mentioned are the trademarks of their respective companies. SOURCE Reejig LIMA, Peru, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Republic of Peru ("Peru") announced today the commencement of offers to (i) exchange certain of Peru's outstanding sovereign bonds or bonos soberanos (the "Existing Bonos Soberanos"), including bonos soberanos in the form of Global Depositary Notes (each, a "GDN") previously issued by Citibank, N.A., as depositary (the "Existing GDNs" and, together with the Existing Bonos Soberanos, the "Existing Bonds") for a new series of Sol-Denominated sovereign bonds or bonos soberanos (the "New Bonos Soberanos") (including new GDNs (the "New GDNs" and, together with the New Bonos Soberanos, the "New Bonds")) (collectively, the "Exchange Offers" and each, an "Exchange Offer") and/or (ii) purchase for cash the Existing Bonds (collectively, the "Cash Tender Offers" and each, a "Cash Tender Offer"), as provided in the table below. The Exchange Offers and Cash Tender Offers are referred to collectively herein as the "Offers." The Offers are being conducted upon terms and subject to certain conditions set forth in the Exchange and Tender Offering Memorandum dated June 5, 2025. Existing Bonds Outstanding Aggregate Principal Amount as of June 5, 2025 (1) Purchase Price(2)(4) Exchange Consideration(2)(4) 8.200% Bonos Soberanos due 2026 S/3,939,274,000 S/1,047.992 To be announced 8.200% GDNs due 2026(3) S/1,046.992 To be announced 6.350% Bonos Soberanos due 2028 S/7,229,344,000 S/1,072.846 To be announced 6.350% GDNs due 2028(3) S/1,071.846 To be announced 5.940% Bonos Soberanos due 2029 S/13,183,729,000 S/1,059.270 To be announced 5.940% GDNs due 2029(3) S/1,058.270 To be announced 6.950% Bonos Soberanos due 2031 S/19,584,657,000 S/1,091.851 To be announced 6.950% GDNs due 2031(3) S/1,090.851 To be announced ________________ (1) These amounts may include Existing Bonds held by institutions and companies controlled by the Peruvian Government that have not been cancelled. (2) Purchase Price or Exchange Consideration per S/1,000 principal amount of the Existing Bonos Soberanos validly tendered and accepted for purchase or exchange, as applicable. (3) Issued by Citibank, N.A., as the depositary. (4) Each GDN represents one Bono Soberano of S/1,000 in principal amount. The Purchase Prices of Existing GDNs reflect fees associated with the cancellation of the Existing GDNs payable to Citibank, N.A., as the depositary. The Exchange Consideration for the Existing GDNs will not reflect such fees. In the Cash Tender Offers, the price (the "Purchase Price") payable per S/1,000 principal amount for each series of Existing Bonds, that are tendered by holders and accepted pursuant to the Offers is provided in the table above. In the Exchange Offers, the exchange consideration (the "Exchange Consideration") offered for each S/1,000 principal amount of Existing Bonds is the applicable principal amount of New Bonds to be announced by Peru as soon as reasonably practicable after the pricing of the New Bonds being concurrently offered for cash, via a press release to the news media. The coupon for the New Bonds will be announced at the same time. In the Exchange Offers, Existing Bonds in the form of bonos soberanos may only be exchanged for New Bonds in the form of bonos soberanos, and Existing Bonds in the form of GDNs may only be exchanged for New Bonds in the form of GDNs. Pursuant to the Cash Tender Offers, Existing Bonds in the form of bonos soberanos that are accepted for purchase will be paid for in Soles, and Existing Bonds in the form of GDNs that are accepted for purchase will be paid for in U.S. dollars. Holders whose Existing Bonds are validly exchanged or tendered and accepted for exchange or purchase pursuant to the Offers will also receive an amount in cash equal to any Accrued Interest (as defined in the Exchange and Tender Offering Memorandum) on their Existing Bonds. The Purchase Price, Accrued Interest and Cash Rounding Amount (as defined in the Exchange and Tender Offering Memorandum), as applicable, of the Existing Bonds tendered and accepted in the form of GDNs will be calculated by converting the applicable Soles amounts to U.S. dollars, at the average rate between the bid price (compra) and the offer price (venta) of the exchange rate published by the Superintendencia de Banca, Seguros y AFP on its website (http://www.sbs.gob.pe) at the close of business on the business day prior to the Expiration Date, as adjusted for three decimals. THE OFFERS WILL COMMENCE AT APPROXIMATELY 8:00 A.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON JUNE 5, 2025. THE OFFERS WILL EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON JUNE 11, 2025, UNLESS EXTENDED OR EARLIER TERMINATED BY PERU, IN ITS SOLE DISCRETION (THE "EXPIRATION DATE"). Each offer to exchange and each tender for purchase for any series of Existing Bonds is made as a separate, independent offer. The Offers are not conditioned upon any minimum participation of any series of Existing Bonds. Peru reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, not to accept some or all Existing Bonds tendered in any Exchange Offer or Cash Tender Offer in respect of one or more series of Existing Bonds, and any Offer may be subject to proration at the sole discretion of Peru. In addition, Peru reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion to modify in any manner, any of the terms and conditions of the Offers. Peru will determine a maximum exchange amount and a maximum purchase amount for the Exchange Offers and Cash Tender Offers, respectively, as part of this process. Tenders and exchanges of Existing GDNs must be submitted through a direct participant in the Depository Trust Company ("DTC"). The direct participant through which such holder holds its Existing GDNs must submit their tenders and exchanges, prior to the Expiration Date to tender or exchange Existing GDNs, by properly instructing DTC through the DTC Automated Tender Offer Program ("ATOP"). Holders whose GDNs are held through Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V., as operator of the Euroclear System or Clearstream Banking, S.A. must provide instructions for the use of ATOP and observe their applicable deadlines. Tenders and exchanges of Existing Bonos Soberanos are to be made by holders to the account of the Ministry of Economy and Finance (the "MEF") at CAVALI S.A. ICLV ("CAVALI") under reference code 426, all in accordance with the procedures specified in the Exchange and Tender Offering Memorandum. The MEF and Santander must be notified of such tender or exchange. Tendering and exchanging holders are responsible for arranging the delivery of their Existing Bonos Soberanos through CAVALI's WARI platform. Please contact Santander ( [email protected] ) for detailed instructions on how to participate. Tenders and exchanges of Existing Bonds through a custodian may not be submitted directly. Holders who wish to tender or exchange must contact their custodians to tender or exchange on their behalf. Existing GDNs tendered pursuant to the Offers may only be withdrawn prior to the Withdrawal Deadline (as defined in the Exchange and Tender Offering Memorandum) in accordance with the procedures specified in the Exchange and Tender Offering Memorandum. Peru is making the Offers only in those jurisdictions where it is legal to do so. The Offers are void in all jurisdictions where such Offers are prohibited. If materials relating to the Offers come into your possession, you are required by Peru to inform yourself of and to observe all of these restrictions. The New Bonds have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") or any state securities laws. Accordingly, the Offers will only be directed, and copies of the offering documents will only be made available, to a holder of the Existing Bonds who has certified its status as (1) a "qualified institutional buyer" in reliance on Rule 144A under the Securities Act or (2) outside of the United States of America non-U.S persons in offshore transactions in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act. Terms used in this paragraph have the meanings given to them by Rule 144A and Regulation S under the Securities Act. Only holders who have properly completed and submitted the Eligibility Certification are authorized to receive and review the Exchange and Tender Offering Memorandum. Holders may obtain the Eligibility Certification by contacting the Tender, Exchange and Information Agent per its contact details below. The materials relating to the Offers do not constitute, and may not be used in connection with, an offer or solicitation in any place where offers or solicitations are not permitted by law. FURTHER INFORMATION The Tender, Exchange and Information Agent for the Offers is: Global Bondholder Services Corporation 65 Broadway Suite 404 New York, NY 10006 United States of America Attention: Corporate Actions Banks and Brokers call: (212) 430-3774 Toll free: (855) 654-2015 Email: [email protected] https://gbsc-usa.com/eligibility/peru The Peruvian Market Maker for the Offers is: Banco Santander Peru S.A. Av. Rivera Navarrete 475 Piso 14, San Isidro, Lima, Peru Email: [email protected] The Issuer for the Offers is: Ministerio de Economia y Finanzas del Peru Jr. Junin No. 319 Lima, Peru Email: [email protected] DISCLAIMER The Exchange and Tender Offering Memorandum is not for release, publication or distribution to any person located or resident in any jurisdiction where it is unlawful to distribute the Exchange and Tender Offering Memorandum. Persons into whose possession any Exchange and Tender Offering Memorandum comes are required by Peru, the Dealer Managers and the Tender, Exchange and Information Agent to inform themselves about, and to observe, any such restrictions. This announcement is neither an offer to purchase nor the solicitation of an offer to sell any of the securities described herein, nor shall there be any offer or sale of such securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The Offers are made solely pursuant to the Exchange and Tender Offering Memorandum dated the date hereof. This announcement is for distribution only to persons who (i) have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (as amended, the "Order"), (ii) are persons falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) ("high net worth companies, unincorporated associations etc.") of the Order, (iii) are persons falling within Article 43 of the Order, (iv) are outside the United Kingdom, or (v) are persons to whom an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000) may otherwise lawfully be communicated or caused to be communicated (all such persons together being referred to as "relevant persons"). This announcement is directed only at relevant persons and must not be acted on or relied on by persons who are not relevant persons. Any investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to relevant persons and will be engaged in only with relevant persons. This announcement must be read in conjunction with the Exchange and Tender Offering Memorandum. This announcement and the Exchange and Tender Offering Memorandum contain important information which should be read carefully before any decision is made with respect to any Offer. If any holder of Existing Bonds is in any doubt as to the action it should take, it is recommended that such holder seek its own financial and legal advice, including as to any tax consequences, immediately from its stockbroker, bank manager, attorney, accountant or other independent financial or legal adviser. None of Peru, the Dealer Managers or the Tender, Exchange and Information Agent makes any recommendation as to whether holders of Existing Bonos Soberanos or Existing GDNs should tender or exchange Existing Bonos Soberanos or Existing GDNs or participate in the Offers. This announcement contains forward-looking statements and information that is necessarily subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. No assurance can be given that the transactions described herein will be consummated or as to the terms of any such transactions. Peru assumes no obligation to update or correct the information contained in this announcement. SOURCE Republic of Peru SAN FRANCISCO, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The San Francisco Community Clinic Consortium (SFCCC) will host its 42nd Anniversary Gala on Thursday, June 5th, 2025, at the historic Green Room at the San Francisco War Memorial. The evening will bring together leaders in healthcare, public service, and community advocacy to celebrate the people and programs advancing health equity in San Francisco. This year's gala honors three awardees who exemplify the spirit of community health: Senator Scott Wiener will be recognized for his tireless legislative work to expand access to care, protect LGBTQ+ rights, and strengthen California's healthcare system. Senator Wiener's advocacy has been instrumental in safeguarding the state's safety net during a time of growing need and budget uncertainty. will be recognized for his tireless legislative work to expand access to care, protect LGBTQ+ rights, and strengthen healthcare system. Senator Wiener's advocacy has been instrumental in safeguarding the state's safety net during a time of growing need and budget uncertainty. Drs. Richard and Tricia Gibbs will be celebrated for over 30 years of service to the community through the San Francisco Free Clinic, which they co-founded in 1993 to deliver free, high-quality medical care to uninsured individuals, while advancing the field of primary care by providing educational opportunities for future medical practitioners. will be celebrated for over 30 years of service to the community through the San Francisco Free Clinic, which they co-founded in 1993 to deliver free, high-quality medical care to uninsured individuals, while advancing the field of primary care by providing educational opportunities for future medical practitioners. City College of San Francisco's Community Health Worker (CHW) Program will be honored for their contributions to the local healthcare workforce, and their partnership in SFCCC's CHW program. Since 1992, the program has trained frontline workers rooted in the communities they serve, many of whom are employed in SFCCC's member clinics. The event will feature food, drinks, and a short program, including the premiere of SFCCC's new video spotlighting our Community Health Worker program. As SFCCC and its 12 member clinics navigate a challenging landscape, the gala is a chance to reflect and celebrate all we've accomplished over the last year and commit to a more just future. All proceeds support SFCCC's work to expand access, strengthen community-based care, and build a healthier San Francisco for all. About SFCCC: San Francisco Community Clinic Consortium is a partnership of nonprofit health centers dedicated to bridging the gap in access to compassionate, inclusive, and comprehensive healthcare for San Francisco's diverse communities. Media Contact: Mira Levy, [email protected] SOURCE San Francisco Community Clinic Consortium WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif., June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sierra Northern Railway (SERA) today received the West Sacramento Civic Leadership Award for Progress for its recent success in developing the first four-axle hydrogen-fueled zero-emission switching locomotive. The award was presented by West Sacramento Mayor Martha Guerrero at the annual West Sacramento State of the City event. The Civic Leadership Award for Progress recognizes those who continue to make West Sacramento, year after year, a great place to live, work, and play. Sierra Northern Railway (SERA) on April 8, 2025, announced it successfully completed testing of the first four-axle hydrogen-fueled, zero-emission switching locomotive in West Sacramento, Calif. Sierra Northern Railway zero-Emission hydrogen switcher locomotive. Sierra Northern, based in West Sacramento, on April 8, 2025, received industrywide attention when the company announced that it had successfully completed testing in West Sacramento of the first four-axle zero-emission hydrogen-fueled switching locomotive. That successful test puts hydrogen-fueled locomotives within realistic commercial reach for the short line industry in California and around the world. "We're very excited about the cutting-edge work Sierra Northern Railway is doing in West Sacramento that will provide huge benefits to our own community, and many others throughout California and elsewhere," said Mayor Guerrero. "Sierra Northern is the type of company we want here, and we look forward to supporting its continued efforts." Expanded use of hydrogen-fueled switching locomotives will help improve local air quality, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, noise, and odors for communities where short lines operate. Most switcher locomotives in California use an average of approximately 50,000 gallons of diesel fuel per year, potentially leading to an annual statewide reduction of more than 12 million gallons, about the same amount of fuel used each year by 20,000 light-duty vehicles. "We're extremely pleased to have our hard work on the hydrogen-fueled switching locomotive recognized by the City of West Sacramento," said Ken Beard, CEO of Sierra Northern. "It's nice to know we have strong local backing as we push to dramatically expand the use of this environmentally beneficial technology that we believe will fundamentally change our industry for the better." Sierra Northern's hydrogen-fueled switching locomotive project was funded through a $4 million grant from the California Energy Commission and administered through GTI Energy. Other funding partners include the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District, SoCalGas, and the Low-Carbon Resources Initiative. Other project partners include Velocity Strategies, Railpower Tech, WHA International, Inc., OptiFuel Systems, Ballard Power Systems, UC Riverside, and Valley Vision. Sierra Northern has started the process to assemble and test three additional hydrogen-fueled switching locomotives in West Sacramento with funding from the California State Transportation Agency. That project will be administered through the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District with technical leadership from Railpower, Inc. When the CalSTA project is completed in late 2027, it will expand Sierra Northern's hydrogen-fueled switching locomotive fleet to four and pave the way for the company to eventually convert its entire fleet of 40 switchers, and potentially all 260 switchers estimated to be in use statewide. Sierra Northern Railway (https://www.sierranorthern.com) is the freight division of privately owned Sierra Railroad Company, which also is the principal owner of Sierra Energy Corporation that has developed a proprietary waste-to-clean hydrogen technology: FastOx gasification. Sierra Northern Railway currently operates approximately 75 miles of track in Northern California and 30 miles of track in Southern California, including through several prime industrial areas, and serves a wide variety of customers while interchanging with BNSF Railway and Union Pacific Railroad. SOURCE Sierra Energy Corporation DELRAY BEACH, Fla., June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Smart Warehousing Market is expected to significantly increase in size from USD 31.21 billion in 2025 to USD 46.42 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 8.3% during the forecast period, according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. The smart warehousing industry is rapidly evolving due to increasing demand for automation and real-time inventory management. Advances in IoT, AI, and robotics are driving efficiency by reducing human error and operational costs. Additionally, the push toward faster delivery times and e-commerce growth encourages warehouses to adopt smart technologies. This shift transforms traditional storage into highly connected, intelligent systems that optimize space and workflow dynamically. Browse in-depth TOC on "Smart Warehousing Market" 339 Tables 64 - Figures 337 Pages Download PDF Brochure @ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=199732421 Scope of the Report Report Metrics Details Market Size Available for Years 20202030 Base Year Considered 2024 Forecast Period 20252030 Forecast Units USD Billion Segments Covered Offering, Warehouse Size, Technology, and Vertical Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, Latin America Companies Covered Manhattan Associates (US), Korber (Germany), Oracle (US), SAP (Germany), Tecsys (Canada), PSI Logistics (Germany), Samsung SDS (South Korea), Reply (Italy), Infor (US), IBM (US), Blue Yonder (US), Generix Group (France), Microlistics (Australia), ABB (Switzerland), Microsoft (US), Epicor (US), Made4net (US), Mantis (Greece), Softeon (US), Synergy Logistics (UK), E2open (US), Vinculum (India), Mecalux (Spain), SSI Schaefer (Germany), Dematic (US), Honeywell (US), Swisslog (Switzerland), Daifuku (Japan), WareIQ (India), Foysonis (US), Increff (India), Locus Robotics (US), ShipHero (US), Cin7 Orderhive (New Zealand), EasyEcom (India), Unicommerce (India), IAM Robotics (US), Logiwa (US), GreyOrange (India), RightHand Robotics (US), Magazino (Germany), Covariant (US), Attabotics (Canada), Geek+ (China), Nomagic (Poland), and Plus One Robotics (US) Services segment by offering is poised for the fastest growth during the forecast period The services segment in the Smart Warehousing Market is expected to grow fast during the forecast period due to increasing demand for system integration, maintenance, and support services. As companies adopt IoT, AI, and robotics, expert services are needed to implement and manage these systems effectively. Additionally, the shift to cloud-based solutions drives demand for ongoing technical support. Customization and scalability offered through services also appeal to businesses seeking agile operations. This makes services essential for optimizing smart warehouse performance. Request Sample Pages@ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=199732421 Robotics & Automation Technology will register the largest market share during the forecast period The robotics and automation technology segment is expected to register the largest market share in the Smart Warehousing Market due to its ability to significantly improve operational efficiency, reduce labor costs, and enhance accuracy in inventory management. As e-commerce and omnichannel retailing grow, the demand for faster order fulfillment and real-time inventory tracking increases, driving the adoption of automated systems such as autonomous mobile robots and robotic picking solutions. These technologies streamline repetitive tasks, minimize human error, and enable 24/7 operations, making them indispensable for modern warehouses. North America is projected to hold the largest market share during the forecast period North America is projected to dominate the Smart Warehousing Market due to its early adoption of IoT, AI, and robotics. The region has a strong presence of key market players and a well-established logistics infrastructure. High e-commerce penetration drives demand for efficient and automated warehousing solutions. Additionally, significant investments in digital transformation and supply chain optimization support market growth. Government initiatives and favorable policies also contribute to technological advancements in the sector. Inquire Before Buying@ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=199732421 Top Key Companies in Smart Warehousing Market: The key players in the Smart Warehousing Market are Manhattan Associates (US), Korber (Germany), Oracle (US), SAP (Germany), Tecsys (Canada), PSI Logistics (Germany), Samsung SDS (South Korea), Reply (Italy), and Magazino (Germany). Browse Adjacent Markets: Software and Services Market Research Reports & Consulting Related Reports: Application Lifecycle Management Market - Global Forecast to 2029 Tax Tech Market - Global Forecast to 2030 Insurance Platform Market- Global Forecast to 2030 Embedded Finance Market- Global Forecast to 2029 Cloud ERP Market- Global Forecast to 2029 Get access to the latest updates on Smart Warehousing Companies and Smart Warehousing Industry About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets has been recognized as one of America's Best Management Consulting Firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. With the widest lens on emerging technologies, we are proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients across the globe. Today, 80% of Fortune 2000 companies rely on MarketsandMarkets, and 90 of the top 100 companies in each sector trust us to accelerate their revenue growth. With a global clientele of over 13,000 organizations, we help businesses thrive in a disruptive ecosystem. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion in new revenue streams that are replacing existing ones within this decade. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing. Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we collaborate with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies to keep them future-ready. Our insights and strategies are powered by industry experts, cutting-edge AI, and our Market Intelligence Cloud, KnowledgeStore, which integrates research and provides ecosystem-wide visibility into revenue shifts. To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarkets.com or follow us on Twitter , LinkedIn and Facebook . Contact: Mr. Rohan Salgarkar MarketsandMarkets INC. 1615 South Congress Ave. Suite 103, Delray Beach, FL 33445 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: [email protected] Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1868219/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg SOURCE MarketsandMarkets COLUMBIA, S.C., June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- South University, Columbia is pleased to announce Dr. Kim Moore as the distinguished speaker for its 2025 commencement ceremony, to be held on Friday, June 6. Dr. Moore is the first Black woman to serve as Superintendent of Richland School District TwoSouth Carolina's fifth-largest school districtand was recently honored with the 2024 Education Award by the NAACP's local branch. She will address more than 1,000 graduates, faculty, staff, and guests during the ceremony at the Richland Two Institute of Innovation's Performing Arts Center. "We are thrilled to have Dr. Moore address our graduating class," said Dr. Deborah Harris-Sims, Campus Director and Dean of Academic Affairs at South University, Columbia. "Her exceptional career, spanning military service and educational leadership, reflects the values of purpose, service, and leadership that we instill in our students." Before assuming her current role, Dr. Moore served as Assistant Superintendent in Florida's Pasco County School District, where she led workforce development initiatives. Her earlier military career included a specialization in nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons, culminating in a strategic role at the Pentagon as Assistant for Negotiations in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Dr. Moore holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. "Dr. Moore's journey is a powerful reminder of what's possible through service and lifelong learning," said Dr. Harris-Sims. "We know her words will inspire our graduates as they begin their own impact-driven careers." The 2025 commencement ceremony will be held at the Richland School District Two Performing Arts Center (763 Fashion Dr., Columbia, SC 29223), beginning at 2 p.m., and is expected to welcome more than 1,000 graduates, family members, faculty, and guests. About South University South University, founded in 1899, has grown from a single location in Savannah, Georgia, to serving over 10,000 students across 11 ground campuses and online curricula. The university offers a wide range of programs, from associate to doctoral levels, focusing on fields such as healthcare, business, and technology. Programs, credential levels, technology, and scheduling options vary by school and are subject to change. Not all programs are available to residents of all U.S. states. Administrative office: South University, 709 Mall Boulevard, Savannah, GA 31406-4805 2025 South University. All rights reserved. South University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. South University also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of South University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC's website ( www.sacscoc.org ). Media Contact: Juliette Haas [email protected] SOURCE South University BOGOTA, Colombia, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ecopetrol S.A. (BVC: ECOPETROL; NYSE: EC, the "Company") informs that S&P Global Ratings maintained the Company's global credit rating at BB+ as well as its negative outlook, as reported today, June 4, 2025. Additionally, the agency lowered the Company's Stand Alone Credit Profile (SACP) rating from bbb- to bb+. S&P mentioned that lower oil prices and exchange rate volatility have impacted the Company's financial performance during the last year, and it estimated that Ecopetrol's debt/EBITDA ratio would remain at a level above 2.0. The rating agency positively highlighted the Company's strategy, focused on growth prospects, reserve replenishment, and strengthening of the investment portfolio through business diversification and profitability margins. The assessment of the aforementioned factors, as well as other considerations included in the report supported an individual rating that is at the same level of the Company's overall rating. The full report issued by S&P, including the detailed rating rationale, can be found below: Ecopetrol is the largest company in Colombia and one of the main integrated energy companies in the American continent, with more than 19,000 employees. In Colombia, it is responsible for more than 60% of the hydrocarbon production of most transportation, logistics, and hydrocarbon refining systems, and it holds leading positions in the petrochemicals and gas distribution segments. With the acquisition of 51.4% of ISA's shares, the company participates in energy transmission, the management of real-time systems (XM), and the Barranquilla - Cartagena coastal highway concession. At the international level, Ecopetrol has a stake in strategic basins in the American continent, with Drilling and Exploration operations in the United States (Permian basin and the Gulf of Mexico), Brazil, and Mexico, and, through ISA and its subsidiaries, Ecopetrol holds leading positions in the power transmission business in Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Bolivia, road concessions in Chile, and the telecommunications sector. This release contains statements that may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All forward-looking statements, whether made in this release or in future filings or press releases, or orally, address matters that involve risks and uncertainties, including in respect of the Company's prospects for growth and its ongoing access to capital to fund the Company's business plan, among others. Consequently, changes in the following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those included in the forward-looking statements: market prices of oil & gas, our exploration, and production activities, market conditions, applicable regulations, the exchange rate, the Company's competitiveness and the performance of Colombia's economy and industry, to mention a few. We do not intend and do not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements. For more information, please contact: Head of Capital Markets Carolina Tovar Aragon Email: [email protected] Head of Corporate Communications (Colombia) Marcela Ulloa Email: [email protected] SOURCE Ecopetrol S.A. SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc. (SBS), the largest minority-owned Hispanic media company in the U.S., has entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement for the sale of WVEO(DT), WTCV(DT), and WVOZ-TV Puerto Rico to Word of God Fellowship, Inc., a Christian faith-based broadcast owner-operator known as Daystar Television Network. This strategic sale reinforces SBS's focus on its core audio and digital businesses, continuing SBS's industry-leading radio portfolio dominance (including the most-listened-to-and-streamed station in the nation, WSKQ-FM, in New York City), along with its digital platforms (among which is included the highest-rated Latino music streaming app, LaMusica) in further serving and empowering Hispanic audiences across the US and Puerto Rico footprints. "This transaction is a decisive step in our long-term strategy of expanding our core competencydelivering culturally resonant content through radio and digital channels that connect, entertain, and inform millions of Hispanics every day. This sale allows us to sharpen that focus and invest in our growth with unmatched expertise," commented SBS Chairman and CEO, Raul Alarcon. Daystar is honored to bring our faith-based channel "Daystar Espanol" to Puerto Rico through this signal, "We look forward to serving the island's communities with inspirational content and uplifting messages, continuing our mission of producing and providing quality television that will reach our viewers, refresh their lives, and renew their hearts," commented Joni Lamb, Daystar's President and CEO. SBS will retain its strong presence in Puerto Rico through its top-rated radio stations, Mega 106.9, La Nueva 94, Zeta 93 and Estereotempo 96.5, continuing its mission to uplift and engage the island's listeners with premium audio experiences. Greg Guy of Tideline Partners served as the exclusive broker representing SBS in this transaction. Contact: Claudia Puig, [email protected] SOURCE Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 5. Azerbaijan's Alat Free Economic Zone (AFEZ) is recognized as one of the most attractive free economic zones in the region. I would like to announce plans to offer 60 hectares of land to future investors, said Valeh Alaskerov, Chairman of the Management Board of AFEZ, Trend reports. Speaking at the Azerbaijan-China Economic and Trade Cooperation Conference in Baku, Alaskerov articulated that in the imminent timeframe, an augmented allocation of 138 hectares will be rendered accessible to stakeholders, and within a fiscal year, a comprehensive offering of 364 hectares will be unveiled. He laid it on the line that right now, we have a whopping 6,500 hectares of land ready to roll for investment opportunities. Alasgarov also announced the construction of a major airport within the AFEZ territory. The initial phase of the airport will cover 750 hectares, and it will later be expanded to become one of the largest airports in the region. Considering this, we are fully prepared to provide all types of transportation and logistics services for interested investors currently operating in the Alat Free Economic Zone, he added. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Columbia travelers gain the only nonstop service to Newark (EWR) and Orlando (MCO) and new service to Fort Lauderdale (FLL) DANIA BEACH, Fla., June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Spirit Airlines (NYSE American: FLYY) is soaring to its third destination in South Carolina with today's launch of affordable, nonstop flights from Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE). The new service begins just in time for summer and includes CAE's only nonstop flights to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Orlando International Airport (MCO), along with new, nonstop service to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). Columbia Guests can also take advantage of seamless one-stop connections to Latin America and the Caribbean. "Spirit's arrival in Columbia brings South Carolina travelers easy access to some of the top destinations on the East Coast at an unmatched value," said John Kirby, Vice President of Network Planning at Spirit Airlines. "We can't wait to welcome our Columbia Guests onboard and make it easier for travelers to visit South Carolina's capital city." Spirit Airlines Columbia (CAE) Service Destination: Frequency: Launch Date: Fort Lauderdale (FLL) 3x Weekly June 6, 2025 Newark (EWR) 4x Weekly June 5, 2025 Orlando (MCO) 3x Weekly June 5, 2025 "We are thrilled to now be able to offer the local community a cost-effective flying option in Spirit Airlines," said Kim Crafton, Vice President of Marketing & Air Service Development at Columbia Metropolitan Airport. "Increasing air service to a community can be a long process, as our airport like many others across the nation are competing for the same service. I'm thankful our team was able to secure Spirit Airlines and I'm thankful Spirit Airlines sees a great opportunity for a successful partnership for the airport and the Midlands region." The Spirit Charitable Foundation commemorated the airline's new service in Columbia with a grant of $10,000 to Palmetto Place Children and Youth Services, a nonprofit that provides a safe and supportive environment for children and teens who have faced abuse, abandonment, neglect or homelessness. Following Spirit's recent upgrade of its Free Spirit loyalty program, the airline is celebrating the launch of its Columbia service with a Free Spirit loyalty program promotion* where members can earn 1,500 bonus points on roundtrip flights and 750 bonus points on one-way flights to and from Columbia (CAE). Travel must be booked by June 10, 2025, and flown by July 9, 2025. The Free Spirit loyalty program is free to join and is the fastest way to earn rewards and status. Spirit first launched its South Carolina service at Myrtle Beach (MYR) more than 25 years ago and began service at Charleston (CHS) in 2023. Spirit's Guest Experience Enhancements Columbia Guests can look forward to a more comfortable and seamless travel experience with Spirit. The airline's transformation introduced four travel options, ranging from premium to economical, that offer more choice and empower Guests to choose how they want to fly: Go Big to get enhanced comfort with a Big Front Seat, a carry-on and first checked bag, no change or cancel fees, Priority Check-In and Boarding, reserved overhead bin space, complimentary snacks and drinks, including alcoholic beverages and streaming access to fast Wi-Fi. to get enhanced comfort with a Big Front Seat, a carry-on and first checked bag, no change or cancel fees, Priority Check-In and Boarding, reserved overhead bin space, complimentary snacks and drinks, including alcoholic beverages and streaming access to fast Wi-Fi. Go Comfy and stretch out with more space, a carry-on bag, no change or cancel fees, Priority Boarding, reserved overhead bin space, a small snack and non-alcoholic drink. and stretch out with more space, a carry-on bag, no change or cancel fees, Priority Boarding, reserved overhead bin space, a small snack and non-alcoholic drink. Go Savvy to get a standard seat selection, carry-on bag and no change or cancel fees. to get a standard seat selection, carry-on bag and no change or cancel fees. Go to keep it simple with no extras. Standard seat selection, checked bags and other options can be purchased separately. Recognition Spirit was recently named Best Airline Overall for 2025 and earned top recognition for safety and affordability for the second consecutive year by WalletHub. Spirit was also recognized by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) as a 2025 Four Star Low Cost Carrier. Additionally, the airline's Fit Fleet was ranked one of the world's youngest for 2025 by ch-aviation. Spirit also received the FAA's Aviation Maintenance Technician Diamond Award of Excellence for the seventh consecutive year. *To qualify for the Columbia, South Carolina Inaugural Free Spirit 1,500 (roundtrip) or 750 (one-way) Bonus Points promotion you must (i) be a Free Spirit member; (ii) book travel on a Qualifying Flight Segment. A "Qualifying Flight Segment" is a revenue trip originating from/to EWR/CAE, MCO/CAE or FLL/CAE flight operated by Spirit Airlines and booked by 11:59 PM ET on June 10, 2025, with travel completed by July 9, 2025. Free Spirit Bonus Points will be automatically added to your account after completing a Qualifying Flight Segment. Bonus points earned through the Columbia, South Carolina Inaugural Free Spirit Bonus Points promotion would offer standard Status Qualification Points (SQPs). Offer is subject to change without notice. Other restrictions and conditions may apply and can be found at spirit.com/free-spirit. About Spirit Airlines Spirit Airlines (NYSE American: FLYY) is committed to safely delivering the best value in the sky by offering an enhanced travel experience with flexible, affordable options. Spirit serves destinations throughout the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean with its all-Airbus Fit Fleet, one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets in the U.S. Discover elevated travel options with exceptional value at spirit.com. SOURCE Spirit Airlines CINCINNATI, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Staffmark Group, part of RGF Staffing and Recruit Group, has earned a prestigious Silver Rating from EcoVadis, the world's most trusted provider of business sustainability ratings. This places Staffmark Group among the top 15% of over 130,000 companies worldwide for sustainability performance. EcoVadis evaluates companies across four critical pillars: Environment, Labor & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement. Staffmark Group's Silver Rating underscores measurable progress and a steadfast commitment to embedding responsible business practices across its operations. "At Staffmark Group, sustainability is more than a goal; it's a core responsibility we embrace every day," said Stacey Lane, CEO at Staffmark Group. "This recognition from EcoVadis affirms our commitment to driving ethical, responsible, and environmentally conscious business practices that benefit our clients, employees, and communities." As a trusted workforce partner to businesses nationwide, Staffmark Group aligns its efforts with the evolving sustainability goals of its clients and partners. The company's performance in the EcoVadis assessment reinforces its capability to help organizations mitigate risk, enhance transparency, and advance ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) objectives across their supply chains. Looking ahead, Staffmark Group is deepening its sustainability strategy through actionable initiatives that promote environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and ethical leadership in every market it serves. Click here for more information about Staffmark Group's sustainability efforts and partnership opportunities. About Staffmark Group Staffmark Group is one of the largest staffing companies in the United States and is a portfolio company of RGF Staffing and Recruit Group, a global leader in HR technology and business solutions that is transforming the world of work, with annual revenue of $23.62 billion*. For more than 55 years, Staffmark Group has delivered the industry's widest range of tailored workforce solutions through its family of specialty brands, including Staffmark, Advantage xPO, Advantage Technical, Hunter Hamilton, and Digital People. Operating across a network of over 400 branches and 250 onsite locations, Staffmark Group places over 175,000 talented individuals annually. About RGF Staffing: RGF Staffing is a leading global HR services provider with activities in Asia Pacific, Europe, Japan and North America. Every day more than 300,000 people work for businesses and institutions via the RGF Staffing network. RGF Staffing is part of Recruit Holdings Co., Ltd. For further information please visit www.rgfstaffing.com. * The USD equivalent of Recruit Holdings' FY2023 consolidated revenue of 3.41 trillion, calculated using the average exchange rate of 144.59 JPY/USD for FY2023. SOURCE Staffmark Group The platform turned away more than 370,000 products for failing to meet its verification standards StockX also blocked more than 500,000 "bad" Asks from being added to the marketplace in 2024 DETROIT, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Just in time for World Anticounterfeiting Day, StockX today rolled out its second annual Brand Protection & Customer Trust Report , offering an in-depth look into the company's investments and advancements in verification, fraud prevention work, and broader anti-counterfeiting efforts in 2024. StockX continues to implement significant measures to protect customers, having rejected more than 370,000 products collectively valued at nearly $74 million in 2024 for not meeting its verification standards. Focusing specifically on sneakers, the company blocked nearly 250,000 pairs from its marketplace in 2024. Of those, over 30,000 pairs were flagged as suspected counterfeits. The gross merchandise value (GMV) of these suspected fake sneakers totaled nearly $10 million, representing a significant potential risk the platform mitigated for its customers. StockXs second annual Brand Protection & Customer Trust Report offers an in-depth look into the companys investments and advancements in verification, fraud prevention work, and broader anti-counterfeiting efforts in 2024. Beyond product verification, StockX also prioritized sell-side enhancements to bolster its defenses against fraudulent actors, rolling out a new seller onboarding policy, introducing new seller limits, and implementing more rigorous transaction monitoring. In 2024, StockX blocked more than 500,000 "bad" Asks from being added to the marketplace. The company had to block far more more than 800,000 in 2023. This decline is a direct result of new protections put in place to obstruct bad actors. Additionally, StockX proactively blocked more than 90,000 suspicious account creation attempts, preventing these potential bad actors from ever listing a product or placing a bid on the platform in 2024. "The findings in this report underscore our ongoing commitment to protecting our community and setting a higher standard for accountability across the resale industry," said StockX CEO Greg Schwartz. "We've made significant investments in our verification processes, rolled out new, stricter requirements for sellers, enhanced our fraud prevention systems, and built valuable partnerships with brands and law enforcement agencies," said StockX CEO Greg Schwartz. "But as excited as we are to share the wins, we also recognize the work ahead. This report isn't just a reflection of where we've been it's a roadmap for how we'll continue to lead with trust at the center of everything we do." Key highlights from StockX's 2025 Brand Protection & Customer Trust Report include: Technological Investments in Verification StockX verification experts leverage a combination of deep product knowledge, market data, tech-powered tools, and third-party solutions to determine whether a product meets the company's brand standards. In particular, StockX's increased investment in technology has helped separate its verification process from others in the resale ecosystem. Launch of Automated High-Risk Product Routing: In 2024, StockX began leveraging machine learning models to assign a risk score to every order that enters a verification center. These models detect higher-risk products based on seller behavior and specific order attributes. The models also consider historical data like how frequently a specific product has failed StockX's verification process, with high rates of past failures increasing an order's risk score. With these scores, StockX can flag high-risk products as soon as they enter the facility and route them to its most experienced team members. This implementation led to the suspension of thousands of sellers in 2024 and helped ensure nearly 15,000 suspected inauthentic orders never made it to customers. In 2024, StockX began leveraging machine learning models to assign a risk score to every order that enters a verification center. These models detect higher-risk products based on seller behavior and specific order attributes. The models also consider historical data like how frequently a specific product has failed StockX's verification process, with high rates of past failures increasing an order's risk score. With these scores, StockX can flag high-risk products as soon as they enter the facility and route them to its most experienced team members. This implementation led to the suspension of thousands of sellers in 2024 and helped ensure nearly 15,000 suspected inauthentic orders never made it to customers. Expanded Use of Embedded Technologies: As more brands have incorporated embedded technologies, such as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) and NFC (Near Field Communication), into their manufacturing processes, StockX has integrated this technology into its verification protocol. If a StockX team member scans an RFID tag and the system deems it suspicious (which can happen if the code is incomplete or incorrect), that product is flagged as having a higher risk of being counterfeit. While this RFID check is not the singular deciding factor in the verification process, it does offer a valuable data point. Since rolling out an RFID system in 2022, StockX has scanned nearly 10 million RFID tags. As more brands have incorporated embedded technologies, such as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) and NFC (Near Field Communication), into their manufacturing processes, StockX has integrated this technology into its verification protocol. If a StockX team member scans an RFID tag and the system deems it suspicious (which can happen if the code is incomplete or incorrect), that product is flagged as having a higher risk of being counterfeit. While this RFID check is not the singular deciding factor in the verification process, it does offer a valuable data point. Since rolling out an RFID system in 2022, StockX has scanned nearly 10 million RFID tags. CT Scanning Rollout: CT scanning technology, which involves taking a series of X-ray images and combining them into a 3D reconstruction of a product, was integrated into StockX's verification protocol in early 2024. This enables the analysis of internal structures typically not visible to the naked eye. Manufacturers of fraudulent products often focus on the exterior of the counterfeit products they're producing, but overlook or struggle to match the internal structure of the authentic product. Today, nearly all electronics orders undergo CT scanning. Additionally, StockX leverages CT scanning for high-risk products and select new releases. Brand and Law Enforcement Partnerships Though the report doesn't identify brand partners by name, StockX breaks down how it is working with leading companies across the sneaker, apparel, and footwear industries. The platform has helped both established and emerging brands bolster their brand protection efforts by providing valuable data on market performance, counterfeit trends, and bad actor activity, along with best practices for manufacturing and supply chain security. These partnerships are essential to enhancing defenses against counterfeiters across the secondary marketplace. The report also details StockX's information-sharing relationships with law enforcement agencies globally. Currently, StockX is supporting several ongoing investigations. In 2024, StockX intelligence led to large-scale seizures of counterfeit products, the identification and return of stolen products, and the disruption of other illegal activities. Latest Counterfeit Trends Offering a deep dive into the latest trends in counterfeit products, the report reveals which counterfeit products StockX verification experts saw most frequently in 2024. Unsurprisingly, a review of the data shows that products with high rates of counterfeiting also tend to rank among the best-selling products overall on StockX. Fear of God is a top target in the apparel space, which is predictable given it has been the No. 1 best-selling brand in the category since it knocked Supreme out of the top spot in 2022. Looking at collectibles, the top two items are Labubu products from Pop Mart . Pop Mart is the No. 1 top-traded collectibles brand on StockX, a position it has held since October 2024, thanks to the viral success of the brand's Labubu character. In the shoes category, classic styles from Ugg and the Crocs Classic Clog Lightning McQueen the best-selling Crocs release in StockX history top the list. Yeezy products dominate the slides list, and Supreme holds multiple spots in the accessories category, which is consistent with historical data. For sneakers, two different adidas silhouettes the adidas Campus 00s Core Black and the adidas Samba OG Cloud White Core Black take the No. 1 and No. 2 spots. The Jordan 1 Retro Low OG SP Travis Scott Canary (Women's) comes in at No. 3, followed by the New Balance 2002R Protection Pack Rain Cloud at No. 4 and the Maison Mihara Yasuhiro Hank OG Sole Canvas Low Black at No. 5. These findings highlight the growing interest among consumers in a wider variety of footwear brands and an increased demand for affordable, general release sneakers. This marks a significant shift; in previous years, the most counterfeited products were typically exclusive, rare, and expensive releases. For example, the Jordan 1 Retro High Off-White Chicago , with an average resale price of $3,766, was the most counterfeited sneaker on StockX in 2020. Similarly, the Jordan 1 Retro High OG SP Fragment x Travis Scott , which has an average resale price of $2,232, ranked as the second most counterfeited sneaker in 2022. Today, however, sneakers like a general release adidas Samba are ranking high on the list. This highlights how far-reaching the counterfeiting issue has become and underscores the value a platform like StockX brings by verifying products or vetting sellers. Looking to the future, StockX is committed to continuing its efforts to combat counterfeiters and fight bad actors more broadly by investing in advanced technology, strengthening law enforcement partnerships, and deepening its relationships with brands. To view the full report, visit: https://stockx.com/about/sx-market-insights/brand-protection-customer-trust-report-2025/ . About StockX StockX is proud to be a Detroit-based technology leader focused on the large and growing online market for sneakers, apparel, accessories, electronics, collectibles, trading cards, and more. StockX's powerful platform connects buyers and sellers of high-demand consumer goods from around the world using dynamic pricing mechanics. This approach affords access and market visibility powered by real-time data that empowers buyers and sellers to determine and transact based on market value. The StockX platform features hundreds of brands across verticals including Jordan Brand, adidas, Nike, Supreme, BAPE, Off-White, Louis Vuitton, Gucci; collectibles from brands including LEGO, KAWS, Bearbrick, and Pop Mart; and electronics from industry-leading manufacturers Sony, Microsoft, Meta, and Apple. Launched in 2016, StockX employs 1,000 people across offices and verification centers around the world. Learn more at www.stockx.com. SOURCE StockX West Midlands Growth Company (WMGC) inviting applications from eligible companies for its unique UK market entry programme, with 15 places available for 2025/26. Launch of 2025 Global Growth Programme during London Tech Week follows success of 2024 programme, which supported 17 UK and international companies to create over 300 jobs in the West Midlands . BIRMINGHAM, England, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The West Midlands Growth Company (WMGC) the region's official investment promotion agency will launch its 2025 Global Growth Programme at a special breakfast event on Wednesday 11th June during London Tech Week. The launch of the unique UK market entry programme follows the success of the 2024 programme, which supported 17 innovation-led, high-growth international and UK companies to create over 300 jobs in the West Midlands. West Midlands Growth Company (WMGC) inviting applications from eligible companies for its unique UK market entry programme, with 15 places available for 2025/26. The West Midlands Breakfast Takeover will take place from 9am at The Shard in partnership with Warwick Business School, showcasing the West Midlands' world-class innovation strengths and the opportunities on offer for ambitious, fast-growing businesses. The Global Growth Programme, now in its third consecutive year, is a fully-funded, nine month package of support for international technology companies looking to make their mark in the region. The programme offers fully sponsored workspace at a choice of six innovation hubs across Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Coventry. Companies on the programme choose from 20 specialist sector support packages, designed around four key sectors Health Tech, Clean Tech, Digital Tech and Future Mobility. These packages are designed to optimise market entry success by providing companies with access to commercial networks, R&D assets and innovation centres across the region. The programme provides bespoke support to streamline the UK investment process for international businesses, from market entry to help with visas and sourcing accommodation. It is supported by a number of innovation focused partners including: Innovate UK and the Connected Places Catapult, as part of the DIATOMIC Innovation Accelerator Programme; Midlands Innovation, as part of the 'Invest in UK University R&D Midlands Campaign'; Bruntwood SciTech, STEAMhouse, University of Wolverhampton Science Park, University of Warwick Science Park and Tyseley Energy Park. The success of West Midlands Global Growth Programme (2024/25) was enabled by funding partners: Connected Places Catapult, as part of the DIATOMIC Innovation Accelerator Programme; and by Midlands Innovation, as part of the 'Invest in UK University R&D Midlands Campaign'. As part of The West Midlands Breakfast Takeover, Taras Matselyukh, CEO at Netherlands-based OPT/NET, which delivers high quality AI solutions and software for critical infrastructure systems operators, will speak about his experience of taking part in the West Midlands Global Growth Programme and reasons for investing in Birmingham. Neil Rami, chief executive of the West Midlands Growth Company, said: "There's never been a more exciting time to be part of the West Midlands' business ecosystem; its burgeoning tech sector, world-class talent pool and exceptional R&D infrastructure make it the ideal environment for innovation-led international companies to turbocharge their expansion plans. "Over the past two years, our Global Growth Programme has proven a successful blueprint, providing disruptive and dynamic international companies like OPT/NET with the right support to realise their UK growth ambitions. I look forward to working with a whole new wave of companies in 2025." Taras Matselyukh, CEO at OPT/NET, said: "With its strong pipeline of potential clients and a world-class R&D ecosystem, Birmingham's STEAMhouse was the clear choice for our new UK hub. Supported by the West Midlands Global Growth Programme, we've rapidly established valuable partnerships, enhanced our UK market presence, and gained an ideal environment to continue next-gen development of OPT/NET's flagship product - OptOSS AI." 15 places are available for the West Midlands Global Growth Programme for 2025. Businesses can find out whether they're eligible to apply and register their interest here. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2702235/WMGC_Photo.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2702236/WMGC_Logo.jpg WELLESLEY, Mass., June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Dan Fishbein, M.D., president, Sun Life U.S., released the following statement in support of the Workers' Disability Benefits Parity Act, introduced today by Congressmen Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) and Robert Scott (VA-03). This legislation would enhance long-term disability insurance benefits by requiring that mental health conditions be covered similarly to most physical conditions. Sun Life first called on Congress in 2023 to make these improvements to disability coverage. "This legislation rightly recognizes that mental health is health, and makes sure that workers will have the financial security they need to take care of themselves and their families, regardless of the cause of their disability. Mental health conditions must be given the same consideration as physical conditions in healthcare and in workplace benefits, especially disability coverage. A mental health condition can be just as disabling as a physical one, and can last just as long. Currently, most long-term disability benefits are typically capped at 24 months for mental health conditions. There should be a uniform federal standard to ensure long-term disability benefits cover mental health and physical conditions at the same level and length. This is an opportunity to evolve the way we address mental health diagnoses in the assessment of a person's ability to work. Stronger mental health expertise and management, paired with the vocational support already embedded in disability insurance, will help more people get the care and support they need to return to work and wellness. A market-wide legislative solution is the best way to ensure coverage for workers while supporting a strong and sustainable market for disability insurance. Disability coverage must evolve to meet the current needs of American workers. We applaud Congressmen DeSaulnier and Scott for introducing this important piece of legislation and stand ready to work with members of Congress and other partners to support its passing. Getting people back to health and work whenever possible remains the goal. Society benefits by helping more workers get the mental healthcare they need, and we now have the opportunity to do just that." About Sun Life Sun Life is a leading international financial services organization providing asset management, wealth, insurance and health solutions to individual and institutional Clients. Sun Life has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the U.S., the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of March 31, 2025, Sun Life had total assets under management of C$1.55 trillion. For more information, please visit www.sunlife.com. Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF. Sun Life U.S. is one of the largest providers of employee and government benefits, helping approximately 50 million Americans access the care and coverage they need. Through employers, industry partners and government programs, Sun Life U.S. offers a portfolio of benefits and services, including dental, vision, disability, absence management, life, supplemental health, medical stop-loss insurance, and healthcare navigation. Sun Life employs more than 8,300 people in the U.S., including associates in our partner dental practices and affiliated companies in asset management. Group insurance policies are issued by Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (Wellesley Hills, Mass.), except in New York, where policies are issued by Sun Life and Health Insurance Company (U.S.) (Lansing, Mich.). For more information visit our website and newsroom. Media contacts Devon Fernald Sun Life U.S. [email protected] 781-800-3609 Connect with Sun Life U.S. Facebook | LinkedIn SOURCE Sun Life U.S. ARLINGTON, Va., June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF) is pleased to announce Tara Knight, DNP, FNP-C, as the recipient of the 2025 Robert F. Gagel, M.D. Community Leadership Award. This award recognizes healthcare professionals who are instrumental in raising awareness about bone health and providing exceptional care to people living with osteoporosis in their communities. Dr. Knight has shown a remarkable commitment to improving osteoporosis care, particularly among postmenopausal women in underserved areas. She demonstrated her leadership by establishing a dedicated bone health clinic within her women's health practice in Jasper, Indiana, to better serve this population and address the urgent need for osteoporosis prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Her efforts reflect the core values this award was created to honor. Since completing BHOF's Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) training in both 2022 and 2024, Dr. Knight has become a champion for FLS implementation, integrating both primary prevention and post-fracture care strategies. Her initiatives have led to measurable improvements in bone density screening standards in her local community and expanded access to quality osteoporosis care. Dr. Knight has also contributed to professional education on a national level. She co-authored the Medscape publication Postmenopausal Osteoporosis: Closing the Care Gap and has presented at the Indiana Organization for Nursing Leadership Fall Conference, the FLS Bone Health TeleECHO program, and the 2025 Interdisciplinary Symposium on Osteoporosis. As a BHOF Ambassador and member of the Ambassadors Leadership Council, she has shown an enduring commitment to BHOF's mission. "We are thrilled to present Dr. Knight with the Robert F. Gagel, M.D. Community Leadership Award," said Claire Gill, BHOF CEO. "Her commitment to equitable, evidence-based osteoporosis care and her impact on both local and national levels make her an outstanding leader in the field." The Robert F. Gagel, M.D. Community Leadership Award was established in 2024 in honor of Dr. Gagel's distinguished medical career and longstanding service to the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation. His dedication to patient care and his leadership as a BHOF board member and officer for more than 15 years embody the spirit of this award, which celebrates healthcare professionals who make a lasting impact on osteoporosis care and community awareness. For more information about the award and the nomination process, visit https://www.bonehealthandosteoporosis.org/awards. About the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation The Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF), formerly the National Osteoporosis Foundation, is the leading health organization dedicated to preventing osteoporosis and broken bones, promoting strong bones for life and reducing human suffering through programs of public and clinician awareness, education, advocacy and research. Established in 1984, BHOF is the nation's largest health organization dedicated to osteoporosis and bone health. For more information, visit www.bonehealthandosteoporosis.org. Media Contact Carina May [email protected] 703-740-1764 SOURCE Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation "Living our mission and building a healthier California requires us to be present in our communities and show up as a positive force," said Mike Stuart, interim president and CEO, Blue Shield of California. "This recognition is a testament to the passion and commitment of our employees and how we come together to make a positive difference for our members, communities and planet. We are very proud to be recognized again by The Civic 50 for our strong culture of philanthropy and our dedication to living out our mission." The Civic 50 honorees are top community-minded companies in the United States with annual revenues of at least $1 billion. Honorees are selected through an annual survey that evaluates the scale, sophistication and impact of their employee volunteering, community engagement and corporate philanthropy work. Blue Shield is one of California's largest health plans with more than 7,500 employees, serving 6 million members. Blue Shield is a nonprofit health plan that voluntarily caps its income at 2% of revenue, returning the difference back to customers and California communities. "In an ever-evolving landscape, companies are looking to ensure that they can meet the needs of their communities, customers and stakeholders," said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO, Points of Light. "Companies like Blue Shield of California are leading the way in showing how social impact benefits their employees' well-being, strengthens the communities where they do business, and brings value and meaning to their work. Their efforts provide a model for others looking to bring the benefits of volunteering and social impact to their workforce and they're extremely deserving of this recognition." An honoree in 2021, 2023 and 2024, Blue Shield was recognized this year for a variety of programs including: Record-breaking employee volunteerism and giving Nearly every employee (99%) gave back in 2024 , volunteering more than 68,000 hours and donating over $1.6 million (including company match) to more than 2,600 nonprofit organizations. The company facilitated more than 375 volunteer events, ranging from home repairs and tree plantings , to fundraising for therapy animal programs and diabetes prevention . Investing in communities In 2024, the health plan contributed $20 million to its Blue Shield of California Foundation , which supported 99 grants to organizations that are working to make California the healthiest state and end domestic violence. In addition, Blue Shield invested $7.2 million in California nonprofits that are advancing mental health, environmental sustainability and the future healthcare workforce. Expanding access to youth mental health support BlueSky , Blue Shield's youth mental health initiative, celebrated its 5-year anniversary last year. The initiative invests in best-in-class nonprofit organizations and programs that promote emotional well-being for young people across California. To date, BlueSky has supported over 20,000 youth and educators through therapy, training and youth advocacy programs. Driving environmental action Blue Shield is leading the health plan industry in addressing the intersection of climate and health. Committed to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) , Blue Shield has also expanded efforts to address emissions across its supply chain. At the same time, Blue Shield continued to invest in nonprofit groups focused on environmental justice, while empowering employees and members to take part in sustainability efforts. In 2024, 71% of eligible members chose paperless communications, saving the equivalent of over 20,000 trees annually. The Civic 50 survey is administered by True Impact, and the results are analyzed by VeraWorks. The survey instrument consists of quantitative and multiple-choice questions that inform the scoring process. The Civic 50 is the only survey and ranking system that exclusively measures corporate community engagement. For more on The Civic 50, visit pointsoflight.org/the-civic-50/ Read more about Blue Shield of California's citizenship efforts at citizenship.blueshieldca.com or visit the "Standing for What's Right" section of our 2024 Mission Report . About Blue Shield of California Blue Shield of California strives to create a healthcare system worthy of its family and friends that is sustainably affordable. The health plan is a tax paying, nonprofit, independent member of the Blue Shield Association with nearly 6 million members, over 7,500 employees and more than $25 billion in annual revenue. Founded in 1939 in San Francisco and now headquartered in Oakland, Blue Shield of California and its affiliates provide health, dental, vision, Medicaid and Medicare healthcare service plans in California. The company has contributed more than $60 million to Blue Shield of California Foundation in the last three years to have an impact on California communities. For more news about Blue Shield of California, please visit news.blueshieldca.com . Or follow us on LinkedIn or Facebook . About Points of Light Points of Light is a nonpartisan, global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips, and mobilizes millions of people to take action that creates a positive impact through volunteering and civic engagement. Through partnerships with nonprofits, companies and social impact leaders, the organization galvanizes volunteers to meet critical needs for healthier and more resilient communities. As the world's largest organization dedicated to increasing volunteer service, Points of Light engages more than 3.8 million volunteers across 32 countries. For more information, visit www.pointsoflight.org . CONTACT: Mark Seelig Blue Shield of California 510-607-2359 [email protected] SOURCE Blue Shield of California VANCOUVER, BC, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Thesis Gold Inc. ("Thesis" or the "Company") (TSXV: TAU) (WKN: A3EP87) (OTCQX: THSGF) is pleased to announce the mobilization of crews for the 2025 exploration season at its 100%-owned Lawyers-Ranch Project, located in British Columbia's prolific Toodoggone Mining District. The Company is advancing work toward a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS), targeted for release in Q4-2025. This season's program will lay critical groundwork for future engineering studies, with geological efforts focused on defining the project's broader potential. Concurrently, engineering and environmental initiatives will continue to de-risk the project ahead of the Environmental Assessment (EA) process, anticipated to begin in the second half of 2025. Figure 1: Plan view maps showing Ranch target areas and coincident anomalies. (CNW Group/Thesis Gold Inc.) Figure 2: Schematic figure showing the genetic link between porphyry and epithermal systems in a magmatic-hydrothermal environment. (CNW Group/Thesis Gold Inc.) 2025 Program Highlights Geological work : 10,000+ metres (m) of drilling will be split between resource expansion and testing undrilled prospects at Ranch. A portion of this season's drill program will be directed toward follow-up drilling at the Ring zone, a discovery made in 2024 (see November 13th, 2024 news release entitled "Thesis Gold makes new near-surface discovery at the Ring zone). Resource expansion drilling will target the Bingo and Steve zones, where the technical team sees significant upside to help unlock broader project-scale potential. Thesis will test several new targets for near-surface epithermal-style mineralization while also advancing its understanding of deeper porphyry potential, as highlighted by geological, geochemical, and geophysical anomalies. The Toodoggone District remains significantly underexplored for porphyry systems, and this season's program will include drilling at multiple high-potential porphyry centers identified across the project area. Thesis has contracted Simcoe Geoscience to conduct a 3D induced polarization (IP) survey . These data will be utilized in drill targeting later this season. During the latter part of the summer, field crews will mobilize to the Company's satellite claim blocks, the North and East claims, to build on a successful preliminary mapping and prospecting program from 2024. : Engineering work: 5,000 m of multipurpose geotechnical drilling will provide preliminary information to allow the company to move swiftly from the 2025 PFS to further engineering studies in 2026. Drilling aimed at characterizing the structural integrity of rock both within the resource and in the conceptual pit walls will support important project design criteria including pit slopes, underground mine geotech, and estimates for mine/pit inflow. Additional metallurgical studies at both Ranch and Lawyers will help further classify rock comminution characteristics and optimize the processing flowsheet. Additional geochemical sampling will go towards further classifying the acid-base conditions of mineralized and waste material. Environmental studies: The required two years of baseline data collection at Lawyers is complete , with ongoing studies focused on monitoring and upkeep. Ranch is in the final months of baseline data collection . Biologists and hydrogeologists will be on-site this summer to continue characterizing the project's aquatic, terrestrial, geochemical, and meteorological components. Dr. Ewan Webster, President and CEO, commented, "We are excited to launch the 2025 exploration season at our Lawyers-Ranch Project. Building on the momentum of previous years, this season's comprehensive geological, engineering, and environmental programs are focused on continued project de-risking and value creation. With over 15,000 metres of drilling planned, our objectives are to expand known resources, test high-priority new epithermal and porphyry targets, and support long-term development. Concurrent engineering and environmental baseline work will continue to underpin future technical studies and advance the environmental assessment process. These efforts reflect our commitment to efficiently advancing the Lawyers-Ranch Project as a premier precious metals asset." The Lawyers-Ranch project offers significant exploration potential, with over 20 undrilled gold showings and numerous areas identified with promising geological, geochemical, and geophysical anomalies. This year, the Company plans to focus on anomalies within the Ranch project area that show promise for future discoveries (Figure 1). Throughout the winter, the technical team has been leveraging a robust geochemical and geophysical dataset to highlight a prospective corridor between Ring, Steve, Mandusa, and Golden Furlong at the Ranch area. The exploration potential in this region is twofold, as Thesis aims to leverage the opportunity for additional discoveries of shallow epithermal-style mineralization that have the potential to further unlock clues about the porphyry potential below the Ranch lithocap, with some deeper holes testing favorable structures and intersecting anomalies (Figure 2). Dr. Evan Orovan, Chief Geologist, commented, "I am excited to get to the Lawyers-Ranch Project this summer to contextualize this winter's desktop work with some boots-on-the-ground geology. Drawing from my global experience in porphyry-epithermal systems, I expect to learn a lot from this summer's exploration program and our new targets at Ranch." To date, Thesis has made significant progress in de-risking the Lawyers-Ranch Project. The upcoming PFS, targeted for release in Q4 2025, builds on the strong results of the Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) announced on September 5, 2024, which outlined an after-tax NPV5% of C$1.28 billion, a 35.2% IRR, and a 2.0-year payback period. Part of this summer's objective is to initiate key data collection to support a Feasibility-level engineering study, planned to commence immediately following the completion of the PFS. Environmental baseline studies are critical to understanding site-specific conditions prior to project development. These studies require a minimum of two years of data collection covering air, water, soil, and biological resources. Once complete, ongoing monitoring ensures that the established baseline can inform accurate environmental modeling and support the EA process expected to kick off in H2 2025. This summer, biologists will complete the final months of baseline data collection at Ranch and continue monitoring efforts at both Ranch and Lawyers. Quality Assurance and Control Samples were analyzed at ALS Global Laboratories (Geochemistry Division) in Vancouver, Canada (an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited facility). The sampling program was undertaken by Company personnel under the direction of Andrew Turner, P.Geol. A secure chain of custody is maintained in transporting and storing of all samples. Gold was assayed using a fire assay with atomic emission spectrometry and gravimetric finish when required (+10 g/t Au). Drill intervals with visible gold were assayed using metallic screening. Rock chip samples from outcrop/bedrock are selective by nature and may not be representative of the mineralization hosted on the project. The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Michael Dufresne, M.Sc, P.Geol., P.Geo., a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Thesis granted an aggregate of: (i) 500,000 stock options (the "Options") to employees; (ii) 750,000 deferred share units (the "DSUs") to directors; and (iii) 1,500,000 RSUs to directors and an officer with all awards governed by the Omnibus Long-Term Incentive Plan and each applicable award agreement. Each vested Option entitles the holder to purchase one common share of the Company (each, a "Common Share") at an exercise price of $1.20 per Common Share for five years from June 4, 2025 (the "Grant Date"). Half the Options vest on the first anniversary of the Grant Date, with the remaining vesting on the second anniversary of the Grant Date. Each vested RSU entitles the holder to receive one Common Share on settlement. The RSUs vest upon the earlier of the termination date of the holder and ten years. Each vested DSU entitles the holder to receive one Common Share upon settlement. The DSUs vest and settle on the DSU holder's termination date. On behalf of the Board of Directors Thesis Gold Inc. "Ewan Webster" Ewan Webster Ph.D., P.Geo. President, CEO, and Director About Thesis Gold Inc. Thesis Gold Inc. is a resource development company focused on unlocking the potential of its 100% owned Lawyers-Ranch Project, located in British Columbia's prolific Toodoggone Mining District. The recently completed Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) highlights robust project economics, including a 35.2% after-tax IRR and an after-tax NPV5% of C$1.28 billion, demonstrating the potential for significant value creation. The Company's 2025 roadmap includes a robust exploration and drill program, delivery of a Pre-Feasibility Study on the combined Lawyers-Ranch Project, and commencement of the Environmental Impact Assessment Process. Through these strategic moves, Thesis Gold intends to elevate the Lawyers-Ranch Project to the forefront of global precious metals ventures. 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. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, without limitation, statements regarding the use of proceeds from the Company's recently completed financings and the future plans or prospects of the Company. Generally, forward-looking information 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" or "be achieved". Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to business, market, and economic risks, uncertainties, and contingencies that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. There can be no assurance that such 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. Other factors which could materially affect such forward-looking information are described in the risk factors in the Company's most recent annual management's discussion and analysis, which is available on the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. SOURCE Thesis Gold Inc. Zhongshan has advanced the project by focusing on transformation and upgrading of inefficient industrial parks in villages and towns and water pollution control. Over the past three years, the city has cleared and redeveloped more than 48,000 mu (around 3,200 hectares) of inefficient industrial land across its villages and towns. These efforts have laid the groundwork for ten major cross-town industrial clusters in sectors such as new energy, biomedicine, smart home technologies, and new materials. The renewed land has attracted nearly 190 billion yuan (US$26.37 billion) in new investment. Zhongshan's industrial investment has maintained double-digit growth for 29 consecutive months, doubling in size over the past three years. Village-level collective property values have generally increased more than tenfold, resulting in a dramatic transformation of the urban-rural landscape. Huang highly recognized the initiative as a true development and livelihood project. Zhongshan's commitment to water pollution control has also delivered impressive results. Its three-year battle to tackle water pollution earned strong recognition from the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE), the South China Inspection Bureau of the MEE, the CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee and the provincial government. China Environment News ran a front-page feature on Zhongshan's achievements, hailing the city's efforts as a high-scoring answer sheet in water management and a model for building beautiful rivers and lakes. Through the twin drivers of industrial renewal and water governance, Zhongshan has unlocked broader momentum in high-quality development. For 20 consecutive months, investment in technological upgrades has grown at over 15%. The city now ranks first in the Pearl River Delta in the digital transformation rate of its enterprises above designated size and was selected as a national pilot city for the digitalization of small and medium-sized enterprises. Zhongshan is also promoting the integration of agriculture, culture, and tourism. Under its "1-1-1-3-8" tourism development strategy, the city is shaping a new city brand that combines authentic local charm with the vibrant, high-quality lifestyle of the Greater Bay Area. In 2024, tourist visits to Zhongshan rose by 24.3%, while tourism revenue jumped 28.2%. Zhongshan has launched a series of targeted campaigns to improve the rural living environment, focusing on issues such as makeshift field huts, enclosed barriers, transport hubs, and under-bridge spaces. The city has completed 23,000 clean-up and renovation tasks under its "three-line" initiativereferring to the relocation and repair of overhead power lines, telecommunication lines, and broadcast television linesand dismantled or upgraded 38,000 temporary field structures. Following a "one village, one policy; one house, one plan" approach, Zhongshan has renovated nearly 59,000 rural homes, significantly enhancing the overall appearance, harmony, and livability of its villages. Guo Wenhai, Secretary of the CPC Zhongshan Municipal Committee, said that the city will remain focused on three major goals: building a strong economy, creating beautiful urban and rural areas, and improving social governance. These efforts align with the Guangdong Provincial Committee's priorities in industrial development, environmental enhancement, public services, institutional reform, and encouraging social participation. Looking ahead, Zhongshan aims to deliver even more visible, tangible, and impactful outcomes through the high-quality development project. Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ewgcpf_AYQ Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2703885/High_Quality_Development_Project_Logo.jpg SOURCE City of Zhongshan AUSTIN, Texas, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- TPx, a leading nationwide managed services provider, has been awarded a cooperative purchasing contract by Equalis Group. The competitively solicited agreementfacilitated by Region 10 Education Service Center and The Cooperative Council of Governments (CCOG)is now available to public sector organizations across the United States. This award streamlines access to TPx's services for government agencies, educational institutions, and other eligible organizations, eliminating the need for time-consuming procurement processes. Equalis Group's cooperative contract opens the door to a wide range of TPx's industry-leading managed services, including: Cybersecurity solutions that defend against ever-evolving threats solutions that defend against ever-evolving threats Managed connectivity and SD-WAN for optimized network performance for optimized network performance Unified communications to power seamless collaboration to power seamless collaboration Business continuity tools that keep operations moving during disruptions With this contract in place, Equalis Group members can act fast, stay compliant, and stretch their budgets while tapping into TPx's decades of public sector expertise. About TPx TPx is your sidekick for smart IT: helping you connect, secure, and grow your business with confidence. With decades of experience, we deliver managed services for cybersecurity, networks, and cloud communications that reduce risk and maximize the value of your IT. Visit www.tpx.com for more. About Equalis Group Equalis Group is a national public sector purchasing cooperative that develops and administers a diverse portfolio of cooperative purchasing programs for a wide array of products and services. Each program provides members with a legal and compliant exemption to the traditional bid/RFP process and the ability to configure the solution that best meets their needs at the lowest total cost. Learn more at www.equalisgroup.org. SOURCE TPx BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 5. AZPROMO will introduce a logistics subsidy mechanism within the framework of the promotion of the Made in Azerbaijan brand by the end of this year, Executive Director of the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO) Yusif Abdullayev told reporters on the sidelines of the Azerbaijan-China Economic and Trade Cooperation Conference held in Baku, Trend reports. According to him, the document they presented to the government provides for up to 70 percent privileges for products sold abroad from Azerbaijan: "However, the privileges granted for Karabakh and East Zangezur can be applied even more than this, even up to 100 percent. Of course, this will be temporary. We want to implement it by extending it for five years at the initial stage, and then for another five years. This will also seriously support the export of entrepreneurs operating in Karabakh," Abdullayev emphasized. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BALTIMORE, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Transamerica today launched the SWBC Retirement Plan Exchange, which was established with SWBC to help grow and offer competitive retirement benefits with less cost and hassle. The solution features two options: Retirement Plan Exchange Solution (Exchange) employers choose from a cost-efficient menu of features, while TAG, a national third-party administrator and a wholly owned subsidiary of Transamerica, files Form 5500 and handles day-to-day administration. employers choose from a cost-efficient menu of features, while TAG, a national third-party administrator and a wholly owned subsidiary of Transamerica, files Form 5500 and handles day-to-day administration. Choice Pooled Employer PlanSM (PEP) employers may elect to join a single pooled plan maintained by Transamerica Fiduciary Services as the pooled plan provider, providing one combined 5500 and streamlined fiduciary oversight. SWBC Wealth Management will serve as financial advisors, while SWBC Retirement Plan Services will offer ERISA 3(38) investment fiduciary services. TAG will provide ERISA 3(16) administrative fiduciary services to plan sponsors and participating employers in the PEP. This collaboration takes advantage of the SECURE 2.0 Act, which makes it easier and more appealing for businesses to adopt pooled plans. "Collaborating with Transamerica lets us deliver measurable value to clients," said Kyle Hittle, MBA, Wealth Advisor, SWBC Wealth Management. "Together, we can simplify plan administration and enhance employees' financial well-being across the country." SWBC Wealth Management advisors support plan sponsors by simplifying the management of retirement plans, reducing administrative burdens, and ensuring a smooth experience at a competitive price. They focus on increasing participation through coordinated enrollment meetings, providing investment education and guidance, conducting regular plan reviews, and suggesting enhancements to meet the needs of all participants. "Transamerica is proud to be an industry leader in retirement solutions and support hundreds of thousands of small business employees in achieving financial freedom. With our collaboration with SWBC, we are removing barriers that have kept smaller companies from offering robust retirement benefits," said Darren Zino, head of retirement distribution at Transamerica. "We want everyone to live their best life, and by giving employers a clear choice between a customizable Exchange solution and an all-in-one PEP solution, we are helping them focus more on their peopleand less on paperwork." Transamerica is a leading provider of pooled retirement plan solutions, focusing on building America's leading middle market retirement and insurance company. Why it matters to small companies Stronger talent attraction: In a 2024 Transamerica survey of 412 employers (fielded NovDec 2024), 44% cited recruiting or retaining staff as their top reason for choosing a pooled plan. First-time plan adoption: Nearly 47% of respondents started offering a retirement benefit only after pooled options became available. Next steps for employers Employers can learn more about the SWBC Retirement Plan Exchange by contacting SWBC's Wealth Advisor, Kyle Hittle, directly at [email protected] or (210) 667-2314. About Transamerica Transamerica believes everyone deserves the opportunity to live their best life. It's what inspires us to be a champion for helping everyday Americans thrive. As a leading provider of life insurance, retirement, and investment solutions for more than 10 million Americans, we help people make the most of what's important to them. Supporting our customers' financial futures with innovative products and services has been our mission for more than 120 years. In 2024, Transamerica fulfilled its promises to customers, paying more than $62 billion in insurance, retirement, and annuity claims and benefits, including return of customer-paid annuity premiums. Transamerica is part of the Aegon group of companies. Aegon is an international financial services holding company. For more information, visit www.transamerica.com. Administrative Group, LLC dba Transamerica Fiduciary Services is the Pooled Plan Provider ("PPP"), a named plan fiduciary and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Transamerica. Transamerica Retirement Solutions, LLC is the recordkeeper and may act as a plan fiduciary with respect to certain administrative services, to the extent it exercises independent discretion, and only for the proper execution of the specific and agreed-upon administrative procedures for the services. Retirement Plan Exchange and Choice Pooled Plan Solution are Transamerica service marks. Retirement Plan Exchange is a registered service mark of Transamerica. The Exchange solution is a collection of single employer-sponsored plans that may share a common plan administrator, named fiduciary, investment menu, and plan year. Unlike a multiple employer plan (MEP), certain plan qualification and ERISA requirements are applied at the individual plan level. Pooled employer plans (PEPs) are a newer type of multiple employer plan for which the Department of Labor (DOL) and IRS guidance is still pending in a number of areas. An employer participating in a PEP retains certain fiduciary responsibilities, including responsibility for retaining and monitoring the Pooled Plan Provider (PPP) and any named fiduciary, for determining the reasonableness of its plan fees, and for periodically reviewing the plan as a whole. Among other responsibilities, the PPP acts as the ERISA 3(16) Plan Administrator. About SWBC As a diversified financial services company, SWBC provides financial institutions, businesses, and individuals with a wide range of insurance, mortgages, wealth management, employee benefits, and more. Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, SWBC has partners and divisions across all 50 states and manages businesses around the world. No matter how wide its reach, SWBC always listens to our customers' needs, analyzes their current situations, and recommends customized solutions. For more information about our innovative approach to personalized service, visit SWBC's website at swbc.com. Securities offered by SWBC Investment Services, LLC, member SIPC & FINRA. Advisory services offered by SWBC Investment Company, a Registered Investment Advisor, and SWBC Investment Advisory Services, LLC, d/b/a SWBC Retirement Plan Services, a registered investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Media inquiries: Email: [email protected] Hank Williams (319) 355-7789 Erin Yang (303) 383-5295 SOURCE Transamerica The Iconic Peruvian Producer Received Several 90+ Scores & Multiple Double Gold and Gold Medals NEW YORK, May 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Vinas Queirolo , one of Peru's most historic and celebrated wine estates, is proud to announce an impressive performance at the 25th Annual San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The company earned many prestigious awards for its piscos, including multiple Double Gold and Gold medals, as well as numerous 90+ point scores. These achievements underscore Vinas Queirolo's unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and the expression of Peru's unique terroir and demonstrate its quality and approachability. "This recognition from one of the world's most respected competitions is a testament to the hard work of our team and the unique character of the Peruvian landscape," said CEO Santiago Queirolo Targarona. "We are honored to share our passion and heritage with a global audience." A full breakdown of Vinas Queirolo's winning brands from the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition are listed below: Double Gold Score: 98, Intipalka Pisco Italia, Ica Valley, Peru Score: 98, Santiago Queirolo Pisco Acholado, Ica Valley, Peru [42%] Score: 96, Intipalka Pisco Acholado, Ica Valley, Peru [42%] Gold Score: 94, Intipalka Pisco Mosto Verde Torontel, Ica Valley, Peru [42%] Score: 92, Don Santiago Pisco Mosto Verde Torontel, Ica Valley, Peru [42%] Score: 94, Intipalka Pisco Mosto Verde Acholado, Ica Valley, Peru [42%] Silver Santiago Queirolo Pisco Quebranta, Ica Valley, Peru [42%] Don Santiago Pisco Mosto Verde Quebranta, Ica Valley, Peru [44%] $29. Additionally, Vinas Queirolo has been selected for Best in Class with the Intipalka Pisco Italia and Santiago Queirolo Pisco Acholado recognized as finalists. Vinas Queirolo's strategic expansion into nearly 2,000 acres of prime vineyard land in Peru's Ica Valley in 2003 marked a significant investment in elevating the country's fine wine and spirits industry. This development led to the creation of Intipalka , the estate's premium labelnamed after the Quechua phrase meaning "valley of the sun"a nod to Peru's rich cultural heritage and the estate's deep connection to its terroir. Situated in high-altitude desert conditions with pronounced diurnal temperature shifts, the vineyards yield fruit of exceptional quality, producing wines with notable structure, balance, and aromatic precision. This unwavering focus on quality and innovation has positioned Vinas Queirolo at the forefront of Peru's premium beverage sectoran achievement reinforced by their success at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and emphasized by its growing reputation for excellence on the international stage. From the refined and expressive Intipalka wines to the versatile, food-friendly Santiago Queirolo range, and the estate's artisanal Piscoscrafted with single-varietal precision and ideal for both classic and modern mixologyVinas Queirolo offers a compelling portfolio that reflects both authenticity and commercial viability. These accolades reinforce the estate's role as a key player in bringing Peruvian wines and spirits to discerning global markets. Intipalka and Santiago Queirolo wines and piscos can be found nationwide in liquor stores, wine shops, on the website https://santiagoqueirolo.com/export/ , and at your local Total Wine & More. About Vinas Queirolo - www.santiagoqueirolo.com The history of Bodega Santiago Queirolo dates back to 1880, when Santiago Queirolo Raggio, a Genoese immigrant, arrived in Peru with his family from Italy in search of new opportunities. The family settled in the district of Magdalena Vieja, now known as Pueblo Libre, where Santiago began working with his passion for winemaking. Initially, Santiago produced wines and piscos in an artisanal way for local consumption, which quickly gained popularity among the community of the time. Over time, his small production became a prosperous business, marking the first steps of what would become a family tradition and one of the most emblematic wineries in Peru. Today, the winery controls estate vineyards in Ica Valley and Canete Valley that are meticulously farmed by the third generation of Queirolo: Santiago, Jorge and Francisco. Press Contacts: Megan McCarthy Colangelo & Partners [email protected] SOURCE Vinas Queirolo Lynchburg shop now serving fresh, hot donuts, kolaches and coffee HOUSTON, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Fast-growing Shipley Do-Nuts, the nation's largest donut and kolache brand with more than 375 shops, has opened its first Virginia location in Lynchburg at 8004 Timberlake Road. The new shop marks Shipley's expansion into its 14th state. Founded in 1936 in Texas and expanding rapidly into new states such as Virginia, Shipley offers more than 60 varieties of fresh donuts, handmade daily. These include its signature hot glazed, cut in the iconic Shipley hexagon shape, plus filled, iced and cake donuts, bear claws, coffee and more. Shipley is also known for its kolaches (kuh-LAH-chees) a signature Shipley breakfast pastry with savory fillings baked inside and offers them in several fresh, house-made varieties, including Bacon, Egg & Cheese; Ham & Cheese; Sausage & Cheese; and Sausage, Jalapeno & Cheese. Owned by Lexington, Virginia-based businessman and Texas native Jody Mask, the new Virginia store is the first of three Shipley locations slated to open in the state under his development agreement. "Like generations of people who grew up in Texas, visiting Shipley in the mornings was a weekly family tradition, and I shared it with my kids before we moved to Virginia," said Mask. "I can't wait to introduce the world's greatest donut to Virginians, who I hope will start their own family traditions with us." The Eastern Seaboard remains a priority region for the brand. Shipley is actively recruiting franchisees throughout Virginia, including Richmond, Roanoke and Virginia Beach, in addition to the Carolinas, Georgia and Florida. "Entering Virginia marks an important step in our growth strategy as we continue to grow our footprint along the East Coast," said Shipley Do-Nuts Senior Vice President of Franchise Development Keith Sizemore. "We opened our first North Carolina shop earlier this year and recently opened our third location in Maryland. We're seeing tremendous success as this part of the country gets a taste of our fresh, handmade donuts and kolaches." Shipley is expanding at a record pace nationally, with available territories in 46 states. Most recently, the brand signed a deal to bring over 30 Shipley locations to South Florida and New Mexico. For more information, visit ownashipleydonuts.com. ABOUT SHIPLEY DO-NUTS Founded in 1936, Houston-based Shipley Do-Nuts is one of the nation's oldest and largest donut brands, with more than 375 company-owned and franchised restaurants across 14 states, serving up its famous donuts, coffee and kolaches to generations of guests. Shipley is ranked No. 121 on Entrepreneur magazine's Franchise 500 2025 list and No. 1 in its category and is No. 147 on the Technomic 2024 Top 500. For franchising information, visit ownashipleydonuts.com. Follow Shipley on Instagram and Facebook @ShipleyDonuts, and sign up for Do-Happy Rewards at ShipleyDonuts.com/rewards to unlock free donuts, discounted coffee, exclusive merchandise and more. Media Contact: Rachel Tabacnic, SPM Communications [email protected] 214-379-7000 SOURCE Shipley Do-Nuts HENDERSON, Nevada, June 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- VolitionRx Limited (NYSE AMERICAN: VNRX) ("Volition"), a multi-national epigenetics company, today announces two oral presentations featuring its Nu.Q Vet Cancer Test at the Asian Meeting of Animal Medicine Specialties (AMAMS 2025), a premier event bringing together leading veterinary professionals and experts from across Asia. The two presentations feature results from two clinical studies conducted by Dr Masahiko Sato, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (SAIM), DAiCVIM (IM) in conjunction with FujiFilm Vet Systems. Dr Sato, a key opinion leader is Chief of Internal Medicine Service at the Veterinary Specialists Emergency Center, one of the largest referral hospitals in Japan. AMAMS 2025 is taking place in Thailand. Commenting on the results Dr Sato said: "The Nu.Q Vet Cancer Test may serve as a valuable diagnostic tool, particularly for differentiating between benign and malignant conditions such as Canine Chronic Enteropathy and Gastrointestinal Lymphoma." Kiyotaka Fujiwara, Chief Operating Officer at Fujifilm Vet Systems, added: "We are delighted that leading veterinarian Dr Sato has adopted the Nu.Q Vet Cancer Test in Japan, and not only researching, but publishing specific use cases. We believe this will further raise the awareness of the test and drive wider adoption." The presentations: Title: "Diagnostic Utility of Plasma Nucleosome Concentration in Differentiating Canine Chronic Enteropathy from Gastrointestinal Lymphoma" Presenter: Kentaro Nabeshima Date and Time: Thursday, June 5, 2025, 1:40PM 1:50PM (ICT) Venue: Room 108 Key Conclusion: Nu.Q Vet Cancer Test may serve as a valuable diagnostic tool for distinguishing CE from GIL, with particularly high levels observed in medium-to-large cell GIL. Title: "Evaluation of Plasma Nucleosome Concentrations as a Biomarker for Canine Nasal Tumors" Presenter: Chihoko Takahashi Date and Time: Thursday, June 5, 2025, 3:30PM 3:40PM (ICT) Venue: Room 108 About Volition Volition is a multi-national company focused on advancing the science of epigenetics. Volition is dedicated to saving lives and improving outcomes for people and animals with life-altering diseases through earlier detection, as well as disease and treatment monitoring. Through its subsidiaries, Volition is developing and commercializing simple, easy to use, cost-effective blood tests to help detect and monitor a range of diseases, including some cancers and diseases associated with NETosis, such as sepsis. Early detection and monitoring have the potential not only to prolong the life of patients, but also to improve their quality of life. Volition's research and development activities are centered in Belgium, with an innovation laboratory and office in the U.S. and an office in London. The contents found at Volition's website address are not incorporated by reference into this document and should not be considered part of this document. Such website address is included in this document as an inactive textual reference only. Media Enquiries: Louise Batchelor, Volition, [email protected] +44 (0)7557 774620 Investor Relations: Jeremy Feffer, LifeSci Advisors, [email protected] +1-212-915-2568 Safe Harbor Statement Statements in this press release may be "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, that concern matters that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated or projected in the forward-looking statements. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "aims," "targets," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "optimizing," "potential," "goal," "suggests," "could," "would," "should," "may," "will" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other topics, the exercise of the milestone-linked warrants upon the achievement of such milestone events or otherwise prior to their expiration, Volition's expectations related to revenue opportunities and growth, the timing, completion, success and delivery of data from clinical studies, the timing of publications, the effectiveness of Volition's cost reduction measures, the effectiveness and availability of Volition's blood-based diagnostic, prognostic and disease monitoring tests, Volition's ability to develop and successfully commercialize such test platforms for early detection of cancer and other diseases as well as serving as a diagnostic, prognostic or disease monitoring tools for such diseases, and Volition's success in securing licensing and/or distribution agreements with third parties for its products. Volition's actual results may differ materially from those indicated in these forward-looking statements due to numerous risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, results of studies testing the efficacy of its tests. For instance, if Volition fails to develop and commercialize diagnostic, prognostic or disease monitoring products, it may be unable to execute its plan of operations. Other risks and uncertainties include Volition's failure to obtain necessary regulatory clearances or approvals to distribute and market future products; a failure by the marketplace to accept the products in Volition's development pipeline or any other diagnostic, prognostic or disease monitoring products Volition might develop; Volition's failure to secure adequate intellectual property protection; Volition will face fierce competition and Volition's intended products may become obsolete due to the highly competitive nature of the diagnostics and disease monitoring market and its rapid technological change; downturns in domestic and foreign economies; and other risks, including those identified in Volition's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, as well as other documents that Volition files with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about Volition's business based, in part, on assumptions made by management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this release, and, except as required by law, Volition does not undertake an obligation to update its forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances. Nucleosomics, Capture-PCR, Capture-Seq and Nu.Q and their respective logos are trademarks and/or service marks of VolitionRx Limited and its subsidiaries. All other trademarks, service marks and trade names referred to in this press release are the property of their respective owners. Additionally, unless otherwise specified, all references to "$" refer to the legal currency of the United States of America. SOURCE VolitionRx Limited All-American Collaboration Advances Vortex Water Closer to a Turnkey, Watermain Renewal System HOUSTON, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Vortex Companies, a global leader in trenchless infrastructure solutions, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with EBAA Iron a renowned American manufacturer of joint restraints for water and wastewater pipelines. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Vortex's ongoing mission to develop a comprehensive, turnkey watermain renewal system. Vortex and EBAA Iron have partnered to bring an all-American watermain renewal system. The announcement follows the successful launch of Vortex Water; the company's dedicated division focused on potable water solutions and the relaunch of UnitedBLUE, the in-demand water CIPP liner solution. Together with EBAA Iron's Megalug joint restraints, the system now integrates a 100% American-made connection to support the rehabilitation and reconnection of aging watermains. "This partnership represents a significant step up for water infrastructure rehabilitation," said Mike Vellano, CEO of Vortex Companies. "We're combining best-in-class trenchless technologies with proven American manufacturing to offer a solution that is not only effective and scalable but built entirely in the USA." EBAA's Megalug joint restraints are engineered to restrain broad range of water and wastewater pipe, whether above or below ground, and are suitable for nearly any application including valves, hydrants, and pipelines. Their integration into Vortex Water Solution Systems including UnitedBLUE, ensures rapid, secure reconnection of rehabilitated pipes. Vortex Infrastructure Services Inc. (formerly Foraction) is solely focused on watermain rehabilitation and has installed over one million feet of UnitedBLUE. "Our goal has always been to simplify and standardize the watermain renewal process," said JP Bedard, the company's CEO. "By combining the strength of our UnitedBLUE CIPP liner with EBAA Iron's Megalug restraints, we're providing a repeatable and reliable solution that municipalities can depend on." The system features the UnitedBLUE CIPP liner, an NSF and BNQ certified product with a third-party tested 100-year design life, now coupled with the Megalug joint restraint for a complete solution. Together, these technologies offer a proven, repeatable, and predictable installation process that can help municipalities combat the estimated six billion gallons of treated water lost daily due to failing watermains. "We're excited to partner with Vortex Companies and contribute to such a critical solution," said Chris Keffer, Vice President, EBAA Iron Sales. "Our Megalug restraint systems are designed to ensure long-term reliability and easy installation in the field, perfectly complementing Vortex Water's innovative approach." About Vortex Companies Celebrating 10 years in the industry this year, Vortex Companies is a global leader in trenchless water and sewer infrastructure solutions, offering advanced technologies and turnkey services for municipal, industrial, and commercial systems. Operating across 27 locations worldwide, Vortex specializes in manhole and pipe rehabilitation, polymeric coatings, CIPP liners, sewer robotics, and high-speed drain cleaning tools. For more information, visit www.vortexcompanies.com. About EBAA EBAA Iron a renowned American manufacturer of joint restraints for water and wastewater pipelines is family owned and operated. EBAA manufactures and sells pipe restraints and flexible expansion joints for the water and wastewater pipeline industry. Since introducing its first patented product in 1968, EBAA has continued to manufacture American-made, innovative products for the water and wastewater industry that are engineered to save time and money. SOURCE Vortex Companies SANTA MONICA, Calif., June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- West Edge Partners ("West Edge"), a lower middle market private equity firm, announced today the successful sale of its portfolio company, Dakotaland Autoglass ("DAG"), to PGW Auto Glass ("PGW"), a leading distributor of automotive replacement glass, specialty parts, shop accessories, and business technology solutions in North America. Terms of the transaction, completed on May 30, 2025, were not disclosed. DAG is the largest independent distributor of automotive replacement glass, paint, and related supplies in the Upper Midwest, and a leader in auto glass repair and replacement. Based in Sioux Falls, SD, DAG has a rich history of over 50 years of customer service and operates 13 locations in South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa. West Edge initially invested in DAG in 2022, partnering with the management team to drive growth, expand product and service offerings, and strengthen operational capabilities through strategic investment. "Partnering with West Edge allowed us to accelerate our growth while staying true to our roots," said Stan Biondi, CEO of Dakotaland Autoglass. "They challenged our management team to explore ways to improve our business model and their support enabled us to scale operations and elevate the service we provide to customers. As we join forces with PGW, we're excited to build on that momentum and continue delivering best-in-class service across the region." "We're incredibly proud of what we accomplished alongside the DAG team over the last two years," said Cole Kirby, Partner at West Edge. "This transaction reflects the strength of the business, outstanding leadership and commitment to excellence. PGW is the ideal partner to support DAG's continued growth and focus on customer service." "The DAG team executed relentlessly, successfully navigating a complicated distribution environment, while staying true to their customer-first values," added Kenny Kim, Senior Associate at West Edge. "This is a company that consistently exceeded expectations and delivered results. It's been a privilege to support that journey." About West Edge Partners West Edge is a private equity firm focused on investing in business and consumer services, distribution, and light manufacturing businesses in the lower middle market. The firm supports its partners through a value-added approach and looks to invest in both organic and inorganic growth initiatives. West Edge is Southern California based with offices in both Los Angeles, CA and Philadelphia, PA. For more information, please visit www.westedgepartners.com. Contact: [email protected] SOURCE West Edge Partners GOTHENBURG, Sweden, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Zinzino AB (publ.) announces that the Annual Report for 2024 is now available for download in English at the company's website, www.zinzino.com. Link to the report: https://www.zinzino.com/site/GB/en-GB/about/investor-relations/ For more information: Dag Bergheim Pettersen CEO Zinzino +47 (0) 932 25 700, email: [email protected] Fredrik Nielsen CFO Zinzino +46 707 900 174, email: [email protected] Pictures for publication free of charge: [email protected] Certified Adviser: Carnegie Investment Bank AB (publ.) This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/zinzino/r/zinzino-ab--publ--annual-report-english-2024,c4159881 The following files are available for download: OAK BROOK, Ill., June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Zonta International announced today that it would award Lisa Blair, OAM, an honorary membership in the organization, which works to build a better world for women and girls. Zonta specifically chose 5 June for this announcement as World Environment Day is also an opportunity to elevate the issue of gender equality, a cause that Ms. Blair stands firmly for within her work. Zonta International is pleased to award Lisa Blair an honorary membership for her gender-equal climate action. Ms. Blair is the fastest person to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around Antarctica on her yacht, Climate Action Now. She holds eight world records, having sailed over 130,000 nm and holds an RYA Yacht Master offshore. Ms. Blair is a proud Australian adventurer, author of Facing Fear, and was a keynote speaker at the 2024 Zonta International Convention in Brisbane, Australia. There, she shared her inspirational story of how she came to be a climate activist and inspired others to take action now. Throughout her time at sea, Ms. Blair has seen how humans have a direct impact upon the environment. From being close to shore to the most remote areas in the Antarctic, she saw evidence of microplastics and the damage they cause. Determined to get the topic into the headlines, Ms. Blair chose to name her yacht, Climate Action Now, so that the topic she cares so passionately about gets mentioned in the same media that announces her record-breaking actions. Ms. Blair's upcoming Arctic Impact Project is another exercise in sustainability and action. She intends to build a sustainable boat from Basalt rock and Bio resins and sail it solo, non-stop and unassisted around the Arctic Circle. "People won't protect what they don't have a connection with," said Ms. Blair. "My goal through my projects is to take my audience to the most remote and impacted parts of our world and, through the power of storytelling, inspire them to take action." Zonta International commends Ms. Blair for her actions in drawing attention to climate action and sustainability. In times of extreme weather events, research shows that women often face greater challenges in recovering than men. This disparity stems from systemic gender inequalities that result in women having access to fewer resources and opportunities. As more climate-related disasters occur, the gap between men and women widens, complicating women's ability to rebuild their lives in the face of obstacles to their education, employment, legal rights and leadership roles. "I am incredibly honored to be awarded an honorary membership to Zonta International, they are taking strong climate action for women and girls, and I am proud to work with them so that together we can amplify the need for sustainability and protection of our planet," said Ms. Blair. Zonta International and Ms. Blair stand united in calling for swift and decisive actions that address climate change. The time to prepare is now and we must ensure the needs of women and girls are met before disaster strikes. We must work together to promote gender equality and ensure that both women and men have equal opportunities and resources to thrive. We invite all members of the global community to join us and Ms. Blair in our shared responsibility as stewards of our planet. Together, we can build a better world for women and girls by promoting climate-conscious practices in our daily lives and beyond. Contact: Kate Edrinn Communications Manager Zonta International Phone: 630-928-1400 Email: [email protected] www.zonta.org SOURCE Zonta International Exclusive event will unite insurance industry thought leaders, providers, and brokers to explore strategies for driving premium growth in an increasingly complex market MILWAUKEE, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading insurance technology provider Zywave has announced the lineup for its first ever Digital Distribution Insights Conference on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at Convene 360 Madison in New York City. This exclusive event, an expansion of Zywave's highly regarded thought leadership series, will bring together capacity providers, wholesalers, and retail brokers to challenge the distribution status quo and explore proven premium growth strategies in today's complex and competitive insurance market. "We're currently on an escalating risk trajectory where the causes, types, and costs of loss are all increasing making it more essential than ever that insurance professionals collaborate, working together to outpace the market despite the many challenges we all face," said Martin Simoncic, Zywave's Chief Executive Officer. "As a technology provider with 15,000 customers, that facilitates transactions on both sides of the market, Zywave is in a unique position to activate its extensive ecosystem for knowledge-sharing, problem-solving, and the optimization of digital distribution channels." The conference will focus on how industry leaders can ensure they are efficiently connecting the best products with the right clients while maximizing cost-effectiveness. Attendees will engage with top executives, experts, and innovators who will share actionable insights on navigating today's distribution landscape, leveraging AI and technology, and strengthening relationships across retail channels, wholesale networks, MGAs, and MGUs. Highlights from the event agenda include: Keynote Address Chris Treanor , HUB International, will explore the challenges and opportunities in mastering small commercial insurance growth. 'View from the Top' Panel Industry executives discuss the future role of wholesalers, retailers, and intermediaries in an evolving tech-driven space. Modernizing Insurance Distribution Lessons from personal lines and benefitswhat commercial insurance can learn from digital transformation successes. Technology and AI for the Win Exploring how AI, data, and analytics are reshaping the industry and accelerating premium growth. Digital Distribution as a Performance Multiplier Zywave's Chief Product Officer Eric Rentsch showcases how technology can empower brokers and capacity providers to drive profitable growth. Future State of the Market Panel Industry leaders dissect the evolving distribution landscape and strategies for transformational growth. The conference will conclude with a networking reception, providing attendees the chance to engage with peers, build new connections, and explore innovative solutions for driving success. Renowned for rich content and extensive networking opportunities, Zywave's long-standing thought leadership event series brings together leading experts from various disciplines and insurance markets with programming that spotlights the most pressing topics facing the industry. In 2024, Zywave hosted more than 1,700 attendees and over 150 speakers across four in-person events covering a range of topics in the casualty and cyber insurance spaces. For each, Zywave convenes an advisory board comprised of respected industry experts who plan the content and agenda, ensuring topics are timely, relevant, and bring maximum value to attendees. For more information on attending, sponsoring, or to register for Zywave's Digital Distribution Insights Conference, visit zywave.cventevents.com/event/DigitalDistribution2025/overview. About Zywave Zywave empowers insurers and brokers to drive profitable growth and thrive in today's escalating risk landscape. Only Zywave delivers a powerful Performance Multiplier, bringing together transformative, ecosystem-wide capabilities to amplify impact across data, processes, people, and customer experiences. More than 15,000 insurers, MGAs, agencies, and brokerages trust Zywave to sharpen risk assessment, strengthen client relationships, and enhance operations. Additional information can be found at www.zywave.com. Contact: April Larsen [email protected] +1.414.918.0547 SOURCE Zywave BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 5. China-Azerbaijan economic and trade cooperation has shown a positive development trend - bilateral trade has been steadily increasing in recent years, and China has already become Azerbaijan's fourth-largest trading partner and second-largest source of imports, Chinese Ambassador Lu Mei said, Trend reports. She made the remark at the Azerbaijan-China Economic and Trade Cooperation Conference held in Baku today. The official noted that investments between the two countries are steadily increasing. "Statistics from the Azerbaijani side show that about 300 Chinese companies are operating in Azerbaijan, and the volume of Chinese investments in the country has exceeded $900 million. The volume of Azerbaijani investments in China is about $300 million. Currently, the Chinese and Azerbaijani sides are not only satisfied with implementing specific projects in the fields of building materials, oil and gas exploration, infrastructure coordination, agricultural equipment, telecommunications, and technology but are also actively promoting cooperation in new areas such as wind energy, solar energy, and new energy vehicles," Mei also said. The ambassador also noted that there is great potential to further enhance the level of China-Azerbaijan economic and trade investment cooperation. "There is also a need to further expand the volume of bilateral trade and investment, further open up financing channels, and optimize the trade structure. The Chinese side is ready to fully implement the role of the mechanism of the intergovernmental commission on trade and economic cooperation between the two countries, together with the Azerbaijani side," she mentioned. Mei also spoke about the advantages of Guangdong Province. "Guangdong Province is economically strong, rich in industrial resources, and has a large market size. The Canton Fair (Guangzhou International Trade Fair), held in Guangzhou every year, is a world-renowned import-export trade fair. It's also an important platform for China to demonstrate its achievements in reform and open-door policy to the world. The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is becoming a global center in the fields of supply chain, finance, and scientific and technological innovation. The advantages and potential of Guangdong Province will provide a strong driving force for the high-quality development of China-Azerbaijan economic and trade cooperation. Today, the delegation and entrepreneurs of Guangdong Province will closely familiarize themselves with Azerbaijan's development strategy, investment needs, and market opportunities and explore cooperation and exchange opportunities in energy transition, infrastructure, industrial production, scientific and technological innovation, and other fields. The holding of the China Guangdong-Azerbaijan Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum will not only be a platform for deepening cooperation between Guangdong and Azerbaijan but also become a living example of enriching the comprehensive strategic partnership under the strategic leadership of the leaders of the two countries. We believe that as a result of this interaction and discussions, the parties will achieve the implementation of more high-quality cooperation projects. The Chinese Embassy in Azerbaijan will, as always, continue to support practical cooperation between the two sides in all areas," the ambassador concluded. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Azerbaijan's smartphone imports from China declines in 1Q2025 In the first quarter of this year, Azerbaijan's smartphone imports from China decreased both in volume and value, with a 16.6% drop in quantity and a 6.6% decline in cost compared to last year. Despite the decline in Chinese imports, overall imports of smartphones to Azerbaijan continued, with major shipments coming from China, the US, and other countries. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here Washington, June 5 : An all-party Indian parliamentary delegation, led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, is holding a series of high-level meetings in Washington with senior members of the US Congress to underscore India's firm stand against Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism. The delegation's engagements include discussions with the leadership of the Foreign Relations Committee of the US House of Representatives and members of the India Caucus, signalling a shared commitment between the two democracies to combat terrorism in all its forms. The Indian team, spearheaded by Tharoor, met with Republican Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Brian Mast, and Democratic Ranking Member Gregory Meeks, among others. The delegation also met with the leadership of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Gregory Meeks, the Democratic Ranking Member, said, "Pleasure to host Chairman Shashi Tharoor & members of the Indian Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs. My colleagues & I expressed condolences for the terrorist attack in Pahalgam & reaffirmed Congress's commitment to the US-India partnership." During these interactions, the delegation briefed American lawmakers on the success of Operation Sindoor and how it marks a "new normal" in India's response to cross-border terrorism. According to a statement by the Indian Embassy, "The Parliamentary delegation briefed the committee members on the success of Operation Sindoor in defining a new normal in India's fight against cross-border terrorism." The US House Committee leadership condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam unequivocally, reiterating the United States' solidarity with India. "India and the USA stand together in their unwavering resolve and fight against terrorism in all its forms," the Embassy post said on X. The Indian parliamentarians also held talks with Congressmen Ro Khanna and Rich McCormick, co-chairs of the House India Caucus, and with Senators Mark Warner and John Cornyn, co-chairs of the Senate India Caucus. Senator Cornyn posted on X, "Good meeting with Indian parliamentary delegation about US-India relationship." Tharoor responded appreciatively to these interactions, stating, "Great to meet you and your Senate Foreign Relations Committee colleagues, Senate Rich McCormick! We greatly valued all of you finding the time for us on a busy day and expressing your solidarity with our fight against terrorism. We also appreciated your enthusiasm for greater and stronger cooperation between our countries on a wide range of areas. The potential is unlimited!" Congressman Ro Khanna also reiterated bipartisan support for India's fight against terror, saying, "United States has a bipartisan commitment to the India relationship and stands with India to dismantle these terrorist networks in Pakistan." Tharoor acknowledged Khanna's support and said it was "terrific" to meet him, adding that the delegation was "grateful for the strong support of the India Caucus" in the House of Representatives. Arriving in Washington on Tuesday, the Indian delegation began their official engagements on Wednesday, which included meetings with US Congress members and policy leaders, as well as a scheduled panel discussion at the National Press Club. The team is also expected to address a news briefing and later participate in a dinner interaction with the Indian diaspora. During the two-day visit, the Indian representatives will continue their meetings with members of the US Congress and administration, think tanks, media, and key policymakers to present India's robust stance on terrorism and highlight the significance of Operation Sindoor. The Embassy emphasised that the delegation aims to build consensus and deepen strategic cooperation on shared security priorities. The delegation includes Shambhavi Choudhary of the Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas, Sarfaraz Ahmad of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, Milind Murli Deora of the Shiv Sena, Shashank Mani Tripathi, Bhubaneswar Kalita, and Tejasvi Surya of the BJP, and GM Harish Balayogi of the Telugu Desam Party, a key NDA ally. Former Indian Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, is also accompanying the delegation to leverage his diplomatic experience and strong network in Washington. In the final leg of their visit, the delegation will continue to engage with influential US lawmakers, officials, and thought leaders to reinforce India's commitment to counterterrorism and strengthen bilateral ties. Chennai, June 5 : Farmers in Tamil Nadu's Tiruppur and Coimbatore districts have urged the Water Resources Department (WRD) to fully dredge the Parambikulam-Aliyar Project (PAP) main canal before releasing water to the fourth irrigation zone, warning that failure to do so would lead to massive water wastage and reduced irrigation efficiency. The PAP main canal, stretching 124 kilometres from the Thirumoorthy Dam in Udumalaipet to Vellakovil in Tiruppur district, serves a vast agricultural command area of approximately 3.77 lakh acres divided into four irrigation zones. The fourth zone alone accounts for around 94,000 acres, covering the entire length of the main canal. S. Paramasivam, President of the Tamil Nadu Coconut Farmers Association (Tiruppur District), emphasised the urgent need for desilting. "The PAP system irrigates nearly 4.25 lakh acres in Tiruppur and Coimbatore. Of this, 3.77 lakh acres receive water directly from the Thirumoorthy Dam. But over 75 per cent of the main canal is now damaged or choked with silt, and many branch and distributary canals are poorly maintained," he said. He added that what once took 21 days for a complete irrigation cycle now takes up to 29 days due to water seepage and blockages. "If not dredged, the system will continue to lose water, delaying irrigation and affecting crop yield," he said. Farmers noted that the WRD is currently supplying water to the third zone for the fourth round, with the fourth zone scheduled to receive water only after the fifth round. They demand that the canal be cleared before then. "There are trees growing inside the canal, and the silt accumulation is obstructing the flow of water in several stretches," Paramasivam said. Kumarasamy, a farmer from the region, accused the government of neglecting the irrigation needs of Coimbatore and Tiruppur. "The allocation of funds is grossly inadequate. There is a consistent bias that has left our systems crumbling. Without sufficient funding, the WRD cannot address the problem effectively," he said. In response, a senior WRD official from Coimbatore acknowledged the concerns and said, "We have submitted a proposal seeking Rs 10 crore for desilting the PAP, Lower Bhavani Project (LBP), and Amaravathi canals. But only Rs 1.5 crore has been sanctioned so far. As a result, we will prioritise critical stretches where water flow is most affected." Despite the assurance, farmers remain sceptical and continue to press for immediate action to avoid irrigation delays and potential crop loss in the crucial fourth zone. --IANS aal/dpb New Delhi, June 5 : On the occasion of World Environment Day that is celebrated on June 5 each year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will plant a sapling at Mahavir Jayanti Park in the national Capital as part of the initiative 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam Par' 2.0. Greeting the nation on World Environment Day, PM Modi urged the people to deepen efforts towards protecting planet Earth. In a post on his X handle, the Prime Minister wrote on Thursday, "This #WorldEnvironmentDay, let's deepen our efforts towards protecting our planet and overcoming the challenges we face. I also compliment all those working at the grassroots to make our environment greener and better." The plantation of a sapling at Mahavir Jayanti Park in Delhi by the PM, as part of the celebrations and initiatives organised across India on the occasion of World Environment Day, will also be done to celebrate the anniversary of 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam Par', an initiative that was launched by the PM to protect the environment as well as honour the motherland and motherhood. On this special occasion, PM Modi will plant a sapling and celebrate the success of the program. The 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam Par 2.0' initiative aims to plant 10 crore trees between June 5 and September 30 this year across India. On June 5 last year the Prime Minister had launched the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' Campaign on the occasion of World Environment Day by planting a Peepal tree at Buddha Jayanti Park in Delhi. The essence of 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' is a symbolic gesture planting a tree in the name of one's mother. This simple act serves a dual purpose: Honouring the role of mothers in nurturing life and contributing to the health of the planet as trees are life-sustaining, and just like a mother, they provide sustenance, protection, and a future for the next generation. Urging all to contribute towards making the planet Earth better, the PM had stated that in the last decade, India has undertaken many efforts which have led to a rise in its forest cover. "It would make you all very happy that in the last decade, India has undertaken numerous collective efforts which have led to increased forest cover across the nation. This is great for our quest towards sustainable development. It is also commendable how local communities have risen to the occasion and taken a lead in this," PM Modi posted on X. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Washington, June 5 : The US military announced the detention of an ISIS leader and the death of two operatives of the terror group during Defeat ISIS (D-ISIS) operations in Iraq and Syria. "US Central Command (CENTCOM) forces supported six D-ISIS operations, five in Iraq and one in Syria, resulting in the two ISIS operatives killed, two detained, including an ISIS leader, and the recovery of multiple weapons. The operations served to disrupt and degrade ISIS' ability to reconstitute, plan, organise, and conduct attacks against civilians and US and partner forces in the region," said US CENTCOM in a statement on X on Thursday. According to the statement, the US CENTCOM forces supported partner forces in operations in Iraq and Syria from May 21-27 in support of the ongoing D-ISIS campaign. The Syrian Democratic Forces, enabled by US CENTCOM, conducted a D-ISIS operation near Deir ez-Zur from May 21-22, resulting in the capture of an ISIS operative. Additionally, the Iraqi forces, enabled by USCENTCOM, conducted D-ISIS operations in northern Iraq, within the Salah al-Din Governorate, Kirkuk Governorate, and Al-Fallujah, from May 21-27, resulting in the clearance and destruction of multiple locations. The operation led to the confiscation of small arms weapons and munitions, and the recovery of material for further exploitation, while two ISIS operatives were killed in action, and an ISIS leader was captured "The US and members of the multinational Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) maintain our ongoing commitment to the fight against ISIS," stated US CENTCOM. "Operations like these underscore the commitment of USCENTCOM, along with our allies and partners, to the enduring defeat of ISIS in the region," said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, US CENTCOM Commander. In 2014, ISIS declared a "caliphate" after it captured several parts of Iraq and Syria. Later in late 2017, the Iraqi forces, with the support of international partners, defeated ISIS, which then lost its last territory in Syria two years later. Seoul, June 5 : The South Korean National Assembly on Thursday passed a special counsel bill to probe insurrection charges surrounding former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol over his failed attempt to impose martial law. The bill was approved in a 194-3 vote with one abstention at a plenary session of the National Assembly that is controlled by the ruling Democratic Party (DP). During the parliamentary session, lawmakers also passed two other special counsel bills, including one targeting former first lady Kim Keon Hee over allegations of stock price manipulation and Kim's acceptance of a luxury bag. The bill targeting Yoon mandates a permanent special counsel to investigate 11 charges, including insurrection and military mutiny, over his failed martial law bid in December. The bill was reintroduced after being previously vetoed and discarded twice, with its scope expanded from six charges to 11. The third bill seeks to launch a special counsel probe into allegations that the presidential office and the defence ministry inappropriately interfered in the military's investigation into a Marine's death during a search mission in July 2023, Yonhap news agency reported. The National Assembly also passed a separate bill that would allow the justice minister, in addition to the prosecutor general, to directly request disciplinary action against prosecutors. Most of the PPP lawmakers did not participate in the vote in protest, criticising the DP's move to unilaterally push through bills that lack bipartisan agreement. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Democratic Party (DP) candidate Lee Jae-myung was elected President after months of turmoil surrounding the impeachment and ouster of his former opponent over a botched attempt to impose martial law. Lee's win was a remarkable comeback after having lost to former President Yoon Suk Yeol by a razor-thin margin of less than 1 percentage point in the previous election in 2022. While Yoon's attempt to impose martial law in December paved the way for Lee's rise to the presidency, it also deepened the nation's political divide and increased the challenges posed by everything from the United States' tariff policies to North Korea's advancing nuclear weapons program, reports Yonhap news agency. With all votes counted, Lee of the liberal DP won 49.42 per cent of the votes, compared with 41.15 per cent for his conservative People Power Party (PPP) rival Kim Moon-soo. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 5. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between Azerbaijan's Dream Group and China's Digital Team Technology Ltd. to establish a joint venture, Trend reports. The signing ceremony took place as part of the Azerbaijan-China Economic and Trade Cooperation Conference. The MoU was signed by Kamran Allahverdiyev, the Chief Executive Officer of Dream Group, acting on behalf of Azerbaijan, and Zhang Yi, the co-founder of Digital Team Technology Ltd., representing the interests of China. The strategic partnership seeks to enhance bilateral economic synergies within the technological domain between the two nations. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Seoul, June 5 : North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has vowed to "unconditionally" support Russia over the war against Ukraine and "responsibly" observe the articles of a mutual defence treaty signed between Pyongyang and Moscow, the North's state media reported on Thursday. Kim made the remarks during his meeting with Russia's Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu the previous day in Pyongyang, reports Yonhap, quoting the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Shoigu, Russia's top security official, arrived in North Korea on Wednesday, amid deepening military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, highlighted by the North's troop dispatch to Russia to support the war against Ukraine. During the meeting, Kim affirmed that North Korea will "unconditionally support the stand of Russia and its foreign policies in all the crucial international political issues, including the Ukrainian issue," according to the KCNA. Kim also said his country will "responsibly observe the articles of the treaty" between the two nations, it reported, referring to the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty signed by him and Russian President Vladimir Putin in June last year in Pyongyang. During the talks, both sides "confirmed the consensus" of the two nations' stance on the Ukraine situation and pledged to develop the bilateral ties into the "powerful and comprehensive relations of strategic partnership." Kim and Shoigu discussed prospects for rebuilding the Kursk front-line region and specific steps to "commemorate the memory of North Korean soldiers' feat," Russia's news agency Tass reported Wednesday, citing Russia's Security Council. Seoul's unification ministry said the agenda items probably included North Korea's dispatch of additional troops to Russia, ceasefire negotiations underway for the Ukraine war and Kim's potential trip to Russia. Given that the talks came on the inauguration day of South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, an official at the ministry did not rule out the possibility that they discussed the outlook for inter-Korean relations and the security situation on the Korean Peninsula. Shoigu's latest trip, the second in less than three months, came ahead of the first anniversary of the signing of the mutual defense treaty on June 19 last year. The treaty calls for providing military assistance "without delay" if either side comes under attack. In April, North Korea acknowledged for the first time that it had dispatched troops to fight alongside Russia against Ukraine. Seoul's spy agency said the North has sent around 15,000 soldiers to Russia so far and is believed to have incurred more than 4,700 casualties, including some 600 deaths. Ayodhya, June 5 : A spiritually charged atmosphere enveloped Ayodhya on Thursday as the Pran Pratishtha (consecration) ceremony of Shri Ram Darbar and other deities was completed with great devotion in the presence of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The elaborate ritual, held on the occasion of Ganga Dussehra, marked the culmination of a three-day religious ceremony held within the Ram Janmabhoomi complex. The sound of Vedic mantras, conch shells, and Acharyasa chants reverberated across the holy city, lending an air of divine solemnity to the event. The final day began with the worship of invoked deities at the Yagya Mandap at 6.30 a.m., followed by a havan at 9 a.m. The highlight was the use of modern audio-visual technology that connected the entire area during the pran prathishtha. Vedic tradition and modern technology blended for the consecration of idols in different shrines at the same muhurta. Deities consecrated included Shri Ram Darbar, Sheshavatar, Shiva (northeast corner), Ganesh Ji (southeast), Hanuman Ji (south), Surya Dev (southwest), Maa Bhagwati (northwest), and Annapurna Mata (north). The rituals concluded with a special Aarti and Bhandara (community feast), attended by a large gathering of saints, Vedic scholars, officials from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, and thousands of devotees from India and abroad. Adding a personal dimension to the occasion, the event coincided with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanathas birthday, for which he sought blessings from Lord Shri Ram. The day also marked the Trayodashi Janmotsav (birth anniversary) of the Saryu River, amplifying the spiritual significance. Several members of the saint community hailed the Chief Minister for restoring the ancient glory of Ram Nagari (Ayodhya) through the construction of the grand temple and the comprehensive development of the city. Over the past eight years, Ayodhya has undergone a massive transformation with development projects worth over Rs 32,000 crore, including upgrades in roads, railways, an international airport, riverfront beautification, and enhanced tourism infrastructure. Landmark projects like the Ram Katha Park, rejuvenation of the Saryu ghats, and the development of a modern temple complex have reshaped Ayodhyaas identity and placed it firmly on the global map. To ensure the smooth conduct of the grand event, the administration made elaborate security arrangements. The temple and surrounding areas were under multi-layered surveillance, with deployments from the ATS, CRPF, PAC, and local police. SP Security said the site was under impenetrable security cover, aided by modern surveillance systems. United Nations, June 5 : Conflict-related displacement of people and the spread of cholera continue to increase humanitarian needs across Sudan, according to UN spokesman. Nearly 9,700 people in Khartoum state alone were recently displaced due to conflict, said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, citing figures from the International Organization for Migration (IOM). In South Kordofan, more than 9,000 people fled Dibebat town in Al Quoz locality last week due to intense clashes. The situation remains very volatile, he said, quoting the IOM on Wednesday. At the same time, about 600 people were displaced from Abu Shouk camp and El Fasher town in North Darfur state just last week, he said. On the cholera outbreak, the spokesman said daily cases are steadily increasing in River Nile state in the north although they are falling in Khartoum state, Xinhua news agency reported. In the past two weeks alone, health authorities in River Nile state have reported more than 180 cumulative cases and four deaths. And of the total cases, 55 were reported to have arrived from other states, underscoring the cross-regional spread of the disease, said Dujarric. Humanitarian partners warn that continued displacement, damaged infrastructure, and limited access to safe water are accelerating transmission, he said. Meanwhile, thousands of displaced people are now returning to Blue Nile state and need urgent assistance. They lack food, clean water, health care, shelter and education, he said. Humanitarian organisations are working hard to meet the growing needs of people in Sudan. But insecurity, access constraints and critical funding shortfalls continue to undermine the response, said the spokesman. "Once again, we call for an immediate cessation of hostilities, unimpeded humanitarian access across borders and conflict lines, the protection of civilians, as well as increased funding so we can scale up," he said. New Delhi, June 5 : The all-party parliamentary delegation led by JD(U) MP Sanjay Jha on Thursday met External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar and briefed him on the support received during their recent five-nation diplomatic outreach on the Operation Sindoor. The delegation which met EAM Jaishankar included BJP MPs Aparajita Sarangi, Brij Lal, Hemang Joshi, and Pradan Baruah, Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee, CPI(M)'s Rajya Sabha member John Brittas, senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid and former diplomat Mohan Kumar. During their visits to Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia, the delegation presented dossiers and evidence on Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism relating to Pahalgam terror attack and also informed them about India's military action under Operation Sindoor. Speaking to IANS after the meeting, JD(U) MP Sanjay Jha said, "There was a very positive atmosphere in Indonesia. We received support, and their statement was in favour of India. Malaysia, however, appeared a little neutral. We noticed every country had its own approach. In many places, we got a positive response; in some, it was neutral, and in a few, there were questions. But this was the aim of our tour -- to understand and share perspectives." "We shared with them our firm stand against terrorism," he added. Responding to criticism from sections of the Opposition regarding alleged losses suffered during Operation Sindoor, Jha asserted, "The strongest message we sent globally was that India stands united. When I introduced the delegation members as being from Kerala, Assam, Bengal, Gujarat, and from different parties, it sent a strong signal that the entire nation and political spectrum was speaking in one voice. If one or two voices dissent, they should reflect on whether they are aligned with the country or somewhere else." BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi said, "We received an invitation from the EAM's office, and today we all had a productive discussion. Each member shared detailed experiences from the countries we visited. The Minister was deeply engaged and asked many questions. We explained everything in depth. Now the MEA will take a call on the further steps." Referring to the criticism over timing of diplomatic outreach, Sarangi said, "The delegation completed its work with seriousness and gave its briefing. Even today, during the meeting with the EAM, leaders like Salman Khurshid and CPI(M)'s John Brittas were present, and there was great camaraderie and unity. That's what stood out the most." Thiruvananthapuram, June 5 : A controversy broke out on Thursday after Kerala Agriculture Minister P. Prasad boycotted the state-level celebrations on World Environment Day at the Raj Bhavan -- the official residence of the state Governor, Rajendra V. Arlekar. The reason was that the Minister did not want the picture of the Bharat Mata, commonly used by the RSS, to be placed on the central dais. Prasad told the media that the programme was decided after speaking to the Governor. "Last night, a change was made, and this was not acceptable to the state government. The picture was not the regular Bharat Mata picture which we use, but at Raj Bhavan, it was the one that is used by the RSS. It is not right to keep such pictures, and the Governor said it cannot be changed, and hence the state government decided not to take part in the function at the Raj Bhavan," said Prasad. "This is an unconstitutional thing. It is only after this Governor took over that there have been such changes. We have the highest regard and respect towards the normal Bharat Mata picture, but not the one used by the RSS," added Prasad. Incidentally, on Tuesday evening, officials from the concerned Minister's office were at the Raj Bhavan for an inspection of the Central Hall where the picture of Bharat Mata was kept. Later, the officials who visited the Raj Bhavan informed the Minister about the picture. Following this, the Minister spoke to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and later, the decision was taken that Prasad would not attend the meeting. The Minister called Raj Bhavan and informed that he would not be able to attend the function if the picture was not removed. But Arlekar stood his ground and pointed out that the picture would not be removed. Afterwards, the state government decided to hold a function in the Durbar Hall of the State Secretariat to mark the World Environment Day celebrations. The Chief Secretary was directed to organise a separate event. Consequent to this, on Thursday, there were two different state-level functions -- one chaired by Arlekar at the Raj Bhavan and the other in the Durbar Hall with Prasad presiding over. Prasad, a first-time legislator, is a member of the CPI. Former Minister and CPI state secretary Binoy Viswan said this was unacceptable, as that picture could not be put up at a state function. Incidentally, last month, Arlekar had invited prominent RSS ideologue S. Gurumurthy for a talk after the successful Operation Sindoor, and CM Vijayan had said that it was wrong to convert the Raj Bhavan into a place for the RSS. Damoh : , June 5 (IANS) In a tragic incident, a 30-year-old patient admitted to a government-run district hospital allegedly jumped from the building, leading to his death during treatment in Madhya Pradesh, police said on Thursday. The incident occurred late on Wednesday night in Madhya Pradeshas Damoh district, around 450 km from Bhopal. The deceased person has been identified as Shubham Ahirwar, a resident of Emlayi village in Damoh. According to police, Shubham was brought to the district hospital by his family as he had pain in his stomach a few days ago. After some improvement in his health, Shubham was shifted to the general ward of the hospital. On Wednesday night, he suddenly got up from his bed and started creating a ruckus in the ward. He rushed towards the nursing station located in the ward and picked up a pair of scissors from there. Then, he ran from one end of the ward to another, brandishing the scissors in his hand, leaving the people present there, including other patients, in panic. The security staff and some attendants tried to overpower him, but he was out of control. After creating a ruckus for around 30 minutes, Shubham came out of the ward and ran to a balcony and jumped from the second floor of the building. Security staff brought him back inside for treatment, however, he succumbed to his injuries. His act of jumping from the hospital building was captured by a CCTV camera installed in the hospital premises. "He was rushed to the emergency ward for treatment, however, he could not survive the impact of the fall and died during treatment," said a doctor in the Damoh district hospital. The district hospital administration informed the local police about the incident early on Thursday. "He was admitted to the hospital a few days ago and his condition was improving gradually. But what made him create a ruckus and end his life, is part of the police investigation," a doctor said. A police team from city Kotwali reached the spot and investigations are underway. Lucknow, June 5 : A three-year-old girl was gang-raped in Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow and is in critical condition, the police said on Thursday. The incident occurred in the Alambagh area of Lucknow. The minor was kidnapped by some miscreants, who sexually assaulted her and left her in critical condition. As soon as the information about the incident was received, the GCP Central and other senior officials inspected the spot. A case has been registered under the relevant sections at the Alambagh police station. The girl used to live near the Chandanagar Metro Station with her parents. After the parents were not able to find the girl in the morning, people started searching for the minor. After a while, the innocent girl was found in an unconscious state under the metro bridge. The parents took the girl to Lok Bandhu Hospital and filed a police complaint at Alambagh Police Station. Upon receiving the information, the police arrived at the scene and started the investigation. A police team was also sent to the hospital for the security of child. Informing about the incident, DCP Central Ashish Srivastava said, "On June 5, information was received at Alambagh Police Station from the One Stop Centre that the two-and-a-half-year-old daughter of a couple living under the Chandanagar Metro Station was sexually assaulted." "We got to know that when the couple found the girl in a critical situation, they first took the child to Lok Bandhu Hospital, where doctors confirmed the assault and informed the One Stop Centre. The police launched an investigation after the case was filed. Five teams have been deployed. We are working to find the culprits. Our team members are also there with the victim at the hospital," he added. Meanwhile, the forensics teams have reached the spot to collect evidence. Investigations are underway, and further details are awaited. Mumbai, June 5 : On the occasion of World Environment Day, actress and newly-elected BJP MP Kangana Ranaut participated in a special tree plantation initiative under the campaign 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam.' Taking to social media, Kangana revealed that she planted a sapling at her Delhi residence to mark the day, dedicating the gesture to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In her post, the actress expressed heartfelt gratitude to environmental warriors who tirelessly work to protect and restore the Earth's natural resources. She acknowledged those who have devoted their lives to saving rivers, cleaning the planetparticularly the oceansfrom plastic waste, and nurturing the soil. Ranaut shared a series of photos in which she is seen planting a sapling at her residence in Delhi. For the caption, she wrote, "Today, on #WorldEnvironmentDay, we strengthened the #EkPedMaaKeNaam initiative by honourable @narendramodi ji with a special tree plantation drive. I planted a sapling at my Delhi house. Also, on this environment day we pay heartfelt gratitude to all those who have dedicated their lives to saving the soil and the rivers also cleaning the planet especially oceans from plastic waste." The Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam initiative was launched last year on the occasion of World Environment Day. The initiative encourages individuals to plant trees in honor of their mothers, symbolizing love, care, and nurturingvalues that also extend to our planet. On June 5, Prime Minister Modi launched the second phase of the nationwide tree plantation campaign, Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, at Mahavir Jayanti Park in New Delhi. The initiative, which urges individuals to plant a tree in honor of their mothers, has entered its 2.0 version with a renewed goalplanting 10 crore trees across India between June 5 and September 30. PM Modi tweeted, "This #WorldEnvironmentDay, let's deepen our efforts towards protecting our planet and overcoming the challenges we face. I also compliment all those working at the grassroots to make our environment greener and better." Lucknow, June 5 : Seeking the re-introduction of paper ballot, Bahujan Samaj Party National President Mayawati on Thursday blamed the alleged manipulation of electronic voting machines (EVMs) for her party's recent diminishing electoral success. "Most of the opposition parties, including our party, want that all the small and big elections in the country should be conducted through ballot papers like before. But this is not possible under the current government," said Mayawati, in her address to media persons. Looking to revitalise her party cadre in the backdrop of recent electoral reverses, Mayawati said, "A change of regime is on the cards in the country and this will surely bring back ballot papers. Therefore, BSP workers need not feel disheartened and should remain focused on strengthening the organisation." She said anti-Dalit forces have joined hands with other parties to weaken the BSP and manipulate EVMs to prevent party candidates from winning elections. "Considering the prevailing political mood in the country, the EVM-related voting system can change at any moment, and all elections will be conducted using paper ballots. The return of paper ballots would also bring back good times for the BSP," said Mayawati. The Dalit leader also trained her guns on forces which, she claimed, were trying to mislead BSP workers and supporters and weaken forces devoted to the welfare of the marginalised sections. In a subtle reference to the exit of former BSP MP from Bijnor, Malook Nagar, in April, Mayawati said the Dalits would never benefit even if opportunist leaders who work at the behest of parties like the Congress, BJP and Samajwadi Party become MPs, MLAs or ministers. Without naming the emerging Dalit leader from Uttar Pradesh, Changrashekhar Azad of the Azad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram), Mayawati also alerted voters against opportunistic organisations and leaders who "misuse" the names of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar and Kanshi Ram as part of a conspiracy to split Dalit votes, ultimately benefiting other parties. Sydney, June 5 : The West Australian (WA) capital of Perth has indefinitely suspended the hiring of e-scooters following the death of a pedestrian in a collision. The city of Perth suspended e-scooter hires from midday local time on Thursday in response to the death of a 51-year-old man in hospital on Tuesday after being struck from behind by an e-scooter as he walked in central Perth with a friend on Saturday night, Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported on Thursday. He is the first pedestrian to die in an e-scooter accident in WA, said ABC. A British tourist was arrested at the scene and has been charged with causing death while driving dangerously under the influence of alcohol, Xinhua news agency reported. Perth Deputy Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds described the incident as a "tragic event" and said on Thursday that providers would collect e-scooters from the city's streets. He said that there is no timeframe for how long the suspension will last. Premier of Western Australia Roger Cook told ABC radio that the suspension was a "perfectly appropriate" response. Meanwhile, in another incident, a pedestrian died after being hit by a light rail carriage in Sydney, on Thursday afternoon. Police in the state of New South Wales (NSW) said in a statement on Thursday afternoon that emergency services were called to the inner-Sydney suburb of Surry Hills at about 1:15 p.m. local time on Thursday following reports that a pedestrian had been struck by a light rail carriage. On arrival, police officers found a man, believed to be in his 40s, trapped under the carriage. He was treated by ambulance paramedics but died at the scene. Transport for NSW said that light rail services have been disrupted and advised passengers to delay travel or take alternative transport. A crime scene has been established and police are investigating the cause of the incident. E-commerce opens broader markets for Xizang specialties Xinhua) 08:33, June 05, 2025 Tibetan specialties are being sold via livestreaming at the 5th China Xizang Tourism and Culture Expo in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, June 18, 2023. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) LHASA, June 4 (Xinhua) -- In southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, a county perched at an altitude of 3,800 meters is embracing the digital era through livestreaming. Tashi Lhamo, a 34-year-old resident of Qonggyai County, held up her phone and greeted her audience: "I just got back from the farm. Please give me lots of likes today." With ease, she promoted local products to her livestream viewers, a scene that has become increasingly common in this once-isolated highland. Thanks to the completion of a large-scale telecom network upgrade, internet coverage has become increasingly more stable, prompting many villagers to jump on the e-commerce bandwagon. A simple smartphone now connects the area with the outside world. As the county's most popular influencer, Tashi Lhamo has around 4 million followers across Chinese video-sharing platforms. Through her livestreams, she helps villagers sell local specialties like butter and tsamba -- the most popular staple food in Xizang -- to customers nationwide, generating an annual income of more than 1 million yuan (about 139,109 U.S. dollars). Across Xizang, e-commerce is gaining momentum as the regional government seeks to promote high-quality development of the sector through measures including supportive policies, online vouchers, e-commerce bases and livestreaming competitions. According to the regional commerce department, from January to April this year, Xizang's online retail sales reached 10.84 billion yuan, up 36.7 percent year-on-year. Of that total, livestreaming accounted for 3.36 billion yuan, a 41.8 percent increase, while online sales of agricultural products hit 320 million yuan, up 17.5 percent from the same period last year. In the regional capital of Lhasa, local wool products are rolling off the production lines at a factory run by Xizang Holy Trust Industry Co., Ltd. "In the past, most of our orders came from offline channels. Now, by leveraging Xizang's rich wool resources, we have developed an integrated model: e-commerce orders drive on-demand production, cooperatives facilitate procurement, and herders adjust livestock breeding and wool harvesting based on market demand," said Lhapa Trinley, board chairman of the company. Today, through various online platforms, the company's products, such as scarves, clothing and rugs, are sold across China. Semi-processed materials like washed wool, cashmere and yak wool are even exported to countries including Nepal and India. Beyond agricultural and pastoral goods, cultural products such as Tibetan incense and traditional accessories are also gaining popularity, introducing Tibetan culture to wider audiences. "E-commerce means that Xizang's products are no longer niche," said Li Yanping, head of the e-commerce division at the regional commerce department, adding that the region plans to improve rural logistics and support more e-commerce talent to further expand the reach of its specialties. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) As is already known, an international conference on the preservation of the so-called "Armenian heritage" in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan was held in Switzerland at the end of May. This event was a response to a conference with the participation of scientists from many countries of the world, held in April in the Vatican. Discussions at the University of the Holy See were devoted to the history of Christianity in Azerbaijan, primarily the heritage of Caucasian Albania. In response, the Armenians and their support group decided to hold their own event in Bern. It is sad that the World Council of Churches was involved in the organization of the provocative event, which has been very often led by the Armenians lately. The WCC has strange ideas about "Christian brotherhood." Following the results of the so-called conference, a statement was adopted, which for some reason the Armenian media distributed late, only now. Perhaps the Armenian customers supplemented and strengthened the wording before making the paper public. The document claims, with reference to some international experts, that an attempt on the "Armenian heritage" is equivalent to genocide or the intention of genocide. No more, no less. The participants of the event expressed boundless concern about the alleged attacks on the identity, heritage and memory of Armenians and demanded that UNESCO "immediately organize an independent monitoring mission to assess the state of preservation of Armenian cultural and religious sites" in the liberated Karabakh region of Azerbaijan. International organizations and the government of the countries were ordered to "take diplomatic and legal steps based on OSCE documents and other conventions" to rescue the Armenian settlers and return the Armenians who voluntarily left the region to Karabakh. Well, the entire Christian world has been instructed to strengthen solidarity with Armenia. The funny thing is that the WCC intends to lead an "ecumenical pilgrimage visit to Armenian holy sites" in Karabakh. If there were correct formulations, open-mindedness, and detachment from the provocative activities of the Armenians, perhaps the Azerbaijani side would allow visits to the sites of the Albanian heritage. But no organizations will be able to inspect the "Armenian holy sites". First of all, Azerbaijan will not allow interference in its internal affairs, will not allow anyone to dictate the rules on its sovereign territory. Secondly, there are no "Armenian holy sites" in Karabakh, as well as in Azerbaijan as a whole. There are places in Azerbaijan that can be considered holy to the Christian world, but they have nothing to do with Armenians and their Armenian identity, so to speak. These places are associated with the Albanian Church, one of the oldest Christian churches in the world. If the WCC is ready to accept these realities, then you are welcome. And thirdly, if the WCC wants to earn the right to organize ecumenical campaigns on the territory of Azerbaijan, it must prove its objectivity and purity of thought. At the moment, everything looks like a "crusade" by a group of xenophobes, chauvinists and Islamophobes. And not only does it look like it, but I think it is. The mention of certain "leaders of Muslim traditions" in the conference statement does not change the situation for the better. The religious factor is the last tool available to the Armenians, and they are now actively using it against Azerbaijan. The Karabakh conflict itself, which was unleashed by Yerevan in order to seize territories, the Second Karabakh Liberation War, and the anti-terrorist operation of 2023 are all presented as an "attack on Christians." The World Council of Churches readily absorbs all this, encourages them, and is ready to lead this "crusade." I would like to think that the WCC is simply following the pseudo-Christian whining of the Armenians, but in fact is not aware of what has been happening in the region over the past thirty-five years, is not aware of the crimes of Armenia and the Armenian Church. Otherwise, it turns out that the World Council of Churches chose the side of the enemy of the human race. That's right, no other way. Because the list of crimes committed by Armenians against humanity is huge and unprecedented in terms of the cynicism and sophistication of the atrocities. Churchmen are probably more familiar with Hieronymus Bosch's paintings of hell than with the chronicle of Armenian atrocities against the Azerbaijani people. Therefore, let's put it this way: the deeds of the monsters in Bosch's paintings look more human than the deeds of the Armenian Nazis, blinded by cave hatred. The WCC has seriously damaged its reputation in the universal sense by taking the side of evil. You shouldn't have gotten involved in the Armenian games. The Armenians never play a fair game, they always act in devious and unscrupulous ways. He doesn't have enough strength and rights to play fair. And never enough. But he always had "defenders of Christianity" at his service. And anyway, how is the WCC going to implement its grandiose idea? How does it intend to realize its ecumenical pilgrimage to Azerbaijan? Just move with crosses to the border and try to break through it? And he will have nothing else to do, since Baku will not allow pro-Armenian shows to be staged on its territories. By the way, I remembered. During the events on the Lachin road, Paris Mayor Hidalgo and a couple of the same regulars of the Armenian feeder announced that she would personally come with a cargo of humanitarian aid to the Lachin border checkpoint and break through to Khankendi. And let them try not to let her in... Of course, nothing came of it. After standing at the barrier for a couple of hours, she retreated, taking the trucks with canned food with her. That's just us, by the way. And now a few words about the "Armenian spiritual heritage" itself. What can really be called Armenian are several churches built during the occupation. Khachkars in honor of the occupiers and similar elements alien to the Azerbaijani land. If all these new developments define the Armenian spiritual identity, as stated in the final document of the Bern conference, then our condolences to them. If the identity of a people is determined by a ten-year-old building, then they should try to identify themselves in some other way. Inspired by the event in Bern, Ovik Avanesov, the holder of a unique position called "Ombudsman of the Cultural Heritage of the Armenian Highlands", raised panic on social networks about the fate of two Armenian churches built during the occupation in Khankendi. They say that Azerbaijan is going to demolish the churches of St. Hakob and the Cathedral of the Most Holy Theotokos, these are almost the pearls of the non-existent Armenian heritage. These two buildings are indeed Armenian. Here we will not argue with a man with a strange position. The real Armenian heritage in the Karabakh region is the new buildings built during the occupation period. The neighbors and the World Council of Churches include the Armenized Albanian churches, but we delete them from the list. These temples do not belong to the Armenians and are not subject to discussion. Although the churches mentioned by Avanesov also do not deserve the fuss raised around them. Let's see what kind of "legacy" it is. St. Hakob's Church was built in 2002 in memory of the Spitak earthquake. Historically, there have never been any Armenian churches in Khankendi, this one was the first. It was financed by an Armenian millionaire from the USA, Yepremyan. The Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary was built even later - in 2019 and served the separatists for just over a year. If the benefactors who invested money in it had known that the occupation regime had a year left to live, they would not have taken out their wallets. This church was built on the initiative of the self-proclaimed leader of the self-proclaimed "Artsakh diocese" Pargev Martirosyan, a fraudster who led the distribution of Azerbaijani apartments to Armenians in Shusha. During the years of occupation, this figure made a large fortune and after the war, without waiting for the anti-terrorist operation, he left his flock, fleeing to the United States. All the churches in the former occupation zone that can rightfully be called Armenian were built after the seizure of Azerbaijani territories by Armenia. The church in Lachin, which our neighbors never tire of mourning, was built in 1988. It cannot belong to the historical heritage. Although, if we consider that Armenians did not live in Lachin before the occupation, then, in a sense, this building has a "historical" meaning for them. There have never really been any Armenian churches in Karabakh. After Sovietization, they acquired a part of the Karabakh region, but no churches were built during the Soviet era. And before Soviet times, the Armenians were not up to it - they were busy slaughtering Azerbaijanis, that is, "clearing" the territories they had chosen for themselves. In addition, there were many Albanian churches in the lands where the Armenians were resettled en masse, which were redesigned and turned into Armenian ones. Just as the Albanian and Georgian churches in the territory of present-day Armenia were redesigned. We have already said this many times, but we will repeat it once again: no new buildings built during the years of the Armenian occupation will remain on the liberated lands. No administrative buildings, no churches, no memorials, no khachkars. Nothing. All of this was built illegally and will be removed. There was no need to build their temples on someone else's land without asking the permission of the owners. Now the owners have returned and are putting things in order. No "ecumenical pilgrimage" and UNESCO missions will be able to prevent this. S&P Global assesses Uzbekneftegazs role in nation's growing gas market S&P Global has upgraded Uzbekneftegazs credit profile, reflecting strong state ownership and support, but notes challenges ahead as Uzbekistan plans to liberalize its gas market. The company remains a key player in the countrys energy sector, supplying most of its natural gas and contributing significantly to the state budget, though shifting market dynamics and production declines pose risks to its future role. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register Patna, June 5 : In a politically-charged move, Leader of Opposition (LoP) and former Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav has written a letter to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, demanding a special session of the Bihar Legislative Assembly to pass a new reservation Bill ensuring 85 per cent quota in government jobs and educational institutions. LoP Tejashwi Yadav urged Chief Minister Kumar to form an all-party committee to study the issue of adequate representation among backward and marginalised communities. Based on that report, he suggested that the Assembly should pass a Bill raising the total reservation to 85 per cent and send a proposal to the Central Government for inclusion in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution thus protecting it from judicial review. The demand comes in the wake of the Patna High Court's decision to strike down the 75 per cent reservation law passed during the Mahagathbandhan regime. The court observed that the law lacked empirical data to justify the increase in reservation beyond the 50 per cent cap set by the Supreme Court. Tejashwi Yadav emphasised that during his tenure in the previous Mahagathbandhan government, a caste-based survey was conducted in 2023, which laid the foundation for the 75 per cent reservation framework 65 per cent for SCs, STs, OBCs, and EBCs, and 10 per cent for EWS'. He cited the example of Tamil Nadu, where 69 per cent reservation has been upheld for decades after being placed in the Ninth Schedule, and called on CM Kumar to follow the same route to ensure legal protection. In the letter, Tejashwi questioned the intent of the NDA government, claiming that if CM Kumar does not act decisively now, it will be seen as a deliberate attempt to delay and derail the reservation process. "If you do not do this, it will be understood that you and your government are deliberately delaying and deviating from this matter," LoP Tejashwi wrote. He argued that under the Mahagathbandhan, lakhs of government jobs were created, and the rollback of increased reservation is causing a loss of opportunities for Dalits, Adivasis, and backward castes. He demanded the formation of an all-party committee to study caste-wise representation in jobs and education, convening a special one-day Assembly session to pass a new Bill raising reservation to 85 per cent, sending the Bill to the Central Government for inclusion in the Ninth Schedule to shield it from judicial invalidation and immediate implementation of the new reservation structure to protect ongoing recruitments and job opportunities. The ball is now in CM Kumar's court, with mounting pressure from the Opposition to act swiftly and decisively on a sensitive and electorally-critical issue. New Delhi, June 5 : 'Growing trees with just one litre of water' would seem an impossible task for many, but Rajasthan's 'nature warrior' Sunda Ram Verma made this possible with his firm resolve and relentless endeavour, years ago. The story of the transformation of Sikar's drylands with his tireless efforts turned many heads and also brought him into the national spotlight. Modi Story, a popular social media handle on X, on Thursday shared the story of the transformation of Rajasthan's arid lands into a canvas of green. Sharing the inspiring story, the Modi Story handle says that the pioneering initiative of Padma Shri Sunda Ram Verma was noticed by the then Gujarat CM Narendra Modi, who enquired with him about launching a similar initiative in his home state. In the video, Sunda Ram Verma says he had developed a technique of raising plants and trees with a lifetime requirement of just one litre of water and this generated curiosity everywhere. "I studied and researched a lot on growing trees with one litre of water. My story was reported in the Gujarat newspapers. After that, I received a call from the then CM Narendra Modi. He asked me whether such practice could be implemented in Gujarat," he said, recounting the development. Twenty years later, his tireless work and research were recognised as he was conferred with the Padma Shri honour in 2021. The noted environmentalist has grown over 50,000 trees in the arid Shekawati region of Rajasthan using a water-saving technique, 'dryland agroforestry' that requires only 1 litre of water per tree once. Today, the Padma Shri Sunda Ram Verma is aggressively taking forward his mission of turning 'drylands into farmlands'. He says that for 25 years, he planted 50,000 trees, but after getting bestowed with the nation's fourth highest civilian honour, he has planted another 50,000 in just two years. Summarising his inspirational journey, the Modi Story wrote on X, "This is not just the tale of one man's devotion it is a reflection of Viksit Bharat, where even a small impact, ignited by the leadership of PM Modi, can yield unimaginable results." Seoul, June 5 : The floor leader of the South Korean People Power Party (PPP) announced his resignation on Thursday, as the conservative party is reeling from a defeat in the presidential election earlier this week. Rep. Kweon Seong-dong told a meeting of party lawmakers at the National Assembly that he is resigning to take responsibility for PPP presidential candidate Kim Moon-soo's defeat in Tuesday's election. "We must start from scratch to rebuild the conservative bloc," he said. "I will start by stepping down as floor leader." He stressed that the election defeat is "not merely a referendum on the martial law imposition or the impeachment of the president" but a "stern reprimand" over the internal divisions within the PPP. "As floor leader, I carry a significant share of the blame," he said. "I have no intention of avoiding it or making excuses." The PPP's emergency committee is scheduled to hold a closed-door meeting later Thursday to determine the timeline for electing a new floor leader. Those considered likely candidates for the position include four-term lawmakers Kim Do-eup, Kim Sang-hoon, Park Dae-chul and Lee Hun-seung, as well as three-term lawmakers Kim Sung-won, Sung Il-jong and Song Eon-seok. Later in the day, members of the PPP's emergency leadership committee also offered to resign en masse. The PPP's floor spokesperson, Rep. Seo Ji-young, announced the decision, saying members such as Rep. Lim Yi-ja and Kim Sang-hoon, the PPP's top policy chief, tendered their resignations at a general meeting of lawmakers at the National Assembly. Kim Yong-tae, the PPP's interim leader, however, did not clarify whether he intends to resign. The PPP plans to hold a general meeting next Monday to discuss Kim Yong-tae's status and broader plans for party reform, Yonhap news agency reported. President Lee Jae-myung took office on Wednesday after he won the election on Tuesday with 49.42 per cent of the vote against Kim's 41.15 per cent. Bhopal, June 5 : The Madhya Pradesh Waqf Board has issued a comprehensive advisory ahead of Eid al-Adha, emphasising the importance of maintaining hygiene and adhering to regulations during the ritual of sacrifice. The advisory outlines key guidelines to ensure the observance of the festival remains respectful and orderly. Muslims performing "Qurbani" are urged to conduct the ritual only in designated areas, avoiding roadsides and public spaces. The board has also strictly prohibited the recording or sharing of videos and photos of the sacrifice on social media. Additionally, it encourages the distribution of a portion of the sacrificed animal to the poor and needy, reinforcing the spirit of generosity and community welfare. The advisory also calls for prayers for the safety of families and the soldiers guarding the nation's borders. The guidelines stress the importance of following legal and administrative protocols. Eid prayers should be offered within mosques or Idgahs, and not on public roads without prior permission from authorities, the Waqf Board said. The location for "Qurbani" should be enclosed with walls or tin sheds, and necessary sanitation measures, including spraying disinfectants, should be undertaken. The remains of sacrificed animals must be disposed of responsibly in designated municipal containers or specified locations to maintain cleanliness, the board further advised. The advisory strictly prohibits the sacrifice of animals that are banned under government regulations. It also reiterates the importance of refraining from sharing any media content related to the sacrifice online. If additional space is required for Eid prayers, arrangements should be made in consultation with local authorities to prevent unnecessary congestion on streets. Madhya Pradesh is home to approximately 15,000 Waqf properties, including mosques, graveyards, dargahs, Eidgahs, Karbala sites, and madrasa schools. The Waqf Board has urged all district collectors and magistrates to ensure strict compliance with the advisory, making the festival a peaceful and well-organised event. Eid al-Adha, also known as the "Festival of Sacrifice", is observed on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar. It is the second major Islamic festival of the year, following Eid al-Fitr, which marks the conclusion of Ramadan. The date of Eid al-Adha varies annually due to the Islamic lunar calendar, which is approximately 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. The festival commemorates Prophet Abraham's faith and willingness to sacrifice for God, symbolising devotion and obedience. Bhopal, June 5 : The mystery surrounding the recent unknown animal bite incidents appears to be nearing resolution with the discovery of a jackal carcass near Limbai village in Rajpur tehsil of Barwani district. While this revelation may bring some clarity, fear continues to grip Sendhwa village following a new wave of animal attacks on Wednesday. Residents remain anxious about their safety despite medical confirmation that the latest incident involved a dog and not a wild animal. Eight persons were attacked and severely bitten, four of whom were transferred to Maharaja Yashwant Rao Holkar Medical College and Hospital in Indore for further treatment. Photographs of wounded children raise questions about whether a dog could have inflicted such severe injuries. Four new patients have arrived in Indore for treatment following an animal attack in Kermala, Varla tehsil of Barwani district. The victims include Ritika, aged four, Kajal, also four, Rishika, seven, and Aarti, 45. Their families describe the incident as deeply unsettling, and an eerie silence now hangs over the village, even during the day. According to relatives, the attack occurred on Wednesday, June 4, when an unidentified animal suddenly targeted the victims. They were initially taken to Sendhwa hospital before being transferred to MY Hospital in Indore later that night for further medical care. Dr. Jitendra Verma, deputy superintendent of MY Hospital Indore, confirmed that four new cases arrived on Wednesday, all identified as dog bites. Three of the victims, all children, were discharged after receiving anti-rabies vaccinations and primary treatment, while one Aarti remains under observation in a stable condition. Dr. Verma also reported that seven individuals had previously been admitted following the unknown animal attack. Two remain under medical supervision, one succumbed to injuries during treatment, and three have already been discharged. Another patient opted for self-discharge. He reassured that those still receiving care are stable and asymptomatic. Despite these reassurances, fear lingers among the villagers. Dr. Ankita Singare, civil surgeon of Barwani district hospital, said that two patients from a previous attack were seen on Thursday, both stable but complaining of weakness. She confirmed that no new cases of unknown animal bites have been reported since May 5, when an unidentified animal attacked 18 people in Limbai village. Sub-divisional magistrate, Barwani, Bhupendra Rawat emphasised that no fresh cases have emerged in Rajpur tehsil. The recent incidents in Varla village of Sendhwa were confirmed as dog bites, yet the community remains on edge. He reiterated that the animal responsible for the May 5 attack is dead and its body has been disposed of, expressing hope that the fear will soon subside. New Delhi, June 5 : The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of the brutal manhandling of two journalists by the Madhya Pradesh police over their reporting on "illegal sand mining" in the Chambal river. The apex human rights body issued a notice to the Madhya Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP), and called for a detailed report in the matter within two weeks. Taking note of a press release issued by the Press Club of India, the NHRC said that the contents of the press release, if true, raise a serious violation of the human rights of the victim journalists. The Supreme Court is already seized of the petition filed by journalists Shashikant Jatav and Amarkant Singh Chouhan, allegedly facing grave threats to their lives and liberty from the Bhind police. On Wednesday, a bench of Justices Sanjay Karol and Satish Chandra Sharma issued notice on their plea but declined to pass any interim order protecting them from any coercive action. The Justice Karol-led Bench remarked that before passing any interim order, the facts should be brought by the Madhya Pradesh government as well. "Suppose you commit a crime like murder, can we grant you no coercive action order? We don't know what crime has been registered against you," remarked the apex court, asking the petitioners' counsel to add Bhind's Superintendent of Police as a party to the petition. Their plea would be heard next on Monday (June 9). The duo claimed that they were forced to flee their hometown due to the intensity of these threats after they exposed "illegal" sand mining in the Chambal river, allegedly carried out with the support of local police. In their writ petition filed before the top court, the petitioners named IPS officer Asit Yadav and his subordinates as key perpetrators of the abuse, claiming that the targeting is retaliatory, stemming from their investigative work. They alleged custodial assault, caste-based abuse, kidnapping, and continued harassment by the Bhind police. Hyderabad, June 5 : The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to Telangana's Director General of Police (DGP), seeking a report on the death of an autorickshaw driver allegedly due to physical torture by police in Hyderabad. Hyderabad, June 5 (IANS) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to Telanganaas Director General of Police (DGP), seeking a report on the death of an autorickshaw driver allegedly due to physical torture by police in Hyderabad. The NHRC took suo motu cognisance of a media report that a 35-year-old autorickshaw driver died on May 13, 2025, allegedly after being subjected to physical torture by the police at Rajendranagar Police Station in Hyderabad. The Commission has observed that the contents of the media report, if true, raise a serious violation of the human rights of the victim. Therefore, it has issued a notice to the Director General of Police, Telangana, calling for a detailed report on the matter within two weeks. According to the media report, carried on May 14, 2025, the victim was having some issues with his wife, who had taken him to the Police Station to resolve the issue. After counselling the couple, the man was taken to a room where he was badly beaten up by policemen with rubber belts. After an hour, when he came out of the Police Station, he started vomiting and collapsed. He was taken to the hospital, where he was declared dead by the doctors, the NHRC said. The deceased was identified as Mohd Irfan, an auto driver, a resident of Dargah Kalich Khan, in Kismatpur, and a native of Mysuru, Karnataka. A police officer had said that Irfan, a father to three children, was allegedly seeing another married woman, leading to repeated disputes with his wife, Nishad Begum. Nishad Begum and her family visited the womanas house on May 13 to counsel her. Following a quarrel, both Irfan and the woman were brought to the police station the same night by their family members. The police officer said that they had counselled both parties and advised them against maintaining further contact. Police said that Irfan suddenly collapsed and fell unconscious while leaving the police station. He was immediately shifted to Osmania General Hospital but was declared dead on arrival. Irfanas brother Mohd Sadiq had claimed that his brother died after the police beat him. He told the media that on hearing Irfanas cries, they rushed into the building, but the police stopped them from entering. He said that after stepping out of the police station, Irfan started vomiting, complained of heartache and collapsed. A case of death under suspicious circumstances was filed under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). Varanasi, June 5 : In a significant milestone under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U), 608 beneficiaries in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's parliamentary constituency Varanasi have been allotted high-tech, luxury-style homes. The project, inaugurated by the Prime Minister in 2015, marks the first time that such advanced housing facilities have been made available to economically weaker sections under the PMAY-U scheme. These residences come equipped with amenities typically found in premium housing projectssewage treatment plants, solar-powered lighting, parks, gyms, and 24x7 CCTV surveillance. The housing colony features a 30-foot-wide main road, ensuring smooth vehicular movement and connectivity. The allotment of homes was done without discrimination, with both Hindu and Muslim families among the beneficiaries. "This initiative demonstrates that when political will is combined with modern infrastructure, even the poorest sections of society can enjoy a quality lifestyle," builder Ram Gopal Singh said. "We didn't just build houses; we created an ecosystem where people can live with dignity. Facilities like a gym, solar plant, sewage treatment, and open spaces reflect this vision. There's even a local 'Pradhan' to oversee maintenance and safety," he said. Elaborating on the cost-sharing model behind the project, he said: "Each unit cost about Rs 4 lakh. Beneficiaries paid just Rs 2 lakh, while the remaining cost was subsidised - over Rs 1 lakh from the state government and Rs 1.5 lakh from the Central government. On the market, such homes would cost at least Rs 10 lakh." Beneficiaries expressed overwhelming gratitude for the opportunity to IANS. Shabnam Parveen, a new homeowner, said, "I never thought I could afford a home here. Now I have a roof over my head, and I'm truly happy." Another resident, Pradeep Singh, praised the quality of life the new colony offers. "There are parks for children, solar lights, clean roads, and a gym. It feels like a dream," he told IANS. Shobhnath Pandey, also a beneficiary, added: "We have received excellent homes under this scheme. We're thankful to the government for making this possible." The Pradhan Mantri Awas YojanaUrban, a flagship mission of the Centre under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), was launched on June 25, 2015. It aims to address the urban housing shortage among Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), Low-Income Groups (LIG), and Middle-Income Groups (MIG), including slum dwellers, by providing them with permanent housing. Recently, the government has launched PMAY-U 2.0. As of March 2025, under PMAY-U 2.0, the first Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee meeting approved over 3.52 lakh homes across 10 states and Union Territories, reinforcing the government's commitment to inclusive urban development. New Delhi, June 5 : External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on Thursday held a meeting with Kyrgyzstan Foreign Affairs Minister Zheenbek Kulubaev Moldokanovich, discussing ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries and also thanking him for Bishkek's support and solidarity in countering terrorism. "A productive meeting with FM Zheenbek Kulubaev of Kyrgyz Republic. Thanked him for their support and solidarity in countering terrorism. Discussed our cooperation in banking, education, energy, health, connectivity and capacity building. Today's signing of Programme of Cooperation is a step forward in deepening our bilateral ties," EAM Jaishankar posted on X after the meeting. Along with Kulubaev, four other Central Asian foreign ministers - including Bakhtiyor Saidov (Uzbekistan), Rashid Meredov (Turkmenistan), Sirojiddin Muhriddin (Tajikistan) and Murat Nurtleu (Kazakhstan) - are in New Delhi to attend the two-day 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue as India continues to put a strong foot forward in enhancing anti-terror and de-radicalisation partnerships across the region. Earlier in the day, Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman and the visiting Kyrgyz Foreign Minister signed the Protocol and exchanged Instrument of Ratification of the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) between both countries. The Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) signed on June 14, 2019 in Bishkek between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, enters into force with effect from Thursday and replaces the earlier agreement enforced in May 2000, ensuring continuity in the protection of investments between the two nations. "The India-Kyrgyz BIT marks a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral economic relations and fostering a secure and predictable investment environment. The BIT aims to promote and protect interests of investors of either country in the territory of the other country," read a statement issued by the Ministry of Finance. The BIT balances the investor rights with the sovereign regulatory powers of both countries, and reflects a shared commitment to create a resilient and transparent investment climate. It is expected to further encourage cross-border investments and deepen economic cooperation between India and Kyrgyzstan. During the meeting held within the framework of the 4th Ministerial Meeting of the Central Asia-India Dialogue, both countries discussed the current state and prospects of Kyrgyz-Indian cooperation in the financial and investment sectors. "Particular attention was paid to the establishment of direct correspondent relations between banks of Kyrgyzstan and India and the development of investment cooperation in priority areas. The meeting concluded with confirmation of the parties' mutual willingness to strengthen cooperation between the financial institutions of the two countries," stated Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry. New Delhi, June 5 : A man facing an attempt-to-murder trial in Saket district court in south Delhi was murdered in a lockup on the judicial premises by two undertrials, an official said on Thursday, confirming the incident that has sparked a debate over breach of security and safety of undertrials. "Aman was strangled after the accused Jaidev and Jitender -- hit his head on a wall over an old enmity," said Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Ankit Chauhan. Aman, 24, a resident of Govindpuri, was facing trial in a 2024 attempt to murder case in which Jitender and his brother were complainants, the police said. On Thursday, Aman was pinned to the ground and strangled with feet by the accused, an official said, adding that the accused first banged his head on the wall, resulting in Aman losing blood from the wound, police said. Soon after an alarm was raised over the assault in the lock-up, a bleeding Aman was rushed to the hospital, but he died on the way, the police said. The murder took place in holding cell number 5 of the court premises where Aman, the two assailants and other undertrials were kept after arriving from Tihar Jail No. 8 for attending court proceedings. "The attack followed an argument between Aman and his assailants over an issue related to testimony in court," said a police official. This was the second such sensational incident in as many years at the complex, which is close to schools and malls. Two years ago, the Saket court complex was rocked by a shooting incident in which a suspended lawyer attacked a woman colleague in public view. The assailant, Kameshwar Singh, was arrested later while the victim escaped with minor wounds on the abdomen and arm. The incident, which took place in April 2023, left a lawyer's employee injured apart from the woman. IEA expects global refinery investment to hit decade low in 2025 Global refinery investment is set to plunge sharply in 2025, reaching its lowest level in at least a decade, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). Spending is expected to fall to less than $30 billion, down from already reduced levels in 2024. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register New Delhi, June 5 : The newly launched Ayush Nivesh Saarthi portal is rooted in tradition and signals India's readiness for holistic healthcare, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has said. Developed by the Ministry of Ayush in collaboration with Invest India, Ayush Nivesh Saarthi is a dedicated, investor-centric digital platform. It brings together policy frameworks, incentive structures, investment-ready projects, and real-time facilitation under one unified interface. It is designed to support both domestic and global investors, the platform is a strategic tool that strengthens India's standing as a global investment destination for traditional systems of medicine. The Ayush Nivesh Saarthi portal was launched on May 29 during the Ayush stakeholder/industry interaction meeting held at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi. The historic move positions India as the global epicentre for traditional medicine and wellness. "With 100 per cent FDI permitted in the Ayush sector through the automatic route, the launch of Ayush Nivesh Saarthi is a signal to the world that India is open for investment, collaboration, and innovation in holistic healthcare," said Piyush Goyal, during the launch. "India's Ayush ecosystem is rooted in deep tradition but is powered by modern vision. Through this portal, we are not only connecting investors with opportunities but with India's ancient legacy of wellness," he added. The Ayush industry has emerged as one of the fastest-growing sectors in the country, recording an annual growth of 17 per cent between 2014 and 2020. With rising global consumer interest in natural, preventive, and wellness-based healthcare, Ayush is at the forefront of a new wave in global health and lifestyle transformation. "Ayush Nivesh Saarthi is more than a digital platform -- it is an enabler of transformation. It brings together the government's proactive policies, India's natural wealth of over 8,000 medicinal plant species, and a globally trusted wellness tradition," said Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush. "This portal will empower investors with real-time data, transparent policy guidance, and access to a vibrant, expanding market. Ayush is no longer just India's heritage -- it's now a global opportunity," Jadhav added. The Ayush sector's relevance is also strongly reflected in its contributions to medical value travel (MVT) and the global wellness economy. Ranked among the top five health services in India, Ayush is a key driver of the country's $13 billion MVT sector globally. The new investor facilitation portal is expected to serve as a vital catalyst in attracting foreign direct investment, empowering entrepreneurs, and showcasing India's leadership in traditional medicine and wellness to the world. Patna, June 5 : Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's surprising gesture of looking for District Magistrate Kaushal Kishore from the stage in between his address sparked laughter among the audience during a solemn event in Darbhanga on Thursday. While addressing a Smriti Sabha in honour of Shaheed Suraj Narayan Singh at Nehru Stadium, CM Nitish asked, "Where is District Magistrate Kuashal Kishore?" and also made an unusual request to Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, drawing laughter from the crowd. During his speech, CM Nitish announced that the government would fulfil one of the five public demands to install a statue of Shaheed Suraj Narayan Singh and name a local square in his memory. Following this, he paused and asked from the stage, "Where is the DM? Bechare DM sahab, kahan hain?" Caught off guard, the DM of Darbhanga hurried from behind the stage, approaching the Chief Minister and registering his presence, much to the amusement of those gathered. In another unexpected moment, CM Nitish turned towards Deputy CM Chaudhary and, in a peculiar tone, asked him to get up from his chair. With a smile, the Deputy CM complied and stood up, adding to the comical flavour of the situation. The Chief Minister's spontaneous and somewhat theatrical interactions sparked waves of laughter among the audience. While the intent was non-serious, the incident quickly became a topic of social media conversation. Attendees described the incident as a "rare humorous moment" in an otherwise respectful and ceremonial gathering. "It was a mix of formality and fun. The CM looked relaxed and was engaging directly with officials and ministers, which we don't see often," said a local who attended the event. The Smriti Sabha was organised to honour the legacy of freedom fighter Shaheed Suraj Narayan Singh, a respected figure in Bihar's independence movement. The government's decision to install his statue and rename a square in his memory was widely appreciated. New Delhi, June 5 : A high-level US trade delegation has arrived in the national capital to move ahead on the negotiations for a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) with India. The negotiators are aiming to finalise an interim trade deal ahead of the July 9 deadline that has been fixed by US President Donald Trump for the 90-day pause on new tariffs that were to be levied on Indian products. Negotiations are expected to continue after that for a broader trade deal to be signed in September-October. The visit of the US team comes against the backdrop of Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal's recent trip to Washington for the trade talks. India has proposed significant tariff reductions, potentially lowering average duties from 13 per cent to 4 per cent, in exchange for exemptions from US tariff hikes imposed during the Trump administration. These concessions are on the same lines as those offered in the recent bilateral free trade agreement that India has signed with the United Kingdom. India is seeking market access for its industrial products such as steel, aluminium, auto components and pharmaceutical goods. Recently, the US doubled safeguard duties on steel and aluminium imports to 50 per cent, which has adversely impacted Indiaas exports. Although India has moved the WTO on the issue, it is hoping to settle the issue through the bilateral trade agreement. The US is also seeking broader market access for its agricultural and dairy products, but for India, the livelihood issue of the countryas small farmers is paramount, and hence, this is considered a sensitive area. India may allow the import of select agricultural products, such as almonds, as these are already flowing into the country. However, as a quid pro quo, India is likely to press for improved access to the US market for seafood products like shrimp and fish, as well as spices, coffee, and rubber - segments where Indian exporters are globally competitive but face tariff competition in the American market. Trade between India and the US touched the $129 billion mark in 2024, with New Delhi recording a trade surplus of $45.7 billion. In February, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump launched 'Mission 500', an initiative aiming to double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. The joint decision was announced during PM Modias visit to Washington. US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick also announced this week that a trade deal between India and the United States is likely to be finalised shortly. He made the assertion in his address at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum Annual Leadership Summit in Washington. Kasargod, June 5 : In a disturbing case of mistaken identity and prolonged detention in Kerala, two lorry drivers -- Biju and Manikantan -- spent 151 days in jail after sugar candy was wrongly identified as MDMA. Following media reports and growing public concern, Kerala State Police Chief (SPC) has now ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident. The ordeal began last year when the two drivers, on a routine trip from Kozhikode to Kochi, stopped for tea in Kozhikode. "We had just parked and were about to have our morning tea when some plainclothes men surrounded us. They said they were from the Kerala Police," Biju recounted. The District Anti-Narcotics Special Action Force (DANSAF), a special unit tasked with combating drug trafficking, searched their body and said they found a packet of sugar candy in Manikantan's pocket. Despite his explanation, officers insisted it was MDMA, a synthetic drug. "When they claimed it was MDMA, Manikantan collapsed on the spot. A crowd gathered, some even recorded videos," said Biju. Both were arrested and spent over five months in jail, only to be released after a chemical analysis confirmed that the substance was indeed sugar candy. The delay in receiving the lab report -- which should typically take 15 days -- has raised serious concerns. After their release, the drivers faced social ostracism and struggled to find employment, as many still believed they were drug offenders. In response to a formal complaint sent to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's office, the State Police Chief has now directed the Kozhikode City Police Commissioner to initiate a detailed probe, assigning the investigation to an officer not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police. The SPC has also sought answers on why the chemical test report was delayed, causing unnecessary and prolonged incarceration. With the case now receiving widespread media coverage, both Biju and Manikantan say they are beginning to feel a sense of relief. "People have started to realise that we were innocent. But nothing can bring back those 151 days we lost," said Biju. The case has sparked outrage among rights activists and civil society groups, who are now demanding accountability and compensation for the wrongful confinement. Igatpuri : , June 5 (IANS) Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who was accompanied by Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, on Thursday inaugurated the last phase of 76 km of Igatpuri to Aamne, Thane of the 701 km Hinduhrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg that connects Nagpur with Mumbai. With the inauguration of the last phase of Samruddhi Highway, the entire 701 km-long road has been put into service. Now, the Nagpur-Mumbai journey can be completed in eight hours instead of 16 hours. The distance from Igatpuri to Kasara will be covered in just 8 minutes and there are a total of 5 tunnels in this 76 km phase. Among them, the longest tunnel on the Samruddhi Highway is 8 km long is in Nashik district that starts from Igatpuri. Before the inauguration, the Chief Minister and both the Deputy Chief Ministers travelled through the tunnel by car. The CM said: "Maharashtra's path to prosperity paved and delivered!" He further said: "A vision completed, boosting connectivity and driving sustainable growth for Maharashtra. Maharashtra's Prosperity Lifeline: Samruddhi Mahamarg!A historic moment highlighting Maharashtra's growth and progress through essential infrastructural development." The Chief Minister's Office in a post on X said: "Dream Turns into Reality. CM Devendra Fadnavis enjoyed a drive on the 'Hinduhrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg' along with DCM Eknath Shinde and DCM Ajit Pawar. This visionary project, and brainchild of CM Devendra Fadnavis himself, stands as a symbol of Maharashtra's progress. This historic drive witnessed the realisation of a long-cherished dream for the state." Commenting on their travel together in the same car, Fadnavis said, "Our car is working fine. We three work in three shifts." CM Fadnavis said: "We are happy that the inauguration of fourth phase and the entire stretch of 701 km of Samruddhi Mahamarg is now opened for vehicular traffic during the tenure of the MahaYuti government. Now in the next phase, the government proposes to develop Shaktipeeth Mahamarg which will completely transform the Marathwada and it will bring economic changes there. The work will begin soon on this project." Of the 701 km, the first phase of 520 km of the Samruddhi Mahamarg was inaugurated by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in December 11, 2023, the second phase of 80 km between Shirdi and Bharvir by ex-CM Eknath Shinde on May 26, 2023, the third phase of 25 km between Bharvir and Igatpuri by the former public works minister (MSRDC) on March 4, 2024. The MSRDC has constructed this 701-km long access controlled expressway at a cost of Rs 55,335 crore. The six-lane expressway, which passes through 10 districts, 26 talukas and 392 villages of the state, has been completed in phases. With the commissioning of entire project, 12 districts are now connected with Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority. In a related development, the southern section of the Thane Creek Bridge-3 project of the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) that goes from Pune to Mumbai was also inaugurated by the Chief Minister through video conferencing. This section will make the Pune-Mumbai travel easier. Jakarta, June 5 : In response to the surge of new Covid-19 variant cases in neighbouring countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto summoned Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin to the State Palace in Jakarta. The meeting discussed strategic measures to prevent the entry of the new variant into the archipelago and to strengthen the national healthcare system, Sadikin said "There is no need for the public to worry or panic. These new variants are relatively milder, but it is important to stay vigilant," Sadikin said after leaving the Palace. The number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in Indonesia from January to May 2025 was 72 out of a total of 2,160 specimens tested, according to Aji Muhawarman, head of the Bureau of Communication and Public Information at the Ministry of Health. The highest increase occurred during the first three weeks of May, mainly in the provinces of Banten, Jakarta, and East Java, with a positivity rate reaching 3.62 per cent. Currently, specimen reporting has declined, with only seven in the fourth week of May. "We continue to strengthen infectious disease surveillance, including Covid-19, through sentinel systems and monitoring at the country's entry points," Aji told Xinhua. The ministry continues to promote health protocols and maintains telemedicine services, initiated during the Covid-19 pandemic, to ensure easier access to healthcare services. While no travel bans have been imposed thus far, Aji advised people to postpone overseas travel if possible, or to comply with health protocols in the destination country if travel is necessary, Xinhua news agency reported. The Ministry also issued a circular on May 23 to all provincial health offices and relevant agencies, calling for heightened vigilance and stronger preventive measures in light of the recent case surges in neighbouring countries. Herman Deru, Governor of South Sumatra, urged the public to remain cautious about Covid-19, even though no new cases have been reported in the region so far. Together with local health agencies, he encouraged people to maintain hygiene and adhere to health protocols. Dicky Budiman, an epidemiologist at Griffith University, Australia, noted that new subvariants detection is occurring amid limited surveillance compared to the pandemic period, meaning the actual number of cases is likely much higher than reported. The new NB.1.81 subvariant, which is predicted to dominate in Indonesia, has a faster transmission rate but lower severity, Dicky added, demonstrating the effectiveness of community immunity from vaccination, though vulnerable groups such as the elderly still need protection through clean and healthy living, good air quality, and adherence to health protocols. Arzeti Bilbina, a member of the House of Representatives focused on health issues, emphasised the importance of preventive measures to curb virus transmission, including enhancing tracking systems, ensuring the availability of protective equipment for medical workers, and educating the public about health protocols. She also stressed the need for special attention to vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly through targeted health screening programmes. Netty Prasetiyani, another House member, also called on the government to tighten surveillance at the country's border checkpoints, including the movement of people in and out of seaports and airports, to prevent potential virus transmission from outside the country. "Mobility between regions and from abroad into Indonesia is one of the main routes of Covid-19 transmission that must be closely monitored," she said. Patna, June 5 : Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has launched a scathing attack on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, accusing him of failing to maintain law and order and stalling the state's development. His criticism came amid a surge in crime incidents across the state, including a recent case in Gaya that drew public outrage. In a strongly worded post on social media platform X, Rahul Gandhi said: "Even after being in power for 20 years, Nitish Kumar-led double engine government could neither provide security, nor respect, nor development to Bihar." The remarks were triggered by a video shared by the Bihar Congress, showing a village doctor Jitendra Yadav in Gaya allegedly assaulted after tied him with tree on June 3, raising questions over the state's deteriorating law and order situation. The incident took place in a village under LWE-hit Gurpa police station. According to the police, Dr. Jitendra Yadav had gone to the home of a gang-rape victim responding to an urgent need of medical attention. However, upon arriving, he was dragged from the house by some locals who attacked the doctor after tying him to a tree. The victimas minor niece played a heroic role, alerting police after running from the scene and flagging down a Dial 112 emergency vehicle. The police arrived just in time, rescuing the injured doctor, who was first taken to Fatehpur CHC, and later referred to Magadh Medical College due to the seriousness of his condition. The incident has added fuel to the opposition's claims of governance failure. Rahul Gandhi added: "Crime, unemployment and migration a" this has become the real identity of the Nitish-BJP government. Their agenda is to cling on to power by making the public helpless." Concluding his message with a call for political transformation, the Congress leader stated: "Enough is enough. The time has come to break this cycle of injustice and take Bihar forward on the path of security, self-respect and dignity." The attack comes at a time when Bihar is heading toward the 2025 Assembly Elections, and all major parties are gearing up their campaigns. The Congress, which is part of the INDIA bloc, has increasingly targeted the JD(U)-BJP alliance over governance failures, especially in rural development, healthcare, and public safety. Rahul Gandhi's remarks underscore the Congress's attempt to tap into growing discontent and position itself as a force for change in Bihar. Riyadh, June 5 : Indian Haj pilgrims joined millions of others on Thursday at Mount Arafat outside Mecca in Saudi Arabia to perform Wuquf-e-Arafat, the core ritual of Haj. The Indian Medical Mission ensured that the pilgrims, including those sick or hospitalised, arrived in time for the ritual through dedicated ambulances and special buses - a testament to Indian Haj Mission's care and commitment during Haj. Riyadh, June 5 (IANS) Indian Haj pilgrims joined millions of others on Thursday at Mount Arafat outside Mecca in Saudi Arabia to perform Wuquf-e-Arafat, the core ritual of Haj. The Indian Medical Mission ensured that the pilgrims, including those sick or hospitalised, arrived in time for the ritual through dedicated ambulances and special buses - a testament to Indian Haj Missionas care and commitment during Haj. India's Consul General in Jeddah, Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri, announced the safe arrival of Indian pilgrims in Arafat and highlighted that the Indian Haj mission, in coordination with the Saudi authorities, ensured their smooth journey. "I am pleased to share that all pilgrims from India have safely arrived in Arafat. I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all pilgrims gathered in Arafat, the pinnacle of the Haj journey. These five sacred days spent in Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah are a time of deep reflection and devotion and forms the core elements of Haj," said the Indian Consul General. "Comprehensive arrangements have been made by the Indian Haj Mission in coordination with concerned Saudi Authorities and agencies for the safe and smooth movement of the pilgrims, right from their transport to Arafat till the further movement to Muzdalifah and Mina. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its authorities, particularly the Ministry of Haj and Umrah, all concerned agencies, and service providers for their tireless effort in facilitating a safe and spiritually fulfilling Haj," he further added. On Wednesday, Shersha Mohiddin, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA) along with other senior officials, including from the Haj Committee of India, visited Mina camps in Saudi Arabia to review facilities for the arrival of Indian Haj pilgrims. The team assessed grievance redressal through the Haj Suvidha App 2.0 and monitored coordination efforts at the Central Control Room, ensuring smooth operations and enhanced support for the pilgrims. With the Indian government committed to ensuring a safe, smooth and dignified Haj experience for all Indian pilgrims, the Haj pilgrims were assisted by officials as the movement to Mina from Mecca began on Tuesday, marking the start of the five-day core Haj period. The team, in coordination with the Saudi Authorities, facilitated a smooth journey for all the pilgrims, underscoring India's commitment in ensuring the well-being of all its citizens. Suhel Ajaz Khan, India's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, also addressed the Indian Haj pilgrims ahead of the core rituals and extended his best wishes, assuring them of full support while highlighting the presence of dedicated administrative and medical deputationists for any assistance to assist pilgrims throughout their journey. Indian Consul General also chaired a briefing on arrangements for medical care and assistance in Mashaer Region (Tent city of Mina and plains of Muzdalifah and Arafat) for Indian Haj Pilgrims. The session was attended by the Indian Consul (Haj) Muhammed Abdul Jaleel and officials, doctors and nurses from 'Team India' deployed in Haj 2025. Last week, Indians who embarked on Haj pilgrimage appreciated the arrangements and quality of facilities offered by the Indian government to ensure a smooth and seamless journey for all in Saudi Arabia. "Indian pilgrims who went for Haj 2025 through the Haj Committee of India are very happy with the management of the Government of India and the facilities being provided there. It is the constant endeavour of the Ministry of Minority Affairs to ensure a comfortable and dignified journey for every Haj pilgrim," the Ministry of Minority Affairs posted on X. Additionally, Minister of State for Minority Affairs, George Kurian also highlighted the dedicated efforts of the Centre in ensuring a smooth and successful Haj for pilgrims. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has maintained that the government led by him remains committed to ensuring improved pilgrimage experiences for the devotees. The Indian government has been making efforts over the last 10 years to make the Haj pilgrimage a transparent, uniform, cost efficient, safe and spiritually fulfilling experience for the pilgrims. The Indian Haj Mission - the biggest operation of its kind handled by the government of India outside the Indian borders - has closely coordinated logistics with the concerned Saudi authorities to make the new initiative a success. Last year, the Indian government had made extensive arrangements to provide assistance to over 175,000 pilgrims from India who had converged on the sacred Mount Arafat in Saudi Arabia. The Indian Haj Mission, along with the Saudi Haj Ministry, made all the arrangements of moving the pilgrims from Mina to Arafat, including their stay in Arafat and for their return. New Delhi, June 5 : Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and the Kyrgyz Republic's Minister of Foreign Affairs Zheenbek Kulubaev Moldokanovich signed the protocol and exchanged the instrument of ratification of the India-Kyrgyzstan Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) here on Thursday. The Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) signed on June 14, 2019, in Bishkek, between the Government of India and the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, enters into force with effect from 5th June 2025. This new BIT replaces the earlier agreement enforced on 12th May 2000, ensuring continuity in the protection of investments between the two nations, according to an official statement. The India-Kyrgyz BIT marks a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral economic relations and fostering a secure and predictable investment environment. The BIT aims to promote and protect the interests of investors of either country in the territory of the other country. The key features of the treaty include an enterprise-based definition of assets with an indicative inclusion list and a specific exclusion list of assets which also clarifies the characteristics of investments such as commitment of capital, the expectation of gain or profit, the assumption of risk and have significance for the development of the host state. It excludes matters relating to local government, government procurement, taxation, services supplied in the exercise of governmental authority, compulsory licenses, in order to retain sufficient policy space with the Government in such matters The BIT seeks to define the core elements of the Treatment of Investment, as found in customary international law. Besides, the BIT ensures a balanced framework through provisions on national treatment, expropriation and transfers. The Most Favored Nation (MFN) obligation in the past allowed investors to selectively "import" favourable substantive provisions from other treaties concluded by the Host State. The MFN clause is accordingly removed in the BIT. The BIT contains two types of exceptions: general exceptions and security exceptions. The attempt is to carve out a policy space for the State. The general exceptions include, among others, the protection of the environment, ensuring public health and safety, and protecting public morals and public order. The BIT also has a calibrated Investor-State Dispute Settlement mechanism with mandatory exhaustion of local remedies, thereby providing investors with an alternative dispute resolution mechanism. The BIT balances the investor rights with the sovereign regulatory powers of both countries, and reflects a shared commitment to create a resilient and transparent investment climate. It is expected to further encourage cross-border investments and deepen economic cooperation between India and Kyrgyzstan, the statement added. Srinagar, June 5 : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday conducted a series of searches across the Kashmir Valley as part of its continuing investigations against terror conspiracy by Pakistan-backed proscribed terrorist organisations and their offshoots to destabilise Jammu and Kashmir, an official said. A statement by NIA said: aThirty-two locations in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir were searched as part of todayas crackdown. The locations were residential premises of hybrid terrorists and overground workers associated with these Pakistan based offshoots such as The Resistance Front (TRF), United Liberation Front Jammu & Kashmir (ULFJ&K), Mujahideen Gazwat-ul-Hind (MGH), Jammu & Kashmir Freedom Fighters (JKFF), Kashmir Tigers, PAAF and others, which are affiliated to proscribed terrorist organisations such as Laskar-e-Toiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Al-Badr etc. aThe cadres and workers whose premises were searched are under the NIAas scanner for their involvement in supporting terrorist activities such as facilitating terrorists, collection and distribution of sticky bombs/magnetic bombs, IEDs, funds, narcotic substances, and arms/ammunitions." The statement further said: aThe above-mentioned organisations supported by their leaders in Pakistan have been conspiring to commit acts of terror and violence by radicalising local youth and mobilizing overground workers, to disturb peace and communal harmony in Jammu and Kashmir. aInvestigations have revealed that Pakistan-based operatives were using social media / online apps to facilitate and promote terror. Drones were being used by them to deliver arms/ammunition, explosives, narcotics etc. to their operatives and cadres in the Kashmir Valley. aTwo Live cartridges, one fired bullet head and one bayonet have been recovered during the searches. Apart from this, several digital devices containing large volumes of incriminating data & documents have been recovered by NIA in these searches. These will be subjected to a thorough scrutiny by the agency to unravel the details of the terrorist conspiracy. NIA is continuing its investigation in the case," the NIA statement mentioned. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 5. A leading Chinese pharmaceutical manufacturer operating under the Guangdong Guand Ai Cheng Ming Industrial Investment Co. is exploring opportunities to introduce its products to the Azerbaijani market, the company's head Wang Huadi told Trend. Speaking on the sidelines of the Azerbaijan-China Economic and Trade Cooperation Conference, Wang Huadi explained that Guangdong Guand Ai Cheng Ming Industrial Investment Co. is a diversified industrial investment group, operating through multiple specialized subsidiaries across various sectors. We operate as a pharmaceutical enterprise within a diversified industrial investment group with several specialized subsidiaries. Our products are not only supplied to the domestic market but are also exported to more than 40 countries. Now, we aim to bring our medicines to Azerbaijan. We believe we will find local partners here. In addition to pharmaceutical interests, the companys subsidiary Wan Wei Ren is engaged in the sand and gravel industry, with a focus on resource development and international sulfur trade. The company is shifting its strategic direction to create synergy across the industrial chain through the integration of local and global resources. Our goal is to build a competitive international investment platform that ensures sustainable and stable growth. We are also evaluating cooperation prospects in Azerbaijan for this segment," the company head said. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Kyiv, June 5 : The Ukrainian forces on Thursday struck a unit of Russian missile forces in Russia's Bryansk region, hitting Iskander launchers, the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces said in a statement. The strike was launched as a unit of Russia's 26th missile brigade attempted to fire at a Ukrainian settlement, likely Kyiv, from the city of Klintsy, said the statement. "The targets were successfully hit. One Russian missile launcher detonated, and two others were likely damaged," it said. The operation was conducted by the Ukrainian Armed Forces in coordination with the Security Service and other agencies, Xinhua news agency reported. On Wednesday, Ukrainian forces had also attempted to attack the Crimean Bridge, but failed to cause any damage. "There really was an explosion, nothing was damaged, and the bridge is working," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters, responding to a question on Ukraine's attempted attack on Tuesday. Traffic on the Crimean Bridge was briefly halted on Tuesday at 15:23 Moscow time (1223 GMT), according to the bridge's official Telegram channel. The Security Service of Ukraine said Tuesday that it had struck the Crimean Bridge for the third time using underwater explosives, as about 1,100 kilograms of TNT-equivalent explosives were placed under the bridge and detonated. According to a video published by the Russian Federal Security Service on the same day, a detained suspect of the Crimean city admitted that he had made a bomb to commit a terrorist attack on orders from Kyiv. The blast caused damage to the bridge's underwater support pillars. There were no civilian casualties, the statement issued by the Security Service of Ukraine said. "The Crimean Bridge is a completely legitimate target, especially considering that the enemy used it as a logistical artery to supply its troops," Vasyl Malyuk, head of Security Service of Ukraine, was quoted in a statement as saying. According to a video published by the Russian Federal Security Service on Tuesday, a detained resident of the Crimean city of Feodosia admitted that he had made a bomb to commit a terrorist attack on orders from Kyiv. Ukraine had carried out attacks on the Crimean Bridge in 2022 and in 2023. Jammu, June 5 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that June 6 (Friday) will be a special day for the people of Jammu and Kashmir as projects worth Rs 46,000 crore will be inaugurated which will have a positive impact on the lives of the people in the union territory. The Prime Minister said on X on Thursday on the eve of his June 6 visit that "tomorrow, 6th June is indeed a special day for my sisters and brothers of Jammu and Kashmir". aKey infrastructure projects worth Rs 46,000 crore are being inaugurated which will have a very positive impact on peopleas lives. In addition to being an extraordinary feat of architecture, the Chenab Rail Bridge will improve connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar. The Anji Bridge stands tall as Indiaas first cable-stayed rail bridge in a terrain that is challenging. "The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project ensures all weather connectivity and the Vande Bharat trains from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to Srinagar will boost spiritual tourism and create livelihood opportunities," PM Modi said. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited the Chenab railway Bridge and Anji Khad cable stayed railway Bridge on Thursday. Omar also posted pictures of the Chenab railway Bridge on X as he wrote: aVisited the tallest railway bridge in the world, The Chenab Bridge, to review arrangements for the visit of the PM Modi tomorrow. Tomorrow is a landmark day for J&K when, finally, the valley will be connected to the rest of the country by a railway link to be inaugurated at the hands of the Honourable PM." The Prime Minister will visit the Chenab Railway Bridge at around 11 a.m. on Friday. He will flag off two Vande Bharat trains from Katra town on June 6. The Vande Bharat train from Katra to Srinagar will be flagged off physically by the Prime Minister while he will flag off the other Vande Bharat train from Srinagar to Katra through virtual mode. The Prime Minister will lay foundation and inaugurate projects worth Rs 46,000 crore on Friday. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inspected the progress of work going on at Jammu railway station. He told reporters that the train will run from Jammu to Srinagar in September this year. Rome, June 5 : Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on Thursday lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative as he planted two trees in the northern Italian city of Brescia along with Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on the occasion of World Environment Day. "At Brescia with my friend Minister Piyush Goyal, we planted two trees on the occasion of 'World Environment Day'. Each dedicated to our mothers, in the name of an old Indian tradition. Different countries but with common values. Mother Augusta, who loved nature, will be happy," Tajani posted on X later. Appreciating the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative, the Italian Foreign Minister called it "a fantastic idea" and asserted that Indian traditions remain extremely positive for the world. "Remembering our mother is important. This is also a message to our women and for the future of our countries," said Tajani. It was on the World Environment Day last year that PM Modi launched the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign and urged the countrymen to associate with it and give strength to the initiative by becoming part of it. The initiative not only honours the role of mothers in nurturing one's life but also contributes to the health of the planet. Since its launch, the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' has not only captured global attention but has also been deeply appreciated from multiple quarters over its intent and potential in making climate preservation efforts a 'people's revolution'. The 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam Par 2.0' initiative aims to plant 10 crore trees between June 5 and September 30 this year across India. Goyal is on an official visit to Italy, reaffirming India's commitment to enhance strategic and economic ties with key European partners and deepen bilateral trade and investment collaborations. Earlier on Wednesday, during a dinner hosted by Tajani, the Indian minister addressed a distinguished gathering and engaged in meaningful discussions on deepening economic ties between India and Italy. "Honoured to host my friend and colleague Piyush Goyal at the wonderful Museum Tosio Martinengo in Brescia. Another great opportunity to strengthen the cooperation between Italian entrepreneurs and their Indian counterparts. A strategic partnership for growth between India and Italy. We are ready to seize together the many opportunities we have ahead of us also through our common participation in the strategic India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) regional corridor that stretches from Trieste to India," said Tajani on Thursday. The latest engagement takes place in the context of a defining phase in Indiaa"Italy bilateral relations, following the launch of the Indiaa"Italy Joint Strategic Action Plan (JSAP) 2025a"2029. The JSAP, which was announced after the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro in November 2024, is built on 10 thematic pillars, with economic cooperation as a core area of focus. New Delhi, June 5 : Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Thursday hailed India's new anti-terror normal, saying 'enough is enough! No more tolerance of terrorism'. Addressing students at a Sainik School in Rajasthan's Chittorgarh, Dhankhar said, "Those who will commit barbarity, use terrorism as a weapon will be taught the lesson of their life like Bahawalpur and Muridke." New Delhi, June 5 (IANS) Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Thursday hailed India's new anti-terror normal, saying 'enough is enough! No more tolerance of terrorism'. Addressing students at a Sainik School in Rajasthan's Chittorgarh, Dhankhar said, "Those who will commit barbarity, use terrorism as a weapon will be taught the lesson of their life like Bahawalpur and Muridke." Complementing the armed forces for the success of Operation Sindoor, the Vice President said: "As a proud Indian, I can say the recent lesson we taught the enemy across the border, we are proud of our defence forces." "Pahalgam barbarity has been avenged to the accolade of the entire world. Time for us to salute our defence forces. What they achieved has never been done before," he said. He said the hubs of Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, who defined terrorism, were destroyed in Bahawalpur and Muridke, deep inside the territory of Pakistan, beyond the international border. "You must have seen coffins being escorted by terrorists, their Army and their politicians. That was the greatest success of our defence forces," he said. The Vice President also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for opening Sainik Schools for girls as well. "I must appreciate Prime Minister Modi for achieving something which did not happen for three decades earlier an epochal development, a game-changing development: one-third reservation for women in Lok Sabha and State Legislatures. And I must also commend that earlier we used to have all-boys' Sainik Schools. Now, we have, at Mathura, all-girls' Sainik Schools a big development," he said. He described the opening of Sainik Schools for girls as a big change. "During our times and decades thereafter, Sainik Schools were meant only for boys. Fifty per cent of humanity was ignored. Can you succeed in the world without 50 per cent of the talent not being recognised?" Mumbai, June 5 : Riding on a dominant all-round display from Sairaj Patil, Eagle Thane Strikers continued their dominant run in the T20 Mumbai League 2025 with a commanding 97-run victory over Bandra Blasters at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday. After powering Thane to a formidable total with a brisk unbeaten half-century, Patil returned to make an impact with the ball, picking up two key wickets in a superb all-round display. His efforts proved decisive as the Strikers decimated the Blastersa batting line-up to seal their second straight victory, building on their opening-day win over Triumph Knights Mumbai North East. On a wicket which offered even bounce, Sairaj continued his superb form from Wednesday to remain unbeaten on 54 with three boundaries and four hits into the stands studding his 28-ball knock. Asked to bat first, the Strikers posted 205/6 with Varun Lavande (43 off 32) and captain Atharva Ankolekar (33 off 19) also posting useful contributions. Patil and Ankolekar laid the foundation of a big total with a 56-run partnership before the latter fell while attempting to force the pace. Shashikant Kadam then joined Patil and the duo plundered 43 runs between them off just 15 balls to ensure a strong finish for the Thane innings. In reply, the Bandra innings never really managed to gather any proper momentum as their batters seemed to be bogged down by the pressure of the daunting target. Off-spinner Shashank Attarde was the wrecker-in-chief with figures of 3/26 as the Thane bowlers ruled the roost to skittle the Blasters out for 108 runs in 18.2 overs with only five of their batters managing to reach double figures. In the first match of the day, ARCS Andheri defeated Aakash Tigers MWS by 12 runs (DLS method) at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. The match could not be completed due to rain which left the sizeable crowd disappointed. Asked to bat first, the Tigers posted 211/6 in their 20 overs thanks to some power-packed batting by Vasim Khan. Khan smashed 68 off just 33 deliveries hitting 12 boundaries and two sixes. After Khan's departure, Hardik Tamore (43 off 34) and skipper Shams Mulani (46 off 22) took up the big-hitting duties to steer the Tigers to a formidable total. The Andheri chase was into its third over when it started to rain, leading to a stoppage in play. The innings was subsequently reduced to 16 overs. But a second spell of heavy showers forced a halt to the proceedings when just 7.2 overs had been bowled and Andheri were on 85/2. Brief scores: Match 1: Aakash Tigers MWS: 211/6 (Vasim Khan 68, Shams Mulani 46, Hardik Tamore 43) lost to ARCS Andheri: 85/2 (Akhil Herwadkar 36 not out) by 12 runs (DLS method). Match 2: Eagle Thane Strikers: 205/6 in 20 overs (Sairaj Patil 54 not out, Varun Lavande 43, Atharva Ankolekar 33; Karsh Kothari 2/44, Royston Dias 2/46) defeated Bandra Blasters: 108 (Suved Parkar 18; Shashank Attarde 3/26, Sairaj Patil 2/11, Aryan Chauhan 2/11) by 97 runs. Islamabad/New Delhi, June 5 : Despite Pakistan achieving a tenuous peace with India following military escalations along the border after the deadly Pahalgam massacre, the regime simultaneously faces multiple internal challenges. The escalation of activities by insurgent groups such as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan has already undermined the military establishment's popularity, legitimacy, and morale. Meanwhile, popular protests in Sindh, ongoing for several months in opposition to the federal government's proposed Indus canals project, have escalated into violence. Rather than addressing the grievances politically, the regime opted for a harsh crackdown, resulting in the deaths of two activists, which further incited protestors to set fire to the residence of Sindh's Interior Minister, Ziaul Hassan Lanjar. The province of Sindh has long been a simmering cauldron of discontent, spanning several decades. It has consistently voiced grievances over federal discrimination and political marginalisation, which have benefited the politically and economically dominant Punjab. Central to the inter-provincial conflict between Sindh and Punjab is the issue of water, particularly the Indus River. On this occasion, the province mobilised in protests against the federal government's decree to construct "six strategic canals" intended to address agricultural underdevelopment and food insecurity nationwide. Although the regime agreed to suspend the project in April amid persistent protests until a consensus among provinces was achieved, the demonstrations persisted, accusing the government of secretly proceeding with canal construction and engaging in deception. Public frustration escalated, prompting the regime to launch a harsh crackdown that resulted in the shooting of Zahid Laghari, a prominent activist of the Sindhi nationalist group Jeay Sindh Muttahida Mahaz (JSMM). This triggered a volatile situation in which protestors blocked a vital national highway, set oil tankers on fire, and roamed the area armed with AK-47 rifles. The canal project forms part of the broader Green Pakistan Initiative (GPI), launched in July 2023 with the aim of modernising the country's agricultural sector. Agriculture is a vital component of Pakistan's economy, contributing 25 per cent to GDP and providing employment to 37 per cent of the population. The initiative seeks to promote modern farming techniques, including the introduction of high-yield seeds and fertilisers, attract investment, and convert barren land into fertile, cultivable areas. In June 2024, President Asif Ali Zardari, as part of the GPI's progression, approved the construction of six canals, with two planned for each of the provinces Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan. Among these, the Cholistan canal has provoked significant opposition in Sindh, as residents believe it will substantially divert water from the Indus, reducing the province's equitable share. Although the government assured that the canal would be constructed along the Sutlej River governed by India under the 1960 Indus Water Treaty and would utilise surplus monsoon flows along with river water from Punjab, Sindhi leaders disputed this claim, highlighting the critically low flow levels of the Sutlej. Despite hosting the country's financial centre, Karachi, and making a substantial contribution to the national economy, Sindh remains marginalised by federal policies that systematically neglect its interests, leading to its gradual decline. Agriculture accounts for 17 per cent of Sindh's provincial economy, with 77 per cent of its agricultural land reliant on irrigation from the Indus River. The Indus is vital to the province, serving not only as a crucial water source for agriculture and daily consumption but also preventing the intrusion of Arabian Sea water inland, sustaining the mangrove forests in the Indus delta, and preserving these ancient ecosystems and cultural lifeways. Unsurprisingly, the Indus has been a continual source of dispute for lower riparian Sindh, which bears the impact of federal water management policies, such as dam and canal construction, that divert water to upper riparian Punjab. A notable example is the Kalabagh dam, proposed by General Zia ul-Haq in the 1980s, which was halted following strong opposition from Sindh and other stakeholders. In this context, the Water Apportionment Accord of 1991 was established to resolve inter-provincial water disputes and ensure a fair distribution of water resources. However, the authority responsible for implementing the accord, the Indus River System Authority (IRSA), has faced widespread criticism for operating through a non-transparent and complex process, which has exacerbated disputes among provinces regarding the interpretation of its provisions. Additionally, the accord did not address the issue of sharing water shortages. Given the severe infrastructural deficiencies, frequent flooding, and impacts of climate change contributing to water scarcity, the lack of a mechanism for equitable sharing places the greatest burden on lower-riparian Sindh. IRSA is also known for disregarding concerns raised by provincial representatives while prioritising the establishment's agenda. This was evident when IRSA issued the 'Water Availability Certificate' for the Cholistan canal in February 2025, asserting adequate water availability for the project despite objections from the Sindhi representative. For decades, Sindh has persistently alleged that it receives significantly less water than allocated under the 1991 Accord. The diminishing flow of the Indus has had devastating effects on the province, including the encroachment of seawater inland, which has led to salinisation and erosion of extensive agricultural lands, reduction of mangrove forests, mass displacement of populations, destruction of livelihoods, and severe impoverishment. The frequent flooding experienced in the province is another outcome of these mismanaged water policies. Sindh is still struggling to recover from the catastrophic 2022 floods, which devastated approximately 4.4 million acres of agricultural land and resulted in nearly 800 fatalities. Consequently, it is understandable that the population has vehemently opposed efforts to further deprive them not only of their rightful share but also of their fundamental source of sustenance. Nabi Bux Sathio, Vice President of the Sindh Chamber of Agriculture, stated that the Cholistan canal would "ruin 12 million acres of agricultural land in Sindh to irrigate just 1.2 million acres of desert in Punjab." Therefore, the Pakistani government should address the grievances of the Sindhi population with sensitivity and accountability, rather than resorting to violent repression. Instead of treating the issue as merely a provincial concern, the regime must adopt a holistic perspective and recognise its reliance on its diverse constituents. With demands for provincial autonomy and government accountability intensifying across all provinces except Punjab, Pakistan must confront the profound seriousness of the situation and respond with rationality. New Delhi, June 5 : In a series of hard-hitting blows to the decades-old Maoist insurgency, India has achieved unprecedented success in its mission to eliminate Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), thanks to the bold, resolute, and visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The recent elimination of top Maoist commanders, including Central Committee Member Gautam alias Sudhakar and CPI-Maoist General Secretary Basavaraju, was hailed as a turning point in India's internal security history. New Delhi, June 5 (IANS) In a series of hard-hitting blows to the decades-old Maoist insurgency, India has achieved unprecedented success in its mission to eliminate Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), thanks to the bold, resolute, and visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The recent elimination of top Maoist commanders, including Central Committee Member Gautam alias Sudhakar and CPI-Maoist General Secretary Basavaraju, was hailed as a turning point in Indiaas internal security history. Security forces on Thursday neutralised senior Maoist figure Sudhakar - also known as Tentu Laxmi Narsimha Chalam - in a fierce gun battle in the dense forests of Chhattisgarh's Bijapur. A veteran Maoist with over 30 years of involvement in insurgent operations across Telangana, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra, Sudhakar had a Rs 40 lakh bounty on his head. This success is being seen as another major setback for the outlawed CPI-Maoist, following the neutralisation of Basavaraju, who was eliminated on May 21 in a massive encounter that claimed 27 Maoist lives. These tactical successes are the consequence of an unrelenting and strategically coherent campaign, which was launched under the government led by PM Modi. Backed by precise intelligence and highly trained units such as DRG, STF, and Cobra, the security forces have conducted surgical operations deep within the Maoist strongholds like the Indravati Tiger Reserve. The scale of progress is staggering. Over the past six months alone, more than 150 high-profile Maoists have been eliminated in operations across Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha. In Jharkhand's Latehar, the police and CRPF in a joint operation recently gunned down Pappu Lohra and Prabhat Ganjhu - top commanders of the Jharkhand Jan Mukti Parishad - further crippling the Maoist command structure in the region. These accomplishments are part of a larger, decade-long vision laid down by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. When he assumed office in 2014, Maoism had gripped over 120 districts. Security forces were frequently ambushed, and lawlessness reigned in vast areas of central India. Instead of short-term solutions, PM Modi declared Maoism as Indiaas most serious internal security threat and vowed a decisive and permanent defeat of the insurgency. Union Home Minister Amit Shah turned that vision into action. His dual-pronged approacha"relentless security operations combined with targeted developmenta"has dismantled the ideological and operational foundations of the Maoist movement. Under his direction, the number of Maoist-affected districts has reduced from 126 in 2014 to just 38 today. Violent incidents have fallen by over 50 per cent, civilian casualties have dropped by 86 per cent, and security force deaths are down by 77 per cent. What sets the Modi-Shah doctrine apart is its depth and foresight. Apart from aggressive military operations, the government has pushed massive development into neglected tribal areas. Roads, schools, mobile towers, and health centres now stand in once-isolated villages. Over Rs 6,500 crore has been allocated to modernise police forces and build infrastructure, while Rs 30 crore annually is provided to each most-affected district under the Special Central Assistance scheme. Perhaps most remarkably, more than 8,000 Maoists have surrendered since 2014, thanks to a humane and rehabilitative policy that offers them a path back into society. It is a rare blend of strength and sensitivity, force and foresight, that defines PM Modi and HM Shahas approach. Experts say that India is moving steadily towards a Maoist-free status by early 2026. The world is witnessing what visionary leadership backed by anational willa can accomplish, say security experts. Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have not only broken the backbone of the Maoist insurgency, but they have also restored hope, sovereignty, and peace to regions once gripped by fear. Bhopal, June 5 : Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav, while expressing profound grief over the death of seven persons in Rewa, has announced a financial support of Rs 2 lakh each to the family of the deceased. He has also announced financial support of Rs 50,000 to each of the injured persons in the accident. He announced the support through his X handle, "Tragedy struck near Sohagi village in Rewa district when a truck carrying cement pillars overturned onto an auto carrying devotees from Nai Garhi, Mauganj district. The group had been returning from Prayagraj after performing a sacred Ganga bath. The devastating accident claimed seven lives and left three others injured. In response to this heart-breaking accident, the Madhya Pradesh government has extended its support to the affected families. Authorities have directed that financial aid be providedRs 2 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for those who sustained serious injuries." The incident occurred when a truck carrying cement poles overturned onto an auto-rickshaw, resulting in seven fatalities and two injuries. The accident took place around 12.30 pm on Thursday, as confirmed by Udit Mishra, the sub-divisional magistrate of Teonthar, a tehsil in Rewa district. "The auto-rickshaw, carrying passengers returning from Prayagraj, was struck by the truck, which was also travelling from the same city towards Rewa. Six bodies were transported to Teonthar Hospital, while four injured individuals were taken to Gangev Hospital before being referred to Sanjay Gandhi Medical College in Rewa. One of the injured later succumbed to his injuries during treatment, bringing the death toll to seven," he told IANS. Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident and to identify the victims. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination. According to police reports, the accident occurred when the truck attempted to overtake the auto-rickshaw and negotiate a narrow section of the elevated road. A man, a woman, and two children travelling in the auto were killed on the spot. The victims were residents of Nai Garhi in Mauganj district and were returning home after taking a holy dip in the Ganges. While the exact number of passengers in the auto-rickshaw remains uncertain, initial reports indicate that at least eight people were on board. On Wednesday, a similar accident occurred in Jhabua district, where a cement mixer truck overturned onto a van, killing nine people instantly. Sohagi Pahad in Rewa has a history of deadly accidents. In October 2022, a tragic crash at the same location claimed 15 lives and injured around 40 others. The accident involved a bus carrying nearly 100 passengers from Hyderabad to Gorakhpur, which collided with a trolley in the early hours of the morning. Damascus, June 5 : In Damascus's bustling marketplaces, a muted mood pervades the narrow alleys ahead of Eid al-Adha. Though vendors hawk their wares and decorations flutter from storefronts in al-Midan and other commercial districts, foot traffic remains light and sales sluggish. Six months after Syria's new authorities assumed power, many residents say the country has barely begun its journey toward economic recovery. With prices volatile and purchasing power weak, Syrians are banking on patience rather than prosperity this holiday season. "Frankly, the situation needs more time and patience," said Firas Edam, a man in his 40s browsing for groceries in the Old City. "We hope for the best. But we're waiting for real movement in the country." Eid al-Adha, one of Islam's most sacred holidays, is typically marked by feasting, family gatherings, and bustling markets. In previous years, shoppers crowded the streets to buy meat, sweets, and new clothes. This year, despite relative security in the capital, merchants say one thing is clearly missing: spending. "There's some activity, but it's nowhere near what it should be," said Abu Jawad, a clothing shop owner. "People feel safer, and there's some optimism -- but the economy hasn't caught up. Still, we're hopeful that things will turn around." Others offered blunter assessments. "People who say things are going well speak only from their own comfort," Abu Khaled Khattab, 60, hawking souvenirs and household goods in al-Midan told Xinhua news agency. Sipping tea, he noted that prosperity remains relative, defined largely by one's bank account. "They have cars and can afford sweets costing 500,000 liras (around 56 US dollars), but for the rest of us, things are difficult. Look around: these are Eid streets in al-Midan, and they're empty," he said. Since morning, he had sold no more than 10,000 liras' worth of merchandise, not enough to buy a pack of cigarettes. "I'm not complaining," he said. "Just telling you what I see." Abu Khaled's frustration echoes across the city. In Damascus, traffic congestion creates an illusion of vitality, but the deep scars left by years of Western sanctions -- particularly on the most vulnerable -- remain unhealed. Families may wander through the markets, but few are reaching into their wallets. The economic revival many had hoped for -- spurred by the easing of sanctions -- has yet to materialise. Restrictions have only recently begun to lift, and reconstruction progresses slowly. Officials speak of reform and foreign investment, but for ordinary Syrians, progress is measured in small, tangible ways: a few kilograms of rice, a few liters of fuel, a few more hours of electricity. As night falls over Damascus, vendors begin to pack up -- not with the satisfaction of a good day's trade, but with quiet resignation. "Everything we hear is just wishes," one merchant said. "On the ground, the situation tells us we still need patience." Addis Ababa, June 5 : The African Union (AU) has expressed concern over the potential negative impact of newly imposed travel restrictions by the United States, which affect nationals from several countries, including some in Africa. In a statement issued Thursday, the African Union Commission (AUC) acknowledged the sovereign right of all nations to protect their borders and ensure the security of their citizens. However, it urged the United States to exercise this right in a manner that is balanced, evidence-based, and reflective of the long-standing partnership between the United States and Africa. The AUC remains concerned about the potential negative impact of such measures on people-to-people ties, educational exchange, commercial engagement, and the broader diplomatic relations that have been carefully nurtured over decades, the statement said, Xinhua news agency reported. The AUC also called on the US administration to consider adopting a more consultative approach and to engage in constructive dialogue with the affected countries. US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation to ban travel from certain countries on Wednesday evening, citing national security risks. According to a release by the White House, the proclamation will fully ban the entry of nationals from 12 countries, namely Afghanistan, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. These countries were found "to be deficient with regards to screening and vetting and determined to pose a very high risk to the United States," the release read. The proclamation will partially restrict the entry of nationals from seven countries -- Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela. The travel ban is scheduled to take effect at 12:01 a.m. next Monday. "The restrictions and limitations imposed by the Proclamation are necessary to garner cooperation from foreign governments, enforce our immigration laws, and advance other important foreign policy, national security, and counterterrorism objectives," the White House said. Exceptions to the ban include lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders, certain visa categories, and individuals whose entry serves US national interests. During his first term, Trump announced a ban on travellers from seven countries, a policy that went through several iterations before it was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. Former President Joe Biden reversed the ban in 2021. Photo: The Ministry of Investments, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, June 5 .The grand opening ceremony of the Representative Office of the China-Eurasia Investment and Trade Development Center in Uzbekistan was held in Tashkent, Trend reports. The event brought together senior officials from government agencies, chambers of commerce and industry, as well as business representatives from both China and Uzbekistan. During the ceremony, several cooperation agreements were signed, including memorandums between Xinjiang Eurasia Investment and Trade Development Center LLC and the Uzbek-Chinese Service Company, as well as with the Ruimeng International Intellectual Property Trading Group (Uzbekistan). The Representative Office in Uzbekistan will operate under the direct supervision of the Centers headquarters in China. Its main activities will include providing international trade services, coordinating and supporting investment projects, offering post-investment services, facilitating personnel exchange, promoting brands and advertising, and developing industrial cooperation. The opening of the Representative Office marks a significant milestone in strengthening trade and investment cooperation between China and Uzbekistan. It is expected to serve as a vital platform for launching and implementing new joint projects across various sectors of the economy. Washington, June 5 : The All-Party Parliamentary Delegation led by Shashi Tharoor on Thursday had an "excellent meeting" with the United States Vice President J.D. Vance in Washington, briefing him about Operation Sindoor, terrorism faced by India and regional security. "The All Party Parliamentary Delegation led by Dr. Shashi Tharoor called on Vice President J D Vance this morning. The conversation focused on strengthening the India-US partnership including cooperation in counter-terrorism domain," the Embassy of India in the United States posted on X. "Excellent meeting with Vice President J D Vance today in Washington D.C. with our delegation. We had comprehensive discussions covering a wide array of critical issues, from counter-terrorism efforts to enhancing technological cooperation. A truly constructive and productive exchange for strengthening India-US strategic partnership, with a great meeting of minds," Tharoor also posted on X after the meeting. Vance was visiting India when the heinous Pahalgam terror attack took place on April 22. In a strong message of support and solidarity, the US Vice-President had also called Prime Minister Narendra Modi to strongly condemn the terror attack and convey that the United States is ready to provide "all assistance" in the joint fight against terrorism. "Usha and I extend our condolences to the victims of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India. Over the past few days, we have been overcome with the beauty of this country and its people. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn this horrific attack," he had posted on X. Earlier in the day, Tharoor spoke with Ambassador Ken Juster at Council on Foreign Relations on India's fight against terrorism. On Wednesday, the all party delegation met prominent members of the Indian diaspora in USA. The delegation spoke about India's resolute and united stand against terrorism and the new normal created by India through Operation Sindoor. The Indian diaspora members shared their message of solidarity with the victims of terrorism and support for India's fight against terrorism. "Pleasure to host Chairman Shashi Tharoor and members of the Indian Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs. My colleagues and I expressed condolences for the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and reaffirmed Congress's commitment to the US-India partnership," said Gregory Meeks. Later, the delegation interacted with members of the Indian and American Press Corps at the Embassy. The delegation is engaging with members of the US Congress, US thinks tanks and media professionals to brief about Operation Sindoor, terrorism faced by India and regional security. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, delegation head and Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said, "What we are seeking to do in every country is to explain our version of events, our experience of the last few weeks, to seek the solidarity and understanding of those we meet and speak to." "I'm very pleased to say that so far, our batting average is over 100 -- in other words, every single person we have met so far has immediately not only condemned resolutely the terrorist attack upon India and expressed their outrage and their sympathy, but they have also explicitly endorsed India's right to defend itself against terrorism, and this kind of understanding has been most welcome." Tharoor described the Pahalgam terror attack as an egregious disruption during a time of economic and social optimism in Kashmir. "Kashmir was booming. Ordinary Kashmiris are benefiting from vast numbers of tourists coming in, putting money into their hands and their pockets. It was a lovely time. And here's this innocent group of holiday tourists on a dappled meadow in Kashmir being murdered in cold blood by people coming and asking their religion and shooting them between the eyes," he said. "It really was a sickening outrage, and the nation rose as one to support whatever the government chose to do, and what the government chose to do in the end was what most of us would have wanted," he added. He also explained India's calibrated military response and eventual ceasefire. "If you were to go back and look at the briefings the government gave each morning, the message is very clear: we are hitting them because they are hitting us. If they stop, we'll stop. And after 88 hours, the Pakistani Director General of Military Operations reached out to his Indian counterpart and said, let's call it off. And we called it off," Tharoor said. The delegation includes a diverse political mix, with members such as Shambhavi Choudhary of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Sarfaraz Ahmad of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, Milind Murli Deora of the Shiv Sena, Bhubaneswar Kalita and Tejasvi Surya of the BJP, and GM Harish Balayogi of the Telugu Desam Party, a National Democratic Alliance partner. Thiruvananthapuram, June 5 : The Directorate of Enforcement's (ED) Cochin Zonal Office has carried out search operations at six locations across Kerala's Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Kasaragod districts in connection with a large-scale investment fraud case, an official statement said. The searches were conducted under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The raids on Wednesday targeted the residences of key accused individuals Muhammed Faisal, Cheroor Ahammed Jalaluddeen, Abdul Mansheef, Nashid K.P., and Abdul Rasheed as well as the premises of Fexmy Mattress LLP, one of the entities allegedly used to launder proceeds of the crime. The operation led to the seizure of documents related to immovable properties valued at approximately Rs 2.35 crore, held in the names of the accused and their family members. Investigators also confiscated evidence of cryptocurrency investments, incriminating documents, and several digital devices for further forensic analysis. The ED initiated the probe based on multiple FIRs registered against My Club Traders (MCT), its Managing Director, Faisal, and others under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for allegedly defrauding investors through a high-return pyramid-style money circulation scheme. According to the ED, My Club Traders ran a binary pyramid investment scheme falsely presented as a Malaysian investment opportunity. The scheme lured thousands of gullible investors, mostly in Kerala, promising unrealistic profits. Large sums of money were collected in cash and subsequently laundered through a network of shell entities, including Princess Gold and Diamonds LLP, Toll Deal Ventures, and Fexmy Mattress LLP. Investigators suspect that a portion of the illicit proceeds was routed out of India and then reintroduced through cryptocurrency transactions and gold-based investment schemes, such as the "My Gold" programme operated by Princess Gold and Diamonds LLP. The ED stated that further investigation is ongoing to trace the full extent of the money trail and identify additional assets linked to the scam. More seizures and arrests are likely in the coming weeks as the probe progresses. Chandigarh, June 5 : In a major crackdown on cross-border drug smuggling networks, Punjab Police have busted two international narco-trafficking cartels with the arrest of six drug smugglers, including a woman, and recovered 4 kg heroin, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said on Thursday. Those arrested have been identified as Vishal Singh, 23, Didar Singh, 50, Sevenbir Singh, 25, Harjit Singh, 38, Jaj Singh, 19, and Jasbir Kaur, 60. Besides recovering heroin, police have also impounded their SUV, which they were using to deliver drug consignments. DGP Yadav said preliminary investigation has revealed that one module is operated by the arrested accused, Sevenbir Singh, who is in direct contact with Pakistan-based smugglers. The latter received heroin consignments and operated under the guise of livestock trade, he said. The DGP said Jasbir Kaur is linked to the cartel of the infamous smuggler Ranjeet, alias Cheeta, and maintained contact with smugglers in both India and across the border. Further investigations are on to establish forward and backward linkages in this case, he added. Commissioner of Police, Amritsar, Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, told the media that both the drug trafficking modules were busted in an intelligence-led operation under the supervision of DCP Jagjit Singh Walia. He said that Sevenbir Singh was running the cartel in the garb of sale and purchase of goats for the past five years, from which he amassed wealth to build a large house in his village apart from other property. The accused has been receiving narcotic consignments through drones in the vicinity of his village, which lies very close to the international border. After retrieval, he used to conceal the contraband in his relativesa home and later, used to distribute it through his associates, he said, while adding further investigations are on to unravel both the modules, and more arrests and recoveries are likely in the coming days. --IANS vg/vd Jabalpur, June 5 : Former Congress MLA Vijay Raghvendra Singh's wife allegedly attempted suicide after a brief argument with officials on the premises of a government office in Katni district of Madhya Pradesh on Thursday. The incident occurred at Tehsil (sub-district) office in Barwara, around 30 km from district headquarters Katni. Ranjeeta Singh had visited Tehsil's office regarding a land dispute on Thursday. According to information, Ranjeeta Singh along with some of the ex-MLA's supporters went to the Tehsil office at around 12 p.m. to enquire about her compliant regarding a disputed land falling under Barwara police station area. She suddenly came out of Tehsildar's cabin shouting aggressively and poured kerosene on her body, in an attempt to commit suicide. Her actions in the presence of numerous people, including government officials, were nothing less than a horrific scene, a person aware of the shocking development told IANS. However, before she could set herself afire, some people quickly intervened and overpowered her. Meanwhile, police were also informed about the incident. Later, talking to media persons, Ranjeeta Singh said that some people having connections with the ruling BJP have illegally encroached upon her land located in Barwara, and she had lodged a complaint regarding the same at Tehsil office around 6 months ago. The ex-MLA's wife further alleged that she had been visiting Tehsil's office for the last six months. However, no action was taken against the encroachers. "Tehsildar is favouring the land encroachers because they are associated with the BJP. This biased approach of Tehsildar made me take this step," she added. Later, she also submitted her compliant to the district administration, alleging biased action from the officials at Barwara Tehsil office, and requested an inquiry into the matter. She also demanded that Tehsildar should be transferred, until the investigation is done this case. Her husband Vijay Raghvendra Singh had won the Assembly election from Barwara in 2018. Congress had also fielded him for the Assembly elections held in November 2023, however, he lost to BJP's Dhirendra Bahadur Singh. Barwara, an Assembly constituency situated in the Katni district of Madhya Pradesh, holds a significant place in the political landscape of the Mahakoshal region. As part of the Shahdol Lok Sabha constituency, Barwara is reserved for members of the Scheduled Tribes. Patna, June 5 : In a dramatic turn of events in the Muzaffarpur Dalit girl case, the main accused, Mukesh Kumar Rai, surrendered before the police after the district administration demolished his house and eatery (dhaba) on Thursday. The bulldozer action came in the wake of widespread public outrage over the death of an 11-year-old Dalit girl, who was sexually assaulted and later died after she was allegedly denied urgent medical care. Responding to public anger and political condemnation, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha had earlier announced strict action against the accused during his visit to the victim's house on Thursday. After a few hours, a bulldozer action akin to the "Yogi model" of Uttar Pradesh was executed. Under the leadership of Rural SP Vidyasagar and SDM West Shreya Shri, a heavy police contingent arrived at Mukesh Rai's residence and dhaba, located in the jurisdiction of the Turki police station area. The property was confiscated, and a bulldozer razed both structures. Fearing further consequences , Mukesh Rai surrendered to the police shortly after the demolition began. The district police confirmed that legal proceedings are underway, and a charge sheet will be filed promptly. On May 26, an 11-year-old Dalit girl was sexually assaulted in a village under Kudhni police station. Post-assault, the child was brought to SKMCH, Muzaffarpur, but received negligent treatment and was referred to PMCH, Patna. At PMCH, she was not allotted a bed, was left in an ambulance for four hours, and later succumbed to her injuries. Following the incident, protests erupted across Bihar, with leaders from the Congress, RJD, and Jan Suraj Party demanding accountability and action. Opposition parties condemned the law and order breakdown and healthcare negligence, holding the government responsible for the girl's death. Protesters claimed that timely medical intervention could have saved her life. In response, the government suspended the SKMCH superintendent, removed a deputy superintendent of PMCH, and suspended three police officials, though critics say these actions were superficial and delayed. The brutal nature of the crime, combined with administrative failure and caste-based insensitivity, has triggered state-wide outrage. Citizens, activists, and rights organizations are demanding speedy trial and conviction under the POCSO and SC/ST Atrocities Act. This incident has become a flashpoint in Bihar politics and raised serious questions about the state's healthcare system, police responsiveness, and caste-based injustices. The bulldozer action has set a precedent, but the public now awaits judicial justice for the minor victim. Bhubaneswar, June 5 : Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday laid the foundation stone for 12 industrial projects with a combined investment to the tune of over Rs 28,000 crore during a special event at Chhatrapur in Ganjam district. The industrial projects for which the groundbreaking ceremony was held on Thursday span different sectors such as green hydrogen, chemicals, and renewable energy. This signalled a transformative industrial journey for the region. "This marks a new milestone in Ganjam's industrial development and opens a fresh path toward prosperity for the district," Majhi said on the occasion. Addressing the event, CM Majhi further stated that these projects will generate over 15,000 jobs in the region. He also underlined the success of the 'Make in Odisha 2025' initiative, stating that within just four months, the state has attracted investments worth Rs 1.5 lakh crore, creating nearly 90,000 employment opportunities. CM Majhi noted that foundation stones were recently laid for Rs 70,000 crore worth of projects in Kalinganagar of Jajpur district and Rs 50,000 crore in Dhenkanal district. "Today, we take another step forward with nearly Rs 30,000 crore of investments here in Ganjam. We are committed to building a prosperous Odisha by 2036," he asserted. The Chief Minister emphasised the vision of developing a port-based industrial ecosystem in Odisha. "In addition to the three existing ports, 3-4 new ports will be developed. The central government has approved infrastructure projects worth Rs 1 lakh crore in railways and highways. Odisha will also see the development of 75,000 km of world-class roads and several industrial corridors," he added. CM Majhi expressed confidence in the state's youth as the driving force behind Odisha's transformation. "To meet the rising demand for skilled manpower in modern industries, we will set up four World Skill Centres. We've partnered with Singapore's ITEES to provide advanced skill training, and all ITIs are being upgraded to deliver modern education," he added. New Delhi, June 5 : Domestic production of fertilisers is maintained at optimum level, with di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) production reaching 3.84 lakh metric tonnes, highest in recent months, the government said on Thursday. JP Nadda, Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilisers, chaired a high-level meeting with officials from the Department of Fertilisers to review the availability and distribution of fertilisers during the ongoing Kharif season. Nadda underscored the critical role of agriculture in ensuring food security for the nation. He highlighted the importance of ensuring the timely availability of essential nutrients to support crop productivity. The minister was also briefed on the current status of fertiliser supplies and preparations for Kharif 2025. To bridge the gap between demand and domestic supply, Indian fertiliser companies have secured tie-ups with prominent exporters of fertilisers viz. Saudi Arabia, Morocco and Russia, ensuring steady imports throughout the year. The Union Minister directed officials to ensure that fertilisers are made available promptly across all states to meet the requirements of farmers. In this regard, he emphasised the importance of close coordination with all stakeholders viz. state governments, fertiliser companies, Railways and Port authorities, among others. Nadda also expressed concern over the growing reliance on chemical fertilisers, particularly urea. In response, he reiterated the need to promote sustainable agricultural practices. He directed the officials to intensify efforts to implement PM-PRANAM (PM Programme for Restoration, Awareness Generation, Nourishment, and Amelioration of Mother-Earth). This initiative aims to encourage the sustainable and balanced use of fertilisers, adoption of alternative fertilisers, and promote organic and natural farming methods. States that demonstrate a reduction in chemical fertiliser usage will be eligible for incentives under this program. Furthermore, the minister emphasised the need for coordinated action with state governments to address the issue of illegal diversion, hoarding, and black marketing of fertilisers. He called for stringent measures to prevent these malpractices and ensure that fertilisers reach the intended recipients. a"IANS na/ Bhopal, June 5 : Senior BJP leader and Madhya Pradesh Cabinet Minister for Urban Development, Housing and Parliamentary affairs, Kailash Vijayvargiya stirred controversy on Thursday with remarks disapproving of women wearing short outfits, asserting that such a trend is a foreign concept of beauty and not aligned with Indian tradition. A six-time legislator and a state government minister, Vijayvargiya emphasised that in Indian culture, women are regarded as a form of Goddess and should dress in a manner that reflects grace and dignity. Comparing cultural perspectives, he stated that while Indian society appreciates women adorned in elegant attire, makeup, and jewellery, Western ideals often associate beauty with minimal clothing, a notion he firmly rejects. The minister made these remarks during a tree plantation event at Sindoor Vatika in Nehru Park, Indore, where he and Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava launched the campaign 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam'. He then drew an analogy between speech length and clothing, referencing a Western saying that equates a leader who speaks less with a woman who wears less. He dismissed this notion, reaffirming his belief that women should dress modestly, reflecting their status as embodiment of divinity. Vijayvargiya's comments have reignited debates on cultural norms and personal freedoms, with critics arguing that such statements reinforce regressive stereotypes and undermine individual choice. This is not the first time he has made controversial remarks on women's attire. In 2023, he faced backlash for comparing women in "bad dresses" to Shurpanakha, a demoness from the Ramayana, a statement that drew sharp criticism from opposition leaders and activists. All India Trinamool Congress Party on its X handle criticised the minister, shared the video footage and said, "These are all remarks by the same deplorable individual, leader and MP Cabinet Minister, Kailash Vijayvargiya. He repeatedly makes MISOGYNISTIC, CHAUVINISTIC, and PATRIARCHAL statements, yet faces no consequences. We demand answers from PM Narendra Modi: Do you support his views? Is disparaging women now an unofficial policy of your party? Take IMMEDIATE ACTION and demand his RESIGNATION. Anything less will be seen as active endorsement!" His latest remarks have sparked reactions across political and social circles, with many questioning the appropriateness of dictating women's clothing choices. While Vijayvargiya maintains that his views stem from cultural values, detractors argue that such perspectives risk alienating modern sensibilities and restricting personal expression. The debate continues as society grapples with the balance between tradition and evolving norms in contemporary India. Washington, June 6 : US President Donald Trump has said that the "easiest way" for the government to save money would be to "terminate" contracts and subsidies going to billionaire and former adviser Elon Musk, amid an escalating public war of words between the Commander-in-Chief and the world's wealthiest man. Washington, June 6 (IANS) US President Donald Trump has said that the "easiest way" for the government to save money would be to "terminate" contracts and subsidies going to billionaire and former adviser Elon Musk, amid an escalating public war of words between the Commander-in-Chief and the world's wealthiest man. "The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elon's Governmental Subsidies and Contracts," Trump wrote on his own social media platform Truth Social. "I was always surprised that Biden didn't do it!" the US President said. Trump's threat came after Musk accused the US President of "ingratitude" and said he would have lost the election without him, after the billionaire donated more than $250 million to help elect him last year. Minutes earlier, Trump wrote that he had asked Musk to leave the White House, and claimed the Tesla CEO "just went CRAZY!" "Elon was 'wearing thin,' I asked him to leave, I took away his EV Mandate that forced everyone to buy Electric Cars that nobody else wanted (that he knew for months I was going to do!), and he just went CRAZY," the President said. (There has never been a federal mandate that prohibited Americans from buying gasoline-powered cars.) Trump insinuated in an Oval Office press conference on Thursday that the Tesla CEO opposes his "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," which Musk has been ranting about all week, because he is "upset" the electric vehicle incentive was removed, adding that he is not sure he will remain friends with Musk and alleging Musk "knew the inner workings of the bill". Musk didn't reject the accusation about the EV tax credits in a tweet responding to Trump, writing it was "very unfair!!" that oil and gas subsidies were left in the bill, adding in a subsequent tweet "this bill was never shown to me even once and was passed in the dead of night so fast that almost no one in Congress could even read it!" The breakup between the President of the US and the world's richest man is unfurling much like their relationship started a" rapidly, intensely and very publicly. As President Donald Trump sat in the Oval Office on Thursday with Germany's leader, he lamented his soured relationship with Elon Musk, his adviser-turned-social media antagonist. Trump said he was "very disappointed" with Musk after the billionaire and former Trump backer lambasted the President's signature bill of tax cuts and spending plans. "Whatever," Musk wrote on his social media platform while responding to Trump in real time. Politicians and their donor patrons rarely see eye to eye. But the magnitude of Musk's support for Trump, spending at least $250 million backing his campaign, and the scope of free reign the President gave him to slash and delve into the government with the Department of Government Efficiency is eclipsed only by the speed of their falling out. Musk announced his support for Trump shortly after the then-candidate was nearly assassinated on stage at a Butler, Pennsylvania, rally last July. News of Musk's political action committee in support of Trump's election came days later. Musk soon became a close adviser and frequent companion, memorably leaping in the air behind Trump on stage at a rally in October. Once Trump was elected, the tech billionaire stood behind him as he took the oath of office, flew with him on Air Force One for weekend stays at Trump's Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, slept in the White House's Lincoln Bedroom at the President's invitation and joined his Cabinet meetings wearing a MAGA hat (sometimes more than one). "I'll be honest, I think he missed the place," Trump said on Thursday. "He got out there, and all of a sudden he wasn't in this beautiful Oval Office." Musk bid farewell to Trump last week in a subdued news conference in the Oval Office, where he sported a black eye that he said came from his young son but that seemed to be a metaphor for his messy time in government service. Trump, who rarely misses an opportunity to zing his critics on appearance, brought it up on Thursday. "I said, 'Do you want a little makeup? We'll get you a little makeup.' Which is interesting," Trump said. The US President's comments came as Musk has stewed for days on social media about Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill," warning that it will increase the federal deficit. Musk has called the bill a "disgusting abomination". "He hasn't said bad about me personally, but I'm sure that will be next," Trump said on Thursday in the Oval Office. "But I'm very disappointed in Elon. I've helped Elon a lot." "Look, Elon and I had a great relationship. I don't know if we will anymore," Trump said. The President said some people who leave his administration "miss it so badly" and 'actually become hostile". "It's sort of Trump derangement syndrome, I guess they call it," he said. He brushed aside the billionaire's efforts to get him elected last year, including a $1 million-a-day voter sweepstakes in Pennsylvania. The surge of cash Musk showed he was willing to spend seemed to set him up as a highly coveted ally for Republicans going forward, but his split with Trump, the party's leader, raises questions about whether they or any others will see such a campaign windfall in the future. Trump said Musk, the CEO and founder of Tesla, "only developed a problem' with the bill because it rolls back tax credits for electric vehicles. "False," Musk fired back on his social media platform as the President continued speaking. "This bill was never shown to me even once and was passed in the dead of night so fast that almost no one in Congress could even read it!" In another post, he said Trump could keep the spending cuts but "ditch the MOUNTAIN of DISGUSTING PORK in the bill". The bill would unleash trillions of dollars in tax cuts and slash spending but also spike deficits by $2.4 trillion over a decade and leave nearly 10.9 million more people without health insurance, according to an analysis by the Congressional Budget Office, which for decades has served as the official scorekeeper of legislation in Congress. Besides Musk being "disturbed" by the electric vehicle tax credits, Trump said another point of contention was Musk's promotion of Jared Isaacman to run NASA. Trump withdrew Isaacman's nomination over the weekend, days after Musk left his government role. "I didn't think it was appropriate," Trump said, calling Isaacman "totally a Democrat". Musk, reverting to his main form of political activity before he joined forces with Trump, continued slinging his responses on social media. He shared some posts Trump made over a decade ago criticising Republicans for their spending, musings made when he, too, was just a billionaire lobbing his thoughts on social media. Itanagar, June 6 : An encounter took place between the militants and the security forces in Longding district of Arunachal Pradesh, bordering Myanmar, officials said. A defence spokesman said late Thursday night that upon receiving specific information about the movement of cadres of an unidentified militant outfit in the Pongchau Circle areas of Arunachal Pradesh's Longding district along the India-Myanmar border, security forces launched a patrol to dominate the border areas earlier in the day. While moving through the thick forests, the security forces observed the movement of unknown individuals and challenged them. "In response, the security forces faced heavy and indiscriminate fire from heavy-calibre weapons, which was effectively retaliated by the security forces," the spokesman added. He said that during the intense firefight, the unknown cadres withdrew across the International Border towards Myanmar. The area was thoroughly searched by the security forces, however, the cadres of the unknown militant outfit had managed to cross the border taking cover of the dense surrounding forest, the spokesman added. Meanwhile, on May 14, 10 militants were killed during an encounter with the Assam Rifles in southern Manipur's Chandel district, which shares the border with Myanmar. A defence spokesman, giving details of the May 14 encounter, had said that a patrol of the Assam Rifles was fired upon heavily by suspected cadres near New Samtal village, along the Myanmar border, in Chandel district. Demonstrating exceptional composure and combat readiness, the troopers responded in a precise, measured and calibrated manner, and the operation resulted in the neutralisation of 10 individuals in camouflage fatigues, the spokesman said. Preliminary assessments suggest that the neutralised individuals were known for involvement in cross-border insurgent activity, and efforts are underway to confirm their identities, he added. A thorough combing operation of the area was carried out, wherein a significant cache of weapons and other material was recovered from the New Samtal village, which is 130 km from the state capital and has scant human habitation. The cache comprised seven AK-47 rifles, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, a M4 rifle, and four single-barrel breech-loading rifles, ammunition and other war-like stores. The situation along the India-Myanmar border remains under heightened surveillance, the spokesman had said, adding that the security forces are maintaining a robust posture and are in coordination with the civil administration and intelligence agencies to ensure peace and stability in the region. Four northeastern states a" Arunachal Pradesh (520 km), Manipur (398 km), Nagaland (215 km) and Mizoram (510 km) -- share 1,643-km unfenced border with Myanmar. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, June 5. The strategic partnership between Turkmenistan and Mongolia has ascended to a noteworthy peak, marked by esteemed state visits: Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh graced Turkmenistan on October 12, 2024, and was followed by Turkmen leader Serdar Berdimuhamedows journey to Mongolia on June 1-2, 2025. These were the first meetings at such a high level since the two countries shook hands and crossed the bridge of diplomatic relations on April 23, 1992. During the meetings, a bundle of crucial papers was signed to pave the way for cooperation and bolster the partnership. For Turkmenistan, it was a tall order to rope Mongolia into the Revival of the Great Silk Road initiative. In this grand scheme, Turkmenistan is pulling out all the stops to champion the creation of an East-West transport corridor that links Central Asian nations with the Caspian region, the Caucasus, Europe, and East Asia. While Mongolia, sitting pretty between Russia and China, is seen as a potential golden key in this intricate chain of transit links. Its involvement can really open doors for route connectivity, giving Turkmenistan the chance to spread its wings with export routes for its energy resources natural gas and petroleum products while also broadening the horizons for food and industrial goods supplies. Moreover, for Mongolia, this is a golden opportunity to get its foot in the door of the Caspian Sea ports, which is particularly crucial for a landlocked nation. Mongolias reliance on coal, copper, and other mineral exports to Chinaover 90 percent of its foreign tradealong with its dependence on fuel and lubricant imports from Russia, is seen at home as a ticking time bomb for national security. Conventions pertaining to transnational roadway and aerial conveyance, executed in June 2025, could catalyze novel prospects for the initiation of logistical corridors. Consequently, Mongolia will secure a pivotal alternative to its reliance on China, whereas Turkmenistan will bolster its status as a strategic transit nexus linking Central Asia, the Caucasus, and East Asia. A pivotal phase of the negotiations encompassed the deliberation on economic synergies and energy collaboration between Turkmenistan and Mongolia. On that account, Turkmenistan articulated its preparedness to evaluate the potential integration of Mongolia into the logistics of energy carrier distribution towards the eastern markets. Mongolia possesses substantial deposits of coal and rare earth elements; however, it encounters a pressing demand for externally sourced petroleum products. The nation is characterized by constrained hydrocarbon reserves and an absence of indigenous refining infrastructure, culminating in approximately 90 percent of its petroleum derivatives being sourced from Russia. Turkmenistan, in turn, is strategically focused on optimizing and diversifying its export conduits for hydrocarbons and electrical energy. The establishment of collaborative energy initiatives and the facilitation of transnational fuel logistics may unlock novel avenues for bilateral engagement. Furthermore, the executives underscored the criticality of amplifying bilateral trade throughput. Mongolia possesses substantial capacity for the exportation of wool, cashmere, leather, and various meat and meat-derived products. Memoranda of understanding regarding synergistic collaboration in agronomy, veterinary sciences, and livestock management were identified as pivotal sectors for enhancement in bilateral commerce. Nevertheless, it is imperative to acknowledge that the prevailing trade throughput between the two nations is markedly deficient: in the fiscal year 2024, Turkmenistan's inbound procurement from Mongolia was a mere $10,000, whereas Mongolia's outbound shipments to Turkmenistan were virtually negligible. This signifies substantial capacity for expansion and the imperative to amplify collaborative initiatives to surmount prevailing obstacles. In the realm of geopolitics, both nations adhere to analogous doctrines eschewing military coalitions, upholding mutual sovereignty, and refraining from intruding in domestic matters of one another. This methodology facilitates the sustenance of equilibrium in diplomatic relations, mitigating the influence exerted by dominant geopolitical entities. Mongolia places significant emphasis on Turkmenistan's non-alignment and concurrently endeavors to cultivate a foreign policy that is both equilibrated and autonomous. In the forthcoming timeline, Mongolia and Turkmenistan are poised to initiate a bilateral intergovernmental commission aimed at enhancing economic collaboration. It will facilitate the oversight of the execution of the accords established and provide support in the formulation of collaborative initiatives. The conceptualization of establishing a commission was deliberated in 2015 during the diplomatic engagement of Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov's visit to Mongolia. During that period, the parties reached a consensus on the imperative for synergistic collaboration across the domains of commerce, cultural exchange, educational initiatives, and humanitarian efforts. Currently, nations are revisiting this concept to foster enhanced and more enduring engagement while operationalizing all ratified accords. In this manner, the partnership between Turkmenistan and Mongolia paves the way for a world of possibilities for both nations. For Mongolia, it will be a step in the right direction to lessen its reliance on China and Russia, open the floodgates to seaports, and broaden its energy horizons. For Turkmenistan, it's a golden opportunity to boost exports and solidify its standing as a key transit hub. Thiruvananthapuram, June 6 : Reacting to the controversy after the Kerala Agriculture Minister P. Prasad boycotted the state-level celebrations on the World Environment Day at the Raj Bhavan -- the official residence of the state Governor, Rajendra V. Arlekar, the latter expressed his displeasure. Speaking at the event as the state Governor, Arlekar expressed his displeasure by saying that the Agriculture Minister should also have been present here. "The State Education Minister informed that he could not come. Then the Agriculture Minister also did not come. I do not know what better issues we have, the Agriculture Minister wanted to remove the portrait of Bharat Mata from the dais," said Governor Arlekar. "I told them that we will do everything else, but we cannot remove Bharat Mata's portrait as this is what we are living for and probably that's the reason why they did not come," he added. "What sort of thinking we have in our minds," lamented Governor Arlekar. The reason was that the State Agriculture Minister did not want the portrait of the Bharat Mata, commonly used by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), to be placed on the central dais. Minister Prasad told the media that the programme was decided after speaking to the Governor. "Last night, a change was made, and this was not acceptable to the state government. The picture was not the regular Bharat Mata picture which we use, but at the Raj Bhavan, it was the one that is used by the RSS. It is not right to keep such pictures, and the Governor said it cannot be changed, and hence the state government decided not to take part in the event at the Raj Bhavan," he said. "This is an unconstitutional thing. It is only after this Governor took over that there have been such changes. We have the highest regard and respect towards the normal Bharat Mata picture, but not the one used by the RSS," Prasad added. Incidentally, on Tuesday evening, officials from the concerned Minister's office were at the Raj Bhavan for an inspection of the Central Hall, where the picture of Bharat Mata was kept. Later, the officials who visited the Raj Bhavan told the Minister about the picture. Following this, the Minister spoke to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and later, the decision was taken that Minister Prasad would not attend the meeting. The Minister called the Raj Bhavan and told that he would not be able to attend the event if the picture of Bharat Mata used by the RSS was not removed. However, Governor Arlekar stood his ground and said that the picture of Bharat Mata would not be removed. Later, the state government decided to hold a function in the Durbar Hall of the State Secretariat to mark the World Environment Day celebrations. The Kerala Chief Secretary, A. Jayathilak, was directed to organise a separate event. Prior to this event, on Thursday, there were two different state-level functions -- one chaired by Governor Arlekar at the Raj Bhavan and the other in the Durbar Hall with Minister Prasad presiding over. Prasad, a first-time legislator, is a member of the Commmunist Party Of India (CPI). Former Kerala Minister and State CPI Secretary, Binoy Viswam, said this was unacceptable, as the picture of Bharat Mata used by the RSS should not be displayed at a state function. Incidentally, last month, Governor Arlekar had invited prominent RSS ideologue S. Gurumurthy for a talk after the successful Operation Sindoor, and Chief Minister Vijayan had said that it was wrong to convert the Raj Bhavan into a place for the RSS. Panaji, June 6 : A man has been arrested on charges of attempting to trade sensitive data through online platforms using cryptocurrency transactions from Goa, police said. The accused, identified as Vishal Gohil, 42, a resident of Ahmedabad in Gujarat, was arrested on Wednesday in Calangute, police officials said on Thursday. Gohil was arrested during an operation led by Police Sub-Inspector (PSI), Sarvesh Sawant, under the supervision of Police Inspector Deepak Pednekar, Assistant Superintendent of Police Akshat Ayush, and Superintendent of Police Rahul Gupta. The accused was booked on the complaint of PSI Navin Naik, under Section 66 of the Information Technology Act, 2000. Preliminary investigation revealed that Gohil was attempting to procure confidential information, offer it for sale through encrypted platforms, and receive payments via cryptocurrency channels to mask the transactions. Gohil is currently in custody, said Goa Superintendent of Police (Cyber Crime), Rahul Gupta. Further investigation is underway to verify the extent of data accessed, trace financial trails, and identify any co-conspirators or digital platforms used in the crime. The police have urged the public to report any suspicious cyber activity or data misuse to the Ribandar Cyber Crime Police Station or via the Cyber Crime Helpline 1930. Goa has ranked first in the country for citizen-led cybercrime reporting, Gupta had said on Tuesday, quoting a recent survey by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. Gupta said in a statement that the state achieved top rank due to "proactive awareness, youth engagement, and tech-enabled policing". He also spoke about the 'Cyber Yoddha' initiative, under which 150 trained citizen volunteers, along with the police to spread awareness. Last year, more than one lakh people gained awareness through focused campaigns. The awareness sessions were held in schools, colleges, village panchayats, urban wards, and among professionals, covering a range of issues like OTP scams, phishing, AI-based misinformation, sextortion, and fake investment schemes, Gupta said in a statement. Mumbai, June 6 : Maharashtra Congress President Harshwardhan Sapkal has demanded that the state government should release a white paper on the corruption involved in the development of 701-km Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway or Samruddhi Mahamarg. "The Devendra Fadnavis government is patting itself on the back after inaugurating the final phase of the Samruddhi Expressway, but this project has become a breeding ground for corruption. The cost of the project, originally estimated at Rs 55,000 crore, has escalated to Rs 70,000 crore. The inflated cost of Rs 15,000 crore points to massive corruption. If the government has any ethical standards left, it should release a white paper on the Samruddhi Expressway project," Sapkal said on Thursday. Reacting to the inauguration of the final phase of the Samruddhi Expressway, the Maharashtra Congress President said that corruption worth Rs 3,000 crore was exposed in the Ghodbunder-Bhayander tunnel and elevated road project. The government was forced to cancel the tender only after the Supreme Court's intervention. "Just like the Ghodbunder-Bhayander project, there has been large-scale corruption in the Samruddhi Expressway as well, from which close aides of Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde have profited immensely. The "50 khoke, ekdum okay" (50 boxes, all okay) scandal was funded by the corruption money from this project. The Samruddhi Expressway is essentially a highway of corruption," he alleged. Sapkal demanded that the state government should present a full account through a white paper, detailing how much money was spent, the cost of each bridge, per-kilometre construction expenses, compensation paid to farmers for land acquisition, payments to contractors, costs for tree plantation, and revenue being collected through tolls. He also said that due to poor construction quality, many portions of the expressway have already developed cracks. "Since the expressway became operational, numerous accidents have occurred, leading to multiple deaths and hundreds of injuries. The Samruddhi Expressway has only served to enrich a select few from the ruling party. There must be a thorough investigation of the corruption involved in this project," he emphasised. "What truly sets Solid Earth apart are the unique features designed with our members' diverse needs in mind. 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There isnt an employee here who hasnt been affected by the downsizing in some way, Diane Wachtell, cofounder and executive director of the press told PW. Its been an incredibly painful process. She said while sales have been soft, the largest loss of funds has come from contributions. Donations make up about one-third of the New Press total income and those funds go straight to the bottomline, Wachtell explained. As government funding to nearly all major nonprofit organizations has dried up, large foundations have pivoted to support them, leaving less, or no, money for organizations like the New Press, Wachtell said. She noted that the New Press receives no funding from the federal government, and has never received a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. The decline in sales is due to two factors, Wachtell said: the banning of mostly progressive books that has intensified under the Trump administration and, a bit surprisingly to Wachtell, the lack of a sales uptick for books that explain what is happening in America now. The New Press had its best financial year ever in 2020 amid the rise of the Black Lives Matters movement, when sales for titles like Michelle Alexanders The New Jim Crow soared, lifting sales to a record high of $8.6 million. No such sales boom surrounding the current administration has happened yet, though the New Press has had recent success with Elie Mystals Bad Law, which spent two weeks on the New York Times Bestseller list, and Arlie Russell Hochschild's Stolen Pride, which was released last fall, named a New York Times Notable Book of the Year, and continues to sell. Wachtell acknowledged that she is somewhat dumbfounded that all the controversial moves Trump has taken hasnt resulted in a jump in the sales of books that help put the administrations actions in context. It looks like, at least for now, readers are turning to escapist books rather than to books that try to explain what is happening, she said. Wachtell also knocked down the theory that book banning increases the sales of those banned books, saying that has certainly not been the case for the New Press. She noted that three of books recently banned by the Defense Department are published by the New Press. Wachtell said the current austerity measures do not include reducing the number of titles it acquires or publishes. She expressed frustration that a number of what the New Press calls A titlesbooks expected to sell 10,000 titleshave fallen short of that target. She feels sure that a turnaround in the overall environment is coming, but, like so much else connected to Trump, the timing is uncertain: Will it be in the mid-terms? Will we have to wait another three years? In the meantime, the New Press has implemented a few programs it hopes will stop the sales slide. The most notable is the launch of a direct-to-consumer option on its website, the implementation of which was overseen by Mary Beth Jarrad, who was named publisher last October following the retirement of Ellen Adler. Jarrad joined the New Press from NYU Press where she was director of sales and marketing and gained experience working at a publisher with a tight budget. In addition to giving a boost to sales, the new DTC website has allowed the New Press to grow its list of potential donors, and the press is using that list in a new fundraising effort to individual donors. An appeal has gone out over the last few days highlighting the dire financial straits the press finds itself in and asking for contributions. Wachtell, who cofounded the New Press in 1992 with Andre Schiffrin, stressed that all the actions that have been taken are aimed at carrying the progressive publisher into the future. Kazakhstans high-protein feed exports to China reach historic peak Photo: Kazakhstan Railways Over the past five years, Kazakhstan has increased its exports of vegetable oils and high-protein feed to China tenfold. In 2024, over 190,000 tons of vegetable oil were shipped, with 207,000 tons expected in 2025. Kazakhstan Railways, in cooperation with industry partners, has streamlined logistics and launched a pilot project for oil transshipment via Alashankou. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register A nonprofit founded by Georgia Democratic politician Stacey Abrams to protect voting rights paid more than $20 million to a lawyer who is a close friend and helped set up two of her private businesses, according to tax and state incorporation filings and other records obtained by RealClearInvestigations. Abrams Fair Fight Action redirected the tax-exempt donations and government grants to Allegra Lawrence-Hardy, her former campaign chair between 2019 and 2023. Most of the funds covered legal expenses charged by the boutique law firm Lawrence-Hardy co-founded, for a failed race-bias lawsuit filed against Abrams Republican opponent, Gov. Brian Kemp, after she lost to him in Georgias 2018 gubernatorial election. In its articles of incorporation, Fair Fight Action Inc. states that The Corporation will not be operated for the pecuniary gain or profit of any individual. They also said no revenues will be distributed to any individual except when authorized to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered. Allegra Lawrence-Hardy served as Stacey Abrams' campaign chair while earning millions leading her friend's voting-rights case. The nonprofits payout to her friends law firm, which averaged more than $4 million each year over those five years, raised eyebrows and conflict-of-interest concerns among ethics watchdogs briefed by RCI. Twenty million in fees is outrageous, said Paul Kamenar, counsel for the National Legal and Policy Center. It may be an IRS violation for waste of nonprofit assets, as well as self-dealing and other ethical and legal breaches. At a minimum hiring her friend as lead attorney presents a glaring conflict of interest, because Abrams close association with both the Fair Fight case and her friend provided an opportunity to enrich her friend through the nonprofits litigation. He and other legal experts say the costs to litigate the case were extravagant compared with other voting-rights cases fought in federal court. The state of Georgia paid less than $6 million total to its law firms defending the state in the case. The unusually high legal bills helped drive Fair Fight Action more than $2.5 million into debt last year, forcing the group to lay off the majority of its staff. College Friends Abrams and Lawrence-Hardys friendship dates back to their days as students at Spelman College. They have also set up businesses together, state records reveal. Although there is no evidence that Abrams benefited directly from the fees paid to Lawrence-Hardys law firm, Abrams holds an ownership interest in at least two Atlanta-based companies that were incorporated by Lawrence-Hardy. Lawrence-Hardy and Abrams have also shared the same office suite in Atlanta for several years. Neither Lawrence-Hardy nor Abrams responded to requests for comment. In her 2022 book, Level Up: Rise Above The Hidden Forces Holding Your Business Back, Abrams acknowledged Lawrence-Hardy as someone who has supported her business ventures. Sustaining the pursuit of a business ambition demands all manner of investment definitely financial capital, but less often lauded, copious amounts of patience, forbearance and forgiveness, Abrams wrote. I appreciate these coming in abundance from those named and unnamed, including Allegra Lawrence-Hardy. Stacey Abrams, pictured in June 1992, met Lawrence-Hardy when they were students at Spelman College. The IRS declined to comment on whether it is investigating Fair Fight Action. It has received multiple complaints in the past which outline the blurry lines between Abrams connection to nonprofits that appeared to advance her political career. In 2019, the agency received a complaint about the nonprofit from the Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust (FACT) over allegations that Fair Fight was using money raised to advance voting rights to support Abrams political ambitions, including paying some of her travel expenses, running $100,000 in Facebook ads featuring Abrams, and supporting a Stacey Abrams Fundraiser. The IRS did not say if or how this case was resolved. Along with the Georgia Senate, the IRS is actively investigating another nonprofit started by Abrams, the New Georgia Project, which failed to report millions of dollars in contributions and spending tied to Abrams first gubernatorial bid in 2018. Abrams also lost to Kemp in a 2022 rematch. The lucrative Fair Fight deal for her friend adds to ethical concerns over Abrams, who has a checkered financial background and yet has amassed millions of dollars in wealth working mostly in the public and nonprofit sectors, as RCI has reported previously. Abrams has presidential ambitions and aims to become the first black female U.S. president by 2040. Political Allies Lawrence-Hardy chaired her campaign in both the 2018 and 2022 gubernatorial elections, which means she was litigating the voting-rights case while running her second campaign. Kristen Wilder, Lawrence-Hardys longtime chief of staff, previously worked as the senior political manager at Fair Fight Action. Wilder also worked on Abrams gubernatorial campaign. Abrams headed Fair Fight in 2018 when it hired Lawrence-Hardys firm as lead counsel in the case, Fair Fight Action v. Raffensperger. The suit claimed that the Georgia secretary of states office denied minorities the right to vote. The litigation promoted Abrams allegations that she was robbed of victory by Kemp, whom she claimed had disenfranchised blacks through discriminatory voting rules. During the trial, Lawrence-Hardy argued, This is a modern-day Jim Crow. The lawsuit would help turn Abrams into a national political figure and celebrity, a symbol of resistance to President Trump and a leader of the emerging Black Lives Matter movement. But in September 2022, a federal court disagreed, dismissing the case and ordering Fair Fight to pay more than $231,000 in court costs and legal fees. U.S. District Judge Steve C. Jones, an Obama appointee, found that no evidence of voter disenfranchisement had occurred. The lawsuit was always a long shot. To succeed, Fair Fight had to prove intentional discrimination in the states election laws and practices. In his ruling, U.S. District Judge Steve C. Jones an Obama appointee ruled that Fair Fight failed to provide direct evidence of a voter who was unable to vote because of the states allegedly racist election laws. Nevertheless, tax records show that Lawrence-Hardys firm earned a steady stream of fees. In 2019, her Atlanta-based firm, Lawrence & Bundy LLC, billed Fair Fight $3.1 million, according to IRS filings. In 2020, when the nonprofits revenues peaked at $51 million, the firm billed the nonprofit its largest fee amount $6.4 million for legal services. In 2022, her firm was paid an additional $5 million, after receiving $4.4 million in fees from Fair Fight in 2021, despite the case shrinking as Judge Jones dismissed large sections of the lawsuit. According to a 2023 IRS return filed by Fair Fight Action, the latest available document, Lawrence & Bundy LLC received more than $1.3 million in legal fees that year, despite the election lawsuit being dismissed the previous year. Lawrence-Hardy is a founding partner of Lawrence & Bundy LLC. All told over those five years, Lawrence-Hardy and her firm received $20.2 million largely for their work on a single, losing election-integrity lawsuit against the state of Georgia, which critics called frivolous and designed to try to explain away Abrams back-to-back gubernatorial election losses in 2018 and 2022. Abrams was not only involved in retaining Lawrence-Hardy but also helped fundraise for the case until December 2021, when she stepped down from Fair Fights board to announce her second bid for governor. As Fair Fights CEO, Abrams was paid an annual salary of $80,000. Cozy Office Space Lawrence & Bundy LLC, whose website lists 15 attorneys, was founded by Lawrence-Hardy in 2016. Its Atlanta offices are located at 1180 W. Peachtree St. NW, Suite 1650. This is the location where Fair Fight sent the $20.2 million, according to IRS documents. It is the same address for two businesses that are at least partially owned by Abrams. According to Georgia state incorporation records, one of the entities, Davis Hall LLC, was registered in February 2011 by Lawrence & Bundy LLC; while the other, Hall Davis LLC, was registered in January 2021 by the same agent Lawrence & Bundy LLC. Both entities are listed by Abrams in her 2022 Georgia state financial disclosure statement as business entities in which she holds an ownership interest of 5% or more. It is not clear what the businesses do. Abrams and Lawrence & Bundy declined to say. Abrams' consulting firm, Sage Works LLC, is one of several connected to her that shared the same address as her friend's law firm. A third enterprise owned by Abrams, Sage Works LLC, lists the same business address as the other companies 1180 W. Peachtree St. NW, Suite 1650, which is the address for Lawrence & Bundy LLC. Abrams founded Sage Works LLC as a consulting firm providing advice to governmental and nonprofit clients on operations, according to her disclosures. Records show she was paid $62,000 in taxpayer money as a consultant on an Atlanta urban redevelopment project, which raised red flags because she was a state lawmaker at the time. These businesses raise more suspicion that Abrams used her nonprofit [Fair Fight] to enrich her friends and herself, Kamenar said, which is a clear conflict of interest. Lawrence-Hardy is an active member of the Georgia bar in good standing with no disciplinary history. She is currently listed as co-managing partner at a larger Atlanta-based firm, Krevolin Horst LLC, where she specializes in high-profile/high stakes litigation. She is still featured throughout the Lawrence & Bundy website. Fair Fight said it hired Lawrence-Hardy because of her expertise in election law, both at the state and federal levels, along with her experience litigating prior Democratic candidate recounts. Lawrence-Hardy maintained that the lawsuit was always about the voters, not the money. Voting rights is a cause dear to her, according to her website bio, though she did not choose to take the case pro bono as she has other cases. It remains unclear why the lawsuit incurred such a high cost. Abrams testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on behalf of Fair Fight Action about alleged voter disenfranchisement in Georgia. At the time, Lawrence-Hardy said the case required large resources. She led a team of almost three dozen lawyers, including some from outside her firm. During the trial, she said she deposed a staggering number of witnesses in the case: We had more than 3,000 voters or would-be voters submit declarations, 50 witnesses and hundreds who gave depositions. Yet despite several years of billing Fair Fight, Lawrence-Hardy found no evidence of voter discrimination, according to the court. Nonetheless, Lawrence-Hardy on her website lists the case among her biggest professional accomplishments, arguing she initially defeated defendants motion for summary judgment. The IRS filings do not break down the legal expenses charged in the case. Neither Lawrence-Hardy nor Fair Fight would share billing records to understand the exact nature of the work conducted during the drawn-out legal battle. They also would not reveal the hourly rate charged by Lawrence-Hardys firm. Legal fees are normally billed on an hourly basis and appear in a line-by-line accounting on statements to clients. Now operating in the red, Fair Fight is not happy that the Trump administration is cutting federal spending for left-leaning non-governmental organizations. Earlier this year, the embattled organization protested Trumps freezing of tens of millions of dollars in federal election-security grants. Kazakhstan, S&P Global Ratings weigh enhancing transport and logistics via Middle Corridor Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Alibek Kuantyrov, met with the S&P Global Ratings mission to discuss Kazakhstans socio-economic outlook. Hot-button issues revolved around boosting regional teamwork, paving the way for transport infrastructure through the Middle Corridor, and greasing the wheels for a better investment climate. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register As Moscow and Kyiv continue their three-year struggle, a new city has entered the fray. This week, Vatican City announced its intention to broker a deal between Russia and Ukraine to stop the slaughter and is angling to become a major stakeholder. This foreign policy is one of Pope Leo XIVs opening gestures as his papacy unfolds. War is never inevitable, the Pontiff declared last month. Weapons can and must be silenced, for they do not resolve problems but only increase them. Those who make history are the peacemakers, not those who sow seeds of suffering. Emissaries from Russia and Ukraine met in Rome last week, having the first bilateral talks since the three-year contest first began. Though the meeting adjourned without resolution, the United States, Italy, and Ukraine all confirmed their willingness to listen to the Vaticanand they ought to take the new Pope up on his word. The Vatican holds historical precedent for ending international conflicts, and Pope Leo XIVs heightened focus on human rights and artificial intelligence (AI) will be crucial for understanding modern war dynamics. Peace between Russia and Ukraine requires a holistic overview, and the Vatican is uniquely equipped to handle such a pressing task. There is some precedent for the Pope to intervene and moderate a dialogue between warring countries. Take John Paul IIs de-escalation of the conflict between Argentina and Chile, for example. The South American countries had been engaged in a violent, century-long struggle over rulership of the Picton, Lennox, and Nueva islands, and were on the brink of open warfare until Pope John Paul II initiated the Act of Montevideo in January 1979. The conflict, which was prompted by differing interpretations of the ambiguous Boundary Treaty of 1881, had led to armed escalation by Argentina, with Chile rapidly increasing military spending, exercises, and preparedness throughout the 1970s. In December 1978, Argentina launched Operation Soberania, an infantry invasion of Chile, due to the Beagle conflict, but withdrew hours into the campaign. Pope John Paul II recognized war as unhealthy for any states survival. When Argentina and Chile accepted the Vaticans offer for de-escalation, they renounced the use of force and sought a peaceful resolution under papal guidance. With Cardinal Antonio Samore as the Popes envoy, he spearheaded a compromise, sovereignty recognition, and ecosystem management campaign until he died in 1983. What emerged was the Treaty of Peace and Friendship of 1984, marking the maritime boundary at the Strait of Magellans eastern end, guaranteeing freedom of navigation for all ships, and promoting economic cooperation in the area. Chile ultimately received ownership of the islands. In another example in the early 2010s, Pope Francis sought to revive diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba as the two had been estranged for half a century since the Cold War. Pope Francis wrote personal letters to U.S. President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro, urging them to resolve longstanding humanitarian issuesincluding the release of prisonersand to initiate a new phase in bilateral relations. Both sides saw the Vatican under Pope Francis as an honest broker. The Holy See channeled that goodwill into secret, back-channel talks between U.S. and Cuban delegations for eighteen months. In December 2014, Obama and Castro announced the normalization of relations between their respective countries with a slate of new travel, diplomatic, and economic initiatives, including lifting parts of the U.S. embargo on Cuba. I want to thank His Holiness Pope Francis, Obama noted, whose moral example shows us the importance of pursuing the world as it should be, rather than simply settling for the world as it is. The Russo-Ukrainian War has striking similarities to these past skirmishes: regional in geography and global in influence. Russias assault began with covert operations, use of proxies, (dis)information warfare, and cyberattacks, an approach echoing the U.S.-Cuba model of indirect conflict. Russias shift to overt military invasions and massed artillery operations parallels the Beagle Conflicts brinkmanship and potential for open warfare. The Vatican recognizes these re-emerging war trends and can apply its previous wisdom to restore the rules-based international order. Vatican diplomats, such as Cardinal Matteo Zuppi and Archbishop Paul Gallagher, have a significant duty when convincing Russia and Ukraine to keep communication channels open. It isnt a plea to end the strife, but forces Russia and Ukraine to evaluate if their efforts are truly noble, just, and advance the cause of human rights. Russian forces have kidnapped approximately 20,000 Ukrainian children since February 2022, putting many of them up for foster care or adoption on Russian federal sites. Russia and Ukraine also swapped 175 prisoners each in March. Amidst the heavy technology utilized in this competition, there is still a deeply humane aspect to the Russo-Ukrainian War. Both sides recognize its value, only infrequently. The Vatican must make that value a constant and prove that equality and human rights principles arent situational by promoting more prisoner exchanges, coordinating humanitarian corridors, and related actions. However, hindsight cant rectify current injustices. Thats where Pope Leo XIVs thoughts on AI paint a fuller picture. The Pontiff deems AI and unchecked technological advancement as present[ing] new challenges for the defence of human dignity, justice and labor. Any technical tool must serve the greater welfare and ensure its decisions remain under human and ethical control. It is a continuation of papal policy forged by Pope Francis, who believed in robotics power to enhance the human condition but discouraged, as Pope Leo XIV describes, the war of words and images and the larger paradigm of war. Both Popes languages are broad oppositions to all forms of conflict, including cyber warfare, that can sow division and nurture violence. Recent war exercises give credence to their warnings. The Institute for the Study of War found that Russia uses roughly 150 autonomous, first-person view drones daily for reconnaissance and disrupting Ukrainian vehicles and logistics routes. Ukraine retaliates with electronic warfare, employing jamming and spoofing to disrupt drone operations and communications. Whether used offensively or defensively doesnt matterit still deviates from Pope Leo XIVs call for discernment and responsibility of emerging technology. Now having a stake in AI, the Vatican can advocate for multilateral agreements that ban cyber attacks against civilian infrastructure and critical services during conflicts. The Pope can champion AI for peacebuilding, such as early warning systems for attacks and aid monitoring, that countries can adopt for stability and modernization. These activities alter the conversation from national and strategic objectives to the shared global values that deter combat. The Vatican teaches us that soft power resonates more than blood and bullets, even in the most protracted battles. Pope Leo XIVs moral authority, institutional success, and calls for forgiveness and dialogue reinforce the momentum for change. All involved parties must capitalize on this heightened interest to generate the peace conducive to healing Eastern Europe. Alex Rosado is a political, cultural, and consumer freedom writer for Young Voices and writes in his personal capacity. Follow him on X @Alexprosado. by David Lane and Patrick McCarthy, Photos by Patrick McCarthy There are no shortcuts to learning and mastering skills. If you want to cook, you need to get in the kitchen. If you want to play sportsball, you need to get on the field. If you want to shoot, you need to spend time on the range. In an age where every piece of human information is quickly accessible online, nothing replaces in-person instruction taught by a master in the subject. One such class with one such teacher is Baer Solutions and Drew Estell. MEET BAER SOLUTIONS Drew Estell is the owner and primary trainer of Baer Solutions. Depending on what class you take and where you take it, you will likely meet one of his knowledgeable assistant trainers who come from a wide range of backgrounds. Estells roots grew out of his decade-plus in U.S. Army special operations and are reflected in his style and methods of training. His approach to teaching is professional in every sense. He is there to do a job, and that job is to train you to perform better. Your job is to learn. While professional and focused, Estell knows how to break up a training explanation by weaving in a good anecdote that serves to drive his point acrosswhich also keeps you engaged throughout a day of education. Drew has a passion for training, education, and passing knowledge. Spending two days in class with him, it was obvious that he wanted to teach the students of his class as much as the students wanted to learn. Something found far too often in the training community is an instructor who has stopped learning at the end of their previous career. Baer Solutions trainersEstell in particulardont fall into this trap. Throughout both days of the Rifle Level 1 and Level 2 class, Estell often referenced new ideas or methods he had learned from other respected firearm instructors or competition shooters. Again, a complete professional. Not only does he cite his sources, but he can also tell you why a new method is better or how it might integrate with an old method. COLD START Lots of courses begin with a cold drill intended to test your shooting skill without the advantage of a warmup. I really enjoyed Baer Solutions' approach to this concept. The weekends course began with a drill that was mechanically pretty easy or at least it shouldve been. Simply, you walked forward at low ready and, when a buzzer sounded, you engaged the A-zone and head box with two rounds each. If you stop moving, engage targets outside the start and stop cones or exceed 4 seconds, you fail. The difficulty was amplified by the fact that it was truly cold no friendly small talk with the instructors, just a formal safety brief. Students silently stood in line, facing away from the shooting area until it was their turn to pass or fail. This gave us plenty of time to get into our heads and build up unnecessary stress. Many students, even experienced shooters, found their hearts pounding or hands shaking by the time they stepped up to the line. Almost everyone failed as a resultI included, with one miss on the head box. After this drill, we decompressed, had time for small talk and introductions, and spent the day training each underlying element of this test. Eight hours later, we all tried it again. This time, most students passed (I included) and the rest saw big improvements in accuracy and speed. RIFLE ONE Before you can run, you need to walk. Before walking, you need to crawl. Rifle One is designed so that every drill builds on the one before; almost all of them use something you just learned to help you in the next drill. For a newer shooter or an old hand, this class was crafted to get everyone on the same page and working from the same place. Some drills were more challenging than others, but all of them were useful across all levels of skill. New shooters were able to quickly learn and advance, while experienced shooters were given opportunities to practice and improve perishable skills. In the end, Rifle One is more of a starter class. But its a great foundation for what day two holds. RIFLE TWO Day two starts the same as day one, but with a different cold drill. This time, we incorporated movement with shooting in what seemed a simple drill, but wasn't for most of the class. After the drill, the class moved into much of the same format as the first day, but with new drills, new lessons and new goals. Every drill built on the ones that came before, this also extends to the entire day as a whole. While Rifle One isnt required to take Rifle Two, its strongly encouraged since the second day does pick up where the first day ended. Drills in the morning quickly turn to movement and learning how to control your feet, hips and body to effectively move from point A to point B or from cover to cover. More advanced topics like target tracking behind obstacles, target transitions and leaning from behind cover are broken down and spoon-fed so every student understands not only how to do it well, but why it matters. As a shooter who does a lot of training and a lot of competition, this was extremely valuable. From identifying bad habits to understanding why what I do works and how to make it work better, every new drill taught or reinforced valuable lessons. BRING EXTRA AMMO Almost any shooting class will include a few emails from the instructor about location, expectations, and a packing list to make sure you dont forget anything important at home. The packing list normally includes an expected round count for the class. And typically that number is around 250-400 rounds per day. Baer Solutions recommends 550 rifle and 100 pistol rounds per day. That's 1,100 rounds of rifle ammo across both classes. That might sound like a lot, because it is, but you should bring more. I used about 1,300 rounds of 5.56 NATO, and that seemed about average across most of the shooters we spoke to. The round count is high, but every round was educational and worth it. Instead of doing a drill one, two, maybe three timesalmost every drill was completed by every student 8 to 10 times. With 3 or 4 rounds per drill on average, youll burn through magazines quickly. Repeated reps with the same drill help ingrain the information and give more time for the shooter to work out problems. This does increase the overall cost to attend a class, but its entirely worth it. If you're going to take the time and spend the expense on a class, it's great to get every ounce out of it. Special thanks to TrueShot in Mesa, AZ, for providing me with a case of ammo for the class. The Aguila 5.56 NATO they supplied went a long way to cover our ammo needs for the class. If you need some bulk ammo, the Aguila 55gr FMJ shot well for me. LOOSE ROUNDS If I had to describe the Baer Solutions class simply, I would tell you that it is a class for shooters. New shooters, experienced shooters, professional or civilian, all can benefit from Drews instruction. If you have a true hunger for instruction and learning to use your weapon better, the Baer Solutions class is excellent. If you want someone in a crew cut to spend the day showing you more drills than you shoot, then stick with the guy in the hunter-orange hat at your local range. Drews class will help anyone become better, but the students who have the right learning mindset and are willing to take advantage of the high-round count under watchful eyes will glean a lot more from the class. If you want to learn, I highly recommend you find and attend a Baer Solution class as soon as possible. On the night of April 25, the cozy daytime atmosphere of Hendershots gave way to wigs, sequins and stilettos and dim lighting cast a warm glow over coffee tables and a crowded bar. When showtime hit fashionably late, of course show director Kellie Divine, sharp-tongued and decked in drag, welcomed the audience with a raunchy monologue and gave heartfelt shoutouts to every stretch of the LGBTQ+ spectrum before kicking off the show with her own number. US accounts for a large part of revenue for top Indian pharma companies like Gland Pharma (54 percent), Dr Reddy's (53 per cent), and Aurobindo Pharma (48 per cent). Illustration: Uttam Ghosh/Rediff In a move aimed at reducing drug prices in the United States (US), President Donald Trump signed an executive order on May 12, linking the prices of prescription drugs in that country to most-favoured-nation (MFN) pricing. The order seeks to facilitate direct-to-consumer purchase at the MFN price for pharmaceutical manufacturers selling their products to American patients. It also aims to bring drug prices in the US in line with comparably developed nations, which will serve as MFN price targets for pharma manufacturers. Even as the implementation of the order and its impact on Indian pharma companies remain unclear, this may be a good time to look at the prices and patterns of drug consumption in the American market, and the interdependence between the US and Indian pharma industries. In 2022, at least 90 per cent of drugs prescribed in the US (by volume) were unbranded generics, but their share in sales (by value) was just 8 per cent. In contrast, just 7 per cent of prescription medicines that were branded specialised drugs had an 87 per cent share in sales value. This sales value-to-volume ratio for branded specialised drugs in the US is 5-6 times higher than that in other comparably developed countries, indicating very high prices for such drugs in the US when compared with other nations (Chart 1). The prices of branded specialised drugs in the US were 422 per cent of those in other Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries. However, the prices of unbranded generics in the US were just 67 per cent of those in other OECD nations. In total, the prices of all prescription drugs in the US were 278 per cent of those in other OECD countries (Chart 2). Nearly 35 per cent of India's pharma exports went to the US in FY25, breaching the $10 billion mark. Such exports have more than doubled since FY18 (Chart 3). Further, India's share in the supply of prescription drugs to the US almost doubled from 22 per cent in 2013 to 42 per cent in 2022, even as the share of US companies remained roughly the same during this period (Chart 4). The US accounted for a large part of revenue for top Indian pharma companies like Gland Pharma (54 percent), Dr Reddy's (53 per cent), and Aurobindo Pharma (48 per cent) (Chart 5). Cumulative savings for the US healthcare system on account of Indian generic drugs and biosimilars stood at $419 billion in the 2013-17 period, and $903 billion in 2018-22. In 2022, Indian companies accounted for 47 per cent of all generic drugs and 15 per cent of all biosimilars sold in the US (Chart 6). Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff The US team is in New Delhi for the next round of negotiations for the proposed bilateral trade agreement and the negotiations are progressing well, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday. Illustration: Dado Ruvic/Reuters Some more US officials will reach India on June 6 to join the negotiations with their Indian counterparts. "Talks are progressing well. The US team is in India for the talks," Goyal told reporters. In February, US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced plans to negotiate the first tranche or phase of a mutually beneficial multi-sector Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) by fall (September-October) of 2025. It is aimed at more than doubling the bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030 from the current level of $191 billion. Goyal is in Brescia, Italy, on an official visit to hold talks with Italian leaders and business representatives to boost trade and investments. The visit of the US official team gains importance as India and America are likely to agree on an interim trade agreement by the end of June, with New Delhi pushing for full exemption from the 26 per cent reciprocal tariff on domestic goods. India's chief negotiator, Special Secretary in the Department of Commerce Rajesh Agrawal, had concluded his four-day visit to Washington last month. He held talks with his US counterpart on the proposed agreement. Goyal was also in Washington to give an impetus to trade talks. The US remained India's largest trading partner for the fourth consecutive year in 2024-25, with bilateral trade valued at $131.84 billion. The US accounts for about 18 per cent of India's total goods exports, 6.22 per cent in imports, and 10.73 per cent in the country's total merchandise trade. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 5. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), in partnership with the European Union (EU), is providing a loan of up to 15 million euros to Erste Bank in Serbia to support green investments by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Trend reports via EBRD's latest reports. According to information, the loan is being extended under the SME Go Green program, co-funded by the EU through the Western Balkans Investment Framework Erste Bank Serbia will lend the funds on to SMEs in the country that are looking to invest in energy- and resource-efficient green technologies with a view to making their operations more sustainable and competitive, in line with the EUs green agenda. Although all funds will support investments in green technologies, the credit line will have a particular focus on investments in agriculture and agribusiness, supporting the greening of the region's agriculture and agribusiness value chains. It will also aim to support women-led SMEs, helping to make access to climate finance more equitable for women entrepreneurs in recognition of their key role as early adopters of green technologies and sustainable business practices. On successful completion of their investment projects, SMEs will be eligible for an EU grant equal to 10 percent of the loan amount, with a higher figure of 15 percent for investments in renewable energy and the agribusiness value chain. In addition to such grant incentives, SMEs will also benefit from EU-funded technical assistance, helping them to prioritize their investments and structure them accordingly. Aleksandra Vukosavljevic, the EBRDs Director of Financial Institutions for the Western Balkans and Eastern Europe, said: We are pleased to offer structured financing to Serbian small businesses to support them in the greening of their companies in cooperation with our longstanding partner Erste Bank. This program aims to encourage businesses to invest in green technologies, which will make them not only more productive, but also more competitive in EU markets, by aligning them with EU climate and environmental standards. Jasna Terzic, President of the Executive Board of Erste Bank Serbia, said: At Erste Bank, we believe that a greener future starts with supporting those who build it every day our small businesses. Thanks to this partnership with the EBRD and the European Union, we will be able to help domestic companies invest in energy-efficient and sustainable technologies. It is particularly important to us that a significant portion of the funds will be directed towards agriculture and women-led businesses, where positive changes can have a strong and lasting impact. For us, this is not just financing, but investing in progress that is inclusive, responsible and beneficial for our economy, community and environment. The EBRD is a leading institutional investor in Serbia, having invested more than 10 billion euros through 376 projects to date, the majority of which have supported the private sector. The Banks focus in Serbia is on boosting private-sector competitiveness, the transition to green energy and sustainable infrastructure. 'It is high time that the 'war on terror' is removed from our diplomatic toolbox.' 'Certainly, our parliamentarians have no role in it,' asserts Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar. IMAGE: Bharatiya Janata Party Vice President Baijayant Panda, speaks to the media after the delegation returns to New Delhi after concluding their visits to Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, June 3, 2025. The delegation included former foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi, BJP MP Rekha Sharma, Democratic Progressive Azad Party Chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad, Rajya Sabha MP Satnam Singh Sandhu, BJP MP Phangnon Konyak and BJP MP Nishikant Dubey. Photograph: Jitender Gupta/ANI Photo The multi-party delegation led by BJP Vice-President and spokesman Baijayant Panda which toured four countries in the Gulf region -- Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and Algeria -- to rally support for the government's war on terror against Pakistan has returned. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar 'lauded their efforts', per media reports. This was the most consequential delegation out of the five delegations that the government mounted to mobilise international opinion. The tidings from the Gulf have great 'grassroots resonance' in India's domestic politics. A member of Panda's team said, 'We briefed the EAM ... that India's growing economic might and position in the world order, secured by PM Narendra Modi's diplomatic push during his tenure and visits to several nations, are key when it comes to the world's decision to stand with us as partners both in international trade as well as on the issue of zero tolerance against terrorism.' West Asia is India's 'extended neighbourhood.' And India's West Asian diplomacy does carry the imprimatur of Modi. For that reason, an ex-foreign secretary was included in Panda's team to navigate the tricky mission. What comes to mind is Panda's challenge was similar to Nikita Khrushchev's as the commissar of the Red Army at the Stalingrad front in World War II. Khrushchev shouted at the commanders of the 62nd army and the 64th army on the Stalingrad front, 'Comrades, this is no ordinary city. This is Stalingrad. It carries the name of the Boss.' The generals got the message and went on to crush the crack Nazi Panzer divisions and turn the tide of the Battle of Stalingrad, which is still remembered as the bloodiest and fiercest battle of the entirety of World War II -- and, arguably, in all of human history. But Panda didn't have such an option. His delegation received a warm reception. But the profoundly worrisome reality still continues, namely, the Gulf regimes are taking a 'proforma' attitude, voicing hackneyed words on terrorism but also echoing the burgeoning world opinion that India and Pakistan ought to find a solution to their issues through dialogue and negotiations. The Gulf States have neatly sidestepped Pakistan's alleged role in Pahalgam. They ask for 'proof'! The top diplomat of a friendly country apparently remarked a few days ago in a private conversation as an aside that the Pahalgam terrorists physically checking out the religion of their victims first is nothing new in the subcontinent, and cited Khushwant Singh's Train to Pakistan for reference. IMAGE: The delegation led by Baijayant Jay Panda meets Selma Bakhta Mansouri, secretary of state in Algeria's ministry of foreign affairs in Algiers, June 1, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo What has Panda's delegation brought home? Does it make a success story? A member of the delegation later told media in the mother of all quotes, 'Every country we visited had already issued statements condemning the Pahalgam terror incident -- these were reiterated by them in person to us.' But this is like reinventing the wheel. Some profoundly troubling question arise here, especially as the countdown has begun for the Shashi Tharoor moment in Washington. Tharoor also has a challenging mission. After all those decades in the UN where he handled public relations work, this must be a novel experience -- to actually negotiate as a flag carrier. Not a single senior US official is willing to name Pakistan so far -- certainly, not Trump. They will wonder how this flashy neocon liberal from Delhi and an eloquent exponent of globalism in American publications all these years has shrunk and become a pale shadow of himself. IMAGE: Baijayant Jay Panda, AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi and others visit the prominent think-tank, the Gulf Research Center, in Riyadh, May 29, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo Who's afraid of terrorism in the 21st century? We are in an era where terrorism is becoming the preferred weapon to fight hybrid wars. Trump recently shook hands with the notoriously cruel ex-al Qaeda terrorist leader Ahmad al-Sharaa who committed unspeakable crimes against humanity, underscoring that yesterday's terrorist can be tomorrow's key ally. That al Qaeda was actually a creation of the Americans is known to everybody but Trump proclaimed himself openly as an admirer of al-Sharaa, telling Gulf sheikhs at a GCC conclave in Riyadh on May 14 after shaking hands with the tall six-footer Syrian that he's 'a young, attractive guy. Tough guy. Strong past. Very strong past. Fighter.' Trump added, 'He's got a real shot at holding it [Syria] together. He's a real leader. He led a charge, and he's pretty amazing.' Trump had better be right in his optimism because his entire gambit of betting on an ex-al Qaeda ally to reshape West Asia is a risky venture funded by Saudi Arabia and Qatar who'd see in all this by the time Trump becomes history a pathway to sow the germane seeds of a third Wahhabi State modelled after them in the cradle of Islamic civilisation. In Ukraine too, terrorism is the preferred weapon for the Western powers to bleed Russia in their proxy war when in military technology and defence manufacturing industry they cannot match Russia's, and they are no longer capable of fighting a continental war either. The stark message coming out of the attacks on Russian military assets two days ago with technical support from NATO satellites -- and possibly Elon Musk's Starlink -- is that terrorism can be a game changer in geopolitics. IMAGE: Baijayant Panda pays floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at the Indian embassy in Kuwait, May 26, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo Therefore, all this global campaign by our government against Pakistan may have a good optic domestically as our media hypes it up dutifully, but what is the net gain for diplomacy? Even if the whole world were to now bracket Pakistan with the US, UK, Saudi Arabia or Qatar as yet another State sponsoring terrorism, so what? Who cares? The newspapers have reported that according to a list of chairs of the subsidiary bodies of the UN that monitor international terrorism, Pakistan holds responsible positions as co-chair of the Taliban Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council for 2025 and the Counter-Terrorism Committee. Pakistan will also be the co-chair of the informal working groups on documentation and other procedural questions as well as the general UN Security Council sanctions issues. How could the alleged epicentre of international terrorism be possibly a watchdog and decision-maker on counter-terrorism and sanctions in a world body? Clearly, international opinion ignores India's diatribes against Pakistan, which is also currently an elected non-permanent member of the Security Council. IMAGE: All-party delegation leader Congress MP Shashi Tharoor speaks to the media after paying tribute at the September 11 Memorial in New York, May 21, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo On the other hand, thanks to the Biden administration and Five Eyes, an impression gained ground in recent years that the Indian government is sponsoring assassination of political opponents abroad as a matter of Statecraft. Not only have we suffered some 'reputational damage,' but the Pakistani claim that it too is a victim of terrorism gained traction. Countries seem to hyphenate India with Pakistan. It has become necessary for Delhi to disown responsibility when a train derails in Baluchistan or an improvised explosive device blows up a Pakistani army convoy or some notorious jihadi fellow meets with unnatural death on the streets of Lahore and Karachi. This is becoming a vicious cycle which only helps to call attention to the unresolved Kashmir problem as posing threat to regional and international security. Put differently, 'terrorism' in the India-Pakistan context has become the objective co-relative of the Kashmir problem and Hindu-Muslim strife. Trump's caustic remark about the millennial war speaks for itself. IMAGE: The all-party delegation visits Bab Al Bahrain, a historic landmark in Manama, Bahrain, during the Operation Sindoor global outreach, May 25, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo It is high time that the 'war on terror' is removed from our diplomatic toolbox. Certainly, our parliamentarians have no role in it. As for the optics domestically, resort to some other means. By all means, meet terrorism with coercion -- if that indeed helps. Deploy what Joseph Nye called 'smart power'. But neither expect external support, nor canvass for it. Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar served the Indian Foreign Service for 29 years. Photographs curated by Anant Salvi/Rediff Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff Fifty-nine members of delegations visiting 33 world capitals, reaching millions of people, giving one message, in one language, in one voice is an unprecedented world movement, observes former BJP MP Tarun Vijay, former Chief Editor, Panchjanya, the RSS weekly. IMAGE: The all-party delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor meets Colombia's Vice Foreign Minister Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio (not in picture) for the Operation Sindoor Global Outreach in Bogota, Colombia. All photographs: ANI Photo Maybe a few would doubt if the delegation of MPs proved as meaningful as was envisaged, but a fact that even enemies are recognising has gone unnoticed in India. The all-party MPs delegations have shown to the world that even if many of them are opposed to the Treasury benches back home and attack the governing party with words laced with acid, when it comes to defending India, they speak in one voice, they are one, and form the most formidable wall of defence shielding Mother India and will trounce the savage enemy ruthlessly. This is the power of India. The Operation Sindoor heroes' list now includes Shashi Tharoor, Asaduddin Owaisi, Supriya Sule, Manish Tewari, Priyanka Chaturvedi, Dr Shikant Shinde, Sanjay Jha, Milind Deora, Salman Khurshid, John Brittas, Abhijit Mukherjee, Kanimozhi Karunanidhi and all those who were part of the MPs delegations. Needless to say, all the BJP MPs made their share of valuable contributions; still, that those who were against the government back home chose to speak for a united, powered and one India means a lot. They represented the real power of solidarity that India possesses. IMAGE: The all-party delegation led by BJP MP Baijayant Jay Panda with AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi and others visit the prominent think-tank Gulf Research Centre for Operation Sindoor global outreach in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. India in the past had been attacked and subjugated not because the invaders were more powerful, but because we were not united. Raja Dahir's defeat as documented in Chachnama and Mahmud of Ghazni's repeated attacks that saw the Somnath temple destroyed, Nadir Shah's Delhi massacre and Farrukhsiyar overpowering the great Sikh warrior Banda Bahadur Singh -- all point to one fact: India itself paved the way for foreign rule. One wonders how a small-time marauder from a tiny rural pocket Ghazni could travel more than 1,500 miles, kill several thousand Hindus, loot and destroy the Somnath temple and return taking thousands of Hindu men, women and children as slaves. There are heroic sagas of resistance of warrior kings who tried to stop the looter of Somnath, but the truth is ultimately he could reach home with all the loot, travelling almost 3,000 miles. If all the kings and chieftains on his way were united, it could have never happened. IMAGE: The all-party delegation led by NCP-SCP MP Supriya Sule meets with Karim Darwish, head of the committee on foreign affairs of Egypt, and other members of the parliamentary committee on foreign affairs at the House of Representatives, for Operation Sindoor global outreach, at the Senate in Cairo. Post Operation Sindoor, the solidarity of Indians crossing their ideological differences and political rivalries has bridged that gap after centuries. Fifty-nine members of delegations visiting 33 world capitals, reaching millions of people, giving one message, in one language, in one voice -- is an unprecedented world movement that has hardly been seen earlier. It is like setting new standards for people to look at India and giving those back home a new energy that had hardly been felt earlier except perhaps during the 1962, 1965, 1971 and Kargil Wars. We stood as one in all those times, people showed solidarity, but to reach out to a global audience with stalwarts selected from all political parties, who otherwise never see each other with any 'concession', is certainly unprecedented in the annals of world history. The idea to send these MPs delegations was terrific, but the credit must go to these political parties, their leaders and the MPs who agreed to be a part of the Bharat Mata Defenders Group, and each one of them spoke eloquently, without any bias and reservation. They all behaved as if everyone belonged to One India Party. More than what they achieved abroad, their impact back home is going to be enormous, in a most positive manner, and I hope this achievement finds space in our school and college textbooks with selected statements taken from these leaders' speeches in various world capitals, and also what they uploaded on social media -- all as part of the text for our young generation. It will inspire them to emulate their shining behaviour, in the interest of the nation, and forget their differences when the need arises to forge national solidarity. Each one of them gave their best, and the lines they spoke strengthen the Tricolour's spirit of togetherness. Well done, India! Pakistan has been given a bloody nose, trounced like ever before and the victory of India's Tricolour solidarity has become the best anthem in saluting the success of Operation Sindoor. Well done, Indian political leaders! Jai Hind has become more colourful and stronger with your show of solidarity. Tarun Vijay is president of the Society for the Youth of the Northeast. Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff 'It will split people and create caste clashes. Unity of people will be affected for the time being.' IMAGE: Backward Classes Welfare Association of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh supporters demand a caste census of all the backward class communities at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, December 13, 2022. Photograph: ANI Photo A caste-based census has been one of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's major demands for quite some time. The Bharatiya Janata Party, which was against such an exercise, suddenly changed its mind and announced that there would be caste-based enumeration when the Census is conducted in India next year. "The BJP and the RSS do not like to have a caste-based census because they know very well that the data that comes out will expose the upper caste domination in all spheres of society," Thol Thirumavalavan, member of Parliament and leader of the Dalit party, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi in Tamil Nadu (which is part of the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam alliance), tells Shobha Warrier/Rediff. Do you support a caste-based census? Do you think it will help the underprivileged in India? In principle, we are for a caste-based census because we feel it will give space for everyone. In fact, the Government of India has already been taking a caste census for the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. But the government has not taken any such census for the rest of the castes so far though there was a demand after the Mandal Commission report. That was because every minor caste in a group wished for upliftment through education and employment. For example, under one caste category, OBC, there are hundreds of castes which include major and minor communities. It is next to impossible for the minor communities to compete with the major communities. That's why every caste has been asking for opportunities in education and employment. Based on the Supreme Court directive, every state government has to categorise people based on castes because you cannot offer social justice or reservation to every person individually. Will this not divide people more? Of course, it will. But let me talk about the merits of a caste-based census first. Then, I will come to the demerits. The major merit is all the microscopic minorities will get social justice. Now, there is one category called OBC, and under OBC, there are hundreds of castes. But the dominant caste groups among the OBCs grab and enjoy all the benefits of reservation, and they compete among themselves for that. Even among the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes, there is a clamour for opportunities from the minor groups who are not getting the benefits of reservation. If you take the OBCs in Tamil Nadu, you will see that only 3% to 4% of them gets to be in the political, social and the economic space. They may constitute only 3% to 4% of the OBCs but enjoy 10% to 15% of the benefits. On the other hand, another community among the OBCs may constitute 8% to 10% of the population but get only 2% to 3% of the benefits. A caste census will tell us which major community is enjoying all the benefits, and which communities are denied the benefits. With a caste census, real data will emerge which will expose the real situation so that those who are denied the benefits can fight for their rights and social justice. This is the merit part of the caste census. IMAGE: Bharatiya Janata Party OBC Morcha President Sunil Yadav and supporters celebrates the caste-based census at Palika Bazar, Connaught Place, New Delhi, May 6, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo What about the demerits? Like I asked earlier, will this not divide people further on caste lines? Yes, this will divide people. It will split people and create caste clashes. Unity of people also will be affected for the time being. But after a couple of decades, we will find a solution to end the animosity among various caste groups. Still, you feel a caste-based census is necessary to uplift those who have been left behind? Yes. If you want to give social justice to every single citizen in the country, a caste census is essential. Only if the government has data, can it implement the welfare schemes properly to those who really need them, and those who are left behind. Only caste-based data can give us the real picture of whether a particular community has adequate representation in employment and education. Right now, we have no means to know the true picture. IMAGE: Congress supporters celebrate the announcement of a caste-based census in Meerut, May 2, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo Rahul Gandhi has been demanding a caste-based census for quite some time, but the BJP was against it till now. Do you think the BJP changing its stand and announcing a caste-based census was because of the impending Bihar elections? Of course. The BJP has taken a U-turn on a caste-based census only because of the Bihar elections. Rahul Gandhi has been demanding a caste-based census for a long time. But the BJP was totally against it. The U-turn is because the BJP's ally in Bihar, Nitish Kumar, has been asking for a caste census. (Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister) Chandrababu Naidu also wants a caste census. To sustain the support of their allies, the BJP took a U-turn. Only because of the Bihar elections that the BJP announced that there would be a caste-based census. The fact is the BJP and the RSS do not like to have a caste-based census because they know very well that the data that comes out will expose the upper caste domination in all spheres of society. This has been their agenda all along. Now, only because of the Bihar elections and pressure from their allies -- Nitish Kumar and Naidu -- that the BJP was forced to take this decision. IMAGE: Thol Thirumavalavan. Photograph: Kind courtesy Thol Thirumalvalavan/Facebook How do you think a caste-based census will change the lives of the unrepresented people in India? You will not see any immediate change. It will take a couple of decades for us to see a change. What you will see first among the OBC community is the major beneficiaries will fight against the communities who have not benefitted so far. There will be clashes between them. For example, the Narikuravas in Tamil Nadu who come under the OBC category. How can they compete with communities like the Vanniyars, Gounders, etc? Among the scheduled castes in Tamil Nadu also, only three communities are getting all the benefits of reservation while the rest of the 70 other castes are totally left behind. There is no way they can fight against the three dominant communities. The same is the case in other states too. It is a fact that a caste-based census will split the Hindus, but it is a necessity. Do you think it is because a caste-based census can split the Hindus that the BJP was against it? The BJP wants to consolidate the Hindus only for electoral purposes. The party has no interest in finding solutions to the problems the majority of Hindus -- the OBCs, the MBCs, etc -- face. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff 'Youngsters in India look up to the West as if it is the biggest accomplishment they need in life. It breaks my heart.' IMAGE: Acharya Jonas Masetti has been teaching Vedanta for 12 years in Brazil. Here he performs a puja in the ashram in Brazil. Photographs: Kind courtesy Jonas Masetti Acharya Jonas Masetti is one of two foreigners awarded the Padma Shri in 2025. The Vedanta teacher was recognised for spreading Indian spiritualism and philosophy in Brazil. Trained as a mechanical engineer, he left a successful career to spend four years in Swami Dayanand Saraswati's gurukulam in Tamil Nadu. He studied Vedanta, Sanskrit and the Bhagavad Gita. The spiritual journey transformed his life and earned him the title of 'Acharya.' Masetti started the Vishwa Vidya gurukulam in Petropolis, Brazil to spread Vedic philosophy. He has adopted the Indian way of life, wears the dhoti, enjoys simple vegetarian food and teaches Vedanta to foreigners. Last week, he was in India to receive the Padma Shri with his Brazilian wife who is known as Meenakshi. On his return to Brazil, he spoke to Rediff's Archana Masih in a phone interview and explained how India changed his life. Part 1 of the Interview: The Brazilian Guru Awarded A Padma Shri How different was your life before you discovered yoga and Vedanta? I was a mechanical engineer who had worked for five years in the Brazilian army. I then opened my own company and worked for the stock market for seven years. I had a car, apartment, material comforts, but life was meaningless. It was empty. How did you encounter Vedanta philosophy in Brazil? My yoga teacher introduced me to Vedanta. I learnt from him for three years and then spent five years with Sanskrit scholar Professor Gloria Arierie who received the Padma Shri last year. After that, I went for the residential course in Coimbatore under Swami Dayananda Saraswati and Swami Sakshatrtananda who teaches in Rishikesh. IMAGE: Acharya Jonas Masetti outside Rashtrapati Bhavan. He and his wife had travelled from Brazil to receive the honour. What was your day in the ashram in Coimbatore like? We started at 4 am with a cold shower. I used to do my Sandhyavandanam, recite all the mantras and do the fire ritual. After that I would go to the temple to chant the Sri Rudram which was followed by a collective meditation. After a small breakfast we would have the first Vedanta class, then a Sanskrit class and a yoga class. We broke for lunch and had two hours to study and take care of clothes, personal chores etc, post-lunch. Then we had a second Vedanta class, followed by satsang where we heard stories from the Vedic tradition. We sang bhajans depending on the day, asked questions etc. We went to sleep around 10-10:30 pm. We slept on the floor and had simple vegetarian meals. I loved the Idlis for breakfast. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Acharya Jonas Masetti after a performance of the Ramayana enacted by the latter's students in Rio de Janeiro, November 20, 2024. What was the experience like being a student of Swami Dayananda Saraswati? How did he influence you? Swamiji was beacon of knowledge and clarity. He explained the profound Upanishads text with such simplicity which made it easy to understand. He was a very strong sadhaka himself. He knew the Gita by heart. He had studied the Krishna Yajurveda and made many japams and tantras. He had thorough knowledge in many aspects of the traditions of astrology. He was truly a master in many fields of the Vedic tradition. He was a very sensitive human being. You could trust him and open yourself to him which is the true quality of a guru. How had life changed after you went back to Brazil after four years? The person that arrives in the ashram does not come back. It's a new life. I cannot even say that I have transformed myself because I was born again. India took me to a higher place. Do you cook and eat a lot of Indian food? My wife Meenakshi is an expert in Indian food. Whenever we have guests or special occasions, we have Indian food. Otherwise I eat a simple vegetarian Brazilian food. I love Idli, Dosa and the vegetables are prepared with the gravy. We don't have that in the West. IMAGE: Acharya Jonas Masetti with his wife Meenakshi whom he met at the temple in Madurai. How did your wife come to be known by an Indian name? I did the four-and-a-half year residential course at Swami Dayanand Saraswati's ashram in Coimbatore twelve years ago. As I was preparing to return to Brazil I was contacted by an Indian friend who used to conduct tours for Brazilians in India. He asked me if I would like to give a lecture in Vedanta. I gave the lecture at the Meenakshi temple and she was among the tourists in the group. We were from the same city in Brazil and had never met, but we met at the temple. It was her first time in India. After the lecture, she asked me directions inside the temple and we did a darshan of Sundareswarar. Their group then continued its onward journey. By mistake, I had left my japa mala behind and my friend gave it to her to return it to me in Brazil. It was a profound karmic connection because my japa mala is very valuable to me. We met three months later in Brazil when she gave me the jap mala and that day we understood that we're supposed to be together. We got married four years later. My friend [the tour operator] who also happens to be a very good astrologer gave her the name Meenakshi. It's such a beautiful name. IMAGE: With three-time Grammy Award winner Ricky Kej who was also awarded a Padma Shri. In the material world success is measured in the number houses, cars, holidays and money one acquires. Does all that have no consequence for you now? Before coming to India, I had everything. Of course, we can always have more, but I had enough. So when I came back, I wanted to keep this tradition alive and was not looking for material comfort. I wanted to contribute to people and live as a teacher. I thought maybe I would need a second job to sustain myself, but the grace of Swami Dayananda and this parampara blessed me so that I could live a life dedicated only to this knowledge. I do my camps, and my tapas in the forest. If you ask what do you on your vacations? I will say tapas. I love it. I have a wife and two kids and some friends. I don't need anything more. You said that you had thought that maybe you'll need a second job to sustain yourself. How did you earn a living? In the beginning, I used the resources that I had gathered when I was in the stock market. But after two years, I had enough students. That was enough for me to live. Many gave donations like a fridge and other small things that were necessary. Gradually the number of students increased that I had to open an NGO so that the money did not come to me because it was not necessary. IMAGE: Acharya Jonas Masetti with wife Meenakshi and others during the Padma Shri investiture ceremony. How did the gurukulam come into being? The idea came from a natural process. Once we reached around 5,000 students we needed a place to meet. We decided to buy a piece of land in Petropolis outside Rio and that's where I live. We have a small set of students doing the same residential course as I did in India. There are 10 people doing the course and another 10 that support all the work we do. We have 2,000 to 3,000 regular students and more than 200,000 people in short term courses round the year. We also have online classes. I combine the regular online classes with retreats. The gurukulam follows the same routine as the ashram in Coimbatore. Do all members cook, clean and do everything themselves? Exactly. We cook, we clean, we do everything. Do you still have your old friendships? In the beginning my friends thought I was becoming crazy. Some friends even tried to get my psychological investigation done. They could not understand why I was selling a company that was worth millions. But they later understood and started to question the value of life. Now they admire my work and actually support it. Some of them became students, but in the beginning it was very different. IMAGE: Acharya Jonas Masetti and wife Meenakshi with the Jaipur column behind them at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan. What message would you have for young people about Vedanta? Youngsters in India look up to the West as if it is the biggest accomplishment they need in life. It breaks my heart. It's true that there are jobs, technology and many possibilities in the West, but their way of living is weak and empty. Vedanta is a tool towards becoming a peaceful person. It's going to make you a better employee, a better manager, a better software engineer because the concepts of the Vedas are very profound. The Vedas contain knowledge for all subjects of humanity. One does not have to be 60 to understand self-knowledge. It's about understanding the value of Vedic life in our everyday life. Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Thursday reaffirmed his commitment to secularism and cited examples of avowedly secular politicians aligning with the Bharatiya Janata Party on development plank, saying there are no permanent friends or enemies in politics. IMAGE: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, along with state deputy CMs Ajit Pawar (right) and Eknath Shinde, inaugurates the 'Thane Creek Bridge No. 3 South Channel' on the Sion-Panvel Highway, enhancing connectivity between Mumbai and Pune, in Mumbai, June 5, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo Ajit Pawar, who heads the Nationalist Congress Party, which is in an alliance with pro-Hindutva BJP and the Shiv Sena, noted Chief Ministers Mamata Banerjee (West Bengal), Chandrababu Naidu (Andhra Pradesh) and Nitish Kumar (Bihar) -- all secular politicians -- aligned with the BJP for the sake of development of their respective states. Banerjee, who heads the Trinamool Congress, was part of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance government at the Centre and served as Railways Minister in the Vajpayee cabinet. Naidu and Kumar-led parties are currently constituents of the BJP-headed ruling coalition. "The Congress gave me the first opportunity to become a legislator. Later in 1999, I became an MLA of the (undivided) NCP. Ours is a secular ideology and we are committed to it," Ajit Pawar declared. The deputy CM was speaking at an event in Mumbai where leaders and office-bearers of various political parties hailing from North Maharashtra, including the Congress and BJP, joined the NCP, a constituent of the ruling Mahayuti bloc. These leaders included former Congress MP D S Ahire. "Mamata Banerjee, Nitish Kumar, Chandrababu Naidu have taken different political stand (by aligning with the BJP) for the sake of development of their states and for getting big-ticket projects from the Centre," the MLA from Baramati in Pune district highlighted. Justifying his alliance with the BJP, once his political and ideological rival, the veteran politician noted secular Congress and united NCP had also aligned with the undivided Shiv Sena, a Hindutvawadi party, in 2019 to form the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) in Maharashtra. Ajit Pawar broke away from his uncle, NCP founder Sharad Pawar, in July 2023 and joined hands with the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena combine along with a bunch of MLAs. "In the Mahayuti government, there are parties with different ideologies. Earlier, the Congress and the NCP had joined hands with the Shiv Sena. In politics, there are no permanent friends or enemies. Time waits for none. Political stands change as per prevailing situations," the deputy CM stressed. Opportunity must be given to those with merit and leadership qualities, the NCP chief stated. Ajit Pawar maintained caste enumeration, which will be part of the upcoming population Census, will provide clarity on socio-economic conditions of different sections of society, and asked NCP workers to help in the mega exercise. He asked NCP workers to strive for probity, clean image in public life and ensure their conduct doesn't malign the party's image. A Bharatiya Janata Party leader and her boyfriend were arrested in Haridwar for allegedly making him and his aide rape her 13-year-old daughter, the police said on Thursday. Image used only for representation. Photograph: ANI Photo The matter came to light on Tuesday when the minor told her father about her ordeal, following which he lodged a police complaint, Haridwar SSP Pramendra Dobhal said. A case was registered under BNS Sections 70 (2) (gang-rape), 351(3) (criminal intimidation), 3(5) (criminal act) by several persons in furtherance of common intention) and relevant sections of the POCSO Act. Anamika Sharma and her boyfriend Sumit Patwal were arrested from a hotel in Haridwar on Wednesday after a medical examination of the girl confirmed that she had been sexually assaulted, Dobhal said. Meanwhile, a search is underway to arrest Sumit's accomplice named Shubham. Anamika formerly headed the BJP Mahila Morcha's Haridwar district unit, however, once her name cropped up in this case, she was stripped of the party's primary membership. BJP sources claim that she has not held any party post since August 2024. According to the police, the minor was gang-raped several times by her mother's boyfriend and his aide, both of whom are in their thirties, in Haridwar, Agra and Vrindavan between January and March this year. The men perpetrated the crime with her mother's consent and in her presence, the police said, adding that they also threatened to kill the minor's father if she disclosed it to anyone. Anamika had separated from her husband and has been living with her boyfriend in his hotel. The Delhi government on Thursday issued an advisory warning against 'illegal sacrifice' of cows, calves, camels, and other prohibited animals on Eid-ul-Azha on Friday. IMAGE: A vendor feeds the goats at a cattle market ahead of Eid al-Adha, at the Jama Masjid in New Delhi, June 5, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo The advisory features a ban on taking or sharing photos and videos of the sacrifice rituals on social media platforms. It mandates that all sacrificial rituals must occur exclusively at designated locations, explicitly prohibits sacrifices on roadsides, streets, or any public spaces. Development Minister Kapil Mishra said the strictures were a matter of protecting 'our cultural and environmental heritage, of which animal welfare is an integral part.' 'We will not tolerate any illegal sacrifices or cruelty during the festival celebration. Strict compliance with the advisory is non-negotiable, and violators will face immediate action from the law enforcement agencies,' Mishra said, according to a statement. The advisory cites existing laws, including the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, Transport of Animals Rules, 1978, Slaughter House Rules, 2001, and the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, as a legal recourse to its strictures. Rule 3 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Slaughter House) Rules, 2001, prohibits slaughter outside designated slaughterhouses, especially for animals that are pregnant, have offspring less than three months old, or are uncertified by a veterinary doctor. The Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, further classify camels as non-food animals, making their slaughter illegal. The Delhi Agricultural Cattle Preservation Act, 1994, also strictly prohibits the slaughter of cows in Delhi. Rescuers on Thursday made no headway in the search for Sonam Raghuvanshi, a tourist from Indore whose husband was found dead in a gorge a few days ago, in Meghalaya's East Khasi Hills district, the police said. IMAGE: Indore couple Raja Raghuvanshi and Sonam. Photograph: X Heavy rainfall and low visibility affected the search operation in Sohra area. Raja Raghuvanshi (29) and his wife Sonam had gone missing on May 23, hours after they checked out of a homestay at Nongriat village in Sohra area. His body was found on Monday in a gorge 20 km from the village, while a search is underway for his wife. "Extreme weather conditions at Sohra today made the movement of rescuers difficult. Very heavy rainfall and low visibility affected the search and rescue operations," East Khasi Hills district Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem told PTI. The NDRF is leading the search for Sonam Raghuvanshi in the area where her husband's body was found, even as SDRF, mountaineers and a special team of the state police are using drones to search for any traces that could provide any clue regarding the missing woman. While Raja Raghuvanshi was cremated in Indore on Wednesday, his family members remained anxious abut the whereabouts of Sonam, especially since the search was halted due to heavy rainfall and foggy conditions. "We believe Sonam is alive. We are anxious because of the slow progress of the search operation. We want the government and the chief minister to expedite the search," her brother Govind told PTI. He said the family is waiting for the Raja's autopsy report from the hospital. Several women's organisations in the state have condemned the brutal murder of the tourist. "Our heartfelt condolences go out to the loved ones of Raja from Indore, who tragically lost his life while on his honeymoon in Sohra. We strongly condemn this unfortunate incident and urge the government to take immediate action to book the perpetrators and expedite the search for his wife, Sonam Raghuwanshi, who is still missing," the Mothers' Union said in a statement here. A woman's body from Tura also requested the government for proactive measures for the safety and security of tourists. Condoling the demise of Raja, Civil Society Women Organisation president Agnes Kharshiing said the government should leave no stone unturned to find Sonam. The police have recovered a bloodstained weapon which they believed was used in the murder of Raja, while a raincoat was also found in Mawkma village, a few kilometres from the gorge where Raja's body was discovered. Mawkma is located between the crime scene and Sohrarim, where the scooter used by the couple was found abandoned on May 23. A murder case has been registered and the police have instituted a special investigation team (SIT) probe the incident. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Wednesday expressed deepest condolences to the family members of Raja and said his government will leave no stone unturned to ensure that those behind the murder are brought to the book. On Raghuvanshi family's demand for a CBI probe, the chief minister said the government will take an appropriate decision. Terming the incident as very unfortunate, Sangma also described it as something which nobody had seen in Meghalaya before. The couple, hailing from Indore in Madhya Pradesh, arrived at Mawlakhiat village on May 22 on a rented scooter. They parked their scooter and trekked 3,000 steps down the gorge to visit the famous living rootbridges at Nongriat village, where they stayed the night and left the homestay the following morning. On May 24, their scooter was found abandoned at a cafe along the road from Shillong to Sohra following which the police were informed and the initial search operation was planned with the help of the local villagers. Earlier this year, a Hungarian tourist -- Puskas Zsolt -- went missing soon after he started his trek to the living rootbridge and he was found dead 12 days later. While the police have ruled out any foul play in his death, medical reports indicated he died due to a fall. India succeeded in busting the Pakistani narrative on Operation Sindoor, particularly among the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) member nations, where Islamabad sought succour after carrying out terror activities across the border, Shiv Sena leader Shrikant Shinde said. IMAGE: All-party delegation led by Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde visits the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque during Operation Sindoor global outreach, Abu Dhabi, May 23, 2025. The delegation includes BJP MPs Bansuri Swaraj, Atul Garg, Manan Kumar Mishra, IUML MP Mohammed Basheer, former BJP MP SS Ahluwalia, Director General of the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses Sujan R Chinoy and BJD MP Sasmit Patra. Photograph: / ANI Photo Shinde, who led a multi-party delegation to the UAE and West African countries as part of the government's global outreach efforts after Operation Sindoor, said the unique initiative provided an opportunity to convey India's message of zero tolerance for terrorism forcefully in nations that have a distinct voice in multilateral fora such as the OIC and the United Nations Security Council. The delegation led by Shinde visited the UAE, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Congo and interacted with senior representatives of the government, parliaments of the respective nations, think tanks and the Indian diaspora during its 14-day visit. "I think the propaganda Pakistan tried to sell to these nations, we were able to bust it. It was Pakistan that sent terrorists across the border into India to carry out attacks. We provided all facts and evidence. It was a very successful outreach programme," Shinde, who represents Kalyan parliamentary seat in suburban Mumbai in the Lok Sabha, told PTI Videos. The delegation led by Shinde comprised Bansuri Swaraj (BJP), E T Mohammad Basheer (IUML), Atul Garg (BJP), Sasmit Patra (BJD), Manan Kumar Mishra (BJP), former Union Minister S S Ahluwalia and former diplomat Sujan Chinoy. "We were able to convey strongly that while India supplies technology and trade to the whole world, Pakistan was supplying terrorists to the whole world," Shinde said, underlining the fact that the 9/11 attack mastermind Osama bin Laden was sheltered by Pakistan for years together on the outskirts of a military camp in Abbottabad, where he was killed by the US security forces. The UAE and Sierra Leone are members of the OIC, while Congo and Liberia have been elected as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council for 2026-28. "We went to OIC member nations to highlight Pakistan's role in spreading terrorism in the name of religion. It also seeks protection from the OIC nations contending that it is safeguarding the interests of the Muslim community," Shinde said. During the visit to the UAE, the Indian delegation met Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, the minister of tolerance and coexistence, who conveyed strong support for India in the fight against terrorism. "The UAE minister told us that it has no space for any country that hijacks religion to spread terrorism and that they condemn such actions in the strongest terms," Shinde said. He said the leadership of the west African nations was aware about India's problems with Pakistan, and the visit of the Indian delegation helped underscore the gravity of the issue of cross-border terrorism. Shinde said Sierra Leone condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and the role of Pakistan and their members of Parliament also adopted a resolution in this regard and observed a moment's silence to express condolences to the victims of terrorism. "I think this is a big development, one OIC member nation condemning the actions of another OIC member nation," he said. He said the visit of the delegation to west African nations also gave an opportunity to apprise the leadership of Pakistan's repeated attempts to spread terrorism in India. "We briefed them about attacks in India since 1947 and how terror outfits are allowed to flourish in Pakistan. We also apprised the leadership on how global terrorists, designated by the UN and the US roam about freely in Pakistan. How they carry out attacks on Indian Parliament and in Mumbai, Delhi and elsewhere," Shinde said. He said the leadership of the west African nations also wanted India to play a larger role in terms of promoting trade and investments in the resource-rich region. Shinde said he will submit a report on their outreach programme to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and also highlight the expectations these countries have from India. He said the delegation also highlighted how the countries that gained independence from colonial rule in 1947 have progressed over the past few decades. "India has grown to a four-trillion-dollar economy, whereas Pakistan is stuck at a 500-million-dollar economy. This is the difference. They are receiving IMF loans, while India is sending aid to different countries," the Shiv Sena leader said. On Pakistan also sending parliamentary delegations to world capitals, Shinde said perhaps they are speaking about the number of terror outfits flourishing on their soil. "I think their delegations are speaking about the number of times they sent terrorists to carry out attacks in India and the number of innocent lives claimed by these terrorists," he said. "They have nothing more to tell. They must have spoken about the number of terrorist outfits flourishing on their soil -- be it Lashkar-e-Tayiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, Hizb-ul Mujahideen and the most recent The Resistance Force (TRF). I don't think they have anything else to say. Their army chief is spreading the message about creating conflict in the name of religion. Their only agenda is to destabilise India, which is progressing well," Shinde said. On the politics playing out in India over Operation Sindoor, Shinde said Congress leaders were speaking against the government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi only to keep themselves relevant. "They should learn from (Shashi) Tharoor, (Salman) Khurshid and others on how to present India's case before the world. How we all should be united in the fight against terrorism and not indulge in politics all the time," Shinde said. On Rahul Gandhi's remark that India surrendered to calls from the US during Operation Sindoor, Shinde said the Leader of the Opposition should be aware that his remarks are used by Pakistan to further their agenda. "Such a language does not suit him (Gandhi). He should realise that Pakistan is using his statements against India. The entire country is watching whether they are speaking in favour of India or against India," he said. A six-hour drive from Jammu leads to the quiet hilly town of Bhaderwah, which is blanketed in purple this time of year, thanks to the sea of lavender spread across the town, giving a new identity to the place. IMAGE: Union Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh inaugurates a two-day Lavender Festival 2025 organised by Council Of Scientific And Industrial ResearchIndian Institute Of Integrative Medicine Jammu, at Bhaderwah in Doda, June 1, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo From using lavender in traditional Dogri embroidery to making essential oils, beauty products and food syrups infused with this flowering plant, Bhaderwah, once known for its maize fields, is embracing lavender to bring about an economic transformation to their small town. Union Minister Jitendra Singh, who inaugurated the Lavender Festival 2025 in Bhaderwah, called the town the Lavender Capital of India and the birthplace of the country's 'Purple Revolution'. The Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), under CSIR, introduced the aromatic flower to the temperate areas of Jammu through the Aroma Mission, following earlier trials in Kashmir in the 1980s and 1990s. The seeds were first planted in 2017 when farmers in Bhaderwah, the small town in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district, decided to experiment with lavender, a crop previously unheard of in the region, CSIR-IIIM Director Zabeer Ahmad told PTI. Many farmers gave up traditional crops like paddy and maize, which were being increasingly destroyed by monkeys and other animals. "Back then, monkeys used to destroy our maize crops. The lavender's strong scent keeps them away," Ahmad said, adding that this crop has given them peace, income, and purpose. Arjun Raina, founder of Ridayu Botanics and CEO of Girdharilal Holistics (Kisan Udyami), told PTI that he started lavender farming with his grandfather Girdharilal in 2017 when he was just in Class 10. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when demand for natural and medicinal products surged, the idea took shape. "Last year, I began focusing on value addition and started making more from this flower rather than just growing it. We developed products like soaps, bath salts, shampoos, and food syrups for coffee lattes, mocktails, and cocktails," he said. Singh, who represents the Udhampur parliamentary constituency, which also covers Doda, said, "Lavender has not just added fragrance to these mountains, it has added identity, income, and inspiration." He noted that young entrepreneurs are now earning an average of Rs 65 lakh annually through value-added lavender products. Stating that Bhaderwah's transformation has been both cultural and economic, Singh said, "What started as a risk has grown into a revolution, often called the Purple Revolution." Singh also credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Mann Ki Baat address, where the lavender mission was highlighted, for putting Bhaderwah on the national map. Highlighting how the lavender culture has brought new opportunities for the people in the town, Singh pointed out that farming was not the only option anymore for a lot of people here. "This small town, once known for the migration of its youth, is now seeing many return, as the initiative has become a hub of employment, especially for women," he said. The government has provided free lavender saplings, oil distillation units, and end-to-end support from cultivation to marketing, bringing about a transformation in the lives of the locals here. Fatima, a 39-year-old farmer, shared, "I belong to a family where everyone is into farming. My father was a farmer, and my husband is a farmer. Now he has switched to lavender farming." She recalled their initial apprehension about this change, saying, "When he first decided to take it up, we were scared because we had no idea how it would turn out. But now, while my husband handles the farming, I create candles and incense sticks using lavender oil." She noted that lavender is gradually becoming an integral part of Bhaderwah's cultural heritage. "Just like Dogri traditions where makhmali (velvet) was used in traditional embroidery, lavender is now being imprinted in designs and even incorporated into traditional khadi," she said. According to the farmers of Doda district, who are growing lavender under the Union government's Aroma Mission, the unconventional farming of aromatic plants has helped them become 'atmanirbhar'. 2017 was the turning point when a large number of farmers began cultivating lavender in the valley, officials say. Families in the region are ecstatic with their youth returning home from cities, drawn by the potential of this new crop. The younger generation is not only assisting on the farms but also bringing fresh ideas and exploring innovative ways to add value to the lavender-based products. Lavender was introduced to the temperate regions of the Jammu division by IIIM under the CSIR-Aroma Mission. The institute initially tried to popularise it in Doda, Kishtwar, and Rajouri districts. Finding a suitable cold climate and favourable growing conditions, a few small and marginal farmers in the Bhaderwah region took the risk and switched to lavender cultivation in 2017. Until then, maize was their primary crop. Singh said things have changed for the better, as the new generation and entrepreneurs are happily working in lavender fields. "This not only provides them with a chance to multiply their income but also helps them generate employment for others." The minister further pointed out how the government is providing complete assistance, including funding, technology and marketing, to the farmers associated with lavender so they do not face any problems at any stage. The CSIR-Aroma Mission has been instrumental in promoting lavender cultivation in the temperate regions of Jammu and Kashmir. Its primary goal is to increase the income of small and marginal farmers and support the growth of agriculture-based startups, officials added. Astana, May 30, 2025. That day, the Kazakh steppe didnt breathe with its usual wind it breathed with history. And not just history in the making, but the draft of a new geopolitical map, sketched in real time on the crossroads of empires and trade routes. A new diplomatic format was born one that may not flip the Eurasian table, but is certainly nudging it a little closer to an Italian villa with a view of the globe. The inaugural Central AsiaItaly summit came together like a rare celestial event: carefully orchestrated, politically radiant, and unexpectedly magnetic. Giorgia Meloni a prime minister with the composure of a Roman statue and the warmth of a Tuscan afternoon walked into a region typically reserved for superpowers or century-long strategies. She came not with pomp and protocols, but with the instincts of a predator who knows when fresh political meat is on the table. And she wasnt received as a tourist. She was welcomed like an envoy of something larger perhaps, even, an alternative. There was tea infused with rose petals, heraldic carpets underfoot, and speeches calibrated like precision instruments. The pageantry wasnt just polite it carried a subtle current of hope: what if shes the one to bring partnership from the West, not preaching? With her firm stride and soft smile, Meloni shattered expectations. Her visit wasnt just a stopover it was a statement: in a world where the East is steadily picking up the first violin, Italy is here to join the orchestra. Not to play along, but to improvise. Italy just made a move that might turn out to be strategic and consequential. For decades, Central Asia has been a geopolitical ping-pong table for Moscows old empire, Beijings new investments, Brussels gentle reforms, and Washingtons occasional law enforcement. But now, on the horizon, theres a new player a little unpredictable, but charming and pragmatic. That player is Rome. And its led by Giorgia Meloni a politician whose tone and message hit home in Central Asia as easily as they echo through the halls of the Quirinal Palace. The summits biggest win? Central Asia didnt see Italy as Brussels' envoy, a European quota, or a showroom for Western values. It saw a player in its own right with its own agenda, its own voice, and yes, its own charisma. You are one of the most prominent political figures of our time, President Tokayev told Meloni. In diplomacy, that's worth more than a billion-euro investment package. And he meant it. Melonis visit to Samarkand had already made waves. She didnt come just bearing flowers she came with a geopolitical message. And the region took notice. Some, with genuine admiration. Meloni is a rare breed among todays Western leaders: right-wing, yet anti-colonial; Atlanticist, but Euroskeptic; pragmatic, and at the same time, magnetic. For leaders in Central Asia weary of European sermons, thats a breath of fresh air. She didnt come to lecture she came to deal. And people picked up on that instantly. The summit, true to its ambition of launching a new diplomatic format, delivered real substance. Some key pillars: 1. Economy and SMEs: Italy zeroed in on small and medium-sized enterprises, unlocking financing channels via AICS and CDP. The logic is sharp: SMEs arent just about growth theyre social architecture. Back the entrepreneurs, and you shape tomorrows political landscape. 2. Energy: Enel and Snam didnt just show up with contracts they came armed with a technopolitical blueprint. Gas, uranium, renewables, and green hydrogen. This wasnt just about energy it was about carving influence away from Russia, China, and even France, especially now that Paris is losing ground in parts of Africa. 3. Transit and the Middle Corridor: Italy is going all in on the Trans-Caspian route. Genoa and Trieste arent just ports anymore theyre being pitched as maritime bridges between Eurasia and the West. Think Caspian Sea, Caucasus, Turkey and then Europe. Rome is proposing an alternative to routes dominated by Moscow and Tehran. 4. Ecology: The Aral Sea isnt just an environmental disaster its a symbol. Italy offered not just tech, but academic know-how, tapping NGOs and universities. Its more than aid its participation. And thats how humanitarian credibility is built. 5. Cultural Diplomacy: A Year of Cultural Convergence, new university branches, and a Center for Italo-Asian Initiatives under UNESCO. This isnt just soft power its intellectual and cultural outreach without bayonets or doctrine. But the real intrigue surrounding Giorgia Melonis tour wasnt just in the iron-willed poise wrapped in Italian flair. It boiled down to one question: Whose game is she playing? Is she doing this for Rome staking out a sovereign role in the Eurasian space? Is she quietly spearheading Brussels pivot eastward? Or and this is where whispers grow louder is she moving in tandem with President Trump, playing a not-so-official card on behalf of Washington? Whatever the answer, one things clear: when Meloni walked into Astana, she didnt just enter a summit. She stepped into a vacuum and filled it with presence, promise, and unmistakable Italian intent. A Subtle Pivot: Italys Quiet Bid to Reroute the Heart of Eurasia The answer isnt obvious and thats precisely what makes it interesting. On one hand, Italy keeps its distance from the European Union rhetorically, wrapping itself in the flag of sovereignty and healthy skepticism. But in practice, it remains firmly embedded in EU structures. On the other hand, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has made no secret of her pragmatic rapport with the Trump administration, which views her with a kind of respectful affinity. And then theres the third variable: Central Asia itself a region where Rome arrives unburdened by colonial baggage or the condescending tone of Western "mission civilisatrice." Central Asia, in 2025, might just be the worlds last open field for great-power competition a geopolitical free market where five forces exert simultaneous pull: China, with its loans, trade routes, and Belt and Road ambition Russia, still clutching levers in security and labor migration Turkey, invoking Turkic kinship and military alliances The European Union, torn between green imperatives and resource hunger The United States, focused on logistics and strategic containment In this crowded arena, Italy doesnt need to outcompete it can outmaneuver. Its not offering an alternative to any one player. Its offering a break from fatigue. No moralizing, no coercion just a straight trade: tech and capital for resources, education for influence. A clean handshake in a space oversaturated with pressure and pretense. But that pitch isnt without its risks. If Italy overplays its hand, or slides too comfortably into Brussels shadow, the whole format could collapse into a C5+EU clone and local elites, once intrigued, may turn to indifference or worse, disappointment. Despite the warm welcomes and hefty agenda, the Central AsiaItaly format is walking a tightrope. The challenges are real: Resource rivalry: European and American hunger for rare earths and energy could spark backlash the kind of talk about resource colonialism that Rome desperately wants to avoid. Institutional redundancy: If Italy acts too much on Brussels behalf, it risks drowning in EU bureaucracy, its own proposals fading into white noise. Multilateral overkill: Forums, working groups, clubs they sound good, but without real deliverables, the format risks becoming another echo chamber, like so many before it. EU infighting: Italy and France are already stepping on each others toes in Kazakhstan, competing for deals without a unified European approach. That internal rivalry undermines any illusion of a coherent Eurasian strategy. Political transitions: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan are all entering pre- or post-constitutional phases. Rome will need to be agile and avoid betting on the wrong horse. Yet its precisely this lean structure no empire, no ideology, no heavy-handedness that gives Central AsiaItaly its charm. Unlike the C5+1 with Washington, or the hesitant EU partnerships, this is a format without strategic schizophrenia. Italy doesnt claim to be a superpower. Its not a former colonizer. Its not here to impose doctrine. That makes it easier to trust and easier to talk to. Where the U.S. often leans into security frameworks and data control, and Brussels cant seem to choose between climate quotas and values evangelism, Rome keeps it simple: business, people, infrastructure. SME support, university fellowships, logistics links, clean energy these are tangible offers that speak to local elites tired of sermons and slogans. And unlike C5+1 or C5+EU, this isnt a top-down club. From the start, Central AsiaItaly was framed as a partnership of equals. The next summit is set for 2027 in Kyrgyzstan a small but powerful signal. Theres no single capital at the helm. The format will rotate, pulling new voices into the mix. It spreads both legitimacy and responsibility, allowing each host country to step onto the global stage without playing second fiddle. In a region where everyone wants to lead, Italys strength may lie in not trying to. Its not charging into Central Asia with flags and fleets. Its walking in quietly, with contracts, campuses, and curiosity. And sometimes, thats exactly what makes a new power welcome. Much will come down to what happens next. The summit may have dazzled with symbolism and structure the launch of a High-Level Council, an economic forum in the pipeline, and multiple working tracks already in motion. But these are scaffolds, not substance. Without real deliverables, the format could run out of steam before it ever picks up speed. Whether the summit becomes a milestone or a footnote depends on one person. Giorgia Meloni now stands in a uniquely strategic position: shes a charismatic national leader with grassroots legitimacy at home and a difficult, sometimes disruptive, partner within the European Union. Her personal engagement, cited explicitly by both Tokayev and Mirziyoyev, was the catalytic force behind Astanas success. If Meloni can manage the delicate balancing act between Euro-Atlantic loyalty, personal rapport with Trump, and a clear-eyed, sovereign pragmatism the Central AsiaItaly format could mark not a moment, but the start of a new geopolitical geometry. In an era where global alliances are cracking into fragments and regions are asserting themselves as autonomous centers of gravity, Romes model soft-touch, business-minded, and sharply targeted could prove not only workable, but necessary. Especially if its led by a figure who can speak with Tokayev, Mirziyoyev, Trump, and Erdogan not from a pulpit, but as a peer with dignity, without lecturing. The Astana summit revealed a new truth: Eurasia no longer belongs solely to those who once ruled it. A new generation of actors is stepping onto the stage not always the most powerful, but often the most agile. Italy, acting in its own name and not under a Brussels mandate, is offering Central Asia something rare: not dominance, but co-authorship of the future. If that offer holds if Italy resists the urge to become more European than Europe the format wont just survive; it might become a template for others. But if Rome retreats into the safety of EU talking points, it risks ending up as just another well-intentioned diplomat with nothing in hand. The bottom line? Sometimes, those who arrive last walk away with the prize. Especially when they come bearing style, confidence and a bit of old-school Italian charm. Baku Network The recent conflict between India and Pakistan was among the issues figured during a phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump, according to a Kremlin aide. IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: Reuters During their conversation on Wednesday, the two leaders discussed Ukraine and also touched on some other issues, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov told a briefing. "They also touched upon the Middle East and the armed conflict between India and Pakistan, which was stopped with the personal participation of President Trump," Ushakov was quoted as saying by Russia's State-run TASS news agency. Ushakov, however, didn't share the details. Trump has repeatedly claimed that he stopped India and Pakistan from fighting. However, India has been maintaining that the understanding on cessation of hostilities with Pakistan was reached following direct talks between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of the two militaries. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has urged President Putin to assist in resolving the conflict with India, Pakistan PM's special aide Syed Tariq Fatemi said. Fatemi, who met Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow on Tuesday, handed over a letter from Sharif for Putin. His visit came days after a highly successful tour of a multi-party parliamentary delegation led by DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, who spread awareness about Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism and got solid Russian backing for India's zero-tolerance policy against terrorism. "I met with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov. I gave him a letter from our prime minister to Mr. Putin. We asked...[him] to use his influence to make sure that India and Pakistan sit down at the negotiating table and reach a diplomatic solution," Fatemi said on Wednesday. He also emphasised that Pakistan awaits any initiative from Russia that would help reduce the degree of tension with India, TASS reported. "We are here to see support from Russia to any initiative that would ease tensions. Pakistan and India must sit down at the negotiating table," he was quoted as saying by the Russian news agency. "We are ready to sit down with them at the negotiating table and let them solve the problem," he added. 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. 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. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan Peoples Party chief Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari have both praised United States President Donald Trump for his role in what they described as de-escalating the tension during the recent military confrontation with India. IMAGE: Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif speaks during a session at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, on February 11, 2025. Photograph: Amr Alfiky/Reuters The leaders also talked about renewed bilateral ties with the US and urged Washington to facilitate a comprehensive dialogue between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, India and Pakistan. India has denied that President Trump played any role in the agreement to stop on-ground hostilities after the military conflict with Pakistan in the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that saw 26 people dead and consistently rejects third-party mediation on bilateral issues. Prime Minister Sharif was speaking at an event at the US embassy in Islamabad while Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chief Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari was speaking with US-based Pakistani journalists in Washington on Wednesday. Dawn reported that PM Shehbaz claimed that the recent four-day conflict had revealed the Pahalgam incident was a false-flag operation, and credited President Trump for playing a decisive role in ensuring a ceasefire. Sharif said that the US president had shown beyond any doubt that he is a man for peace and beneficial business deals. President Trump is a man against escalation and a man against cold and hot war, he added. Our offer for an impartial international probe into the Pahalgam incident was met with aggression instead, he claimed and added, India should have come out with solid evidence and convinced the world about the incident. Offering his greetings on the independence day anniversary to the US, Sharif said, the bilateral ties between the US and Pakistan are entering into renewed friendship, and the close contacts are being revived. Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, with India carrying out precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7. The intense on-ground hostilities from both sides for four days ended with an understanding of stopping the military actions following talks between the directors general of military operations of both sides on May 10. Dawn also reported that the former foreign minister Bilawal, who is leading a Pakistani delegation that began a three-day visit to Washington on Wednesday, said President Trump deserves credit for helping facilitate the ceasefire between Pakistan and India last month. We should also pay attention to what the US president is saying. On 10 different occasions, he has taken credit for facilitating the ceasefire between India and Pakistan and rightly so. He deserves that credit, because it was his efforts that helped make the ceasefire possible, he said. So, if the US is willing to help Pakistan in maintaining this ceasefire, it is reasonable to expect that an American role in arranging a comprehensive dialogue would also be beneficial for us, Bilawal added. Speaking about a larger role for Trump in South Asia, he acknowledged, Yes, America has an establishment, a thought pattern. But knowing the ground realities, we are not delusional. We know what the realities of this city (Washington) are, what its geopolitics are, but we are here because we believe that our message is the message of truth. It aligns with international laws and relevant UN Security Council resolutions, he said. The former foreign minister's comments also targeted what he described as a failed US strategy of building up India as a regional security anchor. Referring to New Delhi, he said India has long pitched itself as a net security provider in the Indo-Pacific region a concept US policymakers have also endorsed. The concept of India as a counterweight to China now seems hollow. It's not even a paperweight anymore. This approach, I believe, must now be re-evaluated, the former foreign minister said. What can really provide security to this region, and to the rest of the world, is peace between India and Pakistan. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said his government will leave no stone unturned to ensure that those behind the murder of a tourist from Indore, Raja Raghuvanshi, are brought to book. IMAGE: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma. Photograph: @SangmaConrad/X Raghuvanshi (29) and his wife Sonam had gone missing on May 23, hours after they checked out of a homestay at Nongriat village in Sohra area. His body was found on Monday in a gorge 20 km from the village, while a search is underway for his wife. "We will leave no stone unturned to make sure that those responsible for this incident are brought to book," Sangma told reporters on Wednesday. On the Raghuvanshi family's demand for a CBI probe, the chief minister said the government will take an appropriate decision. "It is important to get to the facts of the situation so that the truth comes out. Therefore, we will take whatever steps are required to be taken... then we will take an appropriate decision. Right now, it is too early to say what is happening and how much we know and how much we don't because there are so many missing links even now," he added. The chief minister also assured the family members of the Indore couple that the government is trying to work as fast as possible to find the deceased's wife, who is still missing. Terming the incident as very unfortunate, Sangma also described it as something which nobody had seen in Meghalaya before. "It has taken all of us by surprise and shock. The local people and stakeholders in the tourism industry are very shocked and concerned. This is something we never expected would happen," he stated. Stating that Meghalaya has always been a tourist-friendly state, Sangma said, "We have always ensured the safety of tourists. In the last few years, lakhs of tourists have visited the state. So, this incident is something very out of the ordinary for us." "My deepest condolences to the family members. I know it's a great loss for them but I want to assure them that we are working overtime to get to the facts and the depth of really what happened... as of now, we are not very clear what the sequences of events were, what happened, how it happened," he said. The couple, hailing from Indore in Madhya Pradesh, arrived at Mawlakhiat village on May 22 on a rented scooter. They parked their scooter and trekked 3,000 steps down the gorge to visit the famous living rootbridges at Nongriat village, where they stayed the night and left the homestay the following morning. On May 24, their scooter was found abandoned at a cafe along the road from Shillong to Sohra. Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra has married senior advocate and former Biju Janata Dal MP Pinaki Misra in Germany, according to reports. IMAGE: Mahua Moitra and Pinaki Misra cut their wedding cake. 'Thank you everyone for the love and good wishes. So grateful,' posted the TMC MP. Photograph: Courtesy, Mahua Moitra/X Though neither Moitra (50) nor Misra (65) issued any official statement on the wedding, a section of media said the two got married in Germany on May 30. People congratulated Moitra and Misra on social media. TMC Lok Sabha MP from Jadavpur Saayoni Ghosh took to X to congratulate the couple. "Congratulations Mm & PmMahua Moitra, Pinaki Misra, wishing you a lifetime of love and laughter!" Some TMC and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MPs who were contacted said they were not aware of the details. Moitra, an investment banker-turned-politician, is an MP from Krishnanagar in West Bengal for the second term. She earlier served a term as a member of the Legislative Assembly in the state. Moitra was earlier married to Danish financier Lars Brorson. Misra, a leader from the BJD, is a senior advocate in the Supreme Court and has served as an MP from Puri for four terms. He was previously married to Sangeeta Misra, with whom he has two children. Known for her sharp attacks on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, Moitra found herself embroiled in a controversy in 2023 following allegations of taking "cash" and "gifts" for asking questions in Lok Sabha. The inquiry against her was undertaken by the Lok Sabha based on a complaint by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey who cited a letter he received from advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai, Moitra's former partner. Dubey said the lawyer has shared "irrefutable" evidence of bribes exchanged between the TMC MP and Darshan Hiranandani, a well-known business tycoon, to ask questions in Parliament in exchange for "cash" and "gifts". Moitra denied the allegations of accepting any bribe, though she admitted she shared the credentials of her Lok Sabha login with Hiranandani's staff. She was expelled from the Lok Sabha in December 2023 in the "bribe-for-query" case. However, won the Lok Sabha polls again in 2024 from the same seat with a margin of over 56,000 votes. Senior Maoist leader Narasimha Chalam alias Sudhakar, who had a bounty of Rs 40 lakh on his head, was killed in an encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district on Thursday, the police said, days after the elusive chief of Communist Party of India-Maoist was gunned down. IMAGE: Security personnel celebrate after neutralising 27 Maoists, including top leader Basava Raju, in Narayanpur, Chhattisgarh, May 22, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo The killing of Sudhakar, a member of the Maoists' Central Committee, comes a fortnight after CPI-Maoist general secretary Nambala Keshav Rao alias Basavaraju (70) was neutralised by security forces in the Bastar region, dealing a severe blow to the banned outfit. Originally hailing from Andhra Pradesh, the 67-year-old was involved in indoctrination and radicalization of youth and also responsible for numerous Maoist attacks in Chhattisgarh, resulting in the death of civilians and security personnel, they said. The latest exchange of fire broke out in the forest of Indravati national park area when a joint team of security personnel was out on an anti-Naxalite operation based on inputs about the presence of senior cadres, a senior police official posted in Bastar Range told PTI. Personnel belonging to the Special Task Force, District Reserve Guard, both units of the Chhattisgarh police, and CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action - an elite unit of CRPF) were involved in the operation that was launched on Wednesday, he said. The offensive was launched based on inputs about the presence of Maoist leader Sudhakar, Telangana State Committee member Bandi Prakash, Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC) member Pappa Rao, and a few other armed cadres, the official said. After the guns fell silent, the body of a senior Maoist cadre along with an AK-47 rifle was recovered from the spot. The deceased was later identified as Sudhakar, also known by aliases Anand, Chanti Balakrishna, Ramaraju, Aravind and Somanna. He was a resident of Pragadavaram village in West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, the official informed. Sudhakar, a member of the Maoists' Central Committee, the topmost governing body of the outlawed CPI (Maoist), was also in-charge of RePOS (Revolutionary Political School) and Central Regional Bureau (CRB), he said. "Sudhakar was responsible for various violent incidents that resulted in the death of numerous innocent tribal civilians and the martyrdom of security personnel. Moreover, as in-charge of the Maoist ideological training school (RePOS), he was involved in misleading and radicalizing the youths with violent and anti-national ideologies," informed Bastar Range Inspector General of Police (IGP) Sundarraj P. "His death marks a major success for security forces and is a significant blow to the Maoist leadership, particularly in the Dandakaranya region (that covers south Chhattisgarh and border areas of Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha). His neutralization will cause a considerable setback to the already weakening strength of the outlawed Maoist organization," he asserted. Search operations were still ongoing in the area to track down other Maoist cadres who might have fled the spot, and to recover additional material evidence, the IPS officer noted. Further details, including the number of casualties and recoveries, will be shared once the operation concludes, he added. On May 21, top Maoist leader Basavaraju and 26 other cadres were killed in an encounter with security forces on the Narayanpur-Bijapur border in the Bastar region. With the latest action, 203 Naxalites have been killed in separate encounters in Chhattisgarh so far this year. Of them, 186 were eliminated in the Bastar division, which includes districts of Bijapur, Bastar, Kanker, Konadagaon, Narayanpur, Sukma, and Dantewada. Since January last year, more than 403 Maoist cadres have been neutralized so far in the Bastar division in separate encounters, according to government figures. Chinese President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart Donald Trump had lengthy talks over phone on Thursday to iron out differences over their tit-for-tat tariffs and agreed to have more talks between their trade representatives to resolve the trade standoff. IMAGE: Then-US President Donald Trump attends a bilateral meeting with China's President Xi Jinping during the G20 leaders' summit in Osaka, Japan, on June 29, 2019. Photograph: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters During the talks, Xi also asked Trump to handle the Taiwan issue prudently as the two sides held the conversation with Trump at the latter's request, state-run Xinhua news agency reported. After the phone calls, Trump in a post on Truth Social said, "I just concluded a very good phone call with President Xi, of China, discussing some of the intricacies of our recently made, and agreed to, Trade Deal." The call lasted approximately one and a half hours, and resulted in a very positive conclusion for both countries. There should no longer be any questions respecting the complexity of Rare Earth products, he said, referring to Beijing blocking rare earth metals exports crucial to manufacturing automobiles, phones and missiles. "Our respective teams will be meeting shortly at a location to be determined," he said. The US will be represented by Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, and United States Trade Representative, ambassador Jamieson Greer, he said. During the conversation, President Xi graciously invited the First Lady and me to visit China, and I reciprocated, he said. As Presidents of two Great Nations, this is something that we both look forward to doing. The conversation was focused almost entirely on TRADE, he said. Nothing was discussed concerning Russia/Ukraine, or Iran. We will inform the Media as to scheduling and location of the soon to be meeting, he said. An official press release in Beijing said Xi told Trump that China seriously implemented the Geneva agreement to reduce tariffs. The US should look at the progress made in a realistic way and withdraw the negative measures it has taken against China, Xi told Trump. Dialogue and cooperation is the only right choice, Xi said. The two sides need to make good use of the economic and trade consultation mechanism already in place, and seek win-win results in the spirit of equality and respect for each other's concerns. The Chinese side is sincere about this, and at the same time has its principles, Xi said. The US side should acknowledge the progress already made in Geneva talks, and remove the negative measures taken against China, the press release quoted Xi as saying. The two sides should enhance communication in such fields as foreign affairs, economy and trade, military, and law enforcement to build consensus, clear up misunderstandings, and strengthen cooperation, Xi said. He also emphasised that the US must handle the Taiwan question with prudence, so that the fringe separatists bent on 'Taiwan independence' will not be able to drag China and America into the dangerous terrain of confrontation and even conflict. China claims Taiwan as part of its homeland and periodically conducts military drills practising its take-over. Trump said the US welcomes Chinese students to study in America, the Chinese press release said. Roughly about 2.7 lakh Chinese students, the second largest after India studying in the US, scrambled to work out their future plans after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on May 29 that America will begin revoking the visas of some Chinese students, including those studying in critical fields and those with connections to the Chinese Communist Party. Trump said that he has great respect for President Xi, and the US-China relationship is very important. The US wants the Chinese economy to do very well. The US and China working together can get a lot of great things done. The US will honour the one-China policy, meaning Taiwan as part of China. The two presidents agreed that their teams should continue implementing the Geneva agreement and hold another round of meeting as soon as possible. Both the US and China agreed to temporarily lower tit-for-tat tariffs after talks last month in Geneva. The truce is due to last 90 days to provide time for the top two economies to reach a broader substantive agreement to end their tariff war. Trump imposed 145 percent of tariffs against the Chinese exports of about $439.9 billion and China retaliated with 125 percent on American exports of about $143 billion. China also put restrictions on the exports of the rare earth minerals which are all critical materials for defence, new energy batteries, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing and Beijing has not lifted the curbs. Under the Geneva agreement, the US lowered tariffs imposed on goods from China from 145 percent to 30 percent while China dropped its retaliatory tariffs from 125 percent to ten percent. "The recriminations began after Trump said on Friday that China had totally violated its agreement with us but did not give details." However, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer later told media China had not been removing non-tariff barriers specially the export curbs on rare earth metals as agreed under the deal. A group of US Congressmen on Wednesday expressed unequivocal and bipartisan condemnation for the Pahalgam terror attack and extended support for India's right to respond to terrorism in the spirit of zero tolerance against terrorism. IMAGE: All-party delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor meets members of the India Caucus in the US House of Representatives, Bipartisan co-chairs, Ro Khanna, Marc Veasey, and vice co-chairs Andy Barr and Marc Veasey for Operation Sindoor global outreach, Washington DC, June 4, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo The lawmakers also hailed the strong strategic partnership between India and the US during a meeting with an all-party delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who briefed them on the cross-border terrorism faced by India and the country's strong and resolute stance in the fight against terror. 'Bipartisan co-chairs @RoKhanna & @RepMcCormick and vice co-chairs @RepAndyBarr & @RepVeasey of India Caucus in the House of Representatives met with the visiting Parliamentary delegation led by @ShashiTharoor today,' the Indian embassy said in a post on X. The parliamentary delegation briefed the Caucus members on the cross-border terrorism faced by India and New Delhi's strong and resolute stance in the fight against terror, it said. The Congressmen expressed unequivocal and bipartisan condemnation for the terror attack in Pahalgam. They expressed support for India's right to respond to terrorism in the spirit of zero tolerance against terrorism, the Indian mission said. The all-party delegation also held candid and fruitful exchanges with House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC) leadership. 'Chair @RepBrianMast, Ranking Member @RepGregoryMeeks, South and Central Asia Subcommittee Chair @RepHuizenga, Ranking Member @RepKamlagerDove, Ranking Member @RepBera and East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee @RepYoungKim greeted the delegation,' the Indian embassy said in another post on X. The parliamentary delegation briefed the committee members on the success of Operation Sindoor in defining a new normal in India's fight against cross-border terrorism. The committee leadership condemned the Pahalgam attack unequivocally and said India and USA stand together in their unwavering resolve and fight against terrorism in all its forms. The delegation is one of the seven multi-party delegations India had tasked to visit 33 global capitals to reach out to the international community to emphasise Pakistan's links to terrorism. Other members of the delegation are Sarfaraz Ahmad (JMM), Ganti Harish Madhur Balayogi (TDP), Shashank Mani Tripathi (BJP), Bhubaneswar Kalita (BJP), Milind Deora (Shiv Sena), Tejasvi Surya (BJP) and India's former Ambassador to the US Taranjit Sandhu. The delegation has travelled to Guyana, Panama, Colombia and Brazil before arriving in Washington on the last leg of its tour. In its interactions in the US, the delegation will convey India's resolve against terrorism and emphasise Pakistan's links to terrorism. Speaking to PTI, delegation member Deora said that the group in the US, as well as those visiting other regions and countries, is telling the world that India has had enough. He said that "every country they visited so far issued very unequivocal, I would almost say, unconditional, statements in favour of India." "We want to live in peace. We would prefer it if we have a stable neighbour. Nobody wants an unstable lunatic living next to you," he said. Another delegation member Surya told PTI that there is absolutely no sympathy towards Pakistani-originated terrorism. "The countries the delegation visited have very clearly understood why India was constrained to respond militarily in the way it did, and have supported India's counterterrorism measure. On a Pakistani delegation arriving in Washington the same day, Deora said, "There is no doubt in anyone's mind in the United States that Pakistan is a banana republic, a failed State, a terror exporter, a country where the civilian government has no power, (it's) the army that controls the power. So I don't think that it matters to India that there's a Pakistani delegation trying to play copy and paste." Surya also said that it was not the first time that the Pakistanis tried to copy India in what India tries to do, but they end up a cheap copy. He said that the world has long observed what India stands for and what Pakistan stands for. Investing in India, he said, is seen as an investment in democracy, responsible civilian leadership and global progress. On the other hand, he noted that every terrorist attack in the last 20-30 years that has rocked the world has had investigations directly or indirectly leading to Pakistan. He added that over 50 UN-designated terrorists have formed a safe haven in Pakistan. "So the narrative of a country like Pakistan cannot be salvaged by an accented English speaking suit-wearing ex-foreign minister. Pakistan's hands are too full in blood to be washed away by this overnight drama," Surya said. Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after the April 22 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. 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. United States President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation to ban entry of individuals from 12 nations -- Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen -- citing national security and public safety threats, according to the White House. IMAGE: United States President Donald Trump announces travel ban at the White House in Washington, DC, June 4, 2025. Photograph: @WhiteHouse/X Trump has partially restricted and limited the entry of nationals from the seven nations: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. According to the White House, these restrictions distinguish between, but apply to both, the entry of immigrants and non-immigrants. "The recent terror attack in Boulder, Colorado has underscored the extreme dangers posed to our country by the entry of foreign nationals who are not properly vetted," Trump said in a video message from the Oval Office posted on X. "We don't want them," he added. The proclamation signed by Trump reads, "During my first Administration, I restricted the entry of foreign nationals into the United States, which successfully prevented national security threats from reaching our borders and which the Supreme Court upheld. In Executive Order 14161 of January 20, 2025 (Protecting the United States From Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats), I stated that it is the policy of the United States to protect its citizens from aliens who intend to commit terrorist attacks, threaten our national security, espouse hateful ideology, or otherwise exploit the immigration laws for malevolent purposes." He even stated that the US must be vigilant during the visa-issuance process to ensure that those aliens approved for admission into the US do not intend to harm Americans or the national interests of the US. Trump noted that the US must ensure that admitted aliens and aliens otherwise already present in the United States do not bear hostile attitudes toward its citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles, and do not advocate for, aid, or support designated foreign terrorists or other threats to national security of the US. In the proclamation, Trump stated, "I also considered the different risks posed by aliens admitted on immigrant visas and those admitted on nonimmigrant visas. Persons admitted on immigrant visas become lawful permanent residents of the United States. Such persons may present national security or public-safety concerns that may be distinct from those admitted as nonimmigrants. The United States affords lawful permanent residents more enduring rights than it does to nonimmigrants." "Lawful permanent residents are more difficult to remove than nonimmigrants, even after national security concerns arise, which increases the costs and aggravates the dangers of errors associated with admitting such individuals. And although immigrants are generally subject to more extensive vetting than nonimmigrants, such vetting is far less reliable when the country from which someone seeks to emigrate maintains inadequate identity-management or information-sharing policies or otherwise poses risks to the national security of the United States," he added. Trump emphasised that the restrictions imposed by the proclamation are necessary to prevent the entry or admission of foreign nationals about whom the US government lacks sufficient information to assess the risks they pose to the United States. He noted that the restrictions and limitations imposed by this proclamation are required to garner cooperation from foreign governments, enforce our immigration laws, and advance other important foreign policy, national security, and counterterrorism objectives. The proclamation also mentions justification for the suspension order issued for 12 nations and partial restrictions imposed for seven nations. According to the proclamation, Afghanistan is controlled by the Taliban, which is a terror group and does not have a competent or cooperative central authority for issuing passports or civil documents and it does not have appropriate screening and vetting measures. The decision to ban entry of nationals from Burma has been taken, citing an overstay report. According to overstay report, Burma had a B1/B2 visa overstay rate of 27.07 per cent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 42.17 per cent. Furthermore, Burma has historically not cooperated with the United States to accept back its removable nationals. The next Census' findings will help identify the extent of India's ageing population and vulnerability levels. Kindly note the image has been posted only for representational purposes. IMAGE: A Tiranga Yatra in Guwahati to express solidarity with the Indian armed forces. Photograph: ANI Photo The upcoming population Census will improve the representativeness of sample surveys conducted to track important economic metrics and the changing equations between urban and rural agglomerations in the country, thus aiding more informed policy making, experts reckoned. Pronab Sen, former chief statistician of India, says that the recent surveys being conducted by the National Statistics Office (NSO) have become less reliable as they have been drawing their samples from the previous census, which was conducted way back in 2011. "The new census data will help in improving the samples that are used for NSO surveys, thus increasing their representativeness of the things happening in the Indian economy, particularly on parameters like consumption, health and labour markets," he noted. T C A Anant, adjunct professor, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, and a former chief statistician, said the Census will be helpful in determining the true extent of urbanisation as well as the gender mix of the population. "A lot of economic data is based on samples drawn from rural and urban stratums. Data on rural-urban division is quite fuzzy. From the time the last Census was conducted, urbanisation has occurred at a rapid pace and we have been underestimating it since then... so the new data will help define urban-rural areas better," he said. The next Census' findings will also help identify the extent of India's ageing population and vulnerability levels. "We have no reliable estimates of the senior citizens in the country, which affects our measure of the penetration of pension products in the country," pointed out Mukesh Anand, assistant professor at the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy. P C Mohanan, former acting chairman of the National Statistical Commission, said the Census 2027 data will be helpful to arrive at better estimates of employment indicators, particularly for the Periodic Labour Force Surveys (PLFS) and the Reserve Bank of India's KLEMS database. Moreover, the universal survey's data will also be used to update the National Population Register. "However, one thing that will be a bit tricky will be the conduct of the caste census, as the government is yet to come up with the methodology and the questionnatre," Mohanan averred. In 2023, Shamika Ravi, member EAC-PM, had said all major surveys in India that were conducted after 2011, and used the Census 2011 for the sampling frame, have significantly overestimated the proportion of the rural population. Census Returns in 2 Phases by 2027 Archis Mohan The Centre on Wednesday said that Census-2027 with caste enumeration would be undertaken in two phases across the country, by October 1, 2026 in snow-bound and hilly areas like Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, and by March 1, 2027 in the rest of the country. The reference date of people's headcount would be March 1, 2027, midnight for the entire country. The ministry of home affairs statement on conducting Census 2027, which will also be the first digital Census, has come a little over a month after the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, on April 30, approved caste enumeration in the forthcoming population census. Caste data was enumerated the last time as part of the 1931 Census, and was collected as part of the Socio-Economic Caste Census in 2011 but the data was not released because of infirmities. The last Census was held 16 years ago in 2011. The 2021 Census was initially delayed because of the outbreak of COVID-19. In 2023, the UN Population Fund had said India was likely to have almost three million more people than China by the middle of that year. The Census will also have a bearing on the delimitation of the Lok Sabha seats and one-third reservation for women in directly elected legislatures. However, it is not clear whether the Census data will be available by the time the next Lok Sabha polls are announced. The provisional data for the 2011 Census was released on March 31, 2011, 25 days after its population enumeration phase ended, while the final data was released two years later on April 30, 2013. Some of the southern states have demanded a freeze on the number of Lok Sabha seats, based on the 1971 Census, for another 25 years. In the press statement, the MHA said: 'The reference date for Population Census-2027 will be 00:00 hours of the first day of March 2027... 'For the Union Territory (UT) of Ladakh and the non-synchronous snow-bound areas of the UT of Jammu and Kashmir and states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, the reference date will be 00:00 hours of the first day of October 2026.' The notification for the intent of conducting the population Census with these reference dates would be published in the official gazette 'tentatively' on June 16, 2025 as per provision of Section 3 of Census Act 1948, it said. Officials said the second and final phase of the census would begin in February 2027 and conclude on March 1, 2027 (reference date). On December 24, 2019, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi had approved conducting Census 2021 at a cost of Rs 8,754.23 crore and updating of the National Population Register (NPR) at a cost of Rs 3,941.35 crore. It was, however, unclear whether Census 2027 would include updating of the NPR. The entire 2021 Census exercise was estimated to cost the government over Rs 13,000 crore. The Budget for 2025-2026 allocated Rs 574.80 crore for Census surveys and statistics/the Registrar General of India. In a post on X, Congress General Secretary (Communications) Jairam Ramesh said, 'There is really no reason to delay the Census that was due in 2021, for another 23 months. The Modi Government is capable only of generating headlines, not meeting deadlines.' According to the government statement on December 24, 2019, the 2021 Census was to comprise 'House listing and Housing Census from April to September, 2020, and Population Enumeration from February 9 to February 28, 2021'. It said that the NPR would also be updated along with House listing and Housing Census except in Assam. As many as 3 million field functionaries were to conduct the exercise, up from 2.8 million in 2011. It had envisaged use of a mobile app for data collection and the central portal for monitoring purpose, and to ensure early release of Census data with improved quality. It had said that 2.4 crore man-days employment would be generated during the collection of the data. Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, leading a multi-party delegation to the US, was Thursday asked a question by his journalist son whether government interlocutors sought evidence of Pakistan's culpability in the Pahalgam attack to which he replied India would not have conducted Operation Sindoor without convincing evidence. IMAGE: All-party delegation leader Congress MP Shashi Tharoor speaks at the Council on Foreign Relations during Operation Sindoor global outreach, in New York, June 5, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo "That shouldn't be allowed. This is my son," Tharoor said, laughing, during an interaction at the Council on Foreign Relations when his son Ishaan Tharoor, global affairs columnist with the Washington Post, stood up to ask him a question. "Ishaan Tharoor, Washington Post. Definitely asking a question in a personal capacity. Mostly to say hi before you go off to your next engagement," Ishaan said. "I'm curious though, on this tour you've been on various countries in the Western Hemisphere. Have any of your government interlocutors asked you to show evidence of Pakistan's culpability in the initial attack? And what do you say to the repeated Pakistani denials of having any hand in the initial attack? Ishaan asked. "I'm very glad you raised this, Ishaan. I didn't plant it. I promise you. This guy does this to his dad," Tharoor replied amid laughter from the audience. "Very simply, no one had any doubt, and we were not asked for evidence, but media have asked, and so you are speaking for your tribe, and that in two or three places, media asked this question," the Congress leader said. "Let me say very clearly that India would not have done this without convincing evidence," Tharoor said. "I can assure you, India is not the kind of country that would undertake a military operation without a very solid basis for doing so. This was not some random terror attack. I must say, our government counts 24 terrorist attacks in the course of last year emanating from Pakistan, but none of them required this kind of response," he said. "We dealt with them. We either got the terrorists or killed them, minimal damage, a very little loss of life. We dealt with it. This showed all the hallmarks of a sophisticated, planned, deliberate operation with reconnaissance, with intelligence work, with a modus operandi worked out this cynical exercise of asking people their religion, shooting them between the eyes," he added. Tharoor said India has had a 37-year pattern of repeated terror attacks from Pakistan accompanied by repeated denials. "Americans haven't forgotten that Pakistan allegedly didn't know where Osama bin Laden was until he was found in a Pakistani safe house right next to an army camp in a cantonment city," he said. Recalling the Mumbai attacks, Tharoor said they denied having anything to do with it, but one of the terrorists was caught alive; his name, his identity, his address in Pakistan, everything was revealed, and he disclosed where he was trained. "The US intelligence, as well as ours, recorded the voice of a Pakistani handler giving minute-by-minute instructions to the killers in Mumbai... So, we know what Pakistan is all about," he added. "They will dispatch terrorists. They will deny they did so until they're caught with red hands," he added. He said that minutes after the Pahalgam attack happened, a group called the Resistance Front claimed credit. "Who are the Resistance Front? They're a well-known proxy front of the Lashkar-e-Tayiba, a banned terrorist organisation," he added. BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, June 5. President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov expressed interest in implementing joint environmental and scientific projects with Russia's Tatarstan Respublic, Trend reports via the administration of the president of Kyrgyzstan. He made the remark during a bilateral meeting with the Head of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, who arrived to participate in the 9th meeting of the Steering Committee of the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program in Cholpon-Ata. Zhaparov highlighted the dynamic development and strengthening of cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and Tatarstan within the framework of Kyrgyz-Russian strategic partnership. The sides discussed the deepening of cooperation in the economic, environmental, and cultural-humanitarian spheres, with special attention paid to joint initiatives, industrial cooperation, tourism ties, and collaboration in environmental protection and the conservation of the snow leopard. The Kyrgyz president emphasized the countrys strong commitment to nature protection, environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and biodiversity preservation. In this context, he expressed particular interest in launching joint environmental and scientific initiatives with Tatarstan. In turn, Minnikhanov supported the proposed initiatives and stressed the importance of further expanding cooperation in the fields of ecology, climate resilience, and biodiversity. He also referenced the Kazan Resolution adopted in March this year, aimed at promoting international cooperation in these areas. Special focus was placed on strengthening bilateral relations, with Minnikhanov reaffirming interest in enhancing economic, cultural, and scientific ties. He highlighted the importance of launching joint business missions, digital projects, and educational initiatives. Meanwhile, the head of Tatarstan expressed readiness to contribute to creating favorable conditions for the residence and employment of Kyrgyz citizens. Following the meeting, the sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to boosting bilateral cooperation and enhancing interregional ties within the broader Kyrgyz-Russian partnership framework. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday inaugurated the final 76-km-long stretch of the Samruddhi Mahamarg, making the entire 701-km Mumbai-Nagpur corridor fully functional and bringing down the travel time between the two cities to eight hours from around 18 hours. IMAGE: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis flanked by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde (left) and Ajit Pawar at the inauguration of the final stretch of the Samruddhi Mahamarg connecting Mumbai and Nagpur, June 5, 2025. Photograph: Courtesy, CMOMaharashtra/X With the inauguration of the final stretch between Igatpuri in Nashik district to Amane in Bhiwandi taluka of Thane district, this six-lane expressway, officially called 'Hindu Hridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg', is likely to be open for traffic soon, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRDC) said. Besides Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra ministers Dada Bhuse, Shivendraraje Bhosale and Narhari Zirwal attended the inauguration ceremony at Igatpuri, about 140 km from Mumbai, that was held around 1.45 pm. After the inauguration, the chief minister also inspected the longest Igatpuri tunnel of the expressway and viaduct in the stretch. To conduct an inspection of the expressway, Deputy CM Shinde drove a high-end car with CM Fadnavis sitting beside him on the front seat and Pawar occupying the back seat. The inspection lasted around 45 minutes, including the time taken for the journey between Igatpuri and Amane. On the way back, Fadnavis and Shinde swapped the seats with the CM getting behind the wheel, while Pawar remained in the same seat. The newly-constructed third creek bridge near Vashi Sion-Panvel Highway was also inaugurated via video conferencing on the occasion. The MSRDC said once the final 76-km stretch of Samruddhi Mahamarg between Igatpuri in Nashik district and Amane in Thane district (part of Mumbai metropolitan region) opens for traffic, the journey between the two cities can be completed in just eight hours. "Previously, the journey from Nagpur to Mumbai via the old route would take 17 to 18 hours. With this new greenfield expressway, the same distance (between Nagpur and Amane in Thane district) can be covered in eight hours," the MSRDC said in a release. So far, 625 km of the expressway has been operational, and nearly two crore vehicles have utilised it. The maximum speed limit on the expressway is 100 km/h in ghat sections and 120 km/h on flat terrain, it said. The expressway traverses through 392 villages in 26 talukas across 10 districts in five revenue divisions. After the opening of the final phase for traffic, pilgrims travelling from the Thane-Mumbai region to the temple town of Shirdi in Ahilyanagar district, will benefit from a faster and more convenient route, MSRDC said. Additionally, farmers from Shirdi, Ahilyanagar, Sinnar and Igatpuri (in Nashik district) will be able to transport their agricultural produce to and from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region efficiently and in less time, said the corporation. Samruddhi Mahamarg links the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (Navi Mumbai) and major tourist destinations such as Shirdi, Ajanta-Ellora Caves (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district) and Lonar lake (Buldhana district). Prime Minister Narendra Modi had inaugurated the first phase covering 520 km between Nagpur and Shirdi on December 11, 2022. The second 80-km phase from Shirdi (Kokamthan) to Bharvir Interchange (Nashik district) was inaugurated on May 26, 2023, while the third 25km corridor between Bharvir Interchange to Igatpuri was thrown open for traffic on March 4, 2024. The expressway, built at a cost of about Rs 55,000 crore, is one of India's longest and passes through 10 districts - Nagpur, Wardha, Amravati, Washim, Buldhana, Jalna, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Ahilyanagar, Nashik and Thane. The Taliban declared dissent unacceptable after returning to power nearly four years ago. Since then, it has detained, tortured, or forced into exile secular opponents, journalists, and human rights activists. Now the country's de facto leaders appear to be broadening their crackdown to include Islamic scholars and clerics for publicly criticizing the Taliban's harsh rulings or merely supporting more moderate policies. Abdul Qadir Qanat, a Muslim cleric in the Afghan capital, Kabul, is one of the most prominent figures detained by the Taliban. "They tied his hands and sped him away in a vehicle along with his young son," said a friend of Qanat who requested anonymity because he feared reprisals from the Taliban for speaking to RFE/RL's Radio Azadi. "So far, we don't know why he was detained or what the charges against him are," the friend, who is also a cleric, said of Qanat's arrest in late May. "We are very worried about him because he has diabetes." Qanat is known for speaking his mind on television talk shows and public speeches. Qanat and his friend Sirajuddin Nabil have been detained for criticizing the Taliban rule during a public gathering. In January, Qanat and another cleric, Mahmood Hassan, were arrested after they criticized the Taliban's monopoly over power. Bashir Ahmad Hanafi, a Muslim scholar who has consistently supported the Taliban in the southern province of Helmand, is another prominent figure among those detained by the Taliban's intelligence service. Hanafi's friends say he was detained by the Taliban spy service soon after he criticized the Taliban's ban on education for Afghan women and teenage girls last month. Media reports suggest Hanafi has been sentenced to imprisonment for eight months and banned from traveling abroad for two years for "inciting public opinion against the current [political] system." Radio Azadi repeatedly approached the Taliban intelligence agency's spokesman, Khalil Hamraz for comment, but he didn't respond. Safia Arefi, a human rights campaigner, told Radio Azadi that the Taliban has shown no tolerance for dissent or criticism. "The Taliban's treatment of the accused does not take into account any principles or law," she said. "They have not even informed the families of the detainees." Obaidullah Baheer, a former fellow at the South Asia Center at the London School of Economics, said theocracies such as the Taliban "often conflate political decision-making with religious doctrine," which leaves no margin for disagreement, dissent, or criticism. He sees the Taliban's crackdown on religious scholars as self-defeating. "It's a quick and sure way of alienating the local population and taking a hit on the popularity front," he said. Unlike its brutal regime in the 1990s, the current Taliban government has imposed censorship gradually. It suppressed dissent by targeting various segments of the Afghan society. It initially faced criticism from the Afghan media and protest demonstrations by women, retirees, and farmers affected by its harsh policies. It has wiped out independent Afghan media and severely restricted international press from accessing the country. It has tortured and detained hundreds of activists, academics, and journalists to promote a culture of self-censorship and fear. "There is an understanding that there are consequences for crossing a line that is not very clearly defined," Baheer said. "But anything that even converges on criticism is not tolerated and is then punished." The European Union scored an important legal victory over Russia with its sanctions policy on June 5 as the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in Luxembourg issued an opinion stating that visa bans and asset freezes of five prominent Russian businessmen deemed closed to the Kremlin are not only lawful but also Brussels doesn't need to prove their ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin's regime. Following the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the EU blacklisted the five Russians -- Dmitry Pumpyanskiy, Dmitry Mazepin, Tigran Khudaverdyan, Viktor Rashnikov, and German Khan -- and accused them of undermining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the war-torn country. The quintet, together with up to 80 other sanctioned Russians and Belarusians, petitioned the ECJ to be removed from the black list on various grounds. The cases were dismissed in 2023, and the judges at the time noted they that all five held high positions in the Russian economy, and that those sectors provided a substantial source of revenue for the Kremlin. They all appealed the court's initial ruling, and before the final verdict, one of the court's Advocate Generals was requested to deliver an opinion on their appeals. This opinion isn't binding on the court, but in most cases the court rules in line with the opinion. In this case, given the clear view the Advocate General delivered, a ruling could come as early as July or after the EU court's summer recess in August. The impending ruling is also likely the end of the road for the quintet's legal quest in the EU's court system to get their sanctions removed. Given that other Russian businessmen have made similar appeals to be delisted, it's fair to assume not many will be successful going forward. Setting A Precedent For Sanctions The opinion sets a sort of precedent and spells out one thing: The legal framework for the bloc's Russia sanctions policy appears solid. The opinion states clearly that there is "a rational relationship" between sanctioning leading businesspeople who provide a substantial revenue to the Russian government and the objective of the restrictive measures. The objective is stated clearly: to "exert pressure on the Government of the Russian Federation to put an end to aggression of Russia in Ukraine by reducing the financial resources available." By sanctioning businessmen in the country, the economy is harmed, and thus it increases the cost of waging war against Kyiv. The key thing in the opinion, however, is that when imposing these sanctions the EU doesn't have to prove "any specific conduct of the listed person, in particular in terms of influence over the Russian Government." This is what the sanctioned people in essence wanted to appeal: that while they are economically active in Russia, they have no direct sway on government policy when it comes to the war in Ukraine. It now appears sufficient to produce general links with Putin to clear the legal hurdle. When the EU decided to sanction leading Russian businessmen, they referred to a meeting organized by Putin a few days after the Ukrainian full-scale invasion with almost 40 of the most economically influential Russians to discuss the impact of the course of action in the wake of Western sanctions. There are other reasons, too, that Brussels lists these five. In Pumpyanskiy's case, the EU noted he participated in the congress of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs in March 2023, in which Putin urged participants to put "patriotism before profit." German Khan is one of the owners of Alfa Bank, and the bloc notes that Putin's eldest daughter, Maria, ran a charity project called Alfa-Endo that was funded by the bank. Both Mazepin and Rashnikov are listed because their businesses provide "substantial resources of revenue to the state budget," whereas Tigran Khudaverdyan, executive director of one of Russia's leading technology companies Yandex, is blacklisted because the company "has been warning Russian users looking for news about Ukraine on its search engine of unreliable information on the Internet." The ECJ ruling comes as a sigh of relief for the EU, which has faced some hurdles. It was battered in the same court for sanctions imposed on former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych and his entourage in 2014 for the "misappropriation of Ukrainian state funds." The sanctions were based on rather flimsy evidence and have since largely collapsed. Brussels was also slapped on the wrist for the current Russia sanctions, notably restrictive measures on relatives of listed businessmen. Both Nikita Mazepin, the racing driving son of Dmitry Mazepin, and Violeta Prigozhina, the mother of the late Russian oligarch and Wagner mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, have won in the Luxembourg court and have since been delisted. Women in Pakistan are enraged by the violent killing of a teenage social media influencer. They are protesting the June 2 shooting of Sana Yousaf inside her house in the capital, Islamabad. Police in the city say they have arrested a 22-year-old man in connection with the her death. Yousaf had reportedly refused his friendship. For many women in Pakistan, the latest killing of a social media influencer is a reminder of the widespread violence, harassment, and abuse women suffer in public and in online spaces in the conservative Muslim nation of 240 million people. "Women are furious," said Shad Begum, a human rights activist in Islamabad. "We were particularly shocked by the reaction of some narrow-minded people online." Begum was alluding to posts on social media that flooded the Internet after the murder. Mostly male social media users said the killing was justified because of Yousaf's popular social media profile in a conservative society in which so-called honor codes restrict women's choices and public behavior. Yousaf had over 1 million followers on various social media platforms, with more than 800,000 on TikTok, where she shared a video celebrating her 17th birthday last week. She frequently shared lip-sync videos and promoted beauty products on the video-sharing platform. "We are worried about the explosive growth of hate and intolerance," Begum said. On June 5, rights activists protested Yousaf's killing in Islamabad and the northwestern city of Peshawar. "The murder is a chilling reminder of the dangers that women and girls face when they assert autonomy over their lives and choices," said Maheen Pracha, communications lead at the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, the leading national nongovernmental rights watchdog. She said Islamabad needs to take quick steps to make online spaces safe for women. "[This includes] algorithm accountability that prevents such platforms from disproportionately amplifying content that may expose young women to harm," she said. Yousaf is the latest female social media influencer killed in Pakistan. In January, police in the southwestern city of Quetta charged Anwar ul-Haq with murder after he confessed to orchestrating the killing of his 14-year-old daughter Hira Anwar, because he found her TikTok "offensive" and an affront to his "honor." In October, police in the southern seaport city of Karachi said a man confessed to killing four female relatives over their TikTok videos. Every year, hundreds of women are killed across Pakistan. Most are killed by close relatives or men known to them in what are known as honor killings. "This is very shocking. It's very unsettling," said Farzana Bari, a professor of gender studies in Islamabad's Quaid-e Azam University. "If we can't make this social media space safer for women, then it will be another kind of exclusion that will be taking place in our society," she said. Bari said the killing manifests the patriarchal mindset, which is misogynistic. "It is unwilling to accept women as independent human beings who have the right to say no to any advances by a man," she said. In some positive news for women's rights in Pakistan, Pakistan enacted a new law last week banning child marriage and sets 18 years as the minimum age for marriage in Islamabad. However, women's activists still see thorough legal and social changes that will make public and private spaces safe for women as a long way off. "It's an entire behavior of how girls and women are seen in our society that needs to be transformed," said Meena Gabeena, a child rights activist in Islamabad. US President Donald Trump says his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, warned him "very strongly" of Russia's intention to respond to Ukraine's drone attack, which struck dozens of long-range bomber aircraft across Russian regions over the weekend. In a post on Truth Social on June 4, Trump described his latest phone call with Putin as a "good conversation," though he noted it was not the kind of conversation that would lead to immediate peace. According to Trump, the call lasted 75 minutes, and Ukraine's surprise drone attack, carried out by Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) on June 1, was one of the topics discussed. "We discussed the attack on Russia's docked airplanes by Ukraine, and also various other attacks that have been taking place by both sides," Trump said. "Putin did say, and very strongly, that he will have to respond to the recent attack on the airfields," he added. Earlier, the SBU claimed that more than 40 bombers were hit in the attack, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described as "absolutely brilliant," noting that the operation had taken more than 18 months to prepare. Through the analysis of videos and satellite images, RFE/RL was able to independently verify that at least 11 Russian strategic bombers were destroyed. Following the phone call, Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov told the state-run TASS news agency that Trump had informed Putin the United States was not notified by Ukraine about its plans for the drone attack. When asked if Russia would respond to the attack, Ushakov said, "the issue was discussed" but gave no further details. Robert Pszczel, an independent security policy expert, told RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service that he has no doubt Russia would conduct more attacks on Ukraine. However, Pszczel also suggested it was difficult to imagine what new level of brutality Russia might reach after previous attacks on Ukraine's civilian and energy infrastructure. Ushakov also added that Putin briefed Trump on the second round of direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, which took place in Istanbul on June 2, a day after the drone attack. He said Putin called the talks "useful" and expressed hope that they would continue. Earlier in the day, speaking at a government meeting, Putin effectively dismissed Zelenskyy's proposals for a lasting cease-fire and a potential leaders' summit. Putin accused Kyiv of coordinating deadly "terrorist attacks" on bridges in border regions over the weekend -- an issue that, according to Ushakov, was also discussed during the phone call with Trump. "The Kyiv regime does not need peace at all," Putin said at the meeting. "What is there to talk about?" During his visit to the United States, Zelenskyys chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, responded to Putin's remarks by noting Ukraine had once handed its strategic bombers to Russia in exchange for security guarantees. Now Ukraine has struck part of Russia's strategic aviation in an "act of retaliation," Yermak said. Earlier, Zelenskyy added the attack would never have happened if a cease-fire had been implemented. In the United States, Yermak met with US Secretary Marco Rubio and members of US Congress. Following the talks, he called for a new package of US sanctions and emphasized that pressure remains the only tool to influence Russia's actions. At the same time, the US Embassy in Kyiv warned its citizens of an ongoing risk of "significant air attacks" and urged caution. Serhiy Lysak, governor of Ukraine's southeastern Dnipropetrovsk region, reported that a Russian drone attack on Nikopol killed a woman and injured five other people. "She was 45 years old. The doctors fought for her life until the very end, but her injuries were too severe," Lysak wrote on Telegram of the victim. According to Ukrainian authorities, 54 more people were also injured in Marhanets in the Zaporizhzhya region as a result of an FPV drone attack. Among them was an 83-year-old woman. US President Donald Trump on June 4 signed a proclamation resurrecting the travel ban from his first term, ordering a new ban on citizens of 12 countries, including Afghanistan and Iran, from entering the United States. Trump said the travel ban is necessary to protect Americans from terrorist attacks such as a June 1 attack in Colorado in which authorities say a group of people demonstrating in support of Israeli hostages held by Hamas was attacked by an Egyptian national. "The recent terror attack in Boulder, Colorado, has underscored the extreme dangers posed to our country by the entry of foreign nationals who are not properly vetted, as well as those who come here as temporary visitors and overstay their visas. We don't want them," Trump said in a video message. The suspect in the Colorado attack, Mohammed Sabry Soliman, threw fire bombs and sprayed burning gasoline at the group, according to police. Fifteen people were injured. US Homeland Security officials said Soliman was in the country illegally after overstaying a tourist visa. Trump compared the new travel ban to the "powerful travel restrictions" he imposed on a number of mainly Muslim countries in 2017 shortly after his first term began. He described that action as one of the most successful policies of his first term and a key part of preventing major foreign terrorism attacks on US soil, citing terrorism attacks that occurred in Europe in recent years. "We will not let what happened in Europe happen in America," Trump said. "We cannot have open migration from any country where we cannot safely and reliably vet and screen." In addition to Afghanistan and Iran, the countries on the new travel ban are Burma, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. The ban takes effect at 12:01 a.m. Washington time on June 9. Though the restriction does not effect travelers from Egypt, Trump said in "light of recent events" he ordered the secretary of state to update him on the review of the practices and procedures of Egypt "to confirm the adequacy of its current screening and vetting capabilities." In addition to the ban, there will be heightened restrictions on visitors from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela, the proclamation said. Trump said he remains "committed to engaging with those countries willing to cooperate to improve information sharing and identity management procedures, and to address both terrorism-related and public safety risks." The travel ban issued during his first term banned citizens of seven predominantly Muslim countries -- Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia, and Yemen. It resulted in chaos and confusion at airports in those countries and at US airports as travelers were either barred from boarding their flights to the United States or detained once they arrived. The travelers affected included students and faculty as well as professionals, tourists, and people visiting friends and loved ones. Trump defended the ban on national security grounds, arguing it was not based on anti-Muslim bias. It was revised amid legal challenges until a version was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. The new travel ban follows an executive order Trump issued in January requiring the departments of State and Homeland Security and the Director of National Intelligence to compile a report on "hostile attitudes" toward the United States. The executive order also asked for an assessment of whether entry from certain countries represented a national security risk. With reporting by AP By Nazrin Abdul Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ali Asadov, took part in a meeting of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Council of Heads of Government, held in the capital of Tajikistan, Dushanbe. The event also included a meeting with the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon. The press service of the Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan reported that Asadov participated in the event as part of his working visit to Tajikistan. It is worth noting that Azerbaijan joined the CIS on September 24, 1993, following the organizations establishment on December 8, 1991. The country actively engages with all member statesexcept Armeniaacross various sectors including culture, humanitarian initiatives, science, and more, prioritizing its national interests within the framework of CIS cooperation. Azerbaijan consistently participates in CIS annual meetings, including the Council of Heads of State, Council of Heads of Government, Council of Foreign Ministers, and other affiliated bodies. EBRD seals strategic deals to strengthen Kyrgyzstans private sector Photo: EBRD Jurgen Rigterink, First Vice President of the EBRD, signed key agreements in Bishkek to support Kyrgyzstans private sector, including two risk-sharing deals totaling $2.25 million and a $100,000 grant. He also met with top officials and local businesses to advance projects under the Banks new country strategy. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register One of Ukraines worst ecological disasters in recent years is now the site of a remarkable natural transformation, according to ecologists. The Kakhovka Reservoir on the Dnieper River in Ukraines Kherson region spilled into dozens of villages, causing widespread flooding and scores of deaths on June 6, 2023, as the result of explosions atop a crucial dam. Investigations have concluded that Russian troops likely placed the explosives, causing flooding to hinder a planned Ukrainian counteroffensive to the Russian invasion, although the Kremlin denies the charge. Two years after the disaster, despite the vast damage to downstream areas, especially farmland, the ground that once stood under 4.5 meters of water is showing signs of rapid transformation into willow and poplar woods, according to Mykhaylo Mulenko of the Khortytsia National Reserve, which oversees the area. Where I'm standing was underwater, Mulenko recently told RFE/RL as he walked through a dense thicket of saplings growing over his head. Here everything happens naturally and is overgrown with those plants that were characteristic of this territory. Nearby, water lilies have been growing despite a lack of water, he added. The forest is actually very dense. If you go deep into these thickets, you get lost -- its really hard to keep your sense of direction. Flora and fauna have both been returning to the site, he said. The dam was a critical hydroelectric power source before it burst, resulting in pollution and contamination of water sources that was so extensive Kyiv accused the Kremlin of ecocide. Thousands of fish were destroyed, natural habitats ruined, and hundreds of homes were inundated. Now cranes, herons, deer, boars, badgers, and more than 100 rare species have been sighted in the former flood zone. Poplars, willow trees, a naturally regenerated floodplain forest is forming, gradually replacing the territory of the Kakhovka Reservoir, said Mulenko. The increase in biodiversity is remarkable, he added. In 2023, after the Kakhovka hydroelectric dam was blown up, we observed about 40 species of plants here. At the end of last year there were about 140. The site has witnessed more than one epic disaster: The Kakhovka dam was originally built in 1956, raising the natural level of the Dnieper River by 16 meters, flooding an area historically marked by dense forest called the Great Meadow and creating the Kakhovka Reservoir. It formed the second-largest reservoir in Ukraine by area and the largest by water volume. An earlier dam on the Dnieper was breached twice during World War II, once in August 1941, when the Soviet NKVD blew it up to hinder the Nazi advance, killing between 3,000 and 100,000 Soviet civilians, as well as Soviet troops. In 1943, it was blown up again, this time by retreating German troops. Russian forces seized the Kakhovka dam in February 2022 in the early days of Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Russia attacked Ukrainian infrastructure that year, damaging several other dams and leaving many Ukrainians without access to water. Now, although nature has indeed rebounded, the damage from 2023 remains extensive. A report by the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe lays out the case for holding Russia responsible for the destruction: It is clear that the havoc wrought by Russias actions will endure for decades and that Ukraine will require both international and intergenerational support to adequately address it. A Russian air strike killed at least five people, including members of three generations from the same family, in the northern Ukrainian city of Pryluky, prompting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to renew calls for the international community to exert "all available means" of pressure on Moscow to bring about a cease-fire. Officials said six drones hit a residential area in Pryluky shortly before dawn on June 5, killing a mother, her 1-year-old son, and his grandmother as the father was out performing rescue work at another site hit by the attack. "Russia constantly tries to buy time to continue its killings. When it doesn't feel strong enough condemnation and pressure from the world -- it kills again," Zelenskyy said in a social media post, noting 632 children had been killed since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. "We expect action from the United States, Europe, and everyone in the world who can really help change these terrible circumstances. Strength matters, and the war can only end through strength. Moscow must be pressured by all available means and gradually deprived of its ability to continue this aggression." Ukrainian officials said other overnight Russian attacks struck the major Ukrainian cities of Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhya, and Kherson, leaving at least three people dead and scores more injured, including four children. Liliya, a Kherson resident, told RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service that the attack hit her neighbor's yard. "It happened fast and was very loud," she said. "There was nowhere to hide.... When we went out, there was a lot of huge debris and shattered glass all over the street," Liliya added. Oleksandr Prokudin, governor of the Kherson region, said a Russian missile strike destroyed the regional administration building. According to local media reports, Russian forces damaged the building in the early morning hours before guiding another missile to completely destroy it. The attacks followed a phone call between President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart, Donald Trump, where the Russian leader warned "very strongly" of Russia's intention to respond to a Ukrainian drone attack over the weekend on military facilities and railway infrastructure. According to Trump, the call lasted 75 minutes, and Ukraine's surprise drone attack, carried out by Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) on June 1, was one of the topics discussed. "We discussed the attack on Russia's docked airplanes by Ukraine, and also various other attacks that have been taking place by both sides," Trump said. "Putin did say, and very strongly, that he will have to respond to the recent attack on the airfields," he added. Trump has been pushing the two sides to reach a cease-fire agreement after making it a foreign policy priority during the campaign that saw him win back the White House in a November 2024 election. Russian and Ukrainian delegations met on June 2 in Istanbul -- only the second round of face-to-face negotiations between the two sides in more than three years -- that failed to move the peace process forward. Leaders from several Western nations and many military analysts have accused Putin of not seriously seeking a peace deal, instead dragging the process out to ward off US sanctions while gaining ground on the battlefield. Colonel Pavlo Palisa, a Ukrainian military officer, told reporters in Washington on June 4 that Russia has set a goal of establishing the buffer zone by the end of the year and wants to seize the entirety of Donetsk and Luhansk by the end of September. "It's interesting, but they have plans even for 2026. The plan for next year is to occupy the whole part of Ukraine which is situated on the left bank of the Dnipro River," he said after briefing US lawmakers and officials. Another goal is to cut off Ukraine's Black Sea access, he said. Palisa, who is deputy head of Zelenskyy's office, was part of a Ukrainian delegation that was in Washington as Kyiv pushes for stronger pressure against Moscow. He presented what he said were findings from Ukrainian military intelligence. After a second round of face-to-face negotiations in Istanbul on June 2, it seemed like Russia and Ukraine were further from a cease-fire -- let alone a deal to end the biggest war in Europe since 1945 -- than they had been when they sat down to start the talks. Days later, the path toward peace may be even longer, and the hurdles higher: Russian President Vladimir Putin lashed out on June 4 after deadly railroad attacks he blamed on Ukraine, branding the government in Kyiv "terrorists" and seeming to question whether talks should continue. US President Donald Trump, following a phone call with Putin later the same day, said their conversation would not lead to "immediate peace" and that Putin told him Moscow would respond to Ukrainian drone attacks that struck strategic bombers deep inside Russia. If the first direct peace talks since the weeks after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 were not already doomed to failure, are they now? Here's what to watch in the wake of the second round of negotiations, the Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian bombers, Putin's outburst, and his conversation with Trump. Is Putin's Stance Hardening? Carried out on the eve of the June 2 talks, the Ukrainian drone strikes were a major display of force. In the ensuing days, a slew of social media posts from Ukrainians and their supporters suggested the attacks showed that Kyiv does hold cards, contrary to a remark Trump made after a disastrous Oval Office meeting with Zelenskyy in February. But Tatyana Stanovaya, a longtime analyst of the Kremlin and a senior fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, said it would be wrong to expect that the strikes would move push Putin closer to making any concessions. In fact, she said, it may push him in the opposite direction. "I believe such attacks will only reinforce his determination to dismantle the Ukrainian state in its current form," Stanovaya wrote on X. "He will respond by becoming more hardline and less compliant." At the same time, Russia would like to keep the direct talks with Ukraine going, observers say, because the negotiations allow Moscow to claim that it is seeking peace, a move that helps keep Washington from imposing a new round of sanctions. Anyone who watched Putin speak at a government meeting on June 4 might think Moscow was about to abandon the process after two meetings in Istanbul on May 16 and June 2. "Who even holds negotiations with those who rely on terror, with terrorists?" said Putin, who described Ukraine's leadership as "the heads of a thoroughly rotten and completely corrupt regime." Bellicose words, but not necessarily words that suggest a change in diplomatic strategy. Russia has maintained an uncompromising stance for months, laying out maximalist terms at the Istanbul talks and rejecting calls by Kyiv and the West for a 30-day cease-fire. Moscow has made clear it opposes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's push for a summit with Putin, and top Kremlin foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov indicated the remark about terrorists meant that Russia would indeed reject any further direct talks. Putin told Trump that the June 2 negotiations were "useful" and "we hope thatthe two sides will be able to continue their talks" after they study the proposals Russian and Ukrainian negotiators exchanged at the meeting. Following the meeting, the head of Ukraine's negotiating team, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, proposed further talks between June 20 and June 30. Zelenskyy sharply criticized Russia and after a drone attack on the Chernihiv region killed a woman, her adult daughter, and her year-old grandson, but he did not say whether it would affect any further talks with Moscow. "So far, it seems like the Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory won't have any consequences for the talks in Istanbul," Russian-language news outlet The Bell wrote in a newsletter late on June 4. "There's not much to undermine, because serious results from the current talks should not be expected," it said, before adding that results "are needed by both sides to demonstrate their peaceful intentions to Donald Trump." Will Trump Pressure Putin? A crucial question, as it has been for months, is how Trump will react to the latest developments and whether he will step up US pressure on Russia, something he has refrained from doing so far. Trump, who has been seeking to broker an end to Russia's war on Ukraine since he took office for a second time in January, has said several times that he believes Putin wants peace. But he has voiced increasing frustration with Putin in recent weeks as Russia has pounded Ukraine with relentless attacks, often killing civilians, and rejected the 30-day cease-fire proposal, which initially came from Washington and was accepted by Kyiv. Putin "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 wrote on his Truth Social platform on May 26. Two days later, Trump warned that the United States will take unspecified actions if he determines that Putin is "tapping us along" rather than engaging in a good-faith search for peace, adding that "it will take about a week and a half, two weeks." While Trump has also continued to criticize Ukraine at times, his remarks about Putin have raised expectations that he could impose new sanctions on Russia. On June 4, he posted a recent Washington Post opinion article headlined "Congress can give Trump the leverage to coerce Putin" -- a reference to a bipartisan bill that Republican Senator Lindsey Graham has said would impose "bone-crushing" sanctions on Russia. But after his phone call with Putin the same day, which he said was a "good conversation, but not a conversation that will lead to immediate peace," Trump made no mention of any frustration with Russia or its president. In a Truth Social post devoted less to the war in Ukraine than to the possibility that Putin could help reach a deal curbing Iran's nuclear program, Trump said that he and Putin had discussed "attacks by both sides," Moscow and Kyiv. And he conveyed what he indicated was a strongly worded warning from Putin that Russia "will have to respond to the recent attack on the airfields" -- something Putin had not mentioned in public at all. The threat of tougher sanctions still hangs in the air, and Trump's next steps are unclear, but the absence of any words of warning for Putin or Russia in his post rattled Ukrainians and angered his opponents at home. "Trump, by effectively refusing to respond firmly to Putin's threats against Ukraine, has replaced the previous 'Putin, stop' stance with a silent 'Go ahead, Putin: Do it, and we won't stop you,'" Kyiv-based political scientist Oleh Saakyan told Current Time. Later on June 5, meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Washington, Trump said that he had urged Putin not to hit at Ukraine over the drone strikes but that he expects Russia will do so. "It's probably not going to be pretty. I don't like it," Trump said. Zelenskyy, meanwhile, redoubled his calls for increased pressure on Russia following the deadly strike in the Chernihiv region, saying, "We expect action from the United States, Europe, and everyone in the world who can really help change these terrible circumstances. "Strength matters, and the war can only end through strength," he wrote on X. "Moscow must be pressured by all available means and gradually deprived of its ability to continue this aggression." Meeting with Trump at the White House, Merz echoed Zelenskyy, calling for more pressure on Moscow and saying the US president is the "key person in the world" in that regard. Trump made no commitment to ramp up the pressure and declined to say whether he supports the Senate sanctions bill, calling it "very harsh." He said he told Putin that Russia's war on Ukraine was like two children "fighting in a park. Sometimes you're better off letting them fight for a while and then pulling them apart." Trump suggested that he believes it is still too early to impose new sanctions over the war -- and that if the time comes, he might target both sides. "When I see the moment where it's not going to stop... we'll be very, very, very tough. And it could be on both countries, to be honest," he said. "You know, it takes two to tango." BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, June 5. Regional Director of the World Bank for Central Asia Tatiana Proskuryakova is concluding her mission in the region, Trend reports via the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan. On this occasion, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan Bakyt Torobaev met with Proskuryakova. During the meeting, the sides discussed current areas of bilateral cooperation, including progress on the Kambarata HPP-1 project. Torobaev expressed appreciation for the World Banks ongoing support, noting the significant expansion of the banks project portfolio in Kyrgyzstan across sectors such as energy, irrigation, water supply, education, and healthcare. He also highlighted support for small and medium-sized enterprises and development partner contributions to a major drinking water access initiative. In response, Proskuryakova expressed gratitude for the recognition and emphasized the importance of the partnership with Kyrgyzstan. I am pleased with the progress Kyrgyzstan has made in recent years. You want to make a snow leopard leapI believe you will become the leopard of Central Asia, she said, expressing confidence in continued collaboration to support sustainable development and improve the well-being of the Kyrgyz people. DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, June 5. President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon discussed issues of cooperation with the heads of government of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) member countries, Trend reports via the administration of the president of Tajikistan. The meeting took place within the frame of the CIS Council of Heads of Government session in Dushanbe. The sides discussed prospects for strengthening multilateral collaboration in trade, economy, energy, industry, agriculture, innovation, and digital development. They also exchanged views on expanding ties in education, science, culture, and healthcare. Meanwhile, special attention was given to joint efforts in environmental protection, climate resilience, and biodiversity conservation. The importance of coordinated actions in addressing regional security challenges was also emphasized. Rahmon reaffirmed Tajikistans commitment to promoting constructive cooperation among CIS member states based on mutual respect and shared interests. In addition, he emphasized the importance of deepening collaboration in education, healthcare, culture, science, and technology. The president also underscored the significance of adopting an action plan for the second phase of the CIS Economic Development Strategy through 2030 as a key item on Tajikistans chairmanship agenda. Discussions also covered environmental protection, mutual support for global initiatives, and the outcomes of the first high-level international conference on glacier preservation. Security cooperation and joint efforts to address modern threats and challenges were also deemed essential. Tanaiste Simon Harris has confirmed that County Roscommon resident, Robert Pether, has been released from jail in Iraq after four years. According to a report in the Irish Independent on Thursday evening, Mr Pether an Australian citizen who had been living in Elphin with his family has embarked on the first step in returning to Ireland. The report stated that Mr Pether had been released from prison on bail and remained in Iraq. This evening, I have been informed of the release on bail of Robert Pether, whose imprisonment in Iraq has been a case of great concern, said Tanaiste Simon Harris. This is very welcome news in what has been a long and distressing saga for Roberts wife, three children and his wider family and friends. "Foreign Minister (Fuad) Hussein of Iraq, whom I spoke to last month to urge Roberts release, called me this evening with the news. I was informed that Robert has been released on bail and for the moment he remains in Iraq, but I welcome this as a first step to his being allowed to return to his family in Roscommon," the Tanaiste continued. Mr Pether has been in an Iraqi jail since April 21st, 2021. *The Roscommon Herald will update this story as soon as more details become available. Isabel Hayes Two boys who raped a teenage girl in a car at Limerick Racecourse when they were aged just 13 and 15 years old have each been sentenced to six years in detention. A third defendant (now 18) who was found guilty of aiding and abetting the rapes by moving the car in which it occurred was jailed for three and a half years. The daytime attack against the girl involved humiliation and degradation and was committed by offenders of a very young age, the Central Criminal Court heard. The teenage rapists and their families do not accept the verdicts of the jury and there was a heavy garda presence in court for sentencing on Thursday. Mr Justice Paul McDermott said that had the boys who are all cousins - been adults at the time of the offending, the headline sentence for the rape offences would have been in the range of 15 years to life imprisonment. This was a 16-year-old intoxicated girl in a vulnerable situation subjected to rape and sexual assault, he said. She was raped one after the other by (the two boys) and in the course of these rapes, she was sexually assaulted. The girl was repeatedly saying no during the assaults. Further indignity and humiliation was heaped upon her by video footage being taken of the incident, the judge said. Lack of remorse Handing down sentence, Mr Justice McDermott noted there was very little to be said in mitigation for the boys, as they have not expressed remorse or any understanding of the harm caused to the complainant. They must be sentenced as juveniles under the Children Act, in which detention is a last resort, the court heard. The judge accepted the third defendant, who aided and abetted the rapes, has taken some responsibility for his involvement but struggles to understand it. He noted they have no previous convictions and have been subject to some childhood trauma, with mental health difficulties in their families. They had a lack of understanding in the areas of sexual relations and consent, the court heard. Mr Justice McDermott sentenced the two rapists to a sentence of seven and a half years of detention, with the final 18 months suspended on a number of conditions, including that they engage in sexual offending programmes and have no contact whatsoever with the complainant. The judge noted this means that part of their sentence will be served in prison. He sentenced the third defendant to five years in jail as he is now over the age of 18 years. He suspended the final 18 months of this sentence on the same conditions. The three boys stood trial at the Central Criminal Court sitting in Cork earlier this year, with two of the boys (now aged 16 and 17) found guilty of sexually assaulting and raping the then 16-year-old girl in a car at the racecourse on December 26th 2022. They were 13 and 15 years old at the time. The third boy (now 18) was found guilty by the jury of four counts of aiding and abetting the rapes and sexual assaults following the six-week trial. The court heard he moved the car during the course of the attack. He was aged 15 at the time. He was acquitted of one count of false imprisonment. Video clips were taken of the incident by one of the boys, including one clip of the girl walking away from the car after she had been raped. When she found her friends, she was extremely upset and immediately told them what had happened to her, the court heard. The boys denied raping the girl, telling gardai differing versions of events including one who said he was in Dublin on the day in question. They all eventually claimed it was a consensual encounter. Detective Garda Lisa O'Regan told Dean Kelly SC, prosecuting, that the girl was socialising with her friends at the racecourse on the day in question. She was, in her own words, really drunk when she got chatting to the three boys, Mr Kelly said. The court heard she agreed to go for a walk with one of the boys because she wanted to kiss him. Instead, she found herself in a car belonging to one of the boy's fathers where she was sexually assaulted and raped by two of them. The third boy moved the car at one point during the attack. The girl said she told the boys No repeatedly and that she was on her period and had a tampon in. She said she told them she needed to go back to her friends, but they repeatedly said no and that she was fine. When medically examined later that evening, she was found to have extensive bleeding and bruising. She was a virgin prior to the attack. The complainant (now aged 18) was not in court for the sentence hearing in Dublin. In a victim statement read out on her behalf by counsel, she described her fear and anxiety in the aftermath of the attack, during which she was begging them to get off me. Vulgar details At the age of 16, I had my innocence stripped away from me, she said. These two (boys) took what they wanted with no regrets. She said her parents had to hear every vulgar and gruesome detail of what happened to her and that she will forever have guilt on my shoulders - not just for how it affected me, but everyone around me. They not only took away the rest of my childhood, they took away the rest of my life, she said. At the age of 16, I was raped. This is always something I will have to carry around. But what I can do is live with the fact that I told the truth. The court heard the boys, who are all cousins, have no previous convictions. They are all in detention or custody since the guilty verdicts were handed down last April. The case was previously adjourned for a number of weeks for preparation of probation reports. Cathal McGreal, BL, defending the youngest of the three boys, said his client was then aged 13 and had no previous convictions. He said that a report before the court described him as mild-mannered, introverted and vulnerable from a mental health point of view. Counsel said his client made admissions and described him as not a particularly mature 13-year-old, and this was his first sexual experience. The court heard that the boy's father and his family do not accept the verdict. Mr McGreal said his client wants to pursue his Junior Certificate and is interested in becoming a mechanic or a builder. He is against drugs and alcohol and wants to marry his girlfriend. Vincent Heneghan SC, defending the then 15-year-old boy, said his client comes from a good supportive family and they are concerned for him. He stated that his client does not accept the jury's verdict and that this will limit any potential mitigation. Counsel said his client presents as intermittently distressed since going into custody and is not sleeping well. He said he is engaging in education and sport while in Oberstown. Mr Henaghan said the defendant has no issues with drugs or alcohol and outlined that there was no pre-planning to this offending. He asked the court to consider the reports that were before the court on behalf of his client and requested that the court be as lenient as possible. Donal Cronin BL, defending the third boy, said his sexual knowledge at the time was limited. He outlined that his client has no issues with drink or drugs and that sport has formed a major part of his life. Mr Cronin asked the court to fashion a sentence that would mark the wrongdoing but also include rehabilitation. He asked the court to consider the mitigating factors, including his client's culpability, his involvement and the fact he was a child at the time. 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. High Court Reporters A windfarm must fully shut down three of its six turbines and pay a total 360,000 damages, including 60,000 aggravated damages, to a couple over its adverse impact on them, a High Court judge has ordered. ABO Energy Ireland Ltd and ABO Energy O&M Ireland Ltd, operators of the wind farm at Gibbett Hill, near Bunclody, Co Wexford along with its owner, Wexwind Ltd, also face a potential legal costs bill of 2.3 million incurred by Raymond Byrne and Lorna Moorhead in their proceedings. Mr Justice Oisin Quinn refused to grant a stay, pending appeal, on orders made in a judgment on Friday so as to permit the three turbines closest to the couples home to partially operate over certain fixed hours. The defendants failed to engage in any meaningful way with the genuine and substantive complaints made by the couple over 12 years since the turbines began operating in 2013, he said. The defendants seriously unimpressive approach represented a threat to the goal of developing wind farms and wind energy here, he said. Addressing wind turbine noise in a substantial way is seen as critical to the future success of wind as a major source of renewable energy. The trial had heard that engineers and other experts are used to engaging with nearby residents and others and there are usually many solutions available, short of shutting down wind turbines, he noted. The defendants approach merited aggravated damages, he said, but he would not award exemplary damages for reasons including the impact of the shut down order and positive behaviour of the defendants during the trial, including their admitting liability for nuisance on day 11 of the hearing. In their proceedings, the couple claimed the defendants had wrongfully caused or permitted noise, vibration and shadow flicker to be emitted from the wind farm which caused, and continues to cause them, stress, anxiety and sleep disturbance, destroyed the use and enjoyment of their property and devalued it. Represented by John Rogers SC, instructed by solicitor Joe Noonan, they initiated their action in 2018. The defendants had contested the claims but, last March, on the 11th day of the hearing of their full action, the defence admitted liability in relation to the claims of nuisance and switched off the turbines from 10pm to 7am daily. At the end of the six week trial on April 4th, the defendants apologised for the nuisance and told the court they would also switch off the turbines from 7am to 11am at weekends and public holidays, would pay damages for nuisance to date and into the future and would address shadow flicker. In his 100 page judgment on Thursday, Mr Justice Quinn said the plaintiffs expert evidence was that the nuisance was one of the worst cases of wind farm noise impact and the defence expert said it was an outlier. He awarded annual damages of 10,000 and 15,000 respectively to Mr Byrne and Ms Moorhead for the 12 years of the nuisance from May 2013, meaning 120,000 and 180,000 general damages respectively. It was not appropriate to permit the defendants to pay additional damages rather than have the three turbines shut down, he held. The fair, just and appropriate outcome was a permanent order directing their full shut down as that was the only order which would prevent what the defendants admitted was a serious nuisance. If an evidential basis for a solution, or combination of solutions, had been put forward by the defendants, that could have avoided the full shutdown of the turbines, he said. His conclusions, he stressed, were limited to the circumstances of this case, including the defendants decision to largely ignore and then fail to engage in any meaningful way with a substantial and serious problem they had belatedly admitted. Rakesh Dhawan Slams Pakistani Actor Iftikhar Thakur Over Bold Claim on Punjabi Cinema "Only those films of yours became hits which you did with me. The rest were all flops," Dhawan alleged Rakesh Dhawan Slams Pakistani Actor Iftikhar Thakur Over Bold Claim on Punjabi Cinema Rakesh Dhawan vs Iftikhar Thakur on Latest Controversy News Today: A war of words has broken out between Indian Punjabi filmmaker Rakesh Dhawan and Pakistani actor Iftikhar Thakur, following Thakurs controversial claim that Indian Punjabi films cannot become hits without Pakistani actors. Advertisement Thakurs statement, which implied that the success of Indian Punjabi films heavily depends on talent from Pakistan, has drawn sharp criticism from the Indian side. Reacting strongly, Rakesh Dhawan, who has written and directed several successful Punjabi films, hit back with a scathing social media post, accusing Thakur of arrogance and disrespect. "Oh Iftikhar Thakur, you can't even run your house, and you think you can run Punjabi cinema?" Dhawan wrote. He argued that Indian Punjabi cinema has proven itself capable of delivering blockbuster hits without any involvement from across the border, and that Thakur's comments only reveal his frustration and irrelevance. In a no-holds-barred tone, Dhawan accused Thakur and his colleagues of contributing little beyond vulgar comedy and claimed that Pakistani actors like him rose to popularity only due to Indian-made films like Chal Mera Putt. Dhawan pointed out that many religious groups in Pakistan had once disapproved of Thakurs work, branding it "haraam." Advertisement "Only those films of yours became hits which you did with me. The rest were all flops," Dhawan alleged, adding that if he disclosed the kind of statements Thakur made on set, the actors own audience would turn against him. He further remarked that Thakur had lost his grip ever since his recent work was stalled and called upon Pakistani actor Nasir Chinyoti to guide him. Youre supposed to grow with age, not regress, Dhawan said, ending his statement with a firm rebuke. The remarks have gone viral across both Indian and Pakistani media platforms, stirring debate about artistic collaboration, nationalism, and the fragile nature of cross-border cultural exchanges. Advertisement While supporters of Dhawan applauded him for standing up for the Indian Punjabi film industry, others have called for restraint and urged both sides to avoid making personal attacks. Thakur, as of now, has not issued a response. This heated exchange comes at a time when cultural collaboration between India and Pakistan remains rare but often powerful, with previous projects like Chal Mera Putt showcasing a unique blend of talent from both nations. Whether this rift will impact future collaborations remains to be seen. (For more news apart from Rakesh Dhawan vs Iftikhar Thakur on Latest Controversy News Today, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) Congress and RJD together made Bihar weak and defamed it: Nityanand Rai Taking a sharp dig at Rahul Gandhi, Shri Rai said that the Congress party has always followed a policy of surrender Congress and RJD together made Bihar weak and defamed it: Nityanand Rai, Patna, June 5: Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Nityanand Rai, on the occasion of the anniversary of Sampoorna Kranti Diwas (Total Revolution Day), said that it was on this very day that Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan (JP), from the soil of Bihar, gave a clarion call for a total revolution against the Congress, which had strangled democracy by imposing Emergency. He stated that Congress, in blatant disregard of the will of the people, imposed Emergency and arrested opposition leaders. Under JPs leadership, the youth and students launched such a powerful movement that it shook the very foundation of the Congress regime. Many young lives were sacrificed during this struggle for the restoration of democracy. Advertisement Shri Rai pointed out that some leaders who once stood shoulder to shoulder with JP eventually betrayed his ideals and sided with Congress for the lure of power. Lalu Prasad Yadav was one such leader who not only betrayed JP but also the very spirit of democracy and the Total Revolution. His actions proved that both Congress and RJD share the same political character marked by scams, dynasty politics, corruption, and divisive politics. He further said that Congress and RJD, together, ruined Bihar making it weak and tarnishing its image. Bihar will never forgive Lalu Yadav for betraying JP. Tejashwi Yadav is also part of the same legacy, and the people of Bihar are well aware of it. Taking a sharp dig at Rahul Gandhi, Shri Rai said that the Congress party has always followed a policy of surrender. Be it before terrorists or on matters of national security, Congress has repeatedly bowed down. He criticized Rahul Gandhi for using terms like surrender, stating that such language dishonors the sacrifice and valor of our armed forces. The public, he said, will give a fitting response to such leadership. Advertisement (For more news apart from Congress and RJD together made Bihar weak and defamed it: Nityanand Rai, stay tune to Rozana Spokesman) Navjot Kaur Sidhu Announces She Will Contest 2027 Punjab Assembly Elections Navjot Kaur Sidhu also confirmed that she will be actively participating in the Ludhiana by-election campaign. Navjot Kaur Sidhu To Contest 2027 Punjab Assembly Elections Latest News: Navjot Kaur Sidhu To Contest 2027 Punjab Assembly Elections Latest News: Senior Congress leader Navjot Kaur Sidhu has officially declared her intent to contest the Punjab Assembly Elections in 2027, saying that she has already begun preparations and is actively reconnecting with party workers and constituents. During her visit to Tilak Nagar in Amritsar, Dr. Sidhu met with Congress workers, urging them to rejoin the party and gear up for future electoral battles. Speaking to the media, she made it clear that she is determined to reclaim her constituency and promised a strong comeback. I am meeting workers, preparing ground-level strategies, and I will definitely win in 2027, she said. Advertisement Addressing speculation around her husband, Navjot Singh Sidhu, and his absence from the Ludhiana bypoll campaign, she clarified that his name has not been removed. He had signed an IPL agreement, but he is fully committed to the election campaign and has prepared a detailed strategy for it, including where and when he will campaign. Dr. Sidhu launched a scathing attack on the ruling Aam Aadmi Party, accusing it of making hollow promises and failing to address key issues. People are unhappy with the AAP. Not a single rupee has been spent on development in my constituency, and the government has failed to deliver on its commitments, especially on employment and drug abuse, she said. She particularly emphasized the worsening drug crisis in Punjab, alleging that the government is only targeting petty offenders while the main culprits roam free. The drug problem will not end until the big crocodiles are caught. You cannot clean the system by going after small people. Seal the borders of Punjab, and you might see some real change. Advertisement Campaigning for Ludhiana Bypoll: Navjot Kaur Sidhu also confirmed that she will be actively participating in the Ludhiana by-election campaign, lending her support to the Congress partys efforts to regain lost ground in the region. She concluded her interaction by reiterating her commitment to public service and said that the people of Punjab deserve better governance, adding, Our fight is for the youth, for jobs, and for a drug-free Punjab. (For more news apart from Navjot Kaur Sidhu To Contest 2027 Punjab Assembly Elections, stay tune to Rozana Spokesman) Operation Bluestar Anniversary: Amritsar Turns into Fortress, Devotees Flock to Sri Akal Takht Sahib Peaceful remembrance is the goal, said the Police Commissioner. Operation Bluestar Anniversary, Ghallukara Diwas, Amritsar Alert, Sri Akal Takht Sahib Latest News: Amritsar has turned into a virtual fortress as security agencies brace for the 41st anniversary of Ghallukara Diwas, to be observed at Sri Akal Takht Sahib on June 6. In light of the emotional and historical gravity of the occasion, the administration has deployed around 7,000 security personnel throughout the city. Commemorating the victims of Operation Bluestar in 1984, Ghallukara Diwas is a day of deep mourning and reverence for the Sikh community. Lakhs of devotees are expected to visit Sri Harmandir Sahib and the adjoining Akal Takht, leading to a major law and order exercise by the Punjab Police and district authorities. Advertisement Checkpoints have been set up at strategic locations, including roads leading to the Golden Temple, main markets, and transportation hubs. High-resolution drones and CCTV cameras are being used to monitor the city from above and ensure any suspicious activity is immediately flagged. Peaceful remembrance is the goal, said the Police Commissioner. We will not allow mischief-makers to hijack this solemn occasion. We are ready for any eventuality. Advertisement The SGPC, which manages gurdwara affairs, has also taken additional measures at the Akal Takht Sahib and has urged devotees to adhere to maryada (religious decorum). Special health units, ambulances, and fire teams have been stationed nearby as a precautionary step. Meanwhile, digital policing has also been stepped up. Dedicated cyber teams are monitoring online activity to prevent the spread of inflammatory posts, fake news, or communal content. In a joint statement, religious bodies and the district administration appealed to the public to maintain peace, communal harmony, and spiritual discipline during the observance. As Amritsar stands on high alert, the collective prayer remains: that the legacy of sacrifice be honored in peace. Advertisement (For more news apart from Operation Bluestar Anniversary, Ghallukara Diwas, Amritsar Alert, Sri Akal Takht Sahib Latest News, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) Trump-Putin Phone Call: Not a Conversation That Will Lead to Immediate Peace President Zelenskyy Wednesday, commented that if Russia had accepted Kyivs offer of a ceasefire... Trump-Putin Phone Call: Not a Conversation That Will Lead to Immediate Peace; Putin to Respond to Ukraines Recent Attack Trump-Putin Phone Call latest news: U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the phone on June 4. The call lasted for one hour and 15 minutes; however, the conversation was not considered fruitful or likely to lead to immediate peace. During the call, the two leaders discussed Ukraines attack on Russian docked aircraft and other ongoing attacks taking place on both sides. In a post on X (formerly Twitter) informing the public about the conversation, President Trump said, President Putin did say, and very strongly, that he will have to respond to the recent attack on the airfields by Ukraine. Advertisement The two leaders also discussed Iran. Trump stated, We also discussed Iran, and the fact that time is running out on Irans decision pertaining to nuclear weapons, which must be made quickly! I stated to President Putin that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon, and on this, I believe that we were in agreement. Trump further wrote that President Putin suggested he would participate in discussions with Iran and might be helpful in bringing this to a rapid conclusion. It is my opinion that Iran has been slow-walking their decision on this very important matter, and we will need a definitive answer in a very short period of time! he added. Since taking office in January 2025, President Trump has been consistently urging both warring nations to pursue peace. Advertisement Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, on Wednesday, commented that if Russia had accepted Kyivs offer of a ceasefire, the drone strike on Russian airfields would not have occurred. (For more news apart from Trump-Putin Phone Call: Not a Conversation That Will Lead to Immediate Peace; Putin to Respond to Ukraines Recent Attack, stay tune to Rozana Spokesman) June 5, 2025 UPDATE A roundup of local and world news June 5, 2025 UPDATE Newsroom, 05.06.2025, 20:00 NEGOTIATIONS Negotiations continue in Bucharest in the governmental task force on fiscal measures, coordinated by president Nicusor Dan. The pro-European parties in Parliament (the Social Democratic Party, the National Liberal Party, Save Romania Union and the Democratic Union of Ethnic Hungarians in Romania), which could form the new government, are looking at several fiscal measures, in order to identify the areas from which more money could be collected to the state budget in the shortest possible time. The options under analysis include raising the standard VAT rate from 19% to 21%, with possible exemptions for food and medicines, which would have a reduced VAT rate of 5%. Another proposal is to increase the dividend tax from 10% at present to 16%. In addition, pensions above EUR 500-600 could be subject to a 10% healthcare contribution (CASS), while copyright contracts would be subject to both healthcare and social security contributions. Stock transfers and income outsourcing could be taxed at 2%. There is also talk of a 16% solidarity tax to be paid by those with incomes above EUR 2,000, a measure to be implemented by the end of this year. Last but not least, an increase in excise duties is also being discussed, not including excise duties on fuel, as well as the taxation of crypto-currencies and an increase in taxes on gambling. All these issues are only being discussed for the time being, with the final package of tax measures to be decided later. The measures are to be implemented as of July 1 and are designed to tackle excessive macroeconomic imbalances. DEFICIT The European Commissions semester analysis shows that Romania is the only country in the European Union with excessive macroeconomic imbalances and which has not taken any effective measures compared to what it has undertaken to do. According to the Commission, the deepening deficit was caused, among other things, by an increase in current expenditure, public sector salaries and pensions. Brussels calls on Romania to come up with quick and effective measures, otherwise it risks not meeting the deficit correction targets by 2030 and may enter procedures that will lead to a loss of European funds as of next year. The executive vice-president of the European Commission Roxana Minzatu said the situation is serious, but any risk can certainly be avoided if Romanias new government sends its proposals for deficit reduction. SALT MINE In Praid, in central Romania, 8 international experts are working alongside their Romanian counterparts to find solutions to make the area safe, after the salt mine was severely affected by floods at the end of May. Temporary evacuation measures for the population remain in place, but people have access to their homes during the day for routine activities. In the perimeter of the old salt mine, craters have expanded in the last 24 hours, both horizontally and vertically. Local authorities say that their expansion does not endanger the efforts to redirect the Corund stream. To this end, trees have been cleared with the consent of the forest guard, and the contractor has started excavations on the riverbed in the area where pipes will be installed. The flow rate of the Corund stream is decreasing and the salinity measured at the points of interest has not increased. Over 300,000 litres of drinking water have been supplied to the 16 villages in Mures County affected by the increase in the salinity of the Tarnava Mica River. PETITION Over 123,000 people have so far signed a petition initiated by the civic organisation Declic, which calls on the president of Romania Nicusor Dan and on Parliament to appoint independent and principled judges to the Constitutional Court. Declic emphasises that political appointments and the lack of transparency in the selection process can lead to an institution that serves party interests rather than the Constitution, and demands that appointments be based on clear and transparent criteria, in order to ensure the protection of the fundamental values of democracy. The organisation is concerned with the Courts recent decision to cancel the obligation of public office holders and civil servants to declare their wealth and interests, the Courts unwillingness to revise the special pensions system and the decision to cancel the presidential elections based on classified documents. Declic mentions that the terms in office of 3 the constitutional judges end this month, and their replacements for a 9-year term will be designated by the Presidency, the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies, to whom the petition called We want independent judges at the CCR! is addressed. FRANCE The French Ambassador to Bucharest, Nicolas Warnery, made a number of clarifications on Thursday, following misinformation spreading online. The French diplomat denied any involvement of France in the election process in Romania, as circulated on social networks. He stressed that the head of the French secret services did not come to Romania at all during the elections, and the French military in Cincu did not prepare any kind of coup. This is not their mission, they are seconded to Romania to defend this country, Warnery pointed out. According to the ambassador, France is the target of a campaign benefitting Russia, because Paris campaigned for peace talks in Ukraine and President Emmanuel Macron and the government in Paris have publicly stated that what happened in Romania during the presidential elections in November 2024 was a hybrid attack by the Kremlin. NATO NATO defence ministers met in Brussels today to discuss the Alliances defence needs, in a last meeting before the NATO summit in The Hague later this month. NATOs secretary general Mark Rutte said the alliances new defence capabilities plan will be approved to further deter any attack on a member state. The plan will determine exactly how much investment is needed and how much the Allies defence budgets need to increase. Regardless of the exact figure, which could be between 3% and 5% of GDP in the long term, Rutte said the future formula must balance costs between the United States on the one hand and Europe and Canada on the other. The US defence secretary Pete Hegseth welcomed the fact that European allies have already increased their defence budgets. He reconfirmed the US commitment to NATO, but again pointed out that Washington must also be present in the Indo-Pacific region to protect its security interests, hence the need for fair participation in NATO financing by all Allies. (AMP) Romania cracks down on violence The Romanian MPs are taking new measures against violence Romania cracks down on violence; photo: Pixabay Bogdan Matei, 05.06.2025, 14:00 Road-rage brawls, people fighting over parking places, domestic violence, teenage students attacking their teachers, protesters fighting riot police are all part of daily news bulletins in Romania. Sociologists have also confirmed a general state of nervousness and anxiety fueled by economic, political, and affective frustrations and sometimes fostered by aberrant instigation on social media platforms. Statistics show that Romania is not necessarily a country more prone to violence than others in Europe, but the upward trend of violent deeds has become a certainty though. On Wednesday, the Chamber of Deputies in Bucharest endorsed a series of amendments to the law on fighting this scourge. Under a suggestive title, Romania without violence, the new law provides tougher penalties for battery, attacks and other forms of violence. With 286 yes votes, one against and one abstention, the new law has been endorsed by a huge Parliament majority, as MPs stood in its favour irrespective of their political affiliation. The new law package provides a series of amendments to the Penal Code and the right instruments to the competent authorities who are now able to effectively fight violence in all its forms. Under the new amendments, in criminal files in which the penal action is conditioned by a complaint, that complaint can be withdrawn only in the presence of a prosecutor. Battery or any other violent actions are punishable by prison from six months to three years or by fines as compared to the previous maximum two year sentences. At the same time, the Romanian MPs agreed the violent deed that caused traumatic lesions, which affected a persons health who is subsequently in need of 90 days of medical care at the most, be punishable by prison from one to five years or by fines. The law also provides for prison sentences between six months and three years, if the victim is a minor, the act is carried out in public, or the perpetrator carries a fire weapon, an object or a substance, which could endanger ones life, health or physical integrity. Repeat offenders will be facing higher prison sentences from 6 months to 5 years for violating restriction and restraining orders. The Chamber of Deputies is a decision making body for the new amendments. (bill) EBRD steps up support for reliable water in Tajikistans Kulob Photo: EBRD The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is providing additional funding to support ongoing improvements to water and wastewater infrastructure in Kulob, Tajikistan. The project aims to modernize key facilities and ensure reliable, around-the-clock access to clean drinking water for local residents, while also improving water conservation. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register Romania risks losing European funds Romania may lose European money unless urgent measures are taken. Roxana Minzatu Stefan Stoica, 05.06.2025, 13:50 For the first time in Romanias post-communist history, negotiations on the formation of a broad government coalition started with a discussion on the government program, more precisely on measures to reduce the excessive budget deficit, and not with the political distribution of ministerial positions. It is good that it happened this way, but the urgency of forming a cabinet and adopting budget rebalancing measures remains. This is also because, if it does not implement the reforms it has pledged to, Romania risks entering a European procedure at the end of which it could lose community funds, starting with the end of next year. The European Commission has presented the economic report of the Union, and it shows that Romania is the only country in the community block with excessive macroeconomic imbalances. The budget deficit is the largest in the EU and, according to the Commission, Bucharest has not taken any effective measures compared to what it assumed in January. The promised fiscal reform did not enter into force on the recommended deadline in this case, April 1, 2025. According to the Commission, the deterioration of Romanian finances was caused, among other things, by the increase in current spending, especially on wages and pensions. Thus, public debt increased to almost 55% in 2024 and will reach almost 60% in 2025. Therefore, the Commission is asking Romania to present urgent and effective measures, otherwise it risks failing to reach the deficit correction objective by 2030. As a result of these gaps and delays, Romania is the only country in the EU for which the Commission will submit to the Council a document in which it finds that the country has not taken any effective measures to reduce imbalances. The deadline is June 20 or possibly July 8, when the Economic and Financial Council meetings take place, and if the member states approve the Commissions opinion, a procedure will be opened at the end of which Romania could lose funds. However, it will be a long-term procedure, with various stages that include communications and decisions between the Commission, the Council and the European Parliament, on the one hand, and the Romanian Government, on the other. The Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, Roxana Manzatu, remains optimistic and says that, although the situation is serious, the risks can be eliminated if the new Romanian government sends the proposals for reducing the deficit and reaches a rapid agreement with the Commission. As for the concrete measures to reduce the deficit, sources within the Commission claim that the large deficit would require tough and urgent measures, including an increase in VAT. In addition to the imbalances, Romania also has a problem with the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, as it has approximately 80% delays the implementation of reforms. The deadline for all Member States remains unchanged August 31, 2026 for the implementation of the measures and December 31, 2026 for the last payment. (EE) Finland's foreign trade deficit decreased in April from a year ago as imports fell faster than exports, preliminary figures from the Finnish Customs showed on Thursday. The trade deficit declined to EUR 95.0 million in April from EUR 470 million in the same month last year. Exports fell 3.2 percent year-on-year in April, and imports were 5.2 percent lower. Exports of pharmaceutical products plunged by 28.0 percent from last year, while the imports of transport equipment slid by 13.0 percent, the agency said. Shipments to the EU countries grew by 2.7 percent in April, while imports from those countries declined by 8.4 percent. Exports to countries outside the EU fell 11.2 percent, and imports from those countries decreased by 9.0 percent. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Oil prices recovered some ground on Thursday, after having ended about 1 percent lower in the previous session on data showing a build in U.S. gasoline and diesel inventories and amid signs Saudi Arabia is seeking another big production increase at next month's OPEC meeting. Benchmark Brent crude futures edged up by 0.3 percent to $65.02 a barrel while WTI crude futures were up 0.4 percent at $63.08. Investors looked past concerns about oversupply, with Saudi Arabia pushing for a major increase in oil production and slashing prices for Asian buyers, signaling weaker demand. On the geopolitical front, U.S. President Donald Trump said that Russian President Vladimir Putin was not ready for an "immediate peace" in Ukraine and is planning to retaliate for Kyiv's drone attack on his country's bomber fleet. Traders also monitored the latest headlines on the trade front, with EU trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic tweeting: "We're advancing in the right direction at pace and staying in close contact to maintain the momentum." U.S. trade representative Jamieson Greer said in a statement that he was "pleased that negotiations are advancing quickly." The U.S. dollar edged higher today but remained on the backfoot given trade uncertainties and weak economic data. The European Central Bank (ECB) announces its policy decision later in the day, with another 25-bps rate cut expected. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Market Analysis President Donald Trump has signed a Proclamation suspending the entry of foreign nationals seeking to study or participate in exchange programs at Harvard University, citing security reasons. The Proclamation suspends the entry into the United States of any new Harvard student as a non-immigrant under F, M, or J visas. It directs the Secretary of State to consider revoking existing F, M, or J visas for current Harvard students who meet the Proclamation's criteria. The Proclamation does not apply to immigrants attending other U.S. universities through the Student Exchange Visa Program and exempts aliens whose entry is deemed in the national interest. The Proclamation says that the President took this decision considering Harvard's history of concerning foreign ties and radicalism. It alleged that the University has seen a drastic rise in crime in recent years, while failing to discipline at least some categories of conduct violations on campus. It notes that Harvard has failed to adequately address violent anti-Semitic incidents on campus, with many of these agitators found to be foreign students. The White House says Harvard has received more than $150 million from China alone. In exchange, Harvard hosted Chinese Communist Party paramilitary members and partnered with China-based individuals on research that could advance China's military modernization. The Chinese Communist Party has sent thousands of mid-career and senior bureaucrats to study at U.S. institutions, with Harvard University considered the top "party school" outside the country. President Xi Jinping's own daughter attended Harvard as an undergraduate in the early 2010s. The Proclamation denying the entry of foreign students to Harvard University comes a week after Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the U.S. will "aggressively revoke visas for Chinese students". Hundreds of thousands of Chinese students are enrolled at American universities. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News German manufacturing orders increased in April confounding fears that higher tariffs by the US administration would hit the factory sector, official data revealed Thursday. Factory orders rose 0.6 percent month-on-month in April, following a revised 3.4 percent rise in March, Destatis said. This was the second consecutive month of growth. Orders were expected to fall 1.0 percent. Excluding large-scale orders, new orders were 0.3 percent higher than in the previous month, the agency said. On a yearly basis, factory orders logged an expansion of 4.8 percent, faster than the 3.7 percent growth in the prior month. New orders for capital goods rose 4.1 percent compared to last month, while new orders for both intermediate goods and consumer goods dropped 3.4 percent and 5.9 percent, respectively. Foreign orders dropped 0.3 percent month-on-month, with a 0.9 percent decline in orders from outside the Eurozone. Meanwhile, orders from the euro area gained 0.5 percent. Domestic orders registered a monthly growth of 2.2 percent in April. Real turnover in manufacturing decreased 1.5 percent on a monthly basis in April, in contrast to the 2.3 percent increase in March. Year-on-year, real turnover was down 1.0 percent. ING economist Carsten Brzeski said industrial orders data is the first hard industrial data illustrating the potential impact of Donald Trump's 'Liberation Day' on German industry. At least for now, the feared full reversal of the frontloading effect of the first quarter has not materialized, Brzeski noted. The economist said the increase in order books suggests the cyclical recovery of German industry continues. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Economic News What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more. On the sidelines of the OECD trade ministerial in Paris, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer met with European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic to discuss ongoing trade negotiations between the United States and the European Union. Ambassador Greer said the meeting was "very constructive and indicates a willingness by the EU to work with us to find a concrete way forward to achieve reciprocal trade". "Last week, the European Union provided the United States with a credible starting point for discussions on reciprocal trade, and I am pleased that negotiations are advancing quickly," said Ambassador Greer. He said he looks forward to "continued constructive engagement in the coming days and weeks." The meeting in Paris occurred alongside technical talks by U.S., EU teams in Washington. In a dramatic move last month, Trump vowed to raise the tariff on the 27-nation bloc by 50 percent, but later suspended it until July 9 based on a phone call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Canadian stocks are turning in a mixed performance on Thursday with investors largely making cautious moves, looking ahead to the crucial U.S. and Canadian jobs data due on Friday. The benchmark S&P/TSX Composite Index was up 63.50 points or 0.24% at 26,392.50 nearly half an hour past noon. First Majestic Silver is rising nearly 14%. Fortuna Mining and Ivanhoe Mines are up 9% and 8%, respectively. Endeavour Silver, Aya Gold & Silver, Pan American Silver Corp, Orla Mining and Teck Resources are up 4 to 7%. Vermilion Energy Inc. is up 1.8%. The company announced that it has agreed to sell its United States assets for about $120 million in cash. The company intends to use the proceeds to repay debt. It plans to reduce debt to $1.3 billion by the end of the year. BlackBerry, MAG Silver, Ero Copper, Capstone Mining, TransAlta Corp., Lightspeed Commerce, SSR Mining, Seabridge Gold, K92 Mining and First Majestic Silver Corp are also up sharply. Descartes Systems Group shares are down nearly 9%. Novagold and G Mining Ventures are down 4% and 3.8%, respectively. Energy Fuels, Franco-Nevada Corporation, Tilray, Wheaton Precious Metals, Enerflex, Onex Corp and Emera Incorporated are also down sharply. On the economic front, data from Statistics Canada showed Canada's merchandise trade deficit widened to a record high of $7.1 billion in April from $2.3 billion in March. Exports dropped 10.8% to C$ 60.4 billion, the lowest level since June 2023. Meanwhile, imports were down 3.5% to C$ 67.6 billion. The Ivey Purchasing Managers Index in Canada dropped to 48.9 in May 2025 from 47.9 in April, surpassing expectations of 48.3 and signaling a contraction in economic activity for the second time since January, a report from Ivey Business School said. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Hyundai has just launched the updated 2025 Verna with new features and introduced a new trim level to diversify its variant lineup. Operating in the C+ Sedan segment, Verna has emerged as a popular choice as it is the quickest vehicle in its segment. Lets take a closer look at the newly introduced SX+ trim level for a starting price of Rs 13.79 lakh (Ex-sh) and what it has to offer. 2025 Hyundai Verna When 4th Generation Hyundai Verna (6th Generation globally) was launched in India in March 2023, there were only 4 trim levels on offer. These include EX, S, SX and SX (O). Across these four trim levels, there were a total of 10 variants on offer to buyers, depending on engine and gearbox combinations. With the launch of SX+ trim level, now there are a total of 10 variants. The newly launched SX+ trim level is positioned between SX and SX (O) trim levels. SX+ trim level is only offered with the 1.5L NA Petrol engine and spawns two variants, one with a 6-speed MT and other with an iVT gearbox option. Verna SX+ MPi 6MT is priced at Rs 13.70 lakh (Ex-sh) and Verna SX+ MPi iVT is priced at Rs 15.04 lakh (Ex-sh). The notable features of SX+ trim level include heated and ventilated front seats, leatherette seat upholstery, front parking sensors, 8-speaker Bose premium audio system, LED headlights and many more. These premium features are aimed at offering a premium experience to buyers and elevate in-cabin experience when compared to SX trim level. Wired to Wireless Adapter Hyundai has begun to offer Wired to Wireless Adapter with 2025 Verna. This adapter transforms in-cabin connected experience as it allows for wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay with the 10.2-inch head units offered with higher variants. With 2025 Verna, Hyundai is now offering this adapter on 7 of its models including Grand i10 Nios, Exter, Aura, Venue, Venue N Line and Alcazar. Creta and Creta N Line are the only exceptions. In the Indian automotive market, 2025 Hyundai Verna is positioned as a premium and sporty C+ Segment sedan that takes on immediate rivals like Volkswagen Virtus, Skoda Slavia and Honda City. It promises to offer a unique blend in premium cabin, sporty and new-age exteriors and powerful powertrains. Hyundai seems to be working on a facelift for Verna and the first set of spy shots have emerged. There might offer a subtle update to its front fascia, while keeping the overall experience similar to current model. We can expect a few added features with this midlife facelift as well and it could launch in 2026. Statement from Hyundai Commenting on the introduction of new Verna SX+ trim & Wired to Wireless Adapter, Mr. Tarun Garg, Whole-Time Director and Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India Limited, said, At HMIL, we are consistently driven by our vision of Progress for Humanity and customer-centric innovation. The introduction of the new VERNA SX+ variant aligns with our goal to democratize premium features and elevate ownership experience for our customers. Additionally, the Wired to Wireless Adapter reaffirms our commitment to offering accessible and advanced connectivity solutions across our product range. We are confident that these interventions will be appreciated by our customers. Iran quantifies Russian backing in expanding gas projects Russia plans to invest $8 billion in Irans gas projects, with $5 billion already secured under a broader bilateral agreement, according to Irans ambassador to Russia. Talks are ongoing for the remaining $3 billion and potential gas swap arrangements. The deal also includes cooperation in energy, technology, and regional security. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 5. Diplomatic relations between Iran and Russia have reached the level of a strategic partnership, Iranian Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali said during a meeting with a group of Russian intellectuals, Trend reports. Jalali noted that this development has led to a rise in high-level reciprocal visits between the two countries, with Russian President Vladimir Putin expected to visit Tehran in the near future. He stressed that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement between Iran and Russia, along with the free trade agreement between Iran and the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), is further strengthening bilateral ties. The official also pointed to banking cooperation as another key example of deepening relations. Russias Mir and Irans Shetab payment networks are now connected, allowing banking transactions for small businesses, students, and tourists. This system will continue to improve in the future, he said. The agreement was signed by the Presidents of Iran and Russia in Moscow on January 17, 2024. The agreement covers not only trade and economics but also cooperation in fields such as innovation technologies, peaceful nuclear energy, information and cybersecurity, counterterrorism, the Caspian Sea, and environmental issues. A free trade deal was inked between Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union in St. Petersburg, Russia, on December 25, 2023. Following the implementation of the newly inked agreement, trade turnover is anticipated to attain $18-20 billion within five to seven years. On March 15, 2025, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian formally instructed relevant state bodies to begin implementing the free trade law, which underpins the agreement with the EAEU. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Pride month activities Queer Prom: 8 p.m.-midnight Friday at Meow Wolfs House of Eternal Return. A reclamation of prom for those who missed out the first time or couldnt show up as their full selves with dancing and DJs. Purchase tickets at bit.ly/queerprom2025. The Shoulders We Stand On: 5-7 p.m. Friday, June 13, at the New Mexico History Museum, 113 Lincoln Ave. A free, all-ages look into the history of Santa Fes LGBTQ+ community, with a spotlight on the Roaring 20s. The Pride Train: 7-9:30 p.m. Saturday, June 14. All aboard the annual train on Sky Railway. Purchase tickets at bit.ly/pridetrain2025. Pride on the Plaza: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. June 28. Celebrate Pride with a parade, float competition, live performances and an outdoor spirits garden. Pride Patio Party: 9:30-11:30 a.m. June 28 at the Plaza Cafe Downtown; a fundraiser for the Santa Fe Human Rights Alliances LGBTQ+ Center with the best seats in the house for watching the Pride parade. Purchase tickets at bit.ly/pridebrunch2025. Pride After Dark: 8 p.m.-1 a.m. June 28 at Meow Wolfs House of Eternal Return. Keep the Pride celebration going with Tracy Young, a Grammy award-winning producer, DJ, composer, and owner of Ferosh Records. Purchase tickets at bit.ly/prideafterdark2025. For more Pride month activities, visit hrasantafe.org/pride-2025. New research by physicists from the University of Oxford, Johns Hopkins University and the Institute of Astrophysics in Paris shows that collisions between particles free falling from infinity and a disk of material plunging off the retrograde innermost stable circular orbit of a rotating black hole is the unique astronomically natural way in which to create a gravitational particle accelerator with center of mass energies at the tens to hundreds of teraelectronvolt range; in other words, a supercollider. Particle colliders smash protons and other subatomic particles into each other at nearly the speed of light, exposing the most fundamental aspects of matter. Subtle energy flashes and debris from the clash could reveal previously undiscovered particles, including potential candidates for dark matter, a critical but ghostly component of the Universe that scientists have yet to detect. Facilities such as the Large Hadron Collider have also helped transform the internet, cancer therapy, and high-performance computing. One of the great hopes for particle colliders like the Large Hadron Collider is that it will generate dark matter particles, but we havent seen any evidence yet, said Professor Joseph Silk, an astrophysicist Johns Hopkins University and the University of Oxford. Thats why there are discussions underway to build a much more powerful version, a next-generation supercollider. But as we invest $30 billion and wait 40 years to build this supercollider nature may provide a glimpse of the future in supermassive black holes. A black hole can spin around its axis like a planet, but with much greater strength because of its intense gravitational field. Scientists are increasingly discovering that some rapidly spinning massive black holes at the centers of galaxies release enormous outbursts of plasma, likely because of jets powered by energy from their spin and surrounding accretion disks. Its these events that could potentially generate the same results as human-made supercolliders. If supermassive black holes can generate these particles by high-energy proton collisions, then we might get a signal on Earth, some really high-energy particle passing rapidly through our detectors, Professor Silk said. That would be the evidence for a novel particle collider within the most mysterious objects in the universe, attaining energies that would be unattainable in any terrestrial accelerator. Wed see something with a strange signature that conceivably provides evidence for dark matter, which is a bit more of a leap but its possible. The new study shows that plunging gas flows near a black hole can draw energy from its spin, becoming much more violent than scientists thought possible. Near a rapidly spinning black hole, these particles can chaotically collide. Although not identical, the process is similar to the collisions scientists create using intense magnetic fields to accelerate particles in the circular tunnel of a high-energy particle collider. Some particles from these collisions go down the throat of the black hole and disappear forever, Professor Silk said. But because of their energy and momentum, some also come out, and its those that come out which are accelerated to unprecedentedly high energies. We figured out how energetic these beams of particles could be: as powerful as you get from a supercollider, or more. Its very hard to say what the limit is, but they certainly are up to the energy of the newest supercollider that we plan to build, so they could definitely give us complementary results. To detect such high-energy particles, scientists could use observatories already tracking supernovae, massive black hole eruptions, and other cosmic events. These include detectors like the IceCube Neutrino Observatory in the South Pole or the Kilometer Cube Neutrino Telescope, which recently detected the most energetic neutrino ever recorded under the Mediterranean Sea. The difference between a supercollider and a black hole is that black holes are far away. But nevertheless, these particles will get to us. The teams paper was published this week in the journal Physical Review Letters. _____ Andrew Mummery & Joseph Silk. 2025. Black Hole Supercolliders. Phys. Rev. Lett 134, 221401; doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.134.221401 As federal funding cuts impact decades of research, scientists could turn to black holes for cheaper, natural alternatives to expensive facilities searching for dark matter and similarly elusive particles that hold clues to the universe's deepest secrets, a new Johns Hopkins study of supermassive black holes suggests. The findings could help complement multi-billion-dollar expenses and decades of construction needed for research complexes like Europe's Large Hadron Collider, the largest and highest-energy particle accelerator in the world. "One of the great hopes for particle colliders like the Large Hadron Collider is that it will generate dark matter particles, but we haven't seen any evidence yet," said study co-author Joseph Silk, an astrophysics professor at Johns Hopkins University and the University of Oxford, UK. "That's why there are discussions underway to build a much more powerful version, a next-generation supercollider. But as we invest $30 billion and wait 40 years to build this supercollider nature may provide a glimpse of the future in super massive black holes." The research was published on June 3 in Physical Review Letters. Particle colliders smash protons and other subatomic particles into each other at nearly the speed of light, exposing the most fundamental aspects of matter. Subtle energy flashes and debris from the clash could reveal previously undiscovered particles, including potential candidates for dark matter, a critical but ghostly component of the universe that scientists have yet to detect. Facilities such as the Large Hadron Collider, a 17-mile circular tunnel, have also helped transform the internet, cancer therapy, and high-performance computing. A black hole can spin around its axis like a planet, but with much greater strength because of its intense gravitational field. Scientists are increasingly discovering that some rapidly spinning massive black holes at the centers of galaxies release enormous outbursts of plasma, likely because of jets powered by energy from their spin and surrounding accretion disks. It's these events that could potentially generate the same results as human-made supercolliders, the new study shows. "If supermassive black holes can generate these particles by high-energy proton collisions, then we might get a signal on Earth, some really high-energy particle passing rapidly through our detectors," said Silk, who is also a researcher at the Institute of Astrophysics in Paris and at the University of Oxford. "That would be the evidence for a novel particle collider within the most mysterious objects in the universe, attaining energies that would be unattainable in any terrestrial accelerator. We'd see something with a strange signature that conceivably provides evidence for dark matter, which is a bit more of a leap but it's possible." The new study shows that plunging "gas flows" near a black hole can draw energy from its spin, becoming much more violent than scientists thought possible. Near a rapidly spinning black hole, these particles can chaotically collide. Although not identical, the process is similar to the collisions scientists create using intense magnetic fields to accelerate particles in the circular tunnel of a high-energy particle collider. "Some particles from these collisions go down the throat of the black hole and disappear forever. But because of their energy and momentum, some also come out, and it's those that come out which are accelerated to unprecedentedly high energies," Silk said. "We figured out how energetic these beams of particles could be: as powerful as you get from a supercollider, or more. It's very hard to say what the limit is, but they certainly are up to the energy of the newest supercollider that we plan to build, so they could definitely give us complementary results." To detect such high-energy particles, scientists could use observatories already tracking supernovae, massive black hole eruptions, and other cosmic events, Silk said. These include detectors like the IceCube Neutrino Observatory in the South Pole or the Kilometer Cube Neutrino Telescope, which recently detected the most energetic neutrino ever recorded under the Mediterranean Sea. "The difference between a supercollider and a black hole is that black holes are far away," Silk said. "But nevertheless, these particles will get to us." Dr. Andrew Mummery, a theoretical physicist at University of Oxford, is also an author of the study. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 5. In a phone call marking Eid al-Adha, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Tajikistans President Emomali Rahmon underscored the importance of strengthening the strategic relationship between their two nations and expanding cooperation across various sectors, Trend reports. Pezeshkian praised the current state of Iran-Tajikistan ties, describing them as "highly positive," and emphasized that recent agreements would pave the way for greater bilateral collaboration, ultimately benefiting both countries. Rahmon, for his part, highlighted the shared historical and cultural heritage between Iran and Tajikistan, noting that the growing ties reflect the strong commitment of both governments. He also expressed confidence that the determination of both leaders would continue to drive progress in bilateral relations. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 5. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has signed a $200-million on-lending facility with the Industrial Development Bank of Turkiye (Turkiye Snai Kalknma Bankas A.S. TSKB) to bolster the countrys efforts in climate mitigation and adaptation in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, Trend reports citing the Bank. The loan, backed by a guarantee from the Government of Turkiye, marks the third such agreement between AIIB and TSKB since their partnership began in 2018. The "TSKB Sustainable Energy and Infrastructure On-lending Facility Phase 3" will provide long-term financing to eligible private sector borrowers engaged in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and climate adaptation initiatives. The funds will also support investments in emerging climate-focused industries and digital infrastructure, helping Turkiye meet its Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement. A broad range of stakeholders is expected to benefit from the facility, including renewable energy producers, industrial entities improving energy efficiency, manufacturers of climate technologies, and consumers of sustainable products. The project will also promote gender-inclusive data collection, accelerate digital transformation, and mobilize private capital. According to joint multilateral development bank (MDB) methodologies, at least $170 million of the loan will contribute to climate change mitigation, with a further $10 million supporting adaptation measures. Inspired by the sky guided by time and the spirit of adventure As part of its 250th anniversary celebrations, following Paris with the Classique Souscription 2025 and Shanghai with the Tradition 7035 edition, Breguet is making a stopover in New York. Here it presents the Type XX Chronographe reference 2075 in two versions, inspired by an emblematic model dating back to 1955. These new chronographs with flyback function pay tribute to the human genius and courage of the explorers of time: Abraham-Louis Breguet, the watchmaker who founded the eponymous company; Louis Breguet, his great-great-grandson, an aircraft manufacturer; and the aviator duo Dieudonne Costes and Maurice Bellonte, the first people to fly from Paris to New York. They achieved this feat in just over 37 hours from the 1st to the 2nd of September, 1930. Their plane, a Breguet 19TR Super Bidon - a name chosen because of its large fuel tank - was decorated with a large question mark on either side of its fuselage. These two new timepieces, crafted in Breguet gold, an exclusive alloy with blond highlights, feature either an aluminium dial anodized in black, or a solid silver dial. They draw their inspiration from an emblematic civil timepiece that Breguet presented in 1955, it bears the individual serial number 1780. As such, they proudly reflect Breguets spirit of technical innovation as well as its continuing respect for its own history. Type XX Chronographe 2075 Breguet Breguet, a name synonymous with inventiveness While A.-L. Breguet (1747-1823) had unlocked the gates of time, enabling watch- making to make major advances, his great-great-grandson Louis Breguet (1880-1955) opened wide those of the sky. An engineer with a degree from the Ecole Superieure dElectricite, this pioneer set up his own aviation company. Over more than fifty years he developed cutting-edge biplane and then monoplane aircraft, including the famous Breguet 19, a bomber and reconnaissance aircraft widely used for long-distance flights. First Paris-New York flight on a questionable aircraft Following the solo flight from New York to Paris by the American Charles Lindbergh (1902-1974) in 1927, there was much speculation about the possibility of flying the other way: from Paris to New York. When asked by the press about the likelihood of success of such a mission, Louis Breguet and the aviators Dieudonne Costes (1892-1974) and Maurice Bellonte (1896-1984) simply answered with a question mark. Their specially adapted Breguet 19, the Super Bidon Point dInterrogation featured a large, white question mark on either side of the red fuselage. However, despite their own, and others, doubts about the feasibility of such a journey, they succeeded in flying non-stop between the two metropolises in 1930. "These new Type XX timepieces, with their smaller diameter and hand-wound movement, venerate the design codes of the original models". Gregory Kissling, CEO Type XX Chronographe 2075 movement Breguet Type XX, the legend of the skies In the early 1950s, the French Air Force invited tenders for a chronograph wristwatch for its pilots, which it codenamed Type 20. One of the winning companies was Breguet, which would supply the aviation world with several timepieces meeting these specifications. The year 1952 saw the birth of the Breguet instrument-watch: there were two military versions, the Type 20 for the Air Force and the Type XX for the Naval Aviation, as well as numerous Type XX variants created for the civilian market. Inspired by this part of its history, Breguet introduced its own Type XX line into its current collections, with the 4th generation seeing the light of day in 2023. To continue this fascinating story, and to celebrate the companys 250th anniversary, Breguet presents the Type XX reference 2075, available in two versions. A civilian model in gold, presented in 1955, provides the inspiration. According to the archives, this timepiece originally sported a satin-finish silver dial, which was later replaced by a black dial. Type XX Chronographe 2075 Breguet Today, Breguet is offering two reinterpretations: one with a black dial in aluminium, and the other, limited to 250 pieces, with a solid silver dial. A natural continuity between past and present. A high-performance engine The calibres housed in these two models are variations of the high-performance, 5 Hz calibre 728 introduced by Breguet in 2023. They incorporate the flyback function that allows the watch to be reset to zero and a new count instantly started by a single press of the pusher located at 4 oclock. These two new models feature, for the first time, manually wound versions of the Breguet calibre 728, which are gilded in Breguet gold. The calibre 7279, for the black-dialled version, has a 15-minute counter at 3 oclock, while the calibre 7278, for the silver-dialled version, has a 30-minute counter also at 3 oclock. Both models have a small seconds display at 9 oclock. Type XX Chronographe 2075 movement Breguet The transparent case back reveals an engraving entirely hand-crafted in the companys workshops. It depicts the Breguet 19 aircraft in full flight accompanied by the precise route taken in 1930, the European and North American landmasses frosted finishing contrasts against the smooth Atlantic Ocean. Type XX Chronographe 2075 movement Breguet Two dials, one heritage In tribute to the genius of Louis Breguet, who pioneered the use of Duralumin (an alloy containing 95% aluminium) sheet metal for his aircraft, Breguet has chosen to equip its Type XX 2075 with a dial made from this material, a first in its collections. A discreet Al between 7 and 8 oclock confirms the use of this metal. To obtain a black hue close to that of the historic 1955 model, Breguet uses anodisation, a process that consists of creating a thickened layer of oxidation which provides protection against corrosion. For this treatment, Breguet uses the latest innovations in the field: a deep black anodising with high mechanical resistance, currently used in the aerospace industry. This results in enhanced legibility and durability. Type XX Chronographe 2075 Breguet The other version of this new Type XX is also faithful to the historic N1780 timepiece, this time as it was originally produced: with a silver dial. On this model, the solid silver dial, presented in a vertically brushed finish, offers an understated and sophisticated brilliance, underlining the timeless elegance of the watch. A subtle Ag925 marking nestles between 7 and 8 oclock, a discreet reminder of the precious metal that lies beneath. This version is also distinguished by the presence of a tachymeter, a scale for measuring speed based on the time taken to travel a certain distance. Both dials feature the extremely fine and delicate, applied Breguet name in Breguet gold . The silver versions dial has applied Arabic numerals and hour markers, equally in Breguet gold. A Breguet gold case With a diameter of 38.3 mm, identical to the historic 1955 timepiece, and a thickness of 13.2 mm, the case is crafted entirely in Breguet gold. A combination of gold enriched with silver, copper and palladium, this signature gold alloy was unveiled at the launch of the Classique Souscription 2025 watch. Type XX Chronographe 2075 Breguet The slim, bi-directional rotating bezel has numerals picked out in black for the black-dialled version and in blue for the silver-dialled version. The crown proudly bears the B of Breguet. Both new models feature an interchangeable leather strap, gradient black for the black dial version and gradient blue for the silver dial version. Elsa Pataky, 48, is back in Spain. And no, this isnt a sporadic visit or a vacation. The actress and Madrid native is returning to star in a Spanish series after two decades, a time during which she has focused on her family and international projects. Its the first truly warm day of the year in Madrid, and the entire cast of Matices, the SkyShowtime production premiering June 5, is promoting the show at the Santo Mauro Hotel in the Spanish capital. Each room in this luxurious oasis is a film set that, as the day progresses and advertising commitments are fulfilled, gradually regains its original image. The last to leave is Pataky, who greets EL PAIS with the excitement of someone who knows this is the beginning of a new stage in her life: Its a wonderful experience to be back working in Spain and in my own language. The actress stars alongside Maxi Iglesias, Juana Acosta, and Raul Prieto, among others, in this eight-episode psychological thriller that explores the traumas of six patients seeking a solution to their treatment by psychiatrist Dr. Marlow (played by Eusebio Poncela). Pataky plays Eviana Marlow, the doctors daughter, a mysterious psychiatrist who leaves viewers spellbound. We had a very nice experience. We lived at the estate, we slept there... And he forced everyone to train, she explains about the filming that took place last summer. This is the major project with which Pataky returns to acting in her native country and opens the door to new experiences. I find the subject of psychiatry and the psychological world of each of the characters very interesting. We all have certain wounds that havent healed. The character of Eviana has something special; she controls all her emotions and knows how to handle and read people immediately. She also has a trauma, which is her relationship with her father, where all she seeks is his approval, admiration, and for him to feel proud of her. A role that, she acknowledges, has little in common with her: Perhaps the strength of conviction. When I want something, Im very stubborn. "Every mistake I've made in life is a learning experience. You learn a lot more from mistakes and from what you do wrong," says Elsa Pataky. SAMUEL SANCHEZ Pataky has been acting for almost three decades, during which time she has participated in productions such as Spanish television shows Al salir de clase and Los Serrano, as well as the Fast & Furious saga, which have helped her grow as an actress and as a person. The years give you life experience and a maturity that you dont have when youre young. When you get older, you mature and youve had life experiences that help you interpret, create characters, explore their feelings... you get to know yourself and people better, she says. But what shes learned the most from are her setbacks: Every mistake Ive made in life is a learning experience. You learn a lot more from mistakes and from what we do wrong. When you go through a tough time or think youre never going to get through it, in the long run you realize that you had to go through it, that you had to have that experience, and in the end it was a life lesson. Has Pataky become disenchanted with her profession? No. There are tougher moments and more beautiful ones, but Ive never wanted to say no more. Its true that when I became a mother, I retreated a bit into my role as a mother, which was what fulfilled me at the time, and I distanced myself a bit. But Ive always been there. Ive tried to stay in touch because its something that fulfills me and is my passion. Pataky has been married since 2010 to fellow actor Chris Hemsworth, with whom she has three children: India Rose, 13, and twins Tristan and Sasha, 11. When I had my children, it seemed very hard to be away from them and be working. It created a feeling of insecurity and a need to be there for them, she says. After marrying Hemsworth, Pataky decided to move her life to Byron Bay, Australia, a place she fell in love with when she first visited. Its here that shes found a new home. But she also wants her children to spend short periods of time in Spain: They love Spanish traditions. For example, grapes [on New Years Eve]. When you talk about it, it seems a little absurd, but my children find it incredible. I want them to experience and enjoy these things. They speak a little Spanish, but with an Australian accent. Something she hasnt yet managed with Hemsworth, who after 15 years of marriage still hasnt learned the language. Im shocked. Either Im a terrible Spanish teacher or hes a complete zero with languages. His intention when we met was to learn Spanish in a year. That was the promise. He visits Spain every year and I say, Im embarrassed, Chris. You just say the same phrases. Like, A coffee with milk, please, and Wheres the library? Which doesnt help him at all, she confesses. Im going to start putting up signs around the house so he knows the words and learns them. I speak a lot of Spanish at home; I only speak Spanish to my children... but he has no interest whatsoever in what I say to them. Both are now facing one of the most complicated stages of parenthood: adolescence. There are some changes in temperament... especially my daughter. From 11 to 12, it was tough. She has a lot of personality and character... I dont know where it comes from, she says with a laugh. You see yourself; its a mirror. Its the price we mothers pay; we see in our children many of the same characteristics we have and have to confront: character, temper, the passion with which we do everything, stubbornness... Shes much calmer now. Shes gained in maturity, and you can already see those glimpses of a thinking woman, a slightly more rational person who doesnt get so carried away by emotions, Pataky says about India Rose. In 2010, a language teacher set them up on a blind date so she and Hemsworth could get to know each other. At the time, Pataky was improving her English, while he was working on his American accent. The rest is history. They married in a secret wedding on a beach in Indonesia, and after a decade and a half, theyve learned the importance of communication: Its a constant effort for a couple. Its so many years. You change in some ways, and you have to keep adapting to the other person, make an effort to understand them and yourself and not distance yourself, because between the kids and work... you end up drifting apart. You have to know how to reconnect and have those moments to discover new things about the other person. And to do that, she affirms that its important to know how to dedicate time to your partner: You have to find those moments when youre alone and can communicate. "When it comes to aging, what scares me most is the wear and tear on my body, not being able to do the things I like because Im afraid of getting hurt," Pataky explains about her upcoming 50th birthday. SAMUEL SANCHEZ On July 18, 2026, Pataky will turn 50. A milestone she faces with some trepidation. When it comes to aging, what scares me most is the wear and tear on my body, not being able to do the things I like because Im afraid of getting hurt. Im a very active person, she says. But shes already found a way to combat it: What I try to do is exercise more to be in better shape, to be able to keep up, to be with them [her children], and to enjoy myself. I wish there were a magic pill to keep us looking like were 20 or 30, but its part of life, and its better to accept it than fight it. You have to do everything possible to slow down the passage of time, but not oppose it. After so many years in the spotlight, shes grown accustomed to public exposure and the talk about her and her family. You try not to let it influence you. Whats most painful are the comments about absolutely everything you do. Now, anyone is allowed to make a comment without the courage to say it to your face. Its very cowardly. At my age, things bounce off because you dont attach importance to them. But I feel sorry for young people, who are so judged, she says. Getting here hasnt been easy, but she admits she wouldnt give any advice to her past self. She wouldnt listen to me because you have to live the experiences. Its like your children... No matter how much you tell them, they have to do it because they have to try it themselves; they have to make mistakes to learn. In life, you have to live every moment. At the moment, Pataky has no new professional projects in the pipeline, but she doesnt need them either. What does success mean to you? Success is making what you do make you happy. If one day, when Im old, I look back on everything Ive done and feel satisfied and happy, thats what I consider a success. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Carbonated mixers business Fevertree said on Thursday that it was currently trading in line with expectations, with "good progress" being made in the US following the announcement of its strategic partnership with Molson Coors . Fevertree said it has continued to see "strong momentum" in the US market, with underlying brand performance "well ahead of the competition". It also noted that the transition of distribution to Molson Coors' network of distributors was underway and said that both businesses remained "highly aligned and excited" about the "significant" growth opportunity ahead. In the UK, Fevertee said it had retained its number one position across both channels, reflecting the strength of its brand and diversity of its portfolio, while it also saw "good momentum" across multiple European markets, including the Netherlands and France, but a continuation of "more muted sales" in Germany. Fevertree also highlighted that it has now commenced local production in Australia, supporting the momentum of the brand as it continues to grow market share. Looking ahead, Fevertree said it remains "comfortable" with consensus expectations of "low single digit group revenue growth at constant currency" and a roughly 12% group adjusted underlying earnings margin for FY25. As of 0840 BST, Fevertree shares were down 0.11% at 883.0p. Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com The Women's National Book Association presented the 2025 WNBA Award to Judy Blume, "beloved author of books, renowned bookseller and champion of the spoken word." Judy Blume The association gives the award every other year to "a living American woman who has done meritorious work in the world of books beyond the duties and responsibilities of her profession or occupation.... Nominees must derive part or all of their income from books or the allied arts." WNBA said that "Blume's works have had deep impact upon the consciousness of our nation. She discusses puberty, religion and mortality with integrity. Generations of women have found themselves reflected within her words to find comfort in difficult times. Today, mothers share her books with their daughters, as they once shared them with their classmates as young girls long ago." "What distinguishes Blume is her meritorious work in speaking out against book banning and censorship in schools and libraries," said NC Weil, WNBA Award co-chair. "At an age when she could deservedly rest on her accomplishments, she chose instead to open a bookstore in Key West with her husband, and to speak out nationally about threats to books." Ellen McBarnette, WNBA Award co-chair, added, "Honoring Ms. Blume is in line with our organization's more than 100 years of commitment to supporting access to the published for all who seek it. And how timely, that would accept this award while book bans have reached our nation's public libraries, private institutions and, even, the highest levels of academia." Called one of the most banned authors of the 20th century, Blume is the author of Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, Forever, Deenie, Blubber, and more. Her bookstore is Books & Books @ The Studios of Key West, which she opened with her husband, George Cooper, in 2016, in affiliation with Books & Books. EAM Jaishankar thanked Kyrgyzstan for its strong support in countering terrorism and discussed boosting cooperation across key sectors. India and Kyrgyzstan ratified a new Bilateral Investment Treaty to strengthen and secure investment ties. Both countries agreed to deepen financial cooperation, including direct banking links and investment growth. External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar expressed gratitude to Kyrgyzstan for its unwavering support and solidarity in countering terrorism during a high-level meeting with Kyrgyz Foreign Affairs Minister Zheenbek Kulubaev Moldokanovich. The two ministers discussed ways to further deepen cooperation between India and Kyrgyzstan across multiple sectors, including banking, education, energy, health, connectivity, and capacity building. Following the meeting, EAM Jaishankar took to X (formerly Twitter) stating, A productive meeting with FM Zheenbek Kulubaev of Kyrgyz Republic. Thanked him for their support and solidarity in countering terrorism. Discussed our cooperation in banking, education, energy, health, connectivity and capacity building. Todays signing of Programme of Cooperation is a step forward in deepening our bilateral ties. Kulubaev was among five Central Asian foreign ministers attending the two-day 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue in New Delhi, highlighting Indias strong focus on enhancing regional partnerships for anti-terrorism and de-radicalisation. The other dignitaries included Bakhtiyor Saidov (Uzbekistan), Rashid Meredov (Turkmenistan), Sirojiddin Muhriddin (Tajikistan), and Murat Nurtleu (Kazakhstan). In a significant development earlier on Thursday, Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman and Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Kulubaev signed the Protocol and exchanged the Instrument of Ratification for the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) between India and Kyrgyzstan. Originally signed on June 14, 2019, in Bishkek, the updated BIT officially came into force on Thursday, superseding the earlier agreement from May 2000. This treaty aims to provide a stable framework protecting investments and fostering stronger economic ties between the two nations. A statement from Indias Ministry of Finance underlined that the BIT is a milestone in strengthening bilateral economic relations by promoting a secure and predictable investment climate. It balances investor rights with the sovereign regulatory powers of both countries, reinforcing a mutual commitment to transparency and resilience in cross-border investments. Also Read: Piyush Goyal Engages Italian CEOs to Boost Bilateral Trade During the bilateral discussions within the 4th Ministerial Meeting of the Central Asia-India Dialogue, both countries explored prospects for deeper Kyrgyz-Indian collaboration in financial and investment sectors. Particular emphasis was placed on establishing direct correspondent banking relations between Kyrgyzstan and India, alongside expanding investment cooperation in priority areas. Goyal met top Italian CEOs to promote India as an investment hub. Discussions focused on manufacturing, tech, healthcare, and food sectors. Visit aimed at strengthening India-Italy trade and economic ties. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met with top Italian CEOs during his official two-day visit to Italy, showcasing Indias innovation ecosystem and inviting investments across various sectors. This visit followed his engagements in France aimed at boosting India-France economic ties. Goyal held a series of meetings with leaders from prominent Italian companies, highlighting the growing scope for collaboration in manufacturing, technology, healthcare, and food processing in India. He began his Italy leg by meeting Michele Poggipolini, CEO of engineering and manufacturing tech firm Poggipolini S.p.A., where discussions centered around leveraging Indias expanding role in global supply chains. Goyal emphasized opportunities in technology, innovation, and advanced manufacturing. The Minister also met Daniele Forni, General Director of SOL Group, a multinational known for its technical and medical gas solutions. Talks focused on the group's expansion across key Indian sectors, including healthcare and industrial gases. In another strategic interaction, Goyal engaged with Tomaso Carraro, Vice Chairman of Carraro Group, which manufactures axles and transmission systems. He reviewed Carraro India's ongoing operations and future investment strategies, reaffirming India as a hub for innovation-driven manufacturing. Goyal also met Marco Nocivelli, CEO of EPTA Group, a leader in commercial refrigeration. Discussions explored how the company could tap into Indias fast-growing retail and cold chain sectors and offer sustainable refrigeration solutions. Furthering food sector ties, he met Stefano Toschi, CEO of Toschi Vignola Srl, a food and beverage company. The talks focused on potential investments and setting up manufacturing facilities in India. Giorgio Girondi, Founder and Chairman of UFI Filters Group, which specializes in filtration and thermal management. The discussion centered on UFIs India expansion and its commitment to the 'Make in India' initiative for automotive and industrial markets. Lastly, Goyal met, which specializes in filtration and thermal management. The discussion centered on UFIs India expansion and its commitment to theinitiative for automotive and industrial markets. According to an official statement, Goyal's visit reinforces Indias intent to deepen strategic and economic ties with Italy, encouraging stronger bilateral trade and investment cooperation with key European partners. The ADA-Luiss Forum took place in Rome on June 3 and 4, jointly organized by ADA University and the International and Strategic Studies Center of Luiss University, Azernews reports. The event brought together experts, policymakers, and academics from Azerbaijan, Italy, Georgia, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan to discuss pressing geopolitical and economic issues shaping the region and beyond. The forum opened with remarks from ADA Universitys Vice-Rector Fariz Ismayilzade and Professor Raffael Marchetti, Director of Luiss Universitys International and Strategic Studies Center. Both speakers emphasized the strong and enduring partnership between Azerbaijan and Italy, highlighting the significance of establishing the Italy-Azerbaijan University as a milestone in bilateral educational and cultural cooperation. Among the attendees were Azerbaijans Ambassador to Italy Rashad Aslanov and senior officials from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, underscoring the forums high-level diplomatic engagement. Over two days, participants engaged in in-depth discussions on a wide range of topics, including: The development prospects and shared challenges of Azerbaijan-Italy relations; Azerbaijans strategic role in Europes energy security; Regional security dynamics amid Georgias and Ukraines candidacies for EU membership; Connectivity policies in the context of intensifying global strategic competition. The forum served as a platform to foster dialogue on current geopolitical and economic challenges. It highlighted evolving approaches and response mechanisms related to regional security in Europe and its neighboring regions, featuring contributions from leading Italian think tanks. By convening experts from diverse countries and backgrounds, the ADA-Luiss Forum strengthened international collaboration and promoted a better understanding of the complex strategic environment influencing the South Caucasus and Europe. On one side of the road, around 30 Israeli extremists gathered by the far-right organization Tsav 9, some with Israeli flags tied around their necks like capes. On the other side, a similar number of people, the so-called guardians of solidarity of the Standing Together organization, wearing purple bibs to distinguish themselves. Some are trying to prevent trucks carrying humanitarian aid from entering Gaza through the Kerem Shalom border crossing. The others are ensuring that they do not succeed, and that the supplies reach their destination. This Wednesday, two sections of Israeli society one calling for food to be denied to starving Gazans and the other demanding an increase in aid faced each other again on the asphalt. In the midst of the dispute, four World Food Program trucks carrying tons of flour and other goods were stopped by extremist protesters, only to continue on their way through the intervention of activists and police. The background noise was the honking of the huge line of stuck vehicles and the rumble of bombs in the Gaza Strip, just three miles away. We dont want to feed Hamas terrorists! the extremists shouted. One of the hostages, an elderly man who was released, said he never received medicine, even though it was given to the Red Cross. How can we ensure that food reaches the hostages? We cant. So why give anything? one of the protesters explained, stressing that she lost many friends in the Islamist militias attack on October 7, 2023, in which more than 1,200 Israelis were killed and more than 250 taken captive. Asked whether it might make more sense to accept a ceasefire to secure the release of the 58 hostages still held in Gaza (a third of whom are believed to be still alive), as was achieved in the January truce broken unilaterally by Israel on March 18 the young woman replies: Some people dont understand peaceful negotiation. Some people, especially Arabs, only understand force. Were here because there are people dying of hunger, and this [blocking aid] isnt a solution; we have to end the war, we have to get at least 600 trucks a day back into Gaza, argues Dotan Vaisman, a member of Standing Together. And there are more of us who want an end to the war, he says, quickly recounting his colleagues and those who are fighting. These incidents, aimed at obstructing the transport of goods into the Gaza Strip, are becoming more frequent they occur practically every week. However, their mobilization power is diminishing. In February of last year, they attracted up to 200 people. At that time, 27,000 Gazans had died in the war. This Wednesday, the latest death toll was estimated at 54,607; almost 100 in the previous 24 hours, according to the Ministry of Health in the Hamas-controlled enclave. The police only intervened to clear the blocked road when Standing Together activists (wearing purple bibs) cordoned off the extremists who were trying to prevent the passage of trucks carrying aid for Gaza, near the Kerem Shalom crossing. Alejandra Agudo Despite the difficulties posed by extremists, an average of 100 trucks carrying aid cross the Gaza border at Kerem Shalom every day, according to the Israeli military. Before the conflict, the average used to be around 500 or 600 vehicles per day. The aid arriving today is insufficient for the enclaves 2.1 million inhabitants, all of whom are facing extreme food insecurity, with half a million at risk of famine, according to the UN. Furthermore, supplies crossing the border are inspected before receiving the green light from the Israeli army for distribution, which does not always happen quickly or with sufficient security guarantees for proper distribution, NGOs and the UN have repeatedly denounced. The situation in Gaza is growing increasingly desperate. Following the deaths of more than 100 Gazans from Israeli gunfire as they sought food at one of the distribution points run by the Gaza Humanitarian Fund (GHF), a U.S.- and Israeli-backed organization, distributions were suspended on Wednesday. The UN World Food Programme itself has reported that Gazans are forced to scavenge for food or consume expired food to survive amid the extreme shortage of basic supplies. The last recourse families resort to is to search for food on the streets or in the garbage, consuming discarded leftovers, the agency stated. Another desperate strategy, it added, is that Gazans are forced to reduce the portions of the meals they manage to obtain, resulting in malnutrition in particularly vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly. The world watches, day after day, horrific scenes of Palestinians being shot, injured, or killed in Gaza while trying to eat, said Tom Fletcher, UN Humanitarian Coordinator (OCHA), in a statement. No one should have to risk their lives to feed their children. Thats why he has once again called on Israel to open all border crossings and allow the entry of aid on a large scale. Ensure that our convoys are not hampered by delays and denials. Lift the restrictions on what and how much aid we can bring, he urged in his letter. This is a demand shared by the members of Standing Together, who are focusing on their own government. We are fighting for change to come from within. We dont believe that outside intervention can change the situation. And we have come from all over the country to show that there are many of us who support the Palestinian people. At least today this aid will reach them, says one of its members, celebrating the arrival of a truck. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition PM Modi launched the Aravali Green Wall project to reforest the 700 km Aravalli range across four states. The initiative aims to combat desertification, improve water systems, and boost green cover, using technologies like satellite mapping and geo-tagging. Launched on World Environment Day, the project is linked with the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam movement, urging public and youth participation. On the occasion of World Environment Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the ambitious Aravali Green Wall project, aimed at reforesting the Aravali range one of Indias most significant forest belts. The project, which stretches across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi, seeks to combat desertification and restore ecological balance in the region. To mark the launch, PM Modi planted a sapling at Bhagwan Mahavir Vanasthali Park in Delhi as part of the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam initiative. Sharing photos from the plantation drive, he wrote, Today, on World Environment Day, we strengthened the Ek Ped Maa ke Naam initiative with a special tree plantation drive. This is also a part of our effort to reforest the Aravalli range the Aravalli Green Wall project. natural shield against desert expansion from the Thar Desert, reducing dust storms, and aiding groundwater recharge. The Aravali Green Wall Project is a comprehensive reforestation program covering 700 km of the degraded Aravalli terrain. It aims to create a continuous green belt from Delhi to Gujarat, acting as afrom the Thar Desert, reducing dust storms, and aiding groundwater recharge. Highlighting the projects environmental significance, PM Modi said, Our focus is to rejuvenate areas linked with this range. We will work with local administrations to improve water systems, curb dust storms, and stop the eastward expansion of the Thar desert. Also Read: Piyush Goyal Engages Italian CEOs to Boost Bilateral Trade The initiative will deploy advanced technologies such as satellite mapping and geo-tagging to ensure transparency and efficient monitoring through the Meri LiFE portal. The government also plans to establish 1,000 permanent nurseries to support large-scale plantation efforts. Significantly, the Aravalli range is home to 22 wildlife sanctuaries and four major tiger reserves Ranthambore, Sariska, Ramgarh-Vishdhari, and Mukunda Hills which stand to benefit from the ecological restoration. PM Modi urged citizens, especially the youth, to join the movement and contribute to enhancing Indias green cover. Let us make this a peoples movement and ensure a greener, healthier future for the generations to come, he emphasized. West Brighton resident Michael Spence recently launched Staten Island Discovery Tours a business focused on offering visitors a glimpse at the borough's history, culture and hidden treasures. Here, he poses with the Reclining Liberty, sculpture located on South Avenue in Bloomfield. (Courtesy of Michael Spence) (Courtesy of Michael Spence) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Michael Spence loves Staten Island. Hes a big fan of the people, the neighborhoods, the parking and the culture he even refers to the borough as New York Citys hidden gem. Thats why the West Brighton resident founded Staten Island Discovery Tours this past April, offering borough newbies and visitors a guided experience around the community for which he cares so deeply. My job is to bring people here, show them what Staten Island has to offer, Spence said. If this is your first time in the borough, you need to go to Snug Harbor; you need to visit the Lighthouse Museum. And of course, you need to have a slice or two of pizza. A 23-year-old man suffered a stab wound to the back during an incident in Eltingville Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Scott R. Axelrod) UPDATE: The NYPD has charged three people in connection with the attack. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Police are searching for two males in connection with a stabbing that occurred Wednesday night at the South Shore YMCA in Eltingville. A 23-year-old man was stabbed in the back at 9:19 p.m. during a dispute inside the facility at 3939 Richmond Ave, according to a spokesman for the NYPD. The individual approached the victim and stabbed him in the lobby of the building during a dispute, according to a source with knowledge of the investigation. EMS rushed the man in stable condition to Northwell Staten Island University Hospital in Ocean Breeze. The first priority of the YMCA is the health and safety of our members and staff, said a statement issued Thursday morning by the YMCA. We are doing everything we can to assist law enforcement as they investigate the incident and gather all the important facts. Police on Thursday morning said they are seeking two males with light complexions for questioning. The first individual was wearing a white tank top with orange shorts and the second individual was wearing a black shirt with black shorts. The individuals were seen driving away from the scene in a gray Jeep Compass, the police spokesman said. No arrests have been made and the investigation continues, the police spokesman said. At the time the assault occurred, NYPD vehicles were seen parked outside the YMCA and several officers were standing outside the entranceway to the building. The Advance/SILive.com has reached out to the YMCA for comment. The defendant was charged with a March 3, 2025, burglary at Oriental Plaza restaurant at 1845 Richmond Avenue in Bulls Head. (Advance/SILive.com | Jan Somma-Hammel) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. DNA evidence led to the arrest of a 36-year-old man in connection with the burglary of a popular restaurant in Bulls Head, according to authorities. Bin Lin, 36, of 48th Street in Brooklyn, was apprehended in May and charged with the break-in on Staten Island, as well as heists in Brooklyn and Queens. Police identified the defendants alleged burglary at the Oriental Plaza restaurant at 1845 Richmond Ave. on March 3 as part of a citywide pattern that included 13 break-ins on Staten Island and in Manhattan and Brooklyn, according to a previous statement from the NYPD. Oriental Plaza was the target of three separate heists that were included in the pattern half of the six burglaries that occurred on Staten Island, police said. At this time, however, Lin is only charged with the March 3 burglary at Oriental Plaza. He has not formally been charged with the other incidents included in the pattern. The criminal complaint alleges that Lin broke into Oriental Plaza after the restaurant closed around 11:30 p.m. on March 3. An employee returned to the restaurant at about 2 a.m. on March 4 and saw a hole in a window and shattered glass on the floor below the broken window, police said. An employee spotted a trail of blood leading from the window to a cash register and noticed that money was missing, according to the complaint. A sample of blood swabbed from the restaurant floor was analyzed in a laboratory. The DNA profile was a 99.90% match to Lin, prosecutors allege in the complaint. Lin has been charged with burglary, criminal mischief, petit larceny, criminal possession of stolen property and criminal trespass in the March 3 incident. 2 other burglary cases in NYC Lin also faces burglary charges in two other boroughs. On March 14, shortly before 3 a.m., Lin allegedly used an unknown object to shatter a glass door at 270 Court St. in Brooklyn and remove the register drawer. A restaurant is located at the address provided by authorities. When police apprehended Lin a few minutes later, they found an electric grinder in one of his pockets, the complaint alleges. The defendant has been charged with burglary, attempted burglary, possession of burglars tools, criminal mischief and trespass in that case. In connection with a break-in at a home in Queens on Jan. 25, Lin was indicted by a grand jury on charges of burglary in the second and third degrees and petit larceny. He stole personal property that belonged to the victim, the complaint alleges. Lin has pleaded not guilty to all charges against him. He is being held at Rikers Island in lieu of bail set at $150,000 bond/$50,000 cash for the incident on Staten Island. He is due to appear in state Supreme Court in Queens on June 16, in Criminal Court in St. George on July 2, and in state Supreme Court in Brooklyn on July 30, according to public records. Police responded to a report of a 23-year-old man stabbed in the back during an incident in Eltingville Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Scott R. Axelrod) UPDATE: Police are seeking two individuals in connection with the attack. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A 23-year-old man suffered a stab wound during an altercation in Eltingville Wednesday night. Police responded to a report of a stabbing around 9:20 p.m. at 3939 Richmond Ave., according to a spokeswoman for the NYPDs Deputy Commissioner of Public Information. The South Shore YMCA is located at the address provided by police. Police vehicles could be seen parked outside the location and several officers could be seen standing outside the entranceway to the building. Police responded to a report of a 23-year-old man stabbed in the back during an incident in Eltingville Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Scott R. Axelrod) The man was rushed in stable condition to Northwell Staten Island University Hospital, Ocean Breeze, police said. A source with knowledge of the investigation said the incident occurred inside the recreation facility following a dispute. There have been no arrests and an investigation remains ongoing, police said. NYPD Officer Chowdhury Nafees is released from the hospital days after the 27-year-old officer was critically injured while off duty in a violent robbery on May 24, 2025, around 4 a.m. in the vicinity of 1473 St. Peters Ave. in the Bronx. (Courtesy of NYPD) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A 23-year-old man from Stapleton has been charged with attempted murder in the violent robbery of an off-duty NYPD officer in the Bronx. Wayne Lucas, who lives on Tompkins Avenue, was arrested on Wednesday for the incident where the officer was critically injured and his gun was stolen on May 24 around 4 a.m. on St. Peters Avenue, according to a statement from the NYPDs Deputy Commissioner of Public Information. The NYPD previously asked for the publics help to locate Lucas for questioning in the robbery where two individuals forced 27-year-old Officer Chowdhury Nafees to the ground. The individuals allegedly struck Nafees numerous times in the face, causing multiple fractures, and held a knife to the officers throat, according to the police statement. The attackers used force to steal the victims registered firearm, wallet and iPhone before fleeing on foot with the loot, police allege. EMS transported the officer in critical condition to a local hospital. Appointed to The Finest in January 2024, Nafees is assigned to Police Service Area 9 that includes New York City Housing Authority complexes in Queens, according to public records. On May 28, the NYPD posted a video of the officer being released from the hospital on X, formerly known as Twitter. Surrounded by his loved ones, family in blue, and @NYPDPC, Officer Nafees was released from the hospital to cheers and well wishes. Thanks to the relentless work of our @NYPDDetectives and law enforcement partners, both suspects in last weeks Bronx attack have been apprehended. pic.twitter.com/q1c45o9Rin NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) May 28, 2025 In addition to being charged by police with attempted murder of a police officer, Lucas is accused of attempted robbery, attempted aggravated assault of a police officer and attempted criminal possession of a weapon, according to the police statement. Lucas has been indicted on a slew of charges and is scheduled to be arraigned in state Supreme Court in the Bronx on Thursday. A defense attorney is not yet listed in public records. Jeffrey Hargrove, 55, was arrested on May 25 in connection with the incident, according to a statement from police that did not list the defendants home address. Hargrove, whose first name also is spelled Jeffery in public records, was indicted on charges that include petit larceny and criminal possession of stolen property. He is due to be arraigned in state Supreme Court in the Bronx on July 14, according to public records. Attorney Molly Harwood, who is representing Lucas, declined to comment at this time. Seaside Heights is taking steps to curtail unruly crowds of teenagers, including clearing the boroughs famous boardwalk early on popular summer holidays, officials said Wednesday. At its first meeting of June, the borough council introduced a package of ordinances in light of the chaos during Memorial Day weekend. Over three days, 73 people, including 21 juveniles, were arrested, and another three were hospitalized after being stabbed. The boardwalk would close at 10 p.m. this Fourth of July, if the measure is approved later this month. The shutdown time aligns with Seaside Heights curfew for anyone under 18. If passed, the measure would affect both the Memorial Day and Fourth of July holidays next year. Throughout summer, the boardwalks regular hours end at midnight Sunday through Thursday, borough officials said Wednesday. It stays open an extra hour on Fridays and Saturdays. Wednesdays meeting was the governing bodys first since the weekend of lawlessness. Before the council voted to introduce their legislation, Mayor Anthony Vaz looked intently at about a dozen people attending, acknowledging some may have come to concern after the disruptive weekend. My heart tells me we have many more to come, Vaz told the attendees about policy changes. I think this is a start in the right direction. Likewise, the ordinance change includes a ban on backpacks on the boardwalk not for reasonable purposes, the council said. Officials in other Jersey Shore towns say teens and young adults often use backpacks to bring contraband onto the boardwalk and hide stolen merchandise. We believe if implemented the right way, (the ordinances) will curtail many of (these) behavioral problems that we have with our young people, Vaz said. Vaz declined to answer attendees questions, citing a policy preventing public comment for an ordinances first reading. A timeframe for comments will happen before council adopts the ordinances June 18. Three other ordinances that were introduced target summer rentals increasing fines for having occupants over the maximum of six, officials said. Fines are also raised to $2,000 maximum for property owners who rent without required licenses. A fifth ordinance raises fines for disorderly behavior. Vaz hinted at policy changes days after the holiday weekend, which drew 100,000 tourists to Seaside Heights, borough police said. The mayor was promised extra state police officers for future instances of uncontrollable crowds by Gov. Phil Murphy, he said. The borough and other shore towns were further aided by the state government earlier this week, when Murphy signed into law a bill creating fourth-degree criminal charges for inciting a public brawl. Lawmakers and police say the new law helps them punish instigators of large fights in public places like boardwalks, carnivals and malls. Much of the violence spurred from pop-up parties, which are unsanctioned gatherings. The New Jersey Legislature is considering other new laws to thwart the pattern of disorderly behavior. 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. Numerous first responders from Staten Island were honored along with others at the 156th FDNY Medal Day ceremony outside City Hall on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (FDNY) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Families and friends of first responders gathered before the steps of City Hall Wednesday morning to celebrate New Yorks Bravest as part of the FDNYs 156th Medal Day. About 70 honorees traded their rescue gear for uniform Class A attire, among them many Staten Island residents who were recognized for their acts of heroism. Before the awardees could receive their accolades, top New York City officials lauded the admirable efforts, including Mayor Eric Adams, who noted that the FDNY deserves recognition for brave rescue efforts, not just the ability to extinguish fires. The mayor also touched on the selfless nature of the FDNY, and the courage its members possess to face an emergency head on. Every day you go in contrast to that natural ability to run away, Adams said. Imagine running towards danger. Imagine going against the natural instinct, instead of fleeing from danger, running towards the danger to sacrifice yourself to save the lives of your fellow New Yorkers. Fire Commissioner Robert S. Tucker also addressed those gathered. In the Fire Department, responding to fires and medical emergencies is what we do every day, he said. We respond, no matter the time or location, the danger or the threat; We come when called, period. Today, we celebrate the best of the best; the incidents that truly are hair raising, truly are remarkable and truly are heroic. We celebrate those moments that we know saved lives. Staten Islander receives top EMS recognition One such life-saving rescue is credited, in part, to EMT Amber M. Black, a Staten Island resident and graduate of the College of Staten Island. Black was awarded the Christopher J. Prescott Medal, the top EMS Operations Medal in the FDNY. EMT Amber M. Black shakes the hand of Mayor Eric Adams. She was honored with the Christopher J. Prescott Medal at the 156th FDNY Medal Day ceremony outside City Hall on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (FDNY) The honor is named after EMT Christopher Prescott, the first EMS member to make the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty, in 1994. Black, who is assigned to Station 23 in Rossville, was serving with Station 43 in Coney Island, Brooklyn, at the time of the rescue that earned her recognition. It was around 6 p.m. on July 6, 2024 that two teenagers were reported to be drowning offshore in the vicinity of West 23rd Street and the boardwalk. Black and fellow EMT Mitchell Tarnapolsky, who also received the medal, were the first on the scene. The pair spotted two swimmers roughly 100 to 200 yards out into the water; One of them could be seen occasionally submerging. EMT Amber M. Black, center right, and EMT Mitchell Tarnapolsky, second from right, were honored with the Christopher J. Prescott Medal at the 156th FDNY Medal Day ceremony outside City Hall on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (FDNY) Tarnapolsky entered the water in an effort to retrieve the swimmers. Meanwhile, Black provided radio relay and communications to FDNY resources and the NYC Parks Department. With the assistance of two additional emergency medical technicians, the patients were brought to shore, all while Black provided updates and ensured coordination with incoming resources. Others honored Black was not alone in representing Staten Island at the ceremony. Firefighter Michael J. Gannone, of Ladder Company 174 in Brooklyn, was another Staten Island resident honored. Gannone was awarded the William F. Conran Medal for his life-saving efforts at a fire on May 4, 2024. Gannone, the forcible entry firefighter that night, pushed forward into a smoke-filled apartment beyond the fire and located an unresponsive victim. Despite the heavy smoke and heat, Gannone was able to remove the victim and ultimately save their life. Firefighter Thomas C. Heedles was honored with the Susan Wagner Medal for his rescue efforts on March 22, 2024. Heedles was working with Ladder Company 148, Brooklyn, at the time of the rescue. He was recognized for rescuing an unconscious elderly woman under dangerous fire conditions. Firefighter Robert Velazquez was awarded the American Legion Fire Dept. Post 930/Mark M. Wohlfeld Memorial Medal. Firefighter Robert Velazquez, second from right, was honored with the American Legion Fire Dept. Post 930/Mark M. Wohlfeld Memorial Medal at the 156th FDNY Medal Day ceremony outside City Hall on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (FDNY) Velazquez was noted for his selfless heroism in a water rescue below the Canarsie Pier in Brooklyn on Oct. 3, 2024. In that rescue, he made the quick, yet dangerous, decision to disconnect from his tether in order to free a victim weighed down with 60 pounds of rocks. Firefighter Joseph A. Tenteromano took home the Edith B. Goldman Medal for extracting an unresponsive elderly woman from a burning Brooklyn residence on June 22, 2024. Tenteromano was only a probationary firefighter with Ladder Company 172 at the time of the blaze. Assignment Receiving Dispatcher EMT Jeremy J. Quinones helped save the lives of three children through three different medical emergency calls on Dec. 15, 2024. Quinones, who was working at Public Answering Center 1, was able to provide life-preserving instructions to family members who subsequently provided crucial first aid to the kids. For his efforts, Quinones was awarded the Lieutenant Kirby McElhearn Medal. Firefighter Bryan Anderson, a fellow Staten Islander, was honored with the Chief Joseph B. Martin Medal. Anderson was assigned to Engine Company 247 on Feb. 11, 2024, when the engine was dispatched to a three-story, multiple-dwelling fire in Brooklyn. In this situation, Anderson manned the hose through a difficult fire and aided other firefighters who were surrounded by flames. The Police Honor Legion Medal was awarded to Firefighter Timothy J. Smith, of Ladder Company 105, Brooklyn. On Feb. 4, 2024, Ladder 105 responded to a fire in a six-story multiple dwelling. Smith is credited with rescuing two individuals, including a child to whom he provided life-saving treatment. In this photo from 2012, traffic backs up in the westbound lane of the N.Y. Thruway. (Stephen D. Cannerelli / The Post-Standard) The New York State Thruway Authority recently announced that work will soon begin on a major bridge replacement project in Orange County. Starting June 13, the Meadow Hill Road bridge over the thruway will be closed to traffic for over a year as crews begin work on replacing the 72-year-old structure. Work on the $7.8 million project will keep the span closed until summer 2026, according to the agency. The planned detours during this project will take traffic along South Plank Road, Union Avenue, State Route 17K, Monarch Drive, and Fletcher Road, according to the agency. Signs will be installed warning drivers of the closure and detours. The existing structure will be demolished some time in July. This work will take place overnight, with lane closures on the thruway expected. The new bridge design will have two 11-foot travel lanes in each direction, according to the Thruway Authority. The south side of the structure will feature a 6-foot-wide shoulder, while the north side will have both a shoulder and a sidewalk. Along with this, new railings will be installed and the bridges clearance will be increased to over 16 feet, according to the authority. The Thruway Authority is continually investing its toll dollars back into our 570-mile superhighway network to make sure our roads and bridges meet the needs of the future, said Frank Hoare, executive director for the Thruway Authority. The replacement of Meadow Hill Road bridge over the Thruway in Orange County will improve the overall travel experience for the thousands of motorists who use it each day, he continued. The "City of Yes'' zoning reform initiative is on the agenda at two Staten Island Community Board meetings this week. (Staten Island Advance/Shira Stoll) Staten Island Advance/Shira Stoll STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Almost half of Staten Islanders have fallen behind on their utility bills at points in the last five years, according to a new report City Comptroller Brad Lander released Wednesday. About 43% of borough customers were among the 3.5 million New Yorkers who fell behind on their utility payments since 2020 amid growing costs that Lander says are approaching an affordability crisis. The summer season is upon us and so are heatwaves and high utility bills, he said. Millions of New Yorkers will have to decide between paying for air conditioning, rent, or putting food on the table, and as a result, hundreds could die from preventable heatstroke. The comptroller said rising temperatures have contributed to the higher bills with cooling costs increasing over 50% in the last decade. Worst-case scenarios have seen about 580 New Yorkers die prematurely each year due to extreme heat. Additionally, Lander said policies from President Donald Trumps administration could lead to higher costs. In May, the White House released a budget proposal that showed Trumps desire to gut the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which aims to help low-income Americans better manage their energy costs. The proposal from the presidents Office of Management and Budget characterized the program as wasteful and uneccessary with a negative impact on consumers. Trump cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency have also threatened Energy Star, which helps consumers more easily identify energy-efficient appliances through its familiar label. With Trump shutting off energy assistance programs, states and cities need to power up to make energy more affordable by curbing energy rate hikes, prioritizing financial supports like the NY HEAT Act, and expanding alternative affordable public power through renewables and solar, Lander, who is running for mayor, said. To counter the rising costs, Lander urged the state legislature to pass the New York Home Energy Affordable Transition Act, which aims to limit the states usage of natural gas for heating and cooling. He also recommended the state limit rate increases, the city establish a right to cooling, and both entities to expand the usage of public energy. Mrs. You Weijie opens the door after a second knock. Her face registers surprise, but she says urgently, Come in, come in, please. She closes the door immediately. She apologizes because shes still in her pajamas, having just gotten up. She makes her excuses before going to change. In the room, theres a humble dark wooden sofa upholstered in elegant white, a small upright piano, an antique clock on the sideboard, and a lamp decorated with little birds. The walls are wallpapered with turquoise floral motifs. Mrs. You quickly returns and sits down. Its early Saturday, May 31. The following day, state security services will take her out of Beijing to prevent this woman, a spokesperson for the Tiananmen Mothers (the group of relatives of the victims of the student massacre that took place in the heart of the Chinese capital in 1989), from becoming the focus of any news when the anniversary arrives on June 4. This is a common practice by the authorities to silence critical voices, and one that various activists face on sensitive dates. Its a very tense moment, You says early in the interview. She avoids providing details about where she will spend the next three days. I have to keep a low profile, she insists. She seems to be getting flustered. She apologizes again for having just woken up. She stands and pours herself a glass of water. Her face radiates sweetness and sadness in equal measure. She is 72 years old. Her long, dyed hair reveals a little gray. I cant tell you. I have to be discreet, Im sorry, she simply explains. Few dates are as difficult to say out loud in China as June 4. Thirty-six years after the government ordered the bloody repression of peaceful protests in Tiananmen Square that had been demanding political reforms for weeks, the event is invisible in textbooks, the media, the tightly controlled internet, and everyday conversations. The victims lack official recognition the total number remains unknown, with estimates ranging from hundreds to several thousand and their families must grieve in silence, under surveillance, and with little opportunity to pay tribute. The younger generations barely know what happened, and some even doubt it really did. Beyond the countrys borders, however, some of the protesters in exile refuse to let the flame of memory go out, aware that forgetting is also a form of defeat. Trying to speak to anyone connected with those events inside China is an increasingly complicated task. Censorship, constant surveillance, and fear of personal consequences have imposed a silence that is difficult to break. EL PAIS was able to do so last weekend for 10 minutes. Protests in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, June 1989. Langevin Jacques (Getty Images) Yous husband, Yang Minghu, was 42 years old when he was awakened by the sound of gunfire in the early hours of June 4, 1989. Alarmed by his neighbors testimony and concerned for the protesters safety, Yang rode his bicycle to the square to warn the university students who were there demanding openness, anti-corruption measures, press freedom, and, ultimately, democracy. When troops deployed under martial law opened fire on the crowd gathered on Changan Avenue (to the north of the square), a bullet struck Yang. It shattered his bladder and caused a severe pelvic fracture. Although he was taken to the hospital, his injuries proved irreparable. He died two days later of an abdominal infection and heart failure, leaving You alone to raise their five-year-old son. Do you think that over time the families of the victims are being silenced even more? Its never been easy, the widow replies. At that moment, theres a knock at the door. The police have arrived. We cant do this now, You whispers. Im so sorry, theres no way... I already told you, she says regretfully. Before opening the door, however, she shares her message to the world: I would like the government to accept responsibility for what happened in the June 4 tragedy and to give the people answers. From the entrance, a uniformed police officer asks the journalists to leave the premises and accompany him. You reiterates her apologies, and her eyes reflect her helplessness. The police station is in the lobby of the building where You lives. The officer takes down the reporters identity and warns: You must ask for permission to conduct interviews. He doesnt say from whom. Nor does it seem likely that it would be granted. The Tiananmen Mothers have been demanding justice and the truth for 36 years. Their members, mostly women, are now well into their seventies. Many of those who were part of this association have passed away, as they recall in the statement they issued on this years anniversary. For each of the victims families, those scenes are seared into their memories and can never be forgotten. This tragedy, one of the most atrocious to have ever occurred in the world, entirely caused by the government and leaders at the time, continues to fill their hearts with pain and has become a nightmare from which they cannot wake up, they write. This is a wound that the Chinese people cannot heal, and it is a pain that will remain forever in the hearts of the families. History will never forget those innocent lives that were taken, continues the statement, signed by 108 people; Mrs. You heads the list of signatories. A wounded protestor in Tiananmen Square, June 1989. Langevin Jacques (Getty Images) For Gao Yu, a veteran journalist imprisoned several times (including during the 1989 protests), repression in China has increased in recent years through technology. Both of what people say and what they think, she asserts in a message. Gao has also been forced by the authorities to leave Beijing recently. This is the second time this year, and she believes there will be two more. In her opinion, the generations born in the decades after 1990 have no political demands and know almost nothing about the truth of June 4. She warns that, as the Tiananmen Mothers group ages, reporting on the massacre will be limited to outsiders. Hong Kong, which for three decades served as a safe place to peacefully commemorate the anniversary, has banned holding its traditional vigil in memory of the victims since 2020. Still, Zhou Fengsuo, one of the student leaders of the 1989 protests, remains optimistic. This human rights activist, who was imprisoned after the protests and sent to Hebei for re-education, has lived in exile in the United States since 1995. He is currently the executive director of the NGO Human Rights in China. More and more young people are joining us. They want to know what happened. More and more capitals outside of China are organizing vigils, and on [Western] social media, our posts have millions of views, Zhou says in a phone call. Even if it seems like the Communist Party has successfully erased the memory, outside of China, it remains the most important issue, he believes. During the white paper protests [which precipitated the countrys opening up in late 2022 after the pandemic], many people used the words my duty, which are a legacy of 1989, Zhou recalls. Its my duty, was the response a student gave in 1989 when a journalist asked him why he went to Tiananmen Square. Its still an inspiring movement because it was peaceful. And the solidarity, love, and hope that emerged there are part of human history. And that will be respected and remembered forever, because dignity and freedom against tyranny transcend time and space, Zhou adds. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition These two yearling black bears were recently released back into the Adirondack wilderness. The orphaned cubs were returned home after being rehabilitated at the Friends of the Feathered and Furry Wildlife Center in Hunter, N.Y. Photos: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Photos: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Two baby bears almost didnt make it after losing their mother last winter in Upstate New York. The orphaned black bear cubs were starving when they were spotted in the Adirondacks. To save the malnourished babies, the cubs were brought to Friends of the Feathered and Furry Wildlife Center, a wildlife rehabilitator in the Catskills, to recover. It was a long cold winter for these two black bear yearlings that came to us this year, the wildlife center wrote on Facebook. Emaciated and weak coming out of the winter, they would not have made it if they were not spotted and brought FFF for help. But after months of food, rehabilitation and TLC, the Friends of the Feathered and Furry Wildlife Center said the little bears have returned to their wild home. A yearling black bear steps back into the Adirondack wilderness after being rehabilitated at the Friends of the Feathered and Furry Wildlife Center in Hunter, N.Y. Photo: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Photo: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation The two cubs were recently picked up from the wildlife center in Hunter by the DECs Region 5 Wildlife Team and released back into the Adirondack wilderness, the DEC announced Sunday in a news release. The yearlings, who are now between 1 to 2 years old, were returned to the wild after they gained a sufficient amount of weight, and were given a clean bill of health, the DEC said. The DEC shared adorable close-ups of the yearlings furry black-and-brown faces, along with photos of the bears returning to the woods. Yearling black bears explore the Adirondack wilderness after being rehabilitated at the Friends of the Feathered and Furry Wildlife Center in Hunter, N.Y. Photo: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Photo: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation The Friends of the Feathered and Furry Wildlife Center said two other yearlings rescued in late winter, one from the New Paltz area in the Hudson Valley and another from the Finger Lakes, remain at the center. While the New Paltz bear is expected to return to the wild soon, the Finger Lakes cub the centers little Arkville girl will get a little extra care. She was very tiny coming to us at just 12 lbs a few weeks ago, the Friends of the Feathered and Furry Wildlife Center wrote. This bear will remain with us longer for a later release when we feel she is ready. At least 6,000 to 8,000 black bears call New York home. While at least 50% live in the Adirondacks, the bears can also be found across most of the rest of Upstate, the DEC said. Although the black bears will eat nearly anything, the DEC urged the public not to feed the big, curious creatures. Whether you live or recreate in the bear country, please help maintain and protect the bear, the DEC said. At the same time, protect yourself and your property by not feeding bears and by reducing bear attractants. Local leaders celebrated a significant milestone in Staten Island's North Shore revitalization efforts on Thursday, June 5, 2025, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the official opening of The Residences at Lighthouse Point a new mixed-income housing complex located on the St. George waterfront. (Advance/SILive | Jessica Jones-Gorman) (Advance/SILive | Jessica Jones- STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Local leaders celebrated a significant milestone in Staten Islands North Shore revitalization efforts on Thursday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the official opening of The Residences at Lighthouse Point a new mixed-income housing complex located on the St. George waterfront. Opening the doors to the spectacular 115-unit mixed-use housing complex at Lighthouse Point makes it abundantly clear: the future of Staten Islands North Shore is not just underway, it is already here, said Andrew Kimball, president and CEO of the New York City Economic Development Corporation, which helped develop the 13-story building in partnership with Lubert-Adler, New York State, Empire State Development and Triangle Equities. A checklist of progress on Staten Island's North Shore Action Plan was displayed at the ribbon cutting event. (Advance/SILive | Jessica Jones-Gorman) (Advance/SILive | Jessica Jones- Kimball noted that Lighthouse Points completion marks a key advancement in Staten Islands North Shore Action Plan a $400 million public waterfront investment focused on revitalizing a two-mile stretch of the North Shore. Just a year-and-a-half ago, we sat beside Mayor Adams, Council Member Hanks and BP Fossella to launch the North Shore Action Plana bold vision to complete a continuous waterfront esplanade: Two miles, 20 acres from Stapleton through the North Shore, Kimball said. A new neighborhood with good jobs, housing for families of all incomes, an enormous economic impact for the borough and today we are delivering on that vision. Andrew Kimball, president and CEO of the New York City Economic Development Corporation, Lester Petracca, president and CEO of Triangle Equities and Council Member Kamillah Hanks pose on the balcony of the Lighthouse Point penthouse. (Advance/SILive | Jessica Jones-Gorman) (Advance/SILive | Jessica Jones- New York is a five-borough city, and we are a five-borough administration, Mayor Eric Adams said in a press release about the opening of Lighthouse Point. We have put Staten Island front and center from day one of our administration. With todays opening, we are continuing to Get Stuff Done for the North Shore and giving Staten Islanders the housing, commercial space, and parking space they deserve. The development transformed the historic U.S. Lighthouse Service General Depot a federally registered National Historic Site that once served as the center of lighthouse operations for the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The project preserves four historic buildings, underground vaults, and a historic wall while adapting the site for modern use. Local leaders celebrated a significant milestone in Staten Island's North Shore revitalization efforts on Thursday, June 5, 2025, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the official opening of The Residences at Lighthouse Point a new mixed-income housing complex located on the St. George waterfront. (Advance/SILive | Jessica Jones-Gorman) (Advance/SILive | Jessica Jones- For more than a century, this historic site served as a beacon for ships navigating into New York Harbor, and today Lighthouse Point becomes a beacon for Staten Islands economic future, Governor Kathy Hochul said in a press release. This development exemplifies our commitment to creating housing opportunities that work for all New Yorkers from market-rate homes to affordable units for working families while honoring our states rich maritime heritage. When we invest in transit-accessible, mixed-use developments like this, were building the foundation for thriving, inclusive communities. This first phase brings 115 new residential units to the borough, all featuring modern finishes, including high ceilings, in-unit laundry, kitchens with stainless steel appliances and quartz countertops, and contemporary bathrooms with premium fixtures. Thirty units are reserved for affordable housing for residents earning between 40 and 130% of the area median income. These affordable units will be available through NYC Housing Connect later this year, while market-rate units are already being leased. An outdoor deck area complete with communal barbecues and seating is available for all residents of Lighthouse Point . (Advance/SILive | Jessica Jones-Gorman) (Advance/SILive | Jessica Jones-Gorman) Beyond housing, Lighthouse Point includes 60,000 square feet of commercial space that will host the College of Staten Island Tech Incubator, the Learning Experience early childhood education center, and Club Pilates. The development also provides 274 parking spots and features premium amenities, including a waterfront terrace, fitness center, and rooftop lounge with harbor views. Triangle Equities has had a history of undertaking ambitious, challenging projects that spur community and economic development across the greater New York City area, Lester Petracca, president and CEO of Triangle Equities said during the ribbon cutting event. Despite the challenges we faced in this projects development, our teams dedication along with the relentless support of our project partners persisted, allowing us to deliver this truly special development A fully equipped fitness room is one of the amenities at Lighthouse Point. (Advance/SILive | Jessica Jones-Gorman) (Advance/SILive | Jessica Jones- Petracca was speaking of several construction delays and close to 15 years of community doubt: Paused first by a general contractors bankruptcy in 2019 and then embroiled in a number of legal battles, the development was deemed doomed by local residents its empty shell looming over the waterfront, untouched and vacant for more than a decade. But construction movement began again in October of 2023, not long after plans were announced for the North Shore Action Plan. You know government is working when theres ribbon cuttings, Council Member Kamillah Hanks said at the ceremony. That wasnt happening on the North Shore and it would not have happened without teamwork.This is what happens when you lean into development, when you lean into issues and help shape the projects. We pushed through the red tape and delivered. This is a huge win for Staten Island. Lighthouse Point brings 115 new residential units to the borough, all featuring modern finishes including high ceilings, in-unit laundry, kitchens with stainless steel appliances and quartz countertops, and contemporary bathrooms with premium fixtures. (Advance/SILive | Jessica Jones-Gorman) (Advance/SILive | Jessica Jones- Eileen Harrington, president of the St. George Civic Association, agreed. We have watched this building grow and waited eagerly for this day, she said. We are looking forward to welcoming our new neighbors being a part of our community by getting involved in our many volunteer events, shopping at our local stores, our greenmarket, visiting our legendary St. George theater and dining at our amazing restaurants. Michael Cusick, president of the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation, said the launch is an important milestone for the borough. As a Staten Islander, I am excited to see the activity starting again here on the North Shore. As president of the SIEDC, Im excited to see some real development happening. This is the start of something great here on the North Shore. Local leaders celebrated a significant milestone in Staten Island's North Shore revitalization efforts on Thursday, June 5, 2025, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the official opening of The Residences at Lighthouse Point a new mixed-income housing complex located on the St. George waterfront. (Advance/SILive | Jessica Jones-Gorman) (Advance/SILive | Jessica Jones-Gorman) Kimball closed the ceremony by detailing the EDCs progress on other North Shore initiatives, including the launch of construction on the Tompkinsville Esplanade, breaking ground on the Mary Cali Dalton Recreation Center, securing federal funding to renovate Pier 1, and starting work on public open space on the New Stapleton Waterfront. This photo shows students at PS 3 in Prince's Bay on the first day of school in 2022. New York City public schools will be closed on Thursday to both students and staff for a holiday. All public school students in New York City will have the day off in observance of Eid al-Adha, a Muslim holiday, according to the school calendar. Called the Feast of Sacrifice, the major holiday is celebrated by Muslims worldwide for three to four days. Most Muslims will attend special prayers held at major mosques and Islamic centers in the United States and throughout the world. While the calendar set aside Thursday as a day off for Eid al-Adha, the Muslim holiday doesnt start until Thursday evening and into Friday. Schools are now making last-minute changes to their schedule impacting Friday after making an error on the school calendar to observe the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha. The schedule changes will not impact schools being closed on Thursday. Friday was planned as a day off for many students in pre-K and 3-K programs, elementary schools, and middle schools, while staff headed to school for a clerical day. Due to the error, staff in schools planning to head to campus for a clerical day will now work remotely. High schools and 6-12 schools will remain open for in-person instruction on Friday. The city will excuse students who need to be absent, late, or depart early for observance of Eid al-Adha. The public school academic calendar includes some two dozen days off between the first day and the last day of classes. As the school year winds down, there is only one additional day off for public schools before the end of the school year June 19 for Juneteenth. The city Department of Education calendar gives time off for religious holidays like Good Friday, Yom Kippur and Eid al-Fitr, and week-long breaks for winter recess, midwinter 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. For those counting down the days to summer, the last day of public school is Thursday, June 26. President Donald Trump speaks during a summer soiree on the South Lawn of the White House on June 4, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) AP President Donald Trumps White House united with a private company in order to establish a country-wide database of Americans and their most private information. That means you and your information could be added into the system if Trump continues to pursue this plan. Palantir, the company hired by the White House, is a Colorado-based analytics company co-founded by Trump supporter Peter Thiel, according to reporting by Newsweek. In a statement to Newsweek, the American Civil Liberties Unions Senior Policy Counsel Cody Venzke said the following: Shady, centralized dossiers on citizens are foundational for attacking civil rights and civil libertiesbut paper files have long been replaced by a mishmash of electronic forms, biometrics, and data bought off data brokers. AI platforms like those built by Palantir are the key to pulling together the many data points the government has on each of usyour political donations, governmental benefits, movements, and perhaps firearm records, could someday be a single click away for dozens of governmental agencies." This isnt the first time that Palantir was hired by the federal government. According to Newsweek, the companys platform, Foundry, has already been deployed at the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Health and Human Services, potentially enabling cross-agency information sharing. The news of a potential nationwide citizen database implemented by Trump sparked backlash from the presidents own supporters. Nick Fuentes, a typically active voice within the MAGA community and a white nationalist, expressed his outrage on X calling Palantir the deep state. On Instagram, people are comparing the hypothetical database to that of Project Insight in Captain America: The Winter Solider: a program that analyzed citizens for assassination targets that would threaten the exist of HYDRA, an organization that was born out of Nazi Germany. The 21st century is a digital book Your bank records, medical histories, voting patterns, emails, phone calls, your damn SAT scores, Jasper Sitwell, played by Maximiliano Hernandez, said in the movie. Others are comparing it to 1984. SUBSCRIBER BENEFIT: This year, SILive.com subscribers can get free unlimited high-resolution digital photo downloads of any of our photos in our galleries. Log in, click on the photo gallery to see if we photographed your favorite prom-goer and choose GET PHOTO to download free print-quality images. Additionally, subscribers will get 50% off the purchase of prom-related keepsakes. If you are not already a subscriber, sign up here. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. On the evening of June 4, 2025, students from The Eagle Academy for Young Men of Staten Island gathered at Pier 61 at Chelsea Piers in Manhattan. They boarded the Spirit of New Jersey for a cruise around New York Harbor to celebrate their 2025 prom. Grand entrance Arriving in their best attire with plenty of time to board their boat on a beautiful night with perfect weather the senior students, and guests posed for photos before boarding the ship. Best dressed We are awarding the title of best dressed to Xiomar Menendez and his date, Gabriella Cruz, who carried a stunning bouquet of red roses. Menendez wore a special pair of sneakers called Lavin. Lanvin sneakers made the best-dressed list, as worn by Xiomar Menendez and his date Gabriella Cruz, who carried a stunning bouquet of red roses. They were seen boarding the Spirit of New Jersey at Chelsea Piers in NYC for the Eagle Academy for Young Men of Staten Island prom on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Jan Somma-Hammel) Staten Island Advance Lanvin sneakers made the best-dressed list, as worn by Xiomar Menendez seen boarding the Spirit of New Jersey at Chelsea Piers in NYC for the Eagle Academy for Young Men of Staten Island prom on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Jan Somma-Hammel) Staten Island Advance >> HIGH-RES, PRINT QUALITY PROM PHOTOS ARE FREE FOR SUBSCRIBERS. SUBSCRIBE HERE, OR USE THE GET PHOTO LINK IF YOU ALREADY SUBSCRIBE. SUBSCRIBERS CAN DOWNLOAD AS MANY PHOTOS AS YOU LIKE. << Flashback Check out The Eagle Academy Prom 2024 Join our coverage As part of our coverage, we invite you to join in on the fun by tagging your prom photos #SILive on Instagram for a chance to be featured. Just make sure your account is public. Not going to the prom or just curious as to how much fun everyone is having? Follow @siadvance on Instagram and TikTok, and silivedotcom on Snapchat, to keep up with our complete coverage. If you would like your school featured as part of our prom coverage, email the details (when, where, time, venue, address, etc.) to tips@siadvance.com with PROM 2025 in the subject line. Prom schedule Thursday, May 8 St. Peters Boys High School Thursday, May 15 Concord High School Gateway Academy Wednesday, May 21 Monsignor Farrell High School Thursday, May 22 Petrides High School Notre Dame Academy Friday, May 23 G.R.A.C.E. Foundation Lavelle Preparatory/New Ventures/Nicotra Early College charter schools Wednesday, May 28 McKee High School Thursday, May 29 Moore Catholic High School Friday, May 30 Port Richmond High School Great Kills High School Monday, June 2 St. Joseph by-the-Sea High School Tuesday, June 3 CSI High School Wednesday, June 4 Gaynor McCown High School Hungerford School Eagle Academy for Young Men of Staten Island Friday, June 6 Susan Wagner High School Saturday, June 7 Staten Island Academy Wednesday, June 11 St. Joseph Hill Academy Bishop Patrick V. Ahern High School Thursday, June 12 Curtis High School Friday, June 13 New Dorp High School South Richmond High School Junior proms Wednesday, May 21 St. Joseph Hill Academy Thursday, May 22 St. Peters Boys High School Saturday, May 31 Monsignor Farrell High School For past prom coverage, visit silive.com/proms. This AccuWeather graphic shows thunderstorms in the forecast for New York City on the weekend of Friday, June 6, 2025. (AccuWeather) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. While it may not be a washout weekend, those with plans in New York City may want to take note of the potential for thunderstorms in the days ahead. Bob Larson, a senior meteorologist with AccuWeather, noted that a reasonably slow moving front is advancing eastward and could trigger storms going into the weekend. However, as the front is losing power it is becoming more disjointed and as such, the timing of any potential storms is difficult to pinpoint. On Thursday, the front should remain well west of the city, impacting areas in northeastern Pennsylvania and up into the Catskills. By Friday, the front should grow closer and could begin to impact the nearby areas in northern New Jersey. Its going to be another warm and humid day very warm and humid day and with that, cant rule out a late afternoon thunderstorm locally, but we suspect the best chance of a storm would be at some point tomorrow night, Larson said. Despite the possibility, it is still not a slam-dunk likelihood that the city will experience thunderstorms Friday night. Any storms that do form Friday night are expected to be scattered and unorganized. Moreover, these storms could have a significant potential to bring downpours and gusty winds. On Saturday, the front itself will pass over the city and, according to Larson, showers could manifest at any point in the day. He did, however, make the point that the best chance for thunderstorms on Saturday would be in the afternoon hours. Still, despite the possible rain in the forecast, Larson explained that it will not be a rainy day overall; sunshine could break through the clouds between any precipitation events. Given the humidity in the air, any storm that forms could bring heavy rain, even if scattered in nature, Larson said. Conditions will dry out Saturday night before giving way to a less humid Sunday with highs in the 70s. Showers could quickly move back into the area Sunday night from yet another system that is approaching from the west and southwest, Larson explained. The possibility for showers extends into Monday and Tuesday. Looking ahead, Larson foresees temperatures once more returning into the 80s at some point midweek. Although much of the smoke from the Canadian wildfires has steered clear of the city by Thursday afternoon, Larson shared that a shift in the winds could see the return of smoke to the city by the middle of next week. Still, any smoke is only expected to bring a hazy sky; it should not resemble anything like the oppressive smoke conditions two years ago. 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! U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke by phone this Thursday in an effort to ease tensions in the strained bilateral relationship. The friction has stemmed from mutual accusations of breaching trade agreements on tariffs and, on the Chinese side, Washingtons decision to revoke student visas for Chinese nationals. Trump described the call on his social media as very good, saying it led to a very positive conclusion for both countries. He also claimed that there should no longer be any questions respecting the complexity of Rare Earth products, which has been one of the main U.S. grievances. Delegations from both countries will meet again soon at a yet-to-be-determined location, Trump noted in a message posted on his social network, Truth Social. The U.S. delegation will include Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. The conversation was focused almost entirely on TRADE. Nothing was discussed concerning Russia/Ukraine, or Iran., Trump clarified. Both leaders also extended invitations to visit each others countries, with Trump adding: As Presidents of two Great Nations, this is something that we both look forward to doing. Chinas state news agency, Xinhua, reported that the call was initiated at the request of Trump. It marks the first conversation between the two leaders since the Republicans inauguration. According to Trump, the call lasted an hour and a half. The U.S. president had complained on social media just the day before about the difficulty of establishing communication with his Chinese counterpart. In a message posted in the early hours of Wednesday in Washington, Trump wrote that Xi is very tough, and extremely hard to strike a deal with. Since returning to office, Trump and the White House had repeatedly announced an imminent conversation with the Chinese leader, but none of those expected calls had materialized until now. Accusations The United States has accused China of failing to honor its commitment reached in Geneva on May 12 to ease export controls on rare earth elements, which are essential for manufacturing everything from semiconductors to cars and aircraft. Beijing controls the vast majority of the global supply. During the Geneva meeting last month, China agreed to approve licenses for the sale of rare earth elements to U.S. buyers. But the approval process can take up to 45 days, something that has tested Washingtons patience. For its part, the Asian giant blames Washington for imposing unfair restrictions on aircraft engine parts and on the sale of specialized software used in semiconductor design an attempt, it claims, to prevent China from acquiring the most advanced chips. It also accuses the U.S. of placing limits on semiconductor production by Chinese tech giant Huawei. Additionally, the U.S. announced last week it would aggressively impose visa restrictions on Chinese students. The tariff salvos and Chinas countermeasures led to an unprecedented situation where, blow by blow, both countries raised tariffs on each others goods to astronomical levels. Washington imposed duties of up to 145% on Chinese imports, while Beijing responded with tariffs of 125% on American products figures that U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent compared to a de facto embargo. The mutual accusations threatened to derail the fragile understanding reached last month in Geneva by the worlds two largest economic powers. The delegations at that meeting were led, on the U.S. side, by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and on the Chinese side by Vice Premier He Lifeng. At the start of that meeting, U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods stood at 145%, while Chinas tariffs on U.S. goods reached 125%. After negotiations, those rates were temporarily lowered to 30% for Chinese products and 10% for American goods. China has consistently maintained a firm stance in anticipation of future negotiations. Every time Trump claimed he would speak with Xi soon (something he first said after the initial round of tariffs in February), China has responded with silence. The last time the two spoke was three days before Trumps inauguration, and Beijing was displeased when, just days later, he approved a first wave of 10% tariffs in a bid to pressure China to do more to curb fentanyl trafficking. The delay in communication is partly due to Chinas different diplomatic approach never impulsive, never conducted via social media, and always built from the bottom up, not the other way around. Beijing has denounced every U.S. tariff hike before the World Trade Organization and responded with strong rhetoric, but always through official spokespeople or formal statements. The USs practice of escalating tariffs on China is a mistake on top of a mistake, which seriously infringes on Chinas legitimate rights and interests and seriously damages the rules-based multilateral trading system, the Chinese government said in a statement in April. This time, China considers itself better prepared than during the first trade war triggered by Trump during his first term. In addition to matching tariffs, it has struck where it knows it can hurt the U.S. by restricting exports of critical minerals and rare earths. And it has maintained all along that it would not sit down to negotiate while tariffs remained in place, calling them a form of coercion. If the US insists on its own way, China will fight to the end, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said in a statement. One detail shows just how firm China has remained: at the height of the trade battle, Mao Ning, chief spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, posted on social media an old speech by Mao Zedong from the Korean War era, in which the leader said it was up to the U.S. president to end the conflict: No matter how long this war is going to last, well never yield. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Advance Metals is charging ahead at its high-grade Myrtleford gold project in Victorias goldfields, with regulatory approvals now secured to kick off an expanded 10-hole diamond drilling campaign across its Happy Valley Trend. Following a highly successful maiden drilling program earlier this year, Advance has received the green light under a low-impact exploration notification to recommence drilling at three key sites along the 6-kilometre Happy Valley Trend. Advance Metals will soon kick off 10-hole follow-up drilling program at its Myrtleford gold project in the Victorian Goldfields. The additional 10-hole program, set to kick off next week, will see six diamond holes plunged into Advances Happy Valley ground to target extensions to the high-grade mineralisation intersected in the companys first four holes at the prospect. First-pass results delivered stunning gold intercepts, including an 8.2-metre hit running a stunning 22.4 grams per tonne (g/t) gold, with a meaty 3.2m portion grading 54.7g/t, a bonanza 7.5m grading 47.9g/t and a respectable 6.1m slice at 3.5g/t. Newly published results from ASX-listed diagnostics trailblazer Proteomics International Laboratories have unveiled stunning new clinical findings for its simple PromarkerEso oesophageal cancer blood test, opening the way for the innovative blood test to be commercially released. The tests accuracy was demonstrated in a 259-person study across three patient groups in Australia and the United States. The results were posted overnight in the peer-reviewed journal Proteomes, providing a major academic rubber stamp for the technology. Newly published results from Proteomics International have revealed its PromarkerEso blood test can detect early oesophageal cancer with 91 per cent accuracy. The new findings showed that the test could detect a whopping 91.4 out of 100 patients with the heartburn-related cancer and correctly identify 98.9 per cent of people without it, offering a powerful, non-invasive alternative to costly and uncomfortable endoscopies. Based on the results, PromarkerEso outperforms many tests currently used for screening other types of cancers. For context, the widely used Prostate-Specific Antigen blood test used to diagnose prostate cancer has an Area Under Curve (AUC) measurement of just 0.68, while PromarkerEso hit an exceptional AUC of 0.98. An AUC greater than 0.7 is considered to offer acceptable discrimination, while above 0.9 is considered outstanding. The moral centre of the story is Rose, a former British police officer, whose traumatic encounter with domestic abuse early in her career effectively frames the narrative. Shes since completed a PhD, written a bestselling book and is volunteering at a refuge while also compiling a report to parliament on this pressing social issue in hopes of changing the legislation for the better. It therefore comes as a shock when Rose is informed out of the blue that her estranged daughter has gone missing with her two small charges while working as a nanny for a wealthy family in Western Australia. Roses obnoxious ex-husband is immediately on the phone begging her to find the daughter she barely knows. But is it too late for them both? Although our attention is initially on Rose, Foster also introduces the endearing detective, Mal Blackwood. On the cusp of retirement, Blackwood is desperately trying to save his marriage of 38 years, but is unable to resist the lure of a big case: a propensity his long-suffering wife Margie knows only too well. While Blackwood leads the official investigation, Rose follows her own line of inquiry with the two narrative threads converging in an effective, and affecting, denouement. What lifts this thriller to another pitch are the keen observations of the many family lives upon which it touches. They may be very different but they are similar in their complexity and pain. Carved in Blood Michael Bennett Simon and Schuster, $34.99 The Ladies Road Guide to Utter Ruin Alison Goodman Harper Collins, $34.99 New Zealand writer Michael Bennett is also writing about family life, but from the rather different perspective of former detective senior sergeant Hana Westerman. Hana has recently left the force to return to her home town of Tata Bay after several bruising cases that feature in the two earlier books in this always compelling award-winning series. Crime series characters often carry a lot of baggage and Hana is no exception, although all you need to know is telegraphed in the opening paragraphs as she faces down a mako shark while swimming in the bay. Although brave and calm under pressure, Hana inevitably has her breaking point. New Zealand crime writer Michael Bennett. This arrives when her ex-husband, another detective, is gunned down while buying champagne to celebrate their daughter Addisons engagement to her non-binary partner PLUS-1. While this appears to be a random incident, its anything but. Hana therefore offers her services to the investigating officer, a young female Pasifika detective, who Hana perceives as the kind of much-needed cop who might eventually effect systemic change. Bennett doesnt labour the point while providing telling insights into Maori culture. As Hana watches a group of Maori teenagers who have just passed their driving test chasing her ex-husbands cop car round the rugby oval, her cousin points out that its Nice to see a bunch of Maori kids chasing the cops instead of the other way around. Ouch. Carved in Blood concludes with the promise of a sequel and a whole lot of new trouble for Hana, whose work is hardly done. Catch up with her soon. Looking for something different again? Then I can suggest nothing better than Alison Goodmans entertaining Regency romp, The Ladies Road Guide to Utter Ruin. If you loved the TV series Bridgerton, then you will love this book, although there is far less sex and a lot more unrequited passion. As a component of her PhD in creative writing, Goodman meticulously researched the period before completing two novels, of which this is the second. Rest assured, while the historical detail is impressive, the author never lets pedantry get in the way of a rollicking good story that also has its more serious side. Loading As in Bridgerton, theres a swag of feminist and political revisionism. Lady Augusta and her twin sister, Julia, are harbouring two women on the run, essentially for their same-sex union. Although this might seem a stretch, Goodman introduces the reader to the true case of the Ladies of Llangollen, two women who flouted convention by setting up a home together in North Wales and who are now considered to be an iconic queer couple. The often testy-with-each-other sisters, Gus and Julia, are also in love despite being considered to be old maids at the venerable age of 40. While Gus has fallen for Lord Evan Belford, who has been framed for murder and is also on the run, Julia is enamoured of a Bow Street Runner, a man considered far beneath her in social stature. The pair are also exceptional sleuths, largely because of their cultural invisibility as older women. Although the adventure that ensues may be less of a road guide and more of cautionary tale in which Gus breaks every imaginable rule to save her lover, theres rather more to The Ladies Road Guide to Utter Ruin than romance. So many of lifes greatest pop culture mysteries go unsolved. But lucky White Lotus fans and Reddit sleuths finally have an answer to why actor Walton Goggins unfollowed his costar Aimee Lou Wood on Instagram after the finale aired. Rick (Walton Goggins) and Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood) in The White Lotus. During a new interview with Variety, the pair addressed the controversy together, with Goggins declaring there is no feud. I adore, I love this woman madly, and she is so important to me, he said. This is Goldie Hawn. This is Meg Ryan. She can do anything, and she will. You watch what the next 20 years of her experience will be She is love and I know that I am that to her. We care about each other very deeply. A Melbourne businessman with a history of family violence has resigned as chair of The Australian Clubs house committee after his appointment last month caused ructions within the exclusive gentlemens club. Nicholas Smedley told the club on Tuesday morning that he would step down from both the house and general committees after intense discussions in a flurry of WhatsApp messages about his suitability for the prestigious positions. Nicholas Smedley has resigned as chair of The Australian Clubs house committee after The Age reported he had a history of family violence. Smedleys appointment had also sparked a backlash from family violence campaigners. The Age revealed the 42-year-old was appointed chair of the house committee at the annual general meeting on May 1 despite pleading guilty in 2007 to two assault charges and one count of criminal damage involving his former fiancee. However, the USs mad cow outbreak subsided and Australias ban on US beef was lifted in 2019. Biosecurity officials are still reviewing whether to permit cattle raised in Mexico and Canada but slaughtered in the US into Australia, as the Trump administration has demanded. Our farmers are blocked from selling almost anywhere ... Australia wont let us sell beef, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said in April, in an oversimplification of the current situation. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is preparing his arguments to avoid Trumps tariffs. Credit: Justin McManus It is unclear whether the outcome of that review will be the card Albanese plays in his discussion with Trump, which another government source noted was not a deal-or-no-deal moment and could lead to months of talks. The source added that ministers were wary of Trumps erratic approach and were unwilling to sell the farm by giving in to US demands to water down the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme or back away from charging tech giants for news. The prime ministers office was contacted for comment. Experts, including former inspector-general of biosecurity Helen Scott-Orr, told this masthead in April that they endorsed Australias ban on US beef exports from cattle raised outside the US. Australias disease-free status depended on strict biosecurity protocols, they said. We do not use them [biosecurity protocols] as non-tariff trade barriers. When other countries query our biosecurity requirements, we have to justify them and show that we are applying proper controls to allow trade to all those countries to continue, Scott-Orr said. The requirements we have are very cautious because the consequences would be huge. The Albanese governments consideration of permitting US beef imports suggests it has found a pathway through these complications. In April, Albanese said he would negotiate with the US but would never undermine biosecurity. Illustration by Matt Golding We will not weaken the measures that protect our farmers and producers from the risks of disease or contamination, he said in a separate statement. Agriculture sector consultant Patrick Hutchison, of Gibraltar Strategic Advisory, said while the US was a major competitor in the biggest markets for beef, like China, Japan and Korea, Australias population of 27 million was likely too small to become a major target for Americans. US exports would only play a very niche role in the market here, like in food service or potentially, US-aligned supermarket chains, Hutchinson said. The US is the biggest market for Australian beef, which is used in 6 billion hamburgers across the United States each year, and industry calculates tariffs would cost US consumers an additional $600 million a year. Loading National Farmers Federation President David Jochinke said he welcomed Albaneses ongoing commitment not to compromise biosecurity rules to satisfy US demands. The science-based, biosecurity assessment processes undertaken by the Australian government are crucial in ensuring imports are safe, Jochinke said. Australias historic trade with the US dipped into a deficit for the first time earlier this year, just as Trump was preparing to announce tariffs. However, it returned to surplus on Thursday, handing Albanese and Farrell a more powerful argument because most countries, unlike Australia, sell more to the US than they buy from it. Loading The US hostility towards trade under Trump has forced its allies to open up new trading avenues. Australia is closing in on a long-delayed free-trade deal with the EU, with Trade Minister Don Farrell meeting European counterparts in Paris this week. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer secured a partial exemption from metals tariffs when he visited Washington, creating a precedent for such an arrangement and fuelling Coalition calls for Albanese to get the same outcome. The prime minister said on Tuesday he would certainly raise metals tariff with Trump, and on Thursday argued the case for a long-delayed EU trade deal that Farrell is now negotiating was bolstered by the chaos caused by Trumps tariff spree. Russia not only wants to destroy Ukraine on the front lines, but also by infiltrating the streets of its cities far from the combat zone. The Ukrainian Interior Ministry reports almost weekly on cases of Ukrainian citizens hired by the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB), the successor agency to the KGB, to carry out attacks behind the lines. Above all, the Kremlin wants to fish in troubled waters, among the silent opposition that thousands of men of draft age are waging to avoid enlisting. Recruitment offices are the main target of Russian sabotage to fuel discontent against the army. It all began in early February, when five attacks against recruitment offices (TCK) and their military personnel occurred in less than a week. Since then, the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) has continuously reported the arrests of individuals who allegedly carried out attacks, or were preparing to do so. The latest case came to light after the arrest on May 19 of a 17-year-old, from whom, according to the SSU, explosive material and homemade systems for making them were confiscated. The detainee had planned to plant a bomb in a TCK office in Kyiv. The young man had previously been investigated for setting fire to military vehicles and was under house arrest. According to Ukrainian authorities, his modus operandi was as follows: he was recruited by the FSB via messaging apps. Through one of these apps, he received orders from Russian agents. The last message informed him of the location where he would find an explosive device that another collaborator had left for him. The SSU claims he was arrested while collecting this material. Multiple similar cases have emerged since February, and most concur that the accused are young people suffering from marginalized economic and social circumstances. Last April, the SSU arrested a 22-year-old woman who was allegedly ordered by the FSB to transport explosives in the city of Dnipro. The suspect, according to Ukrainian police, was a polysubstance addict from Bakhmut (a city razed and occupied by Russia in 2023) who was living as a refugee in Dnipro. The SSU stated in its report that the woman was contacted by the FSB through a Telegram job-seeking channel. She received payment in cryptocurrency. The police report suggested that Russian agents intended to remotely detonate the bomb as the woman carried it along a central street in Dnipro. In February, a 21-year-old unemployed man died when the bomb he smuggled into a TCK office in Rivne was remotely detonated. Social unrest Moscow is seeking to inflame an already complex social situation for the Ukrainian government. Tens of thousands of men in Ukraine are avoiding compulsory recruitment. Few now voluntarily join the ranks. Most avoid traveling far from their homes to evade recruitment patrols, or pay bribes of up to 5,000 ($5,700) to dodge the draft. The discontent of Ukrainians who do not want to fight is growing in the face of a seemingless endless conflict. Tensions with the TCK occur daily. A May 27 Ukrainian army statement admitted that cases of obstruction of the work of recruitment offices have increased significantly, with citizens even encouraging them. On May 27, three men and a woman were arrested for attacking members of a mobilization patrol in the city of Cherkasy. The video of the brawl, like many similar ones, went viral on social media. A TCK soldier was seriously injured on May 29 in Kharkiv when a bomb exploded in his vehicle. Police do not immediately point to Russian responsibility. Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, ordered an investigation on May 30 to find the leaders of about 100 residents of the city of Kamianets-Podilskyi who attacked a military team working with a TCK patrol. Russian collaborators are not limited solely to organizing alleged sabotage or attacks. Most of the arrests are of people who, in exchange for money, provide information to the enemy about the Ukrainian military. Seven people were arrested in the last week of May alone. On May 28, the SSU claimed to have dismantled a network of four collaborators in the town of Kostiantynivka who were passing the coordinates of Ukrainian units to the invader. Russian forces are attempting to surround this municipality, in Donetsk province. The four men acted separately but provided information to the same Russian agent, including the location of Ukrainian military equipment. On May 30, a 38-year-old taxi driver was detained while filming a military facility in Dnipro. That same day, in the west of the country, in Khmelnytskyi, a 53-year-old Ukrainian citizen was arrested for allegedly providing details of military airfields. According to the SSU report, this man, unlike previous detainees, had been specifically targeted by the FSB for being pro-Russian. Collaboration with the enemy is punishable in Ukraine by life imprisonment. Collaborators in Europe Kyiv believes that Russia is already applying the same system of recruiting Ukrainian collaborators in other European countries. This is according to a June 2 statement from the intelligence service of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense (GUR). Russian special services have intensified their attempts to recruit Ukrainian citizens to carry out illegal activities within the European Union, the GUR reports. According to Ukrainian authorities, the people contacted by Russian agents are refugees living in difficult conditions, primarily from the eastern regions of Ukraine occupied by Russian forces. Ukrainian collaborators in Europe monitor strategic infrastructure and carry out other espionage activities, the GUR states, without providing further details. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Jim Chalmers slammed the door shut this week on doing a deal with the Coalition on tax changes to superannuation. The treasurer is perfectly entitled to thumb his nose at the opposition. Labor first announced these tax changes last term, the government took them to the election, and it then secured a thumping majority on May 3. But Chalmers is making a mistake. The much-depleted Coalition has not yet decided whether it plans to be constructive, in a legislative sense, in this second term on the opposition benches, or whether it will continue with the monomaniacal impulse to say no to most proposals. Illustration by Dionne Gain Credit: Chalmers could not agree to the Coalitions twin requests that the tax change be indexed so that over time the impost does not affect more than the initial estimate of 80,000 people and second, that the tax would not apply to unrealised capital gains (such as a family farm or an expensive artwork) held by an individuals self-managed super fund. Instead, the treasurer has chosen to negotiate with the Greens, who also want tweaks, but who are much more likely to eventually pass the tax in its original form. Greens MP Sarah Hanson-Young says Senator Dorinda Cox should have quit parliament when she defected to join Labor earlier this week, escalating the minor partys criticism of its former First Nations spokeswoman. The comment reflects the anger towards Cox from the Greens and goes further than comments made by party leader Larissa Waters, who said earlier this week that she wished her former colleague well. Dorinda Cox said she had lost confidence in the Greens and felt her values aligned with Labor. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Hanson-Young said that for an MP to be elected to represent one party and then shift to another was unfair on the people who voted for them. I do think the honourable thing is to resign from the parliament, Hanson-Young said in Canberra. But, you know, they are not the rules, and so were left where we are. Washington: US President Donald Trump has accepted an invitation to visit Beijing, as he declared a trade deal with China was in good shape after a phone call with President Xi Jinping their first since Trump returned to power in January. The long-awaited call between the two leaders included a renewed joint commitment to reaching a deal, a promising sign after a fragile truce struck in Geneva last month appeared on the verge of collapsing after both countries accused each other of not honouring their terms. However, there was some divergence in their respective accounts of the call, which, according to Trump, lasted 1 hours and focused almost entirely on trade issues without addressing the war in Ukraine or concerns about Irans nuclear technology. US President Donald Trump and Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping at the G-20 summit in Osaka in 2019. Credit: AP Trump implied there had been a breakthrough in discussions on Chinas export controls on rare-earth magnets critical to the automotive, defence and energy industries, which had threatened to derail the truce something the Chinese side did not mention in its account of the talks. PHILIPSBURG:--- In light of recent public discussions and statements made by representatives of the local construction sector, the National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB) wishes to address growing concerns regarding procurement practices, contractor eligibility, and local participation in recovery-related projects. The NRPB acknowledges the passion, frustration, and advocacy expressed by local contractors and community leaders and understands that some contractors may find the qualification requirements challenging. These thresholds are designed to match the complexity and risk level of each project. They also help ensure that participating firms are not exposed to obligations beyond their current capacity, which could place both the business and the project at risk. As stewards of public funds, the NRPB must uphold standards that support responsible project delivery and long-term sustainability. However, we do hear the concerns, and we share the desire to see local professionals actively involved in rebuilding the country, said NRPB Director Claret Connor. As NRPB we work within a framework that protects the country from financial liability and ensures compliance with international standards. Finding that balance is not easy, but it is necessary, and we are committed to it. The NRPB recognizes that its procurement processes, while legally required, have not always felt accessible or inclusive to all. For some contractors, particularly small and medium-sized firms, participating in Trust Fund tenders has been difficult due to financial, technical, or administrative thresholds. These challenges are real and cannot be dismissed. Connor further emphasized that the NRPB understands how deeply this issue touches on national pride, economic survival, and the future of young professionals. That message is not lost on us. At the same time, we must continue to meet rigorous accountability standards and make procurement decisions based on evolving project needs. All Trust Fund-financed contracts must follow World Bank procurement procedures, as Sint Maarten currently does not have a national procurement law. These procedures are designed to ensure transparency, competition, and value for money, while protecting public funds from risk. Non-compliance with the applicable procurement regulations could furthermore result in expenditure being declared ineligible, which could place a financial burden on the country. For future tenders, the NRPB will continue to seek ways to reduce entry barriers for potential bidders. Where possible, the NRPB will simplify qualification thresholds and unbundle project activities. Meanwhile, the NRPB will expand its public outreach and introduce a new e-Procurement platform to make the bidding process more accessible and user-friendly. Connor noted that over 90 percent of the NRPBs repair works contracts to date were implemented by locally established companies. We are not here to exclude, but to include, responsibly. Were proud of the contributions many local firms have made to national recovery. We want more of that. But we also must ensure that projects are delivered on time, on budget, and with full accountability. As part of its continued efforts toward greater transparency and engagement, the NRPB and the World Bank will host a Public Procurement Information Session on Tuesday, June 17 at the Aleeze Convention Center. The session will offer an in-depth look at how the procurement process works, introduce the new e-Procurement platform, and provide a space for questions and dialogue. Full details of the event will be announced in the coming days. This conversation is not just about contracts. It is about national development. We hope all stakeholders will work with us to build a system that is both transparent and inclusive, even within the strict framework we must follow. The NRPB extends its appreciation to all professionals, partners, and community members who continue to advocate for local capacity, accountability, and progress. These goals remain at the heart of the recovery effort. For more information about NRPB projects or procurement guidelines, visit www.nrpbsxm.org/procurement or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Lyndon Lewis is calling on the Honorable Prime Minister, Dr. Luc Mercelina, to urgently address the ongoing crisis at NV GEBE, which has left countless citizens burdened with exorbitant and inconsistent electricity bills. The continued discrepancies in billing have created a state of uncertainty and distress for many households, particularly those in the low-income bracket who are now facing disconnection due to their inability to pay. This is not just a matter of numbers on paper, it is a matter of basic human dignity, MP Lewis stated. People are receiving bills that they simply cannot afford, in many cases, more than double their usual rates, with no clear explanation or accountability from GEBE. The people of this country should no longer suffer under these inhumane circumstances. This is unacceptable. For months, residents have voiced growing concerns about unexplained spikes in their utility bills, errors in consumption estimates, and a lack of transparency and communication from GEBE. Despite repeated promises of improvement, the situation has only worsened, leaving vulnerable families at risk of living without electricity, a necessity in todays world. MP Lewis understood from many residents that their electricity is currently disconnected. He emphasized that while the operational challenges at GEBE may be complex, the government has a responsibility to protect its citizens from unjust burdens. This is where leadership matters. The people deserve more than silencethey deserve answers, solutions, and relief. I am urging the Prime Minister to step up, provide clarity, and implement immediate short-term measures to suspend disconnections, followed by long-term reform at GEBE. He concluded by calling for a public statement from the Prime Minister and a full investigation into GEBEs billing systems, with a demand for immediate remedial action, including relief mechanisms for those who have been unfairly charged and an urgent freeze on all service cutoffs until proper assessments are made. The management of GEBE N.V. has to get its house in order, finally. PHILIPSBURG:---The Ministry of VSA is pleased to announce the upcoming Minister in Your Neighborhood, the SZV edition. This VSA and SZV collaboration aims to foster direct engagement with community members. It provides an opportunity for residents to discuss SZV concerns, ask questions, share ideas, and be informed in a relaxed and accessible setting. The Minister looks forward to meeting neighbors, listening to their voices, and working together to build a stronger, more connected community. Date: Friday, June 6th, 2025 Time: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Location: Government Administration Building, Rooms 1 & 2. PHILIPSBURG:--- The Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport today shared the outcomes of an independent investigation into operational and incident matters at the Prins Willem Alexander School (PWAS) with the staff of the school. Following an extensive analysis of organisational structures, policies, student care practices, infrastructure, and governance, the investigation team has submitted its final report, which contains a set of actionable recommendations designed to enhance the quality of education, safety, and overall well-being of students with special educational needs. Recognising that immediate action is critical, the Ministry will concentrate on a short-term plan to drive tangible improvements before the start of the 2025/2026 school year. The existing Steering Committee for the Transformation of Public Education will guide the implementation of these recommendations, and A PWAS Reform Team will be established to develop the short-term plan and lay the foundation for medium- and long-term strategic planning. At the start of the new school year, the PWAS Director will be reinstated and will be supported by the management team to begin embedding changes. Efforts will focus on reviewing and updating policies that govern special education, ensuring alignment with international standards; strengthening mental health and psychosocial support services through coordinated collaboration with the Student Support Services Division (SSSD); reinforcing the schools leadership structure and staffing; and establishing robust quality assurance and accountability measures. An essential component of this work will be a full campus inspection, conducted in partnership with the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI) by July 1, 2025, to identify and address all urgent safety or infrastructure needs. Above all, every recommendation is being developed with the unique learning and well-being needs of PWAS students at its core. Every child deserves an environment where they can thrive, said Honourable Melissa Gumbs, Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport. We are committed to working hand-in-hand with PWAS families, staff, and the wider community to put these recommendations into actionensuring that our most vulnerable learners receive the care and opportunity they deserve. Throughout this process, the Ministry will maintain open channels of communication with parents, teachers, and community stakeholders. Regular updates will be shared to highlight progress, celebrate early wins, and invite ongoing feedback. By uniting around a shared vision of excellence and inclusivity, the Ministry and the PWAS community will ensure that the school emerges stronger, safer, and more responsive to the needs of students with special educational requirements. For media inquiries, please contact: Mr. Marvio Cooks: This is how these worms make towers to move in search of food They measure just a millimeter in length, but when united, they become a super-organism. Nematodes are the most abundant animals on the planet and have one of the rarest abilities in the natural world: they can climb on top of each other until their bodies form a living tower. If food becomes scarce or competition for it becomes fierce, these tiny worms band together sometimes by the dozens, even thousands to reach and colonize new spaces. Until now, such groupings were almost mythical. They had only been observed under highly controlled laboratory conditions, and never spontaneously. But researchers in Konstanz, Germany, have captured footage of Caenorhabditis worms climbing over fallen apples and pears in local orchards. The team from the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior and the University of Konstanz combined fieldwork with lab experiments to provide the first direct evidence that this tower-building behavior occurs in nature and that it functions as a form of collective transportation for nematodes. The discovery was published Thursday in the journal Current Biology. Serena Ding, a researcher at Max Planck and lead author of the study, explains that nictation the behavior in which a worm stands upright, balances on its tail, and waves its body in the air as if hitchhiking had already been studied by other research groups. However, this new investigation explores the collective dimension of dispersal, showing that the worms also group together to attach themselves to fruit flies or other insects, effectively riding them to new locations. Ding had previously noticed this behavior happening spontaneously in her lab cultures when she left nematode plates unattended. These plates often developed fungal contamination or other complex structures that the hungry worms used as scaffolds to climb, she explains. Then came a video that changed everything. Ryan Greenway, a co-author of the study, sent Ding a recording of a group of nematodes forming bridges between rotting fruit in an orchard near the university. For a long time, natural worm towers existed only in our imagination, the researcher recalls. But with the right tools and a lot of curiosity, we found them hiding in plain sight, she adds. The co-author of the study set up a field microscope with which he was able to record the first video of natural towers in nematodes. Serena Ding That wasnt the only surprise. Traditionally, science had linked nictation to a very specific stage in the life of nematodes: the dauer stage. This refers to an alternative larval phase that the worms enter in order to survive under adverse conditions. Our observations revealed that worms of all ages can form towers, which suggests that a different molecular mechanism than we thought could be involved, explains the author. Cooperation or death trap A tower of nematodes is not just a pile of worms. It is a coordinated structure that shows a certain directionality during its formation, especially when the worms detect potential mass transport opportunities. For example, Ding notes, when we touch the towers with a needle, the worms tend to move more and crawl toward that signal. In other words, they are sensitive to touch. They also tend to align themselves within the tower, with their heads pointing in the direction they intend to move, which suggests a remarkable level of coordination for such small animals. The results of the research illustrated by one of the authors of the study. Daniela Perez When placed on agar a gelatinous substance used as a growth medium in microbiology without food and with a toothbrush bristle serving as a post, the hungry worms began to self-assemble. Within two hours, living towers emerged that remained stable for over 12 hours and were capable of extending exploratory arms into their surroundings. Some even formed bridges across gaps to reach new surfaces. We suspect that in addition to touch, odor detection in nematodes could play an important role, Ding explains. Chemical cues could help worms locate resources or vectors, improving the efficiency of collective dispersal. Compared with other collective transport systems in animals like schools of fish or flocks of birds worm towers are somewhat different. There is a very strong physical overlap between individuals and very little long-distance coordination, the expert explains. Furthermore, despite the architectural complexity of these structures, the worms inside them showed no obvious role differentiation, suggesting a form of egalitarian cooperation. We are exploring whether there is a division of labor which would suggest cooperation or social cheating which would be competition between individuals in the formation of towers, since only some individuals in the group manage to disperse successfully. The new study opens up a path to explore how and why animals move together. Additionally, given that worms have limbless, sticky bodies, their ability to form tall structures is quite remarkable. If scientists can understand how these non-adhesive organisms build and maintain towers, it could inspire new ideas in mechanics and materials engineering. Although its still early days, this could have applications in the design of soft robotics, bio-inspired materials, or in understanding collective mechanics in other biological or technological systems, says Ding. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Ukraine officer tells US that Russia plots big advances Washington, June 5 (AFP) Jun 05, 2025 A Ukrainian military officer told the United States on Wednesday that Russian forces are preparing major advances into next year, including aiming to cut off Black Sea access, as Kyiv pushes for stronger pressure against Moscow. A senior Ukrainian delegation was visiting Washington just as President Donald Trump said that his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin warned him by telephone of major retaliation over a daring Ukraine drone strike deep into Russia. Colonel Pavlo Palisa, who served on the frontlines until President Volodymyr Zelensky in November named him as deputy head of the president's office, presented what he said were findings from Ukrainian military intelligence. Speaking to reporters after briefing US lawmakers and officials, Palisa said that Russia has set a goal of seizing by the end of September the entirety of Donetsk and Lugansk -- two of the four regions that Russia has claimed to have annexed, and which feature in a Russian proposal that Ukraine terms an ultimatum. By the end of the year, Russia wants to establish a buffer zone along the Ukraine-Russia border, Palisa said. "It's interesting, but they have plans even for 2026. The plan for next year is to occupy the whole part of Ukraine which is situated on the left bank of the Dnipro River," he said. The goal is to "occupy Odessa region and Mykolaiv region, to cut Ukraine's access to the Black Sea," he said. He did not specify the sources of his assertions. The Black Sea is militarily and economically critical for Ukraine and a major route for shipments of grain to the developing world. The vast Dnipro runs through the capital Kyiv and flows to the Black Sea, bisecting Ukraine, whose historical legitimacy has been questioned by Putin. Palisa said the purported intelligence findings on Russia showed "what they think in reality." "Unfortunately, they are not speaking about peace. They are preparing for war," he said. Top Zelensky aide Andriy Yermak, who led the delegation to Washington, encouraged US lawmakers to move forward on a new sanctions bill to "increase the pressure on Russia." "It's necessary to create the right atmosphere that Russia will go to negotiation -- but go not to make a show, but concrete and real negotiation," Yermak said. Yermak met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who has repeatedly warned that Trump -- who took office vowing quickly to end the war and who briefly cut off support to Ukraine -- is losing patience with Putin. NATO looks to thrash out spending deal under US pressure Brussels, Belgium, June 5 (AFP) Jun 05, 2025 US defence chief Pete Hegseth will seek on Thursday to drive home a deal on ramping up NATO defence spending that can satisfy President Donald Trump at a summit later this month. The volatile US leader has demanded that alliance members agree to boost defence spending to five percent of their GDP at the June 24-25 meeting in The Netherlands. NATO chief Mark Rutte has put forward a compromise agreement for 3.5 percent of GDP on core military spending by 2032, and 1.5 percent on broader security-related areas such as infrastructure. Multiple diplomats say that Rutte looks on track to secure the deal for the summit in The Hague -- but that some allies are still hesitant about committing to such spending. "I'm really, absolutely, positively convinced that at the summit with the 32, we will come to an agreement when it comes to this really big increase in defence spending," the NATO chief said on Wednesday. Most vocal in its reluctance is Spain, which is only set to reach NATO's current target of two percent of GDP by the end of this year. Diplomats say that other countries are also haggling over making the timeline longer and dropping a demand for core defence spending to increase by 0.2 percentage points each year. But the deal appears an acceptable compromise to most that will allow Trump to claim that he has achieved his headline demand, while in reality setting the bar lower for struggling European allies. Hegseth looks set to use a meeting with his NATO counterparts in Brussels to pressure them into signing up to the agreement. The United States has backed Rutte's plan -- but its ambassador to NATO insisted on Wednesday that Washington wants to see "plans, budgets, timelines, deliverables" to meet the target. In a connected move, NATO ministers will sign off at their meeting in Brussels on new capability targets for the weaponry needed to face the threat from Russia. NATO officials have estimated that, on average, meeting the new targets would cost countries between 3.5 and 3.7 percent of GDP. Hegseth, a former TV presenter, rocked NATO on his last visit in February with a fiery warning that Washington could look to scale back its forces in Europe to focus on China. Since then there has been no concrete announcement from the United States on troop withdrawals but NATO allies remain on tenterhooks. - Ukraine question - With NATO appearing headed for the defence spending deal, another thorny issue now threatens to overshadow the summit in three weeks time: what to do about Ukraine? Trump's return to the White House ripped up Washington's support for Ukraine and upended the West's approach to Russia's three-year-long war. Hegseth underlined US disengagement with Kyiv by skipping a meeting of Ukraine's backers in Brussels on Wednesday. Kyiv's European allies are pressing strongly to overcome US reluctance and invite Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky to The Hague as a sign of support. So far, NATO has only said that Ukraine will be represented at the gathering -- but has not confirmed that Zelensky will be in attendance. Putin ready to 'help resolve' Iran nuclear stand-off: Kremlin Moscow, June 5 (AFP) Jun 05, 2025 Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to "help resolve" the standoff between Iran and the United States over Tehran's nuclear programme, the Kremlin said Thursday. "We have a close partnership with Tehran. And President Putin said that he was ready to use this partnership to help resolve the Iranian nuclear issue," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. After a call between the leaders on Wednesday, US President Donald Trump said Putin had offered to "participate" in talks on Tehran's nuclear programme, as Trump accused Iran of "slow-walking" its response to Washington's offer of a deal. Washington and Tehran have held five rounds of talks since April to thrash out a new accord to replace the nuclear deal that Trump abandoned during his first term in 2018. Trump said Monday that his administration would not allow "any" enrichment of uranium, despite Tehran's insistence that it has the right under the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said earlier Wednesday that Washington's proposal was against Tehran's national interest. Russia and Iran have deepened their military ties amid Moscow's military offensive on Ukraine. The Kremlin said earlier this week that Tehran had the "right" to a run a peaceful nuclear energy programme. US says NATO close to agreeing to Trump's defence spending demand Brussels, Belgium, June 5 (AFP) Jun 05, 2025 US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said Thursday NATO allies were close to agreeing a deal on spending ahead of a summit later this month, in a bid to satisfy US President Donald Trump's demand for five percent of GDP. The US leader has pressured alliance members to announce a massive boost in the target for their military budgets at the June 24-25 meeting in the Netherlands. "Countries in there are well exceeding two percent and we think very close, almost near consensus, on a five percent commitment for NATO in The Hague later this month," Hegseth said after meeting NATO counterparts in Brussels. NATO chief Mark Rutte has put forward a compromise agreement for 3.5 percent of GDP on core military spending by 2032, and 1.5 percent on broader security-related areas such as infrastructure. "This alliance, we believe, in a matter of weeks, will be committing to 5 percent -- 3.5 percent in hard military and 1.5 percent in infrastructure and defence-related activities," Hegseth said. "That combination constitutes a real commitment, and we think every country can step up." The threat from Russia after more than three years of war in Ukraine and worries about US commitment to Europe's security under Trump are driving up military budgets in Europe. Multiple diplomats said Rutte looks on track to secure the deal for the summit in The Hague -- but a few allies are still hesitant about committing to such levels of spending. Most vocal in its reluctance is Spain, which is only set to reach NATO's current target of two percent of GDP by the end of this year. Diplomats say other countries are also haggling over making the timeline longer and dropping a demand for core defence spending to increase by 0.2 percentage points each year. But the deal appears an acceptable compromise to most, which will allow Trump to claim that he has achieved his headline demand, while in reality setting the bar lower for struggling European allies. Currently only a handful of NATO countries most worried about Russia, such as Poland, and the Baltics, are on target to spend five percent on defence. - 'America can't be everywhere' - In a connected move, NATO ministers signed off at their meeting on new capability targets for the weaponry needed to deter Russia. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius estimated the new requirements meant Berlin would need to add "around 50,000 to 60,000" more soldiers to its army. His Dutch counterpart Ruben Brekelmans said reaching the level requested would cost The Netherlands at least 3.5 percent of GDP. "The new defence investment plan, of course, is rooted in what we need in terms of the hard capabilities," Rutte said. Hegseth, a former TV presenter, rocked NATO on his last visit in February with a fiery warning that Washington could look to scale back its forces in Europe to focus on the threat from China. This time around Hegseth said he did not want to "get ahead" of any decisions from Trump as the United States conducts a review of its force deployments worldwide. "We're going to make sure we shift properly to the Indo-Pacific and re-establish deterrence there, and then we're going to increase burden-sharing across the world," he said. "America can't be everywhere all the time, nor should we be." - Ukraine question - While the United States was focused on getting Trump a win on defence spending in The Hague, it sidestepped talks on supporting Ukraine in its fight with Russia. Trump's return to the White House upended the West's approach to Russia's three-year-long war. Hegseth underscored the United States disengagement with Kyiv by skipping a meeting of Ukraine's backers in Brussels Wednesday, and was set to miss a second sit-down with Kyiv Thursday. Kyiv's European allies are pressing to overcome US reluctance and invited Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky to The Hague as a sign of support. So far, NATO has said only that Ukraine will be represented at the gathering, and has not confirmed that Zelensky will be in attendance. US says NATO close to agreeing to Trump's spending demand Brussels, Belgium, June 5 (AFP) Jun 05, 2025 US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said Thursday that NATO allies were close to agreeing a deal on spending ahead of a summit later this month, in a bid to satisfy US President Donald Trump's demand that it reach five percent of GDP. Trump is pressuring alliance members to announce a massive boost in the target for their military budgets at the June 24-25 summit in the Netherlands. "Countries in there are well exceeding two percent and we think very close, almost near consensus, on a five percent commitment for NATO in The Hague later this month," Hegseth said after meeting his NATO counterparts in Brussels. NATO chief Mark Rutte has put forward a compromise agreement of 3.5 percent of GDP on core military spending by 2032, and 1.5 percent on broader security-related areas such as infrastructure. "This alliance, we believe, in a matter of weeks, will be committing to five percent -- 3.5 percent in hard military and 1.5 percent in infrastructure and defence-related activities," Hegseth said. "That combination constitutes a real commitment, and we think every country can step up." The threat from Russia after more than three years of war in Ukraine and worries about US commitment to Europe's security under Trump are driving up military budgets in Europe. Several diplomats said Rutte appeared on track to secure the deal for the summit in The Hague, though a few allies are still hesitant about committing to such levels of spending. Most vocal in its reluctance has been Spain, which is only set to reach NATO's current target of two percent of GDP by the end of this year. But Defence Minister Margarita Robles said Madrid would not veto a deal, even if it did not agree with setting a "fixed percentage" figure. Diplomats say other countries are also haggling over making the timeline longer and dropping a demand for core defence spending to increase by 0.2 percentage points each year. The deal appears an acceptable compromise to most, which will allow Trump to claim that he has achieved his headline demand, while in reality setting the bar lower for struggling European allies. Currently only a handful of NATO countries most worried about Russia, such as Poland and the Baltics, are on target to spend five percent on defence. - 'America can't be everywhere' - In a connected move, NATO ministers signed off at their meeting on new capability targets for the weaponry needed to deter Russia. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius estimated the new requirements meant Berlin would need to add "around 50,000 to 60,000" more soldiers to its army. His Dutch counterpart Ruben Brekelmans said reaching the level requested would cost the Netherlands at least 3.5 percent of GDP. "The new defence investment plan, of course, is rooted in what we need in terms of the hard capabilities," Rutte said. Hegseth, a former TV presenter, rocked NATO on his last visit in February with a fiery warning that Washington could look to scale back its forces in Europe to focus on the threat from China. This time around Hegseth said he did not want to "get ahead" of any decisions from Trump as the United States conducts a review of its force deployments worldwide. "We're going to make sure we shift properly to the Indo-Pacific and re-establish deterrence there, and then we're going to increase burden-sharing across the world," he said. "America can't be everywhere all the time, nor should we be." - Ukraine question - While US officials are focused on getting Trump a win on defence spending in The Hague, they have sidestepped talks on supporting Ukraine in its fight with Russia. Hegseth underscored the United States disengagement with Kyiv by skipping a meeting of Ukraine's backers in Brussels on Wednesday, and is set to miss a second sit-down with Ukraine officials Thursday. Kyiv's European allies are pressing to overcome US reluctance and invited Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky to the Hague summit as a sign of support. So far, NATO has said only that Ukraine will be represented at the gathering, without confirming that Zelensky will be in attendance. UK leader Starmer to host NATO chief Rutte next week London, June 5 (AFP) Jun 05, 2025 UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will host NATO head Mark Rutte in London next Monday for talks focussing on defence spending, the government said Thursday. The meeting comes as Rutte pushes for members of the western military alliance to allocate more money for defence in response to Russia's aggression in Ukraine. "You can expect the prime minister to raise how we can ensure all allies meet their stated pledges in support of our collective defence, to keep people safe," Starmer's spokesman told reporters. US President Donald Trump has demanded that NATO members boost defence budgets to five percent of their GDP at an alliance summit to be held in the Netherlands on June 24-25. Rutte has put forward a compromise agreement for 3.5 percent of GDP on core military spending by 2032, and 1.5 percent on broader security-related areas such as infrastructure. Several diplomats say Rutte looks on track to secure the deal for the Hague summit, but a few allies are still hesitant about committing to such levels of spending. Rutte has been pressing his case for the spending hike to European leaders this week, including during visits to Vilnius and Paris. Starmer has committed to increasing UK defence spending from 2.3 percent to 2.5 percent from April 2027. He has also expressed an ambition to raise it again to three percent in the next parliament, likely in the early 2030s. "It is worth recognising the UK's track record on spending and indeed our contribution to NATO, both in terms of our spending and our capabilities," Starmer's spokesman said. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth told reporters after a NATO meeting of defence ministers in Brussels on Thursday that the UK was "going to get there" the new targets. Monday's meeting will be the second time that Rutte has visited Starmer at Downing Street since the latter became UK leader in July 2024, following an earlier visit last October. Security post in southern Mali attacked amid string of assaults Bamako, June 5 (AFP) Jun 05, 2025 Assailants attacked an army security post in southeastern Mali on Thursday, security forces and other sources said, just days after jihadist assaults against military installations elsewhere in the country. The latest attack, on a military post in the village of Mahou in the Sikasso region, began in the morning, a local elected official and witness told AFP, before being brought under control. The number of victims was not immediately clear, although multiple sources reported there had been deaths. Mali's armed forces said that ground and air reinforcements were called in and a Sikasso security source and resident said the attack had been brought to a halt. "It was terrifying to see such a large number of attackers. They were on dozens of motorcycles," the resident told AFP, with another witness reporting that there had been more than 50 assailants. The army's general staff said in a statement released Thursday that recent weeks had been marked by a "resurgence of cowardly and barbaric attacks against localities, peaceful populations, as well as military bases". "These acts are being committed by a coalition of armed terrorist groups of all persuasions with internal and external support," the statement said. But it did not mention the attack in Mahou. The violence comes days after an attack on an army base and airport in the ancient city of Timbuktu in Mali's north in which more than a dozen assailants were "neutralised", according to the army's general staff. One day prior, at least 30 soldiers were killed when the Boulkessi army base in central Mali, near the border with Burkina Faso, came under assault in an attack blamed on jihadists. Soldiers on the ground in Mahou worked to "repel this attack and maintain the location's security", the Sikasso security source told AFP. "The situation is under control," the person said. Since 2012 Mali has faced attacks from groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group as well as separatist movements and criminal gangs. Massive unauthorized scanning of social media. Analysis of biometric, income, health, and Social Security data. Interception of telephone communications. Geolocation via mobile devices. Tracking of car journeys using license plate readers. Since Donald Trump returned to the White House, the U.S. government has been using these and other tools based on artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor and persecute thousands of people without judicial authorization mostly immigrants, foreigners passing through, or students. In the last four months, Trump and his former star advisor, the tech tycoon Elon Musk, have, along with the private sector, accelerated the deployment of a massive techno-surveillance state. And for the first time in history, Washington is boasting about it rather than denying its existence. Surveillance in the U.S. didnt begin with Trump, nor will it end when he leaves the White House. The foundations for the current state of techno-surveillance were laid over decades, with bipartisan support for policies that normalized invasive practices in law enforcement, the military, and border control, says the Bahraini civil rights activist Esraa Al Shafei, who has been studying this issue for years, in a conversation with EL PAIS. This system is fueled by large budgets allocated to intelligence agencies, as well as private providers, all under the pretext of national security and crime prevention. Companies like Palantir, Anduril, and GEO Group are providing Washington with digital tools to build this entire surveillance infrastructure. Trump continues to add layers to this system. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed in April that it is using a tool called Babel X to collect social media information about travelers who may be subject to increased surveillance, according to the agency itself. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), for its part, has acknowledged using another program, SocialNet, which aggregates data from more than 200 sources, including Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and dating apps. Washington officially recognizes that simply finding antisemitic activity on feeds, such as protesting the massacre in Gaza, is enough for authorities to deny asylum or citizenship. U.S. officials are also being encouraged to report their colleagues if they detect any anti-Christian bias, according to an executive order signed by Trump in February. Using social media surveillance to intimidate, harass, alienate, deport, imprison, or arrest is antithetical to many of the principles on which democracy is founded, warned Paromita Shah, executive director of the U.S. immigrant advocacy NGO Just Futures Law. Social media is just the surface. To feed this automated machine for tracking suspects, quality data about citizens is needed. Some of this information is being obtained by purchasing it from large data brokers, such as Thomson Reuters or Lexis Nexis, which create exhaustive profiles of millions of people, using up to 10,000 types of data about each individual based on their online trail. This ranges from their name, address, income level or where they shop, to their favorite types of leisure activities, the age at which their friends got married, their sexual history and emotional profile all this information is available. But the other part of that vast repository of data is being distilled within the federal government itself. This involves one of Trumps signature projects and, until now, his star advisor, Elon Musk: the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Musk himself, which has been amassing sensitive official data on hundreds of millions of citizens from other federal agencies for months, ranging from tax status to medical records. Some observers warn that this data may be taken by Musk now that he has decided to leave the White House. License plate readers on a street in Manhattan, New York. Lindsey Nicholson (UCG / Universal Images Group / Getty Images) The data collected by DOGE is being used by Palantir, which has over $2.7 billion in contracts with the administration, to build a new deportation platform for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ImmigrationOS. It will serve to support comprehensive analysis of target populations and contribute to the individual tracking system, according to the contract summary, which specifies that the first prototype should be ready by September. The tentacles of the techno-surveillance state are extensive. It processes data, but it also has eyes everywhere. The infrastructure includes tools such as surveillance drones with facial recognition, biometric data collection, license plate readers, watchtowers equipped with high-resolution cameras and sensors, predictive policing tools, and location tracking, to name just a few, says Al Shafei, founder of Surveillance Watch, an internationally renowned repository of information on companies involved in the business and known targets. In recent months, the DHS has acquired several licenses for software used to spy on cell phones from Cellebrite, Paragon Solutions, Venntel, and NSO Group, the developers of the spyware Pegasus, according to data collected by Just Futures Law. This technology is used to access devices and see everything that happens on them, but there are also other tools for tracking cell phone locations. An investigation by Time magazine showed that women crossing state lines and approaching abortion clinics to terminate pregnancies have been identified in this way without a warrant. Accelerated deployment An analysis of the Department of Homeland Securitys AI use case inventory by Just Futures Law finds that at least 23 new AI technologies for customs enforcement have been registered in recent months. According to an investigation by The New York Times, the federal government has invested $7.8 billion since 2020 in immigration technologies, partnering with 263 companies to develop and deploy these tools. Trump may not have invented techno-surveillance, but he has embraced it with a vengeance. This process has happened extremely quickly. Trump has made it easier for Big Tech to do what they already wanted to do, but without any veneer of greenwashing or democracy, Timnit Gebru tells this newspaper. The Ethiopian engineer was co-director of Googles AI Ethics team until 2020, when she was fired shortly before publishing a scientific article describing how the algorithmic models underlying generative AI are heavily biased and harm minorities. A year later, she founded the DAIR Institute, where she researches the harm AI causes to the most vulnerable groups. Its really hard to keep up with what were learning. Its terrible. And I dont hear the Democratic Party talking about this, she criticizes. U.S. soldiers with a mobile surveillance tower deployed on the Mexican border in San Diego, California. Allen J. Schaben (Los Angeles Times / Getty Images) Since Trump returned to the White House, the expansion of surveillance tools has accelerated, with policies that use data collection more aggressively than before, Al Shafei said. We are also seeing more requests for proposals from these government agencies seeking companies that can provide more invasive and sophisticated surveillance tools, so we can expect this trend to continue to expand. The victims of the system This entire framework is being used with clear objectives. These measures have disproportionately affected immigrants, refugees, students, and marginalized and low-income communities. Although the scale and intensity of surveillance are increasing, the problem is not new, Al Shafei emphasizes. No one is unaware of the implications of the machinery that Trump is polishing and oiling. A report prepared by several NGOs for the United Nations speaks of the evaporation of human rights in reference to what is happening at U.S. land borders. A closer relationship between the government and surveillance companies, coupled with an intensification of surveillance in the U.S., represents a real threat to fundamental rights and freedoms, says Michael De Dora, a researcher specializing in U.S. policy at the digital rights organization Access Now. The Trump administration values national security above, or even at the expense of, human rights and privacy. Members of his administration are not only surveilling people, but have even discussed suspending fundamental democratic principles, such as habeas corpus. Facial recognition cameras at access control at Miami International Airport, Florida. Jeff Greenberg (Universal Images Group / Getty Images) Europe is not immune to whats happening in the U.S. Agencies like Frontex and Europol are investing in biometric databases, facial recognition, and AI-based monitoring tools that closely resemble the systems already in place in the U.S., explains Aljosa Ajanovic, an analyst at the European Digital Rights Institute (EDRi). Back in the U.S., many observers believe it is very difficult to limit the application of all these technological controls on foreigners. Not even the most staunch Trumpists, De Dora believes, should support the deployment of the techno-surveillance state. Once this machinery is accepted and operational, it can be used against anyone. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition French dock workers block shipment of military material for Israel: union Marseille, June 5 (AFP) Jun 05, 2025 French dock workers at a southern port are blocking the shipment of military material bound for Israel in protest at Israeli actions against Palestinians in Gaza, their union said. The stevedores at the port in Fos-sur-Mer outside Marseille have refused to load crates of links used to assist the rapid fire of bullets aboard the cargo vessel, the CGT trade union said. Links are small metal pieces, used to connect machine gun bullets and allowing rapid bursts of fire. There has been concern in media and among rights groups that they have likely been used against civilians in the Gaza Strip. Christophe Claret, leader of the dock workers in the port, said they had been notified that the ship was due to be loaded on Thursday with the material. "We managed to identify it and set it aside," he told AFP, emphasising that once dockers refuse to load a shipment, no one else can do it for them. The other containers for the ship will all be loaded. According to the union, the cargo is 19 pallets of links manufactured by the Marseille-based company Eurolinks. The CGT said the move made clear its refusal to "participate in the ongoing genocide orchestrated by the Israeli government." Leading rights groups have accused Israel of committing genocide in its military campaign, a charge vehemently rejected by the government. - 'Humanism is not for sale' - Contacted by AFP, Eurolinks did not respond to a request for comment. The Port of Marseille-Fos had no comment. "We are very proud of this action led by our comrades and which is part of the CGT's long internationalist tradition for peace," CGT secretary general Sophie Binet told reporters in the eastern city of Strasbourg on Thursday. "It is unacceptable that CGT dockers should be the ones forced to uphold the fundamental principles of international law and French values. The government must immediately block all arms deliveries to the State of Israel," she said. The move was also welcomed by hard-left and left-wing leaders in France. "Humanism is not for sale," said Socialist Party leader Olivier Faure. According to the investigative website Disclose, which had access to maritime data, two other such shipments between Fos-sur-Mer and the Israeli port of Haifa took place on April 3 and May 22. French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu had stated at the time that these parts exported by the Marseille company would be "re-exported" through Israel and not used by the Israeli army. The latest war started after Hamas fighters attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. The attack resulted in the deaths of 1,218 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures. Of the 251 hostages seized during the attack, 55 remain in Gaza, including 32 the Israeli military says are dead. Israel's military offensive on Gaza since October 2023 has killed 54,677 people, mostly civilians, according to the health ministry in the occupied Palestinian territory, while the United Nations said on May 30 the territory's entire population of more than two million people was at risk of famine. US names new supreme NATO commander for Europe Brussels, Belgium, June 5 (AFP) Jun 05, 2025 The United States on Thursday named an American general as NATO's new top commander in Europe, allaying fears Washington could relinquish a key role it has held since the alliance was founded. Airforce general Alexus Grynkewich was nominated by President Donald Trump and approved by NATO's 32 allies, the US defence department and NATO said in statements. The appointment -- which now has to be confirmed by the US senate -- comes as Washington has warned it could look to shift forces from Europe to focus on China. US outlet NBC reported in March that the Trump administration was considering giving up the role of Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), which was first held by Dwight D. Eisenhower in the early 1950s. NATO diplomats played down the prospect of the United States renouncing the post, which they said would signal an effective US withdrawal from the alliance's operations in Europe. Grynkewich replaces Christopher Cavoli, who has spearheaded Western efforts to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia and bolster NATO's own capacities to ward off Moscow. New attack on Mali army post kills five Bamako, June 5 (AFP) Jun 05, 2025 An attack on an army post in southeastern Mali Thursday killed five people and wounded multiple others, defence and other sources told AFP, days after jihadist assaults against military installations elsewhere in the country. The latest attack, on a military post in the village of Mahou in the Sikasso region, began in the morning, a local elected official and witness told AFP, before being brought under control. "It was terrifying to see such a large number of attackers. They were on dozens of motorcycles," a resident told AFP, with another witness reporting that there had been more than 50 assailants. Mali's armed forces reported that ground and air reinforcements were called in and the Sikasso security source and others said the attack was brought to a halt. "We regret the loss of five men and nearly 10 injured," the security source said, adding that "a (military) vehicle was set on fire." The army's general staff said in a statement released Thursday that recent weeks had been marked by a "resurgence of cowardly and barbaric attacks against localities, peaceful populations, as well as military bases". "These acts are being committed by a coalition of armed terrorist groups of all persuasions with internal and external support", the statement said. It did not mention the attack in Mahou. Soldiers on the ground in Mahou worked to "repel this attack and maintain the location's security", the security source told AFP. "The situation is under control," the person said. The violence comes days after an attack on an army base and airport in the ancient city of Timbuktu in Mali's north in which more than a dozen assailants were "neutralised", according to the army's general staff. One day prior, at least 30 soldiers were killed when the Boulkessi army base in central Mali, near the border with Burkina Faso, came under assault in an attack blamed on jihadists. Since 2012 Mali has faced attacks from groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group as well as separatist movements and criminal gangs. Residents of south Beirut suburbs flee Israeli warnings Beirut, Lebanon, June 5 (AFP) Jun 05, 2025 Huge numbers of people fled Beirut's southern suburbs on Thursday after the Israeli military issued an evacuation warning and said it would strike underground drone factories belonging to Hezbollah. The streets around the area were seen jammed with traffic as residents tried to leave, with Lebanese media reporting Israeli warning strikes. "You are located near facilities belonging to the terrorist organisation Hezbollah," said the warning from the Israeli army's Arabic-language spokesman, Avichay Adraee. "For your safety and the safety of your families, you are required to evacuate these buildings immediately and move away from them at a distance of no less than 300 metres." In a separate statement, the army said it would "soon carry out a strike on underground UAV (drone) production infrastructure sites that were deliberately established in the heart of (the) civilian population" in Beirut. Israel and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah engaged in more than a year of hostilities that began with the outbreak of the Gaza war and culminated in an intense Israeli bombing campaign and ground incursion into southern Lebanon. A November ceasefire sought to end the fighting -- which left Hezbollah severely weakened -- but Israel has continued to regularly carry out strikes in Lebanon's south. Strikes targeting Beirut's southern suburbs, considered a Hezbollah stronghold, have been rare, however. "Following Hezbollah's extensive use of UAVs as a central component of its terrorist attacks on the state of Israel, the terrorist organisation is operating to increase production of UAVs for the next war," the army statement said, calling the activities "a blatant violation of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon". Under the truce, Hezbollah fighters were to withdraw north of the Litani river, about 30 kilometres from the border, and dismantle their military posts to the south. Israel was to pull all its troops from Lebanon, but it has kept them in five positions it deems "strategic" along the frontier. The Lebanese army has been deploying in the south and removing Hezbollah infrastructure there, with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam saying Thursday that it had dismantled "more than 500 military positions and arms depots" in the area. Israel army says intercepts Yemen missile after air raid sirens sound Jerusalem, June 5 (AFP) Jun 05, 2025 The Israeli army said it intercepted a missile launched from Yemen on Thursday, after air raid sirens were triggered in Jerusalem and other cities. "Following the sirens that sounded a short while ago in several areas in Israel, a missile launched from Yemen was intercepted," the army said in a statement. Yemen's Huthi rebels have repeatedly launched missiles and drones at Israel since the war in Gaza began in October 2023 with Palestinian militant group Hamas's attack on Israel. The army has now reported similar launches on at least five of the past seven days. The Iran-backed Huthis, who say they are acting in solidarity with Palestinians, paused their attacks during a two-month Gaza ceasefire that ended in March, but began again after Israel resumed its military campaign in the territory. While most of the projectiles have been intercepted, one missile fired in early May hit inside the perimeter of Israel's Ben Gurion airport for the first time. Israel has carried out several strikes in Yemen in retaliation for the attacks, including on ports and the airport in the capital Sanaa. The most recent airport strikes last week blew up Yemenia Airways' last operational plane, an airport official said at the time. West plans nuclear resolution against Iran: diplomats Vienna, June 5 (AFP) Jun 05, 2025 Western allies are planning to file a resolution to the world nuclear watchdog condemning Iran for "non-compliance" over its nuclear programme, diplomatic sources told AFP on Thursday. It is the latest move in years-long efforts to restrict Iran's nuclear activities over fears that it is seeking to develop nuclear weapons, which it denies. The United States and European countries will submit the resolution to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) board next week, with the threat of referring the issue to the United Nations, the sources said. After a recent IAEA report showed "a general lack of cooperation" by Tehran, the United States, Britain, France and Germany "are tabling a resolution that will find Iran in non-compliance" with its nuclear obligations, a senior diplomatic source said. Recent rounds of talks between the United States and Iran, mediated by Oman, have aimed to secure an agreement on limiting enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief. Two other diplomats confirmed the resolution initiative in comments to AFP, saying it would "increase pressure" on Iran, with a vote scheduled at the IAEA board in Vienna on June 11. Iran rejected last week's IAEA report, calling it a "political" manoeuvre, and accused Israel of contributing "unreliable and misleading information" to it. The moves come with high tensions in the Middle East over Israel's military offensive in Gaza. Iran has denied seeking nuclear arms and says it needs the uranium for civilian power production. Diplomatic sources said the threat of action at the UN Security Council (UNSC), which can draw up sanctions, aimed to give Tehran "a last chance" to comply with western demands. One source said the allies would refer Iran to the UNSC in the coming months if Iran "does not show goodwill" but that Tehran would be given "a window to finally comply". Israel says hits Beirut, targeting Hezbollah drone factories Beirut, Lebanon, June 5 (AFP) Jun 05, 2025 At least three Israeli air strikes hit Beirut's southern suburbs on Thursday night, after the military said it would target underground Hezbollah drone factories. Plumes of smoke were seen billowing from the Lebanese capital, shortly after huge numbers of people had fled the area, clogging the roads with traffic. "The IDF (military) is currently striking terror targets of the Hezbollah aerial unit," the Israeli military said in a statement on Telegram. Less than two hours earlier, its Arabic-language spokesman Avichay Adraee had warned on social media that residents of the suburbs were "located near facilities belonging to the terrorist organisation Hezbollah" and should evacuate immediately. In a separate statement, the military had said it would "soon carry out a strike on underground UAV (drone) production infrastructure sites that were deliberately established in the heart of (the) civilian population" in Beirut. Israel and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah engaged in more than a year of hostilities that began with the outbreak of the Gaza war and culminated in an intense Israeli bombing campaign and ground incursion into southern Lebanon. A November ceasefire sought to end the fighting -- which left Hezbollah severely weakened -- but Israel has continued to regularly carry out strikes in Lebanon's south. Strikes targeting Beirut's southern suburbs, considered a Hezbollah stronghold, have been rare, however. "Following Hezbollah's extensive use of UAVs as a central component of its terrorist attacks on the state of Israel, the terrorist organisation is operating to increase production of UAVs for the next war," the military statement said, calling the activities "a blatant violation of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon". Under the truce, Hezbollah fighters were to withdraw north of the Litani river, about 30 kilometres from the border, and dismantle their military posts to the south. Israel was to pull all its troops from Lebanon, but it has kept them in five positions it deems "strategic" along the frontier. The Lebanese army has been deploying in the south and removing Hezbollah infrastructure there, with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam saying Thursday that it had dismantled "more than 500 military positions and arms depots" in the area. In a spat more fitting for a barroom brawl than a conversation between two adults in the worlds most public arena, Elon Musk and Donald Trump clashed this Thursday in an unpleasant exchange that escalated until the president threatened on his platform Truth Social to terminate Elons government subsidies and contracts. The worlds richest man fired back on X with a really big bomb: @realDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public, referring to the list of individuals allegedly involved in Jeffrey Epsteins pedophile network held by authorities. Have a nice day, DJT! It had all started at a meeting at the White House between Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. It was the first time the two leaders had met since Merzs election on May 6, and the encounter unfolded in a cordial tone set early on by the visitors gift: the birth certificate of Trumps grandfather, Friedrich Trump, framed in gold. Trump thanked him for the gesture, joked about giving it a place in the Oval Office, and used the moment to address Musks recent criticisms of the Republican tax plan, which had overshadowed the meeting in the media. Trump said he was very surprised and disappointed by the criticisms from his former ally regarding the tax bill, which the White House is currently pushing for in Congress. The worlds richest man, concerned about the debt increase the bill would bring dubbed the big, beautiful bill described it on Tuesday as a disgusting abomination. Elon and I had a great relationship, Trump added Thursday when asked by reporters. I dont know if we will anymore. The U.S. president also claimed that Musk knew the inner workings of the tax bill and had no problem with it. He accused the magnate of changing his mind once he saw that the new version of the over-1,000-page bill would negatively affect his businesses especially Tesla. Almost immediately, the South Africanborn entrepreneur who last week stepped down from his position heading the Department of Government Efficiency after 130 chaotic days of budget-slashing responded to Trump on X, the social network he also owns. False, Musk wrote. This bill was never shown to me even once and was passed in the dead of night so fast that almost no one in Congress could even read it! A little later, Musk went even further, criticizing Trumps ingratitude in another post on X. Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate [instead of the current 53-47]. The billionaire contributed a record-breaking amount of over $260 million to the campaign that brought Trump back to the White House. In a separate post, Musk questioned: Where has that guy gone? replying to someone who provided examples of Trump supporting spending cuts. In another post, Musk wondered, Where is this guy today? in response to someone who shared evidence of times when the current president had advocated for spending restraint. Trump-Merz meeting Returning to the agenda that had brought them together at midday in the Oval Office, the U.S. and German leaders emphasized the strong ties between their two nations. The relationship with Germany is very important, said Trump, who congratulated his guest on his recent election victory and added that the two had spoken on the phone many times about some of the worlds problems. The chancellor, who remained silent for most of the entire time, although at one point he spoke in German, noted that the two countries have a lot in common, adding: We know what we owe the U.S. for liberating Germany from the Nazis. On the table were pending issues for Trump, who described Merz as a difficult negotiator both for Germany and the European Union, which the chancellor was also representing. Topics included the trade imbalance between the two partners and the tariff war that Washington is using to try to tilt the scales in its favor, the demand for increased defense spending, and the best approach to ending the war in Ukraine. Merz recalled that this Friday marks the anniversary of D-Day, the U.S. landings in Normandy. The Americans once ended a war in Europe, the German leader said. America is again in a very strong position to do something on this war and ending this war, he said. We both agree on this war and how terrible this war is, and we are both looking for ways to stop it. Trump, for his part, compared the conflict between Russian and Ukraine to a fight between two children fighting in a park. They hate each other, and theyre fighting in a park, and you try and pull them apart. They dont want to be pulled. Sometimes youre better off letting them fight for a while and then pulling them apart. And I gave that analogy to [Russian President] Putin yesterday, Trump added. I said, President, maybe you have to keep fighting and suffering a lot, because both sides are suffering, before you pull them apart, before theyre able to be pulled apart. It soon became clear that Merz had achieved the first and perhaps most urgent of his goals: avoiding becoming the latest world leader to be publicly roasted in front of millions from the Oval Office by Trump and his team. Before traveling to Washington, he had told his countrys public television that he didnt need a valerian to have a calm conversation with the U.S. president. With or without it, he didnt suffer the kind of ordeal faced by Ukraines Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who in March ended up shouting at the U.S. president and vice president, who humiliated him, called him ungrateful, and eventually kicked him out of the White House. Nor did he experience the fate of South Africas Cyril Ramaphosa, whom Trump forced to watch a video stitched together with footage taken out of context or outright fake which the Republican claimed was proof of a white genocide in the country. Trump and Merz in the Oval Office on Thursday. Evan Vucci (AP) Merz arrived in Washington with some groundwork already laid: since the February elections, Germany has removed the constitutional debt limit to allow unlimited investment in defense. He also came with a promise: this move will enable Germany to field the strongest conventional army in Europe. Not only that: Merz has expressed willingness to increase German military spendingfrom around 2% of GDP currentlyto as much as 5%, as Trump has previously urged NATO allies to do. NATO leaders are set to meet this June in The Hague. I know that youre spending more money on defense now and quite a bit more money; thats a positive thing, said Trump, who joked that General MacArthur would not approve of Germany rearming. I think its a good thing. At least to a certain point, he added. Therell be a point where we say, Please dont arm, if you dont mind. Another key topic for Merz, the leader of the EUs largest economy, was to push forward a trade agreement with the United States that would ease the tariff threats Trump insists on calling reciprocal, including tariffs on steel, aluminum, and automobiles. One of Trumps favorite examples to highlight what he sees as unfair trade imbalances involves Germany: for him, the absence of American cars on Munichs streets proves the global system is rigged against U.S. manufacturers. Seated to the right on one of the Oval Office sofas was Vice President J.D. Vance, who had harshly criticized European leaders at the Munich Security Conference (which Merz described as interference) and who supported the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party during its recent campaign. Additionally, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the designation of the AfD as right-win extremist was tyranny in disguise. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition An Essex Police spokesperson said: We are now working to respectfully remove these remains from the scene and the Basildon Neighbourhood Policing Team will work to establish if they are linked to our investigation. Another man, discovered in the kitchen, was asked if his employer was aware of him not holding the right to work in Britain. He evaded the question, according to the Home Office, and replied: "I just went into the kitchen and asked for food the chef told me to cut some veggies and he would give me some rice." King Abdullah said: I think this is a timely visit, theres a lot happening, and I think the coordination and the exchanges we will have today will be very helpful, to not only Jordan but countries in my region and Europe too. A Number 10 spokesman said: The Prime Minister is clear that Europe must step up on defence and security, and we are proud to be leading the way with our Nato-first focused SDR, the commitment of our nuclear deterrent and nearly all of our armed forces to Nato and our historic uplift to defence spending. It noted that under the Governments zero emission vehicle (Zev) mandate, at least 28% of new cars sold by each manufacturer in the UK this year must be zero emission, which generally means pure electric. We are now calling on you as Secretary of State, to honour the commitment given to our members that Casement Park will be built, and that the money will be found. We need to ensure that there is support in place for these heroic police dogs so that people arent put off the idea of rehoming them when they retire and so that owners are never faced with the heartbreaking decision of having them put to sleep because they cant afford their treatment. Wood insisted he had nothing to do with her disappearance, adding he assumed she had boarded her flight after failing to locate her. But authorities confirmed that Phoebe never entered the airport and never checked in for her flight to Perth, where she was due to visit her boyfriend. The BBC lawyers embarked on a Jesuitical presentation of the case that tried to convince the jurors that the words broadcast and published by the British Broadcasting Corporation, that I had sanctioned the murder of Denis Donaldson, did not, in fact, mean that I sanctioned the murder of Denis Donaldson. Speaking on the Soccer A-Z podcast, he said: I'm meeting up with the last two members of the Faces tomorrow, and we're working on a documentary, because next year will be our 50th anniversary, or 60s. TOKYO - Two major convenience store chains in Japan began selling government-released stockpiled rice at select stores in Tokyo and Osaka on Thursday, joining major supermarkets and e-commerce platforms in a move to increase availability of the staple food for consumers struggling with soaring rice prices. The outlets of Family Mart Co. and Lawson Inc. will sell the rice from the 2021 harvest in small portions to make it affordable for people, including those living alone. While many other retailers sell it in bags of 5 kilograms for about 2,000 yen ($14), Family Mart sets the price of its 1-kg package at 388 yen, and Lawson's is at 389 yen and 756 yen for 2 kg. Both will limit their sales to one package per customer. Lawson said it will make the rice available at its 13,800 stores nationwide on June 14, excluding those in Okinawa, while Family Mart said it will also expand areas selling them. "If (Family Mart) provides the stockpiled rice nationwide, it will help expand access," farm minister Shinjiro Koizumi said as he inspected a Family Mart outlet in Tokyo. Seven-Eleven Japan Co. also said it will start selling stockpiled rice in some stores, including those in Tokyo and Osaka, on June 17 for 775 yen for 2 kg and gradually expand availability. The three major convenience store chains secured stockpiled rice through direct contracts as small- to medium-sized distributors after being rejected as major distributors due to a lack of transaction history. Some retailers that signed contracts as major distributors started selling the rice at the end of May and have already been running out of stock. Related coverage: Japan's cheaper stockpiled rice starts hitting store shelves Japan consumer watchdog warns of rice scam websites as prices soar Japan eyes more rice exports as domestic consumption set to decline Maha FYJC 2025 Merit List: Steps, Link to Check The Maharashtra School Education and Sport Department is releasing on its official website, mahafyjcadmissions.in, the Merit List of students who have registered for Class 11 or FYJC admission for the year 2025-26 Friday June 6, 2025 11:33 PM , Ahmed Abdullah Faizee Maharashtra FYJC Admission 2025: The Maharashtra School Education and Sport Department is releasing on its official website, mahafyjcadmissions.in, the Merit List of students who have registered for Class 11 or FYJC admission for the year 2025-26. The FYJC General Merit List released on the website will be provisional and should contain all the necessary details of the students who have registered. In case, the students find any error or need any correction in their details, they will need to contact the department. The changes will be incorporated in the Final Merit List. The Maharashtra Education Department had started online registration of students from May 26, 2025. The last date of application was fixed as June 03, 2025, as per the Revised Schedule of Maharashtra Class 11 admission 2025. The department had, however, extended the last date of application till 02:00 PM June 05, 2025. FYJC 2025 Merit List Date and Time As per the revised schedule, the department will release today i.e Friday June 06, 2025 the Provisional General Merit List of First Year Junior College Admission 2025. The Provisional General Merit List will be released on June 06, 2025 at 01:00 PM, the Maharashtra Education Department said. The department confirmed the date and time to publish the Class 11 merit list after the deadline of application ended at 02:00 PM Thursday. Direct Link to Check FYJC 2025 Merit List Students can follow the steps given below to download merit list in PDF. Go to official website: " mahafyjcadmissions.in " " Click on the link marked as "Provisional Merit List" in top menu Click on the given link written as "Download Provisional Merit List" Click on one of the four links based on your Class 10 score to download the Merit List in PDF. Alternatively, you can also search your name and rank in the merit list using the search option. Enter Apploction Number in the box to search. Submission of Grievances If a student finds any error in any of her/his details, she/he should contact the department for the necessary correction. The date and time to submit grievances is from June 06 to 07, 2025, as per the Maharashtra FYJC Admission Revised Schedule 2025 . Students will be required to fill the form given on the website if they want to submit the grievances. After incorporating the changes and addressing the grievances, the department will publish on June 08, 2025 the FYJC Final Merit List 2025. Students should note that all further admission process, including the allotment and confirmation of admission, will be done based on the final merit list. More Notices The department also said the students who have registered online for the said admission process and have locked Part 1 of the admission application but Part 2 is yet to be filled or locked, such students will be provided with the facility to fill Part 2 of their application from 12:15 PM on June 6, 2025 to 12:30 PM on June 7, 2025. "However, the concerned students should lock their preference order in Part 2 of the application within the given time. Students who have locked Part 2 earlier will not get the facility to change their preference order during this period", it said. The department further said that students who have not registered for online admission by 05th June 2025 or have not filled their admission form Part 1 or have filled the admission form partially and could not complete their application Part 1 within the prescribed time limit, the facility to fill Part 1 and Part 2 of the admission form afresh will be available at the beginning of each round for all such students. "Therefore, such students need not worry. They should fill and lock their applications in time for the next round. New students will also get the facility to fill their applications before each round. For this, care should be taken to strictly follow the schedule of the admission round", it said. FYJC 2025 Seat Allotment The FYJC 2025 CAP Round 1 will start on June 9 with Zero Round and the department will publish on June 10, 2025 the Round 1 Allotment List. The FYJC Round 1 Allotment List will contain the details of colleges allotted to students based on the options and preferences submitted by them. Students should note that they will be required to confirm their admission from June 11 to 18, 2025 if they are satisfied with the college allotted to them. If they are not satisfied with the allotted college, they can proceed to round 2 and consequent rounds. The Maharashtra Education Department has been conducting online admission process for FYJC and Class 11th in Mumbai MMR since 2009-10, that was later extended to Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, Aurangabad (discontinued in 2022) and Amravati in 2013-14. The department, however, has decided to conduct admission for Class 11 or Junior Colleges across Maharashtra in online mode via a centralized CAP Round Process from the academic year 2025-26, as per a government notification . [Ahmed Abdullah Faizee is Staff Writer at ummid.com.] Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. The following is the latest list of selected news summaries by Kyodo News. ---------- Japan convenience store chains start selling gov't stockpiled rice TOKYO - Two major convenience store chains in Japan began selling government-released stockpiled rice at select stores in Tokyo and Osaka on Thursday, joining major supermarkets and e-commerce platforms in a move to increase availability of the staple food for consumers struggling with soaring rice prices. The outlets of Family Mart Co. and Lawson Inc. will sell the rice from the 2021 harvest in small portions to make it affordable for people, including those living alone. ---------- Japan, EU to begin negotiations for security info-sharing pact BRUSSELS/PARIS - Japan and the European Union plan to begin negotiations to conclude an accord to facilitate exchanges of classified security information, an EU source said Thursday, amid China's military buildup in the Indo-Pacific region and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The move, along with a plan to launch a dialogue framework to promote defense industry cooperation, is expected to be announced at a regular Japan-EU summit being arranged for July in the Asian country, the source said. ---------- Imperial family marks WWII evacuation ship tragedy in Okinawa NAHA, Japan - Japan's Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and their daughter Princess Aiko paid their respects Thursday in Okinawa to victims of a Japanese evacuation ship that was torpedoed by a U.S. submarine during World War II. On the final day of their two-day trip to the prefecture on the 80th year of the end of the war, the imperial family offered flowers and bowed deeply at a memorial in Naha for the Tsushima Maru incident, in which around 1,500 people, including hundreds of schoolchildren, were killed. ---------- Chinese suspect had money trouble with 2 Japanese slain in Dalian DALIAN, China - A Chinese man detained in late May on suspicion of murdering two Japanese nationals in Dalian, northeastern China, was involved in a financial dispute with the victims, who were his business partners, a source familiar with Sino-Japanese relations said Thursday. Hong Kong's Sing Tao daily reported the suspect Yuan Chenggong believed he had been deceived by the two Japanese men over the purchase of a hot spring hotel near Mt. Fuji, citing information posted on China's WeChat platform by a mainland Chinese journalist. ---------- Japan crime group leader in Philippines arrested over theft MANILA - The leader of a Japanese crime syndicate who is based in the Philippines and wanted in Japan for theft has been arrested, immigration authorities said Thursday. The "JP Dragon" gangster syndicate, led by Ryuji Yoshioka, 55, and operating from bases in Asia, is believed to have been involved in a string of fraud cases and thefts in Japan. ---------- Fuji Media to take legal action against 2 ex-execs over scandal TOKYO - Fuji Media Holdings Inc. said Thursday it will pursue legal action against two former top officials of its television network subsidiary over a sexual misconduct scandal involving popular TV host Masahiro Nakai and a former female employee. The decision to pursue litigation against former Fuji Television Network Inc. President Koichi Minato and former Managing Director Toru Ota follows a third-party panel report that found the female announcer was subjected to sexual violence by Nakai in June 2023 "as an extension of her job." ---------- Gov't to revoke Japan Post license for lax driver alcohol tests TOKYO - The government on Thursday notified Japan Post Co. of its plan to revoke the company's license to operate some 2,500 of its freight delivery vans and trucks after many post offices failed to properly check if drivers had consumed alcohol. License revocation is the most serious administrative penalty available to authorities under the motor truck transportation business law. It is rare for a major operator to face such a severe punishment and it means Japan Post will not be able to reacquire the license for five years. ---------- World Expo water shows halted after detection of legionella bacteria OSAKA - Water shows at the World Exposition in Osaka have been suspended through Friday after high levels of legionella bacteria were detected in seawater at the venue. Expo organizers said at a press conference on Thursday that the level of legionella detected in water from the Water Plaza in a test on Wednesday was 20 times higher than the allowable limit under their guideline, prompting them to cancel shows from Wednesday. Video: Yosakoi Soran Festival in Sapporo The Ministry of National Defense (MApN) drew attention on Thursday to false information on possible conscription, noting that it will notify the judicial authorities in this sense. The ministry informed that this disinformation campaign targets Romanian citizens living abroad. Some of them have recently reported receiving a document calling them to a military center in the country for "evaluation and initiation of conscription procedures within the Romanian Armed Forces". "This document is fake! The Ministry of National Defense has not sent such notifications to any Romanian citizen, regardless of whether they live in the country or abroad. A brief analysis of this forgery shows that the structure mentioned in the header of the so-called 'document', namely the 'Conscription Directorate', does not exist in the MApN organizational chart, and the stamp is crudely forged. Also, there is no officer among the MApN staff with the name and position of the one who 'signs' this forgery," the MApN said. The ministry stressed that it will "promptly" notify the judicial authorities to identify the authors of this disinformation action and take the measures required by law. "Communicating or disseminating, by any means, false news, data or information or falsified documents, knowing their false nature, if this endangers national security, is punishable by imprisonment from one to five years," the legislation states. This disinformation, the Ministry of National Defense added, "continues the series of actions that speculate on the context generated by the war of aggression that the Russian Federation is currently waging in Ukraine." The Ministry of National Defence recalled that the compulsory military service as a full-time and short-term military one was suspended during peacetime in Romania, starting with January 1, 2007. The return to compulsory military service and, consequently, to the development of conscription processes for eligible citizens, can be done under the conditions of Law 395/2005, which provides in Article 3 that, "during the state of war, the state of mobilization, as well as during the state of siege, the performance of military service becomes mandatory, under the conditions of the law", the ministry explained. "As a result, the conscription process of citizens who meet the legal conditions to join the army will take place only in the situation in which one of the three states provided for by law is established in Romania, namely the state of war, the state of mobilization or the state of siege," the MApN emphasized. According to the ministry, such disinformation is expected to continue. "It is expected that such disinformation attempts, intended to amplify fear and uncertainty, in the context of the war in Ukraine, will continue. We therefore reiterate our request to citizens to verify from official sources the alarmist and sensationalist information they come into contact with, before redistributing it in the public space," the MApN also transmitted. Minister of Education and Research Daniel David told teachers on Thursday June 5, Teacher's Day, that he appreciates the way they do their duty to students in a system that does not always support them as it should and that they know the problems related to the social role, infrastructure, deficiencies of the educational process and bureaucracy, but they have to be optimistic that this education system can be improved. "'Teacher' is here a symbolic term for all teachers in pre-university education. I like to call you (let's call ourselves) 'people of education.' On this occasion, I say Happy Teacher's Day to you all! I want to tell you that I greatly appreciate the fact that you are trying to do your duty to the students in a system that today does not always support you as it should in this noble mission, metaphorically speaking, of looking for the spark in each child and turning it into light. That is, to make a good education, through which children finally become good specialists, good citizens and people satisfied with their own lives. Thank you! I want to tell you that I know the problems related to the social role, the infrastructure, the deficiencies of the educational process and bureaucracy. And it is not okay not to solve them," the minister said in his message."I want to tell you, however, that we must be optimistic and that together we can improve this system, for the sake of all the people of education, if we choose to trust each other, to cooperate, to do our part that must be done, as it should, where it must and when it must and, most importantly, to be part of the solution, not the problem." The role of school teachers in shaping critical and selective thinking has become even more important for discerning what is right and what is not, what is true and what is false, in a world that has changed so profoundly and so rapidly in recent years, interim Prime Minister Catalin Predoiu said Thursday, in a message marking School Teachers' Day. 'Today, Romania celebrates School Teachers' Day, dedicated to all those who have chosen, with vocation and responsibility, one of the noblest missions: shaping young minds and souls. We remember the people with whom we experienced the miracle of words for the first time. With them, we deciphered letters, connected sounds, and moved, as poet Nichita Stanescu said, from letters to the first word. And with that word, we entered a new world. Teachers are the ones who taught us how to hold a pencil, read our first sentence, and ask a question. But also, how to ask questions in general. They saw us when we knew nothing and weren't scared of that. They were patient. They praised us when we succeeded and corrected us when we erred, without humiliating us. No grand words are needed, just sincere recognition: without them, no journey begins. Not school, not reading, not thinking out loud,' said Catalin Predoiu.'On Teachers' Day, we are not talking about the system, statistics, or reform, we address those every other day of the year. Today, we talk about people. About those teachers who, on some ordinary day, stopped next to our desk and said: You did well. Keep going.' Today, when the world has changed so deeply and so quickly in recent years, and when adults, teenagers and children alike face a flood of new information daily, every hour, every minute, through countless means of communication, social or individual, the role of teachers in forming critical and selective thinking has become even more vital for distinguishing what is right from what is wrong, what is true from what is false,' Predoiu said. At the end of May, the Romanian Customs Authority commissioned a new X-ray scanning system for small vehicles at the Halmeu Border Customs Office, the second largest customs office on the border with Ukraine, after Siret, the authority announced in a press release. According to the source, this system is part of a broader effort to modernise customs infrastructure, with a total of eight X-ray scanning systems for passenger vehicles and cargo currently operational.The equipment is part of the project "Improving the Efficiency of the Romanian Customs Authority's Control Activity", valued at EUR 17,183,300, co-financed by the European Union through the Customs Control Equipment Instrument (CCEI). The Association for the Promotion of Tourism in Oradea and Region (APTOR - Visit Oradea) announces a three-day celebration in honour of Italy's National Day, held for the first time under the name "Festa Italiana," taking place in Oradea Fortress June 6 to 8. 'This celebration brings the authentic charm of Italy to the heart of Oradea. Visitors are invited to discover the flavours of Italian cuisine, participate in children's activities and enjoy musical and artistic performances by special guests from Italy,' Visit Oradea representatives inform in a press release."Festa Italiana" will kick off on Friday, June 6, at 11:30 AM with food stands, children's activities and an exhibition of Italian products. In the evening, at 8:00 PM, the programme includes concerts by Who Drives and Lorena Mancini. TOKYO, Kyodo News Plus - With domestic tourism in Japan struggling to keep pace with inbound visitors, a government report encourages residents to get out and spend more time experiencing their country's regional charms. In its annual white paper on tourism, the Japan Tourism Agency shifted focus from inbound visitors to target Japanese domestic travelers whose numbers are yet to return to pre-pandemic levels. Domestic overnight and day trips taken by Japanese travelers totaled around 540 million in 2024, down 8.2 percent compared to 2019, according to the report. By contrast, Japan welcomed 36.87 million foreign visitors in 2024, up 15.6 percent compared to 2019. Despite efforts to encourage foreign visitors to explore regional destinations across Japan, Japanese travelers still accounted for more than 85 percent of overnight stays in rural areas in 2024. But with the population aging and shrinking, the agency said it was necessary to promote an increase in the frequency and duration of visits among individual Japanese travelers. Harnessing a trend among young travelers to be more involved with local communities, the agency said it will promote a new style of travel, moving away from the typical tourist experience. By facilitating opportunities for engagement between travelers and locals at the destination, it wants to encourage repeat visits that give travelers a feeling of having returned home. The report highlighted the success of recent demonstration projects, among them a project in the mountain town of Dake Onsen, in Fukushima Prefecture. Visitor programs introduced by the town's tourist association have broadened the areas appeal beyond mountaineering and encouraged local mountain guides to take on the wider role of trip coordinator. According to the report, the programs have helped bring a new profile of visitor to the area, in addition to hikers and mountaineers. With an increasing number of Japanese placing more value on leisure time, the agency also said that it aims to remove barriers to travel, including a reluctance to take time off work. The report highlighted a so-called learcation initiative implemented by Aichi Prefecture. A combination of "learn" and "vacation," the initiative encourages working parents to make use of vacation days by allowing them to take their children out of school for a day of educational experiences. The initiative allows for three days a year out of school. Parents and students must submit a plan for the day in advance. Over 36 percent of students in public elementary schools across the prefecture made use of at least one of the days during the 2024 academic year, according to a prefecture survey. Despite the number of travelers remaining sluggish, spending by Japanese on domestic trips hit a record high of 25.1 trillion yen ($176 billion) in 2024 -- an average of around 47,000 yen per traveler on a single trip, based on preliminary figures. Hot spring resorts and local food were the most popular trip themes for nearly all age groups, according to the report. This article was submitted by a contributing writer for publication on Kyodo News Plus. Related coverage: Over 60% of train travelers annoyed by behavior of foreign tourists: survey Gunma Pref. tops relocation destination ranking Govt pictograms target tourists behaving badly The Fishermen's Village on the outskirts of the city of Tulcea will host the Scrumbii de Rusalii (Pentecost Mackerel) Festival, starting Friday, organised by the Tulcea City Hall, with the first scheduled activities being dedicated to children and aimed at raising awareness on the importance of environmental protection. Festival coordinator Bogdan Moldoveanu told AGERPRES that the event will open with a photography exhibition and the presentation of the Restoriver Project by the Romanian Ornithological Society (SOR), along with a workshop by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) showcasing the renaturation results of the Carasuhat area in the Danube Delta.Concerts for the public will begin at 8:00 PM each evening. On the first night, Zagan and Taraful de la Marsa will perform, with musical events hosted by Hanno Hofer, frontman of the band Nightlosers.According to Alexandru Filip, manager of the Tulcea Tourism Destination Management Organisation (OMD), a new free guided walking tour of the city's historic area will begin Friday at 5:00 PM. During the same period, Tulcea is hosting an info trip to promote the area.'All these initiatives are part of a long-term effort by OMD Tulcea, under the brand Tu si Tulcea' (You and Tulcea), to turn the city's potential into a solid tourism reality,' Filip wrote Friday on social media.OMD Tulcea entered the Danube Delta last year into the "Destination of the Year 2025" competition and won the grand prize, having earned the highest score in the 'Enchanted Lands' category.The mackerel, a fish species living in the Black Sea and migrating up the Danube to spawn, is the only species that can be legally caught by commercial fishermen during the fishing ban, which is set to end on Sunday, June 8, according to an ordinance from the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Agriculture.According to expert Gabriel Lupu from the Danube Delta National Institute for Research and Development, the species Palingenia longicauda, commonly known as "rusalii" in Romanian or "mayflies" in English, is one of the oldest winged insects in the world, an indicator of environmental quality, and a food source for one of the most valuable fish families in the world, sturgeons. It also symbolises efforts to protect freshwater ecosystems in Central Europe.The larvae of these insects develop underwater for nearly three years. In their adult stage, which lasts only a few hours to a day, they mate and lay eggs, the only visible activities they engage in, including in the Danube Delta.The Romanian term 'Rusalii' (Pentecost in English) also is also the name of a religious holiday celebrated by Orthodox Christians 50 days after Easter. In Romania, Sunday, June 9 is a public holiday for employees of state institutions, according to current legislation. In a message on June 5, Teacher's Day, President Nicusor Dan thanks teachers for their permanent involvement in shaping generations, saying that their effort is essential for education in Romania. "To our children, teachers are their first link with the joy of knowing and understanding reality. There are those who, with a lot of love, turn childhood games into ways of discovering the world. We thank them today, on Teacher's Day, for their permanent involvement in shaping generations after generations. Their effort is essential for education in Romania, being the ones who, by paying attention to specific needs and with appropriate teaching methods, can support each child to continue school without dropping out and reach their full potential," says the head of state in a social media post on Thursday."Education lays the foundations for tomorrow's society. And in this process, the teacher has a complex role, which means not only competence, but also balance, patience and vision. In order for this mission to be successfully accomplished, the state has the obligation to secure all the necessary conditions: adequate resources, stability and predictability. We cannot ask for performance without offering the due respect and concrete support that this noble vocation deserves. Thank you to all those who make education an act of responsibility, not just a profession!" Romania's CFR SA national railway carrier is joining today the ILCAD - International Level Crossing Awareness Day initiative, now in its seventeenth edition, designed to improve awareness of level crossing safety and reduce the number of incidents generated by reckless behaviour near railway lines. According to the company, the initiative is coordinated by the International Union of Railways (UIC) and annually brings together railway and road administrations from over 45 countries.According to CFR SA data, in 2022-2024, there was a clear downward trend in the number of incidents: in 2022 there were 158 incidents, in 2023, the number of incidents was 154, and in 114 incidents. Six civil society organizations sent, on Thursday, to the Presidential Administration an "appeal for the digital transformation of Romania" and showed their willingness to actively contribute, with all the expertise of the teams, to the transposition of strategic objectives into reality and to rebuilding the trust of Romanians in the state. The signatories of the document are: Edge Institute, the Employers' Association of the Software and Services Industry (ANIS), the Romanian Association of Online Stores (ARMO), the Employers' Confederation Concordia, Leaders in Tech (LiT) and Romanian Business Leaders (RBL). "Romania needs a clear strategic direction in the process of digitizing the state and the entire Romanian society. On behalf of six business and civil society organizations, we address this call for action, vision and cooperation so that digital transformation becomes a real priority, assumed and supported at the highest level of the state. Romania's digital transformation is no longer just an option, but a necessity. Citizens are wasting time, companies are losing opportunities, and the state is losing trust. In a world where technology shapes everything - from global markets to the daily habits of citizens - Romania has a unique chance to build a strong democracy, anchored in the digital reality of the 21st century. With over 25 million Romanians in the country and in the diaspora - a population larger than that of Bulgaria, Hungary, Greece, the Czech Republic, Slovakia or of each country in the Balkans - Romania has the potential to become a regional pole of innovation and excellence, in a digital world. If data is decisive in the technologies of the present and the future, then Romania has a strategic resource that it can transform into real economic value and quality public services", the letter of the professional organizations reads. The representatives of the six signatory organizations support the creation of a presidential advisor position for Digital Transformation, as well as a Presidential Council for Digital Transformation, "which would function as a space for articulation between the state and actors from the private sector and civil society". It would also be necessary to establish a Diplomatic Network for Digital Transformation, consisting of diplomatic and consular personnel posted in key European and global capitals, to integrate digital priorities into diplomatic action, and facilitate the adoption of good practices from host countries, prioritizing the identification of emerging technologies applicable to Romanian public services. Other requests from civil society refer to: a reform of the governance of digital transformation within the Government, with the objective of clearly delimiting the attributions and responsibilities, providing them with the necessary legitimacy for inter-ministerial coordination in the field, but also the initiation of a National Pact for the Digitalization of Romania, signed by political parties, central and local public administration and civil society, to ensure continuity and a coherent implementation framework. Added to these are the digitalization of tax authority (ANAF) and the fight against large-scale tax evasion, digitalization of the health system, correlation of education with the labor market, reduction of the duration of processes and streamlining of consular services. Approximately 300,000 devotees are expected to participate in the June 7 Catholic Pentecost pilgrimage to Sumuleu Ciuc, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and which will also see the presence of Hungary's President Tamas Sulyok. Miercurea-Ciuc mayor Korodi Attila told a press conference on Thursday that the motto of this year's major religious event is "Pilgrims of Hope", similar to that of the 2025 Jubilee Year declared by Pope Francis. "Participating in the Pentecost Mass is a true spiritual recharge. Let us pay heed to each other - if someone needs help, let us be there for them," he said. Also, a fundraising campaign will be held on the occasion of the pilgrimage for the families seriously affected by the floods in Covasna County, coordinated by the Caritas Association. The mayor called on the pilgrims to come to the aid of their fellow citizens, pointing out that this is the true power of solidarity. "The floods have not only swept away material goods, but hope and security as well. In order for these people to be able to rebuild their lives, collective support is needed. Year after year, this feast signifies for us a spiritual recharge, but now the stakes are even higher: in addition to the renewal of body and soul, the emphasis is on caring for others and on the desire to help. We kindly ask everyone to use this opportunity and offer help, if they can," said Korodi Attila. In his turn, the head of the Caritas Alba Iulia Social and Medical Care Department Peter Gyorgy said that although the disaster at the Praid salt mine has grabbed the national attention, the situation in Covasna County remains serious overall, and the organization he represents is focusing its resources on this county. The Catholic Pentecost Mass in Sumuleu Ciuc will be celebrated by the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Alba Iulia Gergely Istvan, and the sermon will be delivered by Camillian monk Alfred Gyorgy, who hails from the commune of Sandominic, Harghita County. Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok announced his participation in the event, and the next day he will visit the commune of Praid, whose historic salt mine was flooded by the Corund stream. The Sumuleu Ciuc pilgrimage has a tradition of over 450 years and has at its center the miracle-working statue of the Virgin Mary, located in the Franciscan church. Legend has it that in 1567, the Prince of Transylvania, John Sigismund, tried to impose Unitarianism on the Roman Catholic believers in the Szekler seats of Ciuc, Gheorgheni and Casin, and people say that only with the help of the miracle-working statue did they manage to resist and preserve their ancestral faith. Ever since, every year on Whit Saturday, Catholics from all over the world - most of them Hungarian-speaking - come on pilgrimage to the Church of the Holy Virgin Mary in Sumuleu Ciuc. The Marian shrine in Sumuleu Ciuc was visited on June 1, 2019 by Pope Francis, who celebrated a Mass dedicated to the Virgin Mary; on this occasion the miracle-working statue of the Mother of God was taken out of the church for the first time since World War II. After the announcement of Pope Francis' death, the leadership of the Miercurea-Ciuc City Hall announced that they would propose that the road he traveled to Sumuleu Ciuc to the altar where he celebrated the Pontifical Mass in 2019 be named after him. The Spirits Romania employers' association draws attention to the fact that the increase in excise duty on alcohol will not lead to an increase in state budget revenues but will lead to the growth of the black, untaxed market, with particularly serious effects, both economic and social. According to a press release sent on Thursday, AGERPRES, in the past, the 42% increase in excise duty in 2013 caused a 30% decrease in the taxed market of spirits between 2013 and 2014. In contrast, the 30% reduction in excise duty in 2016 resulted in a decrease in the untaxed market by approximately 25% between 2016 and 2021 and a doubling of revenues collected for the state budget, which recorded 1.22 billion RON in 2024 for the spirits market. "The counterfeit spirits market poses a threat mainly to bona fide local producers, who sell the most popular and affordable products. Approximately 85% of spirits consumption is represented by Romanian products, according to industry data. In addition, any increase would have catastrophic consequences for local spirits producers, as well as particularly serious social effects determined by the increased interest in counterfeit drinks, which can seriously affect health, even leading to loss of life," the statement said. According to a survey conducted by ivox.ro at the request of Spirits Romania, in October 2024, 34% of Romanians say they have consumed alcoholic beverages from sources they did not know, namely drinks without a stamp or drinks produced by people they did not know. Among the respondents who admitted to consuming counterfeit alcoholic beverages, one in five indicated the price as the reason, namely the fact that the counterfeit drinks they consumed were cheaper. The cited source also indicates that the spirits industry has over 46,000 direct and indirect jobs, and contributes an annual value added of over 850 million euros to the gross domestic product. Aggregated data from ANAF show that 62% of the total excise duties applied to alcoholic beverages in 2024 were transferred by the spirits industry. Thus, the excise duties collected by the state from the sale of ethyl alcohol amounted to 1.22 billion RON in 2024, given that the total amount obtained by the state from the sale of all types of alcoholic beverages last year was 1.98 billion lei. In addition, according to industry estimates, there is also a significant multiplier effect. Thus, every 10 euros of gross value added created directly in the Romanian spirits sector contributes another 10-15 euros to the national economy through indirect and induced impact. "We cannot penalize all those who pay their taxes and contribute significantly to the local economy. The solution to increasing state budget revenues lies in combating tax evasion and the counterfeit drinks market," said Florin Radulescu, president of Spirits Romania, quoted in the press release. Spirits Romania, an employers' association that brings together the main producers and importers of spirits in Romania, was established in 2013 with the aim of contributing to the creation of a functional fiscal and legislative framework, conducive to the development of the local spirits industry, as well as from the desire of member companies to get involved in the creation of joint consumer education programs on responsible alcohol consumption. Member companies provide over 3,000 direct jobs and 185,000 indirect jobs. Spirits Romania members export high-quality spirits of all types to over 30 countries in Europe, Asia and America. The association is affiliated with SpiritsEurope, the representative organization of the alcohol industry at European level, which brings together over 31 national associations from 24 countries. Spirits Romania represents the main companies producing and importing spirits from Romania: BDG, Diageo, Pernod Ricard Romania, Prodal, Prodvinalco, PPD, Coca-Cola HBC Romania and Maspex. Cuda, Sirin and a marine drone are three types of Romanian military UAVs which are set to enter production this year at CARFIL Brasov, a subsidiary of the National Company ROMARM. They were unveiled at the Southeast Europe Special Operations Forces Forum 2025 (SEESOF) in Targu Mures - the first international expo-forum dedicated to the special operations forces. "Cuda is a drone with a flight capacity of half an hour and with surveillance capabilities, fit for surveillance missions. Sirin can carry a payload of up to 15 kilograms, and then there's a unique drone in the region, the maritime drone, which is specially designed to fly at sea and in the coastal area. It is special because maritime flights pose problems for sensors - corrosion and winds are particular challenges at sea, and therefore we designed this drone specially for the Romanian Naval Forces," the head of the Brasov-based Center of Excellence in Drone Pilots Training, Cristea Gabriel Rau told the press. The drones presented in Targu Mures are being developed together with American partner Periscop Aviation and will enter production this summer in Brasov. "They were tested as per the specifications of the U.S. Army, which are more restrictive than the Romanian ones. CARFIL is a Romanian company with a long tradition, which has been producing bombs for the army for over 100 years now. Why do we make drones? Because recent conflicts have shown that drones will change the war paradigm. With drones you can carry almost anything. And then, as established bomb manufacturers, we said let's make bombs for drones. We did this, and then we said, why not make drones too?," Cristea Gabriel Rau detailed. According to him, CARFIL is the first Romanian company to produce drones on an industrial scale. The head of the Center of Excellence in Drone Pilots Training stressed that they are not for being sold abroad, but are made exclusively for Romania. "We want to produce 25 Cuda and 25 Sirin drones. If the maritime drone arouses interest, we can switch production immediately. If our carrier drone is desired, the one with a payload capacity of 63 kg, we can make that UAV too. We can also produce drones for civilian use, as the requirements for the civilian market are different. We will modify our UAVs so that they meet the civilian requirements and price standards in order to be competitive," Rau specified. CARFIL general manager Mircea Tantau showed that this company, a subsidiary of the National Company ROMARM SA, is participating in SEESOF 2025 Targu Mures with several types of products. "CARFIL is a well-known global manufacturer of bomb- and grenade-launching systems, with the associated ammunition. The drones are our new developments, we also have the EXO range of individual fire-fighting systems. We have a very strong partner, a state-owned French company which trains and instructs military drone pilots from France and beyond," said Tantau. CARFIL, he said, is in full development, tapping into new development directions with new products in the pipeline, such as a multi-stage launcher with optical block, 70 mm missiles, smart ammunition, electronic warheads. The war in Ukraine meant a relaunch of the Romanian defense industry, and in recent years the Romanian government and the Ministry of Economy have put their focus on the development of this industry. For instance, Carfil had last year almost 50 million euros in turnover, of which about 2.5 million euros net profit, stated Tantau. Over 110 companies from 23 countries, 50 of which from Romania, participated in the Southeast Europe Special Operations Forces Forum 2025 (SEESOF) held June 4 - 5 at the 'George Emil Palade' University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology (UMFST) in Targu Mures. How far should you travel in the metro area for a great burrito? How far can a restaurant push a single burrito before the sheer number of ingredients both inside and out becomes an outlandish gimmick or an inedible mess? If you live on the Missouri side of the Mississippi, the answer to the first question is Fairview Heights. The Mexican restaurant Fridas Cocina relocated here in September from its original home by Scott Air Force Base. Look for Frida Kahlos signature eyebrows furrowing over a storefront along Lincoln Highway. Fridas Cocina answers the second question with an emphatic Exactly this far. The Fridas Burrito one of several burritos on the menu but the only one to share the restaurants name is worth a trek from OFallon, Missouri, and if I lived up the road in OFallon, Illinois, I would eat one a week at least. The burrito sprawls from one end of an oblong plate to the other, its entire length slathered with queso blanco and showered with crumbled, Day Glo-red Taki chips. Atop this queso-Taki blanket sits one scoop of guacamole and one of sour cream. The Fridas is a fork-and-knife burrito. Its true beauty lies inside. The fillings are conventional enough: carne asada, rice and beans. The carne asada is well above the St. Louis average, though, both juicy and charry. The meat alone could carry this burrito, but Fridas Cocina keeps pushing. Even with the queso, Takis, guacamole and sour cream on the outside, the kitchen folds two sauces inside: a rich, bittersweet mole and a searing habanero salsa. Each component is distinctive, each bite harmonious, from the initial Taki crunch and habanero heat through the palate-cooling finish of queso and guacamole. The Fridas reclaims the burrito from the assembly-line slop of Chipotle or Qdoba. For that matter, right now I cant imagine eating a burrito at another restaurant I actually like. Owner Job Toledo describes Fridas Cocina as a family restaurant, both in its daily operation (his son and brothers included) and its legacy. Toledo himself originally hails from Mexico City, and the food here draws on that metropolis as well as his parents native states in Mexico, his mothers Guerrero and his fathers Michoacan. Toledo has lived in the region since the mid-1990s and worked his way up through the restaurant industry, beginning as a dishwasher in a Chinese restaurant. He opened the original Fridas Cocina late last decade. To my chagrin, I never visited that location. The Fridas Cocina in Fairview Heights features a spacious, colorful dining room with a bar at one end and TVs throughout. The menu is impossible to tackle in one review the food covers five of its seven pages; a standard array of margaritas, beers and other drinks fills out the rest but if nothing else is as spectacular as the Fridas Burrito, its uncompromising flavors recurred across my visits. Mole takes the starring role in the enchiladas de mole, three chicken enchiladas enrobed in a sauce that evokes dried fruit and dusky chiles, dark chocolate and toasted nuts. I might eat a plate of foam packing peanuts covered in this mole, so it hardly matters that the chicken enchiladas by themselves arent so distinctive. A focused selection of taqueria-style tacos includes the restaurants carne asada as well as luscious barbacoa and al pastor pork with small, but vital pops of pineapple. The piquant salsa verde served with these tacos adds some sparkle, but for a truly incandescent bite, ask for a side of the habanero salsa from the Fridas Burrito. I also dashed some of that habanero salsa on my order of the carnitas Michoacan, though I did so more from chile masochism than necessity. The plate of slow-cooked pork already includes a whole blistered jalapeno, which while not as ferocious as a habanero still packs plenty of bite. The pork is supple from bite to bite, often indulgently fatty, occasionally browned to a heady sweetness. (Here, the kitchens attention did waver a bit: the onions tossed with the carnitas ranged from sauteed as deeply brown as onion can be before it is burnt to barely cooked.) Fridas Cocina has kept pace with the trends that have developed over its lifespan. A plate of three birria tacos leads the entire menu column dedicated to tacos. Inside each crisp tortilla is succulent birria and gooey cheesethough not so gooey that the birrias brawn doesnt lead the dish. On the side, of course, is a little cup of consomme for dipping, though the meats seasoning is strong enough that the soup is an adjunct, not a necessity. You dont need to drive far to find excellent birria in the metro area, but if youve already made the journey for the Fridas Burrito, you might as well treat yourself to some tacos, too. Rating Recommended: The Post-Dispatch evaluates restaurants on the following scale, lowest to highest: not recommended; recommended, but with reservations; recommended; highly recommended; essential. The rating reflects how the restaurant succeeds on its own terms and how it meets a diner's good-faith expectations of quality food and hospitality regardless of cuisine, location or cost. If you go WHERE: 823 Lincoln Highway, Suite 105, Fairview Heights MORE INFO: 618-206-8275; fridas-cocina.com MENU: Tacos, burritos, enchiladas and more Mexican fare HOURS: Lunch and dinner daily How much Barbacoa taco $5 Enchiladas de mole $13 Birria tacos $17 Fridas Burrito $17 Tony Messenger | Post-Dispatch Metro columnist Follow Tony Messenger | Post-Dispatch Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today ST. LOUIS The death of Brayan Garzon-Rayo occurred at the intersection of two American tragedies. One tragedy involves Americas broken immigration system and President Donald Trumps attempts to deport at least some immigrants without due process. The other tragedy is the condition of Americas jails and, specifically, their well-documented failures to provide quality health care. When the two roads meet, people die. Garzon-Rayo died in April after allegedly hanging himself with a bedsheet in the Phelps County Jail. He was in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which uses some rural Missouri jails to hold detainees. On Tuesday, friends, family and immigration advocates gathered at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in St. Louis as the Rev. Tim Noelker held a funeral Mass in Spanish to honor Garzon-Rayos life and help his family grieve. His mother, Lucy Adriana Garzon Tarazona, was in the front row, surrounded by other family members. Noelker preached about the Beatitudes, from the Gospel of Mathew. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven, the Bible text reads. Blessed are those who mourn, blessed are the meek, blessed are the merciful. Since her sons arrest and death, Lucy Garzon has been feeling a different emotion: fear. She came to St. Louis in 2023, seeking asylum amid violence in her hometown of Bogota, Colombia. Her federal immigration case is pending. Her son was detained by ICE after being arrested for a couple of misdemeanor offenses. He was accused of shoplifting in Shrewsbury and using somebody elses credit card in St. Louis. I reacted with fear when they took him, she told me through an interpreter Tuesday, mostly because of everything that is happening right now. This week, immigrants in St. Louis and other American cities received random texts from ICE, asking them to show up for a check-in. Many of them fear they will end up in jail or deported. Jessica Mayos client received one of those texts. Mayo is co-director of the Migrant and Immigrant Community Action Project, a nonprofit that offers legal services to immigrants. At a news conference with other immigration advocates on Wednesday across the street from the ICE offices downtown, Mayo lamented a broken social contract. That contract has been inherent in Americas immigration system for years. Clients like Mayos came to the U.S. seeking asylum or through programs that allowed them to obtain work permits, pay taxes and contribute to the American economy. For years, even those who previously missed hearings or are still contesting deportation orders have regularly checked in with ICE. They played by all the rules, Mayo says, so they could stay in this country and keep providing for their families. Now, with Trump promising 3,000 arrests a day, there is no longer any trust between immigrants and the government. We suspect that these text messages went to hundreds, if not thousands of immigrants, Mayo said. The first round of people who reported as directed were mostly detained. The reason ICE had the phone numbers of the immigrants is because they have been playing by the rules, checking in with federal officials as their cases slowly move through the clogged system. Some of those people might now end up in jail in Phelps County, a place that has a history of failing to care for the health mental and physical of detainees. Thats a key piece of these avoidable tragedies that cant be forgotten. While Trump is bragging about sending immigrants to intentionally cruel prisons in El Salvador and Sudan, immigrants first detained in America face potential harm, too. Missouris jails and prisons are already backlogged with American detainees more than 400 of them who shouldnt be there. They are people with mental health needs who have received a judges order to seek treatment but are stuck in jail because there are not enough beds for them. Garzon-Rayo never got the mental-health check he was supposed to receive, St. Louis Public Radio reported last month, after he died. My son made a mistake, and he had to pay for it, his mother says. But not with his life. Its a clarion call for whats to come, with a White House insistent on ripping apart the social contract that has been a cornerstone of the American dream for generations. Four people have pleaded guilty in a scheme that involved bribing St. Louis area drivers license office workers to fraudulently register vehicles in Missouri. Gary Wilds, 48, ran a business, Pinnacle Concierge, that helped customers register their vehicles with the Missouri Department of Revenue, according to a government press release. Wilds admitted bribing three license office employees in St. Louis and St. Charles counties no more than $100 per vehicle to falsely represent to the state that the vehicles had passed emissions and safety checks and the owners had paid property taxes. Wilds pleaded guilty Wednesday in federal court in St. Louis to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, 22 counts of wire fraud, four counts of aggravated identity theft and six counts of making a false statement. The three license office employees previously pleaded guilty. Ashlyn Graeff, 39, pleaded guilty in 2024 to three counts of making a false statement. Megan Leone, 42, pleaded guilty in December to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and making a false statement. Michelle Boyer, 53, pleaded guilty last month to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. Graeffs activities alone resulted in a loss of state tax revenue of $84,154.96, according to a government release. Wilds also bribed employees to submit false documents that claimed vehicle owners were eligible for tax exemptions that reduced tax assessments from thousands of dollars per vehicle to as little as $11. Some of his customers knew Wilds would use deceptive means because their vehicles could not pass emissions tests, they had outstanding child support due or they had been barred from registering vehicles. Court documents describe a vehicle registration Wilds processed in 2022 for one mans 2022 Dodge Ram truck. Wilds charged the man $1,350 but only submitted $14.50 to the state, forging the owners signature and falsely claiming for purposes of obtaining a tax waiver that the truck weighed 24,000 pounds and that the owner was leasing the vehicle to a company that was registered as an interstate carrier with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Wilds conspiracy and wire fraud charges each carry a potential penalty of up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. The false statement charge is punishable by up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. Each identity theft charge is punishable by two years in prison. DALIAN, China - A Chinese man detained in late May on suspicion of murdering two Japanese nationals in Dalian, northeastern China, was involved in a financial dispute with the victims, who were his business partners, a source familiar with Sino-Japanese relations said Thursday. Hong Kong's Sing Tao daily reported the suspect Yuan Chenggong believed he had been deceived by the two Japanese men over the purchase of a hot spring hotel near Mt. Fuji, citing information posted on China's WeChat platform by a mainland Chinese journalist. Yuan, who founded a real estate company in Tokyo in 2021, acquired Fuji Sansuikan Hotel near Lake Kawaguchi at the foot of Japan's highest peak and also invested in a mineral water factory in Japan, the newspaper said. It pointed to two possible causes of the Dalian native's conflict with the Japanese men. One is his discovery that his name was not on the hotel's real estate registration certificate, leading him to believe that the two Japanese men had deceived him, and the other is his possible failure to pay money owed to them. The two Japanese, who were in China on a short-term stay, were killed on May 23 in a Dalian village some 60 kilometers away from downtown areas of the port city, leaving locals puzzled about why the murders happened there. Dalian security authorities detained Yuan on May 24 and the Japanese Consulate General in Shenyang was informed of the killings the following day. They have not identified the two Japanese victims. Related coverage: 2 Japanese murdered in China's Dalian, Chinese suspect detained MADISON COUNTY The murder trial for Sammy Shafer Jr., accused of hiring a hit man to kill his wifes girlfriend, could be moved out of Madison County. Claiming the jury pool in that county is tainted, defense lawyers for Shafer filed a motion last month for a change of venue. They are asking that the trial be held outside of Madison County in order to find an impartial jury. No firm trial date has been set before Judge Tim Berkeley. The judge had not ruled on the defenses change-of-venue request, as of Thursday. The states attorney has not filed a response. Clayton defense attorney T.J. Matthes, who is working with Scott Rosenblum, filed the motion May 27. Shafer, 36, of Caseyville, is charged with first-degree murder and soliciting the murder of Portia Rowland, his romantic rival. Authorities also charged the alleged hitman, Gary Johnson, and getaway driver, Marty Shaw. Rowland was shot to death Jan. 21 outside a Collinsville home while warming up her car before heading to work. Rowland and Shafers estranged wife, Sarah, had been dating about two years. Sarah was asleep in the home when Rowland was shot four times by a gunman. In a 116-page motion, Matthes said Associate Circuit Judge Emily Nielsen sided with prosecutors at a February detention hearing in determining Shafer was too dangerous to be let out of jail before trial. Nielsen said whats most alarming is that Shafer started planning the murder-for-hire scheme last summer. You had time to think about it, the judge said. Nielsen also said she was worried about witnesses, Sammy Shafers children and estranged wife if Shafer were let out. The defense team called media coverage in the case voluminous, prejudicial and inflammatory. Matthes included in his motion several printouts of news articles and referred to reader comments showing strong opinions about Shafers guilt. Matthes said the nature of the crime itself aroused interest in the community more than the ordinary homicide case. Matthes likened the pretrial publicity in the Shafer case to what happened in 1912 involving axe murders of four people near the small town of Payson, Illinois, and the bitterness it created. Although the allegations against Shafer may not be quite as gruesome in character as those in the 1912 case, Mattes said, the dynamics of the factual scenario reported in the media have caused a similarly strong and inflammatory reaction from the community calling for Shafers death. The Illinois Supreme Court said the trial court erred in denying a motion for change of venue in that 1912 case. The court reversed the defendants convictions and ordered a new trial. Caseyville husband threatened wifes girlfriend before murder scheme, prosecutors say A businessman charged with hiring a hitman to kill his estranged wife's girlfriend had threatened the girlfriend, warning her God didn't want women dating women, authorities said in court Wednesday. Man charged in Collinsville murder was embroiled in divorce, accused of assault Sammy Shafer Jr. is charged with hiring a hitman to kill his wife's girlfriend last week. Portia Rowland, 32, was shot to death while warming up her car. Husband of victims girlfriend charged in murder-for-hire scheme in Collinsville Sammy J. Shafer, Jr., 36, was among three men charged with murder in the death of Portia Rowland. ST. LOUIS Local activists filed a lawsuit on Thursday to stop a state board from controlling the St. Louis police department, marking the latest legal challenge to the takeover law. Activists Mike Milton of the Freedom Community Center and community organizer Jamala Rogers say the state takeover will derail recent progress in reducing homicides and other crime by funneling more resources to traditional policing at the expense of social programs designed to prevent crime. This bill is unconstitutional, undemocratic and fundamentally immoral, Milton said at a press conference on Thursday. The suit, filed by the progressive nonprofit law firm ArchCity Defenders, is the second to be filed attempting to stop the takeover. Last month, Aldermanic President Megan Green filed her own suit, arguing the takeover infringes on her right to free expression, imposes an illegal spending mandate and violates multiple provisions of the state constitution. Green did not have the support of Mayor Cara Spencer, who tasked city lawyers with developing their own case, though nothing has been filed. The activists suit, filed in Cole County against the state of Missouri and Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, makes similar arguments to Greens. It says the takeover law, signed by Governor Mike Kehoe in March, violates an amendment to the Missouri constitution prohibiting the state from imposing unfunded mandates on cities. It also argues that it violates a provision prohibiting the state from imposing laws specific to one city. After the suit was filed, Milton, Rogers, elected officials and representatives from ArchCity gathered at City Hall for a news conference. Rogers blasted the takeover effort as a way for white Republican lawmakers to unfairly exert power over a city that didnt vote for them. We have a state legislature that says, We dont care what you want, Rogers said. Bailey responded in a statement saying it was the activists who were in the wrong. They were trying to subvert the will of elected officials across the state, he said. Instead of filing frivolous lawsuits, this group should focus its efforts on making St. Louis safer, he said. ST. LOUIS Rosati-Kain Academy plans to stay in its Central West End campus for another 25 years after signing a long-term lease with the Archdiocese of St. Louis. The archdiocese planned to close Rosati-Kain for girls and St. Marys for boys in fall 2023 as part of its All Things New downsizing plan for parishes and schools. Supporters of both high schools raised money to stay open as independent, nonprofit Catholic schools. The renamed St. Marys Southside High School also leases its campus on South Grand Boulevard from the archdiocese. The new lease for Rosati-Kain will cost half the rent of the original three-year agreement, according to Barbara Geisman, the schools board treasurer and a 1971 graduate. It is really important to prospective families that they know the school they pick for their daughters is going to be in the same location when they graduate, Geisman said. We are confident that Rosati-Kain Academy will prepare their daughters for success as adults. The 114-year-old school continues to be challenged by low enrollment after the threat of closure. An expected 110 students are expected to enroll this fall, including just 10 seniors. Most of the girls from that class transferred as freshmen after the closure announcement, Geisman said. We are in the process of regrowing that enrollment to get back to 125 in the short term, but our longer-term goal is around 200 students, she said. Rosati-Kain is the only Catholic girls school in the city, and the most diverse of any Catholic high school in the region. About 70% of students are Black, Hispanic, Asian or multi-racial, and three out of four receive financial aid to help cover the $15,000 annual tuition. Incarnate Word Academy, the only Catholic high school in north St. Louis County, is considering a move to St. Charles County, which would leave a wider geographic gap. Several feeder grade schools in St. Louis have also closed in recent years, including St. Roch and Most Holy Trinity. Geisman said the recruiting plan for Rosati-Kain includes increased marketing in the Metro East as well as St. Louis city and county. The school is also close to hiring a new president following the departure of Maggie Sullivan after one year in the role. Mary Elizabeth Grimes, president of Marian Middle School in St. Louis, also served as interim president of Rosati-Kain for the past school year. When a tornado struck Joplin on May 22, 2011, killing 161 people and causing about $2 billion in damage, President Barack Obama issued a major disaster declaration the next day. That action immediately made help available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, for people to pay for temporary housing and begin repairs. The declaration also made state and local governments, as well as some not-for-profit aid agencies, eligible for reimbursement of 75% of the cost of recovery and rebuilding. By the time the books were closed, FEMA had distributed $37.1 million to individuals for recovery needs and provided $161.6 million for public recovery and rebuilding costs. In St. Louis, a May 16 tornado cut a 22-mile path across the region, damaging or destroying 16,000 structures and killing five people. Damage is estimated at $1.6 billion, making it the biggest weather disaster for Missouri since the Joplin tornado. Gov. Mike Kehoe made a formal request on May 26 for President Donald Trump to extend similar help. Nine days later, that request is still pending as Trump waits for the results of a formal assessment of damages. It is part of a pattern in Trumps second term of longer waits and, oftentimes, denials of state requests for disaster declarations. Kehoe on April 2 requested a declaration for help following severe storms and flooding in southeast Missouri. Trump issued the declaration May 21, 49 days later. A May 1 request, for storms and flooding from March 30 to April 8, was also approved May 21. Another disaster declaration request from Missouri, submitted May 19, is also awaiting action by the president. Both of the approved requests took longer than all but six of the 20 federal disaster requests submitted by Missouri governors from the start of 2010 through the end of 2024. The average wait during that period, from a governors request to a presidential declaration, was 16 days. St. Louis area state lawmakers, called to Jefferson City for a special session, said the delay is adding to the hardship thousands face, with some people camping outside destroyed homes because they have no money for shelter. Some people are staying in homes that are completely unsafe to stay in after the storm has wiped out their entire neighborhood, state Sen. Brian Williams, a Democrat from University City, said in an interview with The Independent. Its saddening, its disheartening, and Im not interested in any conversation outside of ensuring that storm victims are taken care of. A federal disaster declaration can make help available for individuals and public needs, or it can be limited to assisting with public recovery costs. Nationally, over the last four years, FEMA has provided more than $12 billion to individuals and $133 billion to state and local governments, tribal nations, territories and some nonprofits to help in recovery efforts, Stateline reported in February. When individual assistance is provided, victims can receive up to $770 for immediate emergency needs, plus up to $43,600 to assist with home repair costs and $43,600 for other recovery costs. A federal disaster declaration also provides emergency SNAP and unemployment benefits. The main purpose of the special session is to consider legislation offering tax incentives for the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals to remain in Missouri. The bill providing stadium aid also includes a tax credit of up to $5,000 for payments against an insurance deductible in a disaster area. A spending bill requested by Kehoe includes $25 million, to be spent by the Missouri Housing Development Commission to assist in repairs. But with 37 Missouri counties covered by disaster requests submitted this year, lawmakers from both St. Louis and rural areas say the money is inadequate. State Sen. Jason Bean, a Republican from Holcomb, said the $25 million is a drop in the bucket for disaster needs. Bean represents 10 southeast Missouri counties that include the three with the highest poverty rates in the state. Eight of the 10 counties in Beans district were included in Trumps disaster declaration for storms and flooding on March 14 and 15. All 10 were included in the disaster declaration for the March 31 to April 8 storms and flooding. The delay in receiving help is frustrating, Bean said during a hearing on the spending bill. We need to realize that people have been living in shelters, Bean said. Theyve been living in other homes for some time. So once again, the speed of our response, I think, is something weve just got to address. Massive, obvious disasters like Joplin no longer get quick responses from FEMA. Since taking office, Trump has tried to push more costs to state and local agencies, even suggesting that FEMA be abolished. Now, every disaster must go through the formal assessment process to determine if it meets the standards for federal assistance. FEMA uses cost per capita to gauge whether local and state governments can handle recovery themselves, or if theyll need federal help. Those thresholds currently stand at $4.72 per capita for counties and $1.89 per capita for states. But just meeting those thresholds isnt enough. Trump can accept or deny applications at his discretion. After a thorough assessment, FEMA will approve a disaster declaration request if the assessment shows the events damage exceeds the state, local governments, and voluntary organizations capacity to respond, a FEMA spokesperson wrote in an email to The Independent. Just like all declaration requests, this decision is based on policy, not politics. During testimony on the special session legislation, Casey Milburg, policy director for St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer, said Kehoe and the states congressional delegation have all been pushing for action on the disaster request. Theres certainly a tremendous amount of uncertainty in our minds, she said. We are certainly hopeful. The congressional delegation push began the day after Kehoe requested aid for tornado response. Missourians are still recovering from the recent tornado, and our communities are in desperate need of federal assistance, U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner, a Republican from St. Louis County, said in a news release May 27, the day after Kehoe made his request. Wagner, five of Missouris eight U.S. House members and both U.S. Senators signed a letter to Trump on May 27 urging swift action. These resources are essential to stabilizing affected communities and safeguarding public health and safety, the letter stated. Given the scale of devastation and the urgent need for federal assistance, we respectfully request swift approval of Missouris disaster declaration. We appreciate your attention to this matter and stand ready to support efforts to ensure resources reach those who need them most. During a hearing on the special session legislation, state Sen. Barbara Washington, a Democrat from Kansas City, asked budget director Dan Haug whether FEMA would approve the request to help St. Louis. Have we received notice that FEMA is going to help? she said. Because there are other states that have been denied assistance from FEMA, and so have we received any guarantee that were actually going to receive funding from FEMA to help? Haug said no assurances have been received. I think the governors office, in communication with our federal officials, feel confident in the result, Haug said. Williams, however, said the state shouldnt count on it. I am not optimistic, he said, that FEMA is going to step in and do anything. ST. LOUIS Violent crime was already trending down from a COVID-era spike when President Donald Trump presented a picture of unbridled crime in America on the campaign trail in 2024. Now his administration has eliminated about $500 million in grants to organizations that buttress public safety, including many working to prevent gun violence. In Oakland, California, a hospital-based program to prevent retaliatory gun violence lost a $2 million grant just as the traditionally turbulent summer months approach. Another $2 million award was pulled from a Detroit program that offers social services and job skills to young people in violent neighborhoods. And in St. Louis, a clinic treating the physical and emotional injuries of gunshot victims also lost a $2 million award. They are among 373 grants that the U.S. Department of Justice abruptly terminated in April. The largest share of the nixed awards were designated for community-based violence intervention programs that range from conflict mediation and de-escalation to hospital-based initiatives that seek to prevent retaliation from people who experience violent injuries. Gun violence is among Americas most deadly public health crises, medical experts say. Among programs whose grants were terminated were those for protecting children, victims assistance, hate-crime prevention, and law enforcement and prosecution, according to an analysis by the Council on Criminal Justice, a nonpartisan think tank. The grants totaled $820 million when awarded, but some of that money has been spent. Not only are these funds being pulled away from worthy investments that will save lives, said Thomas Abt, founding director of the Violence Reduction Center at the University of Maryland, but the way that this was done by pulling authorized funding without warning is going to create a lasting legacy of mistrust. The Justice Department is focused on prosecuting criminals, getting illegal drugs off the streets, and protecting all Americans from violent crime, according to a statement provided by agency spokesperson Natalie Baldassarre. Discretionary funds that are not aligned with the administrations priorities are subject to review and reallocation, including funding for clinics that engage in race-based selectivity. The Council on Criminal Justice analysis of the terminated grants found that descriptions of 31% of them included references to diversity, equity, race, racial, racism, or gender. Baldassarres statement said the department is committed to working with organizations to hear any appeal, and to restore funding as appropriate. Indeed, it restored seven of the terminated grants for victims services after Reuters reported on the cuts in April. But the cuts have already prompted layoffs and reductions at other organizations around the country. Five groups filed a lawsuit on May 21 to restore the grants in their entirety. Joseph Griffin, executive director of the Oakland nonprofit Youth Alive, which pioneered hospital-based violence intervention in the 1990s, said his organization had spent only about $60,000 of its $2 million grant before it was axed. The grant was primarily to support the intervention program and was awarded for a three-year period but lasted just seven months. The money would have helped pay to intervene with about 30 survivors of gun violence to prevent retaliatory violence. Hes trying to find a way to continue the work, without overtaxing his team. We will not abandon a survivor of violence at the hospital bedside in the same way that the federal government is abandoning our field, he said. The cuts are also hitting St. Louis, often dogged by being labeled one of the most dangerous cities in America. The city created an Office of Violence Prevention with money available under former President Joe Biden, and various groups received Justice Department grants, too. Locals say the efforts have helped: The 33% drop in the citys homicide rate from 2019 to 2024 was the second-largest decrease among 29 major cities examined by the Council on Criminal Justice. I dont think theres any doubt that theres some positive impact from the work thats happening, said University of Missouri-St. Louis criminologist Chris Sullivan, who received a grant from the Justice Department to assess the work of the citys new Office of Violence Prevention. That research grant remains in place. But the Justice Department slashed two other grants in St. Louis, including $2 million for Power4STL. The nonprofit operates the Bullet Related Injury Clinic, dubbed the BRIC, which provides free treatment for physical and mental injuries caused by bullets. The BRIC had about $1.3 million left on its grant when the award was terminated in April. LJ Punch, a former trauma surgeon who founded the clinic in 2020, said it was intended to fund a mobile clinic, expand mental health services, evaluate the clinics programs, and pay for a patient advisory board. The BRIC wont abandon those initiatives, Punch said, but will likely need to move slower. Keisha Blanchard joined the BRICs advisory board after her experience as a patient at the clinic following a January 2024 gun injury. Someone fired a bullet into her back from the rear window of a Chevy Impala while Blanchard was out for a lunchtime stroll with a friend from her neighborhood walking group. The shooting was random, Blanchard said, but people always assume she did something to provoke it. Its so much shame that comes behind that, she said. The 42-year-old said the shooting and her initial medical treatment left her feeling angry and unseen. Her family wasnt allowed to be with her at the hospital since the police didnt know who shot her or why. When she asked about taking the bullet out, she was told that the common medical practice is to leave it in. Were not in the business of removing bullets, she recalled being told. At a follow-up appointment, she said, she watched her primary care doctor google what to do for a gunshot wound. Nobody cares whats going to happen to me after this, Blanchard recalled thinking. Before she was referred to the BRIC, she said, she was treated as though she should be happy just to be alive. But a part of her died in the shooting, she said. Her joyful, carefree attitude gave way to hypervigilance. She stopped taking walks. She uprooted herself, moving to a neighborhood 20 miles away. The bullet stayed lodged inside her, forcing her to carry a constant reminder of the violence that shattered her sense of safety, until Punch removed it from her back in November. Blanchard said the removal made her feel reborn. Its a familiar experience among shooting survivors, according to Punch. People talk about the distress about having bullets still inside their bodies, and how every waking conscious moment brings them back to the fact that thats still inside, Punch said. But theyre told repeatedly inside conventional care settings that theres nothing that needs to be done. The Justice Department grant to the BRIC had been an acknowledgment, Punch said, that healing has a role in public safety by quelling retaliatory violence. The unhealed trauma in the body of someone whos gotten the message that they are not safe can rapidly turn into an act of violence when that person is threatened again, Punch said. Community gun violence, even in large cities, is concentrated among relatively small groups of people who are often both victims and perpetrators, according to researchers. Violence reduction initiatives are frequently tailored to those networks. Jennifer Lorentz heads the Diversion Unit in the office of the St. Louis Circuit Attorney, the citys chief prosecutor. The unit offers mostly young, nonviolent offenders an opportunity to avoid prosecution by completing a program to address the issues that initially led to their arrest. About 80% of the participants have experienced gun violence and are referred to the BRIC, Lorentz said, calling the clinic critical to her programs success. Were getting them these resources, and were changing the trajectory of their lives, Lorentz said. Helping people is part of public safety. Punch said the BRIC staffers were encouraged during the Justice Department application process to emphasize their reach into St. Louis Black community, which is disproportionately affected by gun violence. He suspects that emphasis is why its grant was terminated. Punch likened the grant terminations to only partially treating tuberculosis, which allows the highly infectious disease to become resistant to medicine. If you partially extend a helping hand to somebody, and then you rip it away right when they start to trust you, you assure they will never trust you again, he said. If your intention is to prevent violence, you dont do that. ST. LOUIS In 1911, Progressive Era reformers asked voters to reorganize city government. Working-class residents, sniffing an elitist power grab, trounced it by almost 3 to 1. The progressives, mostly from prosperous families, sought ways to bridge the social gulf. Among them were social reformer Charlotte Rumbold and Luther Ely Smith, future father of the Gateway Arch. They seized upon the idea of a big theatrical production, where Central West End lawyers and Soulard warehousemen could share a night out. Reformers hoped to heal divisions for another try at reorganizing City Hall. Business boosters saw a chance for a publicity splash. By good luck, the city's 150th birthday was approaching. Inspired by that anniversary, the civic-minded group created the Pageant and Masque, a four-hour stage show of the area's heritage, beginning with the mound-building Indians of a millenium ago. For four nights from May 28 to June 1, 1914, it played to immense crowds across a wide stage at the foot of Art Hill. Estimates put total attendance at more than 400,000. On opening night, about 75,000 showed up. The Post-Dispatch noted that the hillside "resembled a giant bowl overflowing with people." By 9 a.m. the next day, 12,000 people, many with picnic baskets, had staked claims to the hillside for a show that wouldn't begin until 6:30 p.m. The stage was built as an island in the Grand Basin, leaving water between stage and land to portray the Mississippi River. Befitting Harvard-bred playwright Percy MacKaye's fascination with the Cahokia Mounds, part of the high background prop resembled an ancient ceremonial mound. Art Hill was arranged with chairs at $2.50 to $1, and benches farther up at 25 cents. Top rows and the open grass on the crest were free. Experienced actors filled key roles, but 7,500 local residents served as Indians, French adventurers, pioneers, immigrants and townfolk in a series of skits on major events in local history. If the surviving collections of cast photographs are telling, it was an all-white affair. The show was in two parts. The Pageant began with the mound builders, wove through the early explorers, Pierre Laclede's founding moment and the city in division over the Civil War. The Masque was an allegorical journey that included St. Louis himself fighting Greed and Poverty, and ending with a call to "build new worlds with ancient fire." One month later, voters narrowly adopted a new City Charter, refashioning city government much as it is now. Renewed interest in the mound builders helped to preserve the remaining Cahokia Mounds. And, five years later, it inspired creation of the Municipal Opera in Forest Park. Pageant and Masque, 1914 ST. LOUIS The hallway outside the U.S. immigration office was quiet. A few men stood, waiting their turn. Federal employees strolled past, chatting. Attorney Jessica Mayos client stood with his forearms and forehead resting against a white pillar. His eyes were fixed on the glass door of a small rectangular office: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, it said. Enforcement and Removal Operations. He was there, in the federal office building downtown on Wednesday, because he had received a text from ICE earlier in the week, telling him he needed to check in. They took someone to the back, the client told Mayo. The woman who was standing here? Mayo asked. Im not sure, I didnt see, the client said. Being taken into the back, Mayo explained, means youre being detained. Maybe deported. The client, a native of China, shook his head. Its just the waiting, he told Mayo. At one point, they watched a man emerge from the office, eyes rimmed in red, one hand clutching a womans purse and the other cradling a childs hand. I think his person mightve been taken, Mayo said. Mayos client, who asked not to be named for his safety, works in a restaurant and his wife and two kids are U.S. citizens. But he has been living in limbo for more than a decade. He cant become a U.S. citizen because China which refuses to recognize people from certain areas or who belong to some ethnic groups wont give him a passport. That means he cant be sent back to China, despite a deportation order issued a decade ago after he missed an immigration hearing. The U.S. for years generally allowed people facing or contesting deportation orders to stay in the country, as long as they reported to federal agents for check-ins and stayed out of trouble. That began changing in President Donald Trumps first term. Now, in his second, amid promises to execute the largest deportation effort in U.S. history, stories of immigrants checking in and being arrested are cropping up across the country. Such incidents have been reported from Miami to Los Angeles. It happened with dozens of people in New York in January alone, attorneys told NBC news. Last month, the same thing happened to a pancake house waitress in the Missouri Bootheel, according to media outlets. White House officials last week ordered ICE to complete 3,000 deportations a day. Then, on Monday at 4:33 p.m., Mayos client received a text. He hadnt received a message like that from ICE before. Your ICE officer has requested you report to the office for a case review this week, the text said. Please arrive at the office either on Tuesday, June 3rd, or on Wednesday, June 4th. On Wednesday, Mayo, co-founder of the Migrant and Immigrant Community Action Project, used her clients story as the centerpiece of a press conference outside the federal building to object to mass deportations and the text messages being sent. I hope that none of you ever have to face this kind of fear, Mayo told the group of reporters. I hope this community meets this moment and expresses, clearly, our outrage at how our neighbors are being treated. Sara Ruiz, executive director of the Ashrei Foundation, a social justice nonprofit, also expressed outrage. It is up to us to stop the shameful destruction of our community, she said. After the press conference, Mayo and her client walked through the pouring rain across Spruce Street and into the federal building. Another immigration attorney, Hannah Sullivan, had been there with her client a Honduran national who had also received a text message. He had been deported in 2005, Sullivan said, but he came back to the U.S. with his wife and kids in 2019, hoping to get asylum for the entire family. Hed been checking in regularly with immigration officials. Sullivan had warned the client he may be deported if he showed up for this weeks check-in. The previous day, two of her other clients had been detained after checking in. The client insisted he wanted to follow the rules. But after being called into the office Wednesday, he never reemerged. He was detained, and Sullivan doesnt know his whereabouts. His family remains free. Once you go through that door, youre probably not coming out, she told a Post-Dispatch reporter. Mayo and her client waited two hours in the hallway before they stepped into the office. A small rectangular lobby was filled with people, who were mostly quiet as they waited for their names to be called. After several minutes, an immigration officer called Mayos client. He walked up to a window, where the officer asked him about a recent spider bite. The spider bite could pose a risk, the officer explained. He told the client to return in a couple of months, adding that the man likely wont be so lucky then. Theyre not letting up, the officer said. But were going to give you a break today. The client sighed and smiled as he left the office. Its relief, in a way, he said. I was hoping theyd give me more time. Austin Huguelet of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report. MILAN A ship carrying activists, including Greta Thunberg, to Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid rescued four migrants on Thursday after they had jumped into the sea from another vessel to avoid being picked up by Libyan authorities. The vessel Madleen, which is operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, was alerted by the European Unions Frontex border control agency and arrived at the location in the Mediterranean where it found 30-40 people on a boat that was rapidly deflating. As the Madleen launched its own inflatable rescue boat, a Libyan coast guard vessel approached at high speed, the coalition said. To avoid being taken by the Libyan authorities, four people jumped into the sea, and began desperately swimming toward the Madleen, which rescued them. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition protested the return of the other migrants to Libya, where human rights campaigners have said they face abuse and even torture. It also has called on Italy, Greece and Malta to pick up those now on board the Madleen and bring them to safety in Europe. Climate campaigner Thunberg is among 12 activists aboard the Madleen which departed Sicily on Sunday on a mission that aims to break the sea blockade on Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid while raising awareness over the growing humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian enclave. The voyage was to last seven days. Among the others on board are Game of Thrones actor Liam Cunningham and Rima Hassan, a French member of the European Parliament who is of Palestinian descent. She has been barred from entering Israel due to her active opposition to the Israeli assault on Gaza. After a three-month total blockade aimed at pressuring Hamas, Israel started allowing some basic aid into Gaza last month, but humanitarian works have warned of famine unless the blockade ends. Almost the entire Gaza population of 2.3 million is acutely malnourished and one in five Palestinians are on the brink of starvation, the World Food Program has warned. An attempt last month by Freedom Flotilla to reach Gaza by sea failed after another of the groups vessels was attacked by two drones while sailing in international waters off Malta. The group blamed Israel for the attack, which damaged the front section of the ship. WASHINGTON President Donald Trump resurrected the travel ban policy from his first term, signing a proclamation Wednesday night preventing people from a dozen countries from entering the United States. The countries include Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. In addition to the ban, which takes effect at 12:01 a.m. Monday, there will be heightened restrictions on visitors from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela. I must act to protect the national security and national interest of the United States and its people, Trump said in his proclamation. The list results from a Jan. 20 executive order Trump issued requiring the departments of State and Homeland Security and the Director of National Intelligence to compile a report on hostile attitudes toward the U.S. and whether entry from certain countries represents a national security risk. Ten of the 19 countries under the bans and restrictions are in Africa, nine of those from majority Black African countries. Several of those, including Sierra Leone, Togo, and Equatorial Guinea, are not known for hosting armed groups that pose a major threat to the West. During his first term, Trump issued an executive order in January 2017 banning travel to the U.S. by citizens of seven predominantly Muslim countries: Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen. It was one of the most chaotic and confusing moments of his young presidency. Travelers from those nations were either barred from getting on their flights to the U.S. or detained at U.S. airports after they landed. They included students and faculty as well as businesspeople, tourists and people visiting friends and family. The order, often referred to as the Muslim ban or the travel ban, was retooled amid legal challenges, until a version was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. The ban affected various categories of travelers and immigrants from Iran, Somalia, Yemen, Syria and Libya, plus North Koreans and some Venezuelan government officials and their families. Trump and others defended the initial ban on national security grounds, arguing it was aimed at protecting the country and not founded on anti-Muslim bias. However, the president called for an explicit ban on Muslims during his first campaign for the White House. New move targets Harvard University Trump also moved to block nearly all foreign students from entering the country to attend Harvard University, his latest attempt to choke the Ivy League school from an international pipeline that accounts for a quarter of the student body. In an executive order signed Wednesday, Trump declared that it would jeopardize national security to allow Harvard to continue hosting foreign students on its campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts. I have determined that the entry of the class of foreign nationals described above is detrimental to the interests of the United States because, in my judgment, Harvards conduct has rendered it an unsuitable destination for foreign students and researchers, Trump wrote in the order. Its a further escalation in the White Houses fight with the nations oldest and wealthiest university. A federal court in Boston blocked the Department of Homeland Security from barring international students at Harvard last week. Trumps order invokes a different legal authority. It stems from Harvards refusal to submit to a series of demands made by the federal government. It escalated recently after the Department of Homeland Security said Harvard refused to provide records related to misconduct by foreign students. Harvard says it complied with the request, but the government said the school's response was insufficient. __ This version corrects the order of some paragraphs. 12 political cartoons debate Trump's deportations Missouri residents who are interested in trying fishing without having to shell out money for a permit are in luck this weekend. On Saturday, June 7, and Sunday, June 8, anyone can fish in state waters without a Missouri Department of Conservation fishing permit, trout permit, or prescribed area daily tag during Free Fishing Days. Some fees and permits may be required in some locations and private fishing areas. Typical regulations like size and daily limits still apply during Free Fishing Days. Anyone interested in purchasing a permit can visit the Missouri Department of Conservation website at mdc.mo.gov/permits. Missouris Free Fishing Days event occurs on the Saturday and Sunday following the first Monday in June. BEIJING - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un told a top Russian security official Wednesday that Pyongyang will "unconditionally support" Moscow's foreign policy, including its war in Ukraine, and further solidify the bilateral partnership, according to state-run media. During the meeting in Pyongyang, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu expressed gratitude for North Korean soldiers' "matchless heroism and self-sacrificing spirit" in operations to liberate the Kursk region, the official Korean Central News Agency said. They "defended the precious part of the Russian territory as their own motherland, fighting shoulder to shoulder with Russian soldiers in the same trench," Shoigu was quoted as saying. Ukraine mounted a surprise offensive in the Kursk region in August last year. Kim and Shoigu, who met at the ruling Workers' Party of Korea headquarters, also discussed "a series of important matters for defending the common core interests," the report said without elaborating. Moscow and Pyongyang have been boosting military cooperation recently, with North Korea sending troops to aid Russia in its invasion of Ukraine. Pyongyang is believed to have received technical assistance from Moscow for the development its military capabilities. Shoigu's trip to North Korea came before the first anniversary on June 19 of the signing of a bilateral comprehensive partnership treaty by Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Pyongyang. The pact includes a clause covering mutual assistance in cases of aggression against either country. Putin has expressed his desire to hold a summit with Kim in Moscow, but KCNA did not mention whether Shoigu discussed the matter with the North Korean leader. Shoigu last met with Kim during his visit to Pyongyang in March. Related coverage: North Korea confirms troop deployment to Russia under bilateral pact Russia acknowledges North Korea troops fighting Ukraine war for 1st time Which are the largest seafood companies in the world? What species are they catching or farming how much, and from where? Can they use their powers for a healthier ocean? Can scientists engage with these actors to support change towards ocean stewardship? In 2015, researchers at the Stockholm Resilience Centre explored these questions in their paper Transnational Corporations as Keystone Actors in Marine Ecosystems. Inspired by the ecological concept of keystone species organisms whose influence on ecosystems is disproportionately large they asked whether the same logic could be applied to the seafood industry, and what this might mean for ocean stewardship. Our analysis revealed that a handful of powerful companies dominated seafood production, trade, and governance. These keystone actors werent just participating in the system they were shaping it, says Centre researcher Henrik Osterblom, lead author of the 2015 study, and instrumental in the keystone actor research since the start. The paper ended with a bold hypothesis: that sustainable leadership by keystone actors could catalyze a transition toward improved management of marine resources and ecosystems. But the researchers didnt stop at diagnosis. Instead, they launched an ambitious experiment: to collaborate directly with these corporate giants and test whether their leadership could drive systemic change. In 2016, CEOs of eight of the worlds largest seafood companies gathered around a table together with leading scientists and HRH Crown Princess Victoria to explore their collective capacityand responsibilityfor ocean stewardship. The result was SeaBOS Seafood Business for Ocean Stewardship a pioneering science-business partnership grounded in trust, transparency, and a shared commitment to sustainability. Today, the science of keystone actors and their potential to contribute to biosphere stewardship are key areas of exploration at the Centre. As we mark ten years of keystone actor science, it is time to reflect on what this collaboration between science and industry has taught us and where its heading. Going further together At the first Keystone Dialogue, CEOs were asked a simple question: What challenges do you face today that you cannot overcome alone? The Dialogue concluded with a joint vision of transforming the seafood industry to ocean stewardship. This outcome, and the expressed level of ambition, was beyond the expectations of the participating scientists. A decade later, the industry is still facing the same problems, and a transformation is anything but obvious. Everyone expects SeaBOS to deliver tangible results, and no one is satisfied yet. But signs of progress are emerging across the portfolio of SeaBOS activities. Change is more challenging than expected and it requires more patience than anticipated, comments Henrik Osterblom. Company representatives and scientists are still hard at work, determined to deliver outcomes, action and new knowledge that is compatible with the investment they have all made in time and money during the last decade. Progress has been particularly evident in three areas, namely antibiotic stewardship, climate action, and a step-change in sustainability work and transparency in Japan, says Centre researcher Robert Blasiak, who leads the science team working with SeaBOS. 1. In 2023, SeaBOS launched a project on reducing antimicrobial residues in Thai shrimp farming, supported by years of trust-building and transparency around antibiotic use. In 2024, this work culminated in a CEO-endorsed Code of Conduct for Antimicrobial Use and Stewardship an industry first. 2. On climate, SeaBOS members have co-developed a manual for the seafood industry on how to set climate targets, and have set and reported on their own science-based emissions targets. Since 2018, collective reporting shows nearly a 20% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions. New efforts to disclose Scope 3 emissions, the bulk of most companies' carbon footprint, highlight the importance of deeper engagement across supply chains. 3. Perhaps the most striking change has been within Japan. Once lagging behind on key sustainability issues, Japanese member companies have rapidly strengthened their capacity and are now leading in several areas. A 2024 study by centre researchers found evidence that SeaBOS-driven practices of transparency and engagement in ocean stewardship may be rippling through the broader Japanese seafood sector. Together, these developments give room for cautious optimism. The SeaBOS approach engaging keystone actors through science-based dialogue and accountability is generating results. But is it enough? Is more possible? A living laboratory for transformation Over the past ten years, the study of the SeaBOS initiative has evolved in parallel with the initiative itself moving from observation to deep engagement, and from hypothesis to long-term analysis. Early research focused on internal dynamics, how trust was built, how agendas were set, and how legitimacy was maintained in this unusual coalition of competitors. The 2017 paper Emergence of a global science-business initiative for ocean stewardship introduced the essential elements of the collaboration to the scientific community for the first time. In 2022, the maturing of the initiative from a science-led idea to an established organization with a self-funded secretariat was described in another peer-reviewed publication, Scientific mobilization of keystone actors for biosphere stewardship. A book published in 2023 describes a comprehensive story of the origins and development of the project. Making waves beyond the seafood sector While SeaBOS remains the main experiment, the keystone actor concept has travelled outside the seafood sector. Its core insight that a small number of dominant corporations can shape entire ecosystems has inspired a growing body of research. In The Ocean 100: Transnational Corporations in the Ocean Economy, researchers mapped corporate concentration beyond seafood, notably in oil and gas. The paper Transnational Corporations and the Challenge of Biosphere Stewardship and subsequent correspondence outline future directions for research and highlight the importance of public policy in driving corporate accountability. This work has, however, also generated commentaries and concerns that scientists may contribute to making powerful actors more powerful, at the expense of other actors. Nonetheless, the keystone actor hypothesis has influenced thinking on how science and society interact and has been featured in major contributions to the field of knowledge co-production within sustainability science, including Six Modes of Co-production for Sustainability and Principles for Knowledge Co-production in Sustainability Research. "These works underscore a growing consensus: that complex global challenges are best addressed through collaborative knowledge production between academics and practitioners even when such collaboration may challenge existing norms and perceptions, says Cora Cunningham, who coordinates the SeaBOS science team today. Looking back, and looking forward Ten years after the first publication on keystone actors in the ocean, the idea that powerful companies can and must play a central role in sustainability transformations is no longer novel. Yet SeaBOS remains a rare and influential example of what can be learned from engaging in long-term collaboration between science and business. Today, SeaBOS serves as both a model and a mirror: a model for how unusual alliances can drive change, and a mirror that prompts reflection, critique, and learning as other sectors and actors explore how to harness the power of keystone actors for global sustainability transformations. Their powers are not likely to diminish the question is how they are used. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll, left, and Gen. Randy George, the services chief of staff, testify Wednesday, June 4, 2025, during a House Armed Services Committee hearing about the Armys plan to restructure the force. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes) House lawmakers grilled top Army officials on Wednesday about their plans to transform the service branch under a new, cost-cutting program aimed at eliminating outdated equipment and shrinking the staffs of unit and command headquarters. Republicans and Democrats on the House Armed Services Committee expressed various concerns about the lack of detail put forward by the service under its Army Transformation Initiative announced last month. That plan was announced in part as a response to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth orders for the Pentagons military services to cut their budgets by 8% and eliminate dozens of general officer positions. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll told lawmakers that the initiative which he calls ATI is a work in progress but is being driven more by a need to make the service more lethal in a potential conflict with a near-peer adversary, such as China, than as an across-the-board money saver. The first step of the transformation process, he said, was to move some 1,000 soldiers including general officers out of headquarters elements and into combat formations. The way that we envision [the transformation] and how we have described it throughout the formations, is this will be an iterative process, and so there will be no one date where everything with our first batch of ATI will be completed, Driscoll said during a lengthy hearing meant to examine the Armys fiscal 2026 budget proposal, which has yet to be submitted to Congress. We will be hopefully doing what the best companies in America do, and learning as we go. To date, the Army has announced the initiative seeks to cut some outdated and underperforming vehicles including the decades-old Humvee and the newer Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, as well as cutting the AH-64D Apache attack helicopter in favor of new drones and the state-of-the-art AH-64E model Apache. Driscoll said the plan would also see three National Guard Armored Brigade Combat Teams trade their M1 Abrams tanks for lighter weapons systems. Driscoll also canceled the 2-year-old M10 Booker light tank-like armored vehicle program, under the transformation umbrella. Lawmakers expressed various reasons for concern about the plan. Some members said they worried the Army would repeat mistakes of past military transformation efforts that ultimately failed at the expense of billions of dollars of taxpayer money. Others said they were concerned the service was being forced to make arbitrary cuts to meet a shrinking budget. Many, including the committees chairman, Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., and its top Democrat, Rep. Adam Smith of Washington, said they were concerned the lack of a proposed budget the federal government budget request to Congress is now later than any budget proposal in recent U.S. history would slow needed changes in the Army. The broad structure of the ATI sounds encouraging, Rogers told Driscoll, who testified alongside Gen. Randy George, the Armys chief of staff. But we need to see your homework. An overhaul of this significance should be based on thorough assessment of requirements, and it should include a detailed blueprint of the specific changes being proposed and how the Army plans to implement them. Rogers said he was worried the policy changes were a result of expected budget cuts. I cant overstate that we are not going to be hostile to dramatic changes if its being driven by the need for change and not just to meet some budget number that somebody has handed to you, he said. Some of the efforts are already underway, Driscoll said. The service is moving quickly to combine some large commands under single four-star generals. Those include merging Futures Command and Training and Doctrine Command under one general as Transformation and Training Command to be headquartered in Austin, Texas. Futures Command and TRADOC are both led by four-star general officers. The Army has two additional four-star commands Army Materiel Command and Army Forces Command which are also absorbing other missions under the plan. But some lawmakers worried the lack of public detail about the changes was driving uncertainty and stress among troops in those commands. Rep. Robert Wittman, R-Va., said there has been a high level of anxiety among his constituents at Fort Eustis, which houses Training and Doctrine Command. This does involve peoples lives, Wittman said. It involved uniformed service members and the civilian staffs, and they deserve to know whats going on. I can tell you that the rumor mill there is running wild. There is chaos there at Fort Eustis because theres lack of certainty. George, the Armys top general since 2023, said he and other service leaders have been having tough conversations all around the Army as part of the initiative. But he said the service was dedicated to ensuring it took care of its soldiers amid the changes. I think this is going to make us better, the general said. The Army is also asking Congress, under the Army Transformation Initiative, for more flexibility in its funding primarily as a way to purchase modern, commercially built weapons quickly and avoid the archaic acquisition process that forces the Pentagon to spend years designing and testing weapons before it can adopt the platforms. Driscoll and George pointed to Ukraines use of cheap, off-the-shelf drones against Russian invaders as an example of what the U.S. Army could be doing with those authorities. He also said he believed there were smaller American companies that could build critical Army munitions for much cheaper than what the service now pays massive corporations. We are getting ready to do some tests this summer with long-range missiles that are a 10th of the price of what the Army pays for similar munitions, George said. When you start talking about magazine depth we can invest in things like that that are much more cost effective, and I think thats where we need the flexibility. Despite some new details Wednesday, lawmakers said the Army needs to make its transformation plans formal in the coming months. The Army Transformation Initiative has generated more questions than answers, Rep. Derek Tran, D-Calif., concluded. Family members of the late Pfc. Roland L. Bragg pose by a new sign on the North Carolina Army post now named for him during a ceremony on March 7, 2025. (Corey Dickstein/Stars and Stripes) WASHINGTON (Tribune News Service) President Donald Trump plans to visit Fort Bragg next week in his second official trip to North Carolina since his reelection. A source with direct knowledge who was unauthorized to speak publicly confirmed Trumps trip, saying its planned for Tuesday. Further details were not immediately available. White House officials have not publicly announced Trumps visit or responded to a request for comment. Trump is a frequent visitor to the state, having held more than 50 campaign stops in North Carolina. He made his first official trip in his second term to Asheville to see the damage sustained from Helene, a hurricane that made landfall in Florida as a Category 4 storm and tore up the East Coast, killing at least 107 people in North Carolina. Trumps second trip falls just two days after the conclusion of the North Carolina Republican Partys convention that begins Thursday in Greensboro. It also falls one week after Sen. Thom Tillis, a Republican from Huntersville, announced he hired three of Trumps campaign officials, Tony Fabrizio, Tim Saler and Jim McCray, to help run his reelection campaign. Republicans are determined to hold on to Tillis Senate seat in the midterms, as the party tries to keep the majority. Fort Bragg is the largest U.S. military installation, based on population, in the world and is home to the Airborne and Special Operations Forces. The base became one of Trumps focuses during his reelection campaign after his predecessor, President Joe Biden, renamed the base Fort Liberty in 2023. Bidens decision stemmed from his desire not to honor a Confederate leader, Gen. Braxton Bragg, for whom the base was named in 1918. Trump vowed throughout his campaign to restore the name to Bragg once he was president. Shortly after being confirmed, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signed an order restoring the name, but this time honoring Pfc. Roland L. Bragg, a soldier stationed at Fort Bragg during World War II. Roland Bragg is a Silver Star and Purple Heart recipient for wounds he sustained and for saving the life of a fellow soldier. 2025 McClatchy Washington Bureau Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC Mischa Johnson was six months pregnant on Aug. 1, 2024, when her husband reported her missing from their home on Schofield Barracks in central Oahu. (Honolulu Police Department) WHEELER ARMY AIRFIELD, Hawaii Army Pfc. Dewayne A. Johnson II said in a Hawaii courtroom Wednesday that he hated himself every day for killing his wife and unborn child in a rage last summer. There are no words strong enough to express the pain I feel for what I did, Johnson said as he read from a written statement in the Wheeler Army Airfield courthouse during the second day of a court-martial in which he has pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in the deaths of Mischa Johnson and the fetus she carried. The sentencing phase began Wednesday, and Judge Rebecca Farrell is scheduled on Thursday morning to impose a sentence of 18 to 23 years based on a plea agreement. I loved Mischa and my unborn child more than anything, Johnson said, sobbing at times. Theres nothing I can say, nothing I can do, to take away what I did. Johnsons words of remorse, however, were undercut by the prosecutions next witness, an Army Criminal Investigation Division agent, who testified that Johnson continued to seek women through a dating app even as he concocted a complex scheme to fool family and friends into thinking his wife was alive as he dismembered her body and destroyed evidence. Johnson admitted in court Tuesday that he had killed her on July 12 with a blow to the head with a machete in the bedroom of the home they shared on Schofield Barracks. He then spent the next 19 days posing as Mischa in text messages and social media posts as he disposed of evidence. On Aug. 1, he called 911 and reported her missing as of that day. U.S. Army Pfc. Dewayne Johnson sits with his teammates during an exercise at Helemano Military Reservation, Hawaii, in November 2023. (Joshua Linfoot/U.S. Army) Special Agent Chelsea Banks also testified that CID had obtained a video of Johnson having sex with a woman during those 19 days in the very bedroom in which he had killed his wife. Johnson has also pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice and providing false official statements. A charge for possession of child pornography and the production and distribution of child pornography was dropped under the plea deal. Close family members testified or read written statements describing Mischa Johnsons persona and how her loss has affected them. She followed me around, like little sisters are supposed to do, older sister Marianna Tapiz said of their childhood. She was someone you could call if you were having a bad day. Mischa made everything better, Tapiz said. Now there will always be an empty seat at our family gatherings, she said. A prosecutor asked Tapiz how she felt when she heard that Johnson had dismembered her sister with a chainsaw, bagged up the pieces and threw them in a dumpster used by his unit on Schofield Barracks. She paused before looking at Johnson seated by his attorneys. I dont know how you can tell us you loved her after doing a thing like that, she said. To audible gasps in the spectators gallery, the prosecutor placed a photo of the incinerator into which the dumpster was emptied and her remains destroyed. Frances Tapiz, Mischas mother, described her as loving, caring and helpful. Mom, do you need something? she recalled her daughter frequently asking. Mom, are you OK? I am in pain; I am hurting, she said in court. I miss Mischa. Her death has been like losing a piece of yourself that only she could bring to life, Tapiz said as she broke into loud sobs. The harsh reality is that time isnt always a healer, she said. Johnsons father and three brothers testified via phone from Maryland, each saying they would support his return to society when he completed his sentence. I know he has potential to be a better person, Devon Johnson said of his older brother. I seen the difference, he said. Hes making steps to be a better person. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll, left, and Gen. Randy George, the services chief of staff, testify Thursday, June 5, 2025, during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing to examine the Armys force and budget. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes) WASHINGTON Army officials confirmed Thursday that the service is preparing to provide 20,000 National Guard troops to crack down on immigration, raising concerns among lawmakers about the unprecedented nature of the deployment. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and Gen. Randy George, the service chief of staff, said they did not yet know what role National Guard members would play in the immigration enforcement effort but said troop involvement would be legal and in line with training. I think the missions would be aligned with what our soldiers are trained to do, George said in testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee. The Department of Homeland Security asked the Defense Department for the troops last month to help President Donald Trumps administration arrest and deport masses of undocumented immigrants. Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island, the top Democrat on the committee, described the request as unprecedented in mission and scope, marking the first time National Guard members are used to enforce an immigration crackdown within the United States. Reed said he feared scenes of soldiers driving around in military vehicles, pulling people out of houses, putting detainees in the backs of trucks and driving them away. I dont think thats the image the Army has strove for 250 years to create, he said. Driscoll said he had no details on what National Guard troops would be doing, from which states they would come or what the cost of their involvement would be. He committed, however, not to deploy the National Guard for any unlawful use. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., citing an internal memo, said Homeland Security is asking up to 3,500 National Guard members to support investigative units for high-priority fugitive cases, surveillance and canvassing missions, data analysis and rural interdiction. She noted the memo states the Defense Department is not going to be reimbursed for the operations. The Department of Homeland Security, if theyre going to engage in these operations, then they ought to be footing the bill, not asking the Department of Defense and the Army or anybody else in the National Guard to do that, Shaheen said. Democrats also voiced concerns that the deployment of large numbers of Guard members would needlessly pull them away from their jobs and families and divert them from their traditional roles in disaster relief as hurricane season gets underway. Thousands of Guard members are already deployed to the U.S.-Mexico border, where they have largely assisted with tasks such as security and logistics since 2018. George assured senators that the mobilization of additional troops for the administrations immigration crackdown would not negatively impact disaster response. Were prepared to respond to emergencies, weve done that routinely, he said. Not all lawmakers are opposed to the National Guards growing participation in immigration enforcement. Sen. Joni Ernst, a Republican from Iowa who served in that states Army National Guard, said soldiers are eager for opportunities to put their training to use and the National Guard should take advantage of it. I say, the more that we can use our soldiers in jobs that are appropriate for our soldiers, I say go for it, she said. We can always further their skills by having those types of mobilizations. The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Storis is shown here transitioning from the Bollinger Mississippi Shipyard to the city fuel pier on June 1, 2025. The Storis is the Coast Guards first new polar icebreaker acquisition in 25 years and will expand U.S. operational presence in the Arctic Ocean. (U.S. Coast Guard) The Coast Guards new commercial icebreaker is en route to the West Coast ahead of its August commissioning in Alaska, marking a milestone in the effort to rebuild U.S. defenses in the Arctic Region. The Coast Guard Cutter Storis, formerly a commercial tow supply vessel, left this week from Pascagoula, Miss., setting sail on its maiden voyage, the service said Wednesday. The icebreakers voyage means the Coast Guard is one step closer to boosting its depleted and aging polar fleet. The Storis, which has already been painted in Coast Guard colors, is crewed by a hybrid civilian-Coast Guard team. The ship is led by Coast Guard Capt. Keith Ropella, former commander of the services only heavy icebreaker. As the United States third polar icebreaker, Storis will provide near-term operational presence and support national security as a bridging strategy until the full complement of [icebreakers are] delivered, the Coast Guard said. The Storis is slated to begin patrolling Arctic waters in 2026 a job the ship will do until the service catches up on its plan to build three new heavy icebreakers. The icebreakers, which will be the new Polar Security Cutter class, are six years behind schedule. The Storis maiden voyage comes about five months after President Donald Trump said the Coast Guard would buy 40 big icebreakers during his administration. In support of the presidents intent to acquire at least 40 new icebreakers, the Coast Guard is working to replace, modernize and grow its aging fleet of icebreakers, the service said Wednesday. The Storis is the first polar icebreaker that the Coast Guard has acquired in more than 25 years. The service only has two other such icebreakers the 48-year-old heavy icebreaker Polar Star and the 27-year-old medium icebreaker Healy. Polar icebreakers, such as the Polar Star, are specifically designed to cut through ice in the Arctic, while the Healy was designed to serve as a research or support vessel in the region. The service said it needs at least eight polar icebreakers to meet the operational needs in the polar regions. Aside from the Polar Star, Healy and Storis, the Coast Guard has 21 domestic icebreakers and 16 ice-capable buoy tenders. Domestic icebreakers are smaller vessels designed to clear channels for commercial shipping during winter months in waterways such as the Great Lakes. Buoy tenders are capable of breaking up thin layers of ice. There is an increased demand for Arctic security using icebreakers because climate change has opened new sea lanes in the region. Russia and China have in recent months operated joint naval exercises in the Bering Sea near Alaska. The Coast Guard has reported Russia has 55 icebreakers, including seven heavy icebreakers capable of slicing through ice up to 2 meters in thickness. Some of the icebreakers are nuclear-powered, allowing them to operate without refueling. China has declared itself a near-Arctic nation and has fast-tracked icebreaker construction. It has four icebreakers, with a fifth due to launch in 2025. The government of President Xi Jinping has cut the construction time for new icebreakers to 30 months. The Coast Guard is working to expedite its icebreaker acquisition process through its new Force Design 2028. The initiative will work to reform how the Coast Guard buys new ships, with the intention of streamlining the purchase of vessels and new technology. The Storis will temporarily stay in Seattle, where the Polar Star and the Healy are homeported. The Storis will eventually be homeported in Juneau, Alaska, but necessary shore infrastructure improvements must be completed first. The Storis condition and capabilities will be continually evaluated, the Coast Guard said. U.S. Navy Seaman Apprentice Aristan Johnson, seen here as a seaman recruit, poses with his mother in Gurnee, Ill., on Sept. 26, 2024. (Jacqueline Rose/Facebook) The body of a sailor who was killed over the weekend while serving at a Navy base in Cuba arrived in the U.S. earlier this week, according to the Air Force. The remains of Seaman Apprentice Aristan Johnson, of Round Rock, Texas, were transferred Tuesday to a Navy carry team at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, the Air Forces mortuary affairs office said on its website. Johnson, 21, was killed Saturday in a single-vehicle accident at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, civilian base spokesman Derrick Matthews said in an email to Stars and Stripes on Thursday. The base announced Johnsons death in a Facebook post on Sunday, saying he served with honor, pride and a steadfast commitment to protecting others. He worked in the Navys security forces and enlisted on July 16, the Navy said. In early January, Johnson posted on Facebook that he had moved to Guantanamo Bay. There are no words that could ever capture the pain Im going through, but I know I cant hide (it) any longer, wrote Johnsons mother, Jacqueline Rose, in a post to her Facebook page Monday. My beautiful son, Aristan Johnson, was taken from us far too soon. In February, the U.S. began transferring Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainees to Guantanamo after President Donald Trump ordered the base to prepare to hold as many as 30,000 migrants. By early May, there were just 32 migrants at Guantanamo and U.S. military forces had taken down tents set up on the base to house detainees, The New York Times reported May 5. Some 497 migrants had been held at Guantanamo Bay for days or a few weeks as ICE used the base to hold small numbers of detainees to be deported as of May, according to the Times report. Between January and April, U.S. Transportation Command conducted 46 flights on military aircraft to support migrant deportation operations at Guantanamo Bay, Stars and Stripes reported last month. NS Guantanamo Bay is a remote installation and there is no access to Cuban-controlled territory, Matthews said. Stars and Stripes reporter Svetlana Shkolnikova contributed to this report. A P-8A Poseidon assigned to the "Skinny Dragons" of Patrol Squadron (VP) 4 flies near Washington states Mount Baker during a training exercise, May 22, 2017. The squadron is stationed at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash. (Juan S. Sua/U.S. Navy) (Tribune News Service) Two climbers were trying to reach the top of a snowy mountain in Washington when they slipped and fell, rescuers said. Rescuers received a call at about 11:20 a.m. June 3 from the north face of Mount Baker, the Naval Air Station Whidbey Island said in a news release. The men had set out to reach the summit that morning, but they fell during the trek, the Navy said. A 62-year-old man lost his boot/crampon in the fall, and the men became stranded on the steep mountain, rescuers said. The Navy search and rescue team got to the climbers by air within about 20 minutes because they had been doing a training exercise at the time, rescuers said. The climbers were taken from the mountain and flown to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham, the Navy said. Mount Baker is a glaciated volcano in the North Cascades mountain range, according to the Washington Trails Association. The mountain can be seen from as far as Seattle on a clear day. Climbing to the summit requires technical expertise with high-altitude snow and ice. 2025 The News Tribune (Tacoma, Wash.). Visit www.TheNewsTribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. USS Sampson conducts a routine port call at Naval Base Ventura County in Port Hueneme, Calif., in 2024. (U.S. Navy) The Navy this week deployed a guided-missile destroyer to join U.S. Northern Commands southern border operations meant to deter illegal crossing and drug trafficking, the service announced Wednesday. The USS Sampson, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, left its homeport in San Diego on Tuesday to replace the USS Charleston, a littoral combat ship, in supporting the border operations that President Donald Trump has made a top priority in his second administration. The Sampson will operate with a Coast Guard law enforcement detachment on board that officials have said brings specialized expertise in maritime interdiction to help address a range of challenges, from countering illegal activities to supporting humanitarian efforts and homeland security operations. The Charleston operated with a similar team on board during its tour, which lasted about two weeks. The Navy has deployed ships mostly destroyers with the Coast Guard teams on board on both coasts near the U.S. southern border since March as part of Trumps build-up of military and law enforcement forces along the U.S.-Mexico boundary. Sampson brings robust multi-mission capabilities to the task of defending U.S. sovereignty and supporting homeland defense operations in coordination with U.S. NORTHCOM, the Navy said in a news release. The deployment comes as the Pentagon has added more troops to its border operations, where U.S. forces mostly soldiers and Marines have provided Customs and Border Protection officials with a range of support, including reconnaissance, construction, logistics and air-lift capabilities. The Defense Department last month approved the deployment of an additional 1,115 active-duty forces to support border operations. In all, there are now more than 10,000 military troops including active-duty soldiers and Marines and National Guard forces stationed along the border to assist Border Patrol. Those troops include infantry forces with Stryker combat vehicles, troops that fly drones and helicopters, logisticians and engineering forces. Top Army leaders on Thursday also said the National Guard was preparing to add some 20,000 Guard forces to operations to bolster the Department of Homeland Security. That department requested those forces last month to aid in Trumps immigration crackdown efforts. Top Army officials told senators on Capitol Hill that decisions about what role the National Guard troops would play in those operations or what units they would come from had not yet been made. BEIJING - Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump agreed during their teleconference Thursday that the two countries will hold a new round of trade talks as soon as possible, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said. Trump said in a social media post, "Our respective teams will be meeting shortly at a location to be determined." He also told reporters at the White House that he and Xi "straightened out" some points mainly involving rare earths. The U.S. president added in his post that the call, which lasted about 90 minutes and focused almost entirely on trade, led to a "very positive conclusion" for both sides. The first confirmed conversation between the two leaders since the U.S. president took office in January for a nonconsecutive second term came amid renewed bilateral trade tensions over alleged violations of a tariff accord struck in Geneva in mid-May. Xi said the Geneva agreement proved that "dialogue and cooperation is the only right choice" for China and the United States. He urged Washington to "remove the negative measures" taken against Beijing, according to the Chinese ministry. The world's two largest economies agreed on a 90-day truce in their trade war in the Swiss city to de-escalate tensions, with the two countries committed to backing away from their respective triple-digit tariffs. But the United States has expressed frustration over China's slow progress toward removing export controls on critical rare-earth minerals used in high-tech products as part of the Geneva accord. Trump sounded optimistic about the minerals in his post, saying, "There should no longer be any questions respecting the complexity of Rare Earth products." Xi stressed that China has been "seriously and earnestly executing the agreement" and called on the U.S. side to "acknowledge the progress already made," according to the ministry. Earlier this week, China's Commerce Ministry said Trump's accusation that China has violated the trade accord was "groundless" and "grossly distorts the facts." The ministry also criticized the Trump administration for introducing "discriminatory measures" against China, including issuing guidance on export controls of artificial intelligence chips and revoking visas for Chinese students studying in the United States. The Chinese Foreign Ministry quoted Trump as telling Xi that the United States "loves to have Chinese students coming to study in America." Xi welcomed Trump to visit China again, for which the U.S. president expressed heartfelt appreciation, it added. As for Taiwan, a self-ruled democratic island claimed by the mainland, Xi urged Washington to handle the issue "with prudence" so that separatist forces seeking the territory's independence "will not be able to drag China and America into the dangerous terrain of confrontation and even conflict." Xi and Trump last held telephone talks on Jan. 17, shortly before the U.S. president's inauguration. Related coverage: Pentagon chief urges Asian allies to invest in defense to deter China Rubio says U.S. to "aggressively" revoke visas of Chinese students Residents of St. Paul Island, Alaska, pose with F-16 Fighting Falcon aircrew following an emergency landing there on May 19, 2025. (U.S. Air Force) Two U.S. Air Force pilots stationed in South Korea received a warm welcome including homecooked meals and a wedding invitation after their F-16 fighter jets made an emergency landing on a remote island in the Bering Sea last month. One of the two Fighting Falcons experienced a significant drop in oil levels during flight on May 19 and was forced to land at the nearest suitable airfield, on St. Paul Island, Alaska, Capt. Alvin Nelson, an 8th Fighter Wing spokesman, said in an email Wednesday. The second F-16, which did not suffer a malfunction, landed along with its formation partner on the same airstrip, about 300 miles west of mainland Alaska. The Kunsan Air Base jets were en route to Eielson Air Force Base near Fairbanks for a routine exercise. Maintenance personnel from Eielson were redirected to St. Paul to repair the jet, a process that took 10 days, Nelson said. Air Force mechanics work on an F-16 Fighting Falcon that made an emergency landing on St. Paul, Alaska, on May 19, 2025. (U.S. Air Force) While the pilots waited, island residents offered traditional Alaskan foods, including reindeer and golden king crab. One community member even extended a wedding invitation to our pilots, who unfortunately were unable to attend, Nelson said. St. Paul, incorporated in 1971, is home to about 344 people and spans 44 square miles, said acting Public Works Director Phillip Zavadil in an email Thursday. The islands economy is largely based on crab and halibut fishing, according to its official website. City clerk and St. Paul native Aubrey Wegeleben described the island as small but welcoming. I feel the community is generally close-knit everyone knows each other and there is a sense of comfort, she said by email Thursday. Though we are remote in the Bering Sea, were not too isolated from the world. The noise from the F-16 engines broke the usual quiet of everyday life and quickly attracted residents attention, Wegeleben said. When the jet was repaired on May 29, a crowd gathered to see them off. As word spread, excitement grew, and many made their way to the airport eager to see the jets, she said. Lt. Col. James Divine, deputy commander of the 8th Operations Group, expressed gratitude to St. Pauls residents. The incredible outpouring of compassion and support has been remarkable, he said in an email Wednesday. They welcomed our aircrew and response teams with open arms. Newly-elected South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, center, visits the Joint Chiefs of Staff combat control room on June 4, 2025, with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Kim Myung-soo, left, and Acting Minister of National Defense Kim Seon-ho. (South Korean Ministry of National Defense) Lee Jae-myung, elected South Koreas newest president on Wednesday, immediately pledged to strengthen the nations alliance with the United States while pursuing a pragmatic relationship with China an approach that has challenged many of his predecessors. In his inauguration speech Wednesday, Lee committed to reinforcing ties with Washington while building relationships with other countries from the perspective of national interest and practicality, echoing the centrist foreign policy themes he emphasized during his campaign. We should not fully depend on the alliance, he said during a televised presidential debate last month. There is no need for us to intentionally exclude or stand hostile against China or Russia. Diplomacy should always focus on national interest and practicality. Foreign policy experts described Lees position as an effort to shift South Koreas diplomatic stance toward a more centrist path, balancing its long-standing security ties with the U.S. and its economic dependence on China. South Koreas strategic balance between the U.S. and China, which Lee Jae-myungs administration is talking about, is not referring to a 50-50, perfectly equal balance, Lee Byong-Chul, a researcher with Kyungnam Universitys Institute for Far Eastern Studies, said by phone Wednesday. It is a slight change, bringing something that was excessively biased to the U.S. to the middle. It is realistically impossible to achieve a 50-50 balance with the U.S. and China. South Korea has relied on the U.S. for its defense since the 1950-53 Korean War. Roughly 28,500 American troops remain stationed in the country, supported by a $1.1 billion cost-sharing agreement that President Donald Trump frequently criticized as unfair. While Washington is Seouls key military ally, Beijing remains critical to its economy, Hahm Sung Deuk, dean of Kyonggi Universitys Graduate School of Political Studies, said by phone Wednesday. China has historically been South Koreas largest trading partner. Roughly $273 billion in goods were traded between the two countries last year, according to data from the government-funded Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency. China is so important to us in our economic growth and economic export, he said. The Trump administration must understand our current situation, that we cannot neglect China. Tensions between the two regional powers flared in 2017 when South Korea and the U.S. deployed a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, or THAAD, system in Seongju, about 130 miles south of Seoul, to counter North Korean missile threats. Despite U.S. assurances that the system was aimed solely at North Korea, Beijing responded with a wide-ranging boycott of South Korean businesses, costing an estimated $7 billion in lost revenue. Still, Hahm said Lees pragmatic stance could help foster a productive relationship with the business-oriented U.S. president. In my judgment, Lee will explain this situation very well to Trump and they will make a good deal, he said. Trump and Lee are also deal-makers. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer visits Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, July 11, 2024. (Elizabeth Fraser / Arlington National Cemetery/ Army) LONDON When British Prime Minister Keir Starmer unveiled long-awaited military spending plans this week promising to make the U.K. battle-ready he did so at a shipyard in Scotland that builds frigates and destroyers for Britains Royal Navy, saying it was time to deliver a defense dividend for the British people and answer the rising threat posed by Russia. Starmers remarks, standing in front of the frame of a ship and workers in hard hats, coincided with the release of the governments strategic defense review, which called for building up to 12 new attack submarines, creating six new munitions plants and procuring up to 7,000 British-made long-range weapons. The review also said Britain should spend $20 billion to modernize its nuclear warheads. Britain is a formidable military power, but analysts say it has been constrained in recent years by tight budgets. The new recommendations pose additional tough questions about where the money will come from and whether cuts in other programs or public services might be required as a trade-off. Starmers Labour government came to power promising to prioritize economic growth, and the prime minister sought to portray the military spending proposals partly as a jobs initiative, particularly in northern England, where the submarines would be built. But even as Russias assertiveness presents genuine risk, some analysts say it may be difficult to drum up public support for more military expenditures. There are genuine reasons to spend more on defense, said Olivia OSullivan, director of the U.K. in the world program at Chatham House, a think tank. But thats a difficult sell. President Donald Trump is insisting that European allies take more responsibility for their own security and has called on NATO nations to increase annual defense spending to 5 percent of gross domestic project far above the alliances current 2 percent target and even greater than the roughly 3.5 percent now spent by the United States, the richest and most powerful ally. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has suggested the alliance may try to create some wiggle room by moving toward a 5 percent spending benchmark in total, with core military spending at about 3.5 percent and the remainder supporting infrastructure, cyber programs and logistics. Motivated in part by uncertainty over Trumps commitment to defending European allies, several European countries including Germany, Poland and the Baltic states have recently announced plans to raise military spending. In February, the British government announced it would lift spending from 2.3% percent to 2.5% of GDP starting in April 2027 a bump officials described as the largest sustained increase since the Cold War. The increase will be financed in part by slashing overseas aid. Starmer has also said it is the governments ambition to reach 3 percent during the next term of Parliament. The authors of the strategic defense review George Robertson, former NATO chief; Richard Barrons, former deputy chief of the defense staff; and Fiona Hill, a former White House adviser made 62 recommendations, all of them accepted by the government. They did not project a total cost of their recommendations but said they were affordable over 10 years with promised new resources. Starmer, however, has not detailed precisely how or when Britain plans to reach the 3 percent goal. Max Warner, an economist with the Institute for Fiscal Studies think tank, said raising spending to 2.5 percent of national income by 2027 will require freezing public investment elsewhere. Achieving 3% would probably mean cutting other spending, raising taxes or borrowing more. Its an ambition, Warner said, but we dont have really any detail on timings or pathways. In Britain, public support for increased military spending is mixed. A recent YouGov survey found that nearly half of respondents backed higher defense budgets, but most opposed financing the spending through personal taxes or cuts to other services. Pressed on when Britain would hit the 3 percent target, Starmer on Monday said he was not going to put arbitrary dates on that percentage. He added that he was confident that spending plans could be achieved with the current funding allocation. Starmers government is facing competing demands, including calls to increase welfare spending, revive the economy and also to adhere to the Labour Partys own fiscal rules. The government is expected to publish its broader spending review next week, outlining multiyear budget allocations for various departments, with many expecting increases for defense. Part of the governments pitch to the public is that military spending is not only a response to threats that are more serious, more immediate and more unpredictable than at any time since the Cold War, as Starmer said, but also a strategy for creating jobs and boosting investment. Malcolm Chalmers, the deputy director general of RUSI, a defense think tank, said that the promise of defense dividends is central to the governments messaging. They are emphasizing the importance of defense as an employer in less well-off parts of the country, outside London and the southeast, Chalmers said. But of course that depends on spending the extra defense money in the U.K. and not on imports, he said. He compared this approach with Poland, which has ramped up defense spending, with much of it on off-the-shelf weapons made in South Korea and the U.S. By contrast, Britain hopes to channel investment at home. One of the flagship announcements is the commissioning of up to 12 nuclear-powered attack submarines to reinvigorate the British navy. The plan calls for a new submarine to be made every 18 months in Cumbria, in northern England, replacing the existing fleet of seven submarines. With new state-of-the-art submarines patrolling international waters and our own nuclear warhead program on British shores, we are making Britain secure at home and strong abroad, said Defense Secretary John Healey, who estimated the proposal will create 30,000 jobs. Warner, the economist, said increased military spending will benefit some industries and regions of Britain but that it was not necessarily the most effective way to stimulate growth. You could imagine education or transport infrastructure or science and technology perhaps having broader growth potential, he said. But theyre choosing to spend on defense. Ellen Francis in Brussels and Natalia Abbakumova in Riga, Latvia, contributed to this report. Air Force Lt. Gen. Alex Grynkewich is shown during a humanitarian airdrop over Gaza on March 10, 2024. He has been nominated to replace Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli as commander of U.S. forces in Europe and NATO supreme allied commander in Europe, the Pentagon announced June 5, 2025. (Christian Sullivan/U.S. Air Force) STUTTGART, Germany A three-star Air Force general has been tapped to be the next commander of U.S. forces in Europe, the Pentagon announced Thursday. Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, who now serves on the Joint Staff, also was nominated to become NATOs next Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, the Pentagon said. If confirmed, Grynkewich will replace Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, who has served as the leader of U.S. European Command and led NATO forces for the past three years. Unlike other commanders, Grynkewich comes into the job with a direct promotion from three to four stars. In recent history, it has always been an incumbent four-star general to command EUCOM and NATO troops. Grynkewich, a former F-16 and F-22 fighter pilot, commanded the combined forces air component at U.S. Central Command before serving as director of operations on the Joint Staff. Earlier in his career, Grynkewich did a stint at EUCOM headquarters in Stuttgart. He is a 1993 graduate of the Air Force Academy. Air Force Lt. Gen. Alex Grynkewich is in line to become the next commander of U.S. forces in Europe, the Pentagon announced June 5, 2025. (William J Seifert/Joint Staff Support Center) His nomination to the dual-hatted job means that the NATO slot known as SACEUR will remain in American hands for now. There have been discussions about whether the time has come for a European commander to take over the NATO job, which has always been led by an American, going back to Gen. Dwight Eisenhower. Grynkewich also would come into the job at a time of high tension in Europe given the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Changes to how the U.S. military is operating on the Continent also could distinguish Grynkewichs role from Cavolis. While a major aspect of Cavolis job has been coordinating American and allied support for Ukraine, Grynkewich would command NATO and EUCOM as the U.S. is shifting more of that responsibility to Europeans. Also, the Pentagon has emphasized that Europe must prepare itself to handle the bulk of conventional security on the Continent so the U.S. can focus more on countering China in the Pacific. While the U.S. hasnt announced any plans for an immediate troop drawdown in Europe, allies are anticipating that the Pentagon will eventually reduce troop numbers. In the event of any American withdrawal or reorganization of troops and bases in European countries, Grynkewich would likely be a key architect of the change. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, left, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte make opening remarks at a defense ministers meeting at NATO headquarters in Brussels on June 5, 2025. Hegseth said that for NATO to remain credible, Europe must channel growing defense budgets into hard power rather than relying primarily on U.S. military strength. (NATO) Increased military spending in Europe must be directed toward hard-power capabilities to give NATO credibility that goes beyond American firepower, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Thursday. His remarks at the opening of a defense ministers meeting in Brussels drove home President Donald Trumps insistence that all members increase defense spending to 5% of gross domestic product, up from the current NATO 2% benchmark. Its that hard power that actually deters. And it cant just be U.S. capabilities, Hegseth said. He added that Washington will not tolerate exceptions on meeting the new threshold. For many countries, that will require a huge increase in expenditures. The reason Im here is to make sure every country in NATO understands (it) has to contribute at that level of 5% as a recognition of the nature of the threat, Hegseth said. Some allies, such as Italy and Spain, are yet to reach even the 2% level. Its not clear what the consequences will be if members balk at Trumps demands. For NATO, the stakes are high. Trump has long made clear that the United States commitment to NATO hinges on fulfillment of defense spending obligations. In the past, Trump also has suggested that the U.S. could be unwilling to defend a member that lagged on military spending. Allies are now fine-tuning the details on timelines for reaching the 5% mark, which is expected to be agreed to during a June leaders summit in the Dutch city of The Hague. Trump is expected to attend the meeting. On Thursday, NATO defense ministers also agreed on new capability targets that designate what forces and weapons systems individual countries must provide toward allied defense plans. The capability targets are focused on needs such as air and missile defense, long-range weapons and large land maneuver formations. Those targets will help NATO track where the increased spending is going and ensure that it results in a more formidable combat force, Hegseth said. Among European allies, there has been greater urgency to develop military capabilities in connection with concerns that the United States could reduce its military presence on the Continent. Germany, which has a long track record of lackluster defense spending, now says its prepared to meet the 5% mark. Such moves are aimed at ensuring that allies can manage the conventional defense of Europe should the U.S. redirect forces to the Pacific, which has been a Pentagon priority. Hegseth is reviewing global force posture across the military, and that could have implications on where troops are deployed worldwide. A U.S. soldier participates in air assault training with Syrian Free Army forces at al-Tanf Garrison, Syria, on Feb. 23, 2025. American forces assisted Syrian and Iraqi partners with six missions targeting Islamic State group members in May, U.S. Central Command said June 5, 2025. (Fred Brown/U.S. Army) American-aided efforts to ward off an Islamic State group resurgence in Iraq and Syria saw a flurry of recent successes with the capture of an ISIS leader and the killings of two militants, according to U.S. Central Command. Iraqi and Syrian partner forces carried out six anti-ISIS missions last month with U.S. assistance, a CENTCOM statement Thursday said. Five of the operations took place in Iraq from May 21-27. They were in the northern provinces of Salah ad-Din and Kirkuk and also in Fallujah, CENTCOM said. Iraqi forces destroyed multiple locations, confiscated weapons and arms, killed two ISIS operatives and took a leader of the group captive, the statement said. The mission in Syria, carried out May 21-22 near Deir ez-Zur in the northeast, resulted in the capture of an operative, CENTCOM said. Operations like these underscore the commitment ... to the enduring defeat of ISIS in the region, CENTCOM commander Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla said in the statement. CENTCOM did not elaborate on its role in the operations. In addition to regularly striking ISIS targets, the U.S. also helps train and assist partner forces in the region. As of last fall, the U.S. had approximately 2,000 troops in Syria and 2,500 troops in Iraq. But after more than a decade, President Donald Trump is looking to wind down the U.S. military presence in the region. The American military pullout in Iraq is slated for completion by no later than September. And the number of U.S. bases in Syria will eventually shrink from eight to one, the American ambassador to Turkey, Tom Barrack, said in an interview this week. Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Mich., is leading a bill that would allow for-profit companies to provide initial claims assistance, for a fee, to veterans filing for disability compensation. Bergman, who is a member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, speaks at a hearing in September 2024. (Joe Gromelski/Special to Stars and Stripes) WASHINGTON Advocacy groups that help veterans file disability claims for free with the Department of Veterans Affairs are opposing a Republican-led bill that would enable commercial companies to charge thousands of dollars for the same service. The CHOICE for Veterans Act would allow private for-profit companies to offer initial claims assistance and charge up to $12,500 or an amount equal to five times a monthly benefit award increase, according to the legislation. But the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans and other veterans service organizations argue the help already is provided without charge by trained members of their organizations who receive accreditation from the VA. VFW leaders expressed concern that commercial companies would charge veterans for the help before claims are final and benefits are determined. The VFW believes veterans should never have to go into debt to access their earned benefits, the organization said. Under federal law, its illegal to charge a fee for assistance with an initial filing for a disability claim. Only VA-accredited representatives can legally assist with the VA claims. Accredited attorneys and claims agents can charge fees, but only after a final decision from the VA and required documents are filed, according to the agency. The CHOICE for Veterans Act is led by Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Mich., a retired Marine Corps lieutenant general, and Rep. Mike Bost, R-Ill., chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee. Bergman is a committee member. The lawmakers said the legislation opens up claims assistance to the private sector while establishing regulations to stop companies from making false assertions, such as promising an early decision or higher disability rating when the VA determines disability. This bill would ensure crooked claims sharks are punished while guaranteeing veterans the freedom of choosing honest paid services, Bost said at a House Veterans Affairs Committee hearing in May that introduced the CHOICE for Veterans Act and more than a dozen other bills. Current law that defines how disability claims can be prepared lack penalties for punishing offenders, said Rep. Chris Pappas, D-N.H., a member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee. He has introduced a separate bill called the Guard VA Benefits Act to reinstate criminal penalties for unaccredited claim representatives who charge unauthorized fees. Veterans and their families should never pay a fee to file an initial claim for benefits. In fact, its unlawful for anyone to charge a fee for preparing an initial claim, the VA states on its website. Pappas opposes the CHOICE for Veterans Act. Instead of restoring VAs authority to penalize illegal behavior, [the CHOICE for Veterans Act] would legalize it, granting accreditation without safeguards and allowing companies to charge up to $12,500 just for helping a veteran file their claim, he said. But the CHOICE for Veterans Act would require commercial companies to be accredited, with penalties in place for businesses that did not follow the process, Bergman said. Accreditation through the VA involves an application, background check and exam on VA laws and procedures. The bill would prevent and punish bad actors seeking to take advantage of veterans while protecting their options and choice, Bergman said. VA will have the teeth it needs to punish bad actors. For-profit companies would have to disclose fees prior to rendering service and allow veterans to pay in installments, he said. But Disabled American Veterans expressed concern that loosening the law will increase the risk that unqualified representatives will make mistakes in the claims preparation that could lower a veterans disability benefit or delay approval. Dozens of nonprofit agencies and government organizations already provide free assistance in preparing and filing claims for veterans, according to the VA. They include state government offices for veterans services as well as national nonprofit advocacy groups, such as Disabled American Veterans, Paralyzed Veterans of America and the Blinded Veterans Association. VA-accredited representatives are authorized to help veterans and service members, as well as their dependents and survivors, according to the VA. Under the CHOICE for Veterans Act, VA would be required to provide an online list of accredited representatives that provide the service for a fee. The VA also would have to continue to inform veterans about accredited veterans organizations that offer the service for free. BEIJING, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Wang Yi, China's top diplomat, met with Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, special envoy of the president of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to China, here on Wednesday. Wang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, said that China-UAE ties have maintained sound development momentum under the strategic guidance of the two countries' heads of state. China is willing to work with the UAE to provide mutual support on issues concerning each other's core interests, expand mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, maintain close coordination on international and regional affairs, and promote the in-depth development of the China-UAE comprehensive strategic partnership, Wang said. Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak said the UAE is willing to strengthen its high-level exchanges with China and further advance the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. The UAE adheres to the one-China principle and will uphold the principles of independence and autonomy in steadfastly promoting cooperation with China, he said. The footage from inside the barbers was widely shared on social media in recent days This is the terrifying moment staff and customers at a barbers shop in the Fairgreen Shopping Centre in Carlow react to the first shots fired by gunman Evan Fitzgerald on Sunday evening The CCTV footage from inside the Boston Barbers shows two young men seated in the chairs getting haircuts when there is a sudden explosion of noise. Both staff members flinch at the sound of the first shot before one of them carefully makes his way over to the shutters that are half pulled down over the entrance. There is then the sound of a second blast which prompts one of the customers to jump out of his seat and yell a warning. The short clip captures the scene as Fitzgerald discharged a number of shots before taking his own life. News in 90 Seconds - 5th June 2025 No other gunshot injuries were reported, though a young girl was hurt while running from the scene. Yaman Alsaadi who was finishing haircuts for his friends, told the Irish Independent that the gunman seemed to have the weapon covered, possibly with a blanket, as he was walking through the centre at first, and held it in front of him across both hands. I might be wrong, my vision might be wrong, but I think he had it hidden, Mr Alsaadi said. We had just finished work and we were cutting our friends hair as they were supposed to be going out. I heard what I thought was a lightbulb exploding. With the second shot I knew it was somebody shooting. My cousin was here and he looked to the outside and said, A man is shooting, so we ran and then we heard another gunshot, Mr Alsaadi said, pointing to a damaged Tesco sign close to the shop that was peppered with shotgun pellets. The barber shop is next to an emergency exit, and Mr Alsaadi and the others ran to it before escaping outside. I closed the shutter and immediately called Carlow garda station, and they said they were already on their way. Then we saw him standing outside where the charging cables for the cars are, he added. He saw us, and he shot towards us, but I think it was more to frighten us rather than kill us. Thats how I felt, because it was all so far away from us. He shot towards us, but it wasnt anywhere close to us. It was around 6.25pm. Everyone was leaving. We actually had the shutters closed because we were close to finishing the haircuts. Yesterday, it emerged that Fitzgerald was due to appear before the courts for service of the book of evidence and was facing 13 charges of possessing firearms, ammunition and explosive substances. The 22-year-old had appeared before Naas District Court on March 4, 2024, after being arrested as part of a garda investigation into the sale of firearms on the Dark Web. Fitzgerald, of Portrush Upper in Kiltegan, Co Wicklow, walked free from court along with his two co-accused after gardai consented to bail on strict conditions. Detective Garda Brian Foran, of the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) made an application to have the charges against Evan Fitzgerald withdrawn on direction from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). During the proceedings, the court was told that Fitzgerald was deceased, with Judge Desmond Zaidan describing it as a suicide. The judge then addressed recent media reporting of the incident in Carlow, specifically on the issue of bail when Mr Fitzgerald first appeared before him last year. He said there had been a lot of misinformation in the press and that gardai had consented to bail. This, the judge said, meant he had no jurisdiction to oppose bail. So please, members of the press, please report sensibly, he said, asking journalists present to tread very carefully. Judge Zaidan said bail had been granted with no objection from gardai on strict bail conditions in lieu of custody. He said no judge has the power to overturn that order from March 4, 2024. He added that both he and his staff had since listened to visual and audio recordings of the court proceedings from that day. Its embarrassing whats in the papers, he said. Gardai in their view saw fit to consent to strict bail conditions in lieu of remand in custody. The judge also said there were some sensational headlines about objecting to bail. The reality is the gardai consented to bail, my function ceased straight away. I have to set the record straight. Judge Zaidan said that, while he hadnt been named in media reports, added that everyone knew what judge was sitting in Naas District Court. A lot of my friends are ringing me saying Des, everyone knows where you are. Detective Garda Foran told the judge that, while he himself wasnt present in court that day, the issue wasnt in dispute. Judge Zaidan continued: I could not go behind that consent because I would be seen to acting outside of my powers. You see why Im saying this, theres been a lot of headlines about a man on bail, no, at least report it, dont omit certain key things. He noted that the charges against Evan Fitzgerald were contained in the book of evidence and said that the charges could formally be withdrawn in the circuit court. Igor Rusu (49) was driving his friends car and bringing him to hospital when the accident occurred A driver jumped out of a vehicle and started shouting aggressively at a couple, after he rear-ended their car at a red light, a court heard. Igor Rusu (49) was driving his friends car and bringing him to hospital when the accident occurred. He was highly intoxicated, his lawyer said, but he refused to provide a blood sample to gardai. Judge McHugh disqualified Rusu from driving for four years and ordered him to complete 100 hours community service in lieu of three months in prison Judge David McHugh said this was an appalling episode, and he could only imagine it must have been traumatic for the couple in the other vehicle. Judge McHugh disqualified Rusu from driving for four years and ordered him to complete 100 hours community service in lieu of three months in prison. The defendant, with an address at Laverna Avenue in Castleknock, admitted failing to provide a blood sample to gardai, as well as failing to produce his insurance or driving licence to gardai. Sergeant Maria Callaghan told Blanchardstown District Court gardai were flagged down by a motorist on the Old Lucan Road in Palmerston shortly after 8pm on February 15, 2023. Sgt Callaghan said the driver, a passenger in the car, said his wife had been stopped at a red light when they were rear-ended by a grey Honda Civic. Sgt Callaghan said the Honda driver got out of the car and started shouting aggressively at the couple, before trying to abscond. When the gardai saw Rusu, he was slurring his words and unsteady on his feet, and he also became aggressive towards gardai. The court heard he had no previous convictions. Igor Rusu outside Blanchardstown District Court. Photo: irishphotodesk.ie News in 90 Seconds - 5th June 2025 Gavin McGuinness, 37, threw the bag containing cannabis, cocaine and ecstasy out a bathroom window A Co Donegal drug-dealer who threw 12,000 of drugs out of a bathroom window while fleeing Gardai during a raid has received a sixteen month suspended jail sentence. Gavin McGuinness, 37, threw the bag containing cannabis, cocaine and ecstasy out a bathroom window of his Moville apartment when detectives swooped on the property. The accused appeared at Letterkenny Circuit Court previously and pleaded guilty to three charges of being in possession of a controlled drug, namely cocaine, for the purpose of selling or otherwise supplying it to another. McGuinness pleaded guilty to obstructing a member of An Garda Siochana in that he threw a bag containing illegal drugs out of a bathroom window of the apartment. Having heard the facts of the case last February, Judge John Aylmer delivered his sentence. He said that McGuinness was suffering from a serious addiction and living with another person who was a source of drugs for him to feed his own habit and that his involvement in the dealing appeared to amount to making phonecalls and the like. He said his role in the case was accepted by Gardai and he placed it at the lower end of such offending and before mitigation merited a sentence of two years in prison. However, Judge Aylmer said McGuinness had cooperated fully, made full admissions and it appeared that the accused developed his addiction through the pandemic and had previously been of good character and was a good worker. McGuinness had also taken major steps in undertaking private counselling at his own family's expense and that he now appeared to be drug-free and was back working. Gavin McGuinness leaving Letterkenny Circuit Court. (North West Newspix) News in 90 Seconds - 5th June 2025 A report from the Probation Services placed McGuinness at a low risk of reoffending and identified no need for them to intervene. Because of this and his counselling, Judge Aylmer mandated a reduction in that sentence to 16 months in prison. He said the question then arose if the court could suspend some or all of that sentence and although it would be unusual in a case of such gravity but having regard to the assessment of the Probation Service and the extent of McGuinness' rehabilitation, he was suspending the sentence in its entirety. He ordered McGuinness to keep the peace for sixteen months and also to abstain from unprescribed drugs during that time. Detective Garda Jason Conroy had originally outlined the background to the case told Ms Fiona Crawford BL, barrister for the state, that gardai executed a warrant at an apartment at Bath Terrace, Moville, on January 25, 2021. McGuinness was in the doorway of the premises when officers arrived. During the raid, gardai located 800 in cash, in 50 notes, in a bedroom. Afterwards, gardai were alerted that a bag was found containing drugs on the roof of an adjacent apartment. The items were sent to Forensic Science Ireland for analysis and they were confirmed to be cannabis, cocaine and ecstasy. Ecstasy valued at 9,790, Cocaine worth 638.47 and 1,962 of cannabis were found. Gardai also found cannabis joints, a small bag of cannabis herb and a grinder on a coffee table in the living room area. McGuinnesss phone was seized by gardai and text messages and contact between the accused and others were found. Detective Garda Conroy said they were of the nature of asking for stuff and deals and items related to drug dealing. When interviewed, McGuinness told detectives that he gets bits for friends, but Im not selling loads, like. McGuinness denied that he was dealing drugs, but admitted that he was the owner of a bag of cannabis found on the coffee table. The court heard that McGuinness has previous convictions, including four for the possession of illegal drugs, two for no insurance, one for drink-driving and one for failing to produce insurance. Detective Garda Conroy agreed with Mr Colm Smyth SC, barrister for McGuinness, that another individual was caught down the country and this led to a search warrant being executed at the apartment in Moville. Mr Smyth said his client was taking drugs for some time. He had a dependence on drink and drugs and would have been ripe for the picking, Mr Smyth said. McGuinness took to the witness box and said he was instructed by another party that if the guards came to throw the bag out the window. He outlined that he missed an appointment with the Probation Service as he moved to Carlow so was not receiving mail and he had not had contact by telephone or email. McGuinness said he is a full-time concrete finisher and since starting counselling my life changed from that day onwards. The accuseds father, Harold McGuinness, said he became aware that his son had a problem and heard second-hand information about the raid on the apartment. He told the court that his son has engaged with White Oaks and also with a counsellor in Derry. He said his son hasnt gone back to the apartment since and is now working outside of Donegal. This would have been a regular arrangement, but he was around more often at that time due to Covid-19. Mr McGuinness said he has seen an improvement and he is happy that his son isnt taking drugs anymore. Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, meets with Yohei Kono, president of the Japanese Association for the Promotion of International Trade (JAPIT), in Beijing, capital of China, June 4, 2025. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) BEIJING, June 4 (Xinhua) -- China's top diplomat Wang Yi met with Yohei Kono, president of the Japanese Association for the Promotion of International Trade (JAPIT), on Wednesday in Beijing. Wang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, expressed great appreciation for Kono's long-term commitment to the China-Japan friendship and stressed the significance of people-to-people exchanges in the current international situation. Wang said that China has attached importance to Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's recent statement that Japan should draw profound lessons from history and refrain from being an aggressive country. Wang noted that history cannot be tampered with, and that only by learning from history can both sides truly open up the future. Kono said that history should not be forgotten, nor should it be denied, and noted that the past cannot be changed but the future can be created through present efforts. JAPIT is willing to continue promoting friendly cooperation between Japan and China, Kono said. Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, meets with Yohei Kono, president of the Japanese Association for the Promotion of International Trade (JAPIT), in Beijing, capital of China, June 4, 2025. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) Babak Meshkat, 45, was charged earlier this year following a Garda investigation into a crash on the M6 in Co Westmeath Lawyers for a doctor accused of dangerous driving causing his six-year-old daughter's death in the Midlands last year will engage an independent expert to analyse his car's crash data before he enters a plea. Babak Meshkat, 45, of An Cimin Mor, Cappagh Road, Galway, was charged earlier this year following a Garda investigation into a crash on the M6 in Co Westmeath on February 8, 2024. In March, he was sent forward for trial to the Mullingar Circuit Criminal Court. The case was again listed there before Judge Kenneth Connolly yesterday/today for an arraignment hearing, the procedure where defendants say how they intend to plead. However, Gerard Groarke BL, for Mr Meshkat, told Judge Connolly yesterday/today that the defence was now seeking additional disclosure of evidence, adding, "There are a couple of areas we wish to investigate". The barrister elaborated that one included access to and inspection of the car's driver data from a crash module installed in the vehicle. Judge Connolly heard that the defence had not appointed their own forensic collision expert yet. The State had already provided a 120-page report from the garda inspection to Mr Meshkat's legal team. Judge Connolly said it seemed reasonable for the module to be available for inspection by an appropriately qualified person under the correct circumstances and procedures. He adjourned the case until July 21 for mention and remanded Mr Meshkat on continuing bail. Dressed in a grey blazer, blue shirt, and dark trousers, he stepped forward when his case was called, then sat silently and did not address the proceedings. Babak Meshkat News in 90 Seconds - 5th June 2025 Prosecutor Cathal O Braonain BL told Judge Connolly he had learned about the defence's request for access to the driver data on Wednesday, and there was no objection. Mr Meshkat's six-year-old daughter, Hana Meshkat, was severely injured in a crash at about 4 pm on the eastbound lane of the motorway between Junction 4, Tyrellspass, and Junction 3, Rochfortbridge on February 8, 2024. The child passed away at Children's Health Ireland (CHI) hospital at Temple Street in Dublin nine days later. An investigation file was sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions, which led to the charge being brought in March when he was returned for trial. A coroner's inquest heard that the young girl had died from multiple traumatic injuries due to a motor vehicle incident. The inquest has been adjourned pending the outcome of the judicial proceedings. The youth had already surrendered following a pursuit and was being restrained when Garda Dean Chapman struck him with no need, a court heard A garda assaulted a teenage joyrider with a gratuitous knee to the stomach as he arrested him after a highly reckless road rampage around a busy shopping centre. The youth had already surrendered following a pursuit and was being restrained when Garda Dean Chapman struck him with no need, a court heard. Chapman (35), who has since left the force and is now a firefighter and paramedic, pleaded guilty when he appeared in Dublin District Court. Judge Aine Clancy applied the Probation of Offenders Act, sparing him a recorded conviction, after he made a 1,000 charity donation. Chapman admitted assaulting the teenager at an address in west Dublin following a road chase around the Blanchardstown Centre on January 22, 2023. The court heard the car was stolen in Tipperary and was driven dangerously in a garda pursuit which ended when it was abandoned in the shopping centre. The teenager was arrested at a nearby house and Chapman placed a hand on his shoulder before bringing him to the ground. When the youth was being brought back to his feet, Chapman kneed him in the abdominal area. The garda air support unit had been involved in the pursuit and the helicopter footage was played to the court, showing the car being driven at speed through traffic on a busy afternoon at the Blanchardstown Centre. Chapman, who had no previous convictions, was involved in the pursuit from the M50 and the court had seen an example of what can only be described as highly reckless and dangerous driving by the stolen car, his barrister said. Garda Dean Chapman. Photo: Collins Courts News in 90 Seconds - 5th June 2025 He had witnessed this before the encounter with the teenager who was previously known to the gardai and had not been compliant with them. This was to the forefront of Chapmans mind when he struck the victim in a momentary aberration of character. The victim was now serving a prison sentence. Chapman had worked in the gardai for four years as well in the defence forces and had an exemplary record. The assault incident was one factor in Chapmans decision to resign from the gardai. The lawyer asked the judge to consider the effect a conviction would have for someone like Chapman, who was dealing with the public on a daily basis. The court heard he had one child and another on the way. Judge Clancy said she had seen the horrendous driving that took place in the lead up to the assault. Its a knee to the abdomen of the injured party, it was gratuitous, he was already restrained and there was no need to do that, she said. However, she dismissed the charge under the Probation Act after the 1,000 donation was made. Madison Allen revealed the couple have been granted conjugal visits twice a month in Spain. John George murder suspect Jonny Smyth got married in February to his OnlyFans partner Madison Allen, we can reveal. The couple sneaked off to a private ceremony in Gibraltar while Spanish cops were on the hunt for 27-year-old Smyth. Last night 19-year-old Madison, from north Belfast told the Sunday World she had wanted to keep their marriage private so as not to upset anyone but that someone had got wind of it and so she wanted to let the world know. And she revealed the couple have been granted conjugal visits twice a month since Jonny was locked-up in Spain. We got married in February and I dont care now who knows, she told the Sunday World. Madison Allen's wedding ring We tied the knot at the Convent which is the governors residence. We travelled from Portugal to Gibraltar on the 14th because Gibraltar is UK territory so the wedding is legal back home and then we went back to Portugal. Im the happiest Ive ever been right now and we both know we are each others number one supporter and always will be. Im forever grateful for how happy he makes me and the things he has done for me in the past and even now and it will continue - we will continue to be and do our best for each other. We had wanted to get married for so long and we decided to do it in February in private. Jonny Smyth and Madison Allen News in 90 Seconds - 5th June 2025 Jonny proposed in Portugal on the 11th of February and we got married three days later on Valentines Day. We had no friends or family there we had strangers for witnesses. We will have a full wedding when he gets out on bail and then well do it all properly. Jonny Smyth is one of two men Spanish police quizzed about the murder of John George in Alicante in December last year. Former gym owner Smyth fled his apartment in Spain during the police investigation and he and Madison rented a property in Portugal until Johns campaigning father Billy George tracked them down and he was arrested and returned to Spain. Smyth and Allen in Gibraltar John George disappeared in December in the Alicante area. His remains were found in January following extensive appeals from the family and friends who travelled out to search for his body. The father of two was shot and his body was left in a rural area in the Alicante region around December 14 but his body wasnt discovered for several weeks. In the aftermath Madison was subjected to a hate campaign from online supporters of John George who claimed she had covered up the murder. Ive done nothing wrong and neither has Jonny, she claimed Madison Allen and Smyth I made my witness statement to the police two weeks ago I have never been arrested because they know I had nothing to do with it no matter what anyone else wants to say. Smyth was made a wanted man in January after disappearing following the discovery of missing Mr Georges body in an orchard in Rojales near Torrevieja south of Alicante. He was held on March 25th on an international arrest warrant after being tracked down to an unnamed Airbnb in Braga, a city in the far north of Portugal. After being brought back to Spain, Smyth was initially held in a remand prison near the border town of Badajoz in Spains south-west Extremadura region after being driven across the frontier by armed cops. He was then transferred to another prison where he is at the centre of an ongoing investigation into the murder of Belfast dad-of-two John George. Madison says whatever happens to Jonny she wont be returning to Northern Ireland ever again. I believe hes done nothing wrong hes been held for several months and theres been no charge. They are only holding him in case he runs away but I told them to take his passport or put a tag on him but they wont. We will always live in Spain we will never return to Northern Ireland. He could be locked up but I think he will be set free because hes done nothing wrong. Ill still be in Spain with or without Jonny. He will either be with me in Spain or hell be in prison. Since we got married we have been allowed to meet up for conjugal visits twice a months which has been great. She says after they tied the knot they went out for dinner but they are planning a full wedding when Jonny is released. We just went out for dinner afterwards my mum or the rest of my family knew I was even with Jonny at that stage they thought he was in Thailand and I was in Spain. When he proposed I sent a picture of the ring to my mum but she didnt believe it- until I sent her a picture of the marriage certificate. I was shopping one day and I came back and he had the apartment all decorated and he asked me to marry him. And I couldnt believe it and said yes straight away. He bought the ring last July and he said he would marry me after the fallout after the John George murder he realised I was the only one to stand by him. Im proud to be his wife hes been there for me more than anybody. At the start when I first met him he asked me what my job was and I said OnlyFans but he made me stop it but I said to him I want to do it and he agreed and when he saw how much I was making he joined in. We made 10,000 in a week. He still has money and is able to send me money. Its money from the gym. Id been friends with John George for four years not once until he died did I know he had kids or any family. I feel so sorry for his mum. I have no sympathy for anyone else what has gone on since John was murdered regarding the treatment of me has been completely out of order. Anyone who has said anything bad about me is just jealous of a 19-year-old living her life with a supportive husband. Madison says she and Jonny have always known each other but had never been together until she went out to Spain. I moved out to Spain and we became really good friends and he promised he would always look after me. After all the drama he realised that I am the only one that truly stuck by him and I always will no matter what. I cant thank him enough for the opportunities he has given me and everything he has done for me. From I first time met him in Spain he always promised and knew I was the one he was going to marry and I proved myself to him that I will have his back. So he kept his promise by us going to get married at the start of the year - something we both wanted for so long. Alex OBrien Kelly (24) later told gardai he did not know why his account was being taken over by other individuals A warehouse worker was promised 500 in cash if he handed over control of his bank account to other individuals in an invoice redirect fraud scheme, a court heard. Alex OBrien Kelly (24) later told gardai he did not know why his account was being taken over by other individuals. His solicitor said that OBrien Kelly was a vulnerable young man, who was just turned 18 when this incident took place. Judge David McHugh ordered the defendant to repay the company 2,100, which was its loss. Judge McHugh also ordered OBrien Kelly to complete 80 hours community service in lieu of three months in prison. The defendant, with an address at Whitechapel Grove, Coolmine, Dublin 15, admitted a money-laundering offence, in that he allowed his bank account to be used for acquiring, transferring, handling or possessing the sum of 4,730, which was the proceeds of crime. Detective Garda Mark Wall told Blanchardstown District Court that this was an invoice redirect fraud which impacted a Co Kilkenny-based company on June 6, 2019. Det Gda Wall said that the company transferred 4,730 to a bank account, which they believed was a new client account. However, gardai later discovered that the account belonged to OBrien Kelly. Det Gda Wall said that the company contacted its bank when the fraud was realised, and the defendants account was frozen, but not before 2,100 was taken from the account. The balance of the money was returned to the company, the court heard. Stock image News in 90 Seconds - 5th June 2025 Det Gda Wall said that gardai obtained CCTV footage, and OBrien Kelly did not take the money from the account. The court heard that OBrien Kelly had seven previous convictions, mostly for drug-related offences. Defence solicitor Valerie Buckley said the defendant was only 18 years at the time of this incident, which took place nearly six years ago. Ms Buckley said OBrien Kelly was a vulnerable young man, who she believed suffered cognitive difficulties, though she had no proof to provide to the court. Ms Buckley said OBrien Kelly was now working in a warehouse for a large clothing retailer, and was willing to repay the money. She also said the defendant wished to apologise to the court for his behaviour. Judge McHugh adjourned the case to a date next January, saying OBrien Kelly must repay the money or he faced going to jail The 37-year-old was hauled to court after being accused of touching her alleged victims genitals without his consent A married Irish woman has been arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a man at the spa of a Magaluf hotel where she is understood to have been staying with her husband. The 37-year-old was hauled to court after being accused of touching her alleged victims genitals without his consent. The brunette was taken into the court building in the Majorcan capital Palma by an armed police officer. Police are expected to reveal more detail about yesterdays arrest in the coming hours. The Irish tourist, who was released on bail by an investigating judge still probing the alleged crime, has not been named. The alleged sex assault happened around 6pm on Tuesday. The hotel has not been identified. Well-placed sources said the Swedish man was already in the hotel sauna when the female holidaymaker came in and sat near him and struck up a conversation with him after asking him how long he had been in Magaluf. She left the sauna and took a dip in a swimming pool beside it before following the man into a Turkish steam bath where the alleged sex assault took place according to a police report sent to the investigating court. The male holidaymaker is understood to have alerted hotel staff who called the police after telling the Irish woman to stop as she sexually molested him without warning. The Irishwoman being brought to court News in 90 Seconds - 5th June 2025 Although she denied any inappropriate behaviour when cops reached the hotel and quizzed her on the spot, she told the judge she regretted her actions and wrongly thought the man was interested in her in court hours later. Her alleged court confession has not yet been confirmed by police or court officials. McGovern viewed today's proceedings via video-link from prison. Lawyers for Sean McGovern (39), who is charged with murder and directing a criminal organisation, have raised a concern about the legality of his extradition to Ireland from the United Arab Emirates last week. Olan Callanan BL, for McGovern, today told the three-judge, non-jury Special Criminal Court that Michael Staines solicitors office will issue a letter to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) imminently, putting them on notice of an application. Mr Callanan asked the court to set a date for a hearing. He added: "The fundamental concern is the legality, the propriety and the process which surrounded his arrival in Dublin." Sean McGovern News in 90 Seconds - 5th June 2025 On May 29 last, when McGovern arrived in Dublin and was first brought before the court, Mr Callanan said he was reserving his position on the legality of the process and the jurisdiction of the non-jury court. Sean Gillane SC, for the DPP, told the court that a first book of evidence relating to the charges against McGovern will be ready by the end of July. The DPP will update the court on a second book of evidence at a later date. McGovern viewed today's proceedings via video-link from prison. He spoke only to confirm that he could hear what was being said. Ms Justice Karen O'Connor agreed to set a date for hearing McGovern's application on Wednesday, June 18th. McGovern will again appear by video-link rather than in person. The court set a date in late July for service of the book of evidence. Read more Sean McGovern's partner waves Dubai to Kinahan cartel lieutenant An Irish Air Corps Casa 295 plane took McGovern from Dubai to Dublin last week, stopping off in Larnaca in Cyprus and Marseille in France to refuel. He landed at Casement Aerodrome in west Dublin, before gardai brought him before the Special Criminal Court where he was charged with five offences. McGovern (39), with a previous address at Kildare Road, Crumlin, Dublin 12 is charged with the murder of Noel Kirwan on December 22, 2016 at St Ronan's Drive, Clondalkin in Dublin. He is also charged with directing the activities of a criminal organisation in connection with the same murder between October 20 2016 and December 22, 2016. He is charged with directing the activities of a criminal organisation in connection with the surveillance of James Gately in preparation for the commission of an indictable offence between October 17, 2015 and April 6, 2017. James 'Mago' Gately Another charge alleges that between October 20 and December 22, 2016 he contributed to or participated in activity intending or being reckless as to whether such activity would facilitate a criminal organisation in the murder of Mr Kirwan. He faces a similar charge of facilitating a criminal organisation in a conspiracy to murder James Gately. Gardai found the defendants intoxicated and there was evidence of drug use, it is alleged A couple accused of child neglect after a six-year-old boy was found sleeping on a floor in his school uniform have been sent forward for trial. The boys younger sibling was sitting in a buggy in front of a TV, wearing a soiled nappy, and a third child was still awake and appeared dishevelled when gardai conducted a welfare check in the early hours of the morning. Gardai found the defendants intoxicated and there was evidence of drug use, it is alleged. The couple, who are in their 30s and cannot be named to protect the children, are facing charges of child neglect. They were served with the book of evidence when they appeared before Blanchardstown District Court. The DPP had directed summary trial of the allegations in the district court but Judge David McHugh, after hearing a summary of the evidence, refused jurisdiction. Photo: Stock image News in 90 Seconds - 5th June 2025 A State solicitor said the book of evidence had been served on the accused, who go forward to the next sittings of Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The couple was remanded on continuing bail to appear before the circuit court in July. Defence solicitors Margaret McEvilly and Aengus McCarthy and two junior counsel were assigned on free legal aid. Under new regulations, gardai have the power to confiscate any device that is found to be too powerful Gardai are rolling out the new Dynamometer technology Some of the e-scooters that were seized Gardai using new speed testing kits have nabbed nine e-scooters in Dublin for a range of offences. Garda Traffic said their Roads Policing members were conducting checks on e-scooters in the city centre using new Dynamometer technology. Nine scooters were impounded for a range of offences, including speeding and exceeding the maximum rated power output, they posted on X. The mobile dynamometer is a device capable of determining the maximum speed an e-scooter, e-bike or e-moped is capable of, rather than having to catch the passenger in the act of speeding. Some of the e-scooters that were seized News in 90 Seconds - 5th June 2025 The dynamometers are being distributed to garda stations across the country, having been acquired by gardai in recent months from the Netherlands. According to The Journal, gardai are only the second national police force in the world to use them. Regulations allowing the use of e-scooters in public places that came into effect last year restricts the vehicles to a maximum speed of 20km per hour. They must also meet particular lighting and braking requirements. A maximum speed of 25km/h is allowed for e-bikes, pedal-assisted electric bicycles, but they must have a motor that cuts off once pedalling stops. Under the new regulations, gardai have the power to confiscate any device that is found to be too powerful. Gardai are rolling out the new Dynamometer technology The new laws also ban the use of the scooters by those under the age of 16, and from having fixed seats on board. It also prohibited the practice of two people riding on one scooter. In Cork, Labour councillor Peter Horgan told The Echo this week: These are a legitimate alternative transport but the speeds that some scooters are now able to go is downright dangerous. Other cities have mechanisms where scooter speeds were automatically slowed when in pedestrianised zones and we must examine the technology to try and achieve that. They are for short hop journeys not designed as a main mode of transport to clock up to 40km per hour. He is accused of killing 71-year-old Mary Green, known as Marie, on Tuesday morning in the Shore Road area of north Belfast Man charged with the Murder of Marie Green in north Belfast A man is due in court today charged with the murder of a Belfast pensioner. He is accused of killing 71-year-old Mary Green, known as Marie, on Tuesday morning in the Shore Road area of north Belfast. The 31-year-old has been charged with murder and non-fatal strangulation. Police at the scene in the Shore Road area of North Belfast (Kevin Scott) He has also been charged with common assault on another person in connection with the investigation. He is due to appear at Belfast Magistrates Court this afternoon. As is normal procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service. More to follow. News in 90 Seconds - 5th June 2025 "I saw the red flags but he always had a story to explain. I just thought I was in love with him and that he was in love with me. The scammer used a photo of actor Justin Melnick to draw Alida in Alida tells our reporter Patrick OConnell what happened when she fell for the scam The victim of a 50,000 romance scam lifts the lid on the inner workings of the ruthless crime gang who targeted her and reveals how her life has been left in ruins by their actions. Alida Kuiken (50) from Cork was convicted of money laundering last week after a court heard shed allowed her bank account to be used by a scammer who, posing as a US marine and using images stolen from US actor Justin Melnick, targeted her through a dating website. A devout Christian, Alida, in an effort to protect other victims, reveals how: The gang used US actor Justin Melnicks images on a bogus Plenty of Fish dating profile to draw in victims; Having convinced Alida she was in contact with a US marine, they sent her doctored videos of Melnick inside a US army helicopter bolstering their story; After the couple became engaged, the criminals convinced her to send her fiance cash as he couldnt access his bank accounts during missions in Kuwait, Nigeria and Sweden; They even had her sign up to a fake third-party website for partners of US marines where lump sums were deposited in her name so she could feel secure in sending him thousands of euro at a time; After draining Alida of her cash, her fiance, now a sergeant, asked her if one of his squad-members family could move 17,000 through her account implicating Alida in a criminal conspiracy that led to her conviction. I grew up in a household with emotional neglect unintentional emotional neglect, a devastated Alida told the Sunday World. So, when someone comes along and they give you the attention and affection that youve never had, youre more likely to become a victim. Thats what happened to me. It was just nice to get that attention and thats how it started. Alida tells our reporter Patrick OConnell what happened when she fell for the scam Alida said she met the scammer on Plenty of Fish in February 2021. I am a Christian, she said, and the previous December, I cried out to God to choose for me a person that I would want to share my life with. Alida said after they started chatting she asked the scammer to do a personality test the results of which showed he was a match for the kind of person she wanted as a partner. But, she continued, they couldnt meet in person due to his job. He said he was a US marine and he was in Kuwait. He sent me a video, he said he couldnt talk in it because of echo-location, but it was on a helicopter and he showed me inside the helicopter and then back out to show his face again. For me, it looked very real. There were also pictures of him on Plenty of Fish. Shaking her head, she continues: I found out later the pictures were of the actor Justin Melnick from Seal Team. But he portrayed himself to be a Christian and he knew [things] about the marines that I thought you would have to be a marine to know. Alida said the scammer asked for money for the first time when they were two months into their relationship, saying he needed to buy a mobile phone. News in 90 June 4th He said he was on camp and didnt have access to his bank account, she said. After that he signed me up to this marine spouse association. It had a separate website where you had to create an account and it looked legitimate with support chat and everything. He said he could register me as his spouse because he was a sergeant and that Id get a lump sum for the first two years and then $4,000 dollars a month after that. The lump sum was sitting there when I signed in money I was entitled to as his fiance. And while that money was sitting there, I felt OK giving him money from my bank account. In total, for all kinds of different things, I gave him 50,000. A year and a half into their relationship, the scammer made the move that would end in Alida being convicted of money laundering. The scammer used a photo of actor Justin Melnick to draw Alida in He said he was leading a squad with six men and two women and he asked me to help transfer money from one of the squads family members to that squad member, Alida said. When the money did come in, I said to him it was suspicious but he said I should trust him. I saw the red flags but he always had a story to explain. I just thought I was in love with him and that he was in love with me. But Alida was right to question the transaction. Dublin Circuit Court heard the 16,997 transferred into her account on September 27 and 28, 2022 had been stolen from a building firm in an invoice redirect scam. After transferring the money on from her account in Bitcoin at her fiances request, Alidas account was frozen. They wanted a name of the person I had transferred the money to, Alida recalled. At this point, I still didnt know the business had tried to withdraw the money from the bank. That was not information that was shared with me, which I can understand now because they thought I was actively involved in this. I still believed he (the scammer) was going to retire that December. I was totally taken in but, you understand, this didnt happen overnight, he had very gradually built up our relationship. In February 2024, Alida was contacted by gardai and her home was searched. But, she said, it wasnt until the following July that she realised the full extent of the scam in which she was caught up. I went to the garda station in July, she said, and thats when I first heard about the company. And it was around that time that contact (with the scammer) ceased. I had emailed to say the gardai had confiscated my passports and documents and he emailed back to say: Everything will be fine. I said: No, it wont! How can you say that? I could end up with a criminal record. I could go to jail. My life is over. And that was the end. Contact ended. He was gone. Sentencing Alida for the crime of money laundering, Judge Orla Crowe said that such a long relationship with a person Alida never met spoke to a certain level of naivety. Where she is a victim of the organisation of the theft, she did allow her account to be used in an utterly implausible story, the judge said. She said that Kuiken was not a young person, but an adult with long life experience. She was utterly reckless in relation to her own affairs and thus played a part, the judge said. Noting that the maximum penalty is 14 years, she imposed a one-year sentence on the 50-year-old but suspended it in full. An aerial photo released on June 2, 2025 shows smoke rising from a wildfire near the northern British Columbia (B.C.) town of Fort Nelson, Canada. More than 25,000 people have been forced to evacuate from wildfires in Canada, local media reported on Tuesday. According to the reports, more than 9,000 people have been evacuated from northern Saskatchewan, as the province's premier Scott Moe said the number could reach 15,000 in the coming days. The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Center said Tuesday night that there were at least 203 active wildfires nationwide, and the number of out-of-control wildfires was 104. The number of wildfires in the country so far this year has reached 1,723, devouring roughly 22,000 square km of land. (B.C. Wildfire Service/Handout via Xinhua) OTTAWA, June 4 (Xinhua) -- More than 25,000 people have been forced to evacuate from wildfires in Canada, local media reported on Tuesday. According to the reports, more than 9,000 people have been evacuated from northern Saskatchewan, as the province's premier Scott Moe said the number could reach 15,000 in the coming days. The Saskatchewan government declared a 30-day provincial state of emergency last week, while neighboring Manitoba did the same and issued mandatory evacuation orders for approximately 17,000 people. More than 14,300 people have registered with the Canadian Red Cross as evacuees from the wildfires throughout Manitoba as of June 2, according to the province's fire bulletin published on Tuesday. Wildfire smoke has triggered air quality alerts across Canada, with the heaviest smoke plumes above northwestern Ontario and central Manitoba. The smoke has also spread into the upper Midwest in the United States, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada. Satellite data also showed smoke crossing the Atlantic Ocean and entering parts of Europe, with more expected to arrive this week. Canada's Emergency Management Minister, Eleanor Olszewski, said on Tuesday that the federal government will match donations made to the Canadian Red Cross, with the funds allocated toward wildfire relief and disaster recovery. The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Center said Tuesday night that there were at least 203 active wildfires nationwide, and the number of out-of-control wildfires was 104. The number of wildfires in the country so far this year has reached 1,723, devouring roughly 22,000 square km of land. An aerial photo released on June 2, 2025 shows smoke rising from a wildfire near the northern British Columbia (B.C.) town of Fort Nelson, Canada. More than 25,000 people have been forced to evacuate from wildfires in Canada, local media reported on Tuesday. According to the reports, more than 9,000 people have been evacuated from northern Saskatchewan, as the province's premier Scott Moe said the number could reach 15,000 in the coming days. The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Center said Tuesday night that there were at least 203 active wildfires nationwide, and the number of out-of-control wildfires was 104. The number of wildfires in the country so far this year has reached 1,723, devouring roughly 22,000 square km of land. (B.C. Wildfire Service/Handout via Xinhua) An aerial photo released on June 2, 2025 shows smoke rising from a wildfire near the northern British Columbia (B.C.) town of Fort Nelson, Canada. More than 25,000 people have been forced to evacuate from wildfires in Canada, local media reported on Tuesday. According to the reports, more than 9,000 people have been evacuated from northern Saskatchewan, as the province's premier Scott Moe said the number could reach 15,000 in the coming days. The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Center said Tuesday night that there were at least 203 active wildfires nationwide, and the number of out-of-control wildfires was 104. The number of wildfires in the country so far this year has reached 1,723, devouring roughly 22,000 square km of land. (B.C. Wildfire Service/Handout via Xinhua) An aerial photo released on June 2, 2025 shows a wildfire near the northern British Columbia (B.C.) town of Fort Nelson, Canada. More than 25,000 people have been forced to evacuate from wildfires in Canada, local media reported on Tuesday. According to the reports, more than 9,000 people have been evacuated from northern Saskatchewan, as the province's premier Scott Moe said the number could reach 15,000 in the coming days. The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Center said Tuesday night that there were at least 203 active wildfires nationwide, and the number of out-of-control wildfires was 104. The number of wildfires in the country so far this year has reached 1,723, devouring roughly 22,000 square km of land. (B.C. Wildfire Service/Handout via Xinhua) He is wanted in the UK on charges relating to smuggling cocaine and heroin Alleged drug trafficker Francis Coggins has been arrested in the Netherlands. The 60-year-old, who was wanted on suspicion of trafficking drugs to the UK was nabbed by Dutch cops outside a residential property in Zandvoort on Tuesday. It comes after he spent five years on the run. He was taken into custody amid ongoing cooperation between the National Crime Agency (NCA), the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU), and the Dutch National Police. Dutch National Police (Getty Images) News in 90 Seconds - 5th June 2025 Coggins, of Huyton, Liverpool, was wanted by the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit on charges related to smuggling heroin and cocaine. He appeared before a court in Amsterdam on Wednesday as extradition proceedings began. He is alleged to head up the Huyton Firm - a large-scale organised crime group involved in drug trafficking, blackmail, contract killing and violent crime. Also known as the Cantril Farm Cartel, he runs the gang alongside his brother Vincent Coggins, who was jailed for 28 years last year. The powerful drug gang rose to prominence in Merseyside following the downfall of other gangs, such as the one headed up by the notorious Curtis Cocky Warren. The gang originated in a small village and grew to gain a feared reputation, commanding respect from other crooks. Their downfall came when French authorities hacked EncroChat, an encrypted messaging service used by criminal organisations to conduct their business. The agency has been working extensively with the ROCU and our international partners to trace Coggins and return him to the UK, Gill Duggan, head of Europe at the NCA said. It does not matter where fugitives go. The agencys reach and strong relationships with international partners mean we will always tenaciously pursue those wanted by law enforcement. Detective Superintendent Zoe Russo from the North West ROCU added: This arrest demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that individuals wanted for serious offences, whether in the UK or abroad, are brought to justice. We work closely with international law enforcement partners to track down and apprehend fugitives, no matter where they try to hide. The message is clear: if you are wanted, we will find you. In news footage at the time they collected the prize, she told reporters the ticket was a birthday present A man is suing his ex-girlfriend after alleging she stole their joint $5 million (3.2 million) winning lottery ticket and ghosted him. Lawrence Campbell from Winnipeg, Canada, filed a lawsuit against his ex, Krystal Ann McKay, as well as Western Canada Lottery Corporation and Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries. The details of the claim were publicised by Canadian news channel CTV. Both McKay and Campell say he bought the winning lotto ticket on January 19th 2024. The couple were said to be in a loyal, committed, and promising relationship at the time. In his lawsuit, the Canadian claims he gave his ex the ticket for safekeeping and forgot about it until he found it on the floor at a friend's home days later. He checked the ticket on his phone and found they had won the jackpot. The pair called friends and family to inform them of their win before they went to a nearby shop to verify that they did indeed have a winning ticket. In the suit, Campbell said that he was unable to collect the winnings because he didnt have a valid government-issued ID. Instead, McKay collected the winnings on their behalf. She also deposited the money in her bank account as Campbell didnt have his own. A news conference held days after the win showed them claiming the winnings, with a massive check written out to McKay. It was really overwhelming, exciting, she told reporters at the time, adding that the ticket was a birthday gift from her boyfriend. She had been asking me for three weeks to get a ticket, but I never went and got one, he chimed in. Then we drove by one, and I was like OK, I might as well go get you one right now. The lawsuit claimed that in the days following her win, McKay failed to return to the hotel room where the couple were staying. Campbell said that he set out to find her at a few of her known spots where she would party and eventually found her in bed, with another guy. At this point she allegedly said she wanted to end their relationship to be with the new guy. Campbell claims she stopped taking his calls and messages, and even blocked him on social media. She also took out an order of protection against him. In the claim, Campbell said he was given bad advice by the the Western Canada Lottery Corporation, who he says failed to warn him about the risks of having someone else sign the winning ticket. Image: CTV News in 90 June 4th McKay allegedly told Campbell she wanted to end their relationship so she could be with the new guy, according to the lawsuit. She then stopped taking Campbells calls and answering his messages, blocked him on social media, and took out an order of protection against him, the lawsuit claimed. Campbell says he was given bad advice, which failed to warn him of the risks of having McKay sign the winning ticket. Her attorney told The Independent that she disputes the allegations made against her in the Statement of Claim adding that she will be filing a Statement of Defence. A memorial wall will be erected so customers can remember Shaun Brady A Mexican restaurant is set to open in the former Irish pub where Tipperary chef Shaun Brady was killed. He was shot at close range in the car park of his restaurant, Brady & Fox, in Brookside, Kansas City on August 28th 2024 as he was taking out rubbish to the bins. The Kansas Star reports that the new Muy Caliente Mexican Grill and Cantina will have a memory wall on display for customers to share photos of both Shaun and the pub. "What happened there with the previous owner, it's very tragic," new owner, Gepsiva Ramos, said. She and her father Noel Ramos are set to run the restaurant together when it opens within the next month. A 15-year-old boy, who is only known as K.H because he is a minor, has been accused of killing the Nenagh native At around 5.15 pm on the day of his death, Brady went to the back of the restaurant to throw out empty boxes when he saw a group of people trying to break into his car. He tried to warn the group off, and as they fled in their vehicle, they got stuck in traffic at the car park exit. A court heard that Brady then approached the car, and the driver got out in a shooters stance before pointing something at him. We just see Brady fall to the ground, homicide detective Clyde Harvey told the court as he described the CCTV footage. According to the prosecution, DNA showed that K.H was the driver of the vehicle. Shaun Brady News in 90 Seconds - 5th June 2025 Last month, a judge ruled that a teenager will be tried as a juvenile, rather than an adult. Jackson County Family Court Administrative Judge Jennifer Phillips set a trial date for September. A juvenile court heard arguments to move K.Ms case to adult court because according to Jackson County authorities it was a vicious, forceful and violent act that endangered the community. The boys attorney described him as a desperate, starving child who was forced to sell drugs from the age of 10 to feed himself and his siblings. He got addicted to narcotic painkiller Percocet when he was just 4-years-old during treatment for cancer. The boy began drinking at age 11 or 12, and tested positive for marjiuana when he was arrested. On one occasion he allegedly pushed his mother down the stairs when she refused to give him money for drugs. On at least two occasions she had to administer Narcan, an antidote for narcotic overdose, to him. The court heard that the only person K.H trusts is his mother, who described him as a generally sweet kid until Covid-19 forced him to stay away from school when he was 11. He ran away, started using drugs and began carrying a weapon. During his childhood he was neglected in every aspect of his life as his parents were addicted to drugs and suffering from mental illness. The court heard K.H has several mental diagnoses, as well as impulse and anger issues. His attorney Kirby Crick said that K.H. should be placed in a juvenile facility to undergo treatment, learn social skills and partake in education. Prison and a felony conviction would lead him further down the path to destruction, Crick said. Tory leader Russell Findlay who had previously linked the Kinahan cartel to Scotlands bloody gang war was speaking after Ross Monaghan and Eddie Lyons Jnr were gunned down in an Irish pub in Spain The feud has been linked to the Kinahan cartel led by Daniel Kinahan A top Scottish politician has called for more resources for police to tackle a reign of narco terror caused by feuding gangs. Tory leader Russell Findlay who had previously linked the Kinahan cartel to Scotlands bloody gang war was speaking after Ross Monaghan and Eddie Lyons Jnr were gunned down in an Irish pub in Spain. The Scottish gangsters were shot to death last Saturday in Fuengirola on the Costa del Sol. On Tuesday, Police Scotland said there was currently no intelligence to suggest the deaths of both men are linked to recent criminal attacks in Scotland. But Mr Findlay said they were active participants in the deadly turf war that has been raging across Scotland since 2001. Whether the gangland assassinations were ordered from Scotland or directly linked to the ongoing drugs war in Scotland should be established by the Spanish police along with their UK colleagues, Mr Findlay said. The police know the identity of the millionaire crime bosses, their violent foot soldiers and their white collar enablers. Dangerously complacent SNP ministers need to give officers the tools they need to end this reign of narco terror being inflicted on Scottish communities. The feud has been linked to the Kinahan cartel led by Daniel Kinahan According to MailOnline, Police Scotland estimate that there are 68 known organised crime groups in Scotland with 13 in Glasgow. Ross Monaghan and Eddie Lyons Jnr were ambushed as the senior members of the Lyons crime clan watched the Champions League Final on TV. Holidaymakers watched in horror as a masked hitman stormed into Monaghan Irish pub, owned by Monaghan, and shot them both at point-blank range. It followed weeks of attacks on their associates, including a 12-year-old boy and pensioners by gangsters from the rival Daniels crime group. MP Russell Findlay Footage released of the shooting of two men in Monaghan's Irish bar in Spain In the wake of the killings, a Police Scotland spokesman said: There is currently no intelligence to suggest the deaths of these two men in Spain are linked to the recent criminal attacks in Scotland being investigated as part of Operation Portaledge. Any misinformation or speculation linking the events in Spain are not helpful to the ongoing investigations in either country. There is also nothing to suggest that the shooting in Fuengirola was planned from within Scotland. The mayor of Fuengirola, Ana Mula, has said the Spanish resort is ill-equipped to tackle serious crime following a number of deadly shootings in the area. She has demanded more resources and police specialised in organised crime to improve the response to the growing phenomenon of gang fights related to drug trafficking on the Costa del Sol. In May 2022, Scottish MP Findlay described how the Kinahan crime cartel, that had just been sanctioned by the US Government, was working in partnership with the feared Glasgow-based Lyons gang. The former crime journalist revealed how the Kinahans were described as almost a "Scottish-Irish mob" as the connections were so strong between them. In October 2022, senior crime buster Gerry McLean, claimed that dismantling the Kinahan cartel from the top would help reduce gangland activity in Scotland. McLean, Regional Head of Investigations at the National Crime Agency, said that focusing on the Irish mobs leading figures would have a much greater impact than targeting smaller groups associated with the Kinahans. So far more than 40 people have been arrested as part of Operation Portaledge that is investigating a suspected gang feud linked with a number of shootings, fire bombings and assaults in the Glasgow and Edinburgh areas since March. It has previously been reported how the Daniel clan has been locked in a violent power battle with their deadly enemies, the Lyons gang, which has been fuelled by the Kinahan Cartel. According to the Daily Record, the Daniel crime clan has been targeted by Dubai-based gangster Ross Mr Big McGill who has been waging war on them since March. The feud spread to Glasgow when the Daniel mob became targets because of their close association with Edinburgh kingpin Mark Richardson who ripped Mr Big off in a 500k cocaine deal. Ex-Rangers ultra McGill has reportedly offered 100,000 bounties on his top targets, a source told the Record. Both Michael and Thomas Galbraith had been wanted by police who are investigating an incident in Nuneaton, Warwickshire on May 9 Two Irishmen have been arrested and charged with attempted murder in the UK. Michael Galbraith (26) and 23-year-old Thomas Galbraith, both of Woodside Park in Ryton-on-Dunsmore, were arrested on Tuesday, June 3, and charged on the same day. They appeared before Coventry Magistrates Court yesterday and have been remanded in custody. They will next appear at Warwick Crown Court on June 20. Both Michael and Thomas Galbraith had been wanted by police who are investigating an incident in Nuneaton, Warwickshire on May 9. Two other men, James Galbraith and Anthony Galbraith, are to appear before at the same court on the same day. Michael and Thomas Galbraith News in 90 June 4th James Galbraith (28) from Limerick has already been charged with attempted murder in connection to the same incident, although Warwickshire Police has not released any details. Anthony Galbraith (20) of Woodside Park was also charged with attempted murder and remanded in custody. Investigating police had earlier released mug shots of Michael Galbraith and 23-year-old Thomas Galbraith after it was believed they had fled the area. Police had urged anyone who had seen them to call 999 straight away. "Both have links with Warwickshire, West Midlands, Kent, Bedfordshire and the south of the Republic of Ireland," a Warwickshire Police spokesperson said previously. On May 22, more than 100 officers from across the country took part in a major raid on a halting site in Woodside Park, near Ryton on Dunsmore, in a significant pre-planned operation. As well as James Galbraith, police also arrested a 30-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy on suspicion of theft as part of an investigation into shop thefts totalling around 25,000 of stolen goods. A 39-year-old man was also taken into custody on suspicion of theft after suspected stolen goods were found in a caravan. In addition, a 44-year-old man was arrested for failing to appear in court for drug driving offences and a 52-year-old man for failing to appear in court for a case of grievous bodily harm. The seventh arrest was that of a 34-year-old man on suspicion of immigration offences. Several vehicles suspected to have been stolen, used in crime or having false documents have also been seized. Police say that four people, who they believe to be victims of criminal exploitation, have been 'safeguarded' and are being supported by specialist officers. Chief Superintendent Jon Belcher told Coventry Live: "This was a coordinated, multi-agency operation using specialist national resources. "This came about because of ongoing concerns raised by our communities, and we want to send a clear message: We will not tolerate criminality. We will work with our partners to use every power and tactic available to pursue and disrupt offenders. "We will work to protect and support law-abiding residents, both on the site and elsewhere, as we continue to pursue those who are involved in criminal behaviour. "We again apologise for the impact this had on our patients and visitors. This positive development is further evidence of the excellent criminal justice cooperation between the governments of the UAE and Ireland McGovern was flown by the Irish Air Corps from Dubai and brought to court in Dublin under Garda escort The minister for justice in the United Arab Emirates has hailed the police forces of both countries following the recent extradition of Kinahan chief Sean McGovern to Ireland. Abdullah bin Sultan Al Nuaimi and Minister of Justice Jim OCallaghan spoke by phone following the extradition of the Irish national, who is accused of murder and involvement in a criminal organisation. It followed a decision issued by the Dubai Court of Cassation after McGovern had spent eight months in prison in Dubai. According to a statement issued by the UAE, both ministers emphasised that the extradition underscores a firm and ongoing joint commitment to upholding the rule of law and fostering international cooperation. It reflects the strong relationship between the UAE and Ireland, our continued collaboration in the pursuit of international justice and a shared determination to ensure that justice is served, the statement reads. This positive development is further evidence of the excellent criminal justice cooperation between the governments of the UAE and Ireland and highlights our joint dedication to ensuring that criminal prosecutions may be brought against those who attempt to evade justice. Both ministers commended the Dubai Police and gardai for their ongoing engagement and commitment to enhancing police-to-police cooperation, recognising their vital role in joint efforts to combat the global threat of organised crime. The two sides emphasised the importance of continued collaboration and joint initiatives between their respective police agencies to promote security, uphold the rule of law, and safeguard justice across borders. McGovern was flown by the Irish Air Corps from Dubai and brought to court in Dublin under Garda escort Senior Kinahan gang member McGovern is back in Ireland after what has been described as a complicated and secretive extradition process. Gardai believed he was being returned home on a couple of other occasions in recent months, only for legal issues to arise at the last minute. The 39-year-old Dubliner is one of cartel leader Daniel Kinahans closest confidants. The leadership of the Kinahan cartel, including Daniel, his father Christy Sr and brother Christopher Jr, remain in Dubai. The Kinahans are not panicking over McGoverns extradition and have no plans to flee Dubai, according to garda intelligence. Theyve no plans to flee, and if they did, we would be able to find them because of international co-operation, a source said. Sean McGovern News in 90 Seconds - 5th June 2025 Gardai are awaiting a direction from the DPP on whether Daniel Kinahan and other members of his family should face a range of criminal charges, including leadership of an organised crime gang. The state prosecutor has been considering an extensive garda file on Daniel Kinahan and other senior cartel members for two years. It could be a good sign there is no direction yet. It means the DPP is very thoroughly looking at it, the source said. As first reported in the Sunday World last year, the proposed extradition of McGovern was seen as a test case for plans to eventually attempt to return Daniel Kinahan to Ireland to face charges. The source pointed out that navigating the extradition process for McGovern would prove very helpful if gardai make attempts to extradite Daniel Kinahan. The extradition process for Sean McGovern was challenging. Due process had to take place, which meant a lot of legal issues had to be overcome, the source said. A good relationship was developed with authorities in the United Arab Emirates and there was a significant amount of help from Interpol on this case too, but it was a secretive process and very different to our own. It is understood gardai did not receive regular updates on developments in Dubai in relation to McGoverns planned extradition and instead had to trust the process. Meanwhile, the father-of-twos journey home on a military aircraft that made a number of stops en route passed off without incident. McGoverns partner and the mother of his two children is expected to return to Ireland from Dubai. McGovern, formerly of Kildare Road, Crumlin, is the most senior member of the Kinahan crime group to be charged before the Irish courts. He appeared in the Special Criminal Court last Thursday evening, shortly after arriving in Ireland. He is charged with the murder of Noel Kirwan (62) at St Ronans Drive, Clondalkin, Dublin, on December 22, 2016. Kirwan was shot dead as he sat in his car with his partner in the driveway of her home. He was not involved in the feud, but was targeted after being spotted beside Gerry The Monk Hutch at a funeral. McGovern is also charged with directing a criminal organisation involved in the conspiracy to murder a rival gangster. The alleged offences were carried out as part of the Hutch-Kinahan feud, which claimed up to 18 lives in Ireland and abroad. Earlier this year, Deputy Healy Rae was appointed as Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with special responsibility for Forestry A Government Minister for State, Michael Healy Rae TD (Ind) owned property management firm linked to the Kerry TDs Rosemont guesthouse accommodating Ukrainians recorded bumper post tax profits of 465,860 in 2023. Earlier this year, Deputy Healy Rae was appointed as Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with special responsibility for Forestry. Now, new accounts filed by Minister Healy Raes Roughty Properties Ltd show that it recorded the 465,860 post tax profit in its first year in operation from the date of incorporation for the 12 month 23 day period from May 9th 2022 to May 31st 2023. The abridged accounts dont disclose revenues but they do show that at the end of May 2023, the companys cash funds totalled 555,933. The overdue accounts were filed after a district court order dated May 13th last extended time in which the annual return could be lodged with the Companies Office. The annual return shows that Minister Healy Rae owns 100pc of the share capital of the company. The Kerry TD's entry in the Dail Register of Members' Interests state that the main activity of Roughty Properties Ltd is 'management of rental properties'. In the register, Minister Healy Rae describes himself as an owner of rental properties and his entry lists 17 separate properties for letting including 14 houses. Separate figures published by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth show that Minister Healy Raes Rosemont House in Tralee has received 1.22m over two years and three months to the end of December last. In 2022, Kerry County Council refused planning permission to Minister Healy Raes Roughty Properties Ltd's planning application for a three storey extension to expand guest capacity at Rosemont Guest House. The new accounts confirm that the Roughty property firm is now Minister Healy Raes most profitable enterprise. Minister Michael Healy-Rae News in 90 Seconds - 5th June 2025 Separate accounts filed earlier this year by Minister Healy Raes plant hire firm, Roughty Plant Hire Ltd show that its accumulated profits increased by 74,887 from 734,024 to 808,911 in the 12 months to the end of April 2024. The post tax 74,887 profit at the plant hire services business for the 12 months was an 80pc increase on the 41,415 post tax profit for the prior 12 months. During the 12 months the companys cash funds more than doubled from 198,748 to 434,224. Numbers employed at the Kilgarvan based business during the year declined from 12 to five. Separate accounts for another Michael Healy Rae firm which operates a fuel station and grocery shop in Kilgarvan show that it recorded post tax losses of 26,986 last year. Accounts for Black Cap & Company Ltd show that the firm recorded the post tax losses of 26,986 in the 12 months to the end of April 2024 are down sharply on the post tax losses of 67,583 in the prior year. Last year, numbers employed by the business declined by one to 15, including directors. The company operates from a building housing a shop at Kilgarvan village. Deputy Healy-Raes entry to the Dails members register of interests lists his other occupations as postmaster, farmer, service station owner and owner of rental properties. The Kerry deputy also has shares in the New York Times. Deputy Healy Rae also has 146 acres of farmland/forestry. The group left the country on a chartered flight which left Dublin Airport for Nigeria last night Nine women and five children were among 35 people deported from the State yesterday. The group left the country on a chartered flight which left Dublin Airport for Nigeria last night. The children were all part of family groups, gardai confirmed. A spokesperson said in a statement; Yesterday, Wednesday 4th June 2025, the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) of An Garda Siochana carried out an operation removing individuals from the State. The operation resulted in the removal of 35 individuals (21 males and nine females and five children). An Garda Siochana continues to work closely with the Department of Justice in implementing immigration policy. Stock image News in 90 Seconds - 5th June 2025 It is said her bio on her page read, good teacher gone badreally bad', and made reference to posting big t**s and sexy tight body photos every couple of days Buchan also claims she received a flood of support from pupils since she was exposed A teacher who was making a reported 60,000 a month selling X-rated pictures on OnlyFans says she has received a flood of support from pupils after he was exposed. Kirsty Buchan (34) risks being struck off the teaching register after her saucy sideline was revealed. The physics teacher who claimed she only started to post images to make money amid a pay row, has already been forced to quit her role at Bannerman High School in Glasgow. Glasgow City Council launched a probe into Ms Buchan and referred the case to the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS). The mother-of-one is now set to go before a disciplinary panel where she faces three allegations. Kirsty Buchan News in 90 Seconds - 5th June 2025 The GTCS allege that between 2022 and 2023 she set up an OnlyFans page using the moniker 'Jessica Jackrabbitx' and used the profile to sell explicit photos and videos. It is said her bio on her page read, good teacher gone badreally bad', and made reference to posting big t**s and sexy tight body photos every couple of days. She is also accused of failing to ensure that her profile could not be accessed by any member of the public including those under 18 without them needing to log in or subscribe to the adults-only site. The GTCS claim her actions were lacking in integrity, failed to take steps to stop her being identified and risked bringing the profession into disrepute. It is said her fitness to teach is impaired' and that she is unfit to teach. However, Buchan, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, who, it is claimed gave a newspaper interview in December 2022 while still employed at the school, previously defended her decision to join OnlyFans. "You can hate me if you want, she said. I dont like narrow-minded people who make judgments on folk they dont truly know. I have an everyday womans body and dont mind showing my flaws. This is about standing up for my story and OnlyFans and promoting feeling good about yourself. Buchan also claims she received a flood of support from pupils since she was exposed Im not looking for the world, just to be able to provide for my son. Buchan also claims she received a flood of support from pupils since she was exposed. Pupils posted messages in support of the former science teacher in 2022 in which they called for her to be reinstated. One pupil was reported by The Mirror as writing on Instagram: 'Just want to let you know that we are all so grateful for everything you did for each and every one of us individually. You made the school worth going to, and God knows how were all going to cope without you? I wish you the best of luck in the future and hopefully dont forget about us. A virtual hearing is set to take place next week. WARNING: This story contains graphic images A Kiwi mum is warning parents to stay vigilant when flying after her sons index finger was severely cut during a flight from Auckland to Singapore. The family were two hours into a 10-hour Singapore Airlines flight from Auckland to Singapores Changi Airport on May 1, when they heard their 18-month-old son scream in pain. I turned around and was like, Whats happening? I dont even know whats going on, the mum, who asked not to be named, told the Herald. The family were seated in a bassinet row where tray tables are located in the armrest and fold out. Unbeknownst to the mother of two, her 5-year-old son had accidentally shut his infant brothers index finger in the pop-up tray table mechanism. My oldest was getting his tray table out, and my youngest was walking around and stuck his finger in the hole where the tray table comes out, the mother explained. I couldnt get his finger out. And then finally realised that I had to lift up the flat part to get it back into the hole and got it. Once she released the finger, she saw it had not only been crushed, but there was a massive cut through the tip of his finger. The finger when cleaned at the doctor's. Their son immediately began to scream and flight attendants came to assist, however, the mother claims one of the flight attendants poured a packet of sugar on the injury to stop the bleeding. She claims another flight attendant then bandaged up her sons entire hand, and eventually they were able to settle him for a short sleep before he woke, bleeding and distressed, and another passenger offered help. I think the adrenaline wore off he just woke up, and hes screaming because he was in pain. Then we realised theres a man behind us who was travelling with his daughter, and he gave us some Pamol and then he calmed down a bit. A bandage was placed on the toddler's hand by airline staff. The family claim the airline eventually also offered pain relief and suggested they could page a doctor if the bleeding went through the bandage. The mother says the family were not only trying to make their son feel better, but also were conscious of the experience for other passengers and felt embarrassed. Im wanting my son to be okay and comfortable and not in pain. But ... also, youre super conscious that youre keeping up the entire flight. When their flight landed in Singapore, the boys mum claims the crew promised an airport buggy would be waiting to transport them to the medical clinic, after they were held back to fill out some paperwork on the plane. But she says when they finally got off, there was no buggy or staff, despite repeated promises. No one knew what we were talking about. There was no one there for us, the mother tells the Herald. She says eventually they found a member of ground staff who helped them find a medical clinic so their son could be seen. We had to rush through the airport, basically because wed wasted more time, and we had to get our next flight and back from the clinic. The family were on the first leg of their journey from Auckland to London, where they were travelling for a family wedding. They were seen by a doctor who glued and bandaged the finger, at a cost of $400, before racing to their flight. The family were eventually seen by a doctor, who glued and bandaged the 1-year-old's finger. Back home a month later, the mother says her son is still recovering from the injury, but is doing well. Hell have a scar on the tip of the finger, his nail has come off, but that will grow back, I think. I dont know if he will have feeling in that fingertip I dont know if its nerve damage. Having also had time to process what occurred on the flight, the mother says she is speaking out to serve as a warning, hoping to prevent it happening to another family. My main message is just if youre in the situation, make sure you watch your kids when theyre putting out the tray tables, make sure theres no little hands around. She also believes airlines have their part to play in keeping tamariki safe too. Urge parents to keep their kids fingers and toes away. They need to do that before the flight takes off, or even just have a sticker or a sign in that area to watch out, she added. On the familys flight home with Air New Zealand, she says crew gave a PA announcement before meal services about keeping childrens fingers clear of tray tables She claims she did not hear a warning on the Singapore Airlines flight. Singapore Airlines does not have specific warnings on board around tray tables. In response to the Heralds inquiries about the incident and the mothers claims, Singapore Airlines said it sincerely apologises to the family. Our cabin crew immediately administered first aid to the passenger after they were alerted to the incident, and checked on him and his family regularly during the flight. We are in contact with the family to provide the necessary assistance, and wish the affected passenger a speedy recovery. The airline added that the safety and well-being of our customers and crew is our utmost priority. A staff member demonstrates the autonomous parking function inside an Avatar vehicle during the Road Safety Week events in Bangkok, Thailand, June 4, 2025. Chinese carmakers took center stage at an exhibition on Wednesday during the Road Safety Week events organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) in Bangkok, presenting their latest models supported by world-leading intelligent driving technologies and systems. (Xinhua/Sun Weitong) BANGKOK, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese carmakers took center stage at an exhibition on Wednesday during the Road Safety Week events organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) in Bangkok, presenting their latest models supported by world-leading intelligent driving technologies and systems. Several leading Chinese carmakers in Thailand -- Changan Automobile, GAC Group, BYD, and Great Wall Motor -- joined global peers like Mercedes-Benz and Land Rover to showcase advanced driver-assistance systems through static displays and dynamic demonstrations, including features such as adaptive cruise control and automatic parking. The exhibition attracted more than 100 delegates from international organizations and national regulators, including the ESCAP and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the European Union, Germany, the United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, to experience first-hand how Chinese intelligent driving technologies are being deployed to address road safety challenges. Richard Damm, chairman of the Working Party on Automated/Autonomous and Connected Vehicles under UNECE, said China has contributed to the sharing of information and regulatory cooperation. "It's very much appreciated that the colleagues from the Chinese government and the industry partners are contributing by sharing information and developing related regulations," he told Xinhua. By introducing new technology related to autonomous driving to the market, Chinese carmakers have fostered competition that would bring innovation, which would also help improve road safety, said Damm. During relevant meetings at the Road Safety Week, China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology organized participation of key China automotive institutions, including the China Automotive Technology and Research Center, to present technical proposals related to autonomous driving, driver-assistance systems, and data security, which highlighted China's progress in both technology development and standard-developing, attracting strong interest from global participants. Richard Damm, chairman of the Working Party on Automated/Autonomous and Connected Vehicles under UNECE, speaks during an interview with Xinhua at the Road Safety Week events in Bangkok, Thailand, June 4, 2025. Chinese carmakers took center stage at an exhibition on Wednesday during the Road Safety Week events organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) in Bangkok, presenting their latest models supported by world-leading intelligent driving technologies and systems. (Xinhua/Sun Weitong) A staff member demonstrates the barrier-free design of a GAC M8 PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) vehicle during the Road Safety Week events in Bangkok, Thailand, June 4, 2025. Chinese carmakers took center stage at an exhibition on Wednesday during the Road Safety Week events organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) in Bangkok, presenting their latest models supported by world-leading intelligent driving technologies and systems. (Xinhua/Sun Weitong) A Denza Z9 GT vehicle is seen during the Road Safety Week events in Bangkok, Thailand, June 4, 2025. Chinese carmakers took center stage at an exhibition on Wednesday during the Road Safety Week events organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) in Bangkok, presenting their latest models supported by world-leading intelligent driving technologies and systems. (Xinhua/Sun Weitong) Priority One chief executive Nigel Tutt will leave the organisation to take up a new role as managing director of Stuff Digital. Tutt has led Priority One, the Western Bay of Plentys economic development organisation, since 2016. He will leave in August. He said his decision was not taken lightly. Its been highly rewarding working with our members to further the interests of the Western Bay, particularly during a period of exceptional growth that has outpaced much of the country, even through some of the most challenging times. The region has shown resilience, momentum, ambition, and is a place that has an exciting future ahead as it continues to grow. Ill miss the Priority One team and board, who are unwavering in their commitment to this great part of Aotearoa. Former Bay of Plenty MP Todd Muller is now chairman of Priority One. Photo / George Novak Priority One chairman Todd Muller said Tutt has much to be proud of. Under Nigels leadership, Priority One has worked exceptionally hard to improve the Western Bay of Plenty economy, with economic outcomes among the best of all regions in New Zealand. Priority One has also rolled out some significant and impactful actions over this period, such as the Tauranga CBD Blueprint, Mount Maunganui Industry Environmental Accord, Ara Rau Skills and Employment Pathways, and notable sustainability and innovation initiatives, to name a few." Muller said the organisation was well-positioned for the future, particularly focused on gaining investment in regional infrastructure, which was needed for future growth and community wellbeing. Alongside this, we have a very strong membership base and support from local councils and funders, leading to an unparalleled ability to get things done for our community. Priority Ones board has begun the search for a new chief executive. -Contributed content Former Weekend Sun journalist Georgia Minkhorst is keeping her passion of writing alive by making music in Scotland. The Tauranga-born woman, who goes by Georgia Mink as her artists name, is debuting her first single, Sweet Sanguine, on Friday. Wanting an escape from their scummy hostel in London with faulty plumbing and a bed bug notice, Mink and Maya Payne, a close friend from university, decided they needed some way to escape, so they put on a comfort movie: Twilight. I remember saying to Maya: Ugh, I just want a vampire to bite me in the neck! Everyone knows thats the fastest and most realistic way to get change in your life, right? Anyway, I came up with the melody for sweet sanguine that same night. Inspired by the film, Mink started to think up lyrics. Thats where it all started, in this scummy hostel, just wanting a change and wanting to be in my sparkly fun time of life, 26-year-old Mink said. They eventually moved out of the sh**ty hostel and caught a train to Glasgow, Scotland. Catching a train out of London and finding their feet in Glasgow, ideas for the song continued to flow. Tauranga artist Georgia Minkhorst started her music career while spending time in Scotland, where she was inspired by the gothic architecture and Bram Stokers 1897 novel Dracula. Photo / Maya Payne Surrounded by gothic architecture and locations that inspired Bram Stokers 1897 novel Dracula, Mink became inspired to write a soft rock, indie, ethereal song about vampires and new beginnings. Theres so much stunning gothic architecture in Scotland that makes it easy to romanticise everyday life. Coming from New Zealand, I just get so awestruck by the old churches, castles and towers. It feels like youve stepped back in time or on a movie set. I also love the 1992 film Bram Stokers Dracula and was drawing on that when thinking about the songs imagery. He [Stoker] was from Ireland, but he was said to be holidaying in Scotland when he wrote some of the novel Dracula. A lot of it was inspired by Scotland. Draculas castle was apparently inspired by a castle near Cruden Bay. Georgia Mink's single 'Sweet Sanguine' is inspired by Dracula and gothic romance. Photo / Maya Payne She wanted to draw on the gothic romantic aesthetic of the story and film. Mink told Payne, from Christchurch, that she enjoyed singing and writing lyrics, and she encouraged her to record and release her own song. Ive always loved singing, coming up with melodies and poetry. Maya was the one who encouraged me to put myself out there creatively in this way. Shes got a great musical ear too, so I was super grateful to have her giving me vocal notes and feedback with the song. Mink wrote the songs lyrics and came up with a melody before getting in touch with producers and songwriters Johnny Madden and David Milne, and watched as the song built. So, what does sanguine actually mean? Ive been obsessed with this word for a while. Its about having a bright outlook when youre in a tough situation, but also means blood or blood-red. So, it was perfect to capture the songs meanings. Although a lot of my songs lyrics have this vampiric romanticism going on, the song is really about desperately wanting positive change in your life and seizing it when the opportunity arises. Johnny and David were adding different instruments and sounds, the whole process is really fun and satisfying. Mink has enjoyed the lead-up to the release of her first single and has been posting teasers on her Instagram @itsgeorgiamink. Its had its first little radio spin over here on the BBC in Scotland. Theres a segment called BBC Introducing where they put out new tunes from new artists. That was cool. To listen to Minks debut in Scotland, go to the BBC Introducing in Scotland episode at the time 41:53 to listen. It played on the BBC Introducing last Friday. The day after the release, she plans to take a getaway to a Scottish festival to celebrate. Then she plans on getting straight back into making more music and eventually creating an EP (extended play) of five songs. Mink will debut her first single Sweet Sanguine on Friday, June 6, on Spotify, YouTube and SoundCloud at 10am NZT. Put AI to work EU must strengthen its productivity growth a key message in former ECB President Mario Draghis report on Europes future competitiveness. In short: more needs to be produced with fewer working hours. The EUs digital regulatory framework has developed rapidly often with good intentions such as increased security and strengthened privacy. But in practice, they have developed into a thicket of overlapping requirements and unclear delimitations. This complexity hampers innovation and creates legal uncertainty for businesses across Europe. Carola Ekblad och Carolina Branby, experts in Digital policy. Photo : Stefan Tell / HEFEI, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong has called for all-out efforts to ensure a bumper summer harvest and lay solid groundwork for autumn grain production, with the aim of achieving the country's annual grain output target. Liu, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during an investigation and research tour of east China's Anhui Province from Tuesday to Thursday. During his tour, Liu inspected the progress of summer harvesting and planting work while learning about local efforts to breed new crop varieties, increase per-unit yields on a large scale, stabilize the supply and pricing of agricultural materials, and develop high-standard farmland. Emphasizing the importance of the current period for summer harvesting, planting and field management work, Liu highlighted the urgency of organizing cross-regional agricultural machinery operations. He also stressed the need to ensure steady summer grain purchases, bolster the supply of agricultural materials and improve farming services. It is crucial to evaluate the potential risks of various disasters that could affect agricultural production and to develop emergency response plans, Liu said. He also emphasized the need to strengthen the development of high-standard farmland and address deficiencies in drainage facilities. Efforts should also be made to enhance weather forecasting and risk warning systems and to ensure the scientific utilization of water conservancy projects, with the aim of laying a solid foundation for the stabilization and increase of grain production, he added. An aerial view of the GlobalFoundries computer chip plant in Malta, N.Y. The company wants to triple its production capacity by building a second plant. GlobalFoundries photo Larry Rulison, Times Union, Albany, N.Y. (TNS) MALTA GlobalFoundries announced Wednesday that it will spend an additional $3 billion to expand its artificial intelligence chipmaking capabilities at its factories in Saratoga County and Essex Junction, Vt. The new spending will be made on top of the $13 billion that GlobalFoundries committed to last year under the U.S. governments CHIPS for America subsidy program, which included a $1.5 billion federal grant to the company. The new investment, which the company said was due in part to collaboration with the Trump administration and other leading technology companies, does not appear to come with any federal aid attached. Indeed, GlobalFoundries, which increasingly goes by the name GF, said the additional spending is a response to the explosive growth in artificial intelligence, which is accelerating demand for next-generation semiconductors across multiple business sectors. The Malta-based chipmaker also noted that the investment is needed for its collaboration with customers such as Apple, SpaceX, AMD, Qualcomm, NXP and General Motors. The announcement also said the new $3 billion in spending at its two U.S. chip factories, or fabs, is part of the efforts by the Trump administration to urge companies to move manufacturing from offshore sites back to the U.S., a policy also supported by the administration of former President Joe Biden. At GlobalFoundries, we are proud to partner with pioneering technology leaders to manufacture their chips in the United Statesadvancing innovation while strengthening economic and supply chain resiliency," Tim Breen, GlobalFoundries CEO said in a statement. The AI revolution is driving strong, durable demand for GFs technologies that enable tomorrows data centers...With all these technologies and more manufactured right here in the U.S., GF is proud to play its part in accelerating Americas semiconductor leadership. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick praised the additional investment by GlobalFoundries, which is planning to build its second factory in Malta, which is the site of its global headquarters. No additional jobs were announced as part of Wednesdays announcement. President Trump has made it a fundamental objective to bring semiconductor manufacturing home to America. Our partnership with GlobalFoundries will secure U.S. semiconductor foundry capacity and technology capabilities for future generations, Lutnick said in a statement. U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer also praised the additional investment by GlobalFoundries. Schumer, a Democrat from Brooklyn, helped to author the $52 billion CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 that provided GlobalFoundries and other chipmakers with billions of dollars in federal grants to entice the firms to reinvest in U.S. chip factories. The Trump administration has used tariffs on imports as a stick to get the same firms to return manufacturing operations to the U.S. GlobalFoundries is writing the future of American chip making right here in the Capital Region. With this additional $3 billion investment, GlobalFoundries is making a whopping $16 billion total investment spurred by my CHIPS (law) and is doubling down on upstate New York as Americas semiconductor epicenter, Schumer said in a statement. Soon, Americas AI future, and the next generation of the top chips that power everything from cellphones to cars, will be made in upstate New York from start to finish. 2025 the Times Union (Albany, N.Y.) . Visit www.timesunion.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Blue fumes fill the air from a diesel generator outside the American High studio in Liverpool during the filming of its latest movie in June 2025. Liverpool Code Enforcement American High is responding after neighbors in Liverpool, N.Y., complained about the movie studios use of an outdoor generator. The village of Liverpool is threatening to fine American High $1,000 a day for each day the production company runs the generator. Village code enforcement officer Bill Reagan said hes received multiple complaints from residents in the neighborhood about the generators noise and fumes since the production company began using it for lights, camera and other equipment, including during overnight scenes, last week. American High founder and CEO Jeremy Garelick responded in an open letter posted on social media Thursday. Let me start by saying: I hear you. And I understand why youre upset, Garelick wrote. The generator we used during our recent shoot was loud, disruptive, and violated the agreement we made with the village. Our permit clearly prohibits outdoor generators, and we continued using one, even after receiving cease and desist orders. That was wrong. I take full responsibility and sincerely apologize for the impact this has caused. Garelick said hes sought to be a good neighbor and build something Central New York can be proud of. He bought the former A.V. Zogg Middle School (and Liverpool high school) For $1 million in 2017 to make low-budget teen films. The company is currently in production on American Highs 21st movie a college-set comedy starring Gaten Matarazzo (Stranger Things) and Sean Giambrone (The Goldbergs) and has invested more than $15 million in local payroll, created nearly 6,000 jobs and trained more than 900 students and interns at its film school, Garelick said. But being a good neighbor isnt about statsits about respect. And this week, we fell short," Garelick said. Reagan told syracuse.com | The Post-Standard that an attorney for American High said the studio would stop using the generator, but hasnt. Reagan said the building should have enough electrical service to power lights and other equipment, but would require installing hookups. It shows he has no respect for the neighbors whatsoever, Reagan said of Garelick. Garelick said the studio made a mistake prioritizing other repairs, including plumbing, fire safety and the roof, before permanent electrical hookups. Garelick said theyre now fast-tracking the installation of permanent power infrastructure to be completed within the next 60 days. Blue smoke from a diesel generator fills the air outside the American High movie studio in Liverpool on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. (Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.com) Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.com A notice left on neighbors doors by the studio states that filming will take place at American Highs building, also known as Syracuse Studios, for nine more days this month. Scenes will also be filmed at other locations in the Syracuse area. American High previously drew complaints from neighbors over the use of tractor-trailer trucks late at night in 2022, and even threatened to move out of Liverpool in 2020 when Reagan demanded sprinklers be installed to meet state fire codes. The studio reached a compromise over the latter by installing fire walls with help from an Onondaga County grant. Garelick, whos worked on films like Murder Mystery 2, The Wedding Ringer, The Break-Up, and The Hangover, said American High would work with the village to ensure the company operates within its permit and does not cause further disruption. Moving forward, were committed to doing better. Well communicate more directly with residents, listen more actively, and work harder to make American High a source of pride, not frustration, Garelick wrote. We love this town. Were grateful to be part of it. And were here for the long haulnot just to make films, but to be good neighbors. Thank you for your patience, your feedback, and your honesty. Were listening. And were committed to making things right. Celebrate all things "Oz" at Chittenango's annual Oz-Stravaganza parade this weekend. Lauren Long / The Post-Standard Lauren Long Though its been 125 years since author L. Frank Baum introduced the world to the wonderful Wizard of Oz, the fascination for it shows no sign of slowing down. Lovers of the stories and characters will find theres no place like Oz-Stravaganza, the longest running and largest Oz festival, which takes place this Friday through Sunday. This is the 48th year of the annual family-friendly event featuring attractions and activities at various locations around the village of Chittenango, Baums birthplace and childhood hometown. Oz-Stravaganza remains free to attend, drawing an average of more than 20,000 people each year from across the United States and other countries. The International L. Frank Baum & All Things Oz Historical Foundation produces Oz-Stravaganza. It just never ceases to amaze me that I live in this little, tiny village of maybe 5,000 people, and this one week of the year I meet people from Sweden and Japan and Saudi Arabia. Its just incredible, said Mark Sample, the Emerald City Park vendor coordinator and secretary of the historical foundation. A copy of the first edition of "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" by Frank Baum. Syracuse Post-Standard Syracuse Post-Standard This years theme is Ease on Down the Wicked Road, providing nods to the 50th anniversary of Broadway musical The Wiz and the 30th anniversary of Gregory Maguires book Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, which was adapted into a Broadway musical and two films. This weekend, the All Things Oz Museum will unveil its latest acquisitions: a lion costume from the 1975 Broadway production of The Wiz and the publishers proof of Maguires book, annotated with the authors notes, donated by Maguire. NBCUniversal has sent some props and costumes from last years Wicked film. Sample said the museum recently was given a first-edition copy of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by one of Baums great-grandsons. Our primary demographic for years was people over 40. And now were seeing all these children coming into the museum to see about Wicked because theyre interested in that. And now theyre learning about the original book, and the 1939 movie and all the other aspects of Oz that we have in our museum, said Sample. All Things Oz Museum is open throughout the festival with tours beginning on the hour ($12 admission, children 10 and under are free). The museum regularly rotates the items on view, usually showing about 1,500-1,700 pieces at any given time; the collection includes more than 17,000 items. These rare Waddle Book figures are part of the All Things Oz Museum's permanent collection. The figures came with an inclined yellow brick road and they waddle down it. SYR Oz-Stravaganzas official host is John Fricke, leading Oz and Judy Garland historian and author. Each year, the organizers secure several special guests who participate in Q&A sessions and sign autographs. This years grand marshal is Dr. Gita Dorothy Morena, Baums great-granddaughter. New to the festival circuit is Vanessa ONeil, Judy Garlands granddaughter, who has embarked on a mission to share Garlands influence with the public. Other guests include George N. Makrinos, pen name Gabriel Gale, creator of The Ages of Oz book series and a new book of illustrations, The Art of Oz, and Michael Williams, a director, cinematographer and producer known for OzLand and The Atoning. Although the festival officially starts on Friday, All Things Oz Museum members can attend a 10th anniversary screening of OzLand hosted by Williams at the Manlius Cinema Thursday night. A very limited number of public tickets are available. Award-winning Broadway composer Steve Margoshes will also join the festivities; he was inspired to write Oz-themed songs after attending a past Oz-Stravaganza and will perform them at the event. Its really interesting to hear the stories and their history and their relations to Oz, Sample said of the special guests. Sometimes they even perform. You never know whats going to happen. Oz-Stravaganza! An annual three-day event celebrating everything Oz. Parades, costume contests, rides, special guests and more! SYR The three days include activities such as amusement rides, the Baums Bazaar Gift Shop, a coloring contest, an all-ages costume contest, the kids Munchkin Mile Fun Run and Totos Toddler Trot, and a history exhibit. The Authors & Artists Alley features creatives who make Oz-centric work. Friday night offers fireworks and Sunday closes with a special ceremony. A new feature this year, on Saturday from 10 a.m. until around 3 p.m., is the Professor Marvel Campsite with a replica wagon, food vendors and Buddy the Clown doing balloon twisting. The Girl Scouts will be making custom t-shirts. For a more spacious experience, the special guests and the silent auction will be in separate tents this year. The big draw is the parade, which steps off at 2 p.m. Saturday from the Sullivan Free Library. Anyone is costume is welcome to walk in the parade, Sample said. Oz-Stravaganza, a celebration of the Wizard of Oz books and movies, is underway in Chittenango, birthplace of the author L. Frank Baum. John Budreau (left) from Fowler, Indiana, who came as the Scarecrow in disguise as a Winkie stops for a photo with Judy Jackman of Cleveland, Ohio, who came as Glinda, the good witch. SYR On Saturday, the festivals busiest day, free shuttles will operate 9:45 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., taking visitors to stops throughout the village between Community Recognition Park and Chittenango High School. Genesee Street will close at 1 p.m. in preparation for the parade. With 40 books in the official canon, multiple films, musicals and more, the childrens story has a unique staying power. The book is the American fairy tale, the first book and the thirteen others that followed, it is just a wonderful story, Sample said. Click through for the most up-to-date schedule of events. Hundreds of families received food during the 2020 Covid shutdown at a drive-thru food pantry run by the Food Bank of Central New York at the State Fairgrounds. Congressional Republicans plan to cut aid to food pantries in the proposed tax and spending bill. The U.S. Senate is debating what to do with President Donald Trumps bill to enact a domestic agenda that includes tax breaks, cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs, and a big increase in spending on border security and the military. The Senate must decide how much to change in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a massive 1,116-page document that House Republicans narrowly passed by a vote of 215-214 in the early morning hours of May 22. The controversy over the bill took a new twist Wednesday when Trump adviser Elon Musk blasted Republicans for passing a bill that would increase the budget deficit by $2.4 trillion over a decade. Call your Senator, Call your Congressman, Musk posted on X. Bankrupting America is NOT ok! KILL the BILL. Whether the Republican-controlled Senate listens to Musks advice to reject some of the big spending plans, coupled with tax cuts, remains to be seen. But this much is clear: The bill will touch the lives of almost everyone in Central New York, affecting how much you pay in taxes, your health care and child care costs, and even the future of Syracuse when the Interstate 81 overpass is torn down. Heres a look at some of the key measures in the bill and how it would affect people in the Syracuse area and New York state. Child tax credit The House Republican bill temporarily increases the child tax credit by $500 to $2,500 per child through 2028. But in 2029, the credit would drop back to $2,000 per child. Without the change, 74,880 families in Central New York would see their child tax credit cut in half when the Trump tax cuts of 2017 expire at the end of this year, according to data compiled by the House Ways and Means Committee. At the same time, the GOP bill would make it more difficult for some people to claim the child tax credit. The bill includes a new requirement that both parents have a Social Security number. The change would cause about 4.5 million children nationwide to become ineligible for the credit. Food assistance programs The House bill cuts about $300 billion from SNAP, the federal food aid program for low-income Americans, the biggest cut in federal programs to feed the hungry in U.S. history. In Central New York, that means at least 20,000 of the 108,000 children, seniors and other Central New Yorkers who depend on the aid would no longer be eligible for SNAP, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a nonpartisan research group. The bill would expand work requirements for SNAP recipients, exempting only those with a child younger than age 7, down from the current exemption for families with children under 18. The GOP bill would also institute work requirements for people up to the age of 64, an increase from the current limit of 55. A group of faith leaders, farmers and food pantry operators warned last week that some Central New York families will be left hungry if the $300 billion in cutbacks are approved. The House Republican plan would also require each state to pick up the cost of 5 to 25 percent of the benefits paid out to its residents through the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as the food stamp program. That means New York taxpayers would have to come up with $3.4 billion between 2026 and 2034 to make up for lost federal aid. Medicaid and health care About 16 million Americans would lose their health insurance coverage by 2034, largely because the bill cuts about $700 billion from Medicaid, according to an analysis made public Wednesday by the independent Congressional Budget Office. About 10.9 million people would lose their coverage under Medicaid, the federal health insurance program for the poor, the CBO said. In addition, about 5.1 million people would lose their health coverage under the Affordable Care Act because of the expiration of premium tax credits and new marketplace rules imposed by the legislation. Most of the affected people would lose their insurance because of new Medicaid work requirements and stricter enrollment rules. The bill would require childless adults without disabilities to work 80 hours per month starting at the end of 2026. In New York state, about 1.5 million people would lose insurance coverage, according to the Hospital Association of New York State. Hospitals would lose about $1.4 billion a year from uncompensated costs and lower reimbursement levels, HANYS said. In Central New Yorks 22nd Congressional District, about 33,000 people would be at risk of losing their Medicaid coverage, according to a separate estimate from the state. Central New York hospitals would lose about $34.3 million a year from uncompensated costs and lower reimbursement levels from the federal government. House Republicans justified the cutbacks by saying their bill eliminates waste, fraud and abuse, while cutting off benefits for at least 1.4 million undocumented immigrants. Taxes and the federal debt A new analysis of the bill published Wednesday by the Congressional Budget Office found it would increase the federal budget deficits by about $2.4 trillion over a decade. If some temporary changes are made permanent, the national debt would rise by $5 trillion during the same period. In the short-term, the renewal of Trumps 2017 tax cuts would help the average Central New York taxpayer avoid a tax hike of 25 percent, according to data from House Republicans. In the 22nd Congressional District of Central New York, a family of four making the median income of $70,700 per year would be spared a $1,398 annual tax increase if the 2017 tax cuts were allowed to expire, the House Ways and Means Committee said. An additional 13,620 taxpayers in the district would avoid having to pay the Alternative Minimum Tax that affects high-income taxpayers. House Republicans said their bill also helps 1,949 family-owned farms in Central New York, whose owners would see their exemption to the federal estate tax cut by 50% if the Trump tax cuts are allowed to expire. Under the GOP bill, the estate tax would not apply to individuals with up to $15 million in assets or $30 million for married couples. If the bill passes unchanged, most of the tax cuts would benefit the wealthiest Americans, according to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, a progressive research group. About two-thirds of the tax cuts would go the richest 20 percent of taxpayers, while about 1 percent of the cuts would benefit the poorest 20 percent of taxpayers, the group found. The bill also extends the 2017 tax cuts for the highest income brackets. The richest 1 percent of Americans would receive an average net tax cut of about $70,000 per year. Syracuses redevelopment plan The bill cancels a $30 million federal grant that Syracuse officials are counting on to revitalize one of the citys poorest neighborhoods. Syracuse won the competitive grant from the Federal Highway Administration last year. The money would help Syracuse build a new neighborhood that would rise when Interstate 81 is torn down and replaced by a street-level boulevard. The city wants to use the money for infrastructure such as new streets, parks, bike paths, lighting, sidewalks, trees and recreation areas that would kick-start the development of new housing. But the bill passed by House Republicans cancels all unspent grants from the $3.3 billion Neighborhood Access and Equity Program, including the money set aside for Syracuse. It is taking money out from Central New Yorkers pockets to pay for tax breaks for billionaires, and everyone should be angry about this, said Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., who plans to push for the funding to be restored in the Senate bill. Environment The bill would attempt to boost American energy production by opening federal lands and waters to oil, gas, coal, geothermal, and mineral leasing. It would also require the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to increase commercial logging on certain public lands, with a mandated 25 percent increase in timber production. The Congressional Budget Office estimated that the timber sales could generate more than $157 million in new revenue and savings for the federal government. In Central New York, the mandate would apply to the Finger Lakes National Forest, Forest Service officials told syracuse.com. The federal land the only national forest in New York state spans about 16,000 acres on a ridge between Cayuga and Seneca lakes, about 70 miles southwest of Syracuse. The property has more than 30 miles of interconnecting trails that span gorges, ravines, pastures and woodlands. The U.S. Forest Service has previously allowed logging on only about 800 acres in the forest. New Yorks two U.S. senators and an environmental group warned that any increased logging in Finger Lakes National Forest could have unintended environmental consequences. The risks include the potential for sediment from logging operations to pollute the two lakes. More tax breaks: SALT deduction, overtime and tips, gun silencers New York House Republicans threatened not to support the bill if it extended restrictions on state and local tax deductions (SALT), first enacted with Trumps 2017 tax reforms. The 2017 law capped SALT deductions at $10,000, disproportionately affecting federal taxpayers in high-tax states like New York. Under a compromise, the House bill would lift the cap from $10,000 to $40,000 for married couples with incomes up to $500,000. But Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-South Dakota, said Wednesday that his caucus wants to reduce the tax break. He didnt specify how that might be done. It would be very, very hard to get the Senate to vote for what the House did, Thune told Politico. Weve just got some people that feel really strongly on this. Separately, the House bill would temporarily end taxes on tips and on overtime payments earned by workers. The exemption would start next year and continuing through 2029. The bill also ends the $200 fee and registration requirement for firearm silencers and eliminates silencers from restrictions under the National Firearms Act. The tax has been in place since the National Firearms Act was enacted in 1934. Border security The House bill would allocate more than $150 billion over five years for Trumps border security and immigration crackdown. The total includes more than $51 billion to build 701 miles of border wall, and construct and upgrade other border barriers. It also includes $59 billion for immigration detention and transportation. Under the House plan, the funding would pay to hire 18,000 new ICE agents, customs officers and Border Patrol agents. The bill would also pay $10,000 bonuses annually over the next four years to Border Patrol and ICE agents. Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact Mark Weiner at 571-970-3751. Two teens have been arrested after allegedly stealing a nuns car in Upstate New York. WIVB reports the alleged carjacking occurred on April 10 at the Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart, where the nun teaches. Police say the teens approached her as she arrived at the Amherst, N.Y., school and asked for help, then grabbed her car keys and shoved her to the ground. The teens have since been charged with robbery and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, according to the Buffalo TV station. Their names have not been made public due to their ages; their case is being tried in family court. In a letter sent home to parents, the school said the teacher suffered minor injuries in the incident. The school said it is reviewing security measures to determine possible changes to improve student and faculty safety. Additional details, including the nuns name and the type of vehicle involved, were not disclosed. According to the most recent New York state data, Erie County had the second highest rate of motor vehicle theft in 2023, behind only Monroe County. Nearly 5,500 vehicles were stolen in Erie County in 2023, a 112% increase from the previous year. Car thefts among teens have also risen in recent years, both in the Buffalo area and nationwide, according to WIVB. These kids are putting themselves in danger. They really are. If youre being chased by the police, or even just the owner of the vehicle, Erie County District Attorney Michael Keane told the Buffalo TV station. We see cases involving very serious injuries and death because someone thought it would be fun to steal a car and they should be mindful of that because it happens so quickly. Next thing you know is, peoples lives are destroyed. Steve Hughes, Times Union, Albany, N.Y. (TNS) ALBANY An Upstate New York man beat his pregnant girlfriend with a hammer over two days until the unborn baby she was carrying died, authorities said. Tylique Young, 18, was arraigned Wednesday morning by Albany County Judge Andra Ackerman on assault charges that accuse him of beating the 19-year-old between May 15 and 16 at a home on Orange Street. He is also charged with kidnapping, as well as robbery counts that accuse him of taking the womans phone and car keys. Prosecutors said Young was the father. Authorities said police first learned of the case when the coroner called investigators to see if they would be attending the autopsy for the fetus. Prosecutors say the victim was over six months pregnant when Young attacked her. The victim suffered several blows to her abdomen, enduring a ruptured placenta, which caused the death. The allegations are horrific, and I applaud this young woman, the victim, for coming forward and having the strength to report what happened, and well do everything in the world we can to support victims, District Attorney Lee Kindlon said after the arraignment. She received emergency treatment at Albany Medical Center Hospital for injuries inflicted in the beating, though information about the extent of her wounds was not immediately clear. Young is being held without bail at the Albany County jail, pending a release application from his lawyer in the public defenders office. My client is presumed innocent, as is his constitutional right, Youngs attorney Beau Melita said. While the charges are serious, the indictment is only an allegation not proof of guilt. We urge the public and media to reserve judgment until all the facts come out in court. 2025 the Times Union (Albany, N.Y.) . Visit www.timesunion.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. JINAN, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese scientists have confirmed the existence of a prehistoric matrilineal community in east China's Shandong Province, pushing back the established timeline of matrilineal social societies, which were previously believed to have emerged no earlier than the Iron Age in Europe. The new findings were published in Nature on Wednesday. The research team analyzed ancient DNA alongside archaeological contexts and multiple stable isotopic data sets from 60 individuals in two separate cemeteries at the Fujia archaeological site in Shandong's coastal Guangrao County, dating back to between 2750 B.C. and 2500 B.C. Their results point to the existence of an early-described matrilineal community in the Neolithic period, characterized by high endogamy and a population practicing millet agriculture near the coast. Evidence of intermarriage between individuals in the two cemeteries and the presence of both primary and secondary burials, organized strictly according to maternal clans, underscore a strong sense of social cohesion and identity at the Fujia site. Zhang Hai, a researcher at Peking University's School of Archaeology and Museology, said that using a multidisciplinary approach, the team confirmed the existence of prehistoric matrilineal social organization. They also uncovered key insights into the structure, population size, subsistence patterns and productivity levels of matrilineal clan societies in the lower Yellow River coastal region during the Neolithic age. Their work marks a major breakthrough in the study of social organization in early human societies, Zhang said. The Taos News delivered to your Taos County address every week for a full year! We offer our lowest mail rates to zip codes in the county. Click Here to See if you Qualify. Plan includes unlimited website access and e-edition print replica online. Your auto pay plan will be conveniently renewed at the end of the subscription period. You may cancel at anytime. TEHRAN, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on Thursday branded the United States the "definite accomplice" in Israeli "crimes" in Gaza, his official website reported, a day after Washington vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire. Khamenei's comments, made in a message for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, urged the international community to compel Washington to halt its "oppressive" behavior. "It is now the second Hajj season that is taking place concurrent with the unfolding of the catastrophes in Gaza and West Asia," he was quoted as saying, adding that Israel had taken the tragedy in Gaza to an "unbelievable level" through "shocking cruelty and unparalleled maliciousness." The Iranian leader also called for Muslim unity to prevent Israel from continuing its actions in Gaza. On Wednesday, the United States vetoed a UN Security Council draft resolution that would have demanded an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid. The resolution, proposed by the 10 elected members of the Security Council, received support from 14 of the 15 council members. Washington's veto drew criticism from other members. Phoenix browser loads your webpages 2x faster, saves 90% of your data, and enables smooth browsing in a slow network. You can download all-format videos and social media content at a lightning speed. Fast Browsing and Downloads: Access websites, download multiple files (videos, audio, documents and more) with the speed of light. Download online videos easily from lots of websites: FacebookInstagram and etc. Smart Video Downloader and Video Player: Automatically detects videos from any website for you to download in one click. 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A new law will require certain organizations to disclose when and how much they have paid to cybercriminals following a data breach. However, experts remain unconvinced that this is the most effective way to tackle the problem. Companies operating in Australia must now report any payments made to cybercriminals after experiencing a ransomware incident. Government officials hope the new mandate will help them gain a deeper understanding of the issue, as many enterprises continue to pay ransoms whenever they fall victim to file-encrypting malware. Originally proposed last year, the law applies only to companies with an annual turnover exceeding $1.93 million. This threshold targets the top 6.5 percent of Australia's registered businesses representing roughly half of the country's total economic output. Under the new law, affected companies must report ransomware incidents to the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD). Failure to properly disclose an attack will result in fines under the country's civil penalty system. Authorities are allegedly planning to follow a two-stage approach, initially prioritizing major violations while fostering a "constructive" dialogue with victims. Starting next year, regulators will adopt a much stricter stance toward noncompliant organizations. The Australian government has implemented this mandatory reporting requirement after concluding that voluntary disclosures were insufficient. In 2024, officials noted that ransomware and cyber extortion incidents were vastly underreported, with only one in five victims coming forward. Ransomware remains a highly complex and growing phenomenon, with attacks reaching record levels despite increased law enforcement actions against notorious cyber gangs. Although several governments have proposed similar regulations, Australia is the first country to formally enact such a law. Jeff Wichman, director of incident response at cybersecurity firm Semperis, cautions that mandatory reporting is a double-edged sword. While the government may gain valuable data and insights into attacker profiles, the law may not reduce the frequency of attacks. Instead, it could serve mainly to publicly shame breached organizations while cybercriminals continue to profit. A recent Semperis study found that over 70 percent of 1,000 ransomware-hit companies opted to pay the ransom and hope for the best. "Some companies, they just want to pay it and get things done, to get their data off the dark web. Others, it's a delayed response perspective, they want negotiations to happen with the attacker while they figure out what happened," Wichman explained. According to the study, 60 percent of victims who paid received functional decryption keys and successfully recovered their data. However, in 40 percent of cases, the provided keys were corrupted or ineffective. GUANGZHOU, June 5 (Xinhua) -- The police in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou put 20 suspects on a wanted list on Thursday, accusing them of participating in cyber attacks launched by an organization of Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party authorities. The police have offered a reward of 10,000 yuan (about 1,390 U.S. dollars) for information leading to each suspect's arrest, according to a notice issued by the public security bureau of Guangzhou's Tianhe District. The notice also provided details of cyber attacks carried out by Taiwan's "Information, Communications and Electronic Force Command (ICEFCOM)." The ICEFCOM commanded and conducted the illegal cyber attacks and is suspected of multiple criminal offenses, according to the police. Separately, a research report jointly released by three cyber security entities led by the National Computer Virus Emergency Response Center exposed the history, organizational structure, personnel, workplaces, tasks and typical cyber attacks of the organization. What just happened? It's not just OpenAI that keeps being sued for allegedly scraping content to train its systems. Reddit is suing Anthropic over claims it scraped content generated by forum users to train its Claude chatbot without consent. In a complaint filed in San Francisco this week, Reddit claims that Anthropic intentionally trained its LLMs on content created by Reddit users without requesting consent, thereby violating Reddit's user agreement. The filing adds that Anthropic accessed Reddit more than 100,000 times, despite the AI firm stating that its bots had been blocked from scraping data from the site. It adds that Anthropic has been training its Claude chatbot on Reddit data since at least December 2021. The suit actually includes a screenshot appearing to show Claude acknowledging that it was trained on Reddit user data. Reddit signed agreements with Google and OpenAI in 2024, worth $60 million and $70 million per year respectively, that allow them access to posts created by Reddit's 100+ million daily users. This allows the posts to appear in answers provided by the companies' respective chatbots. But Anthropic allegedly prefers not to pay for this sort of thing. "Anthropic refused to engage," the complaint states. "Thus, while other AI giants have entered into licensing agreements and agreed to respect users' choices (including by deleting posts that Redditors chose to delete), Anthropic has not." Reddit challenges Anthropic's assertion that it is "the white knight of the AI industry." "This case is about the two faces of Anthropic: the public face that attempts to ingratiate itself into the consumer's consciousness with claims of righteousness and respect for boundaries and the law, and the private face that ignores any rules that interfere with its attempts to further line its pockets." Reddit CEO Steve Huffman previously complained that blocking companies unwilling to pay for data harvesting has been "a real pain in the ass," which is why it changed its robots.txt file to exclude bots and crawlers that didn't have permission to access its data. Anthropic said that it disagrees with Reddit's claims and will defend itself vigorously. A Reddit spokesperson said, "We believe in the Open Internet that does not give Anthropic the right to scrape Reddit content unlawfully, exploit it for billions of dollars in profit, and disregard the rights and privacy of our users." "This isn't a misunderstanding, it's a sustained effort to extract value from Reddit while ignoring legal and ethical boundaries." "We're filing this lawsuit in line with our Public Content Policy and as our final option to force Anthropic to stop its unlawful practices and abide by its claimed values." Anthropic is no stranger to lawsuits. In 2024, writers and journalists Andrea Bartz, Charles Graeber, and Kirk Wallace Johnson filed a class-action against the firm over claims it used pirated copies of their work to train Claude. Anthropic has also been fighting a case against Universal Music that started in 2023. The AI firm is alleged to have used lyrics from at least 500 songs by musicians, including Beyonce, the Rolling Stones and the Beach Boys, to train Claude without permission. In March, a judge rejected a preliminary bid from the music publishers to block their lyrics from being used this way. Serving tech enthusiasts for over 25 years.TechSpot means tech analysis and advice you can trust Forward-looking: Plastic materials have become a cornerstone of modern life, but their widespread use has created a growing environmental challenge. Scientists worldwide are racing to develop sustainable solutions to plastic pollution, and a research team in Japan may have made a significant breakthrough toward that goal. A team of Japanese researchers has developed a plastic material that disappears in seawater within hours, leaving no harmful residues. Designed to be more environmentally friendly than traditional biodegradable plastics, it breaks down without leaving microplastic particles to pollute the world's oceans. Scientists from the RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science and the University of Tokyo developed the new plastic material. It matches the strength of traditional petroleum-based plastics but breaks down into its original components when exposed to salt. Naturally occurring bacteria then process these components, leaving no microplastic or nanoplastic contamination behind. The researchers demonstrated their invention in a Tokyo-area lab, showing how a piece of transparent plastic disappeared in salty water after about an hour. Since salt is also found in soil, two inches of this material should fully break down after 200 hours underground. Reuters notes that the material is non-toxic to humans, fire-resistant, and does not release carbon dioxide. When coated, it functions like any regular plastic product. The team is now focused on developing an optimal coating method, indicating the material is not yet ready for commercialization. Project leader Takuzo Aida stated that several major industry players, including packaging companies, have expressed strong interest in the team's research. He also expressed his hope for a world free of harmful polluting materials. "Children cannot choose the planet they will live on," Aida said. "It is our duty as scientists to ensure that we leave them with best possible environment." Plastic waste is a major contributor to the growing environmental problems facing our planet. The United Nations Environment Programme predicts plastic pollution will triple within the next 15 years, adding 23 to 37 million metric tons of waste to the oceans annually. Many supposedly biodegradable plastics have also contributed to the problem, as they don't fully break down and leave behind harmful microplastics. Studies have found microplastic and nanoplastic fragments in the brain and other human organs. Vivo is building up the hype for its upcoming next-gen foldable, the Vivo X Fold5, by highlighting one of the most impressive design accomplishments to date: it will be thinner and lighter than its predecessor, as well as even Apple's iPhone 16 Pro Max. The company is boldly going head-to-head with Apple's flagship in a series of brazen teasers, suggesting a new standard for foldable smartphone design. X Fold5 is Lighter Than Ever Before Vivo's earlier model, the X Fold3, was already the lightest book-style foldable at a mere 219 grams. And now, the X Fold5 should be even lighter, changing the possibilities in the world of folds. Although numbers are yet to be revealed, Vivo assures a significantly lighter handset without sacrificing performance or ruggedness, according to Han Bo Xiao, a tipster from Weibo. Head-to-Head Competition With the iPhone 16 Pro Max In its most recent marketing move, Vivo took a point-blank jab at Apple's heavy-hitter premium phone, the iPhone 16 Pro Max. The teasers pit the two phones directly against each other, particularly noting the thickness gap when unfolded. As spotted by NotebookCheck, initial images indicate that the X Fold5 could be approximately 4.1 to 4.2 mm thick when opened up, possibly making it nearly half the thickness of the iPhone 16 Pro Max. While the X Fold5 will look thicker when closed, primarily because internal bezels contribute anywhere from 0.7 to 0.8 mm to the thickness, it still beats its predecessors, such as the X Fold3 and X Fold3 Pro, on total dimensions. Vivo's Design Choices Really Matter This ambitious new design direction from Vivo is not just about looks: it's about usability, portability, and leadership in the world of foldables. Lighter and thinner foldables are handier to carry and provide a more pleasant handheld experience. What to Look Forward to from the X Fold5 Up until now, Vivo has not revealed full specifications. Nevertheless, looking at previous launches, we can anticipate: A flagship-grade Snapdragon processor Ultra-thin glass (UTG) for added ruggedness High-refresh-rate AMOLED screens Advanced AI camera modules In previous campaigns, Vivo employed the use of the iPhone 16 Pro Max as a measuring stick in camera comparison with the Vivo X200 Ultra, implying a repeat of similar strategies in marketing the X Fold5's camera function. In other news, YugaTech reported that Vivo unveiled the Vivo S30 series in China. At that time, two models had been confirmed, including the regular and the Pro mini variant. The selling feature of the newest handsets is the flagship MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ SoC. A newly released 3D printer filament specifically created to closely match the legendary "Platinum" finish of vintage Macintosh computers has just become available. Developed by computer collector Joe Strosnider, the new PLA material gives hobbyists an inexpensive, genuine means to recreate and restore classic Apple hardware from the late '80s and '90s. This specialized filament, which costs $21.99 a kilogram, is a game-changer for retro computing fans who want to restore or recreate the original Macintosh design with unprecedented color fidelity. The Platinum Color is a Signature of Apple's Golden Age Apple debuted the Platinum color scheme on the Apple IIgs in 1986, establishing its desktop and notebook aesthetic throughout the 1990s. The color, a muted, gray-beige combination, became indelibly linked with Apple's design identity before the iMac. In time, though, the old plastics turned yellowed and cracked with age, not to mention the effects of UV exposure, making restoration difficult. That's when Strosnider came along to restore that nostalgic sound to life. The Quest for the Perfect Match Strosnider, who maintains an enormous collection of vintage Apple equipment in Ohio, spent years attempting to get the original shade just right. He finally partnered with Polar Filament, shelling out $900 of his own capital to create a 25-kilogram batch and pay for an exact color match, based on the speaker box from the inside of his Mac Color Classic. Because of his love for retro devices, he made the formula available to the public instead of a proprietary project. This is to give the retro community wider access to the product. A Boost for Vintage Computer Restoration The 1.75 mm Platinum PLA filament is completely compatible with consumer-grade 3D printers and automated material systems, unlocking applications in widespread use for hobby projects. According to Ars Technica, users can print cosmetic covers, keyboard components, and full-size cases with high accuracy and durability using the filament. Strosnider even made a plea in public through Bluesky, asking users to "order lots" to help indicate demand and keep the distinctive color on production in the long run. SE Mini Case Projects The timing couldn't be more opportune. The retro computing world has witnessed renewed interest in 3D-printed enclosures and peripherals for vintage Mac parts. Among the notable projects, the SE Mini Case by modder "GutBomb" miniaturizes SE/30 logic boards into compact desktop computers with contemporary output possibilities. This sort of design, which requires half a spool of filament and several days of printing time, greatly benefits from material that is color-accurate. With Platinum PLA, hobbyists can now preserve that classic Macintosh look while incorporating features such as Pico PSUs and BlueSCSI drives. Bridging the Past and the Present If you're planning to restore a vintage relic or create something fresh from scratch, Platinum PLA provides a means of combining nostalgia with innovation. It's a love letter to a bygone design era for tinkerers and Apple collectors alike. It's a functional aid for keeping that legacy alive amid the 3D printing revolution. Retro is now, and this time, it's printable. AI jobs sprouted like mushrooms all of a sudden, and even some workers are hiding their AI use from their employers. With this trend, some people feared losing their jobs since machines can now replace them. With regard to these concerns, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai said that artificial intelligence would replace human employees. Defying speculation that AI might displace half of Alphabet's 180,000-person workforce, Pichai sketched a more positive vision of the future. Alphabet's Strategic Cutbacks: Targeted, Not Mass Since AI is slowly taking over human jobs, many people believe that a decade from now, the majority of the workforce will be automated. For Pichai, AI layoff fears won't happen. In an interview with Bloomberg, the 52-year-old executive said that AI technologies enhance engineering productivity by automating mundane tasks and allowing developers to work on meaningful innovation. "Rather than replacing workers, he referred to AI as 'an accelerator' that will drive new product development, thereby creating demand for more employees," Pichai said. Although Alphabet conducted several rounds of cuts in the past few years, the corporation is now trending towards more strategic and targeted ones. In 2023 alone, Alphabet cut 12,000 positions, while at least another 1,000 positions were cut in 2024. Nonetheless, cuts in 2025 have been more targeted, impacting fewer than 100 individuals in its Google Cloud division and several hundred more in its platforms and devices business. Though reducing the numbers, Sundar Pichai reiterated Alphabet's focus on long-term growth. He believed that AI is making Google more efficient, but it does not mean that they would prioritize replacing human workers. He also added that the AI progression means they can build faster and better. Waymo, Quantum Computing, and YouTube Pichai referred to Alphabet's forward-looking initiatives as proof of ongoing innovation. From Waymo's autonomous car developments to quantum computing research, Alphabet is pushing the boundaries of disruptive technologies that demand new investment and talent. He also mentioned YouTube's strong growth, particularly in India, where the platform has more than 100 million active channels and 15,000 creators with over 1 million subscribers. Addressing Job Displacement Fears in the Age of AI Acknowledging the unease sparked by AI's rapid evolution, Pichai responded to Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei's recent warning that AI could displace half of all entry-level white-collar jobs within five years. Yet, Pichai stood by his conviction that AI is more likely to reinvent jobs than replace them entirely, emphasizing the requirement for careful, human-focused innovation. Will AI Ever Become as Intelligent as Humans? When asked if artificial general intelligence (AGI), AI equal to human intelligence on every task, was inevitable, Pichai paused for thought. According to TechCrunch, Pichai maintained an optimistic caution regarding the technology, but he said that there would be upcoming innovations and projects for Google. In a bold cyber strike, Ukraines military intelligence agency says it has successfully hacked into one of Russias top warplane manufacturers Tupolev exposing sensitive data about the countrys supersonic strategic bombers. The cyber operation was carried out by the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) of Ukraines Ministry of Defence, targeting the Tupolev division of the United Aircraft Company a Russian state-owned aerospace giant known for building long-range bombers like the TU-160M White Swan. According to Ukrainian news outlets, an anonymous source within the GUR stated that the military intelligence hackers gained access to more than 4.4 gigabytes (GB) of internal data from the Tupolev division of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), a major player in Russias defense industry and successor to the Soviet-era aircraft design bureau. The stolen data reportedly includes staff personal details, home addresses, resumes of engineers and designers, purchase records, internal company emails (including messages exchanged by the companys management), and transcripts from high-level meetings. Theres practically nothing left hidden inside Tupolev now, the source said. We know whos involved in keeping Russias strategic bombers operational and that information will have serious consequences on the ground and in the air. The source also revealed that HURs cyber unit had been silently monitoring the companys internal operations in real time for some time, allowing them to map out internal workflows and collect intelligence for possible future operations targeting Russias military-industrial network. Out in the Open The value of the data obtained is hard to overstate. There is now virtually nothing secret left in Tupolevs operations as far as Ukrainian intelligence is concerned, the anonymous source told Kyiv Post. We now have comprehensive information on individuals directly involved in maintaining Russias strategic aviation. The effects of this operation will be felt both on the ground and in the skies. To top off the operation, Ukrainian hackers defaced Tupolevs official website, replacing its homepage with an image of an owl gripping a Russian bomber in its talons a symbolic parting message to Moscow. Currently, the Tupolev website redirects to the main portal of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) a state-owned conglomerate formed in 2006 to unify major Russian aircraft manufacturers, including Tupolev, Mikoyan, Ilyushin, Irkut, Sukhoi, and Yakovlev under one umbrella. Tupolev, known for producing long-range bombers, such as Tu-95, Tu-22M3, and Tu-160 aircraft, has been under U.S. and Western sanctions since 2022 for its role in Russias war against Ukraine. This recent hack is part of Ukraines ongoing digital offensive, which has increasingly focused on sabotaging Russias defense infrastructure from the inside. In recent months, GUR has reportedly hit several other targets linked to Russias weapons manufacturing, military logistics, and air force systems. Managing IT feels like an ongoing balancing act for many businesses. Centralized systems often create bottlenecks, slow down teams, and frustrate employees who prefer quicker solutions. Yet, the alternativedecentralizationcan seem overwhelming or risky without clear guidance. Did you know that decentralized IT models are already changing how tech organizations operate? With distributed teams and flexible decision-making becoming more common, many companies are exploring this shift to meet modern demands. This blog will help you break down the complexities of decentralization. Youll learn its core benefits, challenges, and whether it aligns with your business goals. Are you ready to reconsider how you manage IT? The Shift from Centralized to Decentralized IT Management Companies are moving away from rigid systems to stay adaptable in a fast-changing world. This shift gives teams more control, making them quicker and more effective. Limitations of Centralized IT Models Centralized IT models often lead to obstacles in decision-making. A single control point delays response times and causes inefficiencies, especially for distributed teams. This can harm businesses trying to remain competitive in the rapidly changing digital era. "Too much control at the top stifles creativity at the bottom." These systems also struggle with adapting to growth. Expanding organizations face challenges as demands increase but adaptability decreases. Communication gaps become common when everything flows through one central hub, leading to frustration across departments. Key Drivers of Decentralization Decentralized IT management is gaining ground in tech organizations. Certain factors are accelerating this shift, changing how businesses operate. Businesses need faster decision-making to adapt to the digital age. Decentralization allows local teams to act quickly without waiting for approvals from higher-ups. Distributed teams are more common in global companies. A decentralized approach supports flexibility across time zones and geographies. Trust in the digital age drives power shifts within organizations. Employees feel more ownership when they control decisions at their level. Advances in web technology simplify network decentralization. Cloud solutions and decentralized networks make dispersed IT infrastructure easier to manage. Large-scale projects demand better autonomy at different levels of an organization. Decentralization ensures that diverse units can execute strategies simultaneously. Federated IT governance helps balance oversight with local independence. This method reduces delays while retaining essential control mechanisms. If you're considering a shift in your business model, it might help to talk to an IT manager in Jacksonville to evaluate if decentralized IT is the right fit for your team structure and goals. Increased nimbleness and readiness are vital attributes of this new structure, which plays a critical role in achieving organizational goals efficiently. Attributes of Decentralized IT Management Teams gain greater authority over decisions and operations. This change alters how organizations communicate and respond to challenges. Empowered Decision-Making at All Levels Decentralized IT management shifts decision-making closer to where work happens. Teams and individuals handle tasks without waiting for central approval, reducing bottlenecks. This structure sparks faster choices in critical moments, increasing productivity. Employees gain more control over their responsibilities. Clear boundaries and trust lead to accountability at all levels. Distributed teams adapt quickly because they rely on localized decisions rather than rigid top-down structures. Increased Agility and Responsiveness Teams with decentralized IT management respond faster to changing needs. Decisions occur closer to the action, eliminating lengthy approval chains. This approach reduces delays and allows for quicker resolutions of technical issues or service disruptions. Businesses operating in fast-paced industries gain significantly from this adaptability. Distributed teams can handle regional challenges uniquely while staying aligned with broader objectives. Quick response times also enhance customer satisfaction and overall operational effectiveness. Enhanced Collaboration Across Teams Decentralized IT management fosters stronger connections among distributed teams. It removes barriers by enabling direct communication and shared decision-making. Employees from different departments can exchange ideas without waiting for approvals from central authorities. This quicker collaboration leads to clearer workflows and faster resolutions of challenges. Collaboration across various functions thrives in a decentralized setup. Developers, project managers, and tech support can work efficiently on mutual goals. Decisions no longer pile up at one level, ensuring steady progress across tasks. Shared accountability also nurtures trust within the organization, encouraging greater commitment from all involved parties. Benefits of Decentralized IT Management Decentralized IT management enables faster responses to changing needs. It places decision-making authority closer to where the activity occurs. Faster Innovation Cycles Teams act faster when decision-making power isnt concentrated at the top. Decentralized IT management provides departments the authority to test, develop, and apply new solutions without waiting for lengthy approvals. This reduces timelines and promotes creative problem-solving. Distributed networks also accelerate feedback loops. Development teams can adjust quickly based on immediate insights from other groups or end-users. With fewer bottlenecks, organizations address market demands before competitors can respond. Improved Employee Autonomy and Satisfaction Decentralized IT management provides more control to individual employees. Workers can make decisions without waiting for multiple layers of approval, which reduces delays. This approach builds trust within organizations and encourages a sense of responsibility. Employees feel appreciated when they have the ability to contribute directly to outcomes. Having autonomy often leads to higher job satisfaction. People tend to perform better when given freedom over their tasks. According to recent surveys, companies with decentralized structures see up to 20% higher employee engagement rates. Giving teams ownership inspires creativity and problem-solving, benefiting both morale and productivity levels alike. Scalability for Growing Organizations Expanding organizations often outgrow rigid centralized IT structures. Decentralized IT management allows teams to handle growth without unnecessary delays or bottlenecks. Each department can adapt its technology needs independently, enabling quicker adjustments as the company expands. Distributed systems support increased workloads by breaking tasks across multiple nodes. This prevents slowdowns and ensures consistent performance during rapid growth. An e-commerce business, for example, could see a spike in website traffic during holidays; decentralized network management helps balance this demand efficiently. Growing businesses rely on flexibility to keep up with market changes. With decentralization, adding new teams or locations becomes less challenging since decision-making is spread across various tiers. This fosters consistent momentum rather than waiting on overly centralized approval chains that could hinder progress. Challenges of Decentralized IT Management Balancing freedom with control in IT management often feels like walking a tightropeone slip can disrupt everything. Ensuring Security and Governance Decentralized IT management requires robust security measures and governance frameworks. Teams must safeguard distributed systems from cyber threats while adhering to regulations. A single breach in a decentralized network can affect an organization, disrupting operations and eroding trust. Well-defined policies for access control, data protection, and accountability minimize risks. Tools such as blockchain improve transparency by creating unalterable records of activities. Regular audits ensure teams adhere to protocols without interrupting workflows or independence. Maintaining Alignment Across Teams Strong security measures can falter if teams lose shared direction. Misaligned goals across distributed IT management result in inefficiencies, redundancies, and frustration. Clear communication channels are essential in ensuring everyone remains aligned. Establishing achievable milestones for various departments helps all groups work toward organizational priorities without straying off course. Regular check-ins minimize miscommunication between dispersed teams. Scheduling consistent virtual meetings enhances collaboration while addressing potential misunderstandings promptly. Insight into ongoing projects enables leaders to monitor progress and pinpoint bottlenecks before they worsen. Allocating resources to suitable tools promotes transparent workflows that maintain alignment across diverse teams managing decentralized technology tasks effectively. Balancing Autonomy with Accountability Granting teams autonomy fosters creativity and rapid decision-making. However, without proper checks, it can lead to chaos and misalignment with company goals. Establish clear guidelines for roles, responsibilities, and project boundaries to maintain order. Regular performance reviews tied to specific criteria help keep efforts aligned across distributed IT management teams. Accountability doesnt mean micromanaging every task or decision. Assign decision-making powers while implementing tracking systems like shared dashboards or automated reporting tools. These provide transparency without interrupting workflows. Striking this balance ensures decentralized IT operations remain efficient yet controlled under federated governance. Next comes practical examples of decentralized structures thriving in modern businesses. Case Studies of Decentralized IT in Action Several companies have shifted to decentralized IT structures with noticeable success. These examples emphasize how distributing authority can foster growth and flexibility. Modern Corporations Successfully Adopting Decentralized Structures Modern corporations are adapting to decentralized IT structures. This change helps organizations remain adaptable, enhance decision-making, and encourage collaboration. Amazon Web Services (AWS) focuses on decentralized teams for innovation. Small, independent groups known as "two-pizza teams" manage specific projects without relying on extensive management layers. This structure accelerates product launches and responds to market changes swiftly. Spotify employs a "squad model" for its IT structure. Each squad functions as a small, autonomous unit with engineers, designers, and product managers. This approach enables the company to retain flexibility while expanding operations globally. GitLab operates entirely remotely with a decentralized setup across 65+ countries. Their IT teams adopt a transparent workflow using open-source tools and asynchronous communication methods. This fosters trust within distributed teams. Netflix supports its employees through decentralization by granting decision-making authority at all levels of tech management. Engineers assume responsibility for their projects under their freedom-and-responsibility culture. Microsoft reorganized parts of its Azure division into smaller units in recent years. Decentralizing responsibilities enabled them to accelerate cloud service updates without unnecessary bureaucracy. Zappos, an online retailer, adopts "holacracy," which eliminates traditional job titles and hierarchies from their structure entirely. Employees form circles that self-manage, enhancing creativity and problem-solving efficiency. Unilevers IT division restructured itself using decentralized hubs worldwide for data collection and analysis processes during 2020-23 efforts to achieve digital transformation goals effectively. These companies emphasize decentralizations increasing significance in todays tech-driven markets. Similar results can be achieved at a regional level with firms like Nortecs IT in Pittsburgh, which supports organizations aiming to transition from centralized legacy systems to more agile, distributed frameworks. Lessons from Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) demonstrate how decentralization can reshape decision-making. These organizations operate using smart contracts, eliminating the need for traditional management. Decisions occur transparently through blockchain-based voting systems. Every participant has a say in shaping outcomes. Members follow pre-set rules coded into smart contracts. This reduces mismanagement and builds trust across the organization. Distributed teams work together without physical offices or central hierarchies. They depend on digital tools to stay coordinated and productive. Funding is achieved collectively via token-based contributions, ensuring direct ownership for contributors. Projects grow faster due to community-driven governance structures that emphasize responsiveness over bureaucracy. DAOs provide flexibility to adjust quickly to market shifts while avoiding delays from centralized control. Disputes are resolved democratically, diminishing internal politics and power struggles common in top-heavy setups. Open participation welcomes global talent pools, driving creativity beyond geographical boundaries. These principles illustrate why DAOs align with the digital age's demands for fairness and speed in operations without rigid controls hindering them. Is Decentralized IT Management the Future? The balance of control is changing quickly in the tech world. Are businesses prepared to adjust, or will they hold on to traditional methods? Trends Driving the Adoption of Decentralized Models Decentralized IT management is gaining traction in the digital age. Multiple factors fuel this shift across tech organizations and distributed teams. Businesses seek faster decision-making processes to remain competitive. Decentralized models reduce delays by distributing control across teams. Digital advancements demand more flexible structures. Centralized systems struggle to adapt to rapid innovation cycles. Distributed workforces are becoming standard post-2020. Remote teams need adaptable tools and dispersed IT infrastructures to operate efficiently. Trust in decentralized technology grows steadily with blockchain and DeFi advancements. These tools support distributed decision-making securely. Web technology enables efficient communication networks, reducing dependency on central points of failure. Data-driven operations require independent IT management systems for real-time responses, encouraging decentralization. Organizations aim to enhance employee autonomy and satisfaction by shifting power closer to individual contributors. Cyber threats drive businesses toward distributed IT governance models, ensuring data remains safe across various nodes rather than a single hub. Decentralized artificial intelligence (AI) frameworks offer sharper insights by running independently on localized data sets instead of central repositories. Emerging decentralized finance platforms show that flatter structures build trust, fostering collaborations better suited for growth in tech organizations. The Role of Technology in Supporting Decentralization Technology drives decentralization by enabling faster communication and resource allocation. Cloud-based platforms, like Microsoft Azure or AWS, allow distributed teams to access tools without needing centralized servers. These systems reduce physical dependency on single locations. Decentralized finance (DeFi) and blockchain enhance security while decreasing reliance on traditional intermediaries. Tools like decentralized AI simplify decision-making in dispersed IT structures. As tech evolves, organizations can shift power from central hubs to team-level control points with increased trust and independence. Conclusion Decentralized IT management is more than a passing trend. It reflects the growing need for quicker decisions and flexible teams. While it has its challenges, businesses cannot disregard its potential advantages. As technology progresses, this model could redefine how organizations operate. The future may favor those prepared to share authority and rely on their teams. Luo Lixiang (1st R) introduces the wetland park to visitors at the exhibition hall of the Hainan Xinying Mangrove National Wetland Park in Danzhou, south China's Hainan Province, Jan. 20, 2025. Luo Lixiang is a ranger of the Hainan Xinying Mangrove National Wetland Park in Danzhou, whose daily routine includes bird monitoring and patrolling of mangroves. After the park was established in 2007, Luo became one of the first batch of rangers, who has witnessed the ecological changes here in the past years. Before the establishment of the wetland park, the wetland here was destroyed seriously due to improper aquacultural development. In order to restore ecological system here, the local government launched an initiative of "returning ponds to forests". Luo actively participated in it and witnessed the former fish ponds gradually replaced by newly planted mangroves. Now the wetland park has become a paradise for birds. In 2016, Luo detected the critically endangered bird species spoon-billed sandpiper here for the first time. Nowadays, both the species and number of birds in the wetland park have been increasing notably. At present, Luo is not only a forest ranger, but also works as a docent to introduce the ecological value and significance of mangroves to visitors. A dear friend of the wetland and creatures living in it, Luo has earned himself a nickname as "Brother Lixiang". (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) Luo Lixiang introduces birds to visitors at the exhibition hall of the Hainan Xinying Mangrove National Wetland Park in Danzhou, south China's Hainan Province, May 30, 2025. Luo Lixiang is a ranger of the Hainan Xinying Mangrove National Wetland Park in Danzhou, whose daily routine includes bird monitoring and patrolling of mangroves. After the park was established in 2007, Luo became one of the first batch of rangers, who has witnessed the ecological changes here in the past years. Before the establishment of the wetland park, the wetland here was destroyed seriously due to improper aquacultural development. In order to restore ecological system here, the local government launched an initiative of "returning ponds to forests". Luo actively participated in it and witnessed the former fish ponds gradually replaced by newly planted mangroves. Now the wetland park has become a paradise for birds. In 2016, Luo detected the critically endangered bird species spoon-billed sandpiper here for the first time. Nowadays, both the species and number of birds in the wetland park have been increasing notably. At present, Luo is not only a forest ranger, but also works as a docent to introduce the ecological value and significance of mangroves to visitors. A dear friend of the wetland and creatures living in it, Luo has earned himself a nickname as "Brother Lixiang". (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 18, 2025 shows black-faced spoonbills at the Hainan Xinying Mangrove National Wetland Park in Danzhou, south China's Hainan Province. Luo Lixiang is a ranger of the Hainan Xinying Mangrove National Wetland Park in Danzhou, whose daily routine includes bird monitoring and patrolling of mangroves. After the park was established in 2007, Luo became one of the first batch of rangers, who has witnessed the ecological changes here in the past years. Before the establishment of the wetland park, the wetland here was destroyed seriously due to improper aquacultural development. In order to restore ecological system here, the local government launched an initiative of "returning ponds to forests". Luo actively participated in it and witnessed the former fish ponds gradually replaced by newly planted mangroves. Now the wetland park has become a paradise for birds. In 2016, Luo detected the critically endangered bird species spoon-billed sandpiper here for the first time. Nowadays, both the species and number of birds in the wetland park have been increasing notably. At present, Luo is not only a forest ranger, but also works as a docent to introduce the ecological value and significance of mangroves to visitors. A dear friend of the wetland and creatures living in it, Luo has earned himself a nickname as "Brother Lixiang". (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) Luo Lixiang patrols at the Hainan Xinying Mangrove National Wetland Park in Danzhou, south China's Hainan Province, May 30, 2025. Luo Lixiang is a ranger of the Hainan Xinying Mangrove National Wetland Park in Danzhou, whose daily routine includes bird monitoring and patrolling of mangroves. After the park was established in 2007, Luo became one of the first batch of rangers, who has witnessed the ecological changes here in the past years. Before the establishment of the wetland park, the wetland here was destroyed seriously due to improper aquacultural development. In order to restore ecological system here, the local government launched an initiative of "returning ponds to forests". Luo actively participated in it and witnessed the former fish ponds gradually replaced by newly planted mangroves. Now the wetland park has become a paradise for birds. In 2016, Luo detected the critically endangered bird species spoon-billed sandpiper here for the first time. Nowadays, both the species and number of birds in the wetland park have been increasing notably. At present, Luo is not only a forest ranger, but also works as a docent to introduce the ecological value and significance of mangroves to visitors. A dear friend of the wetland and creatures living in it, Luo has earned himself a nickname as "Brother Lixiang". (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) A drone photo taken on Jan. 18, 2025 shows the Hainan Xinying Mangrove National Wetland Park in Danzhou, south China's Hainan Province. Luo Lixiang is a ranger of the Hainan Xinying Mangrove National Wetland Park in Danzhou, whose daily routine includes bird monitoring and patrolling of mangroves. After the park was established in 2007, Luo became one of the first batch of rangers, who has witnessed the ecological changes here in the past years. Before the establishment of the wetland park, the wetland here was destroyed seriously due to improper aquacultural development. In order to restore ecological system here, the local government launched an initiative of "returning ponds to forests". Luo actively participated in it and witnessed the former fish ponds gradually replaced by newly planted mangroves. Now the wetland park has become a paradise for birds. In 2016, Luo detected the critically endangered bird species spoon-billed sandpiper here for the first time. Nowadays, both the species and number of birds in the wetland park have been increasing notably. At present, Luo is not only a forest ranger, but also works as a docent to introduce the ecological value and significance of mangroves to visitors. A dear friend of the wetland and creatures living in it, Luo has earned himself a nickname as "Brother Lixiang". (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) Luo Lixiang monitors birds activities at the Hainan Xinying Mangrove National Wetland Park in Danzhou, south China's Hainan Province, May 30, 2025. Luo Lixiang is a ranger of the Hainan Xinying Mangrove National Wetland Park in Danzhou, whose daily routine includes bird monitoring and patrolling of mangroves. After the park was established in 2007, Luo became one of the first batch of rangers, who has witnessed the ecological changes here in the past years. Before the establishment of the wetland park, the wetland here was destroyed seriously due to improper aquacultural development. In order to restore ecological system here, the local government launched an initiative of "returning ponds to forests". Luo actively participated in it and witnessed the former fish ponds gradually replaced by newly planted mangroves. Now the wetland park has become a paradise for birds. In 2016, Luo detected the critically endangered bird species spoon-billed sandpiper here for the first time. Nowadays, both the species and number of birds in the wetland park have been increasing notably. At present, Luo is not only a forest ranger, but also works as a docent to introduce the ecological value and significance of mangroves to visitors. A dear friend of the wetland and creatures living in it, Luo has earned himself a nickname as "Brother Lixiang". (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) This photo taken on Jan. 18, 2025 shows lesser sand plovers at the Hainan Xinying Mangrove National Wetland Park in Danzhou, south China's Hainan Province. Luo Lixiang is a ranger of the Hainan Xinying Mangrove National Wetland Park in Danzhou, whose daily routine includes bird monitoring and patrolling of mangroves. After the park was established in 2007, Luo became one of the first batch of rangers, who has witnessed the ecological changes here in the past years. Before the establishment of the wetland park, the wetland here was destroyed seriously due to improper aquacultural development. In order to restore ecological system here, the local government launched an initiative of "returning ponds to forests". Luo actively participated in it and witnessed the former fish ponds gradually replaced by newly planted mangroves. Now the wetland park has become a paradise for birds. In 2016, Luo detected the critically endangered bird species spoon-billed sandpiper here for the first time. Nowadays, both the species and number of birds in the wetland park have been increasing notably. At present, Luo is not only a forest ranger, but also works as a docent to introduce the ecological value and significance of mangroves to visitors. A dear friend of the wetland and creatures living in it, Luo has earned himself a nickname as "Brother Lixiang". (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) Luo Lixiang (L) and his colleague patrol at the Hainan Xinying Mangrove National Wetland Park in Danzhou, south China's Hainan Province, Jan. 18, 2025. Luo Lixiang is a ranger of the Hainan Xinying Mangrove National Wetland Park in Danzhou, whose daily routine includes bird monitoring and patrolling of mangroves. After the park was established in 2007, Luo became one of the first batch of rangers, who has witnessed the ecological changes here in the past years. Before the establishment of the wetland park, the wetland here was destroyed seriously due to improper aquacultural development. In order to restore ecological system here, the local government launched an initiative of "returning ponds to forests". Luo actively participated in it and witnessed the former fish ponds gradually replaced by newly planted mangroves. Now the wetland park has become a paradise for birds. In 2016, Luo detected the critically endangered bird species spoon-billed sandpiper here for the first time. Nowadays, both the species and number of birds in the wetland park have been increasing notably. At present, Luo is not only a forest ranger, but also works as a docent to introduce the ecological value and significance of mangroves to visitors. A dear friend of the wetland and creatures living in it, Luo has earned himself a nickname as "Brother Lixiang". (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) This photo taken on Jan. 18, 2025 shows black-faced spoonbills at the Hainan Xinying Mangrove National Wetland Park in Danzhou, south China's Hainan Province. Luo Lixiang is a ranger of the Hainan Xinying Mangrove National Wetland Park in Danzhou, whose daily routine includes bird monitoring and patrolling of mangroves. After the park was established in 2007, Luo became one of the first batch of rangers, who has witnessed the ecological changes here in the past years. Before the establishment of the wetland park, the wetland here was destroyed seriously due to improper aquacultural development. In order to restore ecological system here, the local government launched an initiative of "returning ponds to forests". Luo actively participated in it and witnessed the former fish ponds gradually replaced by newly planted mangroves. Now the wetland park has become a paradise for birds. In 2016, Luo detected the critically endangered bird species spoon-billed sandpiper here for the first time. Nowadays, both the species and number of birds in the wetland park have been increasing notably. At present, Luo is not only a forest ranger, but also works as a docent to introduce the ecological value and significance of mangroves to visitors. A dear friend of the wetland and creatures living in it, Luo has earned himself a nickname as "Brother Lixiang". (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) A drone photo taken on Jan. 18, 2025 shows black-faced spoonbills at the Hainan Xinying Mangrove National Wetland Park in Danzhou, south China's Hainan Province. Luo Lixiang is a ranger of the Hainan Xinying Mangrove National Wetland Park in Danzhou, whose daily routine includes bird monitoring and patrolling of mangroves. After the park was established in 2007, Luo became one of the first batch of rangers, who has witnessed the ecological changes here in the past years. Before the establishment of the wetland park, the wetland here was destroyed seriously due to improper aquacultural development. In order to restore ecological system here, the local government launched an initiative of "returning ponds to forests". Luo actively participated in it and witnessed the former fish ponds gradually replaced by newly planted mangroves. Now the wetland park has become a paradise for birds. In 2016, Luo detected the critically endangered bird species spoon-billed sandpiper here for the first time. Nowadays, both the species and number of birds in the wetland park have been increasing notably. At present, Luo is not only a forest ranger, but also works as a docent to introduce the ecological value and significance of mangroves to visitors. A dear friend of the wetland and creatures living in it, Luo has earned himself a nickname as "Brother Lixiang". (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) Aid finally trickles in for Nigeria flood victims Lagos, June 4 (AFP) Jun 04, 2025 A week after floods flattened over 250 houses and killed at least 200 people in north-central Nigeria, aid is only just beginning to reach survivors of the disaster. The town of Mokwa, in Niger State, was hit with the worst flash flood in living memory on Thursday after overnight rains, with swathes of the town wiped out in a matter of hours. Emergency agencies and the government said they began delivering aid immediately to the victims, but residents insisted the response was lacklustre, with multiple families telling AFP earlier this week they still hadn't received anything. Some said they were depending "solely" on fortunate neighbours and relatives whose properties were spared. Many victims were visibly angry Monday at the sparse government presence. An attempt to distribute some relief materials ended abruptly after residents -- sceptical the event might be a staged photo op -- insisted the items be distributed openly. But a traditional leader of the community, Mohammed Shaba Aliyu, told AFP Wednesday that the relief materials donated by "government and private individuals" were getting to the victims. "What we need now are consumables, and the government and some private individuals are providing us with consumables," he said. Vice President Kashim Shettima, visiting the area Wednesday, said the government would donate trucks of "assorted food commodities" and 2 billion naira (about $1.3 million) to reconstruct damaged homes. Multiple international aid agencies said earlier this week that they were working with local authorities to support ongoing response efforts. The spokesman for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Manzo Ezekiel, said relief materials were being provided in batches so they could get to people in need securely. "These kinds of sites become criminal areas with people wanting to take advantage," Ezekiel told AFP. "The provision of aid has to be in batches. Items have been handed over to community leaders in the area for distribution." - 'High risk of disease' - Federal water management minister Joseph Utsev said the flooding was "caused by heavy rainfall due to extreme weather conditions occasioned by climate change", though he also cautioned against "unregulated structures" and called on local governments to maintain drainage channels. The Red Cross described the incident as one of the "deadliest disasters in recent years to hit Niger State." Several victims told AFP Monday that a displaced camp that the government had set up was not functional, with many electing to sleep under trees. A spokesman for Niger state emergency agency Ibrahim Husseini said the victims refused to move to the camp. "Some of them feel it is a slap on their face to go (there)," he said. With the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Adha only days away, the Muslim-majority community is not in the mood for the lavish celebration feasts associated with the festival. "The Sallah is going to be low-key," Aliyu said. "On Saturday, we will have a large number of Muslims at the central mosque to offer our prayers to the departed." The town is still in total darkness after the floods destroyed no fewer than 15 electricity poles. As residents contend with the humid weather and a shortage of water supply, the Red Cross said Mokwa faces a "high risk of disease due to contaminated water", which may worsen the already dire situation in the weeks to come. Shettima insisted that the power situation would be resolved soon. "We are going to walk the talk," he said. Coral frozen in time throws lifeline for Great Barrier Reef Sydney, June 5 (AFP) Jun 05, 2025 Rows of tanks filled with liquid nitrogen sit in temperature-controlled chambers at Sydney's Taronga zoo, cradling parts of the Great Barrier Reef's diverse and magnificent corals frozen in time. The world's largest store of cryogenically frozen coral is a frosty Noah's Ark for an ecosystem that scientists warn could be the first to disappear if climate change is not combatted fast enough. Trillions of cells from dozens of key coral species on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) -- collected each year during mass spawning -- offer the chance to regenerate damaged and diminished corals now and into the future. "Essentially, a pause button has been pressed on their biological clocks," said Justine O'Brien, manager of conservation science at Taronga Conservation Society Australia. "I hope our collective efforts can help to retain the reef's beautiful diversity," she told AFP. Since the coral programme began in 2011, Taronga's CryoDiversity Bank has been intruding annually on the GBR's spawning, when corals send eggs and sperm into the waters for breeding. Scientists collect the sperm and mix it with cryoprotectants, which remove water as the samples freeze and protect internal cell structures. Eggs contain too much water and fat to be frozen without damage using current techniques, so for now cannot be similarly banked, but other cells are also harvested and frozen for research. The samples are placed into liquid nitrogen and stored at -196 degrees Celsius (-320 Fahrenheit). Strict measures ensure the temperature never changes. "We can keep them alive indefinitely," O'Brien said. "You could thaw them out a few years from now, a few decades from now or hundreds of years from now and they will have retained the same fertilising potential that existed when they were initially collected and frozen." - Coral disease, death - So far the bank has 34 species of the approximately 400 kinds of hard corals on the GBR, prioritising those most essential to reef structure and function, with plans to expand. In addition to reproduction, the samples can be used for research and record-keeping, helping track the effects of warming seas, overfishing and pollution that threaten coral reefs globally. Scientists forecast that at 1.5 Celsius of warming, some 70 to 90 percent of the world's coral reefs could disappear -- a disastrous prospect for people and the planet. Coral reefs support not just marine life but hundreds of millions of people living in coastal communities by providing food, protection from storms and livelihoods through fishing and tourism. Warming oceans cause coral to expel the algae that provides not just their characteristic colour but also their food. Once bleached, they are exposed to disease and death by starvation. A global coral bleaching event has been unfolding since 2023, spreading to 84 percent of the world's reefs, across the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic oceans. Live coral cover has halved since the 1950s due to climate change and environmental damage, the International Coral Reef Initiative, a global conservation partnership, said this year. Next week, nations will meet in France for a UN oceans summit where they will be under pressure to deliver action and much-needed funds to better protect the world's overexploited and polluted seas. But the third UN Ocean Conference may struggle to find global consensus and raise money given ongoing disagreements over deep-sea mining, plastic trash and overfishing. - 'Window closing' - O'Brien warns the GBR is under pressure, despite the resilience it has already shown. "We know the frequency and severity of impacts that are now occurring are not giving the reef enough recovery time," she said. The cryobank, one of just a handful around the world, offers a glimmer of hope. Last year, Taronga and Australian Institute of Marine Science researchers successfully thawed frozen coral sperm to fertilise fresh eggs, producing viable coral larvae that were placed back onto the reef. It was a world-first for the GBR and preliminary surveys show the transplants have grown well. These efforts -- part of a broader programme looking at everything from shading corals to transplanting more heat-tolerant varieties -- are a "small part of the solution to the global coral reef crisis," said WWF-Australia's head of oceans Richard Leck. But he warned that more needs to be done to ensure the long-term survival of coral. "Reefs are incredibly resilient and they do bounce back remarkably quickly after major disturbances," he told AFP. "There is certainly a window to get reefs through climate change, but it is clear that that window is closing." Acting U.S. Representative to the United Nations Dorothy Shea (C, Front) votes against a UN Security Council draft resolution at the UN headquarters in New York, on June 4, 2025. The United States on Wednesday vetoed a Security Council draft resolution that would have demanded an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the immediate lifting of all restrictions on humanitarian aid. (Xinhua/Xie E) UNITED NATIONS, June 4 (Xinhua) -- The United States on Wednesday vetoed a Security Council draft resolution that would have demanded an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the immediate lifting of all restrictions on humanitarian aid. The draft resolution, tabled by the 10 elected members of the Security Council, won the support of 14 out of the 15 members of the council. The United States, which holds veto power, voted against it. The draft resolution would have demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups, and the immediate and unconditional lifting of all restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza and its safe and unhindered distribution at scale. The U.S. veto drew criticism from Security Council members. Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, said China is deeply disappointed at the result of Wednesday's vote. The draft resolution contains the most pressing demands of the people in Gaza and reflects the overwhelming voice of the international community, he said. "The United States has once again abused its veto power, extinguishing the glimmer of hope for the people in Gaza and ruthlessly continuing to leave over 2 million people in darkness. It must face the questioning from the international community," he said. Wednesday's vote result once again exposes that the root cause of the Security Council's inability to quell the conflict in Gaza is the repeated obstruction by the United States, which has vetoed the council's request for a ceasefire multiple times. And because of its shielding of Israel, several resolutions adopted by the council have not been effectively implemented, said Fu in an explanation of the vote. "A veto by a single permanent member cannot stop the march toward peace. We urge the United States to face up to its responsibilities as a permanent member of the Security Council, abandon its political calculations, and adopt a just and responsible attitude in supporting the council to take all necessary actions," he said. British UN ambassador Barbara Woodward said her country voted in favor of the draft resolution because the intolerable situation in Gaza needs to end. The Israeli government's decisions to expand its military operation in Gaza and severely restrict aid into the strip are "unjustifiable, disproportionate, and counter-productive" and the British government completely opposes them, she said. "The Israeli government says it has opened up aid access with this new system. But Palestinians desperate to feed their families have been killed as they try to reach the very few aid sites that have been permitted by Israel. This is inhumane," said Woodward, referring to the U.S.-run, Israeli-approved Gaza Humanitarian Foundation aid scheme that has led to scores of deaths and injuries among Palestinians seeking aid. Britain supports the UN call for immediate and independent investigations into these incidents and for perpetrators to be held accountable, she said, adding that Israel needs to end its restrictions on aid and let the world body carry out its humanitarian operations in Gaza. Algerian UN ambassador Amar Bendjama said the draft resolution was not the voice of the few, but the collective will of the entire world. "It was a message to the people of Palestine: you are not alone. And it was a message to the Israeli occupier: the world watched you. The shield of impunity, of immunity must fall," he said. "This (draft) humanitarian resolution, even in its obstruction by a veto, is a mirror -- a mirror that reflects the agony of multilateralism, and an urgent need to revive it," he said. Pakistani UN ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said his country deeply regretted the failure of the Security Council to adopt the resolution. "It's a sad day, another low in the history of this august body that is entrusted with the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security," he said. The veto cast by the United States sends a dangerous message that the lives of over 2 million Palestinians, besieged, starved and relentlessly bombarded, are dispensable, he said. "This will remain not only a moral stain on the conscience of this council, but a fateful moment of political abdication that will reverberate for generations." While the Security Council deliberated and delayed, Gaza has been decimated, said the ambassador. "This is no longer a humanitarian crisis. It is a collapse of humanity, and of international law and of all that this council is supposed to stand for." "Let us be clear: this failure will not go down in records as a mere procedural footnote. It will be remembered as complicity; a green light for continued annihilation; a moment where the entire world was expecting action, but yet again, this council was blocked and prevented by one member from carrying out its responsibility," said Ahmad. Representatives vote on a draft resolution during a UN Security Council meeting at the UN headquarters in New York, on June 4, 2025. The United States on Wednesday vetoed a Security Council draft resolution that would have demanded an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the immediate lifting of all restrictions on humanitarian aid. (Xinhua/Xie E) Morocco set for sheepless Eid as drought persists Khemisset, Morocco, June 5 (AFP) Jun 05, 2025 As the Islamic festival of Eid al-Adha approaches, Fatima Kharraz can't seem to find the usual sense of celebration after drought-stricken Morocco urged people to forego the traditional sheep sacrifice this year. The rare call was made as the kingdom grapples with a seventh consecutive year's of a dry spell that has caused livestock numbers to decline. "We don't feel the usual excitement," said Kharraz. "It's as if the holiday doesn't exist." But the 52-year-old said it would have been prohibitively expensive to observe the sacrifice this year: sheep "prices were already high last year... We couldn't have afforded it." While sacrificing sheep during Eid al-Adha is not a religious obligation, it remains a widely observed ritual across the Muslim world. At the weekly livestock market in Khemisset, a small town near the capital Rabat, the usual holiday buzz was missing. Cattle and horses stood in makeshift pens with no sheep in sight, an eerie scene for many just days before the festivity Moroccans are set to observe on Saturday. Late February, King Mohammed VI -- also the kingdom's "Commander of the Faithful" -- cited both "climate and economic challenges" when announcing the measure. He said those challenges have caused a "substantial decline" in the country's livestock. - 'Exorbitant' - His late father, Hassan II, made a similar appeal in 1996 when the kingdom also struggled with drought. Recent rainfall deficits have chipped away at grazing pastures, also driving up the cost of livestock feed. This has shrunk Morocco's livestock numbers by more than a third compared to the figure counted in the last census in 2016, according to the agriculture ministry. It has also caused red meat prices to skyrocket, making it unaffordable for many in a country where the minimum monthly wage is just over 3,000 dirhams ($325). For livestock sellers, the economic toll has also proved heavy. At the Khemisset market, 24-year-old Marouane Haizoun leaned against the rails of a nearly empty pen, waiting to sell two cows. He said he had left his sheep on the family farm as it would have been difficult to sell any this year. "Prices would have been exorbitant," he said, while Mustapha Mastour, a 52-year-old horse and sheep breeder, said they would have climbed to "6,000 or 7,000 dirhams" ($650-$760). Some families "would have to take out loans" to buy sheep, said Mona Hajjami, 28, buying vegetables at the market. - 'Void' - Many households opted instead to purchase small cuts of meat or lamb liver -- key ingredients in Eid recipes. "We've seen an increase in demand (for lamb meat), but it won't have any impact" on endeavours to restore livestock numbers, said Mohamed Jebli, president of the Moroccan Federation of Livestock Industry Stakeholders. The North African country of some 37 million people has typically seen up to six million sheep sacrificed each year for Eid al-Adha, Agriculture Minister Ahmed Bouari said in March. Last month, the government unveiled a 6.2 billion dirham ($675 million) relief plan, including subsidies for animal feed and partial debt relief for herders. Both breeders Mastour and Haizoun hoped for an equitable distribution of the aid, saying that big livestock owners were usually the primary beneficiaries. This year's unusual circumstances has caused a stir on social media, with false claims circulating about surveillance drones monitoring the festivities and steep fines for anyone defying the royal directive. Yet within Morocco, the king's appeal has largely been met with understanding. "I support the decision," said Hajjami. Still, she added, "it's normal to feel a void without an atmosphere of grilled meat." EU eyes 'leadership' role on oceans ahead of UN summit Brussels, Belgium, June 5 (AFP) Jun 05, 2025 The European Union Thursday unveiled a new roadmap on marine conservation -- addressing climate and pollution threats to biodiversity as well as challenges for coastal livelihoods -- ahead of a UN summit on preserving the world's oceans. The 27-nation bloc wants to position itself as a leader in the field and will present the "European Ocean Pact" at next week's conference in the French city of Nice. "The ocean is facing many challenges, including pollution, climate change and overexploitation of marine resources -- which require urgent attention and action," the EU Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis said in presenting the new strategy. "It also offers immense potential for more investments in a sustainable blue economy, and it is key for our security," he added. Headline pledges in the EU commission's ocean pact include: -- Proposing by 2027 a new European law on the oceans, revising two maritime directives to better protect biodiversity. -- Monitoring and extending habitats capable of storing carbon dioxide, and proposing the creation of European blue carbon reserves. -- Improving use of the European Satellite Oil Monitoring Service (CleanSeaNet), which can alert member states to the presence of pollutants -- but is drastically underused according to EU auditors. -- Stepping up the fight against illegal and unregulated fishing through a certification system, IT CATCH, which is to become mandatory in January 2026. -- Drawing up, by the end of this year, a long-term EU strategy for fisheries and aquaculture looking ahead to 2040. -- Supporting small-scale fisheries and working to strengthen coastal communities through EU financing and loans. -- Strengthening coast guard and naval cooperation, and coordinating efforts to remove unexploded ordnance from European waters. - Jury still out - Environmental groups had yet to respond to the pact -- having criticised a draft version as rehashing old measures with few immediate steps to tackle threats to marine eco-systems. A key demand pressed jointly by advocacy groups Surfrider, WWF, ClientEarth and Oceana was banning the harmful fishing practice of bottom trawling in protected areas. But EU lawmaker Christophe Clergeau of the Socialists and Democrats, who heads the parliament's Seas, Rivers, Islands and Coastal Areas Intergroup, welcomed the pact as "a first victory" towards restoring the oceans. Forty percent of Europeans live within 50 kilometres (30 miles) of the coast -- though paradoxically the bloc is dependent on imports for 70 of the aquatic food it consumes, according to EU data. Nevertheless, the so-called "blue economy" linked to the sea supports more than five million jobs and contributes more than 250 billion euros ($285 billion) to the bloc's gross domestic product. The EU will present the new roadmap at the June 9-13 UN Ocean Conference (UNOC), which is set to draw some 70 heads of state and government to southern France. The third of its kind, the UN summit seeks to build unity -- and raise $100 billion in new funds -- for marine conservation, despite deep divergences over deep-sea mining, plastic trash and overfishing. One of its aims is to secure the 60 ratifications needed to enact a landmark treaty to protect marine habitats outside national jurisdiction -- with 28 countries on board so far, along with the EU. The oceans covering 70.8 percent of the globe have absorbed the vast majority of the warming caused by burning fossil fuels and shielded societies from the full impact of greenhouse gas emissions. But there are alarming symptoms of stress: heatwaves, loss of marine life, rising sea levels, falling oxygen levels and acidification caused by the uptake of excess carbon dioxide. Kadis said ahead of the pact's launch the bloc wants to send "a clear signal of Europe's leadership, commitment and vision" to its partners in Nice. Ailing Baltic Sea in need of urgent attention Helsinki, June 5 (AFP) Jun 05, 2025 Decades of pollution and climate change have caused fish to disappear from the Baltic Sea at an alarming rate, with the European Union on Thursday vowing to make the sea an "urgent priority". Unveiling its road map to protect Europe's seas, the European Ocean Pact, Brussels announced a summit on the state of the Baltic Sea in late September. The semi-enclosed sea is surrounded by industrial and agricultural nations Germany, Poland, Russia, Finland, Sweden, Denmark and the three Baltic states. Connected to the Atlantic only by the narrow waters of the Danish straits, the Baltic is known for its shallow, low-salinity waters, which are highly sensitive to the climate and environmental changes that have accumulated over the years. "Today, the once massive Baltic cod stocks have collapsed, herring stocks in several sub-basins are balancing on critical levels, sprat recruitment is at a record low and wild salmon stocks are in decline," Swedish European MP Isabella Lovin, rapporteur for the EU Committee of Fishing, warned in a report, calling the situation "critical". - Dead marine zones and climate change - The Baltic Sea is home to some of the world's largest dead marine zones, mainly due to excess nutrient runoff into the sea from human activities on land -- a challenge the sea has long grappled with. The runoff has primarily been phosphorus and nitrogen from waste water and fertilisers used in agriculture, as well as other activities such as forestry. It causes vast algae blooms in summer, a process known as eutrophication that removes oxygen from the water, leaving behind dead seabeds and marine habitats and threatening species living in the Baltic. Today, agriculture is the biggest source of nutrient pollution. Marine biodiversity in the relatively small sea has also deteriorated due to pollution from hazardous substances, land use, extraction of resources and climate change, according to the Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission (HELCOM). "The state of the Baltic Sea is not good," Maria Laamanen, a senior advisor at the Finnish environment ministry, told AFP. Climate change poses "a massive additional challenge" for the marine environment, she said. Of the world's coastal seas, the Baltic Sea is warming the fastest. A 2024 study said sea surface and sea floor temperatures have increased by 1.8 and 1.3 degrees Celsius respectively in the Finnish archipelago in the northern Baltic Sea, in the period from 1927 to 2020. The consequences of rising temperatures already affect species, while increased rainfall has led to more runoff from land to sea. Better waste water treatment and gypsum treatment of agricultural soil, as well as an expansion of protected marine areas in Finland, have had a positive effect on the maritime environment, according to Laamanen, who said environmental engagement had grown in recent years. "The situation would be much worse without the measures already implemented," she said. - Fisheries - In her report, Lovin called for an ambitious reform of fisheries, with stronger attention paid to environmental and climate change impacts. The report also questioned whether the Baltic could continue to sustain industrial-scale trawling, and suggested giving "priority access to low-impact fisheries and fishing for human consumption". The head of the Finnish Fishermen's Association (SAKL) Kim Jordas said eutrophication was to blame for the declining fish stocks in the Baltic Sea, not overfishing. "Looking at cod for example, it is entirely due to the state of the Baltic Sea and the poor oxygen situation," Jordas told AFP. In Finland, the number of commercial fishermen has been declining, with a total of around 400 active today. Greenpeace activists charged with theft of Macron waxwork Paris, June 5 (AFP) Jun 05, 2025 Two Greenpeace activists who removed French President Emmanuel Macron's waxwork from a Paris museum to stage anti-Russia protests were on Thursday charged with aggravated theft, their lawyer said. The pair have now been released, but their lawyer, Marie Dose, said the activists, a man and a woman, spent three nights in a cell in "absolutely appalling conditions". "I found out this morning that I was going to be charged," one of the charged activists, who did not wish to be named, told AFP. "I find it a bit much, all this for exercising my freedom of expression in France." On Monday, several activists stole a 40,000-euro statue of Macron from the Grevin Museum and placed it in front of the Russian embassy. On Tuesday they placed Macron's double outside the headquarters of French electricity giant EDF to protest France's economic ties with Russia. They stood the statue on its feet and put next to it a sign reading "Putin-Macron radioactive allies". The waxwork, estimated to be worth 40,000 euros ($45,500), was handed over to police on Tuesday night. The pair were detained on Monday. On Thursday they were brought before an investigating judge and charged as part of a judicial inquiry into "the theft of a cultural object on display", the Paris prosecutor's office told AFP. Jean-Francois Julliard, head of Greenpeace France, said that the detained pair were people who drove a truck during the protest in front of the Russian embassy, and not those who "borrowed" the statue from the museum. - 'Tool to deter activists' - The activists' lawyer condemned authorities for detaining and later charging them. "I don't understand this decision to open a judicial investigation, as the Grevin Museum clearly stated that there was no damage," said Dose. "Increasingly, the justice system is becoming a tool to deter activists from exercising their freedom of expression and opinion," she added. The Grevin Museum filed a complaint on Monday but subsequently took the matter in good humour. "The figures can only be viewed on site," it said on its Instagram feed. Speaking earlier, Dose denounced the detention as "completely disproportionate", saying they had spent three nights in a cell. The lawyer condemned the "deplorable" conditions in which the two activists were being held, "attached to benches for hours and dragged from police station to police station". One activist spent the night without a blanket and was unable to lie down because her cell was too small, the lawyer said. "The other had to sleep on the floor because there were too many people in the cell," she added. The lawyer argued that "no harm resulted from the non-violent action", insisting that "all offences" ceased to exist once the statue has been returned to the museum. The activists managed to slip out through an emergency exit of the museum by posing as maintenance workers. France has been one of the most vocal supporters of Kyiv since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Macron has taken the lead in seeking to forge a coordinated European response to defending Ukraine, after US President Donald Trump shocked the world by directly negotiating with Russia. But Greenpeace and other activists say that French companies continue to do business with Moscow despite multiple rounds of sanctions slapped against Russia after the start of the invasion. gd-nal-abe-jul-as/sjw/giv TotalEnergies in landmark greenwashing trial in France Paris, June 5 (AFP) Jun 05, 2025 Environmental groups took TotalEnergies to court Thursday in a landmark Paris trial, accusing the French oil and gas giant of misleading consumers with ads that overstate its climate commitments and fossil fuel transition. It is the first such case in France targeting a major energy company and could set a legal precedent for corporate environmental advertising, which is starting to face tighter regulations in the European Union. The civil case stems from a March 2022 lawsuit by three environmental groups accusing TotalEnergies of "misleading commercial practices" for saying it could reach carbon neutrality while continuing oil and gas production. The plaintiffs took that legal route as "greenwashing", or the act of claiming to be more environmentally responsible than in reality, is not specifically covered under French law. Starting in May 2021, TotalEnergies advertised its goal of "carbon neutrality by 2050" and touted gas as "the fossil fuel with the lowest greenhouse gas emissions". At the time, the company had changed its name from Total to TotalEnergies to emphasise its investments in wind turbines and solar panels for electricity production. The plaintiffs allege that TotalEnergies made around 40 "false advertisements" in their lawsuit. "For the average consumer, it is impossible to understand that TotalEnergies is actually expanding fossil fuel production," said Clementine Baldon, a lawyer for the NGOs. The company's strategy "will not help the energy transition", Baldon told the court. "It delays it, even prevents it, and it contributes to putting the objectives of the Paris accord at risk," she added, referring to the international agreement aimed at curbing climate change. TotalEnergies maintains it has not engaged in misleading commercial practices. Moreover, it insists that the messages are part of its institutional communications regulated by financial authorities and not consumer law. It has also argued the NGOs are misusing consumer protection rules to challenge its corporate strategy, and that no consumer organisation is party to the case. The NGOs said the Paris court will rule on the legality of ads presenting natural gas as essential to the energy transition. Climate experts say methane leaks from the gas industry have a powerful warming effect on the atmosphere. - Correcting ads - Environmental groups in recent years have turned to the courts to establish case law on companies misleading consumers by appearing more eco-friendly than they are. In Europe, courts ruled against Dutch airline KLM in 2024 and Germany's Lufthansa in March over misleading consumers about their efforts to reduce the environmental impact of flying. In Spain, utility Iberdrola failed to secure a conviction against Spanish oil and gas company Repsol over similar allegations of "false" environmental claims. A greenwashing case against Australian oil and gas producer Santos, challenging its claim to be a "clean fuels" company, has been ongoing since 2021. Other fossil fuel companies, under pressure from advertising regulators or legal complains, have had to scrap or correct ad campaigns. Shell, for example, received a warning in the UK and had to stop promoting "carbon-neutral" gasoline in several countries, including Germany, the Netherlands and Canada. New European laws now ban vague, generic environmental claims such as "green" or "100 percent natural" product, and aim to require brands to more strictly substantiate environmental claims on labels and in advertising. TotalEnergies has said it plans to show that its messages "about its name change, strategy and role in the energy transition are reliable and based on objective, verifiable data". nal/ak/lth/rl TotalEnergies Air France-KLM Lufthansa IBERDROLA TotalEnergies in landmark greenwashing trial in France Paris, June 5 (AFP) Jun 05, 2025 Environmental groups took TotalEnergies to court Thursday in a landmark Paris trial, accusing the French oil and gas giant of misleading consumers with ads that overstate its climate commitments and fossil fuel transition. It is the first such case in France targeting a major energy company and could set a legal precedent for corporate environmental advertising, which is starting to face tighter regulations in the European Union. The civil case stems from a March 2022 lawsuit by three environmental groups accusing TotalEnergies of "misleading commercial practices" for saying it could reach carbon neutrality while continuing oil and gas production. The plaintiffs took that legal route as "greenwashing", or the act of claiming to be more environmentally responsible than in reality, is not specifically covered under French law. Starting in May 2021, TotalEnergies advertised its goal of "carbon neutrality by 2050" and touted gas as "the fossil fuel with the lowest greenhouse gas emissions". At the time, the company had changed its name from Total to TotalEnergies to emphasise its investments in wind turbines and solar panels for electricity production. The plaintiffs allege that TotalEnergies made around 40 "false advertisements" in their lawsuit. "For the average consumer, it is impossible to understand that TotalEnergies is actually expanding fossil fuel production," said Clementine Baldon, a lawyer for the NGOs. The company's strategy "will not help the energy transition", Baldon told the court. "It delays it, even prevents it, and it contributes to putting the objectives of the Paris accord at risk," she added, referring to the international agreement aimed at curbing climate change. TotalEnergies maintains it has not engaged in misleading commercial practices. "Greenwashing would be to promise that the petrol sold in service stations is carbon neutral," said the company's lawyer, Francoise Labrousse. TotalEnergies had "never said its products are good for the climate", she added. TotalEnergies also insisted that the messages are part of its institutional communications regulated by financial authorities and not consumer law. It also argued the NGOs are misusing consumer protection rules to challenge its corporate strategy, and that no consumer organisation is party to the case. The NGOs want the Paris court to rule on the legality of ads presenting natural gas as essential to the energy transition. Climate experts say methane leaks from the gas industry have a powerful warming effect on the atmosphere. But TotalEnergies noted Greenpeace Belgium had previously considered natural gas useful for the energy transition and noted the group still uses fossil fuels in its boats. - Correcting ads - Environmental groups in recent years have turned to the courts to establish case law on companies misleading consumers by appearing more eco-friendly than they are. In Europe, courts ruled against Dutch airline KLM in 2024 and Germany's Lufthansa in March over misleading consumers about their efforts to reduce the environmental impact of flying. In Spain, utility Iberdrola failed to secure a conviction against Spanish oil and gas company Repsol over similar allegations of "false" environmental claims. A greenwashing case against Australian oil and gas producer Santos, challenging its claim to be a "clean fuels" company, has been ongoing since 2021. Other fossil fuel companies, under pressure from advertising regulators or legal complains, have had to scrap or correct ad campaigns. Shell, for example, received a warning in the UK and had to stop promoting "carbon-neutral" gasoline in several countries, including Germany, the Netherlands and Canada. New European laws now ban vague, generic environmental claims such as "green" or "100 percent natural" product, and aim to require brands to more strictly substantiate environmental claims on labels and in advertising. TotalEnergies has said it plans to show that its messages "about its name change, strategy and role in the energy transition are reliable and based on objective, verifiable data". At the end of the hearing, the judge said a ruling would be given on October 23. nal/rl/phz TotalEnergies Air France-KLM Lufthansa IBERDROLA REPSOL Brazil charges man with killings of UK journalist, activist Sao Paulo, June 5 (AFP) Jun 05, 2025 Brazilian prosecutors on Thursday charged the suspected mastermind of the 2022 murders of Indigenous rights activist Bruno Pereira and British journalist Dom Phillips over the killings, which caused international outcry. Pereira and Phillips, who freelanced for outlets including The Guardian and The Washington Post, were shot dead in the Amazon rainforest on June 5, 2022. A Brazilian federal police probe concluded they were killed because of Pereira's monitoring of poaching and other illegal activities going on in the vast Amazon. Three years to the day after the murders, a prosecutor from Amazonas state indicted the suspected mastermind, the state prosecutor's office said in a statement. The suspect was not named, but the police had previously said they believed Ruben Dario da Silva Villar, a Colombian suspected drug trafficker who has been in custody since late 2022, of ordering the hits. Pereira was a senior official with Brazil's indigenous affairs agency, and disappeared along with Phillips while they were traveling through a remote Indigenous reserve in the Amazon, close to the borders of Colombia and Peru. Their hacked-up bodies were found and identified days later, after an alleged accomplice confessed to burying them. Autopsies showed they had been shot with shells used for hunting. Phillips, 57, was shot in the chest, while Pereira, 41, sustained three gunshot wounds, one of them to the head. The killings became a symbol in Brazil and abroad of the corruption and lawlessness fueling the destruction of the Amazon and the dangers faced by journalists and Indigenous experts who probe the issues. So far, eight suspects have been charged over their role in the murders and/or concealment of the victims' remains. In its final report into the killings in November 2024, the police said that mastermind "supplied the cartridges for the crime, financially sponsored its organization, and intervened to coordinate the concealment of the bodies." MEXICO CITY, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Wednesday described the latest U.S. tariff hikes on steel and aluminum imports, which doubled from 25 percent to 50 percent, as "unfair," "unsustainable," and lacking any "legal basis." At her daily morning press conference, Sheinbaum said the measure, which applies to all countries except the United Kingdom, is unfair to Mexico because "Mexico imports more steel and aluminum than it exports." Usually, "a tariff is imposed when there is a deficit," said Sheinbaum, but "we import more steel" so it is "unfair." In addition, Mexico and the United States are partners to a free trade agreement, so from the Mexican government's perspective, the tariff "has no legal basis." According to Washington, however, the tariff responds more to national security concerns than trade, noted the president, adding it is still unfair to apply it to Mexico. "It is being considered for reasons of U.S. national security, and just yesterday, the White House spokesperson said there is very good collaboration on all fronts with Mexico, including the security issue. So, we don't believe it is justified," she said. Finally, she added, the tariff will prove unsustainable "because just as ... there are many auto parts that cross from one side of the border to the other, the same occurs with steel." Sheinbaum said she would meet with industry leaders during the day to present strategies, and her economy secretary, Marcelo Ebrard, was preparing negotiations with U.S. authorities this week in anticipation of an agreement. "Fifty percent tariffs represent a significant impact on the steel and aluminum industry; 25 percent already represented problems," she said. With no agreement, her administration will announce what measures it will take next week, said Sheinbaum, adding it is not about "an eye for an eye," but about supporting the industry and the jobs it creates, which are "very important." "We hope to reach an agreement. If we don't, then we will also announce some measures ... it's not a matter of revenge ... it's a matter of protection," the Mexican president said. A model presents accessories made of flowers during the International Floriculture Trade Expo 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya, June 5, 2025. The expo opened in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, on Tuesday with calls to curb carbon emissions. The three-day event brought together senior government officials, flower growers and buyers, cargo firms, and exhibitors from 83 countries. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen) NAIROBI, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's flower exports are forecast to rise to 110 billion Kenyan shillings (about 851 million U.S. dollars) in 2025, up from 835 million dollars recorded in 2024, a trade lobby said Wednesday. Clement Tulezi, chief executive officer of the Kenya Flower Council, told Xinhua in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, that performance exceeded expectations during the recent Valentine's Day season, which is traditionally a peak period for flower sales. "We are experiencing steady demand for flowers from all key markets," Tulezi said on the sidelines of the International Floriculture Trade Expo 2025. The three-day event brought together senior government officials, flower growers and buyers, cargo firms, and exhibitors from 83 countries to discuss ways to reduce the carbon footprint of the global floriculture industry. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, the flower sector is one of the country's leading sources of foreign exchange earnings, alongside diaspora remittances, tourism, tea, and coffee. Tulezi said that another driver of rising export earnings is the expansion of land dedicated to flower farming. The country currently exports over 100 varieties of flowers, with roses continuing to dominate, accounting for more than 60 percent of all floriculture exports. He said that the European Union, Britain, and the United Arab Emirates remain key markets for Kenya, while Japan, China, and Malaysia are emerging destinations. People visit the International Floriculture Trade Expo 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya, June 5, 2025. The expo opened in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, on Tuesday with calls to curb carbon emissions. The three-day event brought together senior government officials, flower growers and buyers, cargo firms, and exhibitors from 83 countries. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen) People visit the International Floriculture Trade Expo 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya, June 5, 2025. The expo opened in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, on Tuesday with calls to curb carbon emissions. The three-day event brought together senior government officials, flower growers and buyers, cargo firms, and exhibitors from 83 countries. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen) People visit the International Floriculture Trade Expo 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya, June 5, 2025. The expo opened in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, on Tuesday with calls to curb carbon emissions. The three-day event brought together senior government officials, flower growers and buyers, cargo firms, and exhibitors from 83 countries. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen) 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 YouTuber DDGs request for a domestic violence restraining order against his former partner, The Little Mermaid star Halle Bailey, has been denied. The 27-year-old streamer had claimed in court documents filed yesterday that the 25-year-old actor presented a risk to their 17-month-old son, Halo, and sought to prevent her from taking the child out of the United States. Bailey responded by filing to deny DDGs request and asked the court to grant her permission to take their son out of the country so she can work. She also filed an order requesting DDG - whose real name is Darryl Dwayne Granberry Jr - and his family and friends to stop posting about their son, this litigation, and Bailey on all platforms. TMZ reports that the court sided with Bailey, who is now free to travel with Halo. Bailey was granted temporary physical and legal custody of Halo in May after she alleged DDG had abused her physically and emotionally ( Getty ) According to court documents seen by People, DDG whose real name is Darryl Dwayne Granberry Jr was specifically seeking to stop Bailey from taking Halo on vacation to Italy. DDG alleged in the documents that Bailey poses an imminent emotional and psychological risk to the minor child based on repeated, documented threats of self-harm. He claimed that if Halo were to leave the country, the toddler would be without the protections of the Court and any emergency intervention mechanisms. He said Bailey has made repeated threats of suicide and self-harm. The Independent has approached Baileys representatives for comment. Bailey was granted temporary physical and legal custody of Halo in May, after she alleged her former partner had abused her physically and emotionally. In November last year, she publicly berated DDG after he allowed Halo to appear in a livestream. Hi everyone. Just so you know I am out of town and I dont approve of my baby being on a stream tonight. she wrote on X in a since-deleted post. I wasnt told or notified and I am extremely upset to have my baby in front of millions of people. The Little Mermaid star concluded: I am his mother and protector and saddened that I wasnt notified especially when I am out of town. However, fans were quick to call her hypocritical as she has shared photos and videos of her baby on her own social media channels. In front of millions of people - and then has pictures of Halo on her account with millions of likes, one person wrote on X. Others, meanwhile, were more sympathetic about Bailey being upset. As a mother, its completely understandable that she would be upset, especially when her childs privacy is involved, one wrote. Bailey and the YouTuber and rapper announced the birth of their son in January 2024, following months of pregnancy speculation. Even though were a few days into the new year, the greatest thing that 2023 could have done for me, was bring me my son ... welcome to the world my halo the world is desperate to know you, Bailey wrote on Instagram at the time. 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 YouTuber DDG has filed for a domestic violence restraining order against his former partner,The Little Mermaid star Halle Bailey. The 27 year-old streamer claimed that the 25 year-old actor presents a risk to their 17-month-old son Halo, and is seeking to prevent her taking the child out of the United States. According to court documents seen by People, DDG - whose real name is Darryl Dwayne Granberry Jr - is specifically seeking to stop Bailey taking Halo on vacation to Italy. DDG alleges in the documents that Bailey poses an imminent emotional and psychological risk to the minor child based on repeated, documented threats of self-harm. He claims that if Halo were to leave the country, the toddler would be without the protections of the Court and any emergency intervention mechanisms. Halle Bailey and DDG attending the Glamour Women of The Year Awards in London in 2023 ( Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images ) He says Bailey has made repeated threats of suicide and self-harm and that in one instance, Bailey took a gun with her after a fight and he eventually found her outside holding the weapon while emotionally unwell, incoherent and potentially suicidal. The Independent has approached Baileys representatives for comment. Bailey was granted temporary physical and legal custody of Halo in May, after she alleged her former partner had abused her physically and emotionally. In November last year, she publicly berated DDG after he allowed Halo to appear in a livestream. Hi everyone. Just so you know I am out of town and I dont approve of my baby being on a stream tonight. she wrote on X in a since-deleted post. I wasnt told or notified and I am extremely upset to have my baby in front of millions of people. The Little Mermaid star concluded: I am his mother and protector and saddened that I wasnt notified especially when I am out of town. However, fans were quick to call her hypocritical as she has shared photos and videos of her baby on her own social media channels. In front of millions of people - and then has pictures of Halo on her account with millions of likes, one person wrote on X. Others, meanwhile, were more sympathetic about Bailey being upset. As a mother, its completely understandable that she would be upset, especially when her childs privacy is involved, one wrote. Bailey and the YouTuber and rapper announced the birth of their son in January 2024, following months of pregnancy speculation. Even though were a few days into the new year, the greatest thing that 2023 could have done for me, was bring me my son ... welcome to the world my halo the world is desperate to know you, Bailey wrote on Instagram at the time. 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 BTS fans are gearing up for the return of the K-pop group, with all remaining members set to complete their mandatory military service this month. With members Jin and J-Hope already discharged and the others Suga, RM, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook due back from service in the coming days, the annual celebrations of the groups debut anniversary have taken on a heightened sense of excitement. Even though a proper comeback as a band isnt expected until 2026, June is packed with events and solo releases building anticipation among their fanbase, known as the Army. RM and V will be discharged on 10 June, followed by Jimin and Jung Kook the following day. Suga, who has been fulfilling a non-active duty role due to a shoulder injury, will be discharged on 21 June. open image in gallery BTS members Jin and J-Hope have already been discharged and the remaining Suga, RM, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook are due back this month ( Getty Images ) open image in gallery A fan visits a BTS pop-up store BTS in Seoul; Even though a proper comeback as a band isnt expected until 2026, June is packed with events and solo releases ( AFP via Getty Images ) It all means that this years Festa, an annual event held by BTS to commemorate their 13 June debut, is one that fans are particularly looking forward to. The group and their management label, BigHit Music, usually begin celebrations from the beginning of the month, but there is speculation among fans about at least one of the members making a surprise appearance. Additionally, with other members making special appearances at Jins discharge, armed with a saxophone, fans are hoping for similar candid reunions. RM plays Dynamite on saxophone as BTS star Jin completes military service Industry observers speaking to Korean media have suggested a new album or a comeback tour is not likely this year due to the members needing time for post-discharge transitions and the amount of production work involved, especially since the band is known for writing and producing their music. In a recent interview on Apple Music 1s The Zane Lowe Show, J-Hope stayed elusive on concrete plans, saying: We will quickly get together and talk about what BTS can do in the future. I think it's going to be a massive energy. The events kicked off on 1 June with the release of digital content for fans, including a mock broadcast by Jin and J-Hope revisiting the groups milestones and photo shoots, but larger in-person events are set to place on 13 and 14 June at the Korea International Exhibition Center in Goyang, just outside Seoul. Members have kept up solo activities, even as the group went on a two-year hiatus. Jin, whose real name is Kim Seok Jin, was the first to return from enlistment in June 2024 and has announced a concert set for the end of this month in Seoul. The tour itself is a spinoff of his solo variety series Run Seokjin, where he explored new hobbies and even hosted Tom Cruise for the promotional run of the latest Mission Impossible film. After the Seoul concert, Jin will be setting off on a global tour, performing shows in Japan, US, UK, and the Netherlands. J-Hope, on the other hand, is ending his 31-show global tour with an encore concert on 13-14 June, where he is expected to debut new single Killin It Girl featuring GloRilla. Both tours reportedly sold out within hours, and social media is awash with fans creating fan art, sharing their favourite memes and moments in dedicated communities, and even circulating fan-made merchandise. BTSs last full-group release was the 2022 anthology album Proof, and their most recent concert took place in October that year in Busan. 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 Will Ferrell is set to adapt his own 2020 Netflix comedy Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga into a new Broadway musical. The former Saturday Night Live star appeared alongside Rachel McAdams in the movie as an aspiring Icelandic singing duo chosen to represent their country in the popular real-life pan-European music competition. In a statement, Ferrell said: We are more than excited to bring Eurovision to Broadway. The stage musical is a perfect place to continue our celebration of all the things we love about this amazing and unifying song competition. The new musical version will feature book written by Ferrell, Harper Steele and Anthony King, music by Savan Kotecha and will be directed by Alex Timbers. Timbers added in a further statement: Will Ferrell and Harper Steele are my comedy heroes, and when I first saw their joyful movie Eurovision during the pandemic, it buoyed spirits during a very dark time. Will Ferrell in a scene from Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga ( Netflix ) With this stage adaptation, I cant wait to bring that same mix of heart, spectacle, irreverence, and awe to audiences across the world. Like the film, the stage musical is being produced in collaboration with the official Eurovision Song Contest organization. The competitions director, Martin Green CBE, said: This is a stellar team for what I am sure will be an equally stellar adaption of a film the world loved. Our aim always is to bring the joy of the Eurovision Song Contest to more people globally especially as we approach our 70th edition in 2026. In a three-star review of the film, The Independent critic Clarisse Loughrey called the movie exactly as silly and outlandish as it needs to be, while still paying sincere respect to one of Europes great cultural quirks. There are a few pops at Americans, too, to keep things humble. She added: While Ferrell and Steeles script doesnt always provide the best material, the film works because its cast is so invested in the absurdity of it all. Ferrell thrives once more in the role of sweet naif (a la Buddy in Elf), while McAdams rolls out her best Bjork impression its refreshing to see a film where a female lead gets to be just as weird as her male co-star. Dan Stevens, meanwhile, revels in his role as Russian contestant Alexander Lemtov, a man who sings from his crotch and wears gold-embroidered waistcoats with nothing underneath. 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 Actor Tom Felton will join the Broadway company of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child for a limited engagement later this year. He will reprise his role as Draco Malfoy, whom he starred as across all eight Harry Potter films. Felton will join the cast at the Lyric Theatre in New York City beginning November 11, becoming the first cast member from the famed film franchise to reprise their role in the stage production. The role also marks Feltons Broadway debut. Hell remain with the show through March 22, 2026. Being a part of the Harry Potter films has been one of the greatest honors of my life, Felton said in a statement. open image in gallery Tom Felton as Draco Malfoy ( Warner Bros/Manuel Harlan ) Joining this production will be a full-circle moment for me, because when I begin performances in Cursed Child this fall, Ill also be the exact age Draco is in the play. Its surreal to be stepping back into his shoes and of course his iconic platinum blond hair and I am thrilled to be able to see his story through and to share it with the greatest fan community in the world. I look forward to joining this incredible company and being a part of the Broadway community. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child picks up 19 years after the end of the original series, following Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Draco as they send their children off to Hogwarts. The play is based on an original story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne, and John Tiffany. The show first opened on Londons West End in 2016, followed by the Broadway production in 2018. Several other productions have since been mounted in cities around the world, including Hamburg, Melbourne, Toronto, and Tokyo. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is produced by Sonia Friedman Productions, Colin Callender and Harry Potter Theatrical Productions. open image in gallery Tom Felton will reprise his role as Draco Malfoy in the Broadway production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child ( Emilio Madrid ) In a joint statement, Friedman and Callender said: As fans of the wizarding world ourselves, we feel incredibly fortunate to welcome Tom into our Cursed Child family on Broadway and to offer Harry Potter fans around the globe the once-in-a-lifetime excitement of seeing him reprise this iconic role, this time on-stage in New York City. This moment is powerful on many levelsTom will be making his Broadway debut and is marking a full-circle moment for not just himself, but for Draco too, they continued. He gets to inhabit Draco once more, but this time as an adult facing the relatable challenges of parenthood and the complicated meaning of legacy. Since the end of the Harry Potter film franchise, Felton has appeared on stage and screen. He made his West End debut in 2022 as Sam in 2:22 A Ghost Story. Two years later, he starred as Bob Edwards in Gareth Farrs play A Child of Science at Bristol Old Vic. His TV credits include roles inThe Flash, Murder in the First, the mini-series Full Circle and Ridley Scotts Labyrinth. Felton has also appeared in Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Belle, the independent film In Secret opposite Jessica Lange, Elizabeth Olsen and Oscar Isaac, as well as the Netflix films A Babysitter's Guide to Monster Hunting and The Forgotten Battle. 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 On an August morning in 2017, a Spanish engineer named Antonio Navarro Cerdan left his home in the quiet Valencian neighbourhood of Patraix to head off to work, just as he would every other weekday. But on this particular Wednesday, Antonio never made it to the office; he didnt even get behind the wheel of his car. As he made his way through his buildings garage, he was stabbed in the chest with a kitchen knife and left to die in the car park. When she learned of his harrowing murder, Antonios wife Maria slipped into the role of the grieving widow, aghast at this seemingly random attack. It didnt take long, though, for suspicion to turn upon Maria herself. Was she in fact the black widow at the centre of a spiders web of infidelity, jealousy and deceit? Welcome to the world of Netflixs latest hit, A Widows Game, which has set up residence in the streamers top 10 films since its release last week. While this tale might sound straight out of a particularly overheated telenovela, the movie is in fact based on a real murder case that gripped Spain a few years back. With a touch of hindsight, its not hard to see why the film has got its claws into viewers. It has all the makings of a Netflix B-list success story, the sort of project that doesnt get much hype in the lead-up to its release (in fact, reviews have been decidedly mixed, to put it politely) yet still manages to shoot up the charts and cling on for dear life. And if its lead star Ivana Baquero looks vaguely familiar, thats probably thanks to her childhood role as Ofelia, the heroine of Guillermo del Toros fantastical epic Pans Labyrinth. Its a straightforward murder-mystery procedural, with the added frisson that comes with being based on a true story, albeit one that the majority of us, outside Spain at least, might not already be familiar with. Its set under the Valencian sun, and theres plenty of extramarital sex, too. Essentially, its solid, scandalous fare, the sort of stuff that people actually gobble up on Netflix (albeit perhaps with one eye on their phone, if theyve opted for the dubbed version rather than subtitles). And while many true-crime offerings dress up their salacious tales with platitudes about honouring victims, this one is, for better or worse, almost brutally straightforward in its aims. This film is not about the victim, executive producer Ramon Campo said in a statement. It is about the murderers. open image in gallery Maje, played by Ivana Baquero, and her husband appeared to be the perfect couple ( Netflix ) The story that underpins it, though, is arguably even more shocking than the film makes out. In photos, Antonio and Maria, nicknamed Maje, seemed like a perfect couple: good-looking, smiling, apparently carefree and happy in each others company. But if schlocky Netflix dramas have taught us anything, its that appearances are almost always deceptive. Maje, who was nine years her husbands junior, was in fact serially unfaithful to Antonio (whos been renamed as Arturo in the film). In photos, Antonio and Maria seemed like a perfect couple: good-looking, smiling, apparently carefree and happy in each others company One of Majes lovers was Salvador Rodrigo Lapiedra, a colleague at the hospital where she worked as a nurse. Salvador was 20 years her senior, already married with a daughter around her age; the movie leans into classic tropes to inevitably paint him as a middle-aged has-been whos dangerously flattered by the attention from his beautiful young co-worker. Reports from the Spanish press suggest that the relationship came to a head when the couple were having lunch at Salvadors farmhouse in Ribarroja: Maje told her boyfriend that Antonio was psychologically abusive and controlling, and that she wanted him to die. The couple set about putting together a plan for his murder, using Majes in-depth knowledge of the mundanities of her husbands daily routine in order to find a time when he might be vulnerable. 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. It would later transpire that Salvador wasnt the first person Maje had tried to recruit into this grim plan; shed told previous lovers a similar story about Antonio (despite the fact that there was no evidence that hed ever been abusive). But why opt for murder when, well, divorce exists? According to later testimony from Salvador, she saw the scheme as a way of getting rid of her husband, while getting to keep his inheritance and pension as a means of financial support. open image in gallery Maje used her knowledge of her husbands daily routine to help craft the murder plot ( Netflix ) Salvador would eventually dispose of the murder weapon by throwing it in a septic tank at his farmhouse. Maje, meanwhile, got stuck into performing the part of the widow in mourning, reportedly reading an emotional farewell letter at his funeral. Initially, the police were confused as to what might be the motive for such a horrifying act; nothing had been stolen from Antonio, so it didnt appear to be a robbery gone wrong. But when officers shifted their investigation to focus on those closest to the victim, they were soon confronted with evidence of Majes secret life. A wiretap on her phone captured a message to a friend, in which she admitted to feeling free after the death (and noted that she was already collecting his pension). Not long after, she and Rodrigo made a series of incriminating calls to one another, discussing the aftermath of their plan. Lets just say that wasnt exactly the smartest move the duo were eventually arrested in January the following year. The next twist in this bleak tale, though, is strangely rushed through by the creators of A Widows Game, confined to a few lines in the end credits. At first, Salvador was happy to take the rap for his girlfriend, claiming that he and he alone was responsible for Antonios death. But then, he changed his mind. What prompted this about turn? Hed learned that Maje had struck up a relationship with another inmate while in custody. This betrayal spurred him to change his statement to better reflect her involvement. I said it was all my idea but it was both of us, he said, in a recording that plays in the films final moments. open image in gallery Salvador would eventually change his mind and revealed Majes involvement in the plan ( Netflix ) His defence lawyers would eventually argue that he had been manipulated, and that he only went along with the plot because of his infatuation. Maje, meanwhile, continued to deny any involvement in her husbands death, even as the evidence piled up against her. In October 2020, Salvador was found guilty of murder and sentenced to 17 years in prison but Maje would end up being handed the harsher punishment. She was found guilty of murder, with kinship as an aggravating circumstance, and received 22 years. The story only becomes more convoluted from there. While in prison in Picassent, Maje began another relationship with a different inmate, a man known only as David, whod been convicted of a 2008 murder. Picassent, its worth noting, was Europes first mixed penitentiary, where male and female prisoners share communal space and take part in activities together. Its not an anomaly, either: around 20 coed prison blocks are currently in operation across Spain. A few months into this romance, Maje became pregnant, and gave birth to a baby boy in 2023. Since then, shes been continuing her sentence in a mother and child unit at another prison in Alicante, where shell likely remain until her son turns three. Its a strange, sad coda to a strange, sad story and yet more proof that the truth really is stranger than fiction. A Widows Game is streaming on Netflix now 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 Dance Moms star Abby Lee Miller has sued her team of doctors and Cedars-Sinai Marina Del Rey Hospital in Los Angeles for malpractice. Miller, who rose to fame through her tough-love approach to being a dance teacher on the Lifetime reality show, alleged that after doctors performed a spinal surgery on her in 2020, they left a catheter in her body. According to the lawsuit obtained by People, Miller informed her doctors shortly after the surgery that she was experiencing abdominal pain, but nothing had been done. Then, in June 2024, a doctor gave her a CT scan, where a retained catheter was allegedly discovered. The same day, doctors performed an emergency procedure to remove it. Miller filed the lawsuit on Tuesday in Los Angeles County Superior Court for medical negligence, professional negligence, and medical battery. She is asking for $1.4 million in damages. Cedars-Sinai cannot comment on pending legal matters, the hospital told The Independent in a statement. Abby Lee Miller suffered for years from an object left inside of her during spinal surgery; despite complaints to various physicians, not one ordered imaging of any kind to diagnose the source of her pain, Millers attorney said ( Getty Images ) Also, due to federal and state privacy laws, Cedars-Sinai cannot discuss any patients medical treatment. However, the care and safety of our patients, staff, and visitors are always Cedars-Sinais top priorities. We are dedicated to ensuring that we meet the highest standards of care for all those we serve. Millers attorney, Nadine Lewis, echoed the claims made in the lawsuit in a statement given to The Independent, saying: Abby Lee Miller suffered for years from an object left inside of her during spinal surgery; despite complaints to various physicians, not one ordered imaging of any kind to diagnose the source of her pain. Rather, they systemically dismissed her chronic pain and let her suffer for years. She continued: As a paraplegic woman with a life sentence in a wheelchair, Abby lives with daily pain in the aftermath of her Burkitt Lymphoma diagnosis. For years, Abby complained of abdominal pain, only to be ignored by her most trusted physicians. Four years post-surgery Abby discovered that her surgeons had left a bright blue catheter inside of her abdomen. Miller shot to fame on Dance Moms, in which she trained children to go into dance and show business under her exacting tutelage; however, ex-students left the program to complain about the difficult treatment they endured. The show debuted in 2011 and ended in 2019. Miller has since admitted during a May 2024 interview with ABC that she was possibly too harsh on her students, but added that she was only remorseful because they just didnt have the talent. Several cast members have skyrocketed to fame as a result of the show, including Maddie Ziegler and JoJo Siwa. 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 Netflixs critically acclaimed UK crime drama Adolescence has officially surpassed Stranger Things to become the streamers second most-watched English-language TV series. The crime drama miniseries co-created by and starring Stephen Graham debuted March 13 and just recently reached a mega milestone of 141.2 million total views, putting it above the fourth season of Stranger Things, which initially held the spot at 140.7 million views. The debut season of the platforms Addams Family spin-off, Wednesday, starring Jenna Ortega, remains at the top of Netflixs list with an astounding 252.1 million total views in its first 91 days. Comparatively, season one of the streamers popular Korean-language thriller Squid Game is the platforms most popular non-English language TV series, amassing 265.2 million views in its first three months. Adolescence, which is expected to land several Emmy nominations next month, recently swept at the 2025 Gotham TV Awards. Owen Cooper (left) as Jamie and Stephen Graham (right) as his on-screen father Eddie in Adolescence ( AP ) It took the prize for Breakthrough Limited Series, as well as two acting awards for Graham and young newcomer Owen Cooper for Outstanding Lead Performance in a Limited Series and Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Limited Series, respectively. Were overwhelmed for you to embrace us the way you have, Graham said in his acceptance speech. This was a small colloquial piece that was made with love, respect, humility and dignity, and we treated the subject with a lot of passion, but a lot of care. Out now on Netflix, Adolescence is a four-part series that follows the dramatic aftermath of a 13-year-old boy, Jamie (Cooper), whos arrested for murdering a classmate. Each episode is ambitiously shot in one take. Speaking to The Independent in March about the difficulty of shooting each episode in one take, director Philip Barantini said: It was quite difficult, but it was fun as well. It was meticulously planned. [Tech rehearsals] would be an opportunity for the sound team to put the booms where they needed to be. And, we had all the support and the runners and ADs all dressed in police uniforms in the first episode and teachers in the second episode so they could be on camera and cueing things, Barantini explained. It was technically challenging, but a huge collaboration. The show has been a massive hit with critics, who have labeled it harrowing but compelling. It is television in its purest distillation: unflinching, pulse-quickening, The Independents Nick Hilton wrote in a four-star review. It caters both to our morbid fascination with crimes at the exotic extremes, and the sense of unravelling a moral knot. The fact that the rest of the series cant quite match those heights is both a problem and a testament to the impact of that opener, he added. Never less than well-made, Adolescence sustains a rawness that makes it a tough but compulsive watch. 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 Ncuti Gatwa has made a fresh claim about his sudden exit from Doctor Who, which has left fans concerned about the future of the show. In an episode that aired on Saturday (31 May), Gatwas time on the show came to an end after just two series, with his character regenerating into Billie Pipers former companion Rose Tyler. Gatwas departure from the show means he has played the Doctor for the second shortest time after Christopher Eccleston, who lasted just one season in 2005. The Sex Education actors casting was announced in May 2022. While the actors exit from the show had been rumoured for months, viewers are complaining about the abrupt way he was written off and are highlighting the fact that Gatwa himself appeared to confirm he would return for a third series last October. However, in a behind-the-scenes clip released on YouTube, Gatwa revealed it was always the plan to do this amount of seasons. According to the actor, this was because its a role that demands a lot of you, physically and emotionally and mentally. He added on companion show Doctor Who: Unleashed: You know its gonna happen when you get cast. Youre like, Im gonna have to hand this baton over one time, its all gonna come to an end soon. So I feel like Ive been in constant preparation for that. Gatwa, 32, called his exit from the show bittersweet, adding: I can imagine its been for all Doctors. Just looking at the console before regenerating was like, My god, this console its been here for 60 years. And I was here for some of those years. And how magic. open image in gallery Ncuti Gatwa reflected on Doctor Who role in behind-the-scenes clip ( YouTube ) Still, fans have been left feeling underwhelmed by Gatwas two-series run, which was hyped up as a new chapter for the long-running science-fiction series. Gatwa released a statement shortly after the episode aired, telling fans: You know when you get cast, at some point, you are going to have to hand back that sonic screwdriver and it is all going to come to an end, but nothing quite prepares you for it. This journey has been one that I will never forget and a role that will be part of me forever. There are no words to describe what it feels like to be cast as the Doctor, nor are there words to explain what it feels like to be accepted into this iconic role that has existed for over 60 years and is truly loved by so many across the globe. He continued: Ive loved every minute of it, but now is the time to hand over the keys to that beloved blue box and let someone else take control and enjoy it every bit as much as I have. Ill truly miss it, and forever be grateful to it, and everyone that has played a part in my journey as the Doctor. open image in gallery Doctor Who fans have been left upset over Ncuti Gatwas sudden departure ( BBC ) Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies said: What a Doctor! Thank you, Ncuti! As his final words say, this has been an absolute joy, and the team in Cardiff and everyone who has worked on this show for the past few years, are so lucky to have been part of Ncutis great adventure as he shoots off to stratospheric new heights. He is next set to star alongside Edward Bluemel in the West End production Born With Teeth, a play that re-imagines the relationship between rival playwrights Christopher Marlowe and William Shakespeare. JERUSALEM, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Israel announced Thursday that its forces had retrieved the bodies of two hostages abducted during Hamas' assault on Oct. 7, 2023, which triggered an ongoing Israeli offensive in Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement that the bodies of Judi Weinstein-Haggai and Gad Haggai, an Israeli-American couple from Kibbutz Nir Oz, were located and returned in a joint operation by the Shin Bet domestic security agency and the Israeli military. In a separate statement, the military and Shin Bet confirmed that the bodies were recovered from Khan Younis in southern Gaza, where Israeli forces have assumed military control since resuming their offensive on March 18, after Israel ended a two-month ceasefire. "The operation was made possible as a result of precise intelligence provided by the Hostage Task Force, the Intelligence Directorate, and the Shin Bet," the statement said. The family of the couple said in a statement they were "grateful for the closure and for bringing them home for a proper burial in Israel," but added: "Our hearts will not be whole until all 12 hostages from Nir Oz, and all 56 hostages in total, are brought back." Weinstein-Haggai, 70, and Haggai, 72, were killed during the Hamas-led onslaught in 2023 on their community while they were out for an early morning walk. About 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage during the attack, according to Israeli figures. As of Thursday, 56 hostages remain in Gaza, with 20 believed to be alive. Israeli airstrikes have left much of the Gaza Strip in ruins and killed more than 54,510 people, according to health authorities in the enclave. 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 Michelle Collins has made an admission about playing her long-standing EastEnders character Cindy Beale. Reflecting on her time on the BBC soap, which has spanned 13 years, Collins, 63, told ITV daytime series Good Morning Britain: Cindy can be exhausting for people to watch and exhausting for me to play. But she said she has been loving seeing a lighter side to Cindy in recent months. The British actor, who will soon step away from the show, first appeared as the infamous Cindy in 1988, but made a shock return in 2023 despite her character supposedly being killed off during childbirth 25 years earlier. Since her return to the shows fictional location of Albert Square, Cindy has found herself at the centre of some of the biggest storylines but Collins has revealed playing such a chaotic role can make her feel rather tired. Collins is set to make her debut at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this summer, playing the lead in one-woman comedy show Motorhome Marilyn. The actor said it was nice to go off and do something different after the relentlessness of playing Cindy, adding: Years ago, they didnt let people go off and do many things maybe the odd panto or something. open image in gallery EastEnders character Cindy Beale, played by Michelle Collins ( BBC ) She said that when she broached the idea with the soaps very new lovely producer, he replied: Maybe we can make it work. Collins said she will feel re-energised when she returns to the soap, stating: Youre doing a continuing drama, continuing throughout the year, its good for the soul, its good to go and do something else. Motorhome Marilyn will see Collins play wannabe actress Ruthie Richards, who is left working as a Marilyn Monroe impersonator after a failed attempt to make it in Hollywood. Although the show was written by Ben Weatherill and directed by Alexandra Spencer Jones, its based on an idea by Collins. open image in gallery Michelle Collins on Good Morning Britain ( ITV ) Collins will perform Motorhome Marilyn at the Gilded Balloon Patter House in Edinburgh from 30 July to 25 August at 5.30pm each day this summer. An insider told The Sun of Collins temporary EastEnders departure: She will be off screens for a few weeks but BBC bosses know its important to let their biggest stars do other projects so they remain on the show long-term. 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 Cheers star George Wendts cause of death has been revealed. The beloved actor, who played barfly Norm Peterson, died two weeks ago at the age of 76. According to a death certificate obtained by TMZ, Wendt died from cardiac arrest. The medical certificate released by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health listed his immediate cause of death as cardiac arrest, with congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, and hypertension as underlying causes. According to the document, he was pronounced dead at 10am on Tuesday, May 20. George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him. He will be missed forever. The family has requested privacy during this time, a representative shared in a statement at the time. Cheers star George Wendt died from cardiac arrest ( AP ) In another statement, his former Cheers co-star Ted Danson said: I am devastated to hear that Georgie is no longer with us. I am sending all my love to Bernadette and the children. It is going to take me a long time to get used to this. I love you, Georgie. Rhea Perlman, who also starred in Cheers as barmaid Carla Tortelli, added: George Wendt was the sweetest, kindest man I ever met. It was impossible not to like him. As Carla, I was often standing next to him, as Norm always took the same seat at the end of the bar, which made it easy to grab him and beat the crap out of him at least once a week. I loved doing it and he loved pretending it didnt hurt. What a guy! Ill miss him more than words can say. Born on the south side of Chicago on October 17, 1948, Wendt was one of nine children. He was the uncle ofTed Lasso star Jason Sudeikis, whose mother, Kathryn, was Wendts sister. Wendt attended the University of Notre Dame before later attending Jesuit Rockhurst College in Kansas City, Missouri, where he graduated in 1971 with a B.A. in economics. Shortly after graduating, he spent six years at Second City, Chicagos legendary improvisational theater troupe. There, he met his future wife, Bernadette Birkett, who would later appear on Cheers as Cliffs (John Ratzenberger) Halloween date in season three, as well as the unseen, offscreen voice of Norms wife, Vera. Wendts tenured portrayal of Norm across 11 seasons, from 1982 to 1993, earned him six Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. He and co-stars Rhea Perlman (Carla Tortelli) and Ted Danson (Sam Malone) were the only three actors to have starred in every single episode of Cheers. Recalling his Cheers audition to Chicago magazine in 2021, Wendt revealed he needed to look like a guy who wanted to have another beer. Norm is just me with better writing, he added. There were hundreds, if not thousands, of actors who could have delivered on the absolute gems that I was handed on a silver platter every Wednesday morning. Once the beloved show ended, NBC considered a spinoff series centered on Norm and Cliff as bar buddies, but that project never came to fruition. He did, however, reprise his character of Norm in several other shows: St. Elsewhere, Wings, The Simpsons, Family Guy, Frasier and The Tortellis. Wendt additionally made cameos as himself on Seinfeld, Bob, and The Larry Sanders Show. His other TV credits include Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, Portlandia, Clipped, Fresh off the Boat, and The Goldbergs. He also featured in a number of movies, including the 1988 action comedy Never Say Die, 1992s sci-fi romance Forever Young, 1994s family comedy The Little Rascals, and the 1997 movie musical Spice World. Wendt is survived by his wife, his children, Hilary, Joe and Daniel; and his stepchildren, Joshua and Andrew. 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 Jason Segel has revealed the shocking text Harrison Ford sent after being cast in their therapy comedy Shrinking. The 45-year-old stars as grieving therapist Jimmy Laird in the Apple TV+ series from Scrubs creator Bill Lawrence, which co-stars the 82-year-old Indiana Jones actor as senior therapist Dr Paul Rhoades. In a conversation with Seth Rogen for Varietys Actors on Actors series, Segel was asked how the show had managed to land a star of Fords calibre. We got Harrison Ford because Harrison Ford is the kind of person you make an offer to so that for three days you can say, Weve made an offer to Harrison Ford, and then youll pick the real guy, responded Segel. He went on to explain that Ford didnt know anything about Segel but read the script and met with series co-creator and Ted Lasso star Brett Goldstein. Jason Segel and Harrison Ford star in Apple TV+'s Shrinking ( Getty ) They then sent Ford a selection of Segels previous work, including David Foster Wallace biopic The End of the Tour and raunchy comedy Forgetting Sarah Marshall, which features Segel in a full-frontal nude scene. Then, apparently, Bill Lawrence got a text that said, Im in. And tell the kid, great dick, recalled Segel. Rogen replied: Even if he was out, that would be great. I would take that. Last month, Miley Cyrus revealed that Ford had weighed in and persuaded her to change her unconventional tour plans. Cyrus explained she discussed her plans with Ford at a 2024 Disney Legend event held in her honor. She told him the plans involved performing in intimate places that are filled with beauty, which you cant find in a stadium, that meant performing in a cathedral in the middle of the forest. She then showed Ford a PDF of her plans, which filled him with dread. He goes, You gonna bring a crew? Hes like, Looks expensive. And I came back to the trailer, I was like, Guys, were not performing in the forest anymore, Harrison Ford made a lot of sense. Instead of the tour, Cyrus now plans to release a film with the same title as her new album, Something Beautiful. Thats why I want to create this film, the film is my way of touring, she said. Thats why Im putting it into theatres because its something you can watch night after night after night and you get to discover, and you get a feel like youre a part of a performance, but I dont have to tax myself in that way. 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 Walton Goggins has addressed the rumors of a feud with hisWhite Lotus co-star Aimee Lou Wood, explaining why he unfollowed her on Instagram. In season three of the acclaimed HBO comedy drama, the Fallout actor played Rick, the love interest of Woods character Chelsea. In a new joint interview with Variety, Goggins said he unfollowed Wood after filming as a way of seeking closure after the emotional exertion of making the show. He compared the experience to leaving his role on another show, saying: When I left Justified, I went up to Tim [Olyphant], and I hugged him and I said, I love you, and I hope I see you in rooms for the rest of my life. I didnt talk to him for almost two years. Ive done that with every single thing that Ive done. He added that The White Lotus experience was particularly difficult because it brought back memories of his own travels to Thailand after his first wife, Leanne Knight, died by suicide in 2004. Walton Goggins and Aimee Lou Wood as Rick and Chelsea in The White Lotus ( HBO ) My catharsis in this experience was different than other peoples, because of my history in this place. I knew what we had gone through, and I knew how close that we had gotten, and I needed to begin to process saying goodbye to Rick and Chelsea, said Goggins, who reportedly started to cry. And I knew that that was going to take a while for me, so I let her know, this is what Ive gotta do. And she was extremely supportive about that. He continued: I needed to just back away from everyone. I havent spoken to anyone. I couldnt handle it. Judge me or dont. I dont give a f*** what you think. This is my process. Rick means everything to me, and Chelsea means everything to me. And so thats what I needed to do for me to process all of this. Goggins began following Wood on Instagram again during the interview, saying: You know what? Ill follow you right now! The actor also addressed a controversial interview he gave to The Times. The article insinuated that Goggins had angrily shut down questions about his supposed feud with Wood. There is no feud. I adore, I love this woman madly, and she is so important to me, Goggins told Variety. This is Goldie Hawn. This is Meg Ryan. She can do anything, and she will. He said he didnt want to discuss his relationship with Wood with The Times without her present, and was also offended by a question that he said compared Goggins teeth to Woods and asked if theyd bonded over that. What he was insinuating, it was so disgusting. It was so appalling. I was flabbergasted. And I said, F*** mate, wow. I think were done here, said Goggins. 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 EastEnders star Lorraine Stanley has shown off her weight loss transformation after undergoing a health kick. The actor, who played Karen Taylor in the BBC soap, was all smiles as she shared a photo of her new look on social media, revealing she has lost almost half her body weight. Stanleys former EastEnders co-stars sent her supportive messages in response to her reported five stone weight loss, with Denise Fox actor Diane Parish calling her incredible. open image in gallery Lorraine Stanley as Karen Taylor in EastEnders ( BBC ) Martin Fowler actor James Bye, who recently left the series, commented: Look at you skinny minny, while Carly Wicks star Kellie Shirlie added: Gorgeous inside and out! When Nick Nevern, who played the ex-boyfriend of Kim Medcalfs Sam Mitchell, told her she was looking amazing, Stanley replied: Took me years but I got there!! Radio presenter Angie Greaves concurred with Nevern, to which Stanley responded: Thank you! I feel like me again! After launching her acting career in 2000, Stanley had small roles in several BBC shows, including Casualty, Holby City and Call the Midwife, before landing EastEnders in 2017. The following year, she won Best Newcomer at the British Soap Awards. open image in gallery Lorraine Stanley says she feels like me again after weight loss ( Instagram ) Her other credits include the films London to Brighton (2006) and Made in Dagenham (2010). Shortly before starring in EastEnders, Stanley appeared as a barmaid opposite Tom Hardy in Legend, a film about the Kray twins. Stanley appeared in eight episodes of EastEnders in 2016, one year before she joined the soap on a permanent basis, playing the small role of Thelma Bragg. Twelve years earlier, she played a young version of Laila Morses Mo Harris in spinoff Pat and Mo, which revealed the backstory to a feud between Mo and Pat Butcher. But its the character of Karen Taylor that Stanley is best known for, having played the role until 2024. In 2019, the actor, who has a nine-year-old daughter, said it was nice to have a permanent role in EastEnders after years of securing bit parts. open image in gallery Lorraine Stanley has lost almost half her body weight since leaving EastEnders ( BBC / Instagram ) Ive kind of done everything, but only one episode, so I named myself One-Ep Lou, and its nice to have a bit of stability as an actor, she told Channel 4 series Sunday Brunch. You appreciate it so much more. Now I appreciate what Ive got, as opposed to it just being on a plate. Ive struggled all the way through it its a difficult career. 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 With summer fast approaching, finding the perfect swimsuit is a tricky task that can leave you drowning in a sea of options. Whether youre jetting off abroad or are planning on hitting some more local beaches a good swimsuit or two-piece is a summer staple. This season, sculptural shapes, retro prints and nostalgic colour blocking is making a comeback according to swimwear experts. Here are their must-try styles for summer 2025. 1. Sculptural and minimal Sleek, minimal designs with metallic detailing are making waves this season. Theres a resurgence in sculptural silhouettes elegant one-shoulders, discreet cut-outs and scuba-inspired one-pieces with zip detailing, which I personally love, explains fashion designer and podcaster Amanda Wakeley OBE. There also seems to be a rising trend for swimwear that transitions beyond the beach, like pairing costumes with maxi skirts and sarongs for an effortless, White Lotus inspired look. Statement one-pieces are taking centre stage, agrees founder and creative director of Baiah, Tracy Nahar, with details like asymmetrical necklines and sculpted corset-style shaping. Nahar points out the return of textured fabrics, leaning into the resurgence of the Eighties trend, crinkled Lycra and ribbed stretch materials not only elevate the look but also contour beautifully to the body. Zara Swimsuit with a Bandeau Neckline and Metal Piece, 45.99 Karen Millen Drama Ruffle Strappy High Leg Swimsuit, 71.20 (was 89) Pour Moi Frill One Shoulder Control Swimsuit, 31.50 (was 45) 2. Retro revival and colour blocking Colour blocking with bright, mood-lifting colours seems to be back this summer. Theres a real shift toward mood-lifting colour, says founder of Paper London, Philippa Thackeray, sunshine tones like lemon, coral and cobalt are big, but its not just about brights theres nuance. Rich navy, soft pastels and pops of retro colour blocking, with gingham being big too, says Thackeray. Its not just the colours of the Eighties that are big in swimwear this season. Square necklines, higher leg cuts and underwired classics, are seeing a strong revival, explains swimwear design manager at Pour Moi, Vicky Chadeyron. Bold ocean blues are another major player, a gorgeous and flattering colour, she says. Other Eighties prints like polka-dots are also trending this season. Next Self. Blue Contrast Bind High Leg Brazilian Bandeau Tummy Control Swimsuit, 32 & Other Stories Black Polka Dot Twist-Detail Swimsuit, 57 3. Figure flattering styles Finding flattering swimwear can feel like a never-ending pursuit, summer after summer. While its specific to your body shape, there are some universal styles that can flatter any figure. One of the most flattering styles across body types is a plunging neckline, which draws the eye vertically and creates a lengthening, slimming effect, explains Thackeray. Ruche and wrap details are also good options for those conscious of their stomach, with belted details and wrap styles helping define the waist. Surprisingly, I think a string bikini can be incredibly flattering for all body types the key is adjustability, says Wakeley. Its less about size, more about how it makes you feel and confidence is always the most flattering look of all. Drawstrings on one-piece swimsuits allow for a degree of customisation of fit and add a soft drape which is generally very flattering. Tu Yellow Leaf Print Wrap Over Sash Swimsuit, 18 Boden Lefkada Square Neck Swimsuit, 80 4. Styles that arent just for Instagram While strapless styles and cut-out detailing may be trending functionality is just as important as fashion when it comes to swimwear. There are so many beautiful suits out there that just dont hold up once you actually get in the water, laughs Thackeray. Excessive cut-outs and barely-there straps seem to be the main culprits, [they] might look amazing online, but in real life they can be restrictive or high-maintenance, she says. Other, more wearable trends can be just as impactful. A single dramatic strap or a modest cut-out [can] bring the same impact without compromising comfort, says Nahar. Trying on a range of styles as opposed to blindly ordering what looks good online is the best way to find the perfect shape for you. Swimwear should move with you, not against you, says Wakeley. Make sure it fits well and stays in place otherwise you will be spending way too much time re-positioning it. John Lewis Hello Sailor Stripe Cut Out Swimsuit, 36 Sign up to our free Living Well email for advice on living a happier, healthier and longer life Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A woman with stage four skin cancer is advocating for the UK government to prohibit sunbeds after she was diagnosed with melanoma at just 23 years old. Lily Murphy, 30, from Watford, says she used sunbeds fewer than 10 times in her life before her diagnosis with stage 1B melanoma following a trip to South East Asia with friends. After receiving the all-clear from her initial diagnosis, Lily began experiencing back and chest pain in 2023, which was initially dismissed as anxiety before further scans and blood tests confirmed she had stage four melanoma. She is expected to undergo lifelong treatment after the disease spread to her neck and lungs. While working as an NHS administrative clerk in Watford General Hospitals dermatology department, Lily has witnessed an increase in young people being referred for cancer biopsies, many of whom have a history of sunbed use. In light of her professional and personal experiences, Lily is petitioning the government to ban sunbeds in the UK, copying similar legislation in Brazil and Australia, arguing that the cost is too high to the individuals and an already overburdened NHS. open image in gallery Lily and best friend Jade in Cyprus ( Collect/PA Real Life ) Ive probably used sunbeds for less than an hour in total, Lily said. Just going on a sunbed for six minutes can change your whole life, plus it costs the NHS: immunotherapy can cost 15,000 per round. If I could stop just one person using sunbeds to save them going through what Ive been through, it will be a miracle. Lily first noticed a mole in 2018 that had darkened and started to bleed, but was told by doctors that it wasnt anything to worry about. Reassured, she went travelling to Vietnam and Bali with friends, using sunbeds beforehand to get a base tan. It was literally just, Lets start my tan before I go on holiday, just a couple of minutes here, a couple of minutes there, just to get the tan going, she explained. open image in gallery Lily covering up in the sun in Mexico ( Collect/PA Real Life ) While on holiday, she did use sun cream to protect herself from the suns UV rays. As Im very fair-skinned, Id always get burnt no matter what, even if I put it on, she said. I probably wasnt as cautious as I would be now; now Im putting it on every couple of hours, whereas before I was probably putting it on once or twice a day. Upon her return to the UK, Lily went back to the doctor for a second opinion on her mole. Thats when the doctor said, This doesnt look right, Im going to refer you to the two-week cancer pathway, she said. She had the mole removed and was called back for an appointment two weeks later. There were two Macmillan Cancer nurses in there too thats when they said to me its come back as melanoma, stage 1B. I was shocked, I was devastated. But as there was a delay between the call and the appointment, by the time I saw the doctor, it had actually sunk in a bit. open image in gallery Lily in hospital with a scar ( Collect/PA Real Life ) Stage 1B melanoma is one of the earliest stages of skin cancer, meaning that it has not yet spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body, and it is generally highly curable, which meant Lily was optimistic about getting the all-clear after treatment. Lily was the youngest person in her cancer support group. She had a wide local excision and a central lymph node biopsy at the Royal Free Hospital in London in 2019. It felt like such a relief to hear that the cancer hadnt spread my cancer journey might have been short, it was only a couple of months, but I said to myself, Ive beaten it, said Lily. I did think Ive got another chance in life; lets just go and have fun, just going on holidays, nights out and just appreciating everyone around me and spending as much time with everyone as possible, because life is so short. It was after a family weekend at a log cabin in Gloucestershire in January 2023 that she started to feel unwell again. open image in gallery Lily and the dermatology surgeon at the work Christmas party ( Collect/PA Real Life ) I was just constantly tired, and I couldnt understand why, Lily said. The following weekend I worked overtime and had back pain, so I thought Id sat uncomfortably or something but then I woke up the next morning and had really bad chest pain and couldnt breathe, and said to my mum it feels like somethings not right. Despite repeated trips to A&E, Lilys concerns were dismissed as anxiety, linked to her mental health history. Eventually, through her mum, who also works at Watford General, she was booked for scans and blood tests in a different department, which led to a Stage 4 melanoma diagnosis. They said weve found some masses in your lungs and your neck, Lily said. Doctors explained that in rare cases like hers, melanoma can spread via the blood and not show on the scans she had done during her first cancer experience. With new treatments, some people are living with stage four melanoma for a long time, according to Cancer Research UK. open image in gallery Lily won an Inspirational Colleague award at Watford General Hospital for her endurance during her treatment ( Collect/PA Real Life ) Lily began immunotherapy treatment in April 2023, but struggled to tolerate the doses required, with each round costing the NHS 15,000. She then tried two oral chemotherapy treatments but developed a severe allergic reaction within 10 days, including a rash that spread down her throat. Lily later developed sepsis, caused by a weakened immune system, and was taken to hospital. In February 2025, she started a new treatment that has already begun shrinking her cancer, despite only managing four of the recommended 12 tablets per day. Im taking a break from treatment at the moment, because its just too much on my body, Lily said. Now on a phased return to work, shes back booking skin cancer biopsies. As much as its triggering, its rewarding I can help people because Ive had the experience of the worry, Lily said. Her petition, Ban Sun Beds to Protect Against Skin Cancer in the UK, launched in May and has already gained more than 700 signatures. Main symptoms of melanoma skin cancer NHS A new mole or a change in an existing mole may be a sign of melanoma. Melanomas are often: an uneven shape, or may have two different-shaped halves and uneven edges. a mix of two or more colours. bigger, often more than 6mm wide. changing in size, shape or colour. Other signs to look out for include moles that are: swollen and sore bleeding itchy crusty It was just a spur-of-the-moment thing, she said. Every day, Im getting biopsy requests where the patient has a history of using sunbeds. Sunbeds are a known cancer risk. Banning them would save lives and save the NHS money. On top of a sunbed ban, Lily has called for better education as she believes social media and influencer culture glamorise tanning without showing the risks, even though safer alternatives are widely available. Your tan is semi-permanent, but your life should be permanent, Lily said. A West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust spokesperson said: Lily is an inspirational colleague who continues to work tirelessly for the Trust and our patients while undergoing treatment. We are in awe of her phenomenal work ethic and her spirit, and we send her all our support during this challenging time. Lilys petition can be found on Change.org. 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 If you are curious about the world of radio and celebrity encounters or the Paria pipeline disaster, then this weeks podcasts will be right up your street. 1. Capital Breakfast After the Show, Show! Streaming platform: All streaming platforms Genre: Comedy, music and culture The debut episode of Global Players new podcast, Capital Breakfast: After The Show, Show!, offers a fun and revealing peek behind the scenes of one of the UKs biggest breakfast radio shows. Hosted by Jordan North, Chris Stark, and Sian Welby the lively trio who present Capitals Breakfast Show every weekday from 6am to 10am the episode features hilarious reflections on some of their wildest off-air moments and career highlights. Stark shares two standout stories: a memorable game of Jenga with Lady Gaga and the time his interview with Nicki Minaj got held up because of the smell of his chips and beans. Meanwhile, North talks about how warm and wonderful movie star Hannah Waddingham is and gives context about that awkward, sweaty hug moment. This behind-the-scenes-style podcast not only showcases the chaos and comedy that happens off-air, but also reveals the genuine friendship and chemistry between the hosts. Whether youre a loyal Capital Breakfast listener or just curious about the world of radio and celebrity encounters, this podcast is perfect for adding a laugh to your commute. (By Camilla Foster) 2. This Was Always Me Streaming platform: All streaming platforms Genre: Relationships and life I didnt want to be gay, says radio presenter Rich Clarke, Why me?. It took me a lot of my adult life to accept [that] this is who I am. Hosted by Clarke, the new podcast series This Was Always Me spotlights powerful, previously unheard stories from LGBT+ individuals who spent years hiding their identities. The first episode features Olympic runner Dame Kelly Holmes, who opens up about the British militarys historic gay ban and the toll it took on her mental health. I kept thinking, What if someone now outs me?. For about six months [after the Olympics] I didnt go out other than for work, she says, reflecting on her 2004 Olympic win. In a future episode still to come, Clarke speaks to an 80-year-old man, Richard, who came out at 65 after his second marriage ended: I decided to stop mucking about and just be me, he says. He grew up before the law changed in 1967; before that, it was a criminal offence to be gay. They discuss a heart-wrenching true love story about two men who could never be together and the impact it had on his life. Other guests include Isobel, who transitioned at 80; MP Sir Nick Gibb and his husband; and activist Moud Goba, who fled Zimbabwe to live openly in the UK. The series is a touching tour de force of candid conversations with both well-known figures and everyday individuals whove encountered social, political, religious and personal obstacles in their journey to live authentically. (By Lara Owen) 3. Future Tense Streaming platform: All streaming platforms Genre: Comedy and technology One of the delights of podcasting is being introduced to a double act you might never dream up. Comedian Richard Ayoade and actor Warwick Davis have little in common beyond both playing robots on screen (in The Mandalorian and The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy film, respectively), but its their differing attitudes to scientific breakthroughs that make this clever casting for Audible Originals Future Tense. Davis, who has a form of dwarfism, is optimistic about how technology can make his life more equitable, while Ayoades approach and wit is as sterile as a nanochip factory. With science writer and comedian Helen Keen as their voice of reason, the pair work out if they feel future tense or future perfect about six areas where emerging technologies are making big changes to our lives: robots, immortality, holidays, cars, food and relationships. While the hosts cant help but make jokes, there are many sobering revelations too, as illustrated by the AI-generated version of Ayoade that perfectly mimicked his distinctive vocabulary and timing. In comparison, the Warwick-bot couldnt pronounce his own name properly and struggled to write a joke, providing hope that comedy will always need a human touch. (By Amy Crowther) 4. Pipeline Streaming platform: All streaming platforms Genre: True crime and documentary In 2022, with no warning, five men were sucked alive into a 30-inch oil pipeline and dragged hundreds of feet under the sea off the coast of Trinidad. Four were left to die while help was repeatedly blocked. But Christopher Boodram, who managed to drag himself out using his right elbow and foot after three very long hours, survived. When journalist and host Isabelle Stanley first heard about this story last summer, she was keen to speak to Boodram about his harrowing experience. And in February 2025, her wish came true. Pipeline tells the true story about what happened while Boodram carried out a routine repair with four fellow divers for the Paria Fuel Trading Company. The six-part investigative podcast from the Daily Mail also features observations from the haunting GoPro footage, the first podcast interview with sole survivor Boodram, and details about the ongoing investigation into corporate negligence, thwarted rescue attempts, and political interference, raising urgent questions about corporate accountability and justice. Isabelle Stanley pairs her journalistic skill with empathy, which makes Pipeline a gripping and heartbreaking listen. (By Yolanthe Fawehinmi) Spotlight on 5. Rylan: How to Be in Love Streaming platform: All streaming platforms Genre: Relationships Broadcaster and television personality Rylan Clark is back and on a mission to find love with the help of his new podcast, How to Be in Love. Clark, who speaks on the podcast about his previous marriage and the trials, tribulations and enjoyment of dating, has 12 episodes where he has enlisted a number of guests to help him unpack the secrets of healthy, long-term relationships. This week, Clark has musician, songwriter and actor Rebecca Lucy Taylor also known by her stage name, Self Esteem who has been in a relationship with her partner for over a year. Throughout the episode, Taylor speaks about her journey being bisexual and the differences she faces dating both men and women. Although now in a relationship with a man, Taylor says it took her a long time to fall in love with her boyfriend due to past trauma in previous relationships. After going through what she calls enlightenment, The road gets safer the more I fall in love, Taylor says, in comparison to when she was younger. When asked by Clark what advice she would give him in the dating world, Taylor says: Butterflies in your stomach are not a good feeling when dating. It should feel nice and calm. That butterfly feeling is anxiety because the person isnt making you feel like you may be what they want. (By Sara Keenan) 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 Simone Biles has mocked Kylie Jenners clothing brand for its strange sizing. The 28-year-old Olympian shared a picture of herself in the dark purple blazer from the clothing brand, Khy, on Instagram on Tuesday. In the mirror selfie, the jacket appeared to be way too big on Biles, with the large sleeves extending beyond her hands. The jacket was also quite long on Biles and went down to her knees. In the caption, the athlete mocked the sizing of the look and called out Jenner. Ms. Kylie Jenner, this is a crime !!!!!! Biles wrote, adding a series of laughing face emojis. This is not an XXS/XS. Biles compared her appearance in the blazer to an exaggerated oversized look on model Gigi Hadid, writing: This is me on the last slide. SICK. open image in gallery Simone Biles questions the sixing of jacket from Kylie Jenners brand ( @simonebiles / Instagram / Getty Images ) In the photo, Biles appeared to be wearing Khys Faux Leather Oversized Blazer in the merlot shade, which retails for $138. However, the brand sells other blazers that arent oversized, which retail from $118 to $298. Speaking to The Independent, a source close to Jenner defended the jacket, saying it was meant to be an oversized piece that replicates how the reality star loves to wear her jackets. Even though its an XXS/XS, you can push the sleeves up, wear open or fully buttoned up, or pair with tights and a bralette to wear it almost like a dress. It is supposed to have an almost trench-like look when worn over a dress, the source said. It was developed alongside other oversized pieces in the KHY Wardrobe collection. The company also sells mini dresses, denim jackets, bralettes, footed leggings, joggers, long-sleeved thumb-hole tees, and more. In March, Khy released a collection of latex dresses, skirts, and tops, which come in red, white, or black. The new line was also a part of Khys partnership with Poster Girl. While wearing one of the red dresses, Jenner spoke about how confident she felt in the latex outfit and poked fun at how often shed wear it. open image in gallery Simone Biles says the sizing of jacket from Kylie Jenners brand is a crime ( @simonebiles / Instagram ) Id wear this out to the club. Id wear this outfit to pick up my kids from school, she quipped in a video on Khys Instagram page at the time. I would wear this outfit to take business meetings. I feel very snatched in this outfit. To create the clothing line, which launched in November 2023, Jenner partnered with her mom, Kris Jenner, as well as the impressive investor duo Emma and Jens Grede, co-founders of numerous celebrity brands such as Skims, Good American, and Brady. Khy surpassed $1 million in sales within the first hour after its launch, according to a People report. open image in gallery Simone Biles compares her jacket to a photo of Gigi Hadid in an exaggerated oversized sweater ( @simonebiles / Instagram ) During an interview with Vogue after her company launched, Jenner made it clear that shes completely involved in the work thats being done to build her brand. From original concept, to designing, or co-designing if were working with other designers, from picking fabrics, colors, Ive been in every fit meeting. I am the creative director of the brand and marketing, she said. Theres not an Instagram post or video that hasnt been personally edited by me, there hasnt been an Instagram post that I havent posted myself. I do the creative for all my shoots. Ive worked really hard on it, Ive put my love into it, and I cant wait for people to experience the clothes. Its very personal, she added. 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 Tom Hanks has opened up about claims made in his daughter E.A. Hankss memoir. E.A. which stands for Elizabeth Anne was the daughter of the Forrest Gump actors first wife, Susan Dillingham. In her memoir, The 10: A Memoir of Family And The Open Road, which was published back in April, she claimed her mother was both verbally and physically abusive. Despite her mother never receiving a formal diagnosis, E.A. assumed that her mother was bipolar with episodes of extreme paranoia and delusion. Her father weighed in on the claims while speaking to Access Hollywood on during the red carpet for the premiere of Wes Andersons new movie, The Phoenician Scheme. Im not surprised that my daughter had the wherewithal as well as the curiosity to examine this thing that I think she was incredibly honest about, Tom said. We all come from checkered, cracked lives, all of us. E.A. Hanks and Tom Hanks discussed her book, The 10: A Memoir Of Family And The Open Road, at a New York event in April ( Getty Images for ABA ) Shes a knockout, always has been, he added. If youve had kids, you realize that you see who they are when theyre about 6 weeks old. Dillingham and Hanks were married from 1978 to 1987, with Dillingham receiving primary custody of both of their children. However, one day, E.A.s mother spontaneously decided to move her and her older brother Colin from Sacramento, California, to Los Angeles without informing Tom. My dad came to pick us up from school and were not there, E.A. said. And it turns out we haven't been there for two weeks and he has to track us down. Hanks went on to marry Rita Wilson in 1988, and they welcomed two sons: Chet in 1990 and Truman in 1995. The Cast Away actor has previously opened up about the differences between his two sets of children in a 2019 interview with The New York Times. My son [Colin] was born when I was very young. As well as my daughter [Elizabeth], he said. He explained that after being a parent as long as he has, the best thing a mother or father can say to their children is, I love you, there's nothing you can do wrong, you cannot hurt my feelings, I hope you will forgive me on occasion, and what do you need me to do? You offer up that to them, Tom continued. I will do anything I can possibly do in order to keep you safe. That's it. Offer that up and then just love them. People shop at a discounted clothing fair in Cairo, Egypt, on June 4, 2025. Despite the economic challenges in Egypt, an undercurrent of optimism runs through the streets. Shopkeepers notice an increase in the number of local residents seeking new garments to celebrate the upcoming festivities on June 6. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) CAIRO, June 4 (Xinhua) -- As Eid al-Adha, one of the most important festivals for Muslims, draws near, a palpable buzz fills the clothing stores and bustling markets across Egypt. Soha Ahmed, navigating a busy street in Cairo's Nasr City district with her three children, said clothing prices were reasonable compared to previous years. "There is a wide selection of clothing to suit most tastes," she told Xinhua, noting that "buying new clothes for Eid is a tradition in Egyptian life, as these clothes bring joy to children's hearts." Despite the economic challenges in Egypt, an undercurrent of optimism runs through the streets. Shopkeepers notice an increase in the number of local residents seeking new garments to celebrate the upcoming festivities on June 6. To cater to the diverse needs and budgets of a population navigating difficult living conditions this year, Egyptian clothing retailers are offering a wide range of options. Numerous promotions and discounts have been rolled out, with some stores slashing prices by more than 30 percent. The Ready-Made Garments Division of the Cairo Chamber of Commerce confirmed this trend, noting that most stores have been offering discounts ranging from 10 to 30 percent since May 20. "We began preparing our displays at the beginning of May, focusing on providing a diverse selection of clothing at prices that suit all classes," said Mahmoud Ragab, who owns a clothing store in Nasr City. Ragab, who sells imported clothing from Turkiye and China alongside products from local manufacturers, said that demand is exceptionally strong this year, particularly from families eager to buy new outfits for their children for Eid. "Eid is an important season for merchants, so most vendors offer great deals to attract customers, especially those with limited incomes," he affirmed. Beyond traditional retail, the Egyptian government has stepped in with vital initiatives to ensure families have access to affordable Eid clothes and essential commodities. The "We Are All One" initiative, launched by the Ministry of Interior on May 25 and running until the end of June across most Egyptian governorates, is an example. This initiative aims to provide high-quality food and non-food items, including clothes, at discounts of up to 40 percent through approximately 2,633 outlets nationwide. Hassan Abdullah, an employee at a private security company in Cairo, found solace in these government-run outlets. "Prices are noticeably lower," he told Xinhua as he purchased new clothes for his two children, pointing out that he had seen similar items elsewhere at prices at least 20 percent higher. For those looking for even more economical options, the booming market for imported used clothing provides an attractive alternative. Available in most markets, these stores offer quality garments at considerably lower prices. Adel Assaad, a worker at a bakery, considers used clothing stores his go-to option due to their affordability and variety. "It is the best option for my very limited income," Assaad said, adding "I rarely buy new clothes throughout the year. I buy clothes for entire family from used clothing stores, and not just for holidays." "There is a strong demand for used clothing from a wide segment of the population, particularly those with limited budgets," said Faraj Hussein, manager of a used clothing store in Cairo. People shop at a discounted clothing fair in Cairo, Egypt, on June 4, 2025. Despite the economic challenges in Egypt, an undercurrent of optimism runs through the streets. Shopkeepers notice an increase in the number of local residents seeking new garments to celebrate the upcoming festivities on June 6. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) People shop at a discounted clothing fair in Cairo, Egypt, on June 4, 2025. Despite the economic challenges in Egypt, an undercurrent of optimism runs through the streets. Shopkeepers notice an increase in the number of local residents seeking new garments to celebrate the upcoming festivities on June 6. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) People shop at a discounted clothing fair in Cairo, Egypt, on June 4, 2025. Despite the economic challenges in Egypt, an undercurrent of optimism runs through the streets. Shopkeepers notice an increase in the number of local residents seeking new garments to celebrate the upcoming festivities on June 6. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A popular brand of sparkling water has issued a recall over possible contamination fears. On Monday, Coca-Cola sent a letter to Costco members announcing that they were voluntarily recalling Topo Chico Mineral Water due to the possible presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacteria that occurs naturally in water sources, including mineral water. According to the letter sent to customers, the health risks of consuming mineral water with Pseudomonas are very low in healthy individuals and will only cause minor health consequences in people with weakened immune systems. The safety and quality of the products we offer our consumers is our top priority, the letter read. The recall specifically applies to bottles that were sold at select Costco warehouses in Texas and Louisiana from May 20 to May 29, 2025. open image in gallery The water was sold in Costco locations in Texas and Louisiana ( Coca-Cola ) The water bottles were sold in 18-packs and have the lot number 13A2541 printed on both the cases packaging and the neck of the individual bottles. Customers who have purchased the affected water bottles are urged to return them to their local Costco in exchange for a full refund. Any questions regarding the recall can be directed to Coca-Cola using the phone number 1-800-GET-COKE. open image in gallery Customers are encouraged to return the affected bottles to their local Costco for a full refund ( Getty/iStock ) The news of the recall comes a few days after an ongoing tomato recall had been elevated by the FDA after it found the contamination could lead to death. The initial voluntary recall of H&C Farms Label tomatoes was announced at the beginning of May when Williams Farms Repack LLC distributed the potentially contaminated tomatoes to wholesalers in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. Sold in different-sized packages, ranging from three-packs to 25-pound bags, the tomatoes were distributed between April 23 and 28, according to the FDAs notice. No illnesses were reported at the time. The New York Times reported that the FDA upgraded the recall last week to a Class I, described as a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death. At this time, the FDA doesnt expect that customers will come into contact with fresh tomatoes from the contaminated batch. However, customers may have frozen the tomatoes for future consumption. Salmonella bacteria can survive for weeks in a wet environment like a freezer. Customers are urged to throw away any affected tomatoes immediately. The source of the contamination is not known. 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 I once lived a perfect day. It started with sitting cross-legged by an open window for 30 minutes of meditation, with morning light beaming vitamin D directly into my face. After that, it was time to stretch: one, two, three sun salutations, timing the movement of my limbs to long, deep breaths. In the shower, I slowly turned the warm water to cold in order to flood my system with endorphins, before stepping out and repeating a round of positive affirmations into the mirror. In the evening, I chewed my dinner mindfully before switching on the TV. Then, two hours before bed, I put away all my screens and lit some candles. By the flickering flames, I wrote down all my worries in a journal and bullet-pointed how Id tackle them the next day, before listing the multitudinous reasons I had in my life to be deeply, truly grateful. With eight full hours left before I needed to be up again, I lay down on my pillow, closed my eyes, took a round of deep, calming breaths and finally panicked. The lure of the wellness industry can be incredibly strong, particularly if you suffer from anxiety. All my life I had experienced periods of vague, oppressive dread that could make entire weeks a misery, and in recent years, it had started to feel like the solution was only ever one more swipe away. My algorithm served up an endless well of gurus advocating journalling or diaphragmatic breathing or running in your underwear through the frozen tundras of Norway. I dabbled in all of it (OK, not the Norway one), figuring if I just landed on the perfectly optimised mental health routine, Id banish my doom for good. The fact that no combination of these activities seemed to work made me quietly fear I might be broken, that anxiety was simply my lot in life. In 1984, the American psychotherapist John Welwood coined the phrase spiritual bypassing. He used it to describe people in the hippie movement who used then-exotic practices like yoga and meditation as a substitute for working on deeper problems with their mental health. There is a widespread tendency, he warned, to use spiritual ideas and practices to sidestep or avoid facing unresolved emotional issues [and] psychological wounds. Welwood believed psychology and spiritualism could complement each other, but said he saw too many people trying to shortcut their way to inner peace and rise above the raw and messy side of [their] humanness before [they] have fully faced and made peace with it. Fifty years on, we are now living in an age of wellness bypassing. The global wellness industry is worth $5.6 trillion, buoyed by an endless tide of Instagram-friendly self-care tips often presented as quick fixes for low moods, depression or anxiety. In many cases, the science backing them is spurious at best. An investigation published by The Guardian last week found that more than 50 per cent of the top trending videos offering mental health advice on TikTok contain misinformation. These spanned misleading claims about the powers of saffron and magnesium glycinate to dubious methods promising to heal trauma within an hour. One theory posited that you can reduce anxiety by eating an orange in the shower (surely only true if youre anxious about having sticky fingers while you eat fruit). Jevin D West is the co-author of a book called Calling Bullshit: The Art of Scepticism in a Date-Driven World and leads research teams attempting to fight back against misinformation online. Health and wellness, West tells me, is the biggest problem area of all. Nothing comes even close to its ability to attract peoples attention and convince them to let their guard down, he says. There is the outright disinformation, of course, that has an intentional element. But a huge part of what weve seen is misleading content. Maybe it has some elements of truth. It might even be citing relevant science. But often, its about an area there isnt much research on. Take shilajit, for example, the tar-like supplement purported to boost testosterone. Wests number one piece of advice for consuming online content is an oldie but a goodie: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Healing your decades-old family trauma by cozymaxxing is probably not going to cut it. But he acknowledges that, even for savvy social media users, this can be incredibly difficult to follow. Because we want to be convinced, he says. We want that elixir that can fix this emotional issue we might have. We want to believe. We also want to belong. The other powerful allure of wellness trends is that they offer us something we crave even more fundamentally, according to the great psychologist Erich Fromm, than happiness itself: the feeling we are not alone. Believing the solution to your problem is a ready-made one that thousands or even millions of other people have already discovered is far less terrifying than confronting the alternative: that your individual problems might need an individual solution, one far too complex to capture in a 30-second video. open image in gallery The other powerful allure of wellness trends is that they offer us something we crave even more fundamentally than happiness itself: the feeling that we are not alone ( Getty/iStock ) My own misadventures in wellness did not, at least, involve any oranges being eaten in the shower. I stuck to practices with proven science and, in some cases, thousands of years of efficacy behind them, such as yoga and meditation. The reason they didnt cure my anxiety was not that they are a scam but that I had not yet done the deep, difficult emotional work that was underlying my mental state. In that sense, I was like one of Welwoods hippies, closing my eyes and reaching for nirvana while secretly grinding my teeth. Everything I tried was predicated on the simple and logical premise that the opposite of anxiety was relaxation. Find the right combination of techniques to unwind, and the dread would surely drift away. In truth, finally breaking free of generalised anxiety disorder owed itself to a key breakthrough in therapy, in which I realised that my mental health problems were actually being caused by decades of suppressing rage. It was anger, not bliss, that sat on the other side of my anxiety. I was like one of Welwoods hippies, closing my eyes and reaching for nirvana while secretly grinding my teeth Discovering that behind my tendencies for people-pleasing and conflict avoidance was a whole heap of anger was a tough and sometimes frightening process, one that would be impossible to encapsulate in a TikTok video. Instead, I decided to write a book about it: the hidden role that suppressed anger plays in anxiety and depression, and how learning the difficult skill of expressing rage healthily can change our lives for the better. One thing all the leading psychologists can agree on is that the answers we most need are usually hidden in the places we least want to look. Carl Jung called it confronting our shadows, meaning to finally deal with the memories or emotions we avoid or live in fear of. Sadly, even complex ideas like this one have been sucked into the #wellness vortex. The rise of therapy speak has meant concepts like trauma response, transference and attachment theory are now regularly misunderstood and misrepresented on TikTok. open image in gallery The rise of therapy speak has meant concepts like trauma response, transference and attachment theory are now regularly misunderstood on the internet ( Getty/iStock ) Even when they are understood properly, there can be unrealistic expectations about how quickly therapy works. People often quit at the stage of intellectual understanding I am like this because of that and dont stick around for the long, repetitive hours required to integrate ideas properly and make slow, gradual changes to their inner life. Such impatience is a logical consequence of an online culture that encourages personal growth as performance. We want to rush to social media to share our latest breakthroughs before theyve really happened yet. Psychotherapy helps people understand themselves in a very pragmatic way, Welwood wrote. To attempt to skip over this area of our development in favour of some spiritual bliss beyond is asking for trouble. As I discovered, you cant shortcut your way to happiness any more than you can have a perfect day. Whatever your feed may be telling you, feeling well is the work of a lifetime. Sam Parker is the author of Good Anger: How Rethinking Rage Can Change Our Lives, out now, published by Green Tree 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 Alabama police officer was arrested at a Disney World resort on a kidnapping charge after a 21-year-old man was found handcuffed in the back of his car following a house party in Mississippi. Police Officer David Cunningham, 22, was off duty but wearing his Prichard PD badge when he was pulled over during a traffic stop. Deputies with the Harrison County Sheriffs Office discovered a 21-year-old man in the backseat of the patrol car who was handcuffed and they released him. It all stemmed from an incident on May 24 when deputies responded to a shooting on Audubon Lakes Boulevard in Mississippi. They discovered that the homeowners dog had been accidentally shot at a house party and the person who was allegedly responsible had left in the backseat of a Prichard Police vehicle. open image in gallery Prichard Police Officer David Cunningham, 22, was arrested at a Disney World resort on a kidnapping charge after a 21-year-old man was found handcuffed in the back of his car ( Orange County Jail ) An investigation revealed that Cunningham went to the home in his patrol unit after getting a phone call from the party. When he arrived, he saw the man arguing with the homeowner, so he handcuffed him, put him in the patrol car and left the scene. A warrant was issued for Cunningham for kidnapping due to the cop being out of state with no enforcement powers and detaining an individual and removing him from the scene. Cunningham was arrested at a Disney World Resort, according to his arrest affidavit obtained by FOX10. He was charged with one felony count of kidnapping and his passenger, Kristin Allen of Gulfport, was charged with one felony count of hindering prosecution. Officials say she helped Cunningham with creating multiple versions of events to justify his unlawful actions and detention of the individual. open image in gallery Kristin Allen was charged with one felony count of hindering prosecution after officials say she helped Cunningham with creating multiple versions of events to justify his unlawful actions and detention of the 21-year-old man ( Harrison County Sheriff's Office ) Allen was arrested on the warrant after turning herself in at the Harrison County Adult Detention Facility on June 2. On June 3, Cunningham was arrested on a warrant by the Orange County Sheriffs Office in Orlando, Florida. He will be held on a $500,000 bond upon extradition from Florida. Pritchard Police released a statement this week, saying they are aware of Cunningham being involved in the incident and said they are awaiting an investigative report from the Harrison County Sheriffs Office to gain a clearer understanding of the circumstances. It has been brought to our attention that Officer Cunningham was operating a city vehicle across state lines at the time of the incident, which is a potential violation of departmental policy. In response, our department has initiated an internal investigation to review all policies that may have been violated in connection with this situation. We take these matters seriously and are committed to ensuring full accountability and transparency throughout the process. 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 who held a woman captive in a hotel room for two years will spend the rest of his life behind bars after a judge sentenced him to 394 years in prison. Ian Kroe, 58, was sentenced on Tuesday in San Mateo County, California after a jury convicted him in February of kidnapping and raping a 74-year-old woman. District Attorney Stephen Wagstaffe told SFGate hes thankful for the judges insight in recognizing the evilness of this [man] and the need to lock him up forever. Prosecutors say the 74-year-old, who has not been publicly identified, knew Kroes mother. She reached out to him after his mother died in 2016, and the two became friends afterward. The woman was in New Mexico, while Kroe was living in Minnesota. That same year, Kroe flew to New Mexico and the pair went on what would become a four-year trip up and down the West Coast, Belmont Police Corporal Brian Vogel told the Palo Alto Daily Post. The two were never romantically involved, Vogel added. Kroe then convinced the woman that there were people in New Mexico who wanted to hurt her and that she needed to turn her finances over to him, Vogel added. open image in gallery Ian Kroe kidnapped the woman after they developed a friendship in the wake of his mothers death ( Google Maps ) It just started out as a friendship with the victim, then suddenly this guy turns into a beast, Wagstaffe told the Los Angeles Times. In August 2020, the pair landed in a Hyatt House hotel in Belmont, where Kroe would go on to hold the woman captive for two years. There, he repeatedly raped her and threatened to kill her if she tried to escape, prosecutors say. Kroe also rained her bank account during this period. The woman told police she repeatedly asked to leave. In 2021, the woman broke her ankle and Kroe refused to get her treatment despite intense pain, according to prosecutors. In 2022, the woman managed to secretly contact a friend back in New Mexico who then called the police, according to the Times. Police discovered the woman naked with multiple bruises and a broken finger. Wagstaffe said the case was unlike any he had ever encountered. Kroe didnt have any major run-ins with police before his 2022 arrest, he added. Nothing that would give a sign, or tell you to watch out, Wagstaffe told the Times. Wagstaffe described the man as a master manipulator. He truly does believe hes the victim, Wagstaffe said of Kroe. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Two former military members have been arrested in Washington state after allegedly attacking a soldier with a hammer and stealing gear from Joint Base Lewis-McChord last weekend. Levi Austin Frakes and Charles Ethan Fields were apprehended on Monday night at their residence in Lacey, near Olympia, according to a criminal complaint filed in US District Court on Wednesday. The pair were allegedly found to be in possession of an arsenal that included grenade launchers, body armour, and Nazi paraphernalia. According to Special Agent Christopher J. Raguse of the Army Criminal Investigation Division, one of the defendants admitted to investigators that they had been stealing equipment from the base for the past two years, with the intention of selling or trading it. Agents said they discovered approximately $24,000 in cash at the home. The federal complaint charges Frakes and Fields with robbery, assault, and theft of government property. They are also under investigation for state charges of unlawful possession of incendiary devices, short-barreled rifles, and a machine gun. Both men are currently held at the Pierce County Jail on $500,000 bail each. open image in gallery A cache of military weaponry is displayed during a raid at a home in Lacey, Washington According to the complaint, a soldier entered a building at the Army Ranger compound at Joint Base Lewis-McChord on Sunday night and found two men, partially masked, with a cluster of US Army property around them. The soldier questioned them about what they were doing and told them to pull down their masks, which they did. A fight ensued, and one of the men brandished a hammer and struck the soldier in the head. The soldier continued to fight despite losing a large amount of blood and managed to get control of the hammer, at which point, one of the men pulled a knife. The soldier then let them go, the complaint said. During the fight, one of the men dropped his hat. It said Fields on the inside. Using base entry logs and surveillance video, investigators determined that Fields and Frakes had entered Lewis-McChord together about an hour before the attack, investigators said. The wounded soldier, who required hospital treatment, told investigators that he asked around his unit about the name Fields after finding it on the hat. open image in gallery The two men are accused of attacking a soldier with a hammer at Joint Base Lewis-McChord ( AP ) The soldier learned that Fields had been assigned to the Ranger Battalion around 2021, and he was able to identify him as one of the attackers based on photos shown to him by others in his unit, the complaint said. The complaint did not include details of Frakes' military service. The FBI executed a search warrant at a home shared by the defendants on Monday and arrested them. Agents found rifles positioned at the upstairs windows, the complaint said. Authorities said agents seized about 35 firearms at the home, including short barrel rifles and an MG42 machine gun a type typically supported with a bipod and which was used by German troops during World War II. Other seized gear included grenade launchers, Army-issued explosives, body armor, ammunition and ballistic helmets, authorities said. Photos from inside the home showed Nazi paraphernalia, including a red Nazi flag emblazoned with a black swastika. 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 Investigators believe that a convicted murderer and former police chief known as the Devil in the Ozarks" has likely fled Arkansas after escaping from prison last month, a federal court filing released this week shows. A criminal complaint filed in federal court in Little Rock against Grant Hardin, who escaped prison last month, was released this week. Authorities have said Hardin escaped the Calico Rock prison in Arkansas in an outfit designed to look like a law enforcement uniform. In the complaint, Deputy U.S. Marshal Robert J. Hammons cites two previously publicized unconfirmed sightings of Hardin - one in central Arkansas and another in southern Missouri. Based on this information, investigators believe Hardin has fled the state of Arkansas to avoid recapture, the filing said. He has extensive knowledge of the Ozark Mountain region, where he is believed to be possibly hiding in caves or rugged terrain that he is familiar with. An actual photo of inmate Grant Hardin, left, and a photo rendering, right ( Arkansas Department of Corrections ) The complaint, first reported by The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, does not detail any other sightings of Hardin or evidence of him fleeing the state. Arkansas authorities have previously said they're focusing on north-central Arkansas. Tips of sightings elsewhere so far have not panned out. The sheriffs of several counties across the Arkansas Ozarks had urged residents to lock their homes and vehicles and call 911 if they notice anything suspicious. Hardin, a former police chief in the small town of Gateway near the Arkansas-Missouri border, was serving a 30-year sentence for murder as well as two 25-year sentences for two counts of rape. He was the subject of the TV documentary Devil in the Ozarks. Hardin was housed in a maximum-security wing of the primarily medium-security prison, formally known as the North Central Unit. Officials are investigating whether a job Hardin held in the kitchen helped in his escape, including whether it gave him access to materials he could have used to fashion his makeshift uniform. A prison officer opened a secure gate, allowing him to leave the facility. The Arkansas Department of Corrections this week released a new photo rendering of Hardin, depicting what he may look like now. BEIJING, June 5 (Xinhua) -- The People's Bank of China (PBOC), the country's central bank, said Thursday that it will conduct a 1-trillion-yuan (about 139 billion U.S. dollars) outright reverse repo operation on Friday to maintain ample liquidity in the banking system. The operation will carry a three-month tenor and be conducted using a fixed-quantity, interest-rate-bidding and multiple-price-bidding method, according to the PBOC statement. The move is expected to ensure sufficient liquidity in the banking system, keep fluctuations in money markets under control and anchor market expectations, said Wang Qing, chief macro analyst at Golden Credit Rating. He added that stepped-up medium-term liquidity injections signal a broader use of quantitative tools to bolster counter-cyclical regulation. Outright reverse repo operations -- a tool the central bank introduced in October 2024 to manage liquidity in the banking system -- are carried out once each month with a tenor of no more than a year. This new option has enriched the country's monetary policy toolkit following the introduction of temporary repos, temporary reverse repos, and the buying and selling of treasury bonds. At the Table: Here's how to recreate the artistry of George Marks Jambon Sandwich at home Voting machines, signs and plexiglass barriers to protect poll workers are lined up and ready to be delivered to polling location at the Louisiana Voting Machine Warehouse in New Orleans, La. Monday, Nov. 2, 2020. Election Day is Nov. 3. (Photo by Max Becherer, NOLA.com, The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate) Commonwealth Bank this week hit a new milestone when its market value broke through $300 billion, continuing to defy sceptical analysts who have long struggled to make sense of the gravity-defying rise in the banking giants shares. CBA shares are up almost 47 per cent in the past year, and the banks market value is on par with global powerhouses such as Wall Street titan Goldman Sachs. CBAs market value is far greater than the combined value of its two largest rivals: Westpac and National Australia Bank. Commonwealth Banks sharemarket valuation broke through $300 billion this week. Credit: Oscar Colman The Sydney-based bank has also led a powerful sector-wide rally in bank shares: Citi analysts say banks have outperformed the ASX 200 by 27 per cent since the start of 2024. But despite the banks bumper share price, which ticked up to $181.34 on Thursday, some analysts say they see a more subdued outlook for bank shares, pointing to pressure on profit margins from the expected fall in interest rates. MADRID, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Four people, including an off-duty police officer, died in a high-speed collision robbery in the city of Malaga in the early hours of Thursday morning. The incident happened at 05:30 local time (0430 GMT) after three of the victims used their vehicle as a battering ram to rob a pharmacy in Malaga (southern Spain). They then tried to escape a pursuit by the local police force by driving west along the AP-7 highway, which runs along the south coast of Spain. The chase ended close to the town of Torremolinos with the escaping vehicle crashing head-on into a second vehicle that was being driven by an off-duty police officer, with the second vehicle catching fire. Although the police officer, who had not been involved in the chase, was rescued from the car, he died soon after of his injuries, the Spanish government delegate in Malaga informed. The bodies of the three robbers were extracted from their wrecked vehicle by the Fire Brigade, the Malaga City Hall explained, and after closing the highway to remove the wreckage, the road has now been reopened. The two-storey 980 sq m office at No.24, opposite Luna Park and the Palais, is down the road from Saint Moritz and the Esplanade Hotel. 24 The Esplanade, St Kilda Its level-one boardroom boasts a half-pipe skateboard ramp which would make for interesting meetings. Once Oakley Sunglasses head office, the office was most recently tenanted by cannabis distributor Releaf. Savills agents Linc Reynolds and Tim Grant are selling the property and expecting around $10 million. This is not an everyday building its so iconic, Reynolds said. Looking out from 24 The Esplanade. The building occupies the entire 748 sq m site and has a flexible General Residential zoning, suggesting it may not be an office for long. The Mill Geelongs entrepreneurial Hamilton Group has snapped up The Mill on the Barwon River in Newtown. The historic mill at 403 Pakington Street is in the artsy precinct along the river on a large 29,280 sq m site. A handout image of 403 Pakington Street, Newtown. Credit: Records show Cameron Hamilton put a caveat over the title late last month. Cushman & Wakefields Oliver Hay, Hamish Burgess, Joe Kairouz and Leon Ma ran the expressions of interest campaign and were expecting more than $30 million for the property. They declined to comment on the buyer or the price, but local sources suggest it was close to the asking price. The property came with planning approval for a mixed-use development with 314 apartments and 29 townhouses. The Hamilton Group has a solid track record restoring historic properties in Geelong. Strata office Post election, city-based owner-occupiers are back in the market for their little piece of the CBD. Recent deals include the office of retired criminal lawyer Bernie the Attorney Ballmer, on level 4 of 116-120 Hardware Street. Loading A wealthy individual is understood to have paid $1.53 million for the 222 sq m penthouse office and will move out of the blue-chip office complex at 333 Collins Street. Cushman & Wakefield agents Anthony Kirwan and Jack Cooper handled the campaign and declined to comment on the buyers identity. Records show Ballmer paid $605,000 for the space in 2005. The team, including George Davies, also sold a 358 sq m penthouse office at levels 14-15 at 50 Market Street for $3 million representing a rate of $8380 a sq m. The new owner is a migration agent already leasing space on Collins Street, Davies said. They have sold 10 offices worth around $20 million in the past six weeks, with 80 per cent of the buyers, owner-occupiers, he said. Loading That figure will be tested next month when an office on level 7/343 Little Collins Street goes to auction. The 168 sq m office is leased to a private college and has a 9B permit allowing for educational use. The price is expected to be around $1.1 million a bumper yield of around 8 per cent based on the rent of $89,198 a year. Cooper and Kirwan are handling the auction. Meanwhile, there are two vacant offices up for sale in the mid-century modern Mering House at 278 Collins Street. Kirwan is quoting around $2.75 million for the 336 sq m office on level 3, which last changed hands in 2018 for $2.5 million. Mering House at 278 Collins Street. Upstairs, the vacant level six is also for sale but for around $3.2 million through CBRE agents Alex Brierley, Nathan Mufale and Jing Jun Heng. It was sold in 2018 for $2.85 million. Strip retail Three shops in the inner north found keen buyers at auction last week. The old Commonwealth Bank branch at 209-211 Smith Street, now leased by furniture retailer Tait, sold for $6.5 million on a sharp 3.8 per cent yield. Records show Sydney businessman Richard Munao, founder of the Cult design group, has put a caveat over the property. A nice little bargain it sold in 2015 for $7.1 million. 209-211 Smith Street, Fitzroy Stonebridge agents Rorey James, Nic Hage and Ian Lam handled the sale, which attracted eight bidders. On Brunswick Street, they also engineered the sale of the freehold leased to the China Bar at 325 Brunswick Street for $2.9 million on a yield of 6.72 per cent. It fetched $1.86 million in 2007. The price reflected a land rate of $16,384 per sq m, the highest land rate achieved for Brunswick Street in over a decade, James said. A handout image of the China Bar at 325 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy. Credit: The buyer, an interstate South Australian investor, was one of the underbidders of Stonebridges third deal, the Coburg NAB branch at 406-408 Sydney Road. The bank sold under the hammer for $2.71 million, a yield of 4.98 per cent with bidding from six parties. It had been owned by the same family for decades and the buyer was sourced from Stonebridges Asia Practice team. The bank sold under the hammer for $2.71 million, a yield of 4.98 per cent with bidding from six parties. Finally sold A long-held property on Hoddle Street, close to the entrance of the Eastern Freeway, has finally sold after two years on the market. The Commercial 2-zoned site at 294-296 Hoddle Street is on 1864 sq m and was pitched as a potential development site worth $15 million. However, the cement works between the showroom, leased to Bathroom Direct, and the railway line, made that proposition tricky. 294 Hoddle Street, Abbotsford. Two key issues seem to be dominating the headlines; not only is Australia in the midst of a severe housing shortfall, but the crisis is also taking place against a backdrop of climate-change catastrophe. Responsibly sourced, certified timber from well-managed forests can be used in all sorts of construction, allowing carbon to be locked away. So, when were building these desperately needed new homes, renovating existing ones or even furnishing our current ones, we want to do so in an environmentally responsible and sustainable way so that we can all play our part in meeting the global goal of net zero by 2050. United Nations-backed climate science data shows that to avert the worst impacts of climate change we must ensure the global temperature does not increase by more than 1.5 degrees. The UN admits that transitioning to a net-zero world is one of the greatest challenges humankind has faced. Achieving this target means slashing the current rate of carbon emissions, while finding new ways to absorb and store remaining greenhouse gases. The maths is daunting: we need to reduce emissions by 45 per cent by 2030 to give ourselves any chance of meeting net zero by 2050. As we announce Good Foods Essential Melbourne Cafes and Bakeries, Emma Breheny looks at the citys shift from macchiatos to matcha, and the rise of third culture cooking. 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. Share As featured in Good Foods Essential Melbourne Cafes and Bakeries of 2025, presented by T2. See all stories . When Australians go overseas, it usually sparks a lightbulb moment: we take our morning routines seriously. While many other cities sleep, in Australia were seizing the day with run clubs and coffee, or stopping at our favourite cafe for babycinos and a shared croissant en route to school and work. Weekend brunch tables are booked well ahead. Peoples devotion to their daily cafe visit borders on spiritual. There are more than 100 of these cornerstones of our social lives gathered in Good Foods Essential Melbourne Cafes and Bakeries 2025, presented by T2 and published today. The guide celebrates the people and places that shape our excellent cafe and bakery scenes and includes more than 100 venues reviewed anonymously across 10 categories, including icons, those best for food, tea, coffee and matcha, and where to get the citys best sweets, sandwiches and baked goods. These reviews live on the Good Food app, and can be discovered on the map. Loading Skimming the list its clear that, even if cafes are quintessential, theyre far from standard-issue these days. Thick slabs of tamago (the firm Japanese omelette) are almost as likely as swirls of scrambled eggs. Rice and flatbread jostle for space with sourdough. Shades of purple, green and pink are seen in drinks and on pastries. Suupaas egg sando stars a slab of fried tamago. Simon Schluter Brunch and coffee have always been a significant part of Melbourne culture and the pride of every Melburnian, says Tuan To, co-owner of Amara in Seddon, which he opened in April with a Vietnamese-skewed all-day menu. I thought why not bring [together] the two and create something new yet familiar. Amaras signature dish might be a steel pan of runny-yolked eggs with pate, sweet stir-fried beef and pickles. The crusty baguette on the side can turn it into a banh mi-esque experience. Advertisement Amaras banh mi chao with stir-fried beef, eggs and Vietnamese pickles. Our cafes and bakeries are the best place to witness a much bigger trend in food: third culture cooking. The term for the cuisine that grows out of the experience of living between two cultures such as having Thai parents but being born in Australia its already evident at Melbourne restaurants such as Anchovy and Askal, and cocktail bars like One or Two. But its set to explode. According to 2021 Census data, nearly half of all Australians have a parent born overseas, in countries as different as Vietnam, Italy and Sri Lanka. Italian migrants planted the seeds of our cafe obsession: the first lever-style espresso machines were reported in Melbourne in 1954. Each new wave of arrivals since has broadened our horizons, whether through Greek-run milk bars, Taiwanese tea shops or Middle Eastern bakeries such as A1, still roaring most weekends in Brunswick. Pistachio matcha at Naau Cafe in the CBD. Today, cafe tables hold just as many green drinks as caramel-toned coffees, but theyre no longer kale smoothies, its matcha. The powdered green tea has become a global sensation, outselling coffee at many cafes, going viral on social media and for the first time depleting stocks at centuries-old Japanese producers. But its only one of the specialty drinks that have become as essential for cafes as lattes. Foams, sodas, butter-washed coffee and creams infused with fruit and flowers are now part of most baristas toolkits. Ascend two flights of stairs to Lonsdale Streets Matcha Kobo, where the food and drink menu is all about matcha. Advertisement These new-wave drinks are repositioning visits to the cafe as a true occasion, especially among younger people who are widely reported to be drinking less alcohol. I think people are looking for more places to chill these days, especially younger people. It doesnt have to be with alcohol but it can still be fun, says Sean Then who runs Cafe Tomi in North Melbourne. He styled the venue on a Japanese listening bar, and has run evening events featuring even more elevated drinks than Tomis day-time offering. Theres even a Cold Fashioned made with butter-washed cold brew, maple and Japanese citrus. With restaurants an ever more expensive proposition, it makes sense that cafes are stepping into the gap. Increasingly, cafes are also introducing dinner, such as The Age Good Food Guides Cafe of the Year, Moon Mart, in South Melbourne. From mid-June, Westgarth cafe Ophelia will do Tuesday pasta nights and weekend drinks with DJs; Carlton Norths ever-popular Florian has run evening services later in the week for more than two years. Florian in Carlton North. Our Friday nights are designed to feel welcoming and homely, says Florian co-owner Dom Gattermayr. A true neighbourhood local where you can walk down and see whats available that night. Approachability and affordability have always been key to Australian cafe culture, so why not take that sensibility to dining after dark? Offering alternative spaces to bars in which to socialise after work is also driving the day-to-night cafe boom. In Glen Iris, Siora tiramisu bar, which opened in March with music and playing cards on tables, has attracted queues of everyone from 20-somethings to grandparents with their grandchildren. Advertisement Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Save this article for later Remove items from your saved list to add more. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. This cafe is a finalist for best food in Good Foods Essential Melbourne Cafes and Bakeries of 2025. Essential Melbourne Cafes and Bakeries of 2025: Food See all stories . 1 / 4 Onigiri plate with furikake onigiri and miso marinated salmon. Supplied 2 / 4 Strawberry mochi waffles with boysenberry ice cream. Supplied 3 / 4 The onigiri set comes with a side of miso soup. Supplied 4 / 4 Matcha is also on the menu. Supplied Previous Slide Next Slide Japanese$$$$ This well-oiled machine has brunch down to a science. The menu gives the typical Melbourne format a Japanese twist think katsu curry meets eggs Benedict, and waffles with mochi-like stretch. More classically Japanese choices include salmon onigiri sets, ceremonialgrade matcha and neon-green melon soda, a kissaten (coffee house) staple served here with a double shot of espresso. Must order: Onigiri set, including furikake-seasoned rice balls, miso-marinated salmon, sesame-dressed spinach, tamagoyaki omelette, pickles and miso soup. Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. This cafe is a finalist for best coffee in Good Foods Essential Melbourne Cafes and Bakeries of 2025. 1 / 6 A selection of coffees at Rosso. Chris Hopkins 2 / 6 The warehouse dining room at Rosso Coffee Experience. Chris Hopkins 3 / 6 Eggs folded with herb pesto and chorizo. Chris Hopkins 4 / 6 Head barista Matt Coulson at work. Chris Hopkins 5 / 6 Smashed avocado and sweet potato hummus on toast. Chris Hopkins 6 / 6 Porcini and wild mushroom medley. Chris Hopkins Previous Slide Next Slide Cafe$$$$ Why just order your coffee when you can learn how to brew it yourself? Specialty roaster Rossos experiential North Melbourne location has a make-your-own-coffee bar, where professional baristas show you how its done. Or, of course, you can leave it to them, as at Rossos not-quite-as-educational CBD locations. Good to know: The food menu is top stuff too, featuring brunch classics given a little twist. Advertisement Exclusive Eating outRestaurant news Former Kiln chef Mitch Orr joins hip London spin-off at Oxford Street hotel The three-in-one hospitality hub is set to open at the former home of the Grand Pacific Blue Room. Scott Bolles Updated June 6, 2025 , first published May 30, 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 Advertisement Speaking by phone from London, sister and brother duo Zoe and Layo Paskin say Palomars Sydney branch will be informed by the London original but inspired by the city it resides in. Five or six signature dishes will make the trip, with plenty of wiggle room for the local team to create its own imprint. An artists impression of the forthcoming 25hours Hotel The Olympia. Tonkin Zulaikha Greer The Paskins will come to Australia to bed the venues down, and bring some of their team with them, but theyll appoint a local head chef at The Palomar to work with Orr and the hotel. Just who are the Paskins? Their hospitality story began in 1995 with a London nightclub, The End. Layo Paskin is a DJ who found time to release four albums and tour the globe before they decided to sell the nightclub and focus their energy on restaurants. Eyeing a gap in the London market for a restaurant influenced by southern Europe and the cuisines of the Levant, the 2014 launch of The Palomar proved a quick success, named by Tatler magazine as restaurant of the year. Theyve since added the Michelin-starred Evelyns Table to a stable that also includes London hotspot The Barbary. Advertisement The Palomar restaurant, The Mulwray and Jacob the Angel will open on the hotels ground floor. Whats the secret to their success? Layo Paskin refers to restaurants as organisms, and the unseens beyond food and service such as the volume of music and lighting. If youve done it well, people dont know why they feel like they do, its magic, he said. Asked how they juggle a sister-brother relationship in the cut and thrust of business, Layo said: Ill let the better sibling start. We can occasionally get a bit hot-headed, Zoe Paskin said. But she explained that they know their individual strengths and defer to them. Zoe is a deep thinker about the hospitality experience. She observes seemingly ordinary details such as eating at the bar as a more democratic union between guest and staff. London restaurateurs Zoe and Layo Paskin are bringing their concepts to Sydney. Advertisement The opportunity to branch out to restaurants in hotels came during the pandemic, when Studio Paskin was approached to curate restaurants at Gleneagles Townhouse in Edinburgh, and theyve recently done a project in Barcelona. There are plenty of opportunities around the world, but their ears pricked when 25hours Hotel owner Ennismore approached them about a collaboration in Sydney. Both siblings have chalked up plenty of eating hours in Sydney, and are fans of the local restaurant scene. Layo spent lots of time in the city early in his career, touring as a DJ. Plus his wife, Gabriella, was raised in Sydney. She [Gabriella] was very excited. When she realised it [the hotel] was the Grand Pacific Blue Room site, it doubled, Layo said. Before its 1990s Blue Room era, the building was better known as the Olympia Theatre, with a history stretching back to 1911. The Paskins three venues will all front Oxford Street, on the ground level of the hotel. The Palomar in Sydney will be informed by the London original. While The Palomar might transplant dishes such as lamb belly with anchovy or its ice-cream sandwiches filled with baklava and pistachio, The Mulwray will lean on classic cocktails and a local-leaning wine list. Advertisement The restoration and redevelopment of the hotels heritage-listed Oxford Street site has been beset by delays. When the 109-room hotel opens in September it will also include a rooftop bar, Monica, operated by the hotel, with West Hollywood and Santa Monica vibes and sweeping Sydney views. You can see a good chunk of the Harbour Bridge and the tip of an Opera House sail, MitchOrr said. Related Article Exclusive Trio of hip London hospo venues to launch Sydney spin-offs at historic Oxford Street site Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up Advertisement Eating outGood Food events New snack series is a delicious way to try five of Sydneys top restaurants for less Hatted restaurants Viand, Firepop and 20 Chapel are among the line-up using a surprise ingredient to create limited-edition dishes from $9. Erina Starkey Updated June 6, 2025 , first published May 29, 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 Beyond being delicious, snacks also provide chefs with a creative outlet to experiment with ingredients and test new ideas. That creative energy will be on full display this June as some of Sydneys top restaurants unveil limited-edition snack specials for Good Food Events upcoming Snack Series, presented by Aurum Poultry Co. The series will see hatted restaurants such as Viand in Woolloomooloo, Firepop in Enmore and 20 Chapel in Marrickville, craft a unique snack priced under $25. But heres the twist: every dish must feature the same signature ingredient cockerel. Firepop will be serving cockerel comb terrine for the Sydney Snack Series. Annita Potter, of one-hatted restaurant Viand, has created sweet, salted cockerels with longan and Thai basil in green curry wafers. Having spent 12 years in Bangkok, working alongside celebrated Australian Thai-food specialist David Thompson, opening his international restaurants in Singapore, Cambodia, Hong Kong and Australia, Potter is no stranger to seeing cockerel on the menu. Advertisement The Thais use a lot of birds in their cuisine including cockerels for things like gai yang grilled chicken, but its mostly used in curries, soups or braises as the lengthy cooking process of these dishes allows the meat to become more tender over the slower cooking time. Annita Potter is one of five chefs taking part in Snack Series. Wolter Peeters While cockerel meat may have fallen foul of the Australian market, the meat of young male chickens remains popular in many parts of the world, where it is prized for its leanness and depth of flavour. Cockerel meat is delicious and usually has a more defined taste, richer, more depth, more intense than regular chickens, says Potter. The meat is typically firmer; however, it has a silkiness to it. It requires no special treatment when preparing it at home. Cockerels can be cooked mostly the same as regular chickens. I tend to cook the cockerels slower and on a lower heat as it allows the flavour to develop and doesnt toughen the texture of the bird, she says. Viand will be serving sweet, salted cockerels with longans wrapped in green curry wafers and Thai basil for the Snack Series. Advertisement If youve noticed more cockerel on restaurant menus, you can thank Aurum Poultry Co. The specialist poultry producer supplies 100+ day slow-grown cockerel, along with pheasant, guinea fowl and quail, to top restaurants and butchers across Australia (it also offers home delivery to select locations). The business was founded by Melbourne-based brothers Danny and Sam Wong, who missed the richly flavoured, firm-textured chicken they grew up eating in Vietnam. Good Food Events Snack Series will run in Sydney from 1-30 June, 2025. Catch up on any snacks you miss on the Good Food Events Instagram account, where chef Mitch Orr will be going behind the scenes of each restaurant, chatting to chefs about how each dish was made. Sydney Snack Series Viand Sweet salted Aurum Poultry Co cockerels with green curry wafers, longans and Thai basil ($18) 41 Crown St, Woolloomooloo, viand.club Firepop Forgotten Treasures: Cockerel comb terrine with angelica root and anise, with grilled chicken frame, macadamia-cumin dukkah and smoked chilli ($18) 137 Enmore Rd, Enmore, firepop.com.au Island Radio Confit Aurum cockerel, black pepper adobo and toasted rice bread ($9) Corner of Cleveland and Baptist Streets, Redfern, islandradio.sydney 20 Chapel Wood fire grilled cockerel with coconut sosa and Fijian curry powder ($25) 20 Chapel St, Marrickville, 20chapel.com.au Wood fire grilled cockerel with coconut sosa and Fijian curry powder ($25) 20 Chapel St, Marrickville, 20chapel.com.au Panorama Bar Coal-fired char siu cockerel with surf clam, green shallot and chicken fat bread ($16) 25 Martin Pl, Sydney, 25martinplace.com.au Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. The Macleay Street finer-diner will be transformed into an accessible all-day French operation. Restaurateur Andrew Becher has closed chefs hatted Catalan restaurant, Parlar, and will chase a shift in the Potts Point clientele, opening an all-day French food venue, Le Frerot, in its place. The French term for brother, or little brother, is a nod to Le Frerots neighbour, Franca restaurant, which Becher also owns. While Franca is a brasserie with a sense of occasion, Le Frerot will be a more accessible everyday venue. Parlars signature 1970s tapestries will be removed. Christopher Pearce The upmarket Parlar only traded at night, whereas when Le Frerot opens in late July, it will be an all-day operation. Becher points to changing demographics in Potts Point, with a more mature clientele in the area wanting more daytime options. At night, itll be a bistro, Becher said. The restaurateur explained Le Frerot would deliver freshly baked boulangerie items and an all-day breakfast, which would make way for a dinner menu of bistro favourites such as French onion soup, gruyere souffle and mussels. It will also include house-made charcuterie and a cheese room. Alifa Putri, 33, admired Adi Nagara, 40, in 2015 while watching him cut mangoes in Jakarta. Within weeks, an international romance was in full swing. Alifa Putri (left) admired Adi Nagara in 2015 while watching him cut mangoes in Jakarta. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer Adi: I remember when I first saw Alifa: the room in Jakarta City Hall, where she was sitting, the shade of her T-shirt. It was 10 years ago and we were both on a three-month internship for the governor. I was 30, she was 23. After the internship, Alifa invited six of us to come to her familys house in her hometown, Bandung [in Indonesias West Java province], at New Year. I knew I liked her. We were all sleeping on the floor in the living room and, one evening, she went past and I grabbed her ankle. I was a bit playful; it felt like a good enough gesture. In my Indonesian family, we dont talk about this sort of thing: [in terms of the love language theory] were 95 per cent acts of service. Something sparked between us, but in January 2016, I had to leave for an eight-month management-consulting project in Dubai. Five months later, Alifa was accepted into Harvard Graduate School of Design [in Cambridge, Massachusetts] and arranged to spend a day with me in Dubai on the way. I didnt bring my A-game, though: I had a hangover and it was a 45-degree day. I thought, What have I done? BEIJING, June 5 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese mainland on Thursday announced bans on a Taiwan company related to Shen Pao-yang, also known as Puma Shen, who is a die-hard supporter of "Taiwan independence," from making deals or cooperating with organizations, businesses and individuals in the mainland. Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, announced the punishment on Sicuens International Co., Ltd., a company led by Shen's father, noting that the mainland will also take other necessary measures against the company. According to Zhu, the company engages in trade and business cooperation with certain mainland enterprises in pursuit of economic benefits. "The mainland side will never allow enterprises related to die-hard 'Taiwan independence' supporters to seek profits in the mainland," said the spokesperson. In October last year, the office announced punishments on Shen and the Kuma Academy, an institution led by him. The office said that Shen had been actively and systematically organizing activities promoting "Taiwan independence." He has also deliberately promoted "Taiwan independence" and "anti-China" ideologies, particularly targeting the young people in Taiwan. Meanwhile, the Kuma Academy has openly fostered violent "Taiwan independence" individuals under the guise of training and outdoor activities. Stewart Martin of Mangerton makes an extraterrestrial observation: In the cold pre-dawn darkness, we walk our dogs at the local park. Aliens (C8) flying over would go elsewhere after witnessing earthlings searching for dog poo with their mobile phones. A lack of bags sometimes leads Caz Willis of Bowral to utilise coffee cups from the bin: Watching an owner let his pooch drop and keep walking, I caught up with him and handed him one. The look on his face told me hed never scooped before. Didnt see him in the park after that. Forget Madeiran boomerangs (C8), Julie Apps of Pemulwuy, holidaying in the UK says, Imagine my surprise to find berthed beside the royal yacht Britannia in Edinburgh, the Spirit of Tasmania. I gather its there because it wont fit in the new berth in Tasmania and someone wont pay its parking fees. The guides on Britannia think its great because it hides an industrial eyesore. With the long weekend approaching, its D-Day for the cracker night tales (C8), but not before we hear from Jennifer Richardson of Macmasters Beach: As a child, we had the largest bonfire in the neighbourhood, built by the kids in the area. Part of the final ceremony was to put an effigy on the top. My brothers decided it should be female and well-dressed. Imagine my mums surprise when she saw her favourite dress going up in flames atop the bonfire. In the 1980s, my young brother returned home in the wee hours after a big night out on the turps and messing with bungers, writes David Ramsay of Bexley. After putting on a toastie, he fell asleep. Overnight the toaster disintegrated and filled the house with acrid smoke. On awakening, my mother declared: Theyre just going to have to ban cracker night! Empathy imbalance A Freedom boat is sailing to Gaza with aid and is receiving media publicity worldwide. Could such boats be launched to Sudan? It is the worlds worst humanitarian crisis right now: 13 million displaced; a severe famine and up to 150,000 people killed. Do the Sudanese matter? Or are some humanitarian crises more important than others? Pia Brous, Armadale Oblivion beckons Alan Stockdales suggestion on a NSW Liberal Womens Council Zoom that assertive women might necessitate reverse quotas for men exposes a party dictated by octogenarian white men, hopelessly out of touch. Sussan Leys call for assertive women to join is admirable but futile against a culture that marginalises them. The Liberals women problem with unwinnable candidacies and policies like banning work-from-home arrangements drove their May election rout. The Liberal Party is past its use-by date, stuck in a bygone era. Women seeking progress, agency and leadership can turn to Labor, the Greens, or the dynamic community independents model, where grassroots voices champion equality and diversity. Why join a party where elderly men dictate direction and flinch at womens assertiveness? Whether the Liberals can shed this outdated mindset and embrace alternatives reflecting todays diverse values will dictate their future. So far, it looks like theyre doomed to fade into oblivion. Sue Barrett, Caulfield South Dinosaur in the room The Liberal Partys quest to annihilate itself goes on. It is not just at a national level, but, in Victoria and NSW, the destructive behaviour continues. Just when you thought dinosaurs were extinct, up pops Victorian Liberal, and former state treasurer Alan Stockdale endeavouring to leave his imprint on the NSW branch with the advice that quotas for women were not necessary and that no one cares about the Liberal Party ( CBD , 5/6). At a national level leader Sussan Ley has the unenviable task of trying to resuscitate a party that is yet to heed the message the electorate delivered at the election. The party elders either need to face the realities of modern life or exit the political world. Anne Lyon, Camberwell Sense of betrayal Who needs a strong opposition when the Labor Party has a strong right faction? There has been the removal of two perfectly fine ministers, the deputy prime minister open to the US administrations calls on defence spending and the 40-year extension of Woodsides gas project, well in excess of Australias zero emissions target by 2050. Sure, gas to support the transition to renewables, but not extra gas to continue exorbitant offshore exports. I imagine Labor voters are feeling betrayed, angry and disillusioned. Is it a naive hope that the defection of Senator Dorinda Cox will somehow bring the Labor Party more left? The mandate adhered to should be first and foremost, protection of the environment. Bronwyn Davis, Kennington The past in the present The double tragedy of the Labor governments early squandering of the massive political capital it was given in one awful decision (ie extension of Woodside Energys North West Shelf gas tenure) and the harm already done to Murujuga rock art that predates the building of the Egyptian pyramids because of the former is sorrowful (In one awful decision, Albanese has revealed his do-nothing plan, 4/6). Indeed, it would be incomprehensible to the French as it would be to the British to allow companies to screw around with their nations respective monumental legacies in the implicit understanding that it is a cornerstone testament to their cultural identity. Perhaps herein lies the rub. That is, our nations unreconciled history and successive leaderships failure to unite our country whereby, unjustly, First Nations Australians continue to bear the collateral damage in the present time of our nations brutal and bloody antecedents. Jelena Rosic, Mornington Promises broken As usual, Ross Gittins nails it (4/6). Anthony Albanese fooled enough people into believing his promises to act on climate change. I lost faith in Labor on this issue long ago, and am sure many more will over the approval of further drilling on the North West Shelf. Of course, he may say that it was Minister Murray Watts decision, but it was, as Gittins points out, at the behest of the big mining companies through the Western Australian premier. And Albanese just waited until after the election to let us all in on the news. I dont want to see Albanese sympathetically nodding and handshaking with victims of extreme weather events any longer. It is hypocritical in the extreme to promise to help people who have lost lives, homes and livelihoods through natural disasters, which are no longer natural but extremely worsened by rapidly worsening climate change. Kerry Echberg, Princes Hill Bin there, too hard The article Too hard to build (3/6) referenced the delays and red tape involved in building developments. Specifically it cited North Sydney council taking 41 days just to lodge a planning application on their system. Its meant to take 14. Last week I applied to upsize my garden waste bin on Darebin Councils website. The reply? Up to 21 business days for the bin change. Thats a calendar month. Peter Harris, Preston Moving lines Reading the articles by Nicola Redhouse and Daniel Rabin (Comments, 31/5), each looking at the present situation differently, makes me wonder why we seem to have forgotten that statehood within fixed boundaries is both modern and temporary. Throughout the last several millennia, people mostly lived in language-cultural-ethnic groups in different parts of the world, overlapping with each other. Many present countries, e.g. India, Italy and Germany, are very recent constructs brought about by their constituent kingdoms, sultanates and so on being forcefully brought together by powerful leaders. Most of the world has been run by empires formed by one entity conquering neighbouring ones, with their boundaries continually fluctuating. Neither the Israelites nor the Palestinians ever had a state as such they just lived in the same area of the world with much overlap in where their people lived. The European Zionists had the idea of a national home for Jews, with few Palestinians in it, and were successful in getting the British government to create it for them. Its easy to see why Palestinians resent their treatment and want to return to their land and have it recognised in the same way Israelis are recognised for theirs. It seems to me that the creation of a Palestinian state alongside Israel is the only just solution. Don Jordan, Mount Waverley A Melbourne private school has snared one of the worlds top architects to help design its new mega campus on the site of Caulfield Racecourse in the citys inner south-east. Daniel Libeskind who drew up the masterplan for rebuilding New Yorks World Trade Centre after it was destroyed in the 2001 terrorist attacks will be announced on Friday as part of the design team for Mount Scopus Colleges new Caulfield campus. Daniel Libeskind, one of the worlds most heralded contemporary architects, is part of the design team for Mount Scopus Colleges new Caulfield campus. Credit: Getty Images The private Jewish school kick-started its ambitious plans for an early learning to year 12 campus, a sports precinct and a centre for Jewish life last year with a $195 million deal to buy a large tract of the racecourse from the Melbourne Racing Club. There are currently 1210 students enrolled at Mount Scopus three campuses, in Burwood, Caulfield South and St Kilda East. Annual fees are more than $42,000 for students in its senior levels. A major cruise operators decision to quit berthing two of its premier cruise lines in Melbourne this year is set to blow an estimated $37.6 million hole in Victorias economy, as more than 100 ships bypass the city over the next four years. New analysis reveals Victorias cruise economy has gone into reverse after Carnivals Melbourne boycott, which was ostensibly triggered by the Allan governments November 2023 decision to hike berthing fees by 15 per cent. Cunards cruise liner Queen Elizabeth home-ported at Station Pier in 2022-23 but will not return. Credit: Chris Hopkins Carnivals luxury cruise ship brands Cunard and Princess ceased home-porting in Melbourne at the beginning of this year, with Cunard exiting Australian ports entirely, while Princess now berths in Sydney and Brisbane. Cunard and Princess were a major feature of Melbournes cruise ship schedule before their exit, berthing at Port Melbournes Station Pier a total of 25 times in 2024. Their exit will reduce the total number of cruise ship berths in Melbourne by about 113 visits between 2025 and 2028, according to new analysis by the Parliamentary Budget Office commissioned by the state opposition. A bare patch of land next door to the worlds second-richest man has sold after six months on the market. The property sold for $US110 million ($169 million) to an anonymous international finance executive, the Wall Street Journal reported. The property is next door to Jeff Bezos. Credit: Zillow It may seem like a steep price for 8000 square metres of grass, but it is just over half the $US200 million ($308 million) the vendor was asking when the property first listed in December 2024. Even with a 45 per cent discount, the empty plot cost more than Australias most expensive homes a $140 million Sydney apartment amalgamation, the $130 million trades of Uig Lodge and Elaine in Point Piper, and a grand Toorak mansion that sold north of nine figures earlier this year. Washington: US President Donald Trump says he may have to punish Ukraine as well as Russia if he does not believe they are sincere about peace, and that he had told Russian President Vladimir Putin the two countries may have to fight for a little while before peacemakers could intervene, after Ukraines surprise drone strike on Russian bombers. It could be on both countries to be honest, he said of the possibility of imposing punishment if Ukraine and Russia did not pursue peace. You know, it takes two to tango, but theyll be, were going to be very tough, whether its Russia or anybody else. US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on Thursday. Credit: Bloomberg Sometimes you see two young children fighting like crazy, Trump said before a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the Oval Office on Thursday (Friday AEST). They hate each other, and theyre fighting in a park, and you try and pull them apart. They dont want to be pulled. Sometimes youre better off letting them fight for a while and then pulling them apart. And I gave that analogy to Putin yesterday. I said, President, maybe you have to keep fighting and suffering a lot, because both sides are suffering, before you pull them apart, before theyre able to be pulled apart. This photo taken on June 5, 2025 shows an AES100 engine displayed at the review meeting on the engine's development work in Zhuzhou City, central China's Hunan Province. The civil turboshaft engine, primarily designed for helicopters, has obtained its production license and secured a sales contract, laying a solid foundation for the growth of low-altitude equipment, the Aero Engine Corporation of China announced on Thursday. The AES100 engine represents China's first independently-developed 1,000 kW-class advanced civil turboshaft engine, achieving full compliance with international airworthiness standards. (Xinhua/Chen Sihan) CHANGSHA, June 5 (Xinhua) -- A civil turboshaft engine, primarily designed for helicopters, has obtained its production license and secured a sales contract, laying a solid foundation for the growth of low-altitude equipment, Aero Engine Corporation of China (AECC) announced on Thursday. The AES100 engine represents China's first independently developed 1,000-kW-class advanced civil turboshaft engine, achieving full compliance with international airworthiness standards. The granting of this production license signifies China's capability to independently develop and manufacture advanced civil turboshaft engines, said Li Gaiqi, chief designer of the AES100 engine. He noted that this achievement is of great importance to the AES100 engine in serving the low-altitude economy and supporting the general aviation industry. The engine can maintain stable operations in complex conditions, including icy, heavy rain and strong electromagnetic environments. It has a high safety level, excellent cost-effectiveness and broad environmental adaptability, with outstanding performances in key indicators such as energy efficiency and service life, reaching internationally advanced levels, according to the AECC. It can be used in 5-to-6-tonne twin-engine helicopters and 3-to-4-tonne single-engine helicopters, as well as tiltrotor aircraft and other aerial vehicles, and can undertake missions in such areas as transport, sightseeing, patrols and rescue operations. The engine production license is a document issued by the Civil Aviation Administration of China to authorize manufacturers to produce civil aviation engines in accordance with approved designs, quality assurance systems and technical management systems. It is a critical qualification in the aircraft manufacturing sector. The production license is granted to the AES100 engine during the review meeting on the engine's development work in Zhuzhou City, central China's Hunan Province, June 5, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Sihan) This undated file image shows an AES100 engine. (The Aero Engine Corporation of China/Handout via Xinhua) This photo taken on June 5, 2025 shows an AES100 engine displayed at the review meeting on the engine's development work in Zhuzhou City, central China's Hunan Province. (Xinhua/Chen Sihan) This photo taken on June 5, 2025 shows a scene during review meeting on AES100 engine's development work in Zhuzhou City, central China's Hunan Province. (Xinhua/Chen Sihan) Delegates sign contracts for sales and lease of the AES100 engine during the review meeting on the engine's development work in Zhuzhou City, central China's Hunan Province, June 5, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Sihan) This undated file photo shows an AES100 engine. (The Aero Engine Corporation of China/Handout via Xinhua) Chinese Vice President Han Zheng meets with members of a U.S. delegation attending the China-U.S. Senior-Level Track Two Dialogue in Beijing, capital of China, June 5, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing) BEIJING, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Han Zheng on Thursday met with members of a U.S. delegation attending the China-U.S. Senior-Level Track Two Dialogue in Beijing. Han noted that China-U.S. relationship is among the most important bilateral relations in the world today, which is at a crucial juncture and of historic significance. Mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation between China and the United States are not only beneficial to the two countries, but also to world peace and development, Han said. China hopes that the China-U.S. Senior-Level Track Two Dialogue will gather insightful views of people from both countries, enhance understanding and knowledge of China across all sectors in the United States, and contribute to the stable, healthy and sustainable development of China-U.S. relations, Han said. According to the U.S. delegation, the dialogue is helpful for both sides to better understand each other and provide more beneficial ideas for the development of bilateral relations. They said that the two countries should enhance dialogue and cooperation in areas such as trade and investment. Chinese Vice President Han Zheng meets with members of a U.S. delegation attending the China-U.S. Senior-Level Track Two Dialogue in Beijing, capital of China, June 5, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing) Illegal mining near Kazirangaintensified despite SC ban NEW DELHI : THE Central Empowered Committee (CEC) has told the Supreme Court that illegal mining has continued and intensifiedinAssamsParkupPahararea neartheKazirangaNationalPark, despite a 2019 top court order banning all mining and related activitiesinandaroundtheparks eco-sensitive zone. Kaziranga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to around 65 per cent of the endangered one-hornedrhinopopulationin the world. It forms part of an important wildlife corridor betweentheBrahmaputrafloodplains and the Karbi Anglong hills. The SupremeCourt, actingon earlier findings by the CEC, had prohibited all mining and relatedactivities inthis regiontoprevent degradation of critical wildlife habitats and forested landscapes. Based ona complaintfroman anonymous government employee in Assam and fieldlevel verification, the CEC submitted a fresh report dated May 30 to the SC, saying that mining activitiesintheregionhavecontinued and intensified despite the apex courts ban ordered on April 4, 2019. Rampant mining continues, particularly in the Parkup Pahar Range,adeclared wildlife sanctuary forming the southern boundary of the Kaziranga National Park, the report said. The complaint received from the government employee in December 2024 contained GoogleEarthimagery from 2019 to 2023 and site-specific data. Theimagesreportedlyshowed that mining, which had stopped followingtheSCs2019banorder, resumed and intensified after 2021. The CEO forwarded the complaint to the Assam forest and police departments, requesting a factual report. The principal chief conservator of forests, Assam, submitted a detailed report on February 5, outlining the actions taken, includingthesuspensionofmining leases. The report confirmed that stoneminingwasoccurringclose to the Borjuri Waterfall and its surroundingstreams,whichflow towards Kaziranga. The CEC report also said the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) gave fresh permissions for dozens of mines in forest areas and in proposed eco-sensitivezones,violatingthe SCbanandwithouttherequired approvalfromthestandingcommittee of the National Board for Wildlife and theCentral government under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. Cong leader Brijmohan Singh held for insulting PM on Facebook Staff Reporter : Durg, Senior Congress leader and former Vice-President of Special Area Development Authority (SADA), Birjmohan Singh has been arrested by the police for abusive comments on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Facebook. Soon after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers noticed the derogatory remarks, they approached Vaishali Nagar Police on late Tuesday night and the police then brought Brijmohan to the police station for interrogations. Owing to the large number of workers from both BJP and Congress gathering in the police station, Brijmohan was then shifted to some other place. Brijmohan, who has also contested for the post of MLA from Vaishali Nagar assembly constituency has been charged under sections 296, 353 (1) (b), 353 (1) (c) and 353 (2) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita for making statement containing false information to promote enmity between groups, causing fear or alarm, inciting any class of community to commit any offence against other class etc. As per the complainant Tushar Devangan (31), a resident of Shanti Nagar, Bhilai, he came across the derogatory comments on PM Modi by Brijmohan through his Facebook account. He said that through his comments, Brijmohan tried to spread hatred among two communities in Chhattisgarh and the BJP workers were deeply hurt with his objectionable comments. The complainant also attached the screenshots of the comments with the complaint. City Superintendent of Police (Bhilai Nagar Sub Division) SP Tiwari confirmed the arrest of Brijmohan and said that he made derogatory remarks though his Facebook account. Meanwhile, after being arrested, Brijmohan was produced before the court on Wednesday from where he was sent to jail on judicial remand. LETS THINK DEEPER IT IS time the people of India started thinking deeper about how their national political and military leadership thought and acted in the recent conflict with Pakistan -- peaked by Operation Sindoor. The clue to the deeper thinking should be derived from some of the recent statements and assertions by Chief of Defence Services (CDS) General Anil Chauhan -- at Singapore and later at Pune. Unfortunately, most people who read or heard General Chauhans statement at the Shangri La Dialogue tended to think that he had admitted that Pakistan had succeeded in downing a few of Indias fighter jets. Factually, he had debunked the Pakistani claims to that effect and had talked of how India had taken a few aircraft off air and sent those back into service after necessary rectifications. Despite this, many observers -- whose tendency is to think only superficially -- thought that the CDS had accepted the Pakistani claims about downed Indian fighter jets during Operation Sindoor. In response to this shallow approach, General Chauhan later came out clearly denying that he had ever accepted the Pakistani claims (that were false). It is against this background that the people of India need to think more deeply about strategic matters without giving into the temptation of arriving at cheap conclusions. If we can learn this lesson from Operation Sindoor, we will serve a great national cause. A deeper and finer analysis of various statements and assertions of Indias political and military spokespersons in the past few weeks reveals the careful manner in which India told the truth to the world -- inch by inch, blow by blow, hour by hour, day by day, event by event. No matter what others -- including the United States President Mr. Donald Trump -- said on issues, Indian spokespersons -- from Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, to Defence Minister Mr. Rajnath Singh, to Home Minister Mr. Amit Shah, to Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, to Foreign Secretary Mr. Misri, to the officers, and leaders of the Armed Forces never departed from the national line of thought. None of the Indian spokespersons ever insulted US President Mr. Donald Trump by debunking his claims, but never gave him weightage for his impertinent statements. Nothing could distract Indian line of thought and assertion during Operation Sindoor and afterwards. This steadfastness, this firmness of policy on part of India needs to be pondered over people and the media and lobbyists who are all eager to distort things with whatever motive in mind. The most critical message that emerges from Indian thought and action following the Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent Operation Sindoor is that a responsible nation and its responsible Government acts with a very deep and focused thought to keep perfectly in tune with ultimate national interest. India never accepted that Pakistan ever downed any of its fighters jets. It insisted right from start that each of its pilots were safe back home. And it also made clear that during those tense days of Operation Sindoor, many tactical decisions were taken and rectifications implemented so as to keep the operations on right track. There were certain setbacks too, as has been admitted by General Anil Chauhan, but he insisted upon the importance of the final outcome -- which professional militaries pay attention to. Such assertions are too fine for superficial interpretations. They are made with a specific and deep purpose in mind, but are never intended to mislead anybody. Those who operate in the rarefied zone of strategy understand the fine nuances of the statements in tricky conditions and do not jump to conclusions -- as many tended to do after General Chauhans statements in Singapore and Pune. At this critical juncture in its strategic journey, Indian people should understand this. NIA triggers chase as Korba suspect evades radar in espionage case By Mukesh S Singh Raipur/Korba, CRPF trooper served from 20152017 at Baradera camp in Raipur, frequently deployed in Gariaband before transfer to Pahalgam, J&K NIA probe uncovers money trail linking suspended ASI to the elusive Korba-based civilian suspect IB and Cgarh Police activate field units for stepped-up shadow watch across Korba amid national security red flags In a high-stakes national security operation with implications cutting deep into central India, Korba district of Chhattisgarh has surfaced as a critical node in a Pakistan-linked espionage investigation being spearheaded by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Acting on strategic inputs and cross-agency surveillance, NIA teams recently launched sweeping raids across eight states, including a sensitive and secretive operation in Korba, triggering fresh interest from the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Chhattisgarh Police. The missing figure at the heart of the Korba operation is an unnamed individual, reportedly a businessman, who vanished without a trace before the May 31 raids. His links with suspended CRPF personnel Moti Ram Jat, currently in NIA custody, have elevated him as a person of critical interest. Well-placed sources in intelligence agencies of both state and centre privy to this high-profile and sensitive development related to national security averred to The Hitavada that the NIA team from Delhi deliberately kept both state police and local IB units out of the loop. The entire Korba operation was executed under tight operational blackout, based solely on a need-to-know protocol, one of them disclosed. According to intelligence officials closely monitoring the developments, even senior district police officers in Chhattisgarh remained completely unaware that a central NIA team had entered Korba, let alone that searches linked to a cross-border espionage ring had been executed. The covert nature of the operation, they noted, was deliberate and structured on a strict need-to-know basis to prevent any local leakages or operational compromise. The breakthrough, as confirmed by official communique of NIA as well as sources privy to this sensitive probe, came with the arrest of Moti Ram Jata suspended Assistant Sub-Inspector of CRPFwho had been booked under multiple sections of the Official Secrets Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Investigators revealed that Jat was posted with the 65th Battalion of CRPF at Baradera camp in Mandir Hasaud area of Raipur and frequently deployed in Gariaband district between 2015 and 2017. It was during this Chhattisgarh stint, they said, that he developed a discreet association with the Korba-based suspect who is now absconding. According to intelligence handlers familiar with his trajectory, Jats early service as a Constable later transformed into a serious vulnerability following his transfer to Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, where he was allegedly ensnared by a female Pakistani intelligence operative (PIO). It began with casual information sharing disguised as media sourcing, a source closely tracking the interrogation confirmed while speaking to this newspaper under strict confidentiality, but soon matured into structured espionage, enabled by financial inducements and foreign handlers. Over time, a male PIO was introduced, and monetary transfers were arranged in exchange for confidential deployment data, setting in motion the chain that eventually led to Jats arrest. According to internal surveillance data reviewed by multi-agency units, Jats financial conduits included the now-absconding Korba man, who is believed to have acted as an intermediary for hawala-based fund movements. This critical disclosure prompted the NIA to initiate a coordinated multi-state crackdown on May 31, with Korba in Chhattisgarh also figuring among the locations covered during the operation. The central anti-terror agency raided 15 premises in Delhi, Maharashtra, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Assam, and West Bengal. The suspect was not found at the location during the NIAs discreet search ops to Korba, and his current whereabouts remain unknown, adding a layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation. The NIA confirmed the seizure of sensitive financial ledgers, encrypted digital devices, and other incriminating documents from several locations. These are currently being subjected to forensic scrutiny to decode transaction chains, establish end beneficiaries, and trace communication routes linking Indian soil with Pakistan-based handlers. Officials monitoring the case indicated that the involvement of a suspect from an industrial district like Korba has prompted a closer examination of how such regions may occasionally be exploited for covert financial linkages. When contacted, Chhattisgarh Police officials said no prior information about the NIAs operations had been shared with them. However, sources in the states internal intelligence apparatus disclosed to this reporter that discreet surveillance units have now been activated to independently monitor the fugitive suspects digital footprint, financial trails, and support ecosystem. The operation also sheds light on the vulnerability of paramilitary personnel to psychological manipulation and monetary inducement, particularly in postings prone to prolonged isolation or operational fatigue. The CRPF, for its part, has dismissed Jat from service following his arrest and is conducting internal reviews to trace any further breaches linked to the 65th Battalion or its satellite deployments in Chhattisgarh. Attack on the roots of democracy SC on 2021 West Bengal post-poll violence bbbbbbbbbbb NEW DELHI : The observation came from a bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta as it dealt with a plea filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) challenging the grant of bail to several accused in the post-poll violence cases. The CBI contended that the Calcutta High Court granted bail to the respondents-accused on totally extraneous considerations, and after their release on bail, there was no possibility of a fair trial being conducted. Ordering cancellation of bail, the Supreme Court said that the allegations against the accused were so grave that the same shook the conscience of the court. The concerted attack on the complainants house was launched on the day of the election results with the sole objective of wreaking vengeance because he had supported the BJP. This is a grave circumstance which convinces us that the accused persons were trying to terrorise the members of the opposite political party whom the accused respondents were supporting, said the top court. It took note of the fact that the trial has not budged an inch to date, though a charge sheet was filed way back in 2022, and this delay was mostly attributable to non-cooperation by the accused persons. Saying that there was no possibility of a fair and impartial trial being conducted if the accused were allowed to remain on bail, the Supreme Court set aside the bail order passed by the Calcutta High Court. MACAO, June 5 (Xinhua) -- The 2025 Belt and Road Initiative Global Health Forum was held in China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) from Monday to Thursday, gathering global representatives in science, medicine, and finance to explore the future of health innovation. According to the organizers, the forum aimed to drive high-quality development through a deeper integration of technology and industry, leveraging Macao's unique role as a connector to Portuguese-speaking countries. He Yao, director of the Macao Translational Medicine Center, noted that the center is committed to positioning Macao and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area within the global health ecosystem, bridging lab research and clinical practice to unlock new solutions in medicine. Secretary for Economy and Finance of the Macao SAR government Tai Kin Ip reaffirmed the government's focus on traditional Chinese medicine and the broader health industry as key pillars of economic diversification. He emphasized Macao's cultural advantages in strengthening cooperation with Portuguese-speaking countries and the Belt and Road countries to support health tech innovation. The event was jointly organized by the Macau University of Science and Technology Foundation, the Macao Translational Medicine Center, and Springer Nature, with support from the SAR's Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute and the Macao Science and Technology Development Fund. NICE, France, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Scientists participating in the One Ocean Science Congress in Nice, southern France, released 10 recommendations on Thursday, calling on United Nations members to take urgent and decisive action to safeguard the ocean, with the guidance of science. According to the organizers, the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) and the French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea (Ifremer), the 10 recommendations on global ocean governance outlined concrete measures to tackle the urgent climate and biodiversity crises, while maximizing the Ocean's potential to provide climate solutions. The recommendations include inspiring Ocean stewardship through integrated knowledge; promoting safe and equitable Ocean-based climate solutions; protecting and restoring marine and coastal ecosystems; pausing harmful seabed uses and expanding deep-sea knowledge for sustainability; sharing equitably marine genetic resource benefits; ending illicit, unreported and unregulated fishing, and boosting transparency; building sustainable, equitable and safe Ocean-based food systems; ending marine plastic pollution; reducing carbon dioxide emissions and impacts of shipping; investing in transdisciplinary knowledge for Ocean action. Francois Houllier, chief executive officer (CEO) of Ifremer and co-chair of the One Ocean Science Congress International Scientific Committee, stressed the critical need for concrete actions. "Now it's time for action. The international scientific community is committed to working tirelessly to deliver new data and expand our knowledge to help the Ocean thrive," he said in a press release. The congress, held from June 3 to 6, brought together more than 2,000 scientists from around the world. As part of the upcoming 3rd UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3), the congress aims to generate science-based insights and policy recommendations to support global discussions at UNOC3. Beacon Financial Group reduced its stake in The Charles Schwab Co. (NYSE:SCHW Free Report) by 0.4% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 32,295 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 139 shares during the quarter. Beacon Financial Groups holdings in Charles Schwab were worth $2,528,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Secure Asset Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Charles Schwab by 19.6% during the 1st quarter. Secure Asset Management LLC now owns 29,967 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,346,000 after acquiring an additional 4,902 shares in the last quarter. Sendero Wealth Management LLC boosted its holdings in Charles Schwab by 9.2% during the first quarter. Sendero Wealth Management LLC now owns 118,785 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $9,298,000 after purchasing an additional 9,975 shares during the last quarter. Benin Management CORP grew its position in Charles Schwab by 10.1% in the first quarter. Benin Management CORP now owns 4,403 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $345,000 after purchasing an additional 403 shares in the last quarter. Hennion & Walsh Asset Management Inc. grew its position in Charles Schwab by 4.2% in the first quarter. Hennion & Walsh Asset Management Inc. now owns 57,983 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $4,539,000 after purchasing an additional 2,322 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Bremer Bank National Association increased its stake in Charles Schwab by 8.2% in the 1st quarter. Bremer Bank National Association now owns 3,157 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $247,000 after buying an additional 239 shares during the last quarter. 84.38% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Charles Schwab alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities analysts have recently commented on SCHW shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on shares of Charles Schwab from $92.00 to $95.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, April 21st. Citigroup raised Charles Schwab from a neutral rating to a buy rating and increased their price target for the company from $85.00 to $102.00 in a research report on Wednesday, April 2nd. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price target on Charles Schwab from $93.00 to $87.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, April 8th. UBS Group upped their price objective on Charles Schwab from $95.00 to $96.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, April 22nd. Finally, Cowen reissued a buy rating on shares of Charles Schwab in a research note on Tuesday, May 20th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and fifteen have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Charles Schwab currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $89.63. Charles Schwab Trading Down 0.6% Shares of SCHW stock opened at $87.51 on Thursday. The Charles Schwab Co. has a 12-month low of $61.01 and a 12-month high of $89.85. The company has a market capitalization of $159.00 billion, a PE ratio of 29.27, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.99 and a beta of 0.90. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $81.35 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $79.54. The company has a quick ratio of 0.47, a current ratio of 0.47 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.59. Charles Schwab (NYSE:SCHW Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, April 17th. The financial services provider reported $1.04 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.01 by $0.03. The company had revenue of $5.60 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.46 billion. Charles Schwab had a return on equity of 18.20% and a net margin of 30.31%. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $0.74 earnings per share. As a group, analysts predict that The Charles Schwab Co. will post 4.22 earnings per share for the current year. Charles Schwab Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, May 23rd. Stockholders of record on Friday, May 9th were given a $0.27 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, May 9th. This represents a $1.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.23%. Charles Schwabs payout ratio is presently 32.73%. Insider Activity at Charles Schwab In related news, Director Frank C. Herringer sold 3,592 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, April 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $74.26, for a total value of $266,741.92. Following the transaction, the director now owns 172,162 shares in the company, valued at approximately $12,784,750.12. This trade represents a 2.04% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, insider Paul V. Woolway sold 3,290 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, June 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $87.68, for a total transaction of $288,467.20. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 39,154 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,433,022.72. This represents a 7.75% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 97,608 shares of company stock worth $8,392,040. Corporate insiders own 6.30% of the companys stock. Charles Schwab Profile (Free Report) The Charles Schwab Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a savings and loan holding company that provides wealth management, securities brokerage, banking, asset management, custody, and financial advisory services in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Investor Services and Advisor Services. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Charles Schwab Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Charles Schwab and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. B&M European Value Retail (LON:BME Get Free Report) released its earnings results on Wednesday. The company reported GBX 31.80 ($0.43) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, Digital Look Earnings reports. B&M European Value Retail had a net margin of 5.81% and a return on equity of 43.85%. B&M European Value Retail Stock Down 1.1% Shares of LON:BME opened at GBX 280.20 ($3.80) on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of 2.82 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 6.70 and a beta of 1.05. The company has a 50 day moving average of GBX 318.92 and a two-hundred day moving average of GBX 319.20. B&M European Value Retail has a 52-week low of GBX 254.60 ($3.45) and a 52-week high of GBX 505 ($6.84). The company has a quick ratio of 0.38, a current ratio of 1.06 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 315.77. Get B&M European Value Retail alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities analysts have weighed in on the stock. Shore Capital reiterated a not rated rating on shares of B&M European Value Retail in a report on Tuesday, April 15th. Canaccord Genuity Group reduced their target price on B&M European Value Retail from GBX 545 ($7.39) to GBX 490 ($6.64) and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, February 25th. Finally, Citigroup reissued a buy rating and set a GBX 456 ($6.18) price target on shares of B&M European Value Retail in a research report on Friday, March 28th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and twelve have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of GBX 538.76 ($7.30). About B&M European Value Retail (Get Free Report) B&M European Value Retail SA operates general merchandise and grocery stores. The company operates a chain of stores under the B&M, Heron Foods, and B&M Express in the United Kingdom; and stores under the B&M brand in France. It also provides property management services. The company was founded in 1978 and is based in Munsbach, Luxembourg. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for B&M European Value Retail Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for B&M European Value Retail and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Chesley Taft & Associates LLC grew its position in shares of Exxon Mobil Co. (NYSE:XOM Free Report) by 0.5% in the first quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 123,537 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after buying an additional 555 shares during the quarter. Chesley Taft & Associates LLCs holdings in Exxon Mobil were worth $14,692,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in XOM. 10Elms LLP purchased a new stake in shares of Exxon Mobil during the 4th quarter worth approximately $25,000. Fairway Wealth LLC purchased a new position in shares of Exxon Mobil in the 4th quarter worth $31,000. Capital A Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Exxon Mobil in the 4th quarter worth about $32,000. Keystone Financial Group Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Exxon Mobil during the 4th quarter valued at about $36,000. Finally, Compass Planning Associates Inc bought a new position in shares of Exxon Mobil in the 4th quarter valued at about $47,000. 61.80% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Exxon Mobil alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several research firms have recently issued reports on XOM. Mizuho lowered their price objective on Exxon Mobil from $129.00 to $124.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, May 13th. UBS Group dropped their price objective on shares of Exxon Mobil from $135.00 to $131.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Monday, April 14th. Scotiabank cut their price objective on shares of Exxon Mobil from $140.00 to $115.00 and set a sector outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, April 11th. Barclays restated a hold rating on shares of Exxon Mobil in a report on Thursday, May 22nd. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada reiterated a sector perform rating on shares of Exxon Mobil in a report on Thursday, May 22nd. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have assigned a hold rating, nine have issued a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $125.50. Exxon Mobil Trading Down 1.4% Shares of NYSE XOM opened at $102.33 on Thursday. Exxon Mobil Co. has a 1-year low of $97.80 and a 1-year high of $126.34. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $106.06 and a 200 day moving average price of $109.42. The stock has a market capitalization of $441.01 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.05, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.02 and a beta of 0.51. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14, a current ratio of 1.31 and a quick ratio of 0.97. Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Friday, May 2nd. The oil and gas company reported $1.76 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.73 by $0.03. The business had revenue of $83.13 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $86.11 billion. Exxon Mobil had a net margin of 9.63% and a return on equity of 12.92%. The firms revenue was up .1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $2.06 earnings per share. Equities research analysts expect that Exxon Mobil Co. will post 7.43 EPS for the current fiscal year. Exxon Mobil Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, June 10th. Investors of record on Thursday, May 15th will be paid a dividend of $0.99 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, May 15th. This represents a $3.96 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.87%. Exxon Mobils dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 52.52%. About Exxon Mobil (Free Report) Exxon Mobil Corporation engages in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas in the United States and internationally. It operates through Upstream, Energy Products, Chemical Products, and Specialty Products segments. The Upstream segment explores for and produces crude oil and natural gas. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding XOM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Exxon Mobil Co. (NYSE:XOM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Exxon Mobil Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Exxon Mobil and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fluent Financial LLC purchased a new position in shares of Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE Free Report) in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm purchased 89,513 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock, valued at approximately $2,268,000. Pfizer comprises 1.0% of Fluent Financial LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 28th largest holding. Several other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Norges Bank bought a new position in Pfizer in the 4th quarter worth approximately $2,328,986,000. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. boosted its holdings in Pfizer by 19.5% in the 4th quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 155,459,101 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $4,124,330,000 after buying an additional 25,315,159 shares during the period. Starboard Value LP bought a new position in Pfizer in the 4th quarter worth approximately $407,730,000. Raymond James Financial Inc. bought a new position in Pfizer in the 4th quarter worth approximately $274,694,000. Finally, Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA boosted its holdings in Pfizer by 7.5% in the 4th quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 76,502,238 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $2,029,604,000 after buying an additional 5,350,381 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 68.36% of the companys stock. Get Pfizer alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several research analysts recently commented on PFE shares. Cantor Fitzgerald started coverage on shares of Pfizer in a report on Tuesday, April 22nd. They issued a neutral rating and a $24.00 price objective for the company. Hsbc Global Res raised shares of Pfizer to a strong-buy rating in a report on Monday, March 10th. The Goldman Sachs Group reissued a neutral rating and issued a $25.00 price target (down from $32.00) on shares of Pfizer in a report on Tuesday, April 8th. Guggenheim reissued a buy rating on shares of Pfizer in a report on Tuesday, March 18th. Finally, Citigroup reissued a neutral rating on shares of Pfizer in a report on Thursday, March 27th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating, four have issued a buy rating and three have given a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $29.17. Pfizer Stock Performance Pfizer stock opened at $23.42 on Thursday. The firms fifty day moving average price is $23.02 and its 200-day moving average price is $25.02. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63, a quick ratio of 0.73 and a current ratio of 1.00. The stock has a market cap of $133.15 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.61, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.64 and a beta of 0.58. Pfizer Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $20.92 and a fifty-two week high of $31.54. Pfizer (NYSE:PFE Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, April 29th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $0.92 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.67 by $0.25. The firm 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 businesss quarterly revenue was down 7.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $0.82 EPS. On average, equities research analysts expect that Pfizer Inc. will post 2.95 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Pfizer Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced 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. This represents a $1.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 7.34%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, May 9th. Pfizers payout ratio is presently 124.64%. About Pfizer (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 Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PFE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE Free Report). 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. Matrix Trust Co increased its holdings in International Business Machines Co. (NYSE:IBM Free Report) by 23.7% during the first quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 1,968 shares of the technology companys stock after purchasing an additional 377 shares during the quarter. Matrix Trust Cos holdings in International Business Machines were worth $489,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its stake in International Business Machines by 1.7% during the 4th quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 91,839,252 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $20,189,023,000 after purchasing an additional 1,539,888 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of International Business Machines by 2.1% in the 4th quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 20,909,646 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $4,589,145,000 after purchasing an additional 427,499 shares during the period. Capital World Investors increased its holdings in shares of International Business Machines by 413.5% in the 4th quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 11,984,609 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $2,634,577,000 after purchasing an additional 9,650,534 shares during the period. Northern Trust Corp increased its holdings in shares of International Business Machines by 18.6% in the 4th quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 10,845,993 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $2,384,275,000 after purchasing an additional 1,704,209 shares during the period. Finally, UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC increased its holdings in shares of International Business Machines by 9.8% in the 4th quarter. UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC now owns 8,112,092 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $1,783,281,000 after purchasing an additional 722,582 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 58.96% of the companys stock. Get International Business Machines alerts: International Business Machines Stock Up 0.1% IBM opened at $265.34 on Thursday. International Business Machines Co. has a fifty-two week low of $165.78 and a fifty-two week high of $269.28. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.82, a current ratio of 1.04 and a quick ratio of 1.00. The firms fifty day moving average price is $247.45 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $240.98. The company has a market capitalization of $246.61 billion, a P/E ratio of 41.39, a P/E/G ratio of 5.81 and a beta of 0.64. International Business Machines Increases Dividend International Business Machines ( NYSE:IBM Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, April 23rd. The technology company reported $1.60 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.42 by $0.18. The company had revenue of $14.54 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $14.41 billion. International Business Machines had a return on equity of 38.99% and a net margin of 9.60%. The companys quarterly revenue was up .5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.68 earnings per share. On average, analysts anticipate that International Business Machines Co. will post 10.78 EPS for the current year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, June 10th. Investors of record on Friday, May 9th will be paid a $1.68 dividend. This is a positive change from International Business Machiness previous quarterly dividend of $1.67. This represents a $6.72 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.53%. International Business Machiness payout ratio is currently 115.66%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research analysts have weighed in on IBM shares. Citigroup reiterated an outperform rating on shares of International Business Machines in a research note on Saturday, May 10th. Wall Street Zen downgraded International Business Machines from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, May 21st. UBS Group reaffirmed a sell rating and issued a $170.00 target price (up from $160.00) on shares of International Business Machines in a research report on Wednesday, April 23rd. KGI Securities set a $242.00 target price on International Business Machines and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, April 24th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada increased their price objective on International Business Machines from $276.00 to $285.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, May 15th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have issued a hold rating, eight have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $249.06. View Our Latest Stock Report on International Business Machines About International Business Machines (Free Report) International Business Machines Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides integrated solutions and services worldwide. The company operates through Software, Consulting, Infrastructure, and Financing segments. The Software segment offers a hybrid cloud and AI platforms that allows clients to realize their digital and AI transformations across the applications, data, and environments in which they operate. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IBM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for International Business Machines Co. (NYSE:IBM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for International Business Machines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for International Business Machines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lmcg Investments LLC reduced its stake in Packaging Co. of America (NYSE:PKG Free Report) by 9.1% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 56,984 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 5,721 shares during the quarter. Lmcg Investments LLC owned about 0.06% of Packaging Co. of America worth $11,284,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Financial Advisory Partners LLC lifted its stake in shares of Packaging Co. of America by 5.5% in the first quarter. Financial Advisory Partners LLC now owns 12,555 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $2,486,000 after acquiring an additional 651 shares during the period. Romano Brothers AND Company lifted its stake in shares of Packaging Co. of America by 1.9% in the first quarter. Romano Brothers AND Company now owns 4,895 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $969,000 after acquiring an additional 90 shares during the period. Crestmont Private Wealth LLC lifted its stake in shares of Packaging Co. of America by 9.9% in the first quarter. Crestmont Private Wealth LLC now owns 1,483 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $294,000 after acquiring an additional 134 shares during the period. Unigestion Holding SA increased its holdings in Packaging Co. of America by 12.8% in the first quarter. Unigestion Holding SA now owns 68,653 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $13,584,000 after purchasing an additional 7,800 shares in the last quarter. Finally, RFG Advisory LLC bought a new stake in Packaging Co. of America in the first quarter worth approximately $223,000. 89.78% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Packaging Co. of America alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets PKG has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Wall Street Zen downgraded Packaging Co. of America from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Sunday, April 6th. Truist Financial lowered their target price on Packaging Co. of America from $265.00 to $238.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, April 22nd. UBS Group initiated coverage on Packaging Co. of America in a report on Wednesday. They issued a neutral rating and a $200.00 target price for the company. Seaport Res Ptn upgraded Packaging Co. of America from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, February 13th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company reiterated an equal weight rating and issued a $180.00 target price (down from $205.00) on shares of Packaging Co. of America in a report on Friday, May 9th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, three have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $222.17. Packaging Co. of America Trading Down 0.3% NYSE PKG opened at $193.57 on Thursday. The company has a market cap of $17.42 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.68, a P/E/G ratio of 2.41 and a beta of 0.85. Packaging Co. of America has a 52 week low of $172.72 and a 52 week high of $250.82. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $188.40 and a 200-day moving average price of $210.60. The company has a quick ratio of 1.98, a current ratio of 2.95 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.58. Packaging Co. of America (NYSE:PKG Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, April 22nd. The industrial products company reported $2.31 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.21 by $0.10. The firm had revenue of $2.14 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.12 billion. Packaging Co. of America had a return on equity of 19.67% and a net margin of 9.60%. As a group, equities analysts expect that Packaging Co. of America will post 10.44 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Packaging Co. of America Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, July 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, June 13th will be issued a dividend of $1.25 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, June 13th. This represents a $5.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.58%. Packaging Co. of Americas dividend payout ratio is 52.30%. About Packaging Co. of America (Free Report) Packaging Corporation of America engages in the production of container products. It operates through the following segments: Packaging, Paper, and Corporate and Other. The Packaging segment offers a variety of corrugated packaging products, such as conventional shipping containers. The Paper segment manufactures and sells a range of papers, including communication-based papers, and pressure sensitive papers. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PKG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Packaging Co. of America (NYSE:PKG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Packaging Co. of America Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Packaging Co. of America and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. NBC Securities Inc. grew its position in shares of Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated (NYSE:RGA Free Report) by 158,900.0% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 3,180 shares of the insurance providers stock after purchasing an additional 3,178 shares during the quarter. NBC Securities Inc.s holdings in Reinsurance Group of America were worth $626,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in RGA. Colonial Trust Co SC increased its stake in Reinsurance Group of America by 72.2% during the 4th quarter. Colonial Trust Co SC now owns 136 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 57 shares in the last quarter. Spire Wealth Management increased its stake in Reinsurance Group of America by 39.0% during the 4th quarter. Spire Wealth Management now owns 203 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $43,000 after purchasing an additional 57 shares in the last quarter. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. bought a new stake in Reinsurance Group of America during the 4th quarter valued at $44,000. Private Trust Co. NA increased its stake in Reinsurance Group of America by 99.4% during the 4th quarter. Private Trust Co. NA now owns 311 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $66,000 after purchasing an additional 155 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Kestra Investment Management LLC bought a new stake in Reinsurance Group of America during the 4th quarter valued at $70,000. Institutional investors own 95.11% of the companys stock. Get Reinsurance Group of America alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets RGA has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. UBS Group reaffirmed a neutral rating and set a $216.00 price objective (down from $250.00) on shares of Reinsurance Group of America in a report on Wednesday, April 2nd. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lifted their price objective on shares of Reinsurance Group of America from $250.00 to $255.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, May 7th. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $245.00 price objective on shares of Reinsurance Group of America in a report on Monday, February 10th. Morgan Stanley set a $209.00 price target on shares of Reinsurance Group of America and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Monday, May 19th. Finally, Raymond James reissued a market perform rating on shares of Reinsurance Group of America in a report on Friday, May 23rd. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $228.85. Reinsurance Group of America Trading Down 1.7% Reinsurance Group of America stock opened at $200.09 on Thursday. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $193.16 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $205.15. The company has a market cap of $13.22 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.63 and a beta of 0.57. The company has a quick ratio of 0.17, a current ratio of 0.15 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46. Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated has a 52-week low of $159.25 and a 52-week high of $233.81. Reinsurance Group of America (NYSE:RGA Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, May 1st. The insurance provider reported $5.66 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $5.33 by $0.33. The company had revenue of $5.26 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.74 billion. Reinsurance Group of America had a return on equity of 14.55% and a net margin of 3.24%. The firms revenue was down 17.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $6.02 EPS. Analysts predict that Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated will post 22.9 EPS for the current year. Reinsurance Group of America Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, May 27th. Investors of record on Tuesday, May 13th were paid a dividend of $0.89 per share. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, May 13th. This represents a $3.56 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.78%. Reinsurance Group of Americas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 30.04%. Reinsurance Group of America Company Profile (Free Report) Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated engages in reinsurance business. The company offers individual and group life and health insurance products, such as term life, credit life, universal life, whole life, group life and health, joint and last survivor insurance, critical illness, disability, and longevity products; asset-intensive and financial reinsurance products; and other capital motivated solutions. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Reinsurance Group of America Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Reinsurance Group of America and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Reckitt Benckiser Group plc (OTCMKTS:RBGLY Get Free Report) have received an average rating of Buy from the eight analysts that are currently covering the company, Marketbeat.com reports. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, two have given a buy rating and three have issued a strong buy rating on the company. Separately, Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Reckitt Benckiser Group in a research report on Friday, March 7th. Get Reckitt Benckiser Group alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Reckitt Benckiser Group Reckitt Benckiser Group Trading Up 0.4% Reckitt Benckiser Group Increases Dividend RBGLY stock opened at $13.74 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.97, a quick ratio of 0.47 and a current ratio of 0.69. Reckitt Benckiser Group has a 1-year low of $10.43 and a 1-year high of $14.10. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $13.06 and a 200-day moving average price of $12.84. The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, June 5th. Investors of record on Friday, April 11th will be given a dividend of $0.2909 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, April 11th. This is a boost from Reckitt Benckiser Groups previous dividend of $0.19. Reckitt Benckiser Group Company Profile (Get Free Report Reckitt Benckiser Group plc manufactures and sells health, hygiene, and nutrition products worldwide. It offers acne treatment creams, facial washes, and cleansing pads; germ protection products; condoms; heartburn and indigestion solutions; joints health products; chest congestion, cough, and sinus remedies; brain health products; migraine-headaches and rheumatic pain products; sore throat medications; and hair removal products under the Airborne, Clearasil, Dettol, Durex, Gaviscon, Move Free, Neuriva, Nurofen, Mucinex, Strepsils, and Veet brands. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Reckitt Benckiser Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Reckitt Benckiser Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Warren Street Wealth Advisors LLC reduced its holdings in Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN Free Report) by 2.3% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 2,282 shares of the information technology services providers stock after selling 54 shares during the quarter. Warren Street Wealth Advisors LLCs holdings in Accenture were worth $712,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. FPC Investment Advisory Inc. boosted its position in shares of Accenture by 62.2% in the 4th quarter. FPC Investment Advisory Inc. now owns 73 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $28,000 after purchasing an additional 28 shares during the last quarter. Kohmann Bosshard Financial Services LLC bought a new position in Accenture during the 4th quarter worth about $30,000. Mpwm Advisory Solutions LLC bought a new position in shares of Accenture in the 4th quarter valued at about $30,000. POM Investment Strategies LLC grew its holdings in shares of Accenture by 64.2% in the 4th quarter. POM Investment Strategies LLC now owns 87 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $31,000 after acquiring an additional 34 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Park Square Financial Group LLC bought a new position in shares of Accenture in the 4th quarter valued at about $31,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 75.14% of the companys stock. Get Accenture alerts: Accenture Trading Up 1.1% Shares of ACN stock opened at $316.41 on Thursday. Accenture plc has a 52-week low of $275.01 and a 52-week 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 company has a 50-day simple moving average of $303.02 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $337.76. The company has a market capitalization of $198.18 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.54, a PEG ratio of 3.23 and a beta of 1.33. Accenture Dividend Announcement Accenture ( NYSE:ACN Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Thursday, March 20th. The information technology services provider reported $2.82 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.81 by $0.01. The firm had revenue of $16.70 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $16.64 billion. Accenture had a net margin of 11.41% and a return on equity of 26.91%. The companys revenue was up 5.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $2.77 EPS. Research analysts anticipate that Accenture plc will post 12.73 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, May 15th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, April 10th were paid a $1.48 dividend. This represents a $5.92 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.87%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, April 10th. Accentures dividend payout ratio is presently 48.89%. Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, CEO Julie Spellman Sweet sold 2,284 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, April 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $281.63, for a total transaction of $643,242.92. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 9,965 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,806,442.95. This trade represents a 18.65% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, COO John F. Walsh sold 2,500 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $325.00, for a total transaction of $812,500.00. Following the transaction, the chief operating officer now directly owns 15,882 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,161,650. This represents a 13.60% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 8,516 shares of company stock worth $2,507,366 in the last three months. 0.02% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities research analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Piper Sandler cut their target price on shares of Accenture from $364.00 to $355.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, April 16th. BMO Capital Markets lifted their price objective on shares of Accenture to $355.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, March 26th. UBS Group reissued a buy rating and issued a $395.00 price objective (up from $390.00) on shares of Accenture in a research note on Thursday, May 22nd. Royal Bank of Canada decreased their target price on shares of Accenture from $399.00 to $392.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, March 21st. Finally, Barclays cut their price target on shares of Accenture from $415.00 to $390.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Monday, March 24th. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, fifteen have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $382.14. View Our Latest Stock Report on Accenture Accenture Company Profile (Free Report) 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. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ACN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Accenture Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Accenture and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wealth Management Partners LLC reduced its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) by 7.4% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 1,247 shares of the companys stock after selling 100 shares during the period. Wealth Management Partners LLCs holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $1,030,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other large investors have also bought and sold shares of the business. Fermata Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 37.0% in the first quarter. Fermata Advisors LLC now owns 1,251 shares of the companys stock worth $1,033,000 after purchasing an additional 338 shares during the period. LS Investment Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 1.7% in the first quarter. LS Investment Advisors LLC now owns 2,340 shares of the companys stock worth $1,933,000 after purchasing an additional 40 shares during the period. Grassi Investment Management raised its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 0.3% in the first quarter. Grassi Investment Management now owns 79,727 shares of the companys stock worth $65,847,000 after purchasing an additional 215 shares during the period. HF Advisory Group LLC raised its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 18.3% in the first quarter. HF Advisory Group LLC now owns 1,445 shares of the companys stock worth $1,193,000 after purchasing an additional 224 shares during the period. Finally, Beacon Financial Group raised its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 4.2% in the first quarter. Beacon Financial Group now owns 446 shares of the companys stock worth $368,000 after purchasing an additional 18 shares during the period. 82.53% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 1,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, March 13th. The stock was 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 directly owns 5,840 shares in the company, valued at $4,778,521.60. This trade represents a 14.62% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Company insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities research analysts recently commented on LLY shares. The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a neutral rating to a buy rating and dropped their price objective for the stock from $892.00 to $888.00 in a report on Tuesday, April 8th. UBS Group decreased their price target on Eli Lilly and Company from $1,100.00 to $1,050.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Friday, May 2nd. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Friday, May 30th. Hsbc Global Res downgraded shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a strong-buy rating to a moderate sell rating in a report on Monday, April 28th. Finally, HSBC cut shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a buy rating to a reduce rating and dropped their price objective for the stock from $1,150.00 to $700.00 in a research note on Monday, April 28th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and eighteen have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $1,011.37. Get Our Latest Analysis on Eli Lilly and Company Eli Lilly and Company Stock Up 2.1% Shares of NYSE:LLY opened at $766.78 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $726.71 billion, a P/E ratio of 65.48, a P/E/G ratio of 1.40 and a beta of 0.48. The company has a quick ratio of 0.97, a current ratio of 1.15 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.00. Eli Lilly and Company has a 12-month low of $677.09 and a 12-month high of $972.53. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $772.75 and a 200 day simple moving average of $799.41. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results 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). Eli Lilly and Company had a return on equity of 85.24% and a net margin of 23.51%. The company had revenue of $12.73 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $12.77 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $2.58 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 45.2% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts predict that Eli Lilly and Company will post 23.48 earnings per share for the current year. Eli Lilly and Company Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, June 10th. Shareholders of record on Friday, May 16th will be issued a dividend of $1.50 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, May 16th. This represents a $6.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.78%. Eli Lilly and Companys payout ratio is currently 48.82%. Eli Lilly and Company 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. SYDNEY, June 5 (Xinhua) -- The West Australian (WA) capital of Perth has indefinitely suspended the hiring of e-scooters following the death of a pedestrian in a collision. The city of Perth suspended e-scooter hires from midday local time on Thursday in response to the death of a 51-year-old man in hospital on Tuesday after being struck from behind by an e-scooter as he walked in central Perth with a friend on Saturday night, Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported on Thursday. He is the first pedestrian to die in an e-scooter accident in WA, said ABC. A British tourist was arrested at the scene and has been charged with causing death while driving dangerously under the influence of alcohol. Perth Deputy Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds described the incident as a "tragic event" and said on Thursday that providers would collect e-scooters from the city's streets. He said that there is no timeframe for how long the suspension will last. Premier of Western Australia Roger Cook told ABC radio that the suspension was a "perfectly appropriate" response. West African Resources Limited (OTCMKTS:WFRSF Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large growth in short interest during the month of May. As of May 15th, there was short interest totalling 1,748,500 shares, a growth of 25.6% from the April 30th total of 1,391,900 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 33,200 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 52.7 days. West African Resources Stock Performance OTCMKTS:WFRSF opened at $1.29 on Thursday. The business has a 50 day moving average of $1.51 and a 200 day moving average of $1.21. West African Resources has a 1-year low of $0.53 and a 1-year high of $1.95. Get West African Resources alerts: West African Resources Company Profile (Get Free Report) Featured Stories West African Resources Limited engages in the mining, mineral processing, acquisition, exploration, and project development of gold projects in West Africa. The company has 90% interests in the Sanbrado Gold Project located in Burkina Faso; and Kiaka gold project located in Burkina Faso. It also holds 100% owned exploration license in the Toega Gold Project located in Burkina Faso. Receive News & Ratings for West African Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for West African Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rethinking the Bahamian Dollar? Prime Minister Philip Davis has floated the idea of pegging The Bahamas currency to a basket of currencies, rather than solely to the US dollar, to enhance global trade flexibility. Speaking at the Afreximbank meetings in Nigeria, Davis also suggested a CARICOM-Africa digital currency to make regional trade smoother and more efficient. The Bahamas has already tested a new settlement system (CPASS) with Africa, aiming to reduce dependency on foreign exchange bottlenecks. You voted: BEIJING, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Countries in the Asia-Pacific do not welcome the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in the region, and the region certainly does not need an Asia-Pacific NATO, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a regular press briefing on Wednesday. Lin made the remarks when asked to comment on a European leader's remarks at the recent Shangri-La Dialogue that linked the Taiwan question with the Ukraine issue, alluded to the so-called China threat in the South China Sea issue, and suggested that NATO has grounds to "be involved" in the Asia-Pacific. Lin said that China firmly opposes the relevant remarks, noting that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, and that the Taiwan question falls entirely under China's internal affairs. He said the Taiwan question and the Ukraine crisis are not at all comparable, and that China firmly opposes any remarks or actions that seek to mischaracterize or distort the nature of the Taiwan question. He urged relevant parties to abide by the one-China principle through concrete actions, and to respect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. "The current situation in the South China Sea is generally stable. There are no problems with the freedom of navigation and overflight that countries enjoy in accordance with the law," Lin said. He stressed that China advocates the proper resolution of maritime disputes and differences through negotiation and consultation with countries directly concerned and on the basis of respect for historical facts. "Countries outside the region need to respect the efforts that countries within the region are making to uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea, instead of instigating tension and creating disputes," Lin added. He said that as a regional defensive organization, NATO has no right to reach beyond the geographical scope and mandate defined by its treaty. China firmly opposes NATO's attempts to advance eastward into the Asia-Pacific, to stir up tension and create confrontation in the region, and to sabotage regional and global peace and stability. Stressing that Asia is the common home of China and other Asian countries, Lin said that it has maintained rapid growth in recent years and become a pacesetter for global growth and peaceful development, thanks to the joint effort of countries in the region. China remains committed to the principles of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness in its neighborhood diplomacy, firmly opposes bloc confrontation, and never seeks a so-called sphere of influence, Lin said. "Relevant parties should not make ill-intentioned speculations or sow discord between countries in the Asia-Pacific based on a Cold War mentality. What they should do is to contribute to peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region," the spokesperson said. UNITED NATIONS, June 4 (Xinhua) -- UN humanitarians said Wednesday that less than half of their aid trucks submitted for Israeli clearance were allowed into Gaza, while the new, deadly U.S.-run aid process suspended operation. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said only 50 flour-bearing trucks of the more than 130 aid trucks submitted for final clearance at the only crossing, Kerem Shalom/Karem Abu Salem, were approved for entry into Gaza on Wednesday. It was announced earlier in the week that the U.S.-run, Israeli-approved Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) aid setup that has led to scores of deaths and injuries from Palestinians rushing to its aid distribution points was suspending its operation for Wednesday to assess the plan. The United Nations and several international aid agencies were critical of the GHF operation from the day the new scheme was announced, saying they had the track-proven system, despite Israeli claims Hamas was appropriating aid for its means. UN relief chief Tom Fletcher said in a statement on Wednesday that the GHF operation is the outcome of a series of deliberate choices that have systematically deprived 2 million people of the essentials they need to survive. "The world is watching, day after day, horrifying scenes of Palestinians being shot, wounded or killed in Gaza while simply trying to eat," he said. "These are not isolated incidents, and the perpetrators must be held accountable." The under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs said that emergency medical teams in Gaza confirmed treating hundreds of trauma cases since the new aid scheme began. He echoed the call of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for immediate, independent investigations. "No one should have to risk their life to feed their children," Fletcher said. "We must be allowed to do our jobs: We have the teams, the plan, the supplies and the experience. Open the crossings, all of them. Let in lifesaving aid at scale from all directions. Lift the restrictions on what and how much aid we can bring in. Ensure our convoys aren't held up by delays and denials." OCHA said that since the Kerem Shalom/Karem Abu Salem crossing reopened nearly a month ago, the world body and its partners collected fewer than 400 of the thousand-plus truckloads submitted for Israeli final clearance. "Let's be clear," said Stephane Dujarric, chief spokesman for Guterres, on the limited UN aid being allowed into Gaza. "The Israeli authorities are facilitating one distribution channel and hampering another." OCHA said humanitarian teams work hard to collect supplies from Kerem Shalom/Karem Abu Salem and bring them closer to where people need them inside Gaza. But the attempts face significant hurdles. One attempt on Tuesday was denied access altogether, and another managed to retrieve just over a dozen truckloads carrying flour. "That denied attempt to access Kerem Shalom was one of six access denials humanitarian teams faced (on Tuesday) across the Gaza Strip, out of a total 13 attempts," the office said. "Such denials prevented these teams from carrying out interventions as critical as trucking water." OCHA said another denied attempt was to retrieve urgently needed fuel. Partners have rationed the supplies. But without immediate access to fuel that is already inside Gaza but located in hard-to-reach areas that are either militarized or subject to displacement orders, more critical services will have to suspend operations soon. Additionally, the humanitarians said the relentless hostilities in Gaza cause more deaths, displacement and damage to essential infrastructure. OCHA said the latest displacement figures show that in the past three weeks, more than 100,000 Gazans were forced to flee in northern governorates. "Partners working in health warn that facilities are being heavily impacted by the ongoing hostilities," the office said. "More and more medical facilities are suspending their operations. On Monday, the remaining staff and patients in the Indonesian Hospital in North Gaza were evacuated. As a result, not a single hospital remains functional in North Gaza." UN Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator Suzanna Tkalec visited Gaza City's Al Ahli hospital, which has sustained multiple attacks since the beginning of the war and was told that preventable deaths are occurring due to shortages of critical supplies, including antibiotics. Tkalec called for the protection of health facilities and support for the United Nations and its partners to deliver aid on a large scale to alleviate people's suffering. The world body and its partners are continuously appealing to the Israeli authorities to enable humanitarians to address the crisis in Gaza meaningfully. BEIJING, June 5 (Xinhua) -- China has urged the United States to abandon its generalized and excessive use of the national security concept, and to collaborate with all parties in maintaining a rules-based multilateral trading system, the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday. At a regular press conference, He Yongqian, spokesperson for the ministry, made the remarks when asked to comment on the U.S. decision to raise tariffs on imported steel, aluminium and their derivative products from 25 percent to 50 percent. He said that such U.S. moves not only harm others and itself, but also will severely disrupt the stability of global industrial and supply chains. The United States should abandon the zero-sum mentality, address respective concerns through equal dialogue, and jointly maintain the stability of global industrial and supply chains, He said. When commenting on new restrictions on China imposed by the United States after the China-U.S. economic and trade talks in Geneva in May, the spokesperson said that China had earnestly fulfilled its obligations and upheld the consensus reached at the talks. However, the United States has imposed a series of new restrictions on China, blatantly undermining the consensus and grossly harming China's legitimate rights and interests, He noted, adding that China expresses strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to this, and demands that the U.S. side stop immediately. "Should the United States persist, China will resolutely take effective measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests," He said. The spokesperson also stressed that China's stance against the U.S. Section 301 tariffs is clear and consistent, noting that the costs of these tariffs ultimately fall on U.S. businesses and consumers. China urges the United States to completely revoke its Section 301 tariffs and other restrictions on China to promote healthy, stable and sustainable development of bilateral economic and trade relations, He said. WUHAN, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Over 50 experts from China and Southeast Asian countries have gathered in Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei Province, to discuss strategies for protecting endangered freshwater dolphins. The week-long workshop has brought together representatives from Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand and China to share insights on habitat protection, ex-situ conservation strategies, and artificial breeding programs, with a focus on applying China's successful Yangtze finless porpoise conservation model in safeguarding critically endangered Irrawaddy dolphins. The Yangtze finless porpoise, a freshwater cetacean endemic to China's Yangtze River, once faced severe population decline. However, through conservation efforts, China has successfully reversed the trend. According to a survey conducted in 2022, China's finless porpoise population had rebounded to 1,249 individuals -- marking the first population increase in decades. In contrast, the Irrawaddy dolphin, another endangered freshwater species, demands urgent action. Its global freshwater populations are fragmented into three isolated sub-populations in Cambodia's Mekong River, Myanmar's Irrawaddy River and the Mahakam River in Indonesia, each consisting of fewer than 100 individuals. During the workshop, experts are exploring how China's model, particularly techniques for establishing relocated populations, management, and rewilding training for low-reproduction species, could be adapted for use in Irrawaddy dolphin conservation. Discussions also include passive acoustic monitoring, habitat restoration, and other measures crucial for small cetacean protection. The event in Wuhan is being co-hosted by the Institute of Hydrobiology (IHB) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Cambodia's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. The experts gathered there will also visit Yangtze finless porpoise reserves in Hubei and Hunan, both in central China, and Jiangsu Province in east China, with sites including natural reserves, ex-situ reserves and research bases, to observe China's conservation measures firsthand. This exchange highlights growing regional collaboration in freshwater cetacean protection, offering hope for reversing the decline of Asia's critically endangered dolphin species, said Hao Yujiang, an associate professor at the IHB. "I'm looking forward to learning from the experience -- and hopefully I can adapt this experience and method in Cambodia," said Im Rachna, under secretary of state of Cambodia's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Trinamul Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, one of the members of an all-party MPs delegation that visited various countries, will not attend a meeting of the ministry of external affairs, convened on Thursday. Speaking to newspersons at Kolkata airport after landing in the city, Abhishek, a member of the all-party delegation which went around countries talking about Indias global outreach efforts following Operation Sindoor, a strong military response to the Pahalgam terror attacks, had also met the Indian dispora at many of the countries and even visited the memorials of Rash Behari Bose and Radhabinod Pal in Japan and visited the RKM centres in Singapore and Malaysia. Advertisement Banerjee said he has already informed the office of the external affairs minister about his inability to attend the meeting. Instead, he added, he would write to EAM Jaishankar about his take on the delegation tours outcome. Advertisement He also said that after giving the written communication to the external affairs minister, he would speak on that to the media persons. We had toured five countries during the last 15 days. We attended several meetings. On Thursday, the external affairs minister will convene a meeting. But I will not be able to attend that. I have some pre-scheduled engagements. I was out of the country for some time. In the meantime, the by-election for Kaliganj has been announced. I have some work in my Parliamentary area. I will be busy with that for the next few days. I will inform the external affairs ministry about my opinion in writing. Once I inform the ministry, I will speak on that matter, Banerjee told media persons. IEEE World AI IoT Congress 2025 was organised by IEM and UEM in Seattle, Washington, USA on 28-30 May. The conference brought together leading minds from academia, industry, and research labs to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and the internet of things (IoT). The inaugural session was graced by Prof Song Vuong (University of British Columbia), general chair Prof. Phillip Bradford (University of Connecticut), technical program co-chair Prof. Rajashree Paul (University of Engineering and Management), technical program co-chair Prof. Satyajit Chakrabarti (director of IEM and pro vice-chancellor of UEM) Advertisement They addressed the assembly of researchers, innovators, and industry professionals, highlighting the critical role of AIIoT in shaping future technologies. Advertisement This three-day conference featured technical sessions, keynote talks, and workshops aimed at disseminating ongoing research and promoting collaboration in fields such as smart systems, AI-powered IoT networks, edge computing, and AI ethics. Academicians and professionals from around the world have gathered to present groundbreaking research and explore emerging opportunities in AI and IoT convergence. The conference featured distinguished keynote speakers from academia and industry. The conference covered a range of topics within the AI IoT domain, including, AI IoT Architectures, Frameworks, and Algorithms; AIIoT Applications; Standards and Interoperability and Ethics and Security. Prof Satyajit Chakrabarti said: The industry is in the middle of a transformation where all job roles are being augmented with artificial intelligence. The only way to thrive in this environment is to upskill and reskill with AI tools and AI programming and develop a problem solving mindset using out of the box thinking. Almost all industries have declared new hiring will only take place when the job requirements cannot be met with artificial intelligence. Our Universities IEM and UEM are teaching all students essential AI skills and out of the box thinking skills and problem solving mindset, so they are getting so many placement jobs offers and are so successful in their careers. The West Bengal government is putting in place a robust security and civic infrastructure plan ahead of the historic Panihati Chida-Dahi Mahotsav, which turns 509, this year 2025. The annual summer religious festival, rooted in deep Vaishnava tradition, is expected to draw between 3.5 and 4 lakh devotees from across India and abroad. Three devotees died and several injured during the festivals two years back. Nirmal Ghosh, chief whip of the West Bengal Assembly and local MLA from Panihati, said the state administration is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring a safe, well-organised celebration. Given the large turnout anticipated, we are focusing on both crowd management and civic amenities, including sanitation, drinking water, and health services, Ghosh told The Statesman. Legend has it that the festival commemorates a sacred pastime of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who partook of dahi-chira (curd and flattened rice) with his devotees at this very site. The event traces its origins to 1514 CE (921 Bangabda), when Nityananda Prabhu imposed a symbolic punishment on Raghunath Das Goswami, son of the wealthy zamindar of Srikrishnapur, Hooghly. The punishment of organising a grand feast for devotees with curd and flattened rice has since evolved into an annual spiritual gathering. Raghunath Das joyfully accepted the punishment and served thousands of devotees with prasad, said Rasik Gauranga Das, public relations officer of ISKCON. Advertisement This year, ISKCON will celebrate the Chida-Dahi Mahotsav from 9 June to 14 June at its Panihati temple. The celebrations will also be observed at ISKCON centres across India and globally, including its headquarters in Sridham Mayapur. To ensure smooth proceedings, a high-level coordination meeting was recently held involving the Barrackpore Police Commissioner, MP Partha Bhowmik, municipal officials, and MLA Nirmal Ghosh. There will be no fair on the main festival day to avoid overcrowding. Only after the religious proceedings conclude will the fair begin, Mr Ghosh emphasised. Police officials will soon conduct a site visit to plan force deployment for the day. Adequate transport arrangements are also being made to ensure smooth movement of devotees, he added. Advertisement Indias weather office on Wednesday issued a thunderstorm alert for several districts across southern West Bengal, warning of possible lightning strikes and gusty winds between 3 June and 9 June. From 1.20 p.m. on Wednesday, light to moderate rainfall, accompanied by gusty winds with speeds ranging between 30 to 40 kmph is expected to affect parts of East and West Midnapore districts for the one to two hours, the Regional Meteorological Centre in Alipore said. Similarly, from around 2 p.m, light to moderate rain and thunderstorm activity is likely over parts of South and North 24-Parganas, accompanied by gusty winds. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) in New Delhi has issued an advance warning of enhanced lightning activity across the southern districts of West Bengal till 9 June. Meteorologists attributed the spike in lightning strikes to the presence of cumulonimbus cloud formations vertically developed thunderclouds which can rise up to 13 kilometres in height. When two or more of these massive clouds interact near the surface, the resulting friction often generates intense electrical activity. Similar cloud collisions over Kolkata on Tuesday triggered frequent lightning strikes across the city. The IMDs Alipore office is issuing real-time alerts through the NowCast system, with a red warning for excessive lightning declared for five southern districts as late as 12.30 a.m. on Tuesday night. Authorities have advised residents, especially those unable to track warnings in real-time, to instal the Damini mobile application developed by the IMD, which provides advanced lightning alerts via push notifications. Advertisement Meanwhile, parts of north Bengal are also forecast to receive scattered rainfall. Thunderstorms with lightning are likely over five districts including Darjeeling, while light to moderate showers and gusty winds with speeds up to 50 kmph are expected over Malda and both Dinajpur districts. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has clarified that the southwest monsoon is not expected to arrive in the region before 10 June though Kolkata witnessed heavy rainfall on Tuesday night. The rain was accompanied by strong winds and lightning, as several districts in southern West Bengal experienced intense pre-monsoon showers. However, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has clarified that the southwest monsoon is not expected to arrive in the region before 10 June. Advertisement US President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation to ban entry of individuals from 12 nations Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen, citing national security and public safety threats, according to the White House. Trump has partially restricted and limited the entry of nationals from the seven nations: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. According to the White House, these restrictions distinguish between, but apply to both, the entry of immigrants and nonimmigrants. Advertisement The proclamation signed by Trump reads, During my first Administration, I restricted the entry of foreign nationals into the United States, which successfully prevented national security threats from reaching our borders and which the Supreme Court upheld. In Executive Order 14161 of January 20, 2025 (Protecting the United States From Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats), I stated that it is the policy of the United States to protect its citizens from aliens who intend to commit terrorist attacks, threaten our national security, espouse hateful ideology, or otherwise exploit the immigration laws for malevolent purposes. Advertisement He even stated that the US must be vigilant during the visa-issuance process to ensure that those aliens approved for admission into the US do not intend to harm Americans or the national interests of the US. Trump noted that the US must ensure that admitted aliens and aliens otherwise already present in the United States do not bear hostile attitudes toward its citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles, and do not advocate for, aid, or support designated foreign terrorists or other threats to national security of the US. In the proclamation, Trump stated, I also considered the different risks posed by aliens admitted on immigrant visas and those admitted on nonimmigrant visas. Persons admitted on immigrant visas become lawful permanent residents of the United States. Such persons may present national security or public-safety concerns that may be distinct from those admitted as nonimmigrants. The United States affords lawful permanent residents more enduring rights than it does to nonimmigrants. Lawful permanent residents are more difficult to remove than nonimmigrants, even after national security concerns arise, which increases the costs and aggravates the dangers of errors associated with admitting such individuals. And although immigrants are generally subject to more extensive vetting than nonimmigrants, such vetting is far less reliable when the country from which someone seeks to emigrate maintains inadequate identity-management or information-sharing policies or otherwise poses risks to the national security of the United States, he added. Trump emphasised that the restrictions imposed by the proclamation are necessary to prevent the entry or admission of foreign nationals about whom the US government lacks sufficient information to assess the risks they pose to the United States. He noted that the restrictions and limitations imposed by this proclamation are required to garner cooperation from foreign governments, enforce our immigration laws, and advance other important foreign policy, national security, and counterterrorism objectives. The proclamation also mentions justification for the suspension order issued for 12 nations and partial restrictions imposed for seven nations. According to the proclamation, Afghanistan is controlled by the Taliban, which is a terror group and does not have a competent or cooperative central authority for issuing passports or civil documents and it does not have appropriate screening and vetting measures. The decision to ban entry of nationals from Burma has been taken, citing an overstay report. According to overstay report, Burma had a B1/B2 visa overstay rate of 27.07 per cent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 42.17 per cent. Furthermore, Burma has historically not cooperated with the United States to accept back its removable nationals. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday called All India Institute of Medical Sciences a beacon of hope for those whose treatment options have exhausted across the country. She said AIIMS cater to more than 6 lakh patients annually through its OPD. In terms of treatment, ICU facilities, admission system, and the dedication of doctors, it ranks among countrys top medical institutions. Advertisement Gupta, while speaking at the inauguration of the Dhanuka Patients Waiting Hall at AIIMS, said while establishment of 22 new AIIMS is underway across the country under the leadership Prime Minister Narendra Modi, AIIMS Delhi holds a unique significance. Advertisement The CM said prior to 2014, the infrastructure and services at AIIMS were quite disorganized, but over the past 10 years, the institution has witnessed remarkable improvements and the working is well-managed, ensuring proper facilities for doctors, nursing staff, patients, and their attendants. Emphasizing the philosophy that Service to humanity is service to God, she said when society steps forward to support those in need, it becomes the truest form of worship. Gupta extended heartfelt gratitude to the Dhanuka Group for constructing the new waiting hall at AIIMS at a cost of Rs 6 crore and termed it an exemplary CSR initiative. The waiting hall, she said, will provide immense relief to thousands of patient attendants who earlier had to wait lying or sitting on the hospital corridors due to lack of space. On the occasion, Gupta also planted a sapling within the AIIMS campus on the occasion of World Environment Day and reaffirmed PM Modis call for the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam pledge. She described this initiative as an important part of the Delhi governments Harit Campaign and shared that the our government aims to plant 70 lakh trees this year. She urged citys residents to join the campaign in their respective areas and turn it into a peoples movement. She also shared that soon after assuming office as CM, she had instructed officials to ensure that no posters, banners, or wall paintingswhether of politicians, actors, or common citizensshould deface public walls. No one has the right to dirty the city, she firmly stated. The chief minister also informed that a massive campaign is underway across every corner of Delhi to remove waste, debris, and garbage, repair roads and footpaths, and enhance the overall aesthetics of the city. Leader of Opposition in Delhi Assembly, Atishi, on Thursday, alleged that the BJP-led government is trying to shield private schools by bringing an ordinance on regulation of school fees, saying it rejects this route, which bypasses the legislative process and public consultation, and demanded a special session of the assembly. Addressing a press conference, the AAP leader said, This may be the first time in Delhis history that such a significant law or policy is being brought without any public feedback. Hiding the draft of a law like this only shows one thing: something is seriously sketchy with it. This bill isnt meant to reduce school fees or to regulate private schools. Its being brought in to protect private schools. Advertisement She demanded that the government immediately convene a special session of the Assembly and present the law regulating private school fees. Advertisement The Rules and Procedures of the Delhi Assembly, much like Parliament, allow for the formation of a Select Committee which would examine the bill and consult various stakeholders. Our demand is clearthere should be a special session, the bill must be tabled, and it should be sent to a Select Committee that collects feedback from all stakeholders. Only after this process, should the law to regulate private school fees be passed by the Delhi Assembly, she added. In the wake of the devastating landslide in north Sikkim, the Indian Army and state agencies are leading large-scale search and evacuation operations under extreme weather and high-altitude challenges. Lachen, a key tourist hub, has been completely cut off, but the Army has established foot connectivity and reached 113 stranded tourists. On 3 June, 30 tourists, including foreign nationals, were successfully airlifted by military helicopters. At Chaten, rescue efforts are underway to locate six individuals missing after a landslide hit a military camp. The missing include Lt. Col. Pritpal Singh Sandhu, Subedar Dharamveer, Naik Sunilal Muchahary, Sepoy Sainudheen PK, Squadron Leader (Retd.) Aarti Sandhu, and their daughter Amayra Sandhu. Specialised teams have been deployed with engineering equipment, but heavy rains, unstable terrain, and poor visibility continue to hinder progress. Advertisement Meanwhile, the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA), led by relief commissioner Mingma T Sherpa and senior officials, visited Pakyong Airport to assess evacuation preparedness. The operations faced a major setback after two key bridges over the Taran Chu river between Munshithang and Chaten were washed away, cutting off motorable access. Despite this, 109 tourists have successfully reached Chaten from Lachen on foot with the support of the Army, SSDMA, and locals. All tourists are safe and sheltered in hotels and Army camps, awaiting air evacuation as weather permits. Advertisement Currently, two MI-17 V5 helicopters remain stationed at Pakyong Airport on standby. So far, only one successful sortie has been completed, evacuating 33 tourists. Two further attempts were aborted due to adverse weather. With air sorties suspended, the state government has activated Plan B: a ground-based trans-shipment route between Lachen and Chungthang (28 km), which includes 4-5 critical block points with collapsed bridges and damaged roads. Joint teams from the Army, NDRF, GREF, and local volunteers are constructing footpaths and temporary wooden bridges from both endsLachen and Chungthangto enable safe passage. Once complete, tourists will be evacuated on foot in a phased manner. The government has Issued an advisory urging all tour operators to stay prepared for immediate coordination once the route is declared safe. The administration is also working closely with local authorities in Mangan district to ensure timely relief and evacuation support. Following an encounter, the Delhi Police arrested three persons, including two hitmen and a conspirator behind a daylight murder, from Chirag Delhi, it said on Thursday. The police said the accused sharpshooters, identified as Deepak (31) and Yogesh (30), along with the conspirator, Ajay (27), sustained bullet injuries in their legs during exchange of fire with a police party. Ajay was later apprehended in Pushp Vihar with an illegal firearm. Advertisement The incident came to light when a 24-year-old was shot dead while he was returning from a court hearing near CDR Chowk in south Delhi and was allegedly shot dead by a car-borne assailant, said Ankit Chauhan, Deputy Commissioner of Police (South). Advertisement A case was registered under relevant sections of the BNS (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita) and an investigation was immediately launched to nab the assailants. As a part of the inquiry, CCTV footage of the area was analyzed, and local intelligence was gathered by the team to identify the suspects. On the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday, the police team received specific inputs about the whereabouts of the shooters, who were planning to flee via Chirag Delhis Khanpur stretch, added the DCP. With this lead, a trap was laid in the suspected area at around 3 am and the bike-borne accused were intercepted. On being challenged, the duo opened fire on the police team. Despite warning shots fired into the air, the accused continued to shoot. In retaliatory action, they were shot in their legs and overpowered, the DCP said. Subsequently, a cache of weapons, including two automatic pistols , one .32 bore pistol, 12 live cartridges, and six empty cartridges, along with a motorcycle used in the crime, was recovered from their possession. The third accused, Ajay, was apprehended the same day near Asian Market, Pushp Vihar, while trying to meet his associates. He was found in possession of a country-made pistol and three live rounds. A separate case under the Arms Act was registered at Saket police station, DCP Chauhan said. Deepak was previously involved in two criminal cases, including robbery and offences under Arms Act, according to the police. While Yogesh had a criminal record involving cases of rape, abduction, robbery, and attempted murder, Ajays involvement in criminal activities is under investigation. The motive behind the murder and the identity of the person who ordered the hit are being investigated. Officials hinted that the murder may be linked to personal enmity or past rivalry due to a property dispute; however, further details are expected to emerge only after sustained interrogation. The Indian all-party Parliamentary delegation led by DMK MP Kanimozhi which concluded its multi-nation visit to Russia, Latvia, Slovenia, Greece, and Spain, on Thursday, briefed External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on its recent international visit aimed at promoting Indias zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism. Kanimozhi, who led the delegation, said the visit was very positive and underscored that its bipartisan nature comprising mostly opposition MPs and one BJP MP reflected Indias united stand against terrorism on the global stage. Advertisement The delegations visit was part of a global outreach initiative aimed at briefing key nations on Operation Sindoor and Indias counter-terrorism stance following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Advertisement In a post on X, Jaishankar said, Glad to interact with the All Party Delegation led by @KanimozhiDMK that visited Russia, Latvia, Slovenia, Greece and Spain. Speaking after the return on Tuesday, Kanimozhi emphasised that terrorism linked to Pakistan affects not just India but the global community, calling for collective international action to curb terror. The visit was a very positive one the delegation mostly had opposition MPs and one BJP MP, which in itself was a message to the countries that India stands as one. In spite of our political differences, we stand together as one country. Every time there has been an act of terrorism in India, we have been able to trace it back to Pakistan. It just doesnt stop with India. the whole world has to be cautious in ending terror no country should sponsor terrorism, she said. The all-party delegation included Rajeev Rai (Samajwadi Party), Mian Altaf Ahmad (Jammu and Kashmir National Conference), Brijesh Chowta (BJP), Prem Chand Gupta (Rashtriya Janata Dal), Ashok Kumar Mittal (Aam Aadmi Party), and former envoys Manjeev S Puri and Jawed Ashraf. Ambassador Manjeev S Puri, part of the same delegation, said that they visited Russia and four other European countries, and held high-level dialogues in all these countries. He said all the countries showed zero tolerance for terrorism. He added that they explained the problem of state-sponsored terrorism and urged the world to take strict action against such states. Puri said the visit helped build a better understanding and showed that India is united in fighting terrorism. We visited five countries Russia and 4 other important European countries. We held high-level dialogues in all these countries. I believe that everyone is standing with us, that there is zero tolerance for terrorism. We also told them that this is not just terrorism but State-sponsored terrorism. So, the world must keep an eye on these States and strict action must be taken. I believe that people understand this, and our visit was very important. When you tell people something all by yourself, the understanding among people increases. Second, this was an all-party delegation and everyone appreciated this a lot that the whole of our nation is united and we are displaying a sort of national resolve, Puri said. Earlier on Thursday, Jaishankar met with the All-Party Delegation led by Sanjay Kumar Jha, which recently completed a multi-nation visit to Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Jaishankar in a post on X said, Nice to meet with the All Party Delegation led by @SanjayJhaBihar that visited Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia. Speaking after the meeting, JD-U MP Sanjay Jha said, We met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and gave him feedback about our visit to five countries. We shared our experiences during our visit to five countries with him. During our five-nation visit, we explained the whole situation with facts and told them that cross-border terrorism has been taking place in India for four decades. Alongside Jha, the delegation included MPs from various parties BJPs Aparajita Sarangi, Brij Lal, Pradan Baruah, Hemang Joshi; TMCs Abhishek Banerjee; CPI-Ms John Brittas; and Congress leader Salman Khurshid reflecting a unified national stance against terrorism. The multi-nation visit underscored Indias commitment to regional peace, security, and development through strengthened engagement with key countries in East and Southeast Asia. PHNOM PENH, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni on Thursday presided over the National and World Environment Day under the theme "Beat Plastic Pollution." The ceremony was also attended by Prime Minister Hun Manet and other national leaders as well as foreign diplomats, relevant stakeholders and thousands of locals and students. The event started with a performance educating people about the negative impact of plastic pollution, followed by speeches. Speaking at the event, Sihamoni praised the government for paying high attention to safeguarding the environment and natural resources. "Living in harmony with nature, by respecting it, avoiding its destruction, and using its resources sustainably, is a sacred responsibility that must be upheld and strengthened for the sake of future generations," he said. Cambodia's natural wealth forms the lifeblood of the nation and is deeply woven into its identity, the monarch said, adding that the balance between humans and nature has long been a cornerstone of Cambodia's culture, traditions, and beliefs. Sihamoni expressed his heartfelt thanks to people from all walks of life for having taken part in safeguarding the environment, conserving natural resources and biodiversity, and promoting sustainable development. Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth said Cambodia launched a plastic-free campaign on Sept. 1, 2023. So far, more than 11 million people have voiced their support for the campaign. He said the Southeast Asian nation is committed to achieving its goals of 60 percent forest cover and carbon neutrality by 2050. Amidst the ongoing efforts to save the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) from the brink of collapse following the deepening rift between party founder S Ramadoos and his son and president Anbumani, RSS ideologue and Thuglak editor S Gurumurthy undertook a mission and met the senior Ramadoss at Thailapuram near Tindivanam in the Villupuram district on Thursday. The meeting of Gurumurthy and Ramadoss assumes significance since the PMK, which has around 3 vote share in northern districts of Tamil Nadu, is yet to decide on the issue of alliance for the upcoming 2026 Assembly election. Gurumurthy walking the extra mile to meet the PMK patriarch at Thailapuram is seen as a move to convince Ramadoss to join the NDA combine. Ramadoss is averse to joining hands with the saffron party while Anbumani is for it. Advertisement While Gurumurthy later told the media in Chennai that his Thailapuram visit was to meet a long-time friend and there was nothing political about it, according to analysts, it was a mission to get the OBC-Vanniyar community dominant PMK on board the NDA. Union Home Minister and BJP strongman Amit Shahs visit to Madurai later this week has hastened Gurumurthys mission, it is pointed out. Advertisement Interestingly, preceding Gurumurthy, Anbumani too had a nearly hour-long before leaving without meeting the media. An initiative of second-rung PMK leaders, it was aimed at bringing a truce between the warring father- son duo to avert a potential split. However, sources said that Ranadoss senior had put three conditions: Anbumani should step down as president and remain as working president, accept his grandson, Mukundans appointment as Youth Wing secretary, and alliance decision should be left to himself. Shortly after the Thuglak editors visit, AIADMK leader and former Chennai Mayor Saidai Duraisamy too called on Ramadods at Thailapuram. The AIADMK is awaiting a positive response from the PMK to join the NDA bandwagon so that a credible alliance can take on the ruling DMK in the Assembly election. BJP MP Tejasvi Surya, who is in the US and part of the multi-party delegation led by Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, mocked the Bilawal Bhutto-led UN delegation, calling it a devil preaching peace. At a media interaction at the National Press Club in Washington DC, Surya was asked about India not providing evidence of Pakistans involvement in the Pahalgam Terror attack & success of Operation Sindoor. Advertisement Sharing on his X handle, he said, Such claims by Pakistan are not unprecedented. Their history of sponsoring cross-border terrorism is well documented from the 1947 invasion of Kashmir by Pakistani soldiers disguised as raiders, to the 1999 Kargil conflict, and major attacks like 26/11 Mumbai and Pathankot. Advertisement Surya said Bilawal Bhutto calling his delegation a peace delegation is ironic its like the Devil quoting from the scriptures. A country that is surviving on cheap imports and creating fake heroes, Pakistan doesnt know what true leaders look like. It is hard for them to digest high-quality military hardware as well as strong democratic leadership on the other side of the border in India. The Bengaluru South MP said Operation Sindoor marked Indias precise response to Pakistan-backed terrorism, where India struck the bases of internationally recognised terror groups. The fact that Pakistans DGMO reached out to India following the operation speaks volumes. It reflects an acknowledgment of both the operations success and the legitimacy of Indias concerns. A parliamentary delegation from Pakistan, led by PPP Chairman and former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, arrived in Washington, DC on Wednesday. For its last leg of a multi-nation visit, the all-party delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor arrived in Washington, DC yesterday. It also included Shambhavi Chaudhary (Lok Janshakti Party), Sarfaraz Ahmed (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha), G M Harish Balayogi (Telugu Desam Party), Shashank Mani Tripathi and Bhubaneswar Kalita ( BJP), Mallikarjun Devda (Shiv Sena), former Indian Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu, and Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora. The all-party delegation arrived in the US after concluding their visit to Brazil. The delegation aims to brief key stakeholders in the US on Operation Sindoor, Indias diplomatic initiative launched to counter terrorism and disinformation following the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam. The European Union representatives in Belgium have unequivocally condemned the heinous attack in Pahalgam and expressed solidarity with India. The Indian all-party Parliamentary delegation led by senior BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, held a series of high-level engagements in Belgium with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), emphasising Indias resolute stance against cross-border terrorism. Advertisement The delegations visit to Brussels comes under Indias unprecedented diplomatic campaign to expose Pakistans sustained role in cross-border terrorism following the April 22 Pahalgam attack. Advertisement In a diplomatic outreach following Operation Sindoor, the Modi government has formed seven multi-party delegations to inform different nations about Pakistans links to terrorism and Indias strong message of zero tolerance for terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The Indian all-party Parliamentary delegation led by senior BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad visited the European Parliament and met with MEPs from the Delegation for Relations with India, the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), and the Committee on Security and Defence (SEDE). During the meetings, the Indian team provided a detailed briefing on the persistent issue of cross-border terrorism targeting India, particularly highlighting the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam and Indias measured and strategic response through Operation Sindoor. The discussions at the Parliament also revolved around strengthening India-EU strategic cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts, while broader themes such as high-level diplomatic engagements and deeper parliamentary exchanges were also addressed. Prasad emphasised the need for the global community to hold Pakistan accountable for sponsoring terrorism during a meeting with Christel Schaldemose, Vice-President of the European Parliament in charge of Asia. The Vice-President of the European Parliament heard us We conveyed to her the situation in India about terrorism We have requested some cost to the terror machine in Pakistan in terms of world aid. We have been deeply impressed by her love for India and the issues of humanity and democracy, Prasad said following the meeting. The meeting in Brussels was part of Indias wider diplomatic outreach aimed at mobilising international support in its fight against terrorism. The delegation also briefed the Vice-President on the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam and reiterated Indias zero-tolerance policy against terrorism. Echoing this, the Indian Embassy in Belgium and Luxembourg tweeted, All-Party Parliamentary delegation had a productive and constructive meeting with Ms. Christel Schaldemose, Vice-President of the European Parliament in charge of Asia. A good opportunity to brief at the senior parliamentary level on the use of cross-border terrorism as an instrument of state policy to disrupt progress in Kashmir and communalise the situation. Condemnation of the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam and appreciation for Indias firm policy of zero-tolerance on terrorism. The meeting also focused on strengthening diplomatic ties and enhancing cooperation between India and the European Union on strategic issues. The delegation held discussions to deepen the partnership and explore collaboration on matters of mutual interest. Leading the delegation as part of Indias broader global effort following Operation Sindoor, Prasad underlined the need for a collective resolve in the fight against terrorism, rooted in shared values of democracy, peace, and humanity. After engagements with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from the delegation for relations with India, the Foreign Affairs Committee, and the Security and Defence Committee, Prasad described the interaction as extraordinary. There was unanimity in support for action against terrorism, and they were the first to convey solidarity to India, he said. India is a stabilising country, a big country, a democratic country, and there has to be a collective resolve in the fight against terrorism, for human values, democracy, and humanity. That was the essence of the discussions. The Embassy of India in Brussels in a statement said the delegation visited the European Parliament, where it engaged with members of the European Parliament (MEPs), including from the Delegation for Relations with India, the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), and the Committee on Security and Defence (SEDE). The delegation briefed MEPs in detail about the cross-border terrorism directed against India, including the recent heinous attack in Pahalgam, as well as about Operation Sindoor and our policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism. According to the Indian Embassy, Taking Indias strong message against terrorism to the world, members of All-Party Delegation met with Members of European Parliament (MEPs) and discussed combating terrorism, including cross-border terrorism, global peace, and deepening of India-EU ties. The EU side was briefed about the heinous Pahalgam terrorist attack and the calibrated and targeted response of India through Operation Sindoor, giving the message of zero tolerance to terrorism. MEPs expressed their solidarity with victims of the Pahalgam terrorist attack, the embassy added. The Indian delegation also engaged with some of Brussels prominent think tanks and strategic experts, exchanging views on the global terror landscape and New Delhis expectations from the EU in tackling such threats. These discussions further reinforced shared views on the necessity of a coordinated global response to terrorism. During our visit to Brussels, my colleagues from the all-party delegation and I engaged in a comprehensive discussion on the scourge of terrorism, particularly cross-border terrorism targeting India. We deliberated on Indias counter-terrorism initiatives, notably including Operation Sindoor, with prominent think tanks in the region. Our interaction underscored a unified and unambiguous stance of zero tolerance towards terrorism, Ravi Shankar Prasad said in a post on X. The Embassy of India in Brussels in the statement said earlier on June 4, the delegation interacted with members of the Indian diaspora, who expressed their deep solidarity with Indias strong and principled stance against terrorism and its zero-tolerance policy. The delegation underscored the vital role of the diaspora in amplifying Indias voice on the global stage. The Embassy also highlighted in its statement that the delegation also had a productive exchange of views with some of Brussels leading think-tanks and members of the strategic community. There was good appreciation of Indias stance on terrorism and Operation Sindoor, and exchange of views on Indias expectations of the EU. Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman and Kyrgyz Minister of Foreign Affairs Zheenbek Kulubaev Moldokanovich Thursday signed the Protocol and exchanged the Instrument of Ratification of Bilateral Investment Treaty, a finance ministry release said. The Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) signed on 14 th June, 2019, in Bishkek, between India and Kyrgyz Republic, enters into force with effect from today, the release said. Advertisement This new BIT replaces the earlier agreement enforced on 12th May 2000, ensuring continuity in the protection of investments between the two nations. Advertisement The India-Kyrgyz BIT marks a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral economic relations and fostering a secure and predictable investment environment. The BIT aims to promote and protect the interests of investors of either country in the territory of the other country. A major feature of the treaty is that the BIT has calibrated an Investor-State Dispute Settlement mechanism with mandatory exhaustion of local remedies, thereby providing investors with alternate dispute resolution mechanisms. The treaty also balances the investor rights with the sovereign regulatory powers of both countries and reflects a shared commitment to create a resilient and transparent investment climate. It is expected to further encourage cross-border investments and deepen economic cooperation between India and Kyrgyzstan. Tomorrow is a landmark day for J&K when, finally, the valley will be connected to the rest of the country by a railway link to be inaugurated at the hands of the PM, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah wrote on X on Thursday after visiting the architectural marvel Chenab Rail Bridge. Chenab Bridge, an iconic structure on the Katra-Kashmir rail link, will be inaugurated on Friday by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Advertisement Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah together visited the Chenab Bridge to oversee the final preparations ahead of its inauguration. Advertisement Omar wrote on X: Visited the tallest railway bridge in the world, The Chenab Bridge, to review arrangements for the visit of the Hon PM @narendramodi ji tomorrow. Dr Jitendra Singh wrote on X: Last minute touches at the site of the inauguration of the worlds highest railway bridge, the Chenab Bridge, by PM Sh @narendramodi tomorrow.Beginning of a grand new chapter for Jammu and Kashmir! Omar and Dr Singh also inspected the specially designed Vande Bharat train, which will be flagged off by the PM. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw visited the Katra Railway Station and took stock of the arrangements. Minister of State for Railways, Ravneet Bittu, also visited Katra and other places. The Northern Railways said that the commercial operation of Vande Bharat to Srinagar will begin on 7 June. An elaborate multi-tier security has been put in place ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit here to inaugurate the Kashmir rail link and also dedicate development projects worth over Rs 46,000 crore at Katra, which is the base town of the Vaishnodevi Shrine. This will be the first visit of Modi to Jammu and Kashmir after the Operation Sindoor that was launched by the Indian Armed Forces in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 persons, mostly tourists, were killed on 22 April. The PM was earlier scheduled to flag off Vande Bharat to Srinagar in April, but the event was postponed due to a bad weather alert. The 272-kilometre-long Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) built at an estimated cost of Rs. 43,780 crore will provide an all weather rail between the Kashmir valley and the rest of the country. The engineering marvel comprises 36 tunnels stretching over 119 km and 943 bridges, cutting through the rugged terrain of Jammu and Kashmir. Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate the rail link by flagging off the Vande Bharat train from Katra town. In line with his commitment to boost rail infrastructure and connectivity in the region, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the Chenab bridge and visit the bridge deck at around 11 AM. Thereafter, he will visit and inaugurate the cable-stayed Anji bridge. The architectural marvel Chenab Rail Bridge, situated at a height of 359 meters above the river, is the worlds highest railway arch bridge. It is a 1,315-metre-long steel arch bridge engineered to withstand seismic and wind conditions. The Anji Bridge is Indias first cable-stayed rail bridge that will serve the nation in a challenging terrain. The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Katra worth over Rs 350 crore. It will be the first medical college in Reasi district contributing substantially to the healthcare infrastructure in the region. The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) stated that the direct rail connectivity will not only provide immense relief to commuters but also reduce the over-dependence on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, which remains vulnerable to frequent disruptions. The Haryana AYUSH Department has announced a grand celebration of International Yoga Day 2025, to be observed across the state on June 21. This years event is being organised on a large scale, reflecting a surge of public enthusiasm and a growing commitment to wellness among citizens. Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and Health and Family Welfare Minister Arti Singh Rao, this years International Yoga Day is being celebrated not merely as a one-day event but as a state-wide wellness movement. Advertisement A government spokesperson stated that the celebrations are centered around the theme Yoga Yukt, Nasha Mukt, reinforcing the dual objectives of promoting holistic health and fostering an addiction-free society. The slogan also aligns with the governments broader vision of encouraging a healthy, mindful, and environmentally conscious lifestyle. Advertisement As of now, over 70,000 people across all districts of Haryana have registered to participate in the Yoga Mahotsav, making it one of the largest Yoga Day celebrations in the country. This years programme includes mass yoga sessions, awareness drives under the Nasha Mukt Abhiyan, and the Harit Yoga Plantation Drive, a special initiative that links physical health with environmental responsibility by encouraging tree plantation during yoga events. Citizens are encouraged to actively participate and help transform this celebration into a peoples movement. Registrations are open through the official website [www.internationalyogadayhry.in](http://www.internationalyogadayhry.in), and interested participants can also register by giving a missed call to +91-9501131800. Terming the Bengaluru stampede, wherein 11 people were killed, government-manufactured, BJP leader Sambit Patra on Thursday claimed that there was a rift between Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar. Questioning the coordination between the police and the organisers of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) event at M Chinnaswamy stadium, Patra said, This happened because of the issues between the CM and the DCM. The DCM said that the capacity of the Chinnaswamy Stadium is 35000, but 3 lakh people were present in the victory march. Why did that happen? The police did not permit the victory march, so why was it carried out? Who decided to go ahead with it? Advertisement Why was there no coordination between the police and the organisers? The worst part is, the felicitations continued while people were dying, he charged. Advertisement The BJP leader also accused the Chief Minister of state of normalising the loss of 11 innocent lives. Was it just an accident or a manufactured stampede? I say it was a government-manufactured stampede. The Chief Minister went on to say that such stampedes keep happening and are normal. He is trying to normalise the loss of 11 innocent lives, Patra said. Earlier today, Union Minister G Kishan Reddy also blamed the Karnataka government for the incident, calling it a complete failure of the state government. This is due to the complete failure of the Karnataka Government. Everyone knew that there would be a huge crowd today (after RCBs win in the final), but no proper security arrangement or traffic management was done, he told media persons. Meanwhile, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar complimented the state police force for controlling the massive influx of people during the RCB celebrations. Again, Im talking on record. I should complement my Police officersmorning also, they wanted to have a procession, they wanted to bring a vehicle from the airport itselfPolice guided us not tothats why I rushed to the airport and ensured nothing went wrongin Vidhana Soudha, also we were very cautious, the Deputy Chief Minister said. According to the state government figure, 11 people died and 33 others injured during the stampede at the M Chinnaswamy stadium in Bengaluru. The government has also announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the kin of the deceased and provided medical treatment for the injured. Dassault Aviation and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) have signed four Production Transfer Agreements to manufacture the Rafale fighter aircraft fuselage in India, marking a significant step forward in strengthening Indias aerospace manufacturing capabilities and supporting global supply chains, according to an official press release issued on Thursday by Dassault Aviation. Under the scope of the partnership, the TASL will set up a cutting-edge production facility in Hyderabad to manufacture key structural sections of the Rafale, including the lateral shells of the rear fuselage, the complete rear section, the central fuselage and the front section. Advertisement The first fuselage sections are expected to roll off the assembly line in FY 2028, with the facility expected to deliver up to two complete fuselages per month, according to the release. Advertisement For the first time, Rafale fuselages will be produced outside France. This is a decisive step in strengthening our supply chain in India. Thanks to the expansion of our local partners, including TASL, one of the major players in the Indian aerospace industry, this supply chain will contribute to the successful ramp-up of the Rafale, and, with our support, will meet our quality and competitiveness requirements, Dassault Aviation Chairman & CEO Eric Trappier. Tata Advanced Systems Limited Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director Sukaran Singh said, This partnership marks a significant step in Indias aerospace journey. The production of the complete Rafale fuselage in India underscores the deepening trust in Tata Advanced Systems capabilities and the strength of our collaboration with Dassault Aviation. It also reflects the remarkable progress India has made in establishing a modern, robust aerospace manufacturing ecosystem that can support global platforms. The signing of these contracts reflects Dassault Aviations strong commitment to Indias Make in India and Atma Nirbhar initiatives. The partnership aims to strengthen Indias position as a key player in the global aerospace supply chain while supporting its goal of greater economic self-reliance, the release stated. The Indian Air Force already operates around 36 Rafale aircraft. The Indian Navy plans to induct 26 Rafale Marine jets by 2030 as part of the Rs 63,000-crore deal between India and France inked in April this year. The deal includes provisions for technology transfer and the establishment of maintenance and production facilities in India. Congress MP and General Secretary in-charge (Communications), Jairam Ramesh on Thursday sought a calrification from Prime Minister Narendra Modi after a top aide of Russian President Valdimir Putin, Yuri Ushakov, claimed that last months armed conflict between India and Pakistan was stopped with US President Donald Trumps personal participation. In a social media post on X, Ramesh wrote: President Vladimir Putins aide Yuri Ushakov has just revealed that the issue of the India-Pakistan conflict that lasted for four days was raised in a 75-minute phone conversation between President Putin and President Trump on June 4. Yuri Ushakov also revealed that President Trump played a personal role in preventing an armed conflict between India and Pakistan. Advertisement Will the Prime Minister Narendra Modi give any clarification on this, the Congress leader asked. Advertisement Ushakov, while briefing local media, said that the recent armed conflict between India and Pakistan was discussed during a phone call between Trump and Putin that took place on June 4. They (Trump and Putin) also touched upon the Middle East and the armed conflict between India and Pakistan, which was stopped with the personal participation of President Trump, Ushakov was quoted as saying by Russias state-run TASS news agency. Trump was first to announce the ceasefire between India and Pakistan. It was only after his social media statement that both countries separately confirmed the development. While Pakistan hailed Trumps leadership for brokering peace with India, New Delhi has maintained that the cessation of firing and military action was directly negotiated between the militaries of the two countries. The US president has since repeated his claim on several occasions, also adding he used trade to end what he claimed could have spiralled into a nuclear war. Ever since, the Opposition Congress is targeting the Narendra Modi-led Central government for capitulating to US pressure. Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi even accused Prime Minister Modi of surrendering under Trumps pressure. Trump ka ek phone aaya aur Narendra Ji turant surrender ho gye. (A call came from Trump and Narendra ji immediately surrendered). History is witness, this is the character of BJP-RSS, they always bow down, he said in a post on X. Gandhi further added: India broke Pakistan in 1971 despite the threat of America. The lions and lionesses of Congress fight against superpowers and never bow down. An expelled leader of the BJPs womens wing in Uttarakhand has become a source of public embarrassment for the party. She was found involved in the rape of her own minor daughter and arrested and sent to jail by the Haridwar police along with her paramour. The matter came to the light after the victim girls father lodged an FIR at Ranipur police station in Haridwar on Wednesday. Advertisement The horrifying act of the former office-bearer involved in the gang rape of her own 13-year-old daughter surfaced up after the victim told about her ordeal to her estranged father. Advertisement According to the police, the victim confided to her father that she was raped by her mothers paramour and his friend in a car in January and had been facing similar brutes repeatedly after that. Following this, girls father lodged a complaint at Ranipur Police Station Haridwar alleging his daughter was raped by two men with the involvement of her mother. On the fathers complaint, Haridwar police registered an FIR against the woman and the two men. The woman and her paramour were arrested and sent to the jail after being presented in the court on Thursday. The victim girl told in her statement to the police that she kept crying and screaming even as she was raped inside the car but her mother silenced her stating, It was a normal practice and bound to happen to her. The police investigation also revealed that the woman was trying to push her victim daughter into the flesh trade. When the girl went to meet her father, he later asked her the reason for her stoic silence. She broke down and narrated the horror she underwent at the hands of her own mother. Police informed that it took nearly five hours to record the statement of the victim minor girl. She told the police about the atrocities unleashed on her since January 2025. Police further informed that the woman was separated from her husband. She lived with her daughter while their son stayed with the father. During the probe husband informed the police he was unaware of the designs of his wife for their daughter. He said his daughter was not allowed to come to him for a long time. However, the victim managed to come to her father. The accused women leader who joined the party as a worker a few years ago has always been in the news for the wrong reasons. She managed to rise up in the hierarchy within a few years and got elevated as the partys womens wing office bearer. She was one of the renowned faces of the party in Haridwar before being expelled by the party in August 2023, informed a BJP leader in Dehradun under condition of anonymity. All three accused identified as the victim minors mother 36-year-old Anamika, Sumit Patwal, 36, and Shubham, around 25, have been arrested. Anamika and Patwal were arrested on June 4. Shubham was arrested on Thursday. They were produced in the Haridwar district court and sent to 14 days of judicial custody. LA PAZ, June 4 (Xinhua) -- At least three people were killed and 15 injured early Wednesday when a passenger bus overturned while trying to bypass a roadblock in southwest Bolivia, said the police. The crash occurred near the community of Sopoyo, along the Jaime Mendoza highway in Potosi department, after the bus took an alternate route to avoid a blockade reportedly set up by supporters of former President Evo Morales in the town of Lagunillas. "The driver attempted a shortcut to reach La Paz but lost control on a curve and the bus overturned," said police traffic director Wilson Flores. The bus rolled onto its left side while descending a secondary road not suitable for heavy vehicles, he added. Seven of the injured were taken to Daniel Bracamonte Hospital in Potosi, while the rest received treatment in nearby towns of Uncia and Llallagua. The incident has fueled criticism of the ongoing protests by Morales supporters, who since Monday have blocked more than 20 routes across the country demanding his presidential candidacy be reinstated and calling for the resignation of President Luis Arce. The world celebrates Environment Day on 5 June. This day provides us with opportunities to encourage awareness and sensitivity for environmental protection. For decades, many countries across the world have been facing problems such as air pollution, plastic pollution, illegal wildlife trade, sea-level increase, etc. These countries have been looking for sustainable solutions. India has an environment friendly rich civilization that has always revered nature and cherished ecological balance. While modern societies have been making efforts to find solutions of environmental degradation in modern science, Indian traditions hold the key to sustainable development based on cultural wisdom, respect towards nature, and ecological balance. In some cases, unregulated urbanisation has strained environmental resources, but rural areas in India have been contributing towards protecting environment and addressing climate change. From the Vedic era to modern pursuits, India has always believed in the importance of protecting the environment. Ancient texts like the Vedas and Upanishads prescribe environmental conservation. The Rigveda, one of the oldest texts, describes rivers in feminine (Goddess/Maa) terms and trees as divine beings, thus asserting the view that humans have been custodians of the Earth and not its exploiters. The following shloka from the Atharva Veda encapsulates Indias reverence for the Earth: Mata bhumih putro aham prithivyah (The Earth is my mother, and I am her son.) Atharva Veda 12.1.12 This philosophy emphasises the respect for nature, deepseated in Indian culture, whereby the Earth is recognized not only as a resource but as a sacred force that nurtures all forms of life existing on earth. Among the most distinguished conventions, tree and river worship is of great importance. The Peepal tree (Ficus religiosa) and Banyan, or sacred fig (Ficus benghalensis) symbolize longevity and wisdom. Likewise, the Ganga, Yamuna, Narmada and other rivers are considered as lifelines of civilization, emphasizing the interrelationship between human beings and water resources. Several Indian rituals also reflect more than just the dayto-day existence of sustainable practices that have been a visible part of life for many generations. Ahimsa is a commonly known value that translates to non-violence, and the concept of Ahimsa is stretched to cover all forms of life. This broadens the concept to include the conservation of biodiversity. In the past, agriculture in India was organic; it practiced agroforestry, and employed water conservation techniques like step-wells and rainwater harvesting, whereby some of these methods are now being promoted by contemporary environmentalists. Vriksha-ropan, or tree planting, has been embedded in Indian ethos for centuries; many religious and cultural events have fostered afforestation. Van Mahotsav encourages tree planting and the safeguarding of trees in the spirit of environmental conservation. An ancient Sanskrit verse bears testimony to the importance of trees: Vrikshah yadi na syuh, pavanah kutah bhavet? (If there were no trees, where would the air come from?) Since hundreds of years communities like the Bishnois from Rajasthan have been committed to protection of trees and wildlife specifically black buck and Khejri tree; safeguarding against deforestation while risking their lives is a clear indication of the ancient tendencies of the Indian people towards deeprooted environmental consciousness. In addition to this, traditional Indian architecture incorporates eco-friendly designs by using locally sourced materials along with natural ventilation and energy-efficient structures, reducing carbon footprints long before modern day sustainability trends came into existence. Hence, these indigenous systems of knowledge offer invaluable information on sustainable ways of life. In ancient times, medicine mostly involved the use of natural remedies and maintaining harmony with nature. The concept of Pancha Mahabhuta or five great elements Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space and inter-dependence of all natural elements is stressed upon. The Arthashastra is one ancient Indian treatise associated with governance that has a number of sections on forest conservation and sustainable resource use. Kautilya in Arthashastra stressed that heavy punishment should be given for deforestation and also for overexploitation of natural resources, showing that environmental protection had even then been a matter of concern for the state. Thus, though Indias history is rich with ecological wisdom, the current times see several ambitious green initiatives also. The Government of India has been providing alternate energy through initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA), or huge afforestation projects which speak for themselves in reasserting the commitment towards sustainability. Internationally too, India emerges as a strong voice for climate action. India being a major initiator of the Paris Agreement, apart from championing and effectively advocating initiatives such as Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) that is spearheaded by the Prime Minister of India himself, has acted as a crucial player. LiFE calls for adopting lifestyle of sustainable consumption and eco-friendly living practices. On World Environment Day, citizens across India participate in various activities, including tree plantation, cleanup drives, and awareness programs, which all correspond to these traditions. School and college students, following the principle of responsible stewardship of the planet, thus, emulate ancient Indians in the great environmental education. In June 2024, Prime Minister Modi launched a special campaign Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam wherein he called upon all citizens to plant a tree in the name of their mothers. The campaign motivated and encouraged every citizen to plant a tree in honour of their mother, combining love for nature and gratitude towards mothers. In a remarkable achievement, the campaigns target of planting 80 crore saplings was reached five days ahead of the September 2024 deadline. The Prime Minister himself planted a Peepal tree at Buddha Jayanti Park in Delhi and urged all citizens and people around the world to join this initiative. Schools, universities government institutions, and local communities actively participated, making this massive movement a great success. The earth also takes care of us like a mother. Mother Earth is the basis of our lives, so it is our duty to take care of Mother Earth. Planting trees in the name of mother will not only respect our mother but will also protect Mother Earth. A tree nurtures us silently, selflessly, and unconditionally expecting nothing but love in return. (PM in Mann Ki Baat -111th episode.) In order to make this a popular and successful mission, schools are taking steps to encourage plantation. To reach out to every student and teacher with the mission, NCERT is bringing out special modules on Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam. The modules are designed in simple and easy-to-understand language to equip teachers, young learners, and students with essential values, including moral and human values. They also serve as a platform to promote and integrate national-level initiatives into the school ecosystem. The Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam modules are designed for various educational stages foundational, preparatory, middle, and secondary levels. Keeping learners at the centre, the modules encourage teachers to inspire students through stories, activities, games, playboard, learning-friendly pedagogy and foster environmental sensitivity. The main aim is to motivate students towards the initiative Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam in a meaningful and self-driven manner. In view of nurturing the behavioural and holistic development of children, NCERT has developed special modules on the Panchamrit Mission of LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment). The initiative is in line with the vision of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023 that are aimed at moving beyond the textbook to valuebased, practical, and sustainable learning. Consistent with this viewpoint, NCERT is developing a wide range of modules that aim at involving students actively, helping in shaping them into responsible and environmentally aware citizens. Not only this, the NCERTs new textbooks based on NEP 2020 also integrate content related to environmental awareness from early ages. In addition to government, the corporate sector and civil society are also players in Indias ecosystem. Numerous brands are adopting zero waste manufacturing, carbon offset programmes and sustainable sourcing. Grass-roots movements and non-governmental organizations are at work actively restoring degraded ecosystems, creating their afforestation projects, and working against pollution. The local communities, especially those in rural areas, are maintaining the traditional methods of sustainable farming, water harvesting, and indigenous forest management. Other systems of traditional knowledge, such as Ayurveda and organic farming, add more to the existing scientific knowledge in making people aware of the balance they need to maintain between themselves and nature. For a sustainable future, new measures should be adopted from traditional wisdom to guide people in conservation today. Indian heritage has a lot of lessons to offer to the global community on conservation in the face of climate crises. Modern scientific technology combined with traditional wisdom of India may provide a greening future. Earth Day is a reminder that all along, sustainability has not merely been a modern movement but it has been part and parcel of Indias culture. In a way, persons and the government will be adopting ancient Indian ecological values for a well-to-do and balanced existence with nature, leaving to later generations a much more beautiful earth. Indias vision will help in leading the march of development in most innovative inventions and applications of the modern world allied with ancient Indian traditions in carving out an eco-resilient future for all. As the Bhagavad Gita wisely states: annad bhavanti bhutani parjanyad anna-sambhavah (All living beings subsist on food, and food is produced by rains.) Bhagavad Gita 3.14 This shloka reminds us that natures bounty sustains life, and it is our duty to protect and nurture it in return. Therefore, on this day lets take a pledge to bring it in our practice to protect and conserve our nature for our future generations. One can easily implement by practising and following our traditions we can protect our home earth. (The writer is Director, National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), New Delhi) Advertisement June 5 2025 marks the 100th death anniversary of a visionary Indian ruler who was referred to as the leader amongst princes by Maharaja Kishen Singh of Bharatpur and Indian Carnegie by the Times of India in 1926. The author is referring to none other than Maharaja Madho Rao Scindia of Gwalior lovingly known as Madho Maharaja who passed away on 5 June 1925 in Paris. About him, the founder of Benaras Hindu University,Madan Mohan Malviya (Bharat Ratna) wrote, Since His Highness came to the Gaddi, the progress achieved by his administration has been very great. He has shown a truly fatherly solicitude in the welfare of the people entrusted to his loving care and, as we all know, has never spared himself in promoting that welfare. The success achieved by His Highness as the ruler of a great state has rightly won for him the respect and admiration of all who have followed the progress of the state under His Highness. During the 1922 non-cooperation movement, Scindia sent to Mahatma Gandhi an oral message through his Home Minister, SadashivaraoPawar of Dewas Jr. conveying hisaffectionate regards plus a box containinga large amount of money as his donation to the struggle against the British. Gwalior, as we know, is his creation and his alone. The Maharani LaxmiBai Government College of Excellence (MLBGCE) Gwalior, Jai Arogya Hospital, Hotel de Gwalior which now serves as the NCC Officers TrainingAcademy, the Scindia School, Delhi Transport Corporation and the town of Shivpuri are all enduring memorials of Maharaja MadhoRaoScindia. Advertisement He was the founder of the Gwalior Light Railway, the Gwalior Engineering Works, Gwalior Potteries, Central Polytechnic Institute at Lashkar, textile institutes at Narwar, Mandsaur and Chanderi, technical institution at Ujjain, and the excellent roads that connected the distant parts of Scindia State that was almost equal in size to Belgium and Netherlands combined. The twelve volumes of Durbar Policy, the collection of thirty-six Memoranda, the Annual Administration Reports, and the inspection notes all reflect the effort he made to understand the conditions of his people directly and his commitment to improving their situation. Advertisement Scindia understood substantially that progress requires financial support, and that no one can be certain about the duration of prosperity. Therefore, even though Scindia State appeared to be thriving financially during the boom years of his reign, he emphasized the importance of investing surplus funds to generate income for the progressive initiatives he launched. The mandatory savings of 20-25 percent that he implemented enabled the funding for irrigation, education, and famine relief. Another initiative that significantly impacted the economic status of Scindia State was the investment of nearly Rs. 2.5 crore in irrigation projects. Numerous other programmes were initiated during the 31 years of Madho Maharajas reign, and by 1920, they had expanded enough to warrant the creation of a Board for the Development of Economic Resources. This organisation addressed various issues including agriculture, agricultural engineering, veterinary services, irrigation, technical education, commerce and industry, mining, statistics, communications, forestry, banking, and power initiatives. Not just a statesman he was also a scholar. He wrote, The most important duty of a Government and its officers who act on behalf of that Government, from the highest to the lowest, is to win the hearts of its people and gain their confidence. A Government without a following could not be looked upon as a good Government, for a good Government must have its people with it. If people are driven by pressure to be the followers of a Government, it could not be said that the position of such a Government is sound or safe. Maharaja Madho RaoScindias regime was significant on the political front. Among his key reforms were the division of the judiciary from the executive branches, the codification of laws, and the creation of representative bodies like the House of Commons (Majlis-i-Am), the House of Laws (Majlis-i-Kanoon), municipal entities, and local organisations such as district and pargana boards, Aukaf committees, and Panchayat boards. The first municipality began operations in 1887, and it exemplified Maharaja Scindias remarkable vigour, as he served as the active President of Lashkar (Gwalior) Municipality for several years. The groundwork for the House of the Laws (Majlis-i-Kanoon) was established in 1912, a year that also marked the inception of Panchayats, a cost-effective and democratic village governance system that has roots as deep as India itself. Gwalior and Ujjain owe their gratitude to Madho Maharaja for establishing the Town Improvement Trust, which had implemented approximately 50 projects in Lashkar(Gwalior) and 25 in Ujjain during its operation. Among the significant projects were Chhatri Bazaar, Daulatganj, and Phalke Bazaar in Lashkar (Gwalior), where over Rs.14 lakh had been invested; additionally, the Indore Gate Road and Dewas Gate projects in Ujjain had seen expenditures exceeding Rs.10 lakh. He established the Gwalior Chamber of Commerce and Industries in 1906, now known as Madhya Pradesh Chamber of Commerce and Industries, and he also established Gwalior and Northern India Transport Co. Ltd., that is now known as Delhi Transport Corporation. Scindiahelped in the establishment of Tata Iron and Steel Company, by his princely investment. He also helped TISCO with a loan of Rs 10 million when it faced its worst crisis after 1922. MadhoMaharaja received countless honours that are too numerous to list. He served as the first Pro-Chancellor of Benares Hindu University and was awarded honorary doctorates from the Universities of Oxford, Cambridge, and Edinburgh. In April 1925, he traveled to England; however, his health deteriorated during the journey, necessitating a stay in Paris, where he ultimately passed away on June 5. He was cremated at Pere-la-Chaise, and his ashes were returned to Shivpuri, that he had established. After his death,a newspaper established by BalGangadharTilakwrote: The sad news of the death of Maharaja Shinde (Scindia) of Gwalior will throw the whole of Maharashtra into gloom and grief. Maharashtra looked with pride on the glories of this Maratha Prince in the North of India. On his part, the Maharaja had kept himself in close touch with his mother province in various ways. The administration of Gwalior, under his regime, had improved considerably and, on the whole, the people were contented and happy. The Daily Telegraph wrote: No Indian Prince had to his name so great a record not merely of sound administration of his State but of adoption of modern methods both in science and political thought as Scindia, the Maharaja of Gwalior. Maharaja MadhoRaoScindia was indeed a great ruler and on his death anniversary this author pays tribute to him. (The writer is Head, Scindia Research Centre, Delhi and Gwalior.) The United States has long attracted the worlds brightest minds, with Indian immigrants forming a significant part of that inflow. Highly skilled, entrepreneurial, and deeply embedded in American economic life, the Indian diaspora has not only enriched the US economy but also maintained close financial ties with families back home. Against this backdrop, the Trump administrations proposed remittance tax a 3.5 per cent levy on money sent abroad by foreign nationals is not only economically short-sighted but diplomatically provocative. Remittances from the US to India reached $32 billion in 2023-24, according to the Reserve Bank of India. These funds support millions of Indian households, fuel local economies, and boost Indias foreign exchange reserves. Taxing them at the point of exit penalises personal income that has already been taxed within the United States. It creates a double burden one that disproportionately affects Indian immigrants, who already contribute a significantly higher share of US tax revenues relative to their population size. The rationale for the tax retaining capital within US borders ignores the realities of a globalised workforce. Advertisement These are not business profits being offshored, but family remittances often meant for education, healthcare, or elder care. From an economic standpoint, such a levy is not only regressive but also unprecedented. Most developed economies, including the UK, Canada, and Australia, do not tax remittances. International institutions like the World Bank actively encourage their free flow to support economic development and reduce inequality. Such a tax sends the wrong message to immigrants, suggesting their contributions are less valued not just economically, but socially in a country they have helped build and sustain. Moreover, the move risks alienating one of the most productive immigrant communities in the US. Indian-origin professionals lead some of Americas most valuable companies, run a significant chunk of its hotel industry, and have founded over 70 unicorn start-ups. These contributions are not incidental they are core to the USs innovation economy. Policies that discourage or penalise this group may ultimately drive talent toward countries with more welcoming immigration and tax regimes. India, for its part, may be compelled to respond. Advertisement Under the principle of reciprocity a norm in global trade and diplomacy countermeasures could include taxing repatriated profits of US companies operating in India or introducing levies on foreign institutional investors. Such steps would be unfortunate but understandable, especially if Indian households and the broader economy begin to suffer losses from reduced remittance flows. In todays interconnected world, fiscal nationalism has its limits. Rather than taxing hardearned personal remittances, governments should focus on fostering fair, growth-oriented policies that respect global mobility and talent. The US stands to gain far more by deepening its ties with the Indian diaspora than by undermining it with protectionist policies. The proposed remittance tax risks more than it could ever hope to gain economically, morally, and strategically. Foreign Ministers from Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan will be in New Delhi on Thursday to attend the two-day 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue as India continues to put a strong foot forward in enhancing anti-terror and de-radicalisation partnerships across the region. External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar will host the five Central Asian foreign ministers including Bakhtiyor Saidov (Uzbekistan), Rashid Meredov (Turkmenistan), Zheenbek Kulubaev (Kyrgyzstan), Sirojiddin Muhriddin (Tajikistan) and Murat Nurtleu (Kazakhstan) amid continued incidents of cross-border terror, highlighted by the heinous April 22 Pahalgam terror attack which resulted in the death of 26 innocent civilians. Advertisement The visiting Foreign Ministers will participate in the India-Central Asia Business Council meeting on Thursday and India-Central Asia Dialogue on Friday before wrapping up their India visit after calling on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the same evening. Advertisement The India-Central Asia Dialogue, launched in January 2019 in Samarkand, serves as a key platform for strengthening ties between India and Central Asia. The second meeting took place virtually in October 2020 and focussed on regional security, counter-terrorism, and infrastructure development. The third meeting was held in New Delhi in December 2021 and emphasised connectivity to further deepen the ties between India and Central Asia. At the fourth edition of the dialogue on June 6, the ministers will discuss further strengthening of relations between India and Central Asian countries with particular focus on trade, connectivity, technology, and development cooperation. They will also share perspectives on challenges to regional security and other regional and global issues of mutual interest. India and Central Asia, in each others Extended Neighbourhood, enjoy close and cordial contemporary diplomatic relations underpinned by millennia old cultural and people-to-people exchanges. The first India-Central Summit held virtually in January 2022 and the mechanism of India-Central Asia Dialogue, at the level of Foreign Ministers, have taken this relationship substantially forward, read a statement issued by the MEA. India-Central Asia Summit at leaders level is the highest level of engagement between India and Central Asia. The inaugural Summit was held virtually in January 2022 and marked a pivotal step in strengthening Indias ties with the region. It was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and attended by the Presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The Summit adopted the Delhi Declaration, institutionalising biennial summits and regular ministerial dialogues. As many as four Central Asian Countries, except Turkmenistan, are also fellow members of SCO, Asia Cooperation Dialogue and CICA. All the CACs support Indias permanent membership in a reformed and expanded UN Security Council besides generally supporting Indias candidates in the elections to UN bodies. India shares historical and cultural linkages with the Central Asian Countries (CACs) going back several millennia. Buddhism spread from India via Tibet to Central Asia, establishing strong spiritual ties. Indian monks founded monasteries and translated texts across Central Asia. Key Buddhist sites like Termiz, Fayaz Tepe, Kara Tepe, and Adzhina Tepe reflect this influence. Later, historians such as Ibn Batuta and Al-Biruni documented vibrant exchanges. Indian migrants brought cotton, spices, and Buddhism to cultural centers like Samarkand and Bukhara. Babur, founder of the Mughal Empire was from Ferghana Valley, Uzbekistan. Exchange of goods, peoples, ideas, traditions, cuisines etc. continued between India and the CACs in both directions, until the beginning of colonial era in the 19th century. The India-Central Asia Dialogue is a manifestation of mutual interest on the part of India and the Central Asian countries to forge even closer, wider and stronger partnership in a spirit of friendship, trust and mutual understanding, the MEA stated. Saint-Laurent, QC (H4T1V6) Today Isolated thunderstorms this morning, then mainly cloudy during the afternoon with thunderstorms likely. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High around 70F. Winds NNE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall possibly over one inch.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Cloudy skies after midnight. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 61F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%. HANOI, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Thursday called for intensified efforts in the ongoing nationwide crackdown on smuggling, trade fraud, counterfeit goods and violations of intellectual property rights, Vietnam News Agency reported. He emphasized the need for authorities to promptly detect and strictly handle violators, while also taking disciplinary action against officials, public servants and law enforcement officers who show signs of corruption or collusion with offenders. Since May 15, the Ministry of Public Security has launched legal proceedings in 36 trade fraud cases involving 119 individuals. The offenses include smuggling, the production and distribution of counterfeit goods and false advertising, spanning 24 provinces and cities, said the ministry. 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. Everything about the Yamuna is complex, especially in Delhinot just regarding the monumental challenges it has faced, but also the stakeholders (both government bodies and corporate firms) involved in solving the national capital's water problem, the latest being Amazon India. The multinational e-commerce firm has committed to returning 400 million litres of water to the Yamuna annually, in a bid to recharge groundwater levels. The water replenishment project was announced on Thursday at Amazon's inaugural Water Dialogues in New Delhi, an announcement that coincided with World Environment Day. ALSO READ | Plastic nurdles from capsized ship spark environmental concerns; coastal clean-up underway in Kerala, Tamil Nadu "The project is about artificial rejuvenation by using scientific processes. For example, trenching to ensure more water is retained, and increasing the size of the riverbed where water retention happens during the rainfall. So there are known scientific methods to direct water back into the ground, and then it's measured to ensure that the groundwater table rises over a period of time," said Abhinav Singh, vice president, operations at Amazon India & Australia. This project is in line with Amazon's greater commitment to return more water than it uses in India by 2027. It has tied up with ecosystem restoration firm Hasten Regeneration for its water replenishment project in Delhi. ALSO READ | We need to sensitise people about climate crisis: Karnataka governor Thawar Chand Gehlot "Our project with Hasten Regeneration focuses on revitalising the Yamuna basin through strategic infrastructure rehabilitation and new construction. This watershed-level approach not only aims to capture monsoon run-off and replenish critical aquifers, but also empowers local communities as stewards of these vital resources," Singh added. This project also sees Hasten Regeneration collaborating with Arpan Seva Sansthan, a non-governmental organisation and the winner of Indias National Water Award in 2023, as well as a Bengaluru-based consultancy firm Clear Water Dynamics that specialises in water engineering infrastructure projects. This collaborative action is exactly what New Delhi needs to help address its water crisis. By blending traditional wisdom with scientific rigour, we're building both water systems and community resilience, explained Hasten Regeneration co-founder Sheeba Sen. ALSO READ | Decades-old Punjab-Haryana water dispute escalates ahead of BBMB decision on water sharing Our aim is to ensure Amazons funding is at its catalytic best, inviting communities as active participants and not just beneficiaries. The 400 million litres we expect to replenish annually represents a vital lifeline for communities across the Yamuna watershed," she added. Along with the abysmal state of the river Yamuna in Delhi, the larger national capital region has witnessed a sharp dip in groundwater levels, a crisis that has worsened due to rapid urbanisation, lack of adequate recharge mechanisms, and over-extraction. The recent India-Pakistan military stand-off appears to have given China an advantage when it comes to weapons sales. Indonesia is planning to procure the Chinese 4.5-generation single-engine, multi-role fighter jet Chengdu J-10. The combat aircraft had gained significant international attention after it was reported that Pakistan used it during the military conflict with India. Chinese state broadcaster CCTV had claimed that the combat aircraft achieved combat results for the first time hitting multiple jets and not suffering any losses after the India-Pakistan military stand-off. Indonesia, which has already procured 42 French Rafale jets worth $8.1 billion, is in talks with China which also offered the country not just J-10, but also ships, arms, and frigates, say media reports. The country's Deputy Defence Minister and retired Air Marshal Donny Ermawan Taufanto was quoted as saying "We are evaluating J-10." ALSO READ: India's BrahMos stunned Pakistan. Will global demand for the combat-proven missiles now soar? According to Reuters, Taufanto said Indonesia would factor in reports that a Pakistani J-10 plane shot multiple Indian jets in the recent conflict. Indonesian Air Force Chief of Staff, Air Chief Marshal M. Tonny Harjono was in China recently. Taufanto said The rumor started when our Air Force Chief visited China and attended an Air Show there. He saw the J-10 on display and was offered the aircraft." According to Indonesia Business Post, the J-10 offer is only in the preliminary stages and the country is yet to send a technical team to conduct a feasibility study. Its still a rumour, really. We haven't sent a team nor entered a detailed evaluation phase yet, the defence minister has been quoted as saying. In terms of its capabilities, how far it can fly, the types of weapons it could carry, we will have to see later, he further said. During the recent India-Pakistan military conflict, BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles played a crucial role, effectively disabling the air defence and strike capabilities of the adversary and crippling its ability to mount a counter-offensive. This was the first time that BrahMosa joint venture between India and Russiawas used in combat. A supersonic cruise missile with a range of 300600 km and speeds up to Mach 3carrying a 200300 kg warheadBrahMos has grabbed global attention for its precision strikes. Before being used in an actual battlefield, the multi-role, multi-platform precision strike missile had been successfully tested several times in ship-to-ship, ship-to-shore, shore-to-ship, ground-to-ground, air-to-ground and air-to-sea configurations. The successful deployment of the weapon, which has sea, land, and air variants, in the conflict may have increased its export value even as a few countries have already expressed interest in the procurement. The fire and forget BrahMos is dubbed as one of the fastest and most precise cruise missiles in the world. Perhaps, the biggest endorsement for BrahMos came from none other than Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif when he claimed that the supersonic cruise missile caused damage in various locations in Pakistan during the military conflict. ALSO READ: Rafale fighter jets to have Indian backbone. Dassault, Tata sign pact make aircraft fuselage in India On the night of May 9-10, we decided to respond in a measured fashion to Indian aggression...And we had decided that at 4:30 in the morning after Fajr prayers, Pakistan armed forces led very ably by our field marshal chief army staff sitting here, Syed Asim Munir to teach a lesson to our enemy," the PM said. But before that hour reached India again launched missile attacks, and BrahMos hit Pakistan's various provinces including airport in Rawalpindi and other places, he added. India has already sent the second batch of BrahMos missiles to the Philippines as part of a $375 million deal signed between the two countries in 2022. A few more countries have already shown interest in procuring the missile. Earlier this year, Secretary and Chairman Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Dr Samir V. Kamat had said, "Indonesia is interested...There are other countries also who have shown interest in BrahMos... Some countries in the Middle East and some other countries in Southeast Asia. Media reports suggest that India is in talks with Vietnam and an agreement is likely in the next few months. Besides Vietnam, Malaysia, UAE, Chile and South Africa are reported to have shown interest in procuring the weapon. According to some reports, as many as 15 countries have expressed interest in the weapon. BrahMos has now gained a place of prominence in Indias defence export ambitions and has become a symbol of the country's emergence as a credible, battle-tested arms supplier in line with the Union government's initiative to achieve self-reliance in the defence sector. The missile's accomplishments in the military conflict with Pakistan may make it all the more desirable to countries looking to procure a long-range highly effective supersonic cruise missile. In a case that ensued after the immediate commercial success of the Malayalam film Manjummel Boys, actor and the producer of the film, Soubin Shahir has been summoned by Maradu police in the latest developments linked to a financial fraud case. Last month, Shahir and the producers, his father Babu Shahir and Parava Films Shaun Antony approached the Kerala High Court in an attempt to squash the case, HC judge Justice V. G. Arun denied that request and permitted the investigations to proceed. Now, Maradu police have sent a notice to the actor, asking to appear for questioning within 14 days. ALSO READ | Manjummel Boys controversy: IT raids at Malayalam actor Soubin Shahirs office in Kochi Shahir and production house Parava Films, which bankrolled Manjummel Boys, have been mired in controversy after Siraj Valiyaveettil, a native of Alappuzhas Aroor, levelled serious charges against the makers of the movie. Valiyaveettil claims to have invested Rs 7 crore in the film under the assumption that the total budget amounted to Rs 22 crore. However, it was later revealed to him that the true budget was only Rs 18.65 crore. He further alleged that he was kept in the dark about the film shoot schedule and that the profitsof which he was promised 40 per centwere not dispersed to him. According to reports, Valiyaveettil estimates his total losses at around Rs 47 crore. ALSO READ | 'Manjummel Boys' controversy: ED probes allegations of financial fraud, to question Soubin Shahir The producers and production houses defended themselves, citing that the lack of on-time payment of the promised Rs 7 crore from Valiyaveettil had disrupted the shooting schedule and significantly delayed production. Firefighters check houses damaged during an earthquake in Eryuan County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province on June 5, 2025. A 5.0-magnitude earthquake struck Eryuan County in Bai Autonomous Prefecture of Dali, southwest China's Yunnan Province at 4:31 a.m. Thursday (Beijing Time), according to the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC). The epicenter was monitored at 26.26 degrees north latitude and 100.03 degrees east longitude. The quake struck at a depth of 10 km, said a report issued by the CENC. The quake was strongly felt in Eryuan County, Dali City and Heqing County, waking some residents. Local authorities in Eryuan County have promptly initiated an emergency response, with townships assessing the impact. (Xinhua) BEIJING, June 5 (Xinhua) -- A 5.0-magnitude earthquake struck Eryuan County in Bai Autonomous Prefecture of Dali, southwest China's Yunnan Province at 4:31 a.m. Thursday (Beijing Time), according to the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC). The epicenter was monitored at 26.26 degrees north latitude and 100.03 degrees east longitude. The quake struck at a depth of 10 km, said a report issued by the CENC. The quake was strongly felt in Eryuan County, Dali City and Heqing County, waking some residents. Local authorities in Eryuan County have promptly initiated an emergency response, with townships assessing the impact. Firefighters are ready to set out for rescue operation, in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province on June 5, 2025. A 5.0-magnitude earthquake struck Eryuan County in Bai Autonomous Prefecture of Dali, southwest China's Yunnan Province at 4:31 a.m. Thursday (Beijing Time), according to the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC). The epicenter was monitored at 26.26 degrees north latitude and 100.03 degrees east longitude. The quake struck at a depth of 10 km, said a report issued by the CENC. The quake was strongly felt in Eryuan County, Dali City and Heqing County, waking some residents. Local authorities in Eryuan County have promptly initiated an emergency response, with townships assessing the impact. (Xinhua) IIT Roorkee, which started as Roorkee College in 1847, was the first engineering college in Asia. After about a century, the college was elevated to the University of Roorkee, the first engineering university of independent India, on November 25, 1949, and to an IIT on September 21, 2001 The joy of winning the IPL title after a long wait of 18 years lasted only a few hours for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, as 11 people were killed and several injured in a stampede outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium during the victory celebrations in Bengaluru yesterday. Insiders claim that the franchises decision to hold a hurried celebration to accommodate their foreign players plan to return home, might have played a role in the tragedy that unfolded. RCB also erred in agreeing to take part in the Vidhana Soudha event organised by the state government. The police had informed the government that holding two events almost simultaneously would lead to logistical and management issues. The state government failed to pre-empt the fans turnout at the victory celebrations of the most-followed IPL franchise, resulting in inadequate security and crowd management measures. But, the RCB too had a hand in the chaos and confusion that eventually brought lakhs of unsuspecting fans to the stadium in the heart of the city. RCB, reports suggest, had sought permission (on June 3) from the local administration in Bengaluru for a victory celebration the following day. They put out frequent media advisories and fan invites on their social media accounts, changing the itinerary at will, but failed to communicate with their fan base at the right time. They gave no information about the entry gate numbers, and did not announce to the crowd outside the gates that the stadium was already full. The RCB, in their announcement on June 4, at 7.30am had informed that a victory parade would be held at 5pm, which would be followed by celebrations at the Chinnaswamy stadium. We request all fans to follow guidelines set by police and other authorities, so that everyone can enjoy the roadshow peacefully. Free passes (limited entry) available on shop.royalchallengers.com, said the post. A few hours later, it shared a media advisory with a detailed itinerary, once again announcing the victory parade. Royal Challengers Bengaluru, winners of the IPL 2025, will return to the city today June 4, 2025, and will participate in a series of celebratory events organized to mark the occasion; Departure from Ahmedabad airport - 10 AM; Arrival in Bengaluru - 1:30 PM, HAL Airport, Bengaluru; Visit to Honble Chief Minister of Karnataka - 4:00 PM 5:00 PM, Vidhana Soudha; Victory Parade approximately 5:00 PM onwards (post CM visit) - route: From Vidhana Soudha to M Chinnaswamy Stadium via open-top bus. The team will proceed on a public parade en route to the stadium, 6:00 PM onwards. The confusion over the victory parade ended up bringing a sea of RCB fans from across the state to the stadium, which otherwise would have distributed the crowds along the route of the proposed victory parade. The intimation about the cancelled victory parade was announced in the evening, at around 3.14pm on RCBs X handle. There will be a felicitation function for the RCB team at the Chinnaswamy Stadium from 5PM to 6PM. Entry is restricted to ticket / pass holders only. There will be NO victory parade. Due to limited parking, the public are advised to use Metro and other public transport. Public are advised to avoid the CBD area from 3PM to 8PM. Fans, however, turned up in large numbers to test their luck at the stadium. RCB stampede in Bengaluru: Political blamegame begins The political blamegame has begun. Home Minister G. Parameshwara claimed that the tragedy took place at the stadium and not during the Vidhana Soudha event. The opposition are now questioning why the state government has not filed a case against the KSCA and RCB for not making adequate arrangements such as ambulances and volunteers and public address system, or proper communication to keep away fans without formal invitations. The KSCA and RCB, too, have not registered any complaint against the state government for its failure to provide adequate security outside the stadium and not clearing the traffic around the stadium for the movement of police and ambulances. An official statement by the RCB said, We are deeply anguished by the unfortunate incidents that have come to light through media reports regarding public gatherings all over Bengaluru in anticipation of the teams arrival this afternoon. The safety and well-being of everyone is of utmost importance to us. RCB mourns the tragic loss of lives and extends our heartfelt condolences to the affected families. The franchise has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of victims, while the state government too has announced Rs 10 lakh as compensation and would be bearing the treatment expenses of the injured. There was a massive outrage over the RCB continuing the victory celebrations inside the stadium even after the reported deaths due to stampede outside. The franchise posted saying, Immediately upon being made aware of the situation, we promptly amended our program, and followed the guidance and advice of the local administration. We urge all our supporters to please stay safe. Kohli who reshared RCBs statement and said, At loss for words. Absolutely gutted. The opposition BJP has questioned what was the hurry to organise the celebrations within 24 hours, when Mumbai had taken five days to prepare for the victory march in the past. Targeting the Narendra Modi-led government over the appointment of Pakistan as vice-chair of key United Nations Security Council body, the Congress charged it reflects the collapse of India's foreign policy. The development comes amid India's outreach programme to partner nations as part of Operation Sindoor. Congress leader Pawn Khera, taking a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, said the International Monetary Fund granted $1 billion aid to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor and World Bank decided to give $40 billion to Pakistan soon after Operation Sindoor. "On June 4 Pakistan gets elected as Chairman of UNSC Taliban Sanctions Committee and Vice Chairman of UNSC Counter-Terrorism Committee. Of course, this is the sad story of our own foreign policy collapse but how can the global community allow this continuous legitimisation of sponsorship of terrorism by Pakistan," the Congress leader asked in a post on X on Thursday. As per reports, Pakistan will chair the Taliban Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council for 2025 and will be vice-chair of the Counter-Terrorism Committee of the United Nations body. Algeria will chair the 1373 Counter-Terrorism Committee, while France, Pakistan and Russia will be vice-chairs, PTI reported. Pakistan will be heading the 1988 Taliban Sanctions Committee that imposes sanctions on Taliban-linked groups. The Committee imposes an assets freeze, a travel ban and an arms embargo on individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with the Taliban in constituting a threat to the peace, stability and security of Afghanistan, PTI reported. Pakistan will also be co-chair of the Informal Working Groups on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions and on the General UNSC Sanctions Issues. India headed the UNSC counter-terrorism committee in 2022, during its tenure in the Council as a non-permanent member. Pakistan's appointment in the UN body comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. Terrorists with alleged Pakistani links killed 26 persons in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on June 22. India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 to avenge the killings. After days of heightened military operation, both nations agreed to stop firing on May 10. The Congress took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of his historic visit to Jammu and Kashmir on Friday and charged he is aware Pahalgam terror attack victims are yet to get justice as those terrorists directly responsible for the attack are yet to be nabbed. Targeting the prime minister, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said in a post on X, "The Prime Minister is visiting Jammu and Kashmir tomorrow. Surely he is aware that the terrorists directly responsible for the brutal terrorist attacks at Pahalgam on April 22nd have still not been brought to justice." The Congress leader charged terrorists who carried out the attack in Pahalgam were also involved in terror attacks in 2023 and 2024. "According to some reports that have not been denied, these very terrorists were also involved in the terror attacks in Poonch in Dec 2023 and in Gagangir and Gulmarg in Oct 2024," he charged. Prime Minister Modi is visiting Jammu and Kashmir on Friday and he will inaugurate development works worth Rs 46,000 crore. Modi will also flag off the long-awaited Vande Bhart train service to Kashmir from Katra. The prime minister will also inaugurate the Chenab bridge, the world's highest railway arch bridge, and Anji bridge, Indias first cable-stayed rail bridge. The prime will also inaugurate the 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project during the visit. Though scheduled earlier, the event was postponed following inclement weather and the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 to avenge the killings of 26 persons in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. Did the VIP culture cost 11 lives of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans in Bengaluru on Wednesday, a day after the high-octane celebrations of RCBs victory in the IPL 2025? The Siddaramaiah government, which denied permission to the RCB to hold a victory parade citing security concerns, chose to hold a grand event to felicitate the RCB players on the grand steps of the Vidhana Soudha, at such short notice and without proper steps to manage the crowds. Even as the Congress government has successfully tried to shift the focus on the stampede at the stadium, many are of the view that the Vidhana Soudha event was uncalled for as the victory celebration was meant to be only an RCB fans meet, either as a roadshow or at the stadium. Netizens point out that the chief minister and the deputy chief minister could have felicitated the players in the stadium, but they chose to do it at the Vidhana Soudha to benefit their family and friends, overlooking the perils of a huge turnout in the high-security zone - Ambedkar Veedhi, that is sandwiched between the High Court and the Vidhana Soudha (secretariat building). While the VIPs got busy clicking selfies, the RCB fans who had turned up in thousands to catch a glimpse of the players, especially Virat Kohli, vandalised the barricades, and threw chappals and stones. The charged-up crowds moved towards the Chinnaswamy Stadium, which was only a kilometre away. This resulted in a dangerous gridlock in the central business district. The police were outnumbered by the unruly fans. Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar, who personally received the RCB team at HAL airport and managed the Vidhana Soudha event and also came to the stadium to raise the toast, admitted the administrations failure to pre-empt the tragedy. This was our folly. We have lost our face and brought shame to the state. The BJP is playing politics. We did deny permission to the victory parade. But you saw how the crowd was flinging bottles and chappals at the media (near Vidhana Soudha), Shivakumar said. Surprisingly, even after the senior police officers complained that the forces were fatigued after the previous nights frenzy, where the victory celebrations were held across the state all through the night, the government was adamant over holding two separate events. The previous night, the fans went ballistic, wheeling and racing on the motorbikes and bursting crackers on the streets, as the RCB, which has the largest fan following among IPL franchises, ended an 18-year-old wait for an IPL trophy with the final win over Punjab Kings. Despite this, and Virat Kohlis announcement of a victory parade in Bengaluru, the government claimed that the huge turnout was unexpected. CM Siddaramaiah said. We did not expect such a huge crowd. Outside the stadium, the police watched helplessly, unable to control the frenzied crowd that was trying to push the gates open to enter the stadium, which had already reached more than its full capacity of 35,000. With no public address system to disperse the crowds, and the unruly behaviour of several fans who climbed up the compound walls, trees and the gates, the situation soon turned grim. A gate crashed down causing fractures and injuries. The high number of casualties, eyewitnesses claim, was because of the absence of any ambulance service at the spot. The lack of preparation was evident as there was no safe passage for ambulances and police vehicles, nor were the major roads around the stadium cordoned off. Home Minister G Parameshwara did not comment on the apparent mismanagement. Eleven persons have died, 56 injured. Of the injured, 46 have been discharged and the remaining 10 are undergoing treatment and are said to be out of danger. We will bring in an SOP to tackle crowd assessment and management systems to avert tragedies in future. Meanwhile, the Karnataka High Court has taken suo motu cognisance of the stampede case and will hear the case on Thursday at 2.30pm. Some lawyers have complained to the court saying the crowds had climbed up the trees and buildings in the court complex causing a serious security breach. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday said that India is not a polluting nation and reiterated the country's aim to achieve net zero by 2070. Dharmendra Pradhan has called upon citizens across the country to actively participate in the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0 campaign, aligning it with Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment). The renewed initiative aims to plant 10 crore trees between June 5 and September 30, to mark World Environment Day, observed on June 5. Pradhan shared a story of his childhood in rural Odisha, where clean rivers and lush forests shaped his respect for nature. Were not a polluting nation, yet we aim for net zero by 2070, he said. He announced that 22,000 schools across Uttar Pradesh had joined a campaign to eliminate single-use plastics, a model he hoped would spread nationwide. As he planted a sapling under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign, students cheered, inspired by his call to action. Every tree planted is a promise to our motherland, he said, tying the act to cultural values. Later, he joined a webinar with educators, discussing how digital platforms like DIKSHA could promote environmental literacy. Pradhan highlighted innovative grassroots efforts from states like Chhattisgarh, Tripura, and Rajasthan, where local communities are embracing techniques such as seed ball dispersal and bio-fencing to strengthen the green movement. He also underscored the United Nations Environment Programmes call for behavioural shifts alongside technological innovation in addressing climate change. Pradhan noted that over 29 lakh students have generated more than Rs 50 lakh QR codes to digitally track the trees they have planted. This effort, he said, is building a national environmental database, enabling real-time monitoring and a data-driven strategy for ecological preservation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also planted a sapling of the Sindoor tree gifted by a group of women during his recent visit to Kutch, at his residence in Delhi today. Modi wrote on X, The brave mothers and sisters of Kutch, who set an amazing example of courage and valour in the 1971 war, recently presented me with a Sindoor plant during my visit to Gujarat. Today, on World Environment Day, I have had the privilege of planting that plant in the Prime Minister's residence in New Delhi. This plant will remain a strong symbol of the valour and inspiration of the women power of our country. As Nilambur is witnessing a high-stakes political battle the UDF is leaning heavily on past remarks made by CPI(M) leaders, while the LDF is countering with a recent comment by AICC general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal. Since the UDF convention on Monday, the opposition front has intensified its campaign by spotlighting controversial past statements by LDF leadersparticularly Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayanregarding Malappuram. The UDF alleged that Vijayan unfairly singled out Malappuram in discussions on issues like gold smuggling and extremism, while ignoring similar concerns in other districts. At the convention, Venugopal invoked these remarks to portray the LDF as biased against Malappuram, aiming to consolidate minority support and expand the UDFs voter base beyond its traditional strongholds. Opposition leader V.D. Satheesan also reiterated these allegations, stating, Pinarayi Vijayan made serious accusations against Malappuram. His PR team circulated notes to all major media houses in Delhi, alleging that gold smuggling and extremism were rampant in the district. He further accused the chief minister of echoing a Sangh Parivar agenda by portraying Malappuram in a negative light. The chief minister gave an interview that essentially reinforced Sangh Parivars narrative on extremism. In doing so, he and the Sangh Parivar are walking the same path, Satheesan claimed. Satheesan also targeted CPI(M) Polit Bureau member A. Vijayaraghavan, who is leading the LDFs campaign in Nilambur. Does Vijayaraghavan still stand by his earlier claim that Priyanka Gandhis victory was due to votes from communal elements? Are the nearly 95,000 people who voted for her in Nilambur extremists? This question needs to be answered, he said. He went on to accuse Vijayaraghavan of making disparaging remarks about Malappuram, Indian Union Muslim League leaders, and Sadiq Ali Thangal. Satheesan also listed several controversial comments from CPI(M) leaders to support the claim that the LDF harbours an anti-Malappuramand by extension, anti-Muslimbias in its political discourse. The UDFs move should also be seen in light of the fact that former Nilambur MLA P.V. Anvar remains in the electoral fray. Anvar, contesting as an independent candidate, has also accused Chief Minister Vijayan of disparaging Malappuram. He has alleged that the CM lied about the districts involvement in smuggling activities. It is clear that the UDF is factoring in Anvars campaign, as Anvars camp is portraying his candidacy as a fight against Pinarayism and positions Anvar as a defender of Malappurams honour. Meanwhile, the LDF also has turned its attention to comments made by K.C. Venugopal at the UDF convention, where he claimed the state government was using welfare pensions as election-time bribes. Although Venugopal later clarified that his remarks were intended to highlight delays and the partial clearing of arrears close to the elections, the LDF leadership is in no mood to let it go. LDF candidate M. Swaraj criticised the comment during a campaign rally in Manimooly, Nilambur. Isthe Congress leader saying that all 60 lakh people receiving welfare pensions are accepting bribes? he asked, calling the remark "insensitive and cruel." The LDF has demanded that the AICC general secretary withdraw his statement and apologise to the people of Kerala. Notably, the increase in welfare pensions to 1,600 is being touted as a major achievement of the Vijayan government in Swarajs campaign. Shashi Tharoor, who arrived in Washington on Wednesday as part of Indias all-party delegation to the US, made biting remarks about Pakistans delegation and their outreach efforts. Tharoor, quoting Hillary Clinton, said, You cant breed vipers in your backyard and expect them to bite only your neighbours. Tharoor criticised the Pakistani delegation for going around and presenting themselves as victims of terrorism. He added that the country should do some "serious internal reflection" before it pled innocence and deniability. Thats why they are now getting terrorist attacks by the Tehrik-I-Taliban Pakistan, but who created the Taliban from which the Tehrik-I-Taliban broke off? he asked. Following Pakistani leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's call for peace and a joint intelligence on terrorism at the United Nations, Tharoor used more biting metaphors against Pakistan and said, "I mean frankly, if your neighbour unleashes his Rottweilers to bite your children and then says, 'let's talk', You think hes going to talk to him until he either unleashes those Rottweilers or locks them up in a Kennel or puts them to sleep. Its as simple as that." He said that the US has understood Indias position of not making deals with a gun pointed to their heads. Presiding Pakistan's delegation, Zardari, addressing the United Nations, said diplomacy and dialogue were the only routes to resolving issues. However, he later accused India of weaponizing terrorism and refusing to work with other countries, making the countries outreach efforts look off balance. India had made its stand clear by stating that if talks were to happen it would be about the terrorism emanating from Pakistan and its illegal occupation of parts of Jammu and Kashmir. India sent all-party delegations to partner countries in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor to expose Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and present India's measures to combat it. As many as 26 persons were killed in the gruesome terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22. India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 to avenge the killings and struck terror launchpads at nine locations along the LoC. bhutto Reacting to the media on the tragedy outside Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar broke down and accused the opposition of politicising the incident. "We must learn an administrative lesson, let the opposition do politics on dead bodies. I will list how many dead bodies they have done politics on. But it hurts to see the little children. I have seen their pain," ANI reported quoting Shivakumar. The deputy chief minister attended Royal Challengers Bengaluru's victory celebrations at Vidhan Soudha and at Chinnaswamy stadium, where stampede when people tried to enter the stadium premises through its gates on Wednesday. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has ordered a magisterial probe over the incident and has sought a report within 15 days. On Wednesday, Siddaramaiah said they did not anticipate such a huge crowd would turn up for the event. 11 persons died and 33 persons suffered injuries in the incident. Meanwhile, the opposition BJP lashed out at the Congress government and said the chief minister, deputy chief minister, and the home minister must resign taking responsibility for the incident. Karnataka BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra also questioned the compensation amount announced by the state government. "They have announced only 10 lakh as compensation. When someone died due to an elephant attack in Kerala, you gave 25 lakh; then for the people of our state who lost their lives, 50 lakh compensation must be given. The RCB owners must also provide compensation," Vijayendra said. Vijayendra charged the stampede broke out even before the RCB team left from the hotel for the celebrations. "Even when deaths and injuries were being reported, why did they continue with the celebrations? The deputy chief minister of the state went to the event at Chinnaswamy Stadium... At the time of the incident, ambulances were not arranged. The state government must take full responsibility for the incident," he charged. Last-minute confusions, limited seats at Chinnaswamy Stadium and an increasing crowd outside the premises led to the tragic stampede during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's victory celebrations, according to Karnataka police. Cops say at least 50,000 were gathered within a kilometre and the crowd kept increasing. As many as 11 persons died and over 30 suffered injuries in the tragic stampede that broke outside Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Wednesday. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah condoled the deaths and no one expected such a huge crowd for the event. Siddaramaiah said while the stadium only had a capacity of 35,000 seats, over 2-3 lakh people had turned up for the event. "...no one had expected that so many people would come. The expectation was the equivalent number of people for the stadium's capacity or slightly more than that may gather," the chief minister said. Siddaramaiah also visited the injured at the hospital. The state government has announced a magisterial inquiry and has asked the panel to submit report within 15 days. A solatium of Rs 10 lakh has been announced for families of the deceased by the state government. According to Karnataka police, the initial chaos turned into a stamped with those who did not have tickets tried to enter the stadium through its narrow gates. During the chaos, some people fell on the ground, some got injured while trying to scale huge gates to gain entry into the stadium, police said. Police sources, on condition of anonymity, told PTI that even though they had made it clear that no victory parade would be held and that those with tickets would only be allowed to enter the stadium, fans in large numbers gathered outside the stadium and many among them also jumped the gates to gain entry. "While those with valid tickets were allowed to enter the stadium for celebrations many tried to squeeze with those who had free passes and tickets. In that bid to get entry, some of them also started pushing each other," a police officer told the publication. Though police used mild force to control the crowd, over 50,000 persons were gathered within a kilometre and it only increased. The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party attacked the state government and charged lack of planning led to the tragedy. The opposition sought the resignation of Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. BEIJING, June 5 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese mainland on Thursday delivered two more heavy blows to separatists seeking "Taiwan independence," once again demonstrating its zero tolerance toward "Taiwan independence" provocations. Police in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou put 20 suspects on a wanted list, accusing them of participating in cyber attacks launched by the "Information, Communications and Electronic Force Command (ICEFCOM)" of Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party authorities. Also, the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council announced punitive measures for Sicuens International Co., Ltd., a company related to Taiwan's die-hard separatist Shen Pao-yang. This move aims to prohibit enterprises associated with "Taiwan independence" separatists from seeking profits in the mainland. In recent years, Taiwan's ICEFCOM has launched cyber attacks and infiltration operations against targets in the mainland, Hong Kong and Macao to steal sensitive data and key information. The ICEFCOM has worked with anti-China forces in the United States to conduct public opinion warfare and cognitive warfare, and secretly plot "color revolutions" in attempts to disturb social order, create social division, amplify social conflicts and obstruct national reunification. Masquerading as hacker groups, the ICEFCOM has initiated thousands of large-scale cyber attacks against the network systems of key institutions in key sectors in the mainland, Hong Kong and Macao. These vicious acts have stirred up trouble for society and must be severely punished in accordance with the law. As a stubborn separatist, Shen has been actively and systematically organizing activities promoting "Taiwan independence." He has deliberately hyped up "Taiwan independence" and "anti-China" ideologies, particularly targeting the young people in Taiwan. His actions have seriously undermined cross-Strait peace, stability, and the well-being of people across the Taiwan Strait. Therefore, punitive measures must be taken against him and all institutions and enterprises associated with him. These punitive actions are law-based, precise and effective. They demonstrate the mainland's growing resolve and precision in countering "Taiwan independence" and will further cut off the financial lifelines of obstinate separatists on the island. These measures are expected to further stem the activities of separatists and their collusion with external forces. "Taiwan independence" is a dead end. People in Taiwan should join hands with those in the mainland to firmly oppose separatist activities and safeguard the shared home of the Chinese nation. The Karnataka High Court, which took suo motu cognizance of the stampede that claimed 11 lives during the RCB victory celebrations outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Wednesday, has relisted the case for further proceedings on June 10, when a related PIL will also be heard. During the hearing that came up before a bench of acting Chief Justice V. Kameshwar Rao and Justice C.M. Joshi, Advocate General Shashi Kiran Shetty gave details of the incident and said, Eleven persons are dead of which five are women and six men, and they belong to Bengaluru, Dakshina Kannada, Kolar, Yadgir, Tumkur districts. The injured have received treatment at the hospitals. As of today, six injured are in hospital and would be discharged today. The AG also stated that a total of 1,483 police officials including the police commissioner and senior officers, were present on the ground, where more than 2.5 lakh people had congregated. A magisterial inquiry has already commenced and within 15 days will place the report on record, he added. The court directed the state government to submit a status report and asked about the standard operating procedure (SOP) in place for such events. The AG stated that the government will prepare an SOP to prevent similar incidents in the future, including details on ambulance deployment and hospital arrangements. The court inquired as to what was the system followed during the IPL matches that attract huge crowds. The AG clarified stating that RCB franchise handles the event management and security arrangement during the matches. Highlighting the lapses, the AG admitted that while ambulances were present, they were insufficient to handle the large number of injured. The court noted that the large crowd was partly due to the announcement of free entry. Giving details of stadium gates, the AG stated that there were 21 gates that were open and the people (fans) were allowed inside and seated. However, two lakh people were stranded outside the stadium (as it was full). He also added that the government was as concerned about it as much as anyone else and that the chief ministers first statement after the incident was about compensation and medical treatment to be given to the injured. On the process of inquiry (by Bengaluru Urban DC), the AG said the inquiry would be video recorded and placed before the court. The HC, in its order, referring to the news reports said the court had taken cognizance of the case following news items published in various newspapers narrating the tragedy where 11 persons had died and 75 injured during the course of the RCBs victory celebration. We also received communications from several people on this subject matter, seeking to ascertain the cause of the tragedy and how to prevent it in future. Meanwhile, advocate Arun Shyam, the counsel for petitioner in the related PIL sought the state to clarify as to who took the decision to felicitate the RCB players and what was the state governments obligation to felicitate players who did not play for the country. He alleged criminal negligence stating only three gates had been opened at the stadium, which did not have the capacity to accommodate such a huge number of fans. Shyam also submitted that two events had taken place one at Vidhana Soudha and the other at the stadium. Let the government give details of where the ambulances had been deployed. He also pressed for notices to be issued to IPL and others. The court responded saying it would consider (issuing notices to IPL and others) once the status reports are tabled. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge urged the Centre to take measures to de-hyphenate India and Pakistan internationally and slammed recent foreign aid extended to the neighbouring country. Kharge also criticised naming Pakistan chair of anti-terror bodies under United Nations Security Council. Exhorting the international community to see India's case, Kharge said, "Pakistan is the perpetrator of terror. India is a victim of terror. They cannot be equated. They should not be hyphenated." Kharge charged Pakistan will use recent aid from IMF, ADB, and World Bank to increase its Pakistan's military expenditure, "which its rogue Army uses to unleash terror on Indians." The Indian National Congress exhorts the international community to understand and support India's stand on terrorism emanating from Pakistan. Pakistan is the perpetrator of terror. India is a victim of terror. They cannot be equated. They should not be hyphenated. 1. IMF, pic.twitter.com/cU8VA3uePY Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) June 5, 2025 "The naming of Pakistan as the vice-chair of the 15-member United Nations Security Councils Counter-Terrorism Committee and chair of the Taliban Sanctions Committee for 2025 is most unfortunate, ill-informed and unacceptable," he added. He also said world nations must see merit in India's case and include Pakistan in FATF grey list. "It has been in the Grey List three times, the last being in 2018. Making Pakistan accountable for its sins is a necessity not just for India, but for the interests of the international community," he said. "As a responsible opposition party, we would urge our government to take appropriate and resolute diplomatic actions to de-hyphenate India and Pakistan on the global stage," Kharge urged. Earlier on Thursday, Congress slammed the Centre and charged the appointment of Pakistan in key United Nations Security Council bodies reflected the collapse of India's foreign policy. Pakistan has been named chair of the Taliban Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council for 2025 and will be vice-chair of the Counter-Terrorism Committee under the UNSC. Security arrangements have been beefed up in Jammu and Kashmir ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit on Friday. Senior officers from the police, army, paramilitary forces, and intelligence agencies are monitoring the situation. Extra security personnel are stationed at important locations, and drones and modern tools are being used for surveillance. Furthermore, security along the borders and within the region has been tightened to prevent any infiltration and movement of unwanted elements. During his visit, PM Modi will inaugurate two significant railway bridges, the Chenab Bridge and Indias first cable-stayed Anji Bridge. These projects are part of the Rs 46,000 crore Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Line (USBRL), which is a 272 km project aimed at connecting Kashmir to the rest of India by train. The Prime Minister will also launch two new Vande Bharat Express trains between Katra and Srinagar to make travel faster and more comfortable for locals, tourists, and pilgrims. Modi will lay the foundation stones and open various development projects in Katra, the main starting point for pilgrims heading to the Vaishno Devi temple in the Reasi district. The USBRL project has cost around Rs 46,000 crore and involves building 36 tunnels and 943 bridges, giving Kashmir all-weather rail access and aiming to boost travel and the local economy. He will kick-start important road projects, including the expansion of the RafiabadKupwara road (NH-701) and a new bypass road in Shopian (NH-444), with a total investment of over Rs 1,952 crore. Two flyovers will also be opened in Srinagar one at Sangrama and another at Bemina to help ease traffic congestion. One notable project is the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Katra, which will cost over Rs 350 crore. This will be the first medical college in the Reasi district, aiming to enhance healthcare in the area. Out of the total 272 km USBRL project, 209 km has been completed in phases since 2009, and the final 17 km stretch between Reasi and Katra was completed in December 2024. This visit marks Modi's first trip to the Union Territory since Operation Sindoor, which was conducted by the army following the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22 that tragically claimed 26 lives, mostly those of tourists. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday announced that the much-awaited direct Vande Bharat train between Jammu and Srinagar will begin service in September after the ongoing work at Jammu railway station is completed. Also read | Explained | Kashmirs Chenab bridge the railway arch bridge taller than Eiffel Tower Know why Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project is remarkable feat of engineering. Explore various landmarks achieved pic.twitter.com/jjQ6oEPTH3 Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) June 5, 2025 Speaking to reporters during his visit to the Jammu station, Vaishnaw said work is still ongoing. By September, platforms 5 and 6 will be ready, he said. Once thats done, the Vande Bharat trains will start running directly between Jammu and Srinagar. His visit was part of preparations for the launch of train services to Kashmir. 8. All Weather train movement - ice cutter installed in Vande Bharat trains to clear snow from tracks to allow better running. pic.twitter.com/oUGfbTy1X5 Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) June 5, 2025 Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to flag off the Vande Bharat trains from Katra on Friday. He will also inaugurate the Chenab and Anji railway bridges, considered engineering marvels. In addition, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone and inaugurate various infrastructure projects worth Rs 46,000 crore in Jammu and Kashmir. Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah welcomed the launch of the Vande Bharat service, calling it a big step for the region. Speaking to reporters, Omar said the idea for this train project began when he was still in Class 7. It has taken a long time, but finally its happening. This train will benefit everyone, he said. He also added that the new rail service would reduce dependence on the Srinagar-Jammu highway, which is often closed due to bad weather or landslides. When the highway shuts, airlines hike their prices unfairly. A Rs 5,000 ticket suddenly costs Rs 20,000. This train will end that exploitation, he said. Abdullah and Union Minister Jitendra Singh visited the Katra railway station and inspected the Vande Bharat train ahead of the Prime Ministers visit. The train service from Katra to Srinagar was initially set to be launched in April. However, due to bad weather, the ceremony was cancelled. Operation Sindooor, Indias retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, further delayed the inauguration of the rail link. Indias next national Census, scheduled for 202627, is expected to be unlike the previous ones. It has the potential to reshape the countrys social and political landscape in the coming years. For one, it will be the first in nearly a century to include detailed caste data and the first ever to be done digitally. The data gathered will not only help the policy makers tailor their products and welfare schemes, but even draw the political map of India. The census figures will be used to conduct delimitation exercise thus drawing the constituencies map, which will then be used for reservation of 33 percent seats for women. The Womens Reservation Act, passed in 2023, promises 33% of seats for women in Parliament and state legislatures. However, this law is tied to the Census and the following delimitation. Until both are completed, the quota cannot take effect. Population Census-2027 to be conducted in two phases along with enumeration of castes Read here: https://t.co/5Nt4QOPqda@HMOIndia @PIB_India pic.twitter.com/avUqB878d2 Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) June 4, 2025 But in South India, it is being viewed with much more anxiety. The southern state argue that under the delimitation exercise the north Indian states may gain much more seats than the south because of higher population. This translates into disproportionate impact of North India in forming the central government. Under the Constitution, the number of seats in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies must be revised based on population after each Census. But a political agreement in 1976 froze this process until the first Census after 2021. Now, that freeze is getting over. Southern states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala have low birth rates, while northern states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have seen faster population growth. If Lok Sabha seats are reallocated purely by population, the souths share of power in Parliament could decline sharply. Another flashpoint is the caste enumeration. While Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) have always been counted, this will be the first national count of all castes since the colonial era. The inclusion of caste details adds a sensitive and politically charged dimension to the exercise. The data thus collected is likely to have a strong impact on social justice policies, and electoral representation. The data could also feed into ongoing debates around reservation caps and the demand for proportional representation raised by multiple political parties. In states like Karnataka and Bihar, recent caste surveys have already reignited calls for proportional representation and revised reservation quotas. The Congress has openly backed the idea, calling for rights in proportion to population. But the Union government has hinted that the caste data may be released as a plain list, without grouping castes or using it for quota decisions. This could limit its impact. The idea to have caste census at the national level has also to do with similar methodology being used across all states, rather than adhoc measures which could have been used for conduct state level surveys. There were apprehensions that upper castes share had gone down. As the caste data will be available in 2027, it means that the next Lok Sabha will witness its full impact. Parallelly, as the government is pushing one nation, one poll project. Once approved by the parliament and the entire exercise of delimitation is complete though it is not linked to it then it may be taken up, which means for simultaneous polls to happen, they could only be possible by 2034. According to the government, the Census will begin with house listing on April 1, 2026, followed by population enumeration from February 9 to 28, 2027. The reference date for most of India is March 1, 2027, though in hilly and snow-bound areas, the count will close earlier in October 2026. A formal notification expressing the governments intent to conduct the Census, in line with Section 3 of the Census Act, 1948, is expected to be published in the official Gazette on June 16, 2025, ahead of the Bihar polls. This means the BJP-led NDA will use it for campaign centring its messaging around caste census. Pakistan's tall claims that it downed six Indian jets are now being used by its ally Turkey's conservative media to counter its arch-foe in the region, Greece. India has not confirmed the downing of its fighter jets, including French-made Rafale. A report by TR Haber suggests that Athens has expressed concern over the superiority and capability of the jet after claims that Rafale was downed by Pakistan's Chinese-made JF-17. Greece has acquired 24 Rafale jets from France 18 delivered between 2021 and 2023, with the final six completed by 31 December 2024, at Tanagra Air Base. "Greece, which aims to establish air superiority over Ankara with Rafales, became concerned after the developments. Questioning the performance of the Rafales could lead Greece to reconsider its defence strategy," Turkish media TR Haber wrote. The publication claimed the Greek media reports suggested this, though it didn't mention its sources. It further added that Ankara's focus on domestic production and rapid increase in defence capacity are causing unease in Greece. The report further added that New Delhi has openly expressed its dissatisfaction with France on Rafale's performance. However, France argues that the problems are due to human error and poor maintenance, the report added without quoting any source. It said Dassault Aviation had requested a technical audit of the Rafale fleet but India rejected it. France's refusal to share the source codes of the aircraft further deepened the crisis and India believes Paris was trying to cover up production-related problems, the report bizarrely claimed. However, some sources in Greece believe the current crisis is a perfect opportunity for the country to assess the capability of Rafael, the report added. The report comes days after Turkish media expressed concern that India and Greece could be ramping up defence ties. 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. Recently, a report appeared in the Greek newspaper Ekathimerini that said India was "exploring strategic investments in Greece, targeting defence industries, ports, tourism, and potential labour agreements." This includes investing in Greece's defence sector, particularly the Hellenic Aerospace Industry (EAB) and Hellenic Defense Systems (EAS). An Iranian cosmetic company is facing heat from the Islamic Republic's conservative hardline government after it created an advertisement showing women hip hop artists performing rap. Khanoumi Shop, an online cosmetics and personal care retailer, took to Instagram to post a promotional video showing young women performing a rap song. This was a violation of the country's ban on solo female public singing. The authorities issued a judicial order pulling down the Instagram page of Khanoumi, which had over 1.5 million followers, according to Iran International. However, Khanoumi Shop issued a statement stating that they removed the video from the page even before the ban was issued. The statement from the company said the content was not posted with the intention of "hurting public sentiment." "Despite the video's removal, such measures as suspending pages and cutting off communication with customers will certainly have a negative impact on the investment and entrepreneurship environment, as well as on public confidence in the e-commerce sector," the company's statement said. Many social media users expressed their angst at the move, stating pulling down the page reflected the double standard in the approach of Iran's security and judicial authorities. They questioned why there wasn't the same seriousness in cases that involved the disappearance of women. # . pic.twitter.com/Dpl1r37KqX iMarketor (@iMarketor_com) June 3, 2025 "How did you manage to find the girls who danced within 24 hours, but still haven't found Elaheh Hosseinnejad, who disappeared 10 days ago? Search for her the same way," one user said. Another wrote: "How come you have been unable to find any trace of Samar after nearly three years, while, in contrast, you quickly dealt with women who appeared in the advertisements and closed their pages, which were their source of livelihood?" This isn't the first time that the brand has drawn the ire of authorities. It had earlier too put up advertisements and messages that challenged the Iranian theocratic government, including how it released a rap video two years ago featuring female animated puppets. It had earlier released an advertisement for a moisturising cream that referenced the dryness of Isfahan's Zayandeh Rood River, a key water source which has dried up due to the mismanagement of authorities. Recent years have witnessed more brands take on Iran's conservative government. Recently, the Instagram page of feminine hygiene brand 'MyLady' was blocked after it ran a campaign for International Womens Day on March 8, raising awareness about the restrictions imposed by the Islamic Republic against Iranian women. Nine passengers aboard a Ryanair flight from Berlin to Milan were injured after it was forced to make an emergency landing in Memmingen, a town in Bavaria, Germany, following heavy turbulence during a thunderstorm, a police statement said. One crew member was also among those injured in the rough flight. The statement added that the plane, which had been carrying 179 passengers and six flight crew members, could not land at the Munich Airport due to the inclement weather. As a result, it was quickly diverted to the Memmingen airport, where it landed safely at 8:44PM Wednesday night (local time). Ryanair flight FR8, a Boeing 737-800, was en route from Berlin to Milan at FL360 when it entountered severe turbulence over southern Germany. Eight passengers and one crew member were injured and the flight was diverted to Memmingen.https://t.co/lqeya719Es pic.twitter.com/QuuYiZM5Kx Aviation Safety Network (ASN) (@AviationSafety) June 5, 2025 A total of nine people between the ages of two and fifty-nine were injured by the high turbulence. A 59-year-old woman complained of back pain. Another woman sustained a head laceration, and her 2-year-old toddler suffered bruises. The three people were taken to the hospital in Memmingen for treatment, while the other injured people were discharged after receiving outpatient treatment on site. As a precautionary measure, all passengers were checked for injuries by the emergency services, the statement reported. The Irish carrier said in a statement on Thursday that the flights captain had even requested medical assistance ahead of landing. As the terrible weather persisted, the Southern Bavaria Aviation Authority did not approve of further flights, due to which the airline apologised to passengers and arranged for bus transportas well as a replacement flight on Thursdayto Milan, situated approximately 380km south of Memmingen. The German weather service (DWD) has also warned of further storms on Thursday, with hail, strong winds, and localised heavy rain expected. In a sweeping move that echoes earlier efforts to clamp down on immigration, the Trump administration announced new travel restrictions on June 4, affecting 19 countries, most of them in Africa and the Middle East. The measure, set to take effect on June 9, bars or limits entry to the United States for nationals of 12 countries and imposes partial restrictions on seven others. The countries facing a full or near-complete ban are Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. Most of these, according to a presidential proclamation, either refused to cooperate with the repatriation of their citizens or recorded visa overstay rates the administration deemed unacceptably high. The order cites inadequate security screening and identity verification systems as additional grounds for exclusion, specifically in countries such as Sudan, Yemen and Somalia. Travellers from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela will face varying levels of restrictions, including limitations on specific visa categories. The White House defended the move as a necessary step to protect national security, particularly in the aftermath of a violent incident in Boulder, Colorado. On June 1, an Egyptian man launched a deadly attack on a gathering held in solidarity with hostages in Gaza. In response, President Trump accelerated the decision to formalise the new restrictions. The recent terror attack in Boulder has underscored the extreme dangers posed by the entry of foreign nationals who are not properly vetted, Trump said in a video statement. We dont want them. Critics have drawn comparisons with Trumps controversial travel ban introduced in his first term, which barred entry from several Muslim-majority nations and sparked widespread legal challenges. That policy, initially blocked by lower courts, was eventually upheld by the Supreme Court in a narrow 54 ruling in 2018. The new order is expected to face similar legal resistance. Democratic lawmakers condemned the expanded ban as discriminatory and counterproductive. Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal described it as an extension of Trumps earlier 'Muslim ban,' arguing that it punished ordinary people for the policies of their governments. "Banning a whole group of people because you disagree with the structure or function of their government lays blame in the wrong place," she said. Congressman Don Beyer called the proclamation a betrayal of American ideals, stating that it divides us and weakens our global leadership. Apart from the travel restrictions, Trump also signed an order tightening visa scrutiny for foreign students, with Harvard University singled out for allegedly hosting individuals linked to the Chinese Communist Party. The administration had recently attempted to revoke Harvards certification to admit foreign students under the Student and Exchange Visitor Programme, though a federal judge blocked the move. The White House insisted that the list of countries may be revised depending on future developments. "The list is subject to revision based on whether material improvements are made," said Trump. "And likewise new countries can be added as threats emerge around the world, but we will not allow people to enter our country who wish to do us harm and nothing will stop us from keeping America safe." Pakistan's Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Burkabal Shamshad Mirza has claimed that Pakistan had evidence of downing six Indian fighter jets and they have "shown the evidence to relevant stakeholders". "The Pakistan Army shot down three Rafales, one Su-30, one Mirage 2000, and one MiG-29 and a drone," General Shamshad claimed in an interview with BBC Urdu. Though he offered no evidence to back his claim, the official had no qualms waxing eloquent about it. "We are in 2025 and in this era, every weapon, and military equipment has a digital electronic signature we have all the evidence in this regard and we have shown this to the relevant stakeholder," he claimed. He provided no detail about who the "relevant stakeholder" was. The general was also mum about the damages suffered in Pakistan by the Indian attack, though Pakistan revealed in its dossier that India struck more targets during Operation Sindoor than Pakistani forces acknowledged. The dossier on Pakistan's Operation Bunyan un Marsoos says India struck Peshawar, Jhang, Hyderabad in Sindh, Gujrat in Punjab, Bhawalnagar, Attock and Chor. These sites were not mentioned by India. Also read: Pakistan dossier reveals India hit 8 previously unidentified targets; here's the list | Operation Sindoor The general also tried to deny the existence of terror camps in Pakistan, which were targeted by India on the night of May 7, claiming that the places targeted by India were all imaginary camps. "India attacked six places inside Pakistan using missiles and drones and all these places were 'imaginary militant camps'. In fact, all these places were houses of civilians and some mosques, which were damaged and we lost innocent children and women in this Indian action," he added, while mentioning nothing about the evidence India released in this regard. He, however, acknowledged that Pakistan did groom terrorists. "There were some problems here in the past, but Pakistan has eliminated more than 900 such places and mainstreamed all the people there. All these camps were built during the era of people like Sirajuddin Haqqani." General Shamshad claimed that 'there is no such camp in Pakistan today". He then said that the possibility of any future conflict between the two countries has increased to such an extent that the conflict between the two countries could take the form of a nuclear war at any time. UNITED NATIONS, June 4 (Xinhua) -- The United States on Wednesday vetoed a Security Council draft resolution that would have demanded an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the immediate lifting of all restrictions on humanitarian aid. The draft resolution, tabled by the 10 elected members of the Security Council, won the support of 14 out of the 15 members of the council. The United States, which holds veto power, voted against it. The draft resolution would have demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups, and the immediate and unconditional lifting of all restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza and its safe and unhindered distribution at scale. An elaborate scam by a Chinese firm has been brought to light for holding fake fashion shows falsely branded as Paris Kids Fashion Week. The fashion shows held for children conned parents by charging up to 6,000 yuan (around 72,500) per child to participate. According to the South China Morning Post, parents have been scammed into spending around 367,000 yuan (over 44 lakh). The company has been organising shows since 2020, spanning across cities like Shanghai, Paris and Toronto, according to the Xinmin Evening News. Their website featured images of French tourist attractions like the Louvre. The firm has held four shows under the names of luxury brands like Gucci, Dior and Burberry to appear legitimate. The companys fraud was confirmed by The Shanghai Market Regulatory Bureau after a complaint from the Gucci office in Shanghai. The firm was found to use fake logos like Gucc100 and Gucc101. As a result, the company has been fined 600,000 yuan (around 72.5 lakh). The investigation has led a company staff member to admit that many of the costumes were fake designer replicas. The Shanghai-based company had imposed additional charges for costumes which were later revealed to be fraudulent. Although the company owner claimed the clothes were only used for photo shoots, authorities deemed this a serious case of trademark infringement. The fees collected by the company were classified as illegal earnings and the company was fined accordingly. The company is not facing such a penalty for the first time, according to a legal officer in Shanghai. Despite the actions taken, the companys social media accounts remain active. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz concluded his first post-election visit with US President Donald Trump at the White House's Oval Office on Thursday. The hour-long bilateral meeting encompassed America's trade policy, stopping the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the India-Pakistan conflict and more. Merz, who last visited the Oval Office in 1982 (during Ronald Regan's tenure as US President) told reporters prior to the conversation that he had three important things on his agendaNATO spending, ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and defusing US-EU trade tensions. I am looking forward to the talks, but I do not expect there to be any breakthroughs in the three major areas mentioned, he had told German reporters. Calling Merz a good man to deal with, he also called him difficult, a term he had recently used for Chinese President Xi Jinping as well, pointing out that it was a compliment. Amongst other things, the conversation lingered on the failure of the Istanbul peace negotiations in bringing about a ceasefire in Moscow's conflict with Kyiv, with Trump likening the two nations to fighting children, adding that it was better to let them fight for a while before intervening. In the same vein, he has called the conflict a "bloodbath", assuring Merz of America's support in ending the conflict, saying that he was all for "stopping killing". Briefly touching upon his disappointment at former DOGE head Elon Musk's criticism of his "big beautiful bill"which Musk claims he had never seenTrump spoke of what he claimed were his efforts in ending the 88-hour India-Pakistan conflict, a claim that India has categorically denied. False, this bill was never shown to me even once and was passed in the dead of night so fast that almost no one in Congress could even read it! https://t.co/V4ztekqd4g Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 5, 2025 Reiterating various points from his earlier Truth Social post announcing his role in ending the conflictwhich had taken both nations by surpriseTrump explained that withholding trade from both nations was very effective, and that he wished it would have worked with Russia and Ukraine. "And I said we're not going to trade with you if you're going to go shooting each other and whipping out nuclear weapons that maybe even affect us, because you know, that nuclear dust blows across oceans very quickly," he explained. After Merz emphasised the devastating scale of Russian aggression on Ukrainian soil, Trump went on to talk of his "bone-crushing" sanctions on Moscow, which are yet to be implemented. When asked about those sanctions that he seems reluctant to impose, he simply said: "At the right time, Ill do what I want to do." In general, the meeting touched upon a number of areas that did not directly concern Germany's agenda with the US, as a result of which Merz managed to stay out of Trump's line of fire, something that presidents like Kyiv's Volodymyr Zelenskyy and South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa have not been able to do. A Pakistani travel agent, known as Madam N, emerged as the ISI handler who lured Indian influencers like Jyoti Malhotra and moulded them into spies, according to sources cited by NDTV. Who is Madam N? 'Madam N' has been identified as Noshaba Shehzad Masud, a Lahore-based businesswoman who is the CEO of a travel company called Jaiyana Travel and Tourism. She was brought up in Talagang in Chakwal district, Punjab. After getting married to a civil service official in Islamabad, she began exporting agriculture products. Later, she moved to her husband's hometown in Lahore in 2018. During her time in Lahore, Noshaba began helping Indians whose families were forced to move from Pakistan during the Partition visit their ancestral land and their lost homes. In 2023, The Times of India quoted Noshaba as saying, "I've forgotten the number of people from India who connect with me on social media for a visa to visit home. They are in the twilight of their lives. Fond memories of their roots perhaps create a strong urge to visit, maybe for one final time." Under this guise, she began recruiting Indians, at home and abroad, to spy for Pakistan, according to NDTV sources. Noshaba reportedly has hundreds of sleeper cells in India. With her influence in Pakistani embassy in Delhi, the businesswoman would easily help Indians get visa to Pakistan, said the report. Noshaba's contacts at the Pakistani High Commission in Delhi included Danish alias Ehsan ur Rehman who was recently declared a persona non grata by India. Jyoti Malhotra who was close to Danish had earlier travelled to Bali with him. She had also visited Pakistan four times. The most dominant and recurring motif in some of Mani Ratnam's best films is the collision of two opposing forces, either in the form of individuals with opposing ideologies it could be between a father and a son, between a wife and a husband, between two brothers, or even between a man and his conscience. But what happens when Mani Ratnam makes a film where two different narratives and two different storytelling approaches collide, resulting in something that leaves a bitter taste? Look, there is enough in Thug Life that makes it worthy of a long discussion. How many commercial masala entertainers of today can we say that of? Let's take the monochrome opening portions of Thug Life, set in 1994. For the 90s kid in me, it transported me to that time when I discovered a cool filmmaker called Mani Ratnam whose films looked and sounded different from those of other Indian filmmakers of the time. Thug Life offers some images familiar to those who have seen Nayakan numerous times. There is the kid who becomes an orphan due to an accident that indirectly involves Kamal Haasan's character, Sakthivel, who is named after the character he played in Nayakan, a film that was and continues to be regarded as a groundbreaking masterpiece. For the sake of clarity, I'll be using 'Sakthivel 2.0' to refer to Kamal's character in Thug Life from here on. Thug Life opens with a voiceover reminiscent of a line in Nayakan about a man making peace with death. So, both Sakthivels have that in common. Death follows them wherever they go. Not surprisingly, we get slight variations of scenes from the 1987 classic. There is a son who lost his father and now seeks vengeance, but this time there is a Shakespearean twist. There is a young woman who believes she is an orphan (remember Karthika who led her cop husband to believe she is an orphan?). There is a husband telling his wife that he'll kill her if she cries (remember the Nayakan scene where Kamal tells Saranya to cry?). There is Sakthivel 2.0 telling his brother Manickam (played by Nasser) that he once "killed a cop with an iron pipe." There is a scene where Sakthivel 2.0 learns that his daughter has named her son after him. There is a woman who is rescued from a dance bar. There may even be a Chandni Bar tribute here: when the same woman shares that it was her uncle who sold her to a brothel. (I'm not sure if there was a similar line in Nayakan.) There is a young cop whose father, also a cop, shared a violent history with Sakthivel 2.0. Unlike Nayakan, Thug Life is set in Delhi, and there is a reason for this. It has to do with the violent history of the place which is brought up when a man tells another why he suspected him of being a traitor. Speaking of traitors, a gangster drama wouldn't be one without an ample amount of double-crosses. Sakthivel 2.0 also encounters both internal and external threats. He is essentially the Julius Caesar figure in Thug Life. When the adopted son, Amaran (played by Silambarasan), suggests that they expand their empire by making certain choices with which the older man is uncomfortable, perhaps we can draw parallels about the need for filmmakers and actors from an older era to adapt to the times. ALSO READ: Revisiting 'Unaroo', Mani Ratnam's only Malayalam film (with Mohanlal, before 'Iruvar') And Mani Ratnam has always been looked at as a filmmaker open to innovative ideas and understanding the pulse of young and urban audiences. He is not always successful, though. There are only a few times when you went to have a biryani and got exactly that, with all the necessary condiments that go with it. Sometimes you went to have a full biryani and got a single one instead. Sometimes you went to have a single biryani and got kuska minus the condiments. Thug Life belongs to the third category. Where do I begin? There is, maybe, 40 per cent of Thug Life that's quite solid and most of it is the pre-interval segments when the film remains in gangster movie mode, with some tense sequences. I also think Thug Life has the best action sequences of all the recent Mani Ratnam films, despite not offering anything we haven't seen before. (I'm glad that we don't have the jittery camera from Raavanan.) One train station fight, for instance, may have been influenced by Wong Kar-wai's The Grandmaster. However, once we reach post-interval, the film reveals other, strange inclinations. Let's just say that it sometimes wants to be Nayakan 2.0 at others, Batman Begins and John Wick. Maybe it also wants to be Indian 1.5. Without giving anything away, there is a moment in Thug Life where Mani Ratnam repeats an idea from Roja, which he had also used in Kaatru Veliyidai. However, given the rushed quality of the whole transition process, we never quite feel the impact of this new "superhuman" phase of Sakthivel. It's why I would say Thug Life seems designed for a post-Vikram audience rather than a pre-Nayakan audience, a quality that works to its detriment. There was a time when Mani Ratnam made films with a neat balance between the arthouse and commercial cinema ingredients. With Thug Life, though, the problem is that we never quite feel closer to any of the characters or relationships that we are supposed to get sentimental about which was not the case with Nayakan. That film appealed to both the heart and the intellect. Thug Life, on the other hand, seems like a pale imitation of Nayakan or any of the Hollywood action films it was possibly trying to emulate and ends up not having its own unique identity. Film: Thug Life Director: Mani Ratnam Cast: Kamal Haasan, Silambarasan, Abhirami, Trisha, Joju George, Ashok Selvan, Nasser Rating: 2/5 Four Palestinians were killed yesterday after hundreds stormed a United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) warehouse in central Gaza, desperate for food. Hospital officials said two people were crushed in the stampede, while two others died from gunshot wounds. It remains unclear who fired the shots, though the chaos followed days of mounting tension over the controversial new aid distribution model operating in the territory. The deadly rush came less than 24 hours after another incident at an aid hub in Rafah, where a crowd overwhelmed fences around a food distribution site managed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a private initiative established by the US and Israel. At least one Palestinian was killed and 48 others injured in that incident, according to Gazas Health Ministry. A Red Cross field hospital confirmed the wounded, many of them women and children, had sustained gunshot wounds. Israeli forces opened fire after fences collapsed and thousands surged into the compound. An Israeli military helicopter was seen firing flares, while bursts of gunfire rang out. Footage showed panicked civilianssome carrying childrenfleeing the scene as a cloud of dust rose from the scrambling. In one video, starving Palestinians clutching food boxes bolted from the site; others carried pieces of collapsed fencing or food items on donkey carts. The Israeli military denied firing live rounds, stating that only warning shots were used outside the compound to control the situation. However, the UNs human rights office and multiple witnesses have cast doubt on this claim. Adjith Sunghay, head of the UN Human Rights Office for the Palestinian territories, said the Rafah casualties appeared to be caused by Israeli gunfire. GHF was created as an alternative aid distribution model outside the UN framework, and employs US security contractors. The US and Israeli governments say the foundation was designed to prevent aid from being diverted by Hamas. Critics, including UN agencies and humanitarian leaders, have condemned GHF as both unethical and "unworkable." "We warned against the militarised and politicised aid hubs that today ended in chaos and aid stolen and diverted from families in need," said Jan Egeland, Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugee Council. "This fiasco could have been averted if our normal humanitarian system had not been blocked for months by Israel." The WFP said it had repeatedly warned of worsening conditions on the ground and called for an immediate augmentation of food assistance to prevent further deterioration. "Gaza needs an immediate scale-up of food assistance," the agency said. "This is the only way to reassure people that they will not starve." The GHF said it planned to supply food to a million Palestiniansnearly half of Gazas populationby the end of the week, but its credibility was shaken after its director, Jake Wood, resigned just one day before full operations were set to begin. Wood cited concerns over humanitarian neutrality and called on Israel to allow greater access to UN and independent aid providers. Meanwhile, Israels continued ground offensivedubbed Gideons Chariotshas displaced more than 6.3 lakh people in recent weeks. A statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said Israel would now allow a basic amount of food into Gaza, though this came alongside intensified military operations and further restrictions. UN officials warned that such steps fall far short of meeting humanitarian needs. Jonathan Whittall, head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) for the Occupied Palestinian Territories, said the new distribution model "cannot possibly meet Gazas needs" and was being "deliberately obstructed by political decisions." Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), was more blunt: "We already have an aid distribution system that is fit for purpose. The humanitarian community in Gaza, including UNRWA, is ready. Meanwhile, the clock is ticking towards famine." As Gazans face starvation, international aid workers continue to plead for unimpeded access. In the words of one UN envoy, the trickle of aid being allowed in is "like a lifeboat after the ship has sunk." The Trump administration has secretly proposed a new nuclear deal to Iran that would permit limited low-level uranium enrichment on Iranian soil for an unspecified period. According to the New York Times and Axios that broke the story, the latest proposal contradicts long-standing public declarations by senior US officials that no enrichment would be allowed. Although both White House envoy Steve Witkoff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have insisted publicly that the US would demand Irans full dismantlement of its nuclear programme and allow no enrichment whatsoever, the secret proposal signals a significant softening. It attempts to build a diplomatic bridge between Irans growing stockpile of near-weapons-grade uranium and Washingtons stated goal of halting all enrichment activity within Iranian borders. The outline of the deal, handed to Iranian negotiators last weekend, offers a phased arrangement. Initially, Iran would be allowed to continue low-level enrichment for civilian energy purposes while broader discussions take place to develop an internationally managed nuclear fuel programme. This arrangement is designed to eventually curtail Irans domestic uranium production, but not immediately. In return, the United States would facilitate the construction of nuclear power reactors in Iran and negotiate the establishment of uranium enrichment facilities managed by a consortium of regional countries. Iran would be required to halt all domestic enrichment once the benefits of the new programme, such as access to nuclear fuel, began to materialise. Iran has historically insisted on its right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes under the Non-Proliferation Treaty, making it clear that prohibiting enrichment outright would be unacceptable. On June 3, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reaffirmed this position, saying Iran did not need anyones permission to enrich uranium. The latest offer carries significant political risk for the Trump administration, particularly in the US Congress and among close allies such as Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly urged Washington to maintain a zero-enrichment policy and to press for the dismantlement of Irans nuclear infrastructure. Republican senators have echoed this stance, warning that any perceived compromise could weaken deterrence and embolden Tehran. Nevertheless, the proposal marks the first tangible sign since Trump took office that the US and Iran may be inching toward a negotiated resolution that avoids an attack on Tehrans nuclear facilities. Trump had earlier withdrawn from the 2015 Obama-era nuclear deal and escalated tensions by ordering the killing of top Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani in 2020. Iran, in response, was accused by US intelligence of plotting to assassinate Trump during his 2024 re-election campaign, a charge Tehran has denied. At the heart of the new US plan is the idea of a multinational consortium of the US, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and others, which would oversee nuclear fuel production for Irans civilian use. Such a system would ideally prevent Iran from diverting enriched uranium for weapons development while giving it access to energy resources. The US and the west expect the International Atomic Energy Agency to oversee the project and spot violations, if any. There are several outstanding issues, however. For instance, while the US insists that the enrichment facility must be outside Iran, Tehran wants it to be within its territory. To address this concern, Omani and Saudi officials have floated the idea of constructing the facility on a Persian Gulf island, which might allow both sides to claim success. Iran, for its part, has suggested it could accept the plan if the island in question were Kish or Qeshm, both within its territorial waters. Another unresolved issue is the scope of sanctions relief. The US proposal does not specify which sanctions would be lifted as part of a final agreement. Iran has stated that all sanctions, including those unrelated to its nuclear programme, would need to be lifted for a deal to be signed. Outstanding issues include Tehrans alleged support for terrorism, human rights abuses and involvement in global and regional conflicts. International watchdogs confirm that Iran currently possesses enough enriched uranium to build at least ten nuclear bombs. Iranian sources say the country is unlikely to give it up without concrete guarantees about immediate sanctions relief. A key factor that could influence this decision is the economic crisis facing Iran, worsened by years of US sanctions on oil exports and banking transactions. Above all, Iran remains wary of American intentions, and it has not forgotten Trumps unilateral withdrawal from the previous nuclear deal. Absence of binding guarantees that a future US administration will not again abandon the agreement is a clause on which Iran is unlikely to compromise. Negotiators are pressing Washington to provide a mechanism that would protect Irans interests in the event of a political shift in the US. Domestically, both sides face political resistance. In Washington, hardliners are incensed at the proposals apparent concessions, while in Iran, too, conservatives want the government to walk away from the proposal. The Iranian leadership is also grappling with the implications of shuttering its main nuclear facilities at Natanz and Fordow, both of which cost billions of dollars to construct and employ hundreds of scientists. Many of them are regarded as national heroes, and Iranian officials worry that closing the facilities could trigger a brain drain. Iran has previously accused Israel of assassinating several top scientists, including Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, fuelling its determination to maintain domestic capabilities. The proposed deal also includes the possibility of US support in building a second nuclear power plant in Iran. Tehrans only nuclear reactor, located at Bushehr, was built by Russia. Iran has stated an ambition to build ten more. A similar promise was once made to North Korea by the Clinton administration, though that agreement eventually collapsed, and Pyongyang tested a nuclear weapon shortly thereafter. The prospect of a nuclear fuel consortium is seen by some analysts as a way to contain the proliferation risk while offering Iran an honourable path forward. By involving multiple regional actors, the plan aims to foster transparency and reduce the likelihood of a regional arms race. Still, it remains unclear whether Iran will agree to cease all enrichment on its own soil, even if enrichment occurs on an island it controls. The visibility and vulnerability of such a facility could undermine Irans sense of security, particularly in the face of Israeli threats. Netanyahus government continues to hint at military action, citing Irans weakened regional allies and degraded air defences as an opportune moment. The Aleph Institutes Project 432 has surpassed a significant milestone: its Compass Workshop has now reached more than 2,500 students at over 60 high schools and yeshivas across North America and Israel. This initiative educates and informs talmidim on the importance of yashrus and ehrlichkeit in business and financial decision-making. Over the past two weeks, the Compass Workshop was delivered to more than 150 students at five yeshiva high schools in the tri-state and Mid-Atlantic regions. Presented by Rabbi Yaakov Goldstein, Senior Lecturer for Project 432, the workshop is part a broader mission of inspiring emerging generations to navigate financial decisions with clarity, achieve the highest Torah and legal standards, and build lives of integrity and peace of mind. The one-hour multimedia workshop integrates halacha, hashkafa, and practical examples to guide students in developing clarity, accountability, and a strong internal moral compass. Rabbi Sam Rudansky, General Studies Menahel of Mesivta Ateres Yaakov in Lawrence, NY, remarked: We were privileged to host Rabbi Yaakov Goldstein for a powerful and engaging seminar on business ethics in the frum world. His presentation was clear, insightful, and deeply relevant, emphasizing the importance of acting with integrity and staying within the bounds of halacha and the law. Our senior students were attentive throughout and walked away with practical guidance and a stronger sense of responsibility as future members of the workforce. At the Yeshiva of Staten Island, one student correctly identified the inspiration behind the name Project 432 as the 432nd mitzvah in the Torah: to fear and revere Hashem. This insight encapsulates the core message of the workshop and Alephs mission. Feedback from students and educators has underscored the benefits of this education. Your presentation is a matana for our generation, said Rav Pinchos Weinberger, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Nishmas Hatorah. It is so on target and resonates with all. The balance of halacha, hashkafa, legal, and common sense was incredibleall in a very short time frame. Rabbi Azriel Hauptman, Menahel of Mechinas Ner Yisroel in Baltimore, Maryland, added: Thank you for the outstanding presentation you delivered to our 12th grade bochurim on the topic of honesty in financial affairs. Your masterful blend of facts, anecdotes, and ethical teachings from our rich mesorah captivated the students and truly left a lasting impression. In a letter to parents of 12th grade students, Rabbi Moshe Dovid Robinson, General Studies Menahel of Mesivta Kesser Torah of Baltimore, wrote: Rabbi Yaakov Goldstein delivered a powerful and thought-provoking lecture on honesty in business. He addressed not only the halachic aspects, but also the far-reaching consequences that dishonest behavior can have on an individual, their family, their standing in the community, and most importantly, their yiras shamayim. The presentation was sincere, impactful, and deeply grounded in Torah values. The bochurim responded with great enthusiasmit was truly inspiring. Alephs work in preventative education stems from a clear understanding of the importance of guiding young people to make better choices early on. Aleph understands the ripple effects that incarceration has not just for those in prison, but for their families as well, said Rabbi Aaron Lipskar, Alephs CEO. Its painful to see how much of that could have been avoided with better decisions. Thats why we developed the Compass Workshop: to give students the skills and perspective they need to make wise choices and navigate real-world challenges confidently. To bring the Compass workshop to your school, please contact Rabbi Yaakov Goldstein at [email protected]. MOSCOW, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Several trains were temporarily suspended in southwestern Russia's Voronezh Region after a blast damaged a section of the railway, local authorities said Thursday. The damage was caused by an explosive device just moments before the passage of a train, Russia's Federal Security Service said in a statement. The train driver and crew detected the track damage and applied emergency braking, with no injuries reported, the statement said. The damaged railway tracks have been repaired and opened for traffic, said Voronezh Governor Alexander Gusev, who shared the update on Telegram. Due to damage to the railway track, 21 passenger trains were delayed, Russian railway authorities said. The Russian Investigative Committee said on Telegram that a criminal case on charges of terrorism has been opened to investigate the incident. A convicted felon who spewed antisemitic slurs outside a Michigan synagogue and threatened Jewish children and parents has pleaded guilty to federal firearms offenses in what prosecutors describe as a chilling plot to carry out a mass shooting. Hassan Chokr, 35, confronted preschoolers and their families outside Temple Beth El in Bloomfield Hills in December 2022 while out on bail for an unrelated assault case. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Chokr shouted antisemitic threats as young children entered the building with their parents. Just hours after the confrontation, Chokr drove to a gun store in Dearborn and attempted to purchase three semi-automatic weapons, including an AR-15-style rifle and a Landor Arms automatic shotgun. When questioned by store staff, Chokr reportedly declared he intended to use the firearms to carry out Gods wrath. The purchase was denied after a federal background check flagged a 2017 felony theft conviction and an active charge for assault with a deadly weapon. Chokr had falsely stated on the application that he had no prior convictions or pending charges. Surveillance footage showed Chokr handling several weapons during the attempted purchase. At one point, he allegedly told staff: It aint a fair fight out here Im going to even the score. Even the playing field real soon, brothers, real soon. Federal prosecutors say the attempted firearm purchase was part of a broader plan to follow through on threats made against the Jewish community. U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison called the conduct deeply disturbing and said it highlights the dangers of antisemitic extremism. Chokr also has a history of inflammatory social media activity, including a post that read: Your Jew tactics will only backfire A storm is coming to wipe you all out of our lives. At a prior court appearance, Chokr made headlines when he exposed himself to the judge in an outburst protesting his arrest. Chokr pleaded guilty on May 28, 2025, to two counts of illegally possessing firearms as a convicted felon. He now faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing is expected later this year. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) President Donald Trumps doubling of tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum could hit Americans in an unexpected place: grocery aisles. The staggering 50% levies on those imports took effect Wednesday, stoking fear that big-ticket purchases from cars to washing machines to houses could see major price increases. But those metals are so ubiquitous in packaging, theyre likely to pack a punch across consumer products from soup to nuts. Rising grocery prices would be part of the ripple effects, says Usha Haley, an expert on trade and professor at Wichita State University, who added that the tariffs could raise costs across industries and further strain ties with allies without aiding a long-term U.S. manufacturing revival. Trumps return to the White House has come with an unrivaled barrage of tariffs, with levies threatened, added and often taken away, in such a whiplash-inducing frenzy its hard to keep up. He insisted the latest tariff hike was necessary to even further secure the steel industry in the U.S. That promise, though, could be at odds with his pledge to reduce food costs. Rising grocery prices, Trump has said, were among the biggest reasons voters swung his way. A look around a supermarket makes clear how many products could be impacted by new taxes on steel and aluminum, from beer and soda to dog food to can after can of beans, fruit, tomato paste and more. It plays into the hands of China and other foreign canned food producers, which are more than happy to undercut American farmers and food producers, insists Can Manufacturers Institute president Robert Budway. Doubling the steel tariff will further increase the cost of canned goods at the grocery store. Budway says production by domestic tin mill steel producers, whose products are used in cans, have dramatically decreased in recent years, making manufacturers reliant on imported materials. When those prices go up, he says, the cost is levied upon millions of American families. Food companies were already warily assessing the administrations tariffs before the latest hike. The Campbell Co., whose soup cans are a staple for millions of Americans, has said it was working to mitigate the impact of tariffs but may be forced to raise prices. ConAgra Brands, which puts everything from cans of Reddi-Whip to cooking sprays like Pam on supermarket shelves, likewise has pointed to the impact steel and aluminum tariffs have. We cant get all of our materials from the US because theres no supply, ConAgra CFO David Marberger said at a recent Goldman Sachs conference on global staples. Beyond the obvious products canned foods like tuna, chicken broth and cranberry sauce economists warn of a spillover effect that tariffs can have on a gamut of items. If the cost to build a store or buy a truck to haul food rise, the prices of products may follow. Most Americans will never buy a tractor, but Babak Hafezi, who runs a global consulting firm and teaches international business at American University, says a price spike in such a big-ticket item vital to food production will spill down to all sorts of other items. If a John Deere tractor costs 25% more, consumers pay the price for that, Hafezi says. This trickles down the economy and impacts every aspect of the economy. Some of the trickling is immediate and others are slower to manifest themselves. But yes, prices will increase and choices will decrease. Trump appeared before a crowd of cheering steelworkers to unveil the new tariffs at a rally outside Pittsburgh on Friday. In a statement, David McCall, president of the United Steelworkers International union, called tariffs a valuable tool in balancing the scales but wider reforms of our global trading system are needed. It may be harder to gauge the weight of tariffs on, say, a can of chickpeas versus that of a new car, but consumers are likely to see myriad indirect costs from the levies, says Andreas Waldkirch, an economics professor at Colby College who teaches a class on international trade. Anybody whos directly connected to the steel industry, theyre going to benefit. Its just coming at a very high cost, Waldkirch says. You may get a few more steel jobs. But all these indirect costs mean you then destroy jobs elsewhere. If you were to add that all in, you come up with a pretty large negative loss. (AP) Federal authorities arrested a man they say collaborated with the bomber of a fertility clinic in May, alleging he supplied chemicals used to make explosives and traveled to California to experiment with them in the bombers garage months before the attack. The two men had connected in fringe online forums over their shared beliefs against human procreation, authorities told reporters Wednesday. The blast gutted the fertility clinic in Palm Springs and shattered the windows of nearby buildings, with officials calling the attack terrorism. Guy Edward Bartkus, the bomber from California, died in the May 17 explosion. Authorities arrested his alleged collaborator, Daniel Park of Washington, on Tuesday after he was extradited from Poland, where hed fled four days after the attack. Park spent years stocking up on ammonium nitrate, a chemical that can be used to make explosives, before shipping it to Bartkus and later visiting him in Twentynine Palms, California. He stayed for about two weeks and the two conducted bomb-making experiments in Bartkus room and a detached garage, said Akil Davis, the FBIs assistant director in charge. Park, 32, was taken into custody on Tuesday night at New Yorks John F. Kennedy Airport, U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli told reporters. Park is expected to make his first court appearance Wednesday in Brooklyn. Authorities searched Parks home in Kent, a suburb of Seattle, and found an explosive recipe that was similar to the Oklahoma City bombing, Davis said. Park shipped 180 pounds of ammonium nitrate in January to Bartkus and bought another 90 pounds of the chemical and had it shipped to Bartkus days before the March 17 explosion, authorities said. Park purchased ammonium nitrate online in several purchases between October 2022 and May 2025, according to the complaint. Park and Bartkus, age 25, had met in online forums dedicated to the anti-natalist movement, bonding over a shared belief that people shouldnt exist, Davis said. Anti-natalism is a fringe theory that opposes childbirth and population growth and believes people should not continue to procreate. Officials said Bartkus intentionally targeted the American Reproductive Centers, a clinic that provides services to help people get pregnant, including in vitro fertilization and fertility evaluations. However, investigators havent said if Bartkus intended to kill himself in the attack or why he chose the specific facility. He tried to livestream the explosion but failed, the FBI says. Park appeared to be a frequent poster in an anti-natalist Reddit forum going back nearly a decade, according to court papers. In 2016, he spoke of recruiting others to the movement, which he described as hopeful. When people are lost and distraught, death is always an option, he allegedly wrote. More recently, this past March, Park posted in the group that he was seeking to find fellow anti-natalists in and around Washington to start some protests or just any in-person events, according to court papers. The post did not receive any public comments. Scott Sweetow, a retired ATF explosives expert, had previously said the amount of damage caused indicated that the suspect used a high explosive similar to dynamite and TNT rather than a low explosive like gun powder. Those types of explosives are normally difficult for civilians to access, but increasingly people are finding ways to concoct explosives at home, he said. Once you know the chemistry involved, its pretty easy to get stuff, Sweetow said. The ingredients you could get at a grocery store. Davis previously called the explosion possibly the largest bombing scene that weve had in Southern California. (AP) A federal judge on Wednesday ordered the government to immediately halt deportation proceedings against the family of a man charged in the firebombing attack in Boulder, Colorado, to ensure the protection of the familys constitutional rights. U.S. District Judge Gordon P. Gallagher granted a request from the wife and five children of Mohamed Sabry Soliman, who are Egyptian, to block their deportation. U.S. immigration officials took the family into custody Tuesday. The court finds that deportation without process could work irreparable harm and an order must issue without notice due to the urgency this situation presents, Gallagher wrote. Soliman, 45, has been charged with a federal hate crime and state counts of attempted murder in the attack in downtown Boulder on Sunday. Witnesses say he threw two Molotov cocktails at a group demonstrating for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza, and he confessed to the attack in custody. His family members have not been charged. Federal authorities have said Soliman has been living in the U.S. illegally, and U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said earlier Wednesday that the family was being processed for removal. Its rare that a criminal suspects family members are detained and threatened with deportation. It is patently unlawful to punish individuals for the crimes of their relatives, attorneys for the family wrote in the lawsuit. Eric Lee, one of the attorneys representing the family, said efforts to deport them should not happen in a democracy. The punishment of a four-year-old child for something their parent allegedly did, who also has a presumption of innocence, is something that should outrage Americans regardless of their citizenship status, he said. Emails, a text and a telephone call seeking comment from spokespeople for the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Washington and Colorado have not been returned. Solimans wife, Hayam El Gamal, 18-year-old daughter, two minor sons and two minor daughters all are Egyptian citizens, the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement. They were being held at an immigration detention center in Texas, Lee said. We are investigating to what extent his family knew about this heinous attack, if they had knowledge of it, or if they provided support to it, Noem said in a statement. Noem also said federal authorities would immediately crack down on people who overstay their visas, following the Boulder attack. Soliman told authorities that no one, including his family, knew about his planned attack, according to court documents. Solimans wife said she was shocked to learn her husband had been arrested in the attack, according to the lawsuit. Victims increase to 15 people and a dog Earlier Wednesday, authorities raised the number of people injured in the attack from 12 to 15, plus a dog. Boulder County officials said in a news release that the victims include eight women and seven men ranging in age from 25 to 88. The Associated Press on Wednesday sent an email to prosecutors seeking more details on the newly identified victims. Soliman had planned to kill all of the roughly 20 participants in Sundays demonstration at the popular Pearl Street pedestrian mall, but he threw just two of his 18 Molotov cocktails while yelling Free Palestine, police said. Soliman didnt carry out his full plan because he got scared and had never hurt anyone before, police wrote in an affidavit. According to an FBI affidavit, Soliman told police he was driven by a desire to kill all Zionist people a reference to the movement to establish and protect a Jewish state in Israel. Authorities said he expressed no remorse about the attack. A vigil is scheduled for Wednesday evening at the local Jewish Community Center. The familys immigration status Before moving to Colorado Springs three years ago, Soliman spent 17 years in Kuwait, according to court documents. Soliman arrived in the U.S. in August 2022 on a tourist visa that expired in February 2023, Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a post on X. She said Soliman filed for asylum in September 2022 and was granted a work authorization in March 2023, but that has also expired. Hundreds of thousands of people overstay their visas each year in the United States, according to Department of Homeland Security reports. Solimans wife was born in Saudi Arabia and is an Egyptian national, according to her lawsuit. She is a network engineer and has a pending EB-2 visa, which is available to professionals with advanced degrees, the suit said. She and her children all are listed as dependents on Solimans asylum application. A newspaper in Colorado Springs profiled one of Solimans children in April, noting the familys journey from Egypt to Kuwait and then to the U.S. It said after initially struggling in school, his daughter landed academic honors and volunteered at a local hospital. The case against Soliman Soliman told authorities that he had been planning the attack for a year and was waiting for his daughter to graduate before carrying it out, the affidavit said. Soliman is being held in a county jail on a $10 million cash bond and is scheduled to make an appearance in state court on Thursday. His attorney, Kathryn Herold, declined to comment after a state court hearing Monday. Public defenders policy prohibits speaking to the media. The attack unfolded against the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas war, which has contributed to a spike in antisemitic violence in the United States. It happened at the beginning of the Jewish holiday of Shavuot and barely a week after a man who also yelled Free Palestine was charged with fatally shooting two Israeli Embassy staffers outside a Jewish museum in Washington. (AP) The targets were Russian warplanes, including strategic bombers and command-and-control aircraft, worth hundreds of millions of dollars. The weapons were Ukrainian drones, each costing under $1,000 and launched from wooden containers carried on trucks. Operation Spiderweb, which Ukraine said destroyed or damaged over 40 aircraft parked at air bases across Russia on Sunday, wasnt just a blow to the Kremlins prestige. It was also a wake-up call for the West to bolster its air defense systems against such hybrid drone warfare, military experts said. Ukraine took advantage of inexpensive drone technology that has advanced rapidly in the last decade and combined it with outside-the-box thinking to score a morale-boosting win in the 3-year-old war that lately has turned in Moscows favor. How deeply the attack will impact Russian military operations is unclear. Although officials in Kyiv estimated it caused $7 billion in damage, the Russian Foreign Ministry disputed that, and there have been no independent assessments. Moscow still has more aircraft to launch its bombs and cruise missiles against Ukraine. Still, the operation showed what modern war really looks like and why its so important to stay ahead with technology, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Where the West is vulnerable For Western governments, its a warning that the spectrum of threats theyre going to have to take into consideration only gets broader, said Douglas Barrie, senior fellow for military aerospace at the International Institute of Strategic Studies in London. In the past decade, European countries have accused Russia of carrying out a sabotage campaign against the West, with targets ranging from defense executives and logistics companies to businesses linked to Ukraine. Unidentified drones have been seen in the past year flying near military bases in the U.S., the U.K and Germany, as well as above weapons factories in Norway. High-value weapons and other technology at those sites are big, juicy targets for both state and non-state actors, said Caitlin Lee, a drone warfare expert at RAND in Washington. The time is now to invest in anti-drone defenses, she said. Low-cost options to protect aircraft include using hardened shelters, dispersing the targets to different bases and camouflaging them or even building decoys. U.S. President Donald Trump last month announced a $175 billion Golden Dome program using space-based weapons to protect the country from long-range missiles. Not mentioned were defenses against drones, which Lee said can be challenging because they fly low and slow, and on radar can look like birds. They also can be launched inside national borders, unlike a supersonic missile fired from abroad. Drones dramatically increase the capacity by a hostile state or group for significant sabotage, said Fabian Hinz, a missile expert and research fellow at IISS. How many targets are there in a country? How well can you defend every single one of them against a threat like that? he said. Ukraines resourceful, outside-the-box thinking In Operation Spiderweb, Ukraine said it smuggled the first-person view, or FPV, drones into Russia, where they were placed in the wooden containers and eventually driven by truck close to the airfields in the Irkutsk region in Siberia, the Murmansk region in the Arctic, and the Amur region in the Far East, as well as to two bases in western Russia. Ukraines Security Service, or SBU, said the drones had highly automated capabilities and were partly piloted by an operator and partly by using artificial intelligence, which flew them along a pre-planned route in the event the drones lost signal. Such AI technology almost certainly would have been unavailable to Ukraine five years ago. SBU video showed drones swooping over and under Russian aircraft, some of which were covered by tires. Experts suggested the tires could have been used to confuse an automatic targeting system by breaking up the planes silhouette or to offer primitive protection. The way in which the Ukrainians brought this together is creative and obviously caught the Russians completely off guard, Barrie said. Satellite photos analyzed by The Associated Press showed seven destroyed bombers on the tarmac at Irkutsks Belaya Air Base, a major installation for Russias long-range bomber force. At least three Tu-95 four-engine turboprop bombers and four Tu-22M twin-engine supersonic bombers appear to be destroyed. Since the beginning of Russias full-scale invasion in 2022, the outgunned and outnumbered Ukrainian military has adopted a creative approach to warfare. Its forces deployed wooden decoys of expensive U.S. HIMARS air defense systems to draw Russias missile fire, created anti-drone units that operate on pickup trucks, and repurposed captured weapons. Experts compared Sundays attack to Israels operation last year in which pagers used by members of the militant group Hezbollah exploded almost simultaneously in Lebanon and Syria. Israel also has used small, exploding drones to attack targets in Lebanon and Iran. The U.S. used Predator drones more than a decade ago to kill insurgents in Afghanistan from thousands of miles away. Developments in technology have made those capabilities available in smaller drones. Hinz compared the state of drone warfare to that of the development of the tank, which made its debut in 1916 in World War I. Engineers sought to work out how to best integrate tanks into a working battlefield scenario contemplating everything from a tiny vehicle to a giant one with 18 turrets before settling on the version used in World War II. With drones, we are in the phase of figuring that out, and things are changing so rapidly that what works today might not work tomorrow, he said. How the attack affects Russian operations in Ukraine The Tu-95 bombers hit by Ukraine are effectively irreplaceable because theyre no longer in production, said Hinz, the IISS expert. Ukraine said it also hit an A-50 early warning and control aircraft, similar to the Wests AWACS planes, that coordinate aerial attacks. Russia has even fewer of these. Whichever way you cut the cake for Russia, this requires expense, said Thomas Withington of the Royal United Services Institute in London. You can see the billions of dollars mounting up, Russia must repair the damaged planes, better protect its remaining aircraft and improve its ability to disrupt such operations, he said. Experts also suggested the strikes could force Moscow to speed up its program to replace the Tu-95. While underscoring Russian vulnerabilities, its not clear if it will mean reduced airstrikes on Ukraine. Russia has focused on trying to overwhelm Ukraines air defenses with drones throughout the war, including the use of decoys without payloads. On some nights last month, Moscow launched over 300 drones. Even if Ukraine was able to damage a significant portion of the Russian bomber force, its not entirely clear that the bomber force was playing a linchpin role in the war at this point, Lee said. Ukrainian air force data analyzed by AP shows that from July 2024 through December 2024, Russia used Tu-22M3s and Tu-95s 14 times against Ukraine but used drones almost every night. Sundays operation might temporarily reduce Russias ability to launch strategic missile attacks but it will probably find ways to compensate, Lee said. (AP) Only six months into the job, Senate Majority Leader John Thune faces a massive challenge as he tries to quickly push President Donald Trumps sprawling tax and spending cuts package to passage with the support of a divided GOP conference. While most Republican senators are inclined to vote for the bill, Thune can stand to lose only four votes in the face of united Democratic opposition and many more Republicans than that are critical of the version sent over by the House. To get it done by July 4 Trumps deadline Thune has to figure out how to balance the various, and sometimes conflicting, demands emerging from his members. And he has to do it in a way that doesnt endanger Republican support in the House, which passed the legislation by only one vote last month after weeks of contentious negotiations. Its a complicated and risky undertaking, one that is likely to define the first year of Thunes tenure and make or break his evolving relationship with Trump. This is when Johns leadership is going to be desperately needed, said North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis, one of the Republican holdouts who is pushing back on the bills quick phaseout of certain energy tax credits. You can say no all you want, as long as you dont say no to the wrong 51 people. Failure isnt an option So far, the well-liked South Dakota Republican is in a good place, both with colleagues and the White House. Thune has worked closely with Trump, despite a rockier relationship at the end of Trumps first term. While acknowledging that the Senate will likely change the bill to address concerns about changes to Medicaid and other programs, Thune has repeatedly said that failure is not an option. Individual pieces of it people dont like, Thune said Tuesday. But in the end, we have to succeed. To get there, Thune has been meeting in his office with senators to hear them out, bringing in his colleagues individually and in small groups to discuss portions of the bill. Republican senators say the outreach is a stark change from his predecessor, Mitch McConnell, who was more feared than loved and kept a tight circle of advisers. McConnell stepped down from the leadership post in January after almost two decades amid a series of health episodes and growing criticism from senators on the right flank, who felt that he consolidated power and ignored their concerns. Its very much a change, said North Dakota Sen. Kevin Cramer. Thune has already made a lot of people happier by the listening part, he said. One happier senator is Florida Sen. Rick Scott, who sparred openly with McConnell and ran against Thune to replace him. Scott, who criticizes the bill as not doing enough to cut federal spending, has also met with the new leader. Id be very surprised if anybody doesnt believe hes receptive to their ideas, Scott said of Thune. And when people feel heard, Scott said, theres a greater chance they will go along with something. Thune and Trump havent always seen eye to eye Thune has also carefully navigated his relationship with the president, after sharply criticizing Trump in 2020 for trying to overturn his election defeat. Trump declined to endorse Thunes reelection bid two years later. Thune endorsed South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott over Trump in the presidential primary before eventually endorsing Trump. The two made amends in the final months of Trumps presidential campaign and have since forged a working relationship of mutual benefit. Thune has stayed in close touch with the White House, visiting Trump several times to discuss the bill, including on Wednesday. While the collaborative approach has won favor from Trump and colleagues who were agitating for a change, Thune has a long way to go in a short time. Passing the legislation will require hard choices, and not every demand can be met. Everybody wants to work with John Still, Thunes South Dakota colleague, Republican Sen. Mike Rounds, says he has already proved himself a winner with Trump and the conference by quickly moving the presidents Cabinet nominations through the Senate mostly without controversy. The Senate also recently blocked California air regulations that Republicans have long opposed after Thune delayed the vote for weeks to assuage procedural concerns from GOP moderates like Maine Sen. Susan Collins. Everybody wants to work with John, Rounds said. Hes not making anybody mad right now. Rounds says Thune has also learned how to crack down when he needs to. Since taking power, Thune has shortened Senate vote times that were sometimes stretching for hours to just 15 minutes, in most cases. It was a hard lesson for some senators, but it won him respect from Republicans and, privately, even some Democrats. But as they were adjusting to the change, some senators unexpectedly missed votes because of Thunes new policy, Rounds said. Did he get yelled at a little bit? Yeah, he said. But once they got cut off once or twice, pretty soon they realized, if you want to vote, make it on time. (AP) Lets stop dancing around the truth. The Jewish community in New Yorkparticularly the frum communityfaces a political crisis of historic proportions. This isnt about whether Andrew Cuomo apologized or whether he was a perfect governor. This is about whether our children and grandchildren will be able to live as Torah Jews in New York a decade from now. We still feel the pain of the unfair red zones imposed by Cuomo in 2020, which targeted our communities and restricted our way of life with heavy-handed measures. That wound lingers, a reminder of how quickly our freedoms can be curtailed. Yet, despite this pain, we must look forward and consider our future as Jews in New York City, where new threats loom larger than past grievances. If Zoran Mamdani and the movement behind him succeed, we risk losing everything weve built. This isnt a mere policy disagreement or politics as usual. Mamdani and his allies, backed by the DSA, have made their intentions clear: they aim to defund our yeshivas, strip our neighborhoods of police protection, and vilify support for Israel as a disqualifying offense. These arent empty threats. Theyre drafting laws, redirecting budgets, and winning electionsall while projecting a facade of goodwill. After October 7th, while we were still mourning our dead, Mamdani signed a public statement blaming Israel entirely for the massacre. Not a word of condolence. Not a mention of the murdered children or the raped women. That wasnt a misstepit was a declaration of values. We must recognize this: if we allow people like Mamdani to gain powerif we stay home, shrug, and say Cuomos not my favoritewere not just surrendering influence, were forfeiting protection. Without a strong political defense, we cannot shield our mosdos from hostile regulations. We cannot keep our neighborhoods safe. We cannot speak out without fear of Retribution. The DSA movement has no regard for Torah, no room for Zionism, and no tolerance for Jews who dont conform to their ideology. They view our schools as regressive, our values as threats, and our identity as an obstacle. Their goal isnt inclusionits erasure, from education, politics, and public life. If they win this round because we stayed home, who will stop them in the next? Cuomo is no tzaddik, and no one claims he is. But were not choosing a rebbewere choosing a shield. If we dont seize the shield before us, well be left utterly defenseless. The reality is stark: in the voting booth, only two candidates can winAndrew Cuomo or Zoran Mamdani. No one else is close. ( and Eric Adams is not running in the primary he is on the November ballot) Choosing not to vote for Cuomo isnt neutralityits handing Mamdani a victory. Thats a risk our community cannot take. This moment demands action. If we fail to resist this radical, anti-Torah movement, we wont be debating policies in ten yearswell be debating whether we can still live here at all. We cannot stay silent. We cannot stay home. Not now. Early voting in the Democratic Primary for Mayor begins on Sunday, June 15th This isnt about Cuomo. Its about us. Our families. Our yeshivas. Our future. Far Rockaway Jewish Alliance Elkana Adelman Richard Altabe Shalom Becker Zvi Bloom Jack Brach Mordechai Zvi Dicker Ruchie Dunn Joel Kaplan Dr Moshe Lazar Moishe Mishkowitz Chaim Rapfoge Baruch Rothman Aaron Zupnik [MAILBAG: Why Are Our Leaders Betraying Us And Embracing Antisemitism-Fanning Andrew Cuomo?] The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of YWN. Have an opinion you would like to share? Send it to us for review. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) YWN NOTE: The original article is below. Since our article has been published, Trump and Musk have escalated their attacks on each other. President Trump threatens to terminate Elon Musks government contracts, says he went crazy. Musk called trump a liar. Musk DARES President Trump to terminate his government contracts. Elon Musk alleged that President Trump is in the Epstein files. Elon Musk agrees President Trump should be IMPEACHED & replaced by Vance! Shares of Tesla fell 16% on Thursday as President Donald Trump threatened to pull government contracts for CEO Elon Musks companies. ORIGINAL ARTICLE BEGINS HERE In a turn of events nearly everyone knew was going to happen, Elon Musk launched a blistering attack on President Trump Thursday, declaring all-out war with a savage message on X: Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House, and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate. Musk didnt hold back, calling out what he called ingratitude as their once-close alliance descends into chaos. This dramatic public spat marks a shocking rupture between two of the biggest personalities in American politics and tech. The feud centers around Trumps signature One, Big, Beautiful Bill, a massive tax-and-spending package projected to add trillions to the U.S. national debt over the next decade. Musk, who once supported Trumps agenda, launched a digital campaign Wednesday to Kill the Bill, claiming it includes a mountain of disgusting pork and unfair cuts to electric vehicle and solar incentives. Trump responded during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, suggesting Musk was angry about the bills EV tax credit rollback. Your browser does not support the video tag. Im very disappointed because Elon knew the inner workings of this bill, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office during a bilateral meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Im very disappointed in Elon. Ive helped Elon a lot. Trump suggested that Musk, who earlier this week called the GOP bill a disgusting abomination, was upset that the bill cut out a tax credit meant to incentivize electric vehicle purchases. Your browser does not support the video tag. Elons upset because we took the EV mandate, which was a lot of money for electric vehicles and theyre having a hard time with electric vehicles and they want us to pay billions of dollars in subsidy, Trump said. Elon knew this from the beginning. But Musk fired back on X, exposing the presidents hypocrisy: Whatever. Keep the EV/solar incentive cuts in the bill, even though no oil & gas subsidies are touched (very unfair!!), but ditch the MOUNTAIN of DISGUSTING PORK. Adding fuel to the fire, Musk questioned Trumps claims that he knew the inner workings of the bill better than anybody, asserting, False, this bill was never shown to me even once and was passed in the dead of night so fast that almost no one in Congress could even read it! Sources close to the ongoing fallout reveal that long-standing speculation about their falling out has just become reality. For months, the two figures maintained a veneer of friendshipTrump even praised Musk as a friend in the Oval Office last week, praising him for his work on DOGE. Now, with Musk distancing himself from Trump and criticizing him openly, their relationship has crumbled in spectacular fashiondragging their once-allyship into the spotlight as a full-blown public feud. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Western nations are planning to table a resolution at a meeting of the U.N.s nuclear agency that will find Iran in non-compliance with its so-called safeguards obligations for the first time in 20 years, a senior western diplomat said Thursday. The move comes at a sensitive time as U.S. President Donald Trumps administration seeks to reach a deal with Tehran to limit its nuclear program. The two sides have held several rounds of talks, so far without agreement. The draft resolution will be jointly tabled by France, the U.K. and Germany, known as the E3, together with the United States, the senior Western diplomat said. Consulting European allies In Washington, the State Department said the Trump administration was consulting with European allies about the next step. We are coordinating with our partners on our posture for the June 9-13 IAEA Board of Governors meeting and are considering all of our options, the department said. We continue to have serious concerns about Irans nuclear program and its longstanding failure to uphold its safeguards obligations. In an April 2024 report, the U.S. State Department assessed that Irans unwillingness to provide adequate responses to the IAEAs questions regarding potential undeclared nuclear material and activities constitutes a violation of its obligation to accept safeguards under Article III of the NPT Treaty. The draft resolution, which was seen by The Associated Press, says: Irans many failures to uphold its obligations since 2019 to provide the Agency with full and timely cooperation regarding undeclared nuclear material and activities at multiple undeclared locations in Iran constitutes non-compliance with its obligations under its Safeguards Agreement. The draft resolution furthermore finds that the IAEAs inability to provide assurance that Irans nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful gives rise to questions that are within the competence of the United Nations Security Council, as the organ bearing the main responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. It requests IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi to continue his efforts to implement this and previous resolutions and to report again, including any further developments on the issues. Board members could suggest amendments The text of the draft may change before it is formally tabled, as board members have the opportunity to suggest amendments. Under the so-called safeguards obligations, that are part of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, Iran is legally bound to declare all nuclear material and activities and allow IAEA inspectors to verify that none of it is being diverted from peaceful uses. In the IAEAs comprehensive report that was circulated among members states last weekend, the U.N. nuclear watchdog said that Irans cooperation with the agency has been less than satisfactory when it comes to uranium traces discovered by agency inspectors at several locations in Iran that Tehran has failed to declare as nuclear sites. The IAEA has been seeking answers from Iran regarding the origin and current location of the nuclear material since 2019. Western officials suspect that the uranium traces discovered by the IAEA could provide evidence that Iran had a secret nuclear weapons program until 2003. Iran denies having nuclear weapons program Iran denies ever having had a nuclear weapons program and says its program is entirely peaceful. The senior Western diplomat called the resolution a serious step, but added that western nations are not closing the door to diplomacy on this issue. The objective of the resolution is for Iran to resolve the issue, the source added, which is why the resolution will not immediately refer Irans non-compliance to the U.N. Security Council to consider triggering more sanctions. They will have a window to finally comply and respond to all the requests that have been made over the last six years. The board of governors stresses its support for a diplomatic solution to the problems posed by the Iranian nuclear programme, leading to an agreement that addresses all international concerns related to Irans nuclear activities, encouraging all parties to constructively engage in diplomacy, the draft resolution reads. However, if Iran fails to cooperate, an extraordinary IAEA board meeting will likely be held in the summer, during which another resolution could get passed that will refer the issue to the Security Council, the senior diplomat said. The three European nations have threatened in the past to reinstate sanctions that have been lifted under the original 2015 Iran nuclear deal, which expires on Oct. 18. Iran has previously retaliated to resolutions passed by the agencys board by further expanding its nuclear program and banning inspectors. Iranian deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi warned the IAEA against taking any politically-motivated action by some board members, as this could undermine cooperation between Iran and the UN nuclear watchdog, he wrote in a post on X. (AP) The Trump administration is slapping sanctions on four judges at the International Criminal Court over the tribunals investigation into alleged war crimes by Israel in its war against Hamas in Gaza and in the West Bank. The State Department said Thursday that it would freeze any assets that the ICC judges, who come from Benin, Peru, Slovenia and Uganda, have in U.S. jurisdictions. The move is just the latest step that the administration has taken to punish the ICC and its officials for investigations undertaken against Israel and the United States. As ICC judges, these four individuals have actively engaged in the ICCs illegitimate and baseless actions targeting America or our close ally, Israel, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement. The ICC is politicized and falsely claims unfettered discretion to investigate, charge, and prosecute nationals of the United States and our allies, Rubio said. This dangerous assertion and abuse of power infringes upon the sovereignty and national security of the United States and our allies, including Israel. In February, The Hague-based courts chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, was placed on Washingtons list of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons, barring him from doing business with Americans and placing restrictions on his entry into the U.S. Khan stepped aside last month pending an investigation into alleged personal misconduct. Within minutes of the administrations announcement, the court condemned its actions. These measures are a clear attempt to undermine the independence of an international judicial institution, ICC spokesperson Fadi El Abdallah said in a statement. New sanctions widen the targets The new sanctions target ICC Judge Reine Alapini-Gansou, who is from the West African country of Benin and was part of the pre-trial chamber of judges who issued the arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last year. She also served on the bench that originally greenlit the investigation into alleged Israeli crimes in the Palestinian territories in 2021. The 69-year-old was also part of the panel of judges who issued the arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2023. Last year, a court in Moscow issued a warrant for her arrest. From Slovenia, Beti Hohler was elected as a judge in 2023. She previously worked in the prosecutors office at the court, leading Israel to object to her participation in the proceedings involving Israeli officials. Hohler said in a statement last year that she had never worked on the Palestinian territories investigation during her eight years as a prosecutor. Bouth Luz del Carmen Ibanez Carranza, from Peru, and Solomy Balungi Bossa, from Uganda, are appeals judges at the ICC. Each woman has worked on cases involving Israel. Neither the U.S. nor Israel is a member of and neither recognizes the legitimacy of the court, which has issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu for alleged war crimes over his military response in Gaza after the Hamas attack against Israel in October 2023. Israel strongly denies the allegations. Trump has targeted the ICC before During his first term in office, Trump targeted the ICC with sanctions, voicing displeasure with probes into Israel and complaints about alleged war crimes said to have been committed by U.S. troops in Afghanistan. Those sanctions were rescinded by President Joe Bidens administration in early 2021. Rubio said the U.S. would continue to take action to protect its and Israels interests at the court. The United States will take whatever actions we deem necessary to protect our sovereignty, that of Israel, and any other U.S. ally from illegitimate actions by the ICC, he said. Liz Evenson, international justice director at the anti-Israel Human Rights Watch, said the Trump administrations sanctions aim to deter the ICC from seeking accountability amid grave crimes committed in Israel and Palestine, and as Israeli atrocities mount in Gaza, including with U.S. complicity. U.S. sanctions on ICC judges are a flagrant attack on the rule of law at the same time as President Trump is working to undercut it at home, Evenson said in a statement. Sanctions are meant to put a stop to human rights violations, not to punish those seeking justice for the worst crimes. (AP) CANBERRA, June 5 (Xinhua) -- The head of the Australian government's top climate change advisory body has warned that the country is facing a shortfall on its 2030 renewable energy target. Matt Kean, the chair of the Climate Change Authority (CCA), said in a speech on Wednesday night that the federal government may fail to achieve its goal of 82 percent of Australia's electricity coming from renewable sources by 2030. The governing Labor Party committed to the renewable target in 2022, the same year it set a 2030 emissions reduction target of at least 43 percent from 2005 levels. Kean, who has served as CCA chair since August 2024, said that Australia could fall short of the target by the equivalent of 10 gigawatts (GW) worth of renewable generation capacity. "Given we need to add about 6 GW a year of solar or wind farms to 2030, such a projected shortfall is sizable," he said in a keynote address at the Australian Museum in Sydney. He said that progress could be accelerated by supporting household solar and speeding up approvals for large-scale renewable and transition projects. Formerly the treasurer of the state of New South Wales, Kean used the speech to urge politicians who aim to "prolong the life" of fossil fuel industries to "get out of the way." "Stop holding our country back and stop holding your political parties back. Try acting in the national interest, or take the low road to political oblivion," he said. The CCA is currently preparing advice for the government on Australia's 2035 emissions reduction target. Under Australian law, the government cannot set a 2035 target without advice from the CCA. An initial assessment by the agency released in April 2024 found that a cut of between 65-75 percent from 2005 levels by 2035 would be ambitious and achievable. Under the headline Israel Nearing Elections, the main article on the front page of the Yated Neeman newspaper in Israel on Thursday morning detailed the instructions of HaGaon HaRav Dov Landau and HaGaon HaRav Moshe Hillel Hirsch to act to dissolve the Knesset due to the attempt to turn lomdei Torah into criminals. The article states: The representatives of Maranan and Rabbanan were surprised to discover the list of sanctions that Yuli Edelstein sought to introduce in the conscription law, which could harm many households of lomdei Torah by thousands of shekels per month and, at times, tens of thousands of shekels per year! HaRav Landau and HaRav Hirsch instructed the Knesset members: A government that intends to treat the Torah and those who learn it in such a humiliating manner is a bizayon to the Torah and has no right to exist. It it is forbidden to be partners in it. It must be overthrown, and we must go to elections.' A special editorial, which appears under the main headline, states, The draconian sanctions of the portiz, which are intended not only to bring about the conscription of lomdei Torah but also intended to humiliate, are not only ineffective politics that will not achieve their goal the conscription of lomdei Torahbut are the essence of evil and malice. If the law that the chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee is plotting passes, chalilah, and the list of sanctions that have been exposed is part of the legislation, it will be an outrageous absurdity: an [Israeli] Arab who raises his son for terror and violence will be entitled to receive all these benefits from the State of Israel. A prisoner who is in jail for a serious crime will also not be harmed. But a ben yeshivah whose only sin is his desire to continue studying Torah will pay the full price and the draconian sanctions will severely harm him and his family, even if and when they supposedly meet the target goals. And what next? According to Edelstein, after the severe and malicious violation of basic civil rights that are granted even to foreign workers, they will continue to remove garbage from the residential neighborhoods of lomdei Torah. At least for the time being! A country whose laws so severely harm lomdei Torah for their learning and does not recognize the value of limud Torah, this is . This is a country that has raised a flag of public Chillul Hashem in the eyes of the entire world. It was also reported on Sunday that HaGaon HaRav Yitzchak Yosef, one of the heads of the Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah of Shas, instructed the chairman of the partys negotiating team, former minister Ariel Attias, to inform Prime Minister Netanyahu that the conditions set by Edelstein for advancing the draft law mean the end of the governments term. In addition, HaRav Yosef instructed Attias to maintain an open channel with all parties in the Knesset for possible cooperation after the elections. The main mission in the Knesset is to strengthen and maintain lomdei Torah, without whom we have no right to exist; therefore, we must act in every way with anyone who is willing to assist in the matter, and there is no connection here to the right or any other stream, HaRav Yosef stated. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Zohran Mamdani, the far-left Assemblyman from Queens and a leading candidate in the NYC mayoral race, dropped jaws at Wednesday nights debate when he flat-out refused to say he supports Israels right to exist as a Jewish state. I believe Israel has the right to exist, as a state with equal rights, Mamdani said, sidestepping a direct yes-or-no question about Israels Jewish identity a dodge hes pulled before. Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, leading in the polls, wasnt having it. Not as a Jewish state, Cuomo shot back. And his answer was no, he wont visit Israel. Your browser does not support the video tag. The exchange lit a fire under what had been a sleepy debate and put Mamdanis long history of anti-Israel activism front and center just weeks before the crucial June 24 primary. Mamdani, whos been vocal about his anti-Zionist views and is backed by the Democratic Socialists of America, has repeatedly refused to recognize Israels Jewish character a position thats infuriated Jewish voters across the city. And when asked if he would visit Israel if elected mayor? I would stay in New York City, Mamdani shrugged in a city with over a million Jews, no less. Three other candidates Cuomo, former City Comptroller Scott Stringer, and longshot Whitney Tilson all said their first trip abroad would be to Israel. City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams said shed head to the holy land. Mamdanis dodge comes as tensions skyrocket in NYCs Jewish community, with antisemitic attacks on the rise and the Gaza war casting a long shadow. When the moderators pressed the candidates on the Trump administrations threat to revoke Columbia Universitys accreditation over antisemitism, Mamdani didnt even mention Jew-hatred until the next question, when he gave a half-hearted nod to the very real issue of antisemitism. That wasnt enough for Cuomo. Theres been antisemitism in this city. I believe its a growing problem and I believe the rhetoric about Israel has actually inflamed the antisemitism, he said. Mamdanis campaign has been dogged by controversy since Day One. A 2021 video showed him proudly calling himself an anti-Zionist at a protest, and hes echoed similar talking points ever since. Hes also been under fire from both sides: when he once dared to say Israel has a right to exist (without calling it a Jewish state), pro-Hamas radicals turned on him. Cuomo and Tilson wore yellow ribbons at the debate in solidarity with the hostages still held by Hamas. Mamdani didnt. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) More than 570 million was stolen in payment fraud in the first half of 2024 according to trade association UK Finance, with scams continuing to pose a significant threat to your personal finances. The latest high-profile cyber attacks on M&S, Harrods and Co-op have only highlighted the need to protect yourself against scams. > How McAfee Scam Detector can help you outsmart scammers M&S has admitted that certain customer details were stolen and is recommending that users change their passwords for their online accounts. Scams often heat up after major cyber attacks. You should be extra cautious if you receive texts, emails or calls claiming to be from well-known organisations, such as M&S or Co-op. What steps can you take to avoid being conned out of your money? With the help of McAfee we explain. Think twice: Check you're dealing with a legitimate organisation before giving your details How to protect yourself against scams Fake messages or scam calls often request you to part with sensitive information urgently, with the aim of stealing your financial details. This gives criminals access to your accounts allowing them to steal your money. Regarding the recent cyber attacks, you should be wary of any contact claiming to be from the organisations affected. Scammers take advantage of events like this, sometimes by demanding that you hand over your financial details in return for compensation or another monetary reward. The Take Five campaign against fraud recommends three steps when you're asked to divulge sensitive information: Stop: Dont part with information or your cash before taking a minute to think about it first. Criminals will try to rush you, so hold your ground. Dont part with information or your cash before taking a minute to think about it first. Criminals will try to rush you, so hold your ground. Challenge: Its better to ignore, reject or refuse suspicious requests than go along with them. You can contact the organisation to check the contact is genuine. Its better to ignore, reject or refuse suspicious requests than go along with them. You can contact the organisation to check the contact is genuine. Protect: If youve parted with sensitive information, get in touch with your bank (or other relevant financial provider) straight away and contact Action Fraud. You should also review how secure your online accounts and devices are. For example, the National Cyber Security Centre recommends: Protecting accounts with strong, unique passwords especially sensitive accounts such as your email (if you use the same password across multiple accounts, criminals only need one to gain access to everything). Creating passwords using three random words, which makes them more difficult to hack (many passwords also require you to use numbers, special characters and capital letters). Using a password manager. Installing software and app updates as soon as theyre available. Enabling two-step verification where possible, which adds an extra layer of protection. Backing up your data. Finally its imperative you protect your devices with powerful online protection software, which can detect threats and neutralise them before they cause harm. How can online protection software help you avoid scams? Online protection apps traditionally protect your devices against malicious software, but the programs available today can go much further than that. For example, McAfees Scam Detector flags suspicious emails and texts and can even block risky sites if you accidentally click through to them. It can also alert you to potential deepfake video scams these are becoming more common, with AI duping people into parting with their cash. McAfee Scam Detector can also help you become more savvy about detecting scams in the first place, because it explains why its flagged a suspicious email. Scam Detector is included in all McAfees core plans, including McAfee Total Protection and McAfee+. > How to protect yourself with McAfee Scam Detector UK fintech firm Wise is to switch its primary listing from London to New York in what was described yesterday as a hammer blow to the City. The decision to up sticks adds to a transatlantic exodus as companies seek higher valuations in the American stock market. It deepens the sense of decline for Londons beleaguered equity markets hours after metal investment firm Cobalt axed plans for a UK flotation. Wise boss Kristo Kaarmann acknowledged efforts to reform Britains listing rules but said the move was due to the US having the worlds biggest capital markets, enabling more investors to buy shares. We kind of have to accept the reality of where the worlds capital is concentrated, he said. The money transfer company said it was not turning its back on the UK, where a fifth of its employees are based, and would continue hiring and investing in the country. It will also maintain a secondary listing in London. Upping sticks: Wise boss Kristo Kaarmann (pictured) said the move to Wall Street was due to the US having the worlds biggest capital markets But Charles Hall, head of research at broker Peel Hunt, said: For Britains leading fintech, founded in London, headquartered in London, to decide to turn its back on the London market can be seen as nothing but a hammer blow. A leading City fund manager told the Mail that it was a devastating setback to the London Stock Exchange, given hopes that Wise was on course to join the FTSE 100. Theres the loss of prestige and substantial loss of tax revenue through stamp duty but what message does it set for other successful fintech businesses in the UK? he said. This is an area we should dominate. Wise follows equipment hire group Ashtead, gambling giant Flutter, building materials firm CRH and plumber Ferguson in abandoning London. At the same time big FTSE names from Hargreaves Lansdown to Deliveroo have been snapped up by foreign predators. And a dearth of new initial public offerings (IPO) means the departing companies are not being replaced, leaving London increasingly bereft. The decision by Unilever to spin off its ice cream business in Amsterdam as well as fast fashion giant Sheins likely abandonment of a London IPO in favour of Hong Kong are among the latest blows. Wise, founded in 2011 as TransferWise, listed under its new name in 2021 with an 8billion valuation, or 800p per share. The shares have had a rocky ride but were still a third up on Wises debut valuation before yesterdays announcement. That stoked a further rise of as much as 13 per cent, before the stock eventually closed 7.1 per cent, or 77p, higher at 1160p. The announcement came alongside results showing a 17 per cent rise in underlying profits to 282million for the year to the end of March. Other major fintech firms including Klarna and Revolut also look set to favour New York. Klarna had already lined up a US IPO before shelving it earlier this year. Shares in Wizz Air tumbled after the budget airline revealed engine problems had grounded a fifth of its planes. The low-cost carrier said profits tanked 62 per cent from 369million to 141million in the year to March 31 as more than 40 aircraft were out of action. And it continued to be affected by conflict in Ukraine and Israel two key markets. Wizz was upbeat as passenger numbers hit a record 63.4m but the shares plunged 27.9 per cent, or 467p, to 1207p, having peaked at 5500p in 2021. Chief executive Jozsef Varadi said: Wizz Air is a more resilient business today. Despite the unproductivity of a grounded fleet, we successfully delivered a second year of profitability. We have the benefit of more than a year of experience operating under unique circumstances conditions airlines would never experience when demand exceeds supply. Nosedive: Wizz Air said profits tanked 62% from 369m to 141m in the year to March 31 as more than 40 aircraft were out of action He said it had reached a transformation point in relation to its grounded planes. The Airbus planes have been affected by problems at Pratt & Whitney, the engine maker owned by aerospace and defence giant RTX, formerly known as Raytheon. The US manufacturer began recalling some engine models for inspection in 2023, prompted by concerns that there were contaminants in the powdered metal that was used in manufacturing. Wizz has been the worst-hit European airline, issuing two profit warnings in the last year. As many as 44 planes were grounded, it said. By early May, 37 were out of action a figure expected to shrink to 34 by the end of September. It takes around 300 days for engines to be checked and returned to service. But the problems are expected to drag on until at least 2027. Wizz secured a two-year compensation package with Pratt & Whitney last year and said the support would mitigate some, but not all, of the operational and financial impacts on the business. Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said: The airline described its past year as resilience and transformation, whereas the market reaction suggests awful might be a better word. Wizz used to be the aggressive growth player, with talk that it tried to buy Easyjet in 2021. The tables have turned and it is being left behind. With shares at a fraction of their peak, failure to resolve its problems could see Wizz turn from predator to prey. British investors pulled 449million out of UK equities in May as the FTSE 100s strong recent performance failed to drum up renewed appetite for London stocks. It was the smallest outflow since the end of last year and half the average seen during a dismal run for UK markets over the past three years. But nearly 4.5billion has been withdrawn from London-listed shares this year, says funds network Calastone. Edward Glyn, head of global markets at Calastone, said that while the UK market has been flirting with all-time highs, the recovery has not been enough to spur new buyers to reappraise the prospects for UK equities. He added: The relentless outflows represented a clear capitulation on hopes for UK shares. Its too soon to call an end to this trend, but a less negative narrative is a necessary first step. Overall flows into all equity funds remained positive in May but were sharply lower than in April, dropping by a billion to 525million. Calastone said it was a strong month for European funds but investors were more cautious on US and other global stocks. World markets were boosted by Donald Trumps retreat from his most extreme tariff positions, Glyn said. BlackRock Frontiers (LON:BRFI Get Free Report) insider Hatem Dowidar bought 15,000 shares of BlackRock Frontiers stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, May 29th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of GBX 157 ($2.13) per share, for a total transaction of 23,550 ($31,914.89). BlackRock Frontiers Stock Performance Shares of BlackRock Frontiers stock opened at GBX 158 ($2.14) on Thursday. BlackRock Frontiers has a 52-week low of GBX 125.68 ($1.70) and a 52-week high of GBX 165.50 ($2.24). The stock has a market capitalization of 375.10 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 6.41 and a beta of 0.66. The company has a fifty day moving average of GBX 150.06 and a 200-day moving average of GBX 153.63. Get BlackRock Frontiers alerts: BlackRock Frontiers Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared a dividend, which was paid on Monday, March 31st. Shareholders of record on Thursday, March 27th were given a dividend of GBX 8.05 ($0.11) per share. This is a positive change from BlackRock Frontierss previous dividend of $0.06. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, March 27th. This represents a yield of 4.29%. BlackRock Frontierss dividend payout ratio is presently 28.39%. About BlackRock Frontiers The Companys investment objective is to achieve long term capital growth by investing in companies domiciled or listed in, or exercising the predominant part of their economic activity in, less developed countries. These countries (the Frontiers Universe) are any country which is neither part of the MSCI World Index of developed markets nor one of the eight largest countries by market capitalisation in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index as at 1 April 2018: being Brazil, China, India, Korea, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, and Taiwan. Read More Receive News & Ratings for BlackRock Frontiers Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BlackRock Frontiers and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Great Portland Estates Plc (LON:GPE Get Free Report) insider Toby Courtauld bought 44 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, May 30th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of GBX 337 ($4.57) per share, for a total transaction of 148.28 ($200.95). Toby Courtauld also recently made the following trade(s): Get Great Portland Estates alerts: On Tuesday, May 27th, Toby Courtauld sold 18,510 shares of Great Portland Estates stock. The shares were sold at an average price of GBX 327 ($4.43), for a total transaction of 60,527.70 ($82,026.97). Great Portland Estates Stock Performance GPE opened at GBX 328 ($4.45) on Thursday. The company has a current ratio of 0.26, a quick ratio of 0.46 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 51.52. The company has a market cap of 1.31 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 3.27, a PEG ratio of 2.22 and a beta of 0.80. The companys 50 day moving average is GBX 311.77 and its 200 day moving average is GBX 295.15. Great Portland Estates Plc has a 12-month low of GBX 260 ($3.52) and a 12-month high of GBX 371.50 ($5.03). Great Portland Estates Company Profile Great Portland Estates ( LON:GPE Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, May 21st. The company reported GBX 5.30 ($0.07) EPS for the quarter. Great Portland Estates had a net margin of 172.83% and a return on equity of 15.50%. On average, equities research analysts predict that Great Portland Estates Plc will post 6.1719457 EPS for the current year. (Get Free Report) GPE is a FTSE 250 real estate investor and developer. GPE aims to deliver superior returns by unlocking the often hidden potential in commercial real estate in central London, creating high quality sustainable spaces for its customers and long-term value for its stakeholders. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Great Portland Estates Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Great Portland Estates and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Whipplewood Advisors LLC cut its holdings in shares of Smurfit Westrock Ltd (NYSE:SW Free Report) by 36.8% during the first quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 684 shares of the companys stock after selling 398 shares during the period. Whipplewood Advisors LLCs holdings in Smurfit Westrock were worth $31,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other large investors have also bought and sold shares of the business. JPMorgan Chase & Co. acquired a new position in shares of Smurfit Westrock in the 3rd quarter valued at $221,026,000. Caprock Group LLC raised its stake in Smurfit Westrock by 65.8% during the 4th quarter. Caprock Group LLC now owns 9,426 shares of the companys stock worth $508,000 after buying an additional 3,740 shares during the period. DAVENPORT & Co LLC raised its stake in Smurfit Westrock by 0.5% during the 4th quarter. DAVENPORT & Co LLC now owns 55,898 shares of the companys stock worth $3,011,000 after buying an additional 299 shares during the period. Spire Wealth Management acquired a new stake in shares of Smurfit Westrock in the 4th quarter valued at about $36,000. Finally, abrdn plc raised its stake in shares of Smurfit Westrock by 31.1% in the 4th quarter. abrdn plc now owns 70,801 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,818,000 after purchasing an additional 16,790 shares during the period. 83.38% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Smurfit Westrock alerts: Smurfit Westrock Stock Performance Shares of Smurfit Westrock stock opened at $42.63 on Thursday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.89, a current ratio of 1.37 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.72. Smurfit Westrock Ltd has a twelve month low of $37.01 and a twelve month high of $56.99. The stock has a market cap of $22.25 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 77.51 and a beta of 1.04. The companys fifty day moving average is $42.66 and its 200 day moving average is $48.83. Smurfit Westrock Announces Dividend Smurfit Westrock ( NYSE:SW Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, May 1st. The company reported $0.73 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.65 by $0.08. Smurfit Westrock had a net margin of 0.63% and a return on equity of 6.16%. The business had revenue of $7.66 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $7.41 billion. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 161.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts forecast that Smurfit Westrock Ltd will post 3.25 EPS for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, June 18th. Shareholders of record on Monday, May 19th will be given a $0.4308 dividend. This represents a yield of 3.7%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, May 16th. Smurfit Westrocks payout ratio is 140.98%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several analysts have issued reports on the company. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price target on Smurfit Westrock from $53.00 to $43.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, April 8th. Truist Financial decreased their price objective on Smurfit Westrock from $62.00 to $50.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, April 22nd. Morgan Stanley decreased their price objective on Smurfit Westrock from $66.00 to $64.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, March 11th. Barclays decreased their price objective on Smurfit Westrock from $68.00 to $64.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, May 13th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada decreased their price objective on Smurfit Westrock from $57.00 to $56.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Friday, May 2nd. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $58.20. Read Our Latest Stock Report on SW Insider Activity In other news, Director Irial Finan bought 15,180 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 6th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $39.21 per share, for a total transaction of $595,207.80. Following the purchase, the director now directly owns 54,893 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,152,354.53. This trade represents a 38.22% increase in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Insiders own 0.49% of the companys stock. Smurfit Westrock Profile (Free Report) Smurfit Westrock Plc, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, distributes, and sells containerboard, corrugated containers, and other paper-based packaging products in Ireland and internationally. The company produces containerboard that it converts into corrugated containers or sells to third parties, as well as produces other types of paper, such as consumer packaging board, sack paper, graphic paper, solid board and graphic board, and other paper-based packaging products, such as consumer packaging, solid board packaging, paper sacks, and other packaging products, including bag-in-box. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Smurfit Westrock Ltd (NYSE:SW Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Smurfit Westrock Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Smurfit Westrock and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Vizsla Silver Corp. (NYSE:VZLA Get Free Report) have earned an average recommendation of Buy from the five research firms that are presently covering the company, Marketbeat.com reports. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating. The average 1 year price objective among brokerages that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $3.83. Separately, Raymond James reissued an outperform rating on shares of Vizsla Silver in a research report on Friday, April 4th. Get Vizsla Silver alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Vizsla Silver Hedge Funds Weigh In On Vizsla Silver Vizsla Silver Price Performance A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of VZLA. JPMorgan Chase & Co. purchased a new position in Vizsla Silver in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $230,000. Heck Capital Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Vizsla Silver in the 4th quarter worth approximately $36,000. Van ECK Associates Corp grew its stake in Vizsla Silver by 17.7% in the 4th quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 11,356,191 shares of the companys stock worth $19,185,000 after buying an additional 1,706,330 shares in the last quarter. Sprott Inc. grew its stake in Vizsla Silver by 17.4% in the 4th quarter. Sprott Inc. now owns 22,805,466 shares of the companys stock worth $38,670,000 after buying an additional 3,384,837 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Raymond James Financial Inc. purchased a new position in Vizsla Silver in the 4th quarter worth approximately $188,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 22.46% of the companys stock. VZLA opened at $3.20 on Thursday. The companys 50-day moving average is $2.33 and its 200 day moving average is $2.11. Vizsla Silver has a fifty-two week low of $1.59 and a fifty-two week high of $3.27. The firm has a market capitalization of $953.08 million, a P/E ratio of -320.00 and a beta of 0.94. About Vizsla Silver (Get Free Report Vizsla Silver Corp. engages in the exploration, and development of precious and base metal assets. The company explores for gold, silver, and copper deposits. It owns 100% interest in the Panuco Project covering an area of 7,189.5 hectares located in located in southern Sinaloa, Mexico. The company was formerly known as Vizsla Resources Corp. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Vizsla Silver Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vizsla Silver and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. GUANGZHOU, June 5 (Xinhua) -- The police in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou put 20 suspects on a wanted list on Thursday, accusing them of participating in cyber attacks launched by an organization of Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party authorities. The police have offered a reward of 10,000 yuan (about 1,390 U.S. dollars) for information leading to each suspect's arrest, according to a notice issued by the public security bureau of Guangzhou's Tianhe District. The notice also provided details of cyber attacks carried out by Taiwan's "Information, Communications and Electronic Force Command (ICEFCOM)." The ICEFCOM commanded and conducted the illegal cyber attacks and is suspected of multiple criminal offenses, according to the police. Separately, a research report jointly released by three cyber security entities led by the National Computer Virus Emergency Response Center exposed the history, organizational structure, personnel, workplaces, tasks and typical cyber attacks of the organization. The ICEFCOM was set up with the support of the U.S. military after Tsai Ing-wen came to power as Taiwan's leader. Its tasks include launching cyber attacks and infiltration operations against targets in the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macao to steal sensitive data and key information. The organization was found to have worked with anti-China forces in the United States to conduct public opinion warfare and cognitive warfare, and secretly plot "color revolutions" in attempts to disturb social order, create ethnic tension, amplify social conflicts and obstruct national reunification. Police investigations show that the organization posed as different hacker groups in recent years to initiate thousands of large-scale cyber attacks against the network systems of key institutions in key sectors in the mainland, Hong Kong and Macao, including those of defense industry, aviation, aerospace, energy, transportation, maritime affairs, and sci-tech research sectors. Both government departments and enterprises were targeted. When they failed to infiltrate target systems or steal useful information, the hackers would maliciously cause damage to the target systems and disrupt the normal production and business operations of enterprises. The ICEFCOM's cyber attacks have exposed substantial source information, presenting little challenges for tracing efforts, thereby facilitating the rapid identification of attackers, said technical experts. Arthur M. Cohen & Associates LLC trimmed its position in shares of Edwards Lifesciences Co. (NYSE:EW Free Report) by 22.1% during the first quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 15,163 shares of the medical research companys stock after selling 4,295 shares during the quarter. Arthur M. Cohen & Associates LLCs holdings in Edwards Lifesciences were worth $1,099,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Orser Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in Edwards Lifesciences during the first quarter worth $2,101,000. Merit Financial Group LLC increased its position in shares of Edwards Lifesciences by 93.4% during the first quarter. Merit Financial Group LLC now owns 10,793 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $782,000 after acquiring an additional 5,212 shares in the last quarter. Harbor Investment Advisory LLC raised its holdings in shares of Edwards Lifesciences by 26.3% in the 1st quarter. Harbor Investment Advisory LLC now owns 22,507 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $1,631,000 after acquiring an additional 4,682 shares during the last quarter. Inspirion Wealth Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of Edwards Lifesciences by 4.3% in the 1st quarter. Inspirion Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 11,763 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $853,000 after acquiring an additional 488 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Czech National Bank lifted its position in Edwards Lifesciences by 5.9% in the 1st quarter. Czech National Bank now owns 135,468 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $9,819,000 after acquiring an additional 7,587 shares in the last quarter. 79.46% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Edwards Lifesciences alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities research analysts recently issued reports on the company. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and set a $85.00 price target on shares of Edwards Lifesciences in a report on Wednesday, February 12th. Evercore ISI reduced their target price on shares of Edwards Lifesciences from $75.00 to $73.00 and set an in-line rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, February 12th. Citigroup reiterated a buy rating and issued a $95.00 target price (up previously from $84.00) on shares of Edwards Lifesciences in a report on Thursday, May 22nd. Dbs Bank raised shares of Edwards Lifesciences to a hold rating in a research report on Monday. Finally, Canaccord Genuity Group boosted their price target on shares of Edwards Lifesciences from $71.00 to $75.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Friday, April 25th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, fourteen have given a hold rating and eleven have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Edwards Lifesciences currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $80.20. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, VP Daniel J. Lippis sold 400 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, March 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $69.48, for a total transaction of $27,792.00. Following the sale, the vice president now owns 22,588 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,569,414.24. This represents a 1.74% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, VP Donald E. Bobo, Jr. sold 9,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, March 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $67.96, for a total value of $645,620.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now owns 46,936 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,189,770.56. This represents a 16.83% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders sold 59,012 shares of company stock valued at $4,224,717. Company insiders own 1.29% of the companys stock. Edwards Lifesciences Stock Up 0.3% Shares of NYSE EW opened at $77.95 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.06, a current ratio of 3.46 and a quick ratio of 2.89. The stock has a market capitalization of $45.73 billion, a PE ratio of 11.18, a P/E/G ratio of 4.82 and a beta of 1.12. Edwards Lifesciences Co. has a one year low of $58.93 and a one year high of $95.25. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $73.76 and its 200-day moving average price is $72.64. Edwards Lifesciences (NYSE:EW Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, April 23rd. The medical research company reported $0.64 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.60 by $0.04. The business had revenue of $1.41 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.40 billion. Edwards Lifesciences had a return on equity of 19.40% and a net margin of 72.93%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 6.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $0.66 EPS. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Edwards Lifesciences Co. will post 2.45 EPS for the current year. About Edwards Lifesciences (Free Report) Edwards Lifesciences Corporation provides products and technologies for structural heart disease and critical care monitoring in the United States, Europe, Japan, and internationally. It offers transcatheter heart valve replacement products for the minimally invasive replacement of aortic heart valves under the Edwards SAPIEN family of valves system; and transcatheter heart valve repair and replacement products to treat mitral and tricuspid valve diseases under the PASCAL PRECISION and Cardioband names. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Edwards Lifesciences Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Edwards Lifesciences and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Get Free Report) was downgraded by equities research analysts at Erste Group Bank from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report released on Thursday, MarketBeat.com reports. LLY has been the subject of a number of other reports. Wall Street Zen upgraded Eli Lilly and Company from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, May 30th. Hsbc Global Res downgraded Eli Lilly and Company from a strong-buy rating to a moderate sell rating in a report on Monday, April 28th. Cantor Fitzgerald started coverage on Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Tuesday, April 22nd. They issued an overweight rating and a $975.00 price objective for the company. HSBC downgraded Eli Lilly and Company from a buy rating to a reduce rating and decreased their price objective for the company from $1,150.00 to $700.00 in a report on Monday, April 28th. Finally, UBS Group cut their price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $1,100.00 to $1,050.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, May 2nd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have assigned a hold rating and eighteen have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Eli Lilly and Company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $1,011.37. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Eli Lilly and Company Eli Lilly and Company Stock Up 2.1% Shares of NYSE:LLY opened at $766.78 on Thursday. The company has a fifty day moving average of $772.75 and a 200-day moving average of $799.41. The company has a market capitalization of $726.71 billion, a PE ratio of 65.48, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.40 and a beta of 0.48. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.00, a quick ratio of 0.97 and a current ratio of 1.15. Eli Lilly and Company has a 52-week low of $677.09 and a 52-week high of $972.53. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results 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 company had revenue of $12.73 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates 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 quarterly revenue was up 45.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $2.58 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts predict that Eli Lilly and Company will post 23.48 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Activity at Eli Lilly and Company In related 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 transaction, the chief accounting officer now owns 5,840 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,778,521.60. This trade represents a 14.62% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. 0.13% of the stock is owned by insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Eli Lilly and Company Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. increased its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 97.5% during the 1st quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 101,305,650 shares of the companys stock worth $83,669,349,000 after purchasing an additional 50,002,551 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 6.7% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 79,224,392 shares of the companys stock worth $65,432,218,000 after purchasing an additional 4,975,395 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 1.7% in the 4th quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 17,382,846 shares of the companys stock valued at $13,389,651,000 after buying an additional 291,875 shares in the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC grew its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 103,831.6% in the 1st quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 14,866,380 shares of the companys stock valued at $12,278,292,000 after buying an additional 14,852,076 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Wellington Management Group LLP boosted its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 0.6% in the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 12,707,512 shares of the companys stock valued at $10,495,261,000 after purchasing an additional 81,587 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 82.53% of the companys stock. Eli Lilly and Company Company Profile (Get 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. Further Reading 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. LOS ANGELES, June 4 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said Wednesday the negotiations between his country and the European Union (EU) on a settlement of a tense tariff spat were "advancing quickly." Greer met with European trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic on the sidelines of a meeting of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development in Paris on Wednesday, according to a press release from the office of the U.S. trade representative. "Last week, the European Union provided the United States with a credible starting point for discussions on reciprocal trade, and I am pleased that negotiations are advancing quickly," said Greer. "Today's meeting in Paris, which occurred alongside technical talks by our teams in Washington, was very constructive and indicates a willingness by the EU to work with us to find a concrete way forward to achieve reciprocal trade. I look forward to continued constructive engagement in the coming days and weeks," he said. However, a Los Angeles Daily News report published Wednesday said there were no breakthroughs during the meeting in Paris. "Brussels and Washington are unlikely to reach a substantive trade agreement in Paris. The issues dividing them are too difficult to resolve quickly," said the report. Sefcovic said at a press conference in Paris on Wednesday that U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to raise tariffs on steel and aluminum "clearly doesn't help the ongoing negotiations" and risks undermining recent progress. The Trump administration's move to double tariffs on steel and aluminium imports from 25 percent to 50 percent went into effect Wednesday. The White House called the measure a matter of addressing "trade practices that undermine national security." Nine people have been injured after a Milan-bound Ryanair flight was forced to make an emergency landing in Germany due to intense turbulence. The FR8 flight, which had departed rom Berlin, safely landed in Memmingen Airport on Wednesday evening, the airline has confirmed. On board, there were 179 passengers and six crew members. It is understood that nine people, eight passengers and one crew member, were injured during the air turbulence, with the ages ranging from 2 to 59. None of the injuries are believed to be serious. READ MORE: ALERT: Popular sauces pulled from supermarket shelves amid presence of bacteria According to Bavaria police and German news outlets, one woman sustained a head injury while her two-year-old child was subject to bruises. A 59-year-old woman also complained of back pain. All three are being treated in hospital while other injuries were treated on site. Commenting on the incident, a spokesperson for Ryanair said, "The captain called ahead for medical assistance and the aircraft landed normally. To get passengers to their final destination as quickly as possible, we arranged for alternative transport from Memmingen to Milan that night, as well as a replacement flight this (Thursday) morning." The spokesperson said Ryanair wished to "sincerely apologise" to passengers who were affected by the diversion. Irish holidaymakers planning to visit Spain this summer have been warned of new and serious travel advice as major anti-tourism protests are set to take place across 10 cities of the popular holiday destination. On June 15, anti-tourism demonstrations are planned for cities such as Palma (Majorca), Ibiza, Lanzarote, Tenerife, Barcelona, Valencia, Bilbao, Donostia-San Sebastian, Santander and Pamplona. The protests, organised by the campaign group 'Menys Turisme, Mes Vida', meaning 'Less tourism, more life', aim to address growing concerns over overcrowding, rising living costs, the impact of mass tourism on local communities across the country, the impact of housing supply for local citizens as well as anti-social behaviour, particularly surrounding alcohol. Spain has already clamped down on Airbnb's across the country in an effort to curb the number of tourists. The Spanish Consumer Rights Ministry recently revealed that over 65,000 Airbnb properties were ordered to be removed from the site for breaching regulations such as unclear ownership, discrepancies between listed and official records and missing licence numbers. READ NEXT: Toddler among nine people injured as Ryanair plane is forced to make emergency landing The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) have issued the advice below for tourists regarding protests: "Public gatherings and demonstrations can at times take place with little or no warning. We recommend that you stay clear of demonstrations and follow the advice of the local authorities. "Protests may cause disruption to transport and other services. Be prepared to adjust your travel plans at short notice if necessary, and allow yourself extra time for your journey. You should also check for travel updates or transport delays before and during your trip to Spain. "While the protests are not directed towards tourists themselves, they may lead to travel and other disruptions for tourists." Pup crawls have also been banned in certain areas to reduce noise and disturbances in residential areas and anti-social behaviour. Barcelona in particular has extended its ban on organised pub crawls in the popular Eixample District from the hours of 7pm until 7am, which came into effect from June 1, 2025. The ban also includes the promotion and organization of such events with a 900 fine in place for anyone breaches these rules. Other popular areas such as Majorca and Ibiza have also taken measures to curb excessive drinking and public disturbances which include restrictions on public drinking and limitations on alcohol consumption at all-inclusive resorts, where guests are now limited to six drinks per day. READ NEXT: ALERT: Popular sauces pulled from supermarket shelves amid presence of bacteria Spanish authorities are actively enforcing these strict regulations with rule-breakers facing fines from 100 to 3000 depending on the severity of the offense New rules also require tourists to provide proof of legal accommodation when entering Spain, with fines of over 9000 for non-compliance. Additionally, accommodation providers must collect personal data from guests, including passport details and contact information. The DFA have advised Irish tourists to stay informed of local laws and customs and adhere to the guidelines in place. For more information on Spanish guidelines visit the DFA website Childrens Minister Norma Foley has been accused of kicking the can over paid leave after miscarriages, as she expressed support for the measure but said it was a matter for the Department of Public Expenditure. Currently, women are entitled to full maternity leave if they have a stillbirth or miscarriage after 24 weeks. However, the Labour party said that many women and men are familiar with the devastation that results from an early miscarriage, adding that women have had to take annual leave to recover from the heartache and the physical effects of this experience. It has brought forward a Reproductive Health Related Leave Bill, which would provide for any woman who suffers an early miscarriage to have paid time off to recover. In March, the UK Government agreed to ensure bereavement leave covers miscarriage, after a gap in support was identified for those who experience pregnancy loss. Asked if she would support paid leave for women who suffer miscarriages, Ms Foley said: Absolutely. However, the minister said it was not within her gift to grant. I absolutely would but I respect that a minister has to go to the [Department of Public Expenditure and Reform] in relation to that and that argument has to be brought out. The Fianna Fail minister added: We are seeking, from a gender point of view, to give maximum opportunity to all, including women. So thats in terms of employment, in terms of their health, thats in terms of supporting them in every opportunity. So obviously I would be very supportive of that but it would be a matter for another minister to get that one over the line, but I would be very supportive of it. Asked about Ms Foleys comments, Labour health spokeswoman Marie Sherlock said: The amount of can-kicking when it comes to providing what is ultimately compassionate leave for women in the workplace is unbelievable. Labour published a Bill to provide paid time off work to recover physically and emotionally from pregnancy loss. Rather than the Department of Children kicking it to the Department of Public Expenditure and so on, why cant Fine Gael and Fianna Fail just make good on their commitment to women to progress Labours Bill? She said the previous Fine Gael and Fianna Fail Government commissioned a report in January last year which recommended the introduction of policies to provide time off work following pregnancy loss before 24 weeks. Ms Sherlock added: How much longer will they make women wait? Yes, offering paid miscarriage leave supports gender equity, but crucially, specifying miscarriage leave is an acknowledgment of this enormous loss that so many women experience. It will reduce the silence around pregnancy loss and ensure that women have access to leave when it matters most. Since the introduction of the Labour Party Bill, I have been inundated with women sharing their experience of loss. The majority of these cases are unexpected. It is a profoundly sad and devastating experience and it demands attention from this Government. Follow-up as G-men ask for community assistance on what is likely politically motivated violence. Here are the basics . . . Around 1:05 a.m. that morning, surveillance footage captured a vehicle pulling onto the shoulder of Interstate 435 near the Tesla facility at 15125 W. 101st Terrace. A suspect lit and threw two Molotov cocktails at the rear of the building, and then drove away in the same vehicle, according to the ATF. This was a calculated attack that could have caused significant harm, said ATF Kansas City Special Agent in Charge Bernard Hansen. Were working closely with our partners at the FBI and Lenexa Police to identify the individual responsible, and we need the publics help. If you saw something or know somethingeven if it seems minornow is the time to speak up. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Right now we remember the glory daze of Angelina as we share #TBT context and today's pop culture, community reporting and top headlines. Check TKC news gathering . . . Don't Worry, No Discount Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City offers solutions to housing affordability The Home Builders Association of Greater KC is stepping forward with potential solutions to address the housing affordability crisis, focusing on changes to planning processes and regulations. Overnight Local Runaround KCPD pursuit ends at I-35, Levee Road in North Kansas City, impacting traffic A pursuit involving the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department ended at I-35 and Levee Road in North Kansas City, closing the southbound lanes of the highway for over an hour Wednesday night. Cowtown Close Call Metro driver describes tree that fell on car within inches of striking him The National Weather Service confirmed two tornadoes on Tuesday, June 3, including an EF-1 in Independence with winds up to 100 miles per hour. Rate Hike Push Back Public forum held in KC on Spire rate increase request On Wednesday, a public forum was held in Kansas City regarding Spire Missouri's request for a rate increase. It was one of several meetings the Missouri Public Service Commission has held across the state. Beloved Baller Brings It Home Dustin Colquitt to officially retire from Kansas City Chiefs, team says The Kansas City Chiefs announced Wednesday on X that Dustin Colquitt will officially be retiring. Star Enjoys Slow Fade . . . Angelina Jolie Will Opt for 'Intimate' 50th Birthday Celebration with Family After 'Rough' Past Decade (Exclusive Source) Angelina Jolie is not interested in holding a major party to celebrate her 50th birthday on June 4, as a source close to the actress tells PEOPLE. "She prefers a more intimate celebration with her kids," the source says. MAGA Makes It Plain: 'We Don't Want Them . . .' Trump signs proclamation banning travel from 12 countries President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on Wednesday banning travel from 12 countries, citing national security concerns. Progressively Bad News Ahead Of Another Biden Tell-All Jason Miller: Karine Jean-Pierre realizes the Democratic Party is a 'complete dumpster fire' | Fox News Video Former Trump advisor Jason Miller joins 'Fox & Friends First' to discuss KJP's stunning political reversal and why he believes Elon Musk's criticism of the 'big, beautiful bill' is 'insincere' as the president reportedly loses patience. Tech King Turnabout Ex-Trump Aide Spells Out How Elon Musk Could Gain Ultimate Revenge On The President It is "kind of devastating" for Donald Trump's administration, said Alyssa Farah Griffin. White House Loves Drone War?!? Holy Land Tragic Take Back Israeli military recovers two hostages' bodies in southern Gaza Judi Weinstein Haggai, 70, and her husband Gadi Haggai, 72, were murdered during the Hamas-led attacks on 7 October 2023. Pilgrims Roam Planet One of the World's Biggest Human Gatherings Begins The annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca begins Wednesday, and the New York Times reports it will be the last to fall during summer months until the mid-2040s. The timing has... Song & Dance Payback Maori lawmakers suspended over protest haka performed in New Zealand Parliament Three Maori lawmakers in New Zealand received record suspensions of up to three weeks on Thursday, local media reported, over a protest haka they performed in Parliament last year against a contentious bill. All Fun & Games Until Sketchy Panels Come Back 'Relationship anarchy' may cure Gen Z's loneliness, Feeld reports The relationship style is less known than polyamory or open relationships. Every Chubster's Favorite Story This Week . . . A hungry wild elephant raids a grocery store for snacks in Thailand A hungry wild elephant has caused havoc in a grocery store in Thailand after strolling in from the Khao Yai National Park and helping himself to the food on the shelves Golden Ghetto Going Away Party Popular Shawnee brewery announces closure, goodbye celebration Pathlight Brewing, located in Shawnee, Kansas, says that it's "with heavy hearts" that the decision was made. Forecast For Now . . . Kansas City weather: A break from the rain before more showers Thursday into Friday There is a slim chance for a brief sprinkle during the day on Thursday, but showers are more likely Thursday night into Friday morning. A truly horrible Billboard top 100 hit in 1985, Chicago - You're the Inspiration is the #TBT song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now. Thank you for signing up! Youll soon be getting your Toronto scoop in your inbox. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page. BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Brunei has launched a new initiative called Waspada.bn, a fact-checking platform allowing the public to verify information and news circulated on social media, a government minister has announced. Currently accessible via Instagram, The Waspada.bn will be expanded into a dedicated website by early 2026, providing a comprehensive resource to combat misinformation and fake news, said Pengiran Shamhary Mustapha, Minister of Transport and Infocommunications, at the Digital Future Conference and Exhibition (DFCE) 2025 near the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan. Pengiran Shamhary also revealed that the Digital Economy Council has been renamed the Digital Brunei Council, accompanied by a strategic restructuring of its membership. This rebranding aims to better reflect the diverse stakeholders' critical roles in the nation's digital transformation. Additionally, the minister highlighted Brunei's recent enactment of the Personal Data Protection Order, which seeks to enhance public confidence by promoting organizational accountability and ensuring transparent handling of personal data. Following a one-year grace period, the Order will take full effect in January 2026. Niue's Premier and Foreign Minister Dalton Tagelagi recently led a delegation to visit China's Quanzhou. During the visit, the delegation focused on seeking new opportunities in marine cooperation. Learn about common plant diseases and management options Photo by Laura Weingartner Jim Myers, a plant breeder from Oregon State University, examines the stalk of a sunflower infected with white mold, a disease caused by a fungus called Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, during an August 2024 workshop in Fairbanks. This fungus can infect a wide range of crops, including beans, canola and various vegetable crops. All plants are susceptible to disease, which can be caused by both living organisms and environmental conditions. Todd Steinlage, a plant pathologist with the Alaska Plant Materials Center, will discuss common diseases in Alaska and management options for them in a free Zoom webinar hosted by the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service. Plant diseases can be caused by biotic means, such as bacteria, fungi and viruses, as well as abiotic (non-living, environmental) means. Steinlage has a master's degree in plant pathology from Iowa State University and has worked in the field for 27 years. The Plant Materials Center is part of the Alaska Division of Agriculture. The webinar will be at noon on Wednesday, June 18. Register using the online form or visit https://bit.ly/SteinlageWebinar. For more information, contact Molly Johansson, 907-786-6313 or mjohansson@alaska.edu ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made five business days in advance to Johansson. Language access services, such as interpretation or translation of vital information, will be provided free of charge to individuals with limited English proficiency upon request to amnorris2@alaska.edu. This work is supported by the U.S. Department of Agricultures National Institute of Food and Agriculture. 287-25 Welcome Guest! You are here: Home Freedom Flotilla 'Madleen' closing in on Gaza despite Israeli threats Madleen, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) aid ship, is on its way to Gaza and is likely to reach the besieged Palestinian enclave on June 7, 2025 if not stopped using force Thursday June 5, 2025 5:15 PM , ummid.com with inputs from Agencies [Flotilla Madleen location on Thursday June 05, 2025 at 15:40 (Freedom Flotilla FFC Tracker)] Mediterranean Sea: Madleen, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) aid ship, is on its way to Gaza and is likely to reach the besieged Palestinian enclave on June 7, 2025 if not stopped using force. Madleen, named after the first Palestinian fisherwman who ran her fathers fishing business after he was injured in a 2009 Israeli attack, was launched from Catania, Sicily, Sunday June 1, 2025. As per the online tracker, Madleen has sailed through more than half of its journey despite facing drone attacks two times, by the Israelis. Who are onboard? Onboard the ships are actor Liam Cunningham, Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, French-Palestinian Member of European Parliament Rima Hassan and other activists. Others onboard included Yasemin Acar of Germany, Baptiste Andre, Omar Faiad, Pascal Maurieras, Yanis Mhamdi and Reva Viard - all from France, Thiago Avila from Brazil, Suayb Ordu from Turkiye, Sergio Toribio from Spain and Marco van Rennes from The Netherlands. The coalition had earlier planned Gaza aid ship Conscience. It was however bombed by the Israeli drones in international waters. Four crew members were injured, the ship was set ablaze, communications were severed, and the vessel was left adrift and taking on water, the Coalition said. The attack on Conscience flotilla occurred in European waters on May 2, 2025, in violation of international law, where it remains stranded. The bombing was a deliberate act of aggression and intimidation amid Israels 75 day total siege of Gaza, the Coalition said. Madleen under Israeli threat The Madleen flotilla is also being targeted by the Israeli drones. A month after our latest attempt to go on with this mission, the boat was bombed twice. All evidence suggests Israel. And we are doing this because we have to keep our promise to the Palestinians to do everything in our power to protest against the genocide and to try to open up a humanitarian corridor, Greta Thunberg said. The Coalition further said that the ship was approached and circled by a drone on Wednesday night, followed by two others. These actions raise serious concerns about whether Greece and/or the European Union is conducting surveillance on behalf of Israel, it said in a statement. The drone was later identified as a Hellenic Coast Guard Heron which is believed to be developed by developed by the Malat (UAV) division of Israel Aerospace. Israel based Walla news site had earlier reported that the Israeli navy commandos were preparing for the possibility of seizing the ship. The report came after the Israeli military Wednesday warned it would take measures against the Freedom Flotilla Coalition. The Madleen flotilla, armed with food, water, and medical supplies, aims to challenge the latest blockade of Gaza the Israeli occupation forces have imposed since March 18, 2025. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. "Phoenix in Fire," an animated film portraying China's resistance against Japanese aggression during World War II, premieres at a cinema in Yuzhong District of southwest China's Chongqing, June 5, 2025. Titled "Phoenix in Fire," the film opened at a cinema in Chaotianmen of Yuzhong District, a landmark location that was once a bustling riverside dock area and later reduced to rubble during the Japanese bombings of the war. (Xinhua/Zhou Siyu) CHONGQING, June 5 (Xinhua) -- More than 80 years after a devastating wartime massacre, an animated film portraying China's resistance against Japanese aggression during World War II premiered Thursday afternoon in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. Titled "Phoenix in Fire," the film opened at a cinema in Chaotianmen of Yuzhong District, a landmark location that was once a bustling riverside dock area and later reduced to rubble during the Japanese bombings of the war. "This movie is Chongqing's gift to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression," said Zhou Yong, the film's chief planner and vice president of a Chinese society on the history of that war. Zhou told Xinhua that the film took nearly eight years to produce and saw the collaboration of both historians and artists. Together, they used animation, a global artistic language, to tell the story of the Chinese people's historic contribution during World War II. Starting in 1938, Japanese warplanes bombed Chongqing, then China's provisional capital, killing and injuring more than 32,000 people. On June 5, 1941 alone, approximately 2,500 people suffocated to death while seeking shelter in a tunnel during one of the bombings. The animated film draws inspiration from Zhou's study on "Kukan: The Battle Cry of China," an Oscar-winning documentary produced by Chinese American playwright Li Ling-Ai and filmed by American correspondent Rey Scott. "Kukan," meaning "bitter struggle" or "hard work" in Chinese, offered American audiences rare footage of China's wartime resilience. Inspired by the documentary, some young American people joined the American Volunteer Group to help China fight the invaders. Zhang Lianhong, the animated film's chief producer, said the project is deeply personal. "My parents both lived through the Chongqing bombings, and I grew up listening to their stories," she said, adding that they were not confident at the beginning to make an animation with such a realistic theme. The team revised the script more than 40 times and considered over 10 different titles before settling on "Phoenix in Fire," a metaphor for the city's rebirth from the ashes of war. The phoenix is also an auspicious symbol in China, dating back to ancient times. To authentically depict wartime Chongqing, the production team enlisted elderly painters to recreate historical buildings, reviving the city's appearance from 80 years ago. The story unfolds through the lens of the main characters, and presents a collective portrait of Chinese citizens during the war. "Everyone contributed in their own way -- together, they became an indomitable force. That's the secret behind the Chinese nation's invincibility," said Zhang. The movie reached its climax as Chinese fighter jets soared into a desperate battle against invading forces, when many audiences watched in tears. "This movie uses artistic measures to arouse people's love for peace," said Wang Youran, a fifth-grader at the cinema, who added that they, as youngsters in the new era, should inherit the spirit of courage and fortitude. Li Wan, a post-production staffer from central China's Hubei Province, said she didn't know much about the Chongqing bombings until joining the project. The deeper she delved into the history, the more she was moved. "We hope young audiences will come to the cinema and feel the spirit of this city," Li said. UNITED NATIONS, June 5 (Xinhua) -- The Security Council on Thursday demanded the immediate and unconditional release of personnel from the United Nations, nongovernmental and civil society organizations and diplomatic missions who were detained by the Houthis in Yemen. In a press statement, the members of the Security Council reiterated that all threats to those delivering humanitarian aid and assistance are unacceptable. They reiterated their demand that the Houthis ensure respect of international humanitarian law with regard to safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access to ensure assistance can reach civilians in need. The council members welcomed the continued work of the United Nations through all possible channels to secure the safe and immediate release of those detained. The council members acknowledged that the Eid Al-Adha holiday will be particularly difficult for those detained, their families, and for many others who now live in fear of being themselves detained. This week marks one year since the wave of detention by the Houthis. According to the world body, 23 UN staff members and five personnel from international nongovernmental organizations remain detained. One UN staff member and another from Save the Children have died in detention. In the past few days, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as well as heads of UN agencies and programs have called for the release of the detained personnel. UNITED NATIONS, June 5 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Thursday that he was disappointed at Wednesday's U.S. veto of a Security Council draft resolution on Gaza. The draft resolution, which would have demanded an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the lifting of restrictions on humanitarian aid, won the support of 14 out of the 15 Security Council members. The United States single-handedly vetoed the draft. Asked on Thursday whether he was disappointed at the result, Guterres said, "Of course." "We are always disappointed when ceasefires do not materialize, releases of hostages (do not happen), and humanitarian aid is not distributed or is distributed in a way that puts at risk the lives of so many Palestinians," he told reporters. Guterres said the United Nations will do everything it can to help Gazans. But he stressed that the world body's work will be effective only if there is a permanent ceasefire, the unconditional and immediate release of all hostages and unlimited access for humanitarian aid. He said it is essential to keep alive the two-state solution perspective. "And for those that doubt about the two-state solution, I ask: What is the alternative? Is it a one-state solution in which either the Palestinians are expelled or the Palestinians will be forced to live in their land without rights? That would be totally unacceptable," he said. "I firmly believe that it is the duty of the international community to keep the two-state solution alive and then to materialize the conditions to make it happen," Guterres added. A Nobel Prize winning Lebanese-American who left his war-torn country for America in 1986 now has the opportunity to take his research to China after the Trump administration froze his federal grant. After earning his doctorate, Ardem Patapoutian became a postdoctoral fellow at the University of California, San Francisco. In 2000, he joined the Scripps Research Institute as an assistant professor, and since 2015, he has also served as an investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. In 2021, the renowned molecular biologist and neuroscientist was awarded the Nobel Prize for his discoveries of receptors for temperature and touch. Dr. Patapoutian joined a growing number of American academics speaking out after President Donald Trump's administration cut more than $1.5 billion from the National Institutes of Health's budget in February, leaving institutions like Scripps Research with a $38 million shortfall. After warning his Bluesky followers that the cuts would undermine biomedical research and push talent out of the U.S., Dr. Patapoutian told The New York Times that within hours, he received an email from China offering to relocate his lab to "any city, any university I want," with guaranteed funding for 20 years. Although Dr. Patapoutian ultimately declined, citing his love for his adopted countries, he warned that emerging scientists may have no choice but to leave, placing future U.S. scientific breakthroughs and research at risk. Originally published on Latin Times Within 24 hours of being sued by federal government, a Texas law that allowed in-state tuition rates for undocumented immigrants has been ended. On Wednesday, the U.S. Justice Department filed suit challenging the two-decades-old practice, saying that it discriminated against U.S. citizens and was unconstitutional. "Under federal law, schools cannot provide benefits to illegal aliens that they do not provide to U.S. citizens," said Attorney General Pam Bondi. "The Justice Department will relentlessly fight to vindicate federal law and ensure that U.S. citizens are not treated like second-class citizens anywhere in the country." The court action targeted a Texas law that required colleges and universities to provide in-state tuition rates for all undocumented immigrants who maintained Texas residency, even if they were not in the U.S. legally. The government asserted that federal law prohibited institutions of higher education from providing benefits to aliens that are not offered to U.S. citizens. Shortly after the court filing, Texas agreed with the government's position. The Texas Tribune reported that the state asked U.S. District Judge Reed O'Connor to agree with the government and rule the law unconstitutional, which he did. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said that "ending this discriminatory and un-American provision is a major victory for Texas," the newspaper reported. The co-founder of TheDream.US, a scholarship program for undocumented students, Don Graham, told the newspaper that in the long run, the action will hurt Texas. "It'll mean that some of the brightest young students in the country, some of the most motivated, will be denied an opportunity for higher education," Graham told the newspaper. "And it'll hurt the workforce, it'll hurt the economy." Originally published on Lawyer Herald A sharp-tailed grouse from the population in south-central Wyoming shows its colors. New research by University of Wyoming scientists finds that the birds in this population are likely a distinct subspecies from Columbian and plains sharp-tailed grouse. (Jonathan Lautenbach Photo) For decades, a population of grouse in south-central Wyoming and northwest Colorado has been identified as Columbian sharp-tailed grouse, the same subspecies that can be found in far western Wyoming near Jackson along with Idaho, northern Utah and parts of the Pacific Northwest. But new research led by University of Wyoming scientists has found that the 8,000-10,000 sharp-tailed grouse found in the shrublands and high deserts of southern Carbon County and northwest Colorado are not Columbian sharp-tailed grouse. Nor are they more closely related to plains sharp-tailed grouse -- a subspecies found in portions of the northern Great Plains in the United States and Canada, including eastern Wyoming -- as was suggested by other researchers in 2006. Rather, the birds potentially represent a distinct subspecies of sharp-tailed grouse that has been isolated from other populations of the bird for many years. The discovery could have major implications for wildlife managers in Wyoming and other states in the Intermountain West and Pacific Northwest. Our results may potentially change the current understanding of sharp-tailed grouse subspecies in western North America, which can impact how to manage them, wrote the researchers, led by recent UW Ph.D. graduate Jonathan Lautenbach and Professor Jeff Beck, of UWs Department of Ecosystem Science and Management. Their research appears in the journal Ecology and Evolution. Currently, there are six recognized subspecies of sharp-tailed grouse in North America, generally separated geographically and by the habitats they occupy. Theyre closely related to greater and lesser prairie chickens, which inhabit portions of the grasslands and shrublands of the Great Plains. In Wyoming, plains sharp-tailed grouse can be found in the grasslands of the eastern part of the state. The sharp-tailed grouse found in Wyomings southern Carbon County and northwest Colorado -- which the UW researchers now suggest could be a distinct subspecies -- are isolated from the plains sharp-tailed grouse to the east, as well as from the Columbian sharp-tailed grouse farther west. But the isolated group has been categorized and managed as Columbian sharp-tailed grouse for many years. The UW researchers used multiple lines of evidence to show that the south-central Wyoming sharp-tailed grouse are neither Columbian sharp-tailed grouse nor plains sharp-tailed grouse. They examined habitat characteristics, the birds appearance and two types of genetic data -- combined with computer modeling -- to reach their conclusion. Across all four datasets and both modeling techniques, we found that each population (Columbian, plains and south-central Wyoming sharp-tailed grouse) generally represented its own cluster, the scientists wrote. Our results suggest that the population of sharp-tailed grouse in south-central Wyoming is different from both Columbian and plains sharp-tailed grouse. Among the conservation and management implications of these new findings is a potential 10 percent to 20 percent decrease in the total number of birds recognized as Columbian sharp-tailed grouse, whose population has been estimated to be between 41,000-62,000 across multiple states and British Columbia. Due to habitat fragmentation and declining numbers, the Columbian sharp-tailed grouse has been petitioned for listing under the Endangered Species Act. Additionally, the researchers say any efforts to boost Columbian sharp-tailed grouse numbers in states including Nevada, Oregon and Washington should not involve translocating sharp-tailed grouse from the isolated population of sharp-tailed grouse in south-central Wyoming and northwest Colorado. In addition to concerns about maintaining genetic integrity, the scientists note there are habitat differences between the two populations. Currently, habitat management actions are applied uniformly between Columbian sharp-tailed grouse and populations of sharp-tailed grouse in south-central Wyoming and northwest Colorado, the researchers wrote. Our results suggest a need to reevaluate habitat management approaches for sharp-tailed grouse across the range of these species/subspecies in Wyoming, Idaho and northwest Colorado. The research was funded, in part, by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Wyoming Wildlife Federation and the High Plains Chapter of Pheasants Forever. Other members of the research team were from the University of North Texas, Boise State University, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the George Miksch Sutton Avian Research Center in Bartlesville, Okla. BEIJING, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Thursday that dialogue and cooperation are the only correct choice for China and the United States. In his phone talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, Xi said that recalibrating the direction of the giant ship of China-U.S. relations requires the two sides to take the helm and set the right course, adding that it is particularly important to steer clear of the various disturbances and disruptions. Noting that at the suggestion of the U.S. side, the two countries' lead officials recently held an economic and trade meeting in Geneva, Xi said it marked an important step forward in resolving the relevant issues through dialogue and consultation, and was welcomed by both societies and the international community. The two sides need to make good use of the economic and trade consultation mechanism already in place, and seek win-win results in the spirit of equality and respect for each other's concerns, he said, adding that the Chinese side is sincere about this, and at the same time has its principles. The Chinese, Xi said, always honor and deliver what has been promised, urging both sides to make good on the agreement reached in Geneva. In fact, China has been seriously and earnestly executing the agreement, Xi added. The U.S. side should acknowledge the progress already made, and remove the negative measures taken against China, he said. The two sides should enhance communication in such fields as foreign affairs, economy and trade, military, and law enforcement to build consensus, clear up misunderstandings, and strengthen cooperation, Xi added. Xi emphasized that the United States must handle the Taiwan question with prudence, so that the fringe separatists bent on "Taiwan independence" will not be able to drag China and the United States into the dangerous terrain of confrontation and even conflict. SANAA, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthi group claimed responsibility Thursday night for a "hypersonic ballistic missile" toward Israel's Ben Gurion Airport, which the Israeli military said was intercepted earlier on the night. "The operation came in response to the (Israeli) crime of starvation and thirst in Gaza and the enemy's aggression against the southern suburbs of Beirut," said the Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea in a statement aired by Houthi-run al-Masirah TV. "We will stand with Gaza until the aggression and blockade against Gaza stop," he added. The Israeli military said earlier Thursday night that its aerial defense systems intercepted a missile fired from Yemen. On Wednesday, the Houthi group said it launched two drone attacks toward Ben Gurion Airport, but Israel didn't comment. The Houthi rebel group, which controls much of northern Yemen, has been targeting Israel with long-range missiles and drones since November 2023 to show solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Most of the Houthi attacks were reportedly intercepted by the Israeli defense systems. Adam, 11, to leave Gaza for medical treatment in Italy. A seriously injured 11-year-old Palestinian boy whose father and nine siblings were killed in an Israeli air strike in Gaza is set to arrive in Italy on Wednesday for medical treatment in Milan. The boy, Adam al-Najjar, will be treated at the Niguarda children's hospital in the northern Italian city, officials from the Lombardia region said on Monday. Doctors at the Milan hospital will carry out the operations required to treat the severe injuries and burns that Adam suffered, particularly to his chest and one arm. News of Adam's arrival was confirmed last week by deputy premier and foreign minister Antonio Tajani, days after the Italian government offered to transfer the boy to a medical facility in Italy. "I think that on 11 June Adam will be able to leave Gaza with his mother, aunt and four cousins and will come here to be treated in one of the best Italian paediatric hospitals", Tajani told reporters on the sidelines of a UNESCO conference in Naples. Adam's doctor father, Hamdi al-Najjar, died on Saturday, eight days after suffering severe injuries in an Israeli air strike that hit the family's home in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. The attack occurred just after Dr al-Najjar had returned from dropping his wife, paediatrician Alaa al-Najjar, off at Nasser Hospital, where the couple both worked. His death leaves his 11-year-old Adam as the sole survivor of the attack. Adam is set to arrive in Italy on a flight from Israel's Eilat-Ramon airport, according to La Repubblica newspaper, along with around 20 other wounded young people who will be taken to various medical facilities in the country. Italy's offer of help came after the boy's uncle Ali Al-Najjar appealed to the Italian government to take him "to a real hospital, outside of the Gaza Strip", La Repubblica reported. Tajani told reporters last week that Italy is "one of the countries that has done the most" to help civilians in Gaza, transferring 700 Palestinians out of the Gaza Strip into Italy, including "130 children who are hospitalised in the best Italian paediatric hospitals". "We continue our humanitarian action effort, we are continuing the Food for Gaza project, with all the difficulties that exist" - Tajani added - "You know what our position is: enough bombings, enough war". Photo credit: Anas-Mohammed / Shutterstock.com. Kenneth Fox Two men who were to take 2.25 tonnes of cocaine from the MV Matthew and bring it to the UK were so expendable that when their ship ran aground in rough seas, their employers deleted them from a group chat and planned to complete the operation without them, the Special Criminal Court has heard. Det Superintendent Keith Halley told the three-judge court that Englishman Jamie Harbron was on the "lowest rung" in the criminal enterprise to transport the massive drugs haul across the Atlantic, into Europe. Harbron was hired as a deck hand on board the Castlemore, an Irish ship which was supposed to meet the MV Matthew and take the drugs to the UK, the detective said Under cross-examination, Det Halley told Harbron's defence counsel, Michael O'Higgins SC, that Harbron's jobs appeared to include "greasing things up" or tidying the ship. He did not appear to be a "competent or good deck hand," Supt Halley said. He could not operate the radio, find the life vests or secure a tow rope thrown from a coastguard boat in an attempt to rescue the vessel. Having been on rough seas from Friday afternoon until Sunday evening, Harbron was "very sick" and told gardai he believed he was going to die. Harbron was finally winched to safety by a coastguard helicopter and was "very, very grateful" to his rescuers, the Superintendent said. When the Dubai-based organisers of the criminal enterprise realised the Castlemore had run aground, they initially told the ship's captain, Vitaliy Lapa, not to call the coastguard. They then removed the Castlemore from the virtual chat room used to communicate with the vessels and told the MV Matthew they would find another boat to make the rendezvous. Supt Halley agreed that this indicated Harbron and Lapa were "completely expendable". Harbron appeared to have become involved in the plot at the last minute and had told gardai that he was promised 10,000 would be wiped off a 20,000 drug debt. Lapa, the detective said, speaks no English and the two men communicated using Google Translate. The Dubai-based leadership had an "erroneous belief" that the messages they had sent to the Castlemore would automatically delete after one hour, Supt Halley said. However, gardai retrieved the messages, which were used as part of the evidence in the case. Eight men have pleaded guilty to offences arising from the seizure of 157 million worth of drugs on board the MV Matthew. Members of the Irish Army Rangers wing of the Defence Forces boarded the ship on September 26th, 2022 in a daring mission in rough seas as the MV Matthew manoeuvred to try to evade capture. The ship had departed from Curacao, off the Venezuelan coast and sailed across the Atlantic before arriving in Irish territorial waters. Lenient sentencing Ukrainians Mykhailo Gavryk (32) and Vitaliy Vlasoi (33); Iranians Soheil Jelveh (52) and Saeid Hassani (40); Filipino Harold Estoesta (31) and Dutch national Cumali Ozgen (50) pleaded guilty that between September 24th and 26th 2023, both dates inclusive, at locations outside the State, on board the vessel "MV Matthew" they possessed cocaine for sale or supply, in contravention of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations. Ukrainian national Vitaliy Lapa (62), with an address at Rudenka, Repina Str in Berdyansk, and Jamie Harbron (31) of South Avenue, Billingham in the UK pleaded guilty that on dates between September 21st and 25th, 2023 they attempted to possess cocaine for sale or supply, in contravention of the Misuse of Drugs Act. Lawyers for all eight asked the court to be as lenient as possible in sentencing. For mitigation, they rely on their guilty pleas and the fact that their time in prison will be spent in a foreign country away from their families. None of those before the court were the leaders of the criminal organisation involved in transporting the drugs but were hired to perform specific roles on the two ships, lawyers said. The only defendant with a record of offending is Jamie Harbron, whose convictions include cannabis and cocaine possession in the UK. Lawyers for the others submitted that their clients were of good character before this offence, but they "succumbed" to temptation, hoping to resolve various financial difficulties. Brendan Grehan SC, for Kumali Ozgen, said his client's job on board the MV Matthew was to "mind the cargo". He was, counsel said, the "eyes and ears" of those directing the operation from Dubai and had no seafaring experience. Ozgen admitted to gardai that he loaded crates of drugs onto the ship and used paint thinners to try to burn the drugs when the Irish Navy began its pursuit. He also said he was to be paid 50,000 to 100,000 if successful, but has received nothing. Mr Grehan said Ozgen took the job in a "misguided attempt" to provide for his family, in particular his son, who suffers from poor health. Hugh Hartnett SC, for Gavryk, said his client was of excellent character before this offence. Michael Hourigan SC, for Estoesta, said his client had provided gardai with valuable information, including that when the drugs were loaded onto the MV Matthew, ordinary crew members were plied with alcohol to distract them. Mark Lynam SC for Hassani, said this was the first time his client was involved in "anything of this kind". He had been a sailor of good character all his life but "succumbed to temptation", believing the money from this job would allow him to spend more time with his wife and family. Colman Cody SC, for Lapa, said his client was a hard-working, law-abiding citizen and a loving husband and father. Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Lapa found himself in a "vulnerable financial position". Despite having retired as a fishing captain, he was compelled to go abroad to provide for his family. "He was vulnerable to certain pressures, and that ought to be taken into account," counsel said. Paul O'Higgins SC, for Vlasoi, said his client was the first officer on the boat but had led a blameless life before. He had limited knowledge of the operation, counsel said. Keivon Sotoodeh BL, for Jelveh, said his client was the captain of the MV Matthew but was acting on orders from Dubai. The court previously heard that Jelveh became frustrated with the instructions he was receiving and called the coastguard for an emergency medical evacuation. A coastguard helicopter lifted Jelveh from the MV Matthew before the ship was engaged by Irish Naval vessel the LE William Butler Yeats. Ms Justice Melanie Greally, sitting with Judge Sarah Berkeley and Judge Grainne Malone, will deliver the sentences on July 4th. High Court reporters Tipperary University Hospital has apologised to the family of a young mother for the shortcomings in care which led to her death and that of her unborn baby. Caroline Kavanagh was 22 weeks pregnant with her second child, a baby boy, when she first presented at the Clonmel hospital's emergency department with chest pain. The familys counsel, Dr John OMahony SC, told the High Court the 37-year old woman was misdiagnosed and her heart attack symptoms were not identified or addressed and she was discharged home. Dr OMahony said it was a heartbreaking and extremely sad case where the young mother five days later was found unresponsive in bed at her Kilmallock, Co Limerick, home and later pronounced dead. Her mother came to her home and found her daughter motionless in bed. Caroline had died and the baby she was carrying died with his mother, Dr OMahony told the court. Outside the High Court, Caroline Kavanaghs family said it had been a 10-year long battle for justice and even though they now had the long awaited apology from the HSE and hospital it will not bring back Caroline or the unborn baby boy who was to be known as TJ. Dr OMahony, instructed by solicitor Ciaran OKeeffe, said at the hospital there was a misdiagnosis and a mistaken belief that an elevated level of the protein Troponin in the blood was due to pregnancy when in reality it can point to cardiovascular issues. The letter of apology was read to the court as Carolines 74-year-old mother, Margaret Kavanagh, of Cashel, Co Tipperary, settled a High Court action against the HSE over her daughters death on February 11th, 2015. The letter from the interim hospital manager, Ailish Delaney, expressed profound sympathy and condolences to Mrs Kavanagh on the loss of Caroline and her unborn child. It added: The management and staff of the hospital apologise sincerely for the shortcomings in the care which was provided to Caroline and which led to her tragic death. The hospital wishes to acknowledge the heartache and distress suffered by her family because of her premature passing and to express our sincere sympathy and regret. A breach of duty was admitted by the HSE in the case. At the time of her death, Ms Kavanaghs daughter, Megan, was only nine months old. Outside court, Margaret Kavanagh said it had taken the family 10 years to get justice for Caroline. While we acknowledge the apology from the HSE, as a family we believe that if the past mistakes that were made had had been corrected we would not be here today. She said even though the family now has the apology, it will not bring back Caroline or the unborn baby who was going to be called Thomas James or TJ. She said Caroline had been so looking forward to the birth of her second child. She was a great mother, daughter, sister and just a great person, she said. Clutching a picture of her daughter she wears in a pendant around her neck, Mrs Kavanagh said while the family had now got justice, it had taken so long. Why are there all these mistakes? We are in the 21st Century and we seem to be going backwards, she said. Mrs Kavanagh, who was accompanied to court by Carolines sister Claire, said she hoped that no family in the future will have to go through the pain and loss we have experienced in the last 10 years. In the proceedings, it was claimed that the correct diagnosis of acute heart attack was not made and Caroline Kavanagh was not offered appropriate cardiac care to significantly improve her chances of survival when she attended the hospital on February 6th, 2015. She ultimately died of the complications of heart attack on February 11th, 2015. It was claimed substandard care had been provided to Ms Kavanagh and she did not have an echocardiogram. She had been started on cardioprotective medication on admission to hospital but these were stopped on discharge. Noting the settlement and the division of the statutory 35,000 mental distress payment, Mr Justice Paul Coffey extended his deepest sympathy to the Kavanagh family. Claire Henry and Isabel Hayes A man who subjected two of his younger sisters to horrific and repeated sexual abuse in the 1970s has been jailed for four-and-a-half years. Bernard Brennan (67), formerly of Rathfarnham, Dublin, but most recently residing in the United States, pleaded guilty to 11 counts of indecent assault in various locations within the State between 1972 and 1975. He has no previous convictions. His sisters, Yvonne Crist and Paula Fay, waived their anonymity so Brennan could be named. Passing sentence in the Central Criminal Court on Thursday, Mr Justice Paul McDermott said the facts of the case were appalling. He said that while the abuse Brennan pleaded guilty to fell under the historic term of 'indecent assault', today the abuse would constitute offences that have a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. However, he noted the court was bound by law to the maximum penalty of two years' imprisonment and that Brennan was a juvenile when he committed the abuse. Brennan pleaded guilty in advance of his trial date to four counts of indecent assault against Ms Crist and seven counts of indecent assault against Ms Fay. Ms Crist was aged 13, while Ms Fay was just seven years old when the abuse started. Mr Justice McDermott said some of the abuse perpetrated against the sisters was horrific to hear and to describe. He said they gave eloquent, moving statements outlining the horrors they have experienced and the pain they have suffered as a result of the abuse. He said the devastation the abuse caused was unspeakable and the penalties to be imposed were by reason of history and nothing else. He set a headline sentence of 21 months for each count and reduced this to 15 months, taking mitigating factors into account. He imposed four concurrent sentences of 15 months on Brennan, amounting to five years' imprisonment. He reduced this to four-and-a-half years and backdated it to when Brennan went into custody earlier this year. At a previous hearing, Detective Garda Neil Fogarty told Patrick McCullough BL, prosecuting, that in relation to Ms Fay, the abuse started when the then seven-year-old was called in to the house by Brennan then aged 14 years old and forced to take off her clothes in front of a group of local boys. Brennan touched her inappropriately in front of these boys and from then on the abuse escalated, to include oral rape. He would wake her in the night to abuse her. The court heard he threatened Ms Fay that their family would be split up if she told anyone about the abuse. Ms Crist was 13 and Brennan was aged 15 when he started abusing her. He would wake her in the night, sexually assault her and make her watch pornography. He digitally penetrated her and performed oral sex on her. She was afraid to call out or tell her parents for fear of physical punishment, the court heard. Brennan subjected both girls to abuse in front of and with a third party, the court heard. A letter was found from Brennan to his father, dated 2012, in which he apologised to his parents for abusing his sisters, but stated that he had no memory of it. In her victim impact statement, Ms Crist said it has been hard to trust anyone in her life except her sister. Incest has affected me, and I have had to bury it deep inside, she said. You took my innocence, and I will never forget that, she said. I have become a strong person, and I have met these challenges head-to-head. I forgave you, my brother, a long time ago, but I have had to hang onto the past until now. The truth has now been told, and you will now be known as a sexual predator for the rest of your life. You have put us through hell, she added. May you never find peace again. Ms Fay also read her victim impact statement to the court, in which she said she was silenced in her childhood and felt invisible, worthless and inferior. Growing up as a child, I always felt incapable, insufficient and inadequate, she said. I should have felt safe in my childhood home. I struggle with being alone because that's when the thoughts of self-doubt come back. She said the legal process has been a long and arduous one, starting back in 2021. I have felt so much freedom since, and so much weight lifted off my shoulders, she said. I chose to survive. Today, I truly became a survivor. I now have justice. Det Gda Fogarty agreed with Miska Hanahoe BL, defending, that her client has no previous convictions in Ireland or any other jurisdiction. The garda agreed with counsel that he immediately stated he would travel from the United States to Ireland and indicated that he would plead guilty. Ms Hanahoe said her client offers an unreserved apology to both of the injured parties. She said Brennan has suffered profound guilt and shame throughout his life. Counsel said he grew up in a violent home and that his only sexual education was from pornography, which he re-enacted. She said her client has no memory of the abuse but does not dispute the evidence of his sisters. She said he has never tried to minimise his wrongdoing. He asked the court to take into account that the Probation Services have placed him at low risk of reoffending, that he has co-operated fully with the gardai, that he has shown remorse, and his age at the time of the offending. 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. Waterford Chamber in conjunction with Waterford City & County Council and Waterford Local Enterprise Office is planning a trade delegation trip to Markischer Kreis, in Germany. The trip is being planned on the back of an invitation from the South Westphalian Chamber of Industry and Commerce and comes in the wake of an initiative last year that saw Waterford Chamber host a delegation from Markischer Kreis businesses whose representative met with local business owners here. In the latest Waterford Chamber newsletter it was noted that Markischer Kreis is 'a highly industrial and innovation-led region in central Germany'. "South Wesphalia, Germany's industrial heartland, offers a strategic opportunity for Waterford businesses seeking growth and diversification amid changing trade dynamics," said the Chamber in the newsletter to members. The Chamber also pointed out that the region in question has a 30,000-member chamber network along with a stable, expansive market, thus presenting some positive opportunities for Waterford businesses. "This mission will help Waterford companies build partnerships, explore supply chains and meet demand for high-quality goods and services," the Chamber informed its members. The trip is being planned as part of Waterford Chambers desire to explore new opportunities in alternative markets following recent US tariff announcements. CARACAS, June 5 (Xinhua) -- The United States government is carrying out a new campaign of "stigmatization and criminalization" against Venezuelans, the South American country denounced on Thursday. The "stigmatization" campaign is evident in a "new attack that restricts the issuance and validity of visas for Venezuelan citizens, without any justification and with obvious political purposes," Venezuela's Foreign Affairs Ministry said in a statement. "This operation has been promoted by the current Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, an official marked by his well-known hatred of the Venezuelan people," the ministry added. Venezuela's government reiterated its "unwavering commitment to defending the rights and interests of Venezuelans in any part of the world." The ministry also ratified a maximum travel alert for citizens planning to travel to the United States or residing in the United States. "What happened is not an isolated incident, but rather a new demonstration of the visceral hatred for the Venezuelan people that drives those who currently conduct Washington's foreign policy," it added. The U.S. government announced it was restricting visas to nationals from several countries, including Venezuela. Author Andrea Carter will join Waterford City and County Librarian Mary Conway for the fifth Writers at Waterford Libraries event of the year on June 18, at 3pm. The 'in conversation' event will take place in Lismore Library where Carter will discuss her latest book, 'There Came a Tapping'. Carter grew up in Ballyfin, Co. Laois, studied law at Trinity College Dublin, and worked as a solicitor on the Inishowen Peninsula, County Donegal, where she ran the most northerly solicitors practice in the country. Having practised law for 20 years, more recently as a barrister, she now writes full time. Her first book, 'Death at Whitewater Church', a winner of the Irish Writers Centre Novel Fair, was followed by 'Treacherous Strand', 'The Well of Ice', 'Murder at Greysbridge' and 'The Body Falls'. She was also the recipient of two Arts Council of Ireland Literature Bursary Awards and a Dublin City Council Bursary Award. Her short story, 'The Lamb', was shortlisted for the Irish Book Awards in 2019 and the Inishowen Mysteries series is in development for television. Her first stand alone thriller, 'There Came a Tapping' was published in March. This event is free, but booking is essential by contacting Lismore Library on 058 21377. Eoin Reynolds A 27-year-old mother has been released on continuing bail after she admitted being in possession of a firearms arsenal spread out over two locations in Dublin last year. Sarah Jane Byrne, of Mangorton Road, Drimnagh, Dublin 12, appeared before the three-judge Special Criminal Court on Thursday where she pleaded guilty to five offences. Her barrister, Keith Spencer BL, told the court that Ms Byrne was dealing with addiction at the time of her arrest. She has been attending a rehabilitation programme and is the mother of a ten-month-old child, he said. He asked the court to order a probation report ahead of sentencing. The Director of Public Prosecutions did not oppose bail. Ms Justice Karen O'Connor set the sentencing hearing for October 20th this year and ordered a probation report. Byrne pleaded guilty that on February 16th 2024 at Old Navan Road in Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 she had in her possession or under control a 9mm Makarov semi-automatic pistol and ammunition in circumstances giving rise to a reasonable inference she did not have them for a lawful purpose. On the same date, at her home address, she pleaded guilty to similar charges relating to possession of 27 rounds of Luger 9mm ammunition, a 12-gauge "over and under" sawn-off Beretta shotgun, and a Tokarev submachine gun. Australians will be able to bank Qantas frequent flyer points when shopping at David Jones in a new partnership that will further stoke the intensifying rivalry between the nations two biggest department store chains. The tie-up allows David Jones to piggyback off the nations largest loyalty program, with more than 17 million members, when it unveils its own rewards program in late September. David Jones CEO Scott Fyfe, Qantas Loyalty CEO Andrew Glance, and brand ambassador, model and actor Megan Gale. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer Clearly, our current proposition at David Jones was much more of a birthday reward scheme. This is much, much more than this, David Jones chief executive Scott Fyfe said. Customers will get the preference whether they want to earn David Jones reward points or they want [Qantas frequent flyer points]. The major benefit weve got is that anyone [who] joins the collective scheme, from a Qantas frequent flyer perspective, will be able to redeem through David Jones, and get the full curation and offer of our brands, both in the store ... as well as online. Its a truth universally acknowledged in election post-mortems these days that the Liberal Party has a serious woman problem. It would be more accurate to suggest that the party has a man problem. Said problem was laid bare by 80-year-old ex-party president Alan Stockdale, treasurer of Victoria under Jeff Kennett, now among an ageing trio of administrators fighting to retain control of the partys troubled NSW division. Richard Alston (left) and Alan Stockdale in the online meeting. Stockdale put his foot very far back in his mouth during a four-hour Zoom call with the NSW Liberal Womens Council, suggesting that the party didnt need gender quotas because the sheilas were sufficiently assertive, such that it was the men who needed help. But this was hardly the end of Stockdales humiliation session. 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 Not many people knew John Clarke as well as his daughter Lorin we worked together in the same office for decades, on and off, she says. But shes as surprised as anyone that she has made a movie about the much-loved writer, actor and comedian, who died suddenly while bushwalking at age 68 in 2017. Its the last thing I wanted to do, she says. I didnt get up every morning going, I must tell his story. But then when other people tried to, saying, We think this is the story. We dont want you to be involved, but wed like all the rights and everything, suddenly I thought, Shit, I do want to protect his legacy. The result of that effort is Not Only Fred Dagg But Also John Clarke, a feature-length documentary that will screen in public for the first time at the Melbourne International Film Festival in August. It is one of 26 titles announced on Thursday in MIFFs First Glance. It wasnt the thought of someone dishing dirt on Dad that ultimately got Lorin Clarke over the line. It was the likelihood that they wouldnt even try. Lorin Clarke at ACMI, where much of the archive material used in her documentary about her father is stored. Credit: Justin McManus The thesis of the filmmaking team from New Zealand that in 2020 approached the Clarke family Lorin, her sister Lucia, and their mother, Helen McDonald, an art historian and author in her own right was that John was the foundation stone of the countrys comedy. Without him, there would be no Flight of the Conchords, no Rhys Darby, no Taika Waititi. It was so wrong, it was hero worship, she says. And my mum said to me, If something were to be made and it were a hagiography, that would be a real shame, because he wouldnt appreciate that. Hed be so allergic to the idea. Advertisement Eating outFood travel Hobart hits: Eight new restaurants, bakeries and bars in the Tassie capital Heading south for the winter? We have the low-down on Hobarts new wine bars and breakfast spots as well as a cosy ramen counter. Tomas Telegramma June 4, 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 This article is part of Travellers Destination Guide to Hobart. See all stories . After a short hiatus, Australias most outlandish arts festival, Dark Mofo, is ready to once more engulf Hobart in June. Whether youre heading south for the festivities, or just planning a winter weekender in Tassie, theres been an influx of new dining and drinking destinations worth your while. From an exceptional bakery, to a nine-seat ramen bar, to an energetic diner by a chef with serious Tasmanian pride, here are eight new openings to have on your radar. Schole restaurant and wine bar has just opened in an old Hobart lolly shop. Adam Gibson Schole, CBD Chef Luke Burgess was at the cutting edge when he co-opened Garagistes in Hobart in 2010, championing natural wine and hyperlocal produce. It closed in 2015, but a decade later Burgess is back with Schole, a Japanese-influenced restaurant and wine bar in an old lolly shop. A meal at the 10-person communal table a golden glow and timber cladding all around feels like a sake-fuelled dinner party. The menu changes frequently, but a recent standout was skilfully sliced garfish and pike sashimi in a fermented green tomato and sansho pepper sauce. Bookings are essential, except on Tuesday nights, when it channels tachinomi Japanese-style standing bars. Advertisement 227 Liverpool Street, Hobart, schole.com.au Ranita Ramen co-owners Zoe Erskine and Javier Garcia Tornel. Ranita Ramen, CBD Just across from Schole on Liverpool Street is Ranita, a nine-seat ramen bar where organic wheat-flour noodles are the star of the show. It was recently opened by couple Zoe Erskine and Javier Garcia Tornel, whose offer is concise but considered. There are two soups, including a shoyu ramen with braised pork jowl and a vegetarian shio ramen with pickled shiitake and greens, plus a koshihikari rice bowl with seasonal toppings. NB: its only open for lunch Tuesday to Friday, and you cant book. 206 Liverpool Street, Hobart, instagram.com/ranita.ramen Advertisement Six Russell, Sandy Bay This sleek half-bakery, half-bistro isnt winning any awards for its outlook the (very red) side of a Coles supermarket but its whats on the inside that counts. By day, the bakery deals in excellent sourdough and pastries, and a sausage-and-egg muffin thats a bestseller for a reason. By night, the adjoining bistro takes over, serving the likes of abalone Rockefeller and steak au poivre. If you love Hobart fine diner Dier Makr and its sibling wine bar Lucinda, co-owner Kobi Ruzicka is also part of the Six Russell team. 6 Russell Crescent, Sandy Bay, sixrussell.com.au Oirthir restaurant owners Jillian McInnes and Bob Piechniczek. Adam Gibson Advertisement Oirthir, Bream Creek Tasmanias regional dining scene took a hit when well-regarded fine diner Van Bone closed late last year. But the idyllic site near Marion Bay, about 45 minutes from Hobart, lives on as Oirthir (pronounced oor-heid). Its all about Scottish food, Tasmanian produce and fine-dining flourishes, helmed by Scottish chef couple Bob Piechniczek and Jillian McInnes. House-made haggis accompanies Bangor lamb, sourced nearby, and theres whisky-spiked honey ice-cream with rhubarb and oatmeal. 357 Marion Bay Road, Bream Creek, oirthir.com Golden turmeric roasted muesli at Leoht. Sophie King Advertisement Leoht, Battery Point Among the historical homes of Battery Point and with misty mountain views from the front terrace Leoht is a warm, light-filled cafe with a globetrotting all-day menu. Breakfast might be buckwheat pancakes with halva caramel and a black-sesame latte, while lunch could look like mafaldine carbonara or flank steak with pepita salsa, bolstered by a locally charged wine and cocktail list (ice-cold Sheeps Whey Vodka martini, anyone?). Its currently daytime-only, but regular nights are starting in August. 46A Hampden Road, Battery Point, instagram.com/leoht__batterypoint Wunderbar, CBD Advertisement Dont be fooled by the name: the most German thing about this suave new all-day bar and restaurant is chef and co-owner Julian Volkmer. French is the main play, and the menu du jour jumps from tartines and croque monsieurs to French-onion soup and gnocchi Parisienne, to fish with beurre blanc and ratatouille and steak frites. Rustic exposed brick is a feature in the dining room, flanked by floor-to-ceiling windows. 45 Goulburn Street, Hobart, wunderbar.au The refurbished cellar door at Sullivans Cove Distillery. Adam Gibson Sullivans Cove, Cambridge Whisky distillery Sullivans Cove has garnered acclaim far from Tassie, winning many prestigious international awards. But its presence at home is now even more impressive, thanks to a $14-million refurb of its distillery and subsequent revamp of its visitor experiences, to align with its 30th anniversary. Visit the HQ just north of Hobart for guided distillery tours or myriad whisky tasting options, in luxury surrounds. Advertisement 1/10 Lamb Place, Cambridge, sullivanscove.com Lost in Asia, CBD It seems the only thing Hobart locals love more than Bar Wa Izakaya is raving about Bar Wa Izakaya, the neon-lit, late-night Japanese joint. The team behind it has zoomed out a little for their new venue, taking inspiration from across South-East Asia. You might find beef tartare with sambal mayo, chicken (or mushroom) larb, and smoky char kway teow with plenty of South-East Asian beers. 131-133 Murray Street, Hobart, lostinasia.com.au Related Article A new wave of eateries is elevating south-east Queenslands dining scene For nine months, Jennifer McCloy carried a baby for her best friend. Angus wasnt biologically hers, but after multiple miscarriages, a volunteer surrogate was the only way her friend could become a mother. McCloy handed Angus to his parents the moment he was born, but for the next year, until the required adoption paperwork could be processed, she had to remain his legal guardian. She thinks this should change. Baby Angus, his surrogate mother Jennifer McCloy, and his biological mother Edwina Peach (left). Over in Tamworth, Dimity Smith hopes to be a mother too. But her IVF journey is plagued by the tyranny of distance; she is forced to travel often to Sydney, as simple things such as blood test results can be so slow in the bush. NSW Nationals MP Sarah Mitchell, who herself had a rocky journey to motherhood, believes the government should better support the journey to parenthood to make it easier for the one in six couples that struggle with infertility. A housemate of missing Bundaberg teenager Pheobe Bishop has been released from custody without charge, after being questioned by police for hours on Wednesday. Police confirmed a 34-year-old man was in custody on Wednesday assisting officers with questions related to Pheobes disappearance. Pheobe had been living in a home in Gin Gin about 45 kilometres south-west of Bundaberg with two adults, including 34-year-old James Wood, before she disappeared on May 15 on her way to Bundaberg airport. Missing girl Pheobe Bishop. Credit: Queensland Police Shortly after 7.30am on Thursday, police said the man had been released without charge, as officers continued to run through several lines of inquiry. The Goldstein constituent who confronted new MP Tim Wilson. Credit: Stephen Brook Proudly Zionist are you? she asks again. So you like all those children being killed in Gaza? Wilsons tanned skin turns a deeper shade. I notice our unexpected guest has a plastic loop on her mobile phone case around her middle finger, making it very easy to film us as she fires questions. Shes feisty, but her hands are trembling slightly. You want nuclear in Australia, and you are a Zionist? she asks for a third time, not waiting for an answer. And you want people killed, and you want babies killed? Wilson tells her that he is having lunch, and this is grossly inappropriate. Nevertheless, she persists for a full five minutes. This being Brighton, a well-do-to suburb south-east of Melbournes CBD with a strong sense of self-worth (think Mosman in Sydney), the discourse soon turns to housing. Our anti-Wilson activist is bitter that her daughter and granddaughter (who went to Brighton Primary) were forced to move two hours away because of housing affordability. She also says Wilson was invisible on the streets of Goldstein. Wilson at the Little Sister Cafe in Brighton. Credit: Eddie Jim The antagonists start to align on criticism of the Victorian state Labor governments massive underinvestment in local education. The temperature calms. Wilson masterfully suggests a visit to the local state MP, James Newbury, just down the road. But he cant help himself, slyly querying if bowling up and filming people without permission and verbally abusing them is really the best way to win friends and influence. Loading No, no, I do need to do more letter writing, yes, is her withering rejoinder. A man at the next table decides enough is enough and in a thick European accent tells the local activist to move on. She disappears down the side street. Save my love to Zoe, is Wilsons slightly garbled postscript to break the tension. Its a joking reference to teal independent Zoe Daniel, from whom he has just regained the affluent seat with a significant Jewish community situated on Port Phillip Bay. Wilson asks his cafe neighbour for validation he is indeed a recognised local face. I dont know who you are, the man replies. I just dont like people bothering each other. The whole thing was excruciating. Who would be a politician? Tim Wilson, thats who. Wilson is 45, a Liberal, and a liberal, one-quarter Armenian, a happily married gay man, carrying a few extra kilos but, frankly, for someone who has just engaged in a gruelling election campaign, a man with pretty great skin. Its politics, right, Wilson says a short time later between mouthfuls of the cafes signature Abundance Bowl, an enormous pile of salad greens, sweet potato, quinoa, seeds and a poached egg, to which he has deleted the halloumi and added not just avocado but pan seared salmon. He ordered it almost every day of the campaign. I have the similar salmon bowl. The flavour mix is terrific, the mouthfeel excellent. But wine is waved away its a Monday in favour of a double espresso, which sits largely untouched. Today Melbourne feels on the precipice of winter. It is allegedly going to reach 18 degrees, but locals are mistrustful. One passer-by is in a puffer jacket, the next in T-shirt and shorts. Wilson is wearing his campaign uniform: jeans, blue blazer, a crisp shirt, bright-yellow pin lapel. And to be fair, during our 90 minutes together, 14 well-wishers come up to congratulate him. The Bountiful Bowl at Little Sister Cafe. Credit: Eddie Jim Earlier in our conversation, he says going from civilian life to winning an election and straight into the shadow ministry is feeling like youre being shot out of a catapult and havent quite hit the ground yet. Still from election night there are SMS that I havent even read. It is not an unwillingness, its a simple incapacity. I want to know about winning and losing. I can tell you there are two winnings, Wilson says. For him, nothing beat the feeling of winning his first preselection in 2016 after Liberal veteran Andrew Robb had retired. Everybody expected me lose, but Wilson went all in, resigning from his post as human rights commissioner just to contest. Bold, I venture. Bold, but welcome to Tim Town, he agrees, opening his hands as if to demonstrate voila! but only for a split second. I remember that adrenaline rush, and also quite frankly shock. This time, victory was not a shock but rather a mountain to climb. Tim Wilson is the new/old MP for Goldstein. Credit: Eddie Jim At which point he turns to losing. Pretty much from the last election day I had a personal and professional purgatory. It feels violent, he says, describing the post-loss businesslike phone call from the bureaucracy to losing MPs. Youre out, this persons in, pack up the office, sort that out bang, bang, bang, bang. All of a sudden nothing and you are out. A lot of people were very worried. A psychologist friend suggested a chat. He went. Part of it is just to vent and get things off your chest, he says. And somebody to listen. I found that very helpful. Loading The morning after the loss, his husband, Ryan Bolger, a school teacher, told him: You can look at this as the moment that ends you or you can look at this as a gift. His purpose taken away from him, the couple left Goldstein so Wilson could find his space and his place, moving back to their old apartment in South Yarra, where Wilson undertook a PhD in the carbon economy. I dont find making money something that excites me, he says. His voice quickens in summary mode: Its an awful, horrific experience. But anyone who experienced a big professional setback will know those experiences. The difference is you do it in full public glare. And of course, you are known for the last thing you did. Which in his case, was to lose. The 2025 Goldstein campaign was controversial. The very morning of our lunch, Daniel was on ABC radio talking about dirty tricks and a personal campaign directed at her. Wilson says the campaign was intense. We both had very passionate supporters. No ones trying to pretend otherwise. Ryan Bogler and Tim Wilson during the counting of votes after the May 4 poll. Credit: Penny Stephens As to her accusations about attacks on her from groups supporting Wilson, he sits there, anger clearly rising. Im really resisting in light of the difficult circumstances she is facing and living right now fighting back. One political commentator describes Wilson as charming but very egotistical. I realise I have known him for a decade, back when I was media editor at The Australian and he was a member of the free market think tank the Institute of Public Affairs and had a higher profile than many Liberal MPs. For Wilson, liberalism the philosophy that promotes individual rights and freedoms is the foundation of society. I hate the term moderate, because my liberalism doesnt come in moderation. I believe in that very strongly, he says. I think what people are used to is this kind of idea that you have these kind of moderates who dont fight, and then they have these conservatives who fight very aggressively, whereas Im somebody who fights very aggressively and not afraid to. Which included contacting The Age at 3.45am one morning to protest at one aspect of the papers coverage, which he is a little sheepish about, explaining he couldnt sleep that night. I dont particularly enjoy a fight, but I definitely enjoy a crusade and to be able to go and achieve change, he says. Im also not afraid of failure. Wilson played a key role in defeating Labors policy to change franking credits under Bill Shorten; now he is fighting against Labors proposed tax changes on superannuation. Wilson compared the transition from civilian life to the shadow ministry to being shot out of a catapult. Credit: Eddie JIm I ask if there could ever be a gay leader of the Liberal Party (subtext him). Its yet to be tested, he says. I dont feel anyone is sitting there thinking this is an insurmountable barrier to anybody. Loading Theres a time where my relationship with my husband would have found me in jail, and now it finds me, frankly, barely able to tick a diversity box. How did the couple who married in 2018 meet? We actually met at Liberal Party State Council. How romantic, I reply. Here, Wilson looks down to apparently study his lunch and says something softly to himself. It occurs to me that Wilson might be more confident attacking Labors superannuation policy than discussing affairs of the heart. But he reasserts himself, not pretending it was the most romantic of settings. It wasnt, but nonetheless it is what it was. Ryan and he have common values, he says, brightening. As he says, at least he knew what he was getting himself in for. The City of Perth will suspend the hiring of e-scooters from midday on Thursday after a British tourist allegedly hit and killed a 51-year-old man in the CBD. Alicia Kemp, 24, allegedly struck Thanh Phan from behind at the intersection of King Street and Murray Street while riding an e-scooter drunk and at speeds of up to 20-25km/h on Saturday night. Thanh Phan, 51, died after he was allegedly hit by a 24-year-old woman riding an e-scooter. Credit: WAtoday Phan was rushed to hospital in a critical condition, while Kemp was arrested and charged at the scene. On Tuesday, her charges were upgraded to dangerous driving occasioning bodily harm and dangerous driving occasioning death after Phan died in hospital. PYONGYANG, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Kim Jong Un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), met with visiting Secretary of the Russian Federation Security Council Sergei Shoigu on Wednesday, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported Thursday. During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on defending the common core interests of the two countries, items of mutual cooperation in different fields as well as the regional and international situation, said the report, adding that the discussions confirmed the same stance of the two sides. The DPRK will "unconditionally support the stand of Russia and its foreign policies in all the crucial international political issues including the Ukrainian issue, and responsibly observe the articles of the treaty between the DPRK and Russia," Kim was quoted by the KCNA as saying. Sergei conveyed special thanks of the Russian leadership to the DPRK's soldiers who participated in the operations in Russia's Kursk region. The host and the guest also expressed the will of the two countries' leaderships to continue to dynamically expand and develop the bilateral relations into a powerful and comprehensive strategic partnership, said the report. A friend of Perth man Thanh Phan, who died after an e-scooter crash in the CBD on the weekend, has called for the citys open-ended suspension of for-hire e-scooters to become permanent as police target the devices in a statewide crackdown. Lee Carroll also urged Transport Minister Rita Saffioti to review and change laws that allowed people to ride e-scooters on footpaths. Thanh Phan, centre, died after an e-scooter crash in Perths CBD on the weekend. His death has prompted the City of Perth to suspend for-hire e-scooters indefinitely. Allowing motorised vehicles to share footpaths with pedestrians is fundamentally unsafe, Carroll told this masthead. The Australian Medical Association has long warned of the dangers of e-scooter use. It should not have taken this tragic death for action to be taken. How do you solve a problem like the Liberals? A good start would be to get the party at every level parliamentary, organisational and, most difficult of all, the rank-and-file to understand how much trouble its in. Not Oh well, weve lost two in a row, Peter Dutton turned out to be an unusual unit and campaign HQ let us down. But Anthony Albanese is no good, voters will work that out, well go out and listen to the community, the electoral wheel will turn, and if we hang on and hang together, things will swing our way. That appears to be the general response so far and it wont cut it. The party is not just going through a phase like a surly teenager. Its predicament is dire and its future is clouded. Credit: Illustration: Dionne Gain When the Coalition won the 2019 election, it secured 77 seats. When it lost in 2022, it dropped to 58 seats. At this election, its fallen to 43. Thats a total loss of 34 seats over just two elections. There have been other sustained electoral wipe-outs over the years, most of them suffered by the Labor Party. Under Gough Whitlam in 1975 and 1977, Labor was hit by two landslide losses. Liberals of an optimistic bent point out that Labor recovered relatively quickly after 1977, winning office just two elections later in 1983. But the ALP had Bob Hawke and Paul Keating waiting in the wings as well as a highly talented front bench willing to absorb tough lessons from the Whitlam years. If you ever dine with locals in China, Japan or South Korea for business or pleasure, youll have the chance to connect in a relaxed setting. A few rules of etiquette, however, will make for a better experience and impress your hosts. You wouldnt want to appear greedy or hungry, would you? Both may be taken as a sign of poverty or lack of refinement. If invited to someones house, politely decline food the first time its offered. Not to worry, youll be given a second (and third) chance to eat. Dont be afraid to slurp those noodles when eating out with others in East Asia. Credit: iStock In restaurants, especially in China, consideration and respect is shown by plucking fine morsels from communal dishes and placing them in your companions bowls. Again, you might make a polite protest. So will your fellow diners, but dont take them at their word. Try again. Its also polite to refill other diners teacups, glasses and soy-sauce dishes before your own. This is especially true in Japan, where nobody ever pours their own drink. When someone offers to pour your drink, lift your glass up with one hand supporting it from below, then take a small sip before setting it down. Salzburg: Australian trade officials will be dispatched to Brussels within days to revive stalled free trade negotiations with the European Union, as escalating global trade tensions sparked by Donald Trumps return to economic nationalism inject fresh urgency into finalising the long-delayed pact. Trade Minister Don Farrell confirmed the breakthrough following an hour-long meeting in Paris on Wednesday with EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic, where both sides agreed to restart formal discussions. This is a critical time for stable, rules-based trade: Don Farrell. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Weve both agreed now that were going to restart negotiations, Farrell told this masthead. Thatll be kicked off in the next day or two, when we send our officials to Brussels [to] see if we can scope out what are the outstanding issues. The renewed momentum comes as Trumps steep tariff hikes on imports to the US trigger a global scramble among its allies to lock in new or more resilient trade partnerships. The US president has doubled tariffs on steel and aluminium from 25 to 50 per cent, while slapping a blanket 10 per cent tariff on all other imports from Australia. 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 On August 1, 1990, British Airways Flight 149, scheduled to fly from London Heathrow to Kuala Lumpur via stops in Kuwait and Madras (now Chennai), was briefly delayed before take-off. Right at the end of the boarding period, our ground controller told me that there were additional passengers who had just checked in, recalls Clive Earthy, the flights cabin services director, one of 367 passengers and 18 crew on board. The passengers turned up and boarded the flight. They were a group of young, fit-looking men. They were all seated at the back of the aircraft. The Boeing 747-136 finally took off just after 6pm. As soon as they landed in Kuwait, Earthy opened a door at the front of the plane to be greeted by a British military officer in full uniform. He said to me, Youre very late, Flight 149, Ive come to meet some people from London, and its very important I get them off quickly now. All those men were escorted off the aircraft. Instead of going down the arrivals channel into customs and immigration, the officer took them down some side steps and disappeared. Clive Earthy: I dont want money. What I do want is an apology. I thought that was most peculiar. But I didnt put two and two together for a long, long time. Flight 149 never made it out of Kuwait. While the plane was in the air, unknown to the passengers and crew, Saddam Husseins Iraqi forces had invaded Kuwait after months of build-up on the border and were making rapid progress towards the airport. For the civilians on board, their flight into a war zone was the start of a 35-year tale of mistreatment and government cover-ups, which is the subject of a gripping and beautifully made new documentary, Flight 149: Hostage of War. The story remains unresolved: more than 100 (at the time of writing) of the survivors are suing the British government and British Airways for knowingly putting them in harms way. Advertisement Personally, I dont want money, Earthy says. What I do want is an apology. From boarding gate to battleground While the plane waited on the tarmac in Kuwait, another passenger, 12-year-old Jennifer Chappell, heading to Madras with her brother and parents, got her first inkling that something was wrong. The cleaners could not get off the plane fast enough, she recalls. I looked out of the window and saw fighter planes flying very low, with what I thought were things falling off them. Moments later, the bombs went off. Kuwaiti soldiers ordered all passengers and crew off the plane into the airport. There they watched the fighting through the large plate-glass windows of the terminal building. You could see the planes dogfighting and the tanks rolling over the horizon, Chappell says. The crew had to tell some of the adults to stand back from the windows. The Iraqis seized the airport. Chappell and her family were transferred, along with several other guests, into a series of facilities where they were held prisoner as Husseins honoured guests, during the build-up to the first Gulf War. Initial media reports portrayed their stay as a kind of extended holiday in the sun. The reality was much harsher. The captives were released after five months, apart from one Kuwaiti who was shot trying to escape, after a concerted campaign for their release by British and US officials as well as a surprising parade of celebrities including Edward Heath, Sir Richard Branson, Reverend Jesse Jackson and Muhammad Ali. But during their time as guests, the prisoners, not just those on that flight, were variously used as human shields, kept hungry, paraded on TV and subjected to mock executions. Advertisement Possibly the most famous image of the time was of five-year-old Stuart Lockwood with Saddam Hussein. Lockwood was not on board the plane but lived in Kuwait his father was in the oil industry. August 1990: Five-year-old hostage Stuart Lockwood appears with Saddam Hussein on Iraqi TV days after the invasion of Kuwait. Today, Lockwood says: I was shielded, completely unaware of the gravity of the events unfolding around me. However, when I stood next to him, surrounded by guards, TV cameras and everyone else who were also being held as human shields, I knew instinctively that this situation was important. This surreal chapter from my early childhood remains a profound and formative part of who I am. Meanwhile, Jennifer Chappell says, Ive never recovered. I was diagnosed with PTSD at 15. Ive suffered with depression and anxiety my whole life, emotionally unstable personality disorder, which has led to numerous suicide attempts. Ive never been able to hold anything down or settle down. Ive lived my life on benefits. At 12 years old, I was a straight-A student at boarding school. One of them, Charlie Kristiansson a steward on the flight says an Iraqi soldier separated him from the other hostages and raped him. I feel proud to have survived, Kristiansson says. We survived inhumane conditions. I saw a 10-year-old girl chased by Iraqi soldiers jump to her death. Having witnessed that, and after what happened to me personally, which was horrible, you have to recalibrate and reconfigure yourself. He recently switched nationality to Luxembourg, part of the process of exorcising his demons from that time. For Kristiansson and Chappell like Earthy and the other souls aboard Flight 149 captivity marked the beginning of a nightmare that has lasted 35 years. Throughout that time their account has been repeatedly denied by British Airways and successive governments, even as new evidence has steadily corroborated their story. Advertisement Last July it was announced that about a hundred survivors were suing British Airways and the British government, believing their civilian flight was deliberately endangered to enable a covert intelligence-gathering mission. As the infected blood and Post Office scandals have shown, such betrayals are far from history. Jennifer Chappell: Ive never recovered. Ive suffered with depression and anxiety my whole life. The controversy hinges on the extent to which British Airways and the government were aware of the rapidly developing situation on the ground in Kuwait. And if they knew about the Iraqi invasion, why was a British civilian aircraft allowed to land? Flight 149 was the only plane to land in Kuwait in the small hours of the morning on August 2. At the time, British Airways and the government claimed not to have been aware of how fast the invasion had taken place. In a now-infamous statement in parliament on September 6, 1990, Margaret Thatcher said: The British Airways flight landed, its passengers disembarked, and the crew handed over to a successor crew and went to their hotels. All that took place before the invasion; the invasion was later. Subsequent governments repeated this claim, despite testimony from passengers and crew such as Chappell, who witnessed gunfire from the plane. It also contradicted the timeline set out in Thatchers own memoir The Downing Street Years. A long road to accountability Advertisement A major breakthrough came in 2021 when documents released under the 30-year rule (the period after which most government records are transferred to the National Archives and made available to the public) revealed that the Kuwaiti ambassador had rung the Foreign Office at midnight, when the plane was in the air, to warn that the invasion had begun. The information was passed on to Downing Street, MI6, the Cabinet Office and the Ministry of Defence, but not British Airways. Liz Truss, the foreign secretary in 2021, apologised for the deceit. This failure was unacceptable, Truss said in a written statement. I apologise to the House for this, and I express my deepest sympathy to those who were detained and mistreated. When it came to why British Airways was not informed, one scapegoat was Anthony Paice the MI6 station chief in Kuwait, working undercover as aviation security at the embassy. He was accused of failing to warn the airline of the risks. Some reports even suggested that he and his service were complicit in the clandestine operation a claim he denies. Saddam Hussein (seated, centre) with his family in 1990. Saddam was eventually toppled by a US-led invasion in 2003, and executed three years later. Credit: AP In subsequent years, there were press reports that claimed I was responsible for telling British Airways it was safe to fly through [Kuwait], where in fact I advised them exactly the opposite, he says. I had to live with this because I had signed the Official Secrets Act, so my only comment could be no comment. It was only in 2019 that his worm turned and he decided to tell the truth. In 2022, he published a book about his story, Overkill or Under-kill, which he says has never been disputed by MI6 or any other department. I thought, damn it all, were a long time after the events [of Flight 149] and Im still being blamed for something I had nothing to do with, he says. As with the captives, living in the shadow of so much deceit has taken a personal toll. It made me a difficult person to live with, he says. You are totally frustrated. But Im happy with my account. People know the truth. My only concern is to get compensation for those people who were wronged. It caused me an enormous amount of anger and it makes me feel all the more sore about other instances of governments not owning up, apologising and doing the right thing. The Post Office scandal is a good case in point. Another, much further back, is the squaddies who were exposed to radiation during our nuclear tests in the Pacific. Advertisement Washington: Elon Musk is on a mission to block President Donald Trumps tax bill after he tried and failed to convince Republican lawmakers to preserve valuable tax credits for electric vehicles in the legislation, according to a person familiar with the matter. The Tesla chief executive officer personally appealed to House Speaker Mike Johnson to save the tax credit, the person said, requesting anonymity to discuss a private conversation. The House version of the tax measure calls for largely ending the $US7500 ($11,500) electric car subsidies by the end of 2025. Elon Musk in the Oval Office last week. Credit: AP Since losing that battle, Musk ratcheted up his offensive against the presidents signature legislation on Wednesday, urging that Americans contact their lawmakers to KILL the legislation, pinning his opposition to the bills $US2.4 trillion price tag. Call your Senator, Call your Congressman, Musk wrote in a social media post on Thursday AEST. Bankrupting America is NOT ok! KILL the BILL. The pair also discussed the ongoing efforts for prisoner exchanges. Pope Leo underlined how shared Christian values can be a light that helps to seek peace, defend life, and pursue genuine religious freedom, Bruni said. The Kremlin said: During the exchange of views on the situation in Ukraine, Putin reiterated his interest in achieving peace through political and diplomatic means and stressed that for a final, fair and comprehensive resolution of the crisis it is necessary to eliminate its root causes. The phone calls come days after Ukraine unleashed a spectacular drone attack on Russian air bases and aircraft deep inside Russian territory, destroying or damaging what Ukrainian officials said was billions of dollars worth of enemy equipment. Codenamed Spiders Web, the operation took more than a year and a half to plan and was personally overseen by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who praised the absolutely brilliant outcome. The apparent wreckage of a TU-22 bomber besides other intact TU-22 aircraft at Belaya air base. Credit: Maxar Reuters reported on Thursday AEST that an American assessment of the drone attack indicated as many as 20 Russian warplanes had been hit, with about 10 of them destroyed, citing two US officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. That estimate is lower than the one Zelensky initially offered when he said 41 Russian aircraft had been struck and about half were too damaged to be repaired. Reuters could not independently verify the numbers from Kyiv or the US, which was not given any notice ahead of the attack. Satellite images from Planet Labs PBC show Belaya (left) on May 17 and (right) on June 4, after the drone attack. Credit: AP Still, the US officials described the attack as highly significant, with one of them cautioning that it could drive Moscow to a far more severe negotiating position in the US-brokered talks to end more than three years of war. On Wednesday, shortly before Trump posted about his call with Putin, Zelensky said he was ready to meet Putin, as well as Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, to discuss a potential memorandum as opposed to what he characterised as a Russian ultimatum for a ceasefire issued on Monday (Tuesday AEST). Russians are behaving like thimble-riggers. They do not want deescalation or an end to the war. They pretend to be constructive, but their games are only aimed at delaying US sanctions, Zelensky said in a statement on X. He proposed a meeting starting as soon as Monday, at any workable location, and a concurrent ceasefire, and said he would be grateful if Trump supported the idea. When we meet it will become clear if there is will for de-escalation. If no, the ceasefire will end on the same day, Zelensky said. Putin, however, showed no willingness to meet with Zelensky, expressing anger Wednesday about what he said were Ukraines recent terrorist acts on Russian rail lines in the Kursk and Bryansk regions on the countries border. How can any such meetings be conducted in such circumstances? What shall we talk about? Putin asked in a video call with top Russian officials. Loading Trump gave no explicit indication in the account of his phone call with Putin as to whether they had discussed such a meeting, or a similar initiative. Their conversation came as Congress grows increasingly impatient to impose additional sanctions on Russia, including 500 per cent tariffs on US trading partners who buy Russian oil. Legislation to that effect has the support of at least 82 members of the 100-seat US Senate. A Ukrainian delegation was due to meet senators on Wednesday, local time, to discuss the sanctions bill. Its a pivotal moment in Ukraine and crunch time for the Senate on this bill, Democratic senator and bill co-sponsor Richard Blumenthal told Politico. Eddie Fishman, a senior research scholar at Columbia Universitys School of International Affairs, argued in a new essay for Foreign Affairs that Trumps Russia policy was at a dead end and it was time to pull the trigger on sanctions. Rather than extreme tariffs on third countries, Fishman proposed sanctions enabling them to gradually reduce imports of Russian oil and pay the money into escrow accounts that could only be used for humanitarian goods. This was based on a sanctions regime Barack Obama used against Iran. Congress is ready. Europe is frustrated. Oil markets are well-supplied, Fishman said on X. The stars are aligned for Trump to gain real leverage over Putin. The question isnt whether oil sanctions can work. Its whether Trump will play the cards hes been dealt. Meanwhile, new Ukrainian drone attacks hit energy infrastructure in Russian-held parts of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions in southern Ukraine on Thursday AEST, cutting power to tens of thousands of residents, Russia-installed officials said. Loading Vladimir Saldo, the Russia-appointed governor of Kherson region, said the attacks had left 97 settlements with some 68,000 residents without power. Yevgeny Balitsky, the Russia-appointed head of adjacent Zaporizhzhia region, gave no figures but said energy sites were under attack and 10 drones had been downed. KABUL, June 5 (Xinhua) -- In a gesture of clemency and goodwill on the eve of the Eid al-Adha festival, Afghanistan has released a total of 1,559 inmates and reduced the sentences of 950 others, the country's Supreme Court announced on Wednesday. According to the Supreme Court, the order was issued by Chief Justice and Head of the Supreme Court Sheikh Abdul Hakim Haqqani as part of a nationwide initiative to mark the occasion of Eid al-Adha with acts of compassion and forgiveness. The prisoners were pardoned and released from facilities across the provinces of Kabul, Nangarhar, Laghman, Panjshir, Parwan, Paktia, Khost, and Nimroz, it said. Currently, between 12,000 and 14,000 Afghan citizens, including women and children, are incarcerated across the country, according to an official from the prison administration. Eid al-Adha, the largest annual religious festival in Afghanistan, will be celebrated from Saturday to Tuesday. Under the framework of the EU-WCO RoO Africa Programme, funded by the European Union, the World Customs Organization (WCO) in partnership with the Arab Maghreb Union (AMU) held a sub-regional pre-accreditation workshop for the AMU countries. The workshop was held in Tangier, Morocco, from 26 to 30 May 2025 with the objective to assist the region in enhancing its knowledge and application of preferential rules of origin and to build a pool of pre-accredited experts. The workshop was conducted as part of a comprehensive workplan, and partnership established with the AMU for competency development in a vision to further equip the administrations with dedicated experts to support the WCO, the AfCFTA Secretariat and the continent. The workshop was attended by experts from Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia as well as the AMU Secretariat and the AfCFTA Secretariat. In his opening remarks, Mr Zahr Belbachir, representative of the AMU Secretariat, thanked the WCO for a fruitful cooperation and the significant technical assistance provided to the sub-region. He stressed that better understanding and implementation of rules of origin is crucial for trade facilitation and regional integration, and mentioned the regional strategy developed for the successful implementation of the AfCFTA Agreement. He emphasized that the pool of WCO accredited experts will go a long way in ensuring sustainable transfer of knowledge and sound implementation of capacity building initiatives benefiting Customs, private sector and other stakeholders. The workshop offered the participants unique opportunities to demonstrate their understanding of origin-related topics through group and individual presentations, incorporating facilitation and communication skills acquired from WCO experts. The participants were assessed on their technical knowledge, presentation and facilitation skills, communication and advisory skills, overall knowledge on key WCO tools and instruments, and their team working capabilities. The assessment took place both in Arabic and French. Participants also had the opportunity to observe the practical application and management of rules of origin through a field visit to a motor vehicle factory where they were walked through the complex production line from metal sheets to finished cars. The factory visit was followed by a visit to the port of Tanger Med, where Morocco Customs offered a glimpse into the various stages of risk management and controls carried out on imported and exported goods. These study visits were an integral part of the workshop as they allow the experts to appreciate and integrate practical study visits in their curriculum development. At the conclusion of the workshop, the WCO experts offered constructive individual feedback to participants, highlighting areas for improvement and praising their success in applying newly acquired skills to develop training materials and deliver a training session. Successful participants will be invited to the next stage of the WCO expert accreditation process, an in-field mission. The participants who successfully complete the final accreditation process will be added to the pool of experts and work together with the WCO for the benefit of Members who request technical assistance on rules of origin. For further information please contact EU-WCORoOAfrica.Program@wcoomd.org KABUL, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Afghanistan's counter-narcotics police have seized more than 1 ton of illegal drugs, including 148 kg of opium poppy and 774 kg of a variety of objects used in manufacturing heroin, in southern Kandahar province, provincial police spokesman Assadullah Jamshid said Thursday. Police have also taken into custody 12 individuals on the charge of involvement in the black business, the official said. During the drive against illegal drugs, the counter-narcotics police also destroyed poppy and hashish farms on 1.5 acres of land elsewhere in Kandahar. Earlier, police also reported the discovery of illegal drugs including 105 kg of crystal meth, ice (methamphetamine), heroin, and other illegal objects used in manufacturing heroin in western Herat province on Wednesday. JAKARTA, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese automaker Geely has signed a strategic partnership with Voltron, Indonesia's leading electric vehicle (EV) charging network provider, to provide charging station facilities at all Geely official dealers in the Southeast Asian country to make EV charging more practical and convenient. Geely has officially re-entered Indonesia's EV market since January this year, focusing on EV models including EX5. As of now, Geely has six official dealers across various provinces in Indonesia, each equipped with after-sales service centers to meet consumer needs and offer a worry-free vehicle ownership experience, according to Geely Auto Indonesia. "This collaboration with Voltron is concrete proof of Geely's commitment to accelerating the transition to electric vehicles in Indonesia. With the presence of Voltron charging station facilities in our authorized dealer network, customers can now enjoy more practical and convenient charging, enhancing the overall electric vehicle ownership experience," said Yusuf Anshori, brand director of Geely Auto Indonesia, in a press release on Thursday. This partnership also supports Indonesia's national electric vehicle acceleration program and aligns with the country's net-zero emission target for 2060, representing a joint effort between the private sector and government to build a sustainable and accessible EV ecosystem. "We are very enthusiastic to collaborate with Geely Auto Indonesia to expand the Voltron charging station network. This collaboration not only supports the program to accelerate the use of electric vehicles, but also emphasizes Voltron's commitment to providing reliable and easily accessible charging infrastructure for the public. Together with Geely, we want to encourage more people to switch to electric vehicles for a greener future," said Abdul Rahman Elly, CEO of Voltron Indonesia. Leesville, LA (71446) Today Mostly sunny early then increasing clouds with some scattered thunderstorms this afternoon. High 92F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Partly cloudy skies. Low 73F. Winds light and variable. Ellen O'Donoghue Thirty-five people, including five children, 21 men and nine women, were deported from Ireland on Wednesday. The children were all part of family groups, gardai said. They were removed on a chartered flight which left Dublin Airport for Nigeria last night. The people concerned on Wednesday's flight were Nigerian nationals. Gardai from the National Immigration Bureau carried out the operation of removing individuals from the State. A Garda statement said that they continue to work closely with the Department of Justice in implementing immigration policy. This was the third operation conducted since the recommencement of charter flights for deportations in February, the Department of Justice said. "Removal operations of this nature send a clear message that there are consequences for people who remain in our country without permission and underscores this Governments intention to protect the integrity of our immigration system," Justice Minister, Jim O'Callaghan, said. Charter flights are a measure that Mr O'Callaghan has deployed to step up immigration enforcement, and access to the charter services has "significantly increased" An Garda Siochana's capacity to enforce deportation orders. Further charter operations will be conducted as the year progresses, a Department of Justice statement said. Mr O'Callaghan said that Ireland has a "rules-based immigration system," and added that it is important those rules are robust and enforced. "The return of people whose applications have been refused and deportation orders have issued is the foundation of any modern rules-based immigration process. "People coming to Ireland must follow the appropriate pathways for legal migration and these pathways must be adhered to and protected for our immigration system to work fairly and effectively. If a persons application for international protection is refused and they are ordered to leave the State they must do so. "The flight was required to make an unscheduled stop due to a medical incident on board, but I am happy to say that the flight was able to resume its journey with all 35 returnees arriving safely in Nigeria this morning," Mr O'Callaghan said. The Department of Justice added that charter flights are used in addition to commercial flights, as they be more appropriate in circumstances where a group of people are being removed to the same destination. Mr O'Callaghan added that enforced removals are "conducted as a measure of last resort when the person concerned has not removed themselves from the State or availed of assisted voluntary return measures. "Before a deportation order is made, the person is offered assistance to return home voluntarily which is the preferred option. There has been a significant increase in the number of people leaving voluntarily and I continue to appeal to those who are given this opportunity to avail of it where appropriate. Two charter flights already conducted in 2025 have removed 71 people who were subject to deportation orders, and the operation lat night brings the number of people removed by charter flight to 106. A further 54 deportation orders have been enforced on commercial flights and 23 people subject to deportation orders are confirmed to have left Ireland unescorted so far in 2025, the Department of Justice said. Castlebar-based businesswoman Lorraine Hall, Director of The Cleaning Corporation, has been announced as a finalist in the prestigious Network Ireland, Mayo Businesswoman of the Year Awards a well-deserved recognition of her outstanding career and longstanding contribution to both business and community life in the region. Renowned for its first-class commercial contract cleaning services, and residential carpet, upholstery, and rug cleaning, The Cleaning Corporation has earned a reputation for quality, reliability, and innovation. This year marks the companys 30th anniversary a significant milestone that reflects the leadership and dedication of Lorraine and her husband John, who manages operations. Lorraine joined the business in 1999 following a successful career in HR, training, and recruitment in the corporate sector. Under her guidance, The Cleaning Corporation has continued to evolve and lead in areas such as sustainability including the harvesting of rainwater for window cleaning, a practice implemented nearly two decades ago. Lorraines impact extends well beyond the business. A passionate community advocate, she has long supported numerous local initiatives and charitable organisations across Mayo. She also serves as a mentor to emerging professionals, helping to cultivate the next generation of business leaders. All my life Ive been motivated, self-driven, and enthusiastic about learning and developing new skills to grow our business, said Lorraine. What I value most now is sharing those skills and supporting others on their journey. It is both an honour and a privilege to be a finalist in two categories in this year's awards. A proud and active member of Network Ireland for over 30 years, Lorraine holds the distinction of being the longest-standing member of Network Mayo. Over the decades, she has played a vital role in supporting, educating, and empowering women in business across the region. Being part of Network Ireland has been invaluable, she said. Its helped me grow both personally and professionally, and now, Im especially passionate about giving back offering mentorship, leadership, knowledge and encouragement to others. On June 13th, Lorraine will travel to Brussels to take part in an EU-driven initiative advocating for greater flexibility in commercial cleaning schedules. The campaign highlights the importance of daytime cleaning and promotes better work-life balance across the industry an initiative aligned with The Cleaning Corporations values and progressive approach. With an impressive track record of awards and achievements, Lorraine continues to push boundaries and set new standards in her field. As the 2024 Businesswoman of the Year Awards draw near, she stands as a highly deserving finalist and an inspiring ambassador for women in business, not just in the West of Ireland, but nationwide. PYONGYANG, June 5 (Xinhua) -- The top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) affirmed on Wednesday that the country will "unconditionally support the stand of Russia and its foreign policies in all the crucial international political issues including the Ukrainian issue," the official Korean Central News Agency reported Thursday. Be sure you are taking your ease when you read this: a new report from KPMG last week estimated that Dublin requires a 70bn investment in infrastructure by 2040. Why do West of Ireland people need to be sitting down when they read that? Because talking about investment in Dublin produces a weakness west of the Shannon. You can hear the reaction. Dublin needs 70 billion? For what? For infrastructure? Sure isnt everything already in Dublin? No politician who is not from Dublin can speak too openly and positively about Dublin and its needs, however worthy and necessary they may be. Which political leader would stand up at a meeting of their national conference, and proudly state that Dublin needs billions of investment over the next dozen years or so and that they will get it? No, thats not a winner. Dublin has a strange and strained relationship with the rest of Ireland. That has been true ever since the Vikings founded it. The greatest victory story from Irelands history is Brian Boru trying to conquer the city, or at the very least teach it a lesson. That relationship with the rest of the country got even more complicated once the Normans built the Castle on the citys highest spot and plenty of things happened in the centuries afterwards to make the rest of the country look on Dublin with suspicion. Back in the days of the British, when we were a predominately agricultural society, Dublin was the agent for governing holding down even the rest of the country. The only thing that came out of Dublin was orders and policemen, often described in shorthand as the Castle. Supplying information there made you that most terrible of things: an informer. The development of nationalism in late 19th century Ireland was also built around a sense that Dublin and many of its people was foreign, alien, at odds with the Irish national ideal. There was a feeling that the people in Dublin the people inside the Pale were in some sense the hirelings of the British, their agents of dominance over the rest of Ireland. You can see then why so many nationalist noses were out of joint when Dublin was the only significant place to rise in 1916. Many rural nationalists couldnt quite believe that it was the Pale that rose. But that thought should be tempered by the reality that most Dublin citizens were horrified by the Rising, a dominant feeling that was countered first by the shooting of the leaders, and subsequently and perhaps to an even greater degree by the threat of extending conscription into the British Army to Ireland. This idea of the capital and main city being an alien place to the rest of the country isnt remotely unique to us. Small countries across Europe that were historically dominated by bigger neighbours had similar feelings about big cities in their midst that went on to become their capitals. Across Europe, those feelings led to the idea that the rural ideal was the only genuine nationalism, an attitude personified and articulated here by de Valera, and many others. The capital was urban, and urban was foreign. And yet, isnt it a bit strange that the Irish continue to feel this way, more than 100 years after Michael Collins marched in seven minutes late and took control of Dublin Castle? Dublin is not a capital like Washington DC, a place that exists more or less to provide a home for the federal government. Dublin is also not really like London. In large parts of northern England for example, London is a very distant place. Dublin on the other hand is frequently visited by people from all over Ireland, and it is full of people from rural Ireland. Joyce said it was a good puzzle to cross Dublin without passing a pub. In my experience, it would be harder to cross Dublin and meet someone who could trace all their grandparents to the city. Dublin is full of culchies, this correspondent proudly amongst them. People in the West often have a contradictory set of views about Dublin: that it is both full of the very best and the very worst, all at once. An observer once spotted an example of this in the shopping experience. People from the West come shopping in Dublin to Grafton Street and Moore Street and they think that the commercial life of Dublin is booming. And while noting that, they will at the same time conjure up all sorts of ways you can get robbed while youre there. The reality is of course rather different. Head into the individual areas and villages that make up Dublin, and you will find that shops are closing and very few of the traditional retail units are surviving, for the very same reasons they are challenged in the West. In Dublin, as in Mayo, people get in their car, drive out of their immediate neighbourhood, and spend all their money in rectangle boxes on the outskirts, or they stay at home and shop on Amazon. And then, in wonderment or bafflement or anger, we all complain rural and urban alike about the small shops closing. Not even Grafton or Henry Street are immune from this anymore. Walk down those streets today and you will see a thing I have not seen in 30 years here: closed-up premises. Aside from the history, the tension between west and east also has a simpler and more human explanation, one that makes the outrage when its suggested that the capital needs investment more understandable. Dublin is where the action is, where you go when youre young to make your mark. And if you do go back, you go after you reach a certain stage, to go home to settle down, when the quieter stage of life is on you. So Dublin siphons off the young and energetic and who wouldnt be a little bit cross about that, and wonder why that place up there needs all the money too? There is a story my father tells about a lady many moons ago who stood on the train platform, waiting for her daughter to get on the steam train which would take her away into a life of exile. The older lady looked up at the engine, preparing for departure by building up its steam, and remarked, Bad cess to you smoky hole. For many in the West, Dublin remains a bit of a smoky hole, into which many of our most precious things disappear. Weather Alert Bulletin: ...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM EDT THIS MORNING THROUGH THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...Portions of New Jersey, including the following areas, Camden, Cumberland, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Northwestern Burlington, Salem, Somerset and Western Monmouth and southeast Pennsylvania, including the following areas, Delaware, Eastern Chester, Eastern Montgomery, Lower Bucks, Philadelphia, Upper Bucks, Western Chester and Western Montgomery. * WHEN...From 10 AM EDT this morning through this evening. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - The remnants of Chantal will move into the Mid Atlantic this morning bringing areas of heavy rain. The tropical airmass will bring generally 1 to 2 inches of rainfall across the urban corridor but will have the potential to bring isolated amounts up to 5 inches leading to flash flooding. The showers and thunderstorms will generally come to an end by 7 to 8 pm this evening with any residual flooding from showers today coming to an end during the overnight hours. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop. && Info: Type: Flood Watch start_time_local: 2025-07-07T10:00:00-04:00 end_time_local: 2025-07-07T22:00:00-04:00 county_name: state: PA headline: Flood Watch from MON 10:00 AM EDT until MON 10:00 PM EDT county_fips: category: Met url: urgency: Unknown severity: Moderate certainty: Unknown geographicname: Upper Bucks County state_name: Pennsylvania SEOUL, June 5 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's parliament on Thursday passed bills to appoint special counsels and probe the ousted President Yoon Suk-yeol's insurrection charge and scandals involving his wife, Kim Keon-hee. Of the 198 National Assembly lawmakers attending the parliamentary plenary session, 194 voted for the bills with three dissents and one abstention. Under the bills, the newly elected President Lee Jae-myung is required to appoint an independent counsel per case among two candidates recommended by the ruling liberal Democratic Party and the left-leaning Rebuilding Korea Party. Subject to the special investigation will be insurrection charges against Yoon, who was removed from office in April following his botched martial law bid last December. Scandals of Yoon's wife to be investigated will be allegations of stock price manipulation, receiving luxury handbags, interference in candidate nominations for the 2022 by-elections and the 2024 parliamentary elections and opinion polls rigging during the 2022 presidential election. SYDNEY, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Australian researchers have achieved a major advance in tackling Staphylococcus aureus, commonly known as golden staph, a superbug that causes more than a million deaths worldwide each year. The world-first initiative has demonstrated that real-time genome sequencing during severe infections allows doctors to quickly identify resistance mutations, personalize treatment, and help curb the spread of antibiotic resistance, according to a release from the Melbourne-based Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity (Doherty Institute) on Wednesday. Collaborating with seven local hospitals, scientists from the Doherty Institute said that traditionally, hospital laboratories identify bacteria using standard tests that reveal only the species type, offering limited insight into antibiotic resistance or genetic changes, the release said. In contrast, genome sequencing provides a comprehensive genetic profile, uncovering mutations that can influence how bacteria respond to treatment, it said. Previously, research into bacterial evolution was typically carried out retrospectively, often years after patients had completed treatment. In contrast, this new method enables clinicians to monitor bacterial changes in real time, providing immediate and actionable insights for patient care, said the study published in Nature Communications. Comparing golden staph samples from patients at the start of infection and at treatment failure, researchers found that in a third of cases, the bacteria developed mutations making standard antibiotics ineffective, said lead author Stefano Giulieri at the Doherty Institute and the University of Melbourne. "In one case, after initially controlling a golden staph infection, the patient returned to hospital two months after stopping antibiotics," Giulieri said, adding that resistance increased eightyfold within two months, but genomic insights enabled clinicians to successfully adapt treatment and cure the infection. Following the study, Victorian hospitals will launch the world's first clinical genomic service for treatment-resistant cases, said the release. SUVA, June 5 (Xinhua) -- A total of 1,583 new HIV cases were recorded last year in Fiji, including 126 deaths, a dramatic increase that has raised alarm across the island nation. The country's Health Minister Atonio Lalabalavu made the remarks at the Development Partner Roundtable on Fiji's HIV Outbreak Response on Thursday. Of those, 490 cases were detected in just the last three months. The Central Division accounted for nearly 70 percent of the new infections, with 1,100 cases. Lalabalavu said the 20 to 29 age group is the most affected, while men made up 70 percent of all new diagnoses. Particularly concerning is the rise in mother-to-child transmission, with 32 newborns diagnosed with HIV -- an indicator of ongoing gaps in antenatal care and prevention strategies. The minister said the Fijian Government has committed nearly 6 million Fijian dollars (around 2.7 million U.S. dollars) toward HIV response efforts, including funding for medicines, testing, and prevention programs. HIV should not be a death sentence in Fiji, he said, urging Fijians to get tested and know their status. VILNIUS, June 5 (Xinhua) -- A bear has crossed the border from Belarus into Lithuania across the River Nemunas, the State Border Guard Service (VSAT) reported on Thursday. The animal was spotted on Wednesday night by officers at the Kapciamiestis station via a video surveillance system monitoring the border. The bear emerged from the Belarusian side, entered the river in the darkness, and swam across the more than 50-metre-wide Nemunas before reaching the Lithuanian bank and heading towards the forest. The River Nemunas, also known as the Neman, flows from Belarus into Lithuania, forming a 17-kilometer border between the two countries. According to VSAT, Lithuanian border guards have recently sighted bears in or near the districts of Varena, Svencionys and Vilnius. While bear sightings are rare in the Baltic states, wildlife experts say Estonia is the country where brown bears are most frequently observed. An undated aerial drone photo shows tourists "Wimp Rafting" in Mao'er Mountain Scenic Area, Guilin, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua) NANNING, June 5 (Xinhua) -- For Chen Zhixin and his family, this year's mountaineering trip at the Panwang Realm scenic spot in the Dayao Mountains, a tourist attraction reaching about 1,000 meters above sea level in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, felt like a leisurely stroll compared to what they had experienced in the past. "No trekking up the steep and winding path toward the peak," said Chen. "And this did not prevent us from enjoying the awe-inspiring sights that nature has to offer at every turn." In a welcome twist to traditional mountaineering, where stunning views often come at the cost of a grueling hike, this scenic area in the Dayao Mountains, which was reopened earlier this year after being retrofitted with all kinds of amenities, has been designed to take strain off the legs of visitors. This upgrade also allows guests to try out more adventurous options like via ferrata, a climbing route equipped with steel cables, iron rungs and ladders fixed to rock surfaces, as well as high-altitude trampolining. Now, the journey to the top of the mountain begins with a 1,650-meter long cable car ride, followed by a smooth 8,000-meter walk along a flat trail which provides visitors with an almost effortless ascent to a couple of 100-meter-high sightseeing elevators, which then carry them to the place where they could nearly touch the lotus-shaped peak. From "easy" hiking trails equipped with cable cars and escalators to drifting along gentle rivers via an inflatable vest, the emergence of "painless" tourism, a new trend lauded by many for offering stress-free ways to cut loose, has quietly redefined the way tourists venture outdoors and made nature's splendor more accessible to a wider range of travelers, regardless of age or physical capabilities. "This is the first time I've left my footprints on multiple peaks without feeling completely worn out," exclaimed Zhang Xiaoyu, a travel enthusiast in his 30s from Shanghai in east China, as he and his family wrapped up their visit to Panwang. "And the best part is that neither the kids nor the grandparents had a single complaint during the whole trip." "The idea of making these innovations goes beyond catering to people with special needs," said Huang Meiling, the area's general manager. "We expect our barrier-free infrastructure to broaden the appeal of the place and attract anyone looking for a more comfortable outing, thereby boosting its popularity and revenue." "Painless" mountain climbing has evolved from being a mere novelty to an approach that has been increasingly adopted by scenic areas and tourist attractions across China. On rednote, a popular Chinese lifestyle app, posts with the hashtag "painless hiking" has been viewed over 3.6 million times, with users sharing photos and videos of amenities-assisted travel in places like Shaanxi in northwest China, Zhejiang in east China and Hunan in central China. "Increased accessibility lowers the bar for mountain tourism, making it more friendly for all ages," said Huang. While some mountains can be tamed with tech-laden installations, some waterways have been repurposed for "do-nothing" staycations. Rafting, which is usually associated with adrenaline-pumping thrills, has been revamped by Guangxi's Mao'er Mountain Scenic Area with the launch of its "Wimp Rafting" option last year. In this laid-back experience, participants, donning essential safety gear, can simply lie flat, allowing the gentle current of the river to carry them along. Social media has been abuzz with rave reviews about its "super chill vibe," propelling this once-niche destination to attract over 10,000 visitors in 2024, with a daily peak of 300 visitors. "We came up with this unorthodox format by tapping into people's craving for therapeutic travel experiences," said Huang Jin, a deputy general manager of the scenic area. "The zero-skill, zero-stress, low-risk nature of such an activity perfectly aligns with the growing demand for 'painless' tourism." The success of "Wimp Rafting" has inspired similar projects in many places in Guangxi and beyond, breathing new life into lesser-known destinations and signaling a broader shift toward more relaxed outdoor adventures. According to a recent market research report, this trend in outdoor recreation has held steady across all demographics -- showing an expanding market that has been able to meet the increasingly sophisticated demands of the public. Data from LY.COM, a leading Chinese online booking platform, reveals that in the first half of 2024, outdoor-related orders had surged by 59.78 percent compared with the same period a year earlier. However, the rise of "no pain" tourism has raised eyebrows among some industry experts, due to concerns about how such developments may affect the authenticity of the experiences offered. "It can come across as a bit 'inorganic,'" said Guan Zhiyuan, a seasoned travel agent based in the tourist hub of Guilin in Guangxi. "There is a risk it could potentially prevent tourists from experiencing the raw beauty of nature and the visceral joy of hiking in its original form." Guan prefers a more balanced and thoughtful solution that allows guests to "easily" soak in the amazing views up close while also protecting delicate ecosystems from over-development, like the sedan chair hiring service at Reed Flute Cave, a famous limestone cave in Guilin. "Building a wheelchair accessible route inside the cave was initially proposed, but it was vetoed by the local authorities," said Guan. "Instead, they opted for a more sustainable practice by hiring locals to help ferry physically challenged visitors on the trek." Dai Bin, president of China Tourism Academy, suggested that the industry should pivot toward developing new forms of tourism experiences in the future -- including green tourism, ecotourism and educational tourism. "Only by fulfilling public demand for high-quality, diverse and personalized experiences, can a virtuous cycle of 'demand driving supply and supply generating new demand' be formed," said Dai. An undated aerial drone photo shows tourists "Wimp Rafting" in Mao'er Mountain Scenic Area, Guilin, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua) This undated file drone photo shows the twin elevators in Panwang Realm scenic spot in Dayao Mountains, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua) New documents give insight into Luigi Mangiones state of mind in the months leading up to the murder of UnitedHealthCares CEO The U.S. Supreme Court is seen on April 07, 2025 in Washington, DC. Eric Lee, the attorney of Momodou Taal, delivered the following speech at a public meeting in London hosted by the Socialist Equality Party (UK) on Saturday May 31, Trumps war on free speech: The case of Momodou Taal. A British-Gambian citizen who was studying at Cornell University, Taal was forced to leave the United States in March to escape arrest and detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents following his lawsuit challenging the legality of US President Donald Trumps decrees banning campus protests against the Gaza genocide. The report has been edited slightly for publication. An initial report of the meeting was published by the World Socialist Web Site on June 1, 2025. Eric Lee speaks at London meeting Ill speak to some of the points that Momodou raises and also to some of the historical issues involved in this. First, I want to note that though were very glad that Momodou is here and not in detention, Mahmoud Khalil is in detention in Louisiana, separated from his wife and his baby, who was born when he couldnt be by his wifes side in the hospital. Hes over a thousand miles away from them, and June 8 will mark three months since he was abducted and disappeared by the Trump administration. We at this meeting send our deepest regards to Mahmoud, to Noor, his wife, to his family, and to his team who are fighting for his liberation. One has to begin by understanding what is broadly happening in the United States right now. There is no historical precedent at any time in the countrys 250-year history for what is presently taking place. The president is attempting to establish a dictatorship, to abolish the most basic democratic rights, including the right to habeas corpus, the right to free speech, the right to seek redress of grievance by suing the government over constitutional violations, as Momodou has outlined. The administration is disappearing individuals to a dungeon in El Salvador called CECOT, in violation of court orders. Trump has barred and has announced as recently as last week that they will be aggressively attempting to revoke the visas of Chinese students at American universities, tapping into among the most vile, reactionary periods of American history, the period of Chinese exclusion and also of Japanese internment. US deportees being frog-marched into El Salvador's Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) [Photo: El Salvador Presidential Press Office] They are going to be vetting, really for the first time systematically, the political views posted by immigrants, including those already in the United States, where the First Amendment that guarantees the right to free speech unquestionably appliesexamining all the social media accounts of people attempting to acquire an immigration benefit. And if their social media accounts are set to private, according to a cable from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, that will be construed as proof that they have something to hide. The Trump administration and Nazi lawyer Carl Schmitts State of Exception There are too many things happening in the United States to list them all right now, but the pseudo-legal basis, or explanation, for what is happening is a conception developed by theI wont call him a legal theorist or jurist because the term is too kindNazi lawyer Carl Schmitt, who said that in times of political crisis the only thing that matters is the states right to exist and that all legal norms, designed to save bourgeois legality, have to be dispensed with. Its called the State of Exception. It is not a legitimate legal theory, but nevertheless, it is the theory which is guiding the Trump administrations policies. And to make one thing clear, the attack on immigrants is the spearhead but this is an attack directed at the entire American population. Any government that wants to tell students who are from other countries what they can and cannot say in the United States is ultimately telling American citizens what they have the right to hear. The government is attempting to turn off the spigot on what ideas the American population is allowed to hear. In that sense, the place to really start in this discussion of Momodous case is the two executive orders themselves which were promulgated by the Trump administration in January. The two that are relevant here are, number one, the so-called antisemitism order, which renders individuals, as weve already gone over and seen in this case, removable for criticizing Israel, or makes them excludable if theyre a student or individual attempting to apply for a visa from outside the United States. It also requiresand this were now beginning to see play out more concretelyuniversities to monitor and report in-class statements by non-citizen students and professors, including perhaps the things they post on social media, the points they make in homework assignments, the things they may write in their dissertations. There is not a historical precedent for this. The second executive order, which the government acknowledges is closely connected to the first, purports to protect the American people from terrorism, which is a term the administration means to basically apply to all opposition to the Trump administration itself. It renders individuals potentially deportable or excludable if they so much as criticize the US government, its institutions, or American culture. Under those extraordinarily broad terms, one could understand that, for instance, pointing out that the United States military killed a million people in the war in Iraq and the subsequent opposition this generated might be construed as criticism of American culture; or criticizing the internment of 120,000 Japanese and Japanese-Americans during the Second World War; Operation Rolling Thunder in the Vietnam War; it goes on and on. President Donald Trump holds a signed an executive order during an event in the East Room of the White House, April 8, 2025, in Washington, as from left Environmental Protection Agency director Lee Zeldin, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Energy Secretary Chris Wright watch. [AP Photo/Evan Vucci] This type of a legal regime has not existed in American history before. Ill talk about some of the historical traditions from which this administration draws, but its important as a preliminary matter to explain that though the United States government and its ruling class have committed no shortage of great historic crimes over the course of its existence, especially in the period following the American Civil War, that we are in new territory. There is both an element of continuity, the dredging up of all of the most reactionary forms of capitalist political rule, xenophobia, nationalism, reaction, police state repression, and spewing it out in the form of these State Department cables and executive orders, which have acquired a character which is unprecedented. Ill talk a little bit about our lawsuit and the legal arguments that we raised. Were proud of the fact that we were the first to challenge the executive orders and were proud that we asked for a nationwide injunction demanding that these orders not only not be applied to our client but that they not be applied to anybody. I should say also, I appreciate the kind words, but I was one of a large team of attorneys on this case Chris Godshall-Bennett, my co-counsel, and the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committeewhich jumped on the case as we decided to file, and many others who helped at Cornell University and beyond. At bottom, we made two arguments. We argued that these orders violate the First Amendment not only because they restrict an individuals freedom of speech, and the law is very clear that once youre in the United States, the First Amendment applies to you provided youve developed substantial connections to the United States. Thats because the Bill of Rights doesnt use the term citizens, it uses the term people, that rights derive from the people and that individuals, regardless of whether theyre citizens or denizens, which was the old term, or whether theyre guests or visitors, they have the same rights or comparable level of protection under the Bill of Rights as American citizens whose families have lived in the US for centuries. We made that argument vis-a-vis Momodou. We also made the argument that our two co-plaintiffs, Sriram Parasurama, whos a graduate student at Cornell, and Professor Mukoma Wa Ngugi, were deprived of their right to listen to the views that Momodu wished to espouse, and that all individuals, both at universities and beyond, have the right to not have the executive branch and the president himself tell them what they can and cant hear. This was, in effect, an effort to transform the university systems into the type of universities that existed in Nazi Germany, producing compliant academics, complacent people, and barring all discussion. The antisemitism executive order, I should say, still says that they can criminally prosecute American citizens even, for potentially attending a demonstration, which they equate to an act of antisemitism. The other argument we made was that the executive orders themselves violate the Fifth Amendment Due Process Clause on the grounds that nobody, no reasonable person, can have any idea of what type of speech is antisemitic, or is construed as critical of American institutions, or of American culture, as weve talked about. We challenged the executive orders on the basis that they should be voided by the court because theyre too vague and they dont provide anybody with the type of notice of the things that they should say, or by getting close to what lines will they subject themselves, or their friends and colleagues, to deportation. In that sense, the orders were very deliberately aimed at scaring people out of speaking. You see that right now. Theres over a million visa holders in the United States, almost all of whom are sitting scared that the things that they say on social media, or that by attending a protest now or in the past or even saying something too loudly in a public place may result in their removal from the country, their banishment. Sometimes we use the term self-deportation, but that implies a little too much agency. Its a banishment. Its forced exile. And what Momodou has had to go through and what many of the students who have made the decision to leave the United States, rather than risk this have had to go through is unacceptable. Mahmoud Khalil and Momodou Taal [Photo by AP/Ted Shaffrey, Supplied] A couple points on the timing of our lawsuit. The First Amendment not only protects the right to speak, it also protects the right to seek redress, to petition the government for redress of grievances. That is one of the founding principles of the American Revolution, which I hope I wont offend this British audience by mentioning. Once we filed this lawsuit, according to the government, according to affidavits that the government filed when we were in court, or when we were going through the process in court, well Momodous already gone over the timeline to some extent. ICE agents launch operation against Momodou Taal On Saturday, March 15, we filed the lawsuit in the Northern District of New York, a federal court located in Syracuse in upstate New York. Several days later, I think it was Tuesday, the ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] agents began to deploy throughout Ithaca, basically where Cornell is located, in effectively an enforcement operation directed against Momodou. There were multiple undercover agents located throughout the region of his neighbourhood right off campus, and individuals who were undercover did show badges to residents of his communal living space. We were getting reports throughout the entire day of students who said that they were identifying federal agents parked in unmarked cars throughout the area. A couple of days later, we received, at about one or two in the morningmy co-counsel Chris and Ian email from the Department of Justice informing us that they were demanding we turn Momodou in to ICE. Then they informed us they had issued a removal order, which is the formal process, the formal service which initiates the deportation process. We requested at that time a copy of the order to make sure that it existed. I still have not seen that. That was not provided to us. But in that email, it was demanded of us that we personally, as Momodous attorneys, basically walk him to an ICE office so that he could be handcuffed and taken away to Louisiana or whatever detention centre they were going to put him in where hed still probably be if he hadnt made the decision to leave the US. There was not really a precedent for that type of a communication, that Im aware of. Momodou had at that point done nothing wrong, and we were already contesting the legality of the orders under which they were purporting to deport him. We learned in court filings that they filed a couple of days later that there was no question that the basis for deporting Momodou was based on his speech, which is totally illegal. This is a quote I want to read from one of the affidavits which was submitted by an ICE official who said, Mr. Taal was identified as a student at Cornell University and a prominent pro-Palestinian activist involved in protests and disruption of university events. In one incident that led to the university suspending him, he failed to comply with university directives to remove an unauthorized encampment, cease unreasonably loud chants and behaviour, and disperse. Theres nothing in American immigration law that says loud chanting can lead to your deportation. Theres nothing in the immigration statute which says that being temporarily suspended by the university can make you deportable, can ruin your academic career, and force your separation from the community in which youve lived for several years. The affidavits cited by ICE and the Department of Homeland Security referenced and quoted from Cornell University officials. Momodou has explained that the university, earlier in the fall, had essentially told him that we are going to inform the Department of Homeland Security we are suspending you, which will trigger under federal regulations our obligation to tell them that your visa is no longer valid. As Momodou says, they tried to say, well, we dont have the power to deport you, but were doing something that will make it inevitable that you will be deported. In total disregard for the regulations about the timing for making that statement to the Department of Homeland Security, they told Momodou he had two days to leave the country. The regulations say the university doesnt have to report someone whos violated the terms of their enrolment for 30 days. There was no legal basis whatsoever in immigration law for what the university was trying to do to railroad Momodou out of the country and send a message to others. It was because of the overwhelming opposition of the population of the United States, and of the world, who learned about this case through viral social media posts and news coverage that the university was forced to back down and allow Momodou to stay in his position. That was not their position initially, and that I think is an important lesson as well. Protesters outside the courthouse in Syracuse, New York hold signs in support of Momodou Taal, Sriram Parasuram and Mukoma Wa Ngugi. Then the government informed us, fast forwarding to the lawsuit, that Momodous visa had been revoked a week before. The governments position in this case was what they told us in these affidavits in courtOh no, were not trying to deport Momodou because he filed a lawsuit against us. The fact that ICE agents showed up at his house a couple of days after he filed the lawsuit is just basically a coincidence. And that supposedly the day before, Friday, all the government agencies responsible for coordinating with the State Department, with the consulate, with the Department of Homeland Security in the US, through a flurry of heroic bureaucratic activityon a Fridaythey worked together to figure out that the biggest priority the government had at that moment was to revoke Momodous visa because of a protest that happened six months earlier. That was the position that the government took in their sworn declarations entered under perjury. And the court unfortunately did not question the government about that position, so we were not able to prevail in our lawsuit. The district court made her decision. I will say the judge did not technically say that the only way Momodou could challenge it was in jail. It was procedurally a bit complicated. After the ruling went against us initially, what we did next had to do with a complicated statutory framework for saying courts dont have jurisdiction over challenges to deportation cases. Im not going to go into the details beyond saying that the provision is in the law because of the bipartisan vote taken by the Democrats and Republicans in the 1996 law, which was intended to make it impossible for immigrants to bring constitutional challenges to their deportations, or next to impossible. We were aware that the imminent efforts by the administration to detain and jail Momodou meant that we were allowed to file a petition for a writ of habeas corpus, which presented a certain different set of legal issues. The judge indicated that she was willing to hear those arguments and set a briefing schedule where we would have had the opportunity to go before the court again, and seek to prevent the government from arresting and detaining Momodou, allowing him to do what Rumeysa Ozturk and some of the other individuals who have been targeted by the government subsequent to Momodou are now able to do, which is fight their deportation orders in immigration court, which is a separate process than a federal case. But as Momodou said, there was a lot of uncertainty at that time, and there remains a lot of uncertainty about the executive branchs willingness to follow court orders. And we werent sure. They were spiriting people away to El Salvador in direct violation of various courts. They are in the process of attempting to skirt, would be the most favorable way of putting it, orders even from the United States Supreme Court. And so Momodou made the decision that he made to leave the US. I think it was an entirely appropriate one, given the prospect of many months in detention. Brutal treatment awaited Momodou Taal at a detention camp People in these detention centres are losing massive amounts of weight. They are not being provided access to halal food. Their religious liberties are being violated by their jailers. These are not pleasant places to be. In fact, a couple of weeks ago, ICE even argued in court, and the Department of Justice joined them in this argument shamefully, that Mahmoud Khalil could not even physically hold his newborn baby at the detention centre because that would pose a security risk, that his wife was only allowed to speak to him and that he was only allowed to look at his child through plexiglass. Mahmoud Khalil surrounded by members of the media outside the Columbia University campus, Tuesday, April 30, 2024, in New York. [AP Photo/Mary Altaffer] I want to make one point about the statutory ground under which a lot of people are being charged. Mahmoud was not charged under the same statutory deportation ground as several other people were. But the ground that people like Mahmoud Khalil have been charged with is that their presence in the United States, their attendance at protests in Rumeysa Ozturks case (I believe she was charged under that provision), is that they pose a threat to American foreign policy and that the Secretary of State has made the decision to, at his discretion, revoke the visas of individuals and put them into deportation proceedings because their speech threatens American foreign policy. A district court judge in Mahmoud Khalils case just earlier this week, has ruled that provision is likely void for vagueness under the type of argument I was explaining that we made just a couple of minutes ago. But if one takes this provision at its word, what does that mean? It means that criticizing the American government or the state of Israel threatens foreign policy, even if that speech is clearly protected by the First Amendment. For over 100 years, the United States government has been causing destruction, killing millions of people, ruining entire countries based on the claim that its making the world safe for democracy. But evidently making the world safe for democracy means eliminating democracy at home. I want to come back to this question of history because, of course, there are no shortage of instances in which the American government has targeted immigrants. Many of you are probably aware of some of these examples. Ill go through a couple of them briefly, and Im going to be referencing an excellent book by Julia Rose Kraut, Threat of Dissent, published by Harvard University Press in 2020 and which I recommend that people read. The attack on immigrants and fear of social revolution There are two basic conclusions that come out of these examples relating to the situation Momodou has faced. That is, that there is an inextricable link between the attack on immigrants and fear of social revolution. And theres also the lesson from these past examples, and its playing out again right now, that every time the government tries to suppress speech it blows up in its face, alerts the population to the danger, awakens in the American population in particular and in the working class the best democratic elements from its history and from its historical experience, and provokes a massive new level of social opposition to the government itself. Im going to give three examples. In 1798, the administration of John Adams and the Congress that was controlled by the Federalists passed the Alien Friends Act and the Sedition Act, which together barred and gave the president the power to deport people who were dangerous to the peace and safety of the United States. John Adams [Photo: Gilbert Stuart - National Gallery of Art, Washington, D. C., online collection] Three weeks later, Congress passed a bill that gave the executive branch the power to charge, or that provided authorities with the power to charge criminally, citizens who made slanderous statements against the government. Now, we pointed out that these executive orders not only barred people from speaking slander, they also barred people from speaking the truth, which was something new. Nobody was deported under the Alien Friends Act. However, that year, shortly after its passage, several boats filled with French citizens living in the United States who were sympathizers of the French Revolution, which was the basic motivating factor behind the Adams administrations crackdown on free speech, left the country. In 1798, and this is from Julia Krauts book, a dozen ships filled with anxious Frenchmen transported them back to France or Haiti. One prominent former member of the French Assembly left voluntarily with his family in August, after ending up on a list that John Adams had produced seeking the deportation of opponents of the government. When asked why this individual was placed on the list, Adams response was, no reason in particular, but hes too French. At the turn of the 20th century, the Congress passed the Immigration Act of 1903, which essentially banned and made deportable all anarchistsa term used very broadly to apply to socialists and communists as well. It targeted people who are opposed to all organized government. There were a number of prominent cases, including that of John Turner, a British citizen and trade unionist and anarchist, whose case made it all the way up to the Supreme Court, where he lost. There are many other examples from this period, but perhaps the most important, and this is fast forwarding a little bit, is the Palmer Raids, which took place in the immediate aftermath of American imperialisms intervention in the First World War, named for [President Woodrow] Wilsons Attorney General, A. Mitchell Palmer. Three thousand radicals were detained on Ellis Island pending deportation. There were brutal physical attacks. On one day, there was a nationwide operation in which authorities under the direction of a very young man at that time named J. Edgar Hoover, went through workers union halls and associational halls and peoples homes, beating people up, taking their papers without warrants, locking them up in jail without access to attorneys. Ultimately, 556 people were deported, but the opposition which this engendered in the American population was massive. Alexander Mitchell Palmer [Photo: AlexandeHarris & Ewing - This image is available from the United States Library of Congress's Prints and Photographs division under the digital ID cph.3a37242.r Mitchell Palmer] This was a period of anti-syndicalist laws directed against, in particular, the Industrial Workers of the World. And Ill quote briefly from an important observation made at the time by a prominent legal academic, Zechariah Chafee, in his famous book Freedom of Speech in 1920. He wrote, and this very much bears on Momodous situation, Persons already here are seriously affected if they are denied the privilege of listening to, associating with, a foreign thinker. The progress of this country as a whole may be gravely retarded. Truth is truth whether it comes from a citizen or an alien, and the refusal to admit a wise foreigner may simply result in our remaining ignorant. We shall soon be in the shameful position of seeing political offenders from this country demanding asylum in the very lands from which men has fled to be free to think and talk on our shores. That level of opposition from within the academic establishment is largely absent today, though not entirely, and certainly from the administrations themselves. The second-to-last example I want to give is a very interesting case that we talked a little bit about from the early 1930s. Li Xiaojun was a New York University student from China who was a self-admitted opponent of imperialism and a communist. He was arrested in late 1930 by immigration authorities and detained under deplorable conditions at Ellis Island in New York. He requested the right to leave the US for the Soviet Union, and that request was denied. There were substantial protests, again, that took place, especially at Columbia University and New York University, where Professor John Dewey, the famous philosopher, spoke out against Mr. Xiaojuns deportation to China. There are some other cases which are very relevant today, given the present attack on Chinese students in particular. The period of McCarthyism saw massive efforts to deport non-citizens or exclude them based on their speech. People targeted included conductor Arturo Toscanini and violin virtuoso Joseph Segetti. They were both questioned and detained at Ellis Island. Novelist Graham Greenes visa was delayed for many, many months in 1952 because he was very briefly a member of the Communist Party. The composer Hans Eisler, most famously Charlie Chaplin, whose re-entry permit was revoked after he criticized the McCarran Act, the 1952 immigration law, which was essentially the immigration version of McCarthyism or the expression of that movement. Chaplin (right) receiving his Honorary Academy Award from Jack Lemmon in 1972. It was the first time he had been to the United States in twenty years. [Photo: Associated Press photographer] When his visa was revoked, Chaplin described his treatment as, the object of lies and vicious propaganda by powerful reactionary groups who, by their influence and by the aid of Americas yellow press, have created an unhealthy atmosphere in which liberal-minded individuals can be singled out and persecuted. How the Democratic Party paved way for the attacks on students targeted by Trump administration Ill conclude with a couple of points about the last 25 years, because Trump did not fall from the sky. This is a point which has been made very regularly by the World Socialist Web Site. The War on Terror, which was a completely bipartisan effort, paved the way for the attacks that are being waged on Momodou, that are being waged on Mahmoud Khalil and Rumeysa Ozturk and Yunseo Chung and all the other students targeted by this administration. The Democratic Party went along with all of this, or in many cases led the way, including in 2010 when the Obama administration asked the United States Supreme Court for a ruling that advocating in support of a foreign terrorist organization, that is, speech related to a group that is on a list thats put out by the State Department of foreign terrorist organizations, can render one subject to criminal prosecution, regardless of your citizenship. And they got what they wanted. There was also a bill, as I mentioned earlier, passed during this period, which made it illegal and rendered an individual deportable or excludable if they endorsed or espoused a terrorist view. This is a totally bipartisan attack on free speech that is long in the making. The Obama administration kept Guantanamo Bay open and moved so many people who had been held under indefinite detention from Guantanamo to Bagram Air Force Base in Afghanistan as a blatant attempt to skirt a Supreme Court ruling that individuals detained at Guantanamo did have the right to petition American federal courts under the writ of habeas corpus. There are cases such as the case of Jose Padilla, a US citizen who was charged under criminal terrorism statutes and was essentially disappeared and denied the right to counsel and kept without charges or without trial for an extraordinarily long time in the mid-2000s. Some of the most notorious individuals who are leading the current crackdown on immigration were appointed by Barack Obama, including Tom Homan, Trumps immigration czar, among the most vile and reactionary members of the current administration, which is saying something. There were millions of deportations under Obama. Under the Biden administration, the right to asylum was essentially banned. We know the role played by the Biden administration in facilitating the crackdown on pro-Palestinian and anti-genocide speech. Former President Barack Obama, from left, speaks with President-elect Donald Trump as his wife Melania Trump looks on before the casket of former President Jimmy Carter arrives for a state funeral at the National Cathedral, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, in Washington. [AP Photo/Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post via AP, Pool] These points are very important to make here, to understand the way to fight and the way to mobilize the population and to alert them, and to awaken in them those democratic traditions, which, yes, for all the problems in the political consciousness of the American population, still do exist. They do not exist at all or find expression in either of the two parties. But there are tremendous opportunities, I think, for alerting people and for allowing people to understand that if somebody like Momodou, whose position in the United States was legally tenuous to start with, had the courage to stand up and oppose the genocide, despite the threats against him, and to go into court and file a lawsuit in which Donald Trump was the primary named defendant, asking for a national injunction against two presidential executive orders. This will, as youre seeing, lead to the increased development of opposition to these policies. Polls that are coming out now show that by two- or three-to-one margins, people oppose removing people like Momodou from the country. It is sickening to the vast majority of the population. People are extremely concerned in the United States right now about the case of an individual named Kilmar Abrego Garcia and similar individuals, who are being taken out of their homes in the United States and sent to a torture chamber in El Salvador, which is what CECOT is. Without going on any longer, I just want to thank you again for having me. Momodou, its great to see you again here in person, and its been an honour to be involved in this case and to defend the principles that are involved in it. And hopefully there will be plenty of questions for us, so thank you very much. BERLIN, June 5 (Xinhua) -- German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said on Thursday that Germany supports NATO's large-scale military expansion plan, which is expected to be approved during the alliance's defense ministers' meeting in Brussels. However, the country is currently grappling with a significant shortage of troops. To meet the increased defense requirements under the plan, the German Bundeswehr will need to add 60,000 active-duty soldiers, Pistorius told the media ahead of the meeting. "Given Germany's size and economic strength, we will shoulder a significant part of NATO's military build-up," he said. "As the alliance's traditional second-largest military force, we are continuing in that role." NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte emphasized on Wednesday that the alliance needs "more resources, troops, and capabilities" to fully implement collective defense strategies and respond to any threat. He highlighted air and missile defense, long-range weapons systems, logistics, and large land force formations as top priorities. However, Germany continues to face a persistent shortage of military personnel. Despite intensified recruitment efforts, the Bundeswehr saw a further decline in troop numbers last year, while the average age of soldiers continued to rise. According to the defense ministry, the total number of military personnel stood at approximately 181,000 by the end of 2024. Previously, Pistorius outlined a goal of expanding Germany's total military force to around 460,000, including 203,000 active-duty troops, 60,000 current reservists, and an additional 200,000 new reservists. He has since announced plans to "establish and fully equip new large military formations." To support this expansion, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier signed a constitutional amendment in March to relax the country's so-called "debt brake," allowing greater government borrowing for defense and infrastructure investment. The move aims to bolster Germany's role in European security. On the question of reinstating compulsory military service, Pistorius acknowledged that Germany currently lacks sufficient training and accommodation capacity. As a result, the country will maintain its voluntary military service system in the near term while gradually expanding capabilities. At the end of this month, NATO member states are expected to finalize new defense spending targets at a summit in The Hague. NATO chief Rutte has suggested members allocate 3.5 percent of their gross domestic product to direct defense expenditure, and an additional 1.5 percent for broader security-related spending by 2032. The Stalinist-led Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) has imposed by fiat, or arbitrary order from above, yet another sell-out agreement on workers at Samsung Indias Tamil Nadu electric appliance plant. The agreement was worked out under pressure from the DMK-led Tamil Nadu state government, which has bitterly opposed the Samsung workers challenge to poverty wages and brutal working conditions for fear that their militant example would encourage broader worker resistance and scare away investors. The CITU is affiliated with the Stalinist Communist Party of India (Marxist), which is itself a close ally of the DMK. Signed on May 19 in the presence of DMK Labour Minister CV Ganesan, the agreement ignores virtually all of the workers demands. It provides no relief from long working hours and a punishing pace of work. The 25 militant workers who have been victimized by management remain suspended and under threat of further disciplinary action. Samsung management, which has repeatedly gone back on its words, has ostensibly committed to hike the wages of permanent workers by 18,000 rupees (US $210) per month over the next three years, with a Rs. 9,000 ($105) raise to be implemented in 2025-26 and per annum increases of Rs 4,500 ($52.50) provided in 2026-27 and 2027-28. A further monthly salary hike of between Rs. 1,000-4,000 ($12 to $48) will be paid out to employees based upon the number of years they have been working at the plant. However, workers with less than 3 years seniority will get no supplementary increase. The agreement severely shackles the Samsung workers. The CITU has instructed members of the Samsung India Workers Union (SIWU) to follow only legal procedures if they have grievances, which means that they can only complain to the rotten CITU bureaucrats. The workers have been expressly forbidden from engaging in direct actions such as sit-ins and strikes. Acting more like company officials than worker leaders, the CITU functionaries have claimed that any job action would be illegal under the states labor laws, essentially telling them that if they respond to the companys provocations they will be left out to dry. Workers were not consulted about the agreement, with was signed on their behalf by CITU Tamil Nadu State President A. Soundararajan and CITU State Secretary E. Muthukumar. Nor are they being allowed to vote on it, despite their having twice waged weeks-long strikes, first last September-October and again in February-March, and enduring a vicious, state-backed campaign of management harassment. The state CITU leaderswho have seized control of the SIWU, which workers formed at their own initiative in June/July 2024have failed to even properly inform the rank-and-file of the pay agreement that they negotiated. Instead of distributing it to them, Muthukumar posted a distorted image of it on the X account of the state unit of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPM. Samsung India workers during their 37-day strike in Sept.-Oct., 2024. First they were barred by a court injunction from going within 500 meters of the strike-bound plant. Then police stormed their rallying point and tore down their tent. Last months agreement between the CITU and the management of the South Korean-based transnational company is entirely in keeping with the arbitrary manner that the top officials at the Stalinist labour federation have functioned throughout the now nearly year-long struggle. Their imposition of a sell-out agreement by fiat, follows on from their abrupt shutdown of a month-long strike by some 500 of the 1,800 permanent workers at the plant. The strike, which began on Feb. 5 as a sit-down strike, erupted spontaneously after management suspended several worker-leaders of the SIWU. Because of constant management harassment and threats and the CITUs opposition to a fight to unite the plants permanent and contract workers, many union supporters continued working during what was the second strike against Samsung in five months. The strike was called off, as support was building among workers across the Sriperumbudur-Kanchipuram industrial belt for a one-day strike in support of the Samsung strikers. Sriperumbudur and Kanchipuram lie on the outskirts of Chennai, Tamil Nadus capital and Indias fifth largest city. An article in the CPMs English-language weekly, Peoples Democracy, sheds light on brutal working conditions at Samsungs Tamil Nadu plantconditions that the CITU promoted agreement will do absolutely nothing to alleviate. Reports indicate, it says, that workers have a brief turnover time of just 1015 seconds to complete each product, often enduring stretches of four to five hours of continuous work. Some tasks on the assembly line must be completed within four seconds. Although the official break time is 10 minutes, workers effectively receive only eight minutes, as they must return one minute early and can leave one minute after the break begins. (Emphasis added) According to reports, from this month onwards, the workday at the plant will be extended from an already grueling 11.5 hours to 12 hours, (11.5 hours of work and 30 minutes of unpaid breaks.) Confident that it has the backing of the right-wing, Tamil chauvinist DMK government, Samsung has mounted one anti-worker provocation after another. These include forcing workers to undergo retraining sessions at which managers tried to browbeat them into joining the Samsung Employees Welfare Federation (SEWF), a management created stooge union; and transferring militant workers to other more arduous jobs. In April, management announced that the around 500 workers who had accepted the SEWF as their representative would receive a pay rise, under an agreement it had negotiated with the stooge organization. The pay raise was denied to the 1,300 permanent workers who were members of the SIWU and who had taken part in strikes and agitations. Aware of the explosive anger among the workers and fearing that the CITU was losing all credibility among the rank-and-file after its sabotage of the two previous strikes, the CITUs Muthukumar issued Samsung management a 14-day strike notice to demand pay raises for the SIWU workers and the immediate reinstatement of 25 suspended SIWU members. However, this proved to be bluster, with the CITU taking no action at the April 16 strike deadline. Starting May 13, around 900 workers began a series of protests, including a one-day hunger strike to press for their demands for a pay raise and reinstatement of the 25 suspended workers. As part of these protests, the CITU scheduled a gathering for Samsung workers in Kanchipuram for May 14. However, the police in Kanchipuram refused to give permission for a rally, fearing that such a gathering could become a magnet attracting other workers in this industrial belt. This was the context within which on May 19 the CITU reached its pay agreement with Samsung. When a reporter asked about the still suspended 25 workers, it was the DMK labour minister who responded, not the CITU officials present. He said that the agreement was strictly confined to wage increases and that the fate of the suspended 25 workers would be addressed at some unspecified time in the future. That the Stalinist CITU should act as a consort of the DMK government should come as no surprise. The CITUs political parent, the CPM, is closely allied with the DMK, participating in DMK-led electoral alliances in Tamil Nadu in both state and national elections, and receiving massive funding from the states ruling party to support its election campaigns. Even more fundamentally, the Stalinist CPM and CITU agree that industrial peace must be maintained so as to preserve Tamil Nadus reputation as a business-friendly state. Samsung workers have to learn from this bitter experience. They should decisively break with the CITU and take control of their struggle by establishing an independent rank-and-file committee and wrest back control of the SIWU from the CITU. Such a committee will have to unite permanent, contract, temporary workers and establish links with Samsung workers in India and globally. Samsung workers should also reach out to their brother and sister workers throughout the Sriperumbudur-Kanchipuram industrial belt and across Tamil Nadu and India to forge unity against their employers and develop a working class counter-offensive against austerity, privatization, contract labour, communal authoritarianism and war-mongering. Only such a movement, rooted in class struggle and socialist internationalism, can successfully counter the brutal exploitation of transnational corporations like Samsung. Elevenlabs AudioNative Player A person holds up a sign during a news conference and rally by immigrant justice organizations and advocates protesting ICE arrests in San Francisco, Wednesday, May 28, 2025 [AP Photo/Jeff Chiu] Every day in the United States, heavily armed, militarized, and masked immigration agentsoften operating without warrants or even the pretense of due processare seizing workers, students, parents and long-time residents as part of President Donald Trumps ongoing mass deportation campaign. Under the guise of combating terrorism and criminal gangs, the ongoing raids overwhelmingly target workers and their families, many of whom have filed for asylum and completed every legal requirement for seeking residence in the United States. In the first 100 days of Trumps second term, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reported arresting 66,463 people and deporting 65,682. By mid-May, nearly 49,000 individuals were being held in immigration detention centersmost of them privately run, for-profit facilities scattered across the United States. To meet a White House-imposed quota of 3,000 arrests per dayset by Trumps fascist-minded senior adviser Stephen Millermasked immigration agents are appearing at courthouses, worksites, and other public spaces to capture illegal immigrants. If their target is not present, the immigration Gestapo is encouraged to carry out collateral arrestsdetaining anyone they encounter whom they suspect of being illegal, regardless of whether that person was the intended target. In line with these directives, the right-wing New York Postowned by Rupert Murdochs News Corpreported that 2,200 illegal migrants were arrested in a single day on Tuesday. This came after a Monday press conference by ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons, who gloated that immigration agents had detained 1,461 people in Massachusetts in May alone as part of Operation Patriot. Trump and his ruling class allies have repeatedly claimed that those being targeted for deportation are the spearhead of an invasion force aimed at destroying America. This lie is disproven every day. On Wednesday, CNN reported that the Trump administration is reviving its notorious child separation policy and has already taken approximately 500 children into government custodyremoving them from previously vetted family sponsors. During Trumps first term, more than 5,500 children were separated from their parents in a cruel and inhumane effort to deter immigrants and asylum seekers. As of 2024, according to Human Rights Watch, over 1,000 of those children had still not been reunited with their families. Every day brings new outrages. On Tuesday, KTLA in Los Angeles reported that Martir Gracia Lara, a fourth-grade student at Torrance Elementary School, and his father attended an immigration hearing in Houston, Texas, at which point both were detained and separated by ICE agents. There is growing popular opposition to the Trump administrations vicious assault on immigrants and their families. Demonstrations against the administrations policies are becoming more frequent and militant, reflecting a deepening mood of resistance. In Chicago on Wednesday, over 100 people attempted to block ICE agents from kidnapping 12 individuals who were detained while appearing for a check-in at immigration court. The presence of the crowd prompted the deployment of dozens of Chicago police officers to the area. At one point, protesters attempted to block the van disappearing the immigrants. The day before, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, a similar scene unfolded when FBI, Homeland Security Investigations and Drug Enforcement Agency thugs conducted a federal operation at Las Cuatro Milpas, a restaurant on East Lake Street that bears the slogan Make Tacos, Not Walls. The presence of dozens of heavily armed agentsincluding tactical FBI teams carrying M4 rifles with silencersprovoked widespread anger in the community. Minneapolis police were dispatched to protect the federal agents and arrested two people for allegedly assaulting police. And in San Diego on May 30, over 100 residents came out to oppose an ICE operation targeting a local Italian restaurant. ICE and HSI agents resorted to flash-bang grenades in an attempt to disperse the crowd, but were instead driven out by residents and restaurant workers. These protests speak to the growing opposition to the fascistic Trump administration and its assault on democratic rights, with its central target being immigrant families. This opposition to Trump must be armed with a clear political orientation. The Trump administration is seeking to establish a political dictatorship. The same regime that is carrying out mass deportations is criminalizing opposition to the genocide in Gaza, invoking the 18th-century Alien Enemies Act to imprison and expel political dissidents, defying court rulings, and rapidly militarizing American society. Far from opposing Trumps assault on immigrants, the Democratic Party has paved the way for it and continues to collaborate in its implementation. It was Democrat Bill Clinton who, in the 1990s, spearheaded border militarization and the criminalization of undocumented immigrants. Barack Obama deported more people than any other president in US history, while Vice President Kamala Harris infamously told migrants in 2021, Do not come. The Democrats response to the return of Trump has been a combination of collaboration and suppression of opposition. In January, Democrats joined Republicans in passing the reactionary Laken Riley Act, which mandates the detention of any undocumented immigrant accused of even minor offenses like shoplifting. As for independent Senator Bernie Sanders, he told ABC News that Trump had done right in attacking immigrants and making sure our border is stronger. In contrast to the Democratswho are collaborating with the fascist president and his assault on democratic rightsworkers and youth resisting todays deportation operations stand in historic continuity with those who, at great personal and legal risk, resisted efforts to enforce the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. The horrors of the Fugitive Slave Act led millions to conclude that there could be no compromise with the slave power, and that the only recourse was mass revolutionary action to guarantee the safety and democratic rights of all. The defense of immigrants today is, at its core, a class question. The brutal methods now being used against undocumented workersraids, surveillance, indefinite detention, deportation without trialwill be used against all those who oppose the policies of the corporate and financial oligarchy. Trump and the entire political establishment promote the poisonous lie that immigrants are responsible for the social crisis in the USa lie repeated by the ruling elites of every countryeven as they are implementing an historic assault on social programs, aimed at financing massive handouts to the rich and an enormous escalation of imperialist war. The working class must reject all attempts to divide it along national or ethnic lines. The fight to defend immigrant workers can succeed only through the united mobilization of the working class as a wholeblack, white, native-born, immigrant, documented and undocumented alike. This means building rank-and-file workplace and neighborhood committees to oppose the deportation operations and prepare collective actions using the immense social power of the working class. The defense of immigrants and the democratic rights of all is inseparable from the fight to abolish the capitalist system. It requires the building of a mass socialist movement committed to erasing all borders, ending imperialist war, and securing the right of all people to live and work wherever they choose, free from repression, exploitation, or fear. Ramon Morales Reyes [Photo: Department of Homeland Security ] Ramon Morales Reyes, a 54-year-old immigrant from Mexico living in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was framed up for threatening to assassinate President Donald Trump and subsequently exonerated. However, he remains in detention and faces deportation, at the direction of the White House and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The chain of events began in September 2023, when Morales Reyes was the victim of a violent robbery and assault. Demetric D. Scott, the perpetrator, knocked Morales Reyes off his bicycle, cut him with a box cutter and stole his bike. Scott was arrested and charged with armed robbery and aggravated battery, with Morales Reyes set to testify against him at trial. Attempting to avoid prosecution, Scott devised a plan to have Morales Reyes deported from the US. While in jail, Scott wrote multiple letters threatening to assassinate Donald Trump, signing them with Morales Reyes name and return address. These letters were sent to state and federal officials, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in hopes that Morales Reyes would be arrested and removed from the country before he could testify. DHS acted swiftly and arrested Morales Reyes on May 21, 2025, after he dropped his child off at school. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem then publicly announced the arrest, claiming Morales Reyes had written the threatening letters and that he would self-deport to Mexico. The White House sought to vilify Morales Reyes as part of its anti-immigrant propaganda and amplified the narrative on social media, posting images of the letter and the worker. However, the case unraveled as investigators realized that Morales Reyes spoke little English and could not write in the language. Handwriting samples did not match, and Scott ultimately admitted to authoring the letters in recorded jail calls and to police. Milwaukee County prosecutors concluded that Morales Reyes was framed and that Scotts actions were intended to intimidate a witness and obstruct justice. Morales Reyes immigrated from Mexico in the 1980s. He is married and the father of three US citizen children. For years he has worked as a dishwasher in Milwaukee, supporting his family and living a quiet life. Earlier in 2025, he applied for a U visa, which is available to undocumented immigrants who are victims of serious crimes and cooperate with law enforcement. His application remains pending, but the backlog for such visas is years long. Scotts criminal record includes the September 2023 robbery and violent attack on Morales Reyes. According to court documents, after Scott cut him Morales Reyes was treated at a hospital for a laceration. Scott was arrested hours later and confessed to the attack, claiming he wanted his bike back. On June 3, 2025, Scott was formally charged with felony witness intimidation, identity theft and two counts of bail jumping. His bail was set at $30,000, and a preliminary hearing was scheduled for June 10. Scott remains in Milwaukee County Jail, awaiting trial for both the original armed robbery and the new charges related to the frame-up. Three threatening letters, all signed with Morales Reyes name, have been released to the press. The most widely quoted letter reads: I will self deport myself back to Mexico but not before I use my 30 yard 6 to shoot your precious president in his head. I will see him at one of his big ralleys [sic]. The crude language and specific threats were intended to draw the attention of federal authorities and ensure Morales Reyes swift removal. Morales Reyes attorney, Kime Abduli, emphasized that her client does not speak any English and definitely cannot write in it, making it clear he could not have authored the letters. Noem, as Secretary of Homeland Security, played a central role in publicizing the arrest of Morales Reyes. Even after Scotts confession and the unraveling of the case, DHS did not publicly correct the record. Morales Reyes remains detained at Dodge Detention Center, 70 miles north of Milwaukee, and faces ongoing deportation proceedings. Despite being cleared of the threat, DHS doubled down: This criminal illegal alien is no longer under investigation for threats against the President, but will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings. The treatment of Morales Reyes is of a piece with Donald Trumps criminalization of immigrant workers and DHS attacks on basic democratic rights. The rush to utilize the fraudulent charges against Morales Reyes as an example to justify the ongoing ICE raids, mass arrests, brutalization, intimidation and deportation of immigrants is a measure of the crisis-ridden nature of the Trump White House. Noems public shaming and refusal to correct the record even after Morales Reyes was exonerated shows that creating a climate where immigrantsdocumented or notare scapegoated for political gain is the top priority of the administration. In a statement, another of Morales Reyes attorneys, Cain Oulahan, condemned the Trump administrations actions: This administration has jumped quickly to make announcements that they think will play well to their narrative of immigrants being dangerous. Attorney Abduli said that it had been a painful and terrifying past few days for Ramon and his family and that she was relieved that Ramons innocence in all of this has been made clear. She added: He was first a victim of someone elses attempts to frame him and then a victim of the Department of Homeland Security, who chose to publish his name and face while perpetuating false accusations and a false narrative. Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, threatening pro-Israel protesters while holding Molotov cocktails, Boulder, Colorado, June 1, 2025. A federal judge in Colorado issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) Wednesday blocking the deportation of the wife and five children of Mohamed Sabry Soliman, the man accused of carrying out a firebombing attack on a pro-Israel demonstration in Boulder, Colorado, over the weekend. The decision by Judge Gordan Gallagher came in response to an emergency lawsuit filed by attorneys representing Solimans wife, Hayam El Gamal, and their children, who were seized by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on Tuesday. Full hearings in the case are expected next week. The suit, filed in Federal District Court, seeks the release of the family from custody and an injunction against their removal from the United States. El Gamal and her children, ranging in age from 4 to 17, entered the country on tourist visas in 2022. According to the complaint, El Gamal was shocked to learn of her husbands alleged actions and had cooperated with authorities. Punishing individuals for the purported actions of their relatives is a feature of medieval justice systems or police state dictatorships, not democracies, Eric Lee, one of the familys attorneys, told the World Socialist Web Site. The Trump administrations vindictive attack on this young family echoes the methods of Nazi Germany, where authorities used kin punishmentSippenhaftto intimidate the population. The detention and attempted removal of this family is an assault on core democratic principles and must provoke widespread opposition in the population, immigrant and non-immigrant alike. Sundays firebombing attack reportedly left 12 people injured. As of this writing, the identities of the victims remain unconfirmed. However, given the character of the demonstration, it is presumed that many, if not all, are Jewish. Multiple reports indicate that the victims range in age from 52 to 88, with the oldest believed to be a Holocaust survivor. One person remains in critical condition, while several others are receiving treatment in specialized burn units. President Donald Trump and the Republican Party are exploiting the attack to justify and intensify their ongoing mass deportation operation. At the same time, leading Democrats and Zionist organizations are seizing on the incident to further slander all opposition to the US-backed Israeli genocide in Gaza as expressions of antisemitism. The World Socialist Web Site opposes individual acts of violence, which serve only to disorient the working class and hand the capitalist state a pretext to escalate police-state repression against all political opposition. As with last months killing of Israeli diplomatic staffers Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, Sundays desperate, demoralized attack will do nothing to end the ongoing ethnic cleansing campaign in Palestine or advance the cause of equality. Soliman is a 45-year-old Egyptian national who worked as an Uber driver in the US. He is currently facing 16 counts of attempted murder, along with federal hate crime charges, after reportedly using a homemade flamethrower and Molotov cocktails against members of a group called Run for Their Lives during a protest in Boulder, Colorado. Video circulating online in the aftermath of the attack shows a shirtless man holding two clear bottles filled with liquid, believed to be gasoline, yelling at injured people. In the footage, he is heard shouting, End Zionists and Free Palestine. According to court documents, he stated that he hated this group and needed to stop them from taking over our land, which he explained to be Palestine. He is currently being held on a $10 million bond. The group targeted by Soliman, Run for Their Lives, was formed after October 7, 2023 and focuses exclusively on the Israelis taken captive by Hamas during the attack. Closely aligned with Zionist organizations, such as the Israeli-American Council and supported by establishment political parties, the group has organized hundreds of small marches across cities in the United States, Europe and Australia in support of Israel. Speakers at these events frequently include capitalist politicians, Israeli citizens and members of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). According to Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary for public affairs at the Department of Homeland Security, Soliman legally entered the United States in 2022 on a B-2 tourist visa. In September of that year, he applied for asylum. Although his visa expired in 2023, his work permit remained valid until March 2025, and his asylum case was still pending at the time of Sundays attack. Following the attack, Democrats quickly labeled Solimans actionswhich appear to have been politically motivated by the Israeli genocideas an example of antisemitism. On Monday, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer posted on X that he had spoken with the FBI about yesterdays antisemitic attack, adding, Im urging them to use the full extent of their power to investigate this horror. ... Assigning collective blame to Jews for whats happening in the Middle East is blatantly antisemitic, and its happening in too many corners of America. In a Monday appearance on Fox News, Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), blamed opponents of the Gaza genocide for creating the conditions for Sundays attack. Greenblatt stated that what he really wants is for social media influencers on Twitch and YouTube like Hasan Piker, as well as other promoters of hate on YouTube and TikTok like Guy Christensen and speakers at these graduationsit just happened the other day at MITall of whom he claimed had created the conditions for Sundays attackto stop it once for all. I hope the Trump administration will do just that. Posting on his social media platform following the attack, Trump blamed the Biden administration and declared, This is yet another example of why we must keep our Borders SECURE, and deport Illegal, Anti-American Radicals from our Homeland. Despite there being no evidence that Solimans family had any knowledge ofor involvement inSundays attack, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced in a Tuesday post on X that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are taking the family of Soliman into ICE custody. Noem added that authorities would be investigating to what extent his family knew about the attack. Around the same time, Fox News reported that Solimans family was being processed for expedited removal, a policy that allows for rapid deportation without a hearing before an immigration judge. The official White House account escalated the fascistic spectacle by posting Solimans mugshot alongside video of the attack, gloating: Six One-Way Tickets for Mohameds Wife and Five Kids. Final Boarding Call Coming Soon. The graphic accompanying the White House post stated that Solimans wife and children Could Be Deported by Tonight. The judges order on Wednesday directs the White House not to carry out this threat. The detention and deportation of Solimans family must be opposed by the working class. If the US government is permitted to strip immigrants and their families of basic rights based solely on alleged crimes committed by a relative, there is nothing preventing the Trump administration from asserting similar powers in the context of a strike, protest or national emergency to detain and deport political opponents of the regime. Palestinians carry Reem Al-Akhras, who was killed while heading to an aid distribution hub, during her funeral in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Tuesday, June 3, 2025 [AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana] In the week since Israel launched food distributions under the auspices of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), Israeli forces have turned the aid distributions into killing fields almost every day. In a statement published Tuesday, the Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor reported that over the past week, over 600 Palestinians have been killed or injured in Israeli attacks on crowds at the food distribution points. Prior to the launch of the US-Israeli aid operation, humanitarian and human rights groups, including the UN, warned that the scheme was merely a means to lure Gazas remaining population to the south, where they could be trapped in concentration camps in preparation for the US-Israeli plan to ethnically cleanse Gaza by expelling its population. It has since emerged that the purpose of the aid centers is even more sinister: they are launching points not only for indiscriminate massacres of aid-seekers, but for what appear to be targeted assassinations of members of the crowd. Rather than being a humanitarian lifeline, they are killing fields. On Tuesday, Israeli forces carried out yet another massacre near an aid distribution site in Rafah, killing 27 people and injuring 90. On Monday, 3 people were killed and dozens were wounded in nearly the exact same circumstances. This followed a massacre on Sunday in which 30 people were killed and 170 were wounded. In its report, the Euro-Med Monitor stated that, According to testimonies and information collected by Euro-Med Monitors field researchers, Israeli army snipers deliberately targeted starving civilians with direct gunfire, mostly to the head, despite no apparent threat to Israeli forces. One survivor told the monitor, At around 3:50 a.m. today, an Israeli quadcopter flew over and photographed the civilian crowd. Then, the army opened fire from a crane in the area. I personally carried three people who had been shot in the head. Most of the injuries were to the head. People came looking for food to ease their hunger, but they went back dead or wounded. In another testimony, A. B., 38, told the Euro-Med Monitor team, Around 5:45 a.m., we managed to enter the center, and I was able to get an aid package. On my way out, I met a woman in her 40s who said she couldnt continue forward and that she and her children were suffering from hunger and poverty. I gave her my package and returned to try to get another one, but there was nothing left. A quadcopter was overhead, broadcasting insulting remarks: You animals, go away, the supply is out. He continued, As I was leaving and nearing the chutes exit, I saw a child crying out loudly, Mom, get up, Mom, get up. I went closer and found the woman I had given my package to lying in a pool of blood. She was dead, he said. A group of young men and I carried her outside and placed her in an ambulance. I accompanied her son to the hospital. On the way, along the sea road, I saw seven bodies lying on the side of the road. Aid-seekers attempting to access food are forced to wait in long lines before being subjected to facial recognition scans. The testimony presented by the Euro-Med Monitor could indicate that the ongoing massacres are not random killing sprees, but that the facial recognition scans are being used for targeted assassinations at the aid distribution sites. On Wednesday, the United States vetoed a UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza the fifth time it has done so. Fourteen other members of the Security Council voted for the ceasefire, which called the humanitarian situation in Gaza catastrophic and called for the lifting of restrictions on food aid. Israel has a right to defend itself, which includes defeating Hamas and ensuring they are never again in a position to threaten Israel, said U.S. Ambassador Dorothy Sheato. In this regard, any product that undermines our close ally Israels security is a non-starter. Sheato openly endorsed the so-called Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, declaring, We instead urge the UN and NGOs to support the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation to help it safely deliver aid without being diverted by Hamas. In an open embrace of the massacres as the GHF aid centers, she said the foundation is delivering aid consistent with the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence. The US vetoed a similarly worded UN Security Council resolution under the Biden administration, using essentially the same rationalization. Riyad Monsour, Palestines representative to the UN, told the Security Council, the engineered starvation that has brought an entire civilian population, 2 million people, among them 1 million children, to the edge of famine and then used aid to lure them and confine them to an extremely limited area of the Gaza Strip, clearly to facilitate their expulsion and annexation. Last week, Jens Laerke, a spokesperson for the UNs humanitarian office, told reporters in a briefing that One hundred percent of the population is at risk of famine, and that Gaza is the hungriest place on earth. He added that Israels ongoing blockade of humanitarian aid into Gaza has made the UNs efforts to feed the population one of the most obstructed aid operations, not only in the world today but in recent history. On Wednesday, UNICEF spokesperson James Elder said in a statement that he is shocked by the extent of malnutrition in Gaza, saying, Im seeing teenage boys in tears, showing me their ribs. He condemned Israels daily massacres of aid-seekers, saying, Imagine knowing thered be a massacre, but being so desperate to feed your family that you still go. Gazas health ministry said Wednesday that 95 Palestinians had been killed in the last 24-hour period and that 440 had been injured. Its official Gaza death toll has risen to 54,607 killed with 125,341 injured since October 7, 2023. Michael Anthony Owen Jr. [Photo: Prince Georges County Police Department] On May 30, 2025, federal prosecutors announced that former Maryland police officers Michael Anthony Owen, Jaron Earl Taylor and others, pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. Owen had previously been charged for second-degree murder of William Green, a defenseless man who he shot while he was handcuffed in his custody in early 2020. Owen was acquitted of charges related to the killing by a jury in 2023. The long-standing fraud operation demonstrates that the United States law enforcement agencies, far from protecting the population, operate largely as a law unto themselves and represent a clear threat to the working class. The federal indictment charged six Maryland police officers from multiple departments, each playing specific roles in the auto insurance and bank fraud schemes. The officers and their respective departments were: Michael Anthony Owen Jr. (Prince Georges County Police Department) Jaron Earl Taylor (Anne Arundel County Police Department) Candace Danielle Tyler (Prince Georges County Police Department) Mark Ross Johnson Jr. (Prince Georges County Police Department) Conrad Darwin DHaiti (Maryland-National Capital Park Police) Philip James Dupree (Fairmount Heights Police Department) Sentencing for Owen and Taylor is scheduled for September 23, 2025, with Owen facing up to 20 years and Taylor up to three years in federal prison if the court accepts his plea deal. The scheme was elaborate. According to the Department of Justice and detailed in local news reports, between August 2018 and February 2020, participants falsely reported vehicles as stolen or damaged, sometimes even arranging for the vehicles to be set on fire or abandoned. The police officers staged fake car thefts and accidents, submitting fraudulent claims to insurance companies and collecting tens of thousands of dollars in payouts. Owen and DHaiti face up to 20 years for conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud. Owen also pleaded guilty to falsification of records, while Taylor pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Taylor was also primarily involved in staging the theft of his own Chevrolet Tahoe, filing a false police report, and making a fraudulent insurance claim that led to a $38,670 payout from the United Services Automobile Association. DHaiti, with Owens help, staged the theft and vandalism of his Jaguar XKR, paid Percy $350 to arrange the fake theft, and filed a false claim with Liberty Mutual, resulting in a $17,585 payout. Tyler, Johnson, and Dupree were involved in a separate scheme where they withdrew money from their accounts at ATMs, then falsely claimed their debit cards were stolen. They filed false police reports and sought reimbursement from their banks, facing up to 30 years for conspiracy to commit bank fraud. At the time of the indictment in August 2021, all six were active officers in their respective departments. In fact, the insurance fraud case is not an isolated incident but part of a pattern. In January 2020, Owen fatally shot 43-year-old William Green, while Green was handcuffed in the front seat of a police cruiser. The killing sparked outrage and protests across Prince Georges County and beyond. Green had been detained after a minor traffic accident and was reportedly calm and compliant. Nevertheless, Owen shot him six times at close range, later claiming he feared for his life. The incident was one of several high-profile police killings that year, fueling the nationwide movement against police brutality following the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Owen was ultimately charged with second-degree murder and other offenses, a rare occurrence in cases of police violence. In 2022, he pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter which was rejected after it was criticized by the Green family. Owen was found not guilty of the charges related to the killing of Green in late 2023, just as he was facing charges for fraud. Owen and his associates crime ring is only one example of systematic criminality within local law enforcement. In 2018, members of Baltimores notorious Gun Task Force were found guilty of corruption involving racketeering, robbery and fraud, among other crimes. The police within this unit routinely planted weapons and evidence on unsuspecting innocents, stopping and searching people without cause and other brazenly corrupt behavior to pad the elite teams statistics. Another point should be made regarding the police crime ring. As in numerous cases, the six charged officers in the Maryland fraud ring were racially diverse, including African American and others of different racial backgrounds, exploding the myth sown by practitioners of identity politics that police abuse stems from the perceived inherent and eternal racism existing in American society. The trajectory of Owens careerfrom a police officer involved in a notorious killing to a convicted fraudsterhighlights the persistent problems of corruption, impunity, and lack of oversight within American policing. The crisis of police violence and misconduct is not primarily the result of bad apples or racismalthough both are in large abundance within American police departmentsbut reflects systemic issues deeply embedded in class society itself. Despite widespread public outrage and calls for reform, meaningful accountability remains elusive. Officers involved in misconduct or violence are rarely prosecuted, and when they are, sentences are often lenient. According to Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse, which tracks federal prosecutions of public officials, including police, there has been a massive drop in conviction rates of almost 70 percent since the early 2000s. At that time, there were almost 900 federal corruption prosecutions yearly. Under Trumps second term, corruption throughout the government has received a new lease on life. The fascist president has issued a flurry of pardons for police officers convicted of brutalizing the public, bribe-taking, and other crimes. This occurs as his government has sought to override constitutional checks and balances provided by the US Constitution in Congress and the courts in an effort to set up a presidential dictatorship in which the decree of the executive is law. Wildfires in Sherridon, Manitoba, Canada on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 [AP Photo/Manitoba government] The ongoing 2025 Canadian wildfire season has erupted into a devastating crisis that underscores the inability of capitalist governments to protect working people from the worsening impacts of climate change. At least 33,400 people have been forced to evacuate their homes across three provinces, with two residents confirmed dead in the small town of Lac du Bonnet, northeast of Winnipeg, marking the first civilian casualties from wildfires in Manitobas recent history. The scale of destruction continues to mount as hundreds of structures have been destroyed and toxic smoke now blankets vast swathes of North America, creating a public health emergency that extends from the Canadian prairies to the eastern United States. The wildfire season, which typically doesnt reach peak intensity until midsummer, began with unprecedented ferocity in mid-May 2025, with over 160 wildfires active across the country. By early June, more than 200 fires were reported nationwide, with half labeled as out of control. The most severe blazes have concentrated in the prairie provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta, where hot, dry conditions and powerful winds have created a perfect storm for rapid fire spread. In Saskatchewan alone, the massive Shoe fire has scorched more than 400,000 hectaresan area roughly 18 times the size of Saskatoonwhile threatening over a dozen communities. The Shoe fire reached 300,000 hectares before destroying dozens of cabins around East Trout Lake, and the Pisew fire has grown to over 140,000 hectares, forcing the evacuation of communities within a 20-kilometer radius of La Ronge. Residents of La Ronge described fleeing through walls of flame, with one family recounting how they barely escaped their neighborhood as embers rained down on their pickup truck, clutching only a handful of belongings as their home vanished behind a curtain of smoke. The human toll continues to worsen. In northern Albertas Chipewyan Lake, 27 structures, including a health center and water treatment plant, were destroyed by wildfire. The devastation in Saskatchewan has been particularly severe, with fires destroying over 400 structures and displacing an estimated 15,000 people across approximately 30 communities. The historic Robertson Trading Post in La Ronge, which housed hundreds of indigenous artifacts, was consumed by flames, representing an irreplaceable cultural loss. Manitoba has seen over 17,000 people evacuated, many from the city of Flin Flon, where residents were given mere hours to abandon their homes. Alberta has ordered more than 1,400 residents to leave their homes, with many reporting that emergency alerts arrived too late to salvage possessions or secure properties. The response from capitalist politicians at all levels of government has followed the predictable pattern of declaring emergencies while offering wholly inadequate resources to address the crisis. Officials in Manitoba and Saskatchewan declared provincial states of emergency on May 28 and 29 respectively, with premiers calling for federal assistance. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney convened the Incident Response Group, announcing the deployment of Canadian Armed Forces personnel to assist with evacuations and promising federal support through the Red Cross. However, these band-aid measures cannot address the underlying systemic causes driving the climate catastrophe. The evacuation process itself has exposed the brutal inadequacy of Canadas social infrastructure under capitalism. Hotel rooms in major cities quickly filled to capacity, forcing authorities to open public buildings and establish evacuation centers as far south as Winkler, just 20 kilometers from the US border. In Cross Lake, evacuees were crammed into school gymnasiums with limited access to medical care, while in Flin Flon families waited hours in line for emergency vouchers at a local community center. Wildfire smoke has already spread across vast swathes of North America, creating conditions reminiscent of the catastrophic 2023 fire season when toxic smoke choked cities from coast to coast. More than 115 million people across the eastern United States and Canada were placed under air quality warnings as dense smoke drifted thousands of kilometers from the fire zones. The smoke from this years ongoing wildfires has already reached major metropolitan areas, including New York City, where air quality warnings were issued, and has been detected as far away as Europe through satellite imagery. In the Upper Midwest, states including Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan and Ohio have experienced degraded air quality, with North Dakota and portions of Montana, Minnesota and South Dakota reporting unhealthy air quality levels. The primary health threat comes from fine particulate matter known as PM2.5, microscopic particles that penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, causing inflammation and a cascade of health problems. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns that these particles, invisible to the naked eye, can trigger bronchitis, worsen asthma, and cause numerous other health complications even with short-term exposure. The most vulnerable populationsincluding elderly individuals, young children, pregnant women, and those with chronic conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease, or diabetesface heightened risks of severe health impacts. Common symptoms include irritation manifesting as runny nose, itchy eyes, mild coughing, and headaches, but exposure can escalate to more serious complications including shortness of breath, dizziness, heart palpitations, and respiratory infections. Recent research has linked wildfire smoke exposure during pregnancy to adverse birth outcomes, including low birth weight and increased susceptibility to ear and respiratory infections in infants. In extreme cases, prolonged exposure can lead to stroke, heart attack and premature death, underscoring the deadly nature of this environmental crisis. The 2025 wildfire season represents a continuation and intensification of the climate catastrophe that has ravaged Canada and the entire globe in recent years. The 2023 Canadian wildfires were the most destructive in recorded history, burning over 15 million hectares and choking much of North America with dangerous smoke for months. The 2024 season, while less severe than 2023, still saw over 5.3 million hectares incinerated, making it the worst year of the century outside of 2023. This years fires have already burned close to 2.2 million hectares, running at least three times the ten-year average for this time of year, with summer still weeks away. The root cause of this escalating crisis lies in the private ownership of the means of production, which empowers the capitalist class to plunder the planets resources for profit regardless of the consequences for humanity. The corporate-financial oligarchy which runs society has knowingly accelerated climate change through its unbridled energy production, deforestation and industrial practices, all while suppressing sustainable alternatives that threaten its profit margins. The capitalist state functions as an instrument of the ruling class, allocating resources not for fire prevention or to resolve climate change, but for corporate bailouts and imperialist war. The international dimension of the crisis further exposes the bankruptcy of the nation-state system under capitalism. While smoke travels freely across borders, affecting populations from Canada to the United States to Europe, the response remains fragmented along national lines. The deployment of a mere 150 US firefighters and equipment by the US Forest Service represents a token gesture that pales in comparison to the scale of international cooperation required to address this emergency. Only through the establishment of a world socialist society can humanity develop the rational planning and international coordination necessary to confront the climate crisis. Under socialism, the vast resources currently devoted to military spending and corporate enrichment could be redirected toward massive investments in renewable energy, forest management, firefighting capabilities and climate adaptation measures. A socialist approach would prioritize the protection of working people, ensuring adequate housing, healthcare and emergency resources for all. It would involve the democratic planning of economic activity to rapidly transition away from fossil fuels while providing retraining and support for workers in affected industries. Most fundamentally, it would eliminate the profit motive that drives environmental destruction and replace it with a system oriented toward the long-term sustainability of human civilization and the natural world. The ongoing Canadian wildfire crisis serves as yet another urgent reminder that the climate emergency cannot be resolved within the framework of capitalism. As toxic smoke continues to choke millions of people and entire communities face destruction, the need for revolutionary change becomes ever more apparent. The working class in Canada, the United States and internationally must unite to overthrow this outmoded social system and rebuild society on socialist foundations. South Korean new President Lee Jae-Myung takes an oath during his inauguration ceremony at the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea Wednesday, June 4, 2025. [AP Photo/Jeon Heon-Kyun] Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party (DP) was elected as president of South Korea on Tuesday, defeating his primary challenger Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party (PPP). Lee immediately began his five-year term on Wednesday. Lee defeated Kim by more than 2.8 million votes, taking 49.42 percent of the total to the latters 41.15 percent. Lee Jun-seok of the right-wing Reform Party took most of the remainder of the votes with 8.34 percent. Tuesdays election was triggered by the removal of former president Yoon Suk-yeol of the PPP in April, following impeachment proceedings over his imposition of martial law in December. Voter turnout reached 79.4 percent, the highest in 28 years, driven by widespread anger towards Yoon and his party. In his campaign, Lee Jae-myung promised to end the threat of insurrection represented by Yoon and his supporters in the military, as well as improve the economy. He declared in his inaugural address on Wednesday, It is time to restore security and peace, which have been reduced to tools of political strife; to rebuild livelihoods and the economy damaged by indifference, incompetence, and irresponsibility; and to revive democracy undermined by armored vehicles and automatic rifles. The last remark was in reference to soldiers who stormed the National Assembly in an attempt to arrest lawmakers in December during Yoons failed coup attempt. Lee, however, will impose the demands of the ruling class no less ruthlessly than the PPP. The new president has no progressive solutions to any of the crises that grip South Korea, which include a stagnating economy worsened by Trumps trade war and Washingtons accelerating militarization of the Indo-Pacific region. In line with these US war plans aimed at China, Lee takes over South Koreas military preparations from where Yoon left off. While the PPP openly embraces militarism, the Democrats attempt to posture as opponents of war. This is done along narrow, nationalist lines, focusing on encouraging dialogue with North Korea while consciously ignoring Washingtons plans to goad Beijing into a conflict. As throughout his campaign, Lee made clear to Washington and Tokyo on Wednesday that whatever his rhetoric about dialogue and peace, his administration will continue the trilateral military alliance with the US and Japan. Yoon sealed the agreement in August 2023 with former Japanese leader Fumio Kishida at the behest of US President Joe Biden. Lee stated, We will strengthen South Korea-US-Japan cooperation based on a solid South Korea-US alliance and approach relations with neighboring countries from the perspective of practicality and national interest. In real terms, the strengthening of these alliances means South Koreas own rapid military escalation. This could include ramping up defense spending to 5 percent of GDPa demand US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued during a warmongering speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on May 31. For Seoul, which already spends about 2.8 percent on its armed forces, this would mean nearly doubling its military budget. The government will extract this money from the working class at a time when the economy is already stagnating and workers face declining real wages and rising costs. The Bank of Korea (BOK) currently predicts the economy will expand by only 0.8 percent this year, in part due to uncertainty and instability produced by US tariffs, which the Trump regime is wielding like a cudgel to impose its demands on allies. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development has noted that the tariff rate on South Korean exports to the US has already risen from 1 percent to 16 percent, even without the 25 percent reciprocal tariff that has been temporarily paused. Lees economic agenda includes plans for heavy investment in artificial intelligence (AI), which under capitalism will result in wage cuts and mass layoffs. A joint report published in February by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the BOK found that 27 percent of workers in the country were at risk of losing their jobs or having their wages slashed as a result of AI. In removing Yoon from office rather than backing his coup attempt, the ruling class decided that it was not yet ready to dispense with the trappings of bourgeois democracy, above all out of fear of the mass popular opposition it would spark. At the height of the protests against Yoon in December, two million demonstrators gathered outside parliament to demand his removal from office. However, the combination of war and austerity will lead to further opposition from the working class. That is why the ruling class has turned to the so-called liberal Democrats to impose its agenda, just as it has done in the past. The DP, which postures as a friend of workers, will work hand-in-hand with the trade unions, particularly the so-called militant Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), to suppress rising working-class resistance. The KCTU hailed Lees election saying, Now is the time to realize the demands of worker citizens. It is promoting illusions that Lee will carry out pro-worker reforms, stating that his election was the result of citizens dedication and struggle, and falsely claiming that Lees win was a victory for democracy. The KCTU consciously ignores the broader international issues, including the danger of a US-led war against China, in order to obfuscate the real cause of the crisis workers facethe capitalist system itself. Workers are led to believe that simply removing Yoon will be enough to improve their conditions. The unions, as well as social democrats, pseudo-left groups and various Stalinists that masquerade as left-wing, are part of the falsely named progressive bloc in South Korean politics. These groups have a long history of backing the Democrats and providing them with a left veneer as they attack the working class. In the 1990s, the Democrats were first elevated to power, after the end of the countrys military dictatorship, to block workers demands and impose restructuring to save big business and the massive family-owned chaebol conglomerates that dominate South Koreas economy to this day. Under Kim Dae-jung and Noh Moo-hyun, the Democrats enforced widespread layoffs and the mass casualization of the workforce, and relied on the KCTU to strangle strikes and protests. In 2017, the Democrat Moon Jae-in came to power with the backing of the KCTU, which claimed that Moon would carry out genuine democratic reforms and even a revolution. The unions and their progressive allies shut down the mass protests against the previous corrupt right-wing presidency of Park Geun-hye, who was also removed in an impeachment trial. Moon then oversaw the growth of inequality and the expansion of military cooperation with the US. The KCTU played the same role after Yoons coup attempt, calling off strikes and protests in December, claiming that the Democrats would defend democracy. In doing so, the DP and the KCTU provided Yoon Suk-yeol and the PPP with breathing room to recover, rally their right-wing supporters and promote the development of fascistic elements in the country. Having long since been integrated into the political establishment as an ally of the Democrats and enjoying the privileges that come with it, the KCTU is far more terrified of the development of a working-class movement that goes beyond the confines of capitalism and the parliamentary system than of military dictatorship. Whatever the claims of the Democrats and the trade unions, Lees presidency does not represent a victory for democracy, nor will he implement progressive reforms. Like his predecessors, Lees term in office will be marked by further immiseration of the working class and preparations for war. Officials at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City have suspended the museums famed Independent Study Program (ISP) for 2025-26 confronted with widespread criticism and protest over its censoring of a pro-Palestinian event. Whitney Museum of American Art [Photo by Ajay Suresh / CC BY 2.0 A May 14 performance, connected to the ISP, entitled No Aesthetic Outside My Freedom: Mourning, Militancy, and Performance, was canceled by the museum on the grounds that during a previous version of the event, one of the artists had asked anyone who supported Israel to leave. This, Whitneys pious leadership declared, violated the museums anti-harassment policies. This is specious and hypocritical. The Whitney, along with other leading New York art institutions, has significant connections to the Zionist establishment and pro-Israeli bodies and individuals in the US. Hyperallergic noted that [ISPs Associate Director Sara] Nadal-Melsio insisted that the ISP had agreed to stage the performance, and not the introduction, but this did not change the museums decision. At a protest May 23, sparked by the cancellation of the earlier performance, according to Hyperallergic, protesters handed out 600 mock museum pamphlets identifying specific board members and their ties to Zionist, militarized, and surveillance-oriented entities. The tri-folds named Nancy Carrington Crown, whose family members are major shareholders of General Dynamics, the arms and information systems company that has supplied the Israeli military with bombs and ammunition; Estee Lauder heir Leonard Lauder, whose brother Ronald is the president of the World Jewish Congress and a chairman emeritus of the Jewish National Fund; and billionaire Laurie Tisch, whose cousin Jessica Tisch became the New York City Police Commissioner last November. Alleged harassment is a major issue for the Whitney, association with the Israeli murder machine, however, is not. Whitney Independent Study Program, the Roy Lichtenstein Studio (Photo-Max Touhey) In a statement, the artists behind the canceled performance piece, Noel Maghathe, Fadl Fakhouri and Fargo Tbakhi, observed that In the time since our performance was cancelled by the Whitney, Israel has brutally murdered more than 600 Palestinians, all while continuing to enforce mass starvation and famine as a method of genocide in Gaza. In the face of this ongoing and escalating brutality, the decision to cancel our performancea performance whose purpose is to mourn Palestinians martyred in the long struggle for liberationmatters very little. It is an act of anti-Palestinian censorship, yes; an act of cowardice by an institution materially complicit in the genocide, whose board members profit from the bombs and jets committing the genocide, yes; it is also a distraction. The Whitneys ISP was established in 1968 by Ron Clark. It is a non-degree-granting program, according to the museums website, that provides a setting within which students pursuing art practice, curatorial work, art historical scholarship, and critical writing engage in ongoing discussions and debates that examine the historical, social, and intellectual conditions of artistic production. The program encourages the theoretical and critical study of artistic practices. There is obviously a limit to the degree of critical thought and study the museum will permit. This sort of language turns out to be mere window dressing, insincere double-talk. In reality, the Whitney, like every leading institution in the US, throws principles and democratic concerns out the window confronted with pressure from the far right and the pro-Israeli lobby. The ISP consists of three interrelated parts: Studio Program, Critical Studies Program, and Curatorial Program. Many of the participants are enrolled at universities and art schools and receive academic credit for their participation, while others have recently completed their formal studies. Alumni of the program include artists Jennifer Allora, Gregg Bordowitz, Tony Cokes, Danielle Dean, Mark Dion, Andrea Fraser, LaToya Ruby Frazier, Felix Gonzalez-Torres, Renee Green, Jenny Holzer, Emily Jacir, Glenn Ligon, Rirkrit Tiravanija and Julian Schnabel; critics and art historians Huey Copeland, Miwon Kwon, Pamela M. Lee and Roberta Smith; and curators Carlos Basualdo, Naomi Beckwith and Sheena Wagstaff. Sara Nadal-Melsio (Photo-Filip Wolak) In a strong statement, Catalan writer, curator, and educator Nadal-Melsio, who became the ISPs first associate director in 2024 and who has now been let go by the Whitney, pointed out that the work of the study program has always been unapologetically engaged with the politics of its times. The ISP began amid the revolutionary energies of May 68, the movement against the Vietnam War, the state violence of Kent State massacre and fully coalesced around AIDS activism two decades later. Today, this means participants in the Program continue to think for themselves and provoke thought in others about contexts including but not limited to fascism at home and the relentless genocide being carried out in Gaza. And sadly today, this means that we also face unprecedented censorship and a threat to our foundational independence because of our pursuit of the very dialogue that make the ISP what it is. Nadal-Melsio rejected the ostensible reason for the cancellation of No Aesthetic Outside My Freedom, asserting that the point of artistic freedom has never been that it shies away from controversy or anger. And the point of defending it has never been that we agree with everything an individual says. The point is that we must refuse the right-wing extremism that seek to dictate what everyone is allowed to believe and express. The point is to insist on a free society and to stand in solidarity with other individuals and educational institutions under attack by this newly amplified right-wing extremism. Over three hundred ISP alumni issued an open letter in May expressing support for the students who were censored when presenting work in solidarity with the struggle for Palestinian freedom and affirming our shared solidarity against the ongoing genocide in Gaza. The letter states its repudiation of the Whitneys censorship, as well as the financial and sociopolitical entanglements the board of the Whitney Museum holds in relation to this genocide. The alumni argued that the More than 10 percent of workers in Queensland (QLD) tunnelling projects are at risk of developing silicosis or lung cancer in their lifetimes, according to a new study published in the April edition of the Annals of Work Exposures and Health by Oxford University Press. The study, called The future burden of silicosis and lung cancer among tunnel construction workers in Queensland, was based on data presented to a 2017 state parliamentary inquiry, containing air quality readings taken between 2007 and 2013, during work on the M7 Clem Jones Tunnel, Airport Link and Legacy Way projects. The authors concluded, in a cohort of around 2,000 workers who serviced the Queensland tunnel projects, it was estimated that between 20 and 30 cases of lung cancer and between 200 and 300 cases of silicosis would develop over their lifetime as a result of exposure to RCS [respirable crystalline silica]. Given the secrecy surrounding more recent air quality readings, these figures are likely an underestimation of the unfolding health disaster facing tunnelling workers throughout the state and more broadly. Silicosis is a lung disease caused by inhaling RCS particles, which are 100 times smaller than a grain of sand. The silica dust becomes embedded in the lungs air pockets, producing inflammation and scarring, eventually causing breathing difficulties that can lead to death. According to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluations 2019 Global Burden of Disease study, almost 13,000 workers died from silicosis that year around the world. Workers in construction and mining were most likely to contract the incurable disease. The Queensland studys authors pointed out that, while the link has been made between RCS exposure and tunnelling by the national health and safety regulator, Safe Work Australia, there was little information available to researchers and consequently a paucity of research. This is not an accident, but a deliberate joint effort by major construction companies and government agencies to cover up the dangerous working conditions confronting tunnelling workers. Co-author Kate Cole, an Occupational Hygienist and PHD Candidate at the University of Sydney, initially submitted a request under the Right to Information Act to the state Office of Industrial Relations (OIR) for air monitoring reports covering January 2015 to July 2023. The 1,628 documents held by the OIR specifically applied to the Cross River Rail (CRR) project. Coles request was denied, after the OIR had discussions with the parties involved in the projectCPB Contractors, BAM International Australia, Ghella, UGL Engineering and the Cross River Rail Delivery Authoritywho argued that release of the figures would be contrary to the public interest. Cole appealed that decision to the Office of the Information Commissioner (OIC). The OIC set aside the decision by the OIR, stating in its conclusion that the arguments presented by the companies did not constitute grounds to withhold the air quality readings from the public. The grounds presented by the tunnelling companies to the OIC comprised concerns such as loss of reputation, future litigation, ability to attract workers, loss of business and profits, potential industrial action and damage to business relationships. Coles application for the CRR figures, first submitted in December 2023 according to the OICs report, has still not been fulfilled and is now before the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT). The cover-up of air quality information in the tunnelling industry is not unique to Queensland. Just last year, the Australian Workers Union (AWU) submitted to the New South Wales (NSW) Standing Committee on Law and Justice that their request for up-to-date silica dust readings on the states tunnelling projects had been blocked by SafeWork NSW. It was revealed in that same Standing Committee that the NSW safety regulator had been colluding with tunnelling companies to prevent the release of air quality readings. These companies used similar arguments about their reputations as those employed across the border. Neither is the pattern of government bodies acting hand-in-glove with massive construction companies a modern aberration. The dangers of silica dust exposure have been known in Australia for more than a century. An article written by the authors of this new study, published in The Conversation last month, pointed to a NSW Technical Committee of Inquiry held in 1924. The inquiry, called The Prevalence of Silicosis and Tuberculosis Among Stonemasons, Quarrymen, Sewer Miners and Rockchoppers, found that the longer a worker was exposed to silica dust, the higher the risk of silicosis. The Queensland study authors pointed out that even back then, the findings estimated 10 percent of workers in these industries would contract silicosis. The summary of the 1924 inquiry contained a warning which has been systematically ignored ever since in the name of increased productivity. It stated: The committee is of the opinion that this extremely valuable work of investigation of the dust hazards by atmospheric tests should be continued, since it is likely to provide the basis for preventive measures which may be adopted at a later date in these two occupations. Yet the unsafe conditions continue. Earlier this year, it was revealed that 13 M6 tunnel workers in NSW, the youngest only 32-years-old, had been diagnosed with silicosis. The contractor responsible for the project, CPB, knew about the diagnoses and did not notify SafeWork NSW. It took an investigation by SafeWork NSW after NSW Health notified them of one case, to discover another 12 had contracted the disease. Last year, the Sydney Morning Herald reported that one-third of air quality readings between 2016 and 2020 in the City and Southwest tunnels in NSW breached workplace safety standards for silica dust. The highest readings taken exceeded the limit by 208 times. Eight percent of those readings were taken in areas where workers were not protected by any dust mitigation measures. In 2022, a Curtin University study estimated that over 10,000 workers would develop lung cancer and more than 100,000 would suffer from silicosis due to workplace exposure to silica dust. Despite its previous posturing over the silicosis threat, the AWU has not so much as issued a statement about the Queensland study, let alone mobilised workers against the continuing risk to their health. Instead, the union bureaucracy serves as an industrial police force, keeping workers on the job, diverting their safety concerns into safe parliamentary channels, and suppressing any action that could impinge upon the corporations growing profits. This provides further confirmation that workers safety on the job cannot be entrusted to the trade unions or the government safety regulators. Workers in tunnelling, construction and mining need to take matters into their own hands, building rank-and-file committees to lead the fight to defend their health and lives. Such a struggle will necessarily include demands, backed by a campaign of industrial action throughout the industry, for the implementation of advanced dust suppression techniques and high-quality, fit-tested masking, as well as open access to workplace air quality data. The ongoing exposure of workers to dangerous silica dust and other industrial safety risks raises broader political questions. Fundamentally, what workers are up against is the capitalist system, under which every concern of workers, including their health and lives, is subordinated to the demands of big business and finance capital for ever greater profits. WARSAW, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Karol Nawrocki, a conservative historian with no prior political experience, has been elected as Poland's next president -- a result seen as a symbolic victory for the nationalist right and a potential check on the country's liberal reform agenda. Though officially running as an independent, Nawrocki was endorsed by the opposition Law and Justice (PiS) party and defeated liberal Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski of the ruling Civic Coalition in one of the closest presidential contests in Poland's recent history. He secured 50.89 percent of the vote, compared with 49.11 percent for Trzaskowski, with voter turnout reaching 71.63 percent -- one of the highest since 1990. FROM HISTORIAN TO PRESIDENT-ELECT Born in 1983 in the northern coastal city of Gdansk, Nawrocki holds a Ph.D. in history from the University of Gdansk. He served as director of the Museum of the Second World War in Gdansk from 2017 to 2021, where he revised exhibits to emphasize Poland's nationalist perspective on history. In 2021, he was appointed president of the Institute of National Remembrance, a state body responsible for documenting and interpreting Poland's 20th-century history. Nawrocki's campaign was a mirror of PiS values -- prioritizing national sovereignty, Catholic social teachings, and skepticism toward the European Union (EU). He also attracted international conservative support, including from U.S. President Donald Trump, who called him a "Trump ally" and hailed his win as "shocking all in Europe" in a congratulatory message. Nawrocki's core base included older Catholic voters and younger conservatives frustrated with Prime Minister Donald Tusk's centrist coalition. According to Aleks Szczerbiak, a professor of politics at the University of Sussex, Nawrocki's win "reflects deep divisions within Polish society," with strong support from culturally conservative, Eurosceptic voters in small towns and rural areas. KEY CAMPAIGN PROMISES Under the slogan "Poland first, Poles first," Nawrocki ran on a socially conservative and nationalist platform. He pledged to veto any efforts to liberalize abortion laws or recognize same-sex partnerships. Economically, he advocates "economic patriotism," proposing tax exemptions for overtime pay, maintaining the Sunday trading ban, and introducing taxes on owners of multiple properties -- excluding families with children. He also supports major infrastructure investments, positioning them as a continuation of Poland's interwar development tradition. Regarding energy policy, he supports nuclear power but insists Poland continue coal mining and use until nuclear plants are operational. In foreign policy, Nawrocki has been critical of the EU's Green Deal and migration pact, viewing deeper EU integration as a threat to national sovereignty. He has also expressed opposition to Ukraine's accession to the EU and NATO. During an April televised debate, he said, "no reconciliation is possible without historical truth," citing unresolved historical tensions with Ukraine from events like the 1943 Volhynia massacres. On defense, Nawrocki promises to expand Poland's armed forces to 300,000 troops and increase defense spending, opposing mandatory conscription. During a campaign stop in southern Poland's Krakow in May, he said, "Poland must be strong on its own soil and in its alliances," underlining his commitment to NATO and alliance with the United States. POLITICAL IMPLICATIONS AT HOME Although largely ceremonial, Poland's presidency wields significant legislative veto powers and influences foreign and defense policy. Analysts anticipate Nawrocki will exercise these powers much like outgoing PiS-aligned President Andrzej Duda, likely obstructing Prime Minister Tusk's centrist and pro-EU reform agenda. Tusk's coalition, which returned to power in 2023, lacks the three-fifths majority needed to override presidential vetoes -- a constraint that has already stalled efforts to restore judicial independence and liberalize abortion laws. With Nawrocki in office through 2030, analysts anticipate a prolonged institutional standoff. Nawrocki's election "blocks key reforms and makes a second term (for Tusk) in 2027 look unlikely," while also potentially consolidating a future conservative majority, Catherine De Vries, professor at Bocconi University in Milan, wrote Monday in The Guardian. On Tuesday, Tusk acknowledged "the gravity of the moment" and called for a largely symbolic parliamentary confidence vote, which his coalition is expected to win despite lacking the supermajority required to bypass a presidential veto. PART OF A BROADER EUROSCEPTIC SHIFT Nawrocki's win continues the broader surge of Eurosceptic right-wing movements in Europe, following the rise of Portugal's far-right Chega party to second place in May's parliamentary elections, and Romanian hard-right leader George Simion's strong first-round showing in a recent election rerun. Media outlets have linked Nawrocki to nationalist leaders aligned with Trump. De Vries described Nawrocki's election as a "morale boost for MAGA forces in Europe," noting that his critical stance toward EU federalism, immigration and climate regulation aligns with right-wing populist rhetoric across the continent. Nawrocki's election "pitches Poland into EU ideas battleground," Euronews reported Monday, predicting intensified tensions with Brussels and further complications for EU consensus-building on key issues such as migration, climate action and enlargement policy. Nearly 15 years after the series of underground explosions at Pike River coal mine in New Zealand, some of the families of the 29 workers killed in the disaster are fighting to expose the full truth about the unlawful back-room deal to drop charges against Pike River Coals chief executive Peter Whittall. Pike River family members and supporters outside the Wellington High Court, May 29, 2025: Kath Monk, Bernie Monk, Steve Rose, Leo Donnelly, Carol Rose, Christopher Harder, Melanie Coxon. A hearing was held at the Wellington High Court on May 29, with former criminal lawyer Christopher Harder, assisted by former Ombudsman Leo Donnelly, acting on behalf of several of the victims families, seeking information from the government agency WorkSafe (formerly the Department of Labour), part of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). Details of that hearing, including its outcome, are subject to a suppression order by Justice Andru Isac and cannot be reported. It followed a court hearing in April 2024, previously reported by the World Socialist Web Site. Harder had applied for the disclosure of information relating to correspondence in 2013 between lawyers representing WorkSafe and Whittall arranging the deal to drop charges for breaching health and safety regulations, in exchange for an unsolicited payment of $3.41 million to the families. Harder has worked for years on the case with the support of family members including Bernie and Kath Monk, whose 23-year-old son Michael died at Pike River; Dean Dunbar, whose son Joseph died in the mine at the age of just 17; and Carol and Steve Rose, who lost their son Stuart Mudge, aged 31. A 2012 Royal Commission of Inquiry revealed that Pike River mine was essentially a bomb waiting to go off. It was operating in violation of numerous health safety regulations: it had grossly inadequate ventilation, faulty equipment and no safe emergency exit. Company management, the trade union bureaucracy and government regulators all knew about life-threatening conditions in the mine, but did not shut down the mine to prevent the disaster. The inquiry found that Pike River Coals leadership placed production and profits ahead of its workers safety. And yet, not one person has been held to account for creating the conditions that led to 29 avoidable deaths. Harder told the World Socialist Web Site that he became involved with some of the Pike River families after he learned about the 2017 Supreme Court ruling, which stated that the agreement to drop charges against Whittall had been unlawful. This was a symbolic victory for the families. It did not lead to charges being reinstated and it left many unanswered questions. Harder was puzzled to hear a lawyer describe the ruling as groundbreaking, because it wasnt groundbreaking. It had always been the law that offering money to stifle a prosecution was contrary to public interest and unlawful. Harder explained: WorkSafe entered into an unlawful bargain to stifle prosecution. [The families] wanted to know the basis of the legal advice that then Solicitor-General Michael Heron gave to WorkSafe to justify that action. The Supreme Court never saw the legal advice and its never been released. At court hearings in 2023 and 2024, Harder sought the release of letters or emails exchanged between Crown Solicitor Brent Stanaway, acting for WorkSafe, and Whittalls lawyer Stuart Grieve, in which they discussed the payment of $3.41 million in exchange for the dropping of charges. A first-year law student knows you cant offerlet alone takemoney to drop a charge, Harder said. This would normally be considered a bribe. Reparation can only be offered in New Zealand if youve either been found guilty or youve admitted liability. When the decision to drop the charges was announced to the families during a court hearing in December 2013, it was met with outrage and was denounced as chequebook justice and blood money. Steve Rose told the WSWS he still felt incredulous about the decision, and the fact that charges were never reinstated following the Supreme Courts decision in 2017. I cant buy my way out of a speeding ticket, he said In 2020, Harder asked the Law Society to investigate Stanaway and Grieve for allegedly bringing the legal profession into disrepute and for misleading Judge Jane Farishwho had assured the Pike River families in 2013 that Whittall was not buying his way out of a prosecution. The Law Society took no action against the lawyers. Harder alleges that a letter sent by Grieve to Stanaway initially on October 16, 2013, proposing the deal to drop the charges, was altered multiple times to conform with the legal advice obtained by WorkSafeto make the agreement appear lawful. On December 6, Grieve inserted a new clause stating that the proposed payment was in recognition of harm arising directly or indirectly from the explosions or any subsequent events arising from those explosionsan apparent attempt to prevent any future legal action by the families. Stanaway objected to the clause, writing in the margin that it would constitute a bar to a civil claim, and it was removed in a final version of the letter on December 7. During the April 2024 court hearing, a lawyer representing WorkSafe admitted that the original December 6 letter had never been seen by any court. The courts, including the Supreme Court, had only seen a printed copy with Stanaways hand-written note in the margin, and had wrongly assumed it was only a draft letter and had therefore not taken it as evidential. The original letter or email (the clean copy) had been withheld. This clean copy was subsequently released to Harder, but with no explanation about where it came from and why it had not been released for 11 years. Harder explained that material relating to the clean copy, obtained as a result of the various court proceedings, will be presented to the new Ombudsman as fresh evidence, in support of the families previous request to access the legal advice given by the Solicitor-General to WorkSafe in 2013. Monk told the WSWS that he and some other family members also wanted to establish where the $3.41 million payment actually came from. According to Whittalls lawyers, it was paid by an insurance company. However Pike River Coal had earlier refused a court order to pay $4.17 million in fines and reparations, on the grounds that it was bankrupt and had exhausted its insurance money. Knowing the source of the payment could reveal individuals and organisations who had a stake in preventing Whittall from standing trial. If he had taken the stand, Whittall would undoubtedly have defended himself by exposing the role of government regulators, union bureaucrats, numerous businesses that financed and collaborated with Pike River Coal in the development of the mine, and individuals who were part of the companys leadership. The entire political establishment was implicated in the disaster. Since the 1990s, successive Labour Party and National Party governments dismantled the countrys expert Mines Inspectorate, allowing companies to regulate themselves with barely any oversight. The Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union (EPMU, now called E tu), led by Andrew Little at the time of the Pike River disaster, had collaborated with the company and deliberately covered up what it knew about dangerous working conditions in the mine. The union leadership had the power, under the law, to call a strike and shut down production until the mine was made safe, but it chose not to. The Labour Party-led government elected in 2017 made false promises that it would re-enter the mine, retrieve the 29 bodies and gather evidence in order to criminally prosecute those responsible for the disaster. But the minister in charge of Pike River recovery was former union leader Andrew Littlewho had defended Pike River Coal immediately after the disaster, saying there was nothing unusual or concerning about the companys safety practices. In 2021, Little aborted the re-entry of the mine, before investigators had reached the human remains and the mine workings, where crucial evidence is located, including the underground fan which might have sparked the first explosion on November 19, 2010. Installing the main ventilation unit underground in a coal mine is considered a dangerous practice and is outlawed in many countries. The Labour government placed a concrete seal on the mine entrance, despite opposition by most of the Pike River families, who demanded a thorough investigation of the mine workings. The families gained international support from many readers of the WSWS, including mineworkers in Britain and Australia. World-renowned mining experts Tony Forster and Brian Robinson comprehensively debunked Minister Littles false claims that the mine workings could not be safely entered, or that it would be too expensive to do so. Steve Rose said that for 15 years he had felt like the legal system seems to divorce itself from humanity. Hundreds of people had been affected by the lack of justice for the Pike River families. He said he would have told the judge that standing in this courtroom behind me are 29 dead men, and behind them are their 36 children, and behind them are their 29 partners and behind them are their 250 plus wider family members. Monk told the WSWS: We were promised truth, instead we were given silence. We were told the system would protect us, but all weve seen is delay, denial and deliberate obstruction. We waited, not just for accountability, but for the truth, and every year the truth has been withheld is another year our boys were buried, not just by coal, but by a cover-up. Our sons cant speak for themselves, and thats why we havent stopped speaking for them, and we will never stop speaking for them. The fight was never about vengeance, it was about dignity, it was about giving our boys the honour they deserve and to make sure that other families dont have to go through what weve gone through. The institutions that were meant to give us justice have failed. The world is watching this case today, as they have done all the way thorough. All were trying to do here is [bring back] confidence that there is a justice system in New Zealand. Officially, police are continuing their investigation of the Pike River disaster, which was reopened in 2018. Their initial investigation was shut down on July 17, 2013 on the pretext that there was no physical evidence from inside the mine to prove what caused the initial explosion, so it was not possible to charge Whittall with manslaughter. Police also argued in 2013 that if they laid a lesser charge of criminal nuisance against Whittall, this could raise issues of double jeopardy given the ongoing prosecutions by MBIE (WorkSafe). However, as TVNZ reported in February last year, on July 8, 2013, the government lawyer Stanaway had already proposed a plea arrangement resolution to Whittalls lawyer Grieve, to avoid taking Whittall to court. The most recent public statement by police was made last November, on the 14th anniversary of the disaster. Following repeated extensions of the investigation, it said that police expect to have a decision around prosecution(s) in the first half of [2025]. No decision has yet been announced. Seventeen coastguards have been charged by naval court in Greece over one of the deadliest mass drownings of a migrant boat in the Mediterranean Sea. Last week the Deputy Prosecutor of the Piraeus Naval Court found that the Hellenic Coast Guard (HCG) staff should face criminal charges relating to hundreds of preventable deaths on the Adriana on June 14, 2023. A handout image provided by Greece's coast guard on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, shows scores of people covering practically every free stretch of deck on a battered fishing boat that later capsized and sank off southern Greece, leaving at least 79 dead and many more missing. [AP Photo/Hellenic Coast Guard via AP] The boaten route from the port of Tobruk, Libya to Italy with an estimated 750 on boardsank off the coast of the port of Pylos causing 600 people to drown, including women and children trapped below deck inside the ship. Just 104 people are known to have survived. Rather than carry out a rescue mission, and get the survivors safety to Pylos, a coastguard ship (LS-920) monitored the Adriana for 15 hours before it sank. However, the HCG didnt just sit and watch. Evidence uncovered by meticulous by the UKs BBC state broadcaster, German regional broadcaster NDR, the Guardian, the New York Times, the research agency Forensis and the Greek organization Solomon shows that the Adriana was towed by the Hellenic Coast Guard towards Italian waters, leading to the boat capsizing. This confirms the accounts of survivors. The Piraeus Naval Court ruled that the 17 coastguards should face criminal charges. It stated that the actions of the captain of the coastguard ship, the LS-920, charged with causing a shipwreck, led to the deaths of at least 82 people. The captain is also charged with dangerous interference of maritime transport and failure to provide assistance to the boat. Four officials, including the then-Chief of the Coast Guard and the Supervisor of the National Search and Rescue Coordination Centre in Piraeus are charged with exposing others to danger. The rest of the crew are charged for simple complicity in all the captain is alleged to have committed. The figures of 82 deaths is cited in the indictment because these were the number of bodies able to be recovered from the water. But it is accepted by the United Nations and Greek authorities that more than 500 other people drowned. While the boat sank in international waters it was within Greeces rescue zone. The joint legal team representing victims and survivors said of the court ruling, Almost two years after the Pylos shipwreck, the prosecution and referral to main investigation for felonies of 17 members of the Coast Guard, including senior officers of its leadership, constitutes a substantial and self-evident development in the course of vindication of the victims and the delivery of justice. One of the greatest crimes in the history of Fortress Europe, the sinking of the Adriana was the largest loss of life in the Mediterranean in a single event in recent decades and shocked the world. The disaster added to the 20,000-plus who have drowned in the Mediterranean over the last two decades while trying to reach the southern European coast from homelands in the Middle East and Africa devastated by war and poverty. On the recent demonstrationsthe largest in Greeces historyto demand justice for the 57 people who died in the Tempi rail crash, protesters also demanded the truth be revealed about the mass deaths at Pylos. Demonstrations held internationally by the Greek diaspora over Tempi included one in Edinburgh where placards read: Justice for the death at Tempi and Pylos and Justice will not be given by the murderers. The people will give justice. Homemade placards in Greek at Tempi rally in Edinburgh. They read "Justice for the death at Tempi and Pylos" and "Justice will not be given by the murderers" As with Tempi, the survivors of the Adriana have faced a concerted government cover-up. As the WSWS noted, those actually responsible for this crime were not prosecuted, but survivors of the shipwreck were put before the courts. Last June, a Greek court acquitted nine Egyptian refugee survivors of the Pylos disaster. They were arrested immediately after their rescue, charged as alleged smugglers and forced to spend a year in captivity. The WSWS explained that this claim was based solely on interviews with some of the survivors directly after the shipwreck, which were conducted by the same coast guard suspected of causing the deaths The judges found that the allegations of human trafficking and illegal entry were not substantiated. The refugees had never planned and had never been paid to smuggle the passengers of the fishing vessel Adriana from Libya to Greece. To Vima reported in February, Internal Egyptian government documents have proven that Greek authorities knew that the nine survivors were likely innocent and chose to ignore the evidence and pursue the case. The deaths were caused by the action of the coastguard, whose remit under European Union-directed policies is to ensure that as few migrants as possible reach Greece. Commenting on the charging of the 17, the BBCs Europe correspondent Nick Beake and Senior Europe producer Kostas Kallergis wrote, We have been investigating since the day of the disaster and our series of findings has cast serious doubt on the official Greek version of events Within a week, we obtained shipping data which challenged the claim the migrant boat had not been in trouble and so did not need to be rescued. Noting that the case against the nine Egyptians was thrown out of court, they wrote, Earlier this year, audio recordings emerged which further challenged the official Greek version of events. They explained in a previous article that the Greek coastguard maintained their actions did not cause the boat to sink and it did not try to rescue those onboard because they were not in danger and said they had voluntarily wanted to reach Italy, not Greece. But in a phone call thats now emerged an unnamed man speaking from inside a Greek rescue coordination centre is heard instructing the captain of the migrant boat to tell an approaching ship that those onboard do not want to reach Greece. These were lies, directly contradicted by survivors who testified that they and other passengers repeatedly told the coastguard that the vessel was in danger and they desperately needed help. Survivors of a shipwreck sit inside a warehouse taking shelter at the port in Kalamata town, about 240 kilometers (150miles) southwest of Athens, on June 15, 2023. A fishing boat crammed with up to 750 migrants capsized and sank June 14 off the coast of Greece, authorities said, leaving at least 79 dead. Hundreds more of those on board are likely dead. [AP Photo/Angelos Tzortzinis, Pool via AP] In February, the Greek Ombudsman Andreas Pottakisfollowing his own independent investigation, including collecting approximately 5,000 pages of evidenceissued a 158-page report condemning the actions of the coastguard and the actions of the right-wing New Democracy (ND) government carrying out a cover-up. The report concluded there were a series of serious and reprehensible omissions in search and rescue duties on the part of senior officers of the Hellenic Coast Guard [...] which constitute clear indications for documenting the fatal exposure, and to the risk of danger to the life, health and physical integrity of those on board the trawler, the Adriana. There were clear indications of culpability for eight senior coast guard officials. The report noted that evidence vital to establishing the truth, including survivors phones and other coastguard communications, have not been handed over by the authorities. The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy denounced the report claiming that objectively, he [Pottakis] is attempting to shift the discussion away from the criminal trafficking networks onto officers of the Coast Guard. The European Union is running a damage control operation. In February, Frontexthe European Border and Coast Guard Agencypublished its findings, declaring, The Greek authorities appeared to have delayed the declaration of [search and rescue] operation until the moment of the shipwreck when it was no longer possible to rescue all the people on board, deployed insufficient and inappropriate resources considering the number of persons aboard Adriana, and failed to make use of the resources offered by Frontex. Whilst its statements on the role of the ND administration are true, the illegal pushbacks carried out by successive Greek governmentsincluding the pseudo-left Syriza from 2015-219are entirely in line with EU policy. This is overseen by Frontex, with the sole aim of sealing off Fortress Europe across its entire southern border. These criminal policies are ultimately responsible for the deaths at Pylos and the thousands of other immigrants lost in the Mediterranean graveyard. The framers of these policies and the heads of governments implementing them belong in the dock alongside the coastguard officials. Two construction workers were killed Wednesday afternoon when a large crane collapsed at a central Florida building site, burying them under twisted steel, concrete and other debris. The crane snapped amid heavy rains and winds gusting up to 53 miles an hour at the construction site for the new Cape Canaveral Hospital, located on Merritt Island, on Floridas Space Coast. Video posted to social media showed the aftermath, with the mangled boom of the giant crane on the ground as construction workers fled for their safety. The two workers were pulled from the wreckage by emergency crews, rushed to a nearby hospital, and pronounced dead shortly after arrival, according to first responders. Brevard County Sheriffs Office spokesman Tod Goodyear said the identities of the victims have not been made public, pending notification of their families. At the time of the disaster, the National Weather Service office in Melbourne issued a special weather statement warning of strong winds and advising people to seek shelter in a sturdy structure as a line of storms moved through the area. The region has been under a tropical envelope for days, Fox Weather channel reported, adding that the string of wet weather likely resulted in unsteady terrain. But the conditions were apparently deemed not too dangerous for the construction management company, Gilbane Building, to halt operations. Construction began in March 2024 on the new $410 million Cape Canaveral Hospital and Medical Office Building on Merritt Island. The 267,900-square-foot facility, owned by Florida-based Health First, is expected to be open in 2027. A local news station noted, Due to the future hospitals proximity to the coastline, the medical center is being built to withstand the strength of a Category 4 hurricane. One commenter on the Facebook page of the local station wrote, So very sad. Thoughts & prayers for the families. The winds got so high at times today that I dont even understand why they were out in it. Another posted: How horrible, poor workers may their families find strength during this difficult time. Another added, And, Trump wants to get rid of OSHA. The site has reportedly been sealed as inspectors from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and state regulators began their investigation. In a statement, Health First referred to a serious weather-related incident at the Cape Canaveral Hospital construction site involving a crane, and added that it was monitoring the situation closely with local authorities and Gilbane, the construction management company on the project, as they continue their investigation. A Gilbane Building spokesman said, Two trade contract workers, one employed by Baker Concrete and the other by another trade contractor, were fatally injured as a result of an incident involving a crane. We share our deepest condolences with the families, loved ones, and co-workers. Several previous cases of crane collapses highlight how strong winds can be a significant factor, especially when safety protocols related to wind speeds and crane operation are not strictly followed. These include: The Miller Park Big Blue Collapse (Milwaukee, 1999): This incident, involving a very large crane lifting a stadium roof section, was directly linked to high winds exceeding the cranes rated capacity, despite concerns raised by workers on site. Dallas Crane Collapse (2019): A tower crane tipped over during a thunderstorm, crashing into an apartment building and causing fatalities and injuries. Investigations indicated the crane, though designed for strong winds, may not have been properly prepared for the predicted weather conditions. Fort Lauderdale Crane Crash (2024): A tower crane collapsed during a stepping operation (increasing its height) due to unsafe rigging and coordination issues, although this event also involved wind. This is not just a national issue. In July 2021, a crane collapsed at a downtown Kelowna, British Columbia building site in Canada killing five people. That same year, crane operators in South Korea went on strike following a string of worksite accidents. The US construction industry experienced the most workplace deaths in 2023, the latest year available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), followed by transportation and warehousing. Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting had the highest death rate per 100,000. In 2023, 1,075 construction workers died in the United States, marking the highest number of fatalities in the sector since 2011, BLS reported. The leading causes of death in construction are falls, struck-by objects, caught-in/between incidents, and electrocutions, collectively known as the Fatal Four. Falls to a lower level were the most common cause of death, accounting for 39.2 percent of all construction fatalities. The two construction workers are only the latest to be sacrificed for corporate profit in Americas industrial slaughterhouse. According to the AFL-CIO, over 140,000 workers die each year in the US from hazardous working conditionsmore than 5,000 from traumatic injuries and the rest from occupational diseases like cancer, respiratory illness and heart failure. That is more than 380 preventable deaths every day. Yet with fewer than 1,800 federal and state safety inspectors overseeing 11 million workplaces, there is just one inspector for every 85,000 workers, with OSHA spending about $3.92 to protect each worker in America. The International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) has initiated an independent investigation into the death of Ronald Adams Sr., a 63-year-old machine repairman who was killed at the Stellantis Dundee Engine Complex in Michigan on April 7. In the nearly two months since the tragedy, Adams family and coworkers have received no information about the causes and circumstances behind the fatal accident. A video posted by socialist autoworker Will Lehman on TikTok supporting the rank-and-file investigation into Adams death garnered enormous support, with over 98,000 views, 28,000 likes, and 995 comments as of this writing. The hundreds of comments from workers and their families in support of the investigation demonstrate the universal experience of workers in the United States and around the world with preventable injuries and deaths caused by the relentless drive for corporate profit. The IWA-RFCs investigation is aimed not only at uncovering the truth about the death of Ronald Adams Sr., but also at assiting workers in building rank-and-file committees, independent of the pro-corporate union bureaucracies, so that they can exert control over safety safety conditions in every factory and workplace. BERLIN, June 5 (Xinhua) -- German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Thursday called for increased humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and criticized Israel's settlement expansion in the West Bank. "The amount of humanitarian aid currently reaching Gaza is far too limited," Wadephul said at a press conference in Berlin after meeting with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar. "I once again make an urgent appeal to allow unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza -- aid that must be provided on the basis of humanitarian, impartial, neutral, and independent principles." Wadephul also criticized the Israeli government's recent approval of 22 new settlement projects across the occupied West Bank, saying they violate international law and undermine prospects for a two-state solution. MOSCOW, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Russia's Volgograd region expects increasing cooperation with Chinese partners in various fields, Deputy Governor Anna Pisemskaya told Xinhua in a recent interview. Pisemskaya said Volgograd eyes future plans with Chinese partners in jointly launching innovative projects, developing green energy, expanding transport corridors and deepening scientific and educational cooperation. The official noted that the region's trade with China has been robust over the years, with trade turnover increasing 66.8 percent in 2024 year on year. Pisemskaya said Chinese investments in the Volgograd region are providing essential support for modernization across sectors such as industry, agriculture, and infrastructure. The region also offers Chinese partners high-quality agricultural products, logistics channels, and access to the expanding market of southern Russia, she added. The deputy governor noted growing interest of Chinese tourists in visiting the city of Volgograd, which has a rich history, while Volgograd residents are increasingly studying the Chinese language and culture. Located in southern Russia between the Volga and Don rivers, Volgograd serves as a gateway to southern Russia. The strategic position has made it a key player in regional transport and trade. NEW YORK, June 4 (Xinhua) -- The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump lost a suit on Wednesday to lift a federal judge's order temporarily blocking the U.S. Education Department from laying off about half of its more than 4,000 employees. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit denied the administration's request to put on hold an injunction by a lower-court judge. The injunction was sought by several Democratic-led states, school districts and teachers' unions. The Department of Justice had pushed for a swift decision from the appeals court, aiming to escalate the case to the U.S. Supreme Court, where a 6-3 conservative majority might rule in its favor. The legal challenge arose after Education Secretary Linda McMahon announced in March plans to terminate over 1,300 employees. Combined with 600 employees who are leaving voluntarily with buyout offers, the number of job cuts reached over 2,100, halving the department's workforce. LOS ANGELES, June 4 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation to ban travel from certain countries on Wednesday evening, citing national security risks. According to a release by the White House, the proclamation will fully ban the entry of nationals from 12 countries, namely Afghanistan, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. These countries were found "to be deficient with regards to screening and vetting and determined to pose a very high risk to the United States," the release read. Meanwhile, the proclamation will partially restrict the entry of nationals from seven countries -- Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela. The travel ban is scheduled to take effect at 12:01 a.m. next Monday. "The restrictions and limitations imposed by the Proclamation are necessary to garner cooperation from foreign governments, enforce our immigration laws, and advance other important foreign policy, national security, and counterterrorism objectives," the White House said. Exceptions to the ban include lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders, certain visa categories, and individuals whose entry serves U.S. national interests. During his first term, Trump announced a ban on travelers from seven countries, a policy that went through several iterations before it was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. Former President Joe Biden reversed the ban in 2021. As partners on and off set, I Dont Understand Yous David Joseph Craig and Brian William Crano needed to confront the distressing experience theyd previously shared en route to parenthood. The writing and directing duo had been defrauded during their first attempt to adopt a child together, and it took a global pandemic for them to truly reckon with it. Their therapeutic heart-to-heart coincided with the writing of I Dont Understand You, so they channeled their adoption struggles into their horror-comedys story about prospective parents, Dom (Nick Kroll) and Cole (Andrew Rannells). Neither of us really emotionally connected over how traumatic that [first] experience was for us, Craig tells The Hollywood Reporter in support of I Dont Understand Yous June 6 theatrical release. We both handled it very differently. I went way more inward, and Brian talked to everybody about it. So we didnt really connect until we started writing this movie and going, We both had a really traumatic experience that we need to talk about. More from The Hollywood Reporter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fortunately, Craig and Crano eventually matched with another birth mother and became parents to a son after three challenging years. (The young boy has a delightful cameo in the film.) However, right when they received the good news that their son would be born in six weeks, they were about to embark on an Italian getaway for their tenth wedding anniversary. Thats where Crano accidentally directed their car into a ditch during a rainstorm, inspiring Dom and Coles own eventful night in the film. Craig and Crano were soon saved by an older Italian woman in a Fiat, and despite the communication barrier, she welcomed the couple into her familys home where they wined and dined all night. Dom and Cole also end up at the home/restaurant of an older Italian lady, only Cole accidentally pushes her down the stairs during a power outage. Shes the first of several bodies that begins to pile up, and the genre turn is meant to embellish the perils of adoption and parenthood, as well as the extreme lengths parents go to for their children. When Craig and Crano shared the script with potential actors, they received some reservations in return about turning two gay characters into satirical villains. But they were admittedly tired of seeing gay characters depicted under the most tragic circumstances, or as the friend who offers counsel to a heterosexual girlfriend amid her own dating woes. In other words, they were interested in seeing flawed gay characters for a change. Were of the age in which all media about gay people was either a tragic coming-out story, a tragic AIDS story or a tragic AIDs and coming-out story, Crano says. So it was a really validating thing to shoot scenes in which queer characters were doing something other than asking their girlfriend about what he [the girlfriends male love interest] said. There was a gay Bechdel Test thing going on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Below, during a recent conversation with THR, Craig and Crano also discuss how Joel Edgerton gave them the push they needed to write the film, as well as how their long-term friendships with Amanda Seyfried, Rebecca Hall and Morgan Spector influenced the film. *** There are certain films that immediately feel very personal, and I Dont Understand You is definitely one such example. Just how personal is this tale? BRIAN CRANO Its really personal in the sense that the first act is a fun-house mirror version of our life experience. We had been in the adoption process for years. Wed had a bad experience matching with a birth mother who was sort of scamming us, and then we had an incredible experience that led to us getting our son. And right as we had matched with our actual birth mother, we were set to go to Italy, and thats where we got stuck in this ditch [on the way to our tenth anniversary dinner]. So the part where the movie diverges is there was a lot less screaming than there was in real life. And the pile of bodies. DAVID JOSEPH CRAIG Contractually, were not allowed to say the honest truth. (Laughs.) But the catharsis we went through from the experience was how we came up with the second half of the movie. During the adoption process, did the two of you make your own self-conscious self-tape where you were editing yourselves while recording? CRANO We didnt do that, but we had to contextualize ourselves a lot through the adoption process. We had seen some other peoples versions of those videos, and oh God, if we had to do that, it wouldve been rough. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CRAIG Mostly because we are in the writing-directing world, and we definitely wouldve spent many sleepless nights editing down a video that explains who we are as humans. You applied a part of your story to Dom and Cole, as they, too, were defrauded by a birth mother, and that leads to the saddest story Ive ever heard. They drove around all night returning the baby gifts that their friends and family got them. CRANO I really wanted to shoot that, and everyone was like, Too sad! We cant do it. (Laughs.) And I was like, No, its a great open! Wed put them in the deepest hole possible. Please tell me you didnt have to do that in real life. CRAIG We didnt have to do that specific activity. In our world now, everybody Amazons their things to you, and so we didnt have to drive around giving gifts back. The true similarity is that we had told a lot of people that we were matched with a birth mother, and they were all on our side, giving us emotional support. So we did end up going back to them and being like, Were no longer pregnant. When we later matched with the actual birth mother, we were much more tightlipped about who we shared that information with. Every time we had to go tell somebody that it didnt work out was way more brutal for us than it was for anybody we were telling. So that detail came from that experience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CRANO When it finally went through, it led to the real emotional engine for us wanting to do the movie. Our birth mother was amazing; she is ultimately the hero of our lives and our family. But we could not think of a film or a television show in which a birth mother was portrayed in a positive way. So it was really important to us to construct a film in which that character was the hero of the movie. Shes not the protagonist of the movie, but it was very important to us to center that kind of conversation. Essentially, are you using genre to illustrate how fraught the adoption process is? Is that a fair summation? CRAIG I think its just parenting. What would you do for your kid? What would you do to have a kid? Our experience through the adoption process was arduous. It was a three-year experience in total from when we decided we wanted to have a kid to how we wanted to have a kid. The process of actually having him and getting him were things that were front of mind for us the entire time. We werent given the gift of natural birth, so we had to think about everything. Thats not to say that anybody having a natural birth is in a less difficult situation, but that was our experience. One of the biggest things Brian and I talk about is that the physical pregnancy wasnt in front of us, so neither of us really emotionally connected over how traumatic that [first] experience was for us until we started writing this movie. We both handled it very differently. I went way more inward, and Brian talked to everybody about it. So we didnt really connect until we started writing this movie and going, We both had a really traumatic experience that we need to talk about. That showed itself through the movie. CRANO That also led to the genre choice. Were both deeply silly people at a base level. So we were like, Lets write a horror film, and then these jokes just kept coming into our brains that were too good to not use. And when we ended up hiring Nick and Andrew for the movie, theyre so naturally funny that it made the movie more pleasurable in that regard. How did you arrive at Nick Kroll and Andrew Rannells as your central couple, Dom and Cole? CRAIG Well, you get sent lists or whatever, but wed had Andrew in mind for quite some time. Hes funny as hell, and hes a great comedian. Hes also a great actor, and we noticed he hadnt done anything like this before. So we approached him with it, and we hit it off right away. We knew Nick socially, but we had also listened to an interview he had recently done about his own experience being a new dad, which was very similar to ours. So when we were talking to Andrew, we volleyed the idea to him on a Friday, and by that following Monday, he had already slipped the script to Nick before we even had a chance to go out to him. So Nick wanted to do it, and it just felt right from the beginning. It felt like they really got who these two characters are. Are these characters a response to the types of gay characters you havent seen all that much on screen? CRANO Totally! Holy shit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CRAIG Thank you for asking that. CRANO Yeah, were of the age in which all media about gay people was either a tragic coming-out story, a tragic AIDS story or a tragic AIDs and coming-out story. CRAIG Most of it involved the characters having to talk about their sexuality as a thing. CRANO And our life experience is not that. It just isnt that. Were very rarely sitting around, going, My queerness dictates that I order the soup. CRAIG But we do order lots of soup. CRANO We do, yeah. But the movie was an opportunity to center two people who want to have a family, and the validating/infuriating response to the script was a lot of heterosexual executives being like, Wow, this could be a man and woman. This could be two women. And I understand what theyre trying to say, which is that this is a really relatable script. But part of our responsibility as a creative entity, not just us, but as a business, is to talk about more than just heterosexual white people. So it was a really validating thing to shoot scenes in which queer characters were doing something other than asking their girlfriend about what he [the girlfriends male love interest] said. There was a gay Bechdel Test thing going on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CRAIG Dont get us wrong, we love those movies. Its just not the kind of movie we make. So were happy to fill the genre with a different point of view. The topic of who should be able to play whom has quieted now that the industry has faced all sorts of existential threats the last five years. Its still a valid question, but its predicated on there actually being an industry. CRANO (Laughs.) Based on Nicks casting, I assume you dont mind if straight actors play gay characters. Is it just a matter of gay actors also getting opportunities to play whomever? CRANO Thats exactly it. So many of our friends are gay actors, and theyre often not on lists that they should be on because theyre out. And, to me, its crazy to limit anyones casting for anything. All of it should be on the table. It should just be about who is best for the part. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CRAIG And who truly connects with the material. When sending this out, there were quite a number of queer readers who didnt understand why we were making villainous queer characters. But, as a new father, Nick a hundred percent connected with the materials satire and bombast from the beginning. There was excitement around it, and we were like, Hes perfect for this. He and Andrew also love each other, which was so useful in the movie. Theyre in 98 percent of the movie together, and we needed two people who just truly love each other like they do. I talked to a couple other filmmakers whove released horror comedies this year, and they both said that its a rather difficult subgenre to get made. Studios resist it at every turn. CRAIG Its comedy in general. Thats true. Did you also have a heck of a time getting I Dont Understand You made? CRANO We had kind of a weird experience. But were hearing a lot more of that now, and it all seems to be coming out of marketing departments either having a reluctance or not knowing how to market these movies. This movie came together really organically during the pandemic, so nobody really knew what was going to happen anyway. Kara Durrett, who produced the movie, is incredible, and Jessamine Burgum, who is the head of Pinky Promise, got the script immediately. She got why it was valuable, and so we were off to the races. It was pretty straightforward. But all of this ends up pointing towards the same group of people. Why are these casting and genre limitations being put on? Its like theyre the same little band of people choosing what to take risks on, and I get it. Its a lot of money and its a lot of risk. And if you fuck up, you lose your job. So its a big deal, however, I would encourage those people to take more risks. If you look at the movies that have hit in the last couple of years, theyre genre agnostic, and theyre cast all over the place. Theyre funny, theyre fucked up, theyre weird, and the audience is there. You just have to communicate that these stories are available to them and that they want to see them. Nobody likes being talked down to, and the movies that are delivering more than one kind of dopamine hit are whats connecting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CRAIG We werent being asked to change it, which could have been something that happened years ago. Theyd say, Well, you can get this movie made with a man and a woman in a second at a studio. CRANO And we could have. We could have made the movie with a man and a woman at a studio for more money. That is a basic reality. I get that its market driven, but again, there is a responsibility to change that. The brothers Edgerton, Joel and Nash, are credited as producers. Nash is also one of your stunt coordinators. David, was their involvement born out of The Gift and Boy Erased? CRAIG Yeah, prior to making this movie, I worked with Joel for close to a decade. I made The Gift and Boy Erased with him, and working with Joel and Nash was essentially my film school. It was how I learned to make a movie and operate in this business in a very respectful way. And when we knew we had a movie with all these wild stunts, we knew we needed to get Nash. Hes not only a stunt coordinator, but hes a fantastic comedic director. So him being on set with us was needed, frankly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CRANO In fact, Joel is the reason that we started writing the movie in the first place. When the real experience of us being stuck in the ditch happened, we told Joel about it. And he was like, Thats a horror movie, guys. You have to write it. You must. CRAIG And if you dont, I will. CRANO & CRAIG (Laugh.) David, Rebecca Hall shared a scene with you in The Gift. She also goes way back with you, Brian. So the casting of her husband, Morgan Spector, was likely a byproduct of that long-term relationship. You also have a history with Amanda Seyfried, who plays the birth mother. Whats the proper story behind your collaboration tree? CRANO I met Rebecca when I was 18, and we were both fresh out of drama school in England. I was doing my first play reading, and she was in it. We sat down to lunch, and we just immediately hit it off. So we have been besties ever since, and 20-plus years later, its wild that we now have children. We talked about all these things prospectively happening, and now they have come true. So its a real gift to have old friends. CRAIG I feel like all of them were friends before we collaborated. These werent friendships built out of work, so they last past what were making. Rebecca, Morgan and Amanda are all, for lack of better words, godparents to our son. So casting Amanda in this as the birth mother was so natural and organic. It meant something to us personally, not just for the project. To have her give the baby over to our characters was just so heartwarming, and we got to honor our own experience with someone who is so near and dear to us. CRANO Amanda is amazing in this. And weve essentially known Morgan since his first date with Rebecca. We know how deeply funny he is as a person and also how dark can be, but hes always cast as this brooding leading man. I didnt recognize him at first. CRAIG When we called him to ask him to do the role, I said to him, Morgan, you need to be intimidating. Can you bulk up for me? And I was completely joking. CRANO It was an obvious joke. CRAIG But when he showed up to set, all of the wardrobe that they had gotten him was too small because he spent the last four or five months bulking up to be even bigger than he was. Thankfully, it works, but it was just so funny. He was like, You asked me to bulk up. And I was like, You were the most intimidating person before you bulked up even more. CRANO But he was so happy to come do it. He really wanted to do something different and silly. Part of the joy of having such talented friends is knowing what they usually get to read. We talk about everything all the time. Its the same with Joel. Im sure he would love to do a comedy. So it is a privilege to be able to write something for a friend and be like, Look at this version of him. This is the guy I know. Hes hilarious. Im very familiar with the work of your DP, Lowell Meyer, particularly the very intimate handheld approach he does with Celine Held and Logan George. His work with M. Night Shyamalan on Knock at the Cabin and Servant had a little bit of that, but it was mostly very controlled and deliberate. So what were you working off of when you hired him? CRAIG Oddly, we have a personal relationship with him. He is married to our producer, Kara Durrett. So I dont think you couldve gotten a more familial set than the one we had and created. It was wonderful because we all had kids of a similar age at the same time in Italy. So it was this little incubator of a bunch of Americans making an Italian movie in English. Lowell had always been somebody weve wanted to work with, even while he and Kara were dating. We knew Kara beforehand. Like you said, his handheld work is something that weve always been in awe of, and hes also such a color head. He is so zeroed in on creating a picture in front of you, and that is something that speaks so much to us. We wanted the action to pop out of the frame, and hes just such a technician when it comes to that. Hes a true artist. CRANO A lot of times, comedies are incredibly brightly lit and shot in this flat, stagnant, shot-reverse kind of way. Thats something that doesnt really speak to us. Part of the reason for making the movie in Italy was to ask, What if this beautiful painting came to life in this horrible grotesque way? We were looking at a lot of violent frescos, and we wanted to translate that into a cinematic language thats both pretty and scary. So Lowell was just such a wonderful collaborator. CRAIG We were bringing a huge comedic presence, and because he shoots utterly beautifully, hes able to juxtapose those two things. Thats why Knock at the Cabin worked the way it did for M. Night. Lowell was shooting his beautiful cinematography with the action that was actually happening, so it made it much more prestigious than it could have been. Lastly, Im sure youre trading ideas all the time, but is there a frontrunner as far as what could be next? CRANO Yeah, we wrote our demented version of a Christmas movie. Its about what would happen if the emotional violence that your family perpetrates on you during the holidays was physicalized. So its in the same space [as I Dont Understand You] with a bigger cast. If The Family Stone was armed and dangerous, what would that be like? So were doing that with Scott Free [Productions] and Kara, and were casting it now, which is super fun. *** I Dont Understand You opens June 6 in movie theaters nationwide. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. EXCLUSIVE: Journalist and two-time Emmy-winning documentarian Gianna Toboni and her sister, actress and producer Jacqueline Toboni (The L Word: Generation Q), have announced the launch of Mother Media, a new bi-coastal production company dedicated to producing deeply personal, zeitgeist-defining content across both scripted and unscripted formats. With a slate that ranges from death row documentaries to celebrity biopics, Mother Media aims to explore the human condition through narratives that resonate on both an emotional and cultural level. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our mission at Mother Media is to tell stories that feel both intensely personal and undeniably relevant, said Gianna. Whether were inside a prison cell or on a Hollywood set, we want to bring audiences closer to the truth of a persons experienceand by extension, the truth of our time. Added Jacqueline: Weve always been drawn to complex characters and stories that challenge the status quo. With Mother Media, were creating a space where those stories can come to life in honor of our mother, the greatest storyteller we know. Mother Medias debut project is a documentary titled Just Kids, which will premiere at the Tribeca Festival on Saturday. The film follows three families living in states that have banned gender-affirming care as they navigate the emotional, legal, and political stakes of their situation. As misinformation and fear dominate headlines, the film re-centers the human cost and resilience of those most impacted. The doc was just awarded a $25,000 grant from Subject Matter that will help support the filmmakers impact, outreach, and distribution efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mother Media is currently in production on a celebrity biopic, with several more scripted and unscripted projects in active development. A primary focus going forward will be to leverage unscripted IP for narrative adaptations. Gianna Toboni gained prominence as a senior correspondent and producer for Vice News, where she contributed to over 50 films that aired on platforms like HBO, Showtime, Hulu, and Vice. Her investigative work has taken her to more than 30 countries, including Iraq, Somalia, Nigeria, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia. She was among the first journalists to interview ISIS fighters on the frontlines in Iraq and has reported on issues such as cartel violence in Mexico, political corruption, and the plight of women escaping oppressive regimes. Before joining Vice, she worked as a correspondent for Al Jazeera and as a producer for ABC News. Jacquelin Toboni has been seen starring on shows like Doctor Odyssey, The L Word: Generation Q, Easy, and Grimm, with additional appearances in a number of indies. Mother Media is represented by CAA. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Note: This story contains spoilers from Ginny & Georgia Season 3, Episodes 6 and 7. In Ginny & Georgia Season 3, Antonia Gentrys Ginny already has the weight of the world on her shoulders as her mother (Brianne Howey) prepares to go on trial for murder, but one unexpected crisis is added to her plate in Episode 6: a positive pregnancy test. The pregnancy is not from her longtime romance interest Marcus (Felix Mallard), but instead from her poetry classmate, Wolfe (Ty Doran), who responds to the news by saying, thats wild. Desperate to confide in her mom but unable to formally visit her without a social worker present, Ginny takes the help of Maxine (Sara Waisglass), who distracts reporters outside of Georgias home, in order to sneak inside. Once she gets inside, Georgia knows immediately from Ginnys face the news shes about to break and, once Ginny decides she wants to get an abortion, makes an appointment for her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The beautiful aspect of this plot point is the fact that we get to witness, for the first time, Georgia really allows Ginny to make a decision for herself while being there to support her through it, but without manipulating the situation or making it about her, Gentry told TheWrap. Its nice too to see Georgia hold space for Ginny and leave it at that thats not something weve really gotten to see her do, so it was a really special scene, Howey added. We didnt take it lightly. Antonia Gentry as Ginny Miller, Ty Doran as Wolfe in Ginny & Georgia (Credit: Amanda Matlovich/Netflix) Series creator Sarah Lampert noted the situation explores what happens when Ginny is put in similar circumstances as her mother, and how that reversal can deepen their relationship. For Georgia to have been in the same shoes as Ginny at that age, and now for Ginny to face this decision, but with her mothers support, I think is a very, very beautiful moment, Gentry said. Georgia had Ginny when she was really young, and she really views her children as her salvation, Lampert said. Ginny is in a very different situation, it was the right thing for her to make that decision, and Georgia supported it Ginny just has more choice than Georgia did when she was that age. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the decision happening in the midst of Georgias murder trial, Howey noted the situation showed how desperately Ginny needs Georgia, especially at a point when Georgia is pretty convinced nobody wants her and everyones pretty much better off without her, inspiring some newfound confidence for her character. While Georgias house arrest prevents her from physically being with Ginny at the abortion appointment, Georgia sends Marcus as a reinforcement, who stands by Ginnys side and safely delivers her back home to Georgia, without breathing a word of the abortion to any of Ginnys friends. Ginny & Georgia Season 3 is now streaming on Netflix. The post Ginny & Georgia Team Breaks Down Ginnys Biggest Personal Crisis Yet in Season 3: We Didnt Take It Lightly appeared first on TheWrap. ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) The Kansas City Heartland Men's Chorus will come to St. Joseph to celebrate its 40th Anniversary with regional performances. Its Do It With Heart" concert is at 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 21 at First Christian Church, located at 9th and Faraon Streets. Both First Christian and First Lutheran Churches are concert sponsors. Tickers are $25 and can be purchased at the door. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A portion of the proceeds will benefit St. Joseph-area organizations, including St. Joseph Pride, set for this fall on Friday, Sept. 12, and Saturday, Sept. 13, as well as PFLAG St. Joseph, which supports the local LGBTQ+ community with outreach and support. "We're blessed to have a performance of this caliber visiting St. Joseph," said Rev. Brian Kirk of First Christian Church in a press release. "We're thankful this concert supports our local community." The St. Joseph performance is one of six regional performances of its "Do It With Heart program, with songs of social justice, love and LGBTQ+ experience. Forty of the 150 Heartland Chorus members will perform in the June regional concerts, with Missouri stops in St. Joseph and Springfield and Kansas concerts in Lawrence, Topeka, Manhattan and Wichita. The "Spotify House" pop-up at Lower Broadway's Ole Red will feature more than a dozen artists during the 52nd CMA Fest. Access is free, but capacity is limited; admission is first-come, first-served, for ages 18 and up, from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. each day of the festival. Like Spotify's well-regarded "Hot Country" collection of 50 songs, its pop-up roster will include both established superstars and rising acts on the stages of the main floor and rooftop of the 26,000 square foot venue. Artists scheduled to perform include Keith Urban, Kelsea Ballerini, Shaboozey, Lainey Wilson, Bailey Zimmerman, Riley Green, Jordan Davis, Parker McCollum, Brothers Osborne, Zac Brown Band, Rascal Flatts, Little Big Town, Midland, Carly Pearce, Cole Swindell, Warren Zeiders, Dylan Scott and Ashley Cooke. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Its a real honor to be returning to Spotify House this year. Spotify and Hot Country have been behind me since the jump, helping my music reach fans everywhere," Wilson said in a conversation with The Tennessean. "Streaming has brought so many new people into the country fold. I can play a show anywhere in the world now and the crowd is singing along." Lainey Wilson performs during CMA Fest at Nissan Stadium Friday, June 10, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Spotify country playlist "Fresh Finds" inspired the selections for the rooftop line-up. Acts scheduled to perform there include 2025 Tennessean artists to watch, Noeline Hofmann and Chandler Walters. Spotify launched the "Hot Country" playlist 10 years ago and has had a presence at CMA Fest for the past six. "Country's ability to use its core of authentic storytelling has appealed to every cultural and social shift since COVID-19's quarantine," said Spotify's Claire Heinchen. "The result? It's removed barriers of entry into being someone (for whom) a country inspires and soundtracks their lives." 'Things A Man Oughta Know' Wilson exemplifies how Spotify's "Hot Country" playlist opens a door for pop crossover success. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After signing to Nashville's BMG office in Sept. 2019, she released her debut major label EP "Redneck Hollywood." One year later, her eventual first No. 1 country hit "Things A Man Oughta Know" followed. Carly Pearce performs onstage at Spotify House during CMA Fest at Ole Red on June 08, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. Those releases coincided with the success of a pair of streaming-beloved No. 1 sales hits her label mate Blanco Brown's "The Git Up" and Dan + Shay's "10,000 Hours." As well, Lil Nas X's country hit "Old Town Road" topped the all-genre Hot 100 for nineteen consecutive weeks. The COVID-19 pandemic era followed, resulting in a more than 700% increase in monthly American country music streams, according to Spotify data. Lainey didnt let the pandemic stop her from engaging with fans on social media and industry professionals in the Nashville and country communities, BMG president Jon Loba said in a 2021 interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The year also saw Wilson added to its inaugural "Hot Country Artists to Watch" list. Lainey Wilson performs during CMA Fest at Nissan Stadium early in the morning on Saturday, June 10, 2023, in Nashville, Tennessee. The growth of streaming super-spiking country artists impacted the genre, as it churned out three-dozen different chart-topping radio and sales stars in 2021 alone, Wilson among them. Streaming-popular country songs have appeal 'anywhere in the world' Other venues where Wilson has headlined in the past 12 months include New York City's Radio City Music Hall and London's O2 Arena. J.J. Italiano is responsible for Global Music Curation and Discovery at Spotify. Yes, he's aware that Hot Country has added 33 percent more listeners in the past five years, but the Nashville country industry's impact on playlists like all-genre New Music Friday and Today's Top Hits has him the most intrigued. Bailey Zimmerman and BigXThaPlug on the set for their music video for the song "All The Way" "Taking an early bet on songs is exciting, but discovering how country organically impacts people's lives has made those songs grow (on the platform)," he said. More musical influences 'have a seat at the table' Watching acts, including rapper BigXThaPlug pairing with Bailey Zimmerman and country stars like Morgan Wallen collaborating with pop acts like Tate McRae, embrace their fans' desires to hear them work with artists from genres whose vibes they enjoy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Streaming allows for country to embrace a moment where the genre's emerging voices, superstars and various musical influences and tastes have a seat at country's mainstream table," Heinchen said. "Spotify House allows artists, fans and country's industry to accept and celebrate what the genre is becoming." This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: How to see Lainey Wilson, Keith Urban, Kelsea Ballerini, Shaboozey for free during CMA fest ADDIS ABABA, June 5 (Xinhua) -- The African Union (AU) has expressed concern over the potential negative impact of newly imposed travel restrictions by the United States, which affect nationals from several countries, including some in Africa. In a statement issued Thursday, the African Union Commission (AUC) acknowledged the sovereign right of all nations to protect their borders and ensure the security of their citizens. However, it urged the United States to exercise this right in a manner that is balanced, evidence-based, and reflective of the long-standing partnership between the United States and Africa. The AUC remains concerned about the potential negative impact of such measures on people-to-people ties, educational exchange, commercial engagement, and the broader diplomatic relations that have been carefully nurtured over decades, the statement said. The AUC also called on the U.S. administration to consider adopting a more consultative approach and to engage in constructive dialogue with the affected countries. U.S. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation to ban travel from certain countries on Wednesday evening, citing national security risks. According to a release by the White House, the proclamation, set to take effect on June 9, will fully ban the entry of nationals from 12 countries, namely Afghanistan, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Ann Leonard knows how to put two-and-two together. First, the art: Seeing beautiful quilts hanging up in a South Florida dining hall and draped on bunk beds during a conference trip. Secondly, the inspiration: Talking to her niece and nephew about their participation at a summer camp for children with cancer. And then being lured by their energy to volunteer there, too. The glowing light bulb moment: Having friends in Bay County who quilt; and wanting to continue volunteer work at the summer camp for children with cancer. Ann Leonard, left, Bay Countys district 2 school board member, and Karen McQueen, a quilter and retired school teacher, pose for a photo at First Baptist Church in Panama City, Fla., May 29, 2025. The two educators have helped collect, and create, 53 unique blankets for Rapahope, a summer camp in Mobile, Ala., for children battling cancer. (Tyler Orsburn/News Herald) "I was fortunate enough to get to volunteer (at Rapahope) last year for a week of camp, and it truly was one of the most amazing experiences I've ever had," the longtime educator said about the Mobile, Ala., camp. "You see all of these children who have this very serious illness and their parents are brave enough to trust us, to send them to us for a week. And we do everything we can just to make them have fun." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fishing, swimming, dancing and singing are just some of Rapahope's "chemotherapy," or cure-alls. "Just (anything) that we can do to provide a good, fun, safe week for these kids," Leonard explained about the week's activities. Ann Leonard, of Panama City, Fla., is seen with Rapahope campers after they receive their quilts June 4, 2025. Leonard was able to organize a collection of 53 blankets to give to the Mobile, Ala., cancer camp. (Photo Provided By Rapahope) Sensing Leonard's sparkling enthusiasm for the camp, and hearing her idea to give quilts to the campers, Karen McQueen, a quilter and retired teacher, said she was all in. So, for three months, McQueen and other seamstresses, including some from Fort Walton Beach, sat down and sewed 53 twin-bed-size quilts in about 90 days. "Anybody can sew," McQueen said while looking up at all the quilts draped over the stairwell at First Baptist Church in Panama City. "I mean you can learn; we can teach you. And we would love to have anybody that wants to either donate to the camp or make a quilt." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Next year's batch of quilts is already in production, with the hopes of stitching some 75-80 blankets for all the campers. For more information about how to make a quilt for the camp, email McQueen at quilts4acause@gmail. And for anyone wanting to give to the camp, go to https://www.rapahope.org/donate This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Sewn with love: Summer camp kids with cancer receive quilts full of comfort Jun. 4Suzan Catherine Stage Suzan Stage was born Suzan Catherine Schiwart in Reno, Nevada in early 1965. She passed away on May 28, 2025. Suzan was the third of three children to Elmer "Tex" and Caroline Schiwart. She was ten years younger than her sister Cherrie, and eleven younger than her brother Steve. She graduated from Reed High School in Sparks, Nevada, a suburb of Reno, in 1983, following her father and brother into the military, joining the Nevada Air National Guard later that year. She went through Air Force Basic Training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio before transitioning to Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas for her Technical Training. Having participated in church choirs through her childhood, Suzan volunteered to sing in the Special Activities Choir during her technical training. It was in choir that she met her future husband, Michael Stage. They dated for the duration of his technical training, when he left for his first assignment in England. When Suzan completed her training, she returned to Reno to begin her career with the Air National Guard. The two maintained a long-distance relationship for two years. He would call every week, and twice used his leave to travel to Reno rather than visit his family in San Diego. Suzan also flew to England to visit Michael once over the winter vacation in 1985. Suzan moved from Reno to Mesa, Arizona in 1986 when Michael transferred from England to Williams Air Force Base in the eastern region of Phoenix, joining the Arizona Air National Guard. It was only a year later they decided to marry, the ceremony taking place in Reno with family and friends in attendance. The couple had returned to Arizona, and bought their first house in Tempe in 1989. Suzan was then pregnant with their son Thomas in 1990, when Michael was reassigned to Cannon Air Force Base in Clovis, New Mexico. Suzan transferred to the Air National Guard for that state, and Thomas was born at Cannon Air Force Base. After the first Gulf War, the Air Force went through a large drawdown, and Michael left active duty and joined Suzan in the Air National Guard in 1992. The couple remained in Clovis until 1996, before moving to Albuquerque. They both eventually obtained full-time positions at the guard unit at Kirtland Air Force Base. Suzan completed many combat deployments during her military career, including Kuwait, Turkey, northern Italy, and eventually capping her 31-years with a six-month deployment to Afghanistan. Upon leaving uniformed service, Suzan continued her career by joining the U.S. Forest Service. In 2019, Suzan was diagnosed with Stage-3 Ovarian Cancer. After a hysterectomy and two rounds of chemotherapy, the doctors proclaimed that she was in remission. Nine months later, the cancer had returned, sending her through more chemotherapy. Though they had initially given her about four years to live from the initial diagnosis, Suzan fought the deadly disease for over five years. She and Mike traveled for a month to Europe, the southern states to see family and friends, took a Nile River cruise to see pyramids and temples, and spent a week in the Hawaiian Islands with friends, the highlight of which was snorkeling at night with manta rays. After an aborted clinical trial at MD Andersen in Houston, she was sent home into hospice. Nine days later she died surrounded by family and friends who had come from around the country. She is survived by her husband Mike, son Tom, and brother Steve. She was adored and loved by those who knew her. Her smile was contagious, and never more so than when performing Star Wars cosplay for the local Rebel Legion and 501st Legion. She has become one with The Force and is deeply missed. June marks LGBTQ+ pride month, and in Central Pennsylvania, tons of events are planned across June and July. From block parties to street festivals, bar crawls and more, there are plenty of pride festivities to look forward to this summer. This list will be updated as more information becomes available. Pride Pop-Off Block Party: Friday, June 13 The event started last year after organizer Lizz Dawson said she wanted to see queer joy represented in York, her hometown, the same way she saw it represented in New York while she lived there. It was, in a way, a public coming out for herself and organizing the event, meant everything to her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After much success last year, Pride Pop-off Block Party is back on this year on Friday, June 13 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in York's Royal Square District. The event will feature drag performances, face painting, a dunk tank, vendors, food trucks, and more. Dawson added, "It's more important than ever this year to showcase that queer people are not going anywhere." York County Pride - June 14 York County Pride, a family-friendly event hosted by the Rainbow Rose Center will take place at the York County Fairgrounds on Saturday, June 14 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. This year's pride event will feature over 150 vendors, including local nonprofits and crafters, food trucks 14 drag performers, live music, and free HIV testing provided by Family First Health. Activities include interactive arts and crafts, face painting and RPG games, among others. Balloon artists as well as five tattoo artists and one piercing artist will be set up. Lititz Pride Festival - June 7 The annual Lititz Pride Festival will take place on Saturday, June 7 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Lititz Spring Park located at 24 N Broad St, Lititz. The free, family-friendly event will feature live performances, local vendors and artists, food, activities for kids and family, community resources and more. Lebanon Pride Street Festival - June 22 This year, members of the Lebanon community will be hosting the fourth annual Pride Street festival. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The celebration will take place on Sunday June 22 from 1-5 p.m. on 8th Street between Cumberland and Chestnut Streets in Lebanon City. Pride 2025 will be designed for all age groups and is open to the entire community at no cost. "This year's theme, Together We Rise, builds on the power of community and the strength of joining together to celebrate LGBTQ+ lives, create safe spaces, and foster connections," organizers said in a release. More: Pride Month: Lebanon community hosts pair of events to celebrate in June Carlisle Pride: June 14 Pride Month will begin in Carlisle with a proclamation at Borough Hall starting at 11 a.m., followed by the 'Big Gay Walk' to Letort Park with flag flying, music, and more festivities. From there, enjoy a pride picnic with food, resource vendors, and a local DJ from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more information on pride events in Carlisle this month, visit www.carlislehaspride.com/events. The Official Pride Bar Crawl Harrisburg: June 21 In its seventh year, the official pride bar crawl in Harrisburg is bringing 'colorful drinks, good vibes and epic bar-hopping fun.' Tickets are $24.05 for a single ticket and $18.41 per person for a group of four or more. A portion of every ticket sold goes directly to Pride Non-Profit Organizations nationwide, supporting those in the LGBTQIA+ community. The 21 and over event will begin at 4 p.m. at Midtown Arts Center and end at 12 a.m. Tickets include two to three drinks, pride swag, food specials, a drag show and more. More information can be found on www.crawlwith.us/harrisburg/pride#tickets. Participants take part in the Gettysburg pride march, Saturday, June 1, 2019, in downtown Gettysburg. Pride Festival of Central Pennsylvania - July 26 The parade will start in Harrisburg on City Island at 10 a.m. and travel through downtown before ending on Front Street. From there, the festivities will take place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Soldiers Grove near the state Capitol, Harrisburg. More information is available at centralpapride.org/events/. This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: Pride 2025 celebrations, parades & more across Central PA FLORENCE, S.C. (WSPA) The company building a $1.6 billion battery factory in South Carolina has paused construction. AESC released a statement Thursday that they halted work on the facility due to policy and market uncertainty. Construction on the factory, located in Florence, began in 2023. AESC has invested over $1 billion into the Florence facility, and we anticipate being able to resume construction once circumstances stabilize, said AESC spokesperson Brad Grantham in a statement. AESC fully intends to meet our commitments to invest $1.6 billion and create 1,600 jobs in the coming years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BMW announced in 2022 that the company signed an agreement with AESC to supply battery cells for its new factory in Woodruff. Plant Woodruff, which broke ground in 2023, is a new $700 million high-voltage battery assembly facility currently under construction in Woodruff which is expected to employ 300 people when finished. In response to questions from 7NEWS, BMW did not directly address whether AESCs decision to pause construction on their plant would affect their future operations but did say that their Woodruff facility is still scheduled to begin production of high-voltage battery modules in 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 WSPA 7NEWS. One person is in the hospital with life-threatening injuries from a shooting in Northwest Charlotte early Thursday morning, according to MEDIC. The shooting happened on Esther Lane, near Freedom Drive, around 1 a.m., police said. Officers are actively investigating this incident and have not released any information on the suspect. It is unclear what led up to this shooting. This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates. VIDEO: 2 wanted in mass shooting at house party in Catawba County DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) A woman was taken to the hospital this morning after being shot Thursday morning. According to the Montgomery County Regional Dispatch Center, the shooting occurred minutes before 3:30 a.m. on the 0 block of Bragg Place, in front of DeSoto Bass Apartments, in Dayton. Our 2 NEWS crew on scene reported that the area was cordoned off with caution tape, with police investigating. A bullet reportedly struck a gas line as well, which complicated matters this morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saturdays shooting at DeSoto Bass leaves one woman hospitalized Dayton Fire Department crews soon arrived on the scene to shut off the lines and reduce any hazards. CenterPoint Energy crews were also at the scene. According to Dayton Police Department Sgt. Andrew Zecchini, the officers found the woman with two gunshot wounds. She was transported by medics to a nearby hospital in non-life-threatening condition. Multiple shell casings were found at the scene. Detectives from the DPDs Violent Offender Unit are actively investigating this incident. This is the third shooting on Bragg Place within the last week, with one happening Saturday and another on Monday as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Jun. 4MITCHELL Great prisons come with great responsibility. The Mitchell City Council, during its regular meeting on June 2, unanimously approved a resolution expressing interest in the construction of a state correctional facility in Davison County. Here are 10 facts and questions discussed about the potential Mitchell prison site. No. 1: The city's resolution shows interest in the prison, but is non-binding Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The resolution was introduced by council member Tim Goldammer on the eve of a Project Prison Reset Task Force meeting to follow on Tuesday in Pierre. The resolution states that a correctional facility "would create significant economic opportunities, including the creation of stable, well-paying jobs, increased demand for local goods and services, and long-term infrastructure investments." In addition, the resolution cited interest in collaboration to ensure "public safety and community well-being" from local law enforcement, community leaders, the Davison County Commission and economic development organizations. The resolution also promises "open dialogue, careful planning and engagement with residents to ensure that concerns are heard and solutions are implemented." No. 2: A final prison decision will be made in July Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement July 8 is to be the final meeting of the prison search commission, according to Lauritsen. Lauritsen says a special session of the South Dakota legislature will meet on July 22 in regards to the prison. No. 3: Wherever is chosen as a prison site will receive a boost in employee spending. Mitchell Area Development Corporation CEO Mike Lauritsen told the council that a prison will bring an estimated 441 new jobs with an annual payroll of $36.7 million and an average wage between $25 and $30 an hour. The annual operating budget for the new prison is estimated at $55 million per year. Lauritsen said a prison taking three to four years to build allows time to plan ways to address the state's second lowest unemployment rate, but did not go into specifics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We have an opportunity in front of us to grow this community, for our businesses, for our housing developments," Lauritsen said. No. 4: A third-party ranked Mitchell fourth out of six potential prison sites. A study from Arizona-based Arrington Watkins Architects put the existing Lincoln County site owned by the South Dakota Department of Corrections as the top option. According to a Mitchell Area Development Corporation state prison proposal, a $2.88 million 160 acre potential prison site is located near the Mitchell Regional Landfill, and is owned by James River Farms. The location is outside of Mitchell city limits in Davison County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No. 5: According to Mitchell Mayor Jordan Hanson, those inmates who are from Mitchell will be released to Mitchell. Hanson addressed concerns about released prison inmates ending up in Mitchell, but did not have any official documents from the state promising that other parolees would not be released in Mitchell. Rehabilitation, space and counseling is a big expense for the state with a new prison site, according to Hanson, who says that the present state prison is overcapacity "As far as releasing prisoners, they're going to get paroled back to where they either got arrested originally, where they were tried, or into the larger cities," Hanson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No. 6: The potential Mitchell site makes for an escape-friendly location. Davison County resident and Mitchell business man Scott Studer reminded the council that the South Dakota Department of Corrections wants the prison site to be away from Interstate 90, a highway, and a waterway. "We just put it at the corner of Jim River, I-90 and Highway 37," he said. "So good luck trying to get them to go for that." No. 7: Davison County residents are concerned that property taxes may rise. Davison County resident Michelle Studer said she lives within 2 miles of the proposed Mitchell site. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You're taking 160 acres out of the tax rolls," Michelle Studer said, "because I'm assuming that the prison is tax exempt. Where's that money going to come from?" No. 8: Davison County residents are concerned that they don't have a say in denying or approving the potential prison site. Mitchell resident Dwight Stadler expressed many concerns, the theme of which is that the prison would increase property taxes in Davison County. "Davison County voters should have a say on a ballot," Stadler said. No. 9. The construction itself will cost almost $1 billion, according to Lauritsen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The $825 million prison built could be placed near another high-cost construction site in Davison County. To put this in perspective, the High Plains Processing soybean plant south of Mitchell, still under construction, is estimated to cost about $500 million. In comparison to the proposed 160-acre prison site, the soybean plant sits on 148 acres. 10. City leaders acknowledge the prison is a dividing topic. Hanson and Lauritsen urged residents to not get heated during the night's discussions. "If we're eliminated (from consideration), we fight (over) nothing. We divide this community for nothing," Lauritsen said. Lauritsen offered to field any questions and pass them on to the South Dakota Governor's Office. B. Marshall and his attorney were all ready to go for a hearing before a judge at the City-County building in downtown Pittsburgh Thursday morning, but the city attorney never showed. The city, in a statement to 11 Investigates, claimed it didnt know about the hearing before Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge Dan Regan. It was set for 9:30 a.m. after Marshall filed a petition last week asking a judge to force the city to act on his permit for his Juneteenth celebration that is two weeks away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> 11 Investigates: Attorney for Juneteenth organizer blasts city permit process, files legal action For the city of Pittsburgh to not show up today on such an important issue is extremely, highly disappointing, said Phil DiLucente, Marshalls attorney. Even though the city never showed, DiLucente was allowed to present his case to the judge. The city of Pittsburgh needs to step up. Time is of the essence. We are two weeks away, DiLucente told the judge. Marshall filed a petition last week with the courts to force the city to act on his permit application for his Juneteenth festival at Mellon Park in East Liberty later this month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marshall applied for the permit in February. He said hes been getting the run around since then. The city told 11 Investigates last week they were waiting for PennDOT to decide on closing Penn Avenue, but Marshall said today he withdrew that request more than a month ago. His attorney also told the judge that Marshall does not want to close Penn Avenue anymore. They (the city) continue to tell that falsehood that we are blocking off Penn Avenue, but we are not, so thats why we know the application will be permitted and the festival will go forward, said Marshall. While the city did not attend the hearing, an attorney representing Bakery Square in East Liberty near Mellon Park did. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jon Kamin expressed concern on behalf of the more than 500 residents who live near the park. His biggest concern was with the potential closing of Penn Avenue, but after the hearing, Kamin said he was relieved that Penn Avenue wouldnt be closing, and wanted more details about the event. Kamin said his clients were concerned that residents would not be able to get in and out of their apartments if Penn Avenue were closed. This is just about trying to understand what the decisions are going to be, and having a seat at the table so that we can make sure we are adequately represented and everybodys safe and can have a great time, said Kamin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marshall believes the city is holding up the permit because of his well-publicized feud with Mayor Ed Gainey, who pulled $125,000 in funding from Marshall last year. After public outcry, the city council reinstated Marshalls funding last year. But the city also awarded a $125,000 contract to Bounce Marketing to put on an official city celebration last year. 11 Investigates learned that this year, the city is scaling back the celebration. It wont be organized by a marketing firm, buy by the citys Department of Parks and Recreation. PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> New details emerging about Pittsburghs Juneteenth celebration Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city has not released details about the event, but sources told 11 Investigates that it will include a small celebration with music and food on the North Side at Allegheny Commons East Park on June 14th from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Marshall did not get any city money this year, but he said he has plenty of sponsors in place, along with musical acts like headliner Morris Day and The Time. Marshall also has food and vendors lined up, as well as activities and games for everyone. Hes expecting 65,000 people to attend the festival. After the hearing Thursday morning, Marshall and his attorney said they were both optimistic about the outcome of the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You know my mother used to say, you cant fight city hall, but we fought them today and I think its going to be a good outcome, said DiLucente. The city claims they were not aware of the hearing because they have not been served with the petition, and they said if Marshall no longer wants Penn Avenue closed, he needs to update his permit application. The judge is expected to issue a ruling as soon as tomorrow. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW NEED TO KNOW Police in Australia have located a missing 11-year-old girl two days after she disappeared from a local park in Wollongong, Australia Bella Morley disappeared on Tuesday, June 3, and police were called in when she could not be contacted NSW police said they held "concerns due to her age," before recovering her safely on Thursday, June 5 An 11-year-old girl who disappeared from a local park in Australia has been found. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, June 5, the NSW Police confirmed to PEOPLE that Bella Morley, who had been missing for two days, had been safely located. "We dont disclose where missing people are located for privacy reasons and cant go into further information about her going missing now that she has been located," NSW Police told PEOPLE in an email. Bella had last been seen in Wiseman Park in Wollongong around 7 p.m. local time on Tuesday, June 3, according to a news release from the NSW Police. Wollongong is just over 50 miles south of Sydney and lies on the coast. When she could not be located or contacted, officers attached to the Wollongong Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts, the release read, adding that the authorities and her family hold concerns due to her age. NSW Police Force Bella Morley Bella Morley Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. In the release, Bella was described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 4 feet, 7 inches tall and medium build with blonde/brown hair. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Wollongong Police District also shared a photo of Bella on their Facebook page as part of their public appeal to help find her. In the photo, Bella could be seen smiling and wearing a black T-shirt. The post read, Can you help us find Bella? Bella, aged 11, was last seen in Wollongong at 7.00pm on Tuesday, 3 June 2025. She is known to frequent Wollongong. Anyone who sees her is urged to contact Wollongong Police District or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Read the original article on People FOSTER, R.I. (WPRI) A couple from Foster was on the verge of losing their health insurance because of an address issue with their insurance company. Edwin Fulasz said he received a letter in the mail in February from UnitedHealthcare stating that due to a change in their address, he and his wife would lose health insurance coverage in August. He said he was panicked because he and his wife have health issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was [just] in the hospital for 51 days, he said. And right now Im going through radiation for cancer. So we need our health insurance. The problem comes down to this: The couples property is in Foster, but their mailbox, located at the very edge of their property, has a Connecticut address. Fulasz says he spent hours on the phone with the insurance company, but was not getting anywhere. Thats when he turned to 12 Responds for help. 12 Responds sent UnitedHealthcare documentation showing that the Fulaszs pay their taxes to the Town of Foster, along with a recent electric bill from Rhode Island Energy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After that, Fulaz said, he heard back from the company right away, and the couple was able to keep their insurance. Then he shifted his focus to permanently changing his address to Foster. I just want a Rhode Island mailman to come here, he said. I even have a circular drive so he could turn around. Its no big thing. Do you have a question for 12 Responds? Send an email to 12responds@wpri.com. 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! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Special Coverage & Notices Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HAVANA, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Cuba on Thursday said new travel restrictions announced by the United States, barring or limiting entry to nationals from 19 countries, had a "racist undertone." "The new ban on entry to the United States by nationals of several countries has a racist undertone supported by anti-Cuban politicians," Cuban Foreign Affairs Minister Bruno Rodriguez posted on social media. The U.S. measure bans citizens of 12 nations from entering the United States under the justification of preventing the arrival of "foreign terrorists," and restricts entry to nationals of seven other countries, including Cuba. On social media, Cuba's top diplomat said the move "harms contact between Cuban families" and "damages personal, professional, academic and cultural exchanges between the two countries." Cuba's Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio also took to social media to say "the U.S. is once again attacking Cubans, targeting both those living in Cuba and those residing over there." JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) More than a dozen international students at East Tennessee State University (ETSU) are from countries affected by a recent federal travel ban. On Wednesday, President Donald Trump signed a proclamation fully banning travel from 12 countries to the United States. Partial travel restrictions were also imposed on travelers from seven other countries. Tennessee hemp retailer uprooting store over new legislation Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ETSU Executive Director of Communications Melissa Nipper told News Channel 11 on Thursday that the university currently has 13 international students from countries affected by either the ban or restrictions. According to Nipper, the universitys understanding is that the current students will not be affected so long as they remain in the U.S. ETSU also does not recruit heavily in the affected countries, Nipper said. The university stated it will continue to follow federal guidance and regulations and adjust as necessary. The following countries were affected by the travel ban: Afghanistan Myanmar (Burma) Chad Republic of the Congo Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Haiti Iran Libya Somalia Sudan Yemen Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Partial restrictions for seven other countries were also announced. Those countries include: Burundi Cuba Laos Sierra Leone Togo Turkmenistan Venezuela The proclamation issuing the travel ban does make some exceptions for certain individuals, namely, lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders, other visa categories and people whose entry serves national interests. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NEED TO KNOW A teen is dead and five others are injured after a car crash in the parking lot of a private school in California on June 4 The 15-year-old boy who died was pinned between two SUVs while waiting to be picked up after school, according to reports Classes and finals at Campbell Hall in Studio City were canceled for June 5 A teenager has died and five others were injured after a crash in a private school parking lot in California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) spokesperson David Cuellar said the incident occurred at Campbell Hall, located in Studio City, just after 3 p.m. local time on Wednesday, June 4, according to the Associated Press. The driver of a green Rivian SUV is said to have struck a 15-year-old boy who was walking between cars at the rear of the campus as school ended, CW affiliate KTLA and ABC affiliate KABC-TV reported. The teen became pinned between two SUVs as a result of the collision, according to the reports. The gravely injured victim and his uninjured father were then transported to a local hospital, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The teen later died from his injuries. Footage from the scene, shared by KABC and NBC affiliate KNBC, showed authorities working near multiple SUVs that were very close in proximity to each other. Parents told KABC-TV that the teens dad was at the school to pick up his son when he witnessed the crash. Five other people came forward with non-life-threatening injuries from the crash, the fire department later stated. Among them are another teen male, an unidentified minor and three adults. "This is a very tragic situation," said LAFD Capt. Adam Vangerpen, CBS affiliate KCBS-TV reported. "This is hard on all the witnesses who witnessed this. There's a lot of kids getting out of school and getting ready for summer." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The LAPD and Campbell Hall did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment. The Mayor's Crisis Response Team responded to the scene of the crash on Wednesday, according to the fire department. LAFD Captain Adam Van Gerpen said the team also responded to the children's hospital where the teen was being treated, KABC-TV reported. 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. LAPD Lieutenant Matthew Bielski said no citations will be issued since the crash was determined to be an accident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Classes and finals were canceled for Thursday, June 5, according to KABC-TV and KTLA. Head of School Rev. Canon Julian P. Bull said in an email to parents of students at the Episcopalian school that school officials were heartbroken. Our collective hearts and thoughts are with the family, Bull said, KTLA reported. I know that the Campbell Hall community will be there for all of them in the challenging days and weeks ahead. In the meantime, please respect the familys privacy as they process this overwhelming loss. Counseling reportedly will be made available at the schools gym between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. on Thursday. Read the original article on People EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A total of 17 individuals with outstanding criminal warrants were arrested during the second operation under the Joint Warrant Initiative on Wednesday, June 4, the El Paso County Sheriffs Office (EPCSO) said. 21 wanted suspects arrested in joint warrant round-up The following individuals were arrested during the warrant round-up, according to EPCSO: Edmundo Vizcaya -Aggravated robbery Alanis Jessica Anchondo -Unlawful restraint -Assault causes bodily injury to a family member -Resisting arrest search or transport David Aaron Fernandez -Driving while intoxicated Ethan Jarrett Ebert -Assault a peace officer/judge -Assault causes bodily injury Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nadean Lily Lopez -Intoxication manslaughter with vehicle Luz Castaneda -Possession of a controlled substance Carlos Alberto Lechuga Guevara -Driving while intoxicated -Assault causes bodily injury of a family member -Possession of a controlled substance Osbaldo Carmona -Intoxicated assault with a vehicle serious bodily injury Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michael David Llanez -Driving while intoxicated three or more times Leopoldo Martinez -Theft of firearm Albert Olivas -Assault causes bodily injury of a family member Jaime Isban Robles -Driving while intoxicated Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amy Nicole Zuniga -Driving while intoxicated Juan Carlos Alaniz -Driving while intoxicated three or more times -Possession of a controlled substance Geoffrey Martin Amato -Burglary of habitation Armando Amaya -Driving while intoxicated Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Keanna Martrece Barclay -Parole violation EPCSO said this latest operation was carried out in partnership with the offices of Constable Frank Almada, Precinct 1; Constable Hector Bernal, Precinct 3; Constable Javier Garcia, Precinct 6; and Constable Angie Summers, Precinct 7. Our priority is holding individuals with outstanding warrants accountable, Sheriff Oscar Ugarte said. Im grateful for the continued dedication of the team at the Sheriffs Office, and I appreciate the constables who joined us in making this second operation a success. EPCSO said the Joint Warrant Initiative was launched last month as a coordinated approach to reduce the number of outstanding criminal warrants across El Paso County. The first operation resulted in 21 arrests, and Ugarte said that these efforts will continue in the weeks and months ahead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (Reuters) - A 2,000-gallon diesel spill that originated at a hospital facility in Baltimore, Maryland, on Wednesday tainted a waterfront in a popular tourist spot in the city, but there was no impact on drinking water in the area, officials said on Thursday. The spill originated from a Johns Hopkins Hospital facility near the marina and was initially estimated at only 100 gallons, the office of Maryland Governor Wes Moore said in a statement. The spill has been contained in the marina in Harbor East, an area roughly 100 by 250 yards, the statement added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moore's office said that the water in the area had turned red due to dye in the diesel fuel, and that the U.S. Coast Guard was working with a contractor on cleanup efforts. "My team and I are currently onsite at Fells Point, where theres been an oil spill of unknown origins," Moore said in a post on X earlier on Wednesday, before the origin of the spill was identified. Fells Point is a historic, waterfront neighborhood in the city. Johns Hopkins Hospital was engaged in response, according to the governor's statement. The hospital did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside regular business hours. (Reporting by Rajveer Singh Pardesi and Shubham Kalia in Bengaluru. Editing by Mark Potter) Two children were rushed to the hospital after a shooting at a Broward apartment complex Wednesday afternoon, officials say. Sometime after 4 p.m., Lauderhill Fire Rescue said two juveniles, whose ages are unknown, were taken to Broward Health Medical Center with gunshot wounds near Northwest 20th Street and 43rd Terrace. One child was in critical condition; another is in serious condition. Lauderhill police didnt immediately respond to requests for information on the shooting. Miami Herald news partner CBS Miami reported the shooting happened in the Summit Palms apartment building. This is a developing story. MERRITT ISLAND, Fla. (WFLA) Two construction workers were killed when a crane collapsed in Florida on Wednesday. Health First told NBC affiliate WESH that the collapse happened at their construction site on Borman Drive. Officials said the collapse was due to a serious weather-related incident at the Cape Canaveral Hospital Construction site. Florida meteorologist warns viewers NWS staff shortages will impact his hurricane forecasts Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Weather Service said there were reports of wind gusts around 50 miles per hour at the time of the collapse. The Brevard County Sheriffs Office and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration are investigating the incident. Gilbane, the construction management company on the project, said the workers were employed by Baker Concrete and another trade contractor. We share our deepest condolences with the families, loved ones, and co-workers, Gilbane officials said in a statement to WESH. The site is secure, and work is currently suspended. We are supporting our trade contractors and working with them and the authorities on an active investigation to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. MCCREARY COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56) Two people are dead Wednesday after a crash involving an all-terrain vehicle in McCreary County. The McCreary County Coroner said the call came in around 2 p.m. at the 10-mile marker at US 27 in Parkers Lake. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The coroner said a white Toyota Highlander sideswiped a car about a mile from the ATV accident. The Highlander continued on the highway and then clipped a three-wheel motorcycle, causing minor damage to it, before crossing the center line, hitting an ATV on the opposite side of the road, and pushing the ATV into the woods. The coroner said the driver of the four-wheeler, 74-year-old Roger Stanton, and the driver of the SUV, 77-year-old Linda Moncrief, both died at the scene. LATEST KENTUCKY LISTS AND RANKINGS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another male victim, Moncriefs son, was flown to UK Hospital. His condition has not been released. Kentucky State Police are investigating. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. Tim and Esther Keiderling, who went missing on Mount Katahdin in Maine while hiking on Sunday, June 1, 2025. (Baxter State Park) Rescue crews have found the bodies of two hikers who went missing after attempting to summit Mount Katahdin over the weekend amid cold, windy and wet weather. Mount Katahdin is the tallest mountain in Maine, located in the remote area of Baxter State Park, and is known for dangerous conditions when the weather isn't clear and dry. "Tim Keiderling and his daughter, Esther, went missing on a hike over the weekend after encountering difficult weather conditions. First responders have since found both succumbed to exposure," Rifton Equipment said in a statement. Both Tim and Esther Keiderling worked for the medical supply company, based out of Ulster County, New York. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sunday was windy and cold in Maine with rain falling around Baxter State Park through at least midday, AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Adam Douty said. "It did not look like a good day to be on that mountain," Douty added. Searchers receiving a briefing from Baxter State Park Rangers and the Maine Warden Service before being deployed to search areas. (Facebook/Baxter State Park) "Searchers had been looking for Esther and her father, Tim Keiderling, since Monday, when they found their unattended vehicle in a day-use parking lot. Tim Keiderling, age 58, and his daughter Esther Keiderling, age 28, both of Ulster Park, New York, had left Abol Campground on Sunday to hike to the summit of Katahdin," Baxter State Park said in a Facebook post. Both were found deceased after a three-day search, which included 25 game wardens, 25 state park rangers, seven K9 teams, and 15 additional volunteers. Mount Katahdin in Maine's Baxter State Park. The weather atop the rocky mountain can be significantly different than conditions in the surrounding forest. (Getty Images/Teresa Kopec) Katahdin is one of the most popular mountains to hike in Maine and is the northernmost point of the Appalachian Trail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The summit is above the treeline, meaning hikers are exposed to the elements during most of their trip. The temperature can be much lower near the summit compared to the lower elevations, and paired with high winds, can dramatically lower the AccuWeather RealFeel Temperature. Rain can make the hike slippery and dangerous due to the rocky trails that lead up to the summit. "Hiking Katahdin requires an elevation gain of around 4,000 ft. This is a very strenuous climb, no matter which trailhead you choose," Baxter State Park said on its website. "Remember that your primary goal is not reaching the summit, but a safe return to the trailhead." Cell phone service may be limited in Baxter State Park, so hikers are encouraged to check the weather forecast carefully before heading to the mountain. NEED TO KNOW A crane collapsed at the construction site for the new Cape Canaveral Hospital on Merritt Island, Fla. on Wednesday, June 5 Two workers were injured and taken to a nearby hospital, where they succumbed to their injuries Their identities have not been publicly released Two construction workers were killed after a crane collapsed at a construction site in Merritt Island, Fla., on Wednesday, June 5, according to ABC News, Fox 35 and Click Orlando. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The construction site is for the new Cape Canaveral Hospital on Merritt Island, which is 57 miles southeast of Orlando. The area experienced heavy winds and rain on Wednesday, but the cause of the incident is under investigation, ABC News reported. After the crane collapsed, two individuals were transported to a nearby hospital, where they succumbed to their injuries, Brevard County Sheriffs Office spokesperson Tod Goodyear said, per ABC News. The victims identities have not been publicly released. Both were trade contract workers, one employed by Baker Concrete and the other by an unnamed trade contractor, a spokesperson at Gilbane Building Co., the contractor for the hospital project, confirms to PEOPLE in a statement. "We share our deepest condolences with the families, loved ones, and co-workers," Gilbane's statement says, adding that the "site is secure, and work is currently being suspended." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are supporting our trade contractors and working with them and the authorities on an active investigation to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident." No Health First employees were on site at the time of the accident, Lance Skelly, Health First's system director for public and media relations, told Florida Today. Google maps Cape Canaveral Hospital on Merritt Island, Fla. Cape Canaveral Hospital on Merritt Island, Fla. "We are monitoring the situation closely with local authorities and Gilbane, the construction-management company on the project, as they continue their investigation," Skelly told the outlet. Construction on the hospital began in 2024, and it is scheduled to open in early 2027. The Health First-operated facility will replace Cape Canaveral Hospital in Cocoa Beach, per ABC News. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Representatives for the Brevard County Sheriffs Office and Health First did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for more information. Read the original article on People Federal prosecutors on Wednesday accused two military veterans of assaulting a soldier and stealing equipment from an Army special operations compound in Washington state, a brazen break-in that ended with a cache of weapons and Nazi paraphernalia discovered in one of their homes. State and federal police arrested Charles Ethan Fields and Levi Austin Frakes after executing a warrant Monday for alleged assault, robbery and theft of government property, according to the complaint shared with Military.com by the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Western District of Washington. Prosecutors say Fields and Frakes entered Joint Base Lewis-McChord on Sunday evening through the main gate and made their way to a facility used by Charlie Company, 75th Ranger Regiment. Dressed in Ranger fitness training attire and wearing masks, the pair allegedly stole military gear after bludgeoning a soldier with a hammer and fleeing the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read Next: Army Hits Annual Recruiting Goal Months Ahead of Schedule Before being attacked, the soldier, who was not identified in court documents, confronted the veterans, who were in the process of stealing tens of thousands of dollars worth of ballistic helmets, rifle plates and communications equipment. As the soldier was questioning the pair, ordering them to remove their masks, one of them attacked him, striking him in the head and torso with a hammer. The soldier fought off the attacker, taking the hammer, but "surrendered" as the other assailant was brandishing a knife, according to court records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The soldier was treated at the base hospital after a "large amount of blood loss," images in the complaint show. The pair allegedly stole $14,000 worth of gear, but dropped much of it at the scene when fleeing. Law enforcement discovered blood on their rucksacks and boots, according to the complaint. The Army Criminal Investigation Division requested a search warrant after discovering the rucksacks filled with the equipment that they left behind, as well as the hat that bore Fields' last name. During the search of one of the homes, the CID seized 35 weapons, including rifles, pistols, short-barreled rifles, an MG32 machine gun and suppressors -- some of which appeared to have been produced using a 3D printer -- along with night vision equipment, body armor, flashbang grenades, smoke canisters and blasting caps. Images from the complaint also show Nazi and white supremacist paraphernalia in one of the residences, including flags with a swastika and "SS" lightning bolts, murals and literature "in every bedroom and near several stockpiles of weapons and military equipment." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators said that one of the veterans admitted in an interview to stealing military property from the Ranger compound for "about two years" to later sell or trade. Fields and Frakes registered a company in Washington billed as a "defense manufacturing and training" service that featured imagery associated with Nazi ideology in its logo, according to the website and public business records. The company did not return a request for comment. In social media, they listed several military units as "clients," including the 75th Ranger Regiment, U.S. Army Special Forces, 1st Marine Division and the Coast Guard. Military.com contacted the units on Wednesday. A spokesperson for the Ranger Regiment acknowledged the inquiry, but referred the publication to Army Special Operations Command. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for the Coast Guard said that it "has never contracted with or been a client of" their company. The other units did not respond by deadline. Fields served a short stint as an infantryman in the active-duty Army from 2017 to 2021, deploying twice to Afghanistan and leaving the service with the rank of sergeant, service records show. The complaint notes both suspects previously served in the military, citing Pentagon records, and that the soldier who tried to confront them learned Fields had been assigned to the Ranger battalion he tried to steal from sometime around 2021. Military.com contacted the Marine Corps regarding Frakes' service, as a social media page shows that he served in the branch for four years. A spokesperson could not provide his service record, but noted that "there is a Marine veteran with that name." The two men were booked into Thurston County Jail, and a judge set bail for each at $500,000 on Tuesday during a preliminary appearance, according to the complaint. Military.com contacted the county public defense office that has taken on their cases, according to its director, Patrick O'Connor, but their attorneys had not been assigned as of Wednesday pending charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Thurston County Sheriff's Office did not respond to the publication on Wednesday, but the elected sheriff, Derek Sanders, said on social media that an FBI SWAT team executed the warrant. "The suspects identified in this case were actively involved in Nazi white nationalist efforts," he said. The county lists both veterans as being charged with unlawful possession of a short-barreled rifle and explosives. The military has faced persistent challenges in securing its weapons and equipment, including a notable incident in November when 31 M17 pistols went missing from Fort Benning, Georgia; only three have been recovered. A 2021 investigation by The Associated Press revealed that at least 1,900 firearms disappeared from military stockpiles during the 2010s, with some later turning up at crime scenes. The losses have been blamed on a range of security lapses, including gaps in surveillance and poor recordkeeping. Of the attack on the soldiers, Luke Baumgartner, a research fellow with George Washington University's Program on Extremism, said that "they were not afraid to use violence in order to gain access to the equipment that they were looking for." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Veterans who end up becoming involved in these extremist movements often look backward toward their military service as a source of inspiration," he said, citing cases such as Timothy McVeigh, an Army veteran who killed 168 people in the Oklahoma City bombing and also stole military equipment from a National Guard armory. "They're just following in their footsteps; they're continuing this pattern that we've seen before," he said. The complaint said that the pair were scanned into the main gate of JBLM around 8 p.m. Sunday and that they had allegedly used bolt cutters to break a lock into the Ranger compound. Investigators tied Frakes' vehicle to one seen on surveillance cameras on base. It was unclear how they had apparently easy access to the gate and how the unit accounted for its equipment if thefts had been occurring for two years. "That tells me that there is a lack of proper accountability for sensitive items and military property going on within that unit," Baumgartner, an Army veteran, added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Pentagon has entirely abandoned addressing far-right extremism in the military community under the Trump administration. While there is no evidence service members or veterans are more likely to be radicalized, experts have said they are force multipliers to extremist organizations given their inherent credibility and tactical knowledge. Related: What the Pentagon Has, Hasn't and Could Do to Stop Veterans and Troops from Joining Extremist Groups This photo taken at the Port of Vancouver shows a container ship loaded with containers at the Centerm container terminal, Vancouver, Canada, June 5, 2025. Canada's merchandise trade dropped in April with the trade deficit hitting a record high, Statistics Canada said Thursday. Exports dropped 10.8 percent while imports fell 3.5 percent. As a result, Canada's merchandise trade deficit with the world widened to 7.1 billion Canadian dollars (5.2 billion U.S. dollars) in April. This was the largest deficit on record, said the national statistical agency. (Photo by Liang Sen/Xinhua) OTTAWA, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Canada's merchandise trade dropped in April with the trade deficit hitting a record high, Statistics Canada said Thursday. Exports dropped 10.8 percent while imports fell 3.5 percent. As a result, Canada's merchandise trade deficit with the world widened to 7.1 billion Canadian dollars (5.2 billion U.S. dollars) in April. This was the largest deficit on record, said the national statistical agency. Merchandise trade with the United States fell sharply amid new tariffs imposed in April, said the agency. According to the agency, exports to the United States dropped 15.7 percent, a third consecutive monthly decline. Meanwhile, imports from the United States were down 10.8 percent in April. As a result, Canada's merchandise trade surplus with the United States narrowed to 3.6 billion Canadian dollars (2.6 billion U.S. dollars), the smallest surplus since December 2020. Trade with countries other than the United States reached an all-time high, said the agency. In April, the average value of the Canadian dollar increased 1.8 U.S. cents compared with March. This is the largest monthly increase since May 2021. When expressed in U.S. dollar, Canadian exports decreased 8.4 percent in April, while imports were down 0.9 percent, said Statistics Canada. This photo taken at the Port of Vancouver shows cargo containers stacked at the Centerm container terminal, Vancouver, Canada, June 5, 2025. Canada's merchandise trade dropped in April with the trade deficit hitting a record high, Statistics Canada said Thursday. Exports dropped 10.8 percent while imports fell 3.5 percent. As a result, Canada's merchandise trade deficit with the world widened to 7.1 billion Canadian dollars (5.2 billion U.S. dollars) in April. This was the largest deficit on record, said the national statistical agency. (Photo by Liang Sen/Xinhua) This photo taken at the Port of Vancouver shows a gantry crane lifting a cargo container at the Centerm container terminal, Vancouver, Canada, June 5, 2025. Canada's merchandise trade dropped in April with the trade deficit hitting a record high, Statistics Canada said Thursday. Exports dropped 10.8 percent while imports fell 3.5 percent. As a result, Canada's merchandise trade deficit with the world widened to 7.1 billion Canadian dollars (5.2 billion U.S. dollars) in April. This was the largest deficit on record, said the national statistical agency. (Photo by Liang Sen/Xinhua) This photo taken at the Port of Vancouver shows cargo containers stacked at the Centerm container terminal, Vancouver, Canada, June 5, 2025. Canada's merchandise trade dropped in April with the trade deficit hitting a record high, Statistics Canada said Thursday. Exports dropped 10.8 percent while imports fell 3.5 percent. As a result, Canada's merchandise trade deficit with the world widened to 7.1 billion Canadian dollars (5.2 billion U.S. dollars) in April. This was the largest deficit on record, said the national statistical agency. (Photo by Liang Sen/Xinhua) A 21-year-old Navy sailor has mysteriously disappeared in Virginia, leaving her mother desperate for answers. Angelina "Angie" Resendiz was last seen on Thursday, May 29, at 10 a.m. at her barracks in Miller Hall at Naval Station Norfolk, according to the Virginia State Police. "This disappearance poses a credible threat to their health and safety as determined by the investigating agency," police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Resendiz, a Texas native, is a culinary specialist assigned to the USS James E. Williams, the Navy said. Virginia State Police - PHOTO: Angelina Petra Resendiz, 21, a sailor in Norfolk, Virgina, seen in this undated image released by Virginia State Police, has been reported missing, the Virginia State Police said. MORE: Manhunt continues for father police say killed 3 young daughters near Washington campground Resendiz's mother, Esmeralda Castle, insists that her daughter "does not miss work. Sick, snow, feeling down, she shows up." Resendiz joined the Navy in 2023 after high school "because she felt it was something that called her," Castle wrote to ABC News. As a culinary specialist, "She thought that one day she might be able to cook for the president and other world leaders," Castle said. "She worked really hard on her ship." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Shes fun, loving, kind, compassionate, uplifting," she added. MORE: Israel recovers bodies of 2 American-Israeli hostages from Gaza "People that care about Angie shared with me that the last person she was with was missing with her," and "that person showed up Monday but not Angie," Castle said. "There are no answers for me," she said. "I just want my kid, she doesn't deserve to be missing." The Navy told ABC News in a statement that it's "cooperating fully with the investigation." The Naval Criminal Investigative Service said, "Out of respect for the investigative process, NCIS will not comment further while the investigation remains ongoing." Anyone with information is urged to call NCIS at 877-579-3648. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) A 25,000 square foot warehouse has been opened at the port of Birmingham. According to the Birmingham-Jefferson County Port Authority, the facility will allow central Alabama to receive supplies from around the country and have an $8 million economic impact on central Alabama. Marc Massoglia, vice president of Watco, the company who will be operating the warehouse, says its going to hold just about everything. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The warehouse was designed for steel, which is the finished product of steel serving a lot of the local auto industry, but the first customers we got were for some wire rod, which is excellent, Massoglia said. New law raising concern for some in the immigrant community in Alabama The warehouse was a joint operation between the state governments, local governments and transportation company Watco. David Russell, the executive director of the Birmingham-Jefferson County port authority, says this warehouse will open up new opportunities for central Alabama. Some of this material cannot be outside in the weather, so until we built this warehouse, we couldnt attract these customers to the port. So, one thing about it from an economic development standpoint and diversity standpoint, we needed new amenities at the port to increase economic and diversify, Russell said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Birmingham port authority executive director says there are a lot more developments coming to the port of Birmingham that will be announced 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 CBS 42. HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) Another Big Storm Brewing investor is suing its owners. The lawsuit alleged Pinellas County businessman Leo Govoni and his son, LJ Govoni, used their brewery as a front to commit financial fraud and theft. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now 8 on Your Side According to the lawsuit filed in Hillsborough County, the investor claims he would have never loaned the Govonis, nor their companies, money if he knew they would use that it for their own personal use. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investor is claiming the conduct of the Govonis through their businesses was intentional, willful, and with malice. Hillsborough Countys affordable housing fund closer to being eliminated This is the second lawsuit against Big Storm Brewing and its owners. In the lawsuit, investor, Ralph DAlelio is suing Leo Govoni, his son LJ Govoni, Big Storms Fat Point Brewing Company, and parent company Seaboard Craft Beer Holdings for fraudulent misrepresentation, conversion, and unjust enrichment. Leo Govoni remains a free man, tells disabled victim & family its not what it seems Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DAlelio is demanding repayment of his $705,621 loan, including interest made in 2021 to the Govonis and Big Storms Fat Point Brewing for the purpose of growing the business. DAlelio wrote instead, the Govonis were using the craft beer brewery business, simply as front companies to give the appearance of being a legitimate business that was expanding and profitable but, in reality, this business (and its entities) were nothing more than a means for Govoni Sr. and Govoni Jr. to steal plaintiffs money. During a federal bankruptcy hearing on May 2, attorneys said Govoni violated the federal judges orders when he filed for dissolution for 16 of his own companies, Fat Point being one of them. Leo Govoni locked out of his Pinellas County businesses as court seeks to recover $120 million This is not the first time the Govonis have faced these allegations. Last June, another local investor, Dr. David Wenk, alleged that Big Storm was used to launder and embezzle at least $4 million from Leo Govonis St. Petersburg non-profit the Center for Special Needs Trust Administration. Leo Govoni decided to steal from her now, and this year he has made our struggle more than it ever should have been, said Theresa Schlosser, Sarahs mom. Judge Roberta Colton found Govoni Sr. liable for more than $120 million taken from vulnerable people who thought their money would be safe at his nonprofit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schlosser and her daughter Sarah were among those who counted on Govoni. Im beyond furious, Schlosser said. My daughter is confined to a bed for the rest of her life, and yet, he is going and getting her money. Leo Govoni remains a free man, so weve attempted to ask him where their money went. When asked how did he spend $120 million, he did not respond. Wenk reached a confidential settlement with the Govonis in September, but that deal doesnt mean much to the Centers victims. Investigative Brittany Muller asked Leo Govoni: Do you feel good about what youve done with your clients money? He did not respond. LJ Govoni issued this statement last year, writing: I have absolutely nothing to do with the Center for Special Needs Trust Administration. These accusations are not only unfounded but also defamatory. Five months ago, LJ stepped down from Big Storm, but the lawsuits continue to mount for father and son. Investigative Brittany Muller asked Leo Govoni: Do you believe the judge is getting tired and will put you in jail? Govoni did not respond. 8 On Your Side reached out to Leo Govonis attorney, who represents him in the federal court proceedings, who said I am not involved in that case and offer no comments. Govonis former attorneys have withdrawn from counsel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A federal judge seized control of Big Storm Brewing in March after Leo Govoni ignored court orders preventing him from conducting business. Meanwhile, Govoni remains at the center of an FBI, SEC and IRS investigation. The Judge ordered Govoni to produce financial records for himself and his businesses. On May 2, he was found in contempt and every day since then, hes been facing fines of $5,000 a day plus attorneys fees. After multiple extensions, the judge will make her final judgment on June 12. If the judge is displeased with the records turned over, she could make a recommendation to the district court for criminal charges. 8 On Your Side will be in the courtroom to let you know what happens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Only five nursing students in the United States were selected for an internship to join a hospital on the seas. Three of them are local students at Belmont Abbey College. One of those students, Emma Harris, has wanted to be a nurse since middle school. Now, shes one of the future interns with Mercy Ships. When I was 11, my cousin was diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia, and since we were homeschooled, we were able to see her a lot, Harris told Channel 9s Evan Donovan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her cousin is in remission now, and Harris says its not just because of the doctors. Doctors are amazing, but its the nurses who know which food your kid likes, what stuffed animal they wanna sleep with, their routine, how to get them to do certain things-- because when you have cancer, you dont wanna do anything, but you have to. And they were the ones who would hide dollar bills around the hospital so shed get up and walk, Harris said. Shes now a rising senior in the nursing program at Belmont Abbey. This summer, she and two of her classmates, Carolina Gutierrez and Eric Dike, have the chance to spend two weeks aboard the Africa Mercy in Madagascar. Mercy Ships is a nonprofit that provides hospital services on a boat that can travel where its needed. Volunteers on the ship perform life-saving surgeries in sub-Saharan Africa. Its a mission that aligns with Harris upbringing and her core values. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They just emulate the spirit of Christ, going out and finding those who need help. He said, Let the women and children come to me, the sick and the weary, Harris said. Harris has a personal connection as well -- a doctor who worked aboard Mercy Ships also operated on her brother, who was born with clubbed feet. Students are required to raise $5,000 for Mercy Ships. You can help out by clicking this link. (VIDEO >> Carolina Strong: Sending love to lonely seniors in nursing homes) NEED TO KNOW The German city of Cologne said that three unexploded World War II bombs were found earlier this week Before the combs could be defused on Wednesday, June 4, more than 20,000 people had to be evacuated from the area Officials said at the time that the evacuation was the largest operation since the end of World War II The German city of Cologne announced that three unexploded bombs from World War II, which were discovered earlier this week and prompted evacuation orders for over 20,000 people, have now been defused. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an announcement on its website, the city said that the bombs were disabled at 7:19 p.m. local time on Wednesday, June 4. Experts from the Rhineland Explosive Ordnance Disposal Service of the Dusseldorf District Government had rendered them harmless, the citys update read. The city said that its roads and bridges are being gradually reopened and residents can return home. However, traffic disruptions are still to be expected. The announcement brings an end to a saga that began on Monday, June 2, when three unexploded bombs were found in the Deutzer Werft area of Cologne-Deutz. They consisted of two American 20-ton bombs and one American 10-ton bomb and they all had impact fuzes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time, officials said that the bombs were scheduled to be defused on Wednesday and that the danger zone, with a radius of 1,000 meters, was going to be cordoned off and evacuated. The reason for this decision is that critical infrastructure is affected, which cannot be evacuated so quickly, the city said at the time. This includes the Eduardus Hospital and two nursing and retirement homes. These require sufficient lead time to evacuate themselves and with the assistance of the Cologne Fire Department. About 20,000 people registered [in the danger zone] will be affected by the evacuations, city officials wrote. The evacuation orders also impacted rail service and shuttered churches, event venues and nine schools and various daycare centers. Additionally, some city services were unavailable or postponed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said at the time that the evacuation was the largest operation since the end of World War II. Everyone involved hopes that the defusing can be completed by Wednesday, city officials said. This will only be possible if all those affected leave their homes or workplaces early and stay outside the evacuation area from the outset. Kadir Ilboga/Anadolu via Getty Bomb disposal teams prepare to defuse two 20-ton and one 10-ton ordnance after the discovery of three unexploded bombs in the Deutz district of Cologne, Germany on June 4, 2025 Bomb disposal teams prepare to defuse two 20-ton and one 10-ton ordnance after the discovery of three unexploded bombs in the Deutz district of Cologne, Germany on June 4, 2025 A representative for the city said that the defusing process experienced a delay earlier because one of the residents refused to evacuate, German TV network DW reported. "We can only start when the last person is out," said Kai Kulschewski, head of explosive ordnance disposal in neighboring Dusseldorf, per the outlet. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The BBC reported that the usual busy streets of Cologne were deserted as stores, restaurants and businesses halted operations during the day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cologne was subjected to 262 Allied air attacks during World War II, with about a quarter of the citys 770,000 residents evacuating after the first raid on May 17, 1940, according to the National World War II Museums website. By the wars end, only 20,000 people were left in the city. Read the original article on People COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Three central Ohio communities will receive approximately a combined $4.7 million in grant funding through the states Transportation Alternatives Program to improve infrastructure for bikes and pedestrians. Westerville will receive $2,264,170 for reconstruction of a section of the Ohio to Erie Trail between Old County Line Road and Electric Avenue. The project also includes flashing beacons at the four street crossings. Upper Arlington will receive $393,656 to enhance crosswalks in 12 locations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LinkUs progress: Construction for some bike, pedestrian paths slated to begin next year Among the awards is also $2,116,879 for Pickerington to add sidewalks and ramps in front of Heritage Elementary on East Street. All three of those projects are slated for fiscal year 2026. Biking and walking are great modes of transportation that are not only fun, but foster connections, support local economies, and contribute to a healthier lifestyle, Ohio Department of Transportation Director Pamela Boratyn said in a statement. We are proud to do our part to support active transportation in Ohio. The funding is part of a larger $52 million award that was announced by Gov. Mike DeWine on Wednesday for 44 projects in 31 counties over the next four years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Report finds more newcomers moving to Columbus, home prices rising DeWine said the projects will help improve quality of life and enhance public safety while building a sustainable transportation network. Projects were chosen based on recommendations from a committee and a scoring system that prioritizes safety, connectivity and preservation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CLEARWATER, Fla. (WFLA) Four rough-toothed dolphins now have a new home at Clearwater Marine Aquarium. The dolphins were relocated to Clearwater from Gulf World on Wednesday. The Panama City Beach aquarium is currently involved in a criminal investigation, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Late last month, State Sen. Jay Trumbull confirmed the fifth dolphin death at Gulf World since October, WMBB reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dilly Dally the sea turtle released on Florida beach after flipper amputation Gulf World could face charges that include wildlife trafficking, animal cruelty, and violations of state regulations regarding marine life, according to WMBB. However, the news station reported that its unclear at this point what is being alleged or what charges could be made under federal law. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium said the four dolphins, Doris, Kitana, Dagny and Wren, are estimated to be 28, 18, 10, and 5 years of age. They will be observed and evaluated as they adjust to their new environment. We welcome these dolphins into our care with a team experienced with the species, said Kelly Martin, Vice President of Zoological Care, at CMA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once the dolphins are acclimated, CMA said it will announce the next steps, including introducing the new dolphins to two rough-toothed dolphins and two bottlenose dolphins. CMA is the only aquarium in the United States that cares for rough-toothed dolphins. The four rough-toothed dolphins have been deemed non-releasable by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The addition of the dolphins will bring CMAs total cetacean population to nine dolphins, which guests can visit at the Ruth & J.O. Stone Dolphin Complex. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Editor's note: This story has been updated to include the latest data. A Russian drone strike on the northern Ukrainian city of Pryluky overnight on June 5 killed at least five civilians, including a one-year-old child, and injured nine others, Ukraine's State Emergency Service reported. The attack, which hit residential neighborhoods, sparked large fires and left multiple homes in ruins. Chernihiv Oblast Governor Viacheslav Chaus said at least six Iranian-designed Shahed-136 drones were used in the assault. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Five deaths have been confirmed so far, including two women and a one-year-old child who were found under the rubble," Chaus said. "Police, rescuers, and other emergency services are working at the sites of enemy strikes." Emergency crews worked through the night to extinguish the fires. The State Emergency Service said the strike completely destroyed two residential buildings, two garages, a farm building, and a car. Chaus added that six people were hospitalized and are receiving urgent care. According to the State Emergency Service, a 5-year-old child was injured in the attack. Pryluky, located in Chernihiv Oblast, lies in northern Ukraine near the border with Russia and Belarus. Before Russia's full-scale invasion, it had a population of roughly 51,500. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deadly attack is part of a broader campaign of drone and missile strikes by Russia targeting civilian infrastructure across Ukraine. Ukraine's northern regions, including Chernihiv, have been targeted in recent weeks as Russian forces escalate their air campaign despite mounting international calls for a ceasefire. Read also: Russian missile, drone attack on Kharkiv injures 17, including 4 children Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. After being mostly scuttled by the Supreme Court, the original Alien Enemies Act case has re-entered the conversation. While the high court took most of the Alien Enemies Act challenges out of the hands of U.S. District Judge James Boasberg of D.C. and distributed them to the individual judicial districts where Venezuelan nationals are being detained under the act, it left unresolved the fate of the deportees already removed to CECOT in El Salvador. In a significant ruling yesterday, Boasberg concluded that the CECOT detainees were denied due process when they were removed March 15. He ordered the Trump administration to propose a plan within a week for how to facilitate giving the detainees the due process they were denied. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While President Trumps invocation of the Alien Enemies Act was itself historic and the cases challenging his proclamation are testing the robustness of due process, the real import of these cases is that they are where the executive branch is threatening to and in fact is running roughshod over the judicial branch. In defying court orders, including to facilitate the return of other wrongfully deported foreign nationals, the Trump administration has provoked a constitutional clash, practically daring the judicial branch to try to stop it. Boasbergs decision sets up another potential focal point for that constitutional clash. Here are 5 points on how Boasbergs ruling anticipates that confrontation: Why did Boasberg take such a circular route to get to the same place? Boasbergs ruling wasnt a complete victory for the CECOT detainees. He found it unlikely that they would win their habeas corpus claims. For the detainees to prevail on the habeas claim, they had to show that they were in the constructive custody of the United States, meaning under U.S. control or held at its behest. Its troubling that Boasberg was unconvinced on this point and even he seemed troubled by it, but by taking it off the table, he eliminates one ripe avenue of appeal for the government. By grounding his ruling in the due process clause of the 5th Amendment instead, he aligned with the Supreme Courts recent strong defense of due process in this very case. And in the end, he winds up at roughly the same place because he concluded that the remedy for violating the detainees due process was to allow them the chance to pursue the habeas claims they were denied in the first place. Boasberg grapples with the limits of judicial power. Boasberg seems keenly aware that this Supreme Court is going to give maximum deference to the executive branch. I suspect thats one reason he effectively sidestepped the constructive custody issue. The Roberts Court isnt going to get involved in foreign policy by ordering the administration to make demands on El Salvador, and so Boasberg is walking a fine line. Although the Court is mindful that such a remedy may implicate sensitive diplomatic or national-security concerns within the exclusive province of the Executive Branch, it also has a constitutional duty to provide a remedy that will make good the wrong done, Boasberg wrote. The CECOT detainees arent being released anytime soon. In open court previously, Boasberg had mused about how due process could be provided without having to return the detainees to the United States. In his written opinion, Boasberg said that facilitating a return of the CECOT detainees is not necessarily the only presumed remedy for the due process violation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boasberg was vague about what kind of process he was looking for to provide the detainees with their denied due process. Exactly what such facilitation must entail will be determined in future proceedings, he wrote. His invitation to the government to propose a process invites some sort of remote habeas proceeding. But in the short term it may not matter because the Trump administration will almost certainly appeal Boasbergs preliminary injunction to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals and ask it to pause the case so that it doesnt have to propose a plan for giving the detainees belated due process, before the deadline Boasberg set for next week. From there, the case is a sure bet to go to the Supreme Court. In the meantime, the CECOT detainees, who are approaching the three-month mark of their confinement there, will remain in indefinite custody. Was Boasberg being coy when he set a nominal injunction bond of $1? Plaintiffs typically must post an Injunction bond, which is intended to make defendants whole if it turns out the injunction was improperly granted. Its common for judges to waive an injunction bond when the injunction is against the federal government. I was left wondering whether Boasberg set a nominal bond of $1 here to sidestep the yet-to-pass House GOPs reconciliation bill which contains a provision that would prohibit federal judges from enforcing contempt citations unless a bond was posted when an injunction was issued. No way to confirm Boasbergs intentions, but it caught my eye. WYD DC Circuit? In his opinion, Boasberg highlights more than once the Trump administrations poor conduct in this case from the beginning. Youll recall he already found probable cause that the administration violated his order when it proceeded with the deportations on March 15 and didnt turn the planes around. He references his contempt of court inquiry in the opinion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of which serves as good reminder that the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals placed an administrative stay on the contempt of court inquiry more than six weeks ago. Its been fully briefed since April 28. And still no ruling from the appeals court. Meanwhile, several other courts have begun incipient contempt of court proceedings against the administration in other Alien Enemies Act cases and adjacent facilitate cases. Its not at all clear what is taking the D.C. Circuit so long. Candidates running for the Democratic nomination for mayor of New York City faced off for the first time on the debate stage Wednesday, just ahead of the start of early voting next week. Nine candidates answered questions during a chaotic two-hour debate in which they often took aim at each other, particularly the front-runner, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. The candidates often dodged direct answers to moderators questions and instead jostled with each other. Here are five takeaways from the night: Knives out for Cuomo From the first question of the night, candidates took shots at Cuomo, who has been the clear leader in the race since before he even entered in March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attacks on Cuomo most commonly came from state Assembly member Zohran Mamdani, who has risen over the past several weeks to become the top opponent to Cuomo, and city Comptroller Brad Lander, who has been part of the higher tier of candidates. Both candidates took an opportunity to go after Cuomo in the first response about actions they would take to increase affordability. Lander tied together embattled current Mayor Eric Adams (D) and Cuomo, arguing hes the only candidate who can sweep away the corruption. Mamdani accused Cuomo of caring more about billionaires and corporations than New Yorkers, later reiterating past attacks hes made accusing Cuomo of being funded by donors to President Trump. Some of the donors to a super PAC backing Cuomo have also donated to Trump. Cuomo was in the hot seat on several other occasions, such as when City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams accused him of cutting Medicaid. Former state Assembly member Michael Blake went after him over the allegations of sexual harassment he has faced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cuomo rejected their accusations, noting Medicaid spending increased while he was governor and that the district attorneys in the city ultimately declined to pursue any charges against him over the sexual harassment allegations. The former governor generally maintained his composure as he parried the attacks, even as he took more hits than any other candidate on stage. Crowded stage leads to chaos Nine people were packed onto the stage Wednesday night and every one of them tried to get a word in as much as possible. New York City election regulations lay out two primary debates for the race, the second of which will take place next week. While the stage for the second debate will be limited to only leading contenders, the first debate allowed any candidate on the ballot who has both spent and raised at least $198,300. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the candidates on the stage have received support of 1 percent or less in the polls. Yet no one candidate was given more than 30 seconds or a minute to respond to questions, and they were often interrupted by other candidates seeking to interject. On multiple occasions, several candidates were attempting to respond to a question or comment and spoke over one another, leaving what they were saying unintelligible. During a discussion on education, several candidates, including Cuomo and Mamdani, spoke over one another while discussing former President Obama. In another instance, Blake accused Cuomo of supporting defund the police, which Cuomo denied. The two of them, along with state Sen. Jessica Ramos, spoke simultaneously as the moderators attempted to gain control of the conversation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kids, its grown-up time, former city Comptroller Scott Stringer said when it was his turn to talk. Mamdani pressed over Israel One contentious moment between Cuomo and Mamdani, the top two candidates in the race, came toward the end of the debate during a question about what country would be the first they visited if elected mayor. A few of the candidates, including Cuomo, said Israel. Mamdani, meanwhile, said he wouldnt travel and would focus on serving the city. A moderator followed up to ask specifically if he would visit Israel, and Mamdani responded that he would stand up for Jewish New Yorkers no matter where they are. The moderator then pressed Mamdani, who has faced some attacks over his views of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, if he supports a Jewish state of Israel. Mamdani responded that Israel has a right to exist as a state with equal rights, but avoided saying as a Jewish state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His answer was no. He wont visit Israel, Cuomo jumped in. The exchange came after an interview that Mamdani did with CNN in which he reportedly was asked if he believes Israel has the right to exist as a Jewish state and stuck to saying it has a right to exist with equal rights. Candidates talk tough on Trump Trump cast a shadow over much of the debate, with his actions being part of the premise of several questions from the moderators. The election is taking place amid the controversy surrounding Mayor Adams, whose bribery charges were dropped by the Justice Department under the Trump administration in what critics have alleged was a quid pro quo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Candidates were unified in slamming many of Trumps actions as an example of politically motivated overreach. They agreed the next mayor needs to be prepared to stand up to Trump but differed on who was best positioned to do it. Cuomo and Stringer, who served as comptroller during Trumps first term, both leaned on their experience serving while Trump was in the White House, arguing it shows their ability to protect their constituents. Cuomo argued the Justice Departments reported investigation into him shows hes the candidate that Trump doesnt want and took aim at Mamdani, arguing his lack of experience means hes not up for the job. Mamdani has served in the state Assembly for only a few years and faced questions over a relatively small number of bills hes been able to get passed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont think theres any question that theres any mayor here that will be free from being attacked by Donald Trump, Mamdani said. Whats more important, however, is that we have a mayor who will actually fight back, he continued. Thats what I will do. I am Donald Trumps worst nightmare as a progressive, Muslim immigrant who actually fights for the things that I believe in. No clear winner Wednesdays event marked the first time in the Democratic primary that the candidates all faced off on the same stage, including Cuomo, who has skipped past candidate forums. While several candidates sought to seize control of the debate, no one seemed to dominate the night. The candidates generally avoided any major blunders, outlined some of their policy proposals and got in a few solid attacks on their opponents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The debate could be an opportunity for voters who havent paid close attention to the race to form opinions of some of the candidates. Polls have shown a declining percentage of voters undecided, but those who remain could be critical in which candidate ultimately prevails. But the night didnt reveal much information that wasnt already publicly available. The next debate, in which the top-performing candidates face off, may prove to be more decisive. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NextEra's investments to grow its business have paid big dividends for shareholders. The company has grown its adjusted earnings per share (EPS) at a 9% compound annual rate over the past 20 years. That has helped power a roughly 10% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in its dividend during that period. The company's rising income and earnings have helped fuel market-crushing total returns for its shareholders (15.7% annualized versus 10.2% for the S&P 500 ). The company doesn't just operate leading energy businesses; it knows how to grow them. No one has built more renewable energy-generation capacity than NextEra Energy over the past couple of decades. It has also built more gas-fired generation than any other company in the past 20 years. NextEra Energy is a powerhouse in the energy sector. It operates the largest electric utility in the country -- Florida Power & Light (FPL). It also operates NextEra Energy Resources, a leading North American clean energy company. Together, these businesses make NextEra Energy the world's largest producer of renewable energy from the wind and sun and a global leader in battery storage. The company also operates the largest natural gas-fired fleet in the country and has a leading nuclear energy business. These features make NextEra Energy "the quintessential, 'all-forms-of-energy' company," commented CEO John Ketchum on the company's first-quarter earnings conference call. This forecast bodes well for energy companies. As a leader in the sector, NextEra Energy (NYSE: NEE) is in a strong position to capitalize on the country's growing demand for electricity. That's one of the reasons why I wouldn't hesitate to buy this top energy stock in June. Our need for energy in the country is only growing. According to forecasts by IHS Outlook and McKinsey, U.S. power demand will surge 55% by 2040, fueled by AI data centers, the onshoring of manufacturing, and the electrification of everything, including transportation. We use a lot of energy each and every day to power our modern lives. From the gasoline that fuels our cars to the natural gas that heats our homes to the electricity that runs our devices, we can't function in our modern society without energy. Story Continues Powerful growth ahead NextEra Energy's leadership in all forms of energy puts it in a strong position to capture a meaningful share of the growth it sees ahead for power demand. The company estimates that the U.S. will need to add 450 gigawatts (GW) of new power generation capacity to the grid by 2030 to keep up with current demand forecasts. While it will require all forms of energy to meet this demand, renewable energy, especially solar energy, will do most of the heavy lifting because of its lower costs and ability for rapid deployment. That outlook bodes well for NextEra Energy, a leader in solar. FPL has installed over 7.9 GW of solar to capture Florida's abundance of sunshine and help meet the state's power needs. That's the largest utility-owned solar portfolio in the country. FPL plans to deploy more than 17 GW of solar and over 7.6 GW of battery storage in the next 10 years to meet the state's power needs. In addition, NextEra's energy-resources segment has 28 GW of renewable energy projects under development that it expects to bring online over the next few years. The company plans to invest a staggering $120 billion over the next four years into maintaining and expanding America's energy infrastructure. This investment should power adjusted EPS growth at or near the top end of its 6% to 8% annual target range through 2027. That should give the company the power to continue growing its dividend (which at an over 3% yield is more than double the S&P 500's -1.5% yield) by around 10% annually through at least next year. Given the expected surge in power demand, the company should have ample opportunities to continue growing at a strong rate well beyond that time frame. Leading the charge NextEra Energy is a leader in the U.S. energy sector. That puts it in a strong position to capitalize on the expected surge in power demand over the next couple of decades. The company has an exceptional record of investing money to grow its business in a way that generates strong returns for shareholders. Because of that, I wouldn't hesitate to buy shares of this top energy stock in June. Should you invest $1,000 in NextEra Energy right now? Before you buy stock in NextEra Energy, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and NextEra Energy wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $657,385!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $842,015!* Now, its worth noting Stock Advisors total average return is 987% a market-crushing outperformance compared to 171% for the S&P 500. Dont miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of June 2, 2025 Matt DiLallo has positions in NextEra Energy. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends NextEra Energy. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. 1 Top Energy Stock I Wouldn't Hesitate to Buy in June was originally published by The Motley Fool MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WHNT) A slew of organizations are urging Gov. Kay Ivey and state lawmakers to oppose healthcare cuts in the U.S. Houses budget reconciliation bill. In a letter initiated by the Cover Alabama Coalition, 52 organizations are asking state policymakers to contact members of Congress and express concerns about the bills negative impact on Alabamas families and budgets. This legislation would undermine Alabamas ability to manage its Medicaid program, limit our future options and increase barriers to coverage for families across our state, the letter reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On May 22, the U.S. House approved a huge budget bill, 215-214. The groups contend the bill which among its provisions extends and creates new tax cuts and creates new spending for a border wall and immigration enforcement would also either drive the costs of healthcare up or make it inaccessible for millions of people. Download the WHNT News 19 App to stay updated on the go. Sign up for WHNT News 19 newsletters to have news sent to your inbox. The bill would allow the enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies to expire, making Marketplace plans less affordable for more than 400,000 Alabamians, the letter reads. This would result in coverage losses and higher uninsured rates, especially among working families who dont qualify for Medicaid but cant afford full-price private plans. Expiration of enhanced ACA tax credits would cost Alabama an estimated 10,000 jobs and $1.14 billion in GDP in 2026, the groups contend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The groups also say if the budget bill is given final approval it would cost Alabama $619 million in extra federal funding that would help cover the first two years of Medicaid expansion. The bill would also freeze provider taxes at current levels, which would limit the states future options for funding Medicaid by forbidding legislators to increase fees on nursing homes, ambulance services and other providers. The groups say the bill would also would reduce the retroactive Medicaid coverage period from three months to just one. This change could leave many pregnant women and other Alabamians in greater medical and financial risk. It also would undermine a new law that the Legislature passed this year to remove red-tape barriers to Medicaid coverage for thousands of mothers who are expecting. The letter encourages state policymakers to reach out to Alabamas congressional delegation and urge them to oppose the bill. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. 'Growing flow of capital': Western Sahara is becoming attractive to foreign investors. | Credit: Abdel Majid Bziouat / AFP via Getty Images Britain has become the latest country to back a plan to give limited autonomy to the disputed territory of Western Sahara, while keeping it under Moroccan control. Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the plan, proposed by Morocco, was "the most credible, viable and pragmatic" way to resolve one of Africa's longest-running and most frustrating regional conflicts. Who controls Western Sahara? The dispute over Western Sahara roughly 100,000 square miles of sparsely populated land to the south of Morocco and Algeria, and to the west of Mauritania has become an "intricate" and "multifaceted political, diplomatic, and military contest", said Modern Diplomacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's an area "rich in Moroccan culture, Hassani heritage and natural resources", and, following the withdrawal of Spain's colonial forces in 1975, both Morocco and the Algeria-supported, pro-independence Polisario Front claimed it as theirs. Years of low-level fighting ensued until, in 1991, a UN-supervised ceasefire was agreed that left roughly three-quarters of the territory under Moroccan control. The remaining strip is controlled by Polisario, which has declared a "Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic". For the past 30 years, the UN has been maintaining a peacekeeping mission in the Western Sahara to "monitor the humanitarian and security situation" and ensure compliance with the ceasefire agreement. But "the Polisario Front has not yet adhered to the decisions and recommendations of the UN mission". What is the Moroccan plan? In 2007, Morocco submitted its Autonomy Initiative to the UN, proposing that Western Sahara manage its own internal affairs, while Morocco retains control over defence, foreign policy and currency. Though the initiative was warmly received by several African, Arab and European countries, it failed to get formal backing. Then in 2020, during Donald Trump's first presidential term, the US shifted position and recognised Moroccan sovereignty, in a quid pro quo for Morocco joining the Abraham Accords and normalising relations with Israel. Following the US lead, France declared backing for Morocco's plan last year, ending its "long-standing position of neutrality", said Bloomberg. Spain, Germany, as well as many Gulf States and Egypt have also backed the plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since US recognition of its sovereignty, Morocco has invested heavily in the region, sparking something of a development blitz. After years of conflict and diplomatic stalemate, the area is emerging "as a hotspot for investment, drawing European and American firms interested in fishing, agriculture and infrastructure projects", said The Independent. "The Western Sahara has gone from a disputed territory that was radioactive to foreign investors to an increasingly normal region that's receiving a growing flow of capital," Riccardo Fabiani, project director for North Africa at the International Crisis Group, told Bloomberg. Is there an alternative? Growing international support for Morocco's plan has left Algeria and the Polisario Front "fuming". The group which some US lawmakers want listed as a terrorist organisation has vowed to step up resistance and has claimed recent attacks against Moroccan forces near the Algerian border. Polisario has also "taken its fight to international courts", said The Independent. It argues that Morocco "does not have the right to trade resources belonging to the Sahrawi people, while the conflict remains unresolved". But alternative solutions seem unlikely. Last year, according to Reuters, the UN envoy for Western Sahara floated the idea of partitioning the territory to "allow for the creation, on the one hand, of an independent state in the southern part and, on the other hand, the integration of the rest of the territory as part of Morocco". Both Morocco and the Polisario Front rejected the proposal out of hand. (NewsNation) U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection seized more than 55 tons of dicumyl peroxide, a chemical precursor used to produce methamphetamines and other narcotics, last week at the Port of Long Beach, California, according to an ICE news release. According to immigration officials, the shipment originated in China and was en route to the Sinaloa cartel in Mexico. Cartels using teens to smuggle people across border, officials warn Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For far too long, the Mexican drug cartels have raked in billions of dollars at the expense of our local communities, leaving nothing but addiction, death and despair in their wake, said ICE special agent Chad Plantz. This initiative provides HSI with a game-changing method to stay one step ahead of the cartels by disrupting the flow of chemicals that they depend on to produce illicit narcotics. The Sinaloa cartel is known for its violence, engaging in shootouts, kidnappings, torture and murders and targeting officials. It controls the drug trade in various parts of Central America and in many areas of Mexico, including in the border city of Tijuana, across from San Diego, according to U.S. officials. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. **Related Video Above: What happens when you call 911? MOUNT CARMEL, Ill. (WJW) A 6-year-old boy died last month in what the the Wabash County coroner has concluded was a tragic accidental death involving a balloon. First responders were reportedly called to a home in Mount Carmel, Illinois, on May 29 where the boy, identified by family as Gunner Hyatt, was pronounced dead. Volunteers build playset for Akron boy with cancer Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wednesday, the coroners office released its initial findings for how Hyatt died, with a toxicology report still pending. Preliminary findings indicate that the cause of death is consistent with suffocation due to a Mylar-helium filled balloon, the office said in the report. Wabash County Coroner Shaun Keepes said he wanted to make the public aware of the danger posed by large Mylar balloons, which are often the same size as children. While often seen as harmless decorations, these balloons can pose serious risks particularly to young children including the rare but devastating possibility of suffocation and/or helium toxicity, the office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Couple allegedly bought more Narcan instead of calling 911 in toddlers suspected overdose death: Docs The boy had just finished Kindergarten at Mount Carmel Elementary School, according to his obituary. He leaves behind his parents, two siblings and everyone else who loved him. A GoFundMe has been set up for Hyatts family, who described him as the craziest, most loving little boy. An investigation is ongoing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. SPRING VALLEY, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) Deputies with the San Diego County Sheriffs Office made several arrests and issued more than two dozen citations during an operation at eight different homeless encampments in Spring Valley this week. Seven people were arrested for outstanding warrants and 26 citations were given for various offenses during the operation on Wednesday, according to SDSO. According to a spokesperson for the department, the arrests were for various offenses including misdemeanor warrants, trespassing, drug possession, possession of drug paraphernalia and one felony warrant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The operation was conducted at the following locations: Lamar Park Spring Valley Park Jamacha Road/State Route 125 9800 block of Dale Avenue 9800 block of Janice Street 9300 Campo Road Lakeview Avenue/Quarry Road Sweetwater Road/Orville Street Carlsbad police seize drugs, cash and car in major narcotics operation In addition, five vehicles were towed in response to community concerns regarding trash and debris from motorhomes parked in a residential neighborhood. The operation consisted of deputies from the sheriffs Homeless Assistance Resource Team (HART) and the Rancho San Diego Sheriffs Stations Crime Suppression Team. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the department, deputies responded to ongoing complaints from the community regarding public nuisance issues, excessive trash and others stemming from the sites of unauthorized encampments in the area. Prior to the operation, deputies said they previously contacted individuals experiencing homelessness in the area and offered them multiple resources, including shelter, mental health services and substance abuse treatment. SDSO encourages people to report suspicious or criminal activity to the department by calling (858) 868-3200. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56) A 74-year-old man is dead after crashing into the back of a vehicle on a moped on Wednesday afternoon in London. Kentucky State Police said that, around 1 p.m., troopers were called to a reported two-vehicle crash near the 900 block of North Laurel Road. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the scene, troopers said Ronald Begley, 74, of London, was found lying in the roadway injured. The other vehicles driver, Darlene Maggard, 67, of McKee, was uninjured in the crash. Initial investigations showed that Begley and Maggard were both driving on North Laurel Road when Maggard stopped in the roadway, causing Begley to crash into the back of the vehicle, KSP noted. Troopers said Begley was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, and he was taken to St. Joseph Hospital in London, where he was declared dead. Alcohol and drugs were not expected to be factors in the crash, KSP confirmed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more of the latest Kentucky news The crash 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 FOX 56 News. At least eight civilians were killed and 46 others wounded in Russian attacks across Ukraine over the past day, regional authorities reported on June 5. According to Ukraines Air Force, Russia launched 103 drones overnight, including Iranian-designed Shahed-type suicide drones and one Iskander-M ballistic missile. Air defenses intercepted 74 drones, while another 46 dropped off radars likely used as decoys to overwhelm Ukrainian systems. The attack was repelled using aviation, electronic warfare units, mobile fire groups, and anti-aircraft missile systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chernihiv Oblast suffered the deadliest strike of the day, where five people were killed and six others wounded after Russian drones struck residential areas in the city of Pryluky, Governor Viacheslav Chaus reported. In Donetsk Oblast, one person was killed in Rodynske and five more injured across the region, Governor Vadym Filashkin said. The region remains a primary target of Russian artillery and air strikes amid ongoing ground assaults. Kharkiv Oblast recorded 20 injuries from Russian attacks, including four children in the city of Kharkiv a 7-year-old boy, a 9-year-old girl, and two 13-year-old girls Governor Oleh Syniehubov said. In Izium, a 38-year-old man was injured by the explosion of an unidentified object. In Kherson Oblast, two people were killed and 10 others wounded, with Russia targeting residential neighborhoods and social infrastructure, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Sumy Oblast, two civilians were wounded after Russian forces used drones and KAB guided bombs to strike civilian areas, the regional Military Administration said. In Mykolaiv Oblast, Russia hit a civilian minibus with a first-person-view (FPV) drone, injuring a 70-year-old man, Governor Vitalii Kim said. In Zaporizhzhia Oblast, two people were wounded as Russian troops carried out 428 strikes on 14 settlements over the past 24 hours, Governor Ivan Fedorov reported. Kyiv has consistently urged Moscow to accept a Western-backed 30-day ceasefire proposal, which Ukrainian officials see as a prerequisite for broader peace talks. The Kremlin has rejected the proposal thus far. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Putin rejects Zelenskys call for peace talks, accuses Ukraine of deadly bridge attack in Russia Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. NEED TO KNOW Nine people have been injured after a Ryanair flight was hit by heavy turbulence, according to reports The Wednesday, June 4 flight was bound for Milan, Italy after departing Berlin, Germany "The captain called ahead for medical assistance and the aircraft landed normally," Ryanair told PEOPLE in a statement Nine people have been injured after a Milan-bound Ryanair flight was hit by heavy turbulence from a thunderstorm, according to reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Wednesday, June 4, flight, which had departed Berlin was forced to make an emergency landing in southern Germany amid the incident, according to Reuters and RTE. Police in Bavaria said the bad weather prompted the pilot to land in Memmingen, which is 70 miles west of Munich, per the outlets. Ryanair told PEOPLE in a statement, FR8 from Berlin to Milan on 4th June diverted to Memmingen after experiencing some air turbulence. The captain called ahead for medical assistance and the aircraft landed normally. The airline added that they arranged alternative transport from Memmingen to Milan that night, as well as a replacement flight this morning to get passengers to their destination. Jason Tschepljakow/picture alliance via Getty 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. We sincerely apologise to passengers affected by this diversion, the statement concluded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the outlets, citing local police, nine people aged between 2 and 59 were injured in the incident. A woman reportedly sustained a head injury and her 2-year-old suffered bruises, while another woman, aged 59, complained of back pain. All three received treatment at a hospital, per the police statement, while other injuries were treated at the airport. PEOPLE has reached out to the Memmingen police department for comment. Read the original article on People BERLIN (WJW) Nine people were injured Wednesday when a Ryanair flight from Berlin to Milan encountered severe turbulence, forcing the aircraft to make an emergency landing in southern Germany. Nationwide recall on jerky and snack sticks The incident occurred on June 4 as the flight was en route to Milan Bergamo Airport, according to local media reports. The plane diverted and landed safely at Allgau Airport in Memmingen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ryanair confirmed that eight passengers and one crew member were injured during the flight. Three people were taken to the hospital after the plane landed. dpatop 04 June 2025, Bavaria, Memmingen: A Ryanair passenger jet stands on the apron at Memmingen Airport. The plane was traveling from Berlin to Milan when it hit turbulence. Several people were injured and rescue teams were deployed at the airport in Unterallgau. Photo: Jason Tschepljakow/dpa (Photo by Jason Tschepljakow/picture alliance via Getty Images) 04 June 2025, Bavaria, Memmingen: An ambulance with its blue lights switched on drives on the apron at Memmingen Airport. A Ryanair passenger jet was traveling from Berlin to Milan when it hit turbulence. Several people were injured and rescue workers were deployed at the airport in Unterallgau. Photo: Jason Tschepljakow/dpa (Photo by Jason Tschepljakow/picture alliance via Getty Images) 04 June 2025, Bavaria, Memmingen: A bus full of travelers stands in front of a Ryanair passenger jet on the apron at Memmingen Airport. The plane was traveling from Berlin to Milan when it hit turbulence. Several people were injured and rescue teams were deployed at the airport in Unterallgau. Photo: Jason Tschepljakow/dpa (Photo by Jason Tschepljakow/picture alliance via Getty Images) One passenger told the German news outlet Bild that the turbulence was so violent, we thought the plane was going to break apart or roll over. Ground beef sold nationwide possibly contaminated with E. Coli Following the emergency landing, passengers were taken by bus to their destination in Milan. Aviation authorities are investigating the incident. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. One week after the bodies of three girls were found at a Washington state campsite, police are still searching for their father, who is suspected of being involved in their deaths and believed to be hiding out in the wilderness. Travis Decker is wanted by authorities for charges that include three counts of first-degree murder after his three daughters Paityn, 9; Evelyn, 8; and Olivia, 5 were found dead on Tuesday, apparently suffocated, at Rock Island Campground in Chelan County, Wash. The case is being investigated by the Wenatchee Police Department and the Chelan County Sheriffs Office. Now, as the National Guard joins the search, the sheriff's office has released new photos of Decker that show his distinctive tattoos and hair in a ponytail, as well as the clothes he was last seen wearing. A wanted poster for Travis Decker. (Chelan County Sheriff's Office) Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison told reporters last week that Decker who previously served in the U.S. Army would sometimes go off the grid for more than two months at a time. Authorities are exploring the possibility that Decker may have prepared to hide out in the wilderness, including stashing supplies for his later use, which would make it more difficult to find him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Travis, if you're out there seeing us, we'd like you to turn yourself in, Morrison said at the press conference on Thursday. We want a peaceful resolution to this, but we're not going to relinquish our efforts. So please turn yourself in. Let's wrap this up and do what's right for your kids. Travis Decker is wanted by authorities in connection with the deaths of his three daughters. (Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photo: Wanatchee Police Department via Facebook) Why authorities suspect Travis Decker Deckers three daughters were reported missing by their mother on the night of May 30 after they failed to return home from a scheduled visit with Decker. On Monday, a Chelan County deputy discovered the bodies of the girls, which were about 75 to 100 yards past their fathers unoccupied truck near the campground. Court filings said that the girls appeared to have died from asphyxiation, with the probable cause affidavit stating that their wrists were zip-tied or showed signs of being zip-tied. Each of Deckers daughters were found with a plastic bag over their head. Investigators discovered that Decker had driven to the same campground the day before the abduction, according to court documents. His unoccupied vehicle, found near the scene, had two bloody handprints on the exterior and personal items like blankets, food, car seats and his wallet on the center console, authorities said. Decker is an Army vet with wilderness survival skills Decker is a military veteran who earned badges in the army for expertise in infantry and had experience in parachuting. Social media posts from members of the armed forces, which were reviewed by Fox 13, also appear to show that he earned his Ranger tab, which means he had advanced wilderness survival skills something authorities believe will make him more elusive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fox 13 Seattle confirmed with a spokesperson from the Washington National Guard that Decker was a member of the organization, and that he had been awaiting disciplinary discharge due to failure to attend his required monthly drills. Per Fox 13, the girls' mother told investigators that Deckers mental health had appeared to worsen in the time leading up to their daughters deaths, and that he had been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder but did not take medication to manage the condition. Decker, who had been divorced from his ex-wife for several years, was living in temporary housing like motels and campgrounds after becoming unhoused, according to multiple news reports. He was reportedly only allowed to have day visit access to his children via a court-approved visitation schedule, explaining why his ex-wife was concerned when he failed to return the children home. Decker should be considered dangerous, according to police Authorities continue to search for Decker, who they consider dangerous and say may be armed. On Friday, Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson called in the National Guard to help aid the search and pledged emergency funding. He also said he will provide helicopter transportation for law enforcement as they search in remote areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to the ongoing search, authorities have closed numerous trails, campgrounds and forest service roads across parts of the North Cascades and surrounding areas. Parts of the Pacific Crest Trail have also been shut down as efforts continue. Decker is described as 5 feet 8 inches tall, 190 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a light-colored shirt and dark shorts. Authorities urge anyone with information to call 911 without attempting to approach him. The Wenatchee community held a vigil last week to honor Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia. Additionally, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support their mother. As of Thursday, the campaign has raised over $840,000. Key Points Coca-Cola stock has been outperforming the S&P 500 this year, by a wide margin. Not only is it a safe haven type of investment, but it also pays a great dividend. The company's elevated valuation, however, may be turning some investors off right now. 10 stocks we like better than Coca-Cola After a tough start to 2025, the S&P 500 index has been rallying in recent weeks, and it is getting back to around all-time highs. Concerns around the economy, tariffs, and trade wars appear to be easing in the markets, as investors remain bullish on the outlook for the future. But despite this, the S&P's gains this year are still around zero. It hasn't been an awful performance, but it also hasn't been strong, either. One stock that has dwarfed the market is one that may surprise you. It is, after all, known for being more of a safe dividend growth stock to own rather than a high-powered investment with loads of upside. The stock I'm talking about is that of soft drink and beverage giant Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO). Its shares are up around 15% in 2025. Could even more gains be likely for the stock this year, and is this an investment you should consider adding to your portfolio today? Image source: Getty Images. The business remains resilient A big reason investors flock to Coca-Cola's stock is for its ability to withstand adversity. As a global company, it has a vast distribution network and flexible operations, which can help it minimize the effects of tariffs and trade wars. The company, for example, is looking at using more plastic in its U.S. operations as a possible way to avoid tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. And while consumers may scale back on discretionary expenditures amid more challenging economic conditions, Coca-Cola's products are still relatively modestly priced compared to other food items. Demand doesn't appear to be falling significantly. In the company's most recent quarter, which ended March 28, Coca-Cola reported a 2% decline in sales, but its organic growth rate, which excludes the impact of foreign exchange, was strong, coming in at 6%. Coca-Cola's organic growth rate was positive across all of its segments during the quarter. That stability and consistency can make the beverage stock a popular buy for investors, especially at a time when finding safe investments may prove to be challenging. Dividend income gives investors an extra incentive Another reason investors may be loading up on Coca-Cola's stock is for its dividend. It yields 2.8%, which is more than twice what the average S&P 500 stock pays (1.3%). That dividend income can provide some recurring cash flow and boost your overall returns from the stock. In the past five years, the stock has risen by 52%. But when you factor in its dividend, its total returns are far higher at close to 80%. PITTSBURGH (WBOY) Aaron Rodgers will officially suit up for the Black and Gold in 2025. According to a report made Thursday by ESPNs Adam Schefter, Rodgers plans to travel to Pittsburgh on Friday to sign a contract with the team. He will also attend mandatory mini camp next week. Rodgers intent to sign comes after two months of speculation on his future in the NFL, including predictions that he could sign with teams like the Minnesota Vikings, the Las Vegas Raiders or the New York Giants. There was also speculation on whether or not he would retire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details surrounding Rodgers contract have yet to be finalized, but his previous 3-year contract with the New York Jets was worth $112.5 million. Prior to that, the Green Bay Packers offered him a 3-year, $150 million contract in 2022. Once a contract is signed, Rodgers will likely be the starter for the Black and Gold, taking the reigns from Mason Rudolph. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. By Charlotte Greenfield and Mohammad Yunus Yawar ISLAMABAD/KABUL (Reuters) -Fatima, a 57-year-old Afghan women's rights defender waiting in limbo in Pakistan for her U.S. visa to be processed, had her dreams shattered overnight after President Donald Trump included Afghans among those banned from entering the U.S. She worked for decades for U.S.-funded projects in Central Afghanistan and now risks being pushed back to her home country, where she fears for her safety and her teenage daughter is unable to attend school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Unfortunately, the decisions made by President Trump turned all the hopes and beliefs of us into ashes," she told Reuters, asking that only her first name be published for security reasons. Trump signed a proclamation on Wednesday banning nationals of 12 countries, including Afghanistan, from entering the United States, saying the move was needed to protect against "foreign terrorists" and other security threats. "We are not al-Qaeda, we are the ones who fought back, we are the ones who gave our youth, our strength, our physical energy, our voices, everything we had, for the dream of a peaceful nation, for a country where we could simply breathe, we stood beside NATO forces," said Fatima. "And today, to be abandoned by America is not only tragic, it is devastating, It is a source of deep despair," she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HELP PLEDGED FOR ALLIES In the chaotic withdrawal of U.S.-led foreign troops as Taliban forces seized Kabul in 2021, Western countries vowed to help, especially those Afghans who had worked for them or on projects they backed. But many have been disappointed. Then-President Joe Biden pledged to help "Afghan allies" and introduced the P-2 programme for admission as refugees for Afghans who met certain criteria, including having worked for U.S. organisations and media. The main refugee advocate agency this year estimated that between 10,000-15,000 Afghans were waiting in Pakistan for their visas to be processed, though that included applicants to the Special Immigration Visa (SIV) program for those who directly assisted the U.S. military and government, which was exempted from this week's order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fatima said she had hoped never to leave her country but as the prominent head of a women's rights group she felt she had no choice after the Taliban returned to power. The U.S. government instructed her to travel to a third country for processing and like many, her only option was neighbouring Pakistan where she arrived in 2023. She finally received notice that she should send her family's passports to prepare for a flight in January. But a decision that month by President Trump to halt refugee processing threw that into disarray and Fatima has not heard from U.S. authorities since. In the meantime, Pakistan began once again ramping up a repatriation drive that began in 2023, leaving many in the pipeline for U.S. processing fearful of even leaving the house in case they were stopped by police. A spokesperson for Pakistan's foreign office did not respond to a request for comment on Thursday on how it would handle the Afghans in the pipeline for the U.S. The Taliban-run foreign ministry did not immediately respond to request for comment on Trump's executive order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Taliban, which has barred women from travelling without a male guardian and girls from high school, says it respects women's rights in accordance with its interpretation of Islamic law. It has said that its administration is not targeting former foes with violence and it will investigate any suspected cases. Mahbouba Seraj, a prominent Kabul-based women's rights advocate, said the new U.S. decision was a huge blow to women's rights defenders and other vulnerable groups. "This is absolutely terrible because a whole lot of those... people were waiting, they have all of their paperwork done, they are completely vetted, they are all ready to come to the U.S., they have sold their houses, they have no life in Afghanistan and they are all waiting," she said. "Now this is what happens." (Reporting by Charlotte Greenfield in Islamabad and Mohammad Yunus Yawar in Kabul; Editing by Sharon Singleton) ABBAs Bjorn Ulvaeus was at the inaugural edition of Londons SXSW festival yesterday and revealed he is writing a new musical using AI. He referred to artificial intelligence as such a great tool and discussed his project during a talk at SXSW London. It is like having another songwriter in the room with a huge reference frame, he said. It is really an extension of your mind. You have access to things that you didnt think of before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ulvaeus discussed the technologys limitations, saying that it is very bad at lyrics and that he believed AIs most useful application was to help artists overcome writers block. You can prompt a lyric you have written about something, and youre stuck maybe, and you want this song to be in a certain style, he explained. You can ask it, how would you extend? Where would you go from here? It usually comes out with garbage, but sometimes there is something in it that gives you another idea. Ulvaeus previously warned of the existential challenge AI represents to the music industry. He is the president of the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC), a non-profit organisation that represents songwriters and composers around the world, collecting and paying royalties to its members whose music has been used in broadcasts and on streaming services. The organisation has produced reports on AI use in music. Most recently, one of their studies suggested that music creators could lose nearly a quarter of their income to AI by 2028. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regarding this report, Ulvaeus stated that governments have the power to step in and give a helping hand to creatives. For creators of all kinds, from songwriters to film directors, screenwriters to film composers, AI has the power to unlock new and exciting opportunities but we have to accept that, if badly regulated, generative AI also has the power to cause great damage to human creators, to their careers and livelihoods. Which of these two scenarios will be the outcome? Ulvaeus continued. This will be determined in large part by the choices made by policy makers, in legislative reviews that are going on across the world right now. Its critical that we get these regulations right, protect creators rights and help develop an AI environment that safeguards human creativity and culture. Members of ABBA, Bjorn Ulvaeus, Agnetha Faltskog, Anni-Frid Lyngstad and Benny Andersson, arrive for the ABBA Voyage concert at the ABBA Arena in London - 26 May 2022 - AP Photo During the SXSW discussion in London, Ulvaeus also noted that he was three quarters of the way through writing the follow-up to the Swedish legends hologram-based ABBA Voyage concert series. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ABBA has just celebrated the third anniversary of their acclaimed virtual concert experience Voyage by introducing new songs to the setlist. ABBA Voyage first kicked off in May 2022, and was due to wrap in November 2024, but has since been extended to January 2026 due to overwhelming demand. Elswehere, SXSW London has faced intense criticism after former UK prime ministers Tony Blair and David Cameron were among the unannounced speakers. Screenshots were leaked of the un-shared programme that included Blair talking on a panel called Government and AI, which also featured Technology Secretary and Labour Friends of Israel member Peter Kyle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blair spoke at the conferences opening day, saying that Britain needs to fully embrace artificial intelligence in public services and that we could have AI tutors along with AI nurses, AI doctors. The panel appearance, which was not announced to the public or artists, prompted many artists to cancel their planned performances at the festival. Sam Akpro, Rat Party, Magnus Westwell, Saliah and LVRA were amongst the artists who pulled out, with the latter accusing the festival of artwashing, saying that whilst the music team were pulling together a diverse, cool lineup, the conference team were booking speakers from multiple organisations deeply complicit in the current genocide of Palestinian people. I implore artists to engage, rather than ignore, those things that affect us and strive to protect the most marginalised voices in the world, LVRA added. I urge us as a community to think bigger, and better, than the scraps offered to us today. NEED TO KNOW Abby Lee Miller is suing Cedars Sinai Marina Del Rey for alleged medical malpractice The Dance Moms star claims the hospital left a catheter in her body after performing a spinal surgery in 2020 Miller was previously diagnosed with Burkitt's lymphoma in 2018 Abby Lee Miller is suing Cedars-Sinai Marina Del Rey Hospital for alleged medical malpractice. Miller, 59, alleges that the hospital left a catheter in her body for years after performing life-saving spinal surgery in 2020. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Tuesday, June 3, was first reported by TMZ. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the legal documents obtained by PEOPLE, the Dance Moms alum allegedly began suffering from abdominal pain and discomfort following the otherwise successful surgery. She claimed she told her medical team about the pain, including the two doctors who performed her surgery. Miller alleged her complaints were largely ignored until a doctor performed a CT scan, which allegedly revealed a retained catheter inside her body, in June 2024. The scan "confirmed the presence of the foreign object," per the lawsuit. That same day, doctors "performed an emergency procedure to remove the item, which was identified as a retained catheter left inside Plaintiffs body from the prior surgeries," the lawsuit reads. The documents define a "retained surgical object" as "foreign material accidentally left inside a patients body during surgery." The introduction to the complaint continued, "It's estimated that 1 in 5,500 surgeries will result in a patient with a retained surgical object." She is now suing the hospital for medical negligence, professional negligence, medical battery and more. She is seeking $1.4 million in damages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Abby Lee Miller suffered for years from an object left inside of her during spinal surgery; despite complaints to various physicians, not one ordered imaging of any kind to diagnose the source of her pain," Miller's attorney, Nadine Lewis, said in a statement to PEOPLE, echoing claims made in the complaint. "Rather, they systemically dismissed her chronic pain and let her suffer for years." "As a paraplegic woman with a life sentence in a wheelchair, Abby lives with daily pain in the aftermath of her Burkitt Lymphoma diagnosis," Lewis went on to say, reiterating allegations in the complaint. "For years, Abby complained of abdominal pain, only to be ignored by her most trusted physicians. Four years post-surgery Abby discovered that her surgeons had left a bright blue catheter inside of her abdomen." "Cedars-Sinai cannot comment on pending legal matters," the hospital said in a statement to PEOPLE. "Also, due to federal and state privacy laws, Cedars-Sinai cannot discuss any patients medical treatment." "However, the care and safety of our patients, staff and visitors are always Cedars-Sinais top priorities," the statement continued. "We are dedicated to ensuring that we meet the highest standards of care for all those we serve." Paul Archuleta/Getty Jojo Siwa (L) and Abby Lee Miller (R) attend the 11th annual Reality TV Awards at Avalon Hollywood & Bardot on November 18, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Jojo Siwa (L) and Abby Lee Miller (R) attend the 11th annual Reality TV Awards at Avalon Hollywood & Bardot on November 18, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. The reality star has been battling health issues since 2018, when she was initially thought to have a severe spinal infection. Doctors later diagnosed Miller with Burkitt lymphoma, a form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that develops in the lymphatic system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of Miller's doctors, Dr, Hooman M. Melamed, previously told PEOPLE in 2018, It was not an infection, it was a type of a non-Hodgkins lymphoma its a type of a cancer." Melamed, an orthopedic spine surgeon at Cedar Sinai Marina Del Rey Hospital who once treated Miller, said, Were getting an oncologist involved and we have to figure out what the next steps are as far as chemotherapy or radiation or more spine surgery. Depending on the tumor type, depending on the sensitivity of the tumor it just depends the type but I feel more than yes, she will undergo chemotherapy or radiation. Melamed is named as one of the defendants in the new lawsuit. When reached for comment on Wednesday, June 4, a representative for Melamed said, "No 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. The diagnosis came a year after Miller received a sentence of one year and one day in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release for bankruptcy fraud. She was additionally fined $40,000 and ordered to pay the $120,000 judgment, as well as give a DNA sample relating to her felony charge. She was sentenced in 2017. Miller starred on Lifetime's Dance Moms from 2011 to 2019. At the time, she served as the director of Reign Dance Productions in Pittsburgh. Read the original article on People Originally appeared on E! Online Abby Lee Miller is taking legal action. The Dance Moms alum is suing Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles after alleging medical staff at the facility left a foreign object in her body while performing a surgeryspecifically, a catheter. According to her lawsuit, obtained by E! News June 4, in the months and years following a 2020 surgery to treat spondylolisthesisa condition where vertebrae slip out of placeMiller repeatedly reported ongoing abdominal pain and discomfort to multiple physicians, including the doctors who performed the surgery. However, she says her concerns were dismissed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By March of 2024, the lawsuit says Millers pain "had escalated into persistent and debilitating pain, impacting her quality of life on a daily basis. A few months later, in June, an examination for a separate issue led to concern over the affected area, and a CT was eventually ordered which confirmed the presence of the foreign object. The object was then removed during an emergency procedure and later identified as a retained catheter left inside [Millers] body from the prior surgeries. The suit alleges the catheter was sent to pathology for additional analysis, and that Millers request to take custody of the object was denied. The 59-year-old is suing Cedars-Sinai and two of its doctors for medical malpractice, including both medical and professional negligence, as well as medical battery. She is seeking nearly $1.5 million in damages. More from E! Online Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The object was then removed during an emergency procedure and later identified as a retained catheter left inside [Millers] body from the prior surgeries. The suit alleges the catheter was sent to pathology for additional analysis, and that Millers request to take custody of the object was denied. The 59-year-old is suing Cedars-Sinai and two of its doctors for medical malpractice, including both medical and professional negligence, as well as medical battery. She is seeking nearly $1.5 million in damages. Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images E! News has reached out to the Cedars-Sinai for comment but has not yet heard back. And while the hospital told NBC News it cant comment on pending legal matters, nor a patients medical treatment, the organization stressed the care and safety of our patients, staff and visitors are always Cedars-Sinais top priorities. We are dedicated, the statement continued, to ensuring that we meet the highest standards of care for all those we serve." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Millers attorney Nadine Lewis spoke to what she feels are the larger implications of the dance instructors suit, also echoed in the lawsuit itself. Amy Sussman/Getty Images "Abby Lee Miller suffered for years from an object left inside of her during spinal surgery; despite complaints to various physicians, not one ordered imaging of any kind to diagnose the source of her pain," she said in a statement to NBC News. This is not just medical battery, it reflects a larger, devastating truth: womens pain is too often ignored or dismissed by the very professionals sworn to care for them. Lewis continued, Abbys case is a chilling reminder: even when women are vocal and visibly in distress, their pain is still not believed. (E! News and NBC News are part of the NBCUniversal family.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more on the rest of the Dance Moms cast, keep reading. Maddie Ziegler In the decade-plus since the Pennsylvania native pirouetted her way into our hearts as the unquestionable star of the Abby Lee Dance Company, she's jeted her way from electropop star Sia's music video darling to film actress with appearances in Sia's directorial debut Music, the 2021 West Side Story remake and the 2024 flick My Old Ass. She also released a New York Times best-selling memoir, 2017's The Maddie Diaries, judged a new crop of talent on So You Think You Can Dance: The Next Generation and teamed with younger sister Kenzie Ziegler for their Take 20 With Maddie and Kenzie podcast. "I think we wanted to let our guards down and show something that wasn't so heavily produced," Maddie explained to E! News, "and, rather, just us having a pretty casual conversation." For her next act, she's eyeing her own beauty empire. "I would love to do my own line one day," she said. "I think that would be so amazing and something that I've dreamt of doing forever." Kenzie Ziegler Fully graduated from her acro days, one of the singer's latest releases was 2023's "Anatomy," a very personal ballad detailing her relationship with her estranged father. "I definitely am stepping out of my comfort zone," she told People of the single, "and being authentic in a different way thats not just on social mediaIm telling my story. And with all due respect to the nearly 15 million Dance Moms fans who follow her on Instagram, she dug a little deeper for her third album, biting my tongue, which dropped in July 2024. "I feel like this is just the first time where I can talk about things that have happened with my life and share some important things to me," she told E! News. "I just want people to take away something from itwhether that be happy, whether that be sad or that they can relate to it." Chloe Lukasiak Nearly a decade after she took her final Dance Moms bow, the trophy-collecting soloist was ready to start living on the dance floor again. I missed dance, and I wanted to find a way to get back to something I had loved so much, the Girl on Pointe: Chloe's Guide to Taking on the World author explained of launching Eleve National Dance Competition with mom Christi Lukasiak and fellow mother-daughter duo Diane and Brittany Pent. But I wanted to help create something that was the exact opposite of what I had experienced. Something positive. I challenged myself to develop something to reignite my love of dance. Though the competition took a bow after one year, the Pepperdine University grad is still making moves. Focusing primarily on content creation, the newly minted New York City resident has also been writing her "first fiction fantasy book," she told E! News in 2023 and putting some thought into her next chapter. "What I've learned the past couple of years is that everything works out exactly as it's supposed to do." Nia Sioux The OG company member (and death drop enthusiast) continues to slay in music (she dropped her single "Low Key Love" in 2020) and acting, fronting the web series Sunnyside Up and appearing in 59 episodes of The Bold and the Beautiful. And while wrapping up her day job as a UCLA student (she graduated with a degree in American Literature and Culture in June 2024), she was moonlighting in Hollywood, recently dropping her single "IMMA CATCH" and landing on Variety's 2023 Young Hollywood Impact Report. Next up, "I'm just so excited to focus on my career and my craft," she told E! News in May 2024. "Now I can go off and live my life and experiment and try new things and hopefully direct more and act more and sing more and just perform in general." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brooke Hyland Trading in group numbers for group trips, the eldest of the show's OGs led a 2023 excursion to Costa Rica, sharing on Instagram in July that "7 days took us from strangers to friends crying in the airport having to say goodbye to each other." Next up, was a six-day jaunt through Croatia inspired by the European backpacking trip she enjoyed after graduating from Ohio University. "I explored beautiful places and cultures, while making lifelong friends in the process," she shared. "It was the trip of a lifetime." When stateside, the Pittsburgh residentwho got engaged to account manager Brian Thalman in May 2024makes the most of her marketing degree, both with her Bite-Sized Foodie Instagram account and the Hyland Sisters brand she shares with little sib Paige. Paige Hyland The four-season vet has few tears to save for her pillow as of late. Since earning her degree from West Virginia University in May 2023 ("IM SO PROUD OF YOU!!!! Congratulations," Christi Lukasiak commented on her graduation 'gram), the model and influencer has criss-crossed the country with stops in the Hamptons, Colorado and Wyoming. Paige's No. 1 travel buddy (other than older sis Brooke): Her longtime boyfriend, former college football player Jayvon Thrift. "Adore you in every kind of way," she wrote of the fitness model in a 2022 post. The pair marked five years together in July 2024 by signing their first apartment lease, Paige writing on Instagram, "new adventure coming soon." Kendall Vertes Up until recently, the James Madison University grad was still collecting trophies as part of the Virginia college's championship-winning dance team. "Younger me would be so proud," the political science major wrote in a September 2023 Instagram. (Naturally, her dance mom Jill Vertes chimed in, "I know Im so proud of my little kendall.") In addition to trying her hand at acting (including the 2019 movie Rapunzel: A Princess Frozen in Time and a live-action version of Anastasia) and singing (as Kendall K, she released several albums), the season two arrival has nabbed more than a few sponsorships, thanks to her 11 million Instagram followers. JoJo Siwa Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kalani Hilliker Back home in Arizona, the dancer, actress and entrepreneur is fully embracing what she calls "my health and wellness era" with the 2023 launch of her beauty line Kare. "I struggle with anxiety," she explained to E! News of her inspiration. "And I really wanted to create a brand that was inclusive to everyone to be able to just relax and take time for yourself and have a solid self-care routine to help you get through your day." And, yes, the season 4 arrival, who also got her start on Abby's Ultimate Dance Competition, is still nailing every last arabesque, having dipped her perfectly arched foot back into dancing and teaching. "I obviously have a very different teaching way than Abby does towards me. Or, honestly, most of my dance teachers," shared the dancer, who announced her engagement to Nathan Goldman in August 2024. "I like to be very kind, but also you've got to push them to be the best they can be." Asia Monet Ray Consider Asia officially raised. Though the California native stepped away from TV cameras just before her 10th birthdayfollowing one season each on Abby's Ultimate Dance Competition, Dance Moms and her own standalone series Raising Asia"I genuinely had a great experience on it," Asia insisted to E! News in 2021, acknowledging that wasn't necessarily the case for many of her costars. "There was nothing that I would change on my experience whatsoever." Wrapping up her high school career in June 2023 as a valedictorian, "Im extremely proud of myself for achieving a personal goal," the model and artist wrote on Instagram, "and I cant wait to see whats next." Thanks to a plethora of brand deals, invites to every it event and a recently released dance-ready single "Oh Boys" and eponymous album, her future seems bright. As for her reality star past, "I really did enjoy the time I had out there and growing up on television," she told E!. "Even though it seems like a lot, it was something that really set me up for life that I would never take for granted." Camryn Bridges Brynn Rumfallo When she exited stage left after a three-season stint that saw her trying to fill Maddie's ballet shoes, the Phoenix native "wanted to go back to high school and I wanted to just be normal and have my friends," she explained in a 2023 YouTube video with best friend Kelsey Millar. "High school sucked, but Im glad that I did it. And now that Ive experienced both lives, I know what I want. Which, there is a way to balance both of them in the middle." For the 2021 grad, that's meant launching her and Millar's Out of Line podcast and documenting her trips to Coachella and Stagecoach for her three million Instagram followers. Plus, experiencing more than a few run-ins with fans when she takes her dance students to competitions. "It's really cute," Brynn, who remains close to Kenzie, said of one encounter. "They're like, 'Miss Brynn, you're famous?'" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) They were once found all throughout the Rio Grande, but they now inhabit less than 7% of their historic range. The Rio Grande silvery minnow is considered one of North Americas most endangered freshwater fish, and the ABQ BioPark is playing its part in making sure the minnows dont go extinct. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prior to the rain, parts of the Rio Grande had begun drying out. This threatened to strand and kill native fish as temperatures increased and water receded. BioPark biologists worked with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologists to rescue fish, including reproductively-ready silvery minnows, from isolated pools. Those fish were brought to ABQ BioParks Aquatic Conservation Facility where they successfully spawned. Half of the eggs were hatched, and 30,000 minnows are now growing at ACF. The remaining eggs were sent to the Southwestern Native Aquatic Resources and Recovery Center. Were up against the realities of climate change and this year shows just how important it is to be ready to act under any conditions, said BioPark Director Brandon Gibson. Whether the river is running low or rising fast, were doing everything we can to support silvery minnow recovery. Back in early May, a temporary release of irrigation water mimicking natural spring floods was coordinated also known as a pulse flow. This pulse alongside the rain sparked a spawning event and 46,000 eggs were collected from the river. These fish form the base of the food web and indicate the health of the entire river ecosystem, the BioPark stated in a news release. If lost, far more than a single species is impacted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The efforts are part of a long-term recovery program which has seen over 1 million silvery minnows hatches and 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 KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. Activists attempted to block access to a print facility of German media group Axel Springer in Berlin late on Wednesday, aiming to disrupt newspaper deliveries. Protesters from the group New Generation parked three vehicles in front of the building and glued themselves to the roofs, a police spokesman said. By early Thursday, authorities had cleared the scene after initially treating the protest as a gathering. Six people were detained, the spokesman added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Firefighters had to cut one activist free from a vehicle roof using a cutting tool after the glue couldn't be removed, according to police. New Generation, which succeeded the Last Generation protest movement, said on social media that the action was intended to prevent the distribution of Axel Springer newspapers. Apart from Germany's largest tabloid Bild and the Welt broadsheet, Axel Springer also owns Politico, Business Insider, Morning Brew, media outlets in Poland and the German comparison platform Idealo. The group accuses Bild in particular of fuelling social divisions and eroding public trust in democratic institutions through its reporting. It also says the newspaper downplays the urgency of the climate crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last Generation, formed after a climate hunger strike in Berlin, changed its name and relaunched the movement in February, after the group's protest tactics drew widespread criticism and a harsh crackdown from the authorities. The group's aggressive tactics, including sit-down street blockades and efforts to storm airport runways, drew widespread attention and extensive news coverage after the climate activists launched a nationwide campaign in 2022. But the protests also attracted the anger of many Germans, as well as aggressive police investigations. At the beginning of this year, the group announced a change of strategy and a move away from the blockades, which often involved activists gluing themselves to roadways. Additional attempted first-degree murder charges against teacher accused of stabbing six-year-old UPDATE, 6/5/25, 10 a.m.: Greenes bond hearing has been rescheduled for July 3. He will remain in jail until then. ORIGINAL STORY: ST. LANDRY PARISH, La. (KLFY) The man accused of stabbing a six-year-old Sunday now faces additional attempted first-degree murder charges. According to officials with the St. Landry Parish Sheriffs Office, Patrick Seth Greene, 37, of Port Barre, has been charged with eight counts of attempted first-degree murder in addition to the original charges received on June 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Child critically injured after stabbing in St. Landry Parish Greene, who is a teacher at Sulphur High School, was charged with domestic abuse battery with child endangerment, two counts of aggravated assault and resisting an officer. This stems from an incident that occurred Sunday where St. Landry Parish Sheriffs deputies received a report of a domestic disturbance where a six-year-old child was found to have multiple lacerations and stab wounds to the face, neck and chest area. 6-year-old fighting for his life after stabbing was being treated at St. Jude for brain tumor Close Thanks for signing up! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KLFY Daily Digest The six-year-old was taken to an Opelousas hospital before being airlifted to a Baton Rouge hospital, where he has since been in critical condition and said to be fighting for his life. Greene is in a St. Landry Parish jail until his bond hearing scheduled for Thursday at 9 a.m. Family of six-year-old Korbin awaits justice as bond hearing is moved Latest news Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com. CHILLICOTHE, Ohio (WCMH) In continuing efforts to reshape and strengthening its business operations, Adena Health has announced the appointment of a new president. According to a news release, Adena Medical Group has hired Brooke Burns as president, effective July 28. The release said Burns, will lead a diverse team of physicians and advanced practice providers delivering primary and specialty services across Adena Healths nine-county service area. Burns, who earned a masters degree in healthcare administration from Ohio State University graduate, spent nearly eight years with Adena Health System, and served roles such as a Regional Site Director, System Director of Primary Care, Service Line Director of Oncology Care, and Executive Vice President (2019-2022). Most recently she served as the Chief Operating Officer at Orthopedic One. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move comes soon after Adena Health recently joined an initiative called the Ohio High Value Network, which includes 26 rural hospitals in improving healthcare to smaller communities in lower populated areas. Adena Health has also been under scrutiny for investigations into doctors whose patients died under their care. Two cardiac surgeons were fired after and heart surgeries were suspended in 2023 after patients died at the Adena Regional Medical Center in Chillicothe. After faculty overwhelmingly voted to unionize, Ohio University is suing them again In 2024 it was determined thet the hospital system did not meet the standards of a top healthcare accreditation organization, and it was denied accreditation in credentialing by the National Committee for Quality Assistance, a non-profit organization that bills itself as a top healthcare accreditation organization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the NCQAs website, only three other medical organizations in the country have been denied this type of credentialing at that time. In February, an investigation was opened into a former Adena Health System doctor due to alleged medical mistakes made during three surgeries he performed while employed there. Watch previous coverage in the player above. As NBC4 has previously reported, Adena is also being sued in federal court. An unsealed court filing alleged Adena knowingly submitted false and fraudulent claims for payment to Medicaid and other government reimbursement programs totaling millions of dollars. Todays news release states that Burns hire reinforces Adenas ongoing commitment to operational excellence and that she will be tasked with leading, the strategic direction of the Adena Medical Group with a focus on operational sustainability, provider satisfaction, and clinical service expansion. She will also play a vital role in advancing system-wide initiatives aimed at improving quality, expanding patient access, optimizing provider performance, and introducing new approaches to care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ADHD is not rising despite public perception that cases are increasing, a study suggests. Researchers at Kings College London found little evidence to suggest that the prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder was getting worse, and said many studies suggesting an increase were of too low quality to be trusted. Dr Alex Martin, lecturer in psychology at Kings, said: The media has been concerned about a surge in ADHD diagnoses for several years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While assessments and help-seeking may be increasing, our study has shown significant gaps in the tracking of ADHD prevalence, resulting in a frustratingly unclear picture. The best data we have suggests that there has been no meaningful increase in ADHD prevalence, but most of the research is too biased to draw conclusions from. Anecdotal reports suggest that the UK has had an unprecedented rise in the number of children and adults seeking support for ADHD, with significant backlogs of people currently awaiting assessment. The demand for ADHD diagnoses has exacerbated pressures on the NHS, with a survey by the Pensions Committee in 2023 finding that about one in four people faced delays of two years while one in 10 waited 10 years for an assessment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were fears that the Covid pandemic and social media may have exacerbated the problem, with many more youngsters experiencing mental health issues during lockdowns. But while calls for assessments are growing, there is little evidence to suggest it was leading to a rise in the overall prevalence of the condition, the study found. The team discovered that studies suggesting ADHD rates were rising were of low quality, using self-reporting surveys, or reported symptoms from parents and teachers, rather than actual clinical diagnoses. Researchers said that the demand for assessments might be driven by increased awareness, rather than more cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Between January and May last year, there were 25,080 media articles published on ADHD compared with 5,775 articles in the same period in 2014. The growth of the neurodiversity movement may also have played a role in raising the profile of the condition and encouraging more people to seek help. Edmund Sonuga-Barke, professor of developmental psychology at Kings, said: The neurodiversity movement, with its concentration on personal lived experience and self-compassion as the ultimate reference point for decision-making, is likely driving cultural change. In this regard, its potentially increasing rates of self-referral among adolescents and adults. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the UK, its estimated that ADHD affects about 3-5 per cent of children and adults. The US has far higher rates, with nearly 12 per cent of youngsters diagnosed with the condition. This has led to a crackdown by the Trump administration on over-prescribing of ADHD drugs to youngsters. Prof Sonuga-Barke said US and UK rates were likely to be similar and he agreed there should be an investigation. Language of distress I think the prevalence of ADHD is very similar in the US and the UK, he said. I think theres grounds for an investigation to the impact of the prescriptive prescribing rates in the States. A recent BBC investigation suggested that at least 196,000 adults were on NHS waiting lists for ADHD assessments. But researchers said that greater awareness of the condition might also mean that young people are now using the term ADHD as language of distress, to signal they are struggling, even though they do not have the condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prof Phillip Shaw, director of the Kings Maudsley Partnership for Children and Young People at Kings, said: Theres both an increased recognition and less stigma around ADHD, which means that people are increasingly coming forward for assessment. My hunch is that theres such a huge awareness of ADHD that its often used as a language of distress. Its sometimes used, I suspect, by young people who are expressing that they are struggling, particularly at school, and need help. This study was funded by NHS England and was conducted by the NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Emergency Preparedness and Response. 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. New steel, aluminum tariffs stoke global uncertainty 08:43, June 05, 2025 By Berlinda Robinson ( Chinadaily.com.cn US President Donald Trump's doubling of tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to 50 percent will go into effect on Wednesday. The move comes as the US steel manufacturing industry has faced a steep decline in recent years, allowing China, the world's biggest steel producer, along with India and Japan, to dominate. The bulk of US steel and aluminum imports came from Canada. The United States, one of the world's largest importers of steel, got 26.2 million metric tons from 79 countries and territories in 2024, according to the US International Trade Administration. Trump made his latest tariff announcement at a US Steel Corp facility in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, on Friday. "At 25 percent, [US trading partners] can sort of get over that fence," he said. "At 50 percent, nobody's getting over that fence." Trump said the additional levies were aimed at reducing reliance on China, which sent just 508,000 net tons of steel to the US last year. The European Union, a key exporter of steel to the US, said it "regretted" that the levies would be doubled. It currently faces 25 percent tariffs on steel and automobiles and "reciprocal" tariffs on most EU goods at 20 percent, reduced to 10 percent during a 90-day US pause scheduled to end on July 8. European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic will meet with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on Wednesday at an OECD gathering in Paris. A spokesman for the European Commission, the EU's executive office, which oversees trade policy for the 27-nation bloc, told the BBC that it "adds further uncertainty to the global economy and increases costs for consumers and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic". Ulrike Hoffmann-Burchardi, CIO for global equities at UBS Global Wealth Management, said in a note on June 2 that "we continue to expect market volatility as investors digest fresh tariff headlines and incoming US economic data". The uncertainty over the trade war is causing the global economy to slow to its weakest pace since the COVID-19 pandemic, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) said in a report Tuesday. "Weakened economic prospects will be felt around the world, with almost no exception," said alvaro Pereira, chief economist at the OECD. It suggested trade barriers need to be eased to encourage growth. The decision by the US and China to broker a three-month pause on tariffs in May was welcomed by consumers, businesses and the stock market last month. Tom Fullerton, an economist and professor at the University of Texas El Paso, told China Daily that the pause would likely help to "reduce the odds of a deep 2025 business cycle contraction" in both the US and China. There are still disagreements on trade, though. Trump said in a social media post Sunday that China had "violated" the Geneva trade truce from last month. He wrote that he had only made a quick deal with China to "save them from what I thought was going to be a very bad situation", adding "so much for being Mr. NICE GUY!" Lin Jian, spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, on Tuesday cited what he said were three violations by the US of the Geneva agreement. Those were "controls on chip exports to China, halting the sales of chip design software to China, and announcing revocations of Chinese student visas". He said the actions "severely violated the common understandings reached in Geneva". "China firmly opposed this and made strong protests," Lin said at a press briefing on Tuesday morning. "Let me stress once again that this pressuring and coercion is not the right way to engage with China." Under the truce, the US agreed to drop the 145 percent tariff on Chinese imports to 30 percent and China lowered its tariffs on US imports from 125 to 10 percent. The "reciprocal" tariffs on China imposed on April 2 fell to 10 percent, and the separate 20 percent tariff connected to what Trump said was China's role in the fentanyl trade was unchanged. The US Office of the Trade Representative announced Saturday that it would extend a pause on tariffs on semiconductors from China until Aug 31. Another wrinkle in the tariff debate took place last week when the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled on May 29 that the Trump administration could still use tariffs on US trading partners. It had been temporarily blocked from doing so by the US Court of International Trade, based in New York. The appeals court ordered the plaintiffs to respond by June 5 and the government to reply by June 9. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) Dominion Energy is a turnaround story, and the stock could be appealing to investors who don't mind taking on just a little extra risk for a lot more yield. The regulated electric utility's yield at the current share price is around 4.7%, which is well above the industry norm. The risk here, however, is pretty low, given the company's government-granted monopolies in the regions it serves. Dividend growth investors looking for a way to tap into the AI sector while still maximizing yield will want to do a deep dive on NextEra Energy today. Management has boosted NextEra's dividend at a 10% annualized clip over the past decade, and it expects to continue doing so at about that rate over the next couple of years. Its payout growth has been supported by the utility's steadily growing regulated business in Florida and, more to the point, its fast-growing clean energy business. The clean energy business sells power to other companies under long-term contracts. Large companies are increasingly looking for clean energy solutions as they expand, including the technology companies that are powering the AI revolution. And AI-related electricity demand in the United States is projected to increase by 300% over the next decade or so. At its current share price, NextEra Energy has a 3.2% dividend yield . That compares to a 1.3% average yield for stocks in the S&P 500 index and the 2.9% yield of the average utility. You can find utilities with higher yields, but NextEra's is relatively attractive. The real story here, however, is dividend growth. Each of these high-yield stocks offers investors a way to profit from growth in the AI space without having to try to pick an AI winner. Artificial intelligence (AI) isn't technically a living thing, even though it can seem like one at times. The truth is, if you stop providing electricity to the hardware that supports any AI system, it ceases to operate. And that's the big story behind the growth opportunity ahead for NextEra Energy (NYSE: NEE), Dominion Energy (NYSE: D), and Brookfield Renewable (NYSE: BEP)(NYSE: BEPC). NextEra Energy, Dominion Energy, and Brookfield Renewable are all set to benefit from this increase in power demand. Demand from data centers for electricity is projected to increase by 300% over the next decade or so. Story Continues One of those regions, Virginia, happens to be among the largest data center markets in the world. Add in a large offshore wind farm Dominion is building in the state, and it seems well-positioned to take advantage of the added demand that AI will create. The problem here is that the utility is currently focused on strengthening its balance sheet, which in part entails reducing its dividend payout ratio to bring it back in line with its peers. Basically, expect dividend growth at Dominion Energy to be on hold for at least a couple of years. However, investors who buy today will get a well-above-average yield, which seems ample compensation for income seekers as they await the stock's return to dividend growth in the future. Brookfield Renewable is a global play At the current share price, Brookfield Renewable Partners yields 6.2%. The company also has a roughly identical corporate share class with a lower 5% yield, a function of the higher demand for those shares. As the name implies, Brookfield Renewable invests in renewable power assets such as hydroelectric, solar, and wind, as well as battery storage and nuclear power. Unlike NextEra and Dominion, Brookfield Renewable operates on a global scale, allowing it to take advantage of AI and data center demand wherever it is popping up. For example, Brookfield Renewable has inked a deal with Microsoft to provide the tech giant with 10.5 gigawatts of new renewable power over the next decade. The purpose of the deal is specifically to support Microsoft's data center expansion. This shows what Brookfield Renewable's globally diversified portfolio can support. Investors should take a serious look at the high-yield opportunity here. AI is a growth driver for electricity demand Wall Street is excited about artificial intelligence and its rapid development, but many investors are focusing specifically on the direct AI plays. It's always tough to accurately pick long-term winners in fast-changing emerging markets. However, it is pretty clear that no matter which AI companies wind up the big winners, they will all need reliable access to growing supplies of electricity. And that means that high-yield stocks like NextEra Energy, Dominion Energy, and Brookfield Renewable are likely to be winners from the AI revolution, too. Should you invest $1,000 in Dominion Energy right now? Before you buy stock in Dominion Energy, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Dominion Energy wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $657,385!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $842,015!* Now, its worth noting Stock Advisors total average return is 987% a market-crushing outperformance compared to 171% for the S&P 500. Dont miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of June 2, 2025 Reuben Gregg Brewer has positions in Brookfield Renewable Partners and Dominion Energy. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Microsoft and NextEra Energy. The Motley Fool recommends Brookfield Renewable, Brookfield Renewable Partners, and Dominion Energy and recommends the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. A 300% Increase in AI Data Center Demand Will Propel Growth for These 3 High-Yield Stocks was originally published by The Motley Fool The Trump administration has returned a Guatemalan man who was improperly deported to Mexico, obeying a federal judges order that he be brought back to the United States to receive due process. The man, identified in court papers only as O.C.G., is bound for an immigration detention facility in Arizona, his attorney Trina Realmuto confirmed, while he awaits further immigration proceedings ordered by U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy, a Massachusetts-based appointee of President Joe Biden. The administration signaled last week that it was working to arrange O.C.G.s return. The New York Times first reported that O.C.G. was back in the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although O.C.G. is a Guatemalan national, an immigration judge in February blocked his deportation there over O.C.G.s fear of persecution in his native country. The Trump administration then abruptly deported him to Mexico. But in a class action lawsuit, O.C.G. said immigration officials never asked whether he had any similar fear of persecution in Mexico, a country where he says he has been raped and targeted for being gay. As a result, O.C.G. accepted an offer from Mexico to be deported to Guatemala, where he says he has been living in hiding ever since. Initially, the Trump administration contested O.C.G.s account, relying on a sworn statement from an Immigration and Customs Enforcement official to insist that O.C.G. was given a chance to express fear of deportation to Mexico and said he had no concerns. But officials later retracted that account, saying it was based on an erroneous note in an ICE database. Murphy quickly ordered the Department of Homeland Security to facilitate O.C.G.s return to the United States. Though it is reminiscent of similar cases in which judges have ordered the return of wrongly deported immigrants like Kilmar Abrego Garcia O.C.G.s return was less cumbersome to arrange because he was not incarcerated in Guatemala. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Department of Homeland Security officials used the development to lob new attacks at Murphy, who they have criticized for issuing a sweeping ruling blocking so-called third country deportations to places other than an immigrants native country, without a chance to assert fear of torture or persecution. "Americas asylum system was never intended to be used as a de facto amnesty program or a catch-all, get-out-of-deportation-free card, DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement, calling Mexico a safe third option for O.C.G. Yet, this federal activist judge ordered us to bring him back, so he can have an opportunity to prove why he should be granted asylum to a country that he has had no past connection to. The Trump administration is committed to returning our asylum system to its original intent." (NewsNation) An alleged plot by two Chinese researchers to smuggle a crop-destroying fungus into the United States could have wide-ranging implications for Americas agriculture industry, according to an expert on homeland security and weapons of mass destruction. Federal authorities say Yunqing Jian and Zunyong Liu conspired to bring Fusarium graminearum into the U.S. last year. Liu allegedly had baggies of the fungus when he flew to the U.S. and told officials he hoped to use it for research at a University of Michigan lab where Jian worked and where Liu previously worked. Fusarium graminearum has been characterized as a potential agroterrorism weapon, according to the FBI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fusarium graminearum caught being smuggled into US: What to know Had this gotten out into the wild, even by accident, the devastation it could have to our livestock and crops is just unmeasurable, Donnell Harvin, a visiting scientist at Harvard University, told Elizabeth Vargas Reports on Wednesday. What makes the case unusual, he said, is that Chinese operatives usually have tried to smuggle items out of the United States not in. The alleged plot raises questions about whether others have been successful bringing harmful organisms here, Harvin said. The charges against Jian and Liu come amid heightened tensions between China and the U.S. The Trump administration recently announced plans to restrict student visas for Chinese students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harvin, who also is a member of Georgetown Universitys faculty, said most Chinese students here are trying to get an education. What we dont need are Chinese assets to come here with nefarious purposes, he added. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) Bringing a new drug to market can take about 10 years, but artificial intelligence may soon change that, said Phil Mounteney, head of science and technology at Dotmatics. Mounteney said AI could potentially cut drug discovery timelines in half, helping scientists identify new treatments faster, at lower cost, and with greater efficiency. If you think of drug discovery as finding needles in massive haystacks of data, AI is like a giant magnet, he said. It helps researchers pull out that data and those drugs more efficiently. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dotmatics, a scientific software company whose platforms are used by more than 10 million scientists worldwide, is one of many firms integrating AI into pharmaceutical research. Mounteney said AI is particularly valuable in the early stages of drug development. It helps us bring data together, find trends that humans just cant, and process it much more quickly, he said. He also noted that AI might reveal new uses for existing drugs, many of which are sitting on shelves with untapped potential. While Mounteney sees AI as a healthcare breakthrough, not everyone is convinced. I think that AI can be useful in a lot of cases, said Baton Rouge resident Dayja Snead. But honestly, its a little bit scary thinking that I might be involved in the way our medication is formed. Its hard to think theres a computer that knows us better than we do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mounteney emphasized data security. The crown jewels of any of our customers is the data they produce, he said. That data always stays in-house. Theyre not using a chatbot on the Internet. Despite public hesitation, Mounteney remains optimistic about the future of AI in medicine. Its going to make us healthier. Its going to make us safer, he said. Latest News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News. The heads of 10 major international charities and United Nations agencies have demanded the release of aid workers held captive by Yemens Houthi rebels. In a statement released to mark the one-year anniversary of the kidnapping of 23 UN staff and five humanitarian workers in northern Yemen, they said nothing could justify the ordeal the hostages had been through. They were doing their jobs, helping people in desperate need: people without food, shelter, or adequate health care, they said in the letter, seen by The Telegraph. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Iran-backed groups action, they added, have had a chilling effect across the international community and undermined mediation efforts for lasting peace in Yemen. Ferran Puig, Oxfams Country Director in Yemen, said: We are deeply concerned by the ongoing detention of our NGO and UN colleagues, about their safety, health and wellbeing. A year and in many cases, even longer is far too long for families to be deprived of their loved ones, he told The Telegraph. Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, said: The UN and its humanitarian partners should never be targeted, arrested or detained while carrying out their mandates for the benefit of the people they serve. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He strongly condemned the death of a World Food Programme (WFP) staff member in detention in February. The worker, who has only been identified by his first name, Ahmed, had delivered food aid with the organisation since 2017. It is unclear how he died. The Houthi de facto authorities have yet to provide an explanation for this deplorable tragedy, he said. Hisham al-Hakimi, 44, Save the Children Internationals safety and security director in Yemen, also died in Houthi custody in October 2024. The organisation described his death as unexplained and called for an investigation. Ten years of civil war have devastated Yemen and triggered one of the worlds worst humanitarian crises. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More 150,000 people have died and 24 million people around 60 per cent of the population are in need of humanitarian assistance. One in two children under the age of five is suffering from malnutrition. In January, the UN said it would pause all operations in the northern governorate of Saada, a stronghold of the Houthi movement, citing safety concerns. It is also actively engaging with senior Houthi officials to try to secure the release of all its detained employees, it added. Human rights groups have also accused the Houthi movement of routinely kidnapping, torturing and arbitrarily detaining hundreds of civilians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last June, when it arrested the aid workers, the group claimed to have dismantled an American-Israeli spy network a claim the UN rejected as baseless. 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. NATO countries may use aid to Ukraine as part of their new commitments to increase defence spending to 5% of GDP, as many allies will find it difficult to achieve this goal. Source: European Pravda Details: Despite formal agreement on a new financial target of 5% of GDP, some NATO countries are facing difficulties in utilising even their current budgets. This, in turn, should help Ukraine. It is known that part of the 5% of GDP may be allowed to be directed to support Ukraine, which could significantly strengthen the defence capabilities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement European Pravda stated that there was every reason to expect that Alliance countries would face difficulties in spending the funds in the amounts required by the United States. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius acknowledged problems with meeting previous targets, particularly those related to expanding the armed forces. Canada, which spent only 1.37% of its GDP on defence in 2024, acknowledges not only a lack of funding but also an inability to spend the allocated funds effectively. It is noted that even with budgets in place, the procurement process in Ottawa remains inefficient. The situation is similar in Luxembourg, which spends 1.29% of its GDP and, due to limited capabilities, is simply unable to reach the required level of spending on the armed forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under such conditions, NATO member states may seek to compensate for their shortfalls by supporting Ukraine. Assistance to the Ukrainian defence forces, which is already counted as defence spending in the "hard security" category, could also be included in the "soft" component of 1.5% of GDP, including logistics, infrastructure and reconstruction. In addition, the possibility of adapting the funding proportions for individual countries is being discussed for example, allowing Luxembourg to allocate more funds to soft security, which includes unarmed assistance to Ukraine. Allies are also considering the idea of creating an "industrial Ramstein" a coordination platform for arms production in Ukraine that could help Europeans fulfil their commitments to the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite everything, NATO emphasises that aid to Ukraine should not replace the rearmament of Alliance countries. A senior NATO official said that there was no question of choosing between helping Ukraine and building up their own military capabilities, and they needed to do both. Background: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney wants his country to join the European Union's rearmament programme, ReArm Europe, by 1 July. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The Defense Departments transformation of a Qatari jet into Air Force One will likely cost less than $400 million, Air Force Secretary Troy Meink told lawmakers on Thursday, the first price estimate provided by the Trump administration about the presidents controversial gift. Meink, who declined to cite a specific cost for retrofitting the plane, named the broad figure at a House Armed Services Committee hearing in response to Democrats concerns of a massive price tag. Some estimates have put the cost in the billions since Air Force officials would need to strip the plane down significantly if not to the studs to install encrypted communications, harden its defenses, and put in place electronic and other countermeasures to protect against U.S. adversaries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There has been a number thrown around a billion dollars, but a lot of those costs associated with that are costs that we've experienced anyway, Meink said at the hearing, noting the service had already budgeted for space parts. It's probably less than $400 million to retrofit that aircraft. Meink conceded that officials would need to do a deep sweep to make sure there arent counterintelligence threats on the Qatari jet. But he said the Air Force was doing whatever we can to move the timeline forward to get the it ready for President Donald Trump. Boeing is already delayed on a multiyear effort to refurbish two 747 aircraft to serve as Air Force One. Democrats, and some Republicans, have expressed concern about the ethical and financial implications of accepting the aircraft. But the president has insisted it will save taxpayers money. Rep. Joe Courtney (D-Conn.) pushed Meink on whether the costs for the Qatar jet could spiral, citing expenses for an Air Force One overhaul in 2018 that reached $3.9 billion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can't retrofit a plane that's built for another purpose for Air Force One and expect it to be a free plane, he told Meink. A former Air Force official with knowledge of the presidential aircraft program, who was granted anonymity to speak candidly, also warned the costs would likely skyrocket. Air Force One costs over $2 billion a piece so there's almost a factor of 10 difference in the cost of just the airplane and what it takes to make it into an Air Force One, the person said. Putting in systems is where a couple of billion dollars in airplane costs come from. And you can't do that in a few months or even a year." Paul McLeary contributed to this report. The Air Force estimates it will cost less than $400 million to modify a luxury aircraft gifted from the Qatari government into President Donald Trumps flying command center, according to the services top civilian official. That projection is far less than the $1 billion congressional democrats and some aviation experts have said would be required to harden the planes defenses and install the countermeasures, encrypted communications and other capabilities needed to fulfill the Air Force One mission. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said Thursday in a House Armed Services Committee hearing that the assumptions some are making about the modification costs include things like training and buying spare parts expenses the service has already accounted for through its broader VC-25B presidential aircraft program. While the Air Force may now need to procure those things earlier, it wont be paying for them twice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres been a number thrown around on the order of a billion dollars, Meink said, adding later, Its probably less than $400 million to retrofit that aircraft. The White House announced last month it would accept Qatars offer to gift the president a modified Boeing 747-8, worth roughly $400 million. The plan is to use the gifted plane throughout the rest of Trumps term and then donate it to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation after Trump leaves office. The Air Force, which will oversee the upgrades, hasnt provided details on the scope or schedule of the modifications or confirmed who will perform the work. The Wall Street Journal reported in May that L3Harris has been tapped to convert the aircraft at a facility in Texas and expects to complete the upgrades later this year. The Air Force is already in the midst of a major modernization program, started in 2015, to convert two 747-8 aircraft through the VC-25B presidential aircraft program. Boeing is under a $3.9 billion fixed-price contract to conduct the modifications. Deliveries were previously slated for last year, but have since been pushed to 2029 a delay that has frustrated Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president on his social media platform Truth Social last month described Qatars offer of a 747-8 to fill that gap as a GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE to the Defense Department. Democrats have taken issue with the deal on multiple levels, criticizing the presidents acceptance of a $400 million aircraft from a foreign government as a conflict of interest and claiming the cost to turn it into an airborne situation room could balloon to billions of dollars. During Thursdays hearing, Rep. Joe Courtney, D-Conn., raised the issue of the modification costs, speculating they will fall closer to $1 billion or more. He also called for greater transparency from DOD on what that price tag will be. Based on the experience that we already have gone through with retrofitting planes, 747s, its clear that this is going to be a drain on the Air Forces budget, he said. I think that the sooner we just sort of rip the Band-Aid off and get that information out there, it would be helpful for us in terms of deciding whether this is a smart path to go down. An air quality alert is in effect until midnight Thursday for the Chicago area as Canadian wildfires continue, officials said. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency declared an Air Pollution Action Day because widespread ozone and or particulate levels are expected to be at or above the unhealthy for sensitive groups category. Officials said wildfire smoke is expected to continue to affect those levels Thursday and Friday, officials said. The same air alerts were also issued on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Current morning conditions at OHare International Airport are mostly cloudy with haze at 60 degrees. At Midway Airport, conditions are foggy and misty at 61 degrees. On Thursday, highs in the upper 50s are expected. How to protect yourself from the bad air caused by Canadas wildfires Plumes of smoke are blanketing large swaths of the U.S. and parts of Europe, which presents risks for those breathing it. The Midwest, Northeast and Great Lakes regions of the U.S. have very unhealthy air quality, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, and experts say people should take precautions. Read more here. Illustration by Thomas Trutschel/Photothek via Getty Images There's a big risk hanging over Alphabet stock, Barclays says. The bank said Alphabet being forced to sell Chrome is a black swan scenario that could spark a 25% stock plunge. Tech firms like OpenAI have signaled interest in buying the platform. The worst-case scenario in Google's antitrust trial could slash Alphabet's stock price by as much as a quarter, according to Barclays. Analysts at the bank hashed out the various possibilities that could follow the decision in Google's antitrust case. Last year, a federal judge ruled that Alphabet operated a monopoly in online search and search advertising. The court is expected to decide on a remedy on the matter in the next several months. While it's unlikely, it is possible that a court decision forces Alphabet to divest Google Chrome to another owner, like Microsoft, Barclays floated in a client note on Monday. That would represent a black swan event for the stock, an unlikely but plausible tail risk that could lead to a major decline. If Alphabet were to divest Chrome, that could potentially hit earnings-per-share by more than 30%, the bank estimated, given that Chrome provides 35% of Google's search revenue and has around 4 billion users. The scenario could send its stock falling around 15%-25%, the bank estimated, partly because "no investors" the bank has spoken to are pricing in that scenario. "The probability of a Chrome divestiture, while low, has increased in our view," analysts wrote. "To our surprise, and this may have just been the style of the judge's approach to put the Google attorneys on the spot, he indicated that this might be the 'cleanest' remedy of the lot." Other tech firms, like ChatGPT creator OpenAI, have already said they might be interested in purchasing Chrome if it were up for sale. Barclays sees other remedies related to the trial that could be more likely. Google, for one, could provide its index to licensees in order to help its competitors. That could hit earnings per share around 10%-15%, and potentially spark a 5%-10% hit to the stock, the analysts estimated. The tech giant could also be forced to start a "phased roll off" of its traffic acquisition contracts, which means Google won't be able to pay third parties to direct users to its platform. That scenario could hit earnings per share by 10%-20%, potentially taking the stock down 5%-10%, they estimated. The Department of Justice, which initiated its suit against Google in 2020, said in a statement shortly after the federal ruling that it believed Google had "subverted competition" for more than 15 years. The Latest from Storm Team 5 While it was nice to see the sunshine return today, the front that brough the rain and storms yesterday is actually the reason why the wildfire smoke has returned to the surface in northeast Wisconsin today. For tonight, expect mostly clear skies with areas of smoke. Lows will bottom out in the lower 50s. An AIR QUALITY ALERT is in effect for all the WFRV coverage are through Thursday at noon as near surface wildfire smoke is expected to linger about the area. We will see if this gets extended beyond that point. Otherwise for tomorrow, plan on morning sunshine giving way to some afternoon clouds. Highs will be a few degrees warmer than today in the upper 70s to low 80s, cooler lakeside only in the lower 70s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Friday brings in mostly cloudy skies and we start our brief decent downward in temperatures, topping out in the middle 70s. A few showers are possible in the afternoon, primarily north and west of Green Bay and the Fox Valley. The better weekend day will be on Saturday with a mix of sun and clouds with temperatures in the low to mid 70s. Sunday, plan on rain and few thunderstorms, with more wet weather expected for Monday. For all your latest updates on the weather, follow Ryan 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 WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. Air quality continues to worsen across the United States as smoke stemming from Canadian wildfires begins moving south prompting air quality advisories in multiple states. The National Weather Service already issued alerts for Nebraska, Wisconsin, Indiana and Michigan in the Midwest, and for New York, Connecticut, New Jersey and Maryland in the Northeast. Although the majority of wildfires are occurring in western Canada, smoke from these fires has been drifting eastward, impacting air quality in areas around the Great Lakes and the U.S. Northeast, shows AirNow, the Environmental Protection Agency's interactive air quality map. Smoke from Canadian wildfires are moving south affecting air quality in a large are of the United States. In New Jersey, air quality started to worsen in the northern part of the state prompting the state Department of Environmental Protection to issue a code orange air quality alert early on the morning of June 5 for northern counties in the state. However, soon after, the alert was extended all the way down to the Jersey Shore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While no alert has been issued for Delaware, pollution continues to move southward in New Jersey, and most of Pennsylvania now has moderate air quality, according to AirNow. To the west of Delaware, a portion of Maryland has been under an air quality alert since early June 5. What is a Code Orange air quality alert? A Code Orange air quality alert means that pollution levels may be unhealthy for vulnerable groups, such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or heart conditions. To reduce health risks, vulnerable groups should limit outdoor physical activity. What is the air quality index in Delaware? The air quality index for Delaware is good, overall standing in the mid-40s. But the Environmental Protection Agency is forecasting the index to rise to 80 on June 5. On June 6, the index should be around 58. What is the air quality index? The air quality index, or AQI, is a standardized rating system that assesses the severity of air pollution on a scale ranging from 0 to 500. The higher the number, the worse the quality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An AQI below 50 is considered optimal; between 51 and 100 is considered moderate; and above 100, unhealthy. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Air quality index worsens nears Delaware. See the air quality map An anti-Brexit newspaper edited by Alastair Campbell is dropping its European branding nine years after the UK voted to leave the EU. The New European, which counts Tony Blairs former spin doctor as its editor-at-large, will be renamed The New World as the title aims to distance itself from its founding mission. The weekly paper initially launched as a four-week pop-up publication in response to the Brexit vote in 2016, saying it aimed to rebalance the Right-wing extremes of much of the UK national press. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the title is now expanding its outlook globally as interest in Brexit wanes and amid broader geopolitical turmoil. Mr Campbell said: When we started the paper, you could never have predicted [where we are]. Just to look at the United States alone. You wouldnt have predicted that Ukraine and Russia were going to be fighting a war on the edge of Europe. Lots has happened its a reflection of that. But he added: Were always going to be very passionately anti-Brexit, very pro-internationalism, liberal democracy. I will never resile from the view that Brexit is the biggest act of self-harm that weve inflicted upon ourselves, certainly in my lifetime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The New European was formerly owned by local newspaper group Archant before being taken private by its founder and a group of angel investors in 2021. The New European, which began publishing in 2016, is to be relaunched as The New World - Scott D'Arcy/PA Wire Mark Thompson, the former BBC director general, and Lionel Barber, the former editor of the Financial Times, are among the investors in the title, alongside serial tech investor Saul Klein and Taavet Hinrikus, co-founder of payments firm Wise. The New European raised more than 1m in a crowdfunding campaign in 2023 that valued the business at 6m. The company will seek further investment later this year as it looks to move into new markets. The revamped title has tapped a string of new writers, including former Observer columnist Sonia Sodha and Tom Baldwin, a former senior Labour adviser and Sir Keir Starmers biographer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They will join existing contributors including Matthew dAncona, Marie Le Conte and Paul Mason. The title, which will be available in the UK, Ireland and selected European capitals, will also boast a redesigned format. The company said the relaunch aimed to build on a growing subscriber base. Since 2022, revenues have tripled and subscriptions have quadrupled, taking the total weekly paying audience to around 35,000. Matt Kelly, the founder and editor-in-chief, said: The New European was conceived as a pop-up provocation; a defiant middle finger to the rising tide of Right-wing populism that brought us Brexit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nine years later, the world and The New European has changed dramatically. This is a reflection of that new reality. We have come a long way. We have built a profitable business and a vibrant alternative to tired old legacy media models. Now we are ambitious for more growth. 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. Trishna Begam - WTEN Two journalists are leaving Albanys ABC affiliate WTEN. Anchor Trishan Begam said she will leave the station in July, while MMJ Ireland Walker has already said her goodbyes. In a long post on the stations website, Begam told viewers she is leaving in July and will step away from local TV to spend more time with family. This July, I have decided to step away from a career I have loved so deeply since college., she wrote. I've spent more than 16 years growing as a journalist, nearly 13 of those have been at NEWS10, my home away from home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She started working at the station in 2012. Walker joined WTEN last May, fresh out of Syracuse University's S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, where she majored in Broadcast and Digital Journalism and minored in Political Science. Ireland Walker at WTEN WTEN Albany News Director Ryan Mott told the Albany Times Union, We appreciate her enthusiasm and work ethic. She grew tremendously over the past year. We wish her the best in the next steps of her career. Members of the City Councils Latino Caucus are calling for an investigation into how Chicago police responded to the demonstration Wednesday outside a U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement office in the South Loop, where federal agents detained immigrants and clashed with aldermen in an apparent new phase in President Donald Trumps mass deportation plans. Twelve of the 14 aldermen in the caucus signed a letter condemning the high-profile showdown at 2245 S. Michigan Ave. The councils Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights which Latino Caucus Chair Ald. Andre Vasquez, 40th, leads will hold a hearing to examine the extent of ICEs misconduct and determine whether the Chicago Police Department played any role in (Wednesdays) actions, according to the letter. The Police Department has denied that officers aided the federal agents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We condemn in the strongest terms ICEs unlawful detainment practices, the statement from Latino Caucus members read. We stand united in calling for a full investigation into the conduct of ICE agents involved in this operation and for the immediate release of all individuals detained under these unlawful circumstances. Vasquez told the Tribune that the committee later this month hopes to call Chicago police Superintendent Larry Snelling and Mayor Brandon Johnsons deputy mayors Garien Gatewood and Beatriz Ponce de Leon, who oversee community safety and immigration rights, respectively. The North Side alderman cited conflicting information on the events at the ICE office and said we just want to make sure that protocols are being followed properly related to CPD. Johnson on Thursday sidestepped questions on whether he had full confidence in the police response or whether it was appropriate for the City Council to probe CPDs actions. Look, I think its important that we assess the entire situation, the mayor said while speaking to reporters at a National Immigrant Heritage Month event. And so assessing what happened to ensure that when the actions of the federal government come up against our values, that the full force of government is showing up in an emphatic way, but in a way that upholds our Welcoming City Ordinance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mayor then pivoted to attack an easier political target, Trump, and shouted out the protesters as the resistance that we need. We saw armed, masked men walk down our streets in broad daylight, and they kidnapped mothers and fathers, he said. We saw them brutalize protesters and shove crying grandmothers into the back of unmarked vans. Grassroots organizations estimated that over 20 immigrants were detained Wednesday, but ICE did not respond to Tribune inquiries about the number of arrests. Those arrested had executable final orders of removal by an immigration judge and had not complied with that order, an ICE spokesperson said in a Wednesday statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tense confrontation was the latest flashpoint between the Trump administration and Chicago over immigration policies a potentially ominous sign for whats ahead for the nations third-largest city, which has long been in the presidents crosshairs. And it comes as White House officials have reportedly fumed over deportation numbers falling short of their goals, joining similar clashes at ICE raids in cities across the U.S. Speaking to reporters Thursday morning, Gov. JB Pritzker stood by the CPD response. Lets be clear, the Chicago police followed the law, Pritzker said at an unrelated event. And yet those ICE officers were pushing people out of the way in a fashion that I dont think any of us think is right. And I have to say they overstep constantly, one time after another. The governor is slated to testify in Washington next week during a GOP-led congressional hearing on Illinois sanctuary policies for immigrants, just as Johnson did in March. The two of them, along with Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, are being sued by the U.S. Justice Department over their jurisdictions respective laws barring local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is that sanctuary city policy that prompted aldermen to set the hearing over CPDs response to Wednesdays ICE enforcement. A source who spoke with Snelling said the superintendent explained that police officers responding to an emergency call realized upon arrival that their presence could look like they were partnering with ICE. Police leadership planned to scale back, the source said, but by then a mass gathering was convening, so CPD opted to stay. In his Wednesday statement, Chicago police spokesperson Tom Ahern said CPD responded at the courthouse Wednesday after receiving two calls of an officer needing assistance. At the scene, Chicago police officers spoke with individuals inside the building and in the large crowd outside to ensure the safety of all involved, including those exercising their First Amendment rights. Officers arrived without knowledge of immigration enforcement occurring at the location, Ahern said. At no point did CPD assist in immigration enforcement. All actions taken by CPD during this incident were in accordance with CPD policy and the City of Chicago Municipal Code. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carlos Pimeda, far right, tears up as he explains to Chicago aldermen Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez, 33rd, far left, Anthony Quezada, 35th, second left, and Byron Sigcho-Lopez, 25th, that he dropped his family friend off at 8:15 a.m., on June 4, 2025, at the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program (ISAP) and hes been in the facility for almost six hours. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) Handcuffed detainees are led into a van by federal agents on South Michigan Avenue as protesters demonstate on June 4, 2025, outside an Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the South Loop. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) Federal agents bring people to white vans outside of the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office, ISAP, on June 4, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) Handcuffed detainees are led into a van by federal agents on South Michigan Avenue as protesters demonstate on June 4, 2025, outside an Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the South Loop. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) A protester leads a chant in the alley behind the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office, ISAP, run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in the South Loop on June 4, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) A Chicago police officer speaks to Aldermen Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez, 33rd, and Anthony Quezada, 35th, as they block the driveway to stop federal vehicles from entering the parking lot outside the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office, ISAP, run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in the South Loop on June 4, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) Two boys cry after their mother was taken away in a van by federal agents on June 4, 2025, outside an Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the South Loop. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) People cry as they see their loved one being escorted by federal agents outside the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office, ISAP, run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in the South Loop on June 4, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) People in handcuffs are escorted by federal agents to white vans parked outside the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office, ISAP, run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in the South Loop on June 4, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) Chicago police stand inside while demonstrators gather on June 4, 2025, at an Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the South Loop. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) Ald. Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez, 33rd, listens in to a speaker during a news conference outside of the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office on June 4, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune) A woman and child move out of the way as federal agents bring people to white vans outside of the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office, ISAP, on June 4, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) A federal agent pushes Ald. Jessie Fuentes, 26th, as she stands near the parking lot next to the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office, ISAP, run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in the South Loop on June 4, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) Federal agents hold back protesters as they lead handcuffed detainees into a van on South Michigan Avenue on June 4, 2025, outside the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the South Loop. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) Ald. Anthony Quezada, 35th, is knocked down alongside Ald. Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez, 33rd, while confronting federal agents on June 4, 2025, as the agents approached a Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement to remove detainees from the South Loop. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) OCAD organizer Antonio Gutierrez speaks to Carlos Pimeda, after Pimeda had waited for six hours for a family friend to return from his check-in at the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office, ISAP, on on June 4, 2025. Pimeda brings his friend to his immigration check-ins and they usually last about an hour. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) Federal agents move people back after they escorted people in handcuffs to white vans parked outside the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office, ISAP, run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in the South Loop on June 4, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) A man tears up as he talks on the phone in the alley behind the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office, ISAP, run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in the South Loop on June 4, 2025, as protesters scream at them. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) People wave to their loved one inside of the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office, ISAP, run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in the South Loop on June 4, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) People in handcuffs are escorted by federal agents to white vans parked outside the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office, ISAP, run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in the South Loop on June 4, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) Exterior of ISAP (Intensive Supervision Appearance Program) at BI Incorporated on South Michigan Avenue on June 4, 2025. A scene unfolded earlier where ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) officers detained a number of people at the ISAP office. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune) Masked federal agents arrive to remove detainees as protesters demonstrate on June 4, 2025, outside a Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the South Loop. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) Alds. Jessie Fuentes, 26th, left, stands with Anthony Quezada, 35th, and Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez, 33rd, as they cry after people in handcuffs were escorted by federal agents to white vans parked outside the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office, ISAP, run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in the South Loop on June 4, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) Federal agents hold back protesters as they lead handcuffed detainees into a van on South Michigan Avenue on on June 4, 2025, outside a Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the South Loop. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) Ald. Byron Sigcho Lopez, 25th, yells at federal agents as they return to their vehicles parked nearby the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office, ISAP, run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in the South Loop on June 4, 2025, after the federal agents escorted people in handcuffs from the facility into vans. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) Ald. Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez, 33rd, is pushed back by federal agents as they arrive to remove detainees on June 4, 2025, outside a Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the South Loop. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) The van door closes after handcuffed detainees are loaded in by federal agents on South Michigan Avenue as protesters demonstate on June 4, 2025, outside a Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the South Loop. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) Handcuffed detainees are led into a van by federal agents on South Michigan Avenue as protesters demonstrate on June 4, 2025, outside the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the South Loop. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) People hug after federal agents took away detainees in vans on June 4, 2025, outside the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the South Loop. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) A boy cries after his mother was taken away in a van by federal agents on June 4, 2025, outside the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the South Loop. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) Show Caption1 of 31A family walks away in tears after their mother was detained June 4, 2025, outside a Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the South Loop. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)Expand Though the Trump administration made it no secret Chicago would be an epicenter for deportations, it was unclear how that would look in Trumps second term. In the last few weeks, immigration experts and advocates have begun to see how it will play out. The Tribune first reported arrests inside Chicagos immigration court in mid-May, an approach emerging in other cities too. On Wednesday, local grassroots groups sought to counterattack by protesting arrests at ICEs Intensive Supervision Appearance Program, or ISAP, an alternative to detention for individuals in immigration proceedings. All signs point to the federal government continuing its offensive against Chicago and other liberal-leaning cities. On Thursday, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche posted on X, Im deeply disturbed by reports of protestors attacking law enforcement officers simply for enforcing @POTUS Trumps agenda. Assaulting law enforcement isnt protest, its a federal crime. This Justice Department will prosecute offenders to the fullest extent of the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But inside Chicago City Hall, the mayor and aldermen arent always on the same page about how to stand up to the Trump administration. Some Johnson critics have said he should fight back as a progressive bulwark to Trump, while others think the freshman mayor should stop antagonizing the president to avoid retribution in the form of attacks against Chicagos immigrants, cuts to the citys federal funding and more. The upcoming City Council hearing on Wednesdays protest could also potentially pit the Johnson administration against progressives on the issue of policing. His choice to tap Snelling for the top cop role in 2023 was widely lauded, especially by those who worried about his earlier defund the police rhetoric before he ran for mayor. Johnson has since had Snellings back publicly as Chicago continues to see a drop in crime, though the superintendent has broken with the mayor on the issue of ShotSpotter and a pending teen curfew ordinance in the City Council. Ald. Jessie Fuentes, 26th, a progressive who participated in the Wednesday demonstrations, told the Tribune, We are concerned with police officers prolonged appearance inside of the office where individuals were detained by ICE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When CPD arrived and realized what the situation was, the responding Commander should have gotten his officers out and briefed the community, Fuentes wrote in a text. Instead the Responding Commander was rude to electeds, did not coordinate his officers properly and now the perception is CPD was working with ICE. At least three immigrant advocacy groups condemned the CPD presence, with the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights asking Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul to investigate potential violations of the states sanctuary policy known as the TRUST Act, according to a statement. We are deeply concerned to see that Chicago police provided material assistance to ICE, making this mass deportation possible by blocking traffic and providing initial crowd control, a Wednesday statement from the Resurrection Project said. This kind of collaboration is an apparent violation of the Illinois Trust Act that degrades public trust in law enforcement. By Wednesday afternoon, elected officials, including Aldermen Anthony Quezada, 35th; Byron Sigcho-Lopez, 25th; Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez, 33rd; and Fuentes had joined the growing number of protesters at the ICE office. The Latino Caucus statement said, Quezada was physically assaulted by an ICE agentstruck with a baton and thrown to the ground multiple times, while Sigcho-Lopez, Rodriguez Sanchez and Fuentes told the Tribune they were also jostled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tenoch Rodriguez, an anti-deportation activist, argued police shutting down streets aids federal agents because if they hadnt had assistance from CPD, they would have needed to call more ICE agents to carry out their operation. Yesterday was a very intense, emotional and depressing moment for everyone involved, Rodriguez said. You could see the pain and hear the cries from the families being torn apart. The Tribunes Jeremy Gorner and Sam Charles contributed. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) A man was arrested after a drug bust in Baton Rouge on Wednesday. According to the East Baton Rouge Sheriffs Office, deputies conducted a multi-month investigation into a suspected drug dealer, Johnny Richardson, 38. During the investigation, agents were able to identify a location in the 4900 block of Mobile Drive that is believed to be associated with Richardsons alleged narcotics operation. Agents managed to purchase crystal meth from Richardson. EBRSO noted that Richardson left the home before the purchase and returned immediately after. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A search warrant was granted for Richardsons home and vehicle. On Wednesday, deputies conducted a traffic stop of his vehicle. Johnny Richardson (Photo courtesy of EBRSO) Evidence (Photo courtesy of EBRSO) After searching the home and vehicle, investigators seized the following: 6.13 ounces of crystal meth 5.8 grams of powder fentanyl (58 lethal doses) 4.5 pounds of THC edibles 29.8 grams of marijuana 159.5 dosages units of Amphetamine pills 122 dosage units of Alprazolam pills 5 dosage units of Oxycodone pills 1 dosage unit of Triazolam digital scale box of plastic bags money counter $11,302 Richardson was arrested and booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on charges of: two counts of possession with the intent to distribute Schedule I drugs six counts of possession with the intent to distribute Schedule II drugs two counts of possession with the intent to distribute Schedule IV drugs two counts of controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a juvenile possession of drug paraphernalia Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Richardson was convicted of unrelated drug charges in 2018. More drugs found in hidden safe Following new information about a hidden safe from the East Baton Rouge District Attorneys Office, agents conducted a second search on Mobile Drive on June 5. EBRSO said they seized over 500 Alprazolam pills, nearly four grams of cocaine, 16.8 grams of fentanyl (enough for 168 lethal doses), and almost $35,000 in cash. Richardson was charged with: Possession with intent to distribute (PWITD) Schedule II drugs Fentanyl. Possession with intent to distribute (PWITD) Schedule II drugs Powder Cocaine. Possession with intent to distribute (PWITD) Schedule IV drugs Alprazolam. Money laundering. Transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses. 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. BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN) A woman is facing a charge of felony theft after reports state she stole thousands of dollars worth of products from a store namely, Legos. Read next: Ohio bill consolidates property tax issue into one proposal Police were called to the Target at 417 Boardman Poland Road in The Shops at Boardman Park on May 29 for reports that a woman had loaded a cart for of Lego sets and then left the store without paying for them something employees claimed she had reportedly done in the past. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When police arrived at the store, reports state they observed a woman matching the suspects description near the entrance of the store, with an employee yelling at officers that she was the woman involved in the theft. The woman, identified as Anna Stone, was then detained while police investigated. An employee told police Stone is known to them for stealing from the store four times prior, with the loss from all of her accused thefts totaling $2,855.73, according to reports. On May 29, an employee said they saw Stone walk past all registers with the unpaid merchandise and ordered her to stop, at which point she ran leaving the cart behind and was met outside and apprehended by police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reports state the cart was filled with 25 Lego sets and three clothing items, worth a total of $1,541.24. Stone was also listed in reports as stealing from the store on the following dates: April 6, taking four Lego sets worth $539.96 April 9, taking eight Lego sets worth $822.92 May 20, taking 20 Lego sets worth $1,121.90 Employees also provided police with security footage of the alleged thefts. Those alleged thefts, added to the most recent attempt, total $4,026.01. Reports state Stone was served with a fifth-degree felony theft charge while she was in court on a previous theft charge. Court records show she is set to return to court July 1 for a preliminary hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. Last week, the Trump administration announced plans to close Job Corps, the nations largest education and job program for low-income youth. This decision would impact more than 400 students locally. We are already seeing lawsuits filed requesting an injunction to keep Job Corps open, but we cannot wait for the courts to resolve this. We need to act, announced Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato. On Wednesday night, a New York district judge issued a temporary restraining order in a lawsuit filed by a trade group representing contractors that operate Job Corps centers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The injunction ordered the government not to terminate Job Corps contractors or halt work at Job Corps centers until a further ruling is made in the case. The Judge also summoned the Labor Department to appear at a court hearing on June 17. Today, I will be signing an executive order to create a federal disruptive response team, Innamorato said during Thursday mornings joint press conference. The county will provide assistance with housing and tuition while the decision to close the program is litigated in court. This represents a small victory for students like Lilith Stroup, who lives on campus and is enrolled in the Job Corps college program, studying to be a nurse. Its frustrating because many of the people making these decisions have not visited here, have not seen the place or experienced what its like, Stroup said. They dont understand what it means to be homeless. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pittsburgh is one of 99 centers across the country that provide students ages 16 to 24 with free housing, medical care, education, training and certification assistance. In Pittsburgh alone, more than 400 students are enrolled. If the center closes, 188 students will be displaced, over 50 face immediate homelessness and an estimated 180 jobs will be lost. The federal government stated that the program was no longer achieving the intended outcomes for students, citing a graduation rate of only 39 percent and an average cost of more than $80,000 per student. However, data from the National Job Corps Association indicates that in Pittsburgh, the graduation rate is 50 percent, and the cost per student is $36,000. Stroup is a testament to the programs success, having already earned two trade certificates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This program has genuinely given me a second chance at life and a new start in education, Stroup said. Before I came here, I felt defeated, but now I have risen. Ive grown as a person and gained more confidence. Now, the Armstrong native fears that if the program ends, so too will her dreams of becoming a nurse. Transportation is an issue, Stroup said. There are no buses that go to Leechburg, so job opportunities are very limited even with my training and experience. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW ALTOONA, Pa. (WTAJ) Altoona police are continuing to work hard to keep drugs from reaching city streets from Philadelphia. In addition to multiple other recent arrests of Philadelphia residents, Altoona police arrested three men, two from Philadelphia, Wednesday, June 4. Amir Palmer-Kennedy, 20, Xavier Herring, 18, both from Philadelphia, and Raymone Kitchens, 22, of Altoona, were arrested during a traffic stop after narcotics officers received information about a dealer driving around Altoona in a silver Chevrolet Malibu. Police were able to find the Malibu and begin surveillance. According to Altoona Police, the vehicle was seen making numerous short stops at homes and businesses throughout the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a traffic stop, K9 Blue indicated narcotics in the Malibu. A search of the vehicle found 17 baggies stamped with the Chucky doll head hidden behind a piece of trim in the car. Police noted that a total of $800 was also found, which contained previously recorded money from controlled purchases. Philadelphia duo arrested in Altoona with drugs after foot chase Officers explained the Chucky bags of drugs contain a larger quantity of fentanyl than most others and cost twice as much.. Police added theyve received information since the beginning of 2025 that these specific branded drugs were coming into Altoona from an area in Philadelphia. Narcotics officers noted that the Chucky bags are responsible for multiple fentanyl overdoses in Altoona in 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All three men were arrested and charged with possession with intent to deliver and conspiracy of possession with intent to deliver. Herring was also charged with a small amount of marijuana and paraphernalia, while Palmer-Kennedy was also charged with tampering with evidence, paraphernalia and a window tint violation. Both men were placed in Blair County Prison with bail set at $100,000 each. 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. Kitchens, however, had his bail denied due to having warrants for his arrest related to drug charges in Philadelphia that he failed to appear for, court documents show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Altoona police also thanked the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General and Pennsylvania State Police for their 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 WTAJ - www.wtaj.com. By Utkarsh Shetti (Reuters) -Defense technology startup Anduril Industries (ANIN.PVT) has clinched a valuation of $30.5 billion in its latest funding round where it raised $2.5 billion, the company said on Thursday. This round more than doubled the Palmer Luckey-founded company's valuation, from $14 billion last year when it raised $1.5 billion. The development confirms a Reuters report from February, which said Anduril was in talks to raise as much as $2.5 billion, with tech billionaire Peter Thiel's Founders Fund set to lead the round. Anduril said on Thursday that Founders Fund made a $1 billion investment, while all other investors raised their commitments from previous rounds in the Series G fund raise. Founders Fund has backed Anduril since its inception in 2017, and one of the company's co-founders, Trae Stephens, is a partner at the firm. Anduril develops solutions, including a wide range of sensors and drones, and has gained prominence in the industry amid increasing calls for low-cost autonomous defense products. The company has also recently secured a partnership with Palantir Technologies to form a consortium that will look to jointly bid for government contracts as the Pentagon aims to reduce costs. (Reporting by Utkarsh Shetti in Bengaluru; Editing by Mohammed Safi Shamsi) ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) After 32 years of service in Rockford, Fire Chief Michele Pankow said she is emotional as she sets off on her next adventure. Chief Pankow has served as Rockfords first female Fire Chief since 2021. If she is appointed by the State Senate, she will also be Illinois first female State Fire Marshal, beginning July 14th. As she prepares to step into this new role, Pankow said she is filled with gratitude. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am so incredibly honored to have this opportunity, but I mean, it really was surreal as well because it wasnt something that I expected, the Chief said. Chief Pankow said above all, she is excited to embark on this next chapter in her career. Ive heard a lot of great things about the staff for the State Fire Marshal, and so Im very excited about that, and also excited to get out there and kind of put a face to a name for departments and agencies across the state. Im really excited to understand what my new role is truly going to be like. Pankow served as Rockfords Fire Chief for four years and said it will always be her home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I love the Rockford Fire Department, she said. Its been a family for me for so many years. The department and the city of Rockford, I mean, it really is obviously near and dear to my heart, and so I am very excited that I have this opportunity to kind of, you know, represent. Though her new role requires her to serve in Springfield, Chief Pankow said she knows this isnt a goodbye to Rockford. I dont intend to stop serving, Ill just hopefully do it on a larger scale, the Chief said. For things that impact the folks here in Rockford and things that impact the fire department. I dont know that I want to say farewell, I will just say that Ill be around. She said she is confident in whoever fills her shoes as Rockfords Fire Chief when she leaves her position on July 9th. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The Trump administration must restore hundreds of millions of dollars in AmeriCorps grant funding and thousands of service workers in about two dozen states, a federal judge ruled Thursday. U.S. District Judge Deborah L. Boardman granted a temporary block on the agencys cancellation of grants and early discharge of corps members, but only for the states that sued the administration in April. The federal lawsuit, filed by Democratic state officials across the country, accused President Donald Trumps cost-cutting efforts through the Department of Government Efficiency of reneging on grants funded through the AmeriCorps State and National program, which was budgeted $557 million in congressionally approved funding this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boardman also said all AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps members that were discharged from their service terms early should be reinstated, if they are willing and able to return. But Boardman allowed the 30-year-old federal agency for volunteer service to proceed with its reduction in force, denying the states request to restore the majority of staff that were put on administrative leave in April. The agency employs more than 500 full-time federal workers and has an operating budget of roughly $1 billion. AmeriCorps did not immediately respond to request for comment. The Department of Justice declined to comment. The 30-year-old agency created to facilitate volunteer service across the country oversees several programs that dispatch hundreds of millions of dollars and tens of thousands of people to serve in communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It sends roughly 200,000 corps members across the country as part of its service programs. Most corps members get a living stipend during their service and become eligible for funding for future education expenses or to apply for certain student loans. As part of the AmeriCorps State and National grant program, state volunteer commissions distributed more than $177 million in formula-based distributions, as well as $370 million in competitive grants that supported nearly 35,000 corps members serving at 300 organizations, according to announcements last year. Notices of grants being terminated were sent late on a Friday in April, explaining the award no longer effectuates agency priorities and directing grantees to immediately shut down the projects, according to a copy reviewed by The Associated Press. The states that sued the administration said those extensive and immediate cancellations did not provide the legally required notice and comment period. They said the result would be severely curtailed services and programs for vulnerable populations since states and organizations could not fill the funding void. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AmeriCorps argued in court filings that a temporary block on the agencys actions as the lawsuit proceeds would disrupt efforts to comply with Trumps executive order creating DOGE and to act as responsible stewards of public funds," according to court filings. Despite bipartisan support, AmeriCorps has long been a target of critics who decry bloat, inefficiencies and misuse of funds. President Trump has the legal right to restore accountability to the entire Executive Branch, Anna Kelly, White House deputy press secretary, previously said in a statement after the lawsuit was filed. The lawsuit was filed by officials in Maryland, Delaware, California, Colorado, Arizona, Connecticut, Washington, DC, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin. The Trump administration must restore hundreds of millions of dollars in AmeriCorps grant funding and thousands of service workers in about two dozen states, a federal judge ruled Thursday. U.S. District Judge Deborah L. Boardman granted a temporary block on the agencys cancellation of grants and early discharge of corps members, but only for the states that sued the administration in April. The federal lawsuit, filed by Democratic state officials across the country, accused President Donald Trumps cost-cutting efforts through the Department of Government Efficiency of reneging on grants funded through the AmeriCorps State and National program, which was budgeted $557 million in congressionally approved funding this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boardman also said all AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps members that were discharged from their service terms early should be reinstated, if they are willing and able to return. But Boardman allowed the 30-year-old federal agency for volunteer service to proceed with its reduction in force, denying the states request to restore the majority of staff that were put on administrative leave in April. The agency employs more than 500 full-time federal workers and has an operating budget of roughly $1 billion. AmeriCorps did not immediately respond to request for comment. The Department of Justice declined to comment. The 30-year-old agency created to facilitate volunteer service across the country oversees several programs that dispatch hundreds of millions of dollars and tens of thousands of people to serve in communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It sends roughly 200,000 corps members across the country as part of its service programs. Most corps members get a living stipend during their service and become eligible for funding for future education expenses or to apply for certain student loans. As part of the AmeriCorps State and National grant program, state volunteer commissions distributed more than $177 million in formula-based distributions, as well as $370 million in competitive grants that supported nearly 35,000 corps members serving at 300 organizations, according to announcements last year. Notices of grants being terminated were sent late on a Friday in April, explaining the award no longer effectuates agency priorities and directing grantees to immediately shut down the projects, according to a copy reviewed by The Associated Press. The states that sued the administration said those extensive and immediate cancellations did not provide the legally required notice and comment period. They said the result would be severely curtailed services and programs for vulnerable populations since states and organizations could not fill the funding void. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AmeriCorps argued in court filings that a temporary block on the agencys actions as the lawsuit proceeds would disrupt efforts to comply with Trumps executive order creating DOGE and to act as responsible stewards of public funds, according to court filings. Despite bipartisan support, AmeriCorps has long been a target of critics who decry bloat, inefficiencies and misuse of funds. President Trump has the legal right to restore accountability to the entire Executive Branch, Anna Kelly, White House deputy press secretary, previously said in a statement after the lawsuit was filed. The lawsuit was filed by officials in Maryland, Delaware, California, Colorado, Arizona, Connecticut, Washington, DC, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Despite strong opposition to her nomination from some conservative groups, Penny Schwinn faced relatively light questioning from senators Thursday as she seeks to become second in charge of the U.S. Department of Education. Though Democrats probed where she stands on President Donald Trumps plan to shutter the department, the former Tennessee education commissioner appeared to answer questions to their satisfaction. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter Democratic Sen. Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire pressed nominee Penny Schwinn on whether she supports the Trump administrations cuts to grants for student mental health. (Screenshot) Democratic Sen. Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire homed in on the administrations move to end grants to train and hire K-12 school mental health professionals part of a 2022 law that passed with bipartisan support. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter Do you think that what the department did helps or hurts the communities that were counting on the funding that they were promised? she asked. If confirmed, do you commit to reigning in the chaos and operational failures that we are seeing at the department? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schwinn said the department will open a new competition for those grants and promised to have an efficient, effective and outcomes-oriented department. Related Ed Dept. Axes $1B Mental Health Program Designed to Thwart School Shootings She voiced support for Trumps ultimate goal to eliminate the department and repeatedly said states and local communities are in the best position to make decisions about education. As a charter school founder who served in the Delaware and Texas education agencies before leading Tennessees for four years, Schwinn has a reputation for working across the aisle. She pushed for reading reforms and using pandemic relief funds to implement a statewide tutoring program. A vote on her confirmation is expected in the coming days. What we need to do is ensure that weve created a system that is going to drive outcomes, she told GOP Sen. Jim Banks of Indiana. That is not going to happen from the federal government, whether theres a Department of Education or not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, Schwinn implied that there is a role for the department in ensuring states intervene in their lowest-performing schools. There must be a commitment to ensuring that our most struggling schools improve because our students deserve that, she said. A 2024 report from the Government Accountability Office found that less than half of states are meeting those requirements under the Every Student Succeeds Act. Schwinns tenure in Tennessee, for example, included overseeing a state turnaround effort known as the Achievement School District. Considering it a failure, the state legislature recently shut it down and will try another approach. Theres real tension there, Thomas Toch, director of FutureEd, a think tank at Georgetown University, told The 74. Will the Trump administration make a meaningful commitment to school improvement? Or will [Education Secretary Linda] McMahon and her team dodge that responsibility in the name of local control? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some observers have called Schwinn a smart pick for her focus on improving reading achievement and her attempts to avoid some of the more divisive culture war debates of the post-pandemic era. But to others she has a troubled track record that includes contracts with vendors that gave the appearance of a conflict of interest. On Wednesday, The 74 reported that after Trump nominated her, she registered a new business in Florida with a longtime colleague. While the venture was ultimately dissolved, Schwinns sister replaced her as a manager a few weeks before the nominee submitted her financial disclosure documents. Related Schwinns Business Venture After Nomination to Ed Dept. Could Raise Questions Some parent groups have vehemently opposed her nomination, viewing her as more left-leaning than most Trump nominees. It amazes me that President Trump would consider Penny Schwinn conservative, said Tiffany Boyd, a homeschool advocate who opposed Schwinns plan to conduct well-being checks on students during the pandemic. Schwinn nixed the idea after strong backlash. Boyd also cited a teacher recruitment effort that focused, in part, on attracting more teachers of color efforts that the department now says push illegal diversity, equity and inclusion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But none of that surfaced during the hearing. Even Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri, who has vowed to fight the lefts indoctrination of students, opted to skip direct questions to Schwinn and said he would submit them in writing. The committee interviewed Schwinn as part of a panel, along with Kimberly Richey, Trumps choice to lead the Office for Civil Rights, and two Department of Labor nominees. In that format, the senators focused on issues most important to them for example, Chairman Bill Cassidy emphasized better serving students with dyslexia. Related Ed Dept. Nominee Vows Aggressive Civil Rights Enforcement Despite Mass Layoffs As the Department of Education streamlines educational funding, how can we ensure that resources are there to identify and address an issue, specifically speaking of dyslexia? he asked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schwinn touted Tennessees move to include characteristics of dyslexia as a disability category in its state education funding formula and ramp up screening of students early reading skills. The federal government, she said, could do a better job of guiding states on this issue and sharing lessons from states that have posted the greatest gains in literacy, like Mississippi and Louisiana. Related Trump Cuts Research Lab That Helped Nurture Mississippi Miracle Some advocates are eager to have an educator who prioritized reading instruction at the department. We love her track record of improving student outcomes in Tennessee and talking a bit more technically about literacy and the science of reading which we think having leadership on the federal level around is going to be key, said Keri Rodrigues, president of the National Parents Foundation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But she stressed that it was federally funded research, now at risk under the Trump administration, that informed those improvements. The research and the funding for all these state miracles, she said, come from regional and federal efforts which I think a lot of folks are forgetting. By Lewis Krauskopf NEW YORK (Reuters) -After months of Wall Street gyrations to the twists and turns of U.S. trade policy, signs suggest stock investors are becoming more resilient to developments and cautiously defaulting to optimism that they have weathered the worst of the tariff-related shocks. U.S. equities have edged higher over the past two weeks as they digest a sharp rally that has brought the benchmark S&P 500 within 3% of its February record high, fueled in part by easing fears about the economic fallout from tariffs. A case in point: stocks ended Monday's session higher even as markets had grappled with President Donald Trump's announcement of doubling steel tariffs to 50%. Trump's stunning "Liberation Day" tariff announcement on April 2 sent stocks plunging and set off some of the most extreme market swings since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic five years ago. Since then, volatility measures have moderated considerably, and, with the market's rebound, there are signs that technical damage from the slide has healed. Still, investors are mindful that markets remain susceptible to daily swings stemming from negotiations between the U.S. and trading partners as key deadlines near in coming weeks, with elevated valuations making stocks more vulnerable to disappointments. "What has allowed this almost full recovery in the stock market hinges on the negotiations that are now under way," said Angelo Kourkafas, senior investment strategist at Edward Jones. "Markets, consumers and businesses have vested interest that we get clarity sooner than later," Kourkafas said. "So potentially it's going to be a critical summer that is going to test the market's momentum." After falling to the brink of confirming a bear market on April 8, the S&P 500 has surged back nearly 20% and erased its losses for the year. Near the halfway mark of 2025, the index is now up 1.5%. While Trump's tariffs remain a risk, the market no longer is perceiving them as "this big outlier event," said Keith Lerner, co-chief investment officer at Truist Advisory Services. "We went through a period where the only thing that mattered for the markets was tariffs," Lerner said. "And now we are in a period where tariffs still matter, but they are not the only thing that matters." Truist is among the firms becoming more upbeat on the outlook for equities, with RBC Capital Markets and Barclays this week lifting their year-end targets for the S&P 500. Deutsche Bank strategists this week boosted their year-end target to 6,550, about 10% above current levels, as they cited a less severe expected tariffs hit to corporate profits. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. The remains of hunter-gatherers excavated in the Altiplano region of Colombia were part of a previously unknown genetic lineage that disappeared at least 2,000 years ago. | Credit: Ana Maria Groot/Universidad Nacional de Colombia A new analysis of ancient DNA from hunter-gatherers who lived millennia to centuries ago has revealed a previously unknown genetic lineage of humans who lived in what is now Colombia. People of this lineage lived near present-day Bogota around 6,000 years ago but disappeared around 4,000 years later, according to a study published May 28 in the journal Science Advances . The findings could shed light on major cultural changes that occurred during that time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's thought that the first Americans journeyed along the Bering Land Bridge from Asia during the last ice age and arrived in North America at least 23,000 years ago, according to trackways found at White Sands National Park in New Mexico. It's still debated when the first people arrived in South America, but there's evidence of people at the site of Monte Verde II, in Chile, from 14,550 years ago . Some of the early Indigenous people who reached South America settled in the Altiplano, a plateau near what is now Bogota. This region underwent several cultural shifts during the Early and Middle Holocene (11,700 to 4,000 years ago), and researchers already knew about the development of a type of ceramic pottery that emerged during the Herrera period beginning about 2,800 years ago. But how this technology came to the area is still a matter of debate. To investigate ancient population movements in the region, researchers sequenced genomes using samples from the bones and teeth of 21 skeletons from five archaeological sites in the Altiplano spanning a period of 5,500 years. These included seven genomes from a site known as Checua dating back 6,000 years, nine from the Herrera period around 2,000 years ago, three from the Muisca period, whose remains date to 1,200 to 500 years ago, and two from Guane populations north of Bogota about 530 years ago. "These are the first ancient human genomes from Colombia ever to be published," study co-author Cosimo Posth , a paleogeneticist at the University of Tubingen in Germany, said in a statement . Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The genomes from the Checua site belonged to a relatively small group of hunter-gatherers, the team found. Their DNA isn't particularly similar to that of Indigenous North American groups, nor to any ancient or modern populations in Central or South America. "Our results show that the Checua individuals derive from the earliest population that spread and differentiated across South America very rapidly," study co-author Kim-Louise Krettek , a doctoral student at the Senckenberg Center for Human Evolution and Paleoenvironment at the University of Tubingen, said in the statement. A view of the Altiplano, where an ancient lineage of hunter-garthers lived near what is now Bogota, Colombia. | Credit: William Usaquen/Universidad Nacional de Colombia But some 4,000 years later, that population had completely vanished. Evidence of their DNA wasn't present in later groups who inhabited the region, either. "We couldn't find descendants of these early hunter-gatherers of the Colombian high plains the genes were not passed on," Krettek said. "That means in the area around Bogota there was a complete exchange of the population." The findings suggest that cultural changes that occurred at the start of the Herrera period, such as the more widespread use of ceramics, were brought into the region by migrating groups from Central America into South America sometime between 6,000 and 2,000 years ago. "In addition to technological developments such as ceramics, the people of this second migration probably also brought the Chibchan languages into what is present-day Colombia," study co-author Andrea Casas-Vargas , a geneticist at the National University of Colombia, said in the statement. "Branches of this language family are still spoken in Central America today." Chibchan speakers were widespread in the Altiplano at the time of European contact, and genetic markers linked to people who spoke Chibchan languages first appeared there 2,000 years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RELATED STORIES Newly discovered 'ghost' lineage linked to ancient mystery population in Tibet, DNA study finds 'Mystery population' of human ancestors gave us 20% of our genes and may have boosted our brain function Unknown human lineage lived in 'Green Sahara' 7,000 years ago, ancient DNA reveals The Chibchan-related ancestry may have spread and mixed with other groups on multiple occasions. The genetic composition of later Altiplano individuals is more similar to that of pre-Hispanic individuals from Panama than to Indigenous Colombians, suggesting some mixing in Colombia. Ancient remains from Venezuela also carry some Chibchan-related ancestry, though they aren't as closely linked to ancient Colombians. This suggests the possibility of multiple Chibchan language expansions into South America. Future studies could involve sequencing more ancient genomes in the Altiplano and nearby regions, the researchers wrote in the study. Such research might help narrow down when Central American populations arrived in the region and how widespread they became. Andrew Cuomo faced a two-hour pile-on Wednesday as eight other Democrats vying for the partys nomination for New York City mayor spent their first debate attempting to knock the former governor off his perch. Cuomo faced attacks over his management of the coronavirus pandemic and the sexual harassment allegations that drove him out of the governors office. In particular, he sparred with his biggest progressive rival, state assemblyman Zohran Mamdani. All of them sought to demonstrate that theyd be best able to stand up to President Donald Trump, a native New Yorker who has frequently targeted his hometown. The Trump administration earlier in the day escalated its fight with Columbia University, on the citys Upper West Side, declaring the school doesnt meet accreditation standards due to its failure to protect Jewish students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many used the current mayor, Eric Adams, as a foil after Trumps Justice Department dropped its corruption investigation against him. Adams dropped out of the Democratic primary and is seeking re-election as an independent. Ultimately, in the first of two debates before the June 24 primary, there was no obvious breakout moment to change the dynamics of the race, with Cuomo as the front-runner and Mamdani seen as a leading progressive challenger. The underdogs often talked over each other and the moderators as they vied for attention. They wouldnt answer when asked who they plan to rank second on their primary ballots, even though second-place votes could be crucial as low performers are winnowed out by New Yorks ranked-choice system. Heres a look at what happened. Progressives gang up against Cuomo Cuomos more progressive rivals piled on early and often. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mamdani repeatedly cast Cuomo as beholden to his campaigns donors, accusing Cuomo of caring more about billionaires and wealthy corporations than working-class New Yorkers. City Comptroller Brad Lander said he would rid New York City of corruption, taking seemingly a shot at both Cuomo and Adams. Cuomo positioned himself as the moderate on a stage of far-left candidates the same thing Adams is trying to do against Cuomo. The mayor is casting the former governor as to blame for progressive cannabis and bail reform laws that Adams says have made it tougher to combat crime. At times, Cuomo sought to redirect blame for New York Citys problems to his opponents, many of whom have held offices in city government. And he insisted his campaign finances wont affect his actions in office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even when Cuomo was talking tough about taking on Trump If you give into him today, you will be giving him your lunch money for the rest of your life, he said his rivals jumped in. Cuomo said that the way you fight him is not by suing him. Yes, of course you sue him, but he gets sued ten times before he gets out of bed in the morning. Lander jumped in and said: Kind of like you. And the lawsuits, were winning, by the way, said Adrienne Adams, the city council speaker. Cuomo vs. Mamdani Mamdani tore into Cuomo repeatedly. Cuomo returned the favor often. The former governor said Mamdani is very good on Twitter and with videos, a nod to his virality on social media, but said he produces nothing. Cuomo, whose lead in the race has been powered by Black voters, brought up old Twitter posts Mamdani made in 2013 in which he said former President Barack Obama had shown that that the lesser evil is still pretty damn evil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And he said Mamdani, whose name he occasionally mispronounced, was too inexperienced and would be no match for the current president. Donald Trump would go through Mr. Mamdani like a hot knife through butter, Cuomo said. Hes been in government 27 minutes, hes passed 3 bills, thats all hes done, he has no experience with Washington, no experience with New York City - he would be Trumps delight. Mamdani responded that he doesnt have experience with corrupt Trump billionaires a dig at Cuomos donors and pointed to his work winning debt relief for taxi drivers. During a discussion about holding food delivery services accountable for the way delivery drivers use e-bikes, Mamdani pointed to a $1 million donation made to a super PAC backing Cuomo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I find it ridiculous to hear Andrew Cuomo talk about how we need to regulate the apps, Mamdani said. How are you going to regulate DoorDash when they are giving you a million dollars to influence your street safety regulations and your labor regulations? Cuomo reiterated that he thinks the apps should be held responsible. I work for the people of the state of New York, the people of the city of New York, he said. I dont care who gave me what, I do what is right. Cuomo takes heat on sexual harassment allegations Cuomo faced pointed questions about the sexual harassment allegations that forced him out of the governors office in 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former state assemblyman Michael Blake, a little more than half an hour into the debate, was the first to raise them. The people who dont feel safe are the young women, mothers and grandmothers around Andrew Cuomo, Blake said. Thats the greatest threat to public safety in New York City. Cuomo ignored Blakes attack, instead criticizing rivals for backing calls to defund the police. Blake immediately highlighted Cuomos non-answer. Later, moderators asked Cuomo, during a portion of the debate focused on the candidates biggest regrets, what he would say to voters who wonder if the same situation would happen again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I said at the time that if I offended anyone, it was unintentional, but I apologize, and I say that today, he said. The field backs away from defund the police Six years after New York Democrats passed bail reform and five years after Defund the Police became a rallying cry among progressives in the city and nationwide, the rare thing that most candidates could agree on was distancing themselves from both. That included Cuomo, who as governor signed the bail reform law, which stopped prisoners from being held on bail for most misdemeanors and non-violent offenses, including drug charges, and state senators Zellnor Myrie and Jessica Ramos as well as Blake, who all voted for the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That criminal justice reform change was a huge priority for progressives at the time but has been blamed for spiking crime rates in the city and raising recidivist rates. It has already been amended several times. We had to do that, but we need to make it different and stronger now, Blake said. That means we have to hold repeat offenders more accountable, be much more attentive to that degree. Most candidates spoke about the need for more police on the beat. We need to put cops on the beat, working with the small businesses to root out the people who are constantly coming back to do this. But we also have to make sure that the people who are doing the stealing also have opportunities to get them the housing and the services that they need, former comptroller Scott Stringer said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have never called for defunding the police and I never will, Adams said. The exception was Mamdani, who has opposed any of the rollbacks to the bail reform laws and supported the Defund calls. Mamdani called for sustaining the head count at the Police Department, but said, I want to listen to police officers who are leaving in droves from the department because theyre being asked to do the work of mental health professionals and social workers. Alignment on immigration The candidates also aligned on immigration and opposing Trumps plans to carry out the largest deportation operation in U.S. history. The candidates were asked how they would respond to a hypothetical situation in which ICE notified city-run hospitals that they would be cut off from federal funding unless they stop offering care to undocumented migrants. You cannot give in to Mr. Trump and his demands, Cuomo said. You cannot. He said he would not just sue the administration but work to build a national coalition against it. Investor Whitney Tilson said he was appalled by what Trump is doing to terrorize immigrant communities and he would fight him tooth and nail on the issue. Lander said he was proud to co-sponsor the citys sanctuary laws. Forty percent of the 8 million New Yorkers are foreign born, 50% live in mixed-status households, including 1 million children, Lander said. This is the future of New York City that were talking about. Ramos said that she wants to make sure that immigrants in the city can work. It will be my responsibility as mayor of the city of New York to create entry points into the economy, so that they can stay busy, provide for themselves and for their families, and honor the fabric of this city and of this country which cannot function, whose future wont be brighter, without our immigrants, she said. Several candidates mentioned their own ties to immigration. Mamdani, who was born in Uganda and is a naturalized US citizen, noted he would be the first immigrant mayor of the city and referenced a recent attack from a Republican city councilwoman who called for him to be deported. Blake said that he is the son of Jamaican immigrants and Myrie said his parents, who were in the U.S. illegally at the time, relied on city hospitals when he had an asthma attack as a child. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo got heated and raised his voice as he faced attacks Wednesday on everything from sexual harassment accusations against him and nursing home deaths in New York during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cuomo stood at center stage in the Democratic mayoral primary debate amid a pile up of criticism from the eight other candidates during a fiery NBC-Politico Democratic primary mayoral debate. No, we didnt undercount any deaths, Cuomo loudly insisted during one particularly heated moment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The harshest attack arguably came from the Rev. Michael Blake, a former Obama administration official, who scathingly evoked the sexual harassment accusations that led to the former governors resignation. Ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo appeared to get heated and raised his voice as he insisted nursing home deaths were not undercounted in New York during the COVID-19 pandemic. NBC 4 The people who dont feel safe are young women, mothers and grandmothers around Andrew Cuomo, Blake said. Thats the greatest threat to public safety in New York City. Cuomo, who has vehemently denied the accusations from 11 women, uncharacteristically declined to respond. Blake then seized the opportunity to send a message to to women watching the live debate. Cuomo has also been criticized by the eight other candidates running for mayor. NBC 4 Everyone woman watching tonight, he was just given a chance to acknowledge the clear claims and he ignored it, Blake said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Cuomo didnt stay silent when speaking about coronavirus death in nursing homes. He got animated as he insisted nursing home deaths were not undercounted and also refused to say if he edited his administrations controversial report on the deaths the lynchpin of the investigation into his time as governor by the Department of Justice. Ex-Obama official, Rev. Michael Blake, arguably delivered the harshest attack on the former governor, citing his sexual harassment accusations that led to his resignation in 2021. NBC 4 There was no doubt that my administration produced the report, and it did not undercount the deaths, Cuomo eventually said but continued to defend his record. Cuomo said COVID deaths were counted where they occurred in hospitals or nursing homes. But many of the 15,000 nursing home residents or patients died after they were gravely ill and transported to hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And a damning 2021 report by state Attorney General Letitia James found that New Yorks nursing-home death toll from COVID-19 may be more than 50% higher than Cuomos administration initially reported. An audit in 2022 by state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli also concluded the state Health Department intentionally misled the public about the number of nursing home deaths from COVID-19 to help burnish Cuomos reputation before a sexual harassment scandal forced him to resign as governor claims he denied. Its very, its very clear thats the Trump line, the MAGA line, Cuomo claimed. The moderators continued to push the ex-gov, but he refused to answer. Cuomo declined to respond as Blake went on to say, Everyone woman watching tonight, he was just given a chance to acknowledge the clear claims and he ignored it. NBC 4 I was very aware of the report, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cuomo also dismissed a reported Justice Department probe that lied to Congress during his testimony about his handling of the pandemic. No, I told Congress the truth, he said. Rivals pounced. Brad Lander, the city comptroller, accused Cuomo of lying to Congress and grieving nursing home families. Blake accused Cuomo of refusing to answer the questions. At least 4,000 residents died after Cuomos administration issued a controversial March 25, 2020 mandate for nursing homes to admit medically stable coronavirus patients. Critics have argued the mandate led to the deaths. Blue Jay Gold has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Whitehorse Gold, a subsidiary of Tincorp Metals, which holds the Skukum Gold Project in Yukon, Canada. The transaction is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2025 (Q3 2025), subject to certain conditions and approvals. Under the terms of the agreement, Blue Jay will pay Tincorp C$300,000 ($219,016) in cash and/or equity at closing, with an additional C$275,000 due on the one-year anniversary. Blue Jay Gold CEO Geordie Mark said: The Blue Jay team is thrilled to be assuming stewardship of the Skukum Au-Ag Project, a large-scale, high potential asset spanning approximately 170km. The project already hosts close to one million ounces of gold-equivalent resources and benefits from excellent existing infrastructure, which positions us well to advance it efficiently and responsibly. This acquisition aligns perfectly with our philosophy of conducting greenfields exploration in brownfields environments, similar to our current portfolio of projects in Ontario, where we see real opportunity to unlock value through focused, cost-effective work. A C$25,000 deposit was previously made by Blue Jay upon signing a letter of intent. Furthermore, Blue Jay has committed to an incentive payment of $5/oz of gold equivalent identified beyond two million ounces (moz) within five years, as per an updated technical report. The acquisition also includes an obligation for Blue Jay to manage the reclamation of the project site, which features a 50-man camp, geological facilities, a process plant and exploration roads. The reclamation is associated with an approximately C$2.93m security demand from the Yukon Government. Blue Jay must secure capital to meet this demand as part of the transaction conditions. Tincorp interim CEO Victor Feng said: This transaction represents an important step forward in Tincorps strategy to sharpen our focus on our Bolivian projects and pursue new exploration and acquisition opportunities. It also ensures that the Skukum Gold Project is transferred to a steward looking to undertake responsible exploration in the Yukon. At the same time, the transaction allows us to retain potential upside exposure to the project through a prospective equity interest in Blue Jay, a company focused on conducting lower-cost, responsible exploration across its gold projects in Ontario and now the Yukon." Blue Jay Gold recently completed a spin-out of Riverside resources and the latter recently announced the successful distribution of Blue Jay Gold shares to its shareholders following a spin-out arrangement effective 22 May 2025. AUSTINTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) Angela Lissman, 71, passed away Thursday, May 29, 2025, with family by her side. She was born May 12, 1954, in Youngstown to Salvatore and Rose Pascarella Wash. Find obituaries from your high school She was a lifelong resident of Youngstown. Angela married Donald Lissman on January 24, 1982 and celebrated 42 years together before he passed on January 29, 2025. She was a homemaker for many years and dedicated her time to taking care of her two daughters, Danielle and Katie. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Angelas passion for family and her generous spirit will be remembered fondly by all who knew her. She leaves to cherish her memory, her daughter, Katie (Matt) Cooley of Georgia; sister, Patricia Wash of Youngstown; nephew, Dominic Wash of Youngstown and four grandchildren, Kaylee Smith of Boardman and Leah, Alexis and Hunter Cooley of Georgia. Angela was preceded in death by her parents, daughter, Danielle and her husband, Donald. There will be no calling hours and a celebration of life will take place at a later time. Arrangements have been entrusted to the professional care of the Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Avenue in Boardman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Family and Friends are encouraged to offer prayers for the family and support via phone call, text or email or you may visit the Book of Memories at www.rossifunerals.com. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Angela Lissman, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store. A television tribute will air Friday, June 6 at the following approximate times: 6:47 a.m. on WYTV, 9:43 a.m. on WKBN, 10:58 a.m. on FOX and 8:12 p.m. on MyYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HIGHLANDS, N.J. (WFXR) There she is, there she is, Fish on, fish on, shouted Chuck Manny as a huge striped bass began to peel line off a reel off the coast of northern New Jersey. Manny is an angler, one of the top striped bass sportfishermen around, but in this case, his fish-catching efforts are all in the name of science. Every striped bass Manny and the people on his boat catch is tagged and tracked for research. Manny is one of thousands of charter captains and anglers who tag fish through a research program run by Gray Fish Tag Research. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We tag and we research fish migrations, said Roxanne Wilmer of Gray Fish Tag Research. We work with charter captains all around the world, so we have about 10-thousand charter captains we work with. What they do as theyre releasing fish, theyre tagging them with our tags. Virginia group helps families create lifetime memories through fishing Gray uses two types of tags. One is a spaghetti tag: a thin green tube with a tag number on one side and a phone number and web address for Gray on the other. Anglers who catch a fish with those tags are asked to call the number or visit the website to report it. That way, researchers can track the movement of where the fish was caught the first time and then every time after. Knowing those migrations is vital to understanding fish behavior. It is not uncommon to find a fish tagged in Virginia or Maryland several months later off the coast of New York or Massachusetts. Green spaghetti tag & tagging card from Gray Fish Tag Research (Photo: George Noleff/ WFXR News) The other type of tag is a satellite tag. It stays on the fish for six months, collecting data on movement, depth, and water temperature. After six months, it detaches on its own and floats to the surface, where the data is uploaded to a satellite. That data is collected by Gray. Though to stay primarily coastal, those satellite tags have found striped bass range farther out into the Atlantic Ocean than previously thought. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More Outdoors Bound stories on WFXRtv.com On this day, the species of interest was Atlantic striped bass or stripers as they are commonly known. Striped bass are a keystone species. Found in the waters of every U.S. state from Florida to Maine, they are a vital part of the commercial and sportfishing economies of those states, accounting for billions of dollars in economic impact. A striped bass with a satellite tracker tag is about to be released in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Highlands, N.J. (Photo: George Noleff) As of late, striper numbers are down due to poor spawns and other factors. That makes knowing as much about them as possible, maybe more important than ever before. The data collected by Gray is made available for free to fisheries managers and researchers. BIG Ol Fish for May 30, 2025!!! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So that we can get a better idea of their behavior and migration, but not just because its static, but because it changes as well, said Stockton University researcher and professor Dr. Adam Aguiar. These fish are an important natural resource, not just to anglers, but to everybody, and theyre an important aspect of the food chain, too. Aguiar was one of a number of people on Mannys boat that day. In addition to researching stripers, he loves to catch them. Catching them is the only way to get tags into them. In this case, Manny was trolling live eels, a bait stripers find delectable. Chuck Manny explains the art of catching striped bass (Photo: George Noleff) It was not long before Manny started boating stripers, sometimes three and four at a time, in a scene that looked like organized chaos with anglers running for rods bowed double as huge striped bass peeled line off of reels. Mayhems good, laughed Manny. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And it is in this case because these fish are being caught and released for science, mayhem is good, and that is something Manny feels good about because it helps to preserve this iconic species he loves. SEE THE LATEST OUTDOORS BOUND COOL VIDEO!!! The only thing that I know is that I dont know, and thats why its so important to do all this research on these fish, said Manny. They have tails, they go where they want to go. They go where the bait goes; the temperature, whatever it is. All those satellite tags just prove that none of us really know, and thats why you need to do more research. Once a fish is caught, things move quickly. The striper is measured and weighed, tagged, and then released back into the water. The tags are inserted into the back muscle. It does not hurt or affect the fish. An Atlantic striped bass is tagged for research by Gray Fish Tag Research (Photo: George Noleff) While Atlantic striped bass can be found from the Canadian Maritimes to Florida at various times of the year, the vast majority are spawned and reared in three places: The Chesapeake Bay, Delaware Bay, and the Hudson River. In the spring, schools of large striped bass are often found off New Jersey and New York. Because of their migratory nature, they have a wide-ranging effect on the sport and commercial fisheries of the entire East Coast. That is why a Virginia charter captain was on this trip, doing his part to help preserve a species that he will target next winter when he runs charters out of Cape Charles, Virginia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fish that were tagging today are the same fish that were catching in the Chesapeake Bay in December and January, said Captain Johnny Mathena of Patriot Fishing Charters. They are a migratory fish. We are tagging them so we can follow their migration patterns. Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center rehabilitating bobcat kitten Knowing as much about striped bass can help fisheries managers reverse the downward trend in their numbers to prevent what happened in the 1980s when the species nearly collapsed and a fishing moratorium had to be instituted for several years until they rebounded in the 1990s. If you dont have data, then you dont know whats going on with the fishery, said Wilmer. We have actual hands-on data. We get countless recoveries every week. If you dont have that information, then how do you know what the fish are actually doing? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is part of a continuing occasional series on efforts to preserve Atlantic striped bass, which are Virginias state saltwater fish and vital to the economies of every Atlantic coast state. On the day of this story, Gray Fish Tag Research held its annual Striper Quest, a one-day tournament effort to catch and tag as many striped bass as possible. More than 200 fish were tagged for research on that day. Tagged and ready for release (Photo: George Noleff) Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ANNISTON The Anniston Changers are back this summer with another opportunity for residents to roll up their sleeves and give back to the community. Volunteers are invited to join the city-led beautification effort on Saturday, June 28, from 8 to 11 a.m., as the Anniston Changers partner with the Northeast Alabama Bicycle Association to clean and revitalize Michael Tucker Park and the Chief Ladiga Trail. According to Jackson Hodges, Annistons director of public relations, the event is about more than just picking up trash it's a way for neighbors to connect while investing in the shared spaces that help define Annistons outdoor culture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This volunteer event is a great opportunity to give back, meet neighbors and help preserve one of Annistons most valued outdoor spaces, Hodges said in a news release. Participants will have the option to begin at one of two designated starting points: the Anniston Amtrak Multimodal Center downtown or Michael Tucker Park in the western part of the city. From there, teams will work toward each other along the trail, covering the biking and walking path that links communities across Calhoun County. Michael Tucker Park, located at the trails western edge in Anniston, includes green space, a playground and access to the trail. The Anniston Changers initiative began in 2021 with the goal of empowering residents to be directly involved in the upkeep and improvement of public spaces. Since then, the group has organized regular cleanups and beautification events across the city, often partnering with civic groups, schools and nonprofits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Anniston Changers is a community-driven movement, and every event is a chance to strengthen our city from the ground up," Hodges said. Volunteers can register online at www.annistonal.gov/anniston-changers, and additional event details can be found on the citys website. For more information, contact Hodges at jhodges@annistonal.gov. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) in a file photo from 2019. (Photo courtesy Immigration and Customs Enforcement) By Jose Umana The D.C. regions largest Salvadoran festival and one of the areas largest Latino heritage events has been canceled due to fears surrounding immigration policies put on by the Trump administration. Organizers for Salvadorenisimo Festival told WTOP the annual event, which was set to take place at the Montgomery County Agricultural Fairgrounds in Gaithersburg, has been canceled for this year. It normally takes place in September around the time of Independence Day in El Salvador, Sept. 15, and Hispanic Heritage Month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Organizers told WTOP they did not want to put those in the audience in danger of possible raids from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. The event welcomes thousands of people for musical performances, comedic skits and food. The festival was set to celebrate its 20th anniversary this year. The D.C. region is home to one of the largest Salvadoran populations in the country. The U.S. Census reports Salvadorans represents more than a quarter of the Latino population in Maryland and D.C. Local outlet Telemundo 44 was the first to report the events cancellation. Concerts and events around the country have been affected because of immigration policies being pushed by the Trump administration. In April, Michelada Fest a two-day music festival in Chicago was canceled after performers experienced issues with visas. As part of Maryland Matters content sharing agreement with WTOP, we feature this article from Jose Umana. Click here for the WTOP News website. MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) An annual festival in the DMV wont be taking place this year. The people who host it say they canceled it because of the political climate and fear of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The celebration of El Salvadors Independence Day normally takes place in Montgomery County in September. It highlights Salvadoran food, music and culture at the county fairgrounds. However, the festivals organizers say there is a real concern that federal agents could target undocumented migrants who attend it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Can you still visit the countries listed under Trumps travel ban? DC News Now talked to Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich about the groups decision. The idea that we have to cancel a celebration because people are afraid that ICE will target it is really sad, and I totally understand why they feel that way, Elrich said. Organizers say theyre hoping to bring the festival back next year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation uncovered a suspected stash house in Mercedes, Texas, on June 2, resulting in the apprehension of 16 undocumented immigrants, authorities said. The operation began after ICE received an anonymous tip on June 1, reporting that multiple undocumented individuals were being harbored at a residence. ICE contacted the Mercedes Police Department, which conducted a welfare check. The property owner admitted to harboring approximately 16 people inside the home. This operation underscores the critical role that the public and local law enforcement partners play in identifying and disrupting human smuggling operations, ICE Homeland Security Investigations Rio Grande Valley Deputy Special Agent in Charge Mark Lippa said. Transnational criminal networks continue to endanger lives for profit. ICE will relentlessly pursue those who exploit vulnerable individuals for financial gain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 16 individuals, identified as nationals of Nepal, Albania, Mexico, Honduras, and Guatemala, were taken into custody for immigration violations. Authorities are questioning a Mexican national for possible involvement in human smuggling. The investigation remains ongoing, with support from ICEs Enforcement and Removal Operations, U.S. Border Patrol, and U.S. Customs and Border Protections Office of Field Operations. Authorities encourage the public to report suspicious activity related to human smuggling by calling 866-347-2423 or submitting anonymous tips via ICEs online tip form. Researchers at AI startup Anthropic are warning that the next decade could be difficult for some workers as artificial intelligence rapidly advances and begins replacing desk jobs. The pair predicted widespread automation of white-collar work could happen within just a few years. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei has said that AI may soon take over half of all entry-level office jobs Humans may be in for a pretty terrible decade as AI automates more white-collar work while progress in robotics lags behind, according to Anthropic researchers. Speaking to AI podcaster Dwarkesh Patel, Anthropics Sholto Douglas said he predicted there would be a drop in white-collar workers over the next two to five years, even if current AI progress stalls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is this whole spectrum of crazy futures. But the one that I feel were almost guaranteed to getthis is a strong statement to makeis one where, at the very least, you get a drop in white-collar workers at some point in the next five years, he said. I think its very likely in two, but it seems almost overdetermined in five. The current suite of algorithms is sufficient to automate white-collar work provided you have enough of the right kinds of data, he added. Trenton Bricken, a member of the technical staff at Anthropic, seconded his fellow researchers point, saying: We should expect to see them automated within the next five years. The discourse around AI job losses has been heating up recently, with some major tech figures acknowledging that the technology will have at least some effect on desk jobs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an interview with CNNs Anderson Cooper last month, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei predicted that within five years, AI could automate away up to 50% of all entry-level white-collar jobs. Nvidias Jensen Huang has also said every job will be affected by AI, but predicted that workers would be more likely to lose their jobs to an AI-enhanced colleague rather than have it purely automated. Companies like Shopify and Duolingo are already slashing hiring for roles AI can handle. According to Revelio Labs data cited by Business Insider, there has also been a steep drop in job postings for high-exposure positions like IT and data analysis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While some companies, like fintech Klarna, have walked back aggressive AI adoption due to quality concerns, most seem to be committed to using some form of AI to shrink white-collar workforces. AI is already automating some work AI is already proving it can handle coding and a wide range of desk jobs, raising the possibility of a future where machines do the thinking, and humans are left with the hands-on work. Douglas said this scenario could lead to a pretty terrible decade before things start to improve for the better. Imagine a world where people have lost their jobs, and you havent yet got novel biological research. That means peoples quality of life isnt dramatically better, he said. A decade or two after, the world is fantastic. Robotics is solved, and you get to radical abundance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anthropic has recently unveiled its latest generation of cutting-edge AI models, Claude Opus 4 and Claude Sonnet 4. The models represent a significant leap in AIs coding ability, beating out Google and OpenAIs most advanced offerings. One early tester of Claude Opus 4 said the model coded autonomously for nearly seven hours after being deployed on a complex project. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com WILSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) A man was taken into custody after local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies worked together to investigate multiple arson incidents in Middle Tennessee and Kentucky. The Wilson County Sheriffs Office said its detectives have been investigating a series of arsons that happened in recent weeks. While none of the fires resulted in injuries, each property was completely destroyed and considered a total loss, according to authorities. Gallatin home explosion leaves at least 1 injured Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the course of the investigation, officials said they discovered similar arson incidents took place across multiple localities during the same time period, including Spring Hill, Davidson County, and parts of Kentucky. Due to the multi-jurisdictional nature of the case, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives have reportedly helped the sheriffs office and the other agencies involved. On Thursday, June 5, law enforcement announced the investigation led to the arrest of Charlie Aguayo, who is being held in the Wilson County Jail on an $80,000 bond. The Antioch man faces three counts of arson and one count of criminal trespassing. Home ruled total loss following fire in Putnam County Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sheriffs office said detectives have also identified juvenile co-conspirators, but no additional details have been released about this ongoing investigation. Meanwhile, the Spring Hill Fire Department shared a post about Aguayos arrest, describing it as a follow-up from two previous suspicious fires on Jim Warren Road. The SHFD Fire Investigation Unit and the Spring Hill Police Department reportedly assisted in the Arson Task Force. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Neighbors along Antioch Pike have weighed in on a project designed to improve safety, mobility, and the environment its drawn mixed reactions. The Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure is working to slow traffic and make streets safer for pedestrians across Metro. That effort includes repurposing used tires as delineators, similar to the ones on Antioch Pike. The four-lane road was kind of a nuisance to us, Glencliff resident Alec McCain said. It was dangerous; it was noisy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS: Crews using recycled tires to create bike lanes on Antioch Pike Alec McCain has lived in the Glencliff neighborhood for the last three years, and his biggest concern has always been speeding and pedestrian safety. People would speed all the time, McCain said. It is a 35 mile-per-hour speed limit, but there are constantly people going 50- 60 plus miles per hour particularly at night time. In April, NDOT launched a temporary redesign and reduced Antioch Pike from four lanes to two. They used recycled tires to create lane dividers as part of a tactical urbanism project, which is a lower-cost way to test street designs before making them permanent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For McCain, the change has brought peace of mind. Now, with having that one-lane buffer between the cars and the sidewalk here on Antioch Pike it just feels much more safe, McCain said. Im able to take my dog and let him on a longer leash. I am able to let my 2-and-a-half-year-old ride his scooter down the road. Three months into the project, the conversation around their effectiveness has picked up again as NDOT has started maintaining and restriping the area. They seem kind of pointless, Glencliff neighborhood resident Cazzie Olko said. When I looked out my door, I used to see all my pretty flowers, neighbor Hillary Sims said. Now I see are these skunky-looking used tires. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Critics of these tire delineators argue that they do little to protect pedestrians and slow down traffic, instead creating a cluttered appearance and exacerbating traffic delays. It does not slow down traffic; people stomp on it as soon as they get turned, Sims explained. A lot of the high school kids walk past every morning. I wave to them. We have sidewalks really nice sidewalks all the way up and down on both sides of the street, so if we wanted to do that elsewhere, there arent sidewalks on any of the other streets. RELATED: Introduction of bike lanes along Antioch Pike sparks debate NDOT explained the one-mile stretch will be studied again six months after installation to assess the delineators impact and consider a long-term, permanent solution. In the meantime, they have a dedicated webpage for community reviews. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not the prettiest thing to look at, but Ive always reminded people that its a temporary and low-cost way to trial this, McCain 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. As a verdict in the Karen Read murder retrial looms in the coming weeks, John OKeefes cousin told Boston 25 theyre ready for the nightmare to be somewhat over. Vanessa Rizzitano, OKeefes cousin, explained, Its nerves. Its anxiety. All you have to do is just hope we can get justice for him. Rizzitano lived with OKeefe when she was a child and again as a recent college graduate. She stayed at his Canton home in 2018 with OKeefes nephew and niece. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He would make time for everybody, really put everybody before himself, she said Thursday. He didnt use the fact our family was huge as an excuse. Rizzitano has been sitting alongside her extended family in court as the Karen Read murder retrial nears its end. She added, Im like, How do my aunt and my uncle and my little cousins and his brother and his wife -- how do they even get through each day? The Massachusetts native lived with OKeefe for roughly 6 months, then moved to upstate New York for work. She is also a former employee of Boston 25, where she worked as a writer for the stations broadcasts. On a short trip back home to Massachusetts in late 2021, she texted her cousin to catch up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was like, Oh, lets get together with the kids. Like, lets do something. Lets get together, she explained. Life got in the way, we got busy, and it never happened. She tearfully continued, I like, literally beat myself up about that every day because its the last time I wouldve seen my cousin alive. With only a few more weeks expected until a verdict, the OKeefe family is waiting for answers and time to finally grieve after a case thats gained regional and international attention. Rizzitano said her familys been subject to hate in public and online, receiving comments like, Johnny deserved a better family, He should be ashamed of his family... Like all of this nasty stuff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked what she thinks OKeefe wouldve thought of all of this, she said, I know that Johnny would be really ashamed and hurt. Day 28 of testimony is expected to resume Friday morning at Norfolk County Superior Court. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW The British Business Bank has appointed Julia Bond as nonexecutive board director and chair of its remuneration committee. Her appointment as board director was effective from 19 May, and she will assume the role of chair of the remuneration committee from 1 July, the bank said in its press statement. Bond has extensive experience in global finance, public service, and long-term investment. She currently holds nonexecutive positions at Impax Asset Management, International Public Partnerships, UK Strategic Command, and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. British Business Bank chair Stephen Welton said: Julia brings with her a great deal of capability and experience in both the private and public sector, and I am pleased to welcome her onto the board of the British Business Bank. She joins at a pivotal time for the bank, at which we are set to play an even bigger role in shaping the future of the UK economy as a major catalyst to drive growth and access to finance, whilst helping to crowd in greater institutional investment. Bond was previously a senior executive at Credit Suisse, where she led global fixed-income businesses and managed relationships with sovereign wealth funds, central banks, and institutional investors across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. She has also served as a nonexecutive director for the National Health Service, European Assets Trust, and ACCA, where she chaired multiple board committees, including those focused on audit, remuneration, environmental, social, and governance, and risk. Commenting on the new role, Bond said: The British Business Bank occupies a practically unique position as a UK public sector organisation which operates in commercial finance markets, and I look forward to bringing my knowledge and expertise in each of those sectors to my new role. I am delighted to be joining the bank at an exciting time for the organisation, as it significantly expands the scope of its activities. Recently, the British Business Bank reached 5bn ($4.08bn) in lending through its ENABLE structured guarantee programmes. These programmes, including ENABLE Guarantees and ENABLE Build, have delivered more than 3bn to businesses outside London and the South East of England, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises across the UK, the bank said. "British Business Bank names Julia Bond as nonexecutive director" was originally created and published by Leasing Life, a GlobalData owned brand. NEW YORK Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has endorsed fellow Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani as her first choice for New York City mayor, putting her high-profile mark on a primary where he has surged among progressives. The lefty firebrand unveiled her preferred slate in the June 24 primary in an interview Thursday with The New York Times. She said she will rank Adrienne Adams, Brad Lander, Scott Stringer and Zellnor Myrie in that order after Mamdani. Adams, the City Council speaker, was also endorsed Thursday by Rep. Yvette Clarke as her No. 1 choice, POLITICO reports exclusively. Assemblymember Mamdani has demonstrated a real ability on the ground to put together a coalition of working-class New Yorkers that is strongest to lead the pack, Ocasio-Cortez told the Times of the candidate whose district and platform overlaps with hers. In the final stretch of the race, we need to get very real about that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ocasio-Cortezs endorsement is among the most highly sought for liberal Democrats nationwide. The Bronx and Queens House member, whose national reach has widely expanded since her hometowns last race for mayor, will help Mamdani present himself even more clearly as the favorite among the non-Cuomo contenders. Her nods which encourage voters to use the citys relatively new ranked-choice voting system and keep former Gov. Andrew Cuomo off their ballots comes late in the primary season. Only nine days remain before the start of early voting. The candidates whose common goal is to topple Cuomo have yet to cross-endorse each other. Ocasio-Cortez told the Times no joint appearances were in her immediate future. But even someone with the political impact of her magnitude may not be enough to change Cuomos front-runner status. The former governor was the top target of attack Wednesday at a fierce debate co-hosted by POLITICO and WNBC-NY among nine contenders. Cuomo and Mamdani, who has polled consistently in second place and is closing the gap with Cuomo, clashed mightily over who was best positioned to take on President Donald Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ocasio-Cortez, 35, and Mamdani, 33, share progressive values in addition to the parts of Queens they represent. She also represents parts of the Bronx. He has rallied left-leaning, younger voters with his call for free and fast bus service, a freeze on the rent and a push to tax the wealthy. Cuomo, who is seeking a comeback after resigning in 2021 amid sexual harassment allegations, has been the front-runner by double digits throughout the race. Some of Ocasio-Cortezs congressional colleagues Reps. Ritchie Torres, Greg Meeks and Adriano Espaillat have endorsed Cuomo, even if they were among the slew of elected officials who called for his ouster four years ago. Supporters of Cuomos rivals including those affiliated with the DREAM, or Dont Rank Evil Andrew for Mayor movement see ranked-choice voting as an opportunity to block Cuomos return to elected office. But the left-leaning candidates running against him are still scrambling. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., has endorsed democratic socialist assemblyman Zohran Mamdani for mayor of New York City. It could give Mamdani a significant boost as he strives to topple former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo from the top of the polls in the final two weeks of the race. This is a crucial endorsement for Mamdani. In about six months he's gone from an obscure 33-year-old state assemblyman from Queens to left-wing superstar and the most viable contender to take on a powerful establishment Democrat in a crowded race decided by ranked-choice voting. The New York Times reports that Ocasio-Cortez and her aides studied Mamdani and other candidates for weeks before deciding that he was the one she wanted to put her weight behind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Assemblymember Mamdani has demonstrated a real ability on the ground to put together a coalition of working-class New Yorkers that is strongest to lead the pack, Ocasio-Cortez told the Times. In the final stretch of the race, we need to get very real about that. Ocasio-Cortez said that, after Mamdani, she will rank New York City Council speaker Adrienne Adams, city comptroller Brad Lander, former comptroller Scott Stringer, and state senator Zellnor Myrie, in that order, on her ballot. Mamdani is running on an unapologetically left-wing policy platform. As The City reports, Mamdani "is running on a platform of affordability: free buses, city-run grocery stores, universal childcare and a rent freeze." Cuomo, who resigned from the governor post in 2021 in response to sexual harassment allegations, has maintained a double-digit lead in most polls in the race, and Mamdani has been coming in second. (Cuomo has denied the allegations.) While Mamdani still faces a challenging road ahead, he seems to have a monopoly on the excitement factor of the race. His fundraising numbers have been exceptionally strong, he has emerged a social media darling and viral video savant, and he has by far the biggest ground game in the race with an army of canvassers enthusiastically fanning across the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mamdani appears to be the top candidate of young people and progressives, whereas Cuomo represents older, more moderate Democrats. Cuomo ultimately has a huge name recognition advantage his scandal doesn't seem to have swayed many establishment Dems against him. What Mamdani needs is a way to build trust with voters as a young candidate who many voters have little to no familiarity with. Winning an endorsement from one of the most prominent Democrats in not just New York City politics, but national politics, is one way to help build that trust. Will it be enough? Ocasio-Cortez touched on why Mamdani faces such a tough road when she observed to the Times: Trust cant be built quickly." With a little more than two weeks until the June 24 primary, its not clear if that leaves enough time for Mamdani to gain the momentum, and trust, he'll surely need for a win. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com The Environmental Protection Agency under President Donald Trump is aiming to undo or revise more than 30 major environmental regulations, many of them written or updated by the Biden administration. These include rules for cleaner vehicles, power plant emissions, and limits on tiny airborne particles known to harm human health. The Associated Press set out to examine what might happen if all the rules were eliminated. The AP built on earlier work by the Environmental Protection Network, reviewing thousands of pages of regulatory impact analyses documents agencies must produce for major rules with economic effects. The methods used to estimate the annual financial costs and benefits of each rule have been largely standard since Ronald Reagan's presidency. Each analysis must go through months of review across multiple agencies, said K. Sabeel Rahman, a Cornell law professor who was a top regulator under the Biden administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These are hundreds of pages of technical documentation, extensively researched and footnoted, and then pressure-tested within the executive branch," Rahman said. The AP also drew from studies published in the journals Science and Nature Communications and emissions estimates from the independent and nonpartisan Rhodium Group in order to calculate the possible annual death toll. The AP's work was reviewed by multiple outside experts. AP interviewed more than 50 scientists, officials, analysts and advocates for the story. The estimate of global deaths includes estimates of heat deaths from added carbon emissions, using a peer-reviewed formula developed by Daniel Bressler, a former White House climate economist during the Biden administration. It estimates one person will die for every 10,217 tons (9,318 metric tons) of carbon dioxide added to the atmosphere. The Rhodium Group estimates that the Trump administrations rollbacks would lead to 2.8 billion additional tons (2.6 billion metric tons) of carbon dioxide emissions by 2035 translating to, on average, more than 25,000 deaths each year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ___ The Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) As Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice, approaches, cattle markets across Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim-majority nation, are experiencing peak trading activity. Just outside the capital, Jakarta, the Jonggol Cattle Market is bustling with hundreds of cattle traders serving buyers looking for sacrificial animals. Sales at this market have increased since last month as the Muslim community prepares for the celebration. This year, Eid al-Adha will fall on Friday. Nina Herlina, 54, was a rarity among male cattle traders in a market known for its dirt, dust and animal waste. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two years after graduating from law school at Muhammadiyah University in 1994, she married a college classmate who was starting a cattle trading business. Her husband told her she didnt need to earn a living, but after he passed away from COVID-19 in 2021, the mother of four faced the challenge of surviving the business. A year later, a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak hit Indonesia further exacerbating her losses. In just a few years, Herlina has built a successful cattle business, leading a team of 25 men. Like it or not, I have to continue running this (business), Herlina said from her pungent stall in South Jakarta, surrounded by cows, sheep, and goats. Thank God, it provides jobs for my children and for those who really want to help us. The searing summer heat and extreme rainfalls sometimes disrupt the animal transportation chain, and the male-dominated environments are a challenge, but she says she focuses solely on her work. Though cattle trading proved to be a natural choice for Herlina, its a profession still widely considered unappealing by most women. Her message for them: Women must have courage to do this job, but believe me, it's a very promising business. WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) An appeals court has denied Trumbull County Commissioners motion for an injunction, aiming to halt the removal of the Leavittsburg dam. In February, Trumbull County Commissioners and Warren Township trustees filed a joint lawsuit seeking a 180-day delay on the removal of the dam and to prevent Trumbull County MetroParks from spending any grant money on it. Last month, Trumbull County Court of Common Pleas Judge Ronald Rice sided with the Trumbull County MetroParks legal counsel on a motion asking the court to dismiss the case that would stop them from moving forward with plans to demolish the dam. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rice ruled that the plaintiffs had not alleged that the MetroParks would not mitigate the potential risk associated with the dams removal. Furthermore, the court found that the MetroParks executive director said they would follow any and all recommendations from its construction team to avoid such issues, according to court documents. Last week, Commissioners agreed to appeal the ruling and continue the legal fight. Meanwhile, they asked for an injunction to stop the removal of the dam during the appeals process. A ruling filed Wednesday in the Ohio Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Appellate District denied that injunction, however, stating that they failed to establish that irreparable harm would occur if the injunction was not granted. The ruling said that while the appellants argued that the removal of the dam could cause possible harm to the river and surrounding infrastructure, the statement was speculative. The ruling also cited previous public meetings dating back to 2019 on the issue and questioned why appellants did not come forward sooner or why third-party citizens did not voice stronger objections at that time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ruling did state that the MetroParks established that it will suffer harm if the removal is halted or delayed, namely, it has contracts in place for the work, and contractors and subcontractors would experience monetary damages. The dams removal had been slated to begin in early June. Stan Boney contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. The Roman L. Hruska Federal Courthouse in Omaha, where the Eighth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals held its hearing on the pipeline cases on Nov. 20, 2024. (Photo by Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner) A federal appeals court on Thursday upheld lower court decisions barring counties from imposing safety standards on a pipeline subject to federal safety standards. The cases involved Summit Carbon Solutions, the company proposing to build a carbon sequestration pipeline through the state, and county supervisors from both Story and Shelby Counties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Summit sued the counties in 2022 for enacting ordinances that required county-specific setback requirements and other regulations the company argued were preempted by federal pipeline safety laws. A federal judge ruled in favor of Summit in Dec. 2023 and issued permanent injunctions, stopping the counties from enforcing the regulations, which would have impacted the carbon sequestration pipeline and other pipelines. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The county supervisors appealed the decision and presented oral arguments in November 2024 to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. The counties argued that local land use and zoning regulations are not preempted standards under the Pipeline Safety Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Writing for the appeals court, U.S. Circuit Judge Duane Benton wrote that the county ordinances focus on safety and repeatedly mention safety risks associated with the pipeline, which undermines the Pipeline Safety Acts goal of preempting state regulations on safety. This holding does not prohibit local governments from considering safety, nor prevent them from enacting all zoning ordinances, as the counties suggest, Benton said in the opinion. This court emphasizes the distinction between safety standards which the PSA preempts and safety considerations which the PSA does not preempt. The county ordinances also included emergency response requirements and abandonment provisions which the court ruled were also preempted by federal regulations. Circuit Judge Jane Kelly, however, dissented on those elements and wrote she does not believe that PSA preempts setback and abandonment provisions. Kelly said that while the counties setback requirements are animated in part by safety considerations they do not have the direct and substantial effect on safety that is reserved for federal regulation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kelly also wrote that per her understanding, the Pipeline Safety Act does not cover pipelines that have been abandoned and therefore the Shelby County abandonment provision is not expressly preempted. The court affirmed the lower courts decision in both cases, but ordered the federal court for the Southern District of Iowa to reconsider an additional ordinance thats at issue in the Story County case. Sabrina Zenor, on behalf of Summit Carbon Solutions, said the ruling confirms pipeline safety regulation set by the federal government and the Iowa Utilities Commissions role in route and permit decisions. This supports a consistent, lawful permitting process for critical infrastructure projects like ours, Zenor said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A press release from Bold Alliance, a group representing landowners opposed to the pipeline project, called the order an anti-local government ruling and said the parties involved in the case are examining their legal and legislative options in response to the decision. The landowners, impacted community members, county and state elected officials who worked for months or years to develop ordinances and state regulations are witnessing their hard-won efforts to enact common sense protections for their communities stripped away by judicial fiat, the statement read. This article has been updated to include comment from Bold Alliance. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SAN FRANCISCO (AP) A three-judge appeals panel rejected Apple's request to pause an April 30 order banning the company from charging a fee on in-app iPhone transactions processed outside its once-exclusive payment system in a two-page decision issued late Thursday. The setback threatens to divert billions of dollars in revenue away from Apple while it tried to overturn the order reining in its commissions from e-commerce within iPhone apps. Apple sought to put the order on hold after it was issued by U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez-Rogers in a stinging rebuke that also held the Cupertino, California, company in civil contempt of court and recommended opening a criminal investigation into whether one of its executives had committed perjury while testifying in her Oakland, California, courtroom. It marked another twist of the screw in a legal battle initiated nearly five years ago by video game maker Epic Games, which alleged Apple had turned the iPhones app store had been turned into a price-gouging monopoly. The antitrust case focused largely on the 15% to 30% commissions that Apple rakes in from a portion of the commerce conducted within iPhone apps under a system that prohibited app makers from offering alternative payment methods. Apple is still seeking to overturn Gonzalez-Rogers' ruling in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, but her order blocking Apple's commissions on some in-app commerce will remain in effect while potentially leaving a dent in its profits. The long national nightmare of the Apple tax is ended, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney wrote in a post after the appeals court denied Apple's request. In a statement, Apple said it was disappointed with the denial of its stay request and vowed to pursue its appeal to ensure the app store remains an incredible opportunity for developers and a safe and trusted experience for our users. Although Gonzalez-Rogers mostly sided with Apple in her initial 2021 ruling in the case, she ordered the company to begin allowing apps to include links to alternative payment systems a decision that withstood appeals that went all the way to the Supreme Court in 2024. Apple then complied by requiring commissions of 12% to 27%, provoking Epic to ask Gonzalez-Rogers to hold Apple in contempt of her order. After holding a new round of hearings that unfolded over a nine-month period straddling last year and this year, Gonzalez-Rogers brought down another legal hammer on Apple. The office of Argentinian President Javier Milei denied a bombshell series of reports that alleged the countrys intelligence agency had approved a new plan that could enable the surveillance of journalists, politicians and economists. The reporting, by journalist Hugo Alconada Mon in the newspaper La Nacion, looked into a leaked national intelligence plan by Argentinas State Intelligence Secretariat (SIDE) that he says outlines general intelligence objectives such as preventing terrorism and combating organized crime, but is also filled with generalizations, gray areas and ambiguities, the report reads. For example, the SIDE has the power to gather information on all those who seek to erode public confidence in the officials in charge of ensuring the nations security, but it doesnt specify if its referring to foreign agents or experts, journalists and citizens who question actions by the national security minister, Alconada Mons article continues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mileis office on May 25 confirmed the existence of a new intelligence plan but denied that it would be used for such purposes. Alconada Mon, one of Argentinas most renowned investigative reporters and deputy editor of La Nacion, said he verified the authenticity of the 170-page document with two independent sources. Hugo Alconada Mon, journalist, researcher, and writer, for the launch of his new spy book, "Topos." - Fabian Marelli/GDA/AP Its written in such an ambiguous way that it allows you to apply it correctly or in a disturbing way, he told CNN. CNN has not had access to the document, nor could CNN independently verify it. Alconada Mon said one interpretation is that the plan is meant to counter potential actions from foreign powers, such as Russias alleged attempts to influence elections in other countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, as a sovereign nation, we have to ensure that other foreign powers dont try this. And in this case, the objective is valid. But as it is written, it could also actually be referring to analysts, politicians, journalists, or anyone else who might offer their opinion. And thats where you enter a murky area, Alconada Mon said to CNN. The presidents office rejected the notion, saying in a statement: This is the first government in decades that has made the political decision not to use the SIDE to persecute opponents, journalists, and political adversaries. CNNs Michael Rios contributed to this story. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com El Al will begin flying between Argentina and Israel, in both a powerful symbol of the countries' alliance and a practical boon for travelers like Rabbi Axel Wahnish. A canceled flight on his way to assume his new job might well have added urgency around one of Rabbi Axel Wahnishs first big breakthroughs asArgentinas ambassador to Israel: direct flights between Tel Aviv and Buenos Aires. Wahnish, the personal rabbi of Argentine President Javier Milei, was originally scheduled to depart from Buenos Aires on Aug. 14, 2024, to begin his tenure in Israel. But his Air Europa flight which included a connection in Europe was canceled due to a surge in tensions between Iran and Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As most commercial airlines scrapped their Tel Aviv routes amid the turmoil, only El Al, Israels national carrier, and its subsidiaries reliably stayed in the air. Now, Wahnish has announced that El Al will begin flying between Argentina and Israel, in both a powerful symbol of the countries alliance and a practical boon for travelers like him. El Al has not yet confirmed the flight, which Wahnish said on X would be formally announced next week, when Milei, a noted philosemite and Zionist, visits Israel for the second time. But Wahnish the first rabbi ever to be appointed an ambassador to Israel told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency back in August, when he was waiting to leave Buenos Aires, that he saw a direct flight as both a cause and a result of improved relations. An illustrative image of an El Al flight. (photo credit: EL AL) Its a question similar to the debate about which came first, the chicken or the egg, he said. As an ambassador, I plan to work on both fronts collaborating with airlines to make the route, while also fostering commercial, cultural, artistic, sporting and educational exchanges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mileis three-day state visit is set to start on June 9 and to include meetings with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a speech before the Knesset, the acceptance ceremony for the Genesis Prize, a visit to the Western Wall and a meeting with relatives of the hostages taken during the October 7 attacks. Milei is the first non-Jew to be awarded the Genesis Prize. Major shift in Argentina As part of the trip, Milei and Netanyahu will sign a Memorandum of Freedom and Democracy Against Terrorism, Antisemitism, and Discrimination. The memorandum formalizes a major shift in Argentinas foreign policy following the election of Milei, a self-proclaimed anarcho-capitalist, in 2023 after years of left-wing leadership. In 2013, Argentina signed a memorandum of understanding with Iran, and for much of the past two decades, the country maintained close ties with Iran and frequently criticized Israeli military actions. Under Milei, Argentina has pivoted toward a stronger alliance with Israel, openly supporting its right to self-defense and its war in Gaza. At times, Argentina has stood nearly alone among nations in supporting Israel, and Milei has not joined in as other allies of Israel, including with right-leaning leaders, have urged Netanyahu to end the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is a deep honor and a historic privilege to express our strong alliance against terror, standing close to the Israeli democracy that is defending itself from terrorists, Wahnish said in the August interview. Wahnish told JTA that his rabbinic background is a bonus in his work as the ambassador but not his main qualification. First and foremost, Im an Argentine citizen, a human being. If someone has expertise in a particular area, whether as a physicist, engineer or any other skill, can that be a disadvantage? No, he said. The same applies to being a rabbi. I think it is a plus. I have an ethical and moral background, a philosophical knowledge, it is like an extra skill. But he added, The strong alliance between our country and Israel is not rooted in religion. Its based on values of democracy and freedom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time, he declined to say when Milei planned to fulfill his stated intention to relocate the Argentine embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, a move the United States made during President Donald Trumps first term in 2018. The embassy move has not been formalized, with conventional wisdom in Argentina being that Milei may be waiting until after midterm elections in October to follow through on his promise. But Wahnish appears to have succeeded in pressing forward on the direct flights, which he said on X in February were a dream of my administration. At the time, he said he had advocated for the flights in a direct conversation with Netanyahu, in which they also discussed Mileis visit, the memorandum and the Israeli hostages still being held in Gaza, who include Argentine dual citizens. A direct flight between the two countries was previously announced in 2016, but it was never implemented. If the new El Al route becomes a reality, there is only one precedent and it hardly offered a model of strong diplomatic relations. It was also not nonstop, on a route that is estimated to require 16 hours of flight time from Tel Aviv. On May 19, 1960, a special Israeli delegation arrived in Buenos Aires on an El Al flight to attend the 150th anniversary of Argentine independence. Their visit had a secondary purpose: The following day, the Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann, whom Mossad agents had apprehended in Argentina, was disguised as a crew member and returned to Israel on the same plane. The aircraft stopped to refuel in Dakar, Senegal, and landed in Israel on May 22, where Eichmann was arrested. He was later convicted of crimes against humanity and hanged in 1962. A judge in Arizona on Wednesday ordered a temporary halt to the release of the records surrounding the death of the 3-year-old son of influencer Emilie Kiser. Last month, Kiser filed a lawsuit against multiple Maricopa County offices to keep her son Trigg's death records private. The boy died May 18 after spending six days in critical condition at a hospital following an incident in a backyard pool. NBC affiliate KNPX of Phoenix reported authorities found a 3-year-old unconscious and being pulled out of a pool when they responded to a drowning call in Chandler on May 12. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 26-year-old influencer, who creates mom and wife lifestyle content on social media, sued over privacy concerns, as more than 100 public records requests were filed with the city of Chandler and Maricopa County Medical Examiners Office after the toddler's death. "Emilie and her family desperately want to grieve in private, but sadly, the public will not let them," the suit stated. Kiser also has a 2-month-old son, Theodore, with husband Brady Kiser. The suit said that Kiser had not reviewed the autopsy reports, video from security and body cameras or other records the public had requested, and that she did not intend to. Kiser's attorneys did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com CoreWeaves (CRWV) stock surged 25% on Tuesday and climbing another 5% pre-market, bringing its year-to-date gains to a staggering 276%, following news of a $7 billion infrastructure deal with Applied Digital. The AI cloud-computing startup signed two 15-year lease agreements with Applied Digital for 250MW of IT load at the Ellendale, North Dakota data center campus. The first 100MW will go live in Q4 2025, followed by a 150MW facility in mid-2026. CoreWeave also holds options for up to 300MW of additional capacity. Applied Digitals Ellendale campus is designed to host 400MW of critical IT load and over 1GW of power capacity is under review. CEO Wes Cummins hailed the agreement as a major step in cementing Applied Digitals role in the AI and HPC infrastructure space. The company recently secured $375 million in financing from SMBC to accelerate development. Investor optimism around AI demand continues to fuel CoreWeaves meteoric rise. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin said a Heber Springs woman was convicted of taking advantage of an impaired person. Griffin said 30-year-old Sharon Kaleigh Hood of Heber Springs pleaded guilty to a single count of felony exploitation of an endangered or impaired person on May 29. She was sentenced to five years of probation, a $1,000 fine, court costs and $700 in restitution, along with an order for 40 hours of community service, he said. Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin announces organized retail crime bust & human trafficking investigation Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said Hood worked at a Heber Springs nursing home and used an elderly patients banking information to send herself money through online payments. My office will not tolerate those who exploit positions of trust to prey on our vulnerable population, Griffin said. We will continue to pursue justice for victims and hold bad actors accountable. Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin declines Ethics Commission pick over racial bias concerns Griffin commended the work of his offices staff and its Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, as well as 16th Judicial District Prosecutor Drew Smith. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Arkansas Supreme Court (Courtesy Photo) A lawsuit over who has the ultimate authority over the state prison system gained renewed life Thursday with the dismissal of a state appeal of a lower court preliminary injunction. The Arkansas Board of Corrections filed a lawsuit in Pulaski County Circuit Court on Dec. 14, 2023 against Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the secretary of state and Arkansas Department of Corrections, challenging the constitutionality of Act 185 and 659 of 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Act 185 requires the secretary of corrections to serve at the pleasure of the governor rather than the board, while Act 659 alters the reporting structure for the directors of the Division of Correction and Division of Community Correction, requiring them to serve at the pleasure of the secretary rather than the board. The board argued the laws violate Amendment 33 of the Arkansas Constitution, which protects the power of constitutional boards like the board of corrections from usurpation by the Governor or the General Assembly, or both, according to Thursdays ruling. A circuit court judge granted a preliminary injunction in January 2024, which Attorney General Tim Griffin appealed. The Supreme Courts ruling Thursday dismissed the states motion to send the case back to the circuit court, order the preliminary injunction vacated and the case dismissed as moot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The high court also dismissed a motion to disqualify the corrections boards attorney from further participation in proceedings before the court. In its motion to remand, the state argues the controversy ended when the board fired former Corrections Secretary Joe Profiri. The firing was part of a dispute between the board and the executive branch that started in late 2023 over who controls the states prison system. The boards refusal in November 2023 to approve a request to increase prison capacity by 500 beds prompted harsh public criticism from Griffin and Sanders. The board responded by hiring an outside attorney the following month to represent it in employment matters. Because Profiri was fired prior to the entry of the preliminary injunction, the lower courts finding of irreparable harm was erroneous, the state argued. The board said it wasnt seeking court confirmation of its right to fire Profiri, but relief from the legislation regarding the boards authority under Amendment 33. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Writing for the majority, Chief Justice Karen Baker said she agreed with the boards assertion that Profiris termination doesnt resolve the ultimate question of whether the board controls the secretary or division directors, and therefore the dispute is not specific to the individual holding the secretarys office. The Boards complaint concerns the Challenged Legislation and the resulting changes to the Boards supervisory authority. This dispute exists notwithstanding the individual who holds the Secretary position and is not personal to Secretary Profiri, Baker wrote. Further, because this case presents an existing legal controversy, it is not moot. Therefore, we deny appellants motion to remand. Let us know what you think... The state also filed a motion to disqualify the legal counsel obtained by the corrections board, arguing the firm was obtained illegally. The board didnt follow state law for securing outside counsel, and the board did not have the authority to hire special counsel because the Board is not a constitutional officer, the attorney generals motion argued. The circuit court denied this motion, explaining that the Board is a constitutionally created board, making its members constitutional officers who therefore had the legal authority to hire special counsel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attorney general typically represents state agencies, but state law gives constitutional officers the ability to hire outside counsel when they disagree with the attorney general over a constitutional provision. In dismissing this motion, Baker notes the board correctly points out that an order denying a motion to disqualify adversarys counsel in a civil proceeding is not an appealable final order. As a general rule, an appeal from an interlocutory decision brings up for review only the decision from which the appeal was taken, here, the granting of an injunction, Baker wrote. The motion to disqualify the attorney is outside the scope of the Supreme Courts review of the preliminary injunction, she said. The high court majority affirmed the lower courts issuance of an injunction because its findings that there would be irreparable harm were not clearly erroneous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crux of the lawsuit, Baker wrote, is whether the board retains ultimate authority over the corrections secretary and directors or whether the challenged legislation constitutionally transfers that power to the governor and corrections secretary. The evidence presented to the circuit court demonstrates that, in the absence of the injunction, the dispute will be ongoing until the constitutionality of the Challenged Legislation is resolved, Baker said. This, coupled with appellants failure to even argue their likelihood of success on the merits, leaves us with little choice under our deferential standard of review. We hold that the circuit court did not abuse its discretion in determining that the Board demonstrated that irreparable harm would result in the absence of the requested preliminary injunction, and we affirm, she added. Special Justices Troy Braswell and Bud Cummins joined in the decision. Associate Justice Barbara Webb concurred in part and dissented in part. Associate Justice Shawn Womack dissented. Associate Justices Cody Hiland and Nicholas Bronni, both of whom were appointed by the governor, did not participate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Webb wrote that she agreed with the majority that the matter is not moot because Profiris termination doesnt resolve the question of whether Acts 185 and 659 of 2023 are unconstitutional. She also agreed that its not appropriate to disqualify the boards counsel at this time. However, she argues the board failed to demonstrate irreparable harm and the circuit court therefore erred in enjoining the challenged acts. The crux of the Boards claim for irreparable harm was Secretary Profiris alleged acts of insubordination, which were directly attributable to Act 185 requiring the Secretary to serve at the pleasure of the Governor rather than the Board, Webb wrote. This harm is not irreparableBy definition, if a secretary may be terminated and his actions undone, then it cannot be said that any harm resulting therefrom is irreparable. In his dissenting opinion, Womack argues the court must vacate the preliminary injunction and dismiss the lawsuit because sovereign immunity bars the boards lawsuit against the governor, corrections secretary and Department of Corrections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sovereign immunity, which Womack cites often in court opinions, is the legal doctrine that the state cannot be sued in its own courts. Even if that was not so, the Board would still lose because it failed to show irreparable harm a necessary element to establish entitlement to a preliminary injunction, Womack wrote Therefore, I also join the other dissenting opinion in this case. Regarding the issue of the disqualification of the boards potentially illegally retained counsel, I again remind citizens of this state of their ability to protect themselves against the enforcement of any illegal exactions whatever, he said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders emerges from the cabin of a Falcon 8X jet on Dec. 12, 2023, that was used as backdrop for an announcement by Dassault Falcon Jet CEO Thierry Betbeze that the French company would invest tens of millions in its Little Rock facility and add 800 jobs (John Sykes/Arkansas Advocate) Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders will travel to Europe this month for an overseas trade mission that will include stops in France and Switzerland, according to a Thursday press release from her office. Sanders trip, which is scheduled for June 14-19, will include appearances at a Paris Air Show panel hosted by the Aerospace Industries Association and a fireside chat organized by the Swiss-American Chamber of Commerce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governors first stop is Normandy to honor fallen soldiers, including U.S. Army Private Rodger D. Andrews whose remains were recently identified and will be laid to rest in Arkansas on June 9. Shell continue on to the Paris Air Show to meet with aerospace and defense companies, and then to Switzerland to discuss investing in Arkansas with several large corporations, according to the release. International trade missions are a great way to pitch Arkansas to companies that might not otherwise have our state on their radar and have a proven track record of bringing in jobs and investment, Sanders said in a statement. The governors visit to the Farnborough International Airshow in England last summer helped secure Taber Extrusions $60 million, 70 job expansion in Russellville, according to the release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During her trip to the Paris Air Show in 2023, Sanders discussions helped facilitate Dassault Falcon Jets $100 million, 800 job expansion in Little Rock and RTXs new $33 million manufacturing facility in East Camden, which was later expanded to a $63 million investment. The governors 2023 Paris trip also led to what became known as Lecterngate. A series of public information requests submitted that summer by a blogger investigating Sanders travel expenses revealed a state-issued credit card was used to purchase a $19,000 lectern and carrying case from a Virginia-based company with political ties to Sanders. The discovery prompted lawmakers to request an audit, which found several instances of potential noncompliance with state law. The report was sent to the Arkansas attorney general and Pulaski Countys prosecuting attorney, the latter of whom declined to pursue charges. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. The Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum in North Little Rock celebrated 20 years since the USS Razorback submarine returned from its last trip in the open ocean. Navy veteran and tour guide Joseph Mathis said the submarine was built in 1943 and used by both the United States and its ally, Turkey, for 56 years of active duty. USS Razorback celebrates 80th anniversary of commission Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It went on war patrols. So, its job was to locate enemy vessels and send them to the bottom of the ocean, Mathis said. But this submarine has had many jobs, and Mathis said its job right now is to educate people on history. The museum is celebrating 20 years of giving Arkansas a chance to learn more about its history and other Navy veterans a chance to remember the times they were once in a submarine similar to the USS Razorback. I got emotional. Because Ive never been on a submarine tour or otherwise after I got out of service in 87, Navy veteran Keith Frank said. Explore Arkansas: USS Razorback restored and on duty Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To read more about the USS Razorback and the museum, visit NLR.AR.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 KARK. Video: Career counselor at Little Rock Job Corps says federal pause on operations nationwide leaves students with nowhere to go LITTLE ROCK, Ark. The NAACP in Arkansas is calling for immediate action in response to the closing of Job Corps centers in the state. The NAACP Arkansas State Conference, along with the NAACP Little Rock Branch, NAACP Sebastian County Branch, and NAACP St. Francis Branch, referred to the centers as vital in a statement released on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Job Corps closing hits home with Little Rock families NAACP officials said the shuttering of key facilities has impacted thousands of young Arkansans, especially those from low-income and minority backgrounds, cutting them off from critical career training and life development resources. The closures directly threaten the future of workforce readiness, educational access, and economic stability across the state, officials said. Labor Department suspends Job Corps centers operations, drawing bipartisan pushback NAACP Arkansas State Conference president Barry Jefferson said the closings are a move in the wrong direction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decision to close these centers is more than just a budgetary move it is a betrayal of our youth and our communities, Jefferson said. Job Corps has served as a foundation of opportunity for decades. Stripping that away, especially in underserved areas, is a step backward for Arkansas. The U.S. Department of Labor has been closing Job Corps centers nationwide in a phased pause, citing low graduation rates and a high number of incident reports. Closing the Little Rock center left many young people with no alternative but to turn to area shelters. Little Rock shelters see an uptick amid Job Corps pause NAACP officials said its branches are mobilizing public advocacy efforts and calling on stakeholders, including local officials, educators and business leaders, to demand a reversal of the closures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. The Arkansas PBS Commission convenes for its quarterly meeting on Thursday, June 5, 2025. (Screenshot from livestream) Arkansas PBS would lose $2.5 million in programming and operational funds if President Donald Trumps desired cuts to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting come to fruition, interim executive director Sajni Kumpuris told the networks governing board at its quarterly meeting Thursday. Trumps Tuesday proposal calls on Congress to eliminate $1.1 billion from the entity that provides funding for National Public Radio and the Public Broadcasting Service. Lawmakers have 45 days from Tuesday to consider the request. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the meantime, Kumpuris told the Arkansas PBS Commission, the agency should formulate a plan in case it loses 22% of its total funding. We will have to adjust and figure out what that means to us and tell you guys, This is what it means as far as the services we offer without having that [money], Kumpuris said. About half of the at-risk $2.5 million community service grant goes toward purchasing PBS programs to air, 30% of which is chosen by PBS national headquarters, and the other half covers operational expenses, such as running the public media networks Conway studio and its statewide emergency weather alert system, Kumpuris said. The commission has requested but not yet scheduled a meeting with Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and her senior staff to discuss and brainstorm what the future of PBS is, Chairman West Doss said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [Kumpuris] and staff have some ideas, but we felt like we might need to run it by the governor first, Doss said. The commission chose Kumpuris as interim executive director in May, succeeding Courtney Pledger. Kumpuris is Arkansas PBS education director and production director. After an executive session, the commission voted Thursday to grant Kumpuris the minimum executive director salary of $155,000 as of July 1. The networks planned nationwide search for a permanent director is still getting underway, Doss said. The headhunting firms PBS national office has recommended are too expensive for us right now, but the network plans to advertise the job opening in several national boards and publications, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were not exactly sure how were going to handle it right now, but were still researching it, Doss said. CORRECTION: An earlier version of this article misspelled Sajni Kumpuris name. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE BENTON, Ark. Officials said a cyber tip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children led to a Benton man being arrested and facing felony charges. Officials said members of the Arkansas State Police Crimes Against Children Task Force arrested 22-year-old Christopher Shane Sade Jr. of Benton on June 3. Sade is facing five felony counts related to child sexual abuse material. Hardy Police Chief Scott Rose arrested on allegations of child sexual abuse after multi-agency investigation Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation into Sade began in May, officials said, after receiving the cyber tip. The investigation culminated in investigators executing a search warrant at Sades home, located on the 1400 block of Country Oaks Drive in Benton, on June 3. Investigators did not give specifics on what was found during the search. FBI-led child sex abuse operation leads to Arkansas arrests Records show Sade is held in the Saline County Detention Center on a $15,000 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 KARK. This article may contain disturbing images or details. Reader discretion is advised. HONOLULU (KHON2) The Army soldier accused of killing his pregnant 19-year-old wife was sentenced on the third day of his trial in a military courtroom in Hawaii. Private First Class Dewayne Arthur Johnson II has been sentenced to 23 years in prison. Previously Husband of missing pregnant woman admits he killed her during argument Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to his sentencing, the military judge reduced Johnsons rank to E-1, total forfeitures of pay and allowances and a dishonorable discharge at the conclusion on the court-martial. After almost one year since Mischa Johnson last saw her family, I am relieved that the accused was held accountable for what he did to her and her unborn child in court today. This comes after determined efforts by Army CID, the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory and other federal and local law enforcement partners. We extend our sincere gratitude to them in helping to obtain the first step towards closure for Mischas family. Lt. Col. William Wicks, prosecutor, Headquarters, Army OSTC PFC Johnson admitted in court on June 3 that he killed his wife, Mischa Johnson, during an argument in July 2024. On June 4, witnesses, including Mischas mother and sisters, testified to the court. They described the pain of losing her and never recovering her remains. As part of a plea deal, PFC Johnson admitted to using a machete to hit his wife in the head after an argument in July 2024. He said Mischa accused him of cheating and threatened to keep him out of their childs life. In exchange for admitting to using the machete, charges against PFC Johnson have been reduced from murder to voluntary manslaughter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mischas body still has not been found. PFC Johnson said that he dismembered the body and put it in trash bags that he knew would be taken to an incinerator. Background Mischa Johnson, 19, was six months pregnant when she was last seen at her Schofield Barracks home in July 2024. On Aug. 1, 2024, her husband reported her missing. By Aug. 4, 2024, the United States Army Criminal Investigations Division (CID) had posted a $10,000 reward for information on Mischas whereabouts. On Aug. 19, 2024, a spokesperson for CID told KHON2 that Mischas husband, PFC Johnson, was taken into military custody. He was initially facing charges for obstructing justice, providing false statements, and child pornography on Aug. 27, 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In November 2024, the Army preferred four more charges and five additional specifications against PFC Johnson relating to the disappearance of his wife. At that time, PFC Johnson was facing additional charges for the murder of Mischa Johnson and the death of her unborn child. In February 2025, the Army Office of Special Trial Counsel (OSTC) said PFC Johnson had waived his right to a preliminary Article 32 hearing. By February, the OSTC referred five charges and 19 specifications against PFC Johnson. On May 29, 2025, the OSTC announced that it had negotiated a plea agreement with PFC Johnson, and a hearing was scheduled for June 2025. Johnson agreed to plead guilty. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. Federal authorities on Wednesday announced the arrest of a Washington state man accused of aiding the suicide bomber who attacked a fertility clinic in Palm Springs last month, killing himself and injuring several others. Daniel Jongyon Park, 32, of the Seattle area, was taken into custody Tuesday at New Yorks JFK Airport after being deported from Poland, officials said at a news conference held at the FBIs Los Angeles headquarters. Park is charged with providing material support to a terrorist. Prosecutors allege he supplied 270 pounds of ammonium nitrate a chemical compound used in explosives to 25-year-old Guy Edward Bartkus, who detonated a bomb outside the American Reproductive Centers on May 17. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The explosion destroyed the clinic, killed Bartkus and injured several people. Authorities believe Park and Bartkus shared an extremist ideology that people should not be born without their consent. Daniel Jongyon Park, 32, is shown in an undated image provided by the FBI. PALM SPRINGS, CA MAY 18, 2025: The back side of American Reproductive fertility clinic is a mangled mess as the FBI continues to investigate the scene the day after a car bomb exploded in the Parkin lot on May 18, 2025 in Palm Springs, California.(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) Sky5 was overhead to see the aftermath of a terrorism attack near a fertility clinic in Palm Springs. May 2025. (KTLA) Guy Edward Bartkus as seen in a photo released by the FBI. The philosophy, this anti-life ideology we do believe that is the reason they targeted this fertility clinic, said U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli. They dont believe new life should be created. According to the FBI, Park stayed at Bartkus home in Twentynine Palms for two weeks earlier this year, where the two allegedly conducted bomb-making experiments in a garage. During his stay at Bartkuss residence, Park and Bartkus spent time in Bartkuss room as well as in a detached garage running experiments, prosecutors alleged in their affidavit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators later recovered chemicals and equipment commonly used to manufacture explosives at the residence. FBI deems Palm Springs explosion a terrorism act, experts explore possible motives Authorities said Park left the U.S. shortly after the bombing and traveled to Europe. His connection to Poland remains unclear. Officials said they believe he may have attempted to recruit others who shared his ideology through online forums. Park, a U.S. citizen, was expected to make his initial court appearance Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Brooklyn. If convicted, he faces a maximum of 15 years in federal prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Law enforcement officers arrested a man linked to the fatal bombing at a Palm Springs, Calif., fertility clinic last month. Daniel Park was taken into custody Tuesday at New Yorks John F. Kennedy Airport after being extradited from Poland, where he fled to after the May attack, according to The Associated Press. Authorities say hes spent years collecting ammonium nitrate to create self-made incendiary devices. Investigators said Park supplied Guy Edward Bartkus with the explosives that detonated at the clinic. Police said he shipped Bartkus 180 pounds of ammonium nitrate in January in addition to a separate package with 90 pounds of the chemical ahead of the fertility center strike. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two reportedly met online in a chatroom that promoted anti-life rhetoric in opposition to population growth. Bartkus was killed by the bombing, but police havent said whether or not his death was intentional, AP reported. Park made his first federal court appearance Wednesday to answer for the crime. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. melissamn/Shutterstock Moneywise and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue through links in the content below. For bargain hunters, Costco has long been a go-to destination. The warehouse giant famously still sells its hot dog and soda combo for $1.50 the same price it launched with back in the mid-1980s. But not every Costco item has held its price as stubbornly as the hot dog combo. Case in point: gold bars. Don't miss In late 2023, Costco began selling 1-ounce gold bars. At the time, shoppers could choose between two types: the PAMP Suisse Lady Fortuna Veriscan bar and the Rand Refinery bar, priced at $1,979.99 and $1,949.99, respectively, according to Business Insider. Despite the hefty price tag, both quickly became hot sellers. When we load them on the site, they're typically gone within a few hours, then-CFO Richard Galanti said during a September 2023 earnings call. And we limit two per member. Fast forward to today, and not much has changed except the price. As of June 2, 2025, the Rand Refinery 1-ounce bar is listed at $3,369.99, while the PAMP Suisse version is priced at $3,389.99. That marks a 73% and 71% increase, respectively, in less than two years. But the jump in price is in line with the broader gold market, which has surged roughly 72% over the same period. Whats more surprising is the continued demand. Both the Rand Refinery and the PAMP Suisse gold bars are out of stock on Costcos website at the time of writing, and the company has tightened purchase limits. Customers are now restricted to one transaction per membership, with a maximum of two units per 24 hours. Why investors are flocking to gold Gold has long been viewed as a way to preserve purchasing power. Unlike fiat currencies, it cant be printed at will by central banks. Its also considered a classic safe haven. Gold isnt tied to any one country, currency or economy, and in times of economic turmoil or geopolitical uncertainty, investors often flock to it driving prices higher. Thats exactly what appears to be happening now. Markets are getting whipsawed by tariff uncertainty, rising deficits and global tensions and gold has emerged as a rare bright spot. AshLeigh Dunham, a family attorney and referee in Jefferson Countys Juvenile Court, announced her candidacy for the Alabama Supreme Court Tuesday. (courtesy of candidate) AshLeigh Dunham announced her candidacy for Associate Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court in the Democratic primary on Wednesday. Dunham will challenge current Justice Greg Shaw, who has been an associate justice since 2009. Ive spent my entire legal career standing with Alabama familiesand now Im all in, Dunham said in a press release. Our Supreme Court needs justices who understand the real challenges families face. The court has made some anti-family rulings that are wildly out of touch with the people of Alabama. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX A message seeking comment from Shaw was left Wednesday morning. Dunham and her husband had their daughter Aria through in-vitro fertilization (IVF), which they had to seek outside of Alabama. The Alabama Supreme Court ruled in February 2024 that frozen embryos outside the womb are children, which caused fertility clinics in the state to close. No family should have to leave their home state to pursue the dream of parenthood, she said. I know what it means to desperately want a child, to fight for that chance, and to finally hold that miracle in your arms. That empathy drives my career, my faith and my life, and its why Im stepping up now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Associate Justice Jay Mitchell, who wrote the majority opinion in the ruling, is running for Alabama attorney general in 2026. Lawmakers quickly passed a bill in March 2024 intended to provide the clinics immunity, and most services resumed. The bill did not address the court ruling that frozen embryos were unborn children. Dunham is currently a referee in Jefferson Countys Juvenile Court and an attorney at Magic City Fertility Law, helping couples navigate the legal complexities of assisted reproduction, according to the release. As a referee, Dunham conducts hearings and makes findings like a judge would, but her decisions are not final. The Huntsville native got her undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama and her law degree from the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University, according to the release. The election for Alabama Supreme Court justices will be on Nov. 3, 2026. This story was updated Thursday at 10:07 a.m. to include that Dunham is running in the Democratic primary. (Photo by Getty Images) Both chambers of the Maine Legislature passed a bill that would require Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander history to be taught in Maine schools. The Senate on Thursday passed LD 957 with a 19-13 vote, after the House did so one day prior without a roll call. The bill would require the Maine Department of Education to convene a volunteer advisory committee to collect information and prepare materials to teach this history. It would also require the department to develop a process to enable schools to conduct internal audits of their curriculum to ensure the history is being adequately and accurately taught. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though, with a one-time cost of $15,000 for the department to convene the advisory group and prepare teaching materials, the legislation is expected to be placed on the appropriations table. Bills that land on this table, which is managed by the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee that sets the budget, have already passed the full Legislature with initial votes. However, if they dont have a specific funding source, they have to vie for remaining unappropriated money. Essentially, thats everything being voted through with a fiscal note because lawmakers are still drafting what will be in the next two year budget plan. This bill is one of several being considered this session to ensure diverse histories are taught in Maine schools, though the other bills seek to make sure already required curricula are actually being taught. Maine has required Wabanaki and African American studies to be taught in schools since 2001 and 2021, respectively. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But, school districts have failed to consistently and appropriately include Wabanaki studies in their curricula, according to a 2022 report, and many caution African American studies could see the same fate without additional resources and accountability measures. Last year, two separate bills were combined into one that proposed establishing a commission on Wabanaki and African American studies but that legislation died without final action. This idea is back for consideration this session with distinct bills. LD 1474, sponsored by Rep. Laurie Osher (D-Orono), would permanently establish a Wabanaki studies specialist in the Maine Department of Education to ensure the standards are being met. LD 1202, sponsored by Talbot Ross, would create the African American Studies Advisory Council to serve as a resource for educators, schools and the Department of Education to ensure the implementation of the curricula in accordance with existing state law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neither bills have received floor votes so far. Another bill, LD 339, that sought to pilot a Wabanaki-centered curriculum for Wabanaki children attending public schools has been rejected by both chambers and is now effectively dead. In June, Wisconsin consumers contacted Public Investigator with a question: Will my paper Medicare card expire in 2025? The individuals said they received several calls about replacing their paper Medicare card with a plastic card. The callers, who contacted them using regional Wisconsin phone numbers, claimed that their paper insurance cards will expire this year. Callers claimed to be affiliated with the Wisconsin Department of Administration and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. But experts say such outreach is a common ploy for stealing people's personal information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's what you need to know about the scam targeting consumers across the United States. Are Medicare cards paper or plastic? Medicare cards are always paper. "If someone calls claiming it will be switching to a plastic card, that is a scam call," said Lisa Schiller, senior director of investigations at the Better Business Bureau. If you receive a plastic Medicare card in the mail, it is not coming from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or CMS. It is likely being sent by a scammer attempting to steal your personal information or identity. Who will contact me if I need to renew or make changes to my Medicare card? It is very rare that a consumer is contacted by phone to make changes to their Medicare card. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A person's card needs to be replaced only if it is lost, damaged or the consumer believes someone else is using their card number. The Senior Medicare Patrol, an organization that works with Medicare beneficiaries to detect and report health care fraud, advises consumers to hang up if contacted by an individual offering assistance to change or renew their Medicare card. If you receive a call requesting information about your Medicare or social security number, it is recommended that you do not answer questions. Instead, write down the phone number and report the details of the call to the Medicare Fraud and Abuse office or the local Senior Medicare Patrol line at 888-818-2611. What are common signs of Medicare fraud? Scammers use a variety of different excuses to collect personal medical information. Commonly, experts say, they offer someone discounted or free durable medical equipment, genetic testing, health supplies or health services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They might tell you that your Medicare plan has limited coverage or plans to deny a medical condition that you have. Some scammers contact consumers through postcards, social media or print advertisements or radio commercials and encourage them to contact the organization for more information. When consumers reply to these scammers by phone or a scam caller contacts them directly, they might be repeatedly asked to share their Social Security number or Medicare card number before ending the call. If you believe a scammer has successfully accessed your personal information or Medicare card number, contact a fraud hotline and check your recent Medicare statements to see if they align with recent health services you have received. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you identify a significant number of unfamiliar charges, there is a high likelihood that someone has accessed your card information. Who can I contact to report a Medicare card scam? Several organizations field complaints about Medicare and health care fraud in Wisconsin and across the United States. If you believe a scam caller contacted you or you shared personal information with a potential scammer, you can contact the following agencies: Call the Senior Medicare Patrol at 888-818-2611. Alert the Medicare Fraud Hotline at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or Report Medicare Fraud online. Report your experience to the Better Business Bureau at BBB.org/scamtracker. How can I avoid medical identity theft? Medicare officials say consumers can protect themselves from medical identity theft by not giving their Medicare card, number or social security number to anyone but their doctor, State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP) or insurers acting on their behalf. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Consumers are also advised to not sign up for or join a Medicare health plan over the phone unless they made the initial outreach and asked for help. In these cases, consumers should always double check to ensure that they are contacting the correct office or a phone number listed on medicare.gov. Under no circumstance will Medicare officials call a consumer to sell them services, the agency says on their website. If a person visits your home claiming to be affiliated with Medicare and able to provide deals or services, that is a scam. According to CMS, it is rare that Medicare agents call and ask for personal information unless a consumer has recently signed up for a new health plan, reported fraud or contacted Medicare with an inquiry. Other resources to avoid scam calls If you receive a scam call, file a complaint at ConsumerComplaints.fcc.gov. You can also report unwanted calls and register your telephone numbers at the National Do Not Call Registry at DoNotCall.gov File complaints with the FCC by going to fcc.gov/complaints Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tamia Fowlkes is a Public Investigator reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. She can be reached at tfowlkes@gannett.com. About Public Investigator Government corruption. Corporate wrongdoing. Consumer complaints. Medical scams. Public Investigator is an initiative of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and its sister newsrooms across Wisconsin. Our team wants to hear your tips, chase the leads and uncover the truth. We'll investigate anywhere in Wisconsin. Send your tips to publicinvestigator@jrn.com or call 414-319-9061. You can also submit tips at jsonline.com/tips. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Calls about replacement plastic Medicare card? They're a scam Venus has groupiesa family of asteroids that share its orbit, either trailing it or leading it as the planet revolves around the sun. Researchers have known that such stealthy space rocks might exist for years, but now, a pair of papers (one published in a journal, and one a pre-print undergoing peer-review) conclude that some might develop unstable orbits and, over a very long period of time, arch toward Earth. But despite what several histrionic headlines have claimed, Earth is not at risk of one of these asteroids suddenly sneaking up on us and vaporizing a city. While some of these asteroids could be large enough to cause this sort of damage, there is no evidence whatsoever suggesting any of these Venus-pursuing asteroids are currently heading our way. I wouldnt say that these objects are not dangerous, says Valerio Carruba, an asteroid dynamicist at the Sao Paulo State University in Brazil and a co-author of both studies. But I dont think there is any reason to panic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These studies simply highlight that asteroids near Venus have the potential to fly our way on sometime in the next few thousand years or so. The likelihood of one colliding with Earth any time soon is extremely low, says Scott Sheppard, an astronomer at the Carnegie Institution for Science in Washington, D.C. who was not involved with the new research. There isn't too much to be worried about here. Asteroids around Venus, shown in the background above during a 2012 transit, are difficult to track because they fall inside Earth's orbit and are obscured by the sun's glare. Photograph by NASA/SDO Research suggests that some of the asteroids that share Venus' orbit are large enough to take out a city on Earth. Illustration by David A. Hardy, Futures: 50 Years In Space/Science Photo Library The real problem, though, is that asteroids like this are remarkably difficult to find, and you cant protect yourself against a danger you cannot see. Fortunately, in the next few years, two of the most advanced observatories ever built are coming online. And together, they will find more asteroidsincluding those hiding near Venusthan the sum total already identified by the worlds telescopes. Concealed by sunlight While the Japanese and European space agencies mostly request time on busy telescopes to search for these space rocks, NASA leads the pack: It funds a network of observatories solely dedicated to finding sketchy-looking asteroids. Planetary defenders are chiefly concerned about near-Earth asteroids. As the name suggests, these have orbits that hew close to Earths own. Many of these asteroids were removed from the largely stable belt between Mars and Jupiter, either through the chaotic gravitational pull of the planets (often Jupiter, as its the most massive) or through asteroid-on-asteroid collisions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If one gets within 4.6 million miles of Earths orbit, theres a chance that, over time, both orbits cross and a collision becomes possible. And if that asteroid is 460 feet long, its big enough to plunge through the atmosphere and (with a direct hit) destroy a city. Combined, these characteristics describe potentially hazardous asteroidsand finding them is of paramount importance. Venus appears above giant sandstone cliffs amid the sand dunes of Tassili National Park in Algeria. Photograph by Babak Tafreshi, Nat Geo Image Collection Asteroids are first found because of the sunlight they reflect. That works well for most, but there are known to be asteroids hiding interior to Earths orbit, toward the direction of the sun. And thats a problem. Astronomers seeking out these asteroids cannot just point their telescopes directly at the sun: It would be like trying to see a lit match in front of a nuclear explosion. Instead, they look in the vicinity of the sun in the few minutes just after sunset, or just before sunrise. Not only are these surveys severely time-limited, but by aiming close to the horizon, they are peering through more of the Earths atmosphere, which distorts what they are looking at. All of these factors make it hard to search for and discover asteroids near Venus' orbit, says Sheppard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Heres how researchers track asteroids that might hit Earth.) The invisible Venusian fleet Asteroids have occasionally been spotted in this sun-bleached corner of space. And twenty of them have been found scooting along the same orbital highway Venus uses to orbit the sun. These are known as co-orbital asteroids; similar rocks can be found either following or trailing other planets, most notably Jupiter. Co-orbiting asteroids tend to cluster around several gravitationally stable sections, known as Lagrange points, along the planets orbital path. But over a timescale of about 12,000 years or so, its thought that the Venus co-orbital asteroids can dramatically alter their orbits. They remain on the same orbital path as Venus, but instead of maintaining a circular orbit, they get creative: Some migrate to a different Lagrange point, while others zip about in a horseshoe pattern around several Lagrange points. Some of these new, exotic orbits become quite stretched-out and ellipticaland, in some cases, these orbits can eventually bring these asteroids closer to Earth. When they do, there is a higher chance of a collision, says Carruba. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In their first study, published in the journal Icarus earlier this year, Carruba and his team looked at the 20 known co-orbital asteroids of Venus. Their simulations forecast how their orbits would evolve over time and show that three of the space rockseach between 1,000 and 1,300 feet or socould approach within 46,500 miles of Earths orbit. (For reference, the moon is an average of 240,000 miles from our planet.) That proximity may make them potentially hazardous asteroids. But theres no need to worryit can take as long as 12,000 years for an asteroid to end up on an elliptical, near-Earth orbit. Perhaps they will be a problem for our very, very distant descendants. The asteroids that hang out in the orbit of Venus (shown above in simulated color) are largely unknown. This illustration shows the orbits of the binary near-Earth asteroid Didymos (labelled) and another 2,200 potentially hazardous asteroids (fainter lines) around the sun. Illustration by NASA/JPL-Caltech/Science Photo Library The teams latest study, uploaded to the pre-print server arXiv last month, delves into how easy it might be for any of Venus co-orbital asteroidsincluding those astronomers have yet to findto end up on these precarious orbits. To find out, they created virtual asteroids and simulated their many potential orbital voyages 36,000 years into the future. Many things could perturb the orbits of asteroids over that many years, so any truly accurate predictions are impossible. But the simulations came to some broad conclusions. The first is that a Venus co-orbital asteroid is more likely to approach Earth if it switches from a circular to a considerably elongated orbitits zooming over a larger patch of the inner solar system, including our own planets neighborhood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The second, more surprising thing, is that some asteroids still manage to reach near-Earth space even they start out with only a mildly stretched-out orbit. It seems that their chaotic journeys through space, filled with gravitational disturbances, can still end up throwing them our way. But to be clear, these potentially worrisome orbits develop over the course of many millennia. This is not something to be alarmed about, as these asteroids are still relatively dynamically stable on human timescales, says Sheppard. (These five asteroids pose the highest risk to Earth.) A new asteroid-hunting dawn For Marco Fenucci, a near-Earth object dynamicist at the European Space Agency, the paper raises awareness about these relatively mysterious asteroids in Venus orbit. And that is a good point to make, he adds: We dont know much about these asteroids, including their population size, their dimensions, and their orbits, because we struggle to find them with todays telescopes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two upcoming facilities are about to make this task considerably easier. The first, the U.S.-owned Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile is set to officially come online in the next few weeks. With a huge field-of-view, it can see huge swathes of the night sky at once, and its giant nest of mirrors can gather so much starlight than even the smallest, faintest objects can be seen. In just three to six months, the observatory could find as many as a million new asteroids, effectively doubling the current total. Meg Schwamb, a planetary scientist at Queens University Belfast who was not involved with the new research, explains that Rubin will also conduct its own twilight surveys, the very sort used today to search for near-Venus asteroids. If these surveys are conducted over the next decade, Rubin could find as many as 40 to 50 percent of all objects larger than about [1,150 feet] in the interior-to-Venus-orbit population, says Mario Juric, an astronomer at the University of Washington and who was not involved with the new research. But, as with all ground-based optical telescopes, Rubin will still have the suns glare, and Earths atmosphere, to contend with. As long as the federal government decides to continue to fund the missionsomething that is not guaranteedNASA will also launch a dedicated asteroid-hunting space observatory, the Near-Earth Object (NEO) Surveyor, in the next few years. Unobstructed by Earths atmosphere, it will seek out space rocks by viewing them through a highly-sensitive infrared scope, meaning it can see those hidden by the luminous sun. Even those asteroids sneaking around near Venus wont be able to hide from NEO Surveyor. And, finally, says Carruba, we can see if the impact threat is real, or not. DECATUR, Ala. (WHNT) The family of Chloe Hastings, a 17-year-old girl who was tragically killed in a fiery car crash in Decatur, is taking legal action. On Tuesday, the family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Kevin Penich, the man charged with DUI and murder in the crash, and the establishments that they believe served him alcohol that night. Wrongful death lawsuit filed against man charged with murder in Beltline Road crash, Decatur businesses According to Decatur Police, the crash happened on May 17 at the intersection of Beltline Road and Westmead Street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News 19 spoke with the attorney representing the Hastings family in the lawsuit. Attorney Hunter Garnett said the goal is to ensure no other family has to go through what the Hastings family has gone through. The goal in this case is to make sure that theres not another Chloe Hastings, Garnett said. That there are no more teenagers killed, due to the reckless conduct of drunk drivers, due to being overserved at a bar. We believe that the evidence will show that Kevin Penich was intoxicated when he went into these establishments or became intoxicated as a result of being served alcohol, Garnett said. Wrongful death lawsuit filed against man charged with murder in Beltline Road crash, Decatur businesses Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit claims Penich was served alcohol at three Decatur restaurants located off of Beltline Road: Buffalo Wild Wings, Logans Roadhouse, and Alfonsos Pizza. Our goal is to hold anybody that contributed to the harm responsible, Garnett told News 19. These are large establishments that should know better than to serve somebody to the point of being this level of intoxicated. The lawsuit cites the Alabama Dram Shop Act: The wife, child, parent, or other person who shall be injured in person, property or means of support by any intoxicated person or in consequence of the intoxication of any person shall have a right of action against any person, who shall, by selling, giving, or otherwise disposing of to another, contrary to the provisions of law, any liquors or beverages, cause the intoxication of such person for all damages actually sustained as well as exemplary damages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It essentially claims that a person who is injured by someone who is intoxicated has the right to take action against the person who caused the person to be intoxicated. The lawsuit also cites a section of the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board Rules and Regulations that reads, no licensee or employee of a licensee shall serve or dispense alcoholic beverages to any person visibly intoxicated. Garnett told News 19 that it is the responsibility of a person serving alcohol to do so responsibly. If youre a bartender, if youre a waitress, if youre anybody that serves alcohol, I want to stress that its your job to make sure that when you have a patron that you dont overserve them, Garnett said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said that the family is seeking punitive damages in the lawsuit. He also explained that the wrongful death lawsuit will likely take a back seat while the criminal case against Kevin Penich moves through the court system. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The highly anticipated investigatory report into Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsetts handling of sexual harassment and assault allegations omits key details, say the women at the heart of the complaints, including late-night and personal texts from the mayor they told investigators made them feel uncomfortable. The report by Chicago-based law firm Fisher Phillips also includes substantive discrepancies from the women's own records they handed over to investigators, which were later obtained by IndyStar. An attorney for the two women said they have been revictimized by the investigative process that appears to take the mayor's statements as fact while diminishing the statements and evidence provided by the women as claims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms. Roberts and Ms. Ellert not only experienced significant difficulty attempting to report the abuse in the first place indeed, Ms. Roberts has never been presented with a formal channel to do so but this investigative process has caused them further unnecessary distress and harm, said Mark Sniderman, a lawyer representing the women. Regardless, they participated voluntarily because of their core commitment to supporting other survivors and changing the systems that continue to harm them. All survivors and whistleblowers deserve better. The Indianapolis City-County Council ordered and paid for the probe independent of the mayor's office. The action followed allegations first reported by IndyStar in July 2024 from three women who say Thomas Cook, the mayors former right-hand man and chief of staff, repeatedly harassed and mistreated them when they worked as Cook's subordinates. One of those women alleged Cook sexually assaulted her while he served as the mayors chief of staff. More: 'I kept saying no': Women accuse top Hogsett aide of preying on subordinates for years Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city paid $450,000 for the 54-page report, which revealed Hogsett allowed Cook to resign from the city in 2020 and stay on for about two months to work on economic development projects, despite a recommendation from the citys human resources director that Cook be fired for violating city policy by engaging in an inappropriate sexual relationship with another subordinate employee. The report also concluded Hogsett's administration had followed all applicable law in its handling of the women's claims. Lauren Roberts and Caroline Ellert, two of the women who allege Cook abused them, provided investigators with text messages, hours of interviews and other documentation. But they found the resulting report which they saw for the first time after it was presented to the public on May 29 appeared to contradict some of that evidence, according to a statement their lawyer provided to IndyStar: Where the report hinges on Hogsetts account that Ellert didnt use the words sexual assault to describe her allegations against Cook in a 2023 phone call, she asserted that she did and told investigators that. Where the report says Hogsett had no knowledge of Roberts' personal life, texts she provided to investigators show otherwise. Where the report asserts Cook and other members of the administration engaged in at times professionally inappropriate workplace conduct, it didnt mention Roberts and Ellert told investigators Hogsetts messages to them also crossed professional boundaries. Fisher Phillips investigators declined to comment on several questions posed to them by IndyStar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report has already caused significant political fallout: Democratic City-County Council member Andy Nielsen, who served on the investigative committee, earlier this week became the second council member to call for Hogsett to resign over what he said was a leadership failure by the mayor. Democratic socialist Jesse Brown called for Hogsetts resignation after the 2024 reporting. Cook in the past apologized for his conduct, though he didn't participate in the Fisher Phillips investigation. He has not been charged with a crime. Hogsett, meanwhile, has defended his handling of his past investigations into Cook. The mayor has called on the council to study how to implement various reforms recommended in the investigative report, including dissolving the citys HR department in favor of an independent structure and appointing an inspector general. More: A 'fraternity' culture and an 'opportunity' for self-dealing: 6 insights from Hogsett investigation Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hogsett, in a statement, did not answer IndyStar's specific questions about the discrepancies alleged by Roberts and Ellert, nor did he dispute the substance of the text exchanges. Instead, he reiterated the report's findings that his actions in response to the complaints complied with the law. "My cooperation was not only unprecedented but incredibly important to me," he said, referring to the Fisher Phillips investigation. "I have a commitment to the people of this City and the employees of this enterprise to do all we can to make sure our employees feel safe in their working environment. There have been many lessons learned and I believe working together we can continue to move our City forward. I am focused on the future and the next 2 years of this term." He also referred questions about the report to Fisher Phillips. 'Does he appreciate how feisty you are? The most glaring omission in the report, according to the womens lawyer, is not referring to the contents of the text message exchanges with the mayor that Roberts and Ellert provided to investigators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms. Roberts and Ms. Ellert voluntarily provided these messages to investigators and underscored their concerns about the mayors behavior as both their boss and as a person in a position of authority, Sniderman said. In at least one instance, those messages contradict an assertion by Hogsett in the report, in which the mayor stated (Roberts) never mentioned personal life concerns and that he did not know anything personally about her. A 2015 text message exchange between Roberts and Hogsett provided to investigators and obtained by IndyStar shows the mayor knew her then-partner's name and referred to Roberts as feisty. Lauren Roberts who along with 2 other women made sexual harassment allegations against Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsetts former chief of staff Thomas Cook, listen as Mayor Joe Hogsett apologizes to them during a City-County Council meeting on Monday, Aug. 12, 2024, in Indianapolis. After Roberts messaged Hogsett about campaign logistics for the following morning, Hogsett told her Happy Valentines Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tell (redacted) that he has to get my approval since Im older than your Dad, wrote Hogsett, who was 58 at the time. Roberts was 26. Roberts said thanks but no thanks, asserting she didnt need his approval. Hogsett responded again: Does he appreciate how feisty you are? About 20 minutes passed as she weighed how to respond. I would imagine so, she replied. Easy now, he said. She did not respond further. Roberts gave the exchange to investigators and told them it left her feeling uneasy at the time. She resigned from the Hogsett campaign a few months later. My absolute favorite Text messages provided to investigators by Ellert reveal the mayor reaching out unprompted late at night. She told investigators the messages made her feel "uncomfortable" and described them as "erratic." She also described being uncomfortable at the time to at least one member of the administration, according to text messages from the same evening obtained by IndyStar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At 10:15 p.m. on June 12, 2020, Hogsett texted Ellert about a years-old photo of the two of them. At the time, Ellert was 26 and was the executive director of the Marion County Democratic Party, a position that often put her at the behest of the mayor, then 63. Can I tell you that the picture of you and me in front of the seal (which I know you did not want to take nor did you like taking) is my absolute favorite, Hogsett wrote. It appears so real, as uncomfortable as it may have made you. He continued in a second message: Its almost as if we are both proud that the picture memorializes us in that particular moment, however long ago and that we are happy and proud of each other. I know you werent but you faked it well. Ellert didnt respond. Caroline Ellert (center) attendees a City-County Council meeting on Monday, Aug. 12, 2024, in Indianapolis. She and other women have made sexual harassment allegations against Mayor Joe Hogsetts former chief of staff, Thomas Cook. Two days earlier, Hogsett had asked her extensively via text about her preferred poetry in another after-hours exchange that appeared to span a few hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After initially texting Ellert about work-related logistics, he followed up about poetry: So, last question. Which poem do you find more meaningful and/or compelling: 'The Wasteland' or 'The Lovesong of J. Alfred Prufrock'? The topic was familiar yet unnerving to Ellert: Cook also had showered her with poetry, including one time placing a poetry book on her desk even after she asked him to maintain appropriate boundaries at work. Hogsett proceeded to ask for her favorite poetry, saying he would read it that night. The mayor then sent repeated messages asking, in various ways, for Ellerts advice on an unspecified issue. In one, he said, I care what you think? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This entire thing is completely frackup. Advise me how to deliver, he said in another text. The next: I am asking. The next: I need your advice. Thanks At that point, Ellert asks what hes talking about. Hogsett responded, Like what I am going through now? It is only 9am, he wrote, then correcting the time to "9pm" in a follow-up message. So tell me what I should do. She asked again what he needs advice on. Hogsett replied, about all things. In several follow up messages, the mayor implored Ellert to respond, saying, "Talk to me," "Please," and Hello: its only 9:36pm The final investigatory report by Fisher Phillips makes no mentions of the messages or the concerns the young women had shared about those communications with investigators even though it contains a section on workplace culture in the Hogsett administration and notes Cook "and others" acted unprofessionally around women and other employees. Ellert and Roberts' lawyer said the report "fails to account for all of the evidence that my clients provided and misses the full scope and import of the relevant issues." Calling it 'sexual assault' About three years later, having secured a job away from the Hogsett administration and outside Cooks perceived sphere of influence, as the report notes, Ellert made the decision to report her sexual harassment and assault allegations against Cook to Hogsett. She relayed her testimony in a September 2023 phone call with Hogsett and the city-county's corporation counsel. The final report asserts as fact, twice, that Ellert did not use the term sexual assault during that call. "While (Ellert) did not use terms 'sexual assault' or 'rape,' Mayor Hogsett understood what (Ellert) had described (i.e., non-consensual sex), though she did not use the specific term sexual assault," the report reads. However, she and her lawyer assert she did use that term in the phone call, and they told this to Fisher Phillips investigators. They confirmed this characterization in follow-up correspondence with investigators obtained by IndyStar. The report consistently construes the mayors statements as facts and my clients statements as mere claims, Sniderman said. "The mayor claimed that she did not use the term 'sexual assault' during her initial conversation with him in 2023 concerning Mr. Cooks conduct. However, Ms. Ellert clearly told investigators otherwise." Who was Roberts' employer? Another point of contention was who was really responsible for Roberts as an employee when she worked for the Hogsett campaign more than a decade ago. The Fisher Phillips report asserts Roberts was actually an employee of the Indiana Democratic Party while working for the Hogsett campaign. That contradicts a memorandum of understanding Hogsett signed in 2014 which Roberts provided to investigators, as well as an email from a party attorney. The MOU Hogsett signed when Roberts took a job with his campaign clearly states Roberts is "employed by the Committee," referring to the campaign, and that the state party "is not my employer." It was an agreement spelling out the party's role as a payroll processor. The email, from attorney Karen Celestino-Horseman to Roberts in 2019, states Roberts was not employed by the state party but the party merely handled payroll, as it does for other campaign staff. Roberts has previously asserted that neither the party nor the campaign wanted to take responsibility for handling her harassment case. More: 'No one wanted the ball': Women who experienced harassment say Democrats' response lacked She said she fears complaints made by campaign workers will continue to fall through the cracks if that doesn't change. The women's attorney, Sniderman, said Ellert and Roberts are speaking out in order to advocate for themselves and others who have been "targeted by workplace abuse." "Their goal remains the same," he said. "To help end these cycles of abuse." Contact senior government accountability reporter Hayleigh Colombo at hcolombo@indystar.com. Contact IndyStar state government and politics reporter Kayla Dwyer at kdwyer@indystar.com or follow her on X@kayla_dwyer17. Sign up for our free weekly politics newsletter, Checks & Balances, by IndyStar political and government reporters. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Hogsett investigation: Late-night texts from mayor, key details left out Aurora is further delaying a special census originally planned to start earlier this year that was postponed by the federal government. The 2020 decennial census showed that Aurora had a population of around 180,000, down from 197,000 in 2010 but city officials have disputed those numbers, arguing that the citys population is actually closer to the levels found in the 2010 census. The perceived undercount, city officials have said, is costing the city millions of dollars in lost tax revenue each year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last summer, the Aurora City Council approved an agreement with the U.S. Census Bureau to pay $1 million for a special census that the city hoped would count additional residents. City officials previously said that the special census would only need to find around 1,000 extra residents to pay for itself. The city loses about $4.3 million a year in federal and state funding due to the perceived undercount, which would mean a total of $43 million lost in the full 10 years between 2020 and 2030, officials have said. The census self-response period was originally set to begin Feb. 3 and end March 7, when the door-to-door count would have started. The city had been promoting the Feb. 3 start date for months and had even set up a kick-off event plus a number of neighborhood events, according to past reporting. The day before the kick-off event was planned, officials at the U.S. Census Bureau told the city that the special census had been postponed awaiting the installment of new federal leadership. That forced the city to cancel its events and put the whole process on pause. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, months after the special census was originally set to begin, and after the election of a new mayor, the city has been given an updated start date for the special census: Aug. 1. For many reasons, that new start date could put the city at risk of a further undercount, which would mean even less state and federal funding, Auroras new Chief of Staff Shannon Cameron told the Aurora City Council at a Committee of the Whole meeting Tuesday. So, city staff recommended further delaying the special census, potentially until next year, by re-entering the queue of cities requesting a special census that Aurora currently sits at the top of. No formal vote was taken at the meeting, but most alderman appeared to support staffs recommendation. On Thursday, Aurora Mayor John Laesch confirmed to The Beacon-News that the city plans to move forward with re-entering the queue. If the city accepted the new start date, which would have the online self-response period beginning on July 1, it would have less than a month to get the word out to the community and build public trust, Cameron said at the Tuesday meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Aug. 1, residents would no longer be able to take the online survey and could only be counted by talking to federal workers who come door-to-door, she said. That presents another issue, according to Cameron. She said many community and faith-based organizations that work with the citys Hispanic population have told city staff that the special census would not be successful and have advised the city not to go forward with it because of how hard these organizations have worked to inform people not to open their doors or speak to anyone working for the federal government, given fears over the Trump administrations crackdown on immigration. A lot of people also do not feel comfortable giving their data over to the federal government right now since some federal data previously kept separate, such as tax data kept by the IRS, is now being turned over to immigration enforcement, Cameron said. In a separate issue, the city has to recruit 53 people for the special census who will be trained and act as federal workers, according to Cameron. She said that, even with all the time to prepare, the previous administration was only able to find 22 qualified applicants and although some of those people may still be interested, the city would only have until Aug. 1 to recruit all the rest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While not all of the city would need to be counted under the special census, only specific areas identified when it was applied for, those 53 workers would only have until the end of the year to count everyone within those areas who did not respond to the online portion of the census, Cameron said. Thats because the Census Bureau has a special waiver that allows them to hire people despite the current federal hiring freeze, she said, but that waiver ends at the end of the year. Ald. Mike Saville, 6th Ward, asked if the city would be able to hire its own employees to help, and Cameron said they could but those city employees could only help people fill out the online portion of the special census, which would only be a month-long. Plus, the city previously had additional support including a Harvard fellow set to help with the special census, but it no longer has access to many of those people, Cameron said. And, the citys new leadership is still trying to get caught up to speed on everything, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are also concerns around language and literacy barriers, which the city originally planned to address through a partnership with the schools but school is out for the summer, which would make it harder for that partnership to pay off if the city accepted the proposed new start date, according to Cameron. In addition to these and other concerns about the Aug. 1 start date, city staff said there were also positive reasons to delay. One is that the city could redraw the map of where the special census would recount to focus primarily on areas with new growth, basically guaranteeing that it would find new residents, rather than focusing mostly on areas that may have been undercounted in the 2020 census, Aurora GIS Manager Tim Shields told the Committee of the Whole on Tuesday. Plus, with the delay, more of the developments currently under construction would be complete, meaning more residents to be counted, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The money Aurora has already paid towards the special census would not be lost if the city re-enters the queue, according to Cameron. However, she said there is no guarantee that, next year, the Census Bureau will be able to hire any new employees to support a special census since its hiring freeze waiver expires at the end of this year. Aurora would also be losing potentially another year of decreased federal and state revenue because of an under-counted population. Ald. Carl Franco, 5th Ward, said he was in favor of the delayed special census so the city would have more time to prepare. While the city may not see much return on this investment in the short-term, it would lay the groundwork for the 2030 census, benefiting the city in the long-term, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most other aldermen also agreed with staffs recommendation of delaying the census, but Ald. Patty Smith, 8th Ward, said the $4.3 million the city would be losing by delaying a year is a lot of money to let go and not try to fight for. She instead recommended going forward with starting the special census on the date given by the Census Bureau or asking for a short extension. Saville agreed with Smith on the condition that the city hires more people or asks city employees if they would want to work overtime to support the effort. Starting the special census with the Census Bureaus new date was one of the options Cameron presented at Tuesdays meeting, as was asking the bureau to give the city a slight delay. She also presented the option of backing out of the special census altogether and getting back $900,000 from the federal government. On Thursday, Laesch told The Beacon-News that the city asked to see if the Census Bureau would just delay the special census start date, but that request was denied. The city is planning to take staffs recommendation of re-entering the queue with an updated map, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An email sent by the Census Bureau to the city, shared with The Beacon-News by Laesch, said there were no other available days to start the special census in 2025. Census Bureau officials in the email gave the city the option to either take the Aug. 1 date, terminate the agreement and get unused funds back or remain paused and Laesch said the city chose to pause the special census in response to the email. rsmith@chicagotribune.com AUSTIN (KXAN) Austin ISD is expected to decide on some changes for the upcoming school year during a virtual meeting Thursday. The district said it planned on consolidating schools beginning in the 202627 school year, which could include school closures, boundary changes and more. The meeting was used to answer questions from the community. The purpose of the effort was to avoid deeper budget cuts and safeguard the academic experience, according to the district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Along with potential closures, there could also be boundary changes. AISD said some campuses were overcrowded while others had more room. The district reported it had approximately 25,000 empty seats across the district. Is it 50% full or is it 150% full? We definitely see both extremes throughout our district, and that just highlights how much we need to balance things throughout. Because that makes it very difficult to resource schools and be equitable. Raechel French, AISD Director of Planning Services AISD also discussed how to repurpose one campus that has already been closed. The district said it planned to create a green space at the site of the former Sims Elementary, which was closed in 2021. The district has a survey available for community members. It closes on Friday, but results will not be shared with the school board until 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 KXAN Austin. By Alasdair Pal SYDNEY (Reuters) -An Australian woman accused of murder denied measuring out a "fatal dose" of poisonous mushrooms on her kitchen scales to kill three elderly relatives of her estranged husband, as she was cross-examined by the prosecution on Thursday. Erin Patterson, 50, is charged with the July 2023 murders of her mother-in-law Gail Patterson, father-in-law Donald Patterson and Gail's sister, Heather Wilkinson, along with the attempted murder of Ian Wilkinson, Heather's husband. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prosecution accuses her of knowingly serving the guests lethal death cap mushrooms as part of a Beef Wellington at her home in Leongatha, a town of about 6,000 people some 135 km (84 miles) from Melbourne. She denies the charges, which carry a life sentence, with her defence calling the deaths a "terrible accident". Under cross-examination on Thursday by the prosecution, Erin Patterson was asked whether a series of photos of mushrooms placed on weighing scales in her kitchen was evidence she had been measuring a "fatal dose" to serve to her lunch guests. "I suggest that you were weighing these death cap mushrooms so that you could calculate the weight required for the administration of a fatal dose for one person. Agree or disagree?" barrister Nanette Rogers said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Disagree," Patterson replied. Patterson accepted under cross-examination that she had lied to police and medical professionals following the lunch when she was asked whether she had ever foraged for mushrooms or owned a food dehydrator, which was later found in a waste disposal plant containing traces of death caps. The accused has previously admitted she lied about being diagnosed with cancer, but on Thursday denied doing so in order to lure her guests to have lunch at her home. "I suggest that you never thought you would have to account for this lie about having cancer, because you thought that the lunch guests would die," Rogers said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "That's not true," Patterson replied. While being examined by her own barrister Colin Mandy, Patterson said earlier on Thursday that she did not intentionally pick death cap mushrooms, or knowingly serve them to her lunch guests. Nor had she pretended to be sick after the lunch to avoid becoming a suspect in the case, she said. The trial has captured public attention across Australia, with podcasters, journalists and documentary-makers from local and international media descending on the town of Morwell, where the trial is being held, about two hours east of Melbourne. State broadcaster ABC's daily podcast about the proceedings is currently Australia's most popular, while many domestic newspapers have run live blogs on trial developments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Justice Christopher Beale, the judge presiding in the trial, told the jury the cross-examination of the accused would probably continue into next week. The prosecution rested its case on Monday after a month of evidence from relatives and medical, forensic and mushroom experts. After the defence rests, the parties will discuss whether the prosecution might seek to reopen its case in light of defence evidence, Beale told the jury. The trial, set to conclude this month, continues. (Reporting by Alasdair Pal in Sydney; Editing by Kate Mayberry) David Paul Morris / Bloomberg / Getty Images Costco reported sales for May after the bell on Wednesday Key Takeaways Costco reported a 6.8% increase in sales for the month of May compared to May 2024. Comparable store sales rose less than analysts had expected, according to a note from JPMorgan analysts. The analysts said cooler than average weather in May could have slowed sales, while purchases rushed by tariffs likely peaked in March and April. Shares of Costco Wholesale (COST) fell Thursday after the company turned in monthly sales growth figures for May that came in below April's year-over-year figures. Costco's stock was recently down more than 3%. The company after yesterday's closing bell said its sales in May grew 6.8% year-over-year to $20.97 billion, slightly slower than the 7% that it saw in April compared to April 2024. The warehouse retailer's comparable store sales rose 4.1% in the U.S., 4.3% for the total company, and online sales grew 11.6% in May. The 5.5% comparable sales increase in the U.S., when excluding the impact of gas prices and foreign exchange rates, came in below the 6.4% analyst consensus, JPMorgan analysts wrote. The analysts wrote that Costco's sales results are in line with some other retailers that mentioned in recent earnings reports that May sales were weaker than April or March, largely due to weatherincluding a cooler-than-normal Memorial Day weekend in parts of the country. Costco said it doesn't typically cite weather as a factor unless there is an extreme weather event, per the analysts. JPM Says Tariff-Motivated Purchases Likely Peaked in March, April Any big purchases that consumers made ahead of schedule because of fears that tariffs would raise prices likely peaked in March and April, as executives said in last week's earnings call that they were seeing few tariff-motivated purchases at this point, according to the JPM analysts. The analysts said Costco's comparable sales growth could be pressured in the next few months as Costco laps the popular sales of its gold bars, which frequently sold out quickly when they were available. The retailer narrowly beat estimates in its fiscal third-quarter report, as other analysts have said Costco is well-positioned to navigate the tariff environment. Costco shares are up more than 10% this year, but remain below record levels set in February. This article has been updated since it was first published to reflect new share-price information. Read the original article on Investopedia A crowd gathered to photograph the bronze statue of author Willa Cather after a dedication ceremony in the U.S. Capitol Statuary Hall on Wednesday June 7, 2023. The Cather statue is Nebraska's second added to the National Statuary Hall Collection. (Ashley Murray/States Newsroom) LINCOLN Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jane Smiley will be the keynote speaker at the annual Willa Cather Spring Conference Friday and Saturday in Red Cloud. Jane Smiley (Courtesy of Derek Shapton) Smiley, author of several novels including A Thousand Acres, which is set on an Iowa farm, will speak at 7:30 p.m. Friday, followed by a book signing. Her free address is entitled Willa Cather, My Antonia and the Life of a Writer. The theme of the 70th annual conference is Cathers House: Examining Built & Natural Environments in Her Work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The event is also the culmination of the National Endowment for the Arts Big Read of My Antonia, a grant-funded NEA program in partnership with Arts Midwest. The conference began at 1:15 p.m. Thursday with a talk by Professor Ann Lundberg, Cather at Mesa Verde. Other activities include a stargazing walk on the Willa Cather Memorial Prairie and an artist talk and reception with Steve Tamayo. The event also includes an annual Saturday morning service at Grace Episcopal Church and The Passing Show: What Makes a House a Home panel discussion with scholars Claire Schmidt, John Swift, and Tamayo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The conference concludes with an 8 p.m. Saturday performance by The Killbanes at the Red Cloud Opera House. The indie-folk music and storytelling duo will share excerpts from their forthcoming stage musical adaptation of My Antonia. More details about the gathering can be found on the website WillaCather.org. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX MONROE COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE) The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has concluded its investigation into the death of a man after he was placed in a restraint chair while in Monroe County custody in February. According to a report by the Knox County Regional Forensic Center, Elijah Lester Isbill, 74, died from a heart arrhythmia because of underlying hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Among other details, the report states that Isbill had fractured ribs consistent with resuscitative intervention, but he did not have any life-threatening injuries. Judge grants Kenneth DeHart new preliminary hearing Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Isbill was arrested on February 6 on a charge of disorderly conduct after a report was made of a man appearing to be unable to drive in the area of Security Finance around 2:30 p.m. First responders with the Monroe County Ambulance Service responded to assist Isbill, but he denied needing medical care, a MCAS report stated. The report stated that Isbill was alert and seemed to be irritable that they were asking him questions, but he would occasionally zone out before beginning talking again. The report also stated that he had an elevated blood pressure, which concerned the first responders. However, Isbill refused assistance and became more irritable when they continued to talk to him about going to the hospital. The police incident report stated that Isbill seemed to be having a hard time staying awake, and an officer called his daughter who arrived a short time later. The officer wrote that they also attempted to convince Isbill to go to the hospital, but had him step out of the vehicle when they noticed Isbill reaching around several compartments in the vehicle. After reportedly continuing to be uncooperative, the report stated that Isbill said he was going to retrieve a shotgun and began punching the trunk of the vehicle. That is when the officer placed Isbill under arrest, the report stated. The officer also noted that a single action .20 gauge shotgun was found in the black floorboard of the vehicle. KCDC breaks ground on Phase 2 of Western Heights redevelopment project Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The assistant medical examiner wrote that Isbill was in jail when he was found unresponsive in a restraint chair. He was then taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead in the early hours of February 7. After being taken into custody at the Monroe County Jail, Isbill was initially placed in a cell, Monroe County Sheriff Tommy Jones said in a statement that he was not cooperative and began shouting and falling in the cell. Jones wrote that Isbill was then placed into a restraint chair in the presence of medical staff to prevent him from harming himself or corrections staff, and a mesh spit mask was placed over his head to prevent him from spitting on staff. Jones released a lengthy statement detailing the measures taken by sheriffs office employees and the circumstances of the situation at the jail. Read the full statement below. Sheriff-Jones-statement-on-Isbill-deathDownload Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement District Attorney General Stephen Hatchett told 6 News that he is reviewing the case and noted that Isbill had fallen in his cell before being placed in the restraint chair. Additionally, Hatchett wrote that while being arrested on a separate, since-dismissed charge in 2024, Isbill had displayed many of the same symptoms as he did while in jail in February. Im unclear why he was not taken to the hospital after he fell in the cell instead of being put into the restraint chair. I am in the process of reviewing that along with several other issues that have been raised, Hatchett wrote. See more top stories on WATE.com The family is being represented by attorney Tyler Weiss. When asked about a potential lawsuit, he told WTVC on Tuesday that nothings been filed at this point. So at this time, were making the community aware. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) One man is in custody after a narcotics bust seized 120g of suspected Fentanyl, 90g of suspected cocaine, a 2017 Mercedes-Benz vehicle and a Slingshot Motorcycle in Butler and Hamilton Counties. Butler County Undercover Regional Narcotics (B.U.R.N.) Task Force executed two search warrants early Thursday morning, because of a three-month narcotics trafficking investigation. According to Sheriff Richard K. Jones, the bust happened at approximately 7 a.m. The first warrant was for a home in the 5200 block of Camelot Drive, Fairfield. The second simultaneous warrant was for a home in the 2300 block of Hidden Meadows Drive, Springdale. Hamilton Countys Drug Abuse Reduction Taskforce (D.A.R.T.) covered the second location. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 42-year-old man was arrested. He is in Butler County Jail and has been charged with 2 counts of drug possession. (A first-degree felony.) Photo via Butler County Sheriffs Office. Photo via Butler County Sheriffs Office. Photo via Butler County Sheriffs Office. Sheriff Jones said the list of seized items was as follows: Approximately 120 grams of suspected fentanyl Over 90 grams of suspected cocaine $5,400 A 2017 Mercedes-Benz vehicle A Slingshot Motorcycle This case represents the continued dedication of the B.U.R.N. Task Force to identifying and removing high-level drug traffickers from our communities, said Jones. Fentanyl is a deadly poison, and those who profit from its distribution will be held accountable. 2 NEWS will follow this case as it develops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. In the wake of a string of deadly military aviation accidents over the past several years, the U.S. Army is launching a major overhaul of how it trains new pilots that focuses on getting back to the basics. The overhaul includes rethinking the type of aircraft used for training, along with a likely shift to a contractor-owned-and-operated schoolhouse. I think I have one sacred responsibility and that is to deliver competent aviators to the government, Maj. Gen. Clair Gill, commander of the Army Aviation Center of Excellence Command, said at an Army aviation conference in Nashville, Tennessee, last month. Im not sure that Im doing that in spades right now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fatal Jan. 29 collision of a U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines passenger jet near Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., and a spate of Army aviation mishaps over the last several years have been at the forefront of the minds of Army aviation leaders as they attempt to rein in the crisis and improve aviation safety. In addition to other efforts to try to reemphasize a culture of rigorous training and safety, the Army began taking a hard look at redeveloping its basic training program at Fort Novosel, Alabama, fueled by the most mishap-heavy years in Army aviation history since 2007. The Army found inexperienced crews were out-driving their headlights, out-training the experience that was in their force at whatever level, then-commander of the AACE, Maj. Gen. Mac McCurry, told Defense News on a 2024 trip to Fort Novosel, Alabama, home of Army aviation training. Now, the Army is in hyperdrive to reimagine how it trains aviators in an increasingly complex world where combat proficiency is waning and experience gaps at the highest levels are growing. Pivoting the chopper The motivation to make changes was compounded by the Armys decision in 2013 to retire its TH-67 training aircraft and replace them with more expensive LUH-72A Lakota light utility twin-engine helicopters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decision was a matter of necessity. The Army faced the choice of either needing to comply with congressional sequestration requirements that mandated cutting every program evenly across the board or making tough choices internally to avoid making salami slices across its budget. But critics worried the Lakota was too exquisite and pricey for basic training. It is a very good helicopter, Gill told Defense News in a recent interview. But in some cases, it assists the student in things that we wouldnt want the student assisted in. For instance, the automated flight control system will help you with heading control. If you jumped in a very simple aircraft if you dont push the pedal commensurate with how you apply the collective, you will start spinning in a circle and then if you push too much, you go the other way, Gill said. So thats the first time you learn to hover. Its a little bit of that dance. They dont have that challenge in the Lakota because it helps them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Army aviators coming out of basic training now dont have that early struggle, where you really have to kind of learn to control the airplane, he added. The fatal Jan. 29 collision of a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines passenger jet has been at the forefront of the minds of Army aviation leaders as they attempt to rein in the crisis and improve aviation safety. Here, search-and-rescue efforts are seen around the wreckage site in the Potomac River on Jan. 30. (Mark Schiefelbein/AP) The easier-to-fly Lakotas are also turning out to be harder to maintain. Airbus, the Lakotas manufacturer, is headquartered in France. Calling in a company maintenance engineer when a fleet-wide issue needs to be addressed is sometimes up against the tyranny of distance, Gill said. But Airbus says its lead Lakota program managers based in the U.S. work diligently via phone with the Fort Novosel team every day to help work through any maintenance issues that arise, according to an Airbus official. Airbus Helicopters North America is based in Grand Prairie, Texas, and has offices across the U.S. to include Alabama. Lakota maintenance technicians are located at Fort Novosel along with a senior Airbus program manager. The factory where all Army Lakota are made is in Columbus, Mississippi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A twin-engine helicopter also requires twice the components. You dont need to be a helicopter pilot or mechanic to understand that there are more things to maintain, Gill said. Sometimes that means more things can break. The Lakota has cost the Army roughly $3,000 per flight hour, which is nearly the same as the Armys UH-60 Black Hawk, Gill said. Some of the training aircraft that the Army is taking a look at now could potentially cost between $500 and $1,300 an hour. In 2020, the Army commissioned a study through Boston Consulting Group that determined the service could save hundreds of millions of dollars by transitioning to a single-engine trainer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An additional study with a College of William & Mary MBA fellowship program determined that a contractor-owned, contractor-operated, or COCO, model would be preferable to the current government-owned and operated method. Boston Consulting has been rehired, Gill said, to dive deeper into a business case analysis for a basic aviator training COCO model. Course correction The Army is now running a pilot program with Robinson Helicopter that began at the beginning of April where it is sending some of its current flight students to Marianna, Florida, to learn to fly using a Robinson R66 helicopter and to go through a Federal Aviation Administration private pilot training program. As part of the program, the students will log five solo flight hours. An FAA private helicopter certification requires 10 hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think that flying in that unsupervised fashion is just critically important to the development of the mature aviator that we expect we would generate out of the worlds greatest flight training program. The FAA is doing it, why in the world wouldnt we do it with Army aviators, Gill said. So the question is whats going to happen on the back end of that final program? Are we going to produce a less proficient aviator than Im building at Fort Novosel in the UH-72, Gill asked. Im very interested in what this pilot program is going to tell us, he said. I think I have one sacred responsibility and that is to deliver competent aviators to the government, Maj. Gen. Clair Gill, AACE commander, recently said. Gill, right, is shown here speaking with a soldier in Powidz, Poland, on April 28. (Sgt. James Lefty Larimer/U.S. Army) Should the Army choose a COCO model to train its aviators, much of the daily headaches schoolhouse leaders face would transfer to the company hired to train them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The brilliance of the COCO model is that its not my thing to worry about, Gill said. Now all I say is, I want 1,350 pilots at the end of the year; you figure out how. The number of helicopters needed in the fleet, maintenance requirements, the number of instructor pilots and their experience levels and every other aspect of training aviators will be determined by an industry partner. Industry will need to come with the tools that produce solid aviators. The need for better stick and rudder skills is at the core of both battle readiness and even just safety, David Smith, Robinson Helicopter CEO, told Defense News in a recent interview. We talk about a high degree of automation in some of these products that doesnt produce a great stick and rudder aviator. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opting for a simpler helicopter, like the R66, will also drastically reduce the cost, Smith said, because our products just dont have as many things that can fail, so they tend to be more reliable in service. Textrons Bell is also looking to get back into the Army aviation training game after the service retired its TH-67 in favor of the Lakota. We fully intend to give them a turnkey contractor-owned, contractor-operated flight school solution, Carl Coffman, Bells vice president of military sales and strategy, told Defense News at the Army Aviation Association of Americas annual conference last month. Bell is pitching its 505 Jet Ranger X as part of the package, but Coffman said, Were not trying to sell the Army an aircraft. Im trying to sell you a service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lockheed Martin also announced last month it would be pitching a turnkey solution. Spooling up the rotors The Army spends roughly $1.5 billion to run its flight school annually and produces 1,350 aviators, Gill said. To transition to a new flight program, the Army will have to, for a time, pay to keep Lakotas in the fleet, he acknowledged. The challenge for the Army is, in order to do this, it costs more money up front, he said. The Army announced last month it would be ending some programs, consolidating commands and restructuring formations, including eliminating 11 air cavalry squadrons from the force. Gill sees opportunity in the elimination of those squadrons. Money freed from operational flight hours could potentially go toward training hours instead. Industry also has to be prepared to own a good amount of the risk, in addition to the funding the Army would provide to establish the new training program, Gill said. The Army wants to move quickly to establish the program. Gill said the plan is to release a draft request for proposals this month. Another industry day will be held in July where companies can bring their capabilities for demonstration opportunities. Then the service will release a final request for proposal in the fall or winter of calendar year 2025 and evaluate proposals in 2026. I would like to get this thing going early in [fiscal] 2027, Gill said. Companies have estimated they could likely get a program up and running within two years, but Gill said he has directed industry to try to truncate that timeline by half. We cannot do this fast enough, he said. This story has been updated to include comment from Airbus on its maintenance efforts and U.S. based organization. By Maria Tsvetkova, Heather Schlitz and Julie Ingwersen (Reuters) -A Michigan court has scheduled a bail hearing on Thursday for a Chinese researcher accused of smuggling biological samples into the United States. Yunqing Jian, 33, and her boyfriend Zunyong Liu, 34, who conducted biological studies in the same field, were accused of smuggling a fungus into the United States for research. Jian, who according to a federal criminal complaint has worked on research projects in the United States since 2022, made her first court appearance on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Liu was denied entry into the United States last July, when the pathogen, a fungus identified by the U.S. Department of Justice as Fusarium graminearum, was found in his luggage. Liu said he wanted to conduct research on the fungus at a University of Michigan laboratory where Jian worked, according to the complaint. Prosecutors described the fungus as a dangerous biological pathogen that had the potential to be used as an agricultural terrorism weapon. The fungus is already widespread on U.S. farms, tested for and tightly controlled in grains, and is not considered dangerous unless consumed in large quantities. Clair Keene, an agronomist at North Dakota State University, said she was puzzled by U.S. authorities description of the fungus. "It's a common pathogen. We have it here. The claim that Fusarium graminearum can be used as a biological weapon doesn't strike me as accurate," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fungus can cause Fusarium head blight, typically known as scab. It is common among wheat, barley and other grains especially during rainy years. The telltale salmon-pink streaks on the grain heads contain a toxic byproduct called vomitoxin, which in high quantities can cause nausea and vomiting when eaten. Keene said farmers often spray fungicide to protect their crop and researchers have developed strains of wheat that are resistant to the fungus. Reuters was unable to contact Jian or her lawyer for comment. The case involving the researchers comes as the University of Michigan and other universities have faced pressure from the Trump administration over allegations they have done too little to combat antisemitism on campus and what the administration depicts as radical ideology in the classroom. Universities' ties to China also have come under scrutiny. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The University of Michigan said in a statement it condemned "any actions that seek to cause harm, threaten national security or undermine the university's critical public mission." "It is important to note that the university has received no funding from the Chinese government in relation to research conducted by the accused individuals," the university said, adding it will "continue to cooperate" with federal law enforcement in its ongoing investigation and prosecution. FBI director Kash Patel said in a post on X that the case was a reminder that China's ruling Communist Party "is working around the clock to deploy operatives and researchers to infiltrate American institutions and target our food supply, which would have grave consequences... putting American lives and our economy at serious risk." The Chinese Embassy in Washington in response to a Reuters request for comment sent a statement from its spokesperson Liu Pengyu. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I don't know the specific situation, but I would like to emphasize that the Chinese government has always required overseas Chinese citizens to abide by local laws and regulations and will also resolutely safeguard their legitimate rights and interests," Liu said. (Reporting by Maria Tsvetkova in New York, Heather Schlitz and Julie Ingwersen in Chicago. Editing by Donna Bryson and Lincoln Feast.) Nutrition bar manufacturer Bakery Barn LLC will be shuttering its Pleasant Hills factory in the summer, leaving 82 employees out of work. The layoffs will begin Aug. 1 at its facility at 111 Terence Dr., Pleasant Hills, according to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) notice filed May 29 with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry. Changing business needs require us to close this facility, according to the WARN notice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bakery Barn didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. Click here to read more from our partners at the Pittsburgh Business Times. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Sid Edwards has launched a new initiative to address one of the parishs most persistent complaints: potholes. Dubbed the Pothole Posse, the program represents what Edwards said is a renewed commitment to identifying and repairing potholes quickly and efficiently. We want to do them right, but we want to do them quickly, Edwards said. Theres no reason for a pothole to be sitting on our roads in EBR Parish for months so were trying to pick up the pace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mayors office said that more than 1,660 potholes have been filled across the parish this year. The Department of Public Works Street Maintenance Division handles the repairs once work orders are submitted. On average, the city receives 80-120 pothole reports per week. Keeping pets safe in the summer heat: Local experts share tips In addition to road repairs, the administration is working to improve lighting infrastructure, with a recent focus on Plank Road, where over 50 malfunctioning streetlights were fixed and upgraded with LED lighting in partnership with Entergy. Residents who spot potholes or lighting issues are encouraged to report them through the City-Parishs 311 system. 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. SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) The Bay Area Air District announced on Wednesday that its board of directors has approved $4 million in funding to support home and air filtration programs that will benefit up to 14 area schools, including upgrades at schools in Bayview-Hunters Point in San Francisco. Reddit suing AI startup Anthropic for breach of contract, using data without authority As part of the incentive, up to $1.3 million of improvements will come to public schools in Richmond, North Richmond, San Pablo and Tara Hills, said the Bay Area Air District. Another $1.7 million will be used for bolstering air filtration upgrades in schools in Bayview-Hunters Point in San Francisco and $1 million will be used for the Air Districts Home Air Filtration program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These upgrades will provide safer, healthier classrooms, which are essential to student learning and well-being, said Philip Fine, executive officer of the Air District. This action reflects our agencys commitment to environmental justice by reducing exposure to air pollution for some of our most vulnerable populations. The funding will back high-efficiency air filtration retrofits and five years of filter replacements in up to 14 public schools in Richmond, North Richmond, San Pablo and Tara Hills without any cost to the West Contra Costa Unified School District. Investments like this strengthen our schools and help us create healthier learning environments where students can thrive, added Kim Moses, interim superintendent of the West Contra Costa Unified School District. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) As hurricane season approaches, the Bay County Chamber of Commerce is taking action to ensure the community is ready. The 2025 Hurricane Preparedness Seminar will take place Friday, June 6, at FSU Panama City. The seminar will begin at 10:30 a.m. and will be open to the community. Admission is $20 per person with lunch included. The annual event has become an essential resource for individuals and businesses seeking to prepare and recover from the impacts of a hurricane. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement June 1 marks the start of the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane season According to a news release, with an overwhelming number of attendees last year, the chamber is once again bringing together top-tier experts to educate and inform. The featured speakers will include Chief Matthew Lindewirth, Sheriff Tommy Ford, Chief Meteorologist Chris Smith, and Sheryl Parker. This years seminar will cover: 2025 Hurricane season predictions, insurance coverage guidance, home & business preparedness, business continuity planning, available community resources before and after a storm, and more. Our goal is to help our residents and business community stay safe and resilient, Director of Foundation at the Bay County Chamber Lisa Moore said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Chamber has decided to add vendor spaces this year. It will offer local businesses an opportunity to showcase services that support storm preparation and recovery. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Thanks to its new CEO, Damola Adamolekun, Red Lobster is revamping its menu with a nod to the past. The restaurant chain will bring back some of its most popular items from years gone by. Adamolekun, announced the changes in an Instagram video. Were bringing back some fan favorites, he said. Yup, theyre back, and theres plenty under $20 on the menu. Adamolekun didnt specify how many dishes would make a comeback, but he did assure customers that the beloved Cheddar Bay biscuits will remain a staple. We got that right the first time, the Nigerian-American said about the crowd-pleasing appetizer. Before taking on the role of CEO, the Harvard graduate said he visited several of the restaurants locations to assess customers needs. Adamolekun told the Wall Street Journal that customers want quality food in a comfortable setting and to connect with the history of the brand. The 36-year-old CEO may fulfill customers desires by reintroducing nostalgic menu items like hushpuppies, which the company announced in November of last year would return to the menu. In August 2024, Adamolekun became the youngest CEO in the companys 56-year history. He guided the seafood chain restaurant out of bankruptcy and into a modernized era, adopting a public-facing approach and frequently appearing in the chains social media campaigns. This approach seemed to resonate with many social media users. Great ad! CEO is super impressive and compelling, charismatic on camera! Good move! a social media user commented on Red Lobsters Instagram post. Dude just got me to follow Red Lobster on IG another commenter wrote. Before joining Red Lobster, Adamolekun was the first Black CEO of P.F. Changs, where he revitalized the brand. He generated over $1 billion in annual revenue while leading the Asian-inspired food chain, according to the National Restaurant Association. Adamolekun is applying his proven business acumen at Red Lobster, working to improve service, upgrade the menu, and modernize the uniforms and restaurant interiors. Ive been a Red Lobster fan since my first dining experience as a 9-year-old at our Springfield, Illinois, restaurant, Adamolekun said on The Breakfast Club. The former Goldman Sachs intern received a business degree from Brown University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. RELATED CONTENT: These Black-Owned Restaurant Concepts Are Thriving Right Now The BBC has revealed that three of its journalists were detained at gunpoint by the Israel Defense Forces while they were reporting in southern Syria. The BBC said the incident, which took place on May 9, was wholly unacceptable and it has made a complaint to Israeli authorities. The UK national broadcaster said it is yet to receive a response. Deadline has contacted the Israeli military for comment. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BBC News Arabic correspondent Feras Kilani, a British citizen, was among the seven people held. Two other Iraqi BBC staff were part of the group, as well as three Syrian freelancers. They were in Syria to report on the demilitarised buffer zone seized by Israel following the fall of Bashar al-Assads regime. Kilani described how they were apprehended by Israeli soldiers at a checkpoint near Quneitra city and detained for seven hours. In a piece on the BBC News website, he recalled how he was strip-searched and grilled about his children and their ages. He recalled a gun being pointed at his head. I was in shock. I asked why they were doing this when they knew we were a BBC crew, he said. [The lead officer] said he wanted to help get us out quickly and that we had to comply with their instructions. Kilani said his colleagues were tied up and blindfolded, describing it as a horrific scene. They were also taken to a room to be strip-searched and questioned. Kilani added that their phones and laptops were examined, and photos were deleted. He claimed they were told there would be worse consequences if they approached the area again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, the BBC said: The BBC strongly objects to the treatment of our staff and freelancers in this way. Despite making clear to the soldiers on multiple occasions they were working for the BBC, the behaviour they were subjected to is wholly unacceptable. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. A Texas family is suing a popular BBQ chain, claiming that a four-year-old suffered second-degree burns from its dangerously hot sauce last year. Its the third complaint filed against Bill Miller Bar-B-Q in San Antonio in less than a year. The latest family alleges the restaurants barbecue sauce is served at unsafe temperatures, which resulted in the child suffering severe burns. Rose Roque filed the complaint in Bexar County District Court on May 29 and accused Bill Maher Bar-B-Q Enterprises of gross negligence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She is seeking $1m in damages and claims the sauce spilled onto the childs face and body during a visit to the restaurant on May 30, 2024. The lawsuit alleges that an employee at the location at Loop 410 and Culebra Road placed an uncovered tray of sauce on the table within reach of the child, according to court filings obtained by News4SA. Bill Miller, a popular BBQ chain in San Antonio, Texas is being sued for the third time after a family claims the restaurants sauce burned a four-year-old boy (Google) The unsecured container then tipped onto the child, causing him to allegedly suffer second-degree burns. The Independent has reached out to the company for comment. In court records, the family claims the restaurant has exhibited a pattern following the two other prior suits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident, Roques attorneys said, is emblematic of a pattern of carelessness. Bill Miller employees habitually and routinely overheat their barbecue sauce, failing to monitor or regulate the temperature before serving it to customers, the complaint states, according to the outlet. Additionally, it claims that the company has neglected to train or supervise staff on how to safely handle and serve hot items. In January, the company was forced to pay out $2.8m to Genesis Monita after a Bexar County judge ruled in her favor. Monita said she also sustained second-degree burns, which left permanent scarring on her thigh. The jury in that case determined the restaurant chain was liable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In another lawsuit, a separate customer sued the chain after they said they suffered severe burns at another location. The plaintiff said the sauce was so hot it burned part of her upper leg after melting through her jeans. All of the recent lawsuits claim the company has struggled to follow its own policies, alleging that Bill Millers operations manual states barbecue sauce should be served in a Styrofoam cup. All of the plaintiffs said the sauce was not served in a Styrofoam cup. Additionally, Roques attorneys said the restaurant withheld security footage that showed the moment of her sons injury. The plaintiff claims the footage exists, but the company has decided against providing it. BCA: Officer shot 80-year-old in Paynesville, but fatal wound was self-inflicted originally appeared on Bring Me The News. Investigators have confirmed that a police officer did shoot an 80-year-old man during an arrest attempt in Paynesville on Monday, but that the man ultimately died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has identified the man who died as Larry Alstead, 80, of Paynesville, who was the subject of a domestic assault call around 9 p.m. on the 600 block of Stearns Avenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alstead's wife told police that her husband had "assaulted her," causing non-life-threatening injuries, and that he was locked in the basement with a handgun. When Alstead appeared at the bottom of the basement stairs "with a handgun," Stearns County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Paul Orvis shot him twice, before Alstead "fired a single, self-inflicted gunshot wound." The BCA does not provide details as to what prompted Orvis to open fire, nor does it state whether Alstead was threatening police with the weapon. Body cameras were active at the time of the incident. The Midwest Medical Examiner's Office confirmed that Alstead's self-inflicted gunshot wound is what caused his death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Orvis, who has 23 years of law enforcement experience, has been placed on standard administrative leave. The investigation into the incident is ongoing. Note: The details provided in this story are based on law enforcements latest version of events, and may be subject to change. If you know anyone who is affected by domestic violence, you can find more information on services available here, via the Minnesota DPS. You can also call the Day One Crisis Hotline at 1-866-223-1111. This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jun 4, 2025, where it first appeared. An unwelcome visitor made its way into a local retirement community this week, but the visitor wasnt a person. It was a black bear! The bear broke into St. Andrews Village just after 11 p.m. Tuesday night. Charlene Elliott was one of the lead certified nursing assistants working. I was sitting there at our nurses station and I heard a big crash, Elliott told Channel 11s Andrew Havranek. I thought it was one of the aides that fell, I got up and Id seen it was a bear coming down the hall towards me! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pictures provided to Channel 11 show how the black bear got in. There are visible claw marks on a windowsill, and in another picture, shattered glass from a broken window. Going through my mind was, get the thing out of here! Elliott said. The bear was inside St. Andrews Village for about 15 minutes and was running through the hallways. I told them all to shut the doors. Get the doors all shut! Elliott recalled. The bear even went into some residential rooms getting nose-to-nose with one of them in bed, Elliott said. Please do not move, touch him, because he could have mauled him. I mean, one swipe, Elliott recalled telling the residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said one resident wanted to feed it a sandwich! Shes like Well, go ahead and give it my sandwich! and Im like, No, we cant do that! Elliott said. But, employees did use food Rice Krispies Treats to be exact to lure the bear out of the building. Elliott said they also used a walker to hit the bear toward the door. The Pennsylvania Game Commission set up a trap using donuts and other pastries and were able to catch the bear Thursday morning. Presbyterian Senior Living, the group that owns St. Andrews Village, sent a statement to Channel 11. On June 3, at approximately 11:10 PM, a juvenile black bear entered St. Andrews Village after breaking through a window. Thanks to the swift actions and bravery of our incredible team which included attempts to lure the bear to safety with Rice Krispies treats, the bear was safely guided out of the building without harm to residents or team members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are incredibly proud of our teams quick thinking and dedication to ensuring the safety of everyone in our community. To prevent future wildlife encounters, the game warden safely relocated the bear to a more suitable habitat today and all bird feeders on our campus were removed. We appreciate the support of our residents, families, and local authorities in managing this unique situation, and we remain committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for all. Were going to try to find it and get it away from that area to a more suitable place for the bear, said Lt. Andy Harvey of the PA Game Commission. Hopefully, theres some food sources around there where it can thrive. The game commission said it is rare for bears to enter buildings, but it can happen. They said to make sure theres no food waste and garbage outside your home that a bear can get into, and make sure you regularly clean your grill Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW A new animal joined the Erie Zoo family, coming all the way from Brookfield Zoo in Chicago. Sheba the bearcat arrived at the zoo a few days ago, an animal native to Southeast Asia. Sheba is a little shy right now while she gets used to her new home. But if youre lucky, you can catch a glimpse of Sheba in her exhibit near the zoos main entrance. Guests are asked to give Sheba a little privacy while she adjusts to her surroundings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Belk Inc. has confirmed a cyber incident that disrupted its systems in May. Belk struggles with ongoing tech issues, impacting returns and in-store pickup The longtime Charlotte-based retailer said in a statement to the Charlotte Business Journal that it took immediate steps to contain and investigate the activity, enlisting third third-party experts. The incident has since been resolved, and we have no evidence that sensitive customer data was impacted. Belk stores remain open, and we look forward to welcoming customers to shop in-store and online as usual, the statement reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Customers turned to social media in early May, asking the company to address problems with its system being down. Read more on CBJs website here. Action 9 investigator Jason Stoogenke says: Freeze your credit (if you havent already). Dont wait for a data breach. That way, even if thieves steal your personal information, theyll be very limited how they can use it. You should even freeze your childrens credit. Criminals can do a lot of damage with minors personal information because, chances are, the minors wont pick up on the identity theft until they go to apply for a loan, get a credit card, or take some other action likely years down the road. Keep a close eye on your bank accounts. Request your free credit report regularly. VIDEO: The legacy of the Belk family and their major impact on the Queen City It's the end of an era for a beloved Japanese-inspired restaurant in Austin, TX. East Side King owner Paul Qui announced that he's hanging up his apron at that joint after 15 years in business. The popular joint on South Lamar will close its doors for the last time on June 7. The restaurant's food truck already shuttered on May 31. Qui, who won Bravo's Top Chef Texas, said it's not exactly a total goodbye. The company will still offer catering, but it's brick-and-mortar, along with the food truck, will be a thing of the past. "We are here for a good time not a long time and its our time. East Side King is officially hanging up their apron and will be celebrating two final week of service," Qui shared on social media. "We have been honored to serve the Austin community for over 15 years and want to give a really big effing thank you to all the incredible people we have worked with along the way! and all the fantastic customers who kept us going! and especially all the support we have received from the weirdest community in Texas. We love yall so much. Come through and get your tori fix, say whats up to moto and take a pic with the tanuki. This isnt goodbye but see ya l8r sk8r." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Qui's not exactly parting with the location, however, According to reports, the building will be converted into Roselle Pizzeria and open its doors sometime in September. And the kitchen staff will remain intact. If Qui's name rings a bell it's because, back in early 2016, he was enjoying immense success building an empire that included a chic hotel in Miami. But the James Beard Award winner ran into trouble in March of that year, when he was arrested by Austin police after he was accused of assaulting his girlfriend at their apartment. According to Eater Austin, Qui smashed a phone, broke a coffee table and injured himself in the process. Following his arrest, Qui denied in an interview with the Austin American-Statesman that he punched his girlfriend, whom cops alleged was found with a bruised arm and a swollen jaw. But more than two years later, the assault charges filed against Qui were dropped after the embattled chef's girlfriend refused to cooperate with prosecutors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nevertheless, East Side King's sudden closure was met with shock and sadness. One patron commented on the IG post, "Damn. I would eat there once a week. Please gimme the recipe for the beet fries... ." Another added, "Just fell to my knees when I was broke, experiencing my first familial death and in between moves/jobs I started working on E. 6th and lived on the liberty rice lol. Such a simple menu item but that $4 (huge) rice portion and a patio beer + cig was all I had to look forward to most days. Local trucks mean SO MUCH to the community, youll be missed but never forgotten forever THE kings of the east side." Beloved Restaurant Owned by 'Top Chef' Winner Closing After 15 Years first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 4, 2025 After almost two decades in business, a popular Mexican restaurant in Fayetteville, New York has closed its doors. Papa Gallo Mexican Restaurant is now "permanently closed,' ownership said in a message posted on the door of the building, according to LocalSyr.com. The popular Tex-Mex establishment still held the lease for the building for two more years, but its owner Jason Thomas decided to sell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are permanently closed. After 17 years, we have closed our doors," the sign reads. "It was not an easy decision but a prudent business decision. Our lease is ending in two years and the opportunity to sell presented itself. New owners with dynamic vision will be taking over, renovating and bringing the community a new and vibrant restaurant. Thanks to all of our staff and customers over the years, making Papa Gallo what it was. Hasta Luego!" So far, there have been no reports about what might be replacing Papa Gallo at 205 W. Genesee Street. A Google search also confirms the restaurant has been shuttered. According to the official Papa Gallo website, Thomas opened the business as a tribute to his grandfather, who hailed from South Texas and always dreamed of opening a Mexican eatery. "He opened and owned many businesses in his life, however he never opened Papa Gallo. So in a way, this restaurant is a tribute to my grandfather," Thomas wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reactions to news of Papa Gallo's closing has been mixed on social media, with some praising the quality of the food and others offering complaints in retrospect. 'Beloved' New York Mexican Restaurant Closes After 17 Years first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 4, 2025 AMHERST, Mass. Ethan Neuschwander, of Goshen, Indiana, recently graduated summa cum laude from Amherst College and was honored by Amherst College with the Pedro Grasses Prize for Excellence in Spanish and the Robert C. Vogel Award for the best Senior Honors Thesis for his work on Mennonites in Latin America. Neuschwander was born and raised in Goshen and was a 2021 graduate of Bethany Christian Schools. In the fall, Neuschwander, who majored in Spanish Literature and Language, will be continuing his academic journey as he attends Harvard Law School as a member of the J.D. class of 2028 in the hopes of pursuing plaintiff-side legal work. CADDO PARISH, La. (KTAL/KMSS)For more than twenty years, the McKinney-Vento Homeless Services Program in Caddo Parish has hosted Beyond Camp, a summer camp designed specifically for students experiencing homelessness. It offers them a season full of enrichment, exploration, and support. Beyond Camp is a federally funded program created to support students who are experiencing homelessness by giving them experiences and opportunities they might not otherwise have, said Dr. Norcha Lacy, Supervisor of the McKinney-Vento Program for Caddo Parish Schools. Support childrens hospitals through Spark Good health campaign Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When we asked them what their favorite part was, they all said the field trips, because they went on one every day. They were able to experience things they wouldnt normally be able to experience in their normal lives, so we provide those experiences and opportunities for them during our camp, Dr. Lacy shared. From hands-on learning to daily adventures, the camp allows children to learn, grow, and enjoy being kids during summer. Dr. Lacy encouraged others to form a strong team and reach out to community partners when bringing similar programs to their communities. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Almost two-thirds (62%) of Dr Martens footwear is made in Vietnam, and 31% in Laos, south-east Asia. Photograph: Dr Martens/PA Dr Martens has vowed not to increase prices this year and will continue sourcing from Vietnam and Laos, despite the threat of cripplingly high tariffs on the south-east Asian countries, where the bulk of its shoes are made. The British footwear brand, best known for its boots with distinctive yellow stitching, said most of its autumn and winter stock would be either in the market or in transit by the start of July, around the time the 90-day pause on an array of tariffs imposed by the US is due to come to an end. Almost two-thirds (62%) of Dr Martens footwear is made in Vietnam, and a further 31% is produced in neighbouring Laos. Both countries were previously hit with some of the highest US tariffs, after China 46% for Vietnam and 48% for Laos before Donald Trumps temporary pause reduced them to 10%. Despite this, Dr Martens said it was not considering moving any of its manufacturing to other locations. We are really thoughtful and scenario-planning about tariffs, but they are not making us do anything crazy, Ije Nwokorie, the companys new chief executive, said. These are long-term relationships, and you support each others business when you are going through tough times. Nwokorie said the company which sells its 1460 model of leather lace-up boots for 170 was helped by the fact that tariffs were levied on the cost of goods rather than the price they were sold for. We are a high gross margin business, which means we are a low cost of goods business. From a competitive point of view, there is less impact on us than companies who dont have our gross margins, he said. He added that keeping the prices of its shoes, boots and bags unchanged was sustainable for this year but said the company would be keeping control of its costs. Despite the threat of higher tariffs affecting its products imported into the US, Dr Martens said its sales in the country had picked up over the past year as it focused on selling footwear directly to customers through its stores and website. On Thursday, the company reported a slump in profits for the year to the end of March to 8.8m, down from 93m a year earlier as it faced challenging macroeconomic and consumer backdrop in several of its key markets, including the UK. The company makes 2,000 pairs of boots a week at its Northampton factory, although this only accounts for 1% of its production. It said UK sales were challenging. Nwokorie blamed this on an extended period of high levels of discounting at UK retailers, which the company is aiming to reduce. Nwokorie announced a plan to turn around the business, including by streamlining operations and tailoring marketing to different markets. He said he wanted to focus on Dr Martens shoes, sandals and bags, alongside its boots. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) The Bakersfield Fire Department announced it will hold a ceremony to donate a fire engine to sister city Santiago de Queretaro, Mexico on Friday. The donation event is set for 8:30 a.m. on June 6 at BFD Headquarters, located at 2101 H Street. Members of the public are welcome to attend. Teen rescues chained dog from raging fire; family wants to say thank you but doesnt know his identity Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The gift is meant to symbolize the cross-border collaboration, training exchanges and mutual support between Bakersfield and Santiago de Queretaro since the two became sister cities in July 2005, according to the department. This donation is more than just equipment, its a testament to our shared values of service, preparedness, and community, said Bakersfield Fire Chief Kevin Albertson. We are proud to support our fellow firefighters in Queretaro and look forward to continued collaboration. The two cities have shared donations and joint training programs in the past to improve fire and rescue operations for both, according to BFD. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Joe Biden has lashed out at President Donald Trumps ridiculous and false claims that he was not making his own decisions while in the White House. The 82-year-old former president issued the rebuke after his successor launched a probe into Bidens alleged cognitive decline while in office and whether his team took advantage of his diminishing mental state to sign off on a number of actions using an autopen. Let me be clear: I made the decisions during my presidency, Biden said in a statement distributed to multiple outlets. I made the decisions about the pardons, executive orders, legislation, and proclamations. Any suggestion that I didnt is ridiculous and false. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added: This is nothing more than a distraction by Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans, who are pushing disastrous legislation that would slash essential programs like Medicaid and raise costs on American familiesall to fund tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy and big corporations. Donald Trump reignited calls probe into Joe Bidens alleged use of the autopen in the wake of the former presidents cancer diagnosis. / Chip Somodevilla/Pool via Reuters Trump has ordered Attorney General Pam Bondi and David Warrington, the White House counsel, to lead the investigation into whether Bidens team purposefully shielded the Democrats declining mental acuity from the public. The order alleges, without evidence, that it has become increasingly apparent that Bidens aides used the autopen to sign off on executive actions in order to conceal Bidens cognitive decline. The autopen is a mechanical device that replicates a persons signature, allowing presidents to sign off on multiple executive actions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This conspiracy marks one of the most dangerous and concerning scandals in American history, the memo said. Trump has been pushing the theory that Biden didnt personally sign the sweeping pardons issued just before leaving office, including one for his son, Hunter Biden, and preemptive pardons for other family members. Concerns about whether Joe Biden was mentally and physically fit enough to serve another four years in office ended his 2024 re-election campaign. / Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters His new order also points to Bidens appointment of 235 federal judges and the commutation of sentences for 37 of the 40 most vile and monstrous criminals on death row as vindication for the investigation. Given clear indications that President Biden lacked the capacity to exercise his Presidential authority, if his advisors secretly used the mechanical signature pen to conceal this incapacity while taking radical executive actions in his name, that would constitute an unconstitutional wielding of presidential power, the memo said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Justice Department is conducting its own review of Bidens pardons for his family and death row inmates. Pardon Attorney Ed Martin reportedly directed staff to examine whether Biden was competent at the time or if others were taking advantage of him through use of AutoPen or other means. Bidens mental and physical fitness once again came under scrutiny following bombshell claims in Original Sin, a new book by CNNs Jake Tapper and Axios Alex Thompson. Biden also recently announced he had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. Trumpwho is just three years younger than Bidensuggested Bidens team manipulated him into pushing for an open border policy as president, as this was in contrast to the Democrats long-standing views. He didnt approve this stuff, because when Joe Biden was with it, he would never have approved it, Trump told reporters at the Capitol on May 20. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Daily Beast. Joe Bidens former allies are running for the hills. Questions about the former presidents mental faculties took on a new urgency last month thanks to the artificial drip-drip of revelations leaked to outlets ahead of the release of Original Sin, Jake Tapper and Alex Thompsons book about the ill-fated Biden re-election bid. Now, the Trump administration and GOP Congress are pushing the narrative along with investigations into the use of an autopen by the former president when signing official documents a move Donald Trump has baselessly alleged could mean that some shadowy figure was really running the show for four years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Democratic Party is in the wilderness, electorally speaking, and undergoing a real internal reckoning over the mismanaged 2024 re-election campaign of Joe Biden and the final stretch sprint that was Kamala Harriss own bid for the top job. No one is more lost in this reshuffle than the members of Bidenworld, who found themselves jobless and loathed by a certain segment of the party after last year. Facing the clear prospect of being blacklisted by future Democratic campaigns and causes, some are rebranding themselves. Others are cutting ties altogether. Karine Jean-Pierre announced Wednesday that she was becoming an independent (Getty Images) Wednesday arrived in Washington with the news that Karine Jean-Pierre, Bidens White House press secretary for four years, was in the latter group. Hawking a new book titled Independent (no relation!), Jean-Pierre announced through representatives that she is leaving the party. The books description labels the Biden White House broken and was met with skepticism from journalists, who questioned how outside the party lines the presidents former press secretary could organically be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The news also enraged Democrats with ties to the former administration, according to Politico, who called it a grift and mostly held to fuming in group chats. Others in this category have dropped off the face of the (political) Earth: Jen OMalley Dillon, Harriss former campaign chair, hasnt made a public comment since appearing on a Pod Save America interview in the immediate aftermath of the election. Same with ex-campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez. Several other top and mid-level Harris and Biden campaign officials have either sunk into relative obscurity or, such as was the case with former Biden White House spokesman Andrew Bates, struck out on their own. Thats to say nothing, of course, of Harris herself. The former vice president continues to be virtually invisible as she reportedly weighs a run for governor of her home state (where she hasnt lived for four years), against what would likely be a field crowded with other Democrats. Doing so would expose her to tough questions about her former running mate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She has yet to pull the trigger, with that likely being a major reason why. Kamala Harris has only held one public event since the election, even as she considers running for governor of California. (Getty) Theres one clear reason for this: Joe Bidens continued inability to refute any of the concerns about his age and ability to make a case for himself. It seemed like the former presidents fade into obscurity began the day he ceded the presidential position on the re-election ticket to Harris; his most prominent moment in the weeks following was his pardon of Hunter, his son, in December. In a half-hearted effort to head off the worst of the Original Sin blowback, the former president appeared alongside the former first lady on The View, a comparatively friendly interview, before the books release. It did not go well. A whispery ex-presidents sentences were finished for him, and there was little sign of the fiery scrapper from Scranton whose antics were once the subject of memes and TV references, not derision. Neither the GOP nor a scandal-hungry Capitol press corps is eager to let this story die. Joe Biden seems wholly unable to kill it. The only question now is how long the stink of the last year remains on those affected, and how widespread it really is. Could it blunt Harriss ambitions? Probably. Less clear: its effect on Cabinet officials, like Pete Buttigieg. Or Rahm Emanuel, Bidens former ambassador to Japan, whos now publicly indicating that he may run in 2028. In the end, the former presidents re-election bid could end up irreversibly tarring a whole segment of Democratic operatives and even a few of the partys (formerly) rising stars. President Trump is still trying to turn President Joe Bidens autopen use into a real scandal, announcing an investigation Wednesday into the pen and its role in an alleged coverup of Bidens cognitive decline. The former president immediately slammed the move. Let me be clear: I made the decisions during my presidency. I made the decisions about the pardons, executive orders, legislation, and proclamations, Biden said in a statement. Any suggestion that I didnt is ridiculous and false.... This is nothing more than a distraction by Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans who are working to push disastrous legislation that would cut essential programs like Medicaid and raise costs on American families, all to pay for tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy and big corporations. Trump has been accusing Biden of using an autopenessentially a signature machine to aid presidents in signing multiple bills in one sittingfor months now, in an attempt to create both a corruption scandal and a cognitive decline scandal around the former president. At one point, Trump even suggested that Senator Elizabeth Warren was using the autopen in place of Biden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the exception of the RIGGED PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION OF 2020, THE AUTOPEN IS THE BIGGEST POLITICAL SCANDAL IN AMERICAN HISTORY!!! Trump posted on Truth Social Wednesday. The autopen is nowhere near as big of a deal as Trump is making it out to be, if at all. Presidents Lyndon B. Johnson, John F. Kennedy, Barack Obama, and Trump himself have all used it, although Trump swears its only for very important papers. For this to be at the top of Trumps mind while his One Big Beautiful Bill Act is in the midst of Senate gridlock shows how much of a nothingburger this issue isespecially compared to the myriad of scandalous events surrounding Trumps own tenure as president. Its a Beast of a time in Washington. Donald Trumps D.C. reality show is full of new characters, plot twists, and cliffhangers, and the Daily Beast will navigate you through it. The 47th president wont need to drain The Swamp. Its all leaking here Never miss another secret from the D.C. ooze by signing up here to get The Swamp direct to your inbox.. Everything today is political... even AI companies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Republicans have theirs with Elon Musk and also with Sam Altman, who recently accompanied Donald Trump to the Middle East and has swerved to the darker side. But now the Dems have their own AI company. We were tipped off when Reed Hastings joined the Board of Anthropic. The other big hint came with Anthropic opposing the presidents Big Beautiful Bill. Further research revealed other Dem stalwarts at the heart of the company. It was never going to be easy for Joe Bidens ex-staffers to find new jobs with questions still flying over what his inner circle knew about his mental decline. Nobody wants to update their LinkedIn profile from Senior Adviser to Seniors Helper. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Anthropic embraced the fight against the Donbot. Now its Claude vs ChatGPT (and Grok). Hastings knows something about Biden; hes a Democratic Party mega donor who has contributed more than $20 million in the past few years. He was also one of the first insiders to suggest Biden should stand down last summer. An early Anthropic funder was Facebook co-founder and Dems donor Dustin Moskovitz. Anthropic also recently hired Tarun Chhabra, who served as Deputy Assistant to the President and Coordinator for Technology and National Security at the National Security Council under Biden. Already in situ was Elizabeth Kelly, former Special Assistant to the President at the National Economic Council, who joined in March after two years in the White House. She has a terrific-sounding role as Head of Beneficial Deployments. Ben Buchanan, Bidens Special Adviser on AI, is an adviser to the $60 billion Silicon Valley company. Anthropics legislative analyst Benjamin Merkel was Bidens Special Assistant to the President and Senate Liaison between January 2024 and January 2025. To add the cherry on the Trump resistance cake, Anthropic added a Harvard ingredient to its Economic Advisory Board, with the appointment last month of Dr. Chiara Farronato, from Harvard Business School. Dr. Farronato is also co-Principal Investigatory of the Platform Lab at the Digital Data Design Institute at Harvard (D^3)...whatever that means. David Sacks, Donald Trump's AI tsar warned that claims that jobs would take a huge hit within five years were The Anthropic opposition can take heart from Trumps AI Czar David Sacks, who complained on his All In podcast about comments from CEO Dario Amodei predicting that AI could take 50 percent of entry-level white collar jobs in five years. Sacks said that observation was just headline-grabbing and that Amodeis claim three years ago that AI would create bioweapons never came true. Well, thats a relief. Tuesdays always preferable to Doomsday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This item was written without The Swamps knowledge by an autopen. This extract from this weeks edition of The Swamp is just a taste of the delicious secrets we reveal every week. Sign up here to never miss an edition. Written by David Gardner, Farrah Tomazin, and Sarah Ewall-Wice. Welcome to Eye on AI! In this editionOpenAI releases report outlining efforts to block malicious use of its toolsAmazon continues its AI data center push in the South, with plans to spend $10 billion in North CarolinaReddit sues Anthropic, accusing it of stealing data. After spending a few days in Washington, D.C. this week, its clear that Big AImy shorthand for companies including Google, OpenAI, Meta, Anthropic, and xAI that are building and deploying the most powerful AI modelsisnt just present in the nations capital. Its being welcomed with open arms. Government agencies are eager to deploy their models, integrate their tools, and form public-private partnerships that will ultimately shape policy, national security, and global strategy inside the Beltway. And frontier AI companies, which also serve millions of consumer and business customers, are ready and willing to do business with the U.S. government. For example, just today Anthropic announced a new set of AI models tailored for U.S. national security customers, while Meta recently revealed that its making its Llama models available to defense partners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This week, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt was a big part of bringing Silicon Valley and Washington together. I attended an AI Expo that served up his worldview, which sees artificial intelligence, business, geopolitics, and national defense as interconnected forces reshaping Americas global strategy (which will be chock-full of drones and robots if he gets his way). I also dressed up for a gala event hosted by the Washington AI Network, with sponsors including OpenAI, Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon, as well as a keynote speech from U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. A parallel AI universe in D.C. Both events felt like a parallel AI universe to this D.C. outsider: In this universe, discussions about AI are less about increasing productivity or displacing jobs, and more about technological supremacy and national survival. Winning the AI race against China is front and center. Public-private partnerships are not just desirabletheyre essential to help the U.S. maintain an edge in AI, cyber, and intelligence systems. I heard no references to Elon Musk and DOGEs move fast and break things mode of implementing AI tools into the IRS or the Veterans Administration. There were no discussions about AI models and copyright concerns. No one was hand-wringing about Anthropics new model blackmailing its way out of being shut down. Instead, at the AI Expo, senior leaders from the U.S. military talked about how the recent Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian air bases are prime examples of how rapidly AI is changing the battlefield. Federal procurement experts discussed how to accelerate the Pentagons notoriously slow acquisition process to keep pace with commercial AI advances. OpenAI touted its o3 reasoning model, now deployed on a secure government supercomputer at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the gala, Lutnick made the stakes explicit: We must win the AI race, the quantum racethese are not things that are open for discussion. To that end, he added, the Trump administration is focused on building another terawatt of power to support the massive AI data centers sprouting up across the country. We are very, very, very bullish on AI, he said. The audiencepacked with D.C.-based policymakers and lobbyists from Big AIapplauded. Washington may not be a tech town, but if this week was any indication, Silicon Valley and the nations capital are learning to speak the same language. Critics push back on growing convergence of AI and D.C. Still, the growing convergence of Silicon Valley and Washington makes many observers uneasyespecially given that its been just seven years since thousands of Google employees protested the companys involvement in a Pentagon AI project, ultimately forcing it to back out. At the time, Google even pledged not to use its AI for weapons or surveillance systems that violated internationally accepted norms. On Tuesday, the AI Now Institute, a research and advocacy nonprofit that studies the social implications of AI, released a report that accused AI companies of pushing out shiny objects to detract from the business reality while they desperately try to derisk their portfolios through government subsidies and steady public-sector (often carceral or military) contracts. The organization says the public needs to reckon with the ways in which todays AI isnt just being used by us, its being used on us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the parallel AI universe I witnessedwhere Big AI and the D.C. establishment are fusing interestsis already realigning power and policy. The biggest question now is whether theyre doing so safely, transparently, and in the public interestor simply in their own. The race is on. With that, heres the rest of the AI news. Sharon Goldman sharon.goldman@fortune.com @sharongoldman This story was originally featured on Fortune.com The newly tense relationship between President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk erupted into the peak of a public feud Thursday as Trump responded to Musks recent criticisms of his Big Beautiful Bill. Speaking alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the White House, Trump called Musk very disappointing, saying that the Tesla, X, and SpaceX CEO had overseen and previously been involved in shaping parts of the bill. Now, Musk appears to be criticizing the bill in a series of memes online. Elon and I had a great relationship. I dont know if we will anymore, the President told reporters during a press conference on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Musk responded quickly to X, saying that it was a lie and that he had never seen the initial framework of the big beautiful bill. As The Dallas Express previously reported, Musk left the White House last week, a weirdly quiet transition from his usually vocal role over at DOGE. The viral response to the bromances breakup came after Musk labeled the GOP-backed Big Beautiful Bill Act a disgusting abomination earlier this week in an X post, raising concerns about ballooning deficits and the removal of key incentives for electric vehicles. It will massively increase the already gigantic budget deficit to $2.5 trillion (!!!) and burden America citizens with crushingly unsustainable debt https://t.co/dHCj3pprJO Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 3, 2025 Notably, Tesla: Americas largest EV manufacturer has faced a sharp decline in sales amid intensifying global competition, with shares down over 20% this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump suggested Musks opposition to the bill came from the removal of tax credits that benefited electric vehicle makers like Tesla. Musk, who was once a top campaign donor and adviser at DOGE to Trump, didnt hold back in his continued, viral critiques. Through more X posts, Musk first dismissed the Presidents comments with a simple whatever before escalating his complaints about the 47th President, claiming that Trump owed him his 2024 election victory. Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate, Musk wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This comment from Musk sparked a viral storm, with one responding, For the record: this was the moment President Trump won the 2024 election, adding the following picture: For the record: this was the moment President Trump won the 2024 election pic.twitter.com/mXhqoQabPA Vince Langman (@LangmanVince) June 5, 2025 Musk also echoed the frustration of many centrists in a poll asking whether it was time to form a new political party to represent the 80% in the middle. The result? A resounding 82% of 1.6 million voters said yes (so far). Is it time to create a new political party in America that actually represents the 80% in the middle? Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 5, 2025 Previously, the two men often praised each other publicly, with Musk once joking that he was Trumps first buddy. As recently as February 7, Musk even posted that he loved Trump: I love @realDonaldTrump as much as a straight man can love another man Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 7, 2025 The Republican spending bill causing the apparent relationship strife is one of Trumps top legislative priorities. It aims to extend his 2017 tax cuts, boost defense spending, and expand immigration enforcement, which weve seen growing in impact across America. The bill also includes cuts to Medicaid and nutrition assistance. While the Big Beautiful Bill passed the House, its future in the Senate remains uncertain amid divisions within the GOP. Supreme Court justices sent a message to the American public on Thursday: Were not as divided as you think. Of the six rulings that were released, four were unanimous, including the opinions in high-profile battles over reverse discrimination and faith-based tax breaks. Another decision was nearly unanimous, with just one justice peeling away on one part of the ruling. And the sixth decision had just one dissent, meaning that nearly all of the justices agreed with the plan to dismiss the case as improvidently granted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres an overview of the six rulings released on Thursday and a look at whats still to come from the Supreme Court in June. On reverse discrimination Ruling: Unanimous In Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services, the court was considering whether members of a majority group, such as straight, white males, should have to meet a higher burden of proof in order to make an employment discrimination claim. The case was brought by Marlean Ames, a straight, white woman, who accused her former employer of privileging LGBTQ employees during the promotion process. Ames lost in front of lower courts, but the Supreme Court overturned those decisions on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The justices unanimously said that members of majority groups should not have to meet a higher burden of proof and sent Ames case back to the lower courts for reconsideration. The question in this case is whether ... a plaintiff who is a member of a majority group must also show background circumstances to support the suspicion that the defendant is that unusual employer who discriminates against the majority. We hold that this additional background circumstances requirement is not consistent with Title VIIs text or our case law construing the statute," Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson wrote in the opinion. On the legal liability of gun makers Ruling: Unanimous In Smith & Wesson Brands v. Mexico, the court was asked to determine whether the Mexican government could sue seven gun manufacturers based in the U.S. over their role in unlawful gun sales in Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Supreme Court unanimously said on Thursday that the Mexican governments lawsuit cannot move forward because Mexicos complaint does not plausibly allege that the defendant gun manufacturers aided and abetted gun dealers unlawful sales of firearms to Mexican traffickers. We have little doubt that, as the complaint asserts, some such sales take place and that the manufacturers know they do. But still, Mexico has not adequately pleaded what it needs to: that the manufacturers participate in those sales as in something that (they) wish to bring about, Justice Elena Kagan wrote in the opinion. On religious exemptions Ruling: Unanimous In Catholic Charities Bureau v. Wisconsin Labor and Industry Review Commission, the Supreme Court was asked to decide whether the state of Wisconsin was violating the First Amendments religious freedom protections by denying a faith-based tax break to a group of Catholic nonprofits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The nonprofits said their service to people in need was clearly motivated by Catholic teachings, but Wisconsin officials said they didnt qualify for the religious exemption to the states unemployment tax because they did not seek to serve only Catholics or evangelize to their clients, as the Deseret News previously reported. State officials won in front of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, which said that the Catholic nonprofits work did not serve primarily religious purposes. In Thursdays unanimous decision, the Supreme Court reversed that decision, ruling that Wisconsin was violating the First Amendment by privileging certain religious beliefs and actions over others. It is fundamental to our constitutional order that the government maintain neutrality between religion and religion. There may be hard calls to make in policing that rule, but this is not one, Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote in the opinion. On jurisdiction over a foreign state Ruling: Unanimous Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In CC/Devas (Mauritius) v. Antrix, the justices were considering under what circumstances federal courts in the U.S. can assert jurisdiction over foreign states. The case stemmed from a conflict between a company thats active in the U.S. and a corporation owned by India. The Supreme Court on Thursday unanimously ruled that federal courts did have jurisdiction over India in this dispute and reversed a decision from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Justice Samuel Alito wrote the opinion. On reopening lawsuits Ruling: Nearly unanimous, with one justice taking issue with one part of the majority opinion. In Blom Bank v. Honickman, the court was considering whether victims of terrorist attacks or their surviving family members could reopen their case against a bank that had allegedly aided and abetted terrorists by providing financial services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Supreme Court ruled that the people who brought the case did not meet the high standard that must be cleared to reopen the case. The majority opinion, authored by Justice Clarence Thomas, was nearly unanimous. Eight of the justices, including Thomas, joined it in full, but Jackson only joined it in part. On class action lawsuits Ruling: Dismissed as improvidently granted, with one justice dissenting to the dismissal In Lab Corp v. Davis, the justices were considering whether a federal court can certify a class action suit if some of the parties in the suit lack legal standing. A majority of the justices decided to dismiss the case as improvidently granted, meaning that they felt the court should never have agreed to weigh in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Justice Brett Kavanaugh dissented to that decision, writing that he felt it was possible and would be valuable to rule on the case. Whats next? The Supreme Court will release around two dozen more rulings throughout the month of June as it works to wrap up its 2024-25 term by early July. The justices have yet to announce their decision in four of the five cases that the Deseret News highlighted in its list of this terms highest profile battles. The Supreme Courts next decision day will be Thursday, June 12. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) More than a dozen Big Lots stores are reopening Thursday across Ohio. The openings mark the fourth and final wave of stores relaunching this year by Variety Wholesalers, the North Carolina company that acquired 220 Big Lots shops when the chain underwent new ownership in January. Varietys first round reopened nine stores in early April, followed by nearly 60 storefronts in the second wave in May, including seven in Ohio. A third round included eight Ohio locations. The final wave is relaunching nearly 80 storefronts across nine states on Thursday, including the following 13 Ohio locations: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 1890 W. Market St. in Akron 426 E. Waterloo Road in Akron 241 W. Wooster Rd. in Barberton 1336 Whipple Avenue NW in Canton 3640 Werk Road in Cincinnati 405 Howe Ave. in Cuyahoga Falls 400 Silver Bridge Plaza in Gallipolis 12588 Rockside Road in Garfield Heights 10560 Harrison Ave. in Harrison 110 South 7th St. in Marietta 8489 Market St. in Mentor 367 County Road 406 in South Point 9025 Ohio River Road in Wheelersburg Indoor park with waterless slides opens first Ohio location in Columbus The North Carolina company said the reopenings are setting the stage for a grand celebration this fall across all store locations. Details of the event will be announced in the coming months. The connection with the communities we serve, and the positive customer feedback has been more than we could have imagined, Variety CEO Lisa Seigies said. This enthusiastic response reinforces our belief that taking Big Lots back to the roots of what made it a huge success resonates with our customers. Providing great value will always be our core mission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Variety is continuing to operate these locations as Big Lots stores, several other companies have bought shuttered shops from Gordon Brothers, the brands new owner, that will become part of their chains. HomeBuys is taking over two former Ohio Big Lots, one of which is in Pickerington at 1171 Hill Road North. Aldi is purchasing nine locations across eight states, Burlington is adding 12 stores across nine states to their collection of 22 Big Lots shops, and Tractor Supply Co. is picking up 15 stores across 14 states. Ollies purchased 40 storefronts that were marked for closure, increasing the chains ownership of former Big Lots stores to 63, including four in Ohio. Kroger to give away free ice cream pints Big Lots filed for bankruptcy last September and was almost acquired by a top Dollar Shave Club and Toms investor for $765 million before the sale fell through. The chain then secured a last-minute sale in December to Gordon Brothers, who has since been reorganizing Big Lots U.S. stores while also sorting out the chains Columbus headquarters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In late January, Big Lots entered into an agreement with OhioHealth to sell the retailers 24-acre corporate headquarters in northeast Columbus for $36 million. Big Lots announced in a city notice last year that 555 employees based at the East Dublin Granville Road headquarters will be terminated. The letter said the mass layoffs were expected to conclude by April. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. (KRON) More affordable housing options could soon be available near major transit stops like BART and MUNI. The California State Senate successfully passed a bill this week that would allow apartments and condos on the land owned by transit agencies The measure is now heading to the California State Assembly. Watch the full report from KRON4s Lindsey Ford in the video player above. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. By Foo Yun Chee BRUSSELS (Reuters) -Qwant has asked France's antitrust regulator to take action against Microsoft for allegedly driving down the quality of the French search engine's results via Microsoft's Bing platform, people with direct knowledge of the matter said. Qwant, which has historically relied on Microsoft's Bing platform, wants the regulator to take interim action against the U.S. tech giant while investigating its complaint, the sources said. The French regulator has sought feedback from other search engines and will likely decide by September whether to take interim action and also whether to open a formal investigation into Microsoft, one of the people said. Competition enforcers only take interim action if there is evidence that a company abuses its market power and has caused serious and immediate harm to the complainant. The French competition enforcer and Qwant declined to comment. "This complaint lacks merit. We are fully cooperating with the Autorite's investigation," a Microsoft spokesperson said, referring to the French watchdog. Smaller European search engines typically rely on their bigger rivals' back-end technology to deliver search and news results. Microsoft is a major player in the search-engine syndication sector but its smaller rivals fear the company will discontinue the service to their detriment. Companies risk fines of as much as 10% of their global annual turnover for breaching French antitrust rules. (Reporting by Foo Yun CheeEditing by Mark Potter) Bill Clinton has one big fear about the future of America, and it should probably concern you too. During an appearance on The View Thursday, the former president took a dim view about how the Supreme Court is dealing with Donald Trumps administration. The Supreme Court has made some good decisions which, so far, have been ignored, Clinton said, citing the courts ruling that the Trump White House must facilitate the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man who was mistakenly deported to prison in El Salvador. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Trump officials continue to ignore the order, leading the court to rebuke the administrations failure to comply. Trumps defiance of orders from the judicial branch concerns Clinton. He told The View panel that theres a possibility the courts wont hold until we have midterm elections and added that its something all Americans should be worried about, whatever your politics. Clinton also cynically suggested that the 6-3 Conservative majority on the court might be more careful about protecting the country from unprecedented presidential overreach if Trump is no longer in power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have a sneaking suspicion that if [the Democrats were] in the White House, there will be a Hallelujah moment and the Supreme Court will rediscover the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the limits of power, Clinton predicted. Although Clinton had his own issues with the court during his two terms as president in the 1990s, he insisted to The View that he believes in limiting presidential power because all of us should operate under guardrails. Clinton added that the whole purpose of the Constitution was to repeal royal governments, unaccountable governments, that no Democrat or Republican can be without accountability. Despite the chilling prediction of life over the next year and a half, Clinton insisted, Im pretty upbeat about it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can see the exchange below. THE VIEW: What concerns you the most about what Trump is doing now? BILL CLINTON: That the courts won't hold until we have midterm elections ... you should be worried about that, whatever your politics pic.twitter.com/ZpjaboWt42 Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 5, 2025 Related... Former President Bill Clinton, on ABC's "The View" on Thursday, said he didn't have concerns about former President Joe Biden's mental sharpness amid a slate of reports that allege a decline in Biden's acuity during the 2024 campaign and at the end of his presidency. "Well, I think you have to pay attention to them," Clinton said when asked about the accounts. "But all I can say is whenever I was around him, his mind was clear, his judgment was good and he was on top of his brief." Clinton went on to question decisions made by the White House in the lead-up to the CNN debate in June 2024 between Biden and Donald Trump, including Biden's overseas travel in the days prior to his standoff with Trump on stage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He was 80 years old. What the heck is he doing that for?" Clinton said. "Why was that allowed to happen?" "There's a lot of questions. I don't know," Clinton continued. "All I know is I think we should think less about that, more about the future." ABC News - PHOTO: Former President Bill Clinton appears on "The View," June 5, 2025. This is a developing story. Please check back for updates. Bill Clinton told The View on Thursday his biggest concern right now with the Trump administration is that the courts wont hold until we have the midterm elections and this is something everyone should be worried about regardless of their politics. Appearing on the daytime ABC talk show alongside novelist James Patterson to promote their upcoming thrillerThe First Gentleman, the 42nd president was first asked to weigh in on Donald Trumps first few months back in office. The former commander-in-chief, whose wife lost the 2016 presidential election to Trump, laid out a fairly dark vision of the current state of the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I agree with you that we need to talk about the future and beyond President Trumps Big, Beautiful Bill, co-host Sunny Hostin noted. He is working to dismantle, in my view, our foundational institutions, right? She continued: Hes intimidating law firms and universities. Hes stifling media. Hes illegally disappearing people and deporting people. And hes now threatening to impeach judges. So are you confident that the courts will hold, and what concerns you most about what hes doing now? Reacting to Hostins question, which referenced the administrations complaints about a judicial coup amid a spate of unfavorable court decisions over Trumps executive orders and policies, the former president wondered what would happen if the White House just outright defied the judicial branch. Former President Bill Clinton expresses concerns about the judiciary branch holding up under the Trump administration during an appearance on The View. (ABC) That the courts wont hold until we have the midterm elections, he replied to the View host. Because theyve made the Supreme Court has made some good decisions which so far have been ignored. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clinton then brought up the case surrounding Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man who was wrongfully deported to El Salvadors notorious CECOT mega-prison despite a 2019 court order barring his deportation. The Supreme Court affirmed a ruling in April that the administration must facilitate Abrego Garcias return to the United States, but he is yet to be sent back. The federal judge in the case ruled this week that Abrego Garcias lawyers can seek sanctions against the government. They sent him away, then manufactured a picture that made it look like he had MS-13 on his hands, which he didnt, and the guy is still there in jail, the former president declared. And so Im worried about that. And you should be worried about that, whatever your politics. Still, as Clinton expressed fear that the judicial branch may be eradicated within the next year, he did offer up a glimmer of hope that a Trump exit from the White House will eventually bring about strengthened checks and balances. I have a sinking suspicion if we if our party wins the White House in the next election, there will be a hallelujah moment and the Supreme Court will rediscover the Constitution, he said to applause. Bill Clinton tells The View's Sunny Hostin that he thinks if the Democrats retake the White House next election, "guardrails" will return to government. (ABC) Ill be happy if that happens, because all of us should operate under guardrails, Clinton concluded. The whole purpose of the Constitution was to repeal royal governments, unaccountable governments that no Democrat or Republican can be without accountability. Thats what I think, so well see what happens. But Im pretty upbeat about it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the White House increasingly attempting to undermine the courts and casting the federal judges as corrupt and impeachable, legal experts told The Independent that Trump could be on a path to contempt of court or his own impeachment, but that nobody knows where a dangerous moment for democracy is headed. Additionally, the administrations relentless attacks on the courts for not rubber-stamping the presidents agenda ignore the fact that Trumps unprecedented usage of executive actions could itself be responsible for his sky-high rate of failure in court, The Independents John Bowden notes. Clintons fears about what the Trump administration will unleash in the coming months echo his warnings just ahead of last years election. Campaigning for Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris at the time, Clinton told CNN, What has surprised so many people although Im sure this happened in the 30s throughout Europe, when they were considering things with fascism a lot of people just cant believe how many voters in America agree that he doesnt make sense, agree that hes advocating things that would be bad, but somehow think that if the experience was good for them back then, it was magically his doing and everything was fine. He added, So, I dont know whats going to happen. What started as a simmering policy disagreement has exploded into an all-out social media war between President Trump and Elon Musk complete with personal insults, political threats, and even accusations tied to Jeffrey Epstein, the late financier and convicted sex offender. Their once-powerful alliance has quickly unraveled in public view, with Trump taking to Truth Social and Musk firing back on X. Heres how the clash began and why it matters. What happened? During an Oval Office meeting Thursday with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Trump took a swipe at Musk, saying he was very surprised and very disappointed by the billionaires public criticism of his signature spending bill, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Elon and I had a great relationship. I dont know if we will anymore, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk wasted no time firing back on X, claiming Trump wouldnt have won the election without him. Such ingratitude, he added. Those comments only seemed to irritate the president more. Trump fired back on his own social media site, Truth Social, calling Musk crazy, saying that the easiest way to save money would be to terminate Elons Governmental Subsidies and Contracts. Back on X, Musk said: Go ahead, make my day. He then announced that his aerospace company, SpaceX, would ground Dragon, the spacecraft NASA uses to service the International Space Station. This move poses a serious threat to the Trump administrations ability to bring astronauts and cargo back and forth between the International Space Station and Earth. As the feud continued to escalate, Musk even alleged that Trumps name is listed in classified files related to Epstein. Time to drop the really big bomb, Musk wrote on X. @realDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public. Have a nice day, DJT! Then, he reposted a comment calling for President Trump to be impeached and replaced by his Vice President, J.D. Vance. Yes, Musk replied to the commenters idea. Why the split? Musk ignited the feud on Tuesday, slamming Trumps massive spending bill as a disgusting abomination, citing government projections that it would significantly increase the federal deficit. By Wednesday afternoon, he was already urging lawmakers to kill the bill, which still needs to clear the Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump initially waved off the criticism, chalking up Musks outrage to the repeal of an electric vehicle tax credit something he claimed the Tesla CEO had known about from the beginning. As the clash escalated, Teslas stock tumbled 14 percent. Musk, for his part, fired back, saying hed never even seen the bill before it passed the House. False, this bill was never shown to me even once and was passed in the dead of night so fast that almost no one in Congress could even read it! Musk posted on X. Whats the bigger picture? The rift marks a dramatic turn for two men who once appeared politically inseparable. Musk spent nearly $300 million to help elect Trump and quickly became one of his closest advisers. He was a regular presence on Air Force One, often appeared at the White House with his young son, and served as a high-profile symbol of the administrations tech-forward agenda. Just two months ago, Trump even bought a Tesla on the White House lawn a display of loyalty as Musks brand took a hit over his increasingly visible role in the administration. But last week, Musk abruptly stepped down and floated the idea of starting a new political party the clearest sign yet that the alliance had fractured. Is it time to create a new political party in America that actually represents the 80% in the middle? Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 5, 2025 Still, Musk is certainly not the first to leave Trumps inner circle. The former president has a long track record of high-profile breakups: Billionaire Peter Thiel distanced himself after the 2020 election, former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson was ousted after clashing with Trump over foreign policy, and even longtime fixer Michael Cohen turned critic following legal troubles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like Musk, many of them were once close confidants who played key roles in shaping Trumps image. The post Billionaire Burn Book: The Latest on President Trump and Elon Musks War of Words appeared first on Katie Couric Media. (Photo by Getty Images) Building off of a law passed last year, the Maine Legislature has advanced a number of bills that aim to support mobile home park residents in purchasing their parks. The Senate voted in favor of two of these bills on Thursday. Others have already passed both chambers but still need to be funded. As legislators, we consistently hear that one of the top issues on the minds of Maine people is access to safe, affordable housing, Sen. Chip Curry (D-Belfast), co-chair of the Housing and Economic Development Committee, said during a press conference following Thursdays votes. Thats why our committee has been focused on two deeply connected challenges: how to build more housing in Maine, and just as urgently, how to protect the affordable housing we still have. It has become very clear to us that a critical component of this mission is protecting the residents of mobile home parks. Dawn Beaulieu, a 30-year resident of Friendly Village Mobile Home Park in Gorham, and the President of the newly created Friendly Village Cooperative, speaks at a press conference at the Maine State House on June 5, 2025. (Courtesy of Senate and House Majority Offices) The upper chamber voted 25-7 on Thursday to pass LD 1145 after much discussion and a motion to table the measure failed. This bill would give a group of mobile home owners or a mobile home owners association the right of first refusal to purchase a mobile home park if the owner intends to sell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This bill is about giving Mainers a fighting chance, a chance to protect their homes, a chance to protect their communities, Sen. Tim Nangle (D-Cumberland) said on the floor. Nangles father bought a mobile home park in Massachusetts and ran it as a community, with the philosophy pay what you can and communicate, Nangle said. Since his father died, he and his siblings have tried to keep that spirit alive, however they started getting calls from out-of-state private equity firms recently interested in purchasing. But Massachusetts has a right of first refusal law, so the park residents were afforded the time to purchase the park themselves. Last session, lawmakers passed a law that requires mobile home park owners to notify residents of their intent to sell and give them at least 60 days to make an offer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But it really didnt go far enough, Nangle said. Right now, even if residents organize, raise the money and match or even exceed the offer, they can still be turned away with no explanation. The bill says, if you can match the offer, you have the right to pay. The version passed by the Senate was amended to include an emergency preamble, which was the version also passed by the majority of the Housing and Economic Development Committee. If enacted as an emergency, which will require the support of two-thirds of the Legislature, the bill would take effect immediately. Having the bill take effect sooner would be beneficial for the newly created Friendly Village Cooperative, said cooperative president Dawn Beaulieu, a 30-year resident of the park. Residents formed the cooperative after being notified in March that the park was for sale. [We] have since made a counteroffer to purchase the park, Beaulieu said during the Thursday press conference. As of today, we are still waiting for a response to that offer. Our livelihoods should not be in the hands of an out-of-state conglomerate that sees us not as a community, but as an investment. The legislation being considered here in Augusta will help us put our fate in our own hands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whether other related bills become law will likely be a matter of funding priorities. Both chambers already backed LD 255, which would allocate $3 million in one-time funding to create the manufactured and mobile home park preservation and assistance program to help preserve parks as affordable housing and support residents in purchasing their parks. However, it now sits on the appropriations table, where bills with fiscal notes that are backed by the full Legislature are placed to vie for remaining funds after the budget is set. Though, the bill could still be funded in the two-year budget addition, which lawmakers have yet to set with less than two weeks remaining until their expected end date. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats also the case for LD 554, which aims to encourage resident-owned communities through tax deductions. Another bill, LD 1768, which would amend the real estate transfer tax in an effort to protect mobile home parks, has also been backed by both chambers. But it would result in a decrease to state revenue and need a one-time appropriation so it may also land on the table. On Wednesday, the Senate also passed LD 1016, which would establish the assistance program fund but also a fee to help with ongoing funding. The fee would be paid by certain park buyers equal to $10,000 for each lot in the community. I want to be very clear, I have no intention to de-incentivize the purchase of these parks by everyone, said Sen. Cameron Reny (D-Lincoln), the bill sponsor. There are exceptions to this fee to state and municipal housing authorities, for resident owner cooperatives and for smaller businesses and individuals with net worths of less than $50 million. However, Sen. Rick Bennett (R-Oxford), who supported the minority committee report recommending against the bills passage, said he finds some of the carveouts troubling, specifically the one based on net worth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is treating people unfairly based on an arbitrary amount of money that that person or entity owns, Bennett said. I believe this is unconstitutional for that reason, although its very well intentioned. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE (FOX40.COM) A group of 17 California assemblymembers, made up of two Republicans and 15 Democrats, called on Gov. Gavin Newsom to delay his return-to-office order. The lawmakers asked that state workers not be made to return to the office four days a week until the State Auditor completes a report on the order. Video: State workers protest in front of the California Department of Human Services (March 2025) Newsoms order is scheduled to take effect July 1. The auditors report is scheduled to be released later this summer, the lawmakers said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Joint Legislative Audit Committee requested the audit address a number of issues, including how much each state agency relies on telework, how much the state would save on office leases, teleworks impact on the states climate goals and the impact of telework on employee productivity and customer satisfaction. The group, led by Asm. Josh Hoover (R-Folsom) and Assistant Majority Leader Robert Garcia (D-Rancho Cucamunga), argue that telework has numerous benefits the state should try to keep. The State Auditor is currently studying the benefits of Californias telework policies, and it is critical that the Governors RTO mandate be put on hold until this important work is completed, Assemblymember Hoover said. Embracing telework where feasible has the potential to save California taxpayers millions of dollars, reduce traffic congestion, and help make state employers more competitive with the private sector. I appreciate Assemblymember Garcia and my legislative colleagues for joining this effort to support state workers. The letter also said that Downtown Sacramentos parking infrastructure was not suited for so many in-person workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a recent memo from the Department of General Services, the Legislature was informed that the availability of daily parking passes will be capped and reduced each day due to the demand created by RTO, the letter said. Eliminating telework will create significant parking capacity issues and will harm productivity for existing in-person state workers as well. In his executive order, Newsom said research showed that in-person work enhanced collaboration, cohesion, and communication, improved opportunities for mentorship, and improved supervision and accountability. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (NewsNation) Former U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy suggests lawmakers could more easily make tough decisions on federal budget cuts if a bipartisan committee with an equal number of Democrats and Republicans worked the problem. Government spending cuts and tax policy are at the heart of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that President Trump wants the GOP-controlled Congress to send him. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the measure as currently drafted would add trillions to the deficit, and now some Republicans are having second thoughts. McCarthy joined CUOMO on Wednesday and said Congress could make greater headway on reducing the national debt if there were a select committee, like the evenly balanced panel he set up to study China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No taxes on overtime pay: What to know about tax break in GOP budget bill The California Republican also referenced the commission known as BRAC that previously recommended U.S. military base closures on an up-or-down basis, meaning lawmakers couldnt tinker with the list. Structure dictates behavior. So, if we change the structure on some of these problems, the behavior would be different, McCarthy said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. A Lancaster County judge has sentenced a former constable from Birdsboro to 28 to 57 years in state prison for trying to pay to sexually assault a 12-year-old girl. Bradley Buchanan, 40, of the 400 block of East Third Street was arrested in August 2022 as part of an undercover operation by the Lancaster County District Attorneys Human Trafficking Task Force. He was convicted by a jury in October of attempted statutory sexual assault, soliciting sex, unlawful contact with a minor, attempting to patronize a victim of human trafficking, soliciting sex from a victim of human trafficking, attempted indecent assault of someone less than 16 and soliciting sex from a person less than 16. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Buchanan was sentenced by Judge Thomas Sponaugle on May 27. According to information provided by the Lancaster County district attorneys office: Bradley responded to an Aug. 24, 2022, online advertisement posted by law enforcement offering sex with a minor, communicating with whom he thought was a family member of a 12-year-old girl but was actually a member of law enforcement. Bradley agreed to pay $250 to have sexual intercourse with the girl and requested a nude photograph of her. Police linked the phone number used in the communication to Bradley. Bradley traveled to a hotel in Salisbury Township, Lancaster County, where he met with an undercover officer and was subsequently arrested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was an online child predator sting that caught just that, Assistant District Attorney Fritz Haverstick said during his closing argument, according to a release from the district attorneys office. Bradley Buchanan was online looking to prey on a child in this community. He was online looking to purchase the body of a 12-year-old from that childs aunt, so he could sexually abuse that child for $250. (He) thought he found just that. Fortunately, he found a dedicated team of law enforcement officers who are trying to keep this community safe from child predators. Bradleys conviction was a second strike after he pleaded guilty in Berks County Court in 2012 to sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl. According to detectives who investigated that case: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Between Jan. 1 and Feb. 5, 2012, Buchanan knowingly and intentionally sent inappropriate sexual messages to a 15-year-old female via Facebook. The messages were initially discovered by the victims mother. During the course of the investigation, detectives learned Buchanan had friended the victim online and that the pair corresponded on a daily basis. On one occasion, detectives said Buchanan convinced the victim to go for a walk and picked her up in his vehicle a short distance from her home. He drove her to the Lake Drive Recreational Park in Douglassville, where he parked the vehicle and had sexual intercourse with her. Bradley was sentenced to six to 23 months in county jail and five years of probation for that crime. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) The Birmingham Police Department is searching for a missing man who was reportedly last seen in May. According to the BPD, William Wilson, 33, was last known to be in the Midtown or Southside areas of the city. He suffers from a mental condition that could affect his decision making. William Wilson (Flyer courtesy of the Birmingham Police Department) Wilson stands at 5-foot-10 and weighs around 185 pounds. He has brown eyes and black hair. Those with information on Wilsons whereabouts are asked to call the BPD at 205-328-9311. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NEW YORK (AP) The Federal Reserve said Tuesday that Wells Fargo is no longer subject to harsh restraints the Fed placed on the bank in 2018 for having a toxic sales and banking culture. It's a win for Wells Fargo, which has spent nearly a decade trying to convince the public and policymakers that it had changed its ways. "We are a different and far stronger company today because of the work weve done, said Wells Fargo CEO Charlie Scharf in a statement. Scharf also announced that each of the 215,000 employees at Wells Fargo would receive a $2,000 award for turning the bank around. Wells Fargo used to have a corporate culture where it placed unreasonable sales goals on its branch employees, which resulted in employees opening up millions of fake accounts in order to meet those goals. Wells' top executives called its branches stores and employees were expected to cross-sell customers into as many banking products as possible, even if the customer did not want or need them. After an investigation by The Los Angeles Times in 2016, Wells Fargo shut down its sales culture and fired much of its leadership and board of directors. The fake accounts scandal cost Wells Fargo billions of dollars in fines and lost business, and permanently tarnished its reputation, particularly because the scandal broke only a few years after the Great Recession and financial crisis. It was later revealed that Wells Fargo opened up roughly 3.5 million accounts that were not wanted or needed by customers. Wells Fargo, once thought to be the best run bank in the country, was now the poster child of the worst practices of banking in decades. In order to push Wells to fix itself, the Federal Reserve took the unusual step of placing Wells Fargo in a program where the bank could grow no larger than it was in 2018. No bank had previously been placed into such a program, known as an asset cap. The Fed required Wells to fix it culture and redo its entire risk and compliance departments in order to address its problems. Since taking over in 2019, Scharf's goal has been to convince the Federal Reserve that Wells Fargo had fixed its toxic banking practices. With the asset cap removed, the bank can now pursue more deposits, new accounts and take on additional investment banking businesses by holding additional securities on its balance shet. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) The Friends Foundation of the Birmingham Public Library will host a book sale at the Central Library location later this month. Treasures from the Stacks: A Booksale for the Discerning Collector is scheduled for Tuesday, June 10. This event is separate from the Friends Bookstore Spring Booksale, which is scheduled for June 12-14. Forget your average used book sale; this is an opportunity to discover truly exceptional pieces, from unique literary artifacts to exquisite leather-bound editions and breathtaking art volumes, Sandi Lee, President of the Friends of the Birmingham Public Library said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Birmingham Public Library to host Bards and Brews Open Mic at East Village Arts The Treasures from the Stacks sale will include one-of-a-kind books, leather-bound collector books, art books and more. This is more than just a book sale; its an event for those who appreciate the rare, the beautiful, and the unique, Lee added. Prepare to be captivated, to be inspired, and to find that perfect addition to your collection. We cant wait to see you there! Treasures from the Stacks will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. June 10. More information on this event, as well as the Birmingham Public Librarys other programming this summer can be found 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 CBS 42. A beaver at Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge in Wisconsin. (Larry Palmer/USFWS) Citing a population decline and degraded habitat, South Dakota officials have advanced a plan to halt beaver trapping in the Black Hills for two years. The plan will block trapping during the 2025 and 2026 seasons in the Black Hills Fire Protection District. Trapping would remain open in the rest of the state. The state legislatures Rules Review Committee will need to approve the moratorium. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2012, biologists saw 60 food caches piles of woody vegetation built by beavers for winter in the Black Hills. By 2023, they recorded only 16. Beavers occupied 52% of Black Hills watersheds in 2012, but just 23% in 2023. Beavers once numbered in the thousands in the Black Hills and the millions nationwide, but their numbers began to decline with the onset of fur trapping by European settlers. Officials said habitat loss, not modern trapping, is to blame for current population declines. But they also said they dont want trapping to contribute to the problem. The limiting factor is habitat degradation, said John Kanta, section chief with the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks. Only one beaver trapping was reported in the Black Hills last season. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without beaver dams, faster-flowing water cuts stream channels too deep for beavers to work with. Cattle also trample streambanks, leaving fewer willow and aspen for beavers to feed on. A closed trapping season will help protect the beavers that are being reintroduced, officials say. Game, Fish and Parks is working with the U.S. Forest Service and volunteer groups to restore habitat through tree planting and manmade dams, and nuisance beavers from urban areas are being relocated to the improved habitats. Its a wonderful step, said Hans Stephenson, owner of Dakota Angler & Outfitter in Rapid City and a volunteer for the restoration efforts. A map shows watersheds where GFP officials have identified beavers. (Courtesy: GFP) Beaver dams raise the water table, slow water flow, and create habitat that supports everything from aquatic insects to the brown and rainbow trout favored by anglers, Stephenson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alex Solem, senior wildlife biologist with Game, Fish and Parks, emphasized the broader ecological role beavers play. Any time theres beaver around, usually, it signals a really healthy ecosystem, Solem said. If more Black Hills streams had beaver dams, he said, floodplain soils would hold more water, support grazing, mitigate flooding and lessen the dangers of drought and wildfires. In addition to the moratorium, officials adopted a new threshold-based framework to guide future decisions. Under that framework, trapping season would reopen if beaver occupancy in monitored watersheds rose above 80%, Occupancy between 50% and 79% would open the door to resident-only, private-land trapping. Levels below 50%, like now, would trigger automatic closure. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX BLAIR COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) Hollidaysburg Police are investigating after a prisoner at the Blair County Prison escaped during transport on Wednesday. According to officials, at around 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 4, a Blair County Prison van was returning a group of prisoners from the Blair County Central Court. The van was unloaded and then taken to the parking garage. However, a time later, a driver and neighbor spotted a prisoner heading down Strawberry Alley, which caused a number of police units to respond to the area. Deputies with the Blair County Sheriffs Office were able to arrest the escaped prisoner near Joes Kwik Mart on Blair Street without any further incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other details are limited at this time, but the Hollidaysburg Police Department is investigating the escape. Get the latest news, weather forecasts and sports stories delivered straight to your inbox! Sign up for our newsletters. Allegheny Township officers also assisted at the scene, and police commended the actions of the driver and the neighbor who called 911. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ - www.wtaj.com. NEED TO KNOW A man in his 60s was sailing in a canoe in the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia on Wednesday, June 4 The canoe started taking on water and flipped over, leaving the man to cling to the boat until he was rescued He was pulled safely from the river nearly two hours after the initial incident occurred A man was rescued from his overturned canoe in the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia on Wednesday, June 4, according to Fox 29, ABC 6 and CBS News Philadelphia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around 4 a.m. local time, a man in his 60s was sailing in a canoe on the Schuylkill River when the canoe started taking on water and then flipped over. An hour later, he was discovered clinging to the boat and yelling for help as he floated under the Falls Bridge. The Philadelphia Police Marine Unit responded to the scene, and two officers worked to rescue him from the canoe. He was finally pulled out of the water around 6 a.m. The man was transported to a local hospital for evaluation. The two officers were also taken to the hospital for the minor injuries they sustained after slipping on the shoreline rocks during their rescue efforts. 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 rescue happened a day after a dragon boat with 12 people overturned after hitting a pile of wood debris in the Schuylkill River, per CBS News Philadelphia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several people made it to the shoreline by themselves, while others were pulled from the water by rescuers. One boater, Kathleen Tskalakos, was taken to the hospital with injuries. Tskalakos suffered bruising on her chest, per NBC 10. A representative for the Philadelphia Police Department did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for more information on Wednesday. Read the original article on People A Philadelphia man was rescued early Wednesday morning after treading water for several hours on top of his overturned canoe, CBS News Philadelphia reported. Related: Tom Hanks Responds to Daughters Allegations of Abuse in Memoir The unidentified man, aged in his 60s, was paddling in the Schuylkill River around 4 a.m. local time when his canoe suddenly capsized. An hour later, witnesses spotted the man clinging to his vessel and shouting for help as he passed under the Falls Bridge. Officials from the Philadelphia Police Marine Unit responded, and two officers worked to extricate the victim from the water. Around 5:30 a.m., he was finally pulled to shore. The victim, along with the two officers who rescued him, were taken to a local hospital and treated for minor injuries incurred from slipping on shoreline rocks during the rescue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Howard Stern Shares Hopeful Billy Joel Update After Health Issues The incident occurred just one day after a dragon boat carrying 12 people overturned on the Schuylkill River after colliding with a pile of debris. Most of the boats occupants were able to make it to shore by themselves, but rescuers had to pull several from the water. One of the boats occupants was transported to a local hospital to be treated for bruising on her chest. There has been no update as of yet regarding the condition of the victim or the rescuing officers. The Philadelphia Police Marine Unit did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Mens Journal. Related: Titan Sub Implosion Widow Breaks Silence in Heartbreaking Update Boater Rescued After Clinging to Overturned Vessel for Hours first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 5, 2025 June 5 (UPI) -- Israel said Thursday it had recovered the remains of two Israeli-American hostages in a military operation overnight in the Khan Yunis area of southern Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a post on X that the bodies of Gadi Haggai, 72, and Judy Weinstein-Haggai, 70, had been returned to their families in Israel 20 months after they were killed in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel and taken back to Gaza. He said the married couple were recovered in a special operation mounted by the Israeli Security Agency and Israel Defense Forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I would like to thank, and express appreciation to, the fighters and commanders for this determined and successful operation. We will not rest, nor will we be silent, until we return home all of our hostages -- the living and the deceased," Netanyahu said. The couple, who held U.S. citizenship, were out for a morning walk near their home in Kibbutz Nir Oz when they were gunned down by Mujahideen Brigades fighters who joined the Hamas-led attacks on Oct. 7 in which around 1,200 Israelis were killed and hundreds abducted. "We welcome the closure and their return to a proper burial at home, in Israel," a statement from the families of Haggai and Weinstein said. Judy Weinstein-Haggai was born in New York but moved to Toronto, Canada, with her family at the age of 3. She married Gadi Haggai after meeting him while working as a volunteer on a kibbutz in the 1970s, according to a bio posted on social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gadi Haggai was described as a retired chef, a passionate jazz musician, and a devoted father and grandfather. Israeli President Isaac Herzog said it was a painful time but also a moment of solace. "We will continue to do everything in our power to bring our sisters and brothers back from hell -- the living, for healing and rehabilitation, and the fallen, to be laid to rest in dignity. Every last one of them!" Herzog said on X. The couple's recovery means 54 out of the 251 people originally taken hostage remain in Gaza, of whom about 20 are believed to be still alive. As of Wednesday, Gaza's health ministry, which is run by Hamas, put the number of Palestinians killed since Israel launched its military response a day after the Oct. 7 attacks at 54,607 and 125,341 injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The "Bring Them Home Now" Hostages and Missing Families Forum said it wanted to stress that a grave was a basic human right and called for authorities to do whatever was necessary to reach an agreement that will see the return of the rest of the hostages, "the living for rehabilitation and the murdered for burial." "There is no need to wait another 608 agonizing days for this. The mission can be completed as early as tomorrow morning. This is what the majority of the Israeli people want." Thursday's rescue came hours after the United States vetoed a draft U.N. Security Council resolution for an "immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire" in Gaza. The Slovenia-sponsored resolution, which also called for the unconditional release of all the hostages held by Hamas and other groups and the immediate lifting of all restrictions on aid going into Gaza, was defeated in a 14-1 vote on Wednesday evening in New York, the U.N. said in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Slovenia's representative to the U.N. expressed disappointment at the vetoing of a measure motivated by humanitarian intentions, saying "starving civilians and inflicting immense suffering" was inhumane, in breach of international law and unwarranted by any war objective. U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Dorothy Shea said Washington could not support rewarding Hamas with a permanent cease-fire that would leave it with the ability to carry out further attacks and criticized the "false equivalence" drawn between Hamas and Israel in the text of the draft resolution. She also argued that the draft did not make any mention of the failings of the system used operated by the U.N. and aid charities to distribute humanitarian assistance in Gaza, which she said had been exploited by Hamas for its own benefit. "Performative actions designed to draw a veto" would only serve to undermine efforts to resolve matters through quiet diplomacy currently underway between the parties, said Shea. *Editors note: The video above shows footage of an officer-involved shooting. Viewer discretion is advised. The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) also released other angles of the officer-involved shooting. Those angles can be viewed here, but viewer discretion is advised once again. CHICAGO (WGN) The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) has released body camera video showing the moment police officers shot and killed a man armed with a knife who tried to attack them. The incident happened on the morning of May 5 at a living facility on the citys South Side. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chicago police officers were sent to the Grand Regency of Jackson Park Supportive Living Facility, located the 1400 block of East 75th Street, to investigate reports of a person with a knife inside the facility. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Knife-wielding man fatally shot by police at living facility in Grand Crossing, CPD says A worker at the facility was heard telling officers 47-year-old Alfonzo Wright was banging on other residents doors while acting erratic with a knife. Newly released body camera footage shows officers going inside the facility and eventually standing outside Wrights apartment, asking him to come out. When he refused, officers used a key to open the door to the locked apartment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers tried to de-escalate the situation and then deployed their tasers on Wright. Despite this, Wright continued to ignore verbal commands and rushed toward an officer while swinging the knife, resulting in two officers firing their weapons, hitting Wright multiple times, according to investigators. SEE ALSO: Resident stabbed at South Side facility deemed homicide; man killed by CPD believed to be culprit Authorities said Wright was pronounced dead at the scene. No officers were injured and the knife was recovered. According to police, as the investigation developed, officers found 58-year-old Keith Harding a man who lived several doors down from Wright dead from stab wounds to his arm and neck. His death was ruled a homicide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The officers who shot Wright were placed on routine administrative duties for a minimum of 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 WGN-TV. Wells Fargo had been under tighter rules since 2018 because of a corporate culture that set unreasonable sales goals for branch-level employees. A fake-accounts scandal cost the bank billions of dollars in fines and and battered its reputation. Above, a branch in Deadwood, S.D., in 2023. (David Zalubowski / Associated Press) The Federal Reserve said it has removed restrictions it had placed on Wells Fargo, the prominent San Francisco bank that has sought to move past a series of scandals in the last decade. The Federal Reserve said in a statement that the bank is no longer subject to an asset restriction it had placed on Wells Fargo in 2018 due to a toxic sales and banking culture. We are a different and far stronger company today because of the work weve done, Wells Fargo Chief Executive Charlie Scharf said in a statement. Read more: Wells Fargo's pressure-cooker sales culture comes at a cost Scharf also announced that each of the 215,000 employees at Wells Fargo would receive a $2,000 award for turning the bank around. Wells Fargo had been under tighter rules since 2018 because of a corporate culture that set unreasonable sales goals for branch-level employees. Wells Fargo was the subject of a Times investigation in 2013 that revealed a pressure-cooker culture at the bank in which employees opened unneeded accounts for customers, ordered credit cards without their permission and forged signatures on paperwork. The fake accounts scandal cost Wells Fargo billions of dollars in fines and and battered its reputation. The bank later ousted much of its leadership and board of directors. Read more: Why Wells Fargo's San Francisco downsizing is bad news for California banking The Fed placed Wells Fargo under a program known as an asset cap. Under the program, the bank could grow no larger than it was in 2018, a rarity in the banking industry. Wells was also required to fix its culture and restructure its risk and compliance departments. Scharf took the helm of the bank in 2019. Since then, he has been working to convince the Fed that Wells Fargo had reformed. With the removal of the asset cap, the bank now can aim for higher deposits and new accounts as well as pursue additional investment banking businesses by keeping additional securities on its balance sheet. The Associated Press contributed to this report 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. Woodway, Tx (FOX 44) Counterfeit $50 bills used to buy a prepaid cash card in Woodway were traced back to a Waco man, leading to his arrest. Syngin Jon Chaffee was booked into the McLennan County Jail on forgery charges Wednesday after surveillance photos of the transaction were used to identify him. The original incident occurred April 5 when a man with a beard entered the Walgreens at Estates Drive and Woodway Drive and used four fifty-dollar bills to load $200 onto a prepaid card. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An arrest affidavit said it was not initially noticed that the bills were counterfeit until after the transaction was complete and he had left the store. The incident was reported to the Woodway Public Safety Department by Walgreens who also provided the counterfeit bills along with the surveillance video of the transaction. The affidavit stated that after the investigator shared a still photo of the suspect in a county investigator e-mail, he got a tip on a possible ID of the man. He then searched the name on Facebook and was able to find an account and match that photo with those on the site and on a Texas ID belonging to Syngin Chaffee. Man faces animal cruelty charge after kitten thrown on roof The affidavit stated the investigator contact Chaffee who met with him at the police station. The affidavit said he gave a statement about making the transaction, but claimed he did not know the bills were counterfeit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The affidavit stated that of the four bills used in the transaction, one was real and three were bogus. Chaffee was then arrested and transported to the jail where he remained Thursday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A bomb threat reported on a Spirit Airlines flight before it took off forced an evacuation Thursday morning. Law enforcement was requested to meet with Spirit Airlines Flight 2145 before it left Detroit for Los Angeles due to a potential security issue. On Thursday morning, the Wayne County Airport Authoritys Emergency & Support Services and Airfield Operations teams along with the TSA [Transportation Security Administration] responded to a bomb threat involving a Spirit Airlines aircraft at Detroit Metropolitan Airport, a Detroit Metropolitan Airport spokesperson said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plane taxied and passengers were safely deplaned and transported by bus to another area for rescreening. The Guests were rescreened, and the aircraft was inspected and cleared by law enforcement. The safety of our Guests and Team Members is our top priority and we are working to get our Guests to their destination as soon as possible, a Spirit Airlines spokesperson said in a statement obtained by NewsNation. The flight departed Thursday afternoon for Los Angeles, according to tracking websites. The incident is under investigation, according to Detroit Metropolitan 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 The Hill. Opinion writer Jay Bookman argues that Trump administration officials are being dishonest when they say cuts to Medicaid won't lead to people losing benefits. the_burtons/Getty Images After repeatedly promising on the campaign trail that he would never cut Medicaid benefits, Donald Trump is pushing a big, beautiful spending bill that would slash Medicaid and other health care spending by $800 billion over the next decade. And if you still believe the administration, theyre going to make those cuts without anyone losing benefits. As White House official Russell Vought put in last week, This bill will preserve and protect the programs, the social safety net, but it will make it much more common sense. No one will lose coverage as a result. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If your BS detector isnt ringing by now, you need to take it in for repair. Confronted with the absurdity of claiming that you can cut $800 billion without canceling health care coverage, Trump officials retreat to their fallback position. Yes, they admit, theyll be cutting benefits, but only for those who dont deserve it. Medicaid does not belong to people who are here illegally, and it does not belong to capable and able-bodied men who refuse to work, another White House official told Politico. So no one is getting cut. Once again, though, your BS detector ought to be blaring. Under existing federal law, undocumented immigrants are already barred from getting Medicaid. Theyre promising to cut benefits to people who are already not getting those benefits. So no savings there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And the truth is, most of the able-bodied men who are too lazy to work are also too lazy to worry about jumping through the hoops needed to get Medicaid health-care coverage. Such men do exist, no doubt, but in numbers far too small to generate $800 billion in savings. To get savings on that scale, you have to look elsewhere. And the truth is that millions of lower-income Americans, many of them working people, would be stripped of their health insurance if the bill becomes law. In Georgia alone, the projections are that as many as 200,000 people would lose coverage. And because Medicaid plays a larger health care role in rural communities, where the population is older and private sector jobs less likely to offer health insurance, the impact would be greater in those areas, putting additional financial strain on rural hospitals and health-care providers already struggling to stay open. (If Congress also refuses to extend subsidies for the Affordable Care Act later this year, as seems likely, the total number of Georgians who lose health insurance could top 700,000.) And no, the money saved by such measures would not be used to reduce the nations deficit. It would instead be used to finance tax cuts, the overwhelming majority of which would benefit the wealthy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A big chunk of the projected savings, an estimated $280 billion, would come from instituting work requirements for Medicaid recipients. The model for that nationwide requirement is supposedly the Pathways program instituted here in Georgia in 2020 by Gov. Brian Kemp. By most measures, however, that program has proved a massive disappointment. According to the original projections by the Kemp administration, some 25,000 low-wage Georgians should have been enrolled in Medicaid through the program in its first year of operation. The actual number was 4,300. By the end of its second year of operation, which comes next month, total enrollment was projected to be almost 50,000. As of April 25, it was 7,400, according to reporting by ProPublica and The Current. The monthly reporting requirements, record-keeping and bureaucratic red tape proved so discouraging that many Georgia applicants gave up in frustration, choosing instead to take the risk that they would not need coverage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If it seems odd that such a program would be embraced as a model by the GOP, it might be a matter of perspective. It might be that your idea of a failure is somebody elses idea of a success, because the two of you have different goals in mind. In this case, if your goal is to provide at least a bare-bones health insurance plan to lower-income Americans, then Georgias Pathways program has failed. However, if your goal is to discourage and obstruct as many Americans as possible from participating in that coverage, because you want to generate $800 billion in savings so the rich can get more tax cuts, then it starts to look a whole lot better. Those yachts arent going to buy themselves. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE DENVER (KDVR) The building overlooking the site where an Egyptian man threw Molotov cocktails on demonstrators seeking the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza was lit up Wednesday night to honor the victims and take a stand against antisemitism. The Boulder County Courthouse was illuminated as a show of solidarity with the 15 victims of a firebombing attack that has been called both an act of terror and a hate crime. Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, is accused of throwing the homemade Molotov cocktails on the peaceful demonstrators with Run For Their Lives. Boulder Terror Attack: Continuing Coverage Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With support from the City of Boulder and the Boulder community at large, we know as a Jewish community that there are those who will stand up and walk beside us, said Sen. Michaelson Jenet in a release announcing the symbolic gesture. The display was made possible through a collaboration between the Israeli-American Council Colorado, State Sen. Dafna Michaelson Jenet and the city and county of Boulder. This is a powerful statement of unity and stand against antisemitism in response to the horrific terror attack in Boulder, said IAC Colorado Regional Director Eldad Malka in a release. The building, located at 1325 Pearl Street, was recently made a National Historic Landmark and was illuminated from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 man accused of throwing Molotov cocktails at a group of marchers advocating for the release of hostages being held in Gaza now faces 118 charges, including attempted murder. Mohamed Soliman, 45, appeared in Colorado state court via video on Thursday to be officially advised of the charges against him. MORE: Boulder attack latest: Judge blocks deportation of suspect's family The slew of charges includes 28 counts of attempted murder, along with assault and explosives charges. Boulder Police Department - PHOTO: Booking photo of 45-year-old Mohamed Soliman, the man suspected of carrying out an "act of terrorism" in Boulder, Colorado, June 1, 2025. Soliman has also been charged with a federal hate crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attack on Sunday left 15 people injured, including a Holocaust survivor and a dog. All victims -- whose ages range from 25 to 88 -- are expected to survive. Soliman allegedly used a "makeshift flamethrower" and threw an incendiary device into a crowd of people participating in a Run for Their Lives walk at a pedestrian mall, according to the FBI. He allegedly yelled "Free Palestine" during the attack, the FBI said. The Run for Their Lives walk aims to raise awareness about the remaining hostages held by Hamas in Gaza and calls for their immediate release, according to the group's website. Soliman allegedly told investigators he "specifically targeted" this group after learning about them in an online search, according to court documents. Soliman's next preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 15. He is being held in lieu of a $10 million bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Egyptian citizen, who officials say was in the United States illegally, lived in Kuwait for 17 years before moving to Colorado Springs three years ago, according to court documents, and has been in the U.S. on an expired tourist visa. He was granted a work permit, but that had also expired in March. Chet Strange/Getty Images - PHOTO: Flowers and a flag at the site of the attack outside the Boulder County Courthouse on June 2, 2025 in Boulder, Colorado. After the attack, Soliman told police, "he wanted to kill all Zionist people and wished they were all dead," court documents said. "SOLIMAN stated he would do it (conduct an attack) again." He "said this had nothing to do with the Jewish community and was specific in the Zionist group supporting the killings of people on his land (Palestine)," documents said. MORE: Boulder attack suspect charged with federal hate crime, said he 'wanted to kill all Zionist people': Court documents Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soliman allegedly said he had been planning Sunday's attack for one year but waited until his daughter graduated from high school last Thursday to carry it out, state and federal documents said. His wife and five children -- who are all Egyptian citizens -- were taken into the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement after the attack and were being processed for expedited removal, the Department of Homeland Security had said. But the family filed a suit contesting their deportation, court records show. THE GIRLS ARE FIGHTING and by the girls, I mean President Donald Trump and his former advisor, Elon Musk. Kevin Dietsch / Getty Images To catch you up, Musk has been on a tirade against Trump's championed "One Big, Beautiful Bill..." ...which Trump is not too pleased about. When speaking to reporters, Trump said, "I'm very disappointed because Elon knew the inner workings of this bill better than almost anybody sitting here... He had no problem with it. All of a sudden, he had a problem, and he only developed the problem when he found out we're gonna have to cut the EV mandate... He hasn't said bad about me personally, but I'm sure that'll be next. But I'm very disappointed in Elon. I've helped Elon a lot." Trump: "I'm very disappointed because Elon knew the inner workings of this bill better than almost anybody. He had no problem with it. All of the sudden he had a problem, and he only developed the problem when he found out we're gonna have to the cut EV mandate ... he hasn't said pic.twitter.com/mJvEAGXaly Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 5, 2025 Twitter: @atrupar Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump is referring to the bill's call to eliminate tax credits for electric vehicles an industry in which Musk, who is the CEO of Tesla, is heavily involved. Kevin Dietsch / Getty Images Related: Uhhh, People Zoomed Into This Picture Of Donald Trump And Found A Scary Surprise Well, Musk shot back with a series of tweets where he refers to Trump's words as a show of "ingratitude," saying, "Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate." And it didn't end there! With the apparent ball in Trump's court, he took to Truth Social and threatened to "terminate Elon's Governmental Subsidies and Contracts." Truth Social: Donald Trump / truthsocial.com Related: This Senator's Clap Back Fully Gagged An MSNBC Anchor, And The Clip Is Going Viral Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Which led to this moment: Yes, Elon Musk claimed that Trump "is in the Epstein files," and "that is the real reason they have not been made public." Davidoff Studios Photography / Getty Images The "Epstein files" are, of course, a reference to the US government's documentation on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Thomas Concordia / Getty Images Trump has previously denied connections to Epstein. Last year, he wrote on Truth Social: "I was never on Epstein's Plane, or at his 'stupid' Island. Strong Laws ought to be developed against A.I. It will be a big and very dangerous problem in the future!" Truth Social: Donald Trump / truthsocial.com Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BuzzFeed reached out to the White House for comment. We'll update you if we hear back. Well! That catches you up to this afternoon. Who knows what tonight will entail. Also in In the News: People Can't Believe This "Disgusting" Donald Trump Jr. Post About Joe Biden's Cancer Diagnosis Is Real Also in In the News: Republicans Are Calling Tim Walz "Tampon Tim," And The Backlash From Women Is Too Good Not To Share Also in In the News: "We Don't Import Food": 31 Americans Who Are Just So, So Confused About Tariffs And US Trade SAO PAULO (AP) Brazilian prosecutors filed criminal charges Thursday against the man accused of ordering the 2022 killings of Indigenous peoples advocate Bruno Pereira and British journalist Dom Phillips in the Amazon. Ruben Dario Villar, a Colombian fish trader, was formally accused by Brazilian police last November of being the person who planned the slaying. Phillips and Pereira went missing exactly three years ago, on June 5, 2022. Phillips was shot and killed while researching an ambitious book on how to protect the worlds largest rainforest, which was finished and recently published in Brazil by his family and friends. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How to Save the Amazon is scheduled to be published in the U.S. on June 10. The book was pieced together by fellow journalists who immersed themselves in Phillips notes, outlines and the handful of chapters hed already written. In a statement Thursday, federal prosecutors said Bruno and Dom were assaulted and murdered for a vile -- despicable, perverse -- reason, in a cruel manner, without any chance of defense. According to the police investigation, Villar financed an illegal fishing operation inside the Javari Valley Indigenous Territories, where thousands of Indigenous people live, including the worlds largest concentration of uncontacted groups. The murders were motivated by Pereiras efforts to monitor and enforce environmental laws in the region, police said. He has been in jail since 2022 and has denied any wrongdoing. The Associated Press was unable to reach his legal representatives for comment. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has urged France to stop blocking the implementation of the free trade agreement between the European Union and South American states which make up the MERCOSUR group. During a visit to Paris, Lula called on President Emmanuel Macron to approve the agreement without further delay. "I will assume the presidency of MERCOSUR on June 6. I want to tell you that I will not leave the MERCOSUR presidency without concluding the agreement with the European Union," Lula told Macron during a news conference on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "So, my dear friend, open your heart to the possibility of finalizing this agreement with our beloved MERCOSUR." With a nod to US President Donald Trump's tariffs, Lula further added that the deal "is the best response our regions can give" to global trade uncertainties. The European Commission and the South American MERCOSUR states Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay concluded negotiations on a vast free trade zone in December after more than 20 years of talks. However, resistance remains on the European side, particularly in countries like France, Italy and Poland. German farmers have also expressed concerns about competition from producers who can operate at significantly lower costs. National governments have to ratify the deal before it can come into force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Macron responded to Lula by stating that the MERCOSUR agreement must be improved to protect French farmers from competitors who adhere to far fewer rules and standards, particularly regarding environmental protection. He said that appropriate safeguard clauses and an additional protocol must be developed within the next six months. By Pete Schroeder, Nupur Anand WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Wells Fargo was released from a punitive, seven-year-long $1.95 trillion cap on its assets on Tuesday after the U.S. Federal Reserve lifted the regulatory measure, allowing the bank to pursue unimpeded growth. The move handed a major victory to CEO Charlie Scharf, who has been cleaning up the bank since taking the top job in 2019, and sent the bank's shares up 2.7% in after-hours trading as investors anticipated that the bank can now expand. Wells has said it wants to grow in areas such as credit cards, wealth management and commercial banking. "It will be a significant bump for the stock in the near term and also paves the way for long-term growth as they don't have to manage their business around the asset cap now," said Brian Mulberry, client portfolio manager at Zacks Investment Management, which holds Wells Fargo stock. The Fed imposed the unprecedented restriction in 2018 following years of high-profile missteps at the bank, including a far-ranging scandal in which employees opened millions of unauthorized accounts for customers. But the Fed said in a statement that the bank had made "substantial progress" in addressing its deficiencies, including improving its governance and risk-management programs, and completing a third-party review of its overhaul. The Fed board voted unanimously to lift the restriction, which was the first time the central bank had directly ordered a bank to stop growing in order to address widespread shortcomings. "This marks the end of a painful period for Wells Fargo, and also serves as a reminder for financial institutions to be sure customer interests are always aligned with growth goals," said Stephen Biggar, banking analyst at Argus Research in New York. The decision is a major step in the bank's longstanding efforts to repair the damage from scandals that erupted in 2016, drawing public criticism and billions of dollars in fines. Scharf called the move a "pivotal milestone." "We are a different and far stronger company today because of the work weve done," he said in a statement, adding that all full-time bank employees will receive a $2,000 award to commemorate the accomplishment. JPMorgan Chase Chief Executive Officer Jamie Dimon praised Scharf, once his protege and a former executive at the bank. "Charlie and his team deserve a lot of credit having worked extremely hard to resolve the companys heritage issues," he said. MAJOR SHIFT While the bank still faces some additional oversight from the Fed as part of the 2018 order, the removal of the asset cap marks a major shift for the nation's fourth-largest lender, after the scandals ousted multiple executives as regulators piled fines and restrictions on the bank for its wrongdoing. The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously sided with an Ohio woman on Thursday who claimed she was discriminated against for being straight. She said her gay boss didn't promote her. The ruling in Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services will now allow similar suits to be brought in the U.S., making it easier for members of majority groups to claim job discrimination over their identity. Marlean Ames brought the case. Ames, a straight former Ohio Department of Youth Services (the states juvenile justice department) employee Ames alleged that she was denied a promotion and later removed from her position while less qualified queer employees were given the roles she sought. At issue was whether so-called majority-group plaintiffs such as heterosexual employees alleging discrimination based on sexual orientation or white employees claiming they were discriminated against because of their race must meet a higher evidentiary standard than other plaintiffs in discrimination cases. That standard has been used in about half of the federal court circuits in the U.S., according to the New York Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson wrote the opinion for the court. Jackson wrote that the court's case law "makes clear that the standard for proving disparate treatment under Title VII does not vary based on whether or not the plaintiff is a member of a majority group. ... The 'background circumstances' rule flouts that basic principle." Congress left no room for courts to impose special requirements on majority-group plaintiffs alone, Jackson also wrote in the opinion. In a concurring opinion, Justice Clarence Thomas joined by Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote that the higher standard was "judge-made." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Courts with this rule have enshrined into Title VII's anti-discrimination law an explicitly race-based preference: White plaintiffs must prove the existence of background circumstances, while nonwhite plaintiffs need not do so," he wrote. He added that the court's decision Thursday, "obviates the need for courts to engage in the 'sordid business'" of dividing people by their race or other identity. The Human Rights Campaign in a statement emphasized the need for civil rights laws. Our civil rights laws must protect all people from unlawful discriminationwhether based on race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristics, said Cathryn Oakley, the organization's senior director of legal policy. Todays unanimous decision, written by Justice Kentaji Brown Jackson, emphasizes the ongoing importance of federal civil rights laws. It also comes as were witnessing an alarming wave of political attacks targeting LGBTQ+ people across the country, the weaponization of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and unprecedented hostility within parts of the federal government toward our community. LGBTQ+ people, in particular, face heightened and increasingly dangerous forms of discrimination and too often, fewer paths to remedy it. This ruling must be understood in the context of that rising tide. Fighting discrimination is not just about one case or one person its about defending the broader promise of equality and justice for all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Allen Morris, policy dreictor at the National LGBTQ Task Force, said the decision "underscores the need for congressional action, and the prioritization of federal non-discrimination protections." Morris also noted that the primary target of employment discrimination is still people "with intersecting needs." "This moment must also be met with clarity and urgency: underserved communities continue to face a systemically challenged and unleveled playing field in workspaces, schools and public life," Morris said. "Nearly 1 in 2 transgender people report experiencing mistreatment in the workforce. We must not excuse or dismiss the lived realities of communities who are fighting to be treated with dignity and fairness. Congress must act to pass comprehensive, explicit federal non-discrimination protections, including the long-overdue Equality Act." The owner of Swadley's Bar-B-Q wants Attorney General Gentner Drummond removed from his criminal case. Brent Swadley is accusing Drummond of making improper prejudicial statements about the case as he runs for governor. He also wants the AG's assistants off the case. Swadley was indicted last year over his controversial operation of restaurants at state parks during the pandemic. His jury trial is set to begin Nov. 3 in Oklahoma County District Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A state multicounty grand jury alleged he knowingly presented fraudulent invoices to the state from Swadley's Foggy Bottom Kitchen LLC. He denies the accusations. Foggy Bottom Kitchen cafes were developed at six state parks. The first one opened in 2020 during the pandemic. The last opened in 2022. The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department in April 2022 canceled its agreement over the cafes due to "suspected fraudulent activity and questionable business practices." DO NOT RUN LARGE Brent Swadley is shown with a sign for a burger business that toppled in the wind Wednesday. In Yukon, wind blew a part of a roof off a house at 915 Cooper Lane, a police dispatcher said. There were no injuries. Swadley, 54, faces one count of conspiracy to defraud the state and five counts of presenting fraudulent claims to the state. Swadley on Tuesday, June 3, asked District Judge Susan Stallings to disqualify Drummond and the AG's assistants from prosecuting him. "We will vigorously oppose this motion," the AG's spokesman said. No hearing date has been set yet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a lengthy filing, defense attorneys complained about a number of statements made by Drummond both before and after the Republican announced in January he was running for governor. Gentner Drummond announces his 2026 gubernatorial campaign at the Osage County Fairgrounds in Pawhuska on Jan. 13. The most recent came in April in Yukon at the mayor's prayer breakfast meeting. "We had the great idea to open up restaurants in our state parks," Drummond said, according to the filing. "We made a deal with our friend, and then didn't hold him accountable. And as he washed invoices, he was able to take over $6 million from the state of Oklahoma." The defense attorneys called the statements "made-for-media sound bites of a political candidate in an active gubernatorial race." "They seek to achieve political gain at the expense of Swadley's right to a fair trial," the attorneys told the judge. "They are designed to convict Swadley in the public eye in advance of trial." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also set for trial on Nov. 3 is Timothy Raymond Hooper, 56, who was listed at the time of the indictment as the chief operating officer at Swadley's Bar-B-Q. The trial for the two men is expected to last three weeks. Statements by prosecutors outside the courtroom have impacted criminal cases in Oklahoma before. Notably, Oklahoma County District Attorney Bob Macy in 2000 was disqualified from the state bombing case for his statements to the media that Terry Nichols deserved the death penalty. "You should have been down there the first four or five days," Macy said in an interview with CBS. "There would be no question in your mind. ... I've sent several people to death row for killing one person. I certainly feel that death would be the appropriate punishment for killing 19 babies." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nichols was convicted in 2004 of 161 counts of first-degree murder. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after his jury deadlocked on the death penalty. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: With trial just months away, Brent Swadley wants AG off criminal case DERBY, Conn. (WTNH) A Bridgeport man was charged Thursday on a warrant for six separate incidents in which he allegedly stalked his ex-girlfriend, according to the Ansonia Police Department. Hippolito Rodriguez, 52, was initially arrested on May 28, United States Marshalls Fugitive Task Force and the Bridgeport Police Department, on five failure to appear warrants for cases from Bridgeport, Branford and the Connecticut State Police. Ansonia police said in a statement that the incidents allegedly took place between January and April of this year. In the Ansonia cases, Rodriguez was charged with: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement seven counts of violation of restraining order seven counts of first-degree stalking seven counts of second-degree harassment three counts of first-degree criminal trespass one count of third-degree burglary with a Firearm one count of third-degree burglary one count of first-degree threatening one count of carrying a pistol without a permit one count of criminal possession of a firearm one count of criminal use of a firearm one count of third-degree criminal mischief one count of sixth degree larceny Rodriguez was held on $1,225,000 in bonds and was scheduled to be arraigned at Derby Superior Court on Thursday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. British Airways crew members might be spending less time in front of the camera now. In a new edict, the major airline has ordered all employees, including pilots and flight attendants, to refrain from posting selfies, videos or other personal content on social media during layovers. Additionally, employees have been told to cleanse their social media accounts of any prior content from layover hotel stays, according to One Mile At A Time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The concern is that someone with bad intentions could use computer software to analyze a background and identify the location of a hotel," One Mile At A Time reported. "Its standard procedure for airline crews to not publicly disclose where they stay on layovers, but at the same time, there havent been any restrictions on posting from hotels in general." Any content taken in hotel lobbies and restaurants or at pools or parking lots is also off-limits, even if the person's profile is set to private. Those "Get Ready With Me" videos you see influencers--and some flight attendants--post are also forbidden. 28 April 2025, Baden-Wurttemberg, Stuttgart: A British Airways plane takes off from Stuttgart Airport. Photo: Bernd Weibrod/dpa (Photo by Bernd Weibrod/picture alliance via Getty Images) picture alliance/Getty Images This policy change has been criticized by some as too harsh, but British Airways insists it simply has the safety of its crew members in mind. The safety of our people is really important to us and as a responsible employer, were continuously looking at how we can improve their security, airline reps told the New York Post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement British Airways last updated its social media guidelines two years ago, when it banned employees from sharing any social media posts of themselves "professionally engaged" in their jobs. While unclear if the latest restrictions were shaped by one event in particular, Irfan Ali Mirza, 45, a British Airways flight attendant, was found dead in his San Francisco hotel room during a stopover back in April. At the time, authorities said they did not suspect foul play, and Mirza's death went under investigation. British Airways Has Banned Crew Members From 1 Activity During Layovers first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 5, 2025 British defence giant BAE Systems is to build satellites for a new American missile-tracking system that is poised to form part of Donald Trumps Golden Dome. On Thursday, the FTSE 100 company said it had secured a $1.2bn (880m) contract from the US Space Force to provide 10 satellites for the Pentagons missile warning and missile tracking programme. The constellation will sit in a medium Earth orbit between 1,000 miles and 22,000 miles above the planets surface and track threats including intercontinental ballistic missiles and hypersonic missiles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is eventually expected to form part of the US presidents broader Golden Dome, a $175bn proposal to stitch together a network of land and space-based sensors and interceptors to shoot down missiles aimed at the United States. Lt Col Brandon Castillo, of the US Space Force, said the system being provided by BAE would provide accurate real-time information to decision-makers. He added: This allows for additional resiliency in the missile warning and tracking satellite architecture. The satellites will have the ability to track hypersonic missile threats anywhere in the world The satellites will use infrared sensing technology and, along with another batch commissioned under the same programme, will have the ability to track hypersonic missile threats anywhere on the globe, Space Force said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are planned for delivery from 2029 onwards. Mr Trump announced the Golden Dome plans last month, reviving an idea for a global missile shield that was first mooted by former president Ronald Reagan in the 1980s dubbed Star Wars at the time. The Reagan proposals have since been credited with kicking off a fresh arms race that piled fresh financial pressures on the Soviet Union before its eventual collapse. However, experts have questioned whether, even today, it is technically and financially feasible. The Trump administrations idea has also been partly inspired by the Iron Dome missile shield used by Israel to defend itself against rocket attacks, over a smaller area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Interest in the system has grown amid fears about the capabilities of new hypersonic missiles developed by China and Russia, which American defence planners fear could slip through their defences in a conflict. Mr Trump has vowed that his system will be able to block all kinds of missiles, including nuclear weapons, using super technology. This is very important for the success and even survival of our country. Its a pretty evil world out there, he said last month. 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. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A British man was sentenced to prison Wednesday after posing as a billionaire online, tricking a Portland resident, then stealing nearly $1.9 million from them in a romance fraud scheme. Oscar Peters, 65, was sentenced to more than three years in prison after pleading guilty to one count of wire fraud, the U.S. Department of Justice said. Is Senator Merkley running for re-election in 2026? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following his indictment by a federal grand jury in Portland in 2019, Peters was arrested in the United Kingdom in 2020 and then extradited from the U.K. to the United States in 2023. The charge stems from a fraudulent, long-distance romance Peters began with his victim through the online dating site Millionaire Match Maker, court documents say. Peters claimed to be a billionaire living in Denmark, seeking long-term commitment and convincing his victim in Portland of the legitimacy of the romance via online communications and over the phone. (The) defendant engaged in daily romantic emails and phone calls with his victim and ingratiated himself with promises of marriage. Defendant then concocted elaborate lies about why he needed financial assistance ranging from his soon-to-be ex-wife had frozen his assets or needed money to complete business obligations for their future together, the U.S. DOJ said in a press release. With (the) defendants calculated promises to repay the money and move to Portland, over about two years he convinced his victim to send him nearly $1.9 million. Peters was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison, 3 years supervised release, and ordered to pay $1,892,439 in restitution to his victim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Tesla CEO Elon Musk and President Donald Trump, when they were friends. - Credit: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images The male loneliness epidemic has struck once again, with tech oligarch Elon Musk and President Donald J. Trump going their separate ways after a roughly year-long friendship based on unprecedented political spending and mutual corruption. Cest la vie, nest-ce pas? Supposedly, the cause of this bromance breakdown was the big, beautiful tax bill Trump is looking to push through Congress, which Musk has complained accurately, for once will increase the national deficit by trillions. But longtime observers of the former First Buddy and the commander-in-chief have always suspected that their political alliance wasnt built to last. Two erratic, vindictive, spotlight-hungry billionaires convinced of their own greatness occupying the White House together? Far more efficient to have just one. More from Rolling Stone Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To that end, Musk last week stepped down from his role as the de facto head of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, which had accomplished its goals of arbitrarily firing thousands of government employees and killing hundreds of thousands of children abroad by freezing international aid. Appearing in the Oval Office with a black eye that he claimed was the result of his five-year-old son punching him in the face, the Tesla and SpaceX CEO received a chintzy decorative gold key for his efforts, with Trump promising that Musk was not really leaving the administration and would continue to advise from afar while tending to his neglected business empire. Alas, for all that awkward theater of mutual respect, by the following Thursday the pair were beefing like Bravo TV stars after a few bottles of chardonnay. Trump told the press that he was very disappointed in Musk for criticizing the tax bill and suggested the oligarch was suffering from Trump Derangement Syndrome, then Musk posted on X that he deserved the credit for Trump winning the 2024 election, bemoaning the presidents ingratitude. Trump fired back on Truth Social that hed gotten sick of Musk and told him to leave, and suggested the government could cut spending by canceling his companies federal contracts, which are worth billions. By this point, Tesla stock had plummeted about 15 percent, and Musk was ready to go thermonuclear. After he mused on X about creating a new political party in America, he announced, Time to drop the really big bomb: @realDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public. The feud had officially turned into Drake vs. Kendrick for Republicans, as one X user put it. This is not the first time Musk has angrily smeared someone as a pedophile, and odds are, it wont be the last. While the Epstein files as right-wing conspiracists describe them are essentially a figment of their imagination (the administrations pretense of disclosing explosive new information about the late financier Jeffrey Epsteins sex trafficking operation has yielded humiliating failures), Trumps years of close association with Epstein are so well-documented that its a wonder Musk believed anyone might be surprised at this accusation. Yet the substance of this attack is almost beside the point: Musk was more than happy to spend a quarter of a billion dollars to help elect a man he apparently regards as a sex offender when he stood to benefit the post merely signaled a point of no return with respect to their diplomacy. Liberals and leftists contemptuous of both Trump and Musk cheered the open hostilities as an entertaining bloodsport, with one comedian declaring it our two dumb motherfuckers fighting day in a meme edit of the climactic speech from Independence Day. On the other side, Fox News host Jesse Watters was left looking for ways to cope, insisting that the two were blowing off steam and speculating that they could patch things up, seeing as J.D. Vance once compared Trump to Hitler and still wound up his vice president. Conservatives quickly began taking sides, with fiscal hawks backing Musk and Trump loyalists holding their ground. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was last July, minutes after a failed assassination attempt on Trump during a rally near Butler, Pennsylvania, that Musk first jumped aboard the MAGA bandwagon, bringing other Silicon Valley elites with him. He formed the Super PAC America PAC, channeling their wealth (and his own) into the presidential race, and finally took the stage with Trump in October, where he jumped around as if he were a Kindergartner who had been informed he could have an extra 20 minutes of iPad time. With Trumps victory across all the swing states that America PAC targeted with an legally dubious lottery promotion that triggered multiple lawsuits, Tesla shares soared, and Musk became the highest-profile member of Trumps inner circle to the profound annoyance of those who had been there first. Following the inauguration, he spun up DOGE, tanking his image and his brands with a reckless and destructive assault on the administrative state that involved settling scores with regulators. Trump, in his boundless sympathy, staged a Tesla demo in the White House driveway in an effort to prop up his pals struggling automaker, though he still aimed to end electric vehicle tax credits. Of course, Musks affection for Trump was always contingent. In 2022, he argued that Trump should sail into the sunset rather than run for the GOP presidential nomination once more, prompting Trump to blast his driverless cars that crash and rocketships to nowhere. He had initially backed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in the 2024 primary contest. In the end, however, Trump was his best hope for thwarting an array of government probes into his corporations. Now, as that arrangement of convenience implodes, everything seems to be on the table. Musk is in favor of impeaching Trump and replacing him with Vance, who is intimately connected in the world of tech and venture capital. Hes also threatening to decommission the SpaceX cargo ships that resupply the International Space Station. Meanwhile, Trumpworld influencers including Steve Bannon are calling for Musk to lose his security clearances, face investigation for drug use, and be deported as an illegal immigrant. Even if none of that happens, Musk is suddenly more exposed to federal enforcement actions, like an ongoing Securities and Exchange Commission civil suit over his purchase of X back when it was Twitter (and noticeably lighter on Nazi content). Surely this rift was a foregone conclusion as inevitable as the fact that its playing out in trollish statements on social media from guys who throw tantrums at the slightest pushback. The whole thing might be an embarrassment to the nation, but its also about as American as it gets. Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. A Bronx mugger accused of brutally assaulting an off-duty NYPD officer and robbing him of his gun, then fleeing to Virginia disguised with a womans wig, was brought back to New York early Thursday and charged with attempted murder of a police officer, officials said. Wayne Lucas, 23, is also facing attempted robbery, attempted aggravated assault of a police officer, and weapons possession for the May 24 attack against Police Officer Chowdhury Nafees, officials said. Wearing the same light-gray Nike hoodie and sweatpants he was arrested in, Lucas said nothing in Bronx Supreme Court in front of a gallery of uniformed officers, as Assistant District Attorney Paul Irace described how Lucas and his accomplice, Taveon Hargrove, knocked Officer Nafees to the ground and robbed him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the course of the robbery, this defendant held a knife to the victims neck while the co-defendant went through his property and took various items, including his loaded service pistol, Irace said. [When] they found out that he was an officer, this defendant continued the robbery, and [Hargrove] stomped the victims head so hard into the ground that, over a week after this robbery, he still bore the shoe print in his face. Extradition proceedings for Hargrove, also 23, were ongoing, cops said. Hes hiding right now in Virginia, refusing to come back and face consequences here in the Bronx, Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry said outside court Thursday. He needs to come back here and face consequences. Face these police officers. Because you attack one of our police officers, you attack every New York City police officer, and we will stay united until justice is served for our brother police officer. Nafees, 27, was coming home from work and was wearing a jacket over his NYPD uniform when Lucas and Hargrove attacked the cop at knifepoint near St. Peters and Tratman Aves. in Westchester Square around 4:15 a.m., cops said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pair ran up to Nafees, threatened him with a knife, and beat him unconscious, police said. A good Samaritan called police after discovering Nafees unconscious on the pavement, and medics rushed him to a local hospital in critical condition, according to an online fundraiser created to help cover Nafees medical bills and support his family. Horrific surveillance video recovered during the attack shows two men knocking Nafees onto the ground on his back, then repeatedly punching him in the face. After they rifle through his pockets, steal his gun and walk away, one of them backtracks to the victim and, in a final blow, viciously stomps on the helpless Nafees head. Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark called the attack egregious and brutal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Upon learning that he was an officer, they took this as an invitation to turn up the violence, pushing him to the ground and stomping him on his head, she said. Nafees was released from the hospital last week, but he has a long road to recovery, his brother told the Daily News. The people in the hospital did a tremendous job bringing him back from what he was, said Chowdhury Navid, 25. We still dont know the psychological cost. We still need some time to process the whole thing. Well talk to therapists, then we will know how deep it is. Immediately after the robbery Lucas and Hargrove both fled to Virginia Irace said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was wearing a wig when he was arrested, Irace said. The disguise did not fool cops who arrested him. Im pleased to announce that this afternoon, Wayne Lucas was taken into custody in Virginia just as the officer he so brutally assaulted was discharged from the hospital to the cheers of his NYPD family, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch posted on X last Wednesday when Lucas was taken into custody. Come for one of us, & youll have the full force of the NYPD coming for you. Bronx Supreme Court Judge George Villegas ordered Lucas held without bail during the brief arraignment proceeding. Lucas attorney, Patrick Higgins reserved his bail application for a later date and declined to comment on the charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If convicted, Lucas is facing up to 25 years in prison, prosecutors said. Hargrove was arrested in Virginia a day before Lucas was. Cops said they caught a break when Hargroves father, Jeffrey Hargrove, 55, was arrested for petty larceny and criminal possession of stolen property after he was allegedly caught using one of the beaten cops credit cards. The elder Hargrove was released without bail after being arraigned in Bronx Criminal Court. While Nafees wallet and cell phone were recovered, his service weapon has not been found, Irace said. Nafees came to the United States from Bangladesh five years ago and dreamed of becoming an NYPD officer to help his family, who live in the Bronx. The rookie cop has been on the force since September and worked as a 911 dispatcher for two and half years before that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Navid said he believes his brother was targeted because he is a cop. Its not that they did it to a police officer, Navid said. They did it because he was a police officer. It was intentional. If you want my money, you want my wallet take it. Anything you do after that is purely out of spite, against law and order, the NYPD and the nation itself. Clark, who visited Nafees in the hospital before he was released, hopes the young officer gets back to work soon. Hes a wonderful individual, she said about Nafees. A rookie from just September did not deserve this, but his job is to protect the very same people that caused him harm that day. So were wishing him a speedy recovery. US-based semiconductor manufacturer GlobalFoundries has announced a $16bn investment to enhance domestic semiconductor production. This investment will expand the company's manufacturing and advanced packaging capabilities across its facilities in New York and Vermont. The investment builds upon GlobalFoundries' existing US expansion plans, which include more than $13bn to expand and modernise its New York and Vermont facilities. Additionally, the company has announced funding for its newly launched New York Advanced Packaging and Photonics Centre, the first US-based facility dedicated to silicon photonics packaging. GlobalFoundries is committing an additional $3bn to advanced research and development initiatives. These initiatives focus on packaging innovation, silicon photonics, and next-generation GaN technologies. The company is collaborating with major technology firms such as Apple, SpaceX, AMD, Qualcomm Technologies, NXP, and GM. These companies will aid GlobalFoundries in reshoring semiconductor production to the US and diversifying their global supply chains. GlobalFoundries CEO Tim Breen said: At GlobalFoundries, we are proud to partner with pioneering technology leaders to manufacture their chips in the United Statesadvancing innovation while strengthening economic and supply chain resiliency. The AI revolution is driving strong, durable demand for GFs technologies that enable tomorrows datacentres including GFs leading silicon photonics, as well as GaN for power applications. Meanwhile at the edge, GFs proprietary FDX technology is uniquely positioned to support AI functionality with low power consumption. With all these technologies and more manufactured right here in the US, GF is proud to play its part in accelerating Americas semiconductor leadership. In February 2024, the US awarded $1.5bn to GlobalFoundries to expand its semiconductor production as the country looks to boost its domestic chip manufacturing. "GlobalFoundries to invest $16bn in semiconductor production" was originally created and published by Verdict, a GlobalData owned brand. NEW YORK A Bronx mugger who brutally assaulted an off-duty NYPD officer and robbed him of his gun, then fled to Virginia disguised with a womans wig, was brought back to New York early Thursday and charged with attempted murder of a police officer, officials said. Wayne Lucas, 23, is also facing attempted robbery, attempted aggravated assault of a police officer, and weapons possession for the May 24 attack against police Officer Chowdhury Nafees, officials said. His arraignment in Bronx Criminal Court was pending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officer Nafees, 27, was coming home from work and was wearing a jacket over his NYPD uniform when Lucas and Taveon Hargrove, also 23, attacked the cop at knifepoint near St. Peters and Tratman Aves. in Westchester Square around 4:15 a.m., cops said. The pair ran up to Nafees, threatened him with a knife, and beat him unconscious, police said. A good Samaritan called police after discovering Nafees unconscious on the pavement, and medics rushed him to a local hospital in critical condition, according to an online fundraiser created to help cover Nafees medical bills and support his family. Horrific surveillance video recovered during the attack shows two men knocking Nafees onto the ground on his back, then repeatedly punching him in the face. After they rifle through his pockets, steal his gun, and walk away, one of them backtracks to the victim and, in a final blow, viciously stomps on the helpless Nafees head. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nafees was released from the hospital last week, but he has a long road to recovery, his brother told the Daily News. The people in the hospital did a tremendous job bringing him back from what he was, said Chowdhury Navid, 25. We still dont know the psychological cost. We still need some time to process the whole thing. Well talk to therapists, then we will know how deep it is. Both Lucas and Hargrove both fled to Virginia. Lucas was captured last Wednesday night dressed in a womans wig, a disguise that did not fool cops who arrested him. Im pleased to announce that this afternoon, Wayne Lucas was taken into custody in Virginia just as the officer he so brutally assaulted was discharged from the hospital to the cheers of his NYPD family, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch posted on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Come for one of us, & youll have the full force of the NYPD coming for you. Hargrove was arrested a day earlier. Extradition proceedings to bring him back to New York were ongoing, cops said. Cops said they caught a break when Hargroves father, Jeffrey Hargrove, 55, was arrested for petty larceny and criminal possession of stolen property after he was allegedly caught using one of the beaten cops credit cards. The elder Hargrove was released without bail after being arraigned in Bronx Criminal Court. Nafees came to the United States from Bangladesh five years ago and dreamed of becoming an NYPD officer to help his family, who live in the Bronx. The rookie cop has been on the force since September and worked as a 911 dispatcher for two and half years before that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Navid said he believes his brother was targeted because he is a cop. Its not that they did it to a police officer, Navid said. They did it because he was a police officer. It was intentional. If you want my money, you want my wallet take it. Anything you do after that is purely out of spite, against law and order, the NYPD and the nation itself. -------------- BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11) A Brooklyn former foster youth is now giving back to other foster young adults, thanks to a New York City nonprofit. Melissa Berger is an inspiration not just to their family but to other youth in foster care. They are hoping their own story with help others. More Local News 25-year-old Melissa Berger from Brooklyn says they are excited about their future. A college grad, working full time, its all thanks to a little help from Tanisha Browne. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Berger says its the first time they felt unconditional love, genuine care, and support. Berger was in the foster care system as a youth at the age of 19 when they met Browne through a referral from their foster care agency. The rest is history. Browne helped them navigate through the tough college process. Browne is the executive director of a nonprofit called Of Home Family and Future, also known as OHFF, focusing on connecting resources for domestic violence survivors and young people in the foster care system. OHFF helps dozens of foster youth like Berger each year make their dream of college a reality, from buying laptops, books, furniture, to even providing mental health support. Berger is now a graduate of Stony Brook University, working for the foster care agency that helped them. Their dream is to become a writer and publish a book. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. WASHINGTON (WPRI) Speaking before a U.S. House Judiciary subcommittee, Brown University student Alex Shieh testified about his experience challenging his school as Republican lawmakers consider whether Ivy Leagues are violating antitrust laws. This committee has a responsibility not just to investigate Ivy League antitrust violations, but to reclaim the American Dream from those who have twisted it into a racket, Shieh said. Shieh made national headlines when Brown launched a disciplinary investigation after he sent more than 3,000 emails to university staff, asking them to explain their jobs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said the emails were for a Brown Spectator story investigating wasteful spending. During Wednesdays hearing, Republican Congressman Jim Jordan of Ohio asked Shieh what the school accused him of doing wrong. First, it was emotional, psychological harm, invasion of privacy and misrepresentation, Shieh said. Asking someone how they spend your money is emotional harm? Jordan asked. Shieh said the school dropped its charges after a disciplinary hearing last month. LOCAL COVERAGE: Brown student wont face discipline for DOGE-like email to administrators In a two-page email to 12 News, a spokesperson for Brown disputed several claims Republican lawmakers made about the schools finances during the hearing. The school also pushed back on Shiehs comments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve continued to see inaccuracies reported publicly by the student testifying today about a related disciplinary process, spokesperson Brian Clark wrote regarding Shieh. In an interview with 12 News after the hearing, Shieh said this issue is now much larger than him, and that he hopes lawmakers will get universities to cut down on wasteful spending. Im glad that Congressman Jordan invited me to testify today, he said. And I guess Im grateful for all lawmakers there, both parties, who seem to be taking this issue of Ivy League antitrust violations very seriously. But some Democrats on the subcommittee warn that the issue of college costs is being used by Republicans to go after universities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All institutions of higher learning are under attack? Rep. Hank Johnson, D-Ga., asked Julie Margetta Morgan, a higher education expert invited to testify in front of the committee. Thats right, Margetta Morgan said. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media: 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. (NewsNation) A Brown University student was recently disciplined after channeling Elon Musk and asking the universitys staff DOGE-style questions. Alex Shieh joined NewsNation Live to discuss the situation. Brown has always had high tuition prices and tuition fees, said Shieh. And I was concerned, not for myself. I think, as I mentioned in the hearing, Im lucky enough that my parents are doctors and they can afford to pay that entire standard price. But a lot of students cant, and thats why Brown looks the way it does. Shieh, a reporter for the Brown Spectator, says he emailed over 3,000 administrators in March to explain their roles, tasks they performed over a week, and how Brown students would be impacted if their positions were eliminated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump restricts foreign student visas at Harvard The purpose? To find the reason why tuition had risen to $93,000 a year at the school. I didnt get an answer from any of these administrators, Shieh added about Brown Universitys allocation of tuition money. Brown just released its latest budget report last week, and the largest category of its expenditures 43% is employee wages, accounting for a total of $818 million. In April, the university launched a preliminary student conduct review of Shieh for improperly using data accessed through a school platform. Shieh says the school alleged he and the paper caused emotional harm, invasion of privacy and misrepresentation. He was cleared a month later of facing any disciplinary action. However, the school penalized him for violating its technology policy and trademark policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its clear they didnt charge other students newspapers that have the word Brown in their name, said Shieh. Its clear they came after us because we were reporting the rutt that was going on, and they didnt like that very much. Education Department says Columbia fails to meet accreditation standard Shieh acknowledged hes garnered support from students who got into Brown but cant afford to go because of financial strains. The faculty has also been in favor of Shiehs stance. Were talking about administrators here, not the faculty, he said. And for too long, theyve felt disrespected. Brown University, in a statement, said, While the national conversation about higher education finances and costs is important, its regrettable that a witness in todays hearing offered so many misrepresentations about Browns students, employees, and efforts to provide an exceptional educational experience and conduct high-impact research. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Half of Brown Universitys students come from the top 5% of the United States. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. A brush fire that broke out overnight in the Lebec area has prompted evacuation warnings after scorching more than 200 acres and snarling traffic on the Grapevine Thursday morning. The incident was first reported on the southbound side of the 5 Freeway near Fort Tejon Road shortly before 11:30 p.m. Wednesday. By 8:45 a.m., the blaze had scorched 220 acres, according to the Kern County Fire Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least one lane was closed to southbound traffic through the Grapevine due to the blaze. Video showed a line of cars backed up through the area at 4:30 a.m. A brush fire is seen along the Grapevine on June 5, 2025, after breaking out in Lebec overnight. (ALERTCalifornia) Expect delays if this is part of your planned commute. Give emergency crews plenty of room to work with, thanks! the California Highway Patrol posted on X. An evacuation warning was issued for the area of Digier Canyon in Lebec. Residents were urged to be prepared in case they are asked to leave. The situation can change very quickly, and visibility in area may be reduced and roads can become blocked, a message on the ReadyKern website reads. Fire officials said the blaze was 5% contained and that additional resources had arrived to assist in the firefight, including air support from retardant-dropping tankers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was no word on what may have caused the fire. Check back for updates on this 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 KTLA. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) More budget cuts are threatening Oregons Outdoor School program, which provides hands-on science education to thousands of sixth graders across the state. Parents, teachers and students are planning to rally Friday at the state Capitol to urge lawmakers to restore funding. Suspect identified in Battle Ground double homicide For decades, Oregons Outdoor Schools have offered a week-long immersive science experience that aligns with state curriculum and gives students a chance to learn outside the classroom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kim Mair, known as Rue to the students, works in the kitchen at Camp Angelos near the Sandy River as part of the Multnomah Education Service Districts Outdoor School program. She said many students who attend Outdoor School have never had opportunities to experience nature or summer camp. We have students who never have this experience, they dont go to summer camp, their families dont go do these things, so this means a lot to them, Mair said. Despite record participation this year, the state Legislative Fiscal Office has proposed a $12 million cut about 20% of the programs budget. Kim Silva, executive director of Friends of Outdoor School, called the proposed reductions unacceptable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Budget cuts in education are not a new thing, but that doesnt mean we let them go, Silva said. She is organizing the rally Friday morning. Many fear the cuts could reduce the program from five days to two or three, or result in the closure of some sites entirely. Bailey Cose, site supervisor at Camp Magruder in Rockaway Beach, said the cuts would impact more than just time spent outdoors. 15 years later: Kyrons not home, were not done Its nature immersion, relationship building, and community connection, Cose said. I was shocked to hear this and very disappointed. In 2016, Oregon voters overwhelmingly approved funding Outdoor School through state lottery dollars via Ballot Measure 99. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because the program is lottery-funded, advocates say the cuts are not justified by recent lottery revenue forecasts. The Oregon Legislatures Ways and Means Committee is scheduled to meet Friday morning. Supporters plan to rally at the Capitol in Salem to protect what they call one of the states most meaningful educational traditions. The 2025 legislative session ends June 29th. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) House and Senate leadership reached a framework for the budget, but the details are still being worked on behind closed doors. One major proposal seems to be missing: Governor Ron DeSantis property tax relief plan. However, that could change as negotiations continue. For months, Governor DeSantis pushed his property tax relief plan, touting potential savings of around $1,000 per homestead property. If we do that, we would end up with about $1,000 in property tax cut for every homestead Floridian, said Governor DeSantis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, House Speaker Danny Perez has taken a different approach. Rather than fast-tracking DeSantis proposal, he created a special select committee to take a deeper look. I will be appointing a select committee on property taxes to do this important work, said Speaker Perez. That committee has met twice and is expected to continue meeting through summer and fall. So far, lawmakers have found theres no one-size-fits-all solution to this issue. Its complicated, said State Rep. Adam Anderson, (R-Palm Harbor). Every county is different. Every city is different. Special districts are all different. And the percentage of tax revenue that they receive from property taxes varies widely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anderson introduced legislation this past year to boost property tax transparency and offer tax relief for homeowners in flood zones making improvements. Though the proposals were overshadowed this session, he plans to revisit them next year. Its not about doing this quickly, its about doing it correctly and we have plenty of time to make sure that a good solid proposal ends up on the ballot for the voters to approve, said Anderson. Most lawmakers are eyeing the skies for property taxes to end up on the 2026 ballot, however, some argue this topic requires more time and dedication. Im hoping that we dont get to craft anything for the 2026 ballot, and they push it out a few years because thats not something that you should jump right into and make a decision like that, said State Rep. Dianne Hart, (D-Tampa). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hart says the committee needs to plan on hearing from constituents all across the state together. And while a game of political tug-of-war plays out behind the scenes with the state budget, Florida homeowners are left with rising bills and only a few answers on the table. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (WTAJ) Richland High Schools graduating class of 2025 is getting a special send-off from friends and family before commencement on Thursday, June 5. Plans have been made to have the seniors ride district buses through the community with Richland Township, Geistown Borough, and Stonycreek Township emergency services leading their way. Any residents not attending the commencement ceremony at the high school are asked to line the streets of the planned procession route starting at 5:30 p.m. to cheer on the seniors through their last ride as students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bus procession route will leave Richland High School for Theatre Drive, then continue along Theatre Drive to Elton Road/Bedford Street. Next, the route will lead down Bedford Street towards Scalp Avenue, then back to Theatre Drive ending the route back at Richland High School. Get the latest news, weather forecasts and sports stories delivered straight to your inbox! Sign up for our newsletters. Participants are asked to create signs supporting the class of 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 WTAJ - www.wtaj.com. NANTICOKE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) Nearly 100 Job Corps centers nationwide are being put on pause or closing, including two in our area. Now, a local company providing services to adults with autism is stepping in to help. 28/22 News reporter Gianna Galli has been following the story. Between the two local job corps centers, more than 400 students, dozens of them homeless, are having to turn elsewhere for their education and housing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Nanticoke business has set up a way for people to help these students in need during a difficult time. Stephanie Jones is the founder and executive director of Functional Connections in Nanticoke. Her company provides services to adults living with autism and behavioral challenges, but now it is also serving as the drop-off center for new or gently used duffle bags, suitcases, and/or backpacks to donate to local Job Corps students. Growing up, I had a lot of foster siblings who came in with paper bags of belongings, and it was a really big deal whenever they would move out of our house, that they took a suitcase with them and they were properly packed, and it meant so much, Jones expressed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Community college launches new Career and Technology Academy Due to significant financial issues, the Department of Labor is shutting down Job Corps centers across the nation by the end of June. That means 467 students between Hazletons Keystone Job Corps Center and the Red Rock Job Corps campuses in NEPA are going to need to places to work and stay. Even though these opportunities all got stripped away, maybe these kids could go out with just a little bit of dignity, said Jones. One of the centers employees states that 50 of the more than 400 impacted students, ranging from ages 16-25, are now homeless. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jones is a former Job Corps employee at Oregon and Massachusetts centers, and this abrupt decision really hit home for her. I learned way more from those students than they ever learned from me, Jones commented. The students graduation this year has been canceled, and the local centers are working with Career Link to help set up a new plan for them. On-site housing is still being offered. A duffel bag may seem like a simple thing, but Jones knows it will go a long way to helping these students. They are no strangers to this. They are going to find their way and they are going to make a difference, but we really do need to be on the lookout, Jones stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jones says they havent received any bags yet. Those looking to drop off a duffel bag can do so between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Thursday and Friday at Functional Connections in Nanticoke. Efforts to help these students and employees are not only being made by those in the community, but state officials are also taking action. Congressman Rob Bresnahan says he is working toward a bipartisan solution. His office provided 28/22 News with this statement: Congressman Bresnahan strongly supports the continuation of the work being done at the Keystone Job Corps Center and the Job Corps program as a whole. Keystone plays a significant role in developing the much needed work force in Northeastern Pennsylvania, and it is a priority of his to ensure that will continue into the future. After the news regarding the closure of Job Corps Centers, he immediately started working with his colleagues to work toward a bipartisan solution. He also recently supported an appropriations letter requesting increased funding for Job Corps, including facilities like Keystone. These centers provide pathways to construction and manufacturing jobs and are a valuable part of maintaining a strong workforce. Rep. Bresnahan met with leadership from Keystone and other Job Corps Centers earlier this year, and he is determined to work with them to keep them open and successful. Congressman Rob Bresnahans Office 28/22 News spoke with representative Jamie Walsh on Wednesday, who says he offers his full support to keeping the program open. The National Job Corps Association, along with other plaintiffs, filed a lawsuit against the US Department of Labor, alleging the department is violating federal law and its own regulations by pausing the Job Corps programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 28/22 News will bring you the latest on this story as updates 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 28/22 News. The first human spaceflight for Boeing's Starliner made headlines for all the wrong reasons. But one year after its launch, it appears neither Boeing nor NASA have given up the spacecraft. On June 5, 2024, the Starliner got off the ground from Florida with two experienced NASA astronauts aboard for what was to be a brief trip to the International Space Station. Days then stretched into months after mission engineers noticed that the vehicle had encountered a slew of mechanical issues during its orbital voyage. As a result, the Starliner's crew, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, spent more than nine months and 280 days in orbit as part of NASA's contingency plan to get them back home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the flight test went far from according to plan, both NASA and Boeing have given signs that there's still hope for the Starliner to fly again following a lot more development, no doubt. Here's what to know about the Starliner mission and what's next for Boeing and NASA. Boeing Starliner: On anniversary of Florida launch, look back at mission's biggest moments What is the Boeing Starliner? Why NASA wants to certify vehicle Boeing is developing the Starliner spacecraft with the goal of it becoming a second operational vehicle for NASA to transport crews and cargo to the space station. The missions would be contracted under the U.S. space agency's commercial crew program, under which NASA pays private companies to conduct orbital spaceflights using their own commercial vehicles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SpaceX has already been making routine trips since 2020 to the space station under the program using its Dragon capsule. Standing nearly 27 feet tall and about 13 feet wide, Dragon capsules can carry up to seven astronauts into orbit, though most of SpaceX's Crew missions feature a contingent of four. The Crew missions launch on SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket one of the most active in the world from Launch Complex 39A at NASAs Kennedy Space Center near Cape Canaveral, Florida. What happened to the Boeing Starliner, 'stuck' astronauts? As the two astronauts selected for the Starliner's maiden crewed flight test, Wilmore and Williams launched June 5, 2024, on a mission to test a vehicle intended to one day join the SpaceX Dragon in transporting NASA astronauts to orbit. The astronauts reached the International Space Station a day after launching, where they were expected to remain for about 10 days before returning home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the mission ended in failure when a slew of technical issues with the spacecraft prompted NASA to determine that the Starliner was not able to safely transport its crew back to Earth. Instead, Wilmore and Williams had no choice but to watch the spacecraft that brought them to the station undock Sept. 6 without them to make an autonomous landing in New Mexico. Under a plan NASA announced in August 2024, a SpaceX Dragon that was already due to reach the space station on a mission of its own was selected as the vehicle to ferry Wilmore and Williams home. That mission launched as planned in late September, but with one crucial change: Just two astronauts were on board the Dragon instead of four to leave two extra seats for Wilmore and Williams. That meant the astronauts who crewed the Starliner were due to remain at the station for a few extra months as Crew-9 spacefarers, NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, completed their six-month mission. Then, once the Crew-10 replacement mission arrived March 15, the stage was set for the original Starliner crew members to finally return to Earth. The SpaceX Dragon vehicle carrying Wilmore, Williams, Hague and Gorbunov made a parachute-assisted water landing March 19 off the coast of Florida. What's next for Boeing, NASA in Starliner development? As of late March, NASA was moving ahead with plans to work with Boeing toward making Starliner operational. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The aerospace company had plans to conduct more tests this summer at NASAs White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico while making modifications to the vehicle to prepare it for routine spaceflight, NASA officials have said. That includes fixing the thruster issues from the first crewed spaceflight and conducting more propulsion system testing. Teams have also been testing new methods for sealing the helium system to mitigate the risk of future leaks, NASA said in a March 27 blog post its last public update about the Starliner spacecraft. The USA TODAY Network has reached out to NASA for more information on the status of Starliner. An independent watchdog report further determined in its 2024 report that other problems with Starliner also require modification before it can be certified. That includes a battery redesign plan and work to strengthen the landing airbag backing panel. "NASA is seeing the commitment from Boeing to adding the Starliner system to the nations crew transportation base," Ken Bowersox, NASA's associate administrator for space operations, said in a March statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But when Starliner could next fly with or without a crew remains to be determined. Eric Lagatta is the Space Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Butch Wilmore, Suni Williams crewed Starliner year ago. Will it fly again? Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Moneywise and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue through links in the content below. Donald Trumps sweeping tariffs have sparked a chorus of criticism from across the political and economic spectrum with lawmakers, CEOs and economists warning of rising costs and escalating trade tensions. But the president isnt backing down. Even after announcing a pause on some tariffs, Trump is doubling down on his hardline stance. Don't miss The businessmen who criticize tariffs are bad at business, but really bad at politics, he declared in a fiery Truth Social post on April 20. They dont understand or realize that I am the greatest friend that American capitalism has ever had! For Trump, the tariff fight isnt just about economics its about leverage. The golden rule of negotiating and success: He who has the gold makes the rules, he wrote in a follow-up post, further signaling that the tariffs are part of a larger strategy to bring global rivals to the table. And according to Trump, the strategy is working. He claimed that many world leaders and business executives are already coming to him, seeking relief from the trade penalties. But Trump insisted these leaders must right the wrongs of decades of abuse and warned it wont be easy for them. Whether Trump will ultimately be successful or not, investors are preparing for a rough ride, with many fleeing U.S. stocks for more stable options. If youre looking to protect yourself during the presidents big gambit, here are two key assets to consider. A golden hedge for uncertain times Markets have reacted nervously to Trumps sweeping tariffs and not in a good way. While stocks have stumbled under the weight of trade uncertainty, one asset has stood out as a bright spot: gold. Long viewed as the ultimate safe haven, gold isnt tied to any single country, currency or economy. It cant be printed out of thin air like fiat money, and in times of economic turmoil or geopolitical uncertainty, investors tend to pile in driving up its value. Over the past 12 months, gold prices have surged by more than 40%. That makes Trumps claim he who has the gold makes the rules feel like more than just a negotiating mantra. Its also a reminder of golds enduring appeal in times of crisis. NORMANDY, France (ABC4) A team of geologists excavated the beaches of Normandy searching for shrapnel left from one of the bloodiest battles in modern history. In June of 2024, BYU geology professor Sam Hudson led a team of four geologists on an excavation of each of the five landing sites along the Normandy coastline. The teams goal was to study the changes in the beaches over time. A team of researchers travels to France to study WWII shrapnel. Shrapnel left over from WWII tells geologists about weathering. Its really important to see how long man-made materials like shrapnel remain in a natural setting, Hudson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a BYU press release, debris during wartime can play a large role in geological research and help researchers track and measure geological change. Researchers are using the shrapnel as a way to study coastal processes, including how much sediment has been built up since the war. Understanding the rate of change in natural systems is a big deal, and its something thats usually really hard to measure, Hudson said. World War II pilot from Bountiful accounted for nearly 80 years after death on warfront The team was comprised of geologists from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Just last month, Hudson returned to Normandy along with six students to collect more samples. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its been a really exciting opportunity to show this intersection of geology and history to the world, said Liv Tatum, a student at BYU. Geologist Sam Hudson honors his grandfather. (Courtesy: Sam Hudson) Hudson said the project has been an opportunity for him to honor his grandfather, who served in the Pacific Theater during WWII. Hudson will be speaking at the International Conference on Military Geosciences at West Point next year. 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. CACHE COUNTY, Utah (ABC4) A Cache County man was sentenced Wednesday to a year of jail time after he admitted to sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl. Jaime Miguel Cordero, 20, pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual battery, a class A misdemeanor, and one charge of aggravated sexual assault resulting in serious bodily injury, a second degree felony. He was sentenced to 364 days in the Cache County Jail and 48 months of probation according to sentencing documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cordero was originally charged in April 2024 with three counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child, a first degree felony, and one charge of child abuse with injury, a class a misdemeanor. His charges were amended to lesser charges because he took a plea deal. Former St. George Police Officer charged with alleged child abuse According to the filed information, Cordero sexually assaulted a friends 12-year-old sister during a sleepover. He had stayed the night in the familys basement to play video games and drink with the victims older brother. In a drunken state, Cordero reportedly entered the victims room repeatedly over the course of an hour, and each time, he laid on top of her and bit her forehead, arms, and neck. Police also said that he touched her inappropriately. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victims older brother reported the incident to police and told them that he found Cordero on top of his sister in her bedroom after he noticed Cordero gone from the basement. The victims younger brother was also reportedly in the bedroom at the time. When Cordero was arrested, he admitted that he had been drinking the night of the incident, and he had been drinking so much that he only remembered entering the victims bedroom once. However, he did admit to biting her. Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Latest headlines: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Cal Polys Administration Building was vandalized by pro-Palestinian activists Wednesday afternoon. According to an email sent to the Cal Poly campus community from Cal Poly president Jeffrey Armstrong, a group of five individuals entered the universitys Financial Aid and Student Accounts office in the Administration Building and spray-painted graffiti on walls, windows, furniture, computers, carpets and floors on Wednesday afternoon. Thankfully, no one was physically harmed in the incident, but it was traumatizing for numerous Cal Poly employees and students who were in the office at the time, Armstrongs statement read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cal Poly police arrived, causing the five individuals to flee the scene, though two suspects have been identified and are in custody for questioning, Armstrong said. In his statement, Armstrong said there is simply zero tolerance for the individuals behavior. Those participating in violence and criminal activity which endangers other s will be expelled (if they are students), arrested and held fully accountable, Armstrongs statement read. Anyone who views this kind of shortsighted, disgusting and illegal activity as acceptable has no place at Cal Poly and will be rooted out. Armstrong asked anyone with information related to the incident, including the identities of those responsible, photos, videos or otherwise, to contact the Cal Poly police at 805-756-2281. California State Assembly Approves Bill Pausing Tax Hike on Legal Cannabis Retailers originally appeared on L.A. Mag. (Photo by Hillary Atkin) The California State Assembly unanimously voted on Monday to halt a slated 25% tax increase on the cannabis industry from going into effect on July 1. In a 74-0 vote, the Assembly approved AB564 by Asm. Matt Haney (D-San Francisco). The bill would prevent the retail excise tax from increasing to 19% from its current 15%. "If we continue to pile on more taxes and fees onto our struggling small cannabis businesses, California's cannabis culture is under serious threat of extinction," Haney said in a statement. According to SFGATE, taxable cannabis sales in California amounted to $1.088 billion in 2025s first quarter, the lowest in five years. The figure also represents an 11% drop compared to the same quarter in 2024, marking the largest decline in legal cannabis sales in state history. Retailers are responsible for paying the tax regardless of consumer sales. Haney attributes the steady growth of cannabis sales in other states, such as Colorado and Michigan, to lower taxes and fewer barriers for businesses and consumers. "If we want to support our cannabis industry that drives millions of visitors to California every year, adding more costs makes absolutely no sense," said Haney. "Nearly a decade after Californians overwhelmingly approved cannabis legalization, the industry is struggling under the crushing weight of a 15% excise tax, said Caren Woodson, president of the California Cannabis Industry Association. Any increase, particularly a 25% increase, would not only be bad public policy, but devastating to operators already on the brink. In 2016, voters passed Proposition 64 to legalize the possession, cultivation and sale of cannabis for recreational use with an initial retail excise tax of 15%. A 2022 law eliminated Californias cultivation tax, making the excise tax adjustable to generate equivalent revenue. The new bill would eliminate the laws requirement to adjust the excise tax rate. AB564 will go to the State Senate for consideration. This story was originally reported by L.A. Mag on Jun 4, 2025, where it first appeared. Californias biggest virtual power plant is facing over $100 million in funding cuts due to the states ongoing budget crisis, threatening the long-term viability of a program that can act as a crucial release valve for the states overburdened power grid. The Demand Side Grid Support program pays electric customers who reduce their energy use or who provide power to the larger grid during extreme events that stress the system, like heat waves or wildfires. Going into this summer, the program has hundreds of thousands of smart thermostats, batteries, grid-responsive EV chargers, and other distributed energy resources that participating companies can control remotely with software. It can provide hundreds of megawatts of grid relief to help the state avoid rolling blackouts on the hottest days of the year, when air conditioning use pushes the power system to its limit. The companies paying customers to commit to making their devices available for this grid service insist DSGS is a good deal for the money about $17 million in incentives paid to date, and roughly $82 million remaining for future spending, according to Olivine, the energy services company managing the program. Its certainly a more cost- and climate-friendly approach to mitigating grid emergencies than the billions of dollars the state has spent on fossil-fueled power plants and backup generators over the past few years, they say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the programs future is now uncertain as legislators search for ways to alleviate Californias multi-billion-dollar budget shortfall. The DSGS program already saw much of its state funding cut back last year due to similar budget issues and now its back on the chopping block. Late last week, state legislative committees approved cuts to DSGS, proposed in Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsoms May Revise budget plan. The proposal would take away future funding promised in 2024, including $75 million from the states Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund and $46.6 million from the climate bond passed late last year. Newsoms plan would also pull $18 million from DSGSs existing budget. The state Legislature must pass a budget bill by June 15. If left in place in that final budget, these cuts and clawbacks would leave DSGS with about $64 million for the fiscal year that starts in July, according to Olivine. That wont kill the program immediately: Staff anticipate having sufficient funding for the 2025 program season, which runs from May through October, Olivine states on its DSGS web page. But Edson Perez, who leads trade group Advanced Energy United's legislative and political engagement in California, says funding cuts will severely cloud the outlook for a virtual power plant program that has been a rare success in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the past decade, California has largely failed to follow through on its stated policy objectives of developing virtual power plant programs, he said. Most of the states utility-run virtual power plant programs have either stagnated or been canceled. DSGS, by contrast, is a very successful program, leading the nation for distributed energy, Perez said. According to the latest tallies by Advanced Energy United, the program boasts 800 megawatts of capacity ready to participate in reducing peak grid demands this summer, he said, up from more than 500 megawatts enrolled as of last fall. Thats an enormous amount of energy flexibility, comparable to the capacity available from a fossil-gas-fired peaker plant. Keeping the program running for the long haul requires having enough money to give participants confidence that it will still exist from one year to the next, Perez said. To be clear, its very hard to predict exactly how much money is needed to provide that confidence, because DSGS participants are paid for responding to grid emergencies. If weather conditions are mild and power supplies hold up, they could be called on very rarely, if at all, and money could be left over for next year. But if lots of emergencies happen, the funds could be depleted quickly. In that event, participating companies will have to come back in January 2026 to plead for more money to keep it going, with no guarantee the funding will be granted. Thats not a sustainable way to do business, Perez said and its not a sustainable way to build a resource that the states grid can truly rely on. Following through on a successful experiment Californias DSGS program began three years ago not as a virtual power plant but as an experimental response to a grid reliability crisis. The program has grown rapidly since then largely because the California Energy Commission structured DSGS in a way that avoids the complications of past programs, Perez said. But the growth was also driven by companies that have invested since 2022 to deploy the underlying technologies needed to reliably control thousands of customer-owned devices for up to two hours per day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those companies have committed to paying customers both up-front incentives and performance payments when they follow through on their promises to allow their devices to reduce power use or push power back to the grid. In some cases, companies have offered discounts on smart thermostats and other devices. All of these commitments are based on the expectation that state funding wont be pulled away, Perez said. The companies in this space need certainty, he said. Thats the argument being made by Sunrun, Generac, Renew Home, and other companies working in the DSGS program, along with community energy providers and trade groups. In a June 3 letter to state lawmakers, they asked for existing funding to be preserved to allow companies to continue investing in market development and customer onboarding, and to give customers certainty in program length to estimate their returns upon participation. Sunrun, the countrys leading residential solar and battery installer, has had its ups and downs with Californias ever-changing virtual power plant policies, said Chris Rauscher, the companys head of grid services and electrification. It has had to restructure projects as regulators and utilities altered program rules. One of Sunruns large-scale pilot projects with utility Pacific Gas & Electric was discontinued last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, Sunrun has continued to enlist customers in what it calls the CalReady virtual power plant, which now has about 56,000 customers capable of providing 250 megawatts of electricity from their batteries to relieve statewide grid stress for up to two hours at a time, Rauscher said. While Sunrun is participating in other virtual power plant opportunities, it has centered its efforts on preparing to serve the DSGS program. Importantly, DSGS is also one of the few programs in California that doesnt bar solar-charged batteries from injecting their power back into the grid most others allow them only to reduce a households grid draw to zero. Allowing the equipment to send power back can roughly double their impact on relieving grid stress. You can very easily picture that by 2030, were operating a nuclear power plant-sized [virtual power plant] in California, Rauscher said. It sure would be a shame if the rug got pulled out from under this clean, reliable, and resilient resource thats providing payments to Californians. DSGS is also good value for the money, argued Kate Unger, senior policy advisor at the California Solar and Storage Association, a trade group pushing for funding to be restored. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DSGS is providing energy when otherwise its going to be at emergency pricing, when its about the most expensive energy you can possibly buy, she said. The most popular option for participants in the DSGS program is its battery storage virtual power plant, in which customers agree to allow companies to dispatch their batteries on days when the day-ahead price of power on the states wholesale energy market exceeds $200 per megawatt-hour. Thats a proxy for days when the states grid operator has forecasted that demand for power, most often due to air conditioning use during heat waves, will exceed available energy supplies. But importantly, DSGS providers are not paid the wholesale energy market price, Unger said. Instead, the program pays companies and customers lower amounts based on energy or capacity actually delivered. That pay-for-performance structure helps ensure that the state is getting value for the money its spending, she said. In that sense, DSGS is one of the most cost-effective forms of insurance for grid emergencies that you can have, said Ben Brown, CEO of Renew Home. His company, formed by the merger of Google Nests smart-thermostat energy-shifting service Nest Renew and residential demand-response startup OhmConnect, has set its sights on establishing gigawatts of virtual power plant capacity with existing and new customers across the country. It has an undisclosed number of customers participating in DSGS. Its more difficult to measure the reduction in energy use from thermostats that dial down air conditioning than to measure the amount of power that batteries inject back onto the grid. But Renew Home has 15 years of experience in utility and energy market programs that Nest has run across the country, and has confidence that it can deliver on the grid relief it has pledged to the DSGS program, Brown said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, it takes time for demand-side programs like these to become a reliable part of the grid resource mix, he said. They must both entice customers to participate and then use financial incentives to encourage them to stick around. You cant just have a program stand up and be able to operate that at scale overnight, Brown said. Having certainty over the next five years is pretty important when you're talking about subsidizing technology. Measuring virtual power plants against the alternatives Financial certainty is particularly key to getting a new form of carbon-free grid resource up and running, DSGS backers say. But to date, fossil-fueled alternatives have gotten most of the money from the multi-billion-dollar emergency backup programs created after the states rolling blackouts in 2020 and close brush with similar blackouts in 2022. As of last spring, California had spent about $426 million on emergency and temporary power generators that burn fossil gas or diesel fuel, according to the state Department of Water Resources, which administers that program. It has also promised about $1.2 billion to keep fossil-gas-fired peaker plants in Southern California open until 2026, well past their scheduled 2020 closure date a decision that runs counter to the states environmental and climate policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DSGS, by contrast, relies on resources that dont emit carbon or toxic air pollution. Whats more, the smart thermostats, solar-charged batteries, smart EV chargers, and other devices involved are being installed and paid for by California residents for their own purposes. Customer-owned resources could significantly lower energy bills for Californians. A 2024 report from The Brattle Group, a consultancy, found that virtual power plants could provide more than 15% of the states peak grid demand by 2035 and save California consumers about $550 million per year by then. Most of that money would go to the owners of the devices being tapped. But utility customers at large would save about $50 million, compared to what theyd otherwise have to pay for utility-scale resources to fill in where virtual power plant capacity had failed to emerge, the report found. Thats an important consideration in a state where utility electricity rates have risen to roughly double the U.S. average and are set to keep climbing in coming years. Not everyone is confident that virtual power plants are a truly reliable alternative to more traditional options. California utility regulators and grid operators have critiqued the performance of demand-side programs during past grid emergencies, saying they havent delivered what was promised. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nor is Californias grid as vulnerable to summer heat waves as it was in 2020 and 2022 when these emergency grid relief programs were created. In the intervening years, the state has added gigawatts of energy storage to absorb its still-growing share of solar power for use after the sun goes down, relieving the evening net-peak challenges of previous years. In a May assessment, the California Energy Commission noted that rapid clean energy deployment, expansion of battery storage, and strategic efforts to build up emergency reserves have put the state on solid footing for this summer. But the commission is also striving to dramatically expand the states capacity for getting customers to help the grid, with a goal of 7 gigawatts of demand flexibility resources by 2030. Innovative programs like DSGS provide a critical buffer for ensuring the reliability of Californias electrical grid while reducing emissions, California Energy Commission Vice Chair Siva Gunda said in an October press release issued after the program surpassed 500 megawatts of enrolled capacity. Anne Hoskins, senior vice president of policy and market development at Generac Power Systems, highlighted the risks that programs like DSGS insure against. Generac, one of the countrys biggest manufacturers of backup generators, has expanded into grid services, solar-charged battery backup systems, and smart thermostats via its 2021 acquisition of startup ecobee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Back in 2022, when Gov. Newsoms office sent out emergency text alerts to Californians to turn down power in the face of a potential grid overload, Generac tapped into ecobees automated grid-response capabilities to help meet the call, Hoskins said. With this DSGS funding, we can provide that in a more efficient way, she said. The costs to the state of keeping DSGS healthy in future years pale compared to the economic risks of leaving California open to future grid emergencies, Hoskins added. She cited a 2023 study from Gridwell Consulting, a Sacramento, California-based energy market analysis firm, that found that the states four days of emergency grid conditions in September 2022 added more than $1 billion in energy costs to utility customers that would have been avoided if there were additional capacity online to meet the increased demand. You're looking at potentially multi-billion-dollar impacts that could be avoided by calling on these distributed resources, Hoskins said. We recognize that California is in a challenging situation with its budget. But before state lawmakers take away DSGS money, shed like to see an analysis of the alternative costs for this program going away if the money isnt there for customers. A clarification was made on June 5, 2025: This story originally implied that there is only one way for customers to participate in DSGS. The story has been clarified to indicate that different options under the program have distinct requirements and payment structures. ON THE KLAMATH RIVER, Calif. (AP) As a youngster, Barry McCovey Jr. would sneak through metal gates and hide from security guards just to catch a steelhead trout in Blue Creek amid northwestern California redwoods. Since time immemorial, his ancestors from the Yurok Tribe had fished, hunted and gathered in this watershed flanked by coastal forests. But for more than 100 years, these lands were owned and managed by timber companies, severing the tribe's access to its homelands. When McCovey started working as a fisheries technician, the company would let him go there to do his job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Snorkeling Blue Creek ... I felt the significance of that place to myself and to our people, and I knew then that we had to do whatever we could to try and get that back, McCovey said. After a 23-year effort and $56 million, that became reality. Roughly 73 square miles (189 square kilometers) of homelands have been returned to the Yurok, more than doubling the tribe's land holdings, according to a deal announced Thursday. Completion of the land-back conservation deal along the lower Klamath River a partnership with Western Rivers Conservancy and other environmental groups is being called the largest in California history. The Yurok Tribe had 90% of its territory taken during the California Gold Rush in the mid-1800s, suffering massacres and disease from settlers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To go from when I was a kid and 20 years ago even, from being afraid to go out there to having it be back in tribal hands is incredible, said McCovey, director of the Yurok Tribal Fisheries Department. ___ EDITORS NOTE: This is part of a series of on how tribes and Indigenous communities are coping with and combating climate change. ___ Land Back is a global movement seeking the return of homelands to Indigenous people through ownership or co-stewardship. In the last decade, nearly 4,700 square miles (12,173 square kilometers) were returned to tribes in 15 states through a federal program. Organizations are aiding similar efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There's mounting recognition that Indigenous peoples traditional knowledge is critical to addressing climate change. Studies found the healthiest, most biodiverse and resilient forests are on protected native lands where Indigenous people remained stewards. Beth Rose Middleton Manning, a University of California, Davis professor of Native American Studies, said Indigenous peoples perspective living in relation with the lands, waterways and wildlife is becoming widely recognized, and is a stark contrast to Western views. Management of a forest to grow conifers for sale is very different from thinking about the ecosystem and the different plants and animals and people as part of it and how we all play a role," she said. The Yurok people will now manage these lands and waterways. The tribe's plans include reintroducing fire as a forest management tool, clearing lands for prairie restoration, removing invasive species and planting trees while providing work for some of the tribe's more than 5,000 members and helping restore salmon and wildlife. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Protecting a salmon sanctuary One fall morning in heavy fog, a motorboat roared down the turbid Klamath toward Blue Creek the crown jewel of these lands past towering redwoods, and cottonwoods, willows, alders. Suddenly, gray gave way to blue sky, where an osprey and bald eagle soared. Along a bank, a black bear scrambled over rocks. The place is home to imperiled marbled murrelets, northern spotted owls and Humboldt martens, as well as elk, deer and mountain lions. The Klamath River basin supports fish steelhead, coho and Chinook salmon that live in both fresh and saltwater. The Klamath was once the West Coast's third largest salmon-producing river and the life force of Indigenous people. But the states salmon stock has plummeted so dramatically in part from dams and diversions that fishing was banned for the third consecutive year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We cant have commercial fishing because populations are so low, said Tiana Williams-Claussen, director of the Yurok Tribe Wildlife Department. Our people would use the revenue to feed their families; now theres less than one salmon per Yurok Tribe member." Experts say restoring Blue Creek complements the successful, decades-long fight by tribes to remove the Klamath dams the largest dam removal in U.S. history. This watershed is a cold-water lifeline in the lower Klamath for spawning salmon and steelhead that stop to cool down before swimming upstream. That's key amid climate-infused droughts and warming waters. For the major river to have its most critical and cold-water tributary just doing its job is critical to the entire ecosystem, said Sue Doroff, co-founder and former president of Western Rivers Conservancy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Altered lands, waterways For more than 100 years, these lands were owned and managed for industrial timber. Patchworks of 15 to 20 acres (6 to 8 hectares) at a time of redwoods and Douglas firs have been clear cut to produce and sell logs domestically, according to Galen Schuler, a vice president at Green Diamond Resource Company, the previous landowner. Schuler said the forests have been sustainably managed, with no more than 2% cut annually, and that old growth is spared. He said they are maybe on the third round of clear cutting since the 1850s. But clear cutting creates sediment that winds up in streams, making them shallower, more prone to warming and worsening water quality, according to Josh Kling, conservation director for the conservancy. Sediment, including from roads, can also smother salmon eggs and kill small fish. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Culverts, common on Western logging roads, have also been an issue here. Most "were undersized relative to what a fish needs for passage, Kling said. Land management decisions for commercial timber have also created some dense forests of small trees, making them wildfire prone and water thirsty, according to Williams-Claussen. I know a lot of people would look at the forested hillsides around here and be like, Its beautiful, its forested. But see that old growth on the hill, like way up there? asked Sarah Beesley, fisheries biologist for the Yurok Tribe, sitting on a rock in Blue Creek. Theres like one or two of those." Fire bans, invasive plants and encroachment of unmanaged native species have contributed to loss of prairies, historically home to abundant elk and deer herds and where the Yurok gathered plants for cultural and medicinal uses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Western Rivers Conservancy bought and conveyed land to the tribe in phases. The $56 million for the conservation deal came from private capital, low interest loans, tax credits, public grants and carbon credit sales that will continue to support restoration. Restoration plans The tribe aims to restore historic prairies by removing invasive species and encroaching native vegetation. The prairies are important food sources for elk and the mardon skipper butterfly, said Kling from the conservancy. Trees removed from prairies will be used as logjams for creeks to create habitat for frogs, fish and turtles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tribe will reintroduce fire to aid in prairie restoration and reestablish forest diversity and mature forests to help imperiled species bounce back. Members know its going to take decades of work for these lands and waterways to heal. And maybe all thats not going to be done in my lifetime, said McCovey, the fisheries director. But thats fine, because Im not doing this for myself. ___ The Associated Press receives support from the Walton Family Foundation for coverage of water and environmental policy. The AP is solely responsible for all content. For all of APs environmental coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environment. CAMILLA Just three days after his release from the Mitchell County Jail, Camilla Mayor Kelvin Owens addressed a crowded city hall during a called council meeting, Monday. The meetings intent, Owens said, was to keep the public informed on the ongoing legal situation involving himself, City Clerk Cheryl Ford and Election Superintendent Rhunette Williford. The three were arrested on election interference and other charges on May 28 then released on bond last Friday. At Mondays meeting, an Atlanta-based transactional attorney spoke over Zoom and shared her legal opinion that under a Camilla ordinance, the city is obligated to pay for the trios legal fees. The mayor confirmed that a written request for this payment was submitted to the city attorney. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The basis of it (the ordinance) is that if you are a city official, or an employee, an elected official, and youre operating within your job and your title, then there should be some degree of support if youre doing that particular job, Owens said during the press conference. No employee or elected official should feel threatened in operating within the scope of their job. Dozens showed up in support of the mayor and to speak out against what they believe is systemic racism plaguing the city. A smaller minority showed up and rebutted racist accusations. They expressed concerns over corruption, citing Novembers canceled and then resumed special election among other matters. Despite the mayors attempt at transparency to Camilla citizens, the meeting ended with a clear divide one that Camillas black residents say is ingrained in the citys history. Camillas City Hall was so packed Monday, that people brought foldable camping chairs to sit outside the council room, leaning toward the door to listen to what was happening inside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Charlie Will Dixon, an 80-year-old lifelong Mitchell County resident, made sure to have a front row seat in the room. When public comment began, he rose slowly, using a walker to make his way to the podium. The reason we are here today is because the Camilla massacre continues in Mitchell County, Dixon said. It started in 1868, and it hasnt ceased yet. Its carrying on because of racist white people in this community. Charlie Will Dixon talks about systemic racism in Mitchell County during a special called meeting Monday. Staff Photo: Lucille LanniganThe so-called Camilla Massacre took place on Sept. 19, 1968. It was a violent episode of Reconstruction in Georgia. Hundreds of black people and a few white people marched from Albany to Camilla to attend a Republican political rally. As the marchers entered the courthouse square, white people opened fire on the group, shooting and killing about a dozen and wounding nearly 30. White people reportedly continued to assault the group as they marched back to Albany. This violence intimidated many black people who remained home on Election Day, and white leaders reportedly misplaced black votes through fraud at the polls, therefore sweeping the election. This history wasnt directly addressed by the city until 1998. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My great-great grandparents were shot and ran off the street in Mitchell County, Dixon said. During that week white people in Mitchell paraded through the black community to make sure they didnt come to vote. Its the same thing being carried on today. They dont want blacks in political positions. They dont want us to vote. Camillas council consists of a black mayor, three black councilmen, two white councilmen and a white councilwoman. Owens said when he took office, along with three black councilmen, in 2022 that they formed the first progressive, black voting block in a city where 68% of its roughly 5,000 residents are black. Owens told The Albany Herald in November that not everyone was happy about this voting power of four black men. Tensions followed as lawsuits challenging residency of two black councilmen, demands that a black Councilmans name be removed from a November 2024 special election ballot because of these residency issues, and a canceled then resumed special election that led to election interference arrests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several Camilla residents showed up at Mondays meeting to deny racist intentions from community members. Its not about race, Camilla resident Joe Marsh said. Its about whats right and whats wrong. If you know youre going to break the law, then you suffer the consequences. On a Facebook page called Camilla for Transparency, anonymous residents break down concerns about inappropriate spending and misused city funds. In January, the group posted against the Cobblestone Hotel project. At a January meeting, the council discussed the prospect of issuing a $13 million bond for constructing the hotel. Commenters on the Facebook page were adamant that it would be a misuse of taxpayer money. Charlette Wimberly, a 50-year-old Camilla resident, said she believes the mayor and three council members are doing whats best for the city but are constantly being challenged by a divided council and city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city has progressed more in the last six years than it ever has, Wimberly told The Albany Herald. Weve been moving forward vs. where we were this time 10 years ago. There were no amenities for the citizens council members voted against them. Wimberly said shes been most impressed by the new Community Resource Center, which houses the Boys & Girls Club. The project was estimated to cost about $2.5 million in 2022, fully funded by the city. Charlette Wimberly urges the city to put aside black and white and work together as a city. Staff Photo: Lucille LanniganThat was a dilapidated gym that kids had been playing in for years and years, Wimberly said. They tore that gym down, and now the kids have a modern facility to do things in. She said she also feels current city leadership is finally supporting its senior residents. On Friday, the first Senior Citizen Sneaker Gala was held. Mayor Owens attended the event on the same day he was released from jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wed been planning this for months, and I thought it was important for me to be there, he said. Even though I was tired, and there was a lot happening in my life at the time, I had to remind myself that its not about me. I recognized that showing up for this Sneaker Ball would be important for our seniors. Owens said showing up for Camillas citizens is what he plans to continue doing, until something changes. He maintains that the indictment is just an accusation. Owens told The Albany Herald in November that he used emergency powers to cancel the November special election after the elections superintendent resigned the night before. Williford and Ford cited mental duress, stress and coercion experienced by recent court decisions regarding their role in elections and a requirement to violate our oath of office as reasons for resignation in a November letter. Two council members challenged the citys obligation to pay legal fees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In my opinion, the allowance of paying city attorneys and fines and penalties and so forth to individuals that are voting for this to enrich themselves is totally and absolutely against the law, Councilman W.D. Palmer said. Councilwoman Azalee Vereen said her priority is whats in the best interest of the city, and court costs approaching $123,000 would create a financial burden. I love this city. Ive been living here for 34 years, and it makes me sad that we are here today, Vereen said. But this is not racial in the eyes of the district attorney, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Mitchell County grand jury. This is a criminal prosecution. Doha has been funding Hamas since long before 2006 through so-called charity groups, an activist told The Jerusalem Post, rejecting the Gulf countrys narrative Israelis from Jerusalem and Tel Aviv woke up last week to posters and placards warning againstQatar, adorning different parts of the major cities. The grassroots campaign focused on Qatars support for Hamas, ties to terror-endorsing figures such as Muslim Brotherhood leader Sheikh Youssef Qaradawi, and influence on US campuses, deeming the rich Gulf country a terrorist state and leading to social media accounts that claimed to unmask Qatar. The Jerusalem Post managed to contact one member of the anonymous collective of activists to hear more about the campaign and its goals and plans for the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our mission is to expose Qatars toxic influence in Israel and the broader world, they said. Through posters, social media, and a strategic PR campaign, this is a coordinated effort to go behind the wealthy Gulf state's whitewashed image, which has been carefully crafted and artificially inflated." They continued: Our goal is to reduce Qatars influence in Israel while dismantling the false image its royal family has built through years of calculated public relations. According to the activists, Qatars presence in Israel stretches across various sectors, from academia, where it offers scholarships to students, to media, where the Qatari prime minister is often given what they described as undue legitimacy and stage presence. The campaign officially launched with the intention of alerting Israelis to what the organizers see as Qatars covert operations - both soft and sinister. For years, we were taught that Iran is our main threat, the source commented, but nobody talked about Qatar, which funds terrorism with billions and promotes antisemitic narratives in the West. The campaign began with dozens of volunteers. We hung thousands of posters and stickers in major cities and across university campuses. At the same time, we pushed concise, targeted content on social media. The message was stark: Qatar is not a benign investor or neutral mediator; it is a state sponsor of terror with long-standing ties to groups like Hamas, they argued. Challenging the Narrative At the core of the campaign is the goal of disrupting what the organizers believe is Qatars global messaging strategy. They hire the best PR firms in the world, the source noted. But anyone who digs a little deeper sees the distortions and outright lies. The question we keep asking is: Why does their prime minister keep showing up in our media? Its because Israeli public opinion matters to them, they added, referring to several interviews given by Qatari officials to Israeli outlets since the Israel-Hamas War began, including with the Post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One activist said that one of the campaigns strategic objectives is to hit Qatar where it hurts most - its international reputation. They care deeply about their image. A dent in their brand could actually push them to act differently in order to preserve it. This includes, they hope, increased pressure on Qatar to play a more meaningful and honest role in the hostage crisis involving the Gulf countrys protege,Hamas. According to the organizer, their ultimate goal is for Israel to pass legislation declaring Qatar an enemy state. We cant let a country that bankrolls terror have unfettered access to our businesses, our institutions, or our academic circles. Especially not when they serve as patrons of the Muslim Brotherhood and its armed offshoots. Notably, a bill to designate Qatar as a terror state was approved by the Ministers' Legislation Committee last month, but no further actions have been registered since. Asked about public response, the source said that reactions ranged from enthusiastic to skeptical. A lot of people backed us and even shared our materials. Others questioned the novelty of our claims, saying things like, We already know Qatars a problem. But the campaigners believe this surface-level understanding isn't enough. People dont realize just how embedded Qatar has become. Just look at their involvement in Syria, where theyre now paying public salaries, just like they used to in Gaza. Or Egypt, where they recently eased tensions with [Abdel Fattah el-] Sisi through billion-dollar investments. Future steps When asked about the next phases of the campaign, the activists said they plan to double down on local awareness before expanding internationally. There are Qatari-linked academics here, a stadium named after Doha, and Israeli businesspeople who collaborate with them. These ties must be exposed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The campaigners are also preparing new content to combat what they view as dangerous misconceptions. One common myth were tackling is that the US and Israel 'forced' Qatar to support Hamas. Thats simply not true. They were funding them long before 2006 through charity channels controlled by the royal family. They also highlighted the issue of Qatars interest-driven mediation in the hostage crisis. Qatar has a clear interest in keeping Hamas in power. That runs directly counter to our interest, which is to dismantle Hamas entirely and prevent another October 7. After almost two years, the war continues, hostages remain in Gaza, and Qatar - despite all its mediation - hasnt solved the problem it helped create. We need to stop treating them as an indispensable broker. Alternatives like Egypt, other Gulf states, or even the US exist. Its time to kick Qatar off the negotiation table. The campaign maintains a presence across social media platforms under the handle @unmaskqatar on Instagram, X/Twitter, and Facebook. We encourage people to follow and share. Every voice matters. Though operating outside the spotlight, the anonymous leader of this campaign hopes their message will resonate far beyond Israels borders. Were not just fighting a PR battle, the leader concluded. Were fighting for the integrity of our institutions, the safety of our country, and the truth. JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) Jackson State University (JSU), Rice University and ExxonMobil hosted the 2025 Carbon STEM Summer Camp in Jackson. Students who attended the camp participated in a competition to showcase what they learned throughout the week. Employees from ExxonMobil judged the competition and offered insight on their day-to-day work. Most Mississippi universities increase tuition: IHL Interim JSU President Dr. Denise Gregory and some campers performed various experiments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My favorite moment today was seeing the reaction of the students to seeing the light. Their eyes glow and and lighting up when they see reactions occur. Theyre seeing things happening. I mean, really, really understanding the importance of the work that theyre doing. And so, all of that really just makes me smile to see them smile, she said. More than 200 students from across Mississippi attended this years camp at JSU. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. (Reuters) -Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is secretly holding direct talks with U.S. President Donald Trump to work out a framework for a trade and security agreement, the Globe and Mail reported on Thursday. The talks between the leaders and top cabinet ministers are being held discreetly to ensure a positive outcome, the report said, citing the U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra. The talks include Canadian Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, the newspaper said, adding that a deal could be reached before September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The indications that they are talking and in communications regularly is a clear indicator to me that both sides recognize the importance and the urgency of moving this forward," Hoekstra told the Globe and Mail. Carney's office declined to comment and the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment. (Reporting by Anusha Shah in Bengaluru; Editing by Nia Williams) American telehealth company Hims & Hers Health announced on Tuesday that it will be acquiring Zava, a leading European digital health company in an all cash acquisition set to close in the second half of 2025. Following the announcement, Hims stock price (HIMS) jumped 5.8% in premarket trading. (As of midday Tuesday, the stock was trading up just under one point.) Most Read from Fast Company The move will rapidly expand Hims & Hers reach, which has a current base of 2.4 million U.S. customers. As the only digital health company with over a decade of operations across Germany, France, Ireland, and the U.K., Zava has an active user base of 1.3 million. The demand for simpler, more personalized healthcare is universal, said Andrew Dudum, founder and CEO of Hims & Hers, in a press release. By leveraging Zavas established European presence, cutting-edge technology, and deep customer understanding, were poised to fundamentally transform access to care for millions across Europe. Whether in rural towns, vibrant cities, or remote communities across Europe, people battling widespread, often silent chronic conditions like obesity, depression, and more will have access to the personalized, high-quality care they deserve. Expanding to Europe is additionally beneficial because the E.U.s universal healthcare policies make pharmaceuticals much more affordable relative to the U.S. This means that personalized telehealth services like Hims & Hers could become more widely accessible there. The medications are priced more competitively than in the U.S. so more people can actually afford it and we are seeing a huge demand, said Zava CEO David Meinertz in an interview with CNBC. The demand is increasing with additional strains on the statutory systems that telehealth can alleviate. Hims & Hers most recent earnings report in May revealed a revenue of $586 million for the quarter, an increase of 111% over the first quarter of last year, as the platform continues to expand. The companys current market cap is $12.5 billion as of Tuesday. This post originally appeared at fastcompany.com Subscribe to get the Fast Company newsletter: http://fastcompany.com/newsletters Like much of the Midwest, Wisconsin's air quality is still seeing effects from Canadian wildfire smoke, with Milwaukee experiencing some of the worst air quality in the nation. In fact, Milwaukee had the worst air quality in the U.S. on June 4 with an air quality index of 153, The New York Times reported. While Chicago has since topped the Times' list, Milwaukee remains in second with an AQI of 136. This AQI is considered "unhealthy for sensitive groups," according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's standards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An air quality advisory from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources remains in effect until noon on June 5. The National Weather Service also said in a post on X that healthy residents should consider spending limited time outdoors. Wildfire smoke will remain in place through this morning, leading to unhealthy conditions for sensitive groups. Healthy individuals should consider limiting their time outdoors as well. #wiwx pic.twitter.com/uG7fBNxxkW NWS Milwaukee (@NWSMilwaukee) June 5, 2025 While wildfire smoke can negatively impact anyone, children and pets are some of the more vulnerable groups. As the poor air quality continues throughout the state, here's what experts recommend you should do to keep them safe: How can wildfire smoke affect human health? Wildfire smoke is a "complex mixture" of pollutants shown to cause a range of health effects, according to the EPA. These effects can be "relatively minor," like eye irritation, to more serious, including premature death, the agency says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Children are "especially vulnerable," since their lungs are still developing, the EPA says. Aside from physical health effects, the agency notes children may also experience stress and mental health problems from wildfires. More: Milwaukee has the worst air quality in the US right now, according to The New York Times How can wildfire smoke affect pets? Like humans, animals can be negatively impacted by poor air quality, AirNow.gov says. Those with heart or lung disease and older pets are "especially at risk" and should be closely monitored when air quality is poor. Can children wear masks? Children aged 2 and older can wear masks and respirators, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, masks approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health aren't made to fit young children, the CDC says. So, you should choose a mask or respirator that fits your child comfortably. The agency also notes certain face coverings, like surgical masks or breathing through a wet cloth, will not protect kids. How can I protect my kids from wildfire smoke? According to the CDC, there are several steps you should take prior to the risk of wildfire smoke inhalation, including: Stock up on medication if evacuation may be necessary. Buy groceries you won't have to cook. Talk to your child's healthcare provider, especially if they have a chronic health condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once wildfire smoke hits, here's how the CDC says you can keep protecting your kids: Check air quality reports. Check school closings. Limit time outdoors. Keep windows and doors closed. Use an HVAC system with air filter. Use a portable air filter, if available. Consider evacuating if your child is experiencing breathing problems or other symptoms from smoke inhalation that do not improve. Seek medical attention immediately if they are having trouble breathing, is "very sleepy" or will not eat and drink. How can I protect my pets from wildfire smoke? You should have "high efficiency filters" before fire season starts and consider creating a "clean room" with a portable air cleaner, AirNow.gov recommends. Here are some tips from AirNow.gov for keeping your pets safe once wildfire smoke begins: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Keep pets indoors as much as possible. Bring outdoor pets into rooms with good ventiliation. Keep indoor air clean by avoiding certain activities, like vacuuming or burning candles. Limit time outdoors and physical activity. Include pets in any evacuation planning, if necessary. When should I call my veterinarian? If your animal is showing any of the following symptoms, AirNow.gov recommends contacting your veterinarian: Coughing Gagging Red or watery eyes Nasal discharge,inflammation of throat or mouth Reluctant to eat hard foods Trouble breathing, includes open-mouth breathing and if they're making more noise when breathing Fast breathing Fatigue, weakness or disorientation Reduced appetite Reduced thirst How to check the air quality in Wisconsin: The DNR has interactive air quality maps, which show the AQI and any active alerts or advisories by county. You can view them on the department's website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can also sign up for air quality advisory notices through the DNR's website at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/AirQuality/News.html#tabx2. More: Canadian wildfire smoke could affect Wisconsin all summer. Here's how to track air quality Wisconsin air quality map: This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Canadian wildfire smoke: Keep kids, pets safe when air quality is poor In a largely courteous gathering of half a dozen of California's top gubernatorial candidates, four Democrats and two Republicans agreed that despite the state boasting one of the world's largest economies, too many of its residents are suffering because of the affordability crisis in the state. Their strategies on how to improve the state's economy, however, largely embraced the divergent views of their respective political parties as they discussed housing costs, high-speed rail, tariffs, climate change and homelessness on Wednesday evening at the first bipartisan event in the 2026 race to replace termed-out Gov. Gavin Newsom. "Californians are innovators. They are builders, they are designers, they are creators, and that is the reason that we have the fourth largest economy in the world," said former Rep. Katie Porter, a Democrat from Irvine. "But businesses and workers are being held back by the same thing. It is too expensive to do things here. It is too expensive to raise a family. It is too expensive to run a business." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conservative commentator Steve Hilton, a Republican, argued that state leaders need to end the "stranglehold" of unions, lawyers and climate change activists on California policy. "I've been traveling this state. Everywhere I go, it's the same story, this heartbreaking word that I get from every business I meet, every family is in such a struggle in California," he said, with a raspy voice that he explained immediately upon taking the stage was caused by a sore throat. At the forum were former Rep. Katie Porter, top row from left, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and former legislative leader Toni Atkins; former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, bottom row from left, Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis and conservative commentator Steve Hilton. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) The candidates spoke to about 800 people at a California Chamber of Commerce dinner during the 80-minute panel at the convention center in Sacramento. The chamber's decision on whom to invite to the forum was based on which ones were leaders in public opinion surveys and fundraising. Making the cut were former Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, Hilton, Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, Porter and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra was also invited to participate in the forum but had a scheduling conflict. The sharpest exchange of the evening was between Kounalakis, a Democrat, and Bianco, a Republican. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the candidates were asked about President Trump's erratic tariff policies, Kounalakis cited her experience working for her father's real estate company as she criticized Bianco for arguing for a wait-and-see approach toward the president's undulating plans. "You're not a businessman, you're a government employee," she said to Bianco. "You've got a pension, you're going to do just fine. Small businesses are suffering from this, and it's only going to get worse, and it's driven, by the way, it is driven by Donald Trump's vindictiveness toward countries he doesn't like, countries he wants to annex, or states he doesn't like, people he doesn't like. This is hurting California, hurting our people, and it's only going to make things worse, until we can get him out of the White House." Bianco countered that Kounalakis and the other Democratic gubernatorial candidates are directly responsible for the economic woes facing Californians because they have an "unquenchable thirst" for money to fund their liberal agenda. "I just feel like I'm in 'The Twilight Zone.' I have a billionaire telling me that my 32 years of public service is OK for my retirement," he said. "It's taxes and regulations that are driving every single thing in California up. We pay the highest taxes, we pay the highest gas, we pay the highest housing, we pay the highest energy." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Democrats onstage, though largely agreeing about policy, sought to differentiate themselves. The sharpest divide was about whether to raise the minimum wage. On Monday, labor advocates in Los Angeles proposed raising it in Los Angeles County. Read more: Labor groups, officials push for a minimum wage of at least $25 an hour in L.A. County Atkins reflected most of her fellow Democrats' views, saying that while she wanted to see higher wages for workers, "now is not the time." Villaraigosa said that while he believes in a higher minimum wage, "we can't just keep raising the minimum wage." Kounalakis, though, said not increasing the minimum wage would be inhumane. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think we should be working for that number, yes, I do," she said. "You want to throw poor people under the bus." California's high cost of living is a pressing concern among the state's voters, and the issue is expected to play a major role in the 2026 governor's race. Nearly half feel worse off now compared with last year, and more than half felt less hopeful about their economic well-being, according to a poll released in May by the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies that was co-sponsored by The Times. Read more: Despite political promises, Californians are stressed about their finances Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nearly exactly a year before the gubernatorial primary next year, the event was the first time Democratic and Republican candidates have shared a stage. It was also the first time GOP candidates Bianco and Hilton have appeared together. Although the states leftward electoral tilt makes it challenging for a Republican to win the race Californians last elected GOP politicians to statewide office in 2006 Bianco and Hilton are battling to win one of the top two spots in next years primary election. The pair expressed similar views about broadly ending liberal policies, such as stopping the state's high-speed rail project and reducing environmental restrictions such as the state's climate-change efforts that they argue have increased costs while having no meaningful effect on the consumption of fossil fuels. Read more: Who is running for California governor in 2026? Meet the candidates Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A crucial question is whether Trump, whom both Bianco and Hilton fully support, will eventually endorse one of the Republican candidates. The gubernatorial candidates, some of whom have been running more than a year, have largely focused on fundraising since entering the race. But the contest to replace Newsom is growing more public and heated, as seen at last weekends California Democratic Party convention. Several of the party's candidates scurried around the Anaheim convention center, trying to curry favor with the state's most liberal activists while also drawing contrasts with their rivals. Read more: With Harris on the sideline, top Democratic candidates for California governor woo party loyalists But the Democratic field is partially frozen as former Vice President Kamala Harris weighs entering the race, a decision she is expected to make by the end of the summer. Harris' name did not come up during the forum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were a handful of light moments. Porter expressed a common concern among the state's residents when they talk about the cost of living in the state. "What really keeps me up at night, why I'm running for governor, is whether my children are going to be able to afford to live here, whether they're going to ever get off my couch and have their own home," she said. Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter. Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond, in your inbox twice per week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Jun. 5A Carlisle man is accused of choking his children's mother while driving a minivan in April with their three young children and his mother inside before intentionally crashing in Franklin. Riley Blaine Bowman, 37, was arraigned Wednesday in Warren County Common Pleas Court following his indictment by a county grand jury for felony counts of strangulation and endangering children. He also is charged with three OVI counts plus driving under suspension, all misdemeanors. Franklin police were dispatched around 7:30 p.m. April 30 for a report of a hit and run crash near the intersection Park and Miami avenues. A witness who called 911 reported the driver of a 2010 Honda Odyssey, later identified as Bowman, hit a fire hydrant and stop sign before fleeing. The caller followed the minivan to a South Avenue residence, according to a Franklin Division of Police report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police spoke with a woman who had marks around her neck who told officers that Bowman was choking her in the van before he intentionally crashed. She said he refused to let her and the children out but did take them home before he left on foot with his mother. Franklin and Carlisle police began searching the area for Bowman, who was found at the corner of Forest Avenue and Sycamore Street in Franklin. Officers reported Bowman smelled of alcohol and that he admitted to drinking four or five shots. According to the police report, his blood alcohol level tested at .171, which is more than two times Ohio's .08 legal driving limit. Bowman also told officers he never touched his children's mother and said she grabbed and jerked the wheel, causing the crash, the report stated. Bowman is held in the Warren County Jail on a cash-only $25,000 bond. If he posts bail he will be on electronic home monitoring and must have no contact with the woman or children, court records show. WARREN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) Carol Alex, who believed in kindness, bonus rounds and the power of a well-timed joke, even in lifes hardest moments, passed away on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. Carol was born on November 17, 1947, in Warren, Ohio, a daughter of the late John, Sr. and Margaret (Surin) Gnat. Find obituaries from your high school Carol was a proud graduate of Warren G. Harding High School, Class of 1965, where she met and later married her high school sweetheart, Greg Alex, whos no doubt already showing her around a heavenly car show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A graduate of Kent State University, Carol spent decades teaching first grade at Jefferson Elementary, shaping young minds with warmth, patience and an unwavering belief in every childs potential. Even after retiring, she continued to tutor adults working toward their GEDs, because being a teacher wasnt just her career, it was her calling. Carol was fiercely devoted to her three daughters and absolutely adored her grandchildren. She cherished family parties, trivia nights, playing the slots and cheering for all things Cleveland sports, win or lose. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter and stories that will be retold at family gatherings for generations. In her honor, hug your kids, root for the underdog and play the max bet! Carol will always be remembered by her daughters, Amy (Mike) Sindelar of Avon, Ohio, Holly (Tom) McVicar of Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan and Wendy (David) Austin of Las Vegas, Nevada; grandchildren, Greg Sindelar and Olivia and Morgan McVicar; sisters, Joyce (Rudy) Zakrajsek of Howland and Nancy McRoy of Rochester, Minnesota; sister-in-law, Andrea Gnat of Warren and many loved nieces and nephews. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Besides her parents, Carol was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, Greg Alex and brother, John Gnat, Jr. Family and friends may visit and pay tribute to Carol on Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m., at the Peter Rossi & Son Memorial Chapel of Warren, 1884 North Road NE, where a funeral service will follow at the funeral home at 12:00 p.m. Entombment will be at Crown Hill Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Inspiring Minds: https://imyouth.org/give/ Please indicate, Donation in memory of Carol Alex. Checks can also be made payable to Inspiring Minds and may be sent to 837 Woodland Street NE Warren, OH 44483. Please indicate, Donation in memory of Carol Alex. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carol G. Alex, please visit our floral store. A television tribute will air Friday, June 6 at the following approximate times: 7:10 a.m. on FOX, 12:22 p.m. on WKBN, 5:08 p.m. on MyYTV and 7:27 p.m. on WYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. CEDAR COUNTY, Mo. Cedar County Prosecuting Attorney Ty Gaither dropped the charges against a Springfield woman who was arrested in Cedar County for allegedly stealing a vehicle. According to court dockets, Brianna Howser, born 2006, was released from custody in Cedar County today, June 4, after Gaither announced a dismissal to the case during a preliminary hearing in court. Howser was originally charged on May 11 with first-degree tampering with a motor vehicle, as well as two misdemeanors of unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and operating a vehicle on a highway without a valid license. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ozarks First reached out to Gaither for comment but no response has been received as of this articles 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 KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. EDWARDS, Ill. (WMBD) Clients and potential clients of Caterpillar were able to get a hands-on experience with equipment on Wednesday. This is part of Caterpillars Construction and Technology days, which showcases the newest machine technology, customer success stories and digital solutions at the Edwards Demonstration and Learning Center. Barry Littlejohn, the global marketing manager for technology products, explained why events like this are beneficial for Cat and its clients. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its events like this that give them the education, the experience, being able to see some of these firsthand, Littlejohn said. So its really important for our customers to get hands on with those to see that benefit. Peoria Heights names Peorias former fire chief as interim department head With six different stations in two different arenas, both outside and inside, different kinds of heavy machinery could be operated by anyone who wanted to try. Trent Lance, a foreman for T&K Utilities, made the trip from his companys location in Asheville, North Carolina to try out equipment and get a glimpse of the different safety innovations being made, which includes better cameras on machinery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve seen just recently the new technology for the cameras and the able to catch any bystanders that are close by, which is something were probably going to invest in for sure, Lance said. Even WMBD was able to get a try operating the excavator, which made for a fun experience. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) There will be a celebration for Global Running Day in Beavercreek this Wednesday. Hundreds of runners are expected to attend the free group run on June 4. It is starting at 6:30 p.m. at Southern Ohio Brewing, 818 Factory Rd. The event is part of the Dayton Track Clubs Wednesday pub run series. After the run, there will be food and drinks for sale from the brewery and local food trucks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dayton Track Club hosts running meetups, training programs, races and other events. Its pub runs are on the first and third Wednesdays of the month. It also had an ultra running group, which has monthly sunset runs at Caesar Creek State Park. Mixtape Pride Festival coming soon in Dayton The next event the club is hosting is the Germantown 8K, on Saturday, Aug. 2. To learn more about the club, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. CONWAY, Ark. What began as a family vacation in 2003 ended in heartbreak when Melanie Brindleys husband, Ken, lost his life while trying to save a child from drowning in Grayton Beach, Florida. More than two decades later, Melanie has transformed that tragedy into a mission to save others. Never knew that this would happen on literally day one of vacation, Melanie said. The child survived that day, but both Ken and the father of the child who jumped in to help did not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Central Arkansas womans nonprofit teaches importance of water safety, created in honor of husband who drowned Two fathers died that day, she recalled. Ken Brindley was well-known in Conway for his generous spirit, always willing to help others. They would always say he was a very friendly man, a person who would give the jacket off his back, Melanie said. He was very generous in his help and wanted to ultimately make the world a better place. To honor his life and continue his legacy, Melanie founded the Ken Brindley Memorial Foundation. Though it began slowly during the COVID-19 pandemic, the nonprofit has since grown into a year-round advocate for water safety and drowning prevention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of its most visible efforts is Water Safety Saturday, a community event where families can learn essential safety tips, receive CPR instruction, and get free life jackets. All of the safety features that come along with being safe in a summer for a familywe had out there, and we were really proud of it, Melanie said. We gave away a lot of life jackets. The foundation emphasizes starting young. The first sport that should ever be taught to an infant should be swimming, she said. The American Academy of Pediatrics agrees, recommending swim exposure as early as six months old through supervised bath play and pool sessions. But Melanie stresses that drowning doesnt just happen in pools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A pool, a lake, a body of water, even a culvert on a rainy daya culvert can become a dangerous water situation, she said. The foundation teaches that drowning prevention requires multiple layers of protectiongates, fences, alarms, supervision, swim skills, and Coast Guard-approved life jackets. Melanie also recommends a buddy system when near any large body of water. Things to know about dangerous rip currents and how swimmers caught in one can escape Now, the foundation is expanding its efforts even further. It has partnered with the soon-to-open Conway Community Center to provide swim lesson scholarships and free life jackets to families in need. The initiative will begin with children and eventually include adults. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That is an exciting thing for us, Melanie said. Were excited to be able to provide that in our community here, where Ken loved and worked and was a vibrant part of our life. For more information on scholarships that are available and life vests, or to get involved, visit SwimSafety.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 KLRT - FOX16.com. Having arrived in Central Asia to make deals, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni did a lot of name-checking during a policy address at the Astana International Forum. First, she went for the low-hanging fruit, giving a shout-out to Marco Polo, pointing to the legendary 13th century Venetian merchant-explorer to support her assertion that it is in the DNA of the Italian people to seek new trade possibilities. She then dusted off a name that had fallen out of favor for decades Halford Mackinder, the early 20th century British geographer who is considered a founding father of geopolitics to explain why she was participating in a May 30 summit with the leaders of all five Central Asian states. She referred to Mackinders heartland theory, a concept developed in 1904 that asserts the nation which controls the heartlands abundant natural resources will dominate global politics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She described Central Asia as the hinge of Mackinder's heartland, one of the pivots around which the fate of the world revolves. Meloni sounded profound and sincere but invoking Mackinders century-old ideas seemed somewhat out of sync with the substance of her message that the post-World War II system is broken, and nations now need to look beyond the horizon to create a new order. Everything around us is changing and the few certainties we thought we had are no longer there, she stated. In one respect, the Mackinder reference says a lot about how the European Union (along with the United States) is grappling with changing realities. The calls by Meloni and others for new thinking arent being matched by actions to put an actual strategy in all the strategic partnerships being forged with Central Asia. That Meloni retreated so far back into the past, instead of citing a more contemporary thinker to offer an intellectual framework for engagement with Central Asia, merely underscores a lack of vision, not just by Italy, but also the European Union and the United States. Mackinder may have been prescient in anticipating the importance of Central Asias natural resources, but one should keep in mind that he formulated his ideas when an airplane could barely fly a few hundred feet, international finance rested on the gold standard, battleships were kings of the seas and AI was something right out of H.G. Wells. The complexity of global supply chains was unfathomable to him. His frame of reference was colonial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Mackinder reference can also be seen as a mea culpa of sorts, tacit recognition that Western nations are playing catch-up in Central Asia, finally recognizing more than 30 years after the Soviet collapse that the region has a lot more to offer than oil and natural gas. For all of Melonis talk about a need to look beyond geographic boundaries, her visit to Central Asia stuck to largely familiar terrain. The announcements published during her visit sounded a lot like those produced following Aprils EU-Central Asia summit in Samarkand, or those coming out of Washington regarding a desire to strike deals for critical minerals, build out the Middle Corridor and forge strategic partnerships. Long on aspiration, short on details. Overall, the Italian delegation concluded 7 billion euros worth of investment deals with Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, but the statements contained few specifics about the projects. The joint statement issued following the summit featured the usual language about creating an open and constructive dialogue, while expressing an intent to expand cooperation in interrelated areas such as natural resources, climate and energy including renewable energy, (e.g. solar, wind, hydropower etc.), critical raw materials, agriculture, connectivity and critical infrastructure including through the EUs Global Gateway strategy. But again, details were scant on how to achieve the lofty goals. One area where Italy seemed to set itself apart from the EU in general and the United States was an interest in helping Central Asian states address water resource management challenges and improve agricultural productivity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, while EU and US officials seem to know where they want to go in Central Asia, they dont seem to have a good road map to get there. Central Asian states arent shy about wanting to give the EU and US directions. Both Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are keen to have Western powers involved in the carbon and critical minerals sectors, as well as the development of green energy solutions. But they dont want to merely be sources of raw materials; they want to be refiners and exporters of finished products. Thus, for cooperation to be successful, a solid infrastructure needs to be established. There needs to be follow-up. At the summit, Uzbek leader Shavkat Mirziyoyev outlined steps that Central Asian states want to see taken, calling for a comprehensive multilateral Program of Industrial and Technological Cooperation enabling technology transfer, the introduction of advanced knowledge and best practices, [and the] creation of high-tech industrial facilities. The watchword he used was localization. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev sounded similar notes, calling for the creation of a mechanism in which raw materials are exchanged for investment, technology and know-how in other areas. He also expressed a desire for Western geological expertise to help map deposits of critical minerals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Mirziyoyev and Tokayev called for systematic and regular diplomatic consultations, as well as significantly expanded educational exchanges. They want to feel confident that Central Asia will remain on the Wests radar. To build effective strategic partnerships, then, EU members along with the United States need to listen more and have the patience to lay the groundwork to expand trade while helping Central Asian states in ways that China and Russia cannot, providing knowledge and resources that assist the region in confronting climate change, building local capacity and making the most efficient use of dwindling water resources. The heartland has grown a lot more complex since Mackinders day. As Tokayev noted in his opening speech at the Astana International Forum: We must recognize that the threats to global security are not only geopolitical. By Justin Burke via Eurasianet.org More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Read this article on OilPrice.com DB InfraGO, the infrastructure division of Deutsche Bahn, has awarded Implenia a contract valued at over 200m ($227.9m) to construct a key section of the Nordmainische S-Bahn beneath central Frankfurt in Germany. The project involves building an underground line from Konstablerwache in the city centre to Fechenheim, via the new Frankfurt (Main) Ost (tief) S-Bahn station. The scope of the contract requires Implenia to construct the initial Trog construction pit, the pit for the Frankfurt (Main) Ost (tief) underground station, several auxiliary pits, and related civil engineering structures. The company will also drill two 1.2km tunnel tubes using tunnel boring machines and undertake water management measures. Given the projects location in a densely populated urban area and the need for sustainable construction, Implenia will undertake a variety of specialised foundation services. Detailed building design work is slated for completion by the end of 2025, with construction set to begin in early 2026 and conclude by 2031. Implenia Civil Engineering Division head Edwin Scherer said: Maintaining and developing a functioning transport infrastructure is central to the sustainable development of our cities. Im very pleased that Implenia, with its many years of experience and comprehensive expertise, can contribute to the improvement of public transport in the densely populated Rhine-Main region. The Nordmainische S-Bahn project, which includes development of two additional tracks between Frankfurt, Maintal, and Hanau north of the Main, is seen as an investment in the regions future transport infrastructure, according to the company. It is considered as one of the most important rail expansion and capacity projects in the Frankfurt (Main) hub, aiming to enhance local transport connectivity in the Rhine-Main region. In March this year, Implenia won a SFr130m ($146.8m) contract from Sweden's Trafikverket for a segment of the East Link railway project. The Bibana Nykoping section, approximately 8km long, will link the town centres of Nykoping and Skavsta to the East Link's double-track mainline. "Implenia secures $228m contract for Frankfurts Nordmainische S-Bahn expansion" was originally created and published by Railway Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) A sheriff in central Florida was arrested Thursday on charges of racketeering and conspiracy as part of what state authorities described as a probe into a massive gambling operation. Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez was arrested on first-degree felonies and taken to the jail in nearby Lake County, Florida. Osceola County is south of Orlando, and part of the county is home to Walt Disney World. Lopez took campaign contributions and personal payments as well as protected the gambling operation, according to a statement put out by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended Lopez in an executive order and appointed a Florida Highway Patrol official to be the countys sheriff. The operation, which involved four other defendants, ran a lottery, slot machines and a gambling house out of a business known as Fusion Social Club in a tourist-heavy area of Kissimmee, Florida, according to court documents. The organization took in more than $21.6 million in illicit proceeds, authorities said. As law enforcement, we are held to higher standards of integrity and character than other professions, Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass said in a statement. This case revealed that Lopez violated the trust and integrity expected of him as the duly elected sheriff of Osceola County. An inquiry sent to the Osceola County Sheriffs Office wasnt initially answered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement County Manager Don Fisher said in a statement that the county played no role in the investigation and that county officials were prepared to support the interim sheriff. In December, Lopez pleaded no contest to violating state records laws and agreed to pay a $250 fine for posting online an image of the body of 13-year-old Madeline Soto. The boyfriend of the girl's mother has been charged with her death. ___ This story has been corrected to reflect that the counts were first-degree felonies, not second-degree felonies. The Scene Centrist Democrats picked a fight with their partys left wing on Wednesday. And the left was happy to punch back. Places like City Hall and Albany and even Washington, DC, are more responsive to the groups than to the people on the ground, New York Rep. Ritchie Torres said at WelcomeFest, held at a downtown Washington hotel and billed as a forum to help the party find more electable candidates and messages. Seconds after Torres shot at the groups that have become intra-Democratic shorthand for excessive left-wing influence, protesters from the group Climate Defiance charged on stage with signs reading GAYS AGAINST GENOCIDE and GENOCIDE RITCHIE, attacking his support for Israels war in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the activists were yanked out of the room, conference organizers played Carly Simons on the loudspeakers in the room. The mockery was part of the point. Welcome PAC, the main organizer of the conference and one of several outfits that have emerged in recent months to try to reverse the partys post-Obama losses, was happy to be accused of embracing a pro-growth Abundance agenda or attacking progressive urban policies. Any time someone is against something like abundance, it means that theyre afraid of something. Theyre afraid of losing power, said Welcome PACs Lauren Harper Pope, a former Beto ORourke adviser. If the left feels threatened by what were doing, then I say: Youre still welcome in our coalition. To speakers in the basement of the Hamilton Hotel on Wednesday, the message of the 2024 election was clear: Voters were sick of left-wing ideas. Candidates and members of Congress described struggles to overcome what they described as their partys toxic brand or to deal with protesters angry at their occasional votes with Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you can financially afford to go to a protest every day, you are a different person than most people in my community, said Washington Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, defending her vote for House GOP legislation that would require proof of citizenship from every voter. Asked about recent polling from the progressive group Demand Progress that found pro-business abundance ideas faring worse than anti-corporate populism, WelcomeFest speakers scoffed. Its what happens when you test an economic textbook for the Democratic Party against a romance novel, said Rep. Jake Auchincloss, D-Mass. Its such a bad poll. Know More WelcomeFest, which had grown exponentially since its first in-person conference last year, put a conversation that has been unfolding in exclusive donor retreats in front of a public audience selling tickets that topped out at $25. (The protesters did not pay.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attendees saw polling on voters dim view of the party and heard advice for Democrats to move on from topics where they lacked credibility. Torres took aim at his party for stretching right to shelter laws too thin in his home state and for being insufficiently tough on crime. After sharing a set of data on Democratic vulnerabilities, pollster David Shor told Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., that her vote for a repeal of Californias electric vehicle mandate had been savvy. People dont like defund the police, but voters really hate electric cars, said Shor. They dont hate electric vehicles, replied Slotkin. They just dont want to be told that they have to drive an electric vehicle, particularly when the infrastructure hasnt kept pace with need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DC did not lack for center-left Democratic groups before Welcome PAC or its eponymous conference. Many grew from the ashes of the Democratic Leadership Council, founded after Ronald Reagans two landslide wins to find viable center-left candidates and ideas. Shuttered in 2011, the DLC survives in its spinoff think tank PPI and in centrist groups that have taken up part of its past mission. Andrew Rotherham, a fellow at PPI, told WelcomeFest that Florida Democrats had erred in fighting the states GOP parental rights bill what opponents called the Dont Say Gay bill instead of fighting for inclusiveness from a stronger position. It was actually supported by a majority of Democrats, he said. Other sponsors of WelcomeFest included the Blue Dog Democrats, the 30-year-old caucus for the partys centrist members of Congress; the New Democrat Coalition, founded two years later to build on Bill Clintons mixed success; Third Way, founded 20 years ago after Democrats lost the popular vote to George W. Bush; and NewDEAL, founded 14 years ago to elevate pro-growth progressives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their shared goal now is simpler: win at least some arguments inside the party. The backlash that happens online is a sign that youre doing something right, said Adam Jentleson, the former chief of staff to Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa. He recently founded a new think tank and messaging group that urges candidates to weather the Trump-era sh*tstorm and come out with more defensible, popular positions. Room for Disagreement WelcomeFests less single-issue enemies have highlighted the Republican and pharmaceutical-industry pasts of some of the conferences donors, arguing that its naive to think billionaire donors could save the Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Revolving Door Project, which has campaigned to keep Democrats with corporate ties out of powerful positions, called the whole project a self-serving crusade against popular politics. A billionaire-funded movement to keep billionaires happy with Democrats by wielding only poll-tested language that billionaires are okay with is a sure path toward a President Vance, said the projects executive director, Jeff Hauser. Dan Cohen, the strategist who conducted Demand Progress abundance-or-populism poll, said that the party wasnt facing a binary choice and could incorporate some more pro-growth abundance ideas into a successful populist campaign. That kind of conflict is unhelpful because its just wrong, Cohen said, calling for a broader focus on strengthening a Democratic Party thats trying to get its sh*t together again. Davids view To oversimplify things, politics is basically about conflict. And Welcome PACs theory of politics expand the tent and let Democrats run on heterodox agendas in tough seats is not that controversial inside the party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So WelcomeFest leaned on the self-generated tension created by the appearance of a zero-sum centrist fight against progressive purity tests. Its proving to be a godsend for media attention. You could see this unfold on social media on Wednesday, as the Revolving Door Project and other progressive groups posted from the conference to portray it as one big surrender, trading away liberal values in the hope of winning over a couple of Republicans. That wasnt really the theme in the room, though. Democrats who spoke at the event about their failure to break through on the trail said that they were close to a winning formula. It just required a mixture of distance from the least popular causes of the left, and the credibility that any campaigner gets by spending two years talking to voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Implicit in every argument was this view: It would not be enough for Democrats to wait for President Donald Trump to fail, then take advantage of that failure, a notion propagated by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and others in the party. Thats because, as much as they may not like it, centrists and progressive Democrats are confronting a much more popular Trump than they did eight years ago. Notable Cereal maker Post enters pasta business with $880M Ronzoni purchase originally appeared on Bring Me The News. Post, the foods manufacturer known for cereal brands including Malt-O-Meal and Fruity Pebbles, is entering the pasta business. St. Louis-based parent company Post Holdings announced it has bought back 8th Avenue Food & Provisions, the company it spun off in 2018. 8th Avenue was primarily known for nut butters, granola bars, nuts and dried fruit products it made for grocery chains and private label companies, but in the seven years since it was spun off from Post, it also acquired Ronzoni. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, Post's 880 million purchase marks the company's first foray into dried pasta, with Ronzoni one of the biggest brand names in the 8th Avenue portfolio. Adam Uren/Bring Me The News The 8th Avenue goods will be added to the Post Consumer Brands umbrella, which is based in Lakeville, Minnesota. "With this acquisition, we further our strategy of tactical private label positioning alongside leading brands. I am pleased to welcome back the approximately 1,580 employees of 8th Avenue who will join us as Post colleagues," said Rob Vitale, President and CEO of Post. While Barilla is the undisputed No. 1 brand of dried pasta in the U.S., Ronzoni is among the biggest competitors, with grocery studies generally placing it as the 2nd-4th most popular brand among American consumers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Post says the acquisition of 8th Avenue is expected to close on July 1, with the $880 million purchase price including the assumption of $111 million of financial leases. This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jun 4, 2025, where it first appeared. By Sachin Ravikumar LONDON (Reuters) -Zia Yusuf, the chairman of Britain's right-wing Reform UK party, resigned abruptly on Thursday following a row with its newest lawmaker, becoming the latest senior figure to exit the populist party. Reform, led by Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage, has overtaken Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour Party in opinion polls as Britain's most popular political party less than a year after it won five parliamentary seats at a national election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yusuf, a businessman who is not a lawmaker himself, was made Reform's chairman last year, as Farage went on a drive to professionalise the party. "I no longer believe working to get a Reform government elected is a good use of my time, and hereby resign the office," Yusuf said, without giving further details of the reason for his exit. Hours before announcing his resignation, Yusuf, a self-described "British Muslim patriot", criticised Reform lawmaker Sarah Pochin over her question to Starmer in parliament on Wednesday asking if he would ban the burqa garment worn by some Muslim women. Starmer told Pochin in reply that he would "not follow her down that line", while Reform said shortly after that a burqa ban was not official party policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I do think it's dumb for a party to ask the PM if they would do something the party itself wouldn't do," Yusuf wrote in a post on X. His shock departure comes just days after he shared the stage with Farage and Pochin at a Reform press conference in London, and weeks after he helped the party to a strong performance in local elections and one parliamentary by-election in which Pochin was elected as a lawmaker. The party has seen divisions in its upper ranks before. In March Reform referred one of its lawmakers, Rupert Lowe, to police over allegations including threats of physical violence against Yusuf. Prosecutors later said they would not bring charges against Lowe, who was suspended by Reform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And in November its deputy leader Ben Habib quit, citing "fundamental differences" with Farage. Farage said he was "genuinely sorry" that Yusuf had decided to stand down. "Politics can be a highly pressured and difficult game and Zia has clearly had enough. He is a loss to us and public life," Farage wrote on X. (Reporting by Sachin Ravikumar; editing by William James and Alistair Bell) PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Hundreds gathered at the Portland Metro Chambers annual meeting where the governors Central City Task Force unveiled its plan to get Downtown Portland back on track. Some main goals in this plan dubbed All In on Portlands Central City are to bring Central City foot traffic back to pre-pandemic levels, capitalize on big projects in downtown, and turn the citys center into a place where people can live and work. Body of unknown woman found in wooded area of Milwaukie Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayor Keith Wilson and members of the Chamber spoke at the event. Chamber President Andrew Hoan acknowledged the city is coming out of a tough few years, but said Portlanders should feel confident about the future now. While were working on the hard stuff like public safety and unsheltered homelessness and behavioral health issues, those things need to happen, he said. And we have to have a vision for what we can be. And it is clear to me that we have the vision, and now we need collaboration and the coordination to get it all done. Hoan said in addition to collaboration, it will take time. But he said people in power need to realize Portlands economy is challenged right now. Either get on the public private partnership bandwagon or find a different place to spend their time, he said. Because the reality is, when youre in a hard spot, you dont measure the drapes, you dont look at what color the wallpaper is. You focus on the core issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kyrons dad after 15 years: Youre not home, were not done Hoan commended Mayor Wilson and Governor Kotek for working together to turn the city around, encouraging other leaders to do the same. He said Portland residents can play a role also, they just need to show up. Let your voice be heard, he said. Because if youre not involved, youre not voting. If youre not testifying, youre not writing letters to the editor, to your state representatives, and youre not part of the solution. Be part of the solution. Get off the sidelines. Get involved. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) On Wednesday, Champaign Fire Chief Andy Quarnstrom announced that he intends to retire in July. But this doesnt mean that Quarnstrom will be leaving Champaign County. Girl Scouts of Central Illinois announces relocation, expansion John Brown, Savoys President, confirmed with WCIA that Quarnstrom will be taking over as Village Administrator in Savoy. He was unanimously confirmed by the board during Wednesday nights meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He does have a masters degree in public administration and has experience running an organization in the fire department, much larger than the village and a budget much larger than our village budget, Brown said. So, he does have the supervisory and management experience that Im looking for. The fire department said that his last day will be July 14, 2025. Quarnstrom has worked at the Champaign Fire Department for nearly 28 years. He joined the department in 1997, and has served as Fire Chief since February 2024. It has been an honor to serve the residents of this wonderful community for the last 28 years, Quarnstrom said. I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to work alongside and lead the dedicated professionals who put their lives on the line in service to our community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Illinois appoints first female State Fire Marshal Quarnstrom thanked the city council, the city manager, city staff, members of the Champaign Fire Department, and his family for their support over the years. While this concludes my long career with the City of Champaign, I want to assure our residents that the Fire Department is well-trained and equipped to continue providing the same high level of protective services they have come to expect, Quarnstrom said. Joan Walls, city manager, said Quarnstrom has dedicated his career to serving Champaigns residents. He is a well-respected leader in the fire services field, and his vast knowledge, experience, and leadership skills will be missed. In addition to being a dedicated public servant, Andys commitment to volunteerism and support of countless community organizations shows his true love for our community, Walls said. His caring and compassion have positively impacted the lives of Champaigns residents, and I wish him the very best as he closes this chapter in his life and starts a new one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Central Illinois fire depts. respond to Mahomet apartment fire The recruitment to hire a new Fire Chief will begin later this summer, according to the Champaign Fire Department. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. CHAPEL HILL, Texas (KETK) The Superintendent of the Chapel Hill ISD has been named a Region 7 finalist for the 2025 Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) Superintendent of the Year (SOTY) award. Lamond Dean has been the superintendent of Chapel Hill since 2018 and has spent the past 25 years in education. Dean was a member of the class of 1991 at Chapel Hill High School and attended Tyler Junior College prior to receiving his bachelors degree from Murray State. Dean later received his principals certificate and superintendent certification from Texas A&M Texarkana. Courtesy of Chapel Hill ISD Texas Rangers Foundation continues to boosts youth sports Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The SOTY Award was established in 1984 to honor superintendents in public schools across Texas who demonstrate exemplary leadership skills and a strong commitment to student success and community engagement. Nominations for the award began in January when superintendents were nominated by members of their school boards. Following the nomination, the candidates are reviewed by the regional selection committee and one nominee is chosen from each region. Mr. Deans leadership has transformed Chapel Hill ISD into a district focused on innovation, equity, and academic growth, CHISD School Board President Les Schminkey said. We are proud to see his dedication recognized at the regional level. Elysian Fields ISD announces interim superintendent Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finalists from each region will now advance to the next phase where they will be interviewed by the state selection committee. The Superintendent of the Year award will be announced this fall at the txEDCON annual conference. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) A felonious assault charge was dismissed in the case against a woman accused of shooting another woman in the leg after a dispute in Youngstown. Read next: Report: YPD finds gun on man in large crowd about to fight on South Side street According to Youngstown Municipal Court records, prosecutors agreed to dismiss the case against Breasia Skinner, 27, on Thursday as the victim was not present in court. Court records state that the victim told police at the hospital and on another occasion that she did not want to go forward with the matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police reports stated that Skinner shot the woman on Eastway Drive last Thursday after an argument earlier in the evening. Skinner was also accused of going back to Dupont Street after the jail would not take her, breaking into an apartment, stealing a television and throwing toothbrushes inside the toilet. Court records show that a disorderly conduct charge is still pending, with a pretrial hearing set for July 21. 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. Theres no turning back for Prince Harrys relationship with Prince William and King Charles. Royals expert Hilary Fordwich told Fox News in June 2025 that, while Charles is still tender toward reconciling with his son, William has shut the door on Harry, and wants their father to follow suit. There is no turning back, Fordwich said. King Charles remains tender towards his son but cant risk communication. Prince William now has absolutely no interest in mending fences. Those close to the king say he [shouldnt] make peace with Harry in a way that would burden Prince Williams future reign. The animosity is so deep that William has shut the door on Harry. Charles is not willing to go against his heirs wishes. More from StyleCaster Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fordwich explained that the real reason William and Charles dont plan on ever reconciling with Harry is due to their lack of trust in the former Duke of Sussex and his wife, Meghan Markle. Everything comes down to trust and the lack of it, Fordwich said. Royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith also echoed the same sentiment to People after Harrys BBC interview in which Harry claimed that his father could die before they ever speak again. Prince Harry, Prince WIlliam The underlying issue is trust, Bedell said. The king and William dont trust Harry and Meghan with any kind of confidential conversation. As for Harrys relationship with William, another source told Fox News that they dont expect the brothers to see each other again unless Charles dies. The funeral of Charles would be the first time that courtiers would imagine [them reuniting], the source said. I cant imagine William would invite Harry to his coronation. Harry hinted that only his fathers funeral could bring him and William back together in his BBC interview, in which he told the outlet the only time I come back to the U.K. is, sadly, for funerals or court cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Royal author Valentine Low also confirmed to People that Charles inner circle at Buckingham Palace are also advising him not to speak to Harry. There is not a good angel in [the kings] ear to say, Be a good dad and make the first move, Low said. While William has no interest in reconciling with Harry for his own reasons, sources also told the magazine that Charles issues with Harry stem from his comments about Charles wife, Queen Camilla, in his book, Spare, in which he called his stepmother a villain. Its Harrys criticisms of Queen Camilla [in his memoir, Spare], as well as his broader attacks on the family and institution, which have seriously crossed a line for the king and those closest to him, Fordwich told Fox News. Prince William and Prince Harry Fordwich continued, The king is now so puzzled by Harrys constant revelations. Its now beyond sensitive to discuss, so he avoids all interaction regarding the subject. He is so kind but overwhelmed and has quite enough on his plate to deal with, without all this from his son. Another reason for Charles rift with Harry has to deal with their court case over Harrys security detail, which he lost after he and Meghan stepped down as senior members of the British royal family and moved to the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harrys ill-timed recent interview on the BBC highlighted the lack of trust between them publicly, royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told Fox News. He seemed to believe his father could and should solve the issue of security, which he insists he and his family should have. Fitzwilliams continued, The rift, sadly, seems likely to remain toxic as there is no mutual trust between them. Hopefully, it will not worsen as the Sussexes could give further interviews or possibly write more about the feud, something that is invariably remunerative for them. While Low explained that Harrys comment about not knowing how much longer his father has to live wasnt meant to be an attack, it still created a deeper wedge in his relationship with Charles. It wasnt meant to be an attack, but it would be seen as one, Low said. It makes Charles reaching out even harder. Best of StyleCaster Sign up for Stylecaster's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. A Louisiana jury has ordered Chevron to pay more than $744 million in damages for destroying parts of the state's coastal wetlands through its oil and gas operations, The Guardian reported. What happened? The jury found that Texaco, now owned by Chevron, violated state regulations by contributing to the disappearing coastline through dredging canals, drilling wells, and dumping massive amounts of wastewater into the marsh. The verdict included $575 million for land loss, $161 million for contamination, and $8.6 million for abandoned equipment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This verdict concludes the first of 42 lawsuits filed about 12 years ago that claimed oil companies have degraded the region's crucial natural barriers. "Our communities are built on coast, our families raised on coast, our children go to school on coast," Jimmy Faircloth Jr., an attorney representing Louisiana, told jurors during the trial. "The state of Louisiana will not surrender the coast. It's for the good of the state that the coast be maintained." Chevron plans to appeal the decision, with company attorney Mike Phillips saying the ruling was "unjust" and contained "numerous legal errors." Why is wetland destruction concerning? Louisiana's coastal wetlands are among the most critically endangered environments in the country. From 1932 to 2016, coastal Louisiana lost approximately 25% of its wetland area, more wetland loss than all other continental states combined. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These wetlands provide hurricane protection for communities. When oil companies cut canals for transportation routes, they disrupt natural water flow and create direct pathways for storm surges to reach inland areas during severe weather. Louisiana could lose another 3,000 square miles of coastal wetlands without intervention over the next 50 years, according to the state's Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority. For you and your community, vanishing wetlands mean less protection from increasingly powerful storms and floods that threaten homes, infrastructure, and local ecosystems. What's being done about wetland destruction? The landmark verdict might prompt other oil companies facing similar lawsuits to reach settlements rather than risk trial, potentially funding larger restoration efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Louisiana law requires oil companies to restore their sites "as near as practicable to their original condition" after projects end, providing legal leverage for communities seeking environmental remediation. Plaquemines Parish, which brought this case against Chevron, has 20 additional pending cases against other oil companies that could further support wetland restoration. You can help by supporting local conservation organizations working to restore coastal wetlands, staying informed about industrial development in sensitive ecosystems near you, and voting for candidates who prioritize environmental protection and corporate accountability. Community-driven restoration projects, including marsh replanting initiatives and efforts to re-establish natural water flow patterns, are already making progress in rebuilding these natural buffers. 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. Shares in Joby Aviation (NYSE: JOBY) jumped yesterday after the air taxi company announced a potential deal with the Saudi Arabia-based Abdul Latif Jameel. The deal could lead to Joby supplying up to 200 of its eVTOL aircraft. Heres what to know about the potential and its effect on Jobys stock price. Most Read from Fast Company What is Joby? Joby Aviation, better known as Joby, is a Santa Cruz, California-headquartered aviation company that is developing a fleet of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehiclesin other words, flying taxis. Joby was founded in 2009 and went public on the New York Stock Exchange in 2021 via a special purpose acquisition company, or SPAC. Prior to its NYSE debut, Joby was named one of Fast Companys Most Innovative Companies for 2021. While the company is developing flying taxi vehicles, one of its primary aims is to become a servicean Uber of the skies, so to speak. Because of its relatively small market cap of around $6.7 billion and interesting futuristic product (a flying rideshare service), Jobys stock is somewhat popular with investors who lean more toward dabbling in meme stocks and small-cap stocks that have potential to see sky-high returns if their products eventually take off (no pun intended). Joby says it currently has strategic partnerships with Toyota, Delta, and Uber, and it employs more than 1,700 engineers. For its Q1 2025, which ended March 31, Joby reported a net loss of $82.4 million. What deal did Joby announce yesterday? Yesterday, Joby Aviation announced a potential deal with Abdul Latif Jameel, a business based in Saudi Arabia. Potential is the key word here. Thats because the two companies didnt actually agree to sell anything to or buy anything from one another. Instead, they signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This MoU will see the companies explore opportunities to establish a distribution agreement in Saudi Arabia for Jobys electric aircraft, according to Joby. That potential distribution agreement may see Joby deliver up to 200 air taxis and other related services valued at up to $1 billion to Abdul Latif Jameel over the coming years. Joby has positioned the potential deal as a win-win for both American and Saudi Arabian business interests. This collaboration is about bringing Americas leadership in electric air mobility to the world, Joby Aviation CEO JoeBen Bevirt said in a statement announcing the deal. GLENVIEW, Ill. A Chicago man has been arrested and charged with a felony for the alleged criminal sexual abuse of a child at a north suburban chiropractic office. Victor Reynolds, 36, was arrested and charged Wednesday with aggravated criminal sexual abuse following an investigation, according to the Glenview Police Department. Victor Reynolds (GLENVIEW POLICE DEPARTMENT) Man killed after argument leads to stabbing attack on Southwest Side overnight Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Glenview police say they started the investigation on May 5 following a complaint that criminal sexual abuse had occurred to a minor child at ChiroMend Natural Health Center, located in the 1800 block of Glenview Road in Glenview. There is no familial relationship between Reynolds and the minor child, according to police. Detectives conducted the investigation with assistance from the Childrens Advocacy Center of North and Northwest Cook County and the Cook County States Attorneys Office. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Reynolds is under the custody of the Cook County Sheriffs Department, pending a conditions hearing at the Skokie Courthouse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No other information was available at this time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. DAVIS JUNCTION, Ill. (WTVO) A Chicago man has been jailed in Ogle County after a domestic violence victim was hospitalized. According to the Ogle County Sheriffs Office, deputies were called to the 300 block of Misty Meadow Lane in Davis Junction for a domestic battery. The victim was transported to Javon Bea Mercyhealth Hospital-Riverside in Rockford for their injuries, authorities said. Marco Garcia-Limon, 43, was arrested on charges of aggravated battery and domestic battery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was booked into the Ogle County Jail pending the outcome of a pretrial detention hearing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports. A community is shocked after another accidental shooting involving a child. This time, workers at a daycare said a young girl shot her father in their parking lot. Action News Jax has seen several cases like this, and on Wednesday, gun safety experts are speaking out about keeping your kids safe. A child got hold of a gun and she fired a shot at her father, said Allegra Gardner, Daycare Director. Gardner said she was shocked when she heard shots go off in their parking lot on Dunn Avenue Wednesday morning. She says the young girl hit her father. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Police said the man was grazed but did not confirm anything else, including how the child got hold of the gun. Gardner said the family was only visiting and no children were hurt. The child did not attend the daycare at all. As a matter of fact, the daycare locked and secured, said Gardner. Even though no one at the daycare was involved, parents were still scared. I got a message from my daycare saying it was on lockdown, said Daycare Parent Tylique R. Spencer. Spencer said he was immediately concerned for his sons safety. First it was if my kid is safe. I mean, its Jacksonville. A lot of stuff goes down here, said Spencer. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Action News Jax has reported on several accidental shootings involving children. Earlier this year, a two-year-old boy in Jacksonville died after getting hold of a gun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You always have to be aware of where your fire arm is, especially if the kids are in the vicinity, said Rod Mills, Founder of Scorched Earth Firearms Training. Mills said proper storage is crucial for everyones safety. I always suggest you have a gun safe installed in your vehicle, Mills. If you dont have one, many cars now have locks on their glove compartments or center consoles. Mills says you can properly store your firearm in those as long as your children cannot get inside. Its not just a good idea its the law. Florida law says you can be charged with a crime if your child gets access to a gun that isnt properly stored. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As we said, JSO did not give many details. We are working to find out if anyone will face charges because of this. [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. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A chimpanzee seized from a troubled animal park along the Oregon Coast now has a new home in Washington. Cle Elums Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest has revealed it rescued West Coast Game Park Safaris George on May 15. The facility said the 21-year-old chimpanzee was the first animal removed from the site near Bandon during law enforcements four-day operation that ended in the seizure of 310 creatures. Kyrons dad after 15 years: Youre not home, were not done Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest, the Oregon animal parks lack of an enrichment program for George prompted one of several welfare citations it received from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. One of the federal agencys inspection reports from October 2024 claimed the more-than-100-pound great ape is vulnerable when his special needs as a chimpanzee are not addressed leading to breakdown of his psychological well-being. He is now quarantined from 15 other chimpanzees, nearly three weeks after being sedated and transported to the new facility with the help of Oregon State Police and the Oregon Humane Society. Although the Washington sanctuary isnt open to the public, staff members are updating people on Georges whereabouts on their blog. Apparently, hes an inquisitive chimpanzee who loves snacks like grapes, bell peppers and protein smoothies. George quarantines at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest (Courtesy Diana Goodrich) George quarantines at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest (Courtesy Diana Goodrich) George quarantines at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest (Courtesy Diana Goodrich) We are grateful to our supporters who have built this sanctuary from the ground up, enabling us to help chimpanzees like George in their time of need, Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest Co-Director Diana Goodrich said in a release. We are delighted by the response to our updates on our blog and other social media from those who live on the Oregon Coast and have met George at the roadside zoo over the years. Its heartening to learn how many people are interested in Georges future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Uber urges Portland riders to take stance against proposed fee hikes A previous blog post claimed the chimpanzee posed for photos at a casino and appeared in a long-running German television show before being transferred to West Coast Game Park Safari in 2011. He replaced another male great ape who was taught how to smoke a cigarette, according to the Washington sanctuary. The Bandon Police Department arrested the owner of the Oregon animal park on May 27. Authorities said meth, cocaine and guns were also seized from the property. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Trump finally got his call with China. After Trump repeatedly told Americans that it was China that was so desperate to get him on the phone to discuss a trade deal, a recent post from the Chinese Embassy all but confirms the opposite. It is Trump, not President Xi Jinping, who was sitting by the phone waiting day and night for a call that didnt come for months. Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday held phone talks with U.S. President Donald Trump at the latters request, Chinas U.S. Embassy posted from its X account on Thursday. X Chinese Embassy in US @ChineseEmbinUS: Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday held phone talks with U.S. President Donald Trump at the latter's request. #china #US The at the latters request is certainly intentional. Since Liberation Day, Trump has insisted that he has the leverage, that countries far and wide will be lining up, eager to kiss the ring and make a deal with us. But still, China, the Asian powerhouse that faced the most aggressive tariffs from Trump, has shirked a potential deal-making phone call with the president, halting his visions of a sweeping agreement on trade, TikTok, and fentanyl export. The administration has nudged China to initiate the call since April, but to no avail until today. If you have to call someone just to tell them to call you, who really has the leverage? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I just concluded a very good phone call with President Xi, of China, discussing some of the intricacies of our recently made, and agreed to, Trade Deal. The call lasted approximately one and a half hours, and resulted in a very positive conclusion for both Countries.... Our respective teams will be meeting shortly at a location to be determined, Trump wrote on Truth Social on Thursday. During the conversation, President Xi graciously invited the First Lady and me to visit China, and I reciprocated. As Presidents of two Great Nations, this is something that we both look forward to doing. The conversation was focused almost entirely on TRADE. Nothing was discussed concerning Russia/Ukraine, or Iran. We will inform the Media as to scheduling and location of the soon to be meeting. Thank you for your attention to this matter! Trumps own summary of the conversation made no mention of who requested it. US President Donald Trump has spoken by telephone with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, China's state news agency Xinhua said on Thursday. No specific details about the content of the conversation have been disclosed but it comes amid the ongoing trade spat between the two countries. The White House has yet to confirm the phone call. On Wednesday, Trump stated on his online platform Truth Social: "I like President XI of China, always have, and always will, but he is VERY TOUGH, AND EXTREMELY HARD TO MAKE A DEAL WITH!!!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the first known phone call between the two presidents since Trump took office again in January. In recent months, Trump has been non-committal when asked about any potential conversations with Xi, leaving open the possibility of direct exchanges that may not have been disclosed. But typically, governments publicly announce such calls between heads of state. Since retaking office, Trump has pursued a hard-line trade policy against China, significantly escalating the long-standing dispute. The US president has imposed punitive tariffs on Chinese imports, raising them in several steps to a 145%. Beijing has responded with counter-tariffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although both sides agreed in mid-May to pause the escalation and temporarily lower some tariffs, tensions have recently flared again, and the underlying disagreements remain unresolved. Meanwhile, the US Senate is preparing a new sanctions package against Russia, which, according to Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, is aimed at countries that continue to purchase Russian oil, gas, and other energy products. China would be particularly affected by the proposed measures, which come after Moscow failed to stop its over three-year war on Ukraine. BEIJING (Reuters) -The Chinese embassy in the Philippines urged the European Union to stop "provoking trouble" in the South China Sea on Thursday, and advised Manila not to "fantasise" about relying on outside forces to resolve disputes in the waterway. An embassy spokesperson made the comments after EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas visited the Philippine capital and voiced concern over China's activities in the busy waterway, where its claims overlap those of some Southeast Asian nations. "We urge the EU to genuinely respect China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea and to stop provoking trouble," the spokesperson said in a statement on the embassy website, noting the bloc has no right to interfere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The spokesperson also said Manila should return to dialogue and consultation to manage differences with China instead of "fantasising about relying on external forces" to resolve the South China Sea dispute. The Philippine embassy in Beijing did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment. The EU and the Philippines have expressed concerns about China's "illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive measures" against Philippine vessels and aircraft conducting lawful maritime operations in the South China Sea, according to a joint statement after Kallas met with Philippine foreign minister earlier this week. China claims sovereignty over nearly all the South China Sea, including parts of the exclusive economic zones of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam. (Reporting by Beijing Newsroom; Editing by Clarence Fernandez and Michael Perry) Man holds laptop computer as cyber code is projected on him in this illustration picture BEIJING (Reuters) -Authorities in southern China announced on Thursday they were offering rewards of more than $1,000 for the arrest of 20 people they say are Taiwanese military hackers, drawing an angry reaction from Taiwan's defence ministry. The public security bureau in the Chinese city of Guangzhou said the hackers were part of the Taiwan military's Information, Communications and Electronic Force Command, and published their pictures, names and Taiwan identity card numbers. Rewards of 10,000 yuan ($1,392.25) will be offered to those who provide clues or cooperate in their arrest, it said in a statement carried by Chinese state media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hackers were involved in organising, planning and premeditating attacks on key sectors such as military, aerospace, government departments, energy and transportation, maritime affairs, science and technology research firms in China as well as Hong Kong and Macau, Xinhua news agency said. Xinhua, citing a cybersecurity report, said the Taiwan "information, communication and digital army" had cooperated with U.S. anti-Chinese forces to conduct public opinion and cognitive warfare against China, secretly instigate revolution and attempt to disrupt public order in China. Taiwan's defence ministry's Information, Communications and Electronic Force Command said in a statement it was not carrying out any "corporate cyber attacks", and that China's offers of a bounty highlighted "the rude and unreasonable attitude of the Chinese communists in intimidating and coercing the Taiwanese people". "Recent statements by the European Union, the United States and the Czech Republic condemning the Chinese communists' hacking organisations for carrying out cyber-attacks prove that the Chinese communists are not only a regional troublemaker, but a common threat to the global internet," it added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A senior Taiwan security official told Reuters that the Chinese allegations were invented, saying Beijing was trying to shift the focus from Czech and European scrutiny over alleged Chinese hacking activities there. "They fabricated a false narrative to shift the focus. It's a very typical behaviour by the Chinese Communist Party," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity given the sensitivity of the matter. China also said Taiwan had longstanding cooperation with the U.S. National Security Agency, the Central Intelligence Agency and other intelligence agencies as part of the United States' "Asia-Pacific Strategy", calling it Taiwan's attempt to gain independence through relying on the United States. "The US intelligence department has long provided personnel training and technical equipment support for Taiwan's 'information, communication and digital army', and many police stations have sent 'hunting' teams to Taiwan, to launch cyber attacks on China," according to a social media post by an account linked to Chinese state television. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week authorities in Guangzhou, the capital of southern Guangdong province, attributed a cyber attack on an unnamed technology company to the Taiwan government, saying Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party supported the "overseas hacker organisation" responsible. In response, Taiwan said Beijing was peddling false information, and that it was China that was carrying out hacking against the island. China views Taiwan as its own territory. Taiwan's democratically elected government rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims. Chinese courts and legal bodies have no jurisdiction in Taiwan, whose government has repeatedly complained about Beijing's "long armed jurisdiction" efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ($1 = 7.1826 Chinese yuan renminbi) (Reporting by Liz Lee and Shanghai newsroom; and Ben Blanchard and Yimou Lee in Taipei; Editing by Jacqueline Wong, Michael Perry, Lincoln Feast, Kate Mayberry, William Maclean) BEIJING (Reuters) -Authorities in southern China announced on Thursday they were offering rewards of more than $1,000 for the arrest of 20 people they say are Taiwanese military hackers, drawing an angry reaction from Taiwan's defence ministry. The public security bureau in the Chinese city of Guangzhou said the hackers were part of the Taiwan military's Information, Communications and Electronic Force Command, and published their pictures, names and Taiwan identity card numbers. Rewards of 10,000 yuan ($1,392.25) will be offered to those who provide clues or cooperate in their arrest, it said in a statement carried by Chinese state media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hackers were involved in organising, planning and premeditating attacks on key sectors such as military, aerospace, government departments, energy and transportation, maritime affairs, science and technology research firms in China as well as Hong Kong and Macau, Xinhua news agency said. Xinhua, citing a cybersecurity report, said the Taiwan "information, communication and digital army" had cooperated with U.S. anti-Chinese forces to conduct public opinion and cognitive warfare against China, secretly instigate revolution and attempt to disrupt public order in China. Taiwan's defence ministry's Information, Communications and Electronic Force Command said in a statement it was not carrying out any "corporate cyber attacks", and that China's offers of a bounty highlighted "the rude and unreasonable attitude of the Chinese communists in intimidating and coercing the Taiwanese people". "Recent statements by the European Union, the United States and the Czech Republic condemning the Chinese communists' hacking organisations for carrying out cyber-attacks prove that the Chinese communists are not only a regional troublemaker, but a common threat to the global internet," it added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A senior Taiwan security official told Reuters that the Chinese allegations were invented, saying Beijing was trying to shift the focus from Czech and European scrutiny over alleged Chinese hacking activities there. "They fabricated a false narrative to shift the focus. It's a very typical behaviour by the Chinese Communist Party," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity given the sensitivity of the matter. China also said Taiwan had longstanding cooperation with the U.S. National Security Agency, the Central Intelligence Agency and other intelligence agencies as part of the United States' "Asia-Pacific Strategy", calling it Taiwan's attempt to gain independence through relying on the United States. "The US intelligence department has long provided personnel training and technical equipment support for Taiwan's 'information, communication and digital army', and many police stations have sent 'hunting' teams to Taiwan, to launch cyber attacks on China," according to a social media post by an account linked to Chinese state television. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week authorities in Guangzhou, the capital of southern Guangdong province, attributed a cyber attack on an unnamed technology company to the Taiwan government, saying Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party supported the "overseas hacker organisation" responsible. In response, Taiwan said Beijing was peddling false information, and that it was China that was carrying out hacking against the island. China views Taiwan as its own territory. Taiwan's democratically elected government rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims. Chinese courts and legal bodies have no jurisdiction in Taiwan, whose government has repeatedly complained about Beijing's "long armed jurisdiction" efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ($1 = 7.1826 Chinese yuan renminbi) (Reporting by Liz Lee and Shanghai newsroom; and Ben Blanchard and Yimou Lee in Taipei; Editing by Jacqueline Wong, Michael Perry, Lincoln Feast, Kate Mayberry, William Maclean) Children at the Growing Tree child care in New Glarus. Wisconsin is one of only six states that doesn't put any money into early childhood education. (Photo by Kate Rindy) Children are born into this world innocent. They did not choose their parents. They did not choose to be born into poverty. They do not get to choose if a parent is addicted to drugs or alcohol. Children do not get a choice to be born into an environment of neglect. Children do not choose to grow up in a home with violence. Children do not get a choice to be abused or assaulted. Children do not choose to be born with a disability. Children do not get to choose if they can access medical care. Children do not get a choice on whether they are even wanted or loved. Adults do have choices. In Wisconsin, we have chosen to have a state where children are the largest demographic living in poverty. We have chosen to allow some children to live with constant hunger. We have chosen not to support children with disabilities. We are still choosing not to create systems to support children who have experienced adversity like abuse and neglect. We made the choice to create an education system based on the income of the people living in the community. We choose to allow children to be uncared for. We as a community have made these choices deliberately and without shame. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Consequently, we have chosen for those children to be less likely to graduate from high school, more likely to fail at a job, have poor health (which is connected to stress in the early years) and to be statistically more likely to be placed in the prison system. We, as a state, have chosen to prioritize funding for prisons and spend nothing on early care and education, one of only six states that dont invest a penny in early childhood programs, even though we know that when children have access to quality early education that they are more likely to graduate high school, have higher incomes, be healthier, and are less likely to enter the prison system. We have chosen to remove health care options for children by not expanding Badgercare. We are soon to be the only state that does not provide postpartum Medicaid, risking the lives of new mothers and increasing the likelihood that children will have to grow up without them. We have decided that children with disabilities will receive services not based on their actual needs, but based on the budget for special education, which our state keeps at the barest minimum. We have chosen to make the word welfare into a bad word. Welfare by definition is the health, happiness and fortunes of a person or group. And we have chosen to deny the health, happiness and fortune of children in our state. Referring to a bipartisan push for Medicaid expansion to cover postpartum care, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos has said he cannot imagine supporting an expansion of welfare. Why is providing welfare to support the health and wellbeing of children or anyone for that matter a negative concept? Why are we so afraid that if we support people in need that it somehow takes away from us? For example, why would providing children with free lunches at school be a bad thing to do? Why would ensuring that children have access to medical care regardless of whether their parents can afford it or not be bad to do? Why would ensuring that children have access to quality care and education in their early years, regardless of their parents income, be a bad thing? Why would ensuring that children with disabilities have access to the services they need be bad? Why is it wrong to have systems in our state that ensure we are doing everything we can to give all children the best opportunities to grow, thrive and become productive members of our communities? Rep. Vos and Joint Finance Committee co-chairs Sen.Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green), and Rep. Mark Born (R-Beaver Dam) all disagree with creating and funding policies that support our children. Time and time again, they have voted down policies that would have provided support to children. They have continued to forgo our future by not investing in our children. Instead, they invest in the wealthiest in our state and invest in our punitive prison systems. They invest in large businesses with expensive lobbyists who demand tax breaks and deregulation. They invest in those most likely to donate to their campaigns. These grown-up white men cannot stand the idea of anyone, even a child, getting help from the state. If they had to pay for school lunch, they figure, so should everyone else. If they had to pay for their childs medical visit, then so should everyone else. If they had to pay for child care, then so should everyone else. They are incapable of seeing past their privileges. They cannot appreciate what it is like to be a child born into an environment that causes harm and the trajectory that puts the child on. However, they will certainly be there when that child becomes an adult and enters the prison system. They are more than willing to pay for incarceration and punishment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats not just financially irresponsible we spend about four times as much to keep someone in prison as we spend on education its inhumane, and it impoverishes our state and condemns children to unnecessary suffering and a bleak future. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX This is an adapted excerpt from the June 4 episode of All In with Chris Hayes. Theres a civil war brewing in the Republican Party and its threatening the centerpiece of Donald Trumps legislative agenda: his one big, beautiful, disgusting abomination of a bill, which the Congressional Budget Office says will add almost $2.5 trillion to the deficit, while depriving more than 11 million Americans of health care coverage in the next decade. That bill is now meeting new resistance from far-right members of Congress, thanks to the actions of Trumps one-time wingman, Elon Musk. Shortly after his DOGE days in the White House ended in embarrassing fashion, with a literal black eye and reports left and right about alleged drug use and other weird behavior, Musk started this week off by declaring war on Trumps legislation. (Musk has denied the reported drug use.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im sorry, but I just cant stand it anymore, Musk posted on his social media platform, X, on Tuesday. This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination. Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it. To say this leaves the Republican caucus in disarray would be an understatement. Just days ago, House Speaker Mike Johnson, who is shepherding the spending bill through Congress, posted a photo of himself riding in style with Musk and Trump. But on Wednesday, he said he couldnt even get Musk on the phone. Weve gotta get it done, and I think Elon understands the weight of that, Johnson told reporters. I hope he comes around, and Id love to talk to him this week, and I hope he calls me back today. (As of Thursday morning, Johnsons told reporters they were still playing phone tag.) Hours after that Wednesday news conference, Musk posted a call to action against the Trump legislation on X: Call your Senator, Call your Congressman, Bankrupting America is NOT ok! KILL the BILL. (In case that was too subtle, eight minutes later, he also posted a movie poster for the film Kill Bill.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But this is more than just a food fight. Remember, Musk threatened to primary Republicans who wont toe the MAGA line. Now, the threat seems to be that he could primary Republicans who pass Trumps bill. And so some of those Republicans are tying themselves in knots to try to keep both Trump and Musk happy. When Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia was asked about Musks criticism, she told reporters, Well, you know I have to agree with him on one hand. I always love it when Americans are angry at the federal government and express it And so, do I like the price tag of the bill? No. But I want to get off the Biden and Democrat CR that this government is currently funding on. At one level, this is a story of two people with enormous egos who were never going to be content as co-presidents. But the deeper story here calls into question the entire Trump enterprise and what Trump was using Musk for, which was to make really unpopular cuts across the government. Cuts that followed the Project 2025 playbook and appealed to the most hardcore anti-government extremists in the Republican base and far-right members of Congress, like the House Freedom Caucus, who want a government small enough to drown in a bathtub. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But as a policy, that approach is substantively disastrous and politically unpopular. It is not even popular with Trump, who has no qualms about running up massive budget deficits. He told everyone hes not going to touch Social Security or Medicare. But he has to worry about pro-austerity Republicans, so he outsourced the austerity to Musk and DOGE. That way, Trump could say to the anti-government vanguard in Congress, Oh, dont worry about the deficit and the debt or spending, because Ive got Musk going to town over there. Hes just going to cut all the stuff you dont like, and no one in Congress is going to have to take hard votes. But this was always a dubious play. First, because what DOGE was doing was illegal, as many courts have found. Second, Musk wasnt actually making a dent in federal spending. He decimated our international aid budget, but that was never where the big government spending was, contrary to all the lies and false conspiracy theories Musk spread. Most importantly, Musks activities were so unpopular that the American peoples outrage blew back on Trump and the Republicans. In town hall after town hall, it became clear that Trumps play for plausible deniability was a failure. Thats why I believe the White House didnt keep Musk on and why hes freelancing now. Trumps special weapon against party division has always been his cult of personality. When it comes to voting for their own beliefs or voting for Trump, Republican lawmakers almost always vote for Trump. That was enough to get the bill through the House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But there are Republicans, particularly in the Senate, folks such as Sens. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, Rand Paul of Kentucky and Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, who are being very vocal about wanting to scale back Trumps legislation drastically, to pull it apart or to kill it. And now, thanks to political cover from Musk, senators such as Tuberville, Paul and Johnson may be even more emboldened to resist Trump. This is the Frankensteins monster that Trump helped create: A guy who has virtually unlimited funds to primary politicians he doesnt like. Musk is giving these Republicans cover to rail in the way that they are politically comfortable with and he has a massive social media platform that he can use to supercharge the debate, just as he used it to spread totally ridiculous stories and false numbers about what DOGE has been up to. That points to a real danger here: Musks propaganda machine now rivals Fox News in its ability to influence and target the right wing of the Republican Party. It seems Trump is discovering that his oligarchy would be great if it werent for the oligarchs. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com British journalist Christiane Amanpour said she treats travel to the U.S. under President Donald Trump as if I was going to North Korea. The longtime CNN correspondent talked about her experience flying to the U.S. on her podcast, The Ex Files. I must say I was afraid, Amanpour told her co-host and ex-husband, Jamie Rubin, on Wednesdays episode. Amanpour was traveling to the U.S. last week to give a speech at Harvard University, which has come under increased attacks by Trump, including revoking the universitys ability to enroll international students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has also ramped up his attacks on immigrants, using agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to snatch people off the streets and imprison them without due process. And on Thursday, Trump announced that citizens of 12 countries would be banned from visiting the U.S. and seven others that would face restrictions. Im a foreigner, Amanpour said. I dont have a green card. Im not an American citizen. Im fairly prominent, and I literally prepared to go to America as if I was going to North Korea. I took a burner phone, Jamie. Imagine that. I didnt take a single not my mobile phone, not my iPad, nothing, and I had nothing on the burner phone except a few numbers. Amanpour said she also spoke to CNN security about what precautions to take. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive heard that many, including British citizens, have been stopped at the border and been questioned for hours and hours and hours, she said. Thankfully, Amanpour said she went through airport security without any issues. I was welcomed, she said. The immigration officer at Boston, where I came in, could not have been nicer. Huge sigh of relief I breathed. With more than 70 members of Congress in attendance to hear music legend Dionne Warwick, 84, sing her 1985 hit Thats What Friends Are For, Wednesdays Equality PAC National Pride Gala, hosted by drag queen Bianca Del Rio, served as a powerful rebuke to the Trump administrations ongoing assault on LGBTQ+ rights especially the reinstated ban on transgender military service. Featuring speeches from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, and first-year Delaware U.S. Rep. Sarah McBride the first out transgender member of Congress the evening unfolded as a celebration of queer political power and an urgent recommitment to legislative and legal resistance. Donald Trump and the MAGA radicals have targeted LGBTQ Americans more than just about any other group, Schumer, who has a lesbian daughter, said. Banning trans Americans from serving in the military, prohibiting Pride flags in public institutions in red states and now, some states are even bringing back conversion therapy. Chuck Schumer speaks onstage at the Equality PAC Gala Washington DC June 2025 Chuck Schumer speaks onstage at the Equality PAC Gala jon fleming photography for Equality PAC Schumer also condemned Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths decision to strip Harvey Milks name from a ship during Pride Month, calling it a shameful, vindictive erasure of leaders who fought to break down barriers for all Americans. He urged the audience to stay engaged: We will not let America backslide on our watch. We will pass the Equality Act. Well stop LGBTQ Americans [from being discriminated against] and make sure that every American has a seat at the table. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The gala took place just weeks after the U.S. Supreme Court lifted a nationwide injunction on the trans military ban, allowing the Trump administration to immediately enforce Executive Order 14183, which bars enlistment and mandates expulsion of transgender service members regardless of performance. Plaintiffs in the lead case, Shilling v. United States, include Commander Emily Shilling, a decorated Navy pilot and aerospace engineer who became the first out transgender aviator cleared for tactical jet operations. The lawsuit, initially titled Shilling v. Trump, was renamed following the administrations motion to substitute the United States as the official defendant. Shilling addressed the renaming in her remarks: The case was originally Shilling v. Trump, and now its Shilling v. United States. I want to make it very clear: I am not against the United States. I serve because I love this country even when the courts get it wrong. US Naval Aviator Commander Emily Schilling speaks onstage at the Equality PAC Gala Washington DC June 2025 U.S. Naval Aviator Commander Emily Schilling speaks onstage at the Equality PAC Gala, Washington, D.C., June 2025 Christopher Wiggins for The Advocate Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shilling, who received a rousing standing ovation, delivered a forceful indictment of the policy and its political motivations. For the last six years this is the surprise part I have served openly as a transgender [person], she said. I lead SPARTA, an organization representing over 2,400 transgender service members and veterans. They serve under the sea, in the air, and on the front lines. Some cant even speak their truth aloud without risking their careers and still, they show up. When the new ban was announced in January, I took it personally not because I doubt who I am, but because it cast doubt on every trans soldier, every trans leader whos just trying to serve with honor, she continued. This ban does not make us stronger. It tells service members that their identity matters more than their performance, their sacrifice, or even their oath. Shilling likened the current climate to past moments of targeted persecution: Whether its immigrants, Black Americans, Jews, women, Muslims, gay, lesbians, and now transgender people each time, were framed as a threat to children and to society. Not because its true, but because fear is easier than telling the truth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From the House side, Jeffries reaffirmed his caucuss support. Let me be clear: House Democrats will always stand with the LGBTQ community including our transgender fellow Americans, he said. We all want to move the country forward. But there are extremists who want to turn back the clock and erase our progress, erase our history. He called out the Navys decision to remove Harvey Milks name as emblematic of that erasure. Keep your hands off the USNS Harvey Milk, he said. We will stand up for equality and freedom for the LGBTQ+ community. And when we take back the House, we will pass the Equality Act and make it the law of the land. Equality PAC gala Sarah McBride Washington DC June 2025 Sarah McBride speaks at Equality PAC gala jon fleming photography for Equality PAC For McBride, the night marked a full-circle moment. Tonight, I am proud to stand before you as an out, proud transgender woman and as a member of the United States House of Representatives, she said. McBride noted that she had attended the gala in years past first as a candidate, then as the Democratic nominee. Now she returned as a lawmaker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Right now, people like me are being used as political pawns by Donald Trump and the MAGA movement, she said. Some of my colleagues are trying to use me as a political pawn. But I refuse. She said that it takes two to tango and that she refuses to give detractors the attention they seek when they attack her publicly. With characteristic wit, she added, The good news is, trans people cant dance but we can fucking legislate. The room erupted in laughter and applause. She closed with an affirmation of trans visibility and competence: We get shit done. We know how to meet people where they are. We understand the art of change-making. And we belong we belong in the military, we belong in schools, in C suites, onstage, in state legislatures, and yes, we even belong in the halls of Congress. Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi speaks onstage at the Equality PAC Gala Washington DC June 2025 Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi speaks onstage at the Equality PAC gala jon fleming photography for Equality PAC Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, presenting the Nancy Pelosi Equality PAC Ally Award to Eugene Levy, also addressed the attacks on LGBTQ+ icons like Milk. This shameful, vindictive erasure of someone like Harvey Milk will never erase his achievement, Pelosi said. Dont talk to me about tolerance. Thats a condescending word. In San Francisco, its about respect. Its about love. Its about pride. She praised McBride, saying, Sarah doesnt just take their bait she shows them the way, with dignity and brilliance. Gay New York U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres, co-chair of Equality PAC, speaking to The Advocate earlier in the evening, framed the moment as historic and perilous. Were holding the Equality PAC Gala in the age of vicious and relentless scapegoating and demagoguery against the LGBTQ community, he said. Donald Trump is intent on creating a reign of terror that inhibits LGBTQ people from expressing their true selves. And our message to Donald Trump is: We refuse to be terrorized. Drag performers onstage at the Equality PAC Gala Washington DC June 2025 Drag performers onstage at the Equality PAC gala jon fleming photography for Equality PAC Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With more than 70 members of Congress in the room, including out Reps. Becca Balint, Emily Randall, Julie Johnson, Mark Takano (who's also a cofounder and cochair of Equality PAC), Chris Pappas, and Angie Craig, the gala was one of the most potent visual affirmations yet of Equality PACs growing political clout and of the Democratic Partys commitment to defending trans rights in the 2026 midterms and beyond. History does not bend on its own, Shilling reminded the crowd. It bends when we pull with everything weve got together. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) A preliminary injunction was issued Wednesday by a federal appeals court in a lawsuit filed by two yoga instructors over the city of San Diegos crackdown on donation-based yoga classes at public parks and beaches under its vendor laws. The decision by the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which reverses a lower courts partial dismissal of the case, blocks the city from enforcing the vendor law as it pertains to these longstanding classes while the case continues litigation. The ruling is a notable victory for the instructors, Steve Hubbard also known as NamaSteve and Amy Baack, who first sued the city in federal court last year, asserting the application of the vendor law to their classes infringed on their First Amendment right to free speech. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local LGBTQ+ community deals with vandalism amid Pride Month A district court judge had previously rebuffed this part of their claim, arguing the law does not regulate what they said, rather their conduct. In its opinion, a three-judge panel at the court of appeals disagreed with the lower courts conclusion, arguing that the lecturing about yoga philosophy and spirituality is indivisible from the exercise aspects of the practice. A person who teaches yoga is communicating and disseminating information about this philosophy and practice through speech and expressive movements, Judge Holly Thomas wrote for the panel in its opinion. Like vocational training classes, Hubbards and Baacks classes aim to impart a specific skill and communicate advice derived from specialized knowledge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The opinion adds the citys ordinance is clearly content-based in the way it was written, expressly allowing the teaching of some subjects like tai chi and Shakespeares plays at shoreline parks and beaches but not others. Given this interdependence, San Diego would have to have a compelling public interest to place narrow restrictions on activities like yoga in outdoor spaces something the appeals court judges did not appear convinced the city had demonstrated at this point in the case. These factors, Thomas said, makes Hubbard and Baacks constitutional challenge likely to prevail on the merits. Now, the case has been remanded back to the district court judge for further litigation. In a statement, a spokesperson for the city attorneys office said they were evaluating the decision and potential next steps. FOX 5/KUSI has also reached out to the Parks and Recreation Department for comment on the injunction and is awaiting response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ambulance rides in San Diego just got more expensive this is why The lawsuit is one of two the yoga instructors have filed since San Diego park rangers began ramping up enforcement of beachside yoga last year. Hubbard and Baack also filed a lawsuit in state court on similar grounds after their federal claim was partially dismissed. The crackdown at the center of the instructors lawsuits came after the city council voted to expand existing laws requiring permits for commercial vendors to use public spaces to encompass activities like the classes and luxury picnics. Hubbard and Baack received a number of citations from park rangers for violating this law as the city ratcheted up enforcement. One of these citations, Hubbard alleges, was given to him for teaching a class via YouTube from his backyard to people who were doing the exercises at a beach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the case continues, Hubbard says he plans to resume teaching beachside yoga classes as early as Thursday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. AUSTIN (KXAN) On Thursday morning, the city of Florence issued a boil water notice for the city due to a major water leak. The city did not say for how long the notice would be in effect. Due to the water leak, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has required all City of Florence Public Water Systems customers to boil water before use. The TCEQ said when under a boil water notice, Water for drinking or other human consumption should be boiled and cooled prior to use. The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whenever a boil water notice is issued, it indicates the water in the system may be unsafe for consumption or pose a health risk, according to TCEQs 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 KXAN Austin. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Project Prison Resets task force is recommending existing Department of Corrections facilities or the Worthing or Mitchell areas for new mens prison construction. Mitchell city leaders want the group to consider Davison County. City leaders from Mitchell said theyve already gathered support when it comes to listing Davison County as a possible location. DOC: Contraband attempt stopped at State Penitentiary Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The chamber and development corporations both passed resolutions separately to bring a prison to Mitchell. The county commission has supported a prison in Mitchell, Mitchell Chamber and Development CEO Mike Lauritsen said. The Mitchell City Council approved a resolution on Monday that expresses interest in having the facilities built in Davison County, citing the need to meet criminal justice system demands. Lauritsen hopes the citys efforts to inform the public about possible economic opportunities will set them apart from other potential sites. This would be huge for our community. Thats why weve done all of this work. We want it to go to Mitchell, Lauritsen said. I know theres been struggles in other communities, and I think thats the reason weve made these steps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proposed site is a couple miles south of town. Mitchell leaders said the location would have minimal impact on the community but would be close enough to offer rehabilitation resources to inmates. If you want to do rehab programs, weve got some of the best programs in the state right there, Mitchell Area Housing President Terry Sabers told the task force Tuesday. Dakota Wesleyan University is there. If you want more advanced programs, they are another three miles away. They also asked the task force to consider Mitchells secondary water system. Having that secured, our vision plan ten years ago was to have enough water for 130 years plus growth. So, we are really well situated there, Davison County Commissioner John Claggett said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were no final decisions made at yesterdays task force meeting, but it did serve as another opportunity for input and consideration. Wed like to have a prison in Mitchell, Lauritsen said. At Mitchells city council meeting Monday night, some residents expressed concerns about community safety and increased crime if prison facilities are built there. On Wednesday afternoon, the Mitchell Development Corporation announced it will hold three community forums to discuss the proposed site. The organization said in a news release a Mitchell Prison Task Force, made up of city and county officials, community leaders and representatives from the Governors office will hold the following forums: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tuesday, June 17th, 2025: In-person forum at Mitchell Technical College Auditorium, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 18th, 2025: Virtual forum at 7:00 p.m. (Access links will be available on the City and Development Corporation websites) Tuesday, June 24, 2025: Community Debate at Dakota Wesleyan University, 5:30 p.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) Panama Citys City Manager, Jonathan Hayes, has received a statewide honor for his work in Tallahassee. Floridas League of Cities has given him the Home Rule Hero Award. The Home Rule Hero Award goes to someone who effectively advocates for their city on issues concerning residents. Hayes lobbied lawmakers about three major bills. One involved the elimination of Community Redevelopment Agencies, or CRAs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another involved eliminating or reducing TDC bed tax revenues, and the third was the elimination of property taxes. Hayes says he was concerned about the effects these bills could have on Panama City. Theres always a question of, you know, what are the unintended consequences? So, you know, affecting the CRAs in a negative way, reducing the ability for us to market our state through our tourist development councils and some of those tourism efforts, and then elimination of property taxes, which really fund a lot of our operations here locally. Again, some of the basics of police, fire, and infrastructure, Panama City City Manager Johnathan Hayes said. Panama City commissioners instructed Hayes to write a letter to Senator Jay Trumbull and Representative Griff Griffitts, voicing their concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All three of the bills are still undecided, as the legislature is technically still in session until lawmakers pass a state budget. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) The City of Siloam Springs will host a stakeholder roundtable on Monday, June 9, at 2:30 p.m. at City Hall Board Room to discuss the citys Unified Development Code update. The public is invited to attend. A news release from the city states that feedback from residents has shaped what is in the UDC. Work on the UDC resumed after a short pause to review pending legislation from the Arkansas State Legislature. On May 20, city planning staff held a workshop with the Siloam Springs Board of Directors to provide an update on the codes progress Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The meeting will be livestreamed on the citys YouTube channel and on Cox Channel 245. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (Reuters) -Andy O'Brien, the global head of loan capital strategy at JPMorgan Chase, is set to retire at the end of 2025 after 40 years at the largest U.S. lender, according to an internal memo seen by Reuters on Tuesday. In his current role, O'Brien has been responsible for overseeing the lending portfolio across JPMorgan's global corporate and investment banking businesses. Over the years, O'Brien has held various leadership roles within JPMorgan, including as the global co-head of debt capital markets. "Andy has been pivotal in developing our world-leading debt franchise over the span of his remarkable career," Bregje de Best and James Roddy, co-heads of global corporate banking at J.P. Morgan said in the memo. Throughout his time at JPMorgan, O'Brien led several high-profile financings, including the $61 billion bridge loan to finance Verizon's 2013 acquisition of Vodafone's wireless unit. During the 2008 global financial crisis, O'Brien helped the U.S. government structure its rescue financing of insurer AIG. (Reporting by Arasu Kannagi Basil in Bengaluru and Nupur Anand in New York; Editing by Alan Barona) A St. Louis Metro Police car outside Carnahan Courthouse in downtown St. Louis (Clara Bates/Missouri Independent). A St. Louis civil rights law firm filed a lawsuit Thursday challenging the state takeover of the St. Louis police as unconstitutional. ArchCity Defenders filed the lawsuit in Cole County circuit court on behalf of two St. Louis city residents, Jamala Rogers and Mike Milton. The state and Attorney General Andrew Bailey are the defendants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit seeks to overturn provisions of a bill Gov. Mike Kehoe signed into law in March, which put the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department under a state board instead of local control. The law, reversing a statewide vote from 2012 that put the board under local control, was needed, supporters said, to address high crime rates. With Kehoes signature, St. Louis joined Kansas City as the only major metropolitan police force in the country under control of a state board rather than local officials. The plaintiffs argue the law violates two parts of the state constitution: the prohibition on unfunded state mandates and on special laws targeting a particular locality. The law will subject the city to an unfunded mandate that diverts resources away from needed programs to prevent crime, overturns the democratic vote of the people with no rational basis to believe it will help increase public safety, the lawsuit states, and will derail any progress that has been made in reducing the level of violence and improving law enforcement community relations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill established a floor for the police budget in St. Louis, setting a minimum portion of general revenue funds that must be used for police each year, rising to 25% in 2028. Previously, there was no minimum funding requirement for the St. Louis city police, according to the lawsuit. The lawsuit argues the city will need to either reallocate money from other programs and services or raise taxes. The two St. Louis city residents named as plaintiffs are activists who have advocated for policies to reduce poverty, prevent violence and increase community trust in law enforcement, according to the lawsuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those plaintiffs believe that the policies they are advocating for and the programs they implement will increase public safety, the lawsuit states, but that funding and support for those policies are now in jeopardy because of the state takeover law. The city charter also requires pay parity between police officers and firefighters and emergency medical personnel, meaning that if the state board increases police officers salaries, the city will be under the increased strain of matching those salaries. There will be even less funds available for the city to implement holistic, poverty-reducing programs that have a proven effect on increasing public safety in the region, the lawsuit states. Under the states Hancock Amendment, the state is forbidden from imposing unfunded mandates on local governments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The second component of the lawsuit argues the law is unconstitutional because it violates the prohibition against the legislature enacting certain local or special laws. It argues the law regulates the affairs of St. Louis when a general state law could be made applicable to it. The state has no rational basis for imposing minimum police department funding requirements only on the city of St. Louis and excluding other municipalities from those requirements, the lawsuit states. The plaintiffs ask the court to declare the state takeover provisions invalid under the constitution, and sever them from the rest of the wide-ranging crime bill in which they were passed. The bill restored the governing system that controlled the police department from 1861 until the 2012 vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill was passed despite the 2012 vote, and despite the Citys robust funding of the police department at the expense of other needs, and despite the falling crime rate in the city of St. Louis, the lawsuit states. The plaintiffs argue that the city has struggled to fund services like affordable housing and violence prevention services, which could reduce crime, while providing steady funding for the police department. The Board of Police Commissioners has six members the mayor of St. Louis and five people appointed by the governor and subject to state Senate confirmation. The bill passed on party-line votes in the House and Senate earlier this year, with Democrats opposed. Opponents argued it was racist because Black Democrats held the major offices in St. Louis at the time of passage and is unneeded because crime is decreasing. Senate Democrats filibustered the bill, winning additions of provisions banning the shackling of pregnant prisoners, establishing a fund for exonerated prisoners to receive restitution from the state and limiting what jails and prisons can charge inmates for phone calls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Critics point to statistics showing a drop in violent crime in St. Louis under local leadership. They say Kansas City has fared no better despite being under state control since the 1930s. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE According to a rumor that spread online in May 2025, Colorado lawmakers passed a law that prohibited referring to individuals by a gender and/or name they no longer identify with. The rumor appeared to originate from an outdated and exaggerated interpretation of the Kelly Loving Act, a real law passed in Colorado in May 2025. The Kelly Loving Act did not make it illegal to use names or genders that individuals no longer identify with. Rather, it clarified preexisting legislation that allowed plaintiffs to use those actions as evidence in civil discrimination cases. In practice, this means choosing not to use a person's chosen name or pronouns can be used as evidence of harassment in an anti-discrimination case involving employment, housing or places of public accommodation. It does not mean that the act of misgendering or deadnaming someone is in itself illegal. In late May 2025, a rumor spread online that Colorado lawmakers prohibited refusing to use a person's chosen name and pronouns in line with their gender identity. The claims spread on X and Facebook. Some of these claims specified that the law bans "misgendering" and "deadnaming" individuals in other words, referring to someone by a gender and/or name they no longer identify with. Colorado used to be Red......now..........it is a joke. 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 Kevin Sorbo (@ksorbs) May 18, 2025 However, these rumors appear to be spreading an outdated and exaggerated understanding of a legitimate law passed in Colorado on May 16, 2025, to clarify legal protections for transgender people. The bill, named the Kelly Loving Act after a transgender woman who was killed in an anti-LGBTQ+ mass shooting at a Colorado gay bar, underwent major revisions before it became law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An older version of the bill sought to specifically define misgendering and deadnaming as discriminatory acts under the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act, which prohibits discrimination in the workplace, housing and in places of public accommodation such as parks, businesses and libraries. However, both terms were taken out of the legislation. Instead, the law as it stands as of this writing states that refusing to use a person's chosen name or respect how a person chooses to be addressed can be used as evidence in a complaint under the state's anti-discrimination act. Here's what that means. Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act Before the Kelly Loving Act became law, the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act already prohibited discrimination on the basis of "gender identity" and "gender expression" due to a law passed in 2021. That bill defined gender expression as "an individual's way of reflecting and expressing the individual's gender to the outside world, typically demonstrated through appearance, dress, and behavior." It also defined gender identity as "an individual's innate sense of the individual's own gender, which may or may not correspond with the individual's sex assigned at birth." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kelly Loving Act sought to "further clarify that not utilizing an individual's chosen name is and can be used as evidence of discrimination in a gender expression discrimination case," said state Democratic Rep. Rebekah Stewart, a sponsor of the bill. It also added more details to what "gender expression" means under the law, such as "how a person chooses to be addressed." Some claims said that Colorado made it a "crime" to misgender or deadname someone. That is simply not true, as penalties for violating the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act are civil, not criminal any person who violates the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act can be fined $5,000 per plaintiff and/or other monetary damages, as of a 2025 amendment to the law. It is also worth noting that filing a complaint under the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act does not automatically mean an employer or accused party may be fined. For example, with employment cases, there must be "clear and convincing evidence that the defendant engaged in a discriminatory or unfair employment practice with malice or reckless indifference to the rights of the plaintiff," according to Page 39 of a 2024 version of the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act, which Angela Titus, senior publications editor at the Colorado General Assembly, provided to Snopes via email on June 5, 2025, alongside a disclaimer that the state's Office of Legislative Legal Services was, at the time of the email, still updating the statutes to reflect legislation passed in 2025. Different versions of the Kelly Loving Act Previous versions of the Kelly Loving Act specified inclusion of deadnaming and misgendering as acts of discrimination under the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, see the bill as introduced, which on Page 9 defined deadnaming as "purposefully, and with the intent to disregard the individual's gender identity or gender expression, refer[ring] to an individual by their birth name rather than their chosen name." Similarly, misgendering was defined on the same page as "purposefully, and with the intent to disregard the individual's gender identity or gender expression, refer[ring] to an individual using an honorific or pronoun that conflicts with the individual's gender identity or gender expression." The bill as introduced also said on Page 2 that it defined "deadnaming and misgendering as discriminatory acts in the 'Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act', and prohibit[ed] these discriminatory acts in places of public accommodation." In contrast, the bill as signed by the governor into law available on the bill page made no explicit mention of deadnaming or misgendering. Instead, it simply adds "chosen name" and other details to the definition of "gender expression," which, again, is already protected under the anti-discrimination act. See the relevant part of the bill, which is on Page 5, below, with the capitalized parts representing what the bill adds to the preexisting law: (3.5) "CHOSEN NAME" MEANS A NAME THAT AN INDIVIDUAL REQUESTS TO BE KNOWN AS IN CONNECTION TO THE INDIVIDUAL'S DISABILITY, RACE, CREED, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY, GENDER EXPRESSION, MARITAL STATUS, FAMILIAL STATUS, NATIONAL ORIGIN, OR ANCESTRY, SO LONG AS THE NAME DOES NOT CONTAIN OFFENSIVE LANGUAGE AND THE INDIVIDUAL IS NOT REQUESTING THE NAME FOR FRIVOLOUS PURPOSES. (9) "Gender expression" means an individual's way of reflecting and expressing the individual's gender to the outside world, typically demonstrated through appearance, dress, and behavior, CHOSEN NAME, AND HOW THE INDIVIDUAL CHOOSES TO BE ADDRESSED. It is worth noting that repeated misgendering and deadnaming have already been used as evidence in successful anti-discrimination federal court cases. See, for example, a landmark 2015 case known as Lusardi v. Department of the Army, which found that the Army discriminated against a transgender woman, Tamara Lusardi, on the basis of sex in violation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. One of the pieces of evidence used in the case was the repeated use of her birth name and male pronouns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thus, the Colorado bill does not outright prohibit people from using a name or pronoun at odds with a person's gender expression it simply strengthens preexisting anti-discrimination law in the state. In practice, this means that choosing not to use a person's chosen name or pronouns can be used as evidence of harassment in an anti-discrimination case involving employment, housing or places of public accommodation. It does not mean that the act of misgendering or deadnaming someone is in itself illegal. Sources: "2023 Colorado Revised Statutes :: Title 24 - GOVERNMENT - STATE ( 24-1-101 24-116-102) :: PRINCIPAL DEPARTMENTS ( 24-30-101 24-36-306) :: Article 34 - DEPARTMENT of REGULATORY AGENCIES ( 24-34-101 24-34-1008) :: Part 6 - DISCRIMINATION in PLACES of PUBLIC ACCOMMODATION ( 24-34-601 24-34-605) :: Section 24-34-601 - [Effective until 8/7/2024] Discrimination in Places of Public Accommodation - Definition." Justia Law, law.justia.com/codes/colorado/title-24/principal-departments/article-34/part-6/section-24-34-601/. Accessed 3 June 2025. "2024 Colorado Revised Statutes - Title 24, Article 34." Box.com, coleg.app.box.com/s/pobh4jrben4m9y0u7h5oubcbctz4ujmh. Accessed 10 June 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ENGROSSED a BILL for an ACT CONCERNING LEGAL PROTECTIONS for TRANSGENDER INDIVIDUALS. leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2025A/bills/2025a_1312_eng.pdf. Accessed 3 June 2025. Gallagher, Sean, et al. The Practitioner's Guide to COLORADO EMPLOYMENT LAW SECOND EDITION VOLUMES 1 & 2 the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act a Chapter in the Practitioner's Guide to Colorado Employment Law. www.rmlawyers.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/04-Employment-Chap-4-Class-Materials.pdf. Accessed 3 June 2025. Garcia, Lorena, et al. A BILL for an ACT 101 CONCERNING LEGAL PROTECTIONS for TRANSGENDER INDIVIDUALS. leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2025A/bills/2025a_1312_01.pdf. Accessed 3 June 2025. ---. "HOUSE BILL 25-1312." Https://Leg.colorado.gov, 16 May 2025, leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/2025a_1312_signed.pdf. Accessed 3 June 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Gender Identity Expression Anti-Discrimination | Colorado General Assembly." Leg.colorado.gov, leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb21-1108. Accessed 3 June 2025. "Home | Colorado Civil Rights Division." Ccrd.colorado.gov, ccrd.colorado.gov/. Accessed 3 June 2025. "Legal Protections for Transgender Individuals | Colorado General Assembly." Colorado.gov, Colorado General Assembly, leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb25-1312. Accessed 3 June 2025. Pham, Xoai. "Groundbreaking EEOC Ruling Finds the Army Discriminated against Transgender Employee by Denying Bathroom Access, Pronouns - Transgender Law Center." Transgender Law Center, 8 Apr. 2015, transgenderlawcenter.org/groundbreaking-eeoc-ruling-finds-the-army-discriminated-against-transgender-employee-by-denying-bathroom-access-pronouns/. Accessed 3 June 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Powell, Laurel. "HRC Mourns Kelly Loving, 'Loving Friend & Caring Person,' Killed in Club Q Shooting." Human Rights Campaign, 29 Nov. 2022, www.hrc.org/news/hrc-mourns-kelly-loving-loving-friend-caring-person-killed-in-club-q-shooting. Accessed 3 June 2025. Soper, Matt, et al. HOUSE BILL 24-1124. leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/2024a_1124_signed.pdf. Accessed 3 June 2025. Zokaie, Yara, et al. HOUSE BILL 25-1239 . 22 May 2025, leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/2025a_1239_signed.pdf. Accessed 3 June 2025. Updates: June 10, 2025: This story was updated with a copy of the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act updated as of 2024, which Snopes requested from the Colorado General Assembly on May 6, 2025, and received June 5, 2025. The News President Donald Trump and Elon Musks messy breakup could have long-term ramifications for the Republican Partys congressional primaries as well as the Trump administrations ties to Musks companies and his allies. Still, senior Republicans are confident it wont disrupt the Republican Partys central focus this summer: Trumps tax and spending megabill. Were a long ways down the trail and we know what we have to do, said Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., on Thursday afternoon. Weve got to get this done. Weve got to deliver. Theres always a lot of noise out there around it. And weve just got to keep our heads down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After building from a simmer over the past week, Musks feud with Trump spilled out into the open on Thursday as Musk continued to tweak the presidents signature legislation for raising the deficit. When Trump said hes disappointed with his onetime advisers public attack on his bill, Musk redoubled attacks on the legislation. Then, the entire relationship collapsed in public Thursday afternoon. It was a remarkably quick flip for the Musk-Trump bond, spurred on by Musks relentless multi-day public attack on Trumps megabill. But the tension had been building, and some insiders say the groundwork for the breakup had been laid for quite some time. Ultimately, Thursdays combustion was a culmination of Musks frustration with how the US government operates combined with months of mini-rifts over how the billionaire businessman operated, according to conversations over the last several weeks with administration officials and people close to the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone who paid close attention to the H1B controversy back in December could have seen this coming, one person close to the White House told Semafor. Elons implosion and the collapse of the relationship were entirely predictable. Musk, this person pointed out, has pissed off a ton of people. Internally, his antics got really old coupled with the fact that Trump himself has privately mused about Musks failure to deliver on his promise to cut $1 trillion from the government. A person close to Trump, meanwhile, jokingly compared the spat to the movie classic Clash of the Titans. (Trump is Perseus, emerging victorious at the end.) Elon did great things for the government, super appreciative of the work he did, Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, told Semafor. I align myself with America and the leader of this country is President Trump. And to most people all of this is a distraction from the core message, which is: We have a really strong bill. After days of silence from Trump, designed intentionally by the White House, he was finally asked about Musks attacks during an Oval Office meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By Trump standards, the response was relatively tame: Trump lamented the attacks, said Musk was annoyed that the administration had taken away electric vehicle tax credits which would have benefited Tesla, and that he wasnt sure whether they would continue to have a good relationship. Musk then fired off a flurry of posts on X pushing back, at one point declaring that without him, the president would have lost the election and he was ungrateful. Trump, on Truth Social, said Musk was wearing thin and that hed been asked to leave the White House. He continued on to suggest an easy way to save money would be to terminate Elons Governmental Subsidies and Contracts. If the eventual result was foreseen among people close to Trump, the speed and vitriol of the now-public spat still surprised some inside the administration. Many had hoped this would remain a one-sided argument and Trump would ignore Musks attacks. Instead, aides were left scrambling when Musk began firing off tweets accusing the president of being involved with disgraced financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. And Trump allies like Steve Bannon, long a Musk adversary, called for the administration to investigate Musks immigration status and deport him from the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is an unfortunate episode from Elon, who is unhappy with the One Big Beautiful Bill because it does not include the policies he wanted, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said. The President is focused on passing this historic piece of legislation and making our country great again. Know More Trump was surprised when Musk began publicly tweeting his opposition to the big, beautiful bill earlier this week. But top officials were reluctant to give the attacks oxygen. And until Trump was asked directly about the growing drama on Thursday, hed steered clear of engaging with his onetime close friend. The White House took pains to send Musk off last month on a positive note, holding a press conference in the Oval Office with Trump on his last day and heaping praise on his efforts at DOGE. Part of that, multiple people inside and around the administration say, was because officials recognized Musks growing frustration with the bureaucracy he encountered while working as a special government employee. Trumps stature in the GOP is certainly not at risk; many Republicans only aligned themselves with Musk because he was part of the administration and had Trumps favor. Trump is still the kingmaker in the partys primaries and far more of an influence in the Capitol compared to Musk, whose influence peaked with his DOGE cuts which had the backing of the president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musks attacks on Trumps massive tax cuts, health care and spending bill had animated some concerns about the debt, but Republicans brushed off the idea it could derail the bill. Thune and other GOP leaders declined to weigh into the feud when asked about the row. Thune said Ive got nothing for you on that one and Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., said shed just let them fight it out. Notably, Musk swept up Thune and Speaker Mike Johnson in addition to Trump, needling them over their past debt concerns. If theres a political threat by the break-up, it could play out in Republican primaries if Musk is really serious about opposing Republicans who vote for the bill. He could spend money or create a super PAC and focus on competitive House and Senate primaries to topple incumbents, although thats a long way away. Still Trumps ugly break has had implications for Capitol Hill. Musk ally Jared Isaacman was removed from his nomination to lead NASA, which several Republican aides said was more about his ties to Musk than past donations to Democrats. One person familiar with the nomination said the Democratic donations were litigated during the confirmation process, yet it was listed by the White House as a reason for Isaacmans removal over the weekend. Shelby and Burgess view The administration tried to contain the fallout between Musk and Trump and preserve their alliance, to no avail. Perhaps only a mutual agreement to lock away their phones can end the row captivating the nations capital and Internet all at once. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its unlikely Musks push against Trumps legislative agenda will derail it entirely. But its a distraction the administration tried to avoid. Ultimately, Musk pushed Trump over the edge. The next things to look out for: How much this breakup impacts actual policy. Will the cost-cutting effort DOGE survive? Will Musk go through with his threat to decommission SpaceXs Dragon spacecraft? And will the two be at odds next spring when GOP congressional primaries take place? Notable PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Oregon patrons of a California-founded grocer are accusing the company of deceptive pricing. On Tuesday, Oregon Consumer Justice Law and other legal partners filed a class action lawsuit against Grocery Outlet on customers who believe they have paid the same price or more for items that were advertised as discounted when compared to competitors. Filed in Multnomah County Circuit Court, the complaint alleges the grocery chain has violated the Unlawful Trade Practices Act with its elsewhere pricing model. The three Oregonians listed as plaintiffs have shopped at Grocery Outlet within the past year and saw this deceptive pricing at locations in Salem, King City and North Portlands St. Johns neighborhood in mid-May, according to the lawsuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Defendants claim this model particularly helps its customers who are at risk for food insecurity, which would include those who receive food subsidies and whom most need to stretch their dollars to feed families in need, the complaint reads, referring to Grocery Outlets bulk purchases of overrun, closeout, or expiring products. In reality, defendants collectively conspire to sell these opportunistic and substandard groceries to Oregon consumers through the illegal use of fictitious reference prices, which Defendants vaguely refer to as elsewhere, attorneys said. Court documents show receipts of purchases that were advertised as having elsewhere pricing, despite the fact that the product isnt sold anywhere else in the state. Oregon law establishes that this competitive pricing practice should be used for other companies in the geographic market area. Other purchases were sold by competitors in the area, but attorneys said Grocery Outlet failed to identify which one. The suit also alleges one plaintiff purchased oat milk for $3.19, with its elsewhere price listed at $4.99, although Fred Meyer offered the same product for $1.99. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Oregon Consumer Justice Law, more than 100,000 customers statewide could be eligible for the class action lawsuit. KOIN 6 has reached out to the grocery chain for comment. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Even as climate change and nature loss become more acute, societys ability to mount a coordinated response seems to be in rapid retreat. Geopolitical divides, trade wars, major U.S. policy shifts, and concerns over the costs and impacts of possible solutions are throwing sustainability momentum into reverse. As members of the Council on Sustainability Transformation convened by Environmental Resources Management (ERM), we believe this situation calls for a reassessment of private and public sector sustainability approaches to ensure they support continued progress and help maintain competitiveness in this increasingly messy world. Its important to recognize the complexity of this challenge, especially given that companies and countries that scale back sustainability efforts may realize short-term benefits that elude those that stay the courseeven though decisions emphasizing short-term benefits may increase long-term business risk. Rather than wishing difficulties away, businesses and governments need to ask themselves tough questions as they rethink sustainability approaches, including: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Is the sprawling sustainability agenda developed over the last few decades helpful and workable, or a hindrance to effective responses? What kind of radical prioritization of issues may be required? What are the right trade-offs for companies and countries when confronted with concurrent and urgent geopolitical, economic, societal, and sustainability challenges? What are the main obstacles to creating robust alliances that improve sustainability outcomes with minimal trade-offs? Focus on the existential battles Given the global threats to climate and nature, as well as the commercial and societal risks associated with them, corporate action should prioritize these two areas. When your house is on fire, the focus is clear: Get everybody out and extinguish the blaze. The same principle should guide companies, investors, and policymakers. While for some companies and industries topics like human rights in the supply chain and worker safety will be on a short list of material issues, climate change and biodiversity loss present immediate, potentially irreversible global risks, necessitating urgent action by all kinds of institutions everywhere. Emphasizing climate and nature does not mean neglecting social aspects. On the contrary, reversing global warming and nature loss are essential to mitigating their enormous potential societal consequences, such as negative health or economic outcomes, which would disproportionately affect already vulnerable communities and workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Less undivided attention is also the best way to unlock sustainabilitys value-creation potential, from cost savings and the development of revenue-generating products to creating new markets. Significant and enduring corporate contributions to combating climate change and nature loss will only come from commercially viable solutions and innovations. The current sustainability agenda compels companies to invest in topics that are not as urgent or universal as the ongoing climate and nature crisis in terms of their worldwide impacts and relevance to every business. Push hardest where sustainability overlaps other priorities Sustainability competes with other priorities in both private and public sector decision-making. Additionally, the level of sustainability effort governments expect from companies varies dramatically, with Europe having set the highest bar. Today, companies and governments worry that strict European standards have contributed to an erosion of the regions competitiveness. This has led to a push to simplify existing sustainability policies, such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). Simply making trade-offs between geopolitical, economic, societal, and sustainability issues is not enoughits crucial to minimize them as well. One way to do this is to find areas of overlap, where actions in one area positively address at least some of the others. For example, renewable energy and energy efficiency, combined with widespread electrification, can improve energy independence and shield countries and industries from the kind of geopolitical blackmail made possible by overreliance on fossil fuel imports, as Europe learned when the Russian invasion of Ukraine cast dependence on Russian natural gas in harsh new light. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement National and regional policies focused on low-carbon energy, efficiency, and electrificationlike solar, electric vehicles, and smart gridsalso create new markets and jobs. Todays tariff wars and resulting supply chain uncertainty open new opportunities to apply sustainability solutions to other pressing challenges. For example, circular production methods can reduce environmental impacts and make supply chains less vulnerable to foreign interference. The situation and responses will be different for each sector and company. Companies should find where geopolitical, economic, societal, and sustainability priorities align, then choose actions that address sustainability and other issues simultaneously and contribute to resilience and competitiveness. Additionally, governments should support areas of cross-strategic value financially, through market reforms, and by protecting them against unsustainable and unfair competition. Policymakers should also acknowledge where sustainability policies go too far for the current geopolitical context and threaten their industries or societies. For example, Europes timeline for e-mobility and its quotas for sustainable aviation are proving too ambitious for European carmakers and airlines to implement and have hurt their global competitiveness. The steep fines companies face when they cant live up to those policy goals erode competitiveness further. Contrary to what policymakers hope to achieve, such policies also undermine public support for the low-carbon energy transition. To build and keep momentum, governments need to revise counterproductive sustainability policies. Build stronger collaborations and defend hard-won ground The slogan United we stand, divided we fall is relevant here. As actors facing myriad sustainability challenges with short- and long-term impacts, companies can benefit from helping to start and maintain innovative, solution-oriented collaborations between businesses, investors, and governments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Governments and regions that want to continue fighting for the ambitions agreed upon in the Paris Agreement and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework should align policies and practices and form alliances of the willing. They should also lower barriers to fair trade and open their markets. While others build walls and deny the need for cooperation, alliances can show that free trade and deep collaboration are essential to overcoming the threats posed by climate change and nature loss. Companies and industries also need to cooperate much more closely and determinedly than previously to be effective collaboration catalysts. They should not give in to short-term temptation to retreat like members of some financial net-zero alliances have recently, or fail to form a united front when it counts, like in response to whipsawing U.S. tariffs and trade policy. It is also true that some ambitious collaborations have run into antitrust regulations aimed at avoiding corporate collusion. While effective collaborations on sustainability and supply chain resilience can be pre-competitive, they too often get ensnared in antitrust rules. To accelerate needed cooperation on sustainability, policymakers should allow industries more leeway to work together and shield them from unreasonable allegations. Prioritize and advance While sustainability is under pressure, continued progress is possible and imperative. This requires focusing investment and action on climate and nature, plus the narrow set of social issues that are truly material to each organization, finding sustainability solutions that address other pressing topics, and clearing the path for deeper collaboration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When times are difficult, it is critical to show ways to address the most material geopolitical, economic, societal, and sustainability issues at the same time. Radical prioritization is the necessary path forward for business, society, and the planet. Mark Cutifani is the former CEO of Anglo American. Johannes Teyssen is the former CEO of E.ON. The opinions expressed in Fortune.com commentary pieces are solely the views of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of Fortune. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com The states police oversight agency will make its case at a closed-door hearing beginning Thursday for why one of the former Stoughton Police officers involved in the Sandra Birchmore case should never again work in law enforcement in Massachusetts. Robert Devine, the former Stoughton deputy police chief, is among a trio of former Stoughton officers, along with brothers Matthew and William Farwell, accused of having inappropriate sexual relationships with Birchmore after she joined their police youth program as a teenager. Devine is fighting efforts from the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission, or POST, to revoke his certification for police work, a requirement for all officers employed in the commonwealth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beginning Thursday, his case will play out in secret at the commission office in Boston after a retired judge presiding over the hearing ruled last week that protective orders covering sensitive evidence necessitated closing proceedings to the public and press. Some open government advocates criticized the decision for restricting access to a hearing of significant public interest. The commission was created in 2020, after the killing of George Floyd by a Minnesota police officer, to increase transparency and accountability in law enforcement, said Justin Silverman, executive director of the New England First Amendment Coalition.Youve got this horrible case thats going to be heard behind closed doors, he said. That strikes me as out of step with why the commission was created. The Birchmore case took a sharp turn last year when federal authorities charged Mathew Farwell with killing Birchmore in February 2021 and staging her death as a suicide. He had hoped to prevent her from revealing their relationship, which authorities said began when she was underage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A state medical examiner had previously ruled that Birchmore killed herself, a determination federal officials said missed key signs of a cover-up. According to prosecutors, Birchmore had told Farwell she was pregnant with his child before her death at age 23. Farwell denied to investigators that he was the father. Neither his brother William nor Devine faces criminal charges connected to the case, though all three are named in a wrongful death lawsuit brought by Birchmores aunt. Devines hearing centers on claims that he abused his position of authority, lied to internal investigators and behaved in a manner unbecoming of a police officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Birchmore met the Farwell brothers and Devine, who supervised them, after joining the Stoughton Police Explorers Program as a 12-year-old in 2010. She remained in the program until graduating high school. According to federal prosecutors, Matthew Farwell began sexually exploiting Birchmore in 2013, when he was 27 and she was 15, under the age of consent in Massachusetts. Their sexual encounters continued regularly as she grew older and sometimes occurred while he was on duty, investigators said. According to charging documents, as Farwell began to lose control of Birchmore in late 2020, he agreed to help her get pregnant in return for keeping their relationship while she was underage a secret. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Feb. 1, 2021, prosecutors say, Farwell strangled Birchmore at her apartment in Canton and staged her death as a suicide. The Stoughton Police Department launched an internal investigation after Birchmores death into her interactions with the Farwell brothers and Devine. When interviewed by investigators, Devine claimed that he had never communicated online with Birchmore and that the pair had only limited interactions, according to a notice from the POST Commission initiating the decertification proceedings. But records from Facebook Messenger showed Devine and Birchmore exchanged messages on multiple occasions, he using the alias Marty Riggs, from November 2020 until her death in February 2021, the commission said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their messages also indicated that Devine arranged to have a sexual encounter with Birchmore during one shift he was working in December 2021, according to the commission. The internal investigation by the Stoughton Police found Devine had been untruthful, incompetent and failed to demonstrate attention and devotion to his duty. In a ruling Friday, Judge Kenneth J. Fishman, who is presiding over the hearing, said protective orders covering evidence related to the case meant the proceedings must be kept confidential. There are four protective orders dealing with the Birchmore case: one approved by a federal judge dealing with Matthew Farwells criminal case, one from Attorney General Andrea Campbells office related to the lawsuit brought by Birchmores family, and two from Fishman regarding Devines case with the POST Commission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Massachusetts requested the protective order in the Farwell case to prevent the release of information it believed could expose Birchmore or witnesses to significant safety and/or privacy risks. Among the information covered under the protective order, the government said in a September court filing, were crime scene and autopsy photographs of Birchmores body, data from her phone and laptop from which it would be impractical or impossible to redact all identifying information, Birchmores medical records and police reports identifying witnesses by name. Fishmans order closing Devines hearing to the public said protective orders were in place to protect confidential evidence and the identity of an individual. Many of the materials and information would be discussed throughout the hearing, Fishman wrote. Understanding that at least some portion of the hearing must be closed, the judge said he considered the feasibility of structuring the presentation of evidence to enable an efficient proceeding between the closed and, if any, open portions of the hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorneys for the commission and Devine advised Fishman that the entire session would be interspersed with discussions of confidential information. Its unlikely that any testimony regarding the substance of the allegations would cover topics outside of the protected evidence, commission lawyers said. Fishman concluded that there was no reasonable method for opening any portions of this hearing to the public without a substantial risk of disclosing confidential evidence, he wrote. Commission hearings are presumptively public, but can be closed if the presiding officer determines that full or limited closure is necessary to protect privacy interests and will not be contrary to the public interest, a commission spokesperson said in a statement to MassLive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The commission pointed to five other cases where hearings had been closed, including cases when it was needed to protect the identity of a victim of sexual or violent crimes, the spokesperson said. Both Farwell brothers and Devine left the department in 2022. The brothers each reached agreements with the commission last year to be stripped of their certifications, a move that carries a lifetime ban from police work in Massachusetts. Like other officers whose certifications have been revoked, they were added to a national registry of decertified police officers designed to prevent them from finding police work in other states. Recent POST Commission stories Read the original article on MassLive. CHICAGO Cook County jurors returned a verdict Thursday evening in the murder trial of Crosetti Brand, finding the 39-year-old guilty on all counts. Brand was convicted of stabbing 11-year-old Jayden Perkins to death in front of his pregnant mother, Laterria Smith. Perkins family was quiet in the courtroom as the jury foreman read each guilty count, but they cheered and hugged as soon as they walked out the door. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im feeling good justice has been done. Thats all we wanted was justice. We got it, so we happy about it, Titus Washington, Smiths uncle, said. We have our good days, we have our bad days because we think about [Jayden]. We think about Jayden all the time. Jury deliberations lasted less than 90 minutes after both prosecutors and the defense presented their closing arguments over the past two days. Jurors listened to more than three hours of closing arguments, which caused Smith and loved ones to step out as heartbreaking details were shared. Crosetti Brand The 39-year-old was also convicted of attacking his ex-girlfriend, Smith, who was pregnant at the time. Prosecutors now say Smith was three months along when the incident occurred. Brand was also charged with stabbing Smiths 11-year-old son, Jayden Perkins, to death. After weeks of testimony from witnesses, Brand took the stand on Monday, testifying in his own defense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Man accused of attacking ex-girlfriend and killing her 11-year-old son testifies in court During his testimony, Brand who represented himself told the court he and Smith got into an argument that turned physical when Smith allegedly grabbed two knives. Brand claims that while Perkins tried to help his mom, she accidentally stabbed the boy instead of stabbing Brand. The attack happened last year on March 13 inside Smiths Edgewater apartment. [Perkins was] murdered while he was defending his family. His mother was also a victim where she was stabbed 15 times, but she was probably more victimized knowing her child had just been killed, Cook County States Attorney Eileen ONeill Burke said. A framed image of Jayden Perkins, 11, can be seen at a memorial honoring him following his death in Chicago on Wednesday, March 13. (Credit: WGN) Prosecutors argued that Brand was out of prison for just one day and wasnt supposed to be in contact with Smith because of an active order of protection. Attorneys say at 6:17 p.m., minutes after his release, Brand called Smith multiple times from a blocked number. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors also laid out a timeline of the events. At 9:39 p.m., the state claims Brand ordered an Uber to Smiths Edgewater apartment complex, arriving at 10:10 p.m. and waiting until the next morning to break into Smiths apartment and allegedly stab her and her son. Prosecutors said evidence, including text messages, indicated that Brand intended to kill Smith. After the attack, they say the defendant took the Red Line from the North Side to the South Side. Once he got to 47th Street, prosecutors said he got in touch with his mom, asking her to bring him a change of clothing and throwing the former ones in a recycling bin. Brand maintained that the act was self-defense. The jury, however, did not believe his argument and found him guilty on all counts, including first-degree murder, attempted murder and domestic battery. A few weeks ago, Smith shared her side of the story, saying Brand forced his way into the home, stabbing her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Brand faced 17 charges, including first-degree murder and domestic battery. He is due back in court on June 30. The case led to the resignations of two members of the Illinois Prisoner Review Board and the appointment of a new executive director. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HONOLULU (KHON2) The U.S. Coast Guard, along with partner agencies, are searching for a missing 21-year-old woman off Oahus coast. Khilye Hamadani was last seen at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on the night of June 2. The Honolulu Fire Department was able to trace Hamadanis cell phone to Spitting Cave, and found her bag near China Walls on the morning of June 3. New jail funding faces community pushback Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Coast Guard responded with a search crew the afternoon her bag was found, and found two white platform sneakers drifting almost two miles off Waialae Beach Park, matching the description of Hamadanis outfit. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You So far, Coast Guard crews have searched for a combined 40 hours and searched for approximately 660 square miles. HFD and Honolulu Ocean Safety are also involved in the search for the woman. Anyone with information that may assist in search efforts are urged to contact the Coast Guard on VHF-FM channel 16 or by calling the command center at (808) 842-2600. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Coast Guard Gunner's Mate Frank DeVita crawled over the bodies of the dead who lay in the blood and puke covering the deck of the Higgins boat on Omaha Beach to save the landing craft during the first wave of D-Day landings on June 6, 1944. DeVita's main job as part of the landing craft's crew was to raise and lower the front ramp on orders of the coxswain, or boat driver, to allow more than 30 troops from the 1st Infantry Division, the "Big Red One," to storm ashore, but the German MG-42 machine guns took their toll. In oral histories and in a Coast Guard interview, DeVita, of Brooklyn, New York, spoke of the numbing fear that the boat crews had to overcome on D-Day, the beginning of the Allied invasion of France that became a turning point in the war against Nazi Germany during World War II. Friday marks the 81st anniversary of the massive military operation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read Next: Air Force Special Operations Command Names New Enlisted Leader as Predecessor Faces Investigation As soon as DeVita lowered the boat's ramp, "about 15 or 16 GIs died immediately" from the German fire, he said. "The first guy who got hit -- ripped his stomach open. Another guy two feet away was hit in the head, took his helmet off." Now, the coxswain was screaming at him to get the ramp back up to allow the boat to back off the beach, but the ramp was stuck. "I didn't know what to do. The ramp was in the front and I'm in the back. I can't see it from where I am because of the dead and wounded in front of me. I had to crawl over them to get to the ramp. And while I'm crawling, I'm crying. I'm saying to these kids, 'I'm sorry, please excuse me. I have no other alternative,'" DeVita said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When I got closer, I realized that two dead soldiers were on the ramp, holding it down. They never got off the boat. I tried lifting them up, but I couldn't. I weighed 125 pounds. Another guy came to help and, inch by inch, we pulled them into the boat," he said. DeVita then tried to comfort one of the wounded. "He was crying 'help me, help me,' but I had nothing in my kit to help him." He started reciting the Lord's Prayer but never finished. "I knew he was gonna die," DeVita said. "I wanted him to know that he was not alone, and I reached down and touched his hand. And he died; he died." His boat returned to the beach 14 more times to deliver troops and supplies after the initial landing in the first-wave assault. DeVita also noted that on trips to the attack transport USS Samuel Chase his boat had brought back a total of 308 bodies of U.S. troops who had been killed in action. The role played by DeVita and the other Coast Guard personnel who crewed the Higgins boats was critical to the success of the D-Day landings in gaining a foothold in France to begin the liberation of Europe from the Nazis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gen. Dwight Eisenhower, the supreme Allied commander, often paid tribute to the Coasties and the Higgins boats by referring to Andrew Jackson Higgins, the New Orleans industrialist and designer of the Higgins boats, as "the man who won the war for us." The expertise of the Higgins crews was such that many of the Coasties, including DeVita, were transferred to the Pacific after the Nazi surrender and participated in the landings on Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Coast Guardsmen manned 99 warships and large landing vessels for Operation Neptune, the naval component of D-Day involving more than 6,900 ships and landing craft, including about 1,500 Higgins boats, according to a piece on the Coast Guard website titled "The U.S. Coast Guard at Normandy." A total of 18 Coast Guardsmen were killed and 38 were wounded in the course of the fighting on D-Day. The flat-bottom Higgins boat itself was slightly more than 36 feet in length with a beam of just under 11 feet and was powered by a 225-horsepower Gray Marine 6-71 diesel engine at a maximum speed of 12 knots in calm seas. The sides and rear of the landing craft were made of plywood and offered little protection against enemy fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vulnerability of the Higgins boats was not lost on Harold Schultze, who was the coxswain of a boat operating off the transport USS Bayfield on D-Day with the task of putting troops ashore on Utah Beach. "The German fire was extremely heavy," Schultze told the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal in 2019. "As the driver, I would try to get to the beach and the bullets were hitting all around you, the ramp and everywhere. It was hard watching those young men drop off into the water. They had over 50-pound backpacks and were trying to hold their rifles over their heads all while being under heavy fire. Often, they couldn't get their footing, and many of them drowned before even getting to the beach. These were some of the bravest men I have ever seen." The hardest part of his repeated trips to the beach on D-Day, Schultze said, was removing "the dog tags off of the dead soldiers floating in the water. That got to me. You eventually became numb to the sights and had to carry on, but you could never forget." Related: What Ike Remembered When Returning to the Beaches of Normandy 20 Years After D-Day ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) Code compliance found a homeless camp at a dilapidated Abilene business last year. The camp was found at a business on the 3300 block of S 1st Street in November when the City went to serve a code compliance warrant at the business due to lack of maintenance to the building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement City officials cleared out the homeless camp in November 2024 and boarded up the building, but the homeless returned by February and moved inside. In a meeting this week, Board of Building Standards members gave the business owner 30 days to submit a plan to either work on restoring the building or demolish it. The building will be ordered to demolition if no plan is submitted. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Scott Olson / Getty Images Kleenex owner Kimberly-Clark said Thursday it will create a joint venture and give Suzano a majority stake in its international Kleenex business Key Takeaways Kimberly-Clark said Thursday that it agreed to create a new venture with Brazilian paper products firm Suzano. Suzano will own a 51% stake in the company's international tissue and paper products business, while Kimberly-Clark owns the remaining 49%. The Kleenex and Huggies parent said earlier this year it was looking to focus on higher growth businesses with higher profit margins. Kimberly-Clark (KMB) on Thursday announced a partnership with Brazilian pulp and paper producer Suzano (SUZ) to split ownership of Kimberly-Clark's international tissue and paper products business. The parent company of Cottonelle toilet paper and Huggies diapers said Thursday it will own a 49% stake in the business, which Kimberly-Clark named its "International Family Care and Professional" (IFP) segment in a restructuring effort earlier this year, with Suzano owning the majority 51% stake. The international tissue business Kimberly-Clark is offering up generated about $3.3 billion in sales in 2024, the company said, valuing it currently at about $3.4 billion. The IFP segment has more than 40 regional brands that the new venture will own the rights to, while five global brands like Kleenex and Scott's paper towels will be licensed to the venture, excluding Kimberly-Clark's operations in Mexico and South Korea. CEO Says Kimberly-Clark Is Focusing on 'Higher Growth, Higher Margin Businesses' "Following years of deliberate investments that have strengthened Kimberly-Clark and IFP, we are excited to expand our partnership with Suzano and focus Kimberly-Clark's portfolio on our higher growth, higher margin businesses," Kimberly-Clark CEO Mike Hsu said. Suzano will later have the chance to potentially buy out Kimberly-Clark's 49% stake "at certain specified times and subject to certain conditions," the companies said. The deal announced Thursday is expected to close by the middle of next year. Kimberly-Clark's first quarter profits had topped estimates while sales fell short. When the company reported its results in April, it also lowered its full-year profit forecasts to account for the potential impact of tariffs. Shares of Kimberly-Clark were down about 2% in early trading Thursday, while Suzano's U.S.-listed shares jumped 5%. Read the original article on Investopedia MUNCY, LYCOMING COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) Police say a local coffee shop had over $2,500 stolen from them. According to police, Wagging Tail Coffee Co. in Muncy was broken into and burgled early Monday morning. Over 8,400 fentanyl pills, guns seized in drug bust Police say around 2:30 a.m., an unknown actor broke into the coffee shop and stole a total of $2,514.34 worth of cash. This is an active investigation. Anyone with information is urged to contact PSP Montoursville at 570-368-5700. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NEED TO KNOW 20-year-old Brady Larson had to miss his college graduation while he's being treated at the Mayo Clinic That same day, hospital staffers decided to throw him an impromptu graduation celebration in a hospital hallway Larson earned a degree in agricultural business from South Dakotas Mitchell Institute of Technology Medical staff rallied to surprise a college senior after he was forced to miss his graduation from South Dakotas Mitchell Institute of Technology. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time of his graduation last month, Brady Larson, a 20-year-old patient at the Mayo Clinic, was preparing to undergo a stem cell transplant from his 15-year-old sister, Brooklyn, to treat his severe aplastic anemia. Since he had to miss the actual ceremony, hospital staffers in Minnesota decided to organize an impromptu graduation ceremony for the same day, standing shoulder-to-shoulder in a hallway and cheering for Larson. The graduate wore a white lab coat over his grey college sweatshirt and carried a sparkly decorative 2025 graduation cap complete with a gold streamer for a tassel as Pomp and Circumstance played. Afterward, everyone enjoyed cupcakes with green frosting in a nod to Larsons school color. 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. He hadnt eaten a lot in the days before, so I was thrilled to see him eat two cupcakes, Larson's mom Roxann told the Mitchell Daily Republic. Mayo Clinic Brady Larson and his family. Brady Larson and his family. The graduate earned a degree in agricultural business, according to a statement from the Mayo Clinic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It wasnt a traditional way to celebrate, but it did make me feel special, Larson told the Mitchell Daily Republic. I missed being able to graduate with my friends, but it was really meaningful to me that they did this. Read the original article on People A Northern Illinois University student was arrested Tuesday after authorities said he admitted to using artificial intelligence to create deepfake child sexual abuse material of female students, most of whom he went to high school with. There was one from when I was 15. Im almost 20 years old now, one victim told Chicago station WGN-TV. The victims adolescent photo was one of many images that 19-year-old Michael Erickson allegedly used to produce realistic-looking images with the help of AI, according to the outlet. Police say most of the victims had been Ericksons classmates and were between 13 and 17 years old at the time the photos were taken. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Erickson was charged this week with 21 felony counts related to child sex abuse material, including production of child pornography, disseminating child pornography and possession of child pornography,according to a press release shared with HuffPost. A lawyer listed in Ericksons records did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Ericksons arrest stemmed from a tip Batavia police received in April from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, according to a charging document obtained by HuffPost. A month later, DeKalb County Sheriffs Office deputies searched Ericksons dorm room at Northern Illinois University to find 20,000 images of suspected child sexual abuse material. A spokesperson for Northern Illinois University told ABC affiliate WLS-TV that the student no longer lives in campus housing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputies noted that several photos of one victim on Ericksons devices had been uploaded to Telegram, a messaging platform, according to the document. Users in the Telegram chat paid Erickson to have that victims clothing removed in the images. In total, Erickson disseminated more than 35 deep fake images of that victim to others online, including on Snapchat, police said. That victim told police she was 17 years old at the time her photo was taken, and that she had graduated from high school with Erickson. Deputies went on to list several more victims who attended high school with Erickson, the youngest being 13 at the time her photo was taken. Erickson allegedly disseminated thousands of images of child sex abuse material including both photos and videos since at least the end of February to March. According to a Snapchat conversation from March 3 cited in the document, Erickson told a prospective buyer that he charged cheap prices, which he listed as 10$ for 10 pics 5$ for 5 and 20$ for 20. When asked by another user why he made so many images, Erickson responded, to sell them to boys. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Erickson was granted pretrial release Tuesday and ordered not to have any contact with minors or access to the internet, WGN-TV reports. He is due in court on July 17. Related... Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute students recently earned first place in the 2025 North Carolina Space Grant High-Altitude Ballooning Competition. The team achieved the highest overall score by excelling in project reports, technical presentations, payload development, flight performance, and recovery. Students from a variety of CCC&TIs programs participated in the months-long competition, combining knowledge from electronics, computer science, physics, biology, and other fields to build and launch their own high-altitude balloon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The team successfully launched a custom-built payload that reached an altitude of 87,550 feet, or 16.5 miles above earth, capturing environmental data and near-space imagery. The team consisted of, Ralph Anderson (Biology Payload), Ebbon Cook (3D Printing and Modeling), Marina Herrera (Telemetry, Outreach, and Secretary), Thomas Manning (Team Captain, payload and outreach), Elijah Nash (Biology and Payload) Ronald Perez Cardenas (Microcontrollers), Alex Vandivier (Outreach), Lex Phillips (Programming), Catori Wilkie (Outreach), and Cameron Williams (Payload design and layout). In addition to meeting the competitions required payload specifications, the team also developed and flew an individual payload designed in-house. Students were responsible for submitting multiple technical reports, delivering mission design presentations, and defending their decisions to a technical advisor throughout the fall and spring semesters. Following the flight, the team tracked the payload to the upper branches of a tree estimated to be between 75 and 100 feet tall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CCC&TI has participated in the North Carolina Space Grant High-Altitude Ballooning Competition every year since 2022. For more information about the project, CCC&TI programs of study or other information, visit www.cccti.edu or call 828-726-2200 (Caldwell) and 828-297-3811 (Watauga). By Brad Brooks and Joseph Ax (Reuters) -The man accused of fire-bombing a Colorado march by people who wanted to raise awareness of hostages in Gaza was charged in state court on Thursday with attempted murder and other crimes, as those he targeted vowed to carry on their efforts. If he is convicted, state prosecutors said Egyptian citizen Mohamed Soliman, 45, faces well over 600 years in prison for 28 attempted murder charges. There were 118 counts against him in total, including assault, use of incendiary devices and animal cruelty for the injury of a dog. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soliman also faces federal hate crimes charges that carry a life sentence if he is convicted. He is scheduled to appear in federal court on Friday. Soliman wore orange prison clothing at Thursday's state hearing in a courtroom inside the Boulder County jail. He appeared behind thick glass, and his hands and feet were shackled. Judge Nancy Woodruff Salomone asked if he could hear her and if he agreed to his next court date, set for July 15. Soliman nodded affirmatively in response to both questions and made no other comments or gestures. He was not asked to enter a plea. Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty said three victims from Sunday's attack remained in the hospital. Prosecutors said there were 15 victims in total, ranging in age from 25 to 88, in the attack, of whom 10 had injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Boulder public defender's office, listed in court documents as representing Soliman, did not respond to a request for comment. Prosecutors say that Soliman tossed Molotov cocktails and yelled "Free Palestine" at people taking part in the walk organized by Run for Their Lives, an organization devoted to drawing attention to the hostages seized during Hamas' 2023 attack on Israel. Soliman entered the U.S. on a tourist visa in 2022 and recently lived in Colorado Springs. Federal officials say he overstayed that tourist visa and his work permit had expired, so he was in the country illegally. His family, including his wife, two teenagers and three younger children, was taken into custody on Tuesday and may be deported, though a federal judge on Wednesday blocked their immediate removal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attack was the latest act of violence aimed at Jewish Americans amid Israel's escalating military offensive in Gaza. It followed the fatal shooting of two Israeli Embassy aides outside Washington's Capital Jewish Museum last month. WALK ON Run for Their Lives global coordinator Shira Weiss said the Boulder attack had stunned her organization, which has 230 chapters around the globe and says it is apolitical. "This is so sad that we were trying to do something positive and something good, and this horrible thing happened," she said. Following the attack, Weiss asked local chapters to pause their weekly walks, but overwhelmingly heard that people wanted to carry on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About 80% of chapters will hold their scheduled walks this weekend including in Boulder on Sunday. That will coincide with the city's 30th annual Jewish festival, which organizers said would go on with heightened security measures and a focus on Run for Their Lives. Weiss has received 20 inquiries about starting new chapters since the attack in Boulder, and has also seen an increase in the number of people wanting to walk with existing groups. Maya Bajayo, organizer for the Denver chapter of Run for Their Lives, said she expects all 50 members of her group to join the Boulder chapter on its Sunday walk. (Reporting by Brad Brooks in Kansas and Joseph Ax in New York; Editing by Stephen Coates and Cynthia Osterman) June 4 (UPI) -- The U.S. Department of Education is threatening Columbia University's accreditation because the agency said the New York private school violated Title IX by not cracking down on harassment of Jewish students. The federal department on Wednesday notified the nonprofit and private Middle States Commission on Higher Education that Columbia is in violation of federal antidiscrimination laws and fails to meet the standards for accreditation set by the commission. On May 22, the Education Department's Office for Civil Rights and the Department of Health and Human Services' Office for Civil Rights "determined that Columbia University acted with deliberate indifference toward the harassment of Jewish students, thereby violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The act prohibits recipients of federal funding from discriminating on the basis of race, color or national origin. "Specifically, OCR and HHS OCR found that Columbia failed to meaningfully protect Jewish students against severe and pervasive harassment on Columbia's campus and consequently denied these students' equal access to educational opportunities to which they are entitled under the law," the release Wednesday said. Students attend the Columbia University commencement ceremony in Manhattan, New York City, on May 21, 2025. Pool photo by Jeenah Moon In a statement posted on its website: "Columbia is aware of the concerns raised by the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights today to our accreditor, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and we have addressed those concerns directly with Middle States. Columbia is deeply committed to combatting antisemitism on our campus. We take this issue seriously and are continuing to work with the federal government to address it." Under federal law, private accreditors are required to notify any member institution about a federal noncompliance finding and establish a plan to come into compliance. An accreditor must take appropriate action against a member institution if they remain noncompliant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In light of OCR's determination, Columbia University no longer appears to meet the Commission's accreditation standards," the Education Department said. On Feb. 3, OCR initiated a directed investigation of Columbia University on the harassment. When an institution does not meet accreditation standards, it may be placed on probation or issued a warning, according to the Middle States Commission. Rawan Abbasi, assistant director for communications for the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, told NBCNews the accreditor is "aware of the press release issued today by the United States Department of Education (USDE) regarding Columbia University and can confirm that we received a letter regarding this matter this afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March, the Trump administration paused $400 million in federal funding, including for medical and scientific research, at Columbia. In May, the school said it had agreed to the administration's demands regarding the harassment of Jewish students. The school said it was forced cut 180 staffers whose jobs were funded by the federal grants. Despite the Trump administration's actions, students protested the war like last year's encampments. On May 7, two Columbia University Public Safety officers were injured after 100 pro-Palestinian protesters forced their way into the campus' library in "actions that are outrageous," the university president said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About 22.8% of Columbia's 6,578 undergraduate students, or 1,500, are Jewish, according to Hillel International. Jewish graduate school enrollment is 15.9% of the 22,000 total. "After Hamas' October 7, 2023, terror attack on Israel, Columbia University's leadership acted with deliberate indifference towards the harassment of Jewish students on its campus," Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said in the news release. "This is not only immoral, but also unlawful. Accreditors have an enormous public responsibility as gatekeepers of federal student aid. "They determine which institutions are eligible for federal student loans and Pell Grants. Just as the Department of Education has an obligation to uphold federal antidiscrimination law, university accreditors have an obligation to ensure member institutions abide by their standards. The war in the Middle East began when Hamas invaded Israel, killing more than 1,200 people and taking hundreds more hostage. Israel retaliated on the Gaza Strip, and more than 54,000 Palestinians have died, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McMahan said she looked forward to the "Commission keeping the Department fully informed of actions taken to ensure Columbia's compliance with accreditation standards, including compliance with federal civil rights laws." President Donald Trump signed an executive order in April, called Reforming Accreditation to Strengthen Higher Education, that the department "has an obligation to promptly provide accreditors with any noncompliance findings related to member institutions." Other universities have told to comply school policy changes or risk losing federal funding after they were accused of tolerating antisemitism on campus or other violations. On May 29, a federal judge blocked the Trump administration from its attempt to deny Harvard University's ability to admit international students. The Trump administration has paused $2.2 billion in funding and canceled remaining contracts for the school in Cambridge, Mass., after the private school rejected demands, including changes to its hiring practices and policies regarding "viewpoint diversity" on campus. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Members of Columbus City Council held a public hearing Wednesday to discuss the proposed capital bond package set to go before voters in November. Every three years, the city asks voters to approve a bond package, and this one is the largest in Columbus history, nearing $2 billion. The bonds $1.9 billion would be spread over five different areas: affordable housing, public service, recreation and parks, public utilities, and safety. Councilmember Nick Bankston said Wednesdays session was just the beginning of a lengthy process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bonds are basically the way it gives us the authority to borrow money to be able to make capital investments, he said. The Columbus Department of Finance said $500 million would go towards public utilities and affordable housing, while $400 million would go to public service, $250 million to recreation and parks, and safety, health, and infrastructure. I think what is historic in this bond package is the clause around affordable housing, asking voters for $500 million to make those significant investments in housing, Bankston said. Bankston knows affordable housing is so critical right now as the city continues to grow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents who are low income or moderate income are feeling the pain the most, he said. This is our third time going to voters around housing and each year, those asks have gotten larger because the need is there, but every time, this community has stepped up and said that housing is the top priority. Resident Resources Network Executive Director Shon Burch knows the need for affordable housing. Her nonprofit works to connect people to services that can keep them in stable housing. When those residents arent being connected to those resources, when they ultimately reach that point of being evicted, homelessness is where they find themselves, Burch said. They arent going to have the ability to really just easily pick themselves up and walk back into another housing situation when they have an eviction on their record. Bankston wants residents to know that the city wont raise property taxes with this measure. On Monday, city council is expected to consider a resolution to move the proposed bond package forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more information about the bond package and how it works, check out the citys website by clicking here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) The Columbus Police Department is searching for a teenager who was last seen on Tuesday. Carmen Gilmore, 16, was last seen in the 120 block of Engineer Drive on June 3, 2025. Her last know clothing description included black Crocs and eye glasses. Anyone with information about Gilmore individual or her whereabouts, is asked to contact 911, the CPD Special Victims Unit at 706-225-3449, or the lead investigator, Sgt. Christy Edenfield at 706-225-4344. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Last June, during an annual security conference in East Asia, then-Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin underscored that the United States was not seeking conflict with China. Maintaining a consistent dialogue with Beijing, he hinted, was just as vital to effective deterrence as ensuring the U.S. military was fully equipped and prepared. Fast-forward a year later and the message from Washington is far different. Unlike his predecessor, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth name-dropped China in his speech to the same security conference multiple times, as if to shame the Asian superpower for running roughshod over the so-called rules-based international order. China, Hegseth warned, was trying to become a hegemon in Asia, where it could dominate its neighbors, exploit the South China Seas vast natural resources and coerce other countries into accepting Beijings demands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Hegseths words, It has to be clear to all that Beijing is credibly preparing to potentially use military force to alter the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific. An invasion of Taiwan, he added, could be imminent. If this all sounds scary, thats because it is. His comments raise the rhetorical gamesmanship to a level U.S. officials werent comfortable with in the past. The Biden administration was no slouch on China policy, but it still didnt want to inflame things unnecessarily. The Pentagon, for instance, repeatedly emphasized that while Chinas military drills around Taiwan were aggressive and designed to wear down the islands will to resist, a conflict in the Taiwan Strait was neither imminent nor inevitable. In other words, there was still an opportunity to defuse any tensions before they exploded into a war that could drag the United States in, kill tens of thousands of people and throw a heavy wrench into the global economy. The Trump administration, however, has deployed noticeably sharper words during its first four months. Although the fundamentals of its wider policy in East Asia mimic the Biden administrations own reinforcing U.S. alliances; engaging in regular freedom of navigation exercises with Japan and the Philippines; and stressing the utility of preserving the status quo in the Taiwan Strait Trumps advisers arent afraid of poking Beijing in the eye. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If managing the systemic rivalry with Beijing was a core component of Washingtons overall strategy throughout Bidens four years, it increasingly looks like the guardrails that were put in place to prevent miscalculations are now eroding. Even so, does the Trump administration have a point? Is a conflict over Taiwan imminent as Hegseth suggests? And how real is the risk of China becoming Asias hegemon? First, we should acknowledge that China is a threat in certain respects, particularly to its neighbors who have competing jurisdictional claims. The Peoples Liberation Army, or PLA, is arguably the strongest military in the region today, a consequence of Chinese President Xi Jinpings long-standing policy of pouring money into its coffers to fund a large-scale modernization campaign. China spent $314 billion on defense in 2024, a 7% increase from the year prior and a whopping 59% increase from a decade ago. The PLA boasts the largest ballistic missile arsenal in Asia and continues to invest in hypersonic missiles, which are difficult for conventional air defenses to intercept. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The PLA is also throwing out the old rulebook that used to govern affairs in East Asia. As I mentioned last week, the median line that once served as an unofficial boundary separating Chinese and Taiwanese airspace is now imaginary as the Chinese air force flies closer to the self-ruled island to test Taiwans defenses and wear down morale. Yet the United States would be wise to refrain from overestimating Chinas military capability and underestimating the capability of its allies like Japan, the Philippines, South Korea and Australia all of whom have an even greater interest in preventing Chinese hegemony in Asia than Washington does. China is its own worst enemy in this regard: The more it presses its territorial claims, the more incentive its neighbors have to balance Beijing. For the most part, this is exactly what Chinas neighbors are doing. Japan is the most obvious case study. Traditionally a pacifist country that kept to an artificially low defense budget relative to its wealth, Japan has spent the last three years adding resources to its so-called Self-Defense Forces and buying American weapons off the shelf. Tokyos latest national security strategy, unveiled in 2022, was a sea-change in how Japan typically talks about its security environment. In that document, China was called out for challenging the international order, partnering with Russia in its war against Ukraine and trying to change the regions status quo by force. Japans defense budget is set to double by 2027, and with more resources comes a greater capability to preserve the balance of power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Philippines is another example. While the country cant possibly compete with China in conventional terms, the Philippine government under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has effectively given up on rapprochement with Beijing and thrown in its lot with Washington. Chinas incessant clashes with Philippine forces in the South China Sea have served as a wake-up call to a country whose previous administration under Rodrigo Duterte (who is now in custody at the Hague for war crimes) drifted into the Chinese camp and took a more suspicious view of U.S. intentions. Today, Manila is not only buttressing its navy and coast guard but also increasingly partnering with countries like Japan and Australia who have a similar threat perception about China. In short, Asias middle-powers arent standing still. Chinese coercion is bringing them together. And ultimately, this is more important for stability in this area of the world than whatever the United States chooses to do. ____ Daniel DePetris is a fellow at Defense Priorities and a foreign affairs columnist for the Chicago Tribune. ___ A commercial development at Interstate 65 and Ind. 47 got the go-ahead this week, and completion of its anchor building is expected next year. The development is planned to include applied technical services providers, retail establishments, a restaurant, a gas station, and housing, said Jake Merritt of Merritt Contracting. Merritt Contracting is the developer and anchor tenant for the 47 Commons planned unit development, PUD. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A PUD is an encapsulated geographic area, 190 acres in this case, set aside for mixed zoning classifications. 47 Commons sits on land that was previously zoned for agricultural use at the southeast corner of I-65 and Ind. 47. Boone County Commissioners approved the PUD Monday after months of negotiations between Merritt and the Boone County Area Plan Commission. Jake Merritts father, Tom Merritt, founded the Lebanon company in 1995. Dad started with a Kuboda tractor, grading residential lots and picking up rocks, Jake said. Today, Merritt Construction moves dirt, lays pipe, and prepares sites for large developments and constructs pre-engineered buildings, such as Steel Green Manufacturings new facility at 820 S. Ind. 39, Lebanon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We employ 150 people, and were pretty proud of that, Jake said. The company became employee owned in January. Were really excited. A lot of our folks live in Boone County, and get to share in the growth and success of the company. Merritt is moving to a new, larger building to position for growth associated with the LEAP Lebanon Research and Innovation District under development by the Indiana Economic Development Commission. LEAP will encompass as many as 10,000 acres of formerly agricultural and residential land in Boone County. More than 700 new housing units were slated to be built at Ind. 39 and County Road 300 N., in part to serve those who will work in the LEAP district. And fast-paced commercial and residential growth are forecast for Boone County. 47 Commons will be divided into two sections that are set apart by a land buffer with a creek and tree line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The back section, away from Ind. 47, will house Merritt and plans are in the works for a ready mix concrete company and other ancillary companies nearby. Merritt consumes tons of concrete and works hand-in-hand with other service providers. Jake defines applied technical services as jobs done with your hands. Technical work is more like an art. The trades are an art and a service business. 47 Commons will provide a place for local businesses who want to be a part of, and participate in, the growing Boone County economy, Jake said. Merritt began looking for land to expand five years ago, but LEAP drove up land prices and makes it hard for Boone County people to compete, he said, adding, Theres more than enough to go around for everybody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The second phase of 47 Commons will be the retail and residential area in front of the landscape buffer and along Ind. 47. The Merritts hope to attract a daycare facility there as well. Theres a huge need for that in Boone County, Jake said. Boone County Commissioners unanimously approved the PUD. Commissioner Don Lawson said the project is a way for the county to control some growth outside of the LEAP Lebanon district and to provide opportunities for local companies and residents. The project will strengthen the local tax base and job market while cultivating grassroots business growth, the Boone County Economic Development Corp. said in a prepared statement. This project will elevate Boone Countys competitive edge while fostering new opportunities for businesses and families alike, Boone EDC CEO Andrea Kern said via the statement. The Boone EDC estimates that 47 Commons will add 85 jobs to the local economy and result in a total economic investment of between $170 million and $200 million. US-based Lucky Energy Drinks has secured a six-figure investment from private equity firm InvestBev. Richard Laver, CEO and chairman of Lucky Energy Drinks, said InvestBev's "credibility, experience, and strategic insight will be instrumental" as the Texas-based firm seeks to grow, In a statement, InvestBev said the investment fits its plan to expand into fast-growing non-alcoholic categories in response to evolving consumer demand. InvestBev founder and chairman Brian Rosen said Lucky Energys product, brand identity and mission align with where the global drinker is headed. He said: Add to that a seasoned leadership team with decades of industry experience, and it became a very easy decision for us to get behind them." The Chicago-based investor, with over 60 brands in its portfolio, has traditionally invested in the spirits sector. With the industry experiencing a slowdown in the US, particularly in Bourbon sales, InvestBev is exploring other avenues for growth. Despite these industry challenges, InvestBev continues to put its funds to work, and remains upbeat about the opportunities to invest across the US drinks industry. We are continuing to invest. We are bullish. This is a time if you look at whether its a UK recession, an EU recession, a US recession, or any of the above struggling in any way from a geopolitical standpoint to go to the fire, Rosen told Just Drinks on the GlobalData Consumer podcast on 15 May. https://open.spotify.com/episode/6qrwky9RwltSGKxYO9hcNf?si=PjIXZT_DRGizVytBOERdSQ The investment from InvestBev follows Lucky Energy's over-subscribed Series A1 round in March, which helped the firm raise $14.2m. The funding round was led by venture capital firm Maveron and saw the participation of DMG Ventures, a VC fund backed by UK media group Daily Mail and General Trust. Lucky Energy offers a range of flavoured sugar-free energy drinks including Son of a Peach, Orange Drizzle, Red Ryder Punch, and Bodacious Berry. This embedded content is not available in your region. The company, formerly known as Lucky F*ck, had received $4m in seed funding from Imaginary Ventures in December 2023. Established in 2023 by Richard Laver, Lucky Energy's products are on sale in 10,000 outlets. Retail stockists include 7-Eleven and Circle K. It has a target of taking listings to 15,000 this year, with new customers including Kroger, Albertsons and Ahold Delhaize. "Lucky Energy Drinks secures investment from InvestBev" was originally created and published by Just Drinks, a GlobalData owned brand. The door to the old Supreme Court Chamber at the Montana Capitol. (Micah Drew/Daily Montanan) A newly formed political committee is beginning a campaign to enshrine nonpartisan judicial elections in the state constitution, after a multitude of efforts by the Montana Legislature to attach party labels to judges failed. Pepper Peterson, the political director for Montanans for Fair and Impartial Judges, said the goal of putting a constitutional initiative to voters in 2026 came after watching the repeated rebuffing of those actions during the session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think the people of Montana can see the system here is fair, Peterson told the Daily Montanan. This is a common sense idea to have in our state constitution. Anything else is just raw partisanship, and I dont think most Montanans are on that train. Throughout the 2025 session, legislators introduced more than a half-dozen bills aimed at allowing, or requiring, judicial candidates to declare a party label, a stated goal of Republican leaders in the Legislature and Gov. Greg Gianforte, who argue that the judicial branch is nonpartisan in name only. One bill passed House Bill 39, which allows political parties to donate to judicial candidates but a majority failed to gain traction in at least one chamber. Five separate bills attempted to allow, or require, judges to run under a partisan label. Some bills would have only applied to the Montana Supreme Court, others would have included any judicial candidate, including district and municipal judges, and justices of the peace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers who supported those measures said that allowing candidates to align with a political party would bring transparency to the process and help educate voters. While a majority of lawmakers didnt seem to have an appetite for changing the system, it was a point of discussion all the way until the final day, with Gianfortes office considering adding the partisan judicial issue into an amendment of a spending bill. Despite the thwarted attempts to alter the judicial selection process, Republican leaders in the Senate said they had laid a foundation for future reform. I think that judicial reform is critical, continuously. Its important for our judges to have accountability. Its important for preventative transparency, and what we did this session helps start that process, said Senate Majority Leader Tom McGillvray, R-Billings, during a press conference at the end of the session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Peterson said seeing lawmakers pushing partisan judicial elections get slapped down over and over and over again set the stage for bringing the issue to the ballot box. Thats what we anticipate the people to do as well. Were going to put this in the Constitution, and were going to stop this, he said. The people are going to have to send this message very loud and very clear so that lawmakers know this is what Montanans want. Peterson is working with Ted Dick, a former executive director of the Montana Democratic Party more than a decade ago, on the ballot issue the same team behind the successful ballot initiatives in 2020 designed to legalize adult use of recreational marijuana. Peterson said their experience on that campaign, as well as his decades of political work in the state on issues from coal mining to gun rights, make them the right group to bring forward the ballot initiative, despite not working on judicial issues during the session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My career has been nonpartisan activism for the rights of citizens. I consider myself a civil rights activist over anything, whether thats the rights of the 2nd amendment, 1st amendment, 4th amendment, Peterson said. I can get signatures and get this issue across the finish line Its a complicated process, theres only a few people who are experts, and were some of them. To get the issue onto the ballot as a constitutional initiative in 2026, the committee must collect valid signatures representing 10% of votes cast for governor in the last election stateside, as well as 10% in at least 40 legislative districts. If the issue makes it onto the ballot, a simple majority of votes will enshrine it as a part of the state constitution. Two new laws passed by the Legislature make changes to the process for gathering signatures for ballot initiatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Bill 226, sponsored by Sen. Mike Cuffe, R-Eureka, requires signatures be submitted incrementally, rather than by a single deadline. House Bill 201, by Rep. Braxton Mitchell, R-Columbia Falls, mandates that a paid signature gatherer must verbally disclose their first name, state where they legally reside, and position as a paid gatherer to anyone they approach. They must also wear a nametag with that information. Peterson said the committee intends to have thousands of conversations during the early stages of building out their campaign with lobbyists, special interest groups, and most importantly, citizens. Polling done on this issue shows overwhelming support from Montanans for nonpartisan elections, Peterson said. I dont think its our uphill battle to fight at all I think its an uphill battle for the other side to convince people the system we have in place is flawed. Early this week, another round of heavy rainfall impacted the region within a 24-hour period. On Tuesday, June 3, St. Joseph recorded 1.25 inches of rain, while Kansas City International Airport received 2.53 inches. Multiple flash flood warnings were issued Tuesday by the National Weather Service, primarily in the Kansas City metro area. Flash flooding occurs when heavy or excessive rainfall happens in a short amount of time, often leading to rapid and dangerous conditionsparticularly in urban areas. Scott Watson, a senior service hydrologist for the National Weather Service in Kansas City, explained why urbanized areas are more vulnerable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Certain areas of Kansas City, you can see streams in those highly urbanized areas rise to flood stage within an hour, an hour and a half once the heavy rain starts, Watson said. In contrast, river flooding is typically a long-term event involving the overflow of water onto normally dry land, often following prolonged rainfall or snowmelt. Certain areas within the region are especially prone to flooding, including lowlands along the Missouri River and other local waterways. One of the most flood prone areas (in Northwest Missouri) would be along the 102 River at Rosendale, which is in Andrew County. That town frequently gets cut off by floodwaters, its built in the floodplains. Watson said. He also described the frequent disruption river flooding can cause in that area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Going back and looking at the data over the past 50 years or so, its probably roughly 30 times the towns been cut off, where not necessarily houses are being flooded, but people cant drive in and out of town. Both types of flooding can pose a risk to life, and its something you should be aware of. Over half of flood related deaths in the U.S. occur in vehicles. Only one foot of swiftly moving water can sweep most cars off the road. If you encounter a flooded roadway, remember turn around, dont drown! NANTICOKE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) Luzerne County Community College (LCCC) is launching a new career and technology academy thanks to a $1,000,000 state grant and private donations. The program hopes to open doors for high school students at area career and technical centers, giving them a chance to earn college credit, while training for high-demand fields like welding, HVAC, and early childhood education. Leaders say its about breaking down old barriers and giving kids who may have been discouraged from college a chance at success. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PA State Attorney General warns residents of new text scam We can attract those students, the universe of over 2,000 students that have been told for decades theyre not college material, that was wrong. They are indeed college material, and we want to make sure that they know that they are welcome here at Luzerne County Community College, LCCC President John Yudichak said. LCCC says the academy will also help grow the workforce and ensure our regions youth have access to the tools and resources they need to thrive in todays competitive job market. They say they expect to have more than 100 students by the fall semester. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The Erie ambassador program seeks to teach Erie residents how to be civic leaders in our community. On Wednesday, the next group of leaders were celebrated at the Erie Club on Peach Street, after finishing up a ten-week course with the Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership. The goal of the program is really to not only grow civic leaders but inform them and give them direction so that they can be catalysts in our region for growth, for philanthropy and for civic leadership in general, said Brandon Mendoza, Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership President. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Erie leaders discuss CRIZ at annual Knowledge Breakfast The 10-week course gives the ambassadors a behind-the-scenes look at some of Eries assets, such as the Warner Theatre, Erie Land Lighthouse and other businesses around the area. After the course, graduates are expected to embody their ambassador title and become diplomats for the work taking place to make Erie a thriving community. Twenty-five new ambassadors graduated at the Erie Club, and although they all took the same course, everyone got something different out of the program. Annual Erie Ambassadors program sheds light on local projects Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We got to see all the behind-the-scenes, a little bit more than maybe what the average person gets to see, so we can now go to our communities and talk about whats great about Erie, said Grant Filbeck, ambassador program graduate. We all have become very good friends that have gone through this program, and I think thats important to be able to network with other businesses and each other, said Debbie Swift, another ambassador program graduate. As some people find it tough to live in Erie sometimes, Filbeck and Swift say theres more to the area that some may not see. People always go, Oh, dreary Erie. We have this little cliche, but its not dreary, its far from dreary, said Swift. EDP, Flagship City District announce downtown summer events Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres so many opportunities. Youre never going to get a place with a beautiful lake, a beautiful downtown, and so many amenities, different parks, forests, things to do, said Filbeck. After the ceremony, graduates were invited to put their ambassador skills to the test at a reception with some regional chamber board members. If you want to learn more about the Erie Ambassador Program, you can head to the Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnerships website here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com. MOUNT OLIVE, Ky. (FOX 56) Officials in Robertson County have attempted to remove a sheriff from his position after he avoided jail time in 2023 and 2024 for alleged drunk driving. Sheriff Terry Gray had entered a plea after a disagreement outside a school in December 2023 and was accused of drunkenly driving a farm tractor in August 2024. He reportedly entered Alford pleas in each case, meaning he believed there was enough evidence to likely convince a jury or judge to find him guilty, but he was not admitting to any criminal act. Somerset man indicted by ATF for alleged meth distribution Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court documents show that the judge submitted conditionally discharged sentences in both cases, letting Gray avoid serving jail time. He was required to complete an inpatient rehab for alcohol, pay fines and court costs, and have no new offenses for two years. Fiscal Court meeting minutes obtained on June 5 by FOX 56 News show that a motion had been filed to have a letter drafted by the county attorney to remove Gray from his position regarding being charged with two driving under the influences in nine months. The special meeting itinerary indicates that the motion was unanimously passed, but a question remains as to whether or not the letter was ever sent to Gov. Andy Beshear. The minutes also show that a motion was filed to draft a letter asking for the sheriffs vehicle to be returned to the fiscal court upon Grays suspension. On Thursday, during a Team Kentucky update, FOX 56 News asked Gov. Beshear about the case and if he would consider pursuing Grays removal following a tip of a scene allegedly being caused by Sheriff Gray inside of the Robertson County Courthouse. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont know of any recent incident, and Ill certainly take a look at anything the fiscal court sends me, Beshear responded. Any letter a fiscal court sends to me, especially with concerns about public safety, is something Ill take a real close look at. Beshear said that if Gray committed an offense within two years of entering an Alford plea in two cases, he would have to serve those two sentences. Dustin Massengill and Payden Hinkle contributed to this story. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. Sen. Shane Reeves, R-Murfreesboro, received a $1 million grant from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development to start a business which has since received a tax rebate from the state. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout) Thirteen of Tennessees 33 senators declared a conflict of interest before voting on a $1.9 billion business tax break in 2024, including one whose companies reaped the benefits of the cut and a prior state grant. Two years before winning the seat in 2018, Republican Sen. Shane Reeves of Murfreesboro received a million-dollar FastTrack grant from the state Department of Economic and Community Development when he opened TwelveStone Health Partners in Rutherford County in 2016. The company invested nearly $15 million to create 200 jobs for the packaged medication, healthcare services and medication equipment company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A pharmacist by trade, Reeves started the business after he and his former business partner, Rick Sain, sold Reeves-Sain Drugstore and EnTrustRx, a specialty pharmacy business, to Freds Inc. for $66 million. TwelveStone has expanded several times over nine years, opening infusion centers in multiple locations, including Virginia and Georgia. Senators declaring a conflict of interest with tax rebate bill: Paul Bailey, R-Sparta Ferrell Haile, R-Gallatin Joey Hensley, R-Hohenwald Jack Johnson, R-Franklin Adam Lowe, R-Calhoun Jon Lundberg, R-Bristol (no longer in office) Bill Powers, R-Clarksville Kerry Roberts, R-Springfield Paul Rose, R-Covington John Stevens, R-Huntingdon Page Walley, R-Savannah Bo Watson, R-Hixson Dawn White, R-Murfreesboro Ken Yager, R-Kingston Nearly a decade later, TwelveStone Health Partners and affiliates TwelveStone Holdings and TwelveStone Medical Inc. are three of 16,000 Tennessee businesses receiving a franchise tax refund of more than $10,000 after Republican lawmakers pushed the measure backed by Gov. Bill Lee through the legislature last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reeves told the Lookout this week that TwelveStone met all requirements for receiving the 2016 grant and now employs nearly 300 people. Asked whether hes concerned about the appearance of double-dipping, Reeves described himself as a part-time citizen legislator the first four months of the year and chief executive officer of TwelveStone the rest of the time. My job is to do whats best for our company. I would never expect any more or less for my business than anyone elses, Reeves said in a text statement. Chairman of the Senate Energy, Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, Reeves said he is comfortable with the reporting ranges in the refund law, calling them a fair compromise for transparency. Listings on the state Department of Revenue website show categories for companies receiving refunds up to $750, between $750 and $10,000 and more than $10,000. The lists totaling 60,000 companies were posted May 31 and are to remain available to the public for 30 days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senators were reluctant to publicize any of the companies when they took up the bill last year, passing it 25-6, with former Sen. Art Swann of Maryville the only Republican to vote in opposition. Two members did not vote. But the House demanded some form of transparency, though Democrats and public records advocates say the ranges arent specific enough considering the amount of money rebated to some of the worlds largest companies, including FedEx and 13 subsidiaries, Ford Motor Co. and AT&T. The House passed the measure 69-23, largely along party lines. The Tennessee Senate uses a policy called Rule 13 as part of its code of ethics that allows senators to declare a conflict of interest, without giving details, but allowing them to vote based on their conscience and obligation to constituents. The House has no rule requiring members to state a conflict of interest before votes that could affect them or their businesses financially. In addition to Reeves, Democratic Sen. Jeff Yarbro of Nashville, who voted against the tax cut and refund, declared Rule 13 before last years vote. Yarbro told the Lookout this week he pulled out of the partnership track at Bass, Berry & Sims law firm so he wouldnt be part of its financial decisions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im not opposed to any business or citizen taking a refund from the government. Who wouldnt? If I qualified for a refund, Id take it. But I still think its bad public policy, Yarbro said in a statement to the Lookout. Yarbro added that, while he felt the bill ran contrary to public interest, he understood it would benefit many businesses in his Senate district, including the firm where he works, thus he declared the potential conflict of interest before the vote. Yarbro and state Rep. John Ray Clemmons of Nashville also proposed a bill they said would enable the states franchise tax law to withstand constitutional muster without making rebates. Republican leaders declined to consider it. When the matter arose last year, the Department of Revenue told lawmakers it received a challenge to the states franchise tax on business property, leading most to say the tax cut and refund was justified in averting an expensive legal fight. Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti also advised lawmakers to avoid litigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other key legislators such as House Majority Leader William Lamberth of Portland said the reductions were simply good tax policy and not necessarily based on concern about a legal threat. No lawsuit was filed against the state in advance of the vote. Republican Sen. Brent Taylor, former owner of Brentwood Funeral Services in Shelby County, voted for the measure last year after declaring Rule 13 but didnt apply for the tax refund. I just didnt think it was appropriate for me to have voted for the franchise tax cut and then go out and benefit from it, because I knew Id have reporters calling and wanting to know if I thought it was appropriate to take the refund and also vote for it, Taylor said. MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) A group of U.S. Congressmen toured a fracking site in Midland earlier this week highlighting the Permian Basins role in boosting U.S. Energy. ABC Big 2s Chris Talley had the chance to hear from congressman August Pfluger as he led the group, including many visiting West Texas for the first time. The purpose of this trip, like weve done so many times over the past five years, and as a campaign promise that I made, is to educate members across the country, explained Representative August Pfluger (R-Texas). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pfluger was joined by members stretching from South Carolina, New York, Georgia, and Kentucky to see the production for their own eyes, like House Energy and Commerce Chairman Brett Guthrie (R-Ky). You kind of can understand it intellectually, but until you see it, and see the process and know that there is a way to do it safely, we can do it environmentally in an environmentally friendly way, explained Guthrie. Representative Russell Fry (R-S.C.) Sees the impact the oil and gas industry has for his population over 12 hundred miles away. We need what is happening right here in the Permian Basin on a perpetual basis. I represent the beaches of South Carolina. We dont have a lot of drilling in that part of the country. But we rely on that to get around, explained Fry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New York representative Nick Langworthy echoes the same sentiment regarding jobs. Theres a war on natural gas going on in the northeastern United StatesTheyve stolen opportunity from my district. Theyve killed thousands of good-paying jobs jobs I saw here in the fields of the Basin today, explained Langworthy. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Connecticut lawmakers wrap up 2025 legislative session HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) When the clock struck midnight on Wednesday evening, the 2025 session of the Connecticut General Assembly officially ended. Lawmakers in the State Senate and state House of Representatives wrapped up their business, taking last minute votes late into the night. Connecticut lawmakers racing against the clock as legislative session winds down The last night of the state legislative session always brings with it a sense of urgency. Unlike federal lawmakers in Washington D.C., state lawmakers in Connecticut operate on a defined timeline with a finite window to pass bills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But on Wednesday night, most of the major legislative proposals of the session had already been addressed. On Tuesday night, lawmakers in the State Senate gave final approval to the next two-year, $55.8 billion state budget. Lawmakers in the state House greenlit a package of reforms to the states energy regulations that same evening. The reforms are intended, proponents say, to deliver modest relief of around $100 or more annually for electric ratepayers across the state. Those two items the budget and the energy legislation constituted two of the largest and most consequential proposals considered by lawmakers during the 2025 session. By the time the sun rose on Wednesday, lawmakers had a roster of over 100 bills that were ready for final consideration. A fraction of those bills were voted on by midnight. Intense, rapid-fire negotiations played out throughout the day as legislators pieced together a time sensitive jigsaw puzzle that had to be completed in a matter of hours. Bills addressing issues as wide ranging as hate crimes, environmental protections and the states population of black bears won approval. During the eight oclock hour, Gov. Ned Lamont paid a visit to both chambers of the legislature. His interactions with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle were cordial a departure from the heated rhetorical wars that were waged between the two parties over the budget and a slew of other hot button issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lamont declined to deliver a midnight address to the legislature. No speeches, Lamont exclaimed on the floor of the House. Across the aisle, members stood in a round of raucous applause. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ESSEX, Conn. (WTNH) A new exhibit opens today at the Connecticut River Museum in Essex. It is called Rising Waters, and it takes a look at the history of flooding along the river, with an emphasis on what can be done to deal with more floods in the future. It turns out the Connecticut River was created by flooding thousands of years ago when northern Connecticut was a giant glacial lake. DEEP estimates 300,000 gallons of sewage spilling into Connecticut River daily after sewer line break Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eventually, it overran its banks and began flowing south from today what is about Rocky Hill down towards what we now call Long Island Sound, Elizabeth Kaeser, the Executive Director of the Connecticut River Museum, explained. The exhibit on the museums top floor includes many photos of the damage from floods in 1936 and 1938. Their damage was extreme. The cost was horrible, Kaeser said. Lives were lost. Structures were lost. The flooding is largely a natural event, but mankind has had an impact on the Connecticut River and how it floods, especially in the last 100 years. The 1936 flood put much of Hartford underwater, so leaders decided to make some changes, building levies and burying the Park River underground. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Floods still impact communities on the Connecticut River, however. We saw that two years ago when rare summer floods devastated many farms. Now, people are looking at more natural ways to control the water. Are there ways that we can have less impervious surfaces near our rivers to help the ground take up more of the work of holding the water? Kaeser asked. The exhibit runs until August 3rd, and the museum hopes to get people talking about floods. To bring people together to start to have some of those conversations, said Kaeser. To plant some seeds and to think about where do we go from here? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The museum building itself was inundated with water back in the 1930s, and the question is, with water levels rising globally, how can we keep that from happening again? Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. On May 21, as they left the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim were fatally shot, and because they were employees of the Israeli Embassy and the suspect was associated with pro-Palestinian politics, the story was reported in the familiar mode of Middle East politics. The questions that reporters and pundits have been asking are: Was this antisemitic? Was this killing a direct result of Israels starving of Palestinians in Gaza? Was this another act of pro-Palestinian terrorism? Is this the direct result of globalizing the intifada? While these are valid questions, they miss a central part of the story. Only in the eighth paragraph of the New York Times report are we told that the night before the shooting, according to officials, the suspect had checked a gun with his baggage when he flew from Chicago to the Washington area for a work conference and, further, that officials said The gun used in the killings had been purchased legally in Illinois. (The Los Angeles Times article does not mention these facts.) This tragic shooting, however, is not unique. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In November 2023, a Burlington, Vt., man was arrested and charged with shooting three Palestinian college students without saying a word to them. (He has pleaded not guilty.) In October 2018, a gunman entered the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh and shot and killed 11 Jews at prayer . In 2015, three Muslim students were shot and killed by their neighbor in Chapel Hill, N.C. This brief and very incomplete list of the literally hundreds of thousands of people who have been killed by guns in the U.S. in the last decade does not include the racist mass shootings in Buffalo, N.Y., and at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, S.C.; the mass shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla.; or the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history , at a music festival in Las Vegas in 2017. This macabre list also leaves out the thousands of people who have been shot and killed by law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The elephant in the room so fundamentally accepted that it largely goes unmentioned is the deeply ingrained culture of violence in the United States. Gun ownership, police violence and abuse, and mass shootings are symptoms of that culture. However, the militaristic approach to international conflict (from Vietnam to Ukraine) and the disdain for nonviolent solutions are also grounded in this culture, as are the manosphere and the cruelty of predatory capitalism . Now we have a presidential administration that embodies this culture. Kristi Noem, the secretary of Homeland Security, personifies this ethos of cruelty and violence when she is photographed in front of a cage full of humans in a Salvadoran jail known for torturous treatment of inmates or writing casually about killing her dog . Noem is a key player in the theater of cruelty, but she is not the only one, and the unparalleled star is of course President Trump. Trumps policy agenda is based on vengeance. He revels in the theatricality of violence of the world of mixed martial arts, and he signs executive orders that aim to destroy individuals, law firms and universities that have not bent the knee, and the economics of his Big Beautiful budget moves money from those in need to those who need for naught. Now, the president wants a military parade on his birthday that will include tanks, helicopters and soldiers. Although Trump himself evaded the draft, and he reportedly called American soldiers who were killed in war suckers and losers, he likes the strongman aesthetic of an army that is at his beck and call. He exulted in the fact that we train our boys to be killing machines . Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although some want to draw a dubious line from pro-Palestinian campus demonstrations to the killings of Lischinsky and Milgrim, the direct line that should be drawn is the one that everyone seems to have agreed to ignore: a culture of violence coupled with the widespread availability and ownership of guns inevitably leads to more death. The only way we get out of this cycle of violence is by addressing the elephant in the room. Aryeh Cohen is a rabbi and a professor at American Jewish University in Los Angeles. @irmiklat.bsky.social 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. Bitcoin has been getting more popular. Financial firms that previously rejected cryptocurrency have now embraced bitcoin with open arms. Discover More: 13 Cheap Cryptocurrencies With the Highest Potential Upside for You Find Out: The 5 Car Brands Named the Least Reliable of 2025 More money experts are voicing their support for the cryptocurrency, too including Mark Cuban. The business mogul has been bullish on cryptocurrencies for a while and, in an April post on X, referred to bitcoin as a better buying opportunity than stocks in the current market. Heres what investors should consider before investing in bitcoin. Understand Your Motivation Robert R. Johnson is a professor of finance at Creighton Universitys Heider College of Business. He doesnt agree with Cubans take on bitcoin and invites investors to understand their core motivation for buying any asset. The question you should ask yourself in committing funds to stocks or bitcoin is: What is your goal your motivation? Are you investing, or are you speculating? My belief is that one cannot truly invest in cryptocurrencies; one can only speculate, he explained. If you believe bitcoin has long-term potential, then it may be worth an investment. However, if you are only buying bitcoin because its been going up lately and has delivered exceptional gains for long-term investors, you need a better reason to buy. If you cant come up with a good motivation to buy bitcoin, its best to stay on the sidelines. Read Next: Robert Kiyosaki Is Dumping Gold and Silver: Heres What Hes Buying Instead Stocks Produce Earnings Johnson also mentioned another benefit of stocks: You can look at their financials and assess a companys performance against peers. Stocks are more enticing, because they produce something. In other words, if you buy a share of stock, you are entitled to a share of the earnings of a company. Bitcoin doesnt produce anything, he explained. Johnson isnt the only one with this take. David Materazzi, CEO of Galileo FX, is also skeptical of bitcoin. He views it as a collectible that produces nothing and has no earnings, dividends or output. He recommended looking at stocks instead of crypto, while explaining the benefits of stock buybacks: Buybacks increase your stake in a real business. Same earnings, fewer shares. You own more. Thats value, he said. Bitcoin has no earnings. No board. No cash. Nothing gets returned to holders. Nothing compounds. It just sits there. Price moves only if someone else wants in. Launched to promote Russian literature on the global stage during Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the new Dar (Gift) literary prize is already mired in controversy and not just for its troubling timing. After Ukrainian author Maria Galina declined the award for her wartime chronicle of Odesa, attention shifted to shortlisted Russian author Denis Beznosov over his past affiliation with the Russian State Childrens Library an institution that hosted multiple cultural events for abducted Ukrainian children during his time there. Since the full-scale war began, Ukrainian officials have documented the abduction of nearly 20,000 children by Russian forces. While in Russian territory, these Ukrainian children are subjected to systematic Russification, a deliberate effort to erase their heritage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beznosov has rejected the allegations that he was directly involved in any events with abducted Ukrainian children despite his senior role at the Russian State Childrens Library through the first year of the full-scale war, sparking a heated debate within Russia's exiled cultural sphere over the broader issue of societal complicity during wartime. Can Russian culture exist separate from the war? Founded in 2025 by exiled Russian author Mikhail Shishkin, the Dar literary prize aims to spotlight Russian-language writers and foster a space where literature in Russian takes its rightful place in the world, being responsible to humanity, and not to dictatorships. Shishkin has lived in Switzerland since 1995 and has long been an outspoken critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin. At the same time, he has repeatedly called for separating Russian culture from the Russian state. Writing in an op-ed titled Dont Blame Dostoevsky for the Atlantic in 2022, Shishkin expressed the hope that a Ukrainian writer will speak up for (19th century Russian poet Alexander) Pushkin whose statues were being dismantled across Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the Dar literary prize was launched by its organizers with the intent to signal that the Russian government does not hold exclusive claim to Russian culture, the initiative has faced criticism for promoting Russian language and culture regardless of their place of residence and citizenship, as it states on its website. The prize is structured in such a way that, on behalf of dissenting voices, it continues to transmit the official Russian narrative about a borderless Russian culture. Critics argue that this approach overlooks the Kremlins long-standing use of the Russian language as a tool to suppress Ukrainian and other national identities throughout the region, especially during wartime. The prize is structured in such a way that, on behalf of dissenting voices, it continues to transmit the official Russian narrative about a borderless Russian culture, Ukrainian cultural commentator Bohdana Neborak told the Kyiv Independent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The one-line biographies omit the authors nationalities, making it difficult to differentiate them beyond their shared use of the Russian language the implication, intentional or not, is that they all might as well be Russian. It seeks ways of reconciliation within a dialogue that takes place in a single language but across different countries thus creating a unified space similar to what is promoted by Russian propaganda. Such a dialogue is impossible, regardless of the goals stated by the prize, Neborak added. Children in front of apartments destroyed by a Russian missile attack on Jan. 2, 2024 in Kyiv. (Olena Zashko/The Kyiv Independent) Ukrainian author Galina, who is among those in the countrys cultural sphere to have distanced themselves from writing in Russian since the full-scale war, was initially named the winner of the Dar literary prize for her book on the wars impact in Odesa, but declined it. In an open letter published on the awards website, she argued that Russian-language literature is not in need of such institutional backing abroad, citing its long-standing role as a successful tool of soft power abroad for Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perhaps, when all the funding flows from Russia are finally cut off, Russian literature will eventually take its rightful place among other world literatures, Galina said. And even that only after it is cleansed of the crimes of the state. Speaking to the Kyiv Independent, Galina acknowledged Shishkins overall pro-Ukraine stance since Russias invasion of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts and the annexation of Crimea in 2014. While she mentioned the sincerity of his intentions in granting the award, Galina also cautioned that the realities of the ongoing full-scale war cast the award in a different light. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Any attempts to sew the Russophone space are doomed now, she said. Shishkin did not reply to the Kyiv Independents request for comment. Russifying abducted Ukrainian children Amid renewed debate over whether Russian culture can be meaningfully disentangled from the crimes of the Russian state, the Dar literary prize's greatest controversy stemmed from allegations that shortlisted author Beznosov may have been complicit in the states forcible deportation of Ukrainian children. Beznosov served as the deputy director of the Russian State Childrens Library until November 2022, according to his LinkedIn account. However, he wrote in a post on his Facebook on May 29 that he left his position in September 2022 because the events of 2022 made it impossible for him to continue his work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the first year of the full-scale war, the Russian State Childrens Library participated in a number of events involving Ukrainian children displaced by the Russian authorities from Ukraines occupied territories. Photo albums uploaded to the organizations Flickr page including one from late March of 2022 titled Meeting with children who were evacuated from Donbas at a camp retreat document the events, which were also covered by local media. People involved in crimes against humanity, in the deportation of Ukrainian children from occupied territories, or in the genocide of the Ukrainian people have no place near the Dar literary prize. Additional albums uploaded to the Russian State Childrens Library's Flickr account document the Kitovras Festival, which took place in August 2022 in Vladimir, a city located to the east of Moscow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the festival, there was an event for abducted Ukrainian children at a local library. Beznosov is photographed at the event, as is Russian childrens book author Andrei Usachev, who has been a vocal supporter of Putin and the war against Ukraine. In his Facebook post, Beznosov claimed that he had curated the childrens program at the local park that year but denied any involvement in organizing the event for abducted Ukrainian children. He added that he was present at the event because he was asked to announce the participating writers in the capacity of his role at the Russian State Childrens Library. Denis Beznosov at the Red Square Book Festival in Moscow, Russia in 2017. (Wikimedia) I had no involvement with the (event with abducted Ukrainian children in Vladimir), have never been to Donbas, and did not compile any guidelines for promoting the Russian language or other similar recommendations. I never received or saw any such materials, he wrote. Beznosov did not respond to the Kyiv Independents request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given the controversy surrounding Beznosov was sparked by his nomination for the Dar literary prize, Shishkin wrote on Facebook that to what extent Denis Beznosov participated in these crimes and whether he participated at all must be determined by (the Ukrainian authorities), not a literary prize. People involved in crimes against humanity, in the deportation of Ukrainian children from occupied territories, or in the genocide of the Ukrainian people have no place near the Dar literary prize. Read also: Because of Russia, my child understood fear early Questions of accountability Beznosovs professional background came under renewed scrutiny after Galina Rymbu, a Russian writer based in Ukraine, publicly alleged his complicity in the genocide of Ukrainians during his tenure at the Russian State Childrens Library. In her posts, Rymbu highlighted that a closer examination of the events held by the library revealed that they were part of a larger, deliberate campaign to Russify abducted Ukrainian children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These camps (where children are brought) impose propaganda, cultural, educational, literary, and military-patriotic programming designed to erase Ukrainian identity and instill great Russian culture and language, with the aim of convincing children they are now Russian, Rymbu explained in her initial post. Not just the deportation itself, but also these re-education camps and the propaganda and cultural activities conducted in them are classified as acts of genocide by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe resolution. Given the context of the full-scale war, the organization of events with abducted Ukrainian children would have been impossible without direct communication between the Russian State Childrens Library and the Russian security services, Rymbu wrote. Photographs from the retreat with Ukrainian children posted in March 2022 on the Russian State Childrens Librarys Flickr page show a vehicle belonging to the Russian Ministry of Civil Defense, Emergencies, and Disaster Relief on the grounds. A child walks inside the damaged House of Culture in Posad-Pokrovske, Kherson region, on Nov. 4, 2023, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Roman Pilipey / AFP via Getty Images) Rymbu also shared in her post a link to the grant application for The First Book Goes to the Children, the Russian State Childrens Librarys program associated with cultural events involving abducted Ukrainian children. The application is publicly available on the Russian Presidential Fund for Cultural Initiatives website. It is presented as a project dedicated to preserving the all-Russian cultural identity and counteracting the phenomenon of cancel culture. The Russian State Childrens Library proposes in the grant application that the "great Russian culture" can be a form of "psychological support" for Ukrainian children who relocated to Russian territory. "The involvement of highly qualified specialists in childrens reading engagement and child psychologists will help children and teenagers not only connect with great Russian culture through books but also comprehend the foundations of Russia's spiritual and moral code," the proposal reads. Anyone even remotely connected to Russias occupation practices should be considered persona non grata. Following Rymbus investigative posts, several Russian artists in exile have rallied behind Beznosov, with Russian poet Dmitry Kuzmin even hinting at provocations orchestrated by Russian security services behind the issue rather than engaging with the gravity of the allegations levied against Beznosov. Mikhail Edelstein, a Russian literary scholar who is listed on the expert council of Dars website, even went as far to call Rymbus posts disgusting manipulation and clout-chasing. According to Russian author Sergei Lebedev, the absence of a clear anti-war, pro-Ukraine position among some members of the Russian literature community in exile reflects a deeper unwillingness to fully confront the scale of Russias aggression against Ukraine. The key problem is that for many Russian cultural figures, Russias war of aggression against Ukraine started in 2022, not in 2014, Lebedev told the Kyiv Independent. And between 2014 and 2022 lies a gray zone of silence and moral compromises that most participants obviously don't want to look into. However, Lebedev argues that its important to confront those in Russian society who were complicit with Russias war against Ukraine, regardless of the scale. Anyone even remotely connected to Russias occupation practices should be considered persona non grata, Lebedev wrote on social media. Note from the author: Hi, this is Kate Tsurkan, thank you for reading this article. The Kyiv Independent doesnt have a wealthy owner or a paywall. Instead, we rely on readers like you to keep our journalism funded. Were now aiming to grow our community to 20,000 members if you liked this article, consider joining our community today. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) A man previously convicted of murder was sentenced to over three years in prison after he was caught having a loaded gun and a bag full of marijuana and cocaine while he was on probation. Court documents say that 24-year-old Jayvon Gattison was sentenced to prison after shooting and killing a man who tried to rob him during a drug transaction in October 2018. Police: Man accused of exposing himself to 12-year-old in Prince William County Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Oct. 9, 2024, just three months after he was released from prison, Gattison was with a group of four others smoking next to a car on the 3000 block of Channing St. NE. Officers spotted the group and recognized the smell of burning marijuana. All of the individuals were arrested. A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer took the joint from Gattison, and it field-tested positive for THC. Officers also seized a bag from Gattison and saw a large bag of suspected marijuana, a loaded pistol and a clear plastic bag with 12 grams of a substance that field-tested positive for cocaine base inside. Officers also seized a black digital scale and over $300 in cash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gattison pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon on Jan. 15, 2025. On Thursday, he was sentenced to 40 months in prison. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) A corrections officer on Wednesday agreed to plead guilty to federal charges in the case of a mentally ill man who froze to death in an Alabama jail. Braxton Kee is the 14th employee who has been indicted or pleaded guilty to contributing to the death of Tony Mitchell, 33, who died after being incarcerated in the Walker County jail in January 2023. Kee's plea agreement, like many other deals that were filed before his, said that a culture of retaliation made him afraid to report Mitchell's deadly conditions. Kee plead guilty to one count of deprivation of rights under color of law, which carries a maximum sentence of one year and up to a $100,000 fine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mitchell was arrested on Jan. 12 after a relative asked for a welfare check on him. The sheriffs office said at the time that Mitchell was talking about portals to hell and asserted that he had fired a weapon at officers. When he arrived at the jail, Mitchell was disoriented, had trouble standing and walking, prosecutors wrote in the plea agreement. The jail had a nurse and a mental health professional staffed throughout Mitchell's period of incarceration. Mitchell was held in a concrete cell sometimes referred to as the jails drunk tank, with no bedding, bathroom or running water. Previous court documents described Mitchell as almost always naked, wet, cold, and covered in feces while lying on the cement floor without a mat or blanket. Kee worked 10 of the 14 nights that Mitchell was held at the jail. On numerous occasions, Kee raised concerns about Mitchell's conditions to colleagues, the jail's medical staff and supervisors, the plea deal said. Kee's concerns were also brought to the attention of the jail's captain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mitchell's conditions remained unchanged. At one point, Kee repeatedly kicked Mitchell's arm as he lay naked and barely moving on the floor for several minutes" so that a lieutenant could drag Mitchell back into the cruel and inhumane conditions in his cell, officials said. Eventually, two weeks after he was arrested, Mitchell became mostly unresponsive to officers. Kee told the nurse on shift that she should call an ambulance but she insisted that they wait until the lieutenant arrive even though she had called an ambulence earlier in the shift for another inmate without the lieutenant's permission. The lieutenant, Benjamin Shoemaker, agreed to plead guilty in January to contributing to Mitchell's death. In Shoemaker's plea, he said he was instructed to manufacture terrible conditions to use Mitchell and his cell as a prop when a county commissioner visited the jail two days before Mitchell died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mitchells death certificate lists his cause of death as hypothermia and sepsis from medical neglect. At the instruction of an unnamed co-conspirator, Shoemaker delayed taking Mitchell to the hospital for over three hours after nurses insisted Mitchell needed urgent medical attention, according to his plea document. An attorney for Kee did not respond to an emailed request for comment on Thursday afternoon. ___ Riddle is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. US President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation banning travel to the US from nationals of 12 countries, which goes into effect on 9 June. The countries listed are Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Nationals from a further seven countries - Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela - will face partial travel restrictions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far, only the African Union, which represents all 55 nations on the African continent, Chad, Somalia and Venezuela have responded. Here is what they said. Chad President Mahamat Deby said he has told his government to "act in accordance with the principles of reciprocity" and has suspended issuing visas to US citizens. "Chad has no planes to offer, no billions of dollars to give but Chad has its dignity and pride," he said in a statement. Somalia, whose nationals are banned, had a different response and made an immediate promise to work with the US to address security issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Somali ambassador to the US, Dahir Hassan Abdi, said: "Somalia values its longstanding relationship with the United States and stands ready to engage in dialogue to address the concerns raised." Meanwhile, African Union called on the US to "engage in constructive dialogue with the countries concerned". In a statement, it appealed to the US to exercise its sovereign right to protect its borders and its citizens' security "in a manner that is balanced, evidence-based, and reflective of the long-standing partnership between the United States and Africa". The union said it remains concerned about the "potential negative impact of such measures", and added that it "stands ready to support efforts that promote understanding, resolve concerns, and strengthen cooperation". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ban has also drawn ire from Venezuela, whose Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello warned Venezuelans in the US. "The truth is being in the United States is a big risk for anybody, not just for Venezuelans," he warned, adding that the US is governed by what he called "bad people - it's fascism, they are supremacists who think they own the world and persecute our people for no reason". Venezuela is one of the seven countries listed with partial restrictions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since starting his second term, Trump has deported a number of Venezuelans alleged to be gang members to El Salvador. Trump's proclamation stated that the list would be evaluated in three months time, and then every six months after that. "The list is subject to revision based on whether material improvements are made, and likewise new countries can be added as threats emerge around the world," he explained on Truth Social. In his video shared to the platform, he said: "We cannot have open migration from any country where we cannot safely and reliably vet and screen those who see to enter the United States." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As well as security risks, Trump's proclamation gave other reasons such as the listed countries having "taken advantage" of the US by exploiting its visa system, as well as nationals from certain countries, "pose significant risks" of overstaying their visas. Editors note: Details in this story may be disturbing for some readers. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Court documents reveal disturbing details in the case of a father accused of killing his three daughters in central Washington state as the manhunt for him continued Wednesday. Travis Decker took his three daughters, ages 9, 8 and 5, during a parental visit on Friday, but never returned them to their mother in Wenatchee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chelan authorities said on Wednesday evening that Decker was still missing, but are being assisted with help from federal agents. Decker used to be in the U.S. Army and has extensive training; however, its unclear whether hes armed at this time. He is well-versed in outdoor survival, Chelan Sheriff Morrison said Wednesday evening. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KOIN Breaking News Alerts According to probable cause documents filed in the Chelan Superior Court, authorities were first alerted by the girls mother just after 9:30 p.m. on Friday that Decker never brought the girls back home based on their current parenting plan, which was to have them home by 8 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The girls mother expressed concern because Decker reportedly has never done this before and further noted he is experiencing some mental health issues, the affidavit stated. The Wenatchee Police detective who filed the probable cause affidavit noted that the girls mother shared with the responding officer that Decker didnt have a stable home and is considered homeless and that he was known to stay in hotels and motels and at campgrounds. The probable cause document states that the officer ran Deckers truck through a records search and noted the truck, which had been involved in crashes on May 4 and May 27, had been registered by automatic license plate readers northbound on the Wenatchee Bridge around 5:41 p.m. on Friday. Suspect identified in Battle Ground double homicide Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The responding officer, identified in the document as Corporal Gonzalez, noted this was likely after Decker picked up his daughters and suspected he may be headed to a hotel or campground in the north end, according to the affidavit. However, after Gonzalez checked with a park ranger at Confluence State Park, who confirmed Decker was not registered to stay at any campsite, and another police officer was not able to locate Deckers truck in East Wenatchee, the mother was told by officers to call law enforcement if Decker appeared. On Saturday, the affidavit stated a post on social media called for people to share Decker and the childrens whereabouts if they had been seen. A Wenatchee detective met with the mother, who told him she and Decker had been married for about seven years and had been divorced for a few years since then, according to the court documents. The divorce was civil and Decker wasnt homeless at the time and had been granted overnight visits, according to the affidavit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kyrons dad after 15 years: Youre not home, were not done However, when he lost housing, the parenting plan was readdressed to accommodate accordingly. [The girls mother] denied any domestic violence during their marriage, but did mention moments of power or control he used. She provided the examples of randomly leaving or waking her up by screaming at her in the middle of the night. She also said near the end of the marriage he was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder that she believes he currently does not take medications for, the affidavit stated. Close Thanks for signing up! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KOIN Morning Digest The visit on Friday didnt have issues, the girls mother told detectives, but she noted Decker was quieter than usual which was out of character, according to the affidavit filed on June 2. An updated affidavit filed on Tuesday noted the girls had been found in the afternoon on Monday after their fathers truck was found by law enforcement near the Rock Island Campground close to Leavenworth. The girls were found close to the truck and showed signs of being zip-tied before being asphyxiated by plastic bags, according to a preliminary examination reported in the affidavit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Decker faces three counts of first-degree murder and three counts of first-degree kidnapping. Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Oklahoma can't enforce a controversial state immigration law while a related lawsuit works its way through court, a federal judge in Oklahoma City has ruled. U.S. District Judge Bernard Jones issued the injunction Tuesday, June 3, weeks after he had issued a similar, but shorter-term, order in the case. The lawsuit centers on a 2024 law known as House Bill 4156, which would let state courts prosecute people for the crime of "impermissible occupation." Civil rights groups want the court to throw out the law as unconstitutional. They contend the federal government has the exclusive right to regulate immigration. Republican Attorney General Gentner Drummond has countered that Oklahoma should be allowed to enforce the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jones said in his ruling that while Oklahoma officials may have understandable concerns about the impacts of undocumented immigration, the federal government has the sole right to control immigration law. "In the end, that is why H.B. 4156 must fail not to excuse unlawful presence or shield criminal conduct, but because it is what the Constitution demands," Jones wrote. Jones was nominated to the bench in 2019 by Republican President Donald Trump during his first term in office. Trump has made clamping down on illegal immigration a key focus of his second term. Judge questions Oklahoma's power to enforce state-level immigration laws Under President Joe Biden, the U.S. sued Oklahoma in 2024 in an attempt to block HB 4156 from taking effect. But federal prosecutors dropped out of the case after Trump took office. The government's exit put the case in legal limbo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In May, several plaintiffs, including the ACLU, revived the legal challenge to the law and asked a judge to put it on hold until the lawsuit worked its way through court. Jones granted that request, writing that he was unconvinced by arguments that Oklahoma has any power to enforce state-level immigration laws. "The federal government retains, as it always has, 'broad, undoubted power over the subject of immigration and the status of aliens,'" Jones wrote, citing a 2012 U.S. Supreme Court ruling. "And noncitizens who violate federal immigration lawwhether in Oklahoma or elsewhereremain subject to that authority, if and when the federal government chooses to act." Noor Zafar, an attorney for the ACLUs Immigrants Rights Project, said the groups suing to block the law were grateful for Jones' decision to put the law on hold. Every single day that HB 4156 is in effect, it puts immigrants in Oklahoma at tremendous risk, Zafar said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drummond, who has been a vocal supporter of the law, did not immediately respond to a request sent to a spokesperson for comment on the injunction. He had previously accused the court of protecting admitted lawbreakers from federal and state consequences after Jones issued a temporary restraining order in the case. Oklahoma's HB 4156: What to know about state's paused immigration law, Trump policies Drummond's office also had asked Jones to block two plaintiffs from suing under the fictitious names of Barbara Boe and Christopher Coe, rather than their legal names. Court filings described Boe as a 51-year-old Mexican national who lives in Tulsa and Coe as a 37-year-old Mexican national who lives in Broken Bow. They had argued that using their real names would open them up to law enforcement scrutiny. Jones agreed, saying it would "effectively place a target on their backs simply for seeking judicial review" of a state law that they claim is unconstitutional. He pushed back against the state's argument that allowing Boe and Coe to use pseudonyms would protect "federal lawbreakers from the federal consequences of their actions." He described that argument as a mischaracterization that did not "move the needle." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "After all, this case concerns a state immigration law, and the federal government stands in no better or worse position to prosecute or remove plaintiffs for federal immigration violations by virtue of their pseudonymity," Jones wrote. If HB 4156 is ultimately allowed to go into effect, the law would establish the misdemeanor crime of "impermissible occupation," with punishment being up to one year in a county jail, a $500 fine or both. Any subsequent convictions would trigger felony charges and the possibility of spending two years in state prison or paying a $1,000 fine. People convicted of impermissible occupation would be forced to leave Oklahoma within 72 hours of being released. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma's controversial anti-immigration law HB 4156 halted again The ruling followed a civil lawsuit filed by the two demonstrators, who alleged they were assaulted during a protest in Caesarea. The commander of the Hadera police station, Chief-Superintendent Amit Pollak, and the commander of the Special Patrol Unit, Senior-Staff-Sergeant Major Eran Keslassi, have been ordered to compensate two demonstrators in a sum totaling NIS 30,000, the Hadera Magistrates Court ruled on Wednesday. The ruling followed a civil lawsuit filed by the demonstrators, who alleged they were assaulted during aprotest in Caesarea. The lawsuit proceeded after the State Attorneys Office waived the officers immunity following a recommendation by Judge Yaakov Goldberg. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the ruling, Pollak, Keslassi, and the Israel Police are to pay NIS 30,000 to the demonstrators and to attorney Adam Seri, who represented them through the protest detainees support network. The claim also noted that the police and the Interior Ministry failed to cooperate with Seri and withheld the officers details, complicating the filing of the lawsuit. Last week, the Police Investigation Department (PID) filed an indictment against Pollak for allegedly assaulting another citizen during a separate event in Caesarea and for obstruction of justice. The indictment states that Pollak ordered the forced removal of a truck carrying a political display, allegedly assaulted one of the demonstrators by grabbing his neck, and ordered the officers to arrest him. Ultra orthodox Jews block a road and clash with police, May 2, 2024 (photo credit: Chaim Goldberg/Flash90) Allegations of heavy-handed conduct The incident occurred in December 2023 near Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus residence inCaesarea. The demonstrators Dganit Schatz, 62, of Hadera, and David Masad, 73, of Kibbutz Maayan Zvi claimed they were arrested without justification and held in custody for many hours, in violation of their constitutional rights. Schatz alleged that Pollak pushed her forcefully and yelled, You wont tell me shame, before instructing officers to arrest her. According to Schatz, Pollak ordered the officers to arrest her without explanation. They allegedly forced her to the ground, grabbed her by all four limbs, and carried her into the patrol car like an object in front of other demonstrators, humiliating her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The claim also states that when defense attorney Orit Shalev tried to consult with Schatz privately, the officers refused and threatened to arrest the lawyer. Schatz was later questioned over offenses she claimed she did not commit, and she alleged that false accusations were made against her. She subsequently filed a complaint with the PID. Masad, who was standing on the sidewalk and witnessed Schatzs arrest, claimed he was pushed by Keslassi after he protested the incident. He was later arrested, held at the station for about an hour and a half, and questioned on what he called false suspicions. Its delightful that the police are contributing to our donations. The officers argued that they acted lawfully and arrested thedemonstrators after they themselves allegedly acted violently. Schatz and Masad denied the allegations. During a pretrial hearing, Goldberg reviewed video footage of the incident before ruling that Pollak, Keslassi, and the Israel Police must pay compensation. A statement from the protest detainees support network said: For the sake of clarity, the legal fees will be donated to the detainees support network. Its delightful that the Israel Police and its officers are contributing to our donations. DENVER (KDVR) A Washington federal court granted Denver and other plaintiffs a preliminary injunction on Tuesday in their lawsuit against the Trump administration over threats to withhold grant funding for transportation programs and priorities. The court ruled the Trump administration is likely acting in violation of the Separation of Powers principle by attempting to condition disbursement of funds in part on grounds not authorized by Congress, but rather on Executive Branch policy. Data: Income levels in Colorado among highest in the US, according to report Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Court concludes that Plaintiffs are likely to prevail in their claim that in attempting to impose the new funding conditions on recipients of the (Continuum of Care Program) funds, Defendants have run afoul of the Separation of Powers doctrine, and were acting in excess of statutory authority, and that under the (Administrative Procedure Act), those conditions must be set aside, the order states. The judge overseeing the complaint also determined that the threat of losing out on funds itself constituted harm, writing, It is this looming risk itself that is the injury, and one that Plaintiffs are already suffering. Denver Mayor Mike Johnston applauded the decision on Wednesday. Denver follows all laws federal, state, and local and it should not be so much to ask the White House to do the same, Johnston said in a statement. We appreciate the courts swift and precise ruling protecting the federal funding that Denverites deserve, said Johnston. FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy issued a memo in April to federal funding recipients, warning they could lose taxpayer dollars if they did not align with the Trump Administrations stance on diversity, equity and inclusion programs. The memo also warned federal funding recipients could be cut off if they did not assist in the enforcement of federal immigration policy. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Chicago Board of Education has narrowed its list for the interim schools chief down to three candidates in recent days, one of whom faced negligence allegations as a principal, according to documents obtained by the Tribune through the Freedom of Information Act. The people in consideration are: Macquline King, the citys senior director of educational policy; Alfonso Carmona, CPS chief portfolio officer; and Nicole Milberg, the school districts chief of teaching and learning. All of the candidates have backgrounds as educators and principals, working their way up to administrative roles. Carmona and Milberg both hold ranks within CPS. King is the only person being considered who works with the city. They all have a professional educator license with a superintendent endorsement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Managing the nations fourth-largest school district requires a specific, narrow managerial skill set and focus, several board members and a former district official told the Tribune. The incoming interim superintendent will need both the financial expertise to pass the budget and the school-level understanding to successfully start the school year, they said. The new 21-person board, which is split between mayoral-appointed and elected members, will decide on the short-term schools leader later this month. It will also conduct a search for the permanent replacement later this fall, according to Che Rhymefest Smith of District 10 on the South Side. A simple majority or 11 out of 21 members is required to vote the candidate in. The one thing we dont need is any more shameful representations of leadership that were not properly vetted, Smith said, referring to the abrupt resignation of the Rev. Mitchell Ikenna Johnson as school board president last October for his social media posts, which were deemed antisemitic and conspiratorial. Other board members emphasized the importance of conducting the interim CEO search with integrity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And we are trying to depoliticize it, because it shouldnt be a political process, right? said Anusha Thotakura, a board member from District 6, spanning neighborhoods from Streeterville to Englewood. We want the best candidate for the job. Whether outgoing schools chief Pedro Martinezs temporary replacement comes from CPS or the administration of Mayor Brandon Johnson could affect potential borrowing scenarios adopted by the school board to balance a tight fiscal budget for 2026, which begins on July 1. Board members are reconciling decades of financial mismanagement while balancing CPS books. So, who are the candidates? Macquline King, a former principal at Mary E. Courtenay Language Arts Center in the Uptown neighborhood and the now-closed Alexandre Dumas School in the Woodlawn neighborhood, serves as the citys senior director of educational policy. She holds a doctorate in education from National Louis University, according to her LinkedIn profile. As senior director of educational policy for the city, she gets paid by CPS but technically works for the city. King disclosed in CPS documents in 2022 that she is exempt from living in Chicago, as employees hired before 1996 are not required to live within city limits. Public records show she owns property on the Near West Side. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement King helped manage the fallout of the 2013 Stockton Elementary merger with Courtenay, a turbulent time marked by staff tensions and student fights, according to district officials who requested anonymity due to the ongoing CEO search. But her employee record suggests she didnt act with urgency on several occasions, according to CPS documents obtained by the Tribune under the Freedom of Information Act. While never disciplined beyond warnings, King was cited in multiple internal investigations between 2015 and 2019. One of the allegations was later dismissed due to insufficient evidence. In April 2015, she was accused of waiting several weeks before calling the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services over the alleged physical abuse of a student, according to a CPS memo signed by her supervisor. Under CPS policy, employees are required to report suspected abuse to DCFS within 48 hours. Without enough credible evidence, an investigative report dismissed the finding against another school employee, but not against King. In October of that year, a CPS investigative report shows, she failed to implement the school safety plan after two students were found in a bathroom stall together with their pants down. The schools policy was changed to require staff members to accompany students to the bathroom before and after school. The reports state, however, that the schools staff didnt take any action to ensure it was enforced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to an interview included in the reports, King stated that the assistant principal was in charge of overseeing the afterschool program at that time, as she was on leave. King was accused of negligent supervision for failing to properly notify emergency contacts after a student broke an arm in December, according to CPS investigative reports. The assistant principal at the time informed the students guardian that the reason for the lack of notification was that a nurse on duty that day was absent, according to the reports. The allegation was dismissed due to a lack of credible evidence. A CPS memo indicates that four years later, King allowed a volunteer to work at the school without requiring a background check. A memorandum of understanding later showed that the person had criminal charges. King did not immediately respond to a request for comment. CPS candidates There were no investigative reports or citations of discipline in the personnel files of the other two candidates, obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request from the district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alfonso Carmona, originally from Colombia, is CPS chief portfolio officer, a role he has held for three years. He oversees enrollment, new program development and school accountability. Before that, he worked as a bilingual teacher at Inter-American Magnet School in the Lakeview neighborhood, principal at Healy Elementary School in the Bridgeport neighborhood and superintendent of St. Augustine Prep in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He joined CPS administration as a network chief. Carmona recently led presentations to the school board on options for absorbing seven of 15 Acero charter schools slated for closure. He holds a bachelors in economics from the University of Cartagena, two masters degrees and a doctorate in school administration from Western Illinois University. Nicole Milberg, CPS chief of teaching and learning since fall 2023, oversees the districts academic strategy, including curriculum and teacher training. She previously served as a network chief, supporting diverse school models and leading the shift to remote learning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Milberg began her CPS career as a resident principal at John Fiske Elementary School in the Woodlawn neighborhood, later leading Ellen Mitchell Elementary School in the West Town neighborhood. She has also worked in Newark, N.J., and Washington, D.C. She holds a masters in business administration from the Yale School of Management and a masters in education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, according to LinkedIn. A challenging budget season District officials are counting on at least $300 million in additional funding from the city and state to balance the upcoming budget. However, the state budget was passed at the final hour late last Saturday, with several spending cuts, including to K-12 school districts across the state. In 2017, state lawmakers pledged to increase funding by $350 million annually for 10 years to fund schools adequately. This years budget is $43 million below that target. And the city will face its own challenges this budget season, with President Donald Trump threatening to cut billions in funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without additional cash, layoffs of as many as 1,700 district employees could be on the horizon, a suggestion floated to board members in mid-April. To get through the last fiscal school year and meet its growing pension obligations, city officials proposed several borrowing scenarios for the district. CPS CEO Martinez called them a short-term fix that wouldnt help the ongoing financial crisis. The financial disagreement in part cost him his job last December. His last day with the district is June 18. Martinez argued for months that while large debt issuances are a fairly routine practice for the large school district, a budget that relies on borrowed revenue for regular expenses wouldnt be sustainable and could hurt CPS credit rating. The incoming interim pick will face the same questions and challenges. I-HWA CHENG / Getty Images Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang speaks at Computex, May 19, 2025 Key Takeaways Jefferies analysts added Nvidia to their list of "Franchise Picks," which encompasses the firm's "highest-conviction, Buy-rated" stocks. Nvidia is the dominant supplier of AI accelerators to data centers, Jefferies said. The chipmaker's revenue projection impressed Jefferies, given the significant loss in China sales Nvidia expects amid tighter U.S. export controls. Jefferies has added Nvidia (NVDA) to its roster of Franchise Picks, a group its analysts describe as our highest-conviction, Buy-rated stocks. In Nvidias case, the reason for conviction is the chipmakers position as the dominant supplier of AI accelerators to data centers, facilities that house the advanced computers used to develop and train artificial intelligence models. Jefferies came away from Nvidias quarterly results impressed with the chipmakers revenue projectionswhich largely mirrored what analysts expected despite a larger-than-expected impact from U.S. export curbs. Nvidia said it expects to take an $8 billion hit this quarter due to lost revenue from sales of H20 chips, which the Trump administration barred from being sold in China. The analysts pointed to the massive step up in AI commitments from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as a reason for revenue optimism. Last month, Nvidia agreed to supply chips to Saudi AI startup Humain, while the U.S. and UAE reached a deal allowing the Middle Eastern nation to import American-made AI chips. Nvidia, grappling with Microsoft (MSFT) for the title of the most valuable company in the world by market capitalization at more than $3.4 trillion, traded 2% higher shortly after the opening bell Tuesday. The stock has gained roughly 5% so far in 2025. Read the original article on Investopedia As the temperatures rise this summer, you may notice some of your neighbors leaving their garage doors open just a crack. With temperatures regularly hitting 110 degrees or higher, summers are tough in metro Phoenix. Most people will do anything and everything they can to beat the heat, even if the supposed cooling benefits are meager. But does it actually help, or is it another Arizona heat myth? Here's what the experts say about this practice, plus a few bonus tips to help you stay as cool as possible during summer's extreme heat. Does opening your garage door a crack on a hot day keep it any cooler? Garages are not always the best-insulated spaces in a house, which can cause them to be much warmer than the rest of the home. Improving the insulation of an already existing building can be inaccessible for most, especially if you are renting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, people have instead resorted to improving air circulation in the garage space. Garage door company D Bar Garage Doors affirmed some people's theories on the benefits of venting the garage space. "Cracking the door will indeed benefit and alleviate the heat that builds up. But having a well-maintained, properly insulated garage should be your top priority," D Bar Garage Doors experts said. Air circulation is not a one-to-one replacement to properly insulated spaces to combat the extreme heat in the summer. Ventilating your garage this way can also have other unintended safety consequences, like break-ins and critters. 6 tips to keep your AC unit blowing cool If you're looking to keep your home cooler, it's essential to keep your air conditioner in its best shape. Here are six easy tips to make sure it's running its coolest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Change the air filter Clean your vents Keep the area around the outside unit clean and unblocked Clean out the drain Clean off the coils Get your AC unit checked out by a professional This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Does cracking garage door help with the heat? What to know in Arizona Two construction workers were killed Wednesday when a large crane collapsed at the site of a new Cape Canaveral hospital located on Merritt Island, on Florida's Space Coast, according to officials. The collapse happened during a period of strong winds and rain in the afternoon. The crane fell across the site, crushing a work truck and damaging part of the building's roof. The two injured workers were pulled from the wreckage and taken to a nearby hospital, where they later died. Work has since been suspended. (Photo Credit: The Space Coast Rocket) "This was a serious weather-related incident," Lance Skelly, spokesperson for Health First, the company building the hospital, said in a statement. "We extend our deepest sympathies to the families, loved ones and all those affected." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement High winds and rain passed over Merritt Island on Wednesday afternoon. The National Weather Service office in Melbourne issued a special weather statement warning of strong winds and advising people to seek shelter in a sturdy structure as a line of storms moved through the area. "There were thunderstorms in the vicinity. Those thunderstorms were producing, at times, gusty winds," AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jon Porter said. "Rapidly increasing winds associated with nearby thunderstorms generated wind gusts of 45 to 55 mph in the area at the time of the collapse." Porter also explained that the direction from which the wind was blowing may have suddenly shifted which can create issues for equipment like cranes, especially when coupled with sudden bursts of wind. "This wind speed, importantly, was not high enough for the National Weather Service to issue a severe thunderstorm warning for the public but it can be very dangerous for some industries, especially for construction and crane operators, concert venues and other operations that are outdoors," Porter said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gilbane Building Co., the company managing the construction, confirmed that the two victims were trade workers, one employed by Baker Concrete, the other by a separate contractor. Neither worker's identity has been released. A nearby business owner described the winds as "particularly strong" earlier that afternoon, according to Florida Today. The cause of the collapse is under active investigation. "We are supporting our trade contractors and working with authorities to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident," Gilbane said. The site is closed down while officials investigate the scene of the collapse. After three decades without a single sighting, 20 critically endangered red-crowned roofed turtles have been reintroduced to India's Ganga River system, according to India Today NE. The release marks a significant milestone in efforts to restore the biodiversity of the Ganga River. "This became the first reintroduction in India of the red-crowned roofed turtle," said Arunima Singh of the Indian Turtle Restoration Project, according to the Hindustan Times. With shells capable of reaching nearly two feet in length and weighing upward of 50 pounds, red-crowned roofed turtles are indigenous to India, Bangladesh, and Nepal, according to the Wildlife Institute of India. Once widespread in the Ganga River, the turtles have been pushed to the verge of extinction due to habitat loss, human activity on the sandbars where the turtles nest, and poaching. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reintroduction of the red-crowned roofed turtles is part of a larger, government-sponsored program aimed at cleaning up the Ganga River system and restoring its biodiversity, according to Devdiscourse. The animals have been outfitted with tracking devices that will allow scientists to monitor their reintroduction into the environment. Prior to the release of the 20 turtles, a mature red-crowned roofed turtle had not been spotted in the Ganga River area in 30 years, according to India Today NE. The turtles were released at two separate sites, allowing scientists to study how the turtles adapt to different conditions. Beyond restoring the population of a critically endangered species, scientists are optimistic that the return of the turtles "signals a new phase in the river's ecological restoration," India Today NE reported. Already, these rehabilitation efforts have produced results. In 2020 and 2022, scientists documented a "promising diversity" of turtle species in the river system, but no red-crowned roofed turtles, according to India Today NE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The success of rehabilitation projects like that of the Ganga River system offers hope for areas around the world that have also experienced rampant habitat destruction and a drastic reduction in wildlife populations. Restoring habitats lost due to human activity matters not only to the species that rely directly on those habitats for their survival. It also matters to human beings, who depend on complex ecological systems and biodiversity for everything from the food we eat to the materials we use to build our homes. 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. House Speaker Mike Johnsons (R-La.) admission that Elon Musk hadnt answered his phone call was mercilessly mocked on social media Wednesday. Johnson was asked if hed spoken to the now-former Department of Government Efficiency boss following the tech billionaires torching of President Donald Trumps so-called big, beautiful spending bill, which Musk slammed as a disgusting abomination for how it will hike the national debt. Well, I tell you, I called Elon last night and he didnt answer, Johnson, who backs Trumps bill, responded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But I hope to talk to him today, he added. I mean, its not, you know, its very friendly and weve laughed about our differences on policy before. Watch here: Johnson: I called Elon last night. He didnt answer pic.twitter.com/SCCPdPuig3 Acyn (@Acyn) June 4, 2025 Critics on Musks own social media platform X (formerly named Twitter) cackled at what they described as the ghosting of the top Trump ally by the worlds richest person. Womp womp womp Karly Kingsley (@karlykingsley) June 4, 2025 This divorce is going to be messy (@ChidiNwatu) June 4, 2025 Elon has left the group chat no one wants to open. Speaker Johnsons leadership is now on shaky ground, not even the Elon is pretending to care anymore. It is a decline by voicemail. I am here for it! Evaristus Odinikaeze (@odinikaeze) June 4, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oh no! Mikey got ghosted. Allen Rozansky (@EstProtector) June 4, 2025 Breakups are tough for everyone https://t.co/A1WC8ueeU8 Wu Tang is for the Children (@WUTangKids) June 4, 2025 Like the song says "breaking up is hard to do" Denison Barb (@DenisonBarbs) June 4, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Take a hint, its called GHOSTING Rocket Vol.2 (@VolRocket2) June 4, 2025 This is the only time I will say Hats off to Elon https://t.co/id8yT9LcIE President trump is a convicted felon (@MaggieJordanACN) June 4, 2025 Next thing you know, Elon will be donating to Democrats. Kevin (@TheBondGuy2) June 4, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related... House Democrats condemned President Donald Trumps expansive new travel ban on Wednesday, calling it discriminatory,dangerous and cruel, racist, and un-American. Trump signed the ban which bars people from 12 countries from traveling to the U.S. on Wednesday evening, reviving a contentious policy from his first term that was widely criticized for being xenophobic and Islamophobic. People from Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen will be barred from entering the U.S. as of Monday, while those from seven other countries Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela will face travel restrictions as well. Multiple House Democrats slammed Trumps actions, which he claimed were in the name of national security and warranted, given the recent hate crime in Boulder, Colorado, which involved a suspect who is an Egyptian national. (Egypt is not among the countries addressed in the ban.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps use of prejudice and bigotry to bar people from entering the U.S. does not make us safer, it just divides us and weakens our global leadership, Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) said in a statement,adding that the policy is likely to lead to family separations. The new proposal expanded upon the prior ban that Trump tried to institute during his first term, which barred travel from seven Muslim-majority countries. That ban ultimately faced challenges in court before the administration imposed a different version that former President Joe Biden repealed. Rep. Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.) was among the Democrats who noted that this years proposal was simply Trumps repeat attempt. Weve seen this horror show before, she wrote in a post on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) also spoke to the fallout the ban is likely to have for many people attempting to leave volatile situations in their home countries, including U.S. allies being targeted by the Taliban in Afghanistan and other immigrants trying to escape civil war in Sudan. Banning people fleeing dangerous countries like Afghanistan a country where many people are in danger due to their work assisting the U.S. military the Congo, Haiti and Sudan will only further destabilize global security, Jayapal said in a statement. Like during his first term, Trumps latest ban is expected to face legal challenges, which could stymie or delay the administrations efforts. CHAPLIN, Conn. (WTNH) A crash involving a motorcycle has resulted in serious injuries on Bates Road in Chaplin on Wednesday night, according to Connecticut State Police. Serious motorcycle crash closes road in Ellington Police did not comment on how many vehicles were involved, nor how many people were injured. Check back for updates. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. Connecticut lawmakers unanimously passed legislation that expands confidentiality protections for the locations of transitional housing or shelters for victims of domestic violence or sexual assault. HB 6883 unanimously passed the House and the Senate 35-0. The bill now heads to Gov. Ned Lamonts desk. The bill prohibits public agencies from disclosing any information indicating the location of a shelter or transitional housing for victims of domestic violence or sexual assault. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox, D-Trumbull, Senate chair of the Government Oversight Committee, who led final passage of the bill, said having worked for a domestic violence legal organization, she has seen how difficult it was for women or any person that is involved in intimate partner violence to leave the relationship, especially when they dont have a place to go. These shelters and transitional housing, become incredibly vital to be kept confidential to make sure that individuals particularly their perpetrators dont have access to that information because there have been instances when people have gotten information about phone numbers and locations that has led to subsequent violence, Gadkar-Wilcox said. Gadkar-Wilcox added that it is integral to protect individuals who are vulnerable. Even now domestic violence is the leading cause of homelessness among women and children and that in particular highlights the need to make sure that these shelters and transitional housing locations are safe places for people when they are fleeing from a perpetrator because that process is difficult enough, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Current law specifies that the state Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) does not require a public agency to disclose any information indicating the location of a shelter or transitional housing for domestic violence victims, according to the bills analysis. The bill instead explicitly prohibits public agencies from disclosing any information indicating these locations, and includes those for sexual assault victims, regardless of FOIA, the bills analysis further states. Further, the bill also explicitly allows, regardless of FOIAs requirements, portions of public agency meetings to be held in executive session if they would reveal the location of a shelter or transitional housing for domestic violence or sexual assault victims, the bills analysis further states. Meghan Scanlon, CEO of the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence, said the legislation gives the option for those involved in public meetings to have the ability to go into executive session and not compromise any sensitive or confidential information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think this bill is a very good option to have for public agencies to conduct their business but not sacrifice the confidentiality of the locations of where people are residing especially in this instant information era, she said. Scanlon told the Courant that the CCADV serves around 40,000 people, adding that the length of stay for victims of domestic violence in shelters is longer, as individuals are dealing with complex situations that involve the intersection of mental health and substance use and that more children are also in the shelter. Anything that we can do to keep people safe and keep perpetrators from finding those locations or anyone who would want to cause harm is a good thing, she said. Scanlon said so far this year there have been 10 homicides due to domestic violence with a state average of 14 a year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are more violent cases, she said, adding that those cases may not end in a fatality. Beth Hamilton, executive director of the Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence, said in her written testimony in support of the bill that many victims face ongoing threats, harassment or retaliation from the people who harmed them, making it essential to keep their locations undisclosed. Confidentiality helps survivors rebuild their lives without fear, allowing them to seek medical care, counseling and legal assistance without the risk of being found by their abuser, Hamilton wrote in her testimony. Julia Bergman, spokesman for the governors office, said in an email Tuesday that the governor is expected to sign HB 6883. At a time when Connecticut school DEI policies and other Democratic initiatives are under fire, creation of a magnet high school for industry and technology students is a sign of progress, according to the woman behind the Sheff v. ONeill civil rights case. This is an occasion that runs deep through my soul another Sheff magnet school, Elizabeth Horton Sheff told a crowd gathered this week for the groundbreaking for RiverTech at Goodwin University, billed as Connecticuts first technology magnet school. Despite whats going on at the national level, the commitment to public education in Connecticut continues, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since Sheff won her civil rights lawsuit alleging racial discrimination in Connecticuts public education system, the state has been building a School Choice program that includes a network of specialized magnet schools in Greater Hartford. Goodwin is adding to it this year with a four-year program in techology and industry; it will begin serving freshmen in the fall, and plans to complete an ultra-modern, 90,000-square-foot, four-story building next year that will serve all four grades. Theres no other building like it in the United States. On the fourth floor is our international space station. It will be a replica of the surface of Mars that our students will walk as astronauts while their classmates will be mission control, helping them navigate the surface and making sure theyre doing their science experiments, Superintendent Salvatore Menzo said at the ceremony. RiverTech will teach elements of business, entrepreneurship and technology, with an emphasis on new technology, according to Goodwin. Artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, computer science and advanced manufacturing are among the areas of concentration, and the school is building partnerships with major Connecticut manufacturers so it can offer internships and pre-apprenticeships. I finally found something that truly excites me: engineering. Im ready to get hands-on experience and certifications to set myself up for a stable career in a field thats only going to keep growing, Zaidyn Williams of East Hartford told the audience. Hell be among the freshmen beginning classes after summer vacation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Williams said afterward hes most interested in aerospace engineering. Mayor Connor Martin, a Goodwin graduate, said hes looking to RiverTech to give students the preparation theyll need to provide the workforce at Pratt & Whitney and other large manufacturers in the region. As someone who has grown up in this neighborhood and as a Goodwin alumni, to see the continued expansion of this campus is just incredible, said Martin, a Goodwin graduate. Before this campus was what it is today, this was an industrial wasteland. As well as providing a vibrant campus, Goodwins expansion has given East Hartford access again to what Martin called one of its most crucial natural amenities: the Connecticut River. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some years ago we started our magnet school system. We started with one we are now a magnet school school system, Mark Scheinberg, university president, said. We are to my knowledge the only university in the country that owns and manages its own public school system, he said. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Dozens of families packed the Clark County Government Wednesday to speak out against a proposed NV Energy rate hike. Our electricity bills are already too high, an NV Energy customer said. Families across our state are stretched to the limit. Maria Preneice, a retiree on a fixed income, was one of many who spoke with 8 News Now on her concern over a potential change to her monthly payment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NV Energy proposes a 9 percent rate increase; heres how to comment I still have a high bill, Preneice said. And I havent even started with my air conditioning yet. The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada held two public sessions on Wednesday to get feedback on a potential 9.5 percent base rate increase. As we put more money into the system, NV Energy spokesperson Meghin Delaney said. Thats why you see this rate case coming forward. Delaney told 8 News Now the need for this increase all comes down to Southern Nevadas continued growth and high demand due to extreme heat. To make sure when its 120 degrees, its going to get hot this summer too, Delaney said. To make sure customers have enough power to make sure customers stay cool and comfortable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She claimed the hike wouldnt be a significant change, because lower fuel costs will help even things out The proposed base rate hike is the third of its kind that Southern Nevada has dealt with in the past 14 years. In 2023, a 3.3 percent base bump was approved, along with a similar spike of 3.4 percent in 2011, though a 24 percent raise was originally proposed. This is all separate from quarterly bill changes, which can increase or decrease for customers based on energy costs. Its mentally draining to worry about whether I will be able to pay my electricity bill, an NV Energy customer said. Sometimes I cant sleep. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those who attended Wednesdays sessions told 8 News Now that no matter the reason, changes to their monthly balance could be a strain. Preneice hopes her story will ultimately make a difference for others. I know what its like for parents to not be able to make ends meet, she concluded. Listen, have some compassion. The PUCN will make a decision on the proposal by September, and changes could take effect by October. The proposal includes several other provisions, including relief for qualifying low-income families. NV Energy is also proposing a demand change to recover costs associated with energy spikes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Nvidias blockbuster quarterly earnings last week came with a big dose of negative news: A $4.5 billion write down on chips originally destined for customers in China that will ultimately go undelivered. The company had developed the so-called H20 chips, which are less powerful than its top-of-the-line semiconductors, to comply with Biden Administration regulations against sending technology to foreign adversaries that could help their AI efforts. The Trump Administration, however, went a step further in early April and banned exports of even second-tier chips. We are taking a multibillion dollar write off on inventory that cannot be sold or repurposed, said Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang on a May 28 earnings call. The details around the decision to write the value of the chips to zerorather than sell them to other customerswasnt explained. The company added, without elaborating, that its exploring limited options for the unused inventory, a move that would apparently fall short of selling the chips. The H20 was built specifically for the China market under the old export rules. Because of the chips design and limited capabilities, it may be difficult to use in other countries. It doesnt really fit anywhere else without a lot of expensive tweaking, says Arash Azadegan, a professor of supply chain management at Rutgers Business School. This tweaking could involve additional costs for Nvidia. Furthermore, some of the chips may not meet the performance needs of customers in other regions or may be engineered specific to Chinese customer requests or requirements, says Chad Autry, a University of Tennessee supply chain professor. Even if it could sell the chips by cutting their price, Nvidia would risk damaging its image as a seller of top-tier innovation. The companys new Blackwell GPUs, after all, power cutting-edge AI like OpenAIs yet-to-be-released GPT-5 model. Nvidia probably doesnt want to flood the market with discounted chipsit could mess with their pricing, confuse customers, and distract from their big push into the newer Blackwell lineup, says Azadegan, referencing Blackwells used in new products from Amazons AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, and Oracle, among others. Nvidia declined to comment beyond what its executives said during the companys earnings call last week. After China-based DeepSeek released its ChatGPT rival in January, major Chinese firms like Alibaba, ByteDance, and Tencent purchased Nvidias H20 chips, Reuters reported in February. These companies have likely developed powerful AI capabilities using H20 chips, so theres little reason to believe that U.S. companies could not do the same if Nvidia sold H20 to them. CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) Cutting off the horns of sedated rhinos with a chainsaw has been viewed by wildlife conservationists in Africa for more than 30 years as a necessary evil to save the iconic endangered species from poaching. They hoped the drastic action was working, but evidence was scarce. Now, a study published Thursday in the academic journal Science has found that dehorning rhinos has led to a large reduction in poaching in game reserves in and around the Kruger National Park in northern South Africa an area that's home to 25% of the world's rhinos and is especially vulnerable to poaching. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The results of the seven-year study that ended in 2023 are seen as long-awaited evidence that removing rhinos' horns which needs to be done every one to two years because they grow back helps them survive, even if the animals lose part of their makeup. Consistently reduced poaching The conclusions seem obvious. Lucrative illegal markets in parts of southeast Asia and China crave rhino horns for use in traditional medicines, and removing the rhinos' horns take away what poachers are after. But Tim Kuiper, a biodiversity scientist at South Africa's Nelson Mandela University and the lead author of the study, said it was new to have long-term data from multiple sites on dehorning rhinos. He said the study, conducted between January 2017 and December 2023, focused on 11 reserves in the Kruger area and compared data from eight that dehorned their rhinos against the three that didn't. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also analyzed data from the reserves before and after they dehorned their rhinos. The study showed that dehorning consistently reduced poaching, Kuiper said. It found that the dehorning of more than 2,000 rhinos resulted in a 78% reduction in poaching in those eight reserves, providing some confirmation that such an invasive intervention was worth it. It is a big part of what a rhino is, having a horn, Kuiper said. So having to remove it is kind of a necessary evil, if I can put it that way. But its very effective. Theres no doubt it saved hundreds of rhinos' lives. South Africa has the largest numbers of black and white rhinos. Namibia, Zimbabwe and Kenya also have significant populations. There are around 17,500 white rhinos and 6,500 black rhinos left in the world, with black rhino numbers reduced from 70,000 in 1970 to less than 2,500 by the time poaching reached a crisis point in the mid-1990s, according to the Save the Rhino organization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dehorning was not always accepted Dehorning rhinos started in southern Africa as early as 1989. It has not been accepted without question. There has been opposition from animal rights activists but also questions from conservationists over what impact it has on a rhino's wellbeing, and what a future might look like with more hornless rhinos. Vanessa Duthe, a rhino researcher in South Africa not involved in the study, said rhinos use their horns to defend themselves against predators, to compete for territory and, in the case of black rhinos, to look for food. There is also evidence that dehorned rhinos adjust their movements to live in smaller ranges, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said conservationists don't know the full impacts of dehorning, but research had found it had no adverse effect on rhinos' breeding rates or mortality rates. What we do know is that the benefits of dehorning by far outweigh any ecological cost that were aware of today, Duthe said. She said dehorning a rhino now takes around 10 minutes and the process causes minimum distress. Blindfolds and earmuffs are put on sedated rhinos during dehorning, which also provides an opportunity to microchip rhinos and collect samples that aid research. Only one part of the battle Conservationists agree that dehorning alone will not end rhino poaching and Kuiper said he saw it as a short-to-mid-term solution. Other efforts like more effective law enforcement and better support for game rangers on the frontline are key. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While South Africa has helped pull rhinos back from the threat of extinction, more than 400 rhinos a year are still killed by poachers in the country. The dehorning study was a collaboration between scientists from three South African universities, Oxford University in England and game reserve managers and rangers. It also involved the South African National Parks department, the World Wildlife Fund and the Rhino Recovery Fund. ___ AP Africa news: https://apnews.com/hub/africa A New York prosecutor argued in a new court filing Wednesday that Luigi Mangione is a terrorist. He said Mangione's terror charge was supported by the fact that healthcare execs felt terrorized. The filing said Brian Thompson's killing prompted dozens of UnitedHealthcare execs to get security. Luigi Mangione, charged in the December ambush shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson , is indeed a terrorist, a New York prosecutor said in a court filing Wednesday night. Some 40 UHC executives were so afraid after the murder that they enlisted bodyguards, the prosecutor argued in an 82-page rebuke of defense lawyers' efforts to get Mangione's state terrorism charge dropped. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One exec who received death threats dyed her hair and moved to a temporary home out of fear she might be harmed next, the new court filing said. Thompson's December 4 "assassination" on a Midtown Manhattan sidewalk does not reflect a robbery or personal vendetta, wrote the lead state prosecutor, Assistant District Attorney Joel Seidemann, citing writings that authorities reported recovering during Mangione's arrest. Seidemann said that in the writings, Mangione "made crystal clear that his target was the insurance industry." The prosecutor said the writings expressed hope that the shooting would "hit a real blow to the company financials" and referred to Thompson as "a greedy bastard that had it coming." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Brian Thompson and UHC were simply symbols of the healthcare industry and what defendant considered a deadly greed-fueled cartel," Seidemann wrote. The murder had the effect of fueling a panic in the company and the wider healthcare insurance industry, the filing said. "To a limited extent, defendant achieved his dastardly goals by inspiring a vocal minority of individuals to engage in a broader campaign of threats of violence against UHC employees and other health insurance workers," he wrote. The filing gave the clearest peek yet into the grand jury that voted to indict Mangione on state terrorism charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It said an executive of UHC's parent company, UnitedHealth Group, described to the jurors the pro-Mangione posters that appeared in New York City days after the murder. The posters showed Thompson with his face covered by an "X" alongside the faces two other UHC executives. Grand jurors heard of the broader impact the murder had on the company, Wednesday's filing said. UHC doctors and civilians involved in sending out coverage denial letters "feared for their safety and requested they not be required to sign their names to the denials," the filing said grand jurors were told. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Plainclothes police were hired to protect UHC headquarters in Minnesota, some UHC physicians quit their jobs in fear, and the company advised employees not to wear company-branded clothing in public, the filing also said grand jurors learned. Prior to their vote to indict Mangione on murder as an act of terrorism, the grand jury also heard a UHC call center recording. In response to the question, "Who do I have the pleasure of speaking with?" a caller says, "You are gonna hang," continuing: "You know what that means. That means the killing of Brian Thompson was just a start. There are a lot more that are gonna be taken out." The filing said the center received several similar calls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Defendant's sensational assassination of Brian Thompson at the annual investor conference was certainly not a normal street crime," the filing said. "Defendant demonstrated in his manifesto that he was a revolutionary anarchist who would usher in a better healthcare system by killing the CEO of the fourth-largest company in the United States by market cap," it said. "This brutal, cowardly murder was the mechanism that the defendant chose to bring on that revolution." Mangione was arrested in Pennsylvania on December 9 after a five-day manhunt over the shooting death of Thompson in Manhattan. Thompson was attending a healthcare convention, which he was about to enter when he was killed. Mangione, an Ivy League graduate and son of a prominent Maryland family, was first charged with local gun and forgery charges in Pennsylvania. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then, both New York and federal prosecutors brought their own charges, including the state's murder as an act of terrorism count, which carries a maximum sentence of life without parole. The government has said it intends to seek the death penalty for Mangione's federal murder charge. Mangione's defense team in May argued in a 57-page New York state filing that there is no evidence showing he intended to intimidate or coerce a civilian population, which is required to prove their charge of murder as a crime of terrorism . "Applying New York's terrorism statute to this case would impermissibly trivialize and redefine the Legislature's definition of terrorism," Mangione's attorneys wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since he was named as a suspect, Mangione has attracted a following of sympathizers who flock to the courthouses where he's scheduled to appear, send him mail, and voice their support online. On Wednesday, lawyers for Mangione asked the state court judge to allow him to appear at his next state court hearing, scheduled for June 26, unshackled and without the bulletproof vest he has previously been required to wear in court. "The authorities both state and federal have already prejudiced Mr. Mangione in the media more than virtually any defendant in recent memory," the lawyers wrote. "This commenced with the NYC Mayor-led staged perp walk, and it continues until today." They wrote that by bringing him to court in shackles and a vest, authorities are crafting a "false narrative" that Mangione is in unusual danger or requires extra security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There is no disputing that he has been a model prisoner, a model defendant in court, and has treated everyone in the court and prison system with cooperation and respect," the lawyers wrote. Mangione's state-level judge, New York Supreme Court Justice Gregory Carro, has yet to weigh in publicly on the handcuffs or the defense request that the terrorism charge be dismissed. Mangione has pleaded not guilty to and continued to fight all three of his indictments. Read the original article on Business Insider A dad has been charged in connection to the death of his 5-year-old daughter, Washington officials said. On May 29, Federal Way police officers responded to an apartment building after Woo Jin Hahn, 29, called 911 and said, I think I have an emergency, according to the charging documents. Hahn told the operator a 5-year-old girl wasnt breathing, and as the dispatcher talked him through how to administer CPR, he began compressions, documents said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers were met at the door by Hahns girlfriend, who directed them to the bedroom where they found Hahn crouching near his daughter, documents said She was lying in the corner of the room with her eyes open but not breathing, officials said. She had two cuts on her forehead and bruises on her cheeks and chin, officials said. When asked why the girl had bruises, Hahn replied, from disciplining her, officials said. Three separate children were found in a different bedroom with Hahns girlfriend when she told officers he had been beating the girl the day before by punching her in the stomach, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hahn told investigators the girl had been sick and would wake him up periodically by doing somersaults in the room, documents said. He eventually awoke again to find her having strange sounding breathing. Hahn would beat his daughter with a metal cup as a means to correct her childish behavior of only drinking water and refusing to eat, documents said. The girl, who was nonverbal and not potty trained, had diarrhea and was tied to a training toilet by a towel, officials said. Hahn told investigators he tied her to the toilet because she had a habit of dipping her hands in her fecal matter and brushing it onto her teeth or onto the walls, documents said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hahn said he snapped after the girl continued to wiggle around on the potty before spilling feces on the ground. He then began punching her as hard as he could numerous times in the ribs, documents said. Hahns girlfriend of four years told investigators he was controlling and that she was scared of him because of his anger issues and how very small things would set him off, documents said. During one instance of the alleged abuse, the girlfriend took photos of the 5-year-olds bruising after seeing Hahn hit her before he broke down the bedroom door and took her phone away, documents said. During Hahns first court appearance, the court found reason to charge him with murder, but the charges were eventually changed to assault of a child domestic violence and interfering with domestic violence reporting, prosecutors said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His bail was set at $5 million, and he is scheduled to appear in court on June 17, prosecutors said. Federal Way is about a 20-mile drive south from Seattle. If you suspect a child has experienced, is currently experiencing, or is at risk of experiencing abuse or neglect, your first step should be to contact the appropriate agency. The Child Welfare Information Gateway has a list of state agencies you can contact. Find help specific to your area here. For additional help, the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline has professional crisis counselors available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in over 170 languages. All calls are confidential. The hotline offers crisis intervention, information, and referrals to thousands of emergency, social service, and support resources. You can call or text 1-800-422-4453. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you believe a child is in immediate danger, please call 911 for help. If you are experiencing domestic violence and need someone to talk to, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline for support at 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788. 14-month-old found dead in drug-filled room, New York officials say. Dad pleads guilty 10-year-old found with no pulse, NY officials said. Moms boyfriend sentenced 15-year-old found in grocery store with bound wrists, CA cops say. Mom charged Dallas Police have arrested the suspect in a murder that took place during Memorial Day weekend. The Dallas Police Department arrested 22-year-old Terrance Lowe on June 3, in connection with the killing of 22-year-old Davion NeRay Clines, according to a press release. Lowe is charged with murder. The Dallas Police Fugitive Unit arrested Lowe, and he is currently being held in the Dallas County Jail. According to jail records, Lowe was booked on June 3 just past 10:30 p.m. His bond is set at zero, and he faces a single murder charge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dallas police responded to 1922 Berkley Ave on the evening of May 24, as The Dallas Express reported at the time. When they arrived, they found an unconscious male victim in the alley, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. While Dallas Fire-Rescue responded, the victim who turned out to be Clines died. His death was ruled a homicide. Clines reportedly met Lowe close to 5 p.m. in a parking lot for a marijuana deal, according to Fox 4. Clines allegedly got into a Jeep Renegade with Lowe, and the vehicle sped out of the parking lot with Clines still inside. Police reportedly thought Clines was kidnapped. Lowes girlfriend called and reported the Jeep stolen soon after the possible kidnapping, Fox 4 reported. Police found the vehicle near 2400 Budd Street that day after 11:30 p.m., with its license plates removed and after it had been set on fire. There was allegedly visible blood inside the car where Clines was believed to have gotten in. While Clines and Lowe reportedly met just before 5 p.m., the Dallas County Medical Examiner listed the victims time of death as 4:10 p.m., as The Dallas Express previously reported. The Dallas Express asked the Dallas Police for comment, but Lt. Tramese Jones said the press release included all the available information. An explosion on a rail line in Russia's Voronezh Oblast on June 5 caused damage to the track and disrupted train travel along the line, regional Governor Alexander Gusev claimed. The explosion occurred in a remote area between the communities of Yevdakovo and Saguny in Voronezh Oblast. Gusev claimed that no one was injured in the explosion that immediately disrupted the travel of at least 19 passenger and commercial trains. The explosions was allegedly caused by an improvised explosive device. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kyiv Independent cannot verify claims made by Russian officials. The full extent of the damage was not immediately clear. Russian officials have not yet laid blame publicly as to the cause of the explosion. Ukraine's intelligence agencies as well as Ukrainian partisan movements have previously been involved in sabotage attacks on Russian railways, disrupting the transport of military cargo toward the front line. Neither the Ukrainian military nor the partisan movement Atesh commented on the alleged attack. Ukraine's Military Intelligence Agency (HUR) said Ukrainian drone operators destroyed three Russian fuel tanks during a strike on a train moving through occupied areas of Zaporizhzhia Oblast on May 24. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overnight on May 31, following the collapse of an overhead road bridge, a train derailed in Russia's Bryansk Oblast killing seven people and injuring 69. Voronezh Oblast neighbors Ukraine's Kharkiv Oblast and is often used as a launch point for Russia's attack on the front line as well as the city of Kharkiv. Read also: Russia plans to produce 2 million FPV drones in 2025, Ukrainian intelligence says Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The Deputy Director of the FBI has said that, after a review of evidence into the death of Jeffrey Epstein, the agency has come to a clear conclusion as to how the disgraced financier died after a rash of MAGA conspiracy theories. Dan Bongino said that the bureau had video footage that showed the area of Epsteins jail cell for 12 hours prior to the discovery of his body, which he had reviewed. The convicted sex offender-financier, who was accused of sex trafficking young girls, was found dead in his New York City prison cell in 2019 while awaiting trial. His death was ruled a suicide, though many online have disputed this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bongino came under fire on social media last week after admitting to Fox & Friends that he had seen the video footage and that there was no DNA or other evidence of foul play. The remarks prompted the ire of the MAGA faithful, who have long since considered Epsteins death the work of the so-called Deep State. On Wednesday, Bongino doubled down again on his statement, telling Sean Hannity that there was nothing in the file that indicated Epstein had died any other way than by suicide. FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino says that there is no evidence that disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein died by any other way than suicide (Fox News) "The evidence we have in our files clearly indicates that it was, in fact, a suicide. We do have video. Its not the greatest video in the world. I dont want to set expectations on fire," Bongino said. "However, the video does show in that specific block, that he goes in, made a phone call; youll see 12 hours of guards going in, basically check on him, come back. Youll see nobody really comes out of that bay in that area than him. Theres no one in there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added: "There's nothing there in the file at all that indicates anything other than in fact a suicide. Bonginos stance on the death of Epstein marks a clear reversal of viewpoint since he was appointed FBI Deputy Director in February. Prior to that he had built a career as a right-wing political commentator, who repeatedly promoted conspiracy theories about Epsteins death. In a podcast in January 2024 told listeners that he had heard claims from reporters that Epstein had been killed due to his influence and alleged ability to blackmail people. He described the claims as super important. The financier, who was accused of sex trafficking, was found dead in his prison cell in 2019 while awaiting trial. His death was ruled a suicide, though many online have disputed this (New York State Sex Offender Registry) This is where I get really upset at the media, Bongino said later in the podcast. Maybe because I was an investigator before, its like, Im amazed at how few people are putting two and two together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly before assuming one of the top jobs at the bureau, Bongino again peddled the blackmail conspiracy. Im not ever gonna let this story go, he vowed. Now, for the second time in two weeks, he has offered a different view. Theres no DNA, theres no audio, theres no fingerprints, theres no suspects, theres no accomplices, theres no tips, there is nothing, Bongino told Fox News last Thursday. Theres video clear as day, he added. Hes the only person in there and the only person coming out. You can see it. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) Dave Chappelle will return to the cornfields of Yellow Springs for a new lineup of shows this summer. For the fifth year in a row, Dave Chappelle will host hometown shows in Yellow Springs throughout the summer. Tickets go on sale Friday, June 6 at noon. Wawa opening Fairfield location in late-June Dave Chappelles Summer Camp will be held at Wirrig Pavilion, featuring Chappelle himself alongside other guest appearances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shows will span three weekends: July 2, 3 and 5 Aug. 14, 15 and 16 Aug. 21, 22 and 23 Chappelle first began his comedy shows in the cornfields of Yellow Springs during the pandemic in 2020 as a way to support the local community and bring humor to the heart of Ohio. Event organizers say each show will be a phone-free experience, with phones, smart watches and accessories not allowed during the performance. Tickets will be available at ticketmaster.com. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. David Jolly is running for governor of Florida, promising a campaign that will reach all corners of the state and seek votes from people who dont traditionally support Democrats. The central theme of the campaign, which he is launching Thursday, is relieving the strain from the high cost of living in the state. Affordability, affordability, affordability. That is the No. 1 issue, he said. We are in the midst of a generational affordability crisis thats impacting every voter and every community, from every walk of life, from every socioeconomic group, and I dont believe Republicans are offering solutions for that, Jolly said in an interview during which he described his campaign and platform. Coalition Jolly, a Republican turned independent turned Democrat, said there are many voters who want a change after decades of his former partys control of state government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think theres a coalition of voters in Florida led by the Democratic Party around Democratic values, but that is broad enough to include independents and many disaffected Republicans. But we lead with Democratic values, he said. The description of such a coalition is a recognition of the stark reality facing any Democrat running for any statewide office in 2026, let alone the top job. Florida hasnt elected a Democratic governor in more than 30 years. The party hasnt won a statewide election since 2018. And Florida has 1.2 million more active registered Republican voters than Democrats; less than four years ago, the state had more Democrats than Republicans. Math is math. There are not enough Democratic voters in the state of Florida for a Democrat to win the governorship, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Victory requires a candidate who goes places where Democrats havent gone before. And that means speaking to communities of faith, that means speaking to gun owners, that means speaking to the ag community. That means turning out voters in Broward and in South Florida. But that also means reaching people in North Florida who may not have thought ever before about voting for a Democrat. Thats the coalition. Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is prevented by term limits from running again, put it more colorfully last month. If you have a D next to your name in this state, you are dead meat because this party is a disaster. Key issues Jolly said the central issue facing Florida is how much it costs to live in the state. Republicans, he said, have given lip service to the growing problem and their policies and ideology have often exacerbated it. Top of the list is the high cost of property insurance for homeowners and businesses. Jolly wants the state to create a catastrophe insurance fund to take on the risk of natural disasters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said that could cut property insurance rates by 60% for residential, commercial, industrial properties, he said. That impacts homeowners, that impacts renters, that impacts condo owners. A state catastrophic fund dramatically reduces the cost of access to housing. A so-called cat fund could also reduce car insurance premiums by taking on the risk of storm related damages, he said. Related Articles Jolly said his solution illustrates his policy-oriented approach, as opposed to an ideology driven way of solving problems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans will still call it socialism. I call it more affordable insurance. Im in a post-ideological part of my career. I dont care where the answers are on the left-right spectrum. We need bold solutions, big ideas to solve big problems. Republicans wont do that. They will not solve the insurance crisis, he said. Republicans, he said, are ideologically incapable of accepting the answer: the government steps in where private markets fail. We do it with roads, we do it with hospitals, we do it with schools. The private market for property insurance has failed in Florida because of our risk of natural disasters that weve probably contributed to because Republicans wont even allow us to address climate science and climate change. On housing affordability, Jolly said, we need property tax reform to change the current system so first-time homebuyers arent confronted with crushingly high tax bills. DeSantis has proposed a more radical concept, doing away with property taxes, but he hasnt said how local governments and school districts would come up with the money to pay for police, parks and other services. Jolly said that education in Florida is now part of the economic crisis. The voucher program, which provides tax money to help pay for private and parochial school tuition, has undermined public education. And when parents send their children to non-public schools, they still have to pay heavy costs that arent covered by vouchers, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their (Republicans) answer on having abandoned public schools is not going to be to further invest in public schools. Its going to be chasing private schools where the standards are lower, where they dont have to take care of kids in need, and where they get to charge whatever they want on top of the vouchers. Thats the Republican position. The candidate Jolly may be best known to Democratic voters as a political commentator for MSNBC, the cable news channel favored by Democrats. Jolly said he left MSNBC and the Shumaker law and lobbying firm and said he would be on the campaign trail full time. Jolly, 52, is a fifth-generation Floridian. As a Republican member of Congress from Pinellas County from March 2014 to January 2017, he was more in the mold of centrist Republicans exemplified by the late President George H.W. Bush and unlike adherents of President Donald Trumps MAGA movement who dominate the party today. In December 2015, Jolly called on Trump to drop out of his first presidential race. He lost his bid for reelection in 2016. In 2018 he left the Republican Party and registered as a no party affiliation/independent voter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In April, as he was making more public moves toward running for governor, he registered as a Democrat. I am proud to be a Democrat because I believe its the party that represents an economy for all people, a government that actually works, that serves seniors, its veterans, and can provide for education, public education, and a party that brings the government the ability to embrace everybody and lift everybody up regardless of where you were born, how you got here, who you love, or who you worship, he said. Those are the core Democratic values. In a statement Monday ahead of Jollys announcement, the state Republican Party said Florida voters have zero appetite for MSNBC talking points and he stands against everything Floridians believe in. State Republican Chair Evan Power said in the statement that, Floridians wont trust a slick opportunist who simply cant be trusted. Jolly has no platform, no base, and no chance in Florida. Strategy Many Democrats are fired up in opposition to Trump. But Jolly said focusing on Trump in Florida the state the president has adopted as his home, where he has many supporters, and has won with increasing margins isnt a path to victory in the governors race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead he plans to focus on issues that are affecting Floridians lives, and the opportunity for change that comes from an open governors seat with no incumbent. Were running against the direction of the state and offering change. It is a governorship, not a federal race. This race is not about Donald Trump. Its not about federal issues. This is about the affordability crisis, a crisis in education, he said. Its about putting an end to the culture wars. It is about responsibly running the state. Its about saying we should reform property taxes. But lets use math and actually do it in a way that ensures we continue to provide for safe communities and good schools. As models he cited Gov. Andy Beshear of Kentucky and former Gov. Steve Bullock of Montana as Democrats who can win in Republican states. Were going to test if enough people in Florida want change, he said. I want to offer a different path, and thats one of the reasons I feel very, very good about next November. Anthony Man can be reached at aman@sunsentinel.com and can be found @browardpolitics on Bluesky, Threads, Facebook and Mastodon. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) A former Republican congressman and vocal critic of Donald Trump says he wants to become governor in the presidents adopted home state of Florida and is running as a Democrat. David Jolly formally announced his bid Thursday, becoming the latest party convert hoping to wrest back control of what had been the countrys premier swing state that in recent years has made a hard shift to the right. Under state law, term-limited Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis cant run for reelection in 2026. Even as Florida serves as a place for the Trump administration to poach staff and test policies, Jolly says hes confident that issues such as affordability, funding public schools, and strengthening campaign finance and ethics laws will resonate with all voters in 2026. He predicts elections next year will herald nationwide change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I actually think Republicans in Tallahassee have gone too far in dividing us. I think we should get politicians out of the classrooms, out of the doctors offices, Jolly said. I think enough people in Florida, even some Republicans, now understand that. That the culture wars have gone too far, he added. Jolly was first elected to his Tampa Bay-area congressional seat during a 2014 special election and was reelected for one full term. The attorney and former lobbyist underwent a political evolution that spurred him to leave the Republican Party in 2018 to become an independent and then a registered Democrat. He built a national profile as an anti-Trump political commentator on MSNBC. The relationship with the network ended in April when he formed a political action committee, Jolly said Thursday in a text message. Jolly said he has considered himself part of the Democratic coalition for five or so years, and believes in what he sees as the partys fundamental values that government can help people, that the economy should be fair to all, and that immigrants should be celebrated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I struggled to exercise those values in the Republican Party, Jolly said, continuing: The actual registration as a Democrat wasnt a pivot. It was a kind of a formality. Jolly has broken from his old party on immigration, as Florida lawmakers race to help Trump fulfill his promise of mass deportations. Jolly skewered Republicans, whom he said have conflated immigration and crime, which he described as wrong and immoral. If you were born here or if you immigrated here, or if youre a Tallahassee politician who steals Medicaid money, were going to be tough on crime, Jolly added, referring to a probe into the use of Medicaid settlement funds by a charity associated with first lady Casey DeSantis. Jollys gubernatorial run as a Democrat draws comparisons to the failed bid of former Republican congressman-turned-independent-turned-Democrat Charlie Crist, who lost to Gov. DeSantis in 2022 by 19 points. Crist, running as a Democrat, ousted Jolly from his congressional seat in 2016. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By switching from Republican to Independent to Democrat, Jolly has officially completed his transition to become the next Charlie Crist, the campaign of Trump-backed Republican U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, who is running for governor, said in a statement. Jolly joined the Florida Democratic Party at arguably one of its most vulnerable points in years. No There are no Democrats in statewide office and Republican voters outnumber Democrats by 1.2 million, according to the states active voter rolls. The GOP has made significant inroads in formerly Democratic strongholds in the state, such as Miami-Dade County. The day Jolly announced his new affiliation, the then-top Democrat in the Florida Senate, Jason Pizzo, revealed he was leaving the party, declaring that the Democratic Party in Florida is dead. Pizzo, a former prosecutor, has said hell launch his own run for governor as a candidate with no party affiliation. On the Republican side, Jolly will face Donalds, who is also a frequent presence on cable news as a surrogate for the president. Among the other names floated as potential GOP candidates are former Rep. Matt Gaetz and Casey DeSantis. ___ Kate Payne is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Jun. 4MITCHELL The following cases were among those heard Tuesday, June 3, during a circuit court session at the Davison County Public Safety Center, with Judge Chris Giles presiding: * Kaden Geppert, 23, of Mitchell, admitted to violating his probation, which stemmed from a second-offense DUI charge. As a result, the court adjusted his original 92-day jail sentence by suspending 60 days and crediting him for 22 days already served. This left him responsible for serving 10 additional days. * Joseph Darville, 42, of Tea, appeared in court for his arraignment. The hearing was continued for two weeks to give him time to hire his own attorney. He is facing a Class 2 misdemeanor charge for possession of drug paraphernalia and a Class 5 felony charge for possession of methamphetamine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * Elsie Leroy, 31, of Mitchell, admitted to violating her probation. She is on probation for possession of methamphetamine, a Class 5 felony. While her previously suspended five-year prison sentence remains in place, the violation resets her two-year probation period, which will now start over. * Christopher Stunes, 43, of Mitchell, pleaded not guilty to a Class 6 felony charge of failing to register a new address. He has a history of similar offenses and was previously sentenced to two years in prison for multiple violations. A jury trial is set for October. * Dustin Rosandic, 39, of Sioux Falls, appeared in court to face multiple charges, including intentional damage to property under $400, a Class 2 misdemeanor; grand theft of property valued between $1,000 and $2,500, a Class 6 felony; and seven counts of third-degree burglary, all Class 5 felonies. His bond, which had previously been posted by relatives who later requested a refund, was reinstated. The court approved the bond refund, and Rosandic was taken back into custody. He is now being held on a $2,500 cash bond. * Larry Anderson, 32, of Mitchell, admitted to violating his probation. He is on probation for meth possession. Anderson is in the process of applying for drug court and is required to complete an updated treatment needs assessment. His sentencing is scheduled for July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * Paul Garcia, 50, of Rapid City, admitted to violating his probation. He was sentenced to probation in January for meth possession and was granted a suspended execution of sentence at that time. Garcia requested a personal recognizance bond, but the court denied the request and set bond at $500 cash. He is scheduled to return to court in four weeks. * Michael Cline Jr., 39, of Mitchell, was sentenced to 40 days in jail with 10 days suspended for driving under the influence, a Class 1 misdemeanor. He was also fined $350 and had his driver's license revoked for 30 days. Additionally, Cline was sentenced for intentional damage to property valued between $1,000 and $2,500, a Class 6 felony. For this charge, he received a two-year prison sentence, fully suspended, along with a $300 fine and an order to pay $1,896.34 in restitution. According to court documents, while working at Casey's General Store in Mitchell, Cline became agitated and began swearing. Management was called, and he was asked to leave. After he left, staff found damage to equipment, including cords and connectors for the register and a shattered screen on the lottery ticket machine. Video footage confirmed that Cline caused the damage. A marijuana joint was also found behind the counter. * Michael St. Pierre, 26, of Mitchell, denied violating his probation. He is on probation for a third- or greater-offense domestic abuse simple assault charge. St. Pierre plans to apply for drug court and must complete an updated treatment needs assessment. He is scheduled to return to court in two weeks. * Randy Mendel, 54, of Yankton, failed to appear in court on a grand theft charge involving property valued between $5,000 and $100,000. As a result, the court issued a $3,000 bench warrant for his arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * Dustin Zephier, 29, of Mitchell, pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including driving under the influence, a Class 1 misdemeanor; driving with a suspended license and possession of drug paraphernalia, both Class 2 misdemeanors; and possession of methamphetamine, a Class 5 felony. A jury trial is scheduled for October. * Jamie Bean, 55, of Mitchell, appeared in court for an extradition hearing. He is wanted in Georgia on nine felony charges. The court initiated the extradition process. * Joshua Fisher, 41, of Merrifield, Minnesota, pleaded guilty to possession of psilocybin mushrooms, a Class 5 felony. He was given a suspended imposition of sentence and sentenced to two years of probation. Additionally, he was ordered to pay a $750 fine. As part of the plea agreement, several other charges were dismissed, including illegal lane change and possession of drug paraphernalia, both Class 2 misdemeanors; driving under the influence, a Class 1 misdemeanor; and possession and unauthorized ingestion of methamphetamine, both Class 5 felonies. * Donald Shepard, 45, of Mitchell, pleaded guilty to one count of child abuse, a Class 4 felony. As part of a plea agreement, another count of child abuse and a charge of abuse or cruelty to a minor under 7 years old, a Class 3 felony, were dismissed. The court ordered a pre-sentencing report, and Shepard is scheduled to be sentenced in July. According to court documents, Shepard is accused of physically punishing children using a homemade paddle and a wooden dowel rod, causing visible bruising. The investigation began after a Child Protection case worker with the South Dakota Department of Social Services received a referral about the injuries. The report noted that two children in the care of another person had bruises on their buttocks, and all three children said Shepard caused the injuries by spanking them with the homemade paddle at his home. In late December, the three children were interviewed by Child's Voice, a child advocacy center. They stated that Shepard had spanked them multiple times with various objects, including the homemade paddle and dowel rod, at both Shepard's home and another residence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * Courtney Stork, 45, of Mitchell, appeared in court on two separate sets of charges. In one case, he is facing charges of possession of drug paraphernalia, a Class 2 misdemeanor; possession of two ounces or less of marijuana, a Class 1 misdemeanor; and possession of methamphetamine, a Class 5 felony. During a status hearing, Stork requested the removal of his court-appointed attorney and chose to represent himself. The court granted the withdrawal of counsel, and a jury trial for this case is scheduled for August. In a separate case involving newer charges, Stork pleaded not guilty to possession of Ambien, a Class 6 felony, and denied allegations of habitual offender status. A jury trial for this matter has been set for October. The court denied his request for a personal recognizance bond. * Brandon Kendall, 24, of Mitchell, appeared in court for a status hearing related to a probation violation. He requested and was granted a personal recognizance bond. Due to new charges he is facing in Brookings County, his case has been continued to August. * Twila Hislaw, 44, of Mitchell, pleaded guilty to violating a conditional bond, a Class 1 misdemeanor. She was sentenced to 36 days in jail, with 30 days suspended and credit for six days already served. In addition, she was fined $350. * Wanda Frederick, 31, of Mitchell, admitted to violating her probation, which she was serving for a second-degree escape conviction. As a result, her five-year prison sentence remains suspended, but her two-year probation period will restart. She also pleaded guilty to a sixth-offense simple assault, a Class 4 felony. For that charge, she was sentenced to 90 days in jail with all time suspended and fined $350. * Cleveland Skunk, 33, of Mitchell, pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine, a Class 5 felony. As part of a plea agreement, charges for possession of drug paraphernalia, a Class 2 misdemeanor, and possession of two ounces or less of marijuana, a Class 1 misdemeanor, were dismissed. He also appeared in court for a probation violation related to a domestic abuse simple assault conviction, for which he is currently on probation. For the violation, Skunk was sentenced to four additional years of probation. In connection with the meth possession charge, he is in the process of applying for drug court. He was sentenced to five years in prison, with all time suspended, and fined $750. I-HWA CHENG/AFP via Getty Images Nvidia shares are up 20% in a month, reflecting a major rebound for the chipmaker. Shares were down as much as 31% year-to-date through April as tariffs rocked markets. Since April lows, the AI titan has been boosted by fresh catalysts that have revived investors' enthusiasm. Nvidia stock has embarked on a fresh rally thanks to four big catalysts that are generating new enthusiasm for artificial intelligence chip maker. The stock has climbed 20% over the last month. Since its most recent low in April, the move up is even sharper. After bottoming during the broader market sell-off caused by Donald Trump's tariff announcements, the stock is up 45%, a gain of about $1 trillion in market cap. The stock is up about 5% year-to-date. This embedded content is not available in your region. That latest rally follows a rough few months for Nvidia. Shares were down more than 30% year-to-date in early April as concerns swirled around export controls and Trump's tariffs, which complicated the chipmaker's business in China. While the stock has benefited from an easing of tariff-related headwinds that's also boosted the broader market, there are several company-specific forces driving the rally. Here is what's sparked the latest run of gains for the top chip maker. AI diffusion rule rollback The Commerce Department did away with the Biden administration's AI diffusion rule in mid-May, removing restrictions on which countries Nvidia can sell AI chips to. Those restrictions have been a major overhang for Nvidia stock this year. At a recent tech conference, Ceo Jensen Huang told reporters that export controls have hurt Nvidia's business in China. "All in all, the export control was a failure," Huang said at the event. "The fundamental assumptions that led to the AI diffusion rule in the beginning, in the first place, have been proven to be fundamentally flawed." Nvidia's big Saudi deal Nvidia announced a major partnership with Humain in May. The AI firm is controlled by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. The deal involves Humain purchasing advanced semiconductors from Nvidia to create AI infrastructure in the nation. In the first phase of the project, Nvidia will send 18,000 GB300 Frace Blackwell AI supercomputer chips, the firm said in a statement. That partnership came shortly after Saudi Arabia pledged to invest $600 billion in various US industries, including AI and infrastructure. "Those 'allies' want to invest here in the USA and also get a hold of a TON of Nvidia chips for domestic AI factories. For Nvidia shareholders, it would seem that this repeal is great news and that the administration is reigniting the 'Sovereign Thesis,'" analysts at Melius Research wrote in a note last month. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) Dayton Live is reflecting on the NATO Parliamentary Assembly that took over downtown just two weeks ago. NATO delegates visited the Gem City for important meetings and discussions, but throughout their weekend here, they were also able to take a break from politics and enjoy everything Dayton has to offer. Really kind folks: NATO delegates leaving Dayton with appreciation of citys role Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dayton Live helped organized several events that delegates got to attend, allowing them to take a piece of Dayton back to their respective countries. We really wanted to make sure that they were getting the best experience possible, said Sarah Robertson, Dayton Live vice president of operations. Dayton Live was busy showing off the best of Dayton, from art and music to local food and popular attractions. They had lunch at RiverScape, at Carillon Park, the courthouse where they did food trucks, said Roberston. Some folks were at the Dragons stadium for an event. They were at the Air Force Museum and then we went to the Dayton Art Institute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Robertson says they were able to show every corner of Dayton, wanting the international visitors to remember their experience. There was a bus that took them to the Oregon District, to Wright Dunbar, so they could explore and see what the businesses in our area have to offer, said Robertson. The restaurants, shops, all that kind of stuff. NATO delegates taking in Daytons culture, cuisine during downtime Robertson says the visitors left with a major impression of the city. She says everyone she talked with was happy with what they experienced. They were so excited to be in Dayton. They were shocked by how wonderful the city is. You know, a lot of times when people are coming from Europe, theyre going to DC, or New York, or LA; theyre not going to see the Midwest, said Robertson. And everyone I spoke to last week, was just so complimentary of the city and everything that we had to offer, the people, the hospitality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Robertson hopes that the Gem City showcase to these delegates is just a taste of what the area can offer to events of this magnitude in the future. I think when you see how Dayton is being represented on an international stage, it is incredible. And I think it will do a lot for us in the future as we kind of grow and stake our claim on what comes next, said Robertson. Dayton Mayor reflects on NATO spring assembly Dayton Live says they were happy to showcase the city to NATO delegates. They hope that as they return home, they take a piece of the city with 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 WDTN.com. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) A D.C. man was sentenced Thursday for robbing a woman and later stealing her car, according to the United States Attorneys Office (USAO) for the District of Columbia. Donovan Adams, 31, was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty in April to charges of armed robbery, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Uncertainty lingers over Dupont Circles status ahead of WorldPride Parade Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court documents, on Sept. 27, 2024, a woman parked her car in the alleyway near the restaurant where she worked in the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue SE. As she got out of her car, she saw a black sedan nearby that proceeded to follow her down the alley before pulling up beside her. The USAO states that Adama got out of the car and pointed a gun at the woman before stealing her purse, cell phone, and car keys before getting back into his car and driving away. The woman then ran into her work and called the police. Meanwhile, Adams returned to the alleyway and drove off in the womans car. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court documents state that, ten minutes later, the woman went back outside and noticed that her car had been stolen. Officers located Adams, who attempted to drive away from police in his black sedan, shortly after. Police searched his vehicle and seized a beige BB gun, the womans car keys, and three credit cards belonging to the woman. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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) The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating after two teenage boys were shot in Northeast D.C. Wednesday. Police responded to reports of a shooting at 6:47 p.m. in the 5300 block of Clay Terrace NE, where both teens were found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Around 100 firefighters respond to Northwest DC house fire Police said one teen was shot in the body and the other was shot in their leg. They were both taken to the hospital, conscious and breathing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to police, roughly 20 rifle and pistol casings were recovered from the scene. Anyone with information about what led up to the shooting is asked to call 202-727-9099 or text MPD at 50411. 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. Editors Note: This story has been updated to reflect updated information from police regarding the victims age. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) D.C. police are searching for a man who allegedly shot a teenage boy in Northwest on Sunday night. Just before 8:20 p.m. on June 1, the suspect, shown in the video below, reportedly approached a teenage boy in the 1400 block of Fairmont St., NW. MPD: Argument over electric charging cable ends in shooting in DC Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After showing a gun, the suspect then shot the teen before fleeing, according to the Metropolitan Police Department. The boy was taken to a hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Police were able to find surveillance footage of the suspect, who was seen wearing all black clothing except for the red and white Roman numerals on his black sweatshirt. The suspect also wore a white mask and dark glasses. At this time, it is unclear whether the teen and the man knew each other. Anyone who can identify the man is urged to call 202-727-9099. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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) D.C. police are looking for a suspect accused of several pharmacy thefts in Northwest. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said that in each offense, the suspect went into the store, put items into a black trash bag and left. DC police looking to identify suspect in Fairmont Street shooting The incidents took place on the following dates in the following locations: Feb. 21 in the 3300 block of New Mexico Ave. NW April 3 in the 1100 block of F St. NW May 11 in the 1100 block of F St. NW May 29 in the 3300 block of New Mexico Ave. NW Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Surveillance cameras captured the following images of the suspect. (Images courtesy of the Metropolitan Police Department) Anyone with any information is asked to call 202-727-9099 or text 50411. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. Originally appeared on E! Online Content warning: This article contains allegations of self-harm and threats of suicide. Halle Bailey is facing serious allegations from her ex DDG amid the custody battle over their son Halo. In an emergency motion filed by DDG on June 4, the rapper asked the court to deny Halle's recent request to take their 17-month-old to Italy for work, accusing that the Little Mermaid star of being "an imminent emotional and psychological risk" to herself and their child. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DDG (real name Daryl Dwayne Granberry Jr.) alleged in court documents obtained by E! News that Halle "routinely used emotional coercion and manipulation to exert her control over me, often threatening me by using self-harm or ending her life" throughout their "on again/off again" relationship of almost three years. In one alleged instance during Halle's pregnancy in 2023, DDG said she "threatened me by demanding that we reconcile, or she would go through with the abortion." DDG said the actress allegedly "threatened to end her life using my legally owned firearm" in another incident that same year, accusing Halle of grabbing the weapon and leaving their home without telling anyone her whereabouts. More from E! Online Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DDG alleged that Halle also stalked him during their relationship, as well as physically and verbally abused him. "Given these threats to self-harm," DDG wrote in his filing, "I believe the Petitioner is a threat to our son's safety such that she should not be allowed to take Halo out of the country to Italy for a period of two months." He is requesting that the court grant him sole legal and physical custody of Halo, or impose an alternative visitation plan where he and Halle trade off two-day and five-day blocks. Alberto Rodriguez/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images DDG's filing comes weeks after Halle filed to obtain sole legal and physical custody of Halo, alleging that DDG attacked her during a co-parenting handoff in January. She was granted a temporary restraining order against DDG, who has denied the abuse allegations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement E! News has reached out to Halle's attorney about DDG's allegations but hasn't heard back. In a court response to DDG's filing obtained by TMZ, Halle accused DDG of being uncooperative in negotiations, alleging that he waited until her temporary restraining order was expired to file for custody of Halo. For a deeper look at Halle and DDG's relationship, read on. June 2022: Red Carpet Debut at the BET Awards Momodu Mansaray/WireImage August 2022: Variety Power of Young Hollywood Event Matt Winkelmeyer/Variety via Getty Images September 2022: Roger Vivier Event in Paris Marc Piasecki/Getty Images For Roger Vivier October 2022: Wearable Art Gala Unique Nicole/Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement December 2022: Avatar 2 Premiere Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic January 2023: Atlantis, the Royal Event in Dubai Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for Atlantis The Royal February 2023: Milan Fashion Week Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images for Gucci February 2023: Creed III Premiere Alberto Rodriguez/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement March 2023: Vanity Fair Oscars Party Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images for Vanity Fair October 2023: Glamour Women of the Year Awards Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images November 2023: Beyonce's Renaissance Film Premiere Amy Sussman/WireImage for Parkwood December 2023: L.A. Clippers vs. Golden State Warriors Game Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement January 2024: Introducing Son Halo, Their First Child Together Instagram / Halle Bailey October 2024: DDG Announces Breakup on Instagram Image Press Agency/NurPhoto/Shutterstock For more information on domestic abuse or to get help for yourself or someone you love, visit the website for The National Domestic Violence Hotline (http://www.thehotline.org/) or call 1-800-799-7233. If you or someone you know needs help, call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the network, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources. On Wednesday (June 4), DDG requested an emergency hearing in an attempt to block Halle Bailey from traveling internationally with their son, Halo. He countered her previous domestic violence accusations by filing for a restraining order of his own, but his request was reportedly not approved. Bailey is set to leave to Italy with their one-year-old this weekend for a few months as she shoots a film. TMZ reported yesterday the Michigan rapper filed a motion against his ex-girlfriend, claiming she poses an imminent emotional and psychological risk to the child. He included several alleged incidents that would back up his assertions, if true. DDG wrote about a time Halle took his gun and ran out of his house, said she would have an abortion behind his back, and would text him concerning messages regarding her mental health. In or about August 2023, during a particularly volatile argument, petitioner became enraged and threatened to end her life using my legally owned firearm. Without my consent, she took the weapon and left the house, wrote DDG in a declaration attached to his court filing, per Billboard. This incident was one of several in which petitioners actions posed a serious threat to her own safety and the safety of our son by creating an environment of emotional distress and danger within the home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rapper also claimed Halle sent a series of alarming text messages threatening to kill herself and suggesting that their infant son, Halo, might also be harmed. In May, Halle was granted a temporary restraining order against DDG after accusing him of abuse. She cited an incident where he allegedly smashed her head against a steering wheel during an argument, said he often referred to her as a b**ch or evil, and rallied his supporters to bad-mouth her publicly. The Little Mermaid actress addressed her Italy travel plans in her original complaint, which was approved on May 15. I have family and a nanny who will be traveling with me to care for Halo while I am working, Halle wrote in the court documents. The former couple went public in March 2022 and had a child together in December 2023. See a full timeline of their relationship here. More from VIBE.com Sign up for Vibe's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Editor's note: This article has been updated to reflect additional comments made by U.S. President Donald Trump on the bipartisan sanctions bill. U.S. President Donald Trump sidestepped questions on June 5 as to when he can be expected to impose additional sanctions on Russia, as the Kremlin continues to reject a ceasefire in Ukraine. Trump has repeatedly threatened to impose sanctions on Russia if he does not see progress in peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked by reporters in the Oval Office as to whether a deadline exists for the implementation of sanction, Trump replied: "Yes, it's in my brain the deadline," without specifying a date. "When I see the moment where it's not going to stop... we'll be very tough," Trump added. Previously, Trump said he had not yet imposed new sanctions on Russia because he believed a peace deal might be within reach. "If I think I'm close to getting a deal, I don't want to screw it up by doing that," he said, but added he is prepared to act if Moscow stalls further. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On May 28, Trump said that "It'll take about two weeks, or week and a half," to know whether Russian President Vladimir Putin is serious about ending the war in Ukraine, suggesting that sanctions may be on the horizon if efforts are stalled. Despite two rounds of peace talks in Istanbul, Russia continues to reject a ceasefire in Ukraine. Following Operation Spiderweb that pre-empted the peace talks, Putin on June 4 blamed Ukraines top leadership for the attacks: "The current Kyiv regime does not need peace at all," he said during a televised meeting with senior officials. "What is there to talk about? How can we negotiate with those who rely on terror?" Republican Senator Roger Wicker said on June 4 that Trump asked the Senate to delay voting on a bipartisan Russia sanctions bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill, introduced on April 1 by Senators Lindsey Graham (R) and Richard Blumenthal (D), seeks to impose a 500% tariff on imports from countries that continue purchasing Russian oil and raw materials. The legislation currently has broad bipartisan support, with 82 out of 100 U.S. senators backing it. U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson also voiced his support for the bill. Trump on June 5 said that he has not yet seen the bipartisan bill. "I have to take a look. (Senators) are waiting for me to decide what to do. And I will decide. Maybe very soon," Trump said. "But (senators) will be guided by my instructions. That's how it should be." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Trump privately praises Ukraines drone strike on Russian bombers as badass, Axios reports Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. AUSTIN (KXAN) Local first responders would like people to know what to do in case of a drowning. Austin Public Health said an average of 14 people a year die by drowning in Travis County. Between 2007 and 2016, a total of 140 deaths happened due to unintentional drowning. Half of them were in natural bodies of water like creeks, lakes or rivers while 25% of them were in swimming pools. Its why first responders are highlighting the life-saving power of CPR and of an automated external defibrillator, or AED. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Captain Trevor Stokes with Travis County Emergency Services District No. 2, otherwise known as the Pflugerville Fire Department, joined KXANs Will DuPree and Avery Travis to mark CPR and AED Awareness Week. Read a full transcription of the interview below, or watch in the video player above. Some responses were edited for clarity. Avery Travis: We know this week is really meant to highlight how people can save lives and be safe out on the water. But lets talk about the issue of drowning. How big of a problem is it in Central Texas? I think a lot of folks growing up in this area learned to swim growing up, or were around swimming pools or the lake. Why might that knowledge maybe make us a little lax about the risks of drowning. Captain Trevor Stokes: So the biggest issue we see is obviously for children, so we recommend putting all the efforts into prevention. Obviously, knowing CPR is a good thing, but at that point, somethings already happened. So drowning is silent. Its deadly, and it happens very quickly. So when enjoying water, especially in pools or even an open body of water, like we saw with the incident there at Lake Austin or Town Lake, is having a PFD, wearing a PFD, not just having it near you, but actually wearing it despite your ability to swim. Thats a preventative measure. People typically dont drown when theyre wearing a PFD. They surface to the top of the water. But more importantly, with kiddos, always having somebody who is watching the children, and then rotating that person regularly. So thats not someone whos reading a book, whos on their phone, theyre not distracted, theyre watching. Also, if youre in a pool, or if youre in a body of water where visibility is good, having a swimsuit that is not the same color as, say, the bottom of the pool. So that at any moment a kid slips below the surface, you immediately can recognize that. But rotating that person and making sure they understand what their responsibilities are prevents it. Also having likes or any prevention mechanisms so people cant wander off to the water, wander off to the pool, unaided or unassisted or even unwatched, thats a big thing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Will DuPree: Okay, so those are lots of things that people can keep in mind for sure. But if an emergency should happen, obviously calling 911, is important, but so is the importance of someone being a bystander who can jump in and perform CPR. Whats the impact that can have on potentially saving someones life? Stokes: So having knowledge of doing CPR and immediately starting that process while someone is calling 911 it raises the potential for a save so much higher. CPR is an easy skill to learn. Anyone can do it. You can go to pflugervillefire.org. Actually, the Pflugerville Firefighters Association has a free class that goes on monthly. All the information is on our website. Theres also a playlist that will help you remember the tempo. But early compressions, early CPR is the best chance to make that a survivable event. Travis: I think we even have that playlist pulled up so we can give it a scroll and let people see some of the songs you guys are actually trying to make this, you know, even entertaining and catchy, something easy for people to remember and learn and kind of put those skills into practice. I saw a Sabrina Carpenter song on there, and so Ill be practicing my CPR to that later today. So were showing that resource for people and where you can find it. But I do want to ask for someone who the thought of jumping in as a bystander might be really scary, even if theyve practiced, even if theyve learned the skills. What would you say to folks, who you know thats a scary moment, to jump in and try to do something like that, if youve only ever practiced, maybe on a practice dummy or in a class? Stokes: Well, its interesting. Were doing Stillwater training right now at Lake Pflugerville. Last year, while we were out there doing that, someone actually started drowning while we were there. So as first responders, were trained to do that. But even that group had a little hesitation, because theyre like, surely, this is not happening right in front of us. So even for trained professionals, it can be stressful. The reality, though, is paying attention, making sure that someone is always watching, especially with kiddos, we can prevent that from ever happening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DuPree: We mentioned a little bit earlier about the device known as an AED, talk to us about what that is and how helpful it can be in an emergency. Stokes: So an AED is an automated external defibrillator, so its a piece of equipment that has become very popular in public places all across the world. Youll see them in malls. Youll see them in airports. The way theyre designed now is you dont need any training in them. As a matter of fact, some of the manufacturers prefer you dont have some training on, say, another brand, and then have to use that from the time you turn it on, it will walk you through every single step. Those that are located near a pool or a body of water theres very specific directions drawing the person off before you do it. But other than that, it allows the best chance to restart the heart, should it be an electrical issue. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. CLAY COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO-WAWV) A Brazil man died in the hospital after he was taken into custody following a police pursuit. In a news release, the Indiana State Police said they were waiting on an autopsy to determine the cause of 35-year-old Aaron Krouts death. The release noted that instead of taking him to jail, they rushed him to a hospital due to indicators that he was under the influence of a controlled substance. They added that Krout had a medical episode while at the hospital and died. An autopsy is scheduled for Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident began around 5 p.m. Wednesday when officers spotted a suspicious subject and vehicle near Cory on County Road 300 South. RELATED: Short pursuit leads to arrest Officials said the driver disregarded emergency lights, and a pursuit ensued. The Clay County Sheriffs Department used stop sticks, and an ISP trooper, Caleb Cannon, used a PIT maneuver to stop the vehicle after it struck the troopers 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 MyWabashValley.com. Jaque Silva / NurPhoto / Getty Images JPMorgan analysts upgraded the stock to "Overweight" from "Neutral," and bumped their price target to $40 from $35. Key Takeaways Pinterest shares rose in premarket trading Tuesday after JPMorgan analysts upgraded their rating and lifted their price target on the social media stock. The analysts lifted the stock to "overweight" from "neutral," and bumped their price target to $40 from $35. The analysts said Pinterest is improving its user numbers and ad technology, both of which should help drive revenue. Pinterest (PINS) shares rose in premarket trading Tuesday after JPMorgan analysts upgraded their rating and lifted their price target on the social media stock. The analysts lifted the stock to "Overweight" from "Neutral," and bumped their price target to $40 from $35. That brings JPMorgan in line with most other analysts covering the stock who are tracked by Visible Alpha, as 16 call it a "Buy" and just four a "Hold," with an average price target of $39.75. They noted that while Pinterest shares are up since the start of the year, they are still about 18% below their February highs while the S&P 500 has recovered to just about 3% below its February record level that month. Analysts See Pinterest Improving User Growth, Ad Platform Pinterest is "leveraging its full funnel ad approach and automation/AI capabilitiesincluding Performance+to capture a greater share of ad spending" from advertisers with $1 billion to $30 billion in annual revenue, the analysts wrote. Some larger advertisers are already spending 5% to 10% of their advertising budget on the platform, they added. The social media platform is growing its monthly active users (MAU) base, with 85% coming directly to Pinterest through its mobile app, the analysts said. They cited that number as a key reason for their upgrade, as Pinterest generates roughly 90% of its revenue through its app, "which limits PINS' exposure to Google & broader overall search disruption," they wrote. Pinterest shares, which entered the day up 10% this year, rose 4% less than an hour before the opening bell. Read the original article on Investopedia Israel's military has confirmed carrying out an attack on the courtyard of the al-Ahli hospital in the northern Gaza Strip. According to Palestinian hospital officials, three people were killed and others injured in the strike. The Israeli military stated that the attack targeted a terrorist from the Islamic Jihad militant group who was operating from a command centre in the hospital courtyard in Gaza City. The assertions could not be independently verified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip continue to use the hospital for terrorist activity, cynically and brutally using the civilian population in the hospital and its surroundings," the Israeli Defense Forces said in a statement. "Prior to the strike, steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harming civilians, including the use of precise munitions, aerial surveillance, and additional intelligence." The Hamas media office in Gaza reported that the dead were three reporters working for media outlets affiliated with Islamic Jihad. The Israeli military did not specify fatalities. The al-Ahli hospital has come under Israeli fire multiple times since the start of the Gaza war in 2023. Israel accuses militant groups operating in the Palestinian territory of using the hospital for "terrorist activities." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The war was triggered by Hamas-led terrorist attacks on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which left approximately 1,200 people dead. Around 250 people were also abducted and taken to Gaza as hostages. According to the Hamas-controlled health authority, more than 54,000 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have been killed as a result of the war so far. CLEVELAND (WJW) One day later, Clevelanders are still reacting to the news of the possibility of the state helping to finance a new Browns stadium by borrowing $600 million of unclaimed funds, potentially your money. That $600 million giveaway thats a pocket picked of your taxpayer dollars theyre picking your pocket, County Executive Chris Ronayne said Tuesday. That could actually support 50,000 persons on Medicaid. I-Team: Governor reviewing proposal to use unclaimed funds to help fund Browns dome project Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And talk about perfect timing. Just weeks ago, Ohios top money managers made it easier for residents to be reunited with their lost or forgotten money, even beyond state lines. Cuyahoga County Treasurer Brad Cromes said the website missingmoney.com will help disperse the states current balance of $3.7 billion in unclaimed funds, to their true owners. Cleveland Browns stadium renderings The main circumstances that lead to unclaimed funds at the state level, are forgotten rent deposits, bank remainders that may not have been claimed or older insurance claims that werent fully completed, Cromes said. And Ohioans are saying show me the money. Last year alone, more than $149 million were returned to rightful owners, through more than 26,000 claims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since Tuesdays announcement from the statehouse about using state funds, the county treasurer said the volume of inquiry calls remain steady. He said the process is straightforward and free, ensuring people can reclaim assets that are rightfully theirs. Wayne Dawson talks about when hell return to FOX 8 For locally held funds, most of those are going to be held the Clerk of Courts office, so we encourage people to call 216-443-7982. For unclaimed fund inquiries, click this link or email cocunclaimedfunds@cuyahogacounty.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 Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. Dangling from a tree for nearly seven hours, 11-year-old Prajesh Dhimant Patel was barely conscious only the faint, slow movement of his feet, clad in bright orange shoes, hinted at a trace of life. Amid the debris of crushed boulders unleashed by a devastating earthquake, a tour guide was descending the mountain when, from the corner of his eye, he caught sight of those bright shoes. It was that flash of orange that led the guide to Patel, and ultimately, saved the schoolboys life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its been 10 years since the tragic morning of June 5, 2015, when 29 students and eight teachers from Singapores Tanjong Katong Primary School set off on what was meant to be a memorable school expedition to climb the 13,435 feet Mount Kinabalu on the island of Borneo, Malaysia. As the group ascended, a 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck, triggering a landslide that buried part of the expedition. Patel was swept away by the thundering cascade of rocks and dirt and hoisted into a tree. Seven students and two teachers from his group never made it back. Eighteen people in total lost their lives. For Patel, now 21, the memories are blurred by trauma and lost to time, much like the friends and teachers he lost that day. But on the 10th anniversary of the tragedy, he felt ready to revisit that chapter of his life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I had always wanted to know what had happened, because nobody shared it with me, he said. Joined by his former classmate and fellow survivor, Emyr Uzayr, Patel began the journey to retrace the very trails that once tested their limits and to heal. The reunion When Patel and Uzayr reunited for the climb on May 20 this year, they were ready despite lingering anxiety and fear to honor the friends who never came home. The two had stayed in a vague sort of touch after the 2015 disaster, little more than brief hellos on Instagram and scattered how are you messages. Despite barely speaking over the years, one thing was clear for both of them: returning to Mount Kinabalu was unfinished business. They were both eager to return and shake off the ghosts on the 10th anniversary of the earthquake. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the climb, they reunited with Cornelius Sanan, the 43-year-old Malaysian mountain guide who, 10 years earlier, had saved Patels life. Sanan told CNN that the first thing he said to Patel was, Where are your magic shoes? I wish I still had them, Patel replied, but they held too many painful memories, so my parents didnt want me to keep them. Prajesh Dhimant Patel, center left, and Emyr Uzayr, center right, and Cornelius Sanan, back, on their climb. - Amazing Borneo Tours Though the bright orange shoes were long gone, Patel wore a familiar religious pendant around his neck his lucky charm, which Sanan recognized. It was the same pendant Patel had worn on the day of the quake. The group hoped to complete the climb in two days. But in the early hours of May 21, heavy rain began to fall, forcing them to spend an extra day on the mountain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What could have been a frustrating delay turned into an opportunity to listen to the stories of the locals who still remembered that tragic day, and to hear from Sanan himself. It became more of a shared journey than a personal one, Uzayr reflected. The next morning, at 3:30 a.m., just as the rain eased, they resumed their climb through the steep, soggy terrain of Mount Kinabalu. It was physically very tough, Uzayr admitted. At some point, I wondered how did we even manage this when we were just kids? Under clear skies and with fresh mountain air all around, as Uzayr climbed, the old memories surged back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every step we took, the 21-year-old recalled, memories of our friends came flooding back. The recollection Unlike Patel, Uzayr remembers everything from that fateful day which began with laughter, the thrill of a long-awaited school trip finally coming to life. We were just kids, telling each other, Hurry up! Move faster! he recalled with a soft smile. The day had only just begun when the ground began to tremble. The whole mountain shook, he said. And then, thousands of rocks some the size of car tires came crashing down from above at very fast, fast speed. Teachers shouted, Get down! Get down! But the rocks fell faster than anyone could react to. Uzayr on the mountain. - Amazing Borneo Tours I remember the colors of my friends jackets everywhere, he said quietly, and then the bodies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Uzayr was left covered in cuts, with a fractured skull. But he made it out alive. For Patel, though; the memories are mostly lost and scattered. It is Sanan, the mountain guide who found him, who now helps fill in the blanks. He shows Patel the exact tree where he had been found, dangling for hours barely visible. We saw a bit of movement and thought, maybe someone is still alive, Sanan told CNN. We made the decision to bring Patel up without any proper gear. We just had to try. If I had landed just a few meters to the left or right, Patel said, they wouldnt have been able to see me. The trees wouldve hidden me completely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was severely injured, physically and emotionally. I completely couldnt speak, couldnt walk, couldnt write, he recalled, so I had to relearn how to do every basic thing from the start. And yet, the man who pulled Patel from the trees wasnt trained in rescue at all. Sanan had only been a mountain guide for five years, with no prior experience in a natural disaster. But on that day, instinct took over. Sanan lost someone too his cousin Robbie Sapinggi, a fellow guide who had been leading a Thai tourist when the earthquake hit. Sapinggi was caught under falling rocks. Knowing he wouldnt make it, he told the tourist to go on without him. Another mountain guide, Joseph Soludin, also lost his life that day. Patel on Mount Kinabalu. - Amazing Borneo Tours Sanan still guides today. Its his way of honoring Sapinggis memory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I continue guiding, he said, because part of my soul lives here (in Mount Kinabalu). To Uzayr and Patel, Sanan will always be their hero the man who saved lives. But Sanan shakes his head. We were all there that day guides, rescuers, everyone. No one did it alone, he said softly. We were all heroes, in our own way. A decade on The trails on Mount Kinabalu have since been rebuilt. A dedicated rescue team now stands ready every day. Safety has changed, but the mountain hasnt. High up in those peaks, the memories of 2015 still live on. In everything we do now, we carry their memories, Uzayr said. We honored what our friends never got the chance to finish. Uzayr and Patel at Low's Peak on the UNESCO-listed mountain. - Amazing Borneo Tours And sometimes, when the weight of memory grows heavy, they think of the little things. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like the bright orange shoes caught in a tree proof that life clings on, even in the darkest moments. We found a renewed sense of purpose, Uzayr said. And realized it was time to accept the past and move on to the future. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com CONNECTICUT (WTNH) The Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) warned the community on Wednesday about unhealthy air quality and high ozone levels. According to the department, higher ozone levels are what impacts the air quality. This could put children, seniors and those with underlying lung issues like asthma or bronchitis at risk. This Week in Connecticut: Connecticut Public Health Commissioner awaits news on federal budget cuts Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Anumeha Singh, the chief of emergency medicine at Hartford Hospital, shared some safety tips with the community. The number one recommendation is to stay indoors, have an inhaler with you all the time, even simple measures like using a simple mask or using a handkerchief around your nose can help filter out some of the pollutants and dust going around, Singh said. Ozone is known as a highly reactive gas, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The agency said ozone is created when there is a chemical reaction between oxides of nitrogen, volatile organic compounds and the sun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That is usually caused by pollutants that come from cars, power plants, refineries or other substances that have a chemical reaction in the sunlight. DEEP reported that the elevated ozone levels are expected in western Connecticut and inland areas on Wednesday. The Department said it will then continue from southwest Connecticut to northeast Connecticut on June 5. The air quality index levels are expected to go beyond the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category. According to Robert Hansen, an assistant professor of chemistry at Quinnipiac University, the community could play a role in reducing ozone levels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The usual mitigation strategies are to pump gas in the morning and evening because there is less sunlight, he said. Dont run engines when you do not need to especially small engines because those create a lot of nitrogen oxides. Hansen also recommended that residents wait until the middle of the day when there is less sunlight to mow the lawn or use a leaf blower. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. The family of a 29-year-old Boston woman accused of sex trafficking minors tried to contact one of the victims and ask them not to share their story, prosecutors told a judge Wednesday. Shakera Pina, also known as Stacks, appeared at John J. Moakley Courthouse in Boston at noon on Wednesday. In the gallery sat Pinas family, including her mother. Her mother and another woman she was with declined to speak to MassLive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pina rocked back and forth in her seat next to her lawyer, Julie Ann Olson, for her initial appearance hearing. Pinas eyes were averted as Judge Donald Cabell explained the felony charge of sex trafficking a minor she faces. Pina has been accused of trafficking a 15-year-old girl who had been reported missing and posting online commercial sex advertisements with her picture, then trying to flee officers when they set up a sting operation to rescue the child. Another teen was also found during the sting operation. Prosecutor Elizabeth Bradley said Pina was being held in custody because she is a danger to the community, especially as her case involves violence toward a child. Pina is also a flight risk and poses a risk of obstruction to justice, Bradley said. Bradley brought up a previous stabbing case Pina was charged in connection with from December 2022, and said Pina was on probation for that case this spring, at the time of her arrest on the sex trafficking charge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A family member of Pinas has also since tried to contact one of the teenage victims Pina is accused of trafficking, the prosecutor said. The family member encouraged the minor to not speak out in the case, Bradley said. Cabell ordered for a detention hearing in the case to be held at a future date, after Olson requested more time to speak with her client and her family. After the proceedings ended and Cabell left the courtroom, Pina stayed at Olsons request to sign documents. I love you, Pinas mother called out after briefly helping Pina fill in information on a document, as Pina stood and was taken back into custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I love you, too, Pina said. Ill see you soon. What happened? On April 7, a police officer within the FBIs Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force saw a commercial sex advertisement on a commonly used website which had a photograph attached to it that strongly resembled a 15-year-old girl who had previously been reported as missing. Two days later, an undercover officer negotiated a time, place and location at which they would engage in commercial sex in attempts to rescue the 15-year-old, court documents state. Rates ranged from $300-$1,500 depending on the act and number of girls, court documents state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around 10 p.m., a girl came to the hotel room of an undercover officer but it wasnt the missing 15-year-old girl. Pina stayed in the parking lot, court documents state. The girl officers met in the room said Pina had driven her to previous situations with older men, including a lap dance with a man who paid $300. She then had to give Pina, whom she described as very demanding and disrespectful, the $300, court documents state. The girl let officers look at her cell phone, which included messages between her and Pina. She also said Pina told her that Pina had been pimping girls out since she was 17 years old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers approached Pinas car in the parking lot with flashing emergency lights and attempted to block the car. Pina immediately put her car in drive and attempted to flee, court documents state. Officers walked over to the car, identified themselves as law enforcement officers, and demanded she open the door. But Pina refused, instead locking the door. Officers said they saw Pina through the window on her cell phone in a manner consistent with an attempt to delete data. Officers broke her window to confiscate her phone and prevent her from destroying evidence, court documents state. As she was being placed on the ground, she threw the two cell phones that were in her possession, court documents read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pina was on probation for stabbing a female multiple times in the abdomen and right thigh in December 2022. But despite Pina being in custody and officers discovering one young woman at the hotel, the 15-year-old girl theyd originally been looking for was still missing. On May 6, law enforcement set up a fictitious date with the 15-year-old through her personal social media account to recover her. The 15-year-old met up with the officers at a hotel in Brighton, where she was safely recovered. Once she was with the officers, the 15-year-old lied and said she was 18. However, she later told them the truth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 15-year-old said Pina told her theyd split the money 50/50. In one day, the 15-year-old said she did more than 10 dates for Pina from afternoon to early morning, court documents state. She immediately gave Pina half of the money. The charge of sex trafficking a minor carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison. Prosecutors urge anyone who may be impacted or experiencing commercial sex trafficking or child exploitation to contact USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov. More local crime stories Read the original article on MassLive. SIOUX FALLS S.D. (KELO) Rapid City Police arrested a man for crashing a delivery truck while he was intoxicated. On Wednesday afternoon, an officer was working in the North Substation at 30 Knollwood Drive when a bystander knocked on the door to advise a delivery truck had just crashed into the building at 120 Knollwood Drive. 45 citations issued for long vehicles parked downtown Police went over to the location and observed a large delivery truck that had left the roadway and collided with the building. Police located the driver, wearing the uniform of the delivery company, and identified him as Zachary Mauss, 36, of Rapid City. Police noted Mauss slurred speech and the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from Mauss. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police gave a breath test, which registered at a .382% blood-alcohol content (nearly five times the legal limit to operate a motor vehicle), according to a news release. Mauss was arrested for DUI and Reckless Driving prior to being transported to the Pennington County Jail. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. A 72-year-old retiree mourning the death of her son says she was physically assaulted aboard a Delta Air Lines flight when a reclining-seat dispute with another passenger turned violent. The man became outraged when Minneapolis resident Minnie Holmes complained that his companion had reclined so far back that she had little room to move and couldnt utilize her tray table, according to a newly filed federal lawsuit obtained by The Independent. In it, Holmes blames the cabin crew for having allegedly overserved the couple, continuing to provide them with alcohol despite their clear intoxication, repeated outbursts and inappropriate behavior. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pair were seemingly amused by [Holmes] discomfort, which only became more intense when she was suddenly slugged in the chest while flight attendants allegedly stood by and did nothing, according to the suit. Attorney Naomi Martin, who, along with co-counsel Jeff Storms, is representing Holmes in the case, called her clients accusations serious, telling The Independent, We believe Delta failed to take basic steps to prevent this from happening and created a situation that put others at risk, resulting in an assault. Ms. Holmes brought this case to pursue accountability and to speak up for the safety of all Delta passengers. Minneapolis reitree Minnie Holmes claims Delta has a history of 'overserving' passengers aboard its planes (AFP via Getty Images) In an email, Delta spokesperson Morgan Durrant said, While we dont have any specific comment on this pending litigation, Delta has zero tolerance for customers who engage in inappropriate or unlawful behavior toward other customers or Delta people and will work with law enforcement to that end. Nothing is more important than the safety of our customers and our people. Delta flight attendants are trained to identify passengers exhibiting signs of intoxication, and federal regulations prohibit alcohol to be served to fliers who appear drunk, Durrant emphasized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Midair clashes over reclining seats have a rich history in the annals of commercial aviation. Last year, Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific permanently banned two passengers from ever flying with the airline again after a disagreement about how far one of them had tilted her seat back devolved into racist name-calling and xenophobic insults. In one instance, a grown woman threatened to beat up a teenage girl sitting in front of her, reportedly saying, If you put your seat back one more time, Im going to punch you in the face. Delta CEO Ed Bastian told CNBC in 2020 that while passengers are well within their rights to recline as they please, he encouraged passengers to first ask permission of the person behind them, calling it the proper thing to do. In October 2024, after having recently lost her son Steven, Holmes and her daughter went to Puerto Rico for a bit of relief amid such a difficult time, Holmes complaint states. On their way home, as they sat on the tarmac in San Juan waiting for Delta flight 1946 to depart, the two talked about their fun and memorable time away together, according to the complaint, which was filed June 3 in Minnesota federal court. After grieving the loss of her son for months, Holmes had found some joy during this trip, the complaint goes on. Upon reaching cruising altitude, the cabin crew began the drinks service. The two passengers in the row ahead of Holmes and her daughter ordered alcoholic beverages and quickly became obviously intoxicated, the complaint continues. It says the duo became boisterous, swearing and causing a scene, at which point, the woman directly in front of Holmes reclined her seat, leaving Holmes with little room to move or utilize her seat tray. The Federal Aviation Administrationgiy says a significant portion of complaints about unruly passengers are alcohol-related (Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images) Holmes daughter politely asked the woman if she could move her seat up just a little so Holmes could have enough room to be comfortable, the complaint continues. The female passenger became angry and responded that she would not move her seat out of the reclined position. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The exchange caught the attention of a nearby flight attendant, who walked over to address the situation, according to the complaint. That Delta employee stated that the female passenger could recline her seat and left, it contends. ... The Delta employee then returned and provided the two passengers with more alcohol, despite their obvious intoxication. From there, the complaint says the couple became more and more intoxicated, and soon turned their attention to Holmes, seemingly amused by her discomfort. They repeatedly gestured toward Holmes, laughing loudly, the complaint states. The male passenger then stood up and yelled, No one better f**k with [his female companion]. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, the complaint alleges, Delta continued serving these passengers, despite knowing that these passengers were obviously intoxicated, disruptive, and a foreseeable danger to other passengers on the flight. Toward the end of the five-hour-and-15-minute journey, during which the two passengers in front of Holmes got more and more aggressive, the pilot told the crew to start preparing the cabin for landing, according to the complaint. As Holmes daughter stood up to help Holmes retrieve something from her carry-on bag, the man sitting in the row ahead reached behind his seat and forcefully punched Holmes in the chest, the complaint alleges. (US District Court for the District of Minnesota) The mans attack was surprising, and Holmes was in shock, it says, noting that the punch caused substantial physical pain to Holmes. Alarmed, Holmes daughter confronted the man, demanding to know why he had struck her mother, the complaint states. One of the flight attendants rushed over to try and calm the situation, telling the two passengers to remain in their seats, according to the complaint. However, it maintains, the Delta employee did nothing to protect Holmes from the possibility of another attack. Instead, the complaint says the flight attendant blamed the issue of Holmes and her daughter, telling them, You guys need to figure this out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finally, after three other members of the cabin crew became involved, the man and his companion were moved to different seats for the brief remainder of the flight, according to the complaint. It says the two, along with Holmes and her daughter, were escorted off the plane by law enforcement after landing. They explained how the assault occurred, states the complaint, which does not identify the two passengers by name or provide details about whether or not they were charged criminally. The following day, Holmes continued to experience pain in her chest as a result of the assault, and sought medical attention, according to the complaint. Still, it says, the emotional harm may be even longer lasting. Holmes is unable to look at the photos from the trip because it causes her great distress to think about being assaulted by the intoxicated passenger, the complaint states. Holmes complaint claims Delta has a record of overserving passengers, leading to foreseeable assaults. It goes on to list four separate incidents in which drunk passengers attacked others, spanning from 2016 to 2023. Of 915 reported incidents involving unruly fliers over the first six months of 2024, the Federal Aviation Administration attributed 106 of them to intoxication. Holmes is seeking undetermined punitive, compensatory, and special damages for medical expenses, emotional distress, embarrassment, and pain and suffering. Welcome to The Scoop the ultimate back-to-the-office water cooler cheat sheet, your go-to source for all things everyone really wants to know! Get the latest on everything from the political swamp maneuvering in D.C. and Hollywood drama to jaw-dropping small-town shenanigans from Paula Froelich. Subscribe to her newsletter here. (NewsNation) Huma Abedin is finally getting what she wants. The former wife of disgraced Congressman Anthony Weiner is set to marry an actual billionaire at the end of the month and now runs the Democratic Party inside circle, sources say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She is marrying Alex (Soros), who now controls the Soros Foundation and is the biggest power in the Democratic Party, a source told me. Huma will be, by marriage, just as powerful, if not more than him, due to her contacts. Prince Harry very lonely in Montecito, turning into Uncle Edward: Friends As if to put the contacts on display, Abedin dined with former Senator and boss Hillary Clinton and George Clooneys wife, Amal, at the Polo Bar in New York City last week. There were secret security and bodyguards everywhere, my spy said. They were just huddled together at a table talking. George Clooney wrote Biden op-ed before he dropped out of 2024 race Amal Clooney is, of course, the wife of George Clooney, whom people in the Democratic Party mysteriously consider a heavyweight, despite normal Americans not wanting their votes dictated to by a multimillionaire Hollywood actor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also wrote the scathing takedown of Joe Biden in The New York Times last year (I Love Joe Biden, But We Need A New Nominee) that many point to as the final reckoning for President Bidens reelection hopes. Actor George Clooney and his wife Amal Clooney attend the red carpet of the movie Wolfs presented out of competition during the 81st International Venice Film Festival at Venice Lido, on September 1, 2024. (Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP) (Photo by ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images) VENICE, ITALY SEPTEMBER 01: George Clooney attends the Wolfs red carpet during the 81st Venice International Film Festival on September 01, 2024 in Venice, Italy. (Photo by Stefania DAlessandro/WireImage) TOPSHOT Actor George Clooney and his wife Amal Clooney attend the red carpet of the movie Wolfs presented out of competition during the 81st International Venice Film Festival at Venice Lido, on September 1, 2024. (Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP) (Photo by ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images) From left : actor George Clooney, actor Austin Abrams, actress Amy Ryan and actor Brad Pitt attend the red carpet of the movie Wolfs presented out of competition during the 81st International Venice Film Festival at Venice Lido, on September 1, 2024. (Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP) (Photo by ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images) George Clooney thumbnail with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russias Deputy Chairman of the Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev in the background. FILE George Clooney attends a special screening of The Boys in the Boat in New York on Dec. 13, 2023. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File) FILE In this Wednesday, May 15, 2019, file photo, actor George Clooney talks to reporters on arrival at the premiere of the television mini-series Catch22, in London. Clooney was honored Monday, Dec. 7, 2020, by co-stars and colleagues at the annual film benefit for the Museum of Modern Art, held virtually. (Photo by Grant Pollard/Invision/AP, File) FILE In this Sept. 19, 2019 file photo, US actor and activist George Clooney speaks at a press conference in London. George Clooney on Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021. ruled out having a second career in politics, saying he would rather have a nice life and says he is looking to reduce his workload. Nevertheless, the 60-year-old actor and director waded into politics during an interview with the BBCs Andrew Marr. Clooney, a long-time supporter of U.S. President Joe Biden, described America as a country that is still recovering from the damage caused by Donald Trump. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant) 2022 Kennedy Center Honoree George Clooney and his wife, Amal Clooney, arrive at the Kennedy Center Honors. (Greg Allen/Invision/AP) Clooney was later blamed, as well as others in the Democratic Party, for Bidens cover-up, as he admitted in the piece, he had seen Bidens demise up close and had not acted sooner. But still, it is Abedin (soon to be Soros), Clinton and Clooney who are considered the female triumvirate of the Democratic Party. If these people are picking the new party head, we are in trouble, said an insider. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abedin is marrying the young Soros heir on June 14 in the Hamptons, and the Democratic royalty will all be there I can only imagine what plans are afoot to revive the 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 NewsNation. Just in time for German Chancellor Friedrich Merzs visit to Washington, Democrats enjoyed a healthy helping of schadenfreude as President Donald Trump and Elon Musks feud went nuclear in real time. The big beautiful breakup? Rep. Sarah McBride asked in response to a question from The Independent Thursday about Trump and Musks spat, a reference to the One Big, Beautiful Bill, Trumps centerpiece legislation that seeks to extend the 2017 tax cuts, slash social spending and ramp up immigration spending. The first inklings of a crack in the partnership that started when the Tesla CEO bankrolled Trumps return to the White House and blossomed as he took on the DOGE role of slashing government spending, came on Tuesday, when Musk called Trumps bill an outrageous, pork-filled, disgusting abomination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You ever see that meme of the guy's face, like, when the person, the worst person in the world, you actually agreed with? Sen. Ruben Gallego of Arizona said to The Independent, in reference to a popular Clickhole article headlined Heartbreaking: The Worst Person You Know Just Made A Great Point. That's kind of what I feel right now, Gallego said. Democrats laughed at the feud between Donald Trump and Elon Musk, calling it big beautiful breakup (Getty) Sen Raphael Warnock of Georgia could not help but laugh. It is proof positive that even a broken clock is right twice a day, Warnock said. Musks words plunged Senate Republicans into chaos as they seek to pass the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act after the House passed their version last month. But on Thursday, Musk went scorched earth, tweeting that Trump is in the Epstein files, and saying that is why they had not been released. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That is the real reason they have not been made public, the Tesla billionaire tweeted. Have a nice day, DJT! Musk turned up the heat even higher when he endorsed Trumps impeachment. Rep. Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, who led the second Trump impeachment, said he had missed Musks tweet calling for Trump to be impeached. Well, he must know a lot more information, about Trumps ties to Epstein, Raskin told The Independent. Democrats have spent the early months of the Trump administration depicting Musk as a shadow president who spent $290 million to elect Trump and whose Department of Government Efficiency slashed vital services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For a while, it seemed like Trump and Musk would be a perfect match, with Musk dubbing himself First Buddy, wearing his Dark Ultra MAGA hat and carting his son X around the Oval Office. But some Democrats said that the fallout was inevitable. It was always going to happen, Rep. Maxwell Frost of Florida told The Independent. I didnt expect it to happen at the same time like it is now. Musk became a villain in Democratic attacks in the Supreme Court race in Wisconsin, given that Musks political action committees poured in millions. Shortly thereafter, Musk said he would refrain from giving money. But Musk did little to dispel the idea that he played a role in winning Trump the presidency on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate, Musk said. Such ingratitude. Rep. Eric Swalwell of California, an outspoken critic of Trump, agreed with Musk. If Elon didn't help Donald Trump, he wouldn't be he wouldn't be president, he'd be in prison, Swalwell, told The Independent. Progressives said that the fight between a president who largely ran on the premise that he was an incredibly wealthy businessman versus the worlds richest man showed the dangers of wealth concentration. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the democratic socialist from New York, said that the fight validated the message she and Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont had spread across the country in their Fighting Oligarchy tour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I don't think that the whole state of the country should be with two should be concentrated in two guys with massive egos that are fighting with each other, the progressive firebrand Ocasio-Cortez told The Independent. When asked if she enjoyed the feud, AOC said, I mean, it was a long time coming. Trump has sniped back in kind, saying, Elon was wearing thin, I asked him to leave, further saying: I took away his EV Mandate that forced everyone to buy Electric Cars that nobody else wanted (that he knew for months I was going to do!), and he just went CRAZY! For other Democrats, the fallout shows that Musk and Trump deserve each other. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They both got what they paid for, Rep. Melanie Stansbury of New Mexico, the top Democrat on the DOGE subcommittee to House Oversight, told The Independent. But Musks impact on the Trump administration will last longer than the feud. As Stansbury descended the steps, she clutched a folder with the DOGE logo. A Thames Water van is driven through floodwater. The company has faced significant challenges this year. Photograph: Maureen McLean/Alamy Thames Water came close to collapse this year as it almost ran out of money. But after agreeing to exclusive takeover talks with the US private equity company KKR, the debt-laden utility was hoping for a quieter period as it sorted out the details. Those hopes were extinguished on Tuesday after KKR said it was withdrawing its bid to the shock of Thames Water and its creditors. It is those creditors, some of whom bought Thamess debt at a big discount in the hope of a quick profit, who have been left without warning with the responsibility of pulling together billions of pounds to carry out a turnaround that could take 15 years. Related: Thames Water hit with 123m of fines over sewage and dividend breaches Thames Water has been through a tumultuous year already. It had a close shave with bankruptcy, a high court battle to secure 3bn in emergency investment, and several testy parliamentary hearings. It must invest 20bn over the next five years to fix leaking pipes and water treatment works, all while trying to fend off public anger over sewage in Britains rivers and seas. KKR balked at the complexity of taking on Thames amid so much scrutiny and with multiple stakeholders in play, according to a person close to the talks. Partners at the private equity firm had carried out 10 weeks of intensive due diligence, including several visits to wastewater treatment works, and had relied on a small army of up to 200 advisers to carry out detailed assessments. The state of some of the Thames assets was worse than KKR had initially thought, according to another source. New York-based KKR, short for Kohlberg, Kravis Roberts, had deployed 15 members of its European infrastructure team, run by the executive Tara Davies, to work on the bid, with James Gordon serving as the lead partner. (Both formerly worked for Macquarie, the Australian investment bank criticised for taking dividends from Thames while building up debt although they are not thought to have worked on the water company.) Yet over the weekend KKR brought out one of its big guns to try to sweet talk the government: Henry Kravis, one of the co-founders, called up Labours business adviser Varun Chandra to discuss the plan. Sky News first reported the call. KKR has rarely been shy of potential controversy, ever since its infamous 1988 buyout of the US conglomerate RJR Nabisco was depicted in the book Barbarians at the Gate. However, several people close to the Thames Water situation have said they believed KKR also became concerned about the political risks associated with it, such as the possibility of intense public scrutiny leading to a stricter approach from the government on enforcement. Democrats claim the travel ban announced by President Donald Trump is a way to distract people from his spending bill that will steal from regular Americans. Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut said it was not a coincidence that Trump announced the travel ban Thursday as his spending bill is currently being debated in the Senate and accused him of trying to distract us from the core story. The president also announced an investigation into former President Joe Bidens actions while in office. The Congressional Budget Office, the nonpartisan body in Congress that scores how much legislation costs, estimated that extending the tax cuts in the bill would raise the national debt by $3.8 trillion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Murphy said the presidents massive domestic legislation bill, which includes extending Trumps 2017 tax cuts, beefed up spending at the U.S.Mexico border and major changes to the social safety net, would be the toughest on the poorest Americans. The actual agenda here is to steal from regular Americans in order to pad the pockets of the rich, Murphy said Thursday on MSNBCs The Briefing with Jen Psaki. Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut said the presidents massive domestic legislation bill, would be the toughest on the poorest Americans and Trump was trying to distract us from the core story. (Reuters) Nobody wants that. Its super unpopular. So how do you get that done? You distract people by making them think that theyre at war with other Americans, Murphy explained. It is chiefly in service of trying to get us all talking about that or talking about the Biden investigation they launched today instead of talking about the centerpiece of the story, which is this bill to make the rich even richer at the expense of everybody else. The sentiment was backed by Congressman Jesus Chuy Garcia of Illinois. This travel ban won't make America safer or greater instead it will isolate us and make people believe they have something to fear, Garcia reacted in a post on X. It's a distraction from the corruption of the Trump Administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Actor Wendell Pierce, who spoke at last years Democratic National Convention, agreed. Trumps travel ban is a distraction from the $2.4 trillion deficit his tax bill adds to the budget, he wrote in a post on X. The 93% benefits to the 1% comes at a cost. Cutting Medicare, SNAP, and other benefits to the poor. The billionaire class are reaping the benefits of Trumps criminal enterprise. Trump announced the travel ban after hosting a summer soiree with White House staffers. Democrats said that Trumps travel ban was reminiscent of the deeply controversial Muslim travel ban he introduced during his first term. (EPA) Dem strategist Sawyer Hackett, who worked for Obama, added: A travel ban and investigation of Trumps predecessor in one night? Someones clearly trying to distract from his signature legislation tanking. Trump unveiled the new policy Thursday night. Travel will be fully restricted from 12 nations from 9 June: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. Partial restrictions will apply to seven others: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela. Other Democrats said Trumps travel ban was reminiscent of the deeply controversial Muslim travel ban he introduced during his first term. Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar slammed the discriminatory policy as beyond shameful on social media, while Senator Adam Schiff said: Bigotry is not a national security strategy. Elon Musk has been the Democratic Partys boogeyman since shortly after President Donald Trump deputized him as a top adviser. Their bitter breakup could complicate that. After Musk called the GOP's "big beautiful bill" a disgusting abomination and threatened to fire all politicians who backed it, the president mused on Thursday that he didn't know if the two would still have a "great relationship." Musk responded on his powerful platform X , "Without me, Trump would have lost," adding "Such ingratitude." The split is giving some Democrats pause in their portrayal of Musk as a chainsaw-wielding, bureaucracy-breaking villain with some saying they should give him another chance. After all, the billionaire tech mogul said he voted for former President Joe Biden in 2020 and gave a tour of SpaceX to then-President Barack Obama. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), who represents Silicon Valley and has known Musk for over a decade, said Democrats should be in a dialogue with Musk, given their shared opposition to the GOPs megabill. We should ultimately be trying to convince him that the Democratic Party has more of the values that he agrees with, Khanna said. A commitment to science funding, a commitment to clean technology, a commitment to seeing international students like him. Other Democrats are warming back up to Musk as he leaves the White House and starts to break with his former boss in ways that could benefit the opposition. I'm a believer in redemption, and he is telling the truth about the legislation, said Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.). But, he added, Musk has done an enormous amount of damage and there are Democrats who see his decimation of the federal workforce and the federal government as an unforgivable sin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Liam Kerr, co-founder of the group behind the centrist Democrats WelcomeFest meeting this week in Washington, said of course Democrats should open the door if Musk wants back into the party. You don't want anyone wildly distorting your politics, which he has a unique capability to do. But its a zero-sum game, Kerr said. Anything that he does that moves more toward Democrats hurts Republicans. Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Ill.), the chair of the New Democrat Coalition who earlier this year supported the partys targeting of Musk as the Department of Government Efficiency slashed through federal agencies, said that with his departure from Washington, Democrats shouldnt make Musk their focus. We should be talking about what we're doing for the American people, he said. Still, Musk recently threatened to cut off the money spigot for Republicans . And Democrats would have a lot to gain by merely keeping the worlds richest man on the sidelines in the midterm elections and beyond. If Musk makes a mess of GOP primaries, that would work in their favor, too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Musks recent heel-turn also risks reopening a divide between progressives and moderates over how to approach him and other billionaires. Our caucus has done the right thing and gone toe-to-toe against Musk, said Rep. Greg Casar (D-Texas), chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and one of the partys most vocal advocates for making Musk an antagonist on the campaign trail. Others are taking a wait-and-see approach. I dont think we should take one ketamine-fueled tweet as evidence of a change of heart, said Matt Bennett, co-founder of the center-left group Third Way. Its more complicated. OSLO (Reuters) -Denmark will not yield to "unacceptable" pressure from the United States for control of semi-autonomous Greenland, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said on Thursday, warning Greenlanders' right to self-determination was at stake. President Donald Trump has said he wants the United States to take over the minerals-rich and strategically-located Arctic island for reasons of national and international security, and has not ruled out the use of force to do so. "The world order we've built through generations is being challenged like never before," Frederiksen said in a speech for National Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In recent months Greenland and Denmark have been subjected to unacceptable pressure from our closest ally," she added, referring to the United States. U.S. Vice President JD Vance on a visit to the island in March accused fellow NATO member Denmark of not doing a good job keeping Greenland safe and suggested the United States would better protect the territory. Vance's visit followed an election victory by Greenland's Demokraatit party, which favours a slow approach to independence rather than the quicker departure proposed by some others. Leaders of Denmark and Greenland have said only Greenlanders can decide the territory's future, and the Danish constitution gives the island the right to seek independence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fundamental principles in the transatlantic relationship such as national sovereignty, the respect for borders and people's right to self-determination are now at stake, Frederiksen said. "But we don't bend. We Danes are not like that," she added. Denmark's King Frederik, who is popular in Greenland, visited the island in late April in a show of unity amid the diplomatic stand-off with Trump. A 1951 agreement between the United States and Denmark gives the U.S. the right to construct military bases in Greenland as long as Denmark and Greenland are notified. The island, whose capital Nuuk is closer to New York than Copenhagen, boasts mineral, oil and natural gas wealth, but development has been slow and the mining sector has seen very limited U.S. investment. (Reporting by Terje SolsvikEditing by Alexandra Hudson) When deputies from the Denton County Sheriffs Office approached a suspect, he drew a gun on them, which led to the deputies shooting and killing him. Deputies were serving an arrest warrant outside Sanger, near Bolivar, on June 3, according to a press release. They arrived at 10000 Field Lark Lane close to 2:45 p.m. Deputies contacted the suspect, 58-year-old Kenneth Wayne Jones. He drew a gun on the deputies, and they shot him. He ultimately died. He failed to comply with verbal commands and pointed a handgun at the deputies, the release reads. Denton County Sheriff deputies then shot Kenneth Wayne Jones. Deputies took life-saving measures until EMS arrived. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jones was pronounced deceased at the scene, the release said. According to the Tarrant County Medical Examiners Office, he died at 2:47 p.m., near a private residence at 10084 Field Lark Lane. The examiner had not labeled his manner of death at the time of publication. No deputies were hurt, and Texas Rangers are investigating the case, according to the release. The Dallas Express contacted Captain Orlando Hinojosa with the Denton County Sheriffs Office, who directed inquiries to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Sgt. Josue De La Cerda, public information officer for Texas DPS, provided a statement to The Dallas Express that the sheriffs office had requested Texas Rangers to investigate the shooting. The investigation is ongoing, and no additional information is available. DENVER (KDVR) Last week, FOX31 reported on a public survey, asking if police should be able to impound cars involved in street racing without identifying the driver. Today, FOX31 is digging deeper into the legal concept, speaking with an expert who ran a program in Denver that allows the city to impound cars in these types of crimes. A criminal action is intended to punish the driver of the vehicle, the person committing the crime, Kory Nelson said. The civil remedy is designed to address the tool involved in facilitating the crime or being used to commit the crime. Some US residents need $100K salary to afford rent: heres what you need in Denver Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When it comes to laws around street racing in Denver, attorney Kory Nelson is well-versed. Denver started this program back in 1999, but other municipalities have adopted similar programs, Nelson said. Greenwood Village has, and also, places like Westminster, are doing the same thing as well. Nelson retired in January after spending 34 years working for Denver. For part of that time, he worked with the public nuisance abatement program that deals with impounding cars used in criminal activity like drug transportation and street racing. Many times its difficult for law enforcement to chase down a street racer whos just simply too dangerous to identify the driver, Nelson said. In our program, let it go. Well find out later. Tow it in, file the action and we serve the owner of the vehicle the legal notice of what were trying to do with a vehicle. It doesnt matter under the law of our program whether the owner was the driver or not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nelson told FOX31, many times the city finds that parents are giving their young adult or teenage children the keys to their cars, who are identified in criminal activity. Unfortunately, parents are giving their young adults or young teenagers or older teenagers these very powerful cars, Nelson said. Even though the parents name may be on the title, the law places a legal duty on the owner to prevent their vehicle from being used to facilitate these crimes against our communities. View the latest Weather Alerts in Denver and across Colorado on FOX31 The civil process allows the car owner to have due process to contest if their cars are taken, or agree to settlements. However, the car can be taken off the street with a different burden of proof than criminal cases have. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We use one called clear and convincing evidence, Nelson said. Its a little bit higher than the normal civil standard. We try to give some more protection to the vehicles owners, so if they want to have their day in court, they certainly have all the protections of seeing the judge before any kind of final orders are issued. If the court declares a vehicle a public nuisance, a judge makes a decision on how long to hold it. Code states it will be impounded for no less than 6 months and no more than one year from the date the judge makes that decision. I think a lot of people are concerned that this is not a taking, if you will, under the Fifth Amendment like forfeiture. This is a civil remedial extension of impoundment, Nelson said. If the owner wins the civil lawsuit or settles with the city, the car can be released earlier under certain conditions. According to the citys website, it will still be impounded for at least 30 days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What happens is those settlement provisions, usually we put the vehicle on probation, and that means the owner promises not to let that driver use the vehicle for the next two years, Nelson said. Nelson told FOX31, most times, police are pursuing a car and getting license plate and vehicle information. However, if a resident provides video of a crime and can identify the car, cases can be made in this manner, too. Weve had video of people doing, we call them intersection takeovers, where they took over an intersection in the Denver Tech Center, and they had cars blocking an intersection, Nelson said. They were doing donuts and drifting inside the circle. We had great video of it showing the license plate showing the vehicles. That was enough. Colorado unlicensed EMT indicted after allegedly caring for over 100 patients Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When it comes to citizen reports, Nelson explained that theres a system of checks and balances so someone cant just make a false claim against another driver. We reject many cases for filing when theres just not enough evidence for that, Nelson said. When a car is impounded under the city ordinance, Nelson said it is the person whose name is on the title and DMV records with whom the city deals. If you sell your car, he said you want to make sure to file the release from liability form within five days. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. DENVER (KDVR) Denver police were out canvassing the neighborhood near West Kentucky Avenue and South Lowell Boulevard Wednesday, passing out flyers and seeking information on a pyrotechnic case that seriously injured a 15-year-old boys eye. Detective Jack Bishop said the aggravated assault happened last Thursday, May 29th, at about 9:10 p.m. The 15-year-old, who lives nearby, was in the vehicle with his mother, two other children and a family friend. 3 sent to hospital after crash on I-25 involving a semi, oil spill Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats when someone either threw or launched a pyrotechnic, likely a firework, at their passing vehicle. The firework exploded and shattered a rear window, seriously injuring the boys eye. It could be possible loss of vision. Our hope is that he will regain some of his vision, Bishop said. He is also warning neighbors about the dangers of fireworks, which are not legal there. As a matter of fact, in the last six months, weve had three incidents regarding fireworks. We had this one that happened just last week, and then two within the last several months in which people have lost hands or fingers as a result of fireworks, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detectives do not believe this vehicle was targeted, and say the suspect took off running. Now, Denver Police need the publics help finding whoever is responsible. Somebody needs to take accountability for what happened to this kid. Hes a 15-year-old kid. Hes got a long way to go in life. It would be detrimental for him not to have vision in his left eye. Its a sad situation, Bishop said. Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867 or MetroDenverCrimeStoppers.com. Tipsters can remain anonymous and earn up to $2,000. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. North Carolina State Board of Education honored its departing NC Teacher of the Year and Principal of the Year at its June 5th meeting. (NCDPI Screengrab) When Kimberly Jones was selected as the 2023-24 North Carolina Teacher of the Year she earned a two-year appointment to the State Board of Education. This week, as the veteran Chapel Hill English teacher attended her final meeting in that leadership capacity, she challenged both the board and state legislators to invest more in public schools. Jones urged the State Board of Education on Thursday to stay grounded in the constitutional mandate to provide every North Carolina child with a sound basic education. State Board of Education member Kimberly Jones (File photo) Be wary of oversimplified solutions to complex challenges, Jones advised. Invest not only in outcomes, but in the conditions that produce them teacher retention, culturally relevant pedagogy, instructional materials that reflect diverse experiences and perspectives and learning environments that allow our students to feel safe, both physically and emotionally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During her time on the board, the Trump administrations U.S. Department of Education has sought to block diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs nationwide. Jones cautioned her colleagues to never confuse neutrality with justice. Please make equity, access, or whatever synonym meets the current criteria to guide your compass, even when that path is hard to navigate. The very future of our democracy and our society depends on how courageously you continue to steward this responsibility, Jones said. As Newsline has previously reported, this legislative session state Republican lawmakers have advanced multiple proposals to eliminate DEI from all corners of the public sector government, higher education and K-12 education. At the same time, the North Carolina House has passed legislation that would promote wholesome content for students, but that critics have derided as an invitation to censorship. The bill would require the State Board of Education to maintain a database of all banned media across the state with annual updates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jones reminded the board that reading and inquiry are not a nuisance, but rather an engine of learning. In my classroom, we use complex questions to feel reading, research, and rigorous dialogue to build empathy and to strengthen civic understanding, she said. I believe students of every background and every region of our state deserve access to such curricula. Ones that affirm their identity, reflect their communities, inspire their best efforts, and invite them into meaningful conversations about the world they are inheriting and shaping. Jones, a high school English and AP African American studies and Holocaust educator, said students should be encouraged to explore not just what was said or written, but why it mattered. For legislators who will be working on a compromise budget in the weeks ahead, Jones urged improved funding for schools and better respect for educators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Public education cannot be reimagined if it is consistently underfunded, undermined, or politicized, she said. If we are to recruit and retain a diverse, highly qualified, and effective workforce, then we must offer more than praise. We must offer respect, autonomy, and trust. Kimberly Jones was the 2023 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teacher of the Year. This week she wrapped up a two-year appointment to the NC State Board of Education. (Screengrab from NCDPI YouTube video) Jones said her classroom colleagues simply deserve more. We need competitive teacher pay that honors both experience and expertise. We need sustainable investments in student mental health because no curriculum is effective in a crisis. We need clean modern school buildings, not just in select counties but in every community. The House budget proposes to increase new teacher pay from $41,000 a year to $48,000 for the next school year but offers little to more experienced teachers. The Senate budget offers average raises of 2.3% in FY 25-26 with a $3,000 bonus spread out over two years. The two sides are reportedly far apart from reaching a consensus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beyond the classroom, Jones said lawmakers should acknowledge those behind the scenes cafeteria workers, bus drivers, and those willing to pitch in to maintain the grounds and buildings when the needs surpass the resources. For parents and community advocates, Jones encouraged them to visit a classroom, become a mentor, vote in their local school board elections, and ask their local school district leaders what theyre doing to serve the most marginalized students. Jones said its important to understand that not every student learns the same way, and not every parents experience with their school is universal. In public schools, there are no applications for admission. There are no filters to whom we serve. We dont select who enters our classrooms, but every day we get the unparalleled opportunity to shape and influence what kind of person leaves our classrooms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jones said that during challenging times she reflects on a proverb which holds that children are born with their hands closed because thats where their gifts and talents lie. As they grow, their hands begin to open so they can share those talents with the world. At its most essential level, education is not about what we put into young people. Its about what we pull out of them, she said. An agreement between Charlton County and ICE to double the size of a local ICE processing facility took a last-minute hold on Wednesday. The agreement would have integrated the D. Ray James Correctional Facility in Folkston, Georgia, into the Folkston ICE Processing Center. Both facilities are owned and managed by the private prison corporation The Geo Group. Charlton County serves as the local government partner to help facilitate the flow of federal funding to the Geo Group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Right now, the ICE processing center has capacity for a little over 1,100 beds. The addition of D. Ray James Correctional facility would increase that by more than 1,800 beds, bringing the total to nearly 3,000 beds. This would make Folkston, Georgia, home to the largest ICE Processing center in the United States, according to Charlton County Administrator Glenn Hull. This is going to provide approximately 400 additional jobs in our community, Charlton County Administrator Glenn Hull said. This is really truly economic development in its broadest sense here for Charlton County. Hull told Action News Jax the agreement would have been worth more than $47 million. However, he got a call from ICE on Wednesday, saying federal policy prevents the Department of Homeland Security from entering into an agreement of more than $20 million. Until federal policy is changed, the agreement is on pause. Hull is hopeful it will come through. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a big deal for Charlton County, Hull said. Economic Development in Charlton County is very limited. In unincorporated areas, we dont provide water and sewer, so that makes what we can attract very difficult. Despite the expansion vote no longer happening Thursday, some advocacy groups are still calling for the facility to be shut down for good. Documents obtained by Action News Jax show that in 2022, the U.S. Department of Homeland Securitys Office of the Inspector General made an unannounced inspection of the Folkston ICE processing center, which houses suspected illegal immigrants. The report determined: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Folkston did not meet standards for facility conditions, medical care, grievances, segregation, staff-detainee communications, and handling of detainee property. We identified violations that compromised the health, safety, and rights of detainees. As a result, DHS made 13 recommendations to ICE. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Last year, a 57-year-old detainee at the facility, Jaspal Singh, died while in custody there. Medical neglect is something that is unfortunately quite common in ICE detention facilities, and Folkston is no exception," Meredyth Yoon, who is working with the campaign to shut down the Folkston ICE Processing Center, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yoon said the campaign started in 2022 after learning that Charlton County and the private prison corporation The Geo Group, which owns and operates the processing center, were considering expanding the facility. She believes that expansion would cause more harm than good. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] This expansion or this proposed expansion gives ICE the infrastructure to be able to carry out this plan that we, you know, think is not only extremely xenophobic and racist, but really deeply harmful to families and communities that large, Yoon said. Yoon and others worry the center could still see an expansion at some point. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Action News Jax did reach out to The GEO Group to try to get a response and comment regarding the proposed expansion, but we have yet to hear back. 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. The Chelan County Sheriffs Office has issued a new warning for residents in rural areas of several Washington counties, warning that the man accused of killing his three young daughters could be nearby. The warning was issued for people who own cabins in remote areas of Chelan, Kittitas, King, Snohomish and Okanagan Counties. Deputies said that Travis Decker is still on the loose, and that those who have remote cabins should lock their doors and windows, including that of sheds and outbuildings. They also recommend leaving window blinds open and outside lights on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This comes after law enforcement executed several search warrants around the area and on electronic devices that belong to Decker. They said the information has given them more leads. For the public, please know that law enforcement professionals are patrolling at all hours, in all spaces throughout this region, deputies informed. If you see Decker, call 911. What happened The three young sisters who were reported missing in Wenatchee after a visit with their father were unfortunately found dead. On Friday, May 30, just before 10 p.m., the Wenatchee Police Department took a call from a woman who had reported that the father of her three young girls had not returned following a planned custody visit. A missing endangered person alert was issued for the three girls, 9-year-old Paityn, 8-year-old Evelyn, and 5-year-old Olivia, and their father, 32-year-old Travis Decker. A man tried to trade a submachine gun for an ATV on Facebook Marketplace, according to the Cowlitz County Sheriffs Office. On Monday, a man spoke to the sheriffs office Crime Reduction Team (CRT) detectives about a person who responded to his listing on Facebook Marketplace. According to the sheriffs Office, Jacob Shawn Dixon responded to a listing for an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). Dixon was previously convicted of several weapons offenses and driving with a suspended license. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He messaged the seller and asked if he could trade the ATV for a submachine gun, a suppressor, and a motorcycle. The sheriffs office said Dixon told the seller that he knew the gun was illegal in the state of Washington, but told the seller not to tell anyone. He also sent a video of the gun to show that the gun worked. CRT Detectives worked with Lower Columbia SWAT to stage a meeting with Dixon using a truck and trailer. Detectives were able to arrest and book Dixon on charges of unlawful firearms, first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm, dangerous weapons, assault weapons, and driving with a suspended license. Bitcoin miner Riot Platforms (RIOT) reported on Tuesday strong production growth in May, mining 514 BTC an 11% increase from April and a 139% jump compared to the year-ago level. The company sold nearly all the new bitcoin, generating $51.3 million in proceeds at an average price of $102,591 per token. Riots hashrate also climbed, with total deployed computing power reaching 35.4 exahashes per second, a 5% increase over April and 142% higher than the previous year. Operating efficiency improved as well, with the fleet running at 21.2 joules per terahash down from 28 J/TH last May. Beyond mining, Riot is positioning itself for growth in the AI and high-performance computing (HPC) sectors. In May, the company closed the acquisition of 355 acres of land near its Corsicana facility in Texas. CEO Jason Les said the site will support the development of data centers tailored for enterprise and hyperscale clients, noting that these centers require significantly larger footprints than traditional mining operations. To lead this effort, Riot hired industry veteran Jonathan Gibbs as Chief Data Center Officer. The move signals Riots ambition to diversify beyond bitcoin and into the fast-growing market for AI-ready infrastructure. RIOT shares are higher by 3.4% in Tuesday trading. DES MOINES, Iowa On Thursday, the Des Moines Police Department released the name of the motorcyclist who was killed in a crash on Wednesday. Just after 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday emergency crews responded to a report of a car vs. motorcycle crash at the intersection of SW 9th Street and Luster Lane near the Blank Park Zoo. Investigation underway after bomb threat targets Clive MercyOne facility According to the DMPD, by the time medics arrived at the crash scene the motorcyclist had died from his injuries. On Thursday afternoon, the DMPD identified the motorcyclist as 40-year-old Matthew Rex Ringgenberg of Des Moines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The car involved in the crash was occupied by three people. The driver, identified as an adult female, suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The DMPD said as of Thursday afternoon she remained hospitalized. The two passengers were not injured in the crash. An investigation into the crash is ongoing. No additional information has been released. The DMPD said this is the fifth traffic-related death in the city this year. Metro News: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. A power transmission line on Maryland's Eastern Shore. (Photo by Christine Condon/Maryland Matters) Discussions about rising energy costs may have dominated this past Maryland General Assembly session. But even higher bills are on the way. Beginning June 1, elevated rates took effect for utilities across Maryland, from Baltimore Gas & Electric to Delmarva Power and Pepco. The reasons go back to economics class: low supply and high demand. But who is to blame depends on who you ask. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ratepayer advocates are quick to point the finger at PJM Interconnection, which operates the power grid in a 13-state region, including Maryland, for policies that have driven rates higher. They argue it has been slow to bring renewable energy projects online, constraining the supply, and it failed to account for skyrocketing demand from data centers. PJM says its been warning of the impending supply crunch since early 2023, and that a combination of other market forces are at play including climate change policy shuttering coal plants. Years of market changes and policy choices have landed Maryland ratepayers in their current predicament, said Laurel Peltier, chair of the Maryland Energy Advocates Coalition, which focuses on low-income utility ratepayers. Its like a teapot thats been simmering and its been simmering for a decade, said Peltier, who is also an AARP Maryland utility advocate. How much are my bills going up this time? The exact amount of the increase differs depending on where you live. A report from the Maryland Office of Peoples Counsel, released last August, estimated that Delmarva Power households could see a $4 monthly increase, Pepco and SMECO customers could see a $14 increase and Potomac Edison customers could see an $18 increase. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BGE customers would fare the worst, with a $21 jump. But BGE ratepayers got some welcome news last week, when Marylands utility regulator, the Public Service Commission, ordered the utility company to spread out the increase, dulling the impact this summer, when bills will already be soaring due to higher energy use, and sharpening the impact in the fall, when bills are typically lower. House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones (D-Baltimore County), Senate President Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City) join other legislative leaders at Februarys unveiling of a package of bills meant to ease energy prices. (Photo by Bryan P. Sears/Maryland Matters.) As a result, the increase will be $10 to $15 less than expected on customers bills from June through August. But from September through November, bills will be $10 to $15 higher than expected, according to Kathy Fueston, a spokesperson for the PSC. But ultimately, BGE customers will pay the same total amount. Whats the reason for this latest increase? The story starts with PJM Interconnection, which runs an annual auction called the capacity market auction, which essentially ensures there is sufficient power during peak times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last years auction, which covers 2025, cleared at a record high price an 800% increase compared to the year before, costing ratepayers a total of $14.7 billion in capacity costs, compared to $2.2 billion previously. PJM blames the shutdown of costly coal and oil plants, and energy demands from data centers and the electrification of homes and cars, among other factors. These higher prices are the result of a loss in electricity supply caused primarily by decarbonization policies that have led to an uptick in generator retirements, coupled with an unprecedented spike in electricity demand due largely to the advancement of data centers to power artificial intelligence, the electrification of vehicles and heating systems, and the onshoring of U.S. manufacturing, wrote Jeffrey Shields, a spokesman for PJM, in a statement. But Maryland Peoples Counsel David Lapp, who represents Maryland ratepayers, argued that PJM is not being straightforward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He argues that power-hungry data centers, largely in Virginia, are the primary reason for the increase in demand. If it werent for those facilities, the demand, or load, on the PJM grid might not be increasing at all even with the rise of EVs and electric heat pumps. What can customers do to lower their own bills? Laurel Peltier, who volunteers to provide energy advice to ratepayers in Baltimore, said her first suggestion is always for Marylanders to know their numbers, and check their latest utility bill, which often means heading online. If its telling you that youre an outlier and youre using a lot more energy than your neighbors its true, Peltier said. Through Marylands EmPOWER program, which all customers already pay for with a line item on their utility bills, Marylanders can get a free quick home energy check. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That right there sometimes can alert somebody, Peltier said. More than likely what it is, is you have a leaky house and you have an old HVAC system. BGE spokesperson Nick Alexopulos said the utility is also trying to advertise energy-saving methods for customers amid the higher rates, everything from the EmPOWER programs to using blinds to keep the sunshine from warming your home during the summer months. Our big thing right now is to make sure that customers are aware of ways to save energy, he said. Customers who are behind on bills, especially low-income ratepayers, may also be eligible for financial assistance, Alexopulos said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The big refrain here is, customers that are struggling to pay their bills, please contact us, Alexopulos said. We have these programs and we can help connect them with energy assistance. Whether its an old refrigerator sitting in the garage, or an energy-gobbling space heater (Peltier recommends an electric blanket instead), Peltier said customers need to think more carefully about their energy use amid climbing rates. Make this a priority. Find the low-hanging fruit, Peltier said. Those load forecast changes are really driven by data-center growth, Lapp said. There has been very little growth in demand for quite some time, because of efficiency technologies. More efficient light bulbs, that sort of thing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its true that Maryland fossil fuel power plants are retiring, and this is impacting energy markets, Lapp said. But Lapp lays some of this blame at PJMs feet. Faced with a capacity shortage, PJM is requiring two fossil fuel power plants that were going to be retire this year, Talen Energys Brandon Shores and H.A. Wagner, to keep operating through 2029. It will cost ratepayers about $145 million annually to keep coal-fired Brandon Shores running and $35 million annually for oil-powered Wagner. But when it held its annual capacity auction in 2024, PJM did not include the output from the two Talen Energy plants in the mix. That caused prices for 2025 to go up: The Office of Peoples Counsel estimates that costs rose $5 billion in the auction because of the exclusion of the two plants. Since last summers auction, PJM has changed its policy, with the approval of federal regulators. The electricity generated from reliability must-run agreements, like the ones for Brandon Shores and H.A. Wagner, must be included in the auction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everyone knows that thats not fair, to require customers to pay twice, and yet, thats exactly whats going to happen starting June 1, Lapp said. Emily Scarr, a senior adviser at Maryland PIRG who focuses on energy issues, said PJM also should have predicted that coal plants would retire, and that it is responsible for bringing new power generation onto the grid in response. They say its a supply and demand imbalance. But what they dont explain is: Oh, were actually the ones who are in charge of controlling supply and demand, and we havent done our job, Scarr said. Peltier, the low-income ratepayer advocate, worries about the customers who have been swept up in the recent price hikes, and are now behind on their bills. For instance, BGE recently reported that residential customers were a total of $171 million in arrears, compared to $97 million just last June. In a statement, BGE spokesman Nick Alexopulos cited cold temperatures in January and February 2025, which forced customers to use more energy to heat their homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Republicans in the General Assembly say state policymakers are to blame for the supply shortage, and the resulting rate increases, which they attribute to the states policies to reduce carbon emissions. They note that all the states coal plants have announced plans to shut down in the years ahead. Marylands soaring electric rates are not a mystery theyre a direct result of bad policy choices made by Democratic leaders, wrote Senate Minority Whip Justin Ready in a recent statement. Their obsession with green goals has come at the expense of energy reliability and affordability, Ready wrote. Now, plants they forced offline are still running because the grid cant survive without them, and ratepayers are stuck paying hundreds of millions for that mistake. Lapp disagrees that Maryland policies played a role. Perhaps some of the blame could be chalked up to federal Clean Air Act policy requiring changes to how plants are operated, he said, but largely, its economics. Gas is a lot cheaper. Renewables dont require fuel, Lapp said. So, theres a reason why most of the PJM queue is wind and solar and battery. But a backlog in PJMs queue for new power generation to come online has also influenced the supply curve, Scarr said. Senate Minority Whip Justin Ready (R-Frederick and Carroll) on the Senate floor April 1. (Photo by William J. Ford/Maryland Matters) Theyve created this whole problem themselves, and if they just let clean energy connect, we wouldnt be in this situation, Scarr said. A recent report predicted that Maryland ratepayers could save an average of $546 a year on their electric bills from 2025 to 2040 if PJM implements a laundry list of reforms to clear the bottleneck. For its part, PJM argues that it is already making a number of reforms to the queue, including a new initiative to expedite shovel-ready projects. In early May, PJM released the list of 51 projects it will expedite through the program, including 22 in Virginia and two in Maryland: a battery storage project in Harford County and an upgrade at a natural gas plant in Prince Georges County. What happens next? Lapp and the PSC, backed by 87 Maryland lawmakers, have asked the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to provide relief from rising rates, by overturning the $5 billion worth of auction costs associated with the Talen Energy deal. You just can recalculate the results of the auction, by counting the [Talen Energy] units, Lapp said. They could do that quickly. A FERC spokesperson declined to comment on when the commission might issue a ruling. Lapps office asked FERC for expedited consideration before June 1. With a decision now coming later than that, Lapp said its possible that consumers could receive a future credit on their bills, if FERC rules in his favor. All Maryland ratepayers are already due to receive a rebate on their utility bills next month. The rebate is estimated at $40 per household, though it depends on a customers electricity usage. A second payment is scheduled for January. Its like a teapot that's been simmering and it's been simmering for a decade. Laurel Peltier, chair, Maryland Energy Advocates Coalition It comes from the Maryland General Assembly, which passed an energy reform package just before it adjourned in April. The total sum, about $200 million, is coming from the Strategic Energy Investment Fund, which is fueled by electricity generators, who submit alternative compliance payments when they do not purchase the required amount of renewable energy credits to comply with state law. But the main thrust of the General Assemblys energy reforms was increasing power generation and energy storage in the state, by creating streamlined permitting processes for both at the Maryland Public Service Commission. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have highlighted the fact that the state imports more power from other states than it generates within its borders. Lapp questions whether increasing power generation in the state is needed, especially given that improvements are underway to transmission infrastructure, including to accommodate the eventual closure of Brandon Shores and Wagner. The fact that Maryland is a net importer, thats nothing new, and its nothing to be alarmed about, especially because the amount that Maryland imports does not reflect a limitation on Marylands ability to generate energy, he said. Its economics. He also wonders whether the legislatures streamlined permitting process at the PSC is a big enough carrot to actually spur significant new power generators to set up shop in Maryland. Private companies, they already are able to build plants in Maryland, if the economics work out. So the question there is, does a little easier siting process Does that change the economics? Lapp said. Im not sure that it will. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Even in a trial filled with dramatic twists, Boston Police officer Kelly Devers testimony this week in the Karen Read retrial stuck out for just how tense her exchanges with a lawyer representing Read actually were. Dever, who worked in Canton at the time of Reads arrest, was called by the defense Monday morning. On the stand, she faced aggressive questioning from Alan Jackson, one of Reads lawyers, about a statement she made to federal investigators looking into the death of Reads boyfriend, John OKeefe. On the morning of Jan. 29, 2022, when OKeefes body was found, Dever was working an overnight patrol shift in Canton. A supervisor asked her to cover dispatch so he could respond to the scene. Dever, according to Jackson, told federal authorities she saw the departments then-chief, Ken Berkowitz, and another man, Brian Higgins, alone with Reads SUV for a wildly long time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Dever has since recanted that statement, saying on the stand this week it was a false memory. She could not have seen Berkowitz and Higgins, an agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with the SUV, because her shift concluded at 3:45 p.m., she said. The SUV wasnt towed to the station until hours later. Still, Devers testimony in the Read case is unlikely to have any impact on her ability to testify in other cases down the line, said Jack Lu, a retired Superior Court judge. A failure of memory in one case is not admissible in another case. This is black letter law, he said. But Mark Bederow, a defense attorney following the trial from New York City, said Devers ridiculous claim that her memory was false would concern him going forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bederow, who also represents the blogger Aidan Kearney, said Devers recollection to the FBI was so specific that it makes it difficult to believe what she saw didnt actually happen. Dever admitted on the stand that Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox called her to a meeting before she testified in the Read case. Jackson suggested Cox told her to do the right thing during that meeting. I think its clear a message was sent, Bederow said. Most people would think do the right thing means the Blue Wall. Dever said the meeting with Cox proved how good a leader he is. But Bederow said it is absolutely unheard of for a police commissioner to speak to a low-level officer before they testify in a trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, Bederow and Lu agreed that Devers behavior on the stand would likely not come back to haunt her in other cases. Bederow described her demeanor as embarrassing and beyond inappropriate. There was no need for her open hostility and nastiness, he said in a telephone interview. It was childlike. In one memorable moment, Dever criticized Jackson for mispronouncing her name. Like you cant remember my name, I dont remember, she said. Despite his criticisms, Bederow said, I dont know if the hostility component will impact her future career in terms of testifying. Lu, the former judge, disputed the notion that Dever was confrontational on the stand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sorry, but not even close. At most, the witness examination was tense. A trial is not a tea party, he said. Karen Read murder case Read the original article on MassLive. DESTIN, Fla. (WKRG) Destin Mayor Bobby Wagner held his first fireside chat on Wednesday night where residents were encouraged to share their thoughts on improving the city. Tennessee man injured in boat crash near Dauphin Island Bridge: ALEA, Coast Guard A lot of the times, government works on a reactive side, and were trying to respond, and I figured this would be a great way to be proactive, Wagner said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tonight is all about taking state and federal government bills and budgets and bring it here local, so people can act on them, he added. Wagner wants his residents to know they will see a decrease in state sales tax and electricity tax come July 1. Florida lawmakers are also discussing the possibility of property tax relief. At this point, we need to capitalize on these tax cuts and allow good, decent, hard-working people, whether both personal or business professions, to take advantage of these new legal bounds that are coming into fruition, Wagner said. Destin residents came to Wednesdays chat with an open mind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im just hoping to learn some things and find out whats going on in the city, Destin resident Bob Browning said. Destin resident Gary Redden believes this type of community collaboration is important. Ive lived here for 33 years, been involved in business here, been involved in the community, and the mayor is a nice guy that Ive known for a long time, and I just wanted to come down and see whats going on, Redden said. I think it was a real good start because all the time Ive been here, Ive never actually participated in an event like this unless it was something going on at city hall, so I thought this was great, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trial begins for Mobile County father accused of killing his 14-year-old daughter who went missing in 2012 Wagner plans to continue hosting fireside chats each month. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5. The News Republican privacy advocates in Congress are criticizing the Trump administrations work with the tech giant Palantir to analyze what could become a massive pool of government data on Americans. President Donald Trump signed an order in March that directed federal agencies to remove unnecessary barriers to data consolidation. Even before that, as The New York Times reported last week, Palantir had expanded the reach of its artificial intelligence product within the US government potentially building an interagency database that would merge huge sets of government information on Americans, from medical to financial. Palantir provides tech to companies and governments that helps them act on the information they collect a service gaining traction as large language models make it easier to analyze data at scale. The US government has long lagged the private sector in that sort of analysis but where Silicon Valley sees a chance to make government more efficient, some lawmakers in both parties see an invitation to misuse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its dangerous, Rep. Warren Davidson, R-Ohio, told Semafor. When you start combining all those data points on an individual into one database, it really essentially creates a digital ID. And its a power that history says will eventually be abused. I hope to turn it off, fundamentally, Davidson added. He compared a Palantir-facilitated merged database to the dangerously powerful ring from the : The only good thing to do with One Ring to Rule Them All is to destroy the Ring. Resistance like Davidsons is striking because few congressional Republicans have publicly challenged the president since his second term began. Neither the sweeping cutbacks of DOGE nor Trumps punitive global tariffs have caused a real GOP rebellion, and the party is currently reinterpreting years of fury about deficits to push through a megabill that adds trillions of dollars in debt. Its far from clear that the work by Palantir whose co-founder Peter Thiel is a longtime backer of Vice President JD Vance will end up sparking a significant GOP attempt to rein in the Trump administration. Davidson said he hopes to mount a bipartisan push to include language that would shut down the effort in legislation reauthorizing the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which is set to lapse next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Ohioan is often a conference outlier. Still, several other GOP lawmakers and aides said they shared his concerns. The concern out there will always be: If you had the wrong people in government, are there protections to make sure that privacy is protected? Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., who co-chaired his chambers AI caucus last Congress, told Semafor. And thats a fair question to have. One House Republican aide, who was granted anonymity to speak candidly, put it far more bluntly: This is the first time in a while Ive thought, Oh boy, this is really bad. These guys are freaks with no sense of humor and a very disturbing sense of morality and now they have all the data, the aide said of Palantir. Someone should do something. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Palantir said in a statement on X that the New York Times report is blatantly untrue. The company is not surveilling Americans, CEO Alex Karp told CNBC Thursday. Know More Data privacy has divided the Republican Party before. Conservatives in the House temporarily derailed an effort by their own leaders to reauthorize a key foreign surveillance law last year, citing worries about excessive government wiretapping powers. All Ive seen is whats in social media and it sounds bad, Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., who played a lead role in last years surveillance fight, said of Palantir. Im concerned. Massie and Davidson, notably, were the only two House Republicans to oppose Trumps big, beautiful bill in the House last month. But Davidson said the Palantir news has rankled a broader coalition of civil liberties-minded GOP lawmakers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Republicans that are essentially part of the anti-PATRIOT Act, anti-surveillance state, pro- get a warrant side kind of collectively share a concern about where this is headed, Davidson said. That includes Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., who told Semafor that she has a lot of questions about Palantirs work inside the Trump administration. Im big on sharing data but for the right purposes, and as long as were protecting peoples privacy, Mace said. The View From Democrats Democrats on both sides of the Capitol sound eager to work with Republicans to rein in Palantir, which is known for its secrecy and the occasionally bombastic rhetoric of its leadership. (CEO Alex Karp said on an earnings call earlier this year that the company wants to disrupt and make the institutions we partner with the very best in the world and, when its necessary, to scare enemies and on occasion kill them.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Suzan DelBene, D-Wash., told Semafor that Americans should be extremely alarmed that the Trump administration is creating a central government database with our sensitive financial, health, and personal information. A database like this can be easily abused by this or any president, and put Americans at risk of a massive data breach, DelBene added. An aide said Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., is also extremely concerned about the reports and seeking more information from the administration on what Palantir is up to. Wyden recently introduced legislation that would block DOGEs access to agency data. The View From The White House President Trump signed an executive order to eliminate information silos and streamline data collection across all agencies to increase government efficiency and save hard-earned taxpayer dollars, White House assistant press secretary Taylor Rogers said in response to the lawmakers comments. Eleanors view Theres a key difference between this brewing Palantir fight and last years surveillance battle: Trump was, at least briefly, aligned with conservatives in opposition to unfettered expansion of that wiretapping law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans may be more reluctant to speak out this time if it means resisting his agenda particularly after many of them were wrangled into abandoning their initial goals for the tax-and-spending bill. Davidson and Massie, given their votes on that legislation, are not exactly bellwethers for the rest of their party. But unlike other issues like trade, few Republicans see data consolidation as a critical priority for Trump. So theres a real possibility that they decide this is an area where they can afford to assert themselves. Room for Disagreement Palantirs data-merging contracts are running largely under the radar. Its a relatively wonky issue that could easily lose ground in Washington to the GOPs sprawling tax-and-spending package and codifying DOGEs cuts to federal spending. Half a dozen Republicans who have previously spoken out about civil liberties, including Mace, said this week that they didnt know enough yet about the administrations database-building plans with Palantir to form an opinion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive seen the headlines, but I havent seen the specifics so until I review the specifics, Ill refrain from commenting, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said. Notable Palantir has worked with DOGE at the IRS this year on database construction, as Wired reported. The companys work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement includes an effort to get near real-time visibility of migrants who might self-deport out of the country, according to Axios. A detention hearing was adjourned for one of two Chinese citizens accused of smuggling into the United States a fungus that causes a disease in wheat, barley, maize and rice so that one of them could research the pathogen at a University of Michigan lab, where the other works. Yunqing Jian, 33, who works at the lab, appeared in U.S. District Court in Detroit on June 5, but the hearing was adjourned until June 13 in order for her to retain a private attorney. She appeared in an orange Sanilac County Jail jumper and politely answered questions from Magistrate Judge Kimberly Altman about whether she understood what was occurring. Federal prosecutors did not object to the adjournment. Jian was ordered detained until the detention hearing. Jian and her boyfriend, Zunyong Liu, 34, are charged with conspiracy, smuggling goods into the United States, false statements and visa fraud, according to a criminal complaint unsealed June 3. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors indicated in a news release that the fungus is Fusarium graminearum, which scientific literature classifies as a potential agroterrorism weapon. It causes "head blight," a disease of the crops, and is responsible for billions of dollars in economic losses worldwide each year. The toxins the fungus produces can cause vomiting, liver damage and reproductive defects in livestock and humans, it stated. More: Feds: Chinese citizens charged with smuggling harmful fungus for research at U-M Liu smuggled the fungus into the country at Detroit Metro Airport in clear plastic baggies in his backpack July 27. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers denied him entry and processed him for expedited removal back to China, according to an affidavit filed in court. Contact Christina Hall: chall@freepress.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @challreporter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Support local journalism. Subscribe to the Free Press. Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detention hearing adjourned for Chinese citizen fungus smuggling case LANSING, (Mich.) The Leslie community is still shaken following the death of a 14-year-old boy who was electrocuted while walking a community trail Tuesday evening. Many neighbors are emotional, trying to recover from losing someone so young. Leslie resident Shai Case says it has been hard to deal with. I think it is just one of those things that is devastating. These are children, and they had so much life to live, said Case. Teen dead, another hospitalized after touching a power line in Leslie (WLNS) Neighbors tell 6 News the incident happened on a community trail near Worthington Place Drive. Police say two teen boys were walking along the trail when the 14-year-old touched a power line with a metal pole and was electrocuted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 15-year-old boy was hospitalized after police say he was electrocuted through the 14-year-old while attempting to help him. Authorities say he is expected to survive and is currently at Mott Childrens Hospital. In the meantime, the community is left mourning the loss. Teen dead, another hospitalized after touching a power line in Leslie (WLNS) In a community like this, where everybody knows everybody, its devastating, said Case. I mean, these poor kids, all of them, their last few days of school, this is what they have to go there and be with. And these parents just lost their baby, and its a tragedy. Case, who uses the trail, says itll be tough knowing what happened, and her heart goes out to the teens family. Teen dead, another hospitalized after touching a power line in Leslie (WLNS) I walk this trail quite a bit, I see people also walking it, the fact that we have to walk by a site like that and know what happened is a little bit discouraging, Case said. I think its extremely hard, especially when its a child, I mean, you lose a little piece of your heart, said Case. Teen dead, another hospitalized after touching a power line in Leslie (WLNS) Consumers Energy tells 6 News the electrical line was in place when the first teen made contact. Power in the area had to be cut while officials responded, leaving hundreds of people without power. However, service was restored overnight. Consumers provided the following statement to 6 News on Wednesday: Consumers Energy responded to an incident near Woodworth Elementary School in Leslie on Tuesday. We are deeply saddened to confirm that one young person lost their life and another was injured after coming into contact with a live electric line. While we do not have updates on the condition of the injured individual, our thoughts are with their loved ones during this difficult time, and we are hoping for a full recovery. As a safety measure, we temporarily de-energized the electric circuit serving the area, affecting service to 488 customers. Our team was on site, investigating the situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police have not released the identities of the two boys to the public at this time. We are deeply saddened by the events that occurred last evening and our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected, Superintendent of Leslie Schools Scott Powers wrote in a statement emailed to 6 News. We are ensuring that counseling and support resources are available at all district schools. At this time, we are focused on providing a safe and supportive environment for our school community, and we appreciate the understanding and respect for the privacy of those impacted. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A Worcester City Councilor who was charged with two crimes stemming from an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrest on Eureka Street stands by the actions she took that day. District 5 Councilor Etel Haxhiaj was part of a group of about 30 people who protested and confronted ICE for arresting 40-year-old Rosane Ferreira-De Oliveira of Brazil. She has been charged with a misdemeanor count of assault and battery on a police officer and a common law violation of interfering with a police officer, records show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Haxhiaj responded to the charges on BlueSky Wednesday afternoon, calling the prosecution frustrating and defended her actions on Eureka Street. I am a mother, an immigrant and elected leader who attempted, along with other Worcester residents, to protect a traumatized young person, two mothers and an infant, Haxhiaj said. I did the humane thing to do in this situation, nothing more, nothing less. On May 12, Worcester police filed a criminal complaint against Haxhiaj four days after ICE arrested Ferreira-De Oliveira on Eureka Street. Lt. John Bossolt requested a show-cause hearing on three charges against Haxhiaj, according to the application. Bossolt asked that she be charged with two counts of assault and battery on a police officer and one count of interfering with a police officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Haxhiaj pushed P.O. McGuirk in the chest, the filing reads. Haxhiaj pulled P.O. McGuirks arm as she was making an arrest. A criminal complaint charging Haxhiaj was filed on June 4, but only one charge of assault and battery was filed. Protecting the most vulnerable should not lead to being targeted and vilified. And working to improve policing in our city by calling for oversight and accountability should not provoke political grandstanding and attacks, Haxhiaj wrote in her statement. I look forward to responding to these charges in court. What body camera footage showed On May 16, the Worcester Police Department released body camera footage of officers who were called to Eureka Street on May 8. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Body camera footage from Officer Patrick Hanlon captured the ICE agents arresting Ferreira-De Oliveira. In the footage, Haxhiaj is shown walking toward the officers and Ferreira-De Oliveira. Haxhiaj grabbed Ferreira-De Oliveiras arm and pleaded with the agents not to take her. Two of the ICE agents then proceeded to fling the councilor off Ferreira-De Oliveira. As the agents moved to a gold Ford SUV, Haxhiaj then reached out for Ferreira-De Oliveira. Hanlon grabs her hands to pull her back and tells her to stop. I cannot stop! Haxhiaj yelled at the officer. Ferreira-De Oliveiras 21-year-old daughter, Augusta Clara Moura, who is being held back by Disqualified School Committee Candidate Ashley Spring, reaches out to the vehicle and says no multiple times. Hanlon responds by saying that ICE will explain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Haxhiaj and Spring yell that the agents will not explain, with Spring telling Hanlon that ICE does not have a judicial warrant. At around two minutes and 25 seconds into the footage, an ICE officer says, We do not need a judicial warrant for this arrest. In footage from both Hanlon and Officer Shauna McGuirks cameras, some residents can be seen standing right next to the hood of the SUV. At the two-minute, 20-second mark in McGuirks footage, the officer approaches Haxhiaj, who is standing by the passenger side door of the vehicle. The councilor appears to be talking with someone about a warrant when McGuirk extends her hands out to her and touches her arm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Haxhiaj responds by telling McGuirk, Do not touch. At the 2:37 mark, Haxhiaj is still at the passengers side of the vehicle, this time with Clara Moura. Agents and McGuirk tell both of them they need to move away from the vehicle. McGuirk then grabs Clara Mouras arm, telling her she needs to come on. Clara Moura looks down at her arm and says, No, no, no, no. The officer then lets go of her arm, and an agent warns Clara Moura and Haxhiaj that they both could be charged. Haxhiaj then says, I dont understand, and tells McGuirk that she has the right to be there as the districts councilor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Worcester councilor deposits large donation haul after confronting police at ICE raid McGurik then pulls Haxhiaj away from the vehicle by her back, resulting in Haxhiajs hands pushing against her body. Do not touch me! Haxhiaj yells as she is pulled away from the SUV. Following the events on Eureka Street, the New England Police Benevolent Association Local 911 and the International Brotherhood of Police Officers Local 504 released two statements blasting Haxhiaj for physically interfering and physically assaulting Worcester police officers. We stand with our fellow Worcester Police Patrol Officers Union Local 911 and demand an ethics investigation into the egregious actions and behavior of Councilor Haxhiaj, the letter from Local 504 reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jose Rivera, who is running against Haxhiaj in the November election, previously expressed disappointment with his opponent and their actions at Eureka Street. In the video I heard the councilor say her job as a city councilor is to protect her constituent, Rivera said in a statement on Facebook last month. That is not a city councilors job. City councilors are not public safety officials and it is certainly not their job to interfere with an ICE arrest, whether they believe it was legal or not. Haxhiaj has also received words of support for her actions, including from her fellow councilor, Council Vice Chair and Councilor-at-Large Khrsytian King. She acted urgently to defend a fellow mother, a woman in crisis, a young teen girl, and constituents she was elected to serve, King wrote in a statement on May 11. In doing so, she stood up against a system that has too often trampled due process and constitutional rights especially under the Trump administration. Thats not grandstanding. Thats moral leadership. More Worcester Stories Read the original article on MassLive. A 2,000-gallon diesel spill dscolored a portion of Baltimore's Harbor near Harbor East and caused an odor in the surrounding area Wednesday into Thursday. (Photo courtesy the Maryland Department of the Environment) A 2,000-gallon diesel spill from tanks on the Johns Hopkins Hospital campus in East Baltimore that contaminated a portion of the Baltimore harbor has been contained, officials said Thursday. The fuel traveled about 1.3 miles through the citys storm drains after Wednesdays spill and emptied into the Patapsco River near Harbor East, officials said at a Thursday morning news conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials from city, state and federal agencies responded to the spill Wednesday afternoon and overnight, which caused an odor in the surrounding area, and turned the water red, thanks to a dye in the oil. With about 600 feet of booms, the spill was contained to a marina area about 150 yards wide and 200 yards long, near the South Central Avenue Bridge, where a number of sailboats and other watercraft are moored. By Thursday afternoon, officials said theyd collected some 18,000 gallons of contaminated water from the area, and transported 25 affected birds and three turtles to Tri-State Bird Center in Delaware for rehabilitation. This has been a robust and a truly collective effort, said Gov. Wes Moore (D), who responded to the scene in Baltimore early Thursday. We have seen over 100 personnel literally work through the night to make sure that we had this situation under control and contained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A third-party vendor was delivering the diesel to the hospital when the spill occurred, said a statement from Hopkins spokesperson Liz Vandendriessche. The fuel was being pumped into two tanks, which supply power for backup generators at the hospital, but they were overfilled, leading to the spill. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott (D) said Thursday afternoon that cleanup crews were exactly where we need to be at this particular time, adding that the recovery effort will slow down Thursday evening. Officials deployed about 600 feet of booms to contain the spill, near the South Central Avenue Bridge in Baltimore. (Photo courtesy Maryland Department of the Environment) Tonight, we will strategically pause operations to further assess current progress, and allow our diligent responders and contractors to regroup also known as, they need to sleep, Scott said. Baltimore City Fire Chief James Wallace noted the progress visible in the harbor Thursday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was like wine, Wallace said. As we stand here now, the water is beginning to return to its normal color, and instead of seeing overall red, you see small streaks of red. All of the recoverable oil which is bright red remained behind the protective boom, said Geoffrey Donahue, director of Emergency Preparedness and Response at the Maryland Department of the Environment. Thin sheens of oil on the water are not recoverable and will evaporate, he said. Were focusing on recoverable product, which is like the deep pockets of red, Donahue said. There is some thin film-residue that youll see silver sheen and rainbow sheen. But like I said, our efforts are focused where the bulk of the product is. City officials have placed extra booms in the water in other nearby areas, Wallace said, in case more diesel emerges from the stormwater system at different locations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We know weve had a discharge of product where we stand right now, Wallace said from the scene on Thursday afternoon. We cannot guarantee that we will not have further discharge product if a heavy storm comes through. The National Weather Service was calling Thursday afternoon for a slight change of showers after 3 p.m. Friday in Baltimore. Hopkins officials reported the leak at about 11 a.m. Wednesday, initially calling it a contained 200 gallon diesel spill, according to a news release from Moores office. But by 1 p.m., Baltimore City fire officials were responding to a 911 call reporting a fuel spill at a Harbor East marina. First responders from the city, the Maryland Department of the Environment and the U.S. Coast Guard very, very rapidly deployed a boom to contain the contamination, said Baltimore Fire Chief James Wallace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those actions taken by those three agencies have really reduced the footprint of this incident, Wallace said. This could have been far, far worse than what it was. At 6:48 p.m. Wednesday, Hopkins modified its report, indicating that it was a 2,000-gallon uncontained spill, according to the governors office. Officials from the Maryland Department of the Environment were among those who responded to the scene in Baltimore. (Photo by Christine Condon/Maryland Matters) We immediately notified the Maryland Department of Environment of the overflow while continuing to investigate, and we proactively reached out again to MDE as we learned more about the estimated overflow volume, said Vandendriessche. We also are actively working with local, state and federal authorities to support the response in the Baltimore Inner Harbor. As of Thursday morning, officials were flushing the storm drains to force the rest of the diesel out of the underground pipes and into the containment area in the harbor, Wallace said. From there, the contaminated water could be pumped into a 4,000-gallon pump truck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need to push the product down, push it down to the harbor, where we have skimmers, where we have capability to capture and retain product, Wallace said Thursday morning. So, thats the operation right now. This operation will continue through a majority of the day. The mayor said that city officials were evaluating the citys storm drain system to ensure the flushing effort succeeded. They have the capability to look at that by GIS mapping, but we also had them physically going and popping manholes, because nothing beats being able to see it or in this case, see it and smell it with your own eyes, ears and nose, Scott said. Emergency response teams were preparing Thursday for the possibility of rain in the days ahead, which Wallace said early Thursday could cause emergency crews to lose control of the situation in the worst-case scenario But right now, as I said, were absolutely on schedule. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX By Nathan Vifflin (Reuters) -STMicroelectronics' CEO said on Wednesday that the French-Italian chipmaker has seen signs of an upcycle a period of increased market demand which will boost its results in the coming quarters, unless trade tensions disrupt the positive developments. Chipmakers exposed to the automotive, industrial and personal electronics markets like STMicro have faced a multi-year long slump in orders, burdened by overcapacity, high inventories and low demand. But, speaking at an event in Paris hosted by BNP Paribas, CEO Jean-Marc Chery said STMicro would deliver at least the mid-point of its second-quarter guidance. It had forecast quarterly revenue of $2.71 billion at mid-point in its last earnings report. "The dynamic is pretty interesting. Why? Because quarter-to-date, the book-to-bill ratio is well above parity ... This means you are in a dynamic of upcycle," he said. Chery said this recovery would continue at least until the third quarter, which could have been a turning point for STMicro's sales to grow year-over-year. But geopolitics, including U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war and tariffs, cast uncertainty over the latter part of 2025, he said. The CEO of one of Europe's largest chipmakers added the uptick seen so far was not the result of customers overstocking inventories in fear of upcoming tariffs. "We do not see a strong behavior by customers to overstock. I don't say it does not exist, but we don't detect that it exists significantly," Chery said. Demand remains regionally unbalanced, with the strongest demand in China and the weakest in Europe, he said. Shares in STMicro were up 7.9% at 1152 GMT, topping France's CAC 40 and the Italy 40 indices. (Reporting by Nathan Vifflin in Amsterdam, editing by Milla Nissi-Prussak and Matt Scuffham) A Dilworth homeowner accused of blowing up his own house is back in Charlotte to face a judge. Authorities arrested Michael Barnette on arson charges in Chicago three weeks ago. According to Mecklenburg County Jail records on Friday morning, he was booked into custody in Charlotte and faces multiple felony charges. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Owner of home in Dilworth explosion arrested in Chicago, charged as fugitive Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His home on Lombardy Circle exploded on May 2. Arrest warrants said he took off soon after. He was eventually charged and caught in Chicago. The exact source of the blast has not been released by the Charlotte Fire Department. Barnette is being held without bond, according to jail records. VIDEO: Owner of home in Dilworth explosion arrested in Chicago, charged as fugitive BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) The executive director of a bipartisan group which represents business leaders and investors in the U.S. green energy sector said a budget proposed by President Donald Trump could kill energy jobs in West Virginia. Bob Keefe, executive director of E2 and author of the book Clean Economy Now, said on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, that businesses across the country had cancelled or delayed more than $14 billion in investments and 10,000 clean energy jobs since January. Keefe said West Virginia jobs in construction, manufacturing and other sectors in Huntington, Wayne County and other places in the state will be affected if the U.S. Senate were to vote in favor of a portion of the budget which calls for cutting clean energy tax credits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorney for pregnancy rights group says West Virginia law protects women who miscarry Keefe made the announcement a few days after officials at Core Natural Resources, citing the market, warned more than 200 miners at Itmann Mine #5 in Wyoming County that they would face a lay-off in early August, if mine operations did not improve. Look, every job is important. Every coal job is important, Keefe said on Wednesday. Whats killing coal is not clean energy. Whats killing coal is that coal companies continue to automate and also, frankly, the economics have caught up with the energy industry. Keefe said utility companies pay more to burn coal and that West Virginians pay rising utility costs as a result. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CEO of WV Coal Association says trade war with China will impact coal operations The good news is we have the opportunity to transition those coal jobs, and who better to drive the energy industry than coal workers, and that means coal workers in West Virginia, Keefe said. These jobs are just now coming. Hopefully, Congress, in the next few weeks, doesnt kill it off. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS. Dive deeper in Prince's legacy with a new self-guided tour of Minneapolis originally appeared on Bring Me The News. As Prince is celebrated around the Twin Cities this week during Celebration 2025 and other events, locals and visitors can dive a little deeper into The High Priest of Pop's life in Minnesota with the just-launched Purple Path. The self-guided tour is a new project from Meet Minneapolis, Paisley Park, and the Downtown Improvement District that features temporary sidewalk clings marking places around Minneapolis (and one in Chanhassen) that were significant places in Prince's life. 'Purple Rain' at First AvenueFirst Avenue & 7th St Entry, Facebook The purple sidewalk markers are scattered around Minneapolis, with the majority in places around downtown at familiar locales like the Dakota Jazz Club, First Avenue, and the Schmitt Music Mural. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though there are deeper cuts as well, offering a deeper dive into Prince's life. Each marker has a QR code that can be scanned to gain insight into why places like the IDS Center, the now-gone Glam Slam, or Mt. Sinai Hospital are part of Prince's legacy. Here's where you'll find each of the Purple Path markets around town: Original Sound 80 Studios (2709 E 25th St.) Capri Theater (2027 W Broadway Ave.) First Avenue (701 N 1st Ave.) Glam Slam (Now Cowboy Jack's, 110 N 5th St.) Bunker's Music Bar & Grill (761 Washington Ave. N) Dakota Jazz Club (1010 Nicollet Mall, will be installed at a later date) Electric Fetus (2000 4th Ave. S) The House from Purple Rain (3420 Snelling Ave. S) Orpheum Theatre (910 hennepin Ave.) IDS Center (80 S 8th St.) Uptown Mural (26th Street and Hennepin Avenue) North Loop Mural (424 N Washington Ave.) Downtown Mural (1st Avenue and 8th Street) Schmitt Music Mural (South 10th Street & Marquette Avenue) Prince Photograph (N 1st Street & N 1st Avenue) Mt. Sinai Hospital (2215 Park Ave. S) John Hay Elementary School (1014 Penn Ave. N) Bryant Junior High School (now Sabathani Community Center, 310 E 38th St.) Minneapolis Central High School (3416 S 4th Ave.) Park Avenue United Methodist Church (3400 Park Ave. S) Paisley Park Studios (7801 Audubon Rd. in Chanhassen) Related: Annual Prince Celebration will feature Morris Day, The Family, and unreleased music This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jun 5, 2025, where it first appeared. MIAMI (AP) A shark-diving charter boat captain convicted of theft for freeing 19 sharks and a giant grouper from a fishermans longline off the coast of Florida says he's felt like he was living in an alternate universe for the past five years. That changed last week when he received a presidential pardon. This is something I never thought Id hold, John Moore Jr. said Tuesday, as he showed off the document with U.S. President Donald Trump's signature scrawled across the bottom. Moore and crew member Tanner Mansell were convicted in 2022 of theft of property within special maritime jurisdiction. The two men avoided prison time but were ordered to pay $3,343.72 in restitution. The felony convictions prevented them from voting in Florida, owning firearms or traveling freely outside the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moore said he and his attorneys were surprised by the pardon, because they hadn't petitioned for one. We didnt reach out to the White House, Moore said. We never approached them for a pardon, because that was kind of skipping steps, like we had actually filed the paperwork to take this to the Supreme Court. Moore and Mansell spotted the longline about 3 miles (5 kilometers) off the Jupiter Inlet in August 2020, according to court records. Believing it was an illegal fishing line, the men freed the sharks and a grouper, reported it to state wildlife officials and brought the line back to shore. Federal prosecutors later charged the men with theft. Officials said the line belonged to a fisherman licensed by the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration to catch sharks for research. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mansell and Moore were convicted by a jury, and their appeals were later denied. The full and unconditional pardons signed by Trump erase those convictions. Would I have done something different, now that I know that that was a legal line? Moore asked. I was a commercial fisherman. I would never touch a legal line. But now I know more about this, that those things can exist. Officials with the Minnesota Department of Corrections on Wednesday asked for patience from friends and family members of people who are incarcerated at the Minnesota Correctional Facility-Stillwater while they work out the details of the facilitys pending closure. The DOC is committed to ensuring a careful and thoughtful approach that takes the needs and wellbeing of incarcerated persons into consideration, Commissioner Paul Schnell wrote in a memo posted online. This will be a complex process with many moving parts. It is unlike anything the DOC has undertaken before, the memo continued. We know you have lots of questions, and we ask for your patience as we navigate this enormous change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State leaders in May agreed to a phased closure of the Stillwater prison, citing safety and costly maintenance concerns at the 1914 facility. Plans call for the prison to be shuttered by June 30, 2029. Reopen Appleton? After the news of the closure broke, two state legislators sent a letter to Gov. Tim Walz and Schnell asking them to seriously consider reopening the Prairie Correctional Facility in Appleton as a permanent part of our correctional system. The medium-security private prison, owned by CoreCivic, closed in 2010. The facility has a capacity of 1,600 beds, the same as Stillwater, and could be brought back into use much more efficiently than building a new facility from the ground up, Sen. Torrey Westrom, R-Alexandria, and Rep. Paul Anderson, R-Starbuck, wrote in their letter. This would also result in significant cost savings for taxpayers, as the facility is already well maintained. Westrom and Anderson noted that state DOC officials could pursue a number of different options, including a state contract, a long-term lease or even purchasing the facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schnell on Wednesday dismissed that idea, saying that the purchase and operation of the long-vacant Appleton facility is not regarded as an effective or efficient use of state resources. The phased closure of MCF-Stillwater recognizes the age and condition of the facility and the states current fiscal constraints, Schnell said in a statement. State and federal prison systems around the country are closing antiquated prisons and consolidating the number of prison sites to maximize efficiency and resource utilization. A DOC study conducted in 2017 focused on adding capacity at the Minnesota Correctional Facility-Faribault, which is the most cost-effective option for adding modern correctional facility infrastructure in the future, Schnell said. The Appleton facility presents a range of challenges, including the facilitys location relative to other DOC facilities, the ability to secure sufficient staffing and the cost of training an entirely new staff cadre, purchasing and updating the equipment and supplies needed for daily operations, and the logistical challenges of coordinating shared services across the states correctional system, he concluded. Mental health services Westrom and Anderson also noted another option: Using the Appleton prison to expand mental health services should the state not require the full number of prison beds in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With increasing demand for mental health care across Minnesota, its worth exploring how the facility could serve both purposes, they wrote. That kind of dual use could help solve two problems at once. They also pitched Appleton, located in Swift County, as a great place to live. Related Articles For correctional staff who may choose to relocate, Appleton offers great outdoor recreation, a lower cost of living, and much more affordable housing than the Twin Cities, they wrote. This makes it a strong option for families and workers alike. The closure of the MCFStillwater, located in Bayport, is expected to be completed in two phases. The first phase involves reducing operations and staffing over several months, moving inmates to other prisons, and conducting studies on logistics, closure impacts and the sites long-term future. During the second phase, which is slated to begin in July 2027, the site will be vacated. Full closure is expected by June 30, 2029. Luigi Mangione made several diary entries that reveal his thoughts prior to the December shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, of which he is accused, New York City prosecutors claim in a new court filing. The filing, submitted Wednesday, June 4 and obtained by PEOPLE, quotes the diary entries Mangione made in the months leading up to the shooting, which were found in a red notebook he was carrying at the time of his arrest in Altoona, Pa. The alleged entries reveal that he seemingly considered what the public reception to such a high-profile crime would be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I finally feel confident about what I will do, Mangione is alleged to have written in an August 2024 entry, according to prosecutors. The details are coming together. And I don't feel any doubt about whether it's right/justified. I'm glad in a way that I've procrastinated [because] it allowed me to learn more about [UnitedHealthcare]. Related: Inside Luigi Mangione's Dark Descent and What Became 'Almost an Obsession' Before He Allegedly Killed Brian Thompson Mangione also seemingly references a previous potential target, referred to as KMD, but wrote that it would have been an unjustified catastrophe and would be perceived mostly as sick. [KMD] would do nothing to spread awareness/improve people's lives, Mangione allegedly determined. "The target is insurance. It checks every box. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an entry dated in October 2024, a month-and-a-half before the shooting, Mangione allegedly wrote that the annual UnitedHealthcare investor conference outside which Thompson would later be shot embodies everything wrong with our health system, and-most importantly-the message becomes self-evident. The alleged entry also directly mentioned the Unabomber, Ted Kaczynski, to whom Mangione has been compared. In it, Mangione acknowledged that a similar bombing likely would not be well-received by the public. "For example, Ted K makes some good points on the future of humanity, but to make his point he indiscriminately mailbombs innocents, Mangione allegedly wrote. Normies characterize him as an insane serial killer, focus on the act/atrocities themselves and dismiss his ideas. Thompson was fatally shot outside the New York Hilton Midtown on the morning of Dec. 4, 2024 while on his way to the investor conference. The brazen killing in Manhattan and subsequent multi-state manhunt shocked the country and dominated headlines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The night before the shooting, prosecutors allege that Mangione was walking adjacent to the hotel where the crime occurred while apparently talking on the phone. At the same time, Thompson walked past him in the opposite direction. Since his arrest, Mangione has received a swell of support, despite the nature of the crime hes charged with. His supporters have cited displeasure with the American health insurance industry. 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. Mangione is charged with murder and terrorism in New York State, while federal prosecutors have charged him with murder and stalking. He has pleaded not guilty in both jurisdictions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Wednesday court filing was in response to a defense motion requesting that the state charges against Mangione be dismissed; his lawyers contend the dual charges constitute double jeopardy. "If ever there were an open and shut case pointing to defendant's guilty, this case is that case, prosecutors wrote. Simply put, one would be hard pressed to find a case with such overwhelming evidence of guilt as to the identity of the murderer and premeditated nature of the assassination. Read the original article on People As a Cincinnati doctor, I see what Medicaid cuts will cost us. I work as a primary care physician in Cincinnati much of my job involves counseling people on the long-term risks of todays actions. I remind parents that juice contributes to early diabetes in their children. I teach teenagers that regular cannabis use increases the risk of psychosis. I urge patients to take their blood pressure medications to avoid future strokes and heart attacks. I refer people for colonoscopies to catch cancer early. My job is about prevention acting now to avoid suffering later. Congress is about to do the opposite. More: Trump budget bill would slash Medicaid. How it would affect Ohio 300,000 to 500,000 people in Ohio could lose health insurance The House Budget Reconciliation Bill includes drastic cuts to Medicaid, which will take health insurance away from Ohioans. If passed, these cuts wont just cost the state billions of dollars theyll cost lives. Estimates suggest that between 300,000 and 500,000 Ohioans will lose their health insurance coverage due to these cuts. They are unlikely to find other options. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Employment benefits wont suddenly appear. In 2018, the Ohio Department of Medicaid reported that the vast majority (93.8%) of Ohio Medicaid recipients were employed, in school, taking care of family members, or navigating severe illness. The average Ohioan on Medicaid wont be able to afford private health insurance self-insured plans cost upwards of $8,000 per year. Even children are advocating lawmakers to fight anticipated cuts to Medicaid, which help families in need. The result? Fewer people will get the care they need. Uninsured individuals are three times more likely to postpone or avoid seeking care and much more likely to skip medications due to cost. People wont stop getting sick theyll just stop getting care. It's not just about losing coverage. You'll lose access to care, too. When care stops, hospitals close. According to a 2025 report from the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform, over the past two decades, nearly 200 rural hospitals have closed. As a result, the millions of Americans who live in those communities no longer have access to an emergency room, inpatient care, and many other hospital services that citizens in most of the rest of the country take for granted." More: Ohio lawmakers wanted to keep kids on Medicaid. Then they changed course Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of April 2025, there are eight Ohio hospitals at risk of closing, and there are 34 Ohio hospitals operating at a financial loss. If these Medicaid cuts go through, hospitals in Ohio will have to provide more than $2 million more in uncompensated care each year, while missing out on millions in revenue from covered care. This financial stress will be too much. Hospitals will close, costing communities thousands of jobs and worsening health care shortages in areas. Once hospitals close, patients will have to travel further and wait even longer. They will delay care due to these inconveniences, and they will suffer more. Eventually, theyll still seek care because illness doesnt wait. But often, it will be too late. A demonstrator holds a sign reading 'People I love depend on SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid' during a sit-in protest against a Republican budget plan on the House steps of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. on April 27, 2025. The members of Congress were joined by several hundred supporters as they live-streamed their protest against a GOP budget plan which seeks to progress President Donald Trump's policies, including possible cuts to Medicaid. (Photo by Bryan Dozier / Middle East Images / Middle East Images via AFP) (Photo by BRYAN DOZIER/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images) These are the consequences of not getting health care A few years back, I took care of a patient in the hospital who was living with diabetes and hypertension. He lost his insurance when he lost his job during the COVID-19 layoffs. Without health insurance and transportation, he couldnt see a doctor. He ignored the worsening numbness in his feet and blurry vision while he desperately tried to stay housed and find work. By the time he realized how sick he was and finally arrived at the hospital, his foot was gangrenous, the infection had spread to his bones, and he had suffered multiple small strokes. His eyesight was permanently damaged. After extensive surgeries and a prolonged hospital stay, he was discharged to a nursing facility, where he faced an uphill battle to recover. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Man with rare skin disease fears Medicaid cuts This story is not unique. Each year, millions experience lapses in their health care coverage, leading to delayed or forgone care. If these cuts to Medicaid pass, there will be millions more. Uninsured adults are more likely to delay care, to develop more serious illnesses with more complicated and longer hospital stays, and are at increased risk of early death. The decisions lawmakers make today will have lasting effects. As a doctor, I see the human cost of delayed care and insurance lapses every day. As an Ohioan, I know our communities cant afford this. Call your representatives and senators. Tell them to protect our health and our hospitals. Tell them: Dont cut Medicaid. Josh Smith Joshua Smith is a resident physician at The Christ Hospital and University of Cincinnati Medical Center, training in Family Medicine and Psychiatry. All opinions and views expressed here are his own and do not reflect those of his places of work or employers. The information provided does not represent medical advice, and patient details have been changed to protect privacy. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Ohio will lose healthcare access if Congress cuts Medicaid | Opinion Israeli forces recent shootings of Palestinians desperately trying to get food have led doctors in Gaza to scramble to save their patients lives and go as far as donate their own blood to make up for the territorys near-empty blood banks and destroyed health care system. A U.S.-Israeli aid distribution system began bringing in small amounts of food aid into Gaza last week, after the Israeli military spent three months blocking all aid from entering the territory and worsening an already horrific starvation crisis. Human rights groups, aid organizations and the United Nations have condemned the fact that Palestinians are forced to trek to militarized Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, or GHF, distribution points. But since the distribution began, witnesses say Israeli forces have repeatedly opened fire on the starving population trying to receive food at the hubs killing more than 100 Palestinians and wounding nearly 500 in attacks over the last week, health officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was shot at 3:10 a.m.. As we were trapped, I bled constantly until 5 a.m., Palestinian civilian Mohammad Daghmeh said in a statement taken by Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres, or MSF. Daghmeh was one of many wounded on Sunday while waiting at the GHF distribution hub in Rafah, the southernmost area of Gaza that Israeli forces have essentially rendered uninhabitable. There were many other men with me. One of them tried to get me out. He was shot in the head and died on my chest, Daghmeh continued. We had gone there for nothing but food just to survive, like everyone else. Loved ones mourn over the bodies of Palestinians who were killed by Israeli forces at an aid distribution point in the Al-Alam area of Rafah, at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza on June 3, 2025. Abed Rahim Khatib/Anadolu via Getty Images The Israeli military initially said that troops did not fire at Palestinians while they were near or within the aid site on Sunday, but a CNN investigation published Thursday found that soldiers opened fire on the crowd. Israeli forces later acknowledged that troops fired warning shots during distribution on Sunday,Mondayand Tuesday. Doctors and barely functioning hospitals are getting quickly overwhelmed by patients injured in the mass casualty attacks. MSF said its teams at Nasser Hospital are receiving waves of wounded, while a 60-bed Red Cross field hospital said it received 184 patients on Tuesday. Most of the patients are men likely trying to bring food back to their families, MSF said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They lay in their beds in the hallways because the rooms are already packed with injured people. They had visible gunshot wounds in their limbs, and their clothes were soaked with blood, MSF field officer Nour Alsaqqa said on Sunday, adding that the men look shattered and distraught. Gazas blood banks are almost empty as a result of Israels bombing of hospitals and the scale of wounded Palestinians during Israels 19-month siege. Dr. Ahmed Al-Farah told HuffPost last month that many Palestinians heeded Nasser Hospitals desperate call for blood donations. But because of the extreme malnutrition most Palestinians are facing, he said every prospective donor was already anemic. So the medical staff themselves began giving blood themselves or at least those who were not yet malnourished. MSF colleagues had to donate their own blood to try to save people in shock, injured simply for trying to feed their children and who often returned empty-handed, MSF Switzerland President Micaela Serafini said in a statement on Thursday, Wounded Palestinians are brought to Nasser Hospital for medical treatment after Israeli forces opened fire on a crowd gathered to receive humanitarian aid in Khan Younis, Gaza on June 3, 2025. Doaa Albaz/Anadolu via Getty Images The empty blood banks are representative of the crisis Palestinians are facing: If people are shot down trying to bring home food aid, they will almost certainly require blood donations to survive. But people cannot donate blood if they are already malnourished, and patients cannot heal if theyre already malnourished. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The only way to address the widespread malnutrition is to allow a substantially higher amount of aid into the territory and let families bring food home without getting killed, according to aid groups. The groups say the GHF must step aside to allow humanitarian agencies with existing distribution networks to do the job. The trickle of aid allowed in the last two weeks is a token amount, drastically below what is required. Within their first days of operation, the new U.S.-Israeli militarized aid hubs have become terrifying kill zones, where starving people seeking food have been gunned down, MedGlobal advocacy director Ana Moran said on Tuesday. It is unconscionable to make people choose between starvation or being shot while seeking food. The average person in Gaza eats just 1,400 calories a day as of last month just 67% of what a human body needs to survive, according to data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. The international community has widely condemned Israels blockade. On Thursday, about 100 MSF volunteers protested outside the U.N. headquarters in Geneva, forming a red line to symbolize Israels violations of international humanitarian law. The GHFs system is not only ineffective but also dangerous and dehumanizing, MSF Switzerland general director Stephen Cornish said in a Thursday statement. We denounce the militarization of aid, which goes against the principles of humanitarian action, Cornish said. Humanitarian aid must never be part of a military or political strategy but must only respond to the needs of the affected populations. We recall that this use of humanitarian aid for military purposes may constitute a crime against humanity. The Trump administration has reportedly paused a $47 million plan to expand an immigration detention center in Georgia because the deal is under review by DOGE, Elon Musks federal cost-cutting program. Charlton County administrator Glenn Hull toldThe Washington Post he had been informed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement that the government couldnt move forward with the deal for the time being, scuttling a planned Thursday vote in the county on the contract. This is a big blow to Charlton County, Hull said, saying the contract was expected to bring some 400 jobs to the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. DOGE Service flagged the deal with government contract Geo Group under a policy requiring Department of Homeland Security contracts worth more than $20 million to face review, according to May 28 federal officials meeting notes obtained by the paper. The White House said it would defer to agencies to describe the state of ongoing contract talks. DOGE is reviewing all DHS contracts worth over $20m, pausing a $47m plan to expand an immigration detention facility in Georgia (AFP/Getty) The Independent has contacted the Department of Homeland Security and GEO Group for comment. The deal at issue would have expanded an existing ICE facility in Folkston, Georgia, and combined it with an adjacent vacant prison, forming the largest immigration detention center in the country, capable of holding nearly 2,000 people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The paused deal comes as the Trump administration continues to push for more funding for immigrant detention beds, intending to nearly double U.S. capacity, while urging immigration officials to rapidly deport more people. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller reportedly berated colleagues in May and urged them to hit 3,000 immigration arrests per day, according to Axios. Recent data shows that as of May 23, more than 48,000 people were in immigration detention, and the Trump administration was deporting around 850 per day that month. Border czar Tom Homan has said the administration wants to effectively double immigration detention capacity to 100,000 beds (Reuters) The contract review is also a reminder of the DOGE efforts ongoing, influential role at Homeland Security, even as the efforts figurehead, Elon Musk, has departed the administration in a cloud of acrimony with President Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DOGE group has reportedly worked with Homeland Security to pool vast troves of data to assist in immigration enforcement, and has reportedly helped broker collaboration between the agency and other departments like the Social Security Administration, which has also taken on new roles in immigration enforcement under Trump. That DOGE could snare a key Trump priority, like expanding the immigration system, is a signal the Musk effort could continue to have large sway over the administration and its agenda going forward, even as Musk is outside the White House. Earlier this week, the White House asked Congress to claw back $9.4 billion in funds for foreign aid and public media in the U.S., as a way of making various DOGE priorities more permanent. By Olivia Le Poidevin GENEVA (Reuters) -Indirect carbon emissions from the operations of four of the leading AI-focused tech companies rose on average by 150% from 2020-2023, due to the demands of power-hungry data centres, a United Nations report said on Thursday. The use of artificial intelligence by Amazon, Microsoft, Alphabet and Meta drove up their global indirect emissions because of the vast amounts of energy required to power data centres, the report by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the U.N. agency for digital technologies, said. Indirect emissions include those generated by purchased electricity, steam, heating and cooling consumed by a company. Amazon's operational carbon emissions grew the most at 182% in 2023 compared to three years before, followed by Microsoft at 155%, Meta at 145% and Alphabet at 138%, according to the report. The ITU tracked the greenhouse gas emissions of 200 leading digital companies between 2020 and 2023. Meta, which owns Facebook and WhatsApp, pointed Reuters to its sustainability report that said it is working to reduce emissions, energy and water used to power its data centres. Amazon said it is committed to powering its operations more sustainably by investing in new carbon-free energy projects, including nuclear and renewable energy. Microsoft highlighted its sustainability report, which says it had doubled its rate of power savings last year and is transitioning towards chip-level liquid cooling designs, instead of traditional cooling systems, to reduce energy at its data centres. The other companies did not respond immediately to requests for comment. As investment in AI increases, carbon emissions from the top-emitting AI systems are predicted to reach up to 102.6 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year, the report stated. The data centres that are needed for AI development could also put pressure on existing energy infrastructure. "The rapid growth of artificial intelligence is driving a sharp rise in global electricity demand, with electricity use by data centres increasing four times faster than the overall rise in electricity consumption," the report found. It also highlighted that although a growing number of digital companies had set emissions targets, those ambitions had not yet fully translated into actual reductions of emissions. (Reporting by Olivia Le Poidevin; Editing by Aidan Lewis and Aurora Ellis) COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Despite ongoing efforts from state leaders, approximately one million Ohioans lack access to high-speed internet. DOGE canceled $23 million intended to help them. In November 2024, Ohio was awarded a $23,291,992 federal grant to increase digital equity. None of the funds had been paid to the state when DOGE canceled the grant on May 9. According to a federal announcement which is no longer publicly available on federal websites Ohio intended to use the funds to create a statewide device internship, offer digital skills education for incarcerated Ohioans, and create a Digital Inclusion Grant Program. Department of Development spokesperson Mason Waldvogel said Ohio was no longer moving forward with these programs as a result of the grant cancellation, although BroadbandOhio will continue to expand access through other programs. The funds were allocated under former President Joe Biden but had not yet been paid, so there were plans for the money, but the state does not have to pay anything back to the government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A rare COVID-19 strain disappeared overnight. We still dont know which Ohioan had it Broadband refers to high-speed internet, or the ability to access the internet without interruptions or outages. In Ohio, high-speed internet access is defined as 100 mbps download and 20 mbps upload speed. That speed covers a household of two to four people using the internet casually, or one to two people if they use the internet for streaming, telehealth or work from home. Courtesy image / Department of Development According to state data, one in five Ohioans reported they do not believe they have sufficient device access to meet household needs. BroadbandOhio said this is largely due to a lack of availability or barriers in digital literacy and affordability. The state agency said some parts of Ohio have little or no access due to a lack of digital infrastructure, and the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for adequate connectivity. In Franklin County, 26% of households are considered digitally underserved by the state. This only increases in rural areas; for example, 59% of Licking County households qualify as underserved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state grants were going to give special emphasis but not exclusive access to low-income households, elderly people, veterans, people with disabilities, people with language barriers, racial and ethnic minorities, rural residents and justice-involved people. The National Digital Inclusion Alliance found 77.8% of Ohioans would have qualified under at least one of those groups. How much Columbus home prices have risen since 2019 Ohio had already accepted grant applications by the time the Department of Commerce alerted the state it no longer had the funding, and had hoped to get federal approval for select organizations by mid-June. Broadband equity has been a priority for Gov. Mike DeWine, who said high-speed internet has become a critical necessity rather than a luxury, used from schooling to healthcare. However, DeWines office declined to comment on the grant cancellation. Sen. Jon Husted worked to expand broadband during his time as lieutenant governor, but his office also did not have comment on this grant. See previous coverage of Husteds broadband advocacy in the video player above. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The funds had been part of the Digital Equity Act, which passed in 2021 with bipartisan support. The act was cosponsored by then-Ohio Sen. Rob Portman, a Republican who initially backed Trumps claim that he won the 2020 election and voted against impeaching the former president in 2021. Portmans office said he could not comment on the grant cancellation at this time. Although funding was canceled in May, President Donald Trump publicly spoke against the act in March. Trump took to Truth Social and announced his intention to end the Digital Equity Act, calling it RACIST and an ILLEGAL $2.5 BILLION DOLLAR giveaway, although the total funding was $2.75 billion. Ohio lawmakers call for 2026 ballot measure to overturn same-sex marriage ban Before receiving the federal funding, Ohio had a pilot program for the grants. Through these grants, rural Ohioans gained access to tech support, Columbus residents could purchase donated and refurbished quality devices at lower costs, and seniors received tech help. Despite having $23 million less to support efforts, Waldvogel said Ohio still intends to improve digital access. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BroadbandOhio remains fully committed to its mission of expanding access to high-speed internet across Ohio and our work to close the digital divide continues through other initiatives and partnerships aimed at connecting unserved and underserved communities, Waldvogel said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. The U.S. Department of Justice notified Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha of a federal investigation into state employment discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Pictured is the Rhode Island Attorney Generals office on South Main Street in Providence. (Photo by Michael Salerno/Rhode Island Current) The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating the state for employment discrimination based on race or other protected classes under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. The June 4 notice, first reported by The Publics Radio, was obtained by Rhode Island Current Thursday. The two-page letter from Harmeet Dhillon, assistant attorney general in the DOJs Civil Rights Division, offers little information about the basis for the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our investigation is based on information that Rhode Island may be engaged in employment practices regarding its affirmative action program governing state government employment under state law that discriminate based on race, national origin, or other protected characteristics in violation of Title VII, Dhillon wrote. Accordingly, the Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division has authorized a full investigation to determine whether Rhode Island is engaged in a pattern or practice of discrimination as set forth above. Attorney General Peter Neronha and Gov. Dan McKee appeared caught off-guard by the notice of the probe. The Office is still reviewing, as the subjects and focus of their investigation are unclear, Tim Rondeau, a spokesperson for Neronhas office, said in an email Thursday. We will share more information when we are able. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Olivia DaRocha, a spokesperson for McKees office, also said the administration was waiting for more details. At this time, we have no reason to believe that there is an issue with our current hiring practices, DaRocha said in an email Thursday. Dhillon wrote that the investigation does not mean the DOJ has reached a conclusion or determination of violations of federal anti-discrimination protections. Updated to include a response from Gov. Dan McKees office. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has launched an investigation to determine if Rhode Islands employment practices violate the Civil Rights Act. In a letter sent Wednesday to Attorney General Peter Neronha, the DOJ said it is investigating whether the state is engaged in a pattern or practice of discrimination in violation of Section 707 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended. The letter, first reported by the Rhode Island Publics Radio, said the probe is based on information suggesting Rhode Islands affirmative action program for state government employment may discriminate based on race, national origin, or other protected characteristics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Accordingly, the Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division has authorized a full investigation to determine whether Rhode Island is engaged in a pattern or practice of discrimination as set forth above, the letter read. The DOJ did not specify which departments or practices are under scrutiny but said an employment litigation attorney has been assigned to the case. It is important to note that we have not reached any conclusions about the subject matter of the investigation. We intend to consider all relevant information, and we welcome your assistance in helping to identify what that might be, the letter continued, asking for cooperation in the investigation. In response, Gov. Dan McKees office provided the following statement: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are currently awaiting details regarding the substance of the investigation. At this time, we have no reason to believe that there is an issue with our current hiring practices. Read the full letter from the DOJ below. Rhode-Island-State-Government-_-notice-of-investigation-final-for-sending-6-4-25Download This is a developing story and will be updated as further details become available. NEXT | No time not to act: Neronha unveils plan to confront RI health care 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: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. Donald Trump took his war on immigrants up a notch on Wednesday night, issuing an executive order barring nationals from 12 different countries from entering the United States, and another denying visas to any foreign students trying to enter the U.S. to attend Harvard University. The president posted a video to Truth Social on Wednesday explaining the travel ban, asserting that the recent attack in Boulder, Colorado, has underscored the extreme dangers posed to our country by the entry of foreign nationals who are not properly vetted, as well as those who have come here as temporary visitors and overstayed their visas. We dont want them, Trump said, noting that there are millions and millions of these illegals who should not be in our country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attack in Boulder was carried out by an Egyptian national who the administration says overstayed their visa. Egypt is not mentioned in the executive order. The travel ban affects Afghanistan, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, Republic of Congo, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. The order cites national security and the national interests of the nation, as well as the need to protect America from foreign terrorists. Trump is also partially restricting the entry of nationals from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. Trump attempted to impose travel bans during his first term in office, but they were blocked by the courts. He vowed in the run-up to his run to take back the White House that he would bring a travel ban back even bigger and much stronger than before. Trump has also ratcheted up his war on the nations most prestigious higher-education institution, signing an order barring foreign students from entering the U.S. to attend Harvard. The order, titled, Enhancing National Security by Addressing Risks at Harvard University, deems that Harvard is no longer a trustworthy steward of international student and exchange visitor programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The administration has been doing everything it can to hamstring the university including freezing billions in federal grants alleging that it hasnt done enough to crack down on antisemitism as students have protested the war in Gaza. Harvard has fought back, most recently in a lawsuit last week over the administrations move to restrict the school from enrolling international students. A federal judge quickly blocked the effort. The school did not take kindly to Trumps order on Wednesday night, either. This is yet another illegal retaliatory step taken by the Administration in violation of Harvards First Amendment rights, a spokesperson for the school said in a statement. Harvard will continue to protect its international students. Harvard has shown it is willing to take Trump to court over the administrations actions. The courts have been mixed on the presidents immigration agenda, although multiple federal judges have blocked the push to deport immigrants without due process. The Supreme Court ruled last week that the administration can revoke the temporary protected status of over 500,000 immigrants, making them subject to deportation. 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. President Donald Trump is like the friend (used very loosely) who springs into action after something bad happens, but chooses a solution that doesnt necessarily always fix the problem at hand. The 78-year-old politician recently announced travel bans and restrictions for 19 countries after a terrorist attack in Colorado this past weekend. The ban will go into effect on Monday (June 9) at 12:01 a.m. and will impact people from the following countries: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen residents will be unable to visit the United States. People from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela will face stricter travel restrictions when attempting to visit the U.S. Trump shared a video on social media stating that the ban was needed after the Molotov cocktail attack that injured 12 people in Boulder, Colo., on Sunday (June 1). He said that it displayed the danger of foreign visitors who overstay their visas; notably, the suspect was from Egypt, a country that does not appear on his ban list. Nonetheless, Donald Trump felt that some countries had insufficient screening and vetting for their residents visiting the U.S., and Homeland Security had data supporting the fact that countries do not take their citizens back. We dont want them, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump had a similar initiative, which included some of the aforementioned countries during his first term in 2017, and caused an uproar because there was no runway for airlines to prepare; this time around, they at least have a warning. He expressed his interest in enacting these bans and restrictions when he took office in January, and was successful due to the Supreme Court siding with him. This is another of the Donald Trump Experience which many people support for the surface level good he does while some of his larger actions negatively affect citizens and foreign people on a grander scale. For example, he recently pardoned YoungBoy Never Broke Again and commuted Larry Hoovers life sentence for operating a criminal enterprise, two moves that the Hip-Hop community celebrated. And now here he is, keeping families apart via travel bans and restrictions. More from VIBE.com Sign up for Vibe's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Donald Trump and Elon Musk's days as a team may be on its last leg thanks to their differences over the President's "Big Beautiful Bill." The bad blood between the pals became evident after the tech billionaire vehemently slammed the MAGA agenda and Trump's massive spending bill, which he claimed would overwhelm American citizens with a crushing debt. Elon Musk's sudden decision to stand against Donald Trump, whom he once passionately supported, has been met with criticism from MAGA fans and celebrities like Hollywood veteran Whoopi Goldberg. The POTUS has also condemned his actions. Donald Trump Implies His Relationship With Elon Musk Is Over Chris Kleponis - Pool via CNP / MEGA Trump addressed his fallout with Musk over the "Big Beautiful Bill" during an Oval Office press conference on Thursday, June 5. When a reporter asked how he felt about his pal's scathing social media comments, the President of the United States implied their friendship had ended. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Elon and I had a great relationship. I don't know if we will anymore," Trump declared. He stressed that their bridges did not burn by his doing, noting how "disappointed" he was in Musk, given their history. The politician claimed he supported the billionaire a lot and accused him of changing his tune to serve his own agenda. Trump claimed Musk knew about the bill better than the public and initially had zero issues with it. "All of a sudden, he had a problem, and he only developed the problem when he found out that we're going to have to cut the [electric vehicle] mandate because that's billions and billions of dollars," the POTUS said, per PEOPLE. The X Owner First Criticized The Bill In May POOL/EPA / MEGA Although Trump claimed Musk had no problem with the bill, the latter first hinted he did not support the project last month. While speaking to CBS Sunday Morning, the former head of the Department of Government Efficiency subtly criticized the President. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I was disappointed to see the massive spending bill, frankly, which increases the budget deficit, not just decreases it," Musk confessed. He claimed it bill undermined the work he and the DOGE team did, adding: "I think a bill can be big or it can be beautiful. But I don't know if it can be both. My personal opinion." The massive bill was an extension of Trump's 2017 tax cuts and would reportedly "boost border security spending, impose work requirements on Medicaid, and roll back clean energy tax credits." Additionally, the spending package would increase the deficit by $3.8 trillion by 2034, according to reports. Whoopi Goldberg Got In On The Action With Choice Words For Musk ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA Following Musk's social media rants, several people called him out for suddenly changing his tune after supporting Trump for months. The list of critics, including Goldberg, whom The Blast reported, slammed the businessman during an episode of "The View." The Hollywood veteran implied that Musk was the last person who should be complaining about the bill, given his work with DOGE, which had destroyed so many lives. She claimed the department's relentless layoffs in the federal government did more harm than good. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I do wonder why Elon thinks people are gonna listen to him again because he just spent several months destroying people's lives. Now suddenly you woke up? You came out [of] your fog?" Goldberg berated Musk. Fellow panelist Sunny Hostin echoed similar sentiments, noting the billionaire did too much damage for anyone to care about his complaints. What The SpaceX Founder Said About The Bill Aaron Schwartz - CNP / MEGA Musk threw shots at Trump on June 3, vehemently slamming the president's "Big Beautiful Bill" on X. The Blast shared that he described the bill as a "massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill" that was "a disgusting abomination." The business mogul further slammed those who voted for the bill, claiming they were wrong. He stressed that the agenda would burden "citizens with crushingly unsustainable debt" before continuing his rant in more posts about Congress making America bankrupt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately for Musk, his complaints received more criticism than support. MAGA fans bashed him for publicizing his differences with Trump, with someone claiming he had no respect for the president. Another implied Musk was against the public's will, claiming the majority voted for Trump's tax cuts. Inside Elon Musk And Donald Trump's Uncertain Relationship ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA The trouble between Musk and Trump has reportedly been brewing for months, with reports claiming he owed the president $100 million out of the $300 million he committed to support his re-election. Another instance of trouble occurred when Trump set up a meeting with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, one of Musk's most outspoken critics. The Tesla CEO was allegedly upset when he found out about the meeting, and it was pushed back to pacify him. The pair's friendship also endured tensions from Musk's frequent clashes with Trump's officials. He insisted that some of the POTUS' key appointees undermined his role at DOGE by refusing to acknowledge his efforts to reduce the government's spending. Can Donald Trump and Elon Musk overcome this rift in their friendship, or are they officially over? As the age-old adage goes: keep your friends close, but your enemies closer. In a change of pace on Wednesday, President Donald Trump found himself agreeing with one of his biggest Democratic adversaries, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, taking to Truth Social to rally for some bipartisan unity regarding his Big, Beautiful Bill. I am very pleased to announce that, after all of these years, I agree with Senator Elizabeth Warren on SOMETHING, Trump wrote. The Debt Limit should be entirely scrapped to prevent an Economic catastrophe. It is too devastating to be put in the hands of political people that may want to use it despite the horrendous effect it could have on our Country and, indirectly, even the World. Warren and Trump found themselves in rare agreement Wednesday. / Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Families Over Billionaires As to Senator Warrens second statement on the $4 Trillion Dollars, I like that also, but it would have to be done over a period of time, as short as possible. Lets get together, Republican and Democrat, and DO THIS! he concluded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump was referring to an X post Warren made on May 30, where she echoed that she and the president were in agreement about scrapping the debt limit. @realDonaldTrump and I agree: the debt limit should be scrapped to prevent an economic catastrophe, Warren posted at the time. Lets pass a bipartisan bill and get rid of it forever. But jacking up the debt limit by $4 trillion to fund more tax breaks for billionaires is an outrage. The comments came after a warning from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent last month that the U.S. will reach its debt limit cap by August. Lawmakers must face a vote to raise the limit or face the consequences of being unable to pay the bills. Trumps bill, which passed the House, included a $4 trillion debt ceiling hike, though that figure could change as it moves through the Senate. Trump is currently vying for the Senate to pass the over-1,000-page bill detailing plans for tax cuts and spending cuts among other measures, including immigration. The president has dubbed it One, Big, Beautiful Bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill has notably drawn concern and criticism over its potential ability to spike deficits, notably $2.4 trillion in national debt over the next decade. Opponents of the bill, including Democrats, say it simply provides tax breaks to the rich while leaving low-income Americans at a loss. A number of Republicans, including Sen. Rand Paul and Elon Musk, have spoken out against the bill. President Donald Trump has found an unlikely ally in Elizabeth Warren. / Kevin Dietsch / Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images Warren released a statement of her own in response to Trumps Truth Social post. The independent non-partisan Congressional Budget Office confirmed today that Donald Trumps Big Beautiful Bill will rip away health care from millions of people and increase the debt by $2.4 trillion to fund tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy. Thats a disgusting abomination, as Elon Musk made clear, Warren wrote, referencing Trumps former buddys sudden U-turn on the bill this week. Ive argued for years that a default on the national debt would be an economic catastrophe that must be avoided by getting rid of the debt limit permanently, wrote Warren. If Republicans in Congress were serious about preventing that economic disaster, they would scrap the debt limit entirely like President Trump has called fornot increase it by $4 trillion to finance tax cuts for billionaires and billionaire corporations. Warren and Trump have long clashed, with Warren being a vocal critic of the presidents administration and his policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donald and Elon are bullies, Warren told a crowd in March. They think calling people names or waving a chainsaw makes them look manly. Trump referred to the Massachusetts Democrat as Pocahontas for years in mockery after Warren stated Native American ancestry. He brought it back in March during his first joint address to Congress. NEED TO KNOW Donald Trump fired back at former adviser Elon Musk after the tech billionaire's three-day social media rampage about the president's "Big, Beautiful Bill." "Elon and I had a great relationship," Trump told reporters on June 5, before expressing his disappointment with recent events. Shortly after departing Trump's administration with a cordial farewell event on May 30, Musk seemingly turned on the president, calling Trump's cornerstone spending bill a "disgusting abomination." President Donald Trump has finally weighed in on Elon Musk's relentless attacks on the MAGA agenda, in which the former White House adviser criticized Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" as a "disgusting abomination." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During an Oval Office press conference on Thursday, June 5, Trump was asked about Musk's recent social media rampage over the sweeping spending bill, to which he said he's "disappointed" and accused the Tesla CEO of acting in his own self-interest. "Elon knew the inner workings of this bill better than almost anyone sitting here," Trump, 78, said. "He had no problem with it. All of a sudden he had a problem, and he only developed the problem when he found out that we're going to have to cut the [electric vehicle] mandate, because that's billions and billions of dollars." Trump admitted during the press conference that the future of his friendship with Musk, 53, looks uncertain. "Elon and I had a great relationship," he said, in the past tense. "I don't know if we will anymore." The president added that he's "very disappointed in Elon" and claimed that he's "helped Elon a lot." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump then said that while Musk's insults have so far been focused on the president's proposed legislation he anticipates that the attacks will start getting personal soon as Congress gets closer to passing the "Big, Beautiful Bill." (Moments later, Musk posted on X that "Trump would have lost the election" and handed the House to Democrats in November if it weren't for the tech billionaire's financial support and aggressive campaigning.) Anna Moneymaker/Getty; Win McNamee/Getty Elon Musk; Donald Trump Elon Musk; Donald Trump Musk started his feud with the Trump administration via his X account on Tuesday, June 3, just days after resigning his White House role on a cordial note. "Im sorry, but I just cant stand it anymore," he wrote. "This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination. Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it." AP Photo/Evan Vucci Elon Musk and Donald Trump hold a press conference on Musk's last day as a White House adviser on May 30 Elon Musk and Donald Trump hold a press conference on Musk's last day as a White House adviser on May 30 He continued in a second post, writing. "It will massively increase the already gigantic budget deficit to $2.5 trillion (!!!) and burden America citizens with crushingly unsustainable debt." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Tesla CEO who, until May 30, headed up Trump's Department of Government Efficiency previously expressed his displeasure with the bill, though he used much tamer language. I was disappointed to see the massive spending bill, frankly, which increases the budget deficit, not just decreases it, and undermines the work that the DOGE team is doing, he told CBS Sunday Morning in a May interview. Brandon Bell/Pool via AP Donald Trump listens to Elon Musk at SpaceX launch event on Nov. 19, 2024 Donald Trump listens to Elon Musk at SpaceX launch event on Nov. 19, 2024 The "Big, Beautiful Bill" is funding its tax cuts and military spending in part by cutting some federal health and energy programs. However, it is also poised to add an estimated $2.4 trillion to the national deficit over 10 years, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. I think a bill can be big or it can be beautiful, but I dont know if it can be both," Musk said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk was one of Trump's biggest supporters during his 2024 campaign, donating nearly $275 million, and was a key adviser during the first few months of his second term. However, it seems like it didn't take very long for the two to become disillusioned with one another. In a report from The Wall Street Journal released on Musk's final day as a government employee, Trump administration officials quoted the president as recently asking his advisers, Was it all bulls---? in regard to Musk's promise to dramatically slash costs via his work with DOGE. While Musk at one time claimed that he could save the government $2 trillion, DOGE's most recent estimate is that it's saved $175 billion and even that figure has been framed as an overestimate by multiple news outlets that tracked down the receipts. Plus, the Trump administration has learned that the high cost of legal fees associated with Musk's actions in addition to the dip in revenue as a result of DOGE's cuts largely negates those savings. Read the original article on People WASHINGTON President Donald Trumps pardons of white-collar criminals whosupport his presidency and donate to his campaigns stoked plenty of outrage from Democrats and former law enforcement officials last week. Now, even some Republicans are signaling their discomfort with his decisions to grant clemency and the way hes going about it. I think that when the president pardons someone, they need to carefully explain why injustice was done, Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, told HuffPost. And I think pardons should be rare, and President Trump likes pardons much more than I do. HuffPost is committed to fearlessly covering the Trump administration. Click here to support our mission and become a member today. In recent weeks, Trump has pardoned a former Virginia sheriff who was convicted of trying to sell deputy badges, a Las Vegas politician who stole money intended for a memorial dedicated to a fallen police officer, a tax cheat whose mother raised millions of dollars for Republican political campaigns, and a pair of reality television stars who were convicted of bank fraud and tax evasion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pardons appear to have been politically motivated, a reward for MAGA die-hards who stood with Trump and his movement. No MAGA left behind, Ed Martin, the presidents controversial new pardon attorney, wrote in a social media post last month. Trump also shocked many Republicans when he pardoned hundreds of Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol rioters who were convicted of assaulting or interfering with police officers, roughly 1,000 nonviolent offenders and around 200 people accused of assaulting police. A number of those pardoned have since been rearrested for other alleged crimes. On its face, you got to be pretty careful, Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), another Senate Judiciary Committee member, said of Trumps latest pardons. I havent looked at the current ones, but I think Im pretty well staked out on about two or three hundred of Jan. 6 people who never should have been pardoned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) said the best approach for issuing pardons is to follow a process and make decisions on clemency requests after a recommendation from a parole board or the Department of Justice. The presidents pardon power under the U.S. Constitution is broad and completely unchecked. Presidents arent bound to go through a certain process though some follow DOJ guidelines more than others and theyre free to pardon whomever, no matter the crime. Some of President Joe Bidens pardons also drew outrage including for his son Hunter Biden. The only way youre going to fix it or change it would be, I think, through a constitutional amendment, and that would take a long time to do, Rounds said. I think just the American people being aware of it is an important part of this discussion. I dont know that youre going to fix it as much as bring attention to it. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee, dismissed a question about Trumps pardons by pointing to controversial pardons issued by President Bill Clinton in the 1990s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres no sense of making any comments about the presidents pardons because its totally his own decision any president in the United States, Grassley said. And nobody asked me about the 2,500 pardons that [Bill] Clinton gave, and so Im not going to make any comments on pardons that Trump makes. Trump, meanwhile, seems far more interested in probing his predecessors pardons. On Wednesday, the president directed his administration to investigate Bidens actions as president, accusing his aides of concealing his cognitive decline and casting doubts on the legitimacy of his use of the autopen to sign pardons and other documents. The order followed weeks of inquiries by Republican lawmakers into Bidens mental and physical health as president following the release of a new book chronicling the former presidents decline, its cover-up and his disastrous choice to run again. Biden, however, denied the accusations from Trump in a statement Wednesday: Let me be clear: I made the decisions during my presidency. I made the decisions about the pardons, executive orders, legislation, and proclamations. Any suggestion that I didnt is ridiculous and false. Survivors, advocates and community leaders urge lawmakers to maintain funding to support domestic abuse, sexual assault, human trafficking and stalking survivors at a rally at Willson Park in Salem on June 4, 2025. (Courtesy of Amanda Rain, Clackamas Women's Services) Nonprofits that help survivors of sexual assault, and other crimes are urging Oregon lawmakers to maintain state funding for their jobs and the services they provide. As the Oregon Legislature juggles lower-than-anticipated revenue and the possibility of further reductions from federal funding cuts and decreased tax revenue related to tariffs and economic instability, advocacy workers and abuse survivors rallied at a park next to the Oregon Capitol on Wednesday to urge lawmakers to keep funding services for children and adult victims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anything short of current funding would result in fewer staff members, fewer shelter beds, longer wait times and less support for survivors facing a crisis, Melissa Erlbaum, the executive director of Clackamas Womens Services, told the crowd. The private sector cant make up the gap, said Allison Kelly, the CEO of Liberty House, a childrens advocacy group based in Marion and Polk counties. The Oregon Department of Justice receives state and federal funding to facilitate grants to nonprofits to help survivors find safety, shelter, clothing and other resources needed in an emergency situation. This funding also goes toward hiring advocates at Oregons colleges and universities who help students experiencing abuse, stalking or other crimes. It funds our jobs and it funds the people we help whether its emergency housing or transportation, clothing vouchers, gas vouchers or relocation support, Zoey Reyes, an advocate working at Haven from Domestic and Sexual Violence based in The Dalles told the Oregon Capital Chronicle. Legislation would maintain current funding levels, supplement for federal losses Advocates want lawmakers to pass two bills and one budget proposal. The latter is the Oregon Department of Justices Policy Option Package 327, which would provide $22 million to tribal and local programs providing emergency shelter and safety services to abuse victims. This is the funding needed to maintain these services as its current capacity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, House Bill 3196 would appropriate $18.5 million from the states general fund to the Oregon Department of Justice to give grants to the hundreds of Oregon nonprofits helping abuse victims find safety. These grants are usually federally funded through the Victims of Crime Act, a federal law enacted by President Ronald Reagan in 1984 to provide federal support for direct services to crime victims. However, this federal funding is being reduced by 42%, according to the Oregon Law Center. The bill would also distribute $3 million from the general fund to the Oregon CASA Network to make up for cuts in federal CASA funds, which abruptly had funding cancelled in April. Lastly, advocates are urging the passage of House Bill 3070, which would appropriate $400,000 from the states general fund to the Attorney Generals Sexual Assault Task Force, a statewide agency that certifies sexual assault nurse examiners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both bills have yet to receive a vote in either chamber. It is absolutely important that we recognize that our legislators have a very difficult task of balancing this budget, said Libra Forde, the executive director of the Womens Foundation of Oregon. But you were put there to do that. Get it done. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Thames Water serves 16 million customers in London and south-east England. Photograph: Mina Kim/Reuters The US private equity group KKR has pulled out of a deal to inject fresh equity into Thames Water, leaving the troubled suppliers future in doubt and increasing the prospects of a temporary nationalisation. The UKs biggest water supplier had picked KKR as its preferred partner, but the company indicated that it will not be in a position to proceed, Thames Water said. MPs said Thames Water was now in a perilous position, with some calling for the government to place it into a special administration regime (SAR), in effect a temporary nationalisation. However, the environment secretary, Steve Reed, told parliament he expected the firm to continue to pursue a market-led solution of obtaining new funding from its creditors, although he acknowledged the government stands ready to intervene with a SAR if required. Thames Water, which serves 16 million customers in London and south-east England, has the biggest debt burden about 20bn of any water company in Britain. It has become the symbol of the alleged mismanagement of the water industry since privatisation, with years of dividend payouts to shareholders fuelling deep public anger over creaking infrastructure and sewage leaks. The industry in England and Wales has deep-rooted, systemic problems, according to an interim review published on Tuesday by Sir Jon Cunliffe, a former deputy governor of the Bank of England. Cunliffe said he would recommend changes to simplify regulation of the sector. For Thames Water, KKRs withdrawal raises further uncertainty over its future. New York-based KKR had been hoping to acquire Thames and inject 4bn into it, after being chosen as a preferred bidder in March. Thames Water said that, after completion of due diligence, KKR and the senior creditors had prepared detailed plans, including a turnaround strategy that had been shared with the company. Related: Chinas factory activity hit by tariffs; KKR pulls out of Thames Water rescue talks business live Sir Adrian Montague, the Thames Water chair, said: While todays news is disappointing, we continue to believe that a sustainable recapitalisation of the company is in the best interests of all stakeholders and continue to work with our creditors and stakeholders to achieve that goal. The company will therefore progress discussions on the senior creditors plan with Ofwat and other stakeholders. The board would like to thank the senior creditors for their continuing support. KKRs withdrawal will leave the turnaround job to the creditors, who include institutional investors such as Aberdeen, Apollo Global Management, BlackRock, as well as US hedge funds including Elliott Investment Management and Silver Point Capital. The creditors will have to put up billions of pounds of equity investment, as well as writing off debt nominally worth billions more. HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) What is done to me, I hope is done to you. Those were the words directed to world-renowned violinist and former Harrisburg Symphony Concertmaster Odin Rathnam in a Dauphin County Courtroom last month. A few weeks later, they were said againthis time, during an interview with abc27. The person who said those words is the victim of Odin Rathnam, who was sentenced to 15 to 30 years in prison for child sexual abuse. He faced 28 counts and pleaded no contest to child rape, and guilty to numerous other sexual assault charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes taken a lot from me, the victim, who asked not to be identified, said. My innocence as a child, hes taken it away from me. abc27 also sat down with the victims mother, who also asked not to be identified. There was a reason he chose to start at the age he started at, the mother said. The abuse, the court found, started when the victim was six years old. I remember I was asleep in my bed, and I remember waking up to him on top of me and being in intense, excruciating pain, the victim said. I remember going to the bathroom afterwards and just seeing blood. My sister had her menstrual cycle and I would try to hide it with pads just because I didnt know what to do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the victim and court records, the abuse would happen multiple times a week. And it would happen when he would come home late at night or when he would drink to excess, which happened pretty much nightly, the victim said, adding that it often took place when her mother was not home. My mom was in school. She was working night shifts and was gone most of the time, she said. She had no idea what was happening. After about seven years of marriage, the victims mother divorced Rathnam. Rathnam moved out, but the abuse continued when she and her brother visited him in Fort Hunter. My brother had a pretty strong relationship with him, the victim said. I didnt want to hinder that relationship with my brother and him, so I kept that separate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That was until May 2024, when, states away, she came forward and told her mother about the abuse. After she told me, I immediately took off work and went down to North Carolina the very next day, the mother said through tears. And as shes telling me what happened, I can literally see her mind go somewhere else. Like shes flashing back. The details are too graphic to include in this story or on-air. Both the victim and her mother went to the police, who recorded a phone call with Rathnam that ultimately helped lead to his conviction. He was unaware he was being recorded, and begged the victim not to tell authorities about what happened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont know what to tell you, but it will be the end of everything for me, Rathnam said in the call. Its been hard mentally more than anything, the victim said. Today, she struggles both mentally and physically. The abuse, she testified, was so bad that she needed surgery. She said she still needs more. What makes her story even just a little bit easier, she said, is knowing she got justice., At the end of the day, he has to live with that, she said. He has to live with what he did to me. She does, too, but now wants to help other survivors. I just hope this helps someone who is struggling with coming out, she 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 ABC27. CHICAGO (WGN) Newly obtained video shows a Door Dash drivers attempt to deliver food to a customer at OHare International Airport last month not only breached perimeter security but also failed to trigger an immediate response. The delivery drivers red Hyundai Elantra is seen on airport surveillance video pulling up just behind and to the right of a United Airlines widebody jet parked at Terminal 1, Concourse C around midday on May 17. The vehicle stopped for approximately 20 seconds before pulling forward again and then stopping alongside the jet. Chicago Department of Aviation Baggage handlers noticed the driver and approached, however it took nearly 10 minutes for a marked Chicago police vehicle to arrive. Its unclear from the video whether police or airport security officers may have approached the scene sooner on foot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WGN Investigates has learned the driver entered the restricted area through a security gate at the southeast corner of OHare, indicating he travelled a significant distance across the massive airfield without being stopped or raising alarm. No guard was clearly visible and [he] proceeded through the gate, following instructions from his GPS coordinates in an aim to deliver the meal, the driver told police, according to records obtained by WGN Investigates. Police found the food order and a Door Dash receipt in the drivers car and released him without issuing any citations. The private security guard manning the perimeter checkpoint told police she didnt immediately report the breach. The vehicle had indeed driven through her post to which she regarded as strange and unfamiliar, she told officers according to their reports. She then closed the gate but made no attempt to contact [the operations center] or notify her direct supervisor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following this incident, [Chicago Department of Aviation] leadership met with the contractor, Lincoln Security, to review what occurred and referred the matter to the Transportation Security Administration for further investigation, airport spokesperson Kevin Bargnes told WGN Investigates. The employee involved is no longer employed by Lincoln Security, and their airport credentials have been terminated by the CDA. A Door Dash spokesperson did not answer a question about whether the driver is still delivering food for the company. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. A Fulton County man is facing multiple animal cruelty charges after a doorbell camera captured him dragging and slamming his dog to the ground. Clarence Earl Jones, 44, of Atlanta, was arrested and booked into the Fulton County Jail on May 27. Hes currently facing six counts of animal cruelty, according to jail records. The charges stem from reported incidents on March 25, May 13 and May 27. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The Fulton County Police Departments Animal Services unit started investigating claims of animal abuse after receiving a tip from a concerned citizen, Channel 2s Michael Seiden reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators say they also received two pieces of video that showed the alleged abuse. A concerned citizen had video of Clarence Jones dragging a Cane Corso dog across the pavement by a leash and then picking the dog up and throwing it to the ground, said Capt. Nicole Dwyer, who supervises the animal services division. During that investigation, we found an additional video of Clarence Jones punching a dog in the face multiple times with a closed fist and then body slamming the dog. After reviewing the videos, police obtained a search warrant for Jones home, where they discovered 23 dogs that were living in deplorable conditions. There was one room that had 17 French Bulldogs inside that were walking in their own feces, no food, and no water, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators also found two pregnant dogs and multiple puppies. They also searched the backyard, where they made another disturbing discovery. There were four Cane Corso adult dogs that were housed in makeshift kennels that were falling in on the dog with tattered tarps, no food, no water, walking in mud and their own feces, she added. Dwyer said that Jones had been breeding the dogs at his home. Authorities rescued all 23 dogs from the home, and theyre now being cared for by the county until theyre ready for adoption. As of Wednesday evening, authorities were still working to locate the Cane Corso seen in the videos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you do see something, call animal control or call 911 and report it, Dwyer said. If you dont report it, then no ones ever going to know about it. A lot of our cases come from citizens who are calling in. Were very thankful that they do that. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] A double-decker bus had its roof torn off when it crashed into a railway bridge in London. The incident occurred shortly after midday on Thursday when the vehicle collided with the Norwood Junction railway bridge in south London. The vehicle, which had markings identifying it as a training bus, was carrying two people at the time, but it is unclear if anyone was injured. Videos captured at the scene showed debris strewn across the road. A nearby sign reads: Warning to buses low bridge ahead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Portland Road was closed in both directions and National Rail confirmed on X that while rail lines reopened quickly, some disruption was expected to continue further into the afternoon. James Wilson-Beales, 42, who lives in the area, stumbled across the crash on the way back from the gym. He said: I was on the way back from the gym and saw all the commotion. I spoke to somebody who said they were diverting traffic before police arrived. I think it was just a misjudgment with the height of the bridge. The Metropolitan Police has been contacted for comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The Health Ministry issued an unusual warning following the discovery of a sperm donor who carried a rare syndrome that increases the risk of many types of cancer in offspring. The Health Ministry issued an unusual statement Wednesday regarding a sperm donor who carried a rare genetic mutation that increases the risk of cancer among offspring. The ministry urged offspring in their forties and fifties who were born from sperm donations in private clinics in the central region to go directly to one of the genetic institutes across the country for testing as soon as possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case began several months ago when the family of a deceased sperm donor informed the Health Ministry that he had Lynch syndrome, a condition that increases the risk of developing various cancers, including colon, uterus, stomach, ovaries, and other organs. The deceased had donated sperm at private fertility clinics in central Israel between 1974 and 1985, before regulated sperm banks were established. Its unknown how many children were born from his donations, but the Health Ministry estimates it could be dozens, or even over a hundred. The offspring themselves do not know who the sperm donor is, but it is known that he donated only at private clinics in the central region. The program is part of a national effort to alleviate the Israeli doctor shortage. (Illustrative). (photo credit: INGIMAGE) According to the Health Ministry, the risk of carrying the mutation among children born from these sperm samples is 50 percent. For carriers, there is now a structured medical surveillance program designed to detect cancer at an early stage and thereby save lives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Health Ministry called on women and families who received sperm donations during those years in private clinics in the central region to inform their offspring and recommend that they contact one of the 10 genetic institutes across the country directly to check for the mutation. No referral from a doctor is needed, and one can approach directly. The test is not covered by insurance and costs 633 shekels. Those who are found to be carriers will be eligible for full medical treatment, including early detection tests. Prof. Talia Eldar-Geva, head of the Fertility and Reproduction Department at the Health Ministry, said: We are aware of the complexity of the situation, especially given that some families who received sperm donations 40-50 years ago may have hidden the fact from their offspring, and may now decide to reveal the secret only because of this incident. But since detecting the carrier status and then performing all the early detection tests can lead to early diagnosis, early treatment, reduced risk of illness, and sometimes even save lives the Health Ministry feels obligated to address this case. The Israeli case joins a series of troubling incidents reported in recent years in Europe and the United States, where sperm donors carried rare genetic mutations that were passed on to their offspring, sometimes without them ever knowing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, at the recent European Genetics Conference in Milan, a case was presented of a sperm donor from Europe found to be a carrier of Li-Fraumeni syndrome a very serious genetic condition that causes a high risk of early-onset cancers, including leukemia, breast cancer, and brain cancer. That donor fathered at least 67 children in eight different countries, ten of whom have already been diagnosed with cancer. The mutation in that case affects the TP53 gene, known as the guardian of the genome due to its role in repairing DNA damage. At the time of donation in the early 2000s, the mutation was not yet recognized as a clear risk factor. But today, with advances in genetic testing, it has been identified as a particularly dangerous mutation, and the lab in France that received the samples determined unequivocally that it is cancer-causing. As a result, all the offspring were referred for genetic testing and regular medical supervision. Ten of them have already been diagnosed with cancer, and 23 others were found to be carriers of the mutation. Medical recommendations include regular MRI scans, breast and abdominal checks, and sometimes even periodic blood tests. Sign up for the Health & Wellness newsletter >> REBEKAH HULLIHEN Last week Annie Andrews, MD, officially launched her Democratic Senate campaign against Republican Lindsey Graham, and she hasnt stopped since. Im feeling a combination of completely exhilarated and overwhelmed and exhausted, the mom of three and pediatrician says with a laugh. While Dr. Andrews had braced herself for stepping into what is sure to be a very contentious race in 2026, she hadnt quite anticipated that her launch video would go viral immediately. The video, which features Dr. Andrews in her doctors coat calling out the harmful effects of the Trump administrations policies on children, has racked up more than half a million views across social media. Many women were cheering her on for her no-nonsense approach, particularly the moment where she calls Graham full of shit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Andrews is not a career politician. Less than a decade ago she had never even considered running for office. As a self-described introvert who had never stepped into the spotlight in this way before, Dr. Andrews made the jump into activism through joining her local chapter of Moms Demand Action, a grassroots movement against gun violence started and run by mothers. She slowly grew her confidence and voice, and when the opportunity presented itself to run against Republican representative Nancy Mace in 2022, she was able to say, Why not me? The fact that Dr. Andrews has run for Congress and now has set her eye on the Senate, she says, is proof that its possible for women like herself to seize their power. There are so many women out there who are scared and frustrated and overwhelmed by the state of the world, but they dont understand their agency, she says. They dont know how to get off the sidelines and get involved. I like to talk about the fact that I was an uninvolved, regular working mom, and then I took this huge leap into politics in a very dramatic way. When people learn about my story, I hope they understand that they can find their on-ramp, they can find their way into action. Glamour chatted with Dr. Andrews about how she plans to make a change in her state and how she went from advocate to candidate. Glamour: Your campaign-launch video went viralit has more than half a million views on Instagram as of this writing and has been shared all over social media. A week later, how are you feeling? Dr. Annie Andrews: Its been really overwhelming and incredibly encouraging because it tells me that my instinct to do this was the right instinct. That night, I started reading through some of the comments on Instagram and I was honestly brought to tears. I was so moved by the support that I was getting from people all across the country and honestly some folks in other countries as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think what people were responding to was that the video was authentically me. I cowrote it with our media team. I purposefully didnt want to sound like every other politician because Im not a career politician. I wanted it to be me, how I really feel, how overwhelmed and frustrated I am, but that I have this fight in me still. And that its okay to not take ourselves so seriously. Its okay to make jokes. Its okay to show my real life of carpooling and all that stuff. I think we struck a nerve with people who are still feeling lost after 2024 and looking for a direction, looking for leaders to step up, people they can believe in. Im just so overwhelmed and grateful for the response that our campaign received. How did you decide to get into politics? It was really a series of events. One was the presidential election of 2016. My youngest daughter, now eight, was born six days before Donald Trump was elected. I remember vividly putting my older daughter to bed that night and telling her, when you wake up tomorrow, were going to have our first woman president. As the election returns came in that night, I remember sitting in my bed in between nursing sessions, looking at my baby girls face and just feeling so defeated and afraid and shocked about the world that I had brought these three beautiful children into. Something inside of me changed that nightthings started to build after that. The second thing that pushed me into action was February 14, 2018, which was the day of the tragic school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. I didnt know anyone who was in the building that day. I was not directly impacted by that shooting. But it was the first mass school shooting that I experienced as a mother of a school-age child. When I dropped her off in the days after that school shooting at her public school in South Carolina, watching her march into that school building, noticing the school resource officer that was patrolling the drop-off line, I remember just feeling incredibly vulnerable. Is my baby going to be safe in that school? After that day, you called your Republican senator Tim Scotts office, which was dismissive, and then Senator Grahams, which didnt pick up. What did you do next? I went on Facebook, found the local chapter of Moms Demand Action, and signed up to go to their next meeting. One day after working at the hospital, I forced myself to walk into that meeting. I am an introvert. Im not a joiner. I dont like walking into rooms full of people I dont know. But I forced myself to do that. And in doing that, it really changed the entire trajectory of my personal and professional life because by joining Moms Demand Action, I learned so much about the power of my voice as both a mom and a pediatrician. I learned that I had agency and that if I got to work, I could affect change. And everything really just snowballed from there. How did working on advocacy with Moms Demand lead to your decision to run for Congress in 2022? I got to know some state-level lawmakers. I got myself in these rooms where decisions were being made, and it became abundantly clear that I was very much smart enough to be in those rooms and I was fully capable of taking my advocacy to the next level. It wasnt on a whim, but my decision to run for Congress in the 2022 election cycle was not something I spent weeks and weeks and weeks poring over, like, is this the right time? What is the path to victory? I felt so driven to take that next step, to take a big step and elevate my voice at that level. And I saw an opportunity to run against a congresswoman who has no business representing our district, who had taken bad vote after bad vote in ways that negatively impacted South Carolinas children. Honestly, I felt called to do it. Again, I didnt have an extensive pro/con list. Certainly I talked to my family about this choice that I was making, but I let my passion drive me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think thats something else that is so important because so many of our current leaders in this country dont come across as authentic because theyre not driven by some true inherent passion. Its more of a sort of career-path calculation for them. So when you find yourself feeling passionately driven to do something, even if it seems sort of crazy on paper, we just have to be brave enough to step into those spaces and just do it because we need more leaders who are driven by their true conviction and inherent desire to build better communities. What did you learn from that first race? I think most importantly that it wasnt as scary as I thought it would be, that I am fully capable of running for federal office. That running just to win isnt the only reason to run. Theres a million reasons for women to step up and run for office, whether its the city council, the school board, or all the way up to the US Senate, and we cant always make that calculation based on our chances of winning. There are so many important reasons to just step up and run because voters deserve a choice. Voters want to see someone fighting for them. Voters want someone they can relate to, a regular person, a mom from their community who steps up and takes their fight to the next level. That is what inspires people. I have absolutely zero regret about running, even though it was disruptive to my personal and professional life, even though I didnt win. I know I gave women in South Carolina something to feel hopeful about in a season when Roe was overturned. I know I shined a big bright spotlight on the issue of gun violence and how it impacts my state in a way that most other candidates would not have done so boldly and all of that matters, and Im a stronger person because I decided to run for Congress. Speaking of Roe, South Carolina now has a six-week abortion ban. How do you plan to approach reproductive rights if elected? Doing this work in a state like South Carolina is harder than it is in so many other states in this country because it is such an uphill battle. We currently have a Republican supermajority in our statehouse. But to me, that makes the fight more important. I have said many times that theres no one scrappier than a child health advocate, a gun violence prevention advocate, or an abortion rights advocate in a red state. You have to be so scrappy. You have to be full of grit and grace and understand that youre not going to win most of the fights you show up for, but that the actions still matter. And when you lose, you learn something and then you take that to the next fight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When I decided to run for Congress, I didnt necessarily anticipate that Roe would fall during that campaign, but there I found myself as a woman, a physician mom, on the ballot for this federal seat at this moment when the women in South Carolina really needed someone to look to and speak for them. I found that I was able to do that, and I think it was so incredibly important. Lets talk about your run for Senate. Youve been in a political campaign before, but running against Lindsey Graham, who is incredibly well-known nationally and gives this race a lot more attention. Howd you decide to do it? It is definitely another level, and its not at all what I thought I would be doing. Even if you had asked me four months ago, would I run against Lindsey, I wouldve said, No, Im not doing that. But since the day Trump was inaugurated, every single day has continued to make me feel compelled to find some bigger way to fight, in particular the coordinated attack on our nations health care system and the elevation of grifter and conspiracy theorist in RFK Jr. to the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Its too much. As a physician, I cannot stay on the sidelines while I watch Republicans gleefully attack our nations Medicaid program, which is the largest insurer of children in this country, or stand by while they discuss cutting the Medicare program and slashing NIH funds, and put a microphone in front of true conspiracy theorists in a way that has already gotten children in this country killed because of the anti-vaccine rhetoric. And I knew that this was a moment where a voice like mine is just so important. A physician who has run for office before can run for office at this level against what I would call a national villain in Senator Lindsey Graham. We have a long way to go before the midterm elections in 2026, but I think a lot of people are itching to get involved. Where do they start? Just find a way in. Find a way to get a little bit more involved because it is so easy to doomscroll and to feel overwhelmed and to let that hopelessness creep in. The antidote to that is to get involved. Whether its volunteering for a local campaign, knocking doors for a school board candidate, donating to a local campaign or a candidate, or being more vocal on social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think people are sometimes very hesitant to share their political beliefs on social media, but the more vocal I get when I speak about the issues Im so passionate about, when I help people understand the link between public policy and our kids well-being, people are enthusiastically supportive of that. So be more vocal. Have conversations in the carpool drop-off line or at your HOA meeting about the things youre worried about, the things you care about, and understand the agency of your voice. And together we truly can create the change that our children so desperately need and deserve. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. Originally Appeared on Glamour Storms are coming to an end tonight across New Mexico. Isolated storm chances continue into the weekend for parts of the state as temperatures heat up. Its been another active day across New Mexico with showers and storms dropping heavy rainfall in parts of the state. Record to near-record levels of moisture in the atmosphere have allowed for any storms that developed to drop heavy rain. These storms are moving out of New Mexico tonight, and the threat of severe weather is moving out too. A few spotty showers and storms may stick around eastern New Mexico though into Thursday morning. Drier air will move in from the southwest Thursday through Saturday, pushing afternoon storm chances into far northern and eastern New Mexico. A few of these storms near the Texas state line could turn severe. A large ridge of high pressure will also be developing over Mexico through the rest of this week and into the weekend, bringing well-above average high temperatures across New Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moisture across the state will increase starting Sunday. This will first bring back a chance for scattered afternoon storms in eastern New Mexico Sunday afternoon. Moisture will push westward into early next week as a low pressure system also moves in from the west. This will bring afternoon storm chances to areas along and east of the Continental Divide by Tuesday. A few of these storms could again be strong to severe and bring heavy rainfall. Temperatures will stay hot though despite the increasing rain chances. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) Two vehicles collided and hit a third vehicle in Champaign County Wednesday. The Ohio State Highway Patrol Springfield Post is investigating a crash that was reported around 1:30 p.m. around the area of East Kanagy Road and Ludlow Road in Salem Township. Funeral services held for Morrow County deputy fatally shot on Memorial Day Investigation revealed a 1999 Ford Ranger was traveling southbound on Ludlow Road when a 2017 International MA025 truck traveling westbound on Kanagy Road failed to stop at a posted stop sign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vehicles collided and traveled off the side of the road, where the MA025 truck overturned. The Ford Ranger struck an unoccupied 2016 Cadillac SRX that was parked on private property. The Ford Ranger driver was transported to Miami Valley Hospital via CareFlight for a serious, non-life-threatening injury, according to OSP. The truck driver was transported to a local hospital for minor injuries. This crash remains under investigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. NOTE: The video above provides driving safety tips. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) A driver was killed and two passengers were hurt in a crash early Wednesday morning in the Barrio Logan neighborhood. The collision occurred around 2:04 a.m. at 1200 Harbor Drive, according to the San Diego Police Department. The 24-year-old man was driving his 2023 Ford F150 southbound on Harbor Drive when the vehicle drove through road close barriers at Park Boulevard and Harbor Drive, authorities said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Naval Base San Diego briefly put under shelter in place order The vehicle then hit the back of an occupied forklift parked in the No. 1 lane of 1200 Harbor Drive. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene, while two passengers were taken to a hospital for minor injuries. Anyone with information about the crash is encouraged to call the listed command handling the investigation 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. The Washington State Department of Ecology declared a large portion of Pierce County under drought emergency at a press conference Thursday, although Tacoma was spared. The emergency declaration includes a large part of the Puget Sound area and central Cascade mountains, impacting 22 watersheds, said Casey Sixkiller, director of the DOE. The declaration allows the state to use relief tools, such as expediting emergency water right transfers and providing emergency drought grants to public entities there is $4.5 million available this year to support those actions, he said. For most of the people who live in the major metro areas of the Puget Sound region and get their water from Seattle, Tacoma, or Everett, those reservoirs and water supplies are in good shape, Sixkiller said. The utility companies do not expect hardship for their customers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, some rural and agricultural areas in the Puget Sound will see impacts, including to the habitats of salmon and other fish, Sixkiller added. Karin Bumbaco, Washingtons deputy state climatologist, said above-normal April temperatures and below-normal April and May precipitation have been the main drivers of the drought. Aprils statewide average temperature was about two degrees Fahrenheit above normal, she said, and snowpack peaked in March, almost two weeks earlier than usual. Bumbaco added that total April and May precipitation was less than 60% of the normal rainfall for most of the state, creating below-normal stream flows in rain-dominated basins. Seasonal forecasts are predicting a likelihood of above-normal temperatures and below-normal precipitation for the summer, she said, and officials expect those trends to continue in the years to come. It is important to remember that we expect droughts to be more severe and more frequent in the future, Bumbaco said. On June 5, the Washington State Department of Ecology declared a drought emergency affecting multiple counties in Western Washington, although the metropolitan areas of Tacoma, Seattle and Everett were left under the existing advisory. DOE statewide drought lead Caroline Mellor said a drought means water supply conditions are much worse than normally expected in a watershed. She added the drought declaration does not affect many Eastern Washington counties, which tend to be drier areas of the state, because they may not be drier than normally expected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That snowpack is so important as it serves as a natural storage for our water supply, Mellor said. .... Now with these earlier melt-offs, and lower-than-normal precipitation, that is a major concern for impacts to fish, and agriculture, and potentially drinking water in smaller systems later in the summer. Bumbaco also said the likelihood of wildfire spread is higher with the ongoing drought conditions. According to the National Interagency Fire Centers June outlook, the Eastern half of Washington is considered above normal for significant wildland fire potential current estimates broaden that designation to cover most of Washington in July, and to completely encompass the state in August and September. In April, a drought advisory was initially declared for a large portion of Pierce County, but not the Tacoma area. Previously, in April 2024, an emergency drought declaration was also in place for most of the state, except for the Seattle, Tacoma and Everett areas. In 2023, Pierce County was involved in a statewide drought advisory, but did not see a drought emergency declared. This is the third consecutive year in which snowpack deficits or early melt have impacted the water supply in Washington, Sixkiller said. Weve declared drought in six of the past ten years. Low water supplies are becoming routine in Washington, and that includes on the wetter West side of our state, Sixkiller added. Washingtons water supply infrastructure is simply designed for precipitation and temperature patterns that are changing and are no longer reliable. The Board of Triller (ILLR) Group announced the completion of its strategic review, resulting in the reorganization of the Group into three interconnected core business units: Social Media; Fintech/Financial Service; Combat Sports. The Board of the Company extends its gratitude to Mr. Bobby Sarnevesht for his contributions since the acquisition of the predecessor of the Company, or Triller Inc., from its founders in 2019 and wishes him success in his future endeavors. As the Company enters into an exciting new phase of growth, it is implementing an accelerated 6-month timeline for development, financing, and rapid scaling of the Groups three core units. Social Media: Under the leadership of Mr. Sean Kim since December 2024, the Triller app has undergone a significant and rapid transformation. The Triller app now offers one of the best product experience ever compared to its peers. The app is redefining content creation, distribution, and monetization, positioning itself as the premier and distinctive challenger in the U.S.-based social media market. Notably, Trillers commitment and policy to user data ownership firmly distinguished itself from platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Mr. Kim and his team are preparing for a comprehensive marketing campaign, building on the success of the January 2025 SaveMySocials.com initiative. Fintech/Financial Services: Triller Groups seasoned management team brings decades of expertise in integrating cutting edge financial technologies into traditional financial services businesses. The team is in advanced stages to leverage the success of the Triller app and is in the process of developing and launching a cryptocurrency for the Triller community with an industry-leading partner. Combat Sports: BKFC is experiencing another banner year and is rapidly expanding its passionate global audience, spurred on by its visionary leader David Feldman. BKFC has significant synergies with Triller Groups two other core businesses, and the Company is working to support and explore additional revenue streams for BKFC. The Company believes 2025 will be another breakthrough year for BKFC, and it is not exploring any scenarios that would affect its majority control over BKFC. For the remainder of 2025, the Triller Group management team will focus on delivering marketing-led growth of Trillers premier suite of product and services, pursuing strategic acquisitions and partnerships to amplify the Groups core offerings, fostering synergies among the Groups core business units, strengthening the Groups financial position and capital efficiency, and minimizing and eliminating any legacy liabilities. The Board is currently working with leading executive search professionals to identify and appoint additional Board members, who align with the Companys vision and add significant value to the business SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) A 33-year-old Eagle Butte woman is facing DUI charges after a crash in Rapid City Wednesday evening. According to Rapid City police, authorities were dispatched to the intersection of 5th Street and Main Street for a vehicle crash at around 6:15 p.m. Wednesday. Police searching for suspect after 1 injured by gunshot Police arrived to find a Chevrolet Suburban that had rear-ended another vehicle. The driver of the Suburban was found slumped over and the officer removed the keys from the ignition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver, identified as 33-year-old Donna Long of Eagle Butte, woke up and police noted the strong smell of an alcoholic beverage coming from her. Police made contact with the owner of the Suburban and determined Long did not have permission to be using the vehicle. ICE arrest at Minnehaha County Courthouse Long was arrested for DUI, following too closely, and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. She was transported to the Pennington County Jail. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) Superintendent LaMont Cole asked the East Baton Rouge school board to consider changing start and end times for six schools in the Capitol and Glen Oaks areas to help boost student well-being and improve transportation times. Cole outlined the proposed changes in a memo to the school board. He said the realignment would reduce the number of bus riders waiting in the early dark hours and support better sleep habits for teens. During the school board meeting on Thursday, the board made a motion to push Coles proposal forward. The board will vote on the motion at the next meeting. In addition, a motion was filed to discuss adding Arlington Prep to the list. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new schedule would take effect in the 20252026 school year at the following schools: Melrose Elementary. Capitol Elementary. Capitol High. Merrydale Elementary. Glen Oaks Park Elementary. Glen Oaks High. Under the proposed plan, elementary schools would run from 8:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., and secondary schools would shift from 8:50 a.m. to 4:05 p.m. The change would standardize the length of the school day to 435 minutes for both levels, according to the memo. Currently, secondary schools start as early as 7:10 a.m., which is earlier than the states already early average of 7:45 a.m. The memo said Louisiana is one of only four states that start secondary schools this early. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Cole, the later times are expected to lead to: Reduced risks of obesity, diabetes, and car accidents. Fewer mental health concerns, like anxiety and depression. Improved attendance, focus, and academic outcomes. To measure the success of the change, the district will monitor attendance data, disciplinary records, academic performance and routing and transport times. The change is part of a broader realignment plan and will not affect all schools. Only the six named schools in the Capitol and Glen Oaks areas will see schedule changes. Staff schedules will also be adjusted accordingly. Principals will have flexibility in setting start and end times for staff as long as they meet district workday requirements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more information or to review the full plan, visit the East Baton Rouge Parish School System website. School-Sart-Times-June-2025-MemoDownload School-Sart-Times-June-2025-FAQDownload 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. KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) An East Tennessee church is looking to help those impacted by the deadly tornado in southeastern Kentucky. The East Avenue House of Prayer Ministries is collecting donations for those impacted by the EF4 tornado tore through an area near the London-Corbin Airport overnight on May 16. The storm left 19 people dead in Laurel, Pulaski and Russell counties. 17 of the deaths were from Laurel County. This is a necessity: YMCA of East TN distributing free meals for kids in Grainger, Union counties Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Items needed include hygiene products, baby diapers and wipes, paper towels and toilet paper, water, finger foods, snacks, camping chairs, pop-up canopies, rakes and shovels and long extension cords. Pastor Ricky Dotson added that clothing is not really needed at this point, but there may for a call for coats when it gets cold. Donations can be dropped off at 811 Drive E in Knoxville. They are also accepting monetary contributions via Venmo at @EAvenueHouseOfPrayer and Cash App at $EAveuneHouseOfPrayer. Donors can specify Tornado Victims in the notes. The Volunteer State is called the volunteer state for a reason. And we volunteer when people have disasters, and this is still going on and as a church here in the community, we want to stand with them and we want other churches to stand with us, so we can give more out to people that really need it, said Dotson. London, Kentucky couple recounts huddling in basement as tornado destroyed home Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The church is also hosting a gospel benefit concert. on July 4 for those impacted by the tornado. Those looking for more information can call Josh Hughes at 865-203-2847. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. TYLER, Texas (KETK) With summer heat quickly approaching, East Texans will have the opportunity to donate fans to those who need some relief from the scorching summer temperatures. Overton baseball unable to claim first state title in school history People Attempting to Help (PATH) is currently hosting the Beat the Heat Fan Drive and is hoping to provide hundreds of East Texas families with a box fan. The fans will help families reduce energy costs while keeping their homes cool during summer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to PATH, heat is the number one weather-related killer in Texas. During the summers, older people and children are at high risk of being impacted by the heat and many are currently living without an AC unit in their homes. Those who are willing to donate fans can do it through the PATH website. Up to 10 fans can be donated through the website with each fan costing $25. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Helmets off to the Ukrainians for giving the Russian aggressors a humiliating black eye and the loss of $7 billion in military hardware using 117 relatively cheap drones. Yes, war is hell and that pain should be felt by the instigators of war (like Vladimir Putin) and not just the victims (like Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy). What the Ukrainians did was smuggle the drones into Russian territory to strike at some 40 Russian bombers, about a third of that nations strategic cruise missile carriers. This is no Pearl Harbor sneak attack or some manner of terrorism. A state of war has existed since Russias February 2022 invasion because of Putins imperialist designs. This strike, as far east as Siberia and as far north as the Arctic, was only a surprise insofar as Ukrainian security forces cleverly organized it in a way that the Russians could not effectively counter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unlike a terrorist attack, Ukrainian forces did not kill any civilians in this operation; in fact, so far there are no reports even of Russian service members dying in the drone bombings. It was surgically designed to affect exclusively Russian military hardware, hardware of the sort that Russia has been using to mount its own strikes on Ukraine, far less scrupulously aware of civilian casualties. On Sunday, Russia used its own drones to attack Ukrainian territory in retaliation, including the city of Zaporizhzhia, reportedly killing and injuring dozens of civilians. Some might claim that this is a misguided move just ahead of another round of peace talks that began in Istanbul, potentially derailing the conversations before they got underway. Yet, Ukraine says that this operation was in the works for about a year and a half, and it cant well let supposed peace talks talks to which Putin himself seems only ambivalently committed block what it must do to safeguard its territorial integrity and people. Every wrecked Russian war plane is one that cant go on bombing runs over Ukrainian cities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In any case, this helps strengthen Ukraines position going into the conversations. Zelenskyy and his generals have once more demonstrated that, in the face of the Kremlins significant raw military advantage, they are capable of utilizing strategy, technology, creativity and general willpower to even the scales far more than Putin had ever expected when he launched the war, thinking hed be appointing a governor in Kyiv within a week. The Russian tyrant has now cost his country hundreds of thousands of lives and huge portions of its military capability. Perhaps this will be on Russian negotiators minds as they meet their Ukrainian counterparts this week. Who knows what else Russia might lose fighting this grinding war of attrition, imperiling its economy, its population and its own defensive capabilities. We understand that what Putin wants most of all is to be able to say that he won, that he is returning Russia to some imagined former glory. Yet what he risks is ending up with a Russia that is far more isolated and far weaker than it was when he started. Even longtime admirer President Donald Trump, who once spoke approvingly of the despots incursion into his smaller neighbor, has come around to the idea that Putin must be reined in. Its time for Putin to end this war, not with Ukraines subjugation but with its territory kept out of Putins hands. _____ Education Secretary Linda McMahon deflected when asked if she knew what the Tulsa Race Massacre was during a Wednesday congressional hearing, telling lawmakers that she intends to look into it more. McMahons response comes as Rep. Summer Lee (D-Pa.) pressed her about history lessons that would be considered illegal DEI by the Trump administration. (DEI stands for diversity, equity and inclusion and has been used by Republicans as shorthand for initiatives addressing race and gender, among other topics.) The comments are also the latest to suggest that McMahon a former pro wrestling executive whos had little education policy experience could use a lesson or two herself. Would it be illegal DEI for a lesson plan on the Tulsa Race Massacre? Lee asked McMahon during the Wednesday panel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Id have to get back to you on that, McMahon said. Do you know what the Tulsa Race Massacre is? Lee asked. Id like to look into it more and get back to you on it, McMahon replied. McMahon was similarly evasive when asked if lessons involving civil rights trailblazer Ruby Bridges would be deemed illegal DEI. How about the book Through My Eyes, by Ruby Bridges, for instance? Lee asked. I havent read that, McMahon responded. Have you learned about Ruby Bridges? Lee said. If you have specific examples, youd like to McMahon countered. That was a specific example... I named a specific book, Lee emphasized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McMahons exchange with Lee stood out both for her refusal to acknowledge whether she knew about major historical events as well as her reluctance to answer if the White House would target lessons about them. A January executive order from the Trump administration called for agencies to find ways to claw back resources from schools that advance gender ideology or discriminatory equity ideology in their curriculum. And in April, the White House required K-12 schools to certify that they were not engaging in illegal DEI practices in order to receive federal funding, an act thats been blocked by a federal judge. The Department of Education did not immediately respond to a HuffPost request for comment. Both of Lees questions referred to significant events in U.S. history: The Tulsa Race Massacre took place in 1921 and was one of Americas deadliest acts of domestic terrorism, Taryn Finley previously wrote for HuffPost. During the attack, an armed white mob decimated a neighborhood in Tulsa known as Black Wall Street, killing as many as 300 people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And in 1960, Bridges was the first Black child to desegregate an all-white elementary school in New Orleans. Iconic images from that time captured Bridges, at age 6, flanked by U.S. Marshals and white crowds jeering as she entered the building. FILE - U.S. Deputy Marshals escort 6-year-old Ruby Bridges from William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans, in this November 1960, file photo. Seventy years after the Supreme Court's Brown v. Board, America is both more diverse and more segregated. via Associated Press Lee emphasized that such lessons are critical for students as the Trump administration has sought to hold federal funding captive if schools advance programs that it disagrees with. Their lack of knowledge, denial of history, and open racism doesnt mean students across America should be deprived of learning opportunities or access to a quality education, she told HuffPost in a statement. Clearly theyre still needed. Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of the Sacrifice, is observed on the third day of Hajj, which falls on the 10th of Dhul-Hijja, the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar. Eid al-Adha is the second major festival in the Islamic calendar, celebrated roughly 70 days after Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. When is Eid al-Adha? This year, the first day of Eid al-Adha falls on June 6 in Saudi Arabia and neighbouring countries, while some other countries will mark it on June 7. Interactive_Eid_Hajj_2025_2-06-1748417360 There are about 1.9 billion Muslims around the world, approximately 25 percent of the world population. Indonesia has the worlds highest Muslim population, with some 230 million Muslims living in the country. Pakistan is second with about 212 million Muslims, followed by India (200 million), Bangladesh (150 million) and Nigeria (100 million). What happens during Eid al-Adha? In the days leading up to Eid al-Adha, Muslims prepare by preparing their homes, buying new clothes and planning special meals for the occasion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the first day of Eid, those who are financially able are required to sacrifice an animal usually a sheep, goat, cow, or camel and distribute a portion of the meat to the less fortunate. This act commemorates the Prophet Abrahams (Ibrahim) willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmail (Ismael) in obedience to God. The rest of the holiday is spent visiting family and friends, exchanging greetings and gifts, and sharing festive meals. Palestinians gather to celebrate alongside Muslims worldwide on the first day of the Eid al-Adha feast, at the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex in Jerusalems Old City, on July 20, 2021 [Ahmad Gharabli/AFP] Eid greetings in different languages The most common greeting is Eid Mubarak. The Arabic saying translates to blessed Eid. Here is how people say Eid Mubarak in different languages around the world. (Al Jazeera) (Al Jazeera) (Al Jazeera) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Al Jazeera) (Al Jazeera) (Al Jazeera) (Al Jazeera) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Al Jazeera) (Al Jazeera) (Al Jazeera) (Al Jazeera) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Al Jazeera) WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) Time flies. Wichitas Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport marked 10 years since the opening of its new terminal on Wednesday with a celebration that looked back on a decade of growthand ahead to whats next. The event, held in the terminal mezzanine, also included the unveiling of a bronze maquette of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, a scaled version of the full statue that stands in the U.S. Capitol. Today we celebrate 10 years of the quote-unquote new terminal,' Valerie Wise, the Air Service and Marketing Manager, said. Seems like its still new, but 10 years old nowits gone fast. Weve seen a lot of progress in the last 10 years, with seven new nonstop destinations. Weve had record traffic in 2024, so weve seen a lot of progress despite the many challenges weve had to deal with over the past decade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wise, who has been with the airport for 31 years, reflected on the terminals opening as a career highlight. Definitely, the opening of the terminal was the biggest event, she said. We had four grand opening events in nine days, so Ill never forget that. Whenever we add a new service, its a big deal, and we always have a fun inaugural eventthose Ill never forget. Looking ahead, airport officials anticipate future growth to match rising demand. Wise noted several potential expansions, including additional ticketing areas, parking facilities, and possibly more nonstop flights. Sedgwick County Zoo welcomes third baby elephant Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our parking might need additional areas, especially the garage. So, growing pains is basically what that is, she said. I do expect us to add more nonstop destinations, which will be great for our region. She added that new developments in Wichitasuch as the proposed downtown biomedical campuscould help drive demand for more air service. The developments going on in downtown Wichita, like the biomedical facility, are going to be hugea game changer for us, Wise said. We need to talk to airlines about all the development projects going on, and those things should add more service to this region. Wise said shes currently working on attracting new destinations that may take a few years to come to fruition, but she remains optimistic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive enjoyed it very much, she said. Im working on destinations now that probably wont happen for maybe another two years, but thats OK. 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. (Corrects to remove incorrect line saying that six months is the minimum period for pre-trial detention in El Salvador) SAN SALVADOR (Reuters) -A judge in El Salvador ordered the provisional detention of prominent lawyer Ruth Lopez, human rights group Cristosal said on Wednesday. Lopez, a well-known human rights and anti-corruption advocate, was arrested by Salvadoran authorities last month over allegations of embezzlement during her time as a state official. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She left Wednesday's hearing shouting that she was innocent and said she had now been charged with illicit enrichment. "I am a political prisoner. All the charges are because of my legal work, due to my denunciation of corruption in this government," Lopez added. (Reporting by Nelson Renteria; Writing by Natalia Siniawski; Editing by Brendan O'Boyle and Sandra Maler) YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) Elaine Penny Moskosky, 86, formerly of Youngstown, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 2, 2025, at her care facility in Columbus, Ohio, having spent her last week together with her family. Penny was born in Youngstown on January 29, 1939, to Peter and Mary Catherine Sis (Skelley) Misko and resided in Campbell for over 80 years. Find obituaries from your high school Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She graduated from Campbell Memorial High School, Class of 1956 and attended Youngstown College. She worked at the Youngstown Sheet & Tube for several years prior to being a statistician for the P&LE Railroad for over 30 years until its closing and her retirement. Penny was a lifelong parishioner at Sacred Heart church in Youngstown. She was an avid Red Devil from her days as cheerleader captain through her many years of passionate service with the Alumni Association, working with scholarships, reunions, homecoming and other events to benefit students and bring Memorial alumni together. Penny maintained many cherished friends with whom she shared lifetime bonds and traveled with extensively. She and her husband were very proud to build their own house in the early 1970s and to raise their family in Campbell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of all, Penny cared about family, whether as a daughter, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, cousin, niece or friend, she was always there for family. Her strength, fight, courage and determination, no matter what the adversity, will always be her proud and everlasting gift and inspiration, for her family and all who loved her. Penny is survived by her two children, Jim Moskosky (Carolina) and Cindy Laux (Andy); four grandchildren, Carolina Moskosky, James Moskosky, Christopher Moskosky and Jackson Laux; sister, Lynn Neely (Mark) and nephew, Brett Neely (Cara). She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Moskosky (1991); her sister, Kathleen Misko (2012) and her parents. Pennys care was entrusted to the Wasko Funeral Home in Campbell, Ohio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, June 6, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Angela Merici Parish (formerly Sacred Heart) , 397 S. Jackson Street, Youngstown, Ohio. Friends and family will be received prior to the funeral mass from 10:00 10:45 a.m., at the Church. She will be laid to rest at St. Johns Cemetery in Lowellville, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, her family requests donations be made in Pennys honor to the Campbell Memorial Alumni Association, P.O. Box 23, Campbell, OH 44405. Once a Red Devil . . . Always a Red Devil. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elaine Penny Moskosky, please visit our floral store. A television tribute will air Friday, June 6 at the following approximate times: 7:10 a.m. on FOX, 12:22 p.m. on WKBN, 5:08 p.m. on MyYTV and 7:27 p.m. on WYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. Major beverage-alcohol distributor Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) is to quit California in September. RNDC has seen the end of major contracts in the Golden State in recent months, including Brown-Forman shifting products to rival distributor Reyes Beverage Group. Weve made the difficult business decision to withdraw from California which affects many of the roles in the state, a spokesperson for RNDC. The distributors departure will take effect on 2 September. The spokesperson refused to be drawn on the number of jobs set to be affected. We are complying with all regulatory obligations and are committed to handling every transition thoughtfully and smoothly and ensuring everyone is treated fairly and respectfully. We are grateful for the support of these employees and will do our best to support them during this time, the spokesperson said, refusing to be drawn on the reasons for the decision. Earlier this year, Titos Handmade Vodka also moved its California distribution from RNDC to Reyes Beverage Group. Among the companies RNDC works for in California is Treasury Wine Estates, the Australia-based wine group. In a stock-exchange filing in Australia today, the Penfolds owner provided a short statement on RNDCs decision. Treasury Wine Estates said RNDCs move would not affect its financial results in its current financial year, which ends in June. However, the group added: TWE has begun evaluating alternative distribution arrangements for its portfolio in California to determine an appropriate path forward. TWEs relationship with RNDC spans 25 US states, including California. The closure of RNDCs California operations is not expected to impact the remainder of its business, and RNDC has reiterated its commitment to investing behind and driving TWEs portfolio in the remaining 24 states. Brown-Forman announced its new contract in California with Reyes Beverage Group in February. Last week, the Jack Daniels maker set out a broader set of changes to its US distribution network that reportedly means RNDC will handle the spirits giants products in 12 markets in the country, down from 23. "US distributor Republic National Distributing Company to leave California" was originally created and published by Just Drinks, a GlobalData owned brand. Gov. Henry McMaster, center right, and state Commerce Secretary Harry Lightsey, right, attended a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday, June 7, 2023 in Florence for Japan-headquartered AESC's proposed battery cell plant. AESC is now pausing construction. (Provided by Florence County Economic Development) A battery cell maker is pausing work on its manufacturing plant under construction in the Pee Dee, delaying its pledge of 1,600 new jobs for South Carolinians. Envision Automotive Energy Supply Co. (AESC) announced the work stoppage Thursday, two years after breaking ground on the facility near Florence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AESC has informed the state of South Carolina and our local partners that due to policy and market uncertainty, we are pausing construction at our South Carolina facility at this time, spokesman Brad Grantham said in a statement. We anticipate being able to resume construction once circumstances stabilize. The Japanese-headquartered firm already has invested more than $1 billion into the Florence facility, Grantham said. He said the company fully intends to meet our commitments to invest $1.6 billion and create 1,600 jobs in the coming years, but did not indicate what the new timeline might be. The company declined to provide further comment. Gov. Henry McMaster, while speaking to reporters, pointed to uncertainty in Washington, D.C., as a reason. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We hate to see that happen, but a pause is OK, he said, noting a temporary suspension last week at Volvos Lowcountry plant. The staunch supporter of President Donald Trump said theres no doubt that changes must be made to international trade policy, while recognizing the administrations roller coaster tariff announcements will have an effect. The tariffs are going up and down, and some of those are being paused, McMaster said. He also addressed the uncertainty of what Republicans massive bill on taxes and spending will do for the electric vehicle industry. As passed by the U.S. House, the bill would eliminate electric vehicle tax credits, both for people who purchase new or used electric vehicles and those who install EV charging stations at their homes or business. Its unclear what the Senate will do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regardless, McMaster said hes confident that South Carolinas economy, despite all the ups and downs, is still going up, up, up. He said hes communicating with South Carolinas delegation, company officials, and the White House. Let things play out, because all of these changes are taking place, the governor said. So, Id say, relax if you can. We believe that, give it some time, and itll work out. The industry already wasnt meeting early growth expectations before Trump took office. However, electric vehicle sales have continued to rise, both nationally and globally. But the lag in growth has led to multiple setbacks for the fledgling industry, with canceled investments both nationally and in the Palmetto State. Automakers have also eased away from goals of going all-electric in favor of a mix of electric and plug-in hybrids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A repeal of consumer tax credits could further slow progress. AESCs pause comes just four months after the battery cell manufacturer pulled back on earlier plans to expand the plant beyond its original scope. BMW contracted with AESC to produce battery cells for the German auto giants U.S. manufacturing facilities in the Upstate. The automaker has already invested $700 million dollars in its own battery plant in Woodruff, planning to place the cells it receives from AESC into the batteries it assembles there. BMW spokesman Steve Wilson said those battery assembly plans are still on schedule to begin in 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Between the initial announcement in 2022 and March 2024, AESC rolled out three separate rounds of investment and promises of jobs in Florence. In addition to supplying BMWs Spartanburg County assembly plant, the company made plans for a second building that was supposed to produce battery cells for a BMW plant in Mexico. But in February, AESC told the state the first factory would be enough to meet the demand for both of BMWs facilities. It pulled out of plans for a second, $1.5 billion building, along with the 1,080 jobs that came with it. In turn, South Carolina withdrew its offer of $111 million in state funding for that particular phase. The incentives claw back was a rare move for the state. But even with the pull back, AESCs remaining plant had still been on track to become the largest economic development deal in the Pee Dee region, according to the state Department of Commerce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The remaining $121 million in bonds and $135 million in grants Commerce offered as an initial incentive to lure AESC to South Carolina are so far unaffected by the shutdown, Commerce spokeswoman Alex Clark. South Carolina is fully and unequivocally committed to supporting existing companies, including AESC, Clark said. (KRON) The San Francisco Fire Department said crews have put out an electrical fire at a business near Alamo Square. There are no reports of injuries or displaced people. Photo courtesy of Citizen. SFFD sent an alert at 5:21 p.m. about the fire in a post on X (formerly Twitter). SFFD said several fire crews responded to the blaze that broke out on the 500 block of Divisadero Street between Hayes and Fell streets. The fire was one block away from Alamo Square Park before officials announced at 6:19 p.m. that it had been extinguished. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Massive tree crushes pickup truck in San Mateo Commuters are told to expect residual traffic delays, take alternate routes and allow for extra travel time while fire crews still secure the scene. This story will be updated. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. ELKHART Dozens of young entrepreneurs take to the streets Saturday for Lemonade Day, an annual event supported by Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana, Elkhart County. Residents are encouraged to support these future business leaders by visiting local lemonade stands. Each stand is part of a hands-on program that teaches kids how to start and run their own business. With business plans in hand and dreams in their hearts, these youth have been working hard to brand their businesses, create delicious products and learn the ropes of entrepreneurship, organizers said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a great opportunity to support young entrepreneurs as they test their business skills, learn about customer service and gain confidence, a release about the event states. Whether youre craving a cold glass of lemonade, a sweet snack or just a smile from an excited young CEO, youre guaranteed to find it this Saturday. Participants in the program are eligible for prizes and compete to be named Elkhart County Entrepreneur of the Year. More information about Lemonade Day, visit local.lemonadeday.org/elkhart-county or follow Junior Achievement & Lemonade Day Serving Elkhart County on social media. Elon Musks crusade against Donald Trumps big beautiful bill now includes references to a Quentin Tarantino classic. The former leader of President Trumps Department of Government Efficiency has spent the past few days barraging X with post after post targeting his former bosss big beautiful bill. Said bill seeks to slice funding for Medicaid and the countrys Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), includes a number of tax cuts among other changes and tacks on an additional $2.3 trillion over the next 10 years. Musks latest posts on Wednesday made reference to the Quentin Tarantino classic Kill Bill. Call your Senator, Call your Congressman, Bankrupting America is NOT ok, the Tesla CEO wrote. KILL the BILL. Call your Senator, Call your Congressman, Bankrupting America is NOT ok! KILL the BILL Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 4, 2025 Musk began calling out Trump and other Republicans at the top of the week, saying he could not hold his silence anymore. The mogul had been vocal about his dislike of the bill from the start, however got more aggressive about it after stepping down at DOGE earlier this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im sorry, but I just cant stand it anymore. This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination, Musk wrote on X Tuesday. Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it. Trump has been uncharacteristically silent on Musks many shots at the spending bill. MSNBCs Lawrence ODonnell said that its that specific silence that could point to how the president is feeling on the matter. Elon Musk declared today, on day 134 of the Trump presidency, I just cant stand it anymore. And in response, the explosively rageful Donald Trump said nothing, ODonnell said on his MSNBC program The Last Word. And that is how you know who Donald Trump fears in this world. If you attack Donald Trump and Donald Trump says nothing, Donald Trumps silence is the biggest expression of fear that he has. The post Elon Musk Calls on Congress to Kill Trumps Bill With Memes of Quentin Tarantino Classic appeared first on TheWrap. In an explosive allegation, Elon Musk amid a real-time escalating feud Thursday with President Trump claimed that Trump is in the Epstein files. Musk, in a post on his X social media platform, wrote, Time to drop the really big bomb: @realDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public. Have a nice day, DJT! Musk later added, Mark this post for the future. The truth will come out. More from Variety Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Epstein Files is a reference to U.S. government documents about Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced multimillionaire financier and convicted sex offender. Epstein died in 2019 in what authorities said was an apparent suicide while he was being held in a Manhattan jail awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Musks allegation. On Feb. 27, U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi, who was appointed by Trump, declassified and publicly released the first phase of files related to Epstein and his sexual exploitation of over 250 underage girls at his homes in New York and Florida, among other locations, according to a Department of Justice announcement. Many of the documents had already been public and they did not include a list of Epsteins clients; Bondi had told Fox News in a Feb. 21 interview that the Epstein client list was sitting on my desk right now. Before Epsteins death, federal prosecutors had charged him with sex trafficking of girls as young as 14 years old and collecting child pornography. He pleaded not guilty but was denied bail after a judge determined he posed a significant flight risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Epsteins network of friends in Hollywood, Wall Street and Washington, D.C., had included Trump and many others, including Harvard law professor Alan Dershowitz, Mick Jagger, Kevin Spacey and former President Bill Clinton. According to the New York Times, Musk was photographed at a party in 2014 with Ghislaine Maxwell, one of Epsteins longtime associates and a former girlfriend who was convicted in 2021 on charges that she aided Epstein in his sex-trafficking activities. Maxwell received a 20-year prison sentence in the case. In 2018, Epstein told the Times that he had been advising Musk but Musk denied that at the time. Musk, who owns X, has more than 220 million followers on the platform (formerly called Twitter). Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Billionaire Elon Musk has countered president Donald Trump's threat to "terminate Elons Governmental Subsidies and Contracts," in spectacular fashion: by threatening to cut off the United States' access to outer space. "In light of the Presidents statement about cancellation of my government contracts, SpaceX will begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft immediately," Musk tweeted. But it didn't take him long to blink. A few hours later and after the publication of this story Musk reversed course, agreeing to "cool off" and saying that "we won't decommission Dragon." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That's not surprising. As executives at SpaceX no doubt desperately tried to explain to him after the dustup, the company would be in terrible danger without all the money it gets from NASA. And if Musk were to make good on his threat, the United States' space program could experience a setback of epic proportions. SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft has quickly become the de facto method for NASA astronauts to travel to the International Space Station. In other words, the threat could prevent American astronauts from visiting the space station especially considering that the only other American option, Boeing's Starliner, is likely still years away from becoming a viable alternative, if ever. It was a significant escalation in a major falling out between the world's most powerful man and its richest one. The pair have been openly feuding about Trump's so-called "big, beautiful bill," culminating in threats and personal attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The collateral damage of the feud could be enormous, particularly for the US space program. Ars Technica's Eric Berger suggested that Trump ripping up Musk's government contracts "would both end the International Space Station and simultaneously provide no way to safely deorbit it." "This just gets better and better," Musk replied in a laughing emoji-laden tweet. "Go ahead, make my day" The news comes after the Trump administration abruptly pulled its nominee for the NASA administrator role, Jared Isaacman. Isaacman, who was hand-picked by Musk, has been to space twice with the help of SpaceX. The news greatly angered Musk, causing him to go on a crusade against Trump's tax bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk's latest threats to decommission SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft could put the Trump administration and NASA in an extremely unfortunate position. Apart from Boeing's much-maligned Starliner, which has yet to complete a successful crewed mission to the ISS, the only alternative to send astronauts to the space station is Russia's Soyuz spacecraft. While the station's days are already numbered NASA recently awarded SpaceX a contract to decommission the orbital lab in 2030 continuing operations could prove extremely difficult without Dragon. But whether Musk will make good on his threat remains to be seen, especially considering the billionaire has a lengthy track record of making empty promises. Apart from vowing to decommission Dragon, Musk also attempted to smear Trump's name by arguing that he's "in the Epstein files." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is the real reason they have not been made public," he tweeted. "Have a nice day, DJT!" Musk is clearly out for blood, even officially calling for Trump to be impeached and replaced by his vice president JD Vance. Who will emerge victorious is anybody's guess. If there's one certainty, it won't be NASA. The agency is expected to be hit by brutal cuts that could lay waste to dozens of space missions. More on Musk: "He Just Went CRAZY": Trump Threatens to Terminate Elon Musk's Government Contracts Elon Musks meltdown over Donald Trumps Big Beautiful Bill shows no signs of slowing, as he finds new ways to bash the cornerstone of the presidents domestic agenda. In a string of posts on Wednesday night, Musk endorsed a comment that said the GOP is failing 77 million Americans who voted for Trump in 2024, reposted cartoons and memes mocking the spending bill, and even shared a YouTube rap about the national debt. The billionaire has been on a furious rampage against the legislation since Tuesday, when he lobbed a grenade that set off a Republican civil war by branding it a disgusting abomination. Musk says the bill will massively increase the already gigantic budget deficit and burden Americans with crushingly unsustainable debt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates the legislation would add $2.4 trillion to the deficit over a decade. In one meme Musk reposted Wednesday night, a bus labeled Money DOGE has saved the government is seen getting obliterated by an oncoming train tagged Trumps Big Beautiful Bill. Exactly, Musk wrote alongside the meme. In another, he wrote, Pretty much sums it up, sharing a link to comedian Remy Munasifis 2011 parody song, Raise the Debt Ceiling Rap. The song includes lyrics like: Aint got no Medicare trust fund son, thats just absurd. Spending every single penny that we see, son, have you heard? and, Were all gonna default if we follow this road. You know I could have thought of this 14 trillion dollars ago! Elon Musk has been stirring the pot big time, but so far hasn't received much direct pushback from the president. / Brandon Bell / Brandon Bell via REUTERS The Tesla and SpaceX CEO also reposted a heart and American flag emoji in response to a comment from Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie, one of two House Republicans who voted against the package. Massies post said it was insincere of House Speaker Mike Johnson to insinuate that Musk is opposed to the bill because it didnt benefit his companies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson had on Tuesday hit back at Musk, saying the businessmans attacks were terribly wrong. Johnson said that they had spoken on the phone about how the bills phase-out of electric vehicle tax credits could impact Tesla. Hours earlier, Musk had called on Americans to help him KILL the BILL by calling their representatives in Congress, even sharing an iconic image from the Quentin Tarantino film Kill Bill. Senate Republicans are working to revise the bill, but internal divisions and mounting backlash will make it even harder to pass with their slim majority. The former first buddy has taken a sharp turn since finishing up his stint working with the federal government on Friday as head of the cost-cutting Department of Government Efficiency. In just over four months, he bulldozed through federal agencies, alienated key staffers, but still came up hundreds of billions short on his savings pledge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Axios reported the billionaire was b-tthurt about his treatment within the administration. Despite the ongoing onslaught from Musk, and a flurry of activity on Truth Social, Trump still hasnt directly clapped back at his wealthiest ally. Commentators have suggested a possible reason: Hes afraid of him. The Atlantic Daily, a newsletter that guides you through the biggest stories of the day, helps you discover new ideas, and recommends the best in culture. Sign up for it here. This is an edition of The Atlantic Daily, a newsletter that guides you through the biggest stories of the day, helps you discover new ideas, and recommends the best in culture. Sign up for it here. From the moment Elon Musk bounded onstage, midriff bared, to campaign for Donald Trump, cynics predicted that the two mens egos were too large to allow for a lasting alliance. Improbably, however, the bond persisted, despite the rocky rollout of the U.S. DOGE Service, disagreements over legislation, and even covers of The New Yorker and Time that seemed designed to troll Trump and drive a wedge between the men. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now it seems the cynics werent wrongjust premature in their predictions. A feud that simmered all week broke into outright hostility this afternoon, with Trump appearing to threaten to cancel all of the contracts and tax subsidies Musks companies have with the government, and Musk alleging that Trump hasnt released files related to Jeffrey Epstein because hes implicated in them. The falling-out feels both inevitable and still shocking. (The Germans must have a word for this situation; perhaps Trump could ask Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who visited the White House today.) It was only Friday that Trump and Musk held an amiable press conference in the Oval Office to mark the end of Musks time as a special government employee, as he returns to his somewhat battered companies. Trump presented Musk with a key to the White Housegilded, but you knew thatand Musk promised to continue to offer Trump advice as much as desired. I hope so, the president replied. Hes apparently having second thoughts now. Im very disappointed in Elon, Trump said in an appearance alongside Merz. The rift opened over the past few days, as Musk began campaigning against the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the sprawling legislation that Republicans are trying to move through both houses of Congress to extend Trumps first-term tax cuts, slash entitlements, and achieve whatever else of the presidents agenda they can cram in or sneak past members and the Senate parliamentarian. This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination, Musk posted on X on Tuesday. Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it. In another post, he wrote, Bankrupting America is NOT ok! KILL the BILL. In yet another: The Big Ugly Bill will INCREASE the deficit to $2.5 trillion! And a fourth: This bill was never shown to me even once and was passed in the dead of night so fast that almost no one in Congress could even read it! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What Musk wants is not entirely clear. His understanding of government spending has always been muddled, which is one reason DOGE was doomed to miss its cost-cutting targets. His sudden emergence as a strict deficit hawk is difficult to believe, though if hes really concerned, he could call for higher taxes. (Somehow its not surprising that a multibillionaire would prefer to cut social services for average citizens.) One hint about the true source of his fury is that he keeps bringing up reductions in subsidies for electric vehicles, something that could directly affect his bottom line. At first, in an unusual display of circumspection and restraint, the White House tried to avoid directly responding to Musk. Then officials began pushing back, mostly in policy terms. Trump unleashed a flurry of announcements last night that seemed intended to distract from Musk. But then Trumps patience ran out, producing todays sound bite. The president also said hed rather Musk criticize him personally than the bill, which sounds false. The situation puts Trump in an ironic position: He likes to be the guy on the outside, attacking government officials for failing to accomplish some impossible task. Now Musk is doing that to him, while Trump has to defend the imperfect process of legislation. As of this writing, Musk had pinned to the top of his X profile a repost of many screenshots of Trump arguing for fiscal discipline before having won his first term. Where is this guy today?? Musk sniped. A clash between Musk and Trump will be a test of what happens when two of the greatest promoters in mass-media history square off. Both are adept at driving a news cycle; both are the owners of social-media platforms; and although X is much larger than Truth Social, Trump also has the advantage of being, you know, the president of the United States. Which of them can control the news more? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the most interesting clash is the one between two guys who thought they had bought each other off. For a time, they both must have thought they had a great deal. Trump got at least a quarter of a billion dollars in campaign support from Musk, and he got the joy of having the worlds richest man as his sidekick. Maybe Trump even believed that DOGE would be able to make huge budget cuts via improvements in efficiency. Musk, meanwhile, was able to wield unprecedented power as an unelected, unconfirmed bureaucrat. In 2023, during an onstage discussion, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked the South Africanborn Musk, You cant be president of the U.S. last time I checked, right? Musk replied with a smirk, Not officially. For a moment, he seemed to achieve that unofficial reign. DOGE was given wide latitude. Musk skulked around the Oval Office with his young son and mugged in interviews with the president. He could also help direct contracts to his companies, hurt competitors, and install allies in key posts. At the peak of their bond, and a nadir of propriety, the president arranged an infomercial for Tesla on the White House lawn. Now, as they drift apart, both men are feeling burned. Ive helped Elon a lot, Trump groused today. Later, he unloaded on Musk on Truth Social. Elon was wearing thin, I asked him to leave, I took away his EV Mandate that forced everyone to buy Electric Cars that nobody else wanted (that he knew for months I was going to do!), and he just went CRAZY!, Trump wrote, adding in a threat: The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elons Governmental Subsidies and Contracts. I was always surprised that Biden didnt do it! Musks anger, though just as hot, was tinged with imperious presumption. Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate, Musk wrote on X this afternoon. Such ingratitude, he added. You can kind of see his point: He thought that investing massive amounts of money into Trump would allow him to get whatever he wanted from Trump, and Trump did little to dispel that impression. Musks transparency about DOGEs actions was wanting, but hes making it crystal clear what he thought he bought. Trump and Musk are both learning the limitations on their purchasesand the public is getting an illustration of the danger of someone like Musk having so much personal influence on the government. Article originally published at The Atlantic WASHINGTON (AP) The staff was already jittery. The raiders from Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency had disposed of the U.S. Institute of Peace board, its acting president and its longtime outside counsel. But until 9:30 p.m. on Friday, March 28, there was hope the damage might somehow be limited. Then termination notices started popping up in personal emails. That was only the start. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After ending his sojourn in Washington, Musk left behind a wounded federal government. DOGE's playbook was consistent: Show up physically, take over the facility and information technology systems, fire the leadership and replace it with DOGE associates. Dismiss the staff. Move so quickly that the targets and the courts have little time to react, let alone reverse whatever damage has already occurred. Thousands of workers across the federal government saw the playbook in action over the last four months. But the Institute of Peace, a small, 300-employee organization, is unique: The blitz during its takeover has been, for the moment, reversed in court. The headquarters taken away in a weekend of lightning moves is back in the hands of its original board and acting president. The question they must answer now is a point that U.S. District Judge Beryl A. Howell made during one hearing: Even a win makes no promises about how difficult or possible it will be to put the Institute of Peace back together. A bull in a China shop breaks a lot of things, the judge said. Nearly three weeks since the judge delivered a win, the institute is slowly trying to reboot. But there are barriers, and winning might not mean full restoration. For other agencies and departments fighting their own DOGE battles, it is a cautionary tale. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Targeting an agency aimed at fostering peace The Institute of Peace was created by Congress in the 1980s. President Ronald Reagan signed the bill into law in 1985. Described as an independent, nonprofit think tank funded by Congress, its mission has been to work to promote peace and prevent and end conflicts while working outside normal channels such as the State Department. When DOGE came knocking, it was operating in 26 conflict zones, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, Mali and Burkina Faso. The institute was one of four organizations targeted by President Donald Trumps Feb. 19 Executive Order 14217. The order said it was being enacted to dramatically reduce the size of the federal government. The institutes acting president, career diplomat and former Ambassador George Moose, and longtime outside counsel George Foote tried to explain to DOGE representatives that the institute was an independent nonprofit outside the executive branch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That attempt was for naught. At 4 p.m. on March 14, most of the institutes board was fired by email. The lone holdovers were ex officio Cabinet members Pete Hegseth and Marco Rubio and the National Defense University's president, Vice Adm. Peter Garvin. Within minutes of the emails, DOGE staff showed up and tried to get into the building but failed over the next several hours during a standoff. That, according to court documents, kicked off a weekend of pressure by the FBI on institute security personnel. DOGE returned the following Monday and got into the headquarters with help from the FBI and Washington police officers. Foote thought the local officers were there to expel the DOGE contingent but learned quickly they were not. He, security chief Colin OBrien and others were escorted out by local authorities. They have sidearms and tasers and are saying you can't go anywhere but out that door, Foote said. I had no choice. 'You guys have the guns, and I don't.' The board filed a lawsuit the following day and asked for a temporary restraining order. Howell expressed dissatisfaction with DOGE's tactics but declined to restore the fired board members or bar DOGE staff from the headquarters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By then a DOGE associate, Kenneth Jackson, had been named as acting president of the organization by the ex officio board members. Employees held out hope that the organization would not be disassembled because Jackson was asking questions as if he might do an assessment of the organization's work, said Scott Worden, director of the Afghanistan and Central Asia programs. The staff knew what he'd done as the head of the U.S. Agency for International Development. Now Jackson was at the Institute of Peace, but they were hopeful "we would have a process of explanation or review of our work, Worden said. Then came March 28. The notices came alphabetically. By the time it was finished, shortly before midnight, almost all the institute's 300 employees had been let go. The actions reverberated Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The impact was profound and devastating on a few levels, Worden said. First, employees at the institute are not government employees so they got no government benefits or civil service protections. Insurance also was gone critical for employees fighting health problems. Partners abroad also suddenly lost their support and contacts. It left thousands of partners in a lurch, he said. The lawyers representing board members in their lawsuit asked for a court hearing as soon as possible to head off rumors of more mayhem to come. But when they walked into courtroom 26A of the E. Barrett Prettyman Courthouse at 10 a.m. on April 1, the headquarters and other assets were gone, too. It was, Howell said at the hearing, a done deal. Over the weekend, as workers reeled, DOGE was making personnel changes of its own. Jackson had given way to DOGE representative Nate Cavanaugh, whose name was on the documents that allowed DOGE to take control of Institute of Peace assets and transfer the headquarters built in part with private donations to the General Services Administration. Howell was incredulous that it had been accomplished in two days. In court, the Trump administrations attorney, Brian Hudak, laid out the timeline, making clear that the newly named president of the institute had not only been authorized to transfer the property but also the request had gone through proper channels. For the second time, Howell refused to stop the actions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Throughout hearings, Howell struggled with how to describe the institute whether it was part of the executive branch and under the Republican president's authority. That was central to the case. The government argued that it had to fall under one of the three branches of government and it clearly wasn't legislative or judicial. Lawyers defending the government also said that because presidents appointed the board, presidents also had the authority to fire them. The White House also maintained that despite decades of operation and an annual budget of around $50 million, the institute had failed to bring peace and was rightfully targeted. Howell's May 19 opinion concluded that the institute ultimately exercises no Executive branch power under the Constitution but operates, through research, educational teaching, and scholarship, in the sensitive area of global peace." In creating this organization, the judge said, "Congress struck a careful balance between political accountability, on the one hand, and partisan independence and stability, on the other. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She added that even if the organization was part of the executive branch, the law that created it set specific steps for firing the board members and none of those had been followed. Because the board was fired illegally, all subsequent actions including replacing Moose, firing the staff and transferring the headquarters were null and void, she said in her ruling. The government filed a notice of appeal and asked Howell to stay her order. She said no. The government has requested a stay with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. What it looks like now Two weeks later, about 10% of the people who would normally be inside the headquarters, about 25 people, are there, doing maintenance, getting systems running and trying to get to the institutes funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Any physical damage comes more from inattentiveness than malice food that spoiled, leaks that went unfixed, popup security barriers needing maintenance. Desks are empty but with paperwork and files strewn across them, left by the speed of the takeover. OBrien, the security officer, praised the General Services Administration and security managers who tried to keep the building going. But getting systems fully functioning will entail lots of work. Were the first ones to get behind the looking glass, OBrien said. Foote said those returning continue to try to locate and access the institute's funding. That includes funds appropriated for this fiscal year by Congress and the part of the endowment moved during the takeover. He said transferring funds within the federal government is complicated. The result: Workers are furloughed, and overseas offices will remain closed. Nicoletta Barbera, acting director for the U.S. Institute of Peace's West Africa and Central Africa programs, is one of the furloughed workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We had USIP representatives based in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger that, overnight, were left with no support system from anyone here in HQ, she said. The programs were focused on preventing terrorism by supporting women and young people, to identify signs of radicalization. Barbera said a recent attack in Burkina Faso ended with hundreds of atrocities and deaths. "And I couldnt just stop but think, what if I could have continued our work there during this time? she said. Moose has said the speed at which the organization gets back to work depends on numerous factors, including the appeals process. But, he said, there will likely be lasting damage the traumatic effects this has had on the people who have been impacted by it. And, obviously, that includes our own ... staff members, Moose said, "but it also extends to the people with whom we collaborate and work all around the world. Thats going to be hard to repair. ___ This story has been corrected to show the name of the DOGE representative is Nate Cavanaugh, not Nick Cavanaugh. WASHINGTON (AP) The staff was already jittery. The raiders from Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency had disposed of the U.S. Institute of Peace board, its acting president and its longtime outside counsel. But until 9:30 p.m. on March 28, there was hope the damage might be limited. Then termination notices started popping up in personal emails. As he departs, Musk is leaving behind a wounded federal government. DOGEs playbook has been consistent: Take over facilities, information technology systems and leadership. Dismiss the staff. Move too quickly for the targets or courts to respond or fix the damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thousands of federal workers have seen the playbook unfold. What makes USIP, a 300-employee organization, unique is the blitz during its takeover has been, for the moment, reversed in court. The headquarters taken away in a weekend of lightning moves is back in the hands of its original board and acting president. The question they must answer now is a point that U.S. District Judge Beryl A. Howell made during one hearing: Can USIP be restored? A bull in a China shop breaks a lot of things, she said. As the institute tries to reboot, it's a question for others in their own DOGE struggles. Targeting an agency aimed at fostering peace Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement USIP was created by Congress in the 1980s. Described as an independent, nonprofit think tank funded by Congress, its mission has been to work to promote peace and prevent and end conflicts. When DOGE came knocking, it was operating in 26 conflict zones, including Afghanistan. The institute was one of four organizations targeted by President Donald Trumps Feb. 19 Executive Order 14217. Despite conversations to explain the organizations role, most of the Institutes board was fired by email March 14. The lone holdovers were ex officio Cabinet members Pete Hegseth and Marco Rubio and the National Defense Universitys president. Within minutes of the 4 p.m. emails, DOGE staff showed up and tried to get into the building but were turned back. That, according to court documents, kicked off a weekend of pressure by the FBI on institute security personnel. DOGE returned the following Monday and got into the headquarters with help from the FBI and Washington police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Outside counsel George Foote thought the local officers were there to expel the DOGE contingent but learned quickly they were not. He, security chief Colin OBrien and others were escorted out by local authorities. They have sidearms and tasers and are saying you cant go anywhere but out that door, Foote said. The board filed a lawsuit the following day. Howell expressed dissatisfaction with DOGEs tactics but she let their actions stand. By then a DOGE associate, Kenneth Jackson, had been named as acting president of the organization by the ex officio board members. The staff knew what hed done as the head of the U.S. Agency for International Development. Now Jackson was at the institute, but they were hopeful we would have a process of explanation or review of our work, said Scott Worden, director of the Afghanistan and Central Asia programs. Then came March 28. By midnight, nearly all the institutes employees had been let go. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The actions reverberated The impact was profound and devastating, Worden said. First, employees at the institute are not government employees so they got no government benefits or civil service protections. Insurance also was gone. Partners abroad suddenly lost their support and contacts. The lawyers representing board members in their lawsuit sought a hearing to head off rumors of more mayhem to come. But when they walked into a courtroom the headquarters and other assets were gone, too. It was, Howell said at the hearing, a done deal. Over the weekend, DOGE had replaced Jackson with fellow DOGE associate Nick Cavanaugh, whose name was on the documents that allowed DOGE to take control of institute assets and transfer the headquarters to the General Services Administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In court, the Trump administrations attorney laid out the timeline, making clear the newly named president of USIP had not only been authorized to transfer the property but also the request had gone through proper channels. Throughout hearings, Howell struggled with describing the organization whether it was part of the executive branch and under Trumps authority. The government argued it had to fall under one of the three branches of government and clearly wasnt legislative or judicial. Lawyers defending the government also said that because presidents appointed the board, presidents also had the authority to fire them. Howells May 19 opinion concluded the institute exercises no Executive branch power under the Constitution. She added that the law that created it set specific steps for firing the board members and none of those had been followed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case is now with an appeals court. What it looks like now Two weeks later, about 10% of the people who would normally be inside the headquarters are doing maintenance, getting systems running and trying to access the institutes funding. Desks are empty but with paperwork and files strewn across them, left by the speed of the takeover. OBrien, the security officer, praised the General Services Administration and security managers who tried to keep the building going. But getting systems fully functioning will entail lots of work. Foote said some returnees are trying to access the institutes funding, including money appropriated by Congress and the part of the endowment moved during the takeover. He said transferring funds within the federal government is complicated. The result: Workers are furloughed, and overseas offices will remain closed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nicoletta Barbera, acting director for the U.S. Institute of Peaces West Africa and Central Africa programs, is one of the furloughed workers. We had USIP representatives based in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger that, overnight, were left with no support system from anyone here in HQ, she said. Barbera said a recent attack in Burkina Faso ended with hundreds of atrocities and deaths. And I couldnt just stop but think, what if I could have continued our work there during this time? she said. Moose has said there will likely be lasting damage on traumatized staff and relationships with partners around the world. Thats going to be hard to repair, he said. Victoria's Secret & Co has postponed the release of its first quarter (Q1) 2025 earnings due to a security incident affecting its information technology systems. On 24 May, the company detected unauthorised access within its network and promptly initiated response protocols, including engaging third-party experts. The brand temporarily shut down its corporate systems and e-commerce website on 26 May, as a precautionary measure. The website was restored on 29 May and is undergoing a process to restore full access to corporate systems. The event also temporarily hindered specific operations at Victorias Secret and PINK retail locations, the majority of which have since been reinstated. Despite the incident, the company says its financial results for the quarter were not affected and were near or exceeded the high-end of guidance. However, the restoration process has hindered employees' access to systems necessary for releasing Q1 financial results, leading to the postponement of the earnings release and call webcast originally set for 5 June. The company says that it plans to announce a new earnings release and earnings call webcast date in due course. The full scope and impact of the incident are still under assessment by the board's Audit Committee. Victoria's Secret has stated: Although this incident has not caused a material disruption to its operations to date, the company has incurred, and may continue to incur, expenses and other financial impacts related to this incident, which could negatively impact its future financial results, including for the second quarter of fiscal 2025. Meanwhile, the brand has shared preliminary financial results for the quarter, showing net sales of $1.35bn, adjusted operating income of $32m, and adjusted net income per diluted share of $0.09, which compare favourably to previous guidance. In April 2025, the company revealed a series of leadership appointments to enhance growth across its brands. "Victorias Secret postpones Q1 2025 release due to cyber incident" was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand. Mike Johnson has spent his 19 months as speaker forging a close relationship with President Donald Trump in part to avoid the social-media bombshells that derailed so many Republican priorities during Trumps first term. Now he has to deal with another, perhaps even more unpredictable online bomb-thrower. Elon Musks decision to launch a sudden scorched-earth campaign against the GOPs domestic-policy megabill has forced Johnson into a sudden scramble to save the centerpiece of the Republican legislative agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Starting in the moments Tuesday after Musk first called the bill a disgusting abomination through the tech moguls open breach Thursday with Trump, the speaker has mounted a multi-front rebuttal to the criticism aiming to keep the backlash from spinning out of control. That has included questioning Musks personal motives for opposing the bill, challenging Musks claims (backed up by independent scorekeepers) about the bills fiscal impact, promising other legislative actions that will address Musks concerns and otherwise questioning the Tesla and SpaceX chiefs understanding of the legislative process. Look, I'm a fiscal hawk myself, an exasperated Johnson told reporters Wednesday evening. If I could cut $8 trillion in federal spending today, I would do it, but I do not have the votes for that. So, this is a deliberative body. It requires consensus. It took us over a year to reach the consensus, to get 217 votes necessary to make the cuts that we have. He described a multiple step process for securing conservative wins that includes the spending rescissions Republicans are now pursuing, as well the upcoming fiscal 2026 appropriations process and the prospect of another reconciliation package in addition to the megabill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There may be a third one, Johnson floated, adding that we have to do it in the proper sequence. It remains unclear just how effective Musks attacks will be with Republican lawmakers especially after he openly attacked Trump, suggesting without evidence the president was implicated in wrongdoing with the late sex predator Jeffrey Epstein. Most in the GOP enthusiastically embraced the charismatic automaker and rocketeer as he fully aligned himself last year with Trump and the GOP, and they cheered on his chaotic bureaucracy-slashing efforts in the White House. But they also see Trump, not Musk, as their political lodestar and so far there is no sign the president is wavering on the legislation, even after Musk told his 220 million followers on X Wednesday to call their representatives and KILL the BILL. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Top House leaders have publicly and privately emphasized Trumps ongoing support for the bill. Johnson said at a Wednesday news conference that Trump is not delighted that Elon did a 180 on the legislation. Asked about the possibility of Musk targeting House incumbents who vote for the legislation, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise pivoted to Trumps role as our best, most effective deliverer of support. GOP leaders and White House officials have also called in backup from online conservative influencers to publicly back the bill on X and other platforms amid Musks all-out assault, according to two people granted anonymity to describe the private conversations. Johnson, for instance, shared a list of 50 MAJOR wins from Trumps Big Beautiful Bill that the media is ignoring from Turning Point USAs Charlie Kirk on his official speaker X account alongside endorsements from top Trump aide Stephen Miller and several of his own members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The speaker has also been willing to suggest that Musks criticisms arent entirely based in conservative principle he noted to reporters on multiple occasions that Tesla, Musks electric vehicle firm, would be negatively affected by the termination of clean-energy tax credits in the megabill. I know that has an effect on his business and I lament that, he said Tuesday, later adding in a Bloomberg TV interview Wednesday that the tax credits were important to the leader of Tesla. Musk on Thursday took direct aim at Johnson, suggesting the speaker had betrayed his past views on deficit spending by pushing the megabill forward to which Johnson responded: The Mike Johnson of 2023 is the SAME Mike Johnson who has always been a lifelong fiscal hawk - who now serves as Speaker and is implementing a multi-stage plan to get our country back to fiscal responsibility and extraordinary economic growth. The main risk for Johnson right now is that Musks attacks could buoy fiscal hard-liners at a critical moment for the legislation, with the Senate poised to make significant changes that could reduce the size of the spending cuts in the House passed bill. The bill will then have to come back to the House for final passage, and Musk is only emboldening potential holdouts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One such House hard-liner, Rep. Chip Roy of Texas, said Musks broadsides wouldn't have hurt our case about two to three weeks ago. Perhaps even more worrying for Republicans: Musks critique of the bills fiscal impact adding $2.4 trillion in deficits according to a new Congressional Budget Office analysis is opening up a new line of attack on their incumbents as they work to sell the bill to the public ahead of the 2026 midterms. Theyre already under heavy fire from Democrats, who are training attack ads on the GOPs planned Medicaid cuts. I dont think hes killing the bill, said one House GOP lawmaker. Im more worried hes killing our sales pitch. Rep. Richard Hudson of North Carolina, who leads the House GOP campaign arm, dismissed Musks threats in a brief interview Wednesday evening: He's been a friend and he's just wrong about this bill, he said. I think long term, this is nothing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But privately, wary GOP incumbents are noting that Musk isnt just another scorned administration official or outspoken MAGA Republican: He poured more than $250 million into the 2024 elections to help Trump and congressional Republicans take power. His veiled threats to target Republicans in the midterms are deeply worrying to members who cant afford to fend off Musks intervention in their races or might have been hoping hed write them a check. For some House Republicans, however, the public break with Musk comes as a welcome development. Many have been irritated that Musk would not take responsibility for some of the chaos his slash-and-burn operation had unleashed in their districts with some left stunned after Musk told them in a closed-door meeting back in March that his DOGE operation cant bat a thousand all the time. Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-Fla.) called Musk a brilliant businessman but lamented that the billionaire isnt likely to change his mind about the bill which Gimenez described as a first step in slashing government spending. This is a process, and he's an impatient person, Gimenez said. You have to be more patient than that. Mia McCarthy contributed to this report. Huge If True In a comically dramatic escalation of the pair's nasty public breakup, Elon Musk is now claiming that Donald Trump had a closer relationship to dead pedophile Jeffrey Epstein than previously known. "Time to drop the really big bomb," Musk tweeted amid his boiling Trump beef that may result his government contracts being canceled. "[Trump] is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public." "Mark this post for the future," he wrote in a follow-up. "The truth will come out." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though he didn't elaborate on which files he was referring to, the billionaire and newly-exited special government employee was likely referencing the ones currently in possession of the Department of Justice which are indeed currently blowing in the wind. Bondi Breach Earlier this year, attorney general Pam Bondi directed the Justice Department to release a list of Epstein clients that included Trump's name, though no specific allegations were made against the president in those documents. She's since drawn the ire of her own party for not releasing more of the files, though the AG claimed the delay is the fault of the FBI, which has apparently been slow trawling through a trove of Epstein-related evidence. Beyond that mention, Trump is also tied to the case via Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre, who at age 17 was approached by the sex trafficker's procurer, Ghislaine Maxwell, when she was working at the Mar-a-Lago spa. Giuffre, who also accused Britain's Prince Andrew and Trump lawyer Alan Dershowitz of abusing her, tragically died by suicide earlier this year at the age of 41. Musk, ironically, has his own ties to the dead sex criminal, including that he was once subpoenaed by courts in the US Virgin Islands under suspicion that he had knowingly benefited from Epstein's sex trafficking. He was also once photographed with Maxwell, though Musk insists that she simply "photobombed" him at a party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hypocrisy aside, this latest Musk "bomb" in the pair's second public breakup, this time over the president's big spending bill, contains some very serious implications though, to be fair, it's not the first time that Musk has baselessly accused an adversary of being a pedophile. More on Musk and Trump: Trump Takes the Gloves Off and Shreds Elon Musk Musk said SpaceX would decommission its Dragon spacecraft as he feuded with President Donald Trump. ALLISON ROBBERT/AFP via Getty Images Elon Musk said SpaceX will decommission its Dragon spacecraft immediately amid his feud with Trump. The announcement came after Trump said canceling Musk's government contracts would save money. SpaceX's Dragon ships are used in NASA missions to the International Space Station. Elon Musk's feud with President Donald Trump has officially reached orbit. Musk said in a post on X Thursday that SpaceX "will begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft immediately" in light of Trump's statement that floated canceling the billionaire's government contracts and subsidies. The SpaceX CEO included a screenshot of Trump's earlier Truth Social post, which said terminating Musk's government contracts would be the "easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars." Musk walked that decision back around five hours later. "This is a shame this back and forth. You are both better than this. Cool off and take a step back for a couple days," X user Fab25june wrote on the platform. "Good advice. Ok, we won't decommission Dragon," Musk said. SpaceX's Dragon spaceships are used to transport NASA astronauts and supplies to and from the International Space Station. In a statement to Business Insider, Bethany Stevens, NASA press secretary, said: "NASA will continue to execute upon the President's vision for the future of space. We will continue to work with our industry partners to ensure the President's objectives in space are met." The White House did not respond to a request for comment. The comments came as the feud between the former allies exploded on Thursday, with Trump and Musk publicly trading insults on their respective social media platforms, Truth Social and X. Musk's government contracts are worth billions, with SpaceX working closely with NASA. SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft, designed to be reusable, can carry up to seven passengers to and from orbit and is the first private spacecraft to transport humans to and from the ISS, the company says. Since 2020, NASA has relied on SpaceX's Dragon to transport astronauts to and from orbit. The agency, which retired its space shuttle program in 2011, depended on Russian Soyuz spacecraft for crewed missions prior to partnering with SpaceX. In 2024, NASA announced SpaceX was awarded a $843 million contract to help decommission the ISS by the early 2030s. The plan involved using a larger, super-powered Dragon spaceship to push the ISS out of orbit, eventually landing in a remote part of the ocean. NASA planned to transition to using privately-owned space stations in the future. Originally appeared on E! Online Elon Musk is clapping back. After President Donald Trump expressed being "very disappointed" in him since he left his role in the administration, the Tesla CEO slammed the politician for having "such ingratitude," alleging that he deserves credit for the results of the 2024 presidential race. "Without me," Musk wrote on X June 5, "Trump would have lost the election." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And the tech mogul didn't only claim he was a crucial reason Trump and Vice President JD Vance were able to defeat Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and her running mate Tim Walz. Musk, 53, also alleged that he helped the Republican party gain the majority in the legislative branch, adding that without him, "Dems would control the House and Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate." And while Trump didnt respond directly to Musks election remarks, he has since provided further insight into why the pair's political partnership came to an end. "Elon was 'wearing thin,'" the Apprentice alum wrote on Truth Social June 5. "I asked him to leave, I took away his EV Mandate that forced everyone to buy Electric Cars that nobody else wanted (that he knew for months I was going to do!), and he just went CRAZY!" More from E! Online Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly before Musk's election allegations, Trump shared where he stands with the SpaceX founder since he stepped away from his position as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), revealing that he no longer believed their relationship would go the distance. Elon and I had a great relationship," Trump told reporters in the Oval office on June 5 ahead of his sit-down with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, per NBC News. "I dont know if we will anymore. The politician explained that he wasn't pleased that Muskwho started his DOGE role in Januarycriticized his administration's tax cuts proposal shortly after his exit. As he put it, "I'm very disappointed in Elon. I've helped Elon a lot." Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images / Photo by Kevin Lamarque - Pool/Getty Images But the POTUS also said he wasn't surprised by the behavior. According to the 78-year-old, Musk was reacting similarly to others who became "hostile" after leaving his cabinet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "People leave my administration, and they love us," Trump said. "And then at some point they miss it so badly, and some of them embrace it, and some of them actually become hostile." He added, "They wake up in the morning, and the glamour is gone. The whole world is different, and they become hostile." For a closer look at Trump's cabinet, keep reading. (E! News and NBC News are both part of the NBCUniversal family.) Vice President JD Vance Ohio native JD Vance worked in venture capitalism before penning the best-selling 2016 memoir Hillbilly Elegy and pivoting to politics. The Yale-educated lawyer and former Marine was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2022 and, after less than two years in office, was picked to be Donald Trump's 2024 running mate. As vice president, in addition to being first in line to the presidency, Vance is on hand to be a deciding vote should Senate Republicans need a tie-breaker to pass legislation. He has been married to law school sweetheart Usha Vance since 2014 and they share three children. Secretary of State Marco Rubio Former Florida Sen. Marco Rubio was a fierce critic of Trump when they both ran for president in 2016 but has since become a supporter of his former antagonist's agenda. The Miami native, born to Cuban immigrant parents, was the first and only nominee for Trump's second cabinet to be confirmed by the Senate with unanimous bipartisan support, 99 to 0. (Now former Ohio Sen. Vance is the one-seat vacancy. Rubio was technically still in the Senate then and so was able to vote for himself.) Rubio (shown here with Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly) has been married to former Miami Dolphins cheerleader Jeanette Dousdebes since 1998 and they share two daughters and two sons. Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent Scott Bessent's four decades of experience in global investment management include his time as CEO of hedge fund Key Square Capital Management and Chief Investment Officer of Soros Fund Management (as in prominent Democratic donor George Soros). He also taught economic history at his alma mater Yale and, with his family, established the McLeod Rehabilitation Center at the Shriners Childrens Hospital in his home state of South Carolina. According to his government bio, he and his husband and two children split their time between Washington, D.C., and Charleston, S.C. "In a certain geographic region at a certain economic level, being gay is not an issue," he told the Yale Alumni Magazine in 2015 ahead of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. "Whats fantastic is now, people in the rest of America, whether blue collar or white collar, have access to everything. If you had told me in 1984, when we graduated, and people were dying of AIDS, that 30 years later Id be legally married and we would have two children via surrogacy, I wouldnt have believed you." Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth Army National Guard veteran Pete Hegseth had been serving as cohost of Fox News' Fox & Friends Weekend since 2017 when Trump tapped him to be Defense Secretary. Past controversial statements about diversity and women in the military, a 2017 sexual assault allegation (which Hegseth has vehemently denied), reports of drinking on the job (also denied) and a 2018 email from his mother (that she later disavowed) calling him "an abuser of women" threatened to derail his nomination. But he was narrowly confirmed by the Senate with no Democratic votes and three Republicans dissenting. Hegseth shares three kids with second ex-wife Samatha Deering and has a daughter with third wife Jennifer Rauchet Hegseth, a former producer on Fox & Friends. They tied the knot at Trump National Golf Club in Colts Neck, N.J., in 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorney General Pam Bondi After Trump's original pick, scandal-plagued former Rep. Matt Gaetz, withdrew himself from consideration, the then-president-elect went with former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondia member of his defense team during his first impeachment trialto lead the U.S. Department of Justice. She spent 18 years as a prosecutor with the Hillsborough County State Attorneys Office before becoming Florida's first female attorney general in 2011. Toward the end of her tenure she cohosted Fox News' The Five for three days in 2018, sparking questions about the ethics of doing so while still an elected official. "She is often on national news," a spokesperson told the Tampa Bay Times, noting that she wasn't paid for her hosting gig. "The attorney general is always working. She is available 24/7 and works even when out of the state." Twice-divorced, Bondi has been romantically linked to Varner Wakefield Equity Partners founding principal John Wakefield since 2017. He has three children from a previous relationship. Secretary of Interior Doug Burgum Another 2024 presidential hopeful turned Trump supporter, billionaire software entrepreneur and venture capitalist Doug Burgum served as governor of North Dakota from 2017 until he was picked to head up the Department of Interior, which is responsible for the management of roughly 480 million acres of federal land, balancing resource development and conservation. After growing up in tiny Arthur, N.D., population 325, Burgum attended North Dakota State and started a chimney sweeping business that he credits for helping him get into Stanford's business school. "The [college] newspaper wrote a story about me as a chimney sweep and ran a photo of me sitting on top of an icy chimney in below-freezing weather in Fargo," he told Forbes in 2017. "The story made the AP wire service. I was later told it caused quite a stir in the Stanford admissions office." Burgum shares three children with ex-wife Karen Stoker and has been married to Kathryn Helgaas since 2016. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins Glen Rose, Texas, native Brooke Rollins has a degree in agricultural development from Texas A&M and got her JD from University of Texas School of Law. During the first Trump administration she was director of the Domestic Policy Council and Assistant to the President for Strategic Initiatives in the White House. Before being picked to lead the Department of Agriculture, Rollins was CEO and president of the America First Policy Institute, a think tank she founded in 2021 to promote Trump's public policy agenda. According to her government bio, she and husband Mark Rollins spend most of their free time at home in Fort Worth "taxiing their four very active children to baseball games, cattle shows, piano lessons, and Aggie football games." Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick Before joining Trump's cabinet, Howard Lutnick was CEO and president of financial services firm Cantor Fitzgerald, where he rose through the ranks after being hired as a young broker in 1983. The New York-headquartered company infamously lost 658 employees in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks when one of four hijacked planes hit the World Trade Center's North Tower. "I went to 20 funerals a day for 35 days," Lutnick, whose brother Gary was among those killed, told BBC News in 2006. "So there were times I couldn't even go to my great friends' funerals. One day, my best friend's brother was being buried at the same exact time as my roommate from college's brother. So my wife went to one and I went to one." Asked how he was able to move forward, he said, "I would describe it like being on a surf board on a giant wave, and that if you ever looked back, the wave would get you and maybe I wouldn't be able to function." Lutnick has four children with wife Allison Lambert. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer Lori Chavez-DeRemer served as mayor of Happy Valley, Ore., from 2011 to 2019 and then became the first Republican woman to be elected to Congress from her state in 2022. She lost her bid for re-election, however, leaving the California nativeand pro-union daughter of a Mexican-American Teamster dadopen to serving in Trump's second cabinet. Chavez-DeRemer is a mom of twin daughters with her high school sweetheart husband Dr. Shawn DeRemer. Marking their 33rd wedding anniversary in 2024, she wrote on Instagram, "The years fly by because we are willing to be committed to a 'great love' thats always worth fighting for." Less than two weeks after she was confirmed as Labor Secretary on March 11, 2025, the DeRemers became grandparents. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Lifelong Democrat Robert F. Kennedy Jr. threw his support behind Trump after his own 2024 candidacy fizzled. The third of Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Kennedy's 11 children, the environmental lawyer who's now overseeing the so-called "MAHA" (make America healthy again) movement, has been known more in recent years for questioning the safety of vaccines and psychotropic drugs and prompting the ire of his own family. While sister Kerry Kennedy slammed his "inexplicable effort" to "desecrate" their father's memory by endorsing Trump, cousin Caroline Kennedy called him a "predator" in a January 2025 open letter urging the Senate to not confirm him as HHS secretary. On the personal front, Kennedy is a father of six: Two kids from his first marriage, to Emily Black, and four children with late second wife Mary Richardson, who died by suicide in 2012. He has been married to Curb Your Enthusiasm alum Cheryl Hines since 2014. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner Former NFL player Scott Turner represented Texas' 33rd district in Congress from 2013 to 2017 before Trump appointed him director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council in 2019. My mom and dad and my godparents always taught me to serve others, he said in a 2016 NFL Player Engagement interview. They always instilled in me to look out for other people and to work hard and to have a tremendous faith...Its not easy; you just have to make up in your mind thats what youre going to do. Also an entrepreneur and Baptist pastor, he has been married to wife and fellow University of Illinois alum Robin Turner since 1995. In 2009 the couple adopted Scott's nephew Solomon, who played football at Baylor and Hawaii before walking on at Illinois. Had it not been for my uncle and my aunt, I dont know where I would be, Solomon told Big Ten news site Saturday Tradition in 2022. Personally, it just means the world to me, not only for him to be my father figure, but to come here and do this part, its almost like Im giving back to him like a thank you." Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy Sean Duffy first made a name for himself in 1997 as a housemate on The Real World: Boston. He shares nine children with The Real World: San Francisco alum Rachel Campos-Duffy, whom he met competing on Road Rules: All Stars in 1998 and married the following year. Duffy spent eight years as Ashland County District Attorney in his home state of Wisconsin before serving in Congress from 2011 to 2019. He resigned from office that August, citing his yet-to-be-born ninth child's health issues. "After shes born, whether its two to six months after life, shes going to need open-heart surgery," he explained on Fox & Friends. "They gotta crack her open and fix the heart." Duffy added, "I love politics, but I love my family, and I think its always a balance. The schedules are grueling. Im out in D.C. four days a week, and then Im back with Rachel." Traveling around his district meeting people, he said, "we get beat up a little bit as members of Congress. Were a favorite punching bag." On The Real World, "I was forced to live with people who were so different than me," he told NCTA in May 2019. "When I first got there, I saw the stark differences I had with my roommates. But when I left, I realized I had way more in common with them than I ever imagined." He compared the experience to crossing the aisle in Congress: "It's amazing the kind of legislation you can work on together and how many points of agreement you actually have." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Secretary of Energy Chris Wright Self-described "energy nerd" Chris Wright is the founder of Pinnacle Technologies, which, according to his Energy Department bio, "created the hydraulic fracture [a.k.a. fracking] mapping industry." Before his cabinet nomination, he served as CEO of Liberty Energy, the United States' second-largest fracking company. Wright"a passionate father, grandfather, skier, cyclist, climber, and outdoor enthusiast," per his bioand wife Liz Wright lived in Colorado before relocating to D.C. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon Linda McMahon (nee Edwards) was 17 when she married 21-year-old husband Vince McMahon in 1966, after she finished high school. She studied to be a French teacher but ended up co-running the family business, World Wrestling Entertainment, from 1980 until 2009. McMahon served as Administrator of the Small Business Administration from 2017 to 2019 during Trump's first term. After he was elected again in 2024, the grandmother of six co-chaired his transition team and was picked to head up the U.S. Department of Educationwhich Trump wants to dismantle. "I'm really all for the presidents mission, which is to return education to the states, McMahon told the New York Times. I believe, as he does, that the best education is closest to the child." While they're still married, McMahon's attorney confirmed in November 2024 that the former WWE executive and her husband are separated, according to the Washington Post. Their son Shane McMahon and daughter Stephanie McMahon are both former professional wrestlers and son-in-law Paul "Triple H" Levesque is chief content officer of WWE. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins U.S. Air Force Reserve Col. Doug Collins is a lawyer and former Georgia State House representative, congressman and military chaplain. But, according to his VA bio, he's "foremost a husband to Lisa and father to daughter Jordan and sons Copelan and Cameron." Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem Governor of South Dakota since 2019, Kristi Noem was rumored to be on the short list of possible running mates for Trump in 2024, until she wrote about shooting her family's unruly dog in her memoir No Going Back. Unfazed by controversy, Trump picked Noem, who also served in Congress from 2011 to 2019 and sat on the House Armed Services Committee, to head up the Department of Homeland Security, which is responsible for protecting the United States from internal and external threats. The onetime South Dakota Snow Queen married husband Bryon Noem in 1992 and they share three children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App Elon Musk, the worlds richest man, and Donald Trump, the president of the United States, are fully engaged in a mudslinging battle online. Trump said he was very disappointed in Elon for attacking his big, beautiful bill. Then Musk said without me, Trump would have lost the election. Trump doubled down, saying the easiest way to save the government money is to terminate Elons Governmental Subsidies and Contracts. Finally, Musk said it was time to drop the really big bomb. [Trump] is in the Epstein files. Just three hours after Musk moved the target of his internet ire on Thursday from Trumps spending bill to Trump himself, the 53-year-old Tesla CEO said, Time to drop the really big bomb. @realDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public. He ended his post with, Have a great day, DJT! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk did not provide any evidence to support his claims. Tesla stock is down over 16% as of 3:30 p.m. ET Thursday. While Trump is mentioned in Jeffrey Epsteins flight logs, and the two men had been photographed together for many years, Trump has distanced himself from Epsteins alleged crimes, so its unclear what Musk is accusing Trump of, exactly. Fortune has reached out to Musk for more information. Its worth noting that Musk himself was also photographed with Ghislaine Maxwell, who in 2021 was found guilty of child sex trafficking, among other offenses, in connection with Epstein. For what its worth, the Justice Department has said its continually working to review and release more Epstein-related materials, but many on both sides of the aisle are unhappy with how slowly thats happening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The back-and-forth between two of the worlds most powerful men began when Musk took to X, nee Twitter, to criticize Trumps big, beautiful bill that notably calls to end the $7,500 electric-vehicle subsidies that Tesla has benefited from for years. Musk called the massive, outrageous, pork-filled spending bill a disgusting abomination on Tuesday. This spending bill contains the largest increase in the debt ceiling in US history! Musk wrote. It is the Debt Slavery Bill. On Wednesday, House Speaker Mike Johnson said he had spoken to Trump about Musks X posts. Hes not delighted that Elon did a 180 on that, Johnson told reporters. By Thursday, Trump was asked in the Oval Office how he felt about about Musk coming out against the spending bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I would have won Pennsylvania regardless of Elon, Trump told reporters Thursday. Im very disappointed with Elon. He knew this bill better than anyone and he only developed a problem when he found out I would cut the EV mandate. In response, Musk dug in to Trump on X. Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate, he wrote. Trump, on Thursday afternoon, took to Truth Social to respond to Musks jabs. Elon was wearing thin, I asked him to leave, I took away his EV Mandate that forced everyone to buy Electric Cars that nobody else wanted (that he knew for months I was going to do!), and he just went CRAZY! Trump wrote on Truth Social. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elons Governmental Subsidies and Contracts, he added. I was always surprised that Biden didnt do it! Trump and Musk have a complex history that dates back to Trumps first presidency. Musk joined two of Trumps advisory councils after winning the 2016 election, but stepped down from both after the president pulled the U.S. out of the Paris climate agreement, saying on Twitter at the time, Climate change is real. Leaving Paris is not good for America or the world. Things got particularly sour between the two men in 2022, when Trump went in on Musk in a brutal Truth Social post, saying that when Elon Musk came to the White House asking me for help on all of his many subsidized projects, whether its electric cars that dont drive long enough, driverless cars that crash, or rocket ships to nowhere, without which subsidies hed be worthless, and telling me how he was a big Trump fan and Republican, I could have said, drop to your knees and beg, and he would have done it. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Is Elon Musk on ketamine? And if he is, is he taking so much of it that it's wreaked havoc on his bladder? According to Musk: no. "I'm not on ketamine ffs," he fumed on his website X, using the shorthand for "for f*ck's sake." But Grok, his "maximum truth-seeking" AI chatbot, once again betrayed its creator. "The claims about Elon Musk's drug use, including ketamine, ecstasy, and psychedelic mushrooms, appear likely true," Grok wrote, when asked to weigh in on the New York Times' reporting that he's been abusing the substances daily. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk was responding to a resurfaced video which shows him fiddling with his silverware at a dinner with Donald Trump. We should clarify: it was actually a response to another guy's response, which was defending Musk by arguing his behavior was within sober norms. Musk seemingly mistook this for an attack and angrily pleaded his innocence anyway. About eight minutes later, he made a similar post: "I am NOT taking drugs!" he proclaimed. (The billionaire, we'd say, doth protest too much.) In the 13-second clip, the world's richest man did appear strangely spellbound by the utensils he was balancing in his hand, slowly waving them through the air. His gaze, transfixed, has a look of puerile fascination, while his partner and once-secret mother of two of his at least 14 total children, Shivon Zillis, watches on. Was Musk just zoning out? Or were we witnessing Musk plunged deep in a k-hole, as the video's caption purports him to be? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's best not to get too hooked up on the video itself, and instead look at the broader body of evidence surrounding it. For that, we'll defer to Grok, because that's what Musk does along with his fans, even though it's a large language model prone to hallucinating. In this case, it appears to get the facts more or less right and points to a pretty glaring flaw in Musk's version of events. In one of his tweet denials, Musk stated he tried prescription ketamine a "few years ago," insisting he hasn't "taken it since then." Except, as Grok noted: "Musk said in 2024 he used it every other week for depression, per a doctor's prescription," the chatbot wrote, referring to an interview with Don Lemon. "This suggests a possible discrepancy." (The bot then erroneously posits that if he "ceased use after 2024, his statements align.") In other words, how can Musk claim to have been clean for multiple years when in the year prior he freely admitted to taking ketamine on a regular basis? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the recent NYT reporting, Musk takes a 20-capsule pillbox with him everywhere, stuffed with drugs including Adderall. His ketamine usage has spiraled out of control, the newspaper reported, and he sometimes takes it with other drugs; he's also reportedly taken ecstasy and psychedelic mushrooms while campaigning for Trump. Around the time he endorsed Trump in July, according to the story, he told others that his ketamine habit was causing bladder issues. This is just the latest in years of reports, some citing his friends and associates, which detail a pattern of drug use by Musk. There are also countless videos of him acting strangely in public, exhibiting classic stoned behavior. This is all alleged, of course. But Grok had some nice things to say about the most recent Time's reporting. (It even sincerely cited the NYT's Pulitzer Prize as evidence of the publication's credibility when, ironically, Musk had just used the award as a cudgel to beat it over the head with that same day.) "The journalists' reporting is credible, as it aligns with other reputable sources," Grok wrote. "Overall, the evidence supports the claims, but skepticism is warranted due to the sensitive topic." More on Elon Musk: Government Cleaners Find Nasty-Looking Brickweed After DOGE Leaves Building (NewsNation) Newly uncovered emails reveal authorities broke protocol when communicating risks following a train derailment and controlled burn in Ohio despite fears from residents experiencing health problems. Three days after officials blew up five train cars of vinyl chloride in East Palestine, Ohio, the Environmental Protection Agency declared the town safe for residents and allowed them back into their homes. People in the area complained they were getting sick, experiencing rashes, nosebleeds and respiratory issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge issues stop of deportation for Boulder attackers family Now, internal EPA emails obtained by NewsNation through the Freedom of Information Act reveal internal disagreement over what to tell residents. If we say that the water is safe, and the air is safe, we believe it, because weve tested it, and the data shows it, an email from EPA head Michael Regan read. One email discusses the dissatisfaction people were expressing with the official response. It appears the messaging they are using is that there are no detections of any issues and people are not satisfied with that answer, one read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then, an EPA official from headquarters, with ties to the Democratic National Committee and the Biden campaign, took over East Palestine messaging to combat the disinfo thats happening on social media. What really stands out to me is that this was early on in the response and this broke protocol, said Government Accountability Project Senior Environmental Officer Lesley Pacey. They had not done this before. This is something that is new to the EPA, and there was some pushback internally over it. Musk calls for killing Houses big, beautiful bill It set off alarm bells, with a director of communications at the agency voicing concern about the takeover. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The site is the responsibility of the region, and we are definitely breaking protocol by allowing anyone other than the PIO or on-scene folks to edit and modify these pages, the official said. I dont agree with this approach and the immediacy of the request. Recent reporting from NewsNation revealed that the White House was aware of the health concerns and potential future cancer clusters yet publicly stated the opposite. They assured the public that they had done massive testing, that the air and water was safe, that they were monitoring things and not to worry, Pacey said. But now, in light of the FOIAs that weve discovered with the EPA and FEMA and the White House and National Security Council, understanding the nature of the health impacts and the potential for cancer clusters, it really kind of raises more red flags. Was this part of the cover-up? Active shooter incidents down by 50% in 2024, FBI reports Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One EPA veteran who spoke with NewsNation said the decision to break protocol could have been due to the size of the disaster. But on the other hand, it begs the question of why the administration didnt bring in health risk assessors, sampling experts and legal experts instead of a political spin doctor? NewsNation has reached out to the EPA for comment and has not received a response as of this writing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. WASHINGTON Just days after he left his powerful position as one of Donald Trumps closest advisers, Elon Musk is orchestrating a pressure campaign to sink the mammoth tax and spending package that is the centerpiece of the presidents policy agenda. Musk used X, his social media site, on Wednesday to implore Americans to call Congress and urge it to kill the bill that Trump hails as big and beautiful. He also urged lawmakers to rewrite the bill from scratch, putting him squarely at odds with Trump, who had invited him into Cabinet meetings and empowered him to dismantle whole agencies and shrink the government workforce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill, which has already passed the House, faces an uncertain fate in the Senate, where just four Republican defections would spell defeat. It doesnt sit well with Trump world that Musk is the messenger. Trump is considering when and how to respond to Musks gambit, a White House official said. He was caught off guard but "not entirely surprised" by Musks opposition, a senior official said. Trump had sent Musk off in style, giving him a golden key and staging a goodbye ceremony in the Oval Office that the media covered live. The president wanted to be a nice guy, the senior official said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musks posts come a day after his surprising break with Trump over the bills merits. On Tuesday, he called the measure a disgusting abomination, warning that it would push the nation deeper into debt. Having elevated Musk and made him a prized sidekick, Trump may discover that the worlds richest man is a potential nemesis beyond his control. A White House official downplayed the notion of a falling-out with Musk. Everyone here in a senior role understands who Elon Musk is, understands how he acts, understands how he plays, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Theres been no surprise when it comes to Elon Musk, because hes been such a friend to the administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And we all know this is coming from a place of business and is not personal. But people in Trumps orbit were angry that Musk skewered the bill. They were particularly outraged by his not-so-veiled warning that Republicans who vote for it could lose their jobs come November 2026, a person familiar with the matter said. That assertion came after Musk said late last month that he would do a lot less political spending going forward. A Republican lawmaker, in a private text chain with colleagues, wrote sarcastically of Musk: Team Player. Trump is normally quick to clap back at those who publicly oppose his interests. When Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., objected Tuesday on CNBC that the bill would inflate the national debt, Trump swiftly denounced him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The people of Kentucky cant stand him, Trump posted on Truth Social. In the case of Musk, Trump so far has been silent. The disparate treatment may be rooted in cold political reality. Paul doesnt have a national following, while Musk, with his capacity to influence the midterm elections, is someone Trump may not wish to antagonize. Musk spent more than $250 million to boost Trump last year and is free to pour money into a midterm campaign season in which control of Congress is up for grabs. If Democrats seize the majority, they could saddle Trump with serial investigations and perhaps impeachment proceedings in the back half of his term. Republican lawmakers, too, trod carefully Wednesday when they were asked about Musks evisceration of Trumps key legislative priority. Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana quipped: Well, let me say this about Elon. I wish he wouldnt sugarcoat stuff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think hes really smart, Kennedy added. I think hes entitled to his opinion. Hes frustrated. I think he believes, in my judgment correctly, that were quickly becoming debt slaves. Still, Musks apostasy shows the inherent risks in Trumps executive style. As a centibillionaire, Musk never fit neatly in the Trump administrations chain of command. He squabbled with at least two Cabinet secretaries and found that his private interests clashed at times with Trumps policy goals. Trumps bill would curtail the electric vehicle and residential solar tax credits that are important to Musks Tesla car and clean energy divisions. The measure would also impose a new annual $250 fee on EV drivers. Musk spoke to Trump personally about extending the electric vehicle credit, a person familiar with the matter said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also pressed some senior lawmakers on Capitol Hill, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., in recent weeks before his recent X posts to keep tax credits in the bill that would incentivize electric vehicle purchases, three people familiar with the conversations said. One of the sources said Musk had lobbied Johnson as recently as in the past few days. The tax credits had been eliminated to get the most conservative House members on board as part of the delicate negotiations to ensure the bills passage. Abruptly ending the energy tax credits would threaten Americas energy independence and the reliability of our grid we urge the senate to enact legislation with a sensible wind down of the credits, Tesla Energy posted on X on May 28, the day Musk officially left his government role. In opposing the bill, Musk has amplified a point that the more fiscally conservative Republicans also find troubling: The measure would greatly add to Americas whopping debt. A new analysis from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office holds that the House-passed version of the bill would inflate the debt by $2.4 trillion over the next decade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paul, the senator from Kentucky, wrote Tuesday that he wants trillions in new debt removed from the measure and that four of his colleagues feel this way. An open question is the degree to which Americans care what Musk thinks. His public approval rating was underwater amid his association with the Department of Government Efficiency and the drastic cuts that left many government workers suddenly unemployed. An NBC News poll in March found that 51% of registered voters held negative views of Musk, with only 39% viewing him positively. Lawmakers seeking campaign donations may be solicitous of Musk and the news media may treat him with outsize interest because of the role Trump gave him, but can he shape public opinion on controversial legislation? Newt Gingrich, the Republican former House speaker, suggested the answer is no. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I havent seen any public constituency for Musk, Gingrich told NBC News. If you can find one, call me. Im a big admirer of his as an entrepreneur, but he never understood the political business, and he doesnt now, he added. That having been said, Im sure no one on the Trump team thinks its helpful, Gingrich added. Democrats are delighted by Musks dissent and the rift it exposes inside GOP ranks. Musk is right about this, Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., told NBC News. Hes been wrong about a whole lot of other things. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com TOKYO (AP) Japans Emperor Naruhito and his family have visited Okinawa to honor the dead ahead of the 80th anniversary of one of the harshest battles of World War II. On what was his seventh visit to Okinawa, Naruhito was joined this week by his wife and daughter for a tour of the southern island and its history. Naruhitos father, the 91-year-old former Emperor Akihito, especially cared about Okinawa. On June 23, the island will mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Battle of Okinawa, which led to heavy American troop presence on the island, even after the nearly 30 years of U.S. occupation ended in 1972. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here is what to know about Okinawa's history. Fierce battle U.S. troops landed on the main Okinawa island on April 1, 1945, beginning a battle in their push toward mainland Japan. The Battle of Okinawa lasted until late June, killing some 200,000 people about 12,000 Americans and more than 188,000 Japanese, half of them Okinawan civilians. In all, the island lost about one quarter of its population. In Itoman town, where the battle ended, the remains of most of the war dead reside in an ossuary at the National War Dead Peace Mausoleum. It was the first place Naruhito and his wife Empress Masako and their 23-year-old daughter, Princess Aiko, visited on Wednesday where they laid a bouquet of white flowers each. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Post-war years Okinawa remained under U.S. occupation from 1945 until the 1972 reversion to Japan. The U.S. military maintains a presence there due to Okinawas strategic importance for security in the Pacific. Private properties were confiscated to build U.S. bases, and the base-dependent economy hampered the growth of local industry. Emperors tried to make a mends Many Okinawans feel they have been sacrificed for the mainland in the war fought in the name of Hirohito, the grandfather of Emperor Naruhito. Bitter feelings were fresh in Okinawa in the 1970s, when many people said the emperor should take responsibility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Akihito, who was almost hit by a Molotov cocktail thrown during his visit to Okinawa as crown prince in 1975, has been a regular visitor. Every year on June 23, Akihito and his family observe a moment of silence for the victims of the battle. It's one of the four key dates he said should never forget, along with the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on Aug. 6 and Aug. 9, as well as the Aug. 15 end of the war. Naruhito's empathy for Okinawa Naruhito has pledged to follow in his father's footsteps and repeatedly expressed the importance to reflect on and remember the wartime history. In February, Naruhito stressed the importance of telling the tragedy of World War II to younger generations, promising to help promoting the understanding of history and the determination for peace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He and his family on Wednesday visited the Cornerstone of Peace Memorial, which is engraved with the names of about 250,000 war dead on Itoman's Mabuni Hill. They also visited a permanent war exhibit at the town's Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum, where they met the survivors and bereaved families. On Thursday they laid flowers at a monument commemorating about 1,500 people including hundreds of school children killed in a U.S. torpedo attack on their evacuation ship Tsushima Maru on Aug. 1944. They visited a museum dedicated to the tragedy and met with a number of survivors. Naruhito and Masako, in a message released to Japanese media, renewed their pledge to peace and said their daughter deeply took to her heart Okinawan people's history of hardship. Modern problems Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Okinawa remains home to the majority of about 50,000 U.S. troops stationed in Japan under a bilateral security pact. The island, which accounts for only 0.6% of Japanese land, hosts 70% of U.S. military facilities. Resentment and frustration run deep in Okinawa because of the heavy U.S. presence. The island faces noise, pollution, aircraft accidents and crime related to American troops, Denny Tanmaki, the governor of Okinawa, has said. Following a series of alleged sexual assault cases against local women, the U.S. military and local government held a forum in May to discuss ways to improve safety and communication and agreed to regularize their meeting. EMPORIA (KSNT) A local park in Emporia is set to get a makeover in the near future with the addition of new equipment to make visiting the space more exciting. 27 News spoke with Deon Morrow, Lyon County Healthy Pathways coordinator with the United Way of the Flint Hills (UWFH), on Thursday, June 5. The UWFH recently made it to the top three for Evergys Peoples Choice Energizing our Environment Hometown Grants program, taking in $10,000 to go towards environmental and sustainable initiatives. Morrow said UWFH plans to put the cash to good use in Emporia. Specifically, the organization has some big ideas to make Emporias Quaker Park stand out more in the local community and give people some new activities to take part in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We want to inject some energy into our community and Quaker Park is one of those places where we want to inject that energy, Morrow said. We want to give people something in that area to look forward to. Developer brings new life to historic downtown area in Marysville Evergy announced in a social media post on June 4 that UWFH was one of the big winners in its grant program and will use the money reimagine Quaker Park. This includes adding in a new climbing wall and revitalizing features there to encourage outdoor play, fitness and community connection. With this grant we are planning on getting a rock climbing wall, then a zipline, Morrow said. We want to be as safe as possible but this also brings a different aspect to it. Being able to bring that to Quaker Park here is awesome. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morrow said UWFH went on a media blitz this year to generate excitement and interest in Emporia so his organization could secure the $10,000 grant. Morrow credits the community with helping to secure the grant for the betterment of Quaker Park. Im really proud of our community, Morrow said. They really came together to help us out. The Emporia community rallied to save Quaker Park in 2024 as it was under threat of being turned into new housing opportunities. The movement was ultimately successful with the park being saved through the work of petition organizers. Near-record fish caught, released in a northeast Kansas lake Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morrow said the UWFH is looking to bring in the new equipment to the park within the next year. You can find Quaker Park at the southeast corner of First Avenue and Sylvan Street. More information on the park can be found on the City of Emporias website. For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. 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. Vodafone group and Hutchison Group Telecom Holdings have confirmed the completion of the merger of Vodafone UK and Three UK as of 31 May 2025, with the new business somewhat awkwardly named VodafoneThree. The new business (owned 51%-49% respectively) boasts 29 million customers, and is set to invest 11bn ($14.9bn) in mobile over the next ten years to accelerate network deployment a key sweetener for the deal to obtain approval by the UKs CMA (Competition and Markets Authority) regulator. The VodafoneThree deal is about scale and represents one of the largest carrier M&A activities in the UK for some time. The new business becomes the UKs largest mobile operator but will also enable 700m in cost and capex synergies per annum by the fifth year after completion. The parents argument that the deal is good for the market is probably plausible, as it transforms the two least competitive players into the largest national operator in numerical terms at least but EE and O2 have strong brands and operations. They will seek to take advantage of the inevitable challenges faced by the merging service providers actively to target potentially disrupted customers, although EE will now have to drop its biggest and best positioning. A complex process getting to VodafoneThree Getting approval for a merger is often seen as the hard part of the process, as it involves complex legal, financial, and regulatory discussions. But experience shows that it is merely the first step. Combining organisations, networks, processes, systems, and cultures is often more complex as it involves the whole of both parent companies. As for branding, which is of crucial importance in both the consumer and mass enterprise markets, there will no doubt be active discussions ongoing. A multi-brand strategy is fine if it has clear target customer segments, so overlap and confusion needs to be avoided. Going too far the other way, for example like BT did with its BT for business only and EE for consumer only approach, can be too regimented for a sophisticated and complex market. Hence the return to a more nuanced BT/EE branding strategy. As it stands, just dealing with the potpourri of mixed-up historical brands is becoming a headache and tongue-twister: Virgin Media O2, VodafoneThree and BT/EE we should be grateful that the Orange and T-Mobile brands have left the scene. Emma Mohr-McClune, Service Director, Consumer Technology at GlobalData observes: Getting this deal over the line has been a two-year ordeal for the two parent companies, full of regulatory approval stops and starts, culminating in a laundry list of consumer protection commitments. But theres no question that all the difficult tasks - notably personnel, customer and network alignment - are still up ahead. AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) An incident report is shedding possible new light on the death of a 16-month-old earlier this week. The report, released Thursday afternoon, states that EMS workers told deputies they suspected the child, identified as Traeson Dunn, ingested methadone and another substance. Methadone is used to treat people who have an opioid addiction. A second child was taken to the hospital to be evaluated and see whether that child consumed drugs. Investigators have not released any new information about that childs condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation is ongoing. While no arrests have been made, this is now the 4th time this year that the Sheriffs Office has responded to the same home. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF. ENCINITAS, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) As each community grapples with how to best handle homelessness and provide resources, the Encinitas City Council held a special meeting Wednesday night. The goal was to take a look at the citys Homeless Action Plan or HAP and update it as needed. I respectfully request that you support the continued implementation of the homeless action plan, said Encinitas resident Bob Kent. Community members filled council chambers to address the citys HAP, which was first established four years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It has three main goals including a community-driven approach to end homelessness, striving to provide supportive housing and increasing the availability of temporary and permanent housing. I encourage the city council to take bold leadership to site, build and fund an emergency shelter in Encinitas, said John Van Cleef, with Community Resource Center. Lets do what we can to help the challenge people who are homeless, but also we need to protect our community and our downtown community, Dave Dean said. Dozens gave their opinions and input before the council deliberated for hours on a list of initiatives to add to the plan. A big part of the new efforts will focus on legal enforcement, including addressing those who resist available services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The council unanimously agreed to increase staffing for homeless services, conduct a homeless point in time count specific to Encinitas, continue with programs already in the current action plan and focus on critically affordable housing. The council vowed to work with their county supervisor to further their goals and initiatives. In addition to the amendments to the HAP, city council also unanimously decided on creating a sign-up sheet for local residents to volunteer to take in unsheltered people and give them a place to stay. The city plans to revisit that initiative after Labor 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 FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. The ambitious plans of Iraqi Prime Minister Al-Sudani to reinvigorate paused agreements and forge new initiatives in the states vitality sectors with the worlds energy giantsfrom Eastern Asia to Europe and the U.S.were seen as potential drivers for achieving energy independence and rapid development. These moves also seemed to bolster his bid for a second term as Prime Minister. However, recent developments show a difficult road ahead, despite significant steps taken toward his goal. Iraqs energy infrastructure, already in disrepair before 2003, was further weakened by civil wars, terrorism, and the failure of previous governments to act decisively, despite generating over $1.1 trillion in oil revenues by 2022, to close the gap between energy supply and demand. This failure cost several former prime ministers their chance at a second term. Al-Sudani's energy agreements, initiated early in his administration, were expected to address these longstanding challenges. However, recent political turbulence and the looming summer heat may intensify the crisis, as unrest has already erupted in southern provinces this week. Despite having one of the highest population growth rates globally and in the regionwith the population nearly doubling over the past two decadesby 2022, over 40% of Iraqis still lacked access to clean drinking water and faced more than a 40% shortfall in public electricity supply. Around 25% of the population remained in poverty, average income levels had declined by roughly 40% compared to the late 1970s, and the unemployment rate stood at 15.53%, showing only minimal improvement from the same rate in 2020. These figures collectively highlight the post-2003 governments' failure to deliver economic development and public welfare. Related: Russia Keeps Oil Production Below OPEC+ Quota Although Iraq produces around 4.0 million barrels of oil per daymaking it the second-largest producer in OPEC and the fifth globallyimprovements in the energy sector were expected to be among the quickest gains backed by oil revenue investments. From the beginning of Al-Sudanis cabinet, major downstream oil and gas projects were outlined, such as the construction of new refineries, rehabilitation of damaged facilities, and installation of new pipelines to deliver fuels to power stations. Initiatives in power generation and transmissionsuch as building new power plants, securing fuel supplies, and upgrading aging infrastructure and the national gridwere also defined. However, the outcomes, especially in meeting electricity demand, still fall well short of the countrys needs. The limited domestic electricity productionstrained further by rapidly rising consumption and growing public expectations for a modern lifestyle, especially compared to Gulf countrieshas fueled dissatisfaction. These issues have ranked high among grievances that sparked protests over the past decade. Although the current cabinets actions in the energy sector were expected to alleviate these concerns, the matter remains a critical factor likely to influence the upcoming 2025 fall elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Al-Sudanireferred to as Engineer, a title prominently displayed on project billboards throughout Baghdadhas signed or overseen multi-billion-dollar megaprojects. These include a contract with Siemens Energy to boost national power generation by 11,000 MWh, followed by a five-year agreement between the Iraqi Ministry of Electricity and the U.S.-based GE for a 24,000 MWh production increase. His administration also inked a major deal with TotalEnergies to upgrade the countrys energy infrastructure and establish a large-scale solar power plant. It also launched the fifth-plus and sixth rounds of oil and gas field development contracts after a long pause. The Ministry of Petroleum also signed a new contract with British oil giant BP to develop Kirkuks oil fields. While these megaprojects could yield key improvements in public services, a range of domestic, regional, and international challenges has significantly limited their scale or delayed results. As the country heads into the scorching summer months from July to September, reports indicate that water reserves at dams have dropped to a historic lowjust 5 billion cubic meters as of April 2025, compared to 60 billion cubic meters in 2020. The states electricity sector is similarly strained. Despite efforts to expand solar power and natural gas infrastructure, Iraqs electricity supply remains at approximately 27,450 MW, while demand has surged to 48,000 MWa shortfall of around 20,550 MW, or 42%, according to Al-Sudanis remarks at the Baghdad International Fair. Although the government has proposed temporary solutions such as importing electricity from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, the deficit continues to fall short of public expectations. The situation may worsen if the U.S. ends sanction waivers that currently allow Iraq to purchase natural gas from Irana source that helps generate about 5,500 MW, or roughly 20% of the countrys current electricity capacity. Meanwhile, new political alliances forming ahead of Iraqs electionseven within the ruling Coordination Frameworkcould pose further challenges to Al-Sudanis re-election bid. With limited prospects for his coalition, other influential Shia parties may exploit the ongoing energy crisis to undermine his position. By capitalizing on public frustration, particularly in Baghdad, they could reignite protests and weaken his chances for a second term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, Iran's struggles to maintain its contracted gas supply to Iraqwhich currently supports production of around 3,500 MWhare cause for concern. Further reductions are likely during Irans own peak summer demand or if the U.S. revokes sanction waivers, forcing Iraq to halt gas imports without reliable alternatives. This is further complicated by recent tensions between Baghdad and Erbil over the Kurdistan Regional Governments (KRG) agreements with WesternZagros and HKN to develop the MIRAN and TOPKHANA oil and gas fields. These deals were announced during the KRG Prime Ministers visit to Washington last week, even as Kurdistans oil exports remain stalled due to unresolved technical and financial disputes between Baghdad, Erbil, and IOCs in the APIKUR. Although strengthening energy security was a notable achievement for Al-Sudanis cabinet early in his tenure, the lack of tangible progress and difficulties in executing ambitious plans, as I discussed in my previous article for OilPrice, could jeopardize his prospects of leading the next government after the 2025 Iraqi parliamentary elections. By Shahriar Sheikhlar for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Read this article on OilPrice.com Protestors at a Hispanic Cultural Day rally outside the Oklahoma State Capitol on May 15, 2024, hold flags representing the United States, Mexico and other Spanish-speaking countries. Hundreds gathered to protest the newly enacted House Bill 4156, which created the criminal offense of impermissible occupation. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice) OKLAHOMA CITY An Oklahoma City federal judge this week placed an indefinite ban on enforcement of a state law criminalizing undocumented immigrants living in Oklahoma. The decision from U.S. District Judge Bernard Jones extends the two-week hold he implemented for House Bill 4156 on May 20 to last until he makes a final ruling on a lawsuit challenging the statute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HB 4156, enacted last year, created the state crime of impermissible occupation, threatening fines and jail time for immigrants living in Oklahoma without legal residency. Past rulings from the U.S. Supreme Court and judges across the country have made clear that immigration enforcement is the federal governments responsibility, not an individual states, Jones wrote in his decision issued Tuesday. Federal law preempts state laws on the issue, rendering Oklahomas new statute unenforceable, the judge decided. In the end, that is why H.B. 4156 must fail not to excuse unlawful presence or shield criminal conduct, but because it is what the Constitution demands, Jones wrote. Oklahoma still has the power to prosecute U.S. citizens and noncitizens alike for crimes that might stem from unlawful immigration, the judge said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorney General Gentner Drummond had contended HB 4156 helps law enforcement stop drug trafficking and other crimes. Drummond called Jones previous two-week hold outrageous, perverse and contrary to the rule of law. Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond, pictured March 20, called a court-ordered hold on the states immigration law outrageous. (Photo by Emma Murphy/Oklahoma Voice) The attorney general is committed to ensuring the state has the agency to protect Oklahomans, Drummonds spokesperson, Phil Bacharach, said Thursday. HB 4156 is a commonsense and necessary law and Oklahoma must be able to enforce it. Jones blocked enforcement of the law for nine months last year after former President Joe Bidens Administration filed a lawsuit. The ban lifted when President Donald Trump withdrew Bidens case. Two undocumented residents of Oklahoma and two immigrant-focused organizations based in the state refiled the lawsuit last month, contending HB 4156 is unconstitutional. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorneys from the American Civil Liberties Union and the Tulsa law firm Rivas & Associates are representing the plaintiffs. Once again, the court has made it clear that the state of Oklahoma may not enforce HB 4156 while our litigation proceeds, ACLU of Oklahoma legal director Megan Lambert said. People who are immigrants join the long American tradition of coming here in search of a better life and the freedom and opportunity we offer. Anti-immigrant policies do not represent our state, and we are grateful for the relief this provides while we continue to fight for the rights and safety of Oklahomas immigrant communities. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Jun. 4MORGANTOWN In the current Monongalia County Commission budget, roughly $1.1 million of the $43.6 million spending plan is allocated to social services. That number doesn't include more than $500, 000 in opioid settlement funds passed through the county. That, the commissioners said Wednesday, is a significant percentage of the taxpayer's money dedicated to assist a relatively tiny percentage of the county's roughly 108, 000 residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We're always asked these questions. 'What are we doing, What are we doing ?' And we look at what we do across the whole county and I constantly ask, 'Well, what can we do more ?'" Commissioner Sean Sikora said. "I mean, we do a lot for these citizens. And it's always, 'Well, it's not enough.'" So, what is enough ? Sikora put that question to Hope Shelter Director Jessica Thompson. Thompson has lamented the reduction in capacity from 28 to 19 beds due to the most recent fire marshal review of the shelter space located in Hazel's House of Hope. She's also talked of a plan to put 15 beds in the former sobering center /warming shelter space if funding is available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked how many beds it would ultimately take to adequately address the need, Thompson said that's a difficult question to answer. "I honestly can't tell you that there is a desired number of beds that would meet a specific need. What I can tell you is the need to do regional areas, " Thompson responded. "For instance, I have people coming from [Pennsylvania ]. I have people from Preston County. I have people from Marion County. I have people, you know, it's regionally-based." Regionally based, but mostly locally funded. Roughly two-thirds of the shelter's budget comes through equal allocations from the county and the city of Morgantown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These other regions don't have these facilities. So, it's almost an 'if you build it, they will come' scenario. We have the benefits, and so they're coming here, obviouslythat's what they do, " commission President Jeff Arnett said. "We've expressed concern in the past. We don't turn our backs. It's not our goal to turn our backs on anybody, but our goal and our edict is to help the citizens of Monongalia County. You know, we're not shutting doors, but it's a dichotomy. That's what we struggle with." As Arnett stated, commissioners have expressed frustration in the recent past over the percentage of shelter beds occupied by people from outside Monongalia County. Thompson said roughly half the 124 individuals the shelter has served since Catholic Charities took over operations in October have been from Monongalia County based on their last known address. She said 87 % of that number, or about 108, were from West Virginia with Marion, Harrison, Randolph and Kanawha counties most represented. The shelter typically operates on a first-come, first-served basis, though Thompson works with referring agencies to take in the most-vulnerable clients. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The standard limit of stay is 45 days, but that can be extended to up to six months if the individual is participating in services to improve their situation. Even before the reduction in beds, the shelter stayed full. Commissioner Tom Bloom said the often-repeated talking point that the community needs dozens of new shelter beds is somewhat misleading in that it lumps the unhoused in with individuals who need services addressing mental health and addiction not simply a place to sleep. Thompson said those categories are often difficult to parse. She said that while there are offerings for addiction recovery, mental health resources are sorely lacking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We do not have the mental health beds needed to support our community and the ones that are homeless in our community, " she said. "Yes, the majority of the individuals that I have served at Grace have mental health issues. The ones that need treatment are referred to Lauren's Wish and to other recovery agencies if they want to go." Bloom said the county already dedicates a disproportionate amount of its budget to support various agencies and initiatives. Further, he said the likelihood that federal and state support for these efforts will increase is highly unlikely. "It just becomes frustrating, " Bloom said, later adding, "So again, you know, I think we're all open for ideas, but we don't really have the answer. I don't just want to keep throwing money at a problem that isn't going anywhere." BOSTON (WWLP) Environmental activists and lawmakers held a legislative briefing on Wednesday, pushing for long-term funding to mitigate climate change. Incoming education commissioner outlines priorities These advocates spoke about two priority bills. One is dubbed the AHEAD Act, which more than doubles the deeds excise tax on property sales to create revenue for fighting climate change and expanding affordable housing. It would also create tax credits for low-income home sellers and first-time homebuyers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The second would establish a new fee on real estate property insurance premiums to pay for a climate resiliency fund. This fund is intended to support community-based initiatives. The funds legislative sponsor says this action is overdue. Were falling behind more and more every single day, and there is no plan B for us to make up that time, that funding, said Everett Senator Sal DiDomenico. One lawmaker says this work primarily supports low-income communities. They say those with financial resources can move when the climate becomes intolerable, and those less fortunate will be left behind. This work is work rooted in solving inequities and responding to those populations most harmed and most in need of support and services, said Boston Representative Sam Montano. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While climate change mitigation is a policy priority in the Bay State, the federal government is focusing its resources elsewhere, which could preclude state and national cooperation on solutions. 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. SARASOTA COUNTY (WFLA) For the last seven years, Hawaii-based Ocean Era has been working to bring a fish farm demonstration to Floridas Gulf Coast. Last month, the Environmental Protection Agency approved a permit that allows the company to move forward with its plans. The demonstration project calls for up to 20,000 red drum or red fish in a net pen with multiple mooring anchors. The fish farm would be located in the Gulf about 40 miles off the coast of Sarasota County in water that is about 130 feet deep. New Florida law adds requirement before teens can get behind the wheel Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pen will be designed so that it can be submerged 30 to 45 feet below the surf surface, so at night or when a storm is coming through, the net pen can be submerged, said Ocean Era founder Neil Anthony Sims. We think as people look at this, theyre going to come to understand this is a great opportunity for producing delicious seafood, for creating employment opportunities and it is going to be a spectacular fishing location. Whenever you put structure out in the ocean whether it be a fish farm or an oil rig or a fish aggregating device, fish will gather around that and I think the Florida fishing community is going to really love offshore aquaculture. Sims says he hopes to show the Gulf Coast community that offshore aquaculture is a safe and sustainable option for growing and harvesting fresh seafood locally. At the moment, we are importing red drum from Mauritius on the other side of the planet. They are farming them there and now they are shipping the fish back to us here. That makes no environmental sense in terms of the carbon footprint of those fish, but it is also jobs that we could be creating here in the US, said Sims. Ocean Eras efforts have not come without pushback. Environmental groups have joined forces to express their opposition to the project. One of those groups is Suncoast Waterkeeper. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Executive Director Abbey Tyrna says there are a number of concerns that she and others have about the project, which would be the first of its kind in the Gulf. Not only is there a concern for nitrogen pollution, which is something that local governments on the Suncoast have worked really hard to eliminate from our waters, now this is a direct input into our waters of nitrogen that fuels harmful algal blooms. That is a prominent concern, but then also the disease that are known to spread from these farms into the wild population, said Tyrna. We are also worried about harm to endangered species, especially sea turtles that are going to congregate around where food is provided, so what kind of harm is it for them given that the cage is now monofilament line, which can be harmful to all kinds of species regarding entanglement, given that it is really hard to see. Taken together, it is just not a project that we would like to see here on the Suncoast. Sims said he understands the concerns, but said studies have proven that in deep waters that are far enough offshore, there are no significant environmental impacts. Images we have of the offshore fish farm here in Kona, Hawaii show that it really has minimal impact on water quality. This is validated by the fact that cauliflower coral grows profusely on the structures on the fish farm. For the fish farm it actually becomes a problem, but they are taking those cauliflower coral and working with NOAA and other environmental groups to use that for replanting on the reefs here in Hawaii. That is validation that the water quality on the fish farm really is not impacted by the fish themselves, said Sims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is still time left for someone to appeal the EPAs ruling this month. However, if not, Sims said we could see the net pen in the Gulf by the end of this year or early next year. What we would like to see as marine biologist and environmentalists, we want to see more seafood grown in the ocean. This demonstration project we hope will help the community understand, if we grow this industry there in the Gulf, that it is going to be something they are going to learn to love, said Sims. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Republican megadonor Peter Thiels firm struck an investment deal with Jeffrey Epstein that has netted the accused sex traffickers estate $130 million, making it its largest remaining asset. Years before Epstein committed suicide in 2019, he invested $40 million into a pair of funds managed by Valar Ventures, a firm that was co-founded by Thiel, The New York Times reported Wednesday. His investment has since grown to be worth $170 million. Those investments, made in 2015 and 2016, remained a secret until the Times report. They shed additional light on the relationship between Thiel, the Palantir Technologies co-founder who has become one of the U.S.s most influential conservatives, and Epstein, who is one of the countrys most notorious figures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reports revealing meetings between Epstein and Thiel first emerged in 2023, but the extent of their relationship remained murky. The Daily Beast uncovered emails that showed Thiel and Epstein were scheduled to have multiple meetings in 2014, including a dinner between the two men and Woody Allen. Epstein, in addition to being a registered sex offender since 2008, was known in elite circles as a socialite and financier. He is believed to have made his millions by charging hefty fees for providing tax and estate services to billionaires. It was rare for Epstein to make investments, The Times reported, but he chose to do so with Thiel and Valar Ventures, which specializes in providing start-up capital. Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal and Palantir, has been a Republican megadonor in recent elections. / Marco Bello/Getty Thiel, 57, did not respond to a request for comment from the Daily Beast. Forbes reports he is worth $20.8 billion, making him about the 100th richest person in the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aaron Curtis, a spokesperson for Valar Ventures, said that a firm representative met with Epstein in 2014 because he was considered a well-known adviser to world leaders, top universities, and philanthropic organizations. Curtis told The Times that the firm hopes that the eventual distribution of these investments can be put to positive use by helping victims move forward with their lives. President Donald Trump speaks in 2016 with Peter Thiel, left, and Apple Inc. CEO Tim Cook, right, behind him. / Shannon Stapleton / REUTERS Epstein committed suicide while awaiting trial in a Manhattan detention facility on federal sex-trafficking charges. Much of his wealth was dispersed to his roughly 200 victims as restitution, with totals ranging from $500,000 to $2 million per victim. Those trafficked or abused by Epstein are unlikely to be given any additional money from the Valar Ventures investment, The Times reports. Rather, the money is more likely to be distributed to one of Epsteins ex-girlfriends, along with two of his long-term advisers, who have been named the beneficiaries of his estate, according to The Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Valar Ventures investment makes up the vast majority of the remaining value in Epsteins estate. The estate is worth approximately $200 million in total, down from the $600 million he had in assets at the time of his arrest. Jeffrey Epstein's mugshot in 2019. / Kypros / Kypros/Getty The $170 million investment is still locked up, according to The Times, meaning the funds cannot be paid out in cash. This is likely because Valar Ventures is a venture capital firm, and investments of that nature are typically imposed extended lock-up periods to allow the companies being funded to grow. Epsteins suicide has been subject to many conspiracy theories, particularly from the right. Thiel addressed some of these theories himself in a Financial Times op-ed in January, in which he described Epstein as a child sex offender. In August, he went full tinfoil hat on Epsteins death while talking to podcaster Joe Rogan, suggesting Bill and Melinda Gates may have had something to do with it. FBI Director Kash Patel, who President Donald Trump appointed this year, reaffirmed in May that all evidence points to Epstein dying by suicide. SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie thanked a local tech billionaire on Thursday for funding a new downtown headquarters for the San Francisco Police Departments Real-Time Investigation Center (RTIC). The center houses technological resources that assist police officers in the field in real-time, such as drones, automated license plate readers and public safety cameras. The $9.4 million in funding for the new RTIC space was donated by San Francisco-based enterprise blockchain company Ripple, city officials said. The companys cofounder and CEO, Chris Larsen, said the enhanced center will help usher in a new era of accountability. Rendering of the new SFPD Real-Time Investigation Center (Image: San Francisco Police Department) The current location is inside the Hall of Justice and operates with outdated wiring and other infrastructure challenges, according to the mayors office. The new location is said to feature updated equipment and other enhancements donated by the San Francisco Police Community Foundation and Crankstart. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RTIC has already supported hundreds of arrests, with crime down 30% citywide, and with this new facility, the SFPD will have the tools and the technology it needs to take this work to the next level and help our officers keep our streets safe, Lurie said in a news release Thursday. I want to thank Chris Larsen for his continued dedication to our police officers and the safety of all San Franciscans. The center contributed to more than 500 arrests in 2024, according to the mayors office. Outgoing Police Chief Bill Scott shared similar sentiments as Larsen, calling the upgraded headquarters the beginning of a new era of policing in San Francisco. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Erie Insurance has awarded $900,000 in grants to 22 education organizations in Northwest Pennsylvania through the states Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program. The grants aim to support educational initiatives across the region, with funding distributed to various nonprofits dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities. Erie Insurance emphasized the importance of education as a foundational equalizer in the community. North East students embrace community service during Giving Back Day Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We take a lot of time to work with the nonprofits to talk about their goals and the outcomes they want to achieve through these programs, said Jenny Geertson, Community Outreach Director at Erie Insurance. Christian Katen, Director of Development at Erie Day School, highlighted the impact of the funding, noting that the tax credits allow the school to offer scholarships and financial aid, which is crucial for maintaining a diverse student population. The Experience Childrens Museum plans to use its grant to expand programs for upper elementary school children. Ainslie Brosig, Executive Director, emphasized the importance of engaging children aged 11 to 13 in learning activities. City council has debate before approving spending on Miller Brothers building roof Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Early Connections will utilize the grant to provide preschool scholarships for struggling families, helping to level the playing field for children who might otherwise be turned away due to financial constraints. Michelle Harkins, Executive Director, expressed the significance of this opportunity for children to prepare for future success. The grants from Erie Insurance are expected to significantly impact the educational landscape in Northeast Pennsylvania, providing crucial support to organizations that foster learning and development among diverse communities. 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. COPENHAGEN (Reuters) -Volvo Cars sold 59,822 cars in May, down 12% from a year earlier, the Sweden-based company said on Wednesday. Volvo Cars, which is majority-owned by China's Geely, said in a statement sales of fully electric cars fell 27% to account for 21% of total sales volumes. Sales of electrified cars as a whole, also including plug-in hybrids, were down 20% to account for 44% of total sales. The company did not provide detail on regional sales. Volvo Cars, under pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump's new tariffs, said last month it would cut 3,000 mostly white-collar jobs as it grapples with high costs, a slowdown in electric vehicle demand and trade uncertainty. Shares in the company, which in April withdrew its earnings forecast for the next two years in the face of tariffs, were up 0.5% at 0710 GMT. (Reporting by Louise Rasmussen, editing by Stine Jacobsen) PHOENIX. N.Y. (WSYR-TV) Erins Angels of CNY is holding its seventh annual Cruise for Food fundraising event. The event is focused on motorcycle riders and classic car enthusiasts, who come from all over the state to raise money to combat food insecurity and support individuals and resources to provide food for children in need in Central New York. The fundraiser will be held at 70 Culvert Street in Phoenix on Saturday, June 7, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Registration is at 10 a.m., and the ride will be at 11 a.m. The registration fee for the event is $20 and includes a free chicken dinner for registered participants after the event. All proceeds from the event will help provide food to families through the Phoenix School Districts weekend meal program during the 2025-2026 school year. SCAM: Fake donation requests from Syracuse Fire Department There will be activities at the event, which include: Chicken dinners Music 50/50 & Basket Raffle Free lunch for children under 18 Inflatable Obstacle Course Bounce House Vendors Merchandise Fire Trucks and Police Cars Mini Donkeys Cotton Candy, Popcorn & Pizza Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) The advocate general for the European Unions highest court on Thursday urged the court to rule that Hungary violated the blocs laws and fundamental values when it passed legislation barring the availability of LGBTQ+ content to minors under 18. The non-binding opinion from the European Court of Justices Advocate General, Tamara Capeta, states that the legislative changes adopted by Hungary's right-wing populist government violate several rights protected by the EU, namely the prohibition of discrimination on grounds of sex and sexual orientation, the respect for private and family life, the freedom of expression and information, as well as the right to human dignity. Hungary's law, adopted in 2021 by Prime Minister Viktor Orban's ruling Fidesz party, prohibited the display of content to minors that depicts homosexuality or gender change, while also providing harsher penalties for crimes of pedophilia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government has argued its policies, including a more recent law and constitutional amendment that effectively ban the popular Budapest Pride event, seek to protect children from what it calls sexual propaganda. But critics of the legislation have compared it to Russias gay propaganda law of 2013, and say it conflates homosexuality with pedophilia as part of a campaign ploy to mobilize Fidesz's conservative voter base. In her opinion, Capeta rejected Hungary's justification that the measures are aimed at protecting children, since the legislation prohibits portrayal of ordinary lives of LGBTI people, and is not limited to shielding minors from pornographic content, which was prohibited by the law in Hungary already. She also wrote that Hungary has not offered any proof that content which portrays the ordinary lives of LGBTQ+ people has a negative effect on the healthy development of minors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Consequently, those amendments are based on a value judgment that homosexual and non-cisgender life is not of equal value or status to heterosexual life, Capeta wrote. She urged the EU court to rule in favor of the bloc's executive commission which launched an infringement procedure against Hungary over the law shortly after it was passed on all counts. Opinions by advocates general are often but not always followed by the European Court of Justice, which will make a final ruling on the case at a later date. Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, has stated that recent Ukrainian drone attacks on Russias strategic military aviation are "rewriting the military history". Source: Kallas upon arriving at a meeting of the NATO defence ministers in Brussels on Thursday 5 June, as reported by European Pravda Details: Kallas said that a special operation codenamed Pavutyna (Spider's Web) shows how relatively inexpensive drones can destroy extremely costly aircraft, changing the very nature of modern warfare. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "We have seen over the last weekend these drone attacks of Ukraine that are rewriting the military history. I mean, they used drones costing thousands to take out planes costing millions. So, I think this is clearly bringing the cost up also for the Russians, again, so that Russians would also want peace." Details: Meanwhile, she stressed that Russia is not changing its tactics and continues systematic attacks on Ukraines civilian population and infrastructure. Quote: "Let me remind you that it is against the international humanitarian law to attack civilians or civilian infrastructure, and Russia is doing that all the time. Our response should not be to take a step back. Our response should be to put more pressure on Russia so that they would also want peace." Background: Axios reported that US President Donald Trump is supposedly enthusiastic about Ukraine's Operation Spider's Web, but concerned about Russia's possible response. A senior official in the North Atlantic Alliance hailed Ukraine's Operation Spider's Web targeting Russian strategic aircraft as highly successful. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! EU member states have approved a legal amendment to make it easier to cull wolves in order to protect grazing livestock. The wolf's conservation status will be downgraded from "strictly protected" to "protected." European farmers have reported a growing number of wolf attacks on livestock such as sheep and cattle. "The new status will give more flexibility to member states to manage the populations of wolves," a statement from the European Council said on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Member states must, however, continue to ensure the wolfs favourable conservation status and may continue to list the wolf as a strictly protected species in national legislation, and to have stricter measures in place for its protection." Animal welfare groups have criticized the change in the wolf's conservation status, arguing that there is no scientific basis for the move. They claim that livestock such as sheep could be better protected without increasing culling. The issue is particularly prevalent in Germany. The country's Environment Ministry said the wolf will remain a protected species and will not be subject to unrestricted culling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Problematic wolves can, however, be culled more easily," a ministry statement read. Germany's Federal Documentation and Advisory Centre on Wolves (DBBW) recorded a sharp rise in livestock killed or injured by wolves over the past decade, with 5,727 animals confirmed harmed in 2023, the majority of them sheep. In 2023-24, Germany had a total of 209 confirmed wolf packs with approximately 1,600 animals, according to the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation. European countries have blamed EU environmental regulations for hindering their preparations for defending against a possible Russian invasion. In a leaked letter obtained by The Telegraph, the nations defence ministers argued that the rules had stopped the expansion of military bases and prevented fighter jet pilots from training. In a letter to Andrius Kubilius, the defence commissioner, the ministers said it was clear that EU legislation must not prevent member states armed forces from carrying out necessary activities to become operationally ready. But right now, it does. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They said this was mainly (but not exclusively) in the areas of procurement legislation, nature conservation and environmental protection, and more generally the administrative burden on defence organisations deriving from various EU legal acts. The letter was signed by the Dutch, Swedish, German, Belgian, Czech, Latvian, Lithuanian, Romanian, Finnish, Estonian and Danish governments. In 2023, the European commission published its Greening the Armies report, highlighting ways in which militaries present a challenge to tackling climate change. It pushed for European armed forces to consider more virtual training exercises, rather than real-world sessions, in order to cut down on emissions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement EU sources said directives on habitats, the protection of wild birds and waste were also standing in the way of European preparations for combating any Russian invasion. The waste directive, for example, means militaries have to hit certain quotas for waste disposal something that could hinder their ability to exercise with live munitions. At the moment, some EU legislation forms a direct obstacle to the armed forces, the letter said, adding: Credible deterrence in practice means growing the armed forces, which requires space for training, including flying, navigating and driving and building appropriate amenities. Frances Cazaux air base is one of the military bases designated as a Natura 2000 site - Ugo Amez/SIPA/Shutterstock The ministers called for every new piece of EU legislation to be screened for its impact on the continents rearmament efforts before it is allowed to enter into force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Making the EU legal framework fit for this time, horizontally and especially in non-defence specific areas, is a crucial piece of the readiness puzzle, they concluded. The EU has set itself a target to be prepared for a potential Russian invasion in five years time. It is hoped the blocs strategy will see around 800 billion (674 billion) spent on defence in that period by relaxing debt rules and using joint debt to fund purchases. The commission had promised to ease regulations that could hinder the rearmament efforts, but has yet to do so in any significant way. Sustainable finance rules, which state that investments must be made with the environment in mind, have also been considered a hindrance. Last week, The Telegraph reported that a Swedish businessman attempting to open only the blocs second military grade TNT factory, used to produce artillery ammunition, land mines and grenades, was being held up by environmental permits. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The European Union gave Bulgaria the green light to join the euro, but political ructions in Sofia threaten to torpedo its accession. The European Commission and European Central Banks approval for Bulgaria to become the 21st country to join the common currency marks a significant step for the Balkan nation, which joined the EU in 2007 and has pegged its lev currency to the euro since 1999. Yet domestic enthusiasm for the euro has waned, with half of Bulgarians now skeptical of the currency union and far-right parties demanding a delay or dismissal of the plans. For Bulgaria, the main hurdle is not the economic criteria, but the political dynamics of whether or not to join, Eurointelligence said. EU transport ministers on Thursday voted to raise the threshold for airline compensation, meaning passengers could soon only be entitled to payouts after flight delays of four hours, instead of the current three. A majority of the ministers voted in favour of the change in Luxembourg, according to information from diplomatic circles obtained by dpa. The European Parliament can still make changes to the new rules. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The four-hour rule is set to apply to distances of up to 3,500 kilometres. For longer flights, a six-hour limit is planned. Consumer advocates have warned that the change would result in significantly fewer passengers receiving compensation. According to the European Union's current Air Passenger Rights Regulation, passengers are entitled to compensation for delays of three hours or more, provided that the airline is at fault. The amount of compensation depends on the distance: 250 ($286) for flights up to 1,500 kilometres, 400 for flights up to 3,500 kilometres and 600 for long-haul flights exceeding 3,500 kilometres. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The airlines argue that they are unable to provide a replacement aircraft and crew within three hours in many European locations, and that this can lead to additional flights being cancelled because the high compensation payments have already been incurred. Members of the European Parliament, who must still approve the new regulation, have expressed resistance to a change. Jan-Christoph Oetjen, of Germany's pro-business Free Democrats, said before the vote that he sees no reason to change the parliament's existing position. He expects it to maintain the three-hour requirement. Jens Gieseke, another German member of parliament, agreed: "As a parliament, we will not accept any deterioration of the status quo." The European Union is prepared to align with the United States to impose sanctions against Russia simultaneously, aiming to compel Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin to engage in peace talks, says Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. Source: Ursula von der Leyen in an interview with Politico, as reported by European Pravda Details: The EU is currently preparing its 18th package of sanctions against Russia. Von der Leyen noted: "We are primarily concerned with sanctioning Russian energy and drying up Russias sources of finance." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "We have discussed how we can implement European sanctions and American sanctions at the same time," the European Commission President added. Following a meeting with US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham on Monday, von der Leyen expressed support for his proposals to escalate pressure on Russia. She specifically highlighted a bipartisan bill proposing 500% tariffs on goods imported from countries that continue to purchase Russian energy and other products. When asked about expectations for future sanctions, von der Leyen said: "So if the Americans decide to impose sanctions, then the 500 percent will be included in this package." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A European Commission spokesperson later clarified that von der Leyen did not imply the inclusion of 500% tariffs in the EUs 18th sanctions package, but emphasised that the EU has alternative tools at its disposal. "The idea is to coordinate as much as possible. It cannot be identical," said Paula Pinho, von der Leyens chief spokesperson. Background: On 20 May, the EU Council approved the 17th package of sanctions against Russia for its war of aggression against Ukraine, including specific measures addressing Russias use of chemical weapons against Ukraine. The Council of the European Union disclosed the details of additional personal sanctions imposed in response to Russias hybrid destabilising activities targeting EU countries and partners. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! By Jan Strupczewski BRUSSELS (Reuters) -The main issue in relations between the European Union and the United States is the EU taking on more responsibility for its own defence, while the trade dispute is only a distraction, the chairman of EU leaders Antonio Costa said on Thursday. Speaking to reporters ahead of talks with U.S. President Donald Trump at the Group of Seven leaders meeting in Canada next week and a NATO summit in two weeks, Costa said the 27-nation European Union should focus on the main issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The main issue is the United States wanting to rebalance the burden sharing on European defence. This is the real main issue," Costa said. "The United States has legitimately decided that they have new strategic priorities and we need to agree with the United States how during the coming years we can rebalance the burden-sharing on European defence in the most fair and effective way with very important concerns: never, never, never undermine the deterrence effect of Article 5 of the NATO Treaty," Costa said. European leaders have been scrambling to boost their defences against a potential Russian attack after the Trump administration made clear since it took office that the U.S. was no longer willing to be the main guarantor of Europe's security. At the same time, the EU and the U.S. are in negotiations on rebalancing their trade relationship, with Washington pushing to reduce its trade deficit with Europe in trade in goods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Washington has already imposed 50% tariffs on EU steel and aluminium and 25% tariffs on cars and car parts, in addition to a 10% tariff on most other goods. The EU is preparing its own retaliation package. "We need to ...focus on the main issue: how to rebalance the burden sharing on European defence. If we start creating other kinds of problems between us, we are only creating irritants, losing the focus on the main issue," Costa said. NATO leaders -- which includes 23 European Union countries -- are to discuss on June 24-26 whether to boost defence spending to 5% of GDP from the current 2% following a call for such higher spending from Trump. Costa said that a few years ago boosting European defence capabilities was seen as undermining NATO, but the same action now was seen as the best way to preserve the transatlantic relationship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also said the amounts spent on defence were secondary to how they were spent and the best option was for EU countries to coordinate their efforts and spending to create a collective defence capability. "Whether we need to increase spending to 3.5%, 5%, etc is not the question, because we are not looking at a magic number. We need to define ...what are the capabilities we need to build, what are the gaps we need to fill, and how we could invest in these capabilities in the coming years," Costa said. "Nobody is talking about a European army. What we need is to have one, very robust and effective, deterrence and collective defence system. And that's why what we need to do, is invest together ... based on the plans approved by NATO," he said. (Reporting by Jan Strupczewski, Editing by William Maclean) Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (12) celebrates his solo homer against the Atlanta Braves in the eighth inning of a baseball game, Thursday, June 5, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte (4) celebrates his solo homer against the Atlanta Braves in the eighth inning of a baseball game, Thursday, June 5, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Alek Thomas (5) celebrates his two-run homer against the Atlanta Braves in the eighth inning of a baseball game, Thursday, June 5, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) Arizona Diamondbacks' Corbin Carroll (7) hits a double against the Atlanta Braves in the ninth inning of a baseball game, Thursday, June 5, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ildemaro Vargas (6) celebrates scoring in the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Thursday, June 5, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ildemaro Vargas (6) celebrates scoring in the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Thursday, June 5, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (12) celebrates his solo homer against the Atlanta Braves in the eighth inning of a baseball game, Thursday, June 5, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte (4) celebrates his solo homer against the Atlanta Braves in the eighth inning of a baseball game, Thursday, June 5, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Alek Thomas (5) celebrates his two-run homer against the Atlanta Braves in the eighth inning of a baseball game, Thursday, June 5, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) Arizona Diamondbacks' Corbin Carroll (7) hits a double against the Atlanta Braves in the ninth inning of a baseball game, Thursday, June 5, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ildemaro Vargas (6) celebrates scoring in the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Thursday, June 5, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) ATLANTA (AP) Eugenio Suarez hit a go-ahead, two-run double off Raisel Iglesias to cap a seven-run ninth inning, and the Arizona Diamondbacks stunned the Atlanta Braves 11-10 on Thursday to sweep a three-game series. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. hit a one-out homer in the ninth and Alek Thomas followed with a two-run shot, both off Scott Blewett, to get the Diamondbacks within 10-7. After Blewett walked the next batter, the Braves brought in closer Iglesias (3-5), who allowed hits to four of the next five to blow a save for the fourth time this season. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ketel Marte homered for Arizona in the eighth and had an RBI infield single in the ninth that made it 10-8. After Iglesias got a popup for the second out, Ildemaro Vargas hit an RBI single and Suarez completed the rally with his line drive to left. Shelby Miller worked the bottom half to pick up his sixth save for Arizona, which has won four straight. Kendall Graveman (1-0) pitched the eighth. Ronald Acuna Jr., Austin Riley and Drake Baldwin homered for the Braves, who have lost four straight and 11 of 14. Atlanta had scored just five runs in its previous three games but finished with 12 hits, eight for extra bases. Arizona starter Brandon Pfaadt allowed six runs (five earned) in three innings. He has an 11.09 ERA in his last five starts. Tommy Henry surrendered three homers in relief. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Key moment Marcell Ozuna hit into a game-ending double play to boos from the Truist Park crowd. Key stat Ozzie Albies extended his on-base streak to 20 games with a walk. He has hits in 17 of the 20. Up next Atlanta's Spencer Schwellenbach (4-4, 3.13 ERA) will open a three-game series at San Francisco against Hayden Birdsong (3-1, 2.37) on Friday. The Diamondbacks had not announced who will oppose the Reds' Nick Lodolo (4-4, 3.10) in the opener of a series at Cincinnati. ___ AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb (Reuters) -A majority of Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) shareholders voted against the 2024 pay packages of CEO David Zaslav and other top executives at the media conglomerate's annual stockholder meeting, a Tuesday regulatory filing showed. The board of directors had recommended shareholders to vote in favor of the 2024 executive compensation; however, more than 59% of them rejected the proposal on a non-binding basis. For 2024, Zaslav's total compensation rose 4% from the prior year to $51.9 million. Warner Bros Discovery has been struggling to stem declines in its cable TV business amid widespread cord-cutting, focusing instead on its faster-growing streaming and studios divisions. Last month, it missed first-quarter revenue estimates and posted a larger-than-expected loss. The company is also moving towards a potential breakup, CNBC reported last month. WBD had laid the groundwork for a possible sale or spinoff of its declining cable TV assets last December by announcing a separation from its streaming and studio operations. Powered by a strong content slate, including the third season of HBO's "The White Lotus" and the medical drama series "The Pitt", WBD added 5.3 million streaming subscribers in the January-March quarter, beating market expectations, but still far off from streaming industry leader Netflix. FILE PHOTO: The exterior of the Warner Bros. Discovery Atlanta campus in Atlanta The company last month also walked back on the branding of its streaming service, Max, bringing back the HBO name it dropped two years ago. (Reporting by Deborah Sophia in Bengaluru; Editing by Alan Barona) A war is brewing in Europes startup community over three numbers that would have mass implications for tech workers, and perhaps beyond: 996. Stoked by an ongoing debate about Europes competitiveness with other territories, leaders of some of the regions biggest VCs have waded into a battle startups should be working in order to compete with U.S. and Chinese tech firms. Harry Stebbings, founder of the 20VC fund, ignited the latest debate last weekend when he said Silicon Valley had turned up the intensity, and European founders needed to take notice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 7 days a week is the required velocity to win right now. There is no room for slip up, Stebbings said on LinkedIn. You arent competing against random company in Germany etc but the best in the world. His fellow venture capitalist, Index Ventures partner Martin Mignot, followed up in a lengthy post raising the idea of tech startups needing to work long, intense hours now more than ever. The fast-moving world of AI left no time for complacency, Mignot argued, in addition to the emergence of global competition and the need to maximize productivity among workers in a scarce talent pool. In his post, Mignot cited a 2018 Financial Times editorial by Michael Moritz, the Welsh billionaire chairperson of Sequoia Capital, who suggested Silicon Valley entrepreneurs adopt the then-little-known 996 model. Its where employees work from nine to nine, six days a week, adding up to a 72-hour work week, or double the average weekly working hours in the EU. Mignot credited Moritz with introducing the 996 model to a Western audience. A representative for Index Partners didnt respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stebbings and Mignots remarks caught the attention of both Amelia Miller, co-founder of Ivee, and Suranga Chandratillake, a general partner at Balderton Capital. Burnout [is] one of the top 3 reasons early-stage ventures fail. It is literally a bad reason to invest, said Ivees Miller on LinkedIn. Baldertons Chandratillake shared Millers sentiment, and leveled his criticism at the messengers calling for a 996 culture: All the versions of this post Ive read are from VCs whove never built a technology company themselves. I remember such advice well when I was a founder. If youre a CEO, dont listen to a jumped-up finance bro in a hoodie who has never done your job telling you how to do it! Theres a reason Hollywood is in LA Chandratillake tells Fortune he felt compelled to wade into a public argument on the train home from work after reading what he thought were new versions of a dangerous conversation on expected working hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The former startup founder has seen the negative effects of that always on mentality from some founders he has watched knowingly or unknowingly adopt the 996 model. Those founders tend to fail in a slightly depressing, sinking out of significance kind of way, he said. You get addicted to this thing of, Im just gonna make these incremental improvements in my company. And youre growing a little bit every day, youre building a little bit every day, but you completely miss some big strategic shift thats going on around you, and as a result, you just dont make the right pivot. The always on narrative is compelling because its an easy explanation for complex problems, Chandratillake believes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I always say Californians are great at telling stories, right? Theres a reason why Hollywood is in LA, said Chandratillake. If a thing takes 10 or 20 years to build, theres just no way you can sprint for that long without stopping. Through Balderton, Chandratillake has been an investor in cutting-edge wellness programs for the founders of its portfolio companies, using methods practised by astronauts and athletes to ensure recovery and prevent burnout. While he advocates for more awareness of physical and mental health among founders, Chandratillake doesnt go as far as to support the idea of work-life balance. He admits he would frequently pull all-nighters at critical moments, like around funding rounds and quarterly deadlines, while building the startup Blinkx, which he eventually took public. You have to be smart about having moments to balance yourself, not because youre trying to create this wonderful work-life balance existence, but because you know that in a couple of weeks time, theres going to be a crunch. Europes work culture The argument surrounding work culture in Europe isnt new, as opposing voices seek to support or dismiss the idea that a cross-Atlantic divergence in productivity growth is a result of differing work ethic. The sparse number of European tech companies populating the Fortune 500, or the list of the worlds most valuable companies, has been used as a prime example of the fallout of this perceived shortfall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, Nicolai Tangen, the CEO of Norways $1.8 trillion wealth fund, Norges Bank Investment Management, claimed Americans work harder than Europeans owing to a higher general level of ambition. Speaking on Stebbings 20VC podcast last year, Monzo co-founder and serial entrepreneur, Tom Blomfield, took a more nuanced approach, singling out the U.K., where he felt the concept of the American Dream was antithetical to British culture. Chandratillake said he doesnt subscribe to the idea that Europe is being left behind, and envisions at least three European companiesSpotify, ASML, and Armhe thinks can hit a $1 trillion+ valuation in the future. We might be behind from a timing point of view, but I dont think were behind from a sort of effort or energy point of view right now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for whether he thinks a four-day week will be the norm in the future, Chandratillake was the bearer of bad news. Humans have a way of just making themselves more work. So I think the nature of the work will shift. I think the ways in which you can do it may be more flexible. But every 100 years or so, it seems like someone suggests that were going to all work less, and unfortunately, they turn out to be wrong. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) The Vanderburgh County Sheriffs Office arrested an Evansville man on Thursday after he reportedly admitted to officers that he solicited minors for sexual acts. According to a release from the sheriffs office, local authorities began an investigation in February after detectives assigned to the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received a cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that an IP address connected to Christopher William Evans, 42, had been used to distribute suspected child sexual abuse material, including images of adults engaging in sexual acts with children. Detectives executed a search warrant at Evans home in Grandin Pointe Mobile Home Park and reportedly took him into custody without incident. Princeton man accused of possessing multiple child porn videos Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities say after Evans was detained, he confessed to downloading and distributing child pornography and admitted to using Kik Messenger to solicit sexual acts from minors, but claimed he never followed through. Multiple electronic devices were seized from his home, and will undergo forensic examination by the Vanderburgh County Sheriffs Office Digital Forensics Lab. Evans was charged with child exploitation, possession of child pornography and child solicitation. He is being held without bond. Every time someone downloads or shares child pornography, they are directly fueling the demand for the abuse and exploitation of children, explained Sheriff Noah Robinson. Arresting individuals who possess this material is critical, not just to hold offenders accountable, but to disrupt the cycle of victimization. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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). ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) Need something fun to do this weekend? Look no further! News 8 has created a list of events to check out! If you see an event happening this weekend not listed below, email us at WROCDigital@nexstar.tv. Throughout the Weekend The Art & Treasures Sale fundraiser will be held from Friday through Sunday at the Memorial Art Gallery. Friday and Saturdays events will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sale will feature antiques, fine art, china, and more. All proceeds from the sale will go towards the Memorial Art Gallery. Canal Days is back in Fairport this weekend, starting on Friday evening and extending through the weekend! The event kicks off with a chicken BBQ before the vendors open along the Erie Canal. This is the 48th year of the festival. Strawberry picking season will soon be underway as multiple farms in the Rochester area have planned June as the start for U-Pick Strawberries. No confirmed dates have been announced yet as to when strawberry picking officially begins for each farm. News 8 has a list of where you can go by clicking here. Saturday The 19th Ward is celebrating its 60th anniversary with the Square Fair starting at 8:30 a.m. at Aberdeen Park. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fair opens with a pancake breakfast. All vendors will open at 10 a.m., and the Square Fair Parade kicks off at 11 a.m. The American Heart Associations Heart Walk & Run returns to Monroe Community College! The event opens at 9 a.m. as the walk kicks off at 10 a.m. The goal of the 5k walk is to raise money for CPR training. Their goal is to reach $464,000. You can donate to support the cause by clicking here. You can register yourself or a team by clicking here. Downtown Canandaigua will kick off Canandaigua in Bloom! The event kicks off with the opening day of the Farmers Market & Central on Main Street from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Other things to look forward to include the Butterfly and Bloom Trail unveiling, the Peace Pole dedication, FAmily FUN, and the grand opening of Central on Main. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Learn more about the event by clicking here. The Brighton Rowing Club will be giving lessons from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Genesee Waterways Center. New and existing athletes will be recruited to the sport of rowing. This introduction to rowing is free for all to attend no prior experience required! The Rochester City School District and X-Cats FRC Team 191 will hold the Flower City Frenzy at East High School from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Guests will experience matches, explore the robot designs, see a press conference about LEGO and robotics opportunities, and more! The Spencerport Firemens Carnival will kick off on Wednesday and will extend into Saturday! It opens at 5 p.m. on weekdays and at noon on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of the activities include rides, parades, live music, food, drinks, and more! Recently, the carnival organizers had to update its security protocols due to an incident last year. If youre planning on heading to the festival and dont know about these changes, read them here. This years Rochester Real Beer Expo will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. at Innovative Field. The new location allows the organizers to have expanded offerings and covered areas. Over 75 producers will be at the festival this year, along with live music, ballpark concessions, and some surprise twists. A shuttle will run from Postler & Jaeckle on South Avenue to Innovative Field from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. A full list of breweries can be found here. Tickets can be bought on the Red Wings website. If you already bought tickets to Trillium Healths White Party, this is your reminder that it is held at Mercantile on Main between 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fundraiser is meant to support Trilliums mission against the End the HIV Epidemic and provide healthcare to everyone in the community. Sunday The second day of the Community Garage Sales & Super Fleas will be held at the Rochester Public Market. That will be from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Multiple vendors will be selling clothes, toys, decorations, and more. Those who want to be a vendor may fill out this application form. The next day this will be held is Sunday, June 22, and will continue until October. Everyone is welcome to attend Pittsfords Pride event, which will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. The event is organized by Pittsford CommUNITY, a non-profit organization, to bring the residents of Pittsford together. The event will kick off with a parade on Lincoln Avenue and a gazebo on North Main Street. The Wat Pa Lao Buddahdam Temple on Martin Road in Henrietta will be holding the Lao-Thai Food Festival! It will start at 3 p.m. until the food runs out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the food and live music, guests are invited to visit the Zen Garden and the Golden Shrine! Everyone, regardless of religious affiliations, is invited to attend the festival. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. The first major candidate to announce a run for the Democratic nomination for Florida governor is a former Republican member of Congress who could possibly roll through the primary without a serious challenge. David Jolly, who served three years in the House representing a Tampa Bay district and is likely best known now as an MSNBC contributor, on Thursday announced his bid to become the first Democrat in Tallahassees governors mansion since Buddy MacKay held the job for three weeks finishing out the term of Lawton Chiles, who died in late 1998. Something is happening in Florida, Jolly told HuffPost, describing the town-hall style meetings he has held around the state, including in solidly Republican areas, over the past several months. Weve got a shot in this governors race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MacKay, who had been Chiles lieutenant governor, lost to Republican Jeb Bush in November 1998, and a Republican has held Floridas governorship ever since. David Jolly speaks at The Common Good Town Hall "Bridging America's Divide" at New York Historical Society on June 4, 2024, in New York City. Sylvain Gaboury via Getty Images The closest Democrats have come to winning over that stretch was 2018, when Tallahassee mayor Andrew Gillum came within 32,000 votes of defeating then-congressman Ron DeSantis. DeSantis won reelection, however, by 19 points over Charlie Crist, another Republican-turned-Democrat. Jolly said he and Crist came to the Democratic Party quite differently. While Crist has said that the Republican Party left him by moving away from his values, Jolly said he over the years changed his views on issues ranging from gun control to abortion. He left the Republican Party in 2018, after its takeover by President Donald Trump, but was an independent for seven years before formally registering as a Democrat in late April. I test the theory in politics: Is it OK to change your mind? he said. I think I reflect where a lot of voters are. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nikki Fried, the chair of the Florida Democratic Party and the last Democrat to serve on the elected Cabinet as agriculture commissioner, said that it was conceivable that no well-known Democrat will enter the race between now and the qualifying deadline next year. Whether that happens or not, though, Jolly has his work cut out for him to persuade hardcore Democrats in Florida that he truly is one of them. He will need validators from the progressive community. There is some skepticism in the Black community, said Fried, who herself ran for governor in 2022 but lost the primary to Crist. She added, though, that Jolly has impressed her thus far with his willingness to go everywhere and to talk to everyone. He is showing up, she said. Crist held two elected statewide positions before running for governor as a Republican in 2006. He decided to run for U.S. Senate in 2010, but was on course to losing that primary to Marco Rubio, leading him to leave the GOP and run as an independent. Rubio ended up winning the Senate seat and Crist two years later became a Democrat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He ran for governor again in 2014 against then-incumbent Rick Scott and came within 1 percentage point of winning. From there, he ran for Congress against Jolly in 2016, beating him and serving three terms before leaving to run for governor again in 2022 against DeSantis, getting crushed this time. Fried said Jolly probably has a better chance at winning than Crist did, particularly if the mood of the electorate is similar to what it was in 2018, when Trump had energized Democrats everywhere including Florida. People are willing to give him a shot, she said of Jolly. Florida is a tough and expensive place to run for statewide office, with 11 different television markets across a thousand miles and two time zones. To win, Jolly or any Democrat would need tens of millions of dollars or more to compete, at a time when many donors may be skeptical of a state that DeSantis won in a landslide in 2022 and Trump won easily in 2024. Floridas term limits disallow another four years for DeSantis, although his wife, Casey, is considering a run while GOP House member and outspoken Trump ally Byron Donalds announced his candidacy in February. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jolly, though, said that Democrats nationally understand the importance of Florida in the elections to come given that the 2030 Census will likely give Florida and Texas four more House districts between them and thus a near-lock on the Electoral College unless Democrats can put at least one of them in play. If we win the governors race in 26, the road to the White House runs through Florida in 2028, he said. Republicans, even anti-Trump ones who would love to see Jolly win, say that is a sizeable if. I think his only path even to the Democratic nomination is a large and steady influx of soft money and outside support, said one Republican consultant who spoke on condition of anonymity. He will need to catch lightning in a bottle to get the small-donor national network engaged to help him, and they wont be as likely to give to a very recent Democrat. Mac Stipanovich, a decadeslong Republican who left the party after Trumps rise, agreed that Jolly faces a steep hill. The fundamentals, and, therefore, the odds, are against him. He will need to run a well-funded, nearly error-free campaign and be lucky to boot, catching some breaks beyond his control, he said. "What are criminal groups when it comes to Hamas-run Gaza?" the official said. Palestinian tribal gangs in Gaza fighting against Hamas is in Israels interest, former top Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) official Shalom Ben Hanan told The Jerusalem Post on Thursday. He was responding to the controversy about the agency providing weapons to such groups under orders from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ben Hanan retired in 2022 after 27 years in the agency at the equivalent rank of a major-general in charge of a whole division in comparison to IDF ranks, and was on Netanyahus shortlist in the running for the agencys chief this spring. According to reports, the phenomenon of arming Palestinian tribal gangs to harm Hamas is a positive development this is saving the lives of our soldiers, in various cases, he said. In other words, if Gazan Palestinians can fight Hamas and push it out of certain areas, IDF soldiers will not need to do that fighting and will be at lower risk of Hamas guerrilla ambushes in those Gazan sectors. Palestinians attend a rally calling for an end to the war, in Beit Lahia, in the northern Gaza Strip, on March 25, 2025. (photo credit: AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES) He noted that foreign reports have reflected on past potential instances where Israel might have assisted tribal gangs in the Sinai to fight off ISIS terrorists as a potential model for what might be going on now in Gaza. Tribal gangs versus Hamas Moreover, he stated that the idea of tribal gangs rising up against Hamas should be of positive interest to Israel, in its goals and future plans for Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Responding to Yisrael Beytenu head Avigdor Libermans framing of Netanyahu as having sidestepped the cabinet to provide weapons to Gaza criminals, Ben Hanan responded, asking rhetorically, What are criminal groups in the context of Gaza? Essentially, Ben Hanan was arguing that many people who might be considered criminal by Hamas might not be criminal at all. Alternatively, even if some of the Gazan groups receiving weapons from Israel are, in fact, criminals, they still might be preferable as interlocutors in Gaza if they conclude that their local non-ideological and calculated interests are to forge a stable relationship with Israel as opposed to Hamas, which is religiously and ideologically committed to Israels destruction. The Shin Bet and IDF intelligence did not deny their involvement in providing weapons to the Gaza tribal gangs, but the Shin Bet did not provide a detailed response, and IDF intelligence did not respond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the Post was told by top defense sources, even in early 2024, that there were certain efforts to recruit Gaza tribal gangs to fight against or counter Hamas on both the military and political fronts. It is likely that the Shin Bet originated the idea based on requests from Netanyahu and then-defense minister Yoav Gallant to try to find a way to circumvent Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, and given that the agency has the most long-term experts on Gazan groups. For a period of weeks, there were hopes in early 2024 that such tribal gangs, unaffiliated with Hamas or the PA, could be alternative rulers of Gaza to both of those groups the day after the war would end. Meanwhile, although there is a history for external spy services like the Mossad and CIA arming foreign groups, the Mossad does not and did not have any security responsibility for Gaza, so it would not be involved in this arming tribal Gaza gangs issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also, late Thursday, sources close to Netanyahu himself proudly admitted his involvement in the issue, signaling they thought Libermans attack was off-base. Further, some leaks suggested that the weapons given by Israel to these gangs were not Israeli weapons, but Hamas weapons that Israel had confiscated. These leaks would try to defend against accusations of Israel funding these Gazan tribal gangs, since, if true, giving them only Hamas weapons that were confiscated does not implicate Israeli funds. In the broader narrative, Liberman is likely laying the ground for his biggest attacks on Netanyahu whenever the next election comes out: Netanyahu paid Qatar to pay Hamas to keep them deterred, is now paying directly or indirectly for the Palestinians food aid, and provided weapons to dangerous Palestinian gangs in Gaza who will likely at some later point turn their weapons on Israel. Former Republican U.S. Rep. David Jolly is running for Florida governor as a Democrat. Jolly, 52, represented most of Pinellas County from 2014 to 2017 in the House of Representatives. At the time, he was a Republican who had won a mostly Democratic region. But after Republicans embrace of President Donald Trump during his first presidency, Jolly left the party and became an independent and outspoken Trump critic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He joined MSNBC, where he was a political commentator for the past eight years. He teamed up with former presidential candidate Andrew Yang to build a third political party, called Forward. But Jolly told the Tampa Bay Times hes considered himself part of the Democratic coalition for a while, and his registration change in April just made it official. I waited a little too long, I suppose, said Jolly, who lives in northwest Pinellas County with his wife and two children. But certainly to run for governor of the state of Florida, I think its important that voters clearly understand my alignment with the Democratic Party. Jolly is running as a Democrat in a state that has moved away from its swing-state reputation and established itself as a conservative stronghold. He knows its not going to be easy to succeed Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is term-limited. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the home of MAGA, he said. They are going to fire everything theyve got at us. Trump has already endorsed Republican U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds for governor. And despite the controversy surrounding Hope Florida, first lady Casey DeSantis may also make a bid for the seat. Hes going to face a similar, if not harder, battle than former Gov. and U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist, a Republican-turned-independent-turned-Democrat who in 2022 lost to DeSantis by more than 1 million votes and 19 points. Jolly, who lost his St. Petersburg House seat to Crist in 2016, is garnering some comparisons to his previous opponent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Jolly is trying to delineate himself from Crists gubernatorial campaign. I think what we resent is politicians who refuse to change, who, when presented with new information or new realities of peoples lives, refuse to change, Jolly said. Change is a part of our campaign. Jolly is embracing his political evolution because, he said, his policies may have changed, but not his values. The party I belonged to used to be about fiscal discipline, less government, he said. Whats todays Republican Party in Tallahassee and in Washington doing? More debt, more spending, more deficits, and we want government in your classrooms and in your doctors offices and in your bedrooms. Boy, have they changed. But they wont admit it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jolly has tapped Eric Hyers, who has expertise in helping Democrats in red states, as his campaign general consultant. Hyers is currently advising Scott Stringer on his campaign for New York City mayor, and he worked with both former President Joe Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris on their statewide presidential campaigns. He also led successful gubernatorial wins in Rhode Island, Montana and Kentucky where he helped Andy Beshear defeat a Republican incumbent and get reelected. I know from firsthand (experience) that Democrats can win in tough states, in red states, Hyers said, when they nominate candidates who really care about people and have the ideas and solutions in proposals that voters understand will make their lives better. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jolly launched Florida 2026, a political committee focused on research and voter outreach in the Sunshine State. He said his platform will focus on the affordability crisis, with the cost of housing a primary concern. He wants a state catastrophe fund to remove hurricane coverage from the private market, and he wants to enact property tax reform. Some of his outreach priorities are immigrant communities in South Florida, residents in rural, agricultural industries and faith communities. Lonna Atkeson, a political science professor at Florida State University, said although the state has gotten redder because of increasing polarization and redistricting in 2020, a Democratic governor is still a possibility in 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I do think that there are reasons that the Democrats could do better, but they have to get their act together as a party, which has been complicated for them, Atkeson said. The Democratic Party is having a nationwide identity crisis. And the Florida Democratic Party has been critical of Jolly in the past for switching up his political ideology. The organization declined to comment for this article, saying it does not get involved with primary elections when there may be more than one Democrat running. Once the primary process is complete, we will be proud to throw our full support behind the eventual Democratic nominee for Governor of Florida, the party said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In April, the Florida Democratic Party was dealt a blow when Sen. Jason Pizzo abruptly announced he was changing his party affiliation to no-party. The Florida Phoenix reported in January that Pizzo said he would not run for governor as an independent. But soon after leaving the Democratic Party, Pizzo said he was going to run for the governors seat. Jolly said he considered running for governor as an independent but didnt think a third-party candidate could win but a Democrat could. A Democrat winning governor in Florida could show the national party that the state is still a pathway to the White House, although hes not going to pursue that down the line, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have to be in communities convincing people that Democratic values actually solve their problems, he said. If we do that, we will have changed the country, we will have changed the state, but we will have changed the Democratic Party as well." Correction: Due to a reporting error, a previous version of this article misstated Eric Hyers role in David Jollys campaign. The article has been updated. By Julia Payne and Jan Strupczewski BRUSSELS (Reuters) -The European Union has changed its team locked in trade talks with the Trump administration, bringing in a close aide to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to deal more swiftly with political questions arising from the technical negotiations, three sources familiar with the talks said. The move follows frequent outbursts of frustration by U.S. President Donald Trump at what the White House perceives as slow progress in talks with the EU. Late in May he recommended a 50% tariff on most European goods from June, before backtracking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move to bring more political decision-making to the EU team reflects challenges confronting the bloc as it negotiates a trading relationship with a U.S. president who has said repeatedly the EU was established to screw the United States. It also reflects the difficulties negotiating trade terms in isolation when Trump has sought to fold non-tariff barriers such as digital services taxes and food standards into the talks. "If you are a trade negotiator you need to be sure you have full political backing, so if the top level is there you feel stronger," one of the sources said. The expanded team, which apart from the von der Leyen aide now also includes a cabinet member of Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic, was dispatched to Washington this week after a call between Trump and von der Leyen in which they agreed to fast-track negotiations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following that call Trump agreed to allow more time for talks between Washington and the 27-nation bloc to produce a deal by July 9. "It was a merger of Commission layers to reinforce and act fast," a second of the sources said of the team's expansion, adding the team's shape could change again as talks continue. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said a meeting with Sefcovic in Paris on Wednesday had been constructive and that he was pleased negotiations were advancing quickly. He noted "a willingness by the EU to work with us to find a concrete way forward to achieve reciprocal trade". Sefcovic told reporters that both sides had concluded talks were "advancing in the right direction, at pace," and that high-level contacts would follow shortly. He and Greer had agreed how to "restructure" the focus of negotiations with the United States, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Washington was focused on four areas in its negotiations with other countries: tariffs, non-tariff barriers, purchases and economic security, one of the sources said. Trump has already hit Europe with a 50% tariff on steel and aluminium as well as a heightened levy on car imports. The EU is racing to secure a deal before July 9 when "reciprocal" tariffs on most other goods could surge from 10% to as high as 50%. Unlike Britain, the first major economy to reach a narrow trade agreement with the Trump administration, the EU is pushing for a comprehensive deal, with a baseline tariff rate below the 10% now in force. Two of the three sources said additional technical expertise had also been added to the negotiating team, but there had been no changes to the team's leadership. "I think it suits everyone to have the political cover," the first source said. (Reporting by Julia Payne and Jan Strupczewski; editing by Richard Lough, William Maclean) By Tom Balmforth and John O'Donnell KYIV/BRUSSELS (Reuters) -Ukraine's government has criticised a decision to take billions of euros of Russian wealth frozen in Europe and hand it to Western investors, warning that it weakened Europe's stand against Moscow. The criticism follows a move last month by Belgium's Euroclear to take 3 billion euros ($3.4 billion) of Russian investor cash held at the clearing firm to pay Westerners who lost out when Moscow seized their money held in Russia. Now Ukraine has warned that it sends a wrong signal and threatens to weaken Europe's hand when dealing with Russia, while it debates using the entire $300 billion of Russian wealth stranded in Europe to rebuild and defend the battered country. "If private investors are compensated before the victims of war, it won't be justice," said Iryna Mudra, a senior official in Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's office, in Kyiv's first public comments on the move. "It creates a perception of inconsistency, of Europe wavering in its resolve," Mudra, a deputy head of Ukraine's presidential administration, told Reuters. "International law requires that the aggressor is to make full reparation to the victim and not to investors who ... entered a high-risk jurisdiction," said Mudra, who is in charge of legal affairs in Zelenskiy's administration. The criticism comes at a critical time for the Western alliance backing Kyiv, with U.S. President Donald Trump's administration distancing itself from Europe and casting doubt over its commitment to Ukraine's defence and Russian sanctions. Mudra, one of a small circle of officials that set policy, also stressed the importance of maintaining control of the frozen Russian assets, which chiefly belong to its central bank with the majority held at Euroclear. The central bank assets were frozen at the outset of war in the single most powerful sanction directed at Russia over its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a penalty that is deeply resented in Moscow. Euroclear in March gained clearance from Belgium, its principal legal authority, to make the payout, people familiar with the matter have told Reuters, after the European Union changed its sanctions regime last year to make this possible. A spokesperson for the Belgian government said: "This is not a Belgian decision but the application of a European regulation decided unanimously by the member states." Euroclear has emphasised that it only implements sanctions and does not take decisions about lifting them. On Wednesday, the Senate Judiciary Committee held its first judicial nominations hearing of President Donald Trumps second term. They heard from Trumps first batch of potential federal judges since he returned to the White House: four nominees to Missouri federal district courts and a nominee to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit, the federal appeals court for Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Tennessee. The 6th Circuit nominee, Whitney Hermandorfer, is impressively credentialed. Both the valedictorian of her law school class at George Washington University and the editor-in-chief of the law review, she worked at litigation powerhouse Williams & Connolly in Washington, D.C., where current partners sing her praises. Hermandorfer clerked for four federal judges, including three sitting Supreme Court justices. And after returning to her home state of Tennessee, she has served as the director of strategic litigation at the state attorney generals office. If I were invited to lunch with Hermandorfer, I expect she would be as she was during Wednesdays hearing modest, poised, interesting and likable. But her paper trail and some of her exchanges with senators could be ominous signs of the Trump judicial nominees to come. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Put aside that Hermandorfer graduated from law school just 10 years ago and served as a law clerk for four of them. Her six years of actual legal practice is roughly half of what the American Bar Association considers necessary to be qualified for a federal judgeship. Whats far more troubling is how she has spent that time and what she wont discuss. For example, Hermandorfer signed Tennessees amicus brief in one of the birthright citizenship cases now before the Supreme Court. Tennessees brief echoes the Trump administrations primary arguments: First, the citizenship clause does not confer citizenship simply because of a childs presence in the U.S. And second, in any event, an injunction that extends beyond the plaintiffs in a given case and applies nationally is an unlawful exercise of judicial power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., asked Hermandorfer why Tennessee submitted that brief, she said: We were not satisfied that all of the information regarding the contemporaneous meaning of the Fourteenth Amendment was being presented to the various courts, given that the litigation was proceeding so quickly. She elaborated that Tennessees brief highlighted 1800s-era sources regarding the meaning of the Fourteenth Amendment and maintained that the state did not take an ultimate position with regard to the merits of the executive order, but instead intended to underscore that it isnt an open-and-shut case. That all sounds fair, right? Yet the briefs first page argues plainly that if the Constitutions citizenship clause is interpreted to focus on parental domicile, or where someones parents reside, rather than mere presence, Trumps executive order banning birthright citizenship is constitutional. That position is not only antithetical to more than 125 years of American jurisprudence and lived experience, but her response to Durbin also raises questions about her veracity. Hermandorfers exchange with Sen. Amy Klobuchar about habeas corpus, the legal means by which a prisoner or detainee can seek release, was similarly revealing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Minnesota Democrat noted White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Millers recent statement that the Trump administration was actively looking at suspending the writ of habeas corpus, which, according to the Constitution, can be suspended only when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it. Such suspensions are widely understood to require congressional action. As Hermandorfers ex-boss Justice Barrett and appellate superstar Neal Katyal have jointly written, the relevant constitutional text does not specify which branch of government has the authority to suspend the privilege of the writ, but most agree that only Congress can do it. Klobuchar therefore asked: Do you agree that only Congress can suspend the right to habeas corpus? Hermandorfer wouldnt engage, however, much less acknowledge, that every time the writ has been suspended even when the suspension ultimately was ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court Congress was either involved in the decision or ratified it thereafter, as as in Abraham Lincolns case. Instead, she replied: That is a issue that is under active consideration by the political branches, and could very well come before me if I were confirmed as a judge. So I think, in prudence, as a judicial nominee, it would not be appropriate for me to pass on the validity of any such arguments. Hermandorfer isnt the first judicial nominee to somewhat mischaracterize her prior legal advocacy. Nor is she the first to avoid inconvenient questions. But until this administration, both birthright citizenship and the need for Congress to approve any suspension of habeas were taken as givens across the ideological spectrum. That Whitney Hermandorfer, like Trump himself, considers them viable legal disputes should concern us all. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com JACKSONVILLE, Ark. Authorities in Jacksonville are investigating after an explosion at a Sig Sauer ammunition manufacturing facility Thursday morning. Phil Strader, Sig Sauers vice president of consumer affairs, released a statement on Thursday afternoon, saying that an isolated fire broke out at the facility and noting that it was quickly contained. The cause of the fire was not stated. There are inherent safety risks associated with ammunition manufacturing, Strader said. Although this incident is unfortunate, SIG SAUER is pleased to report our safety protocols effectively ensured employees were out of danger and manufacturing capabilities were not affected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sig Sauer expanding ammunition manufacturing facility in Jacksonville, creating 625 new jobs Officials with the Jacksonville Police Department said there were no injuries or deaths at the facility. Strader confirmed in the statement that there were no injuries. In 2023, company officials announced an expansion to the Jacksonville facility, creating more than 600 jobs over the next five years. The investigation into the explosion has been turned over to the Jacksonville Fire Department. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. The Newburyport Police Department is investigating an accident involving one of their cruisers and a 13-year-old pedestrian, Newburyport Police City Marshall Matthew Simons announced. Newburyport Police and Fire were dispatched to Rupert A. Nock Middle School around 2:30 PM on Thursday to reports of an accident involving a police cruiser and a teenager from the school. Once on the scene, an initial investigation was launched that determined the cruiser, which wasnt responding to an emergency, had collided with the 13-year-old, who was crossing the street in front of the school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was later revealed that the accident occurred during school dismissal. According to numerous eyewitnesses who saw the incident, they say that the boy dashed from between two parked cars. After eyewitness statements and an investigation, it was determined that the cruiser had no warning, and there was nothing that the driving officer could have done to avoid the collision. The officer in the cruiser immediately exited the vehicle and rendered aid to the teen and waited for the arriving first responders. The boy was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while the officer was evaluated on scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is an extremely traumatic event for everyone involved, said Marshal Simons. Im relieved that the student was not injured seriously, and grateful to the officer involved for acting calmly while being involved in a very stressful event. The officers attentiveness and quick reaction undoubtedly prevented what could have been more serious injuries. 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 U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) delivers election night remarks to supporters and staff on Nov. 3, 2020 in Bangor, Maine. (Scott Eisen/Getty Images) Editors Note: This story is part of a series about U.S. Sen. Susan Collins role during the second Trump presidency. The first time Biddeford resident Anthony Burgess could vote in 2014, he cast his ballot for Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins. A registered Democrat, he wanted to contribute to the Pine Tree States reputation as independent, he said, and he thought Collins embodied that. But he never voted for her again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several Mainers who regularly gather to protest the senior senator in the York County town similarly said that at some point during Collins decades-long career, they too voted for her. For most, their view of her shifted during Donald Trumps first presidency and has solidified during his second. But Collins won in 2020 without the support of people like Burgess. Last time Collins was up for reelection, her Democratic opponent Sara Gideon, then the Speaker of the Maine House, focused her campaign on whether Collins had changed since she was first elected to the Senate in 1996. She tried to make the election about Sen. Collins, said state Sen. Rick Bennett, a moderate Republican representing Oxford, and it didnt work. The November 2026 midterm election, when Collins will be up for re-election, will be something of a referendum on Trump, Bennett said. However, he added that it also matters who Collins opponent is. A year and a half out from Election Day, some have already started to make themselves known. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Collins told Maine Morning Star she intends to run for reelection in 2026 and highlighted her record of delivering for Maine, primarily financially, as why she feels she remains the best person to represent the state. That focus of hers has previously helped unify a winning coalition of supporters. However, with the increasing demands for loyalty to Trump, slim Republican majorities in Congress and Collins race seen as an opportunity for Democrats to gain seats in the Senate, legal scholars, her critics on both sides of the aisle and polling signal the tightrope she has been walking is thinning. Known opponents Collins will face at least two primary challengers: Carmen Calabrese of Kennebunkport and Daniel Smeriglio of Frenchville have filed to run as Republicans. Calabrese, who moved to Maine five years ago from Florida, is a driver for Walmart and former small business owner. Smeriglio runs the rightwing Voice of the People USA radio and activist group. An independent has also entered the race: Phillip Rench of Waterboro, who sits on the board for the Maine Space Corporation and owns Ossipee Hill Farm and Observatory. He was a former senior engineer at Elon Musks SpaceX, though he said he has no association with Musk or the company now aside from stocks he was awarded as an employee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two Democrats are also vying for Maines U.S. Senate seat so far. Jordan Wood of Bristol, originally from Lewiston, spent about a decade working in politics in Washington, D.C., including as chief of staff to former Democratic U.S. Rep. Katie Porter of California. Natasha Alcala of Madawaska is currently a fashion designer who moved to Maine from California a little over four years ago. She has degrees in international relations and criminal justice and is a U.S. Navy veteran. Alcala previously filed to run against U.S. Sen. Angus King in 2024 but withdrew before the primary. A focus on money, in many respects Last election cycle, Collins pitch to Mainers focused on her ability to secure federal funding for the state through her then-expected ascent to chair one of the chambers most powerful committees, a position she now holds and emphasized when asked why she believes shes still best poised to represent Maine. By climbing that ladder in the last three years I have been able to secure more than a billion dollars for hundreds of projects in communities across our state, Collins said, That would not have happened without the seniority that I have. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Collins highlighted earmarks shes secured for investments throughout each of Maines 16 counties as well as legislation that will impact Mainers more broadly, specifically co-authoring the Social Security Fairness Act, which was signed into law under former President Joe Biden earlier this year and restored full benefits for millions of public sector workers. Calabrese acknowledged that Collins role as top appropriator is a strength. You cant argue with that, he said, but I look at it as well, I thank you for bringing it, but youre also spending my money. Its my tax dollars. And Calabrese thinks those tax dollars would go farther if Collins sided with Trump more often. If you agree more with some of the stances that he has, maybe youll do better, Calabrese said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rench said he doesnt think Collins continued pitch that she is best equipped to deliver financially for the state is a valid point. What we need to do as a state is become less dependent on federal dollars, he said. Rench said he would do this by building a stronger economic foundation for Maine families, including by addressing what he sees as brain drain in the state by overhauling the school system to have both college and trade school tracks. As someone who left the state after college to pursue opportunities in the space industry and then returned, he said he understands why young people leave and wants to change it. He is also proposing reinventing industries, such as creating a federal reserve of dimensional lumber, growing Maines food production and processing capabilities to serve the country and positioning Maine as a leader in the space industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wood previously helped lead End Citizens United, a political action committee working to reverse the 2010 Supreme Court decision Citizens United v. Federal Election Campaign Act, which deregulated restrictions on independent political spending by corporations and unions. Some of his top priorities will be anti-corruption reform and getting big money out of politics. He said he plans to lead by example with his own campaign by not taking any money from corporate PACs or lobbyists. He is also committed to not becoming a lobbyist after serving in office, refuses to engage in selling individual stocks and will prohibit his family members and those of his staff from lobbying his office for issues. In light of Trump slashing federal funding, Alcala said she would propose Maine partner with other states that have large gross domestic products, such as California, to ensure federal funding inconsistency doesnt prevent people from having their basic needs met, such as by accessing low-income food assistance or making higher education free. With our combined GDP, we can definitely make it so that we can help those that need the extra funding, Alcala said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smeriglio did not respond to interview requests. Accessibility Constituents who have reached out to Collins including Cape Elizabeth resident Jerry Kaufman, an independent who said he emails Collins nearly every day, and Cokie Giles, a registered nurse at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor who regularly attends federal lobby days argue they dont feel heard. A common critique these two Mainers and others have is that Collins hasnt hosted a town hall in at least 25 years. Collins deferred to her press secretary Blake Kernen when asked about constituent requests for town halls. She prefers smaller group meetings or Zooms, rather than holding town halls where very few people get to speak, and the level of civility is often not that high, the spokesperson said. These forums were also difficult for people who were more reserved or less comfortable speaking in public. Jordan Wood of Bristol, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, speaks to attendees at a town hall in Bath on May 28. (Courtesy of Jordan Wood) Kernan also said Collins individually meets with thousands of Mainers every year in her office and during events across the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These frustrations about accessibility are not unique to the Republican senator. Mainers have started to hold town halls to air their concerns, whether their current members of Congress agree to attend or not. In Maine, Democratic U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree is an outlier, as she held in-person town halls in early April, her first since 2017. In public events so far, some of Collins opponents have deliberately focused on personal appeals to voters to set themselves apart. Wood has held two town halls since he launched his campaign over a month ago. He said he will hold a town hall in each of Maines 16 counties during the race and, if elected, once a quarter. Wood also plans, if elected, to make his calendar public every month so his constituents can see who he is spending time with, he said. Rench opened up his observatory this spring to meet constituents and intends to travel around the state with his mobile telescope to continue one-on-one discussions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alcala said she plans to start a YouTube channel to offer a more candid perspective into herself and her views for voters. Calabrese is starting with speaking at county Republican meetings and trying to engage with people at events such as upcoming county fairs. Lessons learned from elections past Some of those challenging Collins are actively trying not to make the mistakes they think Gideon made last election cycle. Rench made a list of criticisms he heard about Gideon, down to her wearing clothing from Patagonia, an L.L. Bean rival. But the one that is guiding him most is focusing on what he could bring to the Senate, not what he thinks Collins lacks. I dont think people want to hear critiques of Collins, Rench said. They know who she is. In Renchs view, neither of the major parties adequately represent the working class, which is why he chose to run as an independent. In particular, he said, I still think the Democratic Party is stuck in grief. Nationally, Senate Democrats have previewed their campaign messaging, already targeting Collins in particular. The campaign arm of Senate Democrats began running digital ads in April against Collins and Republican U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina that highlight the Trump administrations plans to cut phone services for Social Security, though the agency has not followed through on that plan. In response to this, Collins highlighted her work passing the Social Security Fairness Act. Wood, who is running as a Democrat, is bringing lessons learned from the presidential election, particularly his partys estrangement with working-class and young voters, into how hes shaping his campaign. Its our responsibility as candidates and as a political party to prove to that voter that we are the party that they should see as the side fighting for them, Wood said. I will spend as much time as I can in these communities, telling them about my vision for the future and the policies that Ill champion to make their lives better. The average age of Congress has been a concern raised in elections past. Collins is 72 years old and will be running for her sixth term as senator. Wood, Wrench and Alcala emphasized that they want to offer a younger perspective to Congress than Collins. Calabrese is more so focused on the length of time Collins has held office. He said hed only serve up to two terms if elected. I think its time for some people I mean were not Middle America but Middle America-thinking people who understand whats going on boots on the ground to get involved, he said. Mainers call on U.S. Sen. Susan Collins to stand up to President Donald Trump as they protest his administrations actions on April 11, 2025 in Biddeford. (By Emma Davis/ Maine Morning Star) Can Collins continue to toe the line? Both parties have grown more ideologically cohesive creating a political environment thats less hospitable for lawmakers who straddle the center now a rarity in Congress. Collins became a more reliable vote for her party during Trumps last presidency compared to her track record before. In 2017, 87% of her votes were party-line. This was a shift, as Congressional Quarterly found between 1997 and 2016 that she voted with her party on party-line votes only 59% of the time. But last year, she bucked her party the most out of all senators. An analysis from Roll Call found Collins sided with Republicans 47.8% of the time in 2024, although largely because of her votes in favor of President Joe Bidens nominees. Her level of bipartisanship fluctuates depending on the measure, but she remains a rarity in the Trump era, neither endorsing the president nor fully turning her back on him. I dont want to say shes on the outside of her own party, but to a certain extent she is, said Mark Brewer, chair of the political science department at the University of Maine. Fewer people are running, and succeeding, with bipartisan campaigns. However, the success of Collins, the only senator from her party representing a state Trump lost in 2024, and Democratic U.S. Rep. Jared Golden in the second district which also went for Trump exemplifies that Maine is still holding onto that tradition, Brewer said. Bennetts career as a prominent bipartisan voice is another example, Brewer added. Those running against Collins have taken more pointed stances, both for and against Trump. Wood said he spent the January 6 attack barricaded in Porters office, after which he co-founded democracyFIRST, a pro-democracy organization dedicated to combating growing threats to the free and fair elections. I think [Collins] had ample opportunity to be courageous to stand up to Donald Trump and her own party and she has failed to do so, Wood said. Calling Trump a wanna-be dictator, authoritarian that is trying to centralize all power and authority in himself, he said if Democrats are able to secure a Senate majority in the 2026 election that will provide a better opportunity to oppose the president during the remaining two years of his term. Alcala is also pitching herself as a candidate who will stand up to Trump. Were in a coup detat by Trump and Elon Musk, she said. The fact that Trump is taking money away from Mainers, whether theyre Republican, liberal, what have you, the fact that hes doing that means that we cant rely on the current government that we have. On the other hand, Calabrese said if elected he would help codify many of Trumps executive orders into law. He commended Trumps approach to immigration policy. All this illegal immigration thats one thing that I totally agree with him on, he said. He also supports Trumps push to make the U.S. a global leader in Artificial Intelligence and the cuts made by his Department of Government Efficacy. Calabrese said, the President is not a king, noting that hed try to toe the line between helping the president follow through with his plans while still respecting the balance of power. However, Calabrese said, If he needs to take his executive orders to the Supreme Court, well thats the checks and balances. When it comes to the Supreme Court, Rench was also motivated to run because of Collins pivotal vote that helped seat Justice Brett Kavanaugh. I have a nine year old daughter and after Sen. Collins, in my opinion, enabled the reversal of Roe vs. Wade, Rench said, I no longer trust her with my daughters future. Collins voted for Kavanaugh after she said he gave her private assurances he wasnt a threat to the landmark abortion ruling that he later voted to overturn. Early surveys show the senator with much lower favorability than ever before. A poll from Morning Consult found that since last quarter, Collins net approval declined by 12 percentage points more than that of any other senator. According to the poll, 51% of Maine voters disapprove of Collins, down from 47% at the end of last year. A big part of Collins problem is that when it comes to Trump her approach is just antagonizing everyone. Public Policy Polling Another poll commissioned by a top Democratic super PAC shows Collins is being pinched on both sides. A big part of Collins problem is that when it comes to Trump her approach is just antagonizing everyone, the pollster wrote in a memo. The survey of 569 registered Maine voters showed 81% of voters who supported Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris think the senator votes with Trump too often and 73% of Trump voters think she doesnt vote with Trump often enough. Only 10% think shes striking the right balance. But on Monday, Pan Atlantic Research released its latest independent Omnibus Poll capturing the opinions of 840 likely voters and put Collins net favorability at +4%. A year and a half out from Election Day, its far too early to poll right now, Kernan, Collins spokesperson, said. Pollsters have gotten Collins wrong before. The day before the election in 2020, Maine Senate polls showed Collins Democratic opponent Gideon ahead by six points. Collins went on to win by almost 9%. Some speculate she appealed to undecided voters in the end and that pollsters underestimated that Mainers would split tickets. Wood noted that Collins voted against Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett right before the 2020 election. It was a reminder that she has a tendency to be independent sometimes and there was a hope that she could be a catalyst in some way for a post-Trump Republican Party, that was the Republican Party they grew up with, Wood said of voters. That did not come to fruition. I think that voters now have a much clearer understanding of the threat in front of us. But beyond this race, pollsters across the country failed in 2020, as well as in 2016, to accurately capture the zeitgeist, particularly for working class voters in rural areas. When it comes to Collins continued independent, deliver-for-Maine pitch, Brewer said, I think its going to be harder for her to do that, to run that kind of campaign. It doesnt mean that she cant pull it off. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday in his first visit to the US capital since becoming chancellor a month ago - in what is likely to be the toughest test of his young tenure yet. Trump is scheduled to receive the German leader at 11:30 am (1530 GMT), followed by a bilateral meeting in the Oval Office and a working lunch. Previous visits to the Oval Office by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa were marked by controversies, and the way Merz handles the situation is likely to set the tone for future German-US relations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The meeting is expected to focus on efforts to end the war in Ukraine, NATO's response to growing external threats, and the trade dispute between the United States and the European Union. Merz has already made it clear that he is not travelling to the US capital begging for support but as a confident representative of European positions. The chancellor has only briefly met Trump once before, many years ago in New York. However, since taking office four weeks ago, he has spoken with Trump several times about Russia's war against Ukraine - both individually and in larger groups with other European leaders. The two now address each other by first names and are in regular contact via text messages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Merz spent the night at Blair House - the president's guest house - after arriving in Washington. He is due to spend only about 17 hours in the US capital and also plans to visit the Capitol, the seat of the two chambers of Congress. In keeping with tradition, Merz left a book at Blair House - a collection of letters from German immigrants published by Walter Kamphoefner in 1988 titled "News from the Land of Freedom. German Immigrants write home." At the encounter in the Oval Office, which is open to the press, Trump's closest advisors are likely to be present as well. However, Vice President JD Vance is expected to be absent after playing a leading role in the dressing-down of Zelensky in front of rolling cameras in February Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vance, as well as US Foreign Secretary Marco Rubio - whose participation has been confirmed - have attacked Germany and other European allies over what they say are restrictions on free speech and the marginalization of far-right parties including the Alternative for Germany (AfD). Merz, whose conservatives came out first in February's elections ahead of the AfD, has repeatedly made it clear that he rejects the US meddling in Germany's domestic politics. In June, Merz and Trump are scheduled to meet twice more: at the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Canada in mid-June and at the NATO summit later that month in The Hague. The head of the Federal Aviation Administration said Wednesday hes confident the technology issues at troubled Newark Liberty International Airport will be resolved by October. The (transportation) secretary has been very clear with me that we need to fix this, and were fixing this now, Chris Rocheleau, the acting head of the FAA, told a House budget hearing Wednesday. The second piece to that is the staffing. I think by October, we will be very healthy in there at staffing levels that we need. The FAA transferred air traffic control over Newark to a Philadelphia facility last July from New York, where it was previously located, a move seen as controversial by many controllers and the union that represents them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rocheleaus remarks, before the House Appropriations subcommittee on transportation, come after the New Jersey airport experienced four air traffic control system outages in recent weeks, leaving pilots and controllers without communication at times. Those outages came amid ongoing staffing shortages for controllers and the construction of a runway, which was completed this week, earlier than anticipated. With the runway completed, well continue our work to harden the telecoms infrastructure and improving the staffing pipeline for the airspace, said Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy in a statement. The aging infrastructure and technology are some of the problems that could plague summer travel as Newarks airport tries to get back to flying at full capacity. Experts warn to typically expect disruptions during summer travel due to the volume of travelers at US airports, but the added pressure on the system could cause delays or cancelations. Last month, the Department of Transportation announced plans to build out a new air traffic control system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Part of that includes strengthening the existing infrastructure at Newark for a seamless summer of travel. A new fiber optic cable is now in place between Philadelphia and New York to improve air traffic control telecommunications. The FAA is seeking a company to build out the new system, the Department of Transportation said Wednesday. The agency issued a Request for Information for a company to implement a brand new air traffic control system over the next three years. It identified five areas of interest for a new system: telecommunications, radio communications, surveillance, automation and facilities. Duffy has not disclosed how much the project would cost but has said hes counting on Congress to deliver funding. Its also unclear how this will impact Verizons contract with the FAA to modernize the system. Verizon has a $2.4 billion contract to provide a long-sought upgrade to the FAAs communications system, known as the FAA Enterprise Network Services, or FENS, program. CNN reached out to the Department of Transportation for comment. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Claim: U.S. Sens. Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal spent more than $800,000 of taxpayer money on hotel accommodations during a trip to Kyiv, Ukraine, in May 2025. Rating: Rating: False On June 1, 2025, X user @Alladdin1983 claimed that U.S. Sens. Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal had racked up more than $800,000 in taxpayer-funded hotel expenses during their visit to Kyiv, Ukraine, on May 30. The post read: SHOCKING EXCLUSIVE: Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal's Lavish Kyiv Hotel Bills EXPOSED! While Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal strut through Kyiv, Ukraine, jaw-dropping State Department records have just dropped on USA Spending, revealing their extravagant hotel expenses. On June 1, 2025, two staggering transactions surfaced: one for a mind-blowing $403,172 and another for an eye-popping $411,634. The question on everyone's mindwhat justifies this astronomical spending any why this much? (X user @Alladdin1983) The post quickly gained popularity, gaining over 3.9 million views, 16,000 reposts and 3,000 comments. It was widely interpreted as evidence that the senators had spent $814,806, a total that combined one contract worth $403,172 and another worth $411,634. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, that interpretation was incorrect. The claim is false. The claim conflated real government contracts with unrelated diplomatic expenses, and available records show no connection between the senators' trip and the cited spending. The $814,806 total came from two contracts issued by the State Department to International-Business Center TOV, a foreign-owned business located at the address of the Hilton Kyiv. Both contracts listed a performance period of June 1-30, 2025, but the senators were in Kyiv on May 30, according to a news release from Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. On June 3, tech entrepreneur and former Department of Government Efficiency figurehead Elon Musk reposted the claim on X with these comments: "Why is the hotel bill so high? The room service must be incredible!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Within hours, Graham responded directly (archived) to the original claim on X, stating: Fake news. More BS. I'm all-in trying to help President @realDonaldTrump end this war and making sure Putin doesn't win. This isn't a travel expense report. It's a monthly contract between the State Department for U.S. diplomats in a war zone nothing to do with my trip. A spokesperson for Blumenthal shared a similar dismissal. Maria McElwain, communications director in Blumenthal's office, told Snopes via email: These ludicrous claims are clearly part of a campaign of misinformation (and falsehoods) that benefits Vladimir Putin. The so-called 'shocking exclusive' published by an anonymous online account is actually a publicly available monthly State Department contract for U.S. diplomats serving our country in a war zone. This appears to be a retainer for accommodations for any American official on governmental business for the entire month, and certainly not the bill for a single lawmaker. The senators' statements are consistent with the facts. The contracts were issued as delivery orders under a parent agreement listed on USAspending.gov, the government's open data source of federal spending information, as an Indefinite Delivery Contract a flexible procurement format used for recurring needs such as diplomatic lodging and mission support, not one-off travel. The size of the contracts also contradicted the viral claim. At a government per diem rate of about $319 per night in Kyiv, $814,806 would cover over 2,700 room-nights, or accommodations for roughly 90 people for a month. That far exceeds what would be required for a short official visit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Snopes analysis of State Department hotel contract data from January through June 2025 found that monthly spending in Kyiv ranged from approximately $685,949 to $784,104. The June figure of $814,806 was slightly above average but consistent with recurring operations. (Snopes) Although the contracts are real, there is no evidence connecting them to the two senators. The claim spread widely following Musk's repost, but it misrepresented the nature, timing and purpose of the government spending. Snopes has reached out to the offices of both Graham and Blumenthal asking for clarification on how much their trip to Kyiv cost in total, including hotel expenses. We have also reached out to the X user who initially posted the claim. We will update this story if we receive responses. Sources: USAspending.gov. "Award ID CONT_AWD_19GE5025F0306_1900_19GE5025D0052_1900." U.S. Department of the Treasury, https://www.usaspending.gov/award/CONT_AWD_19GE5025F0306_1900_19GE5025D0052_1900. Accessed 4 June 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement USAspending.gov. "Award ID CONT_AWD_19GE5025F0302_1900_19GE5025D0052_1900." U.S. Department of the Treasury, https://www.usaspending.gov/award/CONT_AWD_19GE5025F0302_1900_19GE5025D0052_1900. Accessed 4 June 2025. President of Ukraine. "President Held a Meeting with U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal." President.gov.ua, 30 May 2025, https://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/prezident-proviv-zustrich-z-amerikanskimi-senatorami-lindsi-98165. Accessed 4 June 2025. U.S. General Services Administration. "Federal Acquisition Regulation: Subpart 16.5Indefinite-Delivery Contracts." Acquisition.gov, https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-16#FAR_Subpart_16_5. Accessed 4 June 2025. Claim: Elon Musk posted a poll on X asking whether its time to create a new, third political party in the U.S. that would represent the "80% in the middle." Rating: Rating: True On June 5, 2025, during an explosive public online feud with U.S. President Donald Trump, Elon Musk posted (archive) a poll on X asking: "Is it time to create a new political party in America that actually represents the 80% in the middle?" (Elon Musk/X) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The poll was posted and pinned to the top of Musk's verified account @elonmusk. Within two hours, it had received more than 1.3 million votes with 82.3% voting "Yes" to his question. The post is real and publicly visible. Musk made the post amid a series of politically charged comments that day including a separate claim that the reason the Jeffrey Epstein files were not released was that Trump appeared in them, which Snopes addressed in a separate fact check. Epstein, a wealthy financier and convicted sex offender, was in jail awaiting a new, sex-trafficking trial involving underage females when he was found dead by suicide in his cell in 2019. As of this writing, Musk had not issued a follow-up statement regarding the poll's outcome. Sources: Musk, Elon [@elonmusk]. "Is it time to create a new political party in America that actually represents the 80% in the middle?" X, 5 June 2025, https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1930685402631053403. Accessed 5 June 2025. Liles, Jordan. "Did Elon Musk Say Donald Trump Is in the Epstein Files?" Snopes.com, 5 June 2025, https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/elon-musk-epstein-trump/. Accessed 5 June 2025. Claim: Elon Musk posted a message on X that read, "Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate." Rating: Rating: Correct Attribution Amid rising tensions between U.S. President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk, a former special government employee, posts on X on June 5, 2025, claimed to show a screenshot from Musk's official account in which he took credit for Trump's 2024 reelection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate," Musk allegedly wrote in the post. One version of the claim shared by @PopBase (archived) quickly garnered more than 2.1 million views and 5,000 shares. Elon Musk says Trump would have lost the election without him: "Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate. [] Such ingratitude" pic.twitter.com/Gw6FVqm7YM Pop Base (@PopBase) June 5, 2025 Snopes searched Musk's verified X account and found the following post (archived): A X post by an account belonging to Elon Musk says, (X user @elonmusk) He followed up with a reply (archived) that read, "Such ingratitude." Because Musk posted the words in the screenshot, the claim is correctly attributed. Musk was replying to a post from an X user (archived), who shared a video of Trump speaking about Musk's recent opposition to the GOP's "Big Beautiful Bill." NEW: Trump speaks on Elon coming out against the BBB "I would have won Pennsylvania regardless of ElonI'm very disappointed with Elon. He knew this bill better than anyone and he only developed a problem when he found out I would cut the EV mandate When he left he said pic.twitter.com/O0OfkqmOUd Autism Capital (@AutismCapital) June 5, 2025 In the video, Trump suggested he would have won Pennsylvania even if Musk had not campaigned for his reelection in the swing state and expressed his disappointment in Musk's criticism of the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'm very disappointed because Elon knew the inner workings of this bill better than almost anybody sitting here, better than you people. He knew everything about it, he had no problem with it. All of a sudden he had a problem with it and he only developed the problem when he found out that we're going to have to cut the EV mandate because that's billions and billions of dollars," Trump said in the video. Musk's reply to the post quickly reignited claims that Musk helped Trump "rig" the 2024 presidential election. Snopes previously fact-checked claims that Musk's Starlink satellite network was used to tally swing-state votes during the 2024 election, allowing him to "rig" or "hack" it in favor of Trump, and rated those claims as unfounded. In response to Musk's post, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told Snopes via an emailed statement: "This is an unfortunate episode from Elon, who is unhappy with the One Big Beautiful Bill because it does not include the policies he wanted. The President is focused on passing this historic piece of legislation and making our country great again." Also on June 5, Musk posted a poll on X asking whether there should be a new political party in the U.S. to represent the "80% in the middle." The billionaire also alleged on the same day that Trump appears in unreleased government files related to deceased convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein." Sources: X. https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1930667528696828120. Accessed 5 June 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement X. https://x.com/AutismCapital/status/1930661413393207801/history. Accessed 5 June 2025. Rascouet-Paz, Ana. "No Evidence Musk's Starlink Network Was Used To 'Rig' 2024 Election." Snopes, 13 Nov. 2024, https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/musk-starlink-2024-election/. Updates: June 5, 2025: This story has been updated to include a comment from the White House. Claim: U.S. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that "The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elon's Governmental Subsidies and Contracts." Rating: Rating: Correct Attribution On June 5, 2025, as U.S. President Donald Trump and tech mogul and former Department of Government Efficiency figurehead Elon Musk traded blows online, a claim (archived) circulated across social media that Trump posted on Truth Social that the "easiest way to save money" in the federal budget was to "terminate" Musk's government subsidies and contracts. (X user @RonFilipkowski) Ron Filipkowski, editor of the left-leaning news site Meidas Touch, posted a screenshot of the alleged Truth Social post on X, commenting "I got no popcorn left at this point." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The claim also circulated on Facebook (archived), Instagram (archived), Threads (archived) and Bluesky (archived). The post is correctly attributed to Trump and appeared on his Truth Social feed (archived) on June 5, 2025. The full post read: "The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elon's Governmental Subsidies and Contracts. I was always surprised that Biden didn't do it!" Though Trump's post was authentic, it was unclear at the time of this writing whether the claim within it that the "easiest" way to recoup government funds was through canceling Musk's government contracts and subsidies was true. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Snopes previously reported on claims Musk made $8 million per day from federal contracts. Our reporting found that his Tesla and SpaceX alone received $3.1 billion in federal grants in fiscal year 2023 but could not independently verify the $8 million per day claim or establish how much Musk's government contracts, grants, subsidies and loans were worth. A New York Times report in 2024 found Tesla and SpaceX accounted for at least $15.4 billion in government contracts since 2014. Snopes has not independently verified these figures. Musk quickly snapped back at Trump on X, writing (archived): "In light of the President's statement about cancellation of my government contracts, @SpaceX will begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft immediately." NASA uses the Dragon spacecraft, produced by Musk's SpaceX, to ferry astronauts and cargo to and from the International Space Station. The Dragon spacecraft notably returned NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore from the ISS in March 2024 after a monthslong overstay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk also posted on his X account the allegation that Trump appeared in unreleased government files related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, as well as the claim that Trump wouldn't have won reelection without him. Sources: @elonmusk. "In Light of the President's Statement about Cancellation of My Government Contracts, @SpaceX Will Begin Decommissioning Its Dragon Spacecraft Immediately." X, 5 June 2025, https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1930718684819112251. Four Dragon Crewmates Prepare to Depart Station and Return to Earth - NASA. 17 Mar. 2025, https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/spacestation/2025/03/17/four-dragon-crewmates-prepare-to-depart-station-and-return-to-earth/. Lipton, Eric, et al. "U.S. Agencies Fund, and Fight With, Elon Musk. A Trump Presidency Could Give Him Power Over Them." New York Times, 20 Oct. 2024, https://archive.ph/zEvlS#selection-759.29-1084.0. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Prosecutors Want to Meet Victims of Sex Offender Epstein." AP News, 11 May 2019, https://apnews.com/general-news-5dd7ef9c0ddb4b35ab0e5b1cdef9d4a3. @realDonaldTrump. "The Easiest Way to Save Money in Our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, Is to Terminate Elon's Governmental Subsidies and Contracts. I Was Always Surprised That Biden Didn't Do It!" Truth Social, 5 June 2025, https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114632206992330264. "SpaceX." SpaceX, http://www.spacex.com. Accessed 5 June 2025. Claim: Tech billionaire and Tesla CEO Elon Musk posted on X that U.S. President Donald Trump "is in the [Jeffrey] Epstein files," and "That is the real reason they have not been made public." Rating: Rating: Correct Attribution In early June 2025, online users claimed tech billionaire and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who days earlier departed his White House adviser role, posted on his X account that U.S. President Donald Trump appeared in unreleased government files related to deceased convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. According to users sharing the claim, Musk posted, referencing Trump's X handle of @realDonaldTrump, "Time to drop the really big bomb: @realDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public. Have a nice day, DJT!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, numerous users on Bluesky (archived), Facebook (archived), Threads (archived), TikTok (archived) and (archived) X (archived) either shared news or post screenshots regarding the matter. (@MeidasTouch/X) These users correctly attributed the claims to Musk, who posted (archived) the allegation Trump appears in unreleased files associated with Epstein, and that that was the reason why Trump had not yet made them public. In a reply under the post, Musk added (archived), "Mark this post for the future. The truth will come out." (@elonmusk/X) Musk did not provide evidence to support his claim. In a statement emailed to Snopes after the initial publishing of this article, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said, "This is an unfortunate episode from Elon, who is unhappy with the One Big Beautiful Bill because it does not include the policies he wanted. The President is focused on passing this historic piece of legislation and making our country great again." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk made his posts two days after calling Trump's "big, beautiful bill" of tax breaks and spending cuts a "disgusting abomination." Minutes before Musk's posts appeared online, Trump had posted (archived) on his Truth Social account, "The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elon's Governmental Subsidies and Contracts. I was always surprised that Biden didn't do it!" Then, minutes after Musk posted his allegations of Trump appearing in unreleased Epstein-related files, Trump appeared to respond (archived), though without directly referencing Musk's claim. Trump's post read, "I don't mind Elon turning against me, but he should have done so months ago. This is one of the Greatest Bills ever presented to Congress. It's a Record Cut in Expenses, $1.6 Trillion Dollars, and the Biggest Tax Cut ever given. If this Bill doesn't pass, there will be a 68% Tax Increase, and things far worse than that. I didn't create this mess, I'm just here to FIX IT. This puts our Country on a Path of Greatness. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!" For further reading, a previous fact check confirmed as authentic photos and video of Trump with Epstein and convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell. Sources: Anderson, Curt. "Prosecutors Want to Meet Victims of Sex Offender Epstein." The Associated Press, 10 May 2019, https://apnews.com/general-news-5dd7ef9c0ddb4b35ab0e5b1cdef9d4a3. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cooper, Jonathan J., and Chris Megerian. "Musk Calls Trump's Big Tax Break Bill a 'disgusting Abomination,' Testing His Influence over the GOP." The Associated Press, 3 June 2025, https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-trump-tax-spending-bill-abomination-157b8733b60c343a5f8e551ffc887bf3. Hays, Tom, and Larry Neumeister. "Ghislaine Maxwell Convicted in Epstein Sex Abuse Case." The Associated Press, 30 Dec. 2021, https://apnews.com/article/ghislaine-maxwell-convicted-jeffrey-epstein-trial-verdict-63a71a2825eab41184a79e37bb967e90. Megerian, Chris. "Trump Gives Elon Musk an Oval Office Sendoff, Crediting Him with 'Colossal Change.'" The Associated Press, 30 May 2025, https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-donald-trump-doge-e09ac9f31cb2eb2e2d815a66cdffb7ba. Updates: June 5, 2025: This story was updated to add a statement from White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. By Natalia Siniawski and Sarah Morland MEXICO CITY (Reuters) -Chile's Congress is set to begin debating a bill that could make abortion legal on request nationwide, a debate which could have ripple effects across Latin America as a rift grows between nations making reproductive choices more accessible and those hardening legislation against abortion. Major Latin American countries like Mexico and Argentina provide broad access to abortion, while a Supreme Court case in Brazil seeking to expand access has been stalled for eight years. Although some countries have recently expanded abortion rights amid a wave of progressive politics, most still ban abortion in all or nearly all cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FIRST TO LEGISLATE Cuba became Latin America's first country to decriminalize abortion in 1965, decades ahead of its neighbors. Public hospitals provide the procedure free up to 12 weeks, with later abortions allowed in certain cases. These cases - rape or incest, fetal non-viability or risk to the woman's health or life - are commonly known as the "tres causales" (three reasons) and serve as a key reference across the region. Guyana legalized abortion in 1995, allowing it on request up to 8 weeks, with some extensions. Uruguay legalized abortion on request in 2012 up to 12 weeks, while Chile in 2017 eased a total ban to the tres causales restriction up to 12 weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2020 Argentina legalized abortion up to 14 weeks. Since President Javier Milei took office, some groups have raised concerns about cuts to funding and limited access to related healthcare. In 2022, Colombia which had earlier legalized abortion under the tres causales decriminalized abortion up to 24 weeks, placing it among the world's more permissive countries. Mexico ruled criminal penalties for abortion unconstitutional in 2021 and reaffirmed this with a broader ruling in 2023, but as of today 10 of 32 administrative entities have yet to update their local laws. LIMITED ACCESS Much of Latin America currently allows abortion in limited cases - many use the "tres causales", and others allow for a broader set of reasons including mental health, economic constraints and social issues. Few countries allow abortion beyond the first three months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brazil, the region's most populous nation with some 211 million inhabitants, currently allows abortion only with the "tres causales", specifically if the fetus is missing parts of its brain or skull. A Supreme Court case seeking to decriminalize abortion was filed in 2017 but remains on pause. Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Paraguay, Bolivia and Venezuela have limited access broadly aligned with the "tres causales", though many restrict it to situations where the woman's life is at risk, while pregnant women living in Central America and the Caribbean are broadly subject to stricter laws. Even in countries where abortion is legally permitted under certain conditions, barriers such as limited medical infrastructure, provider reluctance, and documentation requirements can make access difficult. In many cases, pregnancies must meet strict timelines or legal proof standards. TOTAL BANS Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Much of Central America and the Caribbean ban abortion in all or most cases. Countries with complete bans include Nicaragua, which ended exceptions even for life-threatening pregnancies in 2006; Honduras, where a 2021 constitutional amendment makes reversal unlikely; and El Salvador, which enforces some of the region's strictest penalties. El Salvador's constitution recognizes life from conception, and women have received decades-long prison sentences for abortion-related charges, even when advocates argue the cases were miscarriages or even newborn deaths. As of now, no women are imprisoned under these charges, but President Nayib Bukele has said he will not change the law. Haiti and the Dominican Republic, which share the Caribbean island on Hispaniola, ban abortion in all circumstances. Dominican activists are seeking legalization under the "tres causales" but efforts have stalled. In Haiti, a penal code that would have decriminalized abortion up to 12 weeks was delayed after the president's assassination in 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A worsening armed conflict has led to widespread sexual violence, a failing health system and mass insecurity, forcing many pregnant women to seek care across the Dominican border. Activists say pregnant Haitians have been targeted in Dominican deportations. In 2013, the Dominican Republic changed its law to revoke its nationality from children born to Haitian parents. (Reporting by Sarah Morland and Natalia Siniawski; Editing by Diane Craft) By Sneha Kumar and Byron Kaye (Reuters) -Australia's corporate regulator said the mortgage broking unit of No.2 lender Westpac had used falsified payslips from non-existent employers to approve home loans in a lawsuit filed on Wednesday. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) said RAMS Financial Group, a Westpac subsidiary until the bank shuttered the business last year, engaged in widespread unlicensed conduct from June 2019 to April 2023. The regulator made the allegations in a statement of facts agreed by Westpac, filed in a federal civil lawsuit, and published on Wednesday. The agreed statement said that in some cases it was unclear where the false documents originated but in others "RAMS franchisees or their employees ... knowingly submitted loan applications supported by false documentation or information or were complicit in doing so". The actions created "the opportunity for loans to be provided to customers who otherwise may not have qualified for those loans, and thereby increasing commissions earned by RAMS franchisees", ASIC Deputy Chair Sarah Court said in a statement. RAMS has admitted to dealing with unlicensed mortgage operators, failing to properly supervise its representatives, and other shortcomings, ASIC added. Westpac said in a statement that RAMS had agreed to finalise the matter in court and "will continue to work cooperatively with ASIC to resolve the proceedings as quickly as possible". A 2019 Royal Commission aired widespread allegations of financial firms failing to take adequate due diligence before approving loans, resulting in tougher regulation. ASIC said it was seeking unspecified financial penalties from RAMS. Westpac said it expects its existing provisions to be enough to cover the cost of the lawsuit. Westpac shut down RAMS to new home loans in 2024, while continuing to retain the ongoing loans. The closure prompted RAMS franchisees to file a class action lawsuit against Westpac, claiming it improperly terminated viable businesses and was ultimately responsible for the loan processing errors. A franchisee spokesperson said the franchisees weren't consulted during the ASIC investigation and "the regulator's findings about RAMS' 'systemic organisational governance failure' and inadequate supervision reflect Westpac attempting to shift institutional failures onto franchisees". The date of the first hearing in ASIC vs Westpac is yet to be scheduled. (Reporting by Sneha Kumar in Bengaluru and Byron Kaye in Sydney ; Editing by Mohammed Safi Shamsi and Michael Perry) ATHENS, Ohio (WCMH) More than one year, 600 ballots and plenty in legal fees after the process began, Ohio University faculty were approved to unionize. The university is appealing the state to stop it. To initiate this lawsuit at this time is a dishonest and disingenuous choice by the leadership of Ohio University, and we strongly object to their doing so, John OKeefe, communications director for United Academics of Ohio University, said. OKeefe said this is the latest in a long string of delays from university leadership. In March, 70% of faculty voted in favor of unionization, but Ohio University challenged the election through the State Employment Relations Board. On May 7, SERB ruled in favor of the United Academics of Ohio University (UAOU). Despite initially indicating they would defer to the SERB ruling, the university is appealing the vote again, frustrating union members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ohio could lose millions under Rubios plan to revoke Chinese student visas Mike Courtney, university director of employee and labor relations, addressed the initial SERB challenge at a Faculty Senate meeting in April. According to meeting minutes, Courtney said the university received multiple complaints from faculty members about the unionization process, prompting the SERB filing. Did all faculty have equal opportunity to vote and participate? If SERB finds that the process was indeed fair and the results stand, we will accept that outcome and move forward, Courtney said. But SERB did find the process was fair, and Ohio University appealed the decision on May 22 regardless, saying it does not believe SERB thoroughly investigated its concerns. The university also said it does not believe SERB adequately abided by its rules. Ohio University leadership alleges UAOU violated the unionization process by holding member-only meetings before the election and due to issues with mailing the ballots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SERBs decision fails to follow its own rules as written and instead improperly changes the regulations outside the required rulemaking process, Ohio University alleged in its appeal. These meetings had both a member-only portion and an election portion, and the latter was open to all. SERB found although the meetings held before the election had member-only portions, any faculty could sign up as a union member at the door to attend. SERB ruled that without those guidelines, the union would not have been able to meet exclusively as it planned for the election. Lt. Gov. Tressel on DEI, governors race Both UAOU and Ohio University agreed there were complications in delivering the ballots. Originally hoping to vote in February, UAOU had to extend the election deadline to allow people to request and submit replacement ballots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ohio University argued these complications swayed members to vote in favor of unionizing, offering several emails from faculty complaining about the process. UAOU said the ballot issues negatively affected the unions efforts. Overall, the emails from OU show frustration with the delivery of the ballots, not with OU, and not with the Union. Union affiants collectively support this notion, SERB said in its ruling. The post office delivery problems did not negatively affect the election in such a way as to require a re-run election. Further, SERB found a supermajority participated in the election process, at 82% of eligible voters. Of those voters, 70% were in favor of unionization. SERB said even if every person who did not vote voted against unionization, the measure still would have passed by over 100 votes. How much Columbus home prices have risen since 2019 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The university is still trying to delay this process based on claims that havent convinced the State Employment Relations Board, but we are ready to sit down and start negotiating a contract that will improve faculty working conditions, and therefore student learning conditions, OKeefe said. OKeefe said despite the appeal, the union is working to begin contract negotiations. A university spokesperson said it would be premature to comment on the lawsuit but said the university is working with union representatives to arrange negotiations as the appeal moves forward. According to court records, a resolution should be announced on July 7. If it is unable to be resolved without trial or further arguments, the case will be extended. With UAOUs vote to unionize, only two of Ohios 14 public universities do not have faculty unions: Ohio State University and Northeast Ohio Medical University. However, OSU does have AAUP Ohio State, an advocacy chapter that focuses on issues that pertain to OSU faculty and encourages national union membership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Democratic state Sen. Melanie Scheible took the lead on negotiating with Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo's office on his crime bill. (Photo: Jeniffer Solis/Nevada Current) In the end, Gov. Joe Lombardos wide-ranging crime bill to stiffen penalties for DUI offenses, retail theft, and crimes on the Las Vegas Strip died because the Nevada State Legislature simply ran out of time. In the final hours of the session, the state Senate and Assembly passed slightly different versions of Senate Bill 457 with overwhelming bipartisan support, but the Senate was forced to adjourn before it could take a second vote to approve the last-minute amendments added by the Assembly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its death underscores the risk of rushing complex public policy through the legislative process at the last minute. The bill was first introduced in early April, but it was only in the final five days of the session that the policy was publicly debated, amended, amended again, and voted on. As it raced toward the finish line, there were myriad unanswered questions around the fiscal cost of implementing the bill, as well as the interpretation of last-minute amendments. At one point, hours before the Legislatures midnight deadline, ACLU of Nevada Executive Director Athar Haseebullah told lawmakers the bill, and the process for passing it, was plagued with red flags. It is a joke that this body, this committee is forced to hear this at 5 p.m. on sine die, Haseebullah said, referring to the term used to mark the end of a legislative session. We are now here being told this is what needs to be passed because, what? Democrats need to seem tough on crime. This is not tough on crime. Its stupid and reckless. Its totally unacceptable. You should not have been put in this position. Its an embarrassment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hours later, Haseebullah and other opponents of AB457 would find an unexpected ally in state Sen. Ira Hansen and the rest of the Senate Republicans. The caucus, angry about an unrelated resolution, began a series of parliamentary motions to slow down voting. The crime bill was incidentally one of the victims. While opponents of the crime bill were relieved at the end result, the process has left a bad taste. Haseebullah noted the bill was changing frequently in its final hours that the lawmakers couldnt possibly have fully read within a 2-hour window before voting on it. The fact that the bill didnt receive a vote after this much backdoor dealing is probably karmic, he said in a statement. I almost feel bad for the Governor at this point because he went from purporting to address theft issues to having his bill turned into a nefarious attempt to bolster the power of the resorts and to allow warrantless wiretapping of Nevadans. You almost cant make this up. Nobody gets what they want Lombardos Safe Streets and Neighborhoods Act was introduced April 7, the 64th day of the 120-day session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since its first hearing May 28, the bill received persistent criticism from groups not involved with drafting the bill language. Public defenders, the ACLU and criminal reform advocates argued that the bill lacked any input from opponents. John Piro with the Clark County Public Defenders office added the bill also lacked any data to support proponents claims that it was needed to address safety issues. Washoe County District Attorneys took the lead on the bill presentation, which also received proposed amendments by the Nevada Resorts Association. The versions of the bill lawmakers voted on Monday sought harsher penalties for people who destroy property while committing theft, stronger punishment for children who assault teachers, and enhanced penalties for people who assault hospitality workers. The Assembly version also would have enabled Clark County to re-establish a court specific to prosecuting crimes within the Las Vegas Strip resort corridor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Senate passed the bill 20-1 at 2:12 p.m. Monday Democratic state Sen. James Ohrenschall cast the lone dissenting vote. The Assembly voted 36-6 to pass an amended version of the bill at 11:15 p.m. Democratic Assemblymembers Venicia Considine, Tanya Flannagan, Jovan Jackson, Selena La Rue Hatch, Cinthia Zermeno Moore, and Erica Roth opposed. What made it to but not over the finish line was markedly different from what Lombardo originally proposed. While campaigning for governor, Lombardo, then Clark County sheriff, pledged to roll back modest criminal justice reforms passed in 2019 that lowered penalties for non-violent theft and drug crimes and increased access to diversion programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SB 457s initial version proposed reducing the felony threshold for theft from $1,200 to $750 and changing the states bail process by excluding holidays from the 48-hour mandatory hearing provisions. These provisions were stripped from the bill. What remained in the bill through several revisions was harsher punishments for people charged with repeated felony DUIs, stalking and possession of child pornography. It also stricter punishment for youth who commit repeated crimes against teachers or social service workers, while also limiting eligibility for diversion programs for those convicted of felony abuse, neglect or exploitation of children or the elderly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the Senate vote, Democratic state Sen. Melanie Scheible encouraged lawmakers to vote for the legislation, saying it focused on smash and grab crimes and improved DUI statutes. SB 457 is a comprehensive public safety bill that ensures we have safety for people who work in our schools, shop at our businesses and people who drive on our roads, Scheible said. SB 457 has been a collaborative effort between stakeholders, primarily between myself and the governors office. After the bill passed the Senate, it was heard by the Assembly Judiciary Committee at 4 p.m. Monday. At that meeting, the Nevada Resort Association emerged to pitch its own proposed amendments. The Nevada Independent around that time reported that the amendment was being pushed by the NRA and the Culinary Union. The provisions of the bill added behind the scenes by the NRA requires Clark County to adopt ordinance that designates the geographic boundaries of one or more corridors in which the commission of crime poses a significant risk to public safety and the economic welfare of this State due to the high concentration of tourists at the resort associations request. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill would prohibit anyone who violates the ordinance from entering the resort corridor for at least a year. Nevada Resort Association lobbyist Matt Griffin said the group first submitted the amendment to the Senate Judiciary Committee, chaired by Scheible, several weeks ago. Haseebullah told lawmakers that if it was submitted three weeks ago and the ACLU and public defenders only learned about it Monday, that in itself is a red flag. It is totally unprofessional beyond measure, he said during the hearing. I dont know if that lies at the governors steps or at Chair Scheibles steps. In a statement to the Current, a spokesperson for the Nevada Senate Democratic Caucus wrote that Scheible did incorporate concerns for a variety of people, adding, just like with any piece of legislation, nobody gets everything they want. Lombardo didnt respond to requests for comment on the bill. FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now) Virginias largest school district has a new cell phone policy that is getting some pushback. The new rules that Fairfax County Public Schools adopted are more lenient than other school districts they allow high school students to use their phones at lunch during the 2025-26 school year. Why strawberry season is coming to an early end in Northern Virginia While the school district is defending both the effects and legality of its new policy, some argue that it may violate a new law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed the Bell to Bell law. The law states that should be no phone usage from bell to bell, as in after the first bell rings at the start of the school day to begin instructional time until the dismissal [bell] rings at the end of the school day. It also includes lunch and time in between class periods. However, FCPS told DC News Now that its policy meets the requirements of the law. [The policy] is fully compliant with the new Virginia Code section because it restricts and regulates student cell phone use in an age-appropriate way, FCPS stated. First-ever Capital Cup in DMV celebrates LGBTQ+ sports community Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our existing policy is the best approach to give our high school students the chance to learn how to appropriately navigate the use of technology, which will likely be an important aspect of their lives moving forward, School Board Vice-Chair Sandy Anderson said at a meeting last month. Three school board members attempted to pass an amendment restricting the use of phones for the entire school day, but it failed. I also have a teenager I would love for him to use his cell phone in the lunchroom because I think thats a space thats a little bit less restrictive, but it is not the law, said School Board Member Ricardy Anderson, who backed the amendment. A spokesperson for Youngkin told DC News Now that the new restriction is the law of the land. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Any school division that does not currently have a Bell-to-Bell cell phone restriction policy will have to update their policy, the spokesperson said. New survey shows Northern Virginia business leaders pessimistic about regions economy The governors office also shared a statement with DC News Now from Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera, in which she criticized the districts decision. Its a shame Fairfax continues to deny the well-established fact that a bell-to-bell cellphone-free education is more beneficial for students and is choosing instead to be an outlier among the overwhelming number of school districts that have gone bell to bell in Virginia, the statement read in part. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. While Mohamed Soliman occupies a cell in Boulder County Jail in Colorado, hundreds of miles away, his wife and five children are also in detention, at the hands of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Soliman, the man charged with attempted murder following an antisemitic firebombing attack Sunday, told detectives that no one knew about his attack plans and he never talked to his wife or family about it, according to the affidavit for his arrest. But despite that admission from the Egyptian national, his family is now facing expedited removal from the United States. How and when did the family come to the US? Soliman, 45, was born in Egypt but lived in Kuwait for 17 years. He first tried to come to the US in 2005 but was denied a visa, law enforcement sources told CNN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2022, he, his wife and their five children entered the US as non-immigrant visitors and filed for asylum a month later in September 2022. His wife, a network engineer with a pending EB-2 visa, which is available to professionals with advanced degrees, and children were listed as dependents on the application filed in Denver, the Department of Homeland Security and court documents said. In 2023, Soliman received a two-year work authorization that expired in March, according to DHS. Soliman and his wife have two sons and three daughters ages 4, 4, 8, 15 and 17, family attorney Eric Lee told CNN. Lee is not representing Soliman. Law enforcement officials investigate after the attack on a peaceful demonstration for Israeli hostages in Boulder. - David Zalubowski/AP Where are they being held? Soliman was booked into the Boulder County Jail after his arrest. His family was initially held in Florence, Colorado, about an hour away from their home in Colorado Springs, before they were transferred to a detention facility in Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Solimans family was held incommunicado and didnt have access to legal representation after they were in ICE custody on Tuesday, their lawyers said in court documents. At the time of their detention, their asylum application was still pending, and as a result, the Trump administration cant legally expedite their removal, the documents say. What rights do they have? Solimans family members have not been charged in the attack and on Wednesday evening, a federal judge ordered a halt to the deportation plans made for the family. Punishing individuals including children as young as four-years-old for the purported actions of their relatives is a feature of medieval justice systems or police state dictatorships, not democracies, Lee said in a statement to CNN on Wednesday. Experts are questioning the legality of the familys detention and visa revocation, calling it unprecedented, even at a time when migrant detentions in courthouse hallways, college campuses, office buildings and during traffic stops across the country are increasing at an exponential rate under significant pressure from the Trump administration, which is tightening the reins on immigration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A permanent resident and a non-permanent resident, somebody on lets say an H-1B visa or some other type of temporary visa has due process rights, David Leopold, the former president and general counsel of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, said at a news briefing with immigrant rights advocates in mid-March. Everybody is covered by the United States Constitution. Everybodys protected by the United States Constitution inside the United States. However, immigrants presence in the US is generally considered a privilege rather than a right and can be revoked for certain reasons laid out in federal law, such as a serious crime. Once an asylum application is submitted, its not uncommon for processing to take years before reaching a decision, Cesar Cuauhtemoc Garcia Hernandez, a law professor at Ohio State University told CNN, adding that Soliman and his family were within their rights to continue living in the US with a pending application. It is common, however, for ICE to begin investigating one person and realize their family, friends or roommates may also have a questionable immigration status, Garcia Hernandez said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its another matter entirely, to take the conduct of one individual and then ascribe responsibility on the family, on their family members by immediately detaining them and publicly saying that the goal is to deport them, he said. Did the family know about the attack? Solimans wife, who CNN is not naming at this time, was shocked when she learned her husband had been arrested, her lawyers said in court records obtained by CNN. She said she and their five children should not be held responsible for her husbands crimes. Arrest first, investigate later, that is not the way that responsible law enforcement officers work, Ben Johnson, executive director of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, told CNN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The burden of proof on ICE and DHS is to assess whether the family is a security risk or a threat to the community, Johnson said, and that should be done through meticulous investigation. During the attack, Soliman shouted Free Palestine, according to the FBI and later told authorities that he wanted to kill all Zionist people and wished they were all dead, an affidavit said. Eight women and seven men were injured in the attack and three victims remain in the hospital Thursday, Michael Dougherty, district attorney for the 20th Judicial District of Colorado said on Thursday. Hes confessed to a horrible crime, and he is obviously a threat to public safety, Johnson said. Taking action against him makes all the sense in the world. After his arrest, Solimans wife brought an iPhone 14 she said belonged to him to the Colorado Springs police office, the affidavit said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont know where this allegation or belief that somehow this mans family is responsible or guilty of the crimes of their father or husband (comes from), Johnson said. To arrest children without having done a thorough investigation, this feels much more like a publicity stunt than a law enforcement action. What happens next? As Solimans wife and children wait for more information about their future, their attorneys are fighting to keep the family in the US. In his order, Judge Gordon P. Gallagher of the US District Court in Colorado wrote, Defendants SHALL NOT REMOVE, Solimans wife and her children from the District of Colorado or the United States unless or until this Court or the Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit vacates this order. Mugshot of Mohamed Sabry Soliman, the suspect in the Boulder, CO attack - Boulder Police Department Soliman appeared in state court Monday and again on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was charged with 118 counts, including 28 counts of attempted first-degree murder, a court document filed Thursday in the Boulder District Court shows. He is also facing felony assault and incendiary device charges, along with one count of animal cruelty, the document shows. A total of 62 of those counts are related to the victims, and if convicted as charged, Soliman faces 48 years in prison for each of the victims in the incident, Dougherty said. Soliman appeared in court from a room in the Boulder County Jail adjacent to the courtroom on Thursday before Colorado District Judge Nancy Salomone. He wore an orange zip-up jacket and nodded his agreement when the judge asked him questions, according to a livestream from court. Soliman is expected to appear in federal court Friday, and is due in court for a preliminary hearing on his state charges on July 15. CNN has reached out to his attorney for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aside from investigating Soliman for any potential mental health issues, investigators are reviewing a notebook he left behind that contains a manifesto written in English with certain lines written in Arabic, according to a law enforcement source, noting police recovered the notebook after Soliman told them where to find it. Investigators are also reviewing videos Soliman recorded of himself on his phone, both in English and Arabic, the source said. On the heels of Solimans actions, the White House announced a new travel ban on citizens from a dozen nations as part of the first Trump administrations promise to clamp down on entries from certain countries and visa overstays which have garnered renewed scrutiny in the attacks aftermath. President Donald Trump made the final call after the antisemitic attack, according to a White House official. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president said in a video posted Wednesday that new countries could be added to the travel ban as threats emerge around the world, although Egypt, where the Soliman family is from, was not on the list. CNNs Priscilla Alvarez, Eric Levenson and Danya Gainor contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com AUSTIN (KXAN) A Venezuelan father detained alongside his wife and two young children during a March immigration raid in Hays County maintains the family has no connection with the violent gang authorities claim they were targeting. The operation, which took place in the early morning hours of April 1, resulted in the apprehension of 47 people, including nine minors. Federal and state authorities alleged the gathering involved members and associates of Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang that originated in prisons before expanding across Latin America. VIDEO: New look at operation leading to 40 people possibly linked to Venezuelan gang arrested in Hays County Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Texas Tribune reporter Alejandro Serrano, who interviewed the Venezuelan father, the family was celebrating birthdays at a rented house when law enforcement arrived with flashbang grenades around 5 a.m. He said they werent given a reason, Serrano told KXANs Will DuPree. They were at a what he described, [as a] birthday party gathering, sort of a family and friends sort of event and in the early hours of April 1, the party was busted by a variety of law enforcement agencies. The father told Serrano that immigration agents later questioned him about the tattoos on his shoulders, suggesting they indicated gang membership. The man disputed this claim, explaining the star-shaped tattoos were personal choices from his youth, unrelated to any criminal organization. Expert Analysis Challenges Tattoo Evidence Criminologists who study organized crime in Latin America question the use of tattoos as evidence of Tren de Aragua membership. Serrano spoke with two experts who research Venezuelan gangs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Venezuelan gangs, including Tren de Aragua, dont use tattoos as identifiers, as far as their research shows and other peoples research that they pointed me to, Serrano said. More than 40 people possibly linked with Venezuelan gang taken into custody in Hays County The Tribunes investigation found no criminal records for 35 of the individuals detained in the operation when their names were searched through federal, Travis County and Hays County court databases. Only two people from the raid face state charges related to drug possesion. The remaining detainees were arrested on suspicion of illegal entry to the United States. Family Faces Uncertain Future After 23 days in detention in Frio County, the Venezuelan family returned home wearing ankle monitors to discover significant consequences from their absence. Their landlord had issued an eviction notice, bills had accumulated and their 5-year-old son was expelled from school due to unexcused absences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They have removal orders, and they also have fear now that they described. Theyre kind of scared to do anything, Serrano said. They left Venezuela because of persecution, so now they kind of describe being in this situation where they recognize they might be sent back. The father maintains employment with two jobs and possesses legal work permits and Social Security documentation. The family has a pending asylum case but now faces deportation orders. Broader Immigration Enforcement Context The Hays County operation reflects a pattern of immigration enforcement under the Trump administrations invocation of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 against Tren de Aragua. The wartime law allows for swift deportation of suspected gang members with limited legal recourse. More than 230 men accused of gang membership have been deported to a maximum security prison in El Salvador under this authority, though reports indicate few had documented histories of serious violent crimes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal agencies involved in the Hays County operation, including ICE, the Department of Homeland Security, and FBI, have not responded to requests for comment or provided evidence supporting their gang affiliation claims, according to the Tribune. The search warrant related to the operation contains limited information about authorities prior knowledge, and a district court judge has sealed accompanying documents detailing the warrant request. Ongoing Legal Challenges Court challenges to the administrations deportation authority have emerged across multiple judicial districts, creating a patchwork of rulings that have largely blocked such expedited removals. The Supreme Court has ruled that detainees must receive proper opportunities to raise legal challenges, though it has not specified required procedures. As legal proceedings continue, the Venezuelan family remains in Austin, working to rebuild their lives while facing an uncertain immigration future and questioning why they were targeted in the first place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Atlanta Police need your help finding two suspects they say are linked to the death of a 48-year-old man. Investigators say Javon Brown went to confront two people appearing to break into his vehicle on January 17. During that confrontation on King George Lane in Southwest, police tell us shots were fired between all three. Officers say no one was hit, but Brown suffered a heart attack and died after going back into his home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My husband worked seven days a week, said Tasha Brown. He was a pipefitter; he worked six 10-hour days and eight hours on Sunday. Channel 2s Cory James was there as his wife and daughter spoke at a news conference on Wednesday afternoon. Detective Cleo McCowan said little information is known about the case because there were no security cameras nearby. He is encouraging people to go out and get a ring camera to help with similar investigations. Browns daughter, Tyiaja Ofori-Atta, said Not only is this about getting justice for my father, but aside from that, its about protecting the community. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The family of a North Texas woman found stabbed to death in a Dallas apartment is demanding answers, alleging police failed to act swiftly despite repeated pleas for help. Olivia Rodriguez, 30, was discovered dead on June 2 in an apartment on Forest Lane, more than a week after her family reported her missing. Judy Garza, Rodriguezs mother, described her daughter as the happy person, always making everybody laugh, everywhere she went, that girl made friends. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Garza said her daughters trusting nature may have led to her tragic end. And that was the issue, everywhere she went, she made friends, she trusted everybody, Garza said in an interview with NBC 5 DFW. According to her family, Rodriguez had been living with Teray Montrell Sam, 33, at his apartment on Forest Lane for over a month. She last contacted her family on May 24. When she missed her daughters birthday on May 27, Garza knew something was wrong. She never misses her daughters birthday, never, Garza said. Garza said she reported Rodriguez missing to Dallas police and provided them with her daughters cell phone location, which pointed to Sams apartment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No calls, no text messages, I knew something was wrong, but nobody would listen to me, Garza said, per NBC 5. Had they listened to me, this could have been a whole different situation. After days of persistence, Garza arranged for Sam to allow Dallas police into his apartment for a wellness check on June 2. From the hallway, Garza said she could smell a decomposing body. I kept telling them, her body is in there, she said. He killed her, I know he killed her. According to an arrest affidavit, officers entered the apartment and found Rodriguezs body on the living room floor, surrounded by blankets and other items. The affidavit stated she had been stabbed multiple times and was in an advanced state of decomposition, indicating she had been dead for several days. Investigators noted a large amount of blood in the apartments sink and shower, and Sam appeared to have a knife wound on his hand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sam was arrested and charged with murder. He is being held in the Dallas County Jail on a $1 million bond. Garza expressed frustration with the police response, believing officers should have entered the apartment sooner. Yall failed her; had yall listened to me, it could have been a different story, Garza said. Well never know now. Garza also shared chilling details about a package Rodriguez left her, which included a phone case and the address of Sams apartment. And she had left my daughter an envelope, almost like it was a sign, saying, hey, I bought this phone case for your phone. See if it fits. And it had the address, Garza said, per Fox 4 KDFW. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Addressing Sam, Garza had a pointed message: I want him to rot in prison. He deserves to feel the same pain she felt because her body was by the door. She could have been trying to get help, and didnt even make it out the door. The Dallas Police Department is reviewing requests for additional details about the case. The investigation remains ongoing. SANDY, Utah (ABC4) The Wallace family never thought that a floor repair after a dishwater leak would lead to living in a hotel for the last five months. Mark and Melissa Wallace tell ABC4 that ServiceMaster of Salt Lake City were called to their home to repair their floor after a leak from their dishwasher, but when the workers tore up the floor, it revealed vinyl underneath the tile and a hidden disaster. Melissa explained, They should have stopped and tested it. But instead, they tore up the floor to be done for the day. Left debris, didnt fully contain the area and then turned on fans for a week and blew all the dust around. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That dust tested positive to being asbestos and now it has spread all over their house, in their HVAC system, and garage. Their home of 24 years now completely unlivable without massive repairs. I cried, Melissa detailed, The people that were here that told us essentially told us it was like being in a fire. Take what you can. You cant come back. The Wallaces are now trying to live their lives out of a hotel with their children who have special needs taken completely out of their comfort zone. Melissa said, It was a shock to them. They have anxiety, depression that has escalated. Weve had to seek professional help for that. Its been awful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Special moment: Trooper jumps in to help after baby born in car on Utah highway Over the last five months, the Wallaces say theyve had insurance companies accept claims, deny claims, accept responsibility, but never produce a check or settlement that will help with their estimated $151,000 worth of repairs. Those companies included their own insurance, American Family Insurance, ServiceMaster, and GuideOne. The Wallaces have hired an attorney that has sent demand letters to all of the companies involved back in March and again in May, hoping to come to an agreement on a resolution. If they cant, the family is prepared to sue. Mark said, We would love it if the insurance would step up and say, You know what? Were going to cover this and work it out among ourselves. As far as between the two major companies involved Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Melissa added, Which they have promised to do and not done. ServiceMaster of Salt Lake got an air quality violation from the state due the incident at the Wallace home and paid a $2,300 fine. Utah sculptor creates statue of President Trumps raised fist moment in Butler ServiceMaster released statement from Mike Fairbanks to ABC4 saying: ServiceMaster of Salt Lake City is actively engaged in seeking a resolution to the concerns raised by the Wallace familys attorney. We take these matters seriously and have been working through the appropriate process with our insurance carrier, who is actively managing the resolution of this matter. While there have been some logistical challenges, the carrier has maintained communication with the Wallace familys attorney and continues to pursue a resolution in good faith. Additionally, the carrier has extended coverage on the claim and is committed to ensuring any settlement is thorough, fair, and based on expert evaluation. ServiceMaster of Salt Lake City has complied with all investigative and legal processes and will continue to work with our carrier toward an appropriate outcome. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We havent heard back from the insurance companies GuideOne and American Family Insurance on this issue. The Wallaces insurance has covered the cost for the hotel for now, but just at six weeks at a time and up to a certain amount. If that runs out, theyll have to either pay for themselves or find a new place to live. Repairs alone are estimated to take eight to twelve weeks but can only start once a settlement is reached. 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 man who was critically injured in a hit-and-run accident May 30 in west Fort Worth has died, according to his family. Daniel Lester was a beloved brother and father, and his family is shattered by grief at the unexpected loss, his sister Presley Lester said in a GoFundMe. Daniel Lester, 30, died June 1 in the intensive care unit at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital, according to the Tarrant County Medical Examiners Office website. He was on life support following the accident, KDFW-TV reported, and his family chose to donate his organs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers were called to the hit-and-run crash at the intersection of Clifford Street and Western Trade Drive shortly after 11 p.m. They found Lester, who had been been struck by a car. Information from a witness helped officers find the suspects vehicle, police said. Thirty-six-year-old David Hall was arrested Saturday and faces a charge of collision involving serious bodily injury, according to court records. Presley Lester told KDFW that Hall and her brother were best friends. Another friend who saw the accident told Daniel Lesters family that a truck narrowly missed hitting Daniels car. Daniel got out of his car to confront the driver, and Hall was also at the scene. The driver of the truck fled, KDFW reported. Hall started to give chase and hit Daniel Lester in the process. More top stories from our newsroom: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Warrant: Stranger shot 3 and walked away calmly Tarrant County approves new commissioners precincts Womans body pulled from Trinity River [Get our breaking news alerts.] Halls attorney, MarQuetta Clayton, was not immediately available for comment Wednesday afternoon. Police said they couldnt confirm the relationship between Hall and Daniel Lester. Hall was held in the Tarrant County Jail after his arrest but has since bonded out. Additional charges against him may be possible after Daniel Lesters death. Presley Lester said in a public Facebook post Monday that her family believes that Hall hit Daniel by accident, but he still needs to face consequences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While it is understandable that he was frightened and shaken, abandoning a best friend in a life-threatening situation is inexcusable, regardless of the potential repercussions, Presley Lester said in her post. Daniel Lester leaves behind two young sons, according to the GoFundMe. His family is raising money to help with his funeral expenses. A family member of a Gulfport teen who police say was tortured, killed and dismembered by a man she met on Grindr is suing the owner of the platform, alleging that its features and lack of safeguards for minors contributed to the girls death. The lawsuit, filed last month in federal court against Grindr LLC by a representative of Miranda Corsettes estate, alleges that the 35-year-old man who killed the teen was able to target her through Grindrs app due to its lax age verification and hyper-precise geolocation. The trauma inflicted upon M.C. (Miranda) and the irreparable harm to her family are direct consequences of Grindrs reckless disregard for the safety of minor children who are routinely preyed upon by adult predators who use Grindrs platform and design as a trap, the suit states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plaintiff is identified in court filings by the initials D.W. and listed as an executor of Mirandas estate. Lorne Kaiser, a South Florida attorney for the plaintiff, declined in an interview to identify the plaintiff or the plaintiffs relationship to Miranda because he didnt have permission from his client to do so. Grindr LLC has not yet filed a response to the suit. The West Hollywood-based companys press office did not respond to two emails from the Tampa Bay Times seeking comment for this story. Launched in 2009, Grindr markets itself as the worlds largest social networking apps for LGBTQ+ people, but it attracts a sexually diverse userbase that include people looking to prey on minors, according to the lawsuit. The complaint includes many of the details that have come to light about the investigation that led to the arrest of Steven Gress, 35, and Michelle Brandes, 37, on first-degree murder and other charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities say that Miranda met Gress on Grindr on or about Feb. 14. Gress went to pick up the teen at or near the Gulfport home where she lived with her grandmother and brought her back to the apartment he shared with Brandes on 27th Avenue North in St. Petersburg. Gress told detectives that he was told she was 21 but later learned she was 16, according to an arrest affidavit. Gress took Miranda back to Gulfport and at some point she returned to the St. Petersburg apartment. Gress said he became convinced Miranda had stolen his ring and, for the better part of a week, lumped her up, the affidavit states. It ended Feb. 23. A witness said Brandes wrapped the girls head in plastic. Gress told her not to cover her nose, but Brandes did, the witness said. Miranda suffocated. Gress described Brandes shoving a billiard ball into Mirandas throat and covering her face in plastic wrap. He said he couldnt get to her quickly enough to poke holes in the plastic so she could breathe, according to the affidavit. After Miranda died, they drove to Brandes mothers house in Largo, where Gress used a chainsaw to dismember Mirandas body, according to police. They put the remains in trash bags and the next day left them in a dumpster in Ruskin. Police learned the contents of the dumpster likely went to the countys incinerator. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said there is no evidence Miranda took the ring, and Brandes later claimed to have found it in Gresss car. Gress and Brandes have pleaded not guilty to murder and kidnapping charges. Prosecutors will seek the death penalty if they are convicted. Long before February 14, 2025, it was clear to Grindr that it was only a matter of time before its app, as Grindr marketed it and designed it, would cause the torture, rape, and murder of a child, the lawsuit states. The complaint says that the app requires only a self-reported birthdate to confirm users are at least 18, with no cross-checking against official documentation or third-party verification at sign-up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mirandas death exposes the platforms gross negligence in relying on a farcical self-reported age verification system, the suit states. This performative gesture, as absurd as a bar or strip club asking teenagers to state their age without checking ID, allowed a minor to access an adult-oriented platform with foreseeable catastrophic consequences. The company could institute measures such as government-issued identification verification or facial age estimation system but has not done so, according to the complaint. The company had the means to keep minors off its platform, but it withheld them to preserve easy onboarding and avoid disrupting user growth, even when the cost is the safety of children, the suit states. The apps geolocation services deliver hyper-precise, real-time geolocation tracking accurate to within a few feet designed to facilitate immediate sexual encounters, the suit states. As such, Grindr arranges user profiles based on their distance from other users for instant and spontaneous sexual hookups creating a uniquely hazardous environment for minors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit, which notes that Miranda had a son, alleges nine counts including wrongful death, negligence, infliction of emotional distress, participating in a sex trafficking venture and deceptive and unfair trade practices. It seeks a jury trial and compensatory and punitive damages. The complaint also asks the court to order Grindr to implement more robust age verification measures and to cease what the lawsuit alleges are misleading claims about the apps safety. Kaiser said the lawsuit is meant to hold Grindr accountable for its role in Mirandas death just as prosecutors are holding Gress and Brandes accountable through the criminal justice process. Without Grindr, we believe that Miranda would have never met this Steven Gress character, and shed still be alive, Kaiser said. This was a completely foreseeable event. Grinder has been warned for years and years about children and minors getting on this platform, and its obviously a dangerous platform for children. ANGELA WEISS / AFP / Getty Images Deutsche Bank analysts forecast a positive but volatile year for the stock market. Key Takeaways Deutsche Bank analysts led by Chief US Equity & Global Strategist Binky Chadha on Tuesday raised their year-end S&P 500 target to 6,550. That suggests about 10% upside from Tuesdays close. And it would be nearly 7% above the index's record close from earlier this year. Investor positioning, they said, is close to neutral and assumes tariffs will be a slight drag on earnings growth this year. Some Wall Street forecasters see stocks closing out 2025 at record highsdespite a shaky start to the year. Deutsche Bank analysts led by Chief US Equity & Global Strategist Binky Chadha on Tuesday raised their year-end S&P 500 target to 6,550, a number suggesting about 10% upside from Tuesdays close. That would be nearly 7% above the index's record close from earlier this year. Investor positioning, they said, is close to neutral and assumes tariffs will be a slight drag on earnings growth this year. However, if there is confidence that tariff impacts will be modest and temporary, we expect discretionary investors to look through any slowing in growth and turn overweight in anticipation of a rebound, they wrote. The analysts expect robust corporate demand to shrink the supply of stock on public markets. They forecast companies will spend $1.1 trillion on stock buybacks this year, thanks to resilient earnings. Deutsche Bank raised its estimate of the S&P 500s aggregate full-year earnings per share to $267 from $240. The firm entered the year forecasting index-level earnings of $282 per share. But it slashed that outlook in mid-April shortly after President Trump paused Liberation Day tariffs for 90 days and lifted rates on Chinese goods to 145% at a minimum. Earnings, they estimated, would suffer from a prohibitively high effective tariff rate and the lingering possibility of a prolonged trade war. The outlook improved last month when the U.S. and China agreed to slash their respective tariff rates while officials negotiated a more comprehensive trade deal. Tensions between the worlds two largest economies linger: This weekend each party accusing the other of violating their tentative agreement. Still, the White Houses approach to tariff negotiations has some market watchers feeling optimistic. Deutsche Banks analysts take the White Houses decision to pause Liberation Day tariffs just hours after they took effect, before the emergence of any legal barriers or economic or political pain, as a sign that if negative impacts of tariffs do materialize, we will get further relents. Mount Katahdin in Maine is most famous for being the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, but this week, the area became a tragic focal point. A father and daughter from New York went missing on the mountain while hiking over the weekend. After 3 days of searching, both bodies have been found, according to authorities with Baxter State Park, where the mountain is located. Esther Keiderling, 28, and her father, Tim Keiderling, 58, were visiting Baxter State Park in Millinocket and had planned to hike to the 5,270-foot summit of Mt. Katahdin. They were last seen on the morning of Sunday, June 1, after leaving Abol Campground, according to a press release from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW). (Photo courtesy Baxter State Park) Park authorities said rangers began searching for the pair on Monday after the Keiderlings vehicle was found still parked in the day-use parking lot. They began with the Abol and Hunt Trails, both popular routes for summiting Katahdin, and searched the Katahdin Tablelands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, Baxter State Park rangers expanded the search, assisted by more than 30 game wardens, including the Maine Warden Service Search and Rescue team and Maine Warden Service K9 Team. Maine Forest Service provided aerial support with three helicopters, and the Maine Army National Guard also assisted with Blackhawk and Lakota helicopters fitted with infrared thermal imaging devices. That afternoon, the K9 team located the body of Tim Keiderling on the Tableland, near the summit, according to park authorities. Teams continued to search the area for Esther, which carried over into today. A team of 25 game wardens, four K9 teams, and 21 rangers announced that at 1:00 p.m., the body of Esther Keiderling was identified in a wooded area of the Tablelands. (Photo courtesy Baxter State Park) GearJunkie reached out for comment but did not immediately hear back. There has been no report on the cause of death or what led the pair to go missing. Since 1933, 64 people have perished on Mount Katahdin, including two people in 2020. From 1992 to 2014, an average of 34 search and rescue missions had to be launched per year in the park. Hikers consider the summit of Katahdin to be one of the most difficult ascents in the Northeast. This story will be updated as more information becomes available. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) FBI Portland announced a teen arrest made in May following an investigation into a detailed and imminent plan for a mass shooting at a Washington state mall. Officials say the suspect, a Columbia County teen, had planned to use a chlorine bomb to cause panic and then shoot patrons at the Three Rivers Mall in Kelso, Wash. before ultimately committing suicide. VIDEO: Last sighting of father Travis Decker before 3 girls found dead in Washington Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FBI received a tip about the plan on May 19 and identified the teen the following day. He was put under surveillance on May 20 and arrested on May 22. According to authorities, the suspect had been making very detailed plans since early 2025 which included a route to the mall, a map the shooter would follow, a planned wardrobe with weapons, and annotated schematics for the improvised bomb. Douglas Olson with FBI Portland said the plans had an alarming number of indicators of a cogent path to violence with no indications that the suspect would not follow through. This plot was as serious as it gets, Olson said. We, along with our partners, moved swiftly to interrupt this violent plan and to protect our community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect reportedly pledged allegiance to multiple online nihilistic extremist groups and ideologies. Watch the entire FBI press conference in the video player 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 KOIN.com. On June 5, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that Firehook of Virginia is recalling one lot of Firehook brand Classic Sea Salt Organic Crackers. The crackers were recalled due to the presence of undeclared sesame, which can pose a serious and even life-threatening risk to those with an allergy or severe sensitivity to sesame if they consume these products. According to a press release, the recall was initiated on May 30, 2025, after it was discovered that the sesame-containing crackers were distributed in packaging that did not disclose the presence of sesame. A subsequent investigation revealed that the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company's packaging process, resulting in incorrect labels being applied to the product. How to Identify the Recalled Firehook Crackers Only one lot of Firehook artisan-baked Classic Sea Salt Crackers has been recalled at this time. The crackers were packaged in an 8-ounce clear plastic package and have a "Best By" date of Sept. 29, 2025. They also bear the UPC code 8 99055 00063 5. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can view labels of the recalled product's packaging in the press release or on the FDA website. The crackers were distributed and sold at retail stores in 11 states: Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Virginia. What to Do if You Have the Recalled Crackers At this time, no illnesses have been reported in connection with this recall. However, if you have the recalled Firehook brand crackers, you are urged to return them to the original place of purchase for a full refund. If you have any questions about this recall, you can contact Firehook of Virginia at 1-888-580-0745, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. EST. Read the original article on ALLRECIPES Lawrence ODonnell called out Donald Trump for his uncharacteristic silence after former ally Elon Musk attacked the presidents Big Beautiful Bill. Speaking on The Last Word on Wednesday night, ODonnell said Trumps flurry of announcements, including a travel ban and a ban on foreign students attending Harvard University, was part of a strategy to turn our attention away from Elon Musks war on Donald Trump. Musk weighed in on his social media platform X, telling his 220 million followers: Call your Senator, call your congressman, bankrupting America is NOT ok! KILL the BILL. The former DOGE chief also retitled Trumps initiative the Debt Slavery Bill. Musk is openly attacking Donald Trump's signature spending bill / Nathan Howard / REUTERS Elon Musk is using his loud social media voice to urge Republicans to kill the bill, in a steady stream of angry and bitter tweets, ODonnell said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And as of tonight, Donald Trump remains cowering in abject silence, in fear of Elon Musk. Now, when is the last time someone with a loud public microphone called Donald Trump or something Donald Trump was doing a disgusting abomination without being immediately attacked by Donald Trump? ODonnell referenced Trumps attack on two music giants last month, when he called Bruce Springsteen highly overrated and a dried out prune after the hitmaker called the president corrupt, incompetent and treasonous during a concert in Manchester. Trump also posted on his Truth Social account: Has anyone noticed that, since I said I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT, shes no longer HOT? Lawrence O'Donnell has called out Donald Trump's fear of Elon Musk once again. / sup / MSNBC screen shot ODonnell referenced Trumps attack on two music giants last month, when he called Bruce Springsteen highly overrated and a dried out prune after the hitmaker called the president corrupt, incompetent and treasonous during a concert in Manchester. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump also posted on his Truth Social account: Has anyone noticed that, since I said I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT, shes no longer HOT? Remember, Donald Trump has attacked Taylor Swift for nothing, ODonnell pointed out. Donald Trump attacked Bruce Springsteen for something Bruce Springsteen said at a concert on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. Donald Trumps rule of life, as he announced in the first book published in his name... is that whenever he is criticized for something hes doing he always has to hit back harder. But Donald Trump dare not strike back against the richest person in the world. Donald Trump might get there, ODonnell noted. But Donald Trump has never, ever taken longer to get there as he maintains his fearful silence about Elon Musk. HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) A federal judge has blocked the closure of Job Corps Centers across the nation. Officials with the National Job Corps Association filed a motion for a temporary restraining order in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. Documents obtained by Eyewitness News say a federal judge issued the order on Wednesday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). A federal judge on Thursday blocked the Trump administration from dismantling AmeriCorps in two dozen Democratic-led states, another blow to President Donald Trumps efforts to shrink vast swaths of the federal government. The ruling from U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman, a Joe Biden appointee, came after a coalition of 24 states and the District of Columbia sued the administration in April, accusing the Department of Government Efficiency of illegally gutting the volunteer agency. At the behest of DOGE, AmeriCorps terminated close to $400 million in grants, amounting to nearly half of the agencys grant funds, impacting more than 1,000 grantees and 32,000 AmeriCorps members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boardmans ruling said the administration likely violated the Administrative Procedure Act by not providing an adequate notice-and-comment period, and that it must restore the affected AmeriCorps programs in the 24 Democratic-led states and the District of Columbia. She declined to rule on the widespread personnel cuts at the agency, which have impacted 85 percent of the workforce. The administration must reinstate members from the Volunteers in Service to America and National Civilian Community Corps, the judge ruled. Anna Kelly, a White House spokesperson, said the ruling would not be the final say on the matter. AmeriCorps has failed eight consecutive audits and identified over $45 million in improper payments in 2024 alone," she said in a statement. "President Trump has the right to restore accountability to the entire Executive Branch." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The administration could appeal the decision to the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Boardman set a deadline of 5 p.m. Friday for when the grants must be reinstated. But with the skeleton crew remaining at the agency, no one at this time understands how that is supposed to happen, one AmeriCorps staffer who was placed on administrative leave said. Its very difficult to imagine how this reinstatement can work, the person said. The governments secret files on the assassination of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. could be released ahead of schedule after a federal judge in Washington indicated he was open to doing so. In January, President Donald Trump signed an executive order, demanding the release of all government documents pertaining to the shootings of MLK, as well as both President John F Kennedy and his brother, Robert F Kennedy, in the 1960s. Their families and the American people deserve transparency and truth, Trump said in the order. It is in the national interest to finally release all records related to these assassinations without delay. Dr King delivers his famous I Have a Dream speech to thousands of supporters gathered at the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on August 28 1963 (AP) Dr King was shot dead on the second floor balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 4 1968, with the official narrative remaining that the gunman was the petty criminal James Earl Ray, who hit him with a Remington rifle fired from the window of a rented room in a boarding house standing across the street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1977, a judge ordered the government to unseal all of the files it holds on the case and make them public in 2027. However, at Wednesdays hearing in Washington, Judge Richard Leon of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia suggested he was prepared to bring the release date forward to comply with Trumps wishes, although he also emphasized the importance of sensitivity. Dr King displays pictures of three civil rights workers who were slain in Mississippi at a news conference in New York on December 4 1964 (AP) Judge Leon said the first step would be for the National Archives and Records Administration to show him the complete inventory of files it has in its possession on the MLK assassination and the FBI investigation that followed, so as to establish the size of the processing task ahead. The hearing was prompted by a lawsuit filed by the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, a civil rights organization based in Kings native Atlanta, Georgia, which seeks to halt the expedited release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before the judges ruling, Sumayya Saleh, a lawyer representing the conference, had argued that the push to publish the documents amounted to a deliberate effort to undermine the civil rights movement and to discredit MLKs legacy. Dr King leads a civil rights march in Boston, Massachusetts, on April 23 1965 (AP) Justice Department lawyer Johnny Walker proposed that officials from his agency be allowed to comb through the papers first and produce a subset that the justice and the conference could peruse before approving or challenging their release. Judge Leon ultimately determined that he should have the first look, describing the situation as the first few steps in a journey that could take years and reminding both sides: This is delicate stuff. Keep the lines of communication open, he ordered the Justice Department and Southern Christian Leadership Conference, saying he would bless any agreement between them to examine the files jointly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats in everyones interest, including the presidents. The King family has long contested that version of events, and the killing has been the subject of conspiracy theories ever since, with some suggesting a police sharpshooter really fired the fatal shot and others that Ray had accepted a $50,000 bounty put forward by segregationist groups to make the hit. The Mafia, local, state and federal government agencies, were deeply involved in the assassination of my husband Mr Ray was set up to take the blame, the deceaseds widow, Coretta Scott King, said in 1999. On April 7 in Trump v. J.G.G., the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously held that foreign nationals who allegedly are subject to immediate deportation as "alien enemies" have a due process right to contest that designation. But where does that leave deportees who were denied that opportunity before they were peremptorily shipped off to prison in El Salvador last March? A preliminary injunction that a federal judge granted on Wednesday supplies an answer: The Trump administration "must facilitate [their] ability" to file habeas corpus petitions and "ensure that their cases are handled as they would have been if the Government had not provided constitutionally inadequate process." James Boasberg, the chief judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, does not get more specific than that. Cognizant of the "sensitive diplomatic or national-security concerns" raised by interactions between the U.S. government and the Salvadoran officials who are imprisoning deportees at its behest, he invites the Trump administration to "propose" how it will comply with his order. But his decision underlines the importance of due process, the constitutional requirement that President Donald Trump sought to evade by invoking the Alien Enemies Act (AEA) against alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. The named plaintiffs in this case, who are represented by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), "vehemently deny" any affiliation with Tren de Aragua and "claim that they were never able to challenge the accusation before being removed," Boasberg notes. They were "already being transported to the airport and loaded onto planes" bound for El Salvador before Trump published the March 15 proclamation that supposedly justified their removal based on a rarely used, 227-year-old statute that previously had been invoked only during declared wars. They "were not told" where they were going or why. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It turned out they were being transferred to El Salvador's notorious Center for Terrorism Confinement (CECOT) under an agreement with that country's government. "These men allege that they were not informed that they had been designated alien enemies or that they could challenge that designation," Boasberg writes. "Since their removal, they have been held incommunicado at CECOT." Boasberg likens this situation to the one that confronts Josef K., the protagonist of Franz Kafka's novel The Trial, who "awakens to encounter two strange men outside his room." After he "realizes that he is under arrest," he "asks the strangers why" but "receives no answer." He is told that "proceedings are under way and you'll learn everything in due course." He again asks why he is being arrested. "Now there you go again," a guard replies. "We don't answer such questions." He assures Josef K. that "there's been no mistake" because "our department" is only "attracted by guilt." Under the Fifth Amendment, Boasberg notes, the government's assertion that it infallibly identifies the guilty "does not suffice." As the Supreme Court confirmed in Trump v. J.G.G., which addressed a temporary restraining order (TRO) that Boasberg issued during an earlier round of the ACLU's litigation, "'it is well established that the Fifth Amendment entitles aliens to due process of law' in the context of removal proceedings," meaning "the detainees are entitled to notice and opportunity to be heard 'appropriate to the nature of the case.'" Specifically, the justices said, "AEA detainees must receive notice after the date of this order that they are subject to removal under the Act. The notice must be afforded within a reasonable time and in such a manner as will allow them to actually seek habeas relief in the proper venue before such removal occurs." The Court nevertheless vacated Boasberg's TRO, ruling that AEA detainees must file habeas corpus petitions in the jurisdiction where they are held rather than challenge their deportation under the Administrative Procedure Act in the District of Columbia. But Boasberg concludes that his intervention is necessary to vindicate that right for deportees who were denied due process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are skeptical of the self-defeating notion that the right to the notice necessary to 'actually seek habeas relief'must itself be vindicated through individual habeas petitions, somehow by plaintiffs who have not received notice," the Supreme Court said last month in AARP v. Trump. That comment, Boasberg argues, supports his preliminary injunction. "Absent this relief," he warns, "the Government could snatch anyone off the street, turn him over to a foreign country, and then effectively foreclose any corrective course of action." The ACLU says more than 130 people deported before the Supreme Court's order "remain imprisoned at CECOT." Boasberg's injunction applies to a class consisting of "all noncitizens removed from U.S. custody and transferred" to CECOT on March 15 and 16 "pursuant solely to" Trump's proclamation. It therefore excludes people who were deported under separate legal authority. But it includes people who were subsequently transferred to a different facility. Otherwise, Boasberg says, "they would be arbitrarily excluded from that classeven though their underlying injury meriting injunctive relief would remain unchanged." After the Supreme Court's ruling in Trump v. J.G.G., Boasberg notes, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement official described "the current parameters of the process the Government believes adequate." It involves "an English-only form that makes no mention of the right to file a habeas petition," coupled with "oral interpretation or assistance" for detainees who do not speak English or cannot read. A detainee then has 12 hours to "express" his "intent to file a habeas petition." If he hits that deadline, he has another 24 hours to file the petition. The Supreme Court subsequently cast doubt on the Trump administration's understanding of due process. AEA detainees "must have sufficient time and information to reasonably be able to contact counsel, file a petition, and pursue appropriate relief," the justices said in AARP v. Trump. "Notice roughly 24 hours before removal, devoid of information about how to exercise due process rights to contest that removal, surely does not pass muster." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lower courts addressing this question "have uniformly agreed," Boasberg notes. "The amount of time they have deemed constitutionally sufficient to enable detainees to file habeas petitions after receiving notice has ranged from 10 to 21 daysbut never as few as 36 hours or even close. Courts have also held that the notice to detainees must be provided in a language they understand [and] must offer enough information for detainees to pursue their right to seek judicial review. At least one court has held that the notice must inform individuals of the 'particular allegations' establishing the Government's case for alien-enemy designation." The plaintiffs in this case "got none of that," Boasberg observes. They did not even benefit from the farcical version of due process that the government now claims is adequate. Several federal judges have rejected Trump's dubious interpretation of the AEA, saying it makes no sense to describe alleged Tren de Aragua members as "natives, citizens, denizens, or subjects" of a "hostile nation or government" that has launched an "invasion or predatory incursion against the territory of the United States." Boasberg does not address that issue. Nor does he reach any conclusions regarding the plaintiffs' status under the AEA. "Perhaps the President lawfully invoked the Alien Enemies Act," Boasberg writes. "Perhaps, moreover, Defendants are correct that Plaintiffs are gang members. Butand this is the critical pointthere is simply no way to know for sure, as the CECOT Plaintiffs never had any opportunity to challenge the Government's say-so. Defendants instead spirited away planeloads of people before any such challenge could be made. And now, significant evidence has come to light indicating that many of those currently entombed in CECOT have no connection to the gang and thus languish in a foreign prison on flimsy, even frivolous, accusations." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A government "confident of the legal or evidentiary basis for its actions has nothing to fear" from respecting due process, Boasberg writes. "It is, after all, 'central to our system of ordered liberty.'" Trump has condemned Boasberg as a "Radical Left Lunatic," a "troublemaker" and "agitator" who "should be IMPEACHED!!!" But it is Trump, who treats the right to due process as an inconvenience that can be overridden by presidential fiat, who is proposing a radical change to our legal system. The post A Federal Judge Orders Relief for Alleged Gang Members Deported and Imprisoned Without Due Process appeared first on Reason.com. CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) A three-judge federal appellate panel ruled Thursday in favor of NASCAR in the antitrust lawsuit filed by two teams, one owned by Michael Jordan, and vacated an injunction that required 23XI and Front Row be recognized as chartered teams as their case snakes through the legal system. Both race teams sued NASCAR late last year after refusing to sign new agreements on charter renewals. The charter system is similar to franchises in other sports, but the charters are revocable by NASCAR and have expiration dates. 23XI, which is owned by Jordan and three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin, allied with Front Row in suing NASCAR after 13 other organizations signed the renewals last September and those two organization refused. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are disappointed by todays ruling by the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals and are reviewing the decision to determine our next steps," said Jeffery Kessler, attorney for 23XI and Front Row. This ruling is based on a very narrow consideration of whether a release of claims in the charter agreements is anti-competitive and does not impact our chances of winning at trial scheduled for Dec. 1. We remain confident in our case and committed to racing for the entirety of this season as we continue our fight to create a fair and just economic system for stock car racing that is free of anticompetitive, monopolistic conduct. The two teams sued and asked for a temporary injunction that would recognize them as chartered teams for this season. The antitrust case isnt scheduled to be heard until December. The teams said they needed the injunction because the current charter agreement prohibits them from suing NASCAR. 23XI also argued it would be harmed because Tyler Reddicks contract would have made him a free agent if the team could not guarantee him a charter-protected car. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The original judge ruled that NASCAR's charter agreement likely violated antitrust law in granting the injunction. But when they heard arguments last month, the three judges at the the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit in Richmond, Virginia, indicated they were skeptical of that decision. The judges said in Thursday's ruling they were not aware of any case that supports the lower court's theory of antitrust law, so they vacated the injunction. In short, because we have found no support for the proposition that a business entity or person violates the antitrust laws by requiring a prospective participant to give a release for past conduct as a condition for doing business, we cannot conclude that the plaintiffs made a clear showing that they were likely to succeed on the merits of that theory, the court said. And without satisfaction of the likelihood-of-success element, the plaintiffs were not entitled to a preliminary injunction. The teams have 14 days to appeal to the full court. The injunction also has no bearings on the merits of the case, and the earliest NASCAR can treat the teams as unchartered a charter guarantees their organizations a starting spot each week and prize money is one week after the deadline to appeal, provided there is no pending appeal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NASCAR has not said what it would do with the six charters held by the two organizations if they are returned to the sanctioning body. There are only 36 chartered cars for a 40-car field. If the teams do not appeal, the six entries would have to compete as open cars which means they'd have to qualify on speed each week to make the race and they would receive a fraction of the money. It's not clear what would happen to Reddick's contract. He goes to Michigan this weekend ranked sixth in the Cup Series standings. Both organizations are still seeking a win this season Hamlin's three victories are with Joe Gibbs Racing, the team he drives for. Reddick is last year's regular-season champion and competed for the Cup title last November. ___ AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) After a slew of controversial layoffs, the National Weather Service (NWS) is hiring once again. However, one federal lawmaker says it is like putting a Band-Aid over a massive cut. Alongside a former meteorologist, they say that with it being the middle of severe weather season, and as we enter hurricane and wildfire season, not having a full staff is detrimental. We are very concerned about the administrations slashing of a workforce that is essential for weather forecasting, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RELATED: NOAA layoffs impacting National Weather Services workers in Oklahoma There is growing worry over the National Weather Services ability to forecast life-threatening weather following massive job cuts. With more than 560 staff lost, that is a 33% reduction from typical staffing levels, leaving many weather forecast offices across the nation critically understaffed, Cantwell said. She worries this will put lives in danger. Last year, there was 27 weather disaster events that cost taxpayers at least $1 billion, that totaled a total of $183 billion and resulted in 568 deaths, Cantwell said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Retired meteorologist Jeff Renner says cuts could also hurt local weather broadcasts, which often rely on the NWS. The weather segment of a television news broadcast is probably the first or second most watched element of a newscast, Renner said. We are seeing a move toward some stations that are seeking to outsource the production and even the presentation of those weather elements, which means a loss of local knowledge. Cantwell says her state has experienced that. We had an incident in our state where we didnt have a local meteorologist, and people went out in the wrong conditions and we lost lives, Cantwell said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This week, the Trump Administration said it was partially lifting a hiring freeze to hire 126 people in order to stabilize operations at the National Weather Service. Cantwell says that is not enough. That forecasting information literally saves lives, Cantwell said. So, we need the National Weather Service to be appropriately staffed and funded, and appropriate people to give us life-saving information that we need. Cantwell adds the hiring freeze will continue to cripple the NWS, which she says will ultimately put millions in harms way of dangerous weather. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. Anthropic rivals experience growing AI worker problem originally appeared on TheStreet. Many tech companies have announced layoffs over the past few months. In the case of Microsoft, (MSFT) it's happened more than once. The rise of artificial intelligence has upended the job market in undeniable ways, prompting companies to either completely automate away some positions or scale back their hiring in other areas while increasing their reliance on chatbots and AI agents. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter As more and more companies opt for job cuts and shift focus toward implementing an AI-first strategy, questions abound as to which jobs will survive this technology revolution. The number of companies embracing this method includes prominent names such as Shopify and Box. Not every tech company is slashing its workforce, though. AI startup Anthropic isnt slowing down on its hiring. In fact, it is successfully attracting talent for several industry leaders, launching a new battle for AI talent as the industry continues to boom. Anthropic co-founder and CEO Dario Amodei has demonstrated clear success in retaining talent.Kimberly White/Getty Images The AI talent war shows David beating Goliath Founded in 2021, Anthropic is still a fairly new company, although it is making waves in the AI market. Often considered a rival to ChatGPT maker OpenAI, it is best known for producing the Claude family, a group of large language models (LLMs) that have become extremely popular, particularly in the tech community. Related: Tempus AI hits back at scathing short report Anthropic describes itself as an AI safety and research company with a focus on creating reliable, interpretable, and steerable AI systems. Most recently, though, it has been in the spotlight after CEO Dario Amodei predicted that AI will wipe out many entry-level white-collar jobs. Even so, Amodeis own company is currently hiring workers for many different areas, including policy, finance, and marketing. But recent reports indicate that Anthropic has been on an engineering hiring spree as well lately, successfully poaching talent from two of its primary competitors. Venture capital firm SignalFire recently released its State of Talent Report for 2025, in which it examined hiring trends in the tech sector. This years report showed that in an industry dependent on highly skilled engineers, Anthropic isnt just successfully hiring the best talent; it is retaining it. According to SignalFires data, 80% of the employees hired by Anthropic at least two years remain with the startup. While DeepMind is just behind it with a 78% retention rate, OpenAI trails both with only 78%, despite ChatGPTs popularity among broad ranges of users. The border wall seen from the northern edge of the New Mexico National Defense Area east of Columbus, N.M. in late May. (Photo by Patrick Lohmann / Source NM) Federal prosecutors this month charged fewer people for allegedly trespassing on the newly established military base along New Mexicos border with Mexico, according to a Source New Mexico review of federal court records. Over the last two months or so, 570 people have been charged for unauthorized entry into what is now effectively a military base along the border, Sources review shows. On April 15, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced the transfer of land from the Bureau of Land Management to the military, effectively making the 180-mile border New Mexico shares with Mexico into an extended military base tied to Fort Huachuca in Arizona. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Along with empowering the United States Army to patrol the border and temporarily detain people they found, the transfer exposed people arrested to a new criminal charge of unauthorized entry, a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail. The area transferred to the military is a little more than 400 square miles, minus state and private land, running roughly along the New Mexico Panhandle and south of Highway 9 before Hachita. Prosecutors announced the new type of criminal charge in late April and began filing charging documents soon after, with as many as 58 people facing the new misdemeanors in a single day in early May. But the charges quickly proved vulnerable to legal challenges based, partly, on whether people knew they were illegally entering a military base. The military has posted small warning signs in English and Spanish along the northern and southern borders of the so-called National Defense Area that entry is prohibited. On May 14, a federal judge dismissed more than 100 of the charges, after federal public defenders raised the issue on behalf of their clients. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dismissals coincided with a one-day dip in the number of unauthorized entry charges being brought, according to Sources review. The number of daily charges picked up again before beginning to decline early this month. Since May 30, just 11 people have been charged with unauthorized entry, according to federal filings. The reason for the decrease is unclear, including whether its because fewer people are crossing or whether federal prosecutors have changed their strategy. Tessa Duberry, a spokesperson for the office, did not respond to a request for comment on the decrease. In addition to the judges dismissals, the U.S. Attorneys Office dismissed at least three of its own unauthorized entry charges due to confusion about where the boundaries of the NDA lie. Meanwhile, the Army has warned hunters and hikers that they could be prosecuted if they enter the area, but per an informal agreement, ranchers can drive past the signs without issue as they tend to cattle they graze on former BLM land they lease in the NDA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Public defenders are also challenging the charge in a couple of individual cases, including one instance in which the charging documents suggest the arrestee was picked up in Arizona, and another involving a citizen of Uzbekistan who, her attorneys argue, didnt read or speak English or Spanish and therefore couldnt have known she was entering a restricted area. U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-NM) this week questioned Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll in a Congressional committee hearing, saying widespread confusion exists about who can enter the area and where the boundaries of this military zone actually start and where they end. Driscoll said the Army would work on improving signage and communication with people in the area and members of Congress. The army is working incredibly hard with our soldiers to put out signage. We have taken it over recently, he responded. ST. LOUIS Four people, including a businessman and three former Missouri license office employees, have pleaded guilty in a long-running car registration scheme involving bribes, fake registrations, forged documents, and tax evasion. From March 2024 to June 2025, according the the U.S. Department of Justice, the following four individuals have pleaded guilty: Gary Wilds, 48 Ashlyn Graeff, 39 Megan Leone, 42 Michelle Boyer, 53 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wilds was the final of the four convicted in the scheme. On Wednesday, he admitted to dozens of federal charges, including 22 counts of wire fraud, six counts of making false statement, four counts of aggravated identity theft and one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. Musk says Trump is named in Epstein files For several years, Wilds operated and owned Pinnacle Concierge, a business that helped customers register their vehicles with the Missouri Department of Revenue. As early as 2015, investigators say Wilds orchestrated a years-long scheme to bribe Missouri license office employees to falsely certify that his clients vehicles had passed emissions and safety inspections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also bribed employees into submitting forged documents, claiming that vehicle owners had fulfilled tax, carried insurance and qualified for sales tax exemptions, according to his plea. Some of Wilds customers knew that he was using illegal means to register their vehicles, often because the vehicles couldnt pass inspections, the owners owed child support, or they were barred from registering in Missouri, according to his plea. However, others were unaware. Investigators say Boyer met Wilds at a contract licensing office as early as 2015 and began assisting him in fraudulent transactions. Leone, whom Wilds knew before 2017, started working at a license office in St. Charles County. After she was hired as a title clerk, Wilds began paying her to help register vehicles and exempting vehicles to avoid state and local taxes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Leone was later promoted to a manager of her office, she previously instructed Graeff, her subordinate, to begin falsifying vehicle registration documents for Wilds. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Investigators say Wilds paid Graeff $100 for each transaction, and while she initially conducted one or two a week, that number eventually rose up to 10 per day. According to plea agreements, Graeffs actions caused more than $80,000 in lost tax revenue. In connection with the case: Graeff pleaded guilty to three counts of making a false statement in March 2024. Leone pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and one count of making a false statement in December 2024. Boyer pleaded guilty to to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud in May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Graeff was sentenced last July to four years of probation and also ordered to pay $84,000 in restitution. Leone is scheduled to be sentenced on July 24, as is Boyer on August 21. Wilds is scheduled to be sentenced on September 2. He faces up to 20 years in prison and $250,000 in fines per each conspiracy and wire fraud charge. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) With uncertainty surrounding the future of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), data shows its concrete impact within recent years. In May, the federal government approved Mississippis request for relief from the destruction caused by March storms. The destruction followed years of severe weather events across the state. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) data shows that its agency allocated more than $773 million and distributed more than $661 million since 2017. MEMA opens disaster recovery centers for storm relief Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FEMA is the federal agency that distributed the most disaster relief to Mississippi during the period. However, allocations and distributions to Mississippi total more than $1.1 billion and $898 million, respectively. The Small Business Administration (SBA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), were the next largest contributors to disaster relief. The SBA distributed $61.2 million of the $90.1 million allocated to Mississippi. The USDA distributed $57.7 million of the $61.2 million allocated. Since 2017, there have been 27 disaster declarations in Mississippi. In 2020, there were 11 disaster declarations, the most recorded for any year in the state. More than 28% of the states natural disaster declarations since 1953 have occurred since 2017. Disasters caused by severe storms and hurricanes make up over 81% of all declared disasters. With 13 disaster declarations covering the area, Covington County has been most impacted by disastrous weather in the state. Around Central Mississippi, Yazoo County is the most affected with 11 disaster declarations since 2017. Close Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. WEST MEMPHIS, Ark. The Federal Emergency Management Agency and other resources will remain in West Memphis, Arkansas, through Saturday than originally anticipated after seeing an overwhelming need for assistance. Two months after generational flooding, neighborhoods in West Memphis are once again clear. 200 people in West Memphis were affected, and more than 100 people were rescued from their homes. West Memphis, Arkansas neighborhood (Photo by WREG) West Memphis, Arkansas neighborhood (Photo by WREG) West Memphis, Arkansas neighborhood (Photo by WREG) West Memphis, Arkansas neighborhood (Photo by WREG) West Memphis faces ongoing flooding after storms Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mayor at that time called things a life and death situation. Now, state and federal officials are helping out. Were in the Mississippi River Delta region, you know, a large amount of poverty, a large amount of people that rely on government assistance, so the underinsured and the uninsured, those percentages are very high, so its very crucial to these people to help get this assistance, said DeWayne Rose, Director of Emergency Management city of West Memphis. Representatives from FEMA, the Small Business Administration, Arkansas Department of Emergency Management have been on hand at the Roberta Jackson Center. Life or death situation: Over 100 West Memphis residents rescued from their flooded homes Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just trying to take information from these citizens that were impacted to see what kind of resources are available for them to be assisted, said Rose. West Memphis Emergency Management Director said that hes heard the volume for help here in Arkansas, so theyve decided to stay through Saturday. If youre uninsured or underinsured, capturing that information from these victims and trying to just document as much as they can to see what their impacts are and what kind of resources are available, said Rose. The agencies will be at the Roberta Jackson Center at 1300 East Polk Avenue for the next few days through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. They ask those in need to bring their ID. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. [Watch in the player above: What is fentanyl?] HAMILTON, Ohio (WJW) Authorities said they seized enough fentanyl to kill tens of thousands of people as well as a luxury car and motorcycle in a drug bust early Thursday, June 5. Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones said the regions undercover narcotics task force executed two search warrants at two Ohio homes one in Fairfield, Butler County, and another in Springdale, Hamilton County following a three-month drug trafficking investigation, according to a Facebook post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 6-year-old boy dies tragically in rare balloon suffocation accident, coroner says Agents seized about 120 grams of fentanyl, a little more than a quarter-pound enough to kill 60,000 people, according to the post 90 grams of cocaine and $5,400 in cash. They also seized a 2017 Mercedes-Benz sedan and a Slingshot three-wheeled motorcycle: (Butler County Sheriffs Office) (Butler County Sheriffs Office) (Butler County Sheriffs Office) Multiple inmates overdose at Mansfield prison Errol Baker, 42, was arrested and charged with two first-degree felony counts of possession of drugs. He remains in the Butler County jail, according to the post. This case represents the continued dedication of the B.U.R.N. Task Force to identifying and removing high-level drug traffickers from our communities, Jones is quoted in the post. Fentanyl is a deadly poison, and those who profit from its distribution will be held accountable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A fentanyl trafficker was sentenced to more than seven years in prison in a federal court following the overdose death of a Washington County man, authorities said. Efrain Roberto Diaz-Rangel, 35, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl on March 4. The U.S. Department of Justice described Diaz-Rangal as a Mexican national unlawfully residing in Portland. In April of 2023, a local narcotics team began investigating a suspected fentanyl overdose death in Washington County. Officials said that investigators identified multiple people in a distribution chain that were selling counterfeit oxycodone pills manufactured with fentanyl, some of which caused the victims overdose. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court documents reveal grim details as search for father accused of killing daughters continues Diaz-Rangel was arrested by Homeland Security Investigators in June of 2023. At the time of his arrest, Diaz-Rangel had approximately 1,000 counterfeit pills and a small quantity of heroin, according to authorities. An additional 30,000 counterfeit pills, several additional pounds of heroin and more than $10,000 in cash were discovered at Diaz-Rangels residence, officials said. In addition to the 87 months in federal prison, Diaz-Rangal was sentenced to four years of supervised release. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. GREENVILLE, S.C. (WSPA) A fight at the Haywood Mall resulted in an 18-year-old being arrested for reportedly firing a gun in the parking lot Wednesday afternoon. According to the Greenville Police Department, officers responded shortly after 5:30 p.m. for a fight taking place inside the mall. Police said a group of juveniles was reportedly assaulting an employee from one of the restaurants at the mall. Investigators said the fight continued outside the mall in the parking lot, where one person fired a gun. Officers identified the suspected shooter as NyLan Harris. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers responding to the scene located the group involved and performed a traffic stop on Woodruff Road and Rocky Slope, where the gun was found. Several people were detained, police said. The police department announced Thursday morning that Harris has been charged with breach of peace of a high/aggravated nature. He was booked into the Greenville County Detention Center following the traffic stop. Officers said the investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be filed against other suspects involved in the incident. Police said Thursday that they determined that everyone involved in the assaults were acquainted with each other and they were not random attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators said they determined that the suspect fired the gun while picking it up from the ground. No injuries were reported in the shooting. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) As the main weekend of WorldPride inches closer, those around the District are making their final preparations to welcome the millions of people expected to visit D.C. Im feeling really excited. Im a little tired because weve been out here the last couple of weeks painting as much as we can, said Lisa Marie Thalhammer, who was painting on 17th Street Thursday. Thalhammer has worked on several murals across the DMV ahead of WorldPride. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latest is a rainbow and star runway in Dupont. I hope people come out and fill their lives with the color and that its just the joy, and its kind of the medicine I feel like everyone needs, she said. A little bit of color, a little bit of creativity, a little bit of joy. She also hopes the murals will welcome visitors from out of town. Visitors like Jon McClain. I think its cool, I appreciate everyone who is doing it, said McClain, who stopped to take a picture of the artwork. I appreciate what theyre doing to make it friendly and inviting. McClain is in town from San Francisco to visit friends and attend WorldPride. Its his first WorldPride, though hes attended other Pride festivals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I havent been around any negativity so Im hoping to see that continue, especially being in a city where its been a little bit divisive, he said. Metro unveils new design, extends service for WorldPride The current political climate has been a concern for organizers and city officials, with some LGBTQ organizations issuing a warning to international travelers for WorldPride. It wasnt a concern of mine, but I was curious if there was going to be less people here or not. So, I dont know if were going to get the full effect of what WorldPride normally is, said McClain. Last month, Destination DC CEO Elliot Ferguson admitted the political climate was having an impact on expected turnout. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rhetoric has made a difference in a negative way, Ferguson said on May 5. I think as we were looking at our hotel community, we hoped by now, theyd be sold out. At the time, hotel occupancy was 10% below projections. As of May 28, officials with Destination DC said hotel occupancy is 4% below where it was for Pride last year. Though, they also stated more hotels have opened across the District since last year. Tickets for the WorldPride Music Festival are 99% sold out, and the organizers of the Capital Cup Supporting Festival met their goal of 3,000 athletes participating. Meanwhile, questions still remain on whether or not Dupont Circle will be open for the weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Originally, the National Park Service announced the circle would be closed starting Thursday in order to prevent vandalism of the park, which happened in years prior. Anti-scale fencing was expected to go up around the perimeter through Monday. However, that decision was quickly reversed after public backlash. Uncertainty lingers over Dupont Circles status ahead of WorldPride Parade D.C. police Chief Pamela Smith said she withdrew her request to close the park after hearing from community leaders and residents. NPS and U.S. Park Police have not confirmed if the park will remain open, though as of Thursday afternoon, no fencing was seen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I remember Dupont, there was a parade and a march here in Dupont, said Brian Piscalko, who is visiting DC for WorldPride. I think historically, this is where people have gathered in this area. Now with millions of people descending on the city I think its going to be phenomenal. Piscalko said attending WorldPride this year is more important than ever. I think this pride is really important just because of the climate, he said. With the world focusing on D.C., Im really proud to be here. Metro will begin operating extended hours for WorldPride on Friday. Trains will run from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, and from 6 a.m. to midnight on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SEIB CEO William Ashmore and Chair Faye Nelson discuss health insurance changes for state employees on Aug. 22, 2023 at the SEIB executive meeting in Montgomery. The Alabama State Employees' Insurance Board plans to make a final selection by June 18 after narrowing its CEO search to three finalists. (Alander Rocha/Alabama Reflector) The Alabama State Employees Insurance Board (SEIB) has narrowed its search for a CEO to three finalists from an initial pool of 49 individuals. Members of the SEIB executive committee on Wednesday laid out a timeline for the final selection process, which started after William Ashmore, the boards outgoing CEO of SEIB, which oversees health insurance for state employees, announced his retirement in March. The three remaining candidates were selected after initial screenings and interviews conducted by ITAC Solutions, a Birmingham-based recruiting firm, based on criteria established by the board, including leadership and industry experience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I believe that the list does reflect a strong group of individuals who will align competencies, said Charles Baughman, a consultant with ITAC Solutions, which conducted the candidate search for the board. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX After the meeting, Ashmore said that as far as (he knows), Sally Corley, chief operating officer of the board, was one of the three candidates selected to interview for the position. Corley has worked for the board since 2013 and was the board director of government affairs before becoming COO. With her 12 years of experience (with SEIB), she was one of the most qualified internal candidates we had, Ashmore said after the meeting, adding that she expressed interest in the position. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Corley would be the first woman to lead the board. Prior to Ashmores tenure as CEO, which started in 1988, the board was under the Retirement Systems of Alabama and led by CEO David Bronner. Corley said in a text message that she applied for the position but still did not know if she was a finalist. The selection process will proceed as follows: Finalist information will be presented to the board chair for distribution to the full board, allowing members to review the materials and prepare questions. The executive committee will interview the candidates in an open meeting on June 16, using questions submitted in advance by the full board. At the end of the June 16 meeting, the executive committee will vote to select their preferred candidate and present that recommendation to the full board. The full board will convene on June 18 to hold a final vote on whether to accept or reject the executive committees recommendation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ashmore said during the meeting that his timeline for retirement is flexible to allow a smooth transition. A new hire could potentially start as soon as July 1, but the board agreed that an external candidate, especially one from out of state, may need at least a month after being hired. If the need is not there, then Ill go ahead and retire on July 1, Ashmore said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE (FOX40.COM) Firefighters responded to an attic fire in Carmichael on Wednesday afternoon. Video above: How to report a public safety threat According to the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department, the fire happened on the 3400 block of Lindi Court at around 4:30 p.m. When crews arrived at the scene, they initiated a fire attack and primary search of the area. Rep. Josh Harder announces legislation to stop invasion of stinky golden mussels Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fire was contained in the attic, but the homes garage sustained water damage, according to Metro Fire. At this time, there have been no reports of any injuries. The cause of the fire is being investigated by fire officials. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News. (FOX40.COM) Firefighters responded to a grass fire in Sacramento County on Wednesday afternoon. Video above: Dangers of extreme heat According to the Sacramento Fire Department, the fire started on 3585 Auburn Boulevard, and when crews arrived at the scene, they found a three to four-acre grass fire in a wooded area, which made it difficult for crews to get access. Rep. Josh Harder announces legislation to stop invasion of stinky golden mussels Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SFD stated that additional resources were called to the scene. No injuries have been reported at this time. The cause of the fire is unknown. Image: Sacramento Fire Department Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News. DENVER (KDVR) Running a store comes with a long list of challenges, and one of the biggest can be competition, especially when they are right next door. It can be really challenging to have all of that sort of competition because it really does create almost like a dog-eat-dog sort of thing. Like whos willing to go the lowest, whos willing to take a loss and things like that, said retail operations manager at Reefer Madness, Ryan Ashby. Aurora Public Schools poised to approve salary increase, teachers union agreement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city of Denver is not going to allow more to move into the Overland neighborhood. The area has lost three facilities in the past year, now down to 13. The city says that it is enough. We want to make sure neighborhoods arent oversaturated with marijuana businesses to protect the cultural and historical significance of these neighborhoods, said Eric Escudero, communications director, Excise and Licenses for the city and county of Denver. Four other neighborhoods have also hit their limit, despite the city saying marijuana sales are on the decline since other states and cities have begun legalizing recreational pot. Really, its the first marijuana recession since legalization, and as a result of that, were seeing less licensed marijuana stores, cultivation facilities and other various types of marijuana business licenses, Escudero said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smoke it or eat it, cannabis is bad for your heart, new research shows As it stands, Ashby says his store and his deals for his customers are not going anywhere. Even with all the competition around us, you know, even in the wake of that, were still doing incredible numbers and, you know, were beyond blessed to have the success that we do facing the amount of competition that we do, Ashby said. The other neighborhoods that the city is not allowing new dispensaries include Northeast Park Hill, Baker, Five Points, Montbello and Valverde. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) First responders were on the scene of a wreck at 25th Street and Grace Drive, Wednesday afternoon. According to the Terre Haute Police Department, two vehicles were involved. Police said the occupants of both vehicles were taken to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyWabashValley.com. A federal jury and judge acquitted a 21-year-old woman from Peru on Thursday of illegally entering a national defense area and military reservation after she crossed the Rio Grande from Mexico into Texas last month, in what lawyers say is the first trial of an immigrant since the Trump administration declared parts of the New Mexico and Texas border as a military zone. Adely Vanessa De La Cruz-Alvarez was detained by soldiers and arrested by a Border Patrol agent on May 12 after they found her alone sitting next to the gate on a bollard wall near Tornillo, 40 miles east of El Paso. Hopefully, this sets the tone for the federal government, said Veronica Teresa Lerma, one of her defense attorneys, adding, so they know what the El Paso community will do with these charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this year, the Trump administration designated 180 miles of the New Mexico border with Mexico and 63 miles in West Texas as a national defense area, overseen by U.S. Army commands based out of Fort Huachuca in Arizona and Fort Bliss in El Paso. At the start of the trial, De La Cruz-Alvarez, who has been in immigration agents custody since her arrest, faced three misdemeanor charges: entering the country illegally, violating national defense property and trespassing onto a military base. She was found guilty of entering the country illegally and was already facing deportation as soon as she was arrested. She was sentenced to time served plus one business day by U.S. Magistrate Judge Laura Enriquez. Even though she was acquitted of trespassing onto a military zone, De La Cruz-Alvarez will most likely get deported, said Shane Michael McMahon, her public defense attorney. She knew exactly what she was doing, Phillip Douglas Countryman, the federal prosecutor, told the judge, asking for a 45-day jail sentence. Crossing the border illegally should come with some sort of punishment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The verdict is the latest blow to the Trump administration, which pursued additional misdemeanor charges in addition to the usual misdemeanor charge of entering the U.S. improperly or the felony charge of reentering the country after being denied. Tacking on the trespassing charges, is the latest tactic the administration is trying in its attempt to deport and punish 1 million immigrants annually, including some who have entered the country legally. Since late April, federal prosecutors in New Mexico and West Texas have filed misdemeanor criminal charges of violating national security regulations and entering restricted military property, in addition with entering the country without permission against immigrants accused of crossing the U.S.-Mexico border illegally. But judges quickly began dismissing the charges in both states. Federal judges have said federal prosecutors have not shown evidence that immigrants broke into a national defense area knowingly and warning signs posted along the newly created national defense areas are not visible enough for people to know theyre on military land. Typically, misdemeanor cases are presented directly to a judge, who determines whether prosecutors have presented evidence to charge a person with those crimes. In this case, the U.S. Department of Justice asked for a jury trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Countryman declined to comment. U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas, said Thursday's verdict will not discourage the administration from continuing these prosecutions. "While we respect the jurys verdict, we will continue to aggressively prosecute National Defense Area violations and defend the interests of the United States here in the Western District of Texas," Simmons said in a statement. "At the end of the day, another illegal alien has been found guilty of illegally entering the country in violation of the improper entry statute and will be removed from the United States. Thats a win for America." At the end of this trial, De La Cruz-Alvarez broke down in tears, hugged her lawyers and said, Thank you. The whole time I sat next to her, I saw a brave and strong person for taking on the Trump administration and its immigration policies, said Lerma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the three-day trial that began Tuesday, Countryman and Debra P. Kanof, another prosecutor in the case, argued that De La Cruz-Alvarez knew that she entered the U.S. illegally and that a small sign near the gate was enough for her to know she was on U.S. Army property. Enriquez disagreed. On Wednesday, the judge dropped one of the three counts related to stepping into the national defense and restricted area, a misdemeanor that carries a potential sentence of up to a year in jail, if convicted. Simply put, the court does not believe there is evidence that would rise to the requirement of this statute, Enriquez said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the trial, De La Cruz-Alvarez, a 5-foot-tall, 116-pound woman with long black hair, wore a long black dress and sat stoically, with a headset listening to interpreters translate the proceedings. At the heart of this case was whether the warning sign was visible to De La Cruz-Alvarez and if the sign was even up when she crossed the border. The biggest problem with this zone is that its a trap, McMahon said. During testimony, McMahon held a replica sign that appeared to be 1 foot wide by 2 feet tall. He held up the sign, asking the Border Patrol agent who arrested De La Cruz-Alvarez if he could read it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agent said he had a hard time reading it until McMahon held the sign approximately 10 feet away from the agent. Edgar Contreras, a Border Patrol agent, testified he couldnt remember whether the sign was up when he arrested De La Cruz-Alvarez. The court proceedings were filled with tension. During the jury selection process, Enriquez asked potential jurors if they could set aside any biases regarding immigration or sympathy for De La Cruz-Alvarez and come to a verdict based solely on the facts and evidence of the case. A woman, who claimed during juror questioning that she had been briefly denied entry to the U.S. after visiting Canada even though she is a U.S. citizen, responded: Shes an illegal, what rights does she have? referring to De La Cruz-Alvarez. Another man questioned why De La Cruz-Alvarez was even getting a trial: I think this is all a waste of time, shes an illegal, alien, undocumented whatever you want to call them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neither of them was selected for the jury. During testimony, the mere mention of Trump elicited annoyance from Kanof. When McMahon referred to the border barrier as Trumps wall, Kanof asked the judge to keep the defense attorneys from bringing up politics. During closing arguments, Kanof pointed out that when De La Cruz-Alvarez was arrested, she had makeup on, $500 in cash and had notified Border Patrol agents she was heading to Miami. As a woman, that tells me something, that shes privileged, Kanof told the jurors. Lerma quickly interjected, asking the judge to instruct the jury to ignore Kanofs description of De La Cruz-Alvarez because that wasnt part of the evidence. Enriquez agreed, instructing the jury not to take into consideration Kanofs comment. Big news: 20 more speakers join the TribFest lineup! New additions include Margaret Spellings, former U.S. secretary of education and CEO of the Bipartisan Policy Center; Michael Curry, former presiding bishop and primate of The Episcopal Church; Beto ORourke, former U.S. Representative, D-El Paso; Joe Lonsdale, entrepreneur, founder and managing partner at 8VC; and Katie Phang, journalist and trial lawyer. Get tickets. TribFest 2025 is presented by JPMorganChase. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) Three years ago, FirstEnergy proposed running new power lines directly behind the downtown Youngstown Amphitheatre, which many city residents and eventually the Ohio Power Siting Board agreed was a bad idea. So Wednesday at downtowns Tyler History Center, FirstEnergy held a public hearing where a new plan was unveiled, and most people seemed to support it. The new route will take the power line from the Riverbend substation, across the Mahoning River to Market Street, south of Woodland Avenue, along Poland Avenue, across the Center Street Bridge, along Wilson Avenue, up Keystone Street to McCartney Road and eventually to the Lincoln Park Substation near McKelvey Lake. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It will miss the amphitheatre, Lincoln Park, and Sacred Heart Church. We need infrastructure in place that will not only keep the lights on for our residential customers in the area but also meet the needs of many of our large customers like Youngstown State University, St. Elizabeths, said Lauren Siburkis with FirstEnergy. The Ohio Power Siting Board must still approve the plan. The actual work of building the power line is still about a year away. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Supreme Court decides some of its most important cases in June. The justices generally break for the summer at the end of the month or in early July, and the toughest appeals take the longest to sort out from a term that starts in October. As we enter Junes first scheduled opinion day, Thursday, dozens of decisions remain. Below are five of the disputes Im watching for this month (and however far into July we go) with the caveat that some of the courts most consequential work comes on the shadow docket, where orders on emergency applications can drop anytime. Birthright citizenship (sort of) This is a weird one, procedurally. It started on the shadow docket, with an emergency application from the Trump administration that, like so many others this term, sought urgent relief from lower court injunctions against illegal executive actions. But instead of summarily deciding the application without explanation, as is the typical practice, the justices granted a rare hearing, held it in a special May 15 session and still havent decided the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a reminder, we arent expecting an answer to the big question of whether Donald Trumps executive order against birthright citizenship is legal. Thats because the administration only asked the justices to say that the trial judges who ruled against the order shouldnt have been allowed to grant nationwide injunctions. So the forthcoming ruling could be limited to that procedural issue, which also has important consequences for all sorts of other lawsuits against the administration. But well be looking for any hints from the court on that crucial, underlying citizenship question, even if a final answer wont come this term. Gender-affirming care for minors The Skrmetti case was the one to watch heading into the term, and were still waiting on a ruling following the Dec. 4 hearing. At issue is the constitutionality of Tennessees ban on gender-affirming care for minors, and the courts decision could also have implications for bans in other states around the country. The court at the hearing sounded ready to approve the ban. Religion v. LGBTQ books in public school Justice Amy Coney Barretts recusal led to a tie vote (and therefore a nonruling) in a case from Oklahoma that couldve approved the countrys first religious public charter school. But other religion-related cases remain, including an appeal from Maryland parents who want to keep their elementary public school kids away from LGBTQ-themed books. While the parents say they face an impossible choice between subjecting their children to instruction against their beliefs or losing out on public education, school officials say the parents arent deprived of religious rights just because their kids are exposed to material the parents find offensive. Can Mexico sue U.S. gunmakers? Mexico wants to press a novel, multibillion-dollar lawsuit against U.S. gunmakers for the wreckage their weapons have caused in the neighboring southern nation. A federal appeals court removed a roadblock to the suit last year, but then the weapons manufacturers sought the Supreme Courts help. They argued that Mexicos claim is too attenuated because its based on an eight-step causal chain peppered by independent criminal actors and derivative sovereign harms to try to link the lawful production and sale of firearms within the United States to the chaos ravaging Mexico courtesy of its drug cartels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The high court sounded inclined to agree at a March hearing, but well have to see if the opinion confirms the lack of industry accountability. A First Amendment case about... porn? Another billion-dollar industry seemed to fare less well at its hearing before the justices. An adult industry trade group raised a constitutional challenge to a Texas law requiring age-verification to access pornographic sites. More specifically, the industry argued at the high court that an appeals court used the wrong legal standard when ruling against it. The impending ruling could have vast First Amendment implications beyond porn, though sympathy for Texas stated goal of protecting children, coupled with antipathy toward pornography generally, could lead to an opinion that at least attempts to confine any free speech restrictions to the lurid context. 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 Following a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (Ramstein format), the Electronic Warfare Coalition (EWC) has been expanded with the addition of five new countries. Source: Ukraines Defence Minister Rustem Umierov, as reported by European Pravda Details: Umierov reported that Belgium, Sweden, Italy, Turkiye and Estonia have officially joined the initiative by signing the relevant annex to the Letter of Intent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "Germany, as the leader of the coalition, has established a financial mechanism for the procurement of equipment and services in the field of electronic warfare, enabling their swift transfer to the Armed Forces of Ukraine as international military assistance," the minister said. He emphasised that electronic warfare is "one of the key capabilities of modern warfare, allowing forces to disrupt, jam and stay one step ahead of the enemy". Umierov anticipates that additional partners will join the coalition. Background: At the recent Ramstein format meeting, Ukraine and its partner states agreed to establish a mechanism for defence production. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also urged partners at the Ramstein meeting to increase investment in Ukraines defence industrial base. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) The last of 14 people involved in an illegal dog-fighting ring have been sentenced. The ring included five men from Panama City. 42-year-old Brandon Baker, 38-year-old Christopher Beaumont, 35-year-old Terelle Ganzy, 40-year-old Cornelious Johnson, and 36-year-old Fredricus White were all arrested in Donalsonville, GA, and will all receive prison time. Five Panama City men face federal charges after Dog Fight Ring raided Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On April 22, 2022, the five men traveled from Panama City to Donalsonville, Georgia, to participate in dog fights. The property belonged to one of seven men from the Donalsonville area. Seminole County, Georgia Sheriffs deputies rescued 27 dogs on the night of the 22nd, and another 51 were recovered during search warrants executed with arrest warrants this spring. All five Bay County men pleaded guilty to their charges. Baker received 20 months in a federal prison, Beaumont was sentenced to 30 months, Ganzy is serving 24 months, Johnson is serving 27 months, and White received 35 months. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) Happy Thursday, Utah! Today will be another active one in the south while northern Utah stays quiet. A low-pressure system off the coast of California continues throwing our way, digging deeper into the state and bringing more thunderstorms and periods of heavy rain to southern and central Utah. The bottom line? The flash flood risk continues in southern Utah, and storms push further into central Utah today. The weather warms up and dries out by the weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is a flash flood threat for parts of southern Utah, especially in slot canyons, normally dry washes, streams, creeks, and underpasses. If youre planning on heading out to any of our outdoor recreation areas, it would be best to reschedule if possible. Wet weather could make it as far north as Utah County and the Uinta Mountains, but the bulk of the precipitation will stay around and south I-70. Meanwhile, the Wasatch Front is looking at a mix of sun and clouds with dry skies. Temperatures wont stray too far from where they were yesterday, but northern Utah looks to warm slightly while the south shaves off a couple of degrees. Thatll spell daytime highs in the upper 70s to low 80s in the north, low to mid 70s in the south, and 80s for the typically warm spots. On Friday, that moisture will push in further to include northern Utah in the fun, but by then it will have lost most of its steam, so thunderstorms become more isolated in nature and wont dump as much heavy precipitation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the moisture content goes down, well see our temperatures going up. Highs return to the mid-80s for most and mid-90s for warm spots to close out the workweek, but the weekend is forecasted to bring 90s and 100s back to the Beehive State! Stay weather-aware, especially if youre in southern and central Utah today. Well keep you posted on the latest developments in our 4Warn Weather forecast, both on-air and online, we are Good4Utah! Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ORLANDO, Fla. (WFLA) The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children said it is asking for the publics help in finding a missing teen who just celebrated her birthday over the weekend. Ava-Colleen Moore disappeared after leaving her Orlando home on March 26, 2025. 4 dolphins from Florida park involved in criminal investigation moved to Clearwater Marine Aquarium Her mother, Cheriee Moore, said she hasnt been in contact with her daughter since she vanished, which is very out of character. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cheriee said she wants nothing more than to know that her daughter is OK. Cheriee is devastated that she wasnt by Ava-Colleens side for her birthday on Saturday. What should have been a joyful celebration was instead a heartbreaking reminder that her daughter is still missing, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children said in a news release. Moore is described as 5 feet, 4 inches tall and weighing 163 pounds. She has brown eyes and dyed black hair. Authorities believe she may be in the Orlando area or has traveled to surrounding cities in Florida. I am absolutely worried that her life is in danger from people that she may be associating with, to different activities that she may be involved with, Cheriee told On Patrol: Live Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information about Ava-Colleen or her disappearance is asked to call NCMEC at 800-THE-LOST (800-843-5678) or the Orange County Sheriffs Office (Florida) at 407-836-4357. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. As I prepare to teach a new literature course at Palm Beach State College (PBSC) this term, I find myself hesitating over something that, until recently, would have been routine: selecting the works I assign to my students. The anthology adopted by our department includes powerful selections from African American, Latino, Asian American and LGBTQ writers voices that capture the richness, contradiction and struggle of the American experience. These are voices I have taught for decades. But now I ask myself: Am I allowed to? Floridas 2023 legislation most notably, Senate Bill 266 prohibits instruction that espouses theories suggesting systemic racism, sexism, or privilege are inherent in the institutions of the United States and that they were created to maintain social or economic inequities. The language is broad, and the intent seems clear: to restrict the way educators discuss identity, history and power. But what is less clear is what this means in practice for teachers like me, particularly in college classrooms. I am a lifelong educator. I spent 36 years in the New York City Board of Education as a teacher, department chair and supervisor. For the last 12 years, I have taught English literature at PBSC. Does my passion to teach violate the law? Faculty at Palm Beach State College are now having to navigate their way around a 2023 state law prohibiting certain teachings viewed as "woke". My passion has always been to encourage students to read deeply, think critically and reflect honestly especially about the kind of country we live in and the lives we each bring to the table. That requires a broad and inclusive literary canon. It requires teaching James Baldwin and Langston Hughes not only for their artistry, but for the searing truths they offer about race and belonging in America. It means examining the cultural double-consciousness in Sandra Cisneros, the generational trauma in Ocean Vuong, the gender defiance in Audre Lorde. Literature becomes real when it speaks both to and through the student reading it. That is the essence of education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opinion: Bipartisan support suggests better sex ed in FL schools. It's the opposite. But now, when I consider assigning those same texts, I worry: will presenting such works even neutrally, even for discussion be seen as violating this law? If I ask students to consider the historical roots of injustice in a work by August Wilson or Toni Cade Bambara, could that be construed as promoting a theory rather than simply exposing students to a reality reflected in literature? Worse, the chilling effect has begun to erode the classroom itself. Faculty colleagues increasingly wonder whether they should self-censor not out of agreement with the law, but out of a desire to avoid trouble. This is the real damage: when fear begins to replace curiosity, and when silence replaces speech. I do not seek to indoctrinate my students. I never have. I seek to challenge them, to open doors through literature that lead into the complicated, layered, and sometimes uncomfortable questions that make up life in a pluralistic democracy. That is not political. That is educational. Opinion: As a professor, I see how universities are failing. We need a new approach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Let us be clear: removing or discouraging the inclusion of marginalized voices in the classroom does not eliminate discomfort. It only eliminates understanding. If our students cannot engage with difficult truths in college classrooms, where are they to encounter them? If we cannot safely present a range of American experiences through our literary heritage, what remains of our intellectual freedom? I do not write this out of defiance, but out of love for teaching, for literature and for the role education plays in shaping thoughtful citizens. The danger of this legislation is not only in its enforcement, but in its ambiguity. It turns teachers into second-guessers. It turns students into cautious bystanders. And it risks turning Floridas classrooms into places where only the most neutral, safest voices are heard. But the world is not neutral. Literature is not safe. And education, at its best, is a form of illumination, not erasure. Carmine Giordano Carmine Giordano is an adjunct lecturer in English at Palm Beach State College. He lives in Lake Worth Beach, and wrote this for The Palm Beach Post. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: FL law could silence Black, LGBTQ voices in the classroom | Opinion Sandy Martinez, a homeowner in Lantana, Florida, has been battling over $165,000 in fines for three minor code violations for years. She's now asking the Florida Supreme Court to consider her case and put a stop to what she says are unconstitutionally excessive fines. Martinez's accumulated six-figure fine amounts to nearly four times her annual income, financially crippling the single mother over infractions that have since been corrected and never threatened health or safety. What atrocities warranted such devastating debt? Cracks in her driveway, a storm-blown fence, and cars parked on her own grass. First, Martinez faced daily $75 fines while saving up to replace her cracked driveway in 2013, ultimately owing $16,125 in total, "far greater than the cost of an entirely new driveway," as noted in the initial lawsuit. Then, the city began fining her $125 per day in 2015 for a fence knocked down after a storm. While Martinez waited for her insurance claim to pay for the repair, she accrued another $47,375 in feesagain, "several times the cost of the repair and substantially more than the cost of a completely new fence," according to her complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finally, while living with her three children, mother, and sister in 2019, Martinez was cited for parking cars slightly beyond her driveway. Although she promptly fixed the issue and left a voicemail with code enforcement requesting a compliance check, no inspector came by. Martinez was being fined $250 per day. By the time the city recognized that the parking violation had been corrected, the total fine for the infraction had ballooned to $101,750. Unable to cover this debteven if she sold her homeMartinez took her case to court in 2021, arguing that the city's fines are grossly disproportionate for her offenses and excessive under the Florida Constitution. So far, the lower courts have ruled against Martinez, reasoning that "substantial deference should be given to the legislature's determination of an appropriate fine." But she and her lawyers at the Institute for Justice believe it is time the Florida Supreme Court, which has not considered a case on the state constitution's excessive fines clause in over a century, revived the right to be free from excessive fines as a meaningful bulwark against government abuse. "Six-figure fines for parking on your own property are outrageous," said I.J. Attorney Mike Greenberg. "The Florida Constitution's Excessive Fines Clause was designed to stop precisely this sort of abuseto prevent people from being fined into poverty for trivial violations." Martinez's circumstance is not an isolated incident. Florida homeowners across the state have endured massive, unjust fines without recourse, including a woman fined $103,559 for a dirty pool and overgrown grass, a family facing $250,000 in fines for invasive trees, and an elderly couple facing $366,000 in fines for duplex code violations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Municipal code enforcement has become a major and recurring source of government abuse in the form of catastrophic fines," said I.J. Senior Attorney Ari Bargil. "The time has come for the Florida Supreme Court to once again interpret this important constitutional protection and finally put a stop to this injustice." The post Florida Woman Fined $165,000 for Trivial Code Violations Takes Her Case to the Florida Supreme Court appeared first on Reason.com. OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) As the owner of a marina, Kate Gervais is used to seeing boats in the water. But for the last couple of days, she's been seeing them in the air. The Washington Department of Natural Resources this week used one of its firefighting helicopters to haul abandoned boats off an uninhabited island in the southernmost reaches of Puget Sound, where the vessels had come to rest after drifting with the currents, and fly them to the mainland to be deconstructed later. With 14 vessels removed, it was the agency's largest operation of its kind, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was a very, very weird sight, said Gervais, who owns Boston Harbor Marina, just north of Olympia. The sail boat with the mast was the weirdest one to see. A boat removal by helicopter is typically done by a private pilot, but for this operation, which was funded by a federal grant, the DNR opted to use one of its firefighting helicopters. It was cheaper and helped stretch the $1 million NOAA grant, said Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove. The state agency opts to airlift boats when towing them would disrupt the marine bed or surrounding environment too much. The aquatic lands where the boats land often include kelp beds, which are critical for supporting the forage fish that salmon rely on. Vessels for this operation where found in hard-to-reach coves, at the tree line or in mud that rendered an airlift a better option, agency staff said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the boat removal program began in 2002, the department has hauled out more than 1,200 derelict vessels. There are at least 300 more out there, with more found all the time, Upthegrove said. Its a real challenge impacting the Puget Sound when people essentially dump their old boats into the water because they dont want to deal with disposing of them," he said. "That burden then falls on all of us. The federal grant allowed the state to clean up boats on Squaxin Island, an uninhabited island that is of particular cultural importance to the Squaxin Island Tribe. The tribe's people once shared vast lands in western Washington state, but following the 1854 Treaty of Medicine Creek, the island 4.5 miles (7.2 kilometers) long and half a mile (800 meters) wide was the main area reserved for them, according to the tribe's website. Eventually, the tribe's members moved off the island, but they continue to use it for fishing, hunting, shellfish gathering and camping. The Squaxin Island Tribe is very enthusiastic about this opportunity to work with DNR to clean-up derelict vessels on tribal lands, said Daniel Kuntz, the tribe's policy and program manager. Maintaining clean beaches and water are essential to the Squaxin Island culture to ensure gathering access for future generations. HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) The start of summer means a lot of great things, but also, too often, one bad thing. Unstructured time while parents work leaves kids vulnerable to getting hurt, or worse. Harrisburgs Group Violence Intervention folks were at Foose Elementary to teach kids at a young age that youre not tattling when you tell a responsible adult about something dangerous. Close Thanks for signing up! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now WHTM Daily Digest Were trying to erase that myth of snitches get stitches versus when you see something, say something, said Angelo Craig, the Harrisburg GVIs Program Manager. Were just trying to get them prepared so they can be safe and protected during the summer. Group Violence Intervention workers also respond to neighborhoods after a homicide to try to help prevent further violence Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Weather Maps Interactive Radar Climate & Environment NOTE: This article is now an almanac of Thursdays weather. We have published a new forecast story for Friday. Thursday highs were far more agreeable than Wednesday with much of the area returning to the 70s. The one exception again being areas near the lake where persistent northeast winds continue to deliver cooler temperatures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its been a relatively cool period going back to mid-May. Thursday made it 17 of the past 19 days to post a daily temperature deficit. Thursday highs across the U.S. The average high temperature across the lower 48 Thursday was about 78.5-degrees. 215 million residents enjoyed temperatures of at least 80-degrees and 59 million above 90 degrees. Thursday: Air Quality Alert Sunshine was a bit subpar thanks in part to the extensive haze from Canadian Wildfire smoke that prompted an Air Quality Alert to be issued for Chicagoland. The designation continues through midnight Friday, according to the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications. Thursday was the first Air Pollution Action Day issued by the Illinois EPA so far this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Late afternoon AQI (Air Quality Index) readings were in the unhealthy category for virtually the entire area. Air Quality: Whats the AQI and how do you check it? Below, the view of downtown Chicago early Thursday morning from Northwestern University along the lakeshore in Evanston: Climate and Environment news: WGN Weather Center blog Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. At least two foreign airlines are exploring the option of transferring some flights from Moscow airports to Pulkovo Airport in St Petersburg due to the increasing threat of drone attacks. Source: Vedomosti, a Russian news outlet Details: Sources from a Russian airline and an airport indicate that both companies already operate flights to Pulkovo. One of these airlines may be Turkish Airlines. The primary reason for these discussions is the frequent closure of airspace over Moscow and Moscow Oblast caused by drone attacks. A source noted another emerging trend: many of the passengers who depart on international flights from Moscow first arrive there from St Petersburg. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the press service at Domodedovo Airport stated that foreign airlines are not currently transferring flights from Moscow airports to Pulkovo. Background: For the second consecutive day, Moscow has faced large-scale attacks by drones, leading to delays for dozens of flights. Airports around the Russian capital were forced to suspend operations temporarily. On 7 May, several Russian airlines cancelled dozens of flights following the 7 May loitering munitions attack on Russian territory. On 8 May, 103 flights were delayed at Moscow airports for departures and arrivals. The closure of Russian airports following drone attacks on 6-7 May disrupted travel plans for at least 60,000 passengers and affected at least 350 flights. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! As the U.S. phases out production of pennies, you might be checking your couch cushions or your vacuum for coins that could be worth more than one cent. You also may want to keep an eye out for these redesigned pennies made in 2009 for the bicentennial anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. They may not be worth millions, but they commemorate the time the 16th president spent in Indiana. What is the Formative Years in Indiana Lincoln penny? In 2009, Congress authorized pennies designed to commemorate four locations in Lincoln's geographical history. The four coins also recognized the 100th anniversary of the first year the Lincoln cent was produced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Abraham Lincoln was born in Kentucky, grew to adulthood in Indiana, achieved fame in Illinois and led the nation in Washington, D.C.," the law reads. A proof of the 2009 penny depicting Abraham Lincoln's time in Indiana. (United States Mint Image. Used With Permission) Indiana's coin shows a young Lincoln sitting on a log, reading a book. It's meant to depict his time in Indiana from 1816 to 1830. "The design on this coin captures this part of Lincolns life by showing him reading while he takes a break from his work as a rail splitter," according to the U.S. Mint website. Read about all four coins in the Lincoln Bicentennial One Cent Program at usmint.gov. When will the U.S. Treasury Department stop making pennies? The federal government made its final order of penny blanks in May 2025 the first step to end the production of the 1-cent coin, a spokesperson for the Treasury Department confirmed to USA TODAY. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The United States Mint will continue to manufacture pennies while an inventory of penny blanks exists," the spokesperson said. The agency did not specify how long the inventory was expected to last, so it's unclear exactly when pennies will no longer be in circulation. Blanks are flat metal discs that eventually become coins, according to the U.S. Mint. Why is penny production stopping? Here's what happened In February, Trump instructed the Treasury Department to stop minting the low-value coins. For far too long the United States has minted pennies which literally cost us more than 2 cents. This is so wasteful! Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. Elon Musk, who has started to scale back his work as head of Trump's Department of Government Efficiency, said in January that penny production in fiscal year 2023 cost taxpayers more than $179 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fiscal year 2024, it took 3.7 cents to produce and distribute one penny, according to the 2024 U.S. Mint report. The 2024 cost was up by 20% from the previous year, according to the report. The report said the increase was partly driven by the rising costs of metals like zinc and copper. Similarly, the nickel costs 13.8 cents to produce, according to the U.S. Mint. Penny production: What's next for the penny? The details on US decision to end production How much are wheat pennies worth? So-called "wheat pennies" get their name from the back of the coin having stalks of wheat encircling the "One Cent" text. They were produced from 1909 to 1958. After that, the wheat stalks were shorn and pennies began displaying an engraving of the Lincoln Memorial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most Lincoln wheat pennies are not super-valuable and are worth just a few cents more than one cent. However, some may escalate into the hundreds of dollars, depending on the condition and when minted. Certain vintages, especially with minting errors, may be worth thousands. You can see the NGC price guide here. Contributing: John Tufts, Minnah Arshad and Fernando Cervantes Jr. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Yes, the penny is being discontinued. Did you know Indiana has its own? The Colorado Supreme Court received generally supportive comments last month from the legal community on a sweeping set of new rules specific to family law cases, but also heard concerns about a proposal to move unrepresented litigants into "informal" trials where different rules apply. LISBON, Ohio (WKBN) A former assistant fire chief entered a plea Thursday as part of a plea deal in an undercover sex sting. Timothy Clavin pleaded no contest and was found guilty of engaging in prostitution and possession of criminal tools, according to Columbiana County Municipal Court records. As part of a plea deal, he received a suspended jail sentence, meaning he will serve no time in jail if he complies with the terms of his probation. Those terms include paying fines, performing community service and attending a prostitution prevention course. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court records state, however, that the sentence is stayed pending appeal of the courts ruling on a motion to dismiss. Clavin had indicated that he would enter the no-contest plea but preserve his right to appeal. He had argued that Ohios engaging in prostitution statute was vague and overbroad, but the court overruled his motion. Undercover agents arrested Clavin last October after he arrived at a predetermined meeting location. Investigators said he responded to an advertisement posted by law enforcement and requested sexual activity in exchange for $140. At the time, Clavin worked as an assistant fire chief for the Western Reserve Joint Fire District. He is no longer employed there. Gerry Ricciutti 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. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) A former Bellefontaine officer was in a Logan County court Wednesday on firearm and OVI charges. Bellefontaine Police Sgt. Bradley Staley faces charges of improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle, a felony of the fifth degree, and operating a motor vehicle under the influence (OVI), a misdemeanor of the first degree. Staley appeared before Judge Kevin P. Braig in the Logan County Court of Common Pleas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge granted Staley recognizance bond, ordered him to keep in contact with lawyer Madison Mackay and submit to pre-trial drug/alcohol testing. Staley pleaded not guilty to the charges. He moved the court for admission to the intervention instead of the conviction program. He was ordered by the court to appear for a pre-sentence investigation interview. A hearing is scheduled on the motion and to accept a change of plea on the OVI charge for July 11 at 2 p.m. 2 NEWS will follow this case as it develops. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. MARSHALL, Ill. (WCIA) Law enforcement has identified the former Clark County resident accused of planning to deploy destructive devices at her old school. The Evansville Police Department in Indiana said 19-year-old Ahnna Tipton was brought to St. Vincent for an evaluation on May 29. While there, an officer found a suspicious item inside Tiptons backpack. PREVIOUSLY: Former Clark Co. student arrested in Indiana after bomb threat of former school Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The object appeared to be a pill bottle wrapped in duct tape, with a matchstick protruding from the lid and a piece of cloth attached, the Evansville Police Department said. An aluminum pipe that was sealed at both ends with what appeared to be incendiary materials inside the pipe was found inside the backpack as well. The police departments bomb technicians responded to the scene, looked over the materials and talked with Tipton. Sergeant Anthony Aussieker, Public Information Officer for the Evansville Police Department, said the Hazardous Devices Unit has tools that examine devices that present a risk, and can render the devices safe, if necessary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Water survey analyzing flood risks in Central Illinois counties Tipton admitted to constructing the devices to police, and the Bomb Technicians confirmed that they were improvised incendiary devices. She also told police that she had two more devices at her home in Warrick County. After searching, the Hazardous Devices Unit found two more incendiary devices hidden in modified Monster Energy drink bottles. Tipton was detained, Aussieker said, and officials began to investigate. During an interview with Tipton, she also revealed that she planned to use the devices at her former high school, in the Marshall Community School District. Aussieker said once the Evansville Police Department learned that Tipton planned to use the devices at her former school in Clark County, they reached out to the Marshall Police Departement. Then, the Marshall Police Department investigated the threat locally, to determine if there was any further risk to the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Evansville Police Department said Tipton was arrested and is facing charges of possession of a destructive device. According to online records, Tipton had an initial hearing in court on Wednesday, and the court set her bond to $50,000. A pretrial hearing is set for Aug. 13, 2025. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. The race to become Floridas next Governor is shaping up with former Congressman David Jolly officially entering the race on the Democratic side Thursday. Action News Jax State spoke with Jolly about how he plans to become the first Democratic Florida Governor in nearly three decades. Jolly said he believes Floridians have grown tired of the culture wars pushed by Florida Republicans during Gov. Ron DeSantis tenure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said his top issue will be addressing the states affordability crisis. If you retired here five years ago, do you still have assets that cover the expenses of living in Florida? If youre a young person is there an economy that allows you to live here, to find housing here? If youre a homeowner facing crippling insurance costs can you really afford to live in Florida? Jolly said. We have an affordability crisis in the State of Florida. I dont believe that Tallahassee Republicans have done enough to fix it. Im Jolly officially joined the Democratic Party earlier this year after registering as an Independent for seven years. Before that, he was a Republican and held the same Congressional seat that would later be occupied by former Congressman Charlie Crist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crists run for Governor in 2022 ended in disaster with a nearly 20-point defeat to Gov. Ron DeSantis. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Both Jolly and Crist transitioned from Republican to Independent to Democrat, but Jolly argued thats where the similarities end. Very respectfully to the former Governor, our stories are actually very different. My journey in politics was over the course of a decade where I was a Republican, a Bush 41 Republican. I was an Independent for a long time. I still love the Independent space. I think our country needs more coalition governing. We need coalitions more than we need parties. Charlie Crist made his moves in about ten days. I made mine over 10 years, Jolly said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jolly argued one key difference, is his decision to swap parties reflects his evolving political beliefs, rather than a feeling the Republican Party itself changed. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Charlie would always say, I didnt leave the Republican Party, the party left me. Thats not my story. David Jolly left the Republican Party. I disagree with the Republican Party. I changed. I grew. Im proud to now associate with the Democratic Party, Jolly said. Where Charlies may have been out of convenience, mine is out of conviction. And I test a different question. Is it OK to change your mind in politics? On the Republican side, President Donald Trump has endorsed Congressman Byron Donalds for Governor, but voters may have three or more options to choose from next November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former State Democratic Minority Leader Jason Pizzo has said he plans to run as an Independent, while trial attorney John Morgan has floated the idea of creating an entirely new party and entering the race. 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. It's been a rough go lately for Elon Musk and Tesla. On Thursday afternoon, shares of Tesla stock dropped significantly as the former DOGE director appears to be embroiled in a dispute with President Donald Trump. Musk has been critical of Trump's "Big, Beautiful Bill." On Thursday, Musk sent out a series of messages to the president on social media. As tensions escalated between the president and Musk, Trump criticized the Tesla CEO in a series of Truth Social posts, warning that he may sever government ties with Musk's companies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here is what to know about why Musk and Trump are sparring on the internet. What did Elon Musk say about Trump's 'Big, Beautiful Bill?' Musk is upset with Trump over the presidents massive tax bill, which Musk has called a disgusting abomination. The bill, known as the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," passed the House by a single vote and includes tax cuts, military spending increases, and reductions to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Musk has criticized the bill for adding trillions to the national debt and accused lawmakers of rushing it through without proper review. He also suggested that Trump is retaliating against him because the bill removes tax credits for electric vehicles. Trump responded by saying hes very disappointed in Musk and suggested their relationship may be irreparably damaged. Musk fired back on X, claiming that without him, Trump would have lost the election and that the bill was passed in the dead of night. BREAKING: President Trump on Elon Musk: "Elon is upset because we took the EV mandate which was a lot of money for electric vehicles. They're having a hard time the electric vehicles, and they want us to pay billions of dollars in subsidy. Elon knew this from the beginning." pic.twitter.com/VwB7bSapXe DogeDesigner (@cb_doge) June 5, 2025 Whatever. Keep the EV/solar incentive cuts in the bill, even though no oil & gas subsidies are touched (very unfair!!), but ditch the MOUNTAIN of DISGUSTING PORK in the bill. In the entire history of civilization, there has never been legislation that both big and beautiful. Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 5, 2025 How much did the Tesla stock drop? According to reports, as of Thursday, Tesla's stock shares dropped by 15%. Tesla is currently trading at around $280.70 per share. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to CNBC, stock prices have declined by over 25% this year, experiencing a significant drop from their peak of $488.54, which was recorded on December 18th. What happened with Elon Musk and DOGE? After what Musk described as an "intense" first three months under President Trump and amid a sharp drop in Teslas first-quarter profit the former director of the Department of Government Efficiency left his post at the White House last month. DOGE was established by Trump through one of more than 100 executive orders issued on Inauguration Day. Musk was appointed to lead the department, which was established to modernize federal technology and streamline operations, aiming to enhance governmental efficiency and productivity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement -Austin American-Statesman reporter Brandi D. Addison contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Elon Musk, Trump trade insults as Tesla stock drops significantly ENCINITAS, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) A former campus supervisor at a middle school in Encinitas was sentenced to 28 years in prison Wednesday after he molested a 12-year-old female student. Prosecutors said Omar Hernandez Galeana, 22, was employed at Diegueno Middle School when he communicated with the young girl and other students then asked them to delete their text message conversations with him. Mar Vista High School aide accused of sex with student appears in court Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A statement read in court on behalf of the girls parents said, in part, Under the guise of campus supervisor, the defendant targeted and groomed our 12-year-old daughter at a place she should have been safe, her middle school. Galeana was arrested by San Diego County Sheriffs Child Abuse Unit deputies last March. The sheriffs office said it opened an investigation after hearing a report that Galeana met with a 12-year-old victim outside of school hours at an undisclosed off-campus location and was suspected of sexually assaulting them. He was also suspected of impairing her with marijuana before the sexual abuse occurred. In a letter to Diegueno Middle School families sent after the incident, San Dieguito Union High School District Superintendent Anne Staffieri said Galeana had only been employed at the school for three months and was fired after his arrest. The young girls family filed a lawsuit against Galeana and the San Dieguito Union High School District in July of last year, saying district officials failed to prevent the sex crimes from happening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Along with serving prison time, Galeana was also ordered 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 FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. A former Army Special Forces officer who was in charge of a team involved in a friendly fire incident in Afghanistan was nominated as the Pentagons head of special operations. Derrick Anderson was nominated Monday by President Donald Trump to serve as assistant secretary of defense for special operations and low-intensity conflict, according to a notice on Congress.gov. His nomination was referred to the Senate Armed Services Committee for consideration. If confirmed to the largely bureaucratic position, Anderson would oversee administrative and policy issues that apply to special operations and irregular warfare units and advise the secretary of defense and other senior civilian leaders on issues like equipment, readiness and training for the force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While a captain in the Army in 2014, Anderson was the commander of a Special Forces team in Afghanistan from the 5th Special Forces Group at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. On June 9, 2014, his team and allied Afghan soldiers engaged in a firefight with the Taliban that ended in a wayward American airstrike that killed five U.S. soldiers and one Afghan. A U.S. Central Command investigation found that miscommunication and a lack of proper protocols among Anderson, his tactical air controller and the crew of the B-1B bomber that dropped the bombs led to the friendly fire. In a later interview with 60 Minutes about the incident, Anderson disputed that his leadership was at fault in the strike. A classified report on the strike obtained by 60 Minutes found that a central cause was the inability of the B-1s sensors to detect the strobe lights worn by the Green Berets on their equipment an issue that neither the bombers crew nor the ground team were aware of. Im the commander of this team. This is my team. I miss my guys tremendously. But at the end of the day theres nothing that myself or my Team Sergeant did that day or failed to do that day that caused that incident to happen, he told 60 Minutes. We made the decisions that we thought were best at the time on the ground for the guys that were getting shot at. In 2024, Anderson also ran for a Congressional House seat in Virginia as a Republican but lost to Democratic candidate Eugene Vindman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anderson grew up in Virginia and attended Virginia Tech on an Army ROTC scholarship, according to a Special Operations Association of America bio page. He went on to become an infantry officer, went to Ranger School and became a platoon leader in Iraq with the 3rd Infantry Division. He served on a 13-month tour during the 2007 Iraq surge. He also oversaw burial and memorial ceremonies with the 3rd Infantry Regiment in Arlington National Cemetery. After leaving the military, he attended law school at Georgetown University and clerked for three federal judges, according to his LinkedIn page. The latest on Task & Purpose A former interim chief security officer for the Los Angeles County Employees Retirement Association has been charged with stealing nearly $20,000 through a company he created while on the job and failing to report the conflict of interest under penalty of perjury. Carmelo Marquez, 42, pleaded not guilty Wednesday to one felony count of grand theft, three felony counts of conflict of interest and two felony counts of perjury. Marquez was initially hired as an independent contractor doing information security work for LACERA and was named interim chief security officer in February 2023. Prosecutors say he used his position to steer about $120,000 in public contracts to a company he secretly owned, profiting nearly $20,000 in the process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office, Marquez failed to disclose the conflict on required ethics forms from the California Fair Political Practices Commission. Public service is meant to be a position of trust, not a way for people to enrich themselves through fraudulent actions, District Attorney Nathan Hochman said in a statement. Our office will protect the publics interest and hold those accountable who put their own greed ahead of their obligations to the people they serve. Marquez no longer works for LACERA and is also facing a civil lawsuit from the agency alleging fraud, breach of fiduciary duty and conflict of interest. If convicted, he faces up to six years and eight months in state prison. He is due back in court on July 17 for a preliminary hearing setting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case remains under investigation by the District Attorneys Bureau of 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 KTLA. Former Lake County Sheriff John Buncich was released from a federal prison in Springfield, Missouri and moved to a halfway house in Chicago on Tuesday, according to officials with the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Federal Bureau of Prisons spokesman Donald Murphy said he couldnt comment specifically on Buncichs move, but said generally release dates are calculated based on several factors. Every inmate earns good conduct time, which is up to 54 days per year of their sentence, Murphy said. Further, inmates can earn time credits after successful completion of approved evidence-based recidivism reduction programs or productive activities, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In January 2018, Buncich, 79, was sentenced to 15 years and 8 months in federal prison after he was convicted of bribery and wire fraud, among other charges, for soliciting bribes from county tow operators. Buncich, former Chief Timothy Downs and William Szamach, of C.S.A. Towing, were named in a multicount indictment on November 18, 2016, alleging a towing scheme where the sheriff accepted bribes in the form of thousands of dollars in cash and donations to his campaign fund, Buncich Boosters, according to court records. Downs pleaded guilty in December 2016, according to court documents, and Szarmach pleaded guilty in July 2017. Both agreed to testify against Buncich during his trial. Judge James Moody resentenced Buncich to 12 years and 6 months in prison on federal corruption charges in August 2020. His release date is still set at Oct. 5, 2027, according to Bureau of Prisons records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two months earlier, in June 2020, the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued an opinion affirming his conviction on charges of bribery and wire fraud, but vacating convictions on three counts of wire fraud, which the government admitted there was insufficient evidence to convict. Moody reduced Buncichs sentence by 37 months, and with credit for time served, meaning Buncich would remain in prison for about 10 more years. Moody said he reached the sentencing decision based on Buncichs greed in committing the crime and his blind obedience to corruption. It reflects the seriousness of the crime, Moody said. The citizens of Lake County deserve better. Before he was resentenced, Buncichs voice was weak as he read from a prepared statement. Buncich said he has spent his many long days in prison reflecting on (his) transgressions. Prison has taken a toll on (him) physically and emotionally, he said. I humbly appeal to you, your honor, and the court for mercy, Buncich said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During his resentencing hearing, his attorney Kerry C. Connor asked Moody to consider resentencing him to time-served and supervised release coupled with home detention. Buncich has various diseases and conditions, including hypertension and pre-diabetes, Connor said. As the resentencing occurred amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Connor argued that with Buncichs age and medical condition, he wouldve died in prison if he caught COVID-19. Just looking at Mr. Buncich, Connor told the courtroom, it is evident that his prison term has taken a toll on him. Buncich lost weight in prison because he only eats food offered through the commissary to avoid eating in the cafeteria because given his background in law enforcement he was scared to eat with other inmates, she said. Former Lake County Democratic Party Chairman and attorney Jim Wieser said Buncich should have been punished for his crime, but he felt Buncichs sentence was grossly higher than the crime committed. Wieser said he was glad to hear Buncich would be closer to his family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has to do the time, and pay the price and thats legit. But I always thought the time given was in excess of the crime, Wieser said. I think he paid the price for the crime that was committed. Lake County Sheriff Oscar Martinez declined to comment. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip Benson said Buncich made a conscious decision to pocket money in exchange for towing contracts. During the trial, Benson said prosecutors highlighted Buncichs attitude as a law and order sheriff in his fourth term while engaging in misconduct with others in his department. This wasnt a bad decision. This was a bad administration, which Buncich led, Benson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of Buncichs top deputies, Dan Murchek, was sentenced to two years of probation in 2018 for lying to the FBI when he was interviewed about the towing operations under the sheriff. Muchek, who planned to run to succeed Buncich as sheriff, denied helping a federal informant restructure a $1,000 campaign donation to avoid Indianas limitation on business contributions, according to court documents. Youll be remembered as a crook, Moody told Murchek at sentencing. Buncich was indicted on Nov. 18, 2016 the same day as former Portage Mayor James Snyder and the late John Cortina, owner of Kustom Auto Body in Portage were charged in a similar towing scheme. A jury found Snyder not guilty on a bribery count involving a towing contract and guilty on a second bribery count for receiving a payment and one count of obstructing the Internal Revenue Service. The second bribery conviction, over allegations surrounding a $13,000 payment involving around $1 million in contracts for garbage trucks, stood after two trials, only to get overturned when the Supreme Court ruled in 2024 that the payment was a gratuity, not a bribe, and criminalizing the payment put even routine campaign contributions at the risk of the federal governments wrath. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Snyder is scheduled to go to trial for a third time in U.S. District Court in Hammond on a bribery charge involving a $13,000 payment for a garbage truck contract. Currently, the trial is set to begin on Sept. 15, according to court records. Prosecutors have requested to sentence Snyder on the obstructing the IRS charge and then dropping the remaining bribery charge once he is sentenced. Snyder has requested the bribery charge be dismissed with prejudice before sentencing on an IRS charge and for the court to bar prosecutors from re-trying the bribery charge at sentencing. Wieser said each case in the federal system is unique, with some moving through the process quickly and others at a slower pace. From what hes read about the Snyder case, Wieser said it appears his case is an outlier. Both cases have gone through the federal system and tried in different ways, Wieser said. akukulka@post-trib.com Former Phoenix acting Police Chief Michael Sullivan has been hired to lead the U.S. Capitol Police. Sullivan will be sworn in June 30, according to a news release from the board that oversees the police force tasked with protecting members of Congress and the Capitol. The Capitol Police said in a statement that Sullivan was a "seasoned professional who will lead with integrity, ensure accountability, and draw on his experience in providing a safe and secure environment for Members of Congress, staff, and visitors. He will implement a strategic approach to optimize the Department's resources and staffing, ensuring the USCP continues to uphold its mission with the utmost professionalism." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sullivan was interim chief in Phoenix from 2022 until about two months ago, when he was in the running to be the city's permanent chief but withdrew his name from consideration. Sullivan said at the time he believed doing so was in the best interests of the department and the city, though he cited the changing political climate in an exit interview. His candidacy to be Phoenix's permanent chief was opposed by the police union, and he speculated that President Donald Trump's election may have led some people in the department to conclude it could revert to its old ways, which was not his way of thinking. Phoenix, meanwhile, is continuing its search for a police chief. The announcement of a new chief was expected in July, according to the city's hiring timeline. In Washington, D.C., Sullivan will helm another police force that is no stranger to scrutiny. The Capitol Police faced criticism for its response to the attack on Jan. 6, 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Capitol Police Board noted Sullivan's tenure in Phoenix included improvements in policy and community engagement, and said Sullivan "played a critical role" guiding the department through a U.S. Department of Justice investigation that was closed by the Trump administration in May. That investigation, launched during the administration of then-President Joe Biden and about a year before Sullivan came to Phoenix, found the department's officers routinely engaged in brutality and discrimination and violated the rights of protesters and homeless people. Ending the investigation and rescinding violations was part of a larger move by the Trump administration to end Biden-era investigations nationally. The Capitol Police Board also cited Sullivan's overhaul of the use of force policy and training and other accomplishments during his stint in the Valley. Prior to coming to Arizona, Sullivan was a deputy commissioner at the Baltimore Police Department for three years, where he also oversaw reforms in tandem with the DOJ. Previously, he was a police officer in Louisville, Kentucky, where he worked from 1995 to 2019. He left that city's police force as deputy chief. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reach reporter Stacey Barchenger at stacey.barchenger@arizonarepublic.com or 480-416-5669. More funding: Phoenix adds millions to Police Department budget, pushing total over $1 billion This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Ex-Phoenix interim Chief Michael Sullivan hired by US Capitol Police An Aurora City councilmember blamed the Democratic Party for the firebombing attack last Sunday in Boulder on a group pressing for the release of remaining Hamas captives, calling the party a "demonic cult." In a video posted a day after the attack, Danielle Jurinsky, a member of the Aurora City Council, accused prominent Jewish Colorado Democrats, including Gov. Jared Polis, Secretary of State Jena Griswold, Attorney General Phil Weiser and U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, of making the Democratic Party their "religion." Jurinsky is Jewish. "Shame on you! You're not Jewish, you're a Democrat," she said. "Nothing brings me to tears like this than watching Jews put their dedication to a demonic cult, the Democratic Party, which has made crime legal, murder legal, and rape legal," she said. "You have better be on your knees praying to God for forgiveness for your behavior, because you're not just anti-American, you yourselves are antisemitic." The governor's office called Jurinsky's comments "disgusting." "Diminishing the Governor and other Jews because they happen to be Democratic is disgusting, and its this inflamed rhetoric we need to end, and end now," the governor's office said. "Only the perpetrator is responsible for the reprehensible terror attack that has shaken Boulder and the Colorado Jewish community and claiming otherwise is bizarre and nothing more than opportunistic dirty politics." On Sunday afternoon, 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, an Egyptian national, threw Molotov cocktails at members of the organization Run for Their Lives, which hosts a weekly walk to press for the release of Israeli hostages taken by Hamas. The police said the attack injured 15 people. Soliman faces federal hate crime charges, as well as state-level attempted murder charges. Griswold, Weiser, and Bennet have also released statements condemning the attack, with Weiser saying violence is never the answer. "Hate has no place in Colorado," he said. "We all have the right to peaceably assemble and the freedom to speak our views. But these violent acts which are becoming more frequent, brazen and closer to home must stop and those who commit these horrific acts must be fully held to account." David Jolly has announced he will run for Florida governor in 2026, what he described a once-in-a-generation election in which a dramatic change is possible and a reset of Florida politics can occur. "Our state is in crisis not just a crisis of policy, not right versus left, but a crisis of right versus wrong. It doesnt have to be this way," Jolly posted June 5 on X. Formerly a Republican, Jolly switched parties after serving in the U.S. Congress from 2014 to 2017. He'll be running in 2026 as a Democrat. In a state that's firmly Republican, Jolly said he faces a "Herculean task" to move into the governor's mansion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement David Jolly's campaign for Florida governor takes aim against culture wars As of June 5, only one other person has said they'll be running to replace current Gov. Ron DeSantis, who faces consecutive-term limits and cannot run again in 2026. U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, who received an early endorsement from President Trump, is running as a Republican. Jolly has been a vocal opponent of Trump. He called on Trump to withdraw from the 2016 presidential primary after Trump proposed an immigration ban for Muslims. "He has built a national profile as an anti-Trump political commentator on MSNBC," according to the Associated Press. Who is David Jolly? David Jolly announces in an interview with the Tallahassee Democrat that he is running as a democratic candidate for the Governor of Florida on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. David Jolly is a native Floridian, the son of a pastor, born on Halloween, Oct. 31, 1972, in Dunedin, according to his congressional biography. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He graduated from Pasco High School in Dade City, received a bachelor's degree from Emory University in 1994 and a juris doctor from George Mason University in 2001. Jolly was a staff member for U.S. Rep. Charles William (Bill) Young of Florida from 1994 to 2006 before he was elected via a special election to fill Young's seat for District 13 when the congressman died in 2013. Jolly was re-elected in March 2014 and served until 2017, after losing an election bid in 2016. He has spent the last eight years as a political analyst on MSNBC, and has written for Time, USA TODAY, Roll Call, The Washington Post, The New York Times, CNN, NBC, and The Tampa Bay Times. Jolly and his wife, Laura, have two children and live in Pinellas County. Why is David Jolly running for Florida governor? Im Democrat David Jolly, and Im launching my campaign today for Governor of Florida. Our state is in crisis not just a crisis of policy, not right versus left, but a crisis of right versus wrong. It doesnt have to be this way. pic.twitter.com/Rkql5eaFD2 David Jolly (@davidjollyfl) June 5, 2025 On the Jolly for Governor website, Jolly said he is running for governor "because he believes we can and must do better." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I actually think Republicans in Tallahassee have gone too far in dividing us. I think we should get politicians out of the classrooms, out of the doctors offices, Jolly told the Associated Press. I think enough people in Florida, even some Republicans, now understand that. That the culture wars have gone too far." Where does gubernatorial candidate David Jolly stand on issues facing Florida residents? On the Jolly for Governor website, Jolly said his position on some of the issues facing Florida are: Insurance crisis: "The property insurance crisis is the primary reason so many people in Florida are struggling to afford a home. A state catastrophic fund that removes natural disaster perils from the private market would dramatically reduce property and car insurance rates, restoring affordability and price stability for millions of Floridians." Schools: "Public schools have been inadequately funded in the state of Florida for decades." Campaign finance, ethics reform: "Florida has some of the weakest ethics and campaign finance rules of any state in the country." Florida's economy: "Florida has one of the largest economies in the world, but it has been hindered by short-term political thinking." Reproductive freedom: "Reproductive healthcare decisions should be made between women and their doctors, not politicians." Climate resiliency: "The states management of these resources (ecosystems) has been insufficient. Florida should accept the science of climate change." Veteran services: "Florida should lead the nation in filling the gap of critical services for those who have served our nation in uniform." Access to Florida universities: "Qualified Florida students should have preferred application status for Floridas universities." Gun violence: "Florida should ban the sale of assault weapons, require universal and comprehensive background checks, explore licensing, and preserve and expand the red flag laws enacted following the tragedy at Parkland." Clean energy: "Florida leaders should unleash clean and renewable energies across the Sunshine State." Home rule and direct democracy: "Across Florida, voters continue to use their vote to choose the direction of their state and their community. But Tallahassee politicians preempt the will of the voters based on selfish ideological whims." Fighting crime: "Its time Florida fights crime, not communities. Florida can also be a state that corrects disparities in criminal justice for communities of color and immigrant communities, promoting local control of community policing." Health care: "Florida should commit to expanding Medicaid and ensuring healthcare for all Floridians." Kindness, dignity, respect: "Florida should reject the politics of division and hate, and instead create a home where everyone is valued, respected, and welcomed." Is David Jolly Republican or Democrat? Jolly was a Republican when he served in Congress from 2014 to 2017 but left the GOP behind in 2018 to become an independent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In May 2025, he changed his party affiliation to Democrat. Jolly told the Associated Press he has considered himself part of the Democratic coalition for five or so years, and believes in what he sees as the partys 'fundamental values' that government can help people, that the economy should be fair to all, and that immigrants should be celebrated. "I struggled to exercise those values in the Republican Party. The actual registration as a Democrat wasnt a pivot. It was a kind of a formality." Who else is running for Florida governor? U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, a Republican congressman from Naples, announced earlier this year he was running for Florida governor. He quickly was endorsed by President Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 10 things to know about the US congressman running for Florida governor, Byron Donalds Former Florida Senate Democratic leader Jason Pizzo has spoken about a possible run for governor, but said he was leaving the Democratic party behind, saying the Democratic Party in Florida is dead. A former prosecutor, Pizzo said hell launch his own run for governor as a candidate with no party affiliation, according to the Associated Press. Democratic megadonor John Morgan, who financed ballot initiatives to raise the minimum wage and allow the use of medical marijuana, said he is considering starting a new party and running for governor. There's also continued speculation Casey DeSantis, wife of current Gov. Ron DeSantis, will run for office. Why isn't current Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis running for governor? DeSantis was first elected in 2018 and began his term in office on Jan. 8, 2019. He was re-elected by a landslide in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He will be ineligible to run again in the next Florida gubernatorial election in 2026 due to term limits making governors ineligible to be elected to three consecutive terms. DeSantis will leave office in Jan. 2027 and could run for governor again in the future. How many Republicans and Democrats are there in Florida? According to the Florida Division of Elections, as of April 30, there are 13.9 million active registered voters in the state. Florida currently has no Democrats elected to statewide office and Democrats are outnumbered 2-1 in the state's Legislature. The breakdown by party is: Republicans : 5,578,457 Democrats : 4,329,371 No party affiliation: 3,583,834 Minor parties: 425,882 Florida is closed primary state. What's that mean? Florida is a closed primary state, which means in partisan primary contests, voters can only vote for candidates in the party in which they are registered. The voter's ballot is tied to the party affiliation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the general election, all registered voters receive the same ballot regardless of their party affiliation and are eligible to vote for any candidate. Key Florida election dates in 2026 Primary election: Aug. 18, 2026 General election: Nov. 3, 2026 This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: David Jolly running for Florida governor. What to know Denise Powell at her campaign event on June 4, 2025. (Courtesy of Denise Powell for Congress) LINCOLN Former Omaha State Sen. Tony Vargas has endorsed political action committee co-founder and business owner Denise Powell in her bid for Nebraskas 2nd Congressional District. The endorsement announcement came a day after Omaha State Sen. John Cavanaugh declared his candidacy for the seat on Wednesday, the same day Powell hosted a campaign kick-off event. State Sen. Tony Vargas of Omaha speaks to a crowd of supporters at Big Mamas Kitchen in North Omaha. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner) The Vargas endorsement also followed Cavanaugh saying he has a stronger record of being a leader in the Legislature than Vargas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vargas, a Democrat who represented South Omaha in the Legislature and on the Omaha Public Schools board, narrowly lost twice to U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., with the 2024 margin being less than two percentage points. Denises leadership and proven record of bringing people together to solve our toughest problems is why Im proud to support her campaign for Congress, Vargas said. Powell said she wants to build on the energy and enthusiasm Vargas brought to his House races. It is a tremendous honor to have the support of a dedicated public servant, leader and friend like Tony Vargas, Powell said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Powell already has secured endorsements from some Cavanaugh colleagues in the Legislature from Omahas State Sens. Margo Juarez and Dunixi Guereca, and other elected officials in the district, which includes all of Douglas and Saunders Counties and parts of suburban Sarpy County. Cavanaughs new campaign has yet to announce any endorsements. State Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha. Jan. 8, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Powell and Cavanaugh are the two highest-profile Democratic candidates in the race so far. Also running are Mark Johnston and Evangelos Argyrakis. Powell is running as an outsider, but she has the support of some top local Democratic donors from her time leading the nonpartisan PAC Women Who Run, a group that encouraged more women to consider running for office and equipped them with the tools to do so. Cavanaugh is part of a local political dynasty, seeking to follow his father into the same 2nd District seat he held in the late 1970s. His sister, State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh, serves in the Legislature alongside him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In her statement responding to Cavanaughs announcement, Powell didnt mention the senator by name but said, Nebraskans deserve better than lip service from career politicians. Im running to bring courage and common sense back to DC, Powell said in the statement. She also received the endorsement from Square One Politics, a group focused on recruiting and discovering young, diverse, progressive candidates. Vargas became the groups executive director earlier this year. U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., talks about his work with U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner) Whoever emerges from the 2026 Democratic primary will have to navigate Nebraskas most politically divided and diverse district, with a slight GOP tilt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement National and state Democrats have been using the recent Omaha mayoral race as evidence of growing voter energy against President Donald Trump and political fuel for the congressional midterms. Bacon has said both Democrats are too progressive to represent a purple district. Republicans are waiting on Bacon to decide whether to run again. Bacon has said he would announce this summer whether he would retire from Congress. Editors note: This story has been revised to reflect that Powells group she co-founded is a PAC. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) A former Tampa General Hospital employee made his first appearance in front of a Hillsborough County Judge on Monday in a case involving child pornography. The Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office said its internet predator unit launched an investigation after finding suspicious activity on a social media platform, although investigators did not say which social media platform was used. The sheriffs office said, with a warrant, deputies recovered 79 images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators also said they found images of Farber that he had taken while at work at Tampa General Hospital showing inappropriate photos of himself taken in operating rooms and patient areas, although the photos do not show other people. 4 dolphins from Florida park involved in criminal investigation moved to Clearwater Marine Aquarium Tampa General Hospital issued a statement on the arrest, saying, In accordance with our policy, the individual is not currently working at our facilities. We are cooperating with authorities on the investigation. In court, Farbers attorney told the judge his client has strong ties to the community as he asked for a lower bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr. Farber is a lifelong resident of Hillsborough County, he is married, two children, he has multiple family members familial generations here in Hillsborough County. He previously was employed in the medical field, said Attorney A.J. Alverez. 2 men accused of human trafficking, luring 13-year-old to Tampa motel denied bond Farber lives in the Fishhawk community, directly across from a childrens playground. A neighbor, who did not want to be identified, says she is shocked by the arrest. Judge Catherine Catlin said in court that she believes Farber is a danger to the community. Well, sir, the mere fact that you are in possession of this material tells me you are a danger to minors. You are not to have any contact with minors whatsoever while these charges are pending and that includes your own children, said Catlin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She set bond in the case, but told Farber he can not go to his own home because there are children in his household. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. A Muskego-Norway School District teacher and former treasurer of a nonprofit organization is facing a felony charge alleging she stole over $240,000 from the nonprofit and used it for her personal benefit. Kellie Villalobos, 51, was charged June 2 in Milwaukee County Circuit Court with one felony count of theft from a business setting over $100,000. If convicted, Villalobos could face a fine of up to $25,000, up to 12 years in prison, or both, according to the criminal complaint. As of the afternoon of June 4, Villalobos' name was still listed on the Muskego-Norway School District's website as a Spanish teacher. Muskego-Norway School District marketing and communications specialist Alyssa Meyer did not immediately respond to a reporter's phone or email messages seeking comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the criminal complaint: From September 2014 until February 2024, Villalobos was treasurer for the Wisconsin Association of Foreign Language Teachers, a nonprofit organization providing professional development for world language teachers. Villalobos' role meant she had access to the organization's financial accounts. The complaint accuses Villalobos of misappropriating over $242,000 from the organization for personal purchases. The investigation began in March 2024 when the association's current finance chair and co-treasurer made a complaint to the Milwaukee Police Department after the organization did a preliminary audit of its financial accounts. The audit revealed that at least $150,000 was missing or unaccounted for, the complaint said. Issues were first noticed in January 2024, when the complaint said Villalobos spent down the organization's accounts to the point where it could not pay its bills. The Hilton Paper Valley Hotel notified the association on Jan. 25, 2024, that it had not paid a $17,075.72 bill from its November 2023 annual conference. Villalobos said she had forgotten about the bill because she had a house fire, the complaint said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said the hotel should receive payment by Jan. 30, 2024, but that did not happen. Villalobos then said she had been mistaken about the timing of the payment and that she would issue a check. Hilton received the check Feb. 5, 2024, but it was rejected for insufficient funds, and the hotel notified the association on Feb. 10. Villalobos said she would arrange payments made on a credit card in $5,000 increments. On Feb. 13, 2024, Villalobos deposited $3,000 from her personal account to the association's account, but that check bounced. When confronted, Villalobos claimed she accidentally used the association's credit card instead of her own and would reimburse the organization for the error. Villalobos was removed as treasurer Feb. 29, 2024. Audit shows account balance dropping rapidly After Villalobos' removal, several association members conducted an in-depth audit of her financial activities. When Villalobos started as treasurer in 2014, the organization's financial account balance was $141,354.63. From 2018 to 2024 the organization noticed the account's balance diminish rapidly from a starting balance of $203,799.94 in 2018 to $1,597.18 in 2024, the complaint said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The organization's typical annual expenses came to about $34,000, an association official told police. That amount included the November conference and other expenses such as print, officer stipends and scholarships. The specific annual amounts could vary, but over a seven-year period, anticipated expenses should have totaled about $238,000, the complaint said. Instead, expenses totaled $626,191.92 between 2018 and 2024. When an investigator with the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office reviewed the organization's financial account statements, they discovered "hundreds of fraudulent transactions," the complaint said. For example, the investigator found: 47 transactions for Walmart from Jan. 13, 2022, through Nov. 4, 2023, totaling $4,776.31 for an account under Villalobos' name; items from 41 of those transactions were delivered to Villalobos' home. $2,161.96 in transactions to Villalobo's WE Energies account between January 2020 and October 2023 multiple transactions to Expedia.com, a travel website, totaling $5,424.34 between November 2018 and April 2022 35 payments totaling $5,568.82 to Villalobos' Spectrum account charged to association credit cards between November 2019 and September 2023 256 item purchases from Amazon by Villalobos totaling $7,092.19 between August 2021 and January 2024 69 transactions for Instacart between August 2020 and November 2023 totaling $5,627.34. The delivery address for most of those transactions was Villalobos' house. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An arrest warrant has been issued for Villalobos; no hearing for the case has been set yet, according to online court records. When a reporter tried calling May Y Lee, Villalobos' attorney, at her law office the afternoon of June 4, the person who answered said Lee was not available and declined comment. Villalobos did not immediately respond to a reporter's phone calls requesting comment. Contact Alec Johnson at (262) 875-9469 or alec.johnson@jrn.com. Follow him on Twitter at @AlecJohnson12. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Villalobos accused of theft of over $240K from nonprofit Hetal Doshi is a 2026 Democratic candidate for Colorado attorney general. (Courtesy of Hetal Doshi campaign) Hetal Doshi, a former assistant U.S. attorney for Colorado, on Thursday joined the Democratic primary to be Colorados next attorney general. Doshi served as deputy assistant attorney general of the U.S. Department of Justices Antitrust Division under the Biden administration after more than 10 years as a federal prosecutor in Colorado. In that role, she challenged various corporate mergers as well as tech corporations like Google, Apple and Ticketmaster. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the daughter of immigrants, fighting for our rights is personal to me. Thats why Ive spent my career taking on the powerful to protect the American Dream for working families across Colorado, Doshi said in a statement announcing her candidacy. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser is term-limited and announced he will run for Colorado governor in 2026. The Democrat has joined a growing number of legal challenges to Trump administration policies. Other Democrats running for attorney general include Secretary of State Jena Griswold, Boulder District Attorney Michael Dougherty, former speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives Crisanta Duran and worker and consumer rights attorney David Seligman. Conner Pennington is the only Republican candidate to file paperwork in the race so far. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Doshis campaign website says she will focus on defending Colorado from actions from the Trump administration, fighting for a fair economy and protecting Colorados rights, values and public safety. Right now, the rule of law is under attack by those who have abandoned patriotism for power. Colorados next Attorney General must have a proven record of taking on the toughest fights and winning, Doshi said. Ive taken on powerful executives in boardrooms and corrupt officials in government, and Im ready to defend the rights and freedoms of every Coloradan. The attorney general heads the Colorado Department of Law and oversees enforcement of consumer protection and antitrust laws, defends state laws in legal challenges, and advocates for law enforcement and community safety. Primary elections to decide party nominees for state offices will be held in June 2026. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE UPDATE on 6/6 at 11:25 a.m. FORSYTH, Ill. (WCIA) The Macon County Sheriffs Office provided further clarification on the investigation into a Forsyth couple found dead in their home with gunshot wounds earlier this week. An official from the sheriffs office said while a firearm was recovered at the scene, it is unknown at this time if it was the firearm that was used to kill the couple. There is no further information available at this time. FORSYTH, Ill. (WCIA) The husband and wife who were found dead in their Forsyth home this week died as a result of gunshot wounds, the autopsies found. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Macon County Sheriffs Office provided an update in the case on Thursday, saying autopsies on William and Lorie Frame were completed on Wednesday. The autopsies determined that each died from a single gunshot wound. Decatur man accused of double-stabbing found not guilty by insanity The Macon County Sheriffs Office Investigations Division continues to diligently investigate this case to determine exactly how the Frames were killed, officials wrote in a news release. No arrests have been made in this case at this time. No additional information will be released at this time to protect the integrity of the case. The Frames were found dead on Monday by their son. The Sheriffs Office said that day they did not believe a danger existed to the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation into the Frames deaths is ongoing with assistance from the Illinois State Police. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. FORT SMITH, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) This year, Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club awarded $64,100 in scholarships to 32 students, according to a Thursday news release. Students who receive scholarships are based on club participation, academic achievement and financial need. Ten new recipients and 22 returning recipients. will be awarded in a special luncheon celebration. The University of Arkansas Fort Smith offers a 100% first-year match for all FSBGC recipients attending UAFS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since launching the program in 1985, FSBGC has awarded more than $1.1 million to 404 students through over 1,000 individual awards, the release states. The program is among the largest scholarship initiatives within the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24. State public health officials are investigating four recent botulism cases that are linked to cosmetic Botox injections on the South Shore. In a clinical advisory to health care providers on Thursday, Department of Public Health officials urged providers to be alert for symptoms consistent with botulism occurring after botulinum toxin injections. State officials did not disclose where the four cases were reported on the South Shore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These cases highlight the risk of iatrogenic botulism, a rare but serious adverse event resulting from the administration of botulinum toxin products, the advisory states. DPH is advising healthcare providers to be alert for symptoms consistent with botulism occurring after botulinum toxin injections. Botulinum toxin, known commonly as Botox, is widely used for cosmetic purposes to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. Experts say improper dosing, administration technique, or use of non-FDA-approved products may increase the risk of systemic botulism symptoms. FILE PHOTO: Botox treatments. Botulism is the rare and sometimes fatal disease caused by botulinum toxin circulating in the blood and producing effects remotely from the injection site. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There may be symptom overlap between the presentation of localized adverse effects from injection of botulinum toxin, especially in the head and neck, and the early symptoms of botulism. Healthcare providers should be alert for symptoms consistent with botulism occurring after botulinum toxin injections, state public health officials said in their advisory. Initial botulism symptoms may include double or blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, and difficulty breathing, officials said. These symptoms may be followed by a descending, symmetric muscle weakness that progresses over hours to days. State officials said symptoms to watch out for include: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Muscle weakness, especially in areas beyond the injection site. Note especially symmetric or bilateral weakness in distinction to localized weakness at or near the injection site, which is expected. Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) Dysarthria (speech difficulties) Ptosis (drooping eyelids) Respiratory difficulty Other cranial nerve palsies Symptoms may develop hours to days post-injection. State officials offered the following guidance for clinicians: Maintain a high index of suspicion for botulism in patients presenting with compatible symptoms following cosmetic Botox or other botulinum toxin injections. Obtain a detailed history of recent botulinum toxin exposure, including the name and location of the injecting provider and any available information about the brand, lot and dose. Report suspected cases immediately to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health by calling 617-983-6800 (24/7) or to the local board of health Coordinate prompt clinical management, including supportive care and consideration of botulinum antitoxin administration when indicated. Early treatment can improve outcomes. Counsel patients who report using or being interested in using botulinum toxin about potential adverse effects. Advise patients to receive injections only from licensed providers who are trained in proper administration of FDA-approved botulinum toxin products, preferably in a licensed or accredited healthcare setting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MDPH is actively investigating these cases to identify the source and prevent further incidents, the advisory states. Clinicians are urged to report any suspected cases promptly to facilitate timely public health response. Anyone with additional information or questions is urged to contact the Massachusetts Department of Public Health at 617-983-6800. 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 Four people were killed when a gang of suspected ram raiders crashed into oncoming traffic during a high-speed police chase on Spains Costa del Sol on Thursday. In an attempt to evade police cars, a van carrying the three alleged thieves swerved onto the wrong side of a motorway near Torremolinos and collided with a vehicle driven by an off-duty police officer. The three suspects are believed to have died instantly. Their bodies were removed from the wreckage by firefighters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fourth victim, a police officer, was extracted from his vehicle by local police officers but later died, Malaga emergency services said. Identified only as Antonio, the 48-year-old officer was a member of the so-called Gotham Group, a branch of the Spanish police that works secretly at night to combat crime in the tourist hotspot. He had been driving towards his home in Benalmadena after finishing his shift. Police had been on the lookout for a gang believed to be behind a series of night-time ram raids on pharmacies in the Malaga area. The suspects had been driving on the wrong side of the road Just before 5am, an alarm alerted officers to a break-in at a pharmacy in the Puerto de la Torre area of the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The intruders deactivated the security shutters before forcing open the front door, but did not manage to open the safe before police raced to the scene. They escaped along the A7 coastal motorway towards Marbella, with patrol cars in pursuit. After speeding along the wrong side of the road to throw off the pursuit, they crashed into the off-duty officers car when they took an exit near Torremolinoss Palacio de Congresos conference centre. The officers car caught fire on impact. The National Police Force and the SUP, a Spanish police officers union, sent their condolences to the family, colleagues and friends of Antonio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The interior ministry said the government was deeply saddened by Antonios death. Malagas pharmacy association called for improved security to halt a crime wave affecting chemists in the province. Four or five similar break-ins have been reported in the region over the past month. 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 Colorado Supreme Court notified a small group of lawyers and judges in May that it has tentatively agreed on a new rule addressing racial bias in jury selection for criminal trials, breaking its yearslong silence on the proposed change. By Chris Prentice NEW YORK (Reuters) -The French audit regulator has warned of "damaging consequences" if U.S. lawmakers advance a plan to eliminate its U.S. counterpart that has oversight of public companies' auditors, according to a letter seen by Reuters. Congress is debating legislation that would dismantle the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, a nonprofit created by Congress in 2002 in response to a series of high-profile accounting scandals and auditing failures. As part of a sweeping tax and spending bill, Republicans are pushing to move auditor oversight to the Securities and Exchange Commission, which has seen a staff exodus as part of President Donald Trump's and Elon Musk's efforts to overhaul the federal workforce. Congress' plan to axe the PCAOB could jeopardize the ability of France's High Authority of Auditing (H2A) to coordinate with its U.S. counterpart, including on audits underway or about to begin, H2A President Florence Peybernes said in a letter to the PCAOB chair dated May 28 and seen by Reuters late Wednesday. Peybernes' statements follow a similar warning from German counterparts, according to a separate letter seen by Reuters. The PCAOB has agreements in place with regulators across the European Union and elsewhere that would need to be reworked should U.S. lawmakers dismantle the group and task SEC with its responsibilities. Even if regulators successfully resolve such issues, Peybernes said she foresaw serious disruptions during the transition. Representatives for H2A and the PCAOB did not respond immediately to requests for comment on the letter or the legislation. PCAOB Chair Erica Williams has also separately warned lawmakers of the risks of eliminating the PCAOB, saying in an April letter to Democratic Congresswoman Maxine Waters: "With millions of Americans invested in the stock market, including through 401(k)s and pensions, auditors need to perform their audits with more care than ever. Now is not the time for a major disruption in audit oversight." SEC Chairman Paul Atkins has said as recently as Tuesday he expects the SEC could take over the PCAOB's functions. The agency has asked for a $100 million buffer in its budget to accommodate potential new responsibilities. A spokesperson for the SEC declined to comment beyond the chairman's prior remarks. Many Republicans have long criticized the PCAOB as costly, while advocates point to huge improvements in public companies' financial reporting since the group was founded. (Reporting by Chris Prentice in New YorkAdditional reporting by Dominique Patton in Paris; editing by Pete Schroeder and Marguerita Choy) NEW YORK A friend of Casandra Cassie Ventura testified in Manhattan Federal Court on Wednesday, alleging she was held over the edge of a Los Angeles high-rise by an unhinged Sean Diddy Combs. Bryana Bongolan, 33, a creative and marketing director, said the disturbing incident occurred in September 2016. She said she and a girlfriend were staying at Venturas place smoking marijuana and taking other drugs when the rap mogul turned up and began banging on the door. Bongolan said she sent her girlfriend to hide in the bathroom, where Ventura was, and then went out to the balcony. Bongolan, who said she weighed between 100 and 115 pounds at the time, described Combs approaching her from behind, putting his hands around her chest and under her armpits, and holding her over the balconys edge with her feet dangling by the rail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What were you thinking when Mr. Combs was holding you up on that 17th-floor balcony? Assistant U.S. Attorney Madison Smyser asked. For a split second, I was thinking about how I was going to fall, but for the most part, he was yelling at me, so I was trying to answer him, Bongolan said, quoting Combs as repeatedly chastising her, You know what the f--- you did. I (had) no idea, she said. I still (have) no idea. The witness, wearing a plaid jacket over a brown dress, estimated that 10 to 15 seconds later, Combs hurled her into balcony furniture. When an incredulous Ventura came upon the scene, she asked Combs if he had held her over the balconys edge, Bongolan said, adding that the rap mogul swiftly left. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jurors saw a photo of the balcony with sweeping views of Los Angeles and a photo Bongolan took of her injuries, showing severe bruising and a puncture wound on the back of her leg. She said she also suffered neck pain in addition to night terrors, paranoia and sometimes screaming in her sleep. Bongolan said she sought care from a chiropractor and didnt report the incident to law enforcement because she feared Combs. Im the devil, and I could kill you, she said he once told her at a photo shoot, and she recalled another time when he threw a knife at Ventura. She said Combs called her on FaceTime a day or two after the balcony incident, and she told him she didnt want any problems with him. When Ventura brought a bombshell suit against Combs in late 2023, she included details of the balcony incident, though the court document mistakenly said it happened at a hotel, Bongolan said Wednesday. Combs settled that suit in 24 hours for $20 million, jurors heard from Ventura earlier in the trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ventura testified about the balcony incident during four days on the stand at the start of the trial, where she related being horrifically beaten by Combs throughout their 11-year relationship and coerced into hundreds of dayslong, demeaning sexual performances with strangers for Combs sexual gratification. In a $10 million lawsuit, Bongolan is currently suing Combs in California for sexual battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, false imprisonment and other claims. The suit includes an allegation that Combs skinned a rivals dog. On cross-examination, Combs attorney Nicole Westmoreland highlighted portions of Bongolans demand letter in her civil suit that described Combs as groping her breasts on the balcony, causing bruising, which she did not describe under questioning by the prosecution. She pulled up a description in the civil case of Combs saying he would kill her when he hanged her over the balcony, a detail the witness said was added by a since-fired lawyer. Westmoreland also sought to highlight discrepancies in Bongolans testimony and her first meetings with prosecutors, like initially saying Combs was at a party when he said he could kill her and later saying it was at a photo shoot. Bongolan answered I dont remember in response to several questions on cross-examination about the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of Bongolan and Venturas drug use, which Bongolan testified was intense and involved substances like ketamine, cocaine, and other drugs, the defense attorney had Bongolon admit the women spent the majority of their time together getting high and each had had a drug problem. Combs has pleaded not guilty to five counts, including sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy and transporting individuals for prostitution. He could spend the rest of his life in prison if found guilty. The Manhattan U.S. attorneys office alleges Combs operated a criminal enterprise that saw him and his inner circle resort to criminality to facilitate his desires for some two decades. They allege those crimes included obstruction of justice, sex trafficking, kidnapping and habitual violence. They have alleged Combs and his crew members resorted to arson and kidnapping surrounding a disturbing series of events in 2011 and 2012 that saw rapper Kid Cudis home broken into and his Porsche blown up. _____ As President Donald Trump tries to ease tensions with Chinese President Xi Jinping, dont expect a quick trade deal after a phone call between the two leaders. Thats just not how the Chinese government works, according to Nicholas Burns, who recently wrapped up a three-year tour of duty as U.S. ambassador to China under the Biden administration. I think itll be months of negotiations, Burns said in an interview with POLITICO Magazine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burns tenure put him on the front lines of a geopolitical relationship roiled by recriminations over Chinas alleged role in the origins of Covid-19 , the Chinese spy balloon incident and escalating tensions over trade and the fate of Taiwan. A possible reflection of those tensions: Xi made Burns wait more than a year before accepting his credentials. Burns diplomatic career began in 1980 as an intern at the U.S. embassy in Mauritania and included time as U.S. ambassador to NATO and service under presidents of both parties. He made his first trip to China in 1988 accompanying then-Secretary of State George Schultz. At that time, China had an annual gross domestic product of $312 billion , the Chinese government had begun experimenting with village-level democratic elections and Xi Jinping was toiling away as the executive vice-mayor of the city of Xiamen in Fujian province. Thirty-six years later, the value of Chinas GDP had hit $19 trillion and Xi had become Chinas unchallenged paramount leader at the top of an increasingly repressive authoritarian government. In the interview, Burns noted its important to counter Beijings increasingly aggressive economic, diplomatic and military global footprint but warned that Trump is going about it all wrong, particularly by using tariffs as a cudgel against longtime partners who otherwise might have allied with the U.S. against China. That was a big mistake that I think the administration is now trying to atone for, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This conversation has been edited for length and clarity. What keeps you up at night in terms of what could go wrong with the U.S.-China relationship? The fact that we've had trouble convincing the Chinese it's in our interest to have our senior military leaders talking. My nightmare scenario as ambassador was not an intentional conflict, but an accident. Our two navies are operating in close proximity around the Spratly, Paracel, Senkaku Islands and the Taiwan Strait, so in the event of an accident or collision in the air or on the sea, you want to be able to have senior level military officers intervene on both sides to lower the temperature and separate parties. For a long time during my ambassadorship, the Peoples Liberation Army refused to have that level of contact. I worry very much about that. There was such an accident in 2001 that George Bush and Colin Powell had to deal with that and it was a very worrisome situation. We don't want that situation to lead to a bigger conflict over a misunderstanding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I also worry about connectivity. After Speaker Pelosi visited Taiwan in August 2022, the Chinese effectively shut down diplomatic contacts between our governments at a senior level. They did it again after that strange balloon drifted across the territory of the United States in 2023. So there were moments when I felt that it was in doubt that we could actually handle a crisis. And given the competitive, really palpable competition between two countries, we have to be able to manage conflict and to reduce the probability of a major conflict. How would you characterize the state of the U.S.-China relationship from where you left Beijing in January to four-plus months later under the Trump administration? There are a lot of similarities. I'm not privy to everything going on now, because I'm not there, but I don't think the situation right now is dissimilar. We had many issues where we were at loggerheads the day I left, and that's certainly true of President Trump right now. I have a certain amount of sympathy for what the Trump administration is dealing with, because on the one hand, China is our strongest adversary in the world. On the other hand, there are certain issues where we have to work with China. One of the most difficult things that I found day-to-day was how do you balance a situation where our strongest competitor is in some areas like climate change or fentanyl a partner we have to work with, and you have to be able to balance the two. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I spent about 80 percent of my time on the competitive edge with China and about 20 percent on the cooperative side. There are days when you had to work with cooperative issues, and many other days when you had to accentuate the competitive ones. I think that's what the Trump administration is finding. A key component of the Biden administrations China strategy was a focus on bolstering ties with allies and partners to counter Beijings growing global footprint. Trumps approach to China and the rest of the world hinges on tariffs and trade. How effective is that? It was not a good start. I think the fundamental mistake that was made was that when we imposed tariffs on China, we also imposed high tariffs on South Korea, Japan, the European Union, Canada and Mexico. All those countries are on our side in the big issues that separate us from China. All of them have the same economic issues and trade problems with China. If we had highlighted China as the major disruptor of global trade, which China has been for the last couple of decades, and formed a coalition with the EU and Japan and the U.S. that's 60 percent of global GDP we would have had leverage for these negotiations. But when we simultaneously advanced really high tariffs in those countries, we took them away from our side of the table. And if you look at the comments of Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, they want to have those countries supporting us. They took away our natural allies in a tariff fight with China. That was a big mistake that I think the administration is now trying to atone for, but it would have been a lot easier if we had just focused on China on April 2, not every country in the world in terms of reciprocal tariffs. As we encounter China in the Taiwan Strait, in the military competition in the Indo-Pacific, on trade issues, on Chinas support for Russia against Ukraine, its essential that we have Japan, South Korea, the European Union, NATO countries, Australia and India on our side. We can outweigh the Chinese, and we can deter the Chinese when we have that allied coalition mentality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beijing argues that the Trump administration has picked an unfair fight with China over trade. Is that fair? Let me say something more understanding of President Trump's dilemma. The Chinese have been saying every day for the last several weeks that the United States is being unfair, that we're a bully, that we're disrupting global trade. In fact, they're the biggest problem in global trade. Intellectual property theft against American and other nations companies; forced technology transfer; dumping of EVs, lithium batteries, solar panels on the rest of the world below the cost of production; disrupting global markets; trying to kill the manufacturing industries in places like the United States and Europe. So I always start from the presumption that tariffs are necessary with China. The question is, what level of tariffs? Remember that President Biden put 100 percent tariffs on Chinese EVs, 50 percent tariffs on semiconductors and 25 percent tariffs on lithium batteries. I think 145 percent [tariffs on Chinese imports] was a mistake. Putting tariffs against our allies mistake. But I do understand the necessity of the United States to have a hard enough strategy when it comes to China. The Trump administration appears convinced that it can bend Beijing to its will through this imposition of tariffs and threats of higher tariffs based on a belief that Beijing has more to lose than the U.S. in this trade war. How realistic is that? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I don't think it's a realistic understanding of Chinese government attitudes. The Chinese leadership considers itself to be a peer in power economic, technological, military of the United States. Because the Chinese Communist Party puts the president of China, Xi Jinping, on an absolute pedestal, there was no way going into this that they were going to allow Xi Jinping to be humiliated or to be browbeaten or to come out as a loser in a trade duel with the United States. It was entirely predictable that if we put 145 percent tariffs on China, they were going to essentially match us, which they essentially did at 125 percent. So in a tariff war like this, there will be no clear winners. But if there is a deal and I think there will eventually be a trade deal, because self-interest and logic will dictate that it's going to have to be a deal where both sides get something. And China's at a point where it's no longer a country that has an inferiority complex against the United States, which I think in the past, it did. It thinks of itself as a peer. Theyre determined that they arent going to come out as the loser in this. The White House has insisted that Trump and Xi will get on the phone and break the logjam in the tariff talks deal brokered in Geneva last month by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng. How likely is that given your knowledge of how the CCP senior leadership operates? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The way the Chinese work is that if our president talks to Xi Jinping, they will agree to general principles. Such as Let's try to resolve the tariff war. And lets get Vice Premier He Lifeng to sit down again with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. In my experience, Xi Jinping has never sat down with a foreign leader, especially ours, and tried to negotiate one-to-one in a detailed way the differences between us. [Chinese leaders] want to delegate that to the ministers or the ambassadors, and then when they've come back with some kind of solution, then they have to decide, Xi Jinping and our President, do we support it? Do we agree? I don't think you're going to get an agreement on the phone, but that doesn't mean that President Trump shouldn't have that conversation. I think he should. I think President Trump's right that the relationship between the two of them is really important. Because China is now a one-man-rule government. You have to go to Xi Jinping. I just don't think you're going to resolve it on a phone call. But maybe what they could do in the phone call is to say, Okay, we seem to be at loggerheads. We're making no progress. Let's have our negotiators go back to Geneva. Let's give them instructions to try to resolve this. And I think it'll be months of negotiations. I wouldnt be surprised if this 90-day diminution of tariffs on both sides has to be extended into the autumn, but I think there will be a trade deal because both countries want it. What is the longer-term outlook for the U.S.-China relationship? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China is looking for stability in its relationship with the United States. Its economy is not in a catastrophic state, but it's not performing well. They're worried about their low GDP growth rate. They're worried about a 32-point reduction in foreign direct investment into China last year. They're worried about foreign corporations that have invested and traded with China hedging their bets now, because of the poor state of the relationship between our two governments, and because of the poor governance of the Chinese state itself. I think what they want is to maintain their market share in the United States, and they want to maintain their manufacturing export possibilities with us. I don't think it's going to change much depending on who's in the White House, Republican or Democrat, in the next 10 years. Were the two largest economies, with the two strongest militaries. Were the only two countries with really true global reach but with entirely different philosophies about human freedom and human rights and direct competitors when it comes to artificial intelligence, quantum computing, biotechnology, cyber and space. Were locked into a rivalry that's structural. What we tried to do in our administration was to acknowledge that reality and to obviously compete so that the United States could win as many of these arguments as possible and position ourselves strategically, economically, militarily to benefit ourselves. And at the same time, have an ability to work with them so that we could drive down the probability of a conflict because we concluded that we needed to live in peace with China. The idea of a war would be a catastrophe. What do you see as the most critical U.S. misunderstanding about China? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There's been a conventional wisdom in the United States, in both political parties, that China does not have the capacity to innovate. That China just imitates and steals intellectual property and designs for commercial products from the United States. Those days are over. I think what the American people need to understand our government and both parties is that China is a worthy competitor. Their science and technology talent is prodigious. The level of scholarship, of patents, of research in some areas exceeds us, or is equal to us. In some critical areas of technology transformation, they are putting massive amounts of state-directed money into their national champions like Huawei, with companies that they want to succeed in the world. They're doing it on a consistent basis, and they plan over decades, so they have that advantage. When I was leaving in January, the Chinese announced $15 billion of state money going into quantum computing alone. They want to beat us to the punch there. That's something that's not as well understood in American society and even in our press people have older, conventional views of China that are outdated. The Trump administration has dismantled some of the key tools of U.S. soft power aimed to counter Chinas growing global influence USAID, Radio Free Asia, Radio Free Europe and Voice of America. Is that a problem? The destruction of USAID was a catastrophic mistake for the United States. That was our agency that said to the rest of the world, We'll help you on vaccines. Well help you with HIV. Will help you with polio. Elon Musk and company destroyed USAID in one week and laid off 8,500 people. That helped China. The Chinese then went out with a massive propaganda blitz the next day all over the world saying, The United States is not interested in you any longer. I watched the Chinese do this in February and March. The way the cuts were done, the fact that it was done with so little thought, so little information, and so little respect for our career civil servants was disgraceful. As ambassador, you fought hard to restore what you referred to as people-to-people ties between the U.S. and China. Last week, the Trump administration announced that it would aggressively revoke the visas of Chinese students in the U.S. and tighten scrutiny of Chinese citizens seeking to study in critical fields in the U.S. How strategic is that move? We have a competitive, difficult, contentious relationship with the government of China. That doesn't mean we should have a competitive, contentious and difficult relationship with the people of China. In fact, as we compete with the government of China over the next decade or more, we should keep the doors open to tourism, to business travelers and to Chinese students in the U.S. and American students in China. Because you don't want to drive this relationship into a wall where Chinese people don't speak English, and they've never been to Missouri or Montana. And you certainly want younger Americans of high school and college age to learn Mandarin, so that as they become our leaders in the next couple of decades, they have a real good sense of the other big superpower. For the most part, Chinese students in the United States at the undergrad and grad level are observing our laws, and they're getting a taste of what a democratic society looks like, what true democracy is and they're learning how to think independently. I don't know what Secretary Rubio meant when he said we're going to aggressively revoke the visas of Chinese students. Are they going to revoke the visas of every member of the Communist Party? There are 99 million members of the Communist Party. Are we going to keep everybody out? I have enough confidence in our democracy that the Chinese will come here and be impressed by our country. And that many of them will want to stay and work for Google and Amazon and ChatGPT, and they'll make our country stronger, and some of them will go on to found tech companies that will employ Americans. I think it would be a major mistake to close the doors. Yes, we have to screen out the bad actors, but we're doing that, and that would be the difference I have with the Trump administration on this issue of Chinese students. The fight between the Trump administration and Harvard University continues to evolve on many fronts from persisting funding cuts, to new court filings, to growing threats against international students. President Donald Trump has gone after the worlds wealthiest higher education institution in the name of antisemitism, claiming Harvard has failed to protect Jewish students, particularly in the wake of the war in Gaza. But many higher education officials and advocates claim antisemitism is being used as a veil for a larger coordinated attack on the American university as an institution, as outlined in Project 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here is a breakdown of where the battle stands between Trump and Harvard. Read more: Harvard amps up federal lobbying spending as Trump admin attacks intensify What funding has Trump admin. taken from Harvard? In April, the Trump administration demanded an overhaul of Harvards leadership structure, admissions and hiring. If the university didnt comply, it risked losing $9 billion in funding, the federal government said. Sending a wave of resistance through higher education, Harvard rejected the demands and set the stage for a historic showdown. The school stated that the Trump administration looked to invade university freedoms long recognized by the Supreme Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The federal government froze an initial $2.2 billion on April 14, a number that has only grown since. On May 16, a wave of nearly 1,000 federal research grant terminations began, amounting to more than $2.4 billion, according to an analysis by Nature. Next, the Trump administration said it would bar Harvard from acquiring new federal grants. And then just a few days later, eight federal agencies cut $450 million in grants, followed by the Department of Health and Human Services cutting $60 million. All federal agencies were then ordered to cut off existing contracts with Harvard or transfer them to other vendors, according to a letter from the U.S. General Services Administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response, Harvard has established a new Presidential Priorities Fund, asking for donations in the midst of Trump taking a hatchet to the schools funding. The funding cuts, according to Harvard, have threatened research that includes: Breakthrough therapies to prevent and target a range of cancers A new class of anesthetics for service members wounded on the field of battle The potential to significantly cut the prevalence of Alzheimers disease, multiple sclerosis and strokes Preventing new HIV infections Tuberculosis Vaccine safety and efficacy Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Simultaneously, some professors say they are opting out of teaching certain courses due to fears of content-based retaliation and fears for their students safety. The Trump administration has gone on a national tirade against DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) since the president took office for his second term in January. Harvard lawsuit against Trump over funding cuts Harvard University filed its first lawsuit in Boston federal court against the Trump administration on April 21 over what was, at the time, $2.2 billion in funding freezes. Harvard has amended its lawsuit to include new losses that have been introduced since. This week, Harvard asked a federal court judge to order the government to declare the freeze orders and termination letters unlawful and to vacate them. The university also asked the judge for summary judgment by Sept. 3. Lawyers for the federal government will have an opportunity to file a response to the request. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court proceedings in the lawsuit are expected to continue through the summer. Harvard also filed a second lawsuit against the Trump administration in May over its revocation of a key certification allowing the school to enroll international students. The administration had given Harvard an ultimatum: submit detailed records regarding foreign students or lose the certification. Trump targets international students at Harvard Some foreign students at Harvard University say theyve become a bargaining chip in Trumps attacks on the school. Its part of a bigger battle between authoritarianism and democracy and we are kind of in the middle of it right now and were the most recent victim, Karl Molden, a rising junior Harvard student from Austria, told MassLive last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About 27% of Harvards undergraduate and graduate students are international, according to 2024 to 2025 data. The university has offered incoming foreign students the opportunity to accept admission at Harvard as well as a foreign institution as a backup plan following the threat of revocation. Read more: Many foreign students already fleeing Harvard University due to Trump order While a federal judge granted a preliminary injunction in May, allowing Harvard to continue enrolling foreign students, Trumps attacks have since escalated. This week, Trump moved to bar Harvard Universitys international students from entering the U.S., while asking Secretary of State Marco Rubio to consider revoking the visas of Harvard students already in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Admission into the United States to attend, conduct research, or teach at our Nations institutions of higher education is a privilege granted by our Government, not a guarantee, Trump wrote in his Wednesday proclamation. That privilege is necessarily tied to the host institutions compliance and commitment to following Federal law. Harvard University has failed in this respect, among many others. A Harvard spokesperson called the restriction illegal in a statement to The New York Times, adding that the university would continue to protect its international students. Harvard is Harvard because, again, it has the ability to get the best people from around the world. If that is threatened, then Harvard is not Harvard anymore, Abdullah Shahid Sial, a Harvard student from Pakistan, told MassLive in April. Addressing antisemitism at Harvard Harvard says it has taken steps to address antisemitism on campus, which the Trump administration cites as its primary reason for targeting the nations most elite universities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, Harvard created task forces on antisemitism and anti-Israel bias and anti-Muslim, anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian bias after campus tensions reached a boil in the aftermath of the Hamas attacks on Israel and subsequent war in Gaza. Those groups released reports at the end of April detailing reported discrimination, as well as recommendations for what actions the school should take to create a safe environment for all students and staff going forward. The 2023-24 academic year was disappointing and painful, Harvard President Alan Garber said in a letter to the school community in April. I am sorry for the moments when we failed to meet the high expectations we rightfully set for our community. According to a Wednesday announcement, the U.S. Department of Education is threatening Columbia Universitys accreditation due to its response to campus antisemitism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MassLive reporter Juliet Schulman-Hall contributed to this story. More Harvard University news Read the original article on MassLive. SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) A San Angelo family has launched a GoFundMe online fundraiser after a crash involving five vehicles reportedly resulted in their only car being wrecked and left totaled. The crash occurred on Wednesday, June 4, near the 600 block of West 29th Street. According to a San Angelo Police Department officer at the scene, the collision happened after a white Chevrolet Suburban traveling westbound on 29th Street crashed into a silver Nissan Sentra that was traveling eastbound on the same street. The Suburban then left the roadway, striking a blue Chevy Colorado before continuing into a parking lot just outside of a nearby Cato Fashions store located in a strip mall. The vehicle then struck a silver Dodge Challenger, which in turn was pushed into a dark gray Dodge Challenger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The SAPD told a Concho Valley Homepage reporter that the driver of the Suburban may have suffered a medical complication while driving, causing the crash. The motorist was transported to the hospital. RELATED: 5 vehicle crash sends 1 person to the hospital The fundraisers webpage states that the family of fours sole car was wrecked and left totaled due to the incident. Johnny Guinan, the fundraisers organizer, said he now owes $15,000 despite the cars estimated value being only $5,000. Worsening matters for the family is their financial situation before the five-vehicle crash. Guinan stated on the webpage that an injury caused by a crash that occurred approximately one year ago has drained the familys savings and forced him to switch jobs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are just asking for some help getting a new car or getting ours fixed; any little bit helps, the GoFundMe reads. As of the time of publication, the fundraiser has garnered $25 for the family. To visit the GoFundMe webpage, 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 ConchoValleyHomepage.com. Countries across the world were in shock Thursday after President Donald Trump announced a travel ban on nationals from a dozen countries and the cancellation of visa programs for seven more. For many, the move seemed like a return to 2017 and one of the most controversial policies of Trumps first term. Trump cited national security and terrorism concerns Wednesday as motivating factors behind the ban on nationals largely from Africa and Asia, triggering reactions from representatives of those countries from weary diplomacy to downright anger. Chad, a country in Central Africa that is among the countries hit with a travel ban, quickly issued a reciprocal restriction on issuing visas to U.S. citizens. Chad has no planes to offer, no billions of dollars to give but Chad has its dignity and pride, President Idriss Deby wrote Thursday on Facebook. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's new order affects a patchwork of 19 countries some of them banned for the first time, for reasons that the administration said include high rates of visa overstays, lack of "appropriate screening and vetting measures" and allegedly being sponsors of terrorism. Travelers pass through Miami International Airport on May 24. (Giorgio Viera / AFP via Getty Images) Nationals of 12 countries will be barred from entering the U.S.: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. Partial bans have also been placed on nationals from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela. After the Trump administration canceled a special visa program with Venezuela on Wednesday, the country's interior minister, Diosdado Cabello, described the U.S. government as fascist, adding that they persecute our countrymen, our people, for no reason. The truth is being in the United States is a big risk for anybody, not just for Venezuelans, he said during a weekly show on state television. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many on the list are majority-Muslim countries, and several began observing the Hajj pilgrimage holiday late Wednesday, making immediate responses less likely. Officials at U.S. embassies in Libya, Chad, Eritrea, Sudan and Turkmenistan were not available for comment. Still, Shawn VanDiver, president of the Afghan refugee advocacy group #AfghanEvac, referred to the ban as political theater and a second Muslim Ban, dressed up in bureaucracy. Trump began a video address Wednesday by citing the recent violence in Boulder, Colorado, where an Egyptian man seeking asylum with an expired tourist visa injured at least 12 demonstrators in what city officials called an antisemitic attack, as justification for the renewed travel ban. Egypt is not on the list of banned countries, but its absence speaks to the importance of Egyptian influence both on American Middle East policy and in the region at large, said Ahmed Soliman, an associate fellow at Chatham House, a London-based think tank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's order largely affects conflict-prone [countries], or ones which have security issues at this time, or dont have the diplomatic or security heft to respond very aggressively to this U.S. ban, Soliman said. Were not seeing the U.S. going after its strategic partners in either the Middle East or Africa. The White House's decision prompted a rebuke from the African Union Commission, which in a statement Thursday urged the U.S. to exercise its right to protect its borders in a manner that is balanced, evidence-based, and reflective of the long-standing partnership between the United States and Africa. The Commission remains concerned about the potential negative impact of such measures on ... relations that have been carefully nurtured over decades, it said. It was a relatively tame statement from a body that represents countries already disproportionately affected by the Trump administration's decision to cut USAID programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement International aid groups have condemned the new ban, with Amnesty International on Thursday calling it discriminatory, racist, and downright cruel on X. Somalia, which had its American assistance slashed and U.S. military aid in training local forces to fight terrorist groups pulled, struck a similarly conciliatory tone. Somalia values its longstanding relationship with the United States and stands ready to engage in dialogue to address the concerns raised, Dahir Hassan Abdi, the Somali ambassador to the U.S., said in a statement Wednesday. The administration pointed to terrorism as a reason for banning travel from Somalia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United States Government has identified Somalia as a terrorist safe haven. Terrorists use regions of Somalia as safe havens from which they plan, facilitate, and conduct their operations, according to a statement released by the White House. The Government of Somalia struggles to provide governance needed to limit terrorists freedom of movement. Alex Nowrasteh, the vice president for economic and social policy studies at the Cato Institute, a nonpartisan and independent public policy research organization, said terrorist attacks by nationals from the 12 countries facing outright bans are rare. A single terrorist from those countries murdered one person in an attack on U.S. soil: Emanuel Kidega Samson from Sudan, who committed an attack motivated by anti-white animus in 2017. The annual chance of being murdered by a terrorist from one of the banned countries from 1975 to the end of 2024 was about 1 in 13.9 billion per year, Nowrasteh wrote. Trump's order also pulls the rug from under nearly 200,000 Afghans who have relocated to the U.S. since America's chaotic and botched exit from the country in 2021. They include about 14,000 resettled refugees who arrived in the 12 months through September. Tourist boats on a beach in Somalia, which has been affected by cuts to USAID and now finds itself on the travel ban list. (Ed Ram / Getty Images) Trump, who suspended refugee resettlement for Afghans on his first day in office, criticized Afghanistan's passport authority and its screening and vetting measures Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Representatives of the Afghan government did not immediately respond to a request for comment. To include Afghanistan a nation whose people stood alongside American service members for 20 years is a moral disgrace. It spits in the face of our allies, our veterans, and every value we claim to uphold, #AfghanEvacs VanDiver added. For experts watching Trumps approach to the developing world since before he first took office in 2017, the move was less of a surprise. Trump has for years expressed a desire to limit immigration from Haiti and African nations, deriding them as shithole countries in discussing the visa lottery system at a White House meeting in 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thomas Gift, an associate professor of political science at the University College of London, called the president's latest move part and parcel of an America First foreign policy. The travel plan and visa cancellations send a loud and clear message, said Gift, that America isnt an open, pluralist nation that welcomes the world to its shores. CORRECTION (June 5, 2025, 1:17 p.m. ET): A previous version of this article misidentified a fellow at Chatham House who explained why Egypt was not on Trumps travel ban list. It was Senior Research Fellow Ahmed Soliman, not Associate Fellow Ahmed Aboudouh. (Both are fellows at the think tank.) This article was originally published on NBCNews.com SAVOY, Ill. (WCIA) The Village of Savoy held an annual Board of Trustees meeting Wednesday night, and one topic in particular was brought up again during public comment. Back in October, the village previously approved $364,000 to study and create a design to improve Colbert Park. They used 500 survey responses from the community to draft a plan which includes a skate park, bicycle playground and pump track. READ MORE: Savoy trustees approve Colbert Park design contract Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Nick Clegg of Savoy told the board the survey doesnt accurately represent the wants of the majority. He is advocating for the plan to instead include turf soccer or baseball fields. Clegg says Savoy parks dont have the infrastructure to support soccer or baseball team for kids over the age of 12. Instead, parents have long commutes to fields in North Champaign or Rantoul. Our trustees have been doing a very diligent work to do their best to yield community input, Clegg said. Unfortunately, the response rate has not been as good as we would like, and some of the research methods that they utilized for the surveys had some some issues that may have caused flaws in the results. WCIA also caught up with Village President John Brown after the meeting. Its great to have that input, but by his own admission, he decided not to or hes too busy to provide input when we were asking and soliciting input, Brown said. So its hard to see us changing the plan at this point, although it is possible. But as of right now, we dont have funding for that. And without grant funding, that project wont occur any time soon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clegg is requesting the board reconsider the current plan and re-survey the community. He has started an online petition to gather support for his idea. Brown estimates the village is potentially years away from the project becoming a reality. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The Georgia Sheriffs Association has selected Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith as the 2025 Sheriff of the Year. Sheriff Smith will be honored at the GSA Summer Conference on August 6. The Barrow County Sheriffs Office praised Smith on its Facebook page, saying: Its clear our perspective on Sheriff Smith may be influenced by our experiences, yet he consistently demonstrates remarkable leadership, day in and day out, year after year. His dedication to the Barrow County community is unmatched, and his ability to connect with people from all walks of life has fostered a sense of trust and respect. Sheriff Smith is not only committed to upholding the law but also ensuring the safety and well-being of every citizen and visitor of our county. His innovative approaches to law enforcement have led to plenty of successful initiatives aimed at improving community relations, reducing crime, and implementing effective crime prevention strategies. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) Gas was shut off in a San Marcos neighborhood after a leak occurred Thursday morning, prompting some people to evacuate. City authorities said its now safe for evacuees to return to their homes. The city of San Marcos posted on Facebook Thursday morning that a contractor had hit a gas line during construction in the Trace neighborhood and that an evacuation notice had been issued for portions of the area. In an update at 11:30 a.m., the post said that CenterPoint Energy shut off the gas and residents could return to their homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The following areas were affected by the gas leak and had initially been evacuated: Snowbell Street Merriman Road Jane Long Drive Paul Pena Drive Netherland Street City authorities advised people in the area to open their windows and doors for ventilation and call 911 if they smell a natural gas odor. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Advances in the world of embryonic screening: The company Nucleus Genomics announced the launch of Nucleus Embryo yesterday, which they bill as "the first genetic optimization software that lets parents pursuing IVF [in vitro fertilization] see and understand the complete genetic profile of each of their embryos." It's a dashboard, essentially, that lets parents see the full analysis of their frozen embryoseach embryo's probability of having some 900 diseases, as well as information about their appearance (male pattern baldness, eye color, hair color), IQ, and more. You can now compare each embryo to the others, and rank order your preferences for which ones you implant, if you so choose. You can know which embryos are more likely to have seasonal allergies, asthma, restless leg syndrome, schizophrenia, cystic fibrosis, alcoholism, celiac disease, and more. "Some people don't think you should have access to the choice Nucleus Embryo empowers you to make," writes Nucleus CEO Kian Sadeghi. "Here's the thing. It's not their choice to make. It's yours." (For the price of $6,000, of course.) Competitors like Orchid offer essentially the same thing. What's discussed a bit less in all the marketing copy is that you're not genetically tweaking the embryos, you're just discarding the ones that don't meet your specifications. And, look, I don't mean to let my Catholic show too much, but I have a hard time getting excited about a Gattaca futureas do many others who've been following the developments in the world of embryonic screening: This level of embryo selection is mostly a cope for high income type As who want a single child The error bars on genomic analysis wrt IQ are such that choosing any two of these embryos at random is more likely to get you a higher IQ kid than choosing the single "best" embryo https://t.co/elnKu8a5ZQ Mason (@webdevMason) June 5, 2025 "this announcement also marks the first time in history a company has partnered with a couple to help them optimize their embryos based on intelligence." Since these are all just statistical predictions, what happens if your kid turns out dumb anyways? Do you get a refund? https://t.co/1g8imuMTGD Luke Metro (@luke_metro) June 4, 2025 Other folks within Silicon Valley are bullish on this, and interested in investing in gene-editing technology, applying it to embryos specifically. So expect this to be something we hear a lot more about in the future: If you're a gene editing scientist or comp bio/ML engineer interested in the topic of embryo editing, I'm hosting a dinner in the bay area soon with a few folks. I think the time is right for the defining company in the US to be built in this area, approaching it in a pic.twitter.com/4BKfIUijn3 Brian Armstrong (@brian_armstrong) June 2, 2025 Some people surely believe this is a means to reduce suffering, and that it is better to eliminate embryos that would be possibly destined for great suffering than to allow them to continue to grow and develop into children, and then adults, who would incur extreme hardship (like a life with cystic fibrosis or Tay-Sachs disease). To me, this argument is less compelling, because I don't believe it is the parent's role to pick and choose which children are "desirable" and to discard those with traits that might lead to suffering. I also fear the use of this technology as a means of indulging parental hubris, a belief that you are responsible not just for your child's care and safekeeping and spiritual growthno matter what is thrown their waybut that you may also craft them into perfect beings who become as attractive as can be, as smart as can be. To some degree, parents do this once the children are outside the wombthey provide them with the best opportunities to grow and learn and foster their natural talentsbut I do wonder how it might psychologically alter a child to know that they were selected for life due to their potential for excellence vs. their innate value. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But, honestly, my own personal beliefs on this are beside the point. Many libertarians probably disagree with me, and see this technology as a massive expansion of human choice applied to the most important realm. This future is here; public support for IVF is already extremely high, and genetic screening is already routine in pregnancy. It's not crazy to theorize that, as the price tag continues to drop as the marketplace becomes more crowded, this type of screening will catch on for those who use IVF, and that some peopleperhaps the most type-A parents with the most disposable incomewill even be spurred to choose IVF creation of babies vs. the good old-fashioned method, as it gives them greater control over outcomes (but, if we're being honest, less fun). In other words, we're a far cry from parents trying to optimize their kids' intellect by letting them watch Baby Mozart; techniques for optimization are much more sophisticated now, and a whole bunch of ethical quandaries will come along with that. Expect progressives to object to a society increasingly bifurcated based on ability, corresponding to the disposable income of one's parents, and expect conservatives to object on pro-life grounds. Though, interestingly, maybe the MAGA typeswho voted for "the fertilization president" (an image I still hope to get out of my head)and the Silicon Valley types who are broadly supportive of this technology will sort of join forces with IVF-approving normies and it will all become broadly accepted. It's hard to say how it all plays politically. Another Trump travel ban: On Wednesday, President Donald Trump banned citizens of 12 countriesAfghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemenfrom entering the United States. He also announced restrictions on travel for citizens of Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela, but stopped short of a full ban. People from those countries will not be allowed to come to the United States permanently or get tourist or student visas, but will be allowed to enter under certain circumstances. This is more extensive than the so-called Muslim travel ban of his first term, and it's not totally clear what the specific reasoning is for barring citizens of these countries from visiting or living in the United States. The attack on Jews in Boulder, Colorado, by an Egyptian man who had overstayed his visa and was thus here illegally, "underscored the extreme dangers" posed by the entry of foreigners, said Trump. Oddly, though, he didn't announce any restrictions on travel by Egyptians. Scenes from New York: I don't believe this statistic is correct, and I am also very curious about where all our taxpayer dollars are going if they're not going to food assistance for poor kids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Articles like this one claim that "an estimated 1 in 4 children don't have enough to eata 46% increase over pre-pandemic numbers" and cite the nonprofit Feeding America. When I follow the link, there's nothing to substantiate this number, and this X user is roughly correct that a huge chunksome estimates say more like 43 percentof NYC elementary schoolers are overweight. Let me get this straight: NYC has 1.5M kids, maybe 1M are considered "lower-income". And 50% of those are overweight or obese. You're telling me the other 50% are going to bed hungry? A third of all kids in NYC? The math isn't mathing. https://t.co/1W9d3EDZ6W Circe (@vocalcry) June 5, 2025 QUICK HITS "Many today insist that it is criticaleven morally requiredthat we use the word 'genocide' to describe Israel's war in Gaza. No other term will do. Those not joining the chorus are allegedly complicit in genocide. Those questioning the nature of the accusation are labeled genocide deniers," write Norman J.W. Goda and Jeffrey Herf for The Washington Post. "Why this insistence? Efforts to delegitimize Israel as colonial and racist began before the state was declared in 1948. Genocide, meanwhile, is the crime of crimes; a state committing genocide is forever illegitimate. Given this history and gravity, we should pose some questions. Israel's war against Hamas in the urban environments of Gaza has led to thousands of civilian casualties. But is genocide really the correct way to describe the war?" "Yunqing Jian, 33, and Zunyong Liu, 34, citizens of the People's Republic of China, were charged in a criminal complaint with conspiracy, smuggling goods into the United States, false statements, and visa fraud, announced United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr.," per a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Michigan. "The FBI arrested Jian in connection with allegations related to Jian's and Liu's smuggling into America a fungus called Fusarium graminearum, which scientific literature classifies as a potential agroterrorism weapon. This noxious fungus causes 'head blight,' a disease of wheat, barley, maize, and rice, and is responsible for billions of dollars in economic losses worldwide each year. Fusarium graminearum's toxins cause vomiting, liver damage, and reproductive defects in humans and livestock." But it sounds like the scientists mostly failed to file the proper paperwork; will be interesting to see what more comes out about this case. Classic Trump administration: Cuban rapper El Funky supports Trump, wrote an anti-communist protest song that became a hit on the Island and that Marco Rubio praised. He just received notice this month that he has to leave the United States. pic.twitter.com/PN2oymajoO Eric Michael Garcia (@EricMGarcia) June 4, 2025 Hell yeah, New Jersey! With age, I conquer my animus and grow in respect for that scrappy little state: NEW ODD LOTS: Jersey City saw its housing supply boom over the last decade. @tracyalloway and I talked its mayor, @StevenFulop (candidate in next week's Dem gubernatorial primary) about how it happened, its replicability, and his goals in Trenton. https://t.co/85KxlSuzdf Joe Weisenthal (@TheStalwart) June 5, 2025 The post The Gattaca Future Is Here appeared first on Reason.com. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) will lead the 13-member bipartisan task force charged with investigating the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump and exposing the security failures that led up to it at his Butler, Pennsylvania, rally. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) announced the seven House Republicans and six [] By Olivia Le Poidevin GENEVA (Reuters) - Doctors in the Gaza Strip are donating their own blood to save their patients after scores of Palestinians were gunned down while trying to get food aid, the medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said on Thursday. Around 100 MSF staff protested outside the UN headquarters in Geneva against an aid distribution system in Gaza run by an Israeli-backed private company, which has led to chaotic scenes of mass carnage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "People need the basics of life...they also need it in dignity," MSF Switzerland's director general, Stephen Cornish, told Reuters at the protest. "If you're fearing for your life, running with packages being mowed down, this is just something that is completely beyond everything we've ever seen," he said. "These attacks have killed dozens...They were left to bleed out on the ground." Cornish said staff at one of the hospitals where MSF operates had to give blood as most Palestinians are now too poorly nourished to donate. Israel allowed the private Gaza Humanitarian Foundation to begin food distribution in Gaza last week, after having completely shut the Gaza Strip to all supplies since the beginning of March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gaza authorities say at least 102 Palestinians were killed and nearly 500 wounded trying to get aid from the food distribution sites in the first eight days. Eyewitnesses have said Israeli forces fired on crowds. The Israeli military said Hamas militants were to blame for opening fire, though it acknowledged that on Tuesday, when at least 27 people died, that its troops had fired at "suspects" who approached their positions. The United States vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution on Wednesday supported by all other Council members, which would have called for an "immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire" in Gaza and unhindered access for aid. (Reporting by Olivia Le Poidevin; Editing by Peter Graff) The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has announced the opening of two additional distribution centres for humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip. Both centres are located in the area of Rafah in the southern part of the Palestinian coastal region, according to a statement posted on the foundation's Facebook page. The announcement follows a suspension of aid distribution on Wednesday due to "renovation work." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two weeks ago, Israel eased its blockade on aid deliveries, with the GHF recently taking over distribution. The organization, supported by Israel and the United States, is bypassing the United Nations and other humanitarian initiatives. It has faced criticism for endangering civilians and violating established standards of neutral aid. Israel, however, has stated that its aim is to prevent Islamist militants Hamas from seizing the aid supplies. In response to reports of deadly shootings at aid stations in recent days, the GHF has pledged to improve security at the distribution centres. The foundation stated on Facebook that it is working to make the distribution of food packages as safe as possible. All Palestinians heading to the centres are strongly urged to follow the routes designated by the Israeli military. BAXLEY, Ga. (WSAV) the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has arrested and charged a 25-year-old with felony murder, aggravated assault and theft by taking in connection to the death of wife. On the morning of June 3, the Appling County Sheriffs Office (ACSO) responded to a call that a man, Randall Peacock, Jr., 25, had found his wfe, Jessica Peacock, dead at their home in Baxley. ACSO requested the GBI to conduct the death investigation. Preliminary information indicates that Peacock, Jr. shot and killed Jessica, his stepmother, then stole her vehicle and fled the scene. Peacock, Jr. was taken into custody the same day after being located in Swainsboro. He is currently booked in the Appling County Jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The GBI Medical Examiners Office in Pooler will complete an autopsy to determine the official cause and manner of death. This investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Appling County Sheriffs Office at 912-367-8120 or GBI at 912-389-4103. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NEW YORK (PIX11) The future of gender affirming care for some transgender people is up in the air as lawmakers in Washington, D.C., consider President Trumps big, beautiful bill. An amendment added to the bill would prohibit federal Medicaid funding from being used for gender-affirming care for not only minors, but also transgender adults. More Local News David Kilmnick, with the LGBT Network, tells PIX11 News the bill also proposes removing gender transition coverage for people who use health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Micah Schneider, a trans person who works for the LGBT Network, says there is so much fearmongering and misunderstanding about gender affirming care. Schneider said, Gender affirming care is literally anything that makes you feel good in your skin. Hair implants for cis gender men; gender affirming care. Breast augmentation; gender affirming care. Schneider tells PIX11 News, Were just every day normal folk trying to live our lives. Dr. Jennifer Osipoff, a pediatric endocrinologist at Stony Brook Medicine, said gender affirming care includes everything from counseling to hormone therapy to puberty blockers. Osipoff said, I am hopeful that insurance will continue to pay for these therapies, that is one of the things that I do discuss now, that I never did before with my patients, because they want to know the worst case. She adds: I dont fault families at all for trying to think of a solution, because theyre literally trying to keep their child healthy, happy, and alive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gender affirming surgery is only performed on individuals 19 and above at Stony Brook Medicine. The FBI issued an official statement via X on June 2nd stating, Help the FBI protect children. As the Attorney General has made clear, we will protect our children and hold accountable those who mutilate them under the guise of gender-affirming care. Report tips of any hospitals, clinics, or practitioners performing these surgical procedures on children at 1-800-CALL-FBI or click here. The CDC reports that it is rare that gender affirming surgery is ever performed on minors. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) Like any other kid who wakes up in the morning, Lyla Russell gets dressed, eats her breakfast and brushes her teeth. One extra step for this special first gradershe puts on the processor for her cochlear implant. It feels great with my processor, Lyla explains when asked how it feels to hear through both ears again. Lyla has congenital cytomegalovirusor cCMVa virus that passes from mother to child during pregnancy and can damage the developing auditory system. Her parents say they were initially confused by the diagnosis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My first reaction to that was I had a lot of various emotions. I had never heard of congenital CMV, I had absolutely no idea what it was, says mom Kara Russell. As a mother of three children never hearing about that I was sad, I was angry, I was concerned. CMV infections are the leading cause of non-hereditary hearing loss at birth, according to resources by the National Institutes of Health, accounting for roughly 10 percent of cases. While the infection only affects Lyla in her left ear for now, her hearing could eventually fade in her right ear too. Shes worked hard through all her mental fatigue and confusion to share her bright smile with the world. Its a lot of work. Her brain has to work very hard to get that hearing pieced together from her processor side, but since [getting the implant] its been like night and day. Shed been going through a lotsome behavioral issues, some academic issues, she was receiving speech services, explains Kara. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We really didnt know what the root cause of it was, but then when we got the confirmation of her diagnosis and hearing loss, now with the cochlear implant its been a huge improvement, she continues. This is hard work for me. To do everything with my processor, Lyla adds. To better understand cCmv, Kara reached out to the National CMV Foundation. Her passionate search for information and ways to help other families lead to her being appointed as co-chair for the foundations New York alliance program. Raising awareness, talking with other parents who have recently had the diagnosis of congenital CMV, speaking to legislators, Kara explains of her role. I know how scary that can be. I know how desperate I was to find somebody that had heard of it and who had also gone through that experience as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I really didnt want to ever hear another mom say, how come nobody told me, she continues. For National CMV Awareness Month in June, the foundation is highlighting two bills for New York to consider: one to ensure pregnant patients are given information about CMV and the other to ensure all newborns are screened for the infection. Lylas perseverance inspires her family every day to push forward so every kid like her gets the help they need and to see themselves out in the world. One way her two siblings have rallied behind Lyla is drawing cochlear implants on their toys to make sure she never feels left out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She started noticing dolls. She said how come my American girl doll doesnt have a cochlear implant? How come I cant find a Barbie that has a cochlear implant? I said these are really great questions, Kara explains. She says she hopes in the future, kids like Lyla can see clearly every day that theyre not alone. Yeah, Id like it a lot. If a kid with a processor was, like, in a magazine, Lyla says. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ELBA, N.Y. (WIVB) For more than 40 years, farmers in Genesee County have been helping to grow future generations interest in agriculture with their annual Kinderfarming event. This year, they held the event on Wednesday at Post Dairy Farm in Elba and had a variety of stations with activities for students to do. Agriculture in Genesee County is the backbone of our economy said Shelly Stein, a volunteer at Stein Farms. Everybody eats right, so we want kids to know where their food comes from. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around 40 farms had volunteers to help teach the many aspects of agriculture to over 600 kindergarteners who attended the event, including how its evolving. Technology is just constantly changing you know what comes out this year is going to be obsolete next year and so its just constantly keeping up with the next biggest thing, said Tim Rigdeon, the founder of Crop Care Drone Services, which attended Wednesdays event. Students had a chance to learn how some dairy farms are not using robots to milk cows, how new drone technology can help monitor conditions of farmers crops, and how technology of the field is everchanging. This field is the future, this field has so many actions out there for you, said Natasha Sutherland, the chair of the event, who is with the Genesee County Farm Bureau. Were only one percent of the population or less, so to pull from the general public, and help feed the rest of the nation, its a massive undertaking that needs to be across the area. Latest Local News Hope Winter is a reporter and multimedia journalist who has been part of the News 4 team since 2021. 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 News 4 Buffalo. George Clooney, actor and prominent Democrat donor, said everybody worries about being targeted by President Donald Trumps administration, but added that wont stop him from standing up for what he believes in. Since Trump was elected in November under a campaign which promised retribution, some of the presidents loudest critics have put down their megaphones out of fear he may come after them next. Sure, everybody worries about it, Clooney told CNNs Anderson Cooper when he was asked about it. But you know, if you spend your life worrying about things, then you wont do things. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want to be able to look at my kids in the eye and say where we stood and what we did at certain times in history, and I have no problem with that, he said. Although Clooney is a lifelong Democrat, he broke from the party last summer to pen an op-ed urging former President Joe Biden to drop out of the race. He subsequently supported former Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump has verbally attacked Clooney, calling him a second rate movie star. (Getty) Trump has occasionally launched verbal attacks on Clooney, calling him a second-rate movie star and a backstabber. But the president has not directed his administration to open an investigation into Clooney or initiate any formal process targeting him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That doesnt mean celebrities are safe, or feel safe, from Trumps wrath. Robert DeNiro, another actor and prominent Democrat donor, told AFP that Hollywood companies fear Trump could hurt their business. "They have big businesses, they have to worry about the wrath of Trump, and that's where they have to make a decision: do I succumb to that or do I say no?" DeNiro said. Throughout show business, the anti-Trump rhetoric seems to have been dramatically turned down compared to the level it reached when Trump was elected in 2016. Even Saturday Night Live, one of Trumps biggest TV critics, had cast its line up to sarcastically praise Trump and claim to support him all along, after he won the election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far, the president has only dipped his toe into regulating Hollywood, threatening and rescinding tariffs on foreign-made films and appointing Jon Voight and others as special ambassadors to fix Hollywood. But having gone after law firms, his political opponents, media organizations, a Democrat fundraising platform, and universities, theres no telling where the president will direct his retribution next. George Clooney, a vocal critic of President Trump, says fears of being targeted by the administration are widespread. Everybody worries about it, Clooney told Anderson Cooper in a Wednesday interview on CNN. But if you spend your life worrying about things, then you wont do things, the Good Night, and Good Luck actor said. Like everybody, we have a family and we have a life and we try to live and do the things as the best example for our kids, the Academy Award winner, whos married to human rights attorney Amal Clooney, told the Anderson Cooper 360 host. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want to be able to look at my kids in the eye and say where we stood and what we did at certain times in history. And I have no problem with that, said Clooney, one of Hollywoods most prominent Democratic supporters. Last year, Clooney famously penned a New York Times op-ed calling for then-President Biden to abandon his 2024 reelection campaign, citing the commander in chiefs age. Biden withdrew from the race weeks later and Clooney backed then-Vice President Kamala Harriss White House bid. In the interview with Cooper, Clooney expressed skepticism when asked if Trumpism lasts beyond this term. I dont think so. I think itd be very hard to do it, Clooney, 64, replied. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Remember this: Donald Trump is a celebrity. Thats what he is. I mean, he has a star on Hollywood Boulevard, he said of the former Celebrity Apprentice host, whos responded to Clooneys criticism in the past by calling him a second rate movie star. I dont have a star. Im not lobbying for one, Im just saying, Clooney added with a grin. Hes a celebrity, and hes the president [of the] United States, and so he has been elected. Duly elected fair deal. Im not complaining about that. Thats how it works. Thats how this democracy works, Clooney continued. But hes also a celebrity, and he is charming. And to the people who like him, they think hes funny to a great many others, they dont, he said of Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So when [Trump] is finished and he will be finished theyre going to have to go looking for someone who can deliver the message that he delivered with the same kind of charisma, and they dont have 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 The Hill. Germany plans to buy Joint Strike Missile (JSM) cruise missiles from Norway to arm its forthcoming fleet of F-35A stealth fighters. While these jets were primarily chosen as delivery platforms for U.S.-owned nuclear gravity bombs, under a long-standing NATO agreement, Germany is increasingly viewing the F-35A as part of an expanding conventional long-range strike arsenal. Plans to arm German and Norwegian F-35As with the JSM, which is manufactured by Kongsberg, were announced today by Norwegian Minister of Defense Tore O. Sandvik. According to a statement from the Norwegian Ministry of Defense, a contract for the missiles is expected to be signed with Germany in the first half of this year. The deal is expected to be worth around $645 million, but the total number of missiles involved was not disclosed. A U.S. Air Force F-35A releases a Joint Strike Missile (JSM) during a test. Norwegian Defense Materiel Agency Germany will become the fifth country to acquire JSM, after Norway, Japan, Australia, and the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the past, we have discussed the attributes of the JSM and how it differs from the related Naval Strike Missile (NSM): JSM is an enlarged air-launched derivative of the sea and ground-launched Naval Strike Missile (NSM), which has been steadily growing in popularity, including in the U.S. military. The JSM, which Kongsberg developed in cooperation with U.S. defense contractor Raytheon (as they also did with NSM), has a stated maximum range of around 350 miles. This is cut roughly in half when the missile is employed in its low-altitude penetration mode. A briefing slide with various details about the JSMs capabilities. Kongsberg The JSM, which has a 260-pound warhead, can use GPS, INS, and terrain mapping to navigate its way to a designated target area. The terrain mapping component of the guidance suite gives the missile a valuable additional way to get where it is going, even in GPS-denied environments something that the war in Ukraine has shown is an ever-more likely possibility in future conflicts. The agile JSM, which has reduced signature (stealthy) features, also has an imaging infrared seeker giving it very precise targeting capability in the terminal phase of flight. The seeker works passively, which also makes it immune to radiofrequency jamming and detection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A two-way datalink means JSMs can receive additional targeting information during the mid-course portion of their flight or be re-tasked entirely. Critically, the JSM is sized so that it can be accommodated internally in the F-35As weapon bays, allowing the jets to employ these weapons while staying as stealthy as possible. A mock-up of a JSM in one of the internal weapons bays of an F-35. Kongsberg In the case of the U.S. Air Force, which has also bought JSM for its F-35As, the missile was ostensibly acquired as an interim stand-off anti-ship capability until the jets get the larger AGM-158C Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM). However, the JSMs can also engage targets on land. In the German context, the JSMs will therefore provide a powerful conventional long-range strike capability against ground targets, but they will also reintroduce an anti-shipping strike capability that was lost when the Luftwaffe retired the Kormoran missile. This Cold War-era weapon had previously armed German Tornado IDS swing-wing strike aircraft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With growing tensions with Russia, especially in the highly strategic Baltic region, maritime missions and anti-surface warfare are making something of a resurgence. In choosing the JSM, Germany is getting a missile that has already been developed, with the Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNoAF) funding its integration onto the F-35A. In late April of this year, the Norwegian Ministry of Defense confirmed that the first JSM had been delivered to the RNoAF at rland Air Station. At the same time, it was announced that all 52 F-35As ordered by Norway had been delivered. With this, Norway became the first country to receive all of its planned F-35s. Norwegian Minister of Defense Tore O. Sandvik and Chief of Defense Eirik Kristoffersen in front of an F-35A with the first JSM missile delivered to the RNoAF at rland in April. Lars Gjemble/Norwegian Ministry of Defense Under the JSM deal announced today, Norway will purchase the missiles from Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace on behalf of Germany. The Norwegian Defense Materials Agency and its German sister organization BAAINBw will serve as the contracting parties in the government sale, bringing closer strategic cooperation with Germany. The joint JSM plans announced today extend an existing bilateral Naval Defense Material Cooperation agreement between Germany and Norway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This agreement was previously used for the NSM and the forthcoming 3SM a supersonic naval super missile to arm warships belonging to both countries. It also covers joint acquisition, operation, and maintenance of the new Type 212CD submarines for both countries. A rendering of the 3SM anti-ship missile. Kongsberg In the case of Germany, there are also plans to acquire the AGM-158B JASSM-Extended Range, or JASSM-ER. This is a land attack cruise missile, but unlike the JSM, it will not fit in the internal weapons bays on the F-35, and it is not capable of engaging ships. The JASSM-ER has a publicly stated range of at least 575 miles, compared to a range of around 330 miles for the initial AGM-158A JASSM. In March 2024, Reuters reported that Germany had begun the process of acquiring 75 JASSM-ER missiles at a cost of around $8.67 billion. Its been suggested that these weapons could ultimately replace the Taurus air-launched conventional cruise missile, now used by German Tornados, and which have long been suggested could be transferred to Ukraine. That transfer hasnt happened, with Berlin so far having blocked such a move, despite Kyivs requests for them. Regardless, the Taurus will need to be replaced in the future. So far, it seems that Germany has not signed a contract to buy JASSM-ER missiles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last October, Germany announced plans to acquire 600 examples of a new version of the Taurus, known as the Taurus Neo. While the missile would require a significant redesign to fit in the F-35As internal weapons bays, it may well be adopted as external armament, either in addition to the JASSM-ER or as an alternative. Germany may also decide to have the Taurus Neo arm the Eurofighter EF2000, which can only carry external stores. A Taurus KEPD 350 cruise missile is loaded onto a German Tornado strike aircraft. MBDA Either way, new standoff weapons combined with the F-35A will bring a major boost to Germanys long-range strike capabilities. This is in addition to the nuclear role for which the F-35A was chosen, in favor of different combinations of the Eurofighter, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, and EA-18G Growler. Germany has said it aims to replace the Tornado with 35 examples of the F-35A by 2030. Already, Germanys decision to buy the F-35A was a significant one, demonstrating a new willingness to spend on military modernization and otherwise improve its readiness after years of decline since the end of the Cold War. The countrys push to drastically expand its standoff strike capabilities has also seen it sign an agreement with the United Kingdom to develop a new deep precision strike weapon with a range of over 2,000 kilometers (1,243 miles), as you can read about here. This is a project that reflects growing ambitions among various European NATO members to field long-range strike capabilities, faced by a growing Russian threat on the alliances eastern flank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, with the JSM lined up to arm its F-35As, potentially to be joined by the JASSM-ER, Germany will have a highly flexible and survivable albeit small force of stealth jets that can undertake nuclear and conventional strike as well as anti-shipping. Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com The popular likes of Pikes Peak, Mount Bierstadt and Mount Blue Sky are among fourteeners due for trail work this summer. During Sa'ar's state visit to Berlin, he refuted German concerns about aid distribution in the Gaza Strip. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul criticized Israels actions in the Gaza Strip in front of his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Saar, at a press conference in Berlin on Thursday. Wadephul again called for more humanitarian aid to be allowed into the enclave, but also said that Germany would continue to deliver weapons to Israel, saying the country needed to defend itself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also decried the Israeli governments announcement that it would allow 22 more settlements. In response, Saar said that pressure on Hamas was the only way to end the war. Pressure on Israel, attacks, statements, and decisions against Israel, threatening Israel with sanctions, as some other European countries are doing; not only will it not help this effort [to end the war]: It will cause Hamas to harden its stance, the foreign minister noted in a speech in Berlin. Sa'ar fires back about Gaza aid program Saar then said that while he had listened to Wadephuls concerns regarding Gazas humanitarian situation, Israels new aid distribution situation was more effective. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are maintaining both humanitarian channels in order to address the situation, he said, adding that the IDF was continuing with aid distribution through UN agencies. Frankly, this method has unfortunately enabled Hamas to empower itself over the civilian population. The aid became an economic source for Hamas, fueling its war machine. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has delivered 6 million meals since it started distributing aid in the Gaza Strip. Saar then went on to say that since the new system is managed by an international fund, Hamas would be unable to take advantage of the influx of humanitarian aid into the enclave. We believe that expanding it [the new aid program] will help shorten the war, he said. It will hurt Hamass economy. It will hurt its stronghold over the people of Gaza. BERLIN (Reuters) -German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul criticized Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip at a press conference with his Israeli counterpart Gideon Saar in Berlin on Thursday, again calling for more humanitarian aid to be allowed into the enclave. "That is also the prevailing international law," he said. Wadephul also decried the Israeli government's announcement that it would allow 22 more settlements in the West Bank, saying it threatened the two-state solution further. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also expressed concerns about drone and rocket attacks against Israel by Iran and Yemen's Houthis, as well as Israeli hostages still being held in Gaza. The European Union should maintain its pact governing political and economic ties with Israel, which was placed under review last month due to the situation in Gaza, he added. Germany would continue to deliver weapons to Israel, he added, saying the country had the right to defend itself. New German Chancellor Friedrich Merz plans to visit Israel this year in a show of the countries' ties, added Wadephul. (Reporting by Miranda Murray, editing by Thomas Seythal and Madeline Chambers) Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar on Thursday joined Germany's top diplomat at Berlin's Holocaust memorial to commemorate the six million Jews killed by the Nazi regime across Europe. "The fight against anti-Semitism, standing up for Jewish life in Germany and the commitment to the security and peaceful future of the state of Israel is and will remain our obligation," Wadephul said as he laid a wreath at the memorial in central Berlin with Saar. The memorial "reminds us Germans to remember the victims, to honour the survivors and to learn the lessons from the crimes against humanity of the Shoah," said the German minister. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For his part, Saar said that 80 years after the end of the Holocaust, "the lessons seem to have been forgotten." "In Germany, there's an anti-Semitic incident once every hour," said Saar, referring to a report published by a monitor on Wednesday. Wadephul said he was "deeply" ashamed that the number of anti-Semitic offences in Germany has reached a new high, that Jewish residents no longer feel safe in the country and that they are advising their children not to speak Hebrew on the street. "And that is why the federal government will oppose all forms of anti-Semitism with clarity, rigour and consistency," he added. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar was in Berlin on Thursday for talks with his German counterpart Johann Wadephul, amid high international pressure on Israel over the humanitarian situation in the embattled Gaza Strip. On the first stop of his visit, Saar joined Wadephul at the Holocaust memorial in the centre of the German capital, which commemorates the six million Jews killed by the Nazi regime across Europe. "The fight against anti-Semitism, standing up for Jewish life in Germany and the commitment to the security and peaceful future of the state of Israel is and will remain our obligation," Wadephul said as he laid a wreath at the memorial in central Berlin with Saar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The memorial "reminds us Germans to remember the victims, to honour the survivors and to learn the lessons from the crimes against humanity of the Shoah," said the German minister. For his part, Saar said that 80 years after the end of the Holocaust, "the lessons seem to have been forgotten." "In Germany, there's an anti-Semitic incident once every hour," said Saar, referring to a report published by a monitor on Wednesday. Wadephul said he was "deeply" ashamed that the number of anti-Semitic offences in Germany has reached a new high, that Jewish residents no longer feel safe in the country and that they are advising their children not to speak Hebrew on the street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "And that is why the federal government will oppose all forms of anti-Semitism with clarity, rigour and consistency," he added. Second meeting in a month Wadephul met Saar in Israel on May 11 during his first official visit after taking office. The ministers are expected to discuss Israel's military campaign in Gaza and the catastrophic situation facing the civilian population in talks later on Thursday. The meeting comes after Wadephul on Wednesday pledged further German arms deliveries to Israel during an address to parliament. Wadephul had caused concern within the German government for earlier comments to a newspaper in which he said arms deliveries to Israel were dependent on a legal review of Israel's military conduct in the Gaza Strip. 'Jewish people are afraid' During the visit to the Holocaust memorial, the Israeli minister stressed the importance of paying attention to the recent rise in anti-Semitic crimes in Germany and across Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Anti-Semitism is raging today unchecked in the world and especially on European soil," he claimed, adding that one anti-Semitic incident was recorded in Germany every hour, with 8,600 recorded in 2024. The minister was apparently citing figures released by Germany's Federal Association of Departments for Research and Information on Antisemitism (RIAS), which documented 8,637 anti-Semitic incidents in the country in 2024, a rise of 77% year-over-year. However, the independent organization has been criticized by the German-Israeli journalist Itay Mashiach on behalf of the Diaspora Alliance, an organization that fights anti-Semitism, of "opaque methods," accusing it of overemphasizing "Israel-related anti-Semitism." "Today in Europe, today in Germany, Jewish people are afraid," Saar continued. "They don't feel safe in public." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Ancient hatred has been transformed into a modern plan of action to deprive (...) the Jewish people's right to its own nation state," Saar said. "To remove the right of Israel, the most attacked and threatened country in the world, to defend itself. And to put the Jewish people once again under the threat of elimination by enemies who are openly calling and acting to eliminate." Calls have been growing including among Israel's European allies to slap an embargo on weapons exports to the country over the devastating humanitarian situation in Gaza. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (R) and his Israeli counterpart Gideon Saar speak during a press conference after their meeting. Kay Nietfeld/dpa Germany's military, the Bundeswehr, needs up to 60,000 more active soldiers in order to expand its defence capabilities as foreseen within NATO, according to Defence Minister Boris Pistorius. NATO defence ministers are meeting in Brussels on Thursday, where they are expected to agree on new targets for military capabilities for deterrence and defence. In order to ensure that the NATO goals are met, member states are to be assigned new national targets for their military capabilities, including weaponry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ahead of the meeting, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that air and missile defence, long-range weapons, logistics and large formations of land forces are among the alliance's top priorities. Germany has been struggling to expand its military. According to the Defence Ministry, there were around 181,150 soldiers at the end of 2024, falling short of previous recruiting targets. Germany's military, the Bundeswehr, needs up to 60,000 more active soldiers in order to expand its defence capabilities as foreseen within NATO, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said on Thursday. NATO defence ministers are meeting in Brussels to agree on new targets for military capabilities for deterrence and defence. Germany has been struggling to expand its military in recent years. According to the Defence Ministry, there were around 181,150 soldiers at the end of 2024, falling short of previous recruiting targets. Challenging new NATO capacity targets In order to ensure that the NATO goals are met, member states are to be assigned new national targets for their military capabilities, including weaponry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ahead of the meeting, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that air and missile defence, long-range weapons, logistics and large formations of land forces are among the alliance's top priorities. Under the new plans for the Western defence alliance, the current targets are to be increased by around 30%, sources told dpa. These new targets are considered to be a particularly difficult challenge because the current goals are far from being met. Senior military officials recently spoke of an existing gap of 30%. Arriving at the defence ministers' meeting on Thursday, Rutte stressed that increased capacity targets must go hand in hand with higher defence spending. Increasing defence spending "We already know we need to spend much, much more if we want to fulfil all these targets," Rutte said, speaking alongside US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leaders are expected to agree on a new target for military spending at an upcoming NATO summit later this month, after US President Donald Trump demanded that allies spend 5% of their economic output on defence. Currently, NATO allies are obliged to spend at least 2% of their gross domestic output (GDP) on defence. "Every country has to contribute at that level of 5%, as a recognition of the nature of the threat," said Hegseth. "It has to be about the formations that we have. It's that hard power that actually deters and it can't just be US capabilities," he added. Rutte recently proposed a compromise formula of increasing defence-related spending to 3.5% and spending an additional 1.5% on infrastructure. He assumes that the NATO states would agree to this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The timeline for achieving the possible new spending targets has also yet to be finalized, with both 2032 and 2035 under discussion. Other topics on the agenda of the defence ministers include support for Ukraine. Ukraine's defence minister is expected to join NATO ministers for a discussion on the situation on the battlefield. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul assured his Israeli counterpart Gideon Saar of continued weapons deliveries, while calling for increased humanitarian aid for Gaza and slamming Israel's settlement policy in the occupied West Bank. "Germany has an obligation for the security and existence of the State of Israel and Germany is also committed to international law. These are two sides of the same coin," Wadephul said during a meeting with Saar in Berlin. Israel was under attack from terrorist organizations and Iran, meaning it was self-evident that the country must be able to defend itself, Wadephul said, adding that this was the reason why "Germany will continue to support Israel by supplying weapons." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, Wadephul said the humanitarian aid reaching the Gaza Strip at the moment was "too little." He reiterated an "urgent request to allow humanitarian aid for Gaza in accordance with the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence and without restrictions." Wadephul welcomed plans for the new aid distribution system operated by the Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) to be expanded and combined with the functioning distribution mechanism involving the UN and other international aid organizations. But he found sharp words for Israeli's expansionist settlement policy in the West Bank, calling the government's recent decision to build another 22 settlements in the Palestinian territory "a violation of international law in this form." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wadephul said the move obstructs the path to a two-state solution which envisions Israelis and Palestinians living side by side in two separate states, a vision that both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian extremist group Hamas reject. Wadephul also said calls from within the Israeli Cabinet for the annexation of the West Bank posed a "considerable risk for Israel's reputation." German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Thursday assured his Israeli counterpart Gideon Saar of continued weapons deliveries, while calling for increased humanitarian aid for Gaza and slamming Israel's settlement policy in the occupied West Bank. "Germany has an obligation for the security and existence of the state of Israel and Germany is also committed to international law. These are two sides of the same coin," Wadephul said during a meeting with Saar in Berlin. Israel was under attack from terrorist organizations and Iran, meaning it was self-evident that the country must be able to defend itself, Wadephul said, adding that this was the reason why "Germany will continue to support Israel by supplying weapons." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, Wadephul said the humanitarian aid reaching the Gaza Strip at the moment was "too little." He reiterated an "urgent request to allow humanitarian aid for Gaza in accordance with the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence and without restrictions." Second meeting in a month Wadephul last met Saar in Israel on May 11 during his first official visit after taking office. The meeting in Berlin came after Wadephul on Wednesday pledged further German arms deliveries to Israel during an address to parliament. Germany's top diplomat had caused concern within the German government for earlier comments to a newspaper in which he said arms deliveries to Israel were dependent on a legal review of Israel's military conduct in the Gaza Strip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, however, Wadephul assured his Israeli counterpart of Germany's unwavering support. The German foreign minister even welcomed plans for the new aid distribution system operated by the Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) to be expanded and combined with the functioning distribution mechanism involving the UN and other international aid organizations. Saar called on Germany to be open to the new distribution mechanism, which has come under increasing scrutiny as it bypasses international aid organizations including UN efforts and faces accusations of endangering civilians. "This effort has the potential to release the Palestinian population from the chokehold of [Palestinian group] Hamas and to enable the end of this war," the Israeli minister said. There have been Palestinian reports that people looking to receive aid at the new centres were killed by Israeli shelling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Israeli military and the US-based GHF have denied the accusations. While critics have accused the GHF of endangering civilians who have to make their way through the embattled Gaza Strip to reach the distribution centres, Saar said the new system allows aid to reach Gazans directly, without Islamist Hamas militants being able "to take advantage of the aid." "We believe that expanding it will help shorten the war," Saar said. Wadephul criticizes West Bank settlement policy Wadephul also found sharp words for Israel's expansionist settlement policy in the West Bank, calling the government's recent decision to approve another 22 settlements in the Palestinian territory "a violation of international law in this form." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The German minister said the move obstructs the path to a two-state solution which envisions Israelis and Palestinians living side by side in two separate states, a vision that both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas reject. Wadephul also said calls from within the Israeli Cabinet for the annexation of the West Bank posed a "considerable risk for Israel's reputation." Visit to Holocaust memorial Earlier, the two ministers laid a wreath at the Holocaust memorial in central Berlin, which commemorates the 6 million Jews killed by the Nazi regime across Europe. "The fight against anti-Semitism, standing up for Jewish life in Germany and the commitment to the security and peaceful future of the state of Israel is and will remain our obligation," Wadephul said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The memorial "reminds us Germans to remember the victims, to honour the survivors and to learn the lessons from the crimes against humanity of the Shoah," he said. For his part, Saar said that 80 years after the end of the Holocaust, "the lessons seem to have been forgotten." "In Germany, there's an anti-Semitic incident once every hour," said Saar, referring to a report published by a monitor on Wednesday. Wadephul said he was "deeply" ashamed that the number of anti-Semitic offences in Germany has reached a new high, that Jewish residents no longer feel safe in the country and that they are advising their children not to speak Hebrew on the street. "And that is why the federal government will oppose all forms of anti-Semitism with clarity, rigour and consistency," he added. Germany plans to procure air-launched cruise missiles from Norway, the Norwegian Defence Ministry said on Thursday. Berlin is seeking to acquire Joint Strike Missiles (JSM), with a contract expected to be signed by the end of June. The German parliament approved the project on Wednesday, according to the Norwegian manufacturer Kongsberg. The contract between the two NATO allies is valued at approximately 6.5 billion Norwegian kroner ($639 million). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plan involves Norway procuring the missiles from Kongsberg on behalf of Germany. The missiles are intended for use on the 35 F-35 fighter jets that Germany is acquiring from the United States. Norwegian Defence Minister Tore Sandvik stated that the already close missile cooperation between Norway and Germany would become even more significant when F-35 jets from both countries are equipped with the cruise missiles. According to Norwegian sources, Germany will become the fifth country, alongside Norway, Japan, Australia and the United States, to acquire the Joint Strike Missiles. The new missiles are specifically developed for the F-35, capable of targeting and destroying well-defended sea and land targets over long distances with high precision. Editor's note: an earlier version of this story mistakenly identified attorney Susanna Dvortsin as a family friend to Soliman's wife. The wife and five children of an Egyptian man charged with a hate crime after an fire-involved attack in Boulder over the weekend were headed for deportation Wednesday until a lawsuit filed on behalf of the family resulted in a pause. U.S. District Judge Gordon P. Gallagher of Colorado granted the Wednesday request filed by lawyers representing the family asking to halt deportation proceedings. According to court documents, attorney Susanna Dvortsin filed the lawsuit on behalf of the family. The ruling came down swiftly following a Wednesday U.S. Department of Homeland Security announcement that Immigration and Customs Enforcement had started processing the entire family for removal after being detained only the day before. According to the National Immigration Forum, if someone is undocumented but has been in the United States for more than two years, they are not legally susceptible to expedited removal. In addition, the family probably was still under an asylum claim, further protecting them. The family members have not been charged in the Boulder attack as of Wednesday afternoon. Previous Gazette reporting indicated they were "cooperative" with the investigation. According to Soliman's arrest affidavit, he told investigators that he did not tell his wife or children about his violent intentions that he had planning for a year. Questions into the U.S. Attorney's Office for Colorado to ask what charges the family might face went unanswered. The Gazette also reached out to Homeland Security officials concerning why the family was being deported before Soliman had been convicted. Last night, Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin responded: "The plaintiff's claims are absurd and are clearly an attempt to delay justice. Just like her criminal husband, she and her children are here illegally and are rightfully in ICE custody for removal as a result." Soliman faces federal hate crime charges and state charges of attempted murder in the Sunday attack in downtown Boulder, at Pearl Street Mall. Officials expect more federal charges to come as the investigation continues. Homeland Security's Wednesday news release identified Soliman's wife. Soliman's five children were not named. All six are Egyptian nationals, federal authorities said. We are investigating to what extent his family knew about this heinous attack, if they had knowledge of it or if they provided support to it, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement, adding that the family was being processed for removal proceedings. Featured Local Savings Noem also said federal authorities will immediately crack down on people who overstay their visas in response to the Boulder attack. Soliman, 45, who has a recent residence in an unincorporated area that borders Colorado Springs' east side, faces up to 624 years in prison if convicted of his federal hate crime charge and several state charges lodged so far. An affidavit released by authorities detailed how Soliman allegedly prepared for and carried out the attack that injured 15 people in Boulder on Sunday afternoon. The attack occurred near 13th and Pearl streets during a "humanitarian walk" for hostages that are still being held by Hamas in its war with Israel. According to an FBI affidavit, Soliman told police he was driven by a desire to kill all Zionist people a reference to the movement to establish and protect a Jewish state in Israel. Authorities said he expressed no remorse about the attack. Soliman told authorities that he had been planning the attack for a year and was waiting for his oldest daughter to graduate from high school before carrying it out, the affidavit said. Soliman's daughter graduated last week from Thomas MacLaren School in Colorado Springs. According to The Associated Press, Soliman was born in el-Motamedia, an Egyptian farming village in the Nile Delta province of Gharbia, about 75 miles north of Cairo, according to an Egyptian security official who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to talk to the media. Before moving to Colorado Springs three years ago, Soliman spent 17 years in Kuwait, according to court documents obtained by The Gazette. Soliman, his wife and children first came to the U.S. on Aug. 27, 2022, on a B2 tourist visa that expired the following February. On Sept. 29, 2022, Soliman filed for asylum, listing his wife and five children as dependents, in Denver. To file for asylum, the individual must be present in the country. In March 2023, Soliman was granted work authorization. If an asylum application is pending for more than 180 days, the person who filed the claim would have qualified for a work permit until final adjudication. Federal law enforcement officials have confirmed the work visa has only recently expired. Soliman is being held in Boulder County jail on a $10 million cash bond and is scheduled to make an appearance in state court Thursday. His attorney, Kathryn Herold, declined to comment after a state court hearing Monday. Public defenders policy prohibits speaking to the media. Friedrich Merz, the newly inaugurated German chancellor, will take a seat in the Oval Office on Thursday for his first in-person meeting with US President Donald Trump. The meeting comes as a series of high-stakes international issues once again come to the fore. Trump has issued another round of warnings to the European Union on tariffs; the war in Ukraine appears no closer to ending; and pressure is mounting on Israel over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza. Since taking office, Merz has been on a tour of European capitals, meeting with Frances Emmanuel Macron, Britains Keir Starmer and Polands Donald Tusk before they all appeared in Kyiv alongside Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky in a show of European unity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The one major omission has been a meeting with Trump. While there have been phone calls between the two, the handshake accompanied by the frantic clicks of camera shutters will mark the start of the new German-US relationship. Germanys status as the economic powerhouse of Europe and Merzs repositioning of the country as a leader in European security which includes a commitment to beef up its military and fall in line with Trumps demands for NATO members to increase defense spending underscore the importance of a successful encounter. There is also the chance of an explosive diplomatic broadside, as seen with President Zelensky and, more recently, South Africas President Cyril Ramaphosa. Both Vice President, JD Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have recently criticized Germanys decision to classify the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) political party, as certainly right-wing extremists, and therefore expanding surveillance on the party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both took to X, to express their anger at what they called the German establishment for the designation. Secretary Rubio said, thats not democracy its tyranny in disguise. Vance followed up by saying Germany is trying to redivide the country, the West tore down the Berlin Wall together. And it has been rebuilt not by the Soviets or the Russians, but by the German establishment. The German Foreign Ministry, for its part, said on X, the decision was democratic, the result of a thorough & independent investigation to protect our Constitution & the rule of law. Merz, a few days later, also rejected the statements, saying Germany was liberated from tyranny by the US; Germany is stable, liberal, and democratic today. We dont need a remedial lesson in democracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The expectation though, is that this will be a cordial meeting. Wolfgang Ischinger, a former German ambassador to the United States, told CNN that Merz is totally ready for the meeting and said the chancellors personality and manner of communicating would help him win over the president. He doesnt mince his words Thats not Friedrich Merzs style. He says what he thinks. Hes transparent. Hes direct. And I would imagine that that is something which Donald Trump will hopefully learn to appreciate. From left, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz make a call to US President Donald Trump from Kyiv, Ukraine, on May 10, 2025. - Mstyslav Chernov/AP That directness, particularly as regards Europes relationship with the US, has already raised eyebrows in some quarters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the minutes after Merzs center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its sister party won the largest share of the vote on February 23, making him the likely next chancellor, he said, the utmost priority is strengthening Europe as quickly as possible, so that we achieve independence from the US step-by-step. He added that the Trump administration doesnt care much about the fate of Europe. Merz also had a few other choice words for the US in the days following the election. And only last week, he delivered a riposte to comments made earlier this year by Vice President JD Vance at the Munich Security Conference in which he accused European allies of backsliding on freedom of expression a speech which at the time Merz described as having disturbed him. Vance posed a question to which we have the strongest and best answer imaginable, Merz said in Berlin on Thursday, namely, the conviction that freedom and democracy are worth standing up for resolutely and, if necessary, fighting to preserve them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These comments notwithstanding, Claudia Major, senior vice president at the German Marshall Fund, a think tank focused on US-German relations, assessed that since the election the tone has been turned down by Merz. She noted that on May 8, Merz held a phone call with Trump in which he said, the United States remains an indispensable friend and partner of Germany. At a business summit a few days later, Merz revealed that he had invited Trump to Germany. As part of that trip, he would accompany the US president to the rural town of Bad Durkheim, the childhood home of Trumps paternal grandfather. And recently there has been Germanys alignment with the US on NATO defense spending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Merz and his government have indicated that they are ready to comply with, and push others to agree to, the long-stated Trump demand that members of the alliance increase spending on defense to 5% of GDP. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz takes the oath of office during a swearing-in ceremony at the Bundestag (lower house of parliament) in Berlin on May 6, 2025. - Tobias Schwarz/AFP/Getty Images Building up a positive working relationship, though, is likely to be Germanys major ambition for the White House meeting. And Merzs previous roles and experience could play a big part in bringing that about. Formerly the head of Atlantik Brucke, or Atlantic Bridge, a think tank that promotes German-US ties, Merz is known in Germany as being an ardent proponent of the transatlantic relationship. He was a huge advocate for a US-EU trade agreement while at Atlantic Bridge and has spoken openly about his admiration for former US President Ronald Reagan. He also understands the corporate world, having served on numerous boards, including that of US global investment firm BlackRock. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ischinger, now the chairman of the board of trustees of the Munich Security Conference, said: If Donald Trump feels that he can trust Friedrich Merz, thats very important, and vice versa because, these are dangerous times, and there must not be any misunderstanding. Major, too, says much is at stake. She told CNN that although she believes the German government understands it needs to keep a good relationship with the White House, deep inside, they are totally, deeply, utterly worried about the Trump administration and its commitment to the defense of NATO allies in Europe, particularly given the threats posed by an increasingly bellicose Russia. The conundrum, she said, is that Germany cant afford the Americans leaving, because despite European commitments to increase spending on security, building up those capabilities takes years. At the same time, we dont want them to leave, because we think we are better off together, she added. She points to the German coalition agreement, (essentially a contract between the two coalition parties, the CDU and the center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), on how they will govern Germany) and a major change in the constitution that could unlock half a trillion dollars of spending on the military, as indicators of the conflicting sentiment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The revision of Germanys constitutional debt brake, pushed through by Merz in March before he even formally became chancellor, was a revolutionary change by German standards, Major said. But it was forced through because international relations have changed so much that it appeared essential, she said. At the same time, she said, the coalition pact reads as if everything about the transatlantic relationship is in fine working order. If youre such great partners, why did we need a constitutional change? Major asked. A Western diplomat, who was not authorized to speak ahead of the meeting, told CNN that Merzs recent words have been both tactical and strategic. The source said Merz sees Germany as (needing) to grow up and take care of (itself), adding that the chancellor does not see that as possible in the next three years, and thus it is still in Germanys interest to have a good relationship with the US and find a way to work together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ischinger, too, sees pragmatism at play, suggesting that Merz could seek to replicate the personal relationship built by Macron with Trump. The German chancellor will want to ensure that Donald Trump understands that if Friedrich Merz is a committed European, that does not mean that Friedrich Merz is going to make the Atlantic wider, he said. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com June 5 (UPI) -- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is in Washington on Thursday to meet with President Donald Trump in person for the first time. Before their meeting, Merz had said that he was looking forward to his first face-to-face meeting with Trump after the two have previously spoken over the phone "Our alliance with America was, is, and remains of paramount importance for the security, freedom, and prosperity of Europe. The United States is an indispensable friend and partner of Germany," Merz posted to X Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The topics of discussion are expected to range from tariffs and trade to Russia's war on Ukraine and the state of the Middle East. Trump and Merz reportedly speak with each other on a first-name basis, however, in a speech given Tuesday, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul described the current tone of German-U.S. relations as being "as rough as it has not been in a long time." Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany is greeted by President Donald Trump as he arrives at the White House in Washington, D.C., on Thursday. The two leaders are expected to discuss the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as tariffs and trade. Photo by Jemal Countess/UPI Trump has also levied tariffs on all member nations of the European Union, Germany included, that will impose a 50% duty on all European goods starting July 9, a deadline that was extended from June 1 to allow more time for trade negotiations. The Trump administration has also upped tariffs on all aluminum and steel imports from 25% to 50%, with only Britain excluded. Germany announced last week it will provide a nearly $5.7 billion military aid package to Ukraine that will finance long-range weapons to be produced by Ukraine, which Merz announced can be deployed by the Ukrainian military for use inside the borders of Russia. Trump, however, had ordered a pause on military aid to Ukraine in March shortly after his combative February meeting with Zelensky. Chancellor Friedrich Merz (R) of Germany is greeted by President Donald Trump as he arrives at the White House in Washington, D.C., on Thursday. Photo by Jemal Countess/UPI It is unclear if Trump has any issue with Germany's aid for or relationship with Ukraine. Germany's new Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said he is prepared to discuss German domestic issues with US President Donald Trump, as he braces for his inaugural visit to the White House. "If we also talk about German domestic policy, we are welcome to do so," he said ahead of the meeting scheduled for 11:30 am (1530 GMT). "However, I will also be very clear about my opinion if necessary," Merz added. Merz might be bracing for the possibility that Trump could bring up previous criticism voiced by his Vice President JD Vance and Foreign Secretary Marco Rubio, who have accused Germany and other European allies of curtailing freedom of speech and marginalizing far-right parties including the Alternative for Germany (AfD). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Merz has repeatedly said he opposes American interference in domestic politics and called Vance's statements, made during a provocative speech at the Munich Security Conference earlier this year, "intrusive." Speaking in Washington, Merz noted that Germany was very cautious when it came to commenting on US domestic affairs, saying he expected the war in Ukraine, trade policy and cooperation within NATO to dominate his talks with Trump. However, the German leader, who took office on May 6, said he does not expect any "breakthroughs." German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will today push for reduced American tariffs in his first meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington, DC. Merz will also highlight his countrys increased defense spending and press for stronger American support for Ukraine, hoping to leverage what has so far been a positive, if distant, relationship: The two former businessmen text each other and are on a first-name basis, Handelsblatt noted. The visit is crucial for Merz Germanys huge manufacturing and carmaking sectors are particularly vulnerable to Trumps steel and auto tariffs but he also has cards to play, The Wall Street Journal said, and is expected to argue that Washington needs Europe in order to present a unified front against China. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz landed in Washington early on Thursday - the first step in his inaugural visit to the United States since taking office last month, as many Germans question his diplomatic abilities. Merz is due to meet US President Donald Trump at the White House at 11:30 am (1530 GMT) on Thursday, followed by a press briefing in the Oval Office and a working lunch. Perils of the Oval Office Many observers are wondering if Merz will suffer the recent fates of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenksy and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who both had press briefings in the Oval Office. Both were sharply attacked by Trump during those encounters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Merz's meeting is expected to focus on efforts to end the war in Ukraine, NATO's response to growing external threats and the tariff dispute between the United States and the European Union. The German leader has made it clear that he is not travelling to Washington as a "supplicant" and will confidently represent European positions. The chancellor is only going to be in the US capital for around 17 hours. He is expected to spend the night at Blair House, the president's guest house. Merz and Trump met briefly in New York many years ago. However, since the chancellor took office four weeks ago, they have spoken on the phone four times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of those calls was a one-to-one conversation, the other three involved a larger group of other European leaders discussing the war in Ukraine. Poll shows doubts about Merz's diplomatic prowess A poll published on Wednesday by German public broadcaster ARD found that nearly half - 47% - of respondents believe the new chancellor lacks the diplomatic finesse needed to handle foreign policy challenges, while 40% believe he possesses such skills. Of those surveyed, 46% think Merz will establish a good rapport with Trump, while 44% do not share this confidence. A significant majority of respondents (73%) currently consider the United States to be an untrustworthy partner, according to the ARD-Deutschlandtrend survey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The polling institute Infratest Dimap conducted the survey on behalf of ARD, interviewing 1,292 eligible voters this week. Chancellor backed by EU on Ukraine Merz's foreign minister has no such doubts, as Johann Wadephul said on Wednesday that Merz will be bolstered by significant European support for Ukraine. "I hope that he will formulate a strong position of freedom alongside the US president in support of Ukraine," Wadephul said in response to a reporter's question during a meeting with his Polish counterpart Radosaw Sikorski in Berlin. Wadephul noted that such European unity over Ukraine support has not been seen for many years. "That is why a strengthened chancellor is travelling to Washington with a great deal of positive European backing," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Merz is not only travelling to Washington for his inaugural visit with Trump but also as the first European leader since the latest negotiations between Ukraine and Russia began, Wadephul emphasized. "Europe expects that together, the US and Europe will now bring Russia to the negotiating table," he added. "This opportunity for peace must not be wasted. And this war must finally come to a just end." German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday in his first visit to the US capital since becoming chancellor a month ago. The one-to-one meeting is scheduled for 11:30 am (1530 GMT), followed by a press event in the Oval Office and a working lunch. Previous visits to the Oval Office by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa were marked by controversies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Merz's meeting will focus on efforts to end the war in Ukraine, NATO's response to growing external threats, and the trade dispute between the United States and the European Union. Merz has already made it clear that he is not travelling to the US capital begging for support but as a confident representative of European positions. The chancellor has only briefly met Trump once before, many years ago in New York. However, since taking office four weeks ago, he has spoken with Trump several times about Russia's war against Ukraine - both individually and in larger groups with other European leaders. The two now address each other by first names and are in regular contact via text messages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Merz is due to spend only about 17 hours in Washington and also plans to visit the Capitol, the seat of the two chambers of Congress. In June, Merz and Trump are scheduled to meet twice more: at the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Canada in mid-June and at the NATO summit later that month in The Hague. GETTYSBURG, Pa. (WHTM) A campaign to stop a proposed apartment complex in Gettysburg did little to persuade the boroughs council president. Matt Moon came out in support of the Gettysburg Station Project a development that would add 180 apartments as well as retail and restaurant space between Carlisle and Stratton streets. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now This Week in Pennsylvania From the boroughs point of view, one of their key drivers would be economic growth, growing our tax base, lessening the tax burden on every resident in town and letting this parcel sit unused and wasting away is not effective, Moon said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many residents and local businesses opposed the project, arguing it would not blend with the historic area and would increase the tax burden. The land sits across the railroad tracks from the train station where President Abraham Lincoln arrived in 1863 before giving his famous Gettysburg Address. The Rabbit Transit station there would need to relocate. Opposition of Gettysburg Station Project grows; Borough promises economic growth Signs popped up with the phrases save historic Gettysburg and stop Gettysburg Station Project. A campaign, called Save Historic Gettysburg, also launched a website and petition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the project moves on. Next, PennDOT, the planning commission and other agencies will review the project in the coming months. The commission is currently reviewing the land division plan, which it will likely approve as long as the developers meet the ordinance requirements. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. An Apache Junction police officer was critically wounded June 2 after a man shot him with a ghost gun," police said. Officer Gabriel Facio remained in critical condition a day after he was shot, said Apache Junction Police Chief Michael Pooley. Facio, a married father of two, was "kind of the heartbeat of our department," Pooley said. He called Facio a "fighter." "It is heartbreaking to see one of your strong, tough officers in a very dire situation," Pooley said. "So again we ask for prayers and comfort for the family, support from the community." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police identified the man who shot him as Roger Nunez, 37, of Apache Junction. Pooley did not provide specifics about the weapon other than referring to it as a ghost gun. Here's what to know about ghost guns. What are ghost guns? Ghost guns have been linked to a growing number of crimes. They dont have serial numbers, making them difficult to trace. These weapons are assembled by individuals, not manufacturers, from parts. Those parts often include components that can be made at home using a 3D printer. The assembly process isn't considered especially difficult. Users must be proficient "in only basic machining to make the gun functional, said the National Police Foundation in a summary about the weapons. Do ghost guns have serial numbers? Because the unassembled parts used to make ghost guns arent considered firearms under current federal regulations, manufacturers dont need to include serial numbers on them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thus, ghost-gun parts and kits can be purchased online without being subject to most firearm regulations, said the National Police Foundation, a nonprofit group dedicated to improving the police profession. The lack of serial numbers can hamper crime investigations. Also, the group said, inconsistencies in how law enforcement agencies identify, track and report ghost guns make it more difficult to get a clear picture of the weapons' prevalence. Are background checks required? Background checks are not required with ghost guns. Because these kits are not currently regulated under federal law, purchasers are not required to submit to a background check for the parts or the finished firearm, the National Police Foundation said. Are ghost guns being used more in crimes? Apparently. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Between 2017 and 2023, the number of PMFs (or privately made firearms) reported to have been recovered in crimes increased almost 1,600%, wrote Steven Dettelbach, then-director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, in the foreword to a report the agency released in early January. Nearly 1,700 ghost guns were associated with homicide-related offenses, and more than 4,000 were associated with other violent crimes over that period, according to the report. Dettelbach cited small conversion devices that can quickly transform a semi-automatic firearm into an illegal machine gun. The trend toward more untraceable ghost guns constitutes a grave public safety threat and a threat to the lives of law enforcement officers, he said. Have there been other Arizona incidents involving ghost guns? Yes. For example, the ghost gun used in a Northern California school shooting in December 2024 was bought by a convicted felon in Arizona months before the shooting, police said. They said a Buckeye man who owned the ghost gun legally sold it to Jesse Kitagawa Jr., 45, in April 2024, not knowing that he was a felon. Kitagawa then sold the Glock 19-style gun to Glenn Litton, 56, at a Chandler motel for $300, according to the Butte County Sheriff's Office in California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Litton then critically injured two kindergarten boys with the weapon before dying from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot. In a notable national case, police said Luigi Mangione used a homemade ghost gun with printed 3-D parts to kill UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson late last year in New York City. Andy Greenberg, a senior writer at Wired, in a recent YouTube video, demonstrated how he made a weapon like the one authorities said Mangione used with 3D-printed parts. Reach the writer at russ.wiles@arizonarepublic.com. Republic writers Lauren De Young and Stacey Barchenger contributed to this article. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: What is a ghost gun? What to know about the weapons Sybil Robertson wasnt expecting to confront an existential concept when she took her pup for his daily walk on Ocean Beach in Tasmania, Australia, but thats the position she soon found herself in on Monday when she stumbled upon a nearly 10-foot-long oarfish that had washed up on the shore. The rarely seen creature is one of the longest fish in the world, and in many peoples minds, has come to portend that some bad juju could be on the wayhence its nickname as the Doomsday fish (its also less ominously known as the king of herrings). Related: ROV captures first-ever footage of oarfish in the wild When I go out there, Im the only person on the beach, Robertson, a local resident, told The Guardian of the circumstances around her discovery. Its really wild. Theres nothing between here and Argentina. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday morning, Robertson decided to take a different route than usual, and came upon a group of sea eagles surrounding the fish, which had already washed up onto the sand. It was fantastic, Robertson said of the somewhat creepy-looking sea creature. While she admittedly did not know what it was, or the history behind it, I just knew it was something unusual and weird, she said. Bank's Oarfish, circa 1850. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) Hulton Archive/Getty Images So she posted a photo of the fish to a local citizen scientist page, then quickly learned more about the animal she had encountered. While it looked enormous to Robertson, the oarfish she discovered was actually a pretty small example, as they can grow up to nearly 60 feet long. But that wasnt the only surprising thing about this oarfish. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its exceptionally unusual to see anything like that, Neville Barrett, a marine ecologist and associate professor at the University of Tasmania, told The Guardian. He explained that oarfish are an epipelagic species, meaning they generally reside at about 1,650 feet below the oceans surface. So to have one wash ashore is an unusual, although not unheard-of, occurrence. Related: Another 'Doomsday Fish' Just Washed Up on a Popular Beach Learning this made Robertson even more excited about her run-in with the sea creature. While it washed up in relatively good condition, it didnt take longjust a few hoursfor local birds, including crows and eagles, to remove the fishs head and nibble on other parts of its body. Still, its not a sight Robertson is likely to forget anytime soon. Its just so interesting what you can find if you just keep your eyes open whilst youre looking around, she says. Its just amazing. Giant Doomsday Fish Washes Up on Popular Beach in Australia first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 4, 2025 Colorado Springs D-11 continues to expand its school portfolio. The school district Board of Education unanimously voted to approve the contracts for two new charter schools during their regular meeting Wednesday night. East Hills Academy will become D-11s first school to incorporate the classical education model in its instruction, while Spruce Community School will be rooted in project-based learning and real-world experiences. When fully developed, both schools will accept grades K-8. Upon their slated openings in fall 2026, the districts total number of charter schools will increase to 11. The board approved a contract for the existing Colorado Military Academy last month. Following the votes, board members remarked on the comprehensive applications presented by both schools. Ahead of the boards vote on the upcoming school year, Superintendent Michael Gaal noted the applications and added that the schools look to increase options for school choice in the district. They are coming with new ideas. They move faster, they are nimbler. Our neighboring districts have doubled the amount of charter schools. In District 20 and in District 49, half of the student population is educated in charter schools and you never read on the front page of the paper whats wrong with education opportunities in District 20 or District 49. The board was originally slated to vote on chartering a third school, Gateway for Success-Colorado Springs, but representatives of the school opted to pull their application to make adjustments and present at a later meeting. East Hills Academy Featured Local Savings The classical education model has gained steam in recent years as an alternative to modern public education and has developed for both charter schools and private schools. East Hills Academys program is modeled after True North Classical Academy, a National Blue Ribbon School in Miami, to prepare students to be good neighbors, responsible citizens, critical thinkers and lifelong learners. Classical education focuses on liberal arts like arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy and what is known as the "trivium" of verbal arts: grammar, logic and rhetoric. Current classical charters in Colorado Springs include Academy D-20s Classical Academy and D-49s Rocky Mountain Academy. What will make East Hills Academy distinct from these schools is that it will be the only local classical school to offer busing to its students. Spruce Community School Through partnerships with local nonprofits and businesses, Spruce Community Schools looks to have students engage in meaningful work that adds value to the community and deepens their connection to Colorado Springs. Examples provided in the schools presentation included students partnering with a local nonprofit organization to design and build a new playground while also writing out its safety contracts and social contracts. Throughout this process, they develop various skills in math, science, literature and history. The school also looks to provide electives to support a "whole child" approach to education while providing training for all teachers with daily professional development and collaboration. Following the approval of Spruce, Board President Parth Melpakam congratulated the two schools and representatives attending the meeting while also noting that, since neither will open for another year, they have ample time to finalize additional details and timelines for their contracts to be presented at a later date. As we heard at the top of todays meeting, we recognized some of the excellent performing schools, the governor awards schools, he said. We hope that, in the future, all of your schools fall into that category. We look for excellence and invite you to the school district and look forward to working with you. The family of an 80-year-old dog walker has said the sentences handed to his teenage killers do not reflect the severity of the crime, after a 13-year-old girl convicted of the attack walked free from court. Bhim Kohli was fatally attacked by a 15-year-old boy as racist abuse was shouted at him, while the girl filmed the killing on her mobile phone. At Leicester Crown Court on Thursday, the boy was ordered to serve seven years in prison while the girl was handed a three-month rehabilitation order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sentences stand in contrast to that of Lucy Connolly, a childminder married to a Conservative councillor, who received a 31-month prison sentence after pleading guilty to inciting racial hatred with a tweet posted in the wake of the Southport murders. 0409 Leicester attack The girl had filmed a series of video clips in which Mr Kohli was slapped with the shoe by the masked boy and another where the pensioner lay motionless on the ground, the court previously heard. Mr Justice Turner said it had been a cowardly and violent attack on an elderly man, who did nothing to deserve what happened to him. Mr Kohlis daughter, Susan, called for the parents of the killers to face court themselves after the sentences were handed down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said: The parents have a part to play in it because, from what we heard in court, the children were out at crazy times. They were on the phones at gone midnight. These are children of the age of 12 and 14 [at the time of the killing]. How can a 12-year-old and a 14-year-old do something like this to an old-age pensioner? Do they not think, what if this happened to their parents, their grandparents? It is adults taking responsibility. Hold the parents accountable. Then bring them to court as well. A six-week trial heard that Mr Kohli called out for help while walking his dog Rocky when he was assaulted by the balaclava-clad boy, while the girl laughed and filmed at Franklin Park, Braunstone Town, near Leicester on Sept 1 last year. Both children denied their part in the grandfathers death but were convicted of manslaughter by a jury at the same court in April. The boy was cleared of Mr Kohlis murder. Mr Justice Turner described the attack on the grandfather as cowardly and violent - PA Media The public gallery was packed with members of Mr Kohlis family for the day-long sentencing hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutor Harpreet Sandhu KC said there was deliberate humiliation of Mr Kohli during the attack, which came against a backdrop of bullying and antagonising of the pensioner by other local youths. Mr Kohlis children found him lying on the ground in agony when he told his daughter that he had been called a P--- during the attack. In a victim impact statement, Mr Kohlis daughter, said: He was in so much pain, he was screaming out. It was horrendous and we have never seen him like this. She said the family had been left broken by what had happened to her father, adding: They left my dad on his own, helpless and in pain. Haunted relatives Simranjit Kohli, Mr Kohlis grandson, said in a statement read by Mr Sandhu that he was haunted by his grandfathers death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was the first one out of my family at the scene. Not a day goes by when I think, if I were minutes earlier I could have stopped what happened. Mr Justice Turner said the attack had been wicked, and that evidence that suggested Mr Kohli told his daughter he was called a P--- during the attack was right, but that evidence from their mobile phones did not show they held general racist views. He said: It was a lazy but very hurtful insult. Addressing the boy, who was 14 at the time of the attack, the judge added: Im sure you regret that he died because of what you did to Mr Kohli, but you still say it wasnt your fault. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was your fault and the sooner you realise this, the better. Reasons for sentences He accepted that while the girl, who was 12 at the time of the attack, had encouraged the boys behaviour, she did not know he would use anything like the level of violence he did. Giving his reasons for the sentences, the judge said the girl had not played a leading role in the killing, and did not hurt Kohli directly. He said there were a number of mitigating factors, including no previous convictions and a troubled upbringing, and that a short custodial sentence would do more harm than good. Alongside the youth rehabilitation order, she will also be under an electronically monitored curfew for six months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge told the boy he did not find he attacked Mr Kohli due to his race, even though the court heard he used racist language. You made a cowardly attack on an elderly man, he said. Bhim Kohlis daughter does not believe the sentences reflect the severity of the crime - Christopher Furlong/Getty Images Ms Kohli, speaking after the sentencing of her fathers teenage killers, said she is angry and disappointed that their sentence does not reflect the severity of the crime. Ms Kohli said: I believe on that day the two teenagers made a choice. The teenage boy chose to attack my dad and the girl chose to film him being attacked. They knew what they were doing. I feel angry and disappointed that the sentence they have both received today does not, I believe, reflect the severity of the crime they committed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, I understand the judge has guidelines, but they have taken a life, and, as a result, our lives have been changed forever. When they are released, they still have their full lives ahead of them. They can rebuild their lives. We cant. The two teenagers cannot be named due to their ages. At a hearing in May, the Press Association applied to lift the reporting restrictions but this was refused. 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 DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) Michael Pratt, owner of the pornography website, GirlsDoPorn, changed his plea to felony charges for his role in a large-scale sex trafficking ring on Thursday in federal court after reaching a deal with prosecutors. The agreement came in the final hour before the 42-year-old, who had previously been one of the FBIs Top Ten Most Wanted fugitives, was set to stand trial on more than a dozen felony counts tied to a scheme that involved coercing young women into filming pornographic videos. Under the plea agreement, Pratt admitted guilt to two felony counts one for sex trafficking and one for conspiracy to commit sex trafficking in exchange for the remaining charges to be dismissed and a reduced prison term. He is set to be sentenced in September of this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Encinitas middle school employee sentenced to prison for molesting girl Pratt was one of five people connected to the GirlsDoPorn plot charged by the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California in 2019, but had fled to Spain before he could be taken into custody. He was arrested in Spain in 2022 and was extradited to San Diego in 2024. Prosecutors alleged Pratt and his conspirators used force and fraud to recruit hundreds of young women from the U.S. and Canada between 2012 and 2019 to film pornographic videos in San Diego that were later uploaded online without their knowledge or consent. Many of these women were in their late teens, although at least one victim was a minor at the time, according to prosecutors. Most had also never been in pornographic videos before and were looking for normal modeling jobs when they were unknowingly hired by GirlsDoPorn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To bring these women on, prosecutors said the defendants often made false representations about their purpose to convince them to participate. This included promises that their video would never be released or their identity would remain concealed. They also intentionally obfuscated that the women were signing up for GirlsDoPorn by using fake company names like Bubblegum Casting or BLL Media, per prosecutors. About a year into the scheme, one of Pratts co-defendants, Ruben Andre Garcia, the male model who engaged in the filmed sex acts, began bringing in what they called reference girls to give false testimonials to back up these misstatements. Once signed on, the women were flown out to San Diego for filming, which usually took place in a short-term rental or hotel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Suspect in 2011 San Diego homicide extradited from Mexico While filming, Pratt and his conspirators continued to make these deceptive promises. However, if a woman wanted to stop, they would turn to making threats, saying they would sue her, cancel her flight home from San Diego or post the video online, according to prosecutors. Most of the videos created as part of the conspiracy were posted to free pornography websites, prosecutors said, garnering millions of views. Some videos were also uploaded behind a paywall that generated millions of dollars in revenue for Pratt and his conspirators. Three of Pratts co-defendants Garcia, Matthew Wolfe and Theodore Gyi have already been sentenced for their role in the scheme and are currently behind bars. Valorie Moser, Pratts other co-defendant, is similarly scheduled to be sentenced in September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. Immigrants detained by federal agents in Southern California are being housed at the Glendale City Jail, making the Los Angeles suburb one of the few, if not the only, known jurisdiction in the "sanctuary" state to sidestep rules prohibiting local law enforcement from assisting in federal immigration enforcement. Its unclear how many detainees are being held at the 96-bed facility, but The Times confirmed at least two individuals were placed there over the last week by immigration officials. The facility is one of the busiest jails in the state and is staffed by the Glendale Police Department. Glendale City Council members defended the detentions this week, saying that the city had an 18-year-old contract with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, to temporarily house noncriminal detainees. They said the agreement is in compliance with state Senate Bill 54, a landmark law that made California the first in the nation to create a sanctuary state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Glendale has a contract with ICE, and yes, on occasion, ICE detainees will be given bed space at our facility, said Annette Ghazarian, a spokesperson for Glendale. Shortly before President Trump took office, Glendale Police Chief Manuel Cid told the council that the jails hadnt been used frequently for immigrant detainees since the Obama administration. He said that the mass sweeps would be logistically difficult given the capacity of the federal detention centers and that he didn't expect local agencies to fill the gap given state law. Read more: A sanctuary law aimed to 'Trump-proof' California on immigration. What has it accomplished? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But advocates fear that is exactly whats happening. They believe that Glendale's arrangement takes advantage of a loophole in state sanctuary laws that omit standing contracts. And it raises questions about the state law amid ramped up enforcement efforts by the Trump administration, which has said it aims to arrest 3,000 undocumented immigrants daily. It is deeply, deeply troublesome," said Andres Kwon, senior policy counsel at the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California. This contract very much goes against the principle and value of creating a bright line between local resources and federal immigration enforcement. At a minimum, Kwon said the contract should end immediately. This is where the attorney general has jurisdiction and responsibility to review and oversee how Glendale is acting pursuant to this contract, he said. The attorney general also has a mandate to review and report on conditions of confinement in Glendale, which it has yet to do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other municipalities terminated their contracts after then-Gov. Jerry Brown signed SB 54, which prohibited local and state municipalities from using funds for federal immigration enforcement purposes, including the use of jail facilities. But Glendales then-Police Chief Robert Castro, who opposed the law, did not. And at the time, the city manager warned against nixing the contract in a bid to maintain a good relationship with federal authorities. Jennie Quinonez-Skinner, a resident of Glendale, said she has been urging council members to abandon the contract since learning about it during the first Trump administration. They can end if they want to, they just don't want to, she said. I see no justification for doing it. Under the current administration, with lack of due process, its harmful. At the time the contract was signed in 2007, the federal government promised to pay Glendale $85 a day for each detainee. Nearly 10 years later in 2016, the city reported that it received a little more than $6,000 for its services in one year. City documents show the contract terms are indefinite and may be terminated by either party with 60 days written notice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the Glendale City Council meeting Tuesday night, immigration lawyer Sarah Houston, whose client had been detained at the jail and been without food for nine hours due to being transferred between multiple facilities, questioned why Glendale was adhering to a decades-old agreement that runs afoul of SB 54. We have SB 54 that says very explicitly, local law enforcement cannot provide resources, including cells, to immigration enforcement. California is a sanctuary state, Houston said at the meeting. Do you want Glendale to be one of the only cities that allows local police departments to work with the Department of Homeland Security, so that they can just house and detain a lot of our immigrant sisters and brothers? Read more: LAPD presence at South L.A. immigration raid sparks questions Glendale Councilmember Elen Asatryan tried to distance the city from immigration operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We do not get involved, we are not even booking them, they are using the cells as a holding place in the city of Glendale, Asatryan said. She disputed that detainees were not being provided food or water. The use of the Glendale City Jail to hold migrants has come up in recent weeks as the Trump administration pushes to increase the number of immigrant arrests by targeting them as they leave the courtroom. Immigration officials admit the effort has stressed their own resources as they look to increase capacity. ICE has about 7,000 beds in California with six privately owned facilities and has been looking to expand its footprint in the state as its enforcement begins to outstrip its detention space. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements enhanced enforcement operations and routine daily operations have resulted in a significant number of arrests of criminal aliens that require greater detention capacity, said Richard Beam, an ICE spokesman. While we cannot confirm individual pre-decisional conversations, we can confirm that ICE is exploring all options to meet its current and future detention requirements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Los Angeles, Santa Ana and around the country, masked federal agents in plain clothes have been arresting migrants as they leave their immigration hearings, often after a government lawyer asks that their deportation proceedings be dismissed. Family members who come to support their loved-ones often are left distraught. Read more: Father ripped from family as agents target immigration courts, arresting people after cases dismissed Typically, someone arrested by ICE in public would be transferred to a detention facility, but the rush of detainees probably strained the system and forced officials to look for other options, said Melissa Shepard, legal services director at Immigrant Defenders Law Center. I can imagine it will be an influx for detention centers that probably don't have the resources in place to keep all of these folks, Shepard said. In Southern California, the detention centers were quite unprepared for the number of people being detained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Times reporters witnessed more than half a dozen arrests at courthouses in downtown Los Angeles and Santa Ana courthouses Monday. In Los Angeles, Jianhui Wu, of China, was detained after the government moved to dismiss his case and seek expedited removal proceedings. The judge granted the man another hearing in August to give him time to find an attorney, telling him you need to talk to someone competent about his case. But as he left the courtroom, a plainclothes ICE agent followed him, while another stopped him in the hallway. One agent took the mans backpack as they handcuffed him and swiftly took him down a service elevator. By Tuesday, he was being held at the Glendale City Jail. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. An East Price Hill man accused of strangling his elderly dog is set to be arraigned on Friday, June 13, according to Hamilton County Prosecutor Connie Pillich. Richard Orth, 59, brought his dog, Tinkerbell, to an animal hospital in Green Township on May 23. Prosecutors say a veterinarian determined the dog needed to be euthanized and quoted Orth a price of $500. When staff left the room to prepare the medication, Orth could be heard on audio from the room saying, Go be with God. I wont let you suffer. $500 is highway robbery," according to a news release from Pillich's office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputy Dog Warden and State Humane Enforcement Agent Aarron Harrison stated in court documents that Orth then "strangled his dog, causing serious injuries (to the neck and throat) that resulted in the immediate need for vet staff to euthanize the animal." Orth was indicted on Monday, June 2, on a charge of cruel treatment of companion animals, officials said. He faces up to one year in prison. Jeff Cutcher, Orth's attorney, did not respond to messages seeking comment. Theres no excuse for what happened here, Pillich said in a statement. Our office is committed to holding those accountable who harm animals. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: East Price Hill man accused of strangling elderly dog to be arraigned With the FARE Act set to shift the costly burden from renters to landlords, Ive been reflecting on what the system actually offered me and other New Yorkers. In 2022, when I made the decision to move to New York City from New Haven, Connecticut, I was told that finding a place to rent for the first time would be a shock to the system. But after months of researchand an unholy amount of time scrolling Zillow, StreetEasy, Apartments.com, and CraigslistI finally found a listing for the perfect apartment. It was on the Upper West Side, within walking distance of my new job. It was a "one-bedroom flex," meaning my wife and I could set up a work-from-home space to accommodate our hybrid schedules. And it was beautiful: tucked atop a prewar, south-facing townhousewith high ceilings, exposed brick, an ostensibly working fireplace, and a pretty incredible semiprivate rooftop terrace featuring views of 18 water tanks (I counted) that felt straight out of an Edward Hopper painting. The only problem was that the unitlisted at $3,850 per monthwas nearly double what I had ever paid for an apartment before. Also, I hadnt fully internalized that New York is one of only two major U.S. cities where tenants are expected to pay a fee to brokers who are hired by landlords to show and fill their rental properties, which usually cost one months rent or 15 percent of the annual rent, according to The City. (Though, because there is no legal cap on how much brokers can charge, there have been reports of brokers charging tenants even more exorbitant fees for highly competitive rent-controlled or rent-stabilized apartments.) The brokers fee for my apartment was 11 percent of the annual rent ($4,300), on top of the first months rent and the matching security deposit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, the Fairness in Apartment Rental Expenses (FARE) Acta landmark bill that shifts the burden of the brokers fee away from renters and onto the landlords who hire them, which Dwell contributor Anjulie Rao previously reported "could upend a hurdle in the citys notoriously difficult apartment hunting process"is set to go into effect on June 11 (while the citys real estate lobby fights to block the law in the background). The FARE Act, introduced by Councilmember Chi Osse of the 36th District and passed by City Council in November 2024, comes after years of thwarted attempts to reform the citys brokers fee system. So naturally, Ive been reflecting on what I received in exchange for my compulsory brokers feeand curious about the experiences of other New York renters. I certainly didnt want to dip into emergency savings, but I suppose I wanted my perfect New York apartment more. So I called the number on the listing, thus commencing the service I received in exchange for $4,300. Thisin order of least to most frustratingis more or less what I got: No actual face time with the broker, who outsourced the showing to a colleague, which was fine (considering our later interactions), but it was still a bit jarring to be asked to Venmo a faceless-someone thousands of dollars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A real scolding when, on a weekday afternoon, I hadnt received the application I was promised and accordingly called the broker, who was shopping at Home Depot with his wife and asked why I was disturbing him. Typos everywhere, which is absolutely forgivable when its an extra letter in a date ("May 1stt") but much less so when it suggests that the rent is $800 per month lower than advertised. Incorrect information on the official leaseincluding the wrong expiration date, a clause that the building did not allow pets (which it did), and a disclaimer that our fireplace was strictly decorative (which it wasnt). Its tempting to chalk my experience up to one-time bad service. But the more I reflect, the more I think that my experience is a product of a few layered problems that, taken together, amount to a systemic failure for New York renters. According to a recent New York Times story, StreetEasy reported that as of March 2o25, roughly 57.5 percent of rentals on its platform did not require tenants to pay a brokers fee. This means that avoiding paying a brokers fee could cut a New York City renters housing options almost half in an already fiercely competitive rental market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When I told my coworker I was seeking the perspectives of folks whove had notable experiences with brokers, he asked me if I had tried throwing a rock. In New York, theyre everywhere. Indeed, it didnt take much looking to learn that another renter on the Upper West Side, Fabrice Houdart, a human rights advocate, had a similarly frustrating encounter with not just any broker, but the very same one who listed my unit. After not hearing back from the broker about a rental application for nearly a week, Houdart CCed the brokers manager, which seemed to anger the broker so much that he withdrew the offer against Houdarts wishes. The urgency was high for Houdart, a single father seeking housing near the school his twins were set to attend. Ultimately, after filing a complaint with the New York Department of State, Houdart cut his losses and secured a different apartment the following week (with a 12 percent brokers fee). But the experience left him with a sour taste. "I had this very awful experience because I had zero power. I feel the broker and the landlord have all the power," Houdart says. " [The] goal was to make as much money as possible. And I was only a number." For other New Yorkers, forced brokers fees have acted as a barrier to renting altogether. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alex Sramek, a technical writer, first moved to New York in 2013, and was initially excited when he found an "unreasonably cheap" three-month sublet within a three-bedroom unit in Washington Heights. Sramek moved in and immediately hit it off with his new roommates. But three months laterwhen the sublease period was ending and the group identified another nearby apartment to move into togetherthey were told they would have to come up with about a 15 percent brokers fee, which they couldnt afford. "We ended up just splitting ways," Sramek says. "We each just sublet in different apartments and we lost touch and it was kind of the end of that." After years of bouncing around from sublease to sublease, Sramek eventually landed his own lease on a one-bedroom apartment. The catch? It was only possible for him after the New York Department of State issued guidance to pause forced brokers fees during the pandemic in 2020guidance that the New York State Supreme Court overturned in 2021 after the Real Estate Board of New York sued. Ever since that brief reprieve, some New Yorkers have been waiting for a bill like the FARE Act to eliminate forced brokers fees once again. Tim Samuel, a software engineer in Astoria, who has paid two brokers fees in New York and describes them as "nonsensical," was excited enough about the legislation that he and some friends attended the City Council hearing at which the bill passed in November. "We were in the background, just supporting and being thereforty-two members out of the fifty-one voted yes." That tally was enough to establish a veto-proof supermajority, meaning supporters of the bill could feel optimistic about its becoming law. That optimism extends to the FARE Acts sponsor, Chi Osse, who developed the bill after several poor encounters with brokers during his own apartment search in Crown Heights. Osse kept asking himself the same question: "Do you really want one months rent for this apartment and youre not even showing up and giving a guy a tour?" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When I recently spoke with Osse, he made a point to say that he isnt "anti-broker." In fact, he ended up hiring a broker himself and had a perfectly positive experience. But he is "anti-things not being fair" and takes issue with the fact that the fees are forced on tenants who never hired brokers in the first place. When I asked Osse what greater fairness might look like as the law goes into effect, he emphasized what renters will gain: "This just makes mobilization around housing as a tenant in New York City a lot more affordableand [it] gives tenants more bargaining power, which they dont usually have in the current system." To me, it looks a lot like the sketch of a better future. After years of giving up money and trust in the system, New York City renters are finally set to get something back. Top photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images Related Reading: Will NYC Renters Finally See the End of the Dreaded Brokers Fee? What the Roaches in My Rent-Stabilized Apartment Taught Me About the Housing Crisis Senate President Ben Albritton said on July 5, 2025, the framework for Florida's budget would prepare the state for future uncertainties. (Photo by Jackie Llanos/Florida Phoenix) Acknowledging the uncertainty of how profound the federal funding cuts could be and the possibility of a recession, Florida legislative leaders want to set aside $1.5 billion over the next two fiscal years. As Florida lawmakers continue meetings this week in Tallahassee to pass a budget after the process fell apart earlier in the year, Senate President Ben Albritton and House Speaker Daniel Perez are touting the plan to bolster a $4.4 billion fund, called the Budget Stabilization Fund. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A dispute over the state budget, the only bill lawmakers must pass, caused the Legislature to extend the 60-day regular session, and lawmakers voted Thursday to extend their time to finish the budget until June 18. Although lawmakers agreed to spend $50 billion in general revenue the next fiscal year, theyre still working out the details of how that money will be spent. The Legislature started advancing on Thursday a 2026 ballot amendment to increase the cap on how much money can sit in the BSF from 10% to 25% of revenue collections. At least 60% of voters will need to approve the proposed constitutional amendment, but lawmakers still plan to set aside $1.5 billion over the next two fiscal years in the meantime. Anticipating the unexpected Federal funding made up a third of the state budget last year, and Albritton told reporters Thursday that the state shouldnt expect to receive the same level. His comments come as Congress considers hundreds of billions in cuts to Medicaid and food assistance over the next decade. Should we have the expectation that if the federal government is spending less to get their budget and their debt more under control, that we should be held harmless? I dont think it works that way, he said. Were the third-largest state in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers want authorization to dip into the emergency reserves when revenue falls to the point that the BSFs balance is more than 20% of net revenue going into the states primary general revenue fund to cover critical state needs, a term that hasnt been defined. The last time the state withdrew money from the fund was during the Great Recession, according to a legislative analysis. Meanwhile, Perez said the BSF serves as a way to prevent lawmakers from having to raise taxes in the future in case of a recession. None of us know what the future holds, he said Thursday. I think this is just a preparation of being prepared for the unexpected, and none of us know what the unexpected is, but we have a sample to look at in the 2000s when we had a recession. The state of Florida was not prepared for that recession. Regarding federal assistance during the Atlantic hurricane season, which started June 1, Perez said decisions at the state level would come as the federal government solidifies a plan. The federal fiscal year starts on Oct. 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The federal government right now is somewhat of a moving target. I think were seeing decisions transpire in real time, not knowing all of the effects at the same moment. Us as a state, and I dont just say us, I say that the Senate as well, will make decisions on how to deal with federal laws that are coming into play as they kind of come along, he said. Democrats view move as restricting future budgeting But Democrats view the resolution to annually place $750 million aside in the BSF as tying the states hands to respond to economic downturns and current needs because accessing the fund is not as easy as spending money in the states normal reserves. Accessing the funds would take a two-thirds vote in each chamber. House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell criticized on June 5, 2025, the legislative leaders plan to place more funds in a rainy-day fund. (Photo by Jackie Llanos/Florida Phoenix) House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell voted against the resolution to grow the BSF, saying the state needed to invest in stimulating the economy. You dont get to talk about saving money for a rainy day when its still raining, and its already raining on the people in Florida, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rich Templin, director of politics and public policy for the Florida AFL-CIO, likened the resolution to bolster the BSF to having to pay $1,000 rent and placing that money in a savings account instead. When we consider this joint resolution in the midst of this budgeting process that we are in, it seems that what we value is putting money into an account that may or may never be used as opposed to funding kids having access to healthcare, or education, or teacher salaries. Tax cuts and exemptions Both Albritton and Perez say their plan to eliminate taxes on business rent coupled with $350 million in permanent sales tax exemptions will help Floridians save money. However, they havent reached an agreement on what items will be included in the sales tax exemptions and when. Eliminating the tax for commercial leases, which is expected to cost $900 million, doesnt translate to direct savings to the average person, but it would be good for the state as a whole, Albritton said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ill be the first one to say, of course, that doesnt apply to everyone in every situation, but the fact of the matter is, nothing we do, nothing you do, is perfect, and nothing we do can be perfect for every single Floridian, he said. But in totality, when you are lowering what is a competitive disadvantage in Florida compared to other states, youre doing good for Florida as a whole. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Senator John Kennedy tore into Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick Thursday over his nonsensical answer on the logic of Donald Trumps sweeping reciprocal tariff policy. During an appearance on MSNBCs Morning Joe, the Louisiana Republican described his experience questioning Lutnick during a hearing before the Senate Appropriations Committee the day before. Well, its clear that President Trump listens to Secretary Lutnick, so I spent the time I had trying to figure out where hes coming from. And I dont understand, Kennedy said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I mean my vision of reciprocity, which I think is a good thing, is to lower tariffs if you can to zero on both sides. And let there be a free exchange of services on both sides, and let there be a free exchange of goods and services, and let the best product and the best service win. And I thought thats where Secretary Lutnick was going, Kennedy explained. But that was in fact not what Lutnick had in mind at all. When asked if he would take a hypothetical deal with Vietnam where the tariffs on both sides went down to zero, Lutnick replied that accepting such a deal would be the silliest thing we could do. Lutnicks baffling answer exposed that the goal of the ongoing tariff talks was not to ensure reciprocity, or even to reduce foreign tariffs on U.S. goods. So the obvious question is whos on first, whats on second, why are we having these trade talks? And I dont understand based on his answers, Kennedy explained. Lutnicks poor response Wednesday undermined the ultimate purpose of the tariff-induced trade talks, and the tariffs themselves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Can you get a sense, what is the point of these tariffs? MSNBC co-host Jonathan Lemire asked. Well, I know what the point is for me. Its reciprocity. But clearly the markets havent figured that out yet, Kennedy replied. What I was trying to do with Mr. Lutnick was sort of flesh out, where are we going here? Where are we going here? And I dont know whether he doesnt know, Im going to assume he was being purposefully evasive, but the uncertainty is hurting us, he added. The Trump administration has come a long way from its pledge to complete 90 deals during the 90-day pause on Trumps sweeping Liberation Day tariffs. So far, Trump has only announced one deal with the U.K.and that deal wasnt even finished. Earlier this week, the U.S. sent out a friendly reminder to other countries urging them to formulate their best offers by Wednesday, but with Trumps ever-vacillating tariff policies, its unclear why any country would take that request seriously. 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. (Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer) The Republican budget bill the U.S. House approved last month includes a surprise for the 40 states that have expanded Medicaid: penalties for providing health care to some immigrants who are here legally. Along with punishing the 14 states that use their own funds to cover immigrants who are here illegally, analysts say last-minute changes to the bill would make it all but impossible for states to continue helping some immigrants who are in the country legally, on humanitarian parole. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the bill, the federal government would slash funding to states that have expanded Medicaid and provide coverage to immigrants who are on humanitarian parole immigrants who have received permission to temporarily enter the United States due to an emergency or urgent humanitarian reason. The federal government pays 90% of the cost of covering adults without children who are eligible under Medicaid expansion, but the bill would cut that to 80% for those states, doubling the state portion from 10% to 20%. Thats the same penalty the bill proposes for states that use their own money to help immigrants who are here illegally. Ironically, states such as Florida that have extended Medicaid coverage to immigrants who are here on humanitarian parole but have not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act would not be harmed by the bill, said Leonardo Cuello, a Medicaid law and policy expert and research professor at the Center for Children and Families at Georgetown Universitys McCourt School of Public Policy. It is wildly nonsensical and unfair to penalize expansion states for covering a population that some non-expansion states, such as Florida, also cover, Cuello said. It would appear that the purpose is more to punish expansion states than address any genuine concern with immigrant coverage. West Virginia is one of the states where lawmakers are nervously watching U.S. Senate discussions on the proposed penalty. Republican state Rep. Matt Rohrbach, a deputy House speaker, said West Virginia legislators tabled a proposal that would have ended Medicaid expansion if the federal government reduced its share of the funding, because the states congressional representatives assured them it wasnt going to happen. Now the future is murkier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cuello called the proposed penalty basically a gun to the head of the states. Congress is framing it as a choice, but the state is being coerced and really has no choice, he said. There are about 1.3 million people in the United States on humanitarian parole, from Afghanistan, Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, Ukraine and Venezuela as well as some Central American children who have rejoined family here. The Trump administration is trying to end parole from some of those countries. A Supreme Court decision May 30 allows the administration to end humanitarian parole for about 500,000 people from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela. Not many of those parolees qualify for Medicaid, which requires a waiting period or special status, but the 40 states with expanded Medicaid could be penalized if immigrants qualify for the program, said Tanya Broder, senior counsel for health and economic justice policy at the National Immigration Law Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would appear that the purpose is more to punish expansion states than address any genuine concern with immigrant coverage. Leonardo Cuello, Georgetown University research professor Meanwhile, an increasing number of states and the District of Columbia already are considering scaling back Medicaid coverage for immigrants because of the costs. The federal budget bill, named the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, is now being considered by the Senate, where changes are likely. The fact that so many states could be affected by the last-minute change could mean more scrutiny in that chamber, said Andrea Kovach, senior attorney for health care justice at the Shriver Center on Poverty Law in Chicago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By her count, at least 38 states and the District of Columbia would be affected by the new restrictions, since they accepted some options now offered by Medicaid to cover at least some humanitarian parolees without a five-year waiting period. Theyre all going to be penalized because they added in parolees, Kovach said. So thats 38 times two senators who are going to be very interested in this provision to make sure their state doesnt get their reimbursement knocked down. The change to exclude people with humanitarian parole was included in a May 21 amendment by U.S. Rep. Jodey Arrington, a Texas Republican who chairs the House budget committee. Arringtons office did not reply to a request for comment, though he has stressed the importance of withholding Medicaid from immigrants who are here illegally. [Democrats] want to protect health care and welfare at any cost for illegal immigrants at the expense of hardworking taxpayers, Arrington said in a May 22 floor speech urging passage of the bill. But by the results of this last election, its abundantly clear: The people see through this too and they have totally rejected the Democrats radical agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some states already are considering cutting Medicaid coverage for immigrants, though Democratic lawmakers and advocates are pushing back. Washington, D.C., Democratic Mayor Muriel Bowser has proposed phasing out a program that provides Medicaid coverage to adults regardless of their immigration status, a move she says would save the District of Columbia $457 million. Minnesota advocates protested a state budget deal reached last month with Democratic Gov. Tim Walz to phase out health care coverage for adults who are here illegally, a condition Republican lawmakers insisted on to avoid a shutdown. Similarly, Illinois advocates are protesting new state rules that will end a program that has provided Medicaid coverage to immigrants aged 42-64 regardless of their legal status. The program cost $1.6 billion over three years, according to a state audit. The state will continue a separate program that provides coverage for older adults. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our position is that decision-makers in Illinois shouldnt be doing Trumps work for him, said Kovach, of the Shriver Center on Poverty Law. Lets preserve health coverage for immigrants and stand up for Illinois immigrant residents who have been paying taxes into this state for years and need this coverage. Illinois state Sen. Graciela Guzman, a Democrat whose parents are refugees from El Salvador, said many of her constituents in Chicago may be forced to cancel chemotherapy or lifesaving surgery because of the changes. It was a state budget, but I think the federal reconciliation bill really set the tone for it, Guzman said. In a tough fiscal environment, it was really hard to set up a defense for this program. Oregon Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek is among the governors holding firm, saying that letting immigrants stay uninsured imposes costs on local hospitals and ends up raising prices for everyone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The costs will go somewhere. When everyone is insured it is much more helpful to keep costs down and reasonable for everyone. Thats why weve taken this approach to give care to everyone, Kotek said at a news conference last month. Medicaid does pay for emergency care for low-income patients, regardless of their immigration status, and that would not change under the federal budget bill. Franny White, a spokesperson for the Oregon Health Authority, said her states Medicaid program covers about 105,000 immigrants, some of whom are here illegally. She said the policy, established by a 2021 state law, can save money in the long run. Uninsured people are less likely to receive preventive care due to cost and often wait until a condition worsens to the point that it requires more advanced, expensive care at an emergency department or hospital, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement California was among the first states, along with Oregon, to offer health insurance to immigrants of all ages regardless of their legal status. But it now is considering cutting back, looking to save $5 billion as it seeks to close a $12 billion budget deficit. In May, Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed freezing enrollment of immigrant adults who are here illegally, and charging them premiums to save money. Its possible that other states will decide to cut back these services because of budgetary concerns, said Drishti Pillai, director of immigrant health policy at KFF, a health policy research organization. If the federal budget bill passes with the immigrant health care provision intact, states would have more than two years to adjust, since the changes would not take effect until October 2027. We have time to really understand what the landscape looks like and really create a legal argument to make sure folks are able to maintain their health care coverage, said Enddy Almonord, director for Healthy Illinois, an advocacy group supporting universal health care coverage. Stateline, like the Capital Chronicle, is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. Gov. Kim Reynolds, joined by lawmakers, business owners and Iowa Workforce Development staff, signed into law a bill reducing the taxable wage base for Iowa's unemployment insurance system at U.S. Erectors in Pleasant Hill June 5, 2025. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch) Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has signed into law a bill cutting the taxable wage base for Iowas unemployment insurance system, one of her goals from the 2025 legislative session. The governor held a bill signing event Thursday for Senate File 607, at U.S. Erectors in Pleasant Hill, one of the businesses she said the new law is intended to help. The measure, which goes into effect July 1, will cut in half the taxable wage base used in collecting unemployment insurance taxes, from 66.7% to 33.4%. It also modifies employer contribution rates and excludes wages from the unemployment insurance systems definition of taxable wages paid by employers when the employees work in another state in cases where reciprocity applies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a signature piece of legislation, one of my top priorities this session, and a key part of our ongoing efforts make Iowas economy stronger, more competitive and built for the future, Reynolds said. Reynolds said the changes are long overdue, saying Iowas unemployment insurance taxes have needlessly over-collected from our businesses for years. With $1.95 billion in the Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund, the governor said Iowa had the ninth largest unemployment trust fund in the country despite being 32nd in state population. By lowering the amount employers pay into the fund, Reynolds said businesses are projected to save nearly a billion dollars over the next five years. U.S. Erectors, which hosted the event, is projected to keep $85,000 in the next year due to the change, she said. Brad Churchill, CEO and co-founder of U.S. Erectors, thanked Reynolds for moving the measure forward, saying it provides meaningful relief to employers across Iowa, while maintaining a full scope of benefits for employees for their time of need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Early projections and estimates are that the bill would generate the savings of up to $800 million for businesses statewide, Churchill said. For companies like ours, those savings can be reinvested directly into our workforce through hiring, wage increases, purchasing of new equipment and expanding our facilities for growth. While supporters of the bill said the new law is correcting overpayments into the Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund, Democrats argued the change will mean less money is available to help Iowans when they lose their job, tying it during floor debate on the measure to other changes made to Iowas unemployment system in recent years. Rep. Daniel Gosa, D-Davenport, said in a statement Thursday the change is providing more money to employers who cut jobs in Iowa. While Iowa families struggle and Iowas economy ranks dead last, Gov. Reynolds and Republican lawmakers are handing out a $1 billion tax break to big corporations, paid for by raiding funds meant for laid-off workers, Gosa said. In 2022, Iowa Republicans slashed unemployment from 26 weeks to 16. Now theyre handing out tax breaks to corporations that lay off workers and ship jobs overseas. Iowa workers shouldnt be footing the bill for corporate tax breaks. (WHTM) More than $6 million in AmeriCorps funding must go back to Pennsylvania, a federal judge in Maryland ruled Thursday. Last month, Governor Josh Shapiro joined 25 other states in a lawsuit challenging President Donald Trumps decision to cancel AmeriCorps grants. U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman issued a temporary court order blocking the order after finding it likely violated a federal law requiring a public notice-and-comment period. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shapiro celebrated the judges decision in a social media post. The federal government made a commitment to organizations across the Commonwealth, and with the abrupt termination of AmeriCorps, the Trump Administration went back on that commitment without obeying the law, the governor said. 060525_AmeriCorps_PI_OrderDownload AmeriCorps has 655 active members serving at 248 sites in 41 counties throughout Pennsylvania, according to the governors office. The organization distributes funds for supports services, volunteer organizations, literacy and math programs, parks, veterans programs and natural disaster assitance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What is the PA State Grant Program? Shapiro argued the cuts would put services for children, seniors, parks and education at risk. Its my job as Governor to protect the interest of Pennsylvania taxpayers and I will continue to take action to ensure no Pennsylvania senior, veteran or student is harmed by the federal governments decision to go back on its word, Shapiro said. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Breaking News Alerts AmeriCorps launched in 1993 as a government agency for national and community service. The organization said it places 200,000 people with nonprofit, community and faith-based organizations each 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 ABC27. A new interdisciplinary master's degree aimed to fill a "critical gap" in graduate-level training for careers in cultural heritage and environmental resource management was approved for the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. The master of arts degree in Cultural and Heritage and Environmental Resource Management combines the fields of archaeology, geography, public interpretation and environment and museum studies, according to a document from the university. The subjects often become connected once students graduate from college and enter into the workforce, because many of the jobs are in the cultural-heritage and environmental resource management industry, which involves the identification, preservation and responsible use of both natural and cultural resources. From 2012 to 2019, the industry had a $241 million impact on Colorado's economy, according to a 2021 news release from History Colorado. In 2019, managing archaeological sites helped the state draw $10.5 billion from heritage tourism. With approximately 90% of archaeology careers being in cultural resource management, there's an expected 8%-15% increase in positions for the industry by 2033, according to a presentation from the college. Lynn Vidler, UCCS' provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs, said the degree program will fill a national need for the cultural-heritage and environmental resource management industry, which was recruiting people who weren't adequately trained. These "critical gaps" include training in technical writing, heritage law and ethics and project management within the industry. Featured Local Savings "The importance of these (interdisciplinary) degrees is really critical for global problem-solving. We can no longer just study and research in disciplinary silos ... we need to be proficient in multiple disciplines because that's where creativity and innovation arise," Vidler said. Vidler said the degree is one of the many interdisciplinary programs at the college, noting the degree is a very new idea across the country. The degree program is the only one offered in Colorado and would be one of two or three nationwide, according to the college's presentation. Vidler said its uniqueness will draw students from other states to UCCS while serving the state's need for adequately trained workers in the industry. The CU Board of Regents approved the degree along with many others during their regular board meeting Wednesday at The Antlers in downtown Colorado Springs. The degree is expected to take two years for 30 credit-hours. Applicants need to hold a bachelor's degree in anthropology, geography or a related field with a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or higher. "I'm just excited that the faculty from different departments saw the need to create something that's going to help both the students and the state," Vidler said. The government will bypass the vetting committee in its attempt to fire A-G Baharav-Miara due to worsening of relations, and to the failure to form the vetting committee. Justice Minister Yariv Levin published on Wednesday night a proposal to change the method of firing the attorney-general, which the government will approve during its weekly meeting on Sunday. The government voted in late March that it had no confidence in Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara due to what it claimed were intentional attempts to trip up the government and lead to its downfall. Baharav-Miara has argued that if the government ceased attempting to pass illegal measures, she would not need to intervene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A government decision in 2000 stipulated that the government appoint the A-G based on recommendations by an independent appointment committee. The committee is chaired by a retired Supreme Court judge appointed by the chief justice, and its other members are a former justice minister or attorney-general appointed by the government, a member of Knesset chosen by the Knesset Constitution Committee, a lawyer chosen by the Israel Bar Association (IBA), and an academic appointed by university law school heads. The 2000 decision also requires that the government consult the same committee if it wishes to fire the AG. The government has not been able to consult with the committee since the Knesset has refrained from appointing its representative to the committee, and no former justice ministers or A-Gs were willing to join it either. Levin acknowledged this as one reason to change the firing method, but argued that the main justification was that the A-Gs conduct has paralyzed parts of the government, and that the worsening of the relations made the need to consult with the appointment committee redundant. Instead, Levins proposal says that the government will form a ministerial committee that will conduct an arraignment for the A-G, after which a vote to fire her can be brought before the government plenary, which must pass with the support of at least 75% of all ministers. The gov't 'unanimously lacks confidence' in Baharav-Miara Levin said, Since the government unanimously expressed a lack of confidence in the attorney-general, disputes between the government and the attorney-general have only worsened, effectively paralyzing government operations on various issues. This is happening at the height of a difficult war, when security needs demand structured work and close, efficient cooperation between the government and the attorney-general. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under these circumstances, the consultation process with the selection committee has become redundant, and it is essential to allow the government to discuss and decide on the attorney-generals dismissal without delay. If an absolute majority of ministers support the dismissal, this would enable the government to work with a legal adviser in whom it has confidence and with whom it can cooperate effectively. A spokesperson for Levin did not respond to a request for examples as to the worsening of the relations between the government and the A-G since March. Levins proposal came a day before Baharav-Miara was set to hold an oversight meeting regarding the implementation of aHigh Court ruling from June 2024 that requires it to draft eligible haredim (ultra-Orthodox) into the IDF. However, the spokesperson said the timing of Levins new proposal was unrelated. Baharav-Miara has insisted that the government respect the High Court ruling, and has repeatedly stressed to Defense Minister Israel Katz that the government was not using all of the tools at its disposal to sanction haredim who have ignored draft orders. In a previous oversight meeting on May 7, Baharav-Miara said that the law required that the IDF send out draft orders to all eligible haredi men who have yet to receive them. The A-G oversight meetings are unrelated to the governments attempts to pass a bill that will exempt a majority of haredim from service, since as long as such a bill does not pass, there is no legal basis to exempt haredim from service. Levin did not request a legal opinion on his new measure to change the firing method of the A-G, due to what he said was an inherent conflict of interest since the Justice Ministrys legal adviser answered to the A-G on professional matters. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaks with Minnesota Reformer Editor in Chief Patrick Coolican in front of States Newsroom leaders and reporters Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Royal Sonesta in downtown Minneapolis. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer) Gov. Tim Walz called Tuesdays major law enforcement presence in south Minneapolis chaotic and said his Department of Public Safety had no advance notice. I think any professional, especially in law enforcement or the military, tells you you do not want chaos, Walz told a gathering of States Newsroom editors Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, dozens of federal officers raided a taco restaurant in Minneapolis, drawing community members and activists in protest. The Minneapolis Police Department and Immigration and Customs Enforcement were among those present. MPD only assisted with crowd control, Mayor Jacob Frey said. The operation has drawn widespread criticism from some local elected officials and Attorney General Keith Ellison for spreading fear in a community already on edge due to President Donald Trumps aggressive use of deportation of immigrants, including some here legally. The incident has reupped an ongoing debate about the proper role of local police in immigration enforcement, though law enforcement officials say the operation wasnt related to immigration. The operation was the first in Minnesota carried out by Trumps Homeland Security Task Force. Frey said the raid was based on a criminal search warrant for drugs and money laundering unrelated to immigration enforcement. Walz said he was supportive of stopping possible criminal activity but criticized the lack of information he received and the way the operation was carried out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont see how anybody can think its a good situation to see a heavy militarized presence in a residential neighborhood, Walz said. Well follow the law federally, but we want to make sure that our folks are protected and that human dignity and due process is followed. Ellison commented on the raid to States Newsroom reporters on Wednesday. If they want to inflict fear, and they wanted to discourage cooperation, they achieved both those goals yesterday, Ellison said. Walz also spoke more broadly about the need for immigrants in Minnesota amid low unemployment rates, addressing the crucial role immigrants play in the workforce. In 2023, foreign-born workers made up 10.9% of Minnesotas labor force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres not a cow being milked in Minnesota thats not being milked by an immigrant, Walz said. Walz will be testifying before the House Oversight Committee on June 12 about Minnesotas sanctuary immigration policies. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz answers questions during a June 5, 2025, interview with States Newsroom staff in Minneapolis. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said Thursday Democrats need to take a broader approach to the states they are targeting during elections which could mean further changes to the presidential nominating calendar. Speaking with Minnesota Reformer editor Patrick Coolican at a States Newsroom conference in Minneapolis, the 2024 vice presidential candidate tackled multiple topics related to President Donald Trumps time in office. He also discussed ways for the Democratic Party to bounce back after significant Republican wins in 2024, including Trumps win over his and Vice President Kamala Harris presidential campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the major questions leading up to the 2028 presidential election season especially for Iowa is the Democratic presidential nominating calendar. Following issues in the 2020 Democratic caucuses and Democratic National Committee concerns about the accessibility of the caucus system, Iowa was booted from its longtime first-in-the-nation position in the Democratic nominating calendar in 2022, replaced by South Carolina. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX When asked by Iowa Capital Dispatch Editor-in-Chief Kathie Obradovich which state should go first, Walz immediately quipped, Minnesota. But in a longer response, the Democratic governor said he believes Democrats should rotate which states kick off the nominating process each presidential election cycle a process he said may not be popular in states that may not traditionally have held early contests, but could improve Democrats odds in elections. He reflected on how in his 2024 run with Harris, winning the presidency came down to winning a handful of contested states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the calendar, I think you cant be too rigid, Walz said. And it was I dont know if the word is depressing, but going to the seven states over and over and over again, and recognizing that you could win a presidential election or lose one doing that I think weve got to be broader. Iowa Democrats made changes to the caucus system, moving from in-person events to a mail-in presidential preference contest in 2024, but there is not any indication the DNC plans to reinstate Iowa as an early state in the next nominating cycle. However, Iowa and other states that were not a part of the early state lineup in 2024 will have a chance to take a top position in 2028. Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart and other Iowa officials have said the DNC plans to revisit the calendar leading up to the next presidential election. Though Iowa is still in the running, a potential blow was dealt to the state with Iowa Democrat Scott Brennan losing his longtime seat on the DNC Rules and Bylaws committee, the body overseeing the nominating calendar, the Des Moines Register reported. Walz said he is not running as a Democratic presidential candidate, he has made visits to many of the traditional early states, including a May Democratic Party event in South Carolina and March event in Des Moines. He is not the only speculated 2028 Democratic presidential candidate to visit Iowa in recent months former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, who won the 2020 Iowa Democratic caucuses, held an event in Cedar Rapids in May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walz is also not the only person who thinks changes Democratic presidential nominating calendar would serve the party well in future elections. Chris Cillizza, a political commentator who formerly worked for CNN, said during a Potluck Podcast episode Monday with members of the Iowa Writers Collaborative that it was very clear former President Joe Biden moved South Carolina to the front of the calendar in 2024 because South Carolina and Jim Clyburn got him elected president in 2020. However, Biden ultimately was not the Democratic presidential candidate in 2024, Cillizza said, and recent Democratic losses for the presidency with Harris and Hillary Clinton in 2024 show states like Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania are crucial to winning the general election. He said he believes Iowa should go first because if youre if youre a Democrat trying to solve your broader problems, I think Iowa going first would help, not hurt in the fight to win Midwestern states. He said he believes this strategy has been reflected with the potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidates visiting traditional early states like Iowa. When I look at travel schedules now, theyre acting as though were back to the pre-Joe Biden nominating calendar Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, South Carolina, Cillizza said. And I wouldnt be surprised if it went back to that. I mean, look, I actually think theres a case to be made. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, he said he is not sure about the DNC chair Ken Martins strategy heading into 2028. Martin, elected in February, is from Minnesota, which Cillizza said probably helps a little bit in the case for the Midwest. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Germany has let go of its long-standing resistance to nuclear power in what's seen as one of the country's biggest steps toward unlocking more clean energy sources. As the Financial Times reported, officials from both Germany and France say that Berlin will no longer stand in the way when it comes to treating nuclear power the same as renewable energy resources in European Union legislation. This move puts an end to a major disagreement between France and Germany, which had been stalling many key energy decisions in the EU. Germany began to phase out nuclear energy in 2011 after years of discussions and shut down its last three nuclear power stations in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The news comes in the wake of Chancellor Friedrich Merz's election in early May. In the past, Merz has publicly criticized Germany's decision to phase out nuclear power, arguing that it had prevented the country from accessing a reliable and affordable energy source. "This will be a sea-change policy shift," a German official said. Though Merz has not made plans to reopen any nuclear power stations, he has signaled an interest in investing in alternative energy resources. This has gone a long way in soothing any troubled waters with France in regards to nuclear energy programs. "The Germans are telling us: We will be very pragmatic on the issue of nuclear power," a senior French diplomat told the Financial Times. Nuclear energy does not produce direct carbon emissions but can have several environmental impacts. This includes radioactive waste generation, water consumption, and the potential for accidents. However, nuclear power plants have the highest capacity factor compared to other energy sources. Nuclear power can be a very energy-dense source, with a small amount of nuclear fuel needed to generate a large amount of electricity. This can ultimately lead to lower electricity bills for consumers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guntram Wolff, senior fellow at Bruegel, applauded the move from Germany. "It's a welcome rapprochement that will make the topic of energy easier in the EU," Wolff said. "Politically, Merz is also thinking about the nuclear umbrella." Which of these factors would most effectively convince you to support nuclear energy projects in your area? Lower energy bills Safety and reliability More local jobs Environmental benefits 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. WASHINGTON (AP) Officials in some of the 12 countries whose citizens will be soon banned from visiting the United States denounced President Donald Trumps move to resurrect a hallmark policy of his first term and vowed Thursday to push back against the U.S. The ban, which was announced Wednesday, takes effect at 12:01 a.m. Monday, a cushion that may avoid the chaos that unfolded at airports nationwide when a similar measure took effect with virtually no notice in 2017. Trump, who signaled plans for a new ban upon taking office again in January, appears to be on firmer ground this time after the Supreme Court sided with him. The 12 countries Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen include some of the world's poorest nations. Seven more countries Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela now face heightened travel restrictions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the central African nation of Chad, President Mahamat Deby Itno announced his country would respond by suspending visas to U.S. citizens in accordance with the principles of reciprocity. In a post on Facebook, Deby noted that his nation, which faces widespread poverty, could offer no gifts, and he made a barely veiled reference to Qatar giving Trump a luxury Boeing 747 jet to use as Air Force One. Chad has no planes to offer, no billions of dollars to give but Chad has its dignity and pride, Deby said. Some other African countries were more conciliatory, with Sierra Leone's information minister, Chernor Bah, saying the country will work with U.S. authorities" to address the White House concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the 12 countries were on the banned list in Trump's first term. North Korea and Syria, which were on the list in the first administration, were spared this time. While many of the listed countries send few people to the United States, Haiti, Cuba and Venezuela had been major sources of immigration in recent years. Trump tied the new ban to Sundays flamethrower attack in Boulder, Colorado, saying it underscored the dangers posed by some visitors who overstay visas. The suspect is from Egypt, which is not on Trumps restricted list. The Department of Homeland Security says he overstayed a tourist visa. The travel ban results from a Jan. 20 executive order Trump issued requiring government agencies to compile a report on hostile attitudes toward the U.S. and whether entry from certain countries represented a national security risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Visa overstays Trump said some countries had deficient screening for passports and other public documents or have historically refused to take back their own citizens. He relied extensively on an annual Homeland Security report of people who remain in the U.S. after their visas expired. Measuring overstay rates has challenged experts for decades, but the government has made a limited attempt annually since 2016. Trumps proclamation cites overstay rates for eight of the 12 banned countries. It's not always clear, though, why some countries are on the list while others are not. Trumps list captures many of the most egregious overstay offenders, but it omits many others. Djibouti, for example, had a 23.9% overstay rate among business visitors and tourists in the year through September 2023, higher than seven countries on the banned list and six on the restricted list. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, some countries on the banned list, like Chad, have high overstay rates as a percentage of visitors, but just a few hundred total people suspected of overstaying in a given year. The findings are based on sketchy data and a misguided concept of collective punishment, said Doug Rand, a former Biden administration official at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Decision is a blow to Venezuelans In Venezuela, President Nicolas Maduros government condemned the measure, calling it a stigmatization and criminalization campaign against Venezuelans. What happened is not an isolated incident, but rather a new demonstration of the visceral hatred against the Venezuelan people that inspires those who currently conduct Washingtons foreign policy, according to a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Venezuelans have been a major target of the Trump administrations immigration crackdown, with many accused of having ties to the gang Tren de Aragua. The administration has offered little evidence to back up the allegation but has used it to justify the deportation of hundreds of Venezuelans. For years, Maduros government had mostly refused the entry of immigrants deported from the U.S., but it reversed course after Trump took office this year. Oreebus Gonzalez has been coming at least once a year to Miami to buy clothes that she sells in Venezuela. But as she prepared to fly home Thursday, she worried she might not be able to come back even with a tourist visa valid until 2033. It scares me a lot, Gonzalez, 40, said ahead of her flight to Caracas. The fact that you behave well and do the right thing doesnt matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement America has to cancel it Outside the former U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, a Taliban guard expressed his disappointment with the ban. America has to cancel it, Ilias Kakal said. The Afghanistan travel ban was announced as forms of support for Afghans who worked with the U.S. are being steadily eroded under the Trump administration. A refugee program has been suspended, and there is no funding to help them leave Afghanistan or resettle in the U.S., although a ban exception was made for people with special immigrant visas, a program created to help those in danger because they worked with the U.S. during the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, many people who served shoulder-to-shoulder with the U.S did not qualify for the special visa program, according to No One Left Behind, a group that has advocated for Afghans who worked with the U.S. Khalid Khan, an Afghan refugee now living in Pakistan, said he worked for the U.S. military for eight years. "I feel abandoned, Khan said. So long as Trump is there, we are nowhere. Since the Taliban took over the country in 2021, only Afghans with foreign passports or green cards were able to travel to the United States with any ease, travel agents said. Supporting the ban William Lopez, a property investor who arrived from Cuba in 1967, was happy to see Cuba on the list. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These are people that come but dont want to work. They support the Cuban government. They support communism, said Lopez, 75, who was at Miami's famed Cuban restaurant, Versailles, steps away from the Little Havana neighborhood. What the Trump administration is doing is perfectly good. During his first term, Trump issued an executive order banning travel to the U.S. by citizens of seven predominantly Muslim countries. It was one of the most chaotic and confusing moments of his young presidency. The order was retooled amid legal challenges, until a version was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. ___ Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Follow the APs coverage of President Donald Trump at https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump. ___ Amiri reported from the United Nations. Associated Press writers Regina Garcia Cano, Rebecca Santana, Jon Gambrell, Ellen Knickmeyer, Omar Farouk, Nasser Karimi, Elliot Spagat, Elena Becatoros and Danica Coto contributed to this report. BOULDER, Colo. (KDVR) Faith leaders in Boulder joined Governor Jared Polis on Pearl Street Wednesday, united in condemning Sundays attack. Faith and political leaders of all backgrounds showed a united front in Boulder on Wednesday, making it clear, they do not want hate to win. Boulder Terror Attack: Continuing coverage Today, we return here. To the site where this occurred, to show and buy deeds and words that terrorism does not win. We are united as Coloradans of all faiths of all backgrounds, to make it clear that anti-semitism, that violence and hate have no home in Colorado, not today and not ever, Polis said Wednesday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Faith leaders from the Jewish, Christian, Muslim and other communities came together in Boulder on Wednesday, calling out the attack on marchers on Pearl Street as an act of hate. The Muslim community here in Boulder and here in Colorado certainly denounces what happened here on Sunday, said Imam Nader Elmarhoumi of the Islamic Center of Boulder. While all the leaders condemned the attack, some were not surprised. The whole Jewish community is reeling, shocked. That this hideous hate crime could happen right here in beautiful, downtown Boulder, Colorado. And yet we have seen this coming, we have seen this coming, said Rabbi Marc Soloway of Congregation Bonai Shalom. This is not the time for pedantic analysis about the difference between anti-Zionism and antisemitism nor to talk about the horrors of a war thousands of miles away. This was a brutal, hateful, antisemitic terrorist attack against peaceful Jews in Boulder, Colorado, in 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tourist details newly obtained video of Boulder attack showing people on fire Leaders said they have seen a rise in hate speech and hateful actions towards the jewish community. They are asking Coloradans to help put an end to it. As the scourge of anti-Jewish and antisemitic rhetoric and sadly violence continues to rear its ugly head, we want to say enough. Hate, antisemitism, terrorism and violence have no place in Colorado and no place in the United States of America, said Governor Jared Polis. Jewish community members are urging their friends and colleagues of different backgrounds to help call out hate when they see it in hopes of stopping more 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 FOX31 Denver. The Culver's location in the Village of Grafton may soon be on the move. Culver's has submitted plans to the village to construct a new restaurant in the South Commercial District at 1743 Wisconsin Ave., a half mile north of the current location at 2001 Wisconsin Ave., according to the development plans. The plans also include construction of a Tommys Express Car Wash, a national car wash franchise, on the same site. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The estimated timeline for construction is from early November 2025 to mid June 2026, according to the plans. The proposal will likely appear before village officials soon, as the franchise's owner, LSRE's Jeff Liegel, is requesting a conditional use permit for the developments from the village's Plan Commission. The new, 4,810-square-foot restaurant would be situated between the Goodwill and the Blains Farm & Fleet. To build there, Culver's would need to receive approval to remove an existing rural home and outbuildings on the site, according to the plans. Like the existing location, the new spot would offer dine in and drive-through services. The hours of operation would be daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (This story was updated to change or add a photo or video.) Contact Claudia Levens at clevens@gannett.com. Follow her on X at @levensc13. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Culver's in the Village of Grafton may be moving to a new location GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) Lee Soifer, who is the community chair for Temple Ohr Shalom, states, Were a small minority in the country and the world, and it is really the concern of our primary concern. And what we want for our communities is to feel safe, you know, to feel [like] to have a free and safe future for our children. The anti-semitic attack took place on the front in Boulder, but back here on the Western Slope, WesternSlopeNow was able to sit down with Lee Soifer, a member of the Grand Junction Jewish community. He says these kind of acts have been going on for generations. Soifer reveals that Jewish people have been taking extra security measures, avoiding marking their location, events or schedules due to recent events. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think thats the biggest thing is just being aware of the issue of antisemitism, and not just here in the Grand Valley, but how it is playing out and affecting the entire country. Because it is on the rise, Soifer explains. And when it comes to recognizing your surroundings, he says there isnt as much concern. Soifer explains, I dont think that I would say that this incident is going to cause us to heighten our vigilance and security, because were already there. But I do want to say that here in the Grand Valley, we do feel very welcome. We practice very openly. When WesternSlopeNow was asking Soifer about whether the Grand Junction Jewish community is worried about their presence, the reaction was the opposite. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We do feel welcome here, and we want to continue that, and we want to be a strong part of this community, which we are. Weve worked in the past to strengthen ties with the city, with the school districts, just in terms of being here as a resource and weve gotten positive reactions to those efforts, Soifer 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 WesternSlopeNow.com. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) A Mahoning County grand jury has returned an indictment in a fatal crash case. Robert Powell, 24, is charged with aggravated vehicular homicide, a second-degree felony; improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle, a fifth-degree felony; and OVI, a first-degree misdemeanor. Police said the North Carolina man failed to yield at the intersection of U.S. 422 and N. Hubbard Road in Coitsville, causing a crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver of the other vehicle died at the hospital. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) Two West Michigan men are embarking on a cross-country trip, but their mode of transportation is rather unusual. Its all to raise money for a good cause. Tommy Gehl and Michael Vansuilichem, two best friends, are planning to bike from Grand Rapids to Los Angeles, California, while raising money. The two have a goal of raising $50,000 for the L.A. Fire Department Foundation. We literally just got on bikes and started training, Vansuilichem said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It all started with an idea back in high school and it didnt become a reality until this year. The first month of this year, just through conversation we brought back the idea, and we were like Hey, remember when we used to think about this? and we were like, Hey, lets actually do that,' Gehl said. Thats when their campaign, called Pedal to the Rescue, began. They plan to begin their journey Monday. Its crazy to think we are going across the country in a capacity that is untraditional. We are going by bicycle but overall, this is a really cool possibility that we get to, luckily, embark on, Gehl said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two said they started biking and training back in January while also finishing up their final semesters of undergrad and grad school. Amid studying, they said they were peddling 20, 40, even 60 miles a day. What was really hard for the both of us is that we are both in college in our final semesters and we are both extremely busy, Vansuilichem said. So whenever we had time we just got on the bikes and went. Their plan is to complete all 3,400 miles in about three months. We are looking at averaging about 60 miles a day, which we think we will split into two sections each day. So a morning ride and a late afternoon ride, Gehl said. Its a daunting task to do 3,400 miles, Gehl said. So the hardest part is that time commitment and mental and physical commitment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From idea to reality, the two still cannot believe its finally time. But they are excited for the challenge. I anticipate the most rewarding thing is not only do we get to put a stamp on an idea we had back in high school and see it come to life and become actualized but we get to do it with so many people standing behind us and cheering us on, Gehl said. If youd like to contribute, Gehl and Vansuilichem have set up a GoFundMe. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Holocaust survivor who suffered from burns in Sunday's attack on a march in Boulder told NBC News that "it's about what the hell is going on in our country." "What the hell is going on?" asked Barbara Steinmetz, who is among 15 people who suffered injuries after an Egyptian national threw Molotov cocktails at a group pressing for the release of hostages still held by Hamas. "We are better than this," Steinmetz, 88, also told NBC News, adding she "wants people to be nice and decent to each other, kind, respectful, encompassing." The attack in Boulder occurred 11 days after two Israeli Embassy workers were gunned down and killed outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington. Steinmetz had recounted her family's escape from Europe in an interview with the CU Independent in 2019. I lived an idyllic childhood on the banks of the Adriatic, Steinmetz told the paper. Born in Hungary on Nov. 26, 1936, her parents had operated a hotel on an island off the coast of Croatia, which at the time belonged to Italy. In 1940, Steinmetzs father took the family back to Hungary, where they sought to convince other family members to leave the country, according to the Independent. My dad encouraged the rest of my family to leave, Steinmetz said. They were scared they simply couldnt envision what was to come or that their friends (and) customers would turn on them. Featured Local Savings The Steinmetz family left Hungary and settled in Nice, France. That summer, France fell to Germany. During the winter of 1940-41, the Steinmetz family fled by train to Barcelona, then moved to Madrid and finally to Lisbon, Portugal, where Steinmetzs father managed to book a passage to the Dominican Republic, the Independent reported. Mohamed Soliman the man accused of attacking a group of people holding a weekly walk calling for the release of Israeli hostages had sprayed gas on himself before allegedly hurling Molotov cocktails into the crowd, according to authorities. He "had planned on dying," he told investigators. An affidavit released by authorities detailed how Soliman allegedly prepared for and carried out the attack, which occurred near 13th and Pearl streets during a "humanitarian walk" for hostages still being held by Hamas. Over the last year, Soliman planned the attack on an organization called Run for their Lives, according to the affidavit. He was waiting for his eldest daughter to graduate from high school to carry out his plan, the affidavit said. The daughter graduated on May 29. Soliman will appear in court at 3:30 p.m. Thursday in Boulder County, where charges are expected to be filed. GRANVILLE, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) A Granville man has been cited for shooting his firearm recklessly and hitting a vehicle back in April. Authorities received word about a shooting incident on VT Route 100. Officers found that 34-year-old Mark Balch had shot his firearms in a reckless manner on multiple occasions. In one instance, Balch shot and struck the front fender of a victims moving vehicle. The victim in question was not injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Balch will appear in Vermont Superior Court, Addison Criminal Division June 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 ABC22 & FOX44. The IDF is prepared for the arrival of the protest flotilla called the "Freedom Flotilla". It will take control of the vessel and deport protestors if necessary. The IDF is preparing for the arrival of a protest flotilla called the "Freedom Flotilla," which, according to foreign media, aims to "break the siege on the Gaza Strip" and, as of Thursday morning, is located off the coast of Greece and is set to reach Gaza in the next few days. The protest activists responsible for the flotilla departed from the port of Sicily on a ship called the Madleen, including human rights and climate activists such as Greta Thunberg. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The IDF is preparing for the protest by deploying security forces in the area, although it has not yet been decided at this stage how to handle the vessel. According to military sources, based on past experiences, a direct message will be conveyed to the protesters not to enter the area. If the protestors defy orders or provoke the IDF, the forces may take control of the vessel and arrest the protesters, transferring them to the Ashdod port, where they will be deported. According to military sources, elite commando unit Shayetet 13 and the missile boat fleet are preparing for this scenario. Activist Greta Thunberg stands aboard the aid ship Madleen, which left the Italian port of Catania on June 1 to travel to Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid, in this picture released on June 2, 2025 on social media. (photo credit: Freedom Flotilla Coalition/via REUTERS) Several flotillas have previously tried to reach Gaza In the past 20 years, there have been a total of six notable protest flotillas headed towards the Gaza Strip with the aim of "breaking the siege on the Gaza Strip." The most notable protest took place in May 2010 and involved more than five vessels attempting to reach the shores of Gaza, including the Mavi Marmara. The organizers, an extremist Turkish Islamic organization, IHH, said that the vessel arrived with humanitarian aid that included medicine, flour, and building materials. On board were members of parliament from Europe, human rights activists, and civilians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Israel Navy took control of the ship, during which a terrorist attack was carried out on IDF soldiers, who were then forced to use firearms. During the incident, 10 Turkish civilians were killed, and IDF soldiers were lightly, moderately, and seriously injured. The incident also caused a diplomatic crisis between Turkey and Israel. The IDF stated that the military is enforcing the security maritime closure on the Gaza Strip and is prepared for a wide variety of scenarios that it will activate in accordance with the directives of the political echelon. A group of 17 labor unions, human rights organizations and watchdog nonprofits including Coffee Watch are calling on the lifestyle brand Farm Rio to end its partnership with Starbucks or change its policies. The coffee chain has come under fire this spring for allegations of child labor, trafficking workers and unsafe working conditions on a Brazilian coffee farm. A civil John Doe lawsuit was filed against Starbucks in late April in the U.S. by eight individuals with the support of the International Rights Advocates. More from WWD Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Starbucks spokesperson said Wednesday that the claims asserted are without merit and the company plans to vigorously defend the Starbucks brand. Coffee Watch filed a petition under section 307 of the Tariff Act asking U.S. Customs and Border Protection to block slavery-tainted Brazilian coffee in Starbucks supply chains from entering the United States, according to the letter, which was shared with WWD. In a statement, the Seattle-based company said, Starbucks is committed to ethical sourcing of coffee including helping to protect the rights of people who work on the farms where we purchase coffee from, adding that its Coffee and Farmer Equity Practices include the use of robust third-party verification and audits. Starbucks said it does not purchase coffee from all of the farms within Cooxupes cooperative, which includes more than 19,000 coffee farm members. The spokesperson said, Starbucks purchases coffee from a small fraction of those farms, and only those who have been verified through our C.A.F.E. Practices, which are among the most stringent in the industry and have been continuously improved since their inception in 2004. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Starbucks and Farm Rio revealed their partnership last month for a limited-edition collection of colorful drinkware and mini cold-cup keychains that launched in the coffee chains stores in the U.S. and Canada. They are also being sold in its outposts in Brazil and in select markets in Latin America and in the Caribbean. On Wednesday, a public relations firm working on behalf of the organizations that have appealed to Farm Rios chief executive officer put the word out about their letter. Supporters of the letter are asking that Starbucks sever the partnership immediately or make it contingent on such demands as allowing employees worldwide to unionize and eradicating child labor from every part of its supply chain, ensuring farmworkers receive a living wage and publicly committing to upholding labor rights across its supply chain. The representative for the senders of the letter also provided a link to a video post that was made by the organization Contracs on X that shows three protesters holding signs outside of a Farm Rio store in an unidentified shopping center in Brazil. Representatives at Farm Rio could not be reached for comment Wednesday. An outside public relations company that works with Farm Rio acknowledged a request for comment about the request to end the Starbucks partnership and said it had been shared with Farm Rio, but there was not a response at press time. Separately, Starbucks has been dealing with pushback from some employees in the U.S. about its new uniform policy. More than 1,000 workers many of whom are associated with Starbucks Workers United in 75 locations held a one-day strike in opposition to the mandatory dress code. Workers United is less than 5 percent of Starbucks workforce, representing about 570 of its 10,000-plus stores, according to another Starbucks spokesperson. The letter to Farm Rio also noted that a fair contract with unionized workers in the U.S. has not been reached. Best of WWD Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) The Growing Wildlife Program launched last Friday and is dedicated to supporting pollinators, birds, and wildlife in Massachusetts. Local schools work to keep students cool as temperatures rise Its all part of the National Pollinators Month initiative, an effort to reduce the need for fossil fuels. It also increases the resilience of stormwater runoff and flooding. Not only does it help the environment, but it also contributes to the wildlife by increasing food, habitat, as well as the aesthetic beauty of the landscape. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This one is milkweed, and they support the monarch butterfly, said Janice Jacyzn of Holyoke. So Im just hoping to invite the monarch butterfly in my yard and support them. At Heritage State Park in Holyoke, people were able to talk to DCR members on Wednesday and learn more about the program. They were also able to grab their own Growing Wildlife Starter Kit that included free pollinator plants. For more information on the Growing Wild initiative, visit mass.gov. 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 Guatemalan man deported to Mexico, whom President Donald Trump's administration was working to bring back after a court order, landed in the United States on Wednesday, his attorneys confirmed. The man, identified in court documents by initials O.C.G., landed in California via a commercial flight and made contact with his legal team while waiting in line to go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection, said Trina Realmuto of the National Immigration Litigation Alliance. He was later taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and was being transported to a detention facility in Arizona, she said in an email to The Associated Press. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration said in court filings last month that it was working to bring him back after he was deported to Mexico, despite his fears of being harmed there, days after a federal judge ordered the administration to facilitate his return. The U.S. Department of Justice didn't immediately respond to a request for comments and details from the AP. The man, who is gay, was protected from being returned to his home country under a U.S. immigration judges order at the time. But the U.S. put him on a bus and sent him to Mexico instead, a removal that U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy found likely lacked any semblance of due process. Mexico later returned him to Guatemala, where he was in hiding, according to court documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a court filing before his return, government lawyers said that a so-called significant public benefit parole packet had been approved. The designation allows people who arent eligible to enter the U.S. to do so temporarily, often for reasons related to law enforcement or legal proceedings. An earlier court proceeding had determined that the man risked persecution or torture if returned to Guatemala. But he also feared returning to Mexico, where he says he was raped and extorted while seeking asylum in the U.S., according to court documents. As far as we know, it is the first time since January 20 that (Department of Homeland Security) has facilitated return following a district court order, Realmuto said. The case is among a string of findings by federal courts against recent Trump administration deportations. Those have included other deportations to third countries and the erroneous deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an El Salvadoran man who had lived in Maryland for roughly 14 years. The U.S. Supreme Court ordered the Trump administration to facilitate Abrego Garcias return to the U.S. from a notorious Salvadoran prison, rejecting the White Houses claim that it couldnt retrieve him after mistakenly deporting him. Both the White House and the El Salvadoran president have said they are powerless to return him. HARRISBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) A Guatemalan National was sentenced to prison after he was found living in Pennsylvania, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced. Elvis Alfonso Lopez-Perez, 32, was found living in Carlisle despite having been previously deported. United States District Judge Keli M. Neary sentenced him to eight months in prison for his illegal reentry into the country. According to Acting U.S. Attorney John C. Gurganus, Lopez-Perez was removed from the country on Feb. 1, 2013. He then illegally reentered at an unknown time and was found on May 28, 2024, without permission to legally reenter. 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. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. GULF SHORES, Ala. (WKRG) Theres a new patrol unit in town, the Gulf Shores Police Department just launched a full-time marine unit, something theyve never had before. When someones in trouble on the water, seconds matter, and Officer Ian Wallace and Officer Tim Jones know the waters of Gulf Shores like the back of their hands. Saenger Theatre homicide suspect pleads not guilty Were patrolling the ICW here, Intercoastal Waterway, as well as the Bon Secour River and then we go out in the Gulf along our beachfront, Officer Wallace said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before this in-water unit, the GSPD had to rely on the Orange Beach PDs Marine Unit or the Coast Guard over at Dauphin Island to assist with water emergencies. Its going to cut down on response time, whether its a medical emergency, vessel taking on water, Officer Wallace said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Growth is nothing new in Gulf Shores, new developments and construction are everywhere. This is bringing more boats, more people and more problems on the water for law enforcement. Ten years ago you didnt have as many boats coming through here, Officer Jones said. We want them to see us, see our presence, and let them know that if they need us, that were here to help them, Officer Wallace said. For now, they have one patrol boat staffed with two-full time officers, but thats going to change quickly. This is just the start of the departments marine unit, in the next few weeks theyre getting a brand new 29-foot boat with more power to allow for quicker response times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With this new boat coming in, its going to cut our time in half, if not more than that, Officer Jones added. Prichard police officer arrested in Florida resigned from Mobile PD under administrative investigation Within the next year, at least two more officers will be joining the team expanding the unit. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Former U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland poses at the Roundhouse Thursday, June 5, 2025. Haaland, who is running as a Democratic candidate for governor, told attendees at a water summit 'the future of our communities depends on us using water wisely.' (Danielle Prokop / Source NM) While New Mexico faces threats from climate change, the Trump administration poses a much greater threat to the states water supplies, former U.S. Interior Secretary and 2025 Democratic primary gubernatorial candidate Deb Haaland said Thursday. Right now we face a much larger challenge, she said during her keynote speech at a Santa Fe water conference. The Trump administration is putting our progress at risk. Haaland listed the White House firings of federal staff; cancellations of grants to federal projects; and proposed budget reductions for water, public lands and tribal communities, as examples. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cuts, cuts, cuts thats all they do, Haaland said. When drought conditions strike, we need these systems to be resilient enough for us to rely on. Our future will count on us holding the line and leaders who can fight back. Haaland, in her signature white sneakers and a cornflower blue suit, addressed the crowd of about 100 attendees seated inside a committee room at the Roundhouse for a two-day water summit hosted by the City of Santa Fe. Most of Haalands speech focused on the need for collaboration, conservation and working closer with tribal governments on water issues, as climate change has rapidly stressed the Colorado River and Rio Grande. Haaland, a member of the Laguna Pueblo, opened her speech with memories of hauling buckets for cooking and washing at her grandmothers house in Mesita, saying the experience instilled a deep respect for water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We must manage the water resources with every community in mind collaboratively and above all, respect one another, she said. But further conservation will be needed, she said, such as additional watershed restoration, infrastructure needs and better metering and sustainability processes for aquifers. We need to modernize and expand groundwater management, our basins are long overdrawn, and we must be dedicated to managing this, she said. We must think in terms of generations and not budget years. Haaland said Pueblo and tribal involvement needs to be a priority, saying that her experience in negotiations on the Colorado River offered creative solutions such as the Gila River Tribes idea to float solar panels on canals to prevent water loss. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I will say that bringing the tribes to the table was the best thing that we could have ever done, because they brought ideas. They brought generations of experience in water stewardship with them to the table, she said. Haaland took two questions from the audience. One asked about the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision to refuse to hear the Apache Strongholds case to stop a copper mine from destroying Oak Flat, a sacred site. She encouraged nonprofits to ask the tribal governments involved in the case for direction, and said it wasnt under her power during her time in the U.S. Department of the Interior. I wasnt able to do anything to stop that, and its regrettable that this has happened, but more of these things are going to happen during this administration, she said. I think its on all of us to be as strong as we can and fight back where and when we can. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A second question from the audience asked about the elephant in the room of how she might approach water-intensive crops as governor. She said the state needs to encourage research and development into technologies such as underground irrigation (often called deep-root irrigation). I feel very strongly that in order to save our agricultural tradition here in New Mexico that we really need to look at the ways that we can help move those things forward and assist farmers in implementing some of these techniques, buying equipment, she said. In February, Haaland announced her 2026 bid for governor. If elected, she would be the first Native American person to head the state government in its 113-year history. She is facing challengers including 2nd Judicial District Attorney Sam Bregman and Ken Miyagashima, the former mayor of Las Cruces, running as Democrats and Rio Rancho Mayor Greggory Hull running as a Republican. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Jun. 4SANTA FE Deb Haaland vowed Wednesday to protect veterans' services in New Mexico, in response to President Donald Trump's administration's plans to cut more than 80,000 jobs from the federal Department of Veterans Affairs. The Democratic gubernatorial candidate, who stepped down as U.S. Interior secretary just before Trump took office in January, cited the proposed cuts while saying she would expand rural transportation programs and crack down on businesses that prey on vulnerable veterans. "This isn't politics as usual," Haaland said . "This is a betrayal." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Haaland, who grew up in a military family, made the remarks during a Wednesday news conference in Santa Fe to announce the launch of a "Vets for Deb" coalition. The leaders of Common Defense, a New York-based progressive veterans organization, also attended the event to announce their endorsement of Haaland. The group plans to hire staffers in New Mexico and launch television ads to bolster Haaland's campaign, said Common Defense's Executive Director Jose Vasquez. Haaland has not released policy positions on most key issues since announcing her campaign in February, but told reporters Wednesday she planned to do so in the coming months. "It seems early, but it looks like everybody's ready to move forward really quickly," said Haaland, who plans to speak at a Santa Fe water summit on Thursday and recently announced her campaign has raised nearly $3.7 million since February. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Haaland is facing competition for the Democratic nomination in next year's race to be governor, as Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman and former Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima have also announced campaigns. Bregman has also secured early endorsements in the race, as he announced the backing of five local labor unions last month, including the Albuquerque Police Officers Association. On the Republican side, Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull confirmed in April his plans to run, but recently postponed his planned formal campaign launch. Cannabis entrepreneur Duke Rodriguez has also confirmed interest in running, and other GOP candidates could emerge in the coming weeks and months. Meanwhile, New Mexico lawmakers have already taken steps in recent years to benefit veterans, including approving a bill this year after voters ratified a constitutional amendment that will expand an existing veterans' property tax exemption. As of 2023, New Mexico was home to more than 122,000 veterans, or about 7.4% of the state's adult population, according to the state Department of Workforce Solutions. That's slightly higher than the national average, as veterans made up 6.1% of the United States' population. (FOX40.COM) Multiple fire units are in Wilton on Thursday battling the one-acre Haggie Fire, according to the Wilton Fire Protection District. Video Above: Sacramento firefighters battle large grass fire Officials said crews responded to the fire around 11:15 a.m. on Collings Road and Mann Road. The fire is burning in light, flashy fuels with a moderate rate of speed, said WFPD. Multiple structures are threatened, and an evacuation advisory was issued for residents along Haggie Road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials advise residents to be prepared to evacuate and follow instructions from law enforcement and emergency personnel. Additional firefighting resources were requested, including assistance the Consumnes Fire Department, the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District and the Sacramento County Sheriffs Office. Crews said the scene is active and fluid The public is urged to avoid the area. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News. SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (WDTN) There is an air of uncertainty within the Haitian population in Springfield, as several recent developments have threatened their legal status in America. President Trump signed a proclamation Wednesday that bars individuals from 12 countries, including those from Haiti, from entering the U.S. Whats next for Springfield? Challenges remain, but so does optimism for future This comes after the Supreme Court granted an emergency application to revote Temporary Legal Status for nearly half a million people, including Haitian immigrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These rulings could have a direct impact on Springfield, where nearly 15,000 Haitians settled after unrest in their home country forced them to seek new opportunities. Now, many are unsure of what the next steps will be that could force them to leave their second home in Springfield. Im not sure that its a good decision to take, said Viles Dorsainvil, Haitian Support Center executive director. Dorsainvil says his home country is one filled with guns and violence, and now his people may be forced to return to their homeland where nothing has changed. Home is home. People wouldnt be afraid to go back home. But when you know that its like a suicidal decision that makes you feel afraid, said Dorsainvil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Right now, Dorsainvil says the Haitian communitys future in Springfield is up in the air. If youre asking a Haitian now, what is your future? They shouldnt be able to tell you because they know that they are in a condition where they cannot claim their lives, said Dorsainvil. Dorsainvil also says Haitians have integrated themselves well into the Springfield community, especially in the local job market. The city of Springfield echoes this sentiment. Springfield in the Spotlight Haitian workers have long been reliable, hard-working contributors to our local economy, including critical industrial sectors, said City Manager Bryan Heck in a statement. It is important to acknowledge the real economic and social impact that policy changes can have at the local level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The future of these immigrants remains uncertain, but Dorsainvil believes they are strong enough to endure another struggle in their journey. I want to tell them I know that they are resilient people. They have been through a lot since they were home and this is another chapter in their lives, said Dorsainvil. They have to be brave and ready for anything. Dorsainvil also says the Springfield community has shown their support for the Haitians since day one, and they continue to do so during these uncertain times. He says he is very thankful for the continued 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 WDTN.com. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A Clark County judge Thursday sentenced the wife of a reality TV host to prison time for conspiring to kill her husband, who told the 8 News Now Investigators in an exclusive interview that the public only knows half the story. Police arrested Victoria Goodwin, 32, in April. She will serve between three and seven-and-a-half years in a state penitentiary under a guilty plea she entered in April. Judge Nadia Krall spared Goodwin who conspired with a felon serving time in a Florida prison for murder the maximum sentence of 10 years. Wife of Ghost Adventures star agrees to plead guilty to conspiracy to murder Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Goodwin is married to Aaron Goodwin, a Las Vegas resident and host of the television program Ghost Adventures. I feel terrible, Goodwin told the 8 News Now Investigators after court. All this is such a mess. I havent seen her since she dropped me off at the airport. So that was the first time Ive even looked at her. Its tough. But thats just half the story. Wait till you hear the rest of it. Victoria Goodwin apologized in court to her parents and to her estranged husband, who filed for divorce after his wifes arrest. I genuinely pray you find your joy and peace again, she said before the judge handed down her sentence. And I will bow out of your life forever to hopefully ease that process. Im sorry I broke us, and Im consumed with regret every day. My absolute promise to you is that you will never see or hear from me. I intend to leave the state of Nevada, and you and anyone else will never be in danger of me ever again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aaron Goodwin, in an emotional in-court statement before the sentencing, said she had plotted his murder while he was being just a loving husband and did nothing to stop it. He told the judge that prison time seemed appropriate. Whether she got minimum or maximum time, I still wont feel safe whenever shes released, Aaron Goodwin said. I feel like this deserves prison time, I dont know. So I just leave it in your hands, your honor. Goodwin originally faced an additional charge for solicitation to commit murder, but the plea deal she made eliminated that charge. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. In newly surfaced court documents, rapper DDG has asked the court to stop Halle Bailey from taking their 17-month-old son, Halo, out of the country. The legal move comes amid a custody and restraining order case between the former couple, who split in 2024. DDG alleges Halle Bailey is an emotional and psychological risk to son Halo DDG has requested the court to block his former partner Halle Bailey from travelling abroad with their son Halo, as per new court filings. The rapper has requested an emergency hearing to prevent the Last Holiday star from taking international trips with their 17-month-old son, specifically raising concerns over an upcoming vacation to Italy. In addition to the travel restriction, DDG is seeking a domestic violence restraining order. He alleges that Bailey has shown behavior that could pose emotional and psychological harm to their child, including what he describes as repeated threats of self-harm. He further argues that international travel would remove the child from the courts jurisdiction and limit access to emergency protection if needed. (via PEOPLE) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DDG also claimed that Bailey has experienced emotional instability that could endanger their childs safety. In one instance, he says she took his firearm during an argument and left with it. According to his account, he later found her outside, holding the weapon. This legal filing comes shortly after Bailey was granted temporary legal and physical custody of their son, Halo, last month. At the time, she accused DDG of physically and emotionally abusing her. The court had also issued a temporary restraining order then, requiring DDG to keep a distance of at least 100 yards from both Bailey and their son. Effective until June 4, the order recently expired. Additionally, Bailey requested that DDG be denied any visitation rights unless supervised. She asked that if visitation is granted, it should be limited to once a week for six hours under professional supervision while Halo is in Los Angeles. Further, he should not be allowed to take their son outside Los Angeles County. Originally reported by Disheeta Maheshwari on ComingSoon. The post Halle Baileys Travel Plans with Baby Halo Could Be Stopped by Court appeared first on Mandatory. Emmanuel Macron and Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva held hands and strolled around the grounds of the Elysee on Wednesday. In his latest tactile display, the touchy-feely Mr Macron embraced the 79-year-old Brazilian president on the first state visit from the countrys head of government to France since Dilma Rousseffs trip in 2012. Their hand-holding walkabout comes a year after the pair were filmed ambling through the Amazon and posing beneath the soaring canopy in white button-down shirts during Mr Macrons state visit. The French president and his Brazilian counterpart were pictured walking hand-in-hand through the Amazon rainforest - Ueslei Marcelino/REUTERS They were later seen clasping hands on a boat as Mr Macron looked adoringly at Mr Lula, both leaders faces lit by a gentle sun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The French president later posted on X: Some have compared the images of my visit to Brazil to those of a wedding, I tell them: it was one!, He accompanied the post with a photo of himself and Lula photoshopped onto the movie poster from La La Land in place of Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, adding: France loves Brazil and Brazil loves France! Mr Lula replied with the flags of their two nations and an emoji of swirling hearts. The Brazilian head-of-state is by no means the only world leader to receive Mr Macrons full Gallic charm offensive. In March, the French president engaged in a brotherly hug, a 13-second handshake and warm pats on the back with Sir Keir Starmer during a Lancaster House summit about securing the future of Ukraine and advocating for a coalition of the willing of countries who would join them. Diplomats said the bromance suggested Britain and France are the closest they have been in more than a decade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Macron also got tactile again with Donald Trump in February at the Oval Office where there were hugs, back slaps and touching knees as the leaders jostled to use body language as a power play. Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron have been seen to use body language as a power play In a particularly tense moment, Mr Macron interrupted his 78-year-old counterpart as Mr Trump falsely claimed that Europe was loaning money to Ukraine and would get their money back. Mr Macron put his hand on Mr Trumps arm and carefully corrected him: No, in fact, to be frank, we paid 60 per cent of the total effort. In 2018, during one of their meetings in the Vatican, the French president greeted the late Pope Francis by kissing his cheek. Both men were on first-name terms despite a string of disagreements from abortion rights to assisted dying. The French president greeted the late Pope Francis with two kisses to the cheek in 2018 - REUTERS Mr Macrons hands-on approach led him to break royal protocol on numerous occasions during King Charles and Queen Camillas trip to France in September 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the monarch greeted crowds in Paris, the French president was seen reaching out to touch Charles on the arm and back. While it is considered only a minor infringement, the move still falls foul of protocol. Mr Macrons tactile approach with King Charles was a minor infringement of royal protocol - Samir Hussein The pair are known to have a friendly bond, as they were seen chatting at COP26 in Glasgow back in 2021. He also flirted with royal protocol by kissing Queen Camillas hand. Mr Macron kissed Queen Camillas hand as he welcomed her to a state dinner at the Palace of Versailles - Pascal Le Segretain/Getty The rekindling bromance between Mr Macron and Mr Lula comes just after the French president received a shove in the face with both hands from his wife Brigitte during a trip to Vietnam as the pair prepared to descend from the presidential plane in Hanoi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The French president later strenuously denied any domestic dispute and complained that this was the latest attempt by crazy people, fools, and opponents out to smear him at all costs. He told reporters in Hanoi: We are horsing around and, really, joking with my wife, and I am surprised by this. He also lamented the fact that the footage had been turned into a kind of global catastrophe where some people are even coming up with theories. Mr Macron enjoys a close handshake with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky - Thibault Camus/The Associated Press Despite their warm encounter, Mr Macron and Mr Lula dont agree on all diplomatic matters. France has staunchly opposed ratifying the so-called Mercosur agreement, a trade deal between the European Union and four South American nations, including Brazil, over fears a flow of lower-cost agricultural goods would outcompete Europes farmers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a further nod to their proximity, Mr Lula said on Thursday: Open your heart a little to this opportunity to finalise this agreement with our dear Mercosur. 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. Days after a black bear was seen roaming through Gallatin, the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency said its officers removed the remains of a bear from a major state route in the area. The news comes as reports of an escaped zebra on the loose in Rutherford County continues to captivate Middle Tennessee residents via social media. Most say they are hopeful for a differentand much saferoutcome for the animal. As of June 4, the zebra had still evaded authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bear was seemingly not as fortunate. The TWRA said in its release that it responded to reports of a black bear that had been hit by a vehicle on Vietnam Veterans Boulevard on the morning on June 2, though the agency noted it had first received reports that a bear had been moving through Gallatin last week. "While this can be surprising, it's not uncommon especially as bears roam in search of food," the Gallatin Police Department posted on Facebook May 29 in response to the sightings. Since the animal's death, people have taken to social media to express their sadness and ask questions mainly, why the bear wasnt relocated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sumner incident comes about two weeks after the TWRA captured and released three orphaned bear cubs into the wild after their mom was hit and killed by a vehicle on highway U.S. 16E in Sullivan County. More: Watch: Black bear cubs rescued, returned to the wild after mother was struck by car in Tennessee As previously reported by Knoxville News Sentinel, TWRA recently announced it would stop sending black bears to the Appalachian Bear Rescueits primary rescue facilitybecause of several pneumonia deaths. More: TWRA stops sending bears to Appalachian Bear Rescue because too many are dying Does relocation work? TWRA uses a human-bear conflict matrix in response to different situations concerning bears, it said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its against agency protocol to relocate a bear exhibiting natural behavior. Relocation of bears is a tool for management, but it is not an ideal solution, TWRA said in the release. Ninety percent of relocated bears die, according to research by the University of Tennessee and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The bears are most often killed while attempting to return home or in search of food in an unfamiliar area, the release said. The agency also says the odds of a bear being hit by a vehicle within a year of relocation is 15.4%, a higher figure than bears who live in their home range. We are always disappointed when bears and other wildlife are involved in vehicle collisions, and unfortunately it is a common occurrence, TWRA said in the release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2024, the agency reported 132 documented bear deaths due to vehicle collisions. Have sightings increased? Sightings in Tennessee do tend to rise in April each year and peak in the summer, TWRA says. But, why? Black bears hibernate during the winter and typically emerge from their dens in late March or early April when natural foods are scarce. Theyre then lured by the smell of food to denser, human-populated areas, biologists say. Nuisance reports and bear sightings peak in June and July as yearling bears are cast out on their own and work to establish a home range. Breeding males will also travel substantial distances in search of females. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the summer of 2023, South Nashville collectively held its breath as a young male bear forged a path through the area and even survived being hit by a vehicle near Harding Place. More: Black bear blues: Public watches as South Nashville bear tries to survive in the big city More: Bear at large in South Nashville? Yes it's 'pawsible' The TWRA said it is difficult to capture bears that are highly mobile and moving great distances every day. "It is unlikely they will find the trap or enter the trap because they are extremely wary of new things," the agency's release said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In January 2024, the agency warned Middle Tennessee that, "the long-term trend will be increased sightings". More: Black bears are coming to Middle Tennessee. 'You have to do things different,' TWRA warns Black bear numbers are on the rise According to TWRA, there are two main black bear populations in Tennessee the Appalachian population along the Tennessee and North Carolina border and the Cumberland population along the Tennessee and Kentucky state line. Bears were nearly eradicated from Tennessee, altogether, due to loss of habitat and overexploitation in 1949, when the agency was founded. But, the population has since recovered to an estimated 6,000 bears today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Bears in Middle Tennessee: How to avoid a trash buffet as population rebounds As their numbers continue to grow, black bears will continue to expand into more areas of Tennessee, eventually reaching all areas of the state, biologists have said. How to report a bear sighting TWRA officials are asking for the public's help as they track the recolonization of the black bear in Tennessee. Report a bear sighting online at https://shorturl.at/zaN7d. Officials warn the form is for reporting a sighting only and should not be used to report a sick or injured bear. Visit https://www.tn.gov/twra/contact-us.html to contact a regional office for help with a sick or injured bear. Katie Nixon can be reached at knixon@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Middle Tennessee bear sighting ends in heartache, zebra still missing One of the few companies to specialize in iPhone cybersecurity said in a report Thursday that it has uncovered evidence in a handful of mobile phones of a potential hacking campaign targeting five high-profile Americans in media, artificial intelligence and politics, including former members of Kamala Harris presidential campaign. The preliminary research, conducted by the cybersecurity firm iVerify, includes a significant amount of circumstantial evidence, iVerify CEO Rocky Cole said. Apple, the maker of the iPhone, pushed back on the findings. But Cole said the report was worth publishing for use by the cybersecurity research community. Apple's reputation is sterling among security professionals, and if it is confirmed a hack occurred, it would be a significant development in the cybersecurity industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement IVerify has not identified who may be behind the potential hacking operation, but believes the targets and technical sophistication suggest a capable spy agency may have been involved. Two people familiar with the investigation told NBC News that former members of the Harris-Walz campaign were some of the people iVerify believes were targeted. Its not clear what initially set off the investigation. IVerify said that in addition to the Americans who were targeted, a European government officials iPhone had indications of remote tampering. It appears that last year, a hacker remotely and secretly installed a type of invasive, malicious program known as spyware to snoop on those users without their knowledge, iVerify said. Out of nearly 50,000 phones that iVerify analyzed, it found only six all belonging to high-profile people who would be potential targets for an espionage campaign that showed evidence of exploitation. Apple disputed iVerifys conclusion that its evidence is a strong indication that iPhones were hacked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve thoroughly analyzed the information provided by iVerify, and strongly disagree with the claims of a targeted attack against our users. Based on field data from our devices, this report points to a conventional software bug that we identified and fixed in iOS 18.3, Ivan Krstic, the head of Apple Security Engineering and Architecture, said in an emailed statement. Apple is not currently aware of any credible indication that the bug points to an exploitation attempt or active attack, Krstic said. Cole, iVerify's CEO, responded in a statement: In light of the recent public conversation around mobile security, there is ample evidence in the report worth sharing with the research community. Weve never claimed there is a smoking gun here, only a significant amount of circumstantial evidence. iVerifys report makes it clear it did not directly catch malicious software that took over phones. Instead, its researchers found evidence that it had been installed, then deleted. The phones suspected of being hacked displayed suspicious activity in crash logs, the records a computer or a smartphone automatically writes when the operating system encounters an error or a program fails. That indicates tampering, the company said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We identified exceedingly rare crash logs that appeared exclusively on devices belonging to high-risk individuals including government officials, political campaign staff, journalists, and tech executives, the report says. At least one affected European Union government official received an Apple Threat Notification approximately thirty days after we observed this crash on their device, and forensic examination of another device revealed signs of successful exploitation. Andrew Hoog, a co-founder of the mobile phone security company NowSecure, told NBC News that he found iVerifys analysis and conclusions credible and consistent with what weve observed over nearly a decade of mobile zero-click attacks. If a spyware campaign has been taking over high-profile Americans phones, it would be a major escalation in the back-and-forth between cyberspies and the security engineers who try to stop them. The iPhones cybersecurity is widely revered, and cybersecurity experts largely view iPhones as some of the most secure devices that are commercially available. Apple routinely updates its operating system to fix flaws that hackers use to break in. But it has also designed the iPhone operating system to share very little information with cybersecurity researchers, far less than most other operating systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement iVerifys claim comes in the context of other allegations that cyberspies snooped on the 2024 presidential campaigns, including the United States accusing China of listening to both parties presidential campaigns phone calls and Iran of hacking Trump campaign emails and sending stolen information to Biden campaign officials. Under the Biden administration, the Justice Department charged three Iranians in connection with the operation in September. Researchers have for years tracked governments use of spyware to spy on journalists and activists in other countries. Politicians in France and Spain have been targeted by spyware, prompting national scandals. IVerifys report is the first major public claim of spywares successfully breaking into iPhones tied to American phone numbers and high-profile Americans. There is precedent for cyberspies targeting major political campaigns. Last year, Microsoft, Google and several federal agencies said Chinese intelligence had hacked several major telecommunications companies, including AT&T and Verizon, and used that access to specifically spy on both the Trump and Harris campaigns conversations. The White House did not respond to a request for comment. The Trump campaign did not hire iVerify, so it does not have data from it to analyze. Sources who confirmed that members of the Harris-Walz campaign were among those whom iVerify has investigated as targets of the campaign did not identify those people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement iVerify also discovered a potential way hackers could have gotten in: a vulnerability in iMessage, the chat app that comes preloaded in Apple phones, that appears to be a zero-click vulnerability, meaning a hacker could exploit it without the users even knowing. Apple has since patched the vulnerability. Spyware can give remote hackers remarkable insight into their victims personal messages and accounts. While confirmed instances are rare, it is the only proven tactic for hackers to reliably bypass the major privacy protections available for commercial phones, like the encrypted messaging app Signal. A hacker who successfully deploys spyware on politicians phones, for instance, could read all their Signal chats, track their browsing histories, listen to their phone calls and even turn the phones into covert listening devices to spy on conversations while they are in the targets pockets. By giving a hacker remote access to a phone, spyware goes beyond even the Salt Typhoon espionage campaign, in which the United States accused China last year of hacking AT&T and Verizon to intercept phone calls and text messages as they traveled from one person to another including targeting the messages of both the Trump-Vance and Harris-Walz campaigns. The most commonly identified spyware in such cases is designed by the Israeli company NSO Group, which is sanctioned by the United States and has long claimed its products cannot be used to hack phones with American numbers. An NSO Group spokesperson told NBC News it was not involved in the incidents iVerifys research identified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement American diplomats and embassy workers abroad have also been infected with NSO spyware, according to the Biden White House, but evidence that such technology had targeted a U.S. presidential campaign or other high-profile Americans in the United States has never been previously reported. I think it illustrates that mobile compromise is real, not academic or hypothetical, and its happening here in the United States in a systematic way, said Cole, iVerifys CEO. He declined to specify the identities of the five people whose phones exhibited signs of having been targeted with spyware, except to say that they are all Americans who work in politics, media and artificial intelligence and that all would be of interest to a foreign intelligence service. The fact that sophisticated phone spyware is becoming the most reliable way to read a persons otherwise secure messages makes it an obvious tactic for spy agencies, despite its technical difficulty, said Patrick Arvidson, a National Security Agency veteran who worked on mobile phone security at the agency, who viewed iVerifys report before it was published. I think that youre going to see in the coming year, two years, three years, more and more of these kinds of mass-scale incidents, he said. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) Harrison County residents may be subjected to a tax increase or a levy in the near future as the county looks to fill the need for volunteer firemen. On Wednesday, county commissioners discussed how the lack of available volunteer firemen is affecting residents. Though an exact route has yet to be determined for how to handle the issue, the Harrison County Commission is looking at other counties solutions for inspiration, as well as speaking with concerned residents. Harrison County commissioners split on future of Sunset Ellis property Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the counties in the state have gone on to hire some full-time employees to work with the volunteers. Were not saying thats the answer here, but its something for us to look at. We want to make sure that the people of Harrison County get the proper fire response and emergency response, Commissioner David Hinkle said. 12 News will continue to bring the latest updates on this story as it develops. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com. Winning admission to Harvard University fulfilled a longtime goal for Yonas Nuguse, a student in Ethiopia who endured a war in the country's Tigray region, internet and phone shutdowns, and the COVID-19 pandemic all of which made it impossible to finish high school on time. Now, its unclear if he will make it this fall to the Ivy League campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He and other admitted students around the world are anxiously tracking the school's feud with the Trump administration, which is seeking to keep it from enrolling international students. On Thursday, Harvard challenged President Donald Trump's latest move to bar foreign students from entering the U.S. to attend the college, calling it illegal retaliation for Harvards rejection of White House demands. In an amended lawsuit filed Thursday, Harvard said the president was attempting an end-run around a previous court order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A few hours later, U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs issued a temporary restraining order against Trump's Wednesday proclamation, saying Harvard had demonstrated it will sustain immediate and irreparable injury before there is an opportunity to hear from all parties. Last month, a federal judge blocked the Department of Homeland Security from revoking Harvards certification to host foreign students. Admission to Harvard, then months of uncertainty Increasingly, the nations oldest and best-known university has attracted some of the brightest minds from around the world, with international students accounting for one-quarter of its enrollment. As Harvards fight with the administration plays out, foreign students can only wait to find out if they'll be able to attend the school at all. Some are weighing other options. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Nuguse, 21, the war in Ethiopia forced schools to close in many parts of the province. After schooling resumed, he then took a gap year to study and save money to pay for his TOEFL English proficiency test in Addis Ababa, Ethiopias capital. The war affected me a great deal and when I found out the news that I was accepted to Harvard, I was ecstatic. I knew it was a proud moment for my family, teachers, mentors and friends, who were instrumental in my achievement, he said. The following months have been filled with uncertainty. On Wednesday, Trump signed a directive seeking to block U.S. entry for Harvard's international students, which would block thousands who are scheduled to come to the campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, for summer and fall terms. Harvard's court challenge a day later attacked Trumps legal justification for the action a federal law allowing him to block a class of aliens deemed detrimental to the nations interests. Targeting only those who are coming to the U.S. to study at Harvard doesnt qualify as a class of aliens, Harvard said in its filing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Presidents actions thus are not undertaken to protect the interests of the United States, but instead to pursue a government vendetta against Harvard, the university wrote. In the meantime, Harvard is making contingency plans so students and visiting scholars can continue their work at the university, President Alan Garber said in a message to the campus and alumni. Each of us is part of a truly global university community, Garber said Thursday. We know that the benefits of bringing talented people together from around the world are unique and irreplaceable. Crackdown on international students affects interest in the US Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The standoff with Harvard comes as the administration has been tightening scrutiny of student visas nationwide. Thousands of students around the country abruptly lost permission to be in the U.S. this spring before the administration reversed itself, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced last week the U.S. would aggressively revoke visas for students from China. While many admitted students say they're waiting to find out if they can come to the U.S., prospective students still in high school are starting to look elsewhere, said Mike Henniger, CEO of Illume Student Advisory Services. It is one blow after another, said Henniger, who works with colleges in the U.S., Canada and Europe to recruit international students. At this point, international student interest in the U.S. has basically dropped to nil. The future of Harvard's roughly 7,000 international students has been hanging in the balance since the Department of Homeland Security first moved to block its foreign enrollment on May 22. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For many, the twists and turns have been exhausting. Jing, a 23-year-old masters student, is currently completing an internship in China this summer, and unsure if he can reenter the U.S. for the fall semester. It is tiring, we all feel numb now. Trump just makes big news headlines once every few days since he got back to the White House, said Jing, who agreed to speak under his family name out of concern about retaliation from the Trump administration. Jing said he is going to watch and see what happens for now, in case the move against international students is a negotiating tactic that does not stick. The possibility that Trump could block foreign enrollment at other colleges only raises the uncertainty for students planning to pursue their education overseas, said Craig Riggs, who has been working in international education for about 30 years and is the editor of ICEF Monitor. He said he urges families to consult carefully with advisers and not to overreact to the day's headlines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rules under which students would make this huge decision to devote years of their lives and quite a bit of money to studying at Harvard have been shown to change quite quickly, Riggs said. An aspiring economist, Nuguse was the only student accepted to Harvard this year from Kalamino Special High School, which caters to gifted students from underprivileged backgrounds from across Tigray. After receiving acceptances also to Columbia University and Amherst College, Nuguse chose Harvard, which he had long dreamed of attending. He said he hopes it will work out to attend Harvard. Nuguse was granted a visa to study at Harvard, and he worries it might be too late to reverse his decision and attend another university anyway. He received an email from Harvard last week, telling him to proceed with his registration and highlighting a judges order in Harvard's favor in the dispute over foreign enrollment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I hope the situation is temporary and I can enroll on time to go on and realize my dream far from reality in Ethiopia, he said. ___ Associated Press writers Collin Binkley, Jocelyn Gecker and Cheyanne Mumphrey contributed to this report. ___ The Associated Press education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. Harvard University is challenging President Donald Trumps move to block foreign students from coming to the United States to attend the Ivy League school, calling it illegal retaliation for Harvards rejection of White House demands. In an amended complaint filed Thursday, Harvard called the presidents action an end-run around a previous court order. Last month, a federal judge blocked the Department of Homeland Security from revoking Harvards ability to host foreign students. The filing attacks Trumps legal justification for the action a federal law allowing him to block a class of aliens deemed detrimental to the nations interests. Targeting only those who are coming to the U.S. to study at Harvard doesnt qualify as a class of aliens, Harvard said in its filing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Presidents actions thus are not undertaken to protect the interests of the United States, but instead to pursue a government vendetta against Harvard, the university wrote. The amended complaint came in a lawsuit filed last month challenging the previous action from Homeland Security. A federal judge in Boston blocked the move after Harvard said it violated the schools First Amendment rights. The new filing asks the same judge to block Trumps latest action too. If Trumps measure stands, it would block thousands of students who are scheduled to come to the campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, for summer and fall terms. Harvards more than 7,000 F-1 and J-1 visa holders and their dependents have become pawns in the governments escalating campaign of retaliation, Harvard wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. APs earlier story follows below. Winning admission to Harvard University fulfilled a longtime goal for Yonas Nuguse, a student in Ethiopia who endured the Tigray conflict, internet and phone shutdowns, and the COVID-19 pandemic all of which made it impossible to finish high school on time. Now, its unclear if he will make it this fall to the Ivy League campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He and other admitted students around the world are anxiously tracking the schools feud with the Trump administration, which is seeking to keep it from enrolling international students. The war in the countrys Tigray region forced schools to close in many parts of the province. Nuguse, 21, took a gap year to study and save money to pay for his TOEFL English proficiency test in Addis Ababa, Ethiopias capital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The war affected me a great deal and when I found out the news that I was accepted to Harvard, I was ecstatic. I knew it was a proud moment for my family, teachers, mentors and friends, who were instrumental in my achievement, he said. Increasingly, the nations oldest and best-known university has attracted some of the brightest minds from around the world, with international students accounting for one-quarter of its enrollment. As Harvards fight with the administration plays out, foreign students are now navigating deep uncertainty and weighing other options. On Wednesday, President Donald Trump signed a directive seeking to block U.S. entry for Harvards international students. It marked the administrations latest effort to squeeze Harvards foreign enrollment after a federal judge in Boston blocked the withdrawal of its certification to host students from overseas. Harvard will continue to protect its international students, the university said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The standoff with Harvard comes as the administration has been tightening scrutiny of student visas nationwide. Thousands of students around the country abruptly lost permission to be in the U.S. this spring before the administration reversed itself, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced last week the U.S. would aggressively revoke visas for students from China. It is one blow after another, said Mike Henniger, CEO of Illume Student Advisory Services, who works with colleges in the U.S., Canada and Europe to recruit international students. At this point, international student interest in the U.S. has basically dropped to nil. The future of Harvards international students has been hanging in the balance since the Department of Homeland Security first moved to block its foreign enrollment on May 22. For many, the twists and turns have been exhausting. Jing, a 23-year-old masters student, is currently completing an internship in China this summer, and unsure if he can reenter the U.S. for the fall semester. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is tiring, we all feel numb now. Trump just makes big news headlines once every few days since he got back to the White House, said Jing, who agreed to speak under his family name out of concern about retaliation from the Trump administration. Jing said he is going to watch and see what happens for now, in case the move against international students is a negotiating tactic that does not stick. The possibility that Trump could block foreign enrollment at other colleges only raises the uncertainty for students planning to pursue their education overseas, said Craig Riggs, who has been working in international education for about 30 years and is the editor of ICEF Monitor. He said he urges families to consult carefully with advisers and not to overreact to the days headlines. The rules under which students would make this huge decision to devote years of their lives and quite a bit of money to studying at Harvard have been shown to change quite quickly, Riggs said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An aspiring economist, Nuguse was the only student accepted to Harvard this year from Kalamino Special High School, which caters to gifted students from underprivileged backgrounds from across Tigray. After receiving acceptances also to Columbia University and Amherst College, Nuguse chose Harvard, which he had long dreamed of attending. He said he hopes it will work out to attend Harvard. Nuguse was granted a visa to study at Harvard, and he worries it might be too late to reverse his decision and attend another university anyway. He received an email from Harvard last week, telling him to proceed with his registration and highlighting a judges order in Harvards favor in the dispute over foreign enrollment. I hope the situation is temporary and I can enroll on time to go on and realize my dream far from reality in Ethiopia, he said. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW HONOLULU (KHON2) A jury found Paul Joseph Sulla, Jr., 78, Gary Charles Zamber, 55, and Rajesh P. Budhabhatti, 65, guilty of multiple counts of wire fraud on June 4. Sulla was additionally convicted of money laundering. According to court documents, Sulla and Zamber, both attorneys living on the Big Island, and Budhabhatti, a private businessman on the Big Island, paid bribes and kickbacks to Alan Rudo, a housing specialist for the Hawaii County Office of Housing and Community Development. Coast Guard searching for missing woman, 21 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In exchange for payment, Rudo would use his official position to ensure the County approved three affordable housing agreements. Todays verdict reiterates our unwavering message to those who bribe and attempt to buy the discretion of Hawaiis public officials at the expense of the publics trust and the integrity of our public institutionsyou will be federally prosecuted and brought to justice. Our office will continue to root out and vigorously pursue those who engage in public corruption or who violate their positions of public trust. Ken Sorenson, Acting United States Attorney Sulla and Zamber could both face up to 20 years in prison, while Budhabhatti could face up to 10 years in prison. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. HONOLULU (KHON2) In 2025, Hawaiis economy ranked 49th out of all U.S. states, according to a new annual analysis. This low ranking highlights several challenges our state faces in economic activity, innovation and high-tech industry presence. Heres what we know from the report: 1. Key metrics and rankings The report evaluated states across 28 indicators. These included gross domestic product (GDP) growth, export activity, startup formation and employment in high-tech sectors. Hawaiis performance in these areas was as follows: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overall Rank: 49th. Economic Activity: 47th. Economic Health: 31st. Innovation Potential: 49th. Government surplus: 3rd. Average educational attainment of recent immigrants: 5th. Notably, Hawaii ranked 51st in exports per capita and 50th in the percentage of jobs in high-tech industries. These figures indicate a limited presence in global trade and a relatively small high-tech sector compared to other states. 2. Factors influencing Hawaiis economic standing Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You Several factors have been identified that contribute to Hawaiis economic challenges: High cost of living: The state has the third-highest cost of living in the nation. This impacts both residents and businesses. Utility costs are particularly high, and taxes on both individuals and corporations are above average. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Limited export activity: Hawaiis exports per capita are the lowest in the country. It reflects a lack of diversification in trade and reliance on a narrow range of industries. High-tech industry presence: The states low ranking in high-tech employment suggests challenges in attracting and retaining technology-driven businesses and talent. 3. Economic outlook for 2025 Despite these challenges, Hawaiis economy is projected to grow by 1.7% in 2025. This growth is expected to be driven by sectors such as construction, real estate, and tourism, according to Hawaii DBEDT. However, the states growth rate remains below the national average which indicates that Hawaiis economic recovery may be slower compared to other states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can click here to read the full report. Hawaiis 49th-place ranking in the 2025 economic performance study underscores significant challenges in economic activity, innovation and high-tech industry presence. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHONs morning podcast, every morning at 8 Addressing these issues will require targeted efforts to diversify the economy, reduce living costs and foster growth in high-tech sectors. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Mayoral frontrunner Andrew Cuomo tried to make political bank during the heated Democratic mayoral primary Wednesday by calling out his opponents past support for the Defund the Police movement. The former governor claimed the eight other candidates onstage during the highly-anticipated WNBC, WNJU and Politico New York debate had called for less money to flow to police. We wouldnt need more police if we didnt defund them in the first place, Cuomo said. Cuomo claimed that every other candidate on the debate stage called for less money for the NYPD. Stephen Yang The attack prompted the Rev. Michael Blake who emerged as the debates breakout star in its first hour to call out Cuomo for allegedly saying defund the police when he served as governor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blake pushed Cuomo to admit he used those three words. Are you saying you never said defund the police? he pressed. I used the words defund the police, Cuomo was forced to reply. I said I dont support defund the police. Cuomo gave the defund movement legitimacy in 2021 while still in office when he said it was one of two schools of thought with the other option giving more money to law enforcement. The defund attacks didnt just center around Cuomo. Queens Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, who is gaining Cuomo in the polls, was criticized by longshot candidate Whitney Tilson for past X post that called the NYPD wicked & corrupt. Blake then called out Cuomo for saying defund the police while he was still governor. NBC 4 The resurfaced post from 2020 is still live on Mamdanis account. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It responded to a ProPublica investigation about alleged abuses by the NYPDs vice squad. There is no negotiating with an institution this wicked & corrupt, Mamdani had posted. Cuomo and Mamdani also got into a heated exchange over President Trump. NBC 4 Defund it. Dismantle it. End the cycle of violence. Mamdani responded to the attacks by calling NYPD a critical part of public safety in the city and arguing rank-and-file cops dont want to be handling mental health calls that other professionals can better handle. The two top Democratic candidates Cuomo and Mamdani also battled over President Trump. The former governor said Trump would cut through Mamdani like butter, while he says if he were elected mayor, I am the last person on this stage that Mr. Trump wants to see. AP I am the last person on this stage that Mr. Trump wants to see as mayor, Cuomo said when asked how he will deal with the president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump would cut through Mamdani like a hot knife through butter if the socialist is elected mayor, Cuomo argued. Moments later, Mamdani also sought to add that the Trump-foe feather to his cap. I am Donald Trumps worst nightmare, as a progressive Muslim immigrant who actually fights for the things that I believe in and the difference between myself and Andrew Cuomo, he said. 25,859 people played the daily Crossword recently. Can you solve it faster than others? 25,859 people played the daily Crossword recently. Can you solve it faster than others? US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said after a meeting with alliance counterparts in Brussels that there was a near consensus over raising NATOs defense spending target to 5% of GDP. Countries in there are well exceeding 2% and we think very close, almost near consensus, on a 5% commitment for Nato, Hegseth said. The alliance is expected to sign a new pledge at a NATO summit this month increasing defense spending targets to 3.5% of GDP and add a 1.5% target for security-related infrastructure such as cyber capabilities and transportation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many countries already spend roughly 1.5% of GDP on the types of infrastructure expected to be included in the pledge, but the figure would allow US President Donald Trump to say the alliance is setting the 5% spending target he has demanded, a Western official told Semafor. HARKER HEIGHTS, Texas (FOX 44) The Harker Heights community is mourning the loss of a well-respected city employee. The City of Harker Heights says its Finance Department will be closed on Monday, June 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This will allow the Finance Team to attend the funeral of Susan Crawley. The city says Susan was the very embodiment of what one hopes for in a coworker and a friend. She was hardworking, dedicated, and extremely determined. In the words of her coworkers, she was Compassionate. Empathetic. Sassy. Bright. Faithful. Feisty. Inspiring. Strong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the city, Susan spent much of her time during her 15 years with the Finance Department working towards uplifting and helping others. She made sure everyone else was happy and healthy, ensured things were taken care of the right way for everybody, and created a presence which was very much loved and is greatly missed. The Harker Heights community is invited to wear Susans favorite color, pink, in her honor this Monday. The city says this is will be in memory of a cherished member of our finance team and someone who has touched so many lives with her kindness and strength. Citizens can snap a selfie as they are wearing pink and comment on the City of Harker Heightss Facebook page to show Susans family and the Finance Team they are standing with them in love, support, and solidarity. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. What the Hell is With All the L.A. County Corruption? And Does Anyone Care? originally appeared on L.A. Mag. Another Los Angeles County Employee Indicted(Photo by David von Diemar/Unsplash) Another week, and another indictment was issued against a taxpayer-funded employee for the county of Los Angeles. This time the target was Carmelo Marquez, 42, the former interim chief security officer for the Los Angeles County Employees Retirement Association. In other words, the person responsible for making sure that everything for the county-funded retirement benefits program is on the up and up. Prosecutors announced Wednesday that Marquez has been charged with running an elaborate bid-rigging scheme. According to court documents, while working at LACERA, he allegedly used an alias, Carlos Rodriguez," to create a straw company, SafeSec, which sold software products and provided technical support directly to LACERA. In all, prosecutors say, he funneled $120,000 in grants to the company owned by a Wyoming LLC set up with his moniker - all while on the job for L.A. County. The scam led prosecutors to charge Marquez with one felony count of grand theft, three felony counts of conflict of interest and two felony counts of perjury. Marquez has pleaded not guilty. Public service is meant to be a position of trust, not a way for people to enrich themselves through fraudulent actions, said District Attorney Nathan Hochman. This is an example of why government employees must sign disclosure forms from the California Fair Political Practices Commission so there is full transparency. Our office will protect the publics interest and hold those accountable who put their own greed ahead of their obligations to the people they serve. The case remains under investigation by the District Attorneys Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by the Public Integrity Division. Last month, on May 15, the former La Canada Flintridge Assistant City Manager Carl F. Alameda was charged with stealing nearly $200,000 in proceeds from insurance claims meant for the city coffers but diverted to his own personal bank account. Days later, the former Deputy Mayor of Public Safety Brian Williams pleaded guilty to calling a bomb threat into his workplace: Los Angeles City Hall, but, so far, he is still eligible to collect a pension like the one that Marquez was supposed to be protecting from fraud while he was an alleged fraudster. Instead, according to a lawsuit filed by LACERA, Marquez allegedly ripped off taxpayers and retirees when he was appointed as interim security chief in February 2023. The agency says on its website that it "administers and manages the retirement funds of more than 200,000 current and former employees of L.A. County, ensuring that the financial futures promised to them by the County are secure through diligent and transparent management practices." This story was originally reported by L.A. Mag on Jun 5, 2025, where it first appeared. LEES SUMMIT, Mo. Police officers in Lees Summit are expressing gratitude and joy. Lees Summit Police Ofc. Jared Timbrook is now recovering at home, just days after he was shot four times while responding to a domestic disturbance call. One gunshot was stopped by the officers protective vest. Timbrook was released from the hospital on Tuesday night, just 36 hours after being admitted. Lees Summit Police Sgt. Chris Depue said Timbrook was determined to get out of bed and walk within a day of his surgery at Research Medical Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crews begin cleanup after tornado touches down in Independence Were going to be there every step of the way with him, Depue said on Wednesday. While optimism rises at the police department, Timbrook likely has a long road to recovery ahead. Depue said Timbrook is expected to be out of work for six to eight weeks, and hell likely perform light duty when he returns to work. He did tell me today that hes fighting pain. He has a hard head. He didnt want to take the hard pain medicines. We had to talk him into that, Depue added. Thomas Tolbert, 27, faces five charges for the shooting and the domestic disturbance from Sunday night. Lees Summit officers are expressing appreciation for the multi-state Blue Alert system, which spread word police sought Tolbert across Missouri and Kansas. Tolbert was arrested at a motel in Ellis, Kansas, four hours away from Lees Summit Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He wont work for a while. Thats no doubt, Ronnie Dummitt, founder and president at Answering the Call, said. Answering the Call has helped raise more than $1.4 million for officers experiencing need and their families. In many cases, Doumitt has seen officers family incomes suffer while they recover from trauma. Download WDAF+ for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV Theres a spouse now, whos going to have to take off an extended amount of time from her job to maintain and take care of his well-being at home. Hes not going to be able to move for an extended period of time, Doumitt said. Answering the Call has several methods for the public to assist Timbrook, including this PayPal account for monetary donations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) The Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network is inviting the community to help select the names of two bottlenose dolphins that have been newly identified in local waterways. The Lowcounty community can cast their votes here. The name pairs that people can vote for are: Indigo and Cotton Ashley and Cooper Gullah and Geechee According to the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network, voting is open through June 17. Each dollar donation equals one vote. There is no limit to how many times a person can vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every dollar donated will support the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Networks conservation work, including year-round dolphin monitoring and emergency dolphin stranding response across the Lowcountry. This isnt just a fun naming contest, said Lauren Rust, executive director of the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network. Its a meaningful way for our community to participate in marine conservation and help raise awareness about the dolphins living right in our backyard, said Rust. The newly identified dolphins seem to be a mother and her calf. According to the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network, the calf was first documented later in 2024 and has stood out to their research team. The dolphin duo is part of the ongoing monitoring and photo-ID efforts aimed at studying and protecting the resident bottlenose dolphins that inhabit South Carolinas coastal environments, the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network explains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The final names will be announced on June 17. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2. Do you recognize this woman? [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Springfield Police are looking for 24-year-old Hailey Travis, according to a social media post. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was last seen in the area of Main and Florence Streets in the City of Springfield. Travis is a white woman listed as 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 180 pounds. Springfield Police posted her photo on its Facebook page. Anyone with information on Hailey Travis can call Springfield Police at (937) 324-7716. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] NEED TO KNOW Paityn Decker, 9, Evelyn Decker, 8, and Olivia Decker, 5, were found dead on Monday, June 2 An attorney for their mother, Whitney Decker, is speaking out as the search continues for their father, Travis Decker Travis is wanted on murder, kidnapping, and custodial interference charges The attorney for the mother of the three sisters who were allegedly murdered by their now-missing father in Washington state is speaking out about the tragedy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paityn Decker, 9, Evelyn Decker, 8, and Olivia Decker, 5, were found dead on Monday, June 2, near the Rock Island Campground in Chelan County, where their father's pickup truck was also recovered, Wenatchee police previously said. However, Travis Decker was not at the scene. The sisters were reported missing on Friday, May 30 after they had not returned on time from a planned visitation with 32-year-old Decker, police said. As soon as he didnt bring those girls back at 8 oclock, she knew something was going on," Arianna Cozart, an attorney for Whitney Decker, the girls' mother, told The Seattle Times in an interview published on Thursday, June 5. According to court documents obtained by KIRO 7 News, Whitney had filed a petition of divorce on Nov. 14, 2022 in Chelan County court and did not cite any concerns for abandonment or neglect of their children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to allegations in a September 2024 filing from Whitney regarding the parenting schedule, Decker had "neglected his parental duties towards a child" and "has a long-term emotional or physical problem that gets in the way of his ability to parent," the outlet reported. Whitney also allegedly asked that Decker be evaluated for "anger management/domestic violence, and a full psychiatric evaluation by a licensed psychiatrist to include any potential diagnoses," the outlet stated, as well as wanting him to have counseling sessions at least twice a month, per the documents cited by KIRO 7. Cozart told the outlet that Travis' allegedly declining mental health should have been concerning enough to issue an an Amber Alert but Washington State Patrol instead issued an endangered missing person alert, which doesn't send cellphone alerts. "We may never know if it couldve meant the difference between life and death for those girls but it couldve made a huge difference, Cozart told the Times. The attorney also stated that Travis, who has past military experience, was seeking mental health care but was unable to obtain it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whitney believes, as I do, that something broke inside of him, Cozart said, per the outlet. She says they suspect he had some sort of break and "everything that he had been living with, everything that had been bottled up inside of him for so long as far as trauma, just won out. Officials believe the girls most likely died by asphyxiation, according to a preliminary report filed with the Chelan County Superior Court, Fox 13 Seattle reported. Amid the ongoing manhunt for Decker who is currently wanted for three counts of first-degree murder and one count of kidnapping, on top of custodial interference charges police have been asking the public to come forward with any information. Chelan County Sheriff's Office Travis Decker suspect flyer. Travis Decker suspect flyer. In a press release shared with PEOPLE on June 5, the Chelan County Sheriff's Office, the agency leading the investigation, said investigators have already "written and executed several search warrants around the area and on electronic devices that belonged to Travis Decker." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Additionally, we are asking citizens who own cabins or reside in our remote areas of Chelan, Kittitas King, Snohomish, and Okanagan Counties to please be aware that Mr. Decker is still missing," the sheriff's office added. 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. Authorities previously said in Facebook post that Decker is "well versed in wilderness survival and capable of spending days or even weeks in the wilderness on his own and with very little equipment." Authorities are asking anyone who has seen Travis to call 911 immediately and do not attempt approach him. People can also call the CCSO tip line at 509-667-6845 or submit information to the tip line. A GoFundMe page set up to help Whitney with expenses and legal costs amid the tragic loss had raised over $910,000 as of the afternoon of June 5. Read the original article on People After teasing at a run, former GOP congressman David Jolly made it official this week, saying he's running for governor of Florida in 2026. Jolly, who left the Republican Party in President Donald Trump's first term, now wants to talk to voters about why he is running as a Democrat at a time when the party is at a record low, holds no statewide offices and outnumbered 21 in the state's Legislature. He's formed a political action committee to raise money and has been meeting with local political clubs. He says he's been telling voters his No. 1 priority is to drive down the cost of property insurance premiums, which is making Florida unaffordable for many. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Experts say Floridas insurance market has been in crisis for a decade, with rates rising more than 30% since 2022 when the Legislature passed a package of reforms to stabilize the market. Jolly has a plan to reduce premiums by 50% for most homeowners: We need a state catastrophic fund to remove natural disaster perils from the private insurance market, Jolly said, separate from the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund, "a tax-exempt state trust fund that provides reimbursements to residential property insurance companies for a portion of their catastrophic hurricane losses in Florida," its website says. In the current red state of Florida, however, any Democrat has the odds stacked against him or her to become chief executive. Republican Congressman Byron Donalds of Naples is the only announced leading Republican candidate and has been endorsed by Trump. And there's still wide speculation that it's not if but when First Lady Casey DeSantis jumps into the race. Donalds reacted to Jolly's announcement on June 5, calling him an anti-Trump radical leftist who wants to raise your taxes, allow illegals to pour across our border, take school choice away from families, ban guns, and bring woke ideology to Florida. He's completely out of touch with Florida's voters and our values. Florida is Trump Country." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jollys platform includes a massive boost to public education with a 30% increase in teacher salaries, a corruption and ethics reform package for elected officials, and expanding access to abortion, among other issues. But probe Jolly about why he is running and it becomes clear he wants to be a governor who cleanses the state of Gov. Ron DeSantis culture wars, such as championing Florida as a leader in mass deportation of immigrants. I think that culture wars have broken who we are as a community. I think that culture wars have shattered who we are as a state. I think they are ugly, theyre divisive, and they should be condemned, Jolly said. In a discussion of the Department of Environmental Protection appeal of a federal court order to pause permits for septic systems after wastewater discharges in the Indian River Lagoon led to a mass starvation of manatees, Jolly said DeSantis planted "ideologues" in decision-making positions on boards and in departments and agencies that regulate business, protect the environment and oversees public education and the State University System. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think Ron DeSantis, either through political favor or through an ideological agenda, continues to put people in places that probably are not deserving of those roles. I do think if I have the opportunity to serve as governor, one of the first things we do is we review all those appointments and we dismiss many of them," Jolly said. Three years ago on MSNBC, after DeSantis signed the Stop Woke Act, which restricts how schools discuss racism, gender, and social privileges and prohibits lessons focused on how they impact society, Jolly said he and his wife Laura considered moving out of Florida to raise their two children elsewhere. "Why would I want to raise my kids in an environment in which they're shamed for embracing diversity of thought and diverse cultures," Jolly said. But they decided to stay and fight a state Republican Party that he said has doubled down on a culture-war agenda. His candidacy is a notable feature in the current political landscape: He's the first Democrat with any statewide name recognition, largely due to his TV punditry, to announce for governor. Who is David Jolly, Democrat for Florida governor? Jolly, a Dunedin native with deep ties to Tampa politics, served as an aide to the late Republican Congressman Bill Young for 19 years. He succeeded Young when he defeated former state CFO Alex Sink in a 2014 special election after Young's death. David Jolly announces in an interview with the Tallahassee Democrat that he is running as a democratic candidate for the Governor of Florida on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. Jolly called on Trump to withdraw from the 2016 presidential primary after Trump proposed an immigration ban for Muslims. Later that year, he lost a reelection bid to former Gov. Charlie Crist, who left Congress in 2022 to run for governor of Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jolly thinks he can harness the energy evident in a series of statewide protests in April and May over policies advanced by Trump and backed by DeSantis and forge a winning coalition of Democrats, moderate Republicans like he once was, and no-party-affiliated voters. But he knows he faces a Herculean task. He seeks to revive enthusiasm in a Democratic base demoralized by the 2024 election, when their top-of-the-ticket candidates, Vice President Kamala Harris for president and former Congresswoman Debbie Muscarel-Powell for U.S. Senate, lost. Democrats also lost two seats in the Florida House and watched two more members flee to join the Republican majority. The House breakdown now is 86 GOP, 33 Democratic, with one vacancy. Sen. Jason Pizzo applauds during the opening day of the 2023 Florida Legislative Session, Tuesday, March 7, 2023. Then the Senate Democratic leader at the time, Jason Pizzo of Miami-Dade County, resigned and quit the party, declaring it "dead." Pizzo since has said he will launch a gubernatorial campaign as an independent. 'A nice guy looking ... to be relevant'? Democratic megadonor John Morgan, who financed ballot initiatives to raise the minimum wage and allow the use of medical marijuana, said he is considering starting a new party and running for governor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jolly is a nice guy looking for a lane to be relevant, Morgan said when asked if a Jolly candidacy changes whether he will decide to mount a gubernatorial bid. It doesnt: For the short run I agree with DeSantis that the Democratic Party is dead meat, Morgan said. In this undated file photo, attorney John Morgan speaks before a Tallahassee audience. Morgan also agrees with Jolly that affordability, which he refers to as income inequality, will be the No. 1 issue in 2026. He's sticking with his plan of watching the race develop and waiting until the horses are coming down the stretch, which would be around the Aug. 2026 primary, to decide whether to run. In the meantime, Democrats continue to lose voters as Republicans have registered more voters than Democrats for seven straight years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think trends dont last forever," said University of Central Florida political scientist Aubrey Jewett. "At some point, Republican gains are going to level off and Democratic losses are going to stop, right? "But every month I look and here we are. Seven years later and it still hasnt stopped, Jewett added. The GOP now has a one-million voter registration advantage over Democrats in Florida. Jewett said if Pizzo and Morgan were to get into the race, the odds would tilt heavily towards the GOP candidate. If youre the Republican candidate, you've got to feel pretty good about a four-way race. They are the dominant party and most of their voters are not going to abandon the party while the other three candidates split the anti-GOP vote, Jewett said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Jolly sees the public rejecting much of what Republicans in Tallahassee are offering. He said 2026 will be a once-in-a-generation election in which a dramatic change is possible and a reset of Florida politics can occur. The candidate has set February benchmarks for fundraising and polls as milestones to determine whether he can wage a competitive campaign. My job is to build a coalition where I reach independent and disaffected voters. If I build that coalition and demonstrate a viable path to winning then we will have built a coalition that Jason Pizzo and John Morgan, as well as John and Sally Smith down the street, can believe in and we will win, Jolly said. James Call is a member of the USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida Capital Bureau. He can be reached at jcall@tallahassee.com and is on X as @CallTallahassee. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: David Jolly joins race for governor with direct attack on DeSantis Waco, Tx (FOX 44) A month-long welding boot camp is giving Robinson High School students a leg up toward a new career for those not planning to go to college. Juniors and seniors are taking advantage of the program at a new workforce training facility that is a partnership between Texas State Technical College, McLennan County and the City of Waco. The facility on Wycon Drive is called The WorkSITE (for skills, innovation, training and education). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Robinson students are the first to work in the WorkSITE welding lab in a building that itself only opened in February. (Courtesy: Texas State Technical College) Drake Morphis is one of the Robinson students involved in the boot camp which runs through June 30. Ive never used equipment straight out of the box like that, Morphis said. Its definitely an improvement on what I know, and Im still kind of trying to get used to that, but I think its going to pay off. I think its going to help me sharpen my abilities. (Courtesy: Texas State Technical College) Alicia Cruz is the associate program lead at The WorkSITE. She says its been good to see what is happening in the welding program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watching these young minds dive into hands-on learning, achieving real-world skills and bringing their creativity to life, is a great way to christen the lab, she said. Michael Beridon, a senior at Robinson High School, said he enjoys welding because he is not sitting in an office all day. He considers the summer welding lessons a preview of what he will encounter when he enrolls next year to study Welding Technology at TSTC. (Courtesy: Texas State Technical College) Zac Cox, an instructor in TSTCs Welding Technology program, is teaching the month-long training using a condensed curriculum. He said the first two weeks of the training focus on shielded metal arc welding, with additional teaching planned for gas metal arc and flux-cored arc welding. The welding boot camp is made possible through a partnership between the Robinson Independent School District Texas ACE (Afterschool Centers on Education) program and The WorkSITE. The summer session is at no cost to the students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More information about The WorkSITE may 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 KWKT - FOX 44. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) The U.S. Department of Transportation announced Wednesday that Californias high-speed rail project has, no viable path forward. The project approved by voters in 2008 has long been under fire for lengthy delays and billions of dollars over budget. That argument is nothing new. But now, critical federal grants could be revoked. California High-Speed Rail. No viable path. We just released a report today, 300 pages, about how bad this project actually is. 15 years, $16 billion, not one high speed track has been laid, said Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy in a video posted to the social media platform X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Duffy released the bombshell announcement, one that could send plans for Californias high speed rail project off the rails. We have $4 billion on the line in this project, the secretary continued in the video. That federal funding is now on the chopping block for California, as DOT said the project has violated terms of the federal grants, such as missed deadlines, budget shortfalls and overrepresentation of projected ridership. This letter from Duffy to California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO Ian Choudri is part of a more than 300-page report The Federal Railroad Administrations Compliance Review Report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I agree with everything thats in the letter, said Ahron Hakimi, executive director of the Kern Council of Governments. Less than an hour to downtown L.A. That was very quickly another example of a promise by high-speed rail, Hakimi added. Ahron Hakimi has been in the transportation industry for nearly four decades. The Kern Council of Governments is a group of city and county electeds that address regional transportation. When you bring a brand new rail line over a city thats well over a hundred years [old], it creates many disruptions. Wascos a great example of that. It cuts off existing streets, it cuts off existing utilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, a spokesperson for the Authority wrote, The Authority strongly disagrees with the FRAs conclusions, which are misguided and do not reflect the substantial progress made to deliver high-speed rail in California. We remain firmly committed to completing the nations first true high-speed rail system connecting the major population centers in the state. While continued federal partnership is important to the project, the majority of our funding has been provided by the state. To that end, the Governors budget proposal, which is currently before the Legislature, extends at least $1 billion per year in funding for the next 20 years, providing the necessary resources to complete the projects initial operating segment. The Authority will fully address and correct the record in our formal response to the FRAs notice. High-speed rail, often a topic split along party lines, with an adamant Governor Gavin Newsom leading Democrats. Were kind of too far in to abandon this project completely, said Christian Romo, chief of staff to Kern District 5 Supervisor Leticia Perez. Romo said while he and many Democrats, including Perez, agree the project has taken too long and too much, he hopes to reap the once-promised gains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wed like to prioritize the benefits of this. The job growth, the workforce development, he added. According to the Authority, the project has created more than 15,300 good paying construction jobs for residents, with over 97% being filled by Californians, and 70% by Central Valley residents. And, in Kern County, 2,790 good paying construction jobs have been created. But Republicans maintain enough is enough. It didnt come, and I dont see it coming, said Kern District 3 Supervisor Jeff Flores. Flores added, Not to be pessimistic, but to protect the taxpayer dollar, to protect Kern Countys interest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bakersfield has already seen physical impacts in anticipation of tracks being laid down. The Bakersfield Homeless Shelter on East Truxtun has been in the process of relocating now for years. For many years, my predecessor was unable to do capital improvements to this property because the lingering unknowing of high-speed rail, said Lauren Skidmore, CEO of The Open Door Network. The property continued to get dilapidated, we continued to have infrastructure issues, and now were at a point where we absolutely need to move this campus, Skidmore added of the longtime limbo they were in. In 2019, the Authority purchased the property for $6 million. Skidmore said theyve been leasing the property for the homeless shelter ever since. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their migration to the new and improved facility is underway, though more costly than anticipated. Just this Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors approved $1 million in funding for the new shelter. But theyve only raised a little more than half the anticipated cost, Skidmore noted. I think we wouldve done things differently had we known high speed rail wasnt coming as quickly as we thought it was. Another example the Golden Empire Transit announced in 2022 it would be relocating its facility Golden State Avenue, the planned site of the Bakersfield High Speed Rail Station. That move has not happened yet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Supervisor Flores added, The delay and the cost are so overbearing. How do we make it work? Flores, emphasizing that hes not holding his breath, as potential federal funding cuts would put the state project even further behind. [We wouldnt be] abandoning actual segments because it hasnt come to fruition, Flores pointed out, adding that California remains in a budget deficit crisis, as does Kern County. I dont think its going to materialize. I dont think we can afford it, Flores said, remarking that while hed love to go to a Dodgers game in 30 minutes, the possibility no longer seems doable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local leaders arent skimming over the effectiveness of high-speed rail. In fact, both Flores and Hakimi noted theyve utilized the transportation technology internationally, like in South Korea and Europe. High speed rail is a great thing, Hakimi stated. If it was delivered as promised, I would be a rider. Hakimi detailed that most physical impacts thus far of the project have been roughly Wasco north. Current construction is on a 171-mile segment from Merced to Bakersfield, with testing anticipated in 2028. The full high speed rail track aims to connect Los Angeles to San Francisco. In January, temporary track to transport materials to build the actual track was laid down in Shafter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Authority has up to 37 days to respond, after which the grants could be terminated. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PARMA, Ohio (WJW) Parma City Schools is one of the few Cleveland suburban school districts without air conditioning, according to Superintendent Charles Smialek. The district had to cancel classes and all extra school functions on Wednesday because of the hot temperatures. I-Team: New video tied to unsolved Metroparks murders Its not an issue thats new to Parma. The district had to call off for the heat earlier in the school year last August. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our buildings are old. They heat up pretty quickly and really get to a point where learning is extremely difficult, if not dangerous, depending on the classrooms, Smialek said. When you see Parma pop up in the news as having to call a heat day, most places do have air conditioning now. So, youre not going to see outer-suburban school districts, even Cleveland has renovated most of their buildings, so were in the minority at this point in terms of still trying to operate these 100-year-old facilities. Smialek noted that he learned about heat days quickly when he got to Parma, and said they always try to make the call early to give parents time to make other plans for their kids. The decisions are usually based on whether the temperature will reach or exceed 90 degrees, and other factors like humidity. Keshaun Williams has been missing for nearly 2 years Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Parma has many old buildings without air conditioning, Smialek told Fox 8 that addressing the issue isnt currently in the works. Four different bond issues have ended up on ballots in Parma to try and improve buildings, but theyve all failed. The district hasnt even passed an operating levy since 2011. Another attempt just failed in May. Fox 8 previously reported that Parma will have another levy on the ballot this November, which will outline potential cutbacks to staff and opportunities for students once the district is insolvent, which could come in 2028. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. An investigation continues into the collapse of a giant crane a hospital under construction in Merritt Island June 4. Two workers were killed when the crane collapsed during what was described as "a serious weather-related incident." Earlier in the day, a special weather statement from NWS Melbourne warned of 50 mph winds until 3 p.m. in the Merritt Island area. The new hospital, described as the "largest capital project in the history of Central Merritt Island," relocates Cape Canaveral Hospital from its current site in Cocoa Beach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The new hospital will be built to withstand a Category 4 hurricane," and will stand 13 feet above sea level to withstand storm surge, according to MyMerrittIslandFL.com. Here's what we know so far. Crane collapse kills 2 workers in Merritt Island, Florida A crane being used for construction of Health First's Cape Canaveral Hospital on Merritt Island collapsed June 4, crushing a work truck and causing damage to the roof of the building. Gilbane Building, which is providing construction-management services on the Cape Canaveral Hospital project, said "two trade contract workers, one employed by Baker Concrete and the other by another trade contractor, were fatally injured." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The names of those killed have not been released. Did weather cause the crane to collapse in Brevard County? A special weather statement has been issued for Orlando FL, Deltona FL and Pine Hills FL until 3:00 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/eyaIyCWW5t NWS Melbourne (@NWSMelbourne) June 4, 2025 At the time of the crane collapse, a special weather statement issued by the National Weather Service on X was in effect, warning winds up to 50 mph were possible until 3 p.m. Will Ulrich, warning coordination meteorologist for the National Weather Service, said the collapse likely occurred when the leading edge of a storm moved offshore in the area, leading to peak wind gusts of 45-55 mph based on surround observations. The National Weather Service could not say whether the storms were the direct cause of the wind gusts, said meteorologist Timothy Sedlock. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Showers and storms in the area were associated with the disturbed weather just offshore that the National Hurricane Center was watching. The system continued to move north and was no longer being shown on the agency's tropical outlook map in the afternoon. Is construction continuing at the hospital site? Gilbane Building, general contractor for the Cape Canaveral Hospital project, said June 4 work has been suspended. "We are supporting our trade contractors, and working with them and the authorities on an active investigation to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident, Gilbane said in a statement. Lance Skelly, Health First's system director for public and media relations, also released a statement, saying, an investigation is underway. Health Firsts Cape Canaveral Hospital in Merritt Island to replace facility in Cocoa Beach, Florida Construction began in March 2024 on the new $410 million Cape Canaveral Hospital and Medical Office Building on Merritt Island. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, and open to the public in early 2027. The new hospital will replace the existing Cape Canaveral Hospital in Cocoa Beach and will include: 120 private inpatient hospital beds; 25 emergency department treatment rooms; six operating rooms; and a three-story, 92,000-square-foot Medical Office Building. The 268,000-square-foot replacement hospital is being built on a 14-acre site, four miles inland from the original Cape Canaveral Hospital located on reclaimed land in the Banana River, according to Trade and Industry Development. "Constructed in the 1960s, the (Cocoa Beach) six-story, 150-bed hospital was targeted for replacement, in part, due to its vulnerability to hurricanes and risk of flooding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "To protect the new hospital from flooding during storm surges, Lawrence Group designed its ground floor 13 feet above sea level, and its exterior envelope and structure over and above code requirements to withstand a Category 4 hurricane." Where is Merritt Island, Florida? Merritt Island is located about 40 miles east of Orlando on Florida's east coast, or about 60 miles south of Daytona Beach and 115 miles north of West Palm Beach. This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Crane collapse Florida: NWS warned of high winds at hospital site TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) Hillsborough County Public School Superintendent Van Ayres was grilled by state education leaders Wednesday over removing certain library books. In May, Education Commissioner Manny Diaz sent a letter to the district over certain books on school library shelves. Weeks later, the Florida attorney general demanded that Hillsborough County Schools pull several books immediately, calling them patently pornographic and harmful to minors. In response to the letter, the superintendent ordered hundreds of books on a state list to be removed from shelves and reviewed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These are nasty, disgusting books that have no place in a school in Florida, said Ryan Petty, Vice Chair of the State Department of Education, during the meeting. Hillsborough County Schools were front and center Wednesday in the debate over what books belong on school shelves. Last month, Education Commissioner Manny Diaz and Attorney General James Uthmeier sent letters to the superintendent saying inappropriate books were still in school libraries calling the books pornographic and harmful to minors. The day that we received the list, they were all made unavailable to students, Hillsborough County Superintendent Van Ayres told state education commissioners Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State education officials questioned why the books were still available prior to the letters, and whether he acted quickly enough. Superintendent Van Ayres says he immediately responded and called for the removal and review of 600 books, including the ones mentioned in the letters. State officials challenged whether that was enough. These are materials that are clearly pornographic. Theyre not in a gray area, State Education Commissioner Manny Diaz said. Were going to tighten up our process to make sure that this does not happen again, Ayres assured state officials. By the end of the meeting state officials issued a directive to the Superintendent to remove 57 books within the next two weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My suggestion is for these some 50 books is just to remove them, dont review them, dont rely on some media specialist, said Ben Gibson, Chairman of the State Education Board. A school district spokesperson said they plan to comply and will still review the remaining hundreds of books. This comes after Ayres was criticized for his handling of the situation during a school board meeting Monday night. At the school board meeting, members expressed concerns that the process could cost the already financially strapped district up to half a million dollars. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Someday we Americans may stop quarreling over our response to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown orders, social distancing and so forth but one category of debate may never become immune to second-guessing. That's the impact of anti-pandemic measures on schools and schoolchildren. According to popular opinion, these were almost entirely mistaken or ineffective. A newly published study from data scientists at Michigan State University knocks one pillar out from under this claim. It finds that the abrupt removal in 2022 of mandates that children wear masks in school contributed to an estimated 21,800 COVID deaths that year a shocking 9% of the total COVID deaths in the U.S. that year. COVID-19 is less of a threat to children than accidents or the common flu. NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya (2022) gets an assessment of child health dead wrong Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We were surprised by that too," says Scott A. Imberman, a professor of economics and education policy at Michigan State and a co-author of the paper. On reflection, he says, given the mixing of children and staff in the close quarters of a classroom, "it's pretty easy to see how COVID could propagate to the wider community." In February 2022, about 50% of public school children, or more than 20 million pupils, were in districts with mask mandates; then, over a period of six weeks, almost all those districts rescinded their mandates. "You can see how that would create a pretty substantial surge in infections." Most of the surge, Imberman told me, was a "spillover effect" in the communities outside the schools themselves. The Michigan State finding undermines several myths and misrepresentations about COVID spread by the right wing. These include the claim that children are virtually impervious to COVID, which has been refuted by the injury and death toll among children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A related misrepresentation was that children can't pass on the infection to adults. In fact, because many children didn't show symptoms of the infection or had only mild, flu-like symptoms, they functioned almost like an undetected fifth column in spreading the virus to adults. Read more: Hiltzik: Stanford throws a party for purveyors of misinformation and disinformation about COVID Among those who vociferously promoted these myths is Jay Bhattacharya, the former Stanford medical professor who is now director of the National Institutes of Health, a subagency of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Department of Health and Human Services. In a July 2022 op-ed originally published in the Orange County Register, for example, Bhattacharya and a co-author asserted that "COVID-19 is less of a threat to children than accidents or the common flu"; that's debatable, and irrelevant, since those are themselves major threats to child health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The article advocated discontinuing mask-wearing for all children, regardless of their vaccination status. But it was self-refuting, since it also acknowledged that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that mask mandates in school had produced "a roughly 20% reduction in COVID-19 incidence." The authors also acknowledged that masking in schools could help to shield adults from COVID. But they asked, "Since when is it ethical to burden children for the benefit of adults?" That was the wrong question. Reducing COVID infections for children was certainly not a "burden" on them, but a sound public health goal. How heavy was that "burden," anyway? Bhattacharya and his co-author posited that "masking is a psychological stressor for children and disrupts learning," and "it is likely that masking exacerbates the chances that a child will experience anxiety and depression." This sounds like guesswork derived from pop psychology, since the authors didn't point to any actual research to validate their conclusions about masking. Nevertheless, they argued that the drawbacks of masking exceeded the benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet the Michigan State estimate that the removal of mask mandates in the schools contributed to 21,800 deaths in 2022 alone turns the balance of costs and benefits on its head. I asked Health and Human Services for Bhattacharya's response to the study but received no reply. Read more: Hiltzik: These 'experts' sold the U.S. on a disastrous COVID plan, and never paid a professional price Much of the mythmaking about our pandemic response indeed, the global pandemic response is rooted in the absurd conviction that everything we now know about COVID was self-evident from the outset. But COVID was a novel human pathogen. As I wrote in 2022, there was little consensus about how it spread, at what stage of sickness it was most contagious, or who was most susceptible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result, most anti-pandemic policies in 2020-22 arose from an excess of caution. Mitigation measures were uncertain, but it did make sense to limit gatherings in small spaces, i.e., classrooms. Many such steps turned out to be effective, including social distancing and, yes, mask-wearing. The subsequent hand-wringing over school closings, accordingly, has the unmistakable smell of hindsight. Not 20/20 hindsight, mind you, but hindsight clouded by ideology, partisan politics and persistent ignorance. For example, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican champion of letting COVID-19 freely rip through his population, crowed that the results prove that we made the right decision to keep schools open. Is that so? When Florida reopened its schools in August 2021 and banned remote teaching, child COVID deaths in the state more than doubled. One month into the reopenings, the heightened spread of COVID prompted districts across the state to shut down schools again and impose quarantines affecting thousands of pupils. This is how manifestly deadly decisions get redefined as "the right decision" in the partisan narrative. At the start of the 2021-22 school year, about 65% of students in the U.S. were subject to mask mandates. By the spring of 2022, the proportion had fallen below 10%. The shaded area covers the three weeks before and three weeks after the CDC's removal of a recommendation for universal school masking. (Michigan State University) The Michigan State team documented the speed at which school mask mandates were dropped. The timeline begins in July 2021, when the CDC recommended universal masking in schools to enable a return to in-person instruction rather than fully remote or hybrid classes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CDC's guidelines, the Michigan State study says, applied to all students whether they were vaccinated or not and all school districts, whatever the levels of COVID infection and transmission within their community. In the fall of 2021, about 65% of all students were subject to a state or local mask mandate. The mask mandates were highly controversial: "Many schools encountered pushback from politicians, parents, and community members" who questioned the efficacy of masking, the study relates. The districts that rejected the mandates tended to be "less urban, less diverse, and more likely to have voted for Trump in the 2020 election." On Feb. 25, 2022, the CDC eliminated its recommendation for universal school masking. Its rationale was that the exceptionally contagious Omicron variant of COVID had passed its peak and thus immunity had increased. But many districts had removed their mandates starting several weeks before the CDC revised its guidance, suggesting that the CDC was following, rather than leading, state and local preferences. The removal of mask mandates ran counter to scientific evidence that masks did indeed reduce the spread of COVID. Indeed, a study from Boston and Chelsea, Mass., found that the removal of mask mandates resulted in an increase of 45 COVID cases per 1,000 students and school staff nearly 12,000 new cases over the following four months. But in this particular, as in others related to pandemic policies, politics and ideology trumped the hard evidence, warping the public health response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bhattacharya's record as an authority on pandemic measures is not encouraging. He was one of the original three authors of the Great Barrington Declaration, a manifesto for herd immunity published in October 2020. The core of the declaration was opposition to lockdowns. Its solution was what its drafters called focused protection allowing those who are at minimal risk of death to live their lives normally to build up immunity to the virus through natural infection, while better protecting those who are at highest risk, chiefly seniors. Read more: Hiltzik: COVID deniers claim a new study says mask mandates don't work. They should try reading it Focused protection, the drafters wrote, would allow society to achieve herd immunity and return to normality in three to six months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The declaration was essentially a libertarian fantasy. It contemplated sequestering seniors at home, without addressing how they would be kept fed and healthy. Nor did it address multigenerational households, in which millions of vulnerable elders live. Older family members, the declaration authors wrote, might temporarily be able to live with an older friend or sibling, with whom they can self-isolate together during the height of community transmission. As a last resort, empty hotel rooms could be used for temporary housing. These never sounded like credible options. In his op-ed, Bhattacharya engaged in hand-waving about the toll of COVID on children, nearly 1,700 of whom died of COVID, according to the CDC. Bhattacharya calculated that school masking "might prevent one child death ... a tiny fraction of the approximately 900 deaths of children 5 to 17 years old in 2019. If the aim is to save childrens lives, other interventions like enhanced pool safety would be much more effective." Yet death is not the only serious outcome from COVID. More than 14,000 children were hospitalized for COVID during the pandemic, according to the CDC. An untold number of them may suffer from long COVID or other lifelong manifestations of the disease. That should have given Bhattacharya pause before dismissing the efficacy of mask-wearing in schools, but there's no evidence that it has done so. The most important question raised by the Michigan State study is what it tells us about pandemic policies for the future. School closures and more general pandemic effects wreaked havoc on learning in the U.S. "The politics of masking got conflated with school closures," Imberman says. But masking was a "much lower-cost intervention than closing the schools." In fact, it was "a way out of closing the schools." So lumping it in with school closures is a mistake. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Will we learn from the experience? Considering the current level of policymaking at Kennedy's Health and Human Services, sadly, there's reason to be doubtful. Get the latest from Michael Hiltzik Commentary on economics and more from a Pulitzer Prize winner. Sign me up. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Kids at Pajo Elementary School, a few hours drive from Manila. (Photo by Brian Venua/KMXT) Alaska school districts hiring from the Philippines are taking some of the countrys best and brightest teachers. Its a win for Alaska kids, but what does that mean for students back in Southeast Asia? KMXTs Brian Venua explores brain drain and brain gain in Part 5 of a five part audio series, Mabuhay sa Alaska. When Alaska school administrators toured Pajo Elementary School, each class greeted them by welcoming them to the Philippines in both English and in Filipino. The administrators were there to see what the teachers they hire from the Philippines experience before moving to Alaska. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the students are the other side of that story These are kids that get left behind when Filipino teachers are hired abroad. When recruiters opened up appointments for screening, all 720 spots were filled in just 16 minutes. The only advertising was a few posts on social media. But one consequence of hiring abroad is fewer quality teachers in the Philippines a phenomenon known as brain drain. Teacher candidates line up to meet with Alaska recruiters at the 2025 screening event in Metro Manila. (Photo by Brian Venua/KMXT) Conversely, Alaska gets brain gain. Hiring teachers has largely been a success for the states kids. Recruiters on the 2025 trip picked some of the most highly educated teachers from the island nation. Kodiak Island Borough School District, for example, has more doctorate degrees from its 30 or so Filipino teachers than it does from its over 300 American hires. We were impressed with the quality of teachers that we met over there. And we were able to choose from there the top of the top, said Cyndy Mika, the districts superintendent. She said there have been more remarkable candidates than they can hire during recruiting trips. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its hard to say what the impact is on the Philippines, though. Many Filipino schools dont have the same resources that schools in the U.S. have like tablets and computers for all of their students. (Photo by Brian Venua/KMXT) Mika said that so far, a surplus of workers in the Philippines is helping address her districts shortage. A lot of the teachers that we interviewed in the Philippines, when they first got their start, it was as a volunteer teacher, she said. They werent being paid because there werent jobs. Theyre producing too many teachers. But Mika is concerned that taking so many highly qualified teachers could create a sort of skill ceiling there, if the countrys best teachers keep leaving for Alaska and other destinations. That doesnt change that her priority is the kids in the community where she works. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My number one concern as a superintendent in Kodiak is getting the best quality teachers we can in front of our students, she said. If we didnt have these Filipino teachers, who would we have? Cyndy Mika (left) at the recruiting event in the Philippines. Shes worked as Kodiak Island Borough School Districts superintendent since 2022. (Photo by Brian Venua/KMXT) She said that without international hires, vacant teacher positions would lead to smaller teacher-to-student ratios and more burnout for her staff. Remittance and returning teachers Its not a one-way street, though. Many Filipinos working abroad send a lot of money home 8% of the countrys economy, according to some reports . Their experience, professional development and cultural knowhow gained in the U.S. is valuable, too, and sometimes comes back. Families pick up children after school in Tagaytay, Cavite, Philippines. (Photo by Brian Venua/KMXT) Edna Auxtero is the administrator for Tagaytay Christian Academy, a private school about a two-hour drive from Manila. She said hiring Filipino teachers is a huge compliment to the countrys educational system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im so proud that theyre even interested to get Filipinos, Auxtero said. Thats always my dream that the priority for employment in other countries are Filipinos. Edna Auxtero and Cyndy Mika reunite after years of not seeing each other. Their families worked together to found Tagaytay Christian Academy. (Photo by Brian Venua/KMXT) TCAs principal, and many of its teachers, are alumni. Auxtero hopes some of them will go to Alaska someday and return with new skills. My hope is that they will come back to build the nation and impart all their knowledge, experiences to the next generation so that Philippines will rise up also, she said. A child at Tagaytay Christian Academy runs down the hill and driveway that leads to the school. (Photo by Brian Venua/KMXT) They can expect that for teachers under J1 visas, said Serjoe Gutierrez, a Kodiak music teacher and one of the districts first direct hires from the Philippines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement J1 visas require international hires to go back to their home countries after a few years. But Gutierrez, and many others, are on potential paths to permanent residency through H1B visas. Serjoe Gutierrez talks to the crowd at a recent concert with his middle and high school orchestras in Kodiak. (Photo by Brian Venua/KMXT) But he still thinks about kids he taught at a private school in Iloilo City. I do worry, sometimes, Gutierrez said. He thought about it even before coming to Alaska. I was thinking about it before resigning, but I told myself its for me. The kids, they would gain more experience theyre still young. But Im not getting any younger, so I need to do something for myself, too. Kodiak is his home now. I do love my country. I do love the Philippines, but I think being a teacher in Kodiak being here in Alaska opened a lot of opportunities for me, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said hes not sure he would have had the same chances to travel and play piano and violin publicly in the Philippines. He hopes to be one of the first to get a green card through the school and stay in the U.S. indefinitely. This story was originally published by KMXT, as part five of a five part audio series, Mabuhay sa Alaska. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. The Historic Arkansas Museum has completed the restoration of what is considered the oldest original structure still standing in Little Rock. Museum officials said the oldest structure title belongs to the Hinderliter Grog Shop at 3rd and Cumberland Street in Little Rock, which was built circa 1827-1828. The hand-hewn log, two-story structure was once considered the original meeting place of the Arkansas territorial legislature, but historians later disproved that claim. Little Rock prepares for SOMA Pride Street Festival and Parade Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Museum officials said proprietor Jesse Hinderliter died in 1834, and the grog shop was sold at auction to become a tenement with a restaurant and laundry business in the 1880s. A restoration began in 1939. Hinderliter Grog Shop circa early twentieth century (courtesy Historic Arkansas Museum) It opened in 1941 as the Arkansas Territorial Restoration, now known as the Historic Arkansas Museum. The Hinderliter building will celebrate its 200th anniversary in 2027, according to museum officials. Alligator sightings increasing across Arkansas The Encyclopedia of Arkansas describes the grog that Hinderliter served as rum, sometimes watered down and served warm. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A lot of things happened. Here are some of the things. This is TPMs Morning Memo. Sign up for the email version. Another Crossing The Rubicon Moment In a new executive order, President Trump has unleashed his White House counsel and attorney general to conduct a wide-ranging investigation of his predecessor and the Biden White House staff. The predicate for the investigation is comical, alleging that former President Bidens aides abused the power of Presidential signatures through the use of an autopen to conceal Bidens cognitive decline and assert Article II authority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But from that launching point, the executive order is quite serious. It calls for two open-ended areas of inquiry that could, if a DOJ investigation follows, keep former Biden staffers tied up in defending themselves for months or years: (i) whether Biden White House aides conspired to cover up Bidens mental and physical health; and (ii) the circumstances surrounding Bidens supposed execution of numerous executive actions during his final years in office. On one level this is all laughable, but it is also an unprecedented targeting of a former president by a subsequent White House with the clear intention of delegitimizing his predecessors official acts like presidential pardons to clear the way for declaring them invalid and supplanting them with his own prerogatives. Trump Administration Returns Improperly Deported Man In a first, the Trump administration has complied with a court order to return to the United States an improperly deported foreign national. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The gay Guatemalan man, identified in court filings by his initials O.C.G., feared persecution in his home country. The Trump administration abruptly deported him instead to Mexico, where he claimed to have already been raped and targeted for being gay. He ultimately wound up back in Guatemala. After the Trump administration retracted its initial assertions about O.C.G. in court, U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy of Massachusetts ordered the administration to facilitate his return in a case challenging the legality of third party removals done without notice or hearing. O.C.G. returned aboard a commercial flight and was taken into custody, his lawyer said. The Trump administrations compliance with Murphys order has implications in the handful of other cases where the executive branch is defying, stonewalling, and rejecting court orders to facilitate wrongfully deported foreign nationals. Unlike the other deportees, O.C.G. was not in a foreign prison at the time of his return to the U.S. Boasberg Weighs In On Fate Of AEA Detainees At CECOT In a significant ruling, U.S. District Judge James Boasberg of D.C. granted a preliminary injunction, finding that the Venezuelan nationals removed to El Salvador under the Alien Enemies Act were denied the due process to which they were entitled when they were abruptly flown to the CECOT prison on March 15. Boasberg gave the Trump administration one week to propose a plan for how to facilitate giving the detainees a chance to pursue their habeas corpus claims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boasbergs written opinion was complex and somewhat circular; and while it compared their fates to a scene from a Kafka novel, it was not a total victory for the detainees. He ruled that they are not entitled to file habeas claims now because he was not convinced that they are in the constructive custody of the United States. But he concluded that their removals without due process violated the Fifth Amendment and that the remedy for that violation is to let them file habeas claims. It doesnt appear that the detainees will be freed anytime soon, as Boasberg had previously pondered aloud in court and left the door open in his order for the detainees legal challenges to proceed while they remain in custody in El Salvador. The Trump administration is likely to appeal the preliminary injunction; and this case, which is the primary vehicle for the CECOT AEA detainees, is likely headed ultimately to the Supreme Court. Trump II Travel Ban: Still Heavily Muslim President Trump ordered a full travel ban on citizens from 12 countries: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. Five of the seven countries from Trumps original 2017 Muslim ban are on the new list. He imposed new lesser travel restrictions on citizens from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela. Trumps Attack On Higher Ed: Ivy League Edition Harvard : President Trump purported to suspend Harvard University from participating in the student visa program, effectively prohibiting foreign nationals from attending the nations most prominent university. Columbia: The Trump administration claimed Columbia University failed to meet its accreditation standard for allegedly tolerating harassment of Jewish students on campus. Collusive Lawlessness In Texas In the course of six hours yesterday, the Trump DOJ and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton colluded with U.S. District Judge Reed OConnor to vitiate a two-decade-old state law that offered undocumented residents discounted in-state college tuition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In rapid succession, the Trump DOJ filed a suit challenging the law, Paxton filed a joint motion asking the judge to permanently block the law, and the judge issued the order. OConner, sits in Wichita Falls, one of the most notorious single-judge divisions, meaning the lawsuit was assured of going to him. The collusive lawsuit came after the Texas legislature failed to repeal or otherwise amend the in-state tuition law at its recent session. Steve Vladeck has more on the legal hijinks in Texas and what he calls a stain on the federal courts. Big Beautiful Bill: By The Numbers 10.9 million: the number of people it would rob of health insurance coverage $2.4 trillion: how much it would add to the federal budget deficit over the next 10 years Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 18,000: the estimated number of preventable deaths among dual Medicare/Medicaid enrollees who would lose their prescription drug subsidy All The Best People Meet the 22-year-old Trumps Team picked to lead the DHS terrorism prevention program. Hanging Tough Kim Sajet, director of the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery. (photo by Andre Chung for The Washington Post via Getty Images) Since President Trump purported to fire her last week, Kim Sajet, the director of the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, has continued to report to work and carry out her duties, the WaPo reports. Do you like Morning Memo? Let us know! Airbnb owners are set to face a triple whammy of taxes as the Government increasingly treats them as walking ATMs, a senior Tory MP has warned. Kevin Hollinrake, the shadow housing minister, criticised ministers for hitting short-term let owners with little-known licensing fees when they are already paying double council tax. From April 1, all English councils were given the powers to charge a 100pc council tax premium on second home owners. More than 230 chose to implement the charge which The Telegraph is campaigning to be cut or abolished. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the new legislation included scope for the Government to introduce a registration scheme to regulate holiday lets and ensure they are recorded with councils. This is expected to involve a licensing charge, which experts estimated would be around 100 per year though Labour has failed to provide a timeframe for when this will be introduced. The result could be that owners are saddled with paying double council tax bills, plus an annual licensing fee. A similar fee for short-term lets already exists in Scotland. Mr Hollinrake has argued that the double council tax bill should cover the cost of an owner registering a short-term let. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a written parliamentary question, he asked the Government whether it will ensure that homes subject to a second homes council tax premium by local authorities are not charged additional registration fees. But Chris Bryant, the culture minister, refused to confirm the exemption in his response. He added that the scope of the scheme is still being determined. Mr Hollinrake told The Telegraph: Labours thirst for tax cannot be quenched, and people may now be hit by a triple whammy of council charges two lots of council tax, and a licensing fee on top if they ever want to rent it out. Such licensing charges are especially pointless, as councils already know the property is being used as a second home by virtue of the council tax surcharge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local taxpayers deserve better than being treated like walking ATMs by this punishing Labour government. Andy Fenner, head of the Short Term Accommodation Association (STAA), said: This appears to be purely a revenue-generating exercise rather than a genuine policy need. Short-term rental tourism provides vital investment and supports thousands of jobs and businesses throughout our communities. Alistair Handyside, of the Professional Association of Self-Caterers UK, said it was supportive of the scheme but concerned about the amount of other interventions such as the council tax premiums, the abolition of the furnished holiday lets tax regime and the new EPC standards, these are closing businesses at a very fast rate. The second home council tax premium was originally brought in by the Tories. However, Labour has come under criticism for refusing to monitor the impact of the policy on housing, tourism and local economies. Ministers said it was up to individual councils to decide if the double tax is effective. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But The Telegraph revealed earlier this month that eight in 10 local authorities who charge the premium failed to carry out impact assessments before introducing it. If a property is let out for 70 nights a year, it qualifies for business rates and is therefore exempt from council tax. Many second home owners will qualify for small business rates relief, which offers up to 100pc relief, if the property is the only one they let. This loophole will cost local authorities 334m this year in missed revenue, a figure which politicians said proved the premium was backfiring. If a property is not let for 70 days, however, it will still be on the hook for all three charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A government spokesman said: A registration scheme will help local authorities across England identify the short-term lets in their area so they can address any community impacts. We will set out more details on how the scheme will work in due course. Carl Thomson, of Airbnb UK, said: We welcome the introduction of a registration system for short-term lets. However, further red tape and ever-higher taxes for hosts put these benefits at risk. Any new rules in England should give local authorities the tools they need to balance the dynamics of housing and tourism without threatening the 5.7bn that Airbnb hosts help bring to the UK economy. 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. BOSTON In an unusual special session, the Supreme Judicial Court heard arguments involving whether a man who killed a bystander during an altercation at the Holyoke Mall at Ingleside can argue he acted in self defense. The appeal centers on a fatal shooting at a nail salon in 2023, and asks whether Kenneth Jose Santana-Rodriguez should be shielded against a murder charge because he believed he was defending his own life against a man who confronted him while he was getting a pedicure, even though he ended up killing a nail salon worker. According to court records, Santana-Rodriguez and other witnesses say he was confronted by Irving Sanchez, both who claimed the same woman as their girlfriend. Rodriguez was either slapped or punched by Sanchez. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the argument, Sanchez slapped the defendant with an open hand. Santiago (the woman involved) said that the defendant then leaned back, pulled out a black firearm, and shot, court records say. Sanchez was not hit, but a pedicurist, Trung Michael Tran of West Springfield, was fatally struck by a bullet in the chest. He was 33. Court records say Sanchez fled the scene, tripping over Trans body as he left. Santana-Rodriguez, a factory worker with no criminal record, stayed until police arrived. He told them he had a license to carry a gun and would not have fired inside the salon if Sanchez had not threatened him in the first place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The male, later identified as Irving Sanchez, pulled up his shirt to display a firearm and stated, You know whats about to happen. The defendant stated he felt it was him or Sanchez, according to a brief filed with the court. The case raises a question about whether the laws of the commonwealth recognize the doctrine of transferred intent self-defense" and to what extent a defendant can use it to defend themselves in court. Massachusetts is one of about a dozen states that does not have defined law over transferred intent self-defense. Springfield attorney Kyle DeSousa, who represented Santana-Rodriguez wrote a legal brief that impressed judges, according to Justice Frank M. Graziano on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around 38 other states have established law or protections over that question, according to Rodriguezs attorneys. The justices of the states supreme court typically finish their work by the end of May and dont reconvene until September. This argument was the only one the court heard this month. It was also the only recent one to ask for a preemptive question on the legal issues. A Hampden Superior Court judge previously urged engagement from the SJC before the Santana-Rodriguez case goes to trial. If the high court renders a decision that changes the legal landscape, it could affect at least one other outcome in two high-profile cases in Hampden County, Assistant District Attorney David L. Sheppard-Brick wrote in a brief for the government, referencing in a footnote a 2023 shooting where a bullet struck a bus and hit a pregnant woman. The baby boy died at the hospital. Santana-Rodriguezs attorney Daniel Hagan, who argued Wednesday in front of the high court, said self-defense should be characterized as a complete defense, which means a murder charge could be taken completely off the table. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Massachusetts ... lingers in a world of judicial uncertainty. For the sake of judicial economy, legal consistency, and jurisprudential clarity, the Commonwealth should finally join the fold and implement some form of (transferred intent self-defense), Santana-Rodriguezs attorneys wrote in their brief. Assistant Hampden District Attorney Travis Lynch, under fire from judges questions Wednesday, generally argued criminal defendants should not behave recklessly and later argue self-defense. Transferred intent, the Hampden District Attorneys Office argued in its brief before the court, is not available to reduce murder to involuntary manslaughter where the defendant uses a firearm and knows or reasonably should know that the victim is in the line of fire. The SJC is not expected to render its decision for two months. more news from Western Massachusetts Read the original article on MassLive. LOVINGTON, N.M. (KRQE) The United States Department of Homeland Security Investigations arrested 11 undocumented workers after executing a search warrant at a New Mexico dairy farm. HSI said the migrants working at the Outlook Dairy Farm in Lovington had counterfeit green cards and used them to illegally obtain work. Man who killed Alamogordo Police officer receives more prison time The special agent in charge also said that one of the migrants had been removed from the country twice, once in 2006 and again in 2013. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) The Sheppard Air Force Base Retiree Activities Office is celebrating Retiree Appreciation Day and invites all retirees to come out! A time to celebrate veterans and their families, so they know the resources that are available in Texas for our veterans. What: Retiree Appreciation Day at SAFB When: Saturday, June 7, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Where: SAFB Event Center Questions: Sheppard AFB Retiree Activities at (940) 676-5088 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Republicans on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee shot down an attempt by the panels Democrats to subpoena Elon Musk, seeking answers about his short stint in the Trump administration. The surprise move from Democrats to compel Musk to testify before the panel sought to examine government service that, while brief, was impactful and marred by controversy. Rep. Stephen Lynch (Mass.), the acting top Democrat on the panel, shifted the tune of a hearing on artificial intelligence by bashing the former Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) head, saying President Trump created disaster and danger by turning our government over to his biggest campaign donor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We cannot sit here, however, and have the traditional bipartisan conversation about federal IT modernization without acknowledging the fact that the Trump administration, Elon Musk and DOGE are leading technology initiatives that threaten the privacy and security of all Americans and undermine our government and the vital services it provides to red states and blue states, he said. Musk may say he has stepped away from his role in the federal government, but his recklessness will continue to have devastating consequences for America for years, possibly decades to come, Lynch continued. Republicans, very few of whom were in the room when the hearing began, suspended the hearing to give GOP colleagues more time to arrive and vote down the measure, delaying the hearing for more than 20 minutes. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), who was overseeing the hearing, mocked Democrats, telling them they looked good for social media clips as her Democratic colleagues sat before blown up photos of Musk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lynch and other Democrats pressed Mace to move forward with a vote as the wait stretched on. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) criticized the delay, noting that it has historically never taken this long for the clerk to call roll. The Thursday push was the second time the panels Democrats have pushed to subpoena Musk, though the first since the DOGE leader has left government following the end of his term as a special government employee. His departure also came amid reports about Musks alleged drug use, which he has denied. Lynch said Musk was given free rein to terrorize our civil servants and drive more than 275,000 federal employees from their jobs serving the American people and said he was among those in the Trump administration who are more interested in self enrichment than public service. Musk officially announced his departure from the Trump administration last week, bringing to a close a tumultuous four months in government for the Tesla CEO. The tech billionaires role leading DOGE has been highly controversial, prompting numerous lawsuits challenging Musk and his staffers authority and creating headaches for his business empire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move comes amid a four-way race to determine the next top Democrat on the panel, replacing the late Rep. Gerry Connolly (Va.). Lynch has thrown his hat in the ring, as have Crockett and Reps. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) and Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.). Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson speaks to reporters after launching her campaign for governor in Lansing, Mich., on Jan. 22, 2025. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance) Updated at 2:43 p.m. 6/5/25 The Republican-led Michigan House of Representatives announced Thursday that it has filed a lawsuit against Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson for her alleged failure to comply with a subpoena issued by the chair of the chambers oversight body. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The complaint, House of Representatives v. Benson, filed in the Michigan Court of Claims on Wednesday, follows the House Oversight Committees request for election training materials from Benson and her office, which resulted in a subpoena. House Oversight Committee Chair Rep. Jay DeBoyer (R-Clay Township) last month asked the full chamber to hold Benson in civil contempt for her alleged failure to provide the materials, which the House moved as a resolution later that day. Now, the chambers Republicans have sued Benson seeking a declaratory judgment holding that the House issued a valid subpoena to which the secretary of state must comply. That lawsuit also seeks an injunction prohibiting Benson or the Michigan Department of State from modifying relevant records in the initial request. Department spokesperson Cheri Hardmon said in a statement that Benson asked lawmakers to let a court review their request for sensitive information that, in the wrong hands, would compromise the security of the states elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In that regard, Hardmon said the department was glad they have finally acted accordingly, and that it looked forward to a court resolving the dispute. To date, the Michigan Department of State has produced more than 3,300 pages of materials and posted them on our website for all to see, Hardmon said. Lets be clear the Republican chair of the House Oversight Committee is demanding information that could be used to interrupt the chain of custody of ballots, tamper with election equipment or impersonate a clerk on Election Day. Benson in a press conference when the House held her in contempt echoed the same sentiment, and said the move was a political stunt and that if they wanted to go to court, she would see them in court. In a statement, DeBoyer said his commitment to bringing accountability to Lansing wasnt lip service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After going years without legislative oversight, Benson has clearly grown comfortable operating independent of the other, co-equal branches of government, DeBoyer said. For months, we have tried to get her cooperation through requests, then accommodating offers, and then legal demands. Her continued defiance now brings us to the courtroom, where we will continue to diligently work to deliver government transparency for the people of Michigan. DeBoyer added that all government officials, regardless of their title, each of them have a responsibility to uphold their constitutional duties and adhere to the law. Yet, Jocelyn Benson, one of the most powerful office holders in Michigan, must instead be brought to court and forced to comply with Michigan statute, DeBoyer said. We will not let her disregard for the law keep us from delivering results to the people we represent. Moderate House Republicans from high-tax blue states are warning senators that they will not give the big, beautiful bill a final stamp of approval if the Senate changes their proposal for the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap. The shot across the Capitol came shortly after Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) told reporters the upper chamber would likely tweak the SALT provision in the mammoth measure in one of several alterations. The House bill raises the SALT deduction cap to $40,000 quadruple the $10,000 deduction cap in current law. Several moderates in the House from New York, New Jersey and California have said they would not support the package unless it included substantial SALT relief. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those members are now warning that any changes to the provision could prevent the bill from passing the House once it is sent back from the Senate. If the Senate unwinds the Houses $40K SALT deal, its like digging up buried radioactive wastereckless and sure to contaminate the whole One Big Beautiful Bill, Rep. Nick LaLota (R-N.Y.) wrote on social platform X. Best to leave it alone. He elaborated on his comments later, telling reporters he would encourage the Senate to keep their deal in place. The reason Ive chosen that analogy is because the House took four months to get to where we could finally compromise, negotiate and settle on bill language as it relates to SALT and other interlocking and related provisions. So the Senate to disrupt that is to undo a lot of that painful work, to rip off some scabs, and to essentially restart the very painful process that we went through for four months, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I would advise them to keep the bill intact. I respect the senators prerogatives to exercise their constituents priorities, but we worked really hard to get to the compromise bill that we got to, and itd be a shame to have to restart. Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), another member of the group, was more concise: Lets be clear no SALT, no deal. If the Senate changes the negotiated number of $40,000 it will derail final passage of the bill, Lawler wrote on X. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), who was a key player in brokering a SALT deal in the House, said he spoke with members of the caucus on Wednesday, shortly after Thune signaled changes to their provision, and plans to make their case to the Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I just talked to my SALT Caucus on the floor and Im going to go communicate to the Senate, again, its a very delicate thing, we have to maintain the equilibrium point that we reached in the House, Johnson told reporters. And it took almost a year to get to that point, so I dont think we can toss that off. Asked if there is wiggle room around the $40,000 deduction cap, the Speaker was coy: Im about to find out; well see. The SALT deduction cap was always expected to be a battle in the Senate. While a number of vulnerable Republicans in the House care deeply about SALT, Senate Republicans dont even have members from New York, New Jersey or California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The issue came up for Senate Republicans at a conference-wide meeting Wednesday, where some were itching to lower the cap but wary of gumming things up for Johnson. Our goal isnt to create a problem for the House, but we also know the Senate will put its mark on the bill, Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) said. One Senate Republican indicated that some senators favor forcing the House SALT backers into supporting a lower ceiling but believe the easiest path is for the upper chamber to swallow its pride and defer to Johnson. It may be easier to say than do, the Senate GOP member said. It would just screw the whole bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This senator said even lowering the ceiling from $40,000 to $30,000 could be risky since it might lead some of the House Republicans to vote against the bill. But the senator also suggested the SALT Republicans in the House could be bluffing. Is that enough to get you, because otherwise you say, Im going to vote against the bill and for a $4 trillion tax increase as a Republican, the member continued. Thats original sin there. While Thune is signaling that the chamber will likely change the SALT provision, Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) a former House member and key liaison between the two chambers is saying the opposite. It was a hard fight over there, Mullin said, pointing to its roughly $300 billion cost. Its a big number, but it was something they had to do to try to get the bill passed. We dont want to do something that would cause it not to pass. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The body here is going to work its will, he continued. I would be a little [skeptical] about doing too much with SALT. House Republicans in the SALT Caucus are warning they arent bluffing. I wouldnt bet against a couple of salty Republicans, including a couple of salty New Yorkers, LaLota said. I wouldnt bet against us. Pressed on if the Senate should take the SALT Caucuss comments as a signal that the House will not pass a bill with a lower deduction cap, LaLota responded: That would be reasonable for them to consider that. Rep. Young Kim (R-Calif.), another member of the SALT Caucus, expressed confidence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The leadership is working and talking to the Senate on a regular basis, and Im very confident much of what we passed in the House will still be there, Kim said. So Im not going to comment on how Ill be voting for it till I see the package that comes back to us. Were already working to ensure that everything that we pass in the House is still kept in the Senate version, she added. Asked if there was any wiggle room on their SALT deal, LaLota said: Im eager to see what they actually come back with. I dont know why anybody would logically want to disrupt something that was the result of a lot of hard work, pain, heartache and ultimately compromise, he added. When a reporter pointed out that his comments were not a firm no, he responded: I would love them to increase it. That would be a great idea if they came to us with $50,000, I would endorse it right away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. House Speaker Cameron Sexton (Photo:John Partipilo) Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton has publicly called on Nashville Mayor Freddie OConnell to rescind an executive order that requires city emergency personnel to report any interaction they have had with immigration officials within 24 hours. While Metro has refused to assist federal agents with ICE; they decided to escalate it by forcing all employees to act as big brother, Sexton posted Thursday to the social media platform X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The time is now to rescind the big brother executive order and return to normal communications with state and federal authorities, Sextons post read. Sexton tagged Tennessee Congressman Mark Green, Tennessee Attorney General Jonathon Skrmetti and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in his post. Sextons post is the latest in a series of public criticisms since last week targeting OConnell, a Democrat who leads Tennessees most populous city, which also serves as the seat of the GOP-controlled General Assembly. Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sextons June 5 post on X. Last week, Tennessee Republican Congressman Andy Ogles accused the mayor of obstructing the work of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials, citing OConnells public statements criticizing mass enforcement activities that swept up nearly 200 people in the heart of the citys immigrant neighborhoods in early May. Ogles Memorial Day press conference excoriating OConnell was followed in short order by Trump Administration officials appearances on conservative television programs to denounce the mayor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement White House border czar Tom Homan appeared on Fox News and threatened to flood the zone with immigration enforcement efforts in retaliation for OConnells comments about the joint enforcement action between the Tennessee Highway Patrol and agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Then, Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary for public affairs at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, accused OConnell of harboring immigrants without legal status and doxxing immigration enforcement agents in video of her appearance on Newsmax, posted on the agencys official X account. Last Thursday, two Republican-led U.S. House committees launched an inquiry into the response by Nashvilles mayor to federal immigration enforcement activities. A letter sent Thursday by the House Judiciary and Homeland Security Committees demanded a series of documents from OConnell by June 12. The letter accused the mayor of actions that threaten to chill immigration enforcement in the City of Nashville and Davidson County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The accusations against OConnell center on the mayors public statements condemning the Nashville immigration sweeps and a longstanding executive order requiring city departments to report interactions with immigration officials to the mayors office. Whats clear today is that people who do not share our values of safety and community have the authority to cause deep community harm, OConnell said at the time. Their approach is not our understanding of what a Nashville for all of us looks like, and were grateful to our community partners who make all of our residents feel welcome, he said. OConnell also issued a revision to the existing executive order in early May, amid mass immigrant detainments, to require reports of all interactions between city personnel and federal immigration officials to be made within 24 hours. The order requires all emergency and some non-emergency city agencies and officials to report these interactions to the Mayors Office of New and Indigenous Americans, a department created to foster civic participation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That department posted a spreadsheet with summaries of the interactions on its website. The initial public posts identified three federal immigration officials by their full names, and one by her first name, posts that were inadvertent, the mayors office later said. It is not the normal practice to include the names of individuals in EO30 (the executive order) reporting. Any names mistakenly included have been removed, a statement from the mayors office last week said. A request for comment from OConnells office about Sextons remarks was not immediately returned Thursday. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX A trio of flashing billboards less than two miles from the Florida Capitol is slamming Gov. Ron DeSantis for vetoing the "free kill" bill on medical malpractice. (Photo credit: Christine Sexton/Florida Phoenix) House Speaker Daniel Perez said Thursday the chamber will try again next year to pass a repeal of the free kill statute following Gov. Ron DeSantis veto of the proposal. DeSantis on May 29 vetoed the Legislatures attempt to remove the bar on parents of adult children and the adult children of single parents from suing hospitals and physicians for non-economic damages for the deaths of loved ones. The governor said repealing free kill would increase health care costs for Floridians and make it harder to keep physicians in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of course, the governor has in his right the power to veto this bill, and he chose to do so, Perez told reporters. I disagree with the veto, and we will be bringing that bill back next year for a continued conversation. The Florida Justice Association, the group that represents the states trial attorneys that championed the measure, released a statement saying the decision to not override the veto was disappointing. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Lawmakers passed HB 6017 with bipartisan support. Repealing the ban on suits to recover non-economic damages is one of the perennial arguments in Tallahassee, as business interests and medical groups oppose the move. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perez said he remains opposed to placing caps on the pain-and-suffering damages, which is something that DeSantis said could make him support the repeal in the future, along with caps on attorneys fees. The family members barred from suing for pain-and-suffering damages can recover economic damages, such as lost wages, medical bills, and funeral costs. I dont think that we should determine how much a persons life is worth when someone negligently ended it, Perez said. The Senate also rejected a bid to cap the damages at $1 million on April 30. Florida, for now, remains the only state banning the recovery of pain-and-suffering damages for parents of adult children and adult children of single parents. Disappointing decision Florida Justice Association President Todd Michaels said the decision to not override the governors veto is disappointing, noting that 93% of the Legislature voted for the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Governors veto and call for caps in all medical malpractice cases fails to consider victims and instead gives the green light to negligent medical providers and limits their accountability when they hurt or kill other people. The safety of all Floridians will suffer, he said in a prepared statement. The continuation of this unjust law in Florida means insurance companies discriminatory practice to ensure that victims are unable to achieve justice or accountability when a bad doctor kills their parents or child. It means that a lack of accountability, and therefore a lack of safety, continue. This story has been updated with response from the Florida Justice Association. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX JOHNSTOWN, Pa. The National Human Trafficking Hotline identified 12 likely victims of human trafficking in Cambria County from 2015-22. There were three in Somerset County. A few legal cases have taken place. In 2017, Barshay Dunbar, of Johnstown, was convicted on charges stemming from operating a sex ring using Backpage.com, out of the Super 8 hotel in Richland Township, in which he paid the women with drugs. The case developed when a hotel general manager notified police of suspicious activities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barshay Reqwan Dunbar Barshay Reqwan Dunbar William Warren was arrested in 2022 and later pleaded guilty to trafficking and other charges. Law enforcement began an investigation after responding to an overdose at his residence, next to the Stonycreek Township Police Department, in which the woman later died. Then, a few weeks ago, a Johnstown man was charged with multiple felonies after allegedly providing a teenage runaway with drugs and using her for sexual favors in exchange for a place to stay. Those were all occurrences or allegations of sexual human trafficking. Cambria County District Attorney Greg Neugebauer said he has not seen cases of labor human trafficking because, We dont really have a lot of migrant workers that come through here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without elaborating, Neugebauer said, Frankly, were actively investigating several cases right now. Those might not seem like a statistically significant number of incidents. But law enforcement officers, legislators, counselors and advocates agree that human trafficking crimes are extremely underreported. With human trafficking, 1,000%, those numbers lack reporting, especially in our area, said Victim Services Jessica Piro, the Cambria County Human Trafficking Response Teams co-coordinator. Johnstown Police Department | Chief Mark Britton Johnstown Police Department Chief Mark Britton shown here outside the Public Safety Building on Washington Street in downtown Johnstown on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnstown Police Department Chief Mark Britton compared the lack of reporting to the silence that often accompanies other crimes of violence and exploitation. Its just like somebody who has been raped, Britton said. You know theyve been raped. You know theyve been abused. But they dont want to come forward because of the embarrassment, or because they have become so used to the abuse that they encounter not so much maybe physical abuse, but the mental abuse and the emotional abuse they dont want to come forward because theyre so aligned with that type of behavior that they dont know any other behavior. They dont know how theyre going to survive. Definitely happening About a decade ago, Kelly Callihan attended a Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association conference in Philadelphia during which there was a presentation about human trafficking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I just remember thinking, Human trafficking, Im going to half-pay attention. That doesnt apply here, said Callihan, who was Cambria Countys district attorney at the time. Then once we heard the presentation, I was like, Wow, this is definitely happening then in our area. Callihans experience inspired her to help form the Cambria County Human Trafficking Response Team in 2016, in collaboration with other individuals and organizations, including Victim Services Inc. Kelly Callihan Kelly Callihan The trafficking response group is connected to the Cambria County Sexual Assault Response Team. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Members come from victim services groups, law enforcement agencies and health care providers. The organization works to raise awareness about the issue, develop practices for law enforcement, train people such as medical professionals and hotel workers on how to recognize the signs of human trafficking, and assist survivors. Even with the team carrying out its mission, it is still a challenge to define the scope of how much human trafficking occurs locally. Its one of those things that I dont think, necessarily, the amount of cases that are being filed is indicative of what the actual problem is, said Callihan, who is now the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Associations executive director. Kind of like a hub Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Pennsylvania Turnpike, Interstate 99, U.S. Route 219, U.S. Route 22, other highways and rails carrying Amtrak trains pass through the local region providing ways for human traffickers to move among major metropolitan areas, such as New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Buffalo. What were primarily seeing is that its kind of like a hub, Piro said. We are in the middle of several key cities, and were also on what is like a trafficking beltway from D.C. to Ohio. Greg Neugebauer | Announces Candidacy For Judge Cambria County District Attorney Greg Neugebauer answers questions from the media after announcing his candidacy for Judge of the Court of Common Pleas during a press conference at the Young Peoples Community Center in Ebensburg on Thursday, January 16, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neugebauer recalled one case from a few years ago that will always stick out in my mind involving a person being trafficked through the region. Essentially, the victim met this individual at a bar in another state, Neugebauer said. They started hanging out, and before she knew it, she was being basically driven across the country and being severely physically abused. They stopped at a local store to get gas and some snacks and the perpetrator basically left her alone for a minute. And she essentially ran out of the car. A store employee saw her, saw that she had what appeared to be fresh physical injuries. That kicked off an investigation that led to us looking at things in other states and all kinds of stuff. Neugebauer said he does not believe the people had any local connections other than they were passing through the area. The victim later died from underlying health issues, according to Neugebauer. JOHNSTOWN, Pa. At noon on a regular Monday last month, a website showed about 80 sex-worker advertisements in the areas of Johnstown, Indiana and Altoona. A search in the Pittsburgh area showed a woman was willing to travel to Somerset County. Human Trafficking logo Nick Lembo, an executive director of Street Grace a Georgia-based organization that uses a Microsoft-developed platform to disrupt human trafficking searched the website and shared his screen over Zoom with The Tribune-Democrat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were male and transgender categories on the website to search. Lembo went to the men seeking women category, which produced a cascade of ads. Believe it or not, around the lunch hour can be busier, he said. So it could start picking up right now in your area. And then sometimes guys are getting off work at 4 p.m., so it can start then. And Id say most of the time, probably from 5 p.m. through 10 p.m. at night are the busiest times. However, the women available through the ads are often not engaging in these transactions of their own volition, he said. Most of these women are being forced against their wills by pimps, he said. Theres this attitude that sex work is a legitimate profession, and these girls are just doing it on their own, and these guys (who purchase) will often say, Well, I know they are doing it on their own. And the reality is, they really dont, because these girls are never going to give up their pimps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pimps want to stay way in the shadows, he said. Statistics are unclear on the scope of the human trafficking problem. Research supported by the National Institute of Justice in 2020 revealed that labor and sex trafficking data appearing in the FBIs national Uniform Crime Reporting Program may significantly understate the extent of human trafficking crimes in the United States. Researchers concluded that human trafficking incidents identified in law enforcement and social service agency records likely represented only a fraction of the actual incidence, the institutes website says. Forcing these women Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Using an artificial intelligence-human hybrid system called Transaction Intercept, Lembo and teams of civilians working with Street Grace post decoy ads on websites where men go to purchase sex. Street Grace also offers the same platform, at no cost, to law enforcement. State Sen. Cris Dush has been a proponent of using the technology in Pennsylvania; however, so far, it has not been used in the commonwealth for human trafficking prosecutions, Lembo said. Lembo and others working with Street Grace engage with men initiating conversations with their decoy ads and attempt to crack some humanity into them, Lembo said. In one case, he spoke to a U.S. soldier who had returned briefly from deployment. He explained to the man that he was not law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are here to protect you, actually, because if you are caught, this will affect you socially and professionally, I said. That got to him, Lembo said. I didnt realize it later that he was a soldier, and many guys in the military know their career is very important to them. The soldier shared with Lembo that he was just looking for some comfort. He had returned home from deployment, his girlfriend had broken up with him, and he was not scheduled to be home for long. Lembo warned him. I said, You need to be careful because there are pimps on these websites, and thats who is forcing these women, Lembo said. He said, Honestly, I didnt know that. ... Im going to warn my buddies about these websites. If a potential buyer is unwilling to listen, and if Lembo has enough information, then hell turn it over to police. In other cases, he can be successful in changing a buyers mind by educating them about human trafficking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres somebody there who still wants to listen to some reason, and probably the biggest thing we run into is educating these men into understanding that most of these women are being forced against their wills by pimps to have sex with them, he said. Force, fraud or coercion At times, victims or people close to victims will call the National Human Trafficking Hotline, the top Google result for help. Victims from Cambria and Somerset counties have called the hotline and spoken to someone on the other end such as Malika Said, a hotline supervisor who will begin the conversation by asking whether the caller is in a safe place where they arent being monitored by their trafficker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Said is then obligated to tell callers about the hotlines mandated reporting policies the hotline must report acts of violence heard over the phone or discussions of minors being abused or neglected. And then Said gives them a basic summary of what trafficking is and asks the caller whether their situation aligns with that; trafficking situations involve force, fraud or coercion. And then we let the callers take it from there, she said. And we assess their needs and provide whatever it is that they want. Said may call a local shelter while on the phone with a caller and say: We have this person whos on the phone and they are looking for a safe place to stay tonight; can you help them? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We dont want the victims to be calling all these places on their own and just get rejected, she said, especially if all the shelters are full, so we try to see if we can connect them to a place first, and if they are OK with that, then we connect them in a three-way call. The hotline may also connect callers with case managers from local human service agencies, who can provide access to housing, food support, securing a job any service that may eliminate the vulnerability that a trafficker is exploiting. A lot of times, people are recruited into the trafficking situations because they have certain vulnerabilities, whether its economic or social vulnerabilities, she said. Because of these vulnerabilities, they will get recruited into a situation where they are forced to do things they dont want to do, and because of all these limitations that the trafficker sets on them, they feel its hard to get out of the situation. If a victim relies on a trafficker for food or housing, for example, its difficult for the victim to leave that situation on his or her own. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres a lot of times that we do get callers who are ready to leave, but find it very difficult so we talk them through the possibilities; we safety-plan with them, we give them the right resources, according to Said. Not everyone is ready to report to police when they call the hotline, so we just talk through all the options that they have. Both sex and labor Consolidating duplicate calls about the same case, the hotline identified a total of 12 likely victims across six trafficking situations in Cambria County from 2015 to 2022. Sometimes we have one situation/one victim call, but more often its one situation/multiple victims, National Human Trafficking Hotline spokeswoman Sabrina Thulander said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hotlines data are not representative of all trafficking in Cambria County, only of the cases that are reported and identified by the hotline. The volume of calls can be affected by factors including awareness of trafficking as an issue and awareness of what help is available, Thulander said. The Cambria County cases were almost entirely situations and victims of sex trafficking, she said. More recent data are available, but it has not yet undergone the same level of validation as the data from previous years, she said. In Somerset County, the hotline identified three likely victims of trafficking from 2015 to 2022. In those cases, two of the three victims reported they were a victim of both sex and labor trafficking, Thulander said. I think with labor it tends to be more fraud, whereas, with sex trafficking, its force or coercion, she said. Labor trafficking can occur through a regular job posting, according to Said. They dont really outline whats happening and people are desperate for work, and they get sucked into it, she said. There will be recruiters for some farming industries and so they will kind of recruit you into the trafficking situation, and it might be similar to a regular farming position, but you dont know the difference between the two. Sometimes it could also be for modeling; it can be a modeling job posting, but then you get recruited into it and all of a sudden you are in a sex trafficking situation. Investigating ... cases For Pennsylvania as a whole, from 2015 to 2022, the hotline identified a total of 2,566 likely victims and 1,487 individual situations of trafficking. Of those, 359 of the likely victims were victims of labor trafficking, and 1,933 were victims of sex trafficking. Some of the most commonly reported venues for labor trafficking were domestic work, restaurants and food service, and agriculture/farms/animal husbandry. Some of the most commonly reported venues for sex trafficking were illicit massage businesses, hotel/motel-based commercial sex, residence-based commercial sex, pornography, and internet-based commercial sex, Thulander said. Cambria County District Attorney Greg Neugebauer said human trafficking investigations are underway locally with help from people who make reports. Weve had tips from doctors, school personnel, religious folks, he said. And sometimes someone just sees something that just doesnt look right, and they call police. Weve had a number of cases that have been prosecuted and, frankly, we are actively investigating several cases right now. One case locally came about because a search warrant was executed on a completely unrelated matter, he said, and we discovered some things that were troubling. In another instance, he said, a trafficker ended up going to jail for an unrelated crime, and authorities subsequently discovered that a person had been sex-trafficked. Weve seen it locally, he said. I think it exists everywhere, and I think the statistics are accurate that it goes unreported. A lot of it. MILAN (AP) A ship carrying activists, including Greta Thunberg, to Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid rescued four migrants on Thursday after they had jumped into the sea from another vessel to avoid being picked up by Libyan authorities. The vessel Madleen, which is operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, was alerted by the European Union's Frontex border control agency and arrived at the location in the Mediterranean where it found 30-40 people on a boat that was rapidly deflating. As the Madleen launched its own inflatable rescue boat, a Libyan coast guard vessel approached at high speed, the coalition said. "To avoid being taken by the Libyan authorities, four people jumped into the sea, and began desperately swimming toward the Madleen,'' which rescued them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Freedom Flotilla Coalition protested the return of the other migrants to Libya, where human rights campaigners have said they face abuse and even torture. It also has called on Italy, Greece and Malta to pick up those now on board the Madleen and bring them to safety in Europe. Climate campaigner Thunberg is among 12 activists aboard the Madleen which departed Sicily on Sunday on a mission that aims to break the sea blockade on Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid while raising awareness over the growing humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian enclave. The voyage was to last seven days. Among the others on board are Game of Thrones actor Liam Cunningham and Rima Hassan, a French member of the European Parliament who is of Palestinian descent. She has been barred from entering Israel due to her active opposition to the Israeli assault on Gaza. After a three month total blockade aimed at pressuring Hamas, Israel started allowing some basic aid into Gaza last month, but humanitarian works have warned of famine unless the blockade ends. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Almost the entire Gaza population of 2.3 million is acutely malnourished and one in five Palestinians are on the brink of starvation, the World Food Program has warned. An attempt last month by Freedom Flotilla to reach Gaza by sea failed after another of the groups vessels was attacked by two drones while sailing in international waters off Malta. The group blamed Israel for the attack, which damaged the front section of the ship. By Gergely Szakacs BUDAPEST (Reuters) -A Hungarian government minister said on Thursday that a new transparency bill targeting foreign-funded groups must not be used for political prosecution and should contain safeguards, highlighting differences within the ruling party over the plan. Prime Minister Viktor Orban, in power since 2010, pledged in March to crack down on foreign funding of independent media, opposition politicians and NGOs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill, submitted to parliament by Orban's nationalist Fidesz party on May 14, would draft a list of organisations that get foreign funding and restrict or even shut them down if deemed to threaten Hungary's sovereignty and its culture. Critics say the bill aims to stifle political dissent ahead of a national election due in 2026 when Orban faces an unprecedented challenge from a new opposition party. The bill has prompted street protests, while scores of editors from leading European news outlets signed a petition last month calling on Hungary to scrap the bill. On Wednesday Fidesz unexpectedly postponed a parliamentary debate on the legislation and said a vote would not take place before the summer recess. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regional Development Minister Tibor Navracsics said he backed the original purpose of the legislation to create transparency over the finances of groups influencing public discourse but voiced opposition to some provisions. "If we must be drawing up a list (of organisations), then that must be as specific as possible, or the possibility of judicial recourse must be provided," Navracsics, a former justice minister, told the Otpontban political podcast. Navracsics, a former European Commissioner, said he also opposed a proposal to strip targeted organisations of the right to receive voluntary income tax donations from the public. Navracsics dismissed speculation that Orban would not contest the upcoming election as prime minister but he said the lavish lifestyle of some ruling party politicians and businessmen around Fidesz was "harmful". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I do not know if this will be a decisive factor (in the election). However, from my own constituency I know there are indeed people irritated by such levels of wealth inequality," he said. (Reporting by Anita Komuves and Gergely SzakacsEditing by Gareth Jones) BEAUREGARD, Ala. (WRBL) Lee County Schools are once again offering free summer meals for any child 18 or younger who is hungry or food insecure, regardless of where they live or go to school. As part of Alabamas Break for a Plate initiative, breakfast and lunch will be provided at no cost throughout the month of June. No registration, residency, or school enrollment is requiredjust show up, and your child will be fed. Were serving free meals as part of our summer feeding program, said Krystal Patterson, Director of Child Nutrition for Lee County Schools. Any child under 18 can walk in and receive a nutritious lunchno questions asked. They dont have to live in Lee County or be enrolled in our school system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far, the program is serving around 350 children a day, but staff say that number couldand shouldgrow. Were just hoping to get the word out, said Patterson. We want families to know that were here, its free, and well feed every child who walks through the door. No one should go hungry this summer. School nutrition staff say they are prepared to feed more children as awareness spreads and want to ensure that every family in need knows help is availableno questions asked. Meals must be eaten on site, and children must be present to receive them. The program runs June 25, 912, and 1618, 2324, offering a vital food resource while school is out. Meal Times: Breakfast: 7:00 8:30 a.m. CST Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lunch: 10:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. CST Participating Sites: Beauregard Elementary Beulah Elementary Loachapoka High East Smiths Station Elementary We serve fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, and balanced meals every day, Patterson said. Its a blessing to be able to provide this during the summer. Hunger doesnt take a break when school does. You can tell which students are food insecure, added Brandi Hightower, a cafeteria manager with five years of experience. I worry about them. Every day. But summer breaks often disrupt that consistency. The summer months are tough. We worry about our kids when theyre not in school, Patterson said. A lot of the families who need this program the most dont have access to Facebook, Instagram, or even reliable internet. We need help getting the word out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lee Countys summer feeding program is part of Alabamas Break for a Plate initiative and is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA also funds school-year meals through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which allows high-poverty schools to provide free breakfast and lunch to all enrolled students without collecting household applications. Schools qualify based on the percentage of students receiving other forms of public assistance like SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid. Lee County qualifies because Medicaid-eligible students count toward that formula. Before qualifying for CEP, Beauregard had over $20,000 in unpaid student meal debt. The local community raised the money to pay it off. Were concernedcuts are already happening, Patterson said. If the eligibility thresholds drop or Medicaid qualifications change, many Alabama schools might not qualify anymore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She applauded Alabama state lawmakers for stepping up this year. Our legislators have allocated $7.3 million to help fund breakfast programs across Alabama, she said. Thats a huge help, but we still need bipartisan support at the federal level to keep nutrition programs alive. For staff like Hightower, the impact is personal. This is my favorite part of the job, she said, holding back tears. It gives me purpose. We have students who light up over a simple meal. Theyll tell us were the best cooks, or that lunch was amazing. That joythat gratitudeits real. The need is clearand its local. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People think hunger doesnt exist in their neighborhood, but it does, Patterson said. Before we qualified for CEP, we were over $20,000 in the red from unpaid lunch balances. The community helped us cover that, but it shows how great the need really is. If your kids need free meals this summer, the USDAs Summer Meals Site Finder can help you locate a program near you. As of May 30, 2025, the site includes meal locations in the following states: AK, AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MO, MS, NC, ND, OR, TN, TX, VA, WI, WV, and WY. If your state isnt listed yet, check backnew states and locations are added every Friday throughout the summer. Please note, the site does not include delivery locations for SUN Meals To-Go. For those services, contact your local meal site directly or reach out to your state agency. To search for free summer meal sites, visit the USDAs official Summer Meals Site Finder. To learn more or find additional locations, visit the Break for a Plate Alabama website or contact participating schools 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 WRBL. (Reuters) - International monitors at the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine heard repeated rounds of gunfire that appeared to be aimed at drones reportedly attacking the site's training centre, the U.N.'s nuclear watchdog said on Thursday. Russian forces seized the Zaporizhzhia plant, Europe's largest nuclear facility with six reactors, in the early weeks of Moscow's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Each side has since routinely accused the other of attacking the plant and posing a threat to nuclear safety. Monitors from the International Atomic Energy Agency reported hearing at least five explosions between 11:30 a.m. and 13:45 p.m. local time, each preceded by gunfire, an IAEA statement said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statement gave no indication of the origin of the drones and said there were no reports of any damage to the centre. "Drones flying close to nuclear power plants could threaten their safety and security, with potentially serious consequences," IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said. "As I have stated repeatedly during the war, such incidents must stop immediately." The statement said it was the fourth time this year that the training centre, located just outside the site perimeter, was reportedly targeted by drones. The plant's Russian management had earlier said Ukrainian drones had landed on the roof of the training center in "yet another attack" on the facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It said there had been no casualties or damage. The Zaporizhzhia station, with all its reactors in shut down mode, produces no electricity. Before the war, it generated one-fifth of Ukraine's electricity. Grossi last week told Reuters that while Russia had "never hidden the fact" that it wanted to restart the plant, this could not be done soon as it lacked water for cooling and a stable power supply. (Reporting by Urvi Dugar; Editing by Alexandra Hudson, Ron Popeski and Chizu Nomiyama) NEW YORK ICE agents detained multiple migrants who were doing mandatory check-ins at a lower Manhattan office steps away from City Hall on Wednesday afternoon, sources said. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested the migrants after they checked in at an Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office hearing on Elk Street, according to the New York Legal Assistance group. Theres a huge amount of pressure to increase the number of people being deported on a daily basis. So in that environment, its not surprising were seeing this activity happening in downtown New York, said immigration advocate Naveed Hasan. Why are our federal reps not resisting this? Why are they not standing up for New York, putting a stop to this lawlessness? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dramatic photos of the arrests show ICE agents in masks and plainclothes escorting people in handcuffs out of the building. One distraught woman was seen hysterically crying on her knees on the ground as she watched her husband being detained and led away by ICE agents. The arrests were a part of a national effort under the Trump administration to ensnare migrants in deportation roundups as they appear for routine court check-ins. The crackdown comes after White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller said on Fox News last week that the administration was setting a goal of 3,000 arrests by ICE each day and that the number could go higher, according to the Associated Press. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Trump is going to keep pushing to get that number up higher each and every single day, said Miller. Three thousand arrests per day would mark a huge increase in daily arrests from current figures. Between Jan. 20 and May 19, the agency arrested 78,155 people, which translates to an average of 656 arrests per day. On Tuesday, around 16 people were detained at the Elk Street immigration check-in office, according to The City. Anxiety for immigrants in New York has heightened after ICE agents recently detained Dylan, a 20-year-old Bronx public school student from Venezuela, when he attended a routine hearing in Manhattan related to his asylum claim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayor Adams encouraged asylum-seekers on Tuesday to continue showing up for immigration court hearings. I dont want people to be deterred from going to court, because if you deter people from following out the process, then you can create a level of people being fearful of our court system, he said at City Hall. The mayor also affirmed his administration will not and we have not collaborated with ICE on any civil enforcement. _____ A group of ICE agents and the migrants they're holding in the African country of Djibouti following an order by a U.S. federal judge are at grave risk, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement official said in a sworn court declaration filed on Thursday. The eight migrants, who have been convicted of violent crimes, were put on a plane in Texas for deportation to the East African country of South Sudan as part of the Trump administration's effort to deport criminally convicted noncitizens to countries other than their own. After U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy blocked the administration's attempt to deport the group to South Sudan without giving them sufficient chance to contest their removal, the group disembarked in Djibouti, where they are currently on a military base. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Judge orders Trump administration to maintain 'custody and control' of any migrants deported to South Sudan ICE officers had to "interrupt the flight and disembark in Djibouti without being on anti-malaria medication," ICE official Melissa Harper said in a sworn declaration dated Wednesday. Harper said the migrants and ICE officers were not able to start taking antimalarials until after their arrival, and are also at risk of rocket attacks from terrorist groups, as well as extreme heat conditions. Within 72 hours of landing in Djibouti, the officers and detainees began to feel ill, Harper said, adding that "it is unknown" how long medical supplies will last. The migrants are part of an emergency petition the Trump administration filed with the Supreme Court asking it to lift what the administration called "onerous" due process procedures imposed by Judge Murphy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The detainees, according to Harper, are currently being held in a conference room "in a converted Conex shipping container." Lucy Nicholson/Reuters, FILE - PHOTO: The badge of ICE Field Office Director, Enforcement and Removal Operations, David Marin and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Fugitive Operations team search for a Mexican national at a home in Hawthorne, Calif., March 1, 2020. "The conference room in which the aliens are housed is not equipped nor suitable for detention of any length, let alone for the detention of high-risk individuals," Harper said. "Notably, the room has none of the security apparatus necessary for the detention of criminal aliens. If an altercation were to occur, there is no other location on site available to separate the aliens, which further compromises the officers' safety." Because Djibouti uses burn pits as a way to dispose of trash and human waste, Harper said the smog clouds created by the pits are "making it difficult to breathe and requiring medical treatment for the officers." "Due to the temperature in Djibouti being over 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and in the 90s at night with usually no breeze, the smoke from the burn pits lingers," Harper said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ICE official concluded her sworn testimony by saying that the ICE officers were warned by Department of Defense officials of "imminent danger of rocket attacks from terrorist groups in Yemen." "The ICE officers lack body armor or other gear that would be appropriate in the case of an attack," she said. On Wednesday, immigrant advocates and attorneys said in a letter to the Supreme Court that "If the alleged harms to the United States' interests from class members' continuing presence in Djibouti are as significant as Defendants claim, they retain the authority to return the individuals to the United States." SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) A news conference was held earlier this week, revealing nearly 1,500 people were arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Massachusetts, and why agents are seen wearing masks. ICE agents in Massachusetts have come under public scrutiny for wearing masks during arrest operations, prompting a pointed response from ICEs Acting Director Todd Lyons during a news conference earlier this week. Protests held in Amherst following arrests by ICE Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lyons returned to the podium to explain the reason behind the use of facial coverings by agents, citing escalating threats to officers personal safety. A lot of agencies were invited to come out two weeks ago in Los Angeles, where we ran an operation where ICE offices were doxed, Lyons told reporters. So lets just say that again, people are out there taking photos of the names, their faces, and posting them online with death threats to their family and themselves. The acting director emphasized that the masks are a protective measure, not an attempt to obscure accountability. Im sorry if people are offended by them wearing masks, but Im not going to let my officers and agents go out there and put their lives on the line and their family on the line because people dont like what immigration enforcement is, Lyons said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Lyons, ICE agents were also recently involved in a joint operation with the U.S. Secret Service, during which an individual was arrested for targeting law enforcement families online. We arrested someone who was going online, taking their photos, posting their families, their kids Instagram, their kids Facebook, and targeting them, Lyons said. So let me askis that the issue here, that were just upset about the masks, or is anyone upset with the fact that ICE officers families were labeled terrorists? Operation Patriot nets 1,500 arrested by ICE in Massachusetts The comments come amid heightened national debate over immigration enforcement tactics, including online privacy and safety for government employees involved in controversial federal operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The news conference also revealed that nearly 1,500 individuals had been arrested by ICE in Massachusetts as part of recent enforcement actions. 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. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have reportedly been arresting migrants immediately after their immigration court hearings at the Richard C. White Federal Building in Downtown El Paso, sparking concerns from local advocacy groups. A recent incident involved the detention of a family shortly after they allegedly appeared in court for an immigration hearing earlier this week. Video of the incident was captured and provided by advocates. The family was not handcuffed during the arrest, but the incident has been cited as part of a broader pattern of enforcement actions occurring across the country. Advocates argue that such arrests undermine due process and may discourage people from attending their court hearings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People are being arrested and prosecuted without due process. This is a violation of our Fifth and Fourteenth Amendment rights, said advocate Briana Delgado. Local activist groups have begun distributing informational flyers outside the federal courthouse to educate migrants about their rights. Not to make any decisions in court without a lawyer present. You know, a lot of these people dont have lawyers because the nonprofit is backed up, so they cant take any more people. On top of that, a lot of people dont have the money to afford a lawyer, said advocate Juan Flores. Previously, ICE designated courthouses as sensitive locations, limiting enforcement actions at these sites. However, this guidance has been rescinded under the current administration, leading to increased enforcement activities at court facilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Supporters of the enforcement measures argue that they are necessary for upholding immigration laws. Weve had hundreds of thousands, millions of people who are here after their court date has said theyre not allowed to stay here. They never reported. They never self-deported. So now we have a huge problem in this country, and it needs to be straightened out, said Michael Aboud, Republican Party chairman. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) defended the enforcement actions, a statement to KTSM reads in part: Secretary Noem is reversing Bidens catch and release policy that allowed millions of unvetted illegal aliens to be let loose on American streets. This Administration is once again implementing the rule of law. Most aliens who illegally entered the United States within the past two years are subject to expedited removals. Biden ignored this legal fact and chose to release millions of illegal aliens, including violent criminals, into the country with a notice to appear before an immigration judge. ICE is now following the law and placing these illegal aliens in expedited removal, as they always should have been. If they have a valid, credible fear claim, they will continue in immigration proceedings, but if no valid claim is found, aliens will be subject to a swift deportation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. A close up of an Idaho State Police trooper's uniform patch. (Courtesy of the Idaho Governor's Office) Idaho State Police have entered into a partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, to transport immigrants who are convicted of a crime and are not authorized to be in the U.S. to ICE detention centers for deportation, state officials announced Thursday. Idaho will participate in the jail enforcement model under the 287(g) program, which allows ICE to delegate specific immigration officer functions to state and local law enforcement officers, according to a news release Gov. Brad Little issued Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State officials said Idaho State Police will only be targeting and transporting people who have been convicted of a crime and are finishing their incarceration sentence. Instead of releasing the inmates to the community after they complete their sentence, they will be directly transported to ICE facilities in Idaho for detention, state officials said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Idaho is stepping up to help the Trump administration transport dangerous illegal alien criminals to ICE facilities instead of being released back into our communities, Little said in a written statement. These are people who have committed crimes such as domestic violence, robbery, driving under the influence, and other dangerous activities that threaten Idaho families. Idaho has taken many steps to increase our coordination with the Trump administration in the enforcement of our nations immigration laws, and I want to further strengthen our states partnership with President Trump to help address the national emergency posed by years of reckless border policies under the Biden-Harris administration. In a written statement released late Thursday, ACLU of Idaho officials expressed concern with the partnership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ICE and local law enforcement partnerships deteriorate trust, harm families, and can lead to constitutional violations, ACLU of Idaho Executive Director Leo Morales said in a written statement. This new partnership will intimidate and cause real trauma to our immigrant community. Immigrants make our communities stronger, and they deserve to be treated with dignity. Nothing will ever change the fact that immigrants belong in Idaho. Idaho State Police seeks funding to transport immigrants to deportation facilities Idaho State Police is seeking $300,000 in funding to pay for the transports, state officials said. The money would be used to provide up to 100 transports from Idaho jails or prisons to ICE facilities for deportation, such as the Jefferson County Detention Center in Rigby, state officials said. Idaho State Police will not be able to carry out any ICE transfers until the Idaho State Board of Examiners approves the funding request, which could occur as early as next week. Im really encouraged to see Idaho making its communities safer by signing on with our 287(g) program, Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons said in a written statement. You have to remember that were talking about criminals and often, they wont take an arrest sitting down so when local jails are allowed to turn them over to ICE in a safe setting, we dont need to send dozens of federal law enforcement officers into the public to make arrests. Partnerships like this one keep offenders out of communities and protect our families, friends and neighbors. Need to get in touch? Have a news tip? CONTACT US Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new Idaho State Police/ICE partnership essentially implements the transport aspects of House Bill 83, a Texas-style immigration bill that the Idaho Legislature passed and Little signed into law earlier this year. However, a judge temporarily blocked House Bill 83 from taking effect in March after ACLU of Idaho filed a lawsuit against the state, the Idaho Capital Sun previously reported. Under the 287(g) program, ICE is allowed to partner with local law enforcement agencies and the state does not need to resolve the legal challenge over House Bill 83 before moving ahead with transporting people convicted of a crime to ICE detention centers for deportation, state officials said. Earlier this year, Little also issued an executive order that called for state agencies to continue collaborating with ICE and called on state agencies to consider formal procedures to assist with the enforcement of immigration law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Idaho State Police officials began discussing the partnership with ICE after Little issued the executive order in February, state officials said. It was not exactly clear how many people convicted of a crime in Idaho would be subject to transfer to ICE facilities for deportation under Idahos new partnership. However, state officials used the term hundreds several times and said that each of the up to 100 transports to ICE facilities would include multiple people. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Sirens sounded in accordance with protocol. There were no reports of injuries. The IDF successfully intercepted a missile launched by the Houthi terrorist group in Yemen, the military said on Thursday evening. Sirens sounded in accordance with protocol. There were no reports of injuries. Earlier Houthi missile attacks Earlier in the week, the IDF intercepted an additional missile launched by the Houthis in Yemen. Parts of the interception fell in the Jerusalem area, specifically in the southern parts of the city. Footage released by Houthi Military Media says to show a launch of missile, which the Houthis say they fired at Israel, at an unknown location in this screen grab obtained from a handout video released on December 19, 2024. (photo credit: Houthi Military Media/Handout via REUTERS) Jerusalem District Police bomb disposal units operated at the sites where debris was located to prevent harm to civilians. No reports of casualties or property damage were received. This is a developing story. Nir Oz couple taken hostage on Oct. 7, bodies returned in Khan Yunis operations Families: Hearts not whole until all hostages come home The bodies of hostages Judith Weinstein Haggai and her husband, Gadi Haggai, were retrieved by the IDF early Thursday in a special forces operation aided by intelligence from the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) and the IDF, the IDF said. The Mujahideen Brigades kidnapped and held their bodies in Gaza after they were murdered during the October 7 massacre in Kibbutz Nir Oz. They were pronounced dead in December 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Forces from IDF Southern Command carried out the rescue operation. The information that allowed their retrieval into Israeli territory was learned during an interrogation of a captured terrorist, the IDF said. After an identification process at the L. Greenberg Institute of Forensic Medicine at Abu Kabir, the Israel Police and the IDF Personnel Directorates Hostage and Missing Persons Team notified the family and the Nir Oz community. Weinstein Haggai, 70, and Haggai, 72, both had US citizenship. Weinstein Haggai also had Canadian citizenship. They left behind four children and seven grandchildren. A toy lies in front of a house in Nir Oz ahead of the first demolition of a building since the October 7 massacre, to make way for the rebuilding and renewal of the kibbutz, in December (photo credit: STOYAN NENOV/REUTERS) Weinstein Haggai was an English teacher, specializing in children with special needs. She worked with children suffering from anxiety by using meditation and mindfulness methods. She was a poet and an entrepreneur who was dedicated to working for peace and brotherhood, the kibbutz said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gadi Haggai was a sharp person, a gifted musician from the age of three, a chef, and a follower of a healthy vegan diet, the kibbutz said. Nir Oz welcomes closure of receiving bodies of hostages In a statement issued by Kibbutz Nir Oz, the Weinstein Haggai family said: We welcome the closure that we have been granted and the return for burial of our loved ones, who went out for a walk on that black Saturday morning and never came back. The family members thanked the IDF and security forces who carried out the complex rescue operation, the kibbutz said. They also thanked everyone who supported, struggled, prayed, and fought for us and for all of Israel, as well as the FBI and the US and Israeli governments. However, our hearts will not be whole until all 12 hostages from Nir Oz and all 56 hostages in total are brought back, they said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said the return of their bodies reminds us all that it is the states duty to bring everyone home so that we, the families, together with all the people of Israel, can begin the process of healing and recovery. Decision-makers must do everything necessary to reach an agreement that will return all 56 remaining hostages the living for rehabilitation and the deceased for burial. There is no need to wait another 608 agonizing days for this. The mission can be completed as early as tomorrow morning. This is what the majority of the Israeli people want. A grave is not a privilege, the forum said. A grave is a basic human right, without which personal and national recovery is impossible. Prior to the strike, the IDF issued an evacuation warning to Lebanese residents. The IDF on Thursday attacked terror targets from Hezbollah's Aerial Unit, including drone production sites and storage facilities, the military said. Prior to the strike, the IDF issued an evacuation warning to Lebanese residents. The IDF specifically targeted Al-Hadath, Haret Hreik, Burj Al-Barajneh, in the Hezbollah stronghold of Dahiyeh, and several specific buildings, IDF Arabic Spokesperson Avichay Adraee said in a post on Twitter/X. Smoke rises, following an Israeli strike on Beirut's southern suburbs, after the Israeli military issued an evacuation warning for the area, as seen from Baabda, Lebanon, June 5, 2025. (photo credit: MOHAMED AZAKIR/REUTERS) "You are located near facilities belonging to the terrorist group Hezbollah. For your safety and the safety of your families, you are required to evacuate these buildings immediately and move away from them at a distance of no less than 300 meters," he wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The military explained that the sites were "deliberately established in the heart of the civilian population in the Dahiyeh area in Beirut." "Despite the understandings between Israel and Lebanon, the IDF has identified that the Hezbollah aerial unit is operating to produce thousands of drones, with the direction and funding of Iranian terrorists," the military said in a statement. Iran recently vowed to help rebuild Lebanon Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with his Lebanese counterpart, Youssef Rajji, in Beirut this week. During the meeting, he slammed Israel for occupying part of Lebanon and said that it gives support for all efforts by Lebanons government and people to end the occupation through diplomatic or other means. An asylum judge allowed an illegal immigrant stay in Britain despite contradictory findings that his relationship with his daughter was good but had also broken down. Andrew Kungu Gichuhi, from Kenya, won his appeal to remain in the country, with a new hearing pending, after an immigration judge said Mr Gichuhi could stay in the UK because he had a genuine and subsisting relationship with his daughter, and it would not be right to expect her to leave Britain. But, later on in her judgment, she appeared to contradict her earlier comments, saying there had been a breakdown in the father-daughter relationship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the Home Office argued that her findings were irrational, an upper tribunal judge has now ruled that Mr Gichuhis claim should be heard again. The case, disclosed in court papers, is the latest example uncovered by The Telegraph in which illegal migrants or convicted foreign criminals have been able to remain in the UK or halt their deportations on human rights grounds. Irrational ruling Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, has announced plans to kerb judges powers to block deportations with new common sense rules to clarify how they interpret the Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) article eight, which provides the right to a family life. The Home Secretarys rules are also intended to strengthen the public interest test, in which courts need to be hold themselves accountable and only grant exceptions to laws with justified reasons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Gichuhi was living in the UK illegally as an unmarried partner of a British national when he applied for citizenship. The Home Office rejected his application, arguing that there were no insurmountable obstacles to family life with his partner continuing in Kenya. The Home Office said he did not have a genuine and subsisting relationship with his daughter, from a previous marriage. Mr Gichuhi appealed the decision to a lower-tier tribunal. The unnamed judge found that there was a genuine and subsisting parental relationship between Gichuhi and his daughter, who could not reasonably be expected to leave the United Kingdom. But later in the judgment, she said the relationship was broken down and that there was no contact between the Mr Gichuhi and his daughter. In the appeal against the irrational finding, the Home Office said a relationship could not be both genuine and subsisting and broken down. It added the judge had also been speculating about the possibility of future contact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those representing Mr Gichuhi argued that the judge had been entitled to find that the relationship was subsisting, because he sent 100 a month to his daughters bank account. They said he sent the money on an entirely voluntary basis, and his daughter had not returned the money. However, while they argued that a relationship could be genuine and subsisting in the absence of contact, they accepted that subsisting was the antithesis of broken down. For this reason, Mr Gichuhis lawyers accepted that the judges position was at least contradictory and she had not explained how the contradictory positions were reconciled. Upper Tribunal Judges Adrian Seelhoff and Sean OBrien concluded: Consequently, the judges finding at that [Mr Gichuhis] relationship with his daughter had broken down is inconsistent with her finding later in that paragraph that it was subsisting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No attempt had been made to reconcile these contradictory findings. It follows that the judges decision involved the making of an error of law. They ruled that the case must be reheard afresh by another judge. 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. SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTVO) A bill that would legally allow doctors to prescribe fatal doses of medication to terminally ill patients has stalled in the Illinois Senate. Senate Bill 1950 was introduced as sanitary food preparation legislation, but contained the End of Life Options Act, which would give a mentally sound adult with six months or less to live the option to get medication to die peacefully with the help of a prescription. Under the bill, a physician must first provide information about comfort care, palliative care, and pain control, and the patient must be able to self-ingest the medication. They would have to make two oral requests and a written request, and the request must be witnessed by two people who attest that the patient is acting voluntarily and with a sound mind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This legislation will also require doctors to talk about all end-of-life care options, including medical aid in dying. Life insurance payments cannot be denied to the families of those who use the law. The Illinois House passed the measure, but it did not clear the Senate before the end of the spring legislative session. The Catholic Diocese of Rockford was among the groups opposing the act, with Bishop David Malloy saying, In states with legalized suicide, there are documented cases of insurance companies refusing to pay for the necessary care of the terminally ill while at the same time, they will cover the small cost of the drugs resulting in the end of life. Malloy also quoted the American Medical Association as saying, Physician-assisted suicide is fundamentally incompatible with the physicians role as healer, would be difficult or impossible to control, and would provide serious societal risks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. William Dalton had never faced eviction until a series of bad events struck last year: His mom died, his relationship with the mother of his now 5-year-old daughter ended and his car was totaled. He fell behind on the rent for his two-bedroom apartment in the New City neighborhood. It caused him anxiety every day, he said, after receiving the eviction notice a couple of months later. He didnt know where he would go if he lost his apartment, the home where his daughter was born. It was a lot on me, said Dalton, who works in education. It is very hard to concentrate on things you need to get done, especially when you have a little one depending on you. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a move that has brought him great relief, Dalton was able to keep the roof over his head, where he has lived for five years, thanks to $10,000 from Illinois rental assistance program. Once everything was settled, it was like I could actually start living life again, he said. And it is very important for my daughter to see. I tried my best to mask it, but Im pretty sure she picked up on it. After its inaugural year as a state-funded effort, Illinois court-based rental assistance program for tenants like Dalton struggling to pay rent and their landlords will stop accepting applications Friday and will see a third of its funds wiped away in the 2026 fiscal year that begins July 1. The reduction comes after the state grappled with serious fiscal challenges when balancing its budget this year, issues exacerbated by a federal government focused on axing spending. State lawmakers cut spending in various areas beyond housing as well. Dalton is one of 7,129 renters who has received assistance this fiscal year from the state program. The state housing authoritys goal was to assist 8,900 households through the new program but will likely see closer to 8,000 households supported, said Illinois Housing Development Authority Executive Director Kristin Faust in an interview with the Tribune. The state agency administers the rental assistance program. Faust said the 8,900 number was based on an authority projection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We had hoped it would take us to the very end of the fiscal year because we always want to be able to meet all the need, Faust said. The need was even greater than we expected. So far, Faust said about $58 million in aid has been distributed to tenants and landlords, with thousands more applications yet to be processed and a small portion of the funds kept for administrative fees. The state program was previously funded by federal aid distributed during the COVID-19 pandemic and focused on helping tenants experiencing COVID-19-related hardships and at risk of eviction. At its height, the program provided up to $25,000 in rental assistance to cover up to 15 months of past-due rent and up to three months of future rent. Rental assistance programs became widespread during the pandemic to aid the millions of renters who were struggling to pay their rent on time across the country after many lost their jobs and got sick. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Illinois allocated $75 million in state funding to continue to provide rental assistance to tenants and their landlords for fiscal year 2025. Unlike many other states and municipalities, Illinois made a significant allocation of dollars to continue the program. For fiscal year 2026, the state has appropriated $50 million. The next iteration of the program is expected to begin accepting applications in August, Faust said. We think it is overall a positive sign that the state in a difficult budget climate is continuing to invest in the program, said Bob Glaves, executive director of the Chicago Bar Foundation, which manages the state eviction diversion program. Faust agreed, calling the program a very positive lesson learned out of COVID. The court-based rental assistance program is just one aspect of the states eviction diversion program, known formally as the Early Resolution Program. Tenants and small landlords can also receive legal aid to help settle eviction cases before they go to trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the state-funded rental assistance program for the 2025 fiscal year, households facing eviction can receive up to $15,000 in rental assistance, which can pay past-due rent, up to $500 in court costs and up to two months of future rent, according to the state housing authority. Next fiscal years program will see the maximum amount of aid reduced to $10,000, with a raise to $700 for eligible court costs coverage. Faust said this decision was made based on data from this years program and conversations with legal aid, tenants and landlords. The authority estimates about 6,500 households will be able to receive assistance. We are feeling that we will be able to meet the majority of needs with this new dollar amount, Faust said, and then also try to keep the program going for as long as possible for the next fiscal year. Some of the data considered was the average amount of assistance doled out so far this fiscal year, which has been around $8,260, or eight months of rent. And 39% of aided households are extremely low income, earning less than $36,000 a year for a household of four, the state said. Eligible tenants have to make 80% or less of the area median income and do not have to be facing a COVID-19-related hardship. For a household of four, the area median income for much of the last fiscal year in Chicago was $89,700, according to the Chicago Department of Housing. For the next round of assistance, the state said tenants will be ineligible if they have received aid in the last 18 months. Renters do not have to prove their citizenship status and must have an active eviction case due to nonpayment of rent to qualify. Housing providers are not allowed to evict tenants during the grants coverage period for nonpayment of rent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And for tenants whose landlords are unwilling to participate in the program, the state offers up to two months of future rent payments to help them find a new place to live. Renters in Chicago and Cook County maintain the right to stay in their homes if they pay their debts in full to their landlord at any time before an official eviction order is filed. Related Articles There will be less money available for those in need of rental assistance, but Chicagos rent prices are showing no signs of easing. In May, rents in Chicago increased 2% compared with 0.4% nationally, which was the second-fastest month-over-month rent growth of the nations largest 100 cities, according to Apartment List. The citys year-over-year rent growth stands at 5%, landing it in fourth place for fastest growth among the nations largest 100 cities. The rental assistance program dollars are a piece of the states roughly $263.7 million Home Illinois budget an initiative aimed at preventing and ending homelessness for the coming fiscal year. The Home Illinois budget saw an overall decrease in its pot of funds of approximately $26.6 million, according to state budget documents. The same documents show that the Home Illinois funds were significantly underused in the 2024 fiscal year, but the Illinois Department of Human Services said this is because it was a start-up year for multiple programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are also separate rental assistance dollars allocated to other state programs, the state said, with $89.5 million total (including the $50 million court-based program) earmarked to support those efforts this coming fiscal year. For the 2025 fiscal year, the number spent is estimated at $130 million. The reduction in funds this coming fiscal year hit as area housing groups who rely on city, state and federal dollars are already struggling to provide subsidized housing to some of the lowest income residents in the state as they are facing multimillion-dollar budget shortfalls. Gov. JB Pritzker highlighted housing affordability as a key issue in his State of the State speech in February. Still, some of the most ambitious proposals that legislators introduced on the topic didnt pass out of the General Assembly. Bob Palmer, policy director for Housing Action Illinois, a group advocating for an increase in affordable housing in the state, said that while he is thankful to see the state committing serious dollars to Home Illinois even in challenging budget times, the government has to find a way to increase funding for the initiative every year if it wants to accomplish the initiatives goal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ending homelessness and making sure everyone has a safe and decent place to live should be one of the highest priorities, and the budget that passed doesnt reflect that, Palmer said. Through April of this year, about 8,280 residential evictions were filed, according to the most recently available data from the Circuit Court of Cook County. Eviction filings in Cook County have been at pre-pandemic levels since 2022. Enforced evictions those carried out by the sheriffs office under a court order at residential rental properties caught up to 2019 levels for the first year in 2023. Most evictions in the city typically take place on the South and West sides in majority Black and Latino communities, trends that line up with national data showing racial minorities are more likely to face eviction. The pandemic disproportionately affected racial minorities, who were more likely to experience hardships such as job loss and illness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Landlords and their attorneys have said that sometimes rental assistance ends up being a Band-Aid fix, with housing providers having to evict their residents even after they have received aid. As an owner of five buildings with a total of 17 apartments, primarily in the Washington Park neighborhood, Gene Lee has received rental assistance for two tenants when the program was federally funded. In those cases, Lee said the renters had worked for Chicago Public Schools and their work hours were cut during the pandemic. For tenants who are communicative and experiencing short-term financial hardships such as those two CPS workers, the rental assistance program is effective, Lee said. Now, as the program faces a funding cut and rising rent costs are eating into households budgets, Lee said housing providers like himself will be put in a tough position if there is not enough assistance available for some tenants in need. If those (rental assistance) resources become a little bit limited, it puts pressure on us, said Lee, who runs TLG Development and works at LinkedIn. Do we make an economic decision to try to evict this tenant and find someone else, or do you try to have a heart for someone who just needs a place and falls on hard times? To apply for the Illinois Court-Based Rental Assistance Program, go to https://www.illinoishousinghelp.org/cbrap. Tribune reporter Olivia Olander contributed. ekane@chicagotribune.com This is a free article for Diddy on Trial newsletter subscribers. Sign up to get exclusive reporting and analysis throughout Sean Combs federal trial. Bryana Bongolan, a friend of Diddys former girlfriend Casandra Ventura, testified today to a terrifying moment involving the music mogul in September 2016. Bongolan said she was sleeping on the couch at Venturas 17th-floor Los Angeles apartment when Diddy banged on the door. She went out to the balcony to smoke marijuana, and Diddy, who had gotten inside, came behind me and lifted me up and had me on top of the rail, she testified. He held her for about 10 to 15 seconds, she said, and for a second, I thought I was going to fall. She said Diddy was yelling at her and she didnt know why. Cassie Ventura's friend Bryana Bongolan demonstrates how she said Sean "Diddy" Combs lifted her over the balcony of a 17th floor apartment, during Combs' sex trafficking trial in New York City today. (Jane Rosenberg / Reuters) Heres what else to know about todays testimony: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bongolan testified that while upset, Diddy once threw a knife in Venturas direction, and she threw it back; both their throws missed. In another interaction, Bongolan said, Diddy allegedly told her something along the lines of, I am the devil and I can kill you. She testified that Diddy had taken cocaine at the time he made the comments. During cross-examination, defense lawyer Nicole Westmoreland tried to discredit Bongolans memory of the alleged dangling incident. Bongolan answered, I dont remember, multiple times when challenged. The government also called Frank Piazza, a forensic video expert, who testified about the authenticity of the hotel security video of Diddy assaulting Ventura in March 2016 as well as related cellphone videos. The hotel video, which has been central to the prosecutions case, was not altered, according to Piazza. The view from inside By Adam Reiss and Jing Feng Diddy watched the jury closely when they first took their seats. He was also attentive when it came to the testimony. Much of today was spent looking at security footage and cellphone videos, and he peered at the monitor in front of him. Forensic video expert Frank Piazza testifies about the time stamps on security footage of the 2016 InterContinental Hotel altercation during Sean "Diddy" Combs' sex trafficking trial in New York. (Jane Rosenberg / Reuters) Piazzas testimony going over the videos may have seemed technical, but the long stretch spent looking at Diddy assaulting Ventura could also have a cumulative effect on the jury. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In other news: Diddys lawyers complained to Judge Arun Subramanian that although Diddy has 300 minutes for phone calls, for some reason, he cant get in touch with lawyers at night. Defense lawyer Xavier Donaldson called it unacceptable. Subramanian said he would reach out to the jail and see what could be done. Analysis: Is the video relevant? By Danny Cevallos The last two days have featured testimony about the 2016 hotel beating video. The government first called a hotel security officer who testified that Diddy paid $100,000 in cash in a brown paper bag in exchange for the video. Today, prosecutors called a forensic video expert, who narrated the events on screen, frame by frame. So why is the video relevant if Diddy was not charged with the assault that was recorded? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The defense tried mightily to exclude the video, arguing, in part, that any relevance was outweighed by the prejudicial effect. It lost. How the video fits into the governments theory of the case appears to be this: Prosecutors allege the drug-fueled sexual encounters known as freak offs constituted commercial sex acts (for purposes of sex trafficking). The video shows Diddy using force or coercion one of the necessary elements of sex trafficking to prevent Ventura from escaping a freak off, as she said during her testimony. The cash payment to hotel security is then an effort to conceal that conduct. Plus, racketeering charges are often about a boss corrupting his own company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finally, the government is very skilled at finding a way to introduce the most devastating evidence against a defendant which it's done here. Whats next Tomorrow: The defense plans to continue cross-examining Bongolan as court resumes later than usual. Also, a Diddy accuser who will go by the pseudonym Jane is expected to begin multiple days of testimony. Jane, who was identified as Victim-2 in the prosecutions indictment, was allegedly engaged in commercial sex acts as a result of force, fraud or coercion. PSA: Every night during Diddys trial, NBCs Dateline will drop special episodes of the True Crime Weekly podcast to get you up to speed. Dateline correspondent Andrea Canning chats with NBC News Chloe Melas and special guests right in front of the courthouse. Listen here. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com By Maya Gebeily BEIRUT (Reuters) -Lebanon has made progress on reforms needed to revive its economy but still has key steps to take and will need external funding on concessional terms, the International Monetary Fund said on Thursday after a week of meetings in Beirut. Lebanon's economy went into a tailspin in late 2019, prompted by decades of profligate spending by the country's ruling elite. Reforms required to access IMF funding were repeatedly derailed by political and private interests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lebanon's new president and prime minister, both of whom took office in early 2025, pledged to prioritise reforms and secure an IMF financing agreement - but the country now faces additional needs with the widespread destruction and displacement caused by Israel's military campaign last year. "The authorities have made some progress recently, including the amendment of the Bank Secrecy Law and submission of a new bank resolution law to Parliament," the IMF's Lebanon mission chief Ramirez Rigo said in a written statement. Rigo said his mission held "productive discussions" with Lebanese officials, including on restoring the viability of the banking sector, fiscal and debt sustainability and enhancing anti-money laundering and terrorism financing measures. He said Lebanon's medium-term fiscal framework should support the restructuring of Eurobond debts, which Lebanon defaulted on in 2020, leading to a sovereign default on its $31 billion of outstanding international bonds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Given Lebanon's substantial reconstruction needs, limited fiscal space and lack of capacity to borrow, the country will require significant support from external partners on highly concessional terms," the IMF statement said. The World Bank estimated Lebanon's recovery and reconstruction needs following Israel's military campaign at $11 billion. But the U.S. has said it opposes any reconstruction funds to Lebanon until Hezbollah - the Iran-backed Lebanese armed group that fought Israel last year - is disarmed. (Reporting by Maya GebeilyEditing by Gareth Jones) Local and national immigrant advocates expressed concern and uncertainty about President Donald Trump's newly instituted ban on travel to the U.S. from 19 countries and how it could impact Milwaukee-area families waiting to reunite with relatives abroad. The ban is a new take on the so-called "Muslim travel ban" from Trump's first administration, a prominent policy that faced legal challenges and went through several iterations before it was upheld by the Supreme Court. Former President Joe Biden tossed it out when he took office. Set to take effect Monday, the order bars travel from 12 countries and enacts partial restrictions on seven other countries. This time, some, but not all, have Muslim-majority populations. And there are some exceptions for certain people, such as people who are legal U.S. residents; Iranians from persecuted ethnic or religious minorities; and people with immediate American family members who have applied for visas connected to their relatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Milwaukee is a hub for immigrants, refugees and students from a number of the countries included in the ban, including Myanmar, Laos, Afghanistan and Iran. The order will likely delay reunions between local residents and relatives abroad who were trying to join their families in the U.S., said Sheila Badwan, executive director of the Hanan Refugees Relief Group, a refugee resettlement agency. Badwan thought of single Afghan mothers in Milwaukee who have been waiting for their husbands to join them, and former Afghan soldiers who have been separated from their wives and children since the Taliban took over. While the order has an exception for Afghans who worked with U.S. forces and are Special Immigrant Visa holders, many others trying to join family do not have those SIVs in hand. The federal refugee resettlement program has been halted since Jan. 20, Trump's first day in office. An executive order said the stoppage was supposed to be reviewed within 90 days, but no review has been produced, the program has not restarted, and tens of thousands of people approved to resettle before the executive order have not arrived. The new travel ban means people can expect even more delays, Badwan said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Emotions are high right now," Badwan said. "It's definitely devastating." In a proclamation signed June 4, Trump cited "national security risks" posed by citizens of the targeted nations as a reason for the new ban. "Nationals of some countries also pose significant risks of overstaying their visas in the United States, which increases burdens on immigration and law enforcement components of the United States, and often exacerbates other risks related to national security and public safety," Trump wrote in a proclamation. Sheila Badwan is the executive director of Hanan Refugees Relief Group in Milwaukee. Mark Hetfield, president of national refugee resettlement group HIAS, originally the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, said the Trump administration's method of choosing the countries based on their rate of how many people overstay temporary visas "makes absolutely no sense" and likely will be challenged in court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The rationale is irrational," he said. "They're having blanket bans on immigrant visas based on nonimmigrant overstays." Milwaukee is home to immigrants from banned countries One country with a total ban is Myanmar, or Burma. Milwaukee is believed to be home to one of the largest populations of Burmese refugees in the U.S., including several persecuted ethnic minorities, including the Rohingya, who are Muslim, as well as the Chin, Karen and Karenni, who may practice Christianity, Buddhism or folk religions. Mohamed Anwar and Andrew Trumbull, who co-founded the Burmese Rohingya Community of Wisconsin, said they are grateful that many in the Rohingya community have been able to resettle in the U.S. and hope that can continue. We don't think Burmese refugees are a particular risk to the US agenda," the co-founders said in an emailed statement to the Journal Sentinel. "We are peaceful and hardworking people, very grateful to be here, to become American citizens where before we were not citizens of any nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wisconsin also has the third-largest Hmong population in the country. Many of the first Hmong refugees to the state fled Laos after helping the American military during the Vietnam War. Lo Neng Kiatoukaysy, executive director at the Hmong American Friendship Association, said the travel ban would make it more difficult to visit family and limit opportunities for cultural exchange and education. Our great grandma and grandpa, they were in the same shoes as many of the immigrants here today, he said. And what if this happened when they came to America back then? They would not want to have the same fear, the same intense feeling, this isolation that were experiencing right now. More: ICE orders Milwaukee teacher's aide Yessenia Ruano to leave US, fly to El Salvador in days Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over half of the banned or restricted countries are African. Esther Ama S. Ptak, executive director at the African Center for Community Development in Madison, said the ban will prevent people from seeking safety and cause extended family separation for those living in different countries. "The travel ban only adds to global injustice and does nothing to help nationals from the banned countries and the U.S., Ptak said. International students, a particular target of the Trump administration in recent months, could also be affected by the travel ban. Iranians made up the fourth-largest international student contingent at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in fall 2024, according to university data, with 61 students. At UW-Madison, there were 57 Iranian students last semester. People who have valid visas should not be affected by the ban, the National Iranian American Council said in an informational document. But the organization urged caution for people who haven't yet arrived in the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Some number of Iranian nationals have continued to receive visas in the opening months of 2025 and may not yet have entered the United States. While the order states these visas should be valid, experience tells us that this does not guarantee there will not be complications attempting to enter the U.S. particularly amid the rollout of this order," the council said. UW-Madison's International Student Services said it is reviewing the details of the travel ban. In a statement, they advised those from affected countries to seriously reconsider any travel plans outside of the U.S. Beyond affecting travel to and from the U.S., the ban tells Muslim families that "their faith makes them suspect," and it fuels fear in Muslim-American communities, said Fauzia Qureshi, executive director of the Wisconsin Muslim Civic Alliance. "A reinstatement of the travel ban sends a chilling message," she said, adding: "Policies like this make people feel alienated from the very country they contribute to." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hetfield, president of HIAS, said the Trump administration changed its strategy this time by adding other countries including some in Latin America, Africa and southeast Asia as courts ruled it was not legal to ban Muslims specifically. "They dressed it up, they put lipstick on it," he said, but ultimately, "it's a way to prevent Brown people from coming to this country." (This article has been updated to include new information and to add a photo gallery.) This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Trump travel ban adds to uncertainty for Milwaukee immigrant families A Milford High School student who was detained by ICE during a recent traffic stop is slated to face a judge in immigration court in Chelmsford. Marcelo Gomes Da Silvas court appearance will come after ICE filed a petition to move the 18-year-old to the Wyatt facility in Rhode Island, which was denied by a federal judge on Wednesday. The filing states that immigration authorities have not been able to secure a bed at the Burlington, Massachusetts, facility where Gomes Da Silva is currently being held. Gomes Da Silvas lawyer, Robin Nice, warned that this could affect his scheduled hearing at immigration court and violates his due process rights. Marcelo Gomes da Silvia was on his way to volleyball practice on Saturday when immigration officers detained him, but they say they were looking for his father, Joao Paulo Gomes Pereira. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ICE officials have alleged that he is wanted for speeding 100 miles an hour through residential areas. Marcelo was driving his fathers car when he was pulled over. When we go out into the community, and we find others who are unlawfully here, we are going to arrest them. Weve been completely transparent with that. Hes 18 years old, he is unlawfully in this country, said Patricia Hyde, Field Office Director of ICE Enforcement. Nice argued that while the student-athlete doesnt have current lawful status, he did enter the country lawfully. He doesnt have current lawful status right now, but he did enter lawfully, he has no criminal record, so it does not, his situation does not at all fit into the narrative that ICE is putting out there that only criminals are being targeted, Nice said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boston 25 News found one record in the courts of a citation issued for Gomes Pereira in July of 2023 court records show Milford Police cited him for failing to yield to a stop sign and driving with a revoked license as a habitual traffic offender. Sources familiar with his driving record tell 25 Investigates that he has had 16 driving-related citations since 2014. The teens mother and father are desperate for their son to return home soon. I love Marcelo, we need Marcelo back home. Its no family without him. We love America, please bring my son back, his father said in a video message. A family spokesperson said Marcelo Gomes da Silvia has been transferred to a Plymouth ICE facility and that there are concerns about his health because he hasnt been eating and has been sleeping on the floor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Milford Police Chief Robert Tusino says the department was not involved in this operation. I am not accusing any agency of doing anything wrong, I am just saying were a small community and I think these things come better if the local police can run the investigation because we know the players, we know the people, said Tusino. The immigration hearing is scheduled for 1 p.m. A rally in support of Marcelo Gomes da Silvia is set to be held at 3 p.m. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Donald Trumps press secretary was confident she had the BBC bang to rights. Responding to a question about the shooting of civilians at the new US-backed aid distribution centres in southern Gaza, Karoline Leavitt accused the BBC of misreporting the story. Her evidence was a list of different headlines for the same story, which she then read out. Israeli tank kills 26. Israeli tank kills 21. Israeli gunfire kills 31. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In case there was any doubt about her opinion of Britains national broadcaster, Ms Leavitt presaged her remarks with: Unfortunately, unlike some in the media, we dont take the word of Hamas as total truth. BBC Gaza headlines - with images Behind closed doors in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, fists will have punched the air. Israels reputation managers have had a battering in the past few days, with allegations of three shootings of civilians by the IDF near the already controversial new aid stations. It has threatened to discredit entirely the current phase of its military operation to flush out Hamas. What is currently happening in the 25-by-6-mile pocket of land in the corner of the Levant is arguably the most acute military and humanitarian situation in the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But trusted information here is scarce. Israel banned independent journalists from entering the Strip straight after the October 7 Hamas massacre. The world now relies on highly polarised and often competing statements from both sides of the divide. And when they cannot be trusted, there is a network of local on-the-ground reporters living under continuous bombings. They are serially displaced people who are out of contact for hours a day. What happened? Some of those Gazan reporters on the ground have helped The Telegraph piece together what happened in the latest deadly incident when hungry Palestinians attempted to reach heavily guarded aid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mervat Zidan, a 20-year-old woman, told us how she ventured from the tent where she lives towards the site with her mother at 4am on Tuesday in the hope of getting food. When we reached the area of the Muawiya mosqueheavy shooting started, she said. It was not clear where from. We lay down in the street, trying to escape the bullets. As soon as my mother raised her head, she was shot in the middle of her head and fell to the ground. No one could try to help us. Everyone was trying to escape. Mervat, who lost her brother in January 2024, also said she saw snipers in a nearby tall building the only one still standing in the neighbourhood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She says there was also shelling by the IDF. Later in the day, she found her mother, Reem Salmah Al-Akhras, in the mortuary of the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, which said it had received 27 bodies from an Israeli shooting. Palestinians in mourning as the death toll continues to rise in the Gaza Strip - AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana That facility, ultimately, comes under the control of Hamas. However, the International Committee of the Red Cross does not, and it said it sent over the 27 corpses to Nasser. Nineteen of them had been dead on arrival at their field hospital and eight subsequently died of their wounds. There is no confirmation of how these people died or where and by whom they were shot. Israel said its troops fired warning shots at Palestinians walking the wrong way, and when these didnt work, they fired near the civilians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas has publicly warned citizens not to collect aid. The Telegraph has found no evidence that it killed civilians in this incident. A patient receives treatment at the Nasser Hospital on Tuesday - AFP The picture, as ever, remains incomplete. Another witness of the shootings corroborated what Mervat saw. Our reporters also spoke to Saeed Al-Feri, a 35-year-old from Beit Lahia in the north of the Strip, who had spent four days trying to get to the aid centre in the south, braving bandits, walking for miles, and finally reaching it on Tuesday. Suddenly, shooting and artillery shells began, he said. Whoever was injured had no one to rescue. Everyone was rushing to get aid and a shell was fired at us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A quadcopter [drone] came and ordered us over a loudspeaker to retreat. In recent days, the use of quadcopters and artillery, as well as the general allegations of shooting, have been corroborated by other reporters and witnesses. They are believed to be weapons only Israel has access to. A 29-year-old called Musaa from Khan Younis, who spoke to a different local colleague, described the use of quadcopters and artillery at Sundays incident. The full, unvarnished truth about what happened at the aid centres may never be known. Verified footage from Tuesday is hard to find. As usual, there is no shortage of people saying that this is because the whole thing is fabricated. The war of information Unverified photographs and videos from social media typically fill the vacuum when facts are scarce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They run parallel with statements from officials often linked to Hamas and, of course, the IDF, Israels military. Independent organisations and charities inside Gaza have slowly been vanishing as the war in the Strip has become more violent. Some have also been blocked by Israel, or excluded from aid distribution. Palestinians line up to fill their containers with water. Aid distribution is a major issue in the Strip - Omar Al-Qattaa/AFP via Getty Online misinformation, especially early after an incident takes place, is persistent and aggressive, and the statements of on-the-ground players routinely contradict each other. Take air strikes, for example. The IDF says it targets terrorist command centres. The civilian casualty figures are often published quickly by the health ministry in Gaza, which is ultimately under Hamas control. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is often no way for local reporters or aid workers to reach the bomb site. However, the BBCs network is wide and the organisation cites trusted sources in the Strip without stating who they are when it produces fast news reports. It also publishes clarifications. The BBC has entirely rejected Ms Leavitts criticism, claiming its story and headline from Sundays shooting were updated throughout the day with the latest fatality figures as they came in from various sources. They were always clearly attributed this is totally normal practice on any fast-moving news story, a spokesman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The outlet has certainly come in for some fair criticism since the start of the war such as misreporting an alleged hospital bombing in the early days. Last month, the Today programme reported a claim by Tom Fletcher, the UNs humanitarian chief, that 14,000 babies in Gaza could die within 48 hours. The corporation later issued a correction when it emerged the figure was an estimate for the number of children at risk of severe malnutrition by March next year. The practice of updating headlines and the wording of stories as the day goes on is not unique to the BBC. However, the reporting of Sundays attack included one disappearing headline referring to Israeli tanks. This has not yet been confirmed. The propaganda problem Israel, as well as some Western analysts, have also argued that Hamas persistently inflates mortality figures, partly by failing to distinguish between combatants and civilians. The terrorist army has a well-oiled propaganda machine. And there have been widespread allegations about their use of fake news to try to deter ordinary Gazans from accessing the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) aid hubs. It proves extremely difficult to extract information when on-the-ground reporters are living under continuous bombings - Jehad Alshrafi/AP The fingerprints of Hamas or their supporters can often be traced to examples of misattribution involving some, although not all, of the most heartbreaking and bloody videos. Israel also tries to control the narrative in its own way. Under Benjamin Netanyahus government, ministers brand allegations of IDF wrongdoing as lies, even when they are later acknowledged to be true. Foreign powers, including key allies, who question the conduct of the ongoing war are accused of siding with Hamas. On Sunday, government aides circulated to foreign media a video appearing to show a Hamas gunman murdering a civilian who was carrying a bag of flour. Credit: IDF It appeared to be an attempt to suggest that the terror group was responsible for the disorder and bloodshed at the GHF distribution sites. But the incident portrayed in the video turned out to have nothing to do with it. It is unlikely that many in Gaza will have noticed Tuesdays noises about BBC reporting in the White House press room. Having been deprived of aid for nearly two months, there are increasing reports of impending starvation. The row between the White House and the BBC is unlikely to help solve the situation. Credit: X What happens next? Civilians, many of whom have been displaced multiple times, are being forced south towards the already flattened city of Rafah under the current seize-and-hold military escalation of the IDF campaign to finally defeat Hamas. There, they are faced with trying to get food from centres whose wider security is provided by the IDF, a military force in one of the most hostile environments, trained to engage and not to distribute aid. At the same time, Hamas steps up its campaign of execution and torture of civilians and associated propaganda videos in an attempt to keep control of a disintegrating population. Israeli strikes continue to rain down on Gaza - Reuters/Ramadan Abed According to one civilian who spoke to The Telegraph, people are getting so desperate that it is increasingly hard to distinguish between armed gangs robbing food trucks for money, and those just hoping to feed themselves that day. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, GHF announced it was temporarily closing its aid distribution centres in order to work on better security for the sites. Unusually for Gaza, no one contradicted it. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Indiana officials previewed the first draft of a new K-12 school accountability system that will ultimately take effect in fall 2026. (Getty Images) Indiana education officials presented the first draft of a sweeping new school accountability framework Wednesday, marking a major step toward replacing the states previous A-F grading system with a model that instead values the unique skills and strengths of each student. The proposal, shared at the Indiana State Board of Educations June meeting, outlines a point-based system designed to measure a broader range of student outcomes from academic proficiency to work-based learning and attendance, as well as soft skills like communication and collaboration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The school performance model is still in development and must undergo a months-long rulemaking process that includes multiple rounds of public comment and revisions. The model no longer evaluates schools based on how well all of their students do on a single assessment. Ron Sandlin, Indiana Department of Educations chief innovation officer A final version is expected to be adopted by the state board by December. State law now requires the first round of school grades under the new system to be issued in fall 2026. This model is intentionally designed to encourage schools to support and nurture the unique skills and strengths of each student, said Ron Sandlin, Indiana Department of Educations (IDOE) chief innovation officer, who co-presented the draft. The model no longer evaluates schools based on how well all of their students do on a single assessment. Rather, it shifts, and it evaluates schools on their ability to help individual students be on track for postsecondary success. What the new model could include The shift is part of a broader effort mandated by House Enrolled Act 1498, signed into law earlier this year. The legislation, authored by Rep. Bob Behning, R-Indianapolis, requires the state education board to adopt a new school accountability model by December 2025, with implementation beginning in the 202627 school year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move follows a years-long push to update Indianas previous A-F grading system, which has been effectively suspended since 2018 amid transitions in state testing and COVID-related disruptions. During the pause, schools instead received performance report cards posted online. The cards offered data on test scores, graduation rates, attendance, and postsecondary readiness, but stopped short of assigning a single letter grade. Story continues below. 6.4.25-June-SBOE_Accountability_FINAL-1 Supporters of a revamped system, including Republican Gov. Mike Braun and key GOP lawmakers, maintain that it provides needed clarity and transparency for parents. But critics, including some Democrats and educators, have warned against oversimplifying complex school dynamics when evaluating overall performance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new system, as proposed, aligns closely with Indianas recently redesigned high school diploma and the states Graduates Prepared to Succeed (GPS) characteristics a set of five competencies state leaders say matter most to lifelong success: academic mastery, work ethic, communication and collaboration, civic and digital literacy, and career readiness. Under the draft framework, schools would earn points based on student outcomes at four key checkpoints. Each students score combines academic mastery such as ILEARN or SAT performance with additional indicators including regular attendance, completion of college-level coursework, progress in English language acquisition, and participation in work-based learning or credential programs. Ron Sandlin, Indiana Department of Educations chief innovation officer (Photo courtesy IDOE) For example, a hypothetical third-grade student who scores just below proficiency in math but passes the IREAD reading exam and maintains high attendance would earn 90 points under the proposed model compared to zero points under the current AF system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That student is on track, Sandlin said. We want to support and cultivate their interests and strengths, and this model values that. In third grade, evaluations would specifically assess essential math and literacy using ILEARN standardized test scores. Third grade reading proficiency and regular attendance rates would be factored in, too. ILEARN scores would also be used to determine academic mastery for students in grades 48. But other points could be earned for good attendance rates, for high percentages of students proficient in science and social studies, and for advanced students who take accelerated coursework before high school. By the end of ninth grade, students should have earned at least 10 high school credits. Evaluations for high schools would also factor in student participation in college and career ready coursework; proficiency on a biology-specific standardized test; PSAT scores; school attendance; and English language learner progress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Accountability points for 12th grade could additionally be earned based on SAT proficiency, and if students complete any of the following: a new diploma seal, work-based learning, or a credential of value. Like at other checkpoints, school attendance and English language learner advances would also qualify for points. Positive feedback so far and more to come Board members and school leaders largely praised the more student-centered approach at Wednesdays meeting. I think our new accountability model completes the story for students, said board member Byron Ernest. We are creating, now, an environment where we can finally tell that story, and just applaud that and encourage us to keep that. This makes our accountability truly student-driven. Its not about the school. Its about the student. The draft rule proposes awarding maximum points to high school students who graduate with an honors plus diploma seal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indiana Education Secretary Katie Jenner emphasized that those credentials now carry real currency in Indiana and can lead to automatic admission at public universities, guaranteed interviews with major employers, or advancement opportunities in the military. IDOEs Chief Strategy Officer Jacqueline Kronk noted that the model was shaped by more than a year of stakeholder feedback, including input from educators, parents, industry leaders and community members. This hasnt been altered or updated in over 10 years, and so obviously we need to think through the additive process and the change management, she said. A 30-day public comment period will begin later this summer once the draft rule is officially published. A second round of revisions is expected before the board votes on a final version in December. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have zero intention or plan (to adjust) those cut scores to make it easier on schools and kids. We want to keep that rigor and that standard high in Indiana and be very honest about where we are, Jenner said. But we want to see the full picture of each child, because so often, when you just do pass or fail you sometimes lose students in those models. We want to hear from Indiana to get this landed in the best possible spot in December, she continued. And we know well get to the best spot by humbly listening and refining. Feedback can be submitted via a QR code or online portal once the rule is published. Department officials will also host additional focus groups and public hearings this fall. This is a really good rough draft, said board member B.J. Watts. And I think, as weve shown before with the diploma work, this board listens. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX If you live in Indianapolis, there is a good chance the ground underneath your feet is sinking just very slowly. About 98 percent of the city is experiencing this phenomenon, called subsidence, according to a recent study published in the journal Nature. And Indianapolis isnt alone. Twenty-five of the 28 most populous US cities are slipping deeper into the earth. Many of these metropolises can attribute their condition to groundwater extraction, but Indianapolis is a different case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indianapoliss sinking, which the study found occurred at a rate of about 2 millimeters a year from 2015 to 2021, is probably a side effect of the last ice age, according to the study. It's likely the phenomenon has been ongoing since. Due to the sheer amount of sink, researchers warn it could alter drainage patterns and change how cities like Indianapolis construct effective stormwater management systems. How can a city start to sink? Imagine youve just plopped down on a plush memory foam mattress. Beneath your body, the foam compresses. And just to the side of your arms and legs, the foam puffs upward, buoyed by your weight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This, essentially, is what happened to Indiana during the ice age. A glacier over half a mile thick used to sit atop much of the state. Think about the weight of that, said David Lampe, the associate director of the United States Geological Surveys Ohio Kentucky Indiana Water Science Center. It actually pushed the bedrock and the land down in elevation. While some areas were smushed down, other regions experienced uplift, just like the raised foam next to the imprint of your body. When you rise from the mattress, eventually the foam will resettle. And now that the glacier has retreated, the earth is trying to recalibrate. Compressed areas rise back up, and uplifted regions experience sinking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats what Indiana is doing now. Now that the glaciers have melted, its balancing out, said Lampe. The future of flooding The study highlighted how some cities across the US are facing an increased risk to infrastructure like buildings, roads and bridges as sinking progresses. But infrastructure damage is often due to elevation change that isnt uniform. For example, if one block of downtown San Francisco is sinking faster than its neighboring block, it could create an uneven mosaic of subsidence across the city, jeopardizing roads, dams and buildings. Sinking is a big issue if its very variable, said Bryan Catlin, a surveyor with the Marion County Surveyors office. But if its happening over a larger area, then everything moves with it, and its not necessarily a crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indianapolis, luckily, is sinking mostly all at once. And because of the uniformity, the risk for infrastructure damage is low. Flood risk remains, however, said Leonard Ohenhen, a geophysicist at Columbia University who authored the study. Sinking is usually associated with an increased flood risk for coastal cities, but it can pose a threat for inland areas, too, according to the study. Indianapolis is a city that faces the periodic flooding, said Ohenhen. Even such a minute rate [of sinking], though small, can change rain patterns or can cause flooding. By pinging signals at the earth and measuring how long it takes them to return, satellites could track how far cities sank from 2015 to 2021. Indianapolis's rate two millimeters is equivalent to the thickness of a mere nickel. But every 12 to 13 years, the city will sink about an inch, which could significantly change the drainage pattern over a decade, said Ohenhen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You are moving from a moderate risk of flooding to high rates of risk of flooding, said Ohenhen. Accounting for subsidence or having subsidence driven policy changes in a city could be helpful to adapt. The DPW declined to make anyone available for comment, but Indianapolis has taken major steps to revamp flood management over the past decade. It is unclear if the city's elevation change is a factor in the stormwater management plan. IndyStar's environmental reporting project is made possible through the generous support of the nonprofit Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust. Sophie Hartley is an IndyStar environment reporter. You can reach her at sophie.hartley@indystar.com or on X at @sophienhartley. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Cities across the US are sinking, including Indianapolis. Here's why. Indianas 2024 elections sent a message to leaders that Hoosiers across the state were concerned about getting squeezed out of their homes by skyrocketing property taxes. The angst I heard talking to members of our community came, of course, with an acknowledgement that rising taxes were a result of increased home values, but a lack of transparency around home assessments and some frustration with a seemingly endless chain of school referenda made it clear that many Hoosiers were demanding relief. Heading into the 2025 legislative session, it surprised no one that this issue was front and center for lawmakers. After months of negotiations and input from residents, the Indiana General Assembly delivered one of the most significant changes to local taxation we have seen in nearly two decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No one got exactly what they wanted it would take you three minutes on social media to know that but the result is a bill that provides immediate relief to nearly every Hoosier and, when fully implemented, allows homeowners to deduct two-thirds of their assessed value to lower their property tax bill while reining in $54 billion in local government debt. A look at the Indiana Statehouse on Monday, April 14, 2025, in Indianapolis. We transformed some tax deductions into tax credits, a change that will result in lower actual tax bills for thousands of taxpayers; moved school referendums to even-year general election ballots to ensure better participation; and lowered the amount of local income taxes governments can collect by $1.9 billion. In short, while changes to tax policy can be complicated, Senate Enrolled Act 1 not only gives Hoosier homeowners tax relief today, but also moves Indiana to a fairer, simpler and more balanced local tax system in the near future. One of my goals as a state legislator is to ensure the voices of growing communities are represented in these debates. It was important that we find a balance between needed relief and the resources upon which communities like mine have come to rely, resources that represent critical investments in quality of life, amenities, infrastructure and key services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hicks: Braun cut taxes for businesses, but most Hoosiers will pay more Carmel and Westfield, the cities I represent at the Statehouse, have enjoyed forward-thinking, fiscally responsible leadership for years. The results are demonstrative. Carmel, for example, was ranked No. 2 on the list of the Best Places to Live in 2025 by Livability & U.S. News, and both communities are consistently ranked among the best in the country. Indiana, moreover, is now ranked 7th nationally for net in-migration, with the high-earning, talented individuals Indiana needs flocking to cities in Hamilton County. Thats not an accident. The strategies that Carmel and Westfield have implemented should be celebrated and enhanced by the policies coming from the Statehouse. That balance was not easy to strike and local governments and schools will, no doubt, be faced with difficult decisions in the future. But SEA 1 represents much-needed reform to a convoluted property tax system that disincentivizes these hard decisions today at taxpayers expense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even with these changes, schools in my district will receive more money from property taxes over the next three years, and the new state budget increases tuition support for students. I am proud of the work we did this session on this issue, and I am equally grateful for the perspectives, insights, and counsel shared by our incredible local leaders who helped legislators avoid harmful unintended consequences. As with any bill this complex, property tax reform will remain a topic of discussion in the General Assembly, and we will be making tweaks to the law moving forward. But SEA 1 is a strong step forward to helping homeowners while improving accountability in local government spending. State Rep. Danny Lopez, R-Carmel, represents House District 39, which includes a portion of Hamilton County. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana property tax reform delivers relief for homeowners | Opinion GOSHEN A trail marker at The Depot is meant to shed light on not only an Indigenous trade route between Fort Wayne and Chicago but also the people who traveled it. Mennonite Central Committee Great Lakes unveiled the new sign marker for the Potawatomi-Miami Trail on Friday at the Depot in Goshen. The 145-mile trail would have passed on land close to the thrift store, according to information from MCC. The Potawatomi-Miami Trail was a major trade route that stretched from the Maumee River Watershed in Fort Wayne to Lake Michigan in Chicago. The Potawatomi and Miami peoples used the route to transfer goods and visit villages throughout the region long before European explorers and settlers arrived in the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A group of volunteers is working to memorialize the history and recognize the Indigenous people of the region by creating a trail marker system along the route. The dedication ceremony was meant not just to draw attention to the trail but also the people who first called the region home. The installation of these trail markers helps us with our collective memory and honoring the people whose land we inhabit as we remember their history and their presence today, said Alicia McLeod, MCC Great Lakes peace and justice coordinator. This project goes hand-in-hand with the work of Mennonite Central Committee as we remember the harm and violence that has occurred and work towards restoration and right relationships. The trail mapping project began around 10 years ago after Luke Gascho, executive director emeritus of Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center at Goshen College, came across surveyors maps from the 1830s while researching the history of his property. He said he saw an Indigenous trail marker on the map and wanted to learn more, so he put a team together. Volunteers documented other spurs and arteries of the transportation network, and consulted with preservationists from the Miami and Potawatomi. They found that in Elkhart County, the trail runs diagonally from the northwest to the southeast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their long-term goal is to mark the route across northern Indiana as it passes through private properties and county land. In some areas paved roads follow the original trail, such as segments of U.S. 33. The first markers went up at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary in the fall of 2023. The logo on the signs combines images that have significance to the Potawatomi and Miami, including medicine wheels, sandhill cranes, strawberry plants and a turtle, according to Gascho. The sign also shows the route of the trail and a QR code that leads to a website with more information: potawatomi-miamitrail.org. The Potawatomi and Miami Trail Marker Group consulted with representatives of these tribes, who also collaborated on the name of the trail. They include the tribal historic preservation officer for Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, the executive director of the Harvard University Native American Program and former director of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Cultural Heritage Center, the tribal historic preservation officer for the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi, the director of the History and Culture Center for the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi and the curator of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Cultural Heritage Center. DENPASAR, Indonesia (AP) Indonesian authorities on the tourist island of Bali on Thursday announced the arrests of several foreign nationals, including an Australian, an Indian, and an American, on suspicion of possessing narcotics, charges that could carry the death penalty. Customs officers at Balis Ngurah Rai International Airport arrested an Indian national with the initials H.V., who was carrying a duffel bag, in the customs and excise inspection area on May 29. The officers found narcotic-related items in his belongings, authorities said. Following up on the interrogation of H.V., later that day, officers from the National Narcotics Agency of Bali Province arrested an Australian man with the initials P.R., who has been visiting Bali since 1988. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement P.R. asked H.V. to bring the duffel bag from Los Angeles to Bali, said I Made Sinar Subawa, an official from the narcotics agency, at a news conference. During a search at a house where he stayed, officers found some narcotics in the form of hashish, a cannabis concentrate product, that belonged to P.R. and had been purchased over the Telegram messaging app. The hashish was shipped from Los Angeles and Philippines before finally received in Bali, Subawa said. Officers seized 191 grams (6.7 ounces) of hashish along with some candies consisting of tetrahydrocannabinol, and 488 grams (17.2 ounces) of marijuana. Both P.R. and H.V. are now suspected of dealing in narcotics, based on the evidence that was found with them, Subawa said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement P.R. is suspected of violating Indonesia's Narcotics Law which carries the death penalty, life imprisonment, or imprisonment for a minimum of four years and a maximum of 12 years, said Subawa. Along with H.V. and P.R., the agency also arrested W.M., an American, on May 23 while he was collecting a package from a post office in Bali. An officer opened the package carried by W.M. and found seven pieces of silver packaging containing a total of 99 orange amphetamine pills and secured one white Apple iPhone brand cellphone. The agency, at a news conference in the city of Denpasar on Thursday presented the evidence, including marijuana and hashish, seized from the suspects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All suspects will undergo legal proceedings in Indonesia, including trial and sentencing. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime says Indonesia is a major drug-smuggling hub despite having some of the strictest drug laws in the world, in part because international drug syndicates target its young population. The Southeast Asian country has extremely strict drug laws, and convicted smugglers can face severe penalties, including the possibility of execution by firing squad. On Tuesday, three British nationals accused of smuggling nearly a kilogram (over two pounds) of cocaine into Indonesia were charged Tuesday in a court on Bali, while on May 27, an Australian man was arrested on suspicion of smuggling cocaine. If convicted, any or all of them could face the death penalty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About 530 people, including 96 foreigners, are on death row in Indonesia, mostly for drug-related crimes, latest figures from the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections show. Indonesias last executions, of an Indonesian and three foreigners, were carried out in July 2016. ___ Tarigan reported from Jakarta, Indonesia. President Donald Trump finally fired back at former White House adviser Elon Musk on Thursday, following a week of public bashing of Republican priorities from the billionaire CEO. During a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the White House, Trump said he was very disappointed in Elon and surprised by his comments. Trump accused Musk of suffering from Trump Derangement Syndrome and suggested that he was jealous of no longer being an Oval Office insider. Elon and I had a great relationship, Trump said. I dont know if we will anymore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reports had surfaced on Wednesday that Trump was privately furious with the tech mogul, but his remarks on Thursday were his first public comments since Musk called the presidents One Beautiful Bill Act a disgusting abomination. Trump on Elon Musk: "You saw a man who was very happy when he stood behind the Oval desk. Even with a black eye. I said, do you want a little makeup? He said, 'No, I don't think so,' which is interesting ... Elon and I had a great relationship. I don't know if we will anymore." pic.twitter.com/I1IEo1ocuS Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 5, 2025 Musk has spent the last several days targeting Trump's spending bill on his social media platform X. The Tesla head has been reposting old posts from the presidents account that criticized the rising national debt, following a Congressional Budget Office analysis that suggests the bill will add trillions to the deficit. "Where is this guy today?" Musk wondered. "Was he replaced by a body double!?" Musk took issue with the presidents assertion that his former adviser had known the content of the spending bill and was quite supportive until he realized that he would cut subsidies for electric vehicles. The Tesla CEO said he had not been shown the legislation even once, telling Trump to keep the EV incentive cuts as long as they ditch the MOUNTAIN OF DISGUSTING PORK in the bill. In a fit of pique, Musk argued that Trump would have lost the Presidential election without his significant financial contributions, accusing the president of "ingratitude" for the hundreds of millions of dollars he injected into Republican campaigns in 2024. NEED TO KNOW Ian Edard Kroe, was sentenced to 394 years to life in prison for holding a 74-year-old woman hostage for two years Kroe took control of the elderly woman's bank accounts and refused to let her go, threatening to kill her if she tried to escape Prosecutor say Kroe faked illnesses to try and delay court proceedings but he was convicted of 33 felonies related to the kidnapping and sexual assault A California man was sentenced to 394 years to life in prison for holding a 74-year-old woman, who was once his friend, captive in a hotel room for two years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, 57-year-old Ian Edard Kroe was convicted of 33 felonies for the repeated rape, torture and imprisonment of the elderly woman, according to a statement by the San Mateo County District Attorneys Office posted on X. At sentencing, the 74-year-old woman said to the court that she survived beyond all odds, after being held in multiple states over the course of two years, a statement from the district attorneys office said. Kroe became friends with the elderly woman in 2016 after his mother died and she reached out to offer her condolences. The woman and Kroes mother had been lifelong friends, the Palo Alto Daily Post reported. Kroe was living in Minnesota at the time and the 74-year-old was living in New Mexico. Kroe flew out to New Mexico and the two began a four-year road trip across the West Coast, the outlet reported, citing Belmont Police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At some point during their trip, Kroe took over the womans finances, telling her that people in New Mexico wanted to hurt her. Kroe then drained her bank accounts and refused to let her out of their hotel room, prosecutors said, per the Palo Alto Daily Post. After that, starting in August 2020, Kroe held the woman captive at a hotel in Belmont, a city in the San Francisco Bay Area. He repeatedly raped her and forced her to perform sex acts for two years, the Los Angeles Times reported. Google Prosecutors say that Kroe threatened to kill or torture the 74-year-old woman if she tried to escape, per the outlet. The woman said she wanted to go home to New Mexico, but he wouldnt let her go. San Mateo District Attorney Stephen Wagstaffe told the Los Angeles Times that this case was unlike anything he or his prosecutors had ever seen. It just started out as a friendship with the victim, he said. Then suddenly this guy turns into a beast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities say that the elderly woman had a phone but Kroe would always check it, making it difficult to contact anyone. On Aug. 20, 2022, the woman secretly messaged a friend living in Berkeley on social media and said she needed help and to call 911, the Palo Alto Daily Post reported. The information was vague, so it took police a few days to piece everything together. On Aug. 25, 2022, police found the elderly woman with Kroe in the hotel room, per the outlet who cited police. The woman was naked in bed unable to move with bruises all over her body and a broken finger. 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. Prosecutors say Kroe faked illness throughout the trial to delay the court proceedings. Leading up to the trial, Kroe said he was having a heart attack and was treated by a nurse, the local outlets reported. Although he was given pain medication, authorities say he never seemed to be having a medical emergency. For him, it was just game playing, Wagstaffe said to the Los Angeles Times. He truly does believe hes the victim." Read the original article on People The chief of the Hawaii Police Department will not step down from his post ahead of a decision by the Honolulu Police Commission about who will serve as interim chief of the Honolulu Police Department. Hawaii police Chief Ben Moszkowicz is one of two applicants for the interim position after Mayor announced HPD Chief Arthur Joe Logans retirement on Monday and strongly recommended that Moszkowicz becomes the interim chief. Moszkowicz and Thomas K. Aiu, a retired U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agent with a law degree, have applied for the interim job with the Honolulu Police Commission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blangiardi reached out to Moszkowicz on May 30 to ask if he would consider returning to HPD as its interim chief. Moszkowicz and Blangiardi spoke again Monday when Moszkowicz expressed interest in applying for the position. Blangiardi told him that he would strongly recommend him for the post but the decision was the police commissions to make. Moszkowicz told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser that there is an intergovernmental movement process that allows county and state employees to switch employers. That is what I used to move to the Hawaii Police Department in January of 2023. Whether or not that option is available depends entirely on what the Hawaii Police Commission decides, Moszkowicz said. I understand and welcome the chance to compete for the position and sent them a letter of interest for the Interim Chief job in Honolulu. On Monday, Moszkowicz sent an internal memo, obtained by the Star-Advertiser, to Hawaii police officers and civilian employees announcing he would leave the department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moszkowicz then decided not to step down and will allow the police commission process to play out in Honolulu and on Hawaii island. Blangiardi would like the office of the mayor to have authority over who hires and handles the personnel decisions for the HPD and the Honolulu Fire Department. HPD and HFD are the two city departments that rely on commissions to pick their leaders. The Board of Water Supply and the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation are semiautonomous and handle their own hiring. Blangiardi intends to introduce a charter amendment to transfer the authority from the police and fire commissions to the office of the mayor. Currently, the chief reports to the managing director, who reports to the mayor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Mayor is asking for the Office of the Mayor to be involved in the processnot necessarily himself, but the office as a whole, Scott Humber, Blangiardis communications director, told the Star-Advertiser. Were currently reviewing various models used across the country. For example, in some cities, the commission submits a list of finaliststypically three namesfor the mayors consideration. However, no decision has been made yet on which model well adopt. Ultimately, we want a process that works best for all three departments : Police, Fire, and Ocean Safety. Were still working through what that will look like. Critics of the mayors moves have raised ethical concerns that Blangiardi is bypassing the Police Commission and the city charter, leading to questions about transparency and accountability. Humber said Blangiardi is not worried about circumventing the city charter and the commission processes on Oahu and Hawaii island, because the charter amendment process will take at least 18 months and the 13th police chief will be hired by HPC. Police Commission At the Honolulu Police Commissions first meeting since Logans ouster, commissioners were barred by from discussing the police personnel drama playing out publicly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state Office of Information Practices advised the police commission that the Sunshine Law precludes the commission from discussing any matter that is not specifically on its agenda. The retirement of Chief Logan is not on the agenda, said HPC Chair Kenneth Silva, a former chief of the Honolulu Fire Department. The police commissions process to select a interim or permanent chief is not on the agenda. These matters cannot be discussed The process will be in the commissions June 18 agenda. Silva urged interested applicants to submit a confidential cover letter and resume to the commission at 1060 Richards St., Unit 170, by close of business June 13. All qualified nominees whose materials are received by the deadline will be considered, Silva said. Serving as an interim chief will not disqualify anyone from applying for the permanent position. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Logan attended Wednesdays police commission meeting with members of his uniformed command staff. Retired HPD Lt. Alexander Garcia testified before the commission Wednesday, thanked Logan for his serv ice, and wished him the very best. Im a big fan of the mayors. I think hes a great mayor Hes kind of like Frank Fasi 2.0, he gets things done. Hes a great leader. But I think in this case hes overstepped his authority Hes done a disservice to this department, Garcia said. Blangiardi was out of order in talking Logan into retiring but it is what it is, Garcia said. By bringing in that letter and going out and saying Ben is going to be the next interim chief, its mind blowing. Its just wrong, Garcia said. I know hes well intended but as they say the road to hell is paved with good intentions. And hes doing a disservice to Ben. I know Ben, Ive known him for 30 years, hes a good guy, I think he would do a good job but hes not here. You got this whole row of people here (gesturing to Logans leadership team ) who are good candidates for the next interim or permanent chief. All in this room right here and hes (Blangiardi ) bypassed them Thats the perception that we get. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Logan presented his chiefs report to the commission Wednesday but did not address his retirement. Kathleen Alina Lee, HPDs public information officer, told the Star-Advertiser that Logan would be at the meeting but he will not be answering any questions regarding his upcoming retirement at this time. Commissioner Doug Chin, a former state attorney general, lieutenant governor and city managing director, told Logan there is a lot of drama that has happened in the last five days. But I think this sends a really strong message to the department that you are still here, still briefing the commission, and talking to us about the day to day activities that are happening in the department. Your deputy chiefs are here as well, your assistant chiefs are here, said Chin, noting that Logans predecessor Susan Ballard stopped attending commission meetings after announcing her retirement. Despite whats going on outside were still functioning. I very much appreciate that. Logan responded by saying hes the chief until the day Im not the chief. That shows my love for this department, said Logan. Thomas Fugate at a Trump rally during the campaign. (Photo via Fugates Instagram account) This story was originally published by ProPublica. When Thomas Fugate graduated from college last year with a degree in politics, he celebrated in a social media post about the exciting opportunities that lay beyond campus life in Texas. Onward and upward! he wrote, with an emoji of a rocket shooting into space. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His career blastoff came quickly. A year after graduation, the 22-year-old with no apparent national security expertise is now a Department of Homeland Security official overseeing the governments main hub for terrorism prevention, including an $18 million grant program intended to help communities combat violent extremism. The White House appointed Fugate, a former Trump campaign worker who interned at the hard-right Heritage Foundation, to a Homeland Security role that was expanded to include the Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships. Known as CP3, the office has led nationwide efforts to prevent hate-fueled attacks, school shootings and other forms of targeted violence. Fugates appointment is the latest shock for an office that has been decimated since President Donald Trump returned to the White House and began remaking national security to give it a laser focus on immigration. News of the appointment has trickled out in recent weeks, raising alarm among counterterrorism researchers and nonprofit groups funded by CP3. Several said they turned to LinkedIn for intel on Fugate an unknown in their field and were stunned to see a photo of a college kid with a flag pin on his lapel posing with a sharply arched eyebrow. No threat prevention experience is listed in his employment history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Typically, people familiar with CP3 say, a candidate that green wouldnt have gotten an interview for a junior position, much less be hired to run operations. According to LinkedIn, the bulk of Fugates leadership experience comes from having served as secretary general of a Model United Nations club. Maybe hes a wunderkind. Maybe hes Doogie Howser and has everything at 21 years old, or whatever he is, to lead the office. But thats not likely the case, said one counterterrorism researcher who has worked with CP3 officials for years. It sounds like putting the intern in charge. In the past seven weeks, at least five high-profile targeted attacks have unfolded across the U.S., including a car bombing in California and the gunning down of two Israeli Embassy aides in Washington. Against this backdrop, current and former national security officials say, the Trump administrations decision to shift counterterrorism resources to immigration and leave the violence-prevention portfolio to inexperienced appointees is reckless. Were entering very dangerous territory, one longtime U.S. counterterrorism official said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fate of CP3 is one example of the fallout from deep cuts that have eliminated public health and violence-prevention initiatives across federal agencies. The once-bustling office of around 80 employees now has fewer than 20, former staffers say. Grant work stops, then restarts. One senior civil servant was reassigned to the Federal Emergency Management Agency via an email that arrived late on a Saturday. The offices mission has changed overnight, with a pivot away from focusing on domestic extremism, especially far-right movements. The terrorism category that framed the agencys work for years was abruptly expanded to include drug cartels, part of what DHS staffers call an overarching message that border security is the only mission that matters. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has largely left terrorism prevention to the states. ProPublica sent DHS a detailed list of questions about Fugates position, his lack of national security experience and the future of the departments prevention work. A senior agency official replied with a statement saying only that Fugates CP3 duties were added to his role as an aide in an Immigration & Border Security office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Due to his success, he has been temporarily given additional leadership responsibilities in the Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships office, the official wrote in an email. This is a credit to his work ethic and success on the job. ProPublica sought an interview with Fugate through DHS and the White House, but there was no response. The Trump administration rejects claims of a retreat from terrorism prevention, noting partnerships with law enforcement agencies and swift investigations of recent attacks. The notion that this single office is responsible for preventing terrorism is not only incorrect, its ignorant, spokesperson Abigail Jackson wrote in an email. Through intermediaries, ProPublica sought to speak with CP3 employees but received no reply. Talking is risky; tales abound of Homeland Security personnel undergoing lie-detector tests in leak investigations, as Secretary Kristi Noem pledged in March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Accounts of Fugates arrival and the dismantling of CP3 come from current and former Homeland Security personnel, grant recipients and terrorism-prevention advocates who work closely with the office and have at times been confidants for distraught staffers. All spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal from the Trump administration. In these circles, two main theories have emerged to explain Fugates unusual ascent. One is that the Trump administration rewarded a Gen Z campaign worker with a resume-boosting title that comes with little real power because the office is in shambles. The other is that the White House installed Fugate to oversee a pivot away from traditional counterterrorism lanes and to steer resources toward MAGA-friendly sheriffs and border security projects before eventually shuttering operations. In this scenario, Fugate was described as a minder and a babysitter. DHS did not address a ProPublica question about this characterization. Rising MAGA star The CP3 homepage boasts about the offices experts in disciplines including emergency management, counterterrorism, public health and social work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fugate brings a different qualification prized by the White House: loyalty to the president. On Instagram, Fugate traced his political awakening to nine years ago, when as a 13-year-old in a generation deprived of hope, opportunity, and happiness, I saw in one man the capacity for real and lasting change: Donald Trump. Fugate is a self-described Trumplican who interned for state lawmakers in Austin before graduating magna cum laude a year ago with a degree in politics and law from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Instagram photos and other public information from the past year chronicle his lightning-fast rise in Trump world. Starting in May 2024, photos show a newly graduated Fugate at a Texas GOP gathering launching his first campaign, a bid for a delegate spot at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. He handed out gummy candy and a flier with a photo of him in a tuxedo at Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate. Fugate won an alternate slot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The next month, he was in Florida celebrating Trumps 78th birthday with the Club 47 fan group in West Palm Beach. I truly wish I could say more about what Im doing, but more to come soon! he wrote in a caption, with a smiley emoji in sunglasses. Posts in the run-up to the election show Fugate spending several weeks in Washington, a time he called surreal and invigorating. In July, he attended the Republican convention, sporting the Texas delegations signature cowboy hat in photos with MAGA luminaries such as former Cabinet Secretary Ben Carson and then-Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.). By late summer, Fugate was posting from the campaign trail as part of Trumps advance team, pictured at one stop standing behind the candidate in a crowd of young supporters. When Trump won the election, Fugate marked the moment with an emotional post about believing in him from the very start, even to the scorn and contempt of my peers. Working alongside a dedicated, driven group of folks, we faced every challenge head-on and, together, celebrated a victorious outcome, Fugate wrote on Instagram. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In February, the White House appointed Fugate as a special assistant assigned to an immigration office at Homeland Security. He assumed leadership of CP3 last month to fill a vacancy left by previous Director Bill Braniff, an Army veteran with more than two decades of national security experience who resigned in March when the administration began cutting his staff. In his final weeks as director, Braniff had publicly defended the offices achievements, noting the dispersal of nearly $90 million since 2020 to help communities combat extremist violence. According to the offices 2024 report to Congress, in recent years CP3 grant money was used in more than 1,100 efforts to identify violent extremism at the community level and interrupt the radicalization process. CP3 is the inheritor of the primary and founding mission of DHS to prevent terrorism, Braniff wrote on LinkedIn when he announced his resignation. In conversations with colleagues, CP3 staffers have expressed shock at how little Fugate knows about the basics of his role and likened meetings with him to career counseling. DHS did not address questions about his level of experience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One grant recipient called Fugates appointment an insult to Braniff and a setback in the move toward evidence-based approaches to terrorism prevention, a field still reckoning with post-9/11 work that was unscientific and stigmatizing to Muslims. They really started to shift the conversation and shift the public thinking. It was starting to get to the root of the problem, the grantee said. Now thats all gone. Critics of Fugates appointment stress that their anger isnt directed at an aspiring politico enjoying a whirlwind entry to Washington. The problem, they say, is the administrations seemingly cavalier treatment of an office that was funding work on urgent national security concerns. The big story here is the undermining of democratic institutions, a former Homeland Security official said. Whos going to volunteer to be the next civil servant if they think their supervisor is an apparatchik? Season of attack Spring brought a burst of extremist violence, a trend analysts fear could extend into the summer given inflamed political tensions and the disarray of federal agencies tasked with monitoring threats. In April, an arson attack targeted Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, who blamed the breach on security failures. Four days later, a mass shooter stormed onto the Florida State University campus, killing two and wounding six others. The alleged attacker had espoused white supremacist views and used Hitler as a profile picture for a gaming account. Attacks continued in May with the apparent car bombing of a fertility clinic in California. The suspected assailant, the only fatality, left a screed detailing violent beliefs against life and procreation. A few days later, on May 21, a gunman allegedly radicalized by the war in Gaza killed two Israeli Embassy aides outside a Jewish museum in Washington. June opened with a firebombing attack in Colorado that wounded 12, including a Holocaust survivor, at a gathering calling for the release of Israeli hostages. The suspects charges include a federal hate crime. If attacks continue at that pace, warn current and former national security officials, cracks will begin to appear in the nations pared-down counterterrorism sector. If you cut the staff and there are major attacks that lead to a reconsideration, you cant scale up staff once theyre fired, said the U.S. counterterrorism official, who opposes the administrations shift away from prevention. Contradictory signals are coming out of Homeland Security about the future of CP3 work, especially the grant program. Staffers have told partners in the advocacy world that Fugate plans to roll out another funding cycle soon. The CP3 website still touts the program as the only federal grant solely dedicated to helping local communities develop and strengthen their capabilities against terrorism and targeted violence. But Homeland Securitys budget proposal to Congress for the next fiscal year suggests a bleaker future. The department recommended eliminating the threat-prevention grant program, explaining that it does not align with DHS priorities. The former Homeland Security official said the decision means that the department founded to prevent terrorism in the United States no longer prioritizes preventing terrorism in the United States. Kirsten Berg contributed research. All northbound lanes of Interstate 71 at Lytle Tunnel in Cincinnati have reopened after a crash, according to the Ohio Department of Transportation. A photo posted by the department shows a tractor trailer occupying two of the northbound lanes near some demolished concrete barriers. The department first announced the crash around 11:43 a.m. The crash closed I-71 for around two hours and reopened as of 1:45 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police briefly closed the Second Street ramp onto the interstate after the crash, but reopened it at 12:09 p.m. The Enquirer has reached out to Cincinnati police for more information. Traffic traveling north on Ft. Washington Way is stopped Thursday, June 4, 2025 due to Interstate 71 North being closed at the Lytle Tunnel due to a crash. This is a developing story. Check back for updates. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: I-71 north lanes in Cincinnati reopen at Lytle Tunnel after crash Police are investigating an early morning home invasion by a nude man in the Valley Village neighborhood of Los Angeles. The incident was initially reported as a burglary call around 2 a.m. Thursday at the home on the 11700 block of Otsego Street. Freelance media firm KNN reported that officers were told the man was observed touching himself in the dining room of the home. The Los Angeles Police Department has yet to confirm any details regarding the suspect or what he may have been doing in the home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Video showed a large police presence outside the residence before several officers lined up to enter through the front door. A home intruder is detained in the Valley Village neighborhood of Los Angeles on June 5, 2025. (KNN) Moments later, officers returned with the suspect, who was covered only by what appeared to be a small poncho. The unidentified man was handcuffed and placed into a patrol car. It was unclear how the man initially gained entry to the home. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. CLIVE, Iowa A bomb threat targeting a MercyOne facility in Clive on Thursday was deemed not credible by police. At around 11:39 a.m. multiple law enforcement agencies responded to a report of a bomb threat targeting the MercyOne Family Medicine facility in the 1600 block of NW 114th Street. Motorcyclist killed after being hit by semi in Floyd County identified According to the Clive Police Department, officers evacuated everyone from the building and an explosive detection K-9 from the Johnston Police Department searched the facility. Police said that no explosive devices were found inside the building and that the threat was deemed not credible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We take all threats seriously, especially those involving public facilities like MercyOne, Clive Police Chief Mark Rehberg said in a statement. Our top priority is always the safety of our community members, staff, and first responders. I would like to thank our officers, partner agencies, and MercyOne personnel for their prompt cooperation. We will continue to investigate this incident thoroughly. No additional information has been released. Metro News: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. CHICOPEE Dee Fernando, owner of Sri Lankan restaurant Island Spice, said her food truck caught fire Thursday morning while on the way to a catering event. Fernando was emotional as she relayed information to a reporter about what had happened. My cousin was driving the truck, and I was in the back when it started smoking, she said, in tears. The food truck, which has been up and running since 2022, is unusable, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This truck was more than a kitchen on wheels it was a piece of our heart and your community, a Facebook post about the fire said. Fernando said she spent thousands of dollars getting the proper equipment for the truck to protect it from fires and to make sure it was up to code. The truck started smoking while Fernando was on her way to a catering gig at the University of Massachusetts Amherst between 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m., said Stacey Podmore, a family friend. Podmore reported the claim to Island Spices insurance company and had been with the family for a few hours, sorting out next steps. Im not sure how much it will cost to replace it all, Fernando said. Podmore explained Fernando had recently purchased other new equipment and lost out on the UMass Amherst job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were no injuries in the fire. Health-wise, everyones OK, but theres devastation otherwise, Podmore said. The family has been through so much. Its just one thing after another. The brick-and-mortar Island Spice restaurant is in Chicopee center. more news from Western Massachusetts Read the original article on MassLive. JERUSALEM Israels defense export reached $14.79 billion in 2024, setting a new record at a 13% increase over the previous year, Israels Ministry of Defense announced on Wednesday. European countries were the main recipients, receiving 54% of the Israeli defense export, compared to 35% in 2023, according to data presented by the government. Asia and the Pacific Region followed with 23% of Israeli defense exports in 2024, Abraham Accords countries with 12%, North America with 9%, and Latin America and Africa 1% each. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The category of missiles, rockets and air defense systems accounted for 48% of exports, up from 36% in 2023. Satellite and space systems exports saw a leap towards 8% of 2024 deals compared to 2% in 2023. Vehicles and armored personnel carriers accounted for 9% of Israels defense export in 2024, manned aircraft and avionics for 8%, observation and optronics for 6%, intelligence, information and cyber systems for 4%, ammunition and armaments for 3%, weapon stations and launchers for 2%, C4I and communication systems for another 2%, drones and UAVs for 1%, and maritime systems and platforms for additional 1%. The announcement comes amid the Defense Ministrys directive to Israeli defense companies throughout the ongoing Israel-Gaza war to prioritize supplying the Israel Defense Forces needs over other customers. The three largest Israeli defense companies are Israel Aerospace Industries, Elbit Systems and Rafael. The companies reported record results for 2024 alongside record order backlogs, which stood at $25 billion, $22.6 billion and $17.7 billion, respectively. Israels Defense Ministry Director General, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram said: We must expand Israels defense production base to ensure continuous and sustained security readiness, even during challenging periods, while enabling greater export capacity. We will work to expand existing markets, break into new markets, and better leverage Israels unique defense-tech ecosystem. Israel's military on Thursday confirmed carrying out an attack on the courtyard of the al-Ahli hospital in the northern Gaza Strip and that it had recovered the bodies of two elderly Israelis presumed killed by Hamas. Three people were killed and others injured in the strike, according to Palestinian hospital officials. The Gaza media office of the Palestinian Islamist Hamas militia reported that the dead were three reporters working for media outlets affiliated with Islamic Jihad, a militant group. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) did not specify fatalities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The IDF stated that the attack targeted a terrorist from the Islamic Jihad who was operating from a command centre in the hospital courtyard in Gaza City. The assertions could not be independently verified. Hamas once again is using a Gaza hospital "for terrorist activity, cynically and brutally using the civilian population in the hospital and its surroundings," the IDF said in a statement. It said it took steps to mitigate harm to civilians, "including the use of precise munitions." The hospital has come under Israeli fire multiple times since the start of the Gaza war in 2023. Bodies of Israeli couple recovered Separately, the IDF said bodies identified as those of 72-year-old Gadi Haggai and his 70-year-old wife Judih Weinstein were recovered in a joint special operation with the Shin Bet domestic intelligence agency in the area of Khan Younis in southern Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he and his wife "convey our heartfelt condolences to the dear families. Our hearts grieve over this terrible loss. May their memories be blessed." A statement from the Israeli kibbutz Nir Oz, where the couple lived, said they had been brought back to the settlement and would now be buried. The family was informed of their deaths in December 2023. Israel assumes the couple were killed during the terrorist attack on October 7, 2003, when Hamas and other Palestinian militants raided southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Israeli sources, at least 20 hostages are still alive in the Gaza Strip. The remains of 33 dead hostages are believed to be in a sealed-off area which contains countless underground tunnel systems. The October 7, 2023 massacre prompted Israel to launch a large-scale war against the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip. The Hamas-controlled health authority in the territory says over 54,000 people have since been killed by Israeli attacks. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum described the return of the remains as "painful and heartbreaking," but said it alleviates uncertainty. It said "decision-makers must do everything necessary to reach an agreement" to free the remaining living hostages and return the bodies of the deceased. Gaza aid centres reopening with two new facilities Also on Thursday, aid centres run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) were to begin operating, with two additional distribution points opening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aid distribution was suspended due to "renovation work." Both centres are located in the area of Rafah in the southern part of the Palestinian coastal region, according to a statement posted on the foundation's Facebook page. The organization, supported by Israel and the United States, is bypassing the United Nations and other humanitarian initiatives and has faced criticism for endangering civilians and violating established standards of neutral aid. Israel, however, has stated that its aim is to prevent Hamas from seizing the aid supplies. In response to reports of deadly shootings at aid stations in recent days, the GHF has pledged to improve security at the distribution centres. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The foundation stated on Facebook that it is working to make the distribution of food packages as safe as possible. All Palestinians heading to the centres were strongly urged to follow the routes designated by the Israeli military. Journalists call for Gaza access In the midst of the war, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has called for immediate, independent and unrestricted access for international journalists to the Gaza Strip. At a time when there are renewed Israeli attacks on the Palestinian coastal strip and the delivery of humanitarian aid is resuming, it is crucial that Israel opens the borders to international journalists, an open letter states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letter also demands that Israel ensure the protection of local reporters in the region. RSF published the letter jointly with the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), which it said was signed by more than 100 international media outlets. Since the start of the Gaza war, only a few international journalists have been able to enter the Gaza Strip, and only when accompanied by the Israeli military. CPJ said at least 181 journalists have been killed in Gaza and Lebanon since the conflict flared again. Israel has repeatedly accused Palestinian reporters in Gaza of working for Hamas. Several media outlets in the blockaded strip are known to be close to the Islamist organization. However, some critics view the accusations against local reporters as a tactic by Israel to suppress critical reporting from the war zone. A series of Israeli strikes have targeted Beiruts southern suburbs on the eve of the Muslim Eid al-Adha holiday, almost an hour after the Israeli army issued a forced evacuation order to residents in areas that it says held underground facilities used by the Lebanese group Hezbollah for drone production. The attack on Thursday is the fourth time Israel has bombed Beirut since a ceasefire with Hezbollah went into effect in November. It has carried out assassinations and announced strikes that it said targeted Hezbollah sites. Israel has violated the ceasefire on a near-daily basis for seven months, according to the Lebanese government led by President Joseph Aoun, Arab nations and rights groups. Aoun has recently appealed to the United States and France to rein Israel in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aoun, in a statement on Thursday after the strikes, voiced firm condemnation of the Israeli aggression and flagrant violation of an international accord on the eve of a sacred religious festival. Before the attacks, Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee had ordered residents living near buildings in the neighbourhoods of Hadath, Haret Hreik and Burj al-Barajneh in the Dahiyeh suburbs to evacuate. You are next to infrastructure belonging to Hezbollah, Adraee said in a social media post, which included a map of the eight buildings being targeted in four different locations. The message in Arabic indicated that Israel would soon bomb the area. After the evacuation order, Lebanese media reported the area was nearly emptied of inhabitants, who had been preparing to celebrate Eid al-Adha. It was sealed off as warning strikes could be heard, the reports said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Wafa news agency reported that 100 housing units were destroyed in Israels strikes on southern Beirut. Smoke rises following an Israeli air strike on Dahiyeh in the southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, on Thursday [Hassan Ammar/AP Photo] Later Thursday night, Israeli strikes also targeted the southern Lebanese village of Ain Qana, according to Lebanese state media, shortly after further Israeli army evacuation warnings were issued for the area. Ain Qana is located to the east of the coastal city of Sidon. A lot of panic Al Jazeeras Zeina Khodr, reporting from Beirut in the immediate aftermath of the strikes, said, There was heavy traffic here as people were making their way out. As you can imagine, this did cause a lot of panic. This is not the first time the army has carried out air strikes in Beiruts southern suburbs since a ceasefire came into force last November, but this is the largest attack. Khodr said up to eight buildings were targeted in four densely populated neighbourhoods, adding that the magnitude of these air strikes meant all the areas residents had to flee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Analyst Rami Khouri told Al Jazeera that the attack was no surprise, as Israel has been assassinating people over the last three, four months. Theyve continued occupying five places in South Lebanon after the ceasefire agreement. The Israelis have always used military force as their main instrument to get their foes to submit to them, he said. But the irony is that it hasnt worked. It has only generated great dissent, and well have to see in Lebanon what it means Hezbollah took a hit last year, and theyre obviously regrouping, he said. We dont know exactly what theyre doing, but they are regrouping, he added. Video verified by Al Jazeeras Sanad agency showed people hurrying away after the evacuation warning: pic.twitter.com/yuqA4giy4v Al Jadeed News (@ALJADEEDNEWS) June 5, 2025 The Israeli military accused Hezbollah of manufacturing drones in the area in a blatant violation of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Hezbollah official denied that there were drone production facilities at the targeted locations. The Israeli military will work to remove any threat to the State of Israel and its citizens and prevent any attempt to reestablish the terrorist organization Hezbollah, it said. If you talk to people here, what they will tell you is that this is terrorism, said Khodr, as Israel warns people to leave in the middle of the night and on the eve of a major religious holiday. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam also issued a statement condemning the strikes. He called on the international community to deter Israel from continuing its aggressions and compel it to fully withdraw from Lebanese territory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Lebanese army on Friday condemned the attacks and said it may suspend cooperation with the committee monitoring the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire. The Israeli enemy violations of the deal and its refusal to respond to the committee is weakening the role of the committee and the army, the Lebanese army said in its statement. It said such attacks by Israel could lead the army to freeze its cooperation with the committee when it comes to searching posts. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz hailed the strikes on Beirut: We will continue to enforce the ceasefire rules without any compromises and will not allow any entity to create threats against the northern communities and all citizens of the State of Israel. The 14-month war between Israel and Hezbollah killed more than 4,000 people in Lebanon, including hundreds of civilians. The Lebanese government said in April that Israeli strikes had killed another 190 people and wounded nearly 500 since the ceasefire. The bodies of two Israeli hostages have been recovered during a military operation in the Gaza Strip, Israel said on Thursday, as aid centres tied to a controversial humanitarian foundation were set to reopen. The hostages were identified as 72-year-old Gadi Haggai and his 70-year-old wife Judih Weinstein. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: "Together with all citizens of Israel, my wife and I convey our heartfelt condolences to the dear families. Our hearts grieve over this terrible loss. May their memories be blessed." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Israeli military said that the bodies were recovered in a joint special operation with the Shin Bet domestic intelligence agency in the area of Khan Younis in southern Gaza. A statement from the Israeli kibbutz Nir Oz, where the couple lived, said they had been brought back to the settlement and would now be buried. The family was informed of their deaths in December 2023. Israel assumes the couple were killed during the terrorist attack on October 7, 2003, when Hamas and other Palestinian militants raided southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostage. According to Israeli sources, at least 20 hostages are still alive in the Gaza Strip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The remains of 33 dead hostages are believed to be in a sealed-off area which contains countless underground tunnel systems. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum described the return of the remains as "painful and heartbreaking," but said it alleviates uncertainty. It said "decision-makers must do everything necessary to reach an agreement" to free the remaining living hostages and return the bodies of the deceased. Gaza aid centres reopening with two new facilities The October 7, 2023 massacre prompted Israel to launch a large-scale war against the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The health authority in the territory says over 54,000 people have since been killed by Israeli attacks. Two weeks ago, Israel eased its blockade on aid deliveries to the strip, but the new Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) suspended aid distribution on Wednesday due to "renovation work." Aid centres were to begin operating on Thursday, with two additional distribution points opening. Both centres are located in the area of Rafah in the southern part of the Palestinian coastal region, according to a statement posted on the foundation's Facebook page. The organization, supported by Israel and the United States, is bypassing the United Nations and other humanitarian initiatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It has faced criticism for endangering civilians and violating established standards of neutral aid. Israel, however, has stated that its aim is to prevent Hamas Islamists from seizing the aid supplies. In response to reports of deadly shootings at aid stations in recent days, the GHF has pledged to improve security at the distribution centres. The foundation stated on Facebook that it is working to make the distribution of food packages as safe as possible. All Palestinians heading to the centres were strongly urged to follow the routes designated by the Israeli military. The Israeli military carried out strikes on Hezbollah drone factories in southern Lebanon and suburbs of Beirut on Thursday, as large plumes of smoke could be seen rising from the Lebanese capital. The Israeli attack marked its biggest escalation in Lebanon since the US-brokered a ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah in November. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it was striking terror targets of the Hezbollah Aerial Unit (127) in the southern Beirut suburb of Dahieh. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NNA news reported strikes from Israeli drones, saying that a series of warning strikes, numbering more than seven had targeted the citys southern suburbs. The news outlet also said that Israeli drones carried out an airstrike on the town of Ain Qana in Lebanons Iklim Tuffah region. There were no initial reports of casualties related to the strikes, the spokesperson for Lebanons Ministry of Public Health told CNN early on Friday morning. The Israeli military had previously warned of a coming strike in the area, intended to target alleged underground UAV production facilities controlled by Hezbollah. The aftermath of Israeli strikes in the Dahieh suburb of the Lebanese capital on Friday. - Hassan Ammar/AP IDF Arabic Spokesperson Avichay Adraee issued an urgent warning via social media earlier on Thursday, urging residents of Al-Hadath, Haret Hreik, and Burj Al-Barajneh, neighborhoods to immediately evacuate buildings marked in red on attached maps and adjacent structures, and to stay at least 300 meters (328 yards) away for safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A second urgent warning was issued by the Israeli military via a post on X accompanied by a satellite photo of Lebanon with highlighted zones they said showed the locations of Hezbollah sites. The warning urged residents to evacuate nearby buildings immediately and stay at least 500 meters away from them. The announcement prompted widespread panic and evacuations, according to NNA. Social media video captured Thursday night showed dozens of cars leaving neighborhoods in the citys south. The strikes were carried out as Muslims in Lebanon prepared to celebrate Eid al-Adha, known as the Feast of Sacrifice, on Friday. Most Muslims in Lebanon usually celebrate the eve of Eid which fell on Thursday evening local time. The Lebanese army warned that it could suspend its cooperation with a committee led by the United States and France to monitor the ceasefire provisions that include disarming Hezbollah. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam both condemned the Israeli strikes, with Aoun saying that they were a blatant violation of an international agreement, as well as the basic tenets of international and humanitarian laws and resolutions on the eve of an important religious occasion. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz responded to Aoun, saying: Mr. President there will be no calm in Beirut, no order and stability in Lebanon without security for the State of Israel. Agreements must be respected. If you do not do what is required we will continue to act, and with great force. Lebanons new government has vowed to disarm paramilitary groups in the country such as Hezbollah and Palestinian factions. Last week, Salam said that his government had dismantled 500 pieces of weaponry north of the Litani river in southern Lebanon. Israel previously struck the same neighborhood, a Hezbollah stronghold, in late March. A ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon had been brokered in November 2024, but strikes on southern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah militants and facilities have continued. CNNs Charbel Mallo and Lauren Izso contributed to this report For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com By Steven Scheer JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Israel's Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on Thursday condemned the country's banks that have refused to provide services to Israeli settlers sanctioned by the European Union and warned they may have to pay compensation to them. The EU last year imposed sanctions on five Israeli settlers for violence against Palestinians and Smotrich said there were reports of sanctions being considered against other settlers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in a letter to the banking supervisor, he said Israeli banks should not follow a "zero risk" policy since it leads to the abandonment of Israeli clients "under the guise of compliance with foreign sanctions." In a statement quoting his letter to the regulator, Smotrich called on banks to use their legal, economic, and international strength to fight "unjust sanctions". "The banks enormous profits enable them to take measured risks on behalf of their clients especially when it comes to a national moral injustice," Smotrich, who leads the far-right Religious Zionism party, said. Should banks continue to comply with sanctions and harm clients, Smotrich said he intended to promote immediate legislation that would require banks to pay substantial compensation to affected customers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also intends to require the Bank of Israel itself to offer banking services to citizens targeted by sanctions. Responding to the letter, the Bank of Israel said that while banks must comply with international sanctions to avoid an array of risks, a draft directive it published on Thursday aimed to ensure appropriate banking services were available for the affected customers. "Circumventing foreign sanctions regimes through the Israeli banking system exposes banking corporations to multiple risks, including compliance risks, anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing risks, legal risks, and reputational risks," the central bank said. But it said it has taken steps to comply with sanctions "without banks resorting to blanket refusals to serve such customers." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the sanctions in question concern Israeli settlers, the EU is reviewing its broad pact governing its political and economic ties with Israel in the face of mounting international pressure on Israel amid complaints about the lack of humanitarian aid reaching Gaza in the wake of the war triggered by Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023 attack. (Reporting by Steven ScheerEditing by Tomasz Janowski) German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul plans to welcome his Israeli counterpart Gideon Saar to Berlin on Thursday, with the situation in the Gaza Strip causing concern in the government in Berlin. The two foreign ministers are to pay a joint visit to Berlin's Holocaust Memorial near the Brandenburg Gate and lay a wreath at the memorial for Europe's murdered Jews. The steles of the Holocaust Memorial recall the approximately 6 million Jews murdered during the Nazi dictatorship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wadephul met Saar during his first official visit to Israel on May 11. During political talks later Thursday, the operations being conducted by the Israeli military and the catastrophic situation facing the civilian population in the Gaza Strip are likely to be discussed. Wadephul pledged further German arms deliveries to Israel during an address to parliament on Wednesday. The assistance was necessary given the terrorism Israel faced from Hamas, the Iran-backed Houthi militia in Yemen and the Hezbollah militia in Lebanon, he said. Wadephul had caused concern within the German government for earlier comments to a newspaper in which he made arms deliveries to Israel dependent on a legal evaluation of Israel's military action in the Gaza Strip. By Laila Bassam and Maya Gebeily BEIRUT (Reuters) -Israeli air strikes pummelled the southern suburbs of Lebanon's capital late on Thursday, sending thousands of people fleeing on the eve of a Muslim feast day and prompting accusations by top Lebanese officials that Israel was violating a ceasefire deal. At least 10 strikes hit Beirut's southern suburbs - a sprawling area known as Dahiyeh - in a wave of bombing that began about 90 minutes after the Israeli military issued evacuation warnings for four sites in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was the fourth time that Dahiyeh has been bombed since a U.S.-brokered truce in November ended a year-long war between Israel and Iran-backed Lebanese armed movement Hezbollah. The ceasefire says Hezbollah must pull all military equipment and fighters out of southern Lebanon and says all non-state militant groups must be disarmed across the country. The Israeli military said on Thursday that it was planning to strike "underground UAV production infrastructure sites that were deliberately established in the heart of civilian population" in Dahiyeh. It said Hezbollah was producing thousands of drones there, "with the direction and funding of Iranian terrorists." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was no immediate comment from Hezbollah, which in the past has denied placing military infrastructure in civilian areas. A Lebanese security source told Reuters that Lebanon's army had received a notice earlier on Thursday that military equipment was being stored in one area in Dahiyeh. After visiting the site, the army determined there was no such military equipment stored there. "Then, the Israeli military put out their warning. The army tried to enter Dahiyeh again to search again and prevent the strikes, but Israeli warning strikes blocked the troops from entering the area," the source said. The strikes sent thick plumes of smoke billowing over the district until midnight, according to Reuters footage. Thousands fled, causing traffic gridlock. Most ended up fleeing on foot to relatives' homes, and others stayed out in the streets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israeli strikes also hit the southern Lebanese village of Ain Qana, according to Lebanese state media, shortly after evacuation warnings were issued for the area. The attacks occurred as the Muslim holiday Eid Al-Adha was due to begin on Thursday. The strikes "generated renewed panic and fear on the eve of Eid Al-Adha," the Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon said on X. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam both condemned the attacks as a "blatant violation" of international agreements. Hezbollah and Israel accuse each other of not fulfilling the terms of the truce, which has looked shaky in recent months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel's military has continually targeted southern Lebanon and Israeli troops still occupy five hilltop positions in the south. Israel has struck Beirut's suburbs three times since the truce was agreed, mostly in response to rocket launches from Lebanon. Hezbollah denied involvement in those launches. The latest war between longtime foes Israel and Hezbollah began in October 2023, when Hezbollah launched rockets at Israeli military positions in solidarity with its Palestinian ally Hamas. Israel escalated the following year in a heavy bombing campaign that killed thousands of Hezbollah fighters, destroying much of its arsenal and eliminating its top leadership, including its then-secretary general Hassan Nasrallah. (Additional reporting by Enas Alashray and Yomna Ehab; Writing by Enas Alashray and Maya Gebeily; Editing by Alexandra Hudson, Cynthia Osterman and Stephen Coates) (Reuters) -An Israeli strike on Thursday targeted Beirut's southern suburbs, Reuters live footage showed, almost an hour after the Israeli army issued an evacuation order to residents of the area. (Reporting by Enas Alashray and Yomna Ehab; Editing by Leslie Adler) Israeli warplanes started late Thursday their strikes on areas it has threatened to hit in Beirut's southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold, eyewitnesses said. Roaring warplanes could be heard all over the capital Beirut and the sound of heavy blasts echoed throughout the targeted areas. Plumes of black smoke were seen near the al Qaem Mosque inside Beirut's southern suburbs. The strikes came after the Israeli army issued an evacuation warning for parts of Beirut's southern suburbs, calling on residents to leave the vicinity of buildings associated with Hezbollah. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You are located near facilities belonging to the terrorist organization Hezbollah," said the warning from Arabic-language spokesman Avichay Adraee, whose warnings usually come before the airstrikes. Earlier, the Israeli army said in a statement that it will soon carry out a strike "on underground UAV production infrastructure sites that were deliberately established in the heart of civilian population in the Dahieh in Beirut in southern Lebanon." "Despite the understandings between Israel and Lebanon, the IDF has identified that the Hezbollah aerial unit is operating to produce thousands of UAV's, with the direction and funding of Iranian terrorists," the army said. It added that these activities constitute a blatant violation of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon which was reached in November 2024. The Lebanese army attempted to deter the Israeli army from carrying out its threats by trying to inspect the threatened areas, but the Israeli army refused, so the Lebanese army moved away from the sites that were later bombed, military sources told dpa. Israeli warplanes launched a wave of strikes on Thursday on areas Israel has threatened to hit in Beirut's southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold, eyewitnesses said. Roaring warplanes could be heard all over the capital Beirut and the sound of heavy blasts echoed throughout the targeted areas. There were at least 17 airstrikes spread between actual and warning strikes, according to security sources and eyewitnesses. During one wave, the attack shook the whole city, a dpa reporter in Beirut reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Plumes of black smoke were seen near the al Qaem Mosque inside Beirut's southern suburbs. The strikes came after the Israeli army issued an evacuation warning for parts of Beirut's southern suburbs, calling on residents to leave the vicinity of buildings associated with Hezbollah. "You are located near facilities belonging to the terrorist organization Hezbollah," said the warning from Arabic-language spokesman Avichay Adraee, whose warnings usually come before the airstrikes. Earlier, the Israeli army said in a statement that it will soon carry out a strike "on underground UAV production infrastructure sites that were deliberately established in the heart of civilian population in the Dahieh in Beirut in southern Lebanon." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Despite the understandings between Israel and Lebanon, the IDF has identified that the Hezbollah aerial unit is operating to produce thousands of UAV's, with the direction and funding of Iranian terrorists," the army said. It added that these activities constitute a blatant violation of the understanding between Israel and Lebanon which was reached in November 2024. The Lebanese army attempted to deter the Israeli army from carrying out its threats by trying to inspect the threatened areas, but the Israeli army refused, so the Lebanese army moved away from the sites that were later bombed, military sources told dpa. Condemnation from Lebanon Lebanese President Joseph Aoun strongly condemned the attacks, blaming not only Israel but its main supporter, the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The perpetrator of these atrocities sends a message, first and foremost to the United States of America, its policies, and its initiatives, through Beirut's mailbox and the blood of its innocent civilians, to which Lebanon will never submit," Aoun wrote in the statement. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam also strongly condemned the repeated Israeli threats and strikes on Lebanon, particularly in Beirut's southern suburbs, calling them a deliberate and systematic targeting of Lebanon's security, stability, and economyespecially on the eve of the holidays and during tourist season. Salam said the attacks were a blatant violation of Lebanon's sovereignty and UN Security Council Resolution 1701. He urged the international community to take responsibility by pressuring Israel to halt its aggression and comply with a complete withdrawal from Lebanese territory. And from the United Nations The Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon (UNSCOL) issued a statement late Thursday following the attacks, warning against further escalation on the eve of Eid al-Adha. a major Islamic holiday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tonight's strikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut generated renewed panic and fear on the eve of Eid Al-Adha, UNSCOL said in a post on X. It called for a halt to the hostilities and an implementation of the UN resolution 1701. That resolution also calls for Hezbollah to withdraw to behind the Litani River, something that the militant organization has consistently refused to do. UNSCOL also emphasized the importance of using diplomatic channels " to prevent unnecessary and dangerous escalation. Mass exodus following Israeli warning Shortly after the Israeli threats were issued, lines of cars loaded with families were seen leaving Beirut's southern suburbs. Residents inside the area told dpa eight buildings will be hit according to the Israeli threats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We left with our children instead of us staying home to celebrate the feast and Eid al Adha," Fatima, a resident in one of the buildings targetted by the Israeli strike, told dpa. "My children and my wife are in shock from the loud bangs we are sleeping in our car tonight," said Ali, who fled an area inside the Beirut's southern suburbs after the strikes. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has called on Germany to be open to the distribution of humanitarian aid to people in the Gaza Strip via newly established centres operated by the Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). "This effort has the potential to release the Palestinian population from the chokehold of [Palestinian group] Hamas and to enable the end of this war," Saar said in Berlin following a meeting with his German counterpart Johann Wadephul. The new relief efforts by the GHF have come under increasing scrutiny as they bypass international aid organizations including UN efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There have been Palestinian reports that people looking to receive aid at the new centres were killed by Israeli shelling. The Israeli military and the US-based GHF have denied the accusations. While critics have accused the GHF of endangering civilians who have to make their way through the embattled Gaza Strip to reach the distribution centres, Saar said the new system allows aid to reach Gazans directly, without Islamist Hamas militants being able "to take advantage of the aid." "We believe that expanding it will help shorten the war." ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) Across the nation, schools and libraries are opting to ban books in response to community feedback on the subject matter they portray. Those in support of these bans argue its a necessary step in protecting young children and families. Local community members against book bans came together Wednesday evening for a discussion at St. John Fisher University, during which a panel of literature experts spoke on why they believe book bans are harmful to society. Associate Professor of English at SUNY Brockport Cody Miller was on the panel and explained why he believes this discussion to be important now more than ever. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Access to books through both public libraries and public schools is inherently an issue of democracy, Miller said. When we limit access to books and information, you cant be a well-informed, well-rounded citizen to then participate in the democracy at large. West Irondequoit School Board Member Tamara Wall, Henrietta Library Director Adrienne Pettinelli and Churchville-Chili student and activist Jaise Newman were also on the panel. Newman says the discussion of book bans is personal to him. Theres a lot of books that I really love and have done important things for me, Newman said. Its a little scary to hear that books that I love, my friends love or even my English teachers love are at risk of being banned. Some of the sub-topics discussed by the panel include censorship, autonomy, diversity and inclusion. Event organizers also summarized how they believe book bans have impacted culture in Rochester since the 1950s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newman and Miller share the perspective of books continuing to hold heavy influence in the way we function as a society, especially when it comes to policy-making. I think everybodys read something thats really connected with them, and people see the power books have and that they can impact students and young people, Newman said. The panel also discussed New York Senate Bill S6350B, which is in Assembly review. If passed, it would implement The Freedom to Read Act, requiring the Commissioner of Education, school systems and libraries to establish policies to adhere to when selecting and removing books from shelves statewide. The full Senate bill can be found 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 RochesterFirst. KANSAS CITY, Mo. Jackson County Legislator Manuel Manny Abarca IV is facing charges on both sides of the state line. In Kansas, he faces a domestic battery charge. In Missouri, he has been charged in Kansas City Municipal Court with violating a protection order. Jackson Co. Legislator Abarca served protection order before reported missing According to online court records, the protection order was issued by a Jackson County Circuit Court judge on May 30. As part of it, Manny was ordered to have no contact with his wife, and his wife was awarded custody of their child. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His wife, Alexis Garcia Abarca, reported Manny and their 2-year-old son missing over the weekend, stating that she last saw her son on the evening of Wednesday, May 28, and last saw Manny on Thursday, May 29. Shawnee police announced on Wednesday that Manny and the missing 2-year-old have been safely located and their well-being has been verified. Alexis posted on Facebook Wednesday evening that her son is safe and back home with her. He is also facing additional charges in Kansas. On Wednesday, Manny was charged with domestic battery in Johnson County stemming from a reported incident that happened on May 29, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was booked into the Johnson County, Kansas, jail at 2:14 p.m. Wednesday and was released after posting a $1,500 bond. Download WDAF+ for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV He released the following statement to FOX4 Wednesday night: This is a matter of current litigation, so, unfortunately, there is not much I can say about this case at this time. However, I will say that I love my children more than anything, and I will always put them first. I hope that this issue is decided quickly so that the entire story can be told. Jackson County Legislature Chairman DaRon McGee also shared the following statement: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have seen the recent news, like many residents, about Legislator Abarca. As Chairman of the Legislature, I must allow due process in this legal matter to proceed and provide the courts the opportunity to hear all the facts and decide what has taken place, without litigating this issue in the court of public opinion. I remain focused on tackling critical issues that Jackson County residents face and leading our legislative body to provide solutions for our community. Online court records show that Manny is scheduled to appear in court for a hearing on July 10, 2025, at 9 a.m. regarding the Jackson County charges. No court date has been set for the domestic battery charge in Kansas. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. HONOLULU (KHON2) A new jail in Hawaii has many voicing their opposition as people rallied and signed a petition to the governor against it. The Reimagining Public Safety Coalition is asking Gov. Josh Green to veto House Bill 300, which gives $30 million for a facility to replace the Oahu Community Correctional Center. North Shore community members discuss gondola plans Spend a billion dollars on a new super jail to replace OCCC or implement more cost effective solutions that address the real issues that are at the heart of the crisis we see in our streets, said Liam Chin of Reimagining Public Safety Coalition. Our criminal justice issues are primarily driven by a public health and affordable housing crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They say the jail population can be reduced through diversion of restorative services and through pre-trial reform. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You We have to make sure that we improve our facilities, because some of them are just, you know, very badly degraded, Green said. Its a curious thing to petition me, because Ive been constantly talking about making sure that we do restorative justice and that we are healing. The State Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation says a new triple-C is essential and would actually help expand its programs to meet its visions of restorative justice and rehabilitation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (NewsNation) A Chinese scientist was arrested for allegedly trying to smuggle a dangerous fungus into the country. Author Jamie Metzl and Steven Yates with conservative think tank The Heritage Foundation say China is not taken as a serious threat by the U.S. and it should be. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Vice President JD Vance is coming to Nashville as the featured guest of a Republican National Committee fundraiser hosted by Lee Beaman. Vance has spent a good deal traveling in the United States during the 2024 election season and since President Donald Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20, including several visits to Tennessee for campaign events and after taking office. Here's everything you need to know about the man who holds the second-highest position in the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Update: Vice President JD Vance visits Kid Rock's Detroit Cowboy in Nashville JD Vance visit to cause Nashville traffic interruptions Little information has been released about where the event is happening and just how Vance will be arriving to Music City, but the arrival of the vice president could cause delays on the city's interstate system before and after Vance's arrival and departure. Today's visit by Vice President Vance will cause intermittent traffic interruptions between Nashville International Airport and the downtown area during the late afternoon time period. Motorists are encouraged to be mindful of the interruptions and plan accordingly. pic.twitter.com/aIZIV5X2uP Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) June 5, 2025 Where is JD Vance from? Who is he? Vance, a native of Middletown, Ohio and Jackson, Kentucky, described a childhood consumed by poverty and abuse in his best-selling 2016 memoir, "Hillbilly Elegy." Vance's mother struggled with drug addiction, so he spent many of his formative years with his grandmother known to him as Mamaw. "Hillbilly Elegy," told about his time growing up in a poor Rust Belt town that "offers a broader, probing look at the struggles of Americas white working class." The book later became a Netflix feature film directed by Ron Howard. Vance served as a Marine veteran between 2003 and 2007 as a combat correspondent or military journalist, according to military news site Task & Purpose. He also spent a six-month tour of duty in Iraq in 2005. Based on his memoir, he would attach to different units to get a sense of their daily routine, escort civilian press, and write stories about individual marines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vance also went to Yale Law School. When did JD Vance become involved in politics? Vance was first elected to the Senate in 2022, but before that had no political experience. In just two years, he went from comparing Trump to an opioid and saying Trump could be Americas Hitler," in 2016. But as he came into the political arena, his tune changed and Vance deleted controversial tweets and secured Trumps support. Where does JD Vance live? Vance and his family live in the East Walnut Hills neighborhood of Cincinnati. He also has a $1.5 million home in Alexandria, Virginia, Politico reported. Has Vance been to Tennessee before? The most recent visit was in January, when he came to visit East Tennessee to see the damage still being dealt with in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene. He also made stops in Tennessee during the last few months of Trump's 2024 campaign for president. Who is Usha Vance? Vance's wife, Usha Chilukuri Vance, has not been in the same spotlight as her husband and has kept out of it focusing on her job as a litigator at Munger, Tolles and Olson LLP, a national firm based in San Francisco, according to reports from the New York Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two met while at Yale Law School and married in 2014. They have three children: Ewan, Vivek and Mirabel. Take a look at USA TODAY's in-depth look at her background here. When was JD Vance named Trump's vice president? Trump announced junior Ohio Senator Vance as his vice presidential nominee pick via social media on the first day of the 2024 Republican National Convention. "After lengthy deliberation and thought, and considering the tremendous talents of many others, I have decided that the person best suited to assume the position of Vice President of the United States is Senator J.D. Vance of the Great State of Ohio," Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump kept the identity of his running mate a tightly guarded secret that had many guessing on who would actually be named. Vance beat others on the VP shortlist like Florida Sen. Marko Rubio, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum. USA TODAY contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: JD Vance in Nashville: Traffic impacts, what to know about Trump's VP Gov. Phil Murphy announces a plan to give ratepayers $100 minimum to defray a sudden, sharp increase in electricity prices in Newark on June 5, 2025. (Courtesy of the governors office) New Jersey will send ratepayers at least $100 to defray the impact of a steep rise in electricity prices that took effect this month, top Democrats announced Thursday. The $430 million program, which is not yet approved by state energy regulators, would provide each of the states 3.9 million ratepayers with $100, with an additional $150 for low- and moderate-income residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were taking this step today because the fact is the people of New Jersey are being battered by the rising cost of energy, and by the way, this is not unique to New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy said at a press conference in Newark. You can look all around the country right now, and certainly all around this region to see that we are not alone. Wholesale electricity prices are up multiples of what they were even a year ago today. Christine Guhl Sadovy, president of the state Board of Public Utilities, suggested residents enrolled in the states winter termination program would be eligible for the $150 payment. That program bars utility shutoffs between Nov. 15 and March 15. Officials were deliberating a second $100 payment but had not reached a decision as of Thursday afternoon, Murphy said. It was not immediately clear when or how the benefits would be paid. Murphy suggested they could come in September or October but cautioned that the timeline is hazy as the aid still needs approval from the Board of Public Utilities, whose next meeting is set for June 18. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers announcement comes just days after electricity prices rose by roughly 20% at the start of June, pushed upward by the results of price-setting auctions held in July and February, and as hot weather pushed temperatures to roughly 90 degrees in much of the state Thursday. It also comes as all 80 seats in the state Assembly which Democrats control by a 52-28 majority are on the ballot in the fall (the primaries are on Tuesday). Funding for the payments would come from the states Clean Energy Fund, the states share of Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative money, and the Solar Alternative Compliance Payment, which is paid by electricity suppliers that are unable to meet the states renewables standard. Some progressive groups took exception to the funding sources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We appreciate that the governor and lawmakers are taking seriously the strain high energy costs place on families, but how we deliver relief matters. Diverting funds from RGGI and the Clean Energy Fund risks weakening the very programs that lower long-term costs, strengthen our grid, and create local jobs, said Alex Ambrose, a policy analyst for New Jersey Policy Perspective. Richard Henning, president of the New Jersey Utilities Association, a trade group that includes the states four electric distribution companies, said the organization supports the proposal. The price of electricity rose sharply after being roughly level for more than a decade as supply tightened and demand shot upward, driven higher by power-hungry artificial intelligence data centers proposed throughout the footprint of PJM Interconnection, the grid operator for New Jersey, 12 other states, and the District of Columbia. Democrats have blamed PJM for the price spike, charging yearslong delays in its interconnection queue had depressed supply by leaving projects, including 79 in New Jersey, without a line into the grid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We in the Legislature have a tone of outrage that New Jersey is being held hostage, Sen. John Burzichelli (D-Gloucester) said. Murphy said he and legislative leaders would meet with PJM CEO Manu Asthana next week. Republicans have blamed the Murphy administrations renewables-heavy energy plan and the sunsetting of some existing fossil fuel plants for the increases. They and some Democrats have said the state should pursue a more diverse energy mix to stall further price hikes. It simply delays the pain to avoid political fallout in an election year, Sen. Tony Bucco (R-Morris), his chambers minority leader, said of the plan announced Thursday. This is not relief, its a cover-up. Trenton Democrats are once again trying to deflect the consequences of their own failed energy policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Legislators and regulators are considering other methods of reining in energy prices. The Board of Public Utilities is fielding proposals that could delay electricity price increases, leaving ratepayers with deferred balances they would be responsible for paying later. Guhl-Sadovy declined to comment on the status of that proposal or the effect Thursdays announcement would have on it. In recent weeks, legislators have advanced bills that would change how state regulators set utilities profit margins, require they study data centers impact on energy rates, and create a new rate-setting process for data centers, among others. Like so many states across the country, we recognized early on that the rates would not be sustainable, more importantly, that they just certainly werent fair. Thats why we went to work, said Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin (D-Middlesex). Two prominent Dallas businessmen with deep experience in corporate governance and financial markets are stepping into a different kind of spotlight to illuminate the haunting mysteries surrounding JFKs assassination. Dennis McCuistion and Dory Wiley, longtime collaborators and leading voices in Dallass JFK research community, will headline a panel discussion at The Dallas Express Who Killed JFK? event on Monday, June 9, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event will be held at the Community Beer Company, located at 3110 Commonwealth Drive in Dallas. Tickets range from $12.51 to $108.55 (ticketing fees included). The event comes as new federal orders and record declassifications re-ignite public scrutiny over one of the most debated murders in American history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McCuistion, a former bank CEO and host of the long-running PBS program McCuistion, serves as a clinical professor and executive director at the Institute for Excellence in Corporate Governance at the University of Texas at Dallas. He has moderated thousands of conversations about American institutions, but few topics have animated him quite like the Kennedy assassination. Wiley, president and CEO of Commerce Street Holdings, LLC, is best known for managing investment funds focused on financial institutions. But away from Wall Street, he has been a dedicated JFK researcher for decades, frequently citing flaws in the official Warren Commission findings. Together, the duo has authored a series of high-profile opinion pieces for The Dallas Express, arguing not only that there was a conspiracy to kill Kennedy but that U.S. intelligence agencies have deliberately concealed critical evidence. Their latest editorial points to a Gallup poll showing that 65% of Americans still believe Kennedys death involved a conspiracydespite the official government conclusion that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone. They tie this sentiment to declining public trust in government, noting that confidence has plummeted from 80% in the 1960s to around 20% today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A centerpiece of their argument is the continued withholding and redaction of key documents despite legal requirements under the JFK Records Act. Although Presidents Trump and Biden each released some records, significant materials remain classified. Trumps return to the White House and a new executive order in February 2025 has raised hopes among researchers that more answers may soon emerge. There is a cover-up, McCuistion and Wiley wrote. Which by definition means there is a conspiracy. Their editorials detail a series of inconsistencies and contradictions in the official narrative. They cite former Presidents Lyndon Johnson and Richard Nixonboth of whom expressed doubts about the lone gunman theoryand point to Secret Service testimony, Parkland doctors observations, and disputed autopsy photographs as further evidence of a broader plot. Wiley and McCuistion also highlight recently spotlighted figures like Ruth Paine, the woman who housed Marina Oswald and whose family had ties to the CIA. According to their analysis, 25% of Paines Warren Commission testimony remains classified. They raise similar questions about Jackie Kennedys sealed interview with historian William Manchester and her private correspondence with President Lyndon Johnson, suggesting that hidden doubts may have been expressed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another focal point of the upcoming panel may be the murky intersections of organized crime and the intelligence community. Wiley and McCuistion cite still-sealed FBI tapes involving New Orleans mob boss Carlos Marcello and CIA operative E. Howard Hunt. Both men have been linked, in varying degrees of credibility, to theories that the assassination was orchestrated from within shadowy corridors of power. McCuistions professional background lends a unique dimension to the event. As a former chairman of several public company boards and a member of multiple corporate governance committees, he brings a forensic mindset to institutional transparencyor the lack thereof. For years, hes brought that same scrutiny to JFK-related documents and testimonies through his work on public television. A CPA and CFA, Wiley brings similar analytical rigor to the research. His experience chairing the Investment Committee of the Teacher Retirement System of Texasone of the nations largest pension fundsreflects a career grounded in fiduciary responsibility and evidence-based decision-making. That mindset drives his skepticism toward official narratives lacking transparency. The June 9 panel promises to be a landmark event for conspiracy skeptics and truth-seekers alike. Coming just months after a fresh wave of document declassifications and a renewed push in Congress to review CIA and FBI conduct, the timing of the discussion could not be more charged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whether or not attendees walk away with a definitive answer to Who killed JFK? is an open question. However, McCuistion and Wiley seem certain of one thing: the official story doesnt add up, and the public has waited too long for the truth. Grab your tickets today, and dont miss this opportunity to unravel the chilling enigma of JFKs assassination with expert insights and gripping theories! BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) The Jimmie Hale Mission is moving forward with plans to build a low barrier emergency shelter in downtown Birmingham. The shelter will be located right across the street from its current facilities that house a recovery program for men. It takes courage to go out on faith like this and start a project of this magnitude. We see the need, we know its there and were led to step out on faith, said Perryn Carroll, the executive director for the Jimmie Hale Mission. Carroll says they know the need for emergency beds exists based on the warming shelters they run when the weather hits 32 or below. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Plans are in the works to build to build a low barrier emergency shelter with 98 beds that will include showers, laundry facilities and a dog run for those on the streets who have pets. This will be a hub for Birminghams homeless to receive not only a safe bed, a warm meal, but services to help them escape life on the streets, she added. Raleigh Brooks says he ended up at the Jimmie Hale Mission because another shelter was full on a cold night. My wife had passed on October 20 of 2023, and after that I lost my trailer, Brooks said. When I lost my wife that was it, then I lost my truck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jefferson County Coroners Office searching for families of 3 men who recently died Brooks says he ended up on the streets of Mobile, among other places. God said, what are you doing, and I said, I dont know. He said, go back to Birmingham and find yourself and spend some time, I want to spend some time with you alone. In our area theres simply not enough beds for those that are on the street, Carroll explained. CBS 42 learned that First Light provides 38 spaces in their emergency shelter for women and children. Firehouse Ministries offers a limited number of emergency beds for men. The Salvation Army Center of Hope offers around 36 emergency beds for women and 48 emergency beds for men. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More beds is needed in a community this size because folks will travel here and will end up staying here and the affordable housing is really a joke here in Birmingham, said Major Robert Lyle, the Area Commander for the Salvation Army Central Alabama. We checked back with some of these facilities on Wednesday afternoon, and by 3:30 p.m., there were no beds available at First Light. We could not get a number from the Salvation Army or Firehouse Ministries. Carroll said the price tag for the new emergency shelter is around $4 million. She said they will launch a capital campaign, and they hope to begin construction after the first of the 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 CBS 42. Joe Carmean - WMDT Joe Carmean has joined WMDT in Salisbury, Maryland as news director. "Joe brings a wealth of newsroom leadership experience, and we are excited to have him lead our news team," said Stephanie Willey, general manager of WMDT. The station said Carmean brings a deep and diverse background in journalism to the station. Prior to joining the ABC affiliate, he was a news manager at WBOC in Salisbury before working for four years in Public Relations. Hes also worked his way up as a reporter, then city editor, then managing editor of The Daily Times in Salisbury where he oversaw its publications across Delmarva. KANSAS CITY, Mo. A minimum-custody inmate at the Johnson County, Kansas Department of Corrections who escaped last week has been apprehended. The Kansas Department of Corrections on Wednesday announced that Anthony Mansfield, 36, was located, arrested and taken into custody in Kansas City, Missouri. Popular Shawnee brewery announces closure, goodbye celebration Mansfield was serving eight months of work release incarceration after being convicted of criminal damage to property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, records show that Mansfield was placed on escape status around 10 p.m. on May 28 after not showing up for work or returning to the Johnson County Department of Corrections Adult Residential Center on May. The department also reported that he was considered dangerous. No other information on the apprehension was made available, but the department says he was taken into custody without incident. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. EDITORIAL: If Oklahoma can end its income tax, Colorado can, too David Jolly, the former Tampa-area congressman who left the Republican Party seven years ago, is holding court with the press in an Aventura Hilton conference room, rolling out an announcement that everyone knows is coming: Hes running for governor as a Democrat. We have an affordability crisis in the state that has people from all walks of life questioning whether or not they can continue to live in Florida, says the 52-year-old attorney and father of two kids, ages 6 and 4. I think the affordability crisis is hitting everyone from every walk of life, and I think theres a strong case to be made that Republicans have largely created this environment. Jolly is the first Democrat of note to launch a campaign ahead of the November 2026 election, despite joining the party only six weeks ago. For the Republicans, U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds is running with President Donald Trumps endorsement, and Florida first lady Casey DeSantis is mulling her own campaign to succeed her term-limited husband. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jolly, who left Congress in 2017 and registered without party affiliation a year later, has been on something of a charm offensive of late. He has been traveling the state and meeting with voters in churches to raise his profile and listen to frustrations with Floridas Republican-dominated government. This is a home for the rich and the reckless under [Gov.] Ron DeSantis, he says. Politically, Jolly is moving in the opposite direction of the state he wants to lead. Florida is becoming more Republican, voting for Trump in the last three presidential elections. Miami-Dade County, where Jolly, the son of a Southern Baptist minister, lived as a young boy, voted for a Republican president for the first time since 1988. But in a wide-ranging, half-hour interview, Jolly said Floridians are waking up to the other trends in Florida under Republican rule: The Sunshine State is becoming less affordable, less tolerant and less accommodating to those who dont share the governors religious and ideological beliefs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Free state of Florida, Jolly said, is a lie. Political handicappers arent likely to give Jolly or any Democrat much of a chance to win in 2026, even with an open governors seat up for grabs. Republicans now control every statewide elected position and hold super-majorities in the state Legislature. Active GOP voters outnumber active registered Democrats by more than 1.2 million. Even Jason Pizzo, Florida Democrats former Senate leader whose district includes the Hilton where Jolly met with reporters Monday declared the Democratic Party dead when he announced in April that he was registering as an independent ahead of his own planned run for governor. Jolly, who lives in the Gulf Coast town of Belleair Bluffs with his wife and kids, also shares some common threads with the most recent Democratic candidate for governor: Charlie Crist, a former Republican governor and ex-congressman from the Tampa Bay area who lost by nearly 20 points to DeSantis in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jolly knows Crist well, having lost his Pinellas County seat in the U.S. House of Representatives to the former governor in 2016. Charlie would always say, I didnt leave the party. The party left me, Jolly said, explaining how his political experience is different. I left the Republican Party. I changed. Former Republican Congressman David Jolly, who is running for governor as a Democrat, speaks to the Miami Herald at Hilton Miami Aventura on Monday, June 2, 2025, in Aventura, Fla. What follows are exchanges from Jollys interview with the Miami Herald, edited for brevity and clarity. Q: Why in this environment today, in Florida, are you running for governor as a Democrat? A: Im running for governor because we have an affordability crisis in the state that has people from all walks of life questioning whether or not they can continue to live in Florida. That is a lived experience for my wife and I. We have two young kids, 6 and 4. I think the affordability crisis is hitting everyone from every walk of life, and I think theres a strong case to be made that Republicans have largely created this environment, refused to do anything about it, and I hope to change that. Q: You were Republican, you became independent, and now you are full on embracing the Democratic ideas. How do you tell people that we should believe you now? A: Charlie [Crist] would always say, I didnt leave the party. The party left me. In this file photo from May 8, 2021, then-Democratic candidate for Florida governor Charlie Crist talks to Horacio Sierra, Cuban American Democratic Club president, during his meeting with Miami-Dade Democratic Cuban Americans at Tropical Park in Miami I left the Republican Party. I changed. I tested a different theory in politics. Is it okay to change your mind? Is it okay to grow? That journey was a 10-year journey, not a 10-month journey I supported, as a Republican, marriage equality, gun control, climate change, campaign finance reform. Republicans didnt want me. Democrats didnt need me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I conflated religious beliefs with being anti Roe [v. Wade] when I entered politics. Thats true. I also, though, was someone looking for solutions. I was the only Republican in Congress to vote against the Planned Parenthood investigation, the only one when Republicans moved to defund it. I offered a compromise to move the money to community health centers so that there would be a continuation of care in communities across Florida and across the country. It wasnt really a pivot for me to register as a Democrat. I had kind of been there all along not all along but you know, during my [no-party-affiliated] years, I was an ally of the Democratic Party. So it has not been a significant pivot. Q: What are your thoughts on the current state of Florida Ron DeSantis has created? A: This is where its a lived experience. We have a 6 and 4 year old. We wrestle with the question, Do we raise our kids in Florida? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a home for the rich and the reckless under Ron DeSantis. Whether thats because he favors developers, he favors the billionaires over the working class, whether its because he ignores public health denies science where it matters. Whether its his attack on academia, whether its his notion that he wants to divide us over who we love or who we worship The implicit biases behind the DeSantis administration are ugly, theyre gross The Free state of Florida is a lie. Weve got a shot to change this. Q: From your perspective, what have [Democrats] gotten wrong? A: Ive run more campaigns than Ive been a candidate in so I know national Democrats and state Democrats have failed to meet voters where theyre at. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not a federal race. This is about the affordability crisis, education vouchers, corruption in Tallahassee. If Democrats start talking about Donald Trump in the governors race, we lose. This race isnt about Donald Trump. Its arguably not about DeSantis. Its about the direction DeSantis has taken us. And so part of that is just kind of messaging. Are we on the right message for where voters are? Q: Democrats have a serious problem in South Florida with the Hispanic vote. How do you plan to handle that? A: We have to build a coalition that is broad and deep in communities across the state that includes socioeconomic, demographic subject matter, regional. We have to build and invest in communities where people believe in change. I do think in the past, Democrats have been too hesitant to condemn the regime, to condemn communism, to condemn socialism. We can embrace capitalism that has fair rules that allow for opportunity for all people. We can condemn the regime but lift up the Cuban people. That is true of Venezuela, to Haitian Americans and others. If we can change a conversation on this in Florida, weve changed it nationally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans for too long have succeeded in conflating immigration with crime. Its ugly, its xenophobic, its wrong and its immoral. We can recognize and celebrate the contribution of immigrants, their contribution to our economy, their contributions to our culture. Lift them up. Celebrate them. Welcome them. Former Florida Senate Minority Leader Jason Pizzo prays during the first day of the legislative session at the Florida State Capitol on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, in Tallahassee, Fla. Q: How does Jason Pizzo play into the upcoming elections? A: Im going to say something you dont hear a lot of Democrats say. I have enormous respect for Jason Pizzo because he followed his political convictions. I didnt know Jason Pizzo 90 days ago. This isnt an area that Im from. I disagree with him when he says the Democratic Party is dead. I think the Democratic Party is alive and well and capable of winning next November. But Im not going to criticize Jason My job is to build a coalition that he can believe in and everyone else can. Q: You alluded to the Hope Florida scandal, whats your take? A: It sure appears criminal, and I think an investigation is merited, and I think investigation is likely being obstructed by Republican allies of the governor. And I think its clear that $10 million was stolen from the Medicaid program. I think the governor and First Lady are reacting with vanity, which doesnt surprise me, and theyd be smart to just shut up. First lady Casey DeSantis speaks alongside Gov. Ron DeSantis during a news conference on July 29, 2024, in Tampa. During the conference, the governor and first lady handed out multiple checks to local churches as a part of their Hope Florida program. (Dylan Townsend/Tampa Bay Times/TNS) Q: What do you think of DeSantis immigration blueprint? A: When Ron DeSantis plays theater with our migrant community, putting them on planes, sending them to Marthas Vineyard, or using tax dollars to go to Texas to grab a plane or whatever he was doing, that is just ugly, immoral behavior, and should be condemned. Q: Should Florida force local law enforcement to join the 287(g) task force program? A: The federal government has a responsibility to provide for immigration enforcement. Thats just the reality My concern is that I think Republicans are just racing to embrace the president in a way that its skipping over due process, skipping over funding, its ignoring enforcement in criminal justice in other areas where local law enforcement should be looking I think its just a matter of getting it right. Q: And the affordability crisis that youre talking about specifically is housing? A: It is largely driven by housing costs, access to housing, contributed to mainly by the property-insurance crisis and the property-tax crisis. But I think we need big and bold changes I think we need a CAT fund for property insurance, a state catastrophic fund that removes hurricane and natural disaster risks from the private market. You can actually reduce private insurance by about 60% if you do that in a lot of policies. Q: Are you not prepared to offer a property tax solution because you dont have one yet, or because you just dont want to let it out today? A: I believe we need property tax reform, but I believe it needs to be sober, reflect math, reflect revenue needs, include experts and economic growth and a real study, and then ultimately put those proposals in front of the voters, so that voters can decide. I dont have a 10-point-plan on property-tax relief, but I think it is something that we need to do. Im glad Tallahassee is talking about it. I just think theyre talking about it with a level of irresponsibility that should concern us. Q: Are any of our local billionaires endorsing you? A: Im gonna leave that for next week. we do have many of the traditional Democratic donors, supporters, electeds, former electeds We have built a broad coalition. NEED TO KNOW In 2003, writer and editor Jonathan Gluck was diagnosed with an incurable blood cancer He was 38 and a new dad and told he had less than three years to live Advancements in cancer treatments have kept him alive for more than two decades, he writes in his new memoir, An Exercise in Uncertainty: A Memoir of Illness and Hope In April, when Jonathan Gluck turned 60, friends urged him to mark the milestone with a blowout event. After all, no one was sure Id reach 60, he says. But the writer and former managing editor of Vogue magazine wasnt interested: I was like, I dont want to tempt the fates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After being diagnosed with multiple myeloma, an incurable blood cancer that develops in the bone marrow and damages bones and the immune system, at the age of 38, Gluck knows hes already outlived his predicted expiry date by 20 years. But the truth is, he did want to celebrate, in his own quiet way. So, he, his wife, Didi, and their 17-year-old son flew from their New York City home to Ohio to visit their daughter at college and they had a birthday dinner in the school cafeteria. On the menu: a throwback to the 70s salad bar and chocolate chip pretzel cookies. I couldnt have been happier, he says. It was about being together, the four of us. Elinor Carucci Jonathan Gluck with wife Didi, daughter A.J. and son Oscar, photographed for PEOPLE, May 2025 Jonathan Gluck with wife Didi, daughter A.J. and son Oscar, photographed for PEOPLE, May 2025 Finding joy in the day-to-day has been one of the strange gifts of Glucks life with cancer. It comes naturally, says the writer, whose new memoir An Exercise in Uncertainty: A Memoir of Illness and Hope chronicles how he learned to accept living with an incurable disease and examines the remarkable developments in cancer treatment that have kept him alive. Elinor Carucci Gluck's memoir, available June 10 Gluck's memoir, available June 10 When you receive a serious diagnosis, youre forced to think about death a lot more than most people, which is awful in a lot of ways, he says. But theres a sense of urgency to everything for me that I think is useful to anyone. It inspired me to make the most of my time, whether thats with my kids, my career, my friends, or my marriage." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2003, Gluck was a rising star in the New York publishing world, and he felt like he had it all. A veteran of Mens Health, Hed just been hired as deputy editor of New York magazineand better still, he and his wife, fellow journalist Didi Gluck, had welcomed their first child, a daughter named Abigail Juliana. When A.J., as they called her, was seven months old, Gluck went to a doctor about a stabbing pain in his hip that had been bothering him for a year after falling on a patch of ice. Worst case, he figured, hed need hip surgery. But his MRI results delivered a more shocking blow: cancer. After a battery of tests, he learned he was facing multiple myeloma, a blood cancer with recurring tumors that eat away at bone marrow, and which at the time carried a life expectancy of less than three years. Gluck was told he might not survive more than 18 months. The minute I heard the news, it was like, game over, Gluck recalls. Courtesy Jonathan Gluck Jon Gluck with daughter A.J. in November 2003, shortly after he was diagnosed with cancer Jon Gluck with daughter A.J. in November 2003, shortly after he was diagnosed with cancer He started radiation, had his stem cells harvested and was elated when he went into remission. But then he began a now-familiar wait for the next sign of trouble. Living with an incurable disease is like sleeping next to a hibernating bear, Gluck writes. For the moment, I felt safe, but I knew it was only a matter of time before the bear woke up. Distraction became a refuge: He threw himself into work, and over the years has discovered Zen-like healing in fly-fishing. Your mind tends to not go to all the scary, dark places, says Gluck of the meditative rhythm of casting a line, which he's been known to practice on his NYC neighborhood street. Elinor Carucci Gluck practicing his fly fishing cast in New York in May 2025 Gluck practicing his fly fishing cast in New York in May 2025 With an infant at home, he also poured himself into parenting. My single greatest fear was, Am I going to miss out on being a dad? he says. Time with A.J. helped not only keep my mind off of bad things, but put my mind on good things. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just before Gluck hit his three-year mark in remission, he and Didi decided to try for a second child. "My wife has been extremely optimistic throughout this whole process and that was one of the most optimistic moments in her," Gluck says, "She helped lead us through, because she didn't hesitate for a split second. She was like, 'It's going to be okay one way or the other. We're having a second kid.' " But in 2007, four months before their son Oscar was born, Gluck cracked a rib while turning around in his chair at work. Another tumor. Another cycle of radiation, just as he and Didi, now 54, were preparing for their son. Two years later, scans revealed more lesions. From that point forward, it was as if his doctors were playing whack-a-mole, Gluck writes. The relentless strain of illness, caregiving, and the looming possibility of death, took a toll on Glucks marriage, which by 2013 was nearing a breaking point, culminating in a screaming match on the streets of the East Village. (We were the couple other people tried not to stare at, he writes with painful honesty of the fight.) It was like we were preparing ourselves for when I was gone, says Gluck. Its difficult to love somebody when youre afraid they might disappear tomorrow. And its difficult to love somebody when you have tremendous guilt that youre not going to be here for her or our kids. Therapy helped them find their way back: We started to rebuild. We forgave each other. And they accepted the reality of their dynamic. As Didi once said to him, No marriage doesnt have a thing... Cancer is our thing. Elinor Carucci Didi and Jon Gluck, May 2025 Didi and Jon Gluck, May 2025 Gluck knows theres an odd right time/right place aspect to his cancer. New targeted therapies were developed just as his disease progressed. Some have come with harsh side effects notably, he writes, uncontrollable diarrhea that caused him to lose 25 pounds and at times saw him dashing from Vogue meetings to the restroom. Other treatments, like CAR T-cell therapy, which genetically modifies a patients cells to fight cancer, have left his immune system vulnerable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im slowly getting better, but Im still living like we all were in the pandemic. I wear a mask in any crowded indoor place. I avoid super crowded places best I can. But theyve bought him precious time. Sometimes I walk down the street and shake my head and think, How have I survived this? he says. "It's not a stretch to say I'm a medical miracle." Nearly two years after his "mind-blowingly futuristic" CAR-T therapy, which he says left him feeling "reborn," Gluck says cancer-wise, Im doing great. He marvels over the scientific breakthroughs that have saved him each time his cancer returned. At the same time, he's prone to knocking on wood and kissing his knuckles for good measure. Ive become quite superstitious, he admits. The disease and treatments have left their marks, however: numbness in his fingers and toes, gastrointestinal problems and bone pain in his hips, spine and neck. He takes six pills, a powder and two liquid medicines daily. And every two months for the rest of his life he needs to get an immunoglobulin infusion to keep his immune system functioning a procedure that can take up to five hours. Elinor Carucci Gluck receiving an infusion in May 2025. Gluck receiving an infusion in May 2025. Its a small price to pay, he says: The moment I was diagnosed, I tried to make a deal with God Just let me see A.J.s high school graduation. In my wildest imagination, I didnt think it would happen. But, as he says, "What better motivation do any of us have than staying alive for our kids?" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month, he saw A.J. earn her college degree. Next year, his son Oscar will graduate from high school. When youre told you might have as little as a year and a half to live and you wind up seeing all these wonderful milestones, you know youre pretty lucky. What is Multiple Myeloma Twenty years ago, when Gluck was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, the disease was a death sentence, says Dr. Hearn Jay Cho, chief medical officer with the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation who is also a clinical professor of medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai and an attending physician with the Multiple Myeloma Service at the Mt. Sinai Tisch Cancer Institute. Wed tell people to get their affairs in order because it was bad. Life expectancy was two to three years. Today, there are 36,000 new cases of myeloma in the U.S., annually, and median survival is about 10 years, with many patients dying of something other than the disease. Weve made incredible progress, says Cho. The drugs Revlimid and Velcade, introduced in 2006-2007, were game changers, he says. Before, only about a third of patients had any response to conventional chemotherapy. With those drugs, 60% to 80% of patients responded, and about a third would go into complete remission. Stem cell transplant therapy and targeted monoclonal antibody drugs like Daratumumab further improved outcomes. Then, in 2021, the FDA first approved CAR T-cell therapy for myeloma, shown to be effective for patients, like Gluck, whod relapsed after standard therapies. You can keep patients alive and with good quality of life for a long time, says Cho, who points out thats due to vital investment in science. The jobs not done, and we need to finish it. A lot of people are working hard to come up with a cure. Someone like Jon Gluck is alive and kicking today because of medical research. Read the original article on People NEED TO KNOW The husband of actor Jonathan Joss opens up to PEOPLE about the final words he told the Parks and Recreation actor after he was fatally shot on Sunday, June 1 Tristan Kern de Gonzales says that as Joss lay dying, I held my husband's face together as best I could Kern de Gonzales claims the alleged gunman mocked him and was laughing at him as he said his final goodbye to Joss Jonathan Joss husband is sharing heart-wrenching details about the King of the Hill actors final moments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Tristan Kern de Gonzales fights back tears as he recalls the final words he told Joss just before he died at the age of 59. Everything happened very quickly, Kern de Gonzales, 32, says of the fatal shooting at their San Antonio, Texas, home on Sunday, June 1, that allegedly resulted from a dispute with one of their neighbors. Everything was very close range and due to the severity and the trauma of the various head wounds, I knew that there was no hope of saving Jonathan's physical form, and he was struggling so hard, trying to stay alive, he notes. Tristan Kern de Gonzales/Facebook Jonathan Joss (Left) and his husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales (Right), Jonathan Joss (Left) and his husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales (Right), It was just really, really close range, Kern de Gonzales remembers. I held my husband's face together as best I could, and I told him how much I loved him, and that none of this was his fault. I told him he needed to cross over easy. He didn't need to keep fighting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kern de Gonzales continues, I told him that no matter what, and in some way, shape, or form, well always be together, and he'll always be my husband. He claims that while his husband lay dying, the [alleged] gunman was still in [his] car and still had the gun pointed over me. He was laughing, Kern de Gonzales alleges. He mocked me for telling my husband that I loved him and used the same homophobic slurs that the gunman allegedly used before shooting Joss. NBC Jonathan Joss on Season 3 of "Parks and Recreation." Jonathan Joss on Season 3 of "Parks and Recreation." I was just really looking down at my husband, focused on him, making sure that he had completely crossed over, Kern de Gonzales says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement San Antonio Police arrested one of Joss neighbors, Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez, shortly after the actor was fatally shot and charged him with first-degree murder. Police have said Alvarez, 56, admitted to shooting and killing the Parks and Recreation actor. He was released on Monday, June 2, on a $200,000 bond. The shooting has left Kern de Gonzales in a state of shock. The flashbacks are very, very intense, and they affect my whole body, he tells PEOPLE. Kern de Gonzales, who previously wrote on Facebook that Joss pushed him out of the way and saved his life, says his late husbands final act of self-sacrifice has given him strength as he grieves. Tristan Kern de Gonzales/Facebook Jonathan Joss (Left) and his husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales (Right), Jonathan Joss (Left) and his husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales (Right), I know that I have to keep going and not let go of this because he saved my life, and I cant just let that go, he explains. I have to use the gift that he gave me wisely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kern de Gonzales adds of Joss, who he met in 2023 and married on Valentine's Day 2025: He will always be my husband and the love of my life. He really gave me a lifetime's worth of love in the short time that we got together. Kern de Gonzales has maintained that Joss was the victim of a hate crime and that they suffered repeated harassment and homophobic abuse from their neighbors prior to his husbands murder. It does hurt whenever people try to say that it wasn't a hate crime, he says. AP Photo/Eric Gay Candles, flowers, and notes are placed at a makeshift memorial in San Antonio, Texas, on Thursday, June 5, for actor Jonathan Joss, who was killed on Sunday, June 1. Candles, flowers, and notes are placed at a makeshift memorial in San Antonio, Texas, on Thursday, June 5, for actor Jonathan Joss, who was killed on Sunday, June 1. The day after Joss died, the San Antonio Police Department said their investigation had found no evidence to indicate that Mr. Josss murder was related to his sexual orientation." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, at a Thursday press conference, SAPD police chief William McManus walked back that statement. 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. That was way, way, way, premature, McManus said. We shouldnt have done it. It was way too soon before we had any real information. And I will own that. He added, I want to apologize to the LGBTQ+ community for the tragic loss of Mr. Joss, which has been heavily felt." McManus continued, "Our homicide detectives are continuing to pursue every lead in this case to ensure that we understand the full picture of what led up to the senseless murder of Mr. Joss." Read the original article on People NEED TO KNOW Tristan Kern de Gonzales is calling on social media users to keep Jonathan Joss memory alive Kern de Gonzales claims his husbands death is the result of a hate crime San Antonio police said their investigation found "no evidence to indicate that the Mr. Josss murder was related to his sexual orientation" Tristan Kern de Gonzales, the husband of the late Jonathan Joss, 59, is using social media to call for justice after the actor was killed in what he claims is a hate crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jonathan Joss is my husband. I dont say was because he will always be my husband. He will always be the love of my life, Kern de Gonzalez said in a Wednesday, June 4 TikTok video posted on the account Justice for Joss. He explained that he was not very familiar with TikTok or the spotlight, but started the profile to get enough followers to go live and spread the word about Joss being fatally shot by a neighbor on June 1 in San Antonio, Texas. Kern de Gonzales said hed tried to use a friends TikTok account to go live to discuss the shooting, but claimed the platform removed the feature, leading him to start his own account to try again. Jonathan Joss/Facebook Tristan Kern de Gonzales and Jonathan Joss Tristan Kern de Gonzales and Jonathan Joss Im gonna keep talking about, not only what happened on the day of my husbands death, but also, were gonna share just everything about Jonathan and everything that he stood for, he said, adding, Were gonna laugh together. Were gonna cry together. Were gonna be angry together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We wont stop talking about this, Kern de Gonzales continued. I'm not going to let the SAPD or anyone else silence the fact that this was a hate crime, and I just wont be silenced. He concluded, I may not be as loud as my husband, but I carry his strength with me. I wont stop fighting for what I know is right and for my love." Kern de Gonzales shared a post on Joss Facebook page on June 2, claiming the incident was a hate crime. My husband Jonathan Joss and I were involved in a shooting while checking the mail at the site of our former home, his statement began. That home was burned down after over two years of threats from people in the area who repeatedly told us they would set it on fire. We reported these threats to law enforcement multiple times and nothing was done. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the San Antonio Police Department said their investigation "has found no evidence to indicate that the Mr. Josss murder was related to his sexual orientation." Jonathan Joss/Instagram Jonathan Joss Jonathan Joss The SAPD did not respond to PEOPLEs previous requests for comment. However, on Wednesday, they issued an update to their Facebook account. We join with the family, friends, and fans mourning the murder of Johnathan Jossa loss felt deeply not just in San Antonio, but around the world by those who knew him through his work and spirit. Although we arrested a suspect, our homicide detectives continue to follow every lead to fully understand what led to this senseless act, the statement said. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. We invite you to join us and Pride San Antonio... at an upcoming community meeting where well share updates and listen to your concerns, police added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez, 56, was charged with first-degree murder after police alleged he admitted to shooting and killing the Parks and Recreation actor. He was released from police custody after posting $200,000 bond. Read the original article on People The story behind Jonathan Joss' tragic death continues to unfold with more unexpected twists that have fans arguing about what is true. The late voice actor for John Redcorn in "King of the Hill" took his final breath on Sunday, June 1, after a former neighbor shot him. The suspected killer, Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, recently regained his freedom despite the ongoing investigations. Jonathan Joss's husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, has vehemently condemned the murder as a hate crime, alleging the entertainer was shot without provocation. However, authorities and eyewitnesses tell a different story, with new reports backing their claims. Jonathan Joss' Suspected Shooter Regains His Freedom With Restrictions Facebook | Jonathan Joss Following his arrest for shooting Joss, Ceja was taken into custody and detained with a $200,000 bond. San Antonio authorities revealed he recently posted bail and regained his freedom with a few restrictions placed on him to ensure he doesn't skip town. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Bexar County court records, the suspected killer has been placed on house arrest and must wear an ankle monitor. He was ordered not to own any firearms during his home detention, in addition to facing random drug and alcohol testing. Ceja, per TMZ, confessed to the crime right after the attack, according to a police report. Authorities and eyewitnesses also noted the shooting did not stem from a hate crime. However, Joss' husband has insisted that the late actor died from a homophobic attack. The Late TV Personality Claimed He Was Harassed For Being Gay Like his partner, Joss claimed he was being targeted by homophobic neighbors and shared his concern with the "King of the Hill" creators during their ATX TV panel. The video capturing this moment made rounds on X, revealing the late entertainer was escorted out of the event. Joss had been sitting in the audience when he stood up to claim his house was maliciously burned down because he was "gay." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He lost his South Side home to a raging fire in January and blamed the incident on his homophobic neighbors. Unfortunately, the animated show's creators were not interested in hearing him out. The incident reportedly occurred two days before Joss was fatally shot, and it sparked renewed interest in what transpired between him and the shooter. X users butted heads with their speculations and theories, with some accepting authorities' version of the shooting while others believed Joss. Online Fans Clash Over The Truth Behind Joss' Death Fans on Joss' side vehemently defended his husband's hate crime allegations, with one X user imploring others not to be deceived by the opposing parties. "The murder was 100% based on his sexuality," the individual declared. Another echoed similar sentiments, implying that those denying the homophobic killing wouldn't be as loud if a straight man had died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A third was still on the fence about what happened, wondering if Joss was lying or telling the truth. A fourth pushed for justice for the late actor, while critics argued that while his death was tragic, it was not linked to homophobia. Someone shared pictures of Joss' husband's emotional statements about his death and a former neighbor's claim. The neighbor claimed Joss was problematic during his lifetime, frequently starting gunfights and allegedly burning his house down while trying to run a meth lab. The critic captioned the post with a theory that Joss' husband pulled at the public's heartstrings "for a GoFundMe payday by those who don't know any better." Police Records And Neighbors Paint The Late Entertainer As A 'Nightmare' According to Gonzales, Joss's husband, they were not welcomed in their neighborhood because they were in a same-sex relationship. He claimed these homophobic neighbors verbally attacked them with anti-gay slurs or complained about them being too loud. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police records showed they responded to incidents at the couple's home over four dozen times, with most calls labeled as "disturbances." One of their former neighbors shed more light on these incidents, telling NBC News that Joss was impossible to live with. "He's been a nightmare," the source lamented. Another source revealed the police department's "SAFFE" unit, which focused on crime prevention, had been involved in Joss' issues with his suspected killer. The spokesperson for authorities claimed the unit was mediating a dispute between Ceja and Joss for over a year following a crossbow incident. Jonathan Joss Was Allegedly A Menace Before His Death Facebook | Jonathan Joss In June 2024, Ceja called authorities after Joss allegedly approached his house with a crossbow while firing racial slurs at him. However, the late actor claimed he only visited his former neighbor's home to "talk about their dogs fighting with each other." Cops did retrieve the crossbow from his home, an incident that comes to mind following a video of Joss's final moments. Before his altercation with Ceja, a female neighbor, Daniela Ruano recorded the late TV personality in an agitated state about a half hour before his death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joss walked up and down the street with a pitchfork and could be heard cussing and yelling, saying things like, "You're looking at me for what? I'm walking down the street. I'm rehearsing. I make movies, man." Ruano told KSAT 12 News that this behavior was in line with Joss's alleged pattern of frequently terrorizing their neighborhood with his behavior. NEW YORK A Manhattan federal judge on Thursday issued a preliminary injunction blocking the Trump administration from detaining Columbia University student Yunseo Chung, a green card holder who sued to stop her imminent arrest. From the bench, Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald also denied the federal governments motion to dismiss Chungs case, which accuses immigration authorities of retaliation against her free speech rights to defend Palestinians and college students facing discipline for their advocacy. This federal court has barred ICE from detaining Miss Chung longer-term as we litigate her important constitutional questions, said Ramzi Kassem, co-director of The CLEAR Project at CUNY Law School. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chungs case differs from those of other pro-Palestinian noncitizen students targeted by the Trump administration in a key way: She sued before she could be picked up by federal agents. But rather than start removal proceedings, the Trump administration has maintained the threat of arresting Chung. Kassem said the preliminary injunction would offer the rising college senior some degree of reassurance that she can continue to go about her daily life, her studies, her work, her career plans as we fight on in court. Chung is currently in New York City starting a summer internship. Our understanding is that Miss Chung is interested in legal studies and becoming a lawyer, and we think shed be a great lawyer, he said. Last week, Buchwald offered a path forward that she described as a win-win: The government could begin the deportation process against Chung if it plans to do so, but not arrest her sparing her the pejoratives, as she put it, of being taken into custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Buchwald said the government could start proceedings by serving either Chungs home address via mail or her lawyers. She suggested if the government were to try to avoid her jurisdiction, it would reflect poorly on their motivations. What (the government) wants to do is arrest her and move her to Louisiana, Kassem told reporters, and put her in removal proceedings there, so that it can avoid the jurisdiction of this court, so that it can have its removal case under Fifth Circuit case law, which it seems to prefer, referring to a more conservative appeals court in the South. In a filing late Wednesday two minutes before a court-issued deadline, according to the judge the government indicated it would not agree to an alternative. The Department of Homeland Security did not return a request for comment on Thursday afternoon. The answer is no, read the letter to the court, submitted by Manhattan U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. ICE has broad discretion over actions and decisions to conduct arrests and initiate removal proceedings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Buchwald from the bench on Thursday suggested the government had made misrepresentations in court and in filings about whether the feds had a notice for Chung to appear in immigration court going so far as to read statements from court transcripts back to the lawyers that made them. Specifically, she said she was disappointed because she did not think there was total candor with the court by the feds. The judge thought aloud that it seemed the government was not focused on starting the deportation process: If youre sincere about the need to have removal proceedings, you have a way, she added. You just choose not to do it. And then, the question comes up, Why not? Chung, 21, was arrested on March 5 outside a brief occupation of the library at Barnard College, a womens college affiliated with Columbia. Students, including Chung, were calling on Columbia to divest from Israel and protesting the expulsions of three classmates. She was released with a ticket ordering her to appear in court. Chung and recent Columbia graduate student Mahmoud Khalil were named in a memo by Secretary of State Marco Rubio that claimed their presence in the country undermines U.S. foreign policy interests, the nonprofit news outlet The City first reported. After attempts to arrest Chung at her dorm room and her parents home failed, she filed what is known as a habeas corpus petition, challenging the governments efforts as unlawful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Buchwald issued a temporary restraining order against the government at the end of March. Thursdays preliminary injunction made that relief more long term and acknowledged the irreparable harm that Chung could otherwise face. Before issuing her order, Buchwald at times appeared frustrated by the responses she received from the Trump administration lawyers. This is a new world, the federal judge said. A federal judge on Wednesday ruled a group of Venezuelans deported to a Salvadoran megaprison under the Alien Enemies Act must be provided a legal avenue to contest the Trump administrations accusations that they are gang members. U.S. District Judge James Boasberg did not outline specific steps the administration must take, providing one week to propose how it intends to comply. Boasberg said he realized the ruling may implicate sensitive diplomatic or national-security concerns but said the administration also has a constitutional duty to provide a remedy that will make good the wrong done. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a complex scenario for the administration to carry out. The Trump administration has argued they have no ability to secure the return of anyone held at CECOT, a notorious Salvadoran prison known by its acronym in Spanish. And Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele has said he will not return a mistakenly deported man sent to the facility under regular immigration authorities. That raises the prospect he would decline to do so for Venezuelans being incarcerated in a country that has also been criticized for due process violations in locking up gang members. But the situation spurred an unusual ruling from Boasberg, who turned to literature in determining the men must be given the opportunity for due process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boasberg described the process of carrying out Trumps removals under the Alien Enemies Act as being akin to a scene from the Franz Kafka novel The Trial, as the Venezuelan men deported through the law were given few answers about what was about to happen to them. In the early morning hours, Venezuelans held by the Department of Homeland Security at El Valle Detention Facility in Texas were awakened from their cells, taken to a separate room, shackled, and informed that they were being transferred, Boasberg wrote. To where? That they were not told. When asked, some guards reportedly laughed and said that they did not know; others told the detainees, incorrectly, that they were being transferred to another immigration facility or to Mexico or Venezuela. Boasberg noted that migrants reportedly began to panic and beg officials for more information, only to learn they were being sent to a Salvadoran megaprison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The migrants were flown out of the country on March 15, shortly after President Trump signed a proclamation invoking the Alien Enemies Act. The law has only been used three previous times, all during declared wars, but Trump has looked to the statute to justify rapidly deporting alleged gang members. Boasberg noted evidence suggesting many of the deported Venezuelans have no gang connection and thus languish in a foreign prison on flimsy, even frivolous, accusations. Perhaps the President lawfully invoked the Alien Enemies Act. Perhaps, moreover, Defendants are correct that Plaintiffs are gang members, Boasberg wrote. But and this is the critical point there is simply no way to know for sure, as the CECOT Plaintiffs never had any opportunity to challenge the Governments say-so. One of the lead plaintiffs in the case, Andry Hernandez Romero, came to the U.S. to seek asylum. Romero is a gay makeup artist who said he was facing persecution by the Maduro regime both for his sexuality and political activism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has pointed to tattoos on each of his wrists displaying crowns with the words mom and dad written in Spanish to argue he is a gang member, saying the crowns are symbols of the Tren de Aragua gang. Experts, however, have said the gang doesnt rely on tattoos to indicate membership, and friends of Hernandez Romero say the tattoos were a nod to Three Kings Day celebrations in his hometown in Venezuela. Trumps use of the Alien Enemies Act has sparked a legal battle spanning more than a dozen lawsuits across the country, but Boasberg has been involved since the beginning. In mid-March, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) rushed to Boasbergs court when Trump first invoked the law, quickly securing an order to halt or turn around any deportation flights. Boasberg on Tuesday again condemned the administration for allowing the flights to land in El Salvador that weekend, writing his mandate was ignored. Trump and his allies have publicly accosted Boasberg for his ruling, with some going so far as to call for his impeachment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Supreme Court twice ruled the administration must give migrants sufficient notice before deporting them, but it has left it to the lower courts to take a first pass at determining exactly how much notice is required. In light of those Supreme Court holdings, this Court ultimately agrees with the CECOT Plaintiffs that they are likely to succeed on the merits of their due-process claim. Defendants plainly deprived these individuals of their right to seek habeas relief before their summary removal from the United States, Boasberg wrote. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. When a judge starts a lengthy ruling by quoting from Franz Kafkas The Trial, a novel associated with an absurd legal ordeal, that could be a bad sign for the government. And so it was, in the 69-page opinion Wednesday from U.S. District Judge James Boasberg. It marked a step toward righting the Trump administrations wrong of sending scores of Venezuelan immigrants to a notorious Salvadoran prison without due process. While citing what he called the administrations troubling conduct throughout this case, Boasberg said U.S. officials must facilitate the ability of a class of at least 137 plaintiffs, held in El Salvadors Center for Terrorism Confinement (CECOT), to seek habeas corpus relief, so that they can challenge their removal under the Alien Enemies Act. They didnt get due process when the government summarily sent them to that foreign prison in March, so they need to get it now. The chief federal judge in Washington, D.C., left open how exactly that will happen, giving the government a week to tell him how it plans to carry out his directive. President Donald Trumps invocation of the 1798 act, whose factual and legal bases for deporting alleged Venezuelan gang members have been called into great doubt, still hasnt been resolved by the Supreme Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boasberg didnt seek to resolve that underlying issue Wednesday, instead focusing on the fact that the men didnt even get a chance to challenge their removal. Perhaps the President lawfully invoked the Alien Enemies Act. Perhaps, moreover, [government] Defendants are correct that Plaintiffs are gang members. But and this is the critical point there is simply no way to know for sure, as the CECOT Plaintiffs never had any opportunity to challenge the Governments say-so, he wrote. In our nation unlike the one into which K. awakes the Governments mere promise that there has been no mistake does not suffice, the Obama appointee wrote, referring to Kafkas protagonist. The judge said the government plainly deprived these individuals of their right to seek habeas relief before their summary removal from the United States. He added that while the litigation still needs to fully play out, significant evidence has come to light indicating that many of those currently entombed in CECOT have no connection to the gang and thus languish in a foreign prison on flimsy, even frivolous, accusations. Separate litigation is pending over Boasbergs inquiry into possible contempt for the government violating his previous order in March to halt deportation flights. Boasbergs latest ruling comes as the administration resists facilitating the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, as ordered by another judge whose order the Supreme Court endorsed in separate ongoing litigation. The Salvadoran native was also illegally deported to that country, but not under the Alien Enemies Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In yet another case of a wrongly deported person under this administration, the government on Wednesday managed to return a Guatemalan man referred to as O.C.G. in court papers; his case was litigated separately from both the Abrego Garcia case and the Alien Enemies Act cases. U.S. immigration agents sent him to Mexico, initially claiming he said he wasnt fearful of going to that country, but then admitting that they didnt have a witness who could back up that claim. So the administration knows it can remedy a wrongful removal. But given that the CECOT plaintiffs, like Abrego Garcia and unlike O.C.G., are being held by a foreign government, dont expect the government to go along with Boasbergs order before exhausting all appellate options including up to the Supreme Court, though even the justices have reminded the administration of the need to comply with due process. We should know the governments stance at least within a week, when its notice is due to Boasberg by June 11 on how it intends to facilitate the ability of the CECOT plaintiffs to seek habeas relief, unless the administration seeks a more immediate appeal of Boasbergs order. Separately, the administration has a pending emergency application to the Supreme Court, seeking the ability to more speedily deport people to so-called third countries where they arent from, in litigation stemming from the governments bid to send immigrants to war-torn South Sudan. An order from the justices in that case could come anytime. 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 A Manhattan federal judge on Thursday issued a preliminary injunction blocking the Trump administration from detaining Columbia University student Yunseo Chung, a green card holder who sued to stop her imminent arrest. From the bench, Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald also denied the federal governments motion to dismiss Chungs case, which accuses immigration authorities of retaliation against her free speech rights to defend Palestinians and college students facing discipline for their advocacy. This federal court has barred ICE from detaining Miss Chung longer-term as we litigate her important constitutional questions, said Ramzi Kassem, co-director of The CLEAR Project at CUNY Law School. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chungs case differs from those of other pro-Palestinian noncitizen students targeted by the Trump administration in a key way: She sued before she could be picked up by federal agents. But rather than start removal proceedings, the Trump administration has maintained the threat of arresting Chung. Kassem said the preliminary injunction would offer the rising college senior some degree of reassurance that she can continue to go about her daily life, her studies, her work, her career plans as we fight on in court. Chung is currently in New York City starting a summer internship. Our understanding is that Miss Chung is interested in legal studies and becoming a lawyer, and we think shed be a great lawyer, he said. Last week, Buchwald offered a path forward that she described as a win-win: The government could begin the deportation process against Chung if it plans to do so, but not arrest her sparing her the pejoratives, as she put it, of being taken into custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Buchwald said the government could start proceedings by serving either Chungs home address via mail or her lawyers. She suggested if the government were to try to avoid her jurisdiction, it would reflect poorly on their motivations. What [the government] wants to do is arrest her and move her to Louisiana, Kassem told reporters, and put her in removal proceedings there, so that it can avoid the jurisdiction of this court, so that it can have its removal case under Fifth Circuit case law, which it seems to prefer, referring to a more conservative appeals court in the South. In a filing late Wednesday two minutes before a court-issued deadline, according to the judge the government indicated it would not agree to an alternative. The Department of Homeland Security did not return a request for comment on Thursday afternoon. The answer is no, read the letter to the court, submitted by Manhattan U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. ICE has broad discretion over actions and decisions to conduct arrests and initiate removal proceedings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Buchwald from the bench on Thursday suggested the government had made misrepresentations in court and in filings about whether the feds had a notice for Chung to appear in immigration court going so far as to read statements from court transcripts back to the lawyers that made them. Specifically, she said she was disappointed because she did not think there was total candor with the court by the feds. The judge thought aloud that it seemed the government was not focused on starting the deportation process: If youre sincere about the need to have removal proceedings, you have a way, she added. You just choose not to do it. And then, the question comes up, Why not? Chung, 21, was arrested on March 5 outside a brief occupation of the library at Barnard College, a womens college affiliated with Columbia. Students, including Chung, were calling on Columbia to divest from Israel and protesting the expulsions of three classmates. She was released with a ticket ordering her to appear in court. Chung and recent Columbia graduate student Mahmoud Khalil were named in a memo by Secretary of State Marco Rubio that claimed their presence in the country undermines U.S. foreign policy interests, the nonprofit news outlet The City first reported. After attempts to arrest Chung at her dorm room and her parents home failed, she filed what is known as a habeas corpus petition, challenging the governments efforts as unlawful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Buchwald issued a temporary restraining order against the government at the end of March. Thursdays preliminary injunction made that relief more long term and acknowledged the irreparable harm that Chung could otherwise face. Before issuing her order, Buchwald at times appeared frustrated by the responses she received from the Trump administration lawyers. This is a new world, the federal judge said. Murphy Robinson has served as executive director of the Department of Public Safety for the City and County of Denver and as Denvers deputy mayor. He was appointed last year by Gov. Jared Polis to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission and serves on the Visit Denver Board of Directors. Robinson is also president of Robinson Corporations Security Group and CEO of SurePass. The Milford High School student who was arrested by immigration agents on his way to volleyball practice has been released from custody after a judge granted him bond Thursday. Joined by Congressmen Seth Moulton and Jake Auchincloss, Marcelo Gomes Da Silva held back tears as he spoke outside of the Burlington ICE facility he was being held at. I dont want to cry, Gomes Da Silva said, but I want to say that that place, its not good. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 18-year-old said he was placed in handcuffs and put in a small, cramped room with a bunch of grown men. Itd be really hard, said Gomes Da Silva. There were like 40 men in there, we would barely get any attention form the people there...I havent showered in 6 days. Gomes Da Silva said lunch and dinner at the Burlington facility would sometimes just be crackers, which he would share with others. Most people down there are all workers, he said. They all got caught going to work, these people have families man. They have kids to go home to. Marcelo Gomes da Silvas full statements can be viewed below: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gomes Da Silva described poor conditions inside the holding facility, including sleeping on floors with aluminum blankets, and dozens of men sharing a bathroom together. I couldnt use that bathroom, he said. I just felt very embarrassed for everyone there. The teen said guards were inattentive, often not responding to requests or allowing the detainees to go outside for fresh air. HAPPENING NOW: A hearing at immigration court today will request for Marcelo Gomes Da Silvas release on bond. The 18-year-old was detained by ICE while on his way to volleyball practice. ICE says they were looking for his father. @boston25 pic.twitter.com/FQv50qqxdB Elly Morillo (@ellymorillotv) June 5, 2025 Marcelo Gomes da Silva faced an immigration judge in Chelmsford via Zoom, where his attorney, Robin Nice, argued that he has no criminal record and is not a flight risk. The judge agreed to release Gomes da Silva while he challenges the federal governments efforts to deport him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the court agreed to release Gomes da Silva, Nice called the outcome a hollow victory. The judge granted bond in the amount of $2,000. Obviously, were thrilled, Nice told reporters. Thats the minimum or close to the minimum amount that can be set. She doesnt have the ability to set no bond. Nice said Gomes da Silva might have to be outfitted with an ankle monitor and be subject to house visits. Governor Healey issued the following statement after the release of Gomes da Silva: Im relieved that Marcelo will be returning home to his parents, siblings, classmates and the Milford community. This has been such a traumatic time for this community, and I hope that they find some solace in knowing that the rule of law and due process still prevail. Marcelo never should have been arrested or detained, and it certainly did not make us safer. Its not okay that students across the state are fearful of going to school or sports practice, and that parents have to question whether their children will come home at the end of the day. In Massachusetts, we are going to keep speaking out for whats right and supporting one another in our communities. The hearing came one day after ICE filed a petition to move the 18-year-old to the Wyatt facility in Rhode Island, which was denied by a federal judge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The filing stated that immigration authorities have not been able to secure a bed at the Burlington, Massachusetts, facility where Gomes da Silva had been held. Nice said her client was sleeping on the floor in Burlington, while also announcing that she learned during the court hearing that Gomes da Silva had been transferred to a facility in Plymouth. Apparently, hes in Plymouth, which is news to us, Nice told reporters. Because hes at Plymouth, he still has to get processed out at the Burlington ICE facility. Gomes da Silva was on his way to volleyball practice on Saturday when immigration officers detained him, but they say they were looking for his father, Joao Paulo Gomes Pereira. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ICE officials have alleged that Gomes Pereira is wanted for speeding 100 miles an hour through residential areas. Marcelo was driving his fathers car when he was pulled over. When we go out into the community, and we find others who are unlawfully here, we are going to arrest them. Weve been completely transparent with that. Hes 18 years old, he is unlawfully in this country, Patricia Hyde, Field Office Director of ICE Enforcement, said earlier this week. Nice has argued that while the student-athlete doesnt have a current lawful status, he did enter the country lawfully. He doesnt have current lawful status right now, but he did enter lawfully, he has no criminal record, so it does not, his situation does not at all fit into the narrative that ICE is putting out there that only criminals are being targeted, Nice explained. Nice said her client missed his high school graduation and semi-finals volleyball match while in custody, calling him the victim of a ramped-up, irrational immigration campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes going to go back to church, hes going to go back to his girlfriend of two years, Nice said of Gomes da Silva. Hes going to go back to finishing out the school year. Boston 25 News found one record in the courts of a citation issued for Gomes Pereira in July of 2023 court records show Milford Police cited him for failing to yield to a stop sign and driving with a revoked license as a habitual traffic offender. Sources familiar with his driving record tell 25 Investigates that he has had 16 driving-related citations since 2014. The teens mother and father are desperate for their son to return home soon. I love Marcelo, we need Marcelo back home. Its no family without him. We love America, please bring my son back, his father said in a video message. Milford Police Chief Robert Tusino says the department was not involved in this operation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am not accusing any agency of doing anything wrong, I am just saying were a small community and I think these things come better if the local police can run the investigation because we know the players, we know the people, said Tusino. His case is due back in court on June 26. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Backed by a Supreme Court order, a federal judge ruled on Wednesday that the Trump administration must bring back to the United States hundreds of suspected Venezuelan gang members who were sent to a mega prison in El Salvador without any court review of the criminal allegations against them. U.S. District Judge James Boasberg of Washington, D.C., said the alleged members of the Tren de Aragua gang who were deported in mid-March under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act are entitled to filing habeas petitions to challenge the legal basis for their deportation and imprisonment in the notorious facility in El Salvador known as CECOT, the Spanish initials for the Terrorism Confinement Center. Describing the Venezuelans ordeal as Kafkaesque, the judge noted that while the U.S. Supreme Court in April overturned his injunction stopping the removals of the suspected Venezuelan gang members, the justices ruled that the migrants have a due-process right to contest their detention on an individual basis in the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perhaps the President lawfully invoked the Alien Enemies Act. Perhaps, moreover, [the Trump administration is] are correct that Plaintiffs [Venezuelan immigrants] are gang members, Boasberg wrote in his 69-page order. But and this is the critical point there is simply no way to know for sure, as the CECOT Plaintiffs never had any opportunity to challenge the Governments say-so. Defendants instead spirited away planeloads of people before any such challenge could be made, Boasberg added. And now, significant evidence has come to light indicating that many of those currently entombed in CECOT have no connection to the gang and thus languish in a foreign prison on flimsy, even frivolous, accusations. Boasbergs rebuke of the Department of Homeland Securitys decision to invoke the the archaic war powers law as grounds for summarily deporting the suspected Venezuelan gang members followed a major ruling by the Supreme Court in April. The court vacated the judges temporary restraining order that had blocked the removal of alleged Venezuelan gang members, giving the Trump administration the green light to use the wartime law to carry out the deportations of certain migrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The majority ruled that challenges to the detention and removal of migrants using the Alien Enemies Act must be brought as legal petitions in the area where the plaintiffs were held in the United States, not in Washington, D.C., where the American Civil Liberties Union filed its petition. But the majority also found that such migrants are entitled to due process of the law as part of their removal proceedings. The plaintiffs who brought the lawsuit in question said they had been wrongly accused of being members of the violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. Alien Enemies Act detainees must receive notice after the date of this order that they are subject to removal under the act, Chief Justice John Roberts wrote. The notice must be afforded within a reasonable time and in such a manner as will allow them to actually seek habeas relief in the proper venue before such removal occurs. The high court opinion came just as the judge who issued the temporary restraining order was mulling whether to hold Trump administration officials in contempt for violating his order to pause the flights of Venezuelan migrants to the mega prison in El Salvador that began in March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boasberg originally imposed a 14-day temporary restraining order halting the deportations of alleged members of Tren de Aragua. In a concurring opinion, Justice Brett Kavanaugh said that all nine members of the Supreme Court agree that judicial review is available to migrants. The only question is where that judicial review should occur, Kavanaugh wrote. Among the immigrants sent to the prison in El Salvador was a Maryland man. In a related legal dispute, the Trump administration admitted that Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran native, was deported there due to an administrative error despite an immigration court order that he not be removed from the United States. Another federal judge ordered the Trump administration to bring him back to the U.S. The Supreme Court affirmed the judges order directing the Trump administration to facilitate Garcias release, but hes still imprisoned in El Salvador. A federal judge ordered the Trump administration Wednesday to provide hundreds of migrants sent to CECOT, a maximum-security terrorism confinement center in El Salvador, with habeas relief, ordering the government to give them opportunities to challenge their detentions and removals under President Donald Trump's invocation of the Alien Enemies Act. The order applies to all noncitizens removed from U.S. custody and transferred to CECOT "on March 15 and 16, 2025, pursuant solely to the Presidential Proclamation entitled 'Invocation of the Alien Enemies Act Regarding the Invasion of The United States by Tren De Aragua.'" It will not apply to migrants such as Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran man removed from the country around the same time, but for reasons other than Trump's invocation of the Alien Enemies Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Defendants plainly deprived these individuals of their right to seek habeas relief before their summary removal from the United States a right that need not itself be vindicated through a habeas petition, U.S. District Judge James Boasberg of Washington, D.C., wrote in the order. Perhaps the President lawfully invoked the Alien Enemies Act. Perhaps, moreover, Defendants are correct that Plaintiffs are gang members. But and this is the critical point there is simply no way to know for sure, as the CECOT Plaintiffs never had any opportunity to challenge the Governments say-so. Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act in March to target members of Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang the administration deems a foreign terrorist organization and accuses of engaging in "mass illegal migration to the United States to further its objectives of harming United States citizens." By invoking the wartime law, Trump was able to swiftly detain and remove immigrants he claimed were members of the gang. One day after he invoked the Act, the Trump administration announced it had deported hundreds of alleged Venezuelan gang members on at least two planes to El Salvador, even as Boasberg in a ruling at the time blocked the deportations and ordered any flights carrying migrants subject to the presidential proclamation to return to the United States. The Trump administration challenged the block on its Alien Enemies Act deportations, but the ruling was upheld by the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for Washington, D.C. The U.S. Supreme Court later faulted the administration for giving the Venezuelan detainees only 24 hours to challenge their deportations before it returned the case to an appeals court for further proceedings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boasberg noted in his ruling that the Supreme Court unanimously agreed "that those subject to removal under the Act must be allowed to challenge their removability in federal court before being deported." "Defendants instead spirited away planeloads of people before any such challenge could be made. And now, significant evidence has come to light indicating that many of those currently entombed in CECOT have no connection to the gang and thus languish in a foreign prison on flimsy, even frivolous, accusations," he wrote. Boasberg has given the government a week to propose a plan about "how they intend to facilitate the ability of the CECOT class to seek habeas relief," making it clear that the Venezuelan migrants must be granted the opportunity to contest their removals under the Alien Enemies Act but conceding that "such a remedy may implicate sensitive diplomatic or national-security concerns." In a statement on Thursday, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson slammed Boasberg's ruling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fortunately for the American people, Judge Boasberg does not have the last word," she said. Lawyers for the nonprofit groups representing the migrants praised the ruling as affirming that the right to due process extends to people who are in the country illegally. The court properly recognized that the government cannot send people to a notorious foreign gulag without due process and then wash its hands of the situation, said American Civil Liberties Union attorney Lee Gelernt, the lead counsel in the case. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com FORT SMITH, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) A Sebastian County judge has ruled that the City of Fort Smith and its acting city administrator violated the states Freedom of Information Act. Fort Smith-based attorneys Joey McCutchen and Stephen Napurano filed the lawsuit against the city on May 2 after claiming Fort Smith failed to provide all public records related to the hiring of Rebecca Cowan as internal auditor. Cowan was unanimously approved by the Board of Directors on April 22, but the offer was rescinded after it was revealed she had a pending felony stalking charge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The City of Fort Smith told Talk Business & Politics, Human Resources produced the background check and relayed the information to Administration per City protocol. Acting City Administrator Jeff Dingman, in an email to McCutchen, said, The background check information was delivered in hard copy. That record no longer exists. The Chief Human Resources Officer does not have a copy of the packet that was delivered. There is no hard copy. An email from Dingman, not included in the citys FOIA response, was later obtained directly from a board member, according to the lawsuit. This email stated that Dingman did not believe a background check was performed. The lawsuit also alleged the city failed to respond in a timely manner and may have withheld or destroyed public records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club awards $64K in 2025-26 college scholarships On June 3, the judge assigned to the lawsuit ruled in favor of McCutchen and Napurano during a hearing. An order, officially filed on June 5, said The Defendants failure to timely respond, the failure to provide clearly responsive records, the absence of any valid extension or waiver, and the troubling lack of transparency regarding the missing background check were reasons as to why the city was ruled to have violated the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act. A spokesperson from the City of Fort Smith gave the following statement to KNWA/FOX24 in response to the judges ruling: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the City of Fort Smith provided all relevant documents in response to Mr. McCutchens FOIA request, we did not meet the three-business-day deadline outlined in the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act and missed the deadline by two business days. The City remains committed to operating with transparency and integrity in all public records processes. The ruling said the city will be responsible for paying attorney fees to McCutchen and Napurano. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A Leavenworth District Court judge has granted a temporary restraining order against CoreCivic blocking the for-profit prison from re-opening its shuttered facility on the outskirts of town as an immigrant detention center. Judge John J. Bryant ruled at a hearing Wednesday that CoreCivic may not begin accepting detainees under its contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, without first requesting and receiving permission from city of Leavenworth officials. CoreCivic initially submitted an application in February for the special use permit required of all jail and prison operators in Leavenworth, but withdrew the application and asserted it could operate the detention center by right. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The temporary injunction means none of the 1,033 beds at the Midwest Regional Reception Center will be filled while the zoning dispute remains tied up in court. CoreCivic had previously indicated it could begin accepting ICE detainees as early as June. We are reviewing the courts decision and considering next steps, company spokesperson Steven Owen said in an email statement. We maintain the position that our facility, which weve operated for almost 30 years, does not require a Special Use Permit to care for detainees in partnership with ICE. We look forward to presenting our arguments to the court, Owen said. Bryant appeared sympathetic to Leavenworths argument that the city would lose legitimacy if residents and businesses were allowed to openly flout local laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CoreCivic argued in court filings that because it began operating its Leavenworth facility as a prison before the zoning law was adopted, the city couldnt make it apply for a special use permit. The city argued that although CoreCivics prison was initially grandfathered in under the old rules, the company must now re-apply for a special use permit because its facility has not housed inmates in more than three years. Bryants decision comes as a major victory for Leavenworth two weeks after U.S. District Court Judge Toby Crouse threw out the citys lawsuit, rejecting a similar request to block detentions until CoreCivic obtained permission to operate. Were obviously very pleased by it, City Manager Scott Peterson said of the ruling Wednesday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He acknowledged CoreCivic could appeal the ruling, but said the company would be better off relenting and following through with the citys zoning process. Were prepared to see it out as needed, Peterson said. Theyre always welcome to apply for a special use permit anytime they feel. June 4 (UPI) -- A federal judge on Wednesday temporarily blocked the deportation of family members of the Egyptian national charged in the anti-Semitic attack in Boulder, Colo. In the U.S. District Court in Denver, Judge Gordon P. Gallagher directed the federal government to stop the deportation proceedings of Mohamed Soliman's 41-year-old wife, Hayem El Gamal, and their five children. On Tuesday, they were taken into U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody in Florence, Colo., about 40 miles from their home in Colorado Springs. Federal immigration records show they are being held at a federal detention center in Dilley, Texas, designed to house families with minors, CBS News reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House posted Tuesday on X: "THEY COULD BE DEPORTED AS EARLY AS TONIGHT." Six One-Way Tickets for Mohamed's Wife and Five Kids. Final Boarding Call Coming Soon. pic.twitter.com/R32j1Ic8Ml The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 3, 2025 "Defendants SHALL NOT REMOVE" the five undocumented migrants from Colorado or the United States "unless or until this Court or the Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit vacates this order," Gallagher wrote in his order. "Moreover, the Court finds that deportation without process could work irreparable harm and an order must (be) issue(d) without notice due to the urgency this situation presents." He set a hearing for June 13 for a request on a temporary restraining order. The Washington Post reported the family was held "incommunicado and without access to a lawyer" after they were placed in ICE custody on Tuesday, their lawyers said in court records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By applying for asylum, the Trump administration can't legally speed up their deportation, the legal representative said. "Punishing individuals - including children as young as four-years-old - for the purported actions of their relatives is a feature of medieval justice systems or police state dictatorships, not democracies," family attorney Eric Lee said Wednesday in a statement to CNN. "The detention and attempted removal of this family is an assault on core democratic principles and must provoke widespread opposition in the population, immigrant and non-immigrant alike." In the court filing obtained by The New York Times, the suspect's wife "was shocked to learn" that her husband "was arrested for having committed a violent act against a peaceful gathering of individuals commemorating Israeli hostages." After his arrest, Soliman told detectives "no one" knew about his attack plans," including his wife or children, according to the affidavit for his arrest filed Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are investigating to what extent his family knew about this heinous attack, if they had knowledge of it, or if they provided support to it. I am continuing to pray for the victims of this attack and their families. Justice will be served," Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem posted on X on Tuesday. The children are an 18-year-old daughter, two girls and two boys. They are Egyptian citizens, according to the Department of Homeland Security. El Gamal, 41, is a network engineer with a pending EB-2 visa for professionals with advanced degrees. The eldest daughter, identified as Habiba Soliman, recently graduated from high school in Colorado Springs. An article in the Colorado Springs Gazette on April 25 said she had won a scholarship and planned to study medicine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In August 2022, they were initially granted entry until February 2023, DHS said in a Wednesday statement. Soliman applied for asylum in September 2022 in Denver, the agency said. In 2023, Soliman received a two-year work authorization that expired in March, a DHS official told CNN. Authorities say Soliman yelled "Free Palestine" and used a flamethrower to ignite molotov cocktails and threw them into the crowd where a pro-Israeli group, Run for Their Lives, was seeking the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza. Sean Diddy Combs might be barred from his own trial, the judge said Thursday in a bombshell moment. With the jury absent, Judge Arun Subramanian warned defense attorneys in a sidebar that he might exclude the defendant from the Lower Manhattan courtroom if he continued to look, nod or make facial expressions at jurors, CNN reported. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The admonition came after Subramanian said he saw Combs looking at and nodding vigorously toward the jury twice during todays cross-examination of prosecution witness Bryana Bongolan, who had told the court Wednesday that the defendant had dangled her off a 17th-story balcony in 2016. Subramanian told defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo that he had been clear that there were to be no theatrics during Combs trial on federal charges of racketeering, sex trafficking, transportation to engage in prostitution and more. I looked and I saw your client looking at the jury and nodding vigorously, CNN reported the judge telling the attorney. It is absolutely unacceptable. Asked by the jurist if it would happen again, Agnifilo said per CNN that it would not. Subramanian said that if there was any further juror interaction by Combs, he might instruct the jury about it and, potentially, consider barring the defendant from the courtroom. Combs, 55, faces up to life in prison if convicted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the four-week mark of the trial, the jury of eight men and four women in the courtroom has heard explicit and sometimes heartrending testimony about rapes, emotional and physical violence, blackmail, and filmed drug-juiced freak-offs from Combs former longtime girlfriend Cassie Ventura and his ex-personal assistant Mia. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Judge Arun Subramanian, who is presiding over Sean Diddy Combs ongoing racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking trial, warned the music mogul that he would be kicked out of the courtroom if he continued to nod at the jury. Absolutely unacceptable, Judge Subramanian said during one of the trials lunch breaks on Thursday, per AP News. At the time, he told Combs lawyers that he saw Combs looking at the jury and nodding vigorously during the cross-examination of Bryana Bana Bongolan, one of the several witnesses who claims they have experienced violence from Combs. Judge Subramanian warned the defense that if Combs pulled the behavior again, it could result in the exclusion of their client from the courtroom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It cannot happen again, the judge said to attorney Marc Agnifilo, who agreed to the instruction. There should be no efforts whatsoever to have an interaction with this jury. During the trial, the defense questioned Bongolan about her accusation that Combs once held her over the railing of a high-rise balcony. She explained that the incident, which allegedly took place in September 2016, happened while she was sleeping over at his ex-girlfriend Cassandra Cassie Venturas home when Combs came in in a rage and assaulted her. She stated that she was left with mental and physical scars. However, Combs legal team accused her making the attack up by presenting a receipt that seemingly shows that Combs was on tour in New York at the time of the event. This is the fourth week of Combs trial, which is taking place in a courtroom in the Southern District Court of New York in downtown Manhattan. The post Judge Threatens to Kick Diddy Out of Court for Nodding Vigorously, Intimidating Jury: Absolutely Unacceptable appeared first on TheWrap. Sean Diddy Combs was warned by the judge in his sex trafficking and racketeering case on Thursday to stop interacting with the jury or face removal from the courtroom. I was very clear there should be no facial expressions to the jury, and I could not have been clearer, Judge Arun Subramanian said in Manhattan federal court, according to NBC News. There was a line of questioning where your client was nodding vigorously and looking at the jury, Subramanian said, per NBC. There should be no efforts to have any interactions with this jury. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Combs trial is expected to last around two months. Prosecutors in Manhattan have accused the music mogul of using his power and fame to operate a criminal empire. He was indicted on five charges: one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. Combs nodded as his legal team was cross-examining witness Bryana Bongolan, according to The New York Times. Bongolan alleged that Combs had dangled her over the 17th-floor balcony of her friend Casandra Cassie Venturas apartment building in September 2016. Bongolan said she did not know why Combs had attacked her. Ventura, Combs ex, also mentioned the alleged incident in her landmark lawsuit against him in November 2023 that sparked dozens of other accusers to come forward and sue Combs. Subramanian also called Combs courtroom interactions absolutely unacceptable and asked his attorney if they would happen again, NBC News reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No, your honor, its not going to happen again, Combs lead attorney Marc Agnifilo replied. This cannot happen again, Subramanian responded, according to NBC News report. Bongolan also said that Combs told her something similar to I am the devil and I can kill you, according to the Times. Combs has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him and rejected a plea deal just before the start of the trial. If convicted, he faces life in prison. Related... Originally appeared on E! Online Judge Arun Subramanian is putting his foot down. As Sean Diddy Combs was seated for his sex trafficking trial June 5, the presiding judge threatened to remove the rap mogul for making faces at the jury, according to NBC News reporters in the courtroom. I was very clear, there should be no facial expressions to the jury, Subramanian told Combs legal team. I could not have been clearer. There was a line of questioning where your client was nodding vigorously and looking at the jury. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That is unacceptable, he continued. There should be no efforts to have any interactions with this jury. If it happens again, I will give an instruction to the jury or it could result in the exclusion of your client from the courtroom. Combs attorney Marc Agnifilo assured the judge that this was not going to happen again. Subramanians admonishments come as Bryana Bongolan, a close friend of Combs ex Cassie Ventura, returned to the witness stand for more cross-examination. More from E! Online Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fashion designer further testified about allegedly being dangled over a 17th-floor balcony by the Bad Boy Records founder in 2016. The defense tried to debunk her claims with defense attorney Nicole Westmoreland claiming that Combs was in New York on the days he was accused of the incident. However, Bongolan reaffirmed her statements, telling the juror that she had no doubt that Combswho pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, as well as transportation to engage in prostitutionhad held her up on the balcony. Just one day earlier, she shared more insight into the alleged incident, which she said took place at Venturas Los Angeles apartment. Gilbert Carrasquillo/FilmMagic Combs came behind me, lifted me up and had me on top of the rail, Bongolan, who said she weighed about 100 pounds at the time, testified June 4. I was trying not to slip, pushing back on him because I was scared I was going to fall. For a second, I thought I was going to fall, she continued. He was yelling at me. He was saying, You know what the f--k you did. I had no idea what he was talking about. I said, I dont know what the f--k I did. He was yelling loud. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more bombshells from Diddys trial, keep reading. (E! News and NBC News are part of the NBCUniversal family.) Sean Diddy Combs Ex Says Her First Freak Off Opened Pandoras Box Sean Diddy Combs ex-girlfriendwho is going by Jane and was identified as Victim-2 in the indictmentshared insight into her decision to participate in orchestrated sex acts with the rap mogul. She testified that the Bad Boy Records founder had allegedly been floating the idea to include escorts and voyeurism in the bedroom. I said OK, she told the jury, because it seemed like he wanted that and it was turning him on and I was really into my partner. She alleged that Combs called a male escort, whom she said she had sex with before having sex with her then-boyfriend. However, she said that what was a taboo and fun evening set the tone for their relationship moving forward. I truly felt that that night just opened like a Pandora's box in our relationship, she said in her testimony. It was so much of it after and it was too much of it. She alleged that 90 percent of the time she saw Combs, she was having sex with another man in front of her. She said the sex sessions lasted between 24 and 30 hours without sleep and that she felt an obligation because I knew he was paying my rent. Sean Diddy Combs Ex Accuses Him of Financially Threatening Her "Jane" said that she had no choice but to keep having sex with men for Combs because she was financially dependent on the rap mogul. My feeling of obligation really started to stem from the fact that my partner was paying my rent, she claimed, adding that if she objected to his sexual requests, He would just start saying things like If you want to break, thats fine. Do you need, like, three more months in the house? Because I'm not about to be paying for a woman's rent that I'm not even seeing. While she made much of her income from social media, she alleged that it started to dwindle down because her presence on social media really declined after she decided to prioritize her romance with Combs. She testified that her only source of income became her child support from another man, as well as Combs. Alleged Victim "Jane" Says Sean "Diddy" Combs Made Her Have Sex With Multiple Men During "Hotel Nights" The woman referred to as "Victim 2" in the federal indictment detailing the charges against Combs took the stand for the first time June 5. Testifying under the pseudonym "Jane," she told the court that she fell "head over heels" for the mogul during a trip to Miami in early 2021. She admittedly had hours-long, consensual sexual encounters involving baby oil with Combs when they were first dating. But that May, "Jane" testified, he arranged for her to have sex with another man while he watched for the first time. She didn't want to, she said, but "he was paying my rent." Those encountersreferred to in the indictment and by Cassie Ventura and other witnesses as "freak offs"were also called "debauchery or hotel nights," "Jane" said. These "nights" lasted between 24 and 30 hours with no sleep and could involve multiple men, she continued. "Sometimes it would happen more than once with one person and maybe more than once with another person, "Jane" testified. I would push down what I really wanted to say. Eventually she stopped working or traveling in case Combs needed her and he paid all her expenses and arranged child care for her as a single mom, "Jane" said. "I felt obligated to perform these nights with him, she told the court. When I was with Sean I was really consumed by him." Judge Threatens to Throw Sean "Diddy" Combs Out of the Courtroom Judge Arun Subramanian threatened to have Combs removed from the courtroom if the defendant didn't stop making faces in the jury's direction. I was very clear, there should be no facial expressions to the jury, the judge told Combs' legal team in court June 5. I could not have been clearer. There was a line of questioning where your client was nodding vigorously and looking at the jury. Calling it "unacceptable," Subramanian continued, There should be no efforts to have any interactions with this jury. If it happens again, I will give an instruction to the jury or it could result in the exclusion of your client from the courtroom. Defense attorney Marc Agnifilo assured the judge it was "not going to happen again." Subramanian reiterated, "This cannot happen again." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cassie Venturas Friend Accused Sean Diddy Combs of Dangling Her Off Balcony in $10 Million Lawsuit Bryana Bongolan, a close friend of Combs' ex Ventura, told jurors that she had filed a civil lawsuit in November 2024 against Combs for $10 million after he allegedly held her over a 17th-floor balcony in 2016 before throwing her onto nearby furniture. I wanted to seek justice for what happened to me, Bongolan said, on the balcony. The fashion designer filed a 17-page lawsuit accusing the rap mogul of sexual battery, infliction of emotional distress and false imprisonment, according to court documents obtained by Rolling Stone. The only purpose of dangling someone over a balcony is to actually kill them or to intentionally terrorize them, the lawsuit filed by her attorney James R. Nikraftar alleged, and rob them of any concept of dominion over their own bodily autonomy and safety. Sean Diddy Combs Accused of Dangling Cassie Venturas Friend From 17th Floor Balcony Bryana testified that the rap mogul allegedly held her over a 17th-floor balcony in 2016 before throwing her onto nearby furniture. Combs came behind me, lifted me up and had me on top of the rail, Bongolan alleged of the incident, which she said took place at Venturas Comstock apartment. I weighed 100-115 pounds. My feet were on the rail. I was trying not to slip, pushing back on him because I was scared I was going to fall. For a second, I thought I was going to fall, she said during while on the stand June 4. He was yelling at me. He was saying, You know what the f--k you did. I had no idea what he was talking about. I said, I dont know what the f--k I did. He was yelling loud. Bongolan further alleged that after 10 to 15 seconds, Combs threw her into the balcony furniture as Ventura came out before the former couple went inside to speak. She said the rap mogul eventually left the apartment. Since the alleged incident, Bongolan said she had lasting effects, testifying, I have nightmares and I have a lot of paranoia and I used to scream a lot in my sleep, although she noted that its dissipated a bit. Prosecution Requests Action After Identity of Anonymous Witness Mia Is Revealed Prosecutor Emily Johnson told Judge Subramanian that the government had learned a media outlet reported on the real identity of Combs' former assistant, who has gone by Mia during the trial. The government would respectfully request that the Court consider directing that outlet to remove the post and consider whether any further additional steps should be taken, Johnson said, such as barring individuals who break the Court's order from attending this trial either in this courtroom or in other courtrooms. Judge Subramanian asked the prosecution to draft a submission and that he would certainly consider it. Prosecutors Show Sean Diddy Combs Financial Records Included $20,000 Wire Transfer From Cassie Venturas Dad Former Bad Boy Entertainment CFO Derek Ferguson told prosecutorswho also showcased Combs bank recordsthat the rap mogul received a wire transfer of $20,000 from Cassie Venturas father Rodrick Ventura in 2011. Earlier in the trial, Venturas mom Regina Ventura had testified that Combs threatened to release explicit videos of her daughter after she began dating Kid Cudi (real name Scott Mescudi). Regina previously said that she and Roderick had taken a home equity loan to obtain the cash because it was the only way we could obtain the cash. He was angry, she told the prosecution of Combs motive. He had spent money on her and she had been with another person. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sean Diddy Combs Supporter Escorted Out of Courtroom After Outburst A supporter of Sean Diddy Combs, who has been at the courthouse almost every day of his trial, was removed from the courtroom after yelling out in the main courtroom, per NBC News. Everyone is laughing at Diddy, the supporter, who was usually seated in the overflow rooms, screamed during the proceedings June 3. Its not right what theyre doing to him. After asserting Combs innocence, she yelled at him, People are trying to do you wrong. Former Security Alleges That Sean Diddy Combs Paid Him $100,000 For Hotel Video of Cassie Ventura Assault Eddy Garciaa former security supervisor at the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angelestestified that Combs had allegedly presented hotel security with a brown paper bag of $100,000 in exchange for the surveillance footage of the Bad Boy Records founder attacking Ventura. Garcia, who was provided immunity protection by the prosecution for his testimony, said that he split the sum with two other employees after agreeing to sign an NDA with a $1 million penalty. He testified that Combs allegedly called him an angel on Easter during a phone call following the exchange and then proceeded to ask if anyone had asked about the incident or the video. I said I hadn't heard anything and he said, OK. Sean Diddy Combs Used Aliases For Hotel Reservations, Witness Says Sylvia Oken, the area director of sales and marketing at the Beverly Hills Hotel, testified that Combs used aliases Phillip Pines and Frank Black for reservations. Oken shared the charges that Combs, who frequented for his freak offs, accrued during his visit, including deep cleaning and oil damage. (Previous evidence and testimony alleged that the rap mogul used several bottles of baby oil during the highly orchestrated sex performances.) Former Assistant Said She Was Brainwashed By Sean Diddy Combs "Mia" alleged that she tried to maintain a positive relationship with the rap mogul despite her previous accusations of sexual assault and abuse because she had been brainwashed by him. I was in an environment where the highs were always high and the lows were always low, she explained during defense attorney Brian Steeles cross-examination June 2. I tried hard to get back to that good state and work harder. I was always constantly seeking his approval. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why R. Kelly Was Mentioned During Cross-examination of Sean Diddy Combs Former Assistant The defense highlighted a text exchange between Combs and Mia, in which she said her former employer had saved her from R. Kellywho is currently serving a 30-year prison sentence for crimes related to the sexual abuse of underage girlsduring a nightmare she had. I had a nightmare, she said in the 2019 message. I was trapped in an elevator with R Kelly you came and rescued me. President Donald Trump Addresses the Possibility of Pardoning Sean Diddy Combs After President Donald Trump had pardoned celebrities including Todd Chrisley, Julie Chrisley, NBA YoungBoy and Lil Wayne, he isnt ruling out the possibility of adding Combs' to the list. I know people are thinking about it, Trump said of a potential pardon during a May 30 Oval Office press conference. First of all, Id look at whats happening and I havent been watching it too closely, although its certainly getting a lot of coverage. The president, who had a former friendship with Combs, said that he would look into the facts regarding any pardon for the rap mogul. He added, If I think someone was mistreated, whether they like me or dont like me, it wouldnt have any impact on it. Former Personal Assistant Said Sean Diddy Combs Threatened to Both Kill Her and Report Her to HR "Mia" alleged in an October 2015 WhatsApp message read during his trial that the rap mogul didnt sound in his right mind. He is slurring his words, Mia wrote to Combs then-chief of staff Kristina Khorram. He threatened my job and he threatened to kill me. He said he was on the phone with HRin other calls, he threatened to fire me. In response, Khorram wrote, If you don't call him in the next two minutes, you don't have a job. Mia, who was always expected to be available for Combs, testified that the threats made her desperate to make it right, terrified and sad. Former Personal Assistant Saw Sean Diddy Combs Crack Cassie Venturas Head Open, She Testifies While "Mia" testified May 29, she told prosecutors that she had witnessed her former employer attack Ventura multiple occasions. I've seen him throw her on the ground, Mia said. I've seen him like crack her head open. I've seen him chase her. Things like that. She alleged that while she saw Combs attack Ventura, she only saw the singer put her arms up and beg for him to stop. In one instance, she said that she and Ventura barricaded themselves in a hotel room while in Turks and Caicos, where the latter allegedly said, Puff is going to kill me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Personal Assistant Accuses Sean Diddy Combs of Multiple Sexual Assaults Mia alleged that the rap mogul had sexually assaulted her multiple times while working for him. She told the jury that the first alleged assault was by her employer at his 40th birthday at the Plaza Hotel in New York after she had poured her three shots of vodka. He put his arm next to my head up against the wall and leaned in to like kiss me and put his other hand up the side of my dress, Mia said, alleging that she did not consent to the experience. I was shocked, and I froze. I didn't even process what was happening. The former employee also testified that she was once forced to perform oral sex on Combs in an attack, which she said made her feel like trash. In an emotional reflection, Mia said she felt desperate and terrified and that it was my fault." Celebrity Stylist Namedrops Michael B. Jordan During Testimony Against Sean Diddy Combs As Deonte Nash took the stand, he shared insight into the brief romance between Michael B. Jordan and Ventura. "Dating, talking," Nash explained of their budding romance during cross-examination, "getting to know each other." The celebrity stylist also testified that he did hook up Ventura with the Black Panther star in 2015 after the Me & U singer split from Combs. Nash said of his decision, He fine. She fine. I mean, why not? Judge Denies Request for a Mistrial Judge Subramanian swiftly denied the defense's May 28 request for a mistrial. Combs' team objected to testimony from arson investigator Lance Jimenez, a prosecution witness called to speak about Kid Cudi's car being set on fire in January 2012, after the official said that fingerprints lifted during the investigation had been destroyed. Defense attorney Agnifilo argued that the testimony about the lost fingerprints should be stricken from the record because it suggested that "someone in the court was responsible for the destruction. The judge sustained Anifilo's objection, but denied co-counsel Alexandra Shapiro's move for a mistrial. Former Assistant Alleges Sean Diddy Combs Threatened Her and Cassie Ventura After Learning About Kid Cudi Romance After Combs learned that his on-and-off girlfriend Ventura was in a relationship with Mescudi, the rappers former employee Capricorn Clark accused Combs of threatening to kill them. The former assistantwho also testified that she helped Ventura buy a burner phone for her relationship with Mescudi out of fear for her safetysaid that the incident took place after the rap mogul allegedly broke into Mescudis home. He was very angry, she told jurors of Combs. He was very upset. He said, I should kill you b--ches and I should cut her face. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sean Diddy Combs Allegedly Wanted to Kill Kid Cudi Over Cassie Ventura Romance Clark alleged that after Combs found out that Ventura and Mescudi had been dating, he went to the Pursuit of Happiness rappers home with a gun on Dec. 22, 2011. There were people at my door, including Combs, she told jurors. I could tell he was furious. He was pacing, and his body language looked like he had something in his hand. I couldnt really see. He just said, Get dressed, were going to go kill Mescudi, she continued. I said, I don't want to go, and he said, I dont give a f--k what you want to do. He was livid, furious, mad at me. I had never seen anything like this before. I never saw him come to my house, I never saw him with a weapon. Clark said that she allegedly called Ventura to let her know that Combs brought her with a gun to Cudis house to kill him. Former Assistant Says She Was Forced Into Taking Lie Detector Test by Sean Diddy Combs After Jewelry Went Missing Clark testified that after three pieces of high-end jewelry went missing, including a bracelet and a diamond watch, she was allegedly a suspect and was subjected to a lie detector test. She alleged that a heavy set man told her that if she failed the test, he would throw me into the East River. I was afraid of what would happen if I did not pass, she testified. He said it was inconclusive, he said, You need to calm down so I can get a read, otherwise youre going to end up in the East River. She said the test took five days to prove her innocence. Capricorn Clark: Sean Diddy Combs Beat Cassie Ventura After Finding Out About Kid Cudi Romance Former Bad Boy employee Clark alleged that, after Combs found out Ventura was dating Mescudi, he showed up at Clarks apartment early on the morning of Dec. 22, 2011, carrying a gun and told her, Get dressed, were going to kill Mescudi. Id never seen anything like this before, Clark said. The way he was acting, I just felt like anything could happen. Clark testified that Combs ordered her to call Ventura and let her know that he wasnt going to let Clark leave unless Ventura showed up. Ventura agreed, Clark said, so she went to pick up the singer and they both went back to Combs house. Combs started beating and kicking Ventura, Clark testified. She said that no one on Combs security staff intervened, and neither did she because Combs threatened that shed be next. Clark testified that she called Ventura mother, Regina Ventura, and told her, Hes beating the s--t out of your daughter. Im in over my head. Please help her. I cant call the police, but you can." Combs fired her for in 2012 for not telling him about Ventura and Kid Cudi, Clark testified, telling her that I would never work again and all these people werent my friends and he would make me kill myself." Clark said she returned to the fold as creative director for Ventura from 2016 until 2018. Capricorn Clark Took Cassie Ventura to Get a Burner Phone to Talk to Kid Cudi Clark testified May 27 that she advised Ventura to get a different phoneone that Combs wasnt paying forto communicate with Kid Cudi when they briefly dated in 2011. So, Clark testified, she took Ventura to Best Buy to get a burner phone for fear the singer was going to get us all killed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App Sean Diddy Combs ongoing sex trafficking trial has yielded a plethora of shocking claims, heavy testimonies, and accusations and those present in the courtroom are generally expected to keep their reactions to a minimum. On Thursday (June 5), the defendant was warned by the judge he may be removed from the courtroom due to facial expressions he repeatedly made to jurors. U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian said Diddys behavior was absolutely unacceptable, as it was seen as attempting to interfere with members of the jury during todays testimonies. I was very clear there should be no facial expressions to the jury and I could not have been clearer, Subramanian said, per NBC. There was a line of questioning where your client was nodding vigorously and looking at the jury. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There should be no efforts to have any interactions with this jury, he sternly warned. The judge asked defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo if this would happen again, and the attorney replied, No, your honor, its not going to happen again. Subramanian stated that if the Bad Boy founder continued interfering with the panel, he will give an instruction to the jury or it could result in the exclusion of your client from the courtroom. Todays incident is not the only time a disruption occurred in the room, as earlier this week, someones behavior did result in them being removed from court proceedings. On Tuesday (June 3), a heckler who identified as a Diddy supporter yelled out profanities because she was tired of seeing everyone treating Diddy the way they are. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These motherf**kers are laughing at you, the woman yelled at Combs in the Southern District of New York courtroom, per PEOPLE. The outlet reports she shouted several additional profanities before Judge Arun Subramanian ordered her to be escorted out. She also said: Youre laughing at a Black mans legacy and pull your gun out ninja, I dare you. Diddy remained seated in his spot and did not have a noteworthy reaction to what was said. The father of seven is facing one count of racketeering conspiracy; two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion; and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. He was arrested in NYC on Sept. 16, 2024, and held at MDC Brooklyn without bail. His trial is expected to last all of June and into July. More from VIBE.com Sign up for Vibe's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. A federal judge is weighing a request from the Trump administration to unseal records of the FBIs surveillance of Martin Luther King Jr. files that the civil rights leaders relatives want to keep under wraps in the national archives. U.S. District Judge Richard Leon in Washington, D.C., said during a hearing on Wednesday that he wants to see an inventory of the records before deciding whether the government can review them for possible release to the public. This is delicate stuff, Leon said. Were going to go slowly. Little steps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Justice Department attorneys have asked Leon to end a sealing order for the records nearly two years ahead of its expiration date. A department attorney said the administration is only interested in releasing files related to Kings assassination. The Southern Christian Leadership Conference, which King led, is opposed to unsealing any of the records for privacy reasons. The organizations lawyers said Kings relatives also want to keep the files under seal. In 1977, a court order directed the FBI to collect records about its surveillance and monitoring of King and turn them over to the National Archives and Records Administration. The order required the records to remain under seal for 50 years until Jan. 31, 2027. RELATED STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In January, President Donald Trump ordered Attorney General Pam Bondi to review and publicly release documents about Kings assassination because the American people have an interest in full transparency about this key historic event, government lawyers wrote. To maximize this transparency objective, the records sealed in this case should be part of the Attorney Generals review, they added. SCLC attorneys said the FBI tried to discredit King and their organization by illegally wiretapping Kings home, SCLC offices and hotel rooms where King met with other SCLC officials. Unsealing records of those recordings is contrary to the interests of SCLC, the King family and the public, the lawyers argued. Since its inception, this case has been about government overreach, said SCLC attorney Sumayya Saleh. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Justice Department attorney Johnny Walker said the administration has no intention of releasing any personal communications or privileged records contained in the files. Thankfully, I am not here to defend the allegations in the underlying complaint, Walker told the judge. Nobody involved in the litigation knows whats in the archives and whether any of it relates to Kings assassination. It could be easy. There could be nothing, and then we just all go away, Walker said. Its not going to happen overnight, the judge said. The court is going to move very carefully. King was shot and killed on April 4, 1968, while standing on the balcony of a motel in Memphis, Tennessee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1976, the SCLC and Bernard Lee, who was Kings executive assistant at the organization, filed a lawsuit to challenge the legality of the FBIs surveillance. The 1977 court order required the FBI to compile records of its telephone wiretapping operations, between 1963 and 1968, at Kings home and at the SCLC offices in Atlanta and New York. Bernice King, the civil rights leaders youngest daughter, said in a court filing that she hopes the files are permanently sealed or destroyed. It is unquestionable that my father was a private citizen, not an elected official, who enjoyed the right to privacy that should be afforded to all private citizens of this country, she said. To not only be unjustifiably surveilled, but to have the purported surveillance files made public would be a travesty of justice. Trumps Jan. 23 executive order also called for declassifying records about the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy and Sen. Robert F. Kennedy. President Donald Trumps sweeping bid to deport foreign students who have condemned the war in Gaza has been brought to a standstill by federal judges who have repeatedly ruled against the administration, according to an NBC News review of recent court filings. First, Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia University graduate student, was arrested and transported hundreds of miles from his home. Then a graduate student at Tufts University in Massachusetts, Rumeysa Ozturk, was grabbed off the street by masked plainclothes federal agents. A third student, Badar Khan Suri, a Georgetown University postdoctoral scholar and professor, was arrested at his home, while another Columbia student, Mohsen Mahdawi, was detained at his naturalization interview. Since then, though, federal judges have rejected the administrations arguments about court jurisdiction and the continued detention of three of the four students. Federal judges freed Ozturk, Mahdawi and Suri. And a ruling on Khalils possible release is expected soon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In separate legal setbacks for the administration, federal appeals courts upheld lower courts orders requiring the government to transfer Ozturk to Vermont for a bail hearing and to release Mahdawi. And late last month, a judge issued an injunction blocking the administration from terminating the legal status of international students at universities across the United States. The judges have been appointed by both Republican and Democratic presidents, including Trump. It has been very heartening to see the courts recognize the legal issues at play here and recognize that what the administration has been doing is unconstitutional, said Esha Bhandari, deputy director of the American Civil Liberties Union, which represents several of the students. This reinforces just how important it is to have an independent judiciary that can protect individual rights and act as a check when the executive branch overreaches. Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin predicted in a statement to NBC News that the administration would eventually prevail in court. These rulings delay justice and seek to kneecap the Presidents constitutionally vested powers, she said. "We expect a higher court to vindicate us in this. We have the law, the facts, and common sense on our side. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Justice Department did not respond to a request for comment. Rarely used provision The Trump administrations primary legal argument is that foreign students and scholars can be deported under an obscure provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952. The law allows the secretary of state to remove noncitizens whose presence in the country would have potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States. Trump administration officials have argued that students who engaged in protests in support of Hamas, a foreign terrorist organization, contributed to antisemitism on college campuses. Khalil and the other students have denied allegations of antisemitism and of providing support to Hamas or any other terrorist organization, and they say they have not participated in protests backing Hamas. None of the four face any publicly known criminal charges. Tufts University student Rumeysa Ozturk, center, with Nora Ahmed, legal director of ACLU Louisiana, left, and attorney Mahsa Khanbabai after Ozturk was released from the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center on May 9. (Courtesy Rumeysa Ozturks legal team) The government has yet to disclose any evidence linking the students to Hamas or praising the group, which the United States designated a foreign terrorist organization in 1997. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorneys representing the students have argued that their clients detainment and the efforts to deport them are retaliation for constitutionally protected free speech and advocacy for Palestinian rights. Khalil, a legal permanent resident, played a key role in the student protests at Columbia University last year by leading negotiations between the protesters and university officials. The other Columbia student, Mahdawi, was a prominent organizer of the pro-Palestinian demonstrations on campus. Ozturk, a graduate student, wrote an op-ed in her student newspaper at Tufts University that was critical of the universitys response to the war in Gaza. Last week, a federal judge in New Jersey ruled against the administrations claim that Khalils beliefs and speech had adverse consequences for U.S. foreign policy. It was the first time a judge has said the governments primary justification for deporting Khalil was most likely unconstitutional. U.S. District Judge Michael Farbiarz said Secretary of State Marco Rubio failed to affirmatively determine that Khalils alleged conduct has affected U.S. relations with another country, adding that deporting Khalil under the provision would be unprecedented. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to a request for comment, a State Department spokesperson said, We dont comment on pending litigation. Lora Ries, director of the Heritage Foundations border security and immigration center, said the judges were unfairly blocking Trump. There have been a lot of activist judges issuing rulings against the Trump administration, Ries said. There is a clear effort, beyond even what we saw in Trumps first term, to slow down a lot of the efforts to enforce immigration law. Daniel Kanstroom, a professor at Boston College Law School, predicted that judges would continue to rule in international students favor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think the courts are going to view this period as one in which the judiciary should and needs to exert a little more force and authority than it might do in other circumstances, Kanstroom said. Just to bring the tone down a little bit and bring us back to a more normal interaction among the three branches. Badar Khan Suri. (Georgetown University) Detention losses In April, U.S. District Judge Geoffrey Crawford ruled that Mahdawi, 34, a U.S. permanent resident who was born and raised in a refugee camp in the West Bank, should be released from a Vermont immigration detention facility on bail. Crawford said Mahdawis continued detention would be likely to have a chilling effect on protected speech. The government opposed freeing Mahdawi, citing law enforcement records that indicated he was involved in and supporting antisemitic acts of violence and that he had an interest in and facility with firearms for that purpose, according to court documents filed under seal but reviewed by NBC News. But in a court order, Crawford said law enforcement had determined that a Vermont gun shop owners accusations against Mahdawi were unsubstantiated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In May, U.S. District Judge William Sessions III freed Ozturk from detention, writing, There has been no evidence introduced by the government other than the op-ed, referring to the student newspaper op-ed in which Ozturk called on Tufts to acknowledge the war in Gaza. That literally is the case. There is no evidence here, Sessions said. Sessions said Ozturks continued detention infringed on her First Amendment and due process rights. He added that it might be justified if the government had presented a legitimate case for it, but it has not done so. Legal struggle ahead No cases involving the deportation of foreign students for their condemnation of the war in Gaza are before the Supreme Court, but they could be in the future. Conor Fitzpatrick, a supervising senior attorney at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, a nonprofit civil liberties group, said the Supreme Court has yet to address the intersection of executive power, immigration law and free speech. Until it does, the fate of foreign students and scholars in the United States remains uncertain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is a real sense of unease for international students and international faculty about whether they can feel safe voicing their opinions, Fitzpatrick said. Theyre worried about risking their immigration status, and that is a harm that is going to take a long time to undo. John Yoo, a law professor at the University of California, Berkeley, who served as a senior Justice Department official during the George W. Bush administration, said the cases will create a unique challenge for the Supreme Court. The two things that this court has been very supportive of are coming into collision, Yoo said. The Roberts Court has been very deferential to the executive branch in general. On the other hand, this court has also been extremely protective of freedom of speech. He added, Its going to cause a lot of tension at the court. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) All judges in Louisiana must now undergo training in domestic violence and trauma-informed courts. The Louisiana Supreme Court established this requirement, and judges are required to participate in training every other year for one hour. The Louisiana Protective Order Registry and the Louisiana Judicial College are offering the training. The Louisiana Supreme Court said the training is intended to ensure judges have access to the latest information and best practices on domestic violence issues, including issuing protective orders, the special needs of domestic violence victims, and evidence-based practices to minimize or eliminate further trauma to children and families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trainings offered utilize the Domestic Violence curriculum from the Louisiana Protective Order Registry. They are developed with the help of the National Conference of Juvenile and Family Court Judges and the National Center for State Courts. The rule change came after a recommendation from Justice John Michael Guidry. This was done due to more domestic violence incidents in the state, according to the Louisiana Supreme Court. New Louisiana bill may ease TOPS scholarship rules for homeschoolers Chief Justice John L. Weimer said, The Justices and I share a concern about the unfortunate prevalence of domestic violence in our state. While judges must remain neutral arbiters of the facts and law, we also must be cognizant of the painful toll of domestic violence and trauma in our communities. Trauma-informed judicial training is a tool that we will use to ensure everyone, including domestic violence victims, have their voices heard in our courtrooms. 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. Jurors in Harvey Weinsteins sexual assault retrial in Manhattan finished their first day of deliberations Thursday, as they mull whether the disgraced Hollywood heavyweight leveraged his power to sexually assault three women. Weinstein, 73, is on trial in Manhattan Supreme Court for criminal sex act and rape, after his landmark 2020 #MeToo conviction was overturned last year. Jurors heard the stories of three accusers over the course of the eight-week trial former TV production assistant Miriam Haley, Polish model and aspiring actress Kaja Sokola, and one-time actress Jessica Mann. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mann and Haley testified at Weinsteins 2020 trial, which ended in a 23-year prison sentence before the states highest court ruled that Judge James Burke should have never allowed the testimony of three women who accused the movie mogul of sexual assaults that werent included in the charges against him. Defense lawyer Arthur Aidala and Assistant D.A. Nicole Blumberg gave their closing arguments on Tuesday and Wednesday, and the case officially went to the jury at about 11:30 a.m. Thursday. The jurors ended the day with a trio of notes to the court, requesting to again hear testimony from Sokola and Mann describing their alleged attacks at the TriBeca Grand Hotel and DoubleTree Hotel. They also asked to see Manns medical records from her hospital and doctors visits after news accounts came out detailing Weinsteins history as a serial sex harasser in October 2017. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mann testified that she checked herself into an emergency room after having a panic attack and suicidal thoughts after hearing the news. The records also show that she told her doctors Weinstein had raped her. Haley, a former TV producer who met Weinstein in 2004 accused him of pulling out a tampon and forcibly performing oral sex on her in July 2006, and testified about a second, unwanted sexual encounter at the Tribeca Grand Hotel two weeks later. Sokola testified that Weinstein attacked her when she was a 16-year-old model, rubbing her vagina under her pants and underwear in 2002, and in 2006, he forcibly performed oral sex on her at the Tribeca Grand Hotel while her sister waited at a restaurant table downstairs. Mann, also an aspiring actress, alleged Weinstein raped her in Midtowns DoubleTree Hotel in March 2013, but maintained a complicated relationship that included some consensual sexual encounters for years. She also testified about an encounter at the Peninsula Hotel in 2013 where she says Weinstein raped her after she told him she was getting serious with her new actor boyfriend. Jury deliberations resume Friday. By Jack Queen and Jody Godoy NEW YORK (Reuters) -Jurors in Harvey Weinstein's rape and sexual assault retrial began deliberating on Thursday in a Manhattan court, after a judge instructed them to weigh for themselves the credibility of the three accusers that the defense has said lied about their encounters with the once-powerful movie mogul. The Academy Award-winning producer and Miramax studio co-founder is accused of raping aspiring actress Jessica Mann in 2013 and assaulting two other women in 2006 and 2002. Weinstein, who has denied ever having non-consensual sex or assaulting anyone, has pleaded not guilty. The trial began in April. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The jury was excused for the day after deliberating for around five hours and requesting to review Mann's medical records shown at the trial, as well as testimony from Kaja Sokola, who prosecutors say Weinstein assaulted in Manhattan in 2006. The jury is expected to continue deliberating on Friday morning. Weinstein, 73, is on trial for a second time after a New York state appeals court threw out his conviction in April 2024. He faces up to 25 years in prison for two counts of criminal sexual acts and up to four years for one count of rape. New York Supreme Court Justice Curtis Farber instructed the 12 jurors on the law, and dismissed four alternate jurors on Thursday morning. After the jury was sent to deliberate, Weinstein, seated in a wheelchair and wearing a dark gray suit, thanked Farber and the court staff. "I have been treated incredibly fairly," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weinstein's defense lawyer Arthur Aidala moved for a mistrial earlier on Thursday morning, because Farber replaced a juror who called in sick with an alternate. The judge denied the motion. Aidala has asked the judge several times to declare a mistrial, including over prosecutors' closing arguments, which concluded on Wednesday. Weinstein is already serving a 16-year prison sentence after being found guilty in December 2022 of rape in California. Prosecutors with the office of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg have portrayed Weinstein as a serial predator who promised career advancement in Hollywood to women, only to then coax them into private settings where he attacked them. He held the golden ticket, the chance to make it or not. He made each of these women feel small, no match for the power broker of Hollywood, prosecutor Nicole Blumberg told jurors on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weinsteins defense lawyers have said his encounters with the women were consensual and accused them of lying about being raped after failing to make it big in Hollywood by sleeping with him. "They are lying about what happened. Not about everything, but about a small slice - just enough to turn their regret, their buyers' remorse, into criminality," Aidala told jurors Tuesday. Weinstein was convicted of rape by a Manhattan jury in February 2020, but the New York Court of Appeals threw out the conviction and ordered a new trial, citing errors by the trial judge. Weinstein had been serving a 23-year sentence in a prison in upstate Rome, New York, when the conviction was overturned. That conviction was a milestone for the #MeToo movement, which encouraged women to come forward with allegations of sexual misconduct by powerful men. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weinstein has been held at New York City's Rikers Island jail since his conviction was overturned. He has had several health scares while being held at Rikers, and in September was rushed to a hospital for emergency heart surgery. More than 100 women, including famous actresses, have accused Weinstein of misconduct. He has denied assaulting anyone or having non-consensual sex. Miramax studio produced many hit movies in its heyday, including "Shakespeare in Love" and "Pulp Fiction." Weinstein's own eponymous film studio filed for bankruptcy in March 2018, five months after the original sexual misconduct accusations became widely publicized. (Reporting by Jack Queen in New York;Editing by Noeleen Walder, Deepa Babington and Chizu Nomiyama) Among scholars who study state courts and state constitutions, Justice David Souter was notable for the experience at the state level that he brought with him to the Supreme Court. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Following retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice David Souters passing last month, commentators memorialized the justice with appreciations of his analytical acumen and commitment to the role of neutral arbiter. Steven Vladeck, for instance, praised Souter for just how seriously he took his job as a justice and a judge. At the same time, however, as longtime Supreme Court observer Linda Greenhouse noted in The New York Times, Souters name was on so few significant opinions and his profile at the court was so low that after his first few years, legal academia essentially stopped paying attention to him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not all of legal academia. Among scholars who study state courts and state constitutions, Souter was notable for the experience at the state level that he brought with him to the Supreme Court. During his tenure as a member of New Hampshires highest court, that court contributed to the development of state constitutional law in significant ways. The Granite State stood at the forefront of the jurisprudential phenomenon known as the new judicial federalism the practice of state courts interpreting the individual rights provisions of their own constitutions independently of the Supreme Courts rulings on the parallel protections contained in the federal Bill of Rights. The new judicial federalism was inspired, in large part, by an essay published in the Harvard Law Review in 1977. Alarmed by the extent to which the Supreme Court was retreating from the robust protection of individual rights under the federal constitution, Supreme Court Justice William Brennan reminded readers that State constitutions, too, are a font of individual liberties, their protections often extending beyond those required by the Supreme Courts interpretation of federal law. In other words, individuals and advocates should consider, in appropriate cases, the depth and reach of state constitutional individual rights provisions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The New Hampshire Supreme Court heard Brennans call. In its 1983 decision in State v. Ball, the high court held that, when state constitutional issues are properly raised, the state courts have a responsibility to make an independent determination of the protections afforded in the New Hampshire Constitution. To ignore this obligation, the court continued, would be to fail in the duty to defend the state constitution, which in turn would undermine the federalism that must be so carefully safeguarded by our people. A commitment to the independent interpretation of the state constitution necessarily entails the development of approaches and modes of analysis suited to that particular constitutional context, which Justice Souter recognized in a 1986 case, State v. Bradberry. Souter had been appointed to the high court when the court issued its opinion in Ball, but he did not participate in the decision. Bradberry thus presented an opportunity for him to explain the stakes for state constitutional law in individual rights cases: If we place too much reliance on federal precedent, he wrote, we will render the State rules a mere row of shadows; if we place too little, we will render State practice incoherent. If we are going to steer between these extremes, we will have to insist on developed advocacy from those who bring the cases before us. Justice Souters plea for support from the bar in state constitutional cases continues to resonate. In our treatise on state constitutional law, The Law of American State Constitutions, my co-author Bob Williams and I referred to Souters opinion in Bradberry as a definitive statement on the matter. In the book, we echoed the perspective articulated in his opinion: State courts that rely wholly on federal law in interpreting their state constitutional rights protections risk diminishing those protections, while too little respect for federal precedent risks isolating a states law from the larger, national discourse about the meaning of common individual rights provisions. His experience with state constitutional law and the new judicial federalism distinguished Justice Souters career from that of most of his fellow U.S. Supreme Court justices, and the New Hampshire Supreme Courts commitment to fostering independent state constitutional interpretation in State v. Ball has distinguished it from other state courts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Bradberry, Justice Souter maintained that the commitment represents but an initial step toward reckoning with state constitutional text. In ascertaining the meaning of the states charter, Souter advised, the states courts should expect to rely on counsel representing each side of a case to illuminate the text. Such advocacy allows judges to consider the full range of interpretive possibilities that may lie in particular provisions of the New Hampshire Constitution and creates an alternative to relying exclusively on the views of nine judges in Washington, D.C., who are tasked with construing a similar but fundamentally different constitution The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) wants to confiscate $7.7 million worth of cryptocurrency seized in connection with an alleged scheme to launder money on behalf of the North Korean government. The DOJ filed a civil forfeiture complainta type of civil lawsuit in which the government tries to seize property that it says is linked to criminal activitieson Thursday. The complaint alleges that North Korean IT workers obtained illegal employment and amassed millions in cryptocurrency for the benefit of the North Korean government, the agency said. The millions of dollars worth of crypto were initially frozen in connection to an April 2023 indictment against a man named Sim Hyon Sop, the DOJ said. In that indictment, the government alleged that Sim, a North Korean Foreign Trade Bank representative based in the United Arab Emirates, conspired with North Korean IT workers to launder the ill-gotten funds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sim was charged with conspiracy to launder monetary instruments in 2023 in connection to his relationship with the alleged North Korean IT workers, according to court documents. While the statement does not specify where the IT workers associated with Sim were employed, the DOJ alleges that the workers flew under the radar by bypassing security and due diligence checks using fraudulent (or fraudulently obtained) identification documents. Once hired, the workers would allegedly receive a salaryoften in stablecoins like USDC or USDTand send the funds back to North Korea via Sim or another North Korean national. The DOJ identified the alleged conspiracy as part of a growing effort by the North Korean government to have its citizens pose as remote IT workers in foreign countries, according to the statement. The scheme is an attempt by the North Korean government to prop up its economy in the face of sanctions, the agency said. For years, North Korea has exploited global remote IT contracting and cryptocurrency ecosystems to evade U.S. sanctions and bankroll its weapons programs, Sue J. Bai, head of the DOJs national security division, said in a statement. Identifying a North Korean IT worker The alleged conspiracy comes amid other incidents of North Korean IT workers attempting to infiltrate companies in the U.S. and abroad. The United Nations estimates that the scheme has generated between $250 million to $600 million annually since 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most recently, Kraken, a U.S.-based crypto exchange, caught a North Korean agent applying for a job as a software engineer. The companys security team was able to identify the applicant as a North Korean agent early in the hiring process because his email showed up on a list of those suspected to be a part of a hacker group. However, instead of tossing the application, Krakens chief security officer Nick Percoco decided to interview the agent to learn more about North Koreas infiltration tactics. Percoco found that, while AI may make it easy to fake technical skills, it is hard to feign a sufficient level of cultural understanding. For instance, Percoco said that while the applicant had claimed to have gone to New York University and was living in Houston, he fumbled when asked about his favorite restaurant and knew nothing about the American tradition of trick-or-treating on Halloween. We said this is going to be a get-to-know-you, sort of, cultural interview, Percoco previously told Fortune. Thats where he really failed. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Nearly four years after Congress approved a mammoth disaster relief grant to help Oregonians recover from the destructive 2020 wildfires, records show that more than 90% of the money remains unspent, even as hundreds of families await relief. It has been incredibly frustrating for the communities that were affected, says state Rep. Pam Marsh (D-Ashland). Fire consumed more than 2,600 homes in Jackson County, most of them in Marshs district. Hundreds of families in Jackson and other fire-afflicted counties remain homeless or marginally housed from the 2020 blazes. Marsh, chair of the House Committee on Housing and Homelessness, says she has been in frequent contact with Oregon Housing and Community Services, the state agency administering the federal disaster money. I dont underestimate the complexity of the rules around how the money can be distributed, Marsh says, but its been years. In response to a mid-May public records request and subsequent questions from the Oregon Journalism Project, Delia Hernandez, a spokeswoman for Oregon Housing and Community Services, acknowledged the rollout of the federal aid, which it calls ReOregon, hasnt gone as the department hoped. The agencys risk tolerance slowed down the process, Hernandez says. Another challenge was that OHCS had not engaged in disaster recovery work of this scale. The agency was trying to figure out: Where did the state lead and where did it take a back seat? As Oregon prepares for the 2025 wildfire season one that experts expect will be worse than normal Oregon Housing and Community Services will be tested again. The agency has tripled in size over the past decade as the state battles a housing crisis, but it had no experience in disaster relief because Oregon had never experienced the residential destruction it saw in 2020. That year five megafires (which the state defines as 100,000 acres or more) ignited during the Labor Day weekend, consuming more than 850,000 acres and more than 4,000 homes. Politicians acted quickly. In 2021, Oregon lawmakers allocated $150 million for fire recovery. That same year, Congress authorized an even bigger amount of federal funding: a $422 million grant through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. That grant, unprecedented for Oregon, drew widespread media coverage. We are going to work really hard to meet all the federal requirements and try to use these funds as fast as we possibly can, OHCSs Hernandez told KGW on Nov. 3, 2021. But she cautioned, Its still the beginning of a long and complex process. Caryn Wheeler Clay, the outgoing long-term recovery director for Jackson County, says displaced residents have faced endless bureaucratic hurdles. It has taken an insane amount of learning to get this money moving, she says. The HUD money, Wheeler Clay explains, is designed to be gap funding, the last dollars after homeowners have exhausted state funding, insurance proceeds, and other funding sources. In practice, she says, repeated requests for the same information has ground down many survivors. The number of times people have had to retell their stories is bananas, she adds. In Jackson County, 89% of residents who lost their homes were on some form of public assistance, and many lived in old manufactured homes that lacked insurance or equity value. Peoples experience in other parts of the state is similar. Its been absolutely ridiculous, says state Rep. Ed Diehl (R-Scio), whose district includes the heavily damaged Santiam Canyon (After the Inferno, OJP, Feb. 5). Kaety Jacobson, who left her position as Lincoln Countys point person for fire recovery in February, says trying to work with Oregon Housing and Community Services left her incredibly frustrated. They just could not execute, says Jacobson, a Lincoln County commissioner from 2019 to 2025. There were lots of false starts. On May 28, Marsh summoned top OHCS officials to brief her Housing and Homelessness Committee. OHCS Chief Financial Officer Caleb Yant told lawmakers his agency feels confident the Trump administration will not withdraw the unspent dollars before the grant expires in 2029. The agency has also made substantial funding commitments to survivors in recent months and reached an agreement with HUD in May allowing greater flexibility in distributing the biggest pot of money. But Yant apologized for how slowly dollars have gotten to fire survivors. We had never done this before, he said. The programs didnt work as intended. A spokeswoman for Gov. Tina Kotek says Kotek is frustrated with the pace of recovery and the distribution of federal dollars. The governor acknowledges that ReOregon was initially difficult to navigate for many people who need the support and did not meet community expectations, Roxy Mayer says. (She) will not be satisfied until all 2020 wildfire survivors have access to safe and stable housing. Related stories: A Kansas City man is facing murder charges after a shooting in Kansas Citys Key Coalition neighborhood over the weekend. The Jackson County Prosecutors Office announced felony charges against Shawn Allen Jr. on Wednesday, according to a news release from director of communications Jazzlyn Johnson. Allen will face one felony count each of second-degree murder, discharge/shoot firearm at or from a motor vehicle, unlawful possession of a firearm and two counts of armed criminal action, according to a warrant for Allens arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If convicted, Allen could face more than 30 years in prison, according to the news release. Officers responded to a report of a shooting in the 2900 block of Wabash Avenue around 8:30 p.m. Sunday. There, they found Javonie E. Minor, 31, with gunshot wounds. Minor was taken to a hospital, where he died, according to a probable cause statement for Allens arrest. A witness told officers she had been involved in an argument with Allen earlier that night and left, according to the probable cause statement. She allegedly had planned to buy marijuana from Minor. The witness was inside the residence playing with Minors puppies when Allen began to call her, according to the probable cause statement. Allen allegedly told her he was going to shoot up the residence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the woman started to leave the residence, Allen allegedly charged toward it with a gun, saying, What did you say? What did you say? He then fired four rounds into the front door, the statement said. The witness ran to her vehicle and hid as Allen allegedly fled the scene, an account corroborated by a passer-by, according to the probable cause statement. Video surveillance aided in identifying Allen, according to the probable cause statement. Minors death is Kansas Citys 69th homicide of the year, according to data tracked by The Star. Further court dates are not set in Allens case, according to court documents. Sen. Renee Erickson, second from left, a Wichita Republican who leads the Kansas Legislature's school finance task force, said Kansas should retain use of high school graduation statistics to measure student achievement despite criticism it was unclear earning the diploma meant students were prepared for college or the workforce. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from Legislature's YouTube channel) TOPEKA Disagreement exists on the Kansas Legislatures task force reworking the states public school finance formula about the importance of high school graduation rate as a measure of student success. A member of the task force pointed to alleged manipulation of student records at Wichita Southeast High School as evidence of why a districts annual graduation rate shouldnt be viewed as a significant metric, while others defended graduation rates as an evaluation tool when determining whether districts prepared students for the workplace or college. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Kristey Williams, an Augusta Republican, said the Wichita school district had touted a 5.1 percentage point surge in its graduation rate in 2024 to 84.3%. Wichita Southeasts graduation rate climbed 12.5 percentage points in 2024 to a record-high 86.3%. Southeasts principal was replaced last week amid reports of suspected grade fixing that may have been associated with helping students meet graduation requirements. I wouldnt use graduation rates, said Williams, who didnt see a meaningful correlation between graduation rate and student success. If we want to baby sit, thats one thing. If we want to have a safe place for them, thats one thing. But that doesnt mean youre learning anything. Frank Harwood, a deputy commissioner of the Kansas State Department of Education, said one potential incident of administrative misconduct shouldnt justify dismissal of graduation rates as a means of measuring school districts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When you look at any industry, including the Legislature, there are bad actors, he said. It doesnt mean you should throw out that metric all together. Im not saying graduation rate is the best indicator, but I think it is an indicator that we cant just ignore. The Kansas State Board of Education made elevating the states high school graduation rate a feature in its Kansans Can agenda and in terms of school district accreditation. The state boards graduation-rate goal was set at 95%. Kansas adjusted cohort graduation rate, which tracked student graduation within four years and took into account transfers, has ranged from 86% to 89% during the past decade. In 2022-2023, more than 90 of the states 287 school districts graduated 100% of students. Twenty school districts had graduation rates below 80% during that academic year. The Wichita districts graduation rate was at 79.2% during that period, while the Kansas City, Kansas, district came in at 73.4%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Renee Erickson, a Wichita Republican serving as chairwoman of the Legislatures school-finance task force, said Kansas should continue to include graduation rate in a set of evaluation metrics. She said the state needed to develop a definition of what a high school diploma revealed about students. Erickson said employers had reported a high school diploma didnt guarantee a quality worker. University or college officials indicated high school graduates didnt necessarily have skills to succeed in higher education, she said. I have post-secondary folks in my office frequently and theyre saying, Theyre not prepared for our level of work,' the senator said. Im not blaming. Im just telling you, if you cant acknowledge that, weve got a problem. Task force member Pat Pettey, a Democratic senator from Kansas City, Kansas, said it would be folly to drop the graduation rate as an indicator of a school districts ability to prepare students for the future. I still am a strong supporter of graduation rates because having a high school diploma is a key to opening the first door to get a job. I dont believe it is the key, but if they dont have that theyre not on a trajectory to be economically successful, Pettey said. The second trial of Karen Read, the Massachusetts woman accused of killing her Boston cop boyfriend John O'Keefe, will be delayed until Friday, June 6. The court was adjourned just before 1 p.m. June 4 after a day that largely focused on testimony from the snowplow driver who passed the yard where OKeefes body was found. Judge Beverly Cannone said that she will give the jury the day off on June 5 because of expected above-normal temperatures and concerns over whether they would be able to hear testimony over fans and air conditioning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trial is expected to resume on June 6. Defendant Karen Read with her defense team at her murder retrial at Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, Massachusetts, on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. Whats the weather forecast? The National Weather Service in Boston said that the heat will peak Thursday, with highs reaching 90 to 95 away from the coast. The weather is supposed to be slightly cooler Friday, although still expected in the mid to high 80s across southern New England. Above normal heat is expected Thursday in Massachusetts. How old is the Karen Read trial building? The Read trial is taking place in Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, Massachusetts. The building was originally built in 1827 but has since been renovated and altered. It has been designated a National Historic Landmark. Can court cases be paused for heat? Courts do temporarily close or have delayed openings because of weather or other emergencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Massachusetts, those closings will be posted as quickly as possible on the Massachusetts Court System homepage. How does heat affect court cases? A couple of studies have looked at whether hotter days can affect how judges rule. A 2024 study published in the National Library of Medicine using criminal records from Texas found that hotter days resulted in judges dismissing less cases, issuing longer prison sentences and levying higher fines. A 2019 study published in the American Economic Journal of Applied Economics found that a 10F degree increase in case-day temperature reduces decisions favorable to the applicant by 6.55 percent in immigration cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, a 2020 study in the IZA Institute of Labor Economics done in response to the 2019 study concluded that the outcomes of criminal court cases are not influenced by fluctuations in temperature, a result they called unsurprising but reassuring. Contributing: Christopher Cann (This story's headlines were updated to fix an inaccuracy.) This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Karen Read trial update: Why it's delayed on June 5 (NewsNation) Nina Turner, a Democrat and former Ohio state senator, told Morning in America she believes former President Joe Bidens press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre is leaving the Democratic Party definitely for book sales but acknowledged the two-party system is asinine. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt recently responded to a question about the current administrations plans to issue proclamations during Pride Month, which is observed in June, and her response was rather unsurprising. During a press briefing on Tuesday, right-wing podcaster Alec Lace asked Leavitt whether President Donald Trump plans to issue a proclamation this month. Lace mentioned Pride month, and inquired about potential proclamations for other ideas, such as a Veterans Month or a Family Month. Congresswoman Mary Miller suggested that changing Pride Month to Family Month Id personally like to see maybe a Nuclear Family Month. Some people are saying, Lets get a Veterans Month, Lace asked. Does the president have any plans on making a proclamation? Or is it just going to be June this year? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are no plans for a proclamation for the month of June, but I can tell you this president is very proud to be a president for all Americans, regardless of race, religion or creed, Leavitt said. Hard-won queer rights are under attack. HuffPost remains committed to standing with the LGBTQ+ community. Support our work by joining our membership program today. The president did not recognize June as Pride Month which celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and recognizes the ongoing efforts toward equality and justice with a proclamation during his first term as president. He publicly acknowledged the month for the first time in a post on X, formerly Twitter, in 2019, according to NBC News. Former President Bill Clinton was the first U.S. president to officially recognize the month when he proclaimed June as Gay and Lesbian Pride Month in 1999. Former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden also commemorated the month. Obama issued his first Pride Month proclamation in 2009 recognizing June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month, and Biden issued his first Pride Month proclamation as president in 2021, recognizing June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) Pride Month. Former President George W. Bush, who succeeded Clinton, did not issue a Pride Month proclamation during his two terms as president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leavitt didnt bother to mention the word Pride in her response at the briefing on Tuesday and her comment that Trump is proud to serve all Americans rings hollow, as LGBTQ+ rights have been under attack under Trumps administration. In the first days of his current term, Trump signed an executive order declaring it official U.S. policy that there are only two sexes, male and female, rejecting that sex is viewed on a spectrum and that gender is different than sex. Hes also directed a transgender military ban, among other attacks on the LGBTQ+ community. T Smith, a postdoctoral fellow in racial politics at Johns Hopkins Universitys Krieger School of Arts & Sciences, said that its entirely unsurprising that Trump has not issued Pride proclamations or that Leavitt didnt say the word Pride at the briefing. The Trump administration has a long and well-documented history of signaling exactly whose lives it values, and whose it does not, they told HuffPost. The ongoing marginalization of queer and trans people particularly Black, Brown, and Indigenous queer and trans communities is not an unfortunate oversight. It is a deliberate feature of this administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kari J. Winter, a professor of American studies at the University at Buffalo, said that the way the discussion about Pride Month at Tuesdays briefing came about was concerning in itself. Winter, whose expertise includes gender, feminism, race and class, said, the exchange between Alec Lace and Karoline Leavitt encapsulates the Orwellian dystopia of this American presidency. A sycophant asks a leading question that invites the presidential spokesperson to deliver her bit of propaganda, she said, before adding, Alec Lace is not a journalist; hes a podcaster hand-picked by the Trump administration to ask disingenuous rather than tough-minded questions. (The White House announced a new policy in January encouraging podcasters, bloggers and social media influencers to apply for credentials to attend briefings.) White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt photographed during a briefing on June 3, 2025 in Washington, DC. Anna Moneymaker via Getty Images Trump declining to commemorate Pride Month is not surprising and neither was Leavitts response. Smith said Leavitts claim that Trump is proud to serve all Americans was hollow and purely symbolic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It does not align with Trump or his administrations attitudes or policies in practice, they said. The current deportation crisis, the violent targeting of immigrants, and the withholding of Palestinian, Congolese and Sudanese freedom all illustrate the same underlying truth: Only some people are viewed as American and, therefore, categorically deserving while others are treated as disposable. Trumps refusal to issue a Pride proclamation is unacceptable, yes, but it is not novel, Smith said. It falls squarely in line with a broader history of apathy and hostility toward LGBTQ+ communities, particularly Black trans people, they added. Everyone who is paying attention to the actions of the Trump administration knows that it is on an anti-LGBTQ crusade, Winter said. We also know that Donald Trump and Karoline Leavitt are habitual liars who are allergic to evidence-based speech. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She continued: Looking at the evidence, we might say that Trump supports all Americans except LGBTQ people, women, African Americans, American Indians, Harvard faculty, Medicaid recipients, scientists, judges, lawyers, Muslims, Jews, Venezuelans, legal immigrants... the list of exclusions is ever-growing. Companies have pulled corporate sponsorships for LGBTQ+ Pride festivals amid Trumps anti-DEI initiatives. Several LGBTQ+ Pride festivals across the country, and in Canada, have lost corporate sponsorships this year amid Trumps hostility toward the trans community, and his crusade against diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Alison Gash, professor and head of the department of political science at the University of Oregon, told HuffPost that she doesnt think its surprising that businesses have scaled back since we have seen backlash among louder factions of anti-LGBTQ communities for a few years. They are following the demands of their louder more aggressive customers as well as answering the call of and responding to threats from conservative politicians, she told HuffPost. At the same time other notable businesses are doubling down on their commitments to queer and trans communities. Those are the businesses who deserve our attention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Winter said corporations that have pulled back from their Pride sponsorships are either cowards or showing their true colors. People who desert their principles when the political wind changes either lack the courage of their convictions or were never truly principled, she said. Smith emphasized that a lot corporations are guilty of pinkwashing and rainbow capitalism meaning that they are disingenuous and use tactics to capitalize off the LGBTQ+ community under the guise of actually advocating for the community. Changing a company logo to rainbow colors for 30 days and temporarily funneling money into a few LGBTQ+ organizations does not constitute meaningful support, they said, adding, They are business tactics. They are performative. And they are exploitative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even still, corporations pulling back support is a troubling signal, Smith said. It suggests that in the current political climate, it is more advantageous to align with rising anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment than to stand for equity and justice, they said, before adding, if corporations were serious about supporting our communities, their commitments would last longer than June and center those most at risk, not abandon them when its no longer convenient. Related... NEED TO KNOW Kate Middleton resumed royal duties on June 4 following Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis' break from school The Princess of Wales, 43, reportedly held a meeting at Windsor Castle for her early years work Princess Kate and Prince William returned work on the same day, where William seemingly hinted at his rift with his brother, Prince Harry Kate Middleton made a quiet return to work after spending some extra time with her children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, during their school break. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On June 4, Princess Kate officially headed back to work after several days off by holding an Early Years Meeting at Windsor Castle. The news was spotted in The Court Circular, the British royal family's official record of previous royal engagements, according to Hello! The Princess of Wales, 43, has made the early childhood years a core priority of her royal platform and founded The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood in June 2021 to raise awareness around the importance of a child's first five years. Princess Kate took this mission to the next level by launching the Shaping Us campaign in January 2023 as a long-term initiative to "transform the issue from one of scientific interest to one of the most strategically important topics of our time," a statement said. Daniel Leal - WPA Pool/Getty Kate Middleton meets with the Early Years Advisory Group at Windsor Castle on Jan. 25, 2023. Kate Middleton meets with the Early Years Advisory Group at Windsor Castle on Jan. 25, 2023. That March, she unveiled the Royal Foundation Business Taskforce for Early Childhood to galvanize business action to champion early childhood, with Ikea, LEGO, Unilever and more participating as partners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kate headed to the meeting after spending some downtime with her own children. Princess Kate and Prince William cleared their calendars last week while Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7, were off from school, as they are known to do when their kids are out of the classroom. The Prince and Princess of Wales are raising their kids differently than previous generations of royal parents by sending their children to day school instead of boarding school, and Kate's Early Years Meeting didn't take her far from home. The Wales family lives at Adelaide Cottage within Windsor Great Park, just a few minutes away from the ancestral castle. Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Prince William, Prince George, Prince Louis, Kate Middleton and Princess Charlotte on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after the military procession to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day on May 5, 2025. Prince William, Prince George, Prince Louis, Kate Middleton and Princess Charlotte on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after the military procession to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day on May 5, 2025. Prince William and Princess Kate both returned to work on Wednesday, and William traveled to Suffolk to visit the Army Air Corps for the first time in his official royal role as Colonel-in-Chief of the regiments. King Charles announced William to the prestigious role in August 2023 in an appointment that made waves, as it made him the leader of Prince Harry's former regiment. It was widely believed that the colonelcy was once earmarked for Harry, but the Duke of Sussex was forced to relinquish his military appointments when he and Meghan Markle stepped back from their royal roles in 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prince William, 42, might have hinted at his rift with his estranged brother Harry in a shock comment while visiting the Army Air Corps. Arthur Edwards - WPA Pool/Getty Prince William visits the Army Air Corps in Wattisham, Suffolk on June 4, 2025. Prince William visits the Army Air Corps in Wattisham, Suffolk on June 4, 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! While chatting with soldiers during a water break from combat training, the heir to the throne brought up family in a manner that some royal watchers interpreted as pointed. "Is the pace of life good at the moment [?]" William asked soldiers, the Daily Mail reported. After one man said that it was "a mixed bag," William replied, "Families okay? See you enough? Some of them might not want to see you that much. It's a mixed bag sometimes." ARTHUR EDWARDS/POOL/AFP via Getty Prince William meets members of the 4 Regiment Army Air Corps in Wattisham, Suffolk on June 4, 2025. Prince William meets members of the 4 Regiment Army Air Corps in Wattisham, Suffolk on June 4, 2025. Great strain remains between King Charles's sons amid a rift that first became public when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back from their royal roles five years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The underlying issue is trust," royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith tells PEOPLE in this week's exclusive cover story. "The King and William dont trust Harry and Meghan with any kind of confidential conversation." Read the original article on People Jackson County legislator Manuel Manny Abarca IV was arrested on domestic battery charges in Johnson County Wednesday afternoon, according to court records. Abarcas wife Alexis Garcia told The Star in a text message that their 2-year-old son Manuel Abarca V, known as Luca, was returned safely to her care on Wednesday afternoon as well. She hadnt seen the toddler since last Wednesday and had reported him and Abarca as missing on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My son is now safe and home with me, she said. Prosecutors filed the domestic violence charge in Johnson County District Court around 6 a.m. Wednesday, according to court records. Charging documents indicate that Abarca had a physical altercation with Garcia on Thursday, May 29. Manuel Ray Abarca IV did then and there unlawfully and knowingly cause physical contact with [Garcia] in a rude, insulting, or angry manner, charging documents read. Abarcas father witnessed the incident, according to charging documents. Shawnee police crime mapping data shows that police were called to Abarcas fathers house on Thursday afternoon in response to what was described as a domestic dispute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Garcia had filed for an order of protection against Abarca on Friday. The court approved the order the same day and granted Garcia custody of Luca, while barring Abarca from contacting her. Earlier Wednesday, Garcia had filed a motion in Jackson County Circuit Court asking a judge to rule Abarca in contempt of court for not returning Luca to her. Kansas Citys prosecutor also filed charges against Abarca in municipal court around noon Wednesday, accusing Abarca of knowingly violating the protective order by failing to return Luca to Garcia as of Monday night. Abarca posted a $1,500 bond and was released from the Johnson County Adult Detention Center Wednesday evening, according to a spokesperson from the Johnson County Sheriffs Office. Mike Hendricks contributed reporting. Gov. Brian Kemp joined a request from Florida and South Carolina governors Ron DeSantis and Henry McMaster to move management of fish populations to the state. Specifically, the three governors sent a letter to U.S. Commerce Sec. Howard Lutnick requesting that the states handle management of red snapper and other reef fish populations found in the Atlantic Ocean. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] "As we work with the administration to cut red tape and empower states to do what is best for our people, Governor Ron DeSantis, Governor Henry McMaster, and I are requesting state management of red snapper and other reef fishes in the Atlantic," Kemp said in a statement. Our fishing industry has suffered under heavy handed federal regulations imposed by bureaucrats thousands of miles away. Its time this industry is managed much closer to home! TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In terms of what the states want to do, the governors said the current management of fish populations are driven by flawed data and regulations that threaten the economies of our coastal communities. While the states are committed to helping our recreational fishing communities, the governors said they are also working to conserve fisheries as resources for future generations. The first step to correcting course on federal mismanagement is to stop the harmful impacts of Amendment 59 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region, the three officials said in their letter. The letter lays the blame on decades of inaction by career bureaucrats within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, as well as actions taken at the end of the Biden Administration, which cut-off public access to the fishery and have made it harder for communities to exercise their God-given right to fish and support their local economies and way of life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kemp and his fellow governors said the red snapper population is no longer being over-fished and as a result, they would like a large increase to the quota allowance for fishing the species, due to their current level of unprecedented abundance. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) Kentucky lawmakers are joining in the effort known as Make America Healthy Again. The Make America Healthy Again task force held its first meeting on Wednesday in Frankfort. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: The group was formed for state lawmakers to hold similar health and lifestyle reviews to whats being done in the nations capital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Wednesdays first meeting, lawmakers described a wide range of issues they want to explore. When we look at health outcomes in our Commonwealth and in Kentucky, we see that we lag behind a lot of the other states in the nation. And so we want to look for, come up with, discover, recommend a lot of different ideas, Rep. Matt Lockett (R-Nicholasville), task force co-chair, said. According to the Kentucky League of Cities website, members will evaluate issues like chronic disease, access to care, nutrition, and wellness education and study successful public health models from other states. LATEST KENTUCKY LISTS AND RANKINGS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The task force doesnt have any legislative authority, but it can make recommendations that lawmakers consider during the 2026 General Assembly 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 FOX 56 News. KENTUCKY (FOX 56) A Kentucky man is at large after reportedly not registering as a sex offender, and Kentucky State Police (KSP) is asking for help tracking him down. In a Facebook post just after 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 4, KSP said that Robert Jessup, 44, is wanted for failing to comply with sex offender registration. Court records show that he was indicted in December 2023 for failing to register. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Robert Jessup (Kentucky State Police) KSP noted that Jessup has ties to both Vermont and North Carolina. He stands 5 feet, 9 inches tall and has brown eyes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact KSP Post 2 in Madisonville at 270-676-3313. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. As a proud graduate of Lloyd Memorial High School (Class of 2005), I completed my entire K-12 education in the Erlanger-Elsmere School District, a journey that instilled in me the discipline and values that shaped my path. That foundation propelled me to graduate from Northern Kentucky University, earn a Juris Doctor from Salmon P. Chase College of Law, and return to serve as state representative for this district, which includes the Erlanger-Elsmere Independent School District. In November 2024, I was honored to win reelection with 62% of the vote as a Republican in what some call a "purple district," a testament to our communitys trust in my leadership to prioritize education and unity. My legislative work serving on the House Education Committee, supporting and voting for legislation to address early childhood reading, and improving how mathematics is taught reflects my deep commitment to this district. However, recent events involving inflammatory rhetoric and criminal behavior from public figures like James Comey and local School Board Chair Jeffrey Miller threaten the values we hold dear. School Board Chair Jeffrey Miller made a reckless call for political violence This threat hits close to home with Miller, who has served on the Erlanger-Elsmere Board of Education since his election in 2016, bringing shame to our shared district through both his words and actions. In a social media post, Miller expressed conditional support for the NRA if "these psychos were just once the victims of a mass shooting," adding, "please shoot (R)Republicans." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This reckless call for political violence is an attack on the parents of the students he is responsible for protecting, as Republicans like myself make up the largest political affiliation in this district approximately 55% of registered voters in Kenton County, which includes Erlanger and Elsmere, as of 2024. My recent election win with 62% of the vote in a politically mixed area underscores this communitys values, which Millers words directly undermine. Schools should be safe havens, yet his rhetoric risks normalizing harm. Ironically, since Republicans took control of the General Assembly in 2017, we have increased Support Education Excellence in Kentucky (SEEK) funding in every budget to better support our schools. Perhaps Millers violent rhetoric stems from resentment toward Republicans for funding education, but such a stance is indefensible. Former FBI Director James Comey posted '8647' On May 15, former FBI Director James Comey posted an Instagram image of seashells arranged as "8647," interpreted by some as a coded call to "eliminate" President Donald Trump (the 47th president), since "86" can mean "to get rid of" or even "to kill." The post, deleted after backlash, prompted a Secret Service investigation. More: Secret Service investigating ex-FBI Director James Comey's '8647' Instagram post Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Comey claimed no violent intent, but his history with Trump, who fired Comey in 2017, and the current climate, where 38% of Americans believe political violence is sometimes justified (per a 2022 American Psychological Association study), made the post inflammatory. Comeys post, though ambiguous, was reckless for a former FBI director, given the potential for misinterpretation in a tense political environment. Even more troubling is Millers criminal behavior while serving on the school board. On Sept. 24, 2017, while serving on the board, Miller was arrested and charged with operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol/drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia. The citation details a disturbing scene: Miller was observed swerving on I-275 near the 81-mile marker, driving erratically, and showing clear signs of impairment slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, and failing field sobriety tests. Drug paraphernalia was found in his front pocket. He was so intoxicated that he almost struck a police cruiser. This behavior from a school board member, entrusted with the safety and education of our children, is indefensible. Under the Erlanger-Elsmere school districts policies, students caught with drugs face severe consequences, including suspension or expulsion. If our children are held to such standards, why should Miller not be held accountable for his actions? His role demands a higher standard, not an exception. Miller has presided over decline in the Erlanger-Elsmere School District Adding to the districts woes, Miller has presided over a decline in academic performance since first being elected to the board in 2016, with the district now ranking 161 out of 172 school districts in the state, according to Public School Review (2024, September 18). For the 2023-24 school year, only 24% of elementary students are proficient or distinguished in math and 31% in reading (state averages: math 42%, reading 47%); for middle school, its 26% in math and 35% in reading (state averages: math 39%, reading 45%); and at the high school level, 28% in math and 36% in reading (state averages: math 42%, reading 45%). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These figures fall significantly below state averages across all levels, showing a clear gap in educational outcomes. Miller appears more interested in divisiveness than lifting our children up, and he has spent so much time trying to clean up his act after his arrest that he has forgotten to prioritize critical areas like mathematics proficiency, leaving our students to suffer the consequences of his misplaced focus. This is despite increased SEEK funding and Superintendent Chad Molleys $160,000 salary, which is in the top 37% statewide. Both Comey's and Millers actions highlight the danger of reckless behavior from public figures. Comeys post jeopardizes national discourse, while Millers call for violence against Republicans and his drug-related arrest while on the school board erode the trust and unity needed in education. His failure to prioritize academic improvement only compounds the issue. Accountability is essential. Miller must apologize and resign Accountability is essential. For Comey, the Secret Service investigation will determine legal consequences, but his clarification falls short of the responsibility his role demands. Miller must apologize and resign to restore trust in the Erlanger-Elsmere Independent School District, and the board should focus on improving academic outcomes rather than tolerating divisive and criminal behavior. As someone who has fought for this districts students, I urge the community to reject political violence and demand better leadership. Our schools and democracy depend on it. Steve Doan Republican Steve Doan represents the 69th District, which encompasses parts of Boone and Kenton counties, in the Kentucky House of Representatives. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: KY school board chair should resign over violent comments | Opinion This story contains information about drug addiction. If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, call the Indiana Addiction Hotline at 1-800-662-4357. What's a good recipe for recovery? Gene Stepp came up with one while working in the Recovery Cafe Indy kitchen. The 65-year-old diabetic veteran was in charge of their culinary program and served as a member leader for the peer addiction recovery organization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's quite literally 3 cups of acceptance, a dash of flavor, but 3 cups of laughter," Senior Recovery cafe manager Rhiannon Clayton told IndyStar, describing some elements of Stepp's plan. "He really wanted to show how joyful everything can be if you have the right ingredients and the right people." It was through recipes that Stepp connected to others. It was also one step in his journey toward addiction recovery. As any cook knows, not all recipes work out quite right, and that was true for Stepp, who lost his battle with cocaine addiction in 2023. He wasn't alone. Drugs have killed more people in the city in the past three years than homicides and car crashes combined. However, his impact endures in the "recipe" he often shared with others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "That was his thing. He just wanted to serve people," Clayton said. Here are other parts of Stepp's recipe: 1/2 cup of listening Gene Stepp and Rhiannon Clayton inside the Recovery Cafe Indy offices, before Stepp died in August of 2023 from an accidental overdose after making strides toward recovery. Stepp first entered the cafe in October 2020, and in the beginning, he was quiet, according to the manager. "He would sit in the back and was just observing," Clayton said. "We get that a lot. Maybe they need to be here, but they don't want to admit that." Often, treatment programs include people sharing their stories and challenges in groups where others are encouraged to listen and support. 2 cups of positive people Stepp's intake form stated his recovery challenge was meeting the right people. When he started opening up during weekly meetings, he shared that he had been around the wrong influence. Over time, he felt safe having support within the group and became an inspiration to others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Gene Stepp could get through his addiction, then so could they. "He kept his game face on at the cafe," Clayton said. '3 Cups of AA and 1/2 a cup of Narcotics Anonymous, 1 tbsp of Cocaine Anonymous' Gene Stepp, 65, was in charge of the culinary program for Recovery Cafe Indy before he accidentally overdosed and died on August 9, 2023. Opioid crisis: The Top 5 drugs fueling the overdose crisis in Indianapolis Over the last few years, overdose deaths have started to decline in Marion County. In 2024, there were 506 suspected overdose deaths. In 2023, there were 701 suspected overdose deaths, and in 2022, there were 852 people who died from suspected overdoses, according to reports from the Marion County Coroner's Office. "It's a good thing and we're thrilled," Chief Deputy Coroner Alfie McGinty told IndyStar. McGinty said the office wants to attribute lower numbers to treatment facilities and recovery programs such as Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous, but they'll have to keep monitoring numbers and locations to definitively say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Hopefully, at some point our goal will be to identify the why," McGinty said of the lowering numbers. 5 cups of love Drugs in Indianapolis: 2023 study shows impacts. Who is dying and what's being done Recovery leaders noticed Stepp's behavior began to shift around June of 2023. Then they didn't see him for a few weeks, and Clayton began making calls to different organizations, hospitals, and the VA's office. "I did everything, anything I could, and I lied a lot, just saying, I'm Gene's wife, I'm Gene's daughter. I'm whoever Gene needs me to be," Clayton said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eventually, she reached somebody who told her Gene was at Methodist Hospital. The Marion County Coroner's Office confirmed with IndyStar that Stepp was found in crisis on Aug. 3, 2023, at The Seminole apartment complex in the 900 block of Alabama Street downtown. He died six days later at Methodist on Aug. 9, 2023. His cause and manner of death were an accidental acute cocaine intoxication. "We reached out to the morgue and said, 'Hey, we are the closest thing to family that he's got here. Can we please hold a funeral? Can we do something?" Clayton said. "We tried contacting the family, but heard nothing. And we tried anything we could of going through his Facebook accounts to message family and friends." IndyStar attempted to reach out to Stepp's family but was unable to make contact. 1 Cup of awareness Stepp's life acts as a reminder for people that there's still a real problem even for those who seem to be on the right path. According to the 2023 United States National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 48.5 million (16.7%) Americans aged 12 and older battled a substance use disorder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How many recovery attempts does it take to successfully tackle drugs? A 2019 national study from the National Institute of Health said serious recovery attempts were highly skewed, with a mean of 5 times and a median of 2 times. 3 Cups of acceptance Clayton said Stepp's memorial at Recovery Cafe spanned a week to allow members to visit and pay their respects. Stepp is remembered for his healthy and affordable recipes that used ingredients attendees could get from food pantries and Dollar Tree. Now they use Stepp's recovery recipe as inspiration, and they make sure they throw in his recommended "a little extra love." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Learn more: Find information about Recovery Cafe online at RecoveryCafeIndy.org. Information about Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and Cocaine Anonymous can be found online at aa.org, na.org and ca.org. Jade Jackson is a public safety reporter for IndyStar. Contact her at Jade.Jackson@IndyStar. Follow her on Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis mans relapse took his life but not his mission Kevin Smith Reflects on Dogma, Belief, and a Career of Questions originally appeared on L.A. Mag. Kevin SmithCourtesy Allan Amato The subversive askewniverse of Kevin Smith is filled with pop culture nerdom and general tomfoolery, but the filmmakers heart is as big as his quips and gags. With 1999s Dogma, he went deep, inspired by his Catholic upbringing as a kid and spiritual explorations as a young adult. Starring Ben Affleck and Matt Damon as angels banished from heaven and Alanis Morissette as God, it was one of the filmmakers most successful movies, grossing $43.9 million worldwide on a budget of $10 million. But it was also controversial, targeted by religious groups who never saw it for a storyline they deemed blasphemous. A Miramax release, the film also was stuck in the muck of the post-Harvey Weinstein sexual assault convictions, unavailable to screen for years. But on June 5, more than 25 years after it debuted, the film is back in theaters nationwide, following Smiths 20-city Resurrection Tour over the past few weeks at AMC theaters, which included an ironic Easter/4-20 event at The Grove. According to Smith, Miramaxs parent company Disney never really backed the movie nor did Weinstein, which led him to give it to Lionsgate for theatrical distribution and Sony Columbia TriStar for home video. The source material was allegedly owned by Harvey, but once those deals lapsed, it fell out of distribution and languished for years, he says. Then one day after I'd been gone from the Weinstein company for like, 12 years I got a phone call from Harvey out of the blue, and he was like, Kevin I realize I have Dogma, and this is a valuable property. Alan Rickman in DogmaCourtesy Triple Media Film But Smith suspects, he had no intention of doing anything with Dogma. The filmmaker says the call was really about trying to find out who the sources were for the upcoming New York Times article that exposed Weinstein's sexual assault crimes, which he knew was coming out soon. Smith tried to buy the film from the exec after that with no luck, but years later, his prayers have finally come true. Fans of the star-studded flick can see it again on the big screen and a whole new generation gets to discover what in many ways is his most ambitious title. And it's likely to earn him new fans for the entirety of his outrageous oeuvre. Despite Dogma's satiric storyline, the film was a soulful endeavor. I wanted to make something that expressed my faith like, let me show what church could be like if I was in charge, he reflects. Now, as a 54-year-old man, I dont feel the same way. I guess I lean heavily agnostic at this point. But I have nothing but love for people of faith. My mom is one. Itd be lovely if I still had the sort of faith I had in childhood. But the movie does, so every night I watch it play as I intended it when I was 28 years old, and Im delighted to see people interacting with it the way that I hoped they would, even years later. Jason Mewes and Kevin Smith as Jay and Silent BobCourtesy Triple Media Film Smiths catalog, which includes his breakthrough Clerks and two sequels and two Jay and Silent Bob stoner buddy flicks (in which he acts silently alongside his longtime bestie Jason Mewes), as well as Mallrats and Chasing Amy, has proven influential not only to other filmmakers, but to a generation who grew up with cultural game-changers like Star Wars, convention culture, 80's sex comedies and MTV. Second only to Clerks, 1997's Amy which also stars Affleck alongside Joey Lauren Adams in the title role has the highest critical ranking on Rotten Tomatoes for good reason. It has its raunchy moments, but like Dogma, its also layered and thought-provoking, even inspiring a documentary (Chasing Chasing Amy) about its significance to queer culture. Joey Lauren Adams in 'Chasing Amy'Courtesy View Askew Productions Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smith says the "thunder" from Chasing Amy made Dogma possible, as did another Affleck and Damon title, Academy Award-winner Good Will Hunting, which he co-produced. All three of these movies elevated the writer-director's narrative depth, which always went way beyond toilet humor and pop culture references. Kevin Smith films ponder existential questions as they make us laugh about the absurdity of humanity. The best ones, like Chasing Amy, do it seamlessly. An apt Pride month title, considering its theme of straights trying to understand homosexuality and bisexuality, we asked Smith for his take on the film nearly three decades since it came out . It kind of saved my career, he says of the film. But there are a lot of folks on the internet now who see the movie as overly simplistic Today theres a wide spectrum [of sexuality], but back then it was progressive. People can see it from many different perspectives, but it captures a snapshot in time and Ill always love it. Its young Kevin Smith at his most earnest. As for what's next for Smith, the avid comic book and video game aficionado saw one of his biggest dreams come true last month: he and Mewes have their own bundles as playable characters in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, and their superhero alter-egos, Bluntman and Chronic are soon to follow. "It's just wicked," Smith enthuses. "Jason Mewes plays Call of Duty all the time, so the dude has just been playing with himself in a brand new way for the last two weeks." In addition to films and video games, Smith was an early advocate for podcasting and he encourages fans to join him on three pods he's currently doing in rotation: Hollywood Babylon with pal Ralph Garman, Fat Man Beyond with journalist Mark Bernadin and the show closest to his heart, Beardless Dickless Me with his daughter Harley Quinn. This story was originally reported by L.A. Mag on Jun 4, 2025, where it first appeared. Police in Kewanee have made an arrest in a series of vehicle burglaries in the city. A news release from the Kewanee Police Department say the department investigated a series of vehicle burglaries between May 14th and May 30. After an investigation, officers identified and arrested Zachary Huffman, age 21 of Kewanee, in connection with the crimes. Zachary Huffman (Kewanee Police Department) Huffman was issued a Notice to Appear (NTA) under the provisions of the Illinois SAFE-T Act and released from custody. He is accused of committing another vehicle burglary while awaiting a hearing. Kewanee officers found him in connection with a new incident on May 30. During that contact and investigation, Huffman was found with a firearm. Since he was on pretrial release conditions at the time, the Henry County States Attorneys Office approved taking him into custody and he was taken to the Henry County Jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Huffman has been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm without a valid FOID card, a Class A misdemeanor and burglary without causing damage, a Class 3 felony. Additional charges are pending. A Class 3 felony in Illinois carries a possible sentence of two to five years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. He has a preliminary hearing in Henry County Court in Cambridge on June 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 WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. The Republican chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee said Wednesday Russia must be ejected from Syria, warning that if Moscow maintains a presence in the country it will allow for Irans eventual reentry. Sen. James Risch (R-Idaho), speaking during a panel at the Hudson Institute, called for remaining Russian forces in Syria to be kicked out of the country, going further than conditions laid out by the Trump administration for engagement with the government of Ahmed al-Sharaa, who deposed long-time dictator Bashar Assad in December. The region cannot tolerate Moscow having access to the Mediterranean, to threaten the United States, NATO or other allies, Russia and Iran were complicit in Assads atrocities, Risch said in a speech at the conservative think tank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If we allow Russia to remain in Syria, its only a matter of time until it becomes a back door for Iran to return again. President Trump announced last month that he was lifting U.S. sanctions on Syria. The move came following the administration presenting the new Syrian authorities with a list of conditions to trigger sanctions relief, such as eliminating Assads chemical weapons stockpile, cooperating with the U.S. on counterterrorism, and working to identify, find and return Americans disappeared in the country. But not included in that list was kicking Russia out of the country. While Russia has scaled down its presence in Syria since Assads ousting, the Kremlin is working to maintain its military bases in the country. Risch said the U.S. needs to proceed with caution with the new the al-Sharaa government in Syria. Syrias new president is a U.S.-designated terrorist who had ties with Al Qaeda and ISIS, although he has since disavowed those terrorist groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I see tremendous opportunity for Syria. Syria was historically and can again be a great and respected country. However, we need to ensure that with increased cooperation comes greater security for the American people, Risch 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. NEED TO KNOW April Morant and her children were blowing bubbles in their driveway when their neighbor allegedly got upset, police said The neighbor, Ada Anderson, 81, allegedly sprayed them with pepper spray Anderson is facing felony battery charges An 81-year-old Florida woman is facing felony charges after she allegedly sprayed two young girls with pepper spray and called them racial slurs because they were blowing bubbles, authorities said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, May 30, April Morant of Ocala called 911 to report that her neighbor, Ada Anderson, had allegedly "sprayed bear mace" on her and her two daughters, ages 6 and 3, according to the arrest affidavit obtained by PEOPLE. Morant told deputies with the Marion County Sheriffs Office that she and her daughters were in the driveway of their property playing with bubbles when the suspect walked to the metal fence separating their yards and sprayed the bear mace at them, the affidavit alleges. The suspect allegedly yelled stupid n--s at them while she sprayed them, Morant told the deputies. She said the suspect has called her and her daughters racial slurs multiple times in the past, the affidavit alleges. The 6-year-old told a deputy that she was playing with the bubbles when Anderson allegedly came to the fence and sprayed them and that her nose hurt because of the spray, according to the affidavit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morant also said her lungs were irritated by the spray, the affidavit said. Deputies found an orange/brown liquid on the fence and grass on the victims property, it said. The substance, which a responding deputy later identified as pepper spray, irritated the deputies noses and throats, according to the affidavit. 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. Deputies spoke to Anderson, who said the victims were running up and down the fence and yelling at her so she opened her porch screen door and sprayed the pepper spray at them, the affidavit said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She claimed the pepper spray did not touch them because the porch is 40 feet away from the fence, according to the affidavit. Anderson was arrested and charged with three counts of second-degree felony battery. She is charged with second-degree battery because the alleged attack was racially motivated, according to the affidavit. Morant says she has had issues with Anderson since she and her family moved to the neighborhood in November, she told local outlet ClickOrlando. She tells us every day, like, an everyday occurrence, every day since weve been here, we dont belong here and we are monkeys, Morant told ClickOrlando. And she calls us the N word. So, its always something. So, I know shes doing whatever she can to make me move. Anderson is scheduled to appear in court on July 1. Read the original article on People North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has assured Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu during a meeting in Pyongyang that North Korea will continue to support Russia in the war against Ukraine. Source: Korean Central News Agency (KCNA); Deutsche Welle (DW), a German international broadcaster and media outlet Details: According to KCNA, Kim Jong Un confirmed that the North Korean government would continue to unconditionally support Russia's position and its foreign policy on all key international political issues, including the "Ukrainian issue" and would adhere to the provisions of the treaty between the DPRK and Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both KCNA and the statement on the Russian Security Council website mention that Kim Jong Un and Shoigu had discussed the fighting in Russia's Kursk Oblast, where North Korean soldiers fought against the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The Russian Security Council added that the issue of "commemorating the heroism of Korean soldiers" had been discussed. KCNA and the Russian Security Council referred to the treaty on strategic cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang, signed in the DPRK capital during a visit by Russian ruler Vladimir Putin on 19 June 2024. It provides for military and other assistance by one country to the other in the event of an armed attack. North Korean servicemen arrived in Kursk Oblast in autumn 2024, where they took part in fighting against the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Initially, the Russian authorities denied their presence, but in April 2025 it was acknowledged by the Russian Defence Ministry and Foreign Ministry and later by Putin himself. At that time, Pyongyang also announced the "victorious completion" of this operation. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reaffirmed his country's full support for Russia's war against Ukraine during a meeting with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu in Pyongyang, North Korean state news agency KCNA reported on June 5. Kim reportedly told Shoigu that North Korea "unconditionally supports the stand of Russia and its foreign policies." He also emphasized Pyongyang's continued commitment to the 2024 Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement signed with Moscow. That treaty, signed by Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin on June 19, 2024, commits both countries to provide assistance if either is attacked. Kim previously described the pact as having a peaceful and defensive nature, framing it as a formal security guarantee between the longtime partners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shoigu, on his second visit to Pyongyang since being appointed secretary of the Russian Security Council, reportedly discussed battlefield developments in Russia's Kursk Oblast, including the role of North Korean soldiers deployed in the region. According to the Russian Security Council's official readout, the two sides discussed "perpetuating the memory of the feat of Korean soldiers." Officials estimate that up to 12,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to Russia's Kursk Oblast since last fall to counter Ukraine's cross-border incursion launched in August 2024. President Volodymyr Zelensky previously reported that North Korean forces fighting for Russia had suffered 4,000 casualties, with two-thirds of the losses being soldiers killed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shoigu, who served as Russia's defense minister until his dismissal in May 2024, now oversees national security matters as secretary of the Russian Security Council. The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Shoigu on June 25, 2024, for his role in leading Russia's war effort. Read also: Putin rejects Zelenskys call for peace talks, accuses Ukraine of deadly bridge attack in Russia Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Elon Musk and Donald Trump are breaking up on social media. On the social media they own, that is: Musk is using Twitter and Trump is using Truth Social. But it wouldn't matter what platforms they use, or own: When you're this rich, famous and powerful, everything you say or type shows up everywhere, instantly. It was easy to predict that Elon Musk and Donald Trump would break up someday. Even the dummy typing this imagined it. What I didn't imagine was that the divorce between two of the most powerful men in the world would play out on rival social platforms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk is tweeting away on the thing many of us still call Twitter which he owns, of course and Trump is firing back on Truth Social the would-be Twitter rival he owns. First and foremost, the spectacle of two billionaires having a potentially deeply consequential flame war is truly something. When Jack Dorsey and crew were dreaming up their microblogging service nearly 20 years ago, they weren't dreaming of this. But the fact that it's happening on two different social networks is also fascinating. And it underscores that "social networks" isn't always the best way to think about these platforms. At least when it comes to their mega-rich, mega-wealthy owners, these things are simply megaphones to holler at the world. Trump, recall, became a surprisingly effective Twitter troll in the run-up to his first election, and especially once he took office. He became expert at "programming" the news by tapping out a few incendiary lines on his Twitter account, and reveling in the chaos that could create. (The guy typing this made a pretty good podcast about all that.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then Twitter banned Trump, which by all accounts deeply upset Trump, and that banishment helped prompt Musk to buy Twitter, and then reinstate Trump. Why Trump never really came back to Twitter But in the meantime, Trump had created his own Truth Social network as a Twitter alternative. And Trump has both a legal obligation and a financial imperative to post on Truth Social first. A license agreement with Trump Media & Technology Group, the company that owns Truth Social, requires Trump to post all "non-political social media" items to Truth Social first, then wait six hours before running them anywhere else. More important: If the guy who owns the social media platform isn't using the social media platform for his social media, why would anyone else use it? Even after Musk and Trump merged forces last summer, Trump still spent almost no time on Twitter. Instead, he's kept plugging away on Truth Social. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And what's happened since and especially now forces us to rethink how these platforms work. For instance: Lots of people who used to use the platform formerly known as Twitter thought that removing Trump from Twitter would diminish his power. But that obviously wasn't true. Trump crushed all comers in the last Republican primary, and won a meaningful victory in last fall's general election, despite little-to-no presence on Twitter. More important is that Trump's ability to make the world turn based on his words isn't dependent on Twitter at all. He's the President of the United States, so whatever he says, whenever he says it on a Truth Social post, on the White House lawn, aboard Air Force One gets instantly amplified, oftentimes with great consequence. Trump could spout off on Tumblr or Friendster (I just Googled Friendster still exists) and his message would get out there. Elon Musk and Donald Trump broke up, in real-time, on their own social media platforms. Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images At the same time, Trump's presence on Truth Social doesn't seem to have meaningfully boosted usage on that platform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We can't measure that with traditional metrics because, tellingly, Trump Media continues to not provide any metrics about how many people use the service but on vibes. You may read plenty of stories about how Trump posted something on Truth Social, but what about anyone else? Meanwhile, the things we can see from Trump Media don't suggest the platform is booming: In 2024, the company's meager revenue line actually declined by 12% over the previous year. Even more telling may be the company's seeming pivot into life as a bitcoin repository which may turn out to make a lot of money for Trump and his partners, but doesn't suggest a real interest in running a media platform. And at the same time, a Trump-less Twitter has I don't know if thrived is the right word. A meaningful number of influential users and big advertisers have left the service, and its financial condition seems hopeful at best. But despite the rise of would-be challengers, Twitter remains the most prominent place for public, real-time chatter, more or less by default. That's why people who tell you social media isn't great for you still use Twitter when they want to insert themselves into the conversation like The New York Times' Ezra Klein did last year during crucial points in the election cycle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That speaks to the stickiness of social networks, and how hard it is to replicate them somewhere else. But again, that isn't relevant to Musk's use of the platform to attack Trump: Musk could print out all of his insults on paper and they'd still carry the same weight and import. When mega-billionaires speak, people listen Put it another way: Mark Zuckerberg owns multiple huge social networks. If he were going to join this brawl, it wouldn't matter which one of them he used to come over the top rope. All that would matter is the world's second-richest man was in the fight, too, and anything he said or did would be covered by everyone, everywhere. So cut to Thursday, when Trump has been calling to cut "Billions and Billions of Dollars" from the federal budget by "terminat[ing] Elon's Governmental Subsidies and Contracts" and Musk is accusing Trump of suppressing embarrassing information about disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein because Trump "is in the Epstein files." The insults and threats are being lobbed from different platforms and are at the same time directly responding to each other but also pretending the other one doesn't exist. Like exes who refuse to speak with each other, but spend all their time telling their mutual friends how awful the other one is, knowing it will get back directly to the person they're complaining about. Except in this case, the exes are two of the most powerful people in the world. So it doesn't matter what platform they use to do it. Read the original article on Business Insider Wisconsin has long been a battleground for political power, and its role in shaping the nations future remains as critical as ever. As skepticism and partisan divisiveness continues dominating the discussion about elections, a recent poll from the bipartisan Democracy Defense Project highlights a potential path forward for restoring public trust in the states election process. News story after news story about late night Milwaukee County reporting has given Wisconsin a black eye and its time to manage our reputation problem. The reality is our state runs a tight ship throughout the election season and faith in election integrity is rising. With the 2024 and 2025 elections just behind us, the poll shows a strong majority of Wisconsinites, across party lines, favor allowing election officials to process absentee ballots one day earlier than current law permits, showing a desire to streamline election procedures and boost voter confidence. Majority of Wisconsin voters support early absentee vote counting Seventy-six percent of voters support allowing election officials to begin the absentee ballot verification process a day before Election Day, though tabulating the results would still be held until the official counting begins. This reform would reduce delays, improve efficiency and could diminish the confusion and would eliminate the fallacy of insidious ballot dumps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opinion: We asked readers about wake boats on Wisconsin lakes. Here's what you said. The poll also showed improvement in voter confidence in election integrity. Public confidence in the handling of elections rose from 47% to 54%, accompanied by a shared belief in the importance of election workers. The poll found a 10-point increase in voters who see these individuals as important volunteers in the democratic process. This increase was visible among Republicans and Independents, suggesting a broader acceptance of and appreciation for election workers as both parties work to increase their roles in election processes. Voters do remain uneasy which is why its more important now than ever to take even the smallest step forward with popular reforms. Forty-eight percent of respondents were skeptical of election procedures in Milwaukee County, which has been a focal point for accusations of electoral irregularities. Early pre-processing will directly impact this perception. Ideological vote fixes contrary to what public supports There have been calls in this state for reforms that follow a strictly partisan ideology. Resolutions including those from the recent Republican Party of Wisconsin convention send a message to voters and legislators that does not align with the values Wisconsin voters have shown in our poll. These resolutions drive an unfounded narrative when voters would prefer leaders come together instead of divide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The call for reform is clear: voters want their elections to be safe, transparent, efficient, and consistent. The proposal to begin pre-processing absentee ballots one day earlier and the push for standardized drop box rules are simple but important ways to address public concerns while reinforcing faith in the electoral system. Letters: Real issue behind need for retail lockboxes ignored. Don't make excuses. Leaders in Madison would be wise to act on these lessons. With an electorate that is increasingly united in its desire for reform, bipartisan cooperation will be crucial in continuing to restore confidence in the states elections. The path forward is clear: it's time to act now to educate voters and bring before the next election marred by confusion and distrust. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As we move closer to another election cycle, Wisconsin will yet again be in the headlines. Lets make sure its because we took steps to increase confidence in our elections. The poll, by Tarrance Group and Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz and Associates, was conducted among 600 registered likely voters statewide, April 7 to 10. See the full poll as well as highlights. The Democracy Defense Project is a new organization led by a bipartisan group of former elected officials and leaders across Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin who will work to defend the transparency, safety, security and validity of our nations electoral system. The Wisconsin board includes former Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes, former Attorney General JB Van Hollen, former U.S. Representative Scott Klug and former Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Mike Tate. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin voter confidence grows despite 'ballot dump' lies | Opinion Robert Allbee, 48, was born in North Iowa and raised in Meservey. Allbee, now a human resources manager in the Ankeny area, still carries the wide-open, haunting imagery of North Iowa in quiet, lonely moments with him. He has used them as inspiration for his new anthology of frightening short stories, "Harvest of Dread: Five Tales of Terror." From farmers dealing with out-of-control livestock to a lone worker's terrifying experiences at night at the long-since closed Hillcrest Drive-In in Cedar Falls, Allbee explores themes of community and family, all while instilling each page with the unnerving sense of being watched by something unseen from the corn. The anthology also features original artwork by Allbee. The short stories are all set in North Iowa, and are heavily inspired by Allbee's time here. One tale even features Bill Baird's marionettes coming out from behind the glass, a concept Allbee says terrified him as a child during visits to Mason City's Charles H. MacNider Art Museum. Allbee attended Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls before transferring to the University of Northern Iowa, where he majored in graphic design and drawing. He set one of the five short stories at the Swinging Bridge in Columbus Junction. He's enjoyed scary stories since he was young. "I've always grown up liking the creepy, the eerie, and the unsettling," Allbee said. "Our local library in Meservey had a whole series of monster books. Every kid in town wanted to check those books out." He also has a hoard of unpublished work, including more short stories and a couple of full length novels. "I have the potential for another four to five books right now without writing another word," Allbee said. He returns regularly to the Mason City area to visit family, and is still writing new material. He's working on a new story based on "The Music Man." There's also an unpublished draft simply titled "Meservey," focused on the antique pipe organ in the First Reformed Church there. His inspiration came from his enjoyment of short story anthologies by horror figureheads Stephen King and Jason Blum. "I do think there is something very poetic about just having a start and an end. ... When I get into a longer novel there can be a lot of fluff in there," Allbee said. He was particularly influenced by King's novel "Salem's Lot," a vampire tale named after the tiny, fictional, rural Maine town it's set in. "I grew up in a small town. ... You know, Meservey, like Salem's Lot, is one road in and out. ... Just the idea of, there's not as many resources and there's no one really to help you." Allbee says his stories aren't overly violent or explicit, and would be suitable for older high schoolers or anyone who prefers psychological tension over blood and guts. "It's a good enough slow burn where it will give you the heebie jeebies, but it's not going to completely gross you out," he said. Allbee self-published the anthology with the assistance of book marketing firm The Book Publishing Pros. He said the editing process was easier than he thought it would be, and he enjoyed polishing his stories and the flexibility self-publishing gave him. "They did no ghostwriting. Everything's my words," he said. "It was up to me if I wanted to make any changes." He said the hardest part of the process was the vulnerability that came with showing his work to someone else. "There's a lot of me in this book, and that's what I'm most proud of," Allbee said. "To me, there's nothing scarier in any book, in any movie, than putting myself out there." He encouraged anyone else considering publishing their work to take the plunge. He said the trepidation was well worth it. "Not everyone is going to like it, and I know that. ... But at the same time, when I got that first copy in the mail and I was holding it in my hands, it was such a great feeling of accomplishment." SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) Here are the top headlines from this morning. A new disaster preparedness program is rolling out in Plymouth County in Iowa. Plymouth County COAD lunch and learn Residents in North Sioux City are seeking dirt as they still look to recover from last summers flooding. McCook Lake residents in need of more dirt to rebuild homes The Sioux City City Council has passed an agreement allowing the water slide to stay open at the Riverside Pool for the rest of the summer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Riverside Pools water slide will stay open for summer Check out more stories in the video above. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. National Puerto Rican Day Festival, an event celebrated in cities across the United States this Sunday, will feature a parade, artists and musical performances in Milwaukee. Here's what to know about the National Puerto Rican Festival. When is the National Puerto Rican Day Festival? The annual National Puerto Rican Day Festival is hosted by El Conquistador Latino Newspaper with Noticias Wisconsin from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday near the Mitchell Park Domes. The event is free to all attendees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is separate from the annual Puerto Rican Festival of Wisconsin on Sept. 21. What is new at this year's Puerto Rican Day Festival? According to Jose Rodriguez, the event director for El Conquistador Newspaper, this years National Puerto Rican Festival will also have a parade for the first time in 30 years. The parade starts at 11 a.m. at the corner of South 16th and West Pierce Streets and will head to Mitchell Park, according to Telemundo Wisconsin. Rodriguez said this festival is celebrating its third year, and the last parade celebrating Puerto Rican culture was about 30 years ago. Rodriguez said the return of the parade would bring the community a sense of pride and memories for those who remember festival parades in their childhood. Where did the National Puerto Rican Festival begin? National Puerto Rican Festival and Parade started in New York in celebration of the growing Puerto Rican population in the state. The first parade was held on Sunday, April 13, 1958, in New York City and then spread to other cities including Boston, Philadelphia, and Milwaukee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Rodriguez, the day is important because it celebrates Puerto Rican culture for the community and a way to revitalize an old tradition. Milwaukee has a long history with Puerto Rican people. Puerto Ricans started moving into Wisconsin after World War II, according to the Wisconsin Historical Society. By the 1950s, the Puerto Rican population in Wisconsin stood at more than 2,500 people. That population rose to about 69,000 by 2021, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The schedule for the National Puerto Rican Day Festival in Milwaukee After the parade, people will be able to see artists and hear from speakers from Telemundo Wisconsin. The day will feature Puerto Rican artists and performers. People can also participate in the salsa dance competition, hot dog eating contest, a domino tournament and a pincho cook-off. Noon: Opening Ceremony Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 1 p.m. Ray Y Su Orquesta, a local artist 1:30 p.m. Bembe Drum & Dance, a community-based group that teaches Afro-Latino music and dance to young people. 2 p.m. Septeto Charambo, a Milwaukee-based salsa band. 3 p.m. Orquesta Rumba, a Milwaukee-based band that plays Latin jazz, salsa and cumbia 4 p.m. Freddy B It Aint Me, a Milwaukee musical artist 4:30 p.m. Salsabrositas, a Milwaukee-based dance group. Mas Tempo, a Milwaukee musician. 6 p.m. Orquesta Ayala, a Milwaukee-based salsa group This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee celebrates National Puerto Rican Festival this Sunday TYLER, Texas (KETK) Every year around this time, the Sahara Desert in Africa experiences peak emissions that sends dust particles across the Atlantic Ocean, causing air quality changes in East Texas. Heres what we know about this phenomenon and how it could effect East Texans. Dust from Sahara brings hazy skies to East Texas Although allergy season is wrapping up, East Texans could still experience higher dust levels from the annual Sahara air layer that is heading this way. Its unknown exactly how much dust East Texans should anticipate, but they will likely see changes in visibility and air quality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KETK sat down with Professor and Center Director for Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Amarillo Brent Auvermann Ph.D. to talk about this environmental occurrence. It really is more of a general haze, things will change colors, sunlight will look different. the sun itself may look more red, Auvermann said. At various times of the day, the clouds will be dingier in all likelihood and visibility will be somewhat reduced, depends on the intensity of the event. It is likely that air monitors that are monitoring air pollution at the ground level in East Texas will pick something up this time around, Auvermann said. According to Google Maps, Texas and the Sahara Dessert are separated by over 7,000 miles of Atlantic Ocean water, which prompts people to question exactly how all this dust could travel that far without settling in the ocean. Babysitters Club returning to Harrison County later this month Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Auvermann said these dust particles in the Sahara are small enough to rise high into the air through convection and travel long distances. Once some of these particles reach humid air, they can absorb water which makes them become heavier and settle in more humid areas like East Texas. They might absorb water from the atmosphere in response to changes in relative humidity, Auvermann said. So as it gets more humid, they might absorb more water, that makes the particle larger, probably makes it settle out faster. The dust particles travel toward East Texas because of a natural steering current that causes the wind to blow west from the African coast all the way to eastern parts of the United States depending on latitude. One question that might be on the minds of East Texans is how will this dust effect residents and the environment. TRAFFIC ALERT: Road closures in Henderson County due to flooding Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Auvermann said it is believed that this dust event has been happening for arounds thousands of years leaving him to suspect that ecosystems have become somewhat used to its effects. As for humans, Auvermann recommends that those with respiratory or other allergy driven issues talk to a doctor about treatment. People who do not suffer from respiratory issues should also stay cautious of this dust event as it could effect anyone. Is it possible that somebody that had never been triggered to asthma might be triggered to something like this? Its possible and so again people will always want to be in touch with medical professionals, Auvermann said. Flooded road, fallen trees in Smith County following severe weather Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement East Texans can expect to see some changes in the air quality index this month and Auvermann suspects these changes will last anywhere from a couple days to almost a 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 KETK.com | FOX51.com. DENVER (KDVR) The Commerce City Police Department is looking for three suspects who allegedly stole $3,000 worth of tires from a local business. The department is asking if people recognize three suspects who reportedly cut the fence at Southern Tire Mart last month. Police said they allegedly rolled tires into two vehicles and stole thousands of dollars worth of high-end tires. FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said the photos are blurry, but they believe someone could recognize them if they know the suspects. Here are the images captured from the scene: Police are looking for suspects who allegedly stole $3K worth of tires (Courtesy of Commerce City Police Department) Police are looking for suspects who allegedly stole $3K worth of tires (Courtesy of Commerce City Police Department) Police are looking for suspects who allegedly stole $3K worth of tires (Courtesy of Commerce City Police Department) Police are looking for suspects who allegedly stole $3K worth of tires (Courtesy of Commerce City Police Department) Police are looking for suspects who allegedly stole $3K worth of tires (Courtesy of Commerce City Police Department) Police said they drove off in a 1998 tan Buick with Wyoming license plate 5-34439 and a white Jeep Commander that appears to be plateless. Help us turn this into a Dont. Do. It. Here a dont expect to steal thousands of dollars worth of product from one of our local businesses and get away with it, said the department in a post on X. If you can identify them, the department is asking you to reach out to Investigator Couture at 303-727-3915 or ecouture@c3gov.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 FOX31 Denver. A manhunt is underway in Washington state for a Pewaukee native suspected of killing his three daughters. Police have been searching for Travis Decker, 32, since he did not return his three daughters to their mother May 30. The three girls were found dead days afterwards in the vicinity of Decker's truck near the Rock Island Campground, about 40 miles west of Wenatchee. Here's what to know about the case and why Decker is a suspect. The Wenatchee Police Department provided this photo of Travis Decker, a Pewaukee native being sought in connection with the death of his three daughters in Washington State. The search for Decker was continuing June 3, three days after the girls' mother reported the girls missing and one day after their bodies were found near a campground. Who is Travis Decker? Decker is a Pewaukee native living in Washington state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of May 30, police were looking for him after he failed to return his three daughters to their mother per a custodial arrangement. Then, as of June 3, he was named a suspect in the murders of the three girls. At the time of the girls disappearance, Decker was living mostly out of his pickup truck or occasionally motels and campgrounds, police said. Authorities said he also has extensive military training and went to mountain survival school. Decker graduated from Pewaukee High School, where he was a member of the 2010 Pewaukee wrestling team and wrestled in the state finals that year. More: 'Evil': New video released in hunt for Travis Decker, suspected of killing his 3 daughters Has Travis Decker been charged? Wenatchee Police Capt. Brian Chance, in a phone interview with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, said that Decker had not been formally charged with murder or kidnapping as of June 3. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, a warrant has been issued for his arrest for three counts each of first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping. What does Travis Decker look like? Police have described Decker as a white man with black hair and brown eyes, according to USA TODAY. His height is 58 and he weighs 190 pounds. Decker was last seen wearing a light-colored shirt and dark shorts. More: Authorities in Washington state search for Pewaukee native whose daughters were found dead When did the Decker sisters disappear? Paityn Decker, 9, Evelyn Decker, 8, and Olivia Decker, 5 were found dead in Chelan County on June 2, three days after they were reported missing, the Journal Sentinel reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They were found in the vicinity of Decker's GMC Sierra truck, which authorities located on June 2 at 3:45 p.m. near the Rock Island Campground, about 40 miles west of Wenatchee. Neither Decker nor his daughters were in the truck. The three girls likely died of asphyxiation, USA TODAY reported. Their wrists were zip tied or showed signs of being zip tied, and they were all found with a plastic bag over her head, according to the affidavit. Where is Wenatchee, Washington? Wenatchee, Washington is in the north-central part of the state, about two and a half hours outside Seattle. What should I do if I see Travis Decker? Authorities say Decker poses a significant risk and should not be approached. It is unknown if he is armed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone who sees Decker or has information on his whereabouts is asked to call 911. You can also call the CCSO tip line at 509-667-6845 or submit information online at https://www.co.chelan.wa.us/sheriff/forms/submit-a-tip. At noon on June 5, authorities released an update warning those who own cabins or live in remote areas of Chelan, Kittitas King, Snohomish, and Okanagan counties to be on high alert because Decker was still at large. How to support the Decker family You can donate to support Whitney Decker, the mother of Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia via GoFundMe. As of June 5, the fundraiser has raised more than $900,000. Where to find help for domestic violence: If you are seeking help with domestic violence, you can call the following numbers to reach advocates who can help with safety planning. Calls to advocates are confidential and do not involve law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 800-799-7233. The Sojourner Family Peace Center in Milwaukee operates a 24-hour confidential hotline at 414-933-2722. The Milwaukee Women's Center offers a 24-hour crisis line at 414-671-6140. Find additional culturally specific and multilingual resources here. Jim Riccioli contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What to know about Travis Decker case as manhunt continues June 5 The Trump administration announced in a proclamation on Wednesday that it will ban nationals from Haiti from entering the United States and partially limit Cubans and Venezuelans from coming into the country. Here is a breakdown on how the travel ban will work. What does the proclamation do? The proclamation restricts the entry of nationals from a dozen countries starting on June 9. Nationals from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela are under a partial ban. That means that immigrants and non-immigrants on tourist, business and student visas are banned under the proclamation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nationals from Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen are subject to a full visa suspension for both immigrants and non-immigrants. The proclamation applies to nationals from the designated countries who are outside the United States and dont have a valid visa on the effective date of the proclamation. However, there are some exceptions for entry under both categories that the proclamation mentions. Does the travel ban affect people with current visas? No, the travel ban does not apply to people who already have valid visas. It only affects the issuance of new visas for foreign nationals who are outside the United States on the date the proclamation takes effect and do not already have a valid visa, immigration lawyers say. Why are Cuba, Haiti and Venezuela included? The proclamation noted the high rates of overstays in the United States by visa holders from Haiti, and said the countrys lack of a centralized government means it cannot vet if Haitian nationals looking to come to the U.S. are national security threats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Cuba, the Trump administration said the island is considered a state sponsor of terrorism and that its government does not cooperate on law enforcement matters or take back its own nationals as deportees. It also declared that Venezuela lacks a competent central authority for issuing passports or civil documents, and does not have appropriate screening and vetting measures. The federal government will evaluate in three months, and every six months after that, whether or not to keep or end the bans for each country. What visas from Cuba and Venezuela are banned? Tourism, business and student visas from Cuban and Venezuelan nationals are subject to the suspension. That means non immigrant visas under the categories B-1, B2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J, What visas from Haiti are affected? All visas from nationals of Haiti as immigrants and nonimmigrants are suspended, though there are some limited exemptions. What visas are exempted under the travel ban? The proclamation notes there are exceptions for visa suspensions. That includes: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Green card holders. Dual nationals who have a passport not designated under the travel ban. Adoption visas under categories IR-3, IR-4, IH-3 and IH-4. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens with IR-1/CR-1, IR-2/CR-2, IR-5 visas. Entry intro the U.S. will require clear and convincing proof of identity and family relationships like DNA. Diplomats, foreign government officials and members of international organizations with visa categories A-1, A-2, C-2, C-3, G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1, NATO2, NATO-3, NATO-4, NATO-5, or NATO-6. Afghan Special Immigrant Visas. Special Immigrant Visas for United States Government Employees. Immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran. The proclamation also notes the federal government can make case-by-case exceptions for people who serve American national interests. Why did Trump enact the ban? In the proclamation, the Trump administration framed the measure as a way to protect the United States from terrorism and crime, arguing that the designated countries lack adequate screening and vetting procedures. It also claimed that these nations are unable to effectively manage or verify the travel documents of their citizens. Is this the first travel ban issued under Trump? No. In his first term, Trump issued several travel bans for different countries. The first was issued in January 2017 when he imposed a 90-day ban on nationals from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen, and barred entry for all refugees without a visa or valid travel documents for 120 days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March 2017 a second travel ban was enacted that targeted nationals from six Muslim-majority countries. The third was issued in September 2017, expanding the restrictions and banning nationals from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, Chad, Venezuela and North Korea from entering the U.S. In the case of Venezuela, certain government officials and their immediate family members were banned, but not to its nationals in general on tourist or business visas. The Kremlin has stated that Russia will respond to Ukraine's attacks on its strategic airfields when and how the Russian military deems necessary. Source: Dmitry Peskov, Russian ruler Vladimir Putin's press secretary, as quoted by Radio Liberty Details: Peskov confirmed that Vladimir Putin said during a telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump the day before that Moscow would respond to the attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nevertheless, Putin's spokesman said that Russia would like to hear strong condemnation of these strikes at the international level. Meanwhile, the Kremlin said that Russia would continue negotiations with Ukraine. Peskov also said that Putin and Trump did not discuss a personal meeting during their conversation on 4 June. According to him, there is a general understanding that such a meeting is necessary, but it needs to be properly prepared. Previously: US President Donald Trump announced a phone conversation with Putin, during which the Kremlin leader very strongly stated that he would be forced to respond to the recent attack on airfields. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Axios, citing sources, wrote that Trump privately expressed his admiration for the Security Service of Ukraines special operation Pavutyna ("Spider's Web"), during which Russian strategic aircraft were hit. Background: The Security Service of Ukraine's special operation, codenamed Pavutyna ("Spider's Web"), was carried out on 1 June 2025. It was one of the largest and most complex sabotage operations against Russian military aircraft. The Security Service of Ukraine said that the operation resulted in the destruction of 41 Russian military aircraft, including Tu-95, Tu-22M3 and Tu-160 strategic bombers, as well as an A-50 long-range radar detection aircraft. NATO considers this operation very successful. Meanwhile, the White House said that Ukraine's actions had raised the level of risk. On 4 June, the US Embassy in Ukraine issued a warning about the growing risk of large-scale Russian attacks on Ukraine. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The Kremlin is hoping that US President Donald Trump will condemn Ukrainian attacks on Russia's strategic bomber fleet. "If we are talking about an international assessment overall, then of course we would prefer to hear at least a sharp condemnation of this act of terror," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a news conference on Thursday. He was responding to a question about whether Trump's assurances during a conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin that he was not aware of the attacks were sufficient. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine carried out a coordinated operation last weekend targeting several Russian military airfields far from the border using drones. These airfields housed medium- and long-range bombers, which Russia has used to attack Ukraine with missiles and cruise missiles since the start of the war. Ukraine has reported around 40 aircraft destroyed or damaged, while the Russian Defence Ministry has said only "a few" planes were affected. Moscow also says the aircraft are repairable even though videos showed about 10 bombers on fire. Russia has classified the attack as an act of terrorism. Peskov announced a military response, stating that it would occur "at a time and with the means that our military deems necessary." David Lira admitted Thursday to one count of contempt of court for defying a Chicago judge's order concerning the distribution of settlement funds to clients whose relatives had perished in a 2018 Indonesian plane crash. (Christopher Weber / Associated Press) Days after a judge sentenced legal titan Tom Girardi to seven years in prison for stealing from clients, his son-in-law formerly a high-ranking attorney at his now-defunct firm pleaded guilty to a federal charge in Illinois. David Lira, 65, of Pasadena admitted Thursday to one count of contempt of court for defying a Chicago judges order concerning the distribution of settlement funds to clients whose relatives had perished in a 2018 Indonesian plane crash. Under the plea deal, prosecutors will drop other charges against Lira, including eight counts of wire fraud as well as two false statement charges, at his sentencing, and the trial scheduled for this summer will be averted. The criminal case against Lira arose from the broader litigation to hold Boeing accountable for defects in its 737-MAX jets. Lira and Girardi negotiated payouts totaling $7.5 million for a group of widows and orphans in 2020, but the clients, who lived in Indonesia, did not receive their full settlements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Evidence would later emerge that Girardi was routinely using client money to underwrite a lavish lifestyle with his wife, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Erika Jayne. Read more: Tom Girardi disgraced legal titan, former Real Housewives husband sentenced to 7 years in prison Lira knew that Girardi did not pay the Lion Air Clients settlement funds in full, in contravention of [U.S. District] Judge [Thomas] Durkins orders, despite [the Indonesian clients] inquiries about and demands for their Settlements, according to a plea agreement filed Thursday. Durkin referred the case for criminal investigation, and prosecutors in Chicago filed wire fraud and other charges against Lira and Girardi in 2021. Prosecutors dropped the Chicago-based case against Girardi, 86, last month. Girardi was separately convicted of wire fraud last year in Los Angeles, resulting in the seven-year prison sentence handed down this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lira, who is married to Girardis daughter Jacqueline, began working at his father-in-laws firm in 1999. He was sometimes called the firms senior partner, though Girardi was the sole owner. Lira resigned from Girardi Keese about six months before its 2020 collapse, after confronting his father-in-law about the Lion Air case and demanding that Girardi pay the victims. As he moved on to another firm, Lira did not alert the victims or authorities about Girardis mishandling of the money. Liras defense attorney, Damon Cheronis, noted that the plea agreement did not assert any acts of fraud on the part of Mr. Lira. Read more: Vegas parties, celebrities and boozy lunches: How legal titan Tom Girardi seduced the State Bar Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr. Lira continually asked Mr. Girardi to pay these clients their rightful settlement money pursuant to the court order, however Girardi did not, Cheronis said in a statement. Lira is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 8. Prosecutors have not yet recommended a particular penalty, but they indicated in the plea agreement that under federal sentencing guidelines, Lira faces six to eight years in prison. Girardi and Lira represented the victims in the Lion Air crash alongside Chicago-based lawyer Jay Edelson. It was ultimately Edelson who brought to the judges attention that the Indonesian clients were not paid by Girardi. Were pleased that David Lira, after years of portraying himself as an innocent bystander, has finally admitted he is a criminal, Edelson told The Times on Thursday. We remain hopeful that the other criminals who helped Girardi pull off the largest Ponzi scheme in the history of the plaintiff's bar will also face disbarment and long prison sentences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The widows and orphans ultimately received their settlement payments after Edelsons insurance provider agreed to foot the cost. The State Bar is pursuing disciplinary action against Lira and two other attorneys who worked at Girardi Keese. Lira continues to practice for a Century City law firm, though restrictions imposed by a bar court judge prohibit him from handling client money. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. A former Long Island high school teacher who allegedly posed as a teen to solicit explicit images from underage girls has been indicted for promoting a sexual performance by a child and related charges, officials said Thursday. Ryan McCaffery, a former social studies teacher at Riverhead High School, was arrested May 12 by New York State Police following a months-long investigation. The 37-year-old Ridge resident is accused of using a fake Snapchat name to communicate with female children, according to the Suffolk County district attorney. A multi-agency investigation began in Suffolk County last fall when detectives received a tip about an individual whod allegedly shared child sexual abuse material on the messaging app Kik. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this year, police executed a search warrant at McCafferys home and recovered several electronic devices. A forensic analysis of those devices revealed the defendant had allegedly been communicating with multiple underage girls while posing as a teenager on Snapchat. According to prosecutors, he sent images of his exposed genitals to the victims and requested nude photos in return. Authorities said McCaffery had also been investigated in Bergen County, N.J., after parents reported their daughters had experienced similar things on Snapchat. An investigation determined McCaffery had requested nude photos and engaged in sexual acts while video chatting with victims under the age of 13. He was taken into custody in New Jersey on Feb. 14 and charged with sexual assault, child endangerment and lewdness. The case, which is not related to McCafferys case in Suffolk County, is still pending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McCaffery was arraigned on Wednesday for the charges in New York, including multiple counts of attempted use of a child in a sexual performance and disseminating indecent material to minors. His bail was set at $100,000 cash, $400,000 bond, or a $1 million partially secured bond. Hes due back in court July 17. LOVELAND, Colo. (KDVR) One of northern Colorados most popular reservoirs is rising again after more than 500 fish died as a result of low water levels. Referred to some residents as the Gulf of Greeley, the irrigation reservoir known as Lake Loveland is no longer dry after weeks of heavy rainfall. Moose from serious injury attack relocated near Steamboat Springs Its beautiful out here, and it comes up and down, resident Carol McCumber told FOX31. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lake can drain to low levels during the winter season, due to drought conditions or after water is redirected. Colorado Parks and Wildlife told FOX31 that crews surveyed the lake in late May and found at least 500 dead fish that couldnt survive the extremely low water levels. One visitor describes the empty reservoir as having what looked like a big bathtub ring. Looks like sand, it looks like a big beach all the way around, he told FOX31. The lake is managed by the Greeley & Loveland Irrigation Company, which tells FOX31 fish swam upstream into an inlet ditch while crews were filling the reservoir, but didnt make it back when the process was interrupted due to a change in the river priority call. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of the lakes shoreline is private, but public fishing is allowed on the south shore. Curious residents have attempted to explore the lake bed when the water is drained, which is not advised for safety reasons. Even when mostly empty, the lake can still have about 12 feet of water at the bottom. I saw kids out there walking on the sand, and I thought, I dont think I would trust that, said McCumber. Bear wandering through Lone Tree, Aurora neighborhoods relocated As the lake rises again, many are enjoying fishing and other activities while taking in magnificent views of the Colorado mountains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a pretty place to sit, you know, have a snack, one visitor said. There has been speculation that the fish deaths are a result of a water quality issue, but an irrigation company spokesperson tells FOX31 that is not the case, and the city of Greeley routinely samples the reservoir for water quality management. Anyone who notices dead fish should avoid touching them and contact CPW. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NEW YORK A super PAC representing landlords plans to spend $2.5 million to boost mayoral front-runner Andrew Cuomo as he tries to hold off Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, whos pledged to freeze the rent on rent-regulated apartments every year as mayor. In this two person race, Andrew Cuomo is the best candidate to increase the supply of housing. The alternative choice is unacceptable and will decimate the housing stock, NYAA CEO Kenny Burgos said in a statement. The organization, which primarily represents operators of rent-regulated apartment buildings, plans to run ads in English and Spanish on broadcast and cable television, radio and the web were doing the whole shebang, Burgos said. The advertisements arent ready yet, he said, but theyll put a positive sheen on the former governors housing plans, rather than attack Mamdani. Any spending will have to come soon as the race enters its final stretch. The Democratic primary is June 24, and early voting begins June 14. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The $2.5 million spend by the super PAC Housing for All is fully funded by the New York Apartment Association, a membership organization created last year through the merger of the Rent Stabilization Association and the Community Housing Improvement Program. NYAA serves as the interest group for multifamily residential owners in New York and actively lobbies the mayoral administration and the Rent Guidelines Board, which determines rent increases for the citys roughly one million regulated apartments. The plan makes NYAA the single largest donor on behalf of Cuomo in the race so far. Another pro-Cuomo super PAC, Fix the City, has raised nearly $11 million, with much of the total coming from real estate interests. Its single largest contribution was $1 million from food delivery company DoorDash. Wow. They say they dont have any money! Mamdani said, laughing, when asked about the Apartment Associations spending referring to the organizations advocacy for rent increases it says are necessary to fund the upkeep of buildings and apartments. I would expect nothing less from a group that represents the landlords of those rent-stabilized units. Because ultimately, I'm running to freeze the rent, he's running to raise it, Mamdani said, referring to Cuomo. So from their perspective, this is the candidate, rightfully, they've assessed, who will continue to increase their profits. I'm the one that is running for the tenants in those same units. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cuomo campaign spokesperson Rich Azzopardi said the campaign wasnt aware of the spend and referred POLITICO to Cuomos comments at the debate Wednesday, after Mamdani said the former governor would be compromised by DoorDashs donations. I work for the people of the city of New York, Cuomo said. I dont care who gave me what. I do what is right. The citys real estate industry has lined up behind Cuomo, though with some reluctance, POLITICO reported. Burgos praised Cuomo on the NYAAs podcast this week for his housing plan to build or preserve 500,000 units in the next decade by focusing on upzoning denser, transit-rich neighborhoods. And he criticized Mamdani for his plan to build 200,000 units of social housing with union labor, saying he was being unrealistic about how much it would cost. Burgos also slammed Mamdani his high school classmate at Bronx Science for leading the charge on a rent freeze. Our estimates are that roughly 5,000 rent-stabilized buildings, housing more than a quarter of rent-stabilized tenants, are functionally bankrupt, he said. A rent freeze would all but guarantee the demise of this housing stock. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Rent Guidelines Board, whose members are appointed by the mayor, has proposed a rent increase between 1.75 and 4.75 percent for one-year leases and will take a final vote on the proposal June 30. In his housing plan, Cuomo said that calling for a rent freeze is politically convenient, but that landlords need rent increases that reflect their costs. NYAAs super PAC, Housing for All, previously announced plans to spend in New York City Council primaries as well, though it hasnt reported any action yet. Members of Fight 4 the First Lapeer rally outside the Marguerite deAngeli Library on May 15, 2025 | Photo by Karen Braschayko As members of a Livingston County library board march toward restricting materials deemed inappropriate for children, a similar effort is brewing in nearby Lapeer County, part of whats become a renewed effort in the culture war over childrens books, especially those with LGBTQ+ content. Some members of the Lapeer District Library Board have also been working to craft a policy to keep certain materials out of childrens hands without running afoul of the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The effort stretches back several years to 2023, as community members sought to have several books pulled from library shelves. Susan Hough, a member of the steering committee of Fight 4 the First, which advocates against censorship within the library district, said many of the books challenged deal with gender or LGBTQ issues. Among those books was the award-winning Gender Queer: A Memoir, a frequently challenged graphic novel which details author Maia Kobabes coming of age tale as a person who identifies as nonbinary and asexual. The source of the challenge stems from its inclusion of some drawings depicting nude characters and sexual scenarios, prompting opponents to label it pornographic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lapeer County Prosecutor John Miller suggested he might file criminal charges against employees or library officials if the book was not pulled from shelves. However, Amy Churchill, who was serving as the director of the library at the time, retained the ACLU of Michigan as legal counsel. The organization sent Miller a letter warning that taking action would threaten First Amendment freedoms, and violate his ethical duties as a prosecutor. When the challenge against the book was rejected, Miller took no action. In the years since that incident, candidates with a conservative ideology have come to hold a majority of seats on the nonpartisan board, with some new members carrying ties to the initial book challenges. In February, Hough said members of Fight 4 the First Lapeer uncovered a memo while reviewing the boards public records responding to a request for an opinion on policies to restrict access to certain books, including proposals to move certain childrens books to an adult section, or putting certain books behind glass or the circulation desk, requiring a patron to ask for access. 20FEB2025 Legal Memo Regarding Book Restrictions Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anne Seurynk, an attorney with the Foster Swift law firm who the board had retained as counsel, warned that adopting any of the proposals would place the library on at best, shaky Constitutional ground and would put the library at risk of being sued and losing. That could saddle the district with the cost of its own attorneys fees and the fees of their legal challenger. Seurynk also served as corporate counsel for the Cromaine District Library, providing them with a similar notice regarding its own efforts to sequester controversial materials. During a meeting of the Lapeer Tea Party in March, the boards Vice Chair John DeAngelis and Secretary Peggy Brotzke discussed efforts to limit the materials children can access. DeAngelis was unable to offer details on what these restrictions would look like, but told attendees that the board would be consulting with its attorney on the issue. He later offered a rough timeline of six months for presenting potential options. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We dont want to get sued. We dont want to burn up our funds in attorney fees, DeAngelis said.We want to do it the right way, so it will take some time. It wont happen overnight. DeAngelis and Brotzke did not respond to a request for an interview prior to publication, nor did board Chair Kari Kohlman. DeAngelis during the Boards March meeting put forward a motion to replace Foster Swift with a local firm, Rickard, Denney, Leichliter, Childers & Bosch, with DeAngelis saying he would like to use local counsel to keep the boards money within the community. The motion passed with support from Kohlman, DeAngelis, Brotzke and Trustee Carol Brown, despite protest from former board chair Bill Marquardt and treasurer Perry Valle. On its website, Rickard, Denney, Leichliter, Childers & Bosch describes its legal practice as advising and assisting individuals, churches, and other religious organizations in defending and taking full advantage of their religious freedom under federal and state law. Other areas of practice include general civil litigation, representing individuals with small to medium-sized businesses, estate planning, real estate matters, zoning issues and other issues of land use. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Based on Brotzkes information request for the librarys collections policy during her first board meeting in February, Hough expects to see proposals to amend the districts collection policy soon. The boards next meeting is set for June 19, with Fight 4 the First Lapeer planning to hold a Read-In for Freedom at DeAngeli Library the same day. The group held a similar rally in mid-May prior to a board meeting that ended up being canceled due to a lack of a quorum. Members of Fight 4 the First Lapeer rally outside the Marguerite deAngeli Library on May 15, 2025 | Photo by Karen Braschayko Although Brotzke and DeAngelis focused their concerns on protecting children and ensuring they are unable to access inappropriate materials, Hough said the question of what is appropriate varies from person to person. Thats why we have library professionals who have been highly trained in child development and in literacy and in book selection, who use many tools, including professional reviews, publishers reviews, etc., as well as their own personal knowledge to select books and place them in what are considered by a professional an appropriate place in the library, Hough said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When it comes to determining whether a book belongs in a library, Hough said she preferred to trust the professionals. I dont know about you, but I prefer to let my medical doctor guide me in medical decisions, and I prefer to let my attorney guide me in legal decisions. And I believe library professionals have the training and the expertise to guide us in whats appropriate, Hough said. Hough further noted that libraries legally cannot have obscene materials on their shelves. While the Foster Swift memo makes clear that placing restrictions on materials could violate the U.S. Constitution, theres no such thing as First Amendment police, Hough said. That means theres no defense against these types of policies unless community members and free speech organizations are watching and willing to respond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Should the board move forward with the policies and face legal consequences, Hough raised concerns about how that could impact funding for Lapeer libraries. Thats money that should be used to provide materials for our community, provide services, because its way beyond books Hough said, pointing to other benefits like internet access and community programs.Theres just so much in our library that enriches the community, and all of these attacks are going to end up having fiscal outcomes. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) The Las Cruces Police Department says it made 58 felony arrests, 59 misdemeanor arrests, and seized nearly 55 grams of methamphetamine in its first two months of their Operation Not In Vain which is a crime reduction project to commemorate the life of Las Cruces Police Department Officer Jonah Hernandez who was killed in the line of duty in February 2024. Through May, officers working the operation made 500 traffic stops resulting in 128 citations, recovered eight stolen firearms, located four stolen vehicles, seized narcotics in four separate searches, issued 28 trespass warnings, and executed eight search or arrest warrants, the Police Department said. The operation so far has also recorded 384 consensual contacts with citizens, 61 contacts with businesses, and has generated 72 incident reports, the Police Department said. Besides the 54.5 grams of methamphetamine seized, officers also seized 32.6 grams of fentanyl and two grams of cocaine, the Police Department said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The operation is a months-long crime reduction project in memory of fallen Las Cruces Police Department Officer Jonah Hernandez, who was killed in the line of duty Feb. 11, 2024, the Police Department said. The operation began on April 28 and is anticipated to run through August. The operation is utilizing law enforcement personnel and resources from the Las Cruces Police Department, New Mexico State Police, the Dona Ana County Sheriffs Office, New Mexico State University Police, the Third Judicial District Attorneys Office, the U.S. Attorneys Office along with several federal agencies, the Police Department said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) What was once considered a peaceful gathering spot in the community, Justice Leavitt Park, is facing growing concerns from neighbors who told 8 News Now the area has become unsafe due to a rise in vandalism and an increase in homeless encampments. Several residents who live near the park said they no longer feel comfortable bringing their children or spending time there. Reports of broken playground equipment, graffiti, and drug paraphernalia have increased in recent weeks, according to neighbors and one city commission member. Realistically, does something need to be done about the homeless population? Absolutely, David Thomas, a resident in the neighborhood, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other residents said they have noticed an uptick in vandalism and homelessness at the park, particularly over the past few months. In response, the Parks and Recreation Commission called for improved access to surveillance camera footage to help city staff and law enforcement respond more quickly to criminal activity and safety threats. Neighbors reported a variety of ongoing issues, including graffiti covering public restrooms and walls, broken playground equipment, drug paraphernalia scattered in the grass, and tents or makeshift shelters popping up near picnic areas. They might clean the stuff up here and there, and the city patrol will come by and clean up their messes; however, the homeless people are still there, and that brings another mess, Thomas said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neighbors also pointed to the increased presence of unhoused individuals in the park, some of whom may be struggling with substance abuse or mental health challenges. The solution to vandalism at the parks, according to the Parks and Recreation Commission members, was surveillance cameras. Some parks do have them, but they noted they need to be checked to make sure they are working. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BRISTOL, R.I. (WPRI) As boating season begins, safety remains a top priority as thousands of people are expected to take to Rhode Islands waters this summer. 12 News went on the water with Bristol Harbormaster Gregg Marselli, who shared what every boater, new or experienced, should know if you plan to be on a boat. Everybodys required to have, depending on the size of their boat, different safety equipment, Marselli explained. Everybody should have a life jacket for each person on board that fits them, fire extinguishers, a throwable device, a sound-producing device, and flares. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Patrols will also increase leading up to the Fourth of July festivities in Bristol. Well have thousands of visitors throughout the summer and many boats. We have 12 square miles of water, we have about 900 moorings, and we have about 250 people at just our docks, explained Marselli. ALSO READ: RI lawmakers consider imposing new tax on boats Throughout the summer, their priority isnt punishment, its helping boaters navigate with awareness and understand the waters theyre in. We like to go out and educate daily on our patrol, Marselli said. You know, we see somebody doing something wrong or somethings wrong with their boat and well have a conversation with them and have them corrected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Rhode Island, boaters born after January 1, 1986, need to pass a state-approved safety course to operate a motorized boat. Starting in 2026, a new law in Massachusetts will require all boaters to have a safety certificate before heading out on the water. The Rhode Island DEM also encourages boaters to stay up to date on the latest boating regulations in the state. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Subscribe Now Ocean, Bay & Beach Report Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) The Alabama Coalition for Immigrant Justice (ACIJ) is speaking out after a new law has taken effect this week. They said it targets the immigrant community, while others said it will keep Alabama safe. A new law requires police to take fingerprints and DNA swabs of people they arrest. Thats if the person cant prove their U.S. citizenship and are found to be in the state unlawfully. Sen. Lance Bell (R-Pell City) said its about keeping Alabamians safe. He originally sponsored the bill in the Senate. Its just a way that, when [undocumented immigrants] get deported, they come back, some change their names, said Sen. Bell. And its a way to identify the people and be linking the crimes to together. And to be able to identify whos doing what. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brighton City Council member accused of bribery, extortion following recent arrest of colleague Jerome McMullin But executive director of ACIJ, Allison Hamilton, disagrees. For people who are undocumented, its being treated like a criminal when you havent committed a crime, said Hamilton. And to be clear, being undocumented is not actually a crime. Its a civil offense. Hamilton said private information, like DNA, should be protected. Theres no reason to start taking personal data from people who havent even been charged or convicted. We all have the right to due process. Innocent until proven guilty, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Sen. Bell said, for some crimes, DNA is already collected regardless of legal status. And so, theres not profiling, he explained. Theres no selective enforcement. Theyre already doing it. The jails are already doing that to us as it is. This really just adds illegal aliens to that class of people that are getting their DNA taken from them at the jail. Rep. Mark Shirey (R-Mobile) carried the bill in the House. With the new law, he said the state will be able to record DNA samples and solve crimes more efficiently. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Jun. 4A lawsuit alleging Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris falsely suggested during a campaign event that a photographer was a pedophile has been dismissed, according to court records. Pennie Collinson, a photographer in Coeur d'Alene, originally sued Norris over comments she claims he made to her in July at the Kootenai County Republican Party Primary Election Forum in Cataldo. At the time, Collinson was working as a photographer for a candidate for sheriff. When candidates at the forum began taking questions, Collinson claims Norris pointed her out and accused her of photographing child pornography at the local library. While other people at the event have corroborated Collinson's claims in interviews and on social media, Norris maintained in a news release last year that he will "expose the extent of this hoax." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit was dismissed not because Collinson has chosen to let the claims go, but rather over a small technicality, according to her lawyer, Mark Ellingsen. An Idaho statute requires a plaintiff to pay an undisclosed "bond" or a fee before filing a suit. Collinson and her attorney paid a $5,000 bond after the filing of the suit. The judge dismissed the suit with prejudice, allowing attorneys to refile. "We will file again with the bond," Ellingsen said. New Jersey paid almost $178M to settle 332 lawsuits last year, but took in almost $430M in civil enforcement actions, records show. (Photo by New Jersey Monitor) Six years ago, New Jersey legislators expanded the statute of limitations for survivors of sexual assault, responding to a wave of victims looking for justice years or even decades after abuse at the hands of predatory clergy, Boy Scout leaders, and others entrusted to care for children. But the state has found itself increasingly held to account for sexual abuse people have suffered in the governments custody, from foster care to state-run homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials paid more than $23 million to settle over a dozen of these complaints last year. They were among 332 payouts, totaling almost $178 million, that the state made in 2024 to resolve legal claims involving state employees, agencies, and property, according to records the New Jersey Monitor obtained under the Open Public Records Act. Two of the largest payments in 2024 $12 million and $6.8 million went to women for sexual abuse they endured in foster placements, one dating back to 1987 and the other to 1963. The women said they reported the abuse while still in the care of their molesters, but child welfare workers did little to investigate and just moved them to other foster homes where they encountered new abusers. Spokespeople from the state Department of Children and Families did not respond to a request for comment. Several men received settlements for sexual abuse they endured while in state-run homes decades ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One said four male employees and two male residents at the New Lisbon Developmental Center, a state-run home in Burlington County for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, sexually assaulted him starting in 1950, when he was 8 years old, until he aged out of the system at 18. He received a $3.5 million payout. Another man who alleged he was abused at New Lisbon, where he was placed in 1987 at age 8, received $99,000 to settle his lawsuit. Abuse also occurred at the now-shuttered Arthur Brisbane Child Treatment Center in Monmouth County, according to a man who said he was 13 in 1983 when an employee there began molesting him. That employee, Thomas Grisard, was later convicted, and the state paid the victim $750,000 last year to resolve his lawsuit. Beyond those cases, public transit continued to fuel the most lawsuits against the state, with complaints lodged about passengers injured in bus and rail accidents, workers hurt on the job, and pedestrians and bicyclists injured or killed by NJ Transit buses. People also sued over medical malpractice at public hospitals, faulty roads and bridges, workplace discrimination and harassment, mistreatment by police and prison guards, and civil rights violations. The $177.9 million the state paid to settle lawsuits last year was $56 million more than it paid in 2023 to resolve 364 claims and the highest since 2021, when 287 lawsuits cost the state $196 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thirty-five cases cost the state $1 million or more, representing 73% of the total disbursed. The largest payout $12.5 million went to Shelley Pritchett, a former correctional officer for the Juvenile Justice Commission who said her bosses forced her to resign after she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Plenty of people settled for peanuts, too, with the smallest payout, $150, going to an East Orange man who said he was hurt when another car hit the NJ Transit bus in which he was riding. Cases that resulted in payouts last year include: Dion Miller, who spent 20 years in prison for an elderly neighbors murder. Miller maintained his innocence and was exonerated in 2023. The state paid him $995,000 to settle his lawsuit. Scott Lupia was a locomotive engineer who alerted his supervisors to a broken air conditioner in his cab one sultry day in July 2020. His bosses ordered him to continue working even though temperatures hit 114 degrees in his cab, according to his suit. He passed out at the controls 40 minutes after leaving Penn Station, hitting his head and suffering career-ending injuries, the suit says. The state paid him almost $12.4 million after he won his case at trial. Zenaida Gonzalez received $4 million after child welfare workers took her baby because she was struggling with an abusive partner and mental health challenges. The baby, Alison Chavez, was 16 months old when she died in 2012 of head trauma while in a foster home. Donald Turner Jr., a public works employee in Hawthorne, got $3.9 million after a pedestrian bridge where he was clearing snow in March 2019 collapsed onto the roadway below, and he was seriously injured. Two women who reached out to a state-run crime victim compensation office for help filed lawsuits after an employee sexually harassed them. The state paid one $424,000 and another $400,000 over their claims that Guilherme Jamarino, an employee who was later criminally charged, sent them sexually explicit pictures and videos of himself. Jasmine Roach received $500,000 for the 2014 sexual assault and murder of her 9-year-old daughter at the hands of a paroled sex offender. Muhammad Muslih and his family got $3.5 million after computers, cash, jewelry, and more that Montclair police seized from their home during a 2019 search went missing when the family tried to retrieve it after resolving the accusations against them. The state made money too While millions flowed out in lawsuit payouts, almost $430 million went back into state coffers due to the civil enforcement work of the states attorneys. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorney General Matt Platkin said successful settlements involved environmental cases, consumer issues, taxation matters, and debt recovery actions. Weve stopped scams, halted questionable business practices, and made polluters payand in the process weve returned hundreds of millions of dollars back to the State and our residents, Platkin said in a statement. These results translate into a better quality of life for all New Jerseyans. I will always fight to make sure that costly and damaging misconduct is corrected, whether that stems from polluters, consumer fraud, or others who engage in unlawful business practices. The amount recovered last year fell from 2023, when Platkins office recouped nearly $600 million. Among 2024s largest recoveries: The chemical company Solvay Specialty Polymers USA paid $179.8 million for remediation and natural resource damages stemming from contamination at its Gloucester County facility. The state received $125 million from Orsted after the wind energy company abandoned plans to build two offshore wind projects in New Jerseys coastal waters. New Jersey will get more than $30 million as part of a $700 million nationwide settlement with Johnson & Johnson to resolve complaints stemming from its marketing of talc-based baby powder. The state received $18.5 million in compensation for groundwater contaminated by the gasoline additive methyl tertiary butyl ether. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Passengers on a Spirit Airlines flight bound for Los Angeles were forced to evacuate Thursday morning after a bomb threat was reported at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport. Flight 2145, scheduled to depart from Detroit to Los Angeles International Airport, was halted before takeoff when authorities responded to the threat. According to the Wayne County Airport Authority, emergency services, TSA officials and airfield operations teams quickly mobilized, directing the aircraft to a remote area as a precaution. All passengers were safely deplaned and transported by bus to the Evans Terminal, airport officials confirmed. The incident remains under investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spirit Airlines issued a statement saying law enforcement was requested to meet the plane prior to departure due to what was described as a potential security issue. Guests were rescreened after leaving the aircraft, which was then thoroughly inspected and cleared by authorities. The safety of our Guests and Team Members is our top priority, the airline said. We are working to get our Guests to their destination as soon as possible. Flight tracking data showed the aircraft eventually took off around 12:45 p.m., several hours after the original scheduled departure. Footage captured by passenger Lavon Green showed airline staff informing travelers of the evacuation and the view of the plane from the tarmac after they exited. While no explosive device was found and no injuries were reported, the incident remains under active investigation by law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) On Tuesday, the state Court of Appeals found the Small Government Efficiency Act constitutional and House Majority Leader William Lamberth applauded the decision. In 2023, the state legislature passed House Bill 48, which limited the number of metropolitan councilmembers to 20. The law was seen as retribution against Metro Councils decision not to support hosting the 2024 Republican National Convention. Last July, a Nashville court ruled that the law violated the Local Legislation Clause of the Home Rule Amendment to the state constitution. Mayor Freddie OConnell and Metro Councilmembers celebrated the decision. The ruling prevented the law from going into effect. However, a three-judge panel in the states Court of Appeals found the law to be constitutional and reversed the lower court ruling, allowing it to go into effect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS: Metro Council could be downsized following latest appeals court ruling Lamberth, who sponsored the House version of the law, added that Republicans would continue to cut waste at all levels of government in a social media post Tuesday. Senator Bo Watson (R-Hixson) also applauded the ruling. [The] ruling is a win for efficient and effective governing, Watson said in a statement provided to News 2. The law places restrictions on the size of metro government councils and is intended to improve government efficiency a key focus of conservatives in the Tennessee General Assembly. The Court of Appeals affirmed what we have always believed, that the legislature constitutionally has the authority and responsibility to ensure government continues to best serve Tennesseans. News 2 spoke with attorney Brandon Smith, currently a partner at Holtzman Vogel and the former chief of staff for Tennessee Attorney General Johnathan Skrmetti, about the decision and he said he agrees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When a city becomes ungovernable and turns to taxpayers for bailouts, someone has to put the brakes on, Smith said. The efficiency found from a smaller council Nashvilles council is currently the third largest in the country, just behind Chicago and New York, and its been this size since the county was officially consolidated in the early 60s. Its time for some needed change. As of publication, Metro Council has 35 district members and five at-large members, which boils down to each district representing roughly 20,000 people. Some worry about what cutting that representation in half would look like especially when considering largely-minority areas. I really think its going to hurt those communities, but its going to hurt all communities because youre going to have districts that are going to be combined, Antoinette Lee, Metro Councilmember for District 33, told News 2. To me, a plus for Metro you did not have to be rich or a lawyer or be well-endowed financially to be on the Council because you could work your regular job and you can do this. That is going to be very challenging now with huge areas. Antioch bows to no council member: Some constituents call for Metro Councilmembers resignation following immigration remarks Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of publication, Metro Councilmembers get paid $25,000 dollars each year. This move could mean having to pay council members to go full-time to cover larger districts. Vice Mayor Angie Henderson said the math all boils down to how many of the 20 council members will be at large. Why this bill was filed at the state and kind of the process that were going through I personally feel that the kind of call for efficiency and effectiveness was somewhat specious, Henderson told News 2. I do think it was targeted legislation and that we cant just say by virtue of our size that thats inherently a bad thing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LEBANON COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) Local police and the FBI arrested a Lebanon County man at his home for allegedly sexually exploiting children online. The United States Department of Justice said Christian Harding, 24, of Annville, was indicted on May 28, 2025, by a federal grand jury for child pornography offenses. Harding allegedly attempted to produce child pornography and coerced a minor to engage in sexual activity on Feb. 3, 2025. The indictment accuses Harding of receiving and possessing child pornography between Jan. 1, 2025, and Feb. 27, 2025. According to the Western Lebanon County Regional Police Department, officers were assisted by the FBI Capital Area Resident Agency in arresting Harding for violations of federal law relating to child pornography. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Livestream Alerts Police said officers arrested Harding at his home at 123 Palm City Park in Annville on April 30. The arrest comes after an investigation conducted by the FBI and Western Lebanon Police, which accused Harding of sexually exploiting children online, per police. Police said he is in prison awaiting trial. Any minor having online contact with Harding is encouraged to contact the Western Lebanon County Police Department at 717-838-8189 or the FBI at 717-232-8686. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Gov. Kim Reynolds talks to reporters May 17, 2022, after signing legislation dealing with biofuels at a farm near Prairie City. (Photo by Kathie Obradovich/Iowa Capital Dispatch) As she considers whether to sign legislation limiting the use of eminent domain for carbon pipelines, Gov. Kim Reynolds faces a decision that will forever define her legacy in the Iowa Republican Party: whether to uphold the constitutional rights and the property rights of Iowa landowners, or whether to put ethanol industry profits ahead of those rights. The party platform unequivocally supports landowner rights. The Iowa House and Senate, both controlled by Republicans, have passed bipartisan legislation that would protect those rights. This should not be a difficult choice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, there are many special interest groups urging the governor to veto House File 639, claiming it would harm the ethanol industry and derail future economic development opportunities in the state. But if those claims were true, why do nearly 30% of Iowas ethanol plants choose not to participate in this risky CO pipeline venture? Why is Summit Carbon Solutions suing multiple Iowa counties over zoning ordinances, the very tools those counties use to guide and protect local economic growth? The self-serving arguments of the ethanol industry do not stand up to scrutiny. Privately owned carbon dioxide pipelines do not align with the constitutional definition of public use necessary for eminent domain, and they do not justify using the governments takings power to force private landowners to participate in a speculative business enterprise. Essentially, these special interests are asking the governor to pick economic winners and losers at the expense of constitutional rights. Importantly, HF 639 does not stop the pipeline project, nor does it prevent voluntary easements. In fact, Summit has already secured all necessary voluntary agreements in Minnesota and must now do the same in South Dakota to meet Iowa Utilities Commission conditions for construction here. Iowa landowners deserve the same rights as landowners in our neighboring states. If this project truly serves a vital economic need and garners legitimate support, it can move forward through the free marketwithout coercion, and without undermining the rights of landowners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I commend Gov. Reynolds for engaging a broad range of stakeholders in this conversation. Listening to the public and not just to special interests is essential for crafting sound public policy, but it does not change the dilemma facing the governor: constitutional rights vs. special interest profits. By signing HF 639, Gov. Reynolds would uphold constitutional rights, curb the misuse of eminent domain for private profit, demonstrate her commitment to the Republican Partys property rights platform, protect landowners from inadequate insurance coverage, and strengthen the public accountability of the Iowa Utilities Commission. It would ensure she is forever remembered as a champion of the Republican Partys commitment to constitutional rights and private property rights. COLUMBUS, GA. (WRBL) The Columbus city government has spent a lot of tax money to investigate claims of illegal activity and misconduct in the citys Finance Department. The legal fees paid to an Atlanta law firm to investigate the citys Finance Department cost taxpayers more than $450,000, according to information obtained by WRBL through Georgias Open Records Act. The city has paid the money to Troutman Pepper since 2023. That is strictly funds for legal fees alone and not the cost of a forensic audit that accompanied the Troutman Pepper investigation, according to City Attorney Clifton Fay. It started in August 2023 when City Councilor JoAnne Cogle made a surprise motion at the end of a council meeting. The motion by the District 7 representative was specific, asking for a particular law firm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I would like to make a motion that we hire Troutman and Pepper to work alongside our internal auditor in a previously approved audit with the intention and goal of providing a detailed report of some of the concerns that have surfaced, Cogle read. Hiring Troutman Pepper came on the heels of an internal city audit of the Finance Department. That audit suggested, without evidence, that 45 million dollars was missing from city coffers. That is a claim that has been repeated as recently as this week when Mayor Skip Henderson had to correct a citizen who regurgitated it at a public hearing Tuesday night. Troutman Peppers detailed report found serious operational and organizational issues inside the Finance Department, but nothing rose to a criminal level.. Troutman Pepper partner Charles Peeler said when his work concluded, There is no evidence to support the claim that there is $45.1 million of revenue missing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That wasnt the only investigation. The Muscogee County Sheriffs Office recently concluded a 16-month investigation that resulted in two misdemeanor arrests. Finance Director Angelica Alexander was charged with obstruction. Former Revenue Manager Yvonne Ivey was charged with two counts of simple battery. None of the charges were connnected to alleged financial misconduct. But according to one councilor, the investigations created a deeper divide between the mayor, city manager, and some city councilors. We brought in Troutman Pepper and Charlie Peeler to kind of protect the auditor, District 5 Councilor Charmanine Crabb told WRBL in a May 20 interview. They werent cooperating with her. They were kind of attacking her. And he was supposed to be working for council. And all of a sudden, this investigation comes into play, and hes working for Isaiah and the mayor. In that Muscogee County Sheriffs Office investigation that Crabb referenced in an interview with WRBL last month, she called Peeler disloyal, lacking honor, integrity, and respect. Peeler is a former U.S. attorney. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Troutman Pepper investigation cost taxpayers $456,221.40. Councilor Glenn Davis and Crabb contend that part of that money paid for investigative work requested by Mayor Skip Henderson and the city manager. The investigations into the Finance Department were one of the reasons given last week when the city council voted 7-3 to terminate City Manager Isaiah Hugley just seven months short of his retirement. Crabb made that motion to fire Hugley and pay him through the end of December. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. For the second time in a week, a judge has sided with environmental groups that are challenging an offshore oil operation along Santa Barbara County's coastline by granting a temporary restraining order against the company. On Tuesday, Santa Barbara County Superior Court Judge Donna Geck ordered Sable Offshore Corp. and the Office of the State Fire Marshal to halt restart efforts on the operation's onshore pipeline system, which suffered a major rupture and spill in 2015. Sable has been working to reactivate the so-called Santa Ynez Unit a complex of three offshore platforms, processing facilities and pipelines that was shuttered after the spill. The fire marshal regulates oil and gas pipelines across the state and must approve the pipelines' full restart, which is key to the company's commercial success. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court's temporary restraining order on pipeline work will remain in effect through at least July 18, when Geck will call a full hearing on the matter. The order could be extended. Sable officials said in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing that the decision would force them to push back their restart timeline. "Sable is now targeting August 1, 2025 for first sales due to this delay," the filing said. Last month, the company called for commercial operations to begin in July as it announced it had to the shock of environmental activists and some state officials begun some limited offshore oil production. Read more: Under Trump, Texas firm pushes to restart Santa Barbara oil drilling. Is it skirting California laws? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Steve Rusch, Sable's vice president of environmental and governmental affairs, wrote in a statement Wednesday that the ruling would not "impede Sables preparations for restarting the flow of oil critical to lowering Californias gas prices and stabilizing supply." The ruling was celebrated by environmental groups and plaintiffs who argued that the state fire marshal improperly issued waivers for repair work "without conducting any environmental review or public process as required by state and federal law," according to one lawsuit. "They cannot do anything between now and July 18, so that's huge," said Linda Krop, chief counsel for the Environmental Defense Center, which filed one of two lawsuits that sought a restraining order. "Everything has been happening without any public input, no public hearings, no environmental review. We're trying to enforce laws that would require Sable to go through a public process, to be subject to scrutiny." The Center for Biological Diversity had filed a separate, similar lawsuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Texas firm trying to restart oil drilling off Santa Barbara hits roadblock with judges ruling We were appalled when Sable resumed operations offshore with no public notice, so its a relief that the company cant restart these onshore pipelines while the court considers this case, read a statement from Julie Teel Simmonds, senior counsel for the center. The public deserves to know what harms could come from the pipeline that caused such a catastrophic oil spill 10 years ago, and the decision to restart shouldnt be made behind closed doors." Last week, another state judge ruled in a different lawsuit that Sable could not do any further work in the coastal region where parts of these pipelines run until its dispute with the California Coastal Commission was resolved. In April, the Coastal Commission found that Sable had repeatedly violated the Coastal Act by repairing and upgrading oil pipelines without necessary permits or approvals, and fined the company $18 million. Sable has disputed those findings, arguing that it continues to follow all state and federal requirements and "exceeds industry standards." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the 2015 Refugio oil spill still looms large for many residents, galvanizing much opposition and concern about the project. "The community I represent has made it clear. We do not want another oil spill off of our coast," state Sen. Monique Limon (D-Goleta) said in a statement. The legislator is working to pass a bill that would require more rigorous testing and public input for such pipeline restarts, and she would like to see those standards applied to this project. She thinks that's possible if these court injunctions are extended. Kara Garrett, a spokesperson for the state office of the fire marshal, said the agency was still reviewing the judge's decision "and planning for our compliance." "We will continue to remain focused on ensuring the safety of hazardous liquid pipelines under our authority within California," Garrett said in a statement. 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. Democratic lawmakers Sen. Alana DiMario of Narragansett and Rep. Michelle McGaw of Portsmouth are sponsoring not-quite-identical bills that would increase how much ADHD medication patients can receive at once. (Photo by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current) Availability of tightly regulated ADHD medications could improve under a pair of bills that continue to move through the Rhode Island General Assembly following a Senate floor vote Tuesday night. Bill S795 by Sen. Alana DiMario, a Narragansett Democrat, passed 36-0 and now joins the amended version of bill H5866 by Portsmouth Democratic Rep. Michelle McGaw, which passed the House 70-0 on April 22. Now each bill awaits a committee hearing in the opposite chamber. Both bills would allow for non-opioid Schedule II stimulants like Adderall, Ritalin, and Vyvanse, which are commonly used as ADHD treatments, to be prescribed and dispensed in larger amounts for doctor and patient convenience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Pam Lauria, a Barrington Democrat and nurse practitioner, stood to commend DiMarios legislation on the Senate floor, calling it an incredibly important bill, particularly as we are talking about the administrative burdens on primary care providers. These are chronic medications that these people take every day, but every month, because of the very real safeguards for these medications, the extra time that it takes for primary care providers or psychiatrists to do this work is cumbersome, Lauria said. The cumbersome refill schedule is exactly what DiMarios legislation wants to fix. Under current federal rules, providers can write three separate 30-day prescriptions for a total 90-day supply. Some states have adopted revised rules that allow patients to pick up all 90 days worth at once, as Massachusetts did in 2024. In the Ocean State, however, patients still have to return to the pharmacy monthly and pick up the prescriptions one by one. Patients also have to contact their doctor to send in the second and third months prescriptions, piling onto providers workloads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alas, theres one important difference between the bills: DiMarios version allows for patients to fill all 90 days at once, while McGaws amended version caps fills at 60 days. DiMario said in a phone interview Wednesday that she believes the House and Senate will eventually agree on a version of the legislation as the states legislative session winds down in the following weeks. We really believe that 90 days provides the most meaningful kind of time burden relief for patients and providers, DiMario said. My position is that Im strongly advocating for the 90 days, but I do believe that an agreement will be reached. Greg Pare, a Senate spokesperson, did not immediately have scheduling details for the bills Wednesday, and noted that the bills different time frames will have to be addressed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McGaw agreed in a phone call Wednesday evening, saying that with the Senates OK of a 90-day supply, the legislation is still sort of in limbo until she can meet with the House committee chair and the senates policy team. McGaw originally proposed a 90-day supply but reduced it to 60 days after feedback from some prescribers. She thinks a single version of the bill will eventually emerge after more conversations, acknowledging that edits to not-quite-identical legislation in both chambers is not uncommon as the legislative session nears its end. I would be happy with either version, whether we decide on 60 or 90 days, McGaw said. In either case, it helps to reduce some of the administrative burdens for our physicians, and also helps parents or patients for whom its a challenge to go to the doctor every month and get a new prescription. On the Senate floor, DiMario said the bill builds on successful legislation last year that authorized electronic transfers of ADHD prescriptions, pending state adoption of new federal standards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both last years and this years ADHD drug bills are designed to alleviate headaches for patients and providers alike amid pill shortages ongoing since 2022, attributed to a number of factors, including a sharp increase in adult diagnoses. The Drug Enforcement Administration previously faced scrutiny for limiting production quotas of Schedule II drugs, but it increased some of those quotas in 2024. An October 2024 edition of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Preventions Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report relayed that there were an estimated 15.5 million U.S. adults with an ADHD diagnosis in 2023; about half were diagnosed as adults. Roughly one-third of these adults take stimulant drugs for their condition, and shortages affected 71.5% of this populations access to their medications. A 2025 article in the American Journal of Managed Care noted that stimulant prescriptions have almost doubled in the past 10 years. There is only so much pharmaceutical companies can do when demand severely outweighs supply, the authors wrote. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) State lawmakers advanced a bill that would bury the utility lines between Providence and East Providence on Wednesday. The R.I. Senate approved the bill in a 30-5 vote on Wednesday. Sen. Samuel Zurier, the lone sponsor of the bill, said the topic has been debated for decades. He said the proposed route would allow for the power lines to go above water across the Seekonk River south of the Washington Bridge, and return underground when they get to India Point Park in Providence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zurier said the move would improve the waterfront area of both India Point Park and Bold Point Park in East Providence. This bill facilitates that project by braiding several sources of funding because its cheaper, obviously, to have the overhead power lines, rather than to bury them underground, Zurier said. Zurier explained that the main source of funding would come from a 2004 settlement when the power company, then Narragansett Electric Company, offered to rebate money to customers in Providence and East Providence. (Both cities ultimately did not accept the money on behalf of their ratepayers and decided to save it to eventually bury the power lines.) Even with several sources of funding, Zurier said there would still a roughly $7 million gap that both East Providence and Providence ratepayers would have to cover to pay for the project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zurier said the estimated cost would be $32 over three years for East Providence customers and $77 over three years for Providence customers. The timing of this is important because these stanchions have to be replaced for safety reasons, Zurier said. Four Providence lawmakers voted against the bill, including Sens. Tiara Mack, Samuel Bell, Ana Quezada, and Lammis Vargas. (Sen. Linda Ujifusa, who represents Portsmouth and Bristol, also voted against the bill.) Bell said that, while he thought it was a worthy project, there are higher priorities for projects that could be paid for using R.I. Energy funds. He added that his main concern was the very regressive way that Zurier explained the project was being paid for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I just feel like the tax scheme is harmful to a lot of people in the city of Providence, and there are a lot of people living in low-income neighborhoods who wont benefit from this project and are going to be facing a fairly regressive tax that comes through the utility bills where a lot of people are already feeling a lot of pain, Bell explained. Ahead of the vote, Mack said while she thought it was important to bury the power lines, she said there was a much more pressing environmental crisis in the district she represents in Providence and would be voting no. I think it is also important to address the environmental crisis that is literally in the backyards of my neighbors where there have been five fires over the last three years, making the air that much more unbearable for those neighbors, Mack said. Sen. Jacob Bissaillon commended Mack for raising the concerns about issues at the Port of Providence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It does not go unnoticed that there are bad actors down at the port, and really at the end of the day, theyre the ones that should bear the burden for the cost of the damage that theyre doing, Bissaillon said. I think, in a matter of days, theyll be a bill before this body to do just that. Also on Wednesday, the House Committee on Municipal Government and Housing unanimously passed an amended version of the bill. The bill now heads to the R.I House, where a vote has not yet been scheduled. Mayor Brett Smiley said on 12 News at 4 Monday that he was optimistic that the project could get the go-ahead from lawmakers to move forward. For folks who could think about Bold Point Park and India Point Park they are the old, now rusted stanchions that are holding up the power lines, Smiley said. Those have to get replaced one way or the other, so when we do that work, we should do it the right way and finally bury these power lines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proposal received support from the Providence City Council last February. Councilman John Goncalves sponsored the resolution, and commended state lawmakers for advancing the legislation on Wednesday. Getting this passed will be transformational for our waterfront, environment and economy, Goncalves said in a statement to 12 News. Alexandra Leslie (aleslie@wpri.com) is a Target 12 investigative reporter covering Providence and more for 12 News. Connect with her on Twitter and on Facebook. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. Members of the Maine House of Representatives during the first session of 2024 in the State House in Augusta. Jan. 3, 2024. (Photo: Jim Neuger/ Maine Morning Star) Lawmakers are divided on what to do with a proposal to modify the law born out of a 2021 referendum question requiring the Maine Legislature to approve any new high-impact transmission lines. Although legislators who worked on the campaign saw it as an effort to clarify the law, LD 810 fell shy of passage in the House of Representatives on Tuesday with lawmakers voting 72-75 before ultimately killing the bill under the hammer. However, the Senate passed the bill 18-16 on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is now up to the House to determine if it will hold its ground or join the Senate in supporting the bill. With papers shuffling between chambers this week, Maine Morning Star has compiled a slightly more pared down roundup for Wednesday, forgoing the list of all bills voted on and focusing on the biggest items of debates as well as legislation and issues that weve followed all session. Heres an overview of what happened Wednesday. Both chambers The Maine House of Representatives and Senate have now backed LD 1668, which would change the voting requirements to extend the data of adjournment for the Legislature. Currently, a two-thirds vote in each chamber is needed to do so. The bill would change it to only an affirmative vote of a simple majority in both chambers. After the Senate voted 20-14 in favor of the bill on Monday, the House narrowly voted 72-71 in favor on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both chambers also passed a bill that would expand summer school programming, LD 1624, with the Senate approving it without a roll call after it passed the House with a 75-71 vote on Tuesday. The Senate also followed the action taken by the House earlier this week to reject LD 1982, a late-session bill that wanted to change how perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS, are defined in state law. (Read more on that proposal here.) After the House backed it, the Senate approved LD 1248, a bill proposing to loosen the restrictions on restraint and seclusion in schools. (Read more about restraint and seclusion here.) Both chambers have also now passed LD 437, which would develop a pilot program to place child care facilities in a few school districts statewide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Legislation (LD 10) that would add political affiliation as a protected class to the Maine Human Rights Act. The House voted against it on Wednesday, after the Senate did on Tuesday. (Read more about this bill here.) Non-concurrent matters The chambers cant agree on LD 1960, which would exempt electronic smoking devices or other tobacco products containing ingestible hemp from the tax imposed on tobacco products. The House voted against the bill on Wednesday after the Senate voted for it on Tuesday. The chambers also still cant agree on a bill submitted by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (LD 402), which would move the Natural Areas Program from the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, among other technical tweaks. Earlier this week, the House passed the bill with one amendment, while the Senate passed it with another. On Wednesday, the House and Senate insisted on their positions, essentially killing the bill. On Wednesday, the House also insisted, 81-61, on its vote against LD 544, aimed to create parity in the taxation of medicine by exempting sales of cannabis for medical use. This position is counter to the committee recommendation and Senate vote in favor of passage. With the Senate insisting on its position Wednesday, this bill is also essentially dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With a narrow 72-71 vote, the House did change its position on LD 588. The bill seeks to grant agricultural workers the right to engage in concerted activity. After initially voting against its passage, the House on Wednesday receded and concurred with the Senate, which passed it. The bill now heads back to the Senate. Senate action Though the Housing and Economic Development Committee was evenly split, the Senate passed a proposed pilot project that would allow 30 small businesses from the farming, fishing and logging industries to set aside up to $250,000 of revenue, sheltered from income tax, to use for capital expenses in the future. Senate Minority Leader Trey Stewart (R-Aroostook) said he introduced this bill again this session because it could provide flexibility for the most critical components of Maines economy: its heritage industries. LD 195 includes a sunset date of 2029. Sen. Jeff Timberlake (R-Androscoggin),whose family has been farming in Maine since 1803, encouraged his colleagues to let the state try this out because it could help counter the year-to-year financial swings farms experience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Senate voted 17-16 to reject a bill (LD 1535) that would require the Public Utilities Commission to gather a group of municipal, police and fire officials to discuss the high electricity usage related to illegal cannabis grows in the state. While Sen. Craig Hickman (D-Kennebec) agreed the state should look into that issue, he said the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee is carrying over legislation into the next session that could provide a more comprehensive approach, including this sort of study. House action The House passed a bill, LD 957, that would require Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander history to be included in the next review of content standards and performance indicators. (Read more about this bill here.) The House passed and enacted LD 1664, a proposal to amend the Dirigo Business Incentives program, which offers eligible businesses the opportunity to greatly reduce state taxes for up to five years. While the bill initially sought to repeal the program, the amended version passed would only change some program criteria. LD 613, a bill supported by the Maine Medical Association that allows terminally ill patients to waive the current 17-day waiting period for access to life-ending medication, also the House 74-64 Wednesday. Several members shared stories about their loved ones end-of-life care. However, Rep. Kathy Irene Javner (R- Chester) argued the bill removes the very pause that gives patients, families and physicians, the opportunity to reflect, to seek counsel to consider alternative palliative options. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After a lot of discussion, lawmakers voted 72-70 to pass LD 1036, which would prohibit landlords from refusing to rent to tenants solely because they rely on programs such as General Assistance or housing vouchers. Some lawmakers objected to the restrictions the bill would put on landlords, but others, including bill co-sponsor Rep. Cheryl Golek (D-Harpswell) said many residents relying on General Assistance are rejected from renting because of stigma, which the bill aims to address. (Read more about the proposal here). We as a state can only create fair housing once we take the steps to remove the discrimination within the housing opportunities, Golek said. Protection from source-of-income discrimination, protection is one significant way we can apply and protect this to people. The House also passed an amended version of LD 396 that would establish a grant program to encourage schools to adopt start times at 8:30 a.m. or later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A heavily amended version of LD 1787, passed the House. The bill initially sought to allow candidates for district attorney, sheriff and county commissioner to participate in the Maine Clean Election Act, but the version now being considered was amended to increase the contribution limits for gubernatorial seed money donations. (Read more about other proposals related to changing Maines clean elections here.) The House also passed an amended version of LD 1726, which seeks to improve planning for the future of the energy grid, with a 75-69 vote. Legislation (LD 1900) to grant authority to certain Wabanaki Nations to develop tribal power districts and recognizes the authority for child support enforcement passed the HOuse 75-67. Finally, after heated discussions about the effectiveness of masks in schools during which Rep. John Eder (R-Waterboro) asked Speaker Ryan Fecteau if he would like to apologize for mandating masks, the House voted 73-69 to reject a proposal (LD 1461) to prohibit school boards from instituting future mask mandates. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE GREENSBORO A Greensboro police officer, who appears to threaten to shoot a Black passenger during a May 14 traffic stop video, must be fired, members of a newly-formed justice coalition called F.R.E.E. Guilford said during a Wednesday night news conference. Want to see the video? Click this link: Greensboro police stop The termination of Greensboro Police Department Officer Braden Walker McDaniel was among a list of five demands the group outlined during an hour-long press event and community organizing session held at Prestige Barber College on Phillips Avenue. Led by activists, including the barber schools owner Gene Blackmon, roughly 45 people parents, pastors, and educators gathered to call for a change to a police culture they say allows brutality and sanctions gratuitous stops and searches of Black residents. F.R.E.E. (freedom, resistance, empowerment, and education) Guilfords four additional demands are: Stop regulatory traffic stops; Stop conducting safety frisks; Begin written consent policy for searches; and Require the Guilford County District Attorneys Office to drop May 14 charges against Damonta Glover, Amon Moore and Savon Johnson. Moore was charged with one count of carrying a concealed gun a Bear Creek AR pistol, according to his arrest warrant. Police said Thursday in an emailed statement that the gun was loaded. Moore and Johnson were each charged with one count of resisting a public officer and two counts of assault on government official. Glover was cited for the equipment violations and driving with a revoked license, police said. While Greensboro Police Chief John Thompson was not available for a requested interview, he said through GPD spokesperson Annette Ayres in an emailed statement Thursday that he hoped to talk directly with organizers about their concerns. The safety of our residents and our officers is a priority, and we have a shared responsibility to ensure that we are having ongoing conversations about how to make our community safer for all, he said via email, when asked to provide comment on F.R.E.E. Guilford and the incident. As noted in the departments statement, there is an administrative review underway regarding the May 14 traffic stop, Ayres emailed statement said. In the officers initial questioning of the driver, it became apparent that a passenger may have had a weapon in the vehicle, which prompted the officer to order everyone to exit the car. Ayres also cited two U.S. Supreme Court decisions the GPD says support such an order during a valid traffic stop. Police will hold a June 10 community meeting at Barber Park Event Center for discussion of traffic stop policies, Ayres said in the email. Demands come as Greensboro settles third case of the year The groups demands come in a week when the city marks the third time since February it has cut checks to settle litigation involving a shooting by a police officer. On Tuesday, city officials announced Greensboro had reached a $450,000 settlement with the mother of Nasanto Crenshaw, a 17-year-old from Fayetteville who was shot and killed by a Greensboro police officer following an August 2022 traffic stop. Last month, the city approved a $1.75 million settlement to the family of Joseph Lopez, who was shot and killed by an officer in 2021. In February, Paulickia Hairston, who was injured in a 2019 police shooting, was paid a $975,000 settlement by the city. With regard to recent settlements, those incidents happened prior to Chief Thompsons tenure, Ayres said in the email. He consistently has spoken to the importance of transparency, trust, and accountability. The video Officer McDaniel, who is white, can be seen in a 30-second video pointing a gun at a passenger and threatening him as other officers try to get the men out of the sedan. The video was shot by a passenger in the car on May 14. McDaniel, who joined the force in February 2023, shouts an indistinct command that ends with a phrase that sounds like, before I f-g shoot you. The May 14 stop took place shortly after reports of shots fired that night near Willow Drive. Officers in the area noticed a sedan make an abrupt turn onto a dead-end street and followed it, according to a statement from the police department. Police stopped the car because of a vehicle equipment violation, then asked driver Damonta Glover, 24, for permission to search the car for weapons. The officer who made the stop knew of Glover from a 2024 traffic stop in which Glover was charged by the same officer with concealing an AR pistol in his vehicle, the Greensboro Police Department said in its statement. It is unclear if the officer leading the stops was McDaniel. Furthermore, Glover had been arrested May 12 on another concealed weapon charge, police said. Glover cooperated with police May 14, exited the car and agreed to have it searched for weapons, the Greensboro Police Department statement said. Passengers Amon Moore and Savon Johnson, who are brothers, however, questioned whether the search was legal and refused to leave the sedan, according to the Greensboro Police Department statement. Ultimately, the police statement said, the search yielded a concealed short-barreled rifle near where the right rear passenger, Moore, was seated. Police said in the statement that they found black ski masks and ammunition in the car, as well, and had observed Moore shift from one side of the backseat to the other during the stop as if to hide a bag. A call for justice Youve seen the video for yourselves. There is something wrong with what transpired in that video, the Rev. C.J. Brinson, a lead organizer of F.R.E.E. Guilford, said Wednesday night. So let us join together and unify our voices to make sure that our demands are taken seriously and that this doesnt happen to other young people in our community and so that we can secure the futures for our children. By heeding the groups demands for policy reforms like nixing regulatory stops, the Greensboro Police Department could reduce community fear and violence, said F.R.E.E. Guilford member Jason Hicks. So-called regulatory stops for minor equipment violations too often serve as gateways to dangerous, and unnecessary police encounters, especially for Black and brown residents, Hicks told the gathering. These stops, which are framed as public safety measures, frequently result in disproportionate targeting, escalated situations ... and in some tragic cases that weve seen here in Greensboro, deadly outcomes, Hicks said, citing recent statistics he said show that 52.8% of all Greensboro Police Department traffic stops involved Black drivers a rate 10% higher than stops of any other race. Black residents make up 42% of Greensboros population of 307,000, according to recent U.S. Census data. Stops, searches, breed fear, distrust of cops The practice of safety frisks by the Greensboro Police Department should be abolished, for like regulatory stops, its too often used as a racial profiling tool, F.R.E.E. Guilford members said, likening it to the practice known as stop and frisk. Stop and frisks are defined by law as brief and non-intrusive stops by police used only when police have a reasonable suspicion that a crime has been, is being, or is about to be committed by a suspect. Too often, there is no legitimate cause for such searches of Black Greensboro residents and their property, organizers said. A search at the site of the news conference In fact, just 30 minutes before the news conference began, Blackmon videotaped white Greensboro Police Department officers in an unmarked car as they parked and walked to the edge of the barber schools parking lot to search the backpack of one of Blackmons students, who is Black. The pupil, who was waiting for his ride home to arrive, did not protest the search. And after examining the pack, the officers left without charging the minor, his family and Blackmon said. (Its) an oppressive practice that targets Black and brown communities under the false pretense of safety, Hicks said. (The searches are) not about protection ... Its about control and about criminalizing identity, poverty and ultimately, presence. A young man with a bookbag that appears heavy should not be harassed by the police department for waiting on a ride. If youre Black, youre a target No matter who you are, if youre Black, youre a target for traffic stops, said Kay Brown, community activist and former president of the Greensboro Branch of the NAACP. It is a traumatizing experience to be stopped, said Brown, a member of the Greensboro Criminal Advisory Commission. Even when I was in leadership ... in a 6-month time frame, even I was stopped three times. I was asked if I had drugs and guns in the car. A pantsuit wasnt gonna save me, the MBA (degree) wasnt gonna save me. When its just me and an individual with a gun at night that I dont know? Knowing my rights is only gonna be as good as somebody who is willing to honor them in that moment. Hear what Im saying: Its unacceptable. We do not consent to be harassed. Mothers fears Latoyia Cruz-Rivas, the mother of passengers Moore and Johnson, sat with a somber expression on the front row of the meeting room. She was flanked by her sons Wednesday night. You woulda thought it was a murder scene ... eight to 10 officers for a traffic stop ... for what was a (non-working) taillight, allegedly, Cruz-Rivas said of the May 14 stop during the news conference. For me, watching that video is very bothering, cause its like, who do you think yall are to traumatize my kids? And watching McDaniels have a gun pointed at my sons head, threatening to shoot him. For what? Cruz-Rivas said. As a mother of four Black sons, Im not getting ready to play, Cruz-Rivas said. And if they (the Greensboro Police Department) dont know who I am, they are gonna know by the time this is done, because Im a bear when it comes to mine. My kids deserve to live, and be born on this earth, and be respected, and walk around with a book bag, without a book bag, walk down the street no matter where theyre going, and not be bothered and harassed or be threatened to be shot ... If (other) Black and brown people think this event does not involve them, they are sadly mistaken. It was one of the largest, longest and most lethal harmful algae blooms in Southern Californias recorded history, claiming the lives of hundreds of dolphins and sea lions between Baja California and the Central Coast. And now, finally, it's over. Levels of toxic algae species in Southern California coastal waters have declined in recent weeks below thresholds that pose a threat to marine wildlife, according to the Southern California Coastal Ocean Observing System, or SCCOOS, which monitors algae blooms. Although this provides a much-needed respite for marine mammals and the people working to save them from neurotoxin poisoning, scientists warned that the coastal ecosystem isn't in the clear yet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just as Januarys firestorms struck well outside Southern Californias typical fire season, this explosion of harmful algae appeared earlier in the year than have previous blooms. Further outbreaks are still possible before the year is up, said Dave Bader, a marine biologist and the chief operations and education officer for the Marine Mammal Care Center in San Pedro. It's definitely over, but we still have the work of rehabilitating the [animals] that we have saved, Bader said Wednesday. And were not out of the woods with this year at all. Bader was among a group of ocean specialists who gathered at the AltaSea complex at the Port of Los Angeles to brief Mayor Karen Bass on the coastal effects of Januarys fires. That disaster didn't cause the algae blooms. This is the fourth consecutive year such outbreaks have occurred along the Southern California coast, fueled by an upwelling of nutrient-rich waters from the deep ocean. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet multiple research teams are currently investigating whether the surge of additional runoff into the sea resulting from the firestorms may have contributed to the recent blooms intensity. No data on the subject are available yet. But given the relationship between nutrients and harmful algae species, Mark Gold of the Natural Resources Defense Council said he would not be surprised if the fires played a role in this years severity. As a scientist who's been looking at impacts of pollution on the ocean for my whole career, one would expect that [fire runoff] is also having impacts on harmful algal blooms, from the standpoint of the intensity of the blooms, the scope, the scale, etc., said Gold, the organizations director of water scarcity solutions. We'll find that out when all this analysis and research is completed. In terms of animal mortality, this year's bloom was the worst since 2015-16 outbreak that killed thousands of animals between Alaska and Baja California, said SCCOOS director Clarissa Anderson of UC San Diegos Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four different algae species were present this year. The two most dangerous produce powerful neurotoxins that accumulate in the marine food chain: Alexandrium catenella, which produces saxitoxin, and Pseudo-nitzschia australis, which produces domoic acid. The toxins accumulate in filter-feeding fish, and then poison larger mammals who gobble up the fish in mass quantities. (This is why the blooms dont pose the same health risks to humans very few people eat up to 40 pounds of fish straight from the sea each day.) Beginning in February, hundreds of dolphins and sea lions started washing up on California beaches, either dead or suffering neurotoxin poisoning symptoms such as aggression, lethargy and seizures. A minke whale in Long Beach Harbor and a gray whale that stranded in Huntington Beach also succumbed to the outbreak. Scientists believe countless more animals died at sea. The outbreak was more lethal than those in recent years, Bader said, and veterinarians were able to save fewer animals than they have in the past. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Researchers are still grappling with the catastrophes full impact on marine mammal species. The outbreak was particularly deadly for breeding females. California sea lions typically give birth in June after an 11-month gestation. At the blooms peak, they were actively feeding for two, Bader said. Domoic acid crosses the placenta. None of the pregnant animals the center rescued delivered live babies, he said. We don't really know what the environmental impact, long term, is of [blooms] four years in a row, right during breeding season, Bader said. The full impact of this is going to be hard to know, especially at a time when research budgets are being cut . As climate change has shifted the timing and intensity of the strong wind events that drive upwellings, were coming into a future where we unfortunately have to expect well see these events with recurring frequency, Bader told Bass at the roundtable. The events that drove the fires are the events that drove the upwelling. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) A Lexington man learned his fate on Monday after previously being convicted of trafficking over 5 kilograms of cocaine and other related charges. The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that Alejandro Galvan Gomez, 51, was sentenced to 28 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, and conspiracy to launder drug proceeds. According to his plea agreement, from November 2023 until September 2024, Gomez worked with others to distribute kilograms of cocaine. He owned G and G Transportation, which was located in Lexington, and used the trucks to travel the southern border to pick up drug loads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gomez admitted in his agreement that he made these trips at least twice a month. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: The DOJ said Gomez would hollow out large vehicle batteries that could hold up to 4 kilograms of cocaine. In order to avoid being detected, Gomez would have the batteries modified to still produce a charge when tested. Once he got his supply of cocaine, Gomez admitted to distributing the drugs to other locations across the U.S., including: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dallas, Texas Columbia, South Carolina Dayton, Ohio Cincinnati, Ohio Additionally, the DOJ said Gomez admitted that he would launder drug profits through a method known as promotional and concealment money laundering. From September 2023 to May 31, 2024, Gomez deposited over $159,000 in cash into the G and G operating account and another nearly $106,000 into his account, which he said were profits from the drug trafficking. Read more of the latest Kentucky news Federal law says that Gomez must serve 85% of his prison sentence before being eligible for release. Once released, he would be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for five years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) A University of New Mexico librarian is working to expand health care in rural parts of New Mexico. One way shes doing so is by installing telehealth booths in public libraries. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deirdre Caparoso is the outreach and community engagement librarian in UNMs Health Sciences Library and Informatics Center. Shes been working with New Mexico State Library to coordinate purchasing, installation, and staff training for four telehealth booths, according to the University of New Mexico. The booths are basically small, standalone rooms that are private and soundproof. They all have a computer connected to the librarys internet, and theyre free for library patron usage. Booths are big enough to fit two or three people and they have a ramp for wheelchair accessibility. To use a booth, visitors should contact their libraries directly as policies may vary. There are a lot of digital inequities in this state, she said. We still have a lot of communities that dont have access to any sort of high-speed Internet on a regular basis. But we do have a lot of public librariesand public libraries have high-speed Internet. The booths can also be used for increased privacy during telehealth sessions, such as for people meeting with mental health counselors or substance abuse counselors. The booths are currently open at Octavia Fellin Public Library in Gallup, Aztec Public Library in Aztec and Mescalero Community Library on the Mescalero Apache Reservation. A fourth one for Fort Sumner Public Library is planned. They hope to bring about 10 more booths in later fall and early 2026. You can read UNMs full news release 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 KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. HILO, Hawaii (KHON2) Lilo and Stitch star Maia Kealoha is being honored with her very own day. Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda has announced that June 3, 2025, is officially Maia Kealoha Day, honoring the achievements of Kailua-Konas own. Lilo & Stitch becomes 2nd highest grossing film of 2025 At only 8-years-old, Maia has already found the way into many hearts with her starring role in the highly anticipated live action remake of Disneys Lilo and Stitch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ceremony took place at the West Hawaii Civic Center, where a small group gathered to celebrate Maias achievements, including members of Alamedas cabinet and Maias family. Maia is not only a talented young actress, she represents the dreams of many children in our island community. By stepping into this iconic role, she has shown that opportunities are limitless, stated Alameda during the ceremony. Proclaiming June 3 as Maia Kealoha Day is a tribute to her inspiring journey and serves as a beacon of hope for local girls and kids to pursue their dreams, no matter how big. Maia is the daughter of Palani and Brittney Kealoha and sister to her little brother, Micah. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im so grateful to receive this amazing recognition from Mayor Alameda and our County, Maia said. I hope to inspire others in our community that no matter their age or where they come from, they should never give up on their dreams and continue to reach for the stars. My goal is to continue growing in this industry and share our culture and aloha with the world. Lilo and Stitch is the second highest grossing movie of the year, earning $280 million in domestic sales. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The Greater Lincolnshire mayor Dame Andrea Jenkyns has been in the hot seat on BBC Radio Humberside. The Reform UK representative was elected last month after recieving 42% of the vote. Dame Andrea was taking questions from presenter Carla Greene, as well as those from listeners. Here are the four big takeaways from what she had to say and you can listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds. 1. Trade college to be built Matthew Burke said places like Grimsby and Cleethorpes needed to have more job opportunities [BBC] Matthew Burke from Grimsby wants to see more job opportunities in North East Lincolnshire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 33-year-old said: "Look at what other cities are doing and just try and bring that to Grimsby." Bringing investment to the local area is a key role of the Greater Lincolnshire mayor. Dame Andrea announced she wanted to build a trade college in the area. She said: "We know right across the country we've got a shortage of plasterers, plumbers, builders. "Lecturers make more money in the private sector than actually teaching so we need to look at that skills gap." 2. Fair funding across the region Dame Andrea was a guest on BBC Radio Humberside taking questions from listeners [BBC] Dame Andrea was asked specifically what she would be doing to help people in Northern Lincolnshire. She responded: "I don't have this silo approach". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mayor was keen to stress that she would not be favouring one part of the region over another and said her role would help to bring a better balance. She said: "The good thing about a mayor is that you've got an overview of the whole county so you can ensure fair funding across the area. "You can't have one part missing out." 3. Improvements to the care sector Corrina Pett asked the mayor what can be done to improve the care industry [BBC] Corrina Pett is a mental health support worker in North Lincolnshire. She said she wanted to see more unemployed people trained to help fill the gaps in the care sector. She said: "There shouldn't be a shortage with the amount of unemployed people here." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dame Andrea said she wanted to change attitudes towards the sector. "These are valuable roles and they're not to be looked down on. "It's about working with the councils, colleges and care providers to ensure school leavers see this career as a viable option." 4. Transport plans Bill, a BBC Radio Humberside listener, asked why the East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire area missed out on billions of pounds worth of investment for transport projects. Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced on Wednesday funding for tram, train and bus schemes in mayoral authorities across the Midlands, the North and the West Country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dame Andrea Jenkyns said she wanted to come up with a fully costed transport plan for Greater Lincolnshire and promised to fight the business case for more transport investment for the region. She said: "The Government has given money where they've got Labour mayors and this is why we need to clean up politics." The mayor made transport one of the key pillars of her election campaign by pledging to create investment in major roads such as the A15, A52 and A17, along with "proper integration between buses, trains and cars". The Treasury said it hoped the 15.6bn of funding would "boost transport connectivity" for England's largest mayoral regions such as Manchester, Birmingham and the Tees Valley. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for HM Treasury said: "This funding is just the first part of the government's investment in transport and further details around additional spending, including in Lincolnshire, will be set out in due course." Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. More on this story Related internet links GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) This year marks 160 years since enslaved Americans in Galveston, Texas, received the news that they had been freed the roots of the Juneteenth holiday. They were the last to get the news on June 19, 1865 two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. From then on, Black Americans celebrated the day with picnics, concerts and other events. Juneteenth was declared a federal holiday in 2021. Check out the list of Juneteenth events in West Michigan below: Battle Creek Sleeping With the Ancestors: How I Followed the Footprints of Slavery with the authors at Willard Library | June 17 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. | Event details Profiles in Perseverance: The Freedom Fighters Who Helped Build Battle Creek at Willard Library | June 19 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. | Event details Juneteenth Workshop on The Anatomy of Peace at Willard Library | June 20 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. | Event details Juneteenth at Claude Evans Park | June 20-21 | Event details Grand Rapids Grand Rapids Community Juneteenth 2025 Afro Gaga Parade & Celebration at Dickinson Park | June 19 from noon to 7 p.m. | Event details Justice 4 All Juneteenth Jam at Calder Plaza | June 19 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Event details Celebrating Juneteenth at Chicago Beef Joint | June 19 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. | Event details Juneteenth run/walk meetup at Calder Plaza | June 19 at 6 p.m. | Event details Juneteenth 4th Annual Our Ancestors Wildest Dreams Celebration at the Grand Rapids Art Museum | June 19 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. | $44.52 for tickets (including fees) | Event details Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Inside woodtv.com: West Michigan Guide Holland Juneteenth 5K Freedom Walk and Run | June 14 at 9 a.m. | $35 to register | Event details Freedom Festival and Market at Kollen Park | June 21 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. | Event details Kalamazoo Juneteenth Celebration at Bronson Park | June 14 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. | Event details Juneteenth 5K | June 16 at 6:10 p.m. | $25 registration | Event details Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom Black Film Fest: Mr. SOUL! at Kalamazoo Valley Museum | June 17 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Event details Juneteenth Family Afternoon at Kalamazoo Institute of Arts | June 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Event details Black Arts and Cultural Center Juneteenth Speak Easy | June 19 at 7 p.m. | Event details Burrell Juneteenth 2025 | June 21 from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. | Event details Muskegon The Movement That Sang with Robert Jones Sr. | June 12 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. | Event details Juneteenth family fun day by Rotary Club of Muskegon | June 14 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Event details Juneteenth social mixer at Mona Lake Park | June 15 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Event details Motown Music Bingo | June 18 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. | Event details Juneteenth Parade | June 19 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Event details Mirrorland: The Art Is You at Muskegon Museum of Art | June 19 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Event details Juneteenth Celebration: Make Your Own Juneteenth Bracelet at Muskegon Township Library | June 16 to June 21, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Event details Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you dont see your event on the list, send us an email at ReportIt@woodtv.com with the details. Be sure to include a 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 WOODTV.com. DENVER (KDVR) A man who went missing on the Colorado River during a rafting trip on June 1, 2024, has been found and identified through dental records. First responders were called at about 3:40 p.m. to the Colorado River in the Gore Canyon, southwest of Kremmling, on June 1, 2024. Many agencies responded to the area. Colorado unlicensed EMT indicted after allegedly caring for over 100 patients The sheriffs office said there were reports from a Garmin device at the scene stating there was a rafting accident, and one person was receiving CPR, but was later pronounced dead, while a second man was missing after the raft capsized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Grand County Coroners Office identified the male who died after receiving CPR on June 1, 2024, as Brent Boulter, 56, of Aurora. The missing man was identified as Thomas Russell, 61, of Littleton. Preliminary reports said neither subject was wearing a personal flotation device. Emergency responders searched for the missing man using rafts, ground crews, unmanned aerial systems, and a Union Pacific Railroad Hi-Rail. The teams searched the river and the surrounding area of the missing subject but were unable to locate him. Another round of search efforts was conducted on June 2, 2024, with River Rangers from the Bureau of Land Management and a Colorado Parks and Wildlife officer searching via raft and kayak in the river from Radium to Two Bridges. The man was still not found. On May 21 of this year, the Grand County Sheriffs Office received notification from the Eagle County Sheriffs Office of a deceased person in the river near Rancho Del Rio. The offices said that low water levels had led to the discovery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Preliminarily, deputies believed the remains belonged to the missing man. The case was transferred to the Grand County Coroners Office, which used an odontologist to forensically identify the mans 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 FOX31 Denver. AVOCA, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) New state funding is cleared for takeoff in NEPA. The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport is receiving millions of dollars to improve your travel experience. 28/22s Kathryn OLeary explains how the money will be used. New grant program targets school bus safety The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport received 6.2 million dollars in state funding for expansions and upgrades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Airport officials say these changes are going to make your travel experience much smoother and safer. The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport is about to take off in a new direction, thanks to state funding. The money will go toward expanding parts of the airport and modernizing the TSA screening area, changes airport officials say are much needed as more travelers are flying in and out of the region. Were actually going to be expanding the terminal building so people can flow through easier if there are problems. And we have an operations staff thats going to be able to allow people to go from here to there and to go over to the restaurant when they need to do that as well, explained Carl Beardsley, Executive Director, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The upgrades are part of a larger effort by the Shapiro administration to strengthen infrastructure across Pennsylvania, with this airport receiving the largest allocation in the funding round. Beardsley says its not just about infrastructure, but improving the overall passenger experience. Were a customer service airport, and we always strive to provide all that information to the people the community who are flying in and out, or you might have people who never have flown before, and this will give them an easier time when they do it, said Beardsley. The airport has seen steady growth in passenger traffic, and Beardsley says the expansion is a necessary step forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve had a number of people, a number of the airlines, who are telling us that their flights are full, that way we stay ahead of all the additional people that we havent had in the past because you have to expand, if youre not going to expand, then its not going to work, voiced Beardsley. Construction timelines havent exactly been finalized yet. Still, officials say they are hoping to get things started and moving by the end of the year, and will keep their travelers informed throughout the entire process. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) This week in 12 Health, Shannon Hegy spoke with Robert Cooper, CEO of Smoltap, a company that makes a positioning stabilizer for infant spinal taps. Spinal tap procedures are used to test the spinal fluid in instances where meningitis is suspected. WATCH the full 12 Health interview with Smoltap CEO on WPRI 12+ on Tuesday, June 10 at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 8:30 p.m. Shannons son, Carter, contracted E. Coli meningitis eight years ago at just two months old, so she knows how traumatic these procedures can be for patients and their families alike. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Normally, a nurse holds the baby on its side in a C position to expose the vertebrae, while the doctor works to insert a large needle between the L3 and L4. The creators of Smoltap claim 38% of spinal taps are unsuccessful. It is incredibly stressful for everyone involved, Cooper said. For the baby, for the nurse, for the doctor, the parents that are in the room it is an awful experience. The Smoltap positioner, which was invented by two local doctors, allows the baby to be face-down in a sitting position. It tips the babys pelvis to expose the vertebrae and keeps the baby stable with soft straps around the back and the head. Ive been in dozens of these procedures now, Cooper said, describing the environment as so much calmer and so much more relaxed when a Smoltap positioner is used. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fact is, were getting a first stick in most babies at [a success rate of] 65%, where we used to be in the 30% range [without Smoltap], he continued. Smoltap is now used in 60 hospitals across the U.S. and Canada, including locally at Southcoast Health, Boston Childrens Hospital and Mass General. You can watch this full episode of 12 Health on the WPRI 12+ smart TV app. 12 Health More from 12 Health 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! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now This Week in Good 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 WPRI.com. () Presented By: Plaza De Espana, Hagatna Dates: August 1, 2025 Time: 4:00 PM To 8:00 PM August 1st, 2025 marks the 75th Anniversary of the signing of the Organic Act making Guam citizens American citizens. The Planning Committee of the 75th Anniversary of the Organic Act would like to recognize you as part of history. Several events are planned beginning August 1st and on that event day the planning committee would like to recognize those in Guam who were born on that day. This celebrations theme is: History Comes Alive Lumalao i Estoria-ta Experience cultural displays, civic engagement, and community unity! The series of events will feature the 75th Anniversary of the Organic Act of Guam in collaboration with the Historic Revitalization Festival and commemorations of Guams significant historical milestones. Looking for: local food vendors, artisans and cultural crafts, nonprofit and government displays, historical and educational exhibitors, and community organizations and local businesses. Vendor Fee: $125.00, Food and Truck Fee: $100.00, Non-Profit Vendor: $75.00 Interested? Contact Sierra or Fina at (671) 477- 1239 or email sierra@adztechguam.com or fina@adztechguam.com for vendor forms and more information. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) A group of faith leaders, immigration attorneys and community activists gathered in downtown San Diego Wednesday to denounce recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in a South Park neighborhood, calling them aggressive, violent and un-American. The group held a press conference to condemn the use of flashbang grenades and heavily armed agents during recent raids at two local restaurants, where search warrants were served on undocumented workers allegedly using false names and documents. ICE agents arrested four individuals during the operation. The way that this administration is dealing with immigrants terrorizing families and communities is wrong and inhumane, said Imam Taha Hassane of the Islamic Center of San Diego. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speakers represented a wide range of local and national organizations, including the National Day Laborer Organizing Network, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, Latinos en Accion, Universidad Popular and the North County Equity and Justice Coalition. Salvador Sarmiento, a spokesperson for the National Day Laborer Organizing Network, described the South Park communitys response to the raids as powerful and unified. Buona Forchetta reopens following workplace enforcement operation Neighbors and residents were horrified by the violence by the goon squad that showed up to brutalize the workers that serve us, that feed us, that work in San Diego, Sarmiento said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The speakers also highlighted a broader national pattern of aggressive immigration enforcement, including arrests at courthouses and detentions of families attending immigration hearings. This includes the case of a fourth-grade boy at Torrance Elementary School in Los Angeles County, who was detained and separated from his father at an immigration court appearance in Houston, Texas on May 29. Its absolutely terrifying to be a person who has never committed a crime in their life and to be detained and treated like a prisoner, said immigration attorney Valerie Sigamani. Yusef Miller, of the North County Equity and Justice Coalition, also drew attention to military veterans facing deportation. We have veterans who fought for this nation who are being deported. They should never be deported, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reverend Dr. Kerry Allison of Christ United Presbyterian Church in South Park urged communities to take action. We courageously stand with those who have been mistreated in compassion, standing together for rights and humanity for everyone. ICE out of California. ICE out of San Diego. Power to the people. Amen, Allison said. Organizers announced plans for continued demonstrations, with several rallies scheduled to begin Friday and continue through the weekend. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) Congressman Neal Dunn introduced his legislation Thursday called Streamlined FEMA Cost Exemption Act. The bill would prevent FEMA Claw-backs of public assistance grants for disaster recovery projects. Both Bay and Washington counties have experience with this issue. They awarded the funds. And then theyve come back and said, well, we shouldnt have done that, but they did. So, from that, our position is we should not be penalized for that. But again, based on how our staff works and with the ability of having the surtax, weve started reserving to make sure were able to cover this claw-back in the event that they are successful in pursuing those funds, Bay County Commissioner Doug Moore said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rural areas like Washington County are not as equipped to handle a claw-back. You know, you cant do that to rural counties, especially rural fiscally constrained counties. Washington County is one of the counties involved in this. Can you imagine them coming up with $100 million? Not in a thousand years, U.S. Congressman Neal Dunn said. Dunn says approving funds for any communitys disaster recovery and then taking it back is unacceptable. There was existing legislation that was supposed to strengthen FEMA regulations in 2018. U.S. Congressman introduces bill to hold FEMA accountable Dunn says his bill will go further, limiting the opportunity for excuses or mistakes, requiring the FEMA administrator to develop and establish an Acceptable error ratio for allocations during eligibility negotiations. It would also prohibit FEMA from rescinding certain public assistance grants by adjusting the statute of limitations from three years to two. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dunn believes the bill has a good chance of passing. It turns out theres a lot of people in Congress who are upset with FEMA right now. As you can imagine. I think its going to be a very popular bill, frankly. On both sides of the aisle, Dunn said. The bill would be popular with local governments as well. It would be wonderful if there was legislation that was able to pass that would be set up in a way that, once FEMA awarded a project, that if everything was done correctly and we followed the requirements of that contract, that they could not come back afterwards and go, oops, Moore said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commissioner Moore says even though Bay County is prepared, the potential threat of returning that money has created a ripple effect, slowing and even halting several county projects. It would be a marvelous thing for us to know that going forward, we would be able to be set up in place to know that we wouldnt get the rug pulled out from under us after we were doing work for recovery for our citizens, Moore added. With the 2025 hurricane season underway, many Floridians are worried about FEMAs ability to help. Dunn says FEMA has the budget to do whats necessary. FEMA gets a very, very rich budget from Congress, and I could show you over the years how its increased, but it has been a prodigious amount of money in the last few years that theyve gotten in emergency, what we call disaster supplemental money. And they have literally gotten tens and tens of billions of dollars. And theres no excuse for them hoarding that money and no excuse for them clawing back money, Dunn continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For a full rundown on this bill, 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. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)- The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County is hosting its annual Ladies in Little Black Dresses for Literacy Fundraiser. Its from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday at the Lake Club. This event benefits the Martha Muransky Children`s Literacy Fund. If you go, you can bring a copy of a book by your favorite author to swap with others. They are also accepting donations of gently used childrens books. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There will be a cash bar and raffles as well. As of Thursday afternoon, tickets for the event were sold out. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) Eight nonprofits were awarded close to $400,000 worth of grants at the annual Impact Central Illinois meeting that was held at Five Points Washington on Tuesday. The organizations 250 members voted on which eligible nonprofits that serve the residents of Peoria, Tazewell and Woodford counties they would like to receive the grants. Among the winners was Wildlife Prairie Park, which was awarded a $118,000 Health & Community Wellbeing grant for their Park for All Staying on Track project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The project will replace tracks on the north loop, as the current tracks are worn down. Pioneer Station will also get some upgrades to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. A wheelchair ramp will be added along with a continuous walkway from the station to the pavilion. There will also be a covered waiting area, new lighting, and a new platform at the Pioneer Station. Upgrades are set to begin after the train season in November. The runner-up for the Health & Community Wellbeing grant was the Hult Center for Healthy Living, which was awarded $3,000. Other grant winners include: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Education & Community Development Grant, which awarded $118,000 to the Neighborhood House Association to remodel their youth program. The runner-up was the Childrens Home Association of IL, which was awarded $3,000. The Social Services & Basic Needs Grant was awarded $118,000 to the Midwest Food Bank for a new truck for food rescue and distribution. The runner-up was Prairie State Legal Services, which was awarded $3,000. A $30,000 Impact Grant was awarded to the Graceland Center for Purposeful Aging for their Aging with Vitality Program. The runner-up, Pelia Academy, was awarded $3,000. Impact Central Illinois is a womens collective giving organization that combines annual donations to give large grants to local causes. More information is available on its 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 CIProud.com. A volunteer group has joined forces with forest specialists to fight back against invasive species increasing the risk of wildfires and retiree Don Pike is among the unsung heroes keeping communities safer and ensuring future generations can enjoy Tonto National Forest. As The New York Times detailed, Pike became one of the first members of Friends of the Tonto National Forest years after attending a 2011 presentation by its founder, Patti Fenner, formerly an invasive weeds specialist with the U.S. Forest Service. After Fenner showed Pike how invasive grasses had begun to outcompete beneficial native species in the national forest, he couldn't get the information out of his head. Now, Pike volunteers to clear the invasive weeds in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The invasive grasses haven't only proved to be a wildfire hazard to nearby communities in what was traditionally considered a low-fire-risk portion of the Sonoran Desert, as the organization explains, but they've also begun to overtake the vegetation that attracts visitors and supports the national forest's unique ecosystem. Complicating the situation is the reality that wildfires are among the extreme weather conditions that have become more frequent and intense because of rising global temperatures, exacerbated primarily by pollution from dirty fuels but also by factors such as biodiversity loss. This year, the U.S. Forest Service has also lost around 2,000 employees during federal restructuring, per the Times. While some mass-fired employees were reinstated as things play out in court, E&E News by Politico reported in March that 7,000 more could be on the way out. The layoffs raised fears that at-risk communities wouldn't have the infrastructure and support to effectively deal with wildfires. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Retired firefighter Bobbie Scopa, who has more than four decades of experience, was among those who raised the alarm, telling ABC15 Arizona that the Grand Canyon State where Tonto National Forest is located could see "one of the worst fire seasons" yet in 2025. Pike believes the federal upheaval is one reason community-led efforts will become even more crucial in the days ahead, even as remaining workers continue their mission. The retiree, whose advocacy helped earn a $105,000 grant from Arizona's Department of Forestry and Fire Management, is pushing for additional support for Tonto National Forest, which was already understaffed prior to the federal hiring freeze and terminations. (Fenner told the Times that low pay was one reason the forest had trouble attracting talent.) "I can't logically expand the area that I'm covering," Pike told the Times of his need for help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's going to be important for the federal agencies, the Forest Service in particular, to find ways to engage people," Pike added. "There's a lot of people that want to get involved. Particularly retirees who have a lot of skills." 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. SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) Temperatures will likely reach 90 degrees on Thursday in some western Massachusetts communities, and this means it could get especially warm inside classrooms. Between Holyoke and Springfield, there are nearly 80 public schools that will be following hot weather protocols. Many schools in Springfield were built before air conditioners were available. Now, there is AC in about 50% of the buildings. Canadian wildfire smoke brings hazy skies to Massachusetts Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The school district is working with the Massachusetts School Building Authority to help fund renovations to the rest. In the next five years, all the schools should have AC units. In the meantime, classes will be held in cooler areas, fans will always be working, and shades will be pulled down when needed. Nurses will also monitor students for heat-related incidents, and they say parents can help too. We rely on our families to send their students to school prepared, wearing light clothing, and with water bottles, said Azell Cavaan, CCO of Springfield Public Schools. We encourage students to stay hydrated during the course of the day. While the HVAC systems and ACs are working in all Holyoke schools, their hot weather protocols include limiting recess and physical education. When it gets too hot, schools may be closed early or for the day. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Dayton woman is facing federal charges after reportedly trying to open an airplane door during a flight. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Jendaya Kashar Brennan, 30, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Oklahoma for interference with flight crew members and attendants. Court documents list her address as being in Dayton. According to court records, Brennan was traveling on a Southwest Airlines flight from Nashville, Tennessee, to Phoenix, Arizona, when she told members of the flight crew that she wanted to get off the plane. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She then reportedly tried to open the rear exit door of the plane during the flight. TRENDING STORIES: A crew member had to physically block the door to keep Brennan from trying to use it. Brennan ignored the flight attendants orders to remain seated and stop disturbing and frightening passengers, court records stated. At one point, Brennan reportedly started screaming that she was going to exit the plane. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eventually, the flight crew had to ask two retired correctional officers who were passengers on the flight to help them restrain her. The crew had to put both wrist and leg restraints on Brennan to keep her from being physical with them. The incident caused the plane to make an emergency landing in Oklahoma City. Once the flight landed, the Oklahoma City Police Department removed her from the plane. While this was happening, Brennan reportedly continued to scream and struggle. If convicted, Brennan faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine, according to court documents. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) By the time North Myrtle Beach police arrived at the Harbourgate Marina Club on the night of May 25 for reports of an officer shot, tensions were already running high. Just a few minutes earlier, a mass shooting broke out in nearby Little River, and it was impossible to know in real time whether the two incidents were connected. More than six hours of dashcam video obtained by News13 through a Freedom of Information Act request shine a light on how those chaotic several hours in North Myrtle Beach played out. Ultimately, authorities would determine that the officer whose name still has not been released accidently shot himself in the leg twice from his own rifle. Dashcam footage courtesy of North Myrtle Beach Police Department An incident report also provided to News13 says that at the time of the gun went off, the officer had both of his hands on the gate, which was confirmed by later video evidence. Body camera and witness footage showing that moment has not yet been made public. News13 has requested both from the department but have yet to hear back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement North Myrtle Beach police say officer accidentally shot himself in leg during Little River shooting response While the dashcam footage portrays a chaotic response, its often unclear whether radio communications refer to the officers shooting or the incident on the party boat on Watson Avenue near Harbourgate Marina. When you come to the scene, lock it down Just before 9:45 p.m., an officer is heard on a police radio giving orders as he and others rush to the marina. When you come to the scene, lock it down. Dashcam footage courtesy of North Myrtle Beach Police Department Lets get somebody on the swing bridge, too. Make sure we lock down all egresses to Cherry Grove, too. Minutes later, the officer makes a request. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Give us some info. Give us a description or something. All we know is shots fired, and he got shot in the leg, another officer says. Officials then decided to use a Hampton Inn parking lot as a command post while law enforcement built up their presence. By 9:46 p.m., a thermal drone was put into the air, searching around the bridge and nearby parking lots. Until we figure out whats going on, everybody stay still, an officer said. An ambulance arrived at nearly the same time; so did a South Carolina Law Enforcement tactical team. All units, watch for crossfire. Were getting ready for SLEDs [tactical] team right now. Hold your posts, keep it friendly, an officer says. We have a perimeter set up Its now 10:40 p.m., and officers are seen with rifles drawn, taking cover behind a vehicle. Possible movement had been detected inside a houseboat, and authorities arent taking any chances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dashcam footage shows a ballistic shield being draped across the front of a South Carolina Highway Patrol cruiser before a trooper gives commands. Dashcam footage courtesy of North Myrtle Beach Police Department Occupants of the houseboat, the blue-and-white houseboat, this is the state police, he says. Come outside with your hands up. Come outside with your hands up. Do it now. We are not going away. On the left side of the screen, a flash of light can be seen in the air a telltale signature of the thermal drone that had been previously deployed. A few minutes before 11 p.m., an officer radios with a situational update. Dashcam footage courtesy of North Myrtle Beach Police Department Right now, we are flying a drone into the targets location thats a houseboat. We also are doing extract. About eight boats down, theres a female thats on the vessel, and theyve extracted her and moved her out, the officer says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the drone sees nothing on that boat, were going to clear that boat with a team and a K9, and then were going to use assets there to go boat-by-boat and clear every single boat in that marina. We have a perimeter set up, he continues. A city police report said the scene was eventually handed over to SLED. In the hours of footage News13 obtained, it does not include the moment officials learned the officer shot himself and stood down. * * * 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 * * * Adrianna Lawrence is a multimedia journalist at News13. Adrianna is originally from Virginia Beach, Virginia, and joined the News13 team in June 2023 after graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University in May 2023. Keep up with Adrianna on Instagram, Facebook, and X, formerly Twitter. You can also read more of her work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. OWEGO, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) Lockheed Martin in Owego has been awarded a $9.5 million contract to repair multiple U.S. Navy helicopters. Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) announced the contract on Thursday, June 5, for Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems to repair H-60 Naval Hawk helicopters through 2029. Langworthy said the best in the business is on the job. I am thrilled that Lockheed Martin in Owego has received this substantial contract, Congressman Langworthy said. Our Southern Tier workforce is the best in the nation and the opportunity to strengthen our regional economy while supporting our incredible United States Navy is a win-win. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The helicopters are manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft, which has produced over 5,000 HAWK helicopters for a variety of mission types. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Gov. Joe Lombardo has vetoed 33 bills passed by the Nevada Legislature, putting his Republican stamp on another Democrat-controlled session. Its too early to tell if Lombardo will approach the record 75 vetoes from 2023, but its a fast start on a pile of legislation that made it to his desk as the session adjourned in the early morning hours on Tuesday. Lombardo has also signed 229 bills and counting according to the Nevada Legislatures website. Here are the highlights of the vetoes and signed bills as of early Wednesday afternoon: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement VETOED: AB82, AB83, AB98, AB144, AB342, AB278 and SB297. These seven bills each had to do with designating a day or a month to recognize a person, a group or a topic. Lombardo rejected the bills and encouraged their sponsors to apply for a proclamation instead. Of the seven, AB144 had received the most attention as Democratic Assem. Shea Backus fought to move the observation of Indigenous Peoples Day to the second Monday in October. The conflict with Columbus Day brought politically-charged testimony to legislative committee hearings during the session, but the bill passed through the Democratic-controlled Legislature, meeting its end on Lombardos desk. The specifics of the other bills: AB82 designated Diwali Day, Eid al-Fitr Day, Vaisakhi Day and Vesak Day AB83 designated Larry Itliong Day AB98 designated Dolores Huerta Day AB342 designated March as Women Veterans History Month AB278 designated July as Muslim American Heritage Month SB297 designated October as Menopause Awareness Month SIGNED: SB96 designates Jan. 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Nevada. VETOED: AB205 would have changed an opt in for sex education in public schools to an opt out. A parent or guardian would have been required to fill out a form to refuse to participate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SIGNED: AB116, a crackdown on unscrupulous ghost kitchens that sell restaurant meals to customers who think they are buying well known brands. The bill makes it a $100 fine per order for the kitchen, and a $500 (maximum) fine per day that the online platform continues to list the product. The platform is allowed 10 days to remove the listing before it is subject to fines. Gov. Joe Lombardo presents AB540, his proposal to increase the housing supply in Nevada. (Courtesy: Nevada State Museum) VETOED: 8 News Now reported on Tuesday that Lombardo had vetoed SB102, legislation aimed at punishing fake electors. Lombardo has also vetoed AB306, which would have set up more return boxes for election ballots. AB 306 appears to be well-intentioned but falls short of its stated goals while failing to guarantee appropriate oversight of the proposed ballot boxes or the ballots cast. I believe additional election reforms should be considered as part of a larger effort to improve election security, integrity and allow Nevada to declare winners more quickly, Lombard stated in his veto message. VETOED: Three bills related to renters and landlords went down to Lombardos veto pen as the governor continued to reject more business regulations. AB201 contained provisions to automatically seal some eviction records. AB223 would have allowed a tenant to withhold rent if the property failed to meet habitable conditions. AB280 would have capped rent increases at 5% for senior citizens in an 18-month pilot program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement VETOED: SB171, also referred to as a shield law for medical professionals who provide gender-affirming care services, was vetoed because Lombardo believes it wont hold up in court. Use of the term prudent makes the law subject to interpretation, according to Lombardos veto message. A statement from Silver State Equity, an LGBTQ civil rights organization in Nevada, criticized the veto as a betrayal of Nevada values and an affront to the LGBTQ+ community. The group added, This bill was a clear opportunity to ensure that transgender Nevadans can access the care they need and that providers can offer it without fear of legal retaliation. Transgender people in Nevada deserve safety, dignity, and access to life-saving health care. The Governors decision puts all of that at risk. SIGNED: AB111, Jayas Law, which makes wrong-way driving a crime again. When traffic violations became civil infractions, it removed any criminal penalties in some high-profile cases, and Republican Assem. Brian Hibbetts sponsored this bill to restore penalties for wrong-way drivers. Jayas Law remembers 3-year-old Jaya Brooks, who was one of three people killed on U.S. 95 in a wrong-way crash in December 2023 in Hibbetts district. Wrong-way driving is a misdemeanor beginning on Oct. 1, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement VETOED: AB140 would have extended how long driver authorization cards are valid, allowing the rules for ID cards to match those for drivers licenses. SIGNED: AB309, extending domestic violence protection orders. This bill lays out requirements for notifying people who are already incarcerated when a protective order is issued, and the steps to follow in extending or challenging the protective order. VETOED: AB244 would have banned the use of polystrene foam takeout containers, but only for chain restaurants. If a restaurant had fewer than 10 locations in Nevada, it would be exempt. But a violation by a chain restaurant would have brought a $1,000 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 KLAS. LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56) Songs of salvation rang through what is left of the Finley Trailer Park in London on Wednesday evening. John Ward is the creator of The Appalachian Channel on YouTube and Facebook. He has been in London several times since an EF-4 tornado came through on May 16. He met with survivors and documented their stories. Wanting to help, he gathered up some people he knew to provide food and music for this healing community. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The evening included free hot dogs from Happy Dogs and gospel music from Gary Dugger and the Cupps, a family and faith-based southern gospel group from Williamsburg. Just getting together and having a little bit of church service, just to praise God for the people that did make it. You know, theres quite a few losses, but theres a lot of miracles that happened, said Ward. Bare ground marks where homes once stood, and piles of debris are reminiscent of demolished memories. The people in this community do not have much left. But what many of them do have is something that cant necessarily be seen; its a feeling. Its their faith. And its whats kept them going these past few weeks. Especially those who narrowly escaped, like Monroe Murphy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more of the latest Kentucky news I laid down on the floor. Next thing I know, my trailer just upside down explodes. I end up way over there by that deck, just hanging on for dear life. It was awful, Murphy told FOX 56. God had his hand on me. Saved me from all that. He said the sheer fact that hes still alive is a sign from God in itself, but said finding a Bible lying next to him after getting picked up and thrown by the tornado is just another reminder that there was someone, or something, watching over him. I dont know where the Bible came from, and it had a cover on it. It was Psalms 91:11. It said, The Lord will give the charge over his angels to protect you all your ways., Murphy told FOX 56. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, he is trying to find the owner. Read more of the latest Lexington & central Kentucky news The Bible is blue with Wendall Hammond, Love, Nancy inscribed on the front. That was truly just God letting me know that he was there with me and that he protected me. So, Hes got some type of purpose for me. Im not sure what it is yet, but hopefully Ill live up to His expectations, Murphy added. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. A historic building that has been vacant for decades Downtown is about to get a new lease on life. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens celebrated the start of the 143 Alabama revitalization project on Thursday. He was joined by Joel Reed, Southeast Market President, Gorman & Company, and Eloisa Klementich, President and CEO, Invest Atlanta. The building, constructed in 1947, once housed the Atlanta Constitution and Georgia Power. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Phase 1 of the project will restore the historic structure and make the first floor ready for commercial use. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also includes converting the upper floors into 50 affordable housing units available at 30 to 80 percent of the area median income. Phase 1 plans includes 5,575 square feet of commercial space. Plans for Phase 2 include new 151-unit affordable housing building on the surrounding property. Once complete, the site is expected to add more than 190 affordable housing units to Downtown Atlanta. The 143 Alabama renovation plan is part of a larger effort set to transform 2 Peachtree, 104 Trinity, 184 Forsyth and other sites in Downtown. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 143 Alabama, considered an Art Moderne structure, has withstood nearly 50 years of neglect, as well as demolition proposals, the The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation said. The historic building advocacy group said 143 Alabama was known as The Heart of Atlanta because of its proximity to downtown Atlantas historic railroad junction. Atlanta Constitution occupied the building from 1947 until the paper consolidated with the Atlanta Journal in 1955, the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation said. Georgia Power moved into the building in 1955 and moved out in 1972. The building has been unoccupied and neglected since then. The building was added to the 2003 List of Endangered Buildings. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Cattle gather around a watering hole on federal land near Monticello, Utah. Utah is among several Western states seeking to reduce federal land ownership. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch) Public outcry was swift and forceful after a U.S. House committee last month hastily approved an amendment directing the federal government to sell off more than half a million acres of public land. A few days later, lawmakers advanced the larger bill a sweeping list of President Donald Trumps priorities but stripped the federal lands provision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet leaders on both sides of the issue say the battle over selling off federal lands is likely just heating up. Some conservatives in Western states have complained for decades that the feds control too much of the land within their borders. They see a long-awaited opportunity in a Trump administration thats sympathetic to their cause. Public lands advocates are bracing for more attempts to turn land over to states, industry groups and developers. The threat level is red alert, said Randi Spivak, public lands policy director with the Center for Biological Diversity, an environmental nonprofit. Some of these states have been champing at the bit for decades to privatize. Theyre certainly not going to let this opportunity pass without an aggressive effort. The balance sheet In Western states, where most federally owned lands are located, some leaders view these lands as a treasured inheritance places reserved for all Americans and critical for wildlife, tourism and outdoor recreation. Others feel that too much of the land in their states is controlled by officials in Washington, D.C., leaving it off-limits for development and curtailing its economic value. Some of these states have been champing at the bit for decades to privatize. They're certainly not going to let this opportunity pass without an aggressive effort. Randi Spivak, public lands policy director with the Center for Biological Diversity Trump officials and allies have embraced the latter view. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has repeatedly called federal lands Americas balance sheet, describing them as untapped assets worth trillions of dollars. He has launched an effort to identify federal lands suitable for housing development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other proposals have centered around using land sales to pay for tax breaks or to finance Trumps proposed government-run fund that could invest in stocks or real estate. For some state leaders, the newfound interest at the federal level to turn public lands into cash along with Trumps cuts to land management agency staff aligns with a long-standing movement to reduce federal ownership. I look at it as an opportunity to say, Hey, turn it over to the state, said Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz, a Republican. Utah leaders have made the most forceful push to challenge federal land ownership. The state filed a legal challenge last year seeking to take control of more than 18 million acres of unappropriated lands parcels held by the federal government without a specific designation such as a national park or monument. That effort hit a roadblock earlier this year when the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But with Trump in the White House, state leaders may pivot from challenging the feds in court to seeking their cooperation. We would love if the federal government just turned it over to us and said, Here, manage these lands, Schultz said. Thats an option as well. Those are discussions that are happening. Everything is on the table. Schultz declined to say which federal officials have been involved in discussions about transferring lands to the state. Some lawmakers in Wyoming backed a state resolution this year which ultimately failed calling on Congress to hand over all federal lands except for Yellowstone National Park. Idaho lawmakers passed a measure calling on the feds to turn over a wildlife refuge to the state. And Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo, a Republican, has called for a systematic release of federal land in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But public lands also have many supporters in Western states, including some prominent Republican members of Congress, such as Reps. Mike Simpson of Idaho and Ryan Zinke of Montana. Zinke was Interior secretary for two years during the first Trump administration. John Leshy, who served as solicitor for the U.S. Department of the Interior during the Clinton administration, said proposals to dispose of federal lands tend to be stymied by fierce public backlash. Federal lands are really popular, he said. Its political poison [to sell off public land]. Its a different West now. Public attitudes have changed. Leshy also noted that livestock ranchers especially benefit from discounted lease rates offered by the federal government. Housing arguments The most recent clash over the future of federal lands was the amendment sponsored by a pair of congressional Republicans last month. The measure would have directed the Bureau of Land Management to sell more than 500,000 acres of land in Nevada and Utah. Local governments would have been able to buy the land at market value, with no restrictions on how they used it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Backers said the sale would bring in revenue to cover Trumps proposed tax cuts, while allowing local governments to build much-needed housing on the parcels. Utah GOP Sen. Mike Lee said he will try to revive the measure as the Senate considers the bill this month, E&E News reported. In Nevada, where 85% of land is owned by the federal government, some leaders say their communities are hemmed in by a checkerboard of public lands that constrain development. The city of Fernley, which is growing rapidly, would have acquired 12,000 acres under the proposal. We need housing, said Benjamin Marchant, Fernleys city manager. The city cant plan roads and water lines, sewer lines and gas lines, when you have federal land between two parcels that want to develop. This will bring a practical and helpful consolidation of all these lands into one developable area. Nevada leaders have long worked on proposals to transfer some federal lands to local governments and allow for increased growth. But some lawmakers say the latest push bypassed that collaborative process and failed to include safeguards that the money raised from the sale of the lands would be reinvested into conserving public lands elsewhere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was a complete betrayal of everything weve worked on in this state, said Assemblymember Howard Watts, a Democrat. This amendment is trying to sell off half a million acres of Nevadas public lands in order to pay for tax cuts for billionaires. This is not going to address our housing problem. These lands are positioned to be sold off for other forms of development and extraction. Similar debates are happening in Utah. In southwestern Utahs Washington County, local officials say the disposal of federally controlled land could help alleviate the regions housing crisis and increasingly strained infrastructure. The county is experiencing rapid population growth in 2022, St. George, the county seat, was the fastest-growing metro area in America. County and city leaders hoped the amendment would have helped them manage the growth. The measure would have disposed of roughly 11,500 acres of federally controlled land in Utah, selling it at market value to local governments. The proposal received pushback from all sides, including environmentalists, hunting and fishing groups, House Democrats and even conservatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [The amendment] is consistent with how U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Burgum thinks about federal public lands, as simply assets on a ledger to be sold off, said Steve Bloch, legal director for the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, an environmental nonprofit. Its just antithetical to how Westerners think about the federal public lands that make up so much of our landscape. Washington County Commissioner Adam Snow, a Republican, said a lot of the opposition was misguided. The county would have acquired almost half of the land earmarked for disposal, and Snow said much of that would have been used to widen existing roads and construct new ones that are bordered by Bureau of Land Management property. These were not pristine wilderness lands. Some of the environmental groups tried to make it sound like were selling off Zion National Park, and thats not even close to true, Snow said. If we can just not have to deal with the federal government every time we want to chip seal a road or improve an intersection, that would be really nice. Because we have to ask Mother, may I? for everything out here. Local leaders say federal parcels could help ease housing pressures as well. Snow said transferring parcels to the city or county is one of the only ways to stop the area from becoming wildly expensive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were running out of room real quick, he said. There is still private land to develop, but theyre going to charge an absolute premium. The amendment that was stripped from the House bill was widely criticized for not having any restrictions on what could be done with the land. There was no language whatsoever that would require Washington County or St. George to do anything with these lands. They could lease them for development. They could sell them outright, said Bloch. The costs of management In Utah, lawmakers have created a state Department of Land Management essentially a placeholder agency that would be funded and staffed only if their effort to assume control of large swaths of federal land succeeds. Schultz, the House speaker, said the state is committed to keeping the lands in the public domain, reopening roads and campgrounds closed by the feds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wed just take over the job from the federal government, he said. It is something that the state absolutely would do, and wed do it more efficiently, more effectively and wed have better outcomes. Schultz said the state could bring in the revenues needed to manage the land by raising lease prices for oil and gas operations on parcels currently managed for drilling. But some public lands advocates say thats not realistic. The federal Bureau of Land Management employed more than 950 people in the state as of 2024, and feds also assume the expensive task of wildfire management on their lands. If you look at the history of what Utah has done with their lands, theyve sold more than half of them, said Devin ODea, Western policy and conservation manager with Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. Were certainly of the perspective that states could not handle the economic costs of managing these lands. Their hand would be forced; they would have to sell these lands in order to deal with those costs. John Robison, Idaho Conservation League public lands and wildlife director, said Simpson the Idaho congressman and the states two senators have all won praise from constituents for their work on public lands compromises. Savvy Idaho politicians know that public lands are popular, he said. But other state leaders insist their governments are better equipped to manage the lands. Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador, a Republican, was among the officials who signed an amicus brief in support of Utahs lawsuit against the feds. We live here, we work here, and we are far better stewards of our forests and resources than federal bureaucrats in Washington, Labrador said in a statement. If Idaho owned this land, we could lease it for timber, grazing, and mining just like the federal government does but reinvest that revenue right here in Idaho. 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 SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Cattle gather around a watering hole on federal land near Monticello, Utah. Utah is among several Western states seeking to reduce federal land ownership. (Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch) This story originally appeared in Stateline. Federal fallout As federal funding and systems dwindle, states are left to decide how and whether to make up the difference. Read the latest > Public outcry was swift and forceful after a U.S. House committee last month hastily approved an amendment directing the federal government to sell off more than half a million acres of public land. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A few days later, lawmakers advanced the larger bill a sweeping list of President Donald Trumps priorities but stripped the federal lands provision. Yet leaders on both sides of the issue say the battle over selling off federal lands is likely just heating up. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Some conservatives in Western states have complained for decades that the feds control too much of the land within their borders. They see a long-awaited opportunity in a Trump administration thats sympathetic to their cause. Public lands advocates are bracing for more attempts to turn land over to states, industry groups and developers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The threat level is red alert, said Randi Spivak, public lands policy director with the Center for Biological Diversity, an environmental nonprofit. Some of these states have been champing at the bit for decades to privatize. Theyre certainly not going to let this opportunity pass without an aggressive effort. The balance sheet In Western states, where most federally owned lands are located, some leaders view these lands as a treasured inheritance places reserved for all Americans and critical for wildlife, tourism and outdoor recreation. Others feel that too much of the land in their states is controlled by officials in Washington, D.C., leaving it off-limits for development and curtailing its economic value. Some of these states have been champing at the bit for decades to privatize. They're certainly not going to let this opportunity pass without an aggressive effort. Randi Spivak, public lands policy director with the Center for Biological Diversity Trump officials and allies have embraced the latter view. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has repeatedly called federal lands Americas balance sheet, describing them as untapped assets worth trillions of dollars. He has launched an effort to identify federal lands suitable for housing development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other proposals have centered around using land sales to pay for tax breaks or to finance Trumps proposed government-run fund that could invest in stocks or real estate. For some state leaders, the newfound interest at the federal level to turn public lands into cash along with Trumps cuts to land management agency staff aligns with a long-standing movement to reduce federal ownership. The federal government controls 24.1 million acres in Colorado, or 36% of the state. I look at it as an opportunity to say, Hey, turn it over to the state, said Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz, a Republican. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Utah leaders have made the most forceful push to challenge federal land ownership. The state filed a legal challenge last year seeking to take control of more than 18 million acres of unappropriated lands parcels held by the federal government without a specific designation such as a national park or monument. That effort hit a roadblock earlier this year when the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the case. But with Trump in the White House, state leaders may pivot from challenging the feds in court to seeking their cooperation. We would love if the federal government just turned it over to us and said, Here, manage these lands, Schultz said. Thats an option as well. Those are discussions that are happening. Everything is on the table. A billboard along Interstate 80 in South Salt Lake promotes Utahs lawsuit trying to claim control of federally managed land. (Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch) Schultz declined to say which federal officials have been involved in discussions about transferring lands to the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some lawmakers in Wyoming backed a state resolution this year which ultimately failed calling on Congress to hand over all federal lands except for Yellowstone National Park. Idaho lawmakers passed a measure calling on the feds to turn over a wildlife refuge to the state. And Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo, a Republican, has called for a systematic release of federal land in the state. But public lands also have many supporters in Western states, including some prominent Republican members of Congress, such as Reps. Mike Simpson of Idaho and Ryan Zinke of Montana. Zinke was Interior secretary for two years during the first Trump administration. John Leshy, who served as solicitor for the U.S. Department of the Interior during the Clinton administration, said proposals to dispose of federal lands tend to be stymied by fierce public backlash. Federal lands are really popular, he said. Its political poison (to sell off public land). Its a different West now. Public attitudes have changed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leshy also noted that livestock ranchers especially benefit from discounted lease rates offered by the federal government. Housing arguments The most recent clash over the future of federal lands was the amendment sponsored by a pair of congressional Republicans last month. The measure would have directed the Bureau of Land Management to sell more than 500,000 acres of land in Nevada and Utah. Local governments would have been able to buy the land at market value, with no restrictions on how they used it. Backers said the sale would bring in revenue to cover Trumps proposed tax cuts, while allowing local governments to build much-needed housing on the parcels. Utah GOP Sen. Mike Lee said he will try to revive the measure as the Senate considers the bill this month, E&E News reported. In Nevada, where 85% of land is owned by the federal government, some leaders say their communities are hemmed in by a checkerboard of public lands that constrain development. The city of Fernley, which is growing rapidly, would have acquired 12,000 acres under the proposal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need housing, said Benjamin Marchant, Fernleys city manager. The city cant plan roads and water lines, sewer lines and gas lines, when you have federal land between two parcels that want to develop. This will bring a practical and helpful consolidation of all these lands into one developable area. Nevada leaders have long worked on proposals to transfer some federal lands to local governments and allow for increased growth. But some lawmakers say the latest push bypassed that collaborative process and failed to include safeguards that the money raised from the sale of the lands would be reinvested into conserving public lands elsewhere. It was a complete betrayal of everything weve worked on in this state, said Assemblymember Howard Watts, a Democrat. This amendment is trying to sell off half a million acres of Nevadas public lands in order to pay for tax cuts for billionaires. This is not going to address our housing problem. These lands are positioned to be sold off for other forms of development and extraction. Similar debates are happening in Utah. In southwestern Utahs Washington County, local officials say the disposal of federally controlled land could help alleviate the regions housing crisis and increasingly strained infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The county is experiencing rapid population growth in 2022, St. George, the county seat, was the fastest-growing metro area in America. County and city leaders hoped the amendment would have helped them manage the growth. The measure would have disposed of roughly 11,500 acres of federally controlled land in Utah, selling it at market value to local governments. The proposal received pushback from all sides, including environmentalists, hunting and fishing groups, House Democrats and even conservatives. (The amendment) is consistent with how U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Burgum thinks about federal public lands, as simply assets on a ledger to be sold off, said Steve Bloch, legal director for the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, an environmental nonprofit. Its just antithetical to how Westerners think about the federal public lands that make up so much of our landscape. A sign welcomes visitors to Bureau of Land Management land near Cedar City, Utah. (Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch) Washington County Commissioner Adam Snow, a Republican, said a lot of the opposition was misguided. The county would have acquired almost half of the land earmarked for disposal, and Snow said much of that would have been used to widen existing roads and construct new ones that are bordered by Bureau of Land Management property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These were not pristine wilderness lands. Some of the environmental groups tried to make it sound like were selling off Zion National Park, and thats not even close to true, Snow said. If we can just not have to deal with the federal government every time we want to chip seal a road or improve an intersection, that would be really nice. Because we have to ask Mother, may I? for everything out here. Local leaders say federal parcels could help ease housing pressures as well. Snow said transferring parcels to the city or county is one of the only ways to stop the area from becoming wildly expensive. Were running out of room real quick, he said. There is still private land to develop, but theyre going to charge an absolute premium. The amendment that was stripped from the House bill was widely criticized for not having any restrictions on what could be done with the land. There was no language whatsoever that would require Washington County or St. George to do anything with these lands. They could lease them for development. They could sell them outright, said Bloch. The costs of management In Utah, lawmakers have created a state Department of Land Management essentially a placeholder agency that would be funded and staffed only if their effort to assume control of large swaths of federal land succeeds. Schultz, the House speaker, said the state is committed to keeping the lands in the public domain, reopening roads and campgrounds closed by the feds. Wed just take over the job from the federal government, he said. It is something that the state absolutely would do, and wed do it more efficiently, more effectively and wed have better outcomes. Schultz said the state could bring in the revenues needed to manage the land by raising lease prices for oil and gas operations on parcels currently managed for drilling. But some public lands advocates say thats not realistic. The federal Bureau of Land Management employed more than 950 people in the state as of 2024, and feds also assume the expensive task of wildfire management on their lands. If you look at the history of what Utah has done with their lands, theyve sold more than half of them, said Devin ODea, Western policy and conservation manager with Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. Were certainly of the perspective that states could not handle the economic costs of managing these lands. Their hand would be forced; they would have to sell these lands in order to deal with those costs. John Robison, Idaho Conservation League public lands and wildlife director, said Simpson the Idaho congressman and the states two senators have all won praise from constituents for their work on public lands compromises. Savvy Idaho politicians know that public lands are popular, he said. But other state leaders insist their governments are better equipped to manage the lands. Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador, a Republican, was among the officials who signed an amicus brief in support of Utahs lawsuit against the feds. We live here, we work here, and we are far better stewards of our forests and resources than federal bureaucrats in Washington, Labrador said in a statement. If Idaho owned this land, we could lease it for timber, grazing, and mining just like the federal government does but reinvest that revenue right here in Idaho. Stateline reporter Alex Brown can be reached at abrown@stateline.org , Idaho Capital Sun reporter Clark Corbin can be reached at ccorbin@idahocapitalsun.com, and Utah News Dispatch reporter Kyle Dunphey can be reached at kdunphey@utahnewsdispatch.com. 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 BATON ROUGE, La. (WGNO) A bill that would allow parade-goers in Louisiana to carry concealed guns is moving forward, but it hasnt cleared the full legislature just yet. House Bill 393 would change current state law, which bans firearms at parades and other permitted events. If passed, the measure would allow bystanders, but not parade participants, to carry concealed weapons. Three Slidell teens indicted in death of St. Tammany Parish Sergeant Grant Candies Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Supporters say its about upholding constitutional rights. If this law prevails, it will allow bystanders to carry guns, Cliff Cardone, owner of Cardone Law Firm said. It will not permit riders to carry guns. However, critics say the legislation puts public safety at risk, especially in crowded, unpredictable parade settings where families and children are often present. The biggest concern is, you know, having an incident in a crowd, Michelle Foster with the Metropolitan Crime Commission said. You have drinking, you have children. You know, the last thing you want is to have guns or a fight break out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HB 393 passed the House last month and advanced out of a Senate committee this week, with State Senator Regina Barrow casting the lone no vote. She raised concerns over safety and liability. This proposed law follows the passage of permit-less concealed carry legislation last year, which allows anyone 18 or older to carry a concealed weapon in public without a permit. Coast Guard searches for missing man around Westwego Legal experts say the measure could override stricter local ordinances, such as New Orleans ban on firearms at parades. State law would, in a sense, prevent city law. We cannot have a city ordinance that is more restrictive than a state statute, said Cardone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill now heads to the full Senate for debate. If passed and signed by the governor, it could be in effect before 2026s Mardi Gras season. 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. Loved ones are searching for a Southern California teen who has been missing for a week. Alai-Ja Mae Henderson, 17, was last seen on May 28, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department. Her last known location was on the 39000 block of Clock Tower Plaza Drive in Palmdale around 4 p.m. Alai-Ja Mae Henderson, 17, also known as Bug or May, has been missing since May 28, 2025. (Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department) Henderson, who is an L.A. County resident, is described as a Black female standing 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing 145 pounds. She has brown eyes and blond hair in a ponytail. She was last seen wearing a white shirt, green sweatpants, black Crocs shoes, and silver rings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Henderson may have been heading to the Los Angeles area when she was reported missing. The teen, who is considered at risk, does not have any health conditions that would contribute to her disappearance, authorities said. Her family and loved ones have not heard from her since and are very concerned for her well-being. Anyone who may know Hendersons whereabouts or has information on her disappearance is asked to call Lancaster Sheriffs Station at 661-948-8466. Anonymous tips can be provided to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. Jun. 4A portion of a popular two-lane road between Lee and Ogle counties will be closed for several months for a $1 million improvement project. Lowell Park Road, between Edgewood Road and Penn Corner Road, is expected to be closed this week, Ogle County highway engineer Jeremy Ciesiel said. "It is anticipated that the closure will remain in place until mid-October," Ciesiel said. "A marked detour will be posted directing traffic around the closure." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Work will include replacing a reinforced concrete box culvert in addition to widening the intersection with Penn Corner Road and the installation of a storm sewer. "The road will be lowered, a retaining wall will be built, and roughly 1/4 mile of pavement will be reconstructed," Ciesiel said. Ciesiel said the highway department examined the conditions of all the culverts along Lowell Park Road in 2021 between the Lee County line north to Pines Road. "The purpose of the review was to ascertain which structures needed to be replaced or extended ahead of the road being resurfaced," Ciesiel said. "As a result of this investigation, it was determined that issues at 14 crossroad structures needed to be addressed. Of these, 13 were smaller, shallow structures that were easily accessible. However, the 14th structure was a larger, deeper box culvert just south of Penn Corner Road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It was decided to perform the culvert work at the 13 accessible locations, and gap the pavement resurfacing project near Penn Corner Road." The project to improve the 13 culverts took place in 2022, and the road resurfacing took place in 2023, Ciesiel said. During the resurfacing project, the quarter-mile near Penn Corner Road was omitted. "During the analysis of the larger structure, it was determined that replacement was the only option," Ciesiel said. "The new structure will be longer than the existing structure in order to allow for a safer, more manageable slope adjacent to the road. This will also allow for the removal of the existing guardrail system. Given the size and depth of the culvert, it is necessary to close Lowell Park Road. Since the road will be closed, it was decided to address deficiencies at the intersection of Lowell Park Road and Penn Corner Road during the closure." That phase of the project will include lowering Lowell Park Road to give motorists more of a view of oncoming traffic as they pull onto Lowell Park Road from Penn Corner Road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In order to improve sight distance at the intersection, the hill south of the intersection will be lowered up to 5 feet," Ciesiel said. "Due to the presence of a cemetery along the west side of the road, a retaining wall will need to be built so as to not disturb the plots during this lowering. The intersection will be enlarged slightly to assist in turning movements, and new storm sewer will be placed to better convey water runoff." Ogle County Board member Lyle Hopkins of Polo said reducing the level of the road by the intersection should make it safer for motorists entering Lowell Park Road from Penn Corner Road. "They will take that hill down, and that should make it safer," said Hopkins, who is a member of the County Board's Road and Bridge Committee and lives on Penn Corner Road. "Finally, the 1/4 mile of roadway that was gapped during the 2023 resurfacing project will be paved and will include a new paved shoulder," Ciesiel said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The project went out for bid in April, with Martin & Co. Excavating of Oregon submitting the lowest bid at almost $1.33 million. The Ogle County Board approved that bid at its May 20 meeting. Hopkins said $600,000 will come from the county's motor fuel tax fund, $300,000 from the federal aid matching fund and $430,000 from the county aid to bridge fund. Construction was scheduled to begin Monday, June 2, and will last into October. Originally appeared on E! Online New details surrounding Luigi Mangiones case are coming to light. Six months after the 27-year-old was arrested and later charged with murder for the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, to which he has pleaded not guilty, a June 4 court filing obtained by E! News alleged he used a red notebook as a diary to detail his plans to kill the executive months before the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "So say you want to rebel against the deadly, greed fueled health insurance cartel, Mangione allegedly wrote in August 2024, per the state filing. Do you bomb the HQ? No. Bombs=terrorism. "Such actions appear the unjustified anger of someone who simply got sick/had bad luck and took their frustration out on the insurance industry, he continued, while recklessly endangering countless employees." In a later entry, which prosecutors alleged he wrote last October, Mangione pitched an idea for killing Thompson. As he suggested, someone should wack [sic] the CEO at the annual parasitic bean-counter convention. More from E! Online Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's targeted, precise, and doesn't risk innocents, he explained. Most importantly, the point is self-evident. The point is made in the news headline, 'Insurance CEO killed at annual investors conference.'" As for why state prosecutors decided to release copies of Mangiones alleged manifesto? Well, the goal was to justify the terrorism enhancement added to his first-degree murder charge. "If ever there were an open and shut case pointing to defendants guilty, this case is that case," Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Joel Seidemann wrote in the filing. "Simply put, one would be hard pressed to find a case with such overwhelming evidence of guilt as to the identity of the murderer and premeditated nature of the assassination." STEVEN HIRSCH/POOL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock But after Donald Trumps Attorney General Pamela Bondi announced in April that the Department of Justice will seek the death penalty if Mangione is federally convicted, his attorney Karen Agnifilo slammed the Justice Department for defending the broken, immoral and murderous healthcare industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "By seeking to murder Luigi Mangione, the Justice Department has moved from the dysfunctional to the barbaric," she wrote in a statement to NBC News at the time. "Their decision to execute Luigi is political." "We are prepared to fight these federal charges, brought by a lawless Justice Department, as well as the New York State charges, and the Pennsylvania charges, and anything else they want to pile on Luigi," she continued, having since filed a motion to dismiss the New York state murder charges against him. "Luigi is caught in a high-stakes game of tug-of-war between state and federal prosecutors, except the trophy is a young man's life." For more details on Mangiones case, keep reading. (E! and NBC News are both part of the NBCUniversal family.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Who is Brian Thompson? Brian Thompson was the CEO of UnitedHealthcare. He first joined the company in 2004 and held several positions before taking on the role of CEO in 2021. Prior to working at UnitedHealthcare, Thompson was employed at PwC, according to his LinkedIn profile. He also graduated with honors from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor's degree in business administration as an accounting major in May 1997, the school's public relations manager Steve Schmadeke told NBC News. Thompson, who lived in Minnesota, was married to Paulette Thompsonthough according to public records viewed by E! News, they had been living in separate homesand was the father of two sons. He was shot and killed in New York on Dec. 4, 2024. Thompson was 50 years old. How did Brian Thompson die? Patrol officers from the New York City Police Departments Midtown North Precinct responded to a 911 call at 6:46 a.m. on Dec. 4, 2024 regarding a person who was shot in front of the New York Hilton Midtown hotel, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said in a media briefing later that morning. Kenny noted officers arrived at the scene at 6:48 a.m. and found gunshot wounds on Thompsons back and leg. The chief detective said Emergency Medical Services transported Thompson several blocks to Mount Sinai West, where the CEO was pronounced dead at 7:12 a.m. The victim was in New York City to speak at an investor conference," NYPD commissioner Jessica Tisch said during the media briefing. "It appears the suspect was lying in wait for several minutes. And as the victim was walking to the conference hotel, the suspect approached from behind and fired several rounds, striking the victim at least once in the back and at least once in the right calf. Many people passed the suspect, but he appeared to wait for his intended target. Tisch said the shooting appeared to be a pre-meditated, pre-planned, targeted attack and not a random act of violence. The full investigative efforts of the New York City Police Department are well underway, she noted, and we will not rest until we identify and apprehend the shooter in this case. What do investigators know about the shooting of Brian Thompson so far? According to Kenny, the shooter headed to the New York Hilton Midtown on foot and arrived outside the hotel five minutes before Thompsons arrival. In a video, Kenny continued, Thompson was seen walking alone towards the Hilton at 6:44 a.m. after exiting his separate, nearby hotel apparently for a UnitedHealth Group investors conference that was scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. that day. The chief detective added the shooterwho ignored "numerous other pedestrians"approached Thompson from behind, shot him, walked towards him and continued shooting. Kenny said the gunman then fled on foot before getting on an ebike, and the shooter was seen riding into Central Park at Center Drive at 6:48 a.m. Kenny said three live nine-millimeter rounds and three discharged shell casings were recovered during the investigation. During a Dec. 6 press briefing, Kenny said the words depose, delay and deny were written on the shell casing in marker. However, hes noted the motive for the killing has yet to be confirmed. What have investigators revealed about the gunmans timeline? During the Dec. 6 press briefing, Kenny said investigators have footage of the shooter arriving at Port Authority in New York the night of Nov. 24. We believe that that bus originated in Atlanta, Kenny continued. It has several stops along the way, so were not sure where he got on the bus. After the shooter arrived at Port Authority, Kenny continued, the gunman took a cab to the vicinity of the Hilton hotel, where he was for about half an hour before traveling by cab to an Upper West Side hostel. On the morning of the shooting, Kenny added, the gunman left the hostel at 5:30 a.m. and arrived at the Hilton hotel at 5:41 a.m. Kenny said the gunman continued to walk in the vicinity of the hotel before then going to a nearby Starbucks, where he purchased a bottled water and a snack. He then returned to the hotel, and the shooting occurred at 6:44 a.m. Immediately after, the gunman fled the scene. Kenny said the shooter was seen entering Central Park at 60th St. and Center Drive at 6:48 a.m. and exiting the park through W. 77th St. and Central Park West at 6:56 a.m. At 7:00 a.m., Kenny added, the gunman was spotted on W. 86th St without the bike. And four minutes later, the chief detective continued, the shooter got in a cab at 86th St. and Amsterdam Avenue. Kenny said the gunman was then seen in the vicinity of the George Washington Bridge at 7:30 a.m. Kenny told CNN on Dec. 6 investigators thought the shooter left NYC after he was seen at Port Authority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Who were investigators looking for? During the Dec. 4 briefing, Kenny said the shooter appeared to be a "light-skin male" who wore "a light brown or cream-colored jacket, a black face mask, black and white sneakers and a very distinctive gray backpack." Over the next few days, the NYPD released a series of photos of the individual they were looking for with the person's face was covered with a mask in many of the pictures. A senior law enforcement official told NBC News Dec. 5 the photos with the lowered face mask came from surveillance video at an Upper West Side hostel, and two separate law enforcement officials noted to the outlet investigators were trying to determine if the individual used a fake ID and cash for a hostel room. As for what led the individual to lower the face mask? "Apparently, there was an interaction while he was checking in, making casual conversation," Kenny said at the Dec. 6 briefing. "At some point, he pulled his mask down and smiled at the clerk." Kenny has also said a cellphone was found in an alley where the shooter fled before heading to the ebike, but it's unclear if it belonged to the gunman. Two law enforcement sources told NBC News a backpack was also found in Central Park. Kenny said investigators are "looking at everything"including Thompson's social media and interviews with employees and familythat could help the case. They're also working with Minnesota and Atlanta law enforcement. Why was Luigi Mangione arrested? Pennsylvanias Altoona Police Department arrested Luigi Mangione on firearm charges Dec. 9. According to a criminal docket obtained by NBC News, these include two felony chargesone of forgery and one of firearms not to be carried without a licenseas well as three misdemeanors: tampering with records or identification, possessing instruments of a crime and providing false identification to law enforcement. NYPD commissioner Tisch said a McDonalds employee recognized Mangione and that the Altoona police were then called. When asked if he had been to New York recently, Mangione "became quiet and started to shake," police said per NBC News. Tisch also called Mangione a "person of interest" in Thompson's murder and spoke about the efforts to find him, with her thanking law enforcement partners and the public. "For just over five days, our NYPD investigators combed through thousands of hours of video, followed up on hundreds of tips, and processed every bit of forensic evidence: DNA, finger prints, IP addresses and so much more to tighten the net," she said. "We deployed drones, canine units, and scuba divers. We leveraged the domain awareness system, Argus cameras and conducted aviation canvases, and our detectives also went door to door interviewing potential witnesses and doing the good old fashioned police work that our investigators are famous for. This combination of old school detective work and new age technology is what led to this result today." What did police find on Luigi Mangione? In addition to "acting suspiciously," Tisch added, Mangione was "carrying multiple fraudulent IDs as well as a U.S. passport." Upon further investigation, officers recovered a firearm on his person as well as a suppressor, both consistent with the weapon used in the murder," she continued in the Dec. 9 briefing, per a video shared by NBC News. "They also recovered clothing, including a mask consistent with those worn by our wanted individual." Tisch added officers also recovered a fraudulent New Jersey ID that matched the one the individual used to check into the New York hostel prior to the shooting. "Additionally, she continued, officers recovered a hand-written document that speaks to both his motivation and mindset. What other charges is Luigi Mangione facing? On Dec. 9, Manhattan prosecutors filed a murder charge against Mangione, according to court documents obtained by NBC News. The 26-year-old is also facing three counts of criminal possession of a weapon (two in the second-degree for loaded firearm and one in the third degree such as for a silencer) and one count of possessing a forged instrument. He has yet to enter a plea for any charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What did Luigi Mangione state in his writings? According to NBC News, citing the NYPD, Mangione had three pages of writings on him that totaled less than 300 words when he was taken into custody. Three senior law enforcement officials told the outlet these writings read, in part, "Frankly these parasites had it coming." In the writings, the officials continued, Mangione said he acted alone. However, the officials told NBC News they haven't ruled out other actors at this time. To the Feds, Ill keep this short, because I do respect what you do for our country," Mangione's writings read, officials told NBC News. "To save you a lengthy investigation, I state plainly that I wasnt working with anyone. Officials said Mangione also added, "I do apologize for any strife or traumas but it had to be done. However, Tisch noted Mangione's motive has yet to be confirmed. "I think when we look at the manifesto, or that three-page written document that was recovered, you see anti-corporatist sentiment, a lot of issues with the healthcare industry," she said in a Dec. 10 Today interview. "But as to particular specific motive, that will come out as this investigation continues to unfold over the next weeks and months." Has Luigi Mangione appeared in court? Mangione attended a hearing at the Blair County Courthouse in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania on Dec. 10. As he arrived, NBC News reported, he yelled out to families, "Its completely out of touch and an insult to the intelligence of the American people." Per the outlet, Mangione did not waive extradition to New York and was denied bail. As a result, he will remain in Pennsylvania's SCI Huntingdon prison. His lawyer Thomas Dickey told reporters that Mangione will plead not guilty in Pennsylvania and will likely do the same in New York. "I havent seen any evidence that says hes the shooter, he said, per NBC News. Remember, and this is not just a small thing: A fundamental concept of American justice is the presumption of innocence, and until youre proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt." Who is Luigi Mangione? Mangione is a suspect in the murder of Brian Thompson and is facing several other charges in both Pennsylvania and New York, including forgery and criminal possession of a weapon. He's an Ivy League graduate, having received a Bachelor of Science in engineering in 2020 and a Masters of Science in engineering at the University of Pennsylvania, the school confirmed to NBC News. NYPD Chief of Detectives Kenny shared additional details on Mangione's upbringing, saying he was born and raised in Maryland. His most recent address is listed as Honolulu but he also has connections to San Francisco, Kenny told NBC News. After Mangione's arrest, his family released a statement on X. "Unfortunately, we cannot comment on news reports regarding Luigi Mangione," they said in the Dec. 9 post. "We only know what we have read in the media. Our family is shocked and devastated by Luigi's arrest. We offer our prayers to the family of Brian Thompson and we ask people to pray for all involved. We are devastated by this news." What has Brian Thompsons family said about his death? After learning of the shooting, Thompsons family mourned his passing. We are shattered to hear about the senseless killing of our beloved Brian, a family statement obtained by NBC affiliate KARE in Minneapolis on Dec. 5 read. Brian was an incredibly loving, generous, talented man who truly lived life to the fullest and touched so many lives. Most importantly, Brian was an incredibly loving father to our two sons and will be greatly missed. We appreciate your condolences and request complete privacy as our family moves through this difficult time. Thompsons wife Paulette also recalled how her husband had received threats prior to his death. "Yes, there had been some threats," she told NBC News Dec. 5. "Basically, I dont know, a lack of coverage? I dont know details. I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What has UnitedHealth Group said about Brian Thompsons death? UnitedHealth Group, the parent company of UnitedHealthcare, also expressed how it was "deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend" Thompson, flying its flags at half-mast at corporate headquarters in Minnesota. "Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him," a Dec. 4 statement from the organization read. "We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to Brians family and all who were close to him. And while the company noted "our hearts are broken," it shared in a Dec. 5 statement that it has also "been touched by the huge outpouring of kindness and support in the hours since this horrific crime took place." "So many patients, consumers, health care professionals, associations, government officials and other caring people have taken time out of their day to reach out," the message read. "We are thankful, even as we grieve. Our priorities are, first and foremost, supporting Brians family; ensuring the safety of our employees; and working with law enforcement to bring the perpetrator to justice. We, at UnitedHealth Group, will continue to be there for those who depend upon us for their health care. We ask that everyone respect the familys privacy as they mourn the loss of their husband, father, brother and friend." However, there's also been public criticism about UnitedHealthcare, Thompson and America's healthcare system overall. This has included online conversations about insurance companies' claim denial rates as well as a look at accusations against Thompson. For instance, in a class-action lawsuit filed by the City of Hollywood Firefighters' Pension Fund in May 2024 and obtained by NBC News, Thompson was accused of selling more than $15 million of his personal UnitedHealth shares after allegedly learning of an investigation of the company by the U.S. Department of Justice before the public did. When asked about the trades allegedly made by Thompson and other executives, a UnitedHealth spokesperson told Bloomberg in April 2024 "these directors and officers followed our protocols and received approval from the company." The lawsuit, per the BBC, remains active. And while a motive for the shooting hasn't been revealed, many outlets have noted the words depose, delay and deny on the shell casings are similar to the title of the 2010 book Delay Deny Defend: Why Insurance Companies Don't Pay Claims and What You Can Do About It. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro slammed "deeply disturbing" online reactions to the killing: "In America," he said at a Dec. 9 press conference, per NBC News' video, "we do not kill people in cold blood to resolve policy differences or express a viewpoint." (E! and NBC News are both part of the NBCUniversal family). For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App Luigi Mangione, the 27-year-old accused in the brazen shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, had allegedly hardened his resolve to make a statement about American health care by August 15 of last year. On that date, he allegedly wrote in a red notebook, I finally feel confident about what I will do. The details are coming together. And I dont feel any doubt about whether its right/justified. Im glad in a way that Ive procrastinated bc it allowed me to learn more about UHC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors included select handwritten pages of a journal used by Mangione in a new 82-page filing on Wednesday that sheds new light on the thought he put into the alleged crime, including analysis of how it would be perceived by the public. Mangione appears to have also considered a different target someone with the initials KMD before deciding against it. KMD wouldve been an unjustified catastrophe that would be perceived mostly as sick, but more importantly unhelpful. Would do nothing to spread awareness/improve peoples lives, Mangione allegedly wrote. The target is insurance. It checks every box. On Oct. 22, around one-and-a-half months before Thompsons death, Mangione allegedly wrote that the problem with most revolutionary acts is that the message is lost on normies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, Ted K makes some good points on the future of humanity, but to make his point he indiscriminately mailbombs innocents, Mangione allegedly wrote, referencing the Unabomber, Ted Kaczynski. Mangione previously left a Goodreads review on Kaczynskis book, Industrial Society and Its Future, saying it was impossible to ignore how prescient many of his predictions about modern society turned out. The journal entry went on: Normies categorize him as an insane serial killer, focus on the act/atrocities themselves, and dismiss his ideas. And most importantly by committing indiscriminate atrocities he becomes a monster, which makes his ideas those of a monster, no matter how true. He crosses the line from revolutionary anarchist to terrorist the worst thing a person can be. This is the problem with most militants that rebel against often real injustices: they commit an atrocity whose horror either outweighs the impact of their message, or whose distance from their message prevents normies from connecting the dots, the entry said. Consequently, the revolutionary idea becomes associated with extremism, incoherence or evil an idea that no reasonable member of society could approve of. Rather than win public support, they lose it. The revolutionary actions are actively counter-productive. Mangione, who allegedly called himself a revolutionary anarchist in the notebook, has inspired support across the country from Americans frustrated with morbidly expensive U.S. health care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court filing reveals that Mangione appears to have crossed paths with Thompson the day before the shooting, as he seemed to talk on his cell phone while walking down a Manhattan street by Thompsons hotel. Mangione allegedly spent approximately 23 minutes lying in wait outside the hotel on Dec. 4 before spotting Thompson. A figure dressed in black with a backpack is seen in security footage swiftly approaching the CEO from behind and firing several quick shots before fleeing the scene. A massive manhunt ended five days later when Mangione was spotted at a McDonalds in Altoona, Pennsylvania. The notebook was among the items he allegedly had with him at the time of his arrest. Prosecutors spent part of the filing arguing for a terrorism enhancement if or when Mangione is sentenced, saying Thompsons murder was engineered to strike fear in those who profit greatly from U.S. health care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They gave examples of the impact: some UnitedHealthcare employees apparently quit out of fear of retaliation, many received security details, and one executive dyed her hair and moved due to threats. Some UHC employees were afraid to send out letters denying coverage, successfully petitioning the company to allow them to keep their names off the letters, despite certain state laws that require them to do so. They also dismissed the suggestion outlined in the notebook that narrowing the scope of violence to one symbolic person was morally correct. You dont get a trophy or any kind of absolution under New Yorks anti-terrorism law because you only killed one innocent person and not others, prosecutors said. Related... Jun. 4NANTICOKE Luzerne County Community College's new Career and Technology Academy dispels the myth that students gifted in skilled trades don't have a path to college, LCCC President John Yudichak said Wednesday. LCCC officially launched the LCCC Career & Technology Academy an unprecedented educational partnership between the college and the region's three Career and Technical Centers (CTCs) Hazleton Area Career Center, Wilkes-Barre Area Career & Technical Center and West Side Career & Technical Center. Yudichak said the new academy was made possible through a $1 million Dual Credit Innovation Grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education and $150,000 in private scholarship support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Academy allows high school students to earn college credits free of charge while completing their CTC programs," Yudichak said. "The initiative aims to transform workforce development in Northeastern Pennsylvania by creating accessible, affordable and high-impact educational pathways for students pursuing skilled trades." Yudichak said the Career & Technology Academy will empower more than 2,000 CTC students across Luzerne County to earn post-secondary credentials while still in high school. "It's a bold, necessary innovation that will transform our regional economy and individual lives," Yudichak said. The Academy's first class includes 27 students who attended LCCC this spring at no cost, thanks to the generous $100,000 William Rinaldi Career & Technology Academy Scholarship and the $50,000 Joseph Yudichak Career Pathway Scholarship provided through the Luzerne Foundation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local entrepreneur William Rinaldi, who Yudichak called "a key donor and visionary partner," was honored for his contributions. "Bill recognized the value of LCCC as a workforce development epicenter," Yudichak said. "His generosity ensures that our students have every opportunity to succeed." Rinaldi said, "The best way to help someone is to assist them in finding the right path to success. And I am always willing to help them." A regional partnership with statewide implications Dr. Thomas Duffy, chief administrator of West Side CTC, praised the collaborative model. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is a first-of-its-kind partnership," Duffy said. "By centralizing resources and leveraging the strengths of all three CTCs with LCCC, we're creating unprecedented opportunities for our students." Dr. Anthony Guariglia, administrative director at Wilkes-Barre Area CTC, highlighted the real-world confidence this model provides. "Students get to transition to college-level courses with their peers and build on skills they've already mastered," Guariglia said. "It gives them the confidence to succeed in college and beyond." Dr. Brian Uplinger, Hazleton Area superintendent, pointed out how the program relieves capacity issues at overcrowded CTCs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We have limited seats," Uplinger said. "This program opens up opportunities for more students to participate in CTC training by moving some students to LCCC." Dr. Graceann Platukus, LCCC vice president of enrollment management, underscored the rising demand. "Parents and students are looking for affordable, fast-tracked routes into trades," Platukus said. "This program answers that call." LCCC's academic affairs vice president, Dr. Russ Bigus, emphasized the broader impact. "This program gives high schoolers the chance to gain experience, confidence, and even meet future employers while still in high school," Bigus said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jocelyn Sterenchock, CAN DO's Director of Economic Development, added, "To be 18 years old and graduate with a diploma in one hand and a job offer in the other is exactly what we should be striving for." State support for a new model of workforce education The $1 million state grant will fund tuition, upgrade LCCC's Advanced Technology Center, and expand lab space for high-demand programs like welding, HVAC, and electrical technology. "Pennsylvania needs more skilled workers with college credentials," Yudichak said. "Thanks to Gov. Josh Shapiro, the Department of Education, and our legislators, we're ready to deliver. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "At LCCC, community is in our name, in our mission, and in our heart. The Career & Technology Academy is a model of what higher education and workforce development should be accessible, innovative and focused on student success." In his welcoming address on Wednesday, Yudichak said LCCC's Career & Technology Academy will deliver a first-of-its-kind opportunity for students in the region's career and technical high schools to earn a post-secondary credential or college degree while they are still in high school. "Empowering local CTC students to earn a post-secondary credential or a college degree will change the financial trajectory of individual lives, and it will transform our regional economy by meeting the growing workforce demands for skilled workers in the high-demand career fields of technology, energy and the construction trades," Yudichak said. "The Pennsylvania Department of Education has identified a workforce credential gap of more than 12,500 workers in the skilled trades and called on institutions of higher education to partner with CTC high schools to develop a 21st-century skilled, educated workforce." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement John Naldony, training director for IBEW Local 163, and Bill Feist, president of J&E Sheetmetal, spoke in support of the new program "With the insight of business leaders like Bill Feist and leaders in organized labor, like John Naldony, it is clear to me that the creation of LCCC Career & Technology is a necessary and essential innovation in higher education. Pennsylvania needs more skilled trade workers," Yudichak said. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle. A sheriffs office in Georgia said a hostage situation happened far closer to home than normal, our sister station, WSB-TV, reported. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] In the early morning hours on Thursday, Dawson County Sheriff Jeff Johnson defused a hostage situation in the Law Enforcement Centers front lobby. According to the sheriffs office, David Christopher Morris, of Dawsonville, was holding a knife to a man said to be his Lyft driver. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morris told the sheriffs office hed been picked up in Hall County and, while on his way to an address in Dawson County, threatened the driver and had him drive him straight to the sheriffs office. When the driver and Morris got to the office, Morris held him at knifepoint and walked into the building, demanding to speak to Johnson, WSB reported. While waiting for Johnson to arrive, SWAT deputies established a secure perimeter, according to officials. After speaking for a while, Morris released the hostage and surrendered the weapon without further incident. The Lyft driver sustained minor injuries and was treated by Dawson County Fire and Emergency Services, the sheriffs office said. Morris was taken into custody and is in custody at the Dawson County Detention Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were grateful this situation ended without further harm to the victim, our deputies, or the suspect. It is an honor to work for a strong leader who leads calmly by example, even in the face of danger" Dawson County Sheriffs Public Information Officer Sgt. Matthew Blackstock said in a statement. According to WSB, Morris charges have not been made public yet. The sheriffs office said more details would be released when they are available. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] When Oriette DAngelo, in the fifth year of her doctorate program at the University of Iowa, found out that President Donald Trump had plans to revoke her temporary protected status, she told her friends she would mail them her notebooks of poems if she had to go back to Venezuela. They asked her why. It would be almost impossible to start over, she said. Shed put years into her degree in Spanish and Portuguese, only to have it threatened by Trumps immigration agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DAngelo, 34, came to Chicago on a student visa over a decade ago, seeking professional opportunities and escape from a crumbling infrastructure and violence in her home country. In recent months, however, a string of executive orders and court decisions on the legality of these orders has left her in an uncomfortable state of limbo, grasping for loopholes that might let her continue her academic research and writing. As a student who researches and writes poems about themes of dictatorship, she is heartened by the separation of powers in the United States, but said the federal governments often contradictory language in this moment feels dangerous. Venezuelans are being categorized as bad, she said. But I want to stay here professionally. I want to finish my dissertation. I want to follow the right path. Changing status DAngelos legal status changed several times over the course of a decade as she navigated the processes of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She grew up in Lecheria, Venezuela, a beach city with white buildings and red thatched roofs, which she said was peaceful in the 1990s and early 2000s. Throughout her young adulthood, she watched Venezuela slowly decline under the leadership of the countrys far-left leaders, Hugo Chavez and Nicolas Maduro. She had a student visa upon her entry to the U.S. in 2015, as her purpose for coming to Chicago was academic and professional. When her Venezuelan passport expired in 2020, she applied for temporary protected status, or TPS, a form of relief that allows individuals from certain countries experiencing ongoing conflict or disaster to live and work in the U.S. for a specified period. But due to Venezuelas broken diplomatic relations with the U.S., all the consulates were closed. She had to travel to Colombia to renew it. And when DAngelo came back through OHare International Airport in late November 2024, she was processed under TPS, not her student visa. She lost her international student status, despite her main purpose for moving to the U.S. being to study. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then, in late January, Trump revoked her temporary protected status. In a few months, it could expire, she said, and she would have no legal documents. DAngelo is set to complete her doctorate in May 2026. She said everything she had worked for her professional future and career aspirations was put in jeopardy. Related Articles The (Venezuelan) government is persecuting and detaining people who speak freely against them, so I couldnt imagine doing research like mine in my own country, she said. It wouldnt be possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the news of her status being revoked in January, she immediately began preparing statements and documents for an international student status application. The processing and legal fees would add up, so she made a GoFundMe page to raise over $10,000. At a time of intense fear, DAngelo and her girlfriend decided to get married in mid-March. They didnt make the decision for immigration purposes, DAngelo said, but for concern about federal attacks on LGBTQ rights. With the current administration, we dont know if same-sex marriage will still be legal in the next few years, she said. We want to be together. The longest month of my life As Trump ramped up the pressure on international students over the spring, DAngelo took down her GoFundMe and kept a low profile. Every day in March, pulling up the news was a new type of anxiety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was the longest month of my life, she said. Her stress was so out of control that it started to affect her memory, DAngelo said. She couldnt remember what had happened a day before. With the help of online donations, DAngelo submitted an international student status application in March, which was approved by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in mid-April. Receiving her status while watching more federal changes and mandates come in every day was surreal, she said. And, it all still feels fragile. About a month after she received her status, the U.S. State Department temporarily halted interviews abroad with foreign citizens applying for student visas and expanded scrutiny of applicants social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Survival mode is not over, she said. Even though I have my student status back, Im really not safe. DAngelo is concerned that funding for her program might be cut. She is cautious about what she shares on the social media platform X, as the Trump administration has said that it doesnt want to let in international students who are critical of the country. After spending years studying the patterns of dictatorships, she said that she can sense when politics becomes personal. Its getting very real, she said. Its impossible to fully describe what it was like Recent data shows that almost 8 million Venezuelans have left the country in an exodus, a quarter of the population, in the largest Latin American displacement in recent history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Poetry was a way for her to escape the violence in Caracas, where she lived and studied in her early 20s, and where at least three times she was walking back to her home and passed dead bodies on the street, she said. Its impossible to fully describe what it was like, she said. But thats also something that motivates me. Its part of everything I do. In her poems, DAngelo writes about gender-based harm, using threads from personal experience in a close relationship she had at age 21 with one of her professors, whom she said turned abusive. She compares unemployment, hunger and violence to a chronic illness that corrodes everything. Her work reflects the belief that human beings, inherently political, will do whatever it takes to survive, like humans traversing mountains and crossing borders in pursuit of a better future. Its worth it At a recent book fair at the University of Chicago, DAngelo sat on a panel with other writers from Latin America and talked about her childhood in Lecheria. Her home was paradise, she said, except she loved to read and there were no bookstores. The only one was converted into a clothing store a few months after it opened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hungry for a literary community, she began writing online, she said. She read authors like Octavio Paz and Mexican poet Leticia Cortez and imitated their vivid style, using rich metaphors to explore big themes. Light shone through the window in a perfect square in front of them. Bruises on the skin know nothing of forgiveness / Dried-out wounds only tell one story, she read. In an interview with the Tribune afterward, DAngelo said that most Venezuelans come to Chicago because they are forced out of their homes, seeking physical safety or economic security that they dont have. It seems so unfair that the people who ran away from that are now forced to go back, when they came here looking for safety, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DAngelos second book will come out this month. Her goal is to teach at a university upon graduation, which she is allowed to do under her student status. As a professor, she said she wants to help her students understand that their dreams are valid, no matter where they come from. DAngelos arm is covered with tattoos: a hummingbird, her mothers handwriting, and designs like air and flowers. The Trump administration has used tattoos in combination with other justifications on a checklist to deport migrants, but hers remind her of beauty and home. They give her strength. Vale la pena, reads one in cursive lettering on her left forearm, in English, Its worth it. As the White Houses aggressive offensive against higher education got underway, Columbia University in New York was one of the first schools to embrace a strategy rooted in appeasement. Indeed, in March, Columbia agreed to most of the White Houses demands in the hopes that Donald Trump would restore $400 million in federal funding that the president and his team had cut off. It didnt work. Not only were those hopes soon dashed Columbia didnt get its money back but the Republican administration soon after proposed installing oversight personnel to help run the school in ways that would make the president happy. In effect, the White House responded to Columbias appeasement by trying to take over parts of Columbia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The developments were not lost on other universities Harvard certainly took note before choosing to fight back against Trumps heavy-handed tactics but making matters worse is the fact that the administration wasnt done with Columbia. NBC News reported: The Trump administration said Wednesday that it has notified the accreditor for Columbia University that the school violated federal anti-discrimination laws, threatening the universitys accreditation status by saying it no longer appears to meet the Commissions accreditation standards. According to the administration, the Education Departments Office for Civil Rights and the Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights determined that Columbia violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 in response to pro-Palestinian protests. If the school were to lose its accreditation, Columbia would effectively cease to be able to operate as an institution that can grant degrees. To be clear, the president and his team do not have the legal authority to revoke Columbias accreditation, and in this instance it hasnt actually tried. Rather, the Trump administration wants the universitys accreditor, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, to punish the school based on the administrations alleged findings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This, in and of itself, is a remarkable step: Columbias accreditor is an independent entity. For the administration to intervene like this is a rather radical development that departs from how the system is supposed to work. But theres also the larger set of circumstances to consider: Despite the plain fact that Columbia agreed to most of the White Houses demands months ago, theyre still an administration target. The message, to other schools and other institutions, couldnt be any clearer: Trying to pacify Trump and his team will do little to slow their offensive. For its part, Columbia said in a statement that it is aware of the concerns raised by the U.S. Department of Educations Office for Civil Rights today and that it has addressed those concerns directly with its accreditor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Columbia is deeply committed to combating antisemitism on our campus. We take this issue seriously and are continuing to work with the federal government to address it, it said. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com David Jolly was a Republican member of Congress for a couple of terms, serving his Tampa-area constituents before losing a re-election bid in 2016, narrowly coming up short against Charlie Crist a Republican-turned-Democrat who ended up running for governor. Nearly a decade later, an eerily similar set of circumstances are unfolding: Jolly, like Crist, left the Republican Party. Jolly, like Crist, became a Democrat. And Jolly, like Crist, is now running for governor under his new party banner. NBC News reported: Democrats face a huge uphill climb in 2026 to retake Floridas governorship for the first time in more than two decades, but David Jolly says he is up to the challenge. Jolly, a former Republican congressman who left the party in large part because of his opposition to President Donald Trump, is announcing Thursday that he is running for governor. Though Election Day 2026 is still more than a year away, Jolly is now the first and only high-profile candidate to launch a Democratic statewide bid, though there are other potential candidates whove expressed an interest in the race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Disclosure: Jolly is a former MSNBC political contributor, whos made frequent on-air and online appearances.) By any fair measure, no matter who wins the Democratic nomination in 2026, whether its the former congressman or not, the gubernatorial race is likely to be challenging. While Florida used to be seen as the nations largest and most competitive battleground, the Sunshine State has moved sharply to the right in recent years, solidifying its reputation as a red state, despite having backed Barack Obamas presidential candidacy twice in 2008 and 2012. Indeed, Floridians havent elected a Democratic governor in more than three decades, though the 2018 race was extraordinarily close. But as the contest unfolds, its also worth pausing to note some of the broader political shifts underway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Democratic Party has, to be sure, lost some notable figures in recent months. In Florida, for example, the partys state Senate leader abandoned Democrats in April, and in Kentucky and Texas, other longtime Democratic officials recently became Republicans. Even Karine Jean Pierre, Joe Bidens former White House press secretary, announced this week that shes also left the party, a move that coincided with the release of her new book. But the door isnt swinging entirely in one direction. Illinois Joe Walsh, for example, was elected to Congress in 2010 as a Tea Party Republican, and this week, the former lawmaker, disgusted with the direction of the Trump-era GOP, became a Democrat. Jolly has followed a similar path. In other words, even as Democrats lose some figures, its gaining others most notably some former Republicans looking for a far less radical new home. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Ahead of the Republican presidential nominating contests in Iowa and New Hampshire in 2016, Donald Trump was looking to solidify his position as the likely GOP nominee. To that end, the future president came up with a stunning proposal: As 2015 neared its end, Trump declared his support for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States until such time that he was satisfied that U.S. officials understood what the hell is going on. As regular readers know, it was a bigoted applause line which his base eagerly embraced. It also turned into a campaign promise the Republican was eager to keep. On only his seventh day in the White House, Trump signed a policy that became known as the travel ban, sparking outrage, bureaucratic chaos, family hardships and a series of messy legal fights. On the first day of Joe Bidens term, the then-Democratic president undid his predecessors policy, signing a proclamation titled Ending Discriminatory Bans on Entry to The United States. More than four years later, Trump is not only restoring his old policy, hes also adding to it. NBC News reported: In a return of one of the most controversial policies of his first term, President Donald Trump signed a proclamation Wednesday banning nationals from a dozen countries. ... Nationals of 12 countries will be barred from entering the United States: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. Its difficult to summarize all of the granular details of the White Houses latest move in a blog post Team Trump published relatively detailed overviews online overnight, and NBC News report is thorough but in addition to the aforementioned 12 countries, seven other countries (Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela) will face partial travel restrictions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There will apparently be some exceptions for athletes competing in international events, as well as those whove qualified for Afghan special immigrant visas. The administrations policy is scheduled to take effect shortly after midnight on Monday, but whether the White House will change, overhaul or worsen the strategy between now and then remains to be seen. As the world begins assessing the practical, geopolitical and moral implications of Trumps new but not improved policy, let no one say this is surprising. On the campaign trail ahead of the 2024 election, the Republican boasted about blocking Muslims from entering the country during his first term, telling voters, We didnt want people coming into our country who really love the idea of blowing our country up. Months later, Trump assured the electorate that he intended to restore and expand his original policy. (He vowed this would happen on the first day of his second term, though he missed his own deadline by 135 days.) But the fact that the incumbent president is following through on a misguided promise does not make a bad idea good. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indeed, Democratic Sen. Chris Coons described the White Houses gambit as new Muslim ban in a written statement. President Trumps own statement makes it clear exactly what this new executive order is: the latest attempt to institute his unpopular and immoral Muslim ban which was thrown out time and again by the courts in his first term, the Delaware senator said. Improving our national security should be a bipartisan goal, but fear and bigotry do not keep Americans safe. What this will do instead is cause chaos, inflict pain, and break apart families, just as his prior attempts did. This order should be reversed, and Congress needs to reassert our role by passing laws that make our immigration system secure, effective and humane. To be sure, some of the countries affected by the presidents directive have Muslim populations, but some do not. That said, the White Houses official fact sheet on the policy specifically included this quote from Trump: We will restore the travel ban, some people call it the Trump travel ban, and keep the radical Islamic terrorists out of our country that was upheld by the Supreme Court. There were already some indications that some Muslim-American voters were feeling buyers remorse after having backed Trump last fall. The Republicans latest move probably wont help on this front. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Donald Trumps unhealthy fixation on Joe Biden took a weird turn over the weekend, as the Republican incumbent amplified a social media message that accused the former Democratic president of being a robotic clone after secretly having been executed in 2020. While this didnt reflect well on the current presidents judgment, it did draw some guffaws from observers who marveled at the outlandish absurdities Trump has embraced as part of his hysterical campaign against his immediate predecessor. His latest anti-Biden move, however, was far less amusing. NBC News reported: President Donald Trump on Wednesday directed a wide-ranging investigation into former President Joe Biden and officials in his administration, accusing his aides of using autopen signatures to cover up his cognitive decline and assert presidential power. ... The announcement Wednesday directs the White House counsel and Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate whether anyone conspired to deceive the public about Bidens mental state and unconstitutionally exercise the authorities and responsibilities of the President. The presidential directive to the Justice Department came roughly two weeks after Trump published an item to his social media platform in which he accused officials in the Biden White House of having committed TREASON as part of a secret plot to destroy our Country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biden apparently wasnt pleased with the developments, issuing a statement that described the investigation as a distraction from the Republican agenda. Let me be clear: I made the decisions during my presidency. I made the decisions about the pardons, executive orders, legislation, and proclamations. Any suggestion that I didnt is ridiculous and false, said the Delaware Democrat. There is, of course, a degree of irony to the circumstances. After his defeat in the 2020 election, Trump spent years insisting that Biden had ordered an investigation into him an odd conspiracy theory for which there is literally no evidence. Now, its Trump whos doing exactly what he falsely accused his predecessor of doing. Whats more, its not just the executive branch taking the anti-Biden crusade seriously. House Republicans are ramping up their investigations into the former president House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer has even subpoenaed Bidens personal doctor to testify before Congress as are Republican members of the Senate Judiciary Committee. The broader question is why the party has launched this crusade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To be sure, there are plenty of possible explanations. Ive seen some suggest that Republicans are engaged in an elaborate act of performative cruelty against a partisan foe as he combats an aggressive form of cancer. Others have argued that the relentless GOP efforts against Biden are designed to keep an unpopular former president in the news, distracting attention from the current presidents controversies, while keeping Democratic officials and candidates off balance. But its against this backdrop that some of Bidens most antagonistic foes have already made their motivations clear. Just hours before Trump signed his new anti-Biden directives, for example, Comer was quite candid during an appearance on Fox Business. If these executive orders were just done and authorized by staff, and Joe Bidens signature was forged on the autopen as some would believe, then I think the Trump administration is gonna have a pretty good standing in court to get rid of a lot of these executive orders, the Kentucky Republican told viewers. Similarly, the Justice Departments Ed Martin, the Trump-appointed pardon attorney, declared this week that hes investigating Bidens clemency actions, which followed the incumbent presidents recent statement that hes voiding at least some of Bidens pardons because, according to Trumps conspiracy theory, Biden wasnt competent enough to sign or even understand them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With this in mind, the endgame is coming into focus: Trump and his party want to invalidate parts of Bidens presidency, clearing the way for, among other things, new partisan investigations into those whom Biden protected, further empowering the incumbent in the process. Will any of this work? What will the courts say? Will there be a public backlash against Republicans for focusing so much energy into investigating the past instead of preparing for the future? Will the Justice Department start indicting Democrats to satisfy the incumbent presidents political demands? Watch this space. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Three months into his odd tenure as the FBIs deputy director, Dan Bongino doesnt appear to be enjoying his work at the bureau. The former right-wing provocateur and podcaster nevertheless remains at his post, and made some curious comments about the FBIs work during his Wednesday night interview with Fox News Sean Hannity. Bongino: If you are a corrupt politician out there we are going to find you pic.twitter.com/DiCmpUL89G Acyn (@Acyn) June 5, 2025 When the host asked about a specific ongoing matter, Bongino had the sense to avoid answering directly, which obviously would've been inappropriate given his position. That said, the guest did appear eager to comment on the FBIs approach to allegations of public corruption. He told viewers: I want to say this: You know, the FBI obviously has the public corruption portfolio and yes, if you are a corrupt politician out there, if you are engaged in behavior you know what youre doing were going to find you. I promise. No one is going to get off. The days of selecting and putting your, you know, partisan bias on and taking care of your friends. Those days are over. You know what, Sean? I dont have any friends. I dont want any friends. ... I didnt come here to make friends. I dont give a damn about friends. I dont have any friends. I dont want any friends. Bongino went on to say that politicians who are screwing around should know: Were coming for you. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He did not appear to be kidding. Theres no shortage of problems with this, but lets quickly review some of the most glaring. First, if Bongino is looking for evidence of politicians engaging in corruption, I might recommend he turn his attention to the president who appointed him to his current position. MSNBCs Chris Hayes, for example, recently commented on Donald Trumps meme coin gambit, describing it as the most brazen act of corruption by a president in our lifetimes, probably in a century, possibly ever. This was hardly an isolated incident. The incumbent presidents second term has been filled with countless examples of alleged corruption, prompting The New York Times to note in an analysis published last week that Trump and his family have monetized the White House more than any other occupant, normalizing activities that once would have provoked heavy blowback and official investigations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Second, the idea that those politicians accused of public corruption wont get away with it, because the days of doing partisan favors for allies is over, is plainly at odds with everything we know about reality. In fact, Trump has cultivated an indefensible record of handing out presidential pardons like party favors to Republicans convicted of public corruption not because they were innocent, but because Trump saw them as partisan and ideological allies. When Bongino told corrupt politicians, Were coming for you, he neglected to add the next part of the sentence: Were coming for you, because the sitting president has a get-out-of-jail free card hes eager to put in your hands. But just as notably, the FBIs deputy director made it sound as if the bureau has a robust system in place to identify, investigate and hold accountable those accused of corruption. That certainly used to be true, but its not anymore. Whether Bongino understands this or not, NBC News reported this week, For decades, the FBI and the Justice Department have been the main enforcers of laws against political corruption and white-collar fraud in the United States. In four months, the Trump administration has dismantled key parts of that law enforcement infrastructure, creating what experts say is the ripest environment for corruption by public officials and business executives in a generation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The evidence to bolster the thesis is overwhelming. It was just a few weeks ago, for example, when the FBI shut down its squad that handles investigations into members of Congress and fraud by federal employees. It was part of a breathtaking recent pattern: The Trump administration has never explicitly said that its tolerant of corruption, but given the circumstances, it didn't really have to. As for Bongino, we're left with the question of whether the FBI deputy director was simply unaware of current events or whether he was hoping those who watched the interview were unaware of current events. This post updates our related earlier coverage. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Detectives investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann have left empty-handed after a three-day search near where she went missing 18 years ago. Officers from Portugals Policia Judiciaria, under the direction of German authorities, scoured 120 acres of gorse scrubland east of Praia da Luz for any trace of the three-year-olds remains. A team of 60 police officers, a JCB-style digger and ground penetrating radar (GPR) devices, all at an estimated cost of 300,000, were deployed in the hope of bringing closure to the infamous missing persons case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By the time the detectives packed up their tents at 5pm on Thursday, the sum total of their findings were a handful of animal bones, decayed adult clothes and some soil. And even then, The Telegraph was told that these samples would not be sent back to Germany for further examination. Not very well, said one police officer when asked how the search was going, hours before the digging stopped for the last time. We were criticised for not doing our job 20 years ago. Beyond that, I cant say anything, he told The Telegraph before walking back to his colleagues, shovel in hand. The new search area encompassed 20 plots of private land in the small region of Atalaia and is dotted with derelict farmhouses, disused wells, and abandoned buildings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It sits less than a mile away from the former home of Christian Brueckner, a convicted paedophile and the main suspect in Madeleines disappearance in May 2007. Brueckner has denied his involvement and so far has not faced any charges in connection with the McCann case. Teams of officers used shovels and later diggers to excavate the ground floors of abandoned buildings and then scan the earth below with radar devices. Some questioned whether this short-lived search was based on fresh intelligence unearthed by detectives or whether it was more random and speculative than that. The answer remains unclear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It marks what could be the last roll of the dice in the detectives bid to find answers and crucial evidence relating to Madeleines disappearance. By the time the detectives left on Thursday, the sum total of their findings were some animal bones, decayed adult clothes and soil - James Manning/PA Brueckner is due to walk out of Germanys Sehnde prison in three months time after serving seven-year-prison sentence for raping an elderly American woman in Praia da Luz in 2005, only two years before Madeleine went missing. Prosecutors view this window as the last possible opportunity to find the crucial bit of evidence needed to charge Brueckner before he absconds abroad and is likely never to be seen again. He was first named as a suspect in the case in 2020, when prosecutors in Germany claimed to have compelling evidence linking him to Madeleines abduction and murder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the exact nature of that potentially damning evidence has never been divulged. Hans Christian Wolters, the German prosecutor leading the investigation, has repeatedly refused to disclose what has prompted the search. German officials have repeatedly refused to disclose what has prompted the renewed search for Madeleine McCanns remains - Chris Helgren/Reuters In the search site, the roar of chainsaws and hedge trimmers filled the air as they started clearing the shrub from the ruins of abandoned villas in the 73F (23C) heat on Tuesday morning. Their efforts were closely monitored by a throng of international journalists and press photographers with long lenses who clambered through the thorny undergrowth for a closer look. Dirt tracks heading north were cordoned off with police tape to deter the hundreds of tourists walking along the coastal trail that runs parallel to the search sites. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers were sent in small teams of two or three to sift through the rubble and pack containers with soil to be taken away for further analysis. However, the Telegraph were told the samples werent going to be sent back to Germany in yet another blow to the police investigation. At one property a team of half a dozen firefighters worked to dredge a disused well. The following day, a JCB digger was deployed to excavate the ruins along with a ground-penetrating radar (GPR) device, capable of mapping underground terrain to a depth of approximately 33ft (10 metres) and identifying anomalies. Detectives hoped the GPR may locate the crucial piece of evidence needed to formally charge Breuckner without damaging it in the process. Detectives deployed ground-penetrating radar, capable of mapping underground terrain to a depth of approximately 33ft - Paul Grover Robert Green, a Professor of Forensic Science at the University of Kent, who led a programme for the Home Office setting out a national cold case strategy, explained its benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said: Ground penetrating radar has proven to be an invaluable asset in forensic investigations, especially in locating buried bodies or remains. Its significant advantages enable the investigators to scan the area and generate real-time feedback, producing detailed images of subsurface anomalies that could represent potential clues, such as disturbed soil or voids that may suggest the presence of a body. In this manner, GPR effectively serves as the investigators eyes, unveiling hidden depths without causing disruption. However, the devices, also used in an earlier search in Praia Da Luz in 2014, do have their drawbacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It takes an expert eye to be able to analyse the mapping data and discern between a natural feature such as a tree root or a piece of bone. The radar may also struggle to pick out particularly small pieces of evidence such as a tiny piece of fabric. Signals may return weakly due to highly conductive materials like clay. But for the detectives, their hopes that the GPR would be their saviour in the search for crucial evidence appeared futile after three days. The search concluded at approximately 5pm on Thursday afternoon. The team took down their tents, packed away their tools and drove away from the sites. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The international team of Portuguese and German officers were seen shaking hands and applauding one another. One officer celebrated the end of the search by passing a crate of Augustiner, a German beer, to his colleagues. On Thursday evening, detectives packed up and left the site after yet another fruitless search - Paul Grover Professor Green had recommended that the Portuguese have on board an anthropologist or archaeologist and questioned the heavy-handed tactic of using JCB diggers. The GPR will highlight the possibility of underground anomalies, and employing heavy excavation equipment may have proven counterproductive, he said. Approximately a mile away in the village of Sitio das Lajes on the outskirts of Lagos is Brueckners old home, where he had lived intermittently since 1992. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the Telegraph visited the rundown cottage, it was boarded up with three cameras set up over the entrance with no signs of life. An algae-infested well filled with frogs sits a few yards away from the front door. Teun Koke, a Dutch father on holiday with his wife and six-month-old child at an Airbnb rental next door, said: When you read those stories, you think about your own children, but it didnt put me off bringing my family here It was a long time ago. We hope they find something that will solve that case, of course, its a terrible situation. But for now, the 18-year wait for answers goes on. 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. Maine has the fifth-highest rate of emergency department visits in the country, which hospital officials say could get worse with cuts to Medicaid and further contraction of services. Hospitals in the state saw 555 emergency department visits per 1,000 people in 2023, according to recent data from the American Hospital Association analyzed by KFF. The only states with higher rates were West Virginia with a rate of 596 per 1,000 people, North Dakota with a rate of 591, Louisiana with a rate of 589 and Mississippi with a rate of 567. Nevada had the lowest rate of 226, followed by Alaska at 258 and Arizona at 281 visits per 1,000 residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Steven Michaud, president of the Maine Hospital Association, said Maine has had a high rate of emergency department visits for decades, which he said is largely because it is one of the most rural states and has limited access to primary care doctors, which can drive Mainers to the emergency department if they cant get timely access to primary care. A lot of it is not an emergency, he said. They're using it as their primary care, which you just don't want to do because it's inefficient, it's expensive and all that. While the trend is not new, this all comes at a time when Maine hospitals are merging, reducing services and even closing. Northern Light Inland Hospital in Waterville stopped its services on May 27. A California-based nonprofit announced plans to take over three hospitals through its purchase of Central Maine Healthcare. Northern Light Health reported a $156 million loss last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mount Desert Island Hospital announced it would close its birthing unit in July. MaineGeneral planned to end its pediatric psychological services last month. And on May 29, two Aroostook County hospitals said they would merge their management for a year to remain viable. Michaud said these are unprecedented times, and that these closures are happening across the state, even in smaller communities where they dont grab as much attention. For example, he said Penobscot Valley Hospital also had to end behavioral health services due to financial losses and paused payments after lawmakers failed to initially pass the supplemental budget. All these closures may not be the primary driver of the trend of emergency visits, but theyre definitely a factor, he said. What happens when people get into a behavioral health crisis? Where do they go? The emergency departments, Michaud said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hospitals have tried to address the issue by creating walk-in clinics, he said, but that requires additional staff. Dr. Jay Mullen, CEO of BlueWater Health and a practicing emergency physician with experience in hospitals around the state, agreed with Michaud that the highest use of emergency departments is in the most rural areas where access to primary care, dental care and urgent care services are the most limited. He added that Maine has a higher proportion of older adults and people with chronic conditions, which can contribute to emergency department visits. High use of emergency departments can strain resources, leading to longer wait times and potentially delayed care, Mullen said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For patients, this can mean fragmented care and less continuity, especially when (emergency department) visits are used in place of primary care, he said. However, its important to note that (emergency departments) in Maine are doing their best to meet these needs often serving as the only accessible point of care for vulnerable populations. And in some communities, Mullen said there can be benefits. High rates of emergency department visits can actually be a financial stabilizer for rural hospitals by providing critical revenue to support broader hospital operations. Rural (emergency departments) operate with high fixed costs staffing, infrastructure, and compliance requirements remain constant regardless of patient volume, he said. When visit volumes are low, these fixed costs are spread across fewer encounters, making each visit disproportionately expensive. But when volume increases, even modestly, it helps offset those fixed costs and improves the financial viability of the department. Both Mullen and Michaud said another factor contributing to high rates of ED visits is that many Mainers have coverage from MaineCare, the states version of Medicaid. Nearly a third of all Mainers were enrolled in MaineCare last year, including two-thirds of nursing home residents and half of all children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This isnt limited to rural areas, Mullen said. Urban areas with a lot of people on MaineCare also see higher rates of emergency department visits, suggesting that both geographic and socioeconomic factors are at play. People on MaineCare often struggle to find primary care providers who will accept them due to low reimbursement rates, Michaud said. As a result, they might end up in the emergency department. Michaud said expected federal cuts to Medicaid will only make this worse: Any time you reduce coverage, you exacerbate this. U.S. House Republicans narrowly forwarded a bill last week that would reduce Medicaid spending by at least $600 billion dollars over 10 years and is expected to reduce enrollment by about 10 million Americans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another factor impacting emergency department visits is that Maine sees high numbers of visitors, many of whom dont have doctors, so hospitals in destination towns along the coast often see surges in the summer, Michaud said. While Maines rural nature may explain its high ranking for emergency department visits per capita, there were some rural states that had low rates. In particular, Michaud said he was surprised to see Alaska among the lowest rates. And Massachusetts, which has near-universal healthcare, still had the 14th highest rate of emergency department visits. Michaud said there are many factors that contribute to these trends and its difficult to tell what might explain each states ranking. It might be that some states have robust public health networks, unlike Maine, which has only two city public health departments in Portland and Bangor. Hospitals in Maine serve as the public health infrastructure, he said. Jun. 5AUGUSTA Maine hotel rooms may no longer be stocked with small bottles of shampoo, conditioner and other toiletries if a proposal before lawmakers to ban the miniature plastic bottles gets enacted. A bill advancing in the Maine Legislature would prohibit most hotels, short-term rentals and other guest accommodations from using the single-use plastic containers for health and beauty products, including shampoo, conditioner, body wash and lotion. The ban would apply to containers less than 6 oz. in size. Locations with 12 or fewer units would be exempt. Lodging establishments would have plenty of time to comply as the ban would not take effect for lodgings with 50 or more units until Jan. 1, 2030, and Jan. 1, 2032, for locations with 13 to 49 units. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The House of Representatives voted 72-70 and the Senate voted 17-15 this week to advance the bill, LD 1928. It faces additional votes in each chamber before it could be sent to Gov. Janet Mills for her consideration. Spokespeople for Mills' did not respond Thursday to a question about whether she supports the legislation. Similar bans have been passed by at least four other states: California, New York, Illinois and Washington. Rep. Lori Gramlich, D-Old Orchard Beach, the bill's sponsor, told lawmakers on the Legislature's Environment and Natural Resources Committee last month that it represents a "critical and timely step forward in Maine's efforts to reduce plastic waste, protect our environment and encourage sustainable practices across the hospitality industry." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This legislation is not just about eliminating small plastic bottles it's about embracing a future where businesses contribute positively to the environment and operate with sustainability in mind," Gramlich said in written testimony. Lawmakers opposed to the bill said during a floor debate in the House Wednesday that it would be a burden for businesses and would disadvantage the hospitality industry by creating more inconvenience for visitors. "Tourists expect convenience and accessibility," said Rep. Mike Soboleski, R-Phillips. "If Maine businesses are forced to eliminate single-use options, visitors may choose accommodations in neighboring states that do not impose such restrictions. This bill risks harming Maine's tourism industry." Soboleski said the smaller bottles are also more sanitary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I am not comfortable using a big bottle that's a share-type bottle, regardless of what the intent of it is," he said. "I prefer the little, easy, clean, efficient ones, and believe most people do." Rep. Vicki Doudera, D-Camden, said the ban would be a financial benefit for businesses, who would save money with the switch to bulk or reusable containers, as well as an environmental benefit. "You might say, 'It's just a few plastic bottles. What difference does that make?'" Doudera said. "A conservative estimate is that this bill could eliminate as many as 73 million single-use plastic bottles per year from Maine's waste stream. ... That is meaningful action." Enforcement of the ban would be the responsibility of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, which said in written testimony that it would plan to treat the ban as a "complaint-based program" similar to how it enforces the state's ban on single-use plastic bags by retailers. The department said it was neither for nor against the bill, but that it supported the goal of reducing plastic waste. Copy the Story Link Jun. 5AUGUSTA Republicans and gun rights groups are ramping up pressure on Democrats to hold a public hearing on a so-called red flag proposal that's headed for a statewide vote in November. Republican lawmakers are accusing the Democrats of violating state law by refusing to hold the hearing because they believe it will undermine their campaign to pass the law. Democrats, who control both chambers and the committees that conduct public hearings, have said they don't need to hold a hearing because the question will be decided by voters. If approved by voters, the citizens initiative would make it easier for family members to have firearms temporarily taken away from people who are in crisis and may pose a danger to themselves or others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tensions over the call for a public hearing escalated during a late-night session in the Senate Thursday in which Republicans tried to force the issue through a series of floor votes. The votes fell along party lines with Republicans voting to move forward with a series of motions aimed at forcing action on a public hearing while Democrats voted against them. Senate President Mattie Daughtry, D-Brunswick, shot down the first effort put forward by Senate Minority Leader Trey Stewart, R-Presque Isle, saying his motion wasn't "properly before the body" and that it was asking lawmakers to take an "unnecessary vote" on whether to have a hearing. Daughtry also rejected the motion on grounds the bill associated with the issue is still in possession of the Judiciary Committee, and Democrats in the Senate backed up her reasoning when Stewart tried to appeal it. Republicans expressed frustration with the lack of a hearing during the 40-minute debate, while Democrats did not speak to the issue. Sen. Sue Bernard, R-Caribou, said she hoped that Daughtry's comments that the bill is still with the committee would indicate it may still hold a hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I hope we can have hope in that that this bill is still alive and something may happen and we're not going to walk away and be duped," Bernard said. Earlier in the day, the National Rifle Association said that it will join a planned lawsuit over Democrats' refusal to hold a public hearing. Republicans also called for the hearing at a news conference Thursday morning. "It doesn't matter how you break this one down," Stewart said. "There needs to be a hearing. It's abundantly clear they're in violation of Maine law. Once again, (we're) giving them an opportunity to do the right things here. But if by today that is not the case (and) that has not yet happened, you're going to see a flurry of orders put forward by Republicans in the Senate." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gun safety groups collected signatures to force a fall referendum on the red flag law, which would allow family members to directly petition a court to temporarily confiscate firearms. Maine currently has what is known as a yellow flag law, which was negotiated by Gov. Janet Mills, gun rights groups and gun safety groups. It can only be initiated by police and requires a mental health evaluation before a court petition can be filed to confiscate a person's firearms. A state law requires that a public hearing be held on statewide referendum questions, unless that hearing is waived by a two-thirds vote of the Legislature. And hearings have been routinely held for other referendum questions, including a recent hearing on a referendum to enact a voter ID requirement and additional restrictions on absentee voting. Lawmakers have three options when receiving a qualified citizens initiative: Enact it without changes, send it to voters, or send it to voters with a competing measure. Democrats have made clear this initiative will be sent to voters without an effort to pass it in the Legislature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Anne Carney, D-Cape Elizabeth, who co-chairs the Judiciary Committee, said she believes a state law requiring a hearing conflicts with the state Constitution, which doesn't mention the need for a public hearing. And since lawmakers have signaled they don't plan to enact the proposal, a hearing isn't necessary. Carney also noted last week that a hearing on a similar red flag proposal was held last session. But opponents of the referendum are clamoring for a hearing. The Sportsmen's Alliance of Maine issued an action alert this week, arguing that Democrats don't want to hold a hearing because it will highlight opposition, including from Gov. Janet Mills and other Democratic lawmakers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mills came out against a red flag bill proposed last session, but the bill was never brought forward for a floor vote after an hourslong public hearing that drew a divided crowd. "Under Maine law, all ballot initiatives MUST receive a public hearing before going to the Maine voters," SAM's alert states. "But Judiciary Chairs and Maine Gun Safety Coalition allies are blocking that hearing. Why? "Because Michael Bloomberg and the progressive gun-control lobby know it could END their campaign. This is because a massive bipartisan coalition of Mainers, including Governor Janet Mills, law enforcement and lawmakers, will discuss the dangerous and potentially deadly realities of this extreme law." Aides for Mills did not respond Thursday to a question about whether Mills would personally testify before the committee, which would be a rare and dramatic moment, or if her administration would testify on her behalf, which usually occurs. Staff Writer Rachel Ohm contributed to this report. Copy the Story Link BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) A suspected drug dealer who was stopped for speeding was found guilty on Wednesday for trafficking in methamphetamine more than 200 grams. According to a news release, Circuit Court Judge Brantley Clark sentenced Marcus Arnold. He was on probation for felony domestic violence by strangulation at the time of the offense, to 20 years in prison. Prosecutor Frank Sullivan said 15 years is the minimum mandatory under Floridas enhanced drug trafficking laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jurors deliberated for about 30 minutes. DOH-Bay County lifts advisory as water quality improves at parks Sullivan called a witness and put on evidence showing that the defendant was under surveillance by the Bay County Sheriffs deputies on April 6, 2022, officials wrote. The arrest kept 8.5 ounces of methamphetamine off our streets, Sullivan said. Officials said the driver of the car he was a passenger in was pulled over for speeding near Lake Drive and S. Tyndall Parkway. Investigator Doug Cummings said he deployed his K-9 Fila for a free air sniff around the car. Fila was alerted to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A probable cause search uncovered nine clear baggies of methamphetamine inside a grocery bag behind the drivers seat. As a result, the defendant claimed ownership of the contents of the bag. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CHELSEA, Manhattan (PIX11) Police are searching for answers after a 21-year-old man was shot to death in front of his Chelsea home on Wednesday, according to the NYPD. It happened on West 17th Street around 9:20 p.m. Police said the victim, identified as Raqiese Cohen, was found with a gunshot wound to his neck. More Local News Cohen was taken to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries and died, according to authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No arrests have been made. 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. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. COLUMBUS, Ga (WRBL) The man accused in a fatal shooting Monday in an American legion parking lot appeared in recorders court Wednesday. Nathaniel Gordon Jr., 44, is charged with murder, possession of firearm during the commission of a crime and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Gordon is accused of murdering Berry Benton ,37. Gordon appeared in front of chief recorders court Judge David Ranieri and pleaded not guilty to all chargers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Testimony was not heard as Gordon waived his preliminary hearing, but that did not stop the victims father from speaking out. He says he wants the charges dropped. It couldve have been the other way. My son couldve killed him. My son go into a better place right now. I dont have any animosity about and when it comes time for the family to put money on the books I will be contributing too. I dont have anything against him. Claude Benton, father of the victim. Claude Benton, father of the victim Judge Ranieri bound the charges over to superior court and is being held without bond on all 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 WRBL. An 18-year-old man accused of causing a crash that killed a 15-year-old boy while running from police is now facing charges. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Montgomery County Prosecutor Mat Heck said Dominick Parlett, 18, of New Lebanon, was indicted on the following charges on Wednesday: One count of Aggravated Vehicular Homicide One count of Involuntary Manslaughter Three counts of Failure to Comply One count of Receiving Stolen Property motor vehicle Two counts of Vehicular Assault Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crash occurred at the intersection of Little Richmond Road and North Snyder Road on Nov. 19, 2024, after multiple police chases. Moraine police initially spotted a Ford Escape that had been stolen from Fairborn earlier that day. TRENDING STORIES: The officer attached a tracker device to the SUV and tried to stop it, but Parlett drove away. >>RELATED: Police use GPS device to follow stolen car; multiple teens injured after it crashes Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heck said the officer canceled the chase due to the dangerous driving of the defendant. Less than 10 minutes later, Miamisburg police spotted the same SUV and tried to stop it. However, the car took off again, and officers stopped the pursuit due to high speeds. Montgomery County Sheriffs deputies spotted the SUV a short time later in Jefferson Township and tried to pull it over. Parlett drove away from deputies and got it into the City of Trotwood before crashing. Parlett allegedly ran away from the scene of the crash, but was eventually arrested after a short chase. 15-year-old Jaden McClaskey was inside the SUV during the pursuits and crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was critically injured and died from his injuries two days later, according to Heck. Another juvenile inside the car was injured but survived. Days before the crash, Parlett was arrested for receiving stolen property after crashing a different stolen car, according to Heck. Montgomery County Jail records show that Parlett was booked into jail around 5 p.m. on Wednesday. Once again we see the tragic consequences that can happen when defendants flee from traffic stops. Pursuits are dangerous, not only to other drivers, but also the law enforcement officers and even to those fleeing. We need to put an end to this reckless behavior and there should be significant consequences for those who flee and fail to comply, Heck said. Authorities are investigating after a serious crash on Little Richmond Road in Trotwood. Authorities are investigating after a serious crash on Little Richmond Road in Trotwood. Authorities are investigating after a serious crash on Little Richmond Road in Trotwood. Authorities are investigating after a serious crash on Little Richmond Road in Trotwood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities are investigating after a serious crash on Little Richmond Road in Trotwood. Authorities are investigating after a serious crash on Little Richmond Road in Trotwood. Authorities are investigating after a serious crash on Little Richmond Road in Trotwood. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] VALLEJO, Calif. (KRON) A man was apprehended in San Francisco 10 days after he allegedly killed two people at a large Vallejo homeless encampment. Eddie Charles Sample, 45, of Vallejo, went on the run following a May 26 double homicide, investigators said. Police said three victims were shot, including two men who died at the scene from gunshot wounds. Vallejo Police Department detectives identified Sample as the prime suspect. On June 4, the U.S. Marshals Service conducted a successful operation on the unit block of Cravath Street in San Francisco. As a result of the operation, Sample was apprehended. Sample was subsequently booked into the Solano County Jail for murder, VPD wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the double homicide victims, 44-year-old Billy Hinkle, had lived at the encampment near Sacramento Street and Austin Creek with his wife for several years. Vallejo homicide victim Billy Hinkle In the days leading up to the killings, a man lingered around the encampment, taunted people with a gun, and fired his gun toward mobile homes, sources told KRON4. Hinkle and his friend confronted the man over safety concerns, Hinkles family members said. The man responded by shooting both of them, family members said. Officers with the Vallejo Police Department, Solano County Sheriffs Office, Napa Police Department, and California Highway Patrol Air Unit swarmed the scene. Patrol officers located three adult males, all suffering from at least one gunshot wound. When medical personnel arrived, they pronounced two of the male victims deceased at the scene, VPD wrote. Hinkles widow said he was shot in the head. She said she regrets that they were never able to land back on their feet, and off the streets, together, before Hinkle was violently killed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So many days, and months, and years, were just wasted. We told our sons, you know, give mom and dad one year to get our s**t together, OK? And, its been going on 10 years, the widow told KRON4. Vallejo homicide victim Billy Hinkle Law enforcement officials have not released the second homicide victims name. While Sample was still at-large, Vallejo police obtained an arrest warrant and asked the U.S. Marshals Service for help to capture him due to public safety concerns, police said. He was found and arrested at 55 Cravath Street in San Francisco, Solano County jail inmate records show. Sample was booked into jail for two counts of murder, violating his parole, and evading police. As of Thursday morning, the felon was being held behind bars without bail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. A man was arrested in conjunction with a Galesburg homicide investigation. On April 15, the Galesburg Police Department responded to the 100 block of N. Prairie St. in reference to an unresponsive person. The victim was identified as a 49-year-old woman, pronounced dead at the scene. Gerald Fry Jr. (Galesburg Police Department) According to a release, the investigation led to an arrest warrant on charges of 1st degree murder for Gerald Fry Jr., 56. On June 4 at approximately 8:30 a.m., the Galesburg Police Department arrested Fry. Fry was transported to Knox County Jail, where he is currently incarcerated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Galesburg Police Department was assisted by the Illinois State Police Crime Scene Unit and the Knox County States Attorneys Office. The investigation is ongoing. The Galesburg Police Department asks that anyone with information to call 309-343-9151 or the Galesburg Area Crime Stoppers at 309-344-0044. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. WEST JORDAN, Utah (ABC4) A Salt Lake man has been arrested and charged with threatening an employee with a knife after not being allowed to sample hot sauce. Chad Dell McEwan, 59, has been charged with felony aggravated assault by the Salt Lake County District Attorneys Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Suspect hides in trap door during SWAT raid in Murray According to documents, on June 3, a West Jordan Police officer responded to a report of a man with a knife near 7000 S Redwood Road in West Jordan. An employee at a business in the area said that he had been threatened by McEwan. The employee told the officer that McEwan had entered the business and asked for a cup of water. He was given a cup of water by employees, and McEwan then asked if he could sample a bottle of hot sauce. The employee told him it was for customers only, and McEwan began yelling, police say. The employee asked McEwan to leave because he was upset and yelling, and escorted him out of the business. When they were outside, McEwan allegedly turned around, grabbed a knife and began pointing it at the employee, saying, Whats up b? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 24-year-old pleads guilty to chasing down, killing 17-year-old victim in Cedar City McEwan saw the employee pull out his phone and begin recording him, at which point he put the knife in his back pocket and began walking away. The officer saw this video and noted that the knife could be seen sticking out of the pocket, documents say. The police officer made contact with McEwan and arrested him. According to police, he admitted to the incident and said he pulled out the knife to defend himself. He has been booked into the Salt Lake County jail, but he is being held on warrants not related to this case. Due to a criminal history in Utah, Nevada, New Mexico and Ohio, the District Attorneys Office requested a $5,000 warrant in the case that he is summoned elsewhere for court dates. 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. ANTIOCH, Tenn. (WKRN) A man faces several felony charges after he allegedly threatened to kill a detective following an assault that left a woman seriously injured in Antioch, officials said. According to arrest documents, officers with the Metro Nashville Police Department were sent to a Burger King in the 5300 block of Hickory Hollow Pike on Wednesday, June 4 after a woman called police to report that she had been assaulted. Metro Nashvilles top Most Wanted fugitive arrested for involvement in 2021 shooting death of 16-year-old girl Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When police arrived, the woman reportedly appeared disoriented and confused. Officials said she was able to identify the suspect as Michael Barnett, adding that he had facial tattoos, but suffered from a seizure before she could provide any additional information. The woman was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where she remains in critical condition, per court documents. Shortly after responding to the Burger King, authorities reported an employee at Southeast Public Library called police after overhearing a man talking about threatening and beating his girlfriend. While at the library, officers said they found 42-year-old Michael Barnett, who matched the description provided by the victim. Surveillance video from a neighboring business along Hickory Hollow Lane reportedly showed Barnett assaulting the woman before running away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee During an interview with a detective, Barnett allegedly threatened to burn down the detectives house and stated he would hire someone to kill the detective. In addition, officials said he was aware of the victims head injury and stated, Im going to kill her next time I see her. Barnett was charged attempted criminal homicide, being a fugitive from justice and retaliation for past action. He is being held in Metro Jail on a $350,000 bond. According to an arrest report, Barnett had an active NCIC hit from Mississippi for a full extradition warrant. The Mississippi Department of Corrections confirmed they would extradite the 42-year-old. 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. Editors note: The above video aired on May 25, 2025. THE BRONX, N.Y. (PIX11) One of the men accused of beating and robbing an NYPD officer is facing attempted murder charges, police said. Wayne Lucas, 23, was charged Thursday with attempted murder of a police officer, attempted robbery, attempted aggravated assault of a police officer, and attempted criminal possession of a weapon, according to the NYPD. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lucas was taken into custody in Virginia last week. His arraignment was pending on Thursday. Lucass accomplice, Taveon Hargrove, 23, was also arrested in Virginia last week but has still not been extradited to New York City, so he has not been charged yet, police said. Police said the suspects allegedly put a knife up to Officer Nafees Chowdhurys throat and stole his gun, iPhone, and wallet on St. Peters Avenue at around 4 a.m. on May 24. The 27-year-old officer had just finished an overnight shift and was heading home. Surveillance footage shows Chowdhury, still in uniform, walking at 4:08 a.m. right before being attacked by two masked suspects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chowdhury was critically injured after Hargrove allegedly stomped on his head, prosecutors said. The cop suffered head trauma, fractures to his left orbital bone and right cheekbone. The defendants allegedly approached the victim to rob him, pushed him to the ground, and when they saw his uniform, they allegedly punched him and stomped on his head. (The officers) face bore a sneaker printevidence of the defendants blatant disregard for a human being, Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark said. Chowdhury, who has been a cop for eight months, was released from the hospital last week to a standing ovation from fellow cops and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch. Come for one of us & youll have the full force of the NYPD coming for you, Tisch said in a post on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The defendants fled to Virginia after the attack. Hargroves father, Jeffery Hargrove, is accused of using the cops stolen credit card, authorities said. The officers brother-in-law, Gazi Hasan, said the family is devastated. The family is shocked about the situation, he said. Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Mira Wassef is a digital reporter who has covered news and sports in the NYC area for more than a decade. She has been with PIX11 News for two years. See more of her work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Cook County judge on Wednesday released a Rolling Meadows man on electronic monitoring while he awaits court proceedings after he was charged with reckless homicide for striking a car and killing a 14-year-old passenger in the West Ridge neighborhood in January. Judge Ankur Srivastava denied the states petition to detain 25-year-old William Andrade pending trial and placed him on electronic monitoring with set hours of movement allowed for work. Andrade was arrested in West Ridge on Monday, authorities said. Prosecutors alleged Andrade was behind the wheel of a 2013 Ford Fiesta that blew through a stop sign at the intersection of North Albany and West Rosemont avenues around 12:16 a.m. on Jan. 30. Andrades vehicle, traveling at a high rate of speed, struck a 2024 Acura with four people inside, two adults in the front and two teenagers in the back, according to Assistant States Attorney Mike Pekara. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emergency services were called and Andrade stayed on the scene, admitting to officers to driving, speeding and not stopping at the stop sign, Pekara said. Andrade had just left work shortly before the crash and was also going to give a co-worker a ride home, Pekara said. The driver of the Acura sustained a fractured rib and a leg injury, and the front-seat passenger suffered a knee fracture. The injured 14-year-old boy in the rear seat, identified as Danial Dadako, was taken to St. Francis Hospital in Evanston and then transferred to Lurie Childrens Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on Feb. 2. The accident scene was just four blocks from the teens West Ridge home. Andrades defense attorney argued that their client did not need to be detained because he didnt pose a risk to the community, specifically because he complied with officers on the scene after the crash and was cooperative even when officers arrested him on Monday. The attorney also pointed out that neither drugs nor alcohol were found in Andrades system, citing blood and urine samples. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Srivastava said the fatal crash was unbelievably horrific, but added that Andrade would live with this tragedy and should be allowed to continue contributing to society while under the courts supervision. Nothing is going to bring this child back, Srivastava said. The judge also barred Andrade from driving anywhere aside from work. He is scheduled to return to court June 24. GLENVILLE, W.Va. (WBOY) Two people were charged after a fight that ended in a stabbing outside a residence hall at Glenville State University last month. On May 11, troopers with the West Virginia State Police were called to a reported stabbing at Goodwin Hall on Glenville State Universitys campus in Glenville, according to a criminal complaint obtained by 12 News on June 5. From witness statements, law enforcement learned that two people, one of which was Tyler Anderson, 22 of Charleston, WV, had gotten into a fight outside Goodwin Hall after Anderson told the other person that he wanted to fight him, the complaint said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the complaint, a witness could see a knife in Mr. Andersons hand during the altercation, and after the fight, blood could be seen on the victim. Man charged after allegedly shooting victim in head in Barbour County One witness said that Anderson went over to a storm drain and disposed of the knife before troopers arrived, and troopers located the knife inside of said storm drain, the complaint said. Anderson was taken to Mini Hamilton Hospital in Calhoun County for treatment, and the victim was transported to Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital in Weston. Both men were charged with misdemeanor battery, and Anderson was also charged with felony malicious assault. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NELSON COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56) Almost a week after a guilty verdict was read in the first of two trials concerning the disappearance of Crystal Rogers, the man convicted has moved for acquittal or a new trial. On the fourth day of the trial, the jury found Steven Lawson guilty of conspiracy to commit murder and tampering with physical evidence. The jury recommended a concurrent 17-year sentence, and final sentencing was scheduled for 3 p.m. on Aug. 6. LATEST ON CRYSTAL ROGERS CASE: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawson was one of three people accused in the Bardstown mothers presumed death. Rogers was last seen on July 3, 2015, and her mother reported her missing two days later after her vehicle was found at mile marker 14 on the Bluegrass Parkway. She has since been presumed dead, but her body has yet to be found. After receiving the guilty verdict, Lawsons attorney, Darren Wolff, announced that he planned to appeal. On Wednesday, June 4, Wolff moved for a new trial and judgment notwithstanding the verdict, meaning the judge could acquit Lawson on the charges without a new trial. Wolff argued eight reasons why the defenses request should be granted, ranging from a lack of evidence to what those in the courtroom were wearing. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres an overview of what Lawsons team cited: They claimed the court failed to provide jury instructions that accurately reflected Kentucky law concerning the conspiracy to commit murder charge. The prosecution and defense both had the chance to argue what should be included or struck from jury instructions before the final copy was read to the jury. Judge Charles Simms emphasized that Kentucky law is not written to reflect the facts of Lawsons case. The defendant was not allowed to test the two hairs recovered from Rogers vehicle for DNA comparison. Argued that because many in the courtroom wore pink, which Wolff reasoned is emblematic of the Team Crystal movement, they violated the courts order to ensure proper decorum. The defense wasnt provided with adequate time to prepare for trial. Argued that Elizabeth Chessers testimony was inflammatory and was prejudicial due to her relationship with Rogers mother, Sherry Ballard. Text messages, which were deemed hearsay, werent instructed as such before deliberation. Problematic trial schedule in efforts to dismiss by Friday, May 30. The defense claimed the Commonwealth presented no direct evidence linking Lawson to the death of Crystal Rogers or planning to do so. Wolff signed off, stating that the entire proceedings were fundamentally unfair. Read more of the latest Kentucky news Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several sealed documents were filed along with the motion. Lawson is scheduled to reappear in August for sentencing. Alleged co-conspirators Brooks Houck and Joseph Lawson will be tried beginning June 24. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 autopsy is scheduled for Thursday for a Posen man who died after he was pulled from Lake Michigan on the citys South Side. The victim, a 28-year-old man, was pulled from the lake at the 3900 block of South DuSable Lake Shore Drive near Burnham Park about 9:50 a.m., according to Chicago police. The man, identified by the Cook County medical examiners office as Marcelino Perez, was taken to University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy will confirm whether Perez died from drowning. As the area moves into summer, Lake Michigan has already seen at least six deaths this year, according to the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, which keeps statistics on Great Lakes deaths and stresses lake safety. LEBANON, Tenn. (WKRN) Nearly six months after a car sped through the Lebanon Square, went airborne, and crashed, officials announced a Murfreesboro man had been arrested in connection with the incident. According to the Lebanon Police Department, an officer patrolling West Main Street shortly before 3:30 a.m. on Dec. 15, 2024, saw a vehicle heading eastbound at a high rate of speed. Due to weather conditions and the cars speed, authorities said they decided not to engage in an active pursuit, but they did notify nearby units and give them a vehicle description. However, before they could use other tactics to stop the vehicle, responding officers found the car crashed right off the Lebanon Square. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DECEMBER 2024: Police share video of high-speed crash through Lebanon Square Officials said they found two people inside the vehicle, which was the only one involved in the incident. Both individuals one of whom was reportedly in serious condition were brought to the hospital. The department said that, based on the Traffic Units preliminary investigation, speed and alcohol were believed to be factors in the the crash. Fencing, shrubbery, a tree, several light poles, and multiple businesses along the square were damaged as a result of the wreck, which created a scene spanning over 700 feet. Months later, on Thursday, June 5, police announced 21-year-old Brandin Veloz was recently taken into custody after the Traffic Unit presented evidence to the Wilson County Grand Jury earlier in the year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DECEMBER 2024: Multiple businesses have damage after speeding car goes through Lebanon Square According to authorities, based on evidence collected over the course of the case, the Traffic Unit determined Veloz was traveling at approximately 89 mph at the point of initial impact. Officials said the Murfreesboro man was charged with driving under the influence, speeding, and reckless endangerment. No additional details have been released about this case. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. (PIX11) A man fatally shot his girlfriend and his girlfriends 10-year-old daughter in a Hamilton Township residence Thursday morning, police said. He then took a gun and shot himself dead, according to authorities. More Crime News Police said officers responded to a 911 call for a residence on Henry Street at 4 a.m. A man, a woman, and a 10-year-old child were all found to have gunshot wounds when officers arrived, police said. They were all pronounced dead at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detectives believe the adult male shot his girlfriend and her 10-year-old daughter before he shot himself. Police are still investigating the circumstances leading up to the shootings, officials said. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. It is a free, 24/7 service that offers support, information, and local resources. You can also click here for additional hotlines in your area. 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. A 30-year-old man, a restaurant worker at a hip Chelsea diner, was shot dead in front of an urgent care clinic in Midtown Manhattan, police said Wednesday. The shooting happened around 10:45 p.m. on W. 42nd St. near Ninth Ave., about two blocks from Times Square. A 911 call brought police to the walk-in care center, where they found Marco Reyes sprawled out on the ground. He had been shot in the head. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Medics rushed him to Bellevue Hospital, but he could not be saved. Reyes had no identification on him, but cops were quickly able to learn the mans name. The victim lived in the Fordham section on the Bronx, about 10 miles from where he was killed. No arrests have been made. Cops were scouring the area for surveillance footage that could help them determine what happened before Reyes was found mortally wounded. Speaking Friday night, his sister Gaby, 29, told the Daily News that Reyes was a restaurant worker at Cafeteria, the trendy Chelsea diner. She said he was heading home from work and stopped into a 7-Eleven right next door to the urgent care and was exiting the place when he was confronted by a gunman waiting outside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He shot two times and hit my brother in the head, she said. We dont know who would do this. Reyes lived with his family members. He was a single guy who loved our family, she said. He never had any trouble with the law. He went to work and he came home. He never bothered anybody. Were going through so much right now. He was so young. Its terrible. We cant believe it. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A Clark County grand jury voted to indict the man accused of hitting and killing a Las Vegas-area high school student weeks before graduation. Keenan Jackson, 37, was indicted on Tuesday on charges of DUI and reckless driving resulting in death. Jackson is accused of driving impaired and hitting and killing McKenzie Scott on Friday, May 2, as she was crossing Buffalo Drive in a school zone at Arbor View High School, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was more than three times the legal limit, according to a preliminary test taken after the fatal crash. The indictment means the case will bypass the justice court process and move directly to district court. Scott was expected to graduate from Arbor View High School last month. C-25-391855-1-IND-KEENAN-EDWARD-JACKSONDownload The sentence for a DUI causing death conviction is a minimum of two years and a maximum of 20 years. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. [WATCH: In the video player above, learn how DNA is used to solve cold cases.] BROOKLYN, Ohio (WJW) It took authorities 18 months to identify a mans body found on train tracks in Northeast Ohio. The body was discovered on November 14, 2023, by the Brooklyn Police Department, just west of the Tiedeman Road overpass. Officials, at the time, said there were no signs of foul play. Sheriff: Local delivery driver offered vapes, alcohol for sex with girls After the unidentified body was found, authorities said they searched missing persons reports from multiple local and state municipalities. They also placed DNA samples into a national database, but had no luck finding a match. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The effort to identify the man continued with Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost requesting the publics help by releasing a post-mortem image. It was almost a year and a half later, in April 2025, officials said a family member of the decedent contacted the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiners Office to see if the decedent was a familial match. The following day, on April 25, 2025, authorities said the mans identification was confirmed through X-rays to be 27-year-old Nathaniel Dabrowski of Brooklyn. An identity restored cannot bring a loved one back, but it can provide a measure of closure amid the search for answers, said Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost in a press release. My thanks to the dedicated investigators who used every tool at their disposal to reunite Nathaniel with his family. Ground beef sold nationwide possibly contaminated with E. Coli Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is always satisfying to identify an individual after a period of time has passed. It provides closure to families, and I would like to thank the many members of the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiners Office and the Ohio BCI staff for their efforts and support. We never stop trying to reunite our unknown decedents with their families. On behalf of everyone involved, we offer our condolences to the Dabrowski family, said Dr. Gilson. In May 2024, the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner ruled the cause of death was craniofacial blunt force 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 8 Cleveland WJW. SCIENCE HILL, Ky. (FOX 56) One man is in the hospital after a Wednesday shooting in Science Hill. The Pulaski County Sheriffs Office said deputies found a man who had been shot at the scene. He was taken to an area hospital to be treated. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The severity of his injuries is not known at this time. The sheriffs office said it believed this to be an isolated incident, and the public is not in danger. Read more of the latest Kentucky news No persons of interest have been announced. Anyone with information is asked to contact PCSO at 606-678-5145 or the tip line at 606-679-8477. 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 56 News. Editors note: This story was updated at 6:08 p.m. June 4, 2025 to add information from the states Department of Correction. A man convicted of killing a Milford police officer more than 40 years ago was granted parole this week, the department announced, calling the decision disheartening. Patrick OShea was granted compassionate release by the states parole board, according to a statement posted to Facebook by the Milford Police Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials with the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, which oversees the board, did not immediately confirm the news, however, according to a spokesperson for the Department of Correction, OShea was granted medical parole on Tuesday and remains in custody Wednesday under medical care. A copy of the boards decision will not be released because it includes private, medically protected information, the spokesperson explained. Sgt. Walter Moose Conley was killed in the line of duty while working a detail at Milford Savings Bank on Dec. 10, 1980. Conley was struck by gunfire attempting to stop an armed robbery while attempting to escort a bank teller into the bank. In the wake of the shooting, OShea and another man, John Currie, fled to upstate New York, where they were captured. Both men were sent back to Massachusetts and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Milford Deputy Police Chief John Sanchioni criticized the decision. It disheartens me that the cold-blooded killer of a police officer can be released without serving the penalty our justice system handed down, he said. The president of the union representing the towns police officers also derided the decision. We are deeply saddened by the parole boards decision to cast away the outcome of the judicial process and give release to a convicted cop killer, said Milford Police Association President Anthony Bavosi. The towns police chief, Robert Tusino, asked for prayers for Conleys family. More on the Massachusetts Parole Board Read the original article on MassLive. Joanne Briggss debut, The Scientist Who Wasnt There, is an astonishingly original memoir about truth, identity and the ethics of science. Its thrilling, unsettling and really rather odd. Winner of the inaugural Bridport Prize for Memoir in 2023, the award that cinched the books publication, it explores the enigmatic if not completely bizarre life of Briggss father, Professor Michael Briggs, a man whose illustrious, globe-trotting scientific career concealed a vast labyrinth of deception. Born in Manchester, Professor Briggs became a research scientist who worked at NASA, an advisor to the World Health Organisation, and a successful executive in the pharmaceutical industry. On paper, his was a classic rags-to-riches story: he was a self-made, charismatic visionary who surfed the post-war technology boom. But in 1986, his career imploded when a Sunday Times expose linked him to the hormone pregnancy test Primodos, which worked by triggering menstruation in non-pregnant women, and was alleged to have caused serious birth defects. It seemed Professor Briggs had been faking results. Things get stranger. Professor Briggs not only appears to have forged his qualifications, laundered research funds and bullied sceptical colleagues and anyone who doubted him he may also have been a spy. He appears to have worked for the British government, possibly connected to Cold War intelligence gathering; may have been involved in espionage in East Berlin, and then somehow got caught up in the making of Stanley Kubricks film 2001: A Space Odyssey. His death abroad, aged 51, was so sudden that Briggs speculates that there may have been some kind of cover-up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What begins, then, as a daughters ostensibly simple search for the truth about her absent father, soon becomes a forensic and yet also fantastical investigation part legal inquiry, part philosophical meditation. A trained lawyer, Briggs approaches the evidence as a prosecutor would: poring over professional records, interviewing colleagues and meeting with the victims of her fathers lies and misconduct. Primodos involved high doses of synthetic hormones and though the causal link has never been confirmed, women who used it reported children with defects such as spina bifida, limb abnormalities, and heart issues. Briggs reveals that her father manipulated or suppressed data about these effects while being professionally involved with the pharmaceutical company producing it. The Scientist Who Wasnt There is published by Ithaka - Annie Collinge But the book is also wildly surreal: Briggs imagines conversations with her father in which they debate the boundaries between science and science fiction, and the book eventually resolves into musings and reverie. The overall effect, frankly, is dizzying pleasantly so. Briggs often hints that she herself doesnt know the difference between fact and fantasy; in a rather cryptic, ambivalent authors note, she writes: My memory of the past is as much made up of dreams, impressions, false beliefs, fantasies, feelings and notions as it is of facts [...] which I hope makes my memoir authentic. But is that a true story? Well, yes, it is to me. True or not, the book defies neat categorisation. Its certainly a book about a very peculiar, unsavoury man, but its also a vivid depiction of a world in which ambition and imagination collide, with devastating human consequences. Briggs does, at various points, express deep moral ambivalence about writing the book: she wrestles with the ethics of exposing her fathers legacy, particularly given the trauma already borne by his victims. Professor Michael Briggs, centre, with his daughter Joanne, right, on holiday in 1968 She describes a childhood overshadowed by confusion, secrecy and emotional neglect, but also moments of awe and admiration for her father. Their relationship, as reconstructed here, was fraught and complex marked more by absence than presence, but never entirely devoid of connection or longing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Scientist Who Wasnt There is not only an indictment of one mans lies and deceit and his descent into moral oblivion, therefore, but a study of duplicity; personal, institutional, even national and international. Briggs slowly assembles a counterbalanced, complex kind of truth, one that acknowledges the impossibility of total objectivity but which nonetheless insists on the value of the attempt. He only ever travelled in one direction, Briggs writes of her father. Forwards, away from the smoke of burning bridges. She, in contrast, with admirable insight and considerable nerve, turns back to sift through the still smouldering ruins. The Scientist Who Wasnt There is published by Ithaka at 20. To order your copy for 16.99, call 0330 173 0523 or visit Telegraph Books 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. BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN) A man was ordered to stay off the Southern Park Mall property after pleading guilty to stealing from one of its food vendors. Read next: Ohio bill consolidates property tax issue into one proposal Martin Goss pleaded guilty this week to a first-degree misdemeanor charge of theft of less than $1,000. A felony charge of safecracking was dismissed. The charges stemmed from late April, when security footage showed a man, now identified as Goss, going up to the counter of Smoothie Land at the mall and helping himself to money inside the register, as well as produce that was left on the counter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police shared the security footage in the hope of identifying the thief, and with some help from the public, Goss was identified, and a warrant was issued for his arrest. A couple of weeks later, Goss was involved in a traffic stop with officers from the Beaver Township Police Department. Reports state Goss was a passenger in a car involved in a registration check, and when asked by police, he provided them with a fake name. Police discovered his true identity, and after arresting Goss on the warrant, he lost consciousness in the back of the police cruiser and had to be revived with naloxone, an opioid-reversal drug. He was then taken to the hospital for treatment. In connection with that case, Goss pleaded guilty to charges of inducing panic and obstructing official business. A charge of drug paraphernalia was dismissed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In court this week, Goss was ordered to pay $300 in restitution to Smoothie Land and stay off the Southern Park Mall property. He was also sentenced to 180 days in jail with 150 days suspended and credit for 8 days served. Goss was also placed on probation for one 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 WKBN.com. Jun. 4A man accused of participating in a chop shop scheme spanning multiple states, including Ohio, pleaded guilty. Andrew J. Placke was initially charged with conspiracy: to transport stolen vehicles; possess stolen cars; to traffic in stolen vehicles and stolen vehicle parts; to operate a chop shop in U.S. District Court Southern District of Ohio last year. An amended charge was filed Thursday to limit his involvement to knowingly receiving, possessing and transporting a stolen vehicle, according to court records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This amendment does not change the penalties at issue concerning Mr. Placke but rather tailors the indictment more precisely to his role in the conspiracy," the motion read. Placke pleaded guilty to the amended charge Thursday and is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 3. He's one of seven people accused of in a car theft and chop shop ring that reportedly operated in Ohio, Alabama, Indiana and Kentucky. Kahrese Tracey Scott Lee, Courage Wolugboms, Jamarkiss K. Weaver, Quintin Clemons Jr., Deareion Jamar Clay and Stephen Dallas Wilhite are also facing a count of conspiracy: to transport stolen vehicles; possess stolen cars; to traffic in stolen vehicles and stolen vehicle parts; to operate a chop shop. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clay, Clemons, Weaver and Lee were also charged with knowing possession of a stolen vehicle. Wolugboms and Lee are facing a knowing operation of a chop shop charge as well. A trial was previously scheduled for June 23 for Lee, Weaver and Wilhite. The group is accused of using electronic devices to start vehicles without a key. They stole vehicles from car dealerships in Milford, Mechanicsburg and Greendale, Indiana, according to court records. They also reportedly stole a Dodge Viper, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger with a collective value of more than $200,000 in North Vernon, Indiana, and a Dodge Challenger from the University of Dayton Marriot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once the vehicles were stolen, they were stripped for parts, altered or had their vehicle identification numbers flipped. If Lee and Wolugombs didn't want the vehicles Weaver, Clemons or Clay would either find another buy or "joyride" in it until the vehicle crashed or was found by law enforcement, according to court documents. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) A man charged with leaving the scene of an accident that injured a student in front of East High School pleaded guilty to two charges Wednesday in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court. Herman Posey, 47, entered his pleas to charges of vehicular assault and leaving the scene of an accident. Sentencing will be July 29 before Judge Anthony Donofrio. Reports said Posey was driving a vehicle about 9:10 a.m. Sept. 20, northbound on Bennington Avenue, when he hit the teenager at the intersection with Parker Street and then drove away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The teen was taken to St. Elizabeth Health Center to be treated for his injuries. His injuries were considered serious but not life-threatening. Police found the vehicle a short time later by using surveillance video from nearby East High School and from school speed cameras to help track it down. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) A Pennsylvania man was sentenced in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court on charges that he sexually fondled a child. Read next: To chase or not to chase: Local police chiefs share perspectives on pursuits Leroy Yoder, 30, of Emlenton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to one year in prison and was declared a Tier 1 sex/child offender after pleading guilty in April and being convicted of gross sexual imposition involving a 13-year-old victim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a sexual offender, Yoder will have to register his address for 15 years. The charge was filed in December 2024 in connection with offenses that happened in February 2024. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. Mason Meyer is already serving a life sentence for killing a husband and wife in 2020 when he crashed into them as they were on a Newport restaurant's outdoor patio. Meyer, now 32, was being pursued by Cincinnati police that day because investigators, who were conducting surveillance outside a Lower Price Hill home, saw him "engage in what they believed to be a gun sale," according to court documents. Meyer already was suspected of involvement in guns and drug dealing. Eleven days before, police tried to pull over his vehicle, but he sped away and was not pursued. But on Aug. 7, 2020, police did pursue him. Meyer led officers on a high-speed chase from Lower Price Hill, through Downtown, across the Roebling Suspension Bridge, through Covington and into Newport, where the crash happened. One person being arrested after the fatal crash outside The Press on Monmouth in Newport on Aug. 7, 2020. Meyer's crimes led to parallel prosecutions in state and federal court. On Thursday, June 5, in federal court in Cincinnati, Meyer became the last of 16 defendants to be sentenced for massive drug and gun conspiracies, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One co-defendant, Ryan Haskamp, who was described as a major drug supplier locally, was sentenced in February to 27 years in prison. Meyer provided Haskamp with guns in exchange for drugs, prosecutors said. Mason Meyer In the investigation, law enforcement seized 11 guns, and hundreds of pounds of drugs, including more than one kilo of methamphetamine, more than 200 pounds of the psychedelic drug DMT, more than five kilos of marijuana and 15 kilos of hashish and hashish oil. Nineteen thousand doses of LSD as well as fentanyl, cocaine, ecstasy and other drugs were seized. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Man serving life for fatal Newport crash convicted in drug, gun case HELLS KITCHEN, Manhattan (PIX11) A man was shot and killed in Hells Kitchen on Wednesday, according to the NYPD. Police said it happened in front of 345 West 42nd Street around 10:45 p.m. EMS rushed the victim to Bellevue Hospital where he died, according to authorities. More Local News Police said the suspect, who was wearing all black, fled toward 42nd Street and 8th Avenue. The victim has not been identified but is believed to be in his 30sm according to authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement M42 buses are being detoured in both directions due to the police investigation, according to the MTA. More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State Eastbound buses wont stop along West 42nd Street from 10th to 7th avenues. Commuters looking to catch the bus can get on at West 50th Street instead. Westbound buses are skipping the West 42nd Street-8th Avenue stop, but will instead pick up travelers along West 49th Street from 8th to 9th avenues. 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). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A 19-year-old man who shot a teenager in the parking lot of Clackamas Town Center in Dec. 2024 pleaded guilty to attempted murder on Wednesday, the Clackamas County District Attorneys Office announced. Pedro Anthony Cornejo-Morales also pleaded guilty to unlawful use of a weapon charges as part of a plea agreement. He was sentenced to 90 months in prison. Officials say that on Dec. 20, 2024, Cornejo-Morales walked up to a car in the mall parking lot and fired five shots at a passenger, 15-year-old Zenon Elias Mendez. Mendez suffered a gunshot wound to his left hand and was treated at a nearby hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cornejo-Morales was arrested shortly after the shooting. A second man, 20-year-old Carlos Raul Hererra-Medrano, was also charged with attempted murder and unlawful use of a weapon. He was arrested 11 days after the shooting. His trial is scheduled for Aug. 12. Cornejo-Morales and Hererra-Medrano followed Mendez around the mall prior to the shooting, officials said. Mendez and a female accompanying him realized they were being followed and recognized the two men. They left the mall and when they attempted to drive away, Cornejo-Morales and Hererra-Medrano approached their vehicle and Cornejo-Morales began shooting. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now) A Manassas man is being held behind bars after he allegedly sexually assaulted a child he met on Instagram, police announced Thursday. Officers arrested Widman Vicente Lopez, 19, on June 4, charging him with rape, solicitation of a minor and use of communications systems to facilitate certain offenses involving minors. According to the Prince William County Police Department, detectives opened an investigation after a girl, who is under the age of 13, told family members that a man had sexually assaulted her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police investigating deadly hit-and-run crash on Lee Highway in Gainesville While investigating, detectives learned that the girl was talking to Vicente Lopez when he solicited sex acts from her, according to police. The pair had reportedly met over Instagram. Detectives also discovered that Vicente Lopez met the girl in the 100 block of Nadia St. at the end of April, where he sexually assaulted her, police said. He 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 DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. Originally appeared on E! Online A tragedy is unfolding in Washington State. Days after the bodies of Travis Deckers three daughters Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5, were discovered in Chelan County near his truck, police are searching for the 32-year-old. "A Chelan County deputy located Decker's vehicle near the Rock Island Campground accessed by Icicle Road. The vehicle was unoccupied," Wenatchee police said in a June 3 statement. "Additional law enforcement officers responded and searched the immediate area. During the search, the bodies of the three missing girls were discovered." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Decker is currently wanted for 3 counts of Murder 1st degree and Kidnapping 1st degree," the statement continued. "Decker is a former Military with extensive training. It is unknown whether Decker is currently armed, but he may pose a significant risk, if approached." The girls' mother had filed a civil complaint May 30, saying her daughters had not returned after a planned visitation with their father, the Wenatchee Police Department said. More from E! Online Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Days later, on June 2, the girls were found dead, with the Chelan County Coroner stating in a preliminary report, that their likely cause of death is asphyxiation, Fox 13 Seattle reported. Wenatchee Police Department Wenatchee police said in their statement that the Washington State Patrol was contacted the day the girls were reported missing to request an AMBER Alert. "However," the police added, "it did not meet the required criteria." The department said its detectives contacted WSP again May 31 with additional information and an Endangered Missing Person Alert was issued. Wenatchee Police Department "In a situation where a custodial parent is late returning children to another parent," a Washington State Patrol spokesperson told NBC News, "law enforcement does not automatically have clear indication that the children are in danger." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said that on May 31, the state patrol issued an endangered missing person alert, meant for people who are unable to "assist in their own recovery" and that it "accomplished much the same public notification/outreach as an AMBER alert would have." As the search for Decker continues, police are asking for help. "Any member of the public who believes they may have seen Decker since Friday May 30th, and/or know his current whereabouts are asked to call 911 immediately," the authorities emphasized. "Due to safety concerns, do not attempt to contact or approach Decker." (E! and NBC News are both part of the NBCUniversal family.) For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App In a handwritten manifesto, Luigi Mangione said he had considered causing an unjustified catastrophe last year before deciding to wack an insurance CEO, New York prosecutors said. The idea, he suggested, would have put innocents in danger. A single killing instead would be targeted, precise and doesnt risk innocents, Mangione wrote in October, according to newly released court documents. Most importantly, the point is self-evident. The point is made in the news headline Insurance CEO killed at annual investors conference It conveys a greedy bastard that had it coming. Mangione, a 27-year-old from Towson, faces murder charges in state and federal court, accused of shooting United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel in early December. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since his arrest at a McDonalds in Pennsylvania, Mangione has become a polarizing figure nationwide, with some casting him as a folk hero striking at the rich and others condemning him as a calculated terrorist. According to diary entries submitted in court Wednesday, when planning what [he] will do, Mangione weighed how his actions would be perceived by the public. The problem with militants that rebel against often-real-injustices, he wrote, is that they often commit an atrocity that overshadows their message. Consequently, the revolutionary idea becomes associated with extremism, incoherence or evil an idea that no reasonable member of society could approve of, Mangione wrote Oct. 22. Rather than win public support, they lose it. An Aug. 15 entry from Mangiones manifesto states he had settled on a plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I finally feel confident about what I will do, he wrote. The details are coming together. And I dont feel any doubt about whether its right/justified. Im glad in a way that Ive procrastinated bc it allowed me to learn more about UHC. KMD wouldve been an unjustified catastrophe that would be perceived mostly as sick, but more importantly unhelpful. [sic] The entry did not include details on the possible catastrophe. The New York Post reported Wednesday that Mangione wrote In MD, though prosecutors quoted the smudged handwriting as saying, KMD. A spokesperson for the Manhattan District Attorneys Office did not immediately respond to questions about what KMD meant or whether there was any evidence Mangione was planning an attack in Maryland. A representative for Mangiones legal team did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a website from his attorneys, Mangiones next court date is scheduled in Manhattan on June 26. And the next hearing for his federal case, in which the Trump Administration is seeking the death sentence, is in December. Have a news tip? Contact Luke Parker at lparker@baltsun.com, 410-725-6214, on X as @lparkernews, or on Signal as @parkerluke.34. MANITOWOC, Wis. (WFRV) A 39-year-old Manitowoc man was arrested Tuesday after a search warrant revealed he was in possession of child pornography, authorities said. According to a release, the Manitowoc Police Department launched an investigation based on a CyberTip from the Wisconsin Department of Justice and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Manhunt underway for father accused of murdering his three daughters; former Wisconsin resident Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CyberTip indicated that a Dropbox.com cloud storage account user attempted to share a file from the account. Investigators reviewed the file and confirmed it was a video depicting child sexual abuse material. Through the investigation, police identified the owner of the Dropbox account as Justin J. Zipperer of Manitowoc. Authorities determined the account contained numerous video files depicting child sexual abuse material. On Tuesday, officers executed search warrants at a residence in the 300 block of Riverview Drive and at a business in the City of Manitowoc where Zipperer was formerly employed. During the searches, officers seized numerous electronic devices. Zipperer was contacted and admitted to possessing and viewing the child sexual abuse material, according to police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was taken into custody and booked into the Manitowoc County Jail on charges of possession of child pornography. Reports of vehicle break-ins leads Kewaskum officers on search for discarded loaded firearm Authorities noted that the purpose of the release is to identify any additional potential victims. Through the investigation, police learned that Zipperer worked as a school bus driver and had transported students in the Valders Area School District. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Manitowoc Police Department at 920-686-6557. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Donald Trump and Republicans loved it when Elon Musk pumped what analysists say was at least $288 million into the 2024 election campaigns of Trump and others. I wonder if Arizona Republican U.S. Reps. David Schweikert, Eli Crane, Paul Gosar, Abe Hamadeh and Juan Ciscomani are worried that he might spend something close to that amount going after them and others in 2026. Because if Elon is a guy who still puts his money where his mouth is, he will. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk got bamboozled into believing the Republicans he bankrolled actually wanted to cut federal spending and reduce the deficit. HA! Will Musk make them pay for this 'abomination?' Instead, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office reports that Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill Act will hand out trillions in tax cuts (to people like Elon) while raising the federal deficit by $2.4 trillion over the decade and leaving nearly 11 million more Americans without health insurance. The 215 House Republicans who voted to advance the bill thought a billionaire like Elon would love the idea that hell be getting to keep even more of his billions. Instead, Elon came out on social media and said, Im sorry, but I just cant stand it anymore. This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination. Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He kept going, saying the bill would saddle Americans with crushingly unsustainable debt. House Speaker Mike Johnson said Musks criticism was very disappointing. It must have really spooked him when Musk also said, In November next year, we fire all politicians who betrayed the American people. Every Arizona Republican supported the bill Yes! The big bill passed the House with Republican support only. In our case, it was supported by all of Arizonas GOP congressmen. Although, Rep. David Schweikert actually said that, while he supported the bill, he was so tired he slept through the vote. (Not sure which is worse. Supporting the bill or sleeping through a monumental vote.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opinion: Biggs' coronation rally wasn't really about him One of only three Republicans who didnt support the bill, Rep. Thomas Massie from Kentucky, is encouraging Musk to spend money defeating the bills supporters. He said, I just think he made one mistake he said take them out in November. I would take them out in primaries if I were Elon Musk. They loved Elon Musk then, but now ... Arizona Rep. Andy Biggs need not worry. He is getting out of Dodge by running for governor. But his GOP cohorts in Congress Schweikert, Crane, Gosar, Hamadeh and Ciscomani are still there, still giving tax breaks to billionaires, raising the debt and tossing people off insurance rolls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They loved Musk when he was shoveling mounds of cash into Trumps campaign. How will they feel, I wonder, if he starts shoveling cash onto their political graves? 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: Elon Musk's new 'kill the bill' target: Arizona congressmen | Opinion Israel said Sunday that it has recovered the bodies of three more hostages taken in Hamas' Oct. 7 attack that ignited the ongoing 20-month war in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli military identified them as Yonatan Samerano, 21; Ofra Keidar, 70; and Shay Levinson, 19. All three were killed during the initial attack and their bodies were taken into Gaza. Kobi Samerano said in a Facebook post that his sons remains were returned on what would have been Yonatans 23rd birthday. The military did not provide details about the operation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is committed to returning the remaining hostages even as it wages a new military campaign against Iran. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas-led militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took 251 hostages in the Oct. 7 attack. More than 55,000 Palestinians in Gaza, mostly women and children, have been killed in the ensuing conflict, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. The ministry doesnt distinguish between civilians and combatants. Here are details on the hostages: Total hostages captured on Oct. 7, 2023: 251 Hostages taken before the Oct. 7 attack: 4, including 2 who entered Gaza in 2014 and 2015 and the bodies of 2 soldiers killed in the 2014 war Hostages released in exchanges or other deals: 148, of whom 8 were dead Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bodies of hostages retrieved by Israeli forces: 49 Hostages rescued alive: 8 Hostages still in captivity: 50, of whom Israel believes 27 are dead. Netanyahu has said there are doubts about the fate of several more. The hostages in captivity include four non-Israelis: 2 Thais and 1 Tanzanian who have been confirmed dead, and a Nepalese captive. ___ Follow APs war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war An email apocalypse that swept across the Marine Corps earlier this year now has a legendary ending, cementing its place in Corps lore. It all began in April, innocently enough, when Marine Cpl. Andrew Hundley, a cyberspace warfare operator, completed his corporals course, an important but routine series of classes that Marines must take as they move up in rank. But then someone tasked with the incredibly ordinary and minor office chore of emailing a copy of Hundleys training certificate made a big boo boo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You see where this is going. In addressing the email, the sender picked a Marine Corps-wide distribution list, sending Hundleys paperwork to hundreds and perhaps thousands of inboxes across the globe. The countless subsequent responses of recipients asking to be taken off the list created a legendary email storm that clogged inboxes across the Corps for days, including, apparently, the one belonging to Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Carlos A. Ruiz. So epic was the SNAFU that a petition was posted online in an attempt to have Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Eric Smith to attend Hundleys graduation. Alas, the petition was quickly shut down after garnering close to 1,700 signatures but the spirit of Chesty Puller was likely smiling on Thursday when Ruiz showed up for Hundleys graduation ceremony from 8th Communication Battalions Corporals Course at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Marine Corps gods have called upon me, Ruiz told those in attendance, recounting the Reply-All-pocolypse that had engulfed them all. All of them assembled at Marine Corps Barracks, Washington, D.C., they were pulling toes in the middle of the night. They were doing crazy stuff. They were setting up a schedule, and the schedule somehow ended up with where you at, Hundley, raise your hand. With that, the famous Cpl. Hundley put his hand into the air, earning knowing laughs and applause from the other Marines. Ruiz described the spark that lit the explosion as an unintentional, so innocent email that went to everyone. When Ruiz asked the audience, All of you got it, they replied with affirmative Marine noises. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And then the beautiful people who Replied-All, Ruiz continued. And then the people who said stop Replying-All to Reply-All. As the email storm raged, Ruiz said, he was traveling to various Marine bases, where he found that Marines did not want to talk about their barracks or other quality of life issues. There was just one topic on their minds. Its Cpl. Hundley! Ruiz exclaimed. Thats all I could hear about for two days, and thats why the gods have called me to see you graduate. Speaking to Task & Purpose after the ceremony, Hundley said that Ruizs visit was an amazing surprise, adding that although he had heard rumors that Ruiz may attend, he assumed the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps was far too busy to fit the graduation in his schedule. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hundley laughed when asked what he felt like when Ruiz asked him to raise his hand in front of the rest of the Marines. It was a huge mix of emotions there, Hundley said. I was shocked, to say the least, and in the best way possible to say I was a little embarrassed, I guess. But also it was a pretty amazing feeling just to get recognized by him. Although the email storm was initially very stressful for him, Hundley said he has come to enjoy the many memes that have been posted about it. He also wants people to know that his staff sergeant, whom some people have claimed on social media sent the errant email, is blameless in the matter. Bravo Zulu Cpl. Hundley! May your inbox always be free of spam. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UPDATE: 06/05/2025; this story was updated with comments from Marine Cpl. Andrew Hundley. The latest on Task & Purpose The pushback from Republicans on President Donald Trumps budget bill is heating up. But House Speaker Mike Johnson is downplaying Elon Musks criticism, who called the bill a disgusting abomination. It surprised me frankly. I dont take it personal. We dont take it personal. Policy differences are not personal. I think hes flat wrong. I think hes way off on this, Johnson said. The non-partisan congressional budget office said on Wednesday that the bill will cut taxes by $3.7 trillion, but at the same time adds $2.4 trillion to the deficit over the next 10 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk posted on X Wednesday that this is debt slavery for the American people. TRENDING STORIES: Republican Senators, including Ron Johnson and Rand Paul, are calling for changes to the bill, including steeper cuts to federal spending. I agree with Senator Ron Johnson and other colleagues rightfully said we have to bend the curve on spending, U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, of North Carolina, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Georgia U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene is warning about a section of the bill she voted for on artificial intelligence. This clause would take away states rights to make laws or regulate AI for 10 years. I think federalism is something we should always protect, Greene said. Greene admitted she did not know that section was in the bill. Heres a lesson for us all. No matter what political party holds office, we should all watch carefully the bills that we pass, she said. Trump was expected to meet with the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday. His goal is to sign the bill by July 4. Mark Wahlberg 'So Inspired' By Jaw-Dropping Brothers: 'This Could Be a Movie' originally appeared on Parade. Actor Mark Wahlberg recently discovered that three Scottish brothers Ewan, Jamie, and Lachlan Maclean are attempting a jaw-dropping feat of physical and mental grit. They are rowing a world-record-breaking 9000 miles across the Pacific Ocean from Lima, Peru, to Sydney, Australi,a with no stops, no support crew, no engine, and no sail, all to raise money and awareness for clean water projects in Madagascar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Glasgow PR firm Story Shop, Wahlberg recently made a surprise video call to the brothers to tell them how inspirational they are and what a great film this will eventually make. "I'm so inspired by you guys. You're badasses doing something no one else would even think of," said Wahlberg on the call. "This could be a movie. The best films I've done are based on true stories ordinary people doing extraordinary things. No way I'd row an ocean, but I'd play one of you guys in a movie." The brothers are 54 days into their trip, and they are battling the elements, a broken watermaker, and a faulty autohelm. They still have over 5000 miles left to go, and have only raised 100,000 of their 1 million target. Here's where you can follow their journey and donate to the important cause. During the video call, Wahlberg remembered spending many days and nights at sea when he filmed The Perfect Storm with George Clooney in 2000. RELATED: Iconic '90s Rockers Book Special Performance For a Great Cause: 'It's Inhumane' "When I was preparing to do The Perfect Storm, I went out on a sword boat in Ocean City, Maryland, a longliner, and we were actually fishing. We caught some pretty big tuna 500, 600-pounder. I don't know how you guys are gonna wrestle that thing onto that boat, man. Oh my gosh," said Wahlberg, upon learning that the brothers had a tuna on their fishing line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wahlberg continued: "What you guys are doing is next level. You're living out a sense of purpose combining passion with impact. That's rare, and it's humbling to watch. People need to hear about what you're doing. "I couldn't be more inspired by the grit, the determination, the resiliency. What you guys are doing for such an amazing cause, and how hard you're willing to sacrifice yourself and your own well-being for the good of others, is so inspiring. For you guys to do this under your own free will it's pretty crazy." SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox The actor promised the brothers that they would at least get a hearty meal on him at the finish line, though he hopes to maybe be there to greet them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We'll have a meal waiting for you. My gosh, by that time, we may even be down there to welcome you," said Wahlberg. The Maclean brothers are on a 28-foot carbon fiber boat called the Rose Emily, named in honor of their late sister. They row in two-hour shifts and have been living on freeze-dried meals and desalinated water. They expect the journey to take more than 100 days. "It's been much harder than we expected," said Ewan, who left his job as a Dyson engineer to help design and build the boat. "But today we had dolphins surfing near the boat, and that lifted our spirits and then we hear we get to speak to Mark Wahlberg, so spirits are absolutely through the roof. We are such big fans, and speaking to him is like a dream come true for us. It's so cool but it's bloody surreal." Lachlan added: "We're all operating on such little sleep that we thought it all could have been a hallucination." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The brothers previously set three world records in rowing the Atlantic in 2020. They rowed for 35 days on a 3000-mile trip from the Canary Islands off the coast of West Africa to Antigua in the Caribbean. They set records for the first three brothers to row any ocean and the fastest and youngest trio to ever row the Atlantic Ocean. This current trip is triple the distance. Mark Wahlberg 'So Inspired' By Jaw-Dropping Brothers: 'This Could Be a Movie' first appeared on Parade on Jun 5, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 5, 2025, where it first appeared. BROWNWOOD, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) The City of Brownwood has appointed Marshal McIntosh as city manager, as the previous city manager, Emily Crawford, transitions to Abilene. McIntosh previously served as the citys Deputy City Manager, bringing more than a decade of experience in public service. Marshal McIntosh is not only a product of this organization and community, but a key architect of its recent success, said Brownwood Mayor Stephen Haynes. His appointment is a strategic investment in the future of Brownwood. He brings the vision, capability, and character needed to lead Brownwood confidently into its next chapter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement City of Abilene appoints new city manager City officials say he has been a driving force behind projects such as the Downtown Master Plan, Riverside Park renovation, Brownwood Event Center Complex, and much more. McIntosh joined the city in 2014, moving into the Deputy City Manager position in 2021. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Public and Media Communication and a Master of Business Administration from Howard Payne University. He has also completed the Texas Certified Public Manager Program through the William P. Hobby Center for Public Service at Texas State University and Texas Christian Universitys Certified Public Communicator program from the Bob Schieffer College of Communication. He also holds certifications in economic development from the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service and in emergency management from FEMAs national disaster and emergency management programs. McIntosh was also named Professional of the Year by the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce in 2022 and is recognized as a 40 Under 40 standout citizen. McIntosh is also a 2018 graduate of the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Brownwood community leadership development program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brownwood moves forward with $18M for downtown master plan phase 1 Marshals appointment reflects the best of what it means to grow leaders from within, said Mayor Stephen E. Haynes. Having served Brownwood in nearly every capacity over the past decade, he brings unmatched insight into our communitys operations, challenges, and potential. His long-standing relationships with staff and his forward-thinking vision make him uniquely qualified to lead as our next City Manager. McIntosh is a member of the: Texas City Management Association (TCMA) International City Management Association (ICMA) Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers (TAMIO) Government Finance Officers Association of Texas (GFOAT) Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC) Texas Association of Convention & Visitor Bureaus (TACVB) Texas Midwest Community Network (TMCN) International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am deeply grateful to the City Council for their confidence placed in me, said Marshal McIntosh. I look forward to serving alongside our city staff, whose commitment to our community gives me the confidence to lead the City of Brownwood and continue making progress in the place we are proud to call home. McIntosh will assume his duties as City Manager on 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 KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. Investigators said they believe that a convicted murderer and former police chief known as the Devil in the Ozark s" has likely fled Arkansas after escaping from prison last month, a federal court filing released this week shows. A criminal complaint filed in federal court in Little Rock against Grant Hardin, who escaped prison last month, was released this week. Authorities have said Hardin escaped the Calico Rock prison in Arkansas by donning an outfit designed to look like a law enforcement uniform. In the complaint, Deputy U.S. Marshal Robert J. Hammons cites two previously publicized unconfirmed sightings of Hardin one in central Arkansas and another in southern Missouri. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Based on this information, investigators believe Hardin has fled the state of Arkansas to avoid recapture, the filing said. He has extensive knowledge of the Ozark Mountain region, where he is believed to be possibly hiding in caves or rugged terrain that he is familiar with. The complaint, first reported by The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, does not detail any other sightings of Hardin or evidence of him fleeing the state. Arkansas authorities have previously said they are focusing on north-central Arkansas and tips of sightings elsewhere so far have not panned out. Until there's any confirmed, verifiable sightings or evidence that puts him outside the area, we're still focusing the search on this area, Rand Champion, spokesman for the Department of Corrections, said Thursday. Hardin, a former police chief in the small town of Gateway near the Arkansas-Missouri border, was serving lengthy sentences for murder and rape. He was the subject of the TV documentary Devil in the Ozarks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for the Missouri Highway Patrol said it does not have an active team searching for Hardin, but the patrol has been watching for him and following up on any tips. Lt. Eric F. Brown said the patrol has received two tips about Hardin being in Missouri but both were unfounded. Hardin was housed in a maximum-security wing of the primarily medium security prison, formally known as the North Central Unit. Officials are investigating whether a job Hardin held in the kitchen helped in his escape, including whether it gave him access to materials he could have used to fashion his makeshift uniform. In a rambling 11-page letter to an Arkansas judge in 2018, Hardin said he started working in the prison's kitchen about eight years ago. In the letter, Hardin wrote that he told his defense lawyer that he wanted to withdraw his plea agreement in the murder case but was unable to do so. The Arkansas Department of Corrections this week released a new photo rendering of Hardin, depicting what he may look like now. The photo depicts Hardin with hair on his head and facial hair. (NewsNation) A year after their 16-year-old son stormed out of the house and broke his phone, one couple is hoping he is still alive after two mysterious texts sent to his mother. From fishing trips around the family home in Anchorage, Alaska, to annual Hawaiian vacations, the Robersons were the picture of a happy family. Especially in the magical time before teen hormones and ADHD made everything feel harder for son Mason Roberson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Missing California woman, 31, found dead in Arizona We do everything together, trying to eat a meal every day together, and doing lots of road trips, said Marti Romero, Masons mother. Mason Roberson struggled with loss But Masons smiles also masked pain. Masons had quite a bit of loss in his life, Romero said. He lost a brother, he lost some aunts and uncles at a young age, and he was really questioning, Why does this kind of thing happen to one family so much?' Mason Robersons parents believe he is still alive. (David Roberson) Mason Roberson disappeared last year. (David Roberson) Mason Roberson had begun drinking. (David Roberson) Mason Roberson argued with his father before he disappeared. (David Roberson) Mason Robersons parents want him to communicate with them. (David Roberson) The Robersons were a close family. (David Roberson) Mason Robersons mother received two strange texts. (David Roberson) Mason Robersons parents believe someone may have helped him disappear. (David Roberson) His parents learned Mason had turned to the family liquor cabinet for relief. I think the alcohol, as he explained it to us, was a numbing agent for him. It made him not as depressed. It made him not think about all of those bad things, Romero said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, Masons parents couldnt condone his actions. Were not going to just let somebody whos having issues with alcohol and who is a minor drink. We cant, Romero said. Madeleine McCann search back on, 18 years after disappearance Mason Roberson disappears The issue came to a head on May 18, 2024, early in the morning when Masons father, David Roberson, confronted him. I went down to the kitchen and he was heating up some pizza in a microwave, and he was visibly impaired, and so I asked him about it, and he threw his plate of pizza and broke it and stormed downstairs, where his room is, Romero said. Soon, Masons parents realized he had gone out the basement door and he wasnt answering their messages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A neighbors Ring camera recorded Mason staggering down the street, where he sent a final text to his family saying, I genuinely dont need you. Then, he destroyed his phone. He goes behind a tree, but you can clearly hear that Mason breaks his phone. He slams it against the ground, and it makes quite a loud pop, Roberson said. Jonathan Hoang disappeared without his wallet, jacket Masons mother has a theory about what happened. My theory has always been that hes with somebody that he met online, who he knew, if he had his phone with him, he could be tracked or traced, and thats not what he wanted, Romero said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even then, the Robersons expected Mason to return home any minute. I seriously thought, okay, hes going to blow off steam, hes going to sober up, and hes going to come home, Romero said. Masons a kid who didnt spend a lot of time away from home. He didnt spend the night at friends houses. Never in a million years did I think he would not come back. Searches of the surrounding area yielded no clues. Mysterious texts arrive months later Then, six months later, the family was shocked when Romero received a text. So on Masons 17th birthday, which was Nov. 1, I received a text about seven oclock in the morning, Romero said. It basically said, long time, no see. I hope you are all right. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The saying long time, no see, was one the family used as a joke when Mason would come up from the basement. But when Romero texted the unknown number back, she got no answer. Then, just weeks ago, around Mothers Day, she received another text, from a different number, asking how her day was and if she had some fun. Father found dead, daughter missing after they went hiking on mountain in Maine Were the texts from Mason? Or just a simple wrong number text scam? Usually, when you have a person who either wants money or is just a troll, theres communication back and forth, and it just ended there, Romero said. The Robersons hold out hope Without having a phone, without having a wallet, without having an ID, without having any money, there has to be a person who he was planning on getting some assistance from, Romero said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Mason is out there, they have a message for him. We want Mason to know how much we love him unconditionally and that we recognize that he might not want to be home, but we just want to talk to him. We want to make sure hes safe, Romero said. What happens to Diddys $400 million fortune if hes found guilty? For Masons father, the message has roots in his own experience. I left home at 17 myself, you know. I went back a couple times, I didnt leave like this, Roberson said. But just to communicate would be enough at this moment. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 27-year-old Belmont man accused of chasing a person into Brighton, then smashing their car with a hatchet, surrendered on criminal charges last week and is set to go before a judge for a dangerousness hearing Thursday, police said. Andrew Oprian is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and malicious destruction of property over $1,200 on a warrant issued out of Brighton District Court, Boston Police said. He will appear there for a dangerousness hearing at 2 p.m. Thursday. At around 11:45 p.m. on Friday, May 16, Boston police responded to the area of 1032 Commonwealth Ave. in Brighton for a report of a motor vehicle crash. Police say Oprian chased a person in his gray pickup truck at a high speed, causing them to crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the crash, police say Oprian got out of his truck carrying a hatchet, assaulted the person and then vandalized their car after they ran away. Oprian is accused of fleeing the scene. Video of the incident shared by police shows a man police say they identified as Oprian using the hatchet to smash the front of the victims car. More local crime stories Read the original article on MassLive. CHELMSFORD, Mass. (AP) A Massachusetts high school student arrested by ICE on his way to volleyball practice has been released from custody. By Nate Raymond BOSTON (Reuters) -A Massachusetts high school student who was arrested during the weekend by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on his way to volleyball practice was released from custody on Thursday after a judge granted him bond. Marcelo Gomes da Silva, 18, was granted a $2,000 bond by Immigration Judge Jenny Beverly in Chelmsford, allowing him to return home to his family in the Boston suburb of Milford following his Saturday arrest during a traffic stop. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The detention of the Brazilian, who arrived in the United States as a child in 2012 on a now-lapsed visa, prompted protests in Massachusetts as the incident became a flashpoint in Republican President Donald Trump's efforts to ramp up immigration arrests and deportations. Classmates gathered outside the immigration court celebrated after word of the judge's decision reached them. Miriam Conrad, one of his lawyers, in an email called his arrest "pointless and cruel." In a video posted by GBH News following his release, Gomes told reporters that he spent his time in custody praying. "It's not a good place," he added. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Milford High School junior had been driving his father's vehicle when he was arrested by ICE following a traffic stop, the agency's acting director, Todd Lyons, told reporters on Monday. ICE officials said Gomes was not the target of the investigation that led to his arrest, and that authorities instead were seeking his father, who has not been arrested. "He's in this country illegally, and we're not going to walk away from anybody," Lyons told reporters. In response to a lawsuit alleging he was unlawfully detained, U.S. District Judge George O'Toole issued an order barring immigration authorities from transferring Gomes out of Massachusetts without 48 hours' notice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit said Gomes entered the United States on a student visa in 2012. While his visa status has lapsed, the lawsuit said he intends to apply for asylum. (Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston, Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi, Diane Craft and Bill Berkrot) Marcelo Gomes da Silva, the 18-year-old Massachusetts high school student who was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement on his way to volleyball practice last week, was granted bond on Thursday after a judge found he is not a danger to the community. Gomes da Silva, a Brazilian national who is a junior at Milford Public High School, was arrested on Saturday, according to a court filing from his attorney. Gomes da Silva, who was driving his father's car, was pulled over and detained even though the father was the target of the operation. Courtesy Julianys Rentas - PHOTO: Marcelo Gomes da Silva is seen with his girlfriend, Julianys Rentas. During Gomes da Silva's immigration hearing, a judge said that while she found the government had not met their burden by demonstrating Gomes is a danger to the community, she said the 18-year-old "may have a slight flight risk." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "For that reason, the court will grant a $2,000 bond," the immigration judge said. MORE: Trump administration, for 1st time, returns wrongly deported migrant to US Robin Nice, the attorney representing Gomes da Silva, said her client was being held in "awful conditions" at a holding facility in Plymouth, Massachusetts. "He's been sleeping on a cement floor, he was sick, he had no bed," Nice said. Brian Snyder/Reuters, FILE - PHOTO: Classmates of Marcelo Gomes da Silva, who was reportedly detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, join members of the community at a rally in support of da Silva after their high school graduation in Milford, Mass., June 1, 2025. Before the judge granted bond, the attorney said Gomes da Silva has no criminal record and is "as clean as a whistle." "He's an upstanding member of the society, we have people with luminous community letters of support in terms of his character from everyone," Nice said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The father, Joao Paulo Gomes-Pereira, was sought because he "has a habit of reckless driving" at speeds over 100 mph, according to the Department of Homeland Security. "When we go out into the community and we find others who are unlawfully here, we are going to arrest them," ICE acting Field Director Patricia Hyde said at a press briefing on Monday. "We've been completely transparent with that. He's 18 years old. He's unlawfully in this country." TAUNTON, Mass. (WPRI) The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the city of Taunton are at odds over whether footage of Mayor Shaunna OConnells arrest last summer should be made public. The 55-year-old mayor was taken into custody back in July after her husband told officers she physically assaulted him during an argument. The domestic assault case was resolved in court months later. The Taunton Police Department recorded footage of OConnells arrest, as well as from inside the booking room. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SEE ALSO: Taunton mayor reaches deal in domestic assault case Numerous media outlets, including WPRI 12, filed public records requests for that footage with the Taunton Police Department. Each of those requests were denied, with the city arguing that the footage was confidential because it involved domestic abuse allegations. The Taunton Daily Gazette filed an appeal with Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth William Galvin, whose office oversees public records. Galvins office ruled back in April that, while body-worn camera footage from OConnells arrest was exempt from disclosure, footage from the booking room could be released in a redacted form. In a follow-up decision on May 14, the state gave the city 10 days to release portions of the booking room footage. But that hasnt happened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taunton City Solicitor Matthew Costa instead sent a lengthy email to Galvins office on May 29 seeking further clarification about exactly what footage has to be released. Holly Robichaud, a spokesperson for OConnells reelection campaign, said the decision not to release the footage was made by the Taunton Police Department, not the mayor. It is consistent with their record keeping policies not to release along with state law, Robichaud told 12 News in a statement. The back-and-forth has caught the attention of Taunton City Councilor Estele Borges, whos running against OConnell in this falls election. Borges released a statement Wednesday chastising the mayor over the citys failure to comply with the states order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RELATED: OConnell, Borges poised for rematch in race for Taunton mayor This is about transparency, accountability and leadership, Borges told 12 News. Were lacking that right now. Borges argued that as an elected official, OConnell should be held to a higher standard. We owe it to the public, she said. Robichaud hit back at Borges, saying, The mayors opponent knows that this decision is from the police department. For her to claim otherwise is completely dishonest and disrespectful to the police department. OConnell declined a request for an on-camera interview with 12 News about the matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its unclear if and when the booking room footage will be released. Costa told 12 News hes still waiting for guidance from the state on which portions of the footage must be made public. Lauren Brill and Ted Nesi contributed to this report. RELATED: Taunton mayor reaches deal in domestic assault case 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. The House approved a significant overhaul of marijuana oversight in Massachusetts on Wednesday, passing a bill that would downsize and reorient the scandal-hounded Cannabis Control Commission that has kept tabs on the legal industry since it launched almost eight years ago. The bill (H 4187), which passed 153-0 just before 4 p.m., would also regulate and tax hemp-based products, raise a cap on retail license control and make structural changes to the medical marijuana side of the industry. Overall, this bill provides comprehensive and reasonable reform measures to our existing cannabis laws, Cannabis Policy Committee Chairman Daniel Donahue said on the House floor. We are pursuing these reforms because we want our cannabis industry to succeed and thrive, and because we want to live up to the promises explicit in our commitment to social equity when recreational cannabis was first legalized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Frustration with the slow pace of regulatory changes, headline-grabbing internal conflicts at the CCC, and a plea from the inspector general for the Legislature to intervene at the rudderless agency combined last summer to get lawmakers thinking more seriously about a response. House Speaker Ronald Mariano recounted Wednesday how he went to Donahue last year to say were going to have to fix this as Treasurer Deborah Goldbergs removal of CCC chairwoman Shannon OBrien dragged on in the courts and shined a light on internal strife at the CCC. That led to a series of hearings and conversations that resulted in the bill before the House on Wednesday. It got us where we thought we had to take it away from the treasurer, Mariano said. Bill calls for governor to control the commission Today, the CCC is a five-commissioner independent body, with appointments made singularly and jointly by the governor, attorney general and treasurer, with the treasurer selecting the chair. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the House-approved bill, the CCC would be consolidated entirely under the governor. The states executive would appoint all three commissioners and select one of them to serve as chair (who would be the only full-time commissioner). The CCC would be subject to the laws applicable to agencies under the control of the governor. Asked what makes the CCCs existing model unworkable, Mariano said it was a structural problem but gave a conflicted explanation. It was created by a ballot question that had no rhyme or reason to it ... there was no accountability, he said. Mariano: government by referendum doesnt work The speaker, who started his scrum with reporters by raising the subject of legislation by referendum and the trend of advocates going around a slow-moving Legislature to make laws at the statewide ballot, added, Weve been railing against government by referendum, and this is a perfect example why it doesnt work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CCCs existing structure is largely modeled on the Gaming Commission, where five full-time members with specific areas of expertise are appointed by the governor, treasurer and attorney general. But Mariano claimed Wednesday that the problem is they werent written by the same people. The gaming stuff was written by House people, he said. The people in the marketplace wrote this bill, and they werent interested in controlling it, in making sure there was accountability up and down the line. As a matter of fact, this was a rush to get into the market. Everyone thought they were going to get rich. The 2016 ballot law that legalized non-medical marijuana here called for a three-person Cannabis Control Commission entirely under the control of the state treasurer, similar to the structure the House is pursuing with the bill it passed Wednesday. By the time the Legislature delayed and then rewrote that law in the summer of 2017, lawmakers had decided to move the CCC onto an independent footing, expand it to five commissioners and split appointment authority three ways. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mariano, who was the majority leader at the time, was the lead House negotiator on the 2017 law that structured the CCC. The structure that was put in place largely mirrored the Houses approach to standing up the CCC. This is legislation by referendum, and this is the problem: no one really focused on the writing of the ballot question on how this would be administered. And when it hit, the public had no idea what the problems were going to be and where they were going to be, Mariano said Wednesday. IG: Current commission structure unclear and self-contradictory Last summer, Inspector General Jeffrey Shapiros office said it determined that the Legislatures 2017 rewrite of the 2016 ballot law is unclear and self-contradictory and provides minimal guidance on the authority and responsibilities of the CCCs commissioners and staff. The office said its review of the Legislatures 2017 rewrite affirmed that this confusion has contributed significantly to the current situation at the CCC. Mariano was not available to clarify his comments Wednesday afternoon, but a spokesperson sent a statement saying his main point was that the Legislature was responding to a law that was passed by a referendum, which created a new industry outside of the typical legislative process, forcing the Legislature to address a number of unknowns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In order to safely and effectively carry out the will of the voters, the Legislature has been forced to revise the original language multiple times. Mariano spokesperson Ana Vivas said. The legislation that the House is voting on today is better because of what we have learned since 2016, and establishes a new structure, different from the one that the ballot initiative spelled out. Regulating intoxicating hemp-based products The bill the House passed Wednesday also seeks to address intoxicating hemp-based products that largely fall into a gray area of the law and between the regulatory cracks by banning their sale without a license and setting up a new framework to regulate and tax them. Hemp beverages could only be sold by retailers licensed by the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission to sell all alcohol and all hemp-based products would need to be registered with the CCC. This ban and accompanying regulatory structure will help provide guidance and clarity on hemp products, removing those which are unregulated, of unknown origin or composition, and too easily accessible to minors, Donahue said Wednesday. Cap on retail licenses increased The House bill adjusts the existing cap on retail licenses any one operator can hold. The current limit is three, and the House bill would raise the cap on retail licenses to six over a three-year period (increasing first to four, a year later to five and finally to six). Opponents of that idea have slammed it as a gift to corporate cannabis and a death sentence for local and social equity businesses. The existing three-license caps would remain in place for cultivation and manufacturing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the medical side of the legal marijuana world, the bill eliminates the requirement that medical marijuana businesses be vertically integrated, meaning they must grow and process all the marijuana they sell. Patients and advocates have been calling for that change for years, saying the medical-only options have become scarce across Massachusetts since cannabis was legalized for non-medical use. Cannabis in Massachusetts Read the original article on MassLive. A massive drug operation busted by police recovered several firearms, drugs, and nearly half a million dollars in cash. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Whitehall Police Department posted on social media on Tuesday that their Narcotics Bureau and SWAT Team had dismantled a major drug operation. The police were looking to take down a known drug trafficker. Multiple search warrants were executed across the region, according to the post. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whitehall Police uncovered 1,169 grams of cocaine, 147 grams of fentanyl, 380 oxycodone pills, four firearms, and $475,307 in cash. This operation is a huge victory in the fight against the drug trade in Whitehall. Its a clear message: were committed to keeping our streets safe and taking down those who threaten our community, a spokesperson for the Whitehall Police Department said in the social media post. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] MATHEWS COUNTY, Va. (WAVY) The Mathews County Sheriffs Office is warning citizens and businesses of bills that may be counterfeit. Police have received reports of counterfeit money being passed around. They are advising residents to be vigilant with checking bills, especially if hosting yard and garage sales or engaging in sales over Facebook Marketplace. Police provided an example of a counterfeit $100 bill that reads FOR MOTION PICTURE PURPOSES instead of THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement See below: Courtesy: Mathews County Sheriffs Office Courtesy: Mathews County Sheriffs Office Please use caution when accepting cash even if you are receiving cash back from a local store. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) Residents living on or near May Street near LSU are expressing concern over the traffic congestion that may make its way near the area. May Street officially closed on Wednesday to start the construction process. Miriam Tiritilli, who lives on May Street, said shes frustrated with the closure. Now, all of a sudden, its inconvenient to go grocery shopping, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement May Street near LSU is one of the most used roadways in the area, by car and on foot. What it involves is really tearing up May Street and rebuilding it between Dalrymple Drive and East Lakeshore, said Mark Goodson, project manager with CSRS. Goodson said this change has been in the works for a while, and its all a part of the University Lakes Project. He said the upgrades will not only be beneficial for pedestrians, but drivers. The plan is to create a channel and allow those in the water to be able to travel between the University and City Park Lakes. Along with that will be providing new multi-use paths on either side of May Street, new lighting and new greenspace and landscaping, and parking for what was May Street Park before, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Goodson said the construction on May Street plays a key role, but Tiritilli is not happy about the timing. It may not be as big a deal. Its still a big deal during summer, but when school comes back in, its going to be crazy, she said. This wont affect game day traffic, as the road is already blocked off. Tiritilli said although shes concerned, she still wants to see the finished product. Were hoping that the long run will be beneficial to our property values. Hopefully, the safety of the pedestrians will be improved, she said. Construction will only happen during the day. They expect to be finished by August of next year. To stay up to date with construction for both May Street and the University Lakes Project, click here. Latest News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News. NEW YORK (PIX11) In a recent effort to ensure safer city streets, Mayor Eric Adams announced Wednesday that a proposed citywide speed limit will be established for all e-bikes and e-scooters. Our administration is saying enough is enough: We are implementing a new 15-mile-per-hour speed limit for e-bikes and e-scooters that will make our streets safer, said Adams. More Local News E-bikes have generated controversy, particularly among residents who question the potential dangers they pose to pedestrian safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One recent incident resulted in the death of Luis Cruz, a 49-year-old man who was crossing Franklin Street near India Street in Greenpoint. Cruz, who was struck by an e-bike, sustained fatal head injuries. While pedestrian fatalities involving e-bikes remain relatively rare totaling six between 2021 and 2024 there were 923 pedestrian injuries involving all types of bikes during this period. The proposed 15 miles per hour speed limit would mirror best practices for e-bike speeds in other parts of the world, including the European Union, officials say. Thankfully, the vast majority of e-bike and stand-up e-scooter users operate their devices safely, but we are using every tool in our safety toolkit and studying worldwide best practices to ensure every New Yorker is traveling at safe speeds on our streets, said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials are considering the installation of additional physical safety measures in city parks to enhance safety for both riders and pedestrians. 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. John Ewing Jr., at podium, holds his first news conference since being elected to lead Nebraska's largest city. He said he'll keep staff and department heads of Jean Stothert, a three-term mayor he soundly defeated last month. From left, former Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle, who helped in transition plan, Fire Chief Kathy Bossman, Police Chief Todd Schmaderer, Ewing, Chief of Staff Tom Warren, City Attorney Matthew Kuhse and Deputy of Communications Erin Grace. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner) OMAHA From economic development to tax-increment financing, the streetcar, immigration arrests and staffing, Omaha Mayor-elect John Ewing Jr. on Wednesday talked more about how he plans to lead Nebraskas largest city. Ewing spoke to reporters at his first news conference since defeating three-term mayor, Jean Stothert. He moves into his office Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As he departs his elected post as Douglas County treasurer, Ewing said his chief deputy for 4.5 years will serve as interim head until, as directed by law, the Douglas County Board names a replacement for the remaining 18 months of his county term. Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert, a Republican, lost to John Ewing Jr., a Democrat, in the officially nonpartisan race. (Photos courtesy of Jean Stothert for Omaha and John Ewing for Mayor | Omaha-Douglas City-County Building photo by Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner) That deputy, Jane Alexander, who was at the event, said she is not interested in the position permanently, and Ewing lauded her steady hand and partnership. He said he was proud of his teams reorganization of the office for efficiency, customer service and improved accessibility through technology. Several current and former officeholders have privately discussed the possibility of pursuing Ewings former job. Continuity Turning to staffing as mayor, Ewing said he wants continuity. As he starts his four-year term, he said he would retain all of Stotherts department heads and senior staff except for her deputy chief in charge of communications, who has announced her retirement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hired to replace her was Erin Grace, a former World-Herald columnist who most recently led communications for the National Counterterrorism, Innovation, Technology and Education Center based at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. As reported earlier by the Nebraska Examiner, Tom Warren will stay on as chief of staff. Ewing said the two have been friends since about 6 years old, and both served on the Omaha Police Department. He said current city managers are capable, and he didnt want to see an exodus from City Hall. He said he wanted to promote stability. What Ive found in transitions is if you create fear, you lose the best people, because they have opportunities to go places, Ewing said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mayor-elect made two promotions from within city government to focus on what he said was the No. 1 issue he spoke about while campaigning: intentional economic development which he described as a focused and inclusive strategy to grow our economy and uplift every part of our city. Bridget Hadley becomes interim assistant director of economic development in the citys Planning Department. Jacquelyn Morrison becomes Senior Director of Economic Development in the Mayors Office. John Ewing Jr. and wife, Viv, celebrate during his victory speech. (Courtesy of Howard K. Marcus) Economic development to me looks like inclusion, said Ewing. It looks like expanding the urban core plan to North and South Omaha. It looks like creating job opportunities It looks like having opportunities for people to be able to live, work and play in their neighborhoods. Since making history as the citys first Black elected mayor and drawing national attention for upsetting a longtime Republican mayor in the city at the heart of the blue dot, Ewing said he has been contacted by businesses who are interested in relocating to Omaha. He wants to nurture those leads and said he values diversity. TIF, streetcar, CWS Among other topics touched upon by Ewing: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TIF: This public incentive, created by state law, became a divisive topic in the mayoral race. Ewing said one of the criticisms he had was that Omaha officials sometimes approved TIF financing for projects in areas that he does not consider blighted, one of the prerequisites. So I am going to be looking at using TIF more strategically, Ewing said. He said he has a meeting planned with state lawmakers representing Omaha to talk about other incentives and ways to spur economic growth so that the city has a broader array of tools beyond TIF. City streets: We are going to develop a plan. We are going to tell you what that plan is and then we will be accountable for that plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Streetcar: Ewing said he has recently learned more positive aspects of the modern streetcar project that was championed by the Stothert administration. The controversial initiative , a project with $389 million in city costs to be covered by TIF proceeds, became a contentious issue as well during the mayoral election. Omaha streetcar boarding zone. (Courtesy of Omaha Streetcar Authority) Said Ewing: My goal is to see how we can make it as successful as possible. College World Series: My goal is to help lay the foundation so that Omaha can keep the College World Series for the next 75 years. This is the 75th anniversary of the CWS in Omaha, he noted. Have more decorum Immigration arrests: Ewing was asked about a video circulating on social media and reported by KETV, which showed a west Omaha restaurant server writhing on the ground and being handcuffed and taken out by immigration agents in tactical gear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ewing said someone sent him a text message about the arrest and he was still gathering facts. But he told reporters that his plan is to make Omaha a place all residents can feel welcome and safe. He said the city would be reaching out to federal officials to see if there could be at least some coordination and awareness rather than a social media frenzy. Thats not the way we want to do law enforcement in Omaha, Nebraska, he said. Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer, offering his input, said it is pretty customary that federal immigration agents do not inform OPD of individual arrests. He said local police likely would be notified of large-scale activities and might become involved if an undocumented person is wanted on a criminal warrant and considered dangerous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres no way to keep us apprised of individual agents out there doing one-on-one situations like you heard at the eating place, said Schmaderer, who was next to Ewing during the news conference. Ewing added: We certainly would like them to do things in a way that doesnt have the people of our community feel as if they are in jeopardy. So that is something we will share, because the person that texted me had a great deal of fear when they saw weapons being drawn. So we will have that conversation. The mayor elect later told the Examiner: However you do it, youve got to have more decorum. According to the KETV report, a spokesman for the Department of Homeland Security said special agents this past weekend were looking for a Guatemalan national with a final order of removal. The agents saw someone matching the description and followed him to the Early Bird restaurant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DHS said the man is a brother of the original target and closely resembled him. Federal officials contended that the man resisted arrest, and that allegations that he was wrongfully taken by the agents were false. The restaurant on social media said, We had no involvement or knowledge of this incident prior to living it alongside our guests and staff. Treasurer job: He said that during his 18-year tenure, the office added online services to register vehicles and an investment committee that, according to his website, generated millions of dollars for the county. As Douglas County Treasurer, I inherited a strong senior staff, and together we transformed that office. Nearly all those individuals are still serving today, and I am proud of what we accomplished. I bring the same mindset into this new role investing in people, building strong teams, and delivering results. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Boston Mayor Michelle Wu defended her characterization of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents as secret police on Wednesday following scathing criticism by Massachusetts U.S. Attorney Leah Foley, who called Wus comment a false narrative. Federal immigration officers have not been sharing exactly who was arrested and why, Wu told reporters when asked about Foleys criticism outside an unrelated event at Boston City Hall. The U.S. attorney is attacking me for saying what Bostonians see with their own eyes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The exchange of criticism stems from comments Wu made about ICE during the WBUR Festival this past weekend. Every aspect of whats happening at the federal level is causing harm in our local communities, the mayor said during an interview. People are terrified for their lives and for their neighbors, folks getting snatched off the street by secret police who are wearing masks, who can offer no justification for why certain people are being taken and then detained. In a video shared on social media Wednesday morning, Foley called the secret police comment offensive. She also pushed back against the idea that people are being snatched off the street and said Wus statements were reckless and inflammatory. There are no secret police. ICE agents, along with other federal law enforcement partners, are making immigration arrests. That is no secret. They are arresting individuals who are here illegally, which is a violation of federal law, the U.S. Attorney said. Every enforcement action is conducted within the bounds of the Constitution and our laws with oversight, legal justification and accountability. To claim otherwise is a gross misrepresentation and a disservice to the public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During her response to Foley on Wednesday, Wu doubled down, justifying her characterization of ICE agents based on their mask-wearing, The Boston Globe reported. Boston police enforce the law without wearing masks, displaying their badges publicly, with body cameras that document the interactions that take place with full transparency, because we have nothing to hide, she said. I dont know of any police department that routinely wears masks. Wu went on to state that other groups routinely wear masks, such as New England-based neo-Nazi group NSC131, the Globe reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons who was the head of ICEs Boston field office until his promotion earlier this year said Monday that federal immigration agents wear masks because people have been taking pictures of them and posting them online along with death threats. Im sorry if people are offended by them wearing masks, but Im not going to let my officers and agents go out there and put their lives on the line and family on the line, he said. Lyons addressed the issue during a press conference in which he announced that ICE had detained nearly 1,500 people across Massachusetts during the month of May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ICE arrests have led to outrage in many Massachusetts communities over the past month. On May 12, the arrest of a Brazilian mother on the streets of Worcester led to a heated confrontation between protesters and law enforcement and charges against three women including a city councilor. Last week, the arrests of around 40 people on Nantucket and Marthas Vineyard and Nantucket left the islands full of fear, the Vineyard Gazette reported. Finally, the Milford community has been rocked by the arrest and detainment of an 18-year-old high school student over the weekend. More on Politics Read the original article on MassLive. EAST LONGMEADOW Longtime journalist Chris Maza has been named executive editor of Reminder Publishing, giving him overall editorial responsibility for the groups eight newspapers, two magazines and numerous specialty publications. Maza, 42, was named interim editor earlier this year when Payton North, the previous executive editor, left the organization for a job with the Hampden District Attorneys Office. He began his career with The Reminder in 2010 as assistant managing editor, leaving the newspaper group in 2017 to pursue a communications career in higher education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maza returned to journalism in 2019 as editor of the Westfield News Group but found himself back at The Reminder when it purchased the Westfield publisher that same year. It was a roundabout way to find my way back home, he said. Im grateful to the powers that be for putting their trust in me. Its gratifying, because there has been such a long history with me and this company and these communities. This is a new way for me to serve these cities and towns. While newspapers remain the foundation of Reminder Publishing, Maza said he wants to continue strong programming on the companys podcast So That Reminds Me which features interviews with local newsmakers. He also plans to strengthen the newspapers presence on social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were trying to be more engaging. Were diversifying how were presenting information, but with it all leading back to our publications, which are our bread and butter and the backbone of what we do here, he said. Curtis Panlilio, chief revenue officer and technology manager for Reminder Publishing, said the company was thrilled by Chris promotion. The Reminder has been very fortunate to have many of its leadership team develop and rise through the ranks. Chris exemplifies this, and Im proud of what he has and will accomplish as executive editor, said Panlilio. We look forward to his continuing success with The Reminder. Maza started out his career as a beat reporter covering the suburbs of Springfield. It is where he learned to appreciate people and their stories, and he plans to continue embedding reporters in communities across Western Massachusetts, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres probably not anywhere in our coverage area that I havent had my fingerprints on at some point, he said. We really get to know our communities, and they get to know us. When you have that deeper understanding of how a community works, when issues come up, you have a better understanding of how they impact people. Maza now runs a staff of four editors, six full-time writers and more than a dozen freelance correspondents and photographers. A married father of a 7-year-old daughter and, as a lifelong resident of the region, Maza said readers are concerned about everything from local schools and government to whether their road is going to be the next one paved. They want to know where their property taxes are going and how (municipal) projects are going to impact their bottom line, he said. Were reporting on the people who run and make up these communities. Were going beyond just covering local government. Were telling stories about people who are the fabric of the communities. Read the original article on MassLive. UPDATE: New Washington Bridge will cost $427M and open in late 2028 PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) A year and a half after the abrupt closure of the westbound Washington Bridge, Rhode Islanders are set to learn how long it will take to build a replacement and how much it will cost. Gov. Dan McKee will hold a State House news conference Friday at 10 a.m. to announce which of the two finalists has won the contract for the new bridge, his office announced. The state closed the 56-year-old bridge with almost no notice during rush hour on Dec. 11, 2023, after a structure failure was discovered, leading to major traffic problems and widespread frustration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Speaker Joe Shekarchi and Senate President Val Lawson had not been briefed as of Thursday evening about how much the bridge will cost or any other details, according to their spokespersons. Shekarchi has asked the governor, as recently as yesterday in their weekly meeting, what the impact will be on the state budget which the General Assembly is finalizing, and he has not provided a response to him, House spokesperson Larry Berman said. More than 96,000 vehicles traveling on I-195 Westbound drove over the bridge each day before the closure, according to RIDOT. The state has since rerouted traffic on the eastbound Washington Bridge, a newer span, to go in both directions with additional lanes. While the bridge was initially expected to reopen within a few months, further inspections revealed it couldnt be salvaged, and it is currently being demolished. The states effort to engineer a quick process for constructing the new bridge failed last July when no companies bid, leading the McKee administration to regroup and change its approach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two finalists chosen in December as part of a new bidding process were Walsh Construction of Chicago and a joint venture between American Bridge Co. of Pennsylvania and MLJ Contracting Corp. of New York. The governors office describes both as nationally recognized bridge building groups. The losing bidder will be paid $1.75 million as a consolation prize for participating in the process. During his monthly interview on 12 News at 4 last week, R.I. Department of Transportation Director Peter Alviti described the proposals presented by both groups to officials as very impressive. The bidding process is secret so no information has been released about their plans. (Story continues below video.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state initially estimated the new bridge would cost $368 million and be open by August 2026, though officials long ago stopped saying if they thought those goals were still achievable. Rhode Islands congressional delegation has so far secured $221 million in federal grants to help offset the cost of the bridge project. In the meantime, a separate $98 million project to demolish the old westbound bridge is proceeding. Demolition of the substructure was completed on Feb. 21. The state expanded the project last year to also include demolition of the old bridges underwater substructure, and that work is supposed to be finished by mid-December. McKee and Alviti have repeatedly expressed confidence in the structural integrity of the eastbound bridge, which now has considerably more weight on it due to the added westbound vehicle traffic as well as temporary concrete barriers. Alviti said last year he still expects the eastbound bridge, built in the 2000s, to hold up for its full expected lifespan of 75 years. Separately, the state has filed a lawsuit against various companies that worked on the bridge over the years. That litigation remains in the early stages. Ted Nesi (tnesi@wpri.com) is a Target 12 investigative reporter and 12 News politics/business editor. He co-hosts Newsmakers and writes Nesis Notes on Saturdays. Connect with him on Twitter, Bluesky and Facebook. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) Meagan Jackson is scheduled to stand trial next week for her alleged role in the October 2020 Horry County killing of Gregory Rice, the father of her four children. Jackson is accused of killing Gregory Vincent Rice in October 2020. The 15th Circuit Solicitors Office said her case is on the trial roster for Monday. Her trial has been delayed multiple times, and in February, it was delayed again after her attorney asserted lawyer-legislator protection. The protection is an order of the Supreme Court of South Carolina that grants immunity from court appearances to lawyers who are members of the legislature from Jan. 1 to July 31 of every year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rices body was found in the Little Pee Dee River on Nov. 8, 2020. Jacksons boyfriend at the time of the killing Christopher Dontell, a one-time Horry County deputy coroner is awaiting sentencing after striking a plea deal with prosecutors in early December in which he agreed to testify against Jackson. Dontell and Jackson were arrested in November 2020. Christopher Dontell J. Reuben Long Detention Center In February, Jacksons defense attorneys said they needed more time to review the case and develop a strategy for a trial because Dontells potential testimony changed the case. Prosecuting attorneys refuted the argument, saying the defense had enough time to prepare their case. Count on News13 for updates. * * * 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. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Editors note: This story has been updated to reflect a correction from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment on the date of the possible King Soopers exposure. The correct date of the exposure is Saturday, May 31. DENVER (KDVR) Officials are warning of new potential measles exposure sites in Colorado as cases continue to spread following an out-of-state traveler who passed through the Denver International Airport and a nearby hotel last month. A second vaccinated adult in Denver County has tested positive for measles, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. The infected individual was onboard the Turkish Airlines flight 201, which arrived at DIA on Tuesday, May 13. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Measles vaccination rates drop after COVID-19 pandemic in counties across the US Officials say the infected individual is recovering at home. This marks the seventh case linked to an out-of-state traveler who flew while infectious. So far, officials have learned of four passengers on the flight who were infected and three people who were at the airport during the exposure period on May 14 who are also infected. Measles is highly contagious and can spread through the air via coughs and sneezes. The disease can remain in the air up to two hours after the person has left. The best way to protect yourself and loved ones is through the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, according to CDPHE. In rare cases, people who are vaccinated can still get measles, but their symptoms are usually milder, and they are less likely to spread it to others, CDPHE explained in a release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two doses of the MMR vaccination are about 97% effective in preventing measles, CDPHE has repeatedly stated. Heres where health officials say that individuals may have been exposed to measles from the most-recently confirmed measles case of the Denver County resident. Anyone who was there should monitor for symptoms for 21 days after exposure and avoid public gatherings or high-risk settings. Location Date/time When symptoms may develop Trader Joes 661 Logan St. Denver, CO 80203 Thursday, May 29 9:30 11:40 a.m. Through June 19 King Soopers 1520 Main St Windsor, CO 80550 Saturday, May 31 10:30 a.m. 1:15 p.m. Through June 20 Target 4301 E. Virginia Ave. Glendale, CO 80246 Monday, June 2 9:20 11:50 p.m. Through June 23 However, there are exposure locations in Aurora, Colorado Springs, Denver, Evergreen, Glendale, Grand Junction, Greenwood Village and Windsor. All locations and time frames have been listed on CDPHEs website here. Measles FAQs: Vaccine efficacy, precautions, records Symptoms of measles typically develop seven to 21 days after exposure. Anyone who was at the above locations during the exposure window and develops symptoms should immediately contact their health provider by phone. If you do not have a provider, call urgent care or an emergency department and explain your measles exposure. Calling ahead helps limit further exposures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Data: Map shows which Colorado school districts are most protected from measles CDPHE told FOX31 in February that prior to 2025, the last confirmed case of measles in the state was reported in December 2023, and that most of the time, measles cases occur in Colorado after travel or in under-vaccinated communities. About 93.7% of Colorado children have the MMR vaccination, which protects against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella. Thats below the goal threshold of 95% for community immunity. Coloradans can check their own or their childs immunization records through the states Immunization Information System public portal. If your provider has not reported vaccines, some records may be incomplete. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DES MOINES, Iowa The first confirmed case of measles in Iowa since 2019 was announced by the states Department of Health and Human Services on May 23, 2025. However, specific details on the patient and potential exposure of additional residents have been limited. Through our thorough investigation, it was learned this individual had traveled outside of the state of Iowa, said HHSs Director of Communications Alex Murphy via email to WHO 13s Katie Kaplan. A thorough investigation has been completed. Public health officials will be reaching out to identified contacts, and no widespread public exposure is anticipated. While the initial release from HHS on the confirmed Iowa case stated the patient was an unvaccinated adult, Murphy added that any further information about the specifics of the case was protected from disclosure under Iowa Code 139A.3(3). A sign warning of the signs of measles hangs outside a Des Moines ER after the first case in six years was confirmed in the state. While it is unconfirmed which medical facility the patient was treated at, WHO 13 was able to view internal messages from Central Iowa medical networks that were sent to area medical professionals. One noted that the Central Iowa resident may have recently traveled to Mexico and Texas. HHS confirmed to WHO 13 that the patient traveled internationally, but did not specify where. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The announcement about the highly contagious viral illness that is spread through the air when an infectious person coughs, sneezes, or breathes was made late in the workday on a Friday afternoon before the Memorial Day weekend. Measles is as scary as it sounds because its so contagious, said Dr. Daniel Pelzer, a Pediatrician with the Iowa Clinic. It is 10 to 12 times more contagious than a normal flu virus that spreads around every year. And for that reason, its important for us to get ahead of that so that the unvaccinated or under-vaccinated in our community arent at risk. Pelzer said local physicians have been following the growing number of cases across the U.S. and have been preparing for a local case for months. He added that the case, which HHS said tested positive at the State Hygienic Laboratory, activated the plans that include vetting patients through their symptoms, limiting exposure to the public, and the potential use of hazmat, or PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) gear, for health providers. He said the first step the public should take if they believe they have the measles, or have been exposed to the illness, is to pick up the phone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Des Moines police release name of motorcyclist killed in crash For parents, if you think you have a case of measles in your house, or a known exposure, call us. Again, measles is so contagious that if it would arrive in our office, it would grind the entire clinic to a halt because of the density of airborne virus transmission, he said. According to the HHS, about 1 in 10 people in the U. S. who get measles will be hospitalized, and 1 to 3 out of 1,000 children with measles will die even with good medical care. Measles was declared eliminated from the United States in 2000, according to the CDC. This meant the absence of the continuous spread of disease was greater than 12 months. Most people who have been fully vaccinated against the illness do not need booster shots and are less susceptible to contracting it, Pelzer said. However, he said he has watched as immunizations in local children have fallen in recent years, specifically since the Pandemic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Herd immunity, about 95%, is what we need to effectively, in communities, limit the spread of measles, he said. In the last decade that Ive been a pediatrician in this town, Ive seen that rate decrease from 95%, which is our safe rate, down to closer to 90% by our best guesses. Measles symptoms include a high fever, cough, and runny nose, followed by a red rash most often found on the face and arms. Tiny white bumps may also develop inside the mouth. The illness can lead to swelling of the brain and other complications. The best time to prevent measles is before an exposure occurs, and the best tool we have is getting the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, said Dr. Robert Kruse, State Medical Director, via a written statement provided by the HHS. Getting vaccinated not only protects you but also protects people in your community who cant get vaccinated, like infants too young to begin the series and those who are immunosuppressed. If you think you have been exposed to a measles case and have symptoms, call your medical provider or nearest emergency room ahead of time and tell them that you have been exposed to measles and have symptoms before arriving. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Measles symptoms begin to appear 7-to-21 days after exposure. As of June 5, nearly two weeks after the announcement of the case, the HHS told WHO 13 that there have been no other confirmed cases of measles in the state of Iowa. Iowa News: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. Jun. 5JAMESTOWN A Medina, North Dakota, man was sentenced to 16 years in prison recently in Southeast District Court in Jamestown on felony charges related to sexually assaulting juveniles. Judge James Shockman sentenced Jeremy Craig Reister, 41, to 16 years in the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation with credit for 231 days served and 34 days credit for good time. Shockman placed Reister on 40 years supervised probation and ordered him to register as a sex offender. Shockman also ordered Reister to pay a $900 criminal administration fee, $100 defense/facility administration fee and a $25 victim-witness fee. On Feb. 5, Reister pleaded guilty to gross sexual imposition, a Class AA felony, two counts of incest, sexual assault and tampering with physical evidence, Class C felonies, and surreptitious intrusion, a Class B misdemeanor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reister was accused of engaging in a sexual act with a minor younger than 15 years old from June 4, 2021, to June 3, 2022; engaging in a sexual act with another person related to him, believing another individual may have information related to an offense and deceiving that person or employing force, threat, or bribery with intent to hinder, delay or prevent communication of such information to a law enforcement officer, placing a recording device in a bathroom to record an individual using the bathroom and having sexual contact with a minor older than 15 years old while he was at least 22 years old from Nov. 14, 2021, to Nov. 12. A Class AA felony is punishable by life in prison without parole. A Class A felony is punishable by 20 years in prison and $20,000 fine. A Class C felony is punishable by five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. A Class B misdemeanor is punishable by 30 days in prison and $1,500 fine. In a separate case, Reister is also facing several felony charges. Reister has also been charged with gross sexual imposition, a Class AA felony, three counts of gross sexual imposition, Class A felonies, and three counts of incest, Class C felonies. Reister pleaded not guilty to the charges on March 19 in Southeast District Court. A felony jury trial is scheduled for June 24. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Just a year and a half ago, Jamee Kattner had never considered being in a pageant before. But then, a group of students mistook her for the then-Miss South Dakota. A few months later, following Kattners voice recital, multiple people suggested she compete for the title. Man identified in fatal Monday I-90 crash Then I thought, well, that has to be more than a coincidence for more than one person to bring this up to me in the span of six months. And so I decided to take a leap of faith and jump into the organization, said 2025 Miss South Dakota winner Jamee Kattner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And just this past week, Kattner won the statewide pageant- something she didnt see coming. Complete and utter shock. I think everyone thinks it can be them. But until youre down to that final two moment, I mean, I cant even truly remember what actually happened, said Kattner. Now, she has three months to prepare for the Miss America competition. The first three days have been a whirlwind, and Im assuming thats what these next three months will be like. A whirlwind. But yet Im still so grateful for this opportunity, said Kattner. For the next year, Kattner will represent South Dakota using her community service initiative, Melodies of Joy: Musics Power to Inspire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im constantly going into community spaces, EmBe programs, Boys & Girls clubs, schools, nursing homes, and spreading the joy and love of music that I have and giving that gift to others. I think the biggest impact that someone can make is service and having a servant heart, said Kattner. First look at the Frank Olson indoor rec 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 KELOLAND.com. Key Points Prince Harry and Meghan Markle apparently see the rift with the royal familynamely King Charles and Prince Williamfrom different perspectives. The Duchess of Sussex is apparently focused on the future, while the Duke of Sussex remains stuck in the past. A source speaking to People told the outlet that, in the outlets words, Meghan wishes her husband could feel less burdened by the past and more present in the life theyve built together. When it comes to the ongoing royal rift between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and the royal familynamely King Charles and Prince Williamthe Duke and Duchess of Sussex are apparently approaching the issue in two different ways. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A source told People for its recent cover story that, in the outlets words, Meghan is focused on the future, while Harry has one foot in the past. Meghan, it seems, is very business about the ongoing tensions, as the couple is aware of everything going on in England, but theyre being left out of the detailstheres clearly no trust, the insider said. Getty Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Meghan stands firmly by Harrys side, People reported, though the As Ever founder wishes her husband could feel less burdened by the past and more present in the life theyve built together. Harry has publicly voiced his desire for reconciliation between himself and his family, most recently in a May 2 interview with the BBC. But the King and the Prince of Wales arent currently speaking to Harry, and the underlying issue is trust, royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith told People. The King and William dont trust Harry and Meghan with any kind of confidential information. Getty Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Prince William, Kate Middleton, and Prince Charles at the Commonwealth Day service on March 9, 2020 Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Prince William, Kate Middleton, and Prince Charles at the Commonwealth Day service on March 9, 2020 Charles announced his cancer diagnosis in February 2024; he continues to receive weekly treatments. As Harry himself said last month, he doesnt know how long his father has to liveand the source speaking to People said that Its been difficult for him to even get proper updates about his dad. Getty Images Prince Charles, Meghan Markle, and Prince Harry on June 9, 2018 Prince Charles, Meghan Markle, and Prince Harry on June 9, 2018 If you have that level of breach in a family, and you are estranged, you run that risk every day of having something unfathomable to deal with, royal biographer Catherine Mayer told the publication. Read the original article on InStyle NEED TO KNOW Meghan Markle is looking ahead while Prince Harry remains emotionally tethered to his royal past, a source tells PEOPLE A source close to the couple says theyre being left out of royal conversations entirely, despite being aware of whats happening in England Amid King Charles cancer diagnosis and Harrys recent public plea, insiders say reconciliation remains stalled by a lack of trust Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are united in their support of each other, but they view the deep divide with the royal family from different perspectives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Theyre aware of everything going on in England, but theyre being left out of the details theres clearly no trust," a source close to the couple tells PEOPLE in this week's exclusive cover story. Meghan, who is focused on the future, while Harry has one foot in the past, "is very business about it," the source says. Through it all, Meghan stands firmly by Harrys side supporting him through his ongoing lawsuits and the painful rift with his family, but an insider says Meghan wishes her husband could feel less burdened by the past and more present in the life theyve built together. The rift between Prince Harry and his father King Charles is five years deep and remains one of the most painful fractures in Charles' reign. Amid the Kings cancer diagnosis and Harrys increasingly candid public pleas, the silence between them speaks volumes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I dont know how much longer my father has," Harry told the BBC on May 2 after losing a legal appeal to restore his automatic police protection in the U.K. But it was a more personal admission that landed harder: "He wont speak to me." PEOPLE Magazine, June 16, 2025. The father and son were briefly on the same continent in late May, when King Charles, 76, traveled to Canada to attend the State Opening of Parliament, but emotionally remain worlds apart. The man the King once called his "darling boy" was meant to be "one of his reliable lieutenants he could call on to support the monarchy" says royal historian Dr. Ed Owens, author of After Elizabeth: Can the Monarchy Save Itself?, but that vision never came to fruition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harry and Meghan stepped back from royal duties and moved to Montecito, California in 2020 amid mounting tensions that became public. The rift deepened with bombshell interviews, their Netflix docuseries and Harrys best-selling memoir Spare, which alleged a physical altercation with his brother, Prince William. While William remains estranged from Harry and Meghan, some royal observers believe its King Charles, as head of the Church of England and a longtime advocate for unity, who should make the first move. But inside palace walls, hesitation reigns. David Rose / POOL / AFP/Getty King Charles and Prince Harry arrive at St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle ahead of the committal service for Queen Elizabeth on Sept. 19, 2022. King Charles and Prince Harry arrive at St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle ahead of the committal service for Queen Elizabeth on Sept. 19, 2022. At times, there has been a desire to reconnect but "the underlying issue is trust," says royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith. "The King and William dont trust Harry and Meghan with any kind of confidential conversation." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Insiders add that the King isnt surrounded by voices encouraging reconciliation. Prince William, 42, has shown no interest in extending an olive branch, while Queen Camilla sharply criticized in Spare "stays out of it," says a source. Even senior aides including Clive Alderton, who was also named in Harrys memoir, are unlikely to encourage outreach. "There is not a good angel in his ear to say, Be a good dad and make the first move,' " says Valentine Low, author of the upcoming book Power and the Palace. Despite Harrys plea for peace, his BBC comments were widely seen as another blow. "It wasnt meant to be an attack, but it would be seen as one," says Low. "It makes Charles reaching out even harder." The King's weekly cancer treatments add further urgency to the idea of healing the relationship before it's too late. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Its been difficult for him to even get proper updates about his dad," the source says, underscoring just how deep the divide has become. "If you have that level of breach in a family, and you are estranged, you run that risk every day of having something unfathomable to deal with," says Catherine Mayer, author of Charles: The Heart of a King. Even before recent events, Charles and Harrys bond was complicated. Harry, the son of a broken marriage, lost his mother, Princess Diana, in tragic and public circumstances when he was 12. Amid the rift with his father, Harry spoke with his uncle Charles Spencer about changing his familys last name to Princess Diana's surname, Spencer, but was told the legal challenges would be insurmountable. That decision would directly affect the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's children, Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex/Instagram Prince Archie, Prince Harry and Princess Lilibet. Prince Archie, Prince Harry and Princess Lilibet. 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! "There is so much baggage there that the idea that one meeting would resolve everything is ridiculous," Mayer tells PEOPLE. "But having some contact would seem better than none." Read the original article on People New Mexico Democratic U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury wasnt planning to go viral. But when she spoke up during a congressional hearing last month and calmly held aloft an uncropped photo that debunked a Republican smear while Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, the Georgia Republican and subcommittee chairwoman, slammed her gavel in exasperation the moment captured something larger than one procedural dispute. In a single act of preparation and truth-telling, Stansbury had exposed the hearing as political theater. The doctored image, which Greenes team presented in an effort to humiliate USA Fencing Chair Damien Lehfeldt, appeared to show him flipping off the committee. But as Stansbury revealed, he was actually flashing a peace sign. The document you have up behind you is a misrepresentation of the actual post, she said as Greene tried to continue speaking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Greene responded with a furious, uncontrolled banging of the gavel a scene that quickly became the viral centerpiece of the May 8 Department of Government Efficiency Subcommittee hearing and a late-night comedy segment on Jimmy Kimmel Live! But Stansbury wasnt trying to be funny. She was trying to expose a lie. A dangerous space, reclaimed In a Tuesday interview with The Advocate, Stansbury explained that the viral moment was the result of weeks of planning and a decision to reject silence. When we saw that the chairwoman was going to call a hearing on transgender athletes, actually my initial response was, were not participating in that at all, she said. Because clearly, it really is wholly outside of the scope of anything that the Oversight Committee has anything to do with. And its just a blatant political attack on the trans community. Ultimately, she and her fellow Democrats chose to engage strategically. We were prepared to shut them down, she said. We were ready to use every procedural motion we could. We were ready for any shenanigans they would pull. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plan worked. Early in the hearing, Stansbury called a motion to adjourn, and when Republicans didnt have enough members in the room to stop her, the delay bought critical time. They had to sit there for about 10 or 15 minutes, she recalled. And so during that time, some of our staff saw the poster they were planning on presenting. That gave Stansbury the upper hand. When Greene unveiled the image, Stansbury called it out immediately. The gavel slammed. Greene shouted. The internet noticed. Their obsession with this is weird For Stansbury, who has been representing New Mexicos First District since 2021, the hearing was just the latest installment in what she calls a disturbing trend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In my personal opinion, I think that the Republican fixation on trans lives is weird, she said. Its just weird. I almost cannot explain it. She singled out GOP members like South Carolina U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, saying, Who once purported to stand with [the] LGBTQ+ community and now are just so obsessed in a way that is unhealthy even personally. Stansbury made the same point even more bluntly during the hearing itself: Its just weird. Your obsession with this is weird. Greenes retort Well let the American people decide who the weirdos are backfired spectacularly, becoming meme fodder within hours. I could tell that it got under the skin of the chairwoman when I said that, Stansbury told The Advocate. A dark-money-funded manufactured panic Stansbury made clear that the GOPs culture war is not organic. This was a completely manufactured issue, she said. You know, the Republicans are obsessed with less than 1 percent of the population. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And she knows exactly where its coming from. If you rewind the tape and look at where it originated from, the same groups that have Heritage Foundation affiliation are the same as those who brought before the Supreme Court for the Dobbs case," she said, referring to the case that led the court to strike down Roe v. Wade, which protected abortion rights nationally. "They are all being funded by dark money behind the scenes. And it is a Christian nationalist agenda that is very explicitly going after the trans community. That targeting, she warned, has real consequences. I have trans kids in my life, and people are scared. People are afraid just to be themselves. I have a veteran in my district who has shared her story, and shes afraid to leave her house. It have never once come up Despite Republicans fixation, Stansbury said the issue around taking away trans rights is nowhere near the top of mind for her constituents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It doesnt come up. It has never once come up. Ever. Once. Never, she said. I dont get asked about it in town halls. I dont get asked about it when Im on the campaign trail. I dont get asked about it at the doors. Instead, she said, New Mexicans take pride in their states record, which includes gender-affirming care protections, legal safeguards for providers, and some of the most progressive LGBTQ+ rights laws in the country. As the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico outlines, those seeking gender-affirming care in the state are protected by confidentiality laws and can assert their rights through legal channels if they face discrimination. The law explicitly shields the privacy of patients from out of state, and conversion therapy remains banned. One of the biggest applause lines that I get when I do town halls is when I list all of the things that New Mexico did under progressive leadership, including protecting LGBTQ civil rights and transgender care, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But on taking rights away from trans people in the state? It is not a motivating issue for any constituent that I have ever talked to, Stansbury said. Warning Democrats not to flinch Amid whispers from some Democrats that the party should tone down its public support for transgender rights to avoid alienating moderate voters, Stansbury offered a sharp rebuttal. What I make of the kind of political retreat that I see some people making around this issue is, like, the American people right now no matter what their ideological affiliation is they want to see strong leadership, she said. Trump is trying to take us back a half-century, whether thats civil rights, LGBTQ rights, womens rights, whatever it is, she continued. And so we have to be as bold and as fierce in our fight as Democrats in standing up and saying no and punching back as they are in attacking people. Fighting disinformation in real time Asked how Democrats should respond to the tidal wave of false narratives, Stansbury was unequivocal: Allyship doesnt mean anything if it doesnt come with action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To me, that means saying something when you see something, fighting back in a full-throttled way, speaking up, speaking out, reaching out to the communities that we work with and partnering with them. And when it comes to Trumps broader agenda? Theyre trying to rewrite the Civil Rights Act. Theyre trying to undo all of these things that are not the result of policy and politics theyre the result of culture changing, of peoples movements for generations, she said. They think they can just go and write a few executive orders and undo generations of social struggles. Theyre crazy. Thats not going to happen. Stansbury finds hope in younger generations. I look at people in my life who are Gen Z and Alpha ... this younger generation doesnt even think about these issues the same way the older generation does, she said. Theres not only going not to be a demand for this, theres not going to be any tolerance for this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But until that future arrives, Stansbury isnt waiting for permission to lead. We see you. Were fighting for you, she said of her message to transgender Americans. Youre loved, youre cared for, and we see whats happening and were going to continue to fight back. ABINGDON, Va. (WJHL) A Mendota man pleaded guilty to assaulting a fellow inmate to prevent them from testifying during a federal investigation, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Thursday. According to a news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office Western District of Virginia, McKinley Lee Shaffer, a self-described gang member, pleaded guilty to one count of using physical force against a witness regarding the testimony and potential cooperation in an official proceeding. Shaffer, 32, now faces a maximum penalty of up to 30 years in prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The witness was involved in a federal investigation involving a March 2024 shots-fired incident in Abingdon and a related federal investigation, the release stated. Investigation revealed that Lakin Garrett had fired a pistol at a victim as part of a drug-related dispute. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Crime Watch On Nov. 24, 2024, Shaffer reportedly assaulted his fellow inmate at the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail Authority in Abingdon. Surveillance video shows Shaffer punching the victim without warning, and a physical altercation ensued. In a later recorded video visit with another person, Shaffer stated he was a gang member, and that the victim had robbed an Aryan Princess and told on her for shooting at the victim, the release said. Shaffer was referring to the March 2024 shots-fired incident in Abingdon. Shaffer said that he had to go beat him up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Bristol, Virginia Police Department and the Abingdon Police Department are investigating 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 WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. Donald Trump has changed his mind so often on tariffs that my head is spinning. Writing about the crushing weight of the budget deficit has been getting me down. And to be honest, if I have to listen to Rachel Reeves do her impression of a Dalek with a bad head cold one more time I might ask to be left alone in a dark room with a revolver and a glass of whisky. There are plenty of reasons why I could tell the Telegraph editor that I was too stressed, anxious or depressed to deliver a column today. But hold on. In fact, knuckling down to some work will be good for me, and will almost certainly make me feel better. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In reality, as the latest shocking numbers on the days lost to mental health made clear this week, British employers need to start insisting that putting in a proper shift at the office, factory or warehouse is better for everyone and bring the epidemic of psychological sickness under control before it crushes the economy. Output has stagnated, the stock market is disappearing, and job vacancies are starting to fall. Still, it is good to see the UK is still leading the world at something. According to the Office for National Statistics where fortunately the staff managed to pull themselves together long enough to crunch the numbers on our behalf the time taken off work for mental health has just hit a record high. Over the course of 2024, British employees took a record 20.5m days off for mental health conditions such as stress, anxiety and depression, up from 14.8m as recently as 2023. With grim inevitably, the public sector has been leading the way on that, with mental health accounting for an absence rate of 2.9pc, or 16.4pc of all absences, compared to a rate of 1.8pc at private businesses, or 6.7pc of total absences. Overall, that is a rise of 38pc over just two years. If anything else in the economy was increasing at that kind of a rate, we wouldnt be worrying about growth. We would be richer than Dubai, Switzerland and Singapore put together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We may have only seen the start of the really big increases. The figures are only the tip of the iceberg, according to Jamie OHalloran, of the Institute for Public Policy Research, who argues that many employees carry on working even when they are unwell. Heck, surely we can push that 20m figure even higher. Thirty million, perhaps? Or 50m? Or 100m? The sky is the limit. The trouble is, the numbers are rising so fast that it is hard to accept that we should take them at face value. Sure, we all agree that better diagnosis and a more tolerant culture has meant that staff who might have suffered in silence in the past are now more honest about their problems, and more likely to seek help, and take time off where necessary for treatment. No one thinks that people should avoid treating any form of illness, and it is right to recognise that a mental health condition is just as serious as any more obvious physical affliction. And yet, to put this politely, it is surely also obvious that something fishy is going on. Why is mental health, for example, so much worse in the public sector than the private? Are government jobs really more stressful, or demanding, than private sector ones? With working from home, gold-plated pensions, strong unions, and little chance of redundancy, you might think there was less to make you feel anxious. And how can the total go up by 38pc over just two years, a rate which would imply that days off for mental health will rise by 423pc over the next decade, taking the total number of absences up to 107m days lost, or the equivalent of taking 475,000 people out of the UKs total workforce? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The blunt truth is this. If the mental health epidemic keeps on growing at its current rate it is going to crush the economy. And yet the science tells us that, actually, work is good for our mental health. It gives us purpose, and a sense of belonging. For example, according to a study by the University of Cambridge, looking at over 70,000 UK residents between 2009 and 2018, paid employment brings other benefits often psychological such as self-esteem and social inclusion, while according to a study published in the National Library of Medicine in the United States unemployment worsens mental health and gaining employment can improve mental health, even for people with the most serious mental illnesses. I could easily quote dozens of similar findings. But I am sure everyone gets the point by now. While there are limits to how much people should work, in general it is better for their mental health, improving their sense of well-being, giving them a purpose, enabling them to mix with more people, and sometimes just filling up days that would otherwise feel very empty. Led by human resources departments that have grown too powerful, many employers, and especially in the public sector, are being far too indulgent. Sure, they need to be sympathetic, and they need to allow people who have a genuine issue to take time off for a well-planned course of treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the British economy already has woeful productivity, and is trapped in a doom loop of stagnant growth, rising taxes, and falling living standards. We simply cant afford this level of mental health absences because on current trends the economy is going to be completely destroyed. 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. Outside a nondescript building in downtown Manhattan, Ambar was pleading to God and immigration authorities that her husband Jaen would not walk out the doors of the Elk Street facility in handcuffs. "It's the only thing I ask of God and them, to have mercy for his family. I don't have anyone else. I'm alone with my daughter, I don't want to be separated from him," Ambar told ABC News with tears welling up as her daughter Aranza kept herself distracted on an iPad. But her prayers were not answered. That afternoon, Jaen and two other men were brought outside by masked agents in plainclothes and quickly ushered into unmarked vehicles, with Ambar wailing and making a last plea. Aranza, 12, tried to push past the agents to prevent them from leading him toward the vehicles, tears streaming down her face. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ABC News observed the emotional moments as an uncontrollably distraught Ambar threw herself on the ground pleading for her husband to be released. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images - PHOTO: A woman cries as she awaits for her husband during at an Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office on June 4, 2025 in New York City. The masked individuals did not respond to multiple questions asked by ABC News regarding what agency they belonged to, why they were covering their faces, and which authority was being invoked to detain the men. But Jaen's lawyer, Margaret Cargioli, says his detention follows a growing pattern of migrants being detained during check-ins with the Department of Homeland Security and being quickly deported under expedited removal. DHS did not immediately respond to ABC News' request for comment. In 2023, ABC News did a sit-down interview with the Colombian-Venezuelan family about their tearful reunion after being separated at the border by U.S. authorities in Texas. Jaen, Ambar and Aranza made the dangerous journey from Colombia hoping to seek asylum in the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "[It was] traumatic," Jaen said during the interview. "It was a risky decision. We knew we had someone to take care of, our daughter. As a family, we felt we didn't have another option." MORE: In a new tactic, ICE is arresting migrants at immigration courts, attorneys say Once they reached the border the family said they were separated and were placed in different types of removal proceedings. Ambar and her daughter said they were eventually released and placed on a bus to Los Angeles, funded by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's Operation Lone Star. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images - PHOTO: A woman cries after her husband is detained by federal agents escort after exiting an Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office on June 4, 2025 in New York City. Jaen was issued a removal order under the expedited removal process, but Cargioli and other attorneys with Immigrant Defenders Law Center were able to successfully challenge the separation and he was released on humanitarian parole for one year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cargioli says Jaen has petitioned for asylum, a renewal of parole and a stay of removal but all are pending. Jaen was scheduled for a check-in on June 16 as part of the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program (ISAP) an alternative to the detention program run by ICE -- but was unexpectedly told to come in on June 3 or 4, Ambar told ABC News. That raised major red flags for his legal team, who has been monitoring increasing incidents of the Trump administration detaining migrants in the interior of the country and placing them on "expedited removal." The process allows the government to remove migrants in a streamlined manner without requiring them, in some cases, to go before a judge. Under the Biden administration, the process applied to migrants who had entered the U.S. within 14 days and within 100 miles of the border. Under the Trump administration, it has been expanded to apply to migrants anywhere in the interior who have arrived within two years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jaen and his family entered the United States on June 4, 2023, exactly two years before his latest detention, leading Cargioli to fear he's being placed in expedited removal. Despite asking the ISAP officers where he was going to be detained, and if it was through expedited removal, the attorney says she has not received an answer. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images - PHOTO: A child attempts to embrace her father as he is escorted by federal agents with other detainees to vehicles after exiting an Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office, June 4, 2025 in New York City. Jaen spoke with Ambar on the phone after his detention and said he did not know where he was, but that he was being held at a facility close to where he was detained, Ambar said. MORE: Families separated by Trump's 'zero-tolerance' policy at risk due to lapse in legal services, ACLU argues Ambar and Aranza have an asylum hearing scheduled for June 2028. Cargioli believes Jaen would be with his family if they had not been separated at the border. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images - PHOTO: Federal agents escort detainees to vehicles after exiting an Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office, June 4, 2025 in New York City. "If he had not been separated from his family at that stage and put into expedited removal, he would have his case in immigration in New York, in immigration court with her, with both of them," she told ABC News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ISAP check-ins are carried out through a government contractor called BI Incorporated, according to DHS reports. Jaen has been regularly checking in at the Elk Street office since his initial detention, Ambar said. Families with loved ones checking in stand outside the facility hoping they will not be detained. On Wednesday, ABC News saw one woman cry with joy when a relative and her baby walked out with no handcuffs in sight. Another woman was shocked to see her mom being quickly led into one of the vehicles waiting outside the building. "Mom what happened, what is this," the woman asked. The masked agents did not respond to her repeated questions about why her mom was being detained. "I don't understand," the woman yelled. "She didn't do anything. She has a work card." "Who do we speak towhat is going on," she asked as the agents closed the car door and drove off with her mother. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) In an effort to protect the LGBTQ+ community from hateful policies under the Trump administration, Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) is leading a bill, that he says, will counter anti-LGBTQ+ executive orders. The No Place for LGBTQ+ Hate Act, which Merkley introduced alongside Congresswoman Becca Balint (D-VT), would ensure that executive orders targeting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and other Americans have no effect while also ensuring no federal funds are used to carry out those orders. The lawmakers said the bill takes aim at several executive orders issued by President Donald Trump, including an order signed on Trumps first day back in office that calls for the federal government to define sex as male or female and for those sexes to be reflected on official documents such as passports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Class action lawsuit accuses Grocery Outlet of deceptive pricing in Oregon stores As reported by the Associated Press, the order rejects the idea that someone could transition to another gender or could identify as something other than male or female. The executive order states Across the country, ideologues who deny the biological reality of sex have increasingly used legal and other socially coercive means to permit men to self-identify as women and gain access to intimate single-sex spaces and activities designed for women, from womens domestic abuse shelters to womens workplace showers. However, CBS News reports that the order is at odds with statements from transgender Americans who say they try to use those spaces to align with their identity and not to gain access to intimate single-sex spaces and activities designed for women.' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement British man posed as billionaire, tricked Portlander in $1.9 million online romance scheme Merkley and Balint said their bill also takes aim at an executive order to reinstate a ban on transgender people entering the military, an order to prevent transgender youth from receiving gender-affirming health care along with an order banning transgender students from participating in school sports. Freedom is the right to safely live as your authentic self without fear of harassment, discrimination, or violence, Sen. Merkley said in a press release announcing the bill. President Trump and Republicans are attacking our LGBTQ+ neighbors, friends, and family members by rubberstamping discrimination in every aspect of daily life. As we mark Pride Month this year, we say hell no to this hate and honor those who have fought for LGBTQ+ equality by never giving up on the vision of America as a land of freedom for all. Trump cannot take away our rights or our health care just with the stroke of a pen. Im standing with Senator Merkley and my colleagues to show the Trump administration that their hate and dehumanizing rhetoric targeting queer Americans doesnt intimidate us. We wont back down when it comes to protecting our rights. No matter how much they try to erase us and our history, LGBTQI+ people are valued members of every community across this country, Rep. Balint added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill is co-sponsored by several lawmakers including Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) along with Representatives Maxine Dexter (D-OR-03), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX-30) and Jamie Raskin (D-MD-06). Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Merriam, Kan. Fear and anxiety are growing for a group of long-time business owners in downtown Merriam, Kansasmany of whom may soon be forced out, not by weather, but by a proposed city plan. The area, located on a floodplain, is now at the center of a controversial debate over managing future flooding risks. However, the area hasnt seen a flood in nearly 30 years. Now, the city and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are working on a plan to prevent another disaster. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement National Weather Service confirms tornado touched down in Independence near Truman Sports Complex But one proposed fix, introduced at the most recent Merriam City Council meeting, has business owners alarmed. The plan would level all the businesses inside the marked red square in downtown in an effort to address potential flooding. Among those affected is Dan Leap, who owns Guitar Lamp. I dont want to lose my home Ive put a lot of money and work into this building, Leap said. It would devastate me, itd be terrible. Leaps building isnt just his business its also where he lives and rehearses with his band. Hes spent more than 25 years investing everything into the space. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the city says no final decision has been made, some community members are questioning whether flood protection is the real goal. After all, the area hasnt flooded since before 2000. Adding to the debate is an alternative proposal from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. That plan would avoid demolishing at least 12 buildings, including four owned by Anton Krutz, the founder of KC Strings, which has operated in Merriam since 1992. We love Merriam, we want to stay here, and thats what I hope would happen, that the core of engineers plan would go through, Krutz said. Business owners like Krutz and Leap fear the floodplain proposal is a front for something else: pushing out long-standing tenants in favor of new development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I understand that they have a vision and they want to implement it, but it has to be done with the consent of the businesses here, Krutz added. New, free shuttle coming to downtown Overland Park this summer In that same city council meeting, a council member mentioned revitalization as something citizens want. But these business owners say theyre citizens too, and they dont want to be displaced in the name of progress. The city administrator was unavailable for comment, but previously stated that city leaders hope to make a final decision by October. At this time, city officials say the plan that could displace up to 12 businesses is not the core option. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz papered over their differences, especially concerning the war in Ukraine, during their first face-to-face meeting in the Oval Office on Thursday. Merz, who just months ago responded to the administrations hostile approach toward Europe by asserting that the continent needed to gain independence from the U.S., repeated to Trump that he needed the presidents help to end the war in Ukraine and achieve the peace they both desire. The German chancellor said that he told Trump privately upon arrival that he is the key person in the world who can really do that by putting pressure on Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Merz was deferential as the two sat side by side, intent on avoiding the kind of awkward confrontation that has bedeviled other visiting world leaders. It appeared to work. Trump called Merz a very good man to deal with and voiced optimism that hed eventually reach a good trade deal with the European Union and stated that he had no plans to remove any of the 40,000 U.S troops stationed in Germany. But in a riff that is sure to displease Merz and European allies, Trump suggested it might be good to let Russia and Ukraine continue fighting for a while, a marked turn from his many promises to end the war on his first day in office. Merz did not challenge the president and sat silently while Trump appeared frustrated with Ukraine over its surprise drone attack last weekend that took out a third of Russias long-range bomber fleet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Something happened a couple of days ago, Trump said, referring to the attack. Russian President Vladimir Putin intends to retaliate, said Trump, who added that he shares the Russian leaders frustration with the attack. Hes unhappy about it, Trump said. Im unhappy about it. The congenial meeting with a new European leader followed the conclusion of what Trump described as a productive phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, which hed been angling to schedule for weeks. And it was hours after a flurry of executive orders imposing a full or partial ban on travel from 19 countries and launching an investigation into former President Joe Bidens term. Merz sat back as Trump held court, responding to questions about those matters, as well as the sudden criticism from former special adviser Elon Musk. And he avoided seeing the conversation delve into Germanys internal politics and the administrations oft-voiced frustration over the mainstreams condemnation of the far-right Alternative for Deutschland party, a subject that did not come up during the public portion of their meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But after a lengthy soliloquy blaming Biden for the war in Ukraine, Merz spoke up, praising Trumps instincts to bring peace to Europe while treading lightly around the subject of sanctions. When Merz reminded Trump that Friday marked the 81st anniversary of D-Day, when American forces invaded France in an attack that eventually turned the tide of World War II, Trump joked that that was not a pleasant day for you. The German chancellor delicately acknowledged his countrys Nazi history before underlining the point he hoped to make. In the long run, Mr. President, this was the liberation of my country from Nazi dictatorship. We know what we owe you, he continued. This is the reason why I am saying that America is again in a very strong position of ending this war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hinting that hed prefer to have a deeper discussion once the press had left the room, he added: We are looking for more pressure on Russia. And we should talk about that. Merz, in an interview with German public broadcaster ARD after he left the White House, said that the private conversation over lunch was "good" and that he "was able to remind him a little of this historical responsibility." But Trump, who has tried to pressure both sides into peace talks, expressed a new comfort level with the war dragging on and even escalating in the near term even as he made clear he has no plans to greenlight bipartisan legislation to impose secondary sanctions on Moscow any time soon. Trump said that the war was like two young children fighting like crazy sometimes you're better off letting them fight for a while and then pulling them apart, and that he shared that analogy with Putin during their call on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I said, President, maybe you were going to have to keep fighting and suffering a lot, because both sides are suffering before you pull them apart, before they are able to be pulled apart. Trump said he planned to wait to further sanction Russia until it became clear that peace was unachievable, suggesting in an aside that he could sanction Ukraine as well in the event that peace talks fail. When I see the moment when its not going to stop, well be very tough, Trump said. And it could be on both countries. Trump, asked about the sanction legislation sponsored by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), claimed a lack of familiarity. I haven't looked at it, he said, while also describing it as a harsh bill, very harsh Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Merz demurred when asked if he agreed with Trumps analogy likening the fighting between Russia and Ukraine to two siblings wrestling, emphasizing only that he and the president agree about the importance of ending the war itself. We both agree on this war and how terrible this war is going on, Merz said. We are both looking for ways to stop it very soon. In the interview with ARD, Merz said trade was a major focus of the private conversation over lunch and that he attempted to explain the genesis of the European Union, the 27-country economic bloc Trump has frequently attacked. "Many people in America, including him sometimes, see this European Union as an attack on America," Merz said. "I explained to him the history, the story of how this European Union came about ... But I also said that, from the German perspective, we are prepared to take on a bit more leadership responsibility in Europe when it comes to future trade agreements." German Chancellor Friedrich Merz sought to strengthen ties with the United States during a meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday. "We are having so much in common our history. We owe the Americans a lot. We will never forget that," Merz said during a press briefing with Trump in the Oval Office in Washington, referring in part to Trump's German heritage. Trump flattered his guest, calling him a "very respected man." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We're going to have a great relationship with your country," the US president said. A different tone from previous visits Trump adopted a notably friendly tone during the meeting - a major contrast to two previous visits. When Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa were in the Oval Office earlier this year, Trump berated his guests. On key issues such as Ukraine and defence spending, Trump struck conciliatory notes. The Republican remarked that Merz had won "a great election" and joked that Merz could be a "difficult." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You wouldn't want me to say you're easy, right?" the president quipped. " negotiator. Trump joked that Merz was "difficult" but called him a great representative of Germany. The usually combative US president, known for provocative or dismissive remarks about his counterparts, presented himself as particularly mild-mannered. Trump even praised Germany's defence efforts, which he had previously sharply criticized sharply - and also complimented the chancellor on his English. Allegations from Vice President JD Vance that Germany restricts freedom of expression and marginalizes parties like the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) were not raised - even though Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were at the event. Merz had been prepared to refute them. "You speak such good English. Is it as good as your German would you say? Trump asked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That provoked some laughs from both Merz and the reporters in the room. "No, it's not my mother tongue, but I try to to understand almost everything, and yeah, to speak as good as I can, the chancellor replied. How well do Trump and Merz know each other? The two had only briefly met once many years ago in New York. Since Merz took office four weeks ago, they have spoken multiple times on the phone both one-on-one and in larger groups about the war in Ukraine. According to German sources, Merz now has the US president's mobile number, exchanges text messages with him regularly, and addresses him by his first name. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Until now, Trump has primarily relied on French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni as his main European contacts. Merz now aims to step into a leadership role, hoping his phone number will become Europe's go-to one. Merz spoke surprisingly openly about their first one-on-one phone call during the WDR Europe Forum a few days ago. The two reportedly discussed topics such as the American pope and the US city of Chicago, which both have a fondness for. Merz knows the United States well and once worked for the US investment firm, BlackRock. His private-sector background is something he shares with Trump, who was a real estate entrepreneur. Controversial topics avoided At the Oval Office press encounter, Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio stood alongside Trump. These are the same government members who recently accused Germany and other European allies of restricting freedom of expression and marginalizing parties like the AfD. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before his visit to Washington, Merz had made it clear that he considered the criticism from the US over how the German government is dealing with the AFD "overreaching" but that topic was absent in the Oval Office. A journalist attempted to ask about it but was unable to get through. Around 50 media representatives were present in the Oval Office. Merz appeared at the White House without an interpreter a gesture to build trust. However, the chancellor had sought advice in advance from several heads of state and government who had already met Trump, including Zelensky, Ramaphosa, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre, and Finnish President Alexander Stubb. What was the top topic of the visit? Efforts to end the war in Ukraine were the main focus. Merz has positioned himself among the leading Europeans on this issue but has recently expressed frustration over the lack of progress. Trump sees Merz as an ally on the matter. Like him, Merz would like to see the fighting stop, Trump said. Both are unhappy that this does not currently seem likely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Trump expressed optimism, saying that at some point the "bloodshed" would come to an end. Once again, he left open the question of whether he was prepared to impose new sanctions on Russia - but also did not rule out sanctions on both parties. "It could be on both countries it takes two to tango," Trump said. Merz, however, was clear that Russia is the agressor and instigator of the conflict, while Trump was not so unequivacal. "We are on the side of Ukraine," Merz said, adding that Germany and the European Union are "trying to make them stronger and stronger." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later in the press conference German Chancellor Friedrich Merz did not stress the differences. "We both agree on this war and how terrible this war is going on and we are both looking for ways to stop it very soon." Senate bill on US sanctions on Russia Trump said he hadn't read the Senate bill on US sanctions, drafted by Lindsey Graham, a Republican and Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat, but said "they'll be guided by me. That's the way it's supposed to be." The US has a three-body form of government, which includes the judiciary, the legislative and executive branches - with each supposed to check each other, though Trump critics have warned that he, as chief exectuive, he is usurping power from the other branches. Trump said he would have the Russia-Ukraine war stopped before he took office and had then claimed he could end it within 24 hours. US President Donald Trump (R) meets with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the Oval Office at the White House. Michael Kappeler/dpa Pool/dpa German Chancellor Friedrich Merz sought to strengthen ties, including better cooperation on trade issues, with the United States during a meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday. "We are having so much in common our history. We owe the Americans a lot. We will never forget that," Merz said during a press briefing with Trump in the Oval Office in Washington, referring in part to Trump's German heritage. Trump flattered his guest, calling him a "very respected man." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We're going to have a great relationship with your country," the US president said. During his meeting with Trump, the two had agreed to strengthen their cooperation on trade issues, Merz told public broadcaster ARD. Germany is also prepared to take on more leadership responsibility in Europe when it comes to the future of trade agreements, Merz said. Trump's unpredictable tariff policies have caused concern in Germany, a major export nation. Merz said the tariff dispute between the United States and the European Union was a key topic during a lunch meeting with the US president. Merz said he had tried to explain how the EU was formed and emphasized that it was not a threat to America. "We want to find a common solution here," Merz stressed. A different tone from previous visits Trump adopted a notably friendly tone during the press meeting - a major contrast to two previous visits. When Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa were in the Oval Office earlier this year, Trump berated his guests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On key issues such as Ukraine and defence spending, Trump struck conciliatory notes. Allegations from Vice President JD Vance that Germany restricts freedom of expression and marginalizes parties like the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) were not raised - even though Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were at the event. Merz had been prepared to refute them. Trump even praised Germany's defence efforts, which he had previously sharply criticized sharply - and also complimented the chancellor on his English. "You speak such good English. Is it as good as your German would you say? Trump asked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That provoked some laughs from both Merz and the reporters in the room. "No, it's not my mother tongue, but I try to to understand almost everything, and yeah, to speak as good as I can, the chancellor replied. Successful visit After his meeting with Trump, Merz praised their talks. "Today, we have laid the foundation for very good personal but also politically constructive discussions," Merz told ARD. He added that he was returning to Germany "with the feeling that I have gained someone in the American president with whom I can communicate well on a very personal level." How well do Trump and Merz know each other? The two had only briefly met once many years ago in New York, but since Merz took office four weeks ago, they have spoken multiple times on the phone both one-on-one and in larger groups about the war in Ukraine. According to German sources, Merz now has the US president's mobile number, exchanges text messages with him regularly, and addresses him by his first name. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Until now, Trump has primarily relied on French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni as his main European contacts. Merz now aims to step into a leadership role, hoping his phone number will become Europe's go-to one. Controversial topics avoided Before his visit to Washington, Merz had made it clear that he considered the criticism from the US over how the German government is dealing with the AFD "overreaching" but that topic was absent in the Oval Office. A journalist attempted to ask about it but was unable to get through the some 50 media representatives present. Merz appeared at the White House without an interpreter a gesture to build trust. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the chancellor had sought advice in advance from several heads of state and government who had already met Trump, including Zelensky, Ramaphosa, Meloni, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre, and Finnish President Alexander Stubb. What was the top topic of the visit? Efforts to end the war in Ukraine were the main focus. Merz has positioned himself among the leading Europeans on this issue but has recently expressed frustration over the lack of progress. Trump sees Merz as an ally on the matter. Like him, Merz would like to see the fighting stop, Trump said. Both are unhappy that this does not currently seem likely. However, Trump expressed optimism, saying that at some point the "bloodshed" would come to an end. Once again, he left open the question of whether he was prepared to impose new sanctions on Russia - but also did not rule out sanctions on both parties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It could be on both countries it takes two to tango," Trump said. Merz, however, was clear that Russia is the agressor and instigator of the conflict, while Trump was not so unequivacal. "We are on the side of Ukraine," Merz said, adding that Germany and the EU are "trying to make them stronger and stronger." Later in the press conference Merz did not stress the differences. "We both agree on this war and how terrible this war is going on and we are both looking for ways to stop it very soon." Senate bill on US sanctions on Russia Trump said he hadn't read the Senate bill on US sanctions, drafted by Lindsey Graham, a Republican, and Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat, but said "they'll be guided by me. That's the way it's supposed to be." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The US has a three-body form of government, which includes the judiciary, the legislative and executive branches - with each supposed to check each other, though Trump critics have warned that he, as chief exectuive, he is usurping power from the other branches. Trump said he would have the Russia-Ukraine war stopped before he took office and had then claimed he could end it within 24 hours. US President Donald Trump (R) meets with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the Oval Office at the White House. Michael Kappeler/dpa Pool/dpa German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who was in Washington on Thursday for his inaugural visit to the White House, has gifted President Donald Trump a copy of the birth certificate of Trump's German-born grandfather, inviting the US leader to visit his ancestral lands. Born 1869 in what was then part of the Kingdom of Bavaria, Friedrich Trump grew up in Kallstadt, a village tucked away in the lush winegrowing valleys lining the Rhine river to the south of Frankfurt. Trump's paternal grandmother Elisabeth was born across the street from the Trumps' home in Kallstadt in 1880. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Merz first held a phone call with Trump shortly after taking office in early May, during which he said he had invited the president to visit Germany, an invitation he has now extended publicly. Friedrich Trump left Kallstadt for the US in 1885 where he worked as a hairdresser among other things, before becoming a US citizen in 1892, changing his name to Frederick. He later sought to return to Kallstadt, but local officials refused to grant permission, citing a failure to properly deregister when he left in 1885. Friedrich and his now wife Elisabeth boarded a US-bound ship in 1905, and Trump's father was born in New York only months later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Friedrich passed away there in 1918, Elisabeth would go on to lead a long life before she died in 1966. Kallstadt first rose to international fame amid Trump's first presidential bid in 2016, when the media turned their attention to the village with just a little over 1,000 inhabitants following his victory. During a visit to the White House in 2017, then-chancellor Angela Merkel gifted Trump a 1705 copperplate engraving of a map that includes the winegrowing village - but the two-time US president has yet to pay a visit to the region. Apart from stopovers at the US military's Ramstein Air Base, Trump has only visited Germany once as president, for the 2017 G20 summit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It remains to be seen whether Trump will take Merz up on the offer. Kallstadt Mayor Thomas Jarowek said he was ready to show the US president around - including a visit to the local church were his grandparents were baptized. In May, Merz said that he had invited Trump to come to Germany and visit the hometown of his ancestors during a telephone conversation. The President did not reveal in the Oval Office whether he would accept the invitation at least not in front of the cameras. US President Donald Trump (R) meets with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the Oval Office at the White House. Michael Kappeler/dpa Pool/dpa German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has given a positive assessment of his inaugural visit to US President Donald Trump. "Today, we have laid the foundation for very good personal but also politically constructive discussions," the German leader said after his meeting with Trump at the White House during an interview with public broadcaster ARD. He added that he was returning to Germany "with the feeling that I have gained someone in the American president with whom I can communicate well on a very personal level." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Merz noted that there were many similarities between himself and Trump, including their careers, which have spanned both politics and business "That does bring people together a bit," he said. He also stated that he was returning to Germany "with the feeling that we can call each other at any time and will see each other again soon." Merz referred to the upcoming Group of Seven (G-7) summit in Canada followed by the NATO summit in The Hague, noting that the two would "now have several opportunities to speak in quick succession." German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Thursday offered close cooperation to US President Donald Trump in a press briefing in the Oval Office. "We have so much in common with our history," Merz told Trump and the assembled reporters, speaking in English. "We owe the Americans a lot," he said, saying Germany "will never forget," a likely reference to US support for rebuilding West Germany after World War II. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Merz referred to the German origins of Trump's family, saying, "I think this is a very good basis for close cooperation between America and Germany." Merz thanked Trump for his hospitality and for the opportunity to stay at Blair House, the US government's guest house, which he praised. The chancellor recalled that he had first visited the White House in 1982, when then-President Ronald Reagan was in office. "I'm very happy to be here again and to offer our close cooperation with the United States of America," Merz added. By Andrea Shalal and Andreas Rinke WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Thursday said Germany, Europe's largest economy, was ready to take over a greater leadership role on future trade agreements as the United States and the EU race to reach a trade deal before a July 9 deadline. Merz told reporters he had a productive meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday, and the two men had agreed to strengthen cooperation on trade matters and other issues. Merz said he and Trump spoke at length about trade and tariffs during their meeting in the Oval Office, and over an extended lunch, where Merz said he highlighted the manufacturing facilities operated by German automakers in the United States. "We will send officials to further deepen these topics. We want to reach a mutual solution," Merz told reporters after the meeting, noting that while the European Union was responsible for setting trade policy, Germany had a significant role to play given the size of its exports. Trump has set a July 9 deadline for the 27-bloc European Union and other trading partners to reach trade deals and avert steep tariffs. U.S. and EU officials met in Paris on Wednesday and said negotiations were constructive and advancing quickly. Europe, already facing a 50% tariff on steel and aluminium and a 25% levy on car imports, could see U.S. tariffs on other exports surge from 10% to as high as 50% if no deal is reached. U.S. tariffs were having a significant impact on German automakers, he told CNN and Fox News in separate interviews. "These tariffs are ... something which is really threatening our economy and we are looking for ways to bring them down," he told Fox News. "Our conviction is that free trade, open markets are the best thing for the mutual wealth of our countries." Merz told ZDF German television that he told Trump that German automakers produced about 400,000 vehicles in the United States, about the same number as in Germany, with some of those vehicles then exported back to Germany. "There is a balance," he said. "Can we not acknowledge that for every car that is imported another car is exported by the same manufacturer and drop the tariffs?" Merz said he would also address the issue with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, adding that there was scope and potential momentum to reach a solution. "If a trade dispute escalates, that hurts everyone, also hurts the German manufacturers in America and the roughly one million families in America that are paid by German firms," he told Germany's ProSieben television station. US President Donald Trump has accepted an invitation to visit Germany, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz confirmed on Thursday. "The teams will look for a date," Merz told German public broadcaster ARD after a meeting with Trump at the White House. Merz said of his lunch meeting with Trump: "We talked about many topics, and he was very interested in Germany, his homeland. That really moved him." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Merz added: "I invited him to come to Germany, to visit Germany. He accepted the invitation." The German chancellor said the atmosphere during the conversation was "really good." Merz brought Trump a copy of his grandfather Friedrich's historical birth certificate as a gift. Friedrich was born in Kallstadt in the Palatinate in 1869, later emigrated to the United States and changed his name to Frederick. The chancellor presented Trump with the document in a golden frame at the beginning of the meeting in the Oval Office. Eminems team just dropped a legal bombshell on Meta, and it is shaking up the music world. The rappers publishing company, Eight Mile Style, is suing the tech giant for a staggering $109 million, accusing it of using his music without permission. According to the explosive filing, Meta allegedly allowed users to post Eminems tracks on its platforms without proper licensing, sparking fierce backlash and setting the stage for a high-stakes legal battle. Eight Mile Style Files Lawsuit Against Meta MEGA Mark Zuckerbergs company, Meta, has landed in hot water, and this time, it is due to Eminems music catalog. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On May 30, Eight Mile Style filed a lawsuit against the tech company, accusing them of copyright infringement and seeking millions in damages. In the court documents obtained by PEOPLE, the publisher claimed that Meta violated the copyright of 243 songs from the rappers music catalog through the unauthorized storage, reproduction, and exploitation of the tracks on their platforms. According to the filing, Eminems songs were made available in the tech companys Music Libraries to be used by users to create content using features such as Original Audio and Reels Remix. The publisher chained those features, allowing the 52-year-olds songs to be streamed billions of times and used in millions of videos. Eminem's Publishers Seek $109M In Damages MEGA The lawsuit claimed that due to the countless unauthorized uses of the icons songs, there was a diminished value of the copyrights by Defendants theft of them, lost profits, and Defendants profits attributable to the infringement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result, the company is seeking monetary damages as well as maximum statutory damages. They requested $150,000 for each of the 243 songs per platform, WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram, bringing the total amount to $109,350,000. In addition, Eight Mile Style requested a jury trial. They claimed that Meta tried to get licenses through Audiam Inc., a digital royalty collector and payment engine. However, Eminem's publisher said they didnt give Audiam access. Meta Responds To Eminems Publisher imageSPACE / MEGA Following the lawsuit, Meta issued a statement in response to the claims. Meta has licenses with thousands of partners around the world and an extensive global licensing program for music on its platforms, a spokesperson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They also noted that Meta had been in talks with Eight Mile Style, but instead of continuing the discussion, the publishing company chose to file a lawsuit. Meanwhile, Eminem has clarified that he is personally not part of the lawsuit. In a statement to E! News on Wednesday, June 4, the Grammy Award winner revealed, 8 Mile Style is a publishing company that administers my early catalog releases." "The Meta lawsuit came from them, not me. I'm not personally involved with it and I am not a party to the suit, he added. Eight Mile Style Sues Facebook MEGA This is not the first time Zuckerberg and Eight Mile Style have been embroiled in a legal fight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2013, the latter sued Facebook, alleging that the platform used Eminems song Under the Influence for an advertisement without consent. The advert was featured in a webcast by Zuckerberg to announce Facebook Home, an interface for Android phones. However, the publisher claimed the platform changed the background and music before the advert hit TV and YouTube. The alteration of the Airplane advertisement was an admission that Facebook knew it had infringed on the Eminem/D12 composition, Eight Mile Style claimed per BBC News. They demanded $150,000 in damages per infringement for the resemblance of Eminems song. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response, Facebooks lawyers argued that the song was exempt from copyright infringement, alleging that the music sounded similar to a Michael Jackson song. Eminems Former Employee Faces Jail Time For Theft MEGA Besides popular platforms, individuals, even in Eminems camp, have also faced legal troubles due to the icons music. In March 2025, Joseph Strange, a former sound engineer for Eminem, was caught stealing and selling over 25 unreleased tracks from the rappers private archives. Strange allegedly accessed password-protected hard drives containing unreleased material, transferring files to an external device between 2019 and 2020. The FBIs investigation began after Eminems team discovered the unreleased songs circulating online and identified images taken directly from the studios hard drive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Buyers reported paying substantial sums, including one who spent $50,000 in Bitcoin for 25 tracks. Now, Strange faces charges of criminal copyright infringement and interstate transportation of stolen goods, carrying potential penalties of up to 15 years in prison and fines up to $250,000. Editors note: This story was updated at 10:25 a.m. on June 5 with information from Massachusetts State Police. Metal panels flew off a truck and hit a car on the highway in Burlington Thursday morning, causing delays during the morning commute. The crash happened between a car and a tractor-trailer at 6:30 a.m. on Interstate 95, according to state police. Debris caused both the northbound and southbound sides of the highway to close by exit 50, MassDOT said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One person in the car was seriously hurt and was brought to Lahey Hospital, according to police. The crash also involved metal panels flying off a truck and into another vehicle, crushing the car, according to reports from WCVB. The panels landed in the breakdown lane on the southbound side of the highway, police said. The panels were cleared from the highway by 7:40 a.m., police said. Fire officials remained on the scene until 9:15 a.m. to monitor leaking fuel from the tractor-trailer involved in the crash. All lanes have since reopened. The crash is under investigation by Massachusetts State Police. More News Read the original article on MassLive. Meta recently announced a partnership with defense tech startup Anduril on a US military project. Meta's CTO said the partnership is a "return to grace" for Silicon Valley's ties with the military. Anduril said the project isn't funded by taxpayers and will save the military billions of dollars. Meta's CTO Andrew Bosworth said the social media giant's partnership with defence technology startup Anduril marks a "return to grace" for Silicon Valley's relationship with the military. "The Valley was founded on a three-way investment between the military, academics, and private industry. That was the founding of it," Bosworth said during an interview at the Bloomberg Tech summit in San Francisco on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There would be no technology if we weren't all tasked with the problem of keeping naval ballistic trajectories during the first two world wars. That is the heart and soul of the investment that led to what we are today, and that really got severed for a while there," he added. Last week, Meta announced that it was partnering with Anduril to build next-gen extended reality gear for the US military. Anduril said in a statement on May 29 that the project will incorporate its AI-powered command and control system, Lattice, as well as technology from Meta's Reality Labs and Llama AI models. "The effort has been funded through private capital, without taxpayer support, and is designed to save the US military billions of dollars by utilizing high-performance components and technology originally built for commercial use," Anduril said in its May statement. Bosworth said on Wednesday that it was "way too early" to determine if the military would turn into a business segment for Meta. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "So far, it's like a zero. Let's start with one and go from there. I think there's no reason it couldn't be meaningful in the impact that it has," he continued. Bosworth said partnering with Anduril doesn't mean Meta's becoming a defense contractor. "They have got a system in a program. We are supplying them with parts. So everything we are doing is for consumers. We are developing technology with a target on consumer audiences," he said. "It turns out a lot of that technology could be multi-use and that is really where I want to establish a partnership," he continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bosworth isn't the only Silicon Valley executive who is looking to make inroads into the defense industry. Last year, Google's former CEO and chairman, Eric Schmidt said he was working on a military drone startup with Udacity CEO Sebastian Thrun. Schmidt's startup, named White Stork, plans to mass-produce drones that can take out enemy targets using AI. "Because of the way the system works, I am now a licensed arms dealer," Schmidt said in a lecture at Stanford University in April 2024. A video of the lecture was briefly posted on Stanford's YouTube channel in August before it was taken down. Read the original article on Business Insider ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) MetroCare Ambulance Service is looking to move into a suite at the River Oaks Village. Thats the shopping center on South 14th and Willis Street where the United Supermarkets store is located. However, with this being located next to a neighborhood, what about the noise from the sirens when they respond to an emergency? TSTC Abilenes graduating EMT students lead extrication simulation The shopping center is situated next to a residential neighborhood. Upon full operationalization, it will serve as an ambulance deployment center with crews working 24-hour shifts and 12 personnel reporting to the location. A representative from Metro Care told the planning and zoning board that a plan is in place to address the noise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We do have a policy already on when and where they can start their sirens and lights to decrease the impact on the residential area behind them, until they get to the main access roads, James Bryant told the board. They chose the location because it is centrally located, allowing for faster response times. No vehicle maintenance will be performed at the location, nor will any medical services be provided. The planning and zoning board approved the move, and it will now go to the Abilene City Council for their 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 KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) A man was found guilty of kidnapping, humiliating the victim, and recording the crime on social media. In June 2024, Sergio Silguero beat a man at a northeast Albuquerque apartment, shoved a gun in his mouth, recorded the crime, and saved the videos on social media. New Mexico State Police crack down on underage drinking at Boots in the Park On Thursday, a jury convicted him of kidnapping and conspiracy. Silguero faces up to 30 years in prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Democratic lawmaker in the Michigan House of Representatives introduced legislation June 4 to amend the state's civil rights law to include an updated definition of antisemitism, saying recent attacks on Jewish communities in the U.S. have created a crisis. Rep. Noah Arbit, D-West Bloomfield, said during a June 3 news conference the Michigan Antisemitism Protection Act would create a gold standard definition of antisemitism within the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, the state law that bans discrimination in housing, employment, education and public accommodations on the basis of certain protected classes, including, religion, age, race, sex and sexual orientation. If adopted, these standards would assist relevant state institutions, agencies and authorities identify and elevate potential instances of illegal discrimination against Jews in Michigan, Arbit said. He added the bill, HB 4548, would not affect constitutionally protected free speech, but would add protections for ethnicity in arenas already covered by the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Specifically, the bill would add ethnicity as a protected class and adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's working definition of antisemitism. The IHRA states: Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities. Arbit, who is Jewish, said a June 1 attack at a Colorado event drawing attention to Israeli hostages held by Hamas and the fatal shootings of two Israeli embassy workers in May outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington are the latest instances of targeted violence against Jews in the U.S. Mohamed Sabry Soliman, the alleged perpetrator of the Boulder, Colorado, attack, was charged with a federal hate crime after telling investigators he wanted to kill all Zionist people, according to an FBI affidavit. The attacks, however, arent isolated instances of targeted violence, Arbit said. Over the last decade and a half, American Jews have watched our vibrant synagogues congeal into fortresses. The anxiety that our sanctuaries or Sunday schools could be the next target for a gunman or terrorist pervades Jewish communities across Michigan, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arbit was joined by Michigans two other Jewish lawmakers, Sen. Jeremy Moss, D-Southfield, and Rep. Samantha Steckloff, D-Farmington Hills. Steckloff said all three lawmakers have received calls from the FBI about credible threats against them, adding she had a police detail on her home. Steckloff said its important to push back against antisemitic tropes, including the idea that Jews control societal institutions. She also said American Jews should not be blamed for what the government of Israel has done, referencing the ongoing war in Gaza. We cannot continue to hate American Jews because of what is going on overseas, Steckloff said. HB 4548 would bar discrimination on the basis of accusing Jews of being more loyal to Israel or the alleged priorities of Jews worldwide than in the U.S. While the IHRA states that manifestations of antisemitism may include targeting the state of Israel, the group also states that criticism of Israel similar to criticism of another country cannot be considered antisemitism. The bill states discrimination "does not include criticism of the State of Israel similar to that leveled against any other country, nation, state, or government." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Holding Jewish people collectively accountable for Israels actions, however, is considered antisemitism under the bill and under the IHRAs working definition. The definition was adopted in 2016. Contact Arpan Lobo: alobo@freepress.com This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: New Michigan bill would adopt definition of antisemitism in state law Michigan Capitol | Susan J. Demas Electronic theft of benefits and unauthorized use of food assistance cards is costing Michiganders millions if not billions of dollars in fraud, supporters of legislation to require a photo and a signature on Michigan Bridge cards said during a Thursday meeting of the state House Government Operations Committee. Rep. Jason Woolford (R-Howell), sponsor of House Bill 4515, told lawmakers Thursday that Michigan has seen instances of organized crime stealing peoples Electronic Benefits Transfer, or EBT, data to drain peoples SNAP, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, benefits which are informally known as food stamps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX A May statement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture said SNAP benefit fraud efforts have dramatically increased in recent years through card skimming and cloning efforts. And as President Donald Trumps administration has zeroed in on cracking down on bad actors stealing food assistance dollars from those who need them, Judicial Officer of the United States Department of Agriculture John Walk said these crimes hurt Americans on multiple levels. These are truly sick and depraved individuals who are stealing food from low-income Americans for their own profit, Walk said in May. It is especially disturbing when international criminal organizations siphon tax dollars away from SNAP beneficiaries to fund their own illicit activities. Woolfords bill would require those using Michigans food assistance card, known as the Bridge Card, to have their photograph and signature appear on the card. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill isnt meant to inconvenience anyone in need of food assistance in Michigan more than the inconvenience many Michiganders face when getting a photo for a drivers license, passport, or a Costco membership card, Woolford said. And although the nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency places estimates of implementing photo and signature requirements at between $1.5 million to $4.5 million annually, based on other states that have done so, Woolford said the change could save taxpayers billions in fraud. Thats my concern, that the amount of money were losing here, money that quite honestly could go to other people that are being denied benefits or that we dont have the money to take care of because of the waste, fraud and abuse, Woolford said. In the House Fiscal Agencys analysis of the bill, savings to Michigan as a result of reduced fraud are indeterminate and likely negligible. Regardless of whose image would appear on a card, in order for whole families to benefit from food assistance, federal rules mandate that states cant hinder members of a household from permitted purchases, so anyone with the pin number can make a purchase regardless of the image on the card, the analysis said. On Thursday, Rep. Mike Harris (R-Waterford Township) said during his law enforcement career prior to joining the Legislature, he saw frequent fraudulent use of food assistance cards. At the same time, when considering concerns that having to get a photo taken would place an undue burden on recipients, Harris said hed be interested in seeing if the bill could be further fleshed out to allow images already in the Michigan Department of States database for state IDs to be used for Bridge Cards. Katie O'Neal (right) testifies before the Senate Health Policy Committee as it discusses proposed federal Medicaid cuts on Wednesday, June 5, 2025 | Photo by Ben Solis As Republicans in Congress pursue massive cuts to federal Medicaid dollars, Michigan lawmakers have been left to decipher what that means for the state and its residents who rely on vital health care funding. On Wednesday, members of the Michigan Senate Health Policy Committee met to discuss the U.S. House of Representatives recently passed spending bill that would slice $535 billion from the federal program over the next 10 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Testifying before the Democratic-controlled Michigan Senate committee were members of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, hospital officials and federally qualified health care providers. Meghan Groen, senior deputy director of health services with the MDHHS, said one in four Michigan residents rely on Medicaid and that a significant portion of those recipients live in rural areas. The U.S. House proposal to cap and eliminate provider taxes would cost Michigan around $525 million, Groen said, and the proposed work requirements in the federal spending bill could lead to a $155 million implementation cost with less coverage provided. Groen noted that nearly 500,000 people could face coverage loss. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the benefits of Michigan expanding Medicaid coverage many years ago was that health insurance could be provided to more low-income residents and reduced the financial burdens on hospitals. Eliminating the Medicaid expansion could lead to increased emergency room visits and higher health care costs overall. The Healthy Michigan plan involves about 750,000 Michiganders. At this point, it succeeded in exactly what it was intended to do, Groen said. It prevents people from going into bankruptcy and medical debt, because someone in their family got sick. Uninsured people dont stop getting sick. They wait until theyre sicker, and then they go to an emergency room. They go with a higher level of care, where its more expensive to serve them, and their acuity, or how sick they are, is more intense at that time, so it costs more. If they dont have money to pay that bill, Groen said, it gets left unpaid, and the providers have uncompensated care. She said the cost for everybody in the community goes up everybody who goes into that provider. Sen. Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit) wondered about the work requirements, noting that the Institute of Health Policy and Innovation has said that 49% of Michiganders who fall into that category are already working. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Groen said the state does not have an exact number of how many in that population were actually working, but she suspected it would be most recipients. Adding the proposed requirements would lead to a lot of extra communication about recipients go on to comply with the requirement, which also say they needed to be working the month before they applied. It might be a little confusing for an individual whos like, great, I just got a job, Ill apply for Medicaid, and then to get that determination letter [saying] that they, in fact, do not meet the requirements is going to be very confusing for people who are just reaching out, getting a job, and trying to make sure they have health care for themselves and their family, Groen said. We are very concerned about both what the compliance looks like for individuals who are working and individuals who are not. Also testifying was Katie ONeal, a mother from Ypsilanti, who extolled how Medicaid helped her child get lifesaving care and without going through the rigors of dealing with the modern health insurance industry. ONeals son, Nathan, who came to their family through the foster care system, was born 11-weeks premature. He was eligible for Medicaid due to his inclusion in foster care. Shortly after he arrived as a member of the ONeal family, Nathan became ill with RSV, a common respiratory virus that can have serious consequences for infants and older adults. It was later discovered that he had a stenosis, or narrowing, of his lower airway, requiring a tracheostomy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of that care was covered by Medicaid, ONeal said, which was a blessing. Years later, Nathans airway needed to be reconstructed. A two-week intensive care unit hospital stay was necessary at a cost of more than $100,000. That procedure and follow up appointments were all covered by Medicaid. He lives a pretty stable life now, despite a resurgence in complications from the reconstructive surgery, which is rare. Four procedures have commenced since late last summer, and each of those procedures were covered by Medicaid. But future surgeries and complications could be harrowing if congressional Republicans cuts to Medicaid take hold. I have anxiety about the outcome and his life after surgery. I worry how first grade will go, and I wonder if we will ever escape this cycle of airway procedures, ONeal said. But I dont have to worry about convincing my insurance company that its necessary. Medicaid has been there for us at every turn, and now theres a public debate about whether families like mine should still have this kind of support with Medicaid. MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- Midland College is hosting two upcoming information sessions designed to support individuals who will be the first in their families to attend college. These sessions are open to the community and intended to provide clear, helpful guidance for those who may be unsure about how to take the next step toward higher education. The sessions will include brief overviews of Midland Colleges admissions, academic advising, financial aid information, and other support systems tailored specifically to the needs of First-Generation students. Staff will be available to visit one-on-one, and light refreshments will be provided. Sessions will take place on the following dates: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tuesday, June 10 | 6:007:00 p.m. Midland College Main Campus, Rotary Room (Cowden Dining Hall) 3600 N. Garfield, Midland, TX Tuesday, July 8 | 6:007:00 p.m. Cogdell Learning Center 201 W. Florida Avenue, Midland, TX Midland College recognizes that navigating college for the first time can be overwhelming. Many of our students come from families where attending college is a new experience, said Ida Curiel, MCs Associate Director of First Generation & Post College Initiatives. We want to provide a welcoming setting to offer support, answer questions, and show students that college is possible and that they dont have to figure it out alone. Midland College is committed to expanding access to higher education and ensuring student success at every stage. As a community-centered institution, MC continues to invest in programs and services that help more people achieve their academic and career goals especially those who are just starting the journey. For more information about Midland Colleges First-Generation support programs, visit midland.edu/first-gen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A Guatemalan man who says he was wrongfully deported to Mexico has been returned to the U.S., according to his legal team. The man's return marks the first known instances of the Trump administration complying with judicial orders to return a deported migrant, according to CNN. O.C.G, as the man is identified in court documents, says he survived sexual violence and kidnapping in Mexico on his way to the southern border last year. But federal immigration authorities failed to screen him for a credible fear assessment before deporting him back to the same country where he was raped and held for ransom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He landed in the U.S. on Wednesday and was put in contact with a member of the legal team challenging the Trump administration's deportations to countries where they have no ties, according to Trina Realmuto, the National Immigration Litigation Alliance executive director. She told CNN that she expects O.C.G. to be taken into Department of Homeland Security custody now that he's back in the U.S. A Guatemalan man deported to Mexico by the Trump administration has been returned to the U.S. in compliance with a judicial order (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy is overseeing litigation challenging the Trump administration's deportations that send migrants to countries where they have no connections. He ordered O.C.G.'s return to the U.S. last month, ruling that his expulsion "lacked due process." When the Trump administration deported O.C.G. to Mexico, they sent him back to the nation where he was assaulted, raped, and held for ransom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Murphy's ruling, O.C.G. expressed his fears about being sent to Mexico during his immigration hearings, but a judge told him that he could would not be sent there as it is not his native country. In general, this case presents no special facts or legal circumstances, only the banal horror of a man being wrongfully loaded onto a bus and sent back to a country where he was allegedly just raped and kidnapped, Murphy wrote in his ruling. 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. This week, the judge accused government attorneys of manufacturing chaos surrounding the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just days before Murphy's ruling, the Trump administration was denied its request to hold an order forcing it to return a 20-year-old Venezuelan migrant wrongly deported to El Salvador. The Trump administration has, thus far, been slow to comply with judicial orders regarding immigration cases. U.S. District Judge Stephanie Gallagher said that Trump officials had taken no steps to comply with her ruling to return the Venezuelan migrant from El Salvador. The Trump administration was also ordered to return a Maryland man wrongfully deported to El Salvador, Kilmar Abrego Garcia. U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis, who is overseeing that case, said she is also facing inaction from the Trump Justice Department and members of his administration. MILFORD, Mass. (WPRI) A Milford High School student who was detained last weekend by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been released from custody. Marcelo Gomes da Silva, 18, spoke to reporters following his release. No one deserves to be down there, Gomes da Silva said. You sleep on concrete floors. I had to use the bathroom in the open with like thirty-five 35-year-old men. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BACKGROUND: Milford superintendent: Student detained by ICE During a virtual hearing on Thursday, the teenager was granted a $2,000 bond after a judge ruled the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was unable to prove that he was a danger to the community. Gomes da Silva was driving to volleyball practice on Saturday when he was pulled over and arrested. He said the officer told him he was being arrested because he was illegal and an immigrant. I didnt specifically know about my immigration status because I came here when I was six years old, Gomes da Silva explained. Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons said the agents were searching for his father, 38-year-old Joao Paulo Gomes-Pereira, who owns the vehicle that Gomes da Silva was driving at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I heard people talking bad about my dad, but if you want to talk bad about my dad, you have to talk bad about me, Gomes da Silva said. He raised me. If I have so much support he doesnt deserve any hate Hes a good person. He never did anything wrong. Following his arrest, Gomes da Silva was held at a detention facility in Burlington, Mass. During Thursdays hearing, it was revealed that he had been moved to Plymouth. His attorney, Robin Nice, said that was news to her. Gomes da Silva had to go back to Burlington for processing before he could be released. Nice said her client came to the United States from Brazil on a visitor visa in 2013 and was later issued a student visa, but that has since lapsed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gomes da Silva is finishing up his junior year at Milford High School and is a member of the volleyball team. The high school students main concerns while in custody were his family, whether his teammates won their semifinal game, and that he missed his girlfriends graduation. My dad would call me at night with my brother and sister and he wouldnt stop crying, Gomes da Silva said. His family, including his father, released a video on Wednesday pleading for the government to set him free. I miss my son. I love my son. We need Marcelo back home, Joao Paulo Gomes-Pereira said. Please bring my son back. I miss my son so much, his mother added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gomes da Silva speaks multiple languages and acted as a translator for the other people in the facility while he was detained. The teenager said now, he wants to do whatever he can to help those who are still in the detention facility. I always wanna tell my story but my dad always told me to be humble and put other people first, Gomes da Silva explained. I want to do whatever I can to get them as much help as possible. If they have to be deported, so be it, but in the right way. No one there is treated good. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. HONOLULU (KHON2) The sentencing phase of the court martial hearing for Army Pfc. Dewayne Johnson took place on June 4, with the session containing emotional testimony. The phase follows Johnsons guilty plea to two counts of voluntary manslaughter, obstruction of justice and providing false statements in the brutal killing of his pregnant wife, 19-year-old Mischa Johnson. ALERT: Fire, heavy smoke near H-1 prompts lane closures Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cameras were not allowed in the military courtroom, but Johnson shed tears several times, unlike his previous hearing where he was mostly emotionless. Mischas mother, Francis, testified about the unbearable pain of the loss of her youngest daughter and how she felt betrayed by Johnson, who she said she trusted and loved as a son. Johnson also wiped tears away from his face during Mischas sisters testimony, where she called the victim her best friend, and highlighted the anguish brought by her little sisters death. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You As part of the plea deal, Johnson admitted to using a machete during an argument to strike Mischa on the head, where he then dismembered and disposed of her remains. In exchange, his charge was reduced to voluntary manslaughter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnsons family testified by phone from Maryland, where his father and brothers described him as a quiet, caring boy in a faith based family. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news In his address to the court, Johnson apologized to Mischas family, as well as his own, saying he failed as a husband, father and as a man. One shocking twist in the hearing was when the prosecution brought in a military investigator, who testified that within days of his wifes death, Johnson had created several profiles on social media and dating sites that included videos and photos of him being intimate with other women. The government is asking for the maximum sentence of 23 years in prison, with the defense asking for the minimum of 18 years. The judge will make her decision on Johnsons sentence on June 5. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Homeland Security Advisor Stephen Miller continued to pump up the Trump administrations Big, Beautiful Bill amid criticism from Elon Musk and others on the right. Miller, who spent considerable time Tuesday defending the most essential piece of legislation... in generations, didnt mention Musk by name in his new batch of posts. But the tech billionaire leaving DOGE and bringing Millers wife, Katie, out the door with him has added another level of intrigue to the spat. Miller began by disputing how the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates that the GOPs bill would add $2.4 trillion to the national debt over the next 10 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the bigger points of confusion on the BBB is spending vs. tax cuts, Miller wrote Wednesday morning. The lefty CBO says extending the 2017 tax cuts (preventing their expiration) increases the deficit. Some critics have seen this figure and claimed or implied the bill increases *spending.* Even according to CBO, the bill cuts spending over $1.6 trillion, he continued. Katie Miller, formerly a So when a libertarian (eg Rand [Paul]) attacks the deficit impact of the bill, they are attacking the tax cut. Of course, honestly accounted, extending current tax rates has zero deficit impact which is why the bill, because of its spending cuts, reduces the deficit. In the same post calling the proposed legislation a dream bill, Miller touted that it has not a single Democrat provision or vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite Millers view of the situation, fiscal conservatives are wary. After Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul voiced his displeasure over the cost, Trump attacked him. Wisconsins Ron Johnson also spoke up, pledging to stop the bill even if the White House were to launch a pressure campaign against him. Johnson named two others in the Senate with a similar stance: Rick Scott of Florida and Mike Lee of Utah. Yet Miller maintained that their concerns were off-base. Exactly. The only spending change in the bill is a giant spending cut. The entire deficit change per the lefty CBO was not expiring the Trump Tax Cut from 2017. Further, because its a (party-line) reconciliation bill, no monies are appropriated in the bill to fund government. https://t.co/FJsTf3SZk2 Stephen Miller (@StephenM) June 4, 2025 The only spending change in the bill is a giant spending cut, he wrote in response to Office of Management and Budget head Russ Vought accusing the CBO of using a big gimmick in its calculations. The entire deficit change per the lefty CBO was not expiring the Trump Tax Cut from 2017, he added. Further, because its a [party-line] reconciliation bill, no monies are appropriated in the bill to fund government. Miller has been defending the GOP's tax bill, which the CBO says would add $2.4 trillion to the debt and which Musk called a Miller also responded directly to Paul in a post later Wednesday after the Kentucky Republican said he was in favor of voting on the debt ceiling and the tax cuts separately. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pauls sole objection is that he wants to force Republicans and President Trump to make a deal with Schumer to raise the debt ceiling that he can then vote against, Miller argued. Of course, a deal with Schumer to raise the debt ceiling means a tax HIKE and a spending HIKE. With the post below, Rand just conceded he has no substantive objections to any provision in the bill because he knows its a big tax cut combined with a big spending cut combined with permanent border security. His sole objection is that he wants to force Republicans and https://t.co/Gfc7UxuAkw Stephen Miller (@StephenM) June 4, 2025 So, his sole demand, is to take a course of action that equals more spending and more taxing and still of course extends the borrowing limit. Fiscal conservatives in the Senate arent the only obstacles to the bill, though. Republicans who have objected to the proposals cuts to Medicaid include Josh Hawley of Missouri, Maines Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Jerry Moran of Kansas, and Jim Justice of West Virginia. The CBO estimates that the Republican bill would cause 10.3 million people to lose Medicaid coverage, the majority being residents of states Trump won in 2024. LEWISBURG, Ohio (WDTN) A community known for its farmland is seeing some changes after millions of dollars in economic growth. Both small and large businesses are growing Preble County, creating a demand for housing as people arrive in the area for work. For some villages like Lewisburg, this growth is unprecedented. Royal Canin opens new $450M facility in Preble County Lewisburg used to be a spot where you would just drive through. You wouldnt look to the left or the right, you would just drive straight through, said Lori Pheanis, 1893 Storehouse Co. owner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Historically, most of Preble County has been farmland, but thanks to local investment, shops have been sprouting up across areas like Lewisburg. Owners of local businesses are seeing the change firsthand. Great things that are happening in downtown Lewisburg, said Pheanis. I think all of it, the revitalization, is a great thing. People love it. Revitalization has been happening from clothing stores to an antique coffee shop in downtown. After decades of driving by, people are starting to drop in and visit. A large amount of this movement is also coming through larger projects catered to the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its about people, not projects. The projects that we engage in are a result of the community involvement, said Justin Sommer, Preble County Development Partnership director. Sommer is the director of the local development partnership, which offers a support system for large and small business developments throughout the county. He says theyve seen growth countywide. One company in Camden just announced their second expansion in the last three years going from just three employees in 2021 to now almost 200. Just two weeks ago, a new Royal Canin facility opened its doors in Lewisburg, investing $450 million dollars into the area, bringing people and jobs to the county. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Preble County is at its largest amount of employment in the last 20 years, and as the county grows, Sommer says they will grow with it. Were going to have to make some investments into our infrastructure, but well balance that with the growth in manufacturing that were going to see, said Sommer. D.R. Horton is also starting a new housing development to support the growing demand in the area. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick appeared before the House Appropriations Committee on Thursday, fielding questions about the current presidential administration's trade strategy. Rep. Madeleine Dean (DPenn.) pressed Lutnick about President Donald Trump's "chaotic tariff policy." She held up a banana, imports of which are currently taxed at 10 percent. "Walmart has already increased the cost of bananas by 8 percent," she noted. "There is no uncertainty that if you build in America, and you produce your product in America, there will be no tariff," Lutnick said. "The concept of building in America and paying no tariffs is very, very clear." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We cannot build bananas in America," Dean retorted. Dean is not quite right: We can grow bananas in the U.S., just not very well or very cheaply. In 2023, the U.S. imported over 5 million metric tonnes of bananas, totaling over $2 billion, while only producing about 3,500 metric tonnes. The reason is that bananas only grow in tropical and subtropical climates: While Hawaii and Florida produce some, the majority of the world's bananas come from Southeast Asia and Latin America. While the U.S. could increase its production of bananas, we would be fools to do so: In all but a few locations, we would have to build greenhouses to simulate the tropical climates required. Even then, the trees would take longer to produce than they would in the tropics, and it could take years or even decades to reach the level of production necessary to replace the current system, in which more than one out of every five bananas imported comes to the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why go through all that trouble when bananas are currently available year-round at the grocery store and cost around 60 cents per poundless than the average price of a single egg? Lutnick seemed to acknowledge as much earlier this year, telling CNBC that 10 percent tariffs would fall more heavily on "a product that we don't make here, like a mango." In a meeting with business leaders, Lutnick "said there would be some exemptions on imports of products like mangoes that couldn't be domestically produced at the level needed to meet U.S. demand," The Wall Street Journal reported in April. "When Trump rolled out the tariff plan on Wednesday, there were no exemptions for mango imports." Unfortunately, the banana argument reflects the same level of logic Lutnick and Trump apply to the entirety of global trade: Any product an American purchases that was manufactured somewhere else inherently represents some loss of American wealth or sovereignty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just a day before his interaction with Dean, Lutnick appeared before the Senate, where he told Sen. John Kennedy (RLa.) that even if Vietnam offered to lower its tariff rate to zero, if the U.S. did the same, "that would be the silliest thing we could do." "There are certain products we want to reshore," Lutnick explained. "We don't want other people making them." But if other countries can make the exact same products for less, why wouldn't we let them? Making those products domestically may shore up those specific industries, but consumers would bear the brunt of it through higher prices. Incidentally, Nobel Prizewinning economist Milton Friedman explained the lack of logic behind Lutnick's argument nearly five decades ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You could have a great employment in the city of Logan, Utah, of people growing bananas in hothouses," Friedman said in 1978 during a lecture at Utah State University. "If we had a high enough tariff on the import of bananas, it could become profitable to build hothouses and grow bananas in those hothouses. That would give employment. Would that be a sensible thing to do?" Friedman was using the banana example as the "absurd" and "extreme" end of the argument for steel tariffs, which were in the news at the time and an audience member had asked about. "If that isn't sensible," Friedman argued, "then neither is it sensible to artificially restrict the import of steel." Trump doubled the tariffs on steel this week. The post Milton Friedman Disproved Trump's Argument for Tariffs Decades Ago appeared first on Reason.com. Minnesota tomato grower Bushel Boy Farms is sold originally appeared on Bring Me The News. Bushel Boy Farms, Minnesota's year-round tomato grower, has been sold. The company confirmed in a Facebook post last week that it is no longer operating its hydroponic greenhouses in Owatonna, Minnesota (32 acres), and Mason City, Iowa (16 acres). It comes after being sold by its parent company Rahr Corp. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "While this chapter of our journey is coming to an end, we will be forever grateful to the employees and customers whose passion for premium, locally-grown produce made it possible," the post reads. "We are deeply proud to have been a part of every meal you made with something we grew.From all of us, thank you for being part of the Bushel Boy story." Bushel Boy president Chuck Tryon confirmed to the Star Tribune that the company had been sold to a firm called Best Boy Farms, who he says will hire "a number" of former Bushel Boy employees. Bushel Boy, Facebook Few details are available regarding the new owner, with Best Boy incorporated as a company in Minnesota this past April. It's not clear yet whether the Bushel Boy brand will continue under the new ownership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bushel Boy has been operating since 1990, when it was founded by Owatonna's Jay Johnson to grow tomatoes year-round in the otherwise inhospitable environment of Minnesota. Rahr Corp., a Shakopee-based malting company, bought Bushel Boy in 2018. Offering a wide variety of Vine-on, Roma, and Cherry tomatoes, Bushel Boy recently expanded to other fruits and vegetables, including strawberries and cucumbers. Bushel Boy products are ubiquitous in Minnesota, featuring in the produce sections of a vast number of grocery stores across the state. Bring Me The News has reached out to Rahr Corp. for further comment. This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jun 5, 2025, where it first appeared. Minnesota universities brace for impact after federal pause on student visa interviews originally appeared on Bring Me The News. The Trump administration recently ordered U.S. Embassies to pause interviews for student visa applicants, deepening concerns at the University of Minnesota and other institutions that enroll thousands of international students annually, generating hundreds of millions of dollars in the process. The pause comes as the administration plans to roll out new vetting requirements, which would require examination of the prospective foreign students' social media accounts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The change is expected to slow the pace of student visa processing at a time when the changing federal landscape may be deterring international students from studying in the U.S. at all, coming amid President Donald Trump's highly publicized spat with Harvard University, and the attempted deportation of numerous international students across the country. Related: U of M student released after almost 2 months detainment by ICE As of fall 2024, there were 5,712 international students from over 140 countries enrolled at the University of Minnesota across all five campuses, which studies suggests has an economic impact in excess of $230 million. Fewer international students would have a significant impact on the U of M and other Minnesota colleges and universities both in terms of revenue and the contributions and culture of the institutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "International students and scholars have been and will always be an essential part of the University of Minnesota," the U of M shared in a statement to Bring Me The News. "The knowledge and skills they develop on campus and contribute to the broader community prepare all our students to become the next generation of world leaders who can work across languages, cultures and borders to solve shared global challenges." AlexiusHoratius, Wikimedia Commons On Thursday, the U of M leaders said they are awaiting clarity on the U.S. State Department's pause. "Our teams are working diligently to measure the short- and long-term impact of this and other changes in the federal landscape, especially for our students," the university shared, adding its providing resources to the entire campus community and personalized support those those potentially impacted by recent developments. The statement continues: "Regardless of what transpires, we remain rooted in our mission our values, principles and priorities and loudly champion the work of our students, faculty and staff, who deliver extraordinary impact on countless lives across our campuses, state, nation and world." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to NAFSA: Association of International Educators, one U.S. job is created and supported by spending occurring in the higher education, accommodation, dining, retail, transportation, telecommunications and health insurance sectors for every three international students. NAFSA's International Student Economic Value 2023-2024 study noted the impact from international students at the following U of M campuses: Twin Cities campus: $228.7 million Duluth campus: $6.1 million Crookston campus: $1.1 million Morris campus: $818,004 Other institutions awaiting further information from the federal government include Macalester College in St. Paul, which issued the following statement to Bring Me The News: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Macalester has recruited talented students from around the globe for decades. We are aware of the recent pause on scheduling student visa appointments, and we are working to determine what it might mean for our students and how we can best assist them." This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jun 4, 2025, where it first appeared. STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now) Two people were detained after an incident at a Stafford County Wawa early Tuesday morning. The Stafford County Sheriffs Office (SCSO) said that a deputy was in the area of the Wawa at 105 Garrisonville Rd. around 4:30 a.m. when they saw a car back into a crane. The deputy made contact with two people inside the car and saw damages to the inside of the vehicle consistent with someone stealing it. The deputy detained both individuals inside, including a minor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Man arrested after trying to abduct child waiting for school bus, Fairfax County police say Officials contacted the cars owner, who confirmed that the car had been stolen from Maryland. The driver is facing charges of possession of stolen goods, driving without a license, destruction of property and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. SCSO filed a criminal complaint for possession of stolen goods against the minor. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HENDERSON The Vance County Sheriffs Office was notified of a child missing from a home on Water Front Drive on Tuesday just after 2 p.m. Deputies were advised that a 2-year-old male was last seen in the yard approximately 20 minutes prior to their arrival. Responding units completed a search of the residence and surrounding area but were unable to locate the child. Outside resources were contacted for assistance, including Highway Patrol, Henderson Police Department, Vance County Rescue, Vance County Fire, Vance County EMS, North Carolina State Parks, Granville, Franklin and Warren County Sheriffs Offices, Wake Forest Fire Department and the REDS Team based in Garner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Based upon the search area being located within 100 yards of the waters edge of Kerr Lake, underwater drones were deployed along with other water rescue resources. Units located the body of the child submerged in the water just after 5 p.m. and transported to a local hospital. The Vance County Sheriffs Office expresses its most sincere condolences and prayers for the family. NEED TO KNOW Thomas Russell, 62, vanished after the raft he was on capsized in the Colorado River on June 1, 2024 Brent Boulter, who was on the raft with Russell at the time of the the accident, was pronounced dead at the scene Nearly a year later since the accident, Russell's body was found in the river near Rancho Del Rio The body of a man who disappeared in the Colorado River nearly a year ago after a rafting accident has been found. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Grand County Sheriff's Office in Colorado confirmed in a Wednesday, June 4, press release that the remains identified as belonging to Thomas Russell, 62, of Littleton were discovered in the river near Rancho Del Rio. Authorities were able to find the victim due to a significant decrease in water levels in the area. The Eagle County Sheriffs Office alerted the Grand Countys Sheriffs Office about the discovery of the body on May 21. After the identification was made through a forensic dentist, the Grand County Coroner's Office contacted his next of kin. The news came nearly one year after the rafting accident took place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On June 1, 2024, the sheriffs office said that authorities were alerted about a person who was not breathing in the section of the Colorado River in Gore Canyon. He was pronounced deceased by emergency responders and later identified as Brent Boulter, 56, of Aurora. Additionally, there was another male subject [Russell] who was still missing following the accident after the raft capsized, the sheriffs office statement read. Emergency responders searched the river and surrounding areas, but were unable to locate him and a search the following day was also unsuccessful. Another person who was with Boulter and Russelll was able to get out the river and was accounted for. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Neither Boulter and Russell were wearing a personnel flotation device (PFD), according to preliminary reports, the sheriffs office noted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The area where we specifically were focusing on where the accident happened was called the Yarmony Rapids," Grand County Sheriff Brett Schroetlin said last year, according to NBC affiliate KUSA. Schroetlin emphasized the importance of wearing life vests in the water. "That helps you rescue yourself," the official said. "It also helps us locate you if we can't be in the right place at the right time." Read the original article on People Missoula, Mont., recognized the pride flag as an official city flag during a Monday City Council meeting. The 9-2 vote by the western Montana City Council came in the wake of Gov. Greg Gianforte (R) signing a bill last month banning the display of flags or banners except some specific ones like the U.S. flag and the official flag of the state of Montana, or any county, municipality, special district, or other political subdivision within the state. HB 819 picked sides, council member Mike Nugent said during the meeting, referencing the flag and banner bill. So, we cant just sit here and act like, Oh now, lets stay neutral. Because HB 819 targets specific people while making other people winners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vote also took place during Pride Month, a time each year when members of the LGBTQ community celebrate their identities. Gianforte slammed the councils decision on Tuesday, saying in a thread on the social platform X that nine members of the Missoula City Council made clear their top priority is flying a divisive pride flag over government buildings and schools. Missoulians deserve better, and fortunately, two council members voted against imposing this divisive, far-left agenda on their community, the Montana governor said later in the thread. The transgender community has been increasingly targeted by the American right in recent years on the federal and state level. Shortly after returning to office in January, President Trump signed an executive order recognizing male and female as the only two sexes and directing federal agencies to halt promotion of the concept of gender transition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NEWTON COUNTY, Mo. A narcotics investigation involving a number of southwest Missouri law enforcement agencies turns up stolen motorcycles and evidence of a drug operation. The Newton County Sheriffs Office said Thursday it was a team effort with the Joplin Police Department and Ozarks Drug Enforcement Team on Wednesday when officers served a search warrant at 6619 Spurgeon Road in Newton County. They say they developed the information from an ongoing drug investigation by NCSO and ODET. Sheriff Matt Stewart says they found evidence of a suspected meth distribution operation in one of the propertys buildings, plus four Harley Davidson motorcycles reported stolen from Newton County; Harrisonville and Springfield, Missouri; and Carroll County, Arkansas NCSO provided picture of the scene at 6619 Spurgeon Road. Stewart says other agencies that assisted included Redings Mill Fire District, Joplin Metro Emergency Transport and Newton County Ambulance District. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He did not announce any arrests. The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact NCSO at 417-451-8333. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. Republican Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe has expanded on what can be discussed in the 2025 special legislative session at the state capitol. In a news release late Wednesday afternoon, the governor announced that property tax relief could now be discussed. Hes also entertaining additional funding for both disaster relief and budget appropriations. KC leaders looking to fill vacant businesses ahead of KC2026 World Cup Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wednesday, May 28, Republican State Senator Joe Nicola of Eastern Jackson County told FOX4 he wanted property tax relief for Missourians before he would support a stadium package for the Kansas City Chiefs and the Royals. Early Wednesday evening, he seemed to be filibustering, saying the stadium package needed to die unless Missourians first get property tax relief. On Friday, May 30, Republican State Senator and Freedom Caucus Chair Rick Brattin of Cass County told FOX4 something similar to Nicolas remarks. Monday, June 2, Kehoe told FOX4 Capitol Bureau Reporter Mark Zinn that he did not know if property tax relief would be discussed this session. Two days later, that apparently changed. Download WDAF+ for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the agenda items now for the session is to consider withholding money from counties where the State Tax Commissions (STC) required a modification of assessments. That sounds similar to what Senator Nicola told us about in his proposal on May 28. If lawmakers approve the proposal, that could impact a county like Jackson, where the STCs ordered them to roll back their 2023 assessments. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Zachary Akers (Courtesy: Lawrence County Sheriffs Office) LAWRENCE COUNTY, Mo. An Aurora man is in custody after allegedly walking onto a bus with juveniles and demanding money last month. According to the Aurora-Marionville Police Department, Zachary Akers, 18, walked onto an Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation (OACAC) school bus carrying 13 juveniles and demanded money on May 8. FOUR STATES CRIME Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A probable cause statement filed Tuesday says Akers was told by a victim he would need to go to the OACAC office for that. Angered, Akers allegedly punched the school bus and exited, screaming profanities at two of the people aboard the bus and flipping them off. A warrant for Akers arrest was issued Wednesday and served later that day. Akers was arrested and booked in the Lawrence County Jail on one charge of first-degree robbery. He was denied bond and ordered to have no contact with the alleged victims through any means. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Mixed-use destination anticipated for old quarry site in Greene County DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) A property in Greene County is set to be cleaned up and redeveloped with funds from Ohio. According to Gov. Mike DeWine, a former quarry and manufacturing location on Xenia Avenue in Cedarville is set to be redeveloped. The Greene County Board of Commissioners was awarded $874,975 for the remediation of multiple environmental concerns. Ecological treatment of the Cedarville Sportsman Lake will be conducted, as well as the creation of vapor mitigation systems in two buildings and removal of a below-ground storage tank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Upon completion of the project, a mixed-use destination is expected to be created. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) Construction is underway for Sol Housing, a new mixed-income apartment complex in Albuquerque. The building called Somos is located near Central Ave. and Alcazar St., which is east of Louisiana Blvd. City officials say it is designed to provide affordable housing for older adults and those with accessibility needs. The city said its part of their Near Heights Metropolitan Redevelopment Plan, which aims to stabilize low-income neighborhoods. The Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency donated the land for the project. Funding came from: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement $4 million from the New Mexico Housing Trust Fund in the form of a loan; Approximately $1.6 million annually in 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits for 10 years; $5.18 million in HOME Investment Partnerships Program funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); $1 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds from the U.S. Department of Treasury; $158,756 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for infrastructure improvements. The complex will offer 70 homes, 80% of which will be reserved for people age 55 and older. Also, 59 will be income-restricted and 11 will be market-rate units. Construction is expected to be completed in December 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 KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. NEED TO KNOW Ashley St. Clair has reached out to President Donald Trump after Elon Musk publicly turned on him over the White House's controversial spending plans. The influencer is the mother of Musk's 14th baby, son Romulus. Musk has shared several posts on X over the past few days criticizing the president's "Big, Beautiful Bill," which reached a breaking point on Thursday, June 5, when Trump broke his silence on the feud. Ashley St. Clair is offering her sympathies to President Donald Trump after his friendship with Elon Musk reached a breaking point on Thursday, June 5. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The influencer, who is the mother of Musk's 14th baby, son Romulus, shared a post on X after Trump publicly weighed in on his escalating tension with the Tesla CEO over a significant piece of legislation floating through Congress. "Hey @realDonaldTrump lmk if you need any breakup advice," St. Clair quipped in her post. Musk and St. Clair had a public feud on X a few months, where Musk first claimed he hadn't established the paternity of the child and had "given Ashley $2.5M and am sending her $500k/year." In April, the Wall Street Journal reported that a report from Labcorp revealed that Musk's "Probability of Paternity" was 99.9999%. Musk started his feud with the Trump administration via his X account on Tuesday, June 3, just days after resigning his White House role on a cordial note. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Im sorry, but I just cant stand it anymore," he wrote of Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill." "This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination. Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it." He continued in a second post, writing. "It will massively increase the already gigantic budget deficit to $2.5 trillion (!!!) and burden America citizens with crushingly unsustainable debt." The "Big, Beautiful Bill" is funding its tax cuts and military spending in part by cutting some federal health and energy programs. However, it is also poised to add an estimated $2.4 trillion to the national deficit over 10 years, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. Andrew Harnik/Getty Elon Musk and Donald Trump look at Teslas outside the White House on March 11, 2025 Elon Musk and Donald Trump look at Teslas outside the White House on March 11, 2025 Musk who lead Trump's Department of Government Efficiency until May 30 previously expressed his displeasure with the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was disappointed to see the massive spending bill, frankly, which increases the budget deficit, not just decreases it, and undermines the work that the DOGE team is doing, he told CBS Sunday Morning in a May interview. I think a bill can be big or it can be beautiful, but I dont know if it can be both," Musk said. After Musk publicly condemned the bill on X, a social media site he owns, Trump finally weighed on his remarks during an Oval Office press conference on Thursday. Trump was asked about Musk's recent social media rampage over the sweeping spending bill, to which he accused Musk of acting in his own self-interest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Elon knew the inner workings of this bill better than almost anyone sitting here," Trump said. "He had no problem with it. All of a sudden he had a problem, and he only developed the problem when he found out that we're going to have to cut the [electric vehicle] mandate, because that's billions and billions of dollars." Kevin Dietsch/Getty Elon Musk accepts a commemorative key from Donald Trump on his final day in the White House Elon Musk accepts a commemorative key from Donald Trump on his final day in the White House Trump admitted during the press conference that the future of his friendship with Musk now looks uncertain. "Elon and I had a great relationship," he said in past tense. "I don't know if we will anymore." The president added that he's "very disappointed in Elon" and claimed that he's "helped Elon a lot." 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 Musk's attacks had been largely focused on the president's proposed legislation prior to Thursday, Trump said he anticipated that the Tesla CEO would begin to get more personal as soon as Congress got closer to passing the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moments after the president made that prediction, Musk posted on X that "Trump would have lost the election" and handed the House to Democrats in November if it weren't for the tech billionaire's financial support and aggressive campaigning. Justin Merriman/Bloomberg via Getty Elon Musk and Donald Trump campaign in Butler, Pa., on Oct. 5, 2024 Elon Musk and Donald Trump campaign in Butler, Pa., on Oct. 5, 2024 During Trump's 2024 campaign, Musk was one of the president's biggest supporters. He donated nearly $275 million to the campaign and was a key advisor during the first few months of his second term. But, it seems like the relationship quickly soured. In a report from The Wall Street Journal released on Musk's final day as a government employee, Trump administration officials quoted the president as recently asking his advisers, Was it all bulls---? in regard to Musk's promise to dramatically slash costs via his work with DOGE. At one point, Musk claimed he could save the government $2 trillion, but DOGE's most recent estimate is that it's saved $175 billion and even that figure has been framed as an overestimate by multiple news outlets that tracked down the receipts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has also learned that the high cost of legal fees associated with Musk's actions in addition to the dip in revenue as a result of DOGE's cuts largely negates those savings. Read the original article on People DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) Ahead of Fathers Day, Montgomery County is hosting two events to celebrate the fathers present in their familys lives. The We the Fathers of Montgomery County banquet will be held at the Sinclair Conference Center on Friday, June 13. The banquet is the ninth annual iteration of the event from the Montgomery County Fatherhood Initiative. The event typically brings in crowds of around 400 people, many themselves being clients of the countys Office of Reentry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kettering Health boosting cybersecurity as recovery from attack continues This event highlights how important it is for fathers to spend quality time with their kids, says Montgomery County Commission President Judy Dodge. Moments like these shape a childs life, perspective and future. They may seem small, but they leave lasting impressions. The National Fatherhood Initiative has conducted studies that suggest that children growing up without their fathers in their lives have an increased risk of poverty, infant mortality, becoming pregnant as a teen and to drop out of school. Alongside the banquet will be an event on Saturday, June 14 at the Levitt Pavilion from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Known as Celebrate Fatherhood, the event will see live music, food, games and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Free paring will be available at the Reibold Parking Garage. Click here for additional information. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. CUYAHOGA HEIGHTS, Ohio (WJW) Wednesday marks what would have been Jacob Derbins 25th birthday a somber and difficult day for his family and friends, but one that celebrates the life and legacy of a fallen hero as a memorial is unveiled at Cuyahoga Heights High School. He was just a larger-than-life student, became that as an adult, and continues to be that way for us, Cuyahoga Heights Superintendent Matt Young said. Keshaun Williams has been missing for nearly 2 years Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fallen hero Jacob Derbin lived a life of service and sacrifice, giving his life to protect the city of Euclid. Jacob represented the best of all of us, Young said. And I think his impact really spread even beyond this community. When you see the outreach and outpouring of, you know, everything that went into making this day possible. Derbin, a Euclid police officer, was tragically killed in the line of duty while responding to a disturbance call on May 11, 2024 devastating his loved ones and all who knew him. Monument unveiled for fallen Euclid Police Officer Jacob Derbin at Cuyahoga Heights High School Monument unveiled for fallen Euclid Police Officer Jacob Derbin at Cuyahoga Heights High School Monument to be unveiled for fallen Officer Jacob Derbin To honor his life and legacy, the Cuyahoga Heights High School Class of 2018 and his mother, Dawn Derbin, raised more than $20,000 for a one-of-a-kind monument in front of the high school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dawn said $5,000 came from an anonymous donor for a down payment, the class raised more than $8,000 through a GoFundMe campaign and the rest was generated from an Ohio Heroes Golf Outing, where proceeds we split between Derbins parents. Dawn said her half was dedicated to the Officer Jacob Derbin Foundation through a Huntington Bank account. That monument was unveiled on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. VIDEO: Cleveland firefighters rescue workers from side of building after scaffolding collapses Over the past year, I spent countless hours with Jim Milano and the boys of his class planning and shaping every detail, Dawn Derbin said in a statement to Fox 8. I knew this couldnt be just any memorial it had to feel like Jacob. I wanted it to reflect who he was, not just as a fallen officer, but as my son, a soldier, a friend, and someone who lived with integrity and passion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dawn and Superintendent Young said the monument is deeply detailed, honoring Officer Derbins high school, military and police careers. One meaningful part is the Chinook helicopter etched into the stone, Dawn said. It wasnt just any model it was Jacobs favorite one. Its the exact one that flew from Ohio to Kuwait when he was deployed in the National Guard. Including it was a way to honor a meaningful chapter of his life his proud service to our country. You couldnt really ask for a greater symbolism of exactly who he was, who he still is, and who he will always be to this school district, to his family and to the community, Young said. Ex-Cleveland cops charged in fraud case: I-Team Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All were welcome to attend the monument unveiling, but the school asked that attendees be respectful, as it was expected to be an emotional ceremony. Dawn said she is grateful for everyones support in honoring her sons legacy. This monument laid the first stone literally and figuratively of what would become the Officer Jacob Derbin Foundation, she said. A legacy project born out of grief, but fueled by love, purpose, and community. Through this foundation, were committed to honoring Jacobs life and uplifting those who, like him, are dedicated to making the world a better and safer place, reminding us all to live with the same heart, courage, and purpose that Jacob did. This is more than a monument. Its a promise to Jacob and to every officer, soldier, and family that their story matters, and it will be carried forward with courage and truth. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DENVER (KDVR) Wednesday has been an active day for moose relocating, as a second moose, along with her two calves, had to be relocated, hours after Arvada police said they had to relocate a moose in the city. Officers go on wild Moose chase in Arvada: Police On Wednesday, Colorado Parks and Wildlife announced in a press release that it relocated the family of moose from River Creek Park in Steamboat Springs to an area just outside of Steamboat Springs for the safety and well-being of the moose and the public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After monitoring the moose and her young over the last 48 hours, we determined they were very comfortable in the area and not going to move on their own, said Assistant Area Wildlife Manager Justin Pollock in the press release. While this area is the perfect habitat for moose, the risk not only to their safety in a populated area and the safety of people was too high, which is why we chose to relocate them. The moose is one that was involved in an attack that CPW reported on June 1. One person was seriously injured and transported to the hospital, and another received minor injuries after being kicked by the moose while helping the first victim get to safety. CPW was able to tranquilize the cow moose and load her into a horse trailer, and eventually gave her a drug to reverse the effects of the sedative. The calves were picked up fully awake and loaded into the same trailer before being released back into the wild, where they were monitored until it was clear they were okay. CPW outfitted the mother moose with a tracker, and it will be monitored as part of a population and movement study of moose being conducted in Steamboat Springs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement River Creek Park has been reopened by the city. Colorado unlicensed EMT indicted after allegedly caring for over 100 patients CPW said that it is not uncommon to see a moose in the area, but warned the public to keep their wits about them when near a moose. They are often found near large sources of water with an abundance of willows, their primary food source. It is important to keep a safe distance, never approach them and keep pets leashed when spending time outdoors. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Catawba County officials say Sundays mass shooting investigation has been one of the most complex investigations theyve ever been part of. The FBI was at the scene in Mountain View all of Wednesday, working on the bullet trajectories of at least 80 fired rounds. Now, authorities have identified multiple suspects connected to the shooting. The investigation thus far has spanned over six counties, said Catawba County Sheriff Don Brown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sheriffs office announced Wednesday that two more suspects Toland Huff Jr. and KeAndre ONeal Mack are wanted for attempted first-degree murder in the attack. Keandre Mack. (Catawba County Sheriffs Office Photo: Toland Huff Jr. via Queen City News On Tuesday, they arrested 20-year-old Garon Killian, charging him with attempted murder in the mass shooting. Hickory police arrested Killian in April for another shooting and was released on bond. On Wednesday, a judge set bond in this new case at $200,000. It is unimaginable that the same person can be charged with additional charges from a separate incident to include attempted murder and could be out in our community tonight, said Hickory Police Chief Reed Baer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, state alcohol officials arrested two men, Raekwon Craig and Patrick Tolbert with three counts of promoting underage drinking. The FBI has been on the scene for the last four days recreating the shooting where gunmen fired dozens of shots. The shooting began from a neighboring yard that was an elevated position from the house where the crime scene is now being investigated, said Maj. Aaron Turk with the Catawba County Sheriffs Office. Investigators say more shots were then fired around the home, in the front yard, and on Walnut Acres Drive. The shots injured several people, but 58-year-old Shawn Hood lost his life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were working to discern if Mr. Hood was an intended target or just a victim that suffered his death during that tragedy. We do not know if this incident was a gang act in its entirety or that some of the people involved are affiliated in gangs. Were working that as a motive and then other possibilities, Turk said. Authorities say someone will be charged with murder, but they want to make sure they have all the facts before that happens. Officials do expect more people to receive multiple charges. QCNEWS.COM CATAWBA COUNTY MASS SHOOTING Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. A woman holds her newborn baby in her Los Angeles home. More legislatures in Republican-led states are passing paid parental leave for public employees (Brandon Bell/Getty Images). More Republican-led states are giving paid parental leave to public school teachers and other state employees, signaling a broader acceptance of family-friendly workplace policies once championed primarily by Democrats. All of these red states, I think were late to the party, said South Carolina state Rep. Beth Bernstein, a Democrat who sponsored a bill this year to increase state employees paid parental leave from six to 12 weeks. It passed the majority-Republican South Carolina House in April with strong bipartisan support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year, Alabama, Iowa and Mississippi joined 37 other states in granting paid parental leave to thousands of state workers. The trend has gathered steam in recent years. Some experts link it to the cascade of state abortion bans that followed the U.S. Supreme Courts 2022 Dobbs decision, which dismantled the federal right to abortion. Under fire from critics to do more to care for babies once theyre born, at least a dozen conservative-led states with abortion bans have since granted or expanded paid parental leave for their state employees. But others say the increasing bipartisan support for measures that help working parents is also a reaction to economic realities. What weve seen, especially in more conservative states, is the public sector has experienced a lot of turnover, said Kameron Dawson, legal director of the Southern Office of A Better Balance, a legal organization focused on workplace rights. Theyre looking for tools to recruit younger employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paid parental leave is the time off granted to workers for the birth or adoption of a baby, to care for a child, or to recover from a stillbirth or miscarriage. Without it, employees are left to cobble together their sick leave and vacation leave or go unpaid to stay home with a child and heal. Alabama Republican state Rep. Ginny Shaver watched her daughter, a public school teacher, struggle to get the leave she needed after the births of her children in recent years. With her second, she had complications in her pregnancy and used up her [paid vacation and sick] leave before she even had the baby, Shaver told Stateline. Her daughter contracted COVID-19, and the baby had to spend time in neonatal intensive care. It was a very difficult time, and she had to take unpaid leave. Last year, Shaver and Democratic state Sen. Vivian Figures worked to win approval of a paid parental leave bill for state employees. It failed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But they tried again this year. With the support of Republican Gov. Kay Ivey, the state legislature which has a Republican supermajority passed it nearly unanimously. The new law gives female state employees, including teachers, eight weeks of paid parental leave in connection with birth, stillbirth or miscarriage, and gives male employees two weeks. Adoptive parents get eight weeks for one parent and two for the other. Shaver said she thinks the law passed thanks to vocal support from the governor and increased awareness of the issue due to the work she and Figures did in previous sessions. And the fact that all of the southeast states around us offered it, Shaver said. Were trying to attract and retain state employees and teachers, and were in competition with everyone around us, and the private sector as well. Keeping talent For many Republicans, the workforce development argument for paid leave is a persuasive one. For states such as Alabama and South Carolina that have some of the lowest workforce participation rates in the nation, paid leave can be a tool to keep more people particularly women working. And it can be a way to retain educators as many states struggle with teacher shortages in K-12 schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For several years weve seen state legislatures acknowledging the importance of child care to businesses and the economy, said Feroza Freeland, policy director at the Southern Office of A Better Balance. But in the last few years, weve seen a growing recognition that paid leave is another piece of that puzzle. States have taken up the issue because the federal government has not. The United States is a global outlier; among 38 peer nations, its the only one that doesnt mandate paid parental leave, according to the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development. The group comprises 38 democracies with market-based economies. The federal Family and Medical Leave Act, passed in 1993 and extended in 2020, only requires public agencies and companies with at least 50 employees to give up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for parents of newborns or newly adopted children, or caregivers of sick family members. GOP support During his first term, President Donald Trump publicly supported some forms of paid family leave and signed a defense bill that gives 12 weeks of paid parental leave to most federal employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paid family leave was a signature issue for his daughter Ivanka Trump, at the time a senior adviser to the president. She even held a paid leave and child care summit at the White House in late 2019. That set the stage for other Republicans to take up the issue more publicly. And after the Dobbs decision, family-friendly policies have increasingly become conservative talking points in states with restrictive abortion laws. After the Mississippi House unanimously passed a paid parental leave bill earlier this year, Republican House Speaker Jason White celebrated the bill as a reflection of Mississippis status as a pro-life state. In a post on X this week announcing her signing of a new paid parental leave law, Iowa Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds called Iowa a pro-family state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement North Carolina was one of the first Southern states to grant paid parental leave to state workers in 2019 when then-Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, signed an executive order. In 2023, several months after the Dobbs decision, the states majority-Republican legislature extended paid parental leave to public school employees by tacking it onto a law banning most abortions after 12 weeks of pregnancy. Meanwhile, Indiana Republican Gov. Mike Braun signed an executive order in March to add up to eight additional weeks of paid leave for childbirth recovery to the states existing four weeks of paid parental leave. Running the gamut The new laws wont apply to most residents, because they only cover state employees. But they could have a downstream effect. Shaver, the Alabama lawmaker, said she hopes her states new law will not only help the state be competitive with the private sector, but also set a precedent for other employers to follow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I hope they will see its in their benefit to offer what they can, she said. It may not be eight or 12 weeks, but even offering a reduced or flexible work schedule can help families. Just over a quarter of private-sector workers have access to paid family leave through their employer as of March 2023, according the most recent data from the U.S. Department of Labor. Among the lowest-wage earners, that share drops to 6%. State paid leave programs run the gamut in terms of what they offer. While Alabamas new law offers up to eight weeks of leave for all state employees, including teachers, Mississippis offers six and does not require public schools to offer paid parental leave to their employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iowas new law grants four weeks of paid leave for the birth or adoption of a child and one week of paid paternity leave. Tennessees law, passed in 2023, only offers paid leave to workers in the states executive and judicial branches. But a few states are already expanding their offerings: Last year, Georgia legislators voted to double paid parental leave from three to six weeks. And some states have gone further than just state employees: 13 states and the District of Columbia have mandated paid family leave for all workers, according to the Bipartisan Policy Center. Most of those states are located in New England or on the West Coast and all are Democratic-led. Ten more offer voluntary paid family leave statewide thats provided through private insurance. Sandwich generation Experts say the shift in attitude toward family-friendly policies can also be attributed to a generational shift. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lot of younger lawmakers are more willing to champion the issue of paid leave, said Freeland, of A Better Balance. Theyre understanding it because theyre seeing it in their own lives, or seeing friends and family members going through this. In South Carolina, Bernsteins bill faced some opposition from members of the states ultra-conservative Freedom Caucus and Family Caucus. Some lawmakers questioned the potential costs of the bill, or criticized it as government overreach. South Carolina Republican state Rep. Josiah Magnuson, a member of the Freedom Caucus, said he believed the bill would be a financial burden on public school districts that could lead to raised taxes. Youre saying, lets tax the people of South Carolina, most of whom dont get paid parental leave, and give them to state employees who already have six weeks paid parental leave, Magnuson told lawmakers in April before the House voted to pass the bill. He also said he doesnt like that the increased paid leave puts the foot in the door a little more for the government to be involved in the home. The opposition frustrated Bernstein, who pointed out that the states 2022 law that granted six weeks of paid parental leave passed the legislature almost unanimously. This years bill expanding that leave passed the House but hasnt seen movement in the Senate. It can be picked up again when the legislature returns in January. Other South Carolina Republicans backed the bill, citing their own families experiences following the birth of their children, reported the South Carolina Daily Gazette. More conservative states are also responding to the needs of sandwich generation employees who may be caring for aging parents as well as children, Freeland said. Earlier this year, Tennessee became the first Southern state to expand its state paid leave policy beyond just parental leave. The state legislature voted almost unanimously to extend its six-week paid leave policy to cover state workers providing end-of-life care to a family member. Were seeing a growing recognition that people need support for these types of family or caregiving needs, said Freeland, and that it strengthens the workforce and economy to be able to provide that. 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. More than 1,100 measles cases have been reported in the United States this year, and the highly contagious virus has put people at risk while they wait in ERs and doctors offices but also at a Shakira concert in New Jersey, at a mall in Minnesota, at a Buc-ees store in Texas and in airports and planes in several states. Travelers can catch measles in many travel settings including travel hubs like airports and train stations, on public transportation like airplanes and trains, at tourist attractions, and at large, crowded events, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a recently updated travel notice. Infected travelers can bring the disease back to their home communities where it can spread rapidly among people who are not immune. Its a situation that may feel unfamiliar for US travelers. In 2000, measles was declared eliminated from the US due to highly effective and coordinated vaccination efforts. That year, only 85 cases were recorded, all of which were imported. But at least 1,157 measles cases have been reported this year, according to a CNN tally using data from state health departments. Only one other year since 2000 has had more cases: 2019, when there were 1,274. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vast majority of this years cases have been part of an ongoing multistate outbreak centered in West Texas. The outbreak appears to be stabilizing, but there is growing concern around the risk of additional spread due to summer travel, said Lori Tremmel Freeman, chief executive officer for the National Association of County and City Health Officials. At the epicenter of the measles outbreak in Gaines County, that community has either become immune by contracting measles and developing immunity from the disease, or in some cases, theyve gotten vaccinated, Freeman said, but she added that theres a cautionary tale, because of summer travel. Heavy travel is anticipated, she warned. The travel spread could continue throughout the rest of the country as these groups become mobile and still carry the disease. Some changes to vaccine guidance The CDCs health notice emphasizes that all international travelers should be fully vaccinated with the recommended two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and that infants ages 6 months to 11 months who are traveling should receive an extra dose. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Peter Hotez, co-director of the Texas Childrens Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, said this recommendation for infants was also given by the Texas Department of State Health Services in the 10 counties that have seen increased measles transmission during this years outbreak. That means, then, that youre going to wind up giving three doses instead of two doses. Usually, you give one dose [to children between] 12 to 15 months, a second dose at 4 to 6 years [old]. Now, youre going to give three doses, he said. But he emphasized that that this extra dose is still safe: The MMR vaccine is one of the safest vaccines we know. Neither the Texas health department nor the CDC recommends the MMR vaccine for adults born before 1957, Hotez notes, riding on the assumption that measles exposure was common in the first half of the 20th century and that exposure would have led to enduring immunity. However, there are exceptions for health care workers serving a measles outbreak area, for whom two MMR doses are recommended regardless of birth year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hotez highlights that vaccine recommendations may change as outbreaks continue, stressing the importance of staying aware of updates from local health officials. The MMR vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women, infants younger than 6 months and people who have severely weakened immune systems. Although the risk of exposure is generally low, people who cant be vaccinated should speak with their doctor about their individual risk tolerance, said Dr. Scott Roberts, associate medical director for infection prevention at the Yale School of Medicine. A lot of this depends on their access to therapeutics at their travel destination, like are they going to an area where immunoglobulins may be available? Immunoglobulins, also known as antibodies, are naturally produced by the body as a part of immune responses. They play a crucial role in identifying and neutralizing foreign substances like bacteria and viruses and are specific to each pathogen. People who have a weakened immune system can get immunoglobulins, typically at a hospital or clinic, if theyre exposed to measles. What else should travelers do? Historically, Roberts said, the most common source of US measles outbreaks has been non-immune US residents who traveled abroad, were exposed to the virus and then brought it back. Although some international travelers have brought measles into the US, this makes up a minority of cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although no country requires proof of MMR immunization for travel, Roberts advises travelers to double-check their immunity status before traveling internationally. This immunity may involve a prior measles infection, birth before 1957, lab test results of measles immunity or written documentation of MMR immunization. Travelers should check their status at least 6 weeks before they leave, he said. Full immunity includes the two doses of MMR vaccine at least 28 days apart as well as the two weeks it takes to build up final immunity after the last dose. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective against measles infection, so vaccinated travelers who suspect that they have been exposed to the virus shouldnt need to worry, Roberts said. Although that leaves a 3% chance of infection, symptoms are significantly lessened with the vaccine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you are unvaccinated and suspect that you may have been exposed, Roberts says you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Depending on how soon you are after exposure, you can still do something, he said. You may be able to get immunoglobulin or even the MMR vaccine to help lessen symptoms. Other than verifying immunity, Roberts advises typical travel guidance such as packing commonly used and prescribed medications, as well as keeping a list of hospitals or clinics at your destination and other first-aid supplies. When traveling internationally, Roberts recommends checking the country-specific travel health notices on the CDC website to stay aware of additional vaccinations and medications needed for certain destinations. Roberts advises travelers wash their hands frequently, avoid people who are sick when possible, stay in well-ventilated areas and wear masks if they are at high risk of severe illness, staying up to date with vaccinations, especially those who were unable to get vaccinated because of severe immunodeficiency. These practices dont just help prevent measles infection, they help curb infection from other circulating pathogens such as Covid-19 and the flu. Measles is one of the most contagious germs around. In one case 10 years ago, four travelers were infected by a person at the same airport gate. This highlights how contagious [measles] is, Roberts said. Even airports and terminals are risky. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ongoing measles outbreak is not to be taken lightly, Hotez said. In the 1980s, measles was the single leading killer of children globally. It [led to] 3 million deaths annually. Now, through the GAVI Vaccine Alliance and other programs, weve brought it down to around 100,000 deaths, but its still a lot. And were seeing what happens in West Texas. Ten percent, 20% of kids are being hospitalized, measles, pneumonia, neurologic injury. Weve had over 90 hospitalizations so far in Texas and two measles deaths. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First News) Following a Louisiana First Investigates story, more people have come forward claiming to be victims of tax fraud perpetuated by a Clinton woman. Katyra Selders operates Katys Early Bird Tax Service. A Holden woman named Misty Brown first got in contact with the Louisiana First Investigates Problem Solvers team, claiming Selders possessed $4,790 that shouldve been given to Brown for her tax return. I need that money, Brown said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Selders initially denied the claims, but eventually seemed to indicate she would repay Brown after being pressed by the Louisiana First Investigators. So what will happen if she do gets her money, Selders asked via text message. Selders then falsely claimed Louisiana First Investigators approved a repayment plan for Brown, $1,000 every two weeks. When Brown pointed out that $790 was still missing from that plan, Selders claimed she would still keep $790 for her fee. Brown declined the offer. David Gunn, a board certified tax attorney based in Baton Rouge, reviewed the case and shared his thoughts. He reiterated everyone is innocent until proven guilty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My sense was her fee needs to be $0, Gunn said. She needs to give her back her entire tax refund. Louisiana First Investigators suggested Selders should repay the entire sum, but Selders indicated that was not feasible. She then later posted on social media that she still possessed $3,000 of Browns tax return. Since that story, Louisiana First Investigators connected with two more people who claim to be victims of Selders. Both shared stories similar to Brown. They claimed Selders tried to request big returns from the IRS, and when that did not work, she kept the money and provided runaround answers to their questions. Selders responded to a text message Wednesday, denying one of the victims claims. She said Bethanie Ballards tax return was just over $6, and that she communicated that to her client at the time. A tax return document the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) sent to Ballard contradicts that claim, showing she instead was supposed to get $632money she still has not received. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Selders did not respond to questions about Amiracle Brooks, a woman who claimed Selders provided fraudulent bank information to the IRS, offered to only give her half her tax return back and posted her deposit in promotional materials. Brooks said she still has not gotten that money. Brooks filed an IRS identity theft claim and said she is supposed to hear back from investigators this month. Louisiana First Investigates spoke with Octavio Saenz, an IRS Media Relations Analyst, who said the IRS cannot comment because of disclosure laws listed online. Gunn said this behavior seems to indicate that there could be more tax fraud happening across South Louisiana. He said IRS investigators are thorough when they detect potential fraud. She has engaged, allegedly, in conduct that is going to be hard for her to defend, Gunn said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gunn said there are other ways people can file their taxes, and they can find reputable preparers for less than a few hundred dollars. Those numbers can fluctuate depending on how complex the return will be. 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. (This story has been updated to add new information.) MorseLife Health Systems in West Palm Beach is doing away with a pay arrangement that resulted in $35.9 million in compensation being paid to a company owned by the health care provider's top executives during a four-year period, according to a June 4 email from Chairman David Mack. In the email, sent to board members and donors, Mack said the non-profit senior living facility no longer will pay a firm owned by President and Chief Executive Officer Keith Myers and Chief Financial Officer Randy Wolan to handle MorseLife's management. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, the charity will pay these top executives directly, and the pay will be disclosed "in normal course filings," Mack wrote. The decision, Mack added, has been in the works and has been "progressing over the past several months." The announcement was made two days after the Palm Beach Post revealed that MorseLife had been paying millions of dollars to the executives through a for-profit company they owned called Amplifii Management LLC. The Post article included comments by a donor who planned to stop giving to the non-profit, as well as a statement of concern by the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County, which has funded a MorseLife entity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their dissatisfaction with the compensation arrangement stemmed from what they said was a lack of transparency about MorseLife's finances. MorseLife a fixture in community for decades For decades, senior citizens and their families have turned to the high-end MorseLife for care. Founded in 1983 as the Jewish Home for the Aged, MorseLife provides health care, housing and supportive services for seniors living in its independent and assisted-living, rehabilitation and memory-care facilities, its website said. The 52-acre campus is just south of the CACTI Park of The Palm Beaches. MorseLife: Pay to nonprofit's top executives draws community, donor scrutiny Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his June 4 email, Mack said the executives' compensation no longer will be "directly linked to the organization's revenue growth which increased by an extraordinary 165% over the past five years." This link between MorseLife's revenue and its executive compensation immediately raised eyebrows in the community. This was especially the case with sophisticated philanthropists and those who deal in the non-profit world. Compensation based on revenue growth is a model used in for-profit companies, and it is not typically seen in charities, they said. Amplifii was paid $10.3 million in management fees by MorseLife for the 2023 fiscal year, federal tax records show. MorseLife, a nonprofit institution, also paid Amplifii $9.5 million for the 2022 fiscal year, $8.4 million for the 2021 fiscal year and $7.7 million for the 2020 fiscal year, records show. The MorseLife board is changing how it pays top executives including CEO Keith Myers, seen here speaking at The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach in December 2022. Myers owns more than 35% of Amplifii, and Wolan also is an owner, according to federal and state records. The arrangement between MorseLife and Amplifii was created in 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is not clear from tax filings exactly how much Myers and Wolan earned from the fees paid to Amplifii, or whether anyone else also received payment from Amplifii. MorseLife did not respond to questions about these amounts. One donor who previously gave generously to MorseLife said on June 5 that he was outraged to learn the charity "used this elaborate structure to reward Myers and Wolan based on the amount of the money raised." The donor added that MorseLife already employs people whose sole job it is to raise money for the charity. "Myers and Wolan's job is to run the institution to fulfill its mandate," the donor said. Anonymous letter triggers MorseLife response The controversy over MorseLife's compensation arrangement began in January when an anonymous letter was sent to the leadership board at the respected health care facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letter raised alarms about "excessive" executive pay, tax law compliance and potential for a whistleblower complaint. The letter, sent to 52 MorseLife board members, expressed concern that the executive compensation arrangement could violate federal tax laws and Medicare regulations. Federal tax forms, called 990s, require that charities clearly disclose expenses so donors and the communities they serve know exactly how money is being spent, legal experts told The Post. But the anonymous letter said the issues at MorseLife were so grave that the charity MorseLife could lose its tax-exempt status. "We see it as a moral and legal imperative to protect our dedicated, hardworking colleagues, our donors, our patients, and MorseLife itself," the letter stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letter said its authors wanted to remain anonymous for fear of recrimination by MorseLife. MorseLife's Myers immediately responded to the anonymous letter. In an email sent Jan. 28, Myers told board members that the non-profit was looking into the "serious allegations." Subsequently, in April, board members were told by MorseLife representatives that the outsourced compensation was appropriate and a common practice among other non-profits. Compensation experts interviewed by The Post said the arrangement is not common for non-profits. Soon after the April meetings, about half a dozen board members announced plans to resign. Most of these board members did not respond to emails and texts from The Post inquiring why. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MorseLife requires its board members to sign non-disclosure agreements. In a statement emailed to The Post in May 15, MorseLife said it had hired an outside lawyer to review the allegations in the anonymous letter. So far, the review has found the letter is "fraught with factual errors, incorrect assumptions and false claims," the statement said. The statement made no mention of Mack's June 4 statement that plans to directly employ Myers and Wolan had been in the works "for the past several months." Mack's June 4 email also did not explain why MorseLife decided to move away from directly compensating Myers and Wolan, as it used to do prior to 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the email did note that the findings of the independent review have confirmed that the claims in the anonymous letter were "entirely unsubstantiated, resting on distorted interpretations of policies, selective use of information, and a fundamental misunderstanding of how MorseLife operates." MorseLife touts 'five-star lifestyle,' but rents to rise? The nonprofit touts its "five-star senior lifestyle," which can cost residents several thousand dollars per month, depending on the level of care required. Through the years, the facility has earned many accolades, including five-star ratings through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. MorseLife's services, including hospice services and home health care, are divided into nine nonprofit entities, with nine separate boards of directors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But even as Mack touted MorseLife's 165% revenue growth during the past five years, and Amplifii collected nearly $36 million in fees, expenses elsewhere remain an issue. Residents living in at least one MorseLife building were recently told that monthly rents will rise 15% soon. Anxious residents and their family members say they now face a quandary of whether to try to pay or find living space elsewhere. With all the revenue pouring into MorseLife, "why do they need to raise the rent?" one source close to MorseLife said. For the 2022 fiscal year, the entities combined totaled more than $175 million in gross receipts and about $300 million in assets, according to professionals who have tried to evaluate the charity's finances. MorseLife does not provide a total budget for all its combined entities, even though community members have asked for it so they can get a complete financial picture of the charity, according to sources. MorseLife, open to patients of all faiths, practices Jewish traditions and is deeply tied to the Jewish community. This includes the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County, which serves as the community's "city hall." On May 9, the Federation said it was aware of the allegations involving MorseLife. In a statement, Michael Hoffman, president and chief executive of the federation, said at the time that "transparency and donor trust are essential to the integrity of all non-profit organization." He added the federation was hopeful that the letter's concerns are being taken seriously and addressed in a timely manner "through a thorough, independent investigation." Following Mack's email on June 4, Hoffman stressed the importance of MorseLife's mission and the need for clarity in MorseLife's finances. "A communitys strength lies in caring for its most vulnerable, especially seniors and Holocaust survivors. Rooted in our values and responsibility, we are committed to providing essential services so older adults can age with dignity, security, and connection," Hoffman said. "By upholding the highest standards of transparency and compassionate care, we ensure our seniors well-being remains our unwavering priority." Alexandra Clough is a business writer at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at aclough@pbpost.com. X: @acloughpbp. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: MorseLife to halt pay deal with top executives' private company Morten Harket, frontman of celebrated Norwegian synth-pop band A-Ha, has revealed that he has Parkinsons disease. The news was shared by the band in a statement on their website which read: This isnt the sort of news anyone wants to deliver to the world, but here it is Morten has Parkinsons disease. The pop icon, aged 65, shared further details of the diagnosis in the post, and explained why he has sharing the news after previously keeping details on his health strictly private. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive got no problem accepting the diagnosis. With time Ive taken to heart my 94-year-old fathers attitude to the way the organism gradually surrenders: I use whatever works, he wrote. Part of me wanted to reveal it. Like I said, acknowledging the diagnosis wasnt a problem for me; its my need for peace and quiet to work that has been stopping me. Im trying the best I can to prevent my entire system from going into decline. Harket said he underwent neurological procedures to have electrodes implanted inside his brain last year and that this had reduced the symptoms. He continued: Its a difficult balancing act between taking the medication and managing its side effects. Theres so much to weigh up when youre emulating the masterful way the body handles every complex movement, or social matters and invitations, or day-to-day life in general. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regarding whether Harket can still perform and sing, he wrote: I dont really know. I dont feel like singing, and for me thats a sign. Im broadminded in terms of what I think works; I dont expect to be able to achieve full technical control. The question is whether I can express myself with my voice. As things stand now, thats out of the question. But I dont know whether Ill be able to manage it at some point in the future. Parkinsons is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder in the world, behind Alzheimers. It causes deterioration in the brain's nervous system, leading to tremors and other symptoms that can become progressively worse over time. Common symptoms include involuntary shaking, slower-than-usual movement, and stiffness in the muscles. The disease can be treated with surgery and medication, but there is no cure. It is not known what exactly leads to people developing the condition. Other famous faces who have had Parkinsons diagnoses include Back To The Future actor Michael J. Fox, heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne and Scottish comedian Billy Connolly. The Atlantic Daily, a newsletter that guides you through the biggest stories of the day, helps you discover new ideas, and recommends the best in culture. Sign up for it here. Subscribe here: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Overcast | Pocket Casts In John le Carre novels, the spies often lie and keep secrets even when they dont have to, because its a mentality, le Carre once explained, a way of living you never shed. So it was notable when 250 veteran Israeli intelligence officers recently signed their names to an open letter demanding that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu throw away his plans to escalate the war on Gaza. The war, they wrote, doesnt contribute to any of the declared objectives, and will lead to the death of hostages, soldiers and innocents. At least six other similar petitions have circulated, signed by reservists, retired officers, and veterans from various branches of the Israeli military. Thats the first time thats happened in Israel, says Tamir Pardo, our guest on Radio Atlantic this week and one of three former Mossad directors who signed the open letter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After my interview with Pardo, in Tel Aviv, he asked me to emphasize one thing: His position on the war does not make him a leftist, he said. And I could see his point all around me in Tel Aviv, where opposition to the war has spread far beyond the Israeli left, and far beyond the families of the remaining Israeli hostages. In a recent poll, 70 percent of Israelis said they dont trust the government, and about the same portion said they want a deal with Hamas to return the hostages and end the warsomething the government has resisted even in this latest round of cease-fire talks. The protests are not, for the most part, focused on the suffering of Gazans, as protests are in other parts of the world. Theyre primarily about returning the hostages. But Pardo and others made clear to me that they believe the war is not serving Israel in any way. They want it to end. The latest cease-fire proposal includes an exchange of hostages, living and dead, for Palestinian prisoners. Israel has promised a temporary cessation of fighting but, as of yet, no commitment to end the war. In this episode, Pardo, with his decades of experience fighting terrorism, explains his perspective on how the war unfolded, what went wrong, and what should happen now. The following is a transcript of the episode: [Music] News clip: Its been 100 days since the attack by Hamas in southern Israel. News clip: 100 days of grief and protests News clip: Israel and Hamas have been at war for six months. News clip: Its been exactly a year News clip: One year after the horror News clip: Its been nearly 600 days since Israels war on Gaza began. News clip: 600 days since Hamas militants staged their murderous attack on October 7. Six hundred days, and they are still holding 58 Israeli hostages. Hanna Rosin: The war continues day after day, month after month. Now over a year and half old, though, it feels like its at a new breaking point. News clip: In Gaza, concerns of famine grow, which is why chaos broke out at the opening of an aid-distribution site in Gaza thats run by a U.S.-backed group. News clip: Israel imposed a total blockade on humanitarian aid and commercial supplies to Gaza on March 2. Rosin: This week, theres a temporary cease-fire proposal on the table. The potential deal involves releasing 10 living Israeli hostages and the bodies of 18 dead. News clip: Hamas did not explicitly accept or reject the offer, but it said it was prepared to release 10 living Israeli hostages and 18 dead ones in exchange for a number of Palestinian prisoners. Rosin: Israel has already agreed to it, and Defense Minister Israel Katz warned Hamas that it must agree or, quote, be annihilated. But Hamas leaders are so far hesitating. The main sticking point is the same sticking point as always: Hamas doesnt want a 30-day or 60-day or a 90-day cease-fire. They want a promise of an end to the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im Hanna Rosin. This is Radio Atlantic. And thats a question a lot of people have. When will the war end? What will it take? And what happens to Gaza when it does? [Music] Rosin: I happened to be in Tel Aviv visiting a sick relative when news came out about this latest cease-fire proposal. I havent been here since October 7, and when I arrived, I was struck by one obvious thing: In the U.S. papers, I read about what Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is or isnt doing, or what other officials in the Israeli government are saying about the war. In Tel Aviv, what the government wants or says seems irrelevant, or at least totally drowned out by what the people want. The gap between the government and the people seems enormous. The country feels like its choking on despair and frustration with its own government and the lack of an end to this war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To be clear, what drives the protests here is different than in the U.S. Protesters only rarely hold up pictures of, say, children killed in Gaza. Mostly, they spotlight the hostages and the governments betrayal in leaving them there. And I didnt have to go far to see this discontent. My plane landed, and the flight attendant, in a smooth flight-attendant voice, said, Tachzir otom abayita achshav (Bring them home now). And then the plane burst into applause. I went to an ATM machine at the airport, and as my money shuffled out, an automated voice said: Bring them home safely. I arrived at my aunts apartment building, and a big sticker covered the entryway: netanyahu is dangerous. Her street has been renamed by another sticker: netanyahu traitor street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I happened to arrive at the end of May, on the 600th day of the war. I was taking a bus that day, and the driver stopped in the middle of the road and said, Sorry. Cant move. Everyone, get off, because the streets were clogged with hundreds of protesters, most of them wearing shirts that, in large block letters in English, said N-O-W. Now, as in: Bring back the hostages now. But also end this war. Now. Protesters: (Chanting in Hebrew.) Rosin: Six hundred days of darkness, he says. Six hundred days, and there is no light at the end of this war. Protester: (Shout in Hebrew.) Rosin: Enough of this war, someone shouts in the background. Protester: (Speech in Hebrew.) Rosin: How long will we live in a country thats at war? Protester: Bring all of them back now. Protesters: Now! Protesters: (Chanting.) Bring them home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rosin: So those are the streets. And theres one more thing boiling over, something fairly new in Israeli society, which makes this anger at Netanyahu and the war seem wider than usual. Its coming from the military itself. Veterans of the Israeli Defense Force, pilots, medics, military leaders en masse from everywhere have been asking Netanyahu to stop the war. In April, more than 250 veterans of the Mossad, Israels equivalent of the CIA, signed an open letter asking Netanyahu to bring the hostages home, even if that means ending the war. Spies dont usually sign open anything. This letter included three former Mossad chiefs. And while I was in Israel, I sat down with one of them. Tamir Pardo: We are already 600 days after October 7. And we have five divisions deployed in Gaza. And I dont see an end to that war. It is useless. Its accomplishing nothing. Nothing. Im not talking about those people who are living or dying in Gaza. Im talking about Israel. From Israels point of view, its a waste of time. What were doingwaste of lives, waste of money, wasting the future. Rosin: This is Tamir Pardo. Hes 72 and retired now, but he spent his life in the Mossad, which he ran between 2011 and 2016. He was running the agency when it began placing booby-trapped walkie-talkies into Lebanon, and reportedly planned a string of high-profile assassinations of Iranian nuclear scientists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In other words, he spent his life fighting against terrorism, exactly what Netanyahus government claims to be doing in Gaza. In theory, he very much believes in the mission. Pardo: The responsibility of the Mossad is to avoid our enemies [obtaining] nuclear weapons, whoever they are, wherever they are. My responsibility was to stop any terrorist attempt against Israelis that are outside the state of Israel, or from terrorists that are trying to hit us from abroad. Rosin: That description, vague as it is, cements a certain image of deterring terrorism, but not endless fighting. One thing Pardo said to me over and over again is something he thinks Netanyahu has forgotten: War is not the endgame. Pardo: At the end of the day, when Im thinking about my children, my grandchildren, I would like that theyre going to live in a safe country, but in a peaceful country. And in order to achieve peace, from time to time, you have to use your sword. But I dont think that you can solve the problem with your sword. Whats happening here now in Israel, its insane. Rosin: The exact meaning of insanity changes depending on who you ask. For many in the international community, even longtime allies of Israel, its the situation on the ground in Gaza: the killing of civilians, the failure to deliver aid, the widespread starvation of innocent people. For many in Israel, its the hostages. A promise between Israeli citizens and their government has always been that they will keep them safe, and if one of them should end up in danger, the government would rescue them. Six hundred days has crushed that promise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Pardo, its practical: War requires a goal. And Pardo doesnt believe Netanyahus stated goal of destroying Hamas is a realistic one, certainly not if you also want to bring the hostages home. Rosin: So today is the 600th day that the hostages are held. Theres protests everywhere. I was surprised when I got here. In Tel Aviv, all the streets, theyve been renamed Netanyahu Is a Traitor Street. You know, there are posters everywhere. Its a very common position here to criticize Netanyahu. Why arent the hostages home, in your opinion? Whose fault is that? Pardo: Our fault, Israels fault. On October 8, it was 24 hours after October 7, and I said to my friends within the old boys club, Mossad: Bring the hostages home now. Dont start a war. Negotiate and bring the 251 hostages home now. Then solve the problem. That was the biggest mistake of the state of Israel, because those hostages should have been released weeks after. You cannot defeat Hamas and bring the hostages back at the samethe same priority. You have to choose. And our government preferred to kill than to bring the hostages. Rosin: Now, as someone whose job it was to fight terrorists, why is it so clear to you that the first priority shouldnt have been to fight the terrorists? Pardo: Because those peoplechildren, women, civilian, and soldiers as wellwere kidnapped because of our fault as a state. The armed forces in every country [are] responsible for the safety of those civilians who are living in the country. And this war, the result of October 7 was because our armed forces, they failed to do it. Now bring them back, and then punish those who did it. And Im saying punishing, not revengedifferent. Rosin: Whats the difference? Pardo: I dont believe in revenge. You have to punish, and you have to find out and kill all those who did what they did on October 7. Okay? Full stop. You dont have to destroy Gaza, because its meaningless. I think that we are creatingin the last 20 months, we are creating more problems [than] we are solving, at the end of the day. Yes, okay, we killed 70 or 90 percent of those, lets say, terrorists that are living in Gaza, but we killed many more civilians. And the day after, when well see that day after starts, we are going to have a very big problem there in Gaza. Because I think that when you are gonna have 2.1 million people that dont have no housing, no job, no water, no electricity, no health-care system, we will have to solve the problem. No one else will have to solve it. We will. And then we are creating such a problem that I dont know how we will be able to solve it. Im not expecting, lets say, Americans to solve the problem. Im not expecting Egyptians to solve the problem. We are there, so well have to solve the problem. Rosin: And you created the problem. Pardo: And we created the problem. Rosin: So recently, you signed an open letter saying: End the war in Gaza, as did hundreds of other Mossad, Shin Bet, generals. Have you seen that level of open protest before? I mean, does something feel different about that to you? Pardo: Yeah. Thats the first time that it happened in Israel. Rosin: First time that whatwhat exactly? Pardo: That so many veterans, with their experience, are watching whats happening here in Israel, and there is an understanding that we are taking the wrong path. We are creating damage, a huge damage, to the state of Israel, okay? By what were doing, we are accomplishing nothing. [Music] Rosin: After the break. Pardo explains what he thinks is the real reason Netanyahu is staying in this war. [Break] Rosin: In the street protests, theres one particular chant that comes up over and over: Protesters: (Chanting in Hebrew.) Rosin: Ad shechem hozrim kulanu chatufim. Until theyre back, were all hostages. [Music] Rosin: Its easy to understand why the family and friends of any individual hostage are raging in the streets of their government for failing to rescue the person they love. But to understand why the average Israeli so deeply identifies with the hostages, why they are still out protesting 600 days later, you have to go back into Israeli history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the first decades of its existence, Israel was regularly at war. The 1948 Arab-Israeli War, Suez War, the Six-Day War, the Yom Kippur War. And then in 1976, a terrorist event happened that in many ways still defines the relationship between Israelis and their government. News clip: Palestinian hijackers are still holding more than 250 hostages and an Air France jet at Entebbe Airport, in Uganda. Rosin: A flight from Tel Aviv to Paris was hijacked. The plane and its hostages were taken to Idi Amins Uganda. News clip: One hundred and one hostages released today were flown to Paris, but another 110 are still being held at the airport at Entebbe, Uganda. About 85 of them, Israeli nationals. The Palestinian hijackers with some non-Arab accomplices now say they will execute the hostages on Sunday unless their demands are met. Rosin: In what was a rare approach for the time but afterwards became a global counterterrorism model, IDF commandos raided the airport and rescued the hostages. News clip: The daring Israeli raid into Uganda still leaves unanswered many questions. News clip: Political leaders and editorialists over most of the Western world and some of Asia were delighted with Israels bold and successful rescue of the civilian hostages in Uganda. Rosin: The details of the operation are extraordinary: Huge planes flying low over the Red Sea, two Land Rovers and a Mercedes painted black to pose as Idi Amins presidential convoy, and Israeli soldiers operating thousands of miles from home with no hope of backup. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The only member of the IDF team killed was Yonatan Netanyahu, leader of the raid and the older brother of Benjamin Netanyahu. The story of his brothers death became a key point in Netanyahus political rise. It was also a key moment in Tamir Pardos life. When I was asking him how well he knew the prime minister, he said this: Pardo: I knew his oldest brother, Yoni Netanyahu. He was my commander in the unit that I served in 1976. Unfortunately, he was killed less than one foot from me at the Entebbe raid. Rosin: Inside Israel, the raid at Entebbe cemented a promise: Yes, Israeli citizens are always vulnerable to terrorist attacks, but the government will alwaysalwaysrescue them, no matter how hard they are to reach. For many Israelis, October 7 broke that promise. Pardo: What happened in 1976, people were kidnapped, not because we neglected something, we forgot something. October 7 is because we broke our obligation towards our people. The state of Israel betrayed the first thing that the IDF exists for: to defend our civil people. What happened there was a disaster. There were 2,000 people that managed to break into Israel because we neglected our duty. And thats the reason: When you did it, you have to pay the price. And the first price you had to pay is to bring them home, and then, find a way to solve the problem using the stickbut only after bringing them home. Rosin: Pardo has decades of calculating when and how to use lethal aggression and to what end. Heres how he does the math on this war. Pardo: I remember, before the warand you can go and check the figuresIDF (Israeli Defense Forces) estimated that there are between 20,000 and 25,000 people that can use weapons in Gaza. Nine months ago, the military spokesman said that more than 17,000 Hamas terrorists were killed. So think about how many were wounded. Lets assume that another 6,000 were wounded, and we know that more than 3,000 were in prison in Israel, we captured. So actually, the job was finished. We killed all the generals, the leaders there, the commanders of brigades, platoons, whatever. Okay? So those who are still there, the vast, vast majority are those who were recruited after the war started. And they dont have any experience. Okay? But they can hold a Kalashnikov (an AK-47) and kill a soldier here and there. But the main power90 percent of the powerwas finished more than nine months ago. Rosin: So, enough? Pardo: Enough. At the end of the day, the Hamas is not only a military power, a terrorist power, okay? Its a political power as well. So thinking that you can erase political power by a military attack, thats wrong. Thats wrong. And every civilian that is killed today, his brother, his son, his father will hold the gun tomorrow. Rosin: And so why didnt it unfold that way? Again, Pardo is blunt. Pardo: So I think that our prime minister today is trying to solve his personal problemsnot our problems, his problems. And that was what he was doing from the first day that he was indicted, from the first day of his trial. Hes not thinking about Israel as a state. Rosin: Netanyahu was indicted on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in three separate but related cases. The prime minister has denied any wrongdoing, and says its a witch hunt. The trial is still ongoing and has distorted Israeli politics in so many ways, one of them being the war in Gaza. Theres criticism that Netanyahu has an incentive to keep the war going to distract from and delay his own problems, to keep lots of wars going. In fact, Pardo is not sure Netanyahu even has any postwar strategy anywhere. Pardo: What is your postwar strategy in Lebanon? What is your postwar strategy in Syria? What is your strategy versus Iran? Okay? Using the stickthinking that by using the stick, youre gonna solve the problem, its wrong. Rosin: You need to negotiate. Pardo: Exactly. In order to solve problems, you need to negotiate. Negotiate when you have a stick in your hand. Use the stick if its needed, but understand, at the end of the day, you should negotiate for an agreement. The point is that our government believes in using the sticks. Not one sticksticks. Rosin: It is unusual for a Mossad veteran to be so outspokenly critical against the government, but maybe not, in this case, surprising. Ehud Olmert, whos a former prime minister of Israel, last week accused his country of committing war crimes. Or as a hobby. Yair Golan, the main opposition leader, accused the government of killing babies for sport. That one got the most attention outside and inside Israel, even as Golan tried to walk the statement back. Rosin: Yair Golan famously said, killing babies for sport. Pardo: That was awful to say. Rosin: That was awful? Pardo: And it was wrong. I, I Rosin: That one went too far? Why? Pardo: Its not too far. Its wrong. Rosin: What do you mean? Pardo: No one, even Smotrich and Ben-Gvir, are not killing babies for fun. Okay? I dont agree. Theyre fascists. They are the KKK in Israel. Theyre fascists, but theyre not killingeven fascists in Israel are not killing babies for fun. Rosin: Let me give you some clarity about who hes talking about here. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, they are, as Atlantic contributor Gershom Gorenberg put it recently, the leading extremists in Israels most right-wing government in history. They are both West Bank settlers, and they both want Israel to reoccupy all of Gaza, to renew Israeli settlement there, and toquoteencourage Palestinians to emigrate. Rosin: Do you believe these are war crimes? Pardo: LookI hope not. I hope not. But fighting in a place like Gaza, 364 square kilometersin this small place, there are squeezed more than 2 million people, fighting, using all warfare capabilities. Many civilians are getting killed, unfortunately. That there is a war in such a place, it should be very, very short war. Rosin: Short? Pardo: Short. Rosin: Mm-hmm. Pardo: Because as time is passing, many, many more civilians are getting killed. Many more civilians are losing part of their families, losing their homes, losing everything. And to conduct a war for 20 months in such a small place, bad things are happening. Rosin: It would be hard to avoid a war crime? Pardo: Its gonna be very hard. Okay? And thats what worries us, should worry every Israeli. Rosin: I asked Pardo to sum up what he thinks should happen next. Pardo: Stop the war. Stop the war because it takes you to nowhere. [Music] Rosin: This episode of Radio Atlantic was produced by Kevin Townsend and Rosie Hughes. It was edited by Claudine Ebeid. We had engineering support from Rob Smierciak and fact-checking by Michelle Ciarrocca. Claudine Ebeid is the executive producer of Atlantic Audio, and Andrea Valdez is our managing editor. Listeners, if you like what you hear on Radio Atlantic, you can support our work and the work of all Atlantic journalists when you subscribe to The Atlantic at theatlantic.com/listener. Im Hanna Rosin. Talk to you next week. Article originally published at The Atlantic HERNANDO, Miss. The mother of a Hernando woman who was found dead in her home claims her daughter was killed by her ex-fiance. Kasey Rowley, 28, was shot to death in a Hernando, Mississippi, house on May 16. Hernando officers responded at 10:30 p.m. for a welfare check call on Magnolia Ridge. They found Rowleys body with gunshot wounds in a back bedroom, and she was pronounced dead on the scene. Woman found shot dead in Hernando, MS house Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My daughter was murdered, and she was murdered by her fiance, said Mary Rowley, mother of Kasey Rowley. Police have not confirmed that information. The DeSoto County Sheriffs Office told WREG the man shot himself to death in a nearby boat ramp on May 15 at 6:30 p.m., hours before Kasey was found dead. Police seek suspect after shots fired in Collierville The mother said that when she found out about his, she became worried about her daughter and went to her house. She said the backdoor was open and was scared that the man had killed Kasey and then himself. I cant imagine him shooting her in here and leaving her, but when I went in there and saw my baby laid down on that rug. I could tell she had been deceased for hours, said Mary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said Kasey and the man were engaged, but his financial problems began to take a toll on Kasey in the last few months. $25K in sporting goods stolen from shipping container Mary said Kasey worked two jobs as a registered nurse while her ex-fiance was struggling to keep a job and pay his child support from previous relationships. The main thing that made her flip the script is when she cut him off financially, said Mary. She cut him off completely because he didnt have any money, but she would still help him get gas and things like that. Mary said that Kasey was hoping to find a relationship like her and her husband Tony, who had worked as an investigator for the Tate County Sheriffs Office and passed away last July from a cardiac arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hernando Police Department has not confirmed that the incident was a murder-suicide. They told WREG that they are still investigating the incident and declined our request for an 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 WREG.com. CLEARFIELD, Pa. (WTAJ) A Clearfield County mother was jailed after Clearfield Regional police were called to Dairy Queen for reports of her nodding off while trying to feed a child in a stroller. Jessica Lynn Bowman, 38, was charged with endangering the welfare of a child, reckless endangerment, possession with intent to deliver and possession of a controlled substance. According to the criminal complaint, police were dispatched to Dairy Queen in Lawrence Township Wednesday, June 4, at 7:10 p.m. for reports of a woman, later identified as Bowman, nodding off while trying to feed a child and while standing with the child. While en route, police said they were informed that a Dairy Queen employee had also called about the woman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After arriving, police said they were waved down as Bowman was leaving the store. When officers spoke to her, she was allegedly slow and lethargic and was having trouble keeping her eyes open, the complaint reads. Police tried talking to her and said she continued to talk about things completely irrelevant to the situation. According to charging documents, she alleged she was just tired from life. Police noted that she admitted to taking prescribed Suboxone, but nothing else. According to charges, police were permitted to search her and allegedly found a plastic baggie with suspected heroin and a small pick they noted is typically used for drugs. A search of her childs stroller also found prescription pill bottles with miscellaneous pills inside, broken glass smoking devices wrapped in a sweatshirt next to the child and multiple baggies of a white crystal-like substance. Police noted that through the entire interaction, Bowman had trouble standing and would use a light pole to help keep her balance, the complaint reads. 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. Bowman was placed in Clearfield County Prison with bail set at $150,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It should be noted that the child was taken by Child and Youth Services that 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 WTAJ - www.wtaj.com. FLOYD COUNTY, Iowa A motorcyclist who was killed after being hit by a semi on a Floyd County highway Wednesday morning has been identified. Investigation continues into fatal Des Moines motorcycle crash At around 9:10 a.m. multiple agencies, including the Iowa State Patrol, responded to US Highway 18 near Charles City for a report of a crash involving a motorcycle and semi. According to an ISP crash report, the motorcyclist pulled out in front of the semi. The semi was unable to stop and fatally struck the motorcyclist, the report states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ISP has identified the motorcyclist as 66-year-old Ruby May Golnick of Garner. Iowa News: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. NEED TO KNOW A 41-year-old mountaineer, identified as Alex Chiu, died after falling 3,000 ft. from a climbing route on Alaskas Mt. McKinley on June 2 His body was recovered two days later on Wednesday, June 4 The NPS noted that rangers were "unable to access the accident site" immediately due to "high winds and snow" A 41-year-old man who fell to his death earlier this week had recently recovered from North America's highest mountain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Park Service (NPS) shared in a press release that the mountaineer, identified as 41-year-old Alex Chiu, died after falling 3,000 ft. from a climbing route on Alaskas Mount McKinley, which is also known as Denali. While he was listed as a Seattle resident, he said in a social media post that he moved back to Brooklyn, N.Y., in 2023, the New York Post reported. Two people who had been with Chiu on his expedition reported on Monday, June 2, that the 41-year-old, who had been unroped at the time, had fallen at a location known as Squirrel Point towards the Peters Glacier. The glacier is described as an exposed, rocky and serac-covered 3000-foot face, per the NPS. After witnessing the fall, Chiu's two companions lowered over the edge as far as possible, but were unable to see or hear him. They then made their way down the West Buttress route of Denali, seeking additional help before ultimately heading to Denali Camp 1, which is located at around 7,800 ft. up the mountain. National Park Service A photo of the location where Chiu fell, provided by the NPS A photo of the location where Chiu fell, provided by the NPS Due to high winds and snow, ground and air search was unable to access the accident site until the early morning hours of June 4, the NPS said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The weather eventually cleared on the north side of the Alaska Range, which allowed two mountaineering rangers to depart from Talkeetna to conduct an aerial helicopter search to locate and recover Chius body, according to the NPS. The agency did not say where his body was found. After recovering the body, the rangers returned to Denali National Park and Preserve headquarters, where Chius body was then transferred to the state medical examiner. The NPS noted that a similar accident had happened before on Denali in 2010, in a similar location. That incident involved an unroped French mountaineer, who fell to his death on the Peters Glacier. However, in that incident, the French mountaineers body was never recovered. 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. There are currently about 500 climbers on Denali, as it is the middle of peak climbing season on the mountain, the NPS said in their release. The climbing season typically begins in early May and ends in early July, the agency said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the NPS website, Denali rises 20,310 ft. above sea level, making it the tallest mountain in North America. The mountains nickname, Denali means the high one in Native American languages, and refers to the long arc of mountains near Alaskas southern coast. The NPS noted that the mountain is extremely challenging to climb due to its weather, as mountaineers are often exposed to extreme cold temperatures. The agency also noted that mountaineers must also deal with altitude sickness due to the high elevation levels of the mountain. Read the original article on People Movies to see this week: 'High Fidelity' with John Cusack, 'Dogma,' 'Rogue One' originally appeared on Bring Me The News. How did this get released? Why did this disappear? And how the hell did this get made? These are all valid questions to ask of some of the repertory movies hitting movie theaters this week. (That'd be, from my point of view, The People's Joker, Dogma, and Threads, respectively.) Advertisement Advertisement However, those are far from the only alluring movies out there this week. The Queenie Von Curves-curated Pride series at The Parkway starts this week, and John Cusack is in town to talk about High Fidelity on its 25th anniversary. Scroll onward for details on those and other movies playing around the Twin Cities this week. The People's Joker (2022) Thursday, June 5, at Grandview Theatres It's a miracle The People's Joker even got made. It's a parody of a coming-of-age superhero movie starring writer and director Vera Drew as a closeted trans girl trying to make a name as a comedian in Gotham City. It's a psychedelic, strange, funny, surprisingly personal movie that managed to be released despite its use of DC characters. While Drew is the star, it also has a litany of comedic cameos from the likes of Tim Heidecker, Bob Odenkirk, Maria Bamford, and Scott Aukerman. 1830 Grand Ave., St. Paul ($14.44) Dogma (1999) Thursday, June 5Wednesday, June 11, at various theaters (full details below) Advertisement Advertisement Director Kevin Smith passed through the Twin Cities suburbs earlier this year for a screening of Dogma, a beloved but (until now) hard-to-see movie in Smith's catalog. It had been caught in limbo through a winding series of events that involved producer Harvey Weinstein, who eventually sold off the rights. While the film had a DVD release at one point, it hasn't been in theaters or on streaming, so it's been a big return for the movie that stars Matt Damon and Ben Affleck as a pair of fallen angels who've found a loophole that could get them back into heaven. Bethany (Linda Fiorentino) is tasked by a surly angel (Alan Rickman) to stop their inglorious return. She's given a pair of "prophets" in the form of Jay and Silent Bob (Smith and Jason Mewes), and a litany of cameos that includes Chris Rock, George Carlin, Alanis Morissette, Janeane Garofalo, Salma Hayek, and Jason Lee. An Evening with John Cusack + High Fidelity (2000) Friday, June 6, at Uptown Theater Advertisement Advertisement With apologies to Empire Records and celebrants of Rex Manning Day, High Fidelity may be the greatest movie about a record store ever made. The adaptation of Nick Hornby's novel follows the tormented love life of Rob (John Cusack) and the lovable, aloof employees of his record store. It's a time capsule for the way record stores once were. Cusack will be on hand to celebrate the movie's 25th anniversary and maybe fire off a couple of his own top-five lists. Head to your favorite record store afterwards when you've been convinced to buy a copy of The Beta Band's The Three E.P.s. 2900 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis ($91$277) Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) Friday, June 6Tuesday, June 10, at The Trylon Cinema Even as the Star Wars universe exploded with movies and shows after its release, Rogue One may be the most atypical and thematically interesting among the onslaught of stories from a galaxy far, far away. (Though, more recently, Andor has continued that legacy.) Advertisement Advertisement Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones) is recruited into the resistance because her kidnapped father (Mads Mikkelsen) has designed the Empire's planet-ending weapon. Though, he's secretly given it a weakness that could be exposed. A ragtag group of freedom fighters including Diego Luna, Donnie Yen, Riz Ahmed, and Wen Jiang have to execute an ill-advised heist to get plans for the Death Star back to the Rebellion. It fills in gaps from the original trilogy and manages to be a dark, tense movie, even though viewers of the original movies know, more or less, where things will wind up. 2820 E 33rd St., Minneapolis ($8) Threads (1984) Saturday, June 7Sunday, June 8, at The Trylon Cinema The Trylon and the American Cinematheque are not messing around with their "Bleak Week" programming. It's described as a series that explores "the darkest sides of humanity." Threads is as advertised. There are plenty of grim films about nuclear warfare, but Threads somehow makes movies like Oppenheimer, War Games, and I Live in Fear look like pleasant diversions. Advertisement Advertisement The made-for-TV movie plays like a documentary of nuclear annihilation while also having fictional narrative threads that show the devastation that families go through during this nuclear winter. It's not just your usual cautionary tale. It goes from a jolly couple in Sheffield to protests to the private fears of citizens to hiding in bomb shelters to eating animals found dead to stillbirths with shocking quickness and clarity. 2820 E 33rd St., Minneapolis ($8) But I'm a Cheerleader (1999) Tuesday, June 10, at The Parkway Theater The Parkway Theater invited Queenie von Curves to curate a series of films for Pride Month, and it starts off with But I'm a Cheerleader. Actually, it starts with a burlesque/drag show hosted by Von Curves before each movie in the series. Then, it's But I'm a Cheerleader, where Megan (Natasha Lyonne) gets sent to a camp by her tightly wound parents, who suspect that she might be a lesbian. The movie also stars Clea DuVall, Michelle Williams, and RuPaul. 4814 Chicago Ave., Minneapolis ($12) Related: Jay & Silent Bob's road trip will bring them to St. Paul More movies playing this week in the Twin Cities: Related: Visions of the end of the world take center stage at Walker Art Center This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jun 5, 2025, where it first appeared. Chris Hayes applauded his wifes vigorous pushback at Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) on his MSNBC show Wednesday. (Watch the video below.) Kate Shaw, a law professor and writer, appeared before a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing where she was peppered with questions about the many injunctions issued against President Donald Trump and his administration. Hawley insisted that bias was to blame but Shaw eviscerated his claim. First, though, Hayes gave Shaw quite the intro. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres a fun moment in the United States Senate yesterday Id love to share with you, mostly because it features the amazing constitutional law professor/podcast host/New York Times contributor Kate Shaw, whos also my wife, Hayes said. And it also features Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley, who is amazing in his own way, I guess. Hayes noted that the senator has been defending the lawlessness of Boss Trump. In this instance, Hawley tried to make his case with a bar graph showing Trump well ahead of recent presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Joe Biden in injunctions issued against him. As Trump attempts to test the boundaries of presidential power and the rule of law, judges have opposed him on deportations, federal funding and workforce cuts, and tariffs. Hawley had printed out a big gotcha chart, which he seemed to think proved that Donald Trump is a victim of a vast network of biased judges from across the ideological spectrum, the All In host continued. Professor Shaw suggested there might be a more simple explanation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hayes went to the highlights. In the clip from the Senate floor, Hawley showed off his chart, asking Shaw: You dont think this is a little bit anomalous? She answered with a dagger: A very plausible explanation, senator, you have to consider is that he is engaged in much more lawless activity than other presidents, right? Hayes deemed it worth repeating and also quoted his wife elsewhere in the exchange. Now thats couple goals. Check out the family fun here: H/T Mediaite Related... Delia Koo International Academic Center at Michigan State University. June 4, 2025 | Photo by Erick Diaz Veliz Updated at 8:48 a.m. The email raised concerns among members of Michigan State Universitys international community. On Tuesday afternoon, international students at MSU received an email from the Office for International Students and Scholars, or OISS, strongly recommending them not to leave the United States, among other recommendations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The email, signed by Krista McCallum, director of OISS, was delivered independently to foreign students, but with the same content: An important update in response to recent federal government actions affecting the international academic community, both those already legally in the country and those still in process to enter. By the end of May, a cable signed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and obtained by The Associated Press stated that the U.S. government decided to halt new student visa interviews for foreign applicants to U.S. colleges, where they plan to use the review of social media activity as a filter to vet foreign applicants. Additionally, the U.S. Department of State released a press statement in which Rubio specified that under President Trumps leadership, Chinese students visas will be aggressively revoked, including those with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields. Our current understanding is that previously scheduled visa interview appointments will proceed as planned. However, most embassies and consulates have suspended scheduling new appointments, the message said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McCallum advised those students who are still in the U.S. not to leave the country. For students and scholars inside the U.S.: We strongly advise that you do not travel outside the United States, McCallum said in the communication. For those currently outside the country who require a visa to return, McCallum recommended staying in close contact with the U.S. embassy or consulate in their area. Additionally, for those unsure about the validity of their visas, the email included a link where students could check their current visa stamp. MSU spokesperson Amber McCann reiterated one more time that the international community on campus is essential to the universitys academic and professional development, adding that The university is closely monitoring recent federal policy changes and updates concerning international students and scholars. We will continue to advocate for policies that enable us to welcome international students and scholars from around the world and promote global engagement, McCann concluded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As it is happening across the country, within MSUs international community, concerns about not returning home over the summer due to the severity of recent policy changes had already become a recurring topic, while those who traveled expressed concerns about their return. Many students had already decided not to travel back to their home countries, fearing potential issues with immigration when attempting to re-enter the U.S. Its no longer just about having your paperwork in order; now it feels like crossing the border comes with a real risk of running into trouble, said Diego Granados, an MSU PhD student in biochemistry who is from Mexico. The atmosphere has changed. Every time you see another international student, you ask them if theyre traveling this summer, because of the political climate. At the end of the email, McCallum expressed her support and concern for the international community and reiterated, as in previous communications stated by MSU, the universitys commitment to international students, who have increasingly become targets of federal government policies nationwide. I understand that this news and the uncertainty surrounding it may be frustrating. Please know that MSU remains strongly committed to our international Spartan community. We will continue to welcome students and scholars from around the world, and we will advocate for policies that support your presence and success, the email said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MSU students had already protested what they considered to be the lack of action by MSU officials regarding the protection of the international community. And after only receiving statements and emails, they considered the university to be taking an insufficient stance. Demonstrator at a rally organized by various MSU student organizations, including the Hurriya Coalition and Students for Justice in Palestine. April 10, 2025. | Photo by Erick Diaz Veliz I think they just want to play it safe and make sure we dont leave, said Granados. Honestly, it just feels awful. Its like this message is formalizing that feeling we already had, that even if you have legal status and youre pursuing a degree, going back home is now something risky. It might go wrong. You might not be able to come back. Luis Torres, an MSU PhD student in Kinesiology who is from Puerto Rico, highlighted the targeting of the immigrant community in general and how it escalated to academic fields. The pattern is evident: the criminalization of undocumented immigrants was amplified, university students who protested were stigmatized, and now the focus shifts to the entire international student community, said Torres. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A state that restricts access to education under current pretexts can justify future encroachments on fundamental rights, eroding democracy for the benefit of a privileged minority, he finished. Additionally, among foreign students, the protection of their identity or hiding their opinions have increasingly become a concern, showing a decline in freedom of speech within the community. It makes you feel trapped. Like, Im here, and I cant cross the border or talk openly about it because they check my phone, dont like something, and Im not allowed to reenter to finish my studies. Thats really how it feels, finished Granados. A request for comment was sent via email to Krista McCallum, director of OISS, but has yet to be returned. This story was updated to clarify that the letter from OISS was sent on Tuesday. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX MT. JULIET, Tenn. (WKRN) Mt. Juliet police arrested a suspect wanted out of both Tennessee and Indiana and seized drugs packaged for resale from a second suspect during a Tuesday night traffic stop. CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee The MJPD said that officers conducted a traffic stop along Interstate 40 West Tuesday night for a missing headlight and an expired tag. A 51-year-old Nashville man in the vehicle was then found to be in possession of meth, fentanyl and crack cocaine all packaged for resale along with other drug paraphernalia. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com The passenger a 42-year-old Louisville, Kentucky man also had drugs, the MJPD said, and tried to lie about his identity. Further investigation revealed that he had been wanted for shoplifting out of Nashville, Tennessee and auto theft in Jeffersonville, Indiana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. AUSTIN (KXAN) How much is the city spending overall on homeless camp cleanups each year? It turns out that the answer is more difficult to find without a lot of digging. In 2021, Austin voters reinstated a camping ban that required the enforcement of anyone camping in public spaces. Since then, the city has spent millions of dollars and cleaned up millions of pounds of trash. KXAN has covered cleanups since the ban went into effect, often revisiting the same camps for cleanup multiple times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People go out and clean it up, and then the next week, there it is again, said Michael, who lives near a homeless camp. He says he would like to know how much the city is spending each year overall and how much trash is being picked up, but that can be hard to find. In fact, if you want that answer, you have to get a breakdown from every department in the city that deals with cleanup. There is no dashboard that shows this information. It would be nice for maximum transparency, said Michael. Maximum transparency in government is a huge plus. KXAN asked the City of Austin if there was a system in place that tracks how much has been spent on all the cleanups. In an email, a city spokesperson told KXAN that the request required accounting from multiple departments and that we would need to file a public information request. There are multiple city of Austin departments that deal with clean ups, but we wanted to know if they had an overall number from all the departments combined. Does the city know how much overall they spent year-to-year? After a few emails back and forth with the city, they sent KXAN another email saying that the data the city sent only includes Austin Resource Recovery expenses and does not include expenses for other departments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It shows that in fiscal year 2024, Austin Resource Recovery, which is just one of many departments that help with cleanup, spent $1.8 million on cleanups. Should there be a dashboard to track cleanup costs and the amount of trash being cleared? KXAN asked the city if it is hoping to develop a dashboard. A city spokesperson sent us this statement: The City is not yet prepared to talk about a dashboard or underlying information technology development, but media will be notified by press release when the Homeless Strategy Office is ready to make an announcement. KXAN did get some information from the departments that deal with clean up, but it is hard to find out the overall number, which is why we reached out to the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department spent about $311,000 in 2024 on cleanups and cleaned up about 275 tons of trash. PARD also shared a list of all the cleanup sites they went to, detailing how much trash was cleaned up, how many times they went to the camps, and where the sites were. The Watershed Protection Department also sent us information after a public information request. Click here for more information on spending. For information from the city of Austins Transportation and Public Works Department, click here. Questions we asked the city Does the city know how much it spent overall in 2024 on homeless camp cleanups? ARR (Austin Resource Recovery) expenses in fiscal year 2024 for encampment cleanups were $1,829,464.96. This number does not include expenses for other departments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Does the city know how much it spent overall in 2023 on homeless camp cleanups? ARR expenses in fiscal year 2023 for encampment cleanups were $1,773,187.06. This number does not include expenses for other departments. Does the city know how many tons of trash they cleaned up in homeless encampments in 2024? 1,720 tons Does the city know how many tons of trash they cleaned up in homeless encampments in 2023? 1,528 tons I saw that the city is hoping to develop a dashboard. Do you know when that would be available? The City is not yet prepared to talk about a dashboard or underlying information technology development, but media will be notified by press release when the Homeless Strategy Office is ready to make an announcement, a city of Austin spokesperson said. Shelter space is an issue In previous KXAN reporting about camp cleanups, the city of Austins Homeless Strategy Officer, David Gray, told KXAN there was a lack of bed space, which means not everyone has a place to go. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gray said on any given night, there could be 6,000 to 6,500 people sleeping unsheltered on the streets. The city has invested millions of dollars into what are meant to be temporary shelters, places like the Northbridge and Southbridge shelters. Bridge Housing is a hybrid of emergency shelter and transitional housing to serve the target population. It features short-term housing and supportive services, with the goal of helping people achieve self-sufficiency or access available permanent housing options. Efforts to add beds for people experiencing homelessness are 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 KXAN Austin. Update: There have been new charges and information released since this article was published June 5 at 6:45 a.m. Visit hickoryrecord.com to see the most up to date information. About 50 shots were fired at people at a house party in Catawba County on Sunday, according to the Catawba County District Attorney's Office. One person died and 11 others were injured in the shooting on Walnut Acres Drive in the Mountain View area, which happened at about 12:45 a.m. Sunday. Garon Nathaniel Killian, 20, of Lenoir, was arrested Tuesday evening. Killian is charged with one count of attempted first-degree murder in connection to the shooting. He appeared in Catawba County District Court on Wednesday and received a $200,000 secured bond. Two others were charged with attempted first-degree murder on Wednesday. Keandre Oneal Mack, 19, of Hickory, and Toland Huff Jr. are both charged, but had not been arrested as of Wednesday evening, the sheriff's office said. The sheriff's office said Huff and Mack are considered armed and dangerous. In addition, two men are charged with facilitating underage drinking, according to the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Patrick Lee Tolbert, 22, of Hickory, and Raekwon Malik Craig, 21, of Taylorsville, are each charged with three counts of aiding and abetting a person under 21 years of age by allowing the possession of alcoholic beverages. Both have been arrested. Details of the Mountain View shooting Maj. Aaron Turk from the Catawba County Sheriff's office said the shooting began from a hillside in a neighboring yard, next to a pool party being held at 1125 Walnut Acres Drive. In court on Thursday, Assistant District Attorney Timothy Gould said 50 rounds were fired into the pool area during the party. More than 100 people were at the party, the sheriff's office said. Turk said there were also gunshots from inside the house and from Walnut Acres Drive. Turk said Wednesday that the sheriff's office is working to determine if the gunfire from inside the house was in response to the initial shots. Turk said previously that the party was advertised on social media and party promoters were taking money for entry into the event. Turk said the evidence so far suggests that Killian was among shooters on the hillside responsible for the seemingly unprovoked attack. Overall, there were about 80 shots fired. Eight to 10 of the 11 victims had gunshot wounds, Turk said. The victims ages ranged from 16 to 58, the sheriff's office said previously. The man who died in the Sunday shooting was identified as 58-year-old Shawn Patrick Hood, of Lenoir. No one is charged with murder as of Wednesday. During the press conference, FBI Special Agent for North Carolina James Barnacle said he expects the FBI will complete its processing of the crime scene and bullet trajectory analysis this week. Garon Killian gets $200,000 bond Gould argued in court that in this particular case, the judge could consider not allowing Killian pre-trial release, since Killian was out on pre-trial release for previous attempted murder charges when the shooting happened. In April, Killian was charged with seven felony counts of attempted first-degree murder and seven felony counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, according to a previous Hickory Daily Record article. The April shooting took place near the Party City store in Hickory. Killians bond for those charges was set at $50,000. At a press conference on Wednesday, Catawba County Sheriff Don Brown said he's outraged by the judge's decision to set a bond for Killian. "He bonded out of jail on April 14. Forty-eight days later, all of our lives changed," Brown said. "But despite my disappointment about this bond, this investigation continues." Hickory Police Chief Reed Baer echoed a similar frustration with the bond. "It is beyond frustrating that someone with pending charges for multiple counts of attempted murder is out in the community in the first place," Baer said. "It is unimaginable that this same person can then be charged additional charges from a separate incident to include attempted murder and could be out in our community tonight." If Killian does make bond for the current charges in front of him, Judge Mark Killian said Garon Killian would have to wear an electronic monitor and adhere to a curfew of 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Killian spoke in court. I apologize for being involved in this situation. It happened, Killian said. Judge Mark Killian interrupted Garon Killian as he spoke. The judge said he only wanted to hear Garon Killians comments about the bond, not the case itself. Garon Killian then said he would be grateful to receive bond but would understand if it was not granted. Huff had criminal history Huff was previously convicted in two separate cases: one including charges of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill and another including attempted murder. In March 2023, Huff was arrested and charged with attempted murder in a shooting. While out on bond for that charge in April 2023, he was arrested and charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill and discharging a firearm within city limits. His bond was raised to $150,000 after prosecutors requested his bond be revoked. Court documents show that Huff violated probation orders multiple times, as recently as January of this year. 'He doesnt like being pushed' Ohana Calloway was at the courthouse in Newton for Killian's first appearance Wednesday. She said shes known Killian since high school and considers him a brother. I knew him before he had tattoos, Calloway said. And hes not a different person, honest to God. Calloway said she has the kind of relationship with Killian where shes not afraid to tell him hes in the wrong. But with this, Calloway said, she believes he is innocent. Garon is honestly a nice person, but he doesnt like being pushed over, Calloway said. Calloway was on the way to the pool party at 1125 Walnut Acres Drive in Mountain View early Sunday when she said she heard gunshots. Calloway called 911 at 12:46 a.m., she said. She then called Killian at 12:49 a.m., but Calloway said Killian didnt answer. Calloway said she wasnt sure if Killian was at the party when she called. Calloway said she knew about the party after seeing several social media posts promoting the party, but she was not sure exactly who was there. Calloway did not name anyone, but she did say Killian had beef with many people. She did not say the nature of the disagreements. I dont really know anything else besides that. It couldve started from there or it could have started from something else, Calloway said. With this generation, the beef can start from the smallest things, Ive realized. The Palestinian Mujahideen terrorist movement was the same group that took the Bibas family hostage. The IDF on Thursday said it had retrieved the bodies of Judith Weinstein Haggai and her husband, Gadi Haggai, from Khan Yunis. They were murdered and their bodies were taken from Kibbutz Nir Oz during theOctober 7 massacre. Their bodies were held in Gaza for almost 20 months. Judith was 70 and Gadi was 72 when they were murdered. They had Israeli and US citizenship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Terrorists from thePalestinian Mujahideen Movement murdered them, the IDF said. This is the same terrorist group that is believed to have also kidnapped and murdered Shiri Bibas and her two children, Ariel and Kfir. Yarden Bibas, Shiris husband and the childrens father, was released on February 1, 2025. They were kidnapped from Nir Oz on October 7, when the kibbutz was overrun by terrorists. Nir Oz is a community of 420 residents, including 386 who were there on October 7. Forty-seven people were killed at Nir Oz on October 7, according to an IDF investigation. The IDF did not reach Nir Oz until the terrorists had left the kibbutz. Terrorists attacked the kibbutz at about 6:50 a.m. and held it until around noon, when they began to leave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several terrorist groups were involved in taking over the community and in the massacre and kidnappings. What is known about the Mujahideen group? First of all, it is worth knowing a bit about the crimes of the group and the other terrorists on October 7. According to the IDF investigation, 76 people were kidnapped from the community, including 67 who were alive. Thirteen of those 67 living hostages were killed in Gaza. By March 2025, a total of five hostages presumed to be alive were still held in Gaza, and nine deceased hostages were held. Today, with the return of the bodies of Gadi and Judith, it would appear that seven deceased hostages are believed to be held in Gaza from the community, along with the living hostages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Palestinian Mujahideen Movement is also known as the Palestinian Mujahideen Brigades. The group is believed to have been founded in 2006. The Mujahideen Brigades are the armed wing of the Palestinian Mujahideen Movement, according to the European Council on Foreign Relations. They operate in both Gaza and the West Bank (including Jenin). The secretary general of the Palestinian Mujahideen Movement is Dr. Asad Abu Sharia. The Brigades have claimed responsibility for rocket fire against Israel and operate in cooperation with Islamic Jihads al-Quds Brigades. The group also participated in the 7 October 2023 attacks against Israel alongside Hamas and several other Palestinian armed groups. The Mujahideen group operates in Gaza and the West Bank According to an article by Joe Truzman at FDDs Long War Journal in 2020, the Mujahideen Brigades military capability compares similarly to the other small militant groups in the Gaza Strip. Small arms, rocket propelled grenades, locally manufactured mortars and short-range rockets make up the majority of the military capability the group possesses. Throughout the war that began with the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, the Mujahideen have not played a major role. They have held the bodies of hostages, however, and they were involved in some fighting in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, a man named Abu Bilal, who is the spokesperson for the Mujahideen, said the IDFs casualties in Gaza were much larger than the IDF has said. He also said the group has recruited many new recruits. This comes as Hamas continues to suffer losses. In general, the terrorist group does not issue many statements. On February 25, 2025, the group released a video that was shown on Middle East Eye. It showed a field commander of the Mujahideen Brigades saying that Shiri Bibas was an active Israeli soldier, as an excuse for why they kidnapped her. The terrorists claimed that she and her children were killed in an airstrike, and that the group also lost members who were guarding her. The group took part in the handover ceremony of the corpses of Shiri and her two children on February 20. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In early April, the IDF eliminated Mohammed Hassan Mohammed Awad, who is believed to have been a senior member of the Mujahideen Brigades. Awad commanded the kidnappings of Shiri, Kfir, and Ariel Bibas, during the October 7, 2023, atrocities and was probably personally involved in their murders, the IDF said Wednesday. He is also believed to have been involved in kidnapping Gadi, Judith, and Thai workers. The Mujahideen Brigades continue to play a role in Gaza. It both carries out attacks and claims to be speaking on behalf of the Palestinians. For instance, Middle East Eye said the terrorist group issued a statement in March, condemning Israeli raids in the West Bank. This new aggression is part of the policy of siege and starvation that targets the foundations of our peoples steadfastness and aims to break their will, Mujahideen Brigades said. It clearly wants to expand its influence in Gaza and the West Bank. Several Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority buses caught fire at a maintenance facility in Philadelphia on Thursday morning. CLICK HERE FOR MORE PHOTOS FROM THE MASSIVE FIRE Video from NBC 10s chopper showed the heavy flames and a large plume of smoke coming from the buses at the Roberts Yard SEPTA Railroad Facility and the Midvale Bus Depot. SEPTA spokesperson Andrew Busch told NBC 10 that the facility is what they refer to as the bus graveyard, where all out-of-service buses are stored. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fire was reported to be under control around 8 a.m. No injuries were reported. Its unknown how the fire started. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW Two weeks ago, and about eight years after the incident first occurred, the religious municipality of Kiryat Motzkin, along with Druckman, issued a public personal apology to Ishta. When Tehila Ishta, a mikveh (ritual bath) attendant, said she received a phone call in 2016 from the municipal rabbi where she lived in Kiryat Motzkin, Rabbi David Druckman, asking when she had converted to Judaism, she did not know then that she would have to spend the foreseeable future fighting to save her reputation and good name. The phone call took place a short while after Ishta began working as a mikveh attendant. She was technically free to return to her work a few weeks after the phone call, but by then, word had spread via phone calls and WhatsApp messages and she had lost the trust of many of the women who wanted to undergo the process with her. ITIM, an advocacy organization and legal aid center that works at the cross-section between religion and state, had taken on Ishtas case in 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two weeks ago, and about eight years after the incident first occurred, the religious municipality of Kiryat Motzkin, along with Druckman, issued a public personal apology to Ishta, clarifying that her identity and status as a Jew were never in doubt. Ishta made aliyah in the 1990s from Ethiopia, along with her brothers, after spending a few months in a refugee camp in Sudan. One of the oldest and most unique Jewish communities, Beta Israel (the name of the Ethiopian Jewish community) maintained its oral traditions in survival for thousands of years, until the aliyah operations of the late 20th century brought them to Israel. In 1991, the family reunification immigration military plan Operation Solomon airlifted about 15,000 Ethiopian Jews to Israel in the span of two days. This operation was preceded by and followed several other aliyah operations of the community, which continued to trickle in. By the end of 2023, the Central Bureau of Statistics calculated 171,000 Ethiopian-Israelis. According to the Association of Ethiopian Jews, basing his halachic decision on the legal precedent set by Rabbi David Ben Solomon Ibn Zimra in the 16th century, then-Sephardi chief rabbi Ovadia Yosef said in 1973, Beta Israel are Jews that must be saved from assimilation [from where they are]. We must advance their immigration process. Rabbi Shlomo Goren: 'You are our brothers' Two years later, then-Ashkenazi chief rabbi Shlomo Goren told the community: You are our brothers, establishing the collective, widely agreed-upon precedent of the validity of the Jewishness of the Beta Israel community, and certainly of any conversions made within. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These two statements, issued by two figures who served as umbrella halachic authorities for nearly the entire Jewish community, made it so that the validity of Beta Israels Jewish identity is, broadly, not questioned. After three years of litigation, which began in 2020, Druckman had to issue a public apology, per a Haifa Regional Labor Court ruling. A February settlement between the two parties held that both Ashkenazi and Sephardi chief rabbis would publicly acknowledge Ishtas credentials, so as to restore public faith in her. Ishta, like thousands of other Ethiopian olim, was born Jewish and was recognized as such by the Chief Rabbinate. Which is why the phone call on a random night in 2016 from Druckman was surprising. Ishta herself lives an ultra-Orthodox lifestyle, which she said is part of what motivated her to take a job as a mikveh attendant, to help others observe the laws of family purity, per ITIM. The job requires trust and a consistent good word of mouth, for assistance to women in an act that is both personal and private in the context of religious family purity laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mikvaot and their attendants are run by the religious councils, which are mostly funded by the Religious Services Ministry, but also by local municipalities. Ishta, through ITIM, claimed before the court that Druckman called and asked her if she underwent a more stringent type of conversion, usually done when there arises a doubt as to the persons Jewishness. She said she replied that she is Jewish, so there is no need. She added that after that conversation, the messages began to circulate. In court, Druckman denied all the claims against him, the conversation itself, and any connection to the messages. He said he operated only out of his halachic responsibility. Ishta said she only ever wanted to clear her name so as to be able to return to her professional services. ITIM founder Rabbi Seth Farber said, This isnt a victory only for Tehila; it is a victory for immigrants to Israel and for the voices of reason over the voices of racism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly after the phone call, messages began to circulate in the community warning against acquiring Ishtas services. She reached out to whoever she could, including haredi rabbis she knew, but none of her efforts bore fruit. Eventually, her children directed her to ITIM. Sephardi Chief Rabbi David Yosef confirmed her qualifications in a meeting that ITIM set. She is now able to apply to be a permanent mikveh attendant. Attorney Ela Skat, who heads ITIMs legal department and represented Ishta, said, This case serves as a warning sign to anyone who takes the law into their own hands and acts unlawfully and harmfully toward any population. COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) More than 60 students graduated Wednesday morning in ceremony took place in an atypical place, a local prison. All of the 62 graduates are inmates at the Muscogee County Prison. They are the prisons largest class to graduate from the Adult Education program, a partnership between the prison and Columbus Technical College. Muscogee County prison was recognized this year by the Department of Corrections for having the most GEDs obtained in all of the county camps in the state of Georgia, said Muscogee County Prison Warden Herbert Walker III. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its the second time the prison has earned that award. Seventeen inmates earned their GEDs through the program, but it also offers tracks for forklift safety, welding, carpentry and more. READ MORE: Select school zones and speed cameras active during summer classes Darnell Williams has been an inmate for 11 months. In that time, he has completed every program the Adult Education program has to offer. Its to make a change in my own personal life, Williams said. This is my first time experiencing this [being in prison], and I never want to experience it again. So I felt like it was on me to take the steps which I needed to take in order to better my own situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement READ MORE: Columbus murders down by nearly 50% compared to this time last year Program runners say the courses can help prisoners as they re-enter society. Adult Education classes can also help keep inmates from returning to prison in the future. As research has shown, one of the most important factors for any returning citizen as they return to society is meaningful employment, said Columbus Technical Colleges Vice President of Economic Development Jamie Lloyd. To help these gentlemen find their attitude and interest and then teach them a skill, just gives them a leg up. Lloyd says Muscogee County Prison students are often among the most focused students in CTC programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each program requires a different amount of credit hours, anywhere from 8 to 96, depending on the course of study. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. COLLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) The Muscogee County School District is set to host a job fair on Thursday, June 12. The district-wide job fair will take place at the Public Education Center on Macon Road from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The district says there will be opportunities to connect with hiring managers, explore multiple career job options and conduct on-site interviews. For more information, head to the the MCSD 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 WRBL. Elon Musks harsh criticism of the White Houses signature policy bill is laying bare the tensions between the worlds richest man and the administration where he worked over the last four months. Privately, Musk rubbed a number of senior officials the wrong way during his time in government, and his complaints about a key legislative goal may further agitate his critics in the administration. Multiple sources close to the administration told The Hill that Musk frequently clashed with Cabinet secretaries and other senior officials who viewed him as overstepping his role leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Tesla CEO who spent millions of dollars to help Trump get elected and whose 130-day window as a special government employee ended last Friday sparred with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Department Secretary Scott Bessent and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy at various points throughout his tenure. He also publicly bickered with senior trade adviser Peter Navarro, calling him a moron after Navarro weighed in on Teslas assembly process for its electric vehicles. While White House aides dismissed those disagreements as a sign of healthy debate among top officials, they were part of a larger pattern of tensions between Musk and others in the administration. The latest instance came over the weekend, when Trump withdrew the nomination of Musk ally Jared Isaacman to serve as NASA administrator. Musk had pushed for Isaacmans nomination, and the nominee had already advanced through the Senate Commerce Committee. But within hours of Musks departure from the government, Trump pulled the pick, citing a thorough review of prior associations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the break that threatens to irk Trump the most and could undermine his agenda is Musks frustrations with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which passed the House last month and must now clear the Senate. Musk exited the administration after an Oval Office press event with Trump on Friday and has since ratcheted up his criticism of Trumps bill. By Wednesday afternoon, Musk was urging lawmakers to kill the bill. A day earlier, he railed against the legislation in a post on the social platform X, which he owns, calling it an abomination and pork-filled due to its effects on federal deficits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In November next year, we fire all politicians who betrayed the American people, Musk wrote in a separate post, while sharing another that highlighted criticisms of Republican lawmakers. Top White House officials have publicly brushed aside the criticism and said Musks issues with the legislation had no impact on their approach. The White House knows you cannot have perfection be the enemy of the good. And Elon is someone who can put a rocket on the moon but has to understand that this is how government works, and theres a lot of bureaucracy, and this is a team sport, said one White House ally. I think the Trump White House is handling this right by choosing their words wisely, the source added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Outside the White House, however, Trump allies have begun to fire back at Musk while signaling the presidents disappointment. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) told reporters Wednesday morning that Trump was not delighted with Musks outburst toward the legislation. Multiple sources on Capitol Hill and in the administration seeking to explain Musks tirade against the bill suggested he was frustrated by the legislations language that would phase out tax credits for new electric vehicles, a potential hit to Teslas business. Trump himself has not directly addressed Musks comments. Multiple top aides have mostly held their fire and instead focused on what the bill accomplishes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller has led that charge, posting on social media and going on television to tout the benefits of the legislation and offer thinly veiled critiques of Musks argument. Sometimes, in life, a great thing is just a great thing for a great reason. Its OK to win. Winning is wonderful, Miller posted on X. In a separate post, Miller argued the bill was designed by President Trump, his loyal aides, and his closest allies in Congress to deliver fully and enthusiastically on the explicit promises he made the American People. Russell Vought, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, was similarly gentle in his pushback to Musk. He argued it was a fiscally responsible bill and suggested projections that showed it growing the deficit were flawed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We think the bill is very good one. We think its very strong fiscally. Nothings changed from our view of the world. We understand where [Musks] coming from, Vought told reporters at the White House. The fallout over the reconciliation package comes after Trump gave Musk a warm send-off last Friday. The president held a press conference in the Oval Office, which he opened by extolling the work of Musk and DOGE and by presenting the Tesla CEO with a ceremonial key to the White House. Musk told reporters that he would be visiting here and be a friend and an adviser to the president. Trump allies are skeptical that the Tesla CEOs criticism is a sign of a permanent breakup, pointing to Musks significant support for Trump in 2024 and Trumps tendency to never fully abandon those who found their way into his inner circle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No one ever truly leaves Trumps orbit, the Trump ally told The Hill. Second, Elon is the brightest guy anyone knows and hes also somebody who cares deeply about this country, particularly when it comes to things like free speech and debt. And those are things that, despite the shouting matches, those arent going to change. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Tech billionaire Elon Musk backed a call to impeach President Trump on Thursday, one of the latest swipes at the president by the billionaire in an ongoing war of words between the former allies. President vs Elon. Who wins? My moneys on Elon. Trump should be impeached and JD Vance should replace him, Ian Miles Cheong, a Malaysia-based right-wing writer, said in a Thursday afternoon post on Musks social platform X. Yes, Musk said in response to Cheongs post about 20 minutes later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Live updates: Trump, Musk feud blows wide open on Thursday On Thursday, Trump and Musks relationship quickly fell apart in a very public way. In an Oval Office meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the president told reporters that he was very surprised and very disappointed in Musk, who has recently mounted a campaign against the presidents signature policy bill. In response, Musk claimed on social media that he was behind the presidents November 2024 election victory. He also alleged in a midafternoon post on X that Trump had ties to convicted sex offender and financier Jeffrey Epstein. Time to drop the really big bomb, Musk said in the X post. [Trump] is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mark this post for the future. The truth will come out, Musk said in a subsequent post. In his first Truth Social post after Musks Epstein files claim, Trump touted the Houses big, beautiful bill and suggested Musk shouldve turned against him a long time ago. I dont mind Elon turning against me, but he should have done so months ago. This is one of the Greatest Bills ever presented to Congress. Its a Record Cut in Expenses, $1.6 Trillion Dollars, and the Biggest Tax Cut ever given. If this Bill doesnt pass, there will be a 68% Tax Increase, and things far worse than that. I didnt create this mess, Im just here to FIX IT. This puts our Country on a Path of Greatness. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! The White House responded later Thursday to Musks and Cheongs posts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is an unfortunate episode from Elon, who is unhappy with the One Big Beautiful Bill because it does not include the policies he wanted. The President is focused on passing this historic piece of legislation and making our country great again, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in an emailed statement to The Hill in response to the posts. Updated at 7:04 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. Elon Musks crusade against President Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill of tax cut and spending has the potential to complicate not only the legislations path to the presidents desk, but also Republicans electoral pursuits in 2026. Republicans have outwardly enjoyed getting the richest person in the world, and his wallet, on their side. Musk spent more than a quarter of a billion dollars in the 2024 election and Republicans embraced his cost-cutting brainchild, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). But now, Musk is calling to KILL what is supposed to be the biggest legislative achievement for Republicans in Trumps second term, calling its deficit impacts a disgusting abomination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And he is suggesting there could be electoral consequences for those who support it. In November next year, we fire all politicians who betrayed the American people, Musk posted Tuesday on his social platform X after railing against the megabill. The dynamic threatens to put the Republican members of Congress in a tricky position, forced to balance supporting Trump who is pushing Republicans to pass the tax cut and spending priorities bill as soon as possible while trying to avoid the ire of the worlds richest person and his volatile instincts. For now, though, House Republicans are largely brushing off the threat of Musk turning his bank account against them, charging forward with the legislation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), one of only two Republicans to vote no against the bill when it passed the House last month, said he hopes that translates into Musk bankrolling primary challengers to his GOP colleagues. He said, Take them out in November. I would take them out in primaries if I were Elon Musk, Massie said. I dont primary my colleagues, but I feel pretty good about him doing the work. And while Musk has not quite explicitly pledged to spend money against Republicans in 2026 elections, the risks are being noted. Asked if there are worries about the electoral impact of Musks crusade, one House GOP member told The Hill, Yes and no. Folks like me would want to avoid his big money attacks, but its unlikely we will be deterred by the threat of them, the member said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), for his part, expressed surprise at Musk trashing the bill, but downplayed its effect on the midterms. The billionaire DOGEfather had, in fact, offered midterm support to Republicans, according to the Speaker, in a half-hour phone conversation Monday. Johnson made his arguments in favor of the bill which extends Trumps 2017 tax cuts and boosts funding for border and defense priorities, while making cuts to spending on social safety net programs such as Medicaid and food aid and said Musk was encouraged by that conversation. He and I talked about the midterm elections, and he said, Im going to help, Johnson said. Weve got to make sure the Republicans keep the House majority. We cant have the president impeached, which is what the Democrats would do on Day 1. Weve got to continue this. The Trump administration needs four years to do all this reform, not two years. Twenty-four hours later, he does a 180 and it comes out as opposed to bill. And it surprised me, frankly, Johnson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Johnson said he is not concerned about electoral impact. Am I concerned about the effect of this on the midterms? Im not. Let me tell you why: Because when the big, beautiful bill is done inside and signed into law, every single American is going to feel that, Johnson said. And for now, some of the most vulnerable Republicans are brushing off the possibility of Musks vast bank account being used against them. Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.), a swing-seat member, said he was not worried about the threat of Musk working against him. And Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), another swing-seat member who has previously noted he was the biggest recipient of support from Musks America PAC, also said he was not concerned about how Musks anti-megabill crusade would affect the midterms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A second House Republican told The Hill that members are not worried yet because its so far down the road. Still, it is hard to predict what Musk is going to do. While Johnson saying Musk indicated he would support House Republicans in 2026, Musk told Bloomberg at the Qatar Economic Forum last month that he planned to pull back on political spending. Musk did, however, add: If I see a reason to do political spending in the future, I will do it. Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-Texas), chair of the House Budget Committee, acknowledged Musks work throws a wrench into the efforts to push the bill across the finish line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think its a challenge for us now to have a very credible voice, someone that the American people at least the Republican base trusted as an objective expert on running things and identifying inefficiencies. And I think thats the challenge, Arrington said, adding that Musk is wrong on this issue. And Musks posture is even making some of the biggest fiscal hawks who had challenged House GOP leadership ahead of the vote last month raise their eyebrows. Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), a member of the House Freedom Caucus, said of Musks lobbying against the bill: There was a group, a cadre of people, trying to increase the spending reductions. When there was blistering fire heaped upon them, he didnt really have much to say. Hes waiting till now to make the assessments? Its kind of odd. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 stunning day of insults traded between two of the worlds most powerful men followed the public division between Musk, formerly head of the DOGE initiative, and the president who saw the Tesla chief off with an Oval Office goodbye just one week ago. As the tweets and posts kept coming, stunned watchers from across the political spectrum were breaking out the popcorn. By the end of the afternoon, the pairs myriad assortment of friends and political allies were desperately (and publicly) calling for a truce. It may already be too late. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elon Musk, known for his ability to dial every interpersonal conflict up to 100 at the drop of a hat, did so on Thursday. In multiple tweets, he insinuated that the US president was in the Epstein Files the so-called investigation into sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein, who died by suicide in a Manhattan detention center. That was the reason, Musk said, the unredacted investigation into Epsteins death was not released, and for so many questions remaining about the wealthy pedophile and the activities he and his network of influential friends got up to. Musk sent more than 50 in total throughout Thursday. In one, he acknowledged that Trumps tariffs were projected by some economists to have put the US on course for a recession by the end of the year. In another, he groused that Trump was ungrateful for his help in winning the 2024 election. Elon Musk and Donald Trump engaged in a social media brawl on Thursday (EPA) By the end of the day, it was clear that Musk had blown far past the point of retaining any allies in the Republican caucuses on Capitol Hill. His rapid descent into personal attacks and insinuations of darker conspiracies afoot was sure to lose even the unhappiest critics of the one big, beautiful bill who were originally thrilled to see Elon in their camp. Especially after Musk responded yes to a tweet from Malaysian Twitter troll and political commentator Ian Miles Cheong, stating that Trump should be impeached and JD Vance should take over. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, for his part, fired back occasionally but was clearly satisfied to sit back and watch the worlds richest man spin out. Declining to address any of his former allys insinuations, Trump wrote: I dont mind Elon turning against me, but he should have done so months ago. This is one of the Greatest Bills ever presented to Congress. Musk may have unknowingly ceded ground in the dispute by devolving into personal attacks particularly one most frequently uttered by left-leaning critics of the president on Twitter. It was hard to see the feud as anything but the result of bruised egos: at one point, Musk posted a raised-eyebrow emoji in a quote tweet of grainy, years-old MSNBC footage showing Morning Joe discussing Trump appearing on camera at a party with the disgraced financier and accused sex trafficker. Whatever the case, the bromance between Trump and Musk is now officially over and would take a miracle or a rewriting of immediate history to repair. Dont expect to hear the word DOGE out of Trumps mouth any time soon. This feud is likely to get worse before it gets better, as there are few men the two respect sufficiently who could moderate efforts to repair the growing rift. Elon Musk and Donald Trump engaged in a social media brawl on Thursday (AFP/Getty) Instead, this is likely to be the end of Elon Musks politicking for the Republican Party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Already publicly having committed to taking a step back, Musk comes out of the first half of 2025 having been burned in ways that few people in human history can really say theyve experienced. After spending a record sum to elect Trump and Republicans in 2024, Musk devoted significant time and energy to DOGE, only to see the results loudly denounced by vast swaths of the electorate and torn apart by the press. His personal brand, and that of his company, were tied to the effort only to see his reputation torn to shreds, Teslas profits plummet, and his relationship with the president end in tragedy. In a way, the real winner of Thursdays social media brawl was Mike Johnson. The Speaker of the House just watched someone who was poised to become the biggest obstacle to further progress on the budget reconciliation plan seemingly self-destruct in record time. There are many still publicly hoping that the bill will undergo changes in the Senate. Some want to divide it up, while several members of the House Freedom Caucus have lamented that more cuts to Medicaid and other programs were not included. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I'm all in for more cuts to the bill. It's big, but it's not beautiful yet, wrote Rep. Andy Ogles in an X post Thursday morning, which would be reposted by Musk. By the end of the day, Ogles was trying to put lipstick on a pig. Some are focused on the big beautiful brawl but everyone in Congress should be focused on making the Big Beautiful Bill better, he wrote later in the day. If Musk doesnt reverse course over the next few hours or days, the conservative holdouts against the big, beautiful bill in the House and Senate may see much of their political cover evaporate. A Conover man pleaded guilty to killing a 46-year-old woman and seriously injuring her daughter in a shooting in the summer of 2022. Shykwon Rashard Gibbs, 27, pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree murder and one count of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury on Wednesday. Gibbs entered the plea before Judge Karen Eady-Williams during Catawba County Superior Court. The charges stem from the 2022 death of 46-year-old Amy Raelynne Phillips and the serious injury of Keiyara Kelly Johnson, who was 22 at the time of the shooting. Gibbs was sentenced to spend a total of 26 years and one month to 33 years and four months in prison. Gibbs was given 1,082 days of pretrial custody credit toward his sentence. Gibbs was also ordered to pay $10,983 to the family for funeral costs. My mother was my best friend, Johnson said on Wednesday. A mother, a grandmother, a daughter and a friend. She was everything to me. She didnt deserve to have her life stolen. But because of Shykwon, she is gone forever. On June 19, 2022, Gibbs drove from Greensboro to Amy Phillips home on 30th Street Northeast in the St. Stephens area. Gibbs was going to see Johnson. Gibbs and Johnson were in an on-again-off-again relationship since 2018 and shared a son who had been taken by the department of social services due to domestic violence. In June 2022, Johnson and Gibbs were not in a relationship, but were supposed to meet up shortly before the shooting, Catawba County Assistant District Attorney Jessica Phillips said. For four years, I endured manipulation, control and fear, Johnson said. I wasnt in a relationship. I was in a prison. After Gibbs arrived at the house, he got into an argument with Johnson on the front porch. Gibbs ripped Johnsons dress off her body during the altercation. Johnson ran inside the house. Amy Phillips called 911 to report the breaking and entering. Gibbs broke down the front door, prosecutor Jessica Phillips said. After breaking down the door, Amy Phillips and Gibbs began arguing. The 911 dispatchers heard shouting before the call disconnected. A second call was placed to 911 shortly after the victims were shot. Catawba County Sheriffs Office deputies responded to the house around 2:45 a.m. When deputies arrived, Gibbs was found standing over Johnsons mostly naked body while she cried out in pain and faded in and out of consciousness, Jessica Phillips said. Amy Phillips was found unresponsive and pronounced dead at the scene. Amy Phillips was shot once. Johnson was shot five times. Johnson was initially taken to Catawba Valley Medical Center then flown in a helicopter to Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. Johnson spent three weeks in the hospital recovering. When the defendant was made aware that Miss Amy had died, his responses was, It is what it is, and Dont give a f***, on more than one occasion, Jessica Phillips said. When asked about Amy, he said, I didnt give a f*** about her mom, to be real. Jessica Phillips said Gibbs was taken into custody and interviewed by police. He admitted to bringing the gun that was used to shoot Amy Phillips and Johnson with him to the house. Before the defendant would really say anything, he asked for a piece of paper. He wrote one thing on there, My name is Shykwon Gibbs. I shot my childs mother, Jessica Phillips said. When he was asked to explain the situation, his response was there was no reason, its just him and that Love can make you do crazy s***. Gibbs claims he never said what Jessica Phillips said he did. Johnson spoke during the hearing. She said while she was hospitalized, no one told her that her mother died. It was a few days later when the family had a funeral for Amy Phillips that Johnson was told of her mothers death. I didnt get to say goodbye, Johnson said. I didnt even get to hold her hand one last time. That moment shattered something in me that I can never get back. Johnson said she was abused by Gibbs. I was constantly beaten, strangled, spit on, degraded, held at gunpoint and too often it happened right in front of our son, Johnson said. I lost count of how many times I thought I wouldnt survive the night. I suffered concussions, facial injuries, broken belongings and more. Gibbs also spoke during the hearing. He said he felt remorse and apologized to Johnson and her family. I had a lot of things going on that night. I wrecked my car. My mind wasnt there. I was out of my body, Gibbs said. I didnt know what was going on. I thought they were trying to kill me, honestly. So, with that being said, I just want to say I apologize to Miss Faye Phillips (Amy Phillips mother) for all of the pain and anguish I have caused you. Gibbs said he did not intend to kill anyone. Defense attorney Robert Thompson said Gibbs drank a bottle of tequila before driving from Greensboro to Catawba County. Gibbs sisters tried to keep him from driving by taking the keys to Gibbs car. Gibbs wrecked the car at some point during the commute while on Interstate 40, Thompson said. Prosecutor Jessica Phillips said Gibbs was given a blood alcohol content screening at an area hospital about five hours after the shooting. The results said Gibbs had a blood alcohol content of 0.04 when his blood was taken for testing. Gibbs said the last time he consumed any drugs or alcohol was on the night of the shooting. Judge Eady-Williams spoke directly to Gibbs, asking where his sorrow and remorse were during the shooting. Eady-Williams said Gibbs apology fell on deaf ears. Eady-Williams then turned to speak to Johnson. What also struck me is that theres six bullets in the gun. Five were aimed at the daughter, Keiyara. One went to the mother, Eady-Williams said. One only has to wonder, had all six bullets been for Keiyara, would she even be here? Translation, her mother took a bullet that could have been for her. Her mother really saved her life. She truly saved your (Keiyaras) life. Your mother did her job. Elon Musk has claimed that Donald Trump is in the Epstein files and thats the real reason they have not been released as the tech mogul launched several public attacks against the president. Time to drop the really big bomb, Musk posted on X. @realDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public. Have a nice day, DJT! He followed up shortly after: Mark this post for the future. The truth will come out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk also shared NBC footage of Trump and Epstein at a party together in 1992, simply captioned with a raised eyebrow emoji. The president and the billionaire traded blows on social media in a very public breakdown of their relationship. The barbs came after Musks departure as a special advisor to the government, and his brief time running the Department of Government Efficiency. The Independent has contacted the White House for comment. Elon was wearing thin, I asked him to leave, I took away his EV Mandate that forced everyone to buy Electric Cars that nobody else wanted (that he knew for months I was going to do!), and he just went CRAZY! the president wrote before Musk dropped the claim about the Epstein files. The president and the billionaire traded blows on social media in a very public breakdown of their relationship. Musk stated that Trumps name appears in the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. (AFP/Getty) The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elons Governmental Subsidies and Contracts. I was always surprised that Biden didnt do it! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Days after leaving his role as Special Advisor to the Trump administration, as figurehead of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, Musk lashed out at the presidents big beautiful bill, calling it pork-filled and an abomination. Trump had previously taken the high road on the issue. Earlier on Thursday, during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the president told reporters he was very disappointed with his former first buddy. Trump was asked about his former advisors recent comments against the spending bill working its way through Congress. Trump also claimed that during the presidential election he could have won the crucial battleground state of Pennsylvania without Musks help. Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate, Musk shot back on X. Such ingratitude, he added in a separate post. Musk made the bombshell claim in a post on X. (X/@elonmusk) The delay in releasing the Epstein files has infuriated MAGA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorney General Pam Bondi released the first phase of declassified files on February 27 related to the late sex offender. She invited MAGA online personalities to the White House to see the files for themselves, but the binders contained information that had already been released to the public. At a briefing last month, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt was asked when the bulk of the files would be released. She said she didnt have a specific timeline. In January 2024, Trump posted on Truth Social that he was never on Epsteins Plane, or at his stupid island. Trump previously said he had known Epstein for 15 years and called him in terrific guy in 2002, before allegations about the financier surfaced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president was previously named in court filings in a lawsuit brought by the late Virginia Giuffre, who took her own life earlier this year, against Ghislane Maxwell. There were no accusations of wrongdoing against Trump. Other mentions of Trump in the documents did not accuse him of any illegality, but claimed he and Epstein were on good terms. Epstein, who had a number of high-profile friends and acquaintances including Trump, former president Bill Clinton, and celebrities like Prince Andrew died in a New York jail in 2019 where he was being held on sex trafficking charges. He had previously been jailed after pleading guilty in Florida to procuring a girl below the age of 18 for prostitution. The high profile bromance between Donald Trump and Elon Musk finally imploded on Thursday, with the president claiming the worlds richest man had gone CRAZY and threatening to terminate his multi-billion dollar government contracts. Elon was wearing thin, I asked him to leave, I took away his EV Mandate that forced everyone to buy Electric Cars that nobody else wanted (that he knew for months I was going to do!), and he just went CRAZY! the president wrote. The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elons Governmental Subsidies and Contracts. I was always surprised that Biden didnt do it! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the course of a few hours, two of the worlds most powerful men traded blows from their respective social media platforms Truth Social and X as their partnership came to an abrupt and extremely public end. Elon Musk has claimed that without him Donald Trump would have lost the election, as the relationship between the two men continues to sour (Getty) The spat culminated in a bombshell claim from Musk, that the president was in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public, Musk wrote, signing off: Have a good day, DJT! Ten minutes later, he added: Mark this post for the future. The truth will come out. Days after leaving his role as Special Advisor to the Trump administration, as a figurehead of the Department of Government Efficiency, Musk lashed out at the presidents big beautiful bill, calling it pork-filled and an abomination. Trump had previously taken the high road on the issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier on Thursday, during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the president told reporters he was very disappointed, with his former first buddy. Trump was asked about his former advisers recent comments against the spending bill working its way through Congress. (X/@elonmusk) Elon knew the inner workings of this bill better than anyone... and he only developed a problem when he found out I would cut the EV (electric vehicle) mandate... And it really is unfair, he replied. Trump also claimed that during the presidential election he could have won the crucial battleground state of Pennsylvania without Musks help. Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate, Musk shot back on X minutes later. Such ingratitude, he added in a separate post. (@realDonaldTrump/ Truth Social) (@realDonaldTrump/ Truth Social) The broadsides continued throughout Thursday, with Musk resharing a post calling Trumps tariffs super stupid, then adding in his own prediction that, The Trump tariffs will cause a recession in the second half of this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For its part, the White House took a more diplomatic tone through official channels. This is an unfortunate episode from Elon, who is unhappy with the One Big Beautiful Bill because it does not include the policies he wanted, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. The President is focused on passing this historic piece of legislation and making our country great again. The barbs came after Musks departure as a special adviser to the government, where he served as the de facto head of the Department of Government Efficiency. Since leaving the role late last month he has continued to criticize Trump's "big, beautiful bill" as a "disgusting abomination. Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong, he wrote on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From there Musk continued to ramp up his attacks on the legislation, using the poster from Quentin Tarantinos bloody classic Kill Bill to urge his immense following to voice their displeasure at the proposal. Call your Senator, Call your Congressman, Bankrupting America is NOT ok! KILL the BILL, Musk posted, sharing a picture of the famous film, starring Uma Thurman. The abrupt 180 on his stance and the comments reportedly caught White House advisors off guard and left the president "confused. (X/@elonmusk) Later on Thursday, after a bombardment of X posts from Musk, Trump responded again, defending the bill. I dont mind Elon turning against me, but he should have done so months ago, he wrote on Truth Social. This is one of the Greatest Bills ever presented to Congress. Its a Record Cut in Expenses, $1.6 Trillion Dollars, and the Biggest Tax Cut ever given. If this Bill doesnt pass, there will be a 68% Tax Increase, and things far worse than that. I didnt create this mess, Im just here to FIX IT. This puts our Country on a Path of Greatness. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk's opposition stems from the bill's cut to an electric vehicle tax credit, Trump claims, and also has reported roots in Trumps decision to scrap Musk ally Jared Isaacman's NASA nomination. The tech billionaire said that his decision to step back from his work with DOGE was, in part, so that he could refocus his efforts on his EV company. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Musk's opinion didnt change the President's stance on the bill, while Kentucky Senator Rand Paul and other fiscal conservatives have supported Musk's concerns about the bill adding trillions to the national debt. (X/@elonmusk) According to Axios, the main reason why Musk came out so forcefully against the measure is that he was frustrated at failing to win favorable treatment in the bill and the administration at large. Elon was butthurt, a source told the outlet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The falling out between two of the worlds most powerful men may still be less surprising than the rapid and intense relationship that preceded it. Way back in 2016, Musk publicly stated that Trump was not fit to run for the nations highest office, telling CNBC at the time: He doesnt seem to have the sort of character that reflects well on the United States. He did, however, join an economic advisory council, alongside Uber CEO Travis Kalanick, the next month following Trumps first election win. Musk's opposition stems from the bill's cut to an electric vehicle tax credit, impacting Tesla customers, and Trump's decision to scrap Jared Isaacman's NASA nomination (Getty) But in 2017 Musk tendered his resignation from his positions on presidential advisory board, declaring. Climate change is real. Leaving Paris is not good for America or the world, he wrote on X, then-Twitter, and not yet under his ownership. Five years later, the pair sparred once again after Musks claims that he would purchase the social media platform were written off as bulls*** by Trump. Such a slight was seemingly forgotten in November 2022, when Musk did take control of the platform and reinstated the presidents account. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk, who previously voiced support for the Democratic party, stayed politically ambivalent until July 2024 and the attempted assassination of Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The tech boss endorsed Trump as a candidate seconds after he was rushed off stage by secret service agents, and it was later reported that he said Musk would commit around $45 million a month to a new pro-Trump super PAC called America PAC. Musk, who previously voiced support for the Democratic party, stayed politically ambivalent until July 2024 and the attempted assassination of Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The tech boss endorsed Trump as a candidate seconds after he was rushed off stage by secret service agent (AFP/Getty) He went on to appear at multiple rallies for Trump, both with and without the president, and reportedly sank over $250 million of his own money into supporting Trump and his allies. On November 4, Musk spent the evening with Trump and other MAGA die-hards at the president-elects Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida to watch the vote returns and the sweeping Republican victory. Shortly after, Trump announced that Musk and his former presidential candidate rival Vivek Ramaswamy would lead a new "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE a tongue-in-cheek reference to an internet meme favored by Musk), which will operate as an independent advisory group to cut government spending and streamline bureaucracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fight between Trump and Musk may only just be beginning, with the Tesla billionaire teasing he might continue in politics, just not with the GOP. In yet another X post on Thursday afternoon, Musk polled his followers, asking, Is it time to create a new political party in America that actually represents the 80% in the middle? The tech founder also boosted a post arguing Trump should be impeached and replaced by Vice President JD Vance, and said he would decommission SpaceXs Dragon spaceships, a linchpin of the U.S. space program. Former Trump aide Stephen Bannon, a longtime critic of Musk, is urging the administration to go after the SpaceX billionaire with a series of investigations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They should initiate a formal investigation of his immigration status, because I am of the strong belief that he is an illegal alien, and he should be deported from the country immediately, Bannon told The New York Times. Musk worked illegally while on a student visa in the United States in the mid-1990s, according to reporting fromThe Washington Post, though Musk insists he remained and worked legally in the country, first on a student visa then a specialized worker visa. Bannon also called on Trump to investigate Musks alleged drug use and reported attempt to get a Pentagon briefing on top-secret war scenarios for a hypothetical conflict with China. Musk has said the reports about the planned briefing were false and propaganda. If there is a coming Musk versus the GOP war, some in the Republican Party are already throwing in their lot with Trump. "Nobody elected Elon Musk, and a whole lot of people don't even like him, to be honest with you, even on both sides," Representative Jeff Van Drew told Axios. Rep. Troy Nehls of Texas, meanwhile, told reporters, addressing Musk directly, Youve lost your damn mind. Tech billionaire Elon Musk said Thursday President Trump would have lost the 2024 presidential race if it were not for him, escalating a feud that erupted earlier that day between the two former allies. Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate, Musk said in a post on his social platform X. Such ingratitude, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk spent millions of dollars backing Trumps election in 2024 and appeared alongside the president on the campaign trail during its final weeks. He then led the Department of Government Efficiency with the goal of cost-cutting efforts and overhauling the federal government; his last day in the administration as a special government employee was Friday. Musks comments came amid an influx of posts on X in which he called for the Trump-backed big, beautiful bill to be killed in Congress. The Tesla CEO, who was a near-constant presence at the side of the president until last week, continued to share old posts on X from Trump talking about the debt and the need for a balanced budget. The president had moments before said in the Oval Office that he was very surprised and disappointed by Musks harsh criticism of the legislation and said he was uncertain about the future of their relationship. Ive always liked Elon. And so I was very surprised. You saw the words he had for me, and he hasnt said anything about me thats bad. Id rather have him criticize me than the bill. Because the bill is incredible, Trump said during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elon and I had a great relationship. I dont know if we will any more, Trump added. Musk responded on X after Trumps remarks, repeating his assertion that a bill cannot be both big and beautiful. Musk first railed against the big, beautiful bill earlier this week, calling it an abomination and pork-filled due to its effects on federal deficits. In November next year, we fire all politicians who betrayed the American people, he wrote in a separate post, while sharing another that highlighted criticisms of Republican lawmakers. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 political alliance between billionaire businessman Elon Musk and President Donald Trump has hit a rough patch after Musk posted a flurry of criticisms to social media about the presidents endorsed federal budget bill for 2026 and other fiscal matters. The legislation, dubbed The Big Beautiful Bill by Trump, was passed by the House in a narrow vote on May 22. As it awaits a vote by the Senate, tensions have run high in U.S. politics. Musks discontent with the president comes shortly after his exit from the administration last week. Later, he sounded the alarm, arguing that the budget bill would increase the national deficit. In another X post on Tuesday, he called the bill a disgusting abomination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then on Thursday, Musk stated on his social media platform X that Trumps tariffs will cause a recession in the second half of this year. The Trump tariffs will cause a recession in the second half of this year https://t.co/rbBC11iynE Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 5, 2025 The statement comes shortly after the presidents 50% tariffs on imported steel and aluminum went into effect on Wednesday. Courts have attempted to block many of Trumps other tariffs. Supporters of the bill say it will greatly reduce taxes and provide significant border security investments. Responding to criticism from Musk, House Speaker Mike Johnson posted on X defending his voting record and the budget bill. The Mike Johnson of 2023 is the SAME Mike Johnson who has always been a lifelong fiscal hawk who now serves as Speaker and is implementing a multi-stage plan to get our country back to fiscal responsibility and extraordinary economic growth, he stated. It begins with the critically important One Big Beautiful Bill that includes the LARGEST mandatory spending cut to the federal government in history (by almost 400%), the LARGEST tax cut in history, the LARGEST investment in border security in a GENERATION, along with arguably the STRONGEST collection of pro-growth provisions EVER passed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to reporting by The Hill, Trump has set a July Fourth hard deadline for Congress to pass the budget bill. The post Musk says Trump tariffs will cause a recession later this year appeared first on FreightWaves. As President Donald Trump and Elon Musk argued on social media on Thursday, the world's richest man threatened to decommission a space capsule used to take astronauts and supplies to the International Space Station. A few hours later, Musk said he wouldn't follow through on the threat. After Trump threatened to cut government contracts given to Musk's SpaceX rocket company and his Starlink internet satellite services, Musk responded via X that SpaceX "will begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft immediately. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was unclear how serious Musk's threat was, but several hours later in a reply to another X user he said he wouldn't do it. The capsule, developed with the help of government contracts, is an important part of keeping the space station running. NASA also relies heavily on SpaceX for other programs including launching science missions and, later this decade, returning astronauts to the surface of the moon. The Dragon capsule SpaceX is the only U.S. company capable right now of transporting crews to and from the space station, using its four-person Dragon capsules. Boeings Starliner capsule has flown astronauts only once; last years test flight went so badly that the two NASA astronauts had to hitch a ride back to Earth via SpaceX in March, more than nine months after launching last June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Starliner remains grounded as NASA decides whether to go with another test flight with cargo, rather than a crew. SpaceX also uses a Dragon capsule for its own privately run missions. The next one of those is due to fly next week on a trip chartered by Axiom Space, a Houston company. Cargo versions of the Dragon capsule are also used to ferry food and other supplies to the orbiting lab. NASA's other option: Russia Russias Soyuz capsules are the only other means of getting crews to the space station right now. The Soyuz capsules hold three people at a time. For now, each Soyuz launch carries two Russians and one NASA astronaut, and each SpaceX launch has one Russian on board under a barter system. That way, in an emergency requiring a capsule to return, there is always someone from the U.S. and Russia on board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With its first crew launch for NASA in 2020 the first orbital flight of a crew by a private company SpaceX enabled NASA to reduce its reliance on Russia for crew transport. The Russian flights had been costing the U.S. tens of millions of dollars per seat, for years. NASA has also used Russian spacecraft for cargo, along with U.S. contractor Northrup Grumman. SpaceX's other government launches The company has used its rockets to launch several science missions for NASA as well as military equipment. Last year, SpaceX also won a NASA contract to help bring the space station out of orbit when it is no longer usable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SpaceXs Starship mega rocket is what NASA has picked to get astronauts from lunar orbit to the surface of the moon, at least for the first two landing missions. Starship made its ninth test flight last week from Texas, but tumbled out of control and broke apart. ___ 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. Elon Musk called for the impeachment of Donald Trump after an explosive public fallout that exposed deep divisions. The worlds most powerful men entered a war of words on Thursday, trading insults from their respective social media platforms. The row was sparked by tension over Mr Trumps flagship tax and spend bill he is trying to push through Congress. Mr Musk suggested his former boss should be removed from office as disagreement escalated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He responded yes to a user on X who wrote: Trump should be impeached and JD Vance should replace him. He earlier wrote: Time to drop the really big bomb:@realDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public. Have a nice day, DJT! Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 5, 2025 Mr Trump in turn threatened to cancel all of the Tesla and SpaceX owners government contracts, while Mr Musk said he would decommission his Dragon spacecraft which is used by Nasa to deliver and collect astronauts from the International Space Station. The presidents aides arranged a flurry of meetings to address the fallout, with White House staff reportedly preparing to force allies to pick sides between the president and his former adviser, according to The New York Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An administration official said Mr Musk is clearly having an episode. Steve Bannon, Mr Trumps former adviser, encouraged the president to initiate a formal investigation into Mr Musks immigration status and have him deported from the country immediately. Musk has Trump derangement syndrome Mr Trump kicked off the verbal sparring during an Oval Office sit-down with the German chancellor earlier in the day, saying the Tesla boss had Trump derangement syndrome. Mr Musk shot back, saying the president only won the election because of his support. Without me, Trump would have lost the election. Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate... Such ingratitude, he wrote on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Musk then claimed that the president was named in the Epstein files, a term that has colloquially come to describe the classified intelligence the US holds on the paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Credit: Reuters Mr Trump and Epstein ran in the same social circles in New York and were pictured partying together on various occasions in the 1980s and 1990s. Epstein killed himself in 2019 in a Manhattan jail cell while awaiting trial for sex trafficking charges. In February, Pam Bondi, the US attorney general, pledged to release the Epstein files, however the phase one documents she released to a hand-picked group of conservative influencers contained information that was largely already in the public domain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Questions about Mr Trump and Mr Musks broken friendship overshadowed the presidents meeting with Friedrich Merz, the Germany chancellor, on Thursday, with the president saying his former ally was lashing out at his legislation because he did not get his own way. Mr Trump said: Elon was wearing thin, I asked him to leave, I took away his EV Mandate that forced everyone to buy Electric Cars that nobody else wanted (that he knew for months I was going to do!), and he just went CRAZY! The president also appeared to threaten to cut government contracts held by Mr Musks companies, saying the easiest way for the US to save money would be to terminate Elons Governmental Subsidies and Contracts. I was always surprised that Biden didnt do it! Tesla shares tanked as the rift intensified. Investors in the electric car company, which closed down 14.3 per cent, fear that Mr Trump might hinder the roll-out of self-driving cars in the US, hitting the companys growth potential. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Musk, who stepped down as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency last week, has called Mr Trumps tax and spending bill a disgusting abomination for increasing the national debt. The president claimed the worlds richest man was upset because an ally of his was not chosen for a role in the new Nasa administration and because the Bill meant the end of tax breaks for electric vehicles worth billions to his company. He knew it better than almost anybody, and he never had a problem until right after he left, he said. And if you saw the statements he made about me he said the most beautiful things about me, and he hasnt said bad about me personally... Im very disappointed in Elon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, said Mr Musk launched his tirade against the president because he is unhappy the big, beautiful bill eliminated tax credits for electric vehicles. This is an unfortunate episode from Elon, who is unhappy with the One Big Beautiful Bill because it does not include the policies he wanted, she told CNN. The president is focused on passing this historic piece of legislation and making our country great again. Elon Musks farewell to Donald Trump in the Oval Office last Friday - Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images North America Mr Trump added that Mr Musk was probably missing the Oval Office and the trappings of power. Its sort of Trump derangement syndrome, I guess they call it, he said. But we have it with others, too. They leave and they wake up in the morning, and the glamour is gone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During Mr Musks send-off ceremony in the Oval Office last Friday, Mr Trump said he was not really leaving and would continue to visit the White House. Things quickly unravelled when Mr Musk posted criticism of the bill for more than six hours on Tuesday, particularly saying that it did not do enough to cut federal spending. Independent analysts have warned that the bills spending cuts were not balanced by tax breaks, meaning it would add more than $2 trillion to the national debt during the next decade. Mr Musks net worth plunged by billions of dollars on Thursday and Tesla shares closed 14.3 per cent down, with investors seemingly spooked by his spat with the US president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is still the worlds richest man, but he lost $34 billion between markets opening and closing, according to Bloombergs Billionaires Index, which marks the second-steepest fall in the indexs history. Small signs of a truce Late on Thursday, however, small signs of a truce between Mr Musk and the president began to emerge. White House aides scheduled a phone call between the pair for Friday, according to Politico, which spoke to Mr Trump on Thursday. When asked about the fallout, the US president told the outlet, Its going very well, never done better. Mr Musk also appeared to walk back the threat to decommission the Dragon spacecraft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When an X user suggested Mr Musk and Mr Trump take a step back for a couple days, the Tesla CEO wrote: Good advice. Ok, we wont decommission Dragon. Bill Ackman, a billionaire hedge fund manager, also attempted to ease the tensions. I support @realDonaldTrump and @elonmusk and they should make peace for the benefit of our great country, he wrote. Mr Musk responded: Youre not wrong. 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 world of Elon Musk, five days is a very long time. Last Friday, Donald Trump described Musk as a very special friend as he stepped down from his role as cost-cutting tsar, bidding farewell by presenting the Tesla chief with a golden key to the White House. After accepting the gift, Musk told reporters in the Oval Office that he would make good use of it. Ill continue to be visiting here and be a friend and adviser to the president, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just a few days later, it appears the billionaires punchy advice may already be pushing this friendship to breaking point. Late on Tuesday, Musk escalated his criticism of Trumps one big, beautiful bill, attacking the US presidents package of tax cuts over fears it could add trillions to the national deficit. He said: I'm sorry, but I just can't stand it anymore. This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination. Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it. Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 3, 2025 More ominously, he took aim at the 215 Republican members of the House of Representatives who voted for the Bill. Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong, he said. He didnt stop there. Two hours later, he warned of reprisals at the crucial Congressional midterm elections in 2026. In November next year, we fire all politicians who betrayed the American people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These are words that could send a chill through Republican Party politicians, including the president himself. Last year, Musk pumped almost $300m (220m) into Trumps election campaign, providing the financial firepower required to restore him to the White House. And while the Tesla chief has recently exited his role in the Trump administration and vowed to cut his political spending, Musk still looms large over US politics. Anti-Trump allies Unsurprisingly, the White House has so far played down Musks criticism. Look, the president already knows where Elon Musk stood on this Bill, White House spokesman Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Wednesday. It doesnt change the presidents opinion. This is one big, beautiful bill, and hes sticking to it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Bills next stop is the Senate, where its already facing a less unanimous welcome from Republicans. John Thune, the Republican Senate majority leader, is sticking with his boss. My hope is that as [Musk] has an opportunity to further assess what this Bill actually does, that he comes to a different conclusion, Thune told reporters. But the Tesla billionaire has found a vocal ally in the fiscally hawkish Republican Senator Rand Paul, a longstanding Trump critic. The pair spent Tuesday sharing each others posts on X. Elon Musk has found a vocal ally in the fiscally hawkish Republican Senator Rand Paul - Nick Rohlman/The Gazette via AP Ive been pretty consistent in my time in the Senate: I oppose deficit spending no matter which party is in charge, Paul said in one X post that Musk then promoted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If we dont get serious about reining in the debt, the next generation will pay the price. Fiscal responsibility isnt a campaign slogan. Its a duty which I take very seriously. Maga maverick For Musk, this isnt just a matter of policy. Its personal. The Bills fiscal profligacy flies directly in the face of the mission that brought him into politics as a chainsaw-wielding Maga maverick: cutting government spending. His department of government efficiency, or Doge, has been on a move-fast-and-break-things campaign to reduce the size of the state. Musk with Argentinian president Javier Milei. The Tesla chief presented himself as a chainsaw-wielding maverick - Nathan Howard/Reuters At the White House ceremony to receive his golden key, he wore a T-shirt with the iconography of The Godfather film reworked as the Dogefather. He compared Doge to Buddhism, describing it as like a way of life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is yet to reach fiscal nirvana, though, having fallen well short of initial ambitions to cut at least $2 trillion from the federal budget during his allotted 130 days as a government agent. By the start of June, his wall of receipts was showing savings of $180bn, although several independent efforts to verify Doges claims have struggled to make the sums add up. Maybe why Elon Musk is a bit worked up about this is that he thought he had a mandate to cut spending, and that didnt really happen very much with Doge, says John Stopford, of fund manager Ninety One. Musk has publicly vented frustration at what he sees as obstructionism from Trump lieutenants and Republican members of Congress keen to protect spending that benefits their districts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now Trump is in his sights, too. Musk told CBS over the weekend that the tax-cut Bill undermines the work that the Doge team is doing. Market jitters Musk isnt alone in questioning whether Trumps signature legislation is as beautiful as it is big. Yields on longer-dated US Treasury bonds, which finance the governments deficit, are at or near their highest in decades. Investors are worried that the US fiscal trajectory is unsustainable, and are demanding a bigger reward for holding debt beyond the next few years. Term premiums on 10-year US Treasuries the extra compensation that investors demand compared with shorter-dated bonds, and which can be used as a proxy for investor caution on long-term debt have hit their highest level in more than a decade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The higher the term premium, the lower the demand. What we have been seeing is just a lot of worry about the sustainability of US finances. Worries that there just simply arent enough investors, especially foreign investors, in the market, says Gennadiy Goldberg, head of US rates strategy at TD Securities. A dearth of buyers raises the risk of a crisis in which sellers could become unable to clear their sales, Goldberg warns. This would drive a sharp surge in rates and could force an emergency intervention from the Federal Reserve. If there was a big deleveraging that happened and there was a big source of selling, whether its from foreign investors or hedge funds or levered investors or basis investors, it could potentially overwhelm the system, he says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ninety Ones Stopford agrees. There is a risk that you reach a tipping point at some point, he says. However, beyond the economy, its possible that if anyone has reached a tipping point, its Musk himself. 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. ISLAMABAD (AP) This years Hajj in Saudi Arabia attracted the lowest number of pilgrims for 30 years, excluding the COVID-19 pandemic period, according to figures released Thursday. The annual Islamic pilgrimage attracted just 1,673,230 Muslims, the majority of them from outside Saudi Arabia, according to a post from the countrys Hajj Ministry on the social platform X. Authorities did not immediately offer an explanation for the low turnout. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its almost 160,000 fewer pilgrims than last year and a far cry from the pre-pandemic boom, when attendance would regularly push past 2 million. There was a record-breaking Hajj in 2012, when more than 3.16 million Muslims took part. The kingdom ran a pared-down pilgrimage during the COVID-19 pandemic, sharply reducing the scale of the Hajj between 2020 and 2022 while still allowing a small number of the faithful to take part in the annual event. The Hajj in 2023 was the first to be held without restrictions since the start of the pandemic in 2020. At the Hajj, Muslims gather in Saudi Arabia to unite in religious rituals and acts of worship as they fulfil one of the Five Pillars of Islam, a religious obligation. It can be the spiritual experience of a lifetime for them and a chance to seek Gods forgiveness and the erasure of past sins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But inflation and economic crises around the world are putting the Hajj out of reach for some. Excess heat and tougher rules for entry may have also deterred potential pilgrims from heading to Saudi Arabia this year. Earlier Thursday, pilgrims gathered in Arafat to spend hours in worship and contemplation. The rocky hill holds immense significance in Islam. Arafat is mentioned in the Quran and it is where the Prophet Muhammad is said to have given his last sermon on his final Hajj. On Friday, pilgrims will head to the vast tent city of Mina to carry out the symbolic stoning of the devil ritual by throwing pebbles at pillars. MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell on Tuesday violated court orders not to discuss proceedings amid his defamation trial, prompting the judge to warn him against further violations. Former Dominion Voting Systems employee Dr. Eric Coomer is suing Lindell, a vocal ally of President Donald Trump, for defamation over Lindells baseless 2020 election conspiracy theories. Coomers attorneys informed the judge that Lindell appeared on Steve Bannons War Room podcast on Tuesday and that posts from his X account were being published as court was in session, violating court orders, according to a June 3 court document obtained by HuffPost. They also cited a Substack article from The Bulwarks Will Sommer titled Mike Lindell is Texting Me From His Defamation Trial and an on-air interview with LindellTV, featuring Lindell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coomers attorneys argued in the court document that Lindells moves violated a May court order that prohibits photographs, audio, or video recordings...including, but not limited to, the courtroom or the hallway outside of the courtroom. The attorneys said that this Rule extends to any live blogging, tweeting, transcribing, transmitting, or any other type of real-time communication and/or reporting about these proceedings. Likewise, Coomers attorneys cited a verbal order on Monday in which the court prohibits disclosure of trial testimony to witnesses who are excluded from the courtroom; and prohibit excluded witnesses from accessing trial testimony. District Judge Nina Wang verbally reprimanded Lindell, cautioning him against making any other public remarks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am concerned not only about the tainting of potential witnesses, but Im concerned about preserving a fair and unbiased jury, Wang said, according to KUSA. According to the outlet, Lindells team assured the judge that he wouldnt take any more interviews during the trial or live tweet as it happens. I will have my phone off in court, Lindell reportedly told the judge. That would be a great idea, Wang responded. Lindells team at LindellTV claimed that it runs the account. Lindells X account contains numerous posts published during the courts hours, many of them asking for donations or claiming that the trial is the Trial of the Century. Some of the posts also frame him as a target of Dominion, making him out to be some kind of martyr for election integrity and a fighter for freedom of speech. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bannon, who served as the chief strategist for Trumps first administration for seven months before he was fired, virtually interviewed Lindell as he stood outside the courthouse. Lindell told Bannon the judge seemed fair and that the jury seemed amazing. I believe its going to be the gateway where the dominoes fall and we get to paper ballots hand-counted, Lindell added. Everybody should want secure elections, Lindell also told Bannon. I would never give up. The relentless salesman also pitched his pillows while on Bannons podcast. The trial began Monday in Denver federal court with jury selection and is expected to conclude on or around June 10. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All Mike Lindell did was talk, Lindells lawyer, Chris Kachouroff, reportedly told the jury. Mike believed that he was telling the truth, Kachouroff added. It doesnt have to be true. Dominion filed numerous lawsuits over election lies. It won one against Fox News in 2023. Smartmatic, another election tech company, is also suing Lindell for defamation. Related... NEED TO KNOW Luis Francisco Soriano, 31, who is suspected of killing a family of four in upstate New York, was arrested in the Dominican Republic on June 4 The U.S. Marshals Service said Soriano had been wanted by police in Irondequoit, N.Y., a suburb of Rochester, in connection with the August 2024 killings The suspect's brother, Julio Soriano, is also facing murder charges related to the case A man suspected of killing a family of four, including two children, in Upstate New York last year has been arrested in the Dominican Republic, authorities said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Luis Francisco Soriano, also known as Jefry Yevo, had just ended his shift at a Punta Cana hotel's call center when he was taken into custody by members of the U.S. Marshals Service on Wednesday, June 4, according to a press release from the U.S. Marshals Service. Soriano, 31, had been wanted by police in Irondequoit, N.Y., a suburb of Rochester, on four counts of second-degree murder, as well as narcotics charges related to the August 2024 killings, in which two of the victims were ages 2 and 4, per the release. Officials said Soriano fled to Puerto Rico after the slayings and then traveled by boat to the Dominican Republic. He was added to the USMS District of Puerto Ricos Top 10 Most Wanted fugitives list in September 2024, per the release. According to local station WHEC-TV, when first responders arrived at the home on Aug. 31, 2024, they found the house up in flames, police said. After searching the home, authorities found the bodies of a father, mother, and their two young children. Multiple fires were also set around the home, authorities said, per the outlet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victims were identified as Fraime Ubaldo, 30; Marangely Moreno Santiago, 26; Evangeline Ubaldo Moreno, 4; and Sebastian Ubaldo Moreno, 2, the Associated Press reported, citing officials. Soriano's brother, Julio Soriano, was arrested shortly after the killings, which police claim the suspects tried to cover up by setting multiple fires, according to local newspaper the Democrat & Chronicle. Julio, originally from the Dominican Republic, is facing four counts of first-degree murder, four counts of second-degree murder, as well as other felony charges, the outlet reported. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. According to WHAM-TV, Julio has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is being held in the Monroe County Jail. PEOPLE couldn't immediately identify an attorney to speak on his behalf. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities have said the brothers are related to Ubaldo, per the AP. Luis is expected to remain in custody of Dominican authorities pending his extradition proceedings, officials said. It's unclear if he has retained an attorney to speak on his behalf. Wilmer Ocasio-Ibarra, U.S. Marshal for the District of Puerto Rico, called the case one that not only "deeply impacted" communities in New York and Puerto Rico, but "shook our entire nation." "It is truly worthy of recognition, and our communities should feel reassured knowing that this fugitive has been captured and will face justice," he said, per the release. Read the original article on People EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) The NAACP El Paso Branch will be hosting its Lawrence A. Nixon Scholarship Breakfast this weekend. The event will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 7, at the Fort Bliss Centennial Club and Conference Center, located at 11199 Sergeant E. Churchill St. According to the news release by NAACP El Paso, the keynote speaker for the event is Dr. Cassandra LaChica-Chavez, Ph.D., executive director and registrar at El Paso Community College. Dr. Cassandra LaChica-Chavez, keynote speaker for the NAACP El Paso Branch scholarship breakfast. Photo courtesy of El Paso Community College. Those interested in attending can buy their tickets for $25. You can send the money by contacting Diane Williams at (334) 477-3733 or Sierra Archibald at epnaacpyoungadult@gmail.com Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, participants can also pay through Zelle at Naccp6175@yahoo.com. If you choose to pay through Zelle, you need to provide your name, email, and indicate if you need a Fort Bliss entry pass. Proceeds from the event will directly contribute to scholarships, according to NAACP El Paso. This event will highlight our unity and commitment to civic engagement, showcasing the power of togetherness in achieving our shared objectives and fostering a sense of belonging, the news release read. For more information, you can contact Diane Williams or Sierra Archibald, or visit the NAACP El Paso Branchs 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 KTSM 9 News. CONNECTICUT (WTNH) Some Connecticut shops are helping celebrate National Doughnut Day this Friday with the perfect thing: something sweet. The annual day dates back to 1938, when The Salvation Army started it as a way to honor Donut Lassies who would serve donuts to soldiers on the front lines of World War I. National Doughnut Day: Where to grab a free or discounted doughnut Friday Now, we continue to celebrate the tasty treat with specials and promotions every June 6. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This article will be updated as we learn of more deals. Want one added? Email bailey.wright@wtnh.com. Lyman Orchards, Middlefield Lyman Orchards will be offering 50% off prepackaged six-pack apple cider donuts, available in-store only at their Apple Barrel Farm Market. Krispy Kreme, Uncasville A representative at the Krispy Kreme in Mohegan Sun Casino said this year theyre offering some discounted prices. You can get two dozen original glazed donuts for $18.99 or a combo of a dozen glazed and a dozen assorted for $20.99. Dunkin Donuts Dunkin Donuts is giving out a free donut with any drink purchase. Theyre also partnering with Stoney Clover Lane for limited-edition merchandise. Zac Youngs Sprinkletown, Mashantucket Located in Foxwoods Resort and Casino, Zac Youngs Sprinkletown will be giving away three free mini donuts with each purchase until 7 p.m. Cha Papi, West Hartford Cha Papi is offering customers a mochi donut with purchase of a drink (limit one donut per customer) and half a dozen donuts at the discounted price of $18. Dudes Donuts, Glastonbury Dudes Donuts will be giving one free donut per customer who stops by Giovannis Brick Oven Pizzeria in Glastonbury. While supplies last. Indulge by Palazzo, Wethersfield Indulge by Palazzo is offering a free donut when you purchase an ice cream. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NATO has agreed on the largest rearmament programme since the Cold War, sources close to the talks told dpa on Thursday. The agreement, reached as NATO defence ministers convened in Brussels, provides for a huge expansion of deterrence and defence capacities in the coming years, as Russia continues to pose a major threat to the Western military alliance. Top priorities include long-range weapons systems, air defence and mobile land forces, according to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rearmament programme entails specific targets for different military capabilities. Individual NATO countries are to be given precise instructions on what they have to contribute to joint deterrence and defence in the near future. The required capabilities were defined based on new defence plans, taking into account assessments by intelligence services that Russia could be ready to attack a NATO member in just a few years, despite Moscow's ongoing war against Ukraine. The specific new planning objectives are classified as top secret in order to make NATO as unpredictable as possible for Russia. Challenging new NATO capacity targets Under the new plans, the current military targets are to be increased by around 30%, sources told dpa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These new targets are considered to be a particularly difficult challenge because the current goals are far from being met. Senior military officials recently spoke of an existing gap of 30%. For example, Germany's military - the Bundeswehr - needs up to 60,000 more active soldiers, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said on Thursday. Germany has been struggling to expand its military in recent years. According to the Defence Ministry, there were around 181,150 soldiers at the end of 2024, falling short of previous recruiting targets. Increasing defence spending Arriving at the defence ministers' meeting on Thursday, Rutte stressed that increased capacity targets must go hand in hand with higher defence spending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We already know we need to spend much, much more if we want to fulfil all these targets," Rutte said, speaking alongside US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. Leaders are expected to agree on a new target for military spending at an upcoming NATO summit later this month, after US President Donald Trump demanded that allies spend 5% of their economic output on defence. Currently, NATO allies are obliged to spend at least 2% of their gross domestic output (GDP) on defence. "Every country has to contribute at that level of 5%, as a recognition of the nature of the threat," said Hegseth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It has to be about the formations that we have. It's that hard power that actually deters and it can't just be US capabilities," he added. Rutte recently proposed a compromise formula of increasing defence-related spending to 3.5% and spending an additional 1.5% on infrastructure. He assumes that the NATO states would agree to this. The timeline for achieving the possible new spending targets has also yet to be finalized, with both 2032 and 2035 under discussion. In Germany, defence spending is expected to grow by 0.2 percentage points of GDP per year over a period of five to seven years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Based on last year's figure of an expenditure of 2.1% of GDP for defence, a share of 3.5% of GDP could be achieved by 2032. According to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, every percentage point increase for Germany would currently mean an increase of around 45 billion ($51.4 billion) in defence spending. NATO has agreed on the largest rearmament programme since the Cold War, sources close to the talks told dpa on Thursday. It provides for a huge expansion of deterrence and defence capacities in the coming years, as Russia continues to pose a major threat to the Western military alliance. The top priorities are long-range weapons systems, air defence and mobile land forces, according to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rearmament programme entails specific targets for different military capabilities. Individual NATO countries are given precise instructions on what they have to contribute to joint deterrence and defence in the near future. The required capabilities were defined based on new defence plans. These also take into account assessments by intelligence services' that Russia could be ready to attack a NATO ally in just a few years, despite Moscow's ongoing war against Ukraine. NATO defence ministers are to agree to new planning targets for military capabilities for deterrence and defence at a meeting in Brussels on Thursday. Ahead of the meeting, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that air and missile defence, long-range weapons and logistics are among the alliance's top priorities. In order to ensure that the NATO targets are met, Germany and the other member states will now be assigned new national targets for their military capabilities, including weaponry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the plans, the current targets are to be increased by around 30%, sources told dpa. These new targets are considered to be a particularly difficult challenge because the existing goals are far from being met. Senior military officials recently spoke of a gap of 30%. Other topics on the agenda of the defence ministers include support for Ukraine and preparations for the NATO summit in The Hague in just under three weeks time. Leaders are expected to agree on a new target for military spending at the summit, after US President Donald Trump demanded that NATO members spend 5% of their economic output on defence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rutte recently proposed a compromise formula of increasing defence-related spending to 3.5% and spending an additional 1.5% on infrastructure. He assumes that the NATO states would agree to this. The timeline for achieving the possible new spending targets has also yet to be finalized, with both 2032 and 2035 under discussion. June 5 (UPI) -- NATO defense ministers are proposing a 5% annual investment in defense spending by member nations to enhance defensive capabilities during a meeting in Brussels on Thursday. The proposed defense investment plan would require member nations to invest 5% of their respective gross domestic products in defense, NATO officials announced. The change would make NATO a "stronger, fairer, more lethal alliance and ensure warfighting readiness for years to come," according to NATO. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ministers' plan describes "exactly what capabilities allies need to invest over their coming years ... to keep our deterrence and defense strong and our one billion people safe," NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said. U.S. supports increased NATO member spending Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov (L) and British Defense Secretary John Healey, right, attend the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting held at NATO Headquarters in Brussels on Thursday. Photo by NATO for UPI Many NATO members currently spend about 2% of their respective GDPs, which President Donald Trump has said is insufficient. The 5% defense investment by NATO member states is virtually assured, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told media upon arriving for Thursday's meeting. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte (R) and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confer during a joint press conference at the NATO Defense Ministers meeting at NATO Headquarters in Brussels on Thursday. Photo by NATO for UPI "We're here to continue the work that President Trump started, which is a commitment to 5% defense spending across this alliance, which we think will happen," Hegseth said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There are a few countries that are not quite there yet," Hegseth added. "I won't name any names, [but] we will get them there." U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (2-R) meets with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte (2-L) during the NATO Defense Ministers' meeting at NATO Headquarters in Brussels on Thursday. Photo by NATO for UPI If approved during the upcoming NATO Summit, defense investments would require respective member nations to spend equal to 3.5% of GDP on core defense spending, plus 1.5% in annual defense and security investments, including infrastructure. The two-day NATO Summit is scheduled to start on June 24 at The Hague. A general view from the Defense Ministers meeting at NATO Headquarters in Brussels on Thursday shows the scope of people meeting. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is chairing a meeting of the NATO Defense Ministers, with an agenda focused on securing more resources, forces and capabilities to implement defense plans going forward. Photo by NATO for UPI Ukraine support and nuclear deterrence An ad hoc NATO-Ukraine Council also met and reaffirmed NATO's support of Ukraine and agreed that nuclear deterrence is its primary goal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and European Union Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Minister Kaja Kallas joined the council to discuss support for Ukraine. Rutte said NATO allies have pledged nearly $23 billion in security assistance for Ukraine in 2025 and are focused on preventing the use of nuclear weapons by Russia and other nations. The final meeting of NATO ministers during the summit also affirmed the alliance's focus on nuclear deterrence. "Nuclear deterrence remains the cornerstone of alliance security," Rutte said. "We will ensure that NATO's nuclear capability remains strong and effective in order to preserve peace, prevent coercion and deter aggression." Trump nominates U.S. general for NATO commander Trump also nominated U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich to lead combined U.S. and NATO forces in Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If approved during the NATO Summit, Grynkewich would become NATO's supreme allied commander for Europe and commander of the U.S. European Command. Trump is scheduled to attend the NATO Summit. If approved by NATO member states, Grynkewich would replace current Supreme Allied Commander Gen. Chris Cavoli. Grynkewich is an experienced fighter pilot, and his nomination affirms that the United States would continue to emphasize defensive security for Europe. A U.S. officer has been NATO's supreme allied commander since Gen. Dwight Eisenhower first held the post in 1951. By Sabine Siebold, Lili Bayer BRUSSELS (Reuters) -U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Thursday he was confident that members of the NATO alliance would sign up to Donald Trump's demand for a major boost in defence spending, adding that it had to happen by a summit later in June. The U.S. president has for months said he wants NATO allies to boost investment in defence to 5% of gross domestic product, up from the current target of 2%. No country is yet at 5%, not even the U.S., but Hegseth said there was progress on agreeing to the target. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'm very encouraged by what we heard in there," Hegseth said after a morning meeting of NATO defence ministers on Thursday in Brussels. "Countries in there are well exceeding 2% and we think very close, almost near consensus, on a 5% commitment to NATO." As he arrived at the NATO gathering earlier in the day, Hegseth said such a commitment by all NATO members to spend 5% of GDP on defence had to happen by the June 24-25 summit of NATO leaders. "We think everybody's gonna get there," he said later, while adding that a few countries - which he did not name - were not quite there yet. Diplomats have said European allies understand that hiking defence expenditure is the price of ensuring a continued U.S. commitment to the continent's security and that keeping the U.S. on board means allowing Trump to be able to declare a win on his 5% demand during the Hague summit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "That will be a considerable extra investment," NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte told reporters, predicting that in the Hague summit "we will decide on a much higher spending target for all the nations in NATO." In a bid to meet Trump's 5% goal, Rutte has proposed alliance members boost defence spending to 3.5% of GDP and commit a further 1.5% to broader security-related spending, Reuters has reported. Hegseth backed that proposal on Thursday. "You got to spend to have hard power," he said. "This alliance, we believe, in a matter of weeks, will be committing to 5%: 3.5% in hard military and 1.5% in infrastructure and defence-related activities, that combination constitutes a real commitment." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spain is among countries that have shown some reluctance to agree to the 5% target. "We think that this 2% is enough to meet the responsibilities we have committed to," Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles said on Thursday. "What is important is that each country is able to meet the objectives it has set itself." CAPABILITY TARGETS Details of the new investment plan will likely continue to be negotiated until the eve of the NATO summit. In the meantime, Rutte said he expects allies to agree on Thursday on what he called "historic" new capability targets. The targets, which define how many troops and weapons and how much ammunition a country needs to provide to NATO, would aim to better balance defence contributions between Europe, Canada, and the United States, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Germany will need around 50,000 to 60,000 additional active troops under the new NATO targets, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said as he arrived at the NATO meeting. Countries remain divided over the timeline for new pledges. Rutte has proposed reaching the 5% defence target by 2032 a date that some Eastern European states consider too distant but which some others see as too early, given current spending and industrial production levels. Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur said that to meet the capability targets, "we need to agree on the 5% in five years. We don't have time for 10 years, we don't have time even for seven years." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sweden would also like to see NATO reaching 5% defence spending in 2030, Defence Minister Pal Jonson said. There is an ongoing debate over how to define "defence-related" spending, which might include spending on cybersecurity and certain types of infrastructure. (Additional reporting by Andrew Gray, Charlotte Van Campenhout, Ingrid Melander, Benoit Van Overstraeten, Inti Landauro; Writing by Ingrid Melander and Lili Bayer; Editing by Gareth Jones, Aidan Lewis, Sharon Singleton and Chizu Nomiyama ) At the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague, allies plan to adopt the shortest possible final decision, consisting of only five points. This contrasts with the large-scale declarations of previous years, but this may favour Ukraine. Source: European Pravda Details: This format may play in Ukraine's favour. Due to the political situation in the United States, particularly given Donald Trump's views, who has openly stated that he may block Ukraine's accession to NATO, it is currently almost impossible to agree on new, ambitious wording regarding Kyiv's membership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In particular, the 2024 Washington Declaration enshrined Ukraine's "irreversible path" to membership. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte confirmed this week that this decision remains valid. Meanwhile, new, less ambitious wording could look like a step backwards. That is why, according to European Pravda, avoiding references to membership allows Ukraine to maintain its diplomatic status in relations with the Alliance without the risk of formal weakening. Despite the reduction in format, Ukraine is likely to be mentioned in the final document, at least in the context of aid funding, which can now be counted towards the allies' updated defence spending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There will also be references to Russia, which remains the main factor in the Alliance's defence planning. Meanwhile, it is still unclear whether the allies will be able to achieve tough wording on Russia. Another uncertainty is President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's participation. It is currently known that Ukraine, like its Asian partners, has only been invited to the official dinner on the first day. Whether there will be a separate meeting with Trump or other bilateral contacts is still being discussed. It has also become known that NATO leaders are preparing to adopt a decision to increase defence spending to 5% of GDP, part of which will be allocated to support Ukraine. This could significantly strengthen the defence capabilities of the Ukrainian defence forces. The new spending target is expected to be divided as follows: 3.5% of GDP for direct military needs and another 1.5% for broader security projects, including infrastructure. Some NATO countries, such as Canada and Luxembourg, may use aid to Ukraine as part of their new commitments to increase defence spending to 5% of GDP. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! NATO leaders are preparing to approve a decision to increase defence spending to 5% of GDP part of this spending will be allowed to be directed towards supporting Ukraine, which could significantly strengthen the defence capabilities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Source: article by European Pravda Details: The new spending target is expected to be divided as follows: 3.5% of GDP for direct military needs, and another 1.5% for broader security projects, including infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, responding to a question from European Pravda before the start of the ministerial meeting on 4 June, said that the increase in spending would not negatively affect support for Ukraine. "It would be strange and not wise if in NATO we would make decisions on spending more and then doing it in such a way that it would somehow work against Ukraine getting what it needs going forward to stay in the fight We will design the new investment plan in such a way that it will not impact the way our allies are working with Ukraine to make sure that you have what you need to stay in the fight," Rutte said. NATO already counts part of its assistance to the Ukrainian Armed Forces as "hard security" spending, such as the purchase of equipment. This approach will continue, and the summit in The Hague will likely also officially allow countries to count Ukrainian assistance as part of the 1.5% "soft security" component. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In particular, Rutte informed the governments of the allies about this in a closed letter, in which he presented them with an outline of a draft decision to increase defence spending. This letter caused disagreement among the allies some argued that all aid to the Ukrainian Armed Forces should now be transferred from the "hard" block to the "soft" one. European Pravdas sources said that Ukraine actively persuaded its allies not to limit the accounting of aid to only the "soft" part, since 3.5% of GDP is a significantly larger resource. Currently, the consensus within NATO is to allow member countries to flexibly determine which category to classify their aid to Ukraine under, depending on its nature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A senior official involved in developing the Alliance's new goals explained to journalists in Brussels that they wanted to give their allies maximum flexibility in terms of which component they included in their aid to Ukraine. He added that this distribution would depend on the type of aid, as not everything provided to Ukraine could be classified as military support. Background: On 5 June, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said that NATO members would support US President Donald Trump's demand for a significant increase in defence spending ahead of the summit in The Hague. It is privately known that Spain is the last major NATO country that has not yet joined the Alliance's plan to announce its intention to spend 5% of GDP on defence. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! BRUSSELS (AP) Most U.S. allies at NATO endorse President Donald Trumps demand that they invest 5% of gross domestic product on their defense needs and are ready to ramp up security spending even more, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said Thursday. Theres broad support, Rutte told reporters after chairing a meeting of NATO defense ministers at the alliances Brussels headquarters. We are really close, he said, and added that he has total confidence that we will get there by the next NATO summit in three weeks. European allies and Canada have already been investing heavily in their armed forces, as well as on weapons and ammunition, since Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, some have balked at U.S. demands to invest 5% of GDP on defense 3.5% on core military spending and 1.5% on the roads, bridges, airfields and sea ports needed to deploy armies more quickly. Still struggling to meet the old goal In 2023, as Russias full-scale war on Ukraine entered its second year, NATO leaders agreed to spend at least 2% of GDP on national defense budgets. So far, 22 of the 32 member countries have done so, and others still struggle to do so. Trump and his NATO counterparts appear likely to endorse the new goal at a summit in The Hague on June 24-25. Trump insists that U.S. allies should spend at least 5% so America can focus on security priorities elsewhere, mostly in the Indo-Pacific and its own borders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has gained important leverage over the other NATO countries by casting doubt over whether the United States would defend allies that spend too little. At the same time, Trump has imposed tariffs on ally and foe alike, citing U.S. security concerns. The new goal would involve a 1.5% increase over the current 2% goal for defense budgets. It means that all 32 countries would be investing the same percentage. The United States spends by far more than any other ally in dollar terms. But according to NATOs most recent figures, it was estimated to have spent 3.19% of GDP in 2024, down from 3.68% a decade ago. Its the only ally whose spending has dropped since 2014. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the two new figures do add up to 5%, factoring in improvements to civilian infrastructure so that armies can deploy more quickly significantly changes the basis on which NATO traditionally calculates defense spending. The seven-year time frame is also short by the alliances usual standards. The far more modest 2% target set after Russia annexed Ukraines Crimean Peninsula in 2014 was meant to be reached over a decade. US leadership at NATO According to U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Trump has done nothing less than save NATO. He told reporters that European allies around the table on Thursday had said: We hear you. We all need increased capabilities. We all need to spend more. Thank you, President Trump, for reviving this alliance. It was an alliance that was sleepwalking to irrelevance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The extra spending will also be needed should the Trump administration announce a force draw down in Europe, where around 84,000 U.S. troops are based, leaving European allies to plug any security gaps. Asked what the Pentagons plans are, Hegseth did not explain but he said: It would only be responsible for the United States to continually assess our force posture, which is precisely what weve done. America cant be everywhere all the time, nor should we be, and so there are reasons why we have troops in certain places, he said, offering the assurance that any review would be done alongside our allies and partners to make sure its the right size. Endorsing capability targets Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the meeting, Hegseth and his defense counterparts also approved purchasing targets for stocking up on weapons and military equipment to better defend Europe, the Arctic and the North Atlantic, as part of the U.S. push to ramp up security spending. The capability targets lay out goals for each of the 32 nations to purchase priority equipment like air defense systems, long-range missiles, artillery, ammunition, drones and strategic enablers such as air-to-air refueling, heavy air transport and logistics. Each nations plan is classified, so details are scarce. The new targets are assigned by NATO based on a blueprint agreed upon in 2023 the military organizations biggest planning shakeup since the Cold War to defend its territory from an attack by Russia or another major adversary. Under those plans, NATO would aim to have up to 300,000 troops ready to move to its eastern flank within 30 days, although experts suggest the allies would struggle to muster those kinds of numbers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The member countries are assigned roles in defending NATO territory across three major zones the high north and Atlantic area, a zone north of the Alps, and another in southern Europe. NATO planners believe that the targets must be met within 5-10 years, given the speed at which Russia is building its armed forces now, and which would accelerate were any peace agreement reached to end its war on Ukraine. NEED TO KNOW Angelina Petra Resendiz, a 21-year-old Navy sailor from Texas, has disappeared, according to family and authorities Virginia State Police said the woman was last seen at her barracks in Norfolk on May 29 Shes spent no money, made no calls. She just stopped. She disappeared," her mother, Esmerelda Castle said A Navy sailor has suddenly disappeared, and her family is desperate to find her. The Virginia State Police (VSP) announced on Tuesday, June 3, that a critically missing adult alert has been issued for 21-year-old Angelina Petra Resendiz. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Resendiz was last seen at her barracks in Miller Hall at Naval Station Norfolk at 10 a.m. local time on Thursday, May 29, according to state police. She is described as a 5-foot-tall white/Hispanic woman with brown eyes and black hair, and weighing about 110 lbs. "Shes very kind. Shes very loving," said her mother, Esmeralda Castle, according to ABC affiliate WVEC. Castle lives in Texas, where Resendiz grew up, according to the report. She said her daughter goes by the nickname Angie and is a culinary specialist with the Navy. Before her disappearance, Resendiz would talk to a family member or friend every single day, Castle told WVEC. "Her and my sister have a 400-day streak on Snapchat, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, friends and family stopped hearing from Resendiz, and the Navy sailor missed work, according to Castle. She reached out to the Navy after she was unable to reach her daughter. "She just stopped existing Thursday, the mom explained. Shes spent no money, made no calls. She just stopped. She disappeared. State police said Resendizs disappearance poses a credible threat to her health and safety. Castle told CBS affiliate WTKR that her daughter wouldnt leave work unauthorized or without permission. Angies too scared to miss work; she wouldnt do that, the mom explained. She said she is going to Virginia herself to find out what I can. 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. Anyone with information about Resendizs whereabouts is asked to contact the Naval Criminal Investigative Service at (877) 579-3648. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Castle told WVEC that her daughter does not drive. Family described her as a fun and kind woman. "This isnt like Angie. I just want to find her," the mom said. Read the original article on People The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Service Processing Center in El Centro, Calif. (Stock photo by Matt Gush/Getty Images) The North Carolina Senate Judiciary Committee voted in favor of a bill Wednesday that would expand state requirements for sheriffs to detain undocumented immigrants for retrieval by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The bill, known as House Bill 318 or the Criminal Illegal Alien Enforcement Act, passed the North Carolina House in April and is now set for a vote by the Senate Rules Committee Thursday morning. It represents a continuation of the detention requirements passed in November under House Bill 10. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Carson Smith (R-Pender), a former sheriff, described the bill as an attempt to clarify and make a few changes to the law after seeing it in effect. HB 318 would expand the requirement for verifying immigration status from a specific set of felonies to all felonies as well as any impaired driving offenses. It also modifies the requirements for releasing individuals in custody under ICE detention orders. Under the proposed law, a judge or magistrate would inquire into the immigration status of any defendant charged with a felony or impaired driving offense at their pretrial release hearing. If their status cannot be determined, they would be held for an additional two hours after an inquiry to ICE on whether they are subject to any detention orders. If an ICE detainer and warrant is received, theyre taken to the judicial official, probably the magistrate, to determine that they are the person that is subject to that detainer and that administrative warrant, Smith said. If they are, they will be held up to 48 hours after whatever point they would otherwise be released for ICE to come pick them up. Democrats and members of the public spoke out against the bill, arguing that it damages rather than furthers public safety. Sen. Lisa Grafstein (D-Wake) said she believes the requirements violate the U.S. Constitution, given that they would require sheriffs to carry out the ICE hold even when the individual in question has been exonerated or had their charges dismissed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were talking about keeping people where the state has no constitutional interest in holding them, Grafstein said. Under the terms of the existing law, sheriffs must only hold individuals in custody for 48 hours after the ICE detention order is received. The new proposal would require a 48-hour hold beginning when they would otherwise be released from custody. Sen. Sydney Batch (D-Wake) said the proposal also violates the rights of crime victims, preventing them from getting justice if the offender is subject to deportation. As a victim myself, I wanted my day in court to testify against my offender, which I had the ability to do, Batch said. This new change would mean that if he were here and there was an ICE detainer, he would then be deported prior to the time of which I would have my day in court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mary Ross, an activist with Democracy Out Loud who spoke during the public comment period, said deporting someone based only on allegations of a crime is a really cruel way to treat people. Theyre people who are our neighbors, and most of whom are working hard, doing great work with us, Ross said. I just object to, essentially, judge and jury the police officer arrests somebody and, boom, theyre a convicted criminal and a prisoner and theyre gone. The bill passed the Judiciary Committee hours before another bill on immigration, Senate Bill 153, passed the House. That measure, the North Carolina Border Protection Act, now heads to Gov. Josh Steins desk for his consideration. In a press release Wednesday, House Republicans announced an ad campaign targeting four Democratic lawmakers who voted against one or both bills. Child care advocates rallied in Raleigh last summer in support of calls for better state funding. (Photo: Greg Childress) The state Senate on Wednesday unanimously approved legislation meant to help the states struggling child care industry. House Bill 412 would allow larger class sizes in child care centers if the staff-to-child ratio stays the same. Child care center employees would be able qualify as lead teachers if they have five years of teaching experience as an alternative to a North Carolina Early Childhood Credential. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill would also set up a workgroup on developing group liability insurance plans for child care providers. A lot of child care centers are having trouble finding and keeping insurance, said Sen. Jim Burgin (R-Harnett). Child care businesses tend to operate on thin profit margins. At the same time, child care is unaffordable for many families. Child care centers face staff shortages that force them to limit enrollment. Wages are low and many workers do not have health insurance through their employers. The median wage for child care workers in the state was $11.69 in 2022, according to a report last year from the Center for the Study of Child Care Employment. More than 40% of early childhood educator households participated in safety net programs the report said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Legislators are focused on child care this year, with lawmakers considering increases in child care subsidies, and with an active task force Gov. Josh Stein assembled looking at questions of child care financing and funding, child care for the public sector workforce, and child care worker compensation. Wide swaths of the state are considered child care deserts. Rural families are more likely to use home-based child care or have friends and family watch their children, according to the NC Early Childhood Foundation. House Bill 309, which makes it clear that for building-code purposes, home-based child care should be treated as a residence and not commercial building, also passed the Senate unanimously. Both bills go back to the House to see if House members agree with the Senates changes. NEBRASKA (KCAU) Two northeast Nebraska communities received letters from Nebraska State Auditor Mike Foley accusing those communities of improper financial practices. The state auditor sent a letter to Cedar County officials on May 21 highlighting multiple concerns. Those concerns included former commissioner Craig Bartels both using and authorizing the use of county vehicles and equipment for his and other peoples personal benefit. Auditor Foley said the other concerns are failing to remit to the County Treasurer payments for services provided and inadequate county bidding and procurement practices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State officials said Cedar County officials were given a chance to review and respond to the comments and recommendations from the auditors office, but the county declined. The state auditor also sent a letter to the Decatur Housing Authority in Burt County on May 29 accusing its former executive director, Kayla Logeman, of several financial improprieties. One example was her paying herself more than what was required and unsupported reimbursement payments. Auditor Foley said another issue raised in the letter is the Authoritys general checking account being overdrawn multiple times from March 1, 2022 through February 28, 2025. The Decatur Housing Authority responded to the auditors letter and said Logeman was fired from her role on February 14, 2025. Officials said they plan to file charges against Logeman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The housing authority said theyre committed to completing an analysis and reform of their infrastructure, polices, and procedures as a whole. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. In addition to the ongoing homelessness crisis on Skid Row, animal advocates are raising concerns about the dire conditions faced by dogs living in the area. According to local rescuers, many animals are being abused, neglected and even injected with drugs. They are often denied medical care and overbred for profit. Victoria Parker, who has been helping dogs on Skid Row for eight years, co-founded the nonprofit Starts With One Today in 2020. The organization provides essential resources to both people and pets in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parker says the situation has worsened in recent years. Weve seen pit bulls covered under tarps in the sun, dogs without access to food, water, Parker told KTLAs Kacey Montoya. One particularly heartbreaking case involved a sick dog whose owner eventually allowed Parker to take her to a veterinarian. The dog was found to have a ruptured spleen, fluid in her abdomen and cancer. Sadly, the 8-year-old dog did not survive. Victorias husband, Jonathan, also volunteers with the nonprofit. He emphasized that many pet owners on Skid Row lack the knowledge and resources to properly care for their animals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They dont know how to treat dogs, he said. They dont look for certain things a normal person would look for because this (environment) is not normal. Pit bulls are seen in cages in L.A.s Skid Row neighborhood. Spring 2025. (KTLA) 2 dogs are seen tied to a post in L.A.s Skid Row neighborhood. Spring 2025. (KTLA) While some dog owners appreciate the help, Parker says many refuse assistance. They just say, Dont bother. This is my dog. Hes fine. Shes fine, she explained. Some refuse to spay or neuter their pets because they rely on selling puppies for income. Volunteers have seen pregnant dogs give birth on the streets without medical care, dogs tied up and tangled in ropes, and others crammed into tiny cages for days. Some are left in the sun without shade, beaten and abused. There are also disturbing reports of drugs being tested on dogs before being used by their owners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite repeated calls to police, animal control and the district attorneys office, advocates say there has been little response, even after viral videos surface on social media. The Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office issued a statement affirming that animal cruelty is a serious crime and that law enforcement agencies are responsible for initial investigations. Cases must be submitted to the DAs office for legal review before action can be taken. In an effort to raise awareness, Starts With One Today is organizing a rally this Sunday at 11 a.m. outside the Los Angeles Police Departments Central Community Police Station. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. COLUMBIA, Tenn. (WKRN) Columbia residents are still shocked following a double homicide in a typically quiet neighborhood. Shortly after 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 31, the Columbia Police Department said that officers responded to a shooting with multiple victims on Somerset Lane. Those victims were later identified as 46-year-old John Bidle and 51-year-old Stacie Wright. RELATED | A heartbeat of love: Community remembers woman killed in Columbia shooting Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The shooting was something that neighbors like Lee Hudson said they never expected to happen within the community. This is a one-off occurrence and a freak occurrence that we hope to never see happen again, Hudson said. Court documents obtained by News 2 stated that Byron Childers was walking down the street with a rifle and shot Bidle multiple times; Columbia police said he was pronounced dead at the scene. The community, now missing two beloved members, have said they aim to be shoulders for Bidles and Wrights loved ones. We are there for you, Hudson said. PREVIOUS | Suspected gunman identified after 2 killed, 1 injured in Columbia neighborhood Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Cremation Society of Tennessee is helping the Bidle family with arrangements. In an obituary posted to their website, Bidle was described as a generous neighbor and loyal friend who centered his family and loved working on classic cars. Bidles loved ones will come together at the UAW Local 1853 Hall at 125 Stephen P Yokich Parkway in Spring Hill. To donate to a GoFundMe to support the Bidle family, follow this link. You can also send a card, follow this link to order a memorial tree or send flowers to the family. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the country is using armed gangs in Gaza to help fight Hamas, his admission coming after a new wave of military strikes on the besieged Gaza Strip that left at least 52 Palestinians dead. Netanyahu said the government had activated powerful local clans in the enclave on the advice of security officials, his video statement posted to X on Thursday coming hours after former Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman accused him of deploying the tactic. The statement marked the governments first public acknowledgement that it had backed the armed Palestinian groups based around powerful families, which stand accused by aid workers of carrying out criminal attacks and stealing aid from trucks as starvation stalks the entire territory due to a punishing Israeli blockade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An Israeli official cited by news agency The Associated Press said that one of the groups Netanyahu was referring to was the so-called Popular Forces, led by Yasser Abu Shabab, a local clan leader in Rafah. Last month, Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported on the groups activities though it was named the Anti-Terror Service in the report saying that sources in Gaza claimed it consisted of roughly 100 armed men operating with the tacit approval of the Israeli military. In recent weeks, the Abu Shabab group announced online that its fighters were helping protect supply shipments to new US- and Israel-backed distribution centres run by the shadowy Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). The Israeli opposition claims that there was no consultation within the Israeli government or the Israeli cabinet, said Al Jazeeras Hamdah Salhut, reporting from Jordans capital Amman. Netanyahu says that these armed gangs could essentially help the Israelis defeat Hamas in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But its not going down well within Israel, where people are saying that these are armed criminal enterprises within the Gaza Strip. That they should not be armed and that these are Israeli weapons that are being put in their hands, she said. Human abattoir Netanyahu made his statement on another deadly day in Gaza, the military hitting targets throughout the besieged coastal enclave where the crippling blockade has brought the population to the brink of mass starvation. Deadly incidents, killing more than 100 and wounding many more, at aid distribution sites run by the GHF since last week have sparked widespread condemnation, with Israeli troops opening fire on Palestinians seeking aid on four separate occasions since last week. Chris Gunness, former spokesperson for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), told Al Jazeera that the operations of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation had turned Gaza into a human abattoir. Hundreds of civilians are herded like animals into fenced-off pens and are slaughtered like cattle in the process, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amid growing international condemnation, GHF shuttered operations for a full day on Wednesday, saying the next day that it would reopen two aid distribution centres in the Rafah area of southern Gaza. It did not say when aid distribution would resume. At least 52 Palestinians were killed on Thursday, according to hospital sources who spoke to Al Jazeera. The sources said 31 bodies had arrived at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, with 21 admitted to Gaza Citys al-Ahli Arab and al-Shifa hospitals. Israel killed four journalists in an attack on al-Ahli Hospital itself, also known as the Baptist Hospital, in Gaza City Gaza City local Fadi al-Hindi told Al Jazeera that he had seen one of the strikes on al-Nasser Street, near the al-Shifa Hospital, witnessing scenes of death after running outside his tent to check on his children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When I arrived, I saw a man in pieces; he had been riding a bicycle, and the lower half of his body was gone. Everyone in the street was injured, and we started to collect the pieces of the wounded, he said. At least three Palestinians were killed in the strike, reportedly including children. The Palestinian news agency Wafa also reported five deaths in areas around Khan Younis, four west of Beit Lahiya in the north, and one south of Gaza City, as well as the injuring of a child near Bureij in central Gaza. Wafa also reported that Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinians trying to reach an aid centre near Wadi Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the meantime, Hamas chief Khalil al-Hayya has said in a prerecorded speech that the group did not reject a proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza put forward by US special envoy Steve Witkoff, stating that it had instead requested some changes to ensure an end to the war. Al-Hayya added that Hamas is ready to engage in further talks and that communications with the mediators are ongoing. Israel broke off a previous truce in March to resume the war in Gaza. As the U.S. is in the throes of tornado season, it is an annual event that can be devastating, with widespread damage to farms and crops, as Mother Nature reminds us of the power and destruction that can be caused by the power of wind. Dairy farms across the Midwest, the Great Plains, the East, and the Southeast are accustomed to this threat that occurs most often in the spring months. Several dairies in these areas have been impacted by tornadoes that have hit these regions in recent weeks and months. What might not be on our minds is the power of man-made causes of widespread damage, as was recently seen on a 280-cow dairy in Ukraine. Covered by Chris McCullough, originally appearing in the Fence Post, the dairy, located in the village of Mokra Rokytna, Ukraine, was attacked for the second time by the Russian military. The second and most destructive attack on the dairy started on April 28, when the farm was hit by approximately 10 drone strikes. The dairy lost more than 100 cows in the attack, including cows that needed to be put down due to shrapnel damage. In addition to the damage in the milking barn, other livestock barns and machine sheds were hit in the attack. According to McCullough, since the start of the invasion by Russia, Ukraines agricultural sector has lost more than $80 billion, and $11.2 billion of this is a direct result of destroyed businesses, equipment, livestock, and agricultural machinery. Images appearing in the article about the attack evoke thoughts of the familiar wreckage of an F3 or higher tornado. We are used to the pain-evoking photos of tornadoes touching down on U.S. soil and the path of destruction they can cause, especially on dairies. As we pass the peak of tornado season and the recent solemn recognition of Memorial Day, we can take a pause and continue to be thankful that we are not contending with man-made disasters in combination with unpredictable thunderstorms causing tornadic destruction. To comment, email your remarks to intel@hoards.com. The video in the player above is from WGNs Mike Lowe and his report from 2022 marking the 40th anniversary of the crime. CHICAGO (WGN) In 1982, seven Chicagoland residents died out of the blue after taking Tylenol capsules that were laced with cyanide. Decades later, investigators are still baffled. Now, a new Netflix documentary, Cold Case: The Tylenol Murders, looks to unpack the cold case and shine a new light on the investigation. Who were the victims of the so-called Tylenol Murders? On Sept. 28, 1982, 12-year-old Mary Kellerman from Elk Grove Village was hospitalized after taking one Extra-Strength Tylenol capsule. She died the following day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That same day (Sept. 29, 1982), 27-year-old postal worker Adam Janus of Arlington Heights died of what was initially believed to have been a heart attack, but officials later attributed his death to cyanide poisoning. His brother Stanley, 27, and sister-in-law Theresa, 19, both of Lisle went to Adams home to be with loved ones after Adams death when they experienced intense headaches. They each took Extra-Strength Tylenol capsules from the same bottle Adam used earlier in the day to soothe their symptoms. 40 years after Tylenol Murders terrified nation, new information shows case is still being investigated Stanley died later that day, while Theresa died two days later, according to authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the next few days, 35-year-old Mary McFarland of Elmhurst, 35-year-old Paula Prince of Chicago, and 27-year-old Mary Weiner of Winfield all died after taking Tylenol capsules laced with cyanide. At the time, Tylenol was the most popular, best-selling non-prescription pain reliever in the United States. One reason was because the capsules were reportedly gelatin-laced, making them slick and easy to swallow. The early stages of the investigation In early October of 1982, investigators determined the seven victims all swallowed a Tylenol capsule laced with a lethal dose of cyanide. At that time, Tylenol was made by McNeil Consumer Products, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson. As investigators attributed the deaths to Tylenol capsules laced with cyanide, McNeil Consumer Products issued a mass warning and immediately called for a monumental recall of over 31 million bottles of Tylenol in circulation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators reportedly found tainted capsules in some grocery stores and pharmacies in Chicagoland, but those capsules had not yet been sold or consumed. McNeil Consumer Products and Johnson & Johnson offered replacement capsules to anyone who turned in pills they already purchased and a reward for anyone with information leading to the arrest of the person(s) involved in the poisoning. As the investigation went on, Johnson & Johnson determined the cyanide lacing happened after bottles of Tylenol left their factory. Police thought someone had to have gone to the grocery store and/or pharmacy, taken the bottles off the shelves, laced them with cyanide and then went back to the store and put the laced bottles back on the shelves where the unknowing victims bought them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arrests made in decades-old Kenosha County cold case Has anyone ever been charged in connection with the murders? No. No one has ever been formally charged in connection with the deaths, but one man peaked the interest and suspicion of investigators: James Lewis. After a nationwide manhunt, authorities arrested Lewis in 1982. He served over 12 years in prison for sending an extortion letter to Johnson & Johnson in which he demanded $1 million to stop the killing. Following his arrest, Lewis reportedly gave investigators a very detailed explanation as to how the person responsible for the murders might have operated before admitting to having written and sent to extortion letter to Johnson & Johnson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lewis claimed he never planned on getting any money by sending the letter and instead wanted to shine a bad light on his wifes former employer. While serving his prison sentence, he told the Associated Press the detailed explanation as to how the suspect might have operated was just an assumption about the suspects actions. He called the suspect a heinous, cold-blooded killer, a cruel monster. Police and federal investigators later determined Lewis was living in New York City at the time of the poisonings, although he briefly lived in Chicago in the early 1980s. Lewis was released from prison in 1995 and he and his wife then moved to Massachusetts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Illinois authorities reopened the investigation in 2009, prompting FBI investigators to go to Lewis Massachusetts home where they took his computer and other belongings. Reports said Lewis provided DNA samples to the FBI in 2010. He died on July 9, 2023, at the age of 76. Netflix announces new subtitle option: How it works Immediate aftermath In 1983, Congress passed the Tylenol Bill, which made it a federal crime to tamper with consumer products. Then in 1989, the Food and Drug Administration put forth federal guidelines for manufacturers to follow to make consumer products tamper-proof. Where can I watch Cold Case: The Tylenol Murders? Cold Case: The Tylenol Murders is available to stream on Netflix. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. The Netherlands is still supporting the supply chain of Israels version of the F-35 fighter jet, more than a year after a court banned direct Dutch exports of F-35 parts to Israel, a report claims. Research by the Palestinian Youth Movement (PYM) shared with Al Jazeera shows that the port of Rotterdam is frequented by ships carrying F-35 parts for maintenance and assembly. The ships belong to the Danish shipping giant Maersk. By examining import data and shipping receipts of Maersk and Lockheed Martin the United States weapons manufacturer that designed the F-35 the group found that more than a dozen shipments from Israel travelled through the port of Rotterdam on their way to the US from April 2023 until early 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The F-35 fighter jet has been used by Israel to bomb Gaza from the air with devastating effect. Much of the Strip, where more than 50,000 people have been killed since October 2023, is in ruins. Maersk now operates a recurring shipping cycle between Lockheed Martins Fort Worth facility in Texas and Israel Aerospace Industries in Israel, routed through Rotterdam, the report stated. In this cycle, Maersk transports pairs of empty F-35 wing containers from Houston to Ashdod, Israel, where they are loaded with completed F-35 wings. The filled containers are then shipped back to the US for final assembly or repair. The researchers noted that Rotterdam is a key stopover point in this process, and shipments for this cycle have occurred beyond February of 2024. Then, a judge at a Dutch appeals court ordered the Netherlands to stop exporting and transiting F-35 parts to Israel, saying there was a clear risk they were being used in serious violations of international humanitarian law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Dutch state immediately lodged an appeal at the Supreme Court, but until a decision is made, it is still bound by the lower courts ruling. The findings in the report show that the port of Rotterdam plays an important role in sustaining the operational capacities of Israels F-35 fighter jets. This way, the port of Rotterdam is complicit to international law violations in Gaza, Gerard Jonkman, director of a Dutch NGO, The Rights Forum, told Al Jazeera. The Dutch Foreign Ministry told Al Jazeera that the court had subsequently confirmed that the judgement in February 2024 applied only to the export or transit of F-35 parts from the Netherlands to Israel and that the Dutch state had implemented the judgement accordingly. A spokesperson for the port of Rotterdam told Al Jazeera that the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs was responsible for issuing permits for the transhipment of military goods. Port officials check vessel compliance with environmental and safety regulations for shipping on behalf of the government and municipality of Rotterdam, they said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The harbour master receives only limited information regarding vessel cargo. The information received mainly pertains to whether the vessel is carrying hazardous substances. Other aspects of vessel cargo are monitored by various other public authorities, such as customs. They said they were aware of the February 2024 court ruling. All activities in the port must comply with international laws and regulations and the permits issued by the government. If we see any indication that this is not the case, the Port of Rotterdam Authority alerts the competent authority. The Netherlands is still part of the supply chain The Rights Forum was one of three parties, together with the Dutch affiliate of Oxfam and PAX for Peace, the largest peace organisation in the Netherlands, that sued the Dutch state over its export of F-35 parts to Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In this case, there is no direct export from the Netherlands to Israel, but the Netherlands is still part of the supply chain for the Israeli F-35 programme, Gerard Jonkman, head of the Rights Forum, said of the Palestinian Youth Movements findings. This way the Netherlands facilitates the Israeli F-35 programme and might breach its obligations under international law. PAX for Peace project leader Frank Slijper told Al Jazeera: This indeed shows that the Netherlands is part of the F-35 supply chain. A grassroots organisation, the Palestinian Youth Movement believes that targeting Maersk directly disrupts the flow of weapons in the supply chain of death used to genocide Palestinians. According to the group, Maersk has shipped the wings for every Israeli F-35 since March 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In November 2024, following a decision by Spain to deny docking permission to two ships carrying weapons bound for Israel, Maersk adjusted its routes. The companys fleet now avoids Spain in favour of Rotterdam and the port of Tangier in Morocco Maersk has, for years, knowingly supplied the Israeli military with key weapons components used to carry out genocide in Gaza, Aisha Nizar of the Palestinian Youth Movement told Al Jazeera. The company has done so without hesitation, potentially violating multiple arms embargo policies across Europe. The F-35 is considered a top-of-the-line fighter jet. The aircraft designed by Lockheed Martin costs at least $80m in its most basic configuration. Currently, 12 countries operate the jet. F-35 parts are made in the United States and several participating partner countries, giving the project the moniker Joint Strike Fighter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is very sad to see that Maersk is not distancing itself from Israels crimes against humanity in Gaza and more broadly continues lending itself to the crucial replenishment of Israels armed forces, Slijper said. Shipping military supplies for the benefit of Israels arms industry and the [Israeli army] risks Maersk being complicit in Israels crimes. The use of the jet by Israel, the only country with its unique version of the F-35, has been scrutinised since the start of the onslaught in Gaza. Recently, campaign groups took the United Kingdom government to court in a bid to halt the exports of British-made F-35 parts to Israel. In a statement to Al Jazeera, Lockheed Martin said: Foreign military sales are government-to-government transactions, and we closely adhere to US government policy with regard to conducting business with international partners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regarding F-35 shipments, Maersk told Al Jazeera that it upholds a strict policy of not shipping weapons or ammunition to active conflict zones and that it conducted due diligence, particularly in regions affected by active conflicts, including Israel and Gaza, and adapts this due diligence to the changing context. It confirmed, however, that its US subsidiary Maersk Line Limited was one of many companies supporting the global F-35 supply chain with transport services. The F-35 programme includes several coalition countries, including Israel. As part of the coalition-building of the F-35, Maersk Line Limited regularly transports parts between participating countries, including Israel, where F-35 wings are manufactured, it said. (FOX40.COM) A K9 search led to an arrest and seizure of narcotics and a firearm on Tuesday afternoon. Video above: What happens when you call 911? According to the Nevada County Sheriffs Office, with the help of the Grass Valley Police Department, two individuals were arrested for multiple serious drug offenses at around 4:30 p.m. following an investigative stop in the parking lot of a business on Hughes Road. NCSO stated that the suspects have been identified as Kalen Turner, 34, of Nevada City, and Katriena Mulligan, 24, of Grass Valley. NCSO Deputy Ramos and her K9 partner Riggs were on patrol going down East Main Street in Grass Valley, where she saw a suspicious vehicle backing into a car wash but not utilizing the facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deputy recognized the vehicle from a prior criminal investigation of drug and property crimes in Nevada County, according to officials. Deputy Ramos conducted a visual surveillance of the vehicle at the business and contacted GVPD since it was within their jurisdiction. Rep. Josh Harder announces legislation to stop invasion of stinky golden mussels NCSO stated that GVPD officers and investigators arrived in the area and assisted Deputy Ramos with observation of the vehicle, which was a 2013 gray Ford Focus. After 20 minutes, the NCSO deputy and GVPD officers saw Mulligan arrive driving a 2007 white Scion and contact Turner, the driver of the Ford Focus, according to NCSO. Both of them drove to a convenience store on Hughes Road, where they parked together behind the businesses and away from the view of the road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NCSO said, Detectives were able to position themselves to continue to watch Turner and Mulligan, who then proceeded to complete a hand-to-hand transaction witnessed by the officers. NCSO Deputy Ramos and GVPD officers conducted a stop on the suspects vehicles in the parking lot, where narcotics and drug paraphernalia were seen in plain view, according to authorities. At this time, both of the vehicles were searched, yielding the discovery and seizure of fentanyl and paraphernalia from each of the cars and in addition to indicia commonly used in illicit drug sales. This also included a scale and packaging materials in Turners car, according to NCSO. K9 Riggs is trained and POST certified in narcotics detection and was deployed to search the vehicles, where he detected narcotics in both of the vehicles, NCSO stated. Riggs also alerted to the engine compartment of Turners vehicle, where crews found 90 rounds of ammunition and a handgun under the hood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both of the drivers, Mulligan and Turner, were booked into the Wayne Brown Correctional Facility on multiple drug charges, NCSO stated. Authorities said that Turner is being charged with being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition, as well as possession of a controlled substance with two or more prior convictions. At this time, there was no mention of what Mulligan is being charged with. We want to extend our gratitude to the Grass Valley Police Department for their partnership in this investigation, NCSO 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 FOX40 News. (NewsNation) The Federal Aviation Administration issued a temporary ground stoppage for all flights at Newark Liberty International Airport on Wednesday due to a shortage of air traffic controllers. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka told Morning in America on Thursday he believes travelers are safe because airport officials have been quick to ground or delay flights when necessary. We should be glad that theyre canceling and delaying flights, he said, while insisting the federal government needs to treat the staffing shortage like the emergency it is. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps new travel ban meant to make nations comply: Adviser He said that while delays are frustrating, they reflect a commitment to safety. As long as the FAA continues to ground planes, stop planes from flying as frequently as they have been, as long as they reduce that, the airspace, the number of planes in the airspace, I do think its safe, which is why theyre inconveniencing people, Baraka said. If they werent inconveniencing people, it wouldnt be safe. Baraka said Newarks new runway is expected to be fully open within weeks, which could help ease flight disruptions. DoorDash delivery on OHare tarmac exposes airport security flaw Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Department of Transportation officials said Monday that the runway was being used for departures but wont be available for arrivals until testing is completed early next week. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said that if all goes well, the runway should be certified by June 10. Newark has been plagued by cancellations and delays this spring after the FAA had technical problems that twice briefly knocked out the radar and communications at a facility in Philadelphia that directs planes in and out of the airport. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. ORLANDO, Fla. Bald eagles, gopher tortoises, wading birds and native amphibians at risk of having their homes taken away have Conservation Florida to thank for a new piece of protected habitat in Central Florida. D Ranch Preserve in western Volusia County recently transformed from privately held ranch land which was at risk of turning into shopping centers and homes into a protected piece of public land. The property comprises 476 acres of wetland, flatwoods, scrub and open pasture habitat east of Lake Monroe with 3.5 miles of scenic trails for visitors to explore. D Ranch is a really special property and a huge conservation win not only for the region but for the state, said Traci Deen, president and CEO of Conservation Florida. Central Florida is growing so fast. Were losing critical connector pieces. This property adds to a larger conservation landscape and that is significant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This parcel is a small part of an 11,000-acre ranch landscape that was broken up over time. A vast majority of that land is now protected in Lake Monroe Conservation Area and Beck Ranch Park; D Ranch was the missing piece to finish this land conservation puzzle. Its one of the most phenomenal experiences hiking out there and knowing that youre really close to Orlando but youre also in the wild, Deen said. There are mornings where well see a bobcat race by and then hear the call of the sandhill cranes. Well see a bald eagle and the footprints of an otter family. Im taken aback by how much life there is out there. Conservation Florida received the land donation from an anonymous donor in 2019, then spent years working on land management and restoring native flora and fauna. This is the first property open to the public in the statewide nonprofit land conservancys collection of protected lands. There is a strong desire for public access to the property and I think the community at large is going to fall in love with the property the way we have, Deen said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the public opportunities for hiking, birdwatching and nature photography presented by this land, the property serves as an important wetland to mitigate flooding. This property lies within the Lake Monroe watershed. We see this property serving Central Florida every time theres a large rain event, after hurricanes or during a particularly rainy summer, Deen said. The northern portion of the property will be 6 to 9 inches underwater. It will store water and clean it before it makes its way back to Lake Monroe. Imagine that being paved over and losing that ecosystem and its benefits. As visitors find their way to D Ranch to experience the wild land, Conservation Florida plans to work on converting the barn at the front of the property into a nature center thanks to funds from Volusia ECHO and the Big Nova foundation while stewarding the land through prescribed burns and invasive species management. In the future, Deen said the nonprofit hopes to add equestrian access to the property, additional trails and a wildlife viewing boardwalk. If you go D Ranch Preserve is open from dawn to dusk daily at 2655 Reed Ellis Road in Osteen. Pets are not permitted except for service animals. For more information, visit conservationfla.org. ____ SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) A newlywed East Bay woman said her husband was handcuffed and hauled away by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents moments after he attended an asylum hearing at San Francisco Immigration Court. Shaylyn and her husband, Anyelo, went to the courthouse together on May 23. Imagine this: youre one month away from celebrating 6 months of marriage to the love of your life. Youre in the honeymoon phase. Youre planning your life together. Thinking that youre doing everything right, you walk out of an immigration hearing just to have your spouse immediately detained without any explanation, Shaylyn wrote on a verified GoFundMe page. Thats what happened, she added. Shaylyn and Anyelo smile in a photo together. (Image courtesy GoFundMe) Anyelo reportedly arrived in the U.S. in early 2024 seeking asylum from Colombia. He does not have a criminal history in the U.S. nor his home country, Shaylyn said, and he moved to the U.S. seeking a better life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My husband attended all of his check-ins and asylum hearings as required by law. Then, thinking we were almost through with the asylum process, the government lawyer in the courtroom asked for the case to be dismissed, the wife wrote. ICE officers were allegedly waiting in a hallway just outside the courtroom. Shaylyn wrote, As soon as we walked out of the courtroom, before we could even talk about anything that happened, we were separated by ICE. As I was taken away from him around the corner, I heard the handcuffs. Public Defender Mano Raju speaks at a rally outside San Francisco Immigration Court on May 28, 2025. (KRON4 Photo) ICE officers allegedly told the wife that circumstances changed, but they did not elaborate with more information explaining why Anyelo was being detained.. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shaylyn said officers transported her husband to an immigration detention center that was a five-hour drive away. My husband is being treated like a criminal, she wrote. The wife is raising donations through GoFundMe to hire immigration attorneys for Anyelos case. Department of Homeland Security officials are ramping up enforcement actions against people seeking asylum at federal immigration courthouses nationwide. Multiple migrants were detained by ICE officers at San Francisco Immigration Court in May, witnesses and justice advocates said. On Tuesday, ICE agents were seen conducting an operation in South San Jose along Snell Avenue and Blossom Hill Road, the San Jose Police Department confirmed. An ICE spokesperson told KRON4 that people were arrested. Those arrested had executable final orders of removal by an immigration judge and had not complied with that order, the spokesperson said. A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer enters a vehicle on Jan. 26, 2025. (Photo by Christopher Dilts/Bloomberg via Getty Images) San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan said, While we dont have details about the operation Ill reiterate my call for the Federal Government to focus on serious and violent criminals, not people who are contributing members of our community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A senior spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security previously told KRON4, Most aliens who illegally entered the United States within the past two years are subject to expedited removals. ICE is now following the law and placing these illegal aliens in expedited removal, as they always should have been. ICEs website has a self deportation section warning immigrants without legal status to leave the U.S. before they are arrested by federal immigration officers and transported to detention centers. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) Students pursuing high school diplomas and work certifications and vocational training are restructuring their plans as the Trump administration and federal courts argue over shuttering the Job Corps. At the Gerald R. Ford Job Corps Center in Grand Rapids Thursday, students were told that despite a federal judges stay of the order to shut down the Job Corps, their programs are finished anyway. It sucks, because I dropped everything to come to this program, one student told News 8. This was supposed to be my new start. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge blocks Trump administration Job Corps centers suspension The Job Corps educates, trains and houses low-income people ages 16 to 24. The end of the programs are forcing those students to adapt or abandon their aspirations and find a new place to live with just a few days notice. I am going to work at a hotel, the student said. (Its) not the work I was hoping for, but I hope to save enough money to be able to get where I want to go. Im getting an apartment and also have another job lined up because I dont want to go back to where I am from, a second student shared with us. I could go back, but I want to stay in Grand Rapids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Honestly, Im still trying to figure out my plan, a third student said. Its just been applying for a bunch of jobs. I have a place to go back to while I figure things out There are a lot of people struggling to find places to go, but the program is keeping people here until they have a safe place. The chaotic reset comes, for some, just as they were preparing to get certifications and enter the workforce. One of the students News 8 spoke to had been in the program for almost two full years, the maximum stay, and was one task short of obtaining their license to be a certified nursing assistant a job in high demand locally. I was really close. All I had to do was take the test, they said. Local student: Hope dropped as Job Corps paused Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the heartbreak, the students still call the program a success. It showed me how to be myself and be strong-minded and strong-willed about the things I want to accomplish, the CNA candidate added. Coming out of the program, Im stronger now. In announcing the nationwide pause of Job Corps operations last week, President Donald Trumps Department of Labor contended that the program is too expensive and not successful enough. These students who spoke with News 8 disagreed. The administration also says there are rampant drug and violence issues inside the facilities. News 8 asked the students if they had seen evidence of that. One said they had, but added that the Grand Rapids location was working to crack down on issues and it was not widespread enough to justify ending the program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 New Hampshire House of Representatives debates bills during a voting session in the State House Thursday afternoon. Earlier Thursday, they approved Senate Bill 14, which institutes mandatory minimums for fentanyl possession. (Photo by William Skipworth/New Hampshire Bulletin) This story was updated at 9:40 a.m. to reflect that language from SB 15 was incorporated into SB 14 before being retained in committee. A previous version said SB 15 was retained in committee and no longer being considered. The New Hampshire House of Representatives voted, 214-167, Thursday to pass Senate Bill 14, which creates mandatory minimums for fentanyl possession and reduces the penalty for people caught with psilocybin mushrooms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If enacted, SB 14 would create mandatory minimum sentences for people convicted on fentanyl charges. That includes manufacturing, selling, transporting, or possessing the drug with the intent to sell. People convicted with 20 grams or more of the drug would face at least 3 years in prison under the bill. People convicted with 50 or more grams would face no less than seven years. There is currently no minimum sentence under state law, which gives judges leeway to decide. There is, however, a maximum of 30 years on the first offense and life imprisonment for repeat offenders. The bill was previously approved by the Senate in February. The people asked us for law and order, Rep. Terry Roy, a Deerfield Republican, said on the House floor. Lets give them law and order. One Republican lawmaker doubted the bills minimums would actually be impactful. Twenty grams plus of fentanyl possession is almost certainly gonna be prosecuted as a federal crime, Rep. Kevin Verville, a Deerfield Republican, said. The odds of the state actually using this bill when it becomes law is infinitesimally small in my opinion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The representative characterized the mandatory minimums as something being done for show. You can campaign on law and order on this, Verville said. In my opinion, thats what this is. However, the bill was amended on the House floor to add a provision that aligns with one of Vervilles biggest priorities as a legislator. That provision reduces the penalty for possession of psilocybin, a psychedelic drug commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms. Under the amended bill, possession or use of less than three-quarters of an ounce of psilocybin would be a misdemeanor on first offense as opposed to a felony, which is currently state law under the Controlled Drug Act. Verville is the sponsor of another bill, House Bill 528, that would reduce the penalty to a simple violation. Verville and his colleagues have argued its less dangerous than other harder drugs and that it has medicinal benefits such as treatment for PTSD or migraines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HB 528 was approved by the House in March. Verville is a vocal proponent of fully legalizing psilocybin, though he has acknowledged he doesnt believe he can convince enough of his colleagues of that, so he settled for this measure. Verville urged his colleagues to approve SB 14. What this bill now has in it is it has real psychedelic reform for the citizens of New Hampshire, he said. Compounds that help people beat alcoholism, opioid addiction, other drug addiction, depression, post-traumatic stress syndrome. Verville said SB 14 finally ends a felony charge for simple possession for a small amount of psilocybin, which he called an excellent trade. He also argued that the minimum sentences outlined by the bill were fairly short. The benefit of the psilocybin far outweighs far outweighs any mandatory minimums, he said. Im begging you. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eight Democrats joined Republicans to pass the bill, while six Republicans bucked their party to vote against it. Most Democrats were opposed to the legislation. I want to be clear, SB 14, like several other bills, is not about crime, Rep. Linda Harriott-Gathright, a Nashua Democrat, said. Harriott-Gathright pointed out that fentanyl possession is already illegal and punished severely by law. She, and many of her Democratic colleagues, argued that mandatory minimums were ineffective at hindering crime. The question before us today is whether we think adopting mandatory minimums and maximums, an outdated one-size-fits-all solution, is going to be an effective use of taxpayer dollars to address the many substance issues in our state, she continued. The bottom line is that our country has already tried that approach. We all know that it has failed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said the bill robs judges of their ability to fully consider all relevant facts and circumstances and undermines basic principles of justice. She also argued the psilocybin provision was likely to vanish in committee of conference, the process where House and Senate members negotiate the differences between their bills. Because the bill was amended by the House, it will return to the Senate to be reconsidered. The Senate can now either accept the amendment, enter the committee of conference process to hash out its differences with the House, or reject the bill outright. Enacting the mandatory minimums has been a priority for Gov. Kelly Ayotte, who publicly called on lawmakers to bring the legislation to her desk. A similar bill, Senate Bill 15, wouldve created even harsher minimum sentences for cases where a death was involved. It wouldve created a minimum sentence of 10 years for people who illegally manufactured, sold, or dispensed fentanyl that resulted in someone dying. The Senate approved that bill the same day as SB 14 in February. Language from SB 15 was incorporated into SB 14 and it was retained in committee. During a Russian drone attack on Pryluky, Chernihiv Oblast, a Russian drone has struck the home of the head of the local firefighting department, killing his wife, his daughter, who was a patrol police officer, and her one-year-old son. Source: Ukraines Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko on Telegram: Volodymyr Zelenskyy on X (Twitter) Details: Klymenko said that the man was at the scene of the Russian strikes with the fire and rescue team at the time. Updated: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has responded to the Russian attack on Pryluky and the deaths of civilians. According to his statement, the rescue operation lasted all night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "One of the rescue workers arrived to deal with the aftermath right at his own home: it turned out that his house had been hit by a Shahed. Unfortunately, his wife, daughter and one-year-old grandson were killed. This is already the 632nd child to die since Russia's full-scale war began." The president noted that Russia is constantly trying to buy time in order to continue the killings. When the world does not condemn it strongly enough and does not exert sufficient pressure, it kills again. Volodymyr Zelenskyy also mentioned that during the night, the Russians launched 103 drones and one ballistic missile towards Ukraine. The strikes targeted Donetsk, Kharkiv, Odesa, Sumy, Chernihiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Kherson oblasts. Quote: "This is another large-scale strike by the terrorists the Russian terrorists [soldiers], who kill our people every night. This is another reason to impose maximum sanctions and put pressure on them all together." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background: On the night of 4-5 June, the Russians launched a large-scale drone attack on Pryluky in Chernihiv Oblast. At least five people were killed in the attack, including a one-year-old child, and eight others were injured. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Nikki Haley condemned President Donald Trumps phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, calling it a backhanded slap to all of our allies. Trumps former United Nations ambassador did not see eye to eye with the presidents decision to try and negotiate with Russia over the phone following Ukraines Sunday drone strike on Russia. Russia has been receiving drones and ballistic missiles from Iran to use in its kidnapping of Ukraine. Iran and Russia are partners, she wrote on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is ludicrous to think we would allow Putin to be chief negotiator between the U.S. and Iran on the Iran deal in exchange for the U.S. helping Russia with Ukraine, she said, adding that this is a backhanded slap to all of our allies. Russia has been receiving drones and ballistic missiles from Iran to use in its kidnapping of Ukraine. Iran and Russia are partners. It is ludicrous to think we would allow Putin to be chief negotiator between the US and Iran on the Iran deal in exchange for the US helping Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) June 4, 2025 She added in a separate post that the only way to deal with Iran was to apply maximum pressure. If Iran fears it will be attacked before it can create a weapon, it has an incentive to give up its nuclear program for good. That makes us all safer, she wrote. The only way to deal with Iran is to apply maximum pressure: -Target their key revenue sources, particularly sanctioning China for purchasing Iranian oil; -Rally our regional allies and partners to present a united front against Iranian aggression; -Make it clear that the U.S. Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) June 4, 2025 The president revealed on Truth Social what went down during his phone call with Putin, which he said lasted around an hour and 15 minutes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was a good conversation, but not a conversation that will lead to immediate Peace, Trump wrote. President Putin did say, and very strongly, that he will have to respond to the recent attack on the airfields. Trump then detailed his exchange with Putin surrounding Iran, and the fact that time is running out on Irans decision pertaining to nuclear weapons, which must be made quickly! But talk around Iran seemed to remain mostly vague, with the president alluding to Putin being on the same page as him, but also not completely onboard with his plans. Trump shares on Truth Social what he and Putin talked about on Wednesday. / Donald Trump/Truth Social I stated to President Putin that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon and, on this, I believe that we were in agreement, Trump said. President Putin suggested that he will participate in the discussions with Iran and that he could, perhaps, be helpful in getting this brought to a rapid conclusion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump went on to blame Iran for slow-walking their decision on this very important matter. He emphasized that the country needs to make a decision in a very short period of time! Haley has always been a fierce critic of Iran, managing to pass UN Security Council Resolution 2370 on Preventing Terrorists from Acquiring Weapons in 2017 in a unanimous vote. As long as we allow the Iranian regime to violate this Councils prohibitions with impunity, it will be a source of weapons to terrorist groups that will only grow in volume and destructive capability, she said in her explanation of the resolution. The United States will continue to raise this issue of Iranian non-compliance with international obligations at every opportunity, she added, warning at the time of Iran preparing for war in Lebanon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal that following year, though he now has plans to create a new deal which Iran has already dubbed as nonsense. Haley also commented on this new U.S.-Iran nuclear deal in April, saying that the U.S. cant trust Iran. Iran has violated every agreement they have ever been a part of. We cant trust them to have any amount of nuclear production. Iran should not have a nuclear program, period, she wrote on X. Iran has violated every agreement they have ever been a part of. We cant trust them to have any amount of nuclear production. Iran should not have a nuclear program, period. Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) April 15, 2025 The relationship between Trump and Haley had been rocky ever since Haley chose to oppose to him in the 2024 Republican primary. Trump announced in November that he would not be inviting former Ambassador Nikki Haley to join his administration. Haley responded to the president on her SiriusXM Show, claiming that Trump already knew that she had no interest in a position in his cabinet. By Ludwig Burger (Reuters) -A Milan-bound Ryanair flight was forced to make an emergency landing in southern Germany late on Wednesday due to heavy turbulence from a thunderstorm, with nine passengers injured, police said. The flight from Berlin landed safely in Memmingen, about 115 km (70 miles) west of Munich, after bad weather prompted the pilot to initiate the emergency landing, Bavaria police said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the injured were a woman who sustained a head injury, her two-year-old toddler who suffered bruises and a 59-year-old woman complaining of back pain, police said. All three were treated in hospital, while other injuries were treated at the scene. Ryanair said in a statement on Thursday that the flights captain had requested medical assistance ahead of landing. The airline, which apologised to those affected, said it provided a bus service from Memmingen to Milan late on Wednesday as well as a replacement flight early on Thursday. (Reporting by Ludwig Burger; Editing by Kim Coghill and Louise Heavens) RUIRUIDOSO, N.M. (KRQE) The New Mexico Supreme Court found that a district court made an error by imposing a three-year firearm enhancement on a man who was sentenced for a deadly shooting in Ruidoso in 2019. Travis Nolan was convicted of first-degree murder, armed robbery, and tampering with evidence for the death of Christopher Williams. Nolan was sentenced to life in prison plus fifteen years, including a three-year sentence enhancement for using a firearm in the commission of the armed robbery. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court remanded the case to the trial court for resentencing because the justices concluded that a one-year sentencing enhancement, rather than three years, should have been imposed on Nolan for using a firearm to commit armed robbery. State law requires a one-year firearm enhancement if the offense is the defendants first felony. The New Mexico Supreme Court did, however, still affirm Nolans convictions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Anne Henderson Haws, an attorney representing the abortion ballot initiative group Idahoans United for Women and Families, presents opening arguments to the Idaho Supreme Court on Friday, April 25, 2025. (Kyle Pfannenstiel/Idaho Capital Sun) Its been more than 30 days since a hearing in a conflict over the language of a proposed 2026 reproductive rights ballot initiative, but with no decision yet from the Idaho Supreme Court, the group leading the push to restore abortion access in Idaho says the delay is hurting their organizing efforts. Idahoans United for Women and Families launched its citizen-led initiative effort in April 2024 and submitted proposed ballot titles in August. A new state law also requires a fiscal impact statement to be attached to initiatives, and the group alleged Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador, a Republican who has been outspoken about his anti-abortion views, and the Division of Financial Management inserted language that was prejudicial. They pointed in particular to a statement that said costs associated with the prisoner population and the Medicaid budget could occur. As part of the initiative process, the Attorney Generals Office is responsible for drafting short and long ballot titles that summarize what the legislation would do if passed. State law says the language must describe the proposal accurately and use common language without phrasing that is likely to prejudice voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The complaint filed by Idahoans United with the Idaho Supreme Court in late January called the statement biased and says it includes contradictory language, wrongly implies that Medicaid and corrections spending would increase, and prejudicially includes an irrelevant reference to the states $850 million Medicaid budget. Labradors office did not respond to requests for comment. In court filings, Labrador did not address the fiscal impact statement component of the complaint, and only spoke to the fetus viability language that Idahoans United said was objectionable because it is not medical terminology. Labrador said it is common parlance and there is no difference between that language and fetal viability. In a separate court filing, officials with the Idaho Division of Financial Management did not speak to the rationale for the fiscal impact statement, but restated the language and denied that it was prejudicial to the initiative. Group filed motion to expedite Idaho Supreme Court ruling in abortion initiative case The Idaho Supreme Court heard arguments April 25, and there have been no updates since then, despite a motion to expedite. The last court battle over ballot titles was in 2023, when Reclaim Idaho said Labradors office also prejudiced its initiative language about changing the state primary election system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In that case, oral arguments were held on a Monday and a decision came out that Thursday, with a unanimous vote in favor of Reclaim Idaho. Ultimately, voters overwhelmingly defeated the initiative in the November 2024 election. Idaho has a citizen ballot initiative process, but only its Legislature can propose constitutional amendments, unlike many other states. So instead of a constitutional amendment, the voters are asked to approve a citizen-crafted piece of legislation to be adopted. The measure requires a simple majority of voters to pass. Idahoans United submitted a policy that would establish a fundamental right to contraception and fertility treatments under state law, including in vitro fertilization, the right to make decisions about pregnancy and childbirth, legalize abortion before fetal viability, and preserve the right to abortion after viability in medical emergencies. Fetal viability would be determined by a physician and what treatment is available, but the commonly accepted gestational age of viability in the medical community is 23 to 24 weeks. Florina Ruvio, an early childhood development specialist and board member of Idahoans United for Women and Families, signs the petition to submit four ballot initiative proposals to restore abortion access in Idaho. (Courtesy of Melanie Folwell) The groups spokesperson and lead organizer, Melanie Folwell, told States Newsroom that the delay has forced them to cancel a planned kickoff rally on June 14 at the Idaho Capitol. The rally is now scheduled for June 28, in hopes there will be a decision by then. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The initiative needs more than 70,000 valid signatures from districts across the state, and organizers had hoped to gather 10,000 of those in June alone. But the initiative language must be finalized and approved before any signatures can be collected, and the signature goal must be reached by April 30, 2026, to qualify for the ballot. We wont get another June. We wont get another crack at this in the coming months, and there are some real impacts to having to pursue a lawsuit, Folwell told States Newsroom. The frustration is not directed at the court, Folwell said, but rather at state offices that crafted the language. I cant speculate as to their intent, but in providing us with unclear titles and fiscal impact statement, we have certainly been slowed down, she said. It didnt need to be this way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There will also be financial effects, she said, because adding pressure to the timeline will increase the costs associated with mobilizing volunteers and canvassers to gather signatures by the deadline. Nate Poppino, spokesperson for the Idaho Supreme Court, told States Newsroom in an email that the court does not comment on judicial deliberations, and opinions are issued at the courts discretion. Sometimes the issues the court must consider resolve quickly, and sometimes they require longer discussion, Poppino said. Each opinion starts with one authoring justice, he said, and a draft is circulated among the other justices who can edit and weigh in before anything is finalized. That includes details like wording and the legal issues involved. If its a situation that involves a dissent, that also is examined by the full court, he said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX PHILADELPHIA (AP) A fast-moving fire erupted early Thursday at a transit bus lot in Philadelphia and burned dozens of decommissioned vehicles, sending a thick plume of black smoke into the sky but causing no injuries. The fire did not impact the morning commute. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation. Citing an abundance of caution, the citys Public Health Department warned nearby residents to stay indoors if possible and urged others to avoid the area. Agency inspectors collected samples to assess air quality and the potential for any threat, but said later Thursday that conditions had quickly improved after the blaze was contained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fire at the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority facility started sometime before 6:15 a.m., said Andrew Busch, SEPTA s director of communications. Several buses were soon engulfed in flames, and the fire burned for nearly two hours before it was declared under control. The lot where the fire broke out was filled with decommissioned buses scheduled for disposal, Busch said. Forty buses were damaged overall. Firefighters initially had trouble gaining access to water to extinguish the blaze, but soon got it under control after other SEPTA buses were towed out of the way and fences were taken down. Busch noted that no in-service buses were in the area where the blaze occurred. VERNON, Conn. (WTNH) No one was injured after a house fire Wednesday night in Vernon, according to the fire department. Vernon police search for bus attacker suspect The fire was reported at around 7:30 p.m. on Prospect Street. Fire officials say that the rear of the home was fully engulfed in flames upon arrival. The fire was brought under control in one hour. Three residents were assisted by the Red Cross. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) After Epic Charter School laid off 357 employees Tuesday, parents are coming forward with concerns about the future of their childrens education. 83 of those fired were teachers. No warning, there was no transparency. Some people were just like in shock, trying to process what was happening, said Dulce Montoya. RELATED: Hundreds of teachers, administrative staff laid off from Epic Charter Schools Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Montoya is the mother of two children, who have attended Epic Charter Schools for years. She described being taken by surprise when hearing about the firings. One of Montoyas children at school. Image courtesy, Dulce Montoya. It was just informing us of the sudden changes of no longer having the in-person learning centers, which is one of the centers that my kids have been going to for the past three years, Montoya said. When Montoya told her children about the layoffs, her daughter cried. They didnt get a chance to say goodbye to their teachers, she said. Montoya said her children enjoy having the one-on-one interactions in school each day. Had she known about the layoffs, Montoya said she wouldve considered other school options. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Brian Shellem, the Chairman of the Statewide Charter School Board, is urging families to stay calm. Dont panic. The most important thing is that they stay focused on their childs education and theres a array of choices that they have, said Shellem. Shellem also added, We have to, instead of rush to any kind of conclusion, we just have to open up the inquiry and find out whats really going on. Montoya said she would like the district to be more transparent with families, letting them know the next steps. Some parents might want to still stay in Epic, and I think they deserve that space where clarity is brought to them on the future plans of the school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shellem says the board is doing everything it can to make the necessary adjustments to ensure Epic follows the law, both academically and financially. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. President Donald Trumps mass layoffs of federal workers have left some outposts of the National Weather Service severely understaffed, but Wisconsin NWS offices are faring better than most. Since taking office, the Trump administration has laid off or fired thousands of federal employees as part of its effort to slash government spending. That includes drastic cuts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the agency that monitors and predicts weather. NOAA has about 12,000 employees worldwide, including 4,000 National Weather Service staff. Between firings and resignations, recent reductions could amount to about 20% of NOAAs workforce, the New York Times reported. Those federal workers included some of the meteorologists tasked with local forecasts at the NWS offices across the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of June 3, the Trump administration has allowed the NWS to begin rehiring for some of these positions, NPR reported. At the end of the day, the only way to sustain the National Weather Service is to start replenishing the ranks of people, said Tom Fahy, legislative director of the National Weather Service Employees Organization, the union representing NWS staff. Heres how federal layoffs are affecting NWS offices in Wisconsin and beyond. How many employees has the National Weather Service lost nationwide? Out of roughly 4,000 employees nationwide, the NWS has lost about 600 so far in 2025, Fahy said. Thats a major impact to a small and lean and mean organization, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About 200 NWS staff took voluntary buyouts offered by the Department of Government Efficiency, and 300 employees opted into the Trump administrations voluntary early retirement program, Fahy said. Additionally, hundreds of NOAA forecasters on probationary status were fired this spring, according to a report from USA TODAY. In a few cases, Fahy said, senior NWS staff who had recently been promoted within the agency lost their jobs when the Trump administration fired all probationary federal employees, since the career meteorologists had technically been in their new positions for under a year. As a result, in some NWS locations such as Goodland, Kansas, and Hanford, California staffing shortages have forced offices to shutter their overnight operations, meaning no forecasters are on staff should an overnight weather emergency occur. The agency hopes to hire back about 125 staff following the Trump administrations temporary lift of the federal hiring freeze. Is the National Weather Service understaffed in Wisconsin? Compared to most other states, staffing at Wisconsins NWS offices is in great shape, according to Fahy. Thats primarily because not many NWS employees in Wisconsin took voluntary buyouts from the Trump administration earlier this year, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think its because a lot of people like Wisconsin from a lifestyle perspective, Fahy said. Weve always heard great things about living in Wisconsin. Heres what staffing looks at each of the NWS offices serving Wisconsin, including two Minnesota offices that forecast for parts of northwest Wisconsin: Milwaukee/Sullivan has 12 meteorologists on staff, compared to 14 when at full capacity. Green Bay has 11 meteorologists on staff, compared to 13 when at full capacity. La Crosse has nine meteorologists, compared to 13 when at full capacity. The office is also missing a manager, or the meteorologist in charge, but an acting manager has been appointed. Duluth, Minn. has 12 meteorologists on staff, compared to 13 when at full capacity. Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minn. has 13 meteorologists on staff, compared to 14 when at full capacity. A few offices are also missing technicians, who are responsible for maintaining electronic equipment, such as weather radars and satellites. Milwaukee/Sullivan, Green Bay and Duluth are all short one technician, while the Twin Cities is missing four. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In some offices across the country, meteorologists have volunteered to temporarily relocate to more severely understaffed locations for a month or longer. However, as of late May, Fahy said Wisconsin has not lost many meteorologists to offices in other states. Thats a triage solution, Fahy said of temporary relocations. Its like battlefield medicine because all were doing is stopping the bleeding in various places. What does the National Weather Service do in Wisconsin? The NWS provides weather, hydrologic and climate forecasts and warnings in the U.S., including in Wisconsin. There are three NWS offices in Wisconsin, located in the Milwaukee area, Green Bay and La Crosse. According to its website, NWS Milwaukee office issues forecasts and severe weather watches and warnings for 20 counties in south central and southeast Wisconsin. The offices can be found at: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement La Crosse: 711 County Road FA, La Crosse Milwaukee/Sullivan: N3533 Hardscrabble Road, Dousman Green Bay: 2485 S. Point Road, Ashwaubenon This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Are National Weather Service offices understaffed in Wisconsin? Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem announced Thursday she is ending the Transportation Safety Administrations (TSA) Quiet Skies Program, saying it is costly, ineffective and used to target political opponents. In a press release, the DHS said since its existence, the traveler surveillance program has failed to stop a single terrorist attack while costing US taxpayers $200 million a year, adding, The program, under the guise of national security, was used to target political opponents and benefit political allies. The press release said an internal investigation conducted by DHS and TSA uncovered documents, correspondence and timelines that demonstrate the inconsistent application of Quiet Skies and watchlisting programs to benefit political allies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Noem did not make public evidence from the internal investigation but called on Congress to investigate the matter further. It is clear that the Quiet Skies program was used as a political rolodex of the Biden Administrationweaponized against its political foes and exploited to benefit their well-heeled friends, Noem said in a statement. I am calling for a Congressional investigation to unearth further corruption at the expense of the American people and the undermining of US national security, she added. Rep. Bennie Thompson (Miss.), the top Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee, questioned why the DHS secretary would ask for a congressional investigation after the department did its own internal review. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kristi Noem is lying when she pretends that the Quiet Skies security program was previously politicized, he said in a statement. It is truly bizarre she is begging for a politicalized Congressional investigation into this matter when she runs a Department of 240,000 that can conduct its own unless it already has completed an investigation and found nothing. That said, I am happy to launch an investigation into whats really going on here and I look forward to her full compliance. Noem said eliminating the program would not compromise air safety. TSAs critical aviation and security vetting functions will be maintained, and the Trump Administration will return TSA to its true mission of being laser-focused on the safety and security of the traveling public. This includes restoring the integrity, privacy, and equal application of the law for all Americans, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The once-secret program launched with the goal of monitoring potential security threats by unknown or partially known terrorists. Through the program, undercover federal air marshals would observe passengers behavior. This can include watching how close they stand to the boarding area, how often they use the bathroom and any behavioral tics such as sweating or twitching. The program has faced scrutiny from Democrats and Republicans alike in recent years, with many expressing concerns about potential civil liberty violations. The issue came into even sharper focus last year, when Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, a former member of Congress, said publicly that she was placed on a secret terror watch list and suspected it was politically motivated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, The New York Times reported earlier this year that it was her travel to the Vatican for a meeting hosted by someone on an FBI watchlist, as well as visits to Lebanon and Syria, where she met with now-deposed Syrian Peader Bashar Assad, that prompted her adding to the list. To be clear, Tulsi Gabbard being targeted by TSAs targeting systems was automatic and well deserved, Thompson said. This process has worked the same under administrations of both parties, including the first Trump administration. She can only blame herself and the Trump administrations herculean effort to cast her as a victim here is not supported by the facts. The Mississippi Democrat added, the notion that current or former members of Congress are special and should be automatically exempt, regardless of the facts, from security rules or security screening like some Republicans have argued is asinine. Earlier this week, a DHS official confirmed to CBS News that Sen. Jeanne Shaheens (D-N.H.) husband was placed on the watchlist in 2023 and removed after the senator spoke with the former TSA director. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The senators spokesperson told CBS that she was not aware her husband had been monitored under the program. Updated June 6 at 9:45 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. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Project Prison Resets task force in South Dakota has endorsed a plan that rejects a proposed site for a new prison in Lincoln County. The decision is a victory for a group that opposed the construction of a new facility between Harrisburg and Canton. The long fight is over for Kyah Broders and Michelle Jensen, NOPE board members. A new state prison will not be built on this Department of Corrections-owned land near their homes. Nothing has really set in yet, other than Im over the moon that the legislators and our governor obviously brought forth this whole reset process, said Broders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former mayor back in court for triple homicide It was a big day yesterday and it does it feels great to know that all this hard work all this time, the efforts that it is actually paying off, said Jensen. The two are part of a group of friends and neighbors who got together and made their voices heard. The group formed a non profit, grew to 12 hundred members, lobbied lawmakers, raised legal funds, educated themselves and fought hard. This battle was tough; it was emotionally draining. It was time-consuming. I mean, we all have jobs during the day, said Jensen. Its clear to them that improvements need to be made in the prison system, but the process needs to remain open. Both Broders and Jensen applaud lawmakers and the new governor, Larry Rhoden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its been a more transparent process, which is how I think all facts of the government should work, said Jensen. And they are grateful to the hundreds of people who made their opposition to the proposed prison effective. Its definitely been a group effort, its amazing to know that you can make a difference with your voice but you have to get involved and you have to stay involved, said Broders. Locations in the Mitchell and Worthing areas are possible spots for a future DOC facility or facilities. The task force has also endorsed the possibility of building at current department facilities, which include locations in Sioux Falls and Springfield. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NORTH ADAMS, Mass. (WWLP) A Berkshire County jury found a North Adams man guilty Wednesday in the 2019 rape of a three-year-old child. Springfield Police SVU arrest man in connection with rape and kidnapping According to the Berkshire District Attorneys Office, 29-year-old Austin Miller-Robinson, of 333 Walnut Street in North Adams, was convicted on child rape charges in Berkshire Superior Court Wednesday. Austin Miller-Robinson (Courtesy of Berkshire District Attorneys Office) The charges, which include Aggravated Rape of a Child with Force and Rape and Abuse of a Child Aggravated by Age Difference, stem from an incident that took place on July 4, 2019, when Miller-Robinson was 23 years old. According to prosecutors, Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aggravated Rape of a Child with Force carries a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years Rape and Abuse of a Child Aggravated by Age Difference carries a minumum mandatory sentence of 10 years While we are pleased with todays verdict, it brings to light the horrific abuse that exists in the fringes of society. This guilty verdict provides a measure of justice for an innocent child who endured unimaginable harm at the hands of an adult. It is my hope that today begins the process of closure for the victims family and an opportunity for healing and moving forward, stated District Attorney Shugrue. Shugrue also recognized the work of his offices Child Abuse Unit, which led the prosecution. I also want to recognize the immense dedication of the Berkshire District Attorneys Office Child Abuse Unit, he said. The prosecution of child abuse day in and day out is incredibly difficult. Their commitment to bringing justice on behalf of their young victims is admirable work that few can handle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sentencing is scheduled for June 11 at Berkshire Superior Court. More details about the sentencing will be released following the hearing. 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. NEWTON, N.C. (AP) A North Carolina judge ordered Thursday that a defendant accused in last weekend's shootings at a house party that left one person dead and 11 others injured stay in jail while awaiting trial on other matters. The decision came the day after another judge had set a $200,000 bond for Garon Nathaniel Killian, 20, of Lenoir, who is charged with one count of attempted first-degree murder related to the shootings. Prosecutors on Wednesday had asked that no bond be allowed. Killian had not posted the amount to be released. On Thursday, when Killian had a court date for charges involving a different altercation in April, District Court Judge Scott Conrad revoked a combined $100,000 bond that had been set previously for Killian for the April matters, according to the Catawba County Clerk of Courts office and court documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators of the shootings that happened early Sunday believe at least 80 shots were fired in a crime scene that spanned several properties along a road in the usually quiet residential neighborhood. FBI agents spent this week at the scene examining bullet trajectories. The Catawba County Sheriff's Office has said that beyond Killian five other people have been arrested and charged with crimes in connection with the party or shootings, and that authorities were seeking on Thursday two other men also wanted on attempted first-degree murder. Giving Killian on Wednesday the chance to post bond had angered local law enforcement leaders. Hickory city police announced previously that Killian and another young man had been charged with many counts including attempted first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill for an April 6 altercation in a parking lot that led to shots being fired into a crowd. No one was injured. Catawba Sheriff Don Brown said on Wednesday at a media briefing that while Killian was freed by posting bond several days later he should have never went back on the street," and called the situation frustrating and infuriating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shawn Patrick Hood, 58, of Lenoir, was killed in last weekend's gunfire. He was the oldest of the victims, who ranged in age from as young as 16, the sheriffs office said. The sheriff's office said Thursday that Zachary Micheal Bates, 22, of Morganton, and Ke'andre O'neal Mack, 19, of Hickory, were among those arrested and charged with attempted first-degree murder. The Clerk of Court's Office said late Thursday that it didn't immediately have information about Bates, such as an attorney. Mack's arrest was announced after the regular closing of the clerk's office, where an after-hours message couldn't be left. Two of the other three people arrested so far were charged with three counts of helping someone under age 21 by allowing the possession of alcoholic beverages. The charges are related to the planning and promotion of the house party, the sheriffs office said. There were many juvenile or underage attendees at the party, the state Division of Alcohol Law Enforcement said Wednesday. The other person arrested was charged with being an accessory to attempted first-degree murder after the fact, the sheriff's office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ___ This story has been corrected to say that District Court Judge Scott Conrad revoked a combined $100,000 bond previously allowed for Garon Nathaniel Killian in different matters that began in April, according to the Catawba County Clerk of Courts office and court documents. North Dakota Highway Patrol Lt. Jenna Clawson Huibregtse, right, special programs coordinator for safety and education for the department, speaks next to Phil Packineau, left, public safety administrator for the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation, on new alerts being added to the state's emergency system during the Government-to-Government Conference on June 5, 2025. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor) Members of North Dakota law enforcement updated the public on new alerts that will go into effect Aug. 1 to help locate members of Native communities and other adults who are reported missing. During the seventh annual Government-to-Government conference in Bismarck on Thursday, a member of the state Highway Patrol outlined how the feather and missing, endangered alerts will be added to the already established Amber, Silver and Blue Alert systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement North Dakota Highway Patrol Lt. Jenna Clawson Huibregtse, special programs coordinator for safety and education for the department, said Feather Alerts will specifically be used for missing members of the Indigenous community. The phone blast, as we call it, or when we wake you up at 3 a.m. on your cellphone, we try not to, but when someones life is in danger, were going to do it, Clawson Huibregtse said. That piece will only be used in abduction cases. She added website, social media, electronic billboards and media releases will be used in Feather Alert cases not involving abduction or threats of bodily harm. To get that word out, thats the most important piece is galvanizing the public to help us find somebody, she said. Once alerts are issued to the public, the person is usually found within a couple of hours, she said. Phil Packineau, public safety administrator for the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation, said MHA has an emergency response agreement with state law enforcement to assist tribal law enforcement, if the need ever arises. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve identified numerous resources that we can bring to bear when there is somebody missing and that includes Highway Patrol, Packineau said. He added Highway Patrol has been able to deploy its airplane with infrared capability within 45 minutes of being notified of a missing person. Gary Delorme, assistant U.S. Attorney for North Dakota, said of the 86 missing persons reports from tribal lands in North Dakota this year, 83 of those individuals have been found so far. Delorme praised the tribal relationship with local and state law enforcement despite some tense times, like during the protests that erupted in 2016 and 2017 over the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline north of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation in rural Morton County. Even after DAPL, and everything that kind of soured a little bit in the Standing Rock area, when weve had missing persons, weve called Morton County and they said they could gather six to seven deputies and send them down. Its really that kind of a close relationship, Delorme said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clawson Huibregtse said a Missing, Endangered Persons Alert will also be added to the states system Aug. 1 that will focus on abducted individuals between 18 to 65 years old. Right now in the alert system from 18 years old to 65, if you are abducted or your life is in serious danger of bodily harm or death, there is not an alert type that serves you right now, she said. Clawson Huibregtse cited examples of Savanna LaFontaine-Greywind, Dru Sjodin and Sherry Arnold who went missing over the last 25 years, but law enforcement did not have a direct alert message system to notify the public of their disappearances. So, it will now. The missing, endangered persons alert will do that, she said. North Dakota Rep. Jayme Davis, D-Rolette, discusses a bill draft with a colleague on Oct. 23, 2023, during the special legislative session. (Kyle Martin/For the North Dakota Monitor) She said the Amber Alert is used to notify the public when a child 17 years old or younger is abducted. Clawson Huibregtse added that about 90% of Amber Alerts in the state are issued to locate missing Native children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats not just Native American kids that are on tribal lands, thats across the state from Bismarck, Fargo, et cetera, she said. I always want to relay that statistic because it is kind of a staggering statistic because that is a really high representation in the Amber Alerts program. Silver Alerts, she said, are not just for missing people aged 65 and older, but also people with functional and mental impairment or developmental disabilities. Blue Alerts are issued to notify the public of a suspect search for a person who attempts, or succeeds, to injure, harm or kill a law enforcement officer, including federal and tribal officers. House Bill 1535, sponsored by Rep. Jayme Davis, D-Rolette, created the new alerts and passed both legislative chambers with overwhelming support, 74-17 in the House and 45-1 in the Senate. The bill was signed into law by Gov. Kelly Armstrong on May 2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Christina Wolff, R-Minot, pushed back against the Feather Alert bill during debate on the House floor, saying too many alerts reduces their effectiveness. This is a feel good bill that does not guarantee to help the situation, but will absolutely dilute the effectiveness of our current alert systems, Wolff said on May 1. This article has been corrected to attribute some information to Gary Delorme, assistant U.S. Attorney for North Dakota. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Chairman Jamie Azure delivers an address during the seventh annual Government-to-Government Conference for tribal and state leaders. (Mary Steurer/North Dakota Monitor) North Dakota tribal leaders highlighted uncertainty in federal funding, frustrations with the state Legislature and future economic development projects Wednesday during the states seventh annual Government-to-Government Conference. The annual event brings leaders of the five tribal nations that share geography with North Dakota together with state officials to share updates, network and discuss common problems facing their communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were strong, strong people and were getting back to that mindset of pridefulness, Jamie Azure, tribal chair for the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, said during his address. Azure said development projects in the pipeline for Turtle Mountain involve a retail center, movie theater, bowling alley and more. The conference was started by former Gov. Doug Burgum during his first term in office. Burgum is credited with improving relations between the tribes and the state government, which were at a low point when he took office in 2016. Gov. Kelly Armstrong, who succeeded Burgum in December, called continuing the conference a no brainer. We need the collaboration of our tribal partners if we want North Dakota as a state to truly succeed, Armstrong said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like Turtle Mountain, officials from the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate celebrated several new business opportunities coming to the Lake Traverse Reservation. Economic development is not about money, said Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Tribal Secretary Curtis Bissonette. Spirit Lake Nation Chairperson Lonna Jackson-Street speaks during North Dakotas annual Government-to-Government Conference for tribal and state leaders at the Bismarck Event Center. (Mary Steurer/North Dakota Monitor) Its about freedom, dignity and the ability to care for one another across generations, he said. We are not waiting on permission to act. Tribal leaders on Wednesday each expressed a degree of anxiety about federal programs. Native tribes receive services from the U.S. government in areas as wide-ranging as law enforcement, healthcare and land management. Native officials are worried about the impact of President Donald Trumps sweeping cuts to federal spending. Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation Chairman Mark Fox said that if the federal government wants to stop funding tribes, it needs to help them maintain a financial infrastructure that allows them to to survive and thrive economically. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you take that away, then youre going to cause dependency to exist for the next 100 to 1,000 years, he said. During her address, Standing Rock Chairwoman Janet Alkire shared some of her tribes continuing efforts to collaborate with the federal government on land, energy and infrastructure issues. She said after several years of negotiating with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Standing Rock last year entered into a co-stewardship agreement for Dakota Prairie National Grasslands within the boundaries of the reservation, for example. These milestones may seem small, but it gives our people the opportunity to participate and have a voice, when once our voice was taken, Alkire said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said she is also serving on a tribal advisory committee for the U.S. Department of the Interior under Burgums leadership. Standing Rock leaders also provided updates on a wind farm project to improve energy infrastructure in southern North Dakota. They hope to finance it in part from a loan from the U.S. Department of Energy, though they said federal staff cuts threaten the program. Alkire said she has asked Burgum if the program can be rehoused under the Department of the Interior. Tribal leaders also had much to say about the state government. Azure during his address played two video clips from this years legislative session of state lawmakers questioning the integrity of Turtle Mountains plans to build a casino and resort in Grand Forks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One was of Sen. Diane Larson, R-Bismarck, who during one floor session said the source of the tribes financing was murky and might come from cartels. (Larson apologized for her remarks later that floor session.) Azure also played a clip of Rep. Lawrence Klemin, R-Bismarck, who dismissed the project and compared it to a Chinese companys failed plans to build a corn milling plant near the Air Force base in Grand Forks. Klemin said he no longer trusts economic development projects associated with Grand Forks. He later told The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead his comments werent directed to the tribe. Azure said the comments were insulting to the tribe and called on the statehouse to do better. At the end of the day the mindset has to change, because we cant go back here every two years and show videos like this, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spirit Lake Nation Chairperson Lonna Jackson-Street urged the state to reinstate the motor vehicle excise tax exemption for tribal members living off reservation. Only tribal members who live on reservations receive the tax exemption under a law change adopted by the state Legislature in 2023. Jackson-Street said a large portion of Spirit Lake members live outside the Spirit Lake Reservation due in part to the federal governments illegal taking of tribal land under the Dawes Act of 1887, and now must pay thousands of dollars more in taxes on vehicle purchases. She also said the tribe has continued to take a hit because of North Dakotas burgeoning electronic pull tab industry, which has taken business away from the Spirit Lake Casino. Were trying to establish new businesses within our community to supplement what our casino lost because of e-tabs, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the North Dakota legislative session, Native lawmakers supported a bill that would have required the Legislature to consult tribes on policies that would affect their communities. Proponents of the bill, which failed in the Senate, noted that the statehouse passed laws that allowed for the proliferation of gambling without speaking with North Dakota tribes that rely on casino revenue. For the future, as a tribal leader and whoever may step into these shoes, its important you know that our government works with tribes on consultation, Jackson-Street told the audience on Wednesday. Attendees of North Dakotas seventh annual Government-to-Government Conference, an annual summit for tribal and state government leaders, listen to a presentation by Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Archivist and Curator Tamara St. James. (Mary Steurer/North Dakota Monitor) Armstrong in his speech Wednesday applauded the state Legislature for passing House Bill 1199, which requires the state to create a task force dedicated to reducing the number of missing or murdered Indigenous people in the state. Armstrong said while he was in Congress he worked on Savannas Act, which seeks to improve the federal response to the same issue. Armstrong said he thinks the Savannas Act is good legislation but that he thinks House Bill 1199 will be more impactful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats a perfect example of how you dont solve those problems in Washington, D.C., he said. This is solved on Main Street across rural North Dakota. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The North Korean frigate that rolled over and was partially submerged during its botched launch ceremony last month is now floating on its own, a new satellite image shows. It is the latest sign of progress after a mishap that embarrassed North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, who attended the ceremony. This roughly fits in with North Koreas initial estimate that it would take 10-odd days to restore the warships side. Kim Jong Uns instructions to restore the unnamed Choi-Hyun class ship before the end of June have been met with skepticism, 38 North, a website devoted to the analysis of North Korea, noted on Thursday. Commercial satellite imagery shows workers at the port in Chongjin have taken a significant step towards that goal. In the new image, captured by Planet Labs, the vessel can be seen moored in the middle of O-Hang harbor, away from the dock where it rolled into the water on May 21. There are two smaller vessels just off its starboard side and several more a bit further away on the port side. From the quality of the image, it is difficult to determine the level of damage the ship incurred after being partially underwater for more than two weeks. The ship was turned upright earlier this week, which you can read more about in our report here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The image shows that North Korea has successfully completed initial salvage operations, according to the latest analysis by Beyond Parallel, a project within the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). As best can be presently determined, the vessel may be listing slightly to port, numerous small marine salvage balloons are visible alongside and aboard the vessel, and what appears to be a large lift bag or temporary ramp is visible on the slide slipway, Beyond Parallel posited. The slight listing and presence of the balloons suggest that the salvage operation is not complete, with continued pumping, stabilization, and refurbishment operations remaining. It remains unclear whether the vessel will remain at the Hambuk Shipyard at Chongjin or be moved to another shipyard for this work, fitting-out, and subsequent commissioning. An overview image of the successfully raised second Choi-Hyun class vessel at the Hambuk Shipyard in O-Hang harbor, June 5, 2025. (Copyright by Planet. Image may not be republished without permission/CSIS Beyond Parallel.) Beyond Parallel could not ascertain from the image how badly the ship was damaged. Those are great questions, but not ones we can answer right now with the limited resolution of the image, Jennifer Jun, Associate Fellow for Imagery Analysis at CSIS, told us. Well continue to monitor for better collects in the coming days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a press conference on Thursday, a spokesman for the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff said that additional repair work on the ship is in progress. However, he did not elaborate on whether Kims demand that the frigate be restored by the time the next Party Central Committee meeting is held later this month will be met. This goal is outright questionable, if not impossible to meet. Further analysis is needed, such as whether a change has occurred in the warships keel, according to South Koreas Yonhap News Agency. The North Korean warship inclined at the Chongjin port returned to an upright position earlier this week and additional (restoration) efforts are believed to be in progress, Col. Lee Sung-jun, spokesperson for the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), told a regular press briefing, Yonhap reported. Both South Korean and U.S. intelligence authorities are closely monitoring activities at the Chongjin port and the nearby area. The vessel, which has an estimated displacement of 5,000 tons, is the second in its Choi Hyun class, following the Choi Hyon. That ship was officially unveiled in April. You can read all about the heavily armed class of frigates in our previous detailed analysis and follow-up report. The heavily armed Choi Hyon is the sister ship of the frigate that is now floating after being partially submerged in a launch ceremony mishap last month. (KCNA) Earlier this week, a satellite image showed that second vessel finally upright, but still at the dock and covered in blue tarps. You can catch up with our story about that here. As we noted in that story, an analysis by 38 North showed the efforts North Korea was taking to right the vessel. This is quite incredible speed. The image is partially obscured by cloud, but the capsized North Korean warship is now upright again. What makes it even more impressive is they apparently did it all manually. : Airbus Space and Defence/38 North, June 2www.38north.org/2025/06/quic Martyn Williams (@martynw.bsky.social) 2025-06-03T18:28:44.771Z 38 North suggested that the launch mechanism may have become stuck in the ships bow, pinning it onto the land while the stern slipped into the water, after which the boat overturned. In the May 29 imagery, there appeared to be damage around the bow section. That is in stark contrast to North Koreas initial claim that the vessel was unharmed a dubious, if not implausible assertion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In our previous report, we noted that there is not a dry dock that the vessel could be moved into readily at Chongjin if major repair work is required. However, now that the ship is floating, it could be easier to take it to a facility that can fix major hull damage. Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com SEOUL (Reuters) -North Korea has launched a warship that was damaged in May upon its attempted first launch, state media KCNA reported on Friday. After restoring the balance of the 5,000-tonne destroyer earlier in June, it was launched on Thursday and is now moored at a pier, KCNA said. Experts will examine the hull for the next stage of restorations, to be carried out at Rajin Dockyard for 7-10 days, KCNA said. The ship's full restoration is expected to be completed before a ruling party meeting this month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who had witnessed the initial failed launch of the destroyer, had excoriated the accident as caused by "carelessness" that tarnished national dignity, and he ordered the ship restored before the party meeting. ((Reporting by Joyce Lee; Editing by Leslie Adler)) GIRARD, Ohio (WKBN) A North Lima man answered to charges in a fatal crash last November. Joshua Johnston, 37, is charged with aggravated vehicular homicide, a third-degree felony, and vehicular assault, a fourth-degree felony, as well as failure to yield and a seatbelt violation. Charges against Joshua Johnston were filed March 26 in Girard Municipal Court, and he was arraigned on Wednesday. Johnston was driving a 2017 Ford Fusion southbound on Warner Road on Nov. 10, 2024, when he failed to yield to a 2022 Subaru Crosstrek traveling eastbound on state Route 82, according to a report from the Ohio State Highway Patrol. The force of the crash pushed the Fusion off the road and into a ditch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A passenger, Miranda Zullo, 35 of Youngstown, was pronounced dead at the scene. Another passenger, 13-year-old Myle Johnston from Struthers, was transported to the hospital with serious injuries. She has since been released from the ICU, and her mother said she is doing much better. Johnston has been incarcerated at the Belmont Correctional Institution after he was sentenced in December to a year in prison for breaking into the Smith Township home of his ex-girlfriend. He is set to be released from prison on November 17. Johnston is set to appear in court again for a preliminary hearing in his crash case on July 2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kristen Hephner and 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. HONOLULU (KHON2) North Shore community members shared their thoughts on a proposal to build a gondola on Mount Kaala at a community meeting on June 3. Has Sams Club stopped shipping online orders to Hawaii? The plan has been proposed by a Canadian businessman who owns thousands of acres of agricultural land in Waialua, which is currently used for cattle ranching, forestry and crop production. The developer wants to build an aerial tramway and a motorized zipline, as well as several other activities. If approved, the attraction would run over 8,000 feet and require eight support towers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That mauna there looks over us and protects us and now this is our opportunity to protect her, said North Shore resident TJ Cuaresma. You come in and do things like what this developer is trying to do, its going to destroy it. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You In a statement, Mark Taylor, general manager of Kaukonahua Ranch, where the development is proposed, said the ranch welcomes community input. Taylor also highlighted the permits requirements to fulfill conditions in the build. Taylor also mentioned the economic impact of the ranch, saying that development will create more local jobs and foster community partnerships and opportunities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kaukonahua Ranch also mentioned their commitment to the land in their statement. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news We are committed to being good community stewards for Kaukonahua Ranch. We are focused on enhancing our cattle ranching and crop-growing operations, the reforestation of native trees and creating an agricultural-based model that is in keeping with the rural qualities, unique country feeling and agricultural history of the North Shore, the statement said in part. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. On Tuesday, a Dallas man was sentenced to 26 months in federal prison in a hate crime case in which he was accused of threatening members of a Sikh nonprofit organization because of their religion. Bhushan Athale, 49, pleaded guilty to one count of interfering with federally protected activities and one count of transmitting an interstate threat, in an agreement with prosecutors late last year, according to a U.S. Department of Justice news release. On two occasions, from his home in Texas he called members of a Sikh nonprofit organization in New Jersey that advocates for Sikh civil rights, the criminal complaint stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Sept. 17, 2022, Athale called one member of the nonprofit multiple times, leaving seven voicemails threatening Sikhs with violence. He threatened to shave off her and other Sikhs top and bottom hair with a razor and called members of the religious group by profane names and other insults, according to the criminal complaint authorities wrote when the charges were filed. On March 22, 2024, the nonprofit again reported that Athale called from the same phone number and left two voicemails, expressing his hatred for Sikhs and Muslims with violent, sexual phrases, the press release stated. Athale had previously sent emails to a Muslim coworker in November 2021, explicitly stating that he hated Pakistan and Muslims, according to the criminal complaint. He had tried to message the coworker 345 times as of January 2022. In a telephone interview with law enforcement in February 2022, the criminal complaint stated, Athale told investigators that he hated Muslims because they ruined India. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In many of his voicemails to the Sikh nonprofit, he also referenced Khalistan, a theoretical country that a subsect of separatist Sikhs are in favor of creating, according to the complaint. Athale questioned members of the nonprofit numerous times about where they would be creating the country. The case was investigated by agents with the FBIs Philadelphia Field Office. Along with the sentence of over two years in prison, U.S. District Judge Edward Kiel in Camden, New Jersey, sentenced Athale to three years of supervised release and told him to not contact the victims of his crimes. WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) After heavy thunderstorms swept through parts of Texoma yesterday evening, several residents are still cleaning up debris and broken limbs, branches, and even entire trees. Groundsman Michael Ibarra of North Texas Tree Experts said that taking proper care of your trees and keeping them healthy can help you avoid incurring significant expenses. Lightning strike to blame for power outages, KFDX/KJTL off air Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many residents throughout Wichita Falls were out assessing damage from the storms last night, including Mary Lee. During the storm last night, I was sitting in my bedroom, which used to be the garage, and there were just more of a lightning and thunder and next thing I know, big crash, and it crashed into my car, Lee said. Due to the trees size, Lee decided to call in some help from North Texas Tree Experts. This tree right here just fell over this car, so we had to, like, rig it up and make sure its not going to cause no more damage on the car. And, like, just cut it like, specifically. So I dont like, damage the car no more, Ibarra said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Lee and Ibarra said the first step to prevent this kind of damage is knowing what kind of trees are in your yard. Its a mulberry tree. And those trees dont live 20 to 25 years because they rot from the inside. So I think thats what happened. Its just that one part of the tree just came down on the car, Lee said. These mulberries are not really good trees. But trees also, like, a lot of, like, dead. Theres also, like, breakage in it before it actually happens, like that part. So you just gotta, like, watch out for that. Like the right the rotting in it, Ibarra said. Keeping an eye on that breakage in the tree and acting on it as soon as possible could prevent not only damage to your property, but also to your life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Click here for more information on North Texas Tree Experts. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Electricity pylons (Photo by Getty Images). NorthWestern Energy electric customers will pay another $17.07 a month on average on their electric bills compared to their current payments with a rate increase the utility instated without regulatory approval. The increase is legal, but its also the first time the monopoly has taken advantage of a statute that allows it to impose a new rate after an application has been pending, said Public Service Commission President Brad Molnar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were not allowed to stop it, Molnar said this week. The Public Service Commission regulates monopoly utilities, and in July 2024, NorthWestern Energy filed an application with the agency requesting rate increases. A hearing will start on Monday, June 9. However, Molnar said a statute adopted nearly 50 years ago gives NorthWestern Energy the right to increase rates on its own after nine months have passed since applying for an increase, and a spokesperson for the utility said it has been transparent that it would move forward with the option if necessary. The monopoly utility announced the 16.87% rate increase, an equivalent of $205 a year, in advance of the hearing this month on its upcoming rate case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NorthWestern Energy blamed its decision on stalled action by the Public Service Commission, but Molnar said the utility set up an impossible schedule from the start, including rolling five separate issues into one application, and it should stop pointing fingers. The Montana Free Press first reported the self-determined increase. NorthWestern spokesperson Jo Dee Black said this week the higher rates are temporary until the PSC sets rates. In the meantime, she said NorthWestern needs to shore up finances. In this case, its better for customers, we believe, if the rate increases are gradual, Black said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before it adopted its own increase, NorthWestern Energy had requested the PSC approve a smaller, interim increase, as part of a partial settlement. However, NorthWestern said it would move ahead with its original request if the PSC didnt respond by May 1. As a result of the Commissions failure to timely grant the unopposed motion, NorthWesterns as-filed electric rates become effective as a matter of law on May 23, 2025, the utility wrote in a memo. Black said the PSC took 14 months to make a decision in two recent cases, and the national average is around nine months. She said the prolonged review is creating significant financial challenges for NorthWestern. Molnar, though, said the utility needed multiple attempts to even file an application that met minimum standards, it hasnt answered questions in a timely fashion, and it included multiple issues in one case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said that approach means more work for a small staff, more intervenors, and more questions. They are playing the victim, Molnar said. They are casting aspersions. They are being derogatory towards my staff. The Public Service Commission oversees monopoly utilities in Montana and is charged with ensuring just rates for consumers and a fair return for private companies. Molnar said the rates are in place until the PSC makes a final ruling on the case after the upcoming hearing which Black said may not be until the fall. If the PSC finds that NorthWestern is taking too much money from customers, Molnar said it has to pay back the amount deemed an overage plus 10%, and he questioned why NorthWestern would take that risk if it was in such dire straits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Black said it wasnt an easy decision, but the financial health and strain on cash flow tipped the balance. Molnar also questioned how the PSC could take action on the smaller interim rate NorthWestern had submitted since the facts in the case remain in dispute. It is time for them to grow up and quit playing the victim and actually take responsibility for their actions, Molnar said. Although Molnar had strong words for NorthWestern and offered to debate their spokesperson and CEO Brian Bird on talk radio he also said decisions about their case would be made based on the facts, not on emotion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also said his job is different than NorthWestern Energys. They have one legal obligation, Molnar said. And they have only one party to serve that, by law, is their investors. They owe nothing to the ratepayers. The Public Service Commission is elected to represent the people of Montana, to represent all ratepayers, and to represent the utility, and to treat all fairly and without bias. The rate case is scheduled to be heard June 9 to 20, although Molnar said this week the time period could be extended based on witness availability. However, Molnar said the increase will hit lower- to middle-income earners hard, such as people living in an older mobile home without modern insulation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said people who are all-electric going into the cooling season will see much higher increases than $20 or so a month. This will be crushing to many low-income people, many of whom are simply elderly, that are being handed their butts every day in property tax increases, in utilities, insurance for their houses, insurance for their cars. You name it, Molnar said. This is a very, very bad time to be a poor person, and this will make it worse. Black, though, said the PSC is hurting NorthWestern Energy by not approving the rate increases it needs. At the end of 2024, she said, the PSC lowered electric rates by 7.45% instead of temporarily increasing them 1.89% as the utility had requested in its original application. That interim rate decrease has put NorthWestern Energys financial health at risk, Black said in an email. In NorthWestern Energys most recent earnings call at the end of April, its leaders reported a solid first quarter, a very, very attractive dividend yield, and significant growth potential in the future. It is the truth that dare not speak its name. The daily reality for millions of people in this country. Britain is changing before our very eyes. And, for years, our two-faced leaders have been pretending it isnt happening. Even now, as the Prime Minister throws off the cosy blanket of immigration denial and embraces the brave new world of smashing the gangs and strangers in our own land, I get the feeling that Westminster still doesnt get it. Countless politicians continually pitch up on TV programmes and radio shows branding anyone who wants to safeguard our borders as far-Right. Just this week, when newly elected Reform MP Sarah Pochin dared to ask during PMQs whether our illustrious leader might consider banning the burqa, a collective groan rose from the Chamber. There was also a sharp intake of breath as the incumbents of the Commons realised just what exactly was going on. Of course Sir Keir Starmer refused to even consider answering the question. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Along with the majority of MPs he finds such questions all rather distasteful. They would rather declare war on Russia than admit that immigration has changed the fabric of our country forever. Never before have our elected representatives been so out of touch with the British public. They have been gaslighting us for years. Boris Johnson supported globalism and immigration. He never really meant it when he promised to reduce net migration. Theresa May was useless whenever she went to negotiate with Brussels on freedom of movement. And when she tried to create a hostile environment for illegals, she was painted as some kind of cross between Attila the Hun and Pol Pot. No government has been truly honest with the electorate about immigration. Time after time we have been told not to be bigoted. Weve been encouraged to embrace a multicultural society. Weve learned that kebab shops and Turkish barbers are enriching our society. After all, diversity did build Britain, didnt it? And its our greatest strength, isnt it? Well now the chickens have truly come home to roost. Ive been telling my audience at Talk for years that mass immigration which has allowed millions of people to come and settle here in the past decade or two is unsustainable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And this week that same audience has signalled that enough is enough. Entire towns, cities and neighbourhoods have been transformed and not for the better. But does your MP care? Does your local council worry about what might be happening? We have come a very long way from the time when local administrations from John OGroats to Lands End decided it would be a great idea to rename the local High Street Nelson Mandela Way. Now, thanks to a fascinating study by Professor Matt Goodwin, we know that the effect of mass immigration on this country means that we are losing our identity. According to Goodwin, white British people will become a minority by 2063. The foreign born and their children will be a majority by 2079. And, incredibly, roughly one in five people will be Muslim by the year 2100. This news should come as no surprise to anyone who has been listening to Talk since 2015. Visit parts of Birmingham, Rochdale, Blackburn, Manchester, Sheffield and Leeds: what you will find are communities which are not British. English is not spoken as a first language by many. British mores of conduct, behaviour and politeness have gone out the window. And yet, despite what we see before our very eyes, our politicians are busy trying to convince us that this is all good. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heaven forbid you should question government policy. Make no mistake; the Tories were no better than this current lot. In fact, on their watch, immigrants became ever more bold in their attempts to come here. No one with a brain will think that immigration is all bad. Of course there are brilliant things that different people from all round the globe bring to a country like Britain. We can wax lyrical about amazing restaurants, cool festivals, convenient food delivery and the joy of learning about different cultures. But please, dont pee down my back and pretend that its raining. There is a world of difference between people who come here to make a new life for themselves and those who are connected to criminal gangs. There can never be a justification for welcoming young men who brandish swords and machetes in our high streets. And families who arrive on our shores while refusing to integrate or learn our language should not be welcome in our future. The gaslighting is over. The die is cast. If we do not reverse the current state of play on our borders, we wont make it to the next century. Mike Graham presents Morning Glory every weekday morning from 6-10am on Talk 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. Jun. 5The helicopter that crashed on the North Slope on Wednesday received a special weather clearance before taking off, federal officials say. The pilot and sole passenger were killed in the crash, which occurred 25 to 30 miles southwest of Deadhorse, according to a statement from the North Slope Borough. The Robinson R-66 helicopter was operated by Pollux Aviation. A company pilot was behind the controls, along with a passenger from a private company that had contracted the helicopter to conduct wildlife surveys, according to Clint Johnson, Alaska chief with the National Transportation Safety Board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The helicopter took off from Deadhorse around 10:30 or 10:40 a.m., Johnson said. Pollux lost contact with its tracking signal just before 11 a.m., he said. The company contacted the Rescue Coordination Center, which contacted the NTSB, triggering a search by the North Slope Borough Search and Rescue Department, officials said. The search and rescue team confirmed the fatalities. The pilot and passenger have not been officially identified. A North Slope Borough spokesperson on Thursday said there was no new information she could release. Johnson described the topography in the area of the crash as "snow-covered, flat featureless terrain." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said the pilot had received what's known as a Special Visual Flight Rules clearance. The clearance is commonly used, especially in rural Alaska, to land in low ceilings or visibility. Authorized by a national Federal Aviation Administration rule, it gives pilots the option of relying on what they can see, rather than cockpit instruments, to fly in and out of airports in deteriorating weather. The last contact that controllers had with the Pollux pilot Wednesday was when he flew out of the specific zone where the clearance applied, Johnson said. The NTSB will be investigating the weather conditions in the area of the crash, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As far as visibility, other aircraft were operating. Our intent is to figure out in real time what was going on weather-wise," Johnson said. Investigators with the agency plan to conduct an initial on-scene investigation, and then transport the wreckage back to a secure area either in Deadhorse or at Prudhoe Bay, Johnson said. Jun. 5SUPERIOR The number of police reports generated at Superior schools and a peek at what the 2025-2026 school year budget could look like were discussed at the Superior School Board Committee of the Whole meeting Monday, June 2. Superior police officers Matt Swanson, the school resource officer at Superior Middle School and Amanda Mundell, resource officer at Superior High School, told board members the overall number of incidents reported in the school district fell from the prior school year. Reported incidents cover everything from officers stopping for a community policing visit to truancy and arrests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At most elementary schools, incident numbers stayed steady, Swanson said. The number of incidents at Bryant Elementary School increased from 12 in the 2023-2024 school year to 30 in 2024-2025. That was due to an increase in community policing traffic details in the area, Swanson said. At Superior Middle School, the number of reported incidents fell from 176 to 115. Part of that was due to the fact that Swanson, who was the district's only school resource officer for part of the year, didn't have time to write up as many truancy warnings. "We also had a ton less fights," Swanson said. "It wasn't a huge problem last year, but this year we had almost none." A growing problem at the middle school is pornography and marijuana vaping incidents, according to the officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Kids with cellphones have got 4K cameras now and so we had five pornography cases where pictures got spread around that shouldn't," Swanson said. "And we also had a few more drug incidents than before. That was still only six, but I think it's all THC vapes. It's so easy to get those things into schools now." Swanson described one incident where a student used another student's THC vaping device and got so sick they had to go home. "So we're seeing stuff like that and it's scary. They don't even smell now. If we suspect it, some kids in the bathroom, we go in immediately after them and there's not even a smell. But then when they get searched a little bit later and we find one on them, it's scary. (We're) still trying to find the best way to tackle that," the officer said. There were 268 incidents reported at Superior High School through June 2, including 16 adult and 91 juvenile arrests. The majority of the incidents were truancy citations, Mundell said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last school year, 317 incidents were reported and 26 adults and 99 students were arrested. Mundell started at Superior High School full-time in April. "I have generated 54 calls in the last 36 days of school. Twenty-four of those were arrests," Mundell said. Of those, 20 arrests were for truancy, two were for fighting, one was for damage to property and one was for vaping. Director of Business Services David See gave board members a rundown of how current state funding formulas, reductions in equalization aid and declining enrollment could affect the district's budget for the 2025-2026 school year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Taxes are going to go up unless something changes at the state level," See said. The district is expecting a $2 million reduction in revenue, to be balanced out by a reduction in expenses, according to the most current information. About $700,000 of that is due to a change in state law regarding property tax adjustment. "The past two years they put that outside the revenue limit so when they do that, that's just money, it's cash in our pocket ... they're putting it right back inside the revenue limit. We just lost $700,000. Just like that," See said. He cautioned that the numbers are estimates, and will change. The district has until October to complete the final budget, which will be affected by the state's 2025-2027 biennial budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement District Administrator Amy Starzecki said the estimates were being brought forward because the district has to make staffing decisions by June. "If we were going to eliminate positions or lay anybody off, that had to happen before today because of the statute language. So we have to go off of our best guess as to what our revenue is, which is why we're bringing this to you sooner rather than later," Starzecki said. This story was updated at 2:15 p.m. June 5 with a revised description of the district's budget forecast at the request of a school district representative. It was originally posted at 6:33 a.m. June 5. I went up to the ICU to check on a patient and I saw Sarah, a seasoned nurse Ive worked with for years, juggling six critical patients. Her eyes were tired, her steps hurried, but she still managed a reassuring smile for a frightened family. Between checking IV lines and updating charts, she whispered to me, Im drowning, but I cant let anyone see it. That moment hit me hard. Sarahs dedication keeps our hospital running, but the strain of understaffing is breaking her and countless nurses like her across Indiana. A mother waits hours in an ER for her childs care. A patient faces delays for surgery. Nurses, the backbone of our health care system, are stretched to the limit. They manage unsafe patient loads, earn modest wages and live with the fear that one missed sign or delayed response could cost a life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many are afraid to speak up, silenced by the risk of retaliation. This is a test of Indianas political, institutional and moral priorities. Gov. Mike Braun and hospital leaders need to restore trust among our nurses. Sarah's experience reflects a statewide crisis. The numbers paint a grim picture. Indiana hospitals face a 15% nurse vacancy rate and must train 1,300 additional nurses annually through 2031 just to keep up. Meanwhile, burnout is accelerating. A 2024 survey found that 15% of Indiana nurses plan to leave the profession, citing pay and workload as top concerns. During Nurses Week 2025, frontline caregivers shared stories of chronic understaffing, mental fatigue and a health care culture that treats exhaustion as routine. The pandemic did not cause this. It revealed how fragile the system already was. Braun's budget priorities ignore the crisis Tired, a nurse sits propped against a wall Monday, Sept. 20, 2021, inside Franciscan Health's critical care unit. She's filling out paperwork as fellow nurses and doctors hold their rounds. Leadership has failed to meet the moment. Brauns 2025 budget allocated nothing to address this issue. Instead, it prioritized tax cuts and tighter Medicaid eligibility. Its unclear if policymakers even recognize the crisis for what it is. If they do, they are certainly not treating it like one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brauns signing of House Bill 1004, which requires nonprofit hospitals to reduce pricing by 2029 or risk losing tax-exempt status, was a modest step on pricing but does nothing for workforce stability. No mandate for better pay. No investment in training. No plan for retention. At the same time, the legislature has capped nursing program capacity, bottlenecking the pipeline. Hospital boards continue approving massive executive salaries. IU Healths CEO earned millions while frontline nurses juggle impossible workloads with stagnant pay. IU Health holds $8.5 billion in assets and is building a $4.3 billion campus, yet its staff face critical shortages. A 2023 study directly linked inadequate nurse staffing to higher mortality rates, longer hospital stays and millions in preventable costs. This amounts to institutional neglect. How to fix Indiana's nursing shortage We in Indiana are already paying the price in patient outcomes and a deteriorating standard of care. Strategic investment is essential to safeguard care and retain talent. Even those who voted for Braun likely expect their hospital to be staffed and safe. Indianas leaders must listen to the people who keep the system running and act accordingly. Here is how Indiana can begin to change things: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tie Medicaid funding to safe, patient-centered staffing and fair compensation. Hospitals receiving public funds should commit to care models grounded in safety, not cost cutting. That means fair pay for nurses with regular cost-of-living increases and staffing models that reflect patient needs. Keeping nurses in the profession protects both patients and the system. Cap executive bonuses at nonprofit hospitals that fail to support their workforce. Systems like IU Health, Community Health and Ascension must lead by aligning leadership rewards with staff and patient outcomes; not just financial performance. Invest in nursing education and retention. Raise faculty pay. Expand loan forgiveness. Fully fund a nurse residency program to grow the workforce and retain new graduates in high-need areas. Protect nurses who speak out. Enact strong whistleblower protections so nurses can report unsafe conditions without risking their careers. These actions are necessary, evidence-based and fiscally responsible. Better staffing means fewer errors and healthier communities. When nurses are supported, patients thrive and the entire system becomes more stable. We all have a stake in this issue. Hold hospital systems accountable, not just for the buildings they construct, but also for the people who work inside them. We cannot afford to keep building hospitals while ignoring the people who make health care possible. Braun and hospital leaders must protect the workforce now. Without nurses there is no health care. And without action, there soon wont be enough left to care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Raja Ramaswamy is an Indianapolis-based physician and the author of "You Are the New Prescription." This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana nursing shortage ignored in Mike Braun's budget | Opinion Vinny Spotleson of the Sierra Club speaks at a rally Wednesday protesting NV Energys proposed rate hike. (Screengrab of Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada live feed) NV Energys bid to raise electric rates drew condemnation from customers and support from non-profits that benefit from the largesse of the utilitys charitable foundation at two consumer sessions held Wednesday by the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada. The utility, which provides electricity to most of Nevada, is asking state regulators to approve a revenue increase of $215.7 million that could hike rates by 9% in Southern Nevada. Its also asking to increase shareholder return on equity from 9.5% to 10.25%; level the playing field between rooftop solar and conventional ratepayers; and save low-income Southern Nevadans about $20 a month by eliminating their basic service charge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NV Energy is acting like its so benevolent, Las Vegan Angel DeFazio told the Current of the proposed elimination of the service charge for customers earning less than 150% of the federal poverty level. Theyre not the good guys. Theyre passing it on to us. Theyre just redistributing the cost. But representatives of charitable groups and veterans organizations that receive grants from NV Energy voiced support for the rate hike, as did the Asian Chamber of Commerce and Latin Chamber of Commerce. My business community relies on energy, relies on being able to open their doors and conduct business. That takes an investment. That takes reliability. That is NV Energy, said Peter Guzman, president of the Latin Chamber of Commerce. Guzman said he was not asked by NV Energy to speak on its behalf. The utilitys spokesperson did not respond when asked if NV Energy solicited support from the organizations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Longtime gaming executive and former acting UNLV president Don Snyder, who is currently chairman of the United Way Board of Directors, defended the utilitys bid to raise rates. Snyder said the non-profit touches one in four Nevadans through a variety of services. We are uniquely positioned to understand the needs of our community, particularly our low income individuals and families, Snyder told PUC Commissioner Tammy Cordova, who is presiding over NV Energys rate hike request. Snyder added United Way has a longstanding partnership with NV Energy, its employees, and its foundation, which provides financial grants supporting utility assistance for our low income senior citizens. Others contend now is no time to raise the cost of electricity. Dr. Mary House, co-founder of Caring, Helping & Restoring Lives (CHR), urged the commission to hold NV Energy accountable for energy policies that she says disproportionately affect low-income individuals and families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre sacrificing necessary medicines just to pay their bills. Theyre limiting how much they spend on groceries just to pay their bills, House said, adding many of the families her organization serves pay a disproportionate share of their income toward electricity. House added that she has taken steps to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and increase energy efficiency. But many households, the ones who I represent, dont have the means to even make those changes. House also encouraged the utility to fully refund overpayments of at least $17 million the utility assessed against some 70,000 customers in multi-family units over a 20-year span. Angela Hollimen moved to Las Vegas in 2018. The retiree said although she lives with family, making ends meet remains a struggle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since I moved here, Ive noticed that everythings been going up, she said, adding her family has taken all the recommended steps to reduce energy costs. Were doing what were supposed to do, and questioning whether we should have moved here. Tracy Puckett, another retiree, said she saved and saved to install a $30,000 rooftop solar array on her home. NV Energys efforts to tweak its net metering formula will cost her and other solar customers more, extend the time it takes to recoup their investment, and deter more ratepayers from going solar. I want my investment to mean something. The utilitys request to impose peak usage rates on customers drew protests from ratepayers who say the scheme penalizes working people who are not home to run appliances during hours when the system faces less demand. A customer using 5 kWh would pay $27 more per month, while a customer using 6 kWh would pay $38 more per month, according to data provided by Advanced Energy United, a trade group that represents renewable energy providers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Total usage during the monthly billing period would be irrelevant. Should the PUC turn down the proposal for a peak demand rate, NV Energy wants to increase the basic service charge in Southern Nevada from $18.50 to $24, far less than the projected increase of maximum demand charges. The proposed changes reflect the company and its shareholders best interests and not its customers, Julia Hubbard of Solar United Neighbors (SUN), an organization dedicated to educating ratepayers, said at the consumer session. When someone goes solar, they are not just saving on future utility bills. They are adding infrastructure to the grid on their dime. This proposal doesnt account for their recent mismanagement of customer classifications, resulting in millions of dollars in overcharges, or lack of real progress on their transportation electrification plan and their community solar program, Hubbard said, adding the utility, charged with constructing 120 electric vehicle charging stations, has completed 40. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hubbard said NV Energys plan to change the way it calculates net metering by calculating excess energy returned to the grid every 15 minutes rather than monthly, would reduce the value of rooftop solar and disincentivize investment in a powerful tool that Nevada residents can use to lighten their energy burden while contributing to statewide goals. The change is expected to increase monthly bills for rooftop solar customers by about $11 a month, and would affect customers who apply for net metering after Oct. 1 of this year. The move would delay return on investment for homeowners who install rooftop solar in the future, Hubbard said. People are struggling to pay their energy bills, she said. This is not the time to raise rates. The PUC will hold hearings on NV Energys rate hike request in July. If approved, some of the changes would go into effect Oct. 1, with the demand fee going into effect in April 2026. The sprawling field of Democratic candidates running for New York City mayor this year faced off for the first time in a debate Wednesday and front-runner Andrew Cuomo quickly became a punching bag for his opponents during the chaotic showdown. In one of the first clashes of the night, Zohran Mamdani, who has consistently polled as the runner-up to Cuomo in the June 24 primary, declared he doesnt think its unfair the ex-governor is being criminally investigated by President Trumps Department of Justice over allegations he lied to Congress about his handling of the COVID pandemic. Andrew Cuomo did lie to Congress, Mamdani, a democratic socialist Queens Assembly member, declared. He then added that he doesnt believe Trumps DOJ is interested in pursuing justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cuomo, whose debate appearance marked the first time he has stood side-by-side with his fellow 2025 mayoral candidates, punched back, denying he ever lied before Congress and portraying the DOJ probe as a political ploy by Trump. He then said Mamdanis very good on Twitter but charged he has actually produced nothing. Donald Trump would go through Mr. Mamdani like a hot knife through butter, hes been in government 27 minutes He has no experience with Washington, no experience in New York City he would be Trumps delight, Cuomo said. In addition to Cuomo and Mamdani, Comptroller Brad Lander, City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, ex-Comptroller Scott Stringer, state Sen. Zellnor Myrie and former hedge fund executive Whitney Tilson appeared on stage, as did state Sen. Jessica Ramos and former state Assemblyman Michael Blake, although they havent qualified for the second debate. The debate was held at the NBC studios in Midtown Manhattan and hosted by NBC, Telemundo 47 and Politico. Kids, its grown up time, Stringer said at one point, trying to get a word in during a segment that was supposed to focus on subway safety policies but became a shouting match. Trump a topic Trump came up frequently during the two-hour debate, with moderators pressing the candidates on how they will stand up to the controversial commander-in-chief, particularly on immigration as he seeks to target undocumented New Yorkers for mass deportations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of the candidates were in agreement theres a need to fight Trumps agenda, which has caused widespread anxiety in local immigrant communities and threatened to deprive the city of as much as $10 billion in federal funding for social safety net programs. Myrie, a Brooklyn state senator, offered one potential strategy: Have the city hire far more lawyers dedicated solely to suing the Trump administration and formulating practices for how to block his most controversial policies. But the predominant theme of the debate was Cuomo facing attacks from the eight other candidates, who laced into him on everything from public safety and education to affordable housing production and the ex-governors integrity. Mamdani said Cuomo couldnt be trusted to regulate industries like food delivery apps when a super PAC supporting the ex-govs mayoral run has accepted millions of dollars in donations from those sectors, including $1 million from DoorDash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont care who gave me what, I do what is right, Cuomo fired back. Later, after Cuomo didnt own up to once saying the racially charged term shuck and jive, Mamdani called him so allergic to any accountability or acknowledgement of any mistake that he cant even acknowledge that he said these words. Blake, who is not a competitive candidate at this point, was among the most vocal against Cuomo. In response to a question on subway safety, Blake instead raised the multiple accusations of sexual harassment against Cuomo that sparked his resignation in 2021. The people who dont feel safe are the young women, mothers and grandmothers around Andrew Cuomo, Blake said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cuomo denies the accusations, but said Wednesday he apologizes to anyone he made uncomfortable. The Cuomo pile-on was expected. With significant name recognition in New York, Cuomo has consistently polled as the favorite to win the primary. Speaker Adams took issue with Cuomos decision to not answer a question about what his biggest regrets as a public official are. Really, no regrets? the speaker said, shaking her head after noting that Cuomo at one point as governor cut Medicaid funding. Mamdani faced some broadsides, too, with Tilson calling his democratic socialist policies dangerous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ramos, a progressive, also somewhat surprisingly attacked Mamdani, who has used social media to help build support. Ramos said she regrets not running for mayor in 2021, musing that she thought I needed more experience, but turns out, you just need to make good videos. Cuomo focused most of his attacks against Mamdani, who has cut into the ex-govs lead in some recent polls. Cuomo noted Mamdani has previously supported calls to defund the police and once called former President Barack Obama evil on Twitter. On stage, Mamdani deflected the Obama jab, but afterward, he told the Daily News that the post was a stupid tweet of a college student. And I understand Andrew Cuomo trying to spend so much time on it, because ultimately, when youre at home and not campaigning outside in New York City, youre likely on Twitter, thats where weve seen Andrew Cuomo, Mamdani said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On policy, Cuomo said theres no way Mamdanis going to pass the tax increases on millionaires and corporations required to bankroll his agenda, which includes promises to enact universal child care, provide free public bus service and freeze rent for stabilized tenants. Mamdani says hes confident he has the negotiating chops to get his agenda passed. Cuomo also went after Lander, another progressive, accusing his wife of being corrupt, saying the comptroller approved hundreds of thousands in contracts to organizations associated with her. While Lander sought guidance and approval from the citys Conflicts of Interest Board over his offices review of nonprofit contracts with ties to her organization, Nonprofit New York, it did not lead to anything further. Its lie and you know it, Lander responded on stage. Rather than just even finding one place to say, heres something I got wrong, to like tell lies about somebody elses wife what kind of person does that? Lander told The News after the debate. Not somebody who ought to be the mayor in New York City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayor Adams, who has chosen to skip the Democratic primary to seek reelection as an independent in Novembers general contest, told The News before the debate hes got the crown others are trying to compete for. Im looking forward to their debate as many of them talk about the great work Ive done, said Adams, who dropped out of the Democratic primary amid political fallout from the Trump administrations controversial dismissal of his federal corruption indictment. All New York City public schools will receive at least as much funding for the upcoming school year as their initial budgets last fall, Mayor Adams announced Wednesday evening as his Democratic challengers took the stage for the first mayoral debate. The funding is guaranteed to all principals, even those who are projected to lose enrollment. City Hall estimated the total cost of stabilizing school budgets would come to $128 million. The local Education Department may still claw back funding in the middle of next school year, depending on how many students ultimately enroll a problem that may be Adams successors as the mayor faces an uphill battle to re-election as an independent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A strong city starts with strong schools, and thats why were committing $128 million to stabilize schools budgets despite enrollment changes so principals can plan with certainty, and our students can continue to learn, grow, and thrive, Adams said in a statement. The school budget policy, known as hold harmless, started during the COVID-19 pandemic with federal stimulus dollars. But as principals introduced new programs and hired additional staff, Adams has been under pressure to continue funding schools at the same levels. While schools logged steep enrollment declines during the pandemic era, those trends have mostly leveled, thanks in part to an influx of migrant students who face an uncertain future in the United States under President Trump. The promise of additional funding comes as the school system faces economic headwinds. This spring, Gov. Hochul and the state Legislature made tweaks to New Yorks primary education formula, resulting in New York City receiving $314 million less than if no changes had been introduced. And amid threats of federal funding cuts and moves to dismantle the U.S. Education Department, the leaders of the citys school system have remained tight-lipped on contingency plans. They have not announced any major cuts so far to the nations largest school district. US President Donald Trump has expressed disappointment with both Russian ruler Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, but treats them differently. Source: The New York Times, citing Trump's advisers Details: According to sources, Trump has repeatedly called Zelenskyy a bad guy and accused him of escalating the situation, which, in his opinion, could lead to a nuclear conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nonetheless, he sometimes expresses understanding, noting that Ukraine is defending itself against constant Russian attacks. In the case of Putin, Trump shows greater restraint. He has repeatedly emphasised his very good relationship with the Russian leader and believes that their personal relationship could help end the war. However, Trump sometimes expresses disappointment with Putin's actions. Background: Trump said that on 4 June he had a good conversation with Putin, but not one that would lead to immediate peace. Trump added that Putin "did say, and very strongly, that he will have to respond to the recent attack on the airfields". On 4 June, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded to Donald Trump's post about his phone call with Vladimir Putin. He noted that many had already spoken with Russia at various levels, but none of these contacts had led to either a cessation of the war or a reliable peace. Zelenskyy said that Putin still felt he could act with impunity and, despite all the terrible attacks on Ukraine, was supposedly preparing new responses. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Getty Images Updated at 11:30 a.m. 6/5/25 An Oakland County district court judge, who was recently barred from presiding over felony cases due to an administrative order, is now the subject of a Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission complaint. The commission on Wednesday announced that it issued the complaint against Troys 52-4 District Court Judge Kirsten Hartig, citing a refusal to provide a report of a personal psychological evaluation when the commission investigated allegations of misconduct and found that mental health was an issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hartig was also alleged to have given false statements to the commission, mistreated or abused court employees and others, and had obstructed the administration of her court. The complaint goes on to accuse Hartig of the improper dismissal of criminal cases. The commission said the next step is to give Hartig a chance to respond while the commissions Disciplinary Counsel petitions the Michigan Supreme Court to appoint a special master, who will preside over a public hearing on the matter. Hartig issued a statement on the situation through her spokesperson, Daniel Cherrin, who said the judge respected the role of the Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission and was committed to fully participating in the process. After years of inquiry, the commission has produced a complaint based on disputed claims and a flawed process. Judge Hartig has waited patiently for the opportunity to address these allegations directly and looks forward to doing so, Cherrin said. The public deserves confidence in both the judiciary and its oversight. That confidence depends on transparency grounded in fact, not fiction. Judge Hartig has served the public and the bench for more than a decade with integrity, transparency, and a commitment to justice. The commission is expected to do the same. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, 52nd District Court Chief Judge Travis Reeds in a statement said that it was his belief Harting should be removed from her entire docket while the complaint process plays out. The Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission plays a key role in maintaining the integrity of our courts. While due process is vital, accountability helps preserve public trust in the judiciary, Reeds said. Based on the limited information available to me at the time, I removed Judge Hartig from the most serious cases within the authority I had as chief judge. Now that a formal complaint has been filed, further action may be appropriate. I believe temporarily removing her from her full docket would be in the best interest of the court and the communities we serve. On Thursday, an Oakland County spokesperson told Michigan Advance that Reeds has now requested Hartig be removed from her docket. Reeds had already removed Harting from hearing her felony docket, relegating her in May to hearing only civil, landlord/tenant and small claims cases. The felony cases in the jurisdiction, which covers Troy and Clawson, were to be heard by Judge Maureen McGinnis. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX This story was updated to reflect new developments regarding Judge Kirsten Hartigs docket status. (KRON) An Oakland man was sentenced this week for holding a woman captive inside a Belmont hotel room where she was repeatedly tortured and raped for years. Ian Edard Kroe was sentenced to serve 394 years to life in state prison. He was convicted of 33 felonies for the repeated rape, torture, and imprisonment of an elderly woman who was friends with Kroes mother. At a sentencing hearing on Monday, the victim said she survived beyond all odds. The 57-year-old man was sentenced by San Mateo County Superior Court Judge Rachel Holt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kroe was arrested in 2022 by police officers who found the 74-year-old woman imprisoned, naked, and injured inside a Hyatt hotel room in Belmont. She was unable to move on her own, prosecutors said. The woman had been held captive between the summers of 2020 and 2022. DA will seek death penalty at Half Moon Bay mass shooting trial The victim knew Kroe because she was previously close friends with his mother. When Kroes mother died in 2016, the victim reached out to express sympathy. Kroe struck up a friendship with the victim and eventually convinced her to travel to the Bay Area, prosecutors said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to investigators, the victim was not allowed to leave the hotel room for months, and she lived under constant death threats. All of the victims finances, including bank accounts, were taken over and drained by Kroe, prosecutors said. The woman was able to secretly contact a friend in New Mexico in the summer of 2022, and the friend alerted police. Belmont Police Department officers rescued the woman on August 20, 2022. Following a weeks-long trial in February, jurors convicted Kroe on all counts, including intentional infliction of torture, rape, sodomy, false imprisonment, theft, and elder 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 KRON4. U.S. Air Force Col. Thomas Simonet lived a life of service globally, nationally and locally. During his 36-year tenure in the Air Force, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserves, Simonet served in Korea, England, Germany and Turkey. As the states emergency-preparedness liaison officer for the Air Force, Simonet spent a decade supporting Homeland Security efforts during major natural disasters and events including the Interstate 35W bridge collapse, Hurricane Katrina, the 2008 Republican National Convention, and the flooding of the Red River. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Simonet, of Stillwater, also helped out close to home, serving on the boards of the Washington County Historical Society, the Minnesota Air National Guard Historical Foundation, Knights of Columbus Council 1632 and the Stillwater Veterans Memorial. Simonet died May 29 of complications related to pancreatic cancer, at his home in the Croixside neighborhood the home where he grew up. He was 70. Simonet, who served as treasurer of the Washington County Historical Society, was instrumental in the societys efforts to create the Washington County Heritage Center, which opened in 2021, said Ryan Collins, who serves as the societys vice president. Simonet did a lot of the behind-the-scenes work to get Heritage Center ready to go, said Collins, who also serves on the Stillwater City Council. Theres no doubt in my mind that without Tom, it would not have happened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Simonet, who spent 34 years with Norwest/Wells Fargo before retiring in 2017 as a vice president for Institutional Retirement Trust Services, had a unique ability to negotiate without negotiating, said Brent Peterson, the societys executive director. He was a guy who could steer a conversation in the right direction that would make everything good for everyone, Peterson said. If it wasnt for Toms financial leadership, the Washington County Heritage Center would not exist. The citizens of Washington County owe him a lot because of that. He truly was one of the finest people Ive ever known. Joined rather than be drafted Simonet was born and raised in Stillwater and graduated in 1972 from Stillwater High School, where he competed on the schools ski, cross-country and track teams. That same year, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, following in the footsteps of his older brother Jack, who was a mechanic on C-124 Globemaster. Jack travelled the world, Tom Simonet wrote in a self-published memoir. I received letters from Jack telling me of his adventures from Southeast Asia to Europe. He was stationed at Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii. To me, Hawaii was a distant and exotic land. The draft was still in effect, and I wanted to go my direction and not have the government decide for me. I saw it as a good avenue to learn about myself and to learn a trade. Related Articles Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After being released from active service in 1976, he served in the Minnesota Air National Guard, 133rd Airlift Wing, in St. Paul, where he served as an aircraft mechanic and advanced in rank and positions of Flight Squadron, Wing Inspector General, and Group Commander with the Minnesota Air National Guard until 2004. In 1977, he married Susan Duden; she died in 2018. The couple had two daughters. In 2022, he married Sharon McNamara. Simonet received a bachelors degree in business from Metropolitan State University in 1983. He later received a masters degree in business administration from American Military University in 2014. I-35W bridge collapse Simonet finished his military career in 2014 as the states emergency-preparedness liaison officer, coordinating with local and state emergency managers, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Defense to aid local communities when their resources become overwhelmed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of his proudest accomplishments was helping coordinate the dive crews searching for victims after the I-35W bridge collapsed into the Mississippi River on Aug. 1, 2007, said Lisa Sjogren, his oldest daughter. A few hours before the collapse, Simonet found himself stopped in traffic on the bridge as he drove from Roseville to meet former work colleagues in Minneapolis. Traffic was limited to a single lane as major construction occurred on the bridge deck, he wrote in his memoir. I remember stopping in the southbound traffic lane, waiting to move forward. I felt the car bouncing as the northbound traffic was moving. I was relieved to get off that bridge. Simonet and Sjogren were at Simonets brothers house in St. Paul when they got the news. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His phone just went insane, said Sjogren, of Elk River. He literally set up a command where we were. He was calling saying, I need divers, I need this, I need these people. Do we have medical support? Where are we sending them to? We have trauma, right? What can we provide? All this stuff that an emergency comes with. Simonet helped coordinate the National Guard and Reserve flying units to offload the divers equipment and transport it to a staging area near the fallen bridge, he wrote. The Hennepin County Sheriff requested a group of specialized U.S. Navy divers. He had told the Secretary of Transportation that his divers were going into areas beyond their capabilities, and a group of professional deep water divers was needed to continue the search. They were still looking for the missing 13 victims. As I look back on that day, I always think of the school bus full of children that ended up just behind the semi-trailer where the driver lost his life, he wrote. When the bridge collapsed, the school bus dropped. Once it was safe, all the children climbed over the guardrail. They ended up during this disaster at the perfect spot. I am thankful they were not one second further in their travels. In my firm belief, the mighty hand of God helped on that terrible day. Simonet received the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star and Meritorious Service Medal, among many other commendations. In 2024, he was recognized for his service and contributions by the Minnesota Air National Guard at the Flight of Honor Ceremony honoring those who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement, service and heroism and have left a lasting impact on the organization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement March 5, 2025, was declared Tom Simonet Day in Stillwater in recognition of his lifetime of community service. St. Croix Base Ball Club One of Simonets great joys was serving as the umpire for the St. Croix Base Ball Club, which plays by 1860 rules, Sjogren said. The 19th-century rules include: no wearing of gloves; no balls or strikes called by the umpire; foul balls are not considered strikes; and base runners can be tagged out if they overrun first base. As umpire, it was Simonets job to start each inning by calling Striker to the line! to bid the striker (batter) to the line a line drawn through the center of home plate. He loved saying Striker to the line, even when he got sick, Sjogren said. When he couldnt be out at the baseball games, I took the phone and stuck the phone by the players, and then my dad just yelled into the phone, Striker to the line! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Simonet also loved playing cribbage, boating on the St. Croix River and outsmarting claw machines. Related Articles He was the master of the claw machine that you would see at places like Perkins restaurants, said Sarah Sederstrom, his youngest daughter. He had master-level precision, and he always won. Any time he did win, hed give the prize to a kid nearby. I am convinced he was a surgeon in a previous life because of his precision with those things, Sjogren said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to his wife and daughters, Simonet is survived by two grandsons, a stepdaughter and two step-grandchildren. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at St. Marys Catholic Church in Stillwater, with visitation from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Simonet Funeral Home in Stillwater. NEW YORK Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez is endorsing Zohran Mamdani as her top pick for New York City mayor, giving the socialist upstart candidate a major boost as the 2025 race for City Hall kicks into high gear. Ocasio-Cortez, who has since being elected to Congress in 2018 become one of the Democratic Partys most prominent progressive leaders, said in an interview published Thursday shes backing Mamdani because of the grassroots support he has generated in pushing a policy platform centered around affordability. Assemblymember Mamdani has demonstrated a real ability on the ground to put together a coalition of working-class New Yorkers that is strongest to lead the pack, Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., told The New York Times. In the final stretch of the race, we need to get very real about that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ocasio-Cortezs campaign didnt immediately return requests for comment. The Ocasio-Cortez endorsement was highly coveted in the June 24 mayoral primary, as shes considered the citys chief left-wing leader and regularly ranks as the Democratic Partys most popular member. Her stature as a national figure has only increased since President Donald Trump returned to the White House, as she and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders have embarked on a nationwide tour of anti-Trump rallies that each tend to draw thousands of attendees. Like Ocasio-Cortez, Mamdani, a Queens Assembly member, is affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America. Theyre also both millennials Ocasio-Cortez is 35 and Mamdani is 33 and their western Queens-based districts overlap. In Washington, the Congresswoman has been a tireless advocate for working people as she has led the fight against Donald Trump. Thats exactly the kind of leadership we will deliver to New York, Mamdani said in a statement accepting her endorsement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It wasnt immediately clear if Ocasio-Cortez plans to join Mamdani on the campaign trail or appear in ads with him. As first reported by the Daily News last month, Ocasio-Cortez met privately in recent weeks with Mamdani and City Comptroller Brad Lander, another mayoral candidate, to discuss endorsements. Her pick of Mamdani marks a disappointment for Lander, a longtime ally who was endorsed by Ocasio-Cortez for his 2021 comptroller run. Given that the June 24 primary is ranked choice, Ocasio-Cortez said shes urging New Yorkers to back a slate of candidates on their ballots. But she put Lander third on that slate, giving the No. 2 spot to Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. She also put ex-Comptroller Scott Stringer in the No. 4 slot and Brooklyn state Sen. Zellnor Myrie in No. 5. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked for comment, a spokeswoman for Lander, who has mostly polled as the No. 3 candidate in the race, pointed to a tweet he put out saying hes proud to have her support. The Mamdani nod from Ocasio-Cortez comes as he has emerged as the progressive standard-bearer in the Democratic mayoral primary, pushing a platform that includes promises to freeze the rent for the citys stabilized tenants, drastically expand fully subsidized child care and make public buses free. He has consistently polled as the No. 2 candidate in the race behind front-runner Andrew Cuomo, a centrist Democrat. Some recent polls are indicating Cuomos lead over Mamdani is narrowing, and Ocasio-Cortez said in the interview she hopes her endorsement will help beat back Cuomo, blasting him as a career politician who belongs to the hedge funds, a reference to his wealthy donor base. At the same time, Mamdani has faced scrutiny in some corners of the citys electorate over his lack of executive experience (his only elected job is serving in the State Assembly since 2021) as well as his outspoken criticism of Israels war in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ocasio-Cortez acknowledged Mamdanis youth and hard-left stances on certain issues could pose an obstacle in seeking support from some communities, saying trust cant be built quickly. But she also said she made my expectations of the assemblymember quite clear in conversations with him before the endorsement. As someone who got elected when I was 28 years old, I know very intimately what it means to be trusted with an enormous job of immense responsibility at a very young age, she said. It is not something that I take lightly. _____ ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- An Odessa mom was arrested late last month after investigators said her young children were left alone in a motel room. Liberty Flores, 21, has been charged with three counts of Abandoning/Endangering a Child. According to an Odessa Police Department report, around 1:40 am on May 29, officers were called to Odessa Motor Inn after someone called 911 and said that three young children were screaming and crying and searching for their mother. At the scene, investigators knocked on the motel room in question and found a four-year-old child who said he was hungry, wanted real food and didnt know where his mother was. Inside the room, investigators also found a sleeping three-year-old girl and a one-year-old. When officers contacted the front desk, they learned that the childrens mother, identified as Flores, had been in contact with patrons from another room down the hall, which led police to check with the occupants of that room; they told investigators that Flores had possession of the children and was the one responsible for their care. OPD said those patrons then making calls and a short time later, Flores arrived back at the motel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flores reportedly told investigators that shed left the motel around 12:50 am on May 28 to buy baby formula and that all three children were sleeping when she left. She was arrested at the scene and booked into the Ector County Law Enforcement Center where she remained as of June 5 on a combined $22,500 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 Yourbasin. A man armed with a shotgun was shot by officers responding to an assault with a deadly weapon call in the Harvard Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles on Thursday, police said. The incident was reported shortly after 9 a.m. by callers indicating that a man had been pointing a shotgun at passing vehicles. Officers arriving near the intersection of West 18th Street and St. Andrews Place encountered the suspect, giving him directions to surrender, a Los Angeles Police Department spokesperson told KTLA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The spokesperson said that officers then fired multiple less-lethal rounds, but they had no effect on the suspect, who then threatened the officers. Police investigate a shooting in the Harvard Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles on June 5, 2025. (KTLA) During the encounter, the suspect raised his weapon at officers and an officer-involved shooting occurred, the Police Department posted on X. The suspect, who was struck in the hand by gunfire, was taken to a local hospital with what were considered non-life-threatening injuries. His weapon was recovered at the scene and will be booked as evidence, police said. No officers or community members were injured in the incident. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. David Jolly speaking in Clearwater on May 19, 2025 (Photo by Mitch Perry/ Florida Phoenix) Following the exploratory phase of his campaign this spring, David Jolly says hes ready to go and has officially entered the Democratic primary for governor of Florida. He acknowledges the challenges about running in an electoral landscape that hasnt elected any Democrat to a statewide office since 2018, but says the environment is ripe for that to change in 2026. We will be in every community, building trust and building relationships and building a coalition that will ultimately and successfully win an election where a Democrat hasnt won in 30 years and where the voter registration rolls are against us, he said in a phone interview with the Phoenix on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Florida we are in the midst of a generational affordability crisis, he added. Everybody feels it. I mean this has been affirmed everywhere Ive gone, every group Ive sat with. The affordability crisis is number one on the minds of every Floridian. Wherever you live, whatever your socioeconomic status whatever your party registration the affordability crisis is number one. I would make the case that Republicans in Tallahassee have contributed to it, and will continue it. They wont do anything about it, and we will. I will. The 52-year-old Pinellas County resident is the first major Democratic candidate to enter the race for governor in a seat that will be vacated next year by a term-limited Ron DeSantis. Its been quite the evolution for man who previously described himself as a George H.W. Bush Republican for much of his adult life before leaving the GOP in 2018 to become a political independent, and then only officially joining the Democratic Party six weeks ago. Florida hasnt had a Democrat occupying the governors mansion in Tallahassee since Buddy MacKay finished out Lawton Chiles second term in office in January of 1999. Since then there has been eight years of Jeb Bush, four years with (then Republican) Charlie Crist, eight years with Rick Scott, and so far nearly six-and-a-half years of the DeSantis revolution. Jollys previous elected experience in office is limited he defeated Democrat Alex Sink in a special congressional election in early 2014 following the death of venerable Republican lawmaker C.W. Bill Young. After coasting to re-election that fall, Floridas 13th Congressional District was redrawn and became friendlier for a Democratic pick-up, which is what happened when Crist defeated him in the fall of 2016. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jolly was an early member of the GOP Never Trumper caucus, and his critiques of Donald Trump in his first term in the White House catapulted him into a political analysis spot for MSNBC (his contact has been paused since he began exploring a gubernatorial run, an MSNBC source told the Phoenix in April). The independent spirit Jolly officially left the GOP in 2018 and became a political independent, where he actively worked on efforts to provide an alternative to the two-party political system. First with the Serve America Movement (SAM) in 2021 where he served as the executive chairman, and then later with Andrew Yang and Christine Todd Whitman with the Forward Party in 2022. It was during his period with SAM that he actively discussed the possibility four years ago as running as a political independent candidate for governor in Florida for 2022, but ultimately decided not to. Currently the Republican front-runner for the GOP nomination for governor next year is U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds. But theres also likely to be at least one independent candidate in the race with state Sen. Jason Pizzo saying hes likely to join the campaign for governor this fall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We wont know who qualifies for the governors race until next June, and thats very important, Jolly says. Because our job between now and next June is to build a campaign that appeals to independents. As you know I helped mobilize the independent space for six years, and I would beg the parties that we are available to you. Speak to us, reach us, dont ignore us. Dont slap us down. And so Jason Pizzos right that the independent voter has been ignored by the major parties for too long. The answer to that is not to argue with Jason, its to build the Democratic Party that reaches out to independents. And if I do that, then well build a coalition that Jason Pizzo or John Morgan can look at and say,Wow. I like what I see over there. The Trump Factor Jollys opposition to Trump has been a central part of his brand over the years, but he tells the Phoenix that the 2026 election is about the people of Florida, not the current president of the United States. I believe the president has taken us in the wrong direction, just as I believe Gov. DeSantis has, but this race is not about Donald Trump, he says. Not for one moment is this race about Donald Trump. This race is about the affordability crisis in the state of Florida. Republicans will try to make this race about Donald Trump. They will try to make it about division, not unity. My job every day on behalf of this coalition, is to keep us focused on the affordability crisis. Investing in public schools. Providing for safe communities. Restoring dignity to people across the state of Florida. This is an open seat governorship race. I stand by my view of the president, but this race is not about the president. While the Florida Legislature is currently working overtime to get a budget passed, GOP lawmakers and Gov. DeSantis have talked about delivering property tax relief to Florida homeowners, most likely via a constitutional amendment that the voters would have to approve in the fall of next year. Jolly says his biggest concern about the discussion in Tallahassee on the issue so far is that the GOP has no plan for where the revenue comes from to provide for safe communities and good schools, and they just want to chase the property tax cuts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He says the state needs to look at a broad based property tax reform package that maintains the Save Our Homes amendment that limits annual property tax increases to 3% while also providing dramatic relief for first-time home buyers. University of North Florida political science professor Michael Binder says that the obvious parallel in assessing Jollys candidacy is with Crist, who left the Republican Party to become an independent during his last year as governor in 2010, ultimately losing a Senate bid to Marco Rubio. He officially became a Democrat in 2012 and lost two bids for governor: In 2014 by one point to Rick Scott, and in 2022 to DeSantis by 19 points (in between he served in what had been Jollys congressional seat for six years). Charlie Crist was unable to connect with base Democrats and get them to the polls, Binder says of the 2022 contest. If Jolly can do that, and thats going to be a challenge being a former Republican, then maybe you might have a race that was closer. You might get a race thats in the single digits. But if this is a similar circumstance where Democrats are not motivated, if Jolly cannot connect with the base of the Democratic Party, then theres absolutely no chance. Binder adds that Pizzos likely entry as an independent means that both he and Jolly would be taking up what he calls a moderate, non-MAGA type with maybe some Republican leanings that are occupying the same ideological lane. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far, the Florida GOP doesnt seem too concerned. David Jolly has lost before, and he will lose again, said Republican Party of Florida Chairman Evan Power in a statement issued earlier this week. Floridians wont trust a slick opportunist who simply cant be trusted. Jolly has no platform, no base, and no chance in Florida. Donalds posted critically about Jolly on X, beginning with the fact that he was anti-Trump. David Jolly is an anti-Trump, radical leftist who wants to raise your taxes, allow illegals to pour across our border, take school choice away from families, ban guns, and bring woke ideology to Florida, he wrote. Hes completely out of touch with Floridas voters and our values. Florida is Trump Country, and I am proudly endorsed by President Trump to be Floridas next Governor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jolly says while Trumps actions in the White House will dominate the news headlines over the next year and-a-half, his campaign will be about making Florida better for everyone. Its about responsibly delivering government and providing for safe communities and good schools and a property insurance and property tax construct that actually works If thats what were talking about for the next 16 months? Then we become a coalition for change and Republicans are offering more of the same, and we win the race. This story was updated with a response from Congressman Byron Donalds. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Water levels in Pakistan's major rivers and dams have stabilized just in time for the summer surge. The Water and Power Development Authority released new data confirming healthy water supply conditions that are crucial for irrigation and power generation during the high-demand season, Minute Mirror reported. This steady flow means relief for millions of farmers and families who depend on these waters to grow crops and keep the lights on when temperatures soar. The Indus River, which forms the backbone of Pakistan's water system, is carrying an impressive 108,400 cubic feet of water per second, with 82,000 cusecs flowing downstream, right on track with what experts expect this time of year. Other vital rivers such as the Jhelum and Chenab are also holding strong, delivering the right amounts to sustain agriculture across Punjab and beyond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, key reservoirs are acting as reliable water banks. Pakistan's largest, the Tarbela Dam, is holding 1.51 million acre-feet of water, while Mangla Dam follows closely with about 1.48 MAF. Together with Chashma Reservoir's 0.263 MAF, these reserves provide a vital buffer that secures both agriculture and hydropower production for the months ahead. This positive outlook comes amid ongoing challenges. On April 23, India Prime Minister Narendra Modi suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, an agreement that allowed India and Pakistan to share water from the Indus Basin. According to Time, he declared that "India's water will be used for India's interests," sparking concern across Pakistan's already water-stressed regions. Pakistan's water system is already under intense pressure from extreme weather caused by the changing climate. Superfloods, melting glaciers, and prolonged droughts have made the timing of water flows increasingly erratic. After 2022 floods killed more than 1,700 people, over 10 million were left without access to safe drinking water. "There's been quite a lot of difficulty for local populations to have access to water on a consistent basis," Bhargabi Bharadwaj, a research associate at the Environment and Society Centre at Chatham House, told Time. "This is already being felt at local population level, even scrapping this most recent escalation on the Indus Water Treaty agreement." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, WAPDA's careful monitoring and planning offer a measure of stability in uncertain times. With rivers flowing steadily and reservoirs stocked, Pakistan enters the summer season with a critical advantage not only for growing food and keeping the power on, but also for advancing a more sustainable future powered by hydropower. Amid rising regional tensions and environmental stress, the country's water system remains a pillar of both resilience and hope. Do you take steps to conserve water at home? All the time Usually Sometimes Never 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. While Azerbaijan has taken steps to bolster food security amid worsening climate shocks, officials warn that the country could face significant agricultural challenges in the future. What's happening? As Caliber reported, developing countries such as Azerbaijan bear the brunt of our overheating planet because they have limited resources for adaptation and tend to rely on climate-sensitive industries such as agriculture for economic growth. Additionally, many of these countries are situated in regions that are highly vulnerable to extreme weather events, including droughts, floods, and cyclones. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations found that the shifting climate is heavily impacting the agricultural industries of developing countries, contributing to soil erosion and salinization, desertification, and a reduction in irrigation water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Further compounding these issues are a shrinking availability of arable land, rising costs in the sector, and geopolitical conflicts. Azerbaijan has introduced modern irrigation systems to conserve water and incorporated technological solutions to enhance efficiency, but leaders say more efforts are needed to secure food supplies. "By 2030, water demand driven by rising temperatures could increase by 16%, and agricultural policy must focus on water-saving solutions and the cultivation of drought-resistant crops. The priority should be to boost yields on existing farmland, rather than expanding into new areas," Deputy Minister of Economy Samad Bashirli, said at the 4th Agribusiness Development Forum, per Caliber. Why are climate impacts on food supplies concerning? Higher food prices brought on by extreme weather and other pressures impact consumers, farmers, suppliers, and others involved in agricultural supply chains. If risks aren't mitigated early on, it could send shockwaves through global markets, especially if several food-producing countries are impacted by climate events around the same time. Mukhtar Babayev, special representative of the president of Azerbaijan for climate issues, stated that parts of the country received three months' worth of rainfall in one day earlier this year, resulting in flash floods and mudslides around 17 mountain rivers. Heavy rains in the spring prompted farmers to file 120 claims for weather-related crop losses nationwide, according to Anews. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The efficiency of agriculture is closely tied to climate conditions, making this sector particularly vulnerable to climate change," Babayev said. The increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events also take a toll on the environment, as unpredictable weather can disrupt ecosystems and food chains that animals depend on for survival. Of course, humans also require biodiversity and a stable environment, making it all the more imperative to focus on adaptation efforts. What's being done to strengthen food security worldwide? Caliber reported that officials have focused on saving irrigation water and offering subsidies to farms that install updated systems. So far, most of Azerbaijan's agricultural parks have switched to more efficient irrigation systems, and more are being planned in several regions. Farms are also increasingly adopting regenerative agriculture and introducing drought-resistant crops. However, officials noted that further expansion would require much more financial support from banks and the government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, researchers are working overtime to develop crops that can weather our warming world. One team discovered a gene in sorghum, a widely consumed cereal grain, that could be targeted to enhance drought resistance. Similar studies on peaches led scientists to identify a gene mutation that could help the fruit withstand spring frosts. To stay ahead of potential supply issues, plan ahead when shopping to save money on groceries and maximize the value of your budget. Consider purchasing shelf-stable foods, such as canned goods, dry pasta, and rice, in bulk to supplement your supplies. 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. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) A conversation about increasing contributions to the states Police and Fire Pension Fund is starting up again at the Ohio Statehouse. Those men and women who have worked their whole lives to protect our communities, we should be protecting their pension and making sure that their pension is solid when they go to retire, Rep. Thomas Hall (R-Madison Township) said. Its very easy to say that this will be the largest unfunded mandate placed on local governments that the legislature has proposed, and we hope that they rethink this, Ohio Municipal League Executive Director Kent Scarrett said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ohio Dems propose Love Makes a Family Week to counter Natural Family Month House Bill 280 is very similar to a bill introduced in the last general assembly. Under the bill, the amount of money a local government contributes to the fund would, within five years, increase from 19.5% to 24% for police officers. Firefighters are already at 24%. At a time when there are workforce shortages in the fire industry and in the police industry, this is a step that we feel like we could help people go to choose to come a police officer or a fire fighter, Hall said. Knowing that they have stability, knowing that they have a stable pension system in place for when they go to retire one day. While Hall said this is an important step, increasing that contribution amount does not come cheap. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You often hear municipalities, they say, Well, we dont have the money for this, this is going to be a substantial strain on the local governments, Hall said. I think that they do have the money for that. I think that if first responders are truly a priority, they will have the funds necessary to approve this. If enacted, the bill would cost local governments nearly $82 million statewide. Scarrett said that eventually, it is going to mean bad news for Ohioans. Intel executive explains why Ohio plant will need to fight for Intels business It ultimately lands on the taxpayer, he said. Weathering these increases on the existing constrained budgets would really force communities to look at reducing services, cutting services, possibly going to the voters and asking for a higher contribution in their tax rate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scarrett said local governments are already operating under tight budgets. He said not only might this bill mean higher taxes or a reduction in services, but he also said that for some local governments, it could mean disbanding their police department altogether. Especially our smaller communities, villages that are really on a shoestring, they may not be able to support their police departments going forward with this unfunded mandate, he said. Hall said, though, there is an extra layer to the bill that is important this time around. He noted new actuarial work, done by a third party, to explain why and how the increase should be made. I think that the goal with the third party was to say, Hey, its not just the police and fire saying we want more money, or we need more money with our pensions, Hall said. Weve been saying all along we need this, now we need the third party, who has run the numbers, who has tried to explain it on their side of things, the non-bias side of things. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Daughter searching for answers after father killed on motorcycle in South Linden hit-and-run Theres no other pension fund that allows a board action to automatically increase the employer contribution because of a report that is initiated by the board, Scarrett said. More egregious is there is no municipal representative on the [Ohio Police and Fire Fund] board. What are the odds this bill passes? Last general assembly, it came close, but ultimately failed in the 11th hour. This year, Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman (R-Lima) said it may not even make it to the Ohio Senate. He said, in general, he is opposed to the idea that the legislature should be working on a bill like this at all. I dont think legislatures, by and large, that meet every two years, determine budgets and do other things, should be and are really very capable of making 30-year decisions in a piece of legislation, Huffman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Huffman said that at the very least, the issue will likely not be determined before June 30, which is when lawmakers break for the summer. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Lawmakers are igniting plans for Ohioans to vote in 2026 on whether to repeal the states dormant same-sex marriage ban, out of concern it could be reenacted if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns marriage equality. Reps. Anita Somani (D-Dublin) and Eric Synenberg (D-Beachwood) announced on Tuesday that they are reintroducing the Marriage Equality Act, a House Joint Resolution to codify same-sex and interracial marriage. If passed by the Statehouse, the act would place a constitutional amendment on the November 2026 ballot, providing Ohioans the chance to enshrine marriage equality into Ohios constitution. Lt. Gov. Tressel discusses DEI, states workforce preparedness, and possible gubernatorial run Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LGBTQ+ advocates argue the effort is needed given the Supreme Court has signaled it might reassess Obergefell v. Hodges, the 2015 case legalizing same-sex marriage. In a concurring opinion to the June 2022 ruling overturning Roe v. Wade, Justice Clarence Thomas wrote justices should reconsider all of this courts substantive due process precedents, including Obergefell. Dwayne Steward, Equality Ohio executive director, shares those concerns and told NBC4 in March that the organization is having conversations across the state around how we protect marriage equality in the wake of resolutions introduced in a handful of states urging the Supreme Court to roll back Obergefell. Legislators also attempted last year to align Ohio law with the protections set by Obergefell, but the proposal didnt advance past a single committee hearing. Watch a previous NBC4 report on the Marriage Equality Act in the video player above. We cannot assume that federal protections currently under law will last forever, and that is why we are taking this step now to ensure that Ohios constitution reflects what we already know to be true: Love is love, families matter and every Ohioans deserves equal protection and dignity under the law, Synenberg said on Tuesday. Rep. Eric Synenberg reintroducing the Marriage Equality Act at the Ohio Statehouse on Tuesday. (Courtesy Photo/Ohio House Democrats) Rep. Anita Somani reintroducing the Marriage Equality Act at the Ohio Statehouse on Tuesday. (Courtesy Photo/Ohio House Democrats) Should Obergefell be overturned, Ohio would reckon with a revived law passed by the Statehouse in 2004 that states a marriage may only be entered into by one man and one woman. A constitutional amendment that voters passed later in 2004 which reads, only a union between one man and one woman may be a marriage valid in or recognized by this state, would also be resurrected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A federal law signed in 2022, the Respect for Marriage Act, requires a state to recognize same-sex marriages from other states, while also allowing states to decide for themselves whether to issue licenses to same-sex couples. So, if Obergefell falls and Ohios bans have yet to be repealed, the act would only require the state to recognize marriages from other states where it is legal. Senate makes changes to Ohios budget proposal The Marriage Equality Act would ensure Ohios same-sex couples can continue utilizing legal privileges associated with marriage, like sharing insurance, accessing military benefits, and tax deductions associated with filing taxes jointly. As an OBGYN, Somani said shes seen firsthand how having a legally recognized marriage is incredibly important during lifes most difficult and vulnerable moments. We see this when someone is dying of cancer and their partner is not allowed to be there in hospice or end-of-life care, Somani said. That is devastating to not have that recognition when you spent your whole life with someone. I have so many friends and family members who are so scared they are gonna lose their legal marriage rights, and I think we need to be fighting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A ballot measure in Ohio codifying marriage equality would not be unprecedented. Also concerned after the fall of Roe in 2022, voters in California, Colorado and Hawaii passed initiatives in last Novembers election to repeal dormant same-sex marriage bans and proactively protect marriage equality. Ohios version would follow in the footsteps of 2023s Issue 1, another ballot measure that passed with 56% of the vote and established the right to abortion. Somani and Synenberg made Tuesdays announcement during a press conference marking Pride Month with other Statehouse Democrats and LGBTQ+ advocates. Sen. Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood), Ohios first openly gay Statehouse lawmaker, touted her new bill to mark Love Makes a Family Week, after Republican legislators introduced plans to designate a month celebrating natural families. Lawmakers clash over Ohio bill to ban therapy for minors without parent consent Antonio also recently reintroduced proposals to ban anti-LGBTQ+ conversion therapy and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community. While Antonio told NBC4 in March the timing of a measure codifying same-sex marriage needs to be right and that such a proposal would only be written honestly and presented objectively when Statehouse representation changes, she said on Tuesday now is the time to stand together to make sure that no one is sent out to the margins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am proud to be the first member of the LGBTQ community to be elected to this legislature back in 2010, Antonio said during the press conference. There is no closet big enough to send us all back to, were not going and we dont have to. We should not. Members of the LGBTQ community survived persecution, survived erasure a long time ago. We are not going back to those 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV. Jun. 5A Frankenstein's monster of sorts is coming alive in Columbus as members of the Ohio House and Senate work to close the gap in their chamber's different approaches to recreational marijuana reform. That gap has existed since Ohio voters approved recreational marijuana at the ballot box in 2023, with the Ohio Senate broadly pushing for more restrictions than the House was willing to tolerate. The House adopted a plan to try to find the middle: Amend Senate Bill 56 to include large portions of House Bill 160 and Senate Bill 86. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's the broad overview of the hodgepodge piece of legislation, as things stand: There would be no ban on the sharing of recreational marijuana between of-age adults. The state's current flat 10% tax would be maintained on recreational sales and expanded onto intoxicating hemp products. Previous plans have sought to raise the tax to 15% or 20%. Intoxicating hemp products would be banned from retail sales and only be purchasable at dispensaries. That's except for low-dose THC-infused beverages, which could still be sold retail. The state's current host community financial kickback would be phased out seven years after the bill's effective date. Previous plans have considered cutting out that funding immediately. The limit of Ohio dispensaries would rise from 350 to 400. The minimum distance between dispensaries would be one mile. Previous plans have looked at a half-mile limit. Public use would be allowed in permitting concert venues. Bars and restaurants still would not have the authority to permit marijuana consumption on their patios or outdoor areas. THC concentration in certain products would be capped at 70%, with Ohio's Division of Cannabis Control having the regulatory power to bump it higher. The bill is likely to see further amendments in the House Judiciary Committee over the coming weeks. Rep. Brian Stewart, R-Ashville, who has headed the House's legislative efforts on intoxicating hemp and recreational marijuana, said that he hopes the compromise will be enough to get the Senate on board. The Senate's go-to expert on the subject, Sen. Steve Huffman, R-Tipp City, did not respond before publication when this news outlet asked if he approved of the House's changes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ------ For more stories like this, sign up for our Ohio Politics newsletter. It's free, curated, and delivered straight to your inbox every Thursday evening. Avery Kreemer can be reached at 614-981-1422, on X, via email, or you can drop him a comment/tip with the survey below. Loading... New Home Construction The Ohio Senates version of the states two-year budget fully restores the Ohio Housing Trust Fund, a big source of funding for local homelessness and affordable housing programs. Ohio Senate President Rob McColley, R-Napoleon, and Ohio Sen. Jerry Cirino, R-Kirtland, introduced the Senates version of the budget Tuesday and it took out language the Ohio House added that would have changed the Housing Trust Fund, created in 1991 and administered by the Ohio Department of Development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The Housing Trust Fund is funded by a portion of the fees collected by county recorders, with half of the fees staying with the county and the other half going back to the fund which requires at least 50% of the funds be spent in non-urban areas. The House budget would have removed the requirement for county recorders to send the state Department of Development money to reallocate the funds, making it less effective across the state. We are incredibly thankful to our champions in the Senate who understand that the Ohio Housing Trust Fund is the states most powerful tool for fighting homelessness and expanding affordable housing, Amy Riegel, executive director of the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio, said in a statement. The Housing Trust Fund provided emergency shelter for more than 27,000 Ohioans last year, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Senate added $100 million worth of housing provisions in the budget that will create two programs the Residential Economic Development District grants and Residential Development Revolving Loan Program. The Residential Economic Development District is a $10 million program. (This program) is aimed at going to areas where there is an awful lot of anticipated housing growth, particularly areas around major economic development projects, and incentivizing local governments around those areas to streamline their zoning codes, to put zoning codes in place, in some cases, that will allow for these housing projects to move forward more efficiently, McColley said. The Residential Development Revolving Loan Program would support building new, single-family residential homes in rural parts of the state. The Senates budget would direct $90 million into a revolving loan fund for local governments to finance the program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What were seeing in many rural parts of the state are areas where it is simply uneconomical for home developers to come in and build in many of our rural communities because of the fact that the cost of infrastructure is so onerous in those areas that the amount of homes they would need to build just to break even is simply way more than that local market can absorb, McColley said. The Senates version of the budget would also move the Ohio Housing Finance Agency to under the Department of Development. The budget now goes to a conference committee, where Senate and House leaders have closed-door negotiations to come up with a final budget. Both chambers have to pass the bill and it will then be sent to Gov. Mike DeWine, who must sign the budget by the end of the month. Follow Capital Journal Reporter Megan Henry on Bluesky. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE College students graduating. Getty Images. The Ohio Senates version of the states two-year budget would reduce the number of students who would be eligible to receive the Governors Merit Scholarship and it would come with strings attached. The Governors Merit Scholarship currently awards the top 5% of each high school graduating class a $5,000 scholarship each year to attend an Ohio college or university. The Senates version of the budget would reduce it to the top 2% of each high school starting with the 2027 fiscal year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The Senate also added a provision requiring students who receive the scholarship to stay in Ohio for three years immediately after graduation. Students attending graduate school would be an exception, but the expectation would remain that they would come back to Ohio for three years after graduate school, said Ohio Senate President Rob McColley, R-Napoleon. Part of the reasoning for that is we want to keep our best and brightest in Ohio, McColley said. It stands to reason that if we want to keep them in Ohio, we should actually require them to stay in Ohio post-graduation. If a student who received the Governors Merit Scholarship moved out of the state within those three years after graduating, they would have to pay back a portion of the aid they received, McColley said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We do want some teeth to that, he said. Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman, R-Lima, said the three-year requirement would be almost impossible to implement. I think it would be extraordinarily difficult to police saying you must stay in Ohio for three years, Huffman said. I suppose we can try to penalize them and all that. Todd Jones, president and general counsel of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Ohio (AICUO), said he is open to the states three year retention after graduation. Were very sympathetic to the need of the state to help retain people in Ohio who are getting financial assistance, he said. We wouldnt oppose it not being there, but its certainly a judgment call for the legislature to make on that, and were sympathetic to their desire to keep folks in Ohio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Senates version of the budget eliminated provisions the Ohio House added regarding additional requirements for private colleges to continue to participate in the Governors Merit Scholarship. The House had added language to the budget that would have required private colleges to comply with parts of Senate Bill 1 Ohios new higher education law that bans diversity and inclusion efforts and regulates classroom discussion, among other things. Jones was happy that was nixed from the budget. Its important that we retain students in Ohio and keep our best and brightest here, Jones said. The Senate decided to take that language out of the budget after hearing concerns from many private universities, McColley said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Governors Merit Scholarship was enacted through the last state budget two years ago and 76% of the states 6,250 eligible students from the class of 2024 accepted the scholarship. Eighty-seven percent of Ohio students accepted the scholarship in its second year and 11 rural counties had a 100% acceptance rate. The Senates version of the budget trims how much money is allocated to the scholarships. It keeps it at $47 million for fiscal year 2026, but reduces it to $56.4 million in fiscal year 2027. Gov. Mike DeWines and the Houses version of the budget allocated $70 million for fiscal year 2027. Senate Bill 1 compliance The Senates version of the budget ties a portion of the State Share of Instruction to compliance with Senate Bill 1. We wanted to make sure that everybody at the university level was following through with the conditions and regulations in Senate Bill 1, said Ohio Sen. Jerry Cirino, R-Kirtland. We have the ability to decide how were going to fund things. If they are viewed as in compliance, nothing will be withheld from their SSI share, which would be their normal proportion of the SSI dollars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Huffman said he supports tying a portion of the State Share of Instruction to compliance with S.B. 1. If the universities arent going to apply state law then there needs to be some incentive to make sure that they do, he said. House Minority Leader Allison Russo, D-Upper Arlington, is against tying State Share of Instruction to compliance with S.B. 1. I firmly oppose S.B. 1, so tying more compliance to S.B. 1, which I think is an extremely flawed piece of legislation, obviously we oppose that portion, she said. Senate Minority Leader Nickie J. Antonio, D-Lakewood, said she thinks the provision is outrageous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its also following the pattern that were seeing at the national level of intimidation and bullying, frankly, telling people that if you dont comply with what we say, then well just punish you and well withhold money, she said. Follow Capital Journal Reporter Megan Henry on Bluesky. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Ohio Senate President Rob McColley, R-Napoleon, speaks at the Ohio Senate Republican Budget Press Conference. Sen. Jerry Cirino, R-Kirtland, the chair of the Senate Finance Committee, stands in the background. (Photo by Morgan Trau, WEWS.) Ohio Republican senators have proposed a flat income tax for the states top earners, which would result in a projected $1 billion loss in the general revenue fund. Bailey Williams is like the average Ohioan earning less than six figures a year. According to census data, the median income in the state is about $68,000. Hes worried about the Senates newly proposed state budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The services that made me who I am today, public education made me who I am today. I worry about those opportunities being there for my younger siblings, Williams said. He is also a researcher with the nonpartisan organization Policy Matters Ohio and is evaluating a budget provision one that creates a flat income tax of 2.75%. There are three income tax brackets in Ohio. Those making up to $26,000 do not need to pay state income tax. Ohioans earning between $26,000 and $100,000 pay a tax of 2.75%. Those making more than $100,000 have to pay 3.5%. Senate President Rob McColley (R-Napoleon) said that the highest earners in the state will have their income tax payment reduced to 2.75%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every tax cut we do in the future will involve every single person equally, on a percentage basis, McColley said. State data reveals that this could result in a loss of about $1.1 billion in the General Revenue Fund. How would Ohio make up the deficit from the tax? One of two ways, Williams said. Were going to see increases in regressive taxes, most likely the sales tax, or we have to make do with less less government services. Many cuts for programs that benefit lower-income families have already been proposed in the budget. Funding for schools, Medicaid, libraries, lead abatement, food banks and child care face funding decreases from the current status or from the governors budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When McColley was asked how he defends cuts to Medicaid, lead poisoning prevention and child care while allowing a lower tax rate for wealthier Ohioans, he said the growth in Medicaid spending has been exponential. According to the Legislative Service Commission, a nonpartisan agency that works with the legislature, the proposed budget would result in a 4% decrease in spending, with billions of dollars in cuts. He said that there was already an awful lot of lead program funding and said that they were keeping child care the same as before. However, the budget would cut the governors proposal of offering Publicly Funded Child Care to families earning up to 160% of the federal poverty level, keeping it at the current 145% threshold. No multimillionaire needs a $10,000 tax cut bankrolled by cutting lead abatement or Medicaid, Williams said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McColley said the elimination of 11% of the states income tax revenue would not actually impact funding because he predicts companies will move to Ohio to take advantage of that lower tax rate. A lower tax burden has had a positive economic development and brought more jobs to the state, McColley said. Its brought more investment in the state. The budget will continue to be heard, and a final version will need to be agreed upon by the Senate and House by the end of June. Click here to learn more about the Houses passed budget. Follow WEWS statehouse reporter Morgan Trau on Twitter and Facebook. This article was originally published on News5Cleveland.com and is published in the Ohio Capital Journal under a content-sharing agreement. Unlike other OCJ articles, it is not available for free republication by other news outlets as it is owned by WEWS in Cleveland. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) The Oklahoma Department of Corrections is planning to purchase the Lawton Correction Facility and take over operations by July 25. According to ODOC, the department has entered into an agreement to purchase the facility from the GEO Group. LOCAL NEWS: New affordable housing development under construction in downtown OKC We look forward to bringing our high-quality operations, processes and compassionate environment to the Lawton facility, said ODOC Director Steven Harpe. This change ensures consistency in standards, transparency and accountability across all ODOC institutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials say the purchase will bring the state one step closer to a fully unified corrections system, as the Lawton facility is the last privately owned prison used by the state. Once the purchase is finalized, ODOC will work with current employees and local partners to continue operations. This move not only strengthens our public safety infrastructure but also reflects our commitment to better outcomes for staff, inmates and the people of Oklahoma, Harpe said. ODOC says the transition represents the departments culture of accountability, honor and rehabilitation. The department is committed to transforming lives and working to build a safer, stronger 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. The Heartland Flyer pulls into the Norman Station, Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023. (Photo by Kyle Phillips/For Oklahoma Voice) OKLAHOMA CITY Passenger rail service between Oklahoma City and Fort Worth is expected to end on or before Oct. 1, transportation officials said Thursday. The announcement comes after the Texas Legislature declined to continue funding for its share of the 206-mile route. The Heartland Flyer is jointly funded by Oklahoma and Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The service, operated by Amtrak, was reestablished in 1999 after ending in 1979. In a statement Thursday, Amtrak said the Heartland Flyer faces imminent suspension no later than Oct. 1 unless Texas secures its share of funding. A more specific suspension date is expected to be announced later. Reliable rail service provides a vital transportation option for residents and visitors alike, strengthening regional mobility, economic development, and tourism, said Amtrak President Roger Harris. With service that supports Texas continued economic growth and the regions connectivity, sustaining the Heartland Flyer is essential to maintaining momentum and ensuring long term mobility in the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Heartland Flyer makes stops in Oklahoma City, Norman, Purcell, Pauls Valley, Ardmore, Gainesville and Fort Worth. The Heartland Flyer is key to ensuring Fort Worths continued success as a global destination and is central to the citys tourism industry, business community, and thriving economy, said Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker. Fort Worth is the busiest Amtrak station in Texas generating millions in economic impact annually and as people continue to move to our region, travel reliability, mobility choices, and connectivity will be key to our competitiveness. Gainesville Mayor Tommy Moore said he believed a solution could be found to keep the service. Ill keep fighting to make sure this critical service stays in place for years to come, Moore said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials had been planning on extending the route into Newton, Kansas, to link to the Southwest Chief between Chicago and Los Angeles. Suspension of the Heartland Flyer would impact expansion efforts, said a spokesman for the Kansas Department of Transportation. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) To assist in the demolition of a defunct nursing home in Auglaize County, Gov. Mike DeWine announced funding has been set aside for the project. According to the governor, the Auglaize County Board of Commissioners will receive $1,075,165 to demolish the old Auglaize Acres County Nursing Home, located in the 13000 block of Infirmary Road in Wapakoneta. Our partners at LimaOhio.com reported the facility ceased operations in early 2024. At the time of closure, the facility was known as Odem at Auglaize. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Funds will also help remediate the site from contaminants like asbestos. A new nursing and assisted living facility is expected to be rebuilt on the property, according to DeWine. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has announced more than $6 million in grants to improve the dependability of the electric grid. These improvements to the power grid are meant to keep the lights on during extreme weather and natural disasters. In Kentucky, weve been through too many severe weather events, Governor Beshear said. As we continue to rebuild, were also investing in our electric grids to make them more prepared during emergencies, so that fewer people lose power and our public power utilities are stronger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Owensboro Municipal Utilities (OMU) will receive $1,668,750 to relocate a high-voltage transmission tower and move it further inland due to erosion along the Ohio River, where it now sits. On behalf of our customers and the Utility Commission, Owensboro Municipal Utilities would like to thank the Kentucky Grid Resilience Program and the Kentucky Energy and Environmental Cabinets Office of Energy Policy for providing the funding necessary to ensure the reliability of our electric system, OMU general manager Tim Lyons 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 Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). Canada's union calls for countermeasures against U.S. escalating tariffs Xinhua) 09:19, June 05, 2025 OTTAWA, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Canada's largest private sector union, Unifor, on Wednesday urged the federal government to act without delay to counter the escalating steel and aluminum tariffs initiated by the United States. The decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to double tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum imports to 50 percent is a direct threat to Canadian jobs and economic stability, said the union in a news release. "These tariffs are killing investment in our steel, aluminum, and auto sectors, and we are already seeing the consequences in lost jobs and economic instability," said Unifor National President Lana Payne. "We need immediate and forceful action to defend good jobs and safeguard our national economic security." The 50 percent tariff, which came into effect on Wednesday, doubles the previous 25 percent duty imposed on Canadian steel and aluminum imports since March 2025. Canada remains the largest supplier of both steel and aluminum to the United States. The United States imports approximately a quarter of its steel from Canadian suppliers, while half of all U.S. aluminum consumption originates from Canada. Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing 320,000 workers in every major area of the economy. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) DOVER, Wis. (WFRV) One person was hospitalized Wednesday after suffering non-life-threatening injuries in a three-vehicle crash on State Highway 11. The crash happened around 11:15 a.m. at the intersection of STH 11 and Vandenboom Road in the town of Dover. Manitowoc County school bus driver arrested for possession of child pornography Multiple first responders arrived to find two vehicles loaded with Amazon packages heavily damaged at the intersection and partially in traffic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A third vehicle was located about 300 feet west of the intersection, upright in the westbound lane. (Kansasville Fire & Rescue Department) (Kansasville Fire & Rescue Department) (Kansasville Fire & Rescue Department) (Kansasville Fire & Rescue Department) (Kansasville Fire & Rescue Department) Deputies restricted traffic while emergency crews provided aid and investigated the crash. Each vehicle was occupied only by its driver. One driver had to be extricated from their vehicle. That individual was taken to a nearby hospital with injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening. Manhunt underway for father accused of murdering his three daughters; former Wisconsin resident The other two drivers were evaluated at the scene and declined further treatment or transport, according to the Kansasville Fire Rescue Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The roadway reopened to traffic after the damaged vehicles and debris were cleared from 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 WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. The driver of a vehicle involved in a crash that scattered metal panels across I-95 Thursday morning was rushed to the hospital in serious condition, Massachusetts State Police say. State police responded to a crash between a commercial car and a tractor-trailer at the intersection of Route 3 and Interstate 95 in Burlington around 6:30 a.m. The driver of the car had to be rushed to Lahey Hospital with serious injuries, state police say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crash caused several large metal plates from the tractor-trailer to be scattered across the highway. Several panels could be seen strewn on both sides of the highway, blocking travel lanes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Highway workers were able to remove the metal panels by 7:40 a.m. Several lanes on the highway were closed before reopening shortly after 9 a.m. State police are still investigating the 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 Five candidates for Georgia state Senate District 21 participated in a candidate forum. From left, Lance Calvert, Stephanie Donegan, Brice Futch, Steve West and Brian Will. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder. Georgias state Senate will have a new face when lawmakers return to work next year, and seven people are vying to be the one posing for photos under the Gold Dome when the dust settles. Former Sen. Brandon Beach. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder The spot opened in this off-year election after Alpharetta Republican Sen. Brandon Beach stepped down following his appointment to serve as U.S. Treasurer under President Donald Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Election Day is scheduled for Aug. 26. Senate District 21 includes much of Cherokee County and some of north Fulton County. With seven candidates on the ballot, its likely that none will win an outright majority, and the most probable outcome is a runoff between the top two vote getters regardless of their party. The runoff is planned for Sept. 23. Beach has been a stalwart ally to Trump he was a leader in backing the false idea that the 2020 election was rigged and in pushing back against Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis criminal case against Trump and his former district rewarded him for his devotion. Beach, who had served in the Senate since 2013, won just over 70% of the vote against his Democratic opponents in 2024 and 2018, the only times he faced a challenge from the other party. In 2024, Beach slightly outperformed Trump in the district, earning 81,481 votes, good for just over 70%, compared with Trumps 78,544, or about 66.5%, according to data from the Georgia Secretary of States office analyzed by the Georgia Recorder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So its no surprise that six of the seven Senate hopefuls are running as Republicans. Five of them came to Canton Monday for a forum hosted by the conservative Americans for Prosperity and answered questions about their commitment to principles like smaller government and lower taxes. Policy-wise, there was not a whole lot of space between the candidates at the forum. Each said they support legislation expanding school vouchers, reducing or eliminating the state income tax and reducing government regulations though the candidates did express some disagreement on accomplishing those goals. Lance Calvert Lance Calvert. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder Lance Calvert is the founder and owner of a Canton-based maintenance and repair business for retail and restaurants who says he wants to help repair the country. Gods going to fix this country, but hes got some people that he needs to participate with him. Trump got this thing started, whether he knew or not to begin with. But theres a lot of people whove been called forward, and theyre going to answer the call, were gonna do this. Were going to turn this country around. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While some candidates proposed a gradual approach to reducing the state income tax, suggesting a state equivalent to Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency, Calvert advocated for a quick and direct approach. Eliminate it. Weve got the money, he said. Income taxes account for about half of state funds, according to the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute, with sales taxes making up the second largest revenue source at about a quarter. Stephanie Donegan Stephanie Donegan. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder Stephanie Donegan, an entrepreneur and business strategist, said shes seen the effects of rising prices for things like health insurance and will support conservative fiscal policies she says will help people keep more of their income. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I love Georgia, I love the people of Georgia, and what Ive been seeing is that what the people in Georgia have been asking for and need, we have not been getting. I truly believe I am that person who can do it. I can clearly sit up here among a group of amazing men, but men nonetheless, and still have a voice, she said. Responding to a question about outreach to Latino voters, Donegan, who is Black, said Republicans have not done enough to reach minority voters. If were not careful, were going to become a blue state, she said. We are purple. We have a lot of people moving in here from blue states, from Philadelphia, New York, California, and if we dont get people to understand that they have a place in this party and why they should vote for these conservative values, were going to lose this state, and thats going to be a shame. Brice Futch Brice Futch. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder Brice Futch, a Cherokee County firefighter, said hell push for expansive conservative policies, including replacing the state income tax with a consumption tax on goods and services purchased as well as expanding Georgias school voucher program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I believe the next step is ESAs, education savings accounts, he said. With that, the full amount of money that is given to the student over the life of the student would be loaded on a debit card. Parents would take their debit card and go to the education institution of their choice. If they decided they want to homeschool, they could also use that for homeschool curriculum as well. I also think it needs to apply to local funding and not just state funding. Georgias current school voucher program is available to students in low performing schools and provides funds based on the states share of the cost to educate that student, with the local share of the money staying in the local district. Though Mondays discussion centered on economic policies, Futch also pledged to be a strong voice on cultural issues. I believe you have to look at broader moral values, he said. If you want somebody thats going to stand up and introduce legislation to outlaw puberty blockers in 2026, Im your guy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A ban on the drugs that doctors prescribe to some transgender youths to delay the onset of puberty has been proposed but hasnt passed. Georgia prohibits gender affirming surgeries and hormone treatments for transgender minors. Steve West Steve West. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder Steve West, the CEO of a metal fabrication company, stepped down from a seat on the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners to run for the seat. I want to run for the state Senate so I can go down to represent our district and cut taxes, bring business in, keep Georgia the best place to work, the best place to do business. You can tell Im one that doesnt speak very well. But I love the county. I love District 21. Ive been a life-long resident of this district. West, who was first elected to the commission in 2014, said he may not be the slickest orator, but he says he has a record of serving the community and proposed ending the state film tax credit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im not the guy that wants to have his picture put in the paper every day. I want to be the one that goes down and fights for District 21 on the issues that were talking about tonight, he said. I want to go down and look at doing away with funding Hollywood and putting that money back into the income tax. Take away the income tax, quit funding Hollywood. Lets look at deregulation so we can get projects done. Brian Will Brian Will. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder Brian Will, an entrepreneur and author, resigned from a seat on the Alpharetta City Council to seek a place in the Senate. For a Republican candidate, Will took several unorthodox positions on popular conservative programs, including the school voucher program and eliminating the state income tax. In each case, Will supported the concept but found fault with how state leaders implemented them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said he supports the voucher project but said not enough people can take advantage of it and fully funding it would be too expensive. He said eliminating the state income tax and instituting a consumption tax would harm low-income Georgians who spend a greater portion of what they earn. This is why we need Georgia DOGE. Weve got to go find out where the money went, who got it, for what, and how much, and then start cutting what were spending and come back and lowering the taxes. Will also had different ideas on the bill sometimes billed as Georgia DOGE, the Red Tape Rollback Act supported by Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, which passed the Senate this year but stalled in the House. He argued the proposal would create more red tape. Simply put, we have 150,000 rules and regulations in the state of Georgia. We have 100 different agencies. Each agency is going to be required to go through every single one of those rules to determine if that rule costs more than $3 billion to implement over a five-year period. Now Ive done math on this. Ive done some research on it. Itll take us about four years to get through every single rule to figure out if its a good rule that doesnt cost money. The problem now is that the clock starts again. We have to do this every four years. Jason Dickerson One Republican candidate qualified with the Georgia Secretary of States office to appear on the ballot but did not participate in Mondays forum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jason Dickerson did not respond to a request for comment, but according to his qualifying documents, Dickerson is a Cherokee County investment manager. On his campaign website, he describes himself as A conservative Republican businessman not a typical politician. Debra Shigley Debra Shigley. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder Attorney Debra Shigley is the sole Democrat in the race, who announced her candidacy last month. Last year, Shigley challenged the powerful House Speaker Pro Tem, Milton Republican Jan Jones, but lost by about 62% to 48%. Members of her party are likely hoping that a crowded Republican field will split the conservative vote and put her into a runoff at a time when turnout could be low and Democrats are riled up to vote. In a phone call, Shigley said voters in the district are not happy with what they are seeing from the government and shes hoping to convince them she can help be a part of the solution. I know what its like to be a hardworking Georgian raising a family and wanting to make sure that they have every opportunity in front of them. I have been raising my kids here in the district and I never thought I would get into this arena, but as a mom, as a lawyer, as a small business owner, I just felt I could not stay on the sidelines because what were seeing here in our own community as well as in the state and even in our country is not going in the right direction, and somethings got to change. Reporter Maya Homan contributed to this report SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE By Anna Tong SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) -OpenAI is seeing an increasing number of Chinese groups using its artificial intelligence technology for covert operations, which the ChatGPT maker described in a report released Thursday. While the scope and tactics employed by these groups have expanded, the operations detected were generally small in scale and targeted limited audiences, the San Francisco-based startup said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since ChatGPT burst onto the scene in late 2022, there have been concerns about the potential consequences of generative AI technology, which can quickly and easily produce human-like text, imagery and audio. OpenAI regularly releases reports on malicious activity it detects on its platform, such as creating and debugging malware, or generating fake content for websites and social media platforms. In one example, OpenAI banned ChatGPT accounts that generated social media posts on political and geopolitical topics relevant to China, including criticism of a Taiwan-centric video game, false accusations against a Pakistani activist, and content related to the closure of USAID. Some content also criticized U.S. President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs, generating X posts, such as "Tariffs make imported goods outrageously expensive, yet the government splurges on overseas aid. Who's supposed to keep eating?". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In another example, China-linked threat actors used AI to support various phases of their cyber operations, including open-source research, script modification, troubleshooting system configurations, and development of tools for password brute forcing and social media automation. A third example OpenAI found was a China-origin influence operation that generated polarized social media content supporting both sides of divisive topics within U.S. political discourse, including text and AI-generated profile images. China's foreign ministry said there is "no basis" for OpenAI's claims. "China attaches great importance to the governance of artificial intelligence and has consistently opposed the misuse and abuse of artificial intelligence technology," a ministry spokesperson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement OpenAI has cemented its position as one of the world's most valuable private companies after announcing a $40 billion funding round valuing the company at $300 billion. (Reporting by Anna Tong in San Francisco; Additional reporting by Liz Lee in Beijing; Editing by Louise Heavens and Jan Harvey) COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) After two days of jury selection, opening statements were made in the trial between William Husel, a former physician acquitted of 14 murder charges in 2022, and the Mount Carmel Health System. Wednesday morning started with alternate jurors being selected before Husels attorney, Jose Baez, began opening statements just before 1:30 p.m. Baez is a Florida-based attorney who also represented Husel during his 2022 murder trial. This man has had to endure the unbearable, Baez said. More than three years after being found not guilty of murder, Husel sued the Mount Carmel Health System, former Mount Carmel CEO and president Edward Lamb, and Mount Carmels parent company Trinity Health Corporation for defamation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baez championed Husels background as an award-winning doctor before diving into his claim of how Trinity Health used public relations tactics to sway a media campaign against him. Among a large amount of examples shown to the jury, Baez showed an email that gave employees kudos for influencing local newspaper coverage against Husel. From 2015 to 2018, critically ill patients under Husels care died from a potentially excessive amount of painkillers. In 2019, Husel faced 14 murder charges in relation to his patients deaths. A jury ultimately found him not guilty in 2022 after a months-long trial. Husel surrendered his medical license in the aftermath of his trial. Funeral services held for Morrow County deputy fatally shot on Memorial Day Husel filed multiple new civil lawsuits which included a 2023 suit for $20 million against Mount Carmel in which Husels attorneys claim malicious prosecution against him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This lawsuit was dismissed in March of 2024 before he filed a new suit a month later, which cited public statements from the defendants calling him responsible for patient deaths and attempts to influence local media. Defense attorney Powell Miller from Michigan firm Miller Law claimed Mount Carmel did not want to go public with the allegations against Husel and said that Husel needs to prove more than just negative statements against him in order to rule it defamation. He also pointed to Lambs video responses that did not directly name Husel. He said any statements made did not accuse Husel of any intent to harm patients. Dr. Husel cannot hold us responsible for any of his potential damages, Miller said. We never called him a criminal or a killer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Witness testimony is expected to begin Thursday 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV. The operation mounted by Ukraine last Sunday was nothing short of spectacular. Using ordinary-looking tractor-trailer trucks on Russian highways whose cargo actually concealed Ukrainian-made drones, Kyiv struck Russian military aircraft parked at airbases thousands of miles from the front lines of the war. The drone attack took the war deep into Russian territory, damaging or destroying at least a dozen strategic bombers in bases as far away as Murmansk, high in Russias Arctic, and Irkutsk in Siberia. This was not a conventional military rout. Rather than a battlefield success, the ingenious Operation Spiderweb, as it was dubbed by Kyiv, was reminiscent of Israels exploding pagers gambit against Lebanons Hezbollah last year, which helped transform the security landscape of the Middle East. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Will Ukraines drone feat carry a similar punch, changing the trajectory of this conflict? To get more in-depth news and expert analysis on global affairs from WPR, sign up for our free Daily Review newsletter. The short-term impact, beyond the considerable psychological effect on both sides, will not be dramatic. But the drone attacks have sent shockwaves that could change the contours of the war. The blow is not going to bring an end to the fighting or produce an immediate shift in the balance of power between the warring sides. But the knock-on effects have the potential to significantly alter how Russia and the U.S. think about the conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was not only a symbolic victory for Kyiv. It was a considerable tactical one and, most importantly, a powerful messaging success with far-reaching implications. The damage and destruction of the Russian bombersincluding its nuclear-capable Tu-95s and Tu-22s, crucial in the event of an all-out war with the Westby a buzzing fleet of long-distance drones leaves Russian President Vladimir Putin with egg on his face. But it also creates some tactical complications. Not only will Russia have fewer bombers available but, as it just learned, it will have to divert resources to protect its military assets across its vast territory. Importantly, the success of the operation helps answer a looming question, a constant source of anxiety for Ukraine and its supporters: If U.S. President Donald Trump decides to end Washingtons military support for Kyiv, can Ukraine survive? Operation Spiderweb, at the very least, suggests that Ukraine can put up a strong fight against a much larger Russia and inflict a great deal of pain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Remarkably, this harsh blow against Moscow was carried out without using weapons supplied by the West, indicating that even if Kyiv loses international support, theres much it can still do. Ukraines drones, each at a cost of a few hundred dollars, can destroy hundreds of millions of dollars worth of sophisticated weaponry. And Ukraine can count on virtually unlimited drone supplies. Operation Spiderweb, at the very least, suggests that Ukraine can put up a strong fight against a much larger Russia and inflict a great deal of pain. Its a message to multiple audiences from Moscow to Washington. Russia may have thought that Trumps return to office would mean an end to U.S. backing for Ukraine followed by a swift Russian victory. Confidence in Russias success is the main reason Putin has rejected Trumps pressure to end the war. But in the three years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion, Ukraine has built what may be the worlds largest drone manufacturing operation, while developing drone tactics second to none. By some estimates, Ukrainians will produce some 4 million more drones in 2025. Drones will play a pivotal role in the future of this war and all others, and Ukraine has proved its mastery, whatever happens to international support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Sundays attack, Putin wont immediately change his stance, but he may have to change his calculus. The cost of continuing the fight has just climbed. Ukraines drones may not be enough to win the war, but Kyiv just showed it has the power to make Russia continue to pay dearly. Putin may not be terribly concerned about Russia suffering 1 million casualtiesmostly due to dronesin the meatgrinder of Ukrainian battlefields. But if the war comes home, things will change. The message to Washington is equally clear. In their cringeworthy meeting in the Oval Office, Trump shouted at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, You dont have the cards. Zelenskyy just showed his hand, and it was a straight flush. Thats a message to Trump, undoubtedly raising his estimation of Zelenskyy. Perhaps hell also reconsider his certainty that Ukraine is doomed to lose. In addition, Ukraines strong showing has injected momentum into a push in the U.S. Senate to impose stiffer sanctions on Russia, including a 500 percent tariff on Russian oil buyers. The Ukrainians say they destroyed 41 strategic Russian aircraft, including 34 percent of Russias cruise missile carriers. So far independent analysts have put the number of verified hits much lower. But if the Ukrainian assessment ends up being accurate, it would be the biggest one-day loss for Moscow since World War II. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia has unsurprisingly downplayed the attack. In a Telegram post, the Ministry of Defense confirmed that Ukraine struck at airfields in the regions of Murmansk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Ryazan and Amur. While it claimed to have repelled what it characterized as terrorist attacks, it acknowledged that several units of aircraft caught fire in a couple of the bases. Some of Russias influential pro-military bloggers were less sanguine, calling it Russias Pearl Harbor, even as state-controlled television barely covered the news. By contrast, in Ukraine, the news was just as unsurprisingly everywhere. The successful operation gave a shot in the arm to a beleaguered population that has endured relentless Russian attacks on civilian targets. Ukrainians have also fretted about the consequences of the chill in relations with the U.S. since Trump returned to power. Since then he has humiliated Zelensky in the Oval Office, demanded that Ukraine make all the concessions in so-called peace talks with Russia and cast doubt on future U.S. support for Kyiv. The enemy bombed our country from these planes almost every night, said Gen. Vasyl Maliuk, head of Ukraines intelligence agency SBU, in describing the attack. Payback, he declared, was inevitable. But the operation amounts to more than revenge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Much like Israels intricate hit on Hezbollah, Ukraine spent a long time preparing the strikes. Some 18 months, they said, with Zelenskyy personally supervising the planning, according to Maliuk. Two days after the drone attack, the Ukrainians surprised Russia again, with an underwater strike on the Kerch bridge that links the Russian mainland to Crimea, which Moscow captured from Ukraine in 2014. Putin personally opened the bridge in 2018, triumphantly driving a huge truck across its expanse. In the past few days, as negotiations between the two sides make no progress toward peace, Kyiv has sent a powerful message deep inside Russia to those who think it is doomed to lose the war: Dont count us out just yet. Frida Ghitis is WPRs senior columnist and a contributor to CNN and The Washington Post. Her WPR column appears every Thursday. You can follow her on Twitter and Threads at @fridaghitis. The post Operation Spiderweb Was Also a Message to Ukraines Doubters appeared first on World Politics Review. Congress can use the budget reconciliation bill to save taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars by refusing to pay the salaries of government employees who, instead of doing their jobs, are doing business for their unions. Through a practice known as official time, union agents can draw a government salary even when they are off lobbying Congress, or spending 100 percent of their time working for a labor union. In 2019, the year before President Joe Biden ordered the Office of Personnel Management to stop tracking and reporting official time, employees across the federal government were paid $135 million to do 2.6 million hours of union work while on the clock at their government jobs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These are the last people who deserve taxpayer money. Despite being paid with tax dollars, these government union bosses are blatantly partisan. Theyre so used to being above the law that they see no reason to represent the views of most Americans. Thats why their contributions to candidates favor Democrats 20 to 1. And of course, government employee unions have staged massive protests in Washington to combat the Trump administrations efforts to reform the federal bureaucracy. Even though unions are third-party, nongovernmental organizations with strong political biases, federal officials are required by law to negotiate with them over their agencies staffing policies. Public policy should be made by representatives elected by the American people. It is undemocratic for those policies to instead be made through forced negotiations between elected officials and unelected union bosses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Union officials should never have been given control over the government workforce. So its good that President Trump signed an executive order ending union bargaining at several federal agencies. If Congress wont ban federal unions altogether, it can deal a significant blow to these groups by taking away the massive taxpayer subsidies that help fund their operations. The Protecting Taxpayers Wallets Act, sponsored by Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.), forces unions to pay back the official time they consume, plus the value of other perks they receive, such as free government office space. If union bosses want to set up shop in government buildings, and use government employees as union organizers and lobbyists, they should do it on their own dime. Reversing the flow of taxpayer money into union coffers is a revenue decision, making Ernst and Perrys language eligible for the budget reconciliation bill, which, unlike most legislation, can pass the Senate with just 51 votes. The language should be included in the reconciliation bill, but union bosses have allies in government, so its inclusion is in jeopardy. It suffered an early defeat after Rep. Perry introduced an amendment in the House Oversight Committee that would have placed his language in the budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A majority of the committees members joined with Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas), who said that she opposed Perrys amendment because she believes that campaigning for candidates like herself is an appropriate activity for government workers. Making sure that you are going to get somebody who is going to serve in a seat that is going to make sure that you can be protected as far as Im concerned, that is agency business, she explained. Crockett is wrong. Government employees should not be in the business of deciding who should serve in a congressional seat and campaigning to elect that person. House and Senate leaders should insist that the language in the Protecting Taxpayer Wallets Act be added to the budget reconciliation bill, so that the public no longer has to fund the political activity of union bosses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jace White is the director of federal affairs at the National Right to Work Committee. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Dear high school and college students, Are you a good communicator? Can you effectively lead a team of your peers? Can you think critically about issues, ask questions, and find solutions to complex problems? If so, were looking for you. Apply now if you can show evidence of teamwork, creativity, and a strong work ethic. We dont need good test-takers or the highest GPA. No experience? No problem. We will train you. We want employees who know how to learn, think, and lead. We want employees with the skills to help our company succeed both now and in the future. Are you up for the challenge? Sincerely, Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every Industry in America Todays education system fails to adequately prepare many students for college and the workforce. One survey found less than a quarter of high school graduates believe their schooling prepared them for life after graduation. Meanwhile, employers want candidates with 21st Century Skills, but are coming up short. In recent years, however, there has been a promising shift as many states re-evaluate how to prepare students for the world. Twenty states and hundreds of districts have created Portraits of a Graduate outlining the skills students should have by graduation such as communication, problem-solving, critical thinking and collaboration. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter Meanwhile, the landscape of K-12 assessments is also shifting. Last year when New York set a timeline to eliminate the requirement that students pass the Regents Exam in order to graduate, it joined a growing number of states that have ended reliance solely on exit exams as a condition of graduation. Instead, states are increasingly embracing measures such as performance-based assessments which measure both what students know and whether they can apply that knowledge. These students demonstrate their skills through completing a project or performing a certain activity, which can include. essays, portfolios or research papers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the right support, these changes can effectively prepare students for the workforce of tomorrow. We have seen this happen in schools that have taken a project-based learning approach to instruction and assessment. For instance, the rural Adair County School District in Kentucky launched an initiative to help students build skills outlined in the states portrait of a graduate and create a culture of inquiry. In one project, high school English and business classes, led by teachers Amy South and JR Thompson, worked together to research local industries and community businesses, interview business owners, analyze marketing strategies and develop comprehensive plans for promoting the community and its local businesses to outsiders. As part of the process, students were introduced to the concept of a strong hook to capture interest and then divided into two teams. Each team worked collaboratively to propose a value proposition and refine their marketing strategies. They were then required to pitch their ideas and plans, ultimately narrowing down their focus to two distinct community projects. They presented their final pitches live to a jury, which selected one a Marketing Day Vendor Fair to be implemented in the community. The project culminated in students hosting an event at the high school showcasing local businesses The Thomas Edison CTE High School in Queens, New York, is currently a mentor school for the New York State Department of Education, training other schools to develop performance-based assessments. It uses a project-based learning model in which students engage in real-world and personally meaningful projects. It developed a framework and essential skills rubric that assesses both how well students know the content and whether they can demonstrate essential skills of communication, collaboration, feedback and reflection, design thinking and professionalism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related Career-Connected Learning: Engaging Students by Teaching Real-World Skills These are just two examples of schools that are leading the way in making sure students are prepared for the world by the time they graduate. We need more stories like this. Instead of focusing on cuts to education, we need to continue the momentum happening in New York and elsewhere by supporting and growing these innovative programs. We call on parents, caregivers, students, schools, districts, boards of education, policy makers and government agencies to focus on these key areas to ensure the momentum continues and the changes last Professional development and capacity building: Institutions must ensure all teachers have ample time for professional development around performance-based curriculum and assessments as well as ongoing professional support. Buy-in at all levels is required in order to strengthen the system and build the capacity needed to make the shift toward building and measuring real-world skills. Funding: Re-defining student success and how to assess it will require investment. State leaders must ensure that there is funding to provide the staffing, training, curriculum and resources to support implementing performance-based assessments. Stakeholder alignment: K-12 schools, local industries and higher education institutions must be aligned on which skills are important for career and college readiness. Communications: Some students may resist performance-based assessments because they have learned how to navigate the current system and do well on tests. Communicating effectively to students and families will help to shift mindsets and make the process smoother. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Change is slow, but worth it. It will take persistence. There must be a willingness from all involved to hold the line and know it might take 10 years for this new way of assessing student learning to fully take hold. We are experiencing a rare opportunity to change education and improve student success. This work must be intentional, evidence-based, and supported at all levels. We implore education leaders, policy makers, schools, districts and communities to lay the groundwork now to ensure students have a successful future and can respond to the letter to high school and college graduates with a resounding Yes. This article was published with the support of XQ Institute. For generations, Utah has been known as the Crossroads of the West, and, in recent years, our state has undergone an exciting amount of growth. According to Pew, between 2009 and 2023, Utah experienced the fastest median population growth rate in the United States, at 1.68% a year. By 2065, Utah County alone will add 1 million people to its population. People from across the country and the world are moving to Utah, not only for its natural beauty, but for the states pro-business economy. With all the positives that come from a growing population, Utah must address one of the greatest challenges facing our state: producing reliable energy. In recent years, federal lawmakers have sought to incentivize domestic clean energy production. Tax provisions that were included in federal legislation have unleashed a new era of energy production in Utah. Last fall, Gov. Spencer Cox launched Operation Gigawatt, an ambitious initiative to double Utahs power production over the next decade. Reflecting his commitment to an all-of-the-above energy strategy, the plan leverages a diverse mix of traditional and renewable resources including natural gas, nuclear, geothermal, solar and wind to meet growing demand. By combining access to abundant natural assets with world-class research and innovation, Utah is positioning itself as a national leader in clean, reliable and forward-looking energy solutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the positive impact that these tax credits have on Utahs energy independence and economy, some lawmakers in Washington, D.C., have proposed eliminating them in the reconciliation package now under consideration in Congress. What may seem like an easy way to generate revenue will cost Americans more in the long run. Not only will states like Utah push the limits of their current energy infrastructure, but consumers will also experience an immediate increase in the cost of utilities. Utah is not the only state that would be negatively impacted by eliminating energy tax credits. Last month, Sen. John Curtis sent a letter with some of his Republican colleagues from Alaska, Kansas and North Carolina to Senate Leader John Thune about this issue. The letter highlights the ways that these tax credits have empowered the growth of the clean energy sector, and how getting rid of these credits would weaken our position as a global energy leader. SunRun, a major employer in Utah, exemplifies how clean energy tax credits can drive economic growth and energy innovation. The companys investments in solar technology and distribution not only create local jobs but also help increase Americas energy independence. If Congress moves forward with cutting these vital tax credits, it would impact companies like SunRun that are at the forefront of building a more sustainable and secure energy future for Utah and the nation. Utah is fortunate to have leaders in Washington, D.C., like Sen. John Curtis, who understand the need for investments to drive a clean energy future. Our states continued growth is reliant on our ability to provide reliable, affordable energy to everyone who wants to call Utah home. Lets not squander this opportunity; we must protect clean energy tax credits. On March 20th, a wave of Irving citizens flooded City Hall, united by love for our community, to confront an inflammatory proposal: the Las Vegas Sands Corporation, working hand-in-glove with city establishment figures, sought to rush through a zoning change allowing potentially the worlds largest casino to operate in Irving, within walking distance of schools and neighborhoods, and despite gambling currently being illegal in Texas. We who fought to resist the casino werent driven by fear, but by a fierce commitment to protect the place where we raise our families and call home. That night, we came armed with compelling evidencestudies documenting the harmful effects of casinos on communities, alongside personal stories from those who grew up near or worked in casinos. Increased crimeincluding and especially violent crime, such as human trafficking strained public services, and economic instability often follow such developments. Yet the citys entrenched establishmentlong-serving politicians and political insiderseither supported the Las Vegas Sands Corporations plan or stayed silent, ready to roll out the red carpet for the massive casino, in complete and almost taunting disregard for the peoples will. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Irving faced this threat, and our leaders faltered, I fought. And we won. Hours before the City Council vote, the Sands Corporation backed down and withdrew their request to permit casino gaming. Together, we won a hard-fought battle. But the war isnt over. Las Vegas Sands made its intention to build a casino in Irving quite clear when it declared in a recent Dallas Morning News statement, Were not going anywhere. I take them at their word. Make no mistake, this election will decide whether we open our city gates to corporate giants who profit from predatory gambling that destroys families and the surrounding community, or hold the line to preserve Irving as a beacon for families and opportunity. This threat to Irving is existential, and it is why I am running for City Council. My Hope and Vision for Irving Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My vision for Irving centers on the well-being of all residents, prioritizing quality-of-life issues that shape our daily lives. My policy goals focus on putting family ahead of corporate interests. First, we must protect our neighborhoods from rampant high-density development. Overcrowded housing strains infrastructure, erodes community character, and drives up costs. Ill push for zoning policies that preserve existing neighborhoods and promote single-family housing, making homeownership attainable for more families. Second, public safety is non-negotiable. Irvings streets and downtown businesses deserve a safe environment. Small, unaddressed issuespetty crime, loitering, vandalismhave snowballed into larger problems, signaling a city on a downward trend. Ill advocate for proactive policing to restore order and create a secure foundation for our businesses to thrive, particularly in our downtown core. Third, revitalizing Irving requires attracting great families and businesses. Quality education and safe, vibrant neighborhoods are the magnets that draw them. By investing in our schools and fostering an environment where businesses can operate securely, we can reverse the citys decline and build a prosperous future. Irvings potential is immense, but its been stifled by short-sighted decisions from an establishment that too often prioritizes personal gain over public good. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My campaign began as a rebellion against these entrenched interestscronies who view leadership as a reward for checking resume boxes, not as a duty to serve. For too long, theyve made decisions without considering their long-term impact on residents. Im running to represent the people, not special interests, and to ensure Irving remains a place where families can build lasting futures. To achieve this, I propose a clear plan. Beyond zoning reform and enhanced policing, we need transparent governance. City Hall must engage residents through regular town halls and open forums, ensuring your voices shape our future. Well invest in community programsyouth sports, local festivals, and small business supportto strengthen our civic fabric. Infrastructure upgrades, like better roads and parks, will enhance daily life without burdening taxpayers. And well prioritize economic development that aligns with our values, attracting industries that create stable, well-paying jobs without compromising our communitys character. I bring a fresh perspective, untainted by decades of insider politics. As a parent and homeowner, I understand the challenges families facerising costs, safety concerns, and the desire for a community that feels like home. My commitment is to you, the residents, not to corporate agendas or political dynasties. Together, we can make Irving a city that stands tall, not as a gambling hub, but as a place where opportunity and family life flourish. This election is about choices: between a city that serves its people or one that bows to outside interests; between a future where Irving thrives as a family-friendly haven or one where short term profits erode our foundation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I ask for your vote to protect our home, to fight for our values, and to build an Irving were proud to pass on to the next generation. Lets hold the line together. About the author: Sergio Porres, a proud Texan and dedicated Irving resident, is raising his six children with his wife, Emily, and is committed to protecting the citys family-centered community and culture through his active involvement in youth sports, educational initiatives, and public service inspired by his parents legacy. With a successful 20-year career in IT and a deep connection to Irving, where his family thrives in local programs, Sergio aims to preserve the citys character by prioritizing family housing and resisting reckless development, seeking to earn voters support to put Irving families first. The Place 2 runoff between Sergio Porres and David Pfaff is set for Saturday, June 7. I was born in Irving in 1970. Ive spent my life here raising a family, running a business, giving back to the city that shaped me. I never thought I would run for office. But when I saw how our city was being hijacked by fear and fringe agendas, I knew I had to step up. Irving is too important. The future of this city our city is on the ballot. 1 Lets be honest: Casino fear is a false issue. Casinos have been illegal in Texas since 1903. There is no serious effort to change that. Lt. Governor Dan Patrick and the conservative Texas Senate have made it clear: they wont move casino legislation forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And even if that ever changed, Irving voters not Council would decide through a public vote. I am personally a no on casinos. Its time to stop the distraction. We should be focused on what really matters to families in Irving not manufactured fear. 2 What matters: Roads. Safety. Quality of life. Protecting your tax dollars. I want an Irving where families dont have to leave the city for good restaurants, shops, or jobs. Where kids can grow up safe. Where seniors arent taxed out of their homes. Where our streets are maintained not patched and ignored. Our roads must be funded. We cant afford a Council that kicks the can down the road literally and figuratively. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Public safety must be fully supported. Im honored to be endorsed by Irvings Police and Fire Associations because they know I will stand with them to keep Irving safe. And yes we have to be vigilant about property taxes. While some of this is controlled at the state level, I will fight for reforms that help Irving families. Locally, I will always work to keep your tax dollars spent wisely and your taxes as low as possible. 3 Why experience and leadership matter more than ever. Irving is a city of 260,000 people with a budget approaching a billion dollars. These decisions arent small. Council members dont just vote on local items they represent Irving in regional and state forums where key decisions are shaped. It takes time, attention, and real leadership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I spent 27 years running a successful Irving business. Ive chaired civic organizations, managed large budgets, and built coalitions. Im retired now, and an empty nester which means I can dedicate my full time and focus to this role. My opponent? He has never run a business, never managed a large budget, never led in this city. He is backed by PACs with an agenda to take over Irvings Council and implement their fringe policy goals. This is not speculation it is clearly reflected in their own statements and communications. He also has seven young children under 12 a wonderful family, but this role requires more time and focus than he can give. City business doesnt stop when you leave Council chambers. It requires deep work in the community, across the region, at the state level. Irving deserves full-time leadership. A simple truth: If we do not vote Irvings Council may fall into the hands of a fringe group with a narrow, extreme agenda. This election is about more than casinos or culture wars. Its about the future of Irving. Its about us our families, our neighborhoods, our quality of life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am running because I love this city because I was raised here, raised my children here, and want Irving to thrive for the next generation. Ive stood up for our community when it mattered in support of our schools, Scouts, first responders, and local charities. I have never taken a dime from a PAC or dark-money group. I will serve every resident Republican, Democrat, Independent with honesty and integrity. But I cant do it alone. If we want to keep Irving a city of opportunity not a city controlled by a fringe political movement then we must vote. Every vote will matter. Together, we can choose leadership that works for Irving for all of us. And with the right leadership, Irvings best days are still ahead. About the author: David Pfaff was born and raised in Irving. He is a retired 27-year business owner, holds an MBA from The University of Texas at Austin, is a civic leader, and a candidate for Irving City Council Place 2. He has served as Chairman of the Irving Chamber of Commerce, co-founded the Irving Kids Charity Golf Tournament, mentored Scouts, and is a longtime supporter of Irvings schools, police, fire, and community organizations. His mother helped found the Irving Schools Foundation, and the Pfaff family has a long history of service to the city of Irving. The Place 2 runoff between David Pfaff and Sergio Porres is set for Saturday, June 7. When President Donald Trump announced there would be a major military parade in Washington, D.C. on June 14, my first reaction was: What? On Flag Day? He explained it was to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. That made more sense, especially when it was further pointed out that it coincided with his own 79th birthday. Trump had long admired the pomp and spectacle of large military parades like Frances Bastille Day rollout. In his first term he proposed such a full-scale military parade for July 4, 2018. That proposal was abandoned when the D.C. government and the Army pushed back over the estimated high cost and potential damage tanks would do to the streets. This time, those objections were overcome when the Army promised to lay heavy metal plates on the streets and pay for any damage incurred. Still, the Defense Department estimates the parade could cost up to $45 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some 6,700 troops are being flown in from around the country to participate in the parade. The procession of over 150 vehicles will include 28 Abrams tanks weighing 140,000 pounds each. Fifty aircraft will be flying overhead along with a parachute jump by the Armys Golden Knights team. Wars and military parades are as old as civilization itself, and America is no different in wanting to celebrate and show off its military might. I call such parades, as American as apple strudel, because our first army was trained in musket drills at Valley Forge by a Prussian military officer, Baron von Steuben. He trained 100 of the elite officers, who in turn trained another 100, until our entire army was trained. Precision military drills are the basis of military parades. They instill in troops the important values of discipline, cooperation and precision that forge unit cohesion on the battlefield. There is a certain ambivalence in America about flaunting our military might through ostentatious displays of our power in parades. That is not to say we have been reluctant to celebrate our military victories in parades honoring and thanking our troops for their successes and sacrifices. In the early days of the republic, it was quite common for the president to review the troops in parades every Fourth of July. That practice ended with President James Polk in 1845. However, in 1865 perhaps the most impressive military parade in U.S. history was held. Called the Grand Review of the Armies, it was held on May 23 and 24 after President Andrew Johnson declared an end to the Civil War on May 10. The returning Union soldiers marched 12 abreast, stretching back seven miles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1942 and 1946 there were two huge military parades in New York City marking U.S. entry and victory in World War II. Beginning with President Dwight D. Eisenhowers first and second inaugurals in 1953 and 1957, impressive military parades were staged, at least implicitly honoring Ikes heroic military leadership in World War II. In 1963, President John F. Kennedys inauguration was matched by another military parade that again implicitly recognized his heroic deeds in World War II, but also served as a muscle-flexing display at the peak of the Cold War. The 1991 military parade marking victory in the Persian Gulf War was the last of its kind. There had been nothing comparable after the Korean, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan wars. The Armys 250th celebration will be coupled with next years 250th commemoration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4. Lest there be any concern about the Navy and Marines 250th birthday commemorations this fall, elaborate arrangements are being made for each in Philadelphia. I was raised in small towns in the Midwest, where there were no military parades only annual celebrations on Labor Day of the towns themselves. In one town it was called Homecoming Day, in another, Old Settlers Day, but the parades were the same, led by a military color guard followed by dozens of gaily decorated floats and interspersed with high school bands from the area. A street carnival and evening stage performances rounded-out the holiday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I can identify most with what Erma Bombeck is supposed to have said about July 4 celebrations: You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism. Don Wolfensberger is a 28-year staff veteran of Congress, culminating as chief-of-staff of the House Rules Committee in 1995. He is author of, Congress and the People: Deliberative Democracy on Trial (2000), and, Changing Cultures in Congress: From Fair Play to Power Plays (2018). Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 a major move on abortion policy, the Trump administration just withdrew Biden-era guidance on emergency abortions. The guidance had interpreted the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) as requiring access to abortion in certain medical emergencies, even in places where abortion is a crime. The revocation by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid is unlikely to help hospitals and doctors who were already unsure how EMTALA would be interpreted or enforced. But an accompanying statement from CMS hinted at a broader change, stating that EMTALA required hospitals to prevent serious risks to the health of a pregnant woman or her unborn child. Understood in this way, EMTALA under the Trump administration could further restrict how doctors address emergencies, regardless of states abortion laws. Congress passed EMTALA in 1986 to stop hospitals from turning away patients who couldnt afford to pay, especially women in labor. In the wake of the Supreme Courts decision overturning abortion rights, the Biden administration issued guidance on EMTALA requiring hospitals and physicians participating in Medicare to provide abortions in certain medical emergencies, even in states that ban abortion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In theory, EMTALA could be a powerful check on state bans; violators could face fines and even exclusion from the Medicare program. What's more, EMTALA, a federal law, could trump conflicting state laws. In practice, it wasnt clear how much of a difference the Biden administrations guidance was making. A congressional investigation in December 2024 found that hospital lawyers were often inaccessible and offered confusing advice to doctors, even with the Biden guidelines in place. It wasnt clear how strongly the federal government would come after offenders, and hospitals had to weigh that risk against the threat of prosecution and fines in states where abortion is banned. The courts didnt help clear things up either. The two most prominent lawsuits involved the Biden administration suing Idaho over its ban (which only has an exception for the life of the mother) and Texas suing the federal government over its guidance. In both cases, abortion opponents seized on language in the statute referring to the health of the health of the woman or her unborn child. Anti-abortion lawyers insisted that, under this wording, EMTALA imposed equal obligations toward pregnant women and unborn patients. When those obligations conflicted, the argument went, individual physicians would have to decide what to do, and state laws criminalizing abortion would break the tie. While the conservative Fifth Circuit sided with Texas on this question, lower courts blocked enforcement of Idahos law. The Supreme Court agreed to step in, but ultimately dismissed the petition as improvidently granted. In an opinion by Justice Samuel Alito, however, three of the courts most conservative justices dissented, echoing the argument that EMTALA created obligations toward fetal patients and thus couldnt require hospitals to allow any abortion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres just one problem with this theory: EMTALAs text. The original bill did not reference unborn patients. In 1989, Congress passed amendments meant to clarify the laws scope. Those amendments created two categories of emergency condition, those that did not involve labor and those that did. Almost all of EMTALAs references to the unborn child fall in the latter category, where the appropriate way to stabilize a patient is to successfully deliver a baby. Only once is the term mentioned around non-labor emergencies the category of emergencies where abortion would be considered. Simply mentioning the term unborn child doesnt necessarily mean that Congress wanted to recognize fetal patients rights. In fact, limiting mentions of the unborn child almost entirely to scenarios where labor has already begun suggests the contrary. Furthermore, the use of the term hardly answers what should happen when a pregnant womans life or health are clearly imperiled. Though the Trump administration has reinforced that hospitals have duties to fetal patients too, it has not explained how hospitals should carry out those duties. Will the administration act if a hospital doesnt prioritize the needs of the unborn patient, or strike the right balance between the fetus and pregnant woman? Anti-abortion medical organizations like the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists have issued guidelines requiring hospitals to use humane medical interventions that aim for both mother and her unborn child to live when possible and do not inflict direct violence on the unborn child. Will the Trump administration require hospitals to use these methods when addressing emergencies? Much of the debate about EMTALA so far has focused on states where abortion is banned. But if the Trump administration does enforce EMTALA to protect fetal patients, will it impose penalties on hospitals in states that protect abortion as a right? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After all, though anti-abortion forces reading of EMTALA focuses on the text of the law, that interpretation is consistent with their broader ambition: to confer constitutional rights of fetuses from the moment of fertilization. The 2024 GOP platform nodded to this theory, implying that the Fourteenth Amendment, which addresses due process and equal protection, already protects the unborn child. In Minnesota, an anti-abortion lawyer is challenging the constitutionality of the states liberal abortion law by arguing that it violates the rights of the unborn child. Another fetal personhood suit just reached the 2nd Circuit Court, where a panel of judges appointed by George W. Bush and Donald Trump rejected the plaintiffs claims on a technicality. At the moment, the primary effect of the administrations move on EMTALA will be more confusion for hospitals and physicians. But the administrations references to the unborn child cant be ignored. In the longer term, the end of the Biden-era guidance may be the tip of the sword further carving up abortion protections, even in states where that right is still protected. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com June is nationally recognized as Pride Month a yearly celebration of the contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals to the rich tapestry of American history. The Pentagon, however, under the leadership of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, is marking Pride Month by offering a one-finger salute to the LGBTQ community. Its part of a larger effort to whitewash the accomplishments and, arguably, the humanity, of women and minorities in the U.S. military. Earlier this week, Military.com reported that Hegseth ordered the renaming of the USNS Harvey Milk. Milk was a gay rights trailblazer, the first openly gay man to win elected office in the United States. A year after winning a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977, Milk and the citys mayor, George Moscone, were murdered in City Hall by a disgruntled ex-supervisor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Milk had previously served in the U.S. Navy and was commissioned as an officer in 1951, before receiving a less than honorable discharge in 1955 after questions were raised about his sexual orientation. The timing of the announcement, during Pride Month, reports Military.com, was intentional a punitive and mean-spirited slight at the estimated 80,000 LGBTQ+ service members in the U.S. military. While refusing to confirm the renaming, Department of Defense spokesperson Sean Parnell issued a statement saying, Secretary Hegseth is committed to ensuring that the names attached to all DOD installations and assets are reflective of the Commander-in-Chiefs priorities, our nations history, and the warrior ethos. Its not hard to read between the lines here: Gay service members cant be warriors and arent tough enough to serve in the military. Its a broadside so juvenile and homophobic its something one might expect to hear in a fraternity house rather than the halls of the nations military. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hegseths assaults on diversity are not limited to just the LGBTQ+ community. The USNS Harvey Milk is part of the Navys John Lewis-class of oiler ships, which are named for civil rights leaders and activists (Lewis, a former member of Congress, was, of course, a prominent civil rights activist). According to CBS News, the Navy is also considering renaming other Lewis-class oilers including the USNS Thurgood Marshall, USNS Ruth Bader Ginsburg and USNS Harriet Tubman. Marshall and Ginsburg were Supreme Court justices (Marshall was the first Black man to serve on the Supreme Court) and Tubman was a legendary Black abolitionist. Theres no word on whether two other Lewis-class ships, the USNS Earl Warren and USNS Robert F. Kennedy, will be renamed. But both men are white, so it seems unlikely. Hegseths move to erase the contributions of nonwhite, female members of the armed forces has been a recurrent theme since he took office. Before Trump nominated the former Fox & Friends Weekend host to become the head of the Department of Defense, Hegseth waged rhetorical war against diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs and what he termed military wokeness. In his 2024 book, The War on Warriors, Hegseth railed against feminism, genderism, safetyism, climate worship, manufactured violent extremism, straight-up weirdo s---, and a grab bag of social justice causes that infect todays fighting force. They are, he argues, anathema to everything the American military stands for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After taking office, Hegseth said, The single dumbest phrase in military history is our diversity is our strength. Since then, he has reinstated a ban on transgender service members. He ended a program, signed into law by President Trump in 2017, to increase leadership roles for women in the military. He fired a host of female military leaders, including Admiral Linda Fagan, the first woman to lead the U.S. Coast Guard. His tenure also saw the dismissal of Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., chairman of the joint chiefs of staff and the second Black man to hold the job. Considering Hegseths criticisms of DEI, the implication of these firings is that women and minorities who rose up the ranks did so because of racial preferences, not because of their accomplishments or years of service. Another of Hegseths first moves as secretary was an order to remove any mention of diversity from the Pentagons website, which led to the embarrassing deletion of a webpage honoring former Army veteran Jackie Robinson, among others (the page was restored after a public backlash). In all, more than 26,000 images have been flagged for removal from the departments website, and the total could reach as high as 100,000. Not surprisingly, the vast majority of those removed detail the accomplishments of women and minorities. Hegseth has also ordered the nations prestigious military academies to stop taking into account race, gender and ethnicity in their admissions practices, and has ordered the academies to purge educational materials focused on what he calls divisive concepts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unless one believes that only white men are capable of serving with distinction, its difficult to see how any of this makes the military stronger or more lethal. In an era when Americas military advantages lie in information technology and virtual control of the modern battlefield, America needs a broad array of individuals to make up the military of the 21st century, not just Hegseths retrograde vision of interchangeable white male trigger-pullers. Hegseths message to a generation of future military leaders is that if youre a woman (who make up 18% of active service members) or Black (also around 18% of the active force) or gay or a member of some other minority group, you are not welcome. Hegseths moves, while strategically misguided, also run counter to the core values of the institution he runs. For the past 75 years, the military has been a catalyst for racial equality in American society. In 1948, President Harry Truman ordered the integration of the military, well before the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the discriminatory legal doctrine of separate but equal. Parnell, the spokesperson, has said that Hegseths goal is to create a colorblind, merit-based culture at the Pentagon. But acknowledging only the accomplishments of white, male service members and removing the names of gay, women and Black civil rights activists suggests that the Pentagon under Hegseths leadership only sees those who look like him. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Are U.S. military leaders preparing to fight the last war, or a modern one with drones, deception and surprise attacks? If nothing else, Ukraines attack on Russia last weekend has cast a light on how the world is changing. Wars of the future could come down to which nation has the sneakiest, smallest and most AI-ready lethal drones. Kateryna Bondar, a fellow with the Wadhwani AI Center at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and a former adviser to Ukraine, wrote recently that Ukraines objective is to remove warfighters from direct combat and replace them with autonomous unmanned systems. AI in the sky Its AI in the sky. Autonomous drones are much harder to track and destroy than ones operated remotely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraines Operation Spiders Web reportedly took 18 months of planning and preparation. It involved smuggling a multitude of small drones into storage compartments on freight trucks that delivered them to spots near air bases all over Russia. When launched, these apparently were able to destroy many of Russias long-range bombers at close range. That kind of unconventional attack is asymmetrical, as the Washington Post noted on Wednesday. It quoted Army Gen. Bryan Fenton, commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, telling Congress in April: The character of warfare is changing at a ratio faster than weve ever seen. Our adversaries use $10,000 one-way drones that we shoot down with $2 million missiles. That cost-benefit curve is upside down. A long history of surprises in war The audacity of this mission was reminiscent of Israels complicated scheme to put explosive pagers and walkie-talkies into the hands of top Hezbollah leaders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But then, as a colleague reminded me, these were not much different than the 9/11 attacks against the U.S., which required years of infiltration and training, including learning how to fly commercial jets. Nor were they much different from the time, millennia ago, when mythology holds that Greeks hid soldiers inside a wooden horse they gave to the city of Troy, allowing a deadly attack from within. Innovation, creativity and the element of surprise have long been essential to warfare. The difference now is in lethality and the use of artificial intelligence. News reports say Ukraine claims its drones were operating in autonomous mode. Fighting the last war Author Robert Greene discusses fighting the last war as the tendency to repeat the tactics, strategies and assumptions that were valid during the previous war, not realizing that the world has changed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Post quotes Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colorado, a member of the House Armed Services and Intelligence committees, as saying the war between Russia and Ukraine has shown how wrong the U.S. is in its planning. This conflict has already fundamentally changed the nature of warfare, the Post quotes Crow as saying, adding that the U.S. spends exorbitant amounts of money on things that would be relevant decades ago. Here in the United States, the conflict may seem worlds away. Europe, however, is much more concerned. Europes war preparations Sweden, for example, is renovating and modernizing its approximately 64,000 civil defense bunkers, spread all over the country. Britains Daily Mail said these, which are capable of sheltering about 7 million people (in a nation of 10.5 million), are being upgraded to protect against nuclear weapons, radioactive fallout and biological and chemical weapons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neighboring Finland, which has a large border with Russia, has joined Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania in withdrawing from a treaty that prohibited the use of landmines, just in case it may need to repel an invasion. The Mail also said Germany is considering conscripting people into the armed services, saying it needs an additional 100,000 soldiers to defend against a Russian attack on NATO, which its chief of defense believes could come within four years. Writing this week for Bloomberg, Aliaksandr Kudrytski, Jake Rudnitsky and Olesia Safronova said drones are threatening to flip the script in Ukraine and elsewhere. Taiwan is investing in mass-produced drones in anticipation of a possible conflict with China. Israel has recalibrated the Iron Dome air defense system in the war in Gaza to account for maneuverable drones one of its biggest blind spots. European governments embarking on their largest rearmament since the Cold War have identified drones and counter-drone systems as an investment priority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even the United States is looking for cheaper drones, rather than the expensive, over-engineered ones it helped pioneer. World War III? The Atlantic Council recently surveyed more than 350 experts and found 40% of them expecting a global war within the next decade. An optimist would note that experts seldom are right about much of anything. But a realist would say its good to be prepared, in any event, and especially for the type of war the future may bring. Orange County Dist. Atty. Todd Spitzer harassed and retaliated against a high-ranking female prosecutor in his office after she raised concerns about his conduct and tried to protect other prosecutors who were sexually harassed by another superior, according to a jury verdict Thursday. The jury, which heard the case in San Diego County to avoid potential conflicts, found Spitzer acted with malice against Tracy Miller, who was at one point the highest-ranking woman in the prosecutor's office. The jury also found that the county did not take reasonable steps to prevent workplace harassment, and took "adverse employment action" against Miller. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Tracy Miller had the fortitude to resist the most powerful law enforcement person in the county, and she prevailed," John Barnett, Miller's attorney, said after the verdict was read. "It took a lot of courage, and the jury saw that she was right." Read more: A blood feud rocks O.C. law enforcement with claims of 'dirty cop,' 'corrupt' D.A. The county declined to comment on the verdict. The jury found the county, Spitzer and former Chief Assistant Dist. Atty. Shawn Nelson liable for $3 million in damages, including $1.5 million for past emotional distress. Late Thursday, the jury also ruled Spitzer would be liable for an additional $25,000 in punitive damages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement to The Times, Spitzer said he accepted "full responsibility for any and all actions which occur in my administration, including my own actions and the actions of my former Chief Assistant District Attorney Shawn Nelson." Spitzer, in the statement, made no mention of the allegations of retaliation or harassment made by Miller in the lawsuit but said he had "set a very high standard which I expected all my employees to meet, and Ms. Miller was overseeing extremely important assignments." "It is no secret that there was a lot of frustration on my part with her lack of performance in handling these very serious matters," Spitzer said in the statement after the jury returned with their verdict. "I respect the jury's decision, and I am heartbroken over the fact that any of my actions could have been interpreted as anything other than a good faith effort to clean up the public corruption in the Orange County District Attorney's Office, and to create a work ethic that adheres to what Orange County residents demand of its District Attorney." Unlike criminal trials, civil trials in California do not require a unanimous verdict. In this civil case, juror decisions ranged from 12 to 0 to 9 to 3 for the various claims upheld against the defendants. The jury voted 10 to 2 to award punitive damages against Spitzer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miller accused Orange County, Spitzer and Nelson of retaliation and forcing Miller out after she objected to Spitzer's actions while heading the office. Miller alleged she tried to protect female prosecutors from being retaliated against after they alleged they were sexually harassed by Gary LoGalbo, a former supervisor who was also friends with Spitzer. Former and current prosecutors in the office described a "challenging" and "demanding" environment inside the prosecutors office, but some said they faced threats of being fired or demoted. In her testimony, Miller said Spitzer and Nelson used "gender-based slurs," disrespected her and undermined her authority in the office. According to her suit, Miller alleged she had raised concerns that Spitzer had violated the Racial Justice Act by bringing up questions about race while determining whether to seek the death penalty against a Black defendant, and that Spitzer used race in case assignments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miller said in court that Spitzer, in retaliation, had threatened to fire her close friends in the office and dismantle programs she had spearheaded. But much of the trial centered on what occurred shortly after several female prosecutors alleged they were sexually harassed by LoGalbo, a former police officer and the best man at Spitzer's wedding. When an internal county investigation confirmed the women were harassed, the report identified Miller and her testimony by describing her position and gender. Afterward, Miller testified, Spitzer targeted her and criticized her for writing notes during executive meetings. "You could see anytime a subject came up, Tracy was taking notes about our meetings," Spitzer testified. "There was a point of time where it was very curious to me, why do you seem to be memorializing everything we're doing?" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spitzer, who testified on multiple days during the trial, denied the accusations of harassment and retaliation. He acknowledged deep tensions within the office after he assumed the role in 2018 but attributed the opposition to employees who supported the previous district attorney, Tony Rackauckas. "I knew it was going to be miserable, and it was miserable," Spitzer said in testimony, at one point wiping away tears. He said that was part of the reason he chose Nelson, now a county Superior Court judge, as chief assistant district attorney when he first took office. "I picked him because I was going into battle, in the lions' den," Spitzer said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Miller testified Nelson's actions also raised problems in the district attorney's office after the allegations of sexual harassment were made. For example, prosecutors testified that during a sexual harassment training session for managers, Nelson stood up and said there were "no victims." On Thursday, one of the attorneys representing Miller urged jurors to seek punitive damages against Spitzer, arguing that the acts of retaliation and harassment against Miller were not isolated events. "This wasn't just a single incident," he told jurors. "It wasn't negligence. This was intentional. It was a long-term, long series of events." In his statement Thursday, Spitzer apologized while also criticizing Miller's work performance during her time in the office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In hindsight, I realize that I was not as sensitive to the issues Ms. Miller was facing at the time as I should have been, and for that I am truly sorry," the statement read. Tracy Kennedy, an attorney representing the county, told jurors that there was no need to seek additional punitive damages against Spitzer, and that the $3 million sent a message to the district attorney about his behavior in office. "He's heard it, he understands," she said. "He has been punished." The county still faces eight sexual harassment lawsuits involving allegations that were made against LoGalbo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's very important for the public to know what happened," said Barnett, Miller's attorney. "I was confident that our case was strong and we were right." 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. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Racial inequality continues to be a daily issue faced by people of color living in the US, pervading all aspects of life from social interactions to job availability. Schools with higher concentrations of non-white students tend to receive millions of dollars less in funding. Lower funding leads to lower-quality education, which can snowball into limited if not no access to viable career options. Nonetheless, there are some states in which quality education is more equal and accessible, where schools have high racial diversity and simultaneously receive adequate funding. Chip Hupo, a WalletHub analyst, was quoted in a recent report saying, Promoting racial equality in education can have a significant impact on promoting equality in the overall economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In WalletHubs study, Oregon ranked #4 on the list, with Wyoming, New Mexico and West Virginia ahead of it. The measure of equality used values attributed to both white and black people, with examples of these values being shares of adults with a high school degree, standardized test scores, and average ACT scores. In states where black participants equaled or out-scored white participants, the states were given the maximum score for that category. Oregons overall score was a 66.21/100. It is important to note that the only two demographics compared by the study were white and black people it did not include reports of other non-white groups. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) As Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) approaches the end of his third term in 2026, it is not clear if hes running for re-election or plans to retire from Congress. When asked whether he planned to run for re-election in an interview with KOIN 6 News on Wednesday, the 68-year-old senator said, My wife Mary and I make the decision every six years, as we always do. There seems to be an inordinate interest in accelerating that decision, when doing what I do every time, and well make the decision on our own timeline. Questions regarding Merkleys intentions to run for re-election began as website domains appear to hint at potential Senate runs by some Oregon lawmakers including Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (D-01), Maxine Dexter (D-03), Janelle Bynum (D-05), and Andrea Salinas (D-06) along with Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read. Those website domains include AndreaSalinasforSenate.com, SuzanneBonamiciforSenate.com, JanelleBynumforSenate.com, MaxineDexterforSenate.com, and TobiasforSenate.com, as first reported by The Oregonian. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oregon bill shielding utility rate increases from Big Tech passes Senate While it is unclear who owns the domains, a spokesperson for Rep. Bonamicis campaign told KOIN 6 News that the congresswomans campaign did not buy the domain, noting Bonamici plans to run for re-election for Oregons First Congressional District. I guess if I decide not to run again, Mary and I make that decision, they can all have a fine time competing, Merkley told KOIN 6 in response to the domains. But I havent. We havent made that decision. So, its interesting and strange that theyre buying up websites. In a statement to KOIN 6 News, Congresswoman Dexters Campaign Advisor Reed Adamson said, Congresswoman Dexter is busy fighting against Trumps attacks on working families, not buying campaign URLs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KOIN 6 News has reached out to the campaigns of Congresswomen Bynum and Salinas along with Secretary Read. This story will be updated if we receive a response. For 76-year-old Oregon Senator Ron Wyden, a spokesperson told KOIN 6 News Senator Wyden fully intends to run for re-election in 2028. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. This article may contain affiliate links that Yahoo and/or the publisher may receive a commission from if you buy a product or service through those links. Its Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2024: the first day of a three-day heatwave in Portland, Oregon, with temperatures predicted to be the hottest since 1958. Inside my outdated single-family home, the thermometer is climbing to 96 degrees. The poorly maintained windows, cracked open by adjustable window screens to allow for any cross breeze, are covered with blackout curtains. My partner and I are sitting on our couch, sweat dripping from every orifice, and our dog lies on a cold spot on the old wooden floors, tongue hanging out. All inclement weather can be dangerous, but the heat we experienced over those three days was especially so. Hot weather is the leading cause of weather-related fatalities in the United States, resulting in hundreds of deaths per year. The body temperature has a believed 95-degree wet-bulb limit (which is the theoretical temperature at which its too humid for sweat to be evaporated enough to cool you down), but some scientists at Penn State recently reported it might be even lower, at 87 degrees. And veterinarians say that temperatures above 90 degrees can get dangerous for dogs, and fast, since they dont sweat like humans do. Needless to say, we were suffering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And yet, even with an AC unit in each room of our home, nothing seemed to cool it down. Due to the poorly insulated, drafty windows, all the cool air was escaping. We faced a tradeoff: suffer inside with all the windows shut and hope the AC eventually worked, or aim for a crosswind and forgo trying the AC altogether. I felt hopeless. Those who could afford to escape to the Oregon Coast during the heatwave (and the skyrocketing Airbnb prices) had already done so. After some serious scavenging, I found a single yurt three hours away in Reedsport, where the temps hovered in the manageable upper 70s. Thank goodness for National Parks. While we escaped that heatwave, I hoped that once we returned, the weather wouldnt climb again. Deep down, I knew it was just the first hot day of many. Credit: Gabrielle Lenart Credit: Gabrielle Lenart Portlands Hot Weather Problem When my family and I toured our rental that April, the weather was perfect: in the upper 60s and sunny. From conversations with locals and my own research, I was led to believe that the climate in Portland is moderate from April to September, with temperatures rarely climbing above the 80s. But times are changing. The summer we moved, Portland reported the hottest July to date, and more than two heat waves with average temperatures around 100 degrees, lasting from two to five days, according to the National Weather Service. Now, these heat waves are more of the norm. In the 2021 Western North America Heat Wave, temperatures soared past 116 degrees, and 800 people died in the Pacific Northwest, 100 of them Oregonians. The heatwave also caused a myriad of challenges: a surge in 911 calls and emergency department visits; commuter services like the MAX Light Rail and WES Commuter Rail and the Portland Streetcar service were suspended due to heat-related issues; and Seattles steel drawbridges had to be hosed down to prevent infrastructure issues such as cracking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In parts of Washington, the pavement was literally melting, causing buckling and potholes, and some counties reported power outages. Later, reports of 2,800 heat-related emergency department visits were made from July 25-30, 2021, in Multnomah County, Oregon, alone. The county published an analysis that found that a majority of deaths that occurred in households were from residents who only had fans or no air conditioning. Why Renters Are So Much Worse Off in Portland Heat Waves For the uninitiated, it may seem patently ridiculous that folks out here dont have AC units. But Portland is different. In cities like New York City, where I rented for over eight years, AC is standard, even expected. In fact, 86% of Portland owner-occupied homes have air conditioning yet only 66% of renter-occupied homes do, says The Office of Darla Andrews of Rent Portland Homes. That statistic includes rental units where renters provide their own portable AC units. During my Portland search, I toured one high-rise apartment where the leasing agent mentioned that wed need to keep all the doors inside the apartment open in the summer and use fans to help circulate the air, as the mini split AC unit wouldnt cut it. For the cost, youd expect better insulation and, at minimum, proper cooling devices. It was also the only unit I toured that included air conditioning at all. For Portlands rental market, extreme temperatures pose serious challenges. There is a push to preserve neighborhood character understandably so; Portland is a breathtaking city. But this means zoning restrictions and height limits for apartment construction. Much like our unit, a single-family home, most rentals are older houses with converted ADUs in the basement, which often have poor insulation and lack central air conditioning. While basement units tend to stay cooler, installing an AC is nearly impossible due to the ground-level windows. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is also a widening class disparity, causing issues with availability and pricing for portable units. Portland has long wait lists for cooling centers and free AC units. If you were lucky enough amid a heat wave to snag a portable AC unit from your local hardware center before they sold out, the cost itself was unfathomable, at two to three times the going rate. Some reports found that price gougers were selling units, which already go for several hundred dollars, for $2,000 a pop. In the end, when it gets so hot that the roads are buckling, only those who can afford it or have the luxury of having a car can escape. However, protecting vulnerable and priority populations such as seniors, low-income individuals, those with disabilities, communities of color, and those living outside during extreme heat, is not optional. Nobody should be left behind because of where they live, how much they earn, or the support systems they have access to. Credit: Gabrielle Lenart Credit: Gabrielle Lenart Rethinking How to Survive Portlands Next Heat Wave As my family and I were piecing together cooling solutions with box fans in front of our AC units, curtain dividers from IKEA in every room, and luck, we thought of how to avoid this situation in the future. Ultimately, we decided to move to a much smaller apartment with central AC and ample tree coverage in the neighborhood after weighing our choices. Others, too, will need to create a plan of action far in advance if theyre lucky enough to be able to afford to move. Residents are being advised to prepare for possible extreme heat this summer. The release revealed that last year in Multnomah County, 170 people visited the hospital or urgent care for heat-related illnesses, up from 141 in 2023, health authorities said. Four people died last year in connection with heat exposure, compared with three heat-related deaths in 2023. Since Oregon is now one of the top five states for incoming residents, I went down the rabbit hole to see what renters protections and action plans could work to protect others and their furry friends from the extreme heat. Credit: Gabrielle Lenart Credit: Gabrielle Lenart Why Portland Needs Heat Protections for Renters The state has regulations to protect residents during freezing temperatures, which require landlords to provide adequate heating to 68 degrees or above inside when it drops below 20 degrees. But the state does not do the same for extreme heat, despite the fact that it is so dangerous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Should landlords be held responsible for ensuring tenants have access to adequate cooling? Currently, SB 1536, which regulates temperature control in rental units, does not require landlords to install air conditioning; it only protects tenants right to install it. But, in discussion is SB 54, which would require multiunit property owners to provide efficient cooling devices central air conditioning, heat pump, or portable cooling device in at least one room on hot days. The goal is to have a cooling device in every bedroom by 2036. Could the city support retrofitting older homes, many of which house renters, to improve cooling efficiency? In 2016, FEMA awarded Portland approximately $500,000 for a pilot program that subsidized half the cost of seismic retrofits for 150 residents. Why not implement a similar program for heat resilience? According to Housing Solutions Lab by the NYU Furman Center for Real Estate and Urban Policy, investments in insulation, efficient cooling systems, and moisture control, especially in the damp Pacific Northwest, could reduce energy consumption, increase property values, and improve comfort and livability. These upgrades would also support climate equity, as older homes are disproportionately occupied by lower-income residents who often face higher utility costs and greater vulnerability to extreme heat. The Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund has made promising strides, pledging an additional $10.3 million in December 2024 to expand the Cooling Portland program, which provides portable cooling and heating units to low-income Portlanders and plans on serving an additional 10,000 households through 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But portable AC may not even be enough. Last years study at three Home Forward properties revealed that portable air conditioners often fell short: Many residents avoided using them due to concerns about costly electricity bills, and even when in use, they had limited effectiveness in cooling indoor spaces. While programs like Cooling Portland are a meaningful start, long-term solutions like robust infrastructure changes and policy shifts that treat heat as a serious public health issue are required. Additionally, tenant unions remain a strong grassroots solution. The Portland Tenants Union, which shares accessible information about local elections and the proposed Tenant Protection Ordinance, recently interviewed Candace Avalos, city councillor for District 1, and other local politicians working to pass the Renters Bill of Rights. This bill supports policies such as protection from eviction due to late rent during extreme weather, the right to safe indoor temperatures year round, and collective bargaining power when basic needs arent met. Climate change is no longer theoretical. As a renter who cant afford to buy, I believe access to temperature-controlled housing is a basic right, not a luxury for the few who can afford it. My family and I often wonder: What incentives do landlords have to upgrade their properties with adequate cooling systems? If living conditions become unsafe for my family or our dog, what recourse do we have? Through my research, I did find opportunities for meaningful change: offering subsidized housing in tree-covered neighborhoods, revising building codes for hotter areas, and prioritizing renter protections like those outlined in a Renters Bill of Rights. Housing must adapt to a warming world, and those most vulnerable cannot be left behind. No one should have to sacrifice health and stability for something as essential as livable temperatures. Further Reading I Tried the 90/90 Rule and My Closet Is Now Fully Decluttered Everything Youve Ever Wanted To Know About Articles DTC Furniture We Asked 5 Contractors Which Kitchen Reno Trend Homeowners Regret Most, and They Basically All Agreed Sign up for Apartment Therapy's Daily email newsletter to receive our favorite posts, tours, products, and shopping guides in your inbox. A pledge adopted by Orland Park elected officials promises more civil discourse among themselves and in working with residents, but the pledge raised concerns about possible curbs on free speech. The civility pledge Village Board members approved Monday outlines a code of ethics or conduct to follow in discussing village matters and other official business with each other and with the public. Trustee Cynthia Katsenes said she was concerned the pledge might unintentionally hamstring elected officials in what they talk about and how they discuss it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Katsenes said she supports unfettered communication among elected officials and taxpayers honestly and directly even its uncomfortable. She said that having the board adopt the pledge assumes a problem exists that I really dont think it does. Katsenes said she has concerns about freedom of speech being hampered by holding elected officials to the pledge. Mayor Jim Dodge said the pledge has absolutely nothing to do with suppressing speech. Dodge said, after April 1 vote results showed him being elected mayor to replace Keith Pekau, that voters indicated they want the towns leadership to get back to a more nonpartisan, bipartisan stance focused on their needs Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dodge said election night his victory and that of his slate ushered in a return to dignity where we will bring back respect, transparency, and civility to Orland Park. Dodge has said he is committed to maintaining communication with the community, promising regular updates and opportunities for engagement. Trustee Michael Milani asked the civility pledge be delayed until later this month. I want to get this right, Milani said. But when the move to delay the vote failed and the pledge came up for approval, Katsenes was the lone no vote. I really dont think we need a plaque on the wall to say were going to do that, we just do that, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The framework of the code comes from similar pledges adopted by the Illinois Municipal League and U.S. Conference of Mayors, but village officials also had input in tailoring a draft document that went through revisions. The code affirms that robust debate and the exchange of diverse ideas are essential to democratic self-governance, and that village elected officials recognize the importance of engaging in public discourse with civility, honesty, and mutual respect. The pledge states the mayor and trustees commit to building a more civil society in which all individuals are respected and public and political discourse is directed toward improving our community rather than diminishing others. The resolution adopting the pledge states that because village elected leaders are the elected leaders closest to the people, restoration of civility must begin with us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bullet points in the pledge include respecting the right of all individuals to hold differing opinions and avoiding rhetoric intended to humiliate, delegitimatize, devalue or question the patriotism of those whom we disagree. mnolan@southtownstar.com MIAMI, Okla The Ottawa County Farmers Market Association is extending a helping hand even farther this year to help with food challenges for individuals who fall into the gap of making too much money for public assistance. Kris Woodruff, board president, said an Integris Community Give Fund grant is allowing the organization to increase its matching funds from $25 to $50 for free produce, meat, and eggs for customers who do not use food stamps. Organizers are trying to target the group of people who are overqualified for food stamps but still have some food insecurity, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We want to start where SNAP leaves off, said Woodruff, referring to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. She said that income qualifications are between 135% and 185% of the federal poverty level. This is the groups 10th year in operation. Around 366 people visit each week to buy tomatoes, corn, peaches, greens, zucchini, potatoes, snow peas, and other produce. Woodruff said that the Double Up OK program allows SNAP recipients to receive up to $20 each week in free produce and food-growing plants. The Farmers Market is held at the Miami Fairgrounds from 3 to 7 p.m. every Thursday until the last week of August. The market participates in SNAP, Double Up Oklahoma, OCFM FRESH, and the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Deena Bishop, commissioner of the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development, speaks to reporters during a news conference Thursday, April 17, 2025. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon) Alaskas state school board has postponed consideration of a rules change that could limit the amount of money that cities and boroughs are allowed to give their neighborhood school districts. The board voted unanimously on Wednesday to open a 30-day public comment period on the rules change rather than to enact it immediately on an emergency basis, as the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development had proposed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I never want this board to (have) its integrity compromised by rash decisions, said board chair James Fields. Our intent is to just try to uphold the law and do whats best for kids. And so I think giving it time (for) public comment is definitely whats best for kids. Currently, state law limits the amount of money that municipalities may give to local schools. The department proposed adjusting the definition of the limit so that services provided by municipalities to the school district, such as parking lot plowing or the use of pools and libraries, also must be considered local contributions. Cities and boroughs already at or near the contribution cap, such as Anchorage and Juneau, would be required to reduce their local funding in response. The vote followed almost two hours of impassioned and unanimous public testimony against the idea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jason Weber, superintendent of Valdez City Schools, said adopting the states proposal would lead to an immediate reduction in the funding for student meals at a time when many states are expanding access to student meals. Alaska should not be taking food off of kids plates, he said. Weber wasnt alone: School administrators, parents and elected officials testified against the change on Wednesday morning, urging the board to reject the proposal. The magnitude of this emergency regulation passing could result in tens of millions of fewer dollars for students across the state, said Jharrett Bryantt, superintendent of the Anchorage School District, as he testified against the proposed change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bryantt said he and other officials did not receive adequate public notice about the proposed emergency regulation, something required by law. It is my counsels belief that this use of emergency regulations is unlawful at worst and unethical at best, he said, referring to the advice of his attorney. We need a thorough, transparent process immediately, if theres any hope of restoring trust, it is my duty to pursue legal action against the state to challenge this immediately, if this were to pass, Bryantt said. Regulations similar to the one up for a vote Wednesday have been discussed by the state education department since late last year, but the timing of this particular proposal came as a surprise to many across the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Bill Wielechowski, D-Anchorage, noted that when education commissioner Deena Bishop testified in the Alaska Legislature in mid-May, she did not say that the department was considering an emergency regulation. This will have a catastrophic impact on my constituents and people all across the state, students and parents alike. What this is is a pretext. It is, to be blunt, a ruse to undermine public education in the state of Alaska, Wielechowski said on Wednesday. Alaska is unique among U.S. states in that it substitutes federal impact aid given to states to compensate for untaxable federal land for some state public-school funding. All other states spend the federal money on top of their usual support. To keep Alaskas practice from running afoul of the U.S. Department of Education, the state must pass a pair of accounting tests intended to limit the financial gap between the states richest school districts and its poorest ones called a federal equity test. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alaska recently failed both tests, but rather than reduce the gap by increasing the amount of funding that goes to schools, the state proposed the opposite limiting local governments ability to contribute. Sen. Jesse Kiehl, D-Juneau, advised the school board to wait for the state to appeal the feds finding of a failed test. A prior failure was reversed on appeal. School districts operate on a fiscal year that ends June 30, and the proposed change would have been retroactive to the current fiscal year, even though most school districts have already finalized their budgets. Budget officials, testifying Wednesday, said that a last-minute change could result in cuts to programs and services. Department of Education officials, speaking during a school board work session on Tuesday, said the timing was necessary to reduce the chances that the state will fail the accounting tests in 2027, when the current years audited financial statements will be examined. The board could pass the departments proposed regulations after the end of the 30-day public comment period, or those comments could lead to revisions that would themselves be subject to new public comment. The board could also vote down the proposal or not take it up at all. Europes top official monitoring illegal drugs has a parting message near the end of his tenure: the relentless rise in the trafficking of cocaine and other stimulants is producing more violence than ever before in the heart of the worlds safest societies. Alexis Goosdeel, the Belgian clinician who has run the European Union Drugs Agency since Jan. 2016, has watched it unfold across the continent and spill into his home country. The bulk of drug seizures has shifted from Europe's southern flank to its northern ports and, with Antwerp now a leading entry point for cocaine and crack, spreading gang violence has led to shootouts, even near the seat of Europes government. It's emblematic of the risk the continent at large faces, he told The Associated Press via video conference from Lisbon, Portugal, where his agency is based. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For people living in Brussels, thats the first time in the history of the country ... that you have episodes with weapons, with guns, in the center of Brussels, Goosdeel said. And this happens 2,000 meters (1.2 miles) from the building of the European Parliament, in a city that was felt and perceived by people to be quite safe. He noted the globalization of drug gangs, with groups from the western Balkans arrested in Andean nations in South America. He also pointed to the new phenomena of gangs using social media to recruit at-risk youths, some of whom are recent arrivals to Europe as undocumented migrants. We dont understand yet what are the root causes of this change of behavior among young teenagers or adolescents who embarked on ultra-violent behavior without having really a past of delinquency, he said. And some of them do not hesitate to take pictures or to make a movie of what they are doing and to share it on some social media. Public health Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The European Union Drugs Agencys annual report released on Thursday found that in 2023 cocaine seizures in Europe hit a record for a seventh straight year, with 419 tonnes (462 tons) of cocaine confiscated by officials. Belgium led the way with 123 tonnes, followed by Spain (118 tonnes) and the Netherlands (59 tonnes), as the three countries with major ports accounted for 72% of the total amount grabbed by agents. The report, which covers the EU as well as Norway and Turkey, highlighted Spains largest-ever seizure, of 13 tonnes of cocaine hidden in bananas from Ecuador, as an example of cartels' use of standard shipping lanes. Besides warning policymakers across the EUs 27 capitals to prepare for more violence, Goosdeel sounded the alarm about a looming public health threat. Whereas addiction and overdose from opioids can be treatable, that is not the case for stimulants. Their growing use suggests that in four or five years time we will face most probably an increase in the needs for treatment and we dont have any pharmacological standard treatment available, he said. "You dont have anything magic in terms of medicine that would help to stabilize them, to cut the craving and to help them really disconnect from this extremely huge addiction. So its time to invest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Europe remains the leading producer and exporter of ecstasy. The agencys early warning system to spot new synthetic drugs has identified 1,000 new substances in its 27 years of existence. Goosdeel said he wouldn't be surprised if, of the total, more than half were detected in the past decade. The period has ushered in an entirely different world, he said. Drugs are everywhere, including those we produce in Europe. Everything can be used as a drug, he said. Speaking alongside Goosdeel at the reports presentation, EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, pledged that authorities will crack down harder on cartels. We will take the fight to organized crime by different approaches, by following the money with a new and also more intense efforts to cut off funding and also to seize the illegal profits that come from the drugs trade, Brunner said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dont ignore the problem Goosdeel insists that, while policymakers should tackle the issue of drug-related violence, they must continue caring for users rather than jailing or shunning them, as some critics say the United States war on drugs has done. Europe's approach has formed the basis of a public health response aimed at helping users overcome their addictions. We have learned in Europe, and from what happens outside Europe, that to declare war on the people who are using drugs is not the solution, he said. If jerky is your go-to on-the-road snack, you might want to double-check just what kind you've recently picked up. A whopping 15,388 pounds of ready-to-eat beef jerky and beef snack stick products (including elk, venison, and buffalo jerky) have just been recalled by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). The affected products were produced by Springville Meat & Cold Storage Co., Inc. in Springville, Utah, which is responsible for a wide range of brands, including Uncommon Ground, Papa Ray's, Smokehouse Jerky Co., Jeff's Famous, and a handful of others. The products bear the establishment number "EST. 20528" and were recalled after it was discovered that they contain Worcestershire sauce, which contains anchovies, a known allergen. The affected products were shipped nationwide and produced on various dates between May 30, 2023, and May 30, 2025. The lot numbers of said products span almost 10 pages and can be found on the FSIS website, along with product labels. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions, but the FSIS urges anyone concerned to contact their healthcare provider. You Might Also Like Giovanni Donatelli used to walk the halls of Portsmouth Catholic High School as a young boy. Now, almost four decades later, Donatelli is the new owner of the renovated and renamed building, Cambridge Hall. An entrepreneur who moved to the U.S. in 1982, Donatelli is the founder and CEO of The Language Group, a Virginia Beach-based translation service company established in 1999. His company employs 70 fulltime employees and 600 linguists skilled in 225 languages. The Language Group also has a secondary office in Hamburg, Germany. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In early April, Donatelli purchased the building at auction for $660,000. There was also a separate transaction totaling $25,000 to buy the intellectual property rights for the business, including the event hall, website, furniture, artwork and baby grand piano. William J. Billy Summs Sr., auctioneer with Atlantic Asset Management Group, said Donatelli was the perfect buyer. The Italianate-style building was transformed into a wedding and event venue in 2022 by Ed ONeil, an insurance agent with New York Life in Norfolk. Donatelli plans to reopen it this summer as an event hall to host family and company functions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An immigrant from the east coast of Italy, he said he identifies as a local boy from Portsmouth and cherishes the building. I stood where my locker used to be and you can see where the desks used to sit, he said. I can almost see myself sitting in the classrooms again. Armed with ideas, Donatelli said he will continue to operate it as a rental event hall for now including employee functions for his business but he is also thinking about using part of the more than 6,000 square feet for nonprofits. Overjoyed with the amount of care the two most recent owners put into the building following years of neglect, Donatelli, a resident of Virginia Beach, said its now up to him to be a proper steward of it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I would love to have a reunion to celebrate the different classes that graduated from there back in their own building, he said. And Id like to make a wall to honor the school with a copy of all the yearbooks. Situated at the corner of London and Washington streets in Old Towne Portsmouth since 1892, the structure was originally St. Pauls Academy for Boys, then St. Pauls Catholic High School before it became Portsmouth Catholic High School in 1964. The Donatelli familys journey to Hampton Roads began in the late 1970s when his father, Otero, a tailor in his native land, was recruited by Morris Rapoport, late patriarch and founder of The Quality Shops. They couldnt find anyone in the U.S. so they extended their search and found my father, Donatelli said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rapoport sponsored the familys visas and after 6 years they applied for their citizenship. Donatellis mother, Grace is known throughout Hampton Roads for her seamstress skills. Donatelli and his younger brother, Sandro began their schooling at the now defunct Shea Terrace Elementary where he fondly remembers they learned to speak English. His love of languages only grew from that experience. When Donatelli was in seventh grade, he started his studies at Portsmouth Catholic. An altar boy in Italy, Donatelli said he continued his faithful service to the church every Sunday, serving mass at St. Pauls Catholic Church adjacent to the school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I used to play right there and fly my kite on North Street in the parking lot, Donatelli said. Its my home; even though Im an immigrant, I really grew up in Portsmouth. Portsmouth Catholic shuttered in 1991 and Donatelli graduated from Churchland High School the following year. It feels right; the sentimental connection is there, and its really special that I was able to do this, he said. Its really nice to feel like I can offer something back to the community by buying my old schoolhouse. Sandra J. Pennecke, 757-652-5836, sandra.pennecke@pilotonline.com (WBRE/WYOU) State Attorney General Dave Sunday is warning Pennsylvanians about a new text scam. Residents are getting fake messages claiming to be from the DMV, threatening license suspensions and fines. They include links to pay, but officials say dont click them. Shapiro, Senate Republicans clash over mass transit spending as budget deadline looms Sunday says the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation does not send texts about traffic violations or fines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials are asking residents to report any messages to the Attorney Generals Office. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to 28/22 News. (WHTM) Applications for the 2025-2026 PA State Grant officially opened Thursday. The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency administers the grant program, which provides financial assistance to eligible Pennsylvanians pursuing higher education. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now This Week in Pennsylvania The grants are based on financial need. Last year, students were eligible for as much as $5,750 in awards, according to the programs manual. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The grant is only available for Pennsylvania residents attending approved nonprofit private and public schools. The program also covers Pennsylvanians attending school in a reciprocal state: Delaware District of Columbia Massachusetts Ohio Vermont West Virginia Pennsylvania law prohibiting use of handheld devices while driving goes into effect today Students can only apply for the grant after completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Submit a PA State Grant application 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 ABC27. A dream vacation turned into a horrific nightmare when a ferry boat carrying almost 100 passengers capsized and sent tourists overboard fighting for their lives. The boat had just left for the isle of Nusa Lembongan from Bali on Wednesday afternoon when a large wave hit the back of the ferry boat, causing it capsize. Footage captured showed passengers kicking windows inside the ferry in an effort to climb out and escape the quick-sinking vessel carrying some 89 passengers. The tourists on board could be heard screaming as rescue boats raced to the scene. A hoard of passengers could be seen on the bow of the ship realizing something horribly wrong was happening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to multiple reports, the 125-seat boat dubbed The Tannis was carrying 77 foreigners and 12 were Indonesian. By some miracle, reports say there were no casualties nor serious injuries. Nevertheless, the terrifying incident was accentuated by the lack of an exit plan, according to a passenger who was on board with his wife and two kids. The one point of exit was literally a small little hatch, the man said in an interview with Australia's 9 News. "So, I think the people, particularly in the back where the water was coming in, were in a real panic state. As if things weren't bad enough, there wasn't enough room for everyone to find refuge in the rescue boats that did show up, and one witness said a majority of the people on board couldn't swim. Packed Tourist Ferry Sinks Off Popular Vacation Spot first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 5, 2025 Palm Beach County commissioners have suspended all DEI programs to avoid the risk of losing more than $600 million in federal and state funds used to pay for airport improvements, highway work and scores of other capital projects. The end of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts means the Office of Equal Business Opportunity will no longer be able to steer county work to women- and minority-owned businesses. A program it oversees required contractors to grant part of their work to certified women- and minority-owned companies. In the third quarter of 2024, minority- and women-owned companies received contracts worth more than $7 million, or about 9% of the total awards. The county department will continue to exist, but will not require any awards to be made based on race or gender. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following an emotional two-hour discussion, the commission voted 6-1 on June 3 to accept the county attorney's call for the suspension to comply with President Donald Trumps two executive orders prohibiting the use of federal funds to promote gender ideology or programs based on race and sex-based diversity. Commissioner Bobby Powell, the lone Black representative on the commission, argued that DEI programs are needed to level the playing field. Powell called the executive orders troubling, and said they will shut out hard-working Americans trying to achieve the American dream. As Dr. Martin Luther King said: The time is always right to do what is right.' Neither executive order is right. I cant support this (the suspension of DEI). Most of Powell's colleagues agreed but said they had no choice but to suspend the DEI programs or risk losing hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funds. Palm Beach County Commissioner Bobby Powell, Jr. Disparity studies show that minorities and women have not received their fair share of county work, Commissioner Gregg Weiss said. This is one of the most difficult votes I have made, but we cannot afford to lose those federal funds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The county is in the midst of another disparity study that must now be suspended. More than $400,000 has been spent on that work so far. No more DEI until the Supreme Court rules on challenges to Trump's executive orders President Donald Trump arrives at Palm Beach International Airport on May 1, 2025, in West Palm Beach, Florida. Weiss noted that the county attorney pointed out that a department head receiving a federal grant has to certify that the county is complying with Trumps executive orders. There is the threat of criminal charges against the county employee if he or she wrongly certifies that the grant complies with the executive orders, he said, adding: We cannot let that happen. But Commissioner Sara Baxter, quoting Dr. Martin Luther King, defended the executive orders, arguing that they help ensure that everything is merit-based. Hiring the best person for a job is a good thing, not a bad thing," she said. "I cannot understand why we would condemn this. Powell countered by saying: If you are going to quote Dr. King, quote the entirety of the quote. DEI cuts: Others are fearful of losing federal money Chart shows that more than $7 million was steered toward women and minority-owned companies in the third quarter of FY 2024. Due to President Trump's executive orders, the county can no longer make awards for county work based on race or gender In April, the Palm Beach County School district also repealed the district's diversity, equity and inclusion rules and statements, heeding a threat from the Trump administration to pull federal funds from school districts that don't drop them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At risk is $300 million from the federal government in fiscal year 2025 used to recruit, train and retain teachers working in schools with a high percentage of poor students. The money is also being used for student meals and to educate special needs students as well as those still learning English. DEI NEWS: Teachers, activists push back against Palm Beach County School Board repeal of DEI rules County Attorney Denise Coffman said that her office could legally challenge the executive orders but noted that several such challenges have already been filed. She expects the U.S. Supreme Court to make a final decision in about 12 months and suggested that the county await the outcome of that litigation. The suspension will stay in effect until then. Coffman said she urged that the commission act on an emergency basis after the Department of Airports concluded it could not certify a $10 million grant due to the DEI programs in place. Because the June 3 vote was classified as an emergency, it was necessary that it receive the six yes it did to pass. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DEI NEWS: Trump's DEI threat tied to school money is in limbo. What's next? Like Weiss, Commissioner Joel Flores said he was reluctant to vote yes. He said he is deeply troubled by the executive orders. He argued that DEI programs help fuel economic growth, but the executive orders punish the very communities that have helped build this country. That being said, I cannot allow the county to risk losing all that federal money, he said. Mike Diamond is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. He covers Palm Beach County government and issues concerning HOAs. You can reach him at mdiamond@pbpost.com. Help support local journalism. Subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Palm Beach County suspends DEI programs The Don Young Alaska Job Corps Center in Palmer on June 5, 2025. (Amy Bushatz/Mat-Su Sentinel) PALMER The residential Job Corps center in Palmer will remain open for now, with students continuing classes following a court order issued by a federal judge Wednesday. U.S. District Judge Andrew Carter in New York issued the temporary restraining order as part of a lawsuit alleging that a Department of Labor directive to shut down the program is illegal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The restraining order blocks the government from removing Job Corps students, terminating jobs, or halting the contracts that operate about 100 Job Corps centers nationwide. Any shutdown must first gain approval from Congress, the order states. The program is currently funded through June 2026, Job Corps officials said. A hearing in the case is scheduled for June 17 in New York, according to the court order. The suit was filed Monday by the National Job Corps Association, several Job Corps contractors and a student enrolled at a Job Corps center in New York. The U.S. Department of Labor announced a nationwide pause for the program last week, effectively ordering an end to all operations. Students were to be sent home, staff laid off and centers closed by the end of the month, according to the announcement. The Don Young Job Corps Center in Palmer opened in 1994 and currently serves 160 students between the ages of 16 and 24, most of whom live on the 19-acre campus. About 80% of the programs students come from rural Alaska villages, where no similar educational programs are available, officials there said. Job Corps students earn high school diplomas, receive technical training or both. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Palmer program employs about 110 people and is operated under a contract with the Chugach Corp, officials said. It is the only Job Corps location in Alaska. The Labor Department said it wants to halt the program because it is expensive to operate at about $80,000 per student and has a low graduation rate. Officials at the Palmer center said their location costs about $37,000 per student and had a completion rate of about 70% last year. The Chugach contract is valued at about $9 million annually, they said. This story was originally published by the Mat-Su Sentinel. Contact Amy Bushatz at contact@matsusentinel.com. LE MARS, Iowa (KCAU) An annual, multi-day celebration is coming to Le Mars this summer. The Annual Ice Cream Days Festival is taking place from June 18 to 21. On Wednesday, June 18, there will be a community coffee event at the Wells Ice Cream Visitor Center. There will also be, live music, a classic car show, a family bike ride, and axe throwing. On Thursday, June 19, there will be a kids theater performance, an ice cream social, and an outdoor movie screening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then, on Friday, June 20, there are celebrations at the Art Center, a carnival, an ice cream train, a scavenger hunt, pony rides, face painting, a foam party, and more live performances. Story continues below The last day of the festival is Saturday, June 21. On that day, visitors can enjoy a farmers market, bingo, food trucks, a parade, and a fun run! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also, theres a competition this year called Scooper Hero Contest. For this, you can nominate a child to be the Scooper Hero, and theyll receive the first scoop of ice cream to kick off celebrations. Nominations are due Monday, June 9. If you want to learn more about this event, 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 SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. NOTE: Video from this story is from FOX 2s May 23, 2025 report. PARK HILLS, Mo. A lawsuit from the family of a three-year-old boy who died at a Park Hills daycare has been transferred to the Missouri Supreme Court. In May, Conrad Ashcraft died while in the care of Poppys Playhouse 2 in Park Hills, Missouri. The facility has since lost its license. Last week, the St. Francois County Sheriffs Office handed the lawsuit over to a special prosecutor. On Wednesday, Missouri court records showed the case was transferred to the Missouri Supreme Court, citing a judges recusal, though not providing a specific reason for that recusal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several weeks later, Ashcrafts official cause of death is still not been released. A state inspection says a caregiver at the daycare put Ashcraft under an 18-pound weighted blanket at naptime and left him there for four hours before he was found unresponsive. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. At 3CDC, our mission is simple but vital: to keep downtown Cincinnati clean, safe and welcoming so that local businesses can thrive, and residents and visitors alike can enjoy the urban core. Weve invested over $2 billion in Cincinnatis center city in service of those goals, and a significant focus of our efforts involves parking. We manage nine garages and seven surface lots throughout downtown and Over-the-Rhine. Every day, thousands of people use these facilities to shop, dine, work and explore. Our goal is to make parking as convenient, secure and affordable as possible. Thats why weve embraced modern tools like mobile payments and License Plate Recognition (LPR) cameras. In addition to payment kiosks, our lots provide the option for customers to pay for parking via text-to-pay or mobile pay by scanning a QR code. These technologies enhance customer service, provide flexibility for patrons and support a safe environment. The mobile payment options also help avoid citations by allowing parkers to receive reminders and extend their stay right from their phone. 3CDC aims to make downtown parking easy and accessible for everyone As such, we wanted to provide clarity on a recent letter to the editor published in the Enquirer claiming our practices are deceptive ("Cincinnati's deceptive parking practices drive visitors away," May 27). We understand that parking can be frustrating and that technology is not perfect (3CDC certainly has room for improvement, too, for that matter). But we arent trying to deceive anyone, and we also believe its important to set the record straight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Letter: Broken kiosk, faded signs and a $65 welcome to Over-the-Rhine In the case highlighted by the letter: The individual paid for two hours of parking. He stayed for two hours and 13 minutes. He was issued a citation. 1400 Vine Street parking lot The individual also noted our parking kiosk didnt print a receipt when he paid, which would have been timestamped, showing when he paid for parking. Our lots do not require the display of a receipt on a dashboard, so when a customer pays, the time begins on his or her parking stay. This is automatically recorded, and the system then begins counting down the time. If the parker wanted to extend his time, he could have contacted 3CDC directly or gone back to the kiosk to pay for additional time; parkers regularly do both, and we are always willing to work with parkers who contact us for all manner of questions or concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opinion: Opponents of the Hyde Park Square project need to be honest with themselves Additionally, to alleviate timing challenges, our signage clearly states that a parker has a 15-minute grace period upon entering the lot prior to incurring any charges. To mitigate issues where parkers might be running a few minutes late returning to their car, we also offered a 10-minute grace period at the end of a parkers time. As a result of the underlying facts in this particular instance, we have since extended that grace period to 15 minutes. In addition to providing multiple different payment options and grace periods, we do our best to provide ample signage that clearly defines the rules for parkers. The lot cited in the letter to the editor features seven different signs stating that pre-paid parking is monitored and enforced by cameras. We will continue to improve downtown Cincinnati parking Were not trying to "catch" anyone were trying to keep the system fair and accessible. Were focused on providing good customer service and a positive experience. And were committed to improving. That includes better signage, clearer instructions, and a willingness to work with any customer who feels they were wrongly cited or paid an incorrect amount for their parking. We also intend to add on-site staff at the 1400 Vine Lot during peak times to provide an extra layer of customer service, as we do at all the garages we manage. In short, we believe parking should be easy, fair and safe. Were working every day to make it better and to support the vibrancy of downtown by ensuring that access to it is as seamless as possible. Its an essential service that aids small businesses and helps keep our downtown welcoming for everyone. We are sorry that this parker had a negative experience, and we hope to have the opportunity to welcome him back to OTR again soon, as it is a neighborhood full of history, unique experiences, and incredible local businesses. Stephen Leeper, president and CEO of 3CDC. Stephen Leeper is president and CEO of Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. (3CDC). This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Downtown Cincinnati parking is getting improvements you need | Opinion Former Hialeah Mayor Esteban Steve Bovos April farewell party must have been quite the shindig to which the public was not invited, even though taxpayers footed the steep bill of more than $45,000. No expense was spared, it seems. There was more than $20,000 spent for Brazilian grill catering quite the splurge! plus $8,015 for decor that included elaborate floral centerpieces and gold charger plates for 350 party guests that included city council members and local elected officials. This one is must have made quite the impact on them: custom espresso cup and saucer sets that cost $4,667.50, the Miami Herald reported Wednesday. And then there was the crowning touch: $1,500 for a deluxe espresso and cappuccino bar staffed by two baristas. Or perhaps this was the most impressive element: an ice sculpture for $745 with Bovos seal: Hialeah first, Hialeah always. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sounds like quite a bash. The irony of this logo shouldnt be lost on Hialeah taxpayers, whose dollars Bovo and the Hialeah City Council were elected to oversee, not spend them on frivolous party details usually reserved for weddings and celebrations that people pay for out of their own pockets. Its unclear who green-lighted the $45,000 expense, which was never brought up before the City Council for approval. In Hialeahs strong-mayor government system, the mayor, the finance management director and the purchasing department director must approve any expenditure, but its unknown if Bovo personally signed off on it, according to the Heralds reporting. Tellingly, the city did not provide documentation, when the Herald asked, on which department authorized the event or which budget the money to pay for it came from. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If a $45,000, four-hour, going-away lunch isnt galling enough, think about this: The median annual household income in Hialeah is just over $53,000, the Herald reported. That means Bovos party cost almost as much as the entire annual income of many people in his city. It also cost more than the $44,000 that council members earn annually, as the Herald reported. What a bad look especially when Bovo resigned seven months before the end of his first mayoral term to join a lobbying firm that reportedly is paying him a lot more than what he made as mayor: a $150,000 annual salary and a $40,000 expense account. Before he left city hall, Bovo got another gift from taxpayers, this one courtesy of the city council: a reimbursed retirement benefit of $44,594, the Herald reported. Hialeah used to have a decade-old rule that banned retired elected officials from receiving retirement benefits while in office. In March, the City Council voted unanimously to lift the restriction. Bovo, who spent nearly 30 years in public service, should have known better. Whether he personally approved the bill for his party or somebody else in city government did and he didnt ask questions, its all the same. This isnt how you put Hialeah First. Click here to send the letter. Israels international allies are growing louder in their condemnation of its war on Gaza and its continued construction of illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank. United Nations experts, human rights groups and legal scholars have all previously told Al Jazeera that Israel is carrying out a genocide in Gaza and committing abuses that may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity in the West Bank. And yet less than two weeks after receiving a stern warning from its Western allies, Israel approved 22 illegal settlements in the West Bank, amounting to what has been described as the largest land grab since Israeli and Palestinian leaders inked the Oslo Peace Accords in 1993. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel is all about showing [the world] who calls the shots. They are saying you can condemn us all you want, but in the end, you will bow down to us and not the other way around, said Diana Buttu, a legal scholar and political analyst focused on Israel and Palestine. The Oslo Accords were ostensibly aimed at creating a Palestinian state, including the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, with occupied East Jerusalem as its capital. However, in practice, Israel has continued to expand illegal settlements and render the two-state solution impossible, analysts told Al Jazeera. Troubling pattern Israel has often announced the building of new illegal settlements in response to signals of support for Palestinian statehood from the UN or its allies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2012, Israel went so far as to approve 3,000 new settler homes in the occupied West Bank after the Palestinian Authority (PA) the entity created out of the Oslo Accords to govern swaths of the West Bank was granted non-member observer status in the UN General Assembly. Last year, Israels far-right Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, warned that a new illegal settlement would be built for every country that recognises a Palestinian state. The announcement came after Spain, Norway, and Ireland took the symbolic step in May 2024. I certainly think there is a pattern where Israel responds to pressure regarding its occupation or anything else by announcing settler expansion, said Omar Rahman, an expert focused on Israel and Palestine for the Middle East Council for Global Affairs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We see that pattern repeated over and over again, he told Al Jazeera. As global pressure mounts against Israels war on Gaza, Israel has continued to test the patience of its allies. On May 21, Israeli troops fired warning shots at a group of European, Asian and Arab diplomats who were on an official mission to assess the humanitarian crisis in Jenin refugee camp, which has been subjected to a months-long attack and siege by the Israeli army since the start of the year. I dont know where the red line is. It is clear that there is no red line, said Buttu. Justifying inaction After Zionist militias ethnically cleansed some 750,000 Palestinians to make way for the state of Israel in 1948 an event referred to as the Nakba or catastrophe Israel has increasingly annexed and occupied the little that remains of Palestinian land. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Annexation of the occupied West Bank has accelerated in recent years thanks to far-right settlers who occupy positions in the Israeli government, said Khaled Elgindy, a visiting scholar at Georgetown Universitys Center for Contemporary Arab Studies. He believes Israel was always planning to approve the 22 illegal settlements irrespective of the joint statement issued by France, the UK and Canada, as it fit in with the states ultimate goal of expanding Jewish settlement of the occupied West Bank. Nobody can really think that if those countries didnt issue an announcement that [further] annexation wasnt going to happen. Of course, it was going to happen, he told Al Jazeera. Rahman, from the Middle East Council, believes Israels tactic of announcing pre-planned settlement expansion in the face of Western pressure simply aims to dissuade its allies from taking concrete action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He suspects Canada, the UK and France will likely not slap on targeted sanctions against Israeli officials, as they have threatened to do, instead using the argument that any moves against Israel will lead to a backlash against Palestinians. [Canada, UK and France] may say they are acting for the preservation of the two-state solution by not doing anything to save the two-state solution, Rahman told Al Jazeera. Analysts believe that sanctions on Israel would be the only way to rescue the two-state solution and end Israels war on Gaza, but accept that comprehensive sanctions against the Israeli state would still be unlikely at this stage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, Western countries like Canada, France and the UK may target sanctions at the far-right ministers most associated with pro-settler policies, Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. These men are trying to jam in everything they can do now because they know there is no guarantee they will maintain their positions of power indefinitely, Elgindy told Al Jazeera. Buttu fears that European countries will merely resort to more symbolic measures such as recognising Palestine, which will have little impact on the ground. By the time everyone gets around to recognising Palestine, there wont be any land [for Palestinians] left, she told Al Jazeera. GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) The Trump administrations recently announced regulations on international student visas have reportedly caused widespread concern and even panic amongst students worldwide, but will the reforms affect college life here on the Western Slope? Last week, the administration announced a pause on new international student visa appointments. At Colorado Mesa University, the effects of this decision are already being felt. We have seen some disruptions in the process, in terms of what international students have to navigate, in terms of getting on campus, says Dr. Roberto Montoya, vice president for student services at CMU. But from our standpoint, whatever those disruptions, and if we see federal policy that creates fluctuations in what that process looks likewe have a team that is here committed to supporting our international students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WesternSlopeNow learned international students at CMU hail from over forty foreign countries, and last month, CMU celebrated the graduation of 100 international students. For foreigners concerned for their future at the university, the administration offers this promise. Given whats happening recently, we still have a strong and diverse international student cohort thats considering CMU, and were here to help them in their journey to becoming Mavs. And despite the federal disruptions that are happening, I think for us, we want to make sure that we guide our international students to make sure they have support step-by-step, to make sure theyre informed, that theyre welcomed, and they belong here. The changes in visa regulations are still developing at the federal level, and WesternSlopeNow will keep you informed as those reforms progress. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NEW BERN, N.C. (WNCT) Paws of War ENC was awarded the Military Officers of Americas (MOAA) Community Outreach Grant (COG) for the third year straight. MOAAs Community Outreach Grant provides assistance to local uniformed service members, veterans, and their families to improve their quality of life. MOAAs local affiliate, Coastal Carolina, partners with the Paws of War Eastern North Carolina Program to assist veterans, active duty, and first responders in selecting, training, and certifying their dogs as companions, therapy, or service dogs. To place the right dog with the right service member, the program works closely with local shelters, law enforcement K9 units, and veterinarians. Once a dog is placed with the right service member, they will train to assist with combat injuries or other health issues, which may last up to 18 to 24 months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The grant has helped close to 100 owner/dog teams pass basic obedience training, with 30 going on to achieve American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Certifications, and for some State and Federal certifications as registered service dogs. For more information about Paws of War ENC and their program, please contact them at 252-330-6700. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT. Boone County Commissioners have elected to pay an attorneys bill, but with the stipulation that he no longer work for the county. Bob Clutter in May billed the Boone County Health Department $3,000 for services rendered. Clutter was for years contracted as the commissioners attorney and largely rolled work for the health department into his contract. Commissioners Scott Pell and Tim Beyer in January ended Clutters contract and hired attorney Beth Copeland under contract until the Boone County Council allowed her to be hired as an in-house attorney. As an in-house attorney, Copeland now serves commissioners and all county office holders, except the Boone County Council, which has its own attorney. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pell and Beyer said the move to an in-house attorney saves the county money. But Clutter continues to counsel the health department, Boone County Redevelopment Commission, and the Area Plan Commission, each of which has its own board of directors. But, absent a contract with the county, Clutter must now charge the agencies for his work. The health department board of directors has for decades had its own attorney and elected to retain Clutters services. The department reached a contract agreement of $3,000 per month with him, based on the departments needs. The health department would pay the fee with remaining 2024 state grant money earmarked for legal services, Lisa Younts, Boone County Health Department director of nursing and vital records, said. The health department submitted Clutters claim last month, but Beyer moved to table it while he investigated why the health departments legal fees rose from $3,500 per year to$3,000 per month after commissioners ended Clutters contract prematurely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commissioners dont control health department money, but Beyer and Pell said Indiana code does require the health department to seek commissioners permission before entering into contracts. The health department did not seek commissioners permission for Clutters contract, and Pell and Beyer said the contract is void because they didnt approve it. Boone County Health Officer Dr. Herschell Servies on Monday apologized to commissioners and said he and the board did not realize they had to seek commissioners approval for contracts. Beyer said Clutters monthly fee would negate the savings realized by hiring an in-house attorney. He said the state will decrease funding to the county next year, and no money should be needlessly spent, just because its available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pell said he wants Copeland to serve the health department instead of Clutter. And Pell and Beyer both asked the health department to bring its contract with Clutter before them for their decision. Pell said he wants the other agencies contracted with Clutter to also replace him with Copeland. I think every department should go to her [Copeland] and ask if she can handle it, Pell said. If not, they may need another attorney. But he wants Copeland to refuse the work first because her employment was intended to reign in legal expenses. Commissioner Don Lawson voted against Pell and Beyer ending Clutters contract. And he said hell vote against ending the health departments contract with Clutter. He pointed out that the state provided the money to the health department specifically for legal costs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Servies said Clutter recently handled a case involving the condemnation of a house, and is involved in similar environmental cases in progress. I do not agree to override the health department board of directors decision on this, Lawson said. We dont need to cut them out. Its a mistake. JOHNSTOWN, Pa. Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has received a $1.1 million endowment to establish a new student scholarship program. The funding comes from Margaret J. Pardee. The new educational grants will launch in the fall 2026 semester. We are deeply grateful for Ms. Pardees commitment to education and her belief in the potential of our students, Penn Highlands President Steve Nunez said in a release. This endowment will transform lives by providing students with the opportunity to pursue their academic dreams without financial barriers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Margaret J. Pardee Scholarship will provide full tuition grants to cover all costs and fees associated with one year or two semesters of education for students enrolled full-time. Eligibility includes proof of financial need, extracurricular involvement and academic excellence, as well as the students declared intention to attend the college as a full-time, degree-seeking learner. Graduates of Cambria Heights and Northern Cambria high schools, whose legal residence is within the geographic areas served by Hope Fire Company and/or Hastings Volunteer Fire Company, will be given primary consideration. The initial application period will start in March 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms. Pardees legacy will live on through the success of our students who will benefit immensely from her generosity, said Carole VanMeter, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation director. We cant thank her enough for her support of the colleges students and her community. As recognition of Pardees generosity, the foundation will place a commemorative plaque at both Cambria Heights and Northern Cambria high schools, if approved by the districts. The plaque will detail the life of Pardee and her commitment to helping others. For more information, visit www.pennhighlands.edu/scholarships. Pennsylvania girl with one hand gets prosthetic made by high school students CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) Here is a Midstate girl with just one hand who could do just about anything everyone else can do, but she wanted to do one of the few things that seemed impossible until teachers and children got involved. Its one of those stories you wouldnt believe if you didnt see and hear it with your own eyes and ears. Ill give away the ending first: 10-year-old Sophia Pokladowski playing cello because how she got here is the best part. She was about two months old when she lost her hand, her dad John Pokladowski said. So she pretty much doesnt know life outside of just having the one hand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officially, a disability. But for Sophia its just barely. Get daily news, weather, breaking news and alerts straight to your inbox! Sign up for the abc27 newsletters here Have you tried putting your socks on with one hand, its almost impossible, John said. And she could do it. And Sophia doesnt come across anything that is harder for her than it would be for other children. Not anymore, anyway. Ive had Sophia ever since shes been in first grade and shes very independent and very capable, but she really wanted to play the cello, Hampden Elementary School music teacher Joan Ostrander said. Which really requires two hands. You need to use your fingers to press on the strings and you need the bow to make the strings resonate, Ostrander said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Explorations teacher at Hampden Elementary School Mario De La Barrera said they decided to reach out to the high school. So I reached out to the high school saying, hey, we have a student here who wants to play the cello, he said. So they posed the challenge of do you think your students would be able to design a device for her to wear that will allow her to hold the cello bow, Technology education teacher at Cumberland Valley High School Elizabeth Hoertz said. Those students are Sophomore Andrew Hund and Junior Preston Buckman. They told me that they were going to 3d print me a prosthetic, Sophia said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And we were like, great, John said. Its amazing. Like, what school does that? Hund explained the thought process, So we printed off all our designs, he said. And the result was a prosthetic arm and Sophia playing the cello. And everything comes kind of full circle because Andrew was actually a Hampden student, Ostrander said. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Severe Weather Alerts Who, while there, because everything about this story is perfect, played string instruments. Normally in school, you dont get to see the effects of what youre learning can have, Hund said. They actually get to see what theyre learning and what they are doing things for, John said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To like see that joy on their eyes like oh my gosh I did this was awesome, Hoertz said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. (WHTM) School may be letting out, but lawmakers are still in session. They want to make sure students have something fun to do after class. Last year, Governor Josh Shapiro signed a budget with more than $11 million for after-school programs. This year, lawmakers included a $10 million increase. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Morning Weather Forecast Supporters for the increase said the programs improve grades and build skills, such as communication, teamwork and problem solving. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We also know that strong after-school programs help keep children safe, said Rep. Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-Snyder). They reduce juvenile crime, lower dropout rates, and give students access to mentors and positive role models. Every hour spent in a structured, nurturing environment is an hour invested in a stronger, safer Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania House to pass legislation on cyber charter school tuition Every $1 spent on after-school programs saves the Commonwealth $7, according to a Joint State Government Commission report on after-school programs. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) A 20-year-old Pennsylvania man is headed to the penitentiary for shooting a man in South Dakota. On Thursday, a judge sentenced Victor Rios to 18-years behind bars for attempted murder and assault. Union County authorities looking for 95-year-old man That morning, Rios told the judge he hopes he can learn from his actions back in April of 2024, when he was 19-years-old. Rios and three others received marijuana from a 24-year-old man outside a Sioux Falls restaurant and drove off without paying for it. The 24-year-old followed them, and they ended up in rural Lincoln County. The car that Rios was in stopped in the middle of the road in front of the 24-year-old driver. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rios exited the car, pulled out a gun and shot at the car following them, hitting the driver in the head who survived. Its because of that shot the victims mother wrote in a statement that her son wont get a second chance. The state said Rios has a criminal history in juvenile and adult court, and hes had multiple write ups since being in custody. When asked how he felt about the victims statement, Rios told the judge quote, I dont really know how to feel, Your Honor. Im not good with emotions. The defense asked the judge to consider his lack of parental stability. His dad was in prison, and Rios was often responsible for taking care of his siblings growing up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge said no matter his background, what happened along the county road was serious, and she handed down an 18-year-prison sentence. Rios will receive 383 days of credit for the time hes already spent in jail. Hell also have to pay court costs. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. A Pennsylvania man pled guilty on May 29 to selling works falsely attributed to Joan Miro, Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, and other notable artists. According to the U.S. Attorneys Office, the man, 77-year-old Carter Reese, of Reading, was charged with one count of wire fraud and one count of mail fraud for an alleged art forgery scheme active between February 2019 and March 2021. He was accused of misrepresenting artworks as genuine creations from some of the most decorated names in modern and contemporary art, including Jean-Michel Basquiat, Roy Lichtenstein, Keith Haring, Fernand Leger, and Francis Baconall of whom have eight- or nine-figure auction records. More from Robb Report Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that the Harvard-educated Reese worked at Pottstowns Hill School as a fine arts and history teacher and later as director of admissions. (The article added that Reese and his wife were old neighbors of Taylor Swift in Wyomissing before she moved to Nashville.) He was an avid antiques collector, with a collection that held some 17,000 toys, Oriental rugs, and furniture, among other objects. In court documents, he claimed the collection had a total value of more than $6 million. The forgery scheme was discovered through a joint investigation by members of the FBIs Art Crime Team working in Philadelphia and Miami, and is being prosecuted Assistant United States Attorneys Ruth Mandelbaum and Jason Grenell. Reese is set to be sentenced on September 12 and faces a potential 40-year prison term. Best of Robb Report Sign up for RobbReports's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to account and drives positive change in Pennsylvania. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG Two sets of Pennsylvania parents face felony charges after police say their infants died in unsafe sleep positions. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Subscribe Now This Week in Pennsylvania While experts and family advocates say young babies should sleep on their backs without anything in the crib, simply failing to follow the recommendations shouldnt amount to a crime. In both cases, brought in the past six months, law enforcement say the parents knowingly put their children at risk. Parents from Lebanon County are accused of putting their son to sleep on his stomach with a pillow in the crib (the mother told PennLive she put her son on his back, but that he had learned how to roll over). A mother from Luzerne County, meanwhile, was charged after police say she let her daughter sleep face down in a U-shaped pillow. Law enforcement argued in charging documents that the parents should have known better. They cited signed acknowledgements created as part of a 2010 law the state legislature passed to educate parents about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The law requires hospitals, birthing centers, and health care practitioners to provide educational materials, then ask the parents to certify they received them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statement is voluntary, and there is a box noting if parents refused to sign. The lawmaker who championed the measure, former state Rep. Lawrence Curry (D., Montgomery), died in 2018. News reports from the time say the bill was written with input from two safe-sleep experts with Cribs for Kids, a Pittsburgh-based organization that seeks to prevent sleep-related deaths. Neither expert was available to comment, but other people dedicated to educating parents and preventing SIDS deaths oppose bringing criminal charges against grieving parents and note that there is no law against stomach sleeping. To charge them criminally is a crime, because they have already suffered the worst loss, said Nancy Maruyama, the executive director of Sudden Infant Death Services of Illinois, a nonprofit organization that educates the public about safe-sleep practices and provides support to families who have experienced the loss of an infant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres nothing else you could have done to me that would have caused any more pain than the payment I had, said Maruyama, who lost her son in 1985. My hearts broken. Safe-sleep experts stressed that these situations are not as cut and dried as a parent should have known better. They talked about potential contributing factors like the differences in time spent educating parents in the hospital, if someone a parent trusts tells them stomach sleeping is OK, and even images parents see online that show an infant sleeping on their stomach. The law says that families have to receive that education, but it doesnt say how that education is delivered, and it doesnt state how families understanding or learning is evaluated, said Devon George, chief programs officer at Cribs for Kids. (George was not involved in the drafting of the law.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lebanon County parents charged for 3-month-olds death In Lebanon County, Gina and David Strause were charged in May with involuntary manslaughter, recklessly endangering another person, and endangering the welfare of children after the death of their son Gavin. Gina Strause told PennLive she put her son on his back, but that he was able to roll over. She told the outlet she did not recall taking home safe-sleep instructions. In Luzerne County, Natalee Rasmus was charged in December with third-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter, and endangering the welfare of children after her 1-month-old daughter, Avaya, died. Officers say they found the baby face down in a bassinet propped up on a U-shaped pillow linked to other infant deaths. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yeah, she wouldnt sleep, shell just scream, so she has to be like propped up, Rasmus, who was 17 at the time her daughter was born, told the investigating officer, according to the documents. Rasmus public defender did not respond to requests for comment. Neither did the district attorneys in Lebanon and Luzerne Counties. Maruyama said its her job to use evidence-based, peer-reviewed information to educate people with a baby about safe-sleep recommendations. But, you know, sometimes theyre just so tired and they just want their child to sleep, and they know if they put them on their tummy, theyll sleep, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1992, the American Academy of Pediatrics first recommended that infants sleep on their backs or sides. Four years later, the organization changed the recommendation to only back sleeping. Since then, SIDS rates have plummeted, although sleep-related deaths remain a leading cause of infant mortality. Thats what prompted the 2010 law, which directed the Pennsylvania Department of Health to create and recommend safe-sleep materials. The information provided to parents must include risk factors associated with sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) and advise them about safe sleep practices, a department spokesperson told Spotlight PA. The agency provides a brochure that complies with Act 73 in hard copy and electronic format. That brochure is two pages long and repeats recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics that babies should not sleep with others and should sleep on their backs in an uncluttered crib. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state also funds PA Safe Sleep, which provides birthing hospitals with services including patient education information and expert training, and safe-sleep education at the county level through children and youth agencies. George said its important to question how hospitals are delivering information and evaluating what parents are learning. But the most important question about these situations, she said, should be: How are we helping families? How are we supporting families? Of the 343 infant deaths reported in Pennsylvania in 2022 (the most recent year data is available), unsafe sleep factors were present in 68 cases, according to a state report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While education is crucial to drop the rates of these deaths, it is not enough on its own, said Michael Goodstein, a neonatologist at WellSpan hospital in York County. He is also the director of the county Cribs for Kids program and a member of an American Academy of Pediatrics subcommittee on sudden unexpected infant deaths. A parent who watches a video with their doctor and gets all their questions on safe sleep answered versus the parent who gets a handout will have a different level of understanding on the topic, Goodstein said. Like all experts who spoke to Spotlight PA, Goodstein said this is a complex issue that needs more attention, more awareness, and more research. Its really important to follow the safe-sleep recommendations, Goodstein said. Im not going to say its easy to do. Babies get fussy and parents are sleep deprived, and at some point, they sometimes do things that might help the baby get back to sleep faster, so that they get some sleep, but in the end, is not a safe thing to do. Rare charges Its extremely rare for parents to be charged with a crime after their infants die sleeping on their stomachs, said Daniel Nevins, who has over 20 years of experience as a criminal defense attorney. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nevins said he couldnt name another case off the top of his head with similar facts. Spotlight PA identified a handful of criminal cases nationwide related to the deaths of infants sleeping in Boppy pillows, like the one police say Rasmus used. Charges have also been brought against parents who slept in the same bed as their child. In the recent Pennsylvania cases, Nevins said the burden of proof for prosecutors is high. To secure a conviction for involuntary manslaughter which is punishable by up to 10 years in prison prosecutors will have to prove that the parents acted dangerously or recklessly and that they should have known better. For third-degree murder which can be punished with up to 40 years in prison prosecutors do not have to prove that the death was intentional but do have to demonstrate malice. The commonwealth had better think long and hard about whether or not they have enough evidence to pursue these types of charges, Nevins said. 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. LEBANON COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) A chase in Lebanon County where a Pennsylvania State Police helicopter was called in to help ended with two people being taken into custody on Thursday, according to State Police. The pursuit began after Troopers pulled over a vehicle on the interstate in Bethel Township, State Police said. A helicopter was called in to help during the pursuit. Close Thanks for signing up! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Morning Weather Forecast Two occupants from the vehicle were taken into custody when the pursuit came to an end. State Police added that there is no danger to the public at this time. 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. The Pentagon notified Congress last week that it will be diverting critical anti-drone technology that had been allocated for Ukraine to US Air Force units in the Middle East, according to correspondence obtained by CNN and people familiar with the matter. The move reflects the US shifting defense priorities under President Donald Trump toward the Middle East and the Pacific and the fact that US stockpiles of some defense components are becoming increasingly stretched. The technology, proximity fuzes for the rockets Ukraine uses to shoot down Russian drones, was redirected from the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) to Air Force Central Command on orders from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, according to the correspondence dated May 29 and sent to the Senate and House Armed Services committees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement USAI is a Defense Department funding program that was established in 2014, when Russia first invaded eastern Ukraine and annexed Crimea. It authorizes the US government to buy arms and equipment for Ukraine directly from US weapons manufacturers. The proximity fuzes were originally purchased for Ukraine but were redirected to the Air Force as a Secretary of Defense Identified Urgent Issue, the correspondence says. The notification was first reported by the Wall Street Journal. The Pentagon has in recent months redirected a large amount of equipment and resources to the Middle East, including air defense systems out of the Indo-Pacific Command, amid threats from Iran and the Houthi rebels in Yemen. It is not yet clear what the impact will be of diverting the fuzes away from Ukraine. But the technology has made their rockets more effective against Russian drones, since the fuze sets off an added explosion as the rocket nears the drone. US forces in the Middle East have had to contend with drones, too, however, particularly from Iran-backed groups in Syria and Iraq. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The U.S. Navys F/A-XX sixth-generation fighter program looks to have hit another snag, with the Pentagon reportedly prioritizing the Air Forces F-47 stealth fighter, amid concerns about how to run the two efforts simultaneously. Already, the F/A-XX was in limbo, with a U.S. official telling TWZ last month that the future of the program was still being reviewed. This came after reports that a contract award for the Navys new combat jet could be delayed by as much as three years. Navy officials, meanwhile, continue to stress the importance of the F/A-XX to their plans. Theres certainly a strong requirement for a sixth-gen fighter still, Dr. Brett A. Seidle, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition (RD&A), said yesterday. I know theres a lot of discussion about [F/A-XX] right now, but the Navy position on that is theres a requirement thats necessary. Seidle was speaking at a House Armed Services Committee hearing on Seapower and Projection Forces. His comments came in response to questions from U.S. Rep. Joseph David Courtney, the Democrat representative for Connecticuts 2nd congressional district. You can see that exchange in the video below, starting at the 35.25 mark: The hearing followed a Pentagon request last month to the House and Senate defense policy committees, which was seen by Bloomberg News, warning that Simultaneously pursuing two sixth-generation fighters risks under-delivery on both. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given the schedule delays and cost growth across numerous airframes, DoD recommends a focus on the F-47, giving the Navys F/A-XX program time for technical maturity and development, the Pentagon request added. Phasing the F/A-XX after the Air Forces initial F-47 development will alleviate capacity concerns in the industrial base. Exactly why there should be concerns about industrial capacity is somewhat unclear, although that could be a factor were Boeing to win the F/A-XX contract on top of the F-47. On the other hand, with Northrop Grumman busy with the B-21 stealth bomber, which still needs to get through flight testing, adding a few years to the F/A-XX timeline could mitigate risk there, were this contractor to walk away with F/A-XX. Reportedly, the U.S. Department of Defense requested that Congress shift $500 million from F/A-XX to the F-47, the contract for which was awarded to Boeing in March. Previously, these funds were allocated for the accelerated development of the Navy fighter. There is now something of a battle between the Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and the House Armed Services Committee (HASC). An official rendering of the Boeing F-47. U.S. Air Force U.S. Air Force On the one hand, the F-47 is considered by the Pentagon to have full presidential support, making it a priority for the $500 million that the House Armed Services Committee had added to the F/A-XX program under President Donald Trumps sweeping $3.9-trillion tax breaks package. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While we previously reported on Pentagon recommendations to withhold $500 million from the F/A-XX program, it wasnt previously understood that it wanted to redirect this to the Air Forces equivalent effort, the F-47. The House Armed Services Committee is now seeking to block the funds from being redirected to the F-47, arguing that the Pentagon hasnt provided an adequate reason for this. Heather Vaughan, a committee spokesperson, told Bloomberg News that the Pentagon has yet to brief the committee on any changes for its plans to develop and procure the Navys new stealth jet. Absent any new information from the Navy concerning revision to defined capability gaps and shortfalls, mission requirements, cost, or acquisition strategy for F/A-XX, the committee continues to support the development of this critical platform, Vaughan added. A rendering of a notional sixth-generation crewed stealth combat jet for the Navy flying alongside an advanced drone. Boeing Earlier this week, the Senate Armed Services Committee released its defense section of the tax breaks package, which includes $750 million to accelerate the F/A-XX aircraft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Originally, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman were all in the running to develop the F/A-XX. However, Lockheed Martin was reportedly eliminated from the competition in March because its proposal did not satisfy the services criteria, according to Breaking Defense, whose story cited an unnamed source with knowledge of the program. Any holdups to the F/A-XX program will be a worry for the Navy. The service considers a sixth-generation combat aircraft as a prerequisite for the future carrier air wing, especially in terms of a potential confrontation with China in the Indo-Pacific theater. The sixth-gen fighter has some capabilities that we need to counter the PRC, Navy Adm. James W. Kilby, acting Chief of Naval Operations, said of the F/A-XX last month. Those are signatures, those are range, those are different engines. Those are all the things that will make it survivable. The Air Force and Navy have different missions, but were going against the same threat. Another Boeing concept artwork for the F/A-XX next-generation carrier fighter. Boeing Last month, a U.S. official, speaking to TWZ on condition of anonymity, denied reports that the F/A-XX program contract award could be delayed by as much as three years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nothing is being delayed, the official stated. A decision hasnt been made yet. That decision is still being determined by [the Pentagon] and service leaders, with conversations among Congress as well. Its a big program. Obviously, these things dont get settled on by one individual. Leaders are making a decision on whether to invest. Its all part of the process. The Navy had planned for the F/A-XX aircraft to enter service in the 2030s and thereafter to replace F/A-18E/F Super Hornet strike fighters and EA-18G Growler electronic attack jets. An F/A-18F Super Hornet operating from the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower in the Red Sea, earlier this year. U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Nicholas Rodriguez According to a 2025 Naval Aviation Playbook, the F/A-XX is expected to feature superior range, speed, and sensor capabilities, with an emphasis on integrating manned and unmanned systems. This includes collaboration with autonomous drones serving as force multipliers and electronic warfare assets. In regards to the range, it emerged earlier this year that the F/A-XX may offer just a 25 percent increase in this respect over the existing tactical combat jets in its carrier air wings. That disclosure is surprising, given that the service consistently makes it clear that extending the reach of its carrier strike groups and thus enhancing their survivability is a critical priority, as the range of expected threats also continues to grow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regardless, the continued funding dispute may well still derail the current timeline for F/A-XX. A notional sixth-generation stealth combat jet. Collins Aerospace In a report last month, Reuters wrote that the Pentagons main issue about the F/A-XX program was concerns about engineering and production capacity, but didnt elaborate further. If the F/A-XX does end up being delayed, the Navy might well have to look again at its tactical fighter fleet to avoid shortfalls. One immediate result would be the service relying longer than expected on its aging fleets of Super Hornets and Growlers. At one stage, the Super Hornet production line was expected to be shut down this year. However, in March of last year, the Navy issued Boeing a $1.3-billion contract for 17 new Super Hornets with a final delivery planned for spring 2027 at the latest. Buying more Super Hornets could be an option, but such a move would have to be made before the line is closed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An alternative would be to push more resources toward the F-35C stealth fighter, which the Navy has introduced to replace the last of its legacy Hornets. As well as the baseline F-35C, Lockheed Martin is increasingly looking at the potential of further advanced developments of the Joint Strike Fighter, something the company has previously described as a Ferrari or NASCAR upgrade to the F-35s core chassis. This could include a substantial fuselage redesign. An F-35C prepares to make an arrested landing aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. U.S. Navy (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Sonny Escalante) With a future Pacific fight very much on its mind, neither of these options would be ideal for the Navy, and the current uncertainty around the F/A-XX program is very much bad news for the service. Its also worth considering the Navys approach for the fleets of carrier-capable drone wingmen that it wants to accompany crewed combat aircraft in the future. As it now stands, the service wants its Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) designs to cost no more than $15 million to buy and have zero long-term sustainment costs. At the same time, there are signs the Navy may not be moving as quickly on CCAs as the Air Force, as you can read about here. Meanwhile, if the Pentagon gets its way and is able to inject another $500 million into the F-47, that will only help realize its goal to have the next-generation Air Force combat jet flying before the end of the current Trump administration. Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com You've almost certainly heard the name (and of the various misdeeds) of Lindsey Graham if you've been politically conscious at any point since 2003. That's the year he was sworn into the US Senate, representing his home state of South Carolina. He's held the seat ever since. Amir Levy / Getty Images Senator Graham gained more national recognition during President Donald Trump's first campaign, widely and publicly criticizing him before pulling a complete 180 and defending many of his political moves over the last decade. Graham is currently serving his fourth term, but he's up for reelection next year. That's where Dr. Annie Andrews, a South Carolina doctor, comes in. She's running as a Democrat for Lindsey Graham's seat. Dr. Annie Andrews for Senate / COURIER / TikTok / Via tiktok.com She previously sought to defeat incumbent Republican Nancy Mace in the 2022 race for South Carolina's District 1 House seat, but was unsuccessful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I could list out her policies, but she does it best in a campaign announcement that's gone viral across platforms. She starts the video by saying she's been a pediatrician in South Carolina for nearly two decades, trusted by parents "to treat their kids for just about anything you can imagine." Dr. Annie Andrews for Senate / COURIER / TikTok / Via tiktok.com She then pulls out a series of X-rays of children with different medical conditions, each to highlight a specific point about her views. First is a child with measles pneumonia, "a condition easily prevented by vaccines," she says. Dr. Annie Andrews for Senate / COURIER / TikTok / Via tiktok.com "This is a kid with cancer. One of the diseases the NIH doesn't have the funding to study anymore," Dr. Andrews continues, showing more X-rays. "And this is a kid who's been shot. Which, despite being the number one cause of death for children in America, is no longer classified as a public health crisis." Dr. Annie Andrews for Senate / COURIER / TikTok / Via tiktok.com Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She then says, with an X-ray of a constipated patient, "And this kid, there's really no other way to say this... is quite literally full of shit." Andrews then points to a video of Senator Graham. "And this is an adult who is also completely and unequivocally full of shit." Dr. Annie Andrews for Senate / COURIER / TikTok / Via tiktok.com Related: This Senator's Clap Back Fully Gagged An MSNBC Anchor, And The Clip Is Going Viral She then rolls the tape a supercut of Graham walking back his statements about Donald Trump. "It's embarrassing, and South Carolina deserves better," Dr. Andrews says. She also slams the current administration, from Elon Musk's cutting Social Security funding to "vaccine-denying brain worm guy" Robert F. Kennedy Jr. gutting healthcare programs. CNN / Dr. Annie Andrews for Senate / COURIER / TikTok / Via tiktok.com She also mentions Secretary of Education Linda McMahon's mass layoffs and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's war-plans-on-Signal blunder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "And Lindsey Graham voted to confirm every single one of these people," Andrews says, then bangs her head on her dining table next to a wine glass. I feel you, girl. Dr. Annie Andrews for Senate / COURIER / TikTok / Via tiktok.com "All while backing Trump's plan to cut taxes for millionaires and billionaires while raising yours. No wonder he won't show his face here in South Carolina," she goes on, cutting to a clip of Graham. "I don't need a town hall to know what to do," he says in it. Dr. Annie Andrews for Senate / COURIER / TikTok / Via tiktok.com "Lindsey Graham has been a senator for half of my lifetime and as it turns out, most senators don't get better with age," Dr. Andrews says. "Will winning this race be easy? No. But you can't win if you don't run. And the one thing we can all agree on is [that] Lindsey Graham doesn't deserve a free pass back to D.C." Dr. Annie Andrews for Senate / COURIER / TikTok / Via tiktok.com Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: This Republican Lawmaker's Embarrassing Lack Of Knowledge Of The Term "Intersex" Went Viral After He Proposed An Amendment To Cut LGBTQ+ Funding "Now, Lindsey is gonna tell you I'm radical, that I'm crazy. Because that's what weak men do when they feel threatened by strong women," she continues before offering a look into her very normal life as a busy mom and peek-a-boo-playing pediatrician. "SO radical," she jokes. Dr. Annie Andrews for Senate / COURIER / TikTok / Via tiktok.com "I also just happen to be someone who isn't afraid of a fight. And like so many of you, I am worried about what the future holds for our kids and our state," she says, then goes on to name issues like the climate crisis, failing hospitals and schools, and prices driven up by tariffs. "Worrying won't do anything, but stepping up to join me in this fight just might," Dr. Andrews says. "A fight where we put our common sense over culture wars and hope over hate." Dr. Annie Andrews for Senate / COURIER / TikTok / Via tiktok.com "Right now, Lindsey Graham is counting on all of us to stay quiet. And that means one thing it's time to get loud. I'm Dr. Annie Andrews, and I hope you'll join me," she concludes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Courier posted the video on TikTok, where people were absolutely fired up. "YES. DOCTORS IN POLITICS," the top comment reads. Some folks said that Dr. Andrews is bringing the energy that Democrats have been lacking... ...and the youth. "This is how we flip Congress. An impressive and competent candidate who understands the messaging we need to be pushing. Well done," this person wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lot of people were just blown away by her poise and candor. sr.4253 / TikTok / Via / TikTok / Via tiktok.com A TON of South Carolina folks were super amped up. / TikTok AdShooter / Getty Images / Via tiktok.com "One of the best ads I've seen," someone wrote. You can watch Dr. Andrews's full ad here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Annie Andrews for Senate / COURIER / TikTok / Via tiktok.com So, what do you think? Share alllll your thoughts in the comments. Also in In the News: People Can't Believe This "Disgusting" Donald Trump Jr. Post About Joe Biden's Cancer Diagnosis Is Real Also in In the News: Republicans Are Calling Tim Walz "Tampon Tim," And The Backlash From Women Is Too Good Not To Share Also in In the News: "We Don't Import Food": 31 Americans Who Are Just So, So Confused About Tariffs And US Trade Westend61 via Getty Images Last month, Frizgeralth de Jesus Cornejo Pulgar, an asylum-seeker from Venezuela, was scheduled for a routine hearing in immigration court. But as Mother Jones reports, he never made it because hed been whisked off without due process to El Salvadors Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) along with 230 Venezuelan immigrants. (Cornejo Pulgar, who has no known criminal history in the United States or in Venezuela, was reportedly detained due to his tattoos.) Since President Donald Trump began to carry out what he claimed would be the largest deportation campaign in U.S. history earlier this year, there have been a number of cases where immigrants like Cornejo Pulgar have just disappeared. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In January, Ricardo Prada Vasquez, a Venezuelan man working a delivery job and picking up food at a McDonalds in Detroit, Michigan, was deported and disappeared to El Salvador after taking a wrong turn into Canada. Immigration policies arent just politics theyre personal. At HuffPost, we explore the human stories behind the headlines, reporting on how immigration laws impact real people and communities. Support this vital coverage by joining our membership program today. Ricardos story by itself is incredibly tragic and we dont know how many Ricardos there are, Ben Levey, a staff attorney with the National Immigrant Justice Center who tried to locate Prada Vasquez, told The New York Times. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials ultimately confirmed to Levey that the 32-year-old had been deported but did not divulge his destination. After the abductions, families of men like Prada Vasquez search but the names of their loved ones disappear from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements online detainee locator. Could whats happening to immigrants under Trump be classified as enforced disappearances? We spoke with academics and researchers who study how rogue states disappear people. First, what does it mean to disappear a person? According to the United Nations, an enforced disappearance occurs when agents of the state (or groups acting with its authorization and support) arrest, detain, abduct or in any other way deprive a person of their liberty. The state then refuses to disclose the fate or whereabouts of the person concerned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If youre wondering whether this is legal or illegal, its actually neither. The inherent consequence of an enforced disappearance is that the person is placed outside the protection of the law, in a sort of legal limbo, said Gabriella Citroni, an adjunct professor of international human rights law at the university of Milano-Bicocca in Milan, Italy, and a chair-rapporteur of UN expert group on enforced or involuntary disappearances. Unlike other crimes under international law, such as torture, enforced disappearances were not prohibited by a universal legally binding instrument before a UN Convention came into effect in 2010. Disappeared people frequently include political opponents, protesters, human rights defenders and community leaders, students and members of minorities, Citroni said. State Assembly member Tony Simone, center, joins other protesters during a rally at the Permanent Mission of El Salvador in Manhattan, New York, NY, April 24, 2025, for Andry Jose Hernandez Romero and other immigrants who were sent by the Trump Administration to El Salvador's CECOT prison. The Washington Post via Getty Images Typically, enforced disappearances are used to suppress freedom of expression or religion, or legitimate civil strife demanding democracy, as well as against persons involved in the defense of the land, natural resources and the environment and to fight organized crime or counter terrorism, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Enforced disappearance functions as a tool of terror in two ways, said Oscar Lopez, a journalist based in Mexico City working on a book about the origins of forced disappearance during Mexicos Dirty War. First, the victim is deprived of due process and often subjected to torture as well as the psychological hell of not knowing whats going to happen to them and possibly fearing for their life, he told HuffPost. Secondly, enforced disappearance forces families and communities into a state of painful uncertainty, Lopez said. They dont know whether their relative is alive or dead and toggle between desperate hope and unbearable despair. When disappearances occur frequently enough, they can leave entire communities in a state of terror, unsure of who might be taken next, Lopez said. What has happened to disappeared people in the past? What happens to people involuntarily disappeared depends very much on the context in which they are taken, Lopez said. But generally speaking, if the person is kept alive, theyre held in state custody for an indeterminate amount of time without the ability to communicate with their family or legal counsel aka theyre held incommunicado. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the person is killed, their bodies are often disposed of in such a way that it becomes almost impossible for them to be found. This can mean burying them in unmarked graves, cremating their remains, or, as happened in Latin America, throwing their corpses out to sea, he said. Where have enforced disappearances happened before? Lopez pointed to a few examples: In Argentina, during the military dictatorship between 1976 and 1983, an estimated 30,000 people were disappeared. In nearby Chile, more than 1,000 people went missing under the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet, while in Guatemala, some 45,000 people were forcibly disappeared during the countrys civil war, which lasted from 1960 to 1996. In North Korea, instances of enforced disappearances and abductions date back to 1950. There are more recent instances of enforced disappearance, too, he said. In Syria, for example, its estimated that 136,000 people were disappeared under the Assad dictatorship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But enforced disappearances arent always carried out directly by state agents. said Adam Isacson, who leads border and migration work at the Washington Office on Latin America. Hundreds of thousands of people have been disappeared each by irregular groups in Colombia and Mexico, operating with the tacit permission or even assistance of government officials. Sometimes, as with the anti-communist paramilitaries in Colombia and death squads in 1980s El Salvador, the officials colluded with the groups out of some ideological alliance, he said. Sometimes, as with corrupt Mexican cops who assist organized crime, they do it because they profit from it. A boy holds a banner with pictures of some of the people killed or disappeared during Augusto Pinochet's dictatorship from 1973 to 1990. VICTOR ROJAS via Getty Images Could whats happening in the U.S. now with immigrants be considered enforced disappearances? In spite of existing court orders and legal challenges, the Trump administration continues its deportation policy in El Salvador, in partnership with the countys President Nayib Bukele. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Venezuelan migrants have been targeted in particular for deportation, many on unproven allegations of gang affiliation. That said, Trump has also repeatedly said hes all for looking for ways to detain U.S. citizens in foreign jails. Should we be calling whats happening now forced disappearances? A report released by the UN in April suggests yes. The incommunicado detentions appeared to involve enforced disappearances, contrary to international law, the report said. Many detainees were unaware of their destination, their families were not informed of their detention or removal, and the U.S. and Salvadoran authorities have not published the names or legal status of the detainees, the UN experts wrote. Those imprisoned in El Salvador have been denied the right to communicate with and be visited by their family members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Isacson agrees that we should be calling a spade a spade here. The only difference between that and what was done in 1970s Chile or Argentina is that loved ones have more reason to believe that their relatives are still alive and havent been killed, he said. But even that certainty is not complete, he said: Can you say with 100% confidence that Andry Hernandez the gay Venezuelan stylist that disappeared two months ago is still alive right now? He probably is, but you absolutely cannot guarantee that, and no one will confirm it. The raids and deportations have certainly struck fear into American communities another classic characteristic of enforced disappearances. The Trump administration has openly said that its goal is to try to make life so difficult for immigrants that they self-deport. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fear of being sent to a notorious El Salvador prison, where inmates never see the light of day, plays into that goal, said Rod Abouharb, an associate professor of international relations who researches forced disappearances at the University College London. These raids send out a chilling effect on those individuals who may be undocumented and even those who are legally in the United States: that they may be caught up in one of these raids, disappear into the prison system, and deported to a third country they may have no connection with, he told HuffPost. A prison officer guards a cell at maximum security penitentiary CECOT (Center for the Compulsory Housing of Terrorism) on April 4, 2025 in Tecoluca, San Vicente, El Salvador.. Alex Pena via Getty Images What can regular citizens do in response to enforced disappearances? The best thing Americans can do to object to efforts like this is to draw as much attention as possible to individual cases, Lopez said. Whether thats by holding protests, creating online petitions or posting on social media, ensuring that a person who the government has tried to disappear remains visible and in the public discourse can be a powerful way to draw national attention to their plight and the plight of others like them. he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Isacson thinks its important to encourage Senate and congressional Democrats whove stood up and made headlines, like Sen. Chris Van Hollen (Md.). Back in April, Van Hollen pushed for a face-to-face meeting with Kilmar Abrego Garcia a Salvadoran native living in Maryland who was deported in March to El Salvador despite a 2019 court order barring his deportation to that country due to fear of persecution. Democrats will actually help themselves politically if they keep making a lot of righteous noise about this, he said. Americans should also write to Republican moderates who seem quietly uncomfortable about forced disappearances and might be persuaded to action, Isacson said. All of us to stay vocal about this, he said. Keep protesting, keep writing about it and keep calling your legislators. Related... NEED TO KNOW A person of interest in an unsolved 2010 Oklahoma murder case shot himself in the head as he was questioned about the killing during a video call with authorities, according to reports Michael Wayne Thomas, 54, had insisted he had no involvement in the November 2010 death of Julie Mitchell, 34, per The Oklahoman "It was as shocking and horrific as you can imagine," Thomas' attorney, Ed Blau, told the outlet of his client's death on Saturday, May 31 A person of interest in a 2010 Oklahoma murder case shot himself dead while being questioned about the killing on a Zoom call with authorities, according to reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Saturday, May 31, Michael Wayne Thomas, 54, died by suicide in a wooded area outside a casino in Kansas, per The Oklahoman, citing his attorney, Ed Blau. The Oklahoma City Police Department (OCPD) had been asking the man about Julie Mitchell, who was found beaten to death in her home in November 2010, as her 13-month-old baby laid untouched by her side, local ABC-affiliated station KOCO reported. The case remains unsolved. Oklahoma City Police Department Julie Mitchell Julie Mitchell Blau had been representing Thomas since 2012, with the attorney telling KOCO 5 News that his client had previously been interviewed five or six times by police. Thomas had reportedly refused to be interviewed in person this time, instead opting for a video call. Blau said that his client who had denied any involvement in 34-year-old Mitchell's murder had been talking for around 45 minutes before his death, per The Oklahoman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The phone landed right by his head so we got to hear him die, hear the death rattle," the attorney told the outlet on Tuesday, June 3. "It was as shocking and horrific as you can imagine." AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki A police car is pictured in Oklahoma City A police car is pictured in Oklahoma City The OCPD's Master Sergeant, Gary Knight, said of Thomas, "He had agreed to be interviewed by detectives, but only on the stipulation that he wasnt going to be at the same location. He wanted to be in a manner like a Zoom call," per KOCO. "Beggars can't always be choosers, and this is somebody we wanted to talk to, we needed to talk to. There were questions we needed to have answered by him," Knight continued, telling the outlet that the questions remained unanswered around 40 minutes into the call. "He chose to pull out a pistol and shoot himself, ending his life," Knight said, per the station, adding, "I don't remember in my time here, 35 years here, someone killing themselves during an interview." According to The Oklahoman, Julie Mitchell was the wife of Teddy Mitchell, who had been accused in Oklahoma City federal court of reportedly hosting "illegal high-stakes poker games at his home and taking illegal bets on sporting events." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Per an FBI Oklahoma City Division release, in January 2014, Teddy Mitchell was sentenced to serve 27 months in federal prison for running an illegal gambling operation. Mitchell had been traveling to California at the time of his wife's death, The Oklahoman noted. Julie Mitchell's body had been found in the master bedroom closet of their home and $30,000 was reportedly missing from a closet safe, The Oklahoman reported. Thomas' company checkbook had previously been found at the Mitchells' property after the murder, but he's always denied any involvement in the killing, the outlet stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He told The Oklahoman in 2012, "I 100% did not. That's for sure. 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. Thomas, who previously sold insurance in an office in Edmond, reportedly told the FBI that he'd played poker at Teddy Mitchell's house, as well as placing bets with him, per the outlet, which cited a 2011 report. He also told authorities he'd let Teddy Mitchell become a partner in his business to help pay off his gambling debt, after providing him with vehicles and real estate insurance. "I really hope you solve the case," Thomas told OCPD's Knight, The Oklahoman reported. The officer added that Thomas was still considered a person of interest amid the unsolved investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The OCPD and Blau's law firm didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org. Read the original article on People During recent Supreme Court arguments something unusual happened that should worry every American who believes in the rule of law. Justice Amy Coney Barrett asked the Trump administrations lawyer a question that should never need to be asked: Will you follow our ruling if we decide against you? This extraordinary moment came during arguments over President Donald Trumps executive order ending birthright citizenship. When Solicitor General D. John Sauer said the Justice Department would generally follow court decisions that go against them, he revealed a troubling shift in how this administration views court authority. For the first time in modern memory, Supreme Court justices seem genuinely worried that the executive branch might simply ignore their rulings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This concern didnt come out of nowhere. The Trump administration has repeatedly challenged the legitimacy of court decisions that limit its power, from immigration cases to election disputes. While presidents have always been frustrated by judicial limits, they have historically accepted that court orders must be followed. The current administrations unclear stance toward following court orders represents a major departure from how things have always worked. The irony is obvious. The courts conservative majority, which includes three Trump appointees, handed Trump a huge victory in 2024 with Trump v. United States, giving him some immunity from prosecution for presidential acts. Yet rather than creating executive respect for court authority, this decision may have encouraged the very defiance the justices now face. By creating sweeping presidential immunity, the court may have accidentally signaled that traditional limits on executive power can be ignored. The justices skepticism goes beyond worries about compliance to the administrations broader legal strategy. During arguments on various emergency cases, the court has expressed frustration with how the administration approaches legal process. When the government tried to deport Venezuelan immigrants under an old wartime law with only one days notice, the justices criticized the rushed timeline. The justices also seemed irritated when the administration argued that lower courts issuing nationwide orders blocking Trumps policies had no authority to provide such broad relief. This creates a constitutional problem. If federal judges cannot issue nationwide orders to block unconstitutional policies, and if the administration reserves the right to ignore court rulings in individual cases, what exactly limits executive power? The administration seems to be systematically challenging the judiciarys traditional tools while refusing to promise theyll follow the results. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The birthright citizenship case shows this dynamic perfectly. Trumps executive order says that children born in the United States to undocumented or temporary residents will no longer automatically become citizens, directly contradicting over a century of Supreme Court precedent. When federal judges blocked the order as obviously unconstitutional, the administration came to the court asking to implement it anyway while appeals continue. Justice Elena Kagan captured whats at stake when she told the solicitor general to assume his constitutional interpretation was dead wrong. Without broad court relief, she noted, untold numbers of people could be wrongly denied citizenship for years while cases slowly move through the courts. The practical result would be a massive constitutional violation, enabled by the administrations refusal to accept court authority. Even justices who usually dont like nationwide court orders seemed troubled by the administrations position. Justice Neil Gorsuch, typically a critic of broad judicial relief, questioned whether alternatives like class action lawsuits would be practical given the immediate and ongoing harm from the governments actions. Justice Brett Kavanaugh asked for specifics about how hospitals would handle newborn citizenship questions if the order takes effect, showing concern about real-world chaos. The court finds itself in uncharted territory. Traditionally, Supreme Court arguments focus on legal interpretation and constitutional principles. Justices assume that whatever they decide will be faithfully carried out by the executive branch, even when presidents disagree with the outcome. Richard Nixon turned over the Watergate tapes despite claiming executive privilege. Even during the most heated periods of conflict between presidents and courts, compliance was never seriously in doubt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now the justices must consider not just what the law requires, but whether their rulings will matter. When Barrett had to extract a promise that the administration would follow court decisions, she was essentially asking whether the rule of law still works in America. The qualified answer she received suggests it may not. This breakdown in constitutional norms threatens the basic principle that ours is a government of laws, not individuals. The courts authority ultimately rests on public acceptance and executive compliance, not armed enforcement. When an administration openly questions whether it must follow adverse rulings, it undermines the entire system of checks and balances that protects democratic government. The justices seem to recognize this threat, which may explain their increasingly pointed questioning of administration lawyers. By forcing public promises to comply, they may be trying to preserve court authority through moral pressure when legal authority proves insufficient. Whether this strategy works will determine far more than the outcome of current cases. The rule of law depends on mutual respect among the different branches of government. When that breaks down, democracy itself becomes fragile. Americans across the political spectrum should be concerned when any administration treats court orders as optional. Todays defiance of court authority, however justified it may seem to supporters, creates precedent for future abuse by any president. The courts questions about compliance arent just about Trump theyre about whether constitutional government can survive in an era when institutional norms no longer hold. EL PASO, Texas (AP) A Peruvian woman who crossed the U.S. border illegally was acquitted Thursday of unauthorized access to a newly designated militarized zone in the first trial under the Trump administration's efforts to prosecute immigrants who cross in certain parts of New Mexico and western Texas. Adely Vanessa De La Cruz-Alvarez, 21, was arrested last month near the West Texas town of Tornillo after she entered the U.S. from Mexico by walking across the riverbed of the Rio Grande, court documents show. In addition to being charged with entering the country illegally, she was charged with accessing a military zone. She is among several other immigrants who have been charged under the law since President Donald Trumps administration transferred oversight of a strip of land along the border to the military. It is as part of a new approach the Department of Justice is taking to crack down on illegal immigration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Associated Press left messages Thursday with De La Cruz-Alvarez's attorney, Veronica Teresa Lerma. The lawyer told The Texas Tribune the acquittal is significant. Hopefully, this sets the tone for the federal government, Lerma said, so they know what the El Paso community will do with these charges. Even before the woman's case went to trial, federal magistrate judges in neighboring New Mexico had dismissed similar cases, finding little evidence that immigrants knew about the zones. Lerma was convicted of entering the country illegally and was already facing deportation, but could have faced up to 18 months in prison for entering the militarized zone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the verdict, U.S. Attorney Justin Simmons of the Western District of Texas said his office will continue to aggressively prosecute National Defense Area violations. At the end of the day, another illegal alien has been found guilty of illegally entering the country in violation of the improper entry statute and will be removed from the United States, Simmons said in a statement. "Thats a win for America." The administration wants to sharply increase the removal of immigrants who are in the U.S. illegally as Trump seeks to make good on his pledge of mass deportations. The administration has deployed thousands of troops to the border, while arrests have plunged to the lowest levels since the mid-1960s. (SOUTHERN COLORADO) The U.S. Postal Service is reminding individuals to keep Fido away from the mail carrier, to keep both the mail carrier and USPS carriers safe. June is National Dog Bite Awareness Month. In 2024, more than 6,000 employees were attacked by dogs, with Pueblo and Colorado Springs having a total of 14 dog bites last year alone. Brenda Brown, a carrier technician at the Mountain Post office, spoke more about her experience as a carrier. Brown said she has five routes, and there are a lot of dogs on each one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When you are out walking, you just have to be really aware of your surroundings because you never know when a dog is going to come out and approach you, said Brown. So, youve got to be very cautious at all times. The cost of a dog attack can be expensive for a dog owner, as they could be responsible for medical bills, lost wages, uniform replacement costs, and pain and suffering for the employee. In Browns experience, she was once bitten by a large dog. She described it as the dog nipping her. Luckily, it didnt do more damage, Brown said. USPS urges individuals to secure their pets even if they have a fence. Brown said mail carriers are advised to shake fences if there is one to assure there is not a dog in the vicinity, and carry dog spray in case it is needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everybodys impulses are, Im going to run, but you cant because thats an instinct for the dog to come after you, said Brown. Whether or not they want to play nice or not, you cant make that assumption; youve got to be protective of yourself at all times. Animal Law Enforcement Lieutenant Kelly Napieralski advises throwing something away from you if a dog approaches you, as it can diminish the threat of a dog bite. As for treats, they could be useful for also throwing them to the side and distracting the dog, but Napieralski warns that it could also backfire. You run the risk of a dog who is food aggressive or just likes to resource guard, whether its food or other items, Napieralski said. Additionally, you could be looking into an animal who has allergies, you could cause harm, not realizing it, so I think the disadvantages outweigh the advantages when trying to use treats. Napieralski also advises keeping the dogs extremely secure and even crate training. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She added that if a dog bites someone or if the animal is at large, the 911 dispatcher will get in contact with animal control, who will then meet with the individual responsible for the pet, take a report, and begin an investigation. There may be a history at that address, and there may be some action that needs to be taken legally but additionally, rabies is a risk, we want to make sure that the animals are vaccinated and that the community stays safe but we also want to prevent this from happening in the future. Besides being costly, a dog bite or an unsecured dog that makes a carrier feel unsafe could stop an individuals mail service until the carrier feels safe enough to restart delivery. More information can be found on HSPPR.org under the Animal Law Enforcement tab. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MANILA, Philippines The Philippines defense department sealed the order for 12 FA-50 light combat aircraft in a $700 million package with Korea Aerospace Industries, the company said in a statement released Wednesday. The export contract includes 12 FA-50s set to arrive around 2030. The upgraded jets are capable of aerial refueling and will be installed with AESA radars. The deal also includes an undisclosed number of air-to-ground and air-to-air weapons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KAI had previously exported 12 FA-50s to the Air Force in a 2014 export order, which was fulfilled in 2017. One FA-50 aircraft crashed in early March during a counterinsurgency operation in Mindanao in the countrys south. The military grounded the FA-50s immediately after the crash but lifted the order after an internal investigation found no mechanical mishap occurred during the operation. Manila has actively purchased frigates, corvettes, aircraft, and weapons from South Korean defense firms to modernize its armed forces. The Philippines was South Koreas second-largest global customer until 2021. KAI expects the orders to open more interest in the aircraft among governments in Europe, the Middle East and South America. The Philippine Air Force currently operates the FA-50 and A-29 Super Tucano turboprop light attack aircraft. The defense department has yet to decide on the countrys multirole fighter jet program, which is estimated to be the most expensive acquisition under the final phase of the Horizons military modernization project. Pierce Countys Human Services Department has a new director to oversee the countys homeless services, affordable housing efforts and behavioral health programs. Gary Gant, has been selected to serve as the new leader of Human Services, following what the county described as a competitive and meritorious recruitment process. His first day in the new position was June 2. According to Human Services spokesperson Kari Moore, Gant will be paid $213,640 per year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his most recent position as field office director for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Gant helped increase access to behavioral health services and improve housing stability, according to the county. He previously served as deputy regional administrator for the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). According to the county, he co-managed a six-state region overseeing program delivery and organizing mass vaccination events during the COVID-19 pandemic. In his new role at the county, Gant will oversee Human Services many divisions, including Behavioral Health, Community Services and Aging and Disability Resources. He also will be responsible for overseeing more than 400 contracts with community-based agencies and local providers delivering services to some of the most vulnerable residents in the community, including individuals with disabilities, children, veterans and people experiencing homelessness. From 2020 to 2023, the department had an average annual budget of over $134 million. As of October 2024, the department had just under 300 employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Human Services, Gant earned a bachelors degree in biology from the University of the Incarnate Word, a masters degree in business administration from Western Governors University, and a masters degree in public health from the University of Washington. He has served on several boards and committees including the Puget Sound Regional Council, National Library of Medicine State Advisory Group, and the Somali Family Safety Task Force. Gant also has significant experience collaborating with the Veterans Health Administration and the HUD-VA Supportive Housing Program to connect veterans experiencing homelessness with stable housing and support services. Helen McGovern had been serving as Acting Director for the department since the beginning of the year. Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello ousted the previous Human Services director, Heather Moss, as one of the first actions of his office. PITTSBURGH The University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, the Education & Training Center at Pitt-Titusville, and Titusville Area Hospital are partnering to establish the states first Regional Training Center to offer dental training and care in rural Pennsylvania communities. According to a recent study published by JANA Network Open, nearly 25 million Americans live in areas where there are not enough dentists to serve the needs of the population. In Pennsylvania, more than 1.5 million residents live in areas facing a dental shortage, said Dr. Marnie Oakley, dean of the Pitt School of Dental Medicine. We know how hard it is for a dental office to lose a dental hygienist or dental assistant and acknowledge that hardship may be enough for a rural office to make the tough decision to close its doors, leaving many patients without a dental home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The center will train general practice dental residents, dental hygienists and dental assistants. Pitt Dental Medicine is committed to developing programs to help address the critical decline in dental auxiliaries across the profession. We fully understand the impact of this trend on our profession, especially in rural areas, Oakley added. Patients will be able to receive routine dental care at the training center beginning in July 2026. Dental hygiene students will provide dental cleanings, and licensed dentists completing a residency program will provide most other dental care. All residents and students will work under the supervision of Pitt School of Dental Medicine faculty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This successful collaboration confirms that the investments made in the Education and Training Center are already paying dividends in the Titusville community and will continue to do so far into the future, said Pennsylvania Sen. Michele Brooks, whose coverage area includes Crawford County. I look forward to seeing how the Regional Training Center and new dental programs enhance the quality of life for residents in the region. The center offers residents of Titusville and the surrounding area the opportunity to enroll in two programs. The dental hygiene program is a two-year program that results in a bachelors degree from Pitt. A year of prerequisite courses can also be taken at the Education & Training Center at Pitt-Titusville. The dental assistant training program is a six-month program that trains dental assistants to work in private practice dental offices. Both are hybrid programs, with classroom training delivered online and clinical training at the Regional Training Center. The hybrid format allows students to complete either program without having to relocate and sets the stage for them to stay in their rural area as they seek employment. We are very excited to collaborate with the Pitt School of Dental Medicine and Titusville Area Hospital to offer this program in Titusville, said Rick Esch, Pitt-Titusvilles president. This program will provide the education and preparation students need to become successful dental professionals and will help to enhance access to dental care in our rural communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lee Clinton, CEO of Titusville Area Hospital, also said they are proud to collaborate with the programs to address the growing need for dental care in this region. By expanding our dental services and opening our doors as a clinical training site, were not only improving access to care but also helping to develop the next generation of dental professionals who will serve our communities for years to come, he said. For information on how to apply to the programs, visit dental.pitt.edu/regional-training-centers. PITTSFORD, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) Ongoing work on the replacement of the U.S. Route 7 bridge over Furnace Creek in Pittsford will close the intersection of U.S. 7 with Vermont Route 3/Corn Hill Road starting 6:00 a.m. on Friday, June 6. The intersection will be closed until June 15. Current work on Oxbow Road near the junction. Oxbow Road remains closed until the morning of June 9. (Courtesy: Vermont Agency of Transportation) The Vermont Agency of Transportation warns that truck traffic should avoid Vermont Route 3 during this time, and instead use U.S. Route 4 to get to U.S. 7. Regular car traffic will have options for a detour, such as via Gorham Bridge Road and Elm Street (which is a narrow road that passes under a covered bridge, and not usable for trucks) or via Stevens Road and Corn Hill Road. Travelers on U.S. 7 in Pittsford can also expect delays due to one-way alternating traffic during this period. The bridge reconstruction is expected to finish in November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The U.S. Navy has quietly awarded Northrop Grumman a contract to strip useful parts from an ex-Royal Air Force (RAF) E-3D Sentry airborne early warning and control aircraft before disposing of it. The service first acquired the plane in 2021 for conversion into a dedicated training platform for the crews of its E-6B Mercury jets, which are often referred to as doomsday planes given their role as airborne command posts that relay launch orders for Americas nuclear arsenal. An E-6B Mercury doomsday aircraft. USAF Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) issued a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) and Labor Hour (LH) Delivery Order to Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation [NGSC] under Basic Ordering Agreement (BOA) N0001920G0005, on an other than full and open basis for the for part harvesting and disposal of the TE-6B aircraft, Bureau Number (BuNo) 170508 (formerly an E-3D Aircraft), according to a notice posted online on May 27. The contract, valued at just under $3 million, was formally awarded on May 14. As of March 2024, the Navy had already received $16.376 million in funding to acquire and convert the ex-RAF E-3D to the TE-6B standard. NGSC is the only vendor that owns, controls, and has access to the aircraft maintenance manuals and proprietary engineering data previously independently funded and developed by NGSC establishing the current configuration of the TE-6B, an accompanying official justification for the sole-source deal adds. Accurate and current technical data is required to part harvest the preponderance of components and dispose of the aircraft. The ex-RAF E-3D that the US Navy acquired for conversion into the TE-6B, seen at Lake Charles Airport in Louisiana in February 2021. USN How far along the TE-6B had gotten in the conversion process is unknown. In 2022, NAVAIR announced that the work had begun, and that the outer mold line will be modified to resemble an E-6 and the aerial refueling probe and radar dome will be removed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not clear what other alterations may have been planned, but the E-6B is notably configured to refuel in mid-air using the boom method rather than a probe-and-drogue like the E-3D. The Mercury jets also have a completely revised cockpit architecture that leverages elements taken from Boeings 737 and 777 airliners. A look inside the cockpit of an E-6B. USAF/Senior Airman Andrew Satran Senior Airman Andrew Satran It is also unclear why the Navy is moving to dispose of the aircraft now and what might happen to it in the end. Prior Navy budget documents do not mention any plans to halt work on the former RAF E-3D as of March 2024, but do mention increased air certification requirements due to removal of the dome. The Navy did not request any additional funding for the conversion work in its proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2025. TWZ has reached out to NAVAIR and Northrop Grumman for more information. The Navy currently has 16 E-6Bs in service. Those aircraft are upgraded E-6As, which first began entering service in 1989. Today, the Mercury fleet supports two critical nuclear deterrence mission sets: a Navy one called Take Charge And Move Out (TACAMO) and an Air Force one referred to simply as the Airborne Command Post (ABNCP), but better known by the nickname Looking Glass. Today, TACAMO involves the relaying of orders to Navy Ohio class nuclear ballistic missile submarines, even if they are submerged, with the help of a five-mile-long antenna. The Looking Glass mission set is very roughly similar to TACAMO, but for Air Force nuclear-capable bombers and silo-based Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles. The E-6Bs, which are Navy-owned but fly with crews that also include Air Force personnel, also have the ability to initiate Minuteman III launches while in flight. The RAF first began flying E-3Ds in 1991, eventually acquiring a fleet of seven of the aircraft, but had persistent difficulties in maintaining them. By December 2020, only three of the jets, locally designated as Sentry AEW1s, were still serviceable. In addition to the U.S. Navy, the Chilean Air Force also acquired three of the British E-3Ds after their retirement and began flying them operationally in 2022. The E-6B, as well as all variants of the E-3 Sentry, are derived from the Boeing 707 airliner, which is now long out of production. The original E-6As were the last 707-based aircraft to roll out of Boeings factory in Renton, Washington, in the 1980s. The E-3D variant of the Sentry, specifically, and the Mercury also both feature more modern fuel-efficient high-bypass CFM56 engines. One of the CFM56 engines on an E-6B. USAF/Senior Airman Andrew Satran Senior Airman Andrew Satran Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Air Force currently flies E-3s powered by older, out-of-production TF33 engines. The service is moving to retire those aircraft and replace them with a mix of E-7 Wedgetail jets based on the Boeing 737 Next Generation (737NG) line and space-based assets. The E-7 is also set to succeed the E-3 in RAF service. The Air Force also operates a variety of C-135-series aircraft that are based on the 707s immediate predecessor, which are also steadily aging. This includes multiple intelligence-gathering RC-135 types for which there are dedicated TC-135 trainers. When it comes to the TE-6B, training flights expose [E-6B] mission aircraft to significant wear-and-tear and impact their readiness and availability, Navy Capt. Adam Scott, then-head of the Airborne Strategic Command, Control and Communications Program Office (PMA-271) within NAVAIR, said back in 2021. This is a great chance to work with the United Kingdom and bring a much-needed aircraft to the fleet. Scott left that post in March ahead of his retirement from the Navy. Since the E-6s inception over three decades ago, the Navy has looked for ways to train pilots and keep them up to date on the airframe. Those options have included leasing several different commercial aircraft as well as using the mission-capable aircraft, the Navy had also said in 2021. For the past several years, the program has been looking for a dedicated trainer and found one when the Royal Air Force decided to retire their fleet of E-3Ds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The [TE-6B] aircraft will help reduce an estimated 600 flight hours and 2,400 landings/cycles per year from the E-6 mission aircraft. An E-6B seen undergoing major upgrade work circa 2020. Collins Aerospace In April, aviation services provider AAR announced that KALS LLC, a joint venture it had formed together with KIRA Aviation Services, had received an E-6B pilot contract, but did not say what platform or platforms might be used for that purpose. Whether the Navy is now pursuing additional in-flight training options to fill any resulting gap left by the disposal of the TE-6B, provided in-house or by contractors, is unknown. The service does have simulators and other virtual training systems to support the E-6B fleet, but this in no way eliminates the need for live in-flight training. Routine training is essential for maintaining crew proficiency for any aircraft, but those requirements are especially pronounced for the E-6B fleet given its critical mission sets. At the same time, ensuring the availability of those jets for actual operational taskings is similarly vital. For years now already, the Mercury fleet has become increasingly more difficult to operate and sustain just because of the age of the aircraft. USN The E-6B fleet met or exceeded its annual mission capable goals for 5 of the 9 fiscal years from fiscal years 2011 through 2019 and its mission capable rate decreased during this time period, according to a report the Government Accountability Office, a Congressional watchdog, published in 2020. Program officials cited three reasons for not meeting the mission capable goals: parts obsolescence, aging aircraft, and increased maintenance needs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials stated that increasing the lifespan of the aircraft has created more requirements on maintenance personnel, and total maintenance hours have increased by 9 percent since 2010, that report, which came less than a year before the Navys purchase of the former RAF E-3D, added. The move now to dispose of the TE-6B does come as the Navy is working to acquire a C-130J-based aircraft to succeed the E-6B, at least when it comes to the TACAMO mission. The service does not appear to have put out a formal timeline for when the new E-130J might enter operational service, but has previously said it is looking to order three of the aircraft in Fiscal Year 2027 and six more in Fiscal Year 2028. Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation is currently the prime contractor for the E-130J program. A rendering of the E-130J. Northrop Grumman Questions remain about whether the E-130J will eventually take on the Looking Glass mission set. Other aircraft, like the Air Forces forthcoming Boeing 747-based E-4C Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) jets, might also take on that role in the future. When the last E-6B actually gets retired remains to be seen, as well. In the meantime, Mercury crews will still need to meet their routine flight training requirements, now without the help of the TE-6B aircraft. Contact the author: joe@twz.com COMPANY NEWS: Ip.Glass, a leading provider of innovative cybersecurity and networking services, has successfully delivered a complete network transformation for Hornsby Shire Council using Fortinets Secure SD-WAN and SD-Branch solutions. The project represents a significant step forward in the Councils strategy to improve connectivity, enhance cybersecurity, and support future innovation across its services and infrastructure. Hornsby Shire Council replaced its legacy multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) network, which was costly, inflexible, and difficult to scale, with a future-ready network powered by Fortinet. The new infrastructure includes FortiGate Next-Generation Firewalls, FortiSwitch LAN components, FortiAP wireless access points, and FortiExtender for 4G and 5G connectivity. All components are centrally managed using FortiManager Cloud, giving the council greater visibility and control while reducing complexity. Cameron McNaught, infrastructure services team leader, Hornsby Shire Council, said, Fortinet SD-WAN was a really good story from the councils point of view. It offers a more secure and more flexible product, more resiliency, redundancy, simplicity for less money, and a much better user experience. With Fortinet, every council site is its own standalone network, fully segregated, but still part of the whole. If a site goes down, theres no longer a single point of failure. Hornsby Shire Council has reduced communications spend by at least 50 per cent and now has the visibility and control to manage and secure all council locations effectively. The modernised infrastructure provides consistent security policies, fast onboarding of new sites, and better digital experiences for staff and ratepayers. It lays a strong foundation for future smart city services and emerging technologies. The transformation also supports the councils compliance with Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) Essential Eight and ISO 27001 standards. With improved connectivity, Hornsby Shire Council can now integrate Internet of Things (IoT) devices, support zero trust network access, and deliver enhanced digital services to the community. Tim Weddell, IT operations manager, Hornsby Shire Council, said, Council users dont see problems anymore. It just works. They are protected wherever they go, even when they are offsite. Their focus is now on business outcomes, not IT challenges. The success of the Hornsby Shire Council project reinforces Ip.Glasss position as a trusted leader in cybersecurity and networking services. It also reflects the companys strength as a Fortinet Engage Preferred Services Partner (EPSP), a designation that highlights Ip.Glasss ability to deliver expert deployment and ongoing support for Fortinets advanced solutions. Ip.Glass is the first, and only partner in Australia to date, to achieve this status. John Millionis, director, channel and distribution, Australia, Fortinet, said, Fortinet is pleased to support this important initiative through the collaboration with Ip.Glass. This project highlights the critical role of Fortinets Engage Preferred Services Partners in helping customers achieve secure and scalable digital transformation. Ip.Glass has once again demonstrated its ability to deliver outstanding outcomes through deep expertise and trusted partnership. Semyon Taskin, managing director, Ip.Glass, said, Ip.Glass is proud to partner with Hornsby Shire Council on a project that delivers meaningful and lasting impact. Hornsby Shire Council had a clear vision for digital innovation, and the Ip.Glass team worked closely with the council to design and deliver a network that supports both immediate operational improvements and long-term strategic goals. The Fortinet Secure SD-WAN solution provided the foundation to improve performance, reduce complexity, and embed robust security controls across every location. About Hornsby Shire Council Hornsby Shire Council has local government responsibility for a region in the northern suburbs of Sydney, home to more than 150,000 people and covering approximately 510 square kilometres, including 6,000 hectares of public parks, waterways and bushland. The Councils future vision is guided by four key themes liveable, sustainable, productive and collaborative and an initiative to embrace emerging technology and optimise existing digital assets. About Ip.Glass Ip.Glass is at the forefront of cybersecurity innovation, providing tailored solutions that protect enterprise environments from an ever-evolving threat landscape. With a focus on delivering exceptional service and expertise, Ip.Glass empowers businesses to advance their digital transformation while fortifying their security posture. PLYMOUTH COUNTY, Iowa (KCAU) Plymouth County is rolling out a new program, in an effort to be prepared the next time a disaster hits. Local organizations were inviter for a lunch and learn discussing the new community organizations active in disasters program. The informal gathering provided an opportunity for emergency response organizations , recovery, and community support to come together to share information and open open lines of communication in advance of another disaster. So this group will give us the opportunity to make a plan to coordinate volunteers when theres an influx, whether its within a City or in an unincorporated area throughout the county. Said Becca Socknat, the Plymouth County emergency manager Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Any organizations that are interested in becoming a part of the Plymouth County COAD are encourage to attend, the next will be held on august 27. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DENVER (KDVR) Police have arrested a 14-year-old suspect in connection with a deadly shooting that occurred on June 1, according to the Aurora Police Department. The suspect is from Colorado Springs and was arrested in El Paso County on Wednesday. He faces charges, including: First-degree homicide Attempted homicide, 10 counts Possession of a handgun by a juvenile, two counts Police said the shooting occurred on Hoffman Boulevard around 12:30 a.m. and left a 15-year-old girl dead and a 20-year-old woman with serious injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident occurred near the Aurora Fire Rescue Station 2, and firefighters were the first to respond to the victims after returning from another call for service. Police negotiate with man who may have a gun in Broomfield Aurora police arrived shortly after. The 15-year-old was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries and died shortly after arriving. The 20-year-old had her injuries treated and was expected to survive. APD later learned that another 15-year-old girl was grazed in the incident, but she and her family declined medical assistance. The suspect is being held in the El Paso County Jail but will transfer to the Arapahoe County Jail to face charges in Arapahoe Juvenile Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect and the 15-year-old victim will not be identified due to their ages. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Daniel Jongyon Park of Kent, Wash., was arrested Tuesday on charges of providing material support to the man who bombed a Palm Springs, Calif., fertility clinic in May. Photo courtesy of the FBI June 4 (UPI) -- Federal officials have arrested a Washington man they said provided "significant quantities" of explosive materials to the man who attacked a California fertility clinic in a suicide bombing. The U.S. Attorney's Office in the Central District of California charged Daniel Jongyon Park of Kent, Wash., with providing and attempting to provide material support to terrorists. Officials arrested him Tuesday night shortly after he arrived on a flight to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City. Park had been deported from Poland where he traveled to in the days after the May 17 attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said Edward Bartkus of Twentynine Palms, Calif., attacked the American Reproductive Centers location in Palm Springs, Calif., using a vehicle-borne bomb. He was allegedly motivated by his anti-natalist views that people shouldn't be brought into the world without their consent. The Justice Department said Park shared Bartkus' views and bought and shipped more than 200 pounds of ammonium nitrate to Bartkus' home. Park also joined Bartkus in Twentynine Palms, where the two allegedly conducted experiments on how to build explosives using the chemicals. Attorney General Pam Bondi thanked the Polish government for assisting in returning Park to the United States to face charges. "Bringing chaos and violence to a facility that exists to help women and mothers is a particularly cruel, disgusting crime that strikes at the very heart of our shared humanity," she said. NEED TO KNOW San Antonio Police Chief William McManus held a press conference on Thursday, June 5, to address Jonathan Joss' murder The department released a statement claiming their investigation determined "no evidence whatsoever" that the death was a hate crime one day after Joss was shot and killed on June 1 On June 5, McManus called the statement "premature" and admitted he "shouldn't have done it" because it "was way too soon before we had any real information" Authorities are backpedaling on their initial statement regarding Jonathan Joss murder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a press conference on Thursday, June 5, San Antonio Police Chief William McManus offered an update on the case and responded to public backlash after the department said that their investigation has found no evidence whatsoever that Joss June 1 shooting death was a hate crime. That was way, way, way premature, he admitted. Shouldnt have done it. It was way too soon before we had any real information, and I will own that and simply say, again, that we shouldn't have done that. It was way too early in the process for any statement of that nature to be issued. We understand that many in the LGBTQ+ community are feeling anxious and concerned, McManus continued. A lot of it has to do with that premature statement that we released, and again, I own that shouldn't have done it. The loss of Jonathan Joss was tragic and most, most heavily felt by the LGBTQ+ community. On June 3, just two days after the Parks and Recreation alum was killed, the SAPD said that they thoroughly reviewed all available information and determined that they didnt have reason to believe his death was related to his sexual orientation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Joss husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, claimed in a Facebook post that there was a history of "harassment" toward them from neighbors and alleged that the shooter was yelling violent homophobic slurs at the scene. Acknowledging those specific allegations, McManus explained that hate crimes are not separate charges in Texas, but rather enhancements to existing charges. We gather the facts and we give those facts to the District Attorney's office, and then that hate crime designation is determined at sentencing, he said. Our homicide detectives are continuing to pursue every lead in this case to ensure that we understand the full picture of what led up to the senseless murder of Mr. Joss. Jonathan Joss/Facebook Jonathan Joss and Tristan Kern de Gonzales Jonathan Joss and Tristan Kern de Gonzales In recognition of the LGBTQ+ community and Pride Month, McManus said that the SAPD will be holding a community forum that night at a local center. Please know that your safety and trust matter deeply to us, he noted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also addressed Gonzales claims that a fire, which burned down the house he and Joss lived in on the property where the shooting took place, was started intentionally. McManus revealed that the investigation is still active and law enforcement is working closely with the fire departments arson investigators to look into a possible connection between cases. Additionally, McManus confirmed that police have received approximately 70 calls over the past two years from both Joss and his neighbors involving various neighborhood-type disturbances. Our safe unit, our mental health units, had extensive engagements with Mr. Joss, making repeated efforts to mediate conflicts and connect him with services that he may have needed at the time, he added, although he was being cautious about releasing too much information that could negatively affect the upcoming legal process. NBC Jonathan Joss Jonathan Joss Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. PEOPLE previously reported that officers responded to a shooting in progress in the Southside of San Antonio at around 7 p.m. on June 1. When they arrived, they found Joss lying near the roadway with gunshot wounds from a rifle, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 56-year-old Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez, who PEOPLE can confirm was a neighbor of the King of the Hill star, allegedly admitted that he intentionally and knowingly discharged a weapon at Joss, stating, I shot him, while detained. He has been charged with first-degree murder and was released from police custody under full house arrest on $200,000 bond on June 2. Read the original article on People HOUSTON (AP) Investigators are looking into whether the sexual orientation of King of the Hill voice actor Jonathan Joss played a role in his shooting death in Texas, authorities said Thursday, walking back a previous statement about the potential motive. Joss husband has claimed the person who killed the actor yelled violent homophobic slurs before opening fire outside his home in San Antonio on Sunday night. A day after the shooting, San Antonio police issued a statement saying they had found no evidence whatsoever to indicate that Mr. Joss murder was related to his sexual orientation. But during a news conference on Thursday, San Antonio Police Chief William McManus said the statement was premature and that whether Joss sexual orientation played a role in the shooting is part of the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I will own that and simply say again that we simply shouldnt have done that. It was way too early in the process for any statement of that nature to be issued, McManus said. The police chief said many in the LGBTQ+ community are feeling anxious and concerned after Joss shooting and that a lot of it has to do with that premature statement." The loss of Jonathan Joss was tragic, most heavily felt by the LGBTQ+ community, McManus said. Texas does not have separate hate crimes charges. But if homophobia is found to have been a motive in the shooting, that could result in a harsher sentence at trial under the state's hate crimes law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We gather the facts, and we give those facts to the district attorneys office. And then that hate crime designation is determined at sentencing, McManus said. The actor's home burned down in January. Joss husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, has said that they were checking mail there Sunday when a man approached them, pulled out a gun and opened fire. In a statement, de Gonzales said he and Joss had previously faced harassment, much of it openly homophobic. Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez, who is a neighbor of Joss, is charged with murder in the shooting. Ceja Alvarez has been released on a $200,000 bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ceja Alvarezs attorney, Alfonso Otero, did not immediately return an email seeking comment Thursday. McManus said police had been called to Joss home and his neighborhood about 70 times over the past two years related to neighborhood type disturbances. Sometimes (Joss) was the caller. Other times, the neighbors were calling on him, McManus said. The San Antonio Police Departments mental health unit as well as a unit known as SAFFE that works with residents to help prevent crime had extensive engagements with Mr. Joss, making repeated efforts to mediate conflicts and connect him with services that he may have needed, McManus said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The January fire at Joss home is still being reviewed by arson investigators, McManus said. Joss lost all his belongings in the blaze and his three dogs were killed. Actors who worked with Joss, along with friends and fans have honored Joss memory with tributes. His voice will be missed at King of the Hill, and we extend our deepest condolences to Jonathans friends and family, the shows creators and producers Mike Judge, Greg Daniels and Saladin Patterson said in a statement on the animated series Instagram page. ___ Follow Juan A. Lozano: https://twitter.com/juanlozano70 As the search for Travis Decker, the Washington man wanted in connection with the killing of his three daughters near Leavenworth, enters day five, deputies have released new photos and a surveillance video in the hopes that someone might recognize him. The video shows Decker on Ring camera footage the day he picked up his three daughters, the last time they were seen alive. On Wednesday, the McCall Police Department in Idaho investigated reports of a possible sighting of Decker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Chelan County Sheriffs Office department confirmed it had received notifications that Decker may have been seen in the McCall area, but later told KIRO 7, The information we got from McCall, Idaho was not our suspect, but we will continue to work with our neighboring agencies. Decker is the subject of a multi-state search following the discovery of his daughters bodiesPaityn, Evelyn, and Oliviaafter he failed to return them following a scheduled custody visit. Authorities are urging the public to avoid spreading unverified information. Only first-person sightings meaning someone who has personally seen Decker should be reported to police. Dispatch should only be notified of first-person sightings, not rumors, texts, or online chatter, the McCall Police Department said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That tip is one of several the Chelan County Sheriffs Office says theyre getting from around the country. In a press conference held Wednesday evening, Sheriff Morrison said they are doubling down on searches in the mountains west of Leavenworth today. Decker reportedly has a military background and experience surviving for months in the outdoors. KIRO 7 spoke to Deckers father on Wednesday, as well as the Army and the National Guard, about his extensive experience. We understand that at times, he would do cashing, so we understand thats a possibility that he could have scoped out this area before, put some supplies out there, and has the ability and knowledge to survive for long periods of time, said Sheriff Morrison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Agencies across the U.S. have been assisting with the search. Thanks to our Marshalls Office tracking down some good leads that we feel are giving us more of an insight into Travis mindset - where he may have gone to, said Sheriff Morrison. The Chelan County Sheriffs Office and Washington State Patrol continue to lead the investigation into the homicides. GAITHERSBURG, Md. (DC News Now) The Montgomery County Department of Police (MCPD) is investigating a deadly crash that happened in Gaithersburg. On May 31, officers with the Gaithersburg City Police Department responded to a two-car crash that occurred at 8:35 a.m. at the Sam Eig Highway and Fields Road intersection. One hurt after car crashes into shed in Montgomery County According to MCPD, a blue 2017 Toyota Corolla was stopped at a red traffic signal when a blue 2018 Jeep Compass crashed into it from behind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Toyota driver and the passenger, Myrtle Gottlieb, 88, were both taken to the hospital in critical condition, where Gottlieb later died from her injuries on June 4. The Jeep driver, an 18-year-old man, stayed at the scene of the crash and was taken into custody for suspicion of drunk driving and driving without a license, MCPD said. Man accused of assaulting officer in Wheaton mall MCPD states that he was given a test to determine his blood alcohol concentration, and the results are still pending. Anyone with information about is asked to call (240) 773-6620. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) Police are investigating a deadly shooting that happened Wednesday evening near the Chad Brown housing complex. Providence Police Maj. David Lapatin told 12 News that officers were called to March Street around 6:30 p.m. for a reported shooting. The victim, a 29-year-old man, was rushed to Rhode Island Hospital where he was later pronounced dead, according to Lapatin. Police said it appeared to be an accidental self-inflicted shooting, but it remains under investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were looking at all avenues, Lapatin said. It might be a self-inflicted, accidental injury. But were not ruling anything else out. 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. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)- The Youngstown Police Department is looking for suspects who are accused of being involved in a double shooting, according to a Facebook post. Read next: Report: YPD finds gun on man in large crowd about to fight on South Side street Police said that the shooting happened on May 17 on McGuffey Road. Courtesy: Youngstown Police Department Police asked that if you recognize either of these individuals or have any information regarding their whereabouts to contact Detective Skowron at 330-742-8249. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can also submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 330-746-2583. Police said a cash reward may be available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. COMPANY NEWS: Konica Minolta Australia has announced a strategic partnership with Box, the leader in Intelligent Content Management, to deliver a transformative offering that helps Australian organisations better manage data, enhance workflow efficiency, and meet compliance demands, all while preparing for the future of AI-powered business operations. Konica Minolta Australia and Box have joined forces to deliver a transformative solution for Australian organisations facing mounting pressure to manage unstructured content, meet compliance demands, and prepare for AI-driven operations. This partnership combines Boxs cloud-based Intelligent Content Management platform and Konica Minoltas Intelligent Information Management services to create an end-to-end solution that turns unstructured content into actionable intelligence. The result is a powerful combination of automation, AI, and data governance capabilities that enable modern businesses to work smarter, scale faster, and deliver stronger outcomes for their customers. The new collaborative offering empowers organisations to eliminate data silos and connect disparate systems securely for smarter content collaboration and decision-making. John Harding, General Manager of Managed Services, Konica Minolta Australia, said, Were at a defining moment where content is no longer just stored; its a strategic asset that is transformative to an organisation's success. Every document, every workflow, and every piece of unstructured data holds the potential to drive insight, automation, and innovation. Partnering with Box combines world-class technology with Konica Minoltas deep expertise in intelligent information management to help Australian organisations unlock that potential. Together, were enabling businesses to simplify complexity, strengthen compliance, and prepare for a future where AI and human intelligence work side by side to deliver extraordinary outcomes. Many converging market forces, including growing awareness of data privacy and the rise of agentic AI in the workforce, are mounting demand for intuitive, flexible platforms that deliver value beyond traditional enterprise content management solutions. Within this context, the partnership provides a platform for Box to expand its AI-first approach and reach additional Australian enterprise and mid-market businesses. Gavin Diamond, Vice President, Australia and New Zealand, Box, said Businesses are no longer treating content as passive data; they expect instant intelligence. Were entering an era where AI agents are becoming integral to the enterprise and unlocking trillions of dollars in potential productivity gains. Were delivering a single intelligent content platform through our partnership with Konica Minolta that enables customers to embrace this shift, transforming how they manage, secure, and extract insight from content. The two companies offer a holistic alternative to legacy technology providers. Boxs intuitive user experience and embedded AI capabilities, combined with Konica Minoltas local professional services and deep customer relationships, brings unmatched value to customers seeking speed, scale, and simplicity. Together, Box and Konica Minolta will support digital transformations across a range of industries by delivering: Smarter data access: secure, seamless access to content that enhances collaboration. secure, seamless access to content that enhances collaboration. Faster workflows: automation of manual processes to improve efficiency and accuracy. automation of manual processes to improve efficiency and accuracy. Stronger compliance: support for meeting evolving regulatory requirements with confidence. support for meeting evolving regulatory requirements with confidence. Scalable solutions: flexible platforms that grow with business needs. flexible platforms that grow with business needs. AI: embedded AI for content extraction, automation, and actionable insights. The partnership will serve as a catalyst for future customer engagements, with both companies planning to take the solution to market across key verticals. About Konica Minolta Australia Konica Minolta Business Solutions Australia Pty Ltd is a market-leading provider of trusted technology solutions to help Australian organisations keep pace with the needs of the future workplace through innovation and investment technology solutions that leverage the technology of tomorrow, today. From printing, scanning, and copying to Intelligent Information Management Konica Minolta Australias award-winning products and solutions help customers to transform and move information faster. Creating and working with equitable, socially responsible, and environmentally conscious organisations is an important part of the future workplace. Konica Minolta Australia actively promotes and innovates through diversity and inclusion, ethical supply chain, and climate change action strategies. Konica Minolta Australia is proud to support the commitment to reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and all other people in the community to help improve life outcomes and opportunities and to create a better future for society at large. As part of this, Konica Minolta Australia developed its Reconciliation Action Plan to publicly commit to reconciliation initiatives, and is a member of Supply Nation, the Australian leader in supplier diversity, to support First Nations businesses. For more information visit: konicaminolta.com.au DENVER (KDVR) One person is dead in a shooting involving police after officers were in Broomfield trying to negotiate with a potentially armed man in a parking lot. The Broomfield Police Department posted about the threat on X just after 10:30 a.m. on Thursday. Police said there was a threat outside of A Precious Child in the 7000 block of W. 118th Ave, and theyre working to negotiate with a man who may have a gun. At 11:50 a.m., the department said the crisis negotiation team was on scene, speaking with the man. Then, at 1:26 p.m., police said there was an officer-involved shooting, and one person is dead. No officers were injured in the shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox A Precious Child was in secure mode, where external access is restricted. Other buildings in the area were asked to secure their doors. A shelter-in-place wasnt issued for the area because police said the threat was contained. Police said at 10:30 a.m. that there was no danger inside the building, and everyone in the building was safe and secure. Police said there is no additional information available. 118th Avenue is currently closed at Main Street. Theres a reunification point for parents at 119th Place and Reed Street. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. SIOUX FALLS S.D. (KELO) A Sioux Falls man was shot in the leg Wednesday morning, police said at Thursdays police briefing. ICE arrest at Minnehaha County Courthouse Two men and a woman were in an alleyway on 2nd Street when an argument broke out around 9:30 a.m. Police are still trying to figure out what the dispute was about. The man shot the other man in the leg. The victim, 39, was taken to the hospital for his injuries. Police are still looking for the suspect that shot him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All three people knew each other, SFPD spokesman Sam Clemens said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. HONOLULU CRIMESTOPPERS Khilye Hamadani, 21, last communicated with her family upon arriving at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on Oahu at about 4 p.m. on Monday. HONOLULU CRIMESTOPPERS Khilye Hamadani, 21, last communicated with her family upon arriving at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on Oahu at about 4 p.m. on Monday. Honolulu police and CrimeStoppers are seeking help finding a missing 21-year-old woman named Khilye Hamadani. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said Hamadani last communicated with her family upon arriving at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on Oahu at about 4 p.m. on Monday. She was emotionally distraught and believed to be headed to the Portlock area. Hamadanis family is concerned for her safety and well-being. She is described as 5-feet tall and 130 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair and dark purple tips Anyone with information is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 808-955-8300. Anonymous tips can be filed at or via the P3 Tips app. 2 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 ? . LISBON (Reuters) -Portuguese and German police were on Thursday wrapping up their search in Portugal's southern Algarve region for evidence related to the disappearance of British toddler Madeleine McCann 18 years ago. There were no immediate announcements on the outcome of the operation as vans with German license plates and a Portuguese police vehicle left one of the search sites in Atalaia, a neighbourhood of Lagos municipality. A source involved in the operation said the searched area had included several derelict houses, wells and reservoirs covering "dozens of hectares". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McCann went missing on May 3, 2007 while on holiday with her family in the Algarve town of Praia da Luz, sparking a frenzied search and gaining the attention of the world's media. She has never been found. German police said in June 2020 that McCann was presumed dead and that German national Christian Brueckner was probably responsible. He has denied responsibility. Brueckner, a convicted child abuser and drug dealer, is behind bars in Germany for raping a 72-year-old woman in the same area of the Algarve. His sentence runs until September, meaning he is set for release unless prosecutors find enough evidence to charge him over McCann's disappearance. (Reporting by Miguel Pereira in Lagos, SergioGoncalves in Lisbon; editing by Pietro Lombardi, Aislinn Laing and Andrew Heavens) Polish researchers working in Ecuador have discovered a new species of tardigrade and named it after Bizhan Sharopov, a Ukrainian biologist and soldier who was killed in action in 2022. Source: Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology at the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine Details: Tardigrades (Tardigrada) are microscopic invertebrates known for their ability to survive in extreme conditions from outer space to boiling temperatures, radiation and complete dehydration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These organisms can enter a state of cryptobiosis, in which their metabolism nearly stops, allowing them to survive for decades. A team of scientists from the universities of Poznan and Gdansk recently described several new tardigrade species discovered in Ecuador in the journal Plos.One. One of them Macrobiotus sharopovi was named in honour of Hero of Ukraine Bizhan Sharopov. "The authors dedicated the species name to Ukrainian scientist Dr Bizhan Sharopov, neurophysiologist, activist and soldier who tragically died in action defending Ukraine during the RussiaUkraine War," the article reads. A new species of tardigrade named after Bizhan Sharopov. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photo: journal Plos.One Sharopov graduated from the biology programme at the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy. He was an active participant in the Revolution of Dignity and served in the Aidar battalion in 2014-2015. After being demobilised, he defended his PhD thesis and continued his scientific work. From 2019 to 2021, Sharopov chaired the Council of Young Scientists at the Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology and was a researcher at the Department of Neuromuscular Physiology at the same institute, as well as the chief biologist at Ukrainian Genetic Technologies. At the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, Sharopov returned to the front as part of the 112th Territorial Defence Brigade. He went missing in action in April 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You were a brilliant scientist. One of the best science communicators in the country. And you were a true warrior. Heroes die, sadly. Its hard to fathom the abyss of ideas and plans that perished with you," wrote his friend and physicist Anton Senenko. In 2023, his death was officially confirmed and he was posthumously awarded the title Hero of Ukraine. In 2024, a final paper he had been working on was published posthumously in the prestigious Journal of Physiology (London). Background: Ukrainian researchers have previously named a newly discovered insect species after the Heavenly Hundred, the group of protesters killed during the Revolution of Dignity. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Prince George's County At-Large Councilmember Calvin Hawkins, right, congratulates State's Attorney Aisha Braveboy on her apparent victory in Tuesday's special election for county executive. (Photo by William J. Ford/Maryland Matters) Less than 24 hours after Aisha Braveboy declared victory in the special election for Prince Georges County executive, the Democrat and current county states attorney is already making moves. Braveboy announced Wednesday that Maxene Bardwell will serve as chief administrative officer and second-in-command for the county. Bardwell, a Prince Georges resident, currently works as an internal audit manager in the Montgomery County Executives office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I consider this offer to be just an example of forward thinking by County Executive-elect Braveboy to make sure that she has best-in-class skill and experience in her administration working for the people of Prince Georges County, Bardwell said in a statement. Braveboys win will not be official until next week, as election officials are still counting and certifying votes. But in election night returns, the latest posted by county officials, she had just over 89% of the vote over Republican challenger Jonathan White. But even before Tuesdays election, after surviving a nine-candidate Democratic primary in March, Braveboy had pulled together a preliminary transition team comprised of some top elected officials and business and community leaders. The team includes transition co-chairs Attorney General Anthony Brown (D) and Bowie State University President Aminta Breaux, Capitol Connections President Michael Arrington and High-Quality Care Nursing CEO Joy Davis. About a dozen people are on an executive committee that includes state Sen. C. Anthony Muse (D-Prince Georges), Del. Joseline Pena-Melnyk (D-Prince Georges and Anne Arundel) and Erek Barron, former U.S. Attorney for Maryland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Braveboys transition team also notes various committee co-chairs, including At-Large Councilmember Calvin Hawkins (D) to serve on a group dealing with Corrections and Returning Citizens Services, and former county executive County Executive Rushern L. Baker III, co-chair of a committee to assess the countys finances, government structure and operational efficiency. Both Hawkins and Baker ran against Braveboy in the March primary. State Sen. Ron Watson (D-Prince Georges) will co-chair a committee focused on education, employment and workforce development. If her victory is confirmed, Braveboy would be sworn in on June 19, the Juneteenth holiday. Shoemaker shuffles off When Carroll County voters go to elect a states attorney in 2026, current States Attorney Haven Shoemaker Jr. will not be an option. Shoemaker, a Republican, announced Monday that he will not seek reelection after serving one term as the countys top prosecutor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement released by his office, Shoemaker said that serving as states attorney has been the honor of a lifetime, but added that at this point in my life, its time to let someone else have a try. Haven N. Shoemaker Jr. (Photo courtesy Maryland Manual) By the time I leave office, I will have been an attorney for 34 years and will have held political office for 30, his statement said. It is time for me to spend some quality time with my wife, Patty, at long last. She has made tremendous sacrifices as I pursued careers in both the law and politics, and without her support, I would not have accomplished anything. Shoemaker was born in Baltimore but moved with his family to North East where he attended high school before earning a bachelors degree in political science from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, in 1987. After two years in the Army National Guard, he attended Widener University School of Law, graduating with honors in 1992, and opened his own law practice in Hampstead in 1994. His political career began with election to the Hampstead Town Council 1997, followed by election as major in 2003, a job he held until 2010, when he was elected to the Carroll County Commission. Shoemaker was elected to the House of Delegates in 2014 and served from 2015 to 2023, serving as minority whip in 2022. He was elected to his current position in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I still have a year and a half left of my term. I will continue to work diligently for you during this time as I have over the last 30 plus years, his statement said. The people of Carroll County deserve nothing less. Brown adds Maryland to more lawsuits Has Maryland moved from friend of the court to best friend of the court? Attorney General Anthony Brown said Wednesday that Maryland has signed on to friend of the court briefs in two separate federal lawsuits in as many days. Maryland was one of 19 states and the District of Columbia that filed an amicus curiae friend of the court brief on Tuesday urging the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to uphold Michigans ban on conversion therapy, the medically discredited therapy that claims to convert the sexual orientation or gender identity of LGBTQ individuals. A federal district court upheld Michigans law restricting the therapy, but that ruling was appealed by the therapist and the Catholic Charities group in southeastern Michigan that sued to overturn the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maryland banned the use of conversion therapy on minors in 2018, one of 25 states with laws on the books Arizona and Pennsylvania have prohibitions issued through executive orders restricting such therapy. The Michigan brief said all the states have strong interests in regulating the practice of health care, including care relating to mental health, within their boundaries to protect public health and safety. Amici States additionally share compelling interests in protecting the health, safety, and well-being of children and youth, and in affirming the dignity and equal worth and treatment of LGBTQI+ minors. And Maryland was one 18 states and the District that filed an amicus brief Wednesday urging the full 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to reconsider a ruling by a three-judge panel of the court in a Voting Rights Act case brought by a tribe in North Dakota. The Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians sued the state of North Dakota in 2021, claiming that the states redistricting plan illegally diluted Native American voting strength in violation of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. A federal district judge agreed and ordered the state to redraw its districts, and when it did not, the judge imposed the tribes recommended redistricting plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But on appeal, a panel of the circuit court overturned that ruling, finding that Section 2 applies to states and other governments, but does not confer a right on private individuals to bring a legal challenge. The Turtle Mountain brief argues that not only does Section 2 allow private actions in voting rights cases, but participation by private groups is critical to protecting those rights. Private parties are instrumental in identifying voting-related issues, and for decades, private actions have been a welcome and necessary supplement to state efforts to ensure legal compliance, the brief said, supplementing federal prosecutors and state officials who may not have the resources to pursue voting rights cases. Private parties are typically best equipped to identify and pursue violations. They have extensive on-the-ground knowledge and develop the necessary connections with stakeholders and community members to build cases. Annapolis mayoral hopefuls to debate With Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley term-limited after serving two four-year terms, voters may be starting to think about the next mayor, who will be chosen this fall. Residents have a chance to hear the two announced candidates so far at a mayoral debate next week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The June 10 debate between two Democrats, Alderwoman Rhonda Pindell Charles and former Alderman Jared Littmann, is being hosted by the Caucus of African American Leaders at the Wiley H. Bates Legacy Center. Carl Snowden, convener of the caucus, wrote in email Monday that topics up for discussion include affordable housing, DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) programs and other matters affecting the city. Another topic could be sanctuary cities: Annapolis was one of 10 municipalities in Maryland identified by the Trump administration last month as sanctuary jurisdictions, along with eight counties and the state itself. The administration has threatened federal funding for the more than 500 jurisdictions it identified nationwide. Snowden said his group will have a monthly meeting one hour before the debate scheduled to start at 6 p.m. Need to get in touch? Have a news tip? CONTACT US Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We contend that an informed electorate is the key to an effective democracy, Snowden said. We commend all candidates who are running for public office. They are willing to be scrutinized, chastised, and criticized in their pursuit of serving the public. Littman, who served on the city council for five years until his term ended in 2017, declared his candidacy in January 2024. He has also worked as an associate county attorney in Montgomery County and served on the national board of True Value Hardware. Pindell Charles, a retired prosecutor and member of the council since 2009, seeks to make history as the citys first elected Black mayor. Alderman John Thomas Chambers Jr. (R), who was Black, served on an interim basis for two months in 1981, following the suicide of Mayor Gustav Akerland (R). Candidates have until July 28 to file for the Nov. 4 election, according to the citys election calendar. The caucus plans to hold a candidates forum after the deadline for any contested city council races in the citys eight wards. The primary election is scheduled for Sept. 6 and the general election Nov. 4. VATICAN CITY (AP) Pope Leo XIV met with members of the Vaticans child protection advisory commission on Thursday for the first time amid questions about his past handling of clergy sex abuse cases and demands from survivors that he enact a true policy of zero tolerance for abuse across the Catholic Church. The Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, which is made up of religious and lay experts in fighting abuse as well as survivors, called the hourlong audience a significant moment of reflection, dialogue, and renewal of the churchs unwavering commitment to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable people. The group said it updated history's first American pope on its activities, including an initiative to help church communities in poorer parts of the world prevent abuse and care for victims. The Vatican did not provide the text of Leo's remarks or make the audio of the audience available to reporters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pope Francis created the commission early on in his pontificate to advise the church on best practices and placed a trusted official, Bostons then-archbishop, Cardinal Sean OMalley, in charge. But as the abuse scandal spread globally during Francis' 12-year pontificate, the commission lost its influence its crowning recommendation the creation of a tribunal to judge bishops who covered up for predator priests went nowhere. After many years of reform and new members, it has become a place where victims can go to be heard and bishops can get advice on crafting guidelines to fight abuse. OMalley turned 80 last year and retired as archbishop of Boston, but he remains president of the commission and headed the delegation meeting with Leo in the Apostolic Palace. It has often fallen to OMalley to speak out on egregious cases that have arrived at the Vatican, including one that remains on Leos desk: The fate of the ex-Jesuit artist, the Rev. Marko Rupnik, who has been accused by two dozen women of sexual, psychological and spiritual abuse over decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After coming under criticism that a fellow Jesuit had apparently received preferential treatment, Francis in 2023 ordered the Vatican to waive the statute of limitations on the case and prosecute him canonically. But as recently as March, the Vatican still hadnt found judges to open the trial. Meanwhile, the victims are still waiting for justice and Rupnik continues to minister, with his supporters defending him and denouncing a media lynching campaign against him. Leo, the Chicago-born former Cardinal Robert Prevost, has been credited by victims of helping to dismantle an abusive Catholic movement in Peru, where he served as bishop for many years. But other survivors have asked him to account for other cases while he was a superior in the Augustinian religious order, bishop in Peru and head of the Vatican's bishops' office. The main U.S. survivor group, SNAP, has also called for Leo to adopt the U.S. policy calling for any priest who has been credibly accused of abuse to be permanently removed from ministry. ___ Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. Westfarms, a premier shopping mall located on the town line between Farmington and West Hartford, has earned recent awards and added multiple stores with more in the works. The Hartford Courants Best of Hartford 2025 annual readers poll awarded Westfarms its first-place recognition in the shopping center category with four Westfarms stores, including Nordstrom, Warby Parker, Munsons Chocolates and Cotton On Kids, selected as tops in their categories. The West Hartford Chamber of Commerce also selected Westfarms as the 2025 recipient of the Economic Driver of the Year Spotlight Award. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were incredibly honored to be recognized by the West Hartford Chamber for our impact on the local economy and to be voted by the Hartford Courant and its readers as one of the regions top shopping destinations, said Westfarms general manager Elizabeth Ryan in a press release. For more than 50 years, Westfarms has been at the center of a vibrant and growing retail community, contributing to the economy and providing a home to more than 140 retailers and restaurants. With over 1,000 community members employed by our tenants, were proud to be part of a diverse and thriving local workforce. This recognition is also a testament to the dedication of our tenants from innovative first-to-market brands to cherished local favorites who together make Westfarms a dynamic and welcoming place for shoppers, Ryan added. Westfarms has added several stores this year including Windsor. The specialty formal apparel retailer for women opened on March 31 in a 4,076-square-foot space on the lower level near Nordstrom just in time for prom and wedding season. Manhattan-based Caffe Arrone opened in April in Center Court featuring organic coffee brews from around the world and a full menu of cafe flavors and teas. It is the companys fifth location. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jamba Juice will move into the malls lower level this summer. There are 750 locations nationwide and this will be the third in the state. Jamba Juice offers plant-based smoothies, bowls with fresh fruit toppings and foods to go. Zumiez will be opening in the Nordstrom wing this summer in a 2,867-square-foot space. The store offers apparel, footwear, accessories and skateboards and features brands like Affliction, Ed Hardy, Empyre, FB County, Von Dutch and Plan B skateboards. California-based jewelry brand gorjana, best known for interchangeable jewelry pieces, is also opening this summer. The 821-square foot store will be second location in the state. It will be located on the upper level of Center Court. Kay Jewelers has reopened after a store renovation. American Eagle is also going through a redesign and is expected to re-open for the back-to-school shopping season. We are proud of our continued growth and commitment to our retailers and shoppers at Westfarms, Ryan said. We remain dedicated to enhancing our shopping experience with first to the area brands and customer favorites that will complement our existing lineup at Westfarms. Key Points Coca-Cola has issued a voluntary recall of 18-packs of 16.9-ounce glass Topo Chico mineral water due to possible contamination with Pseudomonas, a bacterium that can cause serious infections in people with weakened immune systems. The recall affects products sold between May 20 and May 29 at 40 Costco locations across five states: Arizona, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas. The impacted lot is labeled #13A2541. No illnesses have been reported, and Coca-Cola states that the health risk is very low for the general population. Affected customers can return the product to Costco for a full refund. If you recently purchased any Topo Chico mineral water, then it's time to check your fridge or pantry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, Coca-Cola issued a voluntary recall of its Topo Chico mineral water in five states due to concerns about potential contamination with a deadly bacteria for individuals with weakened immune systems known as Pseudomonas. As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains, Pseudomonas is a group of bacteria that is "commonly found in the environment, like in soil and water." However, if it flourishes, it can "cause infections in the blood, lungs (pneumonia), urinary tract, or other parts of the body after surgery." A spokesperson confirmed to USA Today that the bottles were shipped to 40 retail locations across Arizona, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas, with Costco included among the affected retailers. Individuals who purchased contaminated Topo Chico are encouraged to return them to their local Costco for a full refund. Those who have further questions can call Coca-Cola at 1-800-GET-COKE (1-800-438-2653). Related: The Food Recall System Is Broken, and Experts Say Were All at Risk Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the brand's letter sent to Costco members on June 2, the recalled product bears the Lot Code #13A2541 on both the outer box and the neck of each bottle. It specifically affects the 18-packs of glass 16.9-ounce Topo Chico mineral water. The notice from Coca-Cola also stated that if you purchased one of the recalled packages, you can return it to your nearest Costco for a full refund. A Costco spokesperson noted that the products were all purchased between May 20 and May 29. Food & Wine / Costco Wholesale While healthy individuals are generally not at risk, the bacteria found in the affected Topo Chico bottles can be life-threatening to some. Shoppers who purchased the product between May 2029 should check for Lot Code #13A2541. While healthy individuals are generally not at risk, the bacteria found in the affected Topo Chico bottles can be life-threatening to some. Shoppers who purchased the product between May 2029 should check for Lot Code #13A2541. No illnesses have been reported in connection with the recall. Coca-Cola also noted that the health consequences for those who accidentally consume the mineral water containing pseudomonas are "very low." However, the CDC advises that those most at risk include anyone on "breathing machines, have devices such as catheters, [or] have open wounds from surgery or burns." The Cleveland Clinic additionally noted that "Its rare for a Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection to develop in people with a healthy immune system. But it can be serious and potentially deadly if you have a weakened immune system (immunocompromised)." That includes individuals living with conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, HIV, diabetes, liver disease, or those who are pregnant. Symptoms of an infection may include fever, chills, muscle pain, earache, headache, nausea, or vomiting. If you experience any symptoms, seek out a medical expert immediately. Fast Facts: Topo Chico Recall Product recalled: 18-packs of glass 16.9-ounce Topo Chico mineral water Reason for recall: Potential Pseudomonas contamination Lot Code: #13A2541 States affected: Arizona, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas Stores affected: 40 separate Costco locations Read the original article on Food & Wine LISBON (Reuters) -Portugal expects to increase its defence spending to 2% of gross domestic product this year, four years ahead of schedule, Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said on Thursday. Among the 32 members of NATO, Portugal is one of the countries with the lowest defence spending as a share of its economic output, with the government estimating that it stood at 4.48 billion euros ($5.12 billion) in 2024, or 1.58% of GDP. Portugal previously expected to reach the current NATO target of 2% of gross domestic product by the end of 2029. Speaking at his inauguration as the country's re-elected prime minister, Montenegro said the new centre-right government "will in the coming days finalise a plan" for defence investment to be developed over several years. "I will present at the next NATO Summit the anticipation of the 2% target, if possible already in 2025, with a realistic plan that will not jeopardise the social functions (of the state) and the balance of the budget," he said. U.S. President Donald Trump has said NATO allies should boost investment in defence to 5% of GDP and this new target will be a key discussion during the summit scheduled for June 24-25. Montenegro said the new investments will be developed by "national defence industries and related activities," as the government wants to "take advantage of this increased investment to stimulate economic growth." ($1 = 0.8743 euros) (Reporting by Sergio Goncalves; Editing by Pietro Lombardi and Paul Simao) GUEST RESEARCH: Australian mid-market organisations are contending with a growing software sprawl crisis, with 49% juggling between 51 and 200 SaaS tools, and half adding a new tool every two to four weeks. To overcome this, Australians are turning to AI, with 92% deploying AI to detect redundant apps, automate integrations, and optimise tool usage a rate higher than any other nation surveyed. These findings are from the 2025 SaaS Sprawl Snapshot, a study* commissioned by Nintex, a global leader in AI-powered process automation and application development, which surveyed 2,000 IT decision-makers across four countries. The Australian findings reveal a wave of unbridled software proliferation that is slowing workflows, increasing compliance risk, and consuming IT resources at an unsustainable rate. In Australia, software sprawl is holding organisations back and taking the wind out of their sails. Budgets are overflowing, compliance risks are piling up, and scaling feels like sailing with a dropped anchor, said Keith Payne, Regional Vice President, APAC at Nintex. Nearly every mid-market organisation knows its a problem, but with IT teams stretched thin, fixing it can feel like trying to bail out a sinking ship with a teacup. While most acknowledge the problem 93% say that addressing SaaS sprawl should be a top priority more than half (58%) admit their current orchestration processes are ineffective. This was the highest rate across all countries surveyed, and the impact is being felt. The vast majority (91%) report a moderate-to-major financial impact, while 41% cite rising security and compliance risks, and over a third (34%) say sprawl is directly limiting their ability to scale. Despite this, 77% place full responsibility for managing SaaS sprawl on IT teams that are often under-resourced and stretched thin, without the time, budget, or headcount to implement a cohesive strategy. Many local organisations are layering new software over old processes in a race to fill capability gaps with band-aid fixes, said Payne. It might solve the problem of the day, but over time its creating deeper disconnections between systems, teams, and workflows. While the report found that Australia leads other countries in leveraging AI to overcome software sprawl, the path to resolution will require more than just AI. The report highlights deeper systemic issues, including a lack of staff enablement. Only 34% provide training to help employees effectively use software, a critical gap that contributes to shelfware and shadow IT. Lets be clear, no amount of software can save a broken process, Payne said. If organisations keep piling on tools without fixing the foundations, theyre not transforming, theyre treading water with a sinking stack. To learn more about how Australian organisations are addressing SaaS sprawl with AI and automation, download the full 2025 SaaS Sprawl Snapshot here. Construction on part of a new section of a trail at Legacy Park in Decatur is on hold after crews unearthed what appears to be a historical burial vault, prompting concerns about potential unmarked graves on the site. According to city officials, construction crews struck the underground vault on May 6 while grading near the parks north entrance off South Columbia Drive. The site was previously the United Methodist Childrens Home for 144 years, until the city acquired it in 2017. The 77-acre property started as an orphanage after the Civil War and is considered historically significant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was a brick vault about a foot deep, four feet long, two feet wide, and two feet deep, Cara Scharer, Decaturs Assistant City Manager of Public Works told Channel 2s Eryn Rogers. She added that the vault contained glass and metal, but no human remains. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The discovery came during Phase 3 of a larger trail construction project aimed at improving connectivity between Legacy Park, a new track and field, and nearby affordable housing developments. In response to the discovery, the city brought in the Georgia State Historic Preservation Office to conduct a ground-penetrating radar scan of the area on May 21. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The scan was performed to determine whether any additional graves or historic artifacts lie beneath the surface. They confirmed it may be a suspected burial and so, encouraged us to pause construction and do more investigation, Scharer said. TRENDING STORIES: Some local residents werent shocked by the finding, given the propertys complex past. If they found a vault, that would mean theres not something necessarily to hide, to me, said DeKalb County resident Toi Dickson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While they wait for an official report from preservation authorities, construction has resumed, just on the opposite end of the park. We are working diligently to identify what is there accurately and come up with a path forward, Scharer said. City officials expect the report to be finalized soon. If additional burial sites are confirmed, the city may have to reroute the trail. Still, the goal remains to complete the project in the next six to nine months. Legacy Park, which spans more than 70 acres, is being redeveloped into a community hub with trails. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] President Donald Trump is considering the Florida Atlantic University (FAU) campus in Boca Raton as the site for his forthcoming presidential library, according to a new report. The president and his advisers have chosen the site due to its proximity to his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, and negotiations between Trumps lawyers and the FAU over a 100-year lease at no cost are said to be currently ongoing, The Wall Street Journal reports. Trumps team is meanwhile planning a campaign to raise hundreds of millions of dollars for the projects construction. Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida (Getty) Eric Trump, his wife Lara Trump, and the presidents son-in-law, Michael Boulos, married to Tiffany Trump, are reportedly leading the cash drive and have already established a non-profit to support the library. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tens of millions of dollars in leftover inauguration funds, as well as more than $37 million recouped from lawsuits involving ABC News and Meta Platforms, will be allocated towards bankrolling the project, the Journal reports. Private donations from wealthy individuals and businesses are also likely to play a significant role. The newspaper adds that Trump is hoping to install the controversial $400m luxury jet he was gifted by Qatar at the site as a tourist attraction once its years of service are over, taking inspiration from the housing of Ronald Reagans decommissioned Air Force One at the Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California. He redefined the presidency, so there is no question in my mind he will redefine the post-presidency, including what a modern presidential library looks like, said historian Mark Updegrove, chief executive of the LBJ Foundation, looking ahead to Trumps library. The president could have pressed ahead with the construction of a library honoring his legacy at the conclusion of his first term in 2021, but decided against it after concluding it would signal the end of his political ambitions. FAU's Kenneth R Williams Administration Building (Getty) At the time, Trump was dreaming of mounting the spectacular comeback that few believed possible in the aftermath of the Capitol riot, but which duly came to pass. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, he is turning his attention towards building a MAGA Mecca to cement his legacy, which will host events and house memorabilia from his time in the White House, as well as official documents from his tenure pending negotiations with the National Archives and Records Administration. The first American presidential library was opened by Franklin D Roosevelt in 1939, and there are currently 16, with Barack Obamas in Chicago due to open to the public next year. Plans have yet to be announced for one honoring Trumps predecessor, Joe Biden, who is currently battling late-stage prostate cancer. POTOMAC, Ill. (WCIA) One Vermillion County village is banding together, giving a Make-A-Wish recipient a sendoff for her dream vacation. And, they brought the beach theme from more than 4,000 miles away. It was a rainy day in Central Illinois, but you could still find a slice of the island life in Potomac. The villages grade school hosted a sendoff for Aleyah Carley, who was diagnosed with leukemia in 2022. DACC extends contract of interim President amidst search for permanent candidate Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was scared, anxious, all that because I was going to be gone from my family for a while, Carley said. We werent really sure what all of it meant. What followed was more than a year of traveling, treatment and trials. Its very exhausting, said Aleyahs mother, Theresa Carley, Its, you know, a lot of sleepless nights wondering what the next days going to bring. After a few rounds of chemo and a bone marrow transplant, Aleyah is feeling better. But one social worker gave her a suggestion to give the 16-year-old an extra boost. They suggested applying for the Make-A-Wish program, which the family did in 2023. And last year, she learned that her wish would be granted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was very excited, Aleyah said. Its kind of like a shock I was like, Wow, this is really happening.' Vermilion Advantage gets grant to create jobs, improve economy In just a few days, Aleyah is going to get to take the trip of a lifetime. But for now, she gets a little taste of the island life. I chose Hawaii because I feel like thats like a once in a lifetime type thing that I want to be able to do again, Aleyah said. The Carleys will be heading to Oahu this Sunday, but her Make-A-Wish sponsors wanted to celebrate with her at home as well. Our community has done so much for us over the past couple of years and supported us and encouraged us, Theresa said. And now that were in a really good spot, we really want to celebrate with them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aleyah said her and her family plan visit the Pearl Harbor Museum and explore the island, but what shes most looking forward to is relaxing and resetting after fighting the disease. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. POTWIN, Kan. (KSNW) June 13 marks the 23rd anniversary of a U.S. military incident in South Korea that left two teenage girls dead and sparked international outrage. While Army veteran Mitchell Tamer wasnt there when it happened, the event would come to shape his most challenging year in uniform. Now living a quiet life in Potwinworking at the post office and making musicTamer reflects on how the tragedy and its aftermath left a lasting impact. There had been an accident between a convoy and two little girls who ended up losing their lives, Tamer recalled. And the Korean people werent happy about us being there after that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 2002 Yangju Highway Incident, in which a U.S. military convoy accidentally struck and killed two 14-year-old South Korean girls, occurred before Tamer arrived at Camp Red Cloud. But protests continued long after. Tune into KSN News at 10 every Wednesday for our Veteran Salute Here we are on our very own camp with our weapons in our hands, linking our arms to make a human wall so demonstrators couldnt come through the walls or the doors, he said. Though targeted by protesters, Tamer said he came to understand the anger. It took a lot of years to process it and come to terms, especially when you understand why the people felt the way they did, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That empathy was born of curiosityand a deep respect for other cultures. When youre a small-town country boy like I was, youre thrown into everybodys culture. People from all over the country, and you get to understand and experience their culture a little bit, and then they bring you overseas, and theres a whole new culture there, Tamer said. After South Korea, Tamer joined the Army Reserves and narrowly avoided deployment to Iraq. I found out, pretty much the same day I was going to become a father for the first time, that I was also going to get reactivated, he said. And I was lucky. I was lucky I didnt have to go. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He retired from the Reserves as a sergeant in 2007. Today, he shares life with his wife and continues to reflect on the value of all experiences. What I want people to think about is how the experience in their lives, good or bad, its all learning and its all precious. All of it. 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. President Donald Trump issued a new travel ban on Wednesday night. It will bar people from 12 countries from entering the country, while partially restricting those from seven others. The order, expected to go into effect next week, will fully ban individuals from Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. The countries that will have their travel limited are Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. The ban contains certain exemptions for visa holders, lawful permanent residents and others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After a series of legal challenges, Trump implemented a similar travel ban during his first term in office. Planning for a new ban had reportedly been underway since the start of the second administration as part of a larger war on immigration. The administration is claiming the latest ban is a product of national security concerns. Trump said in a video that the antisemitic attack in Boulder, Colorado, last weekend underscores the danger posed to our country by foreign nationals not properly vetted, as well as those who come here as temporary visitors and overstay their welcome. Start your day with essential news from Salon. Sign up for our free morning newsletter, Crash Course. Critics pointed out that the perpetrator of Sundays attack was from Egypt, a country not included on Trumps list. Democrats were also quick to condemn the announcement, calling it bigoted and unproductive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Make no mistake: Trumps travel ban will NOT make America safer, wrote Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., on X. "We cannot continue to allow the Trump administration to write bigotry and hatred into U.S. immigration policy. From his first Muslim Ban, Trumps travel bans have always betrayed ... the ideals and values that inspired Americas founders, added Rep. Don Beyer, D-Va. Trumps use of prejudice and bigotry to bar people from entering the U.S. does not make us safer, it just divides us and weakens our global leadership. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva accused Israel of carrying out premeditated genocide in Gaza during a visit to Paris, as it emerged the military had killed at least 52 people in its latest onslaught in the besieged coastal enclave where a crippling blockade is fuelling starvation. What is happening in Gaza is not a war. Its a genocide being carried out by a highly prepared army against women and children, said Lula at a joint news conference in Paris with French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday. [It is] a premeditated genocide from a far-right government that is waging a war, including against the interests of its own people, he said of Israels 20-month offensive, which has killed at least 54,607 Palestinians so far, according to the enclaves Health Ministry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least 52 people were killed on Thursday, including women and children, according to medical sources, who spoke to Al Jazeera, amid growing concern about deadly incidents at aid distribution sites run by the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation since last week. While Lula has previously used the term genocide to characterise Israels actions in Gaza, Macron has reserved judgement, saying last month that it was not for a political leader to use the term, but up to historians to do so when the time comes. The Brazilian leaders condemnation of Israels offensive came as German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul told his visiting Israeli counterpart, Gideon Saar, to allow more humanitarian aid into the enclave in accordance with prevailing international law. Last week, Wadephul had said Germany was assessing whether what is happening in Gaza is in line with international law and that arms sales to Israel would be evaluated on this basis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wadephul also said he was concerned about the extremely tense situation in the West Bank, decrying the Israeli governments announcement that it would allow 22 more settlements in the occupied territory, saying it threatened the two-state solution further. On Thursday, King Abdullah of Jordan praised Spain for recognising Palestine and calling for an end to the war in Gaza during a meeting with King Felipe in Madrid. He said work was underway to gain European support. Jordans state news agency Petra cited him as saying work was under way to harness European support for an Arab plan to rebuild Gaza without displacing its residents, as threatened by US President Donald Trump this year. Taiwan-based Starlux Airlines has launched nonstop service between Taipei and Ontario International Airport, its fourth destination in the United States and second in Southern California. The inaugural flight landed Friday at Ontario at 5:05 p.m. and was greeted with a water cannon salute. The route is part of the airlines continued U.S. expansion, following launches in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle. Starlux Airlines and Ontario International Airport celebrated the inaugural flight between Ontario and Taipei on June 2, 2025. (Starlux Airlines) This new route is an important milestone for STARLUX, said Walter Liang, chief passenger commercial officer. Ontarios strategic location within the Greater Los Angeles area positions us to better connect the diverse communities of Southern California to and from Asia in luxury and comfort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Liang said the route gives travelers 14 flights weekly across two airports in Southern California. The greater Los Angeles area is home to more than 2.5 million Asian Americans, including large Taiwanese, Filipino, Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean populations, company officials said. Starlux hopes the new service will provide greater access to its network of more than two dozen destinations in Asia. A Starlux Airbus A350-900 is welcomed to Ontario International Airport with a water cannon upon landing as the airline and airport celebrated the inaugural flight between Ontario and Taipei on June 2, 2025. (Starlux Airlines) The airline will operate Airbus A350-900 aircraft on the route four times a week: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. One flight that will depart Ontario around 11 p.m. will arrive in Taipei around 4:15 a.m., two days later due to time change. Some return flights will depart in the evening from Taipei and arrive in Ontario the same day, but hours earlier than the departure, at least according to local time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the inaugural landing, the gate-side launch ceremony included remarks by Ontario airport CEO Atif Elkadi and the director general of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles, as well as officials from Starlux and Alaska Airlines. Starlux Airlines and Ontario International Airport celebrated the inaugural flight between Ontario and Taipei on June 2, 2025. (STARLUX Airlines) Starlux promotes its international service as a premium experience, offering four cabin classes and amenities such as Michelin-rated meals, aromatherapy and custom seating. With our new service to Ontario, we continue to redefine luxury air travel, Liang said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. BRIDGEPORT Stroke patients living in Harrison and Marion counties will no longer have to travel solely to J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital to receive care. West Virginia University Medicine United Hospital Center in Bridgeport now offers advanced stroke care as of Wednesday. Residents far south of Morgantown who have a stroke will have a care option closer to home. When it comes to stroke care, time is of the essence and when every minute counts, and minimizing travel time becomes an urgent necessity. Patients coming in, having signs and symptoms of a stroke, making sure that we are within 10 minutes, Brenda Conch, UHC registered nurse and stroke coordinator, said. Getting a provider looking at them within 15 minutes. Within 25 minutes we need to get them to a scanner and see if theres a bleed or is this a negative CT scan. We need to have that read by our radiologist within 60 minutes and giving that thrombolytic medication Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The faster medical providers can treat a patient who is having a stroke, the better the outcome will be. One of the goals we look at three months after a stroke is, can you walk? United Hospital Center Neurologist Daniel Mandel said. To determine if somebodys independent or not, thats really our goal. The facility underwent a rigorous review on April 18. After completing their onsite review, the Joint Commision, a major health care quality accrediting board, awarded UHC with its Gold Seal of Approval, and the American Stroke Association certified UHC as an advanced primary stroke center. Advanced primary stroke center certification recognizes health care organizations committed to striving for excellence and fostering continuous improvement in patient safety and quality of care, Ken Grubbs, executive vice president of Accreditation and Certification Operations at the Joint Commission, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Mandel said he and Conch came aboard at UHC roughly a year ago, and did a lot of the work to make sure UHC qualified for primary stroke certification. There were a lot of facets to reaching that certification, Mandel said it meant ensuring the hospital has the advanced brain imaging required to diagnose strokes, the right personnel in radiology as well as training the staff in stroke care. Mandel said the process involves a lot of moving parts that had to be coordinated into a unit that can manage stroke patients. Conch said stroke care begins with awareness in the community, and communicating to residents that a brain attack is as important as a heart attack. She said anyone who is experiencing neurological symptoms needs to call 911 and get to a hospital. However, before UHC built up its ability to take care of stroke patients, there was a void of care for patients in the area who needed immediate treatment. We didnt have any of the certifications that we needed to be a first choice for stroke care, Conch said. Now, EMS recognizes that we are indeed a first choice and will bring those patients to us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While UHC can now provide most of the care for a stroke, patients who need to have a blood clot taken out will still need to travel to Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown. But short of surgery, UHC can now keep stroke patients as opposed to before, when they would administer clot busting drugs but not keep patients for observation. UHCs certification also reduces the burden on Ruby Memorial as far as the patients they have to accept. Conch said strokes are the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. She added there are 3.4 million US residents who are living with a disability related to stroke. That puts a lot of burden on patients, their families and the health care system. According to the Stroke Recovery Foundation, only 10% of patients recover completely. The remaining 90% live with some level of major or minor impairment. Conch said 80% of strokes can be avoided in the first place. According to the Foundation, the biggest risk factors are obesity, lack of exercise and smoking. The obesity rate in West Virginia is roughly 40% and 21% of adults smoke. Part of the mission of stroke education is to communicate those risk factors to the community. We have 797,000 people that have strokes annually, she said. One-hundred-forthy-thousand of those die. Our goal is for them not to die. When law enforcement authorities said 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner opened fire on Florida State Universitys campus earlier this year, killing two and injuring several others, it served as a reminder just how close to home the threat of an active shooter is for schools across Florida and in Duval County. Those officers did a great job that day, but its another reminder of how close to home these things happen and how quickly they can happen, Duval County Public Schools Police Chief Jackson Short said Thursday morning. So its important that we take them seriously and that we are prepared to respond. Thursday morning, for the fourth straight year, multiple law enforcement agencies across Duval County conducted active shooter drills in our area schools, to make sure theyre prepared in times of crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They [were] tasked with not only locating the suspects, but also addressing them appropriately, Chief Short explained. In addition, we [also had] students simulating victims that need different levels of first aid, so using concepts such as the rescue task force, which is a partnership between law enforcement and fire rescue, to get those trained medical personnel into the crisis site. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] The Jacksonville Sheriffs Office, Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, DCPS Police Department, as well as Jacksonville, Neptune, and Atlantic beach police came together at Mayport Middle and Mayport Elementary Thursday morning, to coordinate the training exercise among beaches schools for the very first time. Those three beaches police departments, they work together constantly, they support each other constantly, Chief Short said. Their borders touch each other and its not uncommon for them to back each other up and back up the sheriffs office that patrols out here in Mayport. So we felt like this location was the perfect opportunity to bring all those agencies together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the summer break, police are asking parents and students to familiarize themselves with the student training for active shooter scenarios. You can find a link to those training videos on the Duval County Public Schools website by clicking here. [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. hydrangea (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi) Weve finally headed into rainy season, aka tsuyu in Japanese, where not only is it raining a lot, but the heat and humidity might also be making you sweat buckets. For many, this is probably the worst of the four seasons in Japan, but I like this season because of all the beautiful flowers that bloom during it. A walk through your neighborhood or local park will give you the opportunity to see the many irises (shobu), lotus (hasu) and hydrangea (ajisai) that only appear this time of year. Not as gorgeous or famous as the springs cherry blossoms, these modest and elegant beauties bring vivid colors to the drab overcast weather. Hydrangea may be the top among these rainy-season blossoms in popularity, as you can see and enjoy them ubiquitously throughout the nation. Peak flower viewing season on Okinawa is mid-May to the end of June, while it runs from mid-June to early July on the mainland. If youre in Kanto Plain, I would suggest Hokone (Tozan Railway) and Kamakura Meigetsuin (Hydrangea Temple) for hydrangea viewing spots, while Sawara Iris Park and Yokosuka Shobu-en are popular iris viewing sites in the Kanto Plain. We are in the gloomy season, yes, but it doesnt actually rain every day. For example, the average number of rainy days in June is only 12 in the Kanto Plain, according to Japan Meteorological Agency. So, lets grab our umbrellas and go out to check out these seasonal beauties. And you know what? The rain makes these graceful blossoms seem all the more elegant! Recommended hydrangea viewing sites hydrangea (Photo courtesy of Bunkyo City) Hakone Tozan Railway Kamakura Meigetsuin Recommended iris viewing sites iris (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi) Suigo Sawara Ayame Park Yokosuka Shobu-en Iris Garden (Japanese) June 5 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump said Thursday that he and Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke on the phone that morning about the trade deal currently in place between the United States and China. Trump described the call as "very good" in a post on Truth Social, adding he and Xi discussed the "intricacies" of the trade deal between the two nations. "The call lasted approximately one and a half hours, and resulted in a very positive conclusion for both countries." Trump posted to Truth Social Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump said the two hashed out a future meeting in regard to rare earth minerals. "There should no longer be any questions respecting the complexity of rare earth products. Our respective teams will be meeting shortly at a location to be determined," Trump said. The Trump administration had expected China to ease export restrictions on rare earth minerals after talks held last month. China had imposed those restrictions in April in response to tariffs levied by Trump on Chinese goods. Trump also noted that Xi invited him to visit China, which was also confirmed by Chinese state media. "I reciprocated. As presidents of two great nations, this is something that we both look forward to doing," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neither spoke of Ukraine's war on Russia or any issues that involved Iran, according to Trump, who added that the media will be informed when the meeting between the two countries will take place. However, as per the account posted to Chinese state media Thursday, Xi also allegedly said the United States should "handle Taiwan question with caution" in order to avoid "danger of conflict, confrontation," and that Trump told him "Chinese students are welcome to study" in the United States. There has been no confirmation from the Trump administration in regard to either of these claims. The U.S. State Department announced last month it would "aggressively revoke visas for Chinese students, including those with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields. We will also revise visa criteria to enhance scrutiny of all future visa applications from the People's Republic of China and Hong Kong." Trump made no mention of either of those points of conversation purported by Chinese state media. The two leaders are believed to have last spoken in January before Trump's inauguration. WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) President Donald Trump announced a new travel ban. The restrictions would impact 19 countries. The White House is pointing to national security concerns. President Trump is linking last weekends attack in Boulder, Colorado to a new round of travel restrictions, a move critics are calling politically motivated. We will not allow people to enter our country who wish to do us harm, said Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Trump is blocking entry from 12 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Haiti, and Somalia and imposing additional restrictions on seven others. We cannot have open migration from any country where we cannot safely and reliably vet and screen those who seek to enter the United States, said Trump. The president points to the attack in Boulder as proof the U.S. needs stronger immigration controls but the suspect, in that case, is from Egypt, a country not on the list. In the 21st century, weve seen one terror attack after another, carried out by foreign visa overstayers, said Trump. The White House says the man overstayed a visa, something the president argues this ban will help prevent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And nothing will stop us from keeping America safe, said Trump. The ban takes effect Monday to give airports and agencies time to prepare. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. President Trump Asks Congress to Rescind All Federal Funding From Public Broadcasters originally appeared on L.A. Mag. Courtesy Ralf via Adobe Stock The White House budget office on Tuesday sent Congress a proposal to repeal the $1.1 billion it has set aside for public broadcasting for the next two years. The proposal, which also includes over $8 billion in foreign aid cuts, targets the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Local stations and public media networks have received federal funding through the CPB since 1967, under the Public Broadcasting Act. For most of its existence, CPB funding has received bipartisan support. Now, Trump allies are accusing public broadcasters of partisan bias. At a House subcommittee hearing earlier this spring, Rep. Marjorie Taylor-Greene (R-Georgia) said public radio and television audiences are declining, and Americans no longer view NPR and PBS as trusted news sources. NPR and PBS have increasingly become radical, left-wing echo chambers for a narrow audience of mostly wealthy, white, urban liberals and progressives, said Taylor-Greene. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) mentioned the rescissions package last week in a post on X, vowing to act quickly to codify the cuts. Rep. Dan Goldman (D-New York) is the co-chair of the House Public Broadcasting Caucus. In a letter from May signed by 106 Democratic lawmakers to House appropriators, Goldman advocated for maintaining financial subsidies for timely, reliable local news and educational content, which he said commercial newsrooms are less likely to invest in. "In states such as Alaska, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Texas, rural public radio stations are often the only weekly or daily news source in their communities, the letter said. Even in places with other daily or weekly news sources, those outlets may not be directing resources toward original or locally based stories, leaving it to public stations to fill the gap." Earlier this spring, President Trump attempted to remove three of CPBs five board members and issued an executive order to ban NPR and PBS from receiving any CPB funding. Other public broadcasters that receive funding from the corporation were also prohibited from sending it to the two national networks. In April, CPB sued the White House over Trumps attempt to remove its board members. In May, NPR sued the administration with three Colorado member stations over Trumps executive order. Three days later, PBS and a Minnesota affiliate followed with a joint lawsuit to challenge the order. A simple majority in each chamber of Congress must approve the rescission request within 45 days for the cuts to become law. In the meantime, officials from nearly 200 public radio stations are lobbying Congress with testimonies of the value they say public broadcasting provides to their regions. This story was originally reported by L.A. Mag on Jun 5, 2025, where it first appeared. President Donald Trump has resurrected a controversial travel ban from his first term that will ban the travel of citizens from 12 countries. The executive order was issued late Wednesday, June 4. It goes into effect on June 9 at 12:01 a.m. The travel ban affects travelers from Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. The order also places new heightened restrictions on visitors from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela. President Donald Trump waves to guests during a White House event on the South Lawn on June 4, 2025. More: US Rep. Veronica Escobar questions ICE over Fort Bliss migrant detention plans, conditions Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump referenced Sundays terror attack in Boulder, Colorado in a video announcing the ban to justify his order, saying that people who over stay their visas create a threat. The suspect in the attack was from Egypt, which does not appear on the current travel ban list. "We will not allow people to enter our country who wish to do us harm," Trump said in the video posted to the White House's account on X. He added that other countries could be added to the list. More: Mexico embraces you shelter in Juarez stands ready, but few migrants arrive to fill it Trump's travel ban echoes the executive order that became known as the Muslim ban issued during his first term, which barred travel and refugee resettlement from various predominantly Muslim countries. The controversial travel ban was eventually upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Immigrant rights advocates have condemned Trump's latest arbitrary travel ban. The travel bans of the Trump administrations first term never demonstrated any meaningful value as a national security tool," Jeremy Robbins, executive director of the American Immigration Council, said in a statement on the order. "Sweeping national origin bans declare many innocent people to be a threat based on factors they cannot control in their home countries. There is no evidence this is making us safer." Trump's travel ban list The travel ban affects travelers from the following countries: Afghanistan Myanmar Chad The Republic of Congo Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Haiti Iran Libya Somalia Sudan Yemen Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The order also places new heightened restrictions on visitors from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela. Jeff Abbott covers the border for the El Paso Times and can be reached at:jdabbott@gannett.com; @palabrasdeabajo on Twitter or @palabrasdeabajo.bsky.social on Bluesky. This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Trump travel ban 2025, 12 countries list: What to know WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) President Donald Trump is hosting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the White House on Thursday. Trump and Chancellor Friedrich Merz have spoken several times by phone, either bilaterally or with other European leaders, since Merz took office on May 6. Merz hopes to keep the U.S. on board with Western support for Ukraine and tamp down trade tensions which threaten Europes biggest economy. Im very happy to be here again and offer our close cooperation with the United States of America, Merz said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Merz said Germans owe the Americans a lot and we will never forget about that. The chancellor also noted Trumps German background and said it was a good basis for consultation. Trumps father was born in Germany. German officials say the two leaders have started to build a decent relationship, with Merz wanting to avoid the antagonism that defined Trumps relationship with one of his predecessors, Angela Merkel, in the Republican presidents first term. The 69-year-old Merz is a conservative former rival of Merkels who took over her party after she retired from politics. Merz also comes to office with an extensive business background something that could align him with Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This meeting kicks off a series of meetings between the president and European leaders. 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 DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. President Donald Trump moved to bar Harvard Universitys international students from entering the U.S. and asked Secretary of State Marco Rubio to consider revoking the visas of Harvard students already in the country in a new proclamation Wednesday night. A Harvard spokesperson called the restriction illegal in a statement to The New York Times, adding that the university would continue to protect its international students. The proclamation is the latest action against Harvard by the Trump White House in its ongoing feud with the university over its rebukes of the administrations attempts to reshape it, but it is the first time the president has taken direct action against Harvard using the powers of the presidency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the proclamation, the president asserts that Harvard is admitting international students from countries that are hostile to the U.S. while failing to comply with the Department of Homeland Securitys requests for information about students it suspects may pose a threat. As a result, federal officials have concluded that Harvard University is no longer a trustworthy steward of international student and exchange visitor programs, according to the proclamation. When a university refuses to uphold its legal obligations, including its recordkeeping and reporting obligations, the consequences ripple far beyond the campus. They jeopardize the integrity of the entire United States student and exchange visitor visa system, compromise national security, and embolden other institutions to similarly disregard the rule of law. President Trump has determined it is now necessary to suspend entry into the U.S. by foreign nationals whose purpose for being here would be solely or principally to participate in a course of study at Harvard University or in an exchange visitor program hosted by Harvard University, he wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president is authorized to issue such a restriction under the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, according to the proclamation. Historically, this law has been used to block people from foreign countries with ties to human rights abuses or corruption from entering the country, The New York Times reported. It is unclear how the proclamations directive would be applied at the border so as to prevent Harvard students with valid visas from entering the U.S., but the proclamation includes other details about how it should be implemented. Firstly, it includes the stipulation that the Secretary of State, Secretary of Homeland Security and members of their staff can permit entry into the country by a foreign national who would be otherwise be barred if they determine that doing so is in the national interest. Secondly, it states that the proclamations directives will expire in six months if not renewed. Within three months, the U.S. Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security are to make a recommendation to the president as to whether the restriction should be extended or allowed to expire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, a federal judge in Massachusetts said she would issue a preliminary injunction to stop the Trump administration from preventing Harvard from enrolling international students while a court makes a final decision on the matter, but the judge has yet to actually issue the injunction. More on Politics Read the original article on MassLive. WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) President Donald Trump is rolling out a new travel ban effective Monday. Citizens from 12 countries will be barred from entering the U.S. President Trump says the ban is a matter of national security. The ban targets countries like Sudan and Somalia where the president says too often travelers overstay their visas. Immigration advocates are slamming the move. It cant come soon enough, frankly, said Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new ban includes Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen and Afghanistan, several are war-torn countries. There is a carve out for Afghan nationals who worked alongside the U.S. government during the war on terror. The president says the ban is needed to protect Americans from terror attacks. CAIR, the largest Muslim advocacy group in the U.S., calls the expanded ban unnecessary and illogical. If you look at most of these countries, we have not had terrorist attacks or other extreme violent incidents committed by citizens of those countries, said CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He says this version is less harsh than the travel ban in the presidents first term. Theres a risk of dividing families, endangering medical patients who need treatment here in America, said Mitchell. Democrats are vowing to fight back. Its just deplorable, I think its unconstitutional and Im sure there will be lawsuits filed as quickly as they can, said Rep. Sylvia Garcia (D-Texas.). Cuba and Venezuela are among a small batch of countries facing new travel restrictions. The White House says countries can be moved on or off the ban list upon review. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has called for immediate, independent and unrestricted access for international journalists to the Gaza Strip. At a time when there are renewed Israeli attacks on the Palestinian coastal strip and the delivery of humanitarian aid is resuming, it is crucial that Israel opens the borders to international journalists, an open letter states. The letter also demands that Israel ensure the protection of local reporters in the region. RSF published the letter jointly with the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the organizations, more than 100 international media outlets have signed the appeal. Since the start of the Gaza war, only a few international journalists have been able to enter the Gaza Strip, and only when accompanied by the Israeli military. The war was triggered by the Hamas-led terrorist attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 people and the abduction of more than 250 hostages to Gaza. According to CPJ, at least 181 journalists have been killed in Gaza and Lebanon since conflict flared again. Israel has repeatedly accused Palestinian reporters in Gaza of working for Hamas. Several media outlets in the blockaded strip are known to be close to the Islamist organization. However, some critics view the accusations against local reporters as a tactic by Israel to suppress critical reporting from the war zone. Rep. Lee Johnson (left), R-Greenwood, an emergency medicine physician and a member of the Joint Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee, asks Department of Human Services officials a question about presumptive Medicaid eligibility for pregnant women on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. At right is Rep. Cameron Cooper, R-Romance. (Screenshot/Arkansas Legislature) Arkansas lawmakers reviewed two rules Wednesday in response to a new law aimed at improving the states maternal health care landscape for low-income pregnant women. The Joint Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee spent nearly an hour discussing Arkansas new policy of presumptive Medicaid eligibility for pregnant women, part of the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act that will go into effect in August. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Presumptive eligibility assumes 60 days of Medicaid eligibility and shortens the process of applying for coverage. The policy was among several recommendations to improve the states maternal health care landscape that a task force convened by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders issued in September 2024. More than half of births in Arkansas are covered by Medicaid, the federal-state health insurance system for low-income Americans. A federal budget bill moving through Congress would make deep cuts to Medicaid spending, reducing the program by $625 billion over 10 years. Elizabeth Pitman, director of the Division of Medical Services for Arkansas Medicaid, said she anticipates the proposed cuts will affect the states Medicaid expansion population but not pregnant women on Medicaid. Arkansas has among the nations highest maternal mortality and infant mortality rates. Rep. Jack Ladyman, R-Jonesboro, said he found this frustrating and considered presumptive Medicaid eligibility a very good cornerstone for improving these statistics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ladyman and Rep. Lee Johnson, R-Greenwood, asked Pitman and other Department of Human Services officials how they plan to ensure that pregnant Arkansans statewide have the information and resources they need to opt into presumptive Medicaid eligibility if applicable. I want to support this rule, but I also want to be realistic in what we expect the outcome of this rule to be, said Johnson, an emergency medicine physician. If we pass this eligibility category and nobodys applying for it any more often than theyre currently applying for Medicaid, then its not moving the needle. Pitman said DHS can address Johnsons concerns about access to information in its focus groups with pregnant Arkansans. She also said the agency will work with community health workers, doulas and other local health care providers and community organizations to ensure the option of presumptive Medicaid eligibility is as widely known as possible. DHS learned during the three-year public health emergency of the COVID-19 pandemic that spreading information about public health resources via social media, digital billboards and doctors offices successfully reaches the agencys target audience, state Medicaid Director Janet Mann said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In January, Arkansas received a 10-year, $17 million federal grant aimed at improving maternal health outcomes for Medicaid recipients. Applying for the grant was among the maternal health task forces recommendations last year. The grant includes payments to healthcare providers as incentives for improved data-sharing on maternal health outcomes, Pitman said. In response to more questions from Johnson, Pitman said DHS does not have data on whether pregnant Arkansans first interactions with prenatal health care occur in primary care providers offices or emergency rooms. Arkansas remains the only state that has taken no action to adopt the federal option of extending postpartum Medicaid coverage from 60 days to 12 months after birth, according to KFF. The maternal health task force did not recommend this policy, and a bill to create it failed in a Senate committee in April after Pitman and Mann expressed DHS opposition to it. The other rule the joint committee reviewed Wednesday was the unbundling of billing rates for labor and delivery, a policy also put forth by the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services authorized a 70% increase in Arkansas maximum reimbursement rate for obstetrical care to include prenatal, delivery and postpartum care, according to the rule. All of these services will be billed separately in all cases, Pitman said. CMS approval of such a stark increase was very unusual, but Arkansas shortage of maternal health care providers in rural areas, closure of seven labor and delivery units since 2019 and high maternal and infant mortality rates led the agency to grant DHS request without question, Pitman said. Higher reimbursement rates should improve Medicaids data collection on utilization of prenatal and postpartum services, the rule states. Were really hopeful that this will give us better data and insight into what is happening in the prenatal care space: when women are going [to the doctor], if its the first, second or third trimester, who are they seeing and what are their diagnoses, Pitman said. CORRECTION: An earlier version of this article misstated Rep. Lee Johnsons position on the Joint Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Press Release June 5, 2025 Legarda calls for stronger environmental accountability on World Environment Day In celebration of World Environment Day today, four-term Senator Loren Legarda urges the government and the private sector to go beyond rhetoric and fully implement the country's environmental laws while integrating ecological sustainability into all development plans. Observed every June 5, World Environment Day serves as the United Nations' principal platform for encouraging worldwide awareness and action for environmental protection. This year's theme underscores the urgent need for global cooperation to address climate and biodiversity crises. "As we mark World Environment Day, we must move beyond motherhood statements and ensure that environmental protection is not an afterthought but at the core of all our development efforts," Legarda emphasized. "The true measure of progress is not just economic growth but the well-being of our people and our planet." A long-time environmental advocate and UN Global Champion for Resilience, Legarda has authored or co-authored landmark legislation including the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999, the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, the Renewable Energy Act of 2008, the Climate Change Act of 2009, the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, the Environmental Planning Act of 2013, the Philippine Green Jobs Act of 2016, the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 2018, and the Extended Producer Responsibility Act of 2022. "These laws are already in place. What we need is faithful implementation, genuine political will, and the active participation of all stakeholders," Legarda said. Legarda also cautioned against complacency, "Environmental justice is not only about cleaner air or more trees. It is about intergenerational justice--ensuring that our children, and theirs, inherit not only land, but life." She reaffirmed her commitment to advancing legislation and policy frameworks that safeguard the environment and promote resilience in the face of worsening climate impacts. Beyond legislation, Legarda's grassroots initiative, Luntiang Pilipinas, launched in 1998, has led to the planting of millions of trees nationwide. What began as a vision for green cities has grown into a movement of communities reclaiming lost green spaces, restoring urban biodiversity, and reintegrating tree planting into the fabric of civic duty. Legarda commits to continuing her legacy projects for national renewal. As climate extremes escalate and biodiversity continues to decline, Legarda calls on every Filipino to be both witness and warrior: "We are called to restore what we have lost, protect what remains, and reimagine what a just, verdant future could be. The laws are here. The programs exist. What we need now is the will--shared, sustained, and unstoppable." NAPA, Calif. (KRON) The rainbow flag is recognized around the world as a symbol of LGBTQ+ social movements. The colorful banner is the creation of a San Francisco man. The artist behind the flag and two of his closest friends and fellow activists are now immortalized with a new sculpture. The iconic flag is a symbol of hope and a reminder of the ongoing battle for acceptance and equality. There was a need for something to put out to everyone to say, we are just like everybody else, said Richard Gutierrez of San Francisco. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Who was Harvey Milk? Late SF gay rights icon at center of ship renaming controversy The flag would debut at the San Francisco Gay Freedom Parade in June of 1978 at the request of gay rights icon Harvey Milk to show unity at a time of turbulence. We were still struggling. We were still being beaten up everywhere. That was horrible. The violence, the hatred, said Steve Brownfield of San Francisco. The Pride parade was a way for us to feel good about ourselves finally. The creative mind behind the eye-catching flag artist Gilbert Baker. A new bronze sculpture now immortalizes Baker and his flag, years after his death, sharing a park bench with his departed friends Dr. Jerry Goldstein and Tom Taylor in a warm embrace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The artwork was crafted by Dina Angel Wing. More Pride Month stories A very important message for all of us, regardless of who you are, to have compassion to other peoples lifestyles and celebrate love, said Angel Wing, who felt her creation should depict a same-sex couple to live up to its name Freedom to Love. It is now on display at the Napa Valley College Library. I want it to, to inspire some curiosity, said Greg Miraglia, a Napa Valley College instructor of LGBT studies. There will be students that will come through that wont have any idea who these people on this bench are. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tom and Jerry would make a name for themselves in San Francisco as gay activists, throwing extravagant parties to support charities. They are the namesakes of the Tom and Jerry house in Noe Valley, famous for its larger-than-life Christmas decorations. I just am so thankful that, that this is ended up here and that my uncles were out, that the idea that they didnt have to have this cover up story, said Tom and Jerrys niece Angela Traeger. But with conservatives taking action to ban the Pride flag on government property in Utah, some are concerned progress is under threat. I feel like all of our gay rights are going to get stripped all over again and we just got to keep pushing on, said Daniel Cherry, a friend of Tom and Jerry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The flag would evolve, making diversity more visible, and still advocates for a more inclusive society today. I certainly hope this generation feels safer. A hope made possible by the contributions of those whove helped pave the way. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) Its officially Pride Month, and there is no shortage of free events you can attend in Rhode Island and Massachusetts this June. From parades to festivals and more, here is a look at whats happening in Southern New England: Rhode Island Central Falls June 18: Central Falls will be hosting a flag-raising at 3:30 p.m. at Central Falls City Hall. East Providence June 7: The city of East Providence will be hosting a Pride Flag raising at 10 a.m. at City Hall. The citys parade will then kick off at 11 a.m. from City Hall. The festivities will wrap up with a celebration from 12 p.m. until 2 p.m. on the lawn of Weaver Library. Newport June 28: There will be a series of events in Newport for Pride Month. The main event, the Newport Pride Festival and Parade, will be held on June 28. The parade will start downtown at 11 a.m. at the Great Friends Meeting House. The festival will then be held from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m. at the Meeting House. There will be live music, local vendors, artists, drag performances and food trucks. Providence June 21: Rhode Island Pride is returning with PrideFest and the Illuminated Night Parade. Both events will be held on June 21. The festival will kick off at 11:30 a.m. with music and hundreds of vendors. The parade will start at 8 p.m. and is viewable from Dorrance, Washington and Weybosset streets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ALSO READ: Rock and Roll Yard Sale finds new home in Providences West End South Kingstown June 14: The South County Pride Festival will be held at 327 Main St. in Wakefield. There will be a car parade at 11:30 a.m. followed by live music, food trucks and drag performances. The festivities will wrap up around 6:30 p.m. West Warwick June 14: West Warwick Pride starts at noon at the West Warwick Civic Center. The family-friendly event will have food trucks, LGBTQ+ vendors, bingo and a fashion show. Woonsocket June 8: Woonsocket Pride Festival will kick off at noon at River Island Park and run until 6 p.m. Local leaders, artists, food trucks and vendors will all be in attendance. Massachusetts Bellingham June 28: Bellingham PrideFest will kick off at 11 a.m. in the Bellingham Town Common. The family-friendly event is being organized in part by the towns senior center and will feature music, dancing, food and more than 70 vendors. Boston June 14: Boston Pride For The People (BP4TP) will be holding a parade. Boston Common and at City Hall Plaza will have festivals following the parade. New Bedford June 7: South Coast Pride will be hosting celebrations from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m. at Buttonwood Park, rain or shine. The event will feature live music, food, local crafts and community resources. North Attleborough June 28: The North Attleborough Pride Festival will be held from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Veterans Park with crafters, food trucks, a silent auction and drag story time. Taunton June 14: South Coast Pride will be holding festivities from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m. at Hopewell Park. There will be live music, food, local crafts and community resources. Seekonk June 8: Love Lives in Seekonk will be hosting its 2nd Annual Seekonk Pride from 1 p.m. until 5:15 p.m. at the Newman YMCA. The Rhode Island State House lit up with a rainbow for Pride Month (WPRI-TV) If you know of an event thats not on this list, send us a Report It here. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. Sens. Todd Young (Ind.) and Ted Cruz (Texas) are leading Republican efforts to brand June as Life Month during the already celebrated Pride Month, which honors the achievements and culture of the LGBTQ+ community. Every human life is worthy of protection, and it is especially incumbent upon Americans and lawmakers to protect the most vulnerable among us, Cruz said in a statement on X, formerly Twitter. RELEASE: Sen. Cruz Leads Resolution Designating June as Life Monthhttps://t.co/cCQ14d9yWPpic.twitter.com/9duLUaiWYV Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) June 3, 2025 According to Youngs statementintroducing the resolution, Life Month is meant to recognize the dignity of human life, commends those who promote life, and encourages policymakers to continue providing resources to empower women and families to choose life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the senators did have 11 other months they could designate as Life Month, they said the resolution marks June as the anniversary of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wadein June 2022. Cruz and Youngs pitch rings similar to Illinois Congresswoman Mary Millers resolution, which suggested fully replacing Pride Month with Family Month. By recognizing June as Family Month, we reject the lie of Pride and instead honor Gods timeless and perfect design, Miller told right-wing news site The Daily Wire. Neither Cruz nor Young said they want to replace Pride Month, but their actions come at a time where the Trump administration has launched aggressive attacks against the LGBTQ+ community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under his administration, President Donald Trump has erased or altered Centers for Disease Control and Prevention pages focused on the risks of suicide among LGBTQ children, school safety and health disparities. He has also signed executive orders that declared it official U.S. policy that there are only two sexes, male and female, and banned people with gender dysphoria from military service. Earlier this week, Trumps Department of Education also formally declared June as Title IX Month.On Tuesday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the Navy to rename the USNS Harvey Milk, which honors the slain LGBTQ+ rights icon. This move reportedly was intentionally made during Pride Month. A total of 26 Republican senators co-sponsored the resolution, including Alabamas Tommy Tuberville and South Carolinas Lindsey Graham. If we are going to dedicate entire months to recognizing every group under the sun, the least we can do is dedicate June to protecting unborn babies, Tuberville said on X. If we are going to dedicate entire months to recognizing every group under the sun, the least we can do is dedicate June to protecting unborn babies. I will ALWAYS stand for life, and Im proud to join @SenTedCruz.https://t.co/fIpHd2D1qs Coach Tommy Tuberville (@SenTuberville) June 4, 2025 Prince Harry's rift with the royal family has reportedly worsened amid reports that the Duke of Sussex considered adopting the Spencer surname. The US-based royal is said to have discussed the idea with his late mother's brother, Earl Spencer, who advised against it. However, royal experts say the move by Prince Harry has deepened tensions within the monarchy, with King Charles and Prince William reportedly "hurt and dismayed." Prince Harry's Talk Of Taking The Spencer Name Raises Tensions Within Royal Family James Whatling / MEGA Harry reportedly discussed with his uncle, Earl Charles Spencer, the possibility of adopting his late mother Princess Diana's surname, which would symbolically sever his ties with the Mountbatten-Windsor name currently used by his children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Daily Mail, Harry brought up the idea during a recent visit to the U.K., where he had a "very amicable conversation" with his uncle, the 9th Earl Spencer. While the discussion was friendly, sources revealed that Earl Spencer advised against "taking such a step." The proposal has since sparked concern within royal circles. Royal commentator Hilary Fordwich told Fox News Digital that Harry's inquiry alone has stirred unease. "Once again, Prince Harry has managed to make yet another deeply divisive and emotionally charged move, further fracturing his already tenuous relationship with the royal family," she said. Fordwich continued: "The overwhelming advice from within his own family, particularly from his Uncle Earl Spencer, is to abandon the ludicrous idea due to its legal and emotional consequences." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She added: "Even his inquiry highlights the enduring complexities of Harry's relationship with his royal roots It further thwarts any future reconciliation." The commentator further noted that the royal family is "hurt and dismayed" by the development, causing additional "damage to the already strained family relations." Experts View Prince Harry's Potential Name Change As A Bitter Rejection Of Royal Legacy And Family MEGA British broadcaster Helena Chard echoed the sentiment, describing the potential name change as having "an air of revenge." Speaking to Fox News Digital, she called the move "hurtful and vindictive" toward King Charles, emphasizing that it reflects Harry's ongoing bitterness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It highlights Prince Harry's little to no regard for his family," Chard said. "A huge amount of bitterness and frustration bubbling away in Harry could have led to him feeling the Spencer name would help grow his Royal court." Chard also suggested that aligning more closely with the Spencer legacy could be a strategic move for Harry. "No doubt Prince Harry feels reinventing himself keeps him relevant," she remarked. "The world still has a love affair with the late Princess Diana. Harry and Meghan could take a cash grab of Princess Diana's legacy. [However], tarnishing Princess Diana's legacy would leave a bitter taste in the public's mouths." The Duke's Name Change Consideration Slammed As A 'Direct Insult' To King Charles MEGA Royal analyst Richard Fitzwilliams also commented, warning that Charles would likely view the idea as a painful rejection of his paternal legacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "For Harry to consider doing this, he must still feel very embittered," Fitzwilliams noted. "King Charles will regard this with great sadness What will Harry think up next?" Fordwich also noted that the proposal is "viewed as a direct insult to his father, King Charles III, as well as his extended royal family." She explained: "Ironically, Harry was close to Prince Philip, who fought for the historical significance of the Mountbatten-Windsor name for his descendants. So it is a direct insult to him." Prince Harry's Potential Adoption Of The Spencer Name Could Be Seen As A Tribute To Princess Diana MEGA According to Fordwich, Harry may see adopting the Spencer name as a way to honor his late mother, Princess Diana, "while distancing himself from the rest of the royal institution he feels alienated from." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fordwich noted that "there is also some speculation that Harry's wife, Meghan Markle, wants their children to be more closely associated with Diana's legacy, especially their daughter, Princess Lilibet, whose full name is Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor." Even so, Fordwich warned that tensions within the royal family remain high, and this new revelation only makes things worse. "King Charles III is hesitant to speak with Harry, and Prince William is disgusted that he keeps referencing their mother," Fordwich claimed. She concluded that "trust and communication are currently at an all-time low. Any hope of rapprochement is now said to be 'in tatters,' particularly given Harry's wish to change his surname, which is viewed as a final break from his royal roots." Prince Harry's Alleged Interest In The Spencer Surname Seen As An Emotional And Strategic Move James Whatling / MEGA Meanwhile, royal commentator Ian Pelham Turner told the outlet that he wasn't surprised by Harry's reported interest in adopting the Spencer surname, noting the prince's enduring emotional connection to his mother's side of the family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Prince Harry, at the time of this alleged conversation, was at a very low ebb," Turner explained. "He found tremendous support from Earl Spencer and Diana's two sisters, who rallied around [him] The Spencer name is always a potential path for the beleaguered couple and their children. But at this stage, it's not on the horizon." Turner added that the "royal family and Harry are still seemingly at war with each other." (NewsNation) Poor Prince Harry. While he lives in an Italianate mansion in Montecito with his gorgeous wife, Meghan Markle, and two adorable children, the ginger-haired prince is said to be desperately lonely, friends say. He doesnt really have any real friends in the area except for (fellow polo player) Nacho (Figueras) and Nacho travels constantly for polo matches, one friend said. Michelle Obama to release style book to spotlight the way our society defines beauty Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is still very close with the band of brothers who were at his wedding particularly Guy Pelley and Mark Dyer, but they live in England and the time zones are so different its very hard to talk regularly. And again, there is no one for him to hang out with (in person) besides Nacho when he is in town or Meghan and the children. He spends a lot of his time chilling with his bodyguards. Welcome to The Scoop the ultimate back-to-the-office water cooler cheat sheet, your go-to source for all things everyone really wants to know! Get the latest on everything from the political swamp maneuvering in D.C. and Hollywood drama to jaw-dropping small-town shenanigans from Paula Froelich. Subscribe to her newsletter here. Prince Harry has one foot in the past: Report Ironically, both Pelley and Dyer have American wives, just like Harry and they do spend time in the States but at their wives homes in Texas (Pelley) and Virginia (Dyer). And while sources tell People magazine Harry has one foot in the past, friends say, of course he does! He spent his entire life in England with family and friends (before Megxit). Its harder to forge deep friendships with people when youre older, especially if youre wary they may speak to the press. SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA MARCH 08: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, attends the One805 Rock for Responders benefit at The Granada Theatre on March 08, 2025 in Santa Barbara, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images) Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, attend the Time100 Summit at Jazz at Lincoln Center in Midtown on April 23, 2025, in New York City. (Photo by TheStewartofNY/GC Images) NEW YORK, NEW YORK APRIL 23: (L-R) Sam Jacobs, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Jessica Sibley and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex attend the 2025 TIME100 Summit at Jazz at Lincoln Center on April 23, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for TIME) Britains Prince Harry, left, accompanied by Prince Seeiso of Lesetho, meets pupils in a class during his visit to the Kananelo Centre for the Deaf outside Maseru, Lesotho, on Feb. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe, File) Diana, Princess of Wales, and Prince Charles with new born Prince Harry, leave St. Marys Hospital on September 16, 1984 in Paddington, London. (Photo by David Levenson/Getty Images) Princess Diana carries Prince Harry on her shoulders at Highgrove. (Photo by Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND JUNE 03: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Duke and Duchess of Sussex leave after a service of thanksgiving for the reign of Queen Elizabeth II at St Pauls Cathedral in London, Friday, June 3, 2022 on the second of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee. The events over a long holiday weekend in the U.K. are meant to celebrate the monarchs 70 years of service. (Photo by Matt Dunham WPA Pool/Getty Images) BOGOTA, COLOMBIA AUGUST 15: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex pose for a photo at Centro Nacional de las Artes Delia Zapata during a visit to Colombia on August 15, 2024 in Bogota, Colombia. (Photo by Diego Cuevas/Getty Images) Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, are seen at the Unidad Recreativa El Vallado on Aug. 18, 2024 in Cali, Colombia. (Photo by Eric Charbonneau/Archewell Foundation via Getty Images) Ironic, as Harrys family, King Charles and Prince William, dont speak to him, as they share the same fear that anything they say will be repeated to a media outlet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its like history is repeating itself, the friend added, referring to Edward VIII (later known as the Duke of Windsor after he gave up being king to marry Wallis Simpson). Duke and Duchess of Windsor became outcasts similar to Prince Harry After Edward abdicated, the royal family had minimal contact with the errant erstwhile monarch, who spent his time with his wife mostly in Paris, with frequent trips to the United States. The Duke and Duchess of Windsor were outcasts among the elite, and his brother, King George, only saw him briefly (without Wallis in attendance) a few times after the abdication in private but Edward and Wallis found favor with international hangers-on and social climbers. Meghans Netflix show invite declined by Dolly Parton: Report Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sound familiar? The difference is mainly Edward and Wallis mostly kept quiet. Something Harry and Meghan are not willing to do. In an attempt to earn a living, make money and stay afloat, the couple do calculated press appearances (often dropping tidbits about the royal family to keep interest up) and Instagram drops where they have been showing more and more of their children Archie and Lilibets faces as of late (due to privacy concerns, the couple do not show the childrens full faces). Prince Harry reportedly spoke to Princess Dianas brother about surname Harry, known to be petulant and cross when he doesnt get his way, was so upset with his family even accusing them of holding up Archie and Lilibets British passports, which would solidify the childrens royal standing, that he even is said to have consulted with his uncle Earl Spencer (Dianas brother) about changing his last name from Mountbatten-Windsor to Spencer. The couple did eventually change their name, but used Sussex, the county in their titles, as their last names, dropping Mountbatten-Windsor, the name used by the royal family. Charles, Prince of Wales, and Diana, Princess of Wales, with their sons William and Harry in Venice on May 5, 1985. (Photo by John Shelley Collection/Avalon/Getty Images) As a source told People: Meghan wishes her husband could feel less burdened by the past and more present in the life theyve built together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Something my source laughs at. Please look how easily she cut her own father out of her life after he displeased her. Shes good at it. She is fine never speaking with her father again. Harry is not. England was his entire life of course he has a foot in the past. He is lonely and misses his friends and family. He used to be able to call people up, go have a pint and hang out anytime. He cant do that now. Now he just has his bodyguards. Sounds dreadful. Prince Harry steps down from charitable organization Sentebale Not to mention, Harrys dream of devoting his life to charity has hit several snags this year. Harry is head of Invictus Games a charity he started in 2014 for wounded warriors is on the board of Africa Parks and heads up Archewell, the foundation he started with his wife, Meghan Markle. And up until recently, he was the patron of Sentebale, the organization he started decades ago with his friend Prince Seeiso of Lesotho to help fight AIDS but which now empowers young people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harry stepped down from Sentebale earlier this year after a public row with the new chairwoman who accused Harry and others of misongynoir (dislike of black women), misogyny, and of absenteeism. And, as I exclusively reported last month, Archewell was found to have given over $50,000 to an anti-Israel activist (upon learning from me about the allegation, Archewell immediately cut ties with the group), and now theres massive trouble afoot with his other beloved cause, African Parks. Prince Harry-connected charity admits to rangers committing human rights abuses Last month, it was announced that an investigation led by Cherie Blair the wife of the former British Prime Minister Tony Blair found that a charity Prince Harry is connected to admitted its rangers commit human rights abuses against those in the Republic of Congo Indigenous communities, according to reports. What is Selena Gomezs net worth? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harry is also said to be stung that he and Meghan were passed over by TIME magazine for its 100 list of philanthropists the magazine instead awarded the honor to Harrys nemesis, brother Prince William and Princess Catherine. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle left working royal life behind in 2020, many assumed they would never want to returnor want their children to be working royals. However, a new report in The Guardian throws doubt onto that assumption. The story details their efforts to get UK passports for their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, with the last name Sussex and the titles HRH (His/Her Royal Highness). Archie's passport was initially issued as Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, but when King Charles became monarch, his grandchildren became Prince and Princess, and a few months later, Harry and Meghan indicated their intent to use the titles for their kids. The children's titles have been a birthright since their grandfather became monarch, a spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said at the time. There was reportedly a delay in issuing UK passports for Archie and Lili. There was clear reluctance to issue passports for the kids, a source close to the Sussexes told the Guardian, adding that the king hadnt wanted Archie and Lili to carry the titles, most of all the HRH, and the British passports, once created, would be the first and perhaps the only legal proof of their names. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The paper adds, The Guardian understands that Prince Harry wants to keep the HRH titles for his children so that when they grow older they can decide for themselves whether they want to become working royals, or stay out of public life. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Prince Harry told the Guardian, We do not comment on private issues pertaining to the Duke and Duchess of Sussexs children. Harry and Meghan no longer use HRH publicly as part of their Sandringham Summit agreement with Queen Elizabeth, with Buckingham Palace staying in a statement, The Sussexes will not use their HRH titles as they are no longer working members of the Royal Family. It recently emerged that Meghan still uses HRH privately. The number of working royals has dwindled in recent years, with only just 11 current working members of the royal family: King Charles, Queen Camilla, the Prince and Princess of Wales, Princess Anne, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke of Kent and Princess Alexandra. The Duke of Kent and Princess Alexandra, due to their age, rarely carry our engagements anymore. You Might Also Like Blood isnt always thicker than water. Prince William appeared to take a subtle dig at Prince Harry during a royal outing to the regiment once associated with his younger brother. The incident unfolded on Wednesday, June 4, when the 42-year-old heir apparent visited the Army Air Corps (ACC) in Wattisham, Suffolk. Prince William appeared to throw a subtle jab at Prince Harry during a visit to the Army Air Corps in Wattisham, Suffolk, on Wednesday. Getty Images William and Harry have been feuding since the Duke of Sussex quit his royal duties back in 2020. DPPA/Sipa USA It marked Williams first time touring the regiment since becoming the colonel-in-chief of the Army Air Corps, and he made a rare comment about family while taking a water break with a group of British soldiers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Is the pace of life good at the moment? the Prince of Wales asked, according to Daily Mail. Families okay? See you enough? William continued after one soldier said it was a mixed bag. The Prince of Wales compared family to a mixed bag. Getty Images Some of them might not want to see you that much, the prince added. Its a mixed bag sometimes. While it is unclear if Williams comment was a veiled dig at his estranged brother, the remark came at an interesting time amid his ongoing feud with Harry and Meghan Markle. William took charge of Harrys former regiment when King Charles named his oldest son colonel-in-chief of the ACC in May 2024. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back from their royal duties in January 2020. Instagram/@meghan The Duke of Sussex, 40, trained as an ACC pilot in 2009 and later served with the British Armys combat aviation arm in 2012 and 2013 during his second tour of Afghanistan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Plus, it is believed that Charles, 76, would have named Harry the Colonel-in-Chief of the ACC if he and his wife had not stepped back from their royal duties in January 2020. Harry and Williams feud goes beyond the older brothers new title. William and Harry were last seen interacting during Queen Elizabeths funeral in September 2022. TheImageDirect.com The royal rift peaked after Harry and Markle, 43, spoke out against Buckingham Palace during their infamous interview with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021. It then continued with the couples Harry & Meghan Netflix docuseries in December 2022, as well as with Harrys memoir Spare in January 2023. The underlying issue is trust, an insider told People on Tuesday regarding the royal familys feud. The King and William dont trust Harry and Meghan with any kind of confidential conversation. The King and William dont trust Harry and Meghan with any kind of confidential conversation, a royal insider said this week. POOL/AFP via Getty Images Meanwhile, Prince William and his wife, Kate Middleton, 43, have not been seen together with Harry and Markle since Queen Elizabeths funeral in September 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although the brothers were both at their fathers coronation when he officially ascended to the throne in May 2023, they reportedly avoided one another. Then, in August 2024, William and Harry were said to have kept their distance once again while attending a memorial service in Norfolk for their late uncle, Robert Fellowes. William and Harry allegedly avoided one another at King Charles coronation in May 2023. POOL/AFP via Getty Images Prince Harry has blown all trust and any reconciliation with his father and the royal family for the moment, a royal source recently said. Getty Images for the Invictus Games Foundation William and Harry were both there, a witness told The Sun after the service, but we never saw them speak to each other and they were keeping their distance. As for King Charles and Prince Harry, it is said to be extremely unlikely that the pair will reconcile anytime soon, even as the monarch suffers from an undisclosed form of cancer. 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, Helena Chard, a British broadcaster, told Fox News Digital before Charles trip to Canada last week. However, its been over five years since Megxit, and still, Prince Harry is full of animosity, she added. Prince Harry has blown all trust and any reconciliation with his father and the royal family for the moment. Key Points While on a June 4 royal engagement, Prince William made a quip about families not always wanting to see each other. This comes as increased attention is on his ongoing rift with younger brother Prince Harry, who he apparently hasnt spoken to in two years. New reports say that the only time William and Harry will likely see each other is at the funeral of their father, King Charles, and even then might have no chance at a full reconciliation. While on a royal engagement yesterday, Prince William made a joke about families not always wanting to see each other amid his ongoing rift with younger brother Prince Harry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Per The Telegraph, on June 4 the Prince of Walesdecked out in camouflageserved troops breakfast in his first visit to the Army Air Corps in his new role as Colonel-in-Chief. According to the outlet, the future kingwho has been feuding with Harry for the better part of seven yearsadded that families could be a mixed bag after asking soldiers how often they saw loved ones. Some of them might not want to see you that much, William quipped on Wednesday. Getty Prince William on June 4, 2025 Prince William on June 4, 2025 William and Harry are not thought to have spoken in two years and have no relationship at the moment. Sources say that for William, his relationship with Harry has reached the point of no turning back, and in undertaking his new role as Colonel-in-Chief, he is stepping in for a role Harry himself would have likely filled had he not stepped back as a working member of the royal family in 2020, over five years ago. (Harry was an Apache helicopter commander and co-pilot gunner with the Army Air Corps during his second tour of Afghanistan from 2012 to 2014.) Getty Prince William serving breakfast at a visit to the Army Air Corps on June 4, 2025 Prince William serving breakfast at a visit to the Army Air Corps on June 4, 2025 According to a source speaking to Us Weekly, The funeral of [King] Charles would be the first time that courtiers would imagine William and Harry reuniting, with the insider adding, I cant imagine William would invite Harry to his coronation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Any reconciliation between the brothers would require so much more than just a single conversation, royal commentator Amanda Matta told the outlet. It would demand a real reckoning with the emotional damage on both sides. Getty Prince Harry and Prince William on July 1, 2021 Prince Harry and Prince William on July 1, 2021 Getty Prince William and Prince Harry on September 19, 2022 Prince William and Prince Harry on September 19, 2022 This isnt just about two brothers falling out like you and I would understand it, she added. This complex and widening rift is about two very different worldviewsone is rooted in preserving tradition, the other in breaking from them when they start to cause harm. A basic working relationship between the brothers would be hard to rebuild, Matta continued, adding that Right now, it feels like theyre speaking entirely different languages. Read the original article on InStyle Prince William sure knows a thing or two. about family squabbles. The Prince of Wales is currently dealing with a rift with his brother Prince Harry, and he shared a rare insight about the Royal family. Prince William visited the Army Air Corps on June 3, and he asked a soldier, Is the pace of life good at the moment? The soldier responded that it was a mixed bag, which led to a conversation about family life. More from StyleCaster Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Familys OK? See you enough? the Heir asked. Some of them might not want to see you that much. Its a mixed bag sometimes. The statement comes after reports came out that William and his brother Prince Harry havent talked in two years. There is no relationship, a source confirmed to Us Weekly. Royal expert Marlene Koenig agreed that, Bridges have been burned on both sides. For William, theres a fear that Harry would go to the press and talk about what was said between them if he speaks to him, Koenig expands. With Kate Middletons cancer diagnosis, the Wales family were preoccupied in giving their energy towards recovery. William and Kate have had to deal with her cancer and not worry about what Harry is saying. Theyre doing what they do as a family and as the future king and future queen consort and live their lives. Related: Prince William Just Took Over a Role Meant for Harry Amid Reports He Wants Him Harshly Dealt With For the Ultimate Windsor Crime Koenig also explained that Prince William acts like a barrier between Harry and Charles. Charles never stopped loving Harry, but he doesnt want to [cause] any more tension within the family, she says. He cant bring his two sons together thats something they need to do. It must be awfully painful for the king that he doesnt see his grandchildren and that he cant talk to his son for fear of what will happen, she adds, but hes keeping his distance until they can find a way to talk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I would love reconciliation with my family. Theres no point in continuing to fight anymore, Harry said in his bombshell interview with the BBC. Life is precious. I dont know how much longer my father has. He wont speak to me because of this security stuff, but it would be nice to reconcile. Royal commentator Richard Fitzsimmons told the outlet that the interview might have deepened the rift. William cannot forgive Harry for having betrayed the royal family in destructive interviews and a memoir while at the same time ruthlessly monetizing their royal connections in the U.S., says Fitzsimmons. Recent reports from The Daily Beast reveal that once William ascends to the throne, he will treat them very harshly. A source told The Daily Beast: Charles might be happy to put up with this, but William wont. He loathes and despises Harry and Meghan with every bone in his body, he believes they have betrayed everything the family stands for and the idea that they are using their royal status as a calling card will enrage him. Best of StyleCaster Sign up for Stylecaster's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Prince William Issues Bold Statement About Feud With Prince Harry originally appeared on Parade. When it comes to anything involving his personal life, Prince William tends to follow the British royal family's motto: "Never complain, never explain." But during his most recent outing, he seems to have made an exception. On Wednesday, June 4, the Prince of Wales paid a visit to the Army Air Corps in Wattisham, Suffolk, visiting for the first time since he was named Colonel-in-Chief. Though military service was once something he had in common with Prince Harry, the brothers are now famously estranged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harry has been open about how he feels about The Firm these days, but William has stayed silent in the middle of it all... until now, that is. SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox As the Daily Mail reported, while chatting with soldiers who were taking a break from training, William made a rare comment about his family relationships that seemed to be a bit of a dig at his little brother. After asking the soldiers, "Is the pace of life good at the moment?" one of them responded that it was a "mixed bag." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To that, William said, "Families okay? See you enough? Some of them might not want to see you that much. It's a mixed bag sometimes." He may have just been making conversation, but given the length of his ongoing feud with Harry who is now an ocean away, living his own life in California his comment seems a bit too on the nose for him not to be making a reference to his personal life. It may not seem like much, but this is the most we've gotten out of William on the topic so far. Does this mean he's finally ready to talk about it? Maybe Will's gearing up for a bombshell BBC interview of his own! Prince William Issues Bold Statement About Feud With Prince Harry first appeared on Parade on Jun 5, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 5, 2025, where it first appeared. Key Points Princess Diana brought immense empathy into the royal family, and wasnt afraid to show her emotions in public. A news presenter recalled on June 4 how the late Princess of Wales went into a whole literal sob story about, among other topics, her sons Prince William and Prince Harry. Diana was apparently upset that her sonswho are now estrangedwere away at boarding school. Princess Diana was a woman in touch with her emotionsits what allowed her to shake up the royal playbook in the best way, the effects of which are still felt today in the monarchys more empathetic approach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The late Princess of Waleswho died at age 36 after a 1997 car accidentwasnt afraid to shed tears when the moment allowed for it, and GB News presenter Eamonn Holmes, speaking on GBN Breakfast on June 4, remembered one such time when Diana displayed her caring nature, weeping openly about, among other topics, her sons Prince William and Prince Harry. In Holmes words, Diana went into a whole literal sob story (via Marie Claire). Getty Princess Diana crying while visiting the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital on January 7, 1992 Princess Diana crying while visiting the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital on January 7, 1992 One day I remember I complimented her on her outfit that she was wearing, he explained on Wednesday. The shade, per Marie Claire, was Royal Ulster Constabulary green, in case you were wonderingwhich also happens to be the color of the police force in Northern Ireland at the time, the outlet reported. Diana said, Yes, RUC green, what do you think? Holmes said. She started crying about a bomb explosion that had happened in Northern Ireland, and she was very, very close, very connected with all of that. He added that the former Princess of Wales was very knowledgeable about The Troubles in Northern Ireland. She then went on to talk about William and Harry going to school and how that upset her, he continued. They went to boarding school or whatever it is, and so we talked about all those things. (One can only wonder what Diana would think of the current issues between her sons, who she loved so fiercely.) Getty Princess Diana Princess Diana Getty Princess Diana, Prince Harry, and Prince William at Eton in September 1995 Princess Diana, Prince Harry, and Prince William at Eton in September 1995 Holmes then went on to talk about Dianas style, as the largest auction of her wardrobe and other itemsaround 300 pieces in totalis set to be up for sale later this month. The designer of Dianas wedding dress said it was just clothes or just a dress, Holmes fellow GBN Breakfast panelist Ellie Costello said. But then Diana wore it, and then it was something special and it became a part of history, and thats exactly what happened. Getty Princess Diana, Prince Harry, and Prince William Princess Diana, Prince Harry, and Prince William Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2023, Harry spoke of his mothers empathy, saying that In the midst of all that uncertainty, she led with empathy, finding the humanity in all around her and demonstrating the power of connection in the face of fear (via People). As William prepares to be King someday, he too is leading with empathyno doubt a skill set learned from his mother. Speaking in Cape Town, South Africa last November, the Prince of Wales said of his leadership style, Im trying to do it differently, and Im trying to do it for my generation. Im doing it with maybe a smaller r in the royal, if you like. Its more about impact, philanthropy, collaboration, convening, and helping people. Im also going to throw empathy in there as well, because I really care about what I do, William continued. It helps impact peoples lives. I think we could do with some more empathetic leadership around the world. Read the original article on InStyle Jun. 5STERLING Sterling is one step closer to receiving a designation that could provide up to $50 million in tax incentives for economic development work the city already has started along its riverfront. ExpandAutoplay Image 1 of 5 Sterling is close to a designation that could provide a tax incentive on Riverfront Park. Construction is underway Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (Alex T. Paschal) Sterling Mayor Diana Merdian told Shaw Local that although House Bill 1919, which the city's lobbyist, Matt Hughes of MRH Solutions, advocated for earlier this year, did not pass its third reading in the Illinois Senate, its language has been included as part of the state's omnibus budget package, House Bill 2755. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state's fiscal 2026 budget comprises three components: the state operating budget, a budget implementation bill and the revenue omnibus bill. The Illinois House and Senate on Saturday, May 31, approved all three bills just hours before the midnight deadline for the end of the spring session. The Illinois House approved HB 2755 with a vote of 71-43, followed by the Senate's approval with a vote of 31-25. The bill is now headed to Gov. JB Pritzker for approval. In a news release issued by Pritzker on Sunday, June 1, he indicated that he intends to sign the state budget before the fiscal year begins Tuesday, July 1. Once the state's budget is signed, Sterling officially will receive the River Edge Redevelopment Zone designation. "The passage of the fiscal 2026 balanced budget is a testament to Illinois' fiscal responsibility," Pritzker said. "Even in the face of [President Donald] Trump and congressional Republicans stalling the national economy, our state budget delivers for working families without raising their taxes while protecting the progress we are making for our long-term fiscal health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'm grateful to [House] Speaker [Chris] Welch, [Senate] President [Don] Harmon, the budget teams, and all the legislators and stakeholders who collaborated to shape and pass this legislation. I look forward to signing my seventh balanced budget in a row and continuing to build a stronger Illinois." According to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, once a city is designated, certain areas are allocated as a "River Edge Redevelopment Zone." The RERZ program provides investors and municipalities that are eligible with several tax incentives, including property tax abatements and sales tax exemptions. In Sterling's case, it would assist in redevelopment along the Rock River. Merdian said that without the designation and those tax incentives, the city's riverfront redevelopment work would be almost "impossible" to complete. "I have been working to secure this designation for nearly my entire term, and I know a lot of people did not think it would be possible," Merdian said. "It wasn't easy, but one of the things we do here is we work hard to do what's best for this community." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Merdian said once Pritzker signs the bill, the city will need to fill out an application with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. "That is, we have to have a map, we have to have a public hearing," Merdian said. "We have to have the ordinance, or the information that stays up for so many days, and we have to have everything on the national registry." Hughes lobbied for both HB 1919 and Senate Bill 1309 as part of his strategy to help Sterling secure its designation. Merdian and Hughes recruited help from Rep. Maurice West, D-Rockford, and Sen. Michael Halpin, D-Rock Island, who filed the bills in January. In February, Hughes advised the Sterling City Council that both bills needed to advance out of committee by March 21 and pass both chambers by April 11. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city of Alton was later added to the legislation, following recommendations from West. Merdian told Sterling's Riverfront Reimagined Commission on April 2 that the bill had cleared both subcommittees and was likely to be wrapped into the state's budget package, "where similar bills go." Among the "nay" votes for HB 2755 were state Reps. Brad Fritts, R-Dixon; Tony McCombie, R-Savanna; and Amy Elik, R-Alton all of whom co-sponsored HB 1919. State Sen. Li Arellano Jr., R-Dixon, who co-sponsored Senate Bill 1309 Sterling's backup bill should HB 1919 fail also voted against HB 2755. Shaw Local reached out to each of them for comment. "I was chief co-sponsor on HB 1919 because it directly affected a community in my district, Alton, which was added to the bill as another Redevelopment Zone community," Elik said when responding to Shaw Local's request for comment. "The bill that passed both chambers, which I voted against, HB 2755, eventually included language for Alton and Sterling, but also raised taxes by nearly $1 billion, and I have promised my constituents I would not vote for a tax increase. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In the waning hours of session, we often see omnibus bills that include language from many other bills, and although I support the language in the much smaller and more concise HB 1919, I could not support the massive tax increases in the significantly larger HB 2755, which will hurt communities across my district and the state." Fritts provided Shaw Local with the following response: "It's simple. I voted against HB 2755 because it was not just granting the city of Sterling's River Edge designation, but it was the entire fiscal 2026 revenue package with multiple tax increases. I would have proudly voted yes if this designation was in its own bill, like the originally filed HB 1919. Because of this deceptive tactic utilized by the majority party, I stood united alongside my state senator, Li Arellano, and voted no without hesitation. "Let me be clear: I will not vote in favor of a tax increase on the hardworking men and women of my district, even if that means also voting no on a local project that was shoved into an over 1,000-page bill. The process of putting multiple bills into one has to stop. It's just bad governance, and the people of Illinois deserve better." McCombie, who is House minority leader, agreed with Fritts in her budget vote response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Speaker Welch said the quiet part out loud: tax-and-spend Democrats are thriving in Illinois ... at the expense of Illinois families," she wrote. "Rather than pursuing meaningful structural reforms to secure our state's future, Democrats chose to prioritize politician pay raises, steal from the rainy-day fund, and funnel money into their own pork projects." Arellano issued his response Sunday. "Illinois Democrats have just rammed through the largest and most reckless budget in our state's history: over $55 billion in spending, passed with zero transparency, minimal debate and no regard for the taxpayers who are footing the bill," he wrote. "This isn't leadership. It's political corruption, plain and simple, snuck in during a midnight vote. "To make matters worse, they're hitting working families with nearly a billion dollars in new taxes. Democrats keep demanding more from you while delivering less. Less public safety. Fewer job opportunities. Less economic growth. "This budget is not just bloated, it's dishonest and irresponsible. It's a slap in the face to the very people who keep this state afloat. I voted no because I refuse to stand by while one-party rule continues to drain our state to prop up its political machine." MONTPELIER, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) A Maine-based private parking operator has agreed to pay Vermont roughly $150,000 after the company issued citations without governmental authority to do so, Attorney General Charity Clark announced. Unified Parking Partners runs about 27 private parking areas in various parts of the state. UPP reportedly sent citations to consumers over the course of four years, between 2020 and 2024. If unpaid, UPP alleged that citations could impact license renewal, credit rating and more. In a release, Attorney General Clark and her office said that thousands of consumers paid off these fines, and that UPP does not have the proper authority to impact consumer credit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers search for suspect in golf-cart theft An investigation was conducted regarding UPPs possible Consumer Protection Act violations, and they have agreed to change misleading parking notices in addition to paying the fine. The company must also stop using term carrying any consequence it has no lawful authority to make, according to an excerpt from the settlement agreement. Such language includes the terms citation and fine. Attorney General Clark said she is pleased that this company has agreed to stop its misrepresentations. Companies have a right to charge for services rendered, but not to trick consumers into paying out of fear that disputing a charge could come with consequences the company has no power to impose. The message to commercial actors is that words matter and misrepresentations carry consequences. Im pleased that this company has agreed to stop its misrepresentations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44. A judge in Kansas issued a Wednesday ruling determining that a private prison operator could not use its shuttered facility to house detainees from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Leavenworth County Judge John Bryant granted a temporary restraining order blocking CoreCivic from housing individuals in the custody of ICE. The order was issued after a March lawsuit was thrown out in May on technical grounds, according to The Associated Press. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are reviewing the courts decision and considering next steps. We maintain the position that our facility, which weve operated for almost 30 years, does not require a Special Use Permit to care for detainees in partnership with ICE, Steve Owen, CoreCivics vice president of communications, told The Hill. We look forward to presenting our arguments to the court, he added. Earlier this year, executives applied to use their 1,033-bed facility to help the Trump administration facilitate removals in its crackdown on illegal immigration. CoreCivic said it would lose $4.2 million each month it wasnt open, according to legal files reviewed by AP. The company applied for a permit to use the grounds for ICE operations but withdrew its application in May alleging it didnt need permission from the city to determine which detainees to house. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It became clear to CoreCivic that there was not a cooperative relationship, said Taylor Concannon Hausmann, an attorney for the private prison operator, speaking in court, as reported by the AP. However, city attorney Joe Hatley urged the company to follow the rules and obtain the proper permit for operations. The CoreCivic property is located 10 miles away from Kansas City International Airport and has previously worked with federal officials to house pretrial detainees, according to the AP. In 2021, the Tennessee-based company stopped working for the U.S. Marshals Service after former President Biden urged the Justice Department to cease contracts with private prison operators. Multiple inmate violations were flagged in addition to reported suicides and killings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has been working with the private sector to undertake deportation efforts, including the GEO Group, which is planning to reopen New Jerseys Delaney Hall to hold individuals awaiting removal. Democrats have protested the use of the facility for federal purposes, citing concerns about federal operations within Newark, a designated sanctuary city. Updated at 4:37 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. TIMOTHY A. CLARY/Getty Images Since Donald Trump retook office, his administration has moved forward with promises to expand the surveillance, detention, and deportation of immigrants, an operation that heavily relies on private prisons in the United States. It is a gift to some of his most loyal corporate backers, GEO Group and CoreCivic, who invested millions in Trumps reelection and inauguration. On a recent investor call, CoreCivic CEO Damon Hininger described this moment as truly one of the most exciting periods of his career. Stay up-to-date with the politics team. Sign up for the Teen Vogue Take Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Private prisons emerged in the mid-1980s. Their first contracts were in immigration detention, a space they continue to dominate today. But soon after, they broke into the much larger correctional market. By the early 1990s, their executives were helping to draft model legislation for mandatory minimums, truth sentencing, and three-strike laws, major contributors to the prison boom that followed. Today, private prisons earn more than $5 billion in revenue annually. But the privatization of corrections and immigration detention runs far deeper and wider than just private prisons. Through the 80s, 90s, and 2000s, privatization ran rampant through the carceral system. Across the country, private corporations built businesses around incarceration and detention. Soon everything in carceral facilities, from food to healthcare to telecommunications, was being outsourced, creating an industry worth over $80 billion a year. Whether they directly exploit incarcerated people and their loved ones or receive taxpayer funds to contract with prisons, corporations in the prison industry rely on overcharging for substandard products and services. Think shoddy phone service at $0.12 a minute. And given the opaque nature of correctional environments and their limited oversight, corporate abuse quickly became a mainstay of the modern prison industry the subject of my new book, The Prison Industry: How It Works and Who Profits. The prison industry is rife with unconscionable corporate behavior. For example, to increase the use of their new video calling services, for years, prison telecoms contractually required jails to eliminate visits, promising to share the anticipated revenue. Hundreds of jails saw visit rooms turned into video calling centers where young children reached for their parents through screens, unable to touch them. For many families, the cost of communication drove them into debt until they could no longer bear the burden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Law enforcement narratives claim that this dehumanization is the cost of our security and safety. However, the prison industry stands in direct opposition to both. For instance, regular communication between incarcerated people and their families increases program participation and reduces violence in prison, and it improves reentry outcomes and lowers recidivism upon release. The truth is buried in corporate filings and contracts. In its most recent annual report, CoreCivic lists reductions in crime rates as a risk to its business that could lead to a decrease in convictions and sentences requiring incarceration at correctional facilities. The corporation has a fiduciary duty to shareholders to mitigate that risk, and they go to great lengths to do so. The prison industry is not just collecting a windfall but rather actively paying for access to our carceral system. They donate to the campaigns of elected officials who support tough-on-crime laws or can award contracts. They lobby for bills that will increase the number of people in corrections or immigration detention facilities, like the Laken Riley Act that was recently passed in Congress. They hire former corrections and immigration officials, creating a revolving door between the industry and the government. And they wine and dine staff, offering perks like steakhouse dinners, strip club visits, and Caribbean cruises. The bottom line is that the prison industry has a financial interest in putting more people behind bars and for longer. And the type of greed that can justify such gross behavior can even get cringe-worthy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Take the story of Smart Communications, a prison technology firm that pioneered replacing mail with digital copies. As the Lever reported, the corporations CEO, Jon Logan, owns a $10 million yacht named CONVICT and a $300,000 Lamborghini with a license plate that reads INMATE. His empire is built on denying incarcerated people the ability to hold their childs hand-drawn cards or receive pictures from family on the outside. Some may balk at the idea of showing care and concern to people who have committed harm to others. Still, there are even some businesses in the industry that are more specifically designed to take advantage of the churn through jails for low-level offenses a suspended license, a turnstile jump, a bar fight. For example, one of the services offered by JPay, which shares an owner with the NBAs Detroit Pistons, involves taking the cash a person is carrying at booking and returning it to them upon release on a debit card that charges exorbitant fees for everything from entering ones PIN to closing the card. Serious crimes with long sentences dont support this business model as it needs high turnover to make money. We must recognize the prison industry for what it is: an industry built on the human suffering of crime victims, incarcerated people, their families, and still others. The growth of this industry is part of a long, bipartisan pattern of prioritizing quick corporate profits and political wins over our supposed American values of justice and freedom. After a decade of hard-fought wins that left us just a little bit safer and freer, we are set to see the largest increase in incarceration and detention since the last prison boom that started in the 1970s. The social costs will be immense for all of us unless we intervene and dismantle the financial incentives that capitalize on crime and incarceration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue Want more criminal justice coverage? HONOLULU (KHON2) A Honolulu courtroom is taking a new approach by focusing on support and healing instead of punishment. The Womens Court program helps women get their lives back on track and after a successful pilot program, lawmakers have voted to make it permanent with plans for expansion. New plaque unveiled to honor Queens Surf Beach For years, Abcede Keawes life was defined by addiction and arrests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I quit trying because every time I try, I fail, Keawe said. Veronica Hanawahine had also given up hope. Something happened and from then on, my life was coming downhill, she explained. But that all changed when they walked into Judge Trish Morikawas courtroom where healing, not punishment, took center stage. Morikawa oversees Womens Court, a program offering women convicted of non-violent offenses who have faced trauma, addiction or mental illness a lifeline by leading with support and compassion KHON sat down with Judge Morikawa to discuss the program she created three years ago, which recently became permanent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court tends to be, it should be a negative thing. So its so nice to have something positive come out of it, Morikawa said. Were extremely grateful to the (legislature) cause its a great program and you can see the change its made, and it really saves money. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You By empowering these women and teaching them life skills, they become self-sufficient and contributing members of society. Morikawa said candidates are vetted before being accepted into the program. Space is limited to 50, but she says the most theyve had is 35. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think people get worried that when we give when we do programs like this, you know that were giving these people a free pass. Thats not it at all, Morikawa explained. Theyre willing to do the work and they need to earn what theyre getting. She said that what many of them have been through is devastating, and they have never been given the support they needed to succeed. The sad thing is that a lot of these women have not had a lot of positive affirmations, Morikawa said. They were not the ones who had their artwork on the refrigerator you know, they were not the ones that their parents came to their May Day program. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hanawahine and Keawe have spent two years rebuilding their lives through the program with every goal met, theyre now just weeks away from the moment theyve worked so hard for: graduation. It was hard work, it was hard work but it was worth it for me, Hanawahine said. It gave me hope to a new life. Beyond the milestones, theyve learned to love themselves, set boundaries, accept their past and show up for others on the same path. All those doors that you have closed, those doors can be opened, you are the key to unlocking that door, Keawe said. Both Keawe and Hanawahine will be graduating from Womens Court in a ceremony at the Supreme Courtroom in front of their family and friends, along with four other women in the program on June 25. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Check out more news from around Hawaii Morikawa said Womens Court hopes to help more women across the state and will be starting a pilot program on Hawaii Island. They are also hoping to create an alumni program on Oahu to offer support and a sense of community for graduates. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CHICAGO A long-running federal anti-violence program will be expanding to downtown Chicago and mass transit for the first time this summer, enhancing the investigation and prosecution of gun crimes, drug trafficking, robberies and carjackings at a time when city violence typically spikes. The creation of a new downtown zone for the program, Project Safe Neighborhoods, is the first public initiative announced by U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros, who took office two months ago and has said that curbing violence is at the top of his to-do list. Downtown Chicago is the capital of the regions economy and the cultural and civic heart of the Midwest, where interstate commerce runs strong, Boutros said in a statement. Many billions of dollars of revenue, taxes, and investments are anchored in our citys financial districts, and when violence and criminal activity cause our residents, businesses, and tourists not to feel safe to live, invest, and shop in Chicago, everyone suffers, whether at the federal, state, or local level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since its inception in the early 2000s, Project Safe Neighborhoods has been deployed in neighborhoods on the West and South sides of the city historically plagued by gangs, poverty and violence. Currently, there are seven zones where PSN resources are used, each overseen by a coordinator in the U.S. attorneys office. The expansion includes parts of three police districts in downtown financial zones as well as on the CTA trains that serve neighborhoods across the city and OHare and Midway airports. It marked the first time anywhere in the country that Project Safe Neighborhoods will be deployed on mass transit, according to the U.S. attorneys office. Both Chicago police Superintendent Larry Snelling and Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart expressed their support for the initiative in a news release from the U.S. attorneys office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Project Safe Neighborhoods reflects this spirit of collaboration and serves as an important tool in addressing crime in one of the busiest areas of our city, Snelling said. The expansion of this program builds on the progress CPD is making in combating crime citywide. Dart said the new investment of federal resources is critically needed to address the threat that crime including organized retail theft, carjacking, and armed robberies pose to the heart of Chicagos economy as well as to the citys mass transit system. Originally launched in 2001, Project Safe Neighborhoods is a federally funded, nationwide initiative that brings together federal, state and local law enforcement and other stakeholders to identify the most pressing violent crime problems and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. Participating agencies include the Chicago Police Department, the FBI, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Cook County sheriffs office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The federal grants will be used to hire new law enforcement personnel, pay overtime to officers patrolling trains and downtown locations, obtain equipment and training and provide anti-violence messaging, the U.S. attorneys office said. For violent offenders arrested downtown or aboard CTA trains, criminal prosecutors will bring appropriate charges to achieve maximum deterrence and will seek pretrial detention and substantial prison sentences for defendants who pose a danger to the community, the statement said. _____ Jun. 5AUGUSTA Lawmakers and advocates clashed over proposed tax increases Thursday as the debate over the state budget heats up in the closing days of the session. Progressive activists and some Democrats gathered at the State House and urged lawmakers to increase taxes on the wealthiest Mainers to help close a budget gap. But Republicans reiterated at a separate news conference that they will oppose any budget that includes tax increases. And Gov. Janet Mills, who has proposed a series of targeted tax increases and program cuts in her budget, has said she would not support any broad-based tax increases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers are facing a budget squeeze as state revenues flatten and they try to pay for programs and commitments created in previous budgets. Senate Minority Leader Trey Stewart, R-Presque Isle, said Democrats are responsible for the budget deficit because they have repeatedly passed majority budgets without Republican support. "They own this," Stewart said. "They set up three majority budgets in a row. They have run out of your money, and now they want to raise taxes on Maine people. We're not going to vote for it. But if they want to jump over that cliff, that's on them." Historically, lawmakers have sought to pass two-year state budgets with a bipartisan supermajority, so the funding can become available at the start of the fiscal year on July 1. Budgets passed by a simple majority, which the Democrats have done in recent years, don't become effective until 90 days after adjournment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of the budget negotiations have been taking place behind the scenes among Democrats, who are balancing Mills' proposed budget with their own priorities. More than 100 bills passed by the Democratic majority await funding. Earlier this session, Democrats used their majorities to pass an $11.3 billion continuing services budget over Republican objections. It includes funding to cover 55% of public education costs and provides $122 million to help stabilize MaineCare. But that budget doesn't include at least $122 million in additional funding needed to support MaineCare Maine's Medicaid program in the second year of the budget. The continuing services budget also does not include $285 million in additional spending originally proposed by Mills, who also has proposed $156 million in tax increases, including increasing taxes on cigarettes, online streaming service and other areas. Mills has also proposed cutbacks, which include eliminating state funded food assistance for noncitizens, cutting two crisis receiving centers planned for Aroostook and Kennebec counties, and stopping planned increases in child care worker stipends and cost-of-living increases for direct care workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mills also proposed reforms to the state's General Assistance program aimed at reducing costs. The governor said the changes would return the program to its original mission as a last-resort safety net, rather than an ongoing housing assistance program. TRYING TO AVOID CUTS Advocates argued that increasing taxes on wealthy residents and corporations could raise millions of dollars to avoid the cuts proposed by Mills and support other vital programs. Maura Pillsbury, tax policy analyst for the Maine Center for Economic Policy, urged lawmakers to pass LD 1089, which would increase taxes on incomes over $1 million to fund public kindergarten through 12th grade education, and LD 1879, which would increase the tax rate on large corporations to support agricultural businesses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These are reasonable, responsible steps to balance our budget and protect critical services, like child care, health care and food assistance, and not balancing the budget on the backs of vulnerable Mainers through harmful cuts," Pillsbury said. Amended versions of each of those bills have been advanced by the Taxation Committee and face floor votes in the coming days. It's unclear what changes the committee recommended, since the amendments are not yet posted. Advocates also support bills to overhaul of the state tax code to shift more of the burden to higher-income earners one passed last year but was vetoed by Mills and increasing taxes on real estate sales over $1 million. Rep. Cheryl Golek, D-Harpswell, said her proposal for a millionaire's tax is modest compared to a proposal approved by voters in 2016 to add a surcharge to incomes over $200,000 and would correct "massive injustice in the tax system." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Today, I am asking that our richest share a slice of bread to those who turned the dough and made the loaf for them to eat," Golek said. Our economy shouldn't be balanced on the backs of the working class. Hard-working Mainers are struggling to pay their bills, yet we continually ask more of the most vulnerable among us by cutting vital programs and services instead of making our tax code more fair." Copy the Story Link Luigi Mangione surveilled UnitedHealthcare chief executive Brian Thompson the night before he allegedly shot him on a Midtown street and initially considered a different target, prosecutors in Manhattan said Wednesday in a new court filing. Just before 8 p.m. on Dec. 3, 2024, prosecutors said Mangione was spotted walking near the Hilton Hotel. "He appeared to be talking on a cellphone, and as he walked down the street, Mr. Thompson walked past him in the opposite direction," the filing said. As prosecutors have pored over a red notebook they said Mangione used as a diary, they say they found "unambiguous" evidence of Mangione's motive against the UnitedHealthcare CEO. Gene J. Puskar/AP via Getty Images - PHOTO: Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the killing of a UnitedHealth Group Inc. chief executive officer Brian Thompson, exits the Blair County Courthouse following an extradition hearing in Hollidaysburg, Pea., Dec. 19, 2024. MORE: Luigi Mangione pleads not guilty to federal charges in CEO killing Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The entry dated August 15, 2024, reads in pertinent part as follows: 'I finally feel confident about what I will do. The details are coming together. And I don't feel any doubt about whether it's right/justified. I'm glad in a way that I've procrastinated bc it allowed me to learn more about UHC,'" the filing said. The entry allegedly suggested Mangione first considered a target with the initials KMD but decided it "would do nothing to spread awareness/improve people's lives." Prosecutors alleged that instead, Mangione concluded, "The target is insurance. It checks every box." In the filing, the Manhattan district attorney's office attempted to provide additional justification for charging Mangione with first-degree murder that includes a terrorism enhancement. Defense attorneys have sought to dismiss the charge. "If ever there were an open and shut case pointing to defendant's guilty, this case is that case. Simply put, one would be hard pressed to find a case with such overwhelming evidence of guilt as to the identity of the murderer and premeditated nature of the assassination," assistant district attorney Joel Seidemann wrote. "Brian Thompson and UHC were simply symbols of the healthcare industry and what the defendant considered a deadly greed-fueled cartel." Steven Hirsch/New York Post via AP - PHOTO: Luigi Mangione appears in court for a hearing, Feb. 21, 2025, in New York. MORE: Luigi Mangione's online defense fund surpasses $1 million Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The murder had a chilling effect, according to Seidemann, who said UHC employees were afraid to sign letters denying insurance coverage. Some UHC physicians quit their jobs out of fear of retribution. The company advised its employees not to wear company-branded clothing. The attempt to intimidate the industry, prosecutors said, provides sufficient support for the terror enhancement. Mangione is next due in court on June 26. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Prosecutors opposed a defense motion to suspend the state case in favor of the federal case, which Seidemann said could take years to try because of the government's intent to seek the death penalty. Luigi Mangione at a court hearing on Feb. 21, 2025 in Manhattan criminal court. He's currently facing both federal and state charges. - Credit: Curtis Means/Pool/Getty Images The Manhattan District Attorneys office filed an 82-page document in their case against Luigi Mangione at the New York County Supreme Court on Wednesday. In the document they provided images of what they say are handwritten notes Mangione wrote in the months leading up to the assassination of United Health Care CEO Brian Thompson. Mangione, 27, is currently facing federal, New York state and Pennsylvania state charges for allegedly murdering Thompson last December. In the federal case, the government is currently pursuing the death penalty. If ever there were an open and shut case pointing to the defendants guilt, this case is that case, New York prosecutors say in their filing. Simply put, one would be hard pressed to find a case with such overwhelming evidence of guilt as the identity of the murderer and the premeditated nature of the assassination. More from Rolling Stone Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors filed this as a response to Mangiones team omnibus request that the court dismiss the indictment of murder and terrorism on account of this being double jeopardy because of the multiple prosecutions hes facing. The prosecutors suggested that Mangione use the one million dollars his supporters raised for him to hire new counsel if the state and federal prosecutions were too much for his attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo to handle. In the filing, the prosecutors used excerpts from a notebook they say Mangione used as a journal to plan Thompsons murder. The notebook was allegedly found on Mangione when he was arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania, five days after the shooting. A letter addressed to the Feds, which has been previously shared widely and controversially censored on Reddit was also included in the filing. Friedman Agnifilos motion to dismiss also seeks to suppress this notebook and the firearm found on Mangione, which his team claims was found in a warrantless search of his backpack. Judge Gregory Carro will rule on these motions on June 26. An entry from the notebook in question, dated Aug. 15, 2024, states the writer was in San Francisco for a month at the time. I finally feel confident about what I will do, the entry says. The details are coming together. And I dont feel any doubt about whether its right or justified. Im glad in a way that Ive procrastinated [because] it allowed me to learn more about UHC. [Indecipherable] would have been an unjustified catastrophe that would be perceived mostly as sick, but more importantly unhelpful. Would do nothing to spread awareness/improve peoples lives. The writer says theyve been feeling foggy and cannot write with speed, clarity and confidence but that they want to write their ideas down. The target is insurance, it checks every box. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An entry on Oct. 22, 2024 calls the upcoming investor conference a windfall and says it embodies everything wrong with our health system. Most importantly the message becomes self-evident, reads the entry. The problem with most revolutionary acts is that the message is lost on normies. The writer goes on to say Ted K., presumably the Unabomber, Ted Kaczynski, made some good points on the future of humanity, but to make his point he indiscriminately mailbombs innocents. By committing indiscriminate atrocities he becomes a monster, which makes his ideas those of a monster, no matter how true. He crosses the line from revolutionary anarchist to terrorist the worst thing a person can be. As the entry continues, the writer talks about how rebelling against the deadly, greed-fueled health insurance cartel shouldnt involve bombing the headquarters because that might make it seem like the unjustified anger of someone who simply got sick/had bad luck and took their frustration out on the insurance industry, while recklessly endangering countless employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The notebook entry states that, instead, killing the CEO at the annual parasitic bean-counter convention would make the point self-evident. The writer even suggests a headline for the news, Insurance CEO killed at annual investors conference and says that when the public learns about investment bankers meeting to extract human life force for money the discourse can focus on greed, on the event through reasonable acceptable discussion. The entry also says the hit is a real blow to the company financials. In the filing, prosecutors argue that the terrorism charges against Mangione are appropriate because they claim his intent was to violently broadcast a social and political message to the public at large. Earlier in the week, Mangiones defense team filed a request that his bulletproof vest and hand shackles be removed while seated at the defense table at his next state court appearance on June 26, as they could influence the public to see him as guilty. They have not requested that his legs be unshackled, as a compromise. The authorities both state and federal have already prejudiced Mr. Mangione in the media more than virtually any defendant in recent memory, writes Mangiones legal team, saying authorities are perpetuating a false narrative that Mr. Mangione is an unusual danger requiring extraordinary security measures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mangiones lawyers say they visit him nearly daily in a large open room, where he is unshackled and among dozens of people including young children visiting other inmates. They say he has never been cited for misconduct while incarcerated, is in the general population at Brooklyns Metropolitan Detention Center and has been assigned to work detail. Additionally, his lawyers urged Judge Gregory Carro to allow Mangione to appear without the bulletproof vest he was required to wear at his February 21 state court appearance. To counsels knowledge, there have been no threats to Mr. Mangiones safety, writes his legal team, adding, and the only one wishing to execute him is the federal government. Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) Prosecutors Thursday in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court asked to revoke the bond of a man charged with felony domestic violence. In a motion filed before Judge Anthony DApolito, prosecutors asked that the recognizance bond for Michael Tomlin, 42, be revoked because he was arrested for domestic violence again while out on bond. Tomlin was charged April 30 in Youngstown Municipal Court with a fourth-degree felony domestic violence charge. Details of that charge are not available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was given a recognizance bond and waived a preliminary hearing May 22, binding the case over to common pleas court. The grand jury has yet to hear his case. While free on bond, he was arrested May 28 by Struthers police after a woman called them and said he beat her and ransacked her home on Terrace Street. The woman who called Struthers police is the same woman Tomlin is accused of assaulting in Struthers, reports said. Tomlin has been in the Mahoning County jail since that arrest. He was charged with assault, a first-degree misdemeanor in Struthers Municipal Court, and has pleaded not guilty. Court records do not show a next court date. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court records in Struthers show Tomlin was given a $35,000 bond, and if released, he is to go to the Community Corrections Center on Market Street. Because he has yet to be indicted, Tomlins case is under jurisdiction of the grand jury judge, which for this quarter is Judge DApolito. About 1:45 a.m. May 28, a woman called Struthers police and said Tomlin came into her home, ransacked it and beat her. When police arrived, the woman was outside and Tomlin was inside and would not let officers in until they told him they would force the door open, reports said. Reports said he was in tears and denied doing anything wrong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. KANSAS CITY, Mo. The Missouri Public Service Commission hosted a public forum on Wednesday evening, discussing the rate increase introduced by Spire Energy in November 2024. The 11-month process includes five public forums all over the state, after Spire asked the commission to raise their rates by 15%, or around $14 per household per month. In total, the company would receive nearly $290 million from customers in Missouri. Jackson Co. Legislator Abarca charged in Missouri, Kansas Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We recognize that seems like a big number, said David Yonce, the managing director of regulatory affairs for Spire Missouri. When these rates do become effective, the last increase that we had was three years ago. The energy company filed the increase on November 25, 2024. Ten days earlier, Spire enacted a rate decrease, thanks to a change in the price of natural gas. For Western Missouri the rate decrease amounted to roughly $18.70 per month. Eighty percent of the proposed increase will be used to recoup investment made improving Spires infrastructure, like pipelines and meters. The Spire team at the meeting said they were replacing pipes made of bare steel and cast iron. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is important to be able to reduce the possibility of leaks in the future, Yonce said. We have to be able to provide our customers with service even on those peak conditions when its really cold, and our customers depend on us to heat their homes. Outside the meeting, opponents of the rate increase rallied in front of the community center. They say any price increase is unfair. This is brazen corporate price gouging, said Kashmere Ketterman with Sunrise Movement KC. In my opinion, frankly, they dont need an additional $200 million for a quote unquote, system improvements. Ketterman said the focus should be on renewable energy and supporting the working class. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Download WDAF+ for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV Even like a $14, $15 or $20 rate increase, that could be devastating for most Missouri families, he said. If I had a recommendation, the recommendation to them [Spire] would to be get out of our communities and to city council, fund clean energy! We deserve affordable utility prices. Thats the very least they can do for us if theyre not going to provide clean and renewable energy. The Missouri Public Service Commission will make a decision on the rate increase in October 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 FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) The Roberts County Sheriffs Office is issuing a public safety alert for a dangerous subject thats still at large. The Roberts County Sheriffs Office is investigating a violent incident that took place on Wednesday at a convenience store, involving suspect Jordan Biddell Jr., whos currently wanted in connection with armed robbery and assault. Delivery driver arrested for DUI nearly 5 times over limit Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a Facebook post from authorities, Biddell entered the convenience store at 12 p.m., attempted to purchase alcohol, and pointed a black, revolver-style BB gun at the store clerk, demanding money. When the clerk didnt comply, Biddell struck him in the face with the weapon and fired multiple BB rounds, injuring the clerk. Surveillance footage and witness statements confirm Biddells involvement. The Roberts County Sheriffs Office is urging that if you see Biddell, to not approach him, and call 911 or contact the Roberts County Sheriffs Office at (605) 698-7667. Information gathered indicates Biddell may still be in the Sisseton area or possibly heading towards the Sioux Falls area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time of the incident, Biddell was on parole with the SDDOC for: Unauthorized Ingestion of a Controlled Substance Driving While Intoxicated (4th Offense) Grand Theft Over $2,500 Burglary in the Third Degree Intentional Damage to Property ($1,000$2,500) Due to the nature of the incident, Biddell has been added to South Dakotas Most Wanted Parole Absconders list. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PULASKI COUNTY, Mo. A man from Crocker, Missouri, was arrested after being accused of sexually abusing a child sometime between 2008 and 2009 when he was in kindergarten. The suspect, Daniel Gaines, was charged with first-degree statutory sodomy with a child who was less than 14 years old. His bond is set at $250,000, cash or surety only. According to online court documents, in April 2013, charges were initially filed against Gaines in an investigation into the alleged child abuse, but the prosecutor dismissed the case around January 2015 after the venue was changed to Phelps County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In November 2024, Gaines was being investigated for allegedly uploading and distributing child pornography on the messaging app KIK in June. This investigation revealed conversations Gaines had with another user where he discussed sexually assaulting a child. One message read, At 18, I was babysitting for some people who had two 2 yo sons from prior relationshipsthey decided they werent going to pay me the way they promisedso I took my payment out on the 2 yo boys. Camden County area damage left behind after Tuesday night storms The detective contacted Gaines at his residence on June 2, 2025. Gaines told the detective that the content in his KIK conversations was all fantasy and not based on truth. He claimed he only collected child pornography and took part in perverse conversations to report users on Telegram and KIK. However, court documents state that Gaines did not provide an example of him reporting said content. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The detective then contacted the victim, who detailed the sexual abuse. The victim said that sometime in 2008 or 2009, when he was five years old, Gaines sexually assaulted him on two separate occasions at a mobile home in Crocker. The victim claimed he felt the system failed him since the initial case was dropped by the prosecuting attorney without just cause, court records state, and he wants Gaines to be held accountable. The probable cause statement notes that Gaines is currently homeless and has been accused of sexually assaulting family members. Gaines next court appearance is a counsel status hearing scheduled for June 11. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PULASKI COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56) One person was injured during a Wednesday shooting in Pulaski County. The Pulaski County Sheriffs Office said deputies responded to a reported shooting in Science Hill. When they arrived, they found an injured man who was taken to a hospital for his injuries. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The office said the shooting is believed to be an isolated incident. The investigation is still ongoing, and detectives are working to determine what happened during the shooting. The mans condition is unknown at this time. LATEST KENTUCKY LISTS AND RANKINGS: Sheriff Bobby Jones asked that anyone with information that may be helpful to this investigation contact the Pulaski County Sheriffs Office at 606-678-5145 or at the tip line at 606-679-8477. 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 56 News. The aerospace community was caught off guard this week by President Trumps withdrawal of tech entrepreneur Jared Isaacmans NASA nomination. Announced days before the Senates likely confirmation of Isaacman, the withdrawal sparked a swirl of rumors and concerns, as budget cuts loom and NASA stretches into its sixth month without a leader. Trump, in a social media post over the weekend, offered few details but said his decision was made after a thorough review of prior associations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One space policy executive called the reasoning complete bulls. Thats like the worst excuse in the world, said the executive, who was granted anonymity to speak freely about the withdrawal. Isaacmans nomination had already advanced through the Senate Commerce Committee in a 19-9 vote and was expected to hit the full floor this week. When reached for comment Wednesday, he told The Hill he is grateful for the support from the space community. The White House also did not offer specifics, stirring further frustration. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt briefly addressed the decision in a briefing Tuesday, telling reporters Trump wants to ensure all of his nominees are aligned fully with the America first mission of this administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was frankly gobsmacked, Mark Whittington, an author who studies space, politics and policy, told The Hill. Jared Isaacman is well regarded by just about everybody. While Isaacman a billionaire entrepreneur and commercial astronaut was not originally considered a contender for the role, observers said the aerospace community was largely open to his new perspective at the agency. People who follow the space program think he would be perfect for NASA administrator, and I can see no reason why this is happening, Whittington said. Rumors quickly circulated over the weekend that the decision might have something to do with Isaacmans ally, Elon Musk, who stepped down from his role leading Trumps Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two sources close to the White House suggested Isaacmans ties to Musk may have also contributed to his removal as the pick to lead NASA. Musk, the sources said, rubbed many people in the administration the wrong way. And with his official departure from government, Isaacman lost a strong ally in the White House. Isaacman worked alongside Musk at SpaceX to fund the companys first private spacewalk, and he was one of four astronauts aboard the Polaris Dawn flight last year. Now, six months of hard work later, just days short of a confirmation vote, and its all thrown away because he bought two flights to space from Elon Musk? Are you fing kidding me? said one Republican space policy expert. It looks like the Waste, Fraud and Abuse Caucus was bigger than we thought. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Isaacman acknowledged the timing of the decision this week, telling the All In podcast he received a phone call Friday informing him the president decided to go in a different direction. Friday marked Musks last day as a special government employee leading DOGE for the White House. It was a real bummer, Isaacman said. It was certainly disappointing. But the president needs to have his person that he counts on to fulfill the agenda. Im not [playing] dumb on this. I had a pretty good idea, he added. I dont think the timing was much of a coincidence that there were other changes going on the same day, and it was obviously a little bit of a disappointment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pressed on whether he was referring to Musk, Isaacman said, Obviously there was more than one departure that was covered on that day. There were some people that had some axes to grind, I guess, and I was a good visible target, he continued. I just want to be overwhelmingly clear I dont fault the president at all. I dont blame an influential adviser coming in and saying, Look, heres the facts, and I think we should kill this guy and the presidents got to make a call and move on,' he said. I think thats exactly kind of how it went. Isaacman sidestepped questions over whether his nomination withdrawal was a shot at Elon, telling the All In podcast that people can draw their own conclusions, but I think the direction people are thinking on this seems to check out to me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Isaacman has given to Democrats during recent campaign cycles, including Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), a retired astronaut. But he has also donated to a few Republicans. A White House official pointed The Hill to Isaacmans donations in recent years to PACs linked to Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.), along with the hundreds of thousands of dollars he donated to other Democratic campaigns since 2010. But various space observers emphasized that reports of these donations first circulated in January. Six months later, they are frustrated the donations are abruptly being used against the tech entrepreneur. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was well known that, like a lot of businessmen, he [Isaacman] donated to both parties and that came up in the vetting process. Im sure that Trump knows about it, or he should have known about, Whittington told The Hill. All of a sudden, six months later, he says, Im shocked, shocked, that Jared Isaacman gave money to Democrats, he added. Isaacman echoed this, stating his donations were not a new development. He described himself as a moderate who is right-leaning and supportive of Trumps agenda. The space industry now anxiously awaits a new nominee; no name has emerged as a clear front-runner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The need to pass the Trump loyalty test could eliminate several good candidates, the first space policy executive suggested. I know you got to have partisan people in a lot of these agencies, but for space, the community is generally bipartisan and more scientific or technical, they told The Hill. The process to push a new nominee through the Senate could take months, stoking alarm among observers over the steep potential NASA budget cuts. Under Trumps proposed 2026 budget, NASAs funding would be cut by nearly 25 percent in what would be the largest single-year cut at the agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk expressed concerns over proposed funding cuts to NASA in April but said he could not participate in those conversations, as SpaceX is a major federal contractor. Space observers are concerned the cuts will pass through Congress with little opposition. When the budget needs to be mulled over and chewed over by Congress, they really need somebody at NASA to explain things to them, Whittington explained. Otherwise, Congress is just going to do what it wants, and I think [it] really goes against the White Houses interest if they want to control space policy. This is a major blunder, whatever way you look at it. A spokesperson for NASA said the agency will continue to relentlessly pursue Trumps America First agenda under acting NASA Administrator Janet Petro. The @NASA workforce is committed to serve and eagerly awaits President Trumps new nominee to head the agency, leading us toward our manifest destiny in the stars,' NASA spokesperson Bethany Stevens wrote on the social platform X. It comes amid an already tumultuous time at NASA as it faces workforce and infrastructure challenges as a result of both DOGE cuts and years-long budget declines. NASA lost its mojo, they dont know how to solve complex, interdisciplinary problems efficiently, they dont know how to put together the right teams to solve those problems, they lost the ability to do that, said Charles Camarda, a retired NASA astronaut. Camarda, who recently released a book on NASAs culture challenges, explained NASA has lost its research culture over the years as funding continues to be cut for applied research. Right now, we are technically drained. We dont have the expertise, and were not raising new researchers and engineering researchers, he said. Brett Samuels contributed reporting. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. US President Donald Trump says his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, warned him "very strongly" of Russia's intention to respond to Ukraine's drone attack, which struck dozens of long-range bomber aircraft across Russian regions over the weekend. In a post on Truth Social on June 4, Trump described his latest phone call with Putin as a "good conversation," though he noted it was not the kind of conversation that would lead to immediate peace. According to Trump, the call lasted 75 minutes, and Ukraine's surprise drone attack, carried out by Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) on June 1, was one of the topics discussed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We discussed the attack on Russia's docked airplanes by Ukraine, and also various other attacks that have been taking place by both sides," Trump said. "Putin did say, and very strongly, that he will have to respond to the recent attack on the airfields," he added. Earlier, the SBU claimed that more than 40 bombers were hit in the attack, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described as "absolutely brilliant," noting that the operation had taken more than 18 months to prepare. Through the analysis of videos and satellite images, RFE/RL was able to independently verify that at least 11 Russian strategic bombers were destroyed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the phone call, Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov told the state-run TASS news agency that Trump had informed Putin the United States was not notified by Ukraine about its plans for the drone attack. When asked if Russia would respond to the attack, Ushakov said, "the issue was discussed" but gave no further details. Robert Pszczel, an independent security policy expert, told RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service that he has no doubt Russia would conduct more attacks on Ukraine. However, Pszczel also suggested it was difficult to imagine what new level of brutality Russia might reach after previous attacks on Ukraine's civilian and energy infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ushakov also added that Putin briefed Trump on the second round of direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, which took place in Istanbul on June 2, a day after the drone attack. He said Putin called the talks "useful" and expressed hope that they would continue. Earlier in the day, speaking at a government meeting, Putin effectively dismissed Zelenskyy's proposals for a lasting cease-fire and a potential leaders' summit. Putin accused Kyiv of coordinating deadly "terrorist attacks" on bridges in border regions over the weekend -- an issue that, according to Ushakov, was also discussed during the phone call with Trump. "The Kyiv regime does not need peace at all," Putin said at the meeting. "What is there to talk about?" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During his visit to the United States, Zelenskyys chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, responded to Putin's remarks by noting Ukraine had once handed its strategic bombers to Russia in exchange for security guarantees. Now Ukraine has struck part of Russia's strategic aviation in an "act of retaliation," Yermak said. Earlier, Zelenskyy added the attack would never have happened if a cease-fire had been implemented. In the United States, Yermak met with US Secretary Marco Rubio and members of US Congress. Following the talks, he called for a new package of US sanctions and emphasized that pressure remains the only tool to influence Russia's actions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, the US Embassy in Kyiv warned its citizens of an ongoing risk of "significant air attacks" and urged caution. Serhiy Lysak, governor of Ukraine's southeastern Dnipropetrovsk region, reported that a Russian drone attack on Nikopol killed a woman and injured five other people. "She was 45 years old. The doctors fought for her life until the very end, but her injuries were too severe," Lysak wrote on Telegram of the victim. According to Ukrainian authorities, 54 more people were also injured in Marhanets in the Zaporizhzhya region as a result of an FPV drone attack. Among them was an 83-year-old woman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By RFE/RL More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Read this article on OilPrice.com BEIJING For most Chinese, the 36th anniversary of a bloody crackdown that ended pro-democracy protests in China passed like any other weekday. And thats just how the ruling Communist Party wants it. Security was tight Wednesday around Beijings Tiananmen Square, where weeks of student-led protests shook the party in 1989. Under then-leader Deng Xiaoping, the military was sent in to end the protest on the night of June 3-4. Using live ammunition, soldiers forced their way through crowds that tried to block them from reaching the square. Hundreds and possibly thousands of people were killed, including dozens of soldiers. The party has tried, with some success, to erase what it calls the political turmoil of 1989 from the collective memory. It bans any public commemoration or mention of the June 4 crackdown, scrubbing references from the internet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In recent years, that ban has been extended to Hong Kong, where a once-massive annual candlelight vigil is no longer permitted. Police said they brought 10 people on suspicion of breaching public peace to a police station for investigation. Three were still detained late Wednesday, while the rest were allowed to leave. Police also arrested a woman for failing to show her identity document and a man for obstructing police officers from performing their duties. It is only in Taiwan, a self-governing island that is claimed by China but runs its own affairs, that large June 4 gatherings can still take place. Tiananmen Square is a vast space in the center of Beijing with monumental, communist-era buildings along two sides and the mausoleum of Mao Zedong, who founded the communist era in 1949, on the south end. University students occupied this symbolically important site in the spring of 1989. Their calls for freedoms divided the party leadership. The decision to send in troops marked a decisive turning point in the evolution of modern China, keeping the party firmly in control as it loosened economic restrictions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chinese officials have said the countrys rapid economic development since then proves the decisions made at the time were correct. On the political turmoil that happened in the late 1980s, the Chinese government has already reached a clear conclusion, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Wednesday. He added that China would continue along its current path of what it calls socialism with Chinese characteristics. Tiananmen Mothers, a group formed by relatives of the victims, made an annual online appeal to the government. Signed by 108 members, it called for an independent investigation into what happened on June 4, 1989, including a list of all who died. The group also demanded compensation for the families and a legal case against those responsible for the deaths. The British and German Embassies in Beijing posted videos commemorating the anniversary on Weibo, a Chinese social media platform, but they were later taken down, presumably by censors. The Canadian and German Embassies displayed images of a single lit candle on large screens facing the main street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Hong Kong, a carnival showcasing Chinese food and products was held in Victoria Park, where tens of thousands of people used to gather for a candlelight vigil to mark the anniversary. Hong Kong authorities first shut down the vigil during the Covid-19 pandemic and arrested the organizers in 2021. The moves were part of a broader crackdown on dissent following monthslong anti-government protests in 2019 that turned violent and paralyzed parts of the city. A former district council member, Chan Kim-kam, said customs officers questioned her at her shop on the eve of June 4 after she advertised small white candles for sale in an Instagram post titled June, we dont forget. You know, Hong Kongers have become silent lambs after 2019, said King Ng, who was at the park on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police were out in force to try to prevent any protest, and took several people away from the park on Wednesday. They included a young woman wearing a school uniform and holding flowers, a man who lowered his head in apparent prayer, and a man wearing a white T-shirt reading Vindication for June 4. Its getting closer and closer. Police also questioned a woman who lit up a mosquito lamp, but eventually let her go. Rows of electronic candles lit up the windows of the U.S. consulate, and the British consulate projected VIIV Roman numerals in reference to June 4 on one of its walls. The British and Canadian consulates earlier posted social media messages about remembering June 4. Hong Kong was a British colony until 1997. The U.S. consulate posted a message from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on its website. The CCP actively tries to censor the facts, Rubio said, referring to Chinas Communist Party. But the world will never forget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taiwans President Lai Ching-te used the anniversary to position the island he leads on the frontline of defending democracy against authoritarianism. In a Facebook post, he drew a distinction between Taiwans multiparty democracy and Chinas one-party rule. Authoritarian governments often choose to remain silent and forget about history, while democratic societies choose to preserve the truth and refuse to forget those who have contributed to the ideals of human rights and the dreams they embrace, Lai wrote. Taiwan transitioned from authoritarianism to democracy in a process that began in the late 1980s. It relies on support principally from the U.S., along with other democratic partners, to deter China from an invasion. Several hundred people gathered Wednesday evening for a candlelight vigil in downtown Taipeis Freedom Square. In the center stood a scaled-down model of the Pillar of Shame, a sculpture commemorating the protests that once stood on the campus of the University of Hong Kong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hong Kong authorities have placed bounties on some activists who have moved abroad. Other democracy advocates in the semi-autonomous Chinese city remain in jail or intimidated into silence. Wu Lang-huang, a Taiwanese professor who was present when troops arrived on the square in 1989, said he will continue to document what happened and collect related artifacts. Its not just about remembering what happened then but also for the lessons it tells us about modern Hong Kong and Taiwan, Wu said. One of the vigils organizers, who went by the name Mimi for fear of repercussions, said some may question why people born years after the 1989 protests still care. Its about memory, which is itself a form of resistance, she said. Bernard Georges, ounder and executive director of New Bridges for Haitian Success, Inc., was nominated by Gov. Dan McKee to join the Rhode Island Public Transit Authoritys board of directors. (Courtesy photo) A Senate panel will give first vetting Thursday to a nominee who could bring racial diversity to the states quasi-public bus agency. Gov. Dan McKee on May 28 announced his nomination of Bernard Georges to serve on the Rhode Island Public Transportation Authoritys (RIPTA) board of directors, citing his professional experience and community ties leading New Bridges for Haitian Success, Inc, a nonprofit that assists Haitian immigrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not mentioned in McKees statement, but crucial to transit advocates and participants, is the diversity Georges would bring to the nine-member board. The board is now mostly white men, RI Transit Riders Co-Chair Amy Glidden said in an interview Wednesday. Georges declined to comment on his nomination when reached by phone Wednesday. If approved by the full Senate chamber, Georges would replace former state Sen. Robert Kells, a Providence Democrat who has served on RIPTAs board of directors since 2019. Kells term expired April 1, 2025 along with four other members, according to the Rhode Island Secretary of States website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His nomination will be considered by the Committee on Housing & Municipal Government Thursday afternoon. Board members typically serve a three-year term, but Georges term would expire April 2027. McKees office acknowledged an inquiry on the reason for the shorter term but did not send a response as of Wednesday evening. Glidden commended the governor for bringing diversity to the board, which she said has been lacking since the term of Marcy Reyes, who is Puerto Rican, ended April 2024. Heather Schey, who is white, remains the only woman on the board. Nearly 60% of RIPTA riders identified as people of color, according to a 2021 survey of 3,565 bus users. State law calls for diverse membership, but does not address racial or gender diversity outright. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even more important to Glidden than race was board representation of transit riders. State law mandates the board include at least one regular fixed-route rider and one person with a disability. Schey is a user of RIPTAs paratransit service, while James Leach is a regular fixed-route rider. Glidden also would have liked for the governor to give riders a say before making his nomination. Theres been no public input, she said. Georges immigrated to Rhode Island in 2000 at age 16 from Haiti, joining his father, who had already fled the island nation years earlier during the dictatorship of Jean-Claude Baby Doc Duvalier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He graduated from Central High School in Providence in 2004 and received an associates degree in law enforcement at the Community College of Rhode Island, along with a bachelors degree in criminal justice and a masters degree in public administration from Roger Williams University. In 2013, Georges founded New Bridges for Haitian Success, which supports immigrants through job training, case management, counseling, and obtaining health care. He also worked for the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth & Families as a residential counselor, according to the governors office. Bernard is a dedicated community leader who has spent his career helping others find pathways to a successful future, McKee said in a statement. RIPTA CEO Christopher Durand welcomed Georges addition to the board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His commitment to equity, experience supporting underserved communities, and proven ability to build bridges between people and resources make him an excellent addition, Durand said in a statement. Georges nomination comes as RIPTA faces an estimated $32.6 million shortfall heading into the fiscal year beginning July 1. McKee did not offer any state funds for the cash-strapped bus agency in his recommended budget, citing a not-yet-completed study into RIPTAs operations. An efficiency study was required by Gov. Dan McKee and the General Assembly as a condition in last years state budget to plug the agencys deficit. The report was initially due March 1. As of May 30, Canadian-headquartered engineering consulting firm WSP is two-thirds finished with the overdue assessment, publishing a 20-page draft report on RIPTAs transit operations. The initial report found that routes with limited connections to dense neighborhoods tend to have lower ridership due to their lower demand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Legislators have proposed their own measures to close RIPTAs deficit. That includes legislation that would put a $100 million transit bond on the 2026 ballot and upping the agencys share of the gas tax. Sen. Meghan Kallman, a Pawtucket Democrat who sits on the eight-member Senate Committee on Housing & Municipal Government, proposed adding a new tax on Uber and Lyft rides to fund mass transit. The board deserves to manage an agency that is properly funded, Kallman said. This story includes updated comment from RI Transit Riders Co-Chair Amy Glidden. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) Several Raleigh County students were recognized this week for their efforts in the annual essay contest hosted by the County Commissioners Association of West Virginia. Members of the Raleigh County Commission welcomed students who secured the first place, second place, and honorable mention nods for this years essay contest. For the contest, students drafted 500-word essays based on the prompt: A Day in the Life of a County Commissioner. John and Lauren Fernald of St. Frances de Sales and Kate Henderson of Trap Hill Middle School were among those recognized for their work. It was a real honor today seeing the students come in and being honored. We got to present them with the plaque and the money they won from the West Virginia Association of County Commissioners, said Raleigh County Commissioner President, Greg Duckworth. The state association does a great job. They put those out state-wide and we were fortunate enough to have several winners in Raleigh County. Essays were judged on the students understanding of the role of a county commissioner, along with structure, spelling and grammar. St Francis de Sales educator, Jenna Milam was also recognized and will be receiving a monetary prize to be used for classroom activities. The essay contest is held each year to encourage Mountain State students to learn more about their local governing body. Students can learn more at the County Commissioners Association of West Virginia 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 WVNS. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A rally was held in Vancouver Wednesday evening in protest against an Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrest that happened in Portland earlier this week. A woman was seeking asylum at a Portland immigration courthouse on Monday when ICE agents showed up and detained her. Budget cuts threaten Oregon Outdoor School program OJM, a pseudonym she uses for safety reasons, is a 24-year-old transgender woman from Mexico, where she was abducted and raped because of her gender identity and sexual orientation at the hands of a dangerous cartel, said the Portland-based Innnovation Law Lab, representing her. They said she fled to the United States for safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law group said she was processed into Tacoma on Monday night. However, they havent been granted access to her since her transfer. The Innovation Law Lab argued ICE used deceptive and unethical practices to detain OJM and strip her of her due process rights. They said a federal judge has approved their petition to find out why ICE arrested her and they hope to learn those details soon. A small group of protesters gathered in downtown Vancouver to show their support, chanting, Immigrants are welcome here. Its so appalling because when we heard about the ICE detention of the young trans woman from Mexico who was just following the rules, said Rebecca Keith, who helped organize the rally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Homeland Security told KOIN 6 News in a statement on Tuesday that theyre doing what theyve been told to do. DHS said in part, ICE is now following the law and placing these illegal aliens in expedited removal, as they always should have been. Its anyone with brown skin. And this young lady was innocent, said Carolyn Fu, another rallygoer at the Vancouver demonstration. Fu said she is originally from Hawaii and knows what its like for her people to be discriminated against. Even still, she said the arrest has sent shockwaves through the community and that people are ready to fight. Todays rally is going to wrap up, but its not going to stop. Were continuing. Were going to continue to fight and, and make sure that our representatives are going to look for her and stand up for her, no matter what it takes, Fu said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Suspect identified in Battle Ground double homicide U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) commented on the womans ICE arrest, saying on Tuesday that he is appalled at what happened. As the son of parents who fled Nazi Germany for refuge in America, Im appalled by Donald Trumps goons arresting a woman in Portland just when she sought refuge in our country from sexual abuse by drug traffickers in Mexico, Wyden said in a post on X. KOIN 6 reached out to other Pacific Northwest lawmakers for comment about the arrest and we will post updates if we hear back. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. (Refiles to remove duplication of the word "rate" from headline) GENEVA (Reuters) -The rate of young children suffering from acute malnutrition in Gaza has nearly tripled since a ceasefire earlier this year when aid flowed more freely, according to data collected by humanitarian groups and released by the U.N. on Thursday. The report was issued at a time when aid distribution in the Palestinian enclave is under intense scrutiny because of deadly shootings close to the operations of a new U.S.-backed system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the two-month ceasefire broke down in March, Israel blockaded aid supplies into Gaza for 11 weeks, prompting a famine warning from a global hunger monitor. Israel, which has only partially lifted the blockade since, vets all aid into Gaza and accuses Hamas of stealing some of it - something the militant group denies. Around 5.8% out of nearly 50,000 children under five who were screened in the second half of May were diagnosed with acute malnutrition, an analysis by a group of U.N. and other aid agencies known as the nutrition cluster showed. This was up from 4.7% in early May and nearly three times the rate in February during a pause in fighting in the 20-month war between Israel and Hamas, the analysis said. It did not specify the exact rate in February, nor say how many children were screened. The analysis also reported an increase in severe acute malnutrition cases among children -- a life-threatening condition that compromises the immune system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It said centres to support medical complications from severe cases in north Gaza and Rafah in the south of the enclave have been forced to close, leaving children without access to lifesaving treatment. It did not give a reason for the closures but many medical centres have run out of supplies, been damaged in the war or attacked by Israel, which accuses Hamas of using them for military purposes. Hamas denies using them in this way. A Palestinian minister reported 29 starvation-related deaths among the children and elderly in just a few days last month. Separately, medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said on Thursday that doctors in the Gaza Strip were donating their own blood to save their patients after scores of Palestinians were gunned down while trying to get food aid. (Reporting by Emma FargeEditing by Frances Kerry) RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCT) The first nonstop flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Vancouver International Airport took off Thursday, June 5th. According to a press statement, the nonstop service connects the Triangle and the West Coast of Canada for the first time. The new Air Canada route provides easy access to RDUs top unserved international destination in the Americas. Nonstop service to Vancouver has been in high demand with RDU travelers who want to visit British Columbia or connect to countries across the Pacific, said Michael Landguth, president and CEO of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority. This new gateway will make travel from the Triangle to western Canada, Japan, Korea and other destinations in Asia more convenient. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Build a big, beautiful trade school, not jails Manhattan: If President Trump wants to Make America Great Again, he should do the following: Build a big, beautiful trade school in the Bronx, Queens or Brooklyn. Call it the Trump Vocational High School for the Trades and make it a private school. Any graduate from a middle school can apply to the lottery for admittance. The cost should be $60,000 a year. The beautiful upper-class child will pay that. Beautiful children with little family money will be offered a scholarship based on need. This is not affirmative action, which is now illegal. This beautiful private high school with Trumps blessing would teach all the trades and have all the equipment to do it. It would be state-of-the-art and would cost a lot of money to operate, but it would be worth it. The cost of prosecuting and incarcerating each criminal in New York is more than $500,000 a year. One in four Black children born in the U.S. will face time in jail, and one in six Hispanic children will. I am willing to bet that a student entering this school will not commit any crime. They will thrive, prosper and learn a trade that will keep them out of harms way for the rest of their lives. I dont have to list all the trades, like electrical, construction, masonry, woodworking, plumbing, car mechanics, cooking etc. The school should also offer classes in the arts, which will probably develop more character in each student. It should not involve memorizing facts, but focus on exploring the beauty of art, music, theater, dance, science and nature. What better place than NYC to explore this? Leonard Smoke Bad for business Manhattan: With business slow because of a decline in tourism, dishwashers and busboys not showing up for work due to fear of ICE agent raids, combined with increased prices of supplies due to tariffs, I am not sure how much longer I can keep my restaurant going during Trumps Make America Great Again administration. Mahatma Kane Jeeves Not so clean Henderson, Nev.: Even after being found at fault, Im surprised that Rep. Maxine Waters campaign committee has agreed to pay $68,000 for campaign violations. Im surprised, mainly because whenever Trump does something she doesnt agree with, shes always among the first to say nasty things about him. Maybe now people will start to realize that Maxine is hardly an angel. David Tulanian Same scenario Lynchburg, Tenn.: It seems like the pro-Trumpers can never let Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden enjoy their retirements, as witnessed by their endless disparaging of Clinton and Biden to distract Americans from the complete and utter disaster the second Trump administration has become. From Voicer Jim Newton, everyone is reminded about the alleged cover-up of Bidens mental health and Hillary Clintons Benghazi mess, which resulted in the deaths of four Americans. Mental decline and needless deaths of Americans are politically acceptable as long as they are on full public display from a president whose political ideology aligns with yours for example, Trumps incoherent, rambling, ludicrous efforts during his first term to hoodwink the American public into believing that COVID would miraculously disappear while refrigerator trucks had to be used in hospital parking lots to store the thousands of corpses funeral homes could not accommodate on a daily basis. Godfrey Daniel Jr. On whose watch? Bronx: Trump is blaming Bidens open borders for the attack on the people in Boulder, Colo., but according to Trump, Biden was executed in 2020. How can a dead man be blamed? Richie Nagan Collateral damage Bedford, N.Y.: Re Colo. fiend wanted to kill Zionists (June 3): Violence against any peaceful protest should always be condemned. However, the media is ignoring the reason for the rising antisemitism in the U.S. and throughout the world. While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has failed to find and rescue all the Oct. 7 hostages, he has managed the slaughter of 70,000 people, including 17,000 babies and children, some burned alive in hospitals, press tents, in vans transporting humanitarian aid or in emergency food distribution areas strategically designated by the Israeli government. Netanyahu and his disproportionate response to the Hamas attack are responsible for making Israel the worlds pariah, and has made innocent Jews the target of hatred and violence. This will not end until Netanyahu ceases his war on children and is tried and convicted for war crimes. Celine Secada Dont blame Jews Fort Lauderdale, Fla.: As antisemitism is growing globally, here at home it is growing daily. Are people aligning themselves with Hitlers antisemitic objectives through the process of elimination, or do they detest the Jewish state of Israel so deeply that they shoot and kill any Jew randomly just to satisfy the hate they carry inside? The Nazi extermination plan was a complete failure! Every innocent Jew was killed in vain because of antisemitic beliefs, just as innocent Jews are being struck down today for those same beliefs. It proved nothing then and it proves nothing now because the Jew was never the enemy in the first place. The real enemy is the hate that lives within ones thoughts. Roberta Chaleff Israels actions Canton, N.Y.: The Daily News seems mystified as to why anti-Jewish sentiment is on the rise. Its of course obvious to anyone who isnt deeply compromised by AIPAC and Israels lobbyists. When we wake up daily for months to the news that Israel has killed more Palestinian refugees people driven from their homeland decades ago by Zionist settlers with American-made weapons, it should be obvious. Greg Todd Us against the world Peters Township, Pa.: It is ironic and tragic that as he welcomes white immigrants who claim to have been persecuted in South Africa, our dictator president has slammed the door on those hailing from other countries, including Haiti, Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua and Afghanistan. People being readied for deportation include those whove been here legally under humanitarian provisions, those whove been promised resettlement here and those who risked their lives to aid our ill-fated occupation of Afghanistan. Many face persecution, arrest, torture, and/or death if theyre forced to return to their home countries. An administration that has turned its back on human rights could not care less. The word of the U.S. is no longer its bond. The new Trump America is a cold and cruel place that seeks to purge our country of immigrants of color, bully the rest of the free world into submission and believes the U.S. can exist and thrive with no alliances. Oren Spiegler Shady history Lynbrook, L.I.: I read the article by Leonard Greene highlighting the accomplishments of Charles Rangel (Young lion to political giant, column, June 1), however, two important pieces were missing. Rangel was able to get apartments that he was well-qualified for that were probably intended for those who had limited resources who needed a decent place to live with their family. How did the former congressman qualify? He didnt need affordable housing (my opinion). In 1972, Patrolman Phil Cardillo was shot (later died). Rangel was able to go to the crime scene and told the NYPD that he would bring those responsible to the 28th Precinct the next day. That never happened. Why? Well never know, but we can think he should have never been able to use his status to interfere with an active police investigation. Rangel should have been arrested and charged with interfering with the arrest of those involved. Larry Lombardo Star centenarian Brooklyn: June 3 marked the 100th birthday of the beloved actor Tony Curtis. He worked in films as real-life people: David O. Selznick, the Great Imposter, Sam Giancana, Lepke, the Boston Strangler, Houdini and Ira Hayes, the Marine who planted the flag on Iwo Jima. Curtis worked in films with Cary Grant, Gregory Peck, Henry Fonda, Dean Martin, Kirk Douglas, Sidney Poitier, Ernest Borgnine, Yul Brynner, Frank Sinatra, Burt Lancaster, Jack Lemmon, Laurence Olivier and Jerry Lewis. His leading ladies were Janet Leigh, Marilyn Monroe, Debbie Reynolds and Natalie Wood. Curtis never shot a boring scene. Mike Getz Jun. 4Even after dying, Bloomfield police officer Timothy Ontiveros continued to give to others. On Sunday, the 33-year-old died after being shot by Dennis Armenta, 58, during a traffic stop in Bloomfield on May 26. Armenta was fatally shot by another officer. After being taken off life support, Ontiveros' kidneys and liver were donated to three people, New Mexico Donor Services spokesperson Celina Espinoza said in a phone interview Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "To lose an officer in the line of duty is really, really difficult," she said, "and for him to continue to give even after serving his community so valiantly is just a real inspiration." Espinoza did not identify the recipients or disclose where they lived, but said the transplants were successful and everyone was "doing well." Ontiveros was not a registered organ donor, Espinoza said. If a person is not registered, their family may make the decision on the dying person's behalf to donate their organs, according to the National Institute of Aging. Ontiveros' family said "he had a true heart for service and would have wanted to continue to help others," Espinoza said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only 1 in 1,000 hospital deaths happens in a way that allows for an organ donation, according to the Baylor College of Medicine. "It's rare people are able to give the gift of organ donation," Espinoza said. "It's a true miracle every time it happens." Ontiveros had served with the Bloomfield Police Department since December. He was also a volunteer firefighter with the Aztec Fire Department. He previously worked for Farmington police. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham ordered flags to be at half-staff for five days starting Thursday. "Officer Ontiveros exemplified extraordinary bravery and unwavering dedication in serving and protecting his fellow New Mexicans," she said in a statement. "He will be greatly missed by his family and community and will be remembered as a dedicated father to his two daughters, a fighter and a true public servant. "It is appropriate and proper to acknowledge Officer Ontiveros' life and service through a public period of mourning across New Mexico." The American Red Cross said it is assisting people who were displaced in a fire at the Riverbank Apartments on Wednesday night. The complex is located at 1591 Lane Ave South. The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department shared on its X account just before 5:30 p.m. that its crews were responding to the fire. The Red Cross said in a news release that it is providing financial assistance for emergency needs like food, clothing, temporary housing, prescription medication replacements, and mental health support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently, the Red Cross said it is working with a dozen families, but the situation is evolving. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. CLEVELAND (WJW) Its impossible to know how any of us would respond in a true moment of crisis. But for the men and women honored Thursday morning by the American Red Cross of Northeast Ohio, instinct took over and lives were saved. In a downtown Cleveland ballroom, applause and admiration were on full display as the Red Cross recognized a group of ordinary people who made extraordinary decisions when it mattered most. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Devil sentenced for fatal I-77 shooting Among them: Dorian Pace, a Cleveland Heights bus driver whose routine day took a terrifying turn earlier this year when his bus suddenly burst into flames. Truthfully, just keep my faith in God, Pace said. In that moment, he acted quickly by guiding every student on board to safety and making sure no one was left behind. I was thinking, God please let us make it off this bus before it blows up, he recalled. Every moment was critical. I mean the kids were moving quickly, but it felt like an eternity to get them off the bus. Thanks to Paces fast thinking, every child survived. The bus, later seen in complete ruin, became a stark reminder of what couldve happened, but didnt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also honored was Uber driver Matthew Certain, who was finishing a ride in Mentor when he noticed a strange glow coming from a garage nearby. If you see something, do something. Thats kind of a moral I always follow, Certain said. It turned out to be a fire. Without hesitation, he ran to the door, helped an elderly woman escape and stayed with her until her family arrived a complete stranger who became a lifeline. The way I look at it is: Everyone is calling me a hero, and I dont see myself as a hero, Certain said. Just a normal human being who is doing what a normal person should do. Macedonia police arrest 6 women in Kohls thefts Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The event highlighted individuals from all walks of life different backgrounds, different beliefs, different stories. But they all share one thing in common: When the unthinkable happened, they acted. From heart-stopping moments to heartfelt honors, the Red Cross hosted the event as a celebration of whats possible when courage meets compassion. Because you never know when the crisis will come to your doorstep. May we all have the courage to meet it, just like these heroes did. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. By Charlie Devereux MADRID (Reuters) -Red Sea marine traffic has increased by 60% to 36-37 ships a day since August 2024, but is still short of volumes seen before Yemen's Houthis began attacking ships in the region, according to the commander of the EU's Aspides naval mission. The number of merchant ships using the narrow Bab al-Mandab strait increased after missile and drone attacks by the Houthis slowed and the U.S. and the rebel group signed a ceasefire deal, Rear Admiral Vasileios Gryparis said in an interview in Madrid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But shipping traffic, which reached a low of 20-23 ships daily in August last year, is still short of an average of 72-75 ships a day seen before the Houthis began attacks in the Red Sea in November in 2023 in support of Palestinians over Israel's war in Gaza, said Gryparis. The mission, which was established to safeguard navigation in the strategic trade route linking the Mediterranean with the Gulf of Asia through the Suez Canal, was extended in February when it was also tasked with tracking illegal arms shipments and monitoring vessels carrying sanctioned Russian oil. The last attack on a merchant ship took place in November 2024 and the Houthis have also narrowed their objectives, saying their targets are Israeli ships and ships that have a connection with Israel or have docked at an Israeli port, Gryparis said. "If you have a vessel that does not correspond to this criteria... there is a huge possibility - more than 99% - that you're not going to be targeted by the Houthis," Gryparis said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, Gryparis said he could not guarantee that merchant ships won't be attacked. Some companies have been deterred from using the route because of the mission's lack of ships, which can cause delays of as much as a week for those seeking to be escorted through the area, he said. He said the mission has between two and three ships operating at one time and has requested the EU provide it with 10 ships to increase its capacity for protection. The mission has provided close protection to 476 ships, shot down 18 drones, destroyed two remote-controlled boats used to attack ships and intercepted four ballistic missiles, he said. (Reporting by Charlie Devereux; Editing by Aidan Lewis) Republican members of Congress are hoping the worlds richest man was just being rhetorical when he threatened to fire all the politicians who voted for President Donald Trumps budget bill. Members of the GOP were caught off guard earlier this week when Musk began raging against the presidents one big beautiful bill, which passed by just one vote on May 22. After a few days of tepid criticism about specific provisions, on Tuesday the Republican megadonor went all in, bashing the bill as a disgusting abomination that will massively increase the already gigantic budget deficit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In November next year, we fire all politicians who betrayed the American people, he wrote in a follow-up social media post. A day later, he told his 220 million followers on X to call their representatives and demand that they KILL the BILL. The Tesla chiefwho donated nearly $300 million to Trumps re-election effort last year and served as one of his top advisers for the first several months of his new administrationhas been careful only to bash members of Congress, not the president. Elon Musk has torched Donald Trump's big beautiful bill, publicly complaining that it will undermine his work with DOGE. / Tom Brenner/The Washington Post via Getty Trump, however, is the one who specifically demanded House Speaker Mike Johnson pass one big beautiful bill covering the budget, immigration, and tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans. Musks crusade against the legislation put Republican members of the House of Representativesall but two of whom voted for the billbetween a Trump-sized rock and a Musk-sized hard place, The New York Times reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their supporters expect them to back the president, but theyre worried Musk will make good on his threat to use his wealth to fund primary challengesor mobilize his legion of social media followers against them. In interviews with more than half a dozen House Republicans, many told the Times they were quietly appalled by Musk for being disrespectful toward the president. Publicly, though, the lawmakers are wary of crossing Musk and putting a target on their backs. Last year, Musks super PAC, America PAC, spent around $20 million to support 20 Republicans in highly competitive races. All of them ended up voting for the bill he is now trying to destroy. During interviews with the Times, the lawmakers also accused Musk of throwing a fit because he didnt get his way on specific budget provisions. The bill will cut a clean energy tax credit that has benefited Tesla for years. House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters he called Musk on Tuesday night after the Tesla chief began trashing the budget bill on social media, but the world's richest man didn't pick up, according to the Times. / Samuel Corum / Getty Images Musk, however, claims he opposes the bill over projections that it would increase the federal deficit. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates the legislation would add $2.4 trillion to the deficit over a decade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ultimately, House Republicans are counting on Trump being the more enduring political force, according to the Times, especially since Musk has made all kinds of contradictory comments about his political spending. In April, he said he needed to spend millions on a Wisconsin state Supreme Court race to save Western civilization. His candidate nevertheless lost, and last month, he said he would spend a lot less on political races. House Republicans are apparently hoping that if they lay low now, by the time the midterms roll around, the worlds richest man will have forgotten about the budget saga and moved on to new battles. University of Maryland Global Campus, Asia, faculty congratulate a graduate during 2023 ceremonies in Japan. Long a provider for servicemembers around the globe, UMGC has heavily emphasized its online courses in recent years. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Thomas Sheng/U.S. Marine Corps) The University of Maryland Global Campus should pay out $69 million to run out the contracts of two independent businesses it created that came under sharp criticism from legislators and legislative auditors last year. That was the recommendation of the University System of Marylands Board of Regents Finance Committee, which quickly voted Wednesday to extend the $46 million-a-year contract for UMGC Ventures for another 18 months a total cost of $69 million while the online university works to pull it and another spun-off unit back in-house. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ventures handles the online UMGCs information technology services, and the university is not currently positioned to perform these functions in-house, the resolution said as justification for the extension. The resolution notes that it does not increase the current contract with Ventures, which handles UMGCs information technology services, but merely extends it at current rates. The contract will start July 1 and run through Dec. 31, 2026, the length of time UMCG officials said it will take to reintegrate Ventures and the other independent unit called AccelerEd, a subsidiary of Ventures. The requested contract extension does not increase the annual contract from the current value of fiscal year 25, UMGC President Gregory Fowler told the committee via Zoom. But it does provide us with a necessary runway to implement the reintegration services without disruption of these, which are critical IT services as we are trying to move forward. Fowler said a consulting firm had been hired to craft a reintegration plan and assess the universitys relationship with the two units. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I just want to say thank you for dealing with a difficult situation, and for your summary that you sent out, committee member William T. Bill Wood said during the brief discussion on the issue. That was really helpful to read that and understand,. And congratulations on almost getting through the whole thing. Thank you, Regent Wood, Fowler said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The move to reintegrate offices came after a critical August 2024 audit completed by the state Office of Legislative Audits (OLA), which stated the online universitys creation of AccelerEd and Ventures cost too much money and appeared to skirt normal university procedures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UMGC created the two companies under a University System of Maryland policy called the High Impact Economic Development Activities program. Under HIEDA, campuses in the system are allowed to give preferential treatment to businesses they spin off, under specific circumstances. According to the audit, the campus created Ventures in 2016 as a tax-exempt holding company for UMGC businesses that the university seeded with $15 million. A year later, UMGC spun off its information technology office into AccelerEd. Ventures had $215.3 million in revenues from fiscal years 2017 to 2022, the audit said, but about $198.1 million of that came from UMGC. And of the $198.1 million, about $184 million of those service agreements were made without competitive bids and with little oversight afterward, the audit said. While HIEDA policy doesnt require institutions to seek competitive bids, the audit noted that the law does not mandate exclusive use of these entities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement University officials defended the arrangement in the audit, and when they appeared before the joint committee nearly three months later, in a November hearing, they said they still stood by the intent of the program, even if there were issues in how that intent was executed. The university hired Attain Partners of McLean, Virginia, to study the companies, with a plan focused on seven areas that included governance and leadership alignment, communication and change management, finance and budgeting and technology. According to an executive summary Attain presented in May, Ventures and AccelerEd helped create 174 jobs , supported St. Marys College of Maryland and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, provided $1.5 million in scholarships and established three technology programs. The summary also highlighted legal advice offered by Florida-based Holland & Knight, which has a Washington, D.C., office. It said Ventures met its IRS designations and complied with UMGC rules by conducting business on an arms length basis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some members of Ventures board of directors were not appointed by the university, governor or executive authority, so its board didnt require a quorum, and the university has no veto power or ability to reverse decisions, the consultants report said. It does not appear that Ventures would be subject to audit by UMGC or the University System of Maryland without either volunteering to do so or judicial deliberation, according to the summary. Among Attains recommendations was to develop a 1218-month implementation plan to incorporate the necessary frameworks, mechanisms, and structures within Ventures to support the commercialization lifecycle, and it said that if UMGC absorbed AccelerEds staff and services back into the university, it addresses the majority of OLA audit concerns. The Finance Committees recommendation will be presented to the full Board of Regents, which is scheduled June 13 at 8 a.m. at the University System of Maryland at Hagerstown. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) After Epic Charter Schools laid off hundreds of employees Tuesday, the teachers left behind say theyve been given no answers, and some are now questioning whether the charter system that they work for truly puts students first. Those teachers say they dont know who is in charge, how the school plans to move forward, or whether their jobs are truly safe. At least one teacher says the chaos has her rethinking the charter-school model entirelyand what it means for students. News 4 reported that more than 350 Epic Charter Schools employees were blindsided on Tuesday with an email informing them that they were being let go. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Hundreds of teachers, administrative staff laid off from Epic Charter Schools Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News 4 obtained a copy of the email. The subject line read: 2025-2026 Non-Renewal. We just had our graduation ceremonies last weekend, one now-former Epic employee said. There was no word then about anything like this. The message got straight to the point. That my contract would not be renewed for the 2025-2026 school year, and that as an at-will employer, they dont need to have a designee provide a reason for why I was let go, he said. The state-funded online charter school laid off 357 employees Tuesday, including 83 teachers and nearly 300 administrators. We know that there are guidance counselors affected, transition coordinators, a current Epic teacher said. The teacher told News 4 that Epic did not inform teachers that the district layoff included eliminating the roles of every principal, leaving teachers unclear about who they now answer to. We would love to know. We are very interested in what that looks like, she said. And we have not been told any information on how do you have a school without a principal? While this teacher still has her jobthat has come at a price. They cut our pay again two weeks ago, she said. She said the new pay scale dropped teachers base salaries to $40,000 a year. I was hired with the agreement that $60,000 a year would be base pay, she said. Thats quite a significant pay cut. She said the pay cut announcement came in an email with a form attached, including an ultimatum. You have 48 hours to sign it or get lost, she said. We thought honestly that maybe they were kind of playing chicken with staff and waiting for people to quit. Epic Charter Schools announce future layoffs due to low enrollment She said she had the same feeling last fall, when Epic also cut pay and laid off teachers during a budget crisis blamed on faulty enrollment predictions. In October, they came back and said, Hey, were restructuring a little bit. We dont have the enrollment numbers that we thought we did, she said. But clearly, that didnt solve all the money problems. Now, she said, thats left her questioning the choice she made when she left a traditional public school to join the virtual charter model. My specific team [feels] much more corporate than school, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said, during the nearly one decade that she spent in a traditional public school district, never once did the district resort to layoffs, let alone numerous rounds of them, even in the face of declining funding. Everything [at Epic] feels like maybe a little bit disingenuous, because it feels more like we are a machine than we are a public school system. In light of Epics decisions to cut staff anyway, she says there will be a trickle-down effect on the students. I think anything that is affecting teacher morale and teacher security is going to affect students, she said. Its not as easy, I think, to be at the top of your game when you are constantly checking over your shoulder to make sure youre not going to be fired. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Family and friends of a beloved mother killed in a crash by an accused drunk driver in Franklin over Memorial Day weekend are set to gather Thursday night for a remembrance service. The family of Minaben Patel has invited the community to honor her life at a service at the crash site at 72 Grove Street in Franklin at 6 p.m. Together, we remember and celebrate a life marked by love, kindness, and quiet strength, an announcement on the Town of Medways Facebook page read. Patel, 38, of Franklin, died days after the May 24 crash that killed her daughter, Krisha Patel, 5, according to the district attorney and a Facebook post by the SAFE Coalition on Tuesday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Town of Medway also released a statement on Patels passing and shared a photo of the late mother holding her daughter, Krisha Patel. With deep sadness, we share the heartbreaking news that Minaben Patel, beloved mother of Krisha Patel, the statement read. Minaben was a devoted mother, a loving wife, and a dear friend to many. The Norfolk District Attorneys Office and the Franklin Police Department are saddened by the loss to Minabens family, and we extend our heartfelt condolences, Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey and Franklin Police Chief Thomas Lynch said in a joint statement Tuesday. Another vigil was held for Krisha Patel at the crash site last Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We would like to share, through the familys wishes, that Minaben Patel, mother of sweet Krisha, has passed away, the SAFE Coalition said in its post. Minabens family is again deeply thankful for all the love and support shared over the last week, the group said. They invite the community to honor this amazing Mother, Wife, Family Member, and friend this Thursday for a service of remembrance. The driver accused in the fatal crash, James Blanchard, 21, of Franklin, was ordered held on $250,000 cash bail following his arraignment on May 27. A not guilty plea was entered on Blanchards behalf. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was immediately unclear Tuesday if Blanchard would face additional charges in the case. During his arraignment, prosecutor Christopher Meade said Blanchard told police he had two beers while at a landscaping job on Saturday, May 24 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, Meade said during the arraignment in Wrentham District Court. 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. While driving home around 6:22 p.m. Saturday, May 24, 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 5-year-old girl died following the crash, Meade said. Her mother and brother were taken to a local hospital in critical condition. The brothers condition was not known on Tuesday. Her father, the driver of the Honda, was treated and released. Defense attorney Timothy Flaherty had asked the court during Blanchards arraignment 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 during the arraignment. 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 An autopsy will be performed to determine a cause of Minaben Patels death, the district attorney said. Meanwhile, services were held for Krisha Patel on May 31, according to the girls obituary. Our hearts are broken as we say goodbye to such a precious little soul. In her short time with us, she filled the world with laughter, wonder, and love, her obituary states. Her smile could brighten the darkest day, and her kind heart touched everyone she met. Though her time here was far too brief, her spirit will forever live on in the hearts of all who loved her, her obituary states. We will carry her memory with us always - like a beautiful, shining star in the sky. May she rest peacefully, wrapped in love and light. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crash remains under investigation by Franklin Police, the Norfolk District Attorneys Office and the Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW MADISON, Wis. (WFRV) Police in Wisconsin are urging residents to protect their valuables in the car after a report of a firearm being stolen from a parked vehicle overnight. The Madison Police Department said that a report came in of a theft from a car, where a gun was taken from the parked vehicle. Two men from Romania arrested in Wisconsin for ATM skimmer operation According to the release, there was no sign of a forced entry, as the vehicle was likely unlocked. The gun was listed as stolen, as the Madison Police Department provided the following reminders: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lock your vehicle, no matter where it is Remove or cover all valuables in the vehicle Do not leave a firearm in the vehicle Close overhead garage doors even when home No additional details were provided. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) While asking rents are falling in most U.S. cities, Tampa Bay renters are paying more than they did last year, according to Redfin. The real estate company said it analyzed asking rents in 44 major U.S. core-based statistical areas and saw rents decline in 28 areas. However, the Tampa Bay area saw the second-largest increase. New Florida law adds requirement before teens can get behind the wheel Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The median asking rent in the Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater areas rose by 4.2 percent year over year, the report said. Redfin said the median asking rent in the Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater areas is $1,805. To read Redfins full report, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. President Donald Trumps Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick got burned badly by Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.) with a banana, no less. It happened during a meeting of the House Appropriations Committee on Thursday, where the former stockbroker insisted the major effect of the presidents controversial tariff proposals would be teaching self-reliance to American businesses. But then the congresswoman asked Lutnick about the tariff on bananas, adding, Americans, by the way, loooove bananas. We buy billions of them a year. I love bananas. Whats the tariff on bananas? We were made for this moment. HuffPost is committed to reporting the truth and pointing out the absurdity of the Trump administration. Consider directly backing our work today. Lutnick responded that the tariff on that fruit would be representative of the countries that produce them, which he said was generally 10%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dean then pointed out that Walmart has already increased the cost of bananas by 8%. Lutnick claimed prices would go back down as countries continue to make new deals with the U.S. However, Dean was focused on the very real present and not Lutnicks nebulous future predictions. But the cost is on the American consumer now, and on the businesses with the confusion now, she said. Mr. Secretary, I believe you know better. I believe you recognize that a trade deficit is not something to fear. I believe you know that predictability, stability, is essential for businesses. I wish you would show that truth to this administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lutnick then added one more point: Theres no uncertainty that if you build in America and produce your product in America, there will be no tariff. Dean then held up a banana and noted to Lutnick: We cannot build bananas in America. Although bananas can be grown in parts of the country such as Hawaii and southern Florida, the current domestic crop isnt nearly enough to satisfy the cravings of Americans, who eat an average of 26 pounds of the fruit each year. You can see the complete exchange below. .@RepDean: What's the tariff on bananas? Americans love bananas. Secretary @howardlutnick: Generally 10%. Dean: Walmart has already increased the cost of bananas by 8%. Lutnick: If you build in America...there will be no tariff. Dean: We cannot build bananas in America. pic.twitter.com/E77exhcUGK CSPAN (@cspan) June 5, 2025 Dean later commented on the exchange on her X account, expressing surprise that as a former writing professor, I would be giving economic lessons to the Commerce Secretary, but here we are. Never thought as a former writing professor, I would be giving economics lessons to the Commerce Secretary, but here we are. Trump's chaotic tariffs are rooted in an arbitrary fear of a trade deficit, but a trade deficit means Americans are buying goods a sign of financial pic.twitter.com/cEBDjFesvm Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (@RepDean) June 5, 2025 She followed up with a post noting that not everything can be produced in the U.S. America excels at a lot of things, but growing bananas isn't one of them. The reality is that not everything can be produced in the U.S. Trump tariffs penalize Americans simply for buying the quality goods they want. pic.twitter.com/5JsWGvWnCe Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (@RepDean) June 5, 2025 Other people also went bananas over Deans exchange with Lutnick. When your tariff logic is so broken that someone has to explain you cant manufacture fruit it might be time to rethink the whole economic strategy thing. You cant out-patriot gravity, or biology. Lutnick is a Dipsht. And he is a billionaire that earned every penny of Evaristus Odinikaeze (@odinikaeze) June 5, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement America has neither a comparative nor an absolute advantage in banana growing. I think Lutnick really means that Americans should stop eating bananas. https://t.co/49VCv9unLy Betsey Stevenson (@BetseyStevenson) June 5, 2025 tHiS iS wAt We VoTeD FoR pic.twitter.com/3hAa6XTvNb Sarah Bee (@BirrelleBee) June 5, 2025 Lutnick is genuinely the biggest idiot in the whole administration. Which degree did he graduate with because, I'm sorry, surely no-one can be this stupid and be in a position holding this much power? Dr Dolittle (@DocDoLi) June 5, 2025 Lutnick wants you to grown bananas in America earning $7.25 an hour without healthcare or any other employee benefits. Live On The Chat (@LiveOnTheChat) June 5, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Your daily reminder: Florida cannot build Maple syrup, Just like Vermont cannot build orange juice. The same geographical laws of trade apply to other industries. We cannot and never will be able to make everything in the United States. Lincs (@x_facts_matter) June 5, 2025 Bananas are imported to America b/c we can't produce enough to meet domestic demand. pic.twitter.com/vJ4ESjhnsP Jeremy H (@jeremyfromga) June 5, 2025 I am so glad "why tariff banana" thought is reaching members of Congress. It's the most obvious example of how insane this administration's trade policy has beenofficials like Lutnick can't give a good justification for it because there simply isn't one https://t.co/sB0kfV9T3v Joey Politano (@JosephPolitano) June 5, 2025 BREAKING: Karoline Leavitt just announced the WH has launched project "Build Back Better Bananas" to be headed by Howard Lutnick & will begin after the vetting process to hire a ventriloquist with a lap large enough to accommodate Secretary Lutnick's generous ass is completed. https://t.co/OtsXuAn4BM Greta (@GretaGrace20) June 5, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related... YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) Reports said city police Wednesday afternoon found a handgun on a man who was part of a large crowd on a South Side street in front of a home, wanting to fight. Read next: To chase or not to chase: Local police chiefs share perspectives on pursuits Deshawn Bradford, 19, was booked into the Mahoning County jail on a charge of carrying concealed weapons, a fourth-degree felony. He is expected to be arraigned Friday in municipal court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reports said Bradford was arrested after police on patrol about 2:15 p.m. saw about 15 to 20 people in the street screaming at the occupants of a home in the 100 block of East Ravenwood Avenue and taunting them to fight. When police walked up to the crowd, people scattered and began running, reports said. Officers ordered them back, and Bradford and two others walked back to police. Officers asked if they had guns, and they all said no, reports said. Police patted them down, and when they did, an officer felt a gun on Bradfords hip, reports said, and took a loaded 9mm semiautomatic handgun off of him, reports said. The people in the home told police that the group showed up to fight a female, reports said. As police were sorting out the situation, a woman was cited for refusing orders to leave another woman alone and wanting to fight, reports said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bradford was charged with a gun offense because, under Ohio law, a person under 21 is not allowed to have a handgun. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. CHICAGO (WGN) ICE detained several immigrants in Chicagos South Loop on Wednesday and clashed with advocates protesting the arrests. WGN News cameras rolled as advocates gathered outside the BI Incorporated building Wednesday afternoon, on South Michigan Avenue near the citys South Side. BI Incorporated is a government contractor that operates the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program (ISAP) for immigrants, utilizing ankle bracelets and other monitoring devices as an alternative to detention. Advocates say they were tipped off that ICE was detaining people early Wednesday morning when a woman who is part of the ISAP program showed up for a check-in appointment that she received a text message about earlier in the week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chicago officials raise concerns over federal immigration raids in Pilsen Antonio Gutierrez, with Organized Communities Against Deportation, said that the womans attorneys were not allowed inside with her. She was told to come today, no set time, no reason as to why. We also have learned of other people in Chicago who are in the ISAP program, family members of other individuals who are physically detained at this building right now, Gutierrez said. Others shared similar stories. (It) was a bit impromptu, usually they get a better warning, and we got the surprise that he was being detained, and I didnt even see him leave the site, Carlos Pineda, who drove a friend to a similar check-in, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crowd gathering reportedly lasted for hours until federal agents emerged, leading people with their hands cuffed in front of them to a white van in the street. WGN News has since learned that what transpired Wednesday was part of a nationwide surge in arrests. While its unclear how many people were arrested, Chicago Ald. Anthony Quezada (35th Ward) estimates that agents took at least 10 people into custody. The alderman also said that ICE agents shoved him down three times during their enforcement attempts. Amidst the chaotic scene, federal agents used batons to push back the crowd and had pepper spray ready, but did not deploy it. Chicago Ald. Byron Sigcho Lopez (25th Ward) told WGN News its shameful whats transpiring in the city. What we saw here today masked individuals. These people are not law enforcement. These are masked individual, the alderman said. These are Proud Boys (that) dont show their faces. Theyre kidnapping people, and here in Chicago we are saying no to the fascist dictator who is kidnapping people. There was a mother who had a 10-year-old boy who now has no mother. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Expletive) ICE and abolish ICE! Quezada also addressed the incident, saying that in a Gestapo fashion, 50 agents or so walked down the street, stood in front of the driveway and aggressively came through, knocked me down, assaulted me and other community members here today, then pulled out weapons and also their sticks, pushing some of us, punching some of us to get through this driveway. Chicago Ald. Jessie Fuentes (26th Ward) added: They robbed families of their mothers. They robbed families of their siblings. They robbed families of their fathers. The image that will forever be ingrained in my head will be the women in handcuffs crying, begging their families to help. The fathers who were taken out of that building, crying, begging for us to help. And so, we will do just that. We will not rest until we ensure that we demand their release, because they have every right to be here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A full statement from Fuentes reads: Today was incredibly difficult. I witnessed federally sanctioned brutality that I never imagined was possible in our city. First, thank you to OCAD, ICIRR, Palenque LSNA, CAARPR, and everyone who showed up today. I want to reiterate what I shared during our press conference following the ICE action. Do not let the Department of Homeland Security convince you that they are only deporting criminals. Do not let them convince you that we are better without our immigrant community. Do not let them convince you that these actions make our communities safer. What is factual is that these actions are putting our community at greater risk. Children are being left behind. Families are being separated. Hard working contributors to the fabric of our society are being disappeared. The 10 people who were illegally detained showed up for their appointments in good faith. They came prepared with their attorneys, their documents, and their families. What they were met with was a manipulative tactic used to kidnap them. These actions are not right. And, further, these actions are illegal. The best way to fight against fear is to be informed and build community. Please call the Family Support Hotline if your family member has been taken by ICE or you suspect ICE presence: 855-435-7693. Remember that you have the right to film police activity, the right to remain silent, and the right to speak to an attorney. Know that you have elected officials who will show up for you. Know that you have an emergency hotline. Know that you have an entire network of deportation defense on your side. We keep us safe. Ald. Jessie Fuentes (26th Ward) WGN News reached out to ICE for additional information. An ICE spokesperson issued the following statement on Thursday morning: Those arrested had executable final orders of removal by an immigration judge and had not complied with that order. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Governor: They overstep constantly Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, a frequent critic of President Donald Trump and his administration, responded Thursday morning to the ICE arrests in Chicagos South Loop, saying they were certainly inappropriate. Anybody can see that. I think anybody who watched the videos could see that, Pritzker said. They overstep constantly, one time after another, at the federal level. And I think they need to make sure that theyre following the law, just like we do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chicago police, meanwhile, responded to the scene to help with crowd control in the interest of public safety. CPD is legally prohibited from aiding in immigration enforcement, though advocates accused them of protecting the process, a claim CPD denies. The department said it made no arrests of is own. Responding to WGN News request for comment, CPD denied any involvement in assisting immigration enforcement, saying that all actions taken Wednesday were in accordance with department policy. The full statement reads: The Chicago Police Department responded to the 2200 block of S. Michigan for two calls of assist the police officer, which initiated the emergency response. Officers arrived without knowledge of immigration enforcement occurring at the location. CPD spoke with individuals inside a building at the location, as well as the large crowds gathered outside. CPD was on-site to ensure the safety of all involved, including those exercising their First Amendment rights. At no point did CPD assist in immigration enforcement. All actions taken by CPD during this incident were in accordance with CPD policy and the City of Chicago Municipal Code. No arrests were made by CPD and the crowd dispersed without incident. Chicago Police Department Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson who, one day prior, questioned the legality of the arrests and whether warrants had been issued before ICE agents reportedly raided communities in Pilsen and his Press Office issued a statement Wednesday evening: Mayor Johnson condemns the reckless and dangerous escalation by ICE agents this afternoon in the South Loop. Chicagoans have the right to protest the separation of family members by federal immigration enforcement. Federal agents should never be allowed to come into our city and assault elected officials or any Chicagoan. All residents have the right to due process under the Constitution, any action to the contrary is unconscionable. We will continue to uphold the Welcoming City ordinance and the Illinois Trust Act, and ensure law enforcement does the same. We are reviewing this incident and will provide an update as more information becomes available. Statement from the Mayors Press Office Service Employees International Union Local 1 President Genie Kastrup also issued a statement Thursday morning: The recent ICE operation in Chicagos South Loop, which resulted in the mass arrest of immigrant community members, is a grave affront to our citys values of inclusion and justice. SEIU Local 1 unequivocally condemns this action and stands in solidarity with our immigrant neighbors who are the backbone of our communities and keep our city running. Chicago has long been a sanctuary for those seeking a better life, and such aggressive enforcement tactics undermine the trust and safety of our neighborhoods. We urge city officials to reaffirm Chicagos commitment to protecting all its residents, regardless of immigration status, and to ensure that our city remains a place where working families can live without fear. SEIU Local 1 will continue to advocate for policies that uphold the dignity and rights of all workers and community members. We urge our members and allies to join us in demanding accountability and in working towards a more just and equitable society. Statement from SEIU Local 1 President Genie Kastrup Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. On Nov. 6, 2021, the U.S. Navy christened and launched a ship in San Diego Bay named for slain gay rights leader Harvey Milk. Less than four years later, the Trump administration is ordering that the replenishment oiler USNS Harvey Milk be renamed. U.S. officials say Navy Secretary John Phelan put together a small team to rename the replenishment oiler and that a new name is expected this month, Navy Times reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations, said the next name had not yet been chosen. CBS News first reported the proposed moniker change to the USNS Harvey Milk, which was named for the former Navy officer who later became one of the countrys first openly gay elected officials, winning a position on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977. Milk, along with San Francisco Mayor George Moscone, was assassinated on Nov. 27, 1978, by former city supervisor Dan White. The Navy referred all comments to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths office, which provided a brief statement: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Secretary Hegseth is committed to ensuring that the names attached to all DOD installations and assets are reflective of the Commander-in-Chiefs priorities, our nations history, and the warrior ethos, said Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell. Any potential renaming(s) will be announced after internal reviews are complete. Milk served as a diving officer on the submarine rescue ship USS Kittiwake during the Korean War, according to Military.com. He left the service as a lieutenant junior grade in 1955 with a less than honorable discharge after being officially questioned about his sexual orientation, according to his official biography. The reported renaming of the USNS Harvey Milk may not be the last in the U.S. Navys fleet. Documents obtained by CBS News also show other vessels named after prominent leaders are also on the Navys renaming recommended list. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among them are the USNS Thurgood Marshall, USNS Ruth Bader Ginsburg, USNS Harriet Tubman, USNS Dolores Huerta, USNS Lucy Stone, USNS Cesar Chavez and USNS Medgar Evers. Its rare for the Navy to change the name of a ship. Two years ago, the Navy renamed the USS Chancellorsville and the USNS Maury, based on a congressional commissions recommendation to remove names linked to the Confederacy. The Chancellorsville was renamed the USS Robert Smalls, after a former slave who captured a Confederate ship during the Civil War, and the Maury became the USNS Marie Tharp, named after a pioneering female oceanographer, according to NPR. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The order to rename the USNS Harvey Milk prompted sharp responses. In a statement, Democratic Rep. Nancy Pelosi, the former House speaker, said Milk proudly served as a lieutenant in the United States Navy who was a formidable force for change and an LGBTQ+ advocate. The reported decision by the Trump Administration to change the names of the USNS Harvey Milk and other ships in the John Lewis-class is a shameful, vindictive erasure of those who fought to break down barriers for all to chase the American Dream, said Pelosi. Defense Department: Identity Months Dead at DoD Reports of the order to rename the USNS Harvey Milk come during the first week of Pride Month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this year, the Defense Department released a statement ending agency observances of such cultural awareness months. Our unity and purpose are instrumental to meeting the Departments warfighting mission. Efforts to divide the force to put one group ahead of another erode camaraderie and threaten mission execution, noted the release, entitled Identity Months Dead at DoD. The release directed Defense Department components and U.S. military departments to not use official resources to host celebrations or events related to cultural awareness months. Cultural awareness months specified in the directive included: National African American/Black History Month, Womens History Month, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Pride Month, National Hispanic Heritage Month, National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and National American Indian Heritage Month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Service members and civilians, the release noted, are permitted to attend such events in an unofficial capacity and outside of duty hours. A recent series of disruptive military policies News surrounding the renaming of the USNS Harvey Milk is the latest in a series of Trump administration actions to grab headlines across the military community. Last month, Hegseth sent a memo instructing U.S. service academies to offer admission exclusively on merit with no consideration of an applicants race, ethnicity or sex. The Military Service Academies (MSA) are elite warfighting institutions with long histories of producing world class military officers, wrote Hegseth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department owes it to our nation, our service members, and the young Americans applying to the MSAs to ensure admissions to these prestigious institutions are based exclusively on merit. And in January, Trump issued an executive order directing all elements of the U.S. Armed Forces to operate free from any preference based on race or sex. The president wrote that as the militarys commander in chief, he is committed to meritocracy and to the elimination of race-based and sex-based discrimination within the Armed Forces of the United States. The Pentagon has also reportedly ordered all military leaders and commands to pull and review their library books that address diversity, anti-racism or gender issues. Soup D'oor Though some want him back, many Republicans are breathing a massive sigh of relief now that billionaire Elon Musk has broken up with president Donald Trump in dramatic fashion. As Axios reports, lawmakers are releasing plenty of steam and pent-up frustration. "He's a complete joke," one House Republican vented to Axios. "He had no idea what the f*ck he was doing, whatsoever." "Nobody really wanted him here," the lawmaker added. "We couldn't wait to get rid of him." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The comments highlight an immense buildup of tension behind the scenes as Musk led the gutting of federal agencies with the newly created Department of Government Efficiency, chaotic moves that have proven immensely unpopular. Now that he's on the outs with Trump, politicians and political operatives are finally coming out of the woodwork to bid him adieu though cleaning up the mess Musk is leaving behind won't be an easy feat. Bye Felicia Musk has been accused of overstepping boundaries and pushing Trump to pick his preferred cabinet members. In other words, Musk's mere presence in the White House ruffled plenty of feathers. He was given the nickname "Crazy Uncle Elon" by State Department officials, as Rolling Stone reported earlier this year, with staffers rolling their eyes at his cringey jokes and bristling at his "irritating" personality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But now that Musk has claimed that his time in politics has come to an end a proclamation that's hard to believe Trump officials are seemingly elated. "He can say whatever he wants to," another House Republican told Axios. "I don't care. I don't really pay attention. He's not elected. He served at the pleasure of the president. He no longer does." The beef between Musk and Trump escalated after the White House announced over the weekend that it had pulled its nominee for the NASA administrator role, Jared Isaacman, who was personally hand-picked by Musk. Not long after, Musk excoriated Trump's tax bill as a "disgusting abomination," calling on people to "fire all politicians, who betrayed the American people" during next year's midterm elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I knew it was a matter of time before the two alpha males would explode, fight each other," one House Republican told Axios. More on the feud: Musk Privately Complaining That His Immense Donations to Trump Didn't Even Buy Him Control of NASA Trail camera footage from a remote Central American island has left researchers befuddled as to why capuchin monkeys are acting in a never-before-seen way. Captured on an island off the Panama coast, the footage shows five capuchin monkeys kidnapping at least 11 infant howler monkeys over the course of 15 months. Researchers divulged their findings in a study published in Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior (via ScienceDaily), which was then reported on by Outdoors. "Young male capuchin monkeys have been abducting baby howler monkeys and carrying them for days at a time," the Max Planck Institute wrote on Instagram. "Nobody was on the island to see which capuchin started the behavior and who copied him. But remote cameras were there." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trail cameras have become valuable research tools for conservationists. They allow researchers to monitor remote areas for long periods of time with remarkable efficiency. And the cameras are often so conspicuous that local wildlife doesn't know they are there, giving an unfiltered look into these creatures' daily lives. Recently, trail cameras have captured remarkable footage, such as a bird's rare mating ritual in Thailand. They've shown rarely-seen glimpses of endangered species, such as an Arabian lynx, tahr, and wolf in Oman. And they've confirmed the reintroduction of species to certain ecosystems, such as river otters throughout Ohio. As far as capuchins, these abductions had not been seen before, and researchers believe it began as random behavior that somehow caught on within this specific population. "The more interesting question is not, 'Why did this tradition arise?' but 'Why here?'" researcher Brendan J. Barrett said in the study. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The capuchins did not play with, eat, or hurt any of the babies, and kept them for just a few days. Researchers do believe, however, that all of the abducted babies ended up dying, as the capuchins couldn't provide them with the milk they needed to survive. "Witnessing the spread of this behavior had a profound effect on all of us," researcher Meg Crofoot said in the study. "We therefore feel even more responsible to keep learning from this natural population of primates who, to our knowledge, are the only ones on Earth to be practicing this strange tradition." 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. Two U.S. officials told Reuters on June 4 that Ukraine struck as many as 20 Russian military aircraft during Operation Spiderweb, destroying around 10 of them. The claims stands in contrast with estimates made by Ukraine's security service (SBU) which claimed more than 40 aircraft were hit in the June 1 attack. A source in the SBU told the Kyiv Independent on June 1 that Ukrainian first-person-view (FPV) drones smuggled deep inside Russian and hidden inside trucks has hit 41 Russian heavy bombers at four airfields across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attacks rendered a significant number of aircraft irreparable, with others expected to take years to restore. The strikes targeted four key airfieldsOlenya, Ivanovo, Dyagilevo, and Belayaused by Russian strategic aviation involved in bombing Ukrainian cities. The SBU claimed the operation caused approximately $7 billion in damage and disabled one third of Russia's cruise missile bombers. The Kyiv Independent cannot independently verify the claims made by Ukrainian or U.S. officials. The SBU on June 4 released new footage from its Operation Spiderweb, showing targeted strikes on Russian strategic aircraft across multiple airfields. From the footage, it is not immediately clear as to how many aircraft were destroyed. Kyiv did not inform U.S. President Donald Trump about the operation ahead of its execution, and President Volodymyr Zelensky said on June 4 that Ukraine would not have carried out its drone strikes on Russian strategic bombers if Russia had agreed to a ceasefire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump held an hour and 15 minute phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on June 4, which Trump described as a "good conversation, but not a conversation that will lead to immediate peace." "President Putin did say, and very strongly, that he will have to respond to the recent attack on the airfields," Trump added, without making further comments regarding the "response" and did not say whether the U.S. had urged restraint. Trump's Special Envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, warned that the attack could lead to escalations in the full-scale war. "I'm telling you the risk levels are going way up," Kellogg told Fox News on June 3. "When you attack an opponent's part of their national survival system, which is their nuclear triad, that means your risk level goes up because you don't know what the other side's going to do." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine's drone strike followed several days of Russian escalation as Moscow launched some of the heaviest aerial attacks in the full-scale war over a span of three nights. Operation Spiderweb targeted some of the very bombers that rained destruction on Ukrainian cities and civilian targets. Ukraine's Operation Spiderweb. (Nizar al-Rifai/The Kyiv Independent) Read also: Putin will have to respond to Ukraines attack on Russian bombers, Trump says after call with Kremlin chief Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden speaks to the media during a press conference on March 13, 2025, at the Capitol in Pierre. (Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight) Republican South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden signed an executive order this week to plan for future disasters as the Trump administration works to shift the responsibility for disaster relief to state and local entities. We pray that the most challenging circumstances will never arise, but we are preparing so that South Dakota can face such situations with determination, resilience, and grit, Rhoden said in a press release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Trump has called the Federal Emergency Management Agency a disaster and suggested it might go away. FEMA is led by Homeland Security Secretary and former South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem. Trump signed an executive order in March titled Achieving Efficiency Through State and Local Preparedness, which says federal policy must rightly recognize that preparedness is most effectively owned and managed at the State, local, and even individual levels. The Trump order also instructs federal agencies to reevaluate grants, contracts, and technical assistance funding programs. FEMA has since ended the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program. The 2021 program aimed to direct $1 billion in funding toward infrastructure projects to help communities across the U.S. reduce their hazard risk as they build capability and capacity. According to a tally of federal cuts compiled and updated weekly by the governors office, $8.9 million in South Dakota projects were set to benefit from BRIC grants. Critics say the shift in disaster relief responsibilities and funding from the federal government to state and local governments will leave poorer, rural states unprepared and unable to respond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rhoden says the task force will support the Trump administrations executive order. Rhoden dubbed the group the Governors Resilience and Infrastructure Task Force, or GRIT. He said the task force will serve as an advisory body to develop policy recommendations, assess risks and vulnerabilities, and support long-term planning and investment in critical infrastructure systems across our state. The task force will be chaired by Lt. Gov. Tony Venhuizen. Adjutant General Mark Morrell of the South Dakota National Guard will serve as vice chair. Venhuizen said the task force is more than a response to President Trump ending programs and planning to shift responsibilities to states. He said the concept of the task force has been under consideration since last year. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Sir Richard Branson faces a fight to fulfil his dream of operating trains through the Channel Tunnel after the rail regulator concluded there was room for just one new entrant. The ruling means Sir Richard must convince the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) that he is better placed to provide competition to Eurostar than three rival bidders. While the ORR found that the only UK depot capable of servicing Channel Tunnel trains has room to handle more, it made clear that vital maintenance capacity is extremely limited. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The regulator said: Taken together with Eurostar and applicants initial plans, the assessment suggests there is room for at most one new operator, or for Eurostar to grow. The chosen bidder will win the right to compete with Eurostar in the lucrative Paris market and potentially launch new services to cities such as Bordeaux, Marseille, Frankfurt and Zurich. The ruling is poised to pitch Sir Richards Virgin Trains against Gemini Trains, chaired by Labour peer Lord Berkeley, which has said it would provide services from Londons St Pancras International to Paris and Brussels with a fleet of 10 trains. Also in the running is Trenitalia, the main operating arm of Italys state railway company FS Italian. It is expected to partner with a fourth bidder, Evolyn, which is backed by the Spanish Cosmen family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Virgin Trains said it would order a dozen trains worth around 500m, representing half of the required launch funding. These would most likely be from Alstom or Siemens, which together provide the Eurostar fleet. Sir Richard would take a major equity stake, supported by a partner or partners. While inactive on the UK rail network since 2019, Virgin Trains was credited with bringing airline-style flair to the West Coast route between London and Scotland following its privatisation in the late 1990s. The current West Coast contract is run by Trenitalia with FirstGroup. It was ranked as Britains worst train service for punctuality and the second worst for cancellations in the first quarter, according to the most recent ORR figures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Eurostar itself said it would also stake a claim to the spare capacity at Temple Mills depot in east London, the ORR is expected to favour an end to its 31-year monopoly over passenger express services between Britain and the Continent. In a letter to bidders, the regulator asked them to present final submissions at pace to allow it to make a decision on awarding the routes by the end of October. However, it cautioned that applicants must submit detailed plans on the allocation of depot capacity and said that they were free to work together on alternative solutions for providing maintenance. Eurostar, which connects London with Paris, Lille, Brussels, Rotterdam, Amsterdam and the French Alps, said it was still of the view that Temple Mills was too full to accommodate a new entrant, with the one and a half servicing lanes available sufficient for five trains at the most. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company, owned by French state railway SCNF, said the only workable solution may be to build a second UK depot and that there a number of suitable sites available, including one at Stratford, close to Temple Mills. While construction costs would most likely exceed 100m, a spokesman said it would be open to collaborating with a potential rival to share the cost. Eurostar operates a fleet of around 20 trains from St Pancras but plans to place an order for up to 50 more as early as this year, to be split between its Channel Tunnel routes and a Paris-to-Brussels service. The spokesman said: Its clear a strategic, joined-up approach is needed to unlock the full potential of international rail for passengers and the UK economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Virgin Group welcomed the ORRs update and said it was ready to take up the challenge. A spokesman said: Todays report is great news for passengers, bringing the group even closer to unlocking competition on the cross-Channel route. Gemini didnt immediately respond to requests 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. AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) The Richmond County Sheriffs Office invited the community to engage directly with Sheriff Eugene Brantley and officers at a local Starbucks on Wednesday. The event, Coffee with the Cops, was held June 4 at the Starbucks on Bobby Jones Expressway. People had the opportunity to speak and ask questions in a relaxed and welcoming environment, according to RCSO. Photojournalist credit: Regynal McKie Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. GALESBURG, Ill. (WMBD) Five children and four staff members were injured during what the Knox County Sheriffs Office termed a riot at the Mary Davis Home Juvenile Detention Center. According to Detective Brandie Catton, deputies responded to the detention center at about 7:30 p.m. Wednesday night on a report of a disturbance that quickly escalated into something more when a group of juveniles became combative. Remaining Galesburg detention center escapees captured after shooting Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was an emergency response by facility staff and local law enforcement, Catton said. Staff members sustained non-life-threatening injuries while attempting to regain control. All individuals staff and the juveniles were evaluated and treated by medical personnel at the scene. Some that needed additional medical attention were taken to OSF HealthCare Saint Marys hospital. The facility was secured and the incident was contained within the building. There is no current threat to the surrounding community, Catton said. An internal investigation has been initiated and is being conducted in coordination with local law enforcement. Additional charges may be considered for those found to have instigated or participated in acts of violence, according to the detective. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the second time in less than two years such an incident has been reported. A similar incident occurred in March 2024. During that incident, eight staff members were injured, with some transported to the hospital due to their injuries. Two juveniles were also treated and released. The detention home also sustained significant damages during that incident. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com. RIVERTON, Utah (ABC4) A 16-year-old Riverton teen is in custody after he allegedly shot his uncle three times during a dispute on Wednesday evening. Josh Lee, a spokesperson for the Riverton Police Department, confirmed with ABC4.com that officers were called to the home near 13400 South and Homestead Lane around 6:30 p.m. on June 4. Upon arrival, they found the uncle with gunshot wounds in the front yard. University of Utah terminates recognition of Sigma Nu fraternity citing egregious hazing violations Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The uncle was taken to the hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The teen, who has only been identified by age, allegedly fled the scene after the shooting. Lee said Riverton PD officers were able to find him and take him into custody in Herriman. It is currently unclear what led to the dispute between the teen and his uncle or how it escalated into an alleged shooting. It is also unclear what charges the teen could face. This is a developing story. ABC4 will update this post as new information becomes available. Latest headlines: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) A well-known Rochester event space is entering a new chapter right in the heart of the Citys east end. The Arbor Loft officially opened the doors to its brand-new location at 20 North Union Street. The popular venue is known for hosting weddings, celebrations, and corporate events. They have now moved into a reimagined space featuring a European-inspired design with a modern open feel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im excited to just develop friendships with our neighbors and fellow business owners in the area and just create a really wonderful loving City of Rochester friendship, Arbor Venues co-owner Agathi Graham said. The Arbor Loft team said theyre already booking events into 2026 and they hope the new location becomes a staple for celebrations in Rochester. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) A teacher who worked at two school districts in Monroe County was arrested on child pornography charges. According to prosecutors, New York State Police received a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that a person living in Rochester uploaded an image of child pornography from the internet. Prosecutors said an investigation traced the images to Kevin Burns, 45. According to court documents, Burns worked at a Monroe County school district in 2024. It is believed he worked in a second district in 2024 and 2025. Its unknown which districts these were. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In November 2024, investigators executed a search warrant on Burns home, where they seized his computer and recovered more than 450 images of child pornography. Prosecutors said images included children engaged in sexual acts with adults, children who are restrained, blind folded or masked, and infants and toddler-aged children. Burns is charged with Receipt and Possession of Child Pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum of 5 years in prison and a maximum of 20 years in prison with a $250,000 fine. Burns made an appearance in court and is being held pending a detention hearing. The school Burns worked for has not been confirmed 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 RochesterFirst. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) Rochester police have made an arrest related to a Saturday shooting inside of a home on Ward Street that fatally injured a 19-year-old. According to police, 19-year-old Delwin Aponte-Charbonier arrived at Rochester General Hospital in a private vehicle on May 31, and was suffering from at least one gunshot wound to his upper body. Aponte-Charbonier was later pronounced dead despite medical efforts. Detectives said Aponte-Charbonier was allegedly shot by 23-year-old Jordan Figueroa-Olivio inside his home on Ward Street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A search warrant was executed at the home, and detectives recovered the handgun they believe was used during the incident as well as three loaded high-capacity magazines, and other physical evidence. Police said Figueroa-Olivio also lived at the home, and he was not permitted to possess the handgun. Thursday afternoon, police said Figueroa-Olivio turned himself into detectives with his attorney. He was charged with Manslaughter (1st) and Criminal Possession of a Weapon (2nd). Police said additional charges may be considered by a Monroe County Grand Jury. Figueroa-Olivio will be arraigned in Rochester City Court on Friday at 9:30 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Some Rock Hill parents will get to choose which school they want to send their children to this fall. But theres a catch that leaves current public-school students excluded. The plan allows high school students in the district who dont currently attend Rock Hill Schools to enroll in any school they choose. It passed in a 5 to 2 vote last month. ALSO READ: Rock Hill High School names new head football coach Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And while some say the program was implemented too quickly, Board Chair Helena Miller says this is just a pilot program. The point is really to see what opportunities this can give families. Is this something we would like to continue as a permanent program? said Miller. Supporters say the plan could help bring students back into the system who left Rock Hill Schools for private and charter schools. The enrollment has been linear. However, our community has increased slightly, said Miller. Bringing more students back does increase our funding, but it also increases the opportunities that are available to all students. We have more opportunities to expand programming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In May, some board members expressed concerns about the cost of busing new students from their homes to their school of choice. Im not comfortable approving this without vetting what transportation will look like, a chair member expressed. All of those items are things staff have vetted, and they are prepared to pivot depending on what feedback and concerns are as the program gets started; continue to monitor, Miller rebutted. A district spokesperson told Channel 9 there is no cap on the pilot program because its being offered to such a small group of people. But if the program transitions beyond a pilot, they will have to limit the number of participants. An application portal for the program will open on June 16. To learn more about the application process, click here. VIDEO: Rock Hill High School names new head football coach ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) Rockford Police arrested Jason Barnett, 42, for attacking a woman after damaging her car, according to court records. Officers were called to Hulin Street for reports of a home invasion on May 29, around 4:30 a.m. The victim told officials that Barnett damaged her vehicle and the door to a house she was staying at. The womans SUV was dented, and the door was damaged when authorities investigated. Jason Barnett. Photo: Winnebago County Jail Court records show that Barnett pushed the victim before leaving the residence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect was eventually taken into custody and booked into the Winnebago County Jail on June 4th. Barnett is charged with domestic battery that caused bodily harm, criminal trespassing to a residence, home invasion that caused injury and two counts of criminal property damage. If you are a survivor of domestic or sexual violence, visit our Stateline Strong page for resources. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports. ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) A hydropower pilot project that will utilize the Rock River to generate electricity has received $1 million in funding from the state of Illinois. Latitude Power of Rockford partnered with design firm Studio GWA to create a pilot project that would use hydroelectric generators to create enough clean energy to supply electricity to five homes. The project will be built at the Fordham Dam, and if successful, will be expanded to generate 25kW per hour, to supply electricity to 50 homes. Lattitude plans to reach an agreement with ComEd to feed the generated electricity to the grid and offer residents a credit on their utility bills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are all sorts of applications for this that will then spread out across the country, said Lattitudes Carl Cacciatore, a retired program manager for what is now Collins Aerospace. Rockford will be at the center of it all. The funding comes from the Illinois Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, according to Sen. Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford). The test program being proposed for the Fordham Dam is just the type of clean energy development we had in mind when we approved the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, Stadelman said. Rockford has a proud manufacturing tradition, and being the base for production and sales of this technology will bring jobs and could lead to wider economic growth. The project is expected to take 18 months to manufacture and install. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Jun. 4A Romanian national convicted in Michigan of illegally reentering the United States pleaded guilty in federal court in Cincinnati last week to a federal crime related to ATM skimming. Danut Valentin Urseiu, 32, conspired with others to commit bank fraud in the Southern District of Ohio in January and February 2023, according to court documents. In his plea agreement, he admitted to conspiring with others to place skimming devices onto bank ATMs in Greater Cincinnati, including Cincinnati and Green Twp. in Hamilton County and Liberty Twp. in Butler County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Co-conspirators used devices to steal information from cardholders and defraud financial institutions. Multiple ATM locations were reported victimized during the timeframe Urseiu and his co-conspirators were operating in the Southern District of Ohio. Fingerprints on cameras placed with the skimming devices in Ohio matched Urseiu's prints from arrests in New York in Michigan. His cellphones also contained photos of ATM skimming devices, recording devices and large amounts of cash. A sentencing hearing has not yet been set. "There are so many people and institutions that come to mind for their role in the success we celebrate tonight," President Ronald Reagan said at the 1981 Conservative Political Action Conference, just two months after his inauguration. "Intellectual leaders like Russell Kirk, Friedrich Hayek, Henry Hazlitt, Milton Friedman, James Burnham, Ludwig von Mises." And Frank Meyer, who had "fashioned a vigorous new synthesis of traditional and libertarian thoughta synthesis that is today recognized by many as modern conservatism." Meyer, Reagan said, believed that "a respect for law and an appreciation of tradition" should "motivate us even as we seek a new economic prosperity based on reducing government interference in the marketplace. Our goals complement each other." Though Reagan did not use the word, this was Meyer's philosophy of fusionism to a tee: the idea that virtue and liberty are mutually reinforcing, and that neither is possible in any lasting or meaningful way without the other. Reagan, famous as a rhetorician, had long blended classical liberalism with Judeo-Christian traditionalism in his speeches. The outcome on one Election Day after another suggested that the message resonated with more than just conservatives. The American electorate overwhelmingly embraced Reagan, rewarding him with a commanding 44-state win in 1980 and a stunning 49-state victory in 1984. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For all his talk of liberty and virtue, Reagan's record on the ground was complicated from a fusionist perspective, let alone a libertarian one. He set out to reduce government but floundered when it came to reining in spending. On the flip side, he cared about traditional morality but angered the Religious Right by often (though not always) adopting a hands-off attitude when it came to legislation. *** Reagan's conservatism was not a hierarchical or even in most cases a gradualist outlook. The celebration of progressof the wondrous advances, moral and material, of which free human beings are capablewas a recurring theme in his rhetoric. The historian William Inboden has described Reagan as an apostle "for the information age, knowledge economies, open trade, and democracy." A speech Reagan gave after the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded on live television in 1986 is illustrative. "I want to say something to the schoolchildren of America," he said. "I know it is hard to understand, but sometimes painful things like this happen. It's all part of the process of exploration and discovery. It's all part of taking a chance and expanding man's horizons. The future doesn't belong to the fainthearted; it belongs to the brave. The Challenger crew was pulling us into the future, and we'll continue to follow them." Two years later, during a trip to Moscow, he told an audience of college students that "freedom is the right to question and change the established way of doing things. It is the continuing revolution of the marketplace. It is the understanding that allows us to recognize shortcomings and seek solutions. It is the right to put forth an idea, scoffed at by the experts, and watch it catch fire among the people. It is the right to follow your dream, or stick to your conscience, even if you're the only one in a sea of doubters." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These sentiments are in keeping with the adventurousness and adaptability that have always defined the American character, even on the political right. On America's shores, the small-c conservative disposition has always been tempered by the instinct to build, innovate, and explore. In this sense, Reagan cannot be thought of as a pure traditionalist. But he can be thought of as a fusionist. He believed that the thing to be conserved was the American founding, with all the baked-in liberalism it entailed. And for Reagan, the principles and institutions of the founding were worth conserving because they were good, not merely because they were there. On policy questions, Reagan did not always line up with traditionalist conservatives, but his reasoning almost always evinced a fusionist approach to the challenge of fostering virtue in society. Thus, he supported parochial schools' right to make personnel decisions in keeping with their values by declining to hire openly gay faculty. He also opposed a law that would have permitted public schools to discriminate against employees who spoke out in favor of gay rights. Reagan's intuitions served him well in both cases: The first is rightly understood as a matter of free association (protected by the Constitution), the second as a matter of government censorship (limited by the same). The positions Reagan took on abortion are instructive, in that they show him working through an issue where he initially felt ambivalent. "This is not in my mind a clear-cut issue," he told the press when he was governor of California and an abortion liberalization bill was under debate. Options for cases where the mother's life was threatened were one thing, he thought, but he was uncomfortable with a provision to allow the termination of pregnancies in cases where fetal deformities were suspected. "I cannot justify the taking of an unborn life simply on the supposition that the baby may be born less than a perfect human being," he said. Reagan did eventually sign the bill. It was a decision he came to regret, and he later supported an (unsuccessful) effort to amend the U.S. Constitution to protect the unborn. Reagan's evolution on this issue is consistent with a pro-life libertarian view grounded in the belief that protecting innocent human life is one of the few legitimate functions of the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the whole, Reagan seemed to share libertarians' aversion to the idea of using the law to impose virtue on society. The Religious Right spent most of his White House tenure complaining bitterly that he was not prioritizing their legislative agenda. He was happy to lend his oratorical prowess to traditionalist causes, but employing the coercive power of the state was a different matter. As first lady Nancy Reagan put it in her memoir, her husband "just doesn't believe that social problems shouldor canbe solved by government." There were exceptions, of which the most glaring was Reagan's handling of the war on drugs. His eight years in the White House saw a dramatic intensification of both interdiction and prosecution efforts, to include the introduction of mandatory minimum sentences and the notorious 1001 disparity between prison terms for crack vs. powder cocaine. This was a win for the culture-war right and a source of disappointment to libertarians, who object on principle to the criminalization of victimless behaviors, and who lament the expensive and intrusive government required to enforce such prohibitions. As Eric Marti put it in Reason in 1986, "No enforcement efforts short of erecting a massive police state will curtail either use or supply of easily concealable and privately consumed substances that are in popular demand." Reagan was nonetheless willing to give it a go. The result was a vast increase in incarceration levels, with the United States now standing as a global leader in per-capita prison population. *** Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The free market orientation for which Reagan now tends to be remembered came relatively late in life. After spending his Hollywood years as a New Deal Democrat in (mostly) good standing, Reagan's time as General Electric's goodwill ambassador, during which he researched, wrote, and delivered speeches celebrating individual freedom, proved transformative. (Photo: Ronald Reagan, 1939; Keystone Press/Alamy) There were early hints that Reagan was someone who put a premium on freedom. His first run-in with the Hollywood left came when he questioned whether communism was compatible with democracy. But when the House Committee on Un-American Activities called him to testify in Washington about the problem of reds in the movie industry, he expressed discomfort with the idea of interference by the government. "As a citizen I would hesitate, or not like to see, any political party outlawed on the basis of its ideology," he said. "We have spent 170 years in this country on the basis that democracy is strong enough to stand up and fight against the inroads of any ideology." Reagan's intuitive libertarianism was evident throughout his political career. "I question this whole business of the draft," he said during his first term as governor. "I don't want the uniform to become a symbol of servitude." (On the other hand, he opted not to do away with Selective Service registration once he became president, despite having campaigned promising to do so.) "The purpose of the Bill of Rights was to forever put our right to control our own destiny beyond the reach of majority rule," he contended on another occasion. "In a lynch mob you have majority rule, and it doesn't make them right." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then there were his views on political economy, which could be downright Hayekian. Shortly before the 1964 election*, he described the core issue of the election as "whether we believe in our capacity for self-government, or whether we abandon the American Revolution and confess that a little intellectual elite in a far-distant capital can plan our lives for us better than we can plan them ourselves." Reagan knew where he came down: "A government can't control the economy without controlling people," he said. As governor, Reagan quoted President Franklin Roosevelt (of all people) that "continued dependence upon relief induces a spiritual and moral disintegration fundamentally destructive to the national fiber. To dole out relief in this way is to administer a narcotic, a subtle destroyer of the human spirit." As president, he supported a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution and negotiated large federal tax cuts. The latter issue was one that cried out for reform at the time: The top marginal rateset at just 7 percent when the federal income tax was introduced in 1913had undergone a tenfold increase by 1980. Reagan helped bring it down from 70 percent to 50 percent and later to 28 percent, changes that represented genuine gains for individual freedom, as American families regained control over how large sums of their own money would be spent. Before long the economy, which had been beset by stagflation during Jimmy Carter's presidency, entered a period of recovery. But there is another important piece of the picture. Reagan's tax cuts were meant to be paired with robust cuts to government spending. Despite his exertions, those cuts mostly did not materialize. The result was a national debt that ballooned to staggering proportions on Reagan's watch. The inability to meaningfully bring down government spending was a source of anguish to Reaganespecially when many of his own executive agency heads, loath to accept cuts to their spending and the prestige that accompanied it, seemed to be working against him. Many conservatives in the Reagan years sincerely (if naively) believed that cutting taxes would force the government to learn to get by with less. Reagan was himself a proponent of this "starve the beast" approach. "There were always those who told us that taxes couldn't be cut until spending was reduced," he said on the campaign trail. "Well, you know, we can lecture our children about extravagance until we run out of voice and breath. Or we can cure their extravagance by simply reducing their allowance." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was a watershed moment for the GOP. "By putting tax cuts ahead of spending cuts," writes the historian H.W. Brands, Reagan "proposed to lead America across an economic Rubicon. Republicans and conservatives had hitherto made balanced budgets the touchstone of their fiscal philosophy. They sought to cut taxes, but not at the cost of increasing debt. They knew that cutting taxes is politically easy, because it makes constituents happy. Cutting spending is the hard part, for it causes constituents pain. Reagan proposed doing the easy part first." Unfortunately, the federal government, unlike Reagan's proverbial teenager, can replace a docked allowance with nearly limitless credit in the form of U.S. Treasury bondshence the near-tripling of the national debt during Reagan's presidency. Part of the problem can be attributed to a misunderstanding among some in Reagan's inner circle about what came to be known as "supply-side economics." The gist of supply-side theory is that rolling back taxes and regulations can unleash the private sector, stimulating economic growth and generating broad-based prosperity. A corollary of the theory, associated with the economist Arthur Laffer, says that decreasing tax rates can counterintuitively increase tax revenues, since a growing economy means a larger tax base. (A 10 percent tax on $100,000 yields $10,000, for example, while a 15 percent tax on $50,000 yields just $7,500.) While that can be true under the right circumstances, the Reagan years showed that it should not be treated as a universal axiom. Slashing the top marginal rate from 70 percent undoubtedly sparked economic growth, but the tax revenues derived from that growth were nowhere near enough to offset the rate reduction, especially when paired with the Pentagon spending hikes that Reagan also demanded. Entitlement reform was another area where Reagan moderated his free market stance in response to political realities. At timesespecially before he began running for high officehe seemed opposed in principle to the idea that it's the government's job to care for people in their old age. But "as he advanced in politics and discovered the popularity of the program," writes Brands, "he shifted his objection from philosophical grounds to tactical ones, and he spoke of saving Social Security rather than eliminating it," even if that meant raising payroll taxes. Likewise, one of his most famous lines from the 1980 campaign was a direct rebuttal of Carter's accusation that Reagan had campaigned against Medicare. "There you go again," Reagan replied. "When I opposed Medicare, there was another piece of legislation meeting the same problem before the Congress. I happened to favor the other piece of legislation and thought that it would be better for the senior citizens and provide better care than the one that was finally passed. I was not opposing the principle of providing care for them." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Little wonder his bid to reduce federal spending failed. "The Reagan Revolution turned out to be a paper tiger," lamented the libertarian scholar David Boaz in 1988. In Getting Right with Reagan, the historian Marcus Witcher persuasively argues that conservatives invented the myth of Reagan as a stalwart free marketeer largely in contradiction to his actual governing record. "To be a 'Reagan conservative' meant being principled and pursuing conservative policies in their pure form without compromising," Witcher explains. "As early as 1983, conservatives were beginning to differentiate between Reagan the man and Reagan the ideal, and the president was having problems fulfilling the expectations" that accompanied his reputation. The 40th president was a pragmatist more than an ideologue, one who was even willing to pursue trade protectionism when he thought it was in the interests of American industry. *** On foreign policy as on economics, the myth of Reagan as an uncompromising hardliner is tough to square with reality. It's true that he was a fairly fierce Cold Warrior, at least in rhetorical terms, before becoming president. But by the time he arrived in Washington in 1980, Reagan's views on negotiation with the Soviet Union had matured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His eagerness to sit down with his Soviet counterparts drove some of his former backers nearly into a frenzy. Critics accused him of appeasing the Evil Empire: Conservative Caucus founder Howard Phillips called him a "useful idiot for Soviet propaganda," while the right-wing direct mail guru Richard Viguerie said he was "Teddy Roosevelt in reverse: He speaks loudly but carries a small twig." Yet Reagan, convinced he possessed a unique opportunity to move the world toward peace, would not be deterred. He repeatedly sought tete-a-tetes with Soviet leadership, finally succeeding in his second term, after Mikhail Gorbachev rose to power in Moscow. Reagan was practically a peacenik when it came to the use of nuclear weapons. He had long opposed the "nuclear freeze" movement, which called for an end to the development of nukes. Most conservatives wrongly assumed, in Witcher's words, that this "meant that he was for nuclear buildup. In reality, Reagan shared conservatives' concern over the nuclear gap"the recognition that the USSR possessed more nuclear firepower at the time than the U.S. did"but he also opposed a freeze because he wanted something much more radical: the eradication of all nuclear weapons." It was the desire to make nuclear weaponry obsolete that caused Reagan to push so hard for the Strategic Defense Initiative, an antiballistic missile program that he hoped would allow the U.S. to intercept and neutralize a nuclear attack. None of this meant that Reagan was a doveor that his judgment in foreign policy matters was always beyond reproach. Because he thought it crucial to stop the Soviet Union from expanding its sphere of influence, he allied the United States with brutal right-wing dictatorships and funded violent anti-communist rebel groups. Reagan's legacy thus shamefully "includes the carnage and suffering wrought by many authoritarian regimes and insurgencies supported by the Reagan White House," Inboden writes. "Reagan, reluctant to admit unpleasant truths, often evaded acknowledging this by denying to himself and others that certain dictators or insurgentssuch as Marcos in the Philippines, Pinochet in Chile, the Nicaraguan Contras, and the Afghan mujahideenengaged in odious abuses." The essayist Joan Didion ridiculed the president's tendency to invent false-flag stories to explain away inconvenient facts, as when he suggested during a 1986 radio address that communist operatives had begun to "dress in freedom fighter uniforms, go into the countryside, and murder and mutilate ordinary Nicaraguans" in order to discredit the anti-communist cause in Latin America. Occam and his razor would probably have liked a word. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The biggest scandal of the Reagan years was a direct result of these beliefs. The Iran-Contra affair, in which American arms were secretly sold to Iran and the proceeds secretly used to finance the Nicaraguan Contras, was more than foolish; it betrayed a genuine lack of respect for the rule of law and separation of powers. Although most evidence suggests the president was kept in the dark about the second half of the arrangement, Reagan bears responsibility for having urged his people to continue looking for ways to assist the Contras even after Congress passed legislation decisively prohibiting such efforts. A hands-off management styleReagan famously preferred to focus on the big picture and leave his staff to work out the detailsand that willingness to dream up implausible exculpatory explanations for the behavior of his allies were also on display. Still, a survey of Reagan's foreign policy record reveals a president who was far more thoughtful than many people expected at the time of his election. The left had feared Reagan would be a loose cannon on the world stage, a trigger-happy cowboy modeled, perchance, on one of his Western film roles. Instead, Inboden notes, "Reagan only ordered ground forces to fight once, in the relatively small-scale Grenada invasion." If you're accustomed to interpreting "fusionism" to mean the three-legged stool of libertarians, traditionalists, and Cold War hawks who made up the Reagan coalition, this fairly restrained foreign policy record might seem to call into question his fusionist bona fides. But fusionism is best understood as a philosophical synthesis of libertarianism and traditional religion. Applying that synthesis to the vagaries of politics and public affairs is a task requiring prudential judgment, and prudent policy applications will inevitably change as circumstances do, even if the underlying principles are enduring. A tactic that made sense in 1956 may no longer be wise in 1986. When Neal Freeman, a long-serving member of National Review's board, came out against the Iraq War in 2003, many at the magazine were perplexed and indignant. But Freeman understood that the aggressive foreign policy stance taken by conservatives in the mid20th century was conditional. Recognizing that a given foreign policy is not a core component of philosophical fusionism allows us to interrogate calls for military interventions calmly, working forward from the dual commitment to liberty and virtue rather than backward from a compulsion to defend the chosen strategy of our tribe. Reagan's willingness to buck the hawks and cultivate a friendship with Gorbachev illustrated that point. In the end, Reagan was right and his conservative critics were wrong: Gorbachev turned out to be a liberalizeror at least a realistwho pulled his troops from Afghanistan and finally oversaw the demise of communism in Eastern Europe. *** Even if he did not manage, when confronted by the exigencies of messy real-world politics, to govern as the perfect fulfillment of Frank Meyer's dreams, Reagan represented an obvious moral and rhetorical commitment to fusionist principles. In 1975 he told Reason that libertarianism is "the heart and soul of conservatism" and said that he did not "believe in a government that protects us from ourselves." At the same time, he was clearly a man who believed himself bound by a moral law and wanted to live in a traditionally virtuous society. Elements of both classical liberalism and religious traditionalism are evident in one of Reagan's most salient character traits: his civility toward those with whom he disagreed. "Remember, we have no enemies, only opponents," he told his staff, according to former Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, who worked in Reagan's White House. A consummate cheerful warrior, Reagan was willing to work across the aisle (often to the irritation of his more intransigent Republican allies) and liked to say that "there is no limit to what a man can do or where he can go if he doesn't mind who gets the credit." On the New Right today, it's not uncommon to hear that politics is "war and enmity" and must be treated as such. Since the left has no compunction about using the state to impose its views on society, the argument goes, conservatives who "know what time it is" should be willing to use public power to attack their foes. In this view, a principled commitment to rule of law and individual liberty amounts to unilateral disarmament or even suicide. One feels sure that Reagan would not have been persuaded by these argumentsthat he would have recognized this militant approach to politics as flatly at odds with authentic Christian virtue. Reagan's refusal to treat his fellow Americans as enemies to be destroyed was in keeping with the eminently traditionalist view that says it's better to endure an injustice than to commit one. It was also, of course, eminently liberal. Arguably the paramount attribute of classical liberalism is a commitment to the idea that peace and prosperity are fostered through mutual forbearance: As long as fundamental, widely-agreed-upon rights are not at stake, all sides forgo using the government to force the others to live a certain way. The goal is coexistence rather than conformity. Social change is sought via persuasion, not coercionchanging hearts and minds, not subjugating enemies (or, worse, eliminating them) through state power. That leaves space for a whole variety of overlapping social institutions to flourish, competing and collaborating to support people in their pursuit of virtue. As Reagan put it in his 1981 CPAC address, "We hold out this exciting prospect of an orderly, compassionate, pluralistic societyan archipelago of prospering communities and divergent institutionsa place where a free and energetic people can work out their own destiny under God." *CORRECTION: This article originally misstated the setting of one of Reagan's speeches. The post What Ronald Reagan's Fusionist Politics Teach Us About Liberty, Virtue, and Their Limits appeared first on Reason.com. ROSE HILL, Kan. (KSNW) The adoptive father of Kennedy Schroer, the 6-year-old girl found buried in a Rose Hill backyard, has pleaded not guilty to charges connected to her death. Joseph Schroer, 53, waived his right to a preliminary hearing this week in Butler County District Court. He is facing five charges, including aggravated endangering a child and interference with law enforcement. A judge is expected to decide in October whether the case against him will move forward to trial. The remains of Kennedy, whose birth name was Natalie Garcia, were discovered in September 2023, buried in a trash bag behind the familys home. Investigators believe she died in November 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation revealed Kennedy likely died by suffocation, according to the Sedgwick County Forensic Science Center. Her death was ruled a homicide. Man charged in connection to deadly March crash Josephs wife, Crystina Schroer, 50, is facing nine counts, including first-degree murder, multiple counts of child abuse, and desecration of a corpse. She is scheduled for her next court appearance on July 9. Authorities said the arrests followed a months-long investigation involving local, state, and federal agencies. Detectives logged more than 2,000 hours as they pieced together what happened to Kennedy, whose case has shaken the small Rose Hill community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said the girl had likely been buried for nearly three years before her remains were discovered, leading to public outcry and calls for justice. We believe these are the only two responsible at this time, Rose Hill Police Chief Taylor Parlier said after the arrests. There is some additional information that were looking into, but we believe this was the right time and the right charges. 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. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) The RTS Transit Center closed early Wednesday night after multiple fights. According to the Rochester Police Department, they saw multiple youths fighting at the transit center. They were able to disperse the group inside the building. No injuries were reported. RPD and RPD made the decision to close the transit center that evening. They said it was to prevent the situation from escalating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One person, an 18-year-old male whose name was not released, was arrested and charged with third-degree menacing. He was released with an appearance ticket. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Actions ordered by the Trump administration to shutter the Westover Job Corps program in Chicopee, and nearly a hundred similar job-training sites for disadvantaged young people, must stop immediately, a judge ruled Wednesday. The order by a U.S. District Court judge in New York City comes less than a week after the Department of Labor announced that 99 Job Corps programs across the U.S. would close. The 60-year-old program is credited with helping participants gain skills that lift them out of poverty. On Tuesday, the National Job Corps Association, a trade group, sued the labor department and Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, claiming the decision to close the nations largest residential career training program was unlawful and based on faulty information about its effectiveness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Late Wednesday, U.S. District Court Judge Andrew L. Carter Jr. granted the plaintiffs request for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction that bars the labor department from continuing a fast-paced plan to dismantle the Job Corps. Carters ruling says both job losses and the removal of students from program sites must stop, pending hearings later this month. The action doesnt remove the possibility the programs will end, but will at least slow that down. In Chicopee, David Baker, the center director, had been ordered to begin to move some of the programs 352 students off the campus it occupies on the grounds of the Westover Air Reserve Base. He said in an interview that he and other center directors faced a June 30 deadline to end all activities. The closing would have also ended operations of the Shriver Job Corps Center in Devens and the Grafton Job Corps Center in North Grafton. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All Job Corps programs nationally work to provide both vocational and academic skills to young people, aged 16 to 24, who come from difficult backgrounds and were not able to consider attending college. In the Chicopee program, nearly a third of participants were considered homeless before joining. The judges ruling says the government cannot take any further action to eliminate the Job Corps program without Congressional authorization. Congress created the program in 1964 at the time of President Lyndon B. Johnsons Great Society legislative initiatives to fight poverty and inequality. Since then, hundreds of thousands of young people, including those from poor families and rough neighborhoods, have gained job skills. The complaint notes that when Congress created the program, it anticipated that the labor department might elect to close certain Job Corps sites, but did not provide authorization for DOL to cancel the program wholesale. And Congress has imposed specific guardrails on the closure of any individual Job Corps campus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carter gave the defendants a deadline of June 17 to provide motions related to the case. In their request for judicial intervention, the plaintiffs, including Education & Training Resources, the entity that manages the Chicopee, argued that eliminating the Job Corps program was illegal. It contravenes the statutory provisions governing Job Corps and DOLs own regulations concerning the program, the complaint filed Tuesday reads. It is fundamentally irrational. Shuttering Job Corps will have disastrous, irreparable consequences, including displacing tens of thousands of vulnerable young people, destroying companies that have long operated Job Corps centers in reliance on the Governments support for the program, and forcing mass layoffs of workers who support the program, the complaint reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, dozens of participants of the Westover Job Corps rallied to save their program. Students told The Republican that the closing would interrupt their efforts to master new trades and to significantly improve their chances of making a living wage as young adults. Justin Quiles of Pittsfield said he had expected to eventually earn $45 an hour as a bricklayer, once his training was complete and his career launched. But the shutdown, he said, would likely force him to take a job at Walmart for $16 an hour. Wow, its getting taken away from us, he said Monday afternoon of his intended career. I wont be able to complete my trade. In interviews, several students said that finding a career path meant a great deal to them after early disappointments, family poverty and lack of opportunity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All I knew was taking care of kids, said Brianna Sasnowitz, 19, of Monson, who came to the Chicopee program a year and a half ago and is now student body president studying welding. I thought I was going to be stuck with that. As many as 80 of the programs 352 students were expected to have left by Tuesday, Baker said. The complaint notes that other federal courts have acted to halt similar moves to end programs mandated by Congress. Plaintiffs urge this Court to do the same. Education & Training Resources, the company that runs the Westover Job Corps, was created in 1991, the complaint notes, and has operated Job Corps sites since 1997. Today, including the Chicopee program, it oversees 11 campuses with 3,325 students. In all, more than 25,000 students are participating in Job Corps programs. Read the original article on MassLive. The Russians conducted a large-scale drone attack on the city of Pryluky in Chernihiv Oblast on the night of 4-5 June, killing at least five people, including a one-year-old baby. Source: Viacheslav Chaus, Head of Chernihiv Oblast Military Administration; State Emergency Service of Ukraine Details: Early reports by Chaus indicate that at least six Russian Geran drones had attacked Pryluky. The explosions damaged houses in a residential area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote from Chaus: "Early reports indicate that five people were killed, including two women and a one-year-old baby who were found under the rubble." Details: Chaus also noted that there is information about six injured people who have been taken to hospitals, where they are receiving all necessary treatment. Quote from Chaus: "Police officers, rescue workers and other emergency services are working at the scenes of enemy strikes." Burned down building Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine Fire at the scene Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine Updated: The State Emergency Service reported that the strikes had caused large-scale fires in the residential area. Two houses, two garages, one outbuilding and a car were destroyed. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Russian forces launched high-explosive bombs at the center of Ukraine's southern city of Kherson on June 5, hitting and partially destroying the Regional State Administration building and damaging several surrounding structures. The entrance to a nearby residential high-rise was also damaged, while other buildings in the area sustained broken windows and facade destruction. The regional prosecutors office confirmed that four guided aerial bombs struck the city center. "Within just fifteen minutes, four Russian bombs hit this location. As a result of the strikes, the building of the Kherson Regional State Administration suffered even greater destruction it had already been repeatedly targeted by the Russians before," Governor Oleksandr Prokudin said via his official Telegram page. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since Ukraine liberated Kherson in November 2022, Russian forces have continued to target the city with near-daily attacks, aiming at civilian infrastructure, public transport, and residential neighborhoods using a wide array of weaponry. In addition to the aerial bombardment, Russian troops attacked Kherson with artillery and loitering munitions. According to preliminary reports, at least five apartment buildings, one administrative structure, and an educational institution suffered damage. Local authorities have reported multiple casualties, with three people seeking medical attention following the strikes. The morning airstrike also damaged a department building of the Kherson City Council, shattering eight office windows. Three educational institutions were hit, with nearly 200 windows blown out. No injuries among school staff have been reported, according to the Kherson City Military Administration. Emergency workers rescued four residents after clearing the blocked entrance to a basement in one of the affected apartment buildings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Russias response to Operation Spiderweb is likely not going to be pretty, Trump says Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russian intelligence operatives are impersonating Ukraines Security Service (SBU) in an expanded effort to recruit Ukrainian civilians for sabotage operations, the SBU said June 5. The new tactic, described by the agency as a false flag operation, involves contacting Ukrainian citizens while posing as SBU officials conducting official inquiries. The SBU said this marks a notable escalation and shift in Russias recruitment strategy. "This is a so-called special operations technique known as 'false flag,' which has not been used by Russian invaders until now, but which they are actively trying to apply now," the agency said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the SBU, targeted individuals typically receive messages via instant messaging apps, instructing them to report to an SBU investigator regarding fabricated criminal charges. That assistance, however, comes with strings attached. Victims are pressured into carrying out tasks ranging from surveillance and courier duties to transferring funds. In more serious cases, they are asked to purchase chemicals for explosive devices, set fire to Ukrainian military vehicles or conduct sabotage against government buildings. "In some cases, Russian curators also demand that malicious software be installed on the victim's phone, allowing them to monitor activity and location in real time," the SBU statement said. While earlier recruitment efforts focused largely on teenagers, the SBU warned that elderly Ukrainians are now increasingly being targeted. The agency said it has disrupted several of these operations in recent weeks but did not provide specific examples. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the start of Russias full-scale invasion, Ukrainian officials say the Kremlin has stepped up intelligence-gathering and subversive activity inside Ukraine, with particular focus on coercing civilians into supporting reconnaissance and sabotage efforts. Read also: Putin rejects Zelenskys call for peace talks, accuses Ukraine of deadly bridge attack in Russia Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russia killed a one-year-old boy, his mother and grandmother in an overnight drone strike on the northern Ukrainian city of Pryluky, authorities said. The local fire chief, who rushed to the scene, found that it was his house that had been hit and that his wife, daughter and grandson were dead. Six Shahed-type drones hit the area shortly before dawn, injuring nine others. The city, hundreds of miles from the frontline, had been largely spared from Russias aerial bombardment until now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is already the 632nd child lost since the full-scale war began, Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, said. Russia constantly tries to buy time to continue its killings, he added on X, attaching footage of the aftermath. The attack came just hours after US president Donald Trump had a call with Vladimir Putin and warned that the Russian leader strongly intended to retaliate for Ukraines weekend drone assaults on Russian air bases. Condemning the tragedy and Russias targeting of civilians, Mr Zelensky called on the West to impose greater sanctions on Moscow, warning that if the Kremlin doesnt feel enough strong condemnation and pressure from the world it kills again. The infants mother, Daryna Shyhyda, was a police officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today our hearts are scorched by pain, Ukraines National Police said on Telegram. This is not just a loss it is three generations of life uprooted. Liudmyla Horbunova, 55, who lives across the street, said Ms Shyhyda had moved with her child from Kyiv last weekend to her parents house because she was scared of future Russian strikes on the capital. She ran away from Shaheds in Kyiv, but they found her here, in Pryluky, Ms Horbunova told the Associated Press. Throughout the morning, firefighters worked to extinguish the flames that engulfed the home, leaving only charred brick and scattered toys, clothes and a family photo book. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pryluky in the Chernihiv region had a prewar population of around 50,000 people and lies 60 miles east of Kyiv. The city is far from the front line and does not contain any known military assets. The last time Pryluky was struck was in November 2024, when a Russian missile hit an administrative building and injured one person. Last night, Putin broke his silence after Sundays devastating strikes on his bomber fleet to again rule out a ceasefire in Ukraine. The Russian leader said Kyiv would exploit the break in the fighting to rearm and remobilise and carry out further terrorist attacks. He did not mention the drone strikes on the strategic aircraft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His comments followed with large-scale aerial attacks on Ukraine, targeting Donetsk, Kharkiv, Odesa, Sumy, Chernihiv, Dnipro and Kherson regions with 103 drones and one ballistic missile. Hours after the family in Pryluky were killed, 19 people were injured in a Russian drone attack on Ukraines northeastern city of Kharkiv. Credit: Reuters Those wounded included children, a pregnant woman, and a 93-year-old woman, regional governor Oleh Syniehubov wrote on Telegram, after drones struck two apartment buildings and cars. By launching attacks while people sleep in their homes, the enemy once again confirms its tactic of insidious terror, Mr Syniehubov wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian aircraft also dropped four powerful glide bombs on the southern city of Kherson, which tore a hole in its historic regional administration centre. At least three people were injured in the attack on the centre of the port city, which was followed by artillery and drone strikes. Credit: Social Media On the battlefield, Kyivs forces said they destroyed a Russian Iskander missile system, which was used to strike Ukrainian cities. The missile system, hidden in a forested area, was reportedly loaded with a ballistic missile which costs between $1 to $2 million when it was blown up in Bryansk, a Russian region bordering Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In eastern Ukraine, Kyiv revealed two people had died after yet another Russian strike on army training facilities. It came after a Russian attack on military training grounds in the Dnipropetrovsk region on Sunday killed 12 soldiers and triggered the resignation of one of Ukraines most senior military officials. The strikes are stirring criticism in Ukraine that army officials are not doing enough to secure the safety of soldiers. 03:19 PM BST Thanks for following our live coverage Thanks for following our live coverage of the war in Ukraine. It has now ended for the day. Heres a reminder of what happened today: At least five people, including a one-year-old child, were killed in a Russian drone strike on the northern Ukrainian city of Pryluky overnight Russia bombed a regional administration building in the centre of the southern city of Kherson early this morning North Koreas Kim Jong-un vowed to unconditionally support Russia in its war in Ukraine and said he expected Moscow to emerge victorious Russias security service accused British intelligence of using the British Council as cover to undermine Russia New analysis showed that Moscow was advancing at the fastest rate of the year so far Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well be back soon with more updates and analysis. 02:51 PM BST Trump thought Ukraine attack was badass Donald Trump thought Ukraines audacious drone attack on Russias strategic nuclear bombers was badass, according to reports. Kyiv smuggled drones onto the back of freight trucks before firing them at Russian airbases on Sunday, destroying several nuclear bombers in a surprise attack. Pretty strong, the US president told one official, according to Axios. He thought it was badass, another Trump confidant told the US news site. But Mr Trump was also concerned that the attack could lead to the war continuing despite his administrations efforts to foster peace. 02:22 PM BST Pictured: Hegseth and Healey speak at Nato meeting Pete Hegseth, US secretary of defence, speaks with Defence Secretary John Healy in Brussels - Getty Images Europe 02:01 PM BST Starmer to host Nato chief next week Prime Minister Keir Starmer will host Nato head Mark Rutte in London next Monday for talks focussing on defence spending, the government said today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The meeting comes as Mr Rutte pushes for members of the western military alliance to allocate more money for defence in response to Russias aggression in Ukraine. You can expect the prime minister to raise how we can ensure all allies meet their stated pledges in support of our collective defence, to keep people safe, Sir Keirs spokesman told reporters. Donald Trump has demanded that Nato members boost defence budgets to five percent of their GDP at an alliance summit to be held in the Netherlands on June 24-25. Mr Rutte has put forward a compromise agreement for 3.5 percent of GDP on core military spending by 2032, and 1.5 percent on broader security-related areas such as infrastructure. 01:43 PM BST Pictured: Hegseth rushes to join Nato family photo Pete Hegseth arrives as British Defence Secretary John Healey, Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte and other defence ministers pose for a family photo at the Alliance headquarters in Brussels today - REUTERS 01:35 PM BST Watch: Ukraine destroys Russian Iskander missile system Kyivs forces said they destroyed a Russian Iskander missile system used to strike Ukrainian cities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Ukrainian reports, the missile system was loaded and ready to launch when it was blown up in Bryansk, a Russian region bordering Ukraine. Two other of the lethal missile systems were said to be damaged in the operation led by Ukraines security services, the SBU. These are likely the units that had been striking Kyiv and other cities over the past year, Ukraines strategic communications said on X. Credit: X/@bayraktar_1love 01:09 PM BST EU green rules blocking military expansion European countries have blamed the EUs environmental regulations for hindering their preparations for defending against a possible Russian invasion. In a leaked letter obtained by The Telegraph, the nations defence ministers argued the rules had stopped the expansion of military bases and prevented fighter jet pilots from training. EU legislation may not prevent member states armed forces from carrying out necessary activities to become operationally ready. But right now, it does, they wrote in a letter to Andrius Kubilius, the defence commissioner. Mainly (but not exclusively) in the areas of procurement legislation, nature conservation and environmental protection, and more generally the administrative burden on defence organisations deriving from various EU legal acts. 01:02 PM BST Macron urges Brics to put pressure on Putin to end war Brazil, India and China should put pressure on Russia to end the war in Ukraine, Emmanuel Macron has said. The French president made the comments on Thursday during a joint press conference with Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the Brazilian president, who is on a state visit in France. The countries mentioned by Mr Macron are core members of Brics, an intergovernmental organisation comprising ten countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates. It was formed in part by Russia and has been used by Vladimir Putin to show that Moscow still has allies, despite being sanctioned and frozen out by the West. 12:27 PM BST Two dead after Russian attack on army site, Ukraine says Kyiv said that two people had died after a Russian strike on army training facilities in eastern Ukraine, days after a similar strike saw a high-ranking officer resign. Moscow has repeatedly targeted military sites like bases far from the front, spurring online criticism in Ukraine that army officials are not doing enough to secure their safety. The missile strike in the Poltava region on Wednesday came after an attack on military training grounds in the industrial Dnipropetrovsk region that killed 12 soldiers on Sunday. Doctors unfortunately failed to save the lives of two people who were wounded as a result of an enemy attack on the training ground, a senior regional official wrote on social media of Wednesdays strike. 12:13 PM BST UK must spend 5pc on defence, says Hegseth Its important that the United Kingdom spends 5 per cent of GDP on defence, the US defence secretary said on Thursday while Nato ministers met to discuss the expenditure goals. Pete Hegseth told reporters: Our friends in the UK... were going to get there. We think everyone is going to get there, we really do. Its important they do. Its important that the UK gets there. Defence ministers are currently discussing plans to increase the alliances defence spending from 2 per cent of GDP to five per cent. This will be split by 3.5 per cent on hard defence expenditure and 1.5 per cent on defence-related outlays, such as logistics infrastructure. The target will pile pressure on Sir Keir Starmer who is yet to outline fixed plans for the UKs defence spending to increase beyond 2.5 per cent. Mr Hegseth said that European allies needed to take responsibility for defending the continent. When you consider the threats that we face, the urgency in the world, its critical, he argued. We dont need more flags, we need more fighting formations. We dont need more conferences. We need more capabilities, hard power. On Wednesday, Natos secretary-general Mark Rutte suggested the US would be less committed to the alliances Article 5 mutual defence clause if European allies and Canada failed to hit the target. Donald Trump has long demanded, despite the US not hitting the target, that Nato defence spending should sit at 5 per cent of GDP. Credit: Reuters 11:57 AM BST Russia wants to deploy 10,000 troops to Ukraines western border Russia wants to deploy 10,000 troops to the breakaway Moldovan region of Transnistria on Ukraines western border, the countrys prime minister said. Moscow has a small number of soldiers already in the separatist region. However, with the enclave locked between Ukraine and pro-EU government in Moldova, Russia would be unable to send troops there. But Dorin Recean, Moldovas prime minister, told the Financial Times that Moscow was aiming to install a pro-Kremlin government government there to facilitate the troop movement. This is a huge effort to undermine Moldovan democracy, said Mr Recean. They want to consolidate their military presence in the Transnistrian region. You can imagine with 10,000 troops, what the leverage and pressure would be on the south-western part of Ukraine, he added. But also close to Romania, which is a Nato member state. 11:37 AM BST Russia will respond to Ukrainian attacks when it sees fit Russia will respond to Ukraines latest attacks as and when its military sees fit, the Kremlin said on Thursday. Ukraine used drones to strike Russian heavy bomber planes at air bases in Siberia and the far north at the weekend, and Russia also accused Kyiv of also blowing up rail bridges in its border regions, killing seven people. The president described the Kyiv regime as a terrorist regime, because it was the regimes leadership that consciously gave the order, the command, the order to blow up a passenger train. This is nothing other than terrorism at the state level. This is an important statement by the president, said Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlins spokesman. Russia has not yet provided evidence that Ukrainian leaders ordered the rail attacks, and Kyiv has not acknowledged responsibility. Mr Peskov also confirmed that Vladimir Putin had told Donald Trump in a phone call yesterday that Moscow was obliged to retaliate. 10:55 AM BST Russia launches combined air attacks on centre of Kherson Russia bombed a regional administration building in the centre of the southern city of Kherson early on Thursday morning. Moscows forces dropped four glide bombs on the historic building along with drones and artillery attacks, according to local authorities. Footage showed a quick-fire succession of targeted strikes, followed by large explosions, which also damaged five apartment buildings and an educational facility, reportedly hurting three civilians. The attack came hours after Donald Trump warned that Vladimir Putin intended to retaliate for Kyivs unprecedented drone assaults on Russias bomber fleet on Sunday. Putin finally broke his silence on Wednesday, refusing to mention Ukraines surprise strikes on his most prized aircraft, but once again ruled out a ceasefire in Ukraine. Elsewhere, Russian drone attacks on Ukraines north killed five people, including a baby, in the city of Pryluky and injured 17 in Kharkiv. The regional administration building in Kherson was hit by Russian glide bombs early on Thursday 10:36 AM BST Moscows forces seizing land in quickest advance of this year Moscows forces have seized large swaths of Ukrainian territory in the quickest advance of this year, according to analysts. The Blackbird Group, a Finnish team monitoring Russian military movements, showed that Russia had seized 207 square miles of Ukraine throughout May, compared with 71 square miles in April. This is the fastest advance of the year and the second highest since 2022, the group said. The Russian Armed Forces accelerated their gains significantly over the month of May. According to our data, the Russians occupied 538 square kilometers of Ukraine in May, over twice the territory occupied in April. This is the second highest monthly rate of advance since 2022. pic.twitter.com/nBCAbiSZ48 Black Bird Group (@Black_BirdGroup) June 4, 2025 10:19 AM BST 24 hours on Ukraines frontline Down the road of death, littered with burning vehicles and covered with drone nets, Fermin Torrano travels into Pokrovsk, home to the most intense fighting of the war. The flames of a burning car illuminate the roadside, and Andrii puts his foot down: Seventy. Eighty. Ninety-five miles per hour. Two of his comrades lean out the windows, scanning the darkness. A fourth Ukrainian soldier rides in the truck bed, with an AKS-74U in hand. A sharp beep cuts through the air as the anti-drone system flashes on the screen: its the second warning weve had. If you see a drone, jump and run after me. Forget your stuff. Understood? Femida, a drone pilot with the 68th Ukrainian Brigade, said before we climbed into the vehicle. 09:47 AM BST Russia says it will repair warplanes damaged by Ukraine Moscow has said its warplanes were damaged but not destroyed in a coordinated June 1 drone attack by Ukraine, and said they will be restored. According to US intelligence assessments, 20 warplanes were hit and around 10 were destroyed, a figure that is half the number estimated by Volodymyr Zelensky. Sergei Ryabkov, Russias deputy foreign minister, who oversees arms control diplomacy, said: The equipment in question, as was also stated by representatives of the Ministry of Defence, was not destroyed but damaged. It will be restored. Russia is unlikely to repair or replace the aircraft quickly - if at all - given the complexity of the technology, the age of some of the Soviet-era planes, and Western sanctions that restrict Russian imports of sensitive components. 09:36 AM BST In pictures: Russian attacks on Odesa and Kharkiv Ukrainian fire brigades extinguish the fire after Russian drone hit a medical facility, a childrens centre and a high school in Odesa - Anadolu The aftermath of the fire in the port city of Odesa - Anadolu Burnt cars in the wake of a Russian strike on Kharkiv - REUTERS 09:10 AM BST Russia accuses British Council of harbouring spies Russias security service has accused British intelligence of using the British Council as cover to undermine Russia. The British Council, which calls itself the UKs international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities, said in 2018 that it had been told to cease operations in Russia. The FSB claimed on Thursday the London-based charity was being used by British intelligence to undermine the sovereignty of countries, including Russia. During the investigation, representatives of the teaching staff of leading Russian universities who collaborated with the British side to the detriment of the security of the Russian Federation were identified, the FSB said. 08:52 AM BST Watch: Russia strikes Kherson Credit: Social Media 07:50 AM BST Russian strike kills 5 in Ukraines north At least five people, including a one-year-old child, were killed in a Russian drone strike on the northern Ukrainian city of Pryluky overnight. Six more people were wounded in the attack and have been hospitalised, regional governor Viacheslav Chaus said. According to him, six Shahed-type drones struck residential areas of Pryluky early Thursday morning, causing severe damage to residential buildings. Hours later, 17 people were wounded in a Russian drone strike on Kharkiv, including children, a pregnant woman, and a 93-year-old woman. By launching attacks while people sleep in their homes, the enemy once again confirms its tactic of insidious terror, regional governor Oleh Syniehubov wrote on Telegram. 07:41 AM BST Putin planning revenge for secret drone attacks, Trump warns Vladimir Putin is planning revenge for Ukraines drone strikes on Russias bomber fleet, Donald Trump has warned. The US president said he had a good conversation with his Russian counterpart, after an unexpected phone call, but that it was not a conversation that will lead to immediate peace. President Putin did say, and very strongly, that he will have to respond to the recent attack on the airfields, Mr Trump wrote on his Truth Social network. His comments came after Putin finally broke his silence following Kyivs co-ordinated drone assaults to once again rule out a ceasefire in Ukraine. The Russian leader said that Kyiv would exploit the break in the fighting to rearm and remobilise and carry out further terrorist attacks. Vladimir Putin had an unexpected hour-long phone call with Donald Trump on Wednesday - Pool Sputnik Kremlin 07:40 AM BST North Korea vows unconditional support for Russias war in Ukraine Kim Jong-un has vowed to unconditionally support Russia in its war in Ukraine and said he expected Moscow to emerge victorious. North Korea has become one of Moscows main allies during its more than three-year Ukraine offensive, sending thousands of troops and large quantities of weapons to help the Kremlin oust Ukrainian forces from Russias Kursk border region. Meeting top Russian security official Sergei Shoigu on Wednesday, Kim said that Pyongyang would unconditionally support the stand of Russia and its foreign policies in all the crucial international political issues including the Ukrainian issue. Kim expressed expectation and conviction that Russia would, as ever, surely win victory in the sacred cause of justice. The two sides agreed to continue to dynamically expand relations. Russia and North Korea signed a sweeping military deal last year, including a mutual defence clause, during a rare visit by Vladimir Putin to the nuclear-armed North. 07:38 AM BST Watch: Putins spy planes crippled by historic special operation 07:36 AM BST Hello and welcome to our live coverage Were bringing you all the latest from the war in Ukraine. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Russia attacked Ukraine with 103 Shahed-type attack UAVs and various types of decoy drones on the night of 4-5 June. Ukraines air defence forces downed 74 Russian drones, 46 UAVs disappeared from radar. Source: Air Force Quote: "As of 10:00, air defence forces destroyed 74 enemy Shahed-type UAVs (and other types of drones) in the east, south and north of the country. Of them, 28 were shot down with firepower, and 46 went off radar or were suppressed by electronic warfare. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Enemy airstrikes were recorded in 16 locations." Details: It is reported that on the night of 4-5 June (from 22:30 on 4 June), the Russians attacked Ukraine with 103 attack UAVs from the following directions: Kursk, Oryol, Millerovo and Primorsko-Akhtarsk in the Russian Federation, and Chauda in temporarily occupied Crimea; an Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missile was launched from Rostov Oblast, Russia. The main targets of the air attack were Chernihiv, Kharkiv and Odesa oblasts. Ukrainian aircraft, anti-aircraft missile forces, electronic warfare units and UAV units, as well as mobile fire groups from the Ukrainian defence forces, all took part in repelling the attack. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Russia launched approximately 48,600 aerial attacks since the start of 2025, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on June 4. Zelensky said on social media that Russia has launched nearly 27,700 aerial bombs, 11,200 Shahed drones, approximately 9,000 other types of attack drones, and over 700 missiles at Ukraine in 2025. Russia has intensified its aerial attacks in recent months, targeting Ukrainian cities with missiles and drones. On the night of June 1, Russia launched its largest swarm of attack drones since the start of the full-scale invasion, topping out at 472 total units at once. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For three consecutive days over May 24-26, Russia launched one of the heaviest attacks of the war to date with a series of mass drone and missile attacks at Ukrainian cities, during which more than 600 drones and dozens of missiles were launched. The significant uptick in attacks comes as U.S. President Donald Trump has sought to mediate peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. Despite two rounds of negotiations, Russia has continued to reject a ceasefire. "Russia has restructured its entire state, society, and economy to be able to kill people in other countries on a massive scale and with impunity," Zelensky added. "It means, that with every new strike, with every delay of diplomacy, Russia is giving the finger to the entire world to all those who still hesitate to increase pressure on it." A source in Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) told the Kyiv Independent on June 4 that Russia will soon be able to deploy more than 500 long-range drones a night to attack Ukraine as it ramps up production and builds new launch sites for them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the source, Russia's production rate for one type of drone Shahed-type Gerans is up to 70 units per day, from a reported 21 a day last year, and Moscow will soon have 12-15 new launch sites in operation. Russian drones launched at Ukraine by month (Nizar al-Rifai/The Kyiv Independent) Read also: Putin rejects Zelenskys call for peace talks, accuses Ukraine of deadly bridge attack in Russia Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russia has lost 930 soldiers killed and wounded over the past day alone, bringing its total number of personnel losses to 992,750. Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook Details: The total combat losses of the Russian forces between 24 February 2022 and 5 June 2025 are estimated to be as follows [figures in parentheses represent the latest losses ed.]: approximately 992,750 (+930) military personnel; 10,887 (+3) tanks; 22,680 (+2) armoured combat vehicles; 28,750 (+39) artillery systems; 1,406 (+4) multiple-launch rocket systems; 1,177 (+1) air defence systems; 413 (+0) fixed-wing aircraft; 336 (+0) helicopters; 39,019 (+95) operational-tactical UAVs; 3,271 (+0) cruise missiles; 28 (+0) ships/boats; 1 (+0) submarine; 50,812 (+82) vehicles and fuel tankers; 3,907 (+0) special vehicles and other equipment. The information is being confirmed. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Russia plans to produce 2 million first-person-view (FPV) drones and 30,000 long-range and decoy drones in 2025 for its war against Ukraine, Ukrainian Foreign Intelligence Service (SZRU) spokesperson Oleh Aleksandrov told Politico on June 5. The ramp-up marks a critical expansion of Moscow's drone warfare program, as both Ukraine and Russia increasingly rely on unmanned systems for reconnaissance and front-line attacks. According to Aleksandrov, Russia's drone production is heavily dependent on Chinese components. Despite Beijing's public denials, Chinese manufacturers continue to supply Russia with key electronics and technologies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They use so-called shell companies, change names, do everything to avoid being subject to export control and avoid sanctions for their activities," Aleksandrov said. The intelligence official warned that this industrial support allows Moscow to narrow Ukraine's early advantage in drone innovation. "They aim to produce about 30,000 long-range drones of those types plus 30,000 false target drones they use to exhaust Ukrainian air defenses in 2025," he added. "As for the FPV drones, Russians are aiming to produce a whopping 2 million of them in 2025." FPV drones, small and agile devices often equipped with explosive payloads, have proven highly effective in damaging tanks, artillery, and other high-value targets at low cost. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Volodymyr Zelensky said earlier this year that Moscow is working to manufacture up to 500 long-range drones per day, Suspilne reported. The Kremlin's nightly drone attacks frequently involving Iranian-designed Shahed-type drones have strained Ukraine's air defenses and inflicted heavy damage on cities and infrastructure. Ukraine, for its part, has dramatically scaled up domestic drone production in response. The Strategic Industries Ministry reported that Ukraine more than doubled its long-range drone output in 2024 compared to 2023 a 22-fold increase over 2022. Read also: Putin rejects Zelenskys call for peace talks, accuses Ukraine of deadly bridge attack in Russia Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. MOSCOW (Reuters) -Russian warplanes were damaged but not destroyed in a June 1 attack by Ukraine, and they will be restored, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said. Ukrainian drones struck airfields in Siberia and the far north where Russia houses heavy bombers that form part of its strategic nuclear forces. The United States assesses that up to 20 warplanes were hit and around 10 were destroyed, two U.S. officials told Reuters, a figure that is about half the number estimated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Ryabkov, who oversees arms control diplomacy, told state news agency TASS: "The equipment in question, as was also stated by representatives of the Ministry of Defence, was not destroyed but damaged. It will be restored." It was not immediately clear how swiftly Russia could repair or replace the damaged aircraft - if at all - given the complexity of the technology, the age of some of the Soviet-era planes, and Western sanctions that restrict Russian imports of sensitive components. Commercial satellite imagery taken after the Ukrainian drone attack shows what experts told Reuters appear to be damaged Russian Tu-95 strategic bombers and Tu-22 Backfire long-range bombers that Russia has used to launch missile strikes against Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin told U.S. President Donald Trump in a telephone conversation on Wednesday that Moscow would have to respond to the attacks, Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia has an estimated fleet of 67 strategic bombers, including 52 Tu-95s, known as Bear-H by NATO, and 15 Tu-160s, known as Blackjacks, of which about 58 are thought to be deployed, according to the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. In addition, it has 289 non-strategic fighters and bombers, including Tu-22s, Su-24s, Su-34s and MiG-31s, according to the Bulletin. Russia has given no detail about which aircraft were damaged but said that Ukraine targeted five airbases. The Tu-95 and Tu-22 are Soviet-era planes, operational for many decades. State industrial conglomerate Rostec said in 2024 that modern, upgraded versions of the Tu-95 are in service and there are no plans to retire the plane. The latest model, a Tu-95MSM, is being developed and first embarked on a test flight in 2020. Rostec said the Tu-95MSM was a serious upgrade that would increase the aircraft's efficiency and its service life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement United Aircraft Corporation, a Rostec subsidiary that manufactures the planes, said the Tu-22M3 was in serial production from 1978 and put into military service in 1989. Rostec did not immediately respond to a request for comment on what the particular challenges would be in terms of parts for the aircraft. (Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge, Gleb Stolyarov and Alex Marrow; editing by Mark Trevelyan) By Dmitry Antonov, Andrea Shalal and Andreas Rinke MOSCOW/WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Russia will respond to Ukraine's latest attacks as and when its military sees fit, the Kremlin said on Thursday, accusing Kyiv of state terrorism as U.S. President Donald Trump downplayed prospects for an immediate peace between the countries. Ukraine used drones to strike Russian heavy bomber planes at air bases in Siberia and the far north at the weekend, and Russia also accused it of blowing up rail bridges in the south of the country, killing seven people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump said that during a more than two-hour-long call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday he urged him to refrain, but fully expected Moscow to strike back. "It's probably not going to be pretty. I don't like it," said Trump, who described what he called "great hatred" between Putin and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. The Kremlin confirmed that Putin had told Trump that Moscow was obliged to retaliate. Trump began his second term in January vowing to swiftly end Russia's three-year-old war in Ukraine, but the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War Two is instead intensifying. On Thursday he downplayed prospects for any immediate peace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Sometimes you see two young children fighting like crazy, they hate each other and they're fighting in a park," Trump said. "Sometimes you're better off letting them fight for a while and then pulling them apart." U.S. SANCTIONS? Speaking to reporters before a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Trump said he believed that "at some point" there would be peace between Russia and Ukraine. When asked if he would impose further sanctions on Russia, Trump responded: "When I see the moment where it's not going to stop ... we'll be very, very, very tough. And it could be on both countries to be honest. You know, it takes two to tango." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Merz said he would discuss with Trump ways to increase pressure on Russia. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, at his daily briefing with reporters, highlighted comments made by Putin a day earlier about the railway attacks. "The president described the Kyiv regime as a terrorist regime, because it was the regime's leadership that consciously gave the order, the command, the order to blow up a passenger train. This is nothing other than terrorism at the state level. This is an important statement by the president," said Peskov. Russia has not yet provided evidence that Ukrainian leaders ordered the rail attacks, and Kyiv has not acknowledged responsibility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukrainian attacks inside Russia and Russian air strikes and advances on the battlefield have escalated the war that began in February 2022, damaging prospects for peace talks that the two sides resumed in Turkey last month. (Reporting by Dmitry Antonov in Moscow and Andreas Rinke and Andrea Shalal in Washington; writing by Mark Trevelyan and Michelle NicholsEditing by Andrew Osborn and Chizu Nomiyama) Russia launched drone strikes on Ukraine early Thursday, killing five people just one day after President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone. While Trump called the conversation between the two leaders a good one, he acknowledged that the 75-minute discussion would not lead to immediate peace. The continued strikes, he said, were in response to Ukraines weekend attack on Russian air bases. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russian forces struck the city of Pryluky, in the north-central region of Chernihiv, leading to the fatalities. At least nine others were injured in the blast, The Associated Press reported. Several of the victims, according to the news wire and the nations leader, were related to a local rescue team member. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately, his wife, daughter and one-year-old grandson were killed. And this is the 632nd child during the full-scale war, Zelensky wrote in a Thursday post on Telegram, with images of the damage. He described the event as a terrorist attack that warranted more sanctions on Russia, saying the end of the war will only come through strength. Russia is constantly trying to buy time for itself to continue the killings. When it does not feel strong enough condemnation and pressure from the world, it kills again, Zelensky said. However, Kremlin officials said the drone strike was justified. The president described the Kyiv regime as a terrorist regime, because it was the regimes leadership that consciously gave the order, the command, the order to blow up a passenger train, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, referring to Sundays attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leaders from across the globe have urged Putin to ease conflict on the battlefield to no avail despite direct talks between Russia and Ukraine under the guise of a potential ceasefire. Trump has warned that his Russian counterpart was playing with fire in recent weeks. 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 posted late last month on Truth Social. Hes playing with fire! He also suggested the consistent attacks on Ukraine are a sign that Putin has gone absolutely crazy, ramping up his criticism of the bloodshed in Eastern Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kremlin earlier this week dismissed the likelihood of a meeting anytime soon between Trump, Putin and Zelensky, despite Trumps invitation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Almost two centuries ago, the Prussian military theorist Carl von Clausewitz cautioned against the temptation to shut ones eyes to what war really is from sheer distress at its brutality. One milestone betrays the sheer scale of the butchery in Ukraine: by the end of June, Russian forces will, in all probability, have suffered their millionth casualty in this war. When Vladimir Putin sent some 200,000 Russian soldiers into Ukraine in February 2022, he expected to seize Kyiv by the third day of a lightning offensive. Today, his troops remain hundreds of miles from the capital, while the number of Russian dead and wounded has grown to nearly five times the size of that initial invasion force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overall, a high of 250,000 Russian soldiers have died in Ukraine, with over 950,000 total Russian casualties, notes a study by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), an American think tank based in Washington, DC. Those numbers conjure an image of Putin casting the entirety of his first invading army into a furnace, then gathering another and doing the same over and over again. Vladimir Putin remains resolute as Russian forces approach a grim milestone in Ukraine - Gavriil Grigorov/Pool/AFP via Getty On an average day in April, about 1,200 Russians were killed or wounded on Ukraines battlefields, where killer drones and heavy artillery have together created the most lethal expanse of territory on Earth. If this casualty rate is sustained, the CSIS study concludes, Russia will likely hit the 1 million casualty mark in the summer of 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By way of comparison, the combined death toll in every Soviet or Russian conflict since 1945 from the invasion of Hungary in 1956 to the Second Chechen war in 1999, including the Afghanistan campaign of 1979-89 came to less than 50,000. Putin has sacrificed about five times that number in the space of three years and four months in Ukraine. Having been thrown back from Kyiv, Putin is now waging what the CSIS calls a grinding contest of attrition, in which Russia loses vast quantities of men and materiel for mere metres of ground. Since January 2024, Putin has captured about 1 per cent of Ukraine at the cost of between 800 and 1,600 Russian casualties per day. By comparison, 179 British military personnel were killed during six years of combat operations in Iraq. Yet Putins frame of reference is almost certainly not the conflicts since 1945. He is steeped in the history of what Russians call the Great Patriotic War the Soviet Unions epic struggle against Hitlers invasion between 1941 and 1945. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That titanic confrontation claimed the lives of at least 24 million Soviet or Russian citizens, amounting to 12 per cent of the entire population of the Soviet Empire. The Battle of Stalingrad alone, lasting less than six months, killed almost 675,000 Russians. The siege of Leningrad the city of Putins birth was even more deadly. His parents lived through those harrowing years from 1941 to 1944; his father fought in the citys defence, while his elder brother was among the children who died of hunger and privation. In total, over 1 million Russians gave their lives to save Leningrad from the Nazis. 1942: The Battle of Stalingrad claimed nearly 675,000 Russian lives in under six months - TASS via Getty Images If that is your perspective, then 250,000 dead and a million casualties in Ukraine become far more acceptable. Putin will doubtless see these figures as just a fraction of the cost of preserving his home city from Hitler. And that is not even to consider earlier episodes of suffering. The Russian civil war that followed the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917 claimed some 10 million lives, mainly from starvation, while Stalins Great Purge, between 1936 and 1938, is estimated to have claimed between 700,000 and 1.2 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If, like Putin, your historical memory is dominated by events before 1945, then you take a different view of a million Russian casualties in Ukraine. And the Kremlins propaganda campaign is designed to ensure that the Russian people think like their leader. Not even the prospect of Putin soon having sacrificed a million of their sons in the countrys bloodiest war in 80 years appears to be stirring popular discontent. In March, polling by the Levada Center, a Russian independent, nongovernmental research organisation, found that a majority of respondents support the actions of the Russian military and believe that the special military operation is progressing successfully. For Western policy-makers, by contrast, Putins cold indifference to suffering presents a strategic dilemma. Effective deterrence depends on an adversary believing that any act of aggression will incur an overwhelming and unacceptable cost. But what constitutes an unacceptable cost in Putins eyes? Given that a million Russian casualties in the crucible of Ukraine seem to leave him unmoved, sustaining effective deterrence becomes far more difficult. Hence the continued importance of nuclear weapons perhaps the only price even Putin would be unwilling to pay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, his dogged assault on Ukraine has forced his neighbour to defend itself with ever greater force, vindicating the bleak words of Clausewitz: If one side uses force without compunction, undeterred by the bloodshed it involves, while the other side refrains, the first will gain the upper hand. That side will force the other to follow suit; each will drive its opponent towards extremes. Russias extreme violence has killed between 60,000 and 100,000 Ukrainians, according to the CSIS, inflicting around 400,000 casualties in total an astonishing toll reminiscent of the pre-war era. Given that Ukraines population is less than a third of Russias, the target of the invasion has endured a heavier toll per capita a butchers bill greater even than that of its aggressor. Ukrainian soldiers on the front line know better than anyone that the prospect of a million Russian casualties will not deter Putin. The only counterweight is still greater force. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. By Thomas Peter, Anna Voitenko and Anastasiia Malenko KYIV (Reuters) - Russia launched an intense missile and drone barrage at the Ukrainian capital Kyiv in the early hours of Friday, killing at least six people, Ukrainian officials said, as powerful explosions reverberated across the country. The attacks followed a warning from Russian President Vladimir Putin, conveyed via U.S. President Donald Trump, that the Kremlin would hit back after Ukrainian drones destroyed several strategic bomber aircraft in attacks deep inside Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said three emergency responders were killed in the missile and drone salvo against the capital. Two died in an attack on the northern city of Chernihiv and at least one more in the northwestern city of Lutsk. "Those killed in Kyiv were rescue workers who arrived at the scene of an initial strike and, unfortunately, were killed in a repeat Russian strike," Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, writing on X, said Russia had "'responded' to its destroyed aircraft... by attacking civilians in Ukraine.... Multi-storey buildings hit. Energy infrastructure damaged." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia's Defence Ministry said its forces had carried out the strike on military and military-related targets in response to what it called Ukrainian "terrorist acts" against Russia. "They gave Putin a reason to go in and bomb the hell out of them last night," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on Friday, when asked about how Ukraine's earlier drone strikes had affected the conflict. Zelenskiy said 80 people nationwide had been injured in the attacks, which also struck several other towns and cities. He said residents could still be trapped under rubble. In Chernihiv, the national emergency services said two bodies were recovered from the rubble of a wrecked industrial enterprise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Lutsk, the body of a man was found in the ruins of an apartment block, while emergency crews kept searching for his wife. Thirty people were hurt in the city, where educational institutions and a government building were also hit. Russian forces also struck industrial facilities and infrastructure in the western city of Ternopil, leaving parts of it without power, Mayor Serhii Nadal said. The regional administration said the attack had injured 10 people and asked residents to temporarily stay inside due to a high concentration of toxic substances in the air after a fire. The air force said Russia had used 407 drones, one of the largest numbers recorded in a single attack. It said 45 cruise and ballistic missiles were also fired. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ATTACKS HIT KYIV TRANSPORT SYSTEM Kyiv's metro transport system was disrupted by a Russian strike that hit and damaged tracks between stations, the military administration said. The state rail company said it was also diverting some trains due to rail damage outside the city. Reuters witnesses reported a series of booming explosions powerful enough to rattle windows far from the impact sites. Some Kyiv residents sought shelter in metro stations, or in underground car parks. In the capital's Solomianskyi district, a Russian drone slammed into the side of an apartment building, leaving a gaping hole and burn marks, a Reuters photographer at the scene said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Falling concrete blocks from the building crushed cars parked below. Two police investigators were examining what appeared to be the drone's engine. Earlier in the night, Reuters reporters heard the sound of Russian kamikaze drones buzzing in the sky, accompanied by the sounds of outgoing fire from Ukrainian anti-aircraft batteries. Zelenskiy called for concerted pressure on Russia. "If someone is not applying pressure and is giving the war more time to take lives that is complicity and accountability. We must act decisively," he wrote on X. The Ukrainian military said it had launched a pre-emptive strike overnight on the Engels and Dyagilevo airfields in the Russian regions of Saratov and Ryazan, in addition to striking at least three fuel reservoirs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In one of the most audacious attacks of the three-year-old war between Ukraine and Russia, Ukrainian spies last weekend destroyed some of Russia's strategic bomber aircraft on the ground using quadrocopter drones hidden in wooden sheds. After a phone conversation with Putin on Wednesday, Trump said the Kremlin was planning an unspecified response to the Ukrainian attack on the Russian air bases. (Reporting by Tom Balmforth, Max Hunder, Gleb Garanich, Anastasiia Malenko and Trevor Hunnicutt; writing by Ron Popeski; editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan, Clarence Fernandez, Gareth Jones, Mark Herinrich and David Gregorio) KHARKIV (Reuters) -A Russian drone attack killed the family of the local fire chief in Ukraine's northern town of Pryluky in Chernihiv region, Ukraine's interior minister said on Thursday. Minister Ihor Klymenko said the attack killed the fire chief's wife, daughter and one-year-old grandson. "On this terrible night, the rescuer was on site with the fire and rescue team to deal with the aftermath of the enemy strikes," he wrote on Telegram, expressing his condolences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The family was among five people killed when Russia launched six drones to attack the town overnight, regional governor Viacheslav Chaus said. Six more people were hospitalised, he added. Ukraine's northern and eastern regions have been a frequent target of Russian drones and missiles in the more than three-year-old war. Another Russian drone attack on Ukraine's northeastern city of Kharkiv injured 18 people, including four children, Klymenko said. Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said the overnight strikes damaged seven apartment buildings, with direct hits on two. "It flew into our neighbours' apartment next door, and my child and I managed to run out into the hallway," resident Anastasiia Meleshchenko told Reuters at the scene, adding that the ceiling began to crumble after a blast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Yesterday, workers had just finished repair work in my apartment after the previous attack," she said. Outside, wrecked cars were on the street and emergency services workers were inspecting the damage. There was no immediate comment from Russia. (Reporting by Vitalii Hnidyi in Kharkiv, Ron Popeski and Anastasiia Malenko; Editing by Himani Sarkar and Clarence Fernandez) Editor's note: This is a developing story and is being updated. Russian missile and drone attacks on the city of Kharkiv overnight on June 5 injured 17 people, including four children, regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported. At least two high-rise buildings in the Slobodsky district of the city were struck by attack drones, Syniehubov said. Two 13-year-old girls were injured in the attack, as well as a pregnant woman. A 93-year-old woman also sustained injuries. No information was provided on the extent of the injuries sustained by victims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The full extent of the damage was not immediately clear as rescue workers continue to work on-scene. Several vehicles were also damaged in the attack, according to Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov. Emergency crews assess the damage of a Russian drone strike on a residential building in Kharkiv on June 5, 2025. The attack injured at least 17 people, including two children. (Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration/Telegram) Russia has launched repeated large-scale aerial assaults against Ukraine in recent days. On the night of June 1, Russia launched its largest swarm of attack drones since the start of the full-scale invasion, topping out at 472 total units at once. On June 2, Russian drone and missile attacks on Kharkiv injured six people, including a child. President Volodymyr Zelensky said on June 4 that Russia launched approximately 48,600 aerial attacks since the start of 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kharkiv Oblast in northeastern Ukraine is a regular target of Russian missile, drone, and glide bomb attacks. Russia has frequently attacked densely populated neighborhoods in the city of Kharkiv, hitting residential buildings and civilian infrastructure. Read also: Russia launches over 48,000 aerial attacks on Ukraine in 6 months, Zelensky says Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Two German Eurofighter jets were scrambled on Thursday 5 June due to the presence of a Russian reconnaissance aircraft over the Baltic Sea. Source: German press agency DPA, as reported by European Pravda Details: The Russian Il-20 aircraft was flying in international airspace over the Baltic Sea without transmitting identification signals or establishing communication, the German Bundeswehr stated. In response, NATO dispatched fighter jets from the German Air Force stationed at Rostock-Laage Airbase. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This marks the sixth such deployment by the German Air Force since the beginning of 2025. Tensions in the Baltic Sea region remain high due to repeated illegal reconnaissance attempts and suspected acts of sabotage. Background: In just one week in May, NATO air policing jets deployed in the Baltic states were scrambled four times to identify and escort Russian aircraft that violated flight regulations. During the same period, it was reported that Polish fighter jets intercepted a Russian Su-24 bomber in international airspace over the Baltic Sea. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! PRYLUKY, Ukraine (AP) At least five people, including a 1-year-old child, his mother and grandmother, were killed Thursday in a nighttime Russian drone attack on the northern Ukrainian city of Pryluky, officials said. Six drones hit a residential area in the city shortly before dawn, injuring nine others, according to authorities. The child killed was the grandson of the local fire chief, Ukraines Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said. The fire chief, identified by local officials as 50-year-old Oleksandr Lebid, "arrived to respond to the aftermath right at his own home, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a post on Telegram. It turned out that a Shahed drone hit his house. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attack came just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to Trump, Putin said very strongly that Russia will retaliate for Ukraines stunning drone attacks on Russian military airfields on Sunday. U.S.-led diplomatic efforts to stop the more than 3-year-long war have delivered no significant progress, and the grinding war of attrition has continued unabated. Child's mother feared drone attacks The mother of the 1-year-old killed in Pryluky was a police officer called Daryna Shyhyda, Ukraines National Police said. Today our hearts are scorched by pain, the police force wrote on Telegram. This is not just a loss it is three generations of life uprooted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Liudmyla Horbunova, 55, who lives across the street from where the Shahed drone hit, said Shyhyda had moved with her son last weekend to her parents house from her home in Kyiv because she was scared of potential Russian attacks on the capital. She ran away from Shaheds in Kyiv, but they found her here, in Pryluky, Horbunova told The Associated Press. Firefighters worked through charred debris and extinguished the remains of a fire that engulfed the home of Shyhyda's parents, leaving only a brick carcass and scattered toys, clothes and a family photo book. Drones struck across regions Pryluky, which had a prewar population of around 50,000 people, lies about 100 kilometers (60 miles) east of Kyiv, the capital. The city is far from the front line and does not contain any known military assets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The last time Pryluky was struck was in November last year, when a Russian missile hit an administrative building and injured one person. Zelenskyy said a total of 103 drones and one ballistic missile targeted multiple Ukrainian regions overnight, including Donetsk, Kharkiv, Odesa, Sumy, Chernihiv, Dnipro and Kherson. This is another massive strike, Zelenskyy said. It is yet another reason to impose the strongest possible sanctions and apply pressure collectively. US peace effort remains stalled Zelenskyy, who has accepted a U.S. ceasefire proposal and offered to meet with Putin in an attempt to break the stalemate in negotiations, wants more international sanctions on Russia to force it to accept a settlement. Putin has shown no willingness to meet with Zelenskyy, however, and has indicated no readiness to compromise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Germanys new leader Friedrich Merz was due to meet with President Donald Trump in Washington on Thursday as he works to keep the U.S. on board with Western diplomatic and military support for Ukraine. Ukraines top presidential aide, Andriy Yermak, met with senior American officials in Washington on Wednesday and called for greater U.S. pressure on Russia, accusing the Kremlin of deliberately stalling ceasefire talks and blocking progress toward peace, according to a statement on the presidential website. Yermak, who traveled to the U.S. as part of a Ukrainian delegation, met with senior American officials to bolster support for Ukraines defense and humanitarian priorities. He said Ukraine urgently needs stronger air defense capabilities. More people wounded in Kharkiv Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hours later, 19 people were injured in a Russian drone strike on the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. Those hurt included children, a pregnant woman, and a 93-year-old woman, regional Gov. Oleh Syniehubov wrote on Telegram. At around 1:05 a.m., Shahed-type drones struck two apartment buildings in the citys Slobidskyi district, causing fires and destroying several private vehicles. By launching attacks while people sleep in their homes, the enemy once again confirms its tactic of insidious terror, Syniehubov wrote on Telegram. Russian aircraft also dropped four powerful glide bombs on the southern city of Kherson, injuring at least three people, regional authorities said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia reports another rail explosion In Russia, an explosion damaged a railway line Thursday in the Voronezh region bordering Ukraine, Russias Federal Security Service said, as cited by state news agencies. The damage forced 26 trains to stop running, Russian rail operators said. The incident came after Putin described recent attacks on Russian railway infrastructure as terrorist acts by Ukrainian saboteurs. Seven people died and two trains were derailed after road and rail bridges were damaged in Russias Kursk and Bryansk regions during the night between May 31 and June 1. ___ Hanna Arhirova and Illia Noviko in Kyiv, Ukraine and Katie Marie Davies in Manchester, England contributed. ___ Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine U.S. President Donald Trump warned on June 5 that Russia's response to Ukraine's Operation Spiderweb is likely "not going to be pretty," following a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin the day prior. Trump previously said he spoke to Putin over the phone for approximately an hour and 15 minutes on June 4. "It was a good conversation, but not a conversation that will lead to immediate peace. President Putin did say, and very strongly, that he will have to respond to the recent attack on the airfields," Trump said at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine on June 1 launched a game-changing drone attack on four key Russian military airfields, damaging 41 planes, including heavy bombers and rare A-50 spy planes. Kyiv has claimed it had disabled 34% of Russia's strategic bomber fleet in what is seen as one of the most daring operations during the full-scale war. The operation, dubbed Spiderweb, took 18 months to plan and was overseen directly by President Volodymyr Zelensky and carried out by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). The SBU said 117 drones, launched from concealed trucks positioned across Russian territory, simultaneously struck airfields in at least four regions including sites thousands of kilometers from the Ukrainian border. "They went deep into Russia and (Putin) actually told me we have no choice but to attack based on that, and it's probably not going to be pretty," Trump said. "I don't like it, I said don't do it, you shouldn't do it, you should stop it," Trump added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin on June 4 blamed Ukraines top leadership for the attacks: "The current Kyiv regime does not need peace at all," he said during a televised meeting with senior officials. "What is there to talk about? How can we negotiate with those who rely on terror?" Russian officials have made few public acknowledgements of the attack. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on June 5 that Moscow will respond when and how the military deems necessary. Read also: Time to put an end to insanity of war, Brazils Lula told Putin, calls for restraint following Operation Spiderweb Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Eight people were injured when a Ryanair plane suffered heavy turbulence caused by severe storms in southern Germany, forcing the aircraft to make an emergency landing in Bavaria, local police said on Thursday. The plane, carrying 179 passengers and six crew members, was en route from Berlin to Milan on Wednesday evening when it experienced violent turbulence at around 8:25 pm (1825 GMT), which led to seven passengers and one crew member being injured, according to the statement. Police initially reported nine injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plane then made an unscheduled landing at Memmingen airport at 8:44 pm, some 100 kilometres west of Munich, to allow for the injured to receive medical care. Three people were brought to hospital due to the severity of their injuries, including a two-year-old child who sustained bruises. A Ryanair spokesman said the plane had been rerouted to Memmingen due to the turbulence, with the captain requesting medical assistance. As local authorities did not authorize the aircraft to continue its flight, Ryanair organized buses to transport passengers to their destination overnight, police said. A replacement flight was organized on Thursday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The storms also caused damage to residential areas in the region, with the winds lifting the roofs off several houses in the city of Ulm, according to the fire brigade. Police and firefighters were called out to around 200 incidents in Bavaria due to the severe weather, mainly to deal with fallen trees and flooded basements. A 61-year-old cyclist was injured when he crashed into a toppled tree blocking a road near Ingolstadt on Wednesday evening, police said. The storms were also felt in the neighbouring Czech Republic, with firefighters deployed almost 500 times to clear fallen trees from roads and railway tracks and pump rainwater from cellars, according to a spokesman. At least eight people were injured when a Ryanair flight from Berlin to Milan hit severe turbulence and forced an emergency landing at Memmingen Airport in Bavaria. Here's everything we know about the incident: - There were 179 passengers and crew aboard the Ryanair plane when it encountered the turbulence at around 8:25 p.m. local time Wednesday night, according to dpa. - The injuries consisted of seven passengers and one crew member, the report added. Three people had to be hospitalized, including a 2-year-old. (MORE: Crane Collapse In Florida Kills 2) - The plane's captain requested medical assistance before the emergency landing occurred, Reuters reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement - Passengers were then transported 236 miles to Milan by bus, as the airplane was not cleared to continue on to the destination, acccording to the Associated Press. - The storms that were responsible for the incident were also blamed for other problems in southern Germany. In Ulm, Baden-Wurttemberg, homes were damaged by strong winds, according to dpa, and a tornado may have been responsible for more structural damage in the Donaustetten district. (FOX40.COM) The City of Sacramento is looking for community feedback on its three different proposals for the Norwood Mobility Project. The project seeks to improve mobility along a roughly 2-mile stretch of Norwood Avenue from Main Avenue to Arcade Creek, including a section that crosses over Interstate 80. Video: Sacramento councilmember proposes state of emergency over pedestrian safety (Nov. 2024) Norwood Avenue Alternative 1 Alternative 1 is the simplest and the cheapest of the three plans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city would widen the west side sidewalk to 8 feet, add a sidewalk north of Berthoud Street, build signalized crosswalks and add some benches and bus stop shelters. The speed limit would also be lowered. According to the plan posted online, the section of Norwood Avenue that crosses over the freeway would not have the sidewalk expanded. Norwood Avenue Alternative 2 The second plan adds dedicated lanes for a third type of transit: bikes. In addition to being one of three proposals, Alternative 2 also has three variants. All three variants would keep the changes listed for Alternative 1 with the exception of widening the west side sidewalk to 8 feet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All Alternative 2 plans also add street lighting, replace a lane of car traffic in each direction with separated bike paths and turn three intersections into roundabouts. Where the variants deviate is how they separate pedestrians and bikes from car traffic. In Variant A, cyclists are at the same level of the street as motor vehicles, separated by a 3-foot buffer. Pedestrians on both sides of the street are elevated on the sidewalk and separated from bikes with a buffer that includes a 3-foot-wide planter section In Variant B, the planter section is removed from one side of the street and expanded to 7 feet on the other to allow for the possibility of planting of trees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Variant C, the bike lanes are elevated to the level of the sidewalk and the planter sections is placed between the bike lane and traffic. By removing the need for the two 3-foot buffers between bikes and traffic, there is room for one side of the street to have the 7-foot planter strip and for the other to keep the smaller 3-foot planter strip. Like in Alternative 1, most of the improvements would not be included on the part of Norwood Avenue that crosses over the freeway. Norwood Avenue Alternative 3 Alternative 3 is the most expensive. It would involve creating a 12-foot-wide shared-use path on one side of the street for bikes and pedestrians separated by an expanded planter strip and gutter. The other side of the street would also get an expanded planter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the plans posted online, Alternative 3 is the only option in which a major part of the improvement would run continuously from Main Avenue to Arden Creek, including on the overpass. The plan also keeps the reduced lanes of vehicle traffic, lowered speed limits, benches, signalized crosswalks, and roundabouts. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A Salem man was sentenced to prison on Wednesday after leading an illegal operation that manufactured and sold drug-infused cereal and candy, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Oregon announced. Authorities said 45-year-old Jered Hayward was sentenced to 13 years in prison after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana and conspiracy to launder the proceeds. Hayward additionally agreed to forfeit assets worth more than $2 million, officials said. According to court documents, Hayward led a large-scale THC and psilocybin production facility headquartered in Salem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Class action lawsuit accuses Grocery Outlet of deceptive pricing in Oregon stores As part of the operation, Hayward and his employees infused or sprayed cereal and candy with potent THC oils. The edibles were then placed in packages that looked similar to legitimate food products marketing them as Cinnamon Toast Crunch Krispie Bars, Froot Loops Krispie Bars and Cocoa Puffs Krispie Bars among other popular cereal brands and sold them in the United States and internationally. Authorities said while there is no evidence that Hayward marketed the products toward minors, officials said the way the edibles were packaged posed a risk to children who are often unable to comprehend fine print warnings on THC products. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drug trafficker sentenced to 15 years in prison after largest meth bust in Oregon history According to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Oregon, the organization used encrypted communications such as Telegram to market and sell orders while masking money laundering transactions. Authorities say Hayward had no permits or licenses to produce or sell the products, noting the entire operation was illegal. Hayward has an extensive criminal history, including three prior state and federal convictions for marijuana and fentanyl trafficking, officials said, adding that based on those convictions, he is considered a career criminal under federal law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As part of his guilty plea, Hayward agreed to forfeit his Salem production facility, over $1 million in cash, $640,000 in cryptocurrency and bank account funds, more than $400,000 worth of gold and silver, jewelry, a Rolex watch, 12 vehicles, two UTVs and boats. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) Officials say on June 6, The Salvation Army plans to celebrate National Donut Day. The Salvation Army says during World War I, women volunteering with the organization traveled to France, setting up field bases near the front lines. They provided soldiers with vital supplies, spiritual and emotional support, and donuts. The donuts became a morale booster amid the war. Known as the Donut Lassies, these women are often credited with popularizing the donut in the United States when the troops returned home. To both honor their service and raise funds for those affected by the Great Depression, The Salvation Army established National Donut Day in 1938. Three bids revealed for proposed Tepe Park splash pad Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement National Donut Day is a meaningful holiday for us, serving as an important reminder of the impactful work we do daily to support our neighbors, said Captain Victor Haworth of the Owensboro Corps. We take pride in being part of the nations largest nongovernmental provider of social services and serving the Western Kentucky community. Today, we not only celebrate a beloved treat but also our ongoing commitment to serve as a positive light in peoples lives. A recipe for donuts can be found below. Donut_Day_RecipeDownload 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). ELKHART The Salvation Army of Elkhart, 300 N. Main St., is celebrating National Donut Day this Friday. On Friday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., the Salvation Army in Elkhart will give out free doughnuts and drinks to military veterans and active military members. The Salvation Army established National Donut Day in 1938 to honor The Salvation Armys Donut Lassies, who traveled to the front lines in World War I in 1917, where they provided essential supplies and made doughnuts for troops to boost morale. More than 100 years later, The Salvation Army is still serving on the front lines in the fight against poverty, homelessness, food insecurity, addiction, and other issues impacting vulnerable individuals and families living in the United States, a statement from the group reads. This year, National Donut Day lands on D-Day Commemoration Day, making it fitting that doughnuts would be shared with military veterans and active servicepersons. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) Samford University has withdrawn its applications and development plans for a once-upcoming development project. On Thursday, the city of Homewood announced that the private Christian college had paused its Creekside project, described as a livable town square that wouldve been located across from its campus on Lakeshore Drive. Instead, Samford officials will focus on other construction priorities on campus instead. Developers said there is no timeline for revisiting the Creekside proposal, the city said in a statement posted on its Facebook page. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the project was first announced, some in the community pointed to certain environmental concerns they had with the development, namely a salamander pond located on protected land near the property. Its not just trees and ferns and wildflowers, its the animals that live in here, so we have turtles and reptiles and lots of amphibians living here, lots and lots of birds, Henry Hughes, executive director of Friends of Shades Creek, told CBS 42s Maddie McQueen back in March. We really want to maintain the integrity of this forest and any development that takes place in and around the forest is always a potential problem. A series of public information sessions were held in the city prior to the project being paused. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) In the wake of a suspected antisemitic terror attack in Boulder, Colorado that injured fifteen people, a sense of heightened vulnerability is spreading among Jewish communities across the United States, including in San Diego. The attack in Boulder targeted a volunteer group called Run For Their Lives, which organizes weekly demonstrations in cities like San Diego and Boulder to call for the release of Israeli hostages still being held in Gaza by Hamas. Concerns have arisen about potential copycat attacks, prompting the group in San Diego to seek additional security measures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Buona Forchetta reopens following workplace enforcement operation It feels to me like its an attack on me, on my family, said Dan Pritsker, a member of the San Diego walking group. Pritsker, who is Jewish, expressed fear his walking group could also be targeted similarly to what was seen in Boulder. This concern is especially heightened given hate-based harassment he has experienced in the months since Hamas incursion on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. I need to always look behind my shoulder, see if someone is trying to do something, Pritsker said. The group is already in talks with the San Diego Police Department to request added security or some other form of protection during their walks for the hostages release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My message is for everyone: Lets remember were not in a conflict zone here, he said. We in the United States, in San Diego. Lets talk, lets live together even when we disagree on things. All facts from this article were gathered by FOX 5/KUSI journalists. This article was converted into this format with assistance from artificial intelligence. It has been edited and approved by FOX 5/KUSI staff. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. San Franciscos municipal code runs about the same length as the entire U.S. federal rulebook thats 75 "Moby Dick"s and counting. No lawyer, or even a team of them, could ever muck out all the redundant and outdated sections contained in it. So City Attorney David Chiu, a former state assemblymember and city supervisor, is calling in Stanfords AI experts to help him out. And he hopes others in government will follow him. A team from Stanfords Regulation, Evaluation and Governance Lab trained an AI program to chew over a citys legal code in search of every instance in which a city department is mandated to produce a report. Then Chius team went to those departments to see which reports could be tweaked for efficiency, combined with similar requirements, or slashed altogether. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This tool saved us countless hours of work," Chiu said. Because of the length of our code it's likely a project we would never have undertaken. Now Chiu is sponsoring city legislation that would change more than a third of the nearly 500 reporting requirements that can be altered by a city ordinance. Chiu wants to do away with 140 of them entirely. This isn't just a San Francisco problem, Chiu said, referencing a report that described the millions of pages produced by Congress every year as a black hole. We need to be delivering results and services, not just churning out more reports, he said. Particularly in this era of budget scarcity we need to get up staff time to focus on the truly pressing issues of the day. Stanford professor and HAI Senior Fellow Daniel Ho, who leads the team behind the AI endeavor, said to tackle those reams of legalese, his team trained an AI model to essentially think like a lawyer to find and parse the required reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One requirement still on the books that Chiu and Ho pointed to requires the citys Public Works Department to issue a biennial report on the citys fixed newspaper racks. The problem is those dont exist anymore. Chiu said that while hundreds of similarly obsolete reports were required of departments across the city government, the controller, city administrator, planning department and the Mayor's Office of Housing and Community Development were particularly backed up with what Ho dubbed policy sludge. Chiu will see his legislation introduced at the San Francisco Board of Supervisors next week. While city rules prohibit supervisors from co-sponsoring legislation brought by another city department, Supervisor Bilal Mahmood said in a statement that City Hall has been weighted down by unnecessary code for too long. This legislation will cut through that clutter, freeing up staff time so departments can focus on what matters mostserving San Franciscans. Ho said his team calibrated and tested the tool before running the city search, trolling through the U.S. legal code and successfully turning up 1,400 known reports, along with hundreds more. Its the first time he said the tool has been used in this way, although last year his lab trained an AI tool to identify racial restrictions in millions of property records. SAN JUAN COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE) Parts of northwest New Mexico are bracing for another round of potentially damaging storms, all while cleaning up from flash flooding on Tuesday. A woman who lives outside of Farmington described the storm as something that came within minutes, sending a river of water rushing through her home. It was pretty intense, said Vangie Randall-Shorty, Kirtland resident. Latest Weather Forecast A second day of rain in Kirtland turned into a major concern around six p.m. for Vangie Randall-Shorty, who quickly noticed rushing water around her home. We were just like, oh my god, what are we going to do? So my first, our first reactions were just to get the horses and the dogs to a safe area, said Randall-Shorty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moving her animals to a safer spot meant trekking through thigh-high water for Vangie. Her mom has owned the property for more than a decade and says theyve never seen this type of rain. And we, its been dry since then. And all of a sudden, we got this heavy storm, which is nice, but we werent expecting this, said Randall-Shorty. She and her neighbors spent Wednesday cleaning up the aftermath, which left big pools of water and even shifted Randall-Shortys mobile home. You can see where the current came through underneath the home and all the damage that it had done, said Randall-Shorty. With the rain that weve gotten this week, we are seeing that the ground is somewhat saturated, said Devin Neeley, Public Information Officer, San Juan County Emergency Management. Theres more rain expected Wednesday night. Randall-Shorty said a local electrical company helped her move dirt to block another rush of water. Neighbors also spent Wednesday filling sandbags from San Juan County. Were hoping that people get prepared before they need them, said Neeley. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement San Juan County said so far, the only local flooding theyve seen has been around the Kirtland area. Emergency managers said they still have sandbags available at fire stations near La Plata, Kirtland, and West Hammond. The country recommends that people bring their shovels to make the sandbags. Farmingtons airport recorded just over two inches of rain in the last two days, making for the citys wettest June on record, just a few days into the month. That part of New Mexico is under a flooding watch Wednesday as storms are dropping heavy rain across the state. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. SANDY, Utah (ABC4) Sandy Fire Department rescued a hiker with a broken ankle in Dimple Dell Park, and they used an app to find the hikers location. In a Facebook post, Sandy Fire said that Company 34A was dispatched to Dimple Dell Park, and they located the patient across the river using the What 3 Words app. They were assisted by the crew of Medic Engine 32A and Sandy FDs backcountry ranger in getting the patient out. They loaded the patient onto a wheeled stretcher and took them across the flooded river to the ranger. Sandy Fire Department rescue a hiker with a broken ankle, courtesy: Sandy FD Sandy Fire Department rescue a hiker with a broken ankle, courtesy: Sandy FD In the Facebook post, Sandy Fire suggested that hikers download the What 3 Words app before hiking because it can help crews find a persons location in an emergency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On its website, What 3 Words says it is the easiest way to describe any precise location. The app assigns every 10-foot square in the world a unique address made of three random words, which allows them to get much more precise with a location than a traditional address could. These addresses are always formatted as such: ///word.word.word. 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. Jun. 4The Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA), one of the few post-secondary institutions in New Mexico's capital city, could see its funding slashed by almost 80% as the Trump administration eyes further cuts to higher education institutions, public education and now those that are affiliated with tribes. The Santa Fe-based art school, which serves over 1,000 students and has a staff of over 100 people, 79% and 42% of whom are Native American, respectively, could lose some $13.4 million in federal funding of its overall budget of roughly $17 million. On Tuesday, ProPublica reported that the Trump administration, via a budget request on its way to Congress from the Department of the Interior, was looking to cut 90% of funding for the 37 tribal colleges and universities across the country one of which is IAIA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cuts are part of a broader Trump Administration push to cut programs targeted at diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and other programs the administration deems wasteful, such as foreign aid. The administration has touted some $2.3 billion in savings from DEI cuts and $8.3 billion in savings annually that went to some of the poorest nations in the world. "We will terminate every diversity, equity, and inclusion program across the entire federal government," Trump said in an executive order promising to eliminate every government program helping "underrepresented" populations in the U.S. U.S. Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., who is an ex officio non-voting member on the IAIA board of trustees, did not respond to a request for comment Wednesday. IAIA President Robert Martin said in a phone interview Wednesday that they had been bracing for the cuts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We knew it was going to happen sometime but to tell you the truth, we were hoping that somehow we were going to remain in the budget," he told the Journal. "We were trying to make sure this didn't happen, but it has happened, and we're well-prepared to deal with it, and we're confident that we're going to prevail in the end." Martin expressed confidence that the school would remain funded through the coming fiscal year, stating that he's been reassured by the New Mexico congressional delegation that "they are going to fund us at the level of funding that we requested" and that the presidential administration's proposed cuts could meet legal challenges. Still, Martin acknowledged that the looming cuts could have an impact on the campus community. "It is scary, but I think they want to instill fear, and these are challenging times for all of us," Martin said. "Uncertainty creates a lot of stress and anxiety among our faculty, staff and students." The Bureau of Indian Education Central Office, a department housed within the Department of the Interior, did not respond to a request for comment Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We know federal funding cuts have already hit New Mexico's higher education institutions. Currently, the New Mexico Higher Education Department is working closely with all public colleges and universities throughout the state, including the state's four tribal colleges, to track changes that may impact current and future federal funding," Auriella Ortiz, spokesperson for the New Mexico Higher Education Department, wrote in a statement. "During these unpredictable times, we will continue to support students at the Institute of American Indian Arts and other tribal colleges across the state." In March, Martin penned a campus-wide letter ahead of spring break addressing federal concerns and wrote "During my more than 17-year tenure as President, IAIA's budget has been reduced only once." He also noted additional reasons for students and staff to remain optimistic and pointed to some actions the school was taking to mitigate federal effects. "We have drawn down the maximum allowable funding amounts for each of our federal grants. Given the intent of several of the Executive Orders to terminate federal workers and programs, freeze federal hiring, reduce federal funding, and pausing certain federal grants," Martin wrote. "We must remain vigilant." SC could face costs upwards of $100 million annually under proposed changes to the country's largest federal food assistance program. (File photo by Getty Images) Continuing to provide grocery assistance to more than half a million South Carolinians could cost the state upwards of $100 million annually under proposed changes to the federal program. For the last half-century, the federal government has fully funded benefits provided through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps. But Republicans massive bill on taxes and spending, as passed by the U.S. House, would require states to pay a portion of those benefits starting in 2028, plus a greater share of what it costs to administer the program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the U.S. Senate is likely to make changes to whats dubbed the big, beautiful bill, advocates worry about major cuts to the 61-year program and what that would mean to the families who rely on it. I cant imagine the state is even closely prepared for all this, said Sue Berkowitz, director of the Appleseed Legal Justice Center. If the House plan holds, the Palmetto States total cost could more than triple, or in the worst-case scenario, increase elevenfold to over $370 million. (By comparison, the 2025-26 state budget sends the state Department of Social Services about $360 million total in state taxes.) What changes Thats because the bill bases states share of the cost on how well they distribute benefits correctly: States with an error rate of 6% or less would be responsible for contributing 5%. Those with an error rate higher than 10% would have to pay one-quarter of the cost. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And the latest data puts South Carolina in the latter category. In 2023, the states error rate was a whopping 22.6%, the fourth-worst in the nation, overwhelmingly due to overpayments. State officials say thats an anomaly. Prior to COVID-19, South Carolinas error rate was historically in the lowest category. That changed in 2022, when the states error rate went to 9% amid changes to the SNAP program during the global pandemic. Then it shot up in 2023. After a re-training of staff, the state Department of Social Services expects a big drop in the 2024 error rate, expected to be released next month. Can SC afford it? The chief budget writer of the South Carolina House said the state has the money to continue the program, as long as the error rate returns to pre-pandemic levels. Ways and Means Chairman Bruce Bannister pointed to hefty surpluses in tax collections in recent years as an example of the states fiscal health. The budget that takes effect July 1 put $1.2 billion in reserves. About $500 million more is unspent and available following an update in revenue estimates last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The question is whether funding for the food program will stand up against other budget priorities in the years to come, said Bannister, R-Greenville. Rep. Bill Herbkersman was less certain of South Carolinas ability to pay. The Bluffton Republican chaired the subcommittee that oversees the budget for South Carolinas child welfare and social services agency for many years. He does not think the state can guarantee funding will be available to keep the program going. In total, the federal government provides South Carolinians $1.3 billion in annual benefits for groceries, according to the latest figures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which heads the SNAP program, and the state split the $66 million bill for administrative costs. What frustrates Herbkersman the most are the overhead costs just to operate the program three-quarters of which South Carolina will have to pay under the proposed changes. As a taxpayer, Im incensed by that, he said. As for payment errors, those can occur from miscalculations in a households expenses and families struggling to provide the necessary documents updating their income in the case of a job change or loss, according to the USDA. According to state officials, the federal government calculates the error rate by checking a small sample of beneficiaries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DSS also has struggled to process applications for benefits within the 30-day window allowed under federal regulations. The USDA put the state on notice last year, both for timeliness and for not properly informing people of denied benefits. To address that, DSS started making much-needed upgrades to its technology. The agency has set aside about half of the $74 million it needs to replace equipment thats as much as five decades old. Those upgrades will significantly improve the states ability to process applications in a timely manner, according to an agency statement. Rising demand But the fundamental issue is a rise in the need, according to DSS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South Carolina, like many other states, has seen the weekly application volume for SNAP benefits rise substantially 7,000 applications for benefits each week on average, a nearly 50% increase over pre-COVID numbers. As of last September, one in nine South Carolinians were receiving SNAP benefits. More than half went to families with children, while more than one-third went to families with an elderly or disabled adult, according to the left-leaning Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Lee Patterson has seen that firsthand as Richland County Librarys social work director who helps people fill out applications. Shes not sure why more people are applying for aid, but she suspects its closely tied to the rising cost of housing. The first bill people usually pay is the rent, she said. When the price of housing goes up, then the ability to pay for food goes down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Applicants who arent elderly or disabled can deduct only $672 from their income when calculating whether they qualify for food benefits. Meanwhile, the median cost of rent and utilities in South Carolina is nearly double that, according to U.S. Census data. Patterson and her team have the experience to help smooth the way for people seeking aid. But for those applying on their own, especially for the first time, it can be tricky. For example, when it comes to proving income changes, applicants often have to go back to a former employer and ask for documentation that shows they no longer work for that company. Those employers dont always respond, and in some cases may have closed entirely, Patterson said. A second pain point for applicants can be waiting for a phone interview with DSS staff, which the federal government requires for benefits. South Carolina was allowed to waive those interviews during the pandemic, likely contributing to the states increased error rate, but they resumed in July 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The call volume for these interviews is often high, and its not uncommon for an applicant to wait on hold for an hour. The library has a phone available for applicants to use. If they dont get through, they may have to return multiple days in a row to complete their interview, Patterson said. Whats next? Advocates expect changes to the U.S. House proposal, as several key Republicans in the Senate have publicly opposed shifting food benefit costs to states. Negotiations are expected to continue into next week, Politico reported, with the goal of passing the bill by July 4. The final plan remains to be seen. The executive director of Foodshare South Carolina is concerned about what might ultimately happen to other SNAP-related programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Omme-Salma Rahemtullah said she relies heavily on the state-funded program known as Healthy Bucks, which provides additional money for SNAP recipients to purchase fruits and vegetables. They can use these benefits at farmers markets. Or they can get a box of produce worth $20 from Foodshare. Rahemtullah worries that if the state has to spend more on general SNAP benefits, it may discontinue Healthy Bucks, which began as a pilot in six counties in 2014 and has since expanded to all 46. In 2023, the Legislature provided DSS an additional $5 million to further expand the program. Beyond upping the cost to states, the federal proposal also expands requirements for SNAP recipients. Under existing rules, people under 55 who can work what the government calls able-bodied adults are limited to three months of food benefits over a three-year period unless they can prove they work, volunteer or attend job training at least 80 hours each month, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The proposal would expand those rules by a decade to people under 65 and, for parents of school-age children, they would be exempt if their children are younger than 8, rather than 18. As less money comes into the state from the federal level, the state will have to find ways to make that up for a lot of things, said Berkowitz, the Appleseed advocate. I just hope feeding people will be a priority. Jun. 5More than a dozen chatting high schoolers are sitting on the floor, laptops out, poring over pages of the upcoming issue of The Storm, Scarborough High School's student newspaper. Sophomore Dillon Jenkins doles out reminders. "We need four columns, it should be in 16 font, titles 35, and remember the first letter of your article should be in 35 font," he says. At the beginning of the school year, Jenkins was looking through the school's catalog of activities and saw newspaper club listed. When he inquired about joining, however, he discovered it didn't exist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jenkins doesn't consider himself a writer he prefers science and math but was disappointed that his school didn't have a student paper, so much so that he decided to do something about it. "I just like doing things, really. I like getting involved," he said. "And feel like the newspaper is a great way, because it covers so many topics and current events and things within the school." Jenkins persuaded an adviser to get involved video production and yearbook teacher Lorraine Aromando then recruited a staff and started from scratch on design, taking inspiration from archival materials from a staff member's grandmother, who was a typist at a high school paper in the 1960s. The first issue of The Storm came out in December. The Storm's 20 staffers meet during the school's homeroom-style period to discuss pitches and assign stories. They work collaboratively design pages, integrating art and photos. Most of the work happens outside of class, and Jenkins said it's been a challenge to get articles and formatting done on top of everyone's busy class and extracurricular schedules. After the paper is put together, it gets reviewed by Aromando, the school's activities director and the principal before being emailed out to all students and faculty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scarborough last had an active student newspaper in 2012. That drought aligns with a national pattern: between 2011 and 2021, the proportion of high schools in the U.S. with a student newspaper dropped from 64% to just 45%. In disadvantaged urban neighborhoods and rural areas, just 27% of schools have a student paper, according to recent reporting from the Columbia Journalism Review. It's unclear how many student newspapers there are currently operating in Maine. The Storm is a digital-only publication, but the 15-page paper has everything: national news, local news, restaurant spotlights, film reviews, sports, club coverage, comics, horoscopes, science and innovation reporting, polls, exclusive interviews with teachers, book and movie recommendations and a word search. For the upcoming issue, junior Isabella Del Rosso worked on a story about the science of sunscreen. In the previous issue, she wrote a feature about underrated school clubs. Sophomore Nova Root is currently writing about the evolution of writing in film for the pop culture section, although she usually writes political news. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You can find a lot of our different interests in the paper, but we also try and throw in articles that make it relevant, like school-related articles about clubs and events," Root said. She wrote recently about national efforts to ban books in school libraries. The article traces the history of book banning in the U.S. and includes an interview with Scarborough High's librarian about how the school's library catalog is managed and what the process would be for a book to get banned at the school. Sophomore Emily Clough is the creator of Pinenuts!!, a cartoon that runs in The Storm and riffs on the Peanuts comic strip. The characters are named and modeled after newspaper club members, and a recent installment was inspired by a real-life incident where Clough's friend put a pizza in the oven for 10 hours instead of 10 minutes. Ayla Smith, a sophomore who likes to write science and innovation stories, said the biggest challenge is getting students to read the paper. It's distributed via email, and staff members said they get a lot of readership and positive feedback from teachers, but students are less engaged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "But it's also just fun to do, even if people don't read it," Smith said. "It's fun to make, we read each others' articles, and it's just a fun way to explore different things that you're interested in and write about them." The Storm is still figuring out its format in its first year back after a 12-year hiatus. There are no editors or set publication dates. Students write the stories they're interested in and put them on the pages themselves. But Jenkins and Aromando both hope that by next year the club will have more of a structure, and staff will set specific deadlines and produce more issues. Jenkins said that will probably involve finding a way to meet after school as well. Aromando has been impressed with the group's tenacity, considering they started from scratch. "Their turnaround time and their commitment to this has been outstanding," she said. "I've worked with students that wanted to start clubs before, wanted to write, and they just don't follow through. This group has a great follow-through." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In recent years, there's been a growing national focus on increasing student journalism opportunities. In states like New York and California, local governments and nonprofits have stepped in to fund and foster new student papers and high school journalism classes. It all comes at a time when young people are getting much of their news through social media, something the Storm staff acknowledged in their very first issue. "School newspapers, like The Storm, bring a sense of community and school pride that isn't achieved in the same way by social media," staffer Helen Horrigan wrote. "Our newspaper is curated by students, for students, and is designed to stay relevant and exciting." Copy the Story Link COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA) We often hear from drivers that they want to see more money put into the roads in South Carolina, and now its happening. The South Carolina Department of Transportation asked for $200 million from the general assembly for roads and bridges, and they got it along with a bonus of $35 million to help areas affected by Hurricane Helene. I have to change my windshield ever other year due to rocks getting kicked up and cracking my window, and theres a pothole on about every street. They repair it by just putting a cone in it, said Mike Cobb, a South Carolina Resident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roads for sure fixing some of the potholes around the train tracks, so Ive popped a couple tires, said Matthew Coven, another South Carolina Resident. State Transportation Secretary Justin Powell said the money will go towards improving bridges and roads across the state. He said South Carolinas infrastructure has to keep up with its growing population of more than 5 million people. Weve been making a lot of investments in our interstate system. You see projects happening on I-85, I-26, I-77 across the state in terms of trying to deal with the growth thats coming from not only the population coming, said Powell. He added they are listening to South Carolinians and are working on pavements and potholes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Making an announcement on I-95 real soon and Buford, Jasper area, but we have projects happening in the Charleston metro area. Bridge projects, safety projects, same thing. Myrtle Beach, Columbia metro area. We now have over 9,000 miles paving projects either underway or completed across South Carolina, and our commission just approved adding another 700 miles. Powell points out that the state went three decades without proper road maintenance, saying this is a step toward continued improvements. Were actively moving, to catch up on that deferred maintenance that were seeing across South Carolina, and thats why you see this, dramatic ramp up in road construction happening. Powell said this is just one phase of a long-term plan to get the states infrastructure where it needs to be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Governor McMaster said most of South Carolinas roads are state-owned and, while fixing them will take time, progress is being 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 WSPA 7NEWS. RALEIGH A state advisory council plans to recommend that all North Carolina public schools ban student phone use during the entire school day, including during non-instructional time such as breaks and lunch. The draft recommendation from the Governors Advisory Council for Student Safety and Well-Being says eliminating use of those devices during the school day will help create healthy learning environments for students that contribute to increased academic achievement and improved student well-being. We believe that North Carolina must blaze a trail in its efforts to improve student academic achievement and well-being by eliminating the use of personal communication devices in schools, the councils co-chairs say in the introduction letter to the report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lets give our students eight hours a day Monday through Friday where they can focus on being students, engaging actively with their friends and teachers in-person without the constant pressure of a device. Our students most certainly deserve it. The report, which was to be published this week, will include guidance on how schools can implement student phone policies. Gov. Josh Stein signed an executive order in April creating the advisory council. Developing guidance on school phone policies was the first job given to the new council. The council was formed amid growing national concerns about how social media addiction is distracting students from learning. The council report cites statistics such as that students are on their phones for a median of 43 minutes during the school day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least 22 states have laws or policies that ban or restrict students use of cellphones in schools or recommend local districts enact their own bans or restrictive policies, according to an Education Week analysis. Both the state House and Senate have passed their own bills to restrict cellphone use in schools and included the language in their budget proposals. The Senate added its phone restrictions this week to a House bill on social media literacy. Senate Minority Leader Sydney Batch, a council co-chair, told the members May 22 that the council probably will approve a formal recommendation, which in turn will help shape any final legislation. One of the questions facing school districts is how complete to make the ban. For instance, some districts ban students from using their phones while theyre at school while others allow them to be used during non-instructional time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A district should consider student age and grade ranges for these considerations and may consider different policies for different grade levels, such as elementary, middle and high school, the council said in its report. As outlined previously, it is important to note that it remains this Advisory Councils recommendation that personal communication devices are removed from student use from the beginning to the end of each school day. The council recognized though that there will have to be some exemptions. Examples of legitimate exemptions include emergencies, instructional, medical and accommodations for students with special needs. For instance, some students use their phones to monitor their glucose levels. Students with disabilities may need to use their phones as part of their individualized education programs. The report recognizes that it wont be easy getting parents out of the habit of calling or texting their children during the school day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students, staff and families have become accustomed to having quick and easy access to communication throughout the day, according to the council report. Public school units must consider what processes will be used and clearly detail how students and parents can communicate with one another during the school day if their personal communication devices are not permitted. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency. Scientists have found a delicious solution to an invasive species problem: eating long-spined sea urchins could save Tasmania's kelp forests, Cosmos Magazine reported. Rising ocean temperatures are pushing these spiny creatures southward from New South Wales to Tasmania's rocky coast. Their population has exploded from just a few individuals to around 18 million in recent years, creating what researchers call an ecological crisis. You might wonder why this matters to you. When sea urchins devour kelp forests, they create barren areas that destroy habitat for hundreds of other species, including commercially important fish. This affects food supplies, local economies, and recreational fishing that many families enjoy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's like most disaster movies. It starts with a scientist being ignored," said the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies' Scott Ling, who first warned about the threat to Tasmania's kelp beds, per Cosmos Magazine. The solution? Eating more sea urchin roe, a delicacy that drives a billion-dollar global market. By encouraging commercial fishing of these invasive creatures, you can help protect coastal ecosystems while enjoying what many consider a gourmet treat that tastes salty and fishy and looks like orange-yellow mandarin slices. University of Tasmania marine biologist Katie Cresswell's study recommends targeted "overfishing" of the urchins, particularly in areas valuable to the abalone industry. "This study sets our Tasmanian story of this 'edible pest' in an international context," she said, per Cosmos Magazine. Her research shows this approach is working commercial fisheries have removed about 1.2 million urchins yearly from Tasmanian reefs for the past six years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We used modelling to estimate how much worse the urchin problem would be without commercial fishing and the answer is at least twice as bad," Cresswell said of the study, published in Nature Sustainability. "This will impact ecosystems and communities alike, so it's increasingly important to use modelling to guide flexible management decisions that balance sustainability with economic needs," Cresswell said about the broader effects of climate-driven species migration. 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. BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN) Scouting is alive and well in the Valley. Boy Scouts of America changed its name to Scouting America in February to allow all children to benefit from the program. Locally, the Scouting community will get together next Tuesday morning at the Lake Club in Poland for its 20th annual breakfast. Scouts will be there and the community is invited to attend as well. Mark Luke, Scouting America advocate, says there will be two guest speakers this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our first speaker is a Scout speaker Gordon Moore, from Poland. Hes going to tell us about his Scouting experience. He achieved his Eagle Scout recently, in April. Were going to talk about what thats meant to him in his life. And our keynote speaker this year is Bill Johnson, president of Youngstown State University, and military veteran and Congressman. Hes going to talk about his Scouting experience when he was young, as well as what hes seen Scouting do in this world, Luke said. This is a fundraising event but its free to attend. You must reserve your spot by Thursday. You can do that online or by calling 330-773-0415. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) A man is currently hospitalized with critical injuries after a stabbing on 18th Street, according to the Sioux City Police Department. In a Thursday release, the Sioux City Police Department said that they responded to a call about a stabbing just after 3 a.m. on Thursday morning. Police said that the call brought them to the 800 block of 18th Street, where they discovered a man who had been stabbed in his upper body. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials provided life-saving aid to the victim before eventually transferring him to a local hospital. Story continues below Officials said that he was in critical condition when he arrived at the hospital. The victim is not being named at this time. Police said no one has been arrested in connection to the stabbing and that no other details will be released at this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you have any information that could help the police departments investigation into the stabbing, they ask that you call them at 712-279-6440 or contact the anonymous tip line at 712-258-8477. The incident 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 SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) Project Prison Resets task force in South Dakota has started to mold their specific building recommendations for male corrections: 1,500 to 1,700 beds at a maximum cost of $600 million located at existing state Department of Corrections facilities or proposed locations in the Worthing, S.D. or Mitchell, S.D. areas. This is not final action, task force member and Republican state lawmaker Jon Hansen said at the groups meeting Tuesday in Pierre. This is not anybody agreeing to a final plan. This is just getting these options on the table, show us what we can do within the constraints that were setting forth, and hopefully we have something that we can agree upon, particularly as a legislature on a two-thirds vote. NOPE says yep to Project Prison Resets site selection Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eventually, the plan is for the entire state legislature to learn about what the task force recommends. And, of course, what the House and Senate decide to do with that information will be their decision. JE Dunn Construction was a contractor for the project with a guaranteed maximum price of $825 million that failed to receive legislative approval in February, and they continue to work with the state. Now, options for consideration in the near future are top of mind. So, our next meeting is in five weeks, task force chair and Lt. Gov. Tony Venhuizen said at Tuesdays meeting. Do you think you can have that in five weeks? We will have a version that, yes, we can talk through, Vance McMillan, senior vice president of the Justice group at JE Dunn, said in response. To say that its going to be complete, I cant give you that commitment cause theres too many options on the table. There will be some options that we can bring to the table, but to say that it would be the one, like I said, that solves all the problems, I cant give you that commitment. If I was nervous about anything, its the bed count. The project that failed to get legislative approval in February was designed to last 100 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To get to your dollar amount, were going to have to look at all options, McMillan said. So, were going to come in with things that do not meet 100-year building facility. Im just going to be honest with you. And, McMillan says, as 100 becomes 50, pricier challenges will eventually be on the horizon. Youre going to solve the problem now, but youre kicking a can that youre going to have another problem in 40 years, 50 years, and youre going to go, have to go build something again, and its going to be twice as expensive then, he said. Project Prison Resets task force has already endorsed replacing the aging South Dakota State Penitentiary. Their next meeting is scheduled for July 8. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. The U.S. Navy is reportedly preparing to rename the USNS Harvey Milk, a Navy support ship christened in honor of the assassinated gay rights icon, an order that comes directly from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Now Sean Penn and screenwriter Dustin Lance Black, who both won Oscars for the 2008 biopic Milk, are hitting back at the plan. This is yet another move to distract and to fuel the culture wars that create division, Black told The Hollywood Reporter. Its meant to get us to react in ways that are self-centered so that we are further distanced from our brothers and sisters in equally important civil rights fights in this country. Its divide and conquer. He continued, These guys are idiots. Pete Hegseth does not seem like a smart man, a wise man, a knowledgeable man. He seems small and petty. I would love to introduce him to some LGBTQ folks who are warriors who have had to be warriors our entire life just to live our lives openly as who we are. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Penn responded more tersely: Ive never before seen a Secretary of Defense so aggressively demote himself to the rank of Chief PETTY Officer. The Defense Departments announcement coincided with the beginning of Pride month, which is not a coincidence. The Defense Department source who spoke with Military.com said the decision to rename the ship during Pride month was an intentional choice. According to a memo obtained by CBS News, the choice to rename the ship was part of an effort to reestablish the warrior culture within the military a particular fixation of Hegseth. Milk was not only one of the most prominent figures in the gay rights movement in the 70s and 80s, he was also a Korean War veteran. He was ousted from the Navy in 1955 after being accused of engaging in then-banned homosexual activities. He was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977 the first gay man elected to the position after years working as an activist and leader of the Castro neighborhoods growing gay and lesbian community. As city supervisor, Milk worked closely with former Democratic California Sen. Dianne Feinstein, then also a city supervisor. Milk was assassinated along with former San Francisco Mayor George Moscone in 1978 by disgruntled former supervisor Dan White. Milk begins with Milks arrival in San Francisco and follows his political ascendancy, leading up to his assassination. The film was written by Black and directed by Gus Van Sant, and eventually earned eight Oscar nominations. Penn won Best Actor for his portrayal of the leader and activist while Black won Best Original Screenplay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rolling Stones Peter Travers called the movie a total triumph, brimming with humor, heart, sexual heat, political provocation and a crying need to stir things up, just like Harvey did. If theres a better movie around this year, with more bristling purpose, I sure as hell havent seen it. He added, That Harveys questing spirit not only lives but soars in this movie is a gift from Sean Penn, who plays him for real instead of for show. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Black suggested taking inspiration from Milk himself. Harvey Milk is an icon, a civil rights icon, and for good reason, Black said. Thats not going to change. Renaming a ship isnt going to change that. If people are pissed off, good, be pissed off but take the appropriate action. Do what Harvey Milk had said we need to do, and its about bringing back together the coalition of the us-es that helps move the pendulum of progress forward. Stop the infighting and lock arms again. Thats what Harvey would say. 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. Actor Sean Penn hammered Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth for attempting to erase LGBTQ activist Harvey Milks service record. Penn, 64, ripped Hegseth as Chief PETTY Officer in an email to The Hollywood Reporter after it was revealed in a leaked Pentagon memo that the United States Naval Ship Harvey Milkchristened in Milks honor on Nov. 6, 2021, in San Diegowill be renamed. Milk served four years in the Navy during the 1950 Korean War but was discharged amid questions over his sexual orientation. Milk went on to have a successful career in activism and politics, becoming the first openly-gay member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors before he was assassinated in 1978. Harvey Milk (1930 - 1978). / Bettmann / Bettmann Archive It was revealed in a leaked Pentagon memo that the United States Naval Ship Harvey Milkchristened in Milks honor on Nov. 6, 2021, in San Diegowill be renamed. / ARIANA DREHSLER / AFP via Getty Images Ive never before seen a Secretary of Defense so aggressively demote himself to the rank of Chief PETTY Officer, wrote Penn about the renaming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Milk screenwriter Dustin Lance Black, who won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for the film, also chided the renaming move as a distraction. This is yet another move to distract and to fuel the culture wars that create division, Black, 50, told The Hollywood Reporter. Its meant to get us to react in ways that are self-centered so that we are further distanced from our brothers and sisters in equally important civil rights fights in this country. Its divide and conquer. Screenwriter Dustin Lance Black chided the move as an attempt to distract and to fuel the culture wars that create division. / Kevin Winter / Getty Images Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. / Kevin Dietsch / Getty Images A Pentagon representative confirmed that the Navy ship would be renamed as part of Hegseths larger culture war and reestablishing the warrior culture in the armed forces. The name change plan was hatched to line up with Junes Pride Month celebrations, Military.com reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More Navy ship names on the chopping block include USNS Thurgood Marshall, USNS Ruth Bader Ginsburg, USNS Harriet Tubman Navy, and John Lewis-class oilers, CBS reported. A replacement name for USNS Harvey Milk has not be given. Secretary Hegseth is committed to ensuring that the names attached to all DOD installations and assets are reflective of the Commander-in-Chiefs priorities, our nations history, and the warrior ethos, Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in a statement to the Daily Beast. By Chris Prentice and Douglas Gillison NEW YORK/WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission told staff Thursday they no longer need to send weekly emails detailing their work accomplishments from the previous week, according to two sources with knowledge of the matter. The initiative, launched in February by Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and Elon Musk, required federal workers across agencies to send five bullet points of the prior week's accomplishments to the federal government's human resources agency, sparking concerns over handling of confidential matters as well as backlash from many government employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, SEC Chairman Paul Atkins told agency employees in an email they no longer need to send the emails, according to the sources who spoke on condition of anonymity. The White House referred Reuters to the SEC and the SEC declined to comment. A spokesperson for OPM said the decision was up to the agencies. The introduction of the weekly requirement was seen as controversial, especially after Musk said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, in February that failure to respond to the initial email would amount to resignation. The effort came alongside a broader initiative under the Trump administration and coordinated by Musk's DOGE to slash staffing and reduce spending across federal agencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His work with DOGE has since ended, and tensions have mounted between the billionaire and Trump. (Reporting by Chris Prentice in New York and Douglas Gillison in Washington; editing by Pete Schroeder and Nick Zieminski) Follow all our Sean Combs trial coverage The second woman allegedly sex trafficked by Sean Combs began testifying at the hip-hop moguls criminal trial Thursday, just months after she first started speaking with prosecutors but more than a year after she purportedly told Combs that reading Casandra Cassie Venturas graphic lawsuit was like reading her own sexual trauma. More from Rolling Stone Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The woman, appearing under the pseudonym Jane, is listed as Victim-2 in the Southern District of New Yorks sex trafficking and racketeering case against Combs. Prosecutors previously kept much of Janes story under wraps, but they allege Combs fed her large quantities of drugs and coerced her into highly choreographed, days-long freak-offs with male escorts between 2021 and 2024. During her emotional testimony in the federal courtroom in lower Manhattan, Jane walked jurors through the start of her allegedly tortured relationship with the music mogul. She recalled first meeting Combs in 2020 while he was dating one of her friends. Combs purportedly paid for the womens trip to Miami, hosted them at his home and quickly made it clear he was interested in Jane. He was really charming, really nice, Jane testified. I was already drawn to him pretty instantly. Exchanging numbers, the two quickly established nicknames. Combs was Ernie and she was Bert, a reference to the Sesame Street best friends. There was a little bit of flirting going on, she recalled. Jane said Combs pursued her after that. She held him at bay at first, but then her friend moved on with someone else. Jane jumped at the chance when Combs invited her back to Miami in early 2021. Their first date lasted five days. I was pretty head over heels for Sean, Jane testified. She later traveled with Combs on a two-week trip to Turks and Caicos and the Bahamas, where they did drugs alone together for the first time. Jane said Combs gave her Ecstasy, something she had only tried twice before. Here, take this, Combs allegedly prompted, holding out his hand, Itll be more fun. The drug triggered a bad reaction, causing Jane to fall on the beach while screaming. It just hit me, Jane said. My body was almost convulsing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jane said Combs former chief of staff, Kristina Khorram, and his butler ushered her into a shower to calm her down. She recalled taking Ecstasy with Combs about 12 times during the entire trip and said Combs wired her $10,000 afterward, which she considered compensation for missing out on work as a model and brand influencer. Jane told jurors she continued dating Combs until his arrest last September. She said they exchanged proclamations of love early on, though Combs was upfront about wanting an open relationship. She agreed he could date other women because she loved him, she explained. I was okay with it, she testified. I just wanted to see Sean, so I was monogamous. From the start, Combs regularly plied Jane with multiple drugs including Ecstasy, cocaine, and ketamine, while he simultaneously consumed large amounts himself during their sexual encounters, she said. Combs also asked Jane to wear very high stripper shoes and liked to use red lights and pornography playing in the background to set the mood, she recalled. Jane broke down crying as she described her first alleged freak-off with Combs, which she knew by the names debauchery or hotel nights. She said they already had been up together doing drugs and having sex for more than 12 hours when Combs proposed extending their fantasy talk to the real world. She said he quickly booked a male escort and whisked her off to a hotel in May 2021. She recalled seeing assistants frantically setting up the suite and feeling nervous as she started to dance in front of the escort while Combs started masturbating. Jane said that when she requested the escort wear a condom, Combs stepped in and said it wasnt necessary, though he later relented. After she had sex with the escort, she and Combs spent more time alone together, she recalled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jane described feeling exhilarated after her first freak-off because she believed it would be a one-time experience testing boundaries and breaking taboos. Instead, it placed her on a treacherous path, she testified. That night just opened, like, a Pandoras box in the relationship, Jane told the jury. It just completely set the tone for our relationship moving forward. I felt it was a door I was unable to shut for the remainder of the relationship. Jane said her hotel nights with Combs were frequent after that, comprising about 90 percent of the times they had sex. She claimed they regularly used more than two dozen bottles of baby oil during the extended, highly repetitive marathons, so they covered hotel furniture with sheets and blankets to soak up the excess. Jane estimated the nights could last anywhere from 24 to 30 hours, with multiple rounds of performances and sometimes more than one male escort. Jane started to live her life on standby, she said, with Combs demanding hotel nights on a whim, and Khorram or another staffer booking her travel. She became consumed by the dynamic, feeling she always had to be ready with the grooming Combs preferred, including straight hair, light nails, and tanned skin. With little control over her own schedule, Jane said her content creator and modeling career took a drastic hit. When she floated the idea of modeling on OnlyFans to gain more financial independence, Combs allegedly dismissed it. Jane said Combs eventually helped her move to Los Angeles from the East Coast, around April 2023. She recalled receiving an allowance of $10,000 a month, which she used entirely on housing. Combs would sporadicly gift her extra funds, like $5,000 in cash just because, or wire her larger amounts, including $20,000 for new furniture, Jane explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When she tried to push back on the hotel nights, saying she only wanted to have sex with Combs, he threatened to break up with her and revoke his financial support, she testified. Jane said she felt frustrated and obligated to perform these nights for him. Jane testified for an hour and a half before court ended for the day. Shes due back Friday morning, with her time on the stand expected to last into the middle of next week. Prosecutors previously claimed Combs manipulation of Jane went beyond financial control into threats and physical violence. Theyve said Combs busted down doors to get to Jane, dragged her by her hair and kicked her while she was curled up in a ball on the ground. (Ventura previously testified that Combs used threats and physical violence to coerce her into hundreds of freak-offs during their 11-year relationship that ended for good in 2018.) The defendant continued asking Jane to have freak-offs and promising that if she did, they would spend quality time together, they would go on dates together, they would go on trips, Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson said on the first day of Combs trial last month. That was what Jane wanted more than anything, a real relationship But even though the defendant promised her quality time and trips, he never delivered. Those were just lies he told her to get more nights in dark hotel rooms with escorts. Prosecutors have indicated they only began speaking with Jane in January, after they uncovered text messages she sent Combs in the days after Venturas lawsuit was filed in November 2023. It makes me sick how three solid pages, word for word, is exactly my experiences and my anguish, she texted Combs. Combs allegedly responded by gaslighting Jane and making a vague reference to her financial support, so their dating relationship continued into 2024, prosecutors said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In her opening statement, Johnson told jurors they would hear recordings of phone calls in which Combs called Jane after Ventura sued. You will hear him try to manipulate Jane into saying she wanted to have freak-offs. You will hear him interrupt Jane when she pushes back, Johnson said. Under his indictment, Combs is accused of threatening to release explicit videos of Jane, supplying her with narcotics to keep her awake and compliant, and using physical violence to trap her in his abusive dynamic. During one purported incident, Combs allegedly kicked down four of Janes doors and lifted her off the ground in a chokehold. Later that night, Combs allegedly beat Jane again, punching her in the face, kicking her on the ground, and dragging her by her hair before forcing her to have a freak-off. Youre not going to fuck up my night, Combs allegedly told Jane, according to the governments opening statement. In the defenses dueling opening statement, Combs lawyer, Teny Geragos, sought to set Jane apart from Ventura. She told jurors that by the time Combs started seeing Jane, he was more upfront about his dating life, including the fact that he was dating multiple women. Geragos said Jane also was older and more mature than Ventura, living her own life in a different state raising her child. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Geragos said that after Janes first experience with a freak-off, she began to do everything possible to make these nights incredible for Combs. Geragos suggested Jane made the choice to engage in freak-offs out of love. She was desperate to spend time with him, to be with him, and ultimately, to give him something none of the other girlfriends that he was dating at the time were giving him. She will tell you that she tried many times to change the tenor of the relationship from one of a purely sexual nature to something maybe deeper or more meaningful, Geragos said. She blamed the alleged violence in the couples toxic and dysfunctional relationship on Janes jealousy. In her opening, Geragos said Combs was simply interested in a swingers lifestyle, which she described as a predilection for consensual threesomes by adults. She told jurors it was not their job to judge him for his sexual preferences. She said the government has the burden of proving Combs coerced the women, but the evidence will show the women willingly stayed with Combs out of love and because he was a wealthy rapper who gave them generous financial support. Geragos acknowledged that Combs was violent in the video showing him kicking and dragging Ventura in a hotel hallway in 2016, but she said domestic violence is not sex trafficking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than two dozen witnesses already have testified at Combs trial, which is now in its fourth week. Prosecutors have called multiple former assistants, alleged male escorts, and even Scott Mescudi, the musician and actor known as Kid Cudi, to support their allegations Combs used his wealth, influence, and inner circle to carry out crimes aimed at fulfilling his sexual desires and protecting his reputation. Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) A Dominican man suspected by authorities in the Knapp Avenue quadruple homicide from Rochester was located and arrested Wednesday, according to the U.S. Marshals Service. 31-year-old Luis Francisco Soriano, aka Jefry Yevo, 31, was wanted by Irondequoit police on four charges of second-degree murder, as well as narcotics charges. BACKGROUND: 30-year-old Fraime Ubaldo, 26-year-old Marangely Moreno-Santiago, 4-year-old Evangeline Ubaldo-Moreno, and 2-year-old Sebastian Ubaldo-Moreno were all found dead in a fire at their Irondequoit home in August 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The other suspect, officials say is Luis Sorianos brother, Julio Cesar Pimentel Soriano, 34, was arrested in September 2024 in connection to the death. He was wanted for a 2019 murder in the Dominican Republic. He allegedly traveled to Puerto Rico illegally and got a fake New York ID, which he used to enter the U.S. mainland. He was indicted in October on murder, burglary, arson, and kidnapping charges. Suspects indicted in horrific Irondequoit murder, arson of family of four Investigators found Luis Francisco Soriano left by boat to the Dominican Republic after becoming aware of the presence of federal marshals on the island. It was later learned he was working at a hotel in Punta Cana, where he was arrested after he finished his shift. On Thursday, News 8s Adelisa Badzic sat down with the Irondequoit Police Department Chief, Scott Peters, U.S. Marshal Charles Salina, and Michael Curran with the ATF Task Force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Salina said they got the tip last week by officers and U.S. Marshals from the Rochester Police Department, and the Monroe County Sheriffs office. They pointed them to a certain area in the Dominican Republic, he said. The information was then shared to authorities in DR, he calls it quick moving in located and apprehending Soriano. The crime, its something the town {of Irondequoit} has never seen. So quite frankly, im happy that the families have some closure. Chief Peters said he would be able to comment more on the extradition once Soriano is back on U.S. soil. Details were still very limited on the investigation since it is still ongoing. However, Chief Peters did add that he believes his department is done making arrests in connection to the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials confirmed Luis Francisco Soriano will remain in the custody of Dominican authorities pending his extradition proceedings. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Jun. 5, Minn. Visitors to the Grand Army of the Republic Hall in this central Minnesota city are able to step back 140 years thanks to the decision of the Civil War veterans who built it. The deed for the property, turned over to what was then the village of Litchfield, spelled out that the building was to be preserved and used in a manner that maintained its original purpose to honor Civil War veterans and preserve their history. "The building itself is the first GAR hall built in the state," Meeker County Museum Executive Director Danelle Erickson said in an interview for Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement in 2022. Other Grand Army of the Republic posts formed in the state of Minnesota had gathered in homes or other available spaces. The Grand Army of the Republic was first organized by Union veterans of the Civil War in 1866 in Illinois. The states that the organization's purpose was to "maintain fellowship for the men who fought to preserve the Union and to help widows, orphans, and handicapped veterans." The Grand Army of the Republic conducted regular meetings and had thousands of posts throughout the United States, along with thousands and thousands of members, according to Erickson. There were close to 300 members of the Litchfield post throughout the years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first Grand Army of the Republic post in Litchfield was formed in 1874 but died out with the death of the founder two years later. Another was formed in 1883, and many of the first meetings were in the county courthouse, according to another Members of Frank Daggett Post No. 35 decided in March 1885 that they needed their own building, and construction began in May of that year, using cream-colored brick from the local brickyard. The cornerstone was laid by Memorial Day, according to the online history. The building is described as "reminiscent of a small, medieval fortress" with features that include a central tower, turrets that project above the parapet wall and an inscribed stone with the raised letters "GAR" and the 1885 date. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's very memorable from the outside, that fortress look. It just kind of shows a lot about the men that were here at the time," Erickson said in the 2022 interview. The bulk of the work was completed by October of 1885. One of the final things added was a "spectacular, 16-globe chandelier," according to another Today, the Meeker County Historical Society is the caretaker of the GAR Hall. The Meeker County Museum, built in 1961, is attached to the back of the building. Officially called "Meeker County Museum at the GAR Hall," it includes a pioneer cabin and exhibits that include artifacts relating to the history of the Dakota people, schools in Meeker County, Minnesotans serving in war, medicine and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two-story museum also houses a research library for genealogy enthusiasts. In the anteroom of the GAR Hall are Civil War artifacts, including cannons, literature and photos of important players in the war. The old wooden chairs upon which veterans sat during meetings are set up in the main hall as if ready for a meeting. The altar stands at the front of the room for use by a veteran leading the meeting. Photos of members line the walls, and the decor is original to the time. The Grand Army of the Republic Hall was added to the on May 21, 1975. The areas of significance for the designation are architecture and social/humanitarian. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Erickson became museum director, she learned that some local citizens were concerned the history of the GAR Hall was not being maintained in accordance with the deed. Historic documents, including the 1885 deed, were then reviewed to better understand the intentions of the original members who had deeded the building to the city. Erickson said the goal of all parties involved was the same preserving the history but just with some "different views on how that was done." The result of their work was the creation of a handbook detailing the proper care and upkeep of the facility. The GAR Hall and museum, located at 308 N. Marshall Ave. in Litchfield, are open year-round for walk-in tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays. GAR Hall programming includes Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement the second Thursday of every month, featuring various speakers throughout the year. "The Civil War, especially for American history, is pretty much one of the most written about book-wise," Erickson said in 2022. "Each year there are thousands of books, hundreds at least, on the Civil War. It's very much a topic that people are interested in, and continue to be interested in." For more from our Lakes Country Treasures series, click on the gems in the map below. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) Security will be keeping Utah Pride Festival and parade goers safe this weekend, as the Utah Pride Center is handling security through a private security team. We coordinate closely with the Salt Lake Police Department, as well as a really robust private security team that is able to ensure the safety of all the guests attending the festival this weekend, Utah Pride Center executive director Chad Call said. Security and police will be protecting what they expect to be close to 100,000 people coming through downtown this weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This weekend is probably going to be one of our busiest weekends, Salt Lake City Police Department Officer Yaier Javaid said. When it comes to safety, Javaid keeps it simple: if you see something, say something. Missing teenager cases provide unique challenges for law enforcement Our officer is going to be out in the community just making sure everyones safe. At the end of the day, our community members are our eyes and ears, Javaid said. Something suspicious or something concerning, if you see an officer nearby, reach out. If not, then give us a call. Well come out and check it out, make sure everythings ok, make sure everyones safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everybody going to the festival will go through a TSA-style security screening with restricted items. Here is a list of what wont make it through: Furniture, chairs, blankets, or tents Coolers Pets of any kind. The Pride Festival welcomes trained service animals. Please be aware that emotional support/comfort animals are not considered service animals at the festival and will not be allowed into The Pride Festival for the safety and enjoyment of all attendees. If you have any questions, please email: accessibility.utahpride@gmail.com Food or Drink. Empty water bottles and empty camel packs are acceptable. Water refill stations will be provided inside the grounds free of charge. Glass containers of any kind. Professional grade cameras (with detachable lenses longer than 2 inches), detachable zoom lenses, and other commercial accessories (monopods, selfie sticks, tripods, GoPro mounts, and other attachments are not allowed). No capture of photo, video, or audio for commercial use. For a press credential, please email: marketing.utahpride@gmail.com Drones or any other remote flying device. Weapons of any kind: guns, knives, pepper spray, etc. Fireworks or explosives. Drugs or illicit substances. Large signs, banners, or flags. Laser pointers. Markers, Sharpies, chalk, paint pens, or spray paint. Glowsticks. Balloons, balls, frisbees, stuffed animals, dolls, or kites. Poi, fire dancing equipment, hula hoops, or contact staff. E-cig refill juice and extra cartridges. Large chains or spiked jewelry. Hoverboards, skateboards, scooters or segways. *Mobility devices will be allowed. If you have any questions, please email; accessibility.utahpride@gmail.com Pride festivals are different, and we adapt and change every year to meet the current safety and threat levels that are evolving, just like our community evolves, we do too, Call said. Latest headlines: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. DENVER (KDVR) And then there were 22. The semifinalists for the 2026 Colorado Teacher of the Year were revealed Thursday, with the remaining contenders representing 22 schools from 17 districts and two charters. The Colorado Department of Education said this years semifinalists which already beat out nearly 400 other contenders are the most geographically diverse to date, with at least two representing every region in the state. Lawsuit against Purina plants rancid odor dismissed Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were proud to recognize this incredible group of educators who represent the best of Colorados teaching profession, said Education Commissioner Susan Cordova, in a statement. The semifinalists were selected from a pool of 419 initial applicants from a total of 106 school districts, the CDE said. The candidates were reviewed by a committee of more than 40 people, including previous Colorado Teacher of the Year winners, Colorado Department of Education staff and representatives from the Boettcher Foundation. Each of these semifinalists has made a meaningful impact in their classrooms and communities, and we wish them all the best as they move forward in the selection process, Cordova said. The 2026 Colorado Teacher of the Year semifinalists are: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Julie Ahrens from Twin Peaks Classical Academy (authorized by St. Vrain Valley School District) Artemio Baltazar from Grand Valley Center for Family Learning in Garfield County School District 16 Sarah Bayer from Polaris Expeditionary Learning School in Poudre School District Jessica Bell from Denver Green School Northfield in Denver Public Schools Kevin Brown from Red Rocks Elementary School in Jeffco Public Schools Liz Fitzgerald from Mesa View Elementary School in Mesa County Valley School District 51. Emily Gaytan from Centennial Elementary School in Harrison School District 2 Malynda (Mindy) Green from Revere School in Revere School District Elisamaria Heredia from Alamosa Elementary School 3-5 in Alamosa School District Re-11J Brittney Isom from Genoa-Hugo School in Genoa-Hugo School C-113 Teri Kopack from Durango High School in Durango School District 9-R Stephanie LaCount from Grand Junction High School in Mesa County Valley School District 51 Julie Milam from Canon City High School in Canon City School District RE-1 Julie Naski Roman from Carson Elementary School in Denver Public Schools Stephen Paulson from Greeley Central High School in Greeley-Evans School District 6 Tyler David Philipsen from Coronado High School in Colorado Springs School District 11 Gayathri Ramkumar from Aurora Central High School in Aurora Public Schools Diana Remick from La Junta Primary School in East Otero School District Sabra Sowell-Lovejoy from Campo Undivided High School in Campo School District RE-6 Elizabeth Rose Tarbutton from Peak to Peak Charter School (authorized by Boulder Valley School District) Kendall Van Valkenburg from Red Canyon High School in Eagle County School District Re-50J Leon Vasquez from Drake Middle School in Jeffco Public Schools Colorado fentanyl dealer sentenced in Texas after mailing pills to man who died The eventual winner will be Colorados nominee for the Council of Chief State School Officers National Teacher of the Year Program, be honored at a special ceremony in Washington, D.C., and receive $5,000 from the Boettcher Foundation, according to the CDE. Finalists for the 2026 Colorado Teacher of the Year will be announced by the CDE in September. The ultimate winner will be named in October. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Jun. 4WILKES-BARRE Three significant bills aimed at enhancing public safety and modernizing Pennsylvania's criminal statutes were approved by the Judiciary Committee, which she serves as chair, Sen. Lisa Baker said on Wednesday. "These bills reflect a thoughtful approach to balancing innovation and public safety," said Baker, R-Lehman Township. "They represent another step forward in ensuring our justice system keeps pace with the times." The approved legislation includes: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Bill 635: Baker said there are rising reports of drug dealers targeting people staying at recovery houses as they work to try and break the cycle of addiction. "Allowing for sentencing enhancements for those pedaling drugs within 1,000 feet of these facilities ensures sufficient penalties are in place to counteract this deadly practice and protect vulnerable individuals," Baker said. Senate Bill 649: Baker said deep-fakes are being used to commit a variety of costly and disruptive crimes. These include scamming the elderly, embarrassing and extorting public figures and private individuals, and interfering with political campaigns. "Given the novelty of deep-fakes and their potential for misuse, our crimes code must be adapted to allow prosecutors to pursue these bad actors," Baker said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Bill 739: Criminals are ever resourceful in exploiting new technology for illegal purposes. Organized car theft operations are turning to devices that intercept key fob signals. Baker said this measure seeks to combat those who are manipulating legitimate key fob signals to steal vehicles, and the valuables sometimes kept inside, by making it a first-degree misdemeanor and ensuring the law keeps pace with technological developments. "As technology advances, so do the methods employed by those seeking to exploit it for criminal purposes," said Baker. "By updating our laws to include offenses like digital forgery and pirating key fobs, we are taking proactive steps to protect Pennsylvanians from emerging threats." The bills now head to the full Senate for consideration. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle. Kate Owen Every aspect of American life is being scrutinized, politicized, and altered under the Trump administration. Amid these challenges, editors, physicians, designers, and guests gathered to tackle one of the most pertinent issues facing Americans: mental health. On Sunday, June 2, New York-Presbyterian's Center for Youth Mental Health held its annual benefit, where Charlie Shaffer, MD, spoke with Senator Chris Murphy about the current developments on Capitol Hill. I think the burden is on the profession to pull yourselves outside of the medical model and really challenge policymakers when it comes to the societal factors that drive mental illness, Murphy told the intimate crowd, which included Anna Wintour, Tory Burch, and Christopher John Rodgers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I believe that no social media company should allow any kid under 13 to have access to these sites, Murphy continued. I don't think the algorithm should turn on until you're 18. I think it's the equivalent of a cigarette this algorithm that just feeds you more and more polluted content. Vogue x Youth Mental Health Talk and Dinner at the Crosby Hotel Kate Owen Vogue x Youth Mental Health Talk and Dinner at the Crosby Hotel Kate Owen Vogue x Youth Mental Health Talk and Dinner at the Crosby Hotel Kate Owen Murphy was referring to research that has been done on the relationship between social media and mental health. He also raised concerns about the GOP's One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which would put 8.6 million Americans at risk for not having Medicaid coverage that includes mental health care. Coincidentally, the Center for Youth Mental Health event co-sponsored by Vogue took place the day before Murphy announced the launch of a new political action committee to oppose President Trump's agenda and seek to mobilize those who want to push back against the administration. In a post to X, Murphy said that mobilization needs infrastructure. It needs organizers, technology, and logistics support. The Trump administration is currently increasing ICE arrest quotas, swinging tariff rates, eliminating climate change initiatives, and scrutinizing the humanity of trans people. All of these factors and more affect the mental health of young people, which Murphy acknowledged during the talk. Vogue x Youth Mental Health Talk and Dinner at the Crosby Hotel Kate Owen Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vogue x Youth Mental Health Talk and Dinner at the Crosby Hotel Kate Owen Vogue x Youth Mental Health Talk and Dinner at the Crosby Hotel Kate Owen You've got to build a consistent and uninterrupted system of care, Murphy explained, but you also have to get serious about the exposure to violence in our cities. He said further, You have to get serious about regulating social media. You have to understand the links between intense poverty and I think many are doing that, but it is not always the number one, two, or three bullet points for providers and professionals coming to Washington. So that is certainly something that could help us act on, I think, what we are admitting to be a really comprehensive set of factors that contribute to kids' mental illness. Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue Jun. 5U.S. Sen. Angus King on Thursday joined 28 Senate colleagues in calling on the Trump administration to reverse its sudden cancelation of Temporary Protected Status for Afghans who served alongside America's military, some of whom have settled in Maine. In a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the senators noted the potentially devastating impact of the cancelation, set to take effect mid-July, particularly for Afghans who supported the U.S. military during the war in Afghanistan and who face significant danger if they return to their native country. King, Maine's independent senator, is a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and a longtime advocate of protecting Afghans who supported and protected American troops, including many who live in Maine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We write with deep concern about the Department of Homeland Security's termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghanistan, which is scheduled to take effect on July 14, 2025," the letter states. "This decision is devastating for resettled Afghan nationals in the United States who have fled widespread violence, economic instability, challenging humanitarian conditions, and human rights abuses in their home country." The letter continues, "Many of these Afghans fearlessly served as strong allies to the United States military during the war in Afghanistan, and we cannot blatantly disregard their service." The senators "respectfully ask that you redesignate Afghanistan for TPS to ensure Afghan nationals in the U.S. are not forced to return to devastating humanitarian, civic, and economic conditions," the letter states. This story will be updated. Copy the Story Link Jun. 5Sen. Angus King has joined 100 Senate and House colleagues in calling on the Trump administration to reverse its termination of Temporary Protected Status for Afghans who served alongside America's military, some of whom have settled in Maine. In a letter sent Tuesday to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the lawmakers noted the potentially devastating impact of the termination, set to take effect in mid-July. They say the decision is reckless and inhumane, jeopardizing the lives of about 9,000 Afghans who supported the U.S. military during the war in Afghanistan and who face significant danger if they return to their native country. King, Maine's independent senator, is a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and a longtime advocate of protecting Afghans who supported American troops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We write with deep concern about the Department of Homeland Security's termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghanistan, which is scheduled to take effect on July 14, 2025," the letter states. "This decision is devastating for resettled Afghan nationals in the United States who have fled widespread violence, economic instability, challenging humanitarian conditions, and human rights abuses in their home country." The letter continues, "Many of these Afghans fearlessly served as strong allies to the United States military during the war in Afghanistan, and we cannot blatantly disregard their service." The lawmakers said they "respectfully ask that you redesignate Afghanistan for TPS to ensure Afghan nationals in the U.S. are not forced to return to devastating humanitarian, civic and economic conditions." The termination of Temporary Protected Status for Afghanistan would negatively affect about 9,000 Afghan nationals who came to the U.S. after American troops withdrew from the country in 2021, the letter states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the termination notice, 11,700 Afghans in the U.S. currently have Temporary Protected Status, but 3,600 of them had already received so-called green cards and were lawful permanent residents as of April. Afghanistan is also one of 12 countries that President Donald Trump announced Wednesday whose citizens would be banned from entering the U.S. starting Monday, along with Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. Trump said the ban is a response to Sunday's terror attack in Boulder, Colorado, by an Egyptian national on demonstrators seeking the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza. A dozen people were injured. About 60,000 Afghan evacuees were airlifted out of Kabul and flown to the U.S. in the wake of the war. As many as 225 were resettled in Maine, which already had about 400 Afghan-American residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leaders of Maine's Afghan community didn't immediately respond Thursday to inquiries about the impact of TPS termination. The letter was signed by 101 lawmakers overall, including 72 House members, all Democrats and a few independents. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-1st District, and Rep. Jared Golden, D-2nd District, didn't sign the letter. Collins said she wasn't asked to sign the letter and believes abandoning Afghans who aided and protected American soldiers is "just plain wrong." View this document on Scribd "I did not support abandoning our Afghan allies then, and I believe they are still entitled to protection," Collins said in an emailed statement, which noted that she also supports strong vetting requirements for TPS applicants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pingree's staff said she shares the concerns raised in the letter and continues to support efforts to ensure Afghan nationals are treated with dignity and compassion. They noted that House members receive hundreds of letter-signing requests each week and not signing one should not be interpreted as a lack of support for the issue. "(Pingree) remains deeply concerned about the implications of ending TPS for Afghanistan and is closely monitoring how the decision could impact Afghan families living in Maine," Pingree's office said in an emailed statement. Golden's staff said they didn't see the letter before it was sent, but he knows firsthand the courage that Afghan allies showed to support America's efforts during the war. "He has a long track record of support for increasing visa availability for these allies," they said. By law, the secretary of homeland security may designate a foreign country for Temporary Protected Status when conditions "prevent the country's nationals from returning safely, or in certain circumstances, where the country is unable to handle the return of its nationals adequately." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Afghanistan was initially designated for TPS in May 2022, based on ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions, the termination notice states. It was extended for 18 months from November 2023 through May 2025. "This administration is returning TPS to its original temporary intent," Noem said. "We've reviewed the conditions in Afghanistan with our interagency partners, and they do not meet the requirements for a TPS designation. Afghanistan has had an improved security situation, and its stabilizing economy no longer prevents them from returning to their home country." Noem also said the termination, announced May 12, furthers the administration's efforts related to immigration policy because Department of Homeland Security records show "there are (TPS) recipients who have been under investigation for fraud and threatening our public safety and national security." Noem found "notable improvements in the security and economic situation in Afghanistan," so returning Afghan nationals to their native country "does not pose a threat to their personal safety." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In their letter, Senate and House members disputed that assertion, saying in their letter that the Taliban and Islamic State affiliates continue to attack ethnic and religious minorities, oppress women and girls and curtail free speech and the media, including the detention and torture of journalists. "The horrific human rights conditions in Afghanistan are unsafe for Afghan nationals to return to and returning would put their personal safety at immediate risk," the letter states. "Afghan nationals who assisted the U.S. military should not be put in harm's way because they supported the U.S. in its fight against the Taliban. This would be a betrayal of those who bravely served alongside our servicemembers for nearly two decades." The lawmakers noted a recent Human Rights Watch report that found 12.4 million people in Afghanistan were food insecure and 2.9 million were facing starvation. According to the World Bank, the per-capita income in Afghanistan "has stagnated, while poverty and food insecurity remain pressing challenges, exacerbated by high unemployment and restrictions on women's economic participation." The Senate and House members concluded that "forcing Afghan nationals in the U.S. to return to Afghanistan would be reckless and inhumane, and would threaten the safety and well-being of thousands of individuals and families, especially women and girls." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They urged the administration to reconsider its decision to terminate TPS for Afghanistan and asked for responses to the following information within two weeks: Credible reports that conditions have improved in Afghanistan since 2023. Details on TPS recipients "who have been under investigation for fraud and threatening our public safety and national security," as the administration claims. Explanation of how the administration reached the determination that Afghanistan no longer meets conditions necessary for TPS designation. Any reports showing the Taliban is no longer a threat to Afghan nationals who assisted the U.S. military. What steps the administration is taking to ensure that Afghan nationals who previously had TPS won't be sent back to persecution or torture in Afghanistan. Copy the Story Link U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) has introduced legislation making it illegal to dox federal law enforcement officials a direct response to a spreadsheet published by Nashville Mayor Freddie OConnells office detailing city departments recent communications with federal immigration agents. Blackburn announced that shed filed the Protecting Law Enforcement from Doxxing Act on June 4, explicitly naming OConnell as the impetus. OConnell, a few weeks earlier, had amended an existing executive order requiring city departments to report communications regarding federal immigration enforcement on a tighter timeline as part of a broader response to a weeklong U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation in Nashville. Even in its original version, the executive order included a provision that those communications be posted online for transparency. When OConnells office posted that list most recently in late May, the spreadsheet originally included the names of some officials who called. Those names have since been removed from the version of the spreadsheet posted online. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My Protecting Law Enforcement from Doxxing Act would make this illegal and hold blue city mayors accountable for obstructing enforcement of our immigration laws by putting law enforcement officers in harms way, Blackburn said in a news release announcing the bill. Per the release, Blackburns legislation would make it illegal to publish the name of a federal law enforcement officer with the intent to obstruct a criminal investigation or immigration operation. An individual found guilty of doing so would face a fine and imprisonment of five years. Typically, "doxxing" refers to the act of publicly providing personally identifiable information about an individual or organization, usually via the internet, like their home addresses, private contact information and names of family members. As for the public availability of law enforcement officers' names, they are not typically considered private information. OConnells response to the ICE operation sparked outcry from Blackburn even before she filed the bill. She decried OConnell for doxxing federal law enforcement agents on social media May 28. Days later, she called for U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate OConnells purported obstruction of immigration enforcement operations in Nashville. OConnells already under investigation by a pair of congressional committees, prompted by a call from U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles that Blackburn also supported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton called for O'Connell to rescind his executive order and "return to normal communications with state and federal authorities" in a statement posted to his social media accounts on June 5. "This order has jeopardized the safety of federal and state agents to the extent that individuals are harassing and interfering in the lawful duty of these agents," Sexton's statement read. He did not provide examples of interference. "While Metro has refused to assist federal agents with ICE, they decided to escalate it by forcing all employees to act as big brother." OConnell, for his part, has called on federal officials to release the names and charges of the nearly 200 undocumented immigrants detained in Nashville as part of the May ICE operation. To date, only a few of those individuals have been identified, and an ICE spokesperson has previously said about half of the group arrested had prior criminal convictions or pending criminal charges. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Get Davidson County news delivered to your inbox every Wednesday. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Sen. Blackburn introduces bill criminalizing 'doxxing' law enforcement Welcome to the online version of From the Politics Desk, an evening newsletter that brings you the NBC News Politics teams latest reporting and analysis from the White House, Capitol Hill and the campaign trail. In todays edition, Bridget Bowman speaks with Kirsten Gillibrand, the chair of Senate Democrats campaign arm, about how the map is shaping up ahead of next years midterm elections. Plus, Andrea Mitchell looks at Elon Musks lasting legacy in Washington. Sign up to receive this newsletter in your inbox every weekday here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adam Wollner How Senate Democrats campaign chair sees the 2026 map By Bridget Bowman Democrats will have to win some red states if they have any hope of taking control of the Senate next year. And the senator tasked with leading that effort believes President Donald Trump has given them an opening after he won those states easily months ago. I look at the map, and every states on the table because of this growing backlash that President Trumps decisions have created, with his cuts to Medicaid and his unwillingness to address affordability issues, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., told NBC News in an interview at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee headquarters on Wednesday. Gillibrand also said she isnt ruling out taking sides in Democratic primaries as her party looks to net four Senate seats to take control of the chamber, saying she is definitely not ruling out anything in any state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were going to look at every state on a case-by-case basis and make our assessment as to whos the best candidate in that state, and then make decisions based on that, Gillibrand said. Battleground targets: Democrats ripest targets in 2026 are GOP Sens. Susan Collins of Maine, which Trump lost by nearly 7 percentage points in November, and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, which Trump won by 3 points. Both incumbents are battle-tested, winning contested races in their last cycles on the ballot. Former Democratic Rep. Wiley Nickel has already launched a run in North Carolina, while former House staffer Jordan Wood is running in Maine. But Democrats are still eyeing Maine Gov. Janet Mills and former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper as possible recruits. Venturing into Trump country: Even if Democrats win those two states, and hold onto their current seats in other battlegrounds, they would still need to flip two additional Senate seats in states Trump won by double digits last year to get to a majority. That could mean targeting ruby red states like Texas, Iowa, Alaska, South Carolina and others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats do not currently hold a single Senate seat in the 24 states that Trump carried in all three of his presidential runs, after several red-state losses in 2024. And Trump won each of those states by double digits last year. Gillibrand said the magic formula for Democratic success involves a combination of deep Republican backlash to Trump and some of his policies, like slashing social safety net programs and imposing steep tariffs, and extraordinarily strong candidates who represent their states well, as well as boosts from the DSCC to help those candidates build up their campaigns. Read more from Bridget Elon Musk exits Washington, but not without leaving his mark Analysis by Andrea Mitchell Much of the discussion around Elon Musks departure from the White House has focused on how the Department of Government Efficiency failed to reach its lofty spending-cuts goal and the political fallout from the billionaire megadonors break from President Donald Trump over the big, beautiful bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But what has gone more overlooked is how Musk transformed the government in profound ways in a very short period of time. Musk has faced criticism for leaving Washington without achieving his initial goal of slashing the government spending by an eye-popping $2 trillion (or even his scaled-back target of $1 trillion). That would have required him to cut billions of dollars from defense and entitlements. Combined with mandatory payments of interest on the debt, those accounts are where the money is, to paraphrase Willie Sutton on why he robbed banks. But Musk never proposed taking on those sacred cows. DOGE says it has saved the government $180 billion. Independent groups such as the Partnership for Public Service calculate it actually cost the government $135 billion. While failing to materially reduce the deficit, Musk did succeed in carrying out an alternate mission eliminating all but a trickle of foreign aid and slashing the domestic federal workforce to fit a MAGA campaign mandate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By the State Departments own acknowledgment, 80% of USAID grants were terminated. The World Food Program and CARE, both previously receiving U.S. grants, have reported severe starvation, principally in Sub-Saharan Africa. Secretary of State Marco Rubio testified to Congress that the cancellation of medical services including antiretroviral HIV/AIDs vaccinations have not resulted in any deaths. But United Nations agencies and eyewitness accounts by journalists including Nicholas Kristof of The New York Times have reported on the deaths of many children, potentially thousands, in Sudan and other conflict zones. There are other DOGE results that are likely irreversible, including the brain drain caused by the thousands of firings at National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In addition, there is the silencing of the independent and highly regarded Voice of America, previously reaching more than 300 million listeners a week. Then theres the shuttering of think tanks like the Wilson Center and the U.S. Institute of Peace; the firings of CIA officers who take years to recruit and train; the scaling back of the Veterans Administration and Social Security Administration; and the prospective closure of U.S. embassies and consulates. And there are the cuts to public broadcasting and the Department of Education as well as the sensitive personal data DOGE employees were able to access. Yes, Mr. Musk has left Washington. But hes certainly left his mark. Today's top stories Steely demeanor: Trumps 50% tariff on steel has now gone into effect, providing a massive boost for one of Americas most storied industries at the potential cost of a broader slowdown elsewhere in the U.S. economy. Read more Big, beautiful price tag: The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office projects that Trumps sweeping domestic policy bill would add $2.4 trillion to the national debt over 10 years and increase the number of people without health insurance by 10.9 million. Read more On line 1: Trump said Russian President Vladimir Putin told him that Moscow would retaliate against Ukraines major drone attack over the weekend, casting doubt that a peace deal to end the war could come soon. Read more Schools out: The Trump administration claimed Columbia University violated Jewish students rights, threatening the schools accreditation. Read more Deportation ramp-up: A nationwide, ICE-led plan called Operation At Large is underway to escalate arrests of unauthorized immigrants. It includes more than 5,000 personnel from across federal law enforcement agencies and up to 21,000 National Guard troops. Read more Democrats next test: The six Democrats running for governor in New Jersey in next weeks primary embody different paths forward for their party. Read more Read all about it: Former Biden White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre is leaving the Democratic Party and registering as an independent, according to a press release about her upcoming book. Read more Follow live politics coverage Thats all From the Politics Desk for now. Todays newsletter was compiled by Adam Wollner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you have feedback likes or dislikes email us at politicsnewsletter@nbcuni.com And if youre a fan, please share with everyone and anyone. They can sign up here. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Democrats will have to win some red states if they have any hope of taking control of the Senate next year, and the senator tasked with leading that effort believes President Donald Trump has given them an opening after he won those states easily months ago. I look at the map, and every states on the table because of this growing backlash that President Trumps decisions have created, with his cuts to Medicaid and his unwillingness to address affordability issues, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., told NBC News in an interview at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee headquarters on Wednesday. Gillibrand also said she isn't ruling out taking sides in Democratic primaries as her party looks to net four Senate seats to take control of the chamber, saying that she is definitely not ruling out anything in any state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were going to look at every state on a case-by-case basis and make our assessment as to whos the best candidate in that state, and then make decisions based on that, Gillibrand said. Democrats' ripest targets in 2026 are GOP Sens. Susan Collins of Maine, which Trump lost by nearly 7 percentage points in November, and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, which Trump won by 3 points. Both incumbents are battle-tested, winning contested races in their last cycles on the ballot. Former Democratic Rep. Wiley Nickel has already launched a run in North Carolina, while former House staffer Jordan Wood is running in Maine. But Democrats are still eyeing Maine Gov. Janet Mills and former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper as possible recruits. While Cooper is weighing a run, Mills has not exactly sounded enthusiastic about challenging Collins, telling the Maine Trust for Local News in April, Im not planning to run for anything. Things change week to week, month to month, but at this moment Im not planning to run for another office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked if it has been difficult to recruit against Collins, who has a record of winning tough races, including victory in 2020 even as Trump lost Maine decisively, Gillibrand said negative reaction to Trumps policies is changing the thinking of a lot of potential candidates. So I am certain we will have formidable candidates in North Carolina and Maine because of this growing backlash that President Trump has created, Gillibrand said. Even if Democrats win those two states, and hold on to their current seats in other battlegrounds, they would still need to flip two additional Senate seats in states Trump won by double digits last year to get to a majority. That could mean targeting ruby red states like Texas, Iowa, Alaska, South Carolina and others. Democrats do not currently hold a single Senate seat in the 24 states that Trump carried in all three of his presidential runs, after several red-state losses in 2024. And Trump won each of those states by double digits last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gillibrand said the magic formula for Democratic success involves a combination of deep Republican backlash to Trump and some of his policies, like slashing social safety net programs and imposing steep tariffs, and extraordinarily strong candidates who represent their states well, as well as boosts from the DSCC to help those candidates build up their campaigns. Contested Democratic primaries are already taking shape in Iowa, where GOP Sen. Joni Ernst is up for re-election, as well as in competitive states where Democrats are defending open seats, including Michigan and Minnesota. Ernst has also been in the spotlight for responding to a constituent at a town hall who suggested the House Republicans proposed Medicaid cuts could cause people to die and saying, Well, we all are going to die. Asked if such comments give Democrats a better shot at defeating Ernst next year, Gillibrand said Ernsts remarks exemplify Trumps very callous approach towards health care, cutting seniors, cutting people with disabilities, children, pregnant women and veterans off of their Medicaid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gillibrand said those cuts are creating a significant backlash that certainly puts a state like Iowa in play along with many other red states around the country. Democrats, meanwhile, are going to be focused on commonsense, kitchen table issues of affordability and public safety, Gillibrand said. The New York Democrat argued those were winning messages for successful candidates in her home state last year, where she led a coordinated campaign with Gov. Kathy Hochul and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to boost Democratic House candidates. Democrats flipped three GOP-held House seats in New York even as Trump made gains throughout the state. Trump ultimately lost New York but improved on his 2020 election margin by 11 points, which was the biggest swing toward Trump of any state in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans are looking to capitalize on Trumps gains as they target Hochul in her re-election run next year, as well as other House Democrats. (Gillibrand said she is supporting Hochul for re-election as she faces a primary challenge from Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado.) Republicans are also looking to reprise attacks on Democrats over whether transgender women should be allowed to compete in female sports. One Nation, a nonprofit tied to the GOP super PAC Senate Leadership Fund, already launched an attack on the issue against Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff in Georgia. Ossoff represents one of two states, along with Michigan, that Democrats are defending that Trump also carried last year. Each candidate will address it as they see fit, Gillibrand said when asked how Democrats should respond to those attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gillibrand said she is very optimistic that Sen. Ossoff will not only win his race, but show rest of the country, you know, who he is and what Democrats stand for. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Sens. Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) are unveiling legislation to change the security clearance process after President Trump revoked clearances for high-profile opponents, including former President Biden. Their bill, dubbed the Integrity in Security Clearance Determinations Act, would bar any administration from revoking a clearance for political purposes or over retribution. Americans should be able to have confidence that the security clearance process is focused solely on protecting our nations most sensitive information, said Warner, the Senate Intelligence Committees ranking member. This bipartisan legislation will make clear that this vital system cannot be weaponized for political retribution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Collins said in a statement that Americans should have the utmost confidence in the integrity of the security clearance process. The security clearance system is critical to protecting our country from harm and safeguarding access to our most classified information, the Maine Republican said. This bipartisan bill would make the current system fairer and more transparent by ensuring that decisions to grant, deny, or revoke clearances are based solely on codified guidelines. The legislation would also preclude agencies from wielding clearances to punish whistleblowers or to discriminate. In addition, the blueprint also codifies the ability for government employees to appeal clearance revocations or denials and for background on those appeals to be released publicly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill was first introduced in 2019. The reintroduction also comes after Biden previously revoked Trumps clearance following the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Rhode Island Senate President Valarie Lawson is pictured in the Senate chamber ahead of the May 13, 2025, floor session. (Photo by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current) Rhode Island Senate President Valarie Lawson quietly recused herself from two labor bills decided Wednesday. The reason: Shes awaiting the advice of a state ethics panel on conflicts of interest with her job as head of one of the states two largest teachers unions. Despite Lawsons abstention, two union-backed bills secured approval with decisive majorities of the 37-member chamber. One would extend organizing rights to university graduate students; the other enhances information-sharing about union members between their employers and local bargaining units. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the end of session looms, with hundreds of bills expected to be considered by both chambers in the final weeks, its still unclear when and whether Lawson should be participating in discussions and decisions that overlap with her day job as president of the National Education Association of Rhode Island. Lawson, an East Providence Democrat, was elected Senate president on April 29, filling the opening left after the death of former Senate President Dominick Ruggerio. She requested an advisory opinion from the Rhode Island Ethics Commission on May 23, according to a letter obtained by Rhode Island Current. The commission, which last met on May 20, is set to consider a recommendation from its staff on Lawsons request on June 10. Lawson in the letter referred to a June 2024 ethics recommendation, when she was majority leader, determining that she could still vote on a swath of proposed changes to the state pension system despite being a retired teacher and head of the teachers union. The ethics panel concluded that Lawson would not benefit from the proposed changes any more than the 68,000 retirees and active state workers and teachers, including 400 of her co-workers at the state teachers union. Lawson sought to distinguish between actual conflicts of interest, rooted in financial gain, and a subjective perception of bias the latter of which is not addressed by the state ethics code. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Code of Ethics does not address perceived general biases, political views or personal opinions unless they intersect with financial interests, Lawson wrote. This is intentional as the Code of Ethics may not infringe upon either legislative or executive powers. Lawson also pledged in the letter to recuse herself from any discussions and votes on bills related to pension benefits that would affect her rights or entitlements as a participant in the states Pension system. Her letter does not mention potential conflicts on labor bills, including the two she abstained from Wednesday. What happens behind closed doors? Greg Pare, a Senate spokesperson, downplayed Lawsons recusals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In any part-time legislature, most members will have full-time jobs as well, and it is inevitable that potential conflicts will arise, Pare said in an emailed response Thursday. The members of the Senate recuse themselves in these situations. Throughout her tenure in the Senate, President Lawson has recused out of an abundance of caution when a potential conflict arises, and she did so yesterday as well. The precautionary measure did not put Sen. Ana Quezada at ease. Quezada, a Providence Democrat, did not vote for Lawson for Senate president because she worried over the conflicts of interest with her union job. For me, it is still a concern, Quezada said in an interview Thursday. Even if she recuses herself from voting on the floor, what happens behind closed doors? Indeed, it was behind-the-scenes negotiations, not public votes, that prompted the first Senate president, East Providence Democrat, Billy Irons, to resign. Irons abruptly left the leadership post at the end of his first year, in 2003, amid news reports he accepted payouts from insurance companies in exchange for defeating legislation the industry opposed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recusing from a vote is only part of the actions as Senate president, John Marion, executive director for Common Cause Rhode Island, said. Lawson is also the person who decides if a committee can move forward with a vote on the legislation. Exercising caution might sound like the best choice amid uncertainty. But her constituents, and the 12,000 teachers she leads, could lose out if she recuses herself unnecessarily, too. This was the conclusion of a pair of Brown University professors in a paper in the 2024 Roger Williams University Law Review in examining non-judicial recusals from 2006 to 2018. Recusing might make political sense, the authors stated. Stepping aside makes it impossible for political opponents to claim that voting was improper. But this is where the phrase out of an abundance of caution falls apart. That phrase implies that there are no costs to recusing, just possible benefits. But there are real costsdirect and indirectto this kind of abundance of caution. The direct cost of legislative recusal is the disenfranchisement of constituents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without an ethics opinion on the bills up for a vote Wednesday, its unclear whether Lawson could have participated in the decisions. Recusing from a vote is only part of the actions as Senate president. Lawson is also the person who decides if a committee can move forward with a vote on the legislation. John Marion, executive director for Common Cause Rhode Island Marion acknowledged the timing of the state ethics reviews and meetings typically once per month made it difficult for Lawson to get timely advice in the end-of-session scramble. But the proposals themselves were introduced on Jan. 31, giving Lawson ample time to ask for more general input from the ethics panel. Senate Majority Leader Frank Ciccone requested an advisory opinion from the Ethics Commission on his ability to discuss and vote on gun-related legislation immediately after he was elected the Senates no. 2. The commission approved its staff recommendation at its May 20 meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawson waited more than three weeks after she was tapped as president to ask for an ethics opinion. Its surprising given the scrutiny on her dual roles that she isnt doing more publicly to make sure that shes getting sound advice on what she can and cant do in her role as Senate president, Marion said. The next few weeks are going to highlight that challenge. Companion legislation in the House to Ciccones bill expanding organizing rights to college graduate students remains held in committee following an initial Feb. 12 hearing. The House Committee on Labor is scheduled to vote Thursday night on a companion to the other union bill, requiring regular updates from union employers to the local bargaining units. House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi remained noncommittal when asked for comment Thursday, only saying that both bills were under consideration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Updated based on new information that the Rhode Island Ethics Commission will consider an advisory opinion on Senate President Valarie Lawsons request at its meeting on Tuesday, June 10. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) described the House-passed GOP policy package as a work in progress Wednesday but projected confidence that President Trumps legislative agenda would make it through the Senate in some form. In an interview on right-leaning Newsmaxs Rob Schmitt Tonight, Kennedy addressed criticism from tech billionaire Elon Musk, who the shows host said has become such a hero and has done such a great job in trying to expose government waste but is now really calling it a disgusting abomination. I think its left a lot of MAGA voters, a lot of Trump voters, a lot of conservatives in a place of theyre a bit confused on this thing, Schmitt said, before noting the White House has defended the bill as a responsible way of cutting waste. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well, this is a work in progress, Kennedy said in the interview. If youre confused, you understand the situation perfectly. The House bill did the best it could do. The bill is now before us in the Senate. Were going to try to improve it and improve it substantially. The Louisiana Republican noted there are many complexities to getting the bill across the finish line. He said he agrees with Musk that were not reducing enough spending, but stressed the importance of extending Trumps 2017 tax cuts, which is one component of the larger policy bill. Were working hard, Ill put it that way, the senator added. And as long as everybody takes their meds, well get it done. The presidents agenda is seemingly beginning to lose momentum in the upper chamber of Congress in the face of sharp attacks from Musk and other outspoken conservatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Finance Committee Chair Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) warned colleagues at a special conference meeting Wednesday afternoon that there are two likely no votes on the bill within the Senate GOP conference, which means just one more defection would threaten to derail the legislation. That comes as the Congressional Budget Office on Wednesday projected that the 1,116-page House passed bill would add $2.4 trillion to the deficit over the next decade. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. WASHINGTON (KNWA/KFTA) Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) has introduced the Biothreat Prevention Act, legislation that would ban federal funding to any lab or university conducting agricultural research involving nationals from China, Russia, Iran, Cuba, Venezuela, or North Korea. Foreign terrorists that seek to poison and destroy Americas food supply should not have access to American labs and universities, said Senator Cotton. This comes after two Chinese researchers were charged with smuggling a fungus known to be a potential agroterrorism weapon into the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill is designed to limit potential threats to U.S. agriculture by restricting foreign nationals from working on sensitive or federally funded agricultural research projects. ag_security_bill_65251Download In 2020, a University of Arkansas professor was arrested for wire fraud and pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI after receiving a grant from NASA. Multiple case studies across the United States can be found on a Virginia Tech research page. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WASHINGTON (WAVY) A successful attack over the weekend by Ukraine on Russian Air Force assets, planned for 18 months and using inexpensive drones, is an cautionary example for the U.S. military, say Sens. Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.). Known as Operation Spiderweb, Ukraine coordinated swarms of drone attacks on five Russian bases, some of which were more than 3,000 miles from Ukraines border. Ukraines drone attack on Russian warplanes was a serious blow to the Kremlins strategic arsenal Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It called to mind the time in late 2023 when mystery drones flew over Langley Air Force Base for nearly three weeks. To this day, defense officials still have no explanation. Report: Mystery drones fly over Langley for 17 days, now DOD is looking to protect aircraft It was 18 nights in a row, Kaine said in a Wednesday conference call with reporters. If its night after night after night, you should be able to follow them and tell where theyre coming from, so Im not satisfied with the pace [of getting information]. It proved that drones can penetrate sensitive air space. We didnt have appropriate protocols in place on how you can take those drones down, Warner said. We have to increase our security [at Langley AFB]. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can counteract a typical drone by jamming its navigation signal, but the Ukrainian drones had technology that could thwart countermeasures. Theyre on fiber-optic cable but it looks like somebodys got them on a fishing line, Kaine said. You can get information to the drone that cant be jammed in traditional ways. The Ukrainian operation showed budget-conscious ingenuity. We are still buying drones that cost $20,000, $30,000, $40,000, Warner said. But the drones that destroyed Russian aircraft cost of a couple hundred dollars a piece. Our constant investment in a lot of these legacy platforms is just not smart. While the drones that flew over Langley in 2023 have never been fully explained, NORTHCOM The US Northern Command is leading the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Verdict is still out for origin of unauthorized drones flown over military base in Hampton, Pentagon press secretary says Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HONOLULU (KHON2) Senate Bill 1051, which officially designates September as Hawaiian History Month, was signed into law by Gov. Josh Green. The Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs celebrates the signing, saying that the measure honors the legacy of Queen Liliuokalani and recognizes the contributions of Kanaka Maoli to the islands past, present and future. Military spouse killing sentencing continues with emotional testimony Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This recognition is long overdue, said Dre Kalili, president of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs. Introducing and advocating for legislation like this is exactly what Prince Kuhio envisioned when he founded the Hawaiian Civic Club movement in 1918. Our organization was created to elevate the voices of Native Hawaiians in government, education and society. Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole was the lead sponsor of Senate Bill 1051. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You By designating September as Hawaiian History month, the state affirms our collective responsibility to tell the full story of Hawaii rooted in Native Hawaiian leadership, resilience and cultural excellence, Keohokalole said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The signing comes after a 2019 resolution from the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs Maui convention to call on the state government to designate the month of September as Hawaiian History Month. Securing Hawaiian History Month is not just a symbolic act its the continuation of a kuleana weve carried for more than a century. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The U.S. Supreme Court finally answered the question of whether it will address the issue of states banning entire classes of firearms for ownership by law-abiding citizens. Unfortunately, the answer for now at least is "not yet." That's frustrating, for sure. And not just for the plaintiffs in both Snope v. Brown and Ocean State Tactical v. Rhode Island. Those were the two cases challenging state prohibitions on the sale and possession of Modern Sporting Rifles (MSRs) and standard capacity magazines, respectively, that were petitioned to the Supreme Court. The Court denied certiorari for both cases, but not all justices were on board. Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch would have granted both petitions and taken up the issue of whether these hardware bans violate the Second Amendment. Justice Brett Kavanaugh voted to deny the Snope petition but warned that the Court is going to have to answer the questions and do so rather soon. NSSF submitted amicus briefs supporting the petitions in both cases. It's safe to say, NSSF is just as disappointed by the Court's denial of the petitions as any. In the amicus for Snope, NSSF argued that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit erred when it held that the MSR or AR-15 style rifle isn't even an arm. The Fourth Circuit further held that the most-popular selling centerfire rifle in America of which there are over 30 million in circulation today is not a commonly-used firearm and is ill-suited and disproportionate to self-defense, and therefore doesn't warrant constitutional protection. ..... GORNJE NEDELJICE, Serbia (Reuters) -Zlatko Kokanovic, a farmer from Serbia's Jadar region, is determined to stop development of a Rio Tinto lithium project, identified this week as strategic by the European Commission as it aims to cut dependency on China for mineral resources. Lithium is a key component in batteries for electric vehicles and mobile devices. The mine in the Jadar valley would eventually meet 90% of Europe's lithium needs should it go ahead. But like thousands of protesters, including many other farmers, who have sought to block development of the project in recent years, Kokanovic is worried about pollution of farmland in a region where a majority of people live off agriculture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There are some things the money cannot buy," Kokanovic, a father of five children who is one of the largest milk producers in Gornje Nedeljice and a leading activist in the region, told Reuters. "I want to tell them (Rio Tinto) not to try to develop the mine or there will be unrest," he added. Rio Tinto has not given a start date for the project, which is expected to produce 58,000 metric tons of lithium carbonate annually, but has pledged to develop the mine cleanly. "The project will be delivered to the highest levels of transparency, to the highest levels of environmental protection and human rights standards," said Chad Blewitt, Rio Tinto's managing director for the Jadar project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The European Union and European Commission never substitute, they never sacrifice those high standards." Blewitt had told Reuters on Wednesday that the company is revising the cost of the project. Rio Tinto's lithium project has been contested by green groups for years and sparked massive street protests in EU-candidate Serbia in 2022. In 2021 and 2022, Serbian environmentalists collected 30,000 signatures in a petition demanding that parliament enact legislation to halt lithium exploration in the country. The government revoked all Rio Tinto's exploration licences in 2022, before the Constitutional Court overturned the decision last year and reinstated them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Government officials say the mine will boost Serbia's economy. How protesters can stop a project that has domestic and international approval is unclear. But recent student protests in Serbia, where hundreds of thousands have taken to the streets and succeeded in collapsing the government, show the strength of civil society in the Balkan country. Kokanovic remains determined. My message to them is not to even try (to excavate lithium in Jadar), unless they want this government to be toppled fast." (Reporting by Fedja Grulovic; Writing by Ivana Sekularac; Editing by Edward McAllister, Kirsten Donovan) Heres what youll learn when you read this story: Serial killer John Robinson killed eight women in Kansas and Missouri until he was caught in 2000. His case caught greater attention when his adopted niece, Heather Robinson, discovered her biological mother was one of Johns victims. John remains in prison today and has appealed his sentence numerous times. Heather Robinson always had an uneasy feeling around her uncle John Robinson, as if she was stalked by a malevolent force. It turns out her intuition would prove hauntingly accurate, as details of Johns sinister past emerged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heathers unlikely ties to her murderous uncle are the subject of Kidnapped By a Killer: The Heather Robinson Story, airing Saturday, June 7, on Lifetime at 8 p.m. ET. Starring actors Steve Guttenberg and Rachel Stubington, the movie gives a fictionalized account of Heathers terrifying revelation that John was, in fact, a serial killer and responsible for her biological mothers disappearance. More than two decades after these life-changing details came to light, the real Heather has continued to seek out the truth about her family. Meanwhile, John remains in prison on death row. Heres what you need to know about the case and what Johns life is like today. Who is John Robinson? John Edward Robinson Sr. is a convicted serial killer originally from Cicero, Illinois. He was found guilty of, or admitted to, murdering eight women in Kansas and Missouri between 1985 through 2000, though his true victim count is unknown. Some consider him the first serial killer to use the Internet to lure victims, as he spoke to women in online chatrooms under the handle Slavemaster. Authorities determined several of his victims engaged in sadomasochistic sex and participated in master-slave relationships with Robinson before he killed them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2000, police arrested then-56-year-old Robinson after finding the remains of two women kept in barrels on his property near Kansas City. The remains of three additional women were soon discovered on another property he owned in Raymore, Missouri. Getty Images Robinsons case drew national attention and sparked a prolonged criminal trialthe longest in Kansas history. A jury found the man guilty on three counts of capital murder in 2002, and he was sentenced to death. He later admitted to five additional murders in Missouri as part of a plea agreement and received five life sentences in prison. While the details of the crimes are gruesome, the lengths Robinson went to hide themparticularly from his own familyadded another unusual layer to the case. John gave Heather to his brother for adoption Johns crimes not only shocked neighbors, but also completely upended the life of his adopted niece, Heather Robinson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johns brother, Don Robinson, and his wife had been raising Heather since she was an infant. When John was arrested, Heather was 15 and learned for the first time that her real name was Tiffany Stasi. When Heather was only 4 months old, she and her 19-year-old mother, Lisa Stasi, went missing and were presumed dead by family members. In reality, John had begun a relationship with Lisa and gave her young daughter to his brother and sister-in-law by claiming she was up for adoption after her mother had killed herself in a hotel room. He even manufactured documents and charged his brother more than $5,000 in fake legal fees. Lisas remains were never found, but John was convicted of her 1985 murder at trial nearly two decades later. Editors Note: If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or self-harming behaviors, call or text 988 to get help from the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. During a 2019 televised interview for 20/20, Heather said she likely witnessed her mothers killing as an infant but has no recollection. She shared that her uncle gave me this really weird, off-putting feeling in the pit of my stomach. Its like walking down a dark alley in the middle of the night while you know someone is behind you, approaching you closer and closer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heather also said that shortly before his arrest, John asked her sexual questions at a wedding in Florida and offered her a plane ticket to stay with him. Id be dead. I would be in that barrel, she surmised, referencing how Johns other victims were found. John remains on death row Getty Images John is now 81 years old and has appealed his sentence on multiple occasions. In November 2015, the Kansas Supreme Court threw out one of his capital murder convictions and one first-degree murder conviction, citing a double jeopardy situation in which he was tried twice for the same crime. However, the court ultimately upheld Johns capital sentence. John filed a civil suit in 2016 and returned to court in 2022, hoping to earn a new trial or have his capital conviction vacated. Instead, he remains on death row at the El Dorado Correctional Facility in Kansas. According to an online database operated by the Kansas Department of Corrections, John has had four disciplinary instances between 2016 and 2024. This past November, he was reprimanded for theft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prior to being uncovered as a murderer, John had been convicted of a felony theft charge in Kansas back in the mid-1980s. He remained out of the Kansas justice system until the millennium. Heather is still searching for her mothers remains Heather is now 40 and has a family of her own with husband Roberto Ramos. Following the revelations about Johns disturbing past, she developed a relationship with her maternal grandmother, Pat Sylvester. My grandma. Lisas mother that was hard at times, but I did love her, Heather said in the 20/20 interview. She taught me to not have hate in my heart and to forgive John because she did. Sylvester died in 2018, and Heather and her family hope to find Lisas remains so she can be laid to rest alongside her own mother. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chillingly, around 2010, someone in her biological mothers family gave Heather a letter purportedly written by her late mother. Forty-two pages long, it claimed that Lisa was alive and well and that John Robinson wouldnt harm anyone. However, Heather is sure her mother is, in fact, dead and believes John wrote the letter. You Might Also Like (KRON) Santa Rita Jails inmate healthcare provider agreed to pay $2.5 million to the children of Maurice Monk, attorneys announced Thursday. The inmate was allegedly deceased inside his jail cell for three days before any sheriffs deputies or health workers noticed in November of 2021. The 45-year-old inmates worsening mental and physical condition went ignored as he lay facedown on his bunk. Wellpath nurses continued tossing paper cups with medications into the cell, despite all of Monks meals and medications remaining untouched, attorneys said. When five Alameda County Sheriffs deputies finally unlocked and entered the cell, one asked, Monk, how ya doing buddy? body camera video shows. Monk, Monk, Monk. Are you alright? the deputy asks the lifeless inmate. Body camera video shows deputies unlocking Monks cell in Santa Rita Jail. (Image via Pointer & Buelna, Lawyers For The People) They dragged the body off of his bunk and called for a nurse before Monk was pronounced deceased. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Alameda County jails healthcare provider, Wellpath, is resolving a federal civil rights lawsuit filed by Monks family by paying the $2.5 million settlement, attorneys said. This is an admission by the people who are paid millions of taxpayer dollars that they failed to protect and ensure the health and well-being of a man whose life was entirely in their hands, said civil rights attorney Adante Pointer, of Oakland-based Pointer & Buelna, Lawyers For The People. Body camera video shows deputies trying to talk to Monk after he had already died in his cell in Santa Rita Jail. (Image via Pointer & Buelna, Lawyers For The People) In 2023, Alameda County agreed to a $7 million settlement for deputies roles in Monks death. In 2021, Monk was arrested for refusing to wear a mask and arguing on a public AC Transit bus during the COVID pandemic. He was booked into jail because he had a warrant for missing a court date, and he couldnt afford to post $2,500 bail. The inmate required medications for diabetes and schizoaffective disorder. Maurice Monk poses for a photo with his family. (Photo via Pointer & Buelna, Lawyers For The People) Bodycam videos recorded by sheriffs deputies were released after the federal civil rights lawsuit was filed. Deputies who stood at Monks cell door initially dismissed his unresponsive behavior as Monk being Monk, attorneys said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Monks family sued several Wellpath nurses and a physicians assistant who never intervened to help him. Wellpath is a private prison health care company with a troubling track record. Attorneys said 68 men have died in Santa Rita Jail custody since 2014, making it one of the deadliest jails in the country. Maurice Monk Maurice Monks children will receive some justice for the needless death of their father, said civil rights attorney Ty Clarke, also of Pointer & Buelna. There is simply no excuse for any medical professionals, no matter the setting, to neglect their primary duties. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WASHNGTON Days before a Washington murder trial was to begin, prosecutors decided the evidence they had against the defendant who was in custody for more than five years was not good enough, and the victims family still wants an explanation. When John Pernell was shot to death on Nelson Place SE in July 2010, witnesses told police the retired protective service officer fought with one of four men trying to rob him and others. Pernell and his friends were setting up their barbecues for a traditional Fourth of July get-together when the men jumped a fence and announced a robbery. The investigation went nowhere until 2019, when a witness told police they should look at a man named Kavon Young. John Pernell. (NBC Washington) According to a document filed in D.C. Superior Court, police said DNA discovered under Pernells fingernails matched the DNA profile of Young. The probability the DNA did not belong to Young was one in 3.4 billion in the United States African American population. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But that DNA evidence presented in court as a match in 2019 suddenly became a mismatch two days before trial. Prosecutors at the U.S. Attorneys Office, the defense attorneys and the private lab that did the original testing will not say why. Its shameful. We have a right to know what happened, said Pernells daughter, Yolanda Pernell-Vogelson. Two days before the trial was set to begin, Pernell-Vogelson and her sister, Ayana Pernell, say they got a call from Michael Spence, the prosecutor in the case, who told them the initial calculations were wrong. To this day, [we] have not been given a full, understandable explanation as to why this has happened, Ayana Pernell said. I mean, we are essentially victims also. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court records show the private lab that did the testing, Bode Technology Group Inc., lost the evidence and it cannot be retested. The judge told the prosecution and defense that at trial, the jury would be told the governments labs and/or agencies negligently lost the DNA extract in this case just before the trial was set to begin. In an April 9 filing, prosecutors noted again the DNA matched the defendant as reported by Bode Technology a result prosecutors relied upon for five-and-a-half years until deciding two days before trial it was unreliable. Bode Technology group declined to comment. Young was released in April, and NBC Washington couldnt reach the attorneys who have been representing him. Pernells daughters said they wrote letters to all lawmakers in the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We extend our condolences to Mr. Pernells family and friends, including his daughters," Washington Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Lindsey Appiah said in a statement Wednesday. "Ive contacted them regarding his case, and we are investigating the matter to see if there is anything additional the District can do to be of assistance to ensure justice. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay talks Dana Chandler, anti-crime initiatives TOPEKA (KSNT) Shawnee County District Attorney, Mike Kagay, joined the 27 News morning newscast on June 5 to talk about some recent crime topics. Kagay discussed the latest on the Dana Chandler sentencing, clarifying the appeal process, his thoughts on how the city is tackling crime and more. He said his staff have been busy lately. Weve been very busy, Kagay said. Weve been trying a lot of cases and trying a lot of serious cases. I know theres been a lot of attention lately on one in particular, but I just want to share that going back for the last almost 20 jury trials in major felony cases, which would include murder cases and high-level sex offenses, weve been obtaining guilty verdicts, consecutive guilty verdicts. And so the work of our major felony team is going very well. And Im very proud of the contributions and the professionalism they bring every day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement $1.9 billion CHIPS grant denied for Kansas 27 News asked Kagay about Dana Chandlers recent sentencing in Westmoreland. He clarified her sentencing to give a better understanding of the verdict moving forward. So as Im sure you know, we had the sentencing in Pottawattamie County this week and the judge imposed two consecutive life sentences, which means that each life sentence is 25 years before shes eligible for parole, Kagay said. And so that time has to run back-to-back. Thats what consecutive means. And so overall, the sentence is 50 years before shes eligible for parole. This was Chandlers third trial for the deaths of her ex-husband Mike Sisco and his fiance Karen Harkness, who were killed by gunfire in their bed in 2002. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, she has served some time based on a prior conviction, Kagay said. And so shell get credit for that time. But all in, shes the overall sentence is 50 years before shes eligible for parole. Kagay also told 27 News, the sentence was an emotional hearing, as the victims families spoke out. He said he was honored to be there and to support them. As for what is next with Chandlers case, Kagay said his part is done for now. Well, our part is now done for now, Kagay said. If there is an appeal filed, which I expect because that standard, you know, any, I cannot think of a single time weve gone to a jury trial and convicted somebody for murder where they did not file an appeal. So this is very standard for us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Satanic Grotto sets date for Witching Hour protest 27 News also spoke to Kagay about the citys new police chief and anti-crime initiatives. You can watch the full interview above. 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. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NEED TO KNOW Danishka Sibaja Mejia was killed last April, one day after reporting to police she had been raped Latawyne Osborne, the man she accused, confessed to killing her the next day "He tried to silence her but he made her louder," Mejias father said Danishka Sibaja Mejia always had the courage to do what was right. Thats one of the lasting memories of the 22-year-old dancer and volleyball player originally from Costa Rica, who was killed in April 2024 during a targeted home invasion in Knoxville, Tenn., by a former friend one day after she accused him of raping her in her sleep. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the things Danishka mentioned during our last dinner on the night of April 4 was that she was not afraid to do the right thing, Mejias mother Melba Mejia said during a recent court hearing, according to The Charlotte Observer. She wanted to follow up with this report so that [her attacker, Latawyne Osborne] will not hurt any other women. Although it cost her life, shes going to have her final wish. Osborne, 40, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole last week on convictions of first-degree murder, three counts of attempted first-degree murder, and aggravated sexual battery, according to the Observer, WATE and WVLT. This spares all the parties of extended litigation of trial and sentencing and appeals, Osbornes defense attorney Cullen Wojcik said after his client pleaded guilty, according to the Observer. And we hope that this resolution brings a certain level of finality to the whole process. Mejia was killed on April 5, 2024, just one day after she had reportedly gone to police to formally accused Osborne of raping her after she fell asleep at his home. According to the Observer, Mejia told police she woke up partially clothed and with her tampon inexplicably removed. Osborne denied sexually assaulting Mejia when she confronted him about it, according to the outlet, but prosecutors said an examination at a local hospital later showed DNA evidence that Osborne had raped her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to local WBIR, Osborne and two other men barged into a home in South Knoxville where Mejia was, forcing her and two others a man and the man's pregnant girlfriend down into the basement. There, Osborne forced Mejia at gunpoint to ingest a mix of fentanyl, heroin and cocaine, according to WBIR, and made her repeat the ingestions until she fell unconscious. Osborne then continued to force drugs on her and repeatedly checked to see if she was breathing, filming portions of the incident, according to WBIR. Knoxville Police Department Latawyne Osborne Latawyne Osborne The Observer and WBIR report, citing police, that Osborne and two cohorts then fatally shot Mejia. Mejia's friends were also shot but survived the attempts on their life, alerting police to what happened when officers arrived at the home. Osborne was also reportedly shot on accident by one of his co-conspirators during the home invasion, later going to a local hospital for treatment where he was then taken into custody after being questioned by homicide detectives. He was sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty on May 30, according to WBIR. "He tried to silence her but he made her louder," Mejia's father Tom Dolias told reporters after Osbornes sentencing, according to the outlet. "This is step one, it's a big victory. 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 Meghan McCain, who once chastised rap superstar Nikki Minaj for spreading vaccine hesitancy during the covid-19 pandemic, is now partnering with a fringe wellness company to promote a detox supplement for those who regret taking the shot. The former host of The View hawking $90 bottles of the Ultimate Spike Detox prompted critics to call out the daughter of John McCain for going full grift and accuse her of selling out to the crazies after championing herself as a voice of reason on the right for years. McCain, who now hosts a twice-weekly podcast, took to X Wednesday to announce that she was thrilled to partner with The Wellness Company, a business run by Canadian entrepreneur Foster Coulson that is rooted in conspiracy theories and employs several doctors who have been accused of spreading medical misinformation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coulson, who has paid accused rapist and mysogynistic influencer Andrew Tate to sell his products, says he is creating a parallel economy for consumers who believe their freedom is under threat by censorious elites and corrupt scientists. Other ventures he has backed include a dating site for unvaccinated singles and an anti-woke coffee brand. One of the doctors Coulson has employed is Dr. Peter McCullough, who is listed as The Wellness Companys chief scientific officer and developed the Ultimate Spike Detox supplement line. McCullough, who was an early proponent of the debunked hydroxychloroquine covid-19 treatment, co-authored a retracted paper that claimed 74 percent of autopsies of people who suddenly died showed they were vaccinated, suggesting that was the cause. Meghan McCain is under fire after partnering up with an anti-vax company to promote a detox product for those who regret taking the shot. (Getty Images) According to the companys site, the extra-strength formula designed by the worlds leading pandemic expert includes a key enzyme that may help break down spike protein and disrupt its function. It also claims it will provide the users body with unparalleled support for cellular defense and detoxification. Despite McCullough having his board certifications for cardiovascular disease and internal medicine revoked by the American Board of Internal Medicine earlier this year for promoting misinformation about covid-19 vaccinations, McCain urged her followers to buy the supplements and even gave her name as a promotional discount code. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Concerning data continues to emerge regarding mRNA vaccines and their unforeseen health impacts, she tweeted on Wednesday. They did not deliver what was promised by government + health officials. I have friends who suffered heart and menstruation issues & more. Its time to pull them off the market NOW. McCain added: Thrilled to partner with The Wellness Company! If you regret taking the shot, theres hope. Dr. Peter McCulloughs all-natural Ultimate Spike Detox is helping people worldwide. Use code MCCAIN for 10% off + FREE shipping on all orders. It was just a few short years ago, however, that McCain was criticizing others as being deeply irresponsible for pushing skepticism over the vaccines. Additionally, when the Biden administration was first rolling out vaccinations to the public, she expressed vaccine envy because she wasnt sure when she was personally going to get the shot. Along those lines, she complained during a July 2021 broadcast of The View that the Biden White House turned down her offer to help the president reach out to vaccine-hesitant Republicans and convince them to get the jab. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McCain promoting a disgraced doctors supplements while partnering with a company that is pandering to anti-vax conspiracists prompted several media figures and observers to call her out as a right-wing grifter. Critics are blasting Meghan McCain for engaging in a full grift and selling out after she hawked a supplement that promises to flush out the toxic elements from the covid-19 vaccines. (Citizen McCain with Meghan McCain / YouTube) Meghan Goes Full Grift: Is Meghan McCain that desperate for some extra cash? Status News founder Oliver Darcy pointed out in his newsletter, adding: For someone who spent years portraying herself as the voice of reason on the right, this is quite the grift. Gizmodo reporter Matt Novak shared a screenshot of McCains tweet and noted that the entire conservative movement must be funded by health grifts at this point, while author Stephen Elliott claimed that they all sell snake oil eventually because the incentives are too great not to. Cybersecurity expert Rob Graham, meanwhile, said that while McCain would speak out against the crazies and defend actual science five years ago, she has since been captured by her audience now that she is a conservative podcaster. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her audience is drifting further to the fringe, so is she, he stated. So she's now become the thing she [fought] against 5 years ago. From being the champion on the Right-wing against the crazies, she's sold out to the crazies. Ironically, it was just a few months ago that McCain herself appeared to take issue with those she saw as hustling and camming their audience. Grifters can only keep up a grift for so long, she tweeted in December. When reached for comment, McCain referred The Independent to her publicist, who has yet to respond. This isnt the first time McCain has been accused of hypocrisy. Earlier this year, she announced that she was excited to be joining a media startup run by political journalist Mark Halperin, whom McCain had publicly trashed years prior over allegations that he sexually assaulted and harassed multiple women. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With age comes wisdom and different perspectives on people. I am now a 40 year old mother of two. I have grown and evolved like everyone else, particularly in the past five years Mark has also grown and evolved, she said when asked at the time by The Independent what had changed regarding her views on Halperin. Like Mark, at this point in my life I believe in giving people the presumption of grace and forgiveness as I would like it in return. Just three months after joining Halperins 2way network, low viewership continued to plague the show, prompting her to merge her existing Citizen McCain podcast with the YouTube program in hopes of sparking interest. SHELDON, Iowa (KCAU) A Sheldon man was killed as a result of a motorcycle crash late Wednesday, the Sioux County Sheriffs Office said. Wednesday night, the Sioux County Sheriffs Office investigated an accident involving a motorcycle just south of Sheldon, Iowa. Jeremy Korth, 27, of Sheldon, was reportedly going south on Highway 60 when he left the roadway and entered the west ditch. Korth was ejected as the motorcycle rolled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Story continues below Korth was transported to a local hospital before being flown to Sioux Falls, where he died as a result of his injuries. The Sioux County Sheriffs Office was helped by the Sheldon Ambulance, Sheldon Fire Department, and the OBrien 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 SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. MONROEVILLE, Ohio (WJW) A food delivery driver was arrested this week in Monroeville after investigators say he attempted to arrange sex with underage girls in exchange for vapes, alcohol and other contraband. Travis Brown Travis Brown, 39, of Huron, was taken into custody by the Huron County Sheriffs Office in cooperation with the HEAL Human Trafficking Task Force. Missing 7-year-old paddleboarder found, and he only had one question Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said Brown used his job and social media to communicate with juvenile females, offering them items like e-cigarettes and alcohol in return for sexual activity. Investigators said Brown was arrested after traveling from Huron to Monroeville, where he believed he would be meeting a 12-year-old and a 17-year-old girl. The girls were undercover detectives. Detective Jaclyn Smith with the Huron County Sheriffs Office called the messages between Brown and the undercover investigators disturbing. He got very detailed in his messages so hard to look at, Smith said. Detectives said Brown told them he planned to have sex with the minors in the back of his Cadillac Escalade. When he was taken into custody, deputies found a makeshift bed and linens prepared in the vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nationwide recall on jerky and snack sticks He was booked into the Huron County Jail on felony charges of importuning and compelling prostitution. Additional charges are expected as the investigation continues. Brown was actively targeting and attempting to exploit young girls in Huron County and surrounding jurisdictions, said Huron County Sheriff Todd Corbin. Our investigators acted quickly to intercept him. Now that hes in custody, our focus shifts to identifying any past victims. Authorities believe Brown may have contacted other minors across county lines. The Lorain County Sheriffs Office is asking anyone who suspects Brown attempted to solicit children in their community to call the Human Trafficking Task Force Hotline at 440-365-9240. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smith said its very important for parents to monitor and talk to their kids about the dangers of social media and meeting strangers because thats a primary tool used by traffickers. It gets so bad, so quickly, Smith said. Its actually really heartbreaking to see it over and over and over and over again. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. ORLANDO, Fla. Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez has been charged with racketeering and suspended from office for involvement in a massive illegal gambling operation that generated more than $20 million in proceeds and spanned Central Florida, state and federal officials announced Thursday. A charging document released by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeiers office said the case centers around a money-laundering operation through an illegal gambling house in Kissimmee known as the Fusion Social Club run by Lopez and his co-conspirators. The establishment conducted illegal lotteries while illicitly possessing slot machines as part of an operation enriching the sheriff while in office. The U.S. Homeland Security Investigations office in Tampa, which took part in the investigation, posted video to social media of Lopezs arrest following Uthmeiers announcement of Lopez arrest. The video shows agents surrounding Lopez, dressed in his sheriff uniform, at what appears to be one of the agencys offices. As they slap on the handcuffs, Lopez appears to ask, Whats this about? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his executive order suspending Lopez, Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Christopher Blackmon, Florida Highway Patrols central region chief, to replace him as Osceola sheriff. Lopez will face his charges in the Fifth Judicial Circuit which covers Lake County and neighbors to the Ninth Judicial Circuit that covers Osceola with prosecution handled by the Office of Statewide Prosecution. He was jailed in Lake County without bond and will be arraigned June 30, records show. It all amounts to a disgraceful denouement for Lopez, who has been a magnet for controversy since he became Osceolas first Hispanic sheriff in 2020. The longtime lawman has been accused of personal indiscretions such as receiving a nude photo of a co-worker, and professional missteps including his deputies aggressive actions in pursuing shoplifters at a Target and killing their driver. Most recently, Lopez posted on social media a picture of the corpse of 13-year-old Madeline Soto, then lied about what he had done. According to the charging document released by Uthmeiers office, the illegal actions by Lopez and his alleged associates Ying Zhang, Sharon Fedrick, Sheldon Wetherholt, Carol Cote and others known and unknown date to October 2019 and continued through last August. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lopezs involvement started during his first campaign for sheriff, document said. Finance reports reviewed by the Orlando Sentinel show one co-conspirator, Zhang, donated $1,000 to his 2020 campaign. No other co-conspirators are listed as campaign donors under their own names, records show. Lopez is further accused of using confidential law enforcement information to evade accountability. Though details of how the gambling operation functioned have not been released, HSI Tampa said in its post the scheme generated more than $21.6 million in illicit proceeds. In a prepared statement, Uthmeier called Lopezs arrest a solemn day for Florida and our law enforcement community. We put great trust in our constitutional officers, especially those who are our communities first line of defense. he said in the statement. However, the law must be applied equally, regardless of position, power, or branch of government. Public servants should never exploit the publics trust for personal gain. Our Statewide Prosecutors will hold Sheriff Lopez, his associates, and all lawbreakers accountable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement John Cordon, special agent in charge of HSI in Tampa, added: Corruption undermines the integrity of public trust, HSI along with our partners are committed to combating it. Others are expected to face charges but they have not been named. Osceola County Manager Don Fisher issued a statement after Lopezs arrest saying the county had no role in this investigation, referring questions to the Osceola County Sheriffs Office, which did not respond to a message seeking comment. The County and the Commission stand ready at the helm to support Interim Sheriff Christopher Blackmon and the courageous men and women of the Osceola Sheriffs Department however we can during this period, as appropriate, Fishers statement said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mark NeJame, an attorney whose namesake firm represents the family of Jayden Baez, killed in the Target incident, said hes not surprised by the arrest. Its terrible when any public official is accused of crimes and compromising the very people and laws they have sworn to protect, NeJame said. Before State Attorney Monique Worrell could complete her investigation of the Target incident, Lopez was part of a scheme to get rid of her by forwarding to DeSantis office accusations that she was inexplicably dropping criminal cases against accused drug traffickers. A review by the Sentinel revealed more than 60% of those cases either had charges downgraded or abandoned entirely because of botched investigations by Lopezs deputies. None of those cases were reopened by State Attorney Andrew Bain, Worrells governor-appointed successor who lost to her in the November election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time of his arrest, Lopez was attempting to remove himself from the Brady list of questionable law enforcement officers maintained by Worrells office. He was placed there by Bain after making conflicting statements about posting the photo of Kissimmee teen Madeline Soto to his Instagram page. Before that he had been accused of ogling a nude photo of one of his deputies sent by her then-boyfriend a deputy later arrested in Orange County on a domestic battery charge for which he was acquitted. Lopez denied the accusation despite a screenshot text thread that was shared appearing to show him commenting on the photo. That screenshot was later said to be doctored, according to the Sheriffs Office. --------------- Jun. 4The Chelan County Sheriff's Office is "optimistic" it will locate a man accused of killing his three young daughters at a campsite and fleeing the scene, sheriff Mike Morrison said at a news conference Wednesday evening. "My message is still the same," Morrison said. "Turn yourself in ... We will not relinquish our efforts. Do us right for your kids." Travis Caleb Decker, 32, is charged with the murder and kidnapping in connection to the deaths of his children, Olivia Decker, 5; Evelyn Decker, 8; and Paitlyn Decker, 9, from Wenatchee. The girls were found bound and asphyxiated in an embankment at the Rock Island Campground near Leavenworth, according to previous reporting from The Spokesman-Review. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their father has not been seen since last week when he failed to return the children to their mother after a planned visit. Decker, who is homeless and only allowed day visits unless an exception is made, is said to have borderline personality disorder for which he did not take medication, according to court records. He has never failed to return his kids to their mother before, and the children generally enjoyed being with him, court records say. Investigators later found his white truck and miscellaneous supplies at the campground, along with plastic bags and zip ties. The discovery led to a near-statewide manhunt. Morrison said during the news conference they are "optimistic" they can track his location, even though Decker is a military veteran with elite wilderness survival skills. He went through survival school as a kid and had more training in the military, Morrison said, and his family told investigators they believe he is able to live "off the grid" for more than two days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Chelan County Sheriff's Office wrote in a news release they don't believe Decker is armed, but consider him dangerous. Aerial units from the Spokane County Sheriff's Office are assisting Chelan County in the search across the Okanagan Wenatchee National Forest, along with federal law enforcement. The FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit were also called in and have rendered "good leads" about Decker's mindset and thought process at the time of the killings, Morrison said. Multiple tips have come in, including sightings from McCall, Idaho, but were determined not to be Decker, the sheriff said at the news conference. Agencies have swept fast-moving creeks, steep terrain, cellphone data and financial documents for clues. The sheriff's office also has limited resources, Morrison added, but the assistance Chelan County, most of which is not accessible by road, has received from statewide agencies statewide gives him confidence. "We are up for the challenge," he said. "We are aware of our terrain ... And we are not doing it alone." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of Wednesday afternoon, the Decker family's GoFundMe has raised more than half a million dollars. "Their light touched so many, and the pain of this loss is immeasurable," the post says about the Decker girls. The girls and their family are the "motivating force" behind the rigorous search, Morrison said Wednesday. The agency has set up a tip line for people with knowledge or sightings of Decker to submit information. The Chelan County Sheriff's Office has posted a $20,000 reward leading to his arrest. Decker was last seen wearing a light-colored shirt with dark shorts, has black hair and brown eyes, is 5-foot-8 and weighs about 190 pounds. He may pose a risk if he is approached, police said in a release. If found, call 911 immediately. A man carjacked an L.A. County Sheriff's Department bucket truck early Wednesday morning while a sheriff's deputy was precariously positioned high above the ground in the bucket, authorities said. The man conducted a takeover of a 2011 Ford F550 utility bucket truck on the corner of Spring and Temple streets around 5 a.m. while two deputies were in the vehicle, according to a department bulletin. A deputy received minor injuries during a struggle with the carjacker and was treated at a hospital, according to a department statement. The suspect was later identified as Mark Arriola, 36, and arrested on suspicion of carjacking, according to a department statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A bucket truck, also known as a cherry picker, is a vehicle equipped with a hydraulic lift system and an extendable arm that ends in a bucket where a person can stand. It's used to lift workers to hard-to-reach areas. Two undercover deputies were using the truck to remove concealed cameras when a man jumped into the vehicle, said he had to go to the hospital and began to drive away, law enforcement sources told The Times. Read more: Man 'turns into a beast,' holds woman captive for two years, prosecutor says. He gets 394 years in prison When the carjacking took place, one of the deputies was elevated in the bucket. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The other deputy, in the passenger seat, realized his colleague was in danger and was able to lower the bucket, allowing his partner to jump from the truck. The second deputy then also jumped from the truck, according to law enforcement sources. The vehicle was later recovered in Gardena in the 14900 block of South Western Avenue, according to a department statement. Detectives' information led them to a residence just around the corner in the 1700 block of West 150th Street, according to a department statement. The suspect was identified as Arriola and detained during a traffic stop. Detectives served a search warrant at Arriola's residence later that evening and recovered evidence linking him to the crime. He has since been released on bond and his case will be presented to the L.A. County District Attorney's Office for filing consideration, according to a department statement. Under California law, carjacking is a felony punishable by three, five or nine years in prison. 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. JEANERETTE, La. (KLFY) Authorities are on the scene of the of a shooting located on the 600 block of Canal Street in Jeanerette, police confirmed. Police said one person has been shot and transported to a local hospital. We will update as more information is released. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KLFY Daily Digest Latest news Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com. NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -Across the country, Job Corps Centers have begun stopping operations that offer education and job training. Multiple students in North Little Rock say they have renewed hope thanks to a college opening its doors. The U.S. Department of Labor announced its plans to pause Job Corps Center operations nationwide by June 30. So far, the Little Rock Job Corps Center has already closed. Job Corps closing hits home with Little Rock families Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nationally, the program became part of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. It offers free residential education and job training for people with low incomes between ages of 16 and 24. Officials say the number of serious incident reports and financial challenges are reasons for the pause. Samantha Reyes was a part of the Job Corps program and said she was hurt when she found out it would be closing. It was like the rug was just pulled from under me, Reyes said. Coming into Job Corps, it was like this is a place that I got to get out of my comfort zone and do something with my life. Tyand Freeman said the announcement left him afraid for the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It really hurt me because Im from Alabama, Im not from Arkansas, so its like I didnt have nowhere to go, Freeman said. But not all hope was lost, as they had the opportunity to become students at Shorter College in North Little Rock after it opened its doors to those students displaced. It started with a small group of 5. Now were up to about 18 to 20 students, Shorter College president Jeffery Norfleet said. He says it was important that they were able to allow them to enroll so they could continue their academic life. We are able to have financial aid and we want to see them to the finish line with a degree, Norfleet said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Career counselor at Little Rock Job Corps says federal pause on operations nationwide leaves students with nowhere to go Norfleet said the enrollment offers them a dorm room they can sleep in, food assistance and a list of other resources. I am beyond grateful. I dont know what could have happened if I didnt have this, Reyes said. Norfleet said he is grateful for the community support, as many people have been dropping off donations. The opportunity means the world to Freeman, who is looking to be a certified nursing assistant. Giving many hope that their future dreams can come true, like Brieze Brunk, who was also impacted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of my career goals is to own a bakery, Brunk said. Reyes is aiming for a degree in education, but is grateful to have whats essential. Coming here and knowing we had something to eat, a place to sleep, its been beyond words, she said. Labor Department suspends Job Corps centers operations, drawing bipartisan pushback Norfleet said if anyone would like to donate, they can drop off food, bedding or anything that can help the students with their academics. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. U.S. President Donald Trump nominated Air Force Lieutenant General Alexus Grynkewich as the next Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) on June 5, reaffirming a key American role in NATO's military structure. The expected appointment marks a reversal of earlier speculation that the Trump administration was considering relinquishing the U.S. military position, traditionally held by an American four-star general for nearly 75 years. The role oversees all NATO operations in Europe and is considered one of the alliance's most critical posts. The U.S. has filled the role since its creation after World War II. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grynkewich, who currently serves as Director for Operations of the Joint Staff, will replace Army General Christopher Cavoli who has been serving in the post since July 2022. His term is expected to start once his nomination is approved in the coming months. Trump personally informed NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte of the decision, Reuters reported on May 30. The move is likely to offer short-term reassurance to NATO allies wary of a potential American drawdown. Trump's "America First" doctrine has repeatedly cast doubt on the U.S. commitment to multilateral alliances, especially NATO. In recent years, Trump has questioned whether Washington should defend alliance members that do not meet military spending benchmarks. The comment sparked alarm across Europe, where several countries, including Italy, Canada, and Spain, still fall short of the 2% of GDP goal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decision to name a new SACEUR suggests the U.S. will remain engaged in the alliance's military command structure for now, even as Trump continues to push for a rebalancing of defense responsibilities among NATO members. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has repeatedly called on NATO allies to contribute 5% of GDP towards military spending. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Ukraine strikes Russian missile base in Bryansk Oblast, damages Iskander launchers; Trump dismisses timeline to impose Russian sanctions Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. DISCLAIMER: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty. UPDATE: As of June 6, Shreveport Police state that Woods Sr. has been arrested and Boatwin is still at large. SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) The Shreveport Police Department is seeking a convicted sex offender who has failed to comply with their annual registration requirements. Steven Edward Woods Sr. has failed to complete his 2025 annual sex offender registration with the Shreveport Police Department. Woods was previously convicted of Intentional Exposure to AIDS and has three prior convictions for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What to expect during the upcoming Shreveport safety checkpoint As a result of his continued non-compliance, a warrant has been issued for his arrest. Waynon Gerald Boatwin has failed to pay his required 2025 sex offender registration fee. Boatwin was convicted of Sexual Battery and has four prior convictions for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. A warrant has also been signed for his arrest. Mandated by the Louisiana Revised Statute 15:542, Registration of Sex Offenders and Child Predators anyone convicted of a sex offense or a crime against a child must register with local law enforcement. They must provide personal details like name, address, and offense info. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Registration is required soon after moving, being released, or being convicted. How long someone stays on the registry depends on the crimeanywhere from 15 years to life. Offenders must keep their info updated regularly. Not registering can lead to criminal charges. The Shreveport Police Department says it takes the registration and monitoring of sex offenders seriously to help ensure the safety and well-being of the community. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of these individuals is urged to contact SPD at (318) 673-7300 Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A group of immigration officers are stuck in a small east African country, plagued by smog from burn pits with human waste, at risk of malaria, and taking a dozen medications to battle chronic respiratory illness. Those 11 agents are working 12-hour shifts to guard a handful of detainees who were set to be deported to war-torn South Sudan before a judge stepped in to block their removal, citing due process violations. But the judge didnt force Donald Trumps administration to offload those immigrants in Djibouti. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawyers for the government had even requested that they land there. Massachusetts District Judge Brian Murphy granted their request to hold those deportees overseas, in U.S. custody, to give them a chance to receive a reasonable fear interview to explain how they would face persecution or torture if they were sent to South Sudan. The Trump administration, which had requested permission to hold deportees in Djibouti, is now accusing Judge Murphy of stranding ICE agents there. DHS assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin has accused Judge Brian Murphy of forcing ICE to strand officers in Djibouti while a legal challenge plays out over immigrants removal to South Sudan. But the judge never ordered officers to land there. (AP) This is reprehensible and, quite frankly, pathological, Homeland Security assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin said. Homeland Security accused Murphy of putting the health and safety of law enforcement officers at risk for the sake of criminals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a court filing on Thursday, a top Immigration and Customs Enforcement official detailed the conditions officers are facing. Eight immigrants are sleeping in a conference room in a converted shipping container at Camp Lemonnier, a U.S. military base in Djibouti. The officers share very limited sleeping quarters in a trailer with three sets of bunk beds and six beds in total, according to the declaration from Mellissa B. Harper, acting deputy executive associate director for ICEs Enforcement and Removal Operations. ICEs reliance on Department of Defense resources are causing disruption to the stations operations and consuming critical resources intended for service members, according to Harper. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agents also have an unknown degree of exposure to malaria despite taking the antimalarial as full efficacy of the medication is unknown currently, she wrote. The use of burn pits to dispose of human waste and garbage, five miles from the base, creates a smog cloud that is making it difficult to breathe and requiring medical treatment for the officers, who have experienced throat irritation, Harper wrote. Officers began to feel ill within 72 hours of landing in Djibouti last month and continue to feel ill with symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, fever, and achy joint, symptoms that align with bacterial upper respiratory infection, she added. Defense officials also warned agents they face imminent danger of rocket attacks from terrorist groups in Yemen, but the officers dont have body armor or other gear to protect them, Harper said. Camp Lemonnier, the only permanent U.S. military base in Africa, is holding a group of deportees the government intends to send to South Sudan. ICE officers there are in tight quarters, at risk of rocket fire, and experiencing symptoms of respiratory infections. (Getty Images) Last week, Judge Murphy accused the administration of manufacturing chaos in the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He had previously 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. But government attorneys have now changed their tune, he wrote last week. 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 President 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In court filings, Murphy said he had 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, Murphy added. The Court treats its obligation to these principles with the seriousness that anyone committed to the rule of law should understand. The class-action case in Murphys court involving several deportees challenging their removal from the country is among several high-profile immigration cases playing out in courtrooms across the country. Administration officials have asked the Supreme Court to overrule Murphy and continue deporting people to South Sudan. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) UPDATE: June 7 at 12:38 p.m. The Sioux City Police Department said the missing 11-year-old boy has been found safe. Authorities said the boy was found by law enforcement at 11:30 p.m. on Friday. Specifics of the individual have been removed from this article. Editors note: The previous story has been updated to correctly report the missing childs age and height. PREVIOUS: June 5 at 10:32 a.m. The Sioux City Police Department is asking for the publics help in locating a missing 11-year-old boy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Sioux City Police Department, they are looking for an 11-year-old who was last seen on June 4 at around 7 p.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. DURING MY TENURE as the commander of U.S. Army Europe, I visited Estonia and its fledgling Cyber Defense Centre in Tallinn. What I saw there in 2012 left a lasting impression. A small nation, Estonia aspired to be an entrepreneurial country using digital capabilities. But in 2007, The Russians took aim at those new capabilities, and Estonia experienced the worlds first full-scale cyberattack directed by a hostile state. After the nearly month-long digital onslaught, the Estonians learned, adapted, and built a stronger digital fortress to resist future attacks. What Estonia taught me nearly two decades ago remains true today: Cyber resilience is not a luxury for modern nations; its a strategic necessity. Which makes President Trumps recent decision to gut the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) even more dangerous. After a decade of our intelligence community ranking cyberwarfare among our top national security threats, dismantling the agency tasked with defending our digital homeland is reckless and shortsighted. Share Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russias 2007 attack against Estonia was, at heart, a response to a political issue. The Estonian government had decided to relocate a Soviet-era World War II monumentknown as the Bronze Soldierfrom downtown Tallinn to a military cemetery. For non-Russian Estonians, the statue represented Soviet occupation. For the countrys Russian-speaking minority and the Kremlin, it was a symbol of victory over fascism. Moscow seized on Estonias decision, portraying it as an affront to Russian history, and mounted a diplomatic pressure campaign to prevent the relocation. Violent protests by ethnic Russians resulted in hundreds of injuries and arrests and many smashed shop windows and overturned cars. But when the real assault finally arrived, it came across the internet. The Russian cyberattack was coordinated, sweeping, and relentless. It began on April 27, 2007, the day the monument was moved, and proceeded in stages over three punishing weeks. First came the hits on government websitesthose of the president, prime minister, parliament, and key ministries. Distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks crippled official communications. Citizens couldnt access public information. Government workers couldnt rely on internal networks. Soon, the attack spread to the media. Major newspapers like the Postimees and television broadcasters went dark online. For a population already rattled by protests and political tension, the loss of reliable information was deeply destabilizing. The digital blackout created an environment ripe for disinformation, fear, and confusion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then the banks were targeted. Estonias largest financial institutions, including SEB Eesti Uhispank and Hansapank, were overwhelmed. Online services were paralyzed. ATMs were rendered inoperable. People couldnt pay bills, access salaries, or transfer funds. The economic pulse of the country faltered in real time. In the final phase, the attackers turned to emergency responders and core infrastructure. Phone lines to emergency services were jammed. Legislative portals froze. Critical databases were either wiped or locked. The tiny country was on the edge of digital paralysis. Estonia survived. But it had learned the hard way that in the twenty-first century, the front line isnt always geographic. Sometimes its algorithmic. Join now WHEN I VISITED THE CYBER CENTER in Tallinn, all I could think of was what if this happened in the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Imagine being in an emergency room with a family member. Suddenly, hospital systems crash. Doctors cant access medical records. Prescriptions, allergies, previous diagnosesall inaccessible. This isnt speculative. In 2019, a ransomware attack forced numerous systems used by the Springhill Medical Center in Alabama offline. A newborn died during the outage because staff couldnt access critical information in time. Picture rush hour in Washington, D.C., or Los Angeles. Traffic lights fail. GPS systems malfunction. Subway control systems stall. In 2020, a technical problem briefly disrupted 911 emergency services across fourteen states; its not hard to imagine that outcome replicated deliberately by the agents of a hostile power. In recent years, hackers in China and Russia have breached transit computer systems in New York City and D.C. Imagine finding your online bank account has vanished. Your retirement fund is frozen. Your paycheck hasnt arrived. In 2016, North Korean hackers stole $81 million from Bangladesh Bank. It could just as easily have been Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase, or the Social Security Administration. Now imagine all this happening during a national election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Your polling locations digital rolls are wiped. Machines jam or misreport. Your countys election websitenormally the trusted source of real-time resultsis offline. And as chaos unfolds, disinformation floods your social media feed, engineered to deepen mistrust. This is what CISA was created to prevent. Keep up with all our articles, newsletters, podcasts, and livestreams: ESTABLISHED UNDER the Department of Homeland Security as the National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD) in 2007 and re-established by an act of Congress as an independent agency with its current name in 2018, CISA has become Americas nerve center for digital defense. It works with state governments to secure election infrastructure, warns utilities and hospitals of incoming threats, coordinates real-time responses to attacks on financial systems and energy grids, and builds partnerships between government and the private sector to harden areas of vulnerability. It is not just a tech agencyit is the digital equivalent of NORAD, or the hurricane warning center in the National Weather Service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Chris Krebs, then the director of CISA, publicly confirmed that the 2020 election was the most secure in American history, he was fired by President Trump. That was a warning sign. Now the proposed cuts in funding and personnel threaten to systematically dismantle CISAs capacity to defend the nations infrastructurephysical, electoral, medical, financial. This isnt bureaucratic belt-tightening. Its a strategic retreat in the middle of a war. After the 2007 attack, the Estonians rebuilt based on the lessons they had learned. They digitized the government with blockchain technology, built a secure national ID system to protect citizens data, and backed up the entire state apparatus with encrypted servers in Luxembourga data embassy that ensures national continuity even in a digital blackout. They also organized a Cyber Defense Unit, an all-volunteer corps of engineers, IT professionals, and reservists trained to mobilize during digital emergencies. Cybersecurity in Estonia became a whole-of-society effort. And it worked. Estonia became not only a model for other democracies, but a core contributor to NATOs understanding of cyber conflict. Their center of excellence isnt just a think tankits a war college for digital defense. When I visited, I was struck by the seriousness with which they approached what many in the United States still considered a technical or marginal concern. They knew better, because they had lived it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Join now While the context of cyber conflict and security is technology, the core issue at play is trust. Society depends on a foundational level of trust to function. Trust that your vote counts. That your hospital can save your child. That your bank account is secure. That the lights turn on and the water is clean. Cyberattacks aim to break that trustnot just with damage, but with doubt. If we undermine CISA, the agency responsible for safeguarding that trust, we dont just weaken our defenseswe invite the next attack. And we wont be able to claim we were caught off guard. The warnings have already comeloud and often. From SolarWinds to Colonial Pipeline, from the (largely pre-empted) attempts to interfere with the 2020 election to the continuous probing of our energy grid, weve seen the signs. Cyber warfare is not a tomorrow problem. Estonia faced it in 2007 and responded with unity, innovation, and urgency. The United States now risks doing the oppositedividing, defunding, and deflecting as threats continue to grow. Slashing CISAs capabilities sends the worst possible message to adversaries like Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea: Come on in. Our guard is down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As someone who has commanded American troops, advised NATO allies, and seen firsthand the consequences of digital vulnerability, I urge the Trump administrationand the American peopleto reconsider. Because in this new battlespace, its not just about who has the most tanks, planes, or drones. Its about who can protect their people, their institutions, and their way of life in a world where war is already being waged with ones and zeroes. And right now, were pulling our sentries off the wall. Share Slovakias parliament passed a resolution on June 5 urging the government to oppose any new international sanctions or trade restrictions against Russia, citing alleged negative economic impacts, Slovak news outlet Noviny reported. The non-binding resolution argues that the sanctions imposed in response to Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine have driven up energy prices, disrupted supply chains, and harmed Slovak industry. The resolution calls on government ministers to defend national economic interests in international forums and resist further punitive measures targeting Moscow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The motion was introduced by the far-right Slovak National Party (SNS) and passed with the support of 51 of the 76 lawmakers present. All SNS deputies backed the measure, along with most members of Prime Minister Robert Fico's left-wing Smer-SD party, several from the coalition partner Hlas-SD, and some independents. Only one Hlas-SD lawmaker, Jan Ferencak, voted against the resolution; 23 others from the same party abstained. Opposition lawmakers boycotted the vote entirely. While Fico's Smer party has drawn criticism for its increasingly pro-Russian rhetoric, the SNS promotes a "pan-Slavic brotherhood" narrative that aligns closely with Kremlin talking points. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The resolution does not carry legal force but sends a political signal that could complicate Brussels' efforts to maintain consensus on sanctions. EU foreign policy decisions, including sanctions, require unanimous approval by all member states. A Slovak veto could force concessions or delay enforcement in future rounds. Since taking office in 2023, Fico has reversed Slovakia's previous pro-Ukraine policy, ending military aid to Kyiv and questioning the value of EU sanctions on Russia. The EU's sanctions regime currently targets over 2,400 Russian individuals and entities involved in the war, as well as key sectors of the Russian economy, including energy, finance, defense, and technology. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Hiding in plain sight how Russias cultural centers continue to operate in US, Europe despite espionage claims Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The Slovak parliament adopted a resolution on 5 June 2025 urging government members to refrain from supporting new sanctions and trade restrictions against Russia in international organisations. Source: Noviny, as reported by European Pravda Details: The resolution was initiated by the pro-Russian Slovak National Party (SNS), part of the governing coalition, and its adoption sparked significant attention. Organisers of a petition calling for the lifting of sanctions against Russia attended the parliamentary session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of the 76 MPs present, 51 voted in favour of the resolution, including all members of the SNS faction, most from Prime Minister Robert Ficos Smer-SD party, some from the coalition party Hlas-SD and several non-aligned parliamentarians. Only one lawmaker, Jan Ferencak from Hlas-SD, voted against it, while 23 others from the same party abstained. Opposition MPs boycotted the vote, choosing not to attend. The resolution argues that sanctions against Russia have led to rising energy prices, disrupted supply chains and reduced the competitiveness of Slovakias economy. It opposes any further expansion of sanctions, which the authors claim could adversely affect industry, the economy, and citizens well-being. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Slovak parliament also called on the government to robustly defend national economic interests in foreign policy and oppose international measures that could harm Slovakias economy. "This is a historic document, the first of its kind within the EU," said SNS leader Andrej Danko after the vote. "It clearly states that sanctions against Russia harm Slovakias economy and the plenary session of the Slovak parliament has agreed." Background: On 4 June, Slovak President Peter Pellegrini rejected a petition demanding a referendum on lifting sanctions against Russia, citing ambiguities in the proposed question. In early May, Pellegrini received a petition from the far-right Slovak Revival Movement (SHO), which collected 400,000 signatures for a referendum on lifting sanctions against Russia. Prime Minister Robert Fico later expressed support for such a referendum. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! More than 200 wildfires are blazing across central and western Canada, half of which are out of control because theyre so hard for crews to access, forcing 27,000 people to evacuate. Even those nowhere near the wildfires are suffering as smoke swirls around Canada and wafts south, creating hazardous air quality all over the midwestern and eastern parts of the United States. The smoke is even reaching Europe. As the climate changes, the far north is drying and warming, which means wildfires are getting bigger and more intense. The area burned in Canada is now the second largest on record for this time of year, trailing behind the brutal wildfire season of 2023. That year, the amount of carbon blazed into the atmosphere was about three times the countrys fossil fuel emissions. And the more carbon thats emitted from wildfires in Canada and elsewhere the faster the planetary warming, and the worse the fires. Theres obviously the climate feedback concern, said Mike Waddington, an environmental scientist at McMaster University in Ontario who studies Canadas forests. But increasingly were also concerned about the smoke. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats because theres much more to wildfire smoke than charred sticks and leaves, especially where these blazes are burning in Canada. The countrys forests have long been mined, operations that loaded soils and waterways with toxic metals like lead and mercury, especially before clean-air standards kicked in 50 years ago. Now everyone downwind of these wildfires may have to contend with that legacy and those pollutants, in addition to all the other nasties inherent in wildfire smoke, which are known to exacerbate respiratory and cardiac problems. You have there the burning of these organic soils resulting in a lot of carbon and a lot of particulate matter, said Waddington. Now you have this triple whammy, where you have the metals remobilized in addition to that. What exactly is lurking in the smoke from Canadian wildfires will require further testing by scientists. But an area of particular concern is around the mining city of Flin Flon, in Manitoba, which is known to have elevated levels of toxic metals in the landscape, said Colin McCarter, an environmental scientist who studies pollutants at Ontarios Nipissing University. Flin Flons 5,000 residents have been evacuated as a wildfire approaches, though so far no structures have been destroyed. But a fire doesnt need to directly burn mining operations to mobilize toxicants. For example, in Yellowknife, in Canadas Northwest Territories, gold mining operations between 1934 and 2004 spread arsenic as far as 18 miles away, adding to a landscape with an already high concentration of naturally occurring arsenic. In a paper published last year, Waddington and McCarter estimated that between 1972 and 2023, wildfires around Yellowknife fired up to 840,000 pounds of arsenic into the atmosphere. Arsenic is a known carcinogen associated with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and developmental problems, according to the World Health Organization. (After the 2023 Lahaina fire in Maui, officials reported elevated levels of arsenic, lead, and other toxic substances in ash samples. California officials also found lots of lead in smoke from 2018s Camp Fire.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Within wildfire smoke is also PM 2.5, particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns (a millionth of a meter) that gets deep inside human lungs. This can exacerbate conditions like asthma and raise the risk of cardiac arrest up to 70 percent. One study found that in California alone, PM 2.5 emissions from wildfires caused more than 50,000 premature deaths between 2008 and 2018. Canadian ecosystems known as peatlands are especially good at holding onto toxicants like arsenic. These form in soggy places where wet plant matter resists decay, building up into layers of peat basically concentrated carbon. Peat can accumulate over millennia, meaning it can also hold onto pollutants deposited there decades ago. The peat soils are landscape hot spots for metals, said McCarter. When its dry and hot like weve been seeing with the weather over the prairie provinces and central and western Canada the peatlands can really start to dry out. Then the fire is able to propagate and get hot enough to start releasing some of these metals. A peat fire behaves much weirder than a traditional forest fire. Instead of just burning horizontally across the landscape, a peat fire smolders down into the ground. This is a slow burn that lasts not just hours or days, but potentially months releasing toxic metals and particulate matter as smoke all the while. Peat fires are so persistent that theyll sometimes start in the summer, get covered over with snow in the winter, and pop up once again in the spring melt. Scientists call them zombie fires. As Canadas wildfire smoke creeps down into the U.S., its also transforming. Chemical reactions between gases and sunlight create ozone, which further exacerbates lung conditions like asthma. Once you get six hours to a day or so downwind, the ozone formation inside smoke plumes can start being problematic, said Rebecca Hornbrook, an atmospheric chemist at the NSF National Center for Atmospheric Research, who studies wildfire smoke. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People fleeing Canadas fires have to worry not just about losing their homes, but also losing their health. More than 40 percent of wildfire evacuations happen in communities that are predominantly Indigenous an irony given that First Nations people know how to reduce the severity of these conflagrations, with traditional burning practices that more gently clear out the dead vegetation that acts as wildfire fuel. That strategy of prescribed burns, though, has only recently been making a comeback in Canada. Lets not forget that its immediately affecting a lot of, in particular, First Nations communities in the northern parts of Manitoba, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, said Waddington. This haze is already bad for human health, and now theres the added potential for arsenic and other toxicants in the Canadian landscape to get caught up in wildfire smoke. Its a bad-news scenario, Waddington said. Its quite scary. This story was originally published by Grist with the headline The smoke from Canadas wildfires may be even more toxic than usual on Jun 5, 2025. ST. CHARLES COUNTY, Mo. A mans Snapchat records led to his arrest and felony charges in connection with a months-long child pornography investigation in St. Charles County. The St. Charles Prosecuting Attorneys Office charged Nico E. Baskin, 22, of St. Charles, with two counts of possession of child pornography. Baskin was formally charged on March 5. He remains jailed on a $200,000 cash-only bond. Hell be arraigned on July 8. According to court documents obtained by FOX 2, a St. Charles County officer was assigned in January 2025 to investigate a Cybertip, originally submitted from groupchat platform Discord to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The tip included eight images classified as child pornography. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Missouri Senate approves $100M for St. Louis tornado relief In February 2025, a second Cybertip, believed to be connected to the initial case, was assigned to the St. Charles County Police Department. That tip included 29 images classified as child pornography, all of which were reported as being saved to and uploaded from a users Snapchat Memories, per court documents. Around that time, officers obtained a search warrant for an iCloud email address believed to be linked to the suspect. While no images or videos were recovered, account information provided the suspects name, phone numbers, and additional email addresses, along with emails from Discord and Snapchat indicating rule violations and account suspensions, according to court documents. Baskin was identified as a suspect some time later. Investigators found multiple social media accounts under his name, including profile images that matched descriptions of the individual seen in Cybertip photos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators learned Baskin had previously been on the sex offender registry in St. Charles County. Evidence indicated he was living at a hotel with the same address linked to the Spectrum Business IP address in the Cybertips. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Baskin was then arrested on March 4. Police said Baskin claimed he had no phone number, email address, or social media accounts, but confirmed he had been living in a St. Charles hotel, per court documents. Police later interviewed a family member who said Baskin lived at an extended stay hotel in St. Charles for nearly six years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court documents, Baskin also had a prior child sexual exploitation charge in Kansas, and is listed on the registered sex offender registry in both St. Charles and St. Louis counties. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 court martial of Pfc. Dewayne Arthur Johnson, a 28-year-old Schofield Barracks soldier who is pleading guilty to killing and dismembering his pregnant 19-year-old wife Mischa Mabeline Kaalohilani Johnson, continued Wednesday as both the defense and prosecution made their cases to the presiding military judge, Col. Rebecca Farrell. As part of the plea deal, Dewayne Johnson agreed to provide evidence to investigators, telling them how he disposed of the body, in return for a reduced sentence. Hes charged with voluntary manslaughter, causing the death of an unborn child, making false statements and obstruction of justice. But though Farrell accepted the plea on Tuesday, she still has discretion over sentencing. Under the plea agreement, Johnson faces 18 to 23 years in prison. During the hearing, family members of both Dewayne Johnson and Mischa Johnson testified, as did investigators and soldiers that were in Dewayne Johnsons chain of command. Among new details that emerged was that not long after killing his wife, Dewayne Johnson began dating other women and even took videos of himself having sex with one of them in the bedroom where he killed his wife with a machete on the night of July 12. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In court the previous day, he had described in graphic detail how he dismembered her body with a chain saw and disposed of her remains in a dumpster that was bound for an incinerator, as well as admitting he had impersonated her with her phone before reporting her missing on Aug. 1 and tried to convince her family and Army investigators that she had run away and possibly killed herself. Mischa Johnson was born and raised on Oahu in Ewa Beach, where she had a large extended family. Her older sister Mariana Tapiz described her as the backbone of the family, constantly volunteering to help watch childrenwho knew her affectionately as Auntie Mimi and help her grandmother. She said that whenever you could interact with Mischa, everything was always better after. Her mother, Frances Tapiz, said her daughter was always checking up on her and cried as she told the court that during a hospital visit in 2023 Mischa Johnson was the only one who visited me. She also recalled meeting Dewayne Johnson in September 2023 and said that the family received him with a lot of openness and that when he was with her daughter there was a glow on Mischas face and she quickly came to see him as a son. Frances Tapiz last saw her daughter alive while shopping at Costco on July 11. She recalled that later that month, she texted her daughter and received a response that began with Im still not over everything you put me through. She said she was heartbroken, believing that her daughter was angry with her. She would later learn that the text had actually been sent by Dewayne Johnson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Dewayne Johnson filed the missing persons report, Frances Tapiz was worried sick about her daughter, but also worried about her son-in-law. She and other relatives testified about how they sent messages of support to Dewayne Johnson, who assured them he was working to find her. The Army launched a massive search to find her, with members of Dewayne Johnsons unit sweeping jungles and training areas around the base. Agents from the Army Criminal Investigation Division made it their top priority. The FBI and Honolulu Police Department pitched in, as did military families and local families volunteering across the island. Drones scanned the region and soldiers and agents deployed K9 units. It felt like the entire island was looking for Mischa, testified Army CID Special Agent Emilia McDonah. She was part of a team of 25 agents that searched around the clock. CID brought agents from the mainland to help the Hawaii office. McDonah said that when agents went home it was only to sleep and that they barely saw their families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All the other cases we had kind of fell by the wayside to find Mischa, she said. McDonah said that Dewayne Johnson suggested to her that his wife may have overdosed on pills and showed her doctored videos of her in distress. The agent also described how he participated in searches, playing a leadership role and playing the role of the distraught husband. She said she checked in on him regularly to make sure he was doing OK. But even during the search, some were beginning to grow suspicious. On Aug. 3, his company First Sgt. Wilson Rodriguez recalled that Dewayne Johnson texted him asking if his wife was part of his life insurance policy. Lt. Col. James Lucas, his squadron commander, described how the unit rallied to support a fellow soldier and look for his wife. As time went on, they began to accept that what they were looking for was a body, making the mood solemn. But he said morale nose dived when Dewayne Johnson was taken into custody and fellow soldiers began to learn about his lies. Lucas said it eroded trust in the unit after days of supporting him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mischa Johnsons legal team called several of his relatives to testify over speaker phone from Maryland. They described Dewayne Johnson, who they know as DJ, as a man seeking repentance and trying to better himself. His father, Dewayne Johnson Sr., a retired electrician, said theirs is a very faith based family and said that his son grew up as a devout Christian. He said that while he was hurt by what his son did, he was proud of him for being a man by confessing and accepting whatever punishment the court gives him. His younger brother, Devon Johnson, said that growing up he was the regular big brother, always giving advice, always looking out. He recalled the two of them being deeply involved in volunteer work through religious organizations growing up, and that as an adult he has been a supportive uncle to nieces and nephews. Devon Johnson said of his brother, I know he has potential to be a better person and hes already started in going to Bible studies and therapy and told Mischa Johnsons family from the bottom of my soul Im sorry for what happened and that he hoped that some day they can forgive him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Dewayne Johnson took the stand to offer a statement, he sobbed as he told the court, I hate myself for what I did every day Ill carry the weight of this shame every day, as I should. He said that I took away the most important lives in my life, and in so doing I shattered so many other lives, and told his wifes family I betrayed you in the most devastating way. He said that in destroying her remains he robbed the family of the chance for a proper burial and said my wife didnt deserve that, shes not trash He directly addressed the people of Hawaii, recalling how the community greeted him with aloha when he arrived and that complete strangers came forward to help find Mischa and said that I repaid that generosity with deceit, I wasted that trust. He also said that he shamed his comrades in his unit and their families, saying you all stood by me, you believed in me. He said that he will accept whatever sentence Farrell gives him, telling the court I know that its the smallest measure of accountability I can give for what Ive taken. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After his tearful statement, the prosecution called Army CID Agent Chelsea Banks to testify. After Dewayne Johnson was detained, she searched his phone and social media. She testified that she found that he was a user of BLK, a mobile app for Black singles. When agents looked through his account they found that not long after murdering his wife, he was already messaging several young women and going on dates in July. Banks testified investigators found pictures of him with one particular woman going to the beach and with his arm around her waist and eventually found multiple videos of them performing sexual acts on each other in the bedroom where hed killed his wife. In closing statements, prosecuting attorney Lt. Col. Nicholas Hurd said that after Dewayne Johnson lodged a machete in his wifes skull, as he went down the stairs, he thought of himself and only himself and that he tried to make it look like (Mischa Johnson ) never existed, so he could move on with his life. Hurd argued that while he ultimately agreed to provide information that will help give the family closure as part of the plea deal, he deserves the maximum sentence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But defense attorney Lt. Col. Todd Chard said that while the crime was horrible and the prosecution laid out an emotionally moving narrative, that these emotional facts cannot overwhelm the court. Chard argued that the killing was the result of escalating problems in the couples marriage and that Dewayne Johnson desperately tried to conceal his single moment of rage. He said that the justice system is not purely punitive and asked Farrell to take into account Dewayne Johnsons active pursuit of therapy and his stated embrace of Christianity while he has been in custody and to allow him to return to society as early as the plea allows Sentencing is scheduled for 9 a.m. today. Somalia among 12 countries included in new Trump travel ban originally appeared on Bring Me The News. Somalia is among the 12 countries subject to the latest travel ban imposed by President Donald Trump. The president has announced that from Monday, visitors from a dozen countries will not be permitted to enter the U.S., with Somalia joined by Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Sudan and Yemen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It follows a similar measure enacted by Trump in 2017 during his first term, which was dubbed the "Muslim Ban" when he banned residents of seven predominantly Muslim countries from entering the U.S., which also included Somalia, as well as imposing a four-month ban on refugees. The inclusion once again of Somalia on the new travel ban list will have an outsized impact on Minnesota, which has the largest Somali population in the U.S., with more than 85,000 residents of Somali descent currently living in the state. News of the ban was swiftly condemned by Rep. Ilhan Omar, the 3rd District congresswoman who was herself born in Somalia. "This discriminatory policy is beyond shameful," she said. "Just like his first Muslim Ban, this latest announcement flies in the face of basic morality and goes directly against our values. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This racist policy will not make us safe, it will separate families and endanger lives. We cannot let it stand." Michael Ball, Wikimedia Commons As well as the 12 banned countries, there will also be heightened restrictions on visitors from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela. In a video shared on social media, President Trump linked the ban to the antisemitic terrorist attack in Boulder, Colorado, this past weekend, when a man allegedly yelling "Free Palestine" threw molotov cocktails at a crowd of protesters calling for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza. The suspect has been identified as an Egyptian national who the Department of Homeland Security says overstayed a tourist visa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Egypt is not included on the ban list, which the Associated Press reports appears to have been compiled primarily based on a DHS report of tourist, business, and student visa overstays, with countries with the highest percentages picked out. In the case of Somalia, the White House describes it as a "terrorist safe haven," claiming the country does "not have appropriate screening and vetting measures" and has "historically refused to accept back its removable nationals." This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jun 5, 2025, where it first appeared. SOMERSET, Ky. (FOX 56) A Somerset man was arrested on Tuesday in connection with an indictment from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) alleging that he distributed meth in southern Kentucky. The Pulaski County Sheriffs Office announced on Facebook that James Bradley Townsend, 56, of Somerset, was arrested on Tuesday, June 3, by ATF agents alongside deputies in the Bend of the Lakes community. London residents turn to music, faith adjusting to new normal after tornado Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The indictment against Townsend, filed in May by the ATF in federal court, alleges that from December 2024 to Jan. 22, he knowingly worked with others to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine. The sheriffs office wrote on social media that Townsend allegedly got meth supplied by a source out of Louisville, which he then distributed across the county. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Court documents allege that Townsend had previously been convicted of first-degree trafficking in over two grams of methamphetamine and had served over a year in prison, more than 15 years before the federal charges were brought against him in May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and two counts of distribution of methamphetamine. He was lodged in the Laurel County Correctional Center on Tuesday. The ATF drug investigation remains ongoing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. (KRON) A South Carolina man was sentenced in Sonoma County Superior Court to 34 years in state prison Tuesday for multiple child sex crimes. The man, 20-year-old Jordan Evans-Ramirez, of Boiling Springs, pled guilty to multiple crimes committed against two 13-year-old girls, including forcible sexual assault on a child, possession of child pornography and human trafficking of a minor. Bay Area woman caught using n-word in viral TikTok: Im not racist Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Santa Rosa Police Department began investigating the case in February of 2024, when Evans-Ramirez used social media to coerce a 13-year-old girl into sexual acts by threatening to release explicit pictures of her to her friends and family, according to the Sonoma County District Attorneys Office. At the sentencing hearing Tuesday morning, a statement provided by the initial victim noted the significant psychological and physical trauma Evans-Ramirez had inflicted on her, and how she will remain impacted and fearful of him for the remainder of her life, the Sonoma County District Attorneys Office said in a press release Thursday. Man who allegedly gunned down 2 people at Vallejo encampment captured: VPD In December of 2025, authorities found a second victim, also 13 years old, while investigating Evans-Ramirezs social media accounts. Evans-Ramirez lured the second victim to isolated locations and sexually abused her, coercing her into sexual acts and offering her drugs and money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Messages retrieved from Evans-Ramirezs accounts also revealed disturbing fantasies of violence and domination, underscoring the deliberate nature of his crimes, the Sonoma County District Attorneys Office said. The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Alex Fisher. The investigation was led by Detective Matt Sanchez of the Santa Rosa Police Department. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. Detained Cubans demonstrated inside the Krome Detention Center in Miami, Florida, on Thursday, spelling out SOS, CUBA and LIBRE using their bodies and towels. Video captured by a news helicopter showed the detainees protesting President Donald Trumps mass deportation efforts in the detention center's courtyard. South Florida's NBC6 reports the men kneeled, clapped their hands together, and waved their shirts at the passing helicopter. A relative of one of the detainees told the outlet that they were demonstrating against a transfer to a Texas detention facility and eventual deportation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cruel conditions have been reported at the detention center. The wife of one detainee who was briefly held at Krome said the center had "hundreds of people living under two tents." Her husband was transferred to Miami's Federal Detention Center, which she claims is making it difficult for detainees to speak to lawyers and forcing inmates to spend most of the day in cells. The conditions of the federal building (are) insane, she said. Start your day with essential news from Salon. Sign up for our free morning newsletter, Crash Course. Two detainees at Krome have died while in custody since Trump assumed office in January. Despite the medical examiners office determining that they died of natural causes, an investigation from the Miami Herald found evidence of what experts called questionable medical care for the two immigrants. House Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., visited Krome in May. She called what she saw there very troubling. UNION COUNTY, S.D. (KCAU) UPDATE: June 6, 2025 @ 9:03 p.m. The 95-year-old man has been safely found. The Union County South Dakota Sheriffs Office extended their thanks to all who assisted in finding him. Specifics of the individual have been removed from this article. June 6, 2025 @ 12:33 p.m. South Dakota authorities are searching for an elderly man. The Union County Emergency Management said a 95-year-old man is missing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SEOUL, South Korea (AP) South Koreas liberal-led legislature overwhelmingly passed bills Thursday to launch special investigations into former President Yoon Suk Yeols short-lived imposition of martial law in December and criminal allegations against his wife, targeting the ousted conservative a day after his liberal successor took office. The National Assembly also passed a bill to initiate an independent investigation into the 2023 drowning death of a marine during a search-and-rescue operation for flood victims, an incident the Democratic Party, which holds majority, accuses Yoons government of covering up. The bills previously had been vetoed by Yoon during his term and by South Koreas caretaker government after his Dec. 14 impeachment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Lee Jae-myung, a Democrat who won Tuesdays snap election triggered by Yoons removal from office, is expected to sign the bills. Many members of the conservative People Power Party refused to participate in the votes, which took place after one of the partys lawmakers accused the liberals of being driven by vendetta. Kim Yong-min, a Democratic Party lawmaker, said the conservatives were effectively defending Yoons imposition of martial law by repeatedly opposing investigations into it. Thats why they failed to win public support and were rejected by voters in the presidential election, he said in a speech. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lee, who drove the legislative efforts to impeach Yoon, pinned his presidential campaign on unity, promising not to target conservatives and calling for an end to political polarization. Yet Lee has vowed a full investigation into Yoons martial law imposition and the allegations surrounding his wife, moves that could overshadow the new government and inflame tensions as Yoon faces a high-stakes rebellion trial carrying a possible death sentence. The Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office has indicted Yoon on charges accusing Yoon of masterminding a rebellion and enacting martial law as an illegal bid to seize the legislature and election offices and arrest political opponents. Liberals have insisted independent investigations into Yoon are essential, saying probes by prosecutors, police and an anti-corruption agency were inadequate and hampered by Yoons refusal to cooperate. If Lee approves the independent investigations, special prosecutors could request the transfer of relevant cases to expand those investigations or direct public or military prosecutors to continue handling them under their supervision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bills calling for independent investigations into Yoons martial law decree and criminal allegations involving his wife both passed by a vote of 194 to 3. Dozens of retired marines, dressed in red shirts, saluted and cheered from an observation box after lawmakers passed the bill for a special prosecutor investigation into the marines death, which also passed 194 to 3. Martial law lasted only a few hours after a quorum of lawmakers pushed past a blockade of hundreds of heavily armed soldiers and voted to revoke the measure. Yoon defended the move as a necessary act of governance, accusing the Democrats, whom he labeled anti-state forces, of abusing their majority to obstruct his agenda and paralyze state affairs. That same majority now gives Lee a far more favorable path to advance his agenda, though conservatives claim it could grant him virtually unchecked power and allow him to pass laws that shield him from legal trouble. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yoons wife, Kim Keon Hee, also faces multiple corruption allegations, including claims that she received luxury items from a Unification Church official seeking business favors, as well as possible involvement in a stock price manipulation scheme. She also is suspected of interfering with PPPs candidate nominations ahead of legislative elections in April last year. While in office, Yoon repeatedly dismissed calls to investigate his wife, denouncing them as baseless political attacks. By Jack Kim and Hyunsu Yim SEOUL (Reuters) -South Korea's new President Lee Jae-myung held his first cabinet meeting on Thursday focused on devising an emergency package to address stagnating economic growth and aid households, moving swiftly to start tackling a top campaign pledge. Lee took office on Wednesday just hours after riding a wave of anger over a brief martial law imposed by Yoon Suk Yeol to win the snap election. The attempt at military rule led to Yoon's ouster and sent shockwaves through Asia's fourth-largest economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In brief remarks open to the media, Lee told the cabinet carried over from the caretaker government put in place following Yoon's impeachment in December that there was no time to waste in getting to work as the people were facing hardship. Lee has so far only nominated a close political ally and legislative veteran as prime minister and is racing to form a cabinet and staff his office to maintain continuity in administration. The new leader expressed bewilderment on Wednesday after walking into the presidential office to find it stripped of computers, printers and even pens and was quiet like "a graveyard" with government officials who had been assigned there sent back to their posts. Most of the officials have been ordered back, Lee's spokesperson said on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lee has made economic recovery one of his top priorities and vowed to immediately unleash fiscal spending of at least 30 trillion won ($22 billion) to boost growth, which was projected by the central bank in May to be almost half of its earlier estimate this year at 0.8%, down from 1.5% in February. Kim Min-seok, whose appointment as prime minister requires parliamentary approval, said on Wednesday the country was facing even more economic turmoil than during the Asian financial crisis of 1997, complicated by unfavourable external factors. "Today, the economy is heading downward and stagnating, which is why I believe it's much more difficult," he told reporters. The previous government had made little progress in trying to assuage crushing U.S. tariffs that would hit some of the country's major export-reliant industries, including autos, electronics and steel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lee faces what could be the most daunting set of challenges for a South Korean leader in decades, analysts said, ranging from healing a country deeply scarred by the martial law attempt to tackling unpredictable protectionist moves by the United States. On Thursday, Lee withdrew the nomination of two judges to the Constitutional Court, made by acting President Han Duck-soo before the election, his office said. Lee previously said Han had no power to nominate judges as an unelected acting leader. The ruling Democratic Party-controlled parliament also passed on Thursday special counsel acts to investigate former President Yoon on insurrection charges and his wife Kim Keon Hee over corruption allegations. The party had previously passed the special counsel acts on multiple occasions, but they were repeatedly vetoed by Yoon and then the acting president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yoon is currently facing a separate trial on insurrection charges. ($1 = 1,359.2000 won) (Reporting by Jack Kim, Hyunsu Yim, Joyce Lee; Additional reporting by Joyce Lee; Editing by Ed Davies and Saad Sayeed) KANSAS CITY, Mo. Southbound Interstate 35 past Armour Road was closed for several hours Wednesday night following a police chase. Emergency crews responded to a crash in the area around 9:15 p.m. Download WDAF+ for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV Kansas City police tell FOX4 this was the end of a vehicle pursuit involving an aggravated assault investigation. KCPD said officers have multiple people in custody and are working to determine if any are outstanding at this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Missouri State Highway Patrol said they were assisting KCPD with the incident. Southbound lanes of I-35 have since been reopened, according to the Missouri Department of Transportation. This is a developing story. FOX4 will continue to update 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 FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. A family from Southern California is urgently trying to bring their father home after he fell into a coma during a trip to Mexico. Manuel Contreras, 47, a father of three from Victorville, is known for his love of travel and spending time with his family. He recently flew to Cancun to visit a childhood friend. During the trip, he suffered a minor stroke, which was followed by a more severe stroke two days later. He was rushed to the hospital, where he remains in a coma and in critical condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My dad, hes probably the most hard-working, most active person I know, Manuels son, Gabriel Contreras, told KTLAs Shelby Nelson. He was going to be gone for a week, and it was just to spend time with his friend. Manuels children were notified of their fathers hospitalization on May 30. I believe he collapsed and luckily, there was someone there to be of assistance, Contreras said. Once the ambulance came to assist my dad to the hospital, his friend was able to meet him there. Since then, Manuels children said theyve been met with one heartbreaking challenge after another. Manuel Contreras (second from left) is seen with his three children. (Contreras Family) Manuel Contreras is seen with his son in a family photo. Manuel Contreras is seen with his daughter in a family photo. Ralene and Gabriel Contreras speak to KTLAs Shelby Nelson on June 4, 2025. (KTLA) Manuel Contreras (on left) is seen with his three children. (Contreras Family) Manuel Contreras is seen with his son in a family photo. Manuel Contreras is seen with his son in a family photo. Manuel is currently on Medi-Cal in the United States. The hospital in Mexico that could properly treat his condition would not accept his insurance, so he was transferred to a general hospital instead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the general hospital, they dont have the adequate funding or equipment to treat him there, so theyre just putting him into an induced coma and hoping his body heals, said Ralene Contreras, Manuels daughter. His family is now desperately working to bring him back to the U.S. to receive proper medical care, but the cost of transporting him from abroad is extremely high and beyond what they could ever afford. Flying him to Houston will cost about $30,000 to get him just into the States to get treated, Ralene said. Loved ones have set up a GoFundMe page in hopes of raising money to bring Manuel back to California. Theyve also sought help from their local congressman, Jay Obernolte. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are in contact with the family and have just received authorization to begin working with the U.S. Embassy and the State Department on their behalf, a spokesperson for Rep. Obernolte told KTLA on Wednesday. In addition to the stroke, loved ones said Manuel is also suffering from a respiratory infection. With time running out, his children said they are trying to stay hopeful that their father could recover, but are also desperate to bring him back home. Hes always by his phone because just in case his kids call, he always wants to be the first one there to help them, Ralene said tearfully. I feel helpless knowing that if I call his phone, hes not going to answer. We dont want to think about the worst, Gabriel said. We want to think about the best possible outcome. We know my dad is a very strong man. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A raffle fundraiser will also be held at Bombshells Bar & Grill in Victorville on Friday, June 6, at 6:00 p.m., featuring raffle prizes. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. By Joey Roulette WASHINGTON (Reuters) -About $22 billion of SpaceX's government contracts are at risk and multiple U.S. space programs could face dramatic changes in the fallout from Elon Musk and President Donald Trump's explosive feud on Thursday. The disagreement, rooted in Musk's criticism of Trump's tax-cut and spending legislation that began last week, quickly spiraled out of control. Trump lashed out at Musk when the president spoke in the Oval Office. Then in a series of X posts, Musk launched barbs at Trump, who threatened to terminate government contracts with Musk's companies. Taking the threat seriously, Musk said he would begin "decommissioning" SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft used by NASA. Hours later, however, Musk appeared to reverse course. Responding to a follower on X urging him and Trump to "cool off and take a step back for a couple of days," Musk wrote: "Good advice. Ok, we won't decommission Dragon." Still, Musk's mere threat to abruptly pull its Dragon spacecraft out of service marked an unprecedented outburst from one of NASA's leading commercial partners. Under a roughly $5 billion contract, the Dragon capsule has been the agency's only U.S. vessel capable of carrying astronauts to and from the International Space Station, making Musk's company a critical element of the U.S. space program. The feud raised questions about how far Trump, an often unpredictable force who has intervened in past procurement efforts, would go to punish Musk, who until last week headed Trump's initiative to downsize the federal government. If the president prioritized political retaliation and canceled billions of dollars of SpaceX contracts with NASA and the Pentagon, it could slow U.S. space progress. NASA press secretary Bethany Stevens declined to comment on SpaceX, but said: "We will continue to work with our industry partners to ensure the president's objectives in space are met." Musk and Trump's tussle ruptured an extraordinary relationship between a U.S. president and industry titan that had yielded some key favors for SpaceX: a proposed overhaul of NASA's moon program into a Mars program, a planned effort to build a gigantic missile defense shield in space, and the naming of an Air Force leader who favored SpaceX in a contract award. Taking Dragon out of service would likely disrupt the ISS program, which involves dozens of countries under a two-decade-old international agreement. But it was unclear how quickly such a decommissioning would occur. NASA uses Russia's Soyuz spacecraft as a secondary ride for its astronauts to the ISS. June 4 (UPI) -- SpaceX on Wednesday afternoon launched another batch of 27 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on the 15th anniversary of the first Falcon 9 rocket launch. It was the 500th orbital launch of a Falcon rocket, including Falcon 1, Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy, Spaceflight Now reported. The Falcon 9 lifted off from pad 4E at 4:40 p.m. PDT. Falcon 9 delivers 27 @Starlink satellites to orbit from California pic.twitter.com/JAqwZxQI0J SpaceX (@SpaceX) June 5, 2025 A little more than eight minutes after liftoff, the first stage landed on the "Of Course I Still Love You" droneship in the Pacific Ocean. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was the 26th flight for the first stage booster, which included 18 Starlink missions. It was thge 134th landing on this vessel and the 457th booster landing in California and Florida. The first launch of a Falcon 9 rocket was on June 4, 2010, from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex pad 40. This was a test Dragon spacecraft successfully placed into orbit. In 2020, Falcon 9 was the first commercial rocket to launch humans to orbit. Falcon has sent commercial resupply missions, including astronauts, to the International Space Station. The next SpaceX Falcon 9 launch is scheduled for 11:19 p.m. EDT Friday from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station pad 40. The rocket will launch a geostationary satellite for SiriusXM. Private mission to ISS SpaceX, NASA and Axiom Space are planning a launch of the fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, Axiom Mission 4, for 8:22 a.m. Tuesday from the Kennedy Space Center's pad 39A. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled to launch a new SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. The targeted docking time is approximately 12:30 p.m., June 11. There are nine people currently on the ISS. Axiom Space and SpaceX are planning coverage to start at 6:15 a.m. and NASA at 7:25 a.m. Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, will command the Axiom commercial mission. The crew also includes pilot Shubhanshu Shukla (left) with the Indian Space Research Organization, and mission specialists with the European Space Agency, Tibor Kapu of Hungary (third from left) andSawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland (right). Photo courtesy Axiom. Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, will command the commercial mission. She is 65 years old. The crew also includes pilot Shubhanshu Shukla with the Indian Space Research Organization, and mission specialists with the European Space Agency, Sawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This would be the first time ISRA will send an astronaut to the space station as well as ESA astronauts from Hungary and Poland. NASA and the Indian agency are planning five joint science investigations and two in-orbit science, technology, engineering and mathematics demonstrations. Axiom Space, which is based in Houston and founded in 2016, is building the first commercial space station with deployment planned in the late 2020s. Are you a holiday let owner affected by the Spanish governments new tax? Get in touch money@telegraph.co.uk Spains socialist government is planning a tax raid on British holiday let-owners in the country. The ruling Spanish Socialist Workers Party wants to charge 21pc VAT on stays of less than 30 days more than double the rate paid by hotels. It comes as Madrid lawmakers take aim at foreign property investors as part of efforts to tackle high housing costs. Draft legislation put before the Spanish parliament would raise taxes on owners of short-term tourist rentals from the current rate of zero. The levy rate paid by hotels is just 10pc. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unveiling the new bill last month, housing minister Isabel Rodriguez said: Homes are for living in [...] the measures seek to guarantee the right to rental housing for families. The proposed change is part of the same legal push to impose a 100pc purchase tax on the sale of Spanish property to non-European Union buyers and also includes higher taxes for second homes and vacant properties. Alex Radford, partner at Spain-based law firm English Solicitor & Abogado, said: The VAT has got more chance of being implemented than the 100pc tax on a property bought by a non-European. He said that if approved, the bill would likely increase the cost of holidays and lead to fewer available holiday lets in Spain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We would envisage that the rental [market] is going to be slightly more expensive. If owners have to add 21pc VAT to the cost of a rental, then we would expect rentals to decrease and people will look at other countries. Its still early days and we dont know what will get approved and what will not, Mr Radford added. Britons are the number one enemy Millions of Britons who visit and live in Spain face losing out because of the new laws, which will undergo scrutiny and potentially amendment before being voted on in the second half of this year. There were more than 260,000 British expats living in Spain at the last official count in 2020, while it received 1.6 million tourists from the UK more than any other country during the busy April period last year, according to the Spanish statistics agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Robert Amsterdam, partner Amsterdam & Associates, a law firm that has campaigned against higher Spanish taxes, said: The Spanish government is diverting the attention of the Spanish people away from the governments behaviour and theyre coming up with the British as enemy number one. Most estimates place the number of British people who own property in Spain between 800,000 and one million. A figure for the number of British holiday let-owners in the country was not available. British non-residents bought 3,480 homes in Spain in the first half of 2024, making up 38pc of a total of 9,166 properties sold to non-resident non-EU buyers, according to the latest available figures from the General Council of Spanish Notaries and Spanish Property Insight. Growing anti-tourist sentiment in Spain has already seen cities like Malaga and Madrid capping new licences for holiday lets, while Barcelona will ban them completely by 2028. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spanish media reported in January that Barcelonas plans would cost 1.9bn (1.6bn) and lose the city around 40,000 jobs, based on a report by consultancy PWC. The countrys minority coalition government has defended a crackdown on foreign property investors and holiday let-owners as necessary to make more housing available for Spanish people. There is a deficit of 450,000 homes across Spain, according to a Bank of Spain report published this week. In popular tourist destinations like the Canary and Balearic Islands half the housing stock is either holiday lets for tourists or homes owned by foreigners, it said. Javier Penate, a legal adviser to a holiday homeowners association in the Canary Islands, told Reuters: The sole objective is to put an end to these activities and leave [tourism] in the hands of hoteliers. Short-term rentals in the province already pay 7pc VAT, as do hotels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Spanish government spokesman said: The government warmly welcomes international and British tourists, taking great pride in the countrys cultural richness and geographical appeal. We deeply value our British visitors and recognise their important contribution to the vibrant, diverse, and prosperous society that makes Spain such an attractive destination worldwide. To preserve this appeal and in light of the housing crisis affecting Spain and many other advanced economies our government deems it necessary to strengthen policies that prioritise the residential use of housing for permanent residents. At the same time, we advocate for fair fiscal contributions to public services from all who benefit from them, including both residents and visitors. 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. CHRISTIAN COUNTY, Mo. A jury trial has been set for a Sparta man who is a suspect in the death of a Christian County victim in 2023. According to online court dockets, Chantry Hale, born 1978, was charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action on Aug. 30, 2023. According to previous Ozarks First coverage, Hale was arrested for the death of his father, Jimmy Hale. The probable cause statement says that the Christian County Sheriffs Office responded to a call of a fatal shooting in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Final suspect arrested for Chaviz Nguyen murder A witness told police they saw Hale strike the victim with their fist and then shoot the victim, resulting in their death, the statement says. Police arrived at the location and arrested Hale for the crime. Hale was found with the drivers license and debit card of the victim. Hale was discovered with blood on the bottom of his right shoe. During a search warrant of the address, police found a deceased victim in a wrapped, dark multi colored black, bound with duct tape. Hale is due for a pre-trial conference on Sept. 15, 2025, and a jury trial on Oct. 15, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. 1. Yes. Odom seems sincere about the plan and has assembled a strong network to help. 2. Yes. He has name recognition and shows a willingness to make a difference in the area. 3. No. For all the enthusiastic talk and hype, this project seems more like a pipe dream. 4. No. Residents should be skeptical, since he plans a reality show about running for mayor. 5. Unsure. Its hard to say. It may be a legitimate initiative, or it may be all smoke and mirrors. Vote View Results The Plaza of the Americas on University of Florida's Gainesville campus (Photo by Jay Waagmeester/Florida Phoenix) The University of Florida presidential search failing in its last minutes could have been avoided if the House had its way this session, Speaker Daniel Perez said Thursday. Neither the University of Florida nor the Board of Governors, nor [Santa] Ono would have been in this position had HB 1321 been in effect before the presidential search, Perez said during a media availability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Representatives voted 104-8 on that bill this session, which would have repealed the public records exemption on applicants for presidencies at state colleges and universities. The Senate companion bill, SB 1726, cleared all its committees of reference but the full Senate never considered it. The State University System Board of Governors rejected University of Michigan President Santa Ono during the final phase of the presidential search process this week. The 6-10 vote against Ono followed hours of questions about his conflicting stances on diversity, equity, and inclusion. He was unanimously approved by UF trustees the week before. All of the deficiencies that Ono had prior to the presidential search coming to a conclusion, and eventually going before the BOG, would have been discovered, Perez said. It was not discovered because no one knew that Ono was the one that was going to be nominated, unanimously approved, and sent to the BOG. Speaker Daniel Perez via Florida House The House sponsor of the bill, Rep. Michelle Salzman, said the measure was about transparency, term limiting bureaucrats, and good governance. Gov. Ron DeSantis said the bill, which included a provision prohibiting his offices involvement in searches, would kneecap our ability to hold higher ed accountable. Speaker voted for secrecy The law that put secrets in the dark once had the support of Perez. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State law, since the signing of SB 520 in 2022, requires university presidential searches to be conducted outside the public eye, none of the applicants known to the public unless part of the shortlist of finalists unveiled in the final phases, and the finalists must be approved by the chair of the Board of Governors. That bill passed the House 86-26, with Perez voting in favor. What many fought back on was that the BOG chair had to have the veto power. Well, he had the veto power. He never used it. And then here we are with a presidential candidate for a major university, flagship university for the state of Florida, in a very embarrassing moment for the entire state of Florida, something that should have been avoided, could have been avoided, Perez said. UF has twice, consecutively, named a sole finalist despite the shortlist language in law. Perez said the school will have a problem trying to find a president now that the process is flawed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Senate president wishy-washy Opponents of the House proposal have said keeping searches confidential initially prevents a candidates current employer from discovering their employee is applying for a new job. That, in turn, encourages more candidates to apply. Senate President Ben Albritton doesnt see the issue as clearly as Perez. Albritton replied to Perezs comments in his own media availability held about an hour after Perezs. Im not sure it would have avoided Onos rejection, Albritton said. Senate President Ben Albritton fields questions from reporters during a news conference in the Florida Capitol on Dec. 16, 2024. (Photo by Jay Waagmeester/Florida Phoenix) One way to look at it would be that way. Another way to look at it would say that the system worked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Albritton added: I applaud the Speaker and the House for taking it head on. Its a complicated situation. Lets keep talking about it. The Legislature is not poised to address policy issues unrelated to the budget in the final days of its extended session. Are there some circumstances where it would be better to have multiple [finalists]? Maybe. Are there some circumstances youre better off to have one? Maybe, Albritton said. Im not going to give you something definitive at this point. Perez said he hopes changes can come before any more searches fail. The House tried for this to never happen. Yet we were the only ones that believed in that policy. I still believe in that policy, Perez said. Hopefully, now that we have seen this example come to fruition and become a reality, unfortunately, we can now once again have that consideration and that conversation of the policy that the House passed. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SPRINGFIELD Concerned about gas station weed being sold unregulated in convenience stores and other locations, the city will become the first in the state to try to crack down on the drug by slapping a substantial fine on anyone selling the products. While the sale of marijuana has been heavily regulated since it was legalized in Massachusetts in 2016, there are some manufacturers and store owners who get around the law by selling a hemp product infused with synthetic substances that gives people a similar high, said Helen Caulton-Harris, commissioner of health and human services. We have a list of 12 to 13 places in the city that are selling these illegal products and we have identified them and so we know where they are and what products are being sold there, Caulton-Harris said. She did not release the names or locations of the stores. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although the products are unlawful, there are no regulations to stop their sales and police cannot seize the items. Store owners can also sell them to people under 21 which is the lawful age to purchase legal cannabis, said Xavier Williams, the citys cannabis control coordinator. The gas station weed is created in a lab using unknown components and solvents. Unlike legal cannabis, it is not tested and not labeled so people dont know the potency. Some products are contaminated with mold, bacteria, pesticides and heavy metals, Williams said. Mayor Domenic J. Sarno said his administration is spearheading the proposed regulation in part because of his concern the products often are marketed with labels that make them look like candy, are sold next to chips, cookies and other snacks and could easily and accidentally be purchased by children. We want to protect individuals, especially young people, he said. The first thing on my mind is kids, kids, kids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Caulton-Harris called it a gateway drug. Deputy Police Chief Steven Kent said he has similar concerns. At first, he didnt see the urgency about the issue until Williams told him about shop keepers giving free samples to potential customers. Thats classic drug-dealer behavior, Kent said. The ordinance, which will be the first in the state to aggressively crack down on the unregulated cannabis, calls for the city to set a $300 fine per any item infused with synthetic marijuana found in any store. That is the maximum fine the city is allowed to issue, said Stephen Buoniconti, the city solicitor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once this matter goes into effect, as law we are already crafting a plan with the police department, with health and human services and the law department and others to go into stores, confiscate that product and get it off the shelves, he said. The state legislature is also taking up the subject now, but Buoniconti said city officials are not confident a law will come to fruition quickly and be strong enough. We think they are dancing around the subject, he said. We are going right after it this is the most aggressive legislation in the commonwealth. The goal is to protect people by removing the products from all stores. While the fine initially does not seem that heavy, most stores sell multiple products so the totals will add up quickly. For example, if 10 products are found in a store, the owner would pay $3,000, Sarno said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How do you get peoples attention? Hit them in their pocketbook or their wallet, he said. The ordinance goes farther by calling for landlords to be notified if a storeowner is fined. The ordinance will now go to the City Council for debate and approval. Councilors Malo Brown and Maria Perez attended the announcement and pledged to help shepherd it through all the steps to get it passed. Perez thanked Sarno for bringing awareness of the issue to the city, saying for her there was a wow factor of realizing how harmful the product can be to someone, especially a child, if they accidentally ingest it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im going to be steadfast on this, she said. While the ordinance is designed to protect people, it is also designed to create a system of fairness with the owners of legal marijuana stores who are paying taxes and following all state regulations, Sarno said. Already many owners are struggling with a saturated market and the synthetic marijuana sold in gas stations and bodegas are taking away potential customers and creating unfair competition, said Lamont Clemons, owner of Primus Cannabis on State Street. Read the original article on MassLive. SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) Three people were arrested in Springfield for possessing over 1,000 bags of heroin, cocaine, and illegal firearms inside a home. Springfield man arrested after six-hour standoff on Byers Street Over the past several weeks, the Springfield Police Firearms Investigation Unit has been investigating the illegal distribution of heroin from an apartment on the 0-100 block of Canon Circle. A search warrant was applied for and granted for the home, with the suspects being 41-year-old Jose Mendez-Collazo of Springfield and 29-year-old Mariester Rivera of Springfield. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Detectives were conducting surveillance on Wednesday, they observed Mendez-Collazo get into a car and leave the Canon Circle area. He then parked on the 0-100 block of Mill Street, and a woman entered the car. As she was exiting the vehicle, Detectives detained her, 38-year-old Arianna Alvarado-Torres of Springfield, and Mendez-Collazo. Heroin was found on Alvarado-Torres, and heroin and cocaine on Mendez-Collazo. While Detectives were waiting for the search warrant to be executed at Canon Circle, Rivera was seen getting into a car and leaving the area. A traffic stop was conducted on the 500 block of Cooley Street, and Rivera was detained. Detectives executed the search warrant, and over 20 grams of cocaine were inside the home, along with 32 grams of heroin (1,643 bags), ammunition, and three loaded firearms. One of the firearms was a rifle with a 30-round magazine. Detectives also seized nearly $25,000 in cash. Mendez-Collazo, Alvarado-Torres, and Rivera were placed under arrest. Springfield Police Department Springfield Police Department Springfield Police Department Springfield Police Department Jose Mendez-Collazo of Springfield is charged with: Possession of a Firearm without a License (Three Counts) Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony (Three Counts) Possession of Ammunition without an FID Card Possession of a Large Capacity Feeding Device Possession of a Firearm with a Defaced Serial Number Improper Storage of a Firearm (Two Counts) Improper Storage of a Large Capacity Firearm Heroin/Fentanyl Trafficking 18-36 Grams Cocaine Trafficking 18-36 Grams Distribution of a Class A Drug Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle 38-year-old Arianna Alvarado-Torres of Springfield is charged with: Possession of a Class A Drug Default Warrant Receiving a Stolen Motor Vehicle 29-year-old Mariester Rivera of Springfield is charged with: Possession of a Firearm without a License (Three Counts) Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony (Three Counts) Possession of Ammunition without an FID Card Possession of a Large Capacity Feeding Device Possession of a Firearm with a Defaced Serial Number Improper Storage of a Firearm (Two Counts) Improper Storage of a Large Capacity Firearm Heroin/Fentanyl Trafficking 18-36 Grams Cocaine Trafficking 18-36 Grams 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. SUN PRAIRIE, Wis. (WFRV) Police are currently investigating staff at a Wisconsin high school following reports of alleged criminal activity involving inappropriate relationships, Authorities say. According to a release from the Sun Prairie Police Department, the inappropriate relationships were reported at the Sun Prairie West High School. Jury finds Green Bay Correctional inmate guilty of hate crime killing of other inmate Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sun Prairie School District is said to be fully cooperating with officials, and upon reports of the inappropriate relationships, an investigation was immediately launched, and the involved staff members were placed on administrative leave. At this time, due to the active and sensitive nature of this case, police say information that can be publicly released is limited. Due to the severity of these allegations, the department has been working around the clock to ensure the safety of very child and staff member. We are committed to providing an impartial and thorough investigation and will report more information as the investigation progresses. We appreciate the cooperation we are receiving from the school district and those involved. Sun Prairie Police Chief Kevin Warych Anyone with any details related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Sun Prairie Police Department at (608) 837-7336. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. John Healey says war-fighting readiness is at the centre of future plans for Britains armed forces - Simon Dawson / No 10 Downing Street Britain has agreed to significantly ramp up defence spending to 3.5 per cent of GDP after bowing to pressure from Nato. Mark Rutte, the alliances secretary-general, said a historic decision had been made to invest more on tanks, fighter jets, air defence, drones and long-range missiles at a meeting of defence ministers in Brussels. The Dutchman proposed a rise in defence spending to 3.5 per cent of GDP, and a further 1.5 per cent on related infrastructure, to meet the challenges posed by a resurgence of Moscow. It was only on Monday that Sir Keir Starmer, in his strategic defence review, promised to spend 3 per cent of GDP on the military by the end of the next parliament, but failed to explain how that would be funded. That plan was undermined within 24 hours, after Nato demanded the Government raise that figure to 3.5 per cent. Now that the Prime Minister has agreed to the further increase, he will face renewed pressure to set out concrete plans on how he can pay for it. It is expected that Natos first spending plan in over a decade will be signed off when the alliances leaders gather for their annual summit in The Hague later this month. The dramatic increase in defence spending was brokered under pressure from US president Donald Trump, who has suggested he could withdraw American support for the alliance if its members fail to hit expenditure targets. Mr Rutte acknowledged that governments started to spend more on defence in the wake of complaints by the US president during his first term in the White House. But the Nato chief added: We dont have to do this because of an audience of one, we have to do this to keep one billion people safe. Its important the UK gets there Earlier, Pete Hegseth, the US secretary of defence, singled out the importance of Britain meeting the new goals in response to a question over Sir Keirs pledge to spend only 3 per cent of GDP on defence. We think everyone is going to get there, we really do. Its important they do. Its important that the UK gets there, Mr Hegseth told reporters on the sidelines of the meeting in Brussels. He argued the extra investment by European allies and Canada was crucial to keep pace with a pledge by Mr Trump to spend $1 trillion on defence in an upcoming budget. When you consider the threats that we face, the urgency in the world, its critical, Mr Hegseth said. We dont need more flags, we need more fighting formations. We dont need more conferences. We need more capabilities, hard power. Credit: Reuters Critics have argued that American demands for European governments to invest more in defence will hurt spending on hospitals, schools and other civilian projects. But Mr Rutte said the investment in weapons was needed more than ever, as Russia currently produces as much ammunition every three months as Nato does in a year. For the next three years, we are fine, but we have to start now. Otherwise, three, four, five years from now, we are really under threat, he added. I may be using rhetoric here, but I really mean it that you will have to get your Russian language course or go to New Zealand. Talks on the exact details of the defence spending pledge to be made in The Hague will continue in the weeks running up to the summit. Departing the meeting in Brussels, Mr Hegseth said he was confident that there would be a deal. Countries in there are well exceeding 2 per cent, and we think very close, almost near consensus, on a 5 per cent commitment for Nato in The Hague later this month, he said. Mr Hegseth said it was heartening to hear his European counterparts agree to White House demands to become less reliant on America for the continents security. Sir Keir Starmer and John Healey (right) meet with BAE system apprentices as they look at a submarine model - Oli Scarff/PA Media The Pentagon chief earlier this year shocked Nato allies by insisting that America could no longer be Europes main security guarantor, as it had to focus Washingtons attention on the growing threat posed by China. I have total confidence we will get there, Mr Rutte said on Thursday. Look at the Russian threat. The Chinese build-up. We live in a different world. We live in a more dangerous world. Spain emerged as the country diplomats were most concerned about hitting the target, after its defence minister claimed it could meet the new capability targets while spending just 2 per cent of GDP. Margarita Robles later insisted Madrid would not veto any agreement, even if it did not agree with setting a fixed percentage figure. The new capability targets will see a number of dramatic changes to European defence, including Germany increasing the size of its armed forces by around 50,000 to 60,000 more soldiers, according to defence minister Boris Pistorius. The Netherlands also expects to more than double its military from 70,000 to 200,000 personnel in the next five years. Without any reference to the 5 per cent spending goal, Defence Secretary John Healey said war-fighting readiness was at the centre of future plans for Britains armed forces. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Britain risks losing its grip on a rival to Elon Musks Starlink as part of French government rescue efforts to avert a debt crisis at the company. Eutelsat, which owns UK space business OneWeb, has been locked in talks with key shareholders including the French and British governments, as it seeks to raise funds to create a European alternative to Mr Musks satellite business. Sources said Emmanuel Macrons government is considering dramatically increasing its stake in the business as part of a 1.5bn (1.3bn) capital raise, taking its share of the company from around 13pc to 30pc. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indian billionaire Sunil Mittal, a BT investor and Eutelsats largest shareholder, is also understood to be considering further investment, The Telegraph understands, alongside other French investment funds. Indian billionaire Sunil Mittal is understood to be considering further investment in Eutelsat - Benoit Tessier/REUTERS However, any new cash injection threatens to seriously dilute Britains stake in the company. Multiple sources said that, if the UK failed to join the funding round, it would cast doubt over its influence on key future business decisions. One industry source said the UK needed to decide if it is in the space game or not. Breaking US dependence Eutelsat, which provides TV and broadband signals from space, faces a looming debt deadline in 2027 and has been attempting to secure new funds for months. It also needs to find billions of euros to build new satellites to compete with Starlink, which has launched close to 9,000 spacecraft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new funding talks come almost five years after the British government, led by Boris Johnson, rescued UK business OneWeb from bankruptcy alongside Mr Mittals Bharti Enterprises. Like Starlink, OneWeb provides internet signals from space using a network of 650 satellites. OneWeb was later sold to Frances Eutelsat in a deal that left the British and French governments with major shareholdings in the combined company. Britain currently has an 11pc stake in Eutelsat, a board seat controlled by Peter Kyle, the Technology Secretary and a golden share in OneWeb that gives it a veto over key matters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The French government has, however, been looking at strengthening its position in Eutelsat. This month, Eutelsat, which is jointly listed in Paris and London, appointed a new chief executive, Frenchman Jean-Francois Fallacher, to lead the business, with the hire thought to be part of the French government plans. While OneWeb is the only other business with a network of hundreds of satellites that can currently compete with Starlink, the UK Government has been unwilling to inject further money into the business after providing a 400m bailout in 2020. Eutelsats shares collapsed in the wake of the OneWeb takeover as investors baulked at the prospect of spending billions of euros to upgrade the satellite network to take on Mr Musk. Brussels is seeking to develop alternatives to Starlink amid concerns about an over-reliance on Elon Musks network - ALLISON ROBBERT/AFP Tim Farrar, an analyst at TMF Associates, said: Starlink has moved much more quickly than Eutelsat and OneWeb anticipated to dominate the market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Eutelsat shares have rallied in recent months over reports that OneWebs technology could be used in Ukraine as an alternative to Starlink, with the stock rising more than 50pc this year. Eutelsat is also looking for funding to help the European Union build a $10bn (7.4bn) satellite network, known as Iris2. Brussels is seeking to develop alternatives to Starlink amid concerns about an over-reliance on an increasingly unpredictable US government and the mercurial Mr Musk. Eutelsats latest discussions with shareholders comes after Nato nations recently pledged to boost defence spending under pressure from Donald Trump. Nato is expected to demand members increase their defence budgets to 3.5pc of GDP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UKs Strategic Defence Review mentioned space more than 40 times and said the sector was a site of growing competition, and a domain that is central to warfighting. It made no mention of the UKs shareholding in OneWeb. A government spokesman said: The UK government retains its special share in OneWeb and associated rights in full following the merger with Eutelsat in 2023. Eutelsat and Bharti declined to 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. (This story was updated to add new information.) WEST PALM BEACH Seven West Palm Beach police officers are facing criminal charges in connection to a high-speed vehicle pursuit that resulted in the deaths of a mother and her pregnant daughter in Boynton Beach in July 2024, the Palm Beach County State Attorney's Office announced on June 5. The vehicle that the officers were chasing crashed into a car on North Congress Avenue, killing Marcia Pochette, 57, and Jenice Woods, 27. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following an investigation by the office's Public Corruption Unit, three officers Austin B. Danielovich, Pierre F. Etienne, and Christopher C. Rekdahl have been arrested on two counts of leaving the scene of a crash involving death, a first-degree felony, and one count of official misconduct, a third-degree felony. An additional four officers Michael E. Borgen, William L. Loayza, Brandan C. Stedfelt, and Darien J. Thomas have been arrested on one count of official misconduct each. Court records show Danielovich, Etienne and Rekdahl appeared for a hearing before Circuit Judge Sheri Collins. They were released from custody June 5 after the judge set bail for each at $125,000 bail. The other officers were released within a few hours after being booked at the Palm Beach County Jail, with each posting $5,000 bail. According to an arrest report, Borgen, Etienne, Loayza, Rekdahl and Thomas were members of West Palm's Gang and Habitual Offender Suppression Team, also known as the GHOST unit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said the officers chased the car from West Palm Beach to Boynton Beach on the night of July 30 that struck and killed Pochette and Woods. Boynton Beach police investigators said the mother and daughter were traveling on North Congress near Meadows Boulevard shortly before 8 p.m. when a Kia Stinger driven by Neoni Copeland of Boynton Beach hit their Toyota Corolla. Pochette and Woods died at Delray Medical Center. An investigation called into question the actions of the seven West Palm Beach officers that day. The police officers actions are a disturbing betrayal of the public trust, State Attorney Alexcia Cox said in a prepared statement. Law enforcement officers have a duty to the public they swore to uphold. No one is above the law, and this office will pursue justice wherever the facts and the law lead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Fraternal Order of Police, the union that represents West Palm Beach officers, issued a prepared statement expressing sorrow for the family of Pochette and Woods and support for the officers facing charges. "We recognize the profound pain this tragedy has caused and join the community in mourning this devastating loss," the FOP statement said. We also stand in support of our members who have been arrested in connection with this incident. These officers are entitled to the full protections of due process. We respectfully ask the public to allow the legal system to do its work fairly and without presumption. In a prepared statement, West Palm Beach Mayor Keith James said his city takes "even the appearance of injustice seriously and grieve with those affected by this incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I remain committed to the safety of every resident, employee, and visitor in this city. There are no days off to ensure public safety and transparency. Public safety is priority number one. Chase took officers 15 miles from where vehicle was spotted The June 5 arrest report indicates that Danielovich, Etienne and Rekdahl were driving both marked and unmarked patrol vehicles as they pursued Copeland across multiple law-enforcement jurisdictions. Stedfelt was a passenger in the vehicle driven by Danielovich, Loayza was a passenger in Etienne's patrol vehicle and Thomas and Borgen were both passengers in Rekdahl's patrol vehicle. Investigators say the situation began at about 7:40 p.m. on July 30 as GHOST unit officers were arresting a person in an armed robbery. During the arrest, Thomas reportedly informed another officer to be on the lookout for a Kia Stinger driven by Copeland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thomas and other members of his team wanted to interview Copeland for a matter unrelated to the armed robbery arrest, the report said. Shortly after Thomas' conversation with the other officer, GHOST officers radioed to report that the Kia was in the area of 45th Street and Australian Avenue. The officer who spoke with Thomas drove to that location, identified the Kia and activated his emergency lights. The Kia reportedly fled south, ignoring the officer's attempt to stop the vehicle. The officer, identified in the arrest report only by last name, told investigators he did not pursue the vehicle as doing so would have violated department policy. However, an unmarked SUV driven by Rekdahl followed the Kia, the arrest report said. Copeland reportedly traveled onto Interstate 95 from Okeechobee Boulevard and began driving south. A motorcycle officer told investigators he joined the pursuit, traveling as far as Forest Hill Boulevard before exiting I-95. According to the arrest report, a review of cellphone data for the accused officers placed them in the area of Hypoluxo Road and Congress Avenue, about 15 miles south of where the case began and a short distance from the crash scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators say the officers neither contacted Boynton Beach police nor remained at the crash scene. The officers were placed on leave following the incident. Copeland was arrested on multiple charges, including two counts each of vehicular homicide and leaving the the scene of a crash involving death. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is awaiting trial. High-speed chase helped persuade mayor to dismiss police chief Family and friends gathered in Boynton Beach on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024 to remember the lives of Maria Pochette and her daughter Jenice Woods. The mother and daughter were killed in a vehicle crash on July, 30, 2024 that resulted in one man's arrest on criminal charges. The fatal crash was referenced by James in October as he announced the firing of police chief Frank Adderley. James said he was "deeply disturbed" by the accused officers' actions and said it was a factor in his decision to replace Adderley. Pochette, a native of Jamaica, worked as home-health aide and was a deaconess at the House of God in Delray Beach. Family and friends described her during a funeral service as a loving mother to three children and as being devoted to her work caring for others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Woods was a graduate of Boynton Beach High School and Florida Atlantic University, and had accepted a teaching position at a Renaissance Charter School. At the time of her death, she was two months pregnant, according to multiple published reports. 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: Seven West Palm officers arrested for roles in fatal Boynton chase A top Democratic organization strongly encouraged state campaigns to do much of their digital ad-buying business with a company that one of its members is set to soon join as CEO a development that has puzzled and concerned some party insiders. At a meeting in Little Rock, Arkansas last week, the Association of State Democratic Committees an umbrella group for state parties voted to recommend state races use one liberal firm, TargetSmart, for a major portion of digital ad buys, which could be worth millions. TargetSmart announced on May 7 that Liz Walters, outgoing chair of the Ohio Democratic Party, is taking over as CEO this summer. Walters, who made her departure public in a post on X , said she would leave the state party role by June 30. And until the week before the groups meeting, she was part of the ASDCs leadership team as treasurer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walters recused herself from the TargetSmart vote. But she has reportedly praised the use of TargetSmart repeatedly in recent years, went to the meeting where the resolution passed, and continues to sit on a key board of state party leaders tied to the deal. Word of the deal spread through Democratic circles this week, leaving some in the party worried about the possibility of a conflict of interest or the perception of one at a time when Democrats are already struggling mightily. Others are concerned that using a sole media-buying platform for many digital ads will stifle innovation and raise costs for campaigns. I just dont understand this at all. Its the ultimate solution in search of a problem, said Rob Flaherty, the former deputy campaign manager for Kamala Harris 2024 presidential campaign. No one who works directly in this space is asking for this, nor should we want it. Even the stated rationale makes no sense: This is a space where competition leads to better pricing. A strategic monopoly doesnt serve us. A Democratic campaign veteran who, like others in this story was granted anonymity to speak freely, said the deal is a conflict of interest you could see from space. A Democratic state party chair said the perception sucks, the perception is terrible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walters responded in a statement that the decision to leave the Ohio Democratic Party, an organization I love, was a hard one. She added that in the interest of transparency, as soon as I decided to join TargetSmart, we made the news public and I recused myself from all matters involving the company. Axios first wrote about the existence of a deal between the ASDC and TargetSmart, but concerns about a conflict of interest have not been reported before. ASDC president Jane Kleeb said in an interview that it was her suggestion, not Walters, to give TargetSmart the special status. Kleeb defended the decision as a way for state parties to save money and solve other problems, such as navigating a bewildering web of new digital firms. She said that Walters has praised TargetSmart internally over the years but added that lots of us have also spoken highly of the company since theyve worked closely with them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is no conflict of interest. We have been talking about this for years, she said. I knew that the vendors would have their guns and knives out for me because they will perceive it as taking business away from them. But it doesnt. She added, I am trying to innovate and create reliable streams of revenue for state parties and with this system, there will be a 5 percent return to state parties, which is a really wonderful thing. Other Democrats in favor of the resolution said that the setup would also help ensure the digital safety of voter files. A second Democratic state party chair granted anonymity to speak candidly about the deal said that Walters praised TargetSmart at multiple ASDC meetings in recent months, including in Little Rock last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every single meeting she would talk about the benefit of the tool and why its really important, and anytime people would raise questions, basically, she was answering them as CEO of TargetSmart, but that wasnt the role she was in, said the person, who was in the meetings. Its an unfortunate way to enter into a relationship, because I think it could be a good tool, but now its clouded, the person added. TargetSmart has worked with the Democratic state parties for years to enhance their voter files, a precious resource used by campaigns. The ASDC said that it asked TargetSmart to develop its digital ad-buying tool in 2023, and that later it was rolled out to some trial participants, including in Ohio. State parties generate revenue when their voter file is bought and sold, as well as when their voter file data is used on TargetSmarts ad-buying platform. The ASDCs nonbinding resolution states that members are encouraged to either institute a requirement for voter file users to utilize TargetSmart for digital ad-buying or strongly encourage users to explore utilizing the platform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A TargetSmart spokesperson said the buying platform is more cost efficient, reliable and enables transparency in ad placements. And TargetSmart senior adviser Tom Bonier said in a statement that were proud to have the opportunity to continue to serve state parties as they provide this cutting-edge resource to their members. He didnt respond to a question about when TargetSmart began discussions with Walters about the job. A person close to Walters said that she resigned as treasurer well before the meeting, recused herself from the process entirely and it passed unanimously. But that has done little to tamp down criticism of Walters among some Democrats. Even being there is a way to exert influence, especially when it was already announced that she was going to TargetSmart, said the Democratic campaign veteran. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walters submitted her resignation as treasurer of the ASDC on May 20, the person close to her said. The ASDC passed the resolution unanimously on May 29. Walters is also on the board of a linked co-op made up of state party officials that manages its voter file data. She is expected to leave that entity and as head of the Ohio Democratic Party next week. Marco Rubios State Department is funneling $250 million from refugee services to pay immigrants to leave the country as Donald Trump bans entry to the United States from more than a dozen nations, The Independent has learned. The money is being moved from the State Departments Migration and Refugee Assistance, which is overseen by the Bureau of Population, Refugee and Migration, with a mission to reduce illegal immigration and aid refugees fleeing persecution, crisis or violence and seek durable solutions for forcibly displaced people, according to its website. But under Rubios radical restructuring of the department, the refugee bureaus mission is now explicitly focused on efforts to return illegal aliens to their country of origin or legal status. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least $250 million from the State Department will support the Department of Homeland Security and Project Homecoming, the Trump administrations plan to provide a free flight home and an exit bonus to encourage and assist illegal aliens to voluntarily depart the United States, a spokesperson told The Independent. Those funds typically are used to provide protection to refugees entering the United States and help pay for their resettlement. Instead, theyll be used to pay for flights and cash incentives to get people to leave. The State Department is pulling $250 million for refugee resettlement, including for Afghan allies who fled the Taliban-ruled country after the United States chaotic withdrawal, to support Trumps self-deportation plan that pays for flights and cash incentives to get people to leave (AP) A notice to the Federal Register from Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau on May 7 states that deporting immigrants will bolster the foreign policy interests of the United States. The notice does not mention the funds to DHS. Reuters first reported the money transfer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month, the administration announced a program allowing people to self-deport through the CBP Home app. Those immigrants will receive financial and travel assistance including $1,000 paid after their return to their home country has been confirmed through the app. If you are here illegally, self-deportation is the best, safest and most cost-effective way to leave the United States to avoid arrest, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement at the time. Administration officials claim that people who use the app to report their own removal will be provided an opportunity to return to the country legally at another time. But under current law, anyone living in the United States for more than six months without permission cannot return as an immigrant for at least three years. Immigrants who were in the country for more than a year could be blocked from reentering for at least 10 years. Immigrants with a record of deportation also are more likely to face lengthy waiting periods, or outright denials, when applying for visas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Immigration lawyers called it a trap and a deeply misleading and unethical trick. No one should accept this without first obtaining good legal advice from an immigration attorney or other qualified representative, according to an advisory from the American Immigration Lawyers Association. Were gonna pay each one a certain amount of money and get them a beautiful flight back to where they came from, and they have a period of time, and if they make it, were gonna work with them so that maybe someday, with a little work, they can come back in, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office last month. Trumps first so-called Muslim ban on travel to the United States from majority Muslim countries was repeatedly rejected in federal court but narrowly upheld at the Supreme Court (AFP via Getty Images) With the funding boost, DHS and implementing partners will assist Project Homecoming participants with obtaining necessary travel documents, arrange a free flight home, and provide an exit bonus upon confirmation through the CBP Home App that return has been completed, a State Department spokesperson told The Independent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rubios reshuffling of the sprawling State Department reflecting the presidents American First diplomacy and drastic cuts to the federal workforce reduces staff by 18 percent and guts work across 300 bureaus and offices, according to a 100-page memo sent to Congress. The cuts target bureaus like the Office of Global Womens Issues and a division that supports the resettlement of Afghans in the United States. Rubios plan also establishes an Office of Remigration, echoing a term used among far-right and white nationalist groups who support the mass removal of immigrants. The proposed office would serve as a hub for immigration issues and repatriation tracking and interagency coordination for removals/repatriations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That office would also support the voluntary return of migrants to their country of origin or legal status. Afghanistan is among more than a dozen countries targeted in the presidents new travel ban (AP) During his campaign, Trump pledged to remove criminal immigrants. But his efforts to ramp up deportations to meet his campaign promises have included summary removals without court hearings, courthouse arrests, and canceling visas and humanitarian protections for tens of thousands of lawfully present immigrants. On Wednesday, the president banned people from a dozen countries from entering the United States entirely, with restrictions placed on entry from several other countries. Refugee and asylum advocates are sounding the alarm against Trumps revival of his so-called Muslim bans from his first term in office, which were repeatedly blocked in federal courts and then rescinded by Joe Biden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly after taking office, the Trump administration froze refugee admissions, blocking people fleeing famine and war from countries like Afghanistan, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Resettlement groups were blindsided. In February, the administration also abruptly announced plans to terminate contracts with refugee resettlement and assistance groups 24 hours after a federal judge ordered the government to restore funding to aid organizations. But last month, the administration opened refugee admissions to a group of white South Africans that the president claims are victims of a genocide. While national security is an important priority, indiscriminate restrictions against entire nationalities should not supersede the merits of an individual visa application, according to Krish OMara Vignarajah, president of Global Refuge, a nonprofit organization that supports refugees entering the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are deeply concerned that this ban could undermine our humanitarian leadership, delay or derail family reunifications, and significantly impact our economy and labor force, she added. Shawn VanDiver, president of Afghan refugee group Afghan Evac, called Trumps reinstatement of the travel ban political theater and a moral disgrace. Wisconsin's state health department still recommends the COVID-19 vaccine, despite discord at the federal level after Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said it would no longer be recommended for children and pregnant women. "The recent changes in (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidance were not made based on new data, evidence or scientific or medical studies, nor was the guidance issued following normal processes," a June 4 news release from the state health department said. Kennedy, a vocal vaccine critic, announced May 27 in a video on X that the CDC would no longer recommend the COVID-19 vaccine for healthy children and healthy pregnant women. He did not cite new evidence in doing so. CDC guidance published days later still recommended COVID-19 vaccines for healthy children if their parents and doctors agree, but said the vaccines are no longer recommended during pregnancy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Children can contract COVID-19 like any other person, but are less likely to become seriously ill from the virus than adults, though they can still spread it to more vulnerable individuals. Pregnant women, however, are more likely to become seriously ill, which can lead to preterm birth and other problems. Experts say vaccination during pregnancy can safeguard infants after birth because babies depend on maternal antibodies for early immunity. Federal vaccine recommendations matter not just because the public pays attention to them, but because it can affect which vaccines insurers decide to cover, said Patrick Remington, emeritus professor at UW-Madison's School of Medicine and Public Health. Given the recommendation from the state, Remington said he's hopeful companies that insure people in Wisconsin will continue covering the COVID-19 vaccine despite the change in federal recommendations. Wisconsin's Medicaid program will continue to cover the vaccine, according to the news release. Dr. Amy Domeyer, a Madison obstetrician-gynecologist and past chair of the Wisconsin section of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, said patients have already asked her whether they'll be able to have the vaccine covered by insurance later on. She said the recent change in federal guidance doesn't impact ACOG's own guidance, or what she recommends to her patients. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We know the COVID vaccine is safe in pregnancy that research and data has not changed. We know pregnant individuals are at higher risk due to COVID," Domeyer said. "I convey to my patients, 'My goal is for you to have the safest, healthiest pregnancy possible. For that reason, I, as your doctor, recommend the COVID vaccine." Still, she acknowledged the conflicting information may make it more challenging to discuss with patients, adding another layer of difficulty on top of vaccine hesitancy that already exists. CDC data show about 14% of pregnant women in the U.S. have received the most recent iteration of the COVID-19 vaccine. The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which sets recommendations for vaccines in the U.S., is not scheduled to meet until later in June. The group is discussing whether to narrow its recommendation about who should receive COVID-19 booster shots. There's room for healthy debate about the benefits and risks of the COVID-19 vaccine for certain groups of people, Remington said, because it's part of how science works. But he said that debate should take place among the members of the advisory committee, who are independent medical experts. For Kennedy to bring his personal beliefs about vaccines into his recommendations is unfortunate, Remington said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When you see disagreement between the federal government's recommendations and what experts, like at (the state health department) say, sometimes the public throws up their hands and says, 'If they can't agree, I don't believe anything,'" he said. If someone is confused about the differing recommendations and wants advice on their particular situation, Remington suggested talking with a doctor, who'll be able to consider their personal circumstances when it comes to future doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Less than one in five Wisconsinites have received at least one dose of the most current COVID-19 vaccine, according to data from the state health department. Nearly half of those who have are adults 65 and older. More: COVID, conspiracy theories and a billboard campaign: Grace Schara's hospital death finally sees trial Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: How were Milwaukee-area health departments using COVID-era grants cut by the Trump administration? This story was updated to add new information. Madeline Heim covers health and the environment for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Contact her at 920-996-7266 or mheim@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin health department still recommends COVID-19 vaccine Nearly six months after a firestorm ravaged communities across Los Angeles, California lawmakers are crafting legislation to try to protect the state insurance program for high-risk homes from financial collapse. A bill, AB 226, sponsored by Assemblymembers Lisa Calderon (D-Whittier) and David A. Alvarez (D-San Diego), would make the state's insurer of last resort, the FAIR Plan, eligible for loans and bonds from the state-backed California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank to avoid running out of money after a disaster. Alvarez proposed the measure last year but it failed to pass. Despite receiving unanimous support in the Assembly, the bill never reached the Senate floor for a vote before the end of the 2024 legislative session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the measure had passed last year and been signed into law by the governor, the FAIR Plan would have had more flexibility to weather the massive number of claims filed after the January firestorms, Alvarez said. Instead, the FAIR plan was forced to imposed an extra $1 billion in total assessments on insurers that provide homeowners policies in California. To recoup those expenses, insurance companies are expected to hike rates on homeowners through monthly surcharges. "Had they had this option available to them ... they would not be having to hit consumers with price increases on the private market now," Alvarez said. AB 226 is one of many wildfire-related bills still winding their way through the slow legislative process. If passed into law, the measures would protect homeowners from price gouging after disasters, streamline the process for filing claims for lost property and offer financial protections for disaster victims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers and Gov. Gavin Newsom in January approved $2.5 billion in wildfire aid after the Palisades and Eaton fires killed more than two dozen people and became the second and third most destructive fires in state history. Legislative leaders at the time signaled for a swift, bipartisan approach to the disaster. Tens of thousands of our neighbors, our families and friends, they need help. This means that we need to be able to move with urgency, put aside our differences, and be laser-focused on delivering the financial resources, delivering the boots on the ground that are needed and the policy relief that is needed to get neighborhoods cleaned up and communities rebuilt," Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire (D-Healdsburg) said after it passed. California's last-ditch home insurer, the FAIR Plan, is meant as a backup for properties deemed high-risk and uninsurable by private companies. A Times analysis found that within the Eaton and Palisades fire zones, the number of homes on the plan nearly doubled between 2020 and 2024 and the plan has become one of the state's largest insurers. Amid lawsuits alleging collusion between private insurers and the FAIR Plan and policyholders raising concerns about delays in payments and smoke damage investigations, lawmakers and insurance advocates have repeatedly called for better safety nets like the one proposed in AB 226 to keep the insurer solvent in emergencies and viable as a long-term solution to the state's home insurance problem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Insurer of last resort kept growing. Then L.A. fire victims paid the price This year, Alvarez was joined on the bill by Calderon, chair of the Assembly's insurance committee. It passed through the Assembly at the beginning of March but has not yet seen its first Senate committee. Alvarez celebrated the bill's swift passage through the Assembly and hopes the Senate will work to do the same, "God forbid, if it has to be used because of a devastating fire this summer," he said. Other major wildfire bills being considered by lawmakers include: AB 493, which would require lenders to pay policyholders interest on disaster insurance payouts that are held in escrow. The measure, authored by Assemblymember John Harabedian (D-Pasadena) would close a loophole in existing law, which already requires interest payments on other escrowed funds. AB 597, also introduced by Harabedian, which would keep public insurance adjusters from gouging homeowners, especially after a natural disaster or state of emergency. SB 495, which would prevent insurers from requiring an itemized list of personal property losses from policyholders during a state of emergency, and would require insurers to provide extensions where reconstruction is delayed. The bill, introduced by state Sen. Benjamin Allen who represents the Pacific Palisades and Santa Monica areas passed a Senate floor vote on Tuesday and is headed to the Assembly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Did insurers collude to force homeowners onto state insurance plan? What to know from two blockbuster lawsuits Most of the pending legislation won't directly support survivors of the Palisades and Eaton fires but are still important to the rebuilding process, said Maryam Zar, president emeritus of the Pacific Palisades Community Council and founder of the Palisades Recovery Coalition. The new laws would help prevent and prepare for future fires, she said, and are a show of goodwill to the communities that are suffering still. Some other fire relief measures focus on easing the permit process for rebuilding, while others extend provisions set by Newsom during the state of emergency easing tenancy rights for people staying in temporary housing for longer than 30 days, shortening the permit approval timeline and securing mortgage forbearance for destroyed properties for up to a year after the disaster. Others look to address staffing issues for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection as fire season turns into a year-round threat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wildfire survivors continue to face housing insecurity, financial strain, and emotional trauma long after the immediate danger has passed," Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath said in a statement. "These State bills represent a commitment to meeting people where they are actively in recovery, rebuilding their lives, and in need of our long-term support. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. BOSTON (SHNS) Governors and legislatures wont be happy if the federal government bars them from enacting any state-level regulations on artificial intelligence for the next decade, U.S. Sen. Ed Markey said Wednesday while pledging an effort to get the policy rider tossed from a funding bill. The junior senator from Massachusetts convened civil rights activists and academic experts for a virtual event, where they escalated their opposition to a provision in the U.S. House-approved reconciliation package imposing a 10-year moratorium on state AI restrictions. Markey said that when the bill emerges in the U.S. Senate, he will try to have it eliminated as a violation of the Senate rules for reconciliation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have to be clear about the provision: rather than proposing any plan to address the risks of AI, [the bill would] say you cant do anything about it. But governors are not going to be happy with that, state legislatures wont be happy with it, and I think increasingly, Republicans and Democrats are not going to be happy with it, Markey said Wednesday. Alondra Nelson, a former Biden administration science official who is now a professor at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey, argued that governments cannot wait another decade before pursuing limitations on the use of AI and automated decision-making systems. AI systems are already, today, reshaping equality and opportunity in real peoples lives. We know that IRS algorithms have disproportionately targeted black taxpayers for audits. We know that facial recognition systems are already leading to wrongful arrests. We know already that insurance companies are using surveillance data that creates discriminatory pricing for different Americans. We know that the uses of AI in health care are sometimes missing cancer in darker-skin patients while detecting it in other patients, Nelson said. These arent hypothetical future risks. Theyre certainly not risks that we can wait for 10 years to address. These are documented harms that are happening to members of the American public right now. The U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee added the moratorium language to the budget reconciliation bill. At a markup hearing last month, committee chair Rep. Brett Guthrie of Kentucky said the proposal would implement guardrails that protect against state-level AI laws that could jeopardize our technological leadership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the proposal has drawn some bipartisan pushback. Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia said Tuesday she did not know the 10-year AI regulation ban was in the bill when she voted to advance it and is adamantly OPPOSED to this. She added that she would not vote in favor of the finalized bill which cleared the House by a one-vote margin if it returns from the Senate still containing the moratorium. Forty attorneys general, both Democrats and Republicans, jointly penned a letter to congressional leaders on May 16 announcing opposition to the provision, warning that its impact would be sweeping and wholly destructive of reasonable state efforts to prevent known harms associated with AI. Attorneys general previously called for federal AI governance to focus on high risk systems with emphasis on transparency, testing and enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorney general letter on AI moratoriumDownload Rather than follow the recommendation from the bipartisan coalition of State Attorneys General, the amendment added to the reconciliation bill abdicates federal leadership and mandates that all states abandon their leadership in this area as well, the 40 AGs wrote in the letter circulated by the National Association of Attorneys General. 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. Moreover, this bill purports to wipe away any state-level frameworks already in place. Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell was among the letters signatories. On Beacon Hill, elected officials have been weighing the potential risks of AI against the economic upsides of a fast-growing industry. Lawmakers and Gov. Maura Healey last year included $100 million in an economic development bond bill to create a Massachusetts AI Hub, which Healeys office said would facilitate the application of artificial intelligence across the states ecosystem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers targeted AI in several bills pending this term, proposing new guardrails around its use in health care decision-making, additional consumer protection measures, a study on greenhouse gas emissions from the electrically demanding technology, and more. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. Corrections Department Director Steven Harpe presents his agency's budget to state lawmakers. (Photo by Carmen Forman/Oklahoma Voice) OKLAHOMA CITY The Oklahoma Department of Corrections next month is expected to take over the private prison in Lawton. Lawmakers appropriated $312 million to purchase the facility from The GEO Group. The state expects to take over the facility July 25. The Board of Corrections must approve it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This move not only strengthens our public safety infrastructure, but also reflects our commitment to better outcomes for staff, inmates and the people of Oklahoma, said Steven Harpe, Oklahoma Department of Corrections director, in a statement. Built in 1998, the facility houses about 2,100 Oklahoma offenders, said Kay Thompson, a Department of Corrections spokeswoman. The facility has medium security beds and a protective custody unit, she said. The purchase price includes 560 acres, the buildings and equipment, Thompson said. Current Lawton Correctional Facility employees will be offered employment after the successful completion of a background and drug test, Thompson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some lawmakers were critical of the decision to purchase the prison, saying they were not told about it until the last minute. Oklahoma used to rely on private prisons in Texas to house offenders before companies began building in Oklahoma. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE State Police on Wednesday identified a woman who was found dead in a home in Lewiston on Monday. Melissa Donoghue, 42, of Lewiston, was found inside a home on Old Greene Road on Monday morning, state police said in a statement on Wednesday. Lewiston Police responded to the home at 5:10 a.m. Monday for a death investigation. An autopsy was performed on Tuesday. However, the cause and manner of death are being withheld at this time as the investigation remains ongoing, state police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is no threat to the public, state police said Wednesday. Additional details were not immediately 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 SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) The states investigation into election interference allegations during the Springfield mayoral election in 2023 is regaining traction. These allegations are against former Springfield city councilor and mayoral candidate Justin Hurst, who recently filed papers to run again for the city council. Springfield mayor election interference investigation handed to Attorney Generals office Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its been well over a year since the Hampden DA handed over a case to the states Attorney General concerning possible interference during the Springfield mayoral election. Now, investigators have returned to the city, asking questions about what happened in 2023. This is really about us preserving the integrity of the election process in the city of Springfield, says City Solicitor Stephen J. Buoniconti. As far as we know, there wasnt much of an investigation done in the last year and a half. The allegations are against Justin Hurst, a former city councilor and the mayoral candidate at the time. He was running against incumbent mayor Domenic Sarno. Hursts campaign team is being accused of picking up voters, including homeless residents, and paying them $10 for their votes during early voting. The City of Springfield is at a pivotal moment in the crossroads of our history. How we develop in the coming years will shape not just the economic future of our great city, but will also have lasting impacts on generations to come. The issues that I campaigned on when I ran for Mayor are more present now than ever before. Time and time again, we are failing to meet the moment. And we, the people, feel the pain. The message has been received loud and clear from the many residents who have reached out to me in hopes that I would not stop fighting for them, for their children and families, and for a better Springfield. Your support and trust have motivated me to seek re-election to the Springfield City Council. With your help, I will continue to fight for a Springfield where we are able to retain our young people and attract new neighbors, where folks feel safe enough to not just survive, but to thrive. To invest back into our great city. To support local businesses and work to attract new ones. Where our families and seniors are not saddled with the burden of ever-rising taxes and utilities. I remain steadfast in what I have always believed: that a better Springfield for all is necessary, and together, it is still possible. Our work isnt done, I believe were just getting started. I will be that voice for you and for future generations to come. Justin Hurst, Former Springfield City Councilor, Mayoral Candidate In response to the Attorney General, Hurst states, My focus is on what I can control, which is ensuring that our message for a better Springfield gets out to as many voters as possible. The incident was caught on camera at Springfield City Hall. The FBI was made aware but opted out of conducting an investigation, and thats when it got into the hands of the state. But its unclear why theres new momentum in the case. Buoniconti adds, Theres new personnel on the case. They are asking for information on the matter. We believe we already turned it over, but we will continue to turn everything over in our possession. Hurst has since pulled paperwork to reclaim a seat on the Springfield City Council, telling 22News that the issues he campaigned on, such as rising taxes and utilities, are more present than ever before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hurst says he believes a better Springfield for all is necessary and that his work isnt done. As for the investigation, Hurst tells 22News hes going to focus on his message of a better Springfield to his voters. We have reached out to the states attorney generals office for comment on this investigation, but we have not heard back. We will continue to provide updates to this story as soon as new information becomes available. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has begun the process of canceling the operating permit for a St. Paul metal foundry that employs some 80 United Steelworkers on the citys East Side. Officials with Lawton Standard, which owns the Northern Iron and Machine foundry in the Payne-Phalen neighborhood, received notice from the MPCA on Wednesday that they had officially run afoul of the regulatory agency, which has sought for years to enforce deeper controls over emissions and heavily reduce foundry production. After prolonged attempts to get necessary information from Northern Iron, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency today took the first steps to revoke the companys operating permit, reads a written statement from the MPCA. We have repeatedly requested information required under state law for us to issue a permit that would allow Northern Iron to operate in a way that protects human health and the environment. We do not have reasonable assurance that the company can comply with a permit. Revocation process The permit revocation is not immediate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The MPCA described it as a rare and lengthy process that likely will entail a contested case hearing before an administrative law judge. The foundry, which dates to 1906, is allowed to maintain its operations throughout that process. The MPCA fined Northern Iron $41,500 in 2023 for out-of-date pollution control equipment, as well as equipment updated without a permit. A more recent MPCA investigation tested soot collecting on homes near the foundry and found toxic heavy metals such as lead, chromium and manganese, which residents in a recent legal action have described as evidence it originated from the Forest Street metal plant. Calling the companys PurpleAir testing equipment outdated, the MPCA issued an April 2024 order limiting Northern Irons material processing to 10 tons per day, or roughly a third of normal production. That limit held until it was lifted by a July 2024 decision from Ramsey County District Court Judge Leonardo Castro. Company responds Company officials maintain their monitors show dust particles and lead levels to be well within state standards, and that the MPCA has misinterpreted the data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a written statement Wednesday, they said revoking their existing operating permit without processing the companys new permit application is unprecedented and not supported by any evidence or data from extensive environmental monitoring of the facility. The MPCA has officially determined that it wants to shut down a business, lay off people, and needlessly scare the community by ignoring facts, data, and a judges decisions, they wrote. The MPCA is not following the rule of law as a regulator, which is unacceptable. In March, residents from the Payne-Phalen neighborhood filed a class action lawsuit against the foundry owners in Ramsey County District Court, claiming emissions have lowered their home values, damaged property and left them dealing with soot and dust on their houses. Lawton Standard, which is based in DePere, Wis. and maintains foundries in six states, purchased the Northern Iron foundry in August 2022. The foundry makes casings and custom metal parts for national clients. Related Articles Proposed cuts to Medicaid could spell disaster for caregivers who are already in a crisis. Angelica Zander via Getty Images Some days are quiet and peaceful. Other days, Jenise Griffins brother Michael Griffin spends hours talking to himself out loud or laughing uncontrollably. Auditory hallucinations, episodes of paranoia and other outbursts also arent uncommon throughout the day. Michael, 59, was diagnosed with schizophrenia in the 1990s, and spent 23 years at state hospitals and jails, including one in their hometown of Naples, Florida. For the past three years he has lived with Jenise, 67, in Riverview, a small city about 20 minutes from Tampa, where she has been his full-time caregiver. Even though she works from home, balancing caregiving for Michael with her own busy work schedule has been a challenge for Jenise. I have to take care of his medications, doctors appointments, therapists and case worker schedules, so his needs constantly interrupt my day, she said. It has also taken a toll on her health: Jenise was diagnosed with bradycardia a heart rate thats slower than normal in December 2023 and had to get a pacemaker. She has moderate asthma and takes medication to manage her depression. The stress of taking care of him has made me sick, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Jenise is far from alone. Although its difficult to determine how many caregivers there are in the United States, AARP estimates that there were 53 million in 2020. Caregivers can be family members or hired professionals, paid or unpaid, full time or part time. But unlike professional home health aides, the labor family caregivers provide is unpaid, and often invisible yet expected by other members of the family. In many cases, the only support family caregivers receive comes from state or local programs that require jumping through multiple hoops in order to get the most basic services or financial assistance. According to a new report from the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, where you live can make all the differenceand 48% of states are on the brink of a caregiving emergency. The States In The Midst Of A Caregiving Crisis After assessing the urgency of local caregiving needs, the authors of the Columbia report, titled Americas Unseen Workforce: The State of Family Caregiving, classified all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia, into four categories: critical, high risk, safe for now, and well-supported. States in the critical category include: Florida Alabama Arkansas Georgia Louisiana Nevada South Carolina Tennessee Advertisement Advertisement States in the high risk states are: Arizona California Hawaii Idaho Kentucky Maryland Michigan Mississippi New Hampshire New Mexico North Carolina Oklahoma Oregon Texas Virginia West Virginia These states didnt land in a crisis by chance, Stacey B. Lee, professor at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School with a joint appointment at the Bloomberg School of Public Health, told HuffPost. The Columbia Caregiving Index shows a consistent pattern: a lack of paid leave, low Medicaid reimbursement rates, [Home- and Community-Based Services] HCBS waitlists, and the absence of caregiver tax credits. So why are some states faring so much worse than others? One reason for this, according to Holly Wiberg, Ph.D., assistant professor of operations research and public policy at Carnegie Mellon Universitys Heinz College, is that the current landscape of policies to support family caregivers is fragmented, with limited national coverage and a lot of variation on the state level. Advertisement Advertisement This fragmentation has multiple consequences, Wiberg explained. First, caregivers have inconsistent protections with disparate impacts on their own lives and those of their patients. Second, this creates a challenging landscape to navigate, involving multiple agencies, which imposes a further burden on caregivers. The current model is unsustainable and places an undue burden on caregivers, both unpaid and underpaid. Thats been the case for Elizabeth Miller, 53, of Georgia, who spent years juggling caring for her aging parents while raising school-age children and working full time. They were some of the most exhausting and emotionally challenging years of my life, she said. I felt completely overwhelmed, isolated and unprepared. I had no prior caregiving experience to draw from, and every day felt like a steep learning curve. Trying to balance caregiving with parenting and a career meant a demanding schedule for Miller. I constantly felt pulled in two directions guilty when I had to step away from work to care for them, and distracted and depleted when I was at work, worrying about everything that still needed to be done at home, she said. What Miller and Jenise experience likely sounds familiar to anyone who has been a family caregiver. In fact, its in line with the findings of a 2023 study from The Arc of the United States, in which 90% of participants reported some impact on their employment related to their caregiving responsibilities, while 54% indicated that they felt very or extremely stressed as a caregiver. Advertisement Advertisement After both her parents passed away, Miller became a support caregiver for her 62-year-old brother, who was born with an intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The challenges are different now, but just as complex and still incredibly isolating, Miller said. There are few resources tailored to older adults with developmental disabilities, and even fewer that support sibling caregivers. Despite working in the care economy for over a decade, I still find navigating care for my brother incredibly frustrating and unnecessarily difficult. Situations like Millers and Jenises arent unusual in Georgia and Florida, nor in other parts of the country. The United States remains one of the least supportive high-income countries for caregivers, Lee said. Policies fall short because they were never built to treat caregiving as essential labor. They assume it will happen informally, unpaid, and out of view, usually by women. Thats not support thats systemic erasure. According to Lee, the systems currently in place assume that caregiving is endless, free, and invisible. Plus, as Wiberg pointed out, caregiving roles are not equally distributed across the population. The burden falls hardest on women, especially Black and Latina women, and on low-income families with no access to institutional support, Lee said. Barely Managing With Medicaid On top of all the emotional and logistical challenges of caregiving, it can be a huge financial strain on family members who are typically paid little or nothing for their services. In Georgia, for example, family caregivers like Miller can only receive compensation if the care recipient qualifies for a Medicaid waiver a process she says is grueling, confusing, and comes with long waitlists. Advertisement Advertisement I believe that any family caregiver who is actively providing care and can demonstrate it should be eligible for compensation and tax relief, regardless of Medicaid status, she said. We are saving the system money yet paying the price physically, emotionally and financially. Miller is absolutely right: The Columbia report estimates that the labor of the countrys unpaid caregivers is valued at $890.56 billion. But the countless hours that family caregivers essentially donate to the government dont seem to factor into financial support for caregivers and those requiring care. Each month, Jenises brother Michael gets a $932 disability payment from Social Security and about $132 in food stamps. He is 270 pounds, so that doesnt cover the food he eats monthly, she said. He had been giving me $400 a month, but I spend much of that on extra food, his pharmacy co-pays, his life insurance, and other necessities. And like so many others who require care, Michael depends on Medicaid for health care. But Jenise and other caregivers fear that a reduction in benefits is imminent. Advertisement Advertisement Thats at least in part because in a few short months, the Trump administration has been taking significant steps towards dismantling Medicaid as we know it. At this point, its unclear how much damage these laws and policies will do, but its safe to say things wont be getting better. If signed into law, the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which passed in the House of Representatives on May 22, would make the biggest cuts to Medicaid in the programs 60-year history. Its estimated that the bill would reduce federal Medicaid spending by $625 billion, causing 10.3 million people to lose their Medicaid coverage by 2034. The caregiver crisis is fueled by years of underinvestment and its about to get worse, said Kim Musheno, senior director of Medicaid policy at The Arc of the United States. With caregivers already burned out and stretched thin financially, even minor cuts to Medicaid would make a major difference. Advertisement Advertisement If it becomes law, it will blow a hole in the safety net, Musheno explained. Medicaid is the main source of long-term care in this country, including home- and community-based services that allow people with disabilities to live at home instead of in institutions. And when states face cuts, history tells us what happens: services that help families like respite care, personal care assistants, and other supports are the first to go. Searching For Support And Solutions Lacking adequate support from the state or federal government, caregivers like Miller have formed their own communities. There is a beautiful, grassroots network of caregiver-led organizations out there offering real help, said Miller, whose Atlanta-based group, Happy Healthy Caregiver, helps caregivers find local resources and navigate the complicated systems in Georgia. But these groups are no replacement for laws and policies that provide actual resources and programs for caregivers. Without sustainable financial support and infrastructure, I worry these vital lifelines will burn out, just like so many caregivers do, she explained. In order for that not to happen, Miller knows what she needs. What I need most as a caregiver and what so many of us are lacking is time back, she said. Real respite options, financial compensation that reflects the value of our work, and a community of support that truly understands what were navigating every day. According to Miller, true respite is more than a day off. It means having the financial and practical resources in place to ensure your loved one is safe and well cared-for while you take a real break, she said. Without that, respite is just another wishlist item. Advertisement Advertisement So what would it take for caregivers to get actual support, in the form of programs and services that would genuinely make their lives easier? The biggest issue is simple: funding, Musheno said. Good ideas dont go far if theres no money to make them real. There also has to be a general shift of mentality, away from viewing caregiving as expected and invisible labor, and toward it being seen as legitimate and essential work. Unless we commit to federal caregiving infrastructure paid leave, portable benefits, caregiver tax credits, and living wages for home care workers we are not solving this crisis. We are institutionalizing harm, Lee said. Though the situation is looking especially bleak at the moment, there are things you can do to help support caregivers. First, Miller suggests talking to caregivers to get an idea of what theyre going through, and sharing their stories. You can also let your voice be heard through the ballot box by voting for candidates who support paid family leave, caregiver tax credits and respite programs. Additionally, Lee recommends organizing within churches, faith-based networks and community health centers. These institutions often carry more political and cultural weight in Southern states than formal lobbying efforts, and theyre increasingly vocal on elder care and caregiver equity, she explained. You may also want to seek out volunteering opportunities with organizations for caregivers. Advertisement Advertisement Finally, if you know a caregiver, ask how you can support them directly. This might mean grocery shopping, running errands, or spending time with their loved one so they get a much-needed break. At the end of the day, caring for the people we love shouldnt be this hard, Miller said. The system should work with us not against us. Related... A Victorian home demolished in St. Augustine last summer is now helping shape statewide change. Governor Ron DeSantis has signed new legislation significantly increasing the penalties for illegally demolishing historic structures across Florida. Under the law, the fine goes from $5,000 to 20% of the assessed value of the property. Its a direct response to mounting concerns from local leaders, especially in St. Augustine, who say Floridas previous penalties lacked real consequences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< St. Augustine has been the beginning point of a lot of American history, whether thats early colonial history, or African American history, said Isabelle Lopez, City Attorney for St. Augustine. This new law gives communities more power to protect those stories. Snapshots from Zillow show a splendid Victorian home from 1888, demolished last summer. Although it was permitted to be torn down, it still sparked public outcry and fresh urgency to protect what remains. 1888 Victorian home: https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/11-Bridge-St-Saint-Augustine-FL-32084/251532938_zpid/ Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lopez helped lead the push for tougher protections. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Any time a historic building comes down, its controversial, Lopez said. The whole point of the bill is to incentivize people to not rush into demolishing a building before they check. St. Augustine is home to more than 3,500 historic structures, including 22 buildings dating back to the First Spanish Period. City officials said This law is a turning point for preservation efforts, not only in the nations oldest city, but across Florida. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Lopez said she frequently received calls from attorneys in other cities looking for ways to stop demolitions under the previous law, which many agreed lacked teeth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is St. Augustine, Lopez said. Were the heart of Floridas history. Its time our laws reflected that. Not only could this law help save irreplaceable architecture, supporters said, it could also create economic opportunities, such as transforming historic homes into boutique accommodations and Airbnbs that attract visitors and generate revenue. 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. (FOX40.COM) California Governor Gavin Newsom announced the launch of the Statewide Mobile Monitoring Initiative program, created to guide air quality improvement efforts in California. Video Above: Gov. Newsom announced CalHeatScore, a tool to help people understand the severity of heat waves While the federal government threatens to take us back to the days of smoggy skies and clogged lungs, California continues to lead the way, Newsom said. Were deploying first-of-their-kind vehicles to monitor pollution levels at a block-by-block level, delivering critical air quality information to communities across the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The program delivers hyper-local air pollution data by deploying mobile air monitoring equipment to 64 communities that have been facing environmental disparities in the state. The deployment of the monitoring equipment will begin in June, with the use of sensor-equipped vehicles from Aclima and mobile laboratories operated by researchers from the University of California, Berkeley; the University of California, Riverside and Aerodyne. The organizations involved plan on collecting and analyzing data on local pollution levels. The initiative comes along with the statewide effort, California Climate Investments, that puts billions of Cap-and-Invest dollars into reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment. Priority populations, such as low-income communities and communities facing disproportionate pollution burdens, will be more than 60% of the areas monitored, the office of Newsom said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elk Grove to welcome 2 new fast food chain locations By meeting communities where they are and listening to their concerns, were building an air quality monitoring system that integrates the lived experiences of the people most impacted by air pollution, said CARB Executive Director Dr. Steven Cliff. The Statewide Mobile Monitoring Initiative represents an unprecedented opportunity to gather the detailed information we need to better protect public health in neighborhoods that have historically borne the brunt of environmental injustice. The project is expected to be completed by June of 2026, along with the public availability of the collected data. The data will then be used by CARB, local air districts, stakeholders and community stakeholders to properly address emerging pollution concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The data is also expected to inform future regulatory programs, academic research, and applications for grants such as the Community Air Grants Program, said the office. The states clean air efforts have also saved $250 billion in health costs through reduced illness and reduced diesel-related cancer risk by almost 80 percent, according to the office. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News. Jun. 4Congresswoman Elise M. Stefanik has renewed her focus on state-level elections in New York, launching a new political action committee meant to boost GOP candidates in local races. On Wednesday, Stefanik, R-Schuylerville, announced she'd launched "Save New York PAC," echoing a refrain she's inserted into many of her public statements about state politics in recent weeks. "After years of failed single-party Democrat rule in New York, is has never been more clear that we need strong, commonsense Republican candidates and campaigns in local elections this November to build the groundwork for 2026," she said. "I am proud of the strong support my political team has developed over the past decade due to the generous support from New York voters and donors who have build our political apparatus into a fundraising and political juggernaut to deliver policies that benefit New Yorkers." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stefanik has been involved in local state politics for years as she became a more influential member of the national Republican party, she quietly built ranks of local volunteers who worked for her campaign and others, and the Congresswoman has been an influential booster for downballot Republicans across the state. She also spent years working to boost the presence of women within the Republican party with her Elevate-PAC that endorsed conservative female candidates in House races across New York and the nation. This latest step formalizes some of that state-level ground game, and comes at a time when the north country Congresswoman is openly floating a potential run for governor next year. Stefanik has tried to find a new lane forward after losing out on the U.N. Ambassadorship position she was nominated for in early April she's a member of House GOP leadership in a position only rarely used, and despite promises from the Speaker she still hasn't been restored to the House Intelligence Select Committee. She's floated a run for Governor in the last few weeks, appearing more prominently in New York Republican circles and hammering sitting Governor Kathleen C. Hochul over issue after issue. But an internal poll circulated among Republicans, first reported by the Time's Union's Dan Clark, shows that while Republicans have momentum to win in New York, it's a moderate candidate that's most likely to flip the state's highest elected office. That polling found that New York's electorate has shifted to be less favorable to Democrats and progressive policies over the last few election cycle. The polling also found that contentious issues at the national level, like DOGE and the threat of cuts to Medicaid and Medicare have driven some voters away from the GOP but not directly to the Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The result is that a strong contingent of non-aligned moderate voters will be up for grabs in 2026 and the polling found that about 26% of voters in New York define themselves as moderates, the largest group out of five ranging from "MAGA" to "progressive." The group who conducted the polling, Deep Root Analytics, contend that indicates Hudson Valley Representative Mike R. Lawler, R-Pearl River, is best suited to be the GOP nominee in the gubernatorial race in 2026. "A core tenant of Mike Lawler's success has been his ability to appeal to moderates and independents," their memo reads. The memo continued, noting that Lawler has focused regularly on local and bipartisan issues like the state and local tax deduction, Medicare and Medicaid. They said this track record gives "credence to a viewpoint that suggests Lawler is better positioned to compete in a statewide gubernatorial general election than any other Republican in New York." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unsaid in that message is that Stefanik is not as well positioned the Congresswoman has made her brand as a MAGA firebrand in recent years, catapulting herself from a moderate backbencher representing a quasi-swing district to a GOP hardliner in a position of power, representing a solidly Republican district. Stefanik has cemented herself as an ally of President Donald J. Trump on the national stage, and in local issues has not significantly deviated from the Presidents positions. That's something the state Democratic party has started to seize on, and it's a criticism she's faced before. Back in 2021, when the Biden administration was working to pass a COVID relief bill that included millions in infrastructure investment, the final agreement cut out a bill to direct money to the Seaway International Bridge in Massena, which came after the GOP dubbed the bridge money a pork project for Sen. Charles E. Schumer and Stefanik declined to push for it among her colleagues. Now, state Democrats are hammering her over her silence on another local issue the Trump administration's decision to cut billions in clean energy grants for private companies, including a $22 million investment for the Lowville Kraft-Heinz plant. That money would have decarbonized the plant, combining with Kraft-Heinz money to buy new, electric equipment and cut CO2 emissions by 99% in total. Senator Schumer called the cuts a travesty and demanded they be reversed and he called on Congresswoman Stefanik to join him in those calls. But despite outreach from multiple news organizations including the Watertown Daily Times, Stefanik has not said a word about the loss of funding for a critical manufacturer in her district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Elise Stefanik is putting her loyalty to Trump ahead of her constituents as the Trump administration cuts critical funding for one of the largest employers in her district," said Addison Dick, a spokesperson for the NY Democratic Party. "Stefanik has consistently backed Trump's reckless DOGE cuts and is refusing to stand up for New Yorkers pulling $22 million from the largest employer in Lewis County is an affront to the north country that will hurt a critical factory for upstate dairy farmers. New Yorkers deserve a leader who will fight for them instead of bending the knee to Trump at every turn, and Stefanik has shown no interest in doing her job." The congresswoman's office did not respond to a request for comment in response to the Dem's criticism but in an interview with conservative talk radio hose Sid Rosenberg on Tuesday, the Congresswoman reiterated her call to "save New York," and said that the key to winning the Governor's office isn't being moderate, it's being MAGA. "I have the strongest relationship with President Trump in the delegation," she told Rosenberg. "He was able to surge New York turnout, we are going to need those Trump voters, and it needs to be a candidate who excites those voters." Steve Bannon saw it coming. So forgive him for saying I told you so. In a call with me Thursday afternoon as President Donald Trump and erstwhile ally Elon Musk were trading escalating attacks online the godfather of the MAGA movement slammed the billionaire for betraying the president and being destructive to the Trump agenda in trying to tank the presidents big, beautiful bill. MAGAs done with him, Bannon declared, months after he first predicted that Trump and Musk would eventually fall out of favor and warned Trump to be wary of the tech baron and his motives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes also suggesting, as The New York Times first reported, that Trump suspend Musks security clearance, cancel his contracts, investigate his alleged drug use, and even consider deporting the naturalized U.S. citizen as an illegal alien. Bannon has long considered Musk a suspect character, someone who in his view is a particularly untrustworthy representative of a self-interested class of tech billionaires who had sidled up to Trump for all the wrong reasons and never truly was part of his America First movement. I took a lot of criticism, he noted, for calling Musk out at a time when the party was high on his promises to slice $2 trillion in government spending through his Department of Government Efficiency. I think MAGA is now seeing exactly what he was all along, he added. I'm just saying, Hey, told you knew this was gonna happen, folks. Not a hard one. Bannon pointed to two proximate reasons for the sudden unraveling of the relationship this week. To start, there was Musks decision to target what is shaping up to be Trumps greatest, and maybe only, second-term legislative accomplishment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its one thing, he said, to want changes to the big, beautiful bill like how Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) has pushed for more spending cuts or Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) has worked to protect Medicaid. Its quite another to tell 220 million followers to call up their representatives and KILL the BILL. He's not being constructive he's being destructive, Bannon said. He's made this a personal vendetta against the president of the United States because the president dismissed him. (Though, Ill note, they seemed to be on fine terms when Musk left the White House last month.) The other reason for the breakup, he said, was broader: Musks essential miscalculation that his $250 million investment in the 2024 elections could have bought him enduring influence with Trump. Trump is the least donor-responsive political figure in history he doesn't give two fucks, Bannon said. Elon was under some impression that you write Trump a big check and eventually there's going to be some sort of payoff. Trump doesn't work like that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk leaned into the notion that he feels wronged by Trump Thursday, writing on X of Trumps ingratitude and claiming that Trump would have lost the election without his intervention. Trump ever sensitive to those questioning his political acumen hit back hard. After staying silent for days as Musk fanned the flames against the megabill, he weighed in after Musks attacks turned personal. The easiest way to save money in our Budget. is to terminate Elons Government Subsidies and Contracts, he said, adding in a Bannon-esque flourish that Musk had been out only for himself: I took away his EV Mandate that forced everyone to buy Electric Cars that nobody else wanted (that he knew for months I was going to do!), and he just went CRAZY! The MAGA mega divorce has not only sucked up all the attention and headlines in Washington, its put so many Republicans in a suddenly awkward position essentially forced to pick sides. Will be interesting to see what Republican lawmakers do now, MAGA influence Laura Loomer wrote on X. Ive been on the hill all day and its all anyone is talking about. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One especially fawning Musk fan, Sen. Mike Lee of Utah, posted, But I really like both of them. But dont expect a whole lot of hand-wringing otherwise: Musk might be the richest man in the world, but Trump commands loyalty in a way the Tesla founder never has. Musk has the money, but Trump has the movement. MAGA is going to back the president 100 percent, Bannon agreed, dismissing Musks following as a smattering of crypto bros who have the mentality of 11-year-olds and worship his every move. Hes not wrong. Inside GOP political circles, Musk was seen as something of a joke until Trump adopted him into his inner circle. Republicans loved his deep pockets, but many privately mocked his efforts to elect Trump, noting that many of his own volunteers left because his get-out-the-vote effort was such a mess. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indeed, the Trump divorce is risky for Musk not only because hes alienating the most powerful man in the world, but because hes exposing how little political capital he has to go with his overwhelming financial capital. Conservatives on Capitol Hill didnt jump at his command to sink the bill; instead they mostly expressed frustration that he didnt help them fight for more cuts last month when it might have made a difference. Other Republicans predicted his decision to launch a personal campaign against Trump to the point of associating him with the late sexual predator Jeffrey Epstein will only alienate his allies in the GOP. If his goal here is to move legislation, this shows he really doesnt have the juice, said one Trump associate granted anonymity to speak frankly about Musk. At the end of the day, is Marjorie [Taylor Greene] going to go with Elon or Trump? Shes going with Trump. Bannon suggested that Musk would continue his broadsides against the president to try and worm his way back into the good graces of Democrats as he tries to bolster faltering Tesla sales. All of a sudden, prominent members of the opposition party, including top Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries, are taking his own words and quoting them back to voters. Rep. Ro Khanna of California is openly arguing Democrats should welcome him back in the fold. First thing, he's a business guy, Bannon said. He's got to sell some cars and he's not going to sell any cars to MAGA. An Ogle County jury has found Ray Gough, 72, to still be a sexually dangerous person in 2025. This is a rare charge that requires him to be held in prison until a psychiatric exam determines that he is no longer dangerous. In 1999, Gough was accused of molesting two boys, according to court records. Three more victims came forward since then, claiming Gough molested them at his horse farm when they were children. Ray Gough. Photo: Ogle County Jail Gough also had a 1991 conviction for aggravated criminal sexual abuse involving a 6-year-old boy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He requested a retrial and was granted one in 2004 after a Supreme Court ruling on his claim that he did not receive a speedy trial, due to the unavailability of several witnesses. Gough was found guilty of the charge of being a Sexually Dangerous Person in November 2014, after representing himself in court. Individuals charged with being a Sexually Dangerous Person must submit an application for recovery every two years. Gough submitted an application in 2020 and demanded a jury trial. On Wednesday, June 8th, 2022, a jury reviewed the findings of a socio-psychiatric report from a licensed evaluator and determined that Gough still suffered from a mental illness and was likely to re-offend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im very happy that the Ogle County Jury determined that the respondent remains sexually dangerous and that he stay in the Illinois Department of Corrections, Ogle County States Attorney Mike Rock said of the verdict. I also prosecuted the respondent in 2014 and I am grateful that the respondents victims can continue to feel safe. The States Attorneys Office says Gough will remain in the Illinois Department of Corrections in treatment until a time that he is deemed not to be sexually 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 MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports. Among the dozens of Oklahoma students who won awards at the Oklahoma National History Day in May, Stillwater Public Schools and Morrison Public Schools students stood out. Held at the Oklahoma History Center, the competition split students into two categories sixth-eighth grades and ninth-12th grades. Students qualified for the state competition by winning one of seven regional competitions across Oklahoma, according to a press release by the Oklahoma History Center Museum and the Oklahoma Historical Society. Stillwater Junior High student Leena Atiyeh placed first for her paper titled The Palestinian Catastrophe of 1948: How the Palestinians Lost Their Lives, Land, and Rights, and Stillwater junior Abigail Norwood won second place in the same category for The Boston Massacre: The Colonial Responsibility to Fight Against the Infringement of Rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stillwater Junior High student Sara Roberts placed third for her individual exhibit titled Braille, A Revolutionary Touch to History. Morrison Junior High students Lexi Kruse, Daydree Horne, Olivia Ross and Levi Brixey won first place for their group performance, The Great Dust Storm: How Drought and Devastation Influenced Responsible Farming. In the junior group documentary category, Stillwater Junior High students Isaac Ringsmuth, Charles Hardy and Ian Bidelspach placed second for The Indian Salt March: Gandhis March for Freedom. Emmy Xiang of Stillwater High School won third place for her senior paper, A King Tut Tomb: The Looting of Spiro Mounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morrison High student Emma Haken won second place for her senior individual exhibit Ten Days in a Madhouse: The Illustrious Career of Nellie Bly, while Morrison High student Emily Woodring took third place for her senior individual documentary The Angels of Auschwitz. Morrison High students Ariana Briny and Kynzi Kelty placed second for their senior group website Whispers of Motherhood: The Untold Stories of Maternity Homes, and Morrison High students Rebecca Taylor, Ava Williams and Aubrey Grim placed third in the same category for their website Sowing Seeds of Change: The Womens Land Army of Americas Influence on Rights and Responsibilities. In the senior group documentary category, Morrison High students Taleah Williams, Annie Kelly, Piper Roberts and Sydney Morgan captured first place with their documentary, Chilocco Indian Industrial School: A Rationale of Rights and Responsibilities. Stillwater High students Kody Veal and Alexander Peetoom placed third in the same category for their documentary Beyond the Blast: Insight to Engineers Rights and Responsibilities after the Challenger Disaster. In the Special Prizes categories, Morrison Public Schools also won the Sweepstakes Winner for the senior division. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the winners from the May competition will compete at the national competition in June. National History Day is a highly regarded academic program that is student-driven and allows students to learn about civic engagement while analyzing primary sources, according to the release. The cross-curricular program meets Oklahoma standards for social studies and other subjects. OkNHD implements project-based learning, focusing on historically themed topics. Students dive deep into primary and secondary research, using libraries, archives, museums and historic sites. Upon analyzing and interpreting their sources, they are required to draw their conclusions about the topics significance to history. Then they present their work through original papers, exhibits, performances, websites and documentaries, according to the release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students enter their projects into spring competitions at regional, state and national contests and professional historians, educators and community leaders evaluate them. This years theme was Rights & Responsibilities in History. The Bezos Family Foundation provided a grant to partially support the competition, which also covered NHD programs and professional workshop development for teachers. The history center is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, National Archives and an accredited member of the American Alliance of Museums, according to the release. Its mission is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Active weather has returned to KELOLAND today with rain moving from west to east. The greatest rain totals so far have been in southwestern South Dakota, where areas like Pine Ridge have received half an inch of rain. The rain will continue to hang around going into the evening and overnight hours. Any extra accumulation will range from a trace to a tenth of an inch. Lows will stay seasonable to the east in the mid 50s, while West River will cool into the 40s. Winds will continue to stay light, but another wave will move in for tomorrow and bring scattered rain showers. It will be one of the cooler days of the 7 day forecast with highs in the upper 60s to low 70s. We will see more rain chances going into Saturday as a cold front pushes through KELOLAND. The best chances are looking to be East River Saturday afternoon through Sunday morning. Warmer air and southwest winds ahead of the front could create conditions favorable for thunderstorms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is a marginal risk for severe weather in northeastern South Dakota. Stronger storms could produce hail and isolated, strong wind gusts. More drier air will move in as a ridge pushes eastward into Sunday. Quieter conditions are going to return with highs getting back into the 80s across KELOLAND for the middle of 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 KELOLAND.com. WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) A day after torrential rains swamped parts of Wichita, the city is still drying outand cleaning up. Flooded roads, swamped basements, and closed parks are just some of the problems left behind. At one of the worst-hit intersections, 1st and Bleckley, a woman had to be rescued from her car as water rose around her. KSN spoke with Stacy Miller, the daughter of the woman who was saved. Rose Hill man denies charges in girls death Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stacy Miller says her 80-year-old mom ended up in the floodwaters while trying to get back home from a doctors appointment. She says she got a call from her sister that their mom was in neck-deep water, which is when she immediately hung up the phone and ran into her car. She says she was horrified. I just wanted to go and grab her and get her to go with me, and obviously, no one would let me do that, Miller said. I understand, but your mind doesnt think that way when you see someone. She said it felt almost like an out-of-body experience. Shes grateful her mom didnt get hurt, and grateful for help from neighbors. Flooding in basements The rain flooded more than the roads. Many basements are still dealing with standing water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One foundation repair expert says he typically gets one or two calls a day. Now, hes getting 10. When the soils saturate around here they swell, and then they cause these pressures, and you get cracks, and the more rain, the more pressure, the more the cracks will widen, said Nick Trotter, owner of Chief Cornerstone Foundation. He says water leaking into a basement can be a sign of cracks in the foundation. Those can cause a house to start to collapse or sink into the ground. Playgrounds closed The flooding around Wichita forced the closure of some playgrounds. Fabrique and Sleepy Hollow parks, as well as Clapp Dog Park, are all closed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Park and Recreation director for the city says they are trying to get parks open as soon as possible, but some things need to be replaced. Whats more so is water getting under some surfaces, and some chips were flooding out, said Reggie Davidson, Park and Recreation director for the City of Wichita. We want to make sure its safe. He says timing depends on how long it takes to get supplies. He adds that the department is moving as fast as they can. He says Park and Recreation inspected playgrounds before closing them. Theyll replace the components, then inspect the parks again before reopening. 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. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) The 4Warn Storm is keeping an eye on more storms moving into Oklahoma Thursday evening. Officials say there is a slight risk of storms across most of the state Thursday night into Friday morning. Theres potential for storms with heavy rainfall, continuing the risk of flooding. The threat of tornadoes is low, but cannot be ruled out this time of year. Rain is predicted to continue into the weekend, Friday night into Saturday. Oklahoma Weather Radar Oklahoma Weather Watches and Warnings Map KFOR SkyCam Network Oklahoma Closings and Delays Oklahoma Weather Alerts Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 4Warn Meteorologist Jon Slater recommends staying tuned to weather alerts this weekend. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HONOLULU (KHON2) In the ahupuaa of Honolulu, which lies in the moku of Kona here on Oahu, stands a symbol of Hawaiian pride. We are speaking of King Kamehameha I Statue. Kaahumanu St, from Downtown Honolulu to Pearl City What was originally proposed to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Captain Cooks arrival to Hawaii, an image of a 45-year-old King Kamehameha I was chosen as a monument promoting Hawaiian national pride. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a cost of $10,000, it was politician Walter Gibson representing Lahaina who had proposed the idea. Having been started in Boston and completed in Paris, the 7-foot-tall statue left Germany on a ship in August of 1880. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You Six months later, word reached Hawaii that the ship went down off the coast of Falkland Islands, losing all of its cargo. Following the loss of the original statue, a second statue of King Kamehameha I was commissioned. But to the governments surprise, the original was recovered and arrived in Honolulu a couple months prior to its replacement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, there are four. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Molded after the marble Roman scultpure of Augustus Ceasar, King Kamehameha is shown as a Pacific Hero. The replacement statue was installed first on Oahu in 1883 at its present location fronting Aliiolani Hale. The recovered, original statue was unveiled a couple months later in Kohala on Hawaii Island as it is the Kings birthplace. In 1969, following statehood, a statue of the Father of the Hawaiian Kingdom was installed in the US Capitol Statutory Hall. The final statue was installed in Hilo in 1997, which was originally for a hotel on Kauai, but Kauai residents said no because King Kamehameha I failed to conquer them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Did you know? Now you do! Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. Jun. 4MARSHALL COUNTY, Minn. A multi-felony theft case against a Strandquist, Minnesota, man was dismissed after his co-defendant took responsibility for financially exploiting her mother. Jeffrey Lars McHam, 66, was charged in June 2024 with one count of financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult, breaching fiduciary obligation and failing to provide care. Four more counts of the same charge were added the next month. In December, all five counts were amended to felony theft charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All five charges were dismissed Thursday, May 22, the day after McHam's co-defendant, Peggy Ann Omdahl, pleaded guilty to felony financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult. Omdahl was granted a stay of adjudication, which means she will serve no jail time and, if she successfully completes her two-year probationary period, her criminal case will be dismissed entirely. The most updated probable cause statement filed in McHam's case says Marshall County Social Services and the Marshall County Sheriff's Office received a vulnerable adult report in November 2023 that alleged Omdahl and McHam financially exploited Omdahl's elderly mother. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At that point, Omdahl had been her mother's power of attorney for more than a decade. McHam was her long-term significant other, according to the statement. Omdahl's mother moved into a nursing home in November 2022. As of February 2024, she owed $140,504.72 to the home for her care, the statement said. Only four payments had been made throughout her time living there. Social services determined that a total of $115,038.70 in checks had been written to Omdahl. A total of $10,000 in checks were written to McHam, and $160,061.81 in payments were made to a Capital One credit card. As of December 2019, Omdahl's mother had $119,412.18 in her account. By January of 2024, she had $3,062.17. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Omdahl told law enforcement she hadn't spent any of her mother's money on herself; she said anything spent benefited her mother directly. Omdahl also claimed the Capital One card payments were funds used to repair her mother's home in case her mother was able to return there. McHam was accused of using the Capital One card for his personal use, paying it off with Omdahl's mother's account. McHam's case was dismissed without prejudice, meaning that he could be recharged for the same matter in the future. A document filed by the prosecution says that the reason for dismissal was the interest of justice, as well as the plea agreement in Omdahl's case. Arnold Schwarzenegger has never been one to sit quietly while the world burnsliterally or figuratively. And at this years Austrian World Summit, the former California governor issued a tough-love rallying cry to frustrated environmental activists with a message as bold as it was simple: "Stop whining." Thats the two-word challenge he says could turn the tide in the fight against climate changenot by waiting for leaders in Washington to act, but by taking matters into our own hands. Whining doesnt change anything. Whining doesnt build anything, he said, responding to growing disillusionment from climate advocates. Sometimes problems need to be solved by the people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead of directing fire at politicians, though he subtly referenced U.S. leaders whove rolled back environmental protections, Schwarzenegger urged individuals, local governments, and businesses to step up. He pointed to mayors transitioning fleets to electric vehicles, schools installing solar panels, and CEOs cutting corporate emissions. Real progress, he argued, doesnt need permission from the Oval Office. I know this sounds a little bit like a motivational speech... because it is, he added with signature bluntness. Schwarzenegger drew on his own history for proof. As governor, he spearheaded emissions regulations that clashed with federal policy. When the Environment Protection Agency tried to block Californias efforts in 2007, he didnt back downhe sued. And won. Did we whine like little girlie men? he asked. No, we sued them. We took the fight from court to court to court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, he says, it's time for that same energy. You dont need to be the president to be a hero, he told the crowd. You just need to care and get off your butts and get to work. Because sometimes, two words are all it takes to start a movement. Perhaps, in this case, these two could lead to saving the planet. Related: Arnold Schwarzeneggers Son Stuns in Rare Outing After Dramatic Transformation This Strong Two-Word Message from Arnold Schwarzenegger Might Just Save the Planet first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 5, 2025 UPDATE: The student has been identified as Terrence Jones. Jones is charged with threatening mass violence at school or a school activity and carrying or possession of a weapon on school property. Jones is currently held in jail on a $10,000 bond. He is due back in court on Monday morning. *** MEMPHIS, Tenn. A potential tragedy was averted after law enforcement detained a man who threatened a downtown Memphis campus on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Memphis Police, a 19-year-old student brought a nine-millimeter weapon to the Tennessee College of Applied Technology campus on Alabama Avenue and threatened to shoot his classmates and himself. Memphis Police confirmed that the suspect was detained. Police say the suspects name will be released if charges are filed. Law enforcement contacted Memphis State Representatives G.A. Hardaway and Mark White a short time later. Well, I can tell you that the campus is safe. Well start there. I can tell you that the students are well protected, Hardaway said. Police report has new details on MS nightclub attack Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was a student who had said something to another student that he was going to come on campus the next day, which was today, and he was going to shoot up his class and maybe even go out outside the class and shoot other students, but then kill himself, White said. The quick thinking of another student averted a potential tragedy. Luckily, the student that heard this reported this to the law enforcement, and the law enforcement was on campus early this morning with Homeland Security, White said. They met the student when he arrived, they got out of his car. He did have a gun in the car, so they arrested him. Still, some lawmakers say incidents like this spark the need for more debate and action about gun reform in Tennessee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were not in full agreement on what regulation and education of firearms needs to look like, but everyone is smart enough to know that the old adage of a good guy with a gun will prevent all of these gun crimes. That thats a fairy tale, Hardaway 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 WREG.com. TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) A body was found Thursday morning, June 5, at the Sullivan County Jail, resulting in Indiana State Police launching a death investigation, according to Sullivan County Sheriff Jason Bobbitt. At the request of the Sullivan County Sheriff, the Indiana State Police are conducting the death investigation, said Indiana State Police Sergeant Matt Ames. The identity of the body has not been identified at this time. Sgt. Ames said an autopsy has been scheduled for Saturday morning, and the family of the individual has been notified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is still an ongoing investigation and WTWO/WAWV will update this story with more information as it becomes available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyWabashValley.com. HONOLULU (KHON2) The Honolulu Police Commission met on June 4 but could not discuss Chief Joe Logans retirement due to state law. The commission meeting went forward but Logans June 30th retirement could not be discussed due to sunshine laws. Testifiers voiced strong opinions on his exit and Mayor Rick Blangiardis quick push for Hawaii County Chief Ben Moszkowicz as interim chief. North Shore community members discuss gondola plans Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think in this case hes overstepped his authority in leadership, done disservice to this department. I think he was out of order to talk to chief into resigning, but it is what it is, said retired police Lt. Alexander Garcia. Commission member Doug Chin praised Logan for his commitment and noted the Honolulu Police Departments ongoing operations amid the transition. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Despite all thats going on outside, were still functioning, the day-to-day work is still being done, and you are showing up and that means a lot, I appreciate it, Chin said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Applicants for the interim chief position have until June 13 to get their resumes in for consideration two have done so already. We have Chief Moskowitz, Ben Moskowitz, and then we also have Tommy Aiu. I had just heard from my executive officer that he had submitted, said Commission chair Ken Silva. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You The Commission will address Logans retirement and the interim chief appointment at their next meeting on June 18. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. This fall, SUNY Oneonta will be part of the expansion of a SUNY system-wide retention program to provide students with additional academic, financial and personal support to stay on track and graduate on time. According to a news release from the university, 150 students at SUNY Oneonta will be eligible this fall semester to receive financial resources and "wrap around support" to remove barriers to full-time study, help gain and maintain academic momentum and create a connected community among students. Any SUNY student who receives at least $1 of federal Pell or New York state grant aid (TAP or Excelsior) is likely to be eligible for the new Advancing Completion through Engagement program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ACE Program is part of a larger effort recently championed in the 2025-2026 state budget, according to the release. A $12 million investment will sustain and expand the ASAP|ACE retention and completion programs to reach 6,000 students across New York state next year with a goal of 10,000 students within two years. SUNY Oneonta is committed to connecting our students with all the means necessary to learn and graduate. Advising and counseling our students to meet their unique situations creates an inclusive environment that benefits all, SUNY Oneonta President Alberto Cardelle said. We are excited to offer SUNY ACE, an evidence-based retention program, as one more meaningful investment in our students success. It has been over two years since the Baghdad-based Federal Government of Iraq (FGI) placed an embargo on independent oil exports from the Erbil-based Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). The legal basis for the halting of these essential flows to the finances of the semi-autonomous region of Kurdistan was the International Chamber of Commerces (ICC) order that they would not be resumed until Turkey paid the FGI the US$1.5 billion in damages for these allegedly unauthorised oil exports over many previous years. That said, the real reason why the FGI moved to stop the KRIs independent oil sales is simply that it wants to remove any independent status from the region and roll it into the rest of Iraq as just another province like any other. Baghdad has correctly identified the best way of doing this as cutting off the KRIs key source of revenue through which it finances its semi-autonomous status revenues from independent oil sales. Early in his new office, Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Sudani carefully laid out this as being Baghdads plan when he introduced the new Unified Oil Law being drafted at the time. He said that it would be run in every respect out of Baghdad, that it will govern all oil and gas production and investments in both Iraq and its semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, and that it will constitute a strong factor for Iraqs unity. Related: Pipelines That Could Spark the Next Price Shock Unsurprisingly, the great global powers have their own views on whether the KRI should lose its semi-independent status and be subsumed into a greater Iraq. To begin with, both the U.S. and its allies, and China and its allies, know that Iraq as a whole is full of oil (and associated gas). The FGI side officially holds a very conservatively-estimated 145 billion barrels of proved crude oil reserves (nearly 18% of the Middle Easts total, and the fifth biggest on the planet), according to the Energy Information Administration. Unofficially, it is extremely likely that it holds much more oil than this. In October 2010, Iraqs Oil Ministry increased its own official figure for the countrys proven reserves but at the same time stated that Iraqs undiscovered resources amounted to around 215 billion barrels, as analysed in full in my latest book on the new global oil market order. This was also a figure that had been arrived at in a 1997 detailed study by the respected independent oil and gas firm Petrolog. However, even this did not include the KRIs actual and potential oil reserves. As the International Energy Agency highlighted at the time, before the relatively recent rise of exploration activity in the semi-autonomous region, more than half of the exploratory wells had been drilled prior to 1962 -- a time when technical limits and a low oil price gave a much tighter definition of a commercially successful well than would be the case today. Based on the previous limited exploration and development of oil fields in the KRI area, the proven oil reserves figure was first put at around 4 billion barrels. This was subsequently upgraded by the KRG to around 45 billion barrels but, again, this may well be a very conservative estimate of the oil resources there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally important to both sets of superpowers is Iraqs geographical and geopolitical importance, located as it is in the heart of the worlds greatest hydrocarbons region. In the formers case it is a key link in the land bridge from the Asia-Pacific region into Europe and in the case of the latter it is a core part of the Shia Crescent of Power dominated by Iran as a counterpoint to the Sunni style of Islam championed by Saudi Arabia. Given these factors, the stakes for both the West and the East in winning the most influence in the country north, south or combined are exceptionally high. To put it plainly: the U.S. and its key allies want the KRI to terminate all links with Chinese, Russian and Iranian companies connected to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps over the long term, a senior source who works closely with the European Unions (E.U.) energy security complex exclusively told OilPrice.com recently. This could then be used as a bridgehead to reassert the Wests influence in the rest of Iraq through big investment deals firstly, and then related infrastructure developments, he added. The most notable such deal in the south of Iraq so far is TotalEnergies US$27 billion four-pronged deal, including the cornerstone Common Seawater Supply Project, analysed fully in my latest book. In the north, BPs US$25 billion deal across five major oil fields is similarly strategically vital for the Wests future plans. The U.S. and Israel also have a further strategic interest in utilising the Kurdistan Region as a base for ongoing monitoring operations against Iran, according to the E.U. source. On the other side of the equation, China and Russia have long been behind the idea of subsuming the KRI into the wider Iraq. As a senior political source in Moscow exclusively told OilPrice.com many months ago: Iraq will be one unified country and by keeping the West out of energy deals there, the end of Western hegemony in the Middle East will become the decisive chapter in the Wests final demise. Legally speaking, Iraqs 2005 Constitution cannot settle the matter of whether the KRI or FGI has the predominant rights over revenues from oil drilled in the KRIs area. According to the KRG, it has authority under Articles 112 and 115 to manage oil and gas in the Kurdistan Region extracted from fields that were not in production in 2005 -- the year that the Constitution was adopted by referendum. In addition, the KRG maintains that Article 115 states: All powers not stipulated in the exclusive powers of the federal government belong to the authorities of the regions and governorates that are not organised in a region. As such, the KRG maintains that, as relevant powers are not otherwise stipulated in the Constitution, it has the authority to sell and receive revenue from its oil and gas exports. Additionally, it argues the Constitution provides that, should a dispute arise, priority shall be given to the law of the regions and governorates. However, the FGI maintains that under Article 111, oil and gas are under the ownership of all the people of Iraq in all the regions and governorates, which means they should be controlled by the FGI via the State Organization for Marketing of Oil. Consequently, given the lack of legal clarity on the issue, the KRIs future looks set to be determined by a straight superpower brawl. China would seem currently to have the advantage in terms of land and resources held. More than a third of all Iraqs proven oil and gas reserves and over two-thirds of its current production are managed by Chinese companies, according to industry figures. In hard numbers, Chinese companies combined have direct shares in around 24 billion barrels of reserves and are responsible for production of around 3.0 million barrels per day (bpd). Additionally, it has developed a spiders web of influence through multiple infrastructure projects that run adjunct to its oil and gas developments, as also detailed fully in my latest book. That said, the U.S. and its allies appear to be picking up the pace on building out their presence across Iraq, too, in line with the aforementioned plan to do so. In addition to the potentially game-changing projects of TotalEnergies and BP, May 19 saw two deals signed by U.S. firms HKN Energy, and WesternZagros, to develop two fields the Miran gas field and the Topkhana oil and gas field -- in the KRI area. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright was also very clear about the deeper intention behind these deals, saying that they align with the administrations broader strategy of striking commercial deals with allies to counter Irans influence. By extension, given the extremely strong links between Tehran and Beijing and Moscow, this also means countering Chinas and Russias influence across Iraq as well. By Simon Watkins for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Read this article on OilPrice.com The Supreme Court ruled unanimously Thursday in favor of U.S. gun manufacturers and blocked a liability lawsuit brought by the government of Mexico, which sought to hold the companies accountable for the trafficking of their weapons south of the border to fuel violence by the cartels. The government argued in its historic lawsuit that American firearms manufacturers, including Smith & Wesson, Glock, Beretta and Colt, were "aiding and abetting" the illicit flow of weapons across the border. Mexico sought $10 billion in damages, court-mandated safety mechanisms and sales restrictions for U.S.-made guns. Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: Guns are seen for sale in EJB's Gun Shop in Capitol Heights, Maryland, March 14, 2023. MORE: Supreme Court likely to shoot down Mexico's $10B lawsuit against US gun makers Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Justice Elena Kagan said in her opinion that federal law grants broad immunity to U.S. gun companies and unquestionably protects them from Mexico's claims. "Mexico alleges that the companies aided and abetted unlawful sales routing guns to Mexican drug cartels. The question presented is whether Mexico's complaint plausibly pleads that conduct. We conclude it does not," Kagan wrote. Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: Associate US Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan poses for the official photo at the Supreme Court in Washington, Oct. 7, 2022. The Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act of 2005 bars lawsuits against any gun manufacturer over the illegal acts of a person using one of a manufacturer's guns. But it does create an exception for claims involving a gun company's alleged knowing violation of rules governing the sale and marketing of firearms. Mexico argues that its lawsuit fell under the exception and was seeking $10 billion in damages and court-mandated safety mechanisms and sales restrictions for U.S.-made guns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Supreme Court battle spotlights guns trafficked from US into Mexico "Mexico has not met that bar," Kagan wrote for the court. "Its complaint does not plausibly allege the kind of 'conscious . . . and culpable participation in another's wrongdoing' needed to make out an aiding-and-abetting charge." "When a company merely knows that some bad actors are taking advantage of its products for criminal purposes, it does not aid and abet. And that is so even if the company could adopt measures to reduce their users' downstream crimes," Kagan concluded. The decision is the first time the high court has weighed in on the sweeping gunmaker immunity that Congress enacted aimed at protecting the industry. Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: Guns are seen for sale in EJB's Gun Shop in Capitol Heights, Maryland, March 14, 2023. Mexico has only one gun store, but is awash in millions of American-made weapons, most funneled into the country by straw purchasers in the U.S. By one estimate, at least 200,000 guns flow south of the border each year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Today's decision will end Mexico's lawsuit against the gun industry, but it does not affect our ability and resolve to hold those who break the law accountable," said David Pucino, the legal director and deputy chief counsel at GIFFORDS Law Center. "All survivors, in the United States, in Mexico, and anywhere else, deserve their day in court, and we will continue to support them in their fight for justice." Pablo Arrocha Olabuenaga, the legal adviser for Mexico's Foreign Ministry, said that they are "disappointed" with the Supreme Court's decision. "The Mexican Government will continue to do everything in its power to protect Mexicans and to stop the crime gun pipeline," Olabuenaga said in a statement. Jonathan Lowey, president of Global Action on Gun Violence and backer of the Mexico case, said the decision is "the clearest evidence yet that the gun industry's special interest get-out-court-free card must be revoked." "The Court made clear that the door to accountability for the gun industry is not shut, and we look forward to working with Mexico further to stop the crime gun pipeline that makes Mexicans and Americans less safe," Lowey said in a statement. A Thursday Supreme Court decision about workplace discrimination is expected to change the way that employment law is practiced in the U.S. and make it easier for people to lodge claims against their organizations. The court unanimously ruled that people who belong to majority groups, which would include white people or heterosexual people, do not need to show a higher standard of proof or background circumstances in order to sue their employers. Until now, some lower circuit courts placed a higher burden on these plaintiffs, requiring them to prove that their employer was unusual in its moves to discriminate against them. The case was brought by Marlean Ames, a former government employee for the state of Ohio who sued her employer after she was passed over for two promotions that were given to gay coworkers instead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Supreme Court ruled that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act doesnt specify between majority and minority groups, and that the burden of discrimination applies to all groups equally. The court essentially decided that discrimination is discrimination, and that all concerns around such should be taken seriously. And that means there being no higher burden, as a matter of law, to show it, says Nonnie Shivers, employment and labor attorney and managing shareholder at firm Ogletree Deakins. The court ruled as expected, but legal experts say the decision will have major ramifications across the employment sphere, and will likely lead to an uptick in reverse discrimination cases, in which a member of a majority group sues over perceived prejudice. We should expect to see this trend continue, and see an uptick in these so-called reverse discrimination claims brought by men who are not members of historically disadvantaged groups, Michael Steinberg, a labor and employment attorney at firm Seyfarth Shaw, tells Fortune. Now theyll be armed with the Ames case, which confirms that the same framework for discrimination applies to anyone. The courts decision comes as diversity, equity and inclusion practices in corporate America are under attack. Over the past two years, many companies have rolled back their DEI practices following the Supreme Courts decision to ban affirmative action in colleges and universities. Although that decision did not apply to companies, it proved to be an inflection point around cultural attitudes towards DEI, and led to ripple effects in the working world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the past few months, the Trump administration has taken aim at DEI in the workplace through a series of executive orders. Those moves have forced companies to reexamine their policies and decide whether or not they will stand by their DEI programs, change them in significant ways, or simply alter them in small ways to stay out of political crosshairs. Some Supreme Court justices, including Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch, specifically cited DEI in their decisions. Thomas wrote that employers in America have been obsessed with diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and affirmative action plans, and have overtly discriminated against those they deem members of so-called majority groups. Its not surprising, but its confirmation that at least two of the justices on the Supreme Court are hostile to DEI, says David Glasgow, executive director of the Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging at New York University, tells Fortune. I dont think theres been another case where theyve actually put in writing, and these concurrences are sometimes used as breadcrumbs to encourage potential plaintiffs to see shifts in the wind and then follow them right to bring future claims. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com WASHINGTON The Supreme Court on Thursday revived a woman's claim that she was discriminated against at work because she is straight. The unanimous ruling could make it easier in some parts of the country for people belonging to majority groups to bring such reverse discrimination claims. It overturns precedent in some lower courts that says someone from a majority group has to meet a higher bar than someone from a minority group for a case to move forward. Marlean Ames sued the Ohio Department of Youth Services under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits sex discrimination in the workplace, after a lesbian woman obtained a promotion she had applied for. She was later demoted, and her old position was taken by a gay man. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Writing for the court, liberal Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson said the test had no basis in the text of Title VII or cases that have interpreted it. We conclude that Title VII does not impose such a heightened standard on majority group plaintiffs, she wrote. Marlean Ames outside her lawyer's office in Akron, Ohio, on Feb. 20. (Maddie McGarvey for The Washington Post via Getty Images file) The ruling means Ames' case will return to lower courts and edges closer toward a trial or settlement. We're of course pleased that this is the end of quite a long journey for Ms. Ames, said Xiao Wang, one of her lawyers. This was a major legal hurdle in front of her. This is something she is incredibly pleased about. Dominic Binkley, a spokesman for Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, who represents the state employer in the case, said in a statement that the case is by no means over because the state did not engage in unlawful discrimination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added that Ohio has always argued that litigants should not be treated differently based on whether they are from a majority group. At a time when diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, policies are under attack from the Trump administration, the ruling could make it easier for white people who say they face racial discrimination to bring claims. Conservative Justice Clarence Thomas wrote a separate concurring opinion in which he referred to an amicus brief filed by Trump-allied group America First Legal, which has brought cases against various companies, including Starbucks and IBM, alleging race and sex discrimination. Thomas wrote that a number of this nations largest and most prestigious companies have overtly discriminated against those they deem members of so-called majority groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ames has worked at the department since 2004, but the dispute arose after she began reporting to a lesbian woman in 2017. She was denied the promotion she sought two years later and demoted soon after that. She was at work on Thursday when the Supreme Court ruled. The state says Ames was demoted because new leadership in the agency wanted to restructure its operations to focus on sexual violence in the juvenile corrections system. Ames had led a program aimed at combating rape in prison but was seen as difficult to work with, according to the states court papers. Officials involved in making those decisions are straight, the state has pointed out. Lower courts, including the Cincinnati-based 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, ruled for the state agency. Ames then turned to the Supreme Court. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com A unanimous Supreme Court sided with a straight woman in her discrimination appeal, ruling that a lower court applied too strict a standard against her. The justices sent her case back to that lower court for further litigation under the proper standard. After being passed over and demoted in favor of a lesbian woman and a gay man, Marlean Ames brought a discrimination claim against her employer, the Ohio Department of Youth Services. But as a member of a majority group, she had a greater burden to show what courts call background circumstances that would support the suspicion that the defendant is that unusual employer who discriminates against the majority. The legal question at the Supreme Court was whether majority-group plaintiffs need to show such circumstances. In a unanimous opinion by Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the court said the additional requirement is inconsistent with federal law and Supreme Court precedent, so it sent the case back for further litigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the parties who agreed that the lower court ruling against Ames got it wrong were not only the America First Legal Foundation, a group founded by Donald Trump ally Stephen Miller, but also the federal government during the Biden administration. The background circumstances requirement has no basis in Title VIIs text, and it contradicts this Courts precedent, including the Courts assurances that all plaintiffs may proceed according to the same standards, the government wrote in a December filing from the office of then-Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 bars the failure or refusal to hire or to discharge any individual, or otherwise to discriminate against any individual with respect to his compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment, because of such individuals race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Ohios Republican attorney general, Dave Yost, defended the state. His office cast the background circumstances rule as a simple application of Supreme Court precedent thats just another way of asking whether the circumstances surrounding an employment decision, if otherwise unexplained, suggest that the decision was because of a protected characteristic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a developing story. Check back for updates. 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 Donald Trumps legal cases. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com June 5 (UPI) -- The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled Thursday that a straight woman can move forward with her Title VII Civil Rights Act job discrimination lawsuit, which claimed "reverse discrimination." The justices voted 9-0 to side with Marlean Ames, ruling that she faced a higher burden to be able to sue for discrimination as a straight woman after she was passed up for job opportunities in favor of two LGBTQ applicants. "We conclude that Title VII does not impose such a heightened standard on majority-group plaintiffs," the court wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ames sued the Ohio Department of Youth Services after she was denied a management position in favor of a lesbian woman hired for that job. She also lost out on another job at the agency when a gay man was hired instead as a program administrator. The lower court judgment was vacated and the Ames case was remanded back to the lower court to be heard applying the Supreme Court's finding. The decision said the Sixth Circuit erred when it "implemented a rule that requires certain Title VII plaintiffs-those who are members of majority groups-to satisfy a heightened evidentiary standard." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ruling makes it easier for majority-group plaintiffs to argue "reverse discrimination" lawsuits. At issue was the "background circumstances" rule. As interpreted by the Sixth Circuit, that rule requires members of a majority group to satisfy a heightened evidentiary standard in Title VII lawsuits. "Congress left no room for courts to impose special requirements on majority-group plaintiffs alone," the Supreme Court decision said. "The Sixth Circuit's 'background circumstances' rule requires plaintiffs who are members of a majority group to bear an additional burden at step one. But the text of Title VII's disparate-treatment provision draws no distinctions between majority-group plaintiffs and minority-group plaintiffs." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Supreme Court said that provision "focuses on individuals rather than groups, barring discrimination against 'any individual' because of protected characteristics." The high court rejected Ohio's argument that the "background circumstances" rule does not subject majority-group plaintiffs to a heightened legal standard when they sue alleging discrimination under Title VII. "The 'background circumstances' rule -- which subjects all majority-group plaintiffs to the same, highly specific evidentiary standard in every case -- ignores the Court's instruction to avoid inflexible applications of the prima facie standard," the Supreme Court wrote. The Supreme Court held that "the standard for proving disparate treatment under Title VII does not vary based on whether or not the plaintiff is a member of a majority group." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Civil Rights Act bars discrimination based on "race, color, religion, sex or national origin." Ohio maintained Ames was not chosen for the jobs in question due to her lack of the necessary vision and leadership skills, not because she was straight. A three-judge Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals panel agreed that Ames would have been likely to prevail if she was a gay woman. But they ruled against her due to the higher burden created by the Sixth Circuit interpretation of the "background circumstances" rule. The Supreme Court sided with the firearms industry in ruling that Mexicos novel lawsuit didnt plausibly allege that gun companies had aided and abetted unlawful sales routing guns to Mexican drug cartels. In asserting that the manufacturers intentionally supply guns to bad-apple dealers, Mexico never confronts that the manufacturers do not directly supply any dealers, bad-apple or otherwise, Justice Elena Kagan wrote for a unanimous court. Mexico had sued seven U.S. firearm manufacturers and a distributor for allegedly aiding and abetting illegal sales, arguing that the companies intentionally facilitated unlawful trafficking of their firearms across the southern border, supplying a demand by Mexican drug cartels that seek out American-made military-style weapons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the companies argued that Mexicos legal theory was too far-fetched. Indeed, if Mexico is right, then every law enforcement organization in America has missed the largest criminal conspiracy in history operating right under their nose, and Budweiser is liable for every accident caused by underage drinkers since it knows that teenagers will buy beer, drive drunk, and crash, argued Noel Francisco, a former solicitor general under Donald Trump, to the justices on behalf of the industry in March. The First Circuit gravely erred in embracing that implausible theory and should be reversed, Francisco added, referring to the federal appeals court that greenlit Mexicos lawsuit to move forward last year. The appellate panel noted that the increase in gun violence in Mexico correlates with the increase of gun production in the United States, beginning with the end of the United States assault-weapon ban in 2004. 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 Donald Trumps legal cases. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com WASHINGTON The Supreme Court on Thursday ruled in favor of Catholic Church-affiliated charitable groups, saying they were wrongly denied religious exemptions from a Wisconsin tax that funds unemployment benefits. The justices ruled unanimously that the state's decision unlawfully discriminated against the groups on the basis of religion under the free exercise clause of the Constitution's First Amendment. The court rejected a Wisconsin Supreme Court decision that said that the groups operating under the Catholic Charities Bureau of the Diocese of Superior were not sufficiently religious in purpose. The state already provided exemptions for religious institutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Religious entities have long received tax exemptions at the state and federal level. Writing for the court, liberal Justice Sonia Sotomayor noted the importance of the government remaining neutral when it comes to different religions. When the government distinguishes among religions based on theological differences in their provision of services, it imposes a denominational preference that must satisfy the highest level of judicial scrutiny, Sotomayor said. But Wisconsin had transgressed that principle, she added. The groups involved in the case Headwaters, Barron County Developmental Services, Diversified Services and Black River Industries primarily serve developmentally disabled people. Their programs are open to non-Catholics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Wisconsin Labor and Industry Review Commission had concluded the charitable groups were not operated primarily for religious purposes under state law. The Wisconsin Supreme Court in 2024 upheld the state commissions finding, saying the groups activities were mostly secular in nature and that they do not attempt to imbue program participants with the Catholic faith nor supply any religious materials. The Wisconsin unemployment compensation system was set up in 1932 to provide a safety net for people who lose their jobs. Similar programs in other states and the Federal Unemployment Tax Act also include religious exemptions. The Catholic groups had strong backing at the Supreme Court from other Christian sects and different religious faiths. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com The Supreme Court ruled Thursday that the nation's anti-discrimination laws apply equally to all employees, regardless of whether those complaining of bias are white or Black, gay or straight. In a short and unanimous opinion, the justices rejected as outdated and mistaken the view that "members of a majority group" must show more evidence of discrimination before they can sue and win. Instead, the justices said the Civil Rights Act of 1964 has always prohibited workplace discrimination against "any individual" who suffers discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin and sex, including sexual orientation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law "draws no distinctions between majority-group plaintiffs and minority-group plaintiffs," Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson said. The ruling revives a discrimination lawsuit brought by Marlean Ames, an Ohio woman who said she was demoted and discriminated against by a lesbian who became her supervisor. She was then replaced by a gay man who had less experience. Ames is a heterosexual woman. She sued her employer, the Ohio Department of Youth Services, and alleged she was discriminated against because of her sexual orientation. But a federal judge rejected her discrimination claim, and the 6th Circuit Court in Cincinnati affirmed that decision. In doing so, the judges said she could not point to "background circumstances" or statistical evidence suggesting that hers was the "unusual employer who discriminates against the majority." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Law students at the University of Virginia Law School appealed her case to the Supreme Court. They pointed out that the 6th Circuit and several other courts continue to use an outdated, two-track approach to discrimination claims. This is not the standard in much of the nation, however. For example, they said the 9th Circuit Court based in California does not follow this approach, which would require more proof of discrimination from whites or men or heterosexuals. But the law students said the court should hear the Ames case and clarify the law nationwide. Although the case did not directly involve DEI, or diversity, equity and inclusion, it gained added attention because of President Trump's drive to rid the government of DEI policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jackson said the Supreme Court for more than 50 years has steadily rejected the view that discrimination laws apply differently to different groups of people. In Griggs vs. Duke Power in 1971, "we said that '[d]iscriminatory preference for any group, minority or majority, is precisely and only what Congress has proscribed.'" A few years later, the court rejected the two-track approach, she said, "holding that Title VII [of the Civil Rights Act] prohibited racial discrimination against the white petitioners in th[at] case upon the same standards as would be applicable were they Negroes. Lawyers for the Biden and Trump administrations had urged the court to overrule the 6th Circuit and make clear there is no double standard for deciding discrimination claims Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a concurring opinion, Justice Clarence Thomas noted the "majority" in the workplace differs by workplace. "Women make up the majority of employees in certain industries, such as teaching and nursing, but the minority in other industries, such as construction." "Defining the 'majority' is even more difficult in the context of race," he wrote. "American families have become increasingly multicultural, and attempts to divide us all up into a handful of groups have become only more incoherent with time." The court's ruling in Ames vs. Ohio Department of Youth Services said the Ohio court should reopen and reconsider Ames' claim of discrimination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Experts in discrimination law said the decision will have an effect in some regions but not others. "As a practical matter, more 'reverse discrimination' lawsuits may survive a motion to dismiss," said Evan Parness, an attorney at the Covington law firm in New York. Although the decision doesnt significantly change how federal district courts in California operate, it has implications for some courts in other parts of the country that require the higher burden of proof, said Elizabeth Beske, professor of law at American University in Washington. The background circumstances rule was first applied in D.C. courts, after a white man sued the Baltimore and Ohio railroad company arguing he was discriminated against when jobs were instead given to Black and female applicants. The court held that it defie[d] common sense to suggest that the promotion of a Black employee justifies an inference of prejudice against white co-workers in our present society. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Columbia Law professor Olatunde C. Johnson said the "opinion is not surprising. It depends on a straightforward and sensible statutory reading of Title VII. The 6th Circuit's 'background circumstances' approach was not typical, so I don't expect the case to dramatically change employment discrimination litigation on the ground." Brian McGinnis, an attorney with the firm Fox Rothschild, said because the decision was unanimous, which is rare, it shows an uncontroversial and pretty straightforward perspective that there is no historical basis in case law for requiring extra proof from white, heterosexual or other majority groups. And it represents an effort by the court to streamline and eliminate the need for additional steps in litigation, he said. There is some question as to how the change is applied, but McGinnis doesnt expect any issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There is some potential for mischief, but I don't think it will have much change on the day-to-day operations of many employers or courts," McGinnis said. The short answer is, it should not change much. Savage reported from Washington and Hussain from Los Angeles. 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 Thursday tossed out a lawsuit from the Mexican government that alleged American gun manufacturers should be held responsible for cartel violence on the Southwest border, a decision that shields the companies from a suit that had claimed billions in damages. Justice Elena Kagan wrote the opinion for a unanimous court explaining why the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, which allows suits to go forward if theyre based on an underlying violation of a state or federal law, doesnt allow the suit against Mexico to proceed. Mexicos lawsuit, Kagan wrote, does not plausibly allege that the gunmakers aided and abetted gun dealers unlawful sales of their firearms to Mexican traffickers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In asserting that the manufacturers intentionally supply guns to bad-apple dealers, Mexico never confronts that the manufacturers do not directly supply any dealers, bad-apple or otherwise, Kagan wrote. They instead sell firearms to middlemen distributors, whom Mexico has never claimed lack independence. The justices, however, avoided delving into a broader analysis that could have further shielded the manufacturers from future litigation. That more narrow ruling likely explains why the court ended up with a unanimous opinion. Todays decision will end Mexicos lawsuit against the gun industry, but it does not affect our ability and resolve to hold those who break the law accountable, said David Pucino, legal director at the gun control group GIFFORDS Law Center. Mexicos suit landed at a particularly fraught moment in its relationship with the US, as President Donald Trump has leaned on the country to further scale back the flow of migrants and drugs heading north. The litigation, filed in 2021, was something of a counterpoint, focusing on an American product that is contributing to the chaos at the border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Generally, such lawsuits against the gun industry are barred by a 2005 law, the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, that prohibits plaintiffs from suing companies over crimes committed with the guns they make. Mexico was attempting to navigate its suit through a narrow exception in that law. Mexico sued Smith & Wesson and six other US gunmakers for $10 billion in damages, alleging that the companies design and market their guns specifically to drug cartels that then use them in the killing and maiming of children, judges, journalists, police, and ordinary citizens throughout Mexico. That, Mexico said, amounted to aiding and abetting firearms trafficking to the cartels an act that, the country said, should qualify for an exemption to the 2005 law. The Mexican government said that between 70% and 90% of guns recovered at crime scenes in its country are made in the US. There is only one gun store in all of Mexico, its lawyers said, and yet the nation is awash in guns. Some of those weapons, Mexico said, appeared to be marketed directly to gangs, with advertisements focused on their military-grade and with names like the Super El Jefe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though the case did not involve the Second Amendment, gun rights groups, including the National Rifle Association, said the lawsuit was an indirect effort to destroy the American firearms industry by making it easier to sue companies for huge sums. A federal district court backed the gunmakers, blocking the suit from moving forward. But the Boston-based 1st US Circuit Court of Appeals concluded Mexicos suit could proceed. The gun companies appealed to the Supreme Court last spring. The Supreme Court has been hesitant to allow people to sue companies for indirect damages in other contexts as well. In 2023, the high court rejected a suit from the victim of a 2017 terrorist attack in Turkey who claimed the social media company then known as Twitter contributed to the attack by hosting content tied to ISIS. In a unanimous decision, the court said the connection between the content at issue and the attack was too tenuous to allow the family to sue. CNNs Devan Cole contributed to this report. This story has been updated with additional developments. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The Supreme Court sided with a Catholic charity in a legal dispute with Wisconsin state authorities over unemployment benefit taxes. Justice Sonia Sotomayors opinion for the court cited the First Amendments mandate of government neutrality between religions. As framed by the charity, the legal question in the case was whether a state violates the First Amendment by denying a religious organization an otherwise-available tax exemption because the organization does not meet the states criteria for religious behavior. Catholic Charities Bureau argued that its exclusion by the state from a religious exemption was unconstitutional in at least three ways, including for allegedly being discriminatory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A divided Wisconsin Supreme Court sided with the state last year. The courts liberal majority concluded that the charity isnt operated primarily for religious purposes under state law, over conservative dissent that said the majority rewrites the statute to deprive Catholic Charities of the tax exemption, rendering unto the state that which the law says belongs to the church. Reversing the state court on Thursday, the U.S. Supreme Court deemed this case an easy one, reasoning that the state court failed to apply the rigorous constitutional analysis required. When the government distinguishes among religions based on theological differences in their provision of services, it imposes a denominational preference that must satisfy the highest level of judicial scrutiny, Sotomayor wrote for the court. Because Wisconsin has transgressed that principle without the tailoring necessary to survive such scrutiny, the judgment of the Wisconsin Supreme Court is reversed, and the case is remanded for further proceedings not inconsistent with this opinion, she wrote, referring to the process of a higher court sending a case back to a lower court. The March 31 oral argument reflected bipartisan concern among Supreme Court justices in the charitys favor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state had argued that the group didnt engage in distinctively religious activities and didnt assert a religious objection to contributing to unemployment insurance. 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 Individuals belonging to majority groups in some parts of the country may find it easier to bring cases of discrimination after the Supreme Court sided with a heterosexual woman in a case about employer discrimination. In a unanimous ruling on Thursday, the justices lowered the bar for people in majority groups (typically considered white, heterosexual, cisgender, and male) to bring claims of discrimination by striking down a background circumstances rule implemented by some lower courts. Under that rule, Marlean Ames, a straight woman from Ohio, was denied the ability to sue her employer for what she alleges was discrimination against her sexual orientation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ames, who worked at the Ohio Department of Youth Services, said her boss, a gay woman, passed her over for a promotion and instead gave it to another gay woman who was less qualified. She was then demoted and a gay man who was also less qualified was given her position. The justices ultimately sided with her, saying the background circumstances test was not consistent with Title VIIs text or our case law construing the statute. Justices unanimously sided with a straight woman in a case about reverse discrimination (Reuters) Courts have previously relied on background circumstances when reviewing discrimination cases as they apply to majority groups. These standards require a person in the majority group to show that their employer is the unusual one that discriminates against members of majority groups. Thursdays ruling means Ames may move forward with her lawsuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also reverses lower court rulings that have relied on background circumstances, since it was created in 1981, to determine cases of reverse discrimination. Moving forward, people belonging to majority groups could bring claims of racial discrimination as a result of diversity, equity and inclusion policies something President Donald Trump is determined to dismantle in the administration. Marlean Ames appealed to the Supreme Court after her lawsuit over discrimination was denied (Reuters) During oral arguments, justices appeared inclined to side with Ames, agreeing that there was something suspicious about the circumstances of her workplace treatment. Ames, a 20-year employee of the department, was denied a promotion in 2017 after she began working for a lesbian woman. The promotion instead went to another gay woman. After new leadership wanted to restructure the agencys operations, she was demoted and a less qualified gay man was given her original role. Our case law thus makes clear that the standard for proving disparate treatment under Title VII does not vary based on whether or not the plaintiff is a member of a majority group, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson wrote for the unanimous opinion. This case was Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services. The Supreme Court on Thursday revived a lawsuit by an Ohio woman who said her bosses discriminated against her for being straight. The court unanimously ruled that members of majority groups do not face a higher legal standard than minorities to prevail in so-called reverse discrimination lawsuits under Title VII, the federal civil rights law that bars employment discrimination on the basis of race, sex and other protected characteristics. The decision, written by Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, a Joe Biden appointee, comes as President Donald Trump has sought to deploy the nations civil rights laws and agencies to combat what he sees as discrimination against white people and other majority groups. The ruling could make it easier for men and white people to successfully sue their employers for job discrimination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lower courts had thrown out the lawsuit by Marlean Ames, who alleged that she was passed over for an Ohio state government job and then demoted from her existing post in favor of LGBTQ+ candidates. The lower courts said that members of majority groups suing for discrimination had to show background circumstances suggesting that their bosses were among the rare group of employers who were biased against the majority. Minorities suing for discrimination were not required to show analogous background circumstances about their employers under the legal test that the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals had adopted. Jackson wrote that the 6th Circuits requirement cannot be squared with federal civil rights law or other judicial precedent. Congress left no room for courts to impose special requirements on majority-group plaintiffs alone, the opinion states. The decision was an unsparing rebuke of the background circumstances test and Ohios legal arguments, stating at one point that the states defense misses the mark by a mile. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thursday's decision was unsurprising, given that the justices were highly skeptical of the state's position during oral arguments in February. Jacksons opinion did not explicitly discuss the implications for cases filed by white people. But Justice Clarence Thomas, a George H.W. Bush appointee, wrote a concurring opinion in which he said that racial discrimination lawsuits brought by white people should not face a higher legal bar than those brought by minorities. Writing that he was pleased with the courts ruling, he argued that the murkiness of racial classifications can make it difficult to determine whether someone is part of the majority. Even if courts could identify all the relevant racial groups and their boundaries, courts would still struggle to determine which racial groups make up a majority, Thomas wrote, in an opinion joined by Justice Neil Gorsuch. The Supreme Courts decision Thursday vacated the appeals courts ruling and sent the case back for further consideration, meaning Ames will get a chance to prove her discrimination claims against the Ohio Department of Youth Services, which runs the states juvenile detention centers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for the Ohio attorney generals office, which defended the case, said the Supreme Court made clear that this case is not over, and it still believes Ames was treated fairly. We look forward to fully pressing those arguments as the case moves forward because the Ohio Department of Youth Services did not engage in unlawful discrimination, spokesperson Dominic Binkley said in a statement. The state argued previously that Ames was not chosen for the job she applied for and then demoted because she lacked experience relevant to both positions. In addition to uniting the Supreme Court, the case is also notable for being one in which both the Biden and Trump administrations, as well as conservative groups like America First Legal, all lined up behind the worker and against the background circumstances standard. Some civil rights groups were concerned, however, that doing so could lead to an uptick of meritless reverse discrimination cases. Introduction: Financing cancer or fighting it? Tobacco remains the single largest preventable cause of cancer worldwide, responsible for nearly 8 million deaths annually, including 1.2 million from exposure to secondhand smoke. Despite decades of public health efforts, global tobacco use continues to pose a significant threat to cancer prevention. The question remains: Are we truly winning the war against the worlds leading carcinogen, or are we merely negotiating with death? Tobacco is more than just a leaf rolled in paperit is a multi-billion dollar industry that fuels governments and devastates health systems simultaneously. Countries like China, India, and the United States rake in billions of dollars annually through tobacco taxes. Ironically, the very same governments that fund cancer treatment facilities are those that benefit from cigarette sales. The global tobacco market is worth over $850 billion, and in some low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), the industry is a cornerstone of economic stability. For instance, China, the worlds largest consumer and producer of tobacco, generates a whopping 7 percent of its government revenue from tobacco taxes. In India, the tobacco industry employs millions, from farmers to factory workers, making it a political hotbed. This economic dependency creates a dangerous paradox: governments tax cigarettes to discourage smoking but simultaneously depend on smokers to balance their budgets. Its like trying to extinguish a fire while selling matches at the same time. The economics of tobacco: a necessary evil? The argument from pro-tobacco advocates is simple: economic interest. Banning tobacco would mean massive job losses for those involved in its production, distribution, and sale. According to global estimates, the tobacco industry supports more than 100 million jobs worldwide. But this narrative fails to consider the health care costs incurred from tobacco-related diseases, which far exceed the revenue earned from taxes. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that the global economic cost of smoking is $1.4 trillion annually, including health expenditures and lost productivity. This is nearly 2 percent of the worlds GDP. For every dollar earned from tobacco, governments spend three on treating its consequences. Countries like Australia and the United Kingdom have proven that increasing taxes, enforcing graphic warnings, and restricting advertising can drastically cut smoking rateswithout economic collapse. The truth is stark: the money governments earn from tobacco taxes is a mere fraction of what they spend treating lung cancer, oral cancer, COPD, and cardiovascular diseases. The economic argument falls apart when the cost of human life is calculated. Cultural significance vs. health crisis For millions, smoking is more than just a habitit is ritualistic, cultural, and deeply emotional. In Southeast Asia, tobacco chewing is woven into daily life. In the Middle East, shisha smoking is a social tradition. This cultural embedment complicates global efforts to curb tobacco use. When India tried to ban Gutkha (chewing tobacco) in 2012, the black market exploded overnight. People werent just addicted to nicotine; they were addicted to the ritual. For many, smoking symbolizes rebellion, relaxation, and even community. Anti-smoking campaigns often clash with this cultural attachment, making eradication a greater challenge than just regulation. ADVERTISEMENT To dismantle smokings grip, public health strategies need to address not only addiction but also the cultural narratives that sustain it. Awareness campaigns must be as powerful and persuasive as the rituals themselves. Regulation vs. prohibition: lessons from history Banning a substance outright is no simple task. The prohibition of alcohol in the United States (19201933) serves as a chilling reminder. What was intended to curb alcohol consumption led instead to organized crime, bootlegging, and unregulated markets. Would a global ban on tobacco face the same fate? Most likely, yes. The tobacco industry is not just a corporate entity; it is a political powerhouse. Lobbyists fund political campaigns, influence trade policies, and shape legislation. Nicotine smuggling could very well become the next drug cartel economy. The WHOs Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) is a bold attempt to regulate this global epidemic. Its MPOWER strategies include: Taxation and price increases Proven to reduce smoking rates, especially among youth. Graphic health warnings Mandated in over 120 countries; a constant reminder of tobaccos deadly consequences. Advertising bans Comprehensive bans have led to 7 percent reductions in consumption within two years. Public smoking bans Enforced in major cities worldwide, significantly reducing secondhand smoke exposure. Cessation programs Community-based initiatives have gained traction in high-burden regions. Yet, the Achilles heel of these measures is inconsistent enforcement, especially in LMICs where tobacco giants flex their financial muscles. Big Tobaccos counteroffensive: the rise of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products As global regulations tighten around traditional cigarettes, Big Tobacco has seamlessly pivoted to e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products (HTPs). Marketed as harm reduction, these products are seducing a new generation into nicotine addiction. Countries like India and Brazil have outright banned e-cigarettes, citing concerns over rising youth addiction rates. Meanwhile, the United States and the European Union have taken a regulatory approach, focusing on age restrictions and marketing controls. This rebranding effort by tobacco giants threatens to undermine decades of progress. For every pack of cigarettes not sold, an e-cigarette is marketed as a safer optionfueled by flashy advertisements and celebrity endorsements. Global success stories in tobacco control While challenges remain, some countries are proving that bold action works: Bhutan: The first country to implement a complete ban on the sale of tobacco products. Uruguay: A pioneer in plain packaging, surviving legal challenges from Philip Morris International. Australia: The first to enforce plain packaging laws, resulting in a historic drop in smoking rates. New Zealand: Plans to ban smoking entirely for future generationsthose born after 2008 will never legally buy cigarettes. These nations serve as beacons of hope, proving that political will and grassroots advocacy can drive impactful change, even in resource-constrained settings. The path forward: freedom or responsibility? Tobacco is unlike any other consumer product. It kills when used exactly as intended. The comparison to sugar, meat, or alcohol is flawed, as these products do not guarantee death with normal consumption. The time has come to choose between economic gain and public health. The WHOs MPOWER strategy must evolve beyond policy into global enforcement, with accountability for those who profit from addiction. Governments must stop dancing with the devil, financing cancer treatment with one hand while pocketing tobacco tax revenue with the other. Conclusion: a battle worth fighting The war against tobacco is far from over, but it is a battle worth fighting. Reducing tobacco consumption is not just a cancer prevention strategyit is a fight for global health equity. If we truly believe in health for all, then it is time to stop selling death in shiny packs. The world needs to decide: Are we financing cancer or fighting it? Bhavin P. Vadodariya is a surgical oncologist in India. By John Kruzel WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday spared two American gun companies from a lawsuit by Mexico's government accusing them of aiding illegal firearms trafficking to drug cartels and fueling gun violence in the southern neighbor of the United States. The justices in a 9-0 ruling authored by liberal Justice Elena Kagan overturned a lower court's ruling that had allowed the lawsuit to proceed against firearms maker Smith & Wesson and distributor Interstate Arms. The lower court had found that Mexico plausibly alleged that the companies aided and abetted unlawful sales routing guns to Mexican drug cartels, harming its government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The justices embraced the argument made by the companies for dismissal of Mexico's suit under a 2005 U.S. law called the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act that broadly shields gun companies from liability for crimes committed with their products. The Boston-based 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals had decided in 2024 that the alleged conduct by the companies fell outside these protections. The Supreme Court decided that while it has little doubt that U.S. companies are aware of some unlawful sales to Mexican gun traffickers, Mexico's lawsuit failed to allege that the companies had aided and abetted such illegal firearms sales by deliberately helping to bring about the transactions. "Mexico's plausible allegations are of 'indifference' rather than assistance," Kagan wrote. "They are of the manufacturers merely allowing some unidentified 'bad actors' to make illegal use of their wares." The case came to the Supreme Court at a complicated time for U.S.-Mexican relations as President Donald Trump pursues on-again, off-again tariffs on Mexican goods. Trump has also accused Mexico of doing too little to stop the flow of synthetic drugs such as fentanyl and migrant arrivals at the border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mexico's lawsuit, filed in Boston in 2021, accused the two companies of violating various U.S. and Mexican laws. Mexico claims that the companies have deliberately maintained a distribution system that included firearms dealers who knowingly sell weapons to third-party, or "straw," purchasers who then traffic guns to cartels in Mexico. The suit also accused the companies of unlawfully designing and marketing their guns as military-grade weapons to drive up demand among the cartels, including by associating their products with the American military and law enforcement. Mexico's Foreign Ministry said in a statement that it "strongly disagrees" with the court's ruling and that it would "continue to do everything in its power to curb illicit arms trafficking, exhausting all available legal and diplomatic remedies." In the lawsuit, Mexico had sought monetary damages of an unspecified amount and a court order requiring Smith & Wesson and Interstate Arms to take steps to "abate and remedy the public nuisance they have created in Mexico." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 'CONSTITUTIONALLY PROTECTED PRODUCT' Noel Francisco, a lawyer for the gun companies, said Thursday's ruling vindicated the "core purpose" of the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act. "Our client makes a legal, constitutionally protected product that millions of Americans buy and use, and we are gratified that the Supreme Court agreed that we are not legally responsible for criminals misusing that product to hurt people, much less smuggling it to Mexico to be used by drug cartels," Francisco said. To avoid its lawsuit being dismissed under the 2005 law, Mexico was required to plausibly allege that the companies aided and abetted illegal gun sales and that such conduct was the "proximate cause" - a legal principle involving who is responsible for causing an injury - of the harms claimed by Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Supreme Court, which heard arguments in the case on March 4, declined to resolve the proximate cause question after finding that Mexico's suit failed to adequately allege aiding and abetting. Gun violence fueled by trafficked U.S.-made firearms has contributed to a decline in business investment and economic activity in Mexico and forced its government to incur unusually high costs on services including healthcare, law enforcement and the military, according to the lawsuit. Mexico, a country with strict firearms laws, has said most of its gun homicides are committed with weapons trafficked from the United States and valued at more than $250 million annually. Carlos Perez Ricart, an international affairs researcher at Mexico's Center for Economic Research and Teaching (CIDE), criticized the ruling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Once again, the industry is shielded. It doesn't matter how many bullets cross the border or how many people are killed on the Mexican side. Bullets are not the only things that kill; so does the legal impunity guaranteed by Washington," Ricart said in a social media post. (Reporting by John Kruzel; Additional reporting by Kylie Madry and Natalia Siniawski in Mexico City; Editing by Will Dunham) Mexico has a severe problem with gun violence, which originates north of the border, the Supreme Court acknowledged Thursday. "The country has only a single gun store, and issues fewer than 50 gun permits each year. But gun traffickers can purchase firearms in the United States often in illegal transactions and deliver them to drug cartels in Mexico," the court said. These weapons are used to "commit serious crimes drug dealing, kidnapping, murder, and others." Nonetheless, the justices in an unanimous decision threw out Mexico's lawsuit against the U.S. gun industry, ruling that federal law shields gun makers from nearly all liability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Justice Elena Kagan said Congress enacted the law in 2005 to prevent gun companies from being sued for harms caused by the misuse of firearms by third parties, including criminals," she said. The law has one narrow exception, she said, that would allow suits if the gun companies had knowingly and deliberately helped criminals buy guns to be sent into Mexico. But she said Mexico's lawsuit did not cite evidence for claim. "Mexicos complaint does not plausibly allege that the defendant manufacturers aided and abetted gun dealers unlawful sales of firearms to Mexican traffickers," she wrote. "We have little doubt that, as the complaint asserts, some such sales take place and that the manufacturers know they do. But still, Mexico has not adequately pleaded what it needs to: that the manufacturers 'participate in' those sales, as in something that [they] wish to bring about." 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 has made it harder to sue gun manufacturers when their weapons are frequently used in crimes. The justices ruled unanimously Thursday that claims in a lawsuit the Mexican government brought against seven major American gun makers were too tenuous to try to hold the companies liable for guns eventually being used in murders and robberies. Mexico claimed the gun manufacturers knowingly allowed large volumes of weapons to be sold to rogue dealers who were lax in vetting their customers. Often, those guns were then routed to Mexican drug cartels, Mexico said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the high court, in an opinion by Justice Elena Kagan, said Mexico could not plausibly show that the gun makers aided and abetted illegal retail sales of guns because the weapons first traveled through a network of wholesalers before reaching dealers who might have knowledge that the weapons were likely to be illegally trafficked to Mexico. It is far from clear that such behavior, without more, could ever count as aiding and abetting under our precedents, Kagan wrote. Mexicos plausible allegations are of indifference, rather than assistance. A manufacturer of goods is not an accomplice to every unaffiliated retailer whom it fails to make follow the law. Kagan, an Obama appointee, also said the continued manufacture of weapons decorated with Spanish-language sayings or graphics wasnt enough to implicate the manufacturers, largely because those guns clearly appeal to entirely legal customers in the U.S. Kagan observed that assault-style rifles like the AR-15 and AK-47 are both widely legal and bought by many ordinary consumers. That popularity undercuts the notion that the gun makers are intentionally courting an illegal market south of the border, she wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The courts ruling Thursday leaned heavily on another issued two years ago, in which the court said Twitter could not be held liable for terrorist recruitment on its platforms unless the company provided pervasive, systemic and culpable assistance. A federal judge in Boston threw out Mexicos lawsuit against the gun makers, ruling that it was barred by the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, a 2005 law limiting litigation against manufacturers, distributors and dealers. However, an appeals court reinstated the lawsuit. While all the justices joined Kagans opinion Thursday, Justices Clarence Thomas and Ketanji Brown Jackson also wrote separately. Thomas, a George H.W. Bush appointee, said another potential problem with Mexicos lawsuit was that the 2005 law could be read to require such cases be linked to a specific crime someone was convicted of, rather than a pattern of alleged violations. Jackson, a Biden appointee, emphasized that Mexicos lawsuit was short on details in terms of what specific lawbreaking the gun-makers were being accused of promoting. However, she also appeared to be leaving the door open for future lawsuits against gun wholesalers who might have greater knowledge of the actions of rogue dealers. Mark Cuban and Elon Musk don't always agree on politics. However, Cuban appeared to like Musk's idea for a new political party for "the middle." Musk proposed the idea on X amid his ongoing feud with President Donald Trump. Billionaires Mark Cuban and Elon Musk seem to have found some common ground. As the Tesla CEO's relationship with President Donald Trump blows up in real time on social media amid their clash over the "Big Beautiful Bill," Musk proposed creating a new political party for "the middle." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Is it time to create a new political party in America that actually represents the 80% in the middle?" Musk asked in an X poll on Thursday. Cuban, who has sparred with Musk on X multiple times on subjects ranging from DEI to Trump, appeared to endorse the idea, responding to Musk's post with three check marks. Cuban did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider. That Cuban is attracted to the idea of a new political party may not come as a surprise. The former "Shark Tank" star and Cost Plus Drugs founder has previously expressed his dismay with both political parties. He once described himself as "socially centrist" while "very fiscally conservative." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the 2024 election, Cuban campaigned heavily for former Vice President Kamala Harris, previously telling BI that he liked that she's "not an ideologue" and supporting her pro-business stance. In January, when journalist Matthew Yglesias proposed a 2028 presidential run for Cuban, BI asked the billionaire if he'd seriously consider the proposal. "No," Cuban responded. Read the original article on Business Insider Trafficked roads, loud noises, suffocating smog. For some people, living in the city can be stressful and unnerving. But a growing body of research shows some city birds can be more aggressive than their rural counterparts, suggesting they too feel the pressures of city life. In a study published in April in the journal Animal Behavior, researchers showed that Galapagos yellow warblers that live near trafficked roads in the Ecuadorian archipelago respond to intruders more aggressively than those living farther away from traffic. Theyre not the only bird species affected by city life. Numerous studies have investigated the phenomenon of angry urban birdsfinding that species such as great tits, European robins, song sparrows, and dark-eyed juncos show more aggression toward each other when they live near urbanized sites. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While its clear that in some species of birds, urban populations are more aggressive than rural populations, there are many different theories for why this happens, says Jeremy Hyman, a professor and department chair of biology at Western Carolina University. A song sparrow sings on a branch in California. Research suggests song sparrows may display more aggression in cities because they feel more territorial. Photograph By Marie Read/Nature Picture Library Street fighting birds In the last decades, the Galapagos archipelago has seen a drastic increase in the human population, with permanent residents today increasing by six percent each year. An increase that requires more infrastructure to house more people, and more cars to move them around. This makes it a perfect laboratory to study how birds respond to new, busy conditions, according to study authors. The researchers selected 38 warbler territories on two islands of the archipelago: Santa Cruz Island, and Floreana Island; both crossed by a main road used by cars. The warblers were located either near the road or at least 300 feet away. In each territory, they played recordings of traffic noise and warblers singing, which simulated an intrusion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each bird was tested once with just the warbler speaker being active, and once with the warbler speaker plus the [car] noise speaker active, says Caglar Akcay, a behavioral ecologist at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge and study author. When exposed to the sounds of encroaching birds and car noise playing in the background, the warblers living close to the road responded more aggressively than when there was no noise playing. They also responded more aggressively to noise compared to their rural counterpartsgetting closer to the speakers and sometimes even attacking them. Mike Webster, an ornithologist at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology who was not involved in the research, says the study is pretty convincing and offers a clear look at how a single environmental change can influence behavior. [It] really kind of helps us focus in on what the causes of the differences in behavior might be, he says. Why so angry? Generally, animals that live in cities tend to be bolder and more aggressiveboth characteristics that enable them to survive in such complex habitat. Individuals that can't deal with constant disturbance, such as noise, people, cars, etc. would be unlikely to thrive in an urban habitat, says Hyman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some birds may become more aggressive because cities are rich in food sourcesand so theres strong competition to establish a foothold. Only the most aggressive males can manage to hold a territory in this place where lots and lots of birds would like to have a territory, says Hyman. But food scarcity may also make some urban species more aggressive, and so birds have to fight an awful lot in order to maintain a large enough territory to get the resources that they need. High levels of stress caused by noise and other factors might also play a role in making birds more aggressive, notes Hyman. But does being more aggressive enhance your chances of survival? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In some cases, aggression seems to be a worthwhile cost, says Sarah Foltz, a behavioral ecologist at Radford University. One study that looked at song sparrows living in southwest Virginia showed that aggression didnt impact how much bird parents invested in their offspring. Female birds even spent as much and sometimes more time at the nest than their less aggressive rural counterparts. Overall, the benefits of being more aggressive seem to depend on the kind of habitat the birds are in. For some species, like the song sparrow, some urban areas offer suitable habitats with more food and fewer predators. They might become more aggressive to defend it, and ensure a good habitat were to raise their offspringand so have better chance of survival. Another big unanswered question, says Hyman, is whether birds learn to be aggressive during their lifetime, or if birds born in urban populations have some measure of aggression encoded in their genes. Theres little bits of evidence on both sides, he says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But what scientists do know is that some birds can be highly adaptable. Aggression definitely has a genetic component to it, says Foltz. But also, we know that when we change environmental factors, birds change their aggression Overall, Foltz says scientists are still trying to understand just how much urban density different species can tolerate and which characteristics of an urban environment influence aggressiveness the most. We've got all these little pieces, she says, But it's still coming together to make a bigger picture, so it's sort of an unfinished puzzle. A trained and dedicated chef in Los Angeles who survived a gruesome and violent attack by a machete-wielding suspect, who had just killed another victim, is speaking out about the terrifying ordeal. The violence unfolded in the early morning hours of June 1, with the Los Angeles Police Department responding to reports of an attack near 11th Street and South Grand Avenue downtown. At the scene, police located a victim suffering severe injuries from the attack. Only described as a man in his 60s, the victim was rushed to the hospital where he later died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While detectives were on the scene investigating, reports of another machete attack, in the area of Broadway Street and Olympic Boulevard, came in. Police rushed to the second location and found a victim now identified as Kyle Levitt. Levitt told KTLAs Rick Chambers that he had been walking home from his job at a restaurant and was in the process of unlocking the building doors to his downtown L.A. apartment building when the attacker struck. By the time I looked up and saw the reflection in the door, I noticed a man running up behind me, he explained. I put my arms up to say stop and thats when he hit me again. Kyle Levitt seen with brutal slash wounds to the head from a machete attack in downtown L.A. on June 1, 2025. (viewer pic) Kyle Levitt seen in the ER after a machete attack in downtown L.A. on June 1, 2025. (viewer pic) A suspect arrested in connection with two machete attacks, one fatal, in downtown L.A. on June 1, 2025. (RMG News) A suspect arrested in connection with two machete attacks, one fatal, in downtown L.A. on June 1, 2025. (RMG News) The suspect of a fatal double-machete stabbing is seen under arrest in downtown Los Angeles. June 2025. (RMG News) The suspect of a fatal double-machete stabbing is seen under arrest in downtown Los Angeles. June 2025. (RMG News) Kyle Levitt seen with staples in head after a machete attack in downtown L.A. on June 1, 2025. (KTLA) Kyle Levitts right hand seen after a surgery to reconnect his nearly severed limb sustained during a machete attack in downtown L.A. on June 1, 2025. (KTLA) A victim of a fatal double-machete stabbing is seen being transported by paramedics in downtown Los Angeles. June 2025. (RMG News) A victim of a fatal double-machete stabbing is seen being transported by paramedics in downtown Los Angeles. June 2025. (RMG News) A victim of a fatal double-machete stabbing is seen being transported by paramedics in downtown Los Angeles. June 2025. (RMG News) Levitt sustained multiple serious injuries to his head that required staples and a blow to his right wrist that nearly severed his hand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My tendons were cut completely down to the bone. My artery was cut, and he was over me at this point and that is the first time that Id seen that he had the knife in his hand, he said. His attacker never spoke to him but had what Levitt described as crazy eyes, making him think the man was going to swing the machete at him again. Suspect in King of the Hill actors death immediately confessed: police For whatever reason, he didnt, he said. He sort of stopped in that moment and registered, for whatever reason, that it was over and he ran away. Someone inside the apartment building heard Levitts banging on the door and came to his aid. He was rushed to the hospital where he has since undergone numerous surgeries to reconnect his tendons and save his hand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He didnt learn until later that just minutes before, less than a mile away, another man had been fatally attacked by the suspect. It was just this set of circumstances in which I was the lucky one, Levitt said. During an intensive downtown manhunt for the suspect, police located and arrested him. They also recovered the machete believed to be used in the two attacks. So far, authorities have not released the identities of the suspect or the victim who was killed. A GoFundMe has been organized to help support Levitt for the estimated monthslong recovery and physical therapy, leaving him unable to 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 KTLA. (FOX 5/KUSI) San Diego police announced on Wednesday the arrest and extradition of a suspect in a homicide from nearly 15 years ago. Police said 35-year-old Julio Mendez was located and arrested in Mexico and taken to the San Diego County jail on Tuesday. Mendez is a suspect in the deadly stabbing of Sonny Carrillo, a 20-year-old who died after the assault in a parking lot late at night on July 29, 2011. The crime happened near 47th and Castana Streets, in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said that on that night, Carrillo gave a ride to a female friend so she could drop off her child with Mendez, the childs father. During an altercation, Mendez allegedly reached through a window and stabbed Carrillo in the chest. Naval Base San Diego briefly put under shelter in place order Police said that a warrant was issued for Mendezs arrest in August of that year. U.S. Marshals were able to track him down in Mexico and ultimately extradited him to the United States this week. His arraignment is scheduled for Friday morning. San Diego police ask anyone with information about the case to call 619-531-2293. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) The Birmingham Police Department announced Wednesday it has arrested a suspect in connection to the fatal shooting of Andreika Robinson. At around 6:10 a.m. Tuesday, BPD officers were dispatched to the 100 block of Redstone Drive, where they found Robinson lying unresponsive outside her home suffering from a gunshot wound. She was pronounced dead at the scene. New law raising concern for some in the immigrant community in Alabama Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect was identified as Jamarcus Liray Olive, 35, of Birmingham. The BPD Crime Reduction Team took the suspect into custody within eight hours of officers arriving on the scene. Detectives with the BPD presented case information to the Jefferson County Magistrates Office, and Olive was issued with a capital murder warrant. The BPD stated the capital murder warrant was issued because Robinson was inside a vehicle when the crime occurred. Olive will be held at the Jefferson County Jail under no 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 CBS 42. Sweden has allocated 50 million to NATO projects, including the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) and the Comprehensive Assistance Package (CAP), focused on training Ukrainian military personnel and providing support for Ukraine. Source: Swedish Defence Minister Pal Jonson before a meeting of the North Atlantic Council at the level of defence ministers in Brussels, as reported by a European Pravda correspondent Details: Sweden will provide 50 million to NATO initiatives dedicated to training Ukrainian military personnel and supporting Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are making an announcement today from Sweden that we are dedicating 50 million also to the NSATU Fund and NATO CAP," said Jonson. He added that Sweden is "focused now on offering our support to Ukraine, so Ukraine can negotiate from a position of strength." "We would like to see NATO attaining 5% [of GDP invested in defence ed.] by 2030," Jonson stated, "of which 3.5% will be dedicated to traditional defence expenditures and 1.5% to defence-related expenditures." "We would welcome also a pledge of our strategic partners, particularly in Ukraine, which we think is also a defence investment-related issue, because supporting Ukraine is really an investment into our own security. Those are some of the things I think would be natural to be included in the 1.5% of defence-related investments," the Swedish minister said. Background: Ukrainska Pravda reports that NATO leaders are preparing to decide on increasing defence spending to 5% of GDP, with part of this funding directed to support for Ukraine. On 5 June, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said that NATO members would support US President Donald Trump's demand for a significant increase in defence spending ahead of the summit in The Hague. It is privately known that Spain is the last major NATO country that has not yet joined the Alliance's plan to announce its intention to spend 5% of GDP on defence. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - A Swedish appeals court on Thursday found one man guilty of being a member of a terrorism organisation for swearing loyalty to the Islamic State, upholding the verdict of a lower court, while the conviction of three others were overturned. Sweden's security services arrested the men last year and prosecutors later charged them with being members of a terrorism organisation between September 2023 and March 2024. But the Svea Appeals Court said in a statement on Thursday it does not consider it proven that the three now acquitted acted on behalf of the Islamic State militant group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "However, the person who swore an oath of allegiance to IS is also convicted in the Court of Appeal," it said. All four men had pleaded not guilty. (Reporting by Anna Ringstrom, editing by Terje Solsvik) Gaslighting manifests in many forms. The most common may be political fights involving the extreme positions on any controversial issue (e.g., gun control, abortion, immigration, you name it). One extreme faction claims they have the truth and blames the opposing extreme faction for the problems in our world. We see this every day in news reports. Those who have experienced gaslighting know that political fights involve gaslighting on steroids. Another common form is when humans who are born one way (say, skin color, body type, or gender preference) judge others who are born differently. These misjudgments are based on misunderstanding and fear of others. Gaslighting in health care and other businesses is unique. A false allegation can lead to a good and innocent clinician or worker being deemed incompetent to practice or work, even after decades of dedicated service to their profession. Here is how this happens. A disgruntled ex-spouse, patient, or colleague can submit an anonymous complaint to any professional licensing board. It can be an accurate allegation or a false allegation. The latter are usually based on confusion or revenge. By law, the clinician or employee has to report to a group of psychiatrists and/or other mental health professionals. All experienced scientists and clinicians know about confirmation bias. Most laypersons who have been gaslit know about this phenomenon, too. The common vernacular is garbage in, garbage out. The mental health professionals are predisposed to find a misdiagnosis (commonly known as labeling) to explain why the client was referred to them in the first place. They of course have to get paid for their services, and they base their reimbursement on some kinds of diagnoses, whether these misdiagnoses are true or not. Clinicians or employees who have no mental illnesses or dementia have to play the part to pass the judgment of psychiatrists and maintain their licenses to practice. When practicing geriatrics and hospice care for over 40 years, I oversaw the care of more psychiatric illnesses than any practicing psychiatrist. Yet, I got trapped in this dysfunctional system and lost my license. In other words, I was the scapegoat for corruption and collusion involving several agencies in Colorado. Thats OK. In January 2026, our Colorado General Assembly and I are drafting simple legislation that prohibits gaslighting of innocent workers who require a license to pursue their chosen professions. We will follow the lead of other professions. Consider teaching, for example. Teachers have unions that assure fair investigations of all allegations, be they accurate or false. Teams of lawyers are committed to these fair investigations. A false allegation is likely to be overturned. Another example would be alleged criminals. All criminals, whether rightly or wrongly accused, get legal defense from public defenders. Psychiatrists are not trained to investigate. They are trained to label and diagnose (often misdiagnose). They have so many options to choose from in what we critics call the bible of psychiatry, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual edition 5. Our solution is simple. All professional licensing boards will conduct fair investigations. They certainly wont rely on back room dealings between leaders of the professional boards and one group of psychiatrists who have never practiced ongoing primary care and may never have been a victim of false allegations. Were confident that once we clean up this mess in Colorado, other states will follow our lead. Donald J. Murphy is a geriatrician. SHREVEPORT, Louisiana (KETK) The Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO) released a statement on Wednesday giving tips on how to recognize scammers pretending to be involved with the company. Game wardens rescue construction workers from Henderson County floodwater SWEPCO is a power provider company that serves many homes across Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas. The company said that recent reports show people are posing as SWEPCO utility representatives and trying to collect payment from customers. These scammers target businesses and residents in areas that use the provider. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company issued the following key things to lookout for in order to identify scammers. SWEPCO will never call or email to ask for personal or financial information. SWEPCO will never demand immediate payment with prepaid debit cards or threaten to shut off power if payment is not made. SWEPCO will inform you if your account is past due. Customers can login to verify their status at swepco.com. SWEPCO will always show employee identification. Boil water notice issued for some Livingston residents SWEPCO encourages customers to update their contact information and sign up for alert emails so they can receive updates, bill payment dates and other information. Those interested in learning more about scam protection can visit SWEPCO.com/StopScams and to sign up for alerts visit SWEPCO.com/Alerts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com. The Environmental Protection Agency under President Donald Trump has served notice it wants to back away from at least 30 major rules that seek to protect air and water and reduce emissions that cause climate change. The agency's administrator, Lee Zeldin, says doing so would mean a new golden age for America. Its not certain the rules will go away. They cant be changed without going through a demanding federal rulemaking process. But an examination by The Associated Press found that gutting the rules would come with high costs in both money and lives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are some takeaways from AP's work: Hundreds of billions of dollars in costs, thousands of deaths The AP examination found that the targeted rules are estimated to save at least $275 billion a year and more than 30,000 lives annually. Those figures were built in part on regulatory impact reports prepared by the EPA itself to factor in things such as reduced illnesses and deaths, as well as how much it would cost companies to comply with the rules. AP also worked with research by the Environmental Protection Network of former agency employees. AP found about 10,000 American lives were expected to be saved as the rules cut traditional pollutants such as soot, smog and heavy metals like mercury and lead. AP also calculated that doing away with the rules entirely would mean rising greenhouse gas emissions that would in turn drive deadly heat that would account for 25,000 more deaths each year around the world. That calculation also relied on a think-tank report and scientific studies that calculate deaths per ton of emissions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What some of the rules look like Some of the rules have been in place for years, while others were written under President Joe Biden and have not yet taken effect because of court challenges or because they are designed to kick in during later years. One example is a proposed update to existing EPA emissions standards for vehicles that's aimed at jump-starting electric cars. It's supposed to take effect for 2027 model years. The EPA's own analysis estimated net annual benefits of more than $100 billion a year. Another rule sets the level of traditional pollutants allowable in air that's deemed clean. The Clean Air Act requires that it be updated every few years. Public health and experts say one type of traditional pollution, particulate matter better known as soot is the most deadly in America, with severe consequences when reaching a person's lungs. In 2024, the Biden administration cut by 25% the amount of particulate matter that states are allowed to emit into the air. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The EPA calculated a net benefit from that rule of as much as $46 billion a year, and the prevention of 4,500 premature deaths and 800,000 asthma incidents annually. Fact sheets that cite all the costs and (almost) none of the benefits Under Trump, the EPA has created fact sheets that emphasize the costs but not the benefits of the rules. Nine of 10 fact sheets make no mention of benefits at all. But eight of the fact sheets cite costs. For example, a fact sheet for one rule that would require newer coal-powered plants to cut or capture carbon emissions by as much as 90% noted that it would cost nearly $1 billion. But that sheet made no mention that the rule was estimated to save more than $24 billion a year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 17 of the 20 rules with explicit cost-benefit analyses that AP examined, the estimated benefits are larger than the costs and sometimes far larger. Changing the rules requires following a process The Trump administration has not said how far the targeted rules would be rolled back. And Zeldin has vowed to follow federal law. Experts say the targeted rules were the product of rigorous impact analyses that got close scrutiny from the EPA and other federal agencies. Such rules cannot be undone without presenting scientific justification through a federal rulemaking process that can take years to complete and includes requirements for public comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ___ The Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) Pups Pub in Tampa is preparing to close its doors this weekend after losing a legal battle with the state over its dog-friendly indoor operations. The business, which allows dogs to roam freely both inside and outside its premises, initially won a lawsuit in 2023 that permitted non-service animals indoors. But the Florida Department of Health appealed the decision and won. A state court ultimately ruled that the Department of Health has the authority to prohibit non-service animals inside any food service business, effectively banning the indoor-outdoor dog bar model. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 4 dolphins from Florida park involved in criminal investigation moved to Clearwater Marine Aquarium To use the term divide and conquer, they picked one entity, attorney Gary De Pury, at De Pury Law told News Channel 8. They went through the entire legal battle in order to create all the legal precedents. And now they can pick five, six, eight, ten at a time and start shutting them all down by saying, okay, we dont like what youre doing. While other dog bars in places like St. Petersburg remain open for now, legal experts said they could face similar scrutiny if the health department decides to expand enforcement. Until the health department comes in their establishment [and says], okay, heres the new ordinance and you have to shut it down, the attorney added. And as you know, laws change every single day in Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a Facebook post announcing the abrupt closure, the owners of Pups Pub wrote: Despite previously winning our case in 2023, the Department of Health appealed and ultimately reversed the ruling. We are heartbroken to announce we will be closing our doors this Saturday. The decision has left loyal patrons and pet lovers disappointed. With any neighborhood bar, everybody kind of knows their name and their dogs, one visitor said. I think its kind of a travesty. I feel very sorry for the patrons and the business owner. Pups Pubs final day of operation is set for Saturday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) The tariff battle between the U.S. and China rages on following President Donald Trumps call with President Xi Jinping Thursday morning. The worlds two largest economies have traded barbs over their temporary agreement on imports, but President Trump insists a deal is imminent. We had a very good talk, President Trump said in the Oval Office Thursday. Were in very good shape with China and the trade deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. and China escalated their trade tensions with more than 100% tariffs on each others imports before agreeing to significantly lower those percentages while they negotiate a permanent deal. Its very complex stuff, and we straightened it out, President Trump said. President Trump said they reached an agreement on Chinese exports that are critical for U.S. car manufacturers. Having to do mostly with rare earth magnets and some other things, he said. This week, President Trump also doubled tariffs on steel and aluminum from 25-50%, which also impacts China. Theyre crushing our industry, trying to put us out of that business, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said Thursday during a House committee hearing over his departments budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lutnick defended that tariff increase and will be one of the lead negotiators in upcoming talks with China. We open those markets, America will flourish, he said. U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan (D-Ind.) told Lutnick he supports boosting domestic manufacturing but stressed that takes time. What is the plan to make sure that those individuals who work in those plants that are downstream of the steel industries are going to be protected? Mrvan asked. A new Commerce Department report shows the U.S. trade deficit narrowed by nearly 56 percent from March to April. President Trump said he and Xi also accepted each others invitations for official state visits but did not say when the trips would happen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Judy was volunteering on the kibbutz when she heard Gadi playing the flute and fell in love, the kibbutz said. The body of hostage Judith Weinstein Haggai, a 70-year-old member of Kibbutz Nir Oz, was returned to Israel Thursday, the IDF announced. She and her husband, Gadi Haggai, were killed on October 7, 2023, and their bodies were taken to Gaza. Judith was 70 years old, a mother of four, and a grandmother of seven. She was an English teacher specializing in children with special needs, and she worked with children with anxiety by using meditation and mindfulness methods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was a poet and entrepreneur, and was dedicated to working for peace and brotherhood, her kibbutz said. Judy Weinstein Haggai had a habit of writing haiku every morning a poem of one or two sentences and posting it on Facebook, Kibbutz Nir Oz said on Instagram. The last one she wrote was on October 7. The poems she wrote over the years were published in poetry books. Weinstein Haggai families thank officials for return, call for return of rest of hostages We welcome the closure that we have been granted and the return for burial of our loved ones, who went out for a walk on that Black Sabbath morning and never came back, the Weinstein Haggai family said Thursday. Nir Oz thanked the IDF and security forces who carried out the complex rescue operation. They also thanked everyone who supported, struggled, prayed, and fought for us and for all of Israel, as well as the FBI, and the US and Israeli governments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, our hearts will not be whole until all 12 hostages from Nir Oz and all 56 hostages in total are brought back, the statement concluded. Judith and Gadi were the power couple of Kibbutz Nir Oz. Judith was volunteering on the kibbutz when she heard Gadi playing the flute and fell in love, the kibbutz said. They complete each other: hes a goofball, just like a little kid, always dancing and laughing, while Judy is an English teacher, taking care of children, and sharing meditation and mindfulness techniques, the kibbutz said. Haggai and his wife had been out walking early on October 7 when Hamas terrorists attacked them, according to the Hostage and Missing Families Forum. Their daughter, Iris, heard in a phone call that they were hiding and that her father was wounded and later lost contact with them. The terrorists kidnapped both of them and took them to Gaza. CLEVELAND (WJW) The FOX 8 I-Team is getting reaction from the Cleveland Browns to a new plan for state money to help build a dome. And, were asking new questions about Cuyahoga County is still standing in the way. This week, Ohio State Senate leaders pitched a plan to give the Browns $600 million in unclaimed funds toward the construction of the dome and development around it. Trump announces travel ban affecting a dozen countries set to go into effect Monday Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, no surprise, we heard Browns Chief Operating Officer Dave Jenkins say, Were very excited the Senate chose to include $600 million in the budget. Now, Ohio leaders are kicking around three different plans for helping the Browns with public money. A decision is expected to be made by the end of the month. The Browns said that no matter how they get the state money, what matters most is that theyve committed to paying it back with profits from the dome project. Dave Jenkins added, Were being held accountable in all three scenarios to drive the results that weve said our project will drive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I-Team: New video tied to unsolved Metroparks murders Meanwhile, the Browns said they are still looking at how to fill a gap in public money they wont get. The county executive said the team will not get $600 million in local money. County Executive Chris Ronayne keeps speaking out, trying to keep the team in the current stadium downtown. So, we turned to a county councilman. Mike Gallagher said, I, personally, would like to hear this in a public meeting. County Councilman Gallagher told us hed like a hearing on County funding for the Browns, but he insisted its not up to him. We asked, So, if it hasnt been brought to you, why not bring it up yourself? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gallagher responded, I would suggest our leadership would have to make a decision on that. Another new battleground has also developed over the dome. Would the Browns still get a share of the countys sin tax, or money from alcohol and tobacco sales? Keshaun Williams has been missing for nearly 2 years The County Executive released a statement saying hes open to talking about it with voters. But the Browns said any decision on taxes gets complicated. Dave Jenkins also said, We have been told by the County Executive, if we go to Brook Park, the sin tax revenues would not follow. I dont think its quite that easy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Behind it all, the City of Cleveland is still fighting in court to block the Browns from moving out of the current stadium. A hearing is set for later this month. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. Tearing down a massive eyesore just east of Dunkin Park could start as soon as this summer, clearing a property where the city of Hartford hopes to build an applied artificial intelligence center paired with other development, all part of the larger, North Crossing development. The city expects a $6 million state grant to largely cover the estimated $9.4 million cost of demolishing the former bank processing center on Windsor Street. The city already has $1.4 million set aside for the tearing down of the bunker-like structure now in advanced decay, hastened in recent years by vandalism and looting. The city, which took control of the 3-acre property in 2015, now hopes to close the financing gap for the demolition by moving $2 million from a now stalled, mixed-use housing development in Hartfords Parkville neighborhood. Those city development funds are managed by the Capital Region Development Authority, and the city is now seeking the quasi-public agencys approval to move them to the Windsor Street demolition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jeff Auker, the citys director of development services, said the previous administration of Luke Bronin had placed a high priority on Parkville, with notable successes, particularly Parkville Market. But several projects including the conversion of a former factory at the corner of Bartholomew Avenue and Hamilton Street into apartments have been hit by rising construction costs and financing delays. The city funding, approved in 2023, would be withdrawn from a $29 million plan for 57 apartments and a 400-space parking garage at the high-profile corner of Park Street and Bartholomew Avenue. The parking garage has been seen as essential for easing the parking crunch at the Parkville Market and other area businesses. It just appears that the simple volume of work that we are trying to do up there weve had some of the money that has been sitting, set aside years ago to increase parking, Auker said. We dont have a viable proposal for it first and were focused with (developer Carlos Mouta) and some other developers in Parkville on some other properties. Auker said given the pressing need to demolish 150 Windsor St., it made sense for Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam to ask CRDA to move the funds to another project. Arulampalam has the authority to make such a request because they are city funds, Auker said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It doesnt say anything about the projects going on in Parkville, Auker said. Its just that money was sitting there getting stale. We had a need here. Coming at another neighborhoods expense? The citys request to CRDA would unwind financing approvals totaling $8.2 million for the housing and parking garage projects at 17 and 35 Bartholomew Ave., a combination of city and CRDA funds. After taking out the $2 million to tear down the Windsor Street structure, the balance would be used for future projects, according to a proposal that will be considered Friday by CRDAs housing and neighborhood development committee. The full CRDA board also must back the plan. Everyone plans to come back to 17/35 later, Michael W. Freimuth, CRDAs executive director, said, in a text. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mouta, the developer of the Parkville Market, also is the force behind the development of housing wrapped around a parking garage at the corner of Park and Bartholomew. Thursday, Mouta acknowledged the delays in converting the former Whitney Manufacturing complex at the corner of Bartholomew and Hamilton into hundreds of apartments and other space. Mouta said he understood the need to move the funding from 17 and 35 Bartholomew. But Mouta also stressed that the addition of parking in Parkville has to remain a top priority if the neighborhood hopes to experience further growth. Look, Im always happy when something good happens in Hartford, Mouta said. I think the thing downtown is important. As long as that money, at some point, comes back. That project is vital to Parkville. The former mayor, Mayor Bronin, saw the vision. I need parking. The neighborhood already is experiencing a parking crunch, Mouta said, and it is hamstringing the development of other buildings, including one he owns at 1429 Park St., adjacent to the Parkville Market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive had many people look for event space, Mouta said. And they go inside, and they want to rent, but they say where are they going to park? Decision expected early this summer The demolition of 150 Windsor would clear the way for the artificial intelligence center, if the city is chosen for up to $50 million in funding from the states Innovation Clusters program. Hartford is one of three anchor cities that are finalists for the funding The program is aimed at strengthening Connecticuts economy through innovation, partnering with the private sector to build employment, boost vibrancy and develop ecosystems that are seen as essential to future economic development. Hartford has focused on how AI would be applied for real-world use, while Stamford would target fostering start-ups in AI. New Haven, the third finalist, would delve deeply into bioscience and quantum research and development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Windsor Street processing center has always been considered as a piece of the larger development around the citys minor league ballpark. But the existence of the structure has long been an obstacle. With its removal and a plan to diversify the types of development in the area beyond residential plus state funding could provide the long-sought boost to move forward. Randy Salvatore, North Crossings developer, has voiced strong support for how the Windsor Street parcel could be redeveloped as an applied AI center. Salvatore, founder and chief executive of Stamford-based RMS Cos., has said the center could be paired with a boutique hotel. A decision from the state on Innovation Cluster funding is expected early this summer. Kenneth R. Gosselin can be reached at kgosselin@courant.com. CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand The Swedish governments offset package has proved decisive in Thailands decision to purchase 12 Gripen E/F fighters in three phases. The economic and technology garnishes helped Saabs Gripen offer defeat its American F-16 Block 70/72 competitor. On June 4, the Royal Thai Air Force or RTAF held a press conference to announce it was buying more Gripens, with the deal accompanied by a generous package of technical support and offsets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When final offers were submitted last August, Saab had vowed, The Swedish proposal will ensure the best return on investment for Thailand that will exceed the contract value through a well-structured, long-term plan that covers key areas of critical technologies and national capabilities for Thailand. Saabs offset package equating to around 155% of the projects value has proved especially appealing to a nation keen to boost its aerospace industry and self-sufficiency. The offset committee conducted negotiations with Saab concerning the defense offset proposal with the aims of maximizing benefits and complying with the policies of the government and the minister of defense, the Thai air service said in a statement: A key element in Swedens proposal is Thailands unique, Saab-developed Link-T data link. Currently, only a handful of Thai aircraft and several warships are equipped with it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bangkok now gains intellectual property rights for Link-Ts unrestricted use and expansion. Saab will transfer Link-T development capabilities to the RTAF and local defense industry, reads the services statement. Link-T will enhance Thailands ability to perform multi-domain operations. With the U.S. keeping tight control over its data links, Lockheed Martins F-16 offer could not compete in this regard. Thailands two Saab 340 airborne early warning aircraft will be upgraded, too, with Thai participation. Additionally, a local Gripen maintenance, repair and overhaul hub will be established. Furthermore, Thai companies will join the Gripen supply chain with opportunities to make components like tires, bearings, clamps and airframe parts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Training support covers 26 personnel, made up of six pilots, 18 maintainers and two support staff. From 2025-29, Saab will provide a mission support system for network-centric flight planning and training, plus a maintenance ground support system for logistics management and maintenance. Saab welcomed its selection, stating: In addition to Gripen E/F fighter aircraft and associated equipment, Saabs offer includes a long-term offset package. This will benefit the national security and strategic independence of Thailand, while also bringing new jobs and investments to a range of Thai society sectors. Thai Gripen E/Fs will come with a Raven ES-05 radar, SkyWard infrared search and track, Arexis electronic warfare suite, a targeting pod and standoff weapon capability, Link-T, Meteor and IRIS-T missiles, and Targo helmet-mounted display. The initial batch comprises three single-seat Gripen Es and a twin-seat F, to be procured for 19.5 billion baht (nearly US$600 million) from FY2025-2029. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eight more Gripen E/Fs will be delivered through FY2034, replacing aging F-16A/B fighters in 102 Squadron. Thailands aircraft choice followed a decision publicized on Aug. 27, 2024 that the Gripen had been nominated. Now with the selection approved, the air force said the procurement contract would be signed in August. While last week marked the start of Pride Month, Ted Cruz is leading more than two dozen senators in an effort to designate June as Life Month. The Texas lawmaker introduced the joint Life Month Resolution to the upper chamber Tuesday to recognize that every human life is a sacred gift from God, it states. Every human life is worthy of protection, and it is especially incumbent upon Americans and lawmakers to protect the most vulnerable among us, Cruz said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Designating June as Life Month is a recommitment to the American principle that every life has dignity. I call on my colleagues in the Senate to swiftly pass this resolution. Cruzs office stated that the resolution was intended to commemorate the third anniversary of the Supreme Courts landmark decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, which occurred on June 24, 2022. President Donald Trump has repeatedly bragged about being able to kill Roe v. Wade by installing three conservative Supreme Court justices to reverse the decision. Texas Senator Ted Cruz introduced a new resolution to rename Pride Month to Life Month (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) While Cruz did not explicitly express the aim to replace any other awareness month, social media users were quick to argue that the resolution contradicts Junes recognition as Pride Month, which celebrates LGBTQ+ individuals and communities worldwide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement June is pride month, ted cruz, one person responded to Cruz on X. The month was already called for; find another one, another added, this time directed at Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville, who co-sponsored the resolution. A total of 26 GOP senators have also co-sponsored the resolution, including conservative firebrands Tuberville, John Cornyn of Texas, and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina. If we are going to dedicate entire months to recognizing every group under the sun, the least we can do is dedicate June to protecting unborn babies, Tuberville tweeted Wednesday. The resolution is also supported by 22 anti-abortion organizations, including Christian legal advocacy group Alliance Defending Freedom and Heritage Action, a subsidiary of the far-right think tank the Heritage Foundation. A companion resolution was introduced to the House by New Jersey Representative Chris Smith, who said it calls for Americans to put a stop to the dismembering [of] helpless babies with sharp knife-like curettes or poisoning babies with pills that literally starve them to death and often result in their bodies being flushed down a toilet. 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Ireland United States Minor Outlying Islands United States of America 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 CHICAGO An 18-year-old man has been charged with a shooting on a Chicago Transit Authority bus that left two people injured on the citys Northwest Side in April. William Soto faces two felony counts of attemped first-degree murder. He was arrested on Wednesday after being identified as the offender in connection to the shooting. 2 men shot on CTA bus on Northwest Side William Soto, 18 (Chicago Police Department) According to police, a 40-year-old man was involved in a verbal altercation with Soto and another man on a bus in the 4800 block of West Belmont on April 27. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said Soto produced a handgun and fired several shots at the 40-year-old man. The man was shot in the abdomen and leg. He was transported to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in fair condition. A 22-year-old man sustained a graze wound to the ankle. He was transported to Community First in good condition. Soto is scheduled to attend a detention hearing Thursday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. [Watch previous FOX 8 News coverage from a previous shooting at Borders Drive Thru in the player above.] AKRON, Ohio (WJW) An 18-year-old who shot and killed a man at an Akron drive-thru in February 2024 was sentenced to life in prison on Wednesday. Tyler J. Bartley, of Akron, was 17 years old when he shot and killed 47-year-old Patrick Boergert at Borders Drive Thru along South Arlington Street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I-Team: New video tied to unsolved Metroparks murders Bartley, who was working as a clerk at the drive-thru, encountered Boergert there as a passenger in a friends car, Summit County prosecutors previously said. Bartley reached through the back window of the car and shot Boergert. He was later pronounced dead at a hospital. The shooting was captured on the stores surveillance footage, and witness statements corroborated Bartleys involvement, according to a Wednesday news release. Keshaun Williams has been missing for nearly 2 years Bartley pleaded guilty in March to Boergerts murder, which included a one-year firearm specification. A judge on Wednesday sentenced him to life in prison. Hell be eligible for parole after 16 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gun violence has no place in Summit County. I am committed to continuing to work to prevent these horrific shootings, and to holding perpetrators accountable, County Prosecutor Elliot Kolkovich is quoted in a Wednesday news release. My deepest sympathies go out to Patrick Boergerts family. I hope this sentence brings them some measure of solace. Boergert was born in Cleveland and had been living in Akron for years before the shooting, according to the mans obituary. The church volunteer had seven children and seven grandchildren. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NEED TO KNOW Pheobe Bishop, 17, has been missing since May 15 Police have been investigating her disappearance as a homicide, though Bishop has not been found Queensland Police announced Thursday that two adults one of whom is reported to be Bishop's housemate have been charged in connection with her death An Australian teen's housemates reportedly have been charged with murder nearly a month after she vanished on her way to board a flight across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Queensland Police Service said in a press release on Thursday that a 34-year-old man and a 33-year-old woman have been charged in connection with 17-year-old Pheobe Bishop's death. Australias ABC News, SBS World News and news.com.au report the suspects are Bishop's housemates James Wood, 34, and Tanika Kristan Bromley, 33. "They have been charged with one count each of murder and two counts each of interfering with a corpse," police said, adding that they are both due to appear in the Bundaberg Magistrates Court on Friday. The news comes one day after it was reported that Wood had been arrested and questioned regarding Bishop's disappearance, according to Australias ABC News and news.com.au. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Bundaberg girl has been missing since Thursday, May 15, according to the Queensland Police Service. "The remains of Pheobe Bishop have not been located to date," Queensland Police said Thursday. "Detectives continue to investigate this matter, and physical searches will continue as needed as information is provided." Police say investigators "have conducted several enquiries during their investigations, including multiple searches of Good Night Scrub National Park, forensic examinations of a Gin Gin property and vehicle." Wood was initially released on Thursday, June 5, with no charges filed, according to ABC News and news.com.au. Queensland Police Pheobe Bishop Pheobe Bishop Bishop was last seen leaving a property in Gin Gin, where she lived with two housemates, in a grey Hyundai, according to news.com.au. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wood spoke with The Daily Mail this week and said Bishop was experiencing heightened emotions prior to her trip to visit her boyfriend, adding that she smashed a TV prior to her disappearance. She does have a temper but she is not a bad kid, she is actually a great kid, Wood told the outlet. "She is kind and smart and has good manners but she was living with us because she couldn't live at home anymore. Wood told the outlet he and Bromley drove Bishop to the airport but then ended up stopping the car on Airport Drive, just over half a mile from the terminal in order to "give her five minutes - give her her own space to do what she needed to do" to get ready for the flight. The 34-year-old man told The Daily Mail that Bishop was allegedly gone by the time he and Bromley returned to the car and they assumed she had gotten on her flight. "It was maybe five minutes, maybe it was three minutes or maybe it was eight but that's about how long we were gone," Wood claimed in the interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said the missing teen was spotted carrying luggage that morning on Airport Drive, but did not check in for a flight and has not been seen or heard from since. In a previous update, police revealed that some items had been located during the search and have been seized for forensic examination that they believed were linked to the 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. Queensland Police Pheobe Bishop Pheobe Bishop Meanwhile, Bishop's mother, Kylie Johnson, has posted multiple updates on Facebook amid her daughter's disappearance. She also read an official family statement in a video recently released by police, PEOPLE previously reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hi, Im Kylie. Im Pheobes mom. Our lives have been changed for the worse after the sudden disappearance of my daughter, who was last seen on May 15, Johnson said in the video, which was posted on a crime watch Facebook group for the Queensland area on Saturday, May 31. This is a pain no person or family should ever have to experience, the mother continued. Pheobe was a beautiful, loving, kind person, and every day not knowing where she has been is devastating for us. Read the original article on People CHICAGO A search is underway this week for a teen girl who officers say has been missing for several days. Chicago police say 15-year-old Gersimar Sanchez Quintana has been missing since Thursday, May 29. LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland The missing teen girl was last spotted near the 7000 block of South Parnell Avenue, in Englewood, on the citys South Side. Officers say Sanchez Quintana, who stands 5 feet tall and weighs around 150 pounds, has brown eyes and black hair. Photo provided by Chicago police shows 15-year-old Gersimar Sanchez Quintana, who officers say has been missing since Thursday, May 29, 2025. According to police, the teen was last seen wearing blue shorts, though it is unclear what kind of shirt she was wearing at the time of her disappearance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities shared details about the missing teens disappearance in a news release sent out on Wednesday. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Anyone with information on the whereabouts of 15-year-old Gersimar Sanchez Quintana 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. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SIOUX FALLS S.D. (KELO) A teenager driving a pickup was killed Wednesday morning after being hit by two semi-trucks on a central South Dakota highway. The 16-year-old from Pierre was heading north on Highway 83 near Agar, when a semi heading south pulled off the roadway onto the shoulder, hit the pickup, and caused it to spin. Then, a second semi also heading south turned into the ditch and also hit the pickup. The teenager died of his injuries at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 student was killed after being struck by a vehicle in the parking lot of a private San Fernando Valley school and at least five others were injured, authorities announced Wednesday afternoon. Personnel with the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to reports of the incident at Campbell Hall, located at 4533 Laurel Canyon Boulevard, in Studio City just after 3 p.m., fire officials said in a news release. According to the L.A. Police Department, the incident occurred at the end of the school day during pick up at the rear of the campus, when the driver of a green 2025 Rivian SUV reportedly struck a 15-year-old boy as he was walking in between vehicles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The boy was pinned and possibly crushed between the Rivian and a smaller, white SUV, officials said. LAFD paramedics rushed him, along with his uninjured father who witnessed the terrible accident, to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased. A male high school student was gravely injured in the parking lot of Campbell Hall in Studio City on June 4, 2025. (KTLA) A male high school student was gravely injured in the parking lot of Campbell Hall in Studio City on June 4, 2025. (KTLA) A male high school student was gravely injured in the parking lot of Campbell Hall in Studio City on June 4, 2025. (KTLA) Aerial footage of the scene captured by Sky5 showed both police and firefighters at the location where a canopy had been set up between the Rivian and a smaller white SUV. Canopies are typically used to cover victims suffering from grave injuries before they are taken to the hospital. Because student pick ups are done at very slow speeds, there is speculation that the Rivians driver may have inadvertently hit the gas pedal instead of the vehicles brakes, leading to a chain reaction and tragic consequences. Investigators, however, have not confirmed that detail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Army vet, 32, wanted in kidnapping, murder of his 3 young daughters Two other students and three adults were also reportedly injured during the incident, fire officials stated in an updated release, only describing their conditions as unspecified and non-life threatening. LAFD Cpt. Adam Van Gerpen said the traumatic ordeal impacted everyone present. Theres a lot of kids getting out of school, getting ready for summer who witnessed this, he said. Also, this is hard on our firefighters, when you have a teenager who is transported in grave condition. The mayors crisis team was en route to offer emotional support and recovery assistance to relatives and witnesses at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement L.A. County Board Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, who represents Studio City, released a statement on X, saying: My heart is with the entire Campbell Hall community during this tragic time. In an email sent to parents with children at the private Episcopalian school obtained by KTLA, the Head of School Rev. Canon Julian P. Bull said he and school officials are heartbroken over the tragic loss. Our collective hearts and thoughts are with the family, he continued. I know that the Campbell Hall community will be there for all of them in the challenging days and weeks ahead. In the meantime, please respect the familys privacy as they process this overwhelming loss. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The email further stated that there would be no classes or final exams on Thursday, but that members of the school community are welcome to gather in the Garver Gym where counselors will be present between 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. LAPD Lt. Matthew Bielski said the department is acknowledging that the incident was a tragic accident and that no charges will be filed against anyone involved. KTLA has attempted to contact school officials for comment, but has, so far, not heard back. Stay with KTLA for this 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 KTLA. Authorities announced that a body has been found on a popular lake in Austin, TX, after a teenage boy went missing over the weekend. A spokesperson for the Austin Police Department said the teenager went missing Sunday when he and his family hopped on paddleboards and kayaks for a stroll on Lady Bird Lake, a popular summer destination for both locals and tourists. It's unclear when, but the teenage boy went missing. Authorities immediately launched a search and rescue effort, to no avail. Then, on Tuesday at around 7:45 a.m., a paddleboarder made the grim discovery when they spotted the body floating in the water near the intersection of West Riverside Drive and South Lamar Boulevard. Related: 2 Teens Shot Dead on National Park Camping Trip Police have since said that the body discovered Tuesday morning was a teenage boy who investigators say was "unknowingly standing near an underwater shelf." Authorities believe the teenage boy slipped or fell off the underwater shelf, which authorities say is a sudden drop-off in the lake. Lady Bird Lake is a dammed section of the Colorado River. The artificial lake stretches more than five miles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While police have not yet positively identified the body recovered on Tuesday, they say the clothing matches the missing teenager's outfit. Police also said that the teenage boy's lifejacket and belongings were still on his kayak. Austin, United States - May 3, 2014: People having fun on rowboats and boards in Lady Bird Lake on a nice day with the Austin skyline in the background. Dee Liu/Getty Images According to data obtained by Fox 7, at least 38 bodies have been found in or around Lady Bird Lake since 2022. The outlet reports that, of those bodies found, 30 were male, and just over 60 percent were between 30 and 49 years old. Only two were teenagers, including the body discovered on Tuesday. In just the last three years, the cause of deaths for most of the bodies discovered on Lady Bird Lake have been attributed to accidental drownings, Fox 7 reports. Suicide, drug overdoses and natural causes are second on the list. Fox 7 also reports that only one case has been ruled a murder and some half a dozen cases remain unknown. Related: Hiker Missing After Being Swept Away in National Park Police emphasized that no foul play is suspected in Tuesday's discovery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With a picturesque backdrop of Austin's ever changing skyline, Lady Bird Lake offers a number of summer activities for locals and tourists, including watching the nightly emergence of nearly 2 million Mexican bats taking refuge under the South Congress Avenue bridge. Boats, kayakers and paddleboarders -- along with a throng of bystanders on the bridge and on a number of hotel balconies across the lake -- wait for the emergence of these bats before sunset. Teen's Body Found in Beloved Lake as Deaths Pile Up first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 4, 2025 HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) Ten people were arrested Wednesday as part of an ongoing crackdown on open-air drug dealing in Holyoke. Springfield Police SVU arrest man in connection with rape and kidnapping According to Holyoke Police Chief Brian Keenan, the coordinated operation, which involved both local and state agencies, resulted in the seizure of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, crack cocaine, and cash during the multi-location sweep. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers conducting surveillance in Soucy Park observed suspected drug activity involving Antoine Diaz and Juan Carlos Llorens-DeJesus, according to police. Diaz later left the area in a vehicle and was stopped by investigators, who found seven vials of cocaine. He was arrested and charged with possession of a Class B drug. Courtesy of Holyoke Police Department Llorens-DeJesus was detained at the park along with Maria Gonzalez. Gonzalez was arrested for drug possession. Police say they recovered two grams of crack cocaine, more than two grams of fentanyl, and cash from Lliorens-DeJesus. He faces multiple charges, including distribution and possession with intent to distribute Class A and B drugs. The operation then moved to the 100 block of Sargeant Street, where police said Steven Devers was spotted engaging in suspected drug activity. He attempted to run on foot and tossed heroin and fentanyl from a fourth-floor window, but was quickly apprehended. Investigators recovered approximately 100 bags of heroin/fentanyl, 27 vials of cocaine, and cash. Devers faces five drug-related charges. On Cabot Street, investigators detained Omar Albira-Torres after observing what they described as suspected drug transactions. Police day he was found him with seven grams of cocaine and crack cocaine. He was charged with possession with intent to distribute and an outstanding arrest warrant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Juan Carlos Llorens-DeJesus , 38, of Holyoke, is charged with: Distribution of a Class A Drug Distribution of a Class B Drug Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Class A Drug Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Class B Drug Possession of a Class A Drug Possession of a Class B Drug Antoine Diaz , 44, of Agawam, is charged with: Possession of a Class B Drug Steven Devers , 36, of Indian Orchard, is charged with: Distribution of a Class A Drug Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Class A Drug Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Class B Drug Possession of a Class A Drug Possession of a Class B Drug Pedro Rosado-Torres , 53, of Holyoke, is charged with: Arrest Warrant Maria Gonzalez , 55, of Chicopee, is charged with: Possession of a Class B Drug Omar Albira-Torres , 46, of Springfield, is charged with: Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Class B Drug Possession of a Class B Drug Arrest Warrant Luis Vazquez Jr ., 50, of West Springfield, is charged with: Possession of a Class B Drug Thomas Miklovich , 42, of Hadley, is charged with: Possession of a Class A Drug Trespass Jessica Dahlke , 40, of Belchertown, is charged with: Arrest Warrant Anthony Broden , 41, of West Springfield, is charged with: Arrest Warrant The investigation remains ongoing. 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. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Governor Bill Lee recently signed legislation to regulate the hemp industry, which some retailers say will force them out of the state or put them out of business. The bill, which passed last legislative session, essentially bans smokable hemp flower in Tennessee, the majority of what Ben Whitelaw, owner of The Flower Shop in Chattanooga, sells. Theyve banned CBD hemp. Thats what theyve done. All of it. THCA and CBD hemp. Its all going to be gone, Whitelaw said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill includes several provisions, including a ban on .3% THCA, which lawmakers argue turns into THC when burned: the same chemical in marijuana that gets the user high. We were all told when we voted for hemp that, well, its the nonintoxicating cousin to marijuana. You dont have to worry about people getting high. Well, yall, that horse has left the barn, House Majority Leader William Lamberth (R-Portland) said. Read the latest from the TN State Capitol Newsroom Lawmakers who backed the bill have long described the hemp industry as the Wild West, due to the lack of regulation. They argued new rules will protect consumers so they know what products theyre purchasing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Whitelaw believes the bill was drafted for a different reason, partially because the Alcoholic Beverage Commission (ABC) will become the regulating agency of the hemp industry under the legislation. This bill was brought about to destroy the infrastructure we had created and hand the scraps to the alcohol industry so they could make money off the really light strength drinks and edibles that are still allowed under this bill. Whitelaw told News 2 the majority of the products he sells will soon be banned. He plans to use his retirement fund to close down his store and move it to North Carolina. Were going to try to move it to North Carolina, as close to the border as possible and continue to help residents of Tennessee if they wish to come and see us, Whitelaw said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hemp industry experts hope to sue the state over the legislation, but finding the money to pay the legal fees will likely be a challenge. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com The bill is set to become law Jan. 1. 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 WKRN News 2. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) A Chattanooga school has agreed to pay the family of a student charged with a felony under Tennessees threats of mass violence law $100,000, which is likely the first successful lawsuit over the legislation in the state. According to the lawsuit, a student at Chattanooga Prep asked if another student was going to blow up the school, to which an 11-year-old who is autistic responded, Yeah. The attorney for the family of the 11-year-old, Justin Gilbert, argued the child had no information that the other student was truly intending to blow up the school; his statement was limited by his social awareness and judgment due to his disability. Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts The statement was what is known as a transient threat, or a statement made by a student with a disability who had no awareness of a real threat, Gilbert told News 2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite that, the lawsuit said the 11-year-old was sent to the principals office, then to the school resource officer, and was ultimately charged with a felony under Tennessees school threat law, which went into effect last year. The law passed by the state legislature is really aimed at getting to true threats, true emergencies, school shooters, everyone knew in this case thats not the case here, Gilbert said. In addition, Gilbert told News 2 Chattanooga Prep failed to conduct a threat assessment, required by state law, which would have determined the child had no intent or ability to carry out any mass violence. Chattanooga Prep agreed to pay the family $100,000 and require staff to undergo training on how to handle similar situations in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That training is detailed, and it seems to me is sorely needed in Tennessee, Gilbert said. What the lawsuit is trying to do is make sure that valid cases of threat are acted upon immediately, but the vast majority of these invalid threats are dealt with without harming students. Read the latest from the TN State Capitol Newsroom Gilbert added hes currently representing multiple families whove experienced something similar. JC Bowman, executive director and CEO of Professional Educators of Tennessee, and a former special needs teacher, believes a lack of training may have been a factor in this case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are big on making sure we take every single threat seriously at a school. That being said, you have to take into account the child, Bowman said. Thats where I think the real fear is that were so blind to the letter of the law that we dont look into the spirit of the law. According to Bowman, threats of mass violence at schools have increased since the law was passed. However, he said its important that schools and law enforcement investigate each one and determine their legitimacy before making an arrest. Theres a hard lesson in this and we should all take in education take a look at this and make sure were doing common sense polices that does in fact protect all of our kids, but make sure that special needs kids or kids that are making innocuous statements are considered weighed and determined whether they have the capacity to carry it out and whether it was a serious threat, Bowman said. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com News 2 reached out to Chattanooga Prep for a statement on the settlement but hadnt heard back by the time this article was published. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. By Akash Sriram, Kanchana Chakravarty, Chris Kirkham and Abhirup Roy (Reuters) -Tesla shares went into free-fall on Thursday as President Donald Trump publicly feuded with the electric vehicle maker's billionaire CEO Elon Musk, his self-proclaimed "First Buddy." Investors watched the unfolding drama with growing worry about what the fracas could mean for Musk's business empire. The carmaker's shares ended the day down 14%, wiping off $150 billion in market value on a day absent other news about the company. Traders dumped Tesla in heavy trading after Musk quickly responded to Trump's criticism with social media posts that stepped up criticism of the president's tax bill. Trump fired back further, alleging Musk was upset because the bill takes away tax benefits for electric vehicle purchases. Openly feuding with Trump could pose multiple hurdles for Tesla and the rest of Musk's sprawling business empire. The U.S. Transportation Department regulates vehicle design standards and would have a big say in whether Tesla can mass-produce robotaxis without pedals and steering wheels. The agency is also investigating Tesla's driver-assistance software, known as "Full Self-Driving," following a fatal crash. "Elon's politics continue to harm the stock. First he aligned himself with Trump, which upset many potential Democratic buyers. Now he has turned on the Trump administration," said Tesla shareholder Dennis Dick, chief strategist at Stock Trader Network. With EV sales falling, Musk over the last year has re-oriented Tesla's future around self-driving robotaxis. On an earnings call last year, he said investors "should sell their Tesla stock" if they did not believe the company would solve the technological challenges of driverless vehicles. Wedbush analysts have said the AI and autonomous opportunities could be worth $1 trillion alone in market value for the company. Musk has advocated for one federal approval process for autonomous vehicles to streamline the current maze of different state regulations. Ross Gerber, CEO of Tesla investor Gerber Kawasaki Wealth and Investment Management, said the feud with Trump "creates a negative force against Tesla" that could jeopardize regulations and risk more government investigations. "Every benefit that was perceived he would have got now turns into a negative," Gerber said. Musk, the world's richest man and a key figure in the Department of Government Efficiency's (DOGE) cost-cutting plan for several months, blasted Trump's "big beautiful bill" this week, after he decided to spend less time in the White House and instead focus on his companies. Following Thursday's selloff, his net worth fell by roughly $27 billion to $388 billion, according to Forbes. HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) A jury has found a man accused of killing a 20-year-old outside of a Carolina Forest Planet Fitness in 2023 guilty of his charges after hours of deliberations Thursday afternoon. Abdullah Seifullah, 45, was convicted of murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime in the June 2023 death of David Roldan-Dimas, 20, of York County, who was shot and killed inside a car outside the gym. Judge Michael Nettles sentenced Seifullah to life in prison for the murder charge. The jury started deliberating at 12:35 p.m. A guilty verdict was reached shortly before 3:15 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecution testimony in the case in Horry County Circuit Court wrapped up at about 10:30 a.m. Thursday, and after Seifullahs defense team decided not to call any witnesses, prosecutors laid out their final arguments. During the prosecutions closing arguments, they said Seifullah killed Roldan-Dimas because he needed Roldan-Dimas Camero. They said Seifullahs car could not be driven and that he needed a car to drive to Connecticut. Roldan-Dimas was shot in his left shoulder, with the bullet going through several organs and down his back, the prosecution said. He only drove a few feet before he crashed into another car and died. Two witnesses testified they saw a man go up to Roldan-Dimas car, heard a loud noise and saw him crash before later finding out hed died. Three witnesses testified they saw a man running the day of the incident, which surveillance video also shows. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opening statements in the trial took place on Tuesday, and jurors heard testimony from several witnesses on Wednesday. Seifullah and Branden Huertas were arrested on unrelated charges in February 2024 in Connecticut. Seifullah was returned to Horry County and booked into the J. Reuben Long Detention Center last February, according to online records. Huertas was extradited to Horry County in November and charged with murder, criminal conspiracy, accessory before the fact and accessory after the fact. He was scheduled to stand trial in March but has since entered a plea and is waiting to be sentenced, according to Horry Countys online public records. Seifullah and Huertas allegedly shot and killed Rolden-Dimas while he was sitting in his car in the gyms parking lot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * * * 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. * * * 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. * * * Skylar Musick is a multimedia journalist at News13. Skylar is originally from Long Island, New York. She joined the News13 team in June 2024 after graduating from Villanova University in May 2024. Follow Skylar on X, formerly Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, and read more of her work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. TEXARKANA, Ark. Officials with the Arkansas Department of Corrections said a Texarkana inmate who escaped while on work release was caught Thursday morning. According to ADC officials, 30-year-old Antarian Wright was caught around 10 a.m. Officials said he was arrested coming out of the woods after being tracked to an apartment complex in Texarkana. ADC officials said Wright, who was a part of the Arkansas Department of Corrections Texarkana Work Release Center, was not at his job assignment when staff arrived to pick him up around midnight Wednesday, June 4. Booking image of Antarian Wright Officials said he worked at a bakery at 2700 E. 3rd in Hope. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities release updated possible picture of escaped inmate Grant Hardin ADC officials said he was last seen on camera leaving the bakery at 9:30 p.m. in a gray Ford Focus with a woman who was last seen in Texarkana. Officials said the vehicle was found around 3:30 a.m. at the apartment complex, prompting a search and causing Wright to run from the area. Authorities increase reward for information on Arkansas inmate escapee Grant Hardin to $25,000 Wright was wearing a black hoodie, officials said. Wright was serving 15 years on aggravated robbery and theft by receiving charges out of Columbia County. ADC officials said he would have been eligible for parole in July 2028. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham announced that $12 million in disaster recovery funds will be approved for infrastructure and housing projects across four Texas communities. The money comes from reallocated federal grants originally designated for previous disasters. The funding represents a last chance for cities still rebuilding from the 2015 floods. Federal deadlines loom for spending these disaster recovery dollars, creating urgency for communities with unfinished projects. Texans impacted by disasters deserve real solutions, said Commissioner Buckingham. The GLO is making sure every dollar is put to work for the people who need it most. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harris County will receive the largest share, with a $7.35 million split between Jacinto City and Tomball. Newton County secured $3.95 million for street and sewer improvements, while Brazoria was awarded $700,000 for sewer line replacement. The money comes through the Disaster Recovery Reallocation Program, which repurposes unused federal disaster funds. The Texas General Land Office received $1.4 billion in project requests but had only $140 million available across six disaster programs. Jacinto Citys $6 million allocation addresses critical infrastructure needs from the 2015 flooding. The city will upgrade sewer lines, improve emergency communications systems, and enhance its wastewater treatment plant. Newtons projects focus on street repairs and sewer improvements in flood-damaged areas. Tomball will use its $1.35 million for channel improvements to reduce future flood risks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal regulations impose strict completion deadlines on these projects. Communities that fail to finish work on time must repay the funds to Washington. Still, the program offers vital support for Texas cities struggling with disaster recovery costs. The selected projects underwent rigorous eligibility reviews based on federal grant requirements and completion feasibility. That said, the funding falls far short of the requested needs. The $1.4 billion in submissions highlights the extensive damage Texas communities still face from multiple disasters spanning more than a decade. (NewsNation) Sheriffs departments throughout Texas could be forced to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement if Gov. Greg Abbott signs a bill into law that was recently approved by the state legislature. The bill mandates that departments in 238 of the states 254 counties enter into at least one form of a 287(g) agreement or a similar federal program, which gives deputies the authority to carry out immigration enforcement duties once they are trained. Seventy-three Texas counties have existing agreements with ICE. However, the proposed law would require full participation, and the Texas Attorney General could sue non-compliant departments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walmart reportedly fires workers over immigration ruling Trump recently wrote on Truth Social that he is monitoring the bill, adding, It is important to Texas, and to our country. Lawmakers who helped propel the bill to Abbotts desk claim it makes communities safer. Texas Rep. David Spiller, a Republican, told NewsNation that he believes if passed, the bill also offers a national blueprint on how to build cooperation between local and federal immigration agencies. Were identifying bad actors and people who have warrants for removal, Spiller said. And if they committed acts that justify removal from the United States, those folks, they certainly dont need to be here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, some sheriffs are concerned about what they call unfunded mandates to participate in federal operations. Democrats also fear it could lead to racial profiling. What is required under the bill? Three 287(g) models exist, and under the proposed law, departments have the choice of how many options they employ. Jail Enforcement Model This allows officers to interrogate incarcerated individuals to determine their immigration status, input their information into a Homeland Security database, take statements, and initiate the deportation process through an immigration detainer and notice to appear . Warrant Service Officer Model Officers identify people as non-citizens during the booking process, referring those people to ICE for evaluation and possible deportation. Officers also serve ICE administrative warrants on people in custody. Task Force Model This method allows local officers to enforce immigration laws during their routine duties in the community. An Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer outside an apartment building during a multiagency targeted enforcement operation in Chicago on Jan. 26. (Christopher Dilts/Bloomberg via Getty Images) Of the Texas 73 counties with agreements, 18 have officers trained in the task force model, while 70 participate use one of the jail-related agreements, The Texas Observer reported. Others have applications to become part of the 287 (g) program in place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proposed bill provides grants to offset costs, ranging from $80,000 per year to $140,000, with the largest amounts reserved for counties with more than 1 million residents. Spiller said lawmakers are encouraging departments to follow the Warrant Service Officer model, which allows ICE to pick up an inmate within 48 hours once they are identified in the ICE database. He added that the bill is about identifying bad actors who have previously been ordered to leave the country, and not about deputies being required to enforce federal immigration law. DoorDasher drives onto tarmac at OHare Airport, exposing security flaw But he said full participation is needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Some larger counties) know that some of these folks that theyve arrested may have outstanding federal warrants, and they knowingly and willingly turn a blind eye and choose not to look, Spiller said. We cant have these people turned back onto the street because theyre a public safety concern. Texas sheriffs get to play Border Patrol Abbott has already made it clear Texas cities and counties must fully cooperate with the federal governments efforts to arrest, jail, and deport illegal immigrants, the governors spokesman told NewsNation. He did not specify when Abbott could sign the bill into law. Some sheriffs with existing 287 (g) agreements praise the mandatory participation, which allows flexibility without forcing deputies to go out and play Border Patrol or ICE, Terrell County Sheriff Thaddeus Cleveland said. The Republican sheriff understands why some in his position may choose not to go that far, but calls having the ability to get inmates into federal custody faster a no-brainer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youre being given the tools (under the bill) to make this country safer, said Cleveland, who uses the two jail-related programs and has applied for the task force model training. I dont see what people wouldnt want to participate. Some sheriffs worried about costs to their departments Just east of Houston, Chambers County Sheriff Brian Hawthorne announced this spring that not all Sheriffs Association of Texas members support the bills required participation, Houston Public Media reported. Hawthorne, a Republican who has had a 287 (g) agreement in place for the past four years, said many departments were concerned about unfunded mandates, despite the availability of grant money. Some fear that the largest grants may not cover the costs of what departments are being asked to do. Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez announced in 2017 that the department maintains law and order in the states largest county, which includes the city of Houston. The county ended its 287(g) agreement, and Gonzalez announced he was allocating the $675,000 he spent on the deal toward improving case clearance rates and other department priorities. Immigrants captured in Terrell County, Texas, are illuminated after being found by local sheriffs deputies. (Photo courtesy of the Terrell County Sheriffs Department) While not every department will face that large of a financial burden to carry out respective 287 (g) agreements, Hawthorne, the legislative chairman of the state sheriffs association, told NewsNation that forcing every department has raised concerns among some Democratic sheriffs who are worried about the political overtones of the issue that may be alarming and bothersome to some residents in more left-leaning counties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ICE agents, South Carolina cops arrest 80 in raid at illegal club Sheriffs have expressed their displeasure about the statewide mandate to Hawthorne, but all those already allow ICE into their jail facilities, as incarcerated inmates are transferred into federal custody. Ultimately, Hawthorne believes the flexibility built into the bill makes it more palatable for local departments, which are all tasked with protecting their communities. Remember, the sheriff works for the people, and Ive never seen a sheriff who didnt believe in the rule of law, Hawthorne said. But as you and I both know, sometimes, the rule of law has a whole lot of differing opinions and ideas. Democrats fear proposed law will lead to racial profiling State Sen. Roland Gutierrez, a Democrat representing San Antonio, raised other potential red flags. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Are you not afraid of the potentiality for racial profiling by police if they see what presumably looks like Mexican or Hispanic people in a truck, that they will not be pulled over simply because of the color of their skin? Gutierrez asked the bills senate sponsor, Republican Charles Schwertner, during the senate debate, according to the Texas Tribune. Sarah Cruz, the policy and advocacy strategist for border and immigrant rights with the Texas ACLU, voiced similar concerns after the bill passed the Texas legislature. (The bill) will not make communities safer, but it will force sheriffs to do the work of ICE in support of the federal governments shameless mass deportation efforts, Cruz said. Spiller, like Schwertner, maintains that the bill has nothing to do with race or nationality, but instead is more about helping ICE take those already in their base into custody and out of the jurisdiction of local sheriffs offices. Federal vs state jurisdiction lines blurred Kristin Etter, the director of policy and legal services for the Texas Immigration Law Council, calls the measure a real slap in the face to local law enforcement agencies tasked with protecting their communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Etter told NewsNation that if Abbott signs the bill and it withstands legal challenges that similarly arose involving a 2017 law that abolished sanctuary cities in Texas, departments may find themselves in a precarious position. She also fears Texas could become the federal inspiration for forcing states to help drive Trumps immigration mission. (The bill) is really placing Texas law enforcement agents under the service of the federal government, Etter said. So, theres really no longer going to be any local control of how they protect their communities and keep their communities safe. Spiller, however, disagrees and says the bill, while required, offers departments flexibility while also ensuring everyone is on the same page to better protect local counties and Texas as a whole. Were trying to make communities safer and the streets safer, Spiller said, and this is the best way we have to do it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. NEED TO KNOW Texas teen Makaila Chenier has shared how what she thought was a swollen lymph node from a lingering cold turned out to be cancer The 17-year-old was diagnosed with stage 2 Hodgkin lymphoma earlier this year It was just a little lump ... It was very hard because it was like everything changed literally overnight," Mikaila told the outlet A teen from Texas is opening up about the moment she found out what she thought was a lump from a lingering cold was actually cancer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Makaila Chenier, 17, found a little lump in her neck in January and thought it was a swollen lymph node, but after it got progressively bigger and she had trouble breathing when she was lying down, she ended visiting her doctor, according to Today.com. She was referred to an ear, nose and throat doctor who told her to go to the emergency room, where she underwent a series of tests, including an ultrasound, X-ray and CT scan. There was definitely a sense of urgency that we picked up on very quickly in the appointments, Mikailas mom, Christina Chenier, told Today.com. We knew something wasnt quite right. It was there that doctors told Makaila they suspected she had lymphoma. Doctor said, It looks like it might be some sort of lymphoma, Christina told the outlet. Hearing your kid may have cancer it was a gut punch All of a sudden we were playing a completely different game and everything was completely upside down. Getty Stock image of Thermometer Stock image of Thermometer From the ER, Makaila was transferred to Texas Childrens Hospital in downtown Houston where she was diagnosed with stage 2 Hodgkin lymphoma the very next day, beginning her first round of chemotherapy just over a week after visiting the ER. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was very hard because it was like everything changed literally overnight, Mikaila, who undergoes chemotherapy every two weeks, told the outlet. It was just a little lump. According to the Mayo Clinic, Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is part of the body's germ-fighting and disease-fighting immune system. Lymphoma begins when healthy cells in the lymphatic system change and grow out of control. There are two types of lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma (formerly called Hodgkin disease) and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and symptoms include a fever, night sweats and painless swelling of lymph nodes in the belly, neck, armpits or groin. Getty Texas Children's Hospital Texas Children's Hospital Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Mikaila is now homeschooled and has had to miss special occasions like prom. However, there was one milestone the teen didnt want to miss out on. They let me do graduation because thats once in a lifetime, she told the outlet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She is expected to complete her treatment in August and plans to take a gap year before going to college. Ive been staying really positive through it all and Ive learned that really helps get through it because they say time flies when youre having fun, Makaila said. I try to have as much fun as I can and make the best out of it, which has really helped. Read the original article on People AUSTIN (KXAN) Paramedics could soon be exempt from tuition and laboratory fees while taking certain courses at public colleges and universities, thanks to a bill that recently passed in the Texas Legislature. House Bill 1105, authored by Rep. Sheryl Cole, D-Austin, applies to paramedics employed by a political subdivision of Texas. Many of Texas paramedics are also firefighters, who already have access to fee exemptions under Texas law. Law enforcement officers also have access to exemptions. However, an author-sponsor statement of intent for HB 1105 states that as many as 6,000 paramedics in Texas are not employed by a fire department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Texas, most paramedics working for a political subdivision are also employed as firefighters, the statement reads. Since firefighters are eligible most paramedics have likewise benefited from these courses and the tuition exemption. When implemented, the law will direct the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to restrict how many remote students get exemptions to 20% of enrolled students. Austin EMS Association (AEMSA) President James Monks provided the only testimony in support of the bill during an April 15 hearing, according to legislative records. AEMSA organizes Austin-Travis County EMS workers. I think it was an oversight. EMS is not quite at the top of everybodys radar, said Monks to KXAN on Thursday. We got left out of the loop when [fee exemption] legislation initially passed, and I just tried to convince them that the initial intent of this legislation was to include paramedics third service just kind of got left out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Representatives from the city of Austin, city of Houston, Texas AFL-CIO, Texas State Association of Fire and Emergency Districts, Texas Fire Chiefs Association, Conference of Urban Counties, and County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas registered in support of the bill but did not testify. No one testified against or registered opposition with the Senates Higher Education committee. Texas AFL-CIO: Texas Legislature passes bill protecting utility workers from assaults, harassment during disasters Some AEMSA members have already indicated they will seek more training because of the bill, Monks said. He also said that the law would help ATCEMS retain staff. I definitely see it as step in the right direction, Monks said. Its offering a further incentive for people who have their paramedic license or certification, so that they can go ahead and pursue higher education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bill sponsor Sen. Sarah Eckhardt, D-Austin, provided a statement to KXAN, in which she said she was proud to help pass the bill. Nearly 9% of Texas paramedics are employed by a standalone EMS department but are excluded from participating in the tuition exemption program offered to their counterparts who work jointly with police and fire, Eckhardt said. This bill is about ensuring parity and opening vital pathways for more Texans to get to work helping their communities, especially those struggling with the greatest need for personnel. Monks also told KXAN that he was grateful for Cole and Eckhardt, and said that their staff were fantastic. Unless vetoed, HB 1105 takes effect in September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. State Rep. Jolanda Jones, D-Houston, on Monday jumped into the race for the congressional seat left open by the death of U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner, the former Houston mayor. The simple fact is no one will fight harder to stop Republicans from taking away our social security, our public schools, our health care, our constitutional rights and more, Jones said in a statement announcing her campaign. Jones, an attorney and former Houston City Council member from 2008 to 2012, joins a slate of candidates running in the special election, including Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee and fellow former Houston City Council member Amanda Edwards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am the only candidate in this race who has fought for our families in the Legislature, in the courtroom, on city council and on the school board, said Jones, who was elected to the Texas House in 2022. I helped shut down Houstons corrupt crime lab, helped extend Medicaid coverage for new mothers and their babies and cut taxes for seniors and homeowners. Turner, who also served in the Texas House before his turn in Congress, died March 5, two months into his first term representing Texas 18th Congressional District. The district, which contains historically significant neighborhoods for Houstons Black community, had been long represented by former U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, who also died in office last year amid a battle with pancreatic cancer. The special election to fill the seat will take place Nov. 4. Gov. Greg Abbott called the election for November a month after Turners death, leaving a solidly blue seat open for most of 2025 as Republicans work to push through President Donald Trumps agenda in a closely divided House. In Congress, Jones said she would fight to stop Trump cuts to healthcare and Medicaid, Social Security, education and veterans, and work to expand healthcare coverage and affordability. She also emphasized bringing back the right to an abortion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive been fighting my entire career for womens rights, bodies, and voices, and will never stop working to restore abortion rights to make sure women not politicians make their own healthcare decisions, said Jones, a criminal and family lawyer with her own practice. The district is a Democratic stronghold, meaning the Democratic nominee is almost certain to win the election and could hold onto the seat for years. Menefee was the first to launch his campaign, and has secured high-profile endorsements, including former U.S. Reps. Colin Allred and Beto O'Rourke, who both challenged U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz. Jackson Lees daughter, Erica Lee Carter, is serving as his campaign chair after briefly representing the district after her mothers death. Jones said she deferred her decision to run until the legislative session concluded this week so that she could focus on representing her constituents in the Texas House, where she served on the criminal jurisprudence, public health and redistricting committees. She was also the vice chair of the subcommittee on juvenile justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I promised my constituents I would fight for them every day through the end of the legislative session and I did exactly that, she said. During the session, Jones worked closely with both Republicans and Democrats, including on legislation to ensure that certain criminal defendants are not held behind bars pretrial for periods longer than the maximum sentence for the alleged offense. Jones, a four-time national track and field champion, one-time contestant on CBS Survivor and LGBTQ advocate who often speaks about her upbringing in poverty and familial tragedy, previously served on the Houston ISD Board of Trustees. One of her Republican colleagues, whom she worked with on the criminal jurisprudence committee, quickly gave a word of praise upon her announcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This woman, Rep. Mitch Little, R-Lewisville, posted on social media, is truly a forced to be reckoned with. Big news: 20 more speakers join the TribFest lineup! New additions include Margaret Spellings, former U.S. secretary of education and CEO of the Bipartisan Policy Center; Michael Curry, former presiding bishop and primate of The Episcopal Church; Beto ORourke, former U.S. Representative, D-El Paso; Joe Lonsdale, entrepreneur, founder and managing partner at 8VC; and Katie Phang, journalist and trial lawyer. Get tickets. TribFest 2025 is presented by JPMorganChase. SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) Property tax relief could be on the way for some homeowners. Senate Bill 4 and Senate Bill 32, passed by Texas lawmakers, are designed to cut costs for homeowners across the state. Tyler Johnson is the Tom Green County Chief Appraiser. Senate Bill 4 is to increase the homestead exemption that a person qualifies for a property they own and occupy. It increases the school exemption of their tax billfrom $100,000 to $140,000. On top of that, if you have a disabled person or someone over 65 exemption in prior years has been $10,000 and it will be increased to $60,000, Johnson said. The Texas Homestead Exemption is a tax break that reduces how much of your homes value is taxed. For many, that could mean several hundred dollars in savings a year. Recently, San Angelo voters approved a $397 million bond for San Angelo ISD, which increases the school districts tax rate for those with homes in the district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The entities that had bonds passedthose bonds could effect the amount of tax savings you see from the homestead exemptionso we wont know specifically how much the bon effects whatever tax savings come from the new legislationbut the legislation will help the overall increase a person would feel from the bonds that were passed, Johnson said. Before any of this can happen, voters in Tom Green County and across the state would need to approve a constitutional amendment in November. The amendment would officially change the Texas Constitution to allow these exemptions to take effect. If passed, the changes would apply to this tax year, which means you could see it reflected in your 2025 property tax bill. Once it becomes law, the district will implement the new district amount. If you already qualify for a resident homestead, we will update our system to reflect the new exemption starting in September with the idea that if it passes, it will already be associated with the tax bill you receive for your property after Oct. 1st, Johnson 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 ConchoValleyHomepage.com. TEXAS (The Texas Tribune) Undocumented students in Texas are no longer eligible for in-state tuition after Texas agreed Wednesday with the federal governments demand to stop the practice. The abrupt end to Texas 24-year-old law came hours after the U.S. Department of Justice announced it was suing Texas over its policy of letting undocumented students qualify for lower tuition rates at public universities. Texas quickly asked the court to side with the feds and find that the law was unconstitutional and should be blocked, which U.S. District Judge Reed OConnor did. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton claimed credit for the outcome, saying in a statement Wednesday evening that ending this discriminatory and un-American provision is a major victory for Texas, echoing the argument made by Trump administration officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under federal law, schools cannot provide benefits to illegal aliens that they do not provide to U.S. citizens, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement Wednesday. The Justice Department will relentlessly fight to vindicate federal law and ensure that U.S. citizens are not treated like second-class citizens anywhere in the country. The Justice Department filed its lawsuit in the Wichita Falls division of the Northern District of Texas, where OConnor hears all cases. OConnor, appointed by President George W. Bush, has long been a favored judge for the Texas attorney generals office and conservative litigants. Texas began granting in-state tuition to undocumented students in 2001, becoming the first state to extend eligibility. A bill to end this practice advanced out of a Texas Senate committee for the first time in a decade this year but stalled before reaching the floor. The measure, Senate Bill 1798, would have repealed the law, and also required students to cover the difference between in- and out-of-state tuition should their school determine they had been misclassified. It would have allowed universities to withhold their diploma if they dont pay the difference within 30 days of being notified and if the diploma had not already been granted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican Sen. Mayes Middleton of Galveston authored the legislation, which would have prohibited universities from using any money to provide undocumented students with scholarships, grants or financial aid. It would have also required universities to report students whom they believe had misrepresented their immigration status to the attorney generals office and tied their funding to compliance with the law. Responding to the filing Wednesday, Middleton wrote on social media that he welcomed the lawsuit and hoped the state would settle it with an agreement scrapping eligibility for undocumented migrants. Middleton is running for attorney general in next years GOP primary, as incumbent Ken Paxton vacates the seat to run for the U.S. Senate. The House contemplated similar legislation to Middletons bill. Under House Bill 232 by state Rep. Cody Vasut, R-Angleton, undocumented students 18 or older would have been required to provide proof that they had applied to become a permanent U.S. resident to be eligible for in-state tuition. That measure also died in committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To qualify for in-state tuition under the law that was struck down Wednesday, undocumented students must have lived in the state for three years before graduating from high school and for a year before enrolling in college. They must also sign an affidavit stating they will apply for legal resident status as soon as they can. Texas Higher Education Commissioner Wynn Rosser told lawmakers on the Senate Finance Committee earlier this year that about 19,000 undocumented students have signed that affidavit. Sen. Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown, pressed Rosser to provide more information about students who had signed affidavits, including how many receive financial aid from the state. Rosser said he was unsure. We have a constitutional duty regarding K-12, but higher education does not have that duty regarding funding of non-citizens, Schwertner said. From a policy perspective, if were for big, strong, secure borders and walls, then we should also be looking on the back end of what we incentivize, or not incentivize, individuals that are coming across our borders illegally against federal law and state law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before Wednesdays ruling, Texas was one of 24 states, including the District of Columbia, to offer in-state tuition to undocumented students, according to the Higher Ed Immigration Portal. This issue has come before the courts before. In 2022, a district court ruled that federal law prevented the University of North Texas from offering undocumented immigrants an educational benefit that was not available to all U.S. citizens. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals threw out that case on procedural grounds, but noted there likely were valid preemption challenges to Texas scheme. Trump administration lawyers repeatedly cited that finding throughout Wednesdays filing. States like Texas have been in clear violation of federal law on this issue, said Robert Henneke, executive director and general counsel at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, the conservative think tank that brought the 2022 lawsuit. If anything, its surprising that this wasnt brought earlier. Don Graham, a co-founder of TheDream.US, the largest scholarship program for undocumented students, said these young people already face significant hurdles to get to college. They cannot access federal grants and loans, so legal action to rescind in-state tuition could prevent them from completing or enrolling in college altogether, he noted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Itll mean that some of the brightest young students in the country, some of the most motivated, will be denied an opportunity for higher education, Graham said. And itll hurt the workforce, itll hurt the economy. Hundreds of Texas students who have been awarded a Dream.US scholarship went into nursing and education, professions that are struggling with shortages. Recent economic analysis from the American Immigration Council suggests rescinding in-state tuition for undocumented students in the state could cost Texas more than $460 million a year from lost wages and spending power. Disclosure: Texas Public Policy Foundation and University of North Texas 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 Tribunes journalism. Find a complete list of them here. This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at www.texastribune.org. The Texas Tribune is a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans and engages with them about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Thailand had set high expectations for how many tourists would flock to the country following the success of The White Lotus, yet government data shows the number of visitors is actually dropping. The Thai government said that its aim in 2025 was to return to pre-pandemic numbers with 39-40 million foreign tourists, following the 35 million the country welcomed in 2024. However, it turns out that even with The White Lotus effect in play, which boosted Western visitors to the country off the back of the HBO dark comedy set in a luxury hotel, there has been a slump in visitor numbers so far this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Foreign visitors to Thailand dropped for the fourth month in a row in May, declining 14 per cent to 2.6 million, government data seen by Bloomberg shows. May has experienced the greatest decline since 2021, when the Covid pandemic closed international borders, the media company said. The biggest slump came from travellers from other Asian countries, who make up the majority of Thailands tourists. Regional arrivals from Asia fell nearly 11 per cent in May this year compared to 2024. Tourists from China make up the largest proportion of visitors to Thailand, but numbers have fallen by nearly one million so far this year versus 2024, Bloomberg found. The White Lotus third season took place in luxury resorts in Thailand (HBO) The drop can be attributed to fears over scam centres on the Myanmar border. Arrivals fell 33 per cent after Chinese actor Wang Xing went missing in the Thai border city of Mae Sot, which has become a hub for trafficking people into Myanmar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crime syndicates lure people under false pretences to work in scam centres in Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos, where they are forced to financially exploit people around the world. Other factors include a recent earthquake that reached Bangkok, which saw dozens die as a construction site collapsed. Flights booked between June and August show a 15 per cent decline from China compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, hotel occupancy is forecast to fall to 52 per cent, largely steered by the Chinese visitor decline, according to a survey of 140 hotel operators within the Thai Hotel Association. Malaysia, Thailands second biggest target market, has also dropped by 17 per cent so far this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have lost a lot tourists to other competing countries in Asia because we didnt tackle the negative images seriously, Ratchaporn Poolsawadee, vice president of the Tourism Council of Thailand, told the company. Thailands tourism is resilient, but this may take months to rebound. Despite the slump in Asian tourists booking trips to Thailand, its tourist industry has found a silver lining in the peaked interest of Western visitors. Following the first few episodes of season three of The White Lotus, deputy government spokesperson Sasikarn Watthanachan said that Koh Samui had seen an overall 65 per cent increase in interest among US tourists compared to searches the previous year Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She added that online travel agency Agoda saw a 12 per cent surge in searches for accommodations on Koh Samui, and Koh Samui had also experienced a 40 per cent rise in luxury hotel bookings. The searches appear to have materialised into visits. Bloomberg said that government data shows US tourists in Thailand have risen by 12 per cent this year through May to more than 625,000, while European visitors have increased by nearly 18 per cent to 3 million in the same period compared to last year. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) told The Independent that there has been a 20 per cent increase in tourists from the UK between January and May compared to 2024, totalling up to over 512,000. It hopes to reach one million UK visitors by the end of 2025. With the decline in Chinese tourists, the sentiment from TAT is that European travellers are thriving and there are emerging markets too, which are exciting, a TAT spokesperson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is also an opportunity for TAT to focus on attracting quality travellers over quantity - those who stay longer, spend more and delve deeper into Thailand and all it offers. The 60-day visa exemption is a draw to stay longer in Thailand, for example. For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calders podcast BANGKOK (Reuters) -Thailand called on Cambodia to engage positively in efforts to settle a longstanding border dispute, stressing on Thursday it did not recognise the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice after its neighbour said it would refer the issue to the World Court. The two countries have for days made statements committing to dialogue while vowing to protect their sovereignty following a May 28 border skirmish between troops in which a Cambodian soldier was killed. Deadly clashes between Cambodia and Thailand last erupted in 2011 over Preah Vihear, an ancient temple at the heart of a decades-long dispute that has stirred nationalist sentiment on both sides. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Thailand has not recognised compulsory jurisdiction of the ICJ since 1960. Thailand and Cambodia already have existing bilateral mechanisms to address these issues," Thailand's government said in a statement. Cambodia last week accused Thai troops of opening fire on a trench that had served as a Cambodian army base. Thailand's military described the incident as a misunderstanding at an undemarcated border area and said its soldiers were forced to engage after coming under fire. Although the two countries have a historic rivalry, their governments enjoy warm ties, partly due to the close relationship between their influential former leaders, Thailand's Thaksin Shinawatra and Cambodia's Hun Sen, whose daughter and son respectively are now prime ministers. Cambodia's government, in a statement late on Wednesday, said the recent clash underscored the limitations of their dispute resolution mechanisms in addressing "longstanding points of contention". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It said ICJ referral to settle disputes over four border areas was therefore necessary. It did not say when it would initiate proceedings. "These four areas have long remained unresolved and sensitive, with the potential to escalate tensions if unaddressed," it said, stressing it was committed to dialogue and diplomacy. "Cambodia expresses its hope that Thailand will cooperate in jointly referring this case to the ICJ." The two countries are due to meet for talks on June 14. A small protest took place on Thursday outside Thailand's defence ministry and an activist group has planned a demonstration outside the Cambodian embassy on Friday "to protect the land of Thailand". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cambodia in its statement urged its people to show calm and restraint, underlining the importance of protecting relations with Thailand. (Reporting by Panarat Thepgumpanat and Chayut Setboonsarng; Writing by Martin Petty; Editing by Alex Richardson) Late last month, House Republicans passed President Trumps one big, beautiful bill a package of tax cuts, social safety net reductions and increased border and military spending meant to deliver the bulk of Trumps legislative agenda. Now, as their Senate counterparts strategize about how to maneuver the sprawling measure through Congresss upper chamber, some key Trump allies are making a surprising admission: that they regret ever supporting the presidents signature legislation in the first place. I would have voted NO if I had known this was in there, Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene confessed Tuesday on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am not going to hide the truth: This provision was unknown to me when I voted for that bill, Nebraska Rep. Mike Flood told voters in his district last week. I do not agree with that section that was added to that bill. Im sorry, but I just cant stand it anymore, Elon Musk, the former head of Trumps Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), posted Tuesday on X. This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination. Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it. Why the sudden second thoughts? In part, its because of how the 1,037-page bill was passed. The final version filled with last-minute changes meant to placate various factions didnt materialize until 10:40 p.m. the evening before the Houses self-imposed Memorial Day weekend deadline, leaving lawmakers just eight overnight hours to digest it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And in part its because experts including, on Wednesday, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office keep releasing in-depth analyses detailing how much Trumps bill would actually cost, and who it would actually affect. Here are five things buried in the bill that even some Republicans didnt realize were there or at least arent admitting they know about. 1. Making it easier for Trump to defy the courts To make their orders stick, federal judges really only have one tool at their disposal: holding anyone who defies them in contempt, then enforcing these contempt citations with fines or jail time. But House Republicans quietly inserted language into the bill stating that federal courts may not enforce a contempt citation for failure to comply with an injunction or temporary restraining order unless the plaintiff pays whats known as a security bond at the beginning of the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The problem? Federal judges often waive such bonds when plaintiffs claim the government did something unconstitutional. The second Trump administration, it turns out, has been embroiled in dozens of cases concerning the constitutionality of its actions. In several mainly involving deportations judges are considering holding administration officials in contempt for refusing to comply with their orders. And so, if the bill passes as written, it would potentially shiel[d] President Trump and members of his administration from the consequences of violating court orders, as the New York Times recently explained in part by making it prohibitively expensive to sue. Rep. Flood, for one, is not a fan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When I found out that provision was in the bill, I immediately reached out to my Senate counterparts and told them of my concern, Flood told his (booing) constituents last week. And when I return to Washington, I am going to very clearly tell the people in my conference that we cannot support undermining our court system, and we must allow our federal courts to operate and issue injunctions. 2. Blocking states from regulating AI In lieu of any sort of federal oversight, dozens of U.S. states have passed or are actively considering new laws regulating how artificial intelligence is used or developed. But in a concession to tech companies that claim that patchwork regulations stifle innovation, the House bill would block states from enforcing these laws or passing new ones for the next decade. No state or political subdivision may enforce any law or regulation regulating artificial intelligence models, artificial intelligence systems, or automated decision systems during the 10-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the bill reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Apparently, Rep. Greene missed that part. Full transparency, I did not know about this section, she wrote on X. We have no idea what AI will be capable of in the next 10 years and giving it free rein and tying states hands is potentially dangerous. This needs to be stripped out in the Senate. Asked why she didnt know about the AI provision, Greene told the New York Times that its hard to read over 1,000 pages when things keep changing up to the last minute before we voted on it. 3. Making single parents work harder than married parents for food benefits One of the biggest cost-cutting measures in the bill is the new work requirement for low-income Americans who receive SNAP benefits (aka food stamps). This includes parents with children age 7 or older; to qualify, they would have to work 80 hours a month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But late in the process, House Republicans created a loophole specifically for married parents. According to the final bill, if a parent is responsible for a dependent child 7 years of age or older and is married to, and resides with, an individual who is in compliance, then they dont have to complete the work requirement. No such exemption applies, however, to single parents. Since theres no other parent around to work those 80 hours, they would have to do it themselves (on top of parenting alone). If youre married, then you could have one person in the couple as a stay-at-home parent, and only one person has to work, Carolyn Vega, associate director of policy at Share Our Strength, told Axios. But if youre in any other kind of household arrangement, then everyone needs to be meeting the work requirements. As of 2022, the bulk of SNAP recipients (53%) were children in single-parent families and 80% of single-parent households are headed by mothers, according to census data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its unclear whether House Republicans realize their bill would effectively penalize single parents who rely on SNAP or whether theyre simply more focused on encouraging married couples to embrace stay-at-home motherhood than anything else. 4. Cutting Medicaid for U.S. citizens (and not just immigrants) In recent days, Trump and his allies have claimed that the bill wouldnt cut Medicaid, the program that provides health insurance to more than 70 million low-income Americans. Were not doing any cutting of anything meaningful, the president told reporters on May 20. The only thing were cutting is waste, fraud and abuse. With Medicaid, waste, fraud and abuse. Theres tremendous waste, fraud and abuse. We are not cutting Medicaid in this package, House Speaker Mike Johnson added on CNN. Theres a lot of misinformation out there about this, Jake. The numbers of Americans who are affected are those that are entwined in our work to eliminate fraud, waste and abuse. So, what do I mean by that? You got more than 1.4 million illegal aliens on Medicaid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No one presumably meaning no U.S. citizens will lose coverage as a result of this bill, agreed Russell Vought, Trumps director of the Office of Management and Budget. But Trump & Co. either dont know, or arent admitting, that their claims arent accurate. According to the latest nonpartisan CBO estimate, released Wednesday, the bill would actually slash federal Medicaid spending by $793 billion over the next decade, causing the number of people enrolled in the program to fall by 7.8 million. How would it do that? By forcing childless adults without disabilities to work in order to receive Medicaid benefits; by requiring states to impose new co-payments on medical services for Medicaid beneficiaries who live above the poverty line; and by making it easier for a state to cancel its residents Medicaid coverage if they dont complete additional paperwork. As for illegal aliens, 14 states currently use their own tax revenues to provide health coverage to undocumented immigrants; the bill would penalize those states by reducing their share of federal Medicaid funding. As a result, the CBO estimates that about 1.4 million more people without verified citizenship, nationality, or satisfactory immigration status would be uninsured in 2034. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the CBO also projects that overall, Trumps bill would cause the total number of uninsured U.S. residents to grow by 10.9 million over the same period meaning the other 9.5 million would presumably be U.S. citizens. Noting this, Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri has argued that the bills Medicaid changes would harm working people and their children. Over 20 percent of Missourians, including hundreds of thousands of children, are on Medicaid, Hawley said on CNN last month. Theyre not on Medicaid because they want to be. Theyre on Medicaid because they cannot afford health insurance in the private market. 5. Adding trillions to the deficit Multiple members of the Trump administration have claimed that the bill would not add to the federal debt. The One Big Beautiful Bill ... helps get our fiscal house in order by carrying out the largest deficit reduction in nearly 30 years with $1.6 trillion in mandatory savings, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a news conference last month. The bill REDUCES deficits by $1.4 trillion over ten years, Vought insisted Wednesday on X. If you care about deficits and debt, this bill dramatically improves the fiscal picture. It can be tricky to project forward when it comes to fiscal matters, but its worth noting that pretty much every expert disagrees with Vought and Leavitt. By extending and expanding the 2017 tax cuts, Trumps bill would add $3.8 trillion in spending over the next decade; new investments in the border and the military would pile another $400 billion on top of that sum. On the other side of the ledger are spending cuts totaling $1.8 trillion, according to the CBO. That leaves a $2.4 trillion gap otherwise known as debt. Trumps allies argue that the CBO isnt making the right baseline assumptions about policy and revenue; some claim Trumps tariffs will raise trillions of dollars to offset deficits, or that tax cuts will pay for themselves by spurring economic growth. But the CBO isnt alone in its approach. According to the New York Times, the Budget Lab at Yale ... found the Republican proposal could add $2.4 trillion to the debt by 2034. The Penn Wharton Budget Model estimated it would raise deficits by $2.8 trillion over a 10-year period. And the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, a nonprofit public policy organization that supports deficit reduction, pegged the uncovered cost at $3.3 trillion over the next nine years. Not sure what shoddy assumptions someone is seeing, but advocates who claim this bill will improve the fiscal situation are completely at odds with all serious outside experts who conclude it would increase borrowing by trillions, CRFB president Maya MacGuineas told the Times. Musk, for one, seems to agree with the scorekeepers. The bill will massively increase the already gigantic budget deficit to $2.5 trillion (!!!) and burden America citizens with crushingly unsustainable debt, he wrote earlier this week on X. This immense level of overspending will drive America into debt slavery! The bill would also raise Americas debt ceiling from $36 trillion to $40 trillion. On Wednesday, Trump called for scrapping the debt ceiling altogether. During a press conference in the Oval Office last week, President Trump praised Elon Musk, his adviser and the outgoing head of the presidents Department of Government Efficiency, for waging war on the federal workforce. Elon has worked tirelessly to lead the most sweeping and consequential government reform program in generations, Trump said alongside Musk, who wore a black DOGE hat and DOGEfather T-shirt while standing next to the president. For nearly an hour, Trump heaped effusive praise on the billionaire Tesla chief executive, SpaceX founder and owner of X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, whose stint as a special government employee had come to an end. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elons really not leaving, the president added. Hes gonna be back and forth I think. What a difference a week makes. Trump and Musks unlikely bromance unraveled in spectacular fashion on Thursday, with the president telling reporters in the Oval Office that he was very disappointed with Musks criticism of his one big beautiful spending bill, and Musk railing at Trump in real time on X. What did Trump say? Musk listens as Trump speaks to reporters in the Oval Office on May 30. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images) "I'm very disappointed in Elon," Trump said before a bilateral meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. "I've helped Elon a lot." The president suggested that Musk, like many others before him, had become hostile upon leaving his administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Ill be honest, I think he misses the place," Trump said. People leave my administration, and they love us, and then at some point they miss it so badly, and some of them embrace it, and some of them actually become hostile." "They leave, and they wake up in the morning, and the glamour is gone," the president added. "The whole world is different, and they become hostile. I dont know what it is." Trump also suggested that Musk was upset that the Republican-backed reconciliation bill did not include an electric vehicle mandate, which would have benefited EV manufacturers, including Tesla. He knew the inner workings of the bill better than anybody sitting here. He had no problem with it. All of a sudden he had a problem and he only developed the problem when he found out we were going to cut the EV mandate." How did Musk respond? Musk in the Oval Office on May 30. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images) "False, this bill was never shown to me even once and was passed in the dead of night so fast that almost no one in Congress could even read it!" Musk wrote on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whatever, Musk continued. Keep the EV/solar incentive cuts in the bill, even though no oil & gas subsidies are touched (very unfair!!), but ditch the MOUNTAIN of DISGUSTING PORK in the bill. In the entire history of civilization, there has never been legislation that [is] both big and beautiful. Everyone knows this! Musk added. Either you get a big and ugly bill or a slim and beautiful bill. Slim and beautiful is the way. Musk, who was one of Trumps most fervent and visible supporters during the 2024 campaign, wasnt done. "Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate," Musk wrote. "Such ingratitude." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump wasnt done either. Elon was wearing thin, Trump wrote on Truth Social. I asked him to leave, I took away his EV Mandate that forced everyone to buy Electric Cars that nobody else wanted (that he knew for months I was going to do!), and he just went CRAZY!" The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elons Governmental Subsidies and Contracts, Trump added. I was always surprised that Biden didnt do it! Musk tried to get the last word in, suggesting Trump's name is in unreleased FBI files on Jeffrey Epstein, the late financier and convicted sex offender. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Time to drop the really big bomb," Musk wrote. "@realDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public. Have a nice day, DJT!" "Mark this post for the future," Musk added moments later. "The truth will come out." On Thursday night, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement that this is an unfortunate episode from Elon, who is unhappy with the 'One Big Beautiful Bill' because it does not include the policies he wanted." She added "The president is focused on passing this historic piece of legislation and making our country great again. How did we get here? Trump and Musk on the South Portico of the White House on March 11. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images) The split capped a longtime partnership for the pair, with Musk stumping for Trump on the campaign trail, and the president, after installing Musk as the head of DOGE, boosting Tesla amid criticism of Musk with an unusual event at the White House. ("Trump turns the White House lawn into a Tesla showroom," NBC News proclaimed.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in the last few months, there had been reports that Trump was privately growing tired of Musk. On May 27, three days before Musk's farewell press conference in the Oval Office, CBS aired a clip that showed him expressing disappointment that Trumps signature spending bill would undermine his DOGE work. Then on Tuesday, Musk went full blast on the spending package. "Im sorry, but I just cant stand it anymore," he wrote on X. "This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination. Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Call your Senator, Call your Congressman," Musk wrote on Wednesday. "Bankrupting America is NOT ok! KILL the BILL." That brought us to Thursday, when Trump was asked about Musks attacks during his Oval Office meeting with Merz. "Elon and I had a great relationship," Trump told reporters. "I don't know if we will anymore." In a phone interview with CNN on Friday morning, Trump said he was "not even thinking about" Musk and would not be speaking with him anytime soon. Im not even thinking about Elon. Hes got a problem. The poor guys got a problem, Trump said, adding: "I wont be speaking to him for a while I guess, but I wish him well. Rep. Jamie Raskin warned Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that he could face millions in fines if he didn't return a Qatari luxury jetliner gifted to the Trump administration. In a letter sent Wednesday, the Maryland Democrat and member of the House Oversight Committee said Hegseth could be "on the hook" for the full cost of the airliner, some $400 million. Raskin said the gift's acceptance "flies in the face" of the Constitution "and and more than 200 years of practice by past presidents." The representative wrote that "common sense" should have shown Hegseth that accepting the gift was against the law. Hegseth accepted the luxury jetliner from the Qatari government in May. Donald Trump has said he intends to use the plane as Air Force One, and Pentagon officials ensured that the aircraft would be fit with the proper security measures. Democrats argue that it would cost Americans upward of $1 billion and would require the Air Force to cut corners in its attempts to bring the civilian plane up to snuff quickly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There have been signs that Trump officials and the Qatari government knew they were wading into murky waters. Before finalizing the deal, Qatar officials insisted on a memorandum of understanding specifying that the Trump administration pursued what Raskin calls a "persuasion campaign to solicit the gift. Democrats aren't alone in their criticism. Senator Ted Cruz, R -Texas, expressed his concerns about the gifted jetliner. In his letter, Raskin mentions that other rightwing figures, such as podcaster Ben Shapiro, are dissatisfied with the Presidents actions. Even within the current administration, theres a limit to how much blatant corruption and self-dealing the American people can witness without demanding that someone face the consequences, Raskin wrote. The representative laid out two courses of action for Hegseth: return the plane or get congressional approval for the gift. He went on to warn that Hegseth might not be as safe as he seems. "Rememberthe Presidents legal advisors who shield you for now may not be in their positions before the statute of limitations runs out for you," he wrote, "or before another Attorney General with more respect for the Constitution and the rule of law takes office." The Cincinnati Reds will have a postgame concert later this summer featuring rapper Snoop Dogg, who provides vulgar lyrics in songs advocating violence and inappropriate behavior set to a negative tone. Contrast that with the uplifting music of Nat King Cole from not all that long ago. That's what we've become, and that cultural change is what is wrong with America. Snoop Dogg appeared in a music video in 2017 where he was laughing and pretending to shoot a clown dressed as President Donald Trump, which I think encouraged others to actually try. And he remains mainstream now with no pushback whatsoever. Snoop Dogg wears former Reds player, Deion Sanders' jersey No. 21 as he performs on the Yeatman's Cove Stage during Bunbury Music Festival Sunday night. America does take an occasional step forward, but I am so weary of seeing us keep taking so many more steps back. My interest in the Reds is diminished by just scheduling this performance. Dennis Singleton, Dayton, Ohio This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: The Reds booking Snoop Dogg made it harder for me to be a fan | Letter The IDF has revealed a recorded call where a Gazan resident testifies that Hamas has attempted to disrupt aid deliveries to a COGAT officer. The people who fired at civilians attempting to disrupt the distribution of aid were members of Hamas, a Gaza resident told a Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories officer in new recordings revealed by the IDF on Thursday. They dont want the people to receive aid, they want to foil the plan so that the aid will go to them, allowing them to steal it. Theyve gone completely bankrupt, the Gazan resident said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents further testified that Hamas has been taking various actions to prevent Gazans from receiving humanitarian aid, including firing at IDF troops near distribution points and spreading false claims about mass casualties near those areas. There were injured people, yes, seven, maybe eight dead. Not 30, and not 50, the resident told the COGAT officer, adding that this was not the first time Hamas terrorists attempted to sabotage aid deliveries. They live on the aid... they want aid to come in through the United Nations and international organizations so they can steal it... I swear to you, theyre criminals, like ISIS. Gaza Resident Speaking With a COGAT Officer Aid sites reopen after deadly shootings The US-based Gaza Humanitarian Foundation said only two sites in southern Gazas Rafah area would operate on Thursday, after all sites were closed the day before for maintenance following a series of deadly shootings close to its operations. The GHF, which has been fiercely criticized by humanitarian organizations, including the United Nations, for alleged lack of neutrality, began distributing aid last week. The UN has warned that most of Gazas 2.3 million population is at risk of famine. NEW YORK The last of three alleged victims of Sean Diddy Combs at his sex trafficking trial took the stand Thursday, recounting how the disgraced mogul coerced her into having sex with other men in front of him as he masturbated during encounters that have been dubbed freak offs. From the end of 2021 until Combs September 2024 arrest, the victim, testifying under the pseudonym Jane, said she told him verbally and in writing many times that she didnt want to have sex with other men. Sometimes, he reacted by threatening to stop paying her rent. She said that left her feeling desperate and obligated to participate in the degrading sessions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whenever this topic would come up, it would start out really uncomfortable, and I could just feel that the tension was building, and I would just kind of push down what I was trying to say, Jane said, describing Combs rushing her away from the topic and calling her crazy. He just was dismissive or wanted me to move on from the subject. Jane recounted how she initially became involved with Combs, saying their courtship began romantically, and she fell deeply in love. She said he insisted on an open relationship while she remained monogamous and that they had two short breaks. The two were involved until late last year. Jane, a single mom of one, said she grew up in California and worked in the service industry and modeling after attending a semester of junior college. She testified that Combs pursued her after they developed a relationship in late 2020 when she met him in Miami while on a girls trip, describing him as initially charming and larger than life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked by Assistant District Attorney Maurene Comey about Combs sexual preferences in the early phases of their relationship in early 2021, Jane said in the first three months, he liked to have porn playing and to dictate how she dressed. She said they would have sex for up to 24 hours at a time and that she enjoyed their time together. When Comey turned to May of 2021, Jane began crying. We would just search specific names on these websites and just in the middle of being high, like, he just really wanted me to fantasize or kind of really talk about other men, and this type of role playing with other men, she said. It was more like a question, like, Do you like what you see there?' Jane recalled one night that month in Miami when theyd been high on drugs and awake for around 24 hours, where Combs suggested bringing the fantasies to life. Jane said she agreed, not realizing he was being sincere. Reality hit when she went to the bathroom, and Combs got on the phone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When I came back out, Sean was in a robe, and staring at his phone really seriously, she said, adding that they then went to another hotel, where his assistants had set up a suite with dim lighting and various supplies. [Combs] just told me, Theres somebody coming, and just relax. He knows the guy, hes a really nice guy. I was just super nervous. Don, the man Combs had summoned to the suite, Jane said, stripped down and started touching her at Combs behest while Combs watched and masturbated. The encounter intensified when Combs directed Jane to perform oral sex on Don for quite a while, she said somberly before Combs wanted to see the pair have intercourse. How did Sean react when you asked that Don wear a condom? Comey asked. He said he didnt want that. He said these guys are safe, they get tested all the time and theyre some of the cleanest people and he can show you his papers, Jane said, later testifying that Combs ultimately relented and provided Don with a condom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jane said she hoped the incident was a one-off but it wasnt. She estimated that 90% of the time she saw Combs after that, he was directing her to have sex with other men, encounters she never wanted to participate in. After that night, I truly felt that that night opened a Pandoras Box in our relationship, she said. There was just a door that I was unable to shut for the remainder of the relationship. Jane is the last of three alleged victims in the case to take the stand. Jurors heard four days of testimony from Combs ex, Casandra Cassie Ventura, at the start of the trial. She said she was regularly beaten to a pulp by Combs during their 11-year relationship and had been coerced into hundreds of days-long, sordid sexual performances with men hired off the internet that Combs directed and recorded for blackmail purposes. Last week, a former assistant and staffer for Combs media company testified under the pseudonym Mia. She accused the Bad Boy Records co-founder of raping and sexually assaulting her during her employment from 2009 through 2017 and subjecting her to brutal working conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier Thursday, Combs lawyers got a scolding in court after the judge caught the rap mogul nodding his head at jurors during testimony from Bryana Bongolan, who, over two days, alleged that he had held her over a 17th-floor balcony and threw her into balcony furniture during a fit of rage in 2016. Addressing Combs legal team, Judge Arun Subramanian said that if he didnt cut it out, I will consider taking further measures, which could result in the exclusion of your client from the courtroom. Do you understand that? I understand, defense attorney Marc Agnifilo said. I want you to have a conversation with your client to make sure he understands everyone should understand that I really meant it that there should be no effort whatsoever to have any interaction with this jury, Subramanian said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 55-year-old Combs has pleaded not guilty to five counts, including sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transporting individuals for prostitution, and could spend the rest of his life in prison if found guilty. Prosecutors have charged Combs with running a criminal enterprise that involved him and his inner circle habitually committing crimes like obstruction of justice, sex trafficking, kidnapping, and arson from 2004 to 2024. _____ Anger and condemnation broke out as families, attorneys and immigrant advocates absorbed the blast from the latest bombshell delivered by the Trump administration a travel ban that stops or restricts people from 19 mostly African, Asian and Caribbean countries from entering the U.S. While the Trump administration said the travel ban is meant to keep Americans safe, critics lobbed accusations of discrimination, cruelty, racism, inhumanity and more in response. Meanwhile, the news also elicited confusion over what will happen once the ban goes into effect on Monday. "This travel ban is a racist, bigoted and xenophobic and deeply un-American attack on human rights its like persecution. We have fled dictatorship, violence, hunger, Adelys Ferro, executive director of the Venezuelan American Caucus, told NBC News from Miami, a city with a large population of immigrants from several of the countries on Trumps list. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This administration clearly has something against immigrants, and it has something against us in particular, said Jose Antonio Colina, a former Venezuelan army lieutenant who fled to Miami in 2003 and heads the exile organization Veppex. We are double-persecuted. We are persecuted by the tyranny of Nicolas Maduro and we are persecuted by the administration of Donald Trump. A 38-year-old Haitian green-card holder in Miami who was too fearful to allow her name to be used said she and many others in the community feel confused and scared over the travel ban on Haiti. She said most of her family lives there, including her sister and father, who is sick. They come all the time to visit and now I dont know if they will be able to, she said, adding she heard there were exceptions to the ban but wasn't sure. There are some exceptions, including for people with lawful permanent residency, spouses and children of U.S. citizens, those who are adopted and others. But if you are a spouse of a permanent resident, forget about it, said Doug Rand, former senior adviser of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services during the Biden administration. It will also affect other relatives, such as adult children and siblings of U.S. citizens, people who won the diversity lottery or people who were sponsored by U.S. employers and are from the listed countries, people who have been waiting for years and done it the right way, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Havana, a queue of people outside the U.S. Embassy learned the news of the travel ban and suspensions as they waited for their visa interviews. I had been waiting nine years for this moment, said one young woman in line, who declined to be identified by name for fear it might affect her visa chances. She and others said the suspension means not being able to visit family or escape dire circumstances in Cuba. If they dont grant visas, Cubans will starve, given the situation, they will starve, said Ismael Gainza, a retired Cuban. I see that measure as bad, I see it as bad because the situation is tough and we have to survive. Trumps proclamation issued Wednesday night bans nationals from 12 countries from traveling to the U.S. The countries are: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In seven more countries, travel to the U.S. was suspended but not banned. They are Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela. Shahzeen Karim, managing attorney at Hafey & Karim law firm, said that although she's in the immigration law space, she holds Republican views on the topic, agreeing there's a need for a stricter immigration policy and more thorough screening. I know the White House presented some explanations as to why each of those countries, but I cant help but feel very targeted, being a Muslim immigration attorney, Karim said. The countries are majority Muslim, unfortunately. Challenging the ban could be 'an uphill battle' Immigration advocates said that, unlike Trump's previous travel ban, which caught them off guard, they expected the president would enact a similar policy in his second term. Trumps 2017 ban immediately barred Muslims from entering the country, leaving some stranded at airports or unable to board flights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But like his previous ban, the impact of the current ban taking effect next week will be felt by people trying to bring together families, those who landed a job in the U.S., who had tours or visits planned, who planned to study here or were looking forward to a cultural exchange. It took three tries for Trump, in his previous administration, to come up with a travel ban that the U.S. Supreme Court would accept. Lower courts nixed the first version, and the administration kept revising it until the high court accepted its third version in June 2018. Immigration and civil rights groups opposed all three versions. Raha Wala, vice president of strategy and partnerships at the National Immigration Law Center, said that challenging the latest ban will be an uphill battle because the Supreme Court decision is the law of the land. Edward Cuccia, an immigration attorney in New York City, said that blocking the latest ban could be tougher now than in 2017. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump got smarter this time, he said, explaining that the mix of countries makes it harder to argue that the ban is discriminatory. Also, the implementation won't be as abrupt, and the argument that the singled-out countries do not vet the documents of their nationals well may hold up in court, according to Cuccia. Even so, the implications are vast for the people who are affected and are not a security threat, he said. What is this going to mean for family unification? Theres a lot of countries here! Cuccia said. And then, there are people that maybe had business dealings, people who wanted to do investments here in the United States or come over on temporary work visas, student visas or even just to visit. That seems to be gone out the window. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wala called the justification for the ban that visa overstays present a national security threat and the inability to fully vet visa travelers in those countries a fig leaf. If there is a gap in vetting, thats worth taking a look at, he said, but he added that all kinds of people overstay their visas and just because someone overstayed their visa and committed a crime, we just have to get away from this guilt by association concept. For Wala, the newly announced ban cannot be separated from the president's previous policies and statements. "This ban started as the president saying he was going to have a complete and total shutdown of Muslims in the country. And he also said he wants to ban folks and pardon my French here from s---hole countries," Wala said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Miami, Colina said he was glad the ban would prevent officials of Maduros regime in Venezuela and their families "who always find a way" to get a visa to enter the country, "but they are a minority, and the partial ban will negatively impact the larger community and its not fair. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com UPDATE: As of 10:50 a.m., Rocky Mountain Powers outage map showed power had been restored in the downtown area of Salt Lake City. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) Downtown Salt Lake City lost power early Thursday morning, affecting nearly 3,000 Rocky Mountain Power customers. According to the Rocky Mountain Power outage map, the first report of the power outage came just after 9 a.m. on Thursday, June 5. Roughly 2,850 customers in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City were affected. 2,888 customers without power in downtown Salt Lake City as of 9:45 a.m. on Thursday, June 5, 2025 (Courtesy: Rocky Mountain Power) David Eskelsen, a spokesperson for Rocky Mountain Power, said crews are currently investigating the cause, according to Rocky Mountain Power, and estimate power will be restored by 12:30 p.m. Rocky Mountain Powers process for restoring power When it comes to restoring power, crews will use outage reports from customers to help pinpoint the cause of the outage, according to the Rocky Mountain Power website. In this instance, Eskelsen said crews will begin at the Rocky Mountain Power substation on 500 West and work from there to identify the cause. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It can vary from outage to outage on when power will be fully restored. The initial estimated restoration time is set at about three hours from the time the first outage is reported, but that can be increased or decreased as crews continue their investigation. Once the cause is identified, Rocky Mountain Power will work to restore power to the greatest number of people as quickly as possible. Afterward, crews will use distribution and tap lines to restore power in concentrated areas before finally working to restore power to remaining individual homes and businesses. Should you come across a downed power line during the outage, Rocky Mountain Power says treat it as though it is live and keep your distance. This is a developing story. ABC4 will update this post as new information becomes available. Latest headlines: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Thousands of people took part in the annual Pride Parade in Jerusalem on Thursday amidst very strict security measures. They demonstrated for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people (LGBTQ) and waved rainbow flags. According to the organizers, the parade is primarily about demanding equality, respect and tolerance. The Pride Parade in Jerusalem has to be protected by a massive police presence every year. Jerusalem is home to many conservative and strictly religious Jews, Muslims and Christians who deny same-sex relationships as a violation of their religious commandments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ten years ago, an ultra-Orthodox Jew stabbed 16-year-old Shira Banki to death during the parade. Participants observed a minute's silence at the spot where Banki was killed in 2015. Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who was at the event, said: "We demand love, respect and equality including for the LGBTQ community, which is an integral part of Israeli society." According to the news site ynet, Herzog is the first president to take part in the Pride Parade in Jerusalem. The chairwoman of the organizer Jerusalem Open House, Hadas Bloemendal Kerem, said: "The Pride Parade in Jerusalem is a ray of light that has illuminated the city for over two decades and reminds us that we can live here together with equality, tolerance and respect." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clashes broke out between demonstrators and the police on the fringes of the parade, according to media reports. Next week, large crowds are expected to attend the well-known Gay Pride Parade in Tel Aviv. The liberal coastal metropolis is considered a stronghold of the gay scene in Israel and the LGBTQ capital of the Middle East. For your next trip to the grocery store, a critical vote is happening today that could potentially upend your food shopping routines. Thursday was the last day for thousands of grocery store workers to vote on authorizing a strike at Kroger, which operates QFC and Fred Meyer. Other grocery stores like Safeway and Albertsons are also in the union. Voting took place in Lynnwood and Olympia today, and KIRO 7 heard from union members about their contract negotiations and hitting the picket line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United Food & Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) 3000 represents 30,000 grocery store workers across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. The workers considering a strike want better wages, more staffing, and improved healthcare. If they walk off the job at certain locations, customers could face longer lines and less help while shopping. Mohammad Asrederakhshan, an employee at Fred Meyer, was at the Lynnwood Events Center voting site just after 8 a.m. when voting opened. For him, the perspective was rather simple when it came to him and his fellow grocery store workers, I want these people to fight for me! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asrederakhshan came to the union vote dressed for work, wondering if he might soon walk off the job. He wasnt alone as the workers union is urging a yes vote to authorize a strike. Sam Dancy works at a QFC and was at the Lynnwood voting site even though he had already voted, his feelings on the management of all the chains was pretty clear, Im sick and tired of the fact that theyre not addressing scheduling, theyre not taking care of their associates. Kroger, Safeway, and Albertsons have a huge share of the market in Washington state, a strike could impact dozens of cities across Western Washington. UFCW 3000 has been locked in negotiations for a new contract, and while it is urging workers to vote yes to authorize a strike, a union spokesperson did say that it does not guarantee that there will be a strike. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kevin Flynn, a meat cutter at a store in Marysville says he understands customers fears of a strike closing stores, creating longer lines, and less staff to help keep shelves stocked, we would never hold a community hostage, so we will strategically place ourselves where there is still ability to buy groceries. Kroger told KIRO 7 it believes its offering a great deal and said: We remain actively engaged in bargaining with UFCW 3000 because we believe the best outcomes are achieved at the table, not through disruption. Dancy also says the customers hes heard from are generally supportive of the workers efforts, what were doing is not only just for us its for them, its for society. A Union spokesperson told KIRO 7 that all sides will return to the bargaining table on June 12-13, and workers are hoping this vote can send a message. Asrederakhshan is hoping the vote will spur a deal, I hope they are strong enough to make changes for us. GRANBY, Mass. (WWLP) Three guinea pigs discovered abandoned at the entrance of the Batchelor Brook Trailhead in Granby are now safe. Eversource conducts Turtle-palooza wildlife protection training in Agawam The guinea pigs have been brought to a rescue organization for veterinary care and adoption, according to Granby Animal Control. Courtesy of Granby Animal Control Courtesy of Granby Animal Control The animals were found by a couple out for a walk Wednesday morning, who spotted the small pets running loose near the trail entrance. As a result, Granby Animal Control took the guinea pigs into their care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They appear to be in good health and are currently safe in our care, the department posted in an update on social media. After efforts to locate the owner yielded no leads, the guinea pigs were placed with Wheektopia Guinea Pig Rescue, a nonprofit rescue specializing in small animal care and adoption. Interested adopters can now contact the organization directly at wheektopia.com to inquire about giving the animals a permanent home. Authorities emphasized the dangers of abandoning small pets outdoors, noting that guinea pigs are especially vulnerable. Please remember: small animals like guinea pigs are vulnerable to predators, weather, and stress the outdoors are not a safe environment for them, Granby Animal Control stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information about the guinea pigs or their previous owner is asked to call or text Granby Animal Control at (413) 575-1994. 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. Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. WEST JORDAN, Utah (ABC4) Three men have been arrested and charged after robbing a small group at gunpoint during a house party on Sunday. Vicente Everette Isais, 19, Brooks Eric Candelario, 18, and Gabriel Elias Cearrido, 22, have all been charged with aggravated robbery, prohibited dangerous weapon conduct, unlawful detention, possession of a controlled substance, and minor possession of an alcoholic product. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crews respond to fire at Salt Lake County Jail According to documents, on June 1, a West Jordan Police officer responded to a call about a weapons offense in the area of 1500 West Crystal Ridge Drive in West Jordan. The officer met the three victims a few blocks away. The victims told police that they were at a party at the residence on Crystal Ridge Drive when a group of men later identified as Isais, Candelario, and Cearrido approached them. One man blocked the door, while the others pulled guns on the victims and stole their jewelry and bags, documents say. One of the victims had roughly $2,000 in cash in his bag, which was taken from him at gunpoint. The necklaces the victim was wearing were also yanked off and stolen. The victims ran away from the residence and went to hide at a friends house nearby and called the police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement University of Utah terminates recognition of Sigma Nu fraternity citing egregious hazing violations A West Jordan police officer used a drone to locate the black Audi that the group of men used to flee. He located the Audi and stopped it for a traffic violation. The three men inside the vehicle were taken into custody. During a search of the Audi, four loaded handguns were located, one of which had previously been reported stolen. THC vape devices, alcoholic beverages, and a bag matching the description of the one that was stolen were also found inside the vehicle. The Salt Lake County District Attorneys Office requested that Isais, Candelario and Cearrido all be detained until their court appearances, and requested pretrial detentions. 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. Eight people were injured after a Ryanair flight encountered severe turbulence and diverted. A thunderstorm saw the roofs ripped off houses in a nearby town, local media reported. Ryanair passengers traveled the remaining 230 miles to Milan by bus. Eight people on board a Ryanair flight were injured after experiencing severe turbulence due to a thunderstorm, German police said on Thursday. Wednesday's flight took off from Berlin at 7:38 p.m. local time, destined for Milan's Malpensa airport. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Data from Flightradar24 shows that just under an hour later, near Munich, it started to divert from the usual route after encountering turbulence. Local police said that weather conditions prevented the Boeing 737 from landing in Munich, so it had to continue on to the smaller Bavarian town of Memmingen. The German news agency dpa reported that strong winds tore the roofs off some houses in the area. The Ryanair plane, carrying 179 passengers and 6 crew members, landed safely at 8:44 p.m. The airline said the captain called ahead for medical assistance. Three people were taken to the hospital, according to the Bavarian police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, it said a 59-year-old woman complained of back pain, another woman sustained a head laceration, and her 2-year-old toddler suffered bruises. "As a precaution, all passengers were checked for injuries by the emergency services," it added. The ordeal wasn't over yet, as the local aviation authority didn't approve a connecting flight. Instead, Ryanair arranged for bus companies to transport the passengers to Milan, according to the police statement. That journey would be over 230 miles and take around four-and-a-half hours. "To get passengers to their final destination as quickly as possible, we arranged for alternative transport from Memmingen to Milan that night, as well as a replacement flight [Thursday] morning," the airline said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We sincerely apologise to passengers affected by this diversion," it added. The 15-year-old plane, registered as EI-EKN, has resumed regular service, per Flightradar24 data. Concerns around turbulence have come into focus in the airline industry since 79 people were injured and one man died on a Singapore Airlines flight last May. Two weeks later, at an industry conference, Emirates' president said the incident would likely lead to stricter seatbelt rules. Turbulence is getting more common due to the climate crisis, Guy Gratton, an associate professor of aviation and the environment at Cranfield University, previously told Business Insider. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Warmer temperatures allow the atmosphere to hold more moisture, increasing the likelihood and intensity of thunderstorms. The warming atmosphere is also speeding up the jet streams, which exacerbates clear-air turbulence the type encountered in the Singapore Airlines incident. Read the original article on Business Insider Senate Republican Leader John Thune reiterated that "failure is not an option" as he works to get GOP holdouts on the megabill advancing President Donald Trump's legislative agenda in line -- especially amid Elon Musk's efforts to tank the bill. "This is a team effort, and everybody is going to be rowing in the same direction to get this across the finish line. Failure is not an option, and we intend to deliver, along with the president for the American people on the things that he committed to do and that we committed to do in terms of the agenda," Thune told reporters after he left a meeting with Trump at the White House on Thursday. As things currently stand, Thune can afford to lose only three of his GOP members to pass the package, and right now, he has more members than that expressing serious doubts about the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Trump tries to shore up support for megabill among Senate GOP at White House meeting The House-passed legislation extends the Trump 2017 tax cuts, boosts spending for the military and border security -- while making some cuts to Medicaid, SNAP and other assistance programs. It could also add $3 trillion to the deficit over the next decade, according to an analysis out Wednesday from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. As the Senate weighs possible changes to the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap as part of the tax portion of the bill, House Republicans from blue states are already threatening to derail the bill's prospects. Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock - PHOTO: Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune along with Sen. Mike Crapo prepare to speak to reporters after meeting with President Trump at the White House in Washington, June 4, 2025. "Let's be clear no SALT, no deal," New York Republican Mike Lawler said Wednesday in a post on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New York Rep. Nick LaLota is on the same page, posting on X: "No SALT. No Deal. For Real." The House-passed bill raises the deduction limit of state and local taxes from federal income tax filing from $10,000 to $40,000 for joint filers making less than $500,000 per year. The cap increases then by 1% every year thereafter. MORE: What will Trump's megabill do to programs like Medicare and SNAP? Thune signaled changes could be coming to the SALT deal that was struck in the House, but the details are still unclear. "It would be very, very hard to get the Senate to vote for what the House did," Thune told reporters. "We've just got some people that feel really strongly on this." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaker Mike Johnson said he spoke to the SALT caucus on the floor during House votes Wednesday and plans to "communicate" their red line with Senate leaders. The SALT deal is "a very delicate thing and we have to maintain the equilibrium point that we reached in the House, and it took us almost a year so I don't think we can toss that," Johnson said. Musk's effect on negotiations Not helping Thune's endeavor to sway the defectors are frequent posts from Musk targeting the bill -- and on Thursday targeting the president. Musk on Thursday quoted a 2013 post from Trump criticizing Republicans for extending the debt ceiling, with Musk writing, "Wise words." The two feuded on Thursday, with Trump threatening to "terminate Elon's governmental subsidies and contracts." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier, Musk slammed the bill, calling it a "disgusting abomination" and later urged all members of Congress to "kill the bill." Francis Chung/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock - PHOTO: Elon Musk attends a press conference with US President Trump in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, May 30, 2025. Trump touted the bill from the White House on Thursday -- brushing off the scathing criticism from Musk. "I'm very disappointed because Elon knew the inner-workings of this bill better than almost anybody sitting here better than you people. He knew everything about it. He had no problem with it. All of a sudden he had a problem," Trump said. MORE: 'KILL the BILL': Elon Musk continues to blast Trump's bill in barrage of social media posts Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson said he planned to speak directly to Musk on Thursday, a day after the speaker said the billionaire was "flat wrong" in his criticism of the bill. Multiple administration officials have attempted to reach out to Musk and his representatives personally, but their calls and texts have not been returned, several sources tell ABC News. Before speaking out publicly against the bill, Musk personally pushed some lawmakers, including Johnson, to keep the tax credits for electric vehicles in the bill, according to two people familiar with conversations. Musk criticized Johnson in a post on X on Thursday, pointing to a 2023 post where Johnson attacked the federal debt. "Where is the Mike Johnson of 2023!?" Musk asked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson defended himself and emphasized the importance of passing the "big, beautiful bill," posting that the "Mike Johnson of 2023 is the SAME Mike Johnson who has always been a lifelong fiscal hawk - who now serves as Speaker and is implementing a multi-stage plan to get our country back to fiscal responsibility and extraordinary economic growth." Kevin Lamarque/Reuters - PHOTO: President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the Oval Office of the White House, June 5, 2025, in Washington. Thune said Wednesday that although he can't speak to Musk's motivations for his opposition, he will continue to push for the bill's success in the Senate. Musk's public bashing of the bill came up in senators' meeting with Trump on Thursday, said Republican Sen. Roger Marshall, describing it as a "laughing conversation for 30 seconds." "It was very much in jest and laughing, and I think he said something positive about Elon appreciating what he did for the country," Marshall said. ABC News' Will Steakin, Rachel Scott Mary Bruce, Molly Nagle and Kelsey Walsh contributed to this report. Brazilian President Lula da Silva reiterated calls for peace on June 5, urging Russia to restrain attacks on Ukraine as Russian President Vladimir Putin has vowed to "respond" to Operation Spiderweb. Ukraine on June 1 launched a game-changing drone attack on four key Russian military airfields, damaging 41 planes, including heavy bombers and rare A-50 spy planes. The operation, dubbed Spiderweb, took 18 months to plan and was overseen directly by President Volodymyr Zelensky and carried out by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). The SBU said 117 drones, launched from concealed trucks positioned across Russian territory, simultaneously struck airfields in at least four regions including sites thousands of kilometers from the Ukrainian border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a phone call with Putin on June 4, U.S. President Donald Trump said that Putin vowed that Moscow "will have to respond" to the attack. "It was a good conversation, but not a conversation that will lead to immediate peace. President Putin did say, and very strongly, that he will have to respond to the recent attack on the airfields," Trump said of the call following the conversation with Putin. "I see that Trump tweeted saying he had discussed this with Ukraine and that things are not looking good, and that Putin had said he would take revenge for this attack on Ukraine," Lula told reporters, urging restraint on additional attacks. Lula added that he urged Putin to end the war in Ukraine during a phone call with the Russian president in May that urged Putin to physically attend peace talks in Istanbul. Putin ultimately did not attend peace talks and instead sent a delegation to meet on his behalf. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I said (to Putin) it's time to open our eyes and to put an end to the insanity of war, which destroys everything and builds nothing," Lula told reporters during a visit to France. Despite two rounds of negotiations, Russia continues to reject a ceasefire in Ukraine. Putin on June 4 blamed Ukraines top leadership for the attacks: "The current Kyiv regime does not need peace at all," he said during a televised meeting with senior officials. "What is there to talk about? How can we negotiate with those who rely on terror?" Read also: Putin rejects Zelenskys call for peace talks, accuses Ukraine of deadly bridge attack in Russia Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. In the few months since Donald Trump returned to the presidency, he has issued so many executive orders and pronouncements on domestic and foreign policy that he may have overwhelmed our intellectual and emotional energy to fully appreciate their impact. Whether or not you approve of the direction he wants to take the country, he took office after being duly elected. Many of his initiatives are within his authority. Generally speaking, Trump has the right to indulge his ideological obsessions and advance policies that benefit the economic class that brung him to the dance. But, what of those executive orders that exceed the limited authority proscribed for the presidency powers meant to be shared with other branches of government, or those that defy Supreme Court interpretations of the Constitution? Say goodbye to democracy and our freedoms if we ignore James Madisons warning in the Federalist Papers No. 47 that "The accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive, and judiciary, in the same hands, whether of one, a few, or many, and whether hereditary, self-appointed, or elective, may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Jan. 20, 2025, Trump took the Presidential Oath of Office to faithfully execute the Office of President and preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." Yet just three months later, when asked if he agreed with Secretary of State Marco Rubios statement that every person in the United States is entitled to due process, Trump told NBCs Kristen Welker that hes not so sure. I dont know. Im not a lawyer. The Constitution states that no person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law. It says person, not citizen. Not surprisingly, the Supreme Court has held that everyone in this country have certain basic rights. When Welker reminded the president of this constitutionally guaranteed right, Trump complained that this only slows him down: I was elected to get them the hell out of here, and the courts are holding me from doing it. This helps explain why democracy requires an independent judiciary to check the actions of the executive (from local police to presidents) to ensure that government allegations of wrongdoing are accurate and mistakes are not made. The nation's Founding Fathers had a procedure designed for elected leaders who failed to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law impeachment. Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, the recent high-profile example, is Salvadoran, married to an American citizen with three American-born children who has lived in U.S. since 2011. He was granted protected status by an immigration judge in 2019. Nevertheless he was detained by ICE in March and deported to El Salvador without a hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration originally acknowledged that he was mistakenly deported, and a federal judge ordered that he be returned to the U.S. The Supreme Court unanimously upheld this directive. As of this writing the Trump administration has done nothing to facilitate his return. The President even quipped that he could do so, but he will not. The government now asserts that Abrego Garcias deportation wasnt a mistake, claiming he is a member of the Salvadoran gang MS-13, but declines to provide evidence supporting the claim. As if to emphasize contempt for constitutional rights, deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller recently said that the Trump administration was considering suspending Habeas Corpus to block an immigrants right to challenge their detention before being deported. There are other examples of presidential defiance of the law, such as the illegal impoundment of congressionally authorized appropriations and constitutional freedoms. So, it is time to insert the I word (impeachment) into civic conversations. I am not naive: impeachment is neither imminent nor likely for now. The disgrace of this period, as future historians will note, is that whether the President has intimidated Congress into silence or they applaud his overly expansive use of power, the legislative branch has abandoned its oversight responsibility. For now, Congress is content to look the other way. Howard Simon Nevertheless, we must begin to insert impeachable offenses into civic conversations. If we dont, we will be complicit in accepting that the aberrant behavior of this President is the new normal for the evaluation of future presidents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Howard L. Simon served as executive director of the ACLU of Florida from 1997-2018. He resides in Gainesville and is president of Clean Okeechobee Waters Foundation, Inc. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Talk of impeachment hasn't come up. How long can that last? | Opinion MEMPHIS, Tenn. Tipton County deputies and Atoka police are searching for a burglar a woman says she encountered when she arrived home Tuesday night. Tipton County Sheriff Shannon Beasley said around 9 p.m., deputies responded to a burglary in progress in the 9000 block of Highway 51 in Brighton, near the Tipton County Landfill. Atoka Police officers said they were nearby when a homeowner flagged them down and stated that she had found an unknown male inside her home. When the officers arrived at the residence, the male was seen exiting the house. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Juvy records to set increase bond for teen arrested in crime spree According to Sheriff Beasley, the burglar was able to run into a wooded area behind the home. Beasley said an extensive search was conducted on the ground and from the air, but they were unable to find the suspect. The sheriffs department is asking for the publics help in identifying this unknown male who may have been spotted along Highway 51 in the Brighton area yesterday wearing the same clothes. Burglary suspect (Tipton Co. Sheriffs Office) He was captured on camera wearing a red t-shirt with what appears to be the word MANE on it and black jeans and black shoes. We are hopeful that with the pictures provided, our citizens will be able to provide valuable information to help us solve this crime before he does this to someone else, said Sheriff Beasley. Thankfully, the Atoka officers were very close to the home in the victims time of need. They were able to quickly secure the home and ensure the homeowners safety, and we appreciate their help with this case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you have any information that can help authorities, call the Criminal Investigations Division at 901-475-3300 or Central Dispatch after hours at 901-475-4300. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. TOMAH, Wis. (WLAX/WEUX) The city of Tomah is warning residents to be mindful of their drinking water. After weeks of testing, they have issued a water advisory. Resident Gwen Nelson said, It kind of caught me of guard, because the water has been pretty good in Tomah. Tomah Executive Team Chairman Nick Morales stated that the city shut down Well 14 in May of this year. He went on to explain that the citys well water was tested quite a few times, Back in April, we had Well 14 nitrate concentration sample tested above 9.0 milligrams per liter and the threshold is 10 milligrams per liter. In working with the DNR, they wanted to take additional time. The results of the samples were just so different. The Wisconsin DNR is saying that those levels are too high. Morales believes the proactive approach of shutting the Well down prevented a much worse outcome. We did issue the drinking water advisory, but the water is safe to drink. And Ive confirmed that several times with the DNR. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nelson is still skeptical. She is concerned about sensitive groups like children and pregnant women. It kind of concerns me, because nitrates are not good. I wish the city had been a little bit faster coming out with this. I dont know how long theyve known about this. Well 14 is one of two that the city uses to supply drinking water. Morales says the remaining well, Well 10, can handle the load on its own. The city will be meeting with the DNR on June 9th to discuss the future of Well 14. For now, Tomah residents are urged to use bottled water or water from another source. They also say not to boil your water. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Tommy Robinson, the far-Right activist, harassed two journalists and members of their families on social media, a court has heard. The 42-year-old, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, pleaded not guilty to two counts of harassment causing fear of violence at Westminster magistrates court on Thursday, before being released on bail. He is alleged to have harassed Andrew Young and Jacob Dirnhuber, MailOnline journalists, through his X account between Aug 5 and Aug 7 last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the hearing, which lasted around 20 minutes, Robinson was told that his case could be heard at a magistrates court but instead the defendant chose a jury trial at a Crown Court. Addressing Robinson, Senior District Judge Paul Goldspring said: Mr Lennon, I have decided that if you wanted, you can have your case at this court as the powers are sufficient but you have elected to have a jury trial as is your right. Your case is sent to the Crown Court sitting at Southwark where you must appear for a plea and trial preparation hearing on July 3. You are free to go, Mr Lennon. Tommy Robinson was surrounded by his supporters as he left the magistrates court - Reuters/Chris J Ratcliffe Robinson, wearing a cream Stone Island jacket and blue jeans, smiled after he was bailed. Earlier in the hearing, he spoke to confirm his date of birth and his name, giving it as Stephen Lennon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of the charges, prosecutor Ben Holt told the court: It is alleged that the defendant has harassed two journalists and their family members through the use of a Twitter or X account. He added that none of the harassment contained direct threats of violence. Robinson arrived at the court to a group of photographers and reporters, with dozens of his supporters also present. Some of those outside the building sported Union flags, while others held purple placards that read: Stephen Yaxley-Lennon is the man. Tommy Robinson is the movement. Many of his supporters were also present in the courts public gallery, including a man wearing a Union flag suit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Robinson was again surrounded by supporters and media as he left the court building in the pouring rain to chants of Tommy, Tommy, with some of his followers wearing Make England Great Again hats. Speaking outside court after the hearing, Robinson said: Ive been given now the opportunity to have a jury trial. Ive never had that. I want to be tried by 12 members of the British public. I want them to hear the evidence in this case. 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. Harrods, Co-op, Marks & Spencer (M&S) and now Adidas have all experienced damaging cyber attacks in recent weeks, which have sent shock waves through the retail industry. M&S alone has warned of a 300 million ($405 million) hit on profits. The attack, which began over the Easter weekend, also wiped more than 750 million ($1 billion) off its market capitalization. On 30th April, the Co-op also fell victim, reporting a few days later that hackers had accessed a significant amount of customer data. Then on 2nd May, Harrods also experienced a cyber attack, although in this instance, they managed to prevent any malicious intrusion. 101 Co-op Group rank on the Fortune 500 Europe In the M&S incident, third-party service provider Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has reportedly launched an internal investigation to determine whether it was the gateway by which the hackers gained access. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It all points to a vulnerability amongst retail businesses, despite the fact that the threat from cyber attacks has existed for many years. But why are retail businesses being targeted? 252 Marks & Spencer rank on the Fortune 500 Europe Retailers are prime targets for cybercriminals due to the vast amounts of personal, financial, and other sensitive data they manage. For malicious actors, access to this data is like gold dust: highly valuable and potentially extremely lucrative Marc Rivero, Lead Security Researcher in the Global Research & Analysis Team at Kaspersky, told Fortune. On 27th May, Adidas became the latest victim of a cyber attack when it reported that, similar to M&S, hackers had accessed customer data through a third-party service provider. In the case of M&S, according to Vaibhav Chechani, a Mumbai-based analyst at brokerage Nirmal Bang, if the attack did originate from the Indian company, it will definitely impact their brand image. TCS also works as a strategic partner to Co-op. Retailers are prime targets for cybercriminals due to the vast amounts of personal, financial, and other sensitive data they manage Marc Rivero, Lead Security Researcher in the Global Research & Analysis Team, Kaspersky Rivero commented, As seen in the M&S attack, social engineering allows attackers to bypass sophisticated cybersecurity measures by exploiting human error. These human hacking tactics manipulate users into clicking malicious links, disclosing sensitive information, or granting access to restricted systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Simply put, data opens doors. It enables fraud, fuels targeted phishing campaigns, and can even be leveraged to infiltrate other businesses within the supply chain. This makes retailers not just lucrative targets, but also strategically valuable within the broader digital ecosystem. M&S CEO Stuart Machin confirmed this, blaming the attack on human error rather than a weakness in its cybersecurity measures and added that, it is a moment in time, and we are now focused on recovery, with the aim of exiting this period a much stronger business. There is no change to our strategy and our longer-term plans to reshape M&S for growth, and if anything, the incident allows us to accelerate the pace of change as we draw a line and move on. Despite this optimistic outlook, Retail Technology Magazine publisher and retail expert, Miya Knights, believes that other retailers could also be targeted, believing that those most vulnerable would be those that have a sizable business with large tier one scale turnover across many channels. Speaking to Fortune, she added, Cybersecurity has been a basic requirement for as long as retailers have deployed IT and transacted online. But, just as e-commerce has become a major growth driver, safeguarding the digital systems they now rely on must become as core to their business as it is for financial services companies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This should be the wake-up call that the retail industry needed in order to treat these threats in the same way as financial services institutions. Actions to combat the threat appear to be happening within the industry, with one prominent retail CTO saying that he is collaborating with several other retailers, including some direct competitors, to mitigate the risk of future cyber attacks. M&S CEO Stuart Machin [blamed] the attack on human error rather than a weakness in its cybersecurity measures According to Rivero, the retail sector is under mounting pressure from cyber groups persistently probing for vulnerabilities to access large volumes of data. He said that, Retailers must regularly reassess their cybersecurity strategies and continue to invest in robust defense mechanisms. Retailers must adopt a multi-layered approach to cybersecurity, acknowledging that no single measure can provide complete protection. This approach should begin with staff education. Training employees to recognize phishing attempts and suspicious behavior is critical, with human error remaining one of the most common entry points for attackers, he continued. However, its not all the responsibility of retailers, Rivero believes that to feel more secure, consumers should take a proactive approach to their digital safety. Regularly update passwords, enable multi-factor authentication where possible, remain cautious of suspicious messages or emails, and monitor financial activity closely, reporting any unusual behavior immediately, adding that, a cautious, informed approach remains the best line of defense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His advice to retailers using third-party service providers: Adopt a proactive approach: regularly conducting thorough risk assessments of all vendors, enforcing strict access controls, and requiring regular security audits. Ongoing employee training is also essential not just for non-IT staff, but also for IT teams, who are frequently targeted by social engineering tactics. And as he puts it, In a landscape where cybercriminals exploit every weak link, resilience must extend beyond the organization itself to encompass the entire supply chain and all vendors. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com ST. LOUIS The city plans to demolish nearly 200 buildings damaged by the May 16 tornado, which are owned by the Land Reutilization Authority (LRA). According to partners at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 182 structures under the LRA were severely damaged during the tornado. The LRA was already in the process of demolishing 1,000 properties using federal pandemic aid money. City inspectors report that approximately 2,500 homes in the tornados path have sustained significant damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The demolition of the LRA properties is part of a broader effort to manage the aftermath of the tornado, which caused widespread destruction across the city. 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. Earlier this week, residents in Torrance were scrambling to find out what happened to 9-year-old Martir Garcia Lara, a fourth-grader at Torrance Elementary School. One day, he simply didn't show up for school. Teachers and PTA officials believed he was being held at a federal immigration facility with his father but could not get firm answers. Federal officials confirmed Thursday that the boy and his father were taken into custody May 29 after checking in with federal officials in downtown Los Angeles. The two were transferred to an immigration facility in Texas the following day, and officials plan to deport them to Honduras. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parents with Torrance Elementary's PTA sent out a letter asking residents to reach out to elected officials to drum up support for the boy. The PTA had few answers but was committed to making sure the public was aware that he was missing from their community. Read more: Feds arrest 36 Chinese, Taiwanese citizens in SoCal underground nightclub raid "We're all searching for answers," Torrance Elementary PTA volunteer Ria Villanueva told The Times. "When something like this happens, it shakes all of us in the community. There's not a child at our school that we don't treat as our own." The detention is the latest in a string of high-profile immigration enforcement actions over the last week, part of President Trump's promised deportation crackdown. A few days ago, immigration agents raided a popular San Diego restaurant and made arrests, sparking a standoff with outraged residents. Agents also arrested Chinese and Taiwanese nationals at an underground nightclub in the Los Angeles area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The boy accompanied his father, Martir Garcia-Benegas, 50, to an immigration court facility in downtown Los Angeles on May 29, according to a statement from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Garcia-Benegas arrived in the United States on July 10, 2021, with his son. But an immigration judge ordered both the father and son to be deported to Honduras on Sept. 1, 2022. The father appealed the decision to the Board of Immigration Appeals on Aug. 11, 2023, but the appeal was dismissed. The two did not leave the country as ordered by the immigration judge, according to an ICE spokesperson. Federal officials initially referred to the boy as Martin Issac Garcia-Benegas but later clarified his full name as Martir Isaac Garcia Lara. He's attended Torrance Elementary school since first grade, according to Villanueva, the PTA volunteer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The boy's story was first reported by news station KTLA. Read more: ICE agents with assault rifles toss flash-bangs in trendy San Diego neighborhood. Community fights back A spokesperson with Torrance Unified School District said they were aware of the news story but could not confirm the details. They were communicating with relatives of the father and son and authorities to better understand the situation, district spokesperson Sara Myers said in an email on Wednesday. By Thursday afternoon, the district confirmed The Times' reporting that Martir was the student who was in federal custody and recommended that concerned citizens reach out to elected officials in Washington, including U.S. Reps. Maxine Waters (D-Los Angeles) and Ted Lieu (D-Torrance), along with Sens. Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is our responsibility as a District to support the families of every student and connect them to resources and assistance for their continued education and healthy wellbeing, if, and when, a family requests it," the district said in a statement. After the father and son were detained by officials in Los Angeles, they were transferred to the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in Dilley, Texas. It was not immediately clear if they had legal representation. Courthouses across the country have become the latest target of Trumps immigration crackdown, where federal agents have been deployed to arrest individuals after they make their scheduled appearances before an immigration judge. Often those immigrants have been here less than two years, and attorneys from the Department of Homeland Security ask to dismiss the case from deportation proceedings. When the judge grants the request, immigrants who leave the court have been met by plainclothes federal agents who take them into custody for expedited removal. In Santa Ana and Los Angeles, those agents wore masks, surrounded migrants as they came out of court and often left family members watching distraught and in tears. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their attorneys and advocates say agents are targeting the people that are doing exactly as the government asked. Most have no criminal records, and many have children in the United States. They are doing everything that we ask them to, and yet are still being detained and expeditely removed from the U.S.," said Melissa Shepard, director of legal services at Immigrant Defenders Law Center. Its causing a lot of confusion. Folks are really fearful. Half of Californias 9 million children are part of immigrant families, with most being U.S. citizens, according to a study from UCLA. Although many in Torrance and abroad are worried about Martir's case, it's just one of many playing out in courtrooms across the country, said Jorge-Mario Cabrera, director of communications with the advocacy group Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The government is taking all of these different approaches to getting families, getting people at courthouses, and they're seeing which tactics can stick," said Cabrera, who was not familiar with Martir's case. The increase in people being seized at courthouses has resulted in fewer people wanting to appear at their court hearings, Cabrera said. Martir and his father are being held at a facility in the south of Texas that is operated by private prison corporation CoreCivic. The facility can house up to 2,400 people and is billed as a family residential center. The facility was inactive in August 2024 but was restarted earlier this year, according to an announcement from the company. Times staff writer Rachel Uranga 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) Torture is now a class A felony in the islands following Gov. Josh Greens signing of Senate Bill 281 on June 4. The bill, known as S.B. 281: Relating to Torture, passed both houses of the legislature, receiving unanimous approval in the state senate and near unanimous approval in the house, minus one excused member who did not vote. Has Sams Club stopped shipping online orders to Hawaii? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The item was submitted to the 2025 Legislative Session by the City and County of Honolulus Department of the Prosecuting Attorney and was sponsored by Sen. Ronald Kouchi. The legislation marks the first of its kind in the islands, with Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm saying the new law helps toughen up inadequate laws. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You Until we submitted this bill as part of our legislative package, our state had inadequate laws to deal with perpetrators who use torture against children and vulnerable persons. Our state needed this law to protect those who are vulnerable and unable to protect themselves, Alm said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new law also provides significant aid in ensuring children who are victims of torture are able to get justice. Across the state, prosecutors have seen heinous crimes involving children who suffered acts of torture committed against them by their parents or those who have a duty to protect them, Alm explained. The laws that we had to fight these crimes did not adequately address the criminal conduct exhibited in these cases. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NEWPORT, R.I. (WPRI) Craig and Cathy Bell were saddened to learn that the historic Touro Synagogue has temporarily stopped offering tours. The Bells traveled from Long Island to Newport to celebrate their 46th wedding anniversary and were looking forward to seeing the nations oldest synagogue, which was built in 1763 and has long stood as a symbol of religious freedom. Were not coming back anytime soon, Craig Bell said. So, its very disappointing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newport tour guide and University of Rhode Island professor Art Spivack was also disheartened to learn the building is currently closed to the public. Its a sad reflection of this ongoing conflict, Spivack said. A bitter dispute Congregation Jeshuat Israel, which used to worship at the Touro Synagogue, has been embroiled in a legal battle with the New York-based Congregation Shearith Israel for years. Congregation Shearith Israel, which owns the historic building, kicked Congregation Jeshuat Israel out of the synagogue nearly a month ago. The Newport congregation was ousted from the synagogue after the R.I. Supreme Court upheld a 2023 ruling that allowed the New York congregation to do so. The long-standing feud first erupted back in 2012, when the Congregation Jeshuat Israel attempted to sell a pair of Colonial-era Torah bells to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston for $7.4 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congregation Shearith Israel, which had been leasing the synagogue to Congregation Jeshuat Israel for $1 a year since the early 1900s, objected to the sale and sought to be declared the rightful owner of the bells. The First U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals eventually determined that the bells belonged to Congregation Shearith Israel, which stopped the sale from moving forward. Now, Congregation Shearith Israel is accusing Congregation Jeshuat Israel of misappropriating funds set aside for the buildings upkeep and failing to make at least $300,000 worth of repairs. The New York congregation filed a lawsuit against the Newport congregation back in April, accusing them of withdrawing $1.6 million from two funds created in the 1800s to cover synagogue maintenance and pay the rabbis salary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congregation Shearith Israel also claims Congregation Jeshuat Israel removed Torah scrolls and other religious artifacts from the building without their permission. The Newport congregation has since moved its prayer services to the Levi Gale House, which is across the street from the synagogue. Tours of Touro barred for now The Touro Synagogue Foundation initially hoped that the New York congregation would allow them to continue offering tours to visitors. But Laura Freedman Pedrick, chair of the Touro Synagogue Foundation, told 12 News she was sadly mistaken. Unfortunately, we were unable to come to terms with that congregation to allow us entry, Freedman Pedrick explained. Weve been denied access to the building and are no longer able to give tours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A sign was posted on the door of the Loeb Visitor Center alerting the public that tours are suspended. Lou Solomon, president of Congregation Shearith Israel, told 12 News that theres a reason the Foundation is not allowed in the building. The Touro Synagogue Foundation is allied with the former tenant, which took our ritual objects and refuse to return them, Solomon said. I cant let them come in and take more. For now, Freedman Pedrick told 12 News the Touro Synagogue Foundation is offering historic presentations at the visitor center. She said tour fees will be waived for the presentations, which are offered every half-hour between 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Sunday through Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Solomon stressed that tours of the synagogue will resume this Friday, but not with the Touro Synagogue Foundation. He said Congregation Shearith Israel found someone else to host the tours. Were very pleased about that, Solomon added. Solomon said the reason no tours were offered Monday and Tuesday were due to the Jewish holiday Shavuot. Who suffers? The public. The Bells remain hopeful that the two congregations will resolve their issues in the near future. Knock it off. Find a way to make this work, Craig Bell said. Were all on the same team, supposedly, and we all wear the same uniform. Its disappointing that two affiliations want to fight over who has the right to do XYZ, and who suffers? The public, he continued. Let everyone see what a beautiful building this is and stop being a bunch of knuckleheads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spivack echoed that sentiment. I think [the congregations] should be able to resolve this, Spivack said. It would be to their mutual benefit. 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. CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) June 17 will mark 10 years since the tragic shooting at a historic African American church in downtown Charleston. A gunman, motivated by white supremacist views, attended a Bible study at Emanuel AME Church on the evening of June 17, 2015, before shooting and killing nine people. Five people survived the massacre. As we lead up to that day, the Lowcountry is honoring those who were impacted by the attack, the survivors who lived to tell the story, and the nine victims who left lasting legacies in the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Cynthia Graham Hurd Foundation for Reading, Literacy, and Civic Engagement will hold a town hall next week to honor the memory of Cynthia Graham Hurd and the Emanuel 9. Organizers say the event will also reflect on the progress made over the past 10 years, and the path forward for the community and nation. It will feature live music and a panel discussion led by CNN political commentator Bakari Sellers. Malcom Graham, the brother of Cynthia Graham Hurd, spoke with News 2 about the importance of not forgetting what happened that night. The purpose of the program really is to celebrate Cynthias life, her legacy, her impact in the Charleston community. And secondly, to do the work thats necessary to create conversations around a very complicated issue. What happened in Charleston 10 years ago centered around race, discrimination, and hatred, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The town hall will be held at Emanuel AME Church in downtown Charleston on June 12 at 6 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 WCBD News 2. (Image: U.S. Department of Transportation) The 2025 Nevada legislative session has come to a close, and with it, any remaining illusions that rail safety is a bipartisan priority in this state. Despite the rhetoric from both Democrats and Republicans, the people who keep freight moving the engineers, conductors, car inspectors, and signal maintainers, were left standing at the station once again. Assembly Bill 446, a bill shaped by rail labor and safety experts, should have sailed through. It proposed common-sense measures: limits on train length, minimum crew requirements, better lighting in railyards, oversight of contract carriers, and functional defect detectors. These were not radical demands. They were safeguards forged from decades of experience and, in many cases, tragedy. But instead of passing legislation to protect workers and communities, lawmakers threw up roadblocks. A fiscal note from the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada didnt clarify cost, it inflated it. It was less about what AB446 would require, and more about what the agency wanted to avoid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have heard all the excuses before. But this time, it was not just Republican opposition. It was Democrats too. The same ones who have claimed to champion labor, who have stood on union stages during campaign season and nodded along while we talked about precision scheduled railroading (PSR), fatigue, and unsafe practices. They nodded, then turned around and did nothing. Again. If this feels familiar, it is because it is. It was only a few years ago that President Biden and Congress imposed a contract on railroad workers, denying them the right to strike after years of being overworked and under-protected. It was the so-called most pro-labor administration in history. But when push came to shove, labor was shoved aside. Now, in Nevada, a state where rail labor has long played a role in shaping public policy, those same patterns are emerging. Lawmakers, many of whom we have supported cycle after cycle, abandoned us when it counted. And I do not want to be the one to say we told you so, but at some point, it becomes impossible not to. There is a bigger story here than a single bill. This is about the slow erosion of labors power in Nevada. While unions fight to hold the line, corporate lobbyists wine, dine, and whisper their way into influence. Big business does not just want a seat at the table anymore. They want the table, the chairs, and the menu. If labor does not start pushing back, and soon, we will be on the outside looking in for good. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This moment should be a wake-up call. It is not enough to endorse candidates and hope they do the right thing. Labor in Nevada needs to remember its muscle. We need to show up louder, smarter, and more unified. We need to stop handing over endorsements and donations without demands. And we need to hold every lawmaker accountable, regardless of party, who sides with corporate interests over worker safety. To be clear, some lawmakers did express support. A few backed the bill and spoke up, even as the rail lobby quietly moved behind the scenes. But good intentions were drowned out by indifference, misinformation, and political convenience. And in the end, those who supported the bill were left holding the bag. This is not just about rail labor. It is about emergency vehicles stuck at blocked crossings. It is about toxic chemicals rolling through our communities on nearly three-mile-long freight trains with no crew oversight. It is about rail yards so poorly lit that workers have tripped and been injured just doing their jobs. What protects us protects you too. And when lawmakers choose silence over safety, we all pay the price. Rail labor will keep fighting. We do not have the luxury of giving up. But we are not going to keep playing nice while lawmakers play political games with our lives. We are organizing. We are watching. And come the next session, or the next election, we will be back at the table. If they do not set a place for us, we will bring our own chairs. It is time for the labor movement in Nevada to take stock, get serious, and stop financing its own betrayal. The United States decision to relinquish leadership of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group in the Ramstein format to the United Kingdom and Germany was planned from the outset of the new US administration. Source: US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced this following a meeting of NATO defence ministers in Brussels on 4 June, as reported by a European Pravda correspondent Details: Hegseth told reporters that the transfer of leadership of the Ramstein format to Germany and the UK had been planned by the United States since President Donald Trumps administration took office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "From the very beginning of this administration, we worked with our British and German counterparts for them to take the lead of that contact group, which they have done. And I appreciate that," Hegseth said. He added that the United States continues to participate in the Ramstein format, noting that the US was represented at the 4 June meeting by US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker. "I believe you were at the meeting?" Hegseth asked Whitaker. "Im at all the meetings, yes," the diplomat replied. "Weve definitely been at that meeting and made a contribution," the US defence secretary concluded. Background: It was previously reported that Hegseth did not attend the Ramstein format meeting at NATO Headquarters on 4 June. On 4 June, US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker, commenting on the potential threat to US forces from enemy drones and Ukraines special operation Spiders Web, stated that the United States was learning lessons from Russias war of aggression against Ukraine. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Transgender active-duty service members must decide whether to leave the military on their own or be forced out by Friday under the 30-day deadline announced last month by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, a life-altering decision that those interviewed by The Hill said is nearly impossible to make. Its crushing, said Cmdr. Emily Hawking Shilling, who has served in the Navy for almost two decades. Its heartbreaking. A naval aviator with 60 combat missions under her belt, Shilling oversaw a staff of about 200 people before she requested voluntary separation last month and was placed on administrative leave. In her latest fitness report, Shillings commander described her as an inspiring leader with boundless energy and unmatched enthusiasm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People excel under Hawkings leadership, they wrote, referring to Shilling by her callsign. The report and Shillings own experiences contradict how President Trump and administration officials have sought to frame her and other transgender troops service. Trumps Jan. 27 executive order to boot transgender people from the military states they cannot satisfy the rigorous standards needed to serve, and that allowing their participation threatens military readiness and unit cohesion, an argument long used to keep marginalized groups including Black, gay or female Americans from serving. A 2016 RAND Corp. study commissioned by the Pentagon found that allowing trans people to serve had no negative impact on unit cohesion, operational effectiveness or readiness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shilling, who currently serves as president of SPARTA Pride, an advocacy group for transgender service members, said she is complying with the Trump administrations policy despite believing it to be unlawful and challenging it in court. She stressed that her views do not reflect those of the Department of Defense or the Navy. Shillings lawsuit, filed in February with six other trans service members, argues that banning ready, willing, and able service members does not further the objectives of the United States Armed Forces. A federal judge in Washington state, where the suit was filed, sided with the service members in a March ruling that temporarily blocked the administration from enforcing Trumps order. But after an emergency application from the Justice Department, the Supreme Court ruled in May that the Trump administration could begin enforcing its ban on trans military service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My oath is to the Constitution and to obey all lawful orders, Shilling said in an interview. The only way that I can challenge whether or not something is lawful is through the courts, and so I actually see this as an extension of my duty, of my oath. I believe this is unlawful, and in the meantime, while I challenge it, Im going to obey the orders, she added. Im out-processing; Im doing all my paperwork; Im doing everything Im being told to do, and Im also challenging it, saying, I dont think that this is lawful. Courts, please make a verdict on it. And I will honor whatever they decide. Cmdr. Blake Dremann, another plaintiff in Shillings lawsuit, has also begun the voluntary separation process, though he said it hasnt felt like much of a choice. He requested his separation start at the end of December, when he will hit 20 years of service and be eligible for regular retirement. As far as navigating anything else, it has been really just trying to figure out, OK, where do I want to live? What do I want to do? How am I going to handle this? said Dremann, a naval supply officer. I thought I had another 10 years to figure out what I was going to do afterwards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dremann recently returned to the U.S. from Guam, where he had supervised a team of sailors and junior officers repairing submarines for forward deployment on the USS Frank Cable. The assignment, he said, was part of a milestone tour that would have set him on a path to becoming a Navy captain. Under the Trump administrations new policy, Thats been taken away from me, he said. A member of the Navy since the early aughts, Dremann served under the Pentagons long-standing ban on trans service members that was lifted in 2016 under former President Obama, as well as under Dont Ask, Dont Tell, which prevented gays, lesbians and bisexuals from openly serving, Trumps 2017 trans military restrictions and now, the more stringent 2025 ban. This is the fourth time the military has had a policy that requires me to leave the service, he said. This will probably be the one that gets me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dremann said he would be open to returning to the Navy once he separates if the Trump administrations policy were reversed in the near future. I even took my physical readiness test for the year, he said. Others hesitated to say whether they would return. Unless there were specific policies put in place to prevent, like, whats going on now from happening in the future, having that being a case where lets say, everyones offered a way back through the next administration, four to eight years later, you can run into this entire situation again, said Abi, a member of the Air Force based in Alaska who asked that her last name be withheld over privacy and safety concerns. Her wife, Elizabeth, said she would be similarly uneasy with Abi someday returning to the military. The Trump administrations policy, she said, had betrayed their trust. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps 2017 policy barring transgender troops from serving made an exception for some who had already started to transition. The latest policy makes no such exception, deeming any service member with a current diagnosis, history or symptoms of gender dysphoria unfit for military service. To turn around and say, I know we said that you could do that, but now that you have, we are choosing to punish you for it. Its like, what else could they do that with? Elizabeth asked. With just under five years of service, Abi said there is no real incentive to opt for voluntary separation. A Pentagon memo issued in February said some trans service members could receive separation pay at double the rate of those who were involuntarily removed, but eligibility requires at least five years of continuous active-duty service. For now, Abi and Elizabeth are biding their time. They are looking to relocate, possibly to California, where Elizabeth has family, but cannot make concrete plans including finding work until they know when Abi will be discharged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its very scary to be in such an unknown position, Abi said. Army Reserve 2nd Lt. Nicolas Talbott said he similarly has no plans to voluntarily separate, a decision that, as a reservist, he must make by July 6. Most of the incentives for voluntary separation are geared toward folks who have more time and service than I do, he said. So, for me personally, Im watching to see if any new guidance or any new policies come out. But really, were just kind of preparing to see what the involuntary separation process is going to look like. I hate the verbiage being used as voluntary versus involuntary, he added, because this isnt really voluntary for any of us. This is not what we wanted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Talbott said hes hopeful the policy will again be blocked in court. Like Shilling, he is the lead plaintiff in a challenge to Trumps executive order. A district judge sided with Talbott and more than a dozen other plaintiffs in March, blocking the administration from implementing Trumps order, describing it as soaked in animus. An appeals court temporarily halted the order as it weighs whether to grant a longer pause. Im kind of trying to do my best to hold down the fort for everyone, Talbott said. Thats what I try to stay focused on. I have a job in the military, I have my civilian job as well, and things need to get done. You know, the world does not revolve around this case; the world does not revolve around me by any shape of the imagination, and I have jobs to do, and I have responsibilities, and thats what I try to stay focused 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 The Hill. Washington Dulles International Airport in Dulles, Virginia (Photo by Getty Images) As President Donald Trumps administration scales back national climate initiatives, local leaders in the Washington Metropolitan region are stepping up to push for cleaner skies with jet fuel made from trash, crops and forest waste. At the heart of the push is Sustainable Aviation Fuel, or SAF, a biofuel derived from sources like corn grain, municipal solid waste, wet waste, and agricultural residues. Though not yet widely used, SAF is gaining traction thanks to its lower emissions and growing interest from regional policymakers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The aviation industry has yet to fully embrace the alternative fuel, largely due to the high cost of production and limited infrastructure for storage costs. But with international interest rising and U.S. climate policies shifting, local leaders remain hopeful that a wider transition is on the horizon. In the first three quarters of 2024, U.S. production of SAF reached 30 million gallons a sharp increase of just five million in 2021, according to recent data collected by the U.S. Department of Energy. Im very optimistic about its ability to survive because it goes straight to the farmers, and it is really about American-made products, said Ed Hubbard, general counsel and vice president of governmental affairs for the Renewable Fuels Association. If you can fall within the framework of American energy, greatness and dominance, I think that those are the aspects that survive throughout the process. Hubbard warned that if the Trump administration withdraws incentives for SAF, it would contradict its own America First Investment Policy a doctrine designed to pressure companies into manufacturing domestically instead of overseas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, Hubbard joined a panel discussion in Washington, D.C., focused on raising awareness about SAF. The event highlighted the formation of a working group, a directory of aviation-related associations, and plans for a traveling presentation aimed at engaging government and aviation leaders. On June 3, 2025, the Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition hosted a panel discussion in Washington, D.C., focused on raising awareness about Sustainable Alternative Fuel. (Nathaniel Cline/Virginia Mercury) The panel was hosted by the Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition (GWRCCC), which works to promote affordable, local transportation fuels, energy-efficient mobility systems, and other fuel-saving practices. The federal government developed a strategy to encourage the commercial-scale production of SAF through a plan called the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Grand Challenge. Under President Joe Bidens administration, the initiative set primary goals to reduce costs, bolster energy security, and significantly increase the production and use of SAF. Key targets include achieving a 50% reduction in life cycle emissions compared to traditional fuels and meeting production milestones of three billion gallons annually by 2030 and 35 billion gallons by 2050 enough to meet all domestic demand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given the significant impact of jet travel on the environment, advocates hope SAF can help mitigate the pollution it causes. In 2022, aviation accounted for 2% of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), and that share is expected to grow. The agency noted that aviation has experienced faster growth in recent decades than rail, road, and shipping. They pollute the environment, and the closer you live to those environments, the more negative it is on public health, said Antoine Thompson, CEO and executive director for GWRCCC. Data provided by GWRCCC at Tuesdays meeting showed a combined 622 private and public airports between Maryland and Virginia. Virginia began considering sustainability strategies at its airports earlier than other states. The commonwealth has a total of 406 public and private airports, 400 of which are privately owned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In July 2016, the Virginia Department of Aviation (VDOA) commissioned the Virginia Airports Sustainability Management Plan a voluntary guide for Virginias public airports to define their own sustainability priorities and needs. Rusty Harrington, chief planner with VDOA, was one of the contributors to the plan. We have so many people that are working in parallel, and (the meeting) has been an opportunity for us to see what everyone else is working on and find some mutual common ground opportunities, Harrington said. Beyond SAF, Harrington noted that researchers also exploring advancements in engine technology, as well as the use of using electrification and hydrogen resources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for Virginias role in environmental stewardship, Harrington said the commonwealth is taking it very seriously. We want to protect the resources that we have, and we want to lessen our impacts in almost every activity we do from design, construction, operation, maintenance of our airports with the goal of securing and balancing the economic, the environmental and the social impacts of any of our actions, Harrington said. We like to think were doing a very good job of that because its inherent in whatever we do in airport development. The coalition has not yet set a date for a future meeting. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX When President Donald Trump abruptly unleashed his ban on people coming from Muslim-majority countries in 2017, chaos erupted at U.S. airports. Protests broke out in major cities across the country. Legal challenges stymied the administration, which ultimately had to slim down its order to pass constitutional muster. This time, as Trump leveled new restrictions against 19 nations , the reaction was mostly muted and the legal justification appears more deliberate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its the nature of the do-over presidency, which has provided Trump with a unique opportunity to build on his first term. And no policy better captures the way in which Trump is demonstrating hes learned from past mistakes or benefitting from a Democratic party less inclined to fight over border security quite like his travel ban 2.0. The first version of those travel restrictions were not upheld because the court wanted to see whats your methodology, whats the criteria in which youre making these national security decisions? said Chad Wolf, acting DHS secretary during the presidents first term. And then once we went back and further validated it and showed the court, they affirmed it. So I definitely think that they built on that, and then probably expanded it as well. Trump has used his first five months in office to propose a host of immigration-related ideas that he batted around during his first term but ultimately did not pursue, including an attempt to end birthright citizenship and a plan to revoke Chinese student visas . His team has also taken on an aggressive legal strategy, an effort designed to expand the presidents power over the immigration system and implement policy changes more difficult for future presidents to unravel. And Trump released dozens of immigration executive orders in his first week in office, many that directed his agencies to begin exploring the sweeping restrictions he promised on the campaign trail a torrent of action that wouldnt have been possible without the coordination across the presidents team, MAGA allies and conservative think tanks that spent the last four years planning a robust policy agenda. To be sure, lawsuits over the new travel ban are in the works. Immigration advocates and some legal experts say the new ban, while perhaps better planned than the original version, is nonetheless unconstitutional. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new ban is being promulgated in a context in which President Trump has shown a defiance of due process and disregard for judicial decisions that exceeds anything in his first term, said Jonathan Hafetz, a law professor at Seton Hall. This will also likely factor in how courts evaluate the new travel ban, and could make them more skeptical of the administrations claims but also more wary of directly confronting the administration. And more broadly, the presidents immigration agenda has faced several setbacks, adverse legal rulings and a haphazard approach that has often undermined the administrations case in court. Judges have said immigrants have been wrongly deported without due process and have blocked Trumps use of the Alien Enemies Act , a 1798 law that the White House relied upon for authority to deport more than 100 accused of gang membership to an El Salvadoran prison. And his hurried deportations tactics have resulted in at least four men being improperly deported in violation of court orders. The administration was forced to bring one of them back to the U.S. in recent days. The White House has also faced steep hurdles in other aspects of its immigration agenda. Judges ruled that his executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship was flagrantly unconstitutional, and the policy faced skepticism from the Supreme Court last month. But when it comes to his new travel ban, legal experts on both sides of the aisle say the president is likely on stronger footing should he face challenges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Under Trump 2.0 theres been an aspect of doing that legwork in advance, so that it would fall under those parameters, said Morgan Bailey, a partner at Mayer Brown and a former senior official at DHS under the Biden and Trump administrations. There may be some challenges. At the same time, having the Supreme Court decision from Trump 1.0 could put this administration in a really strong position. Trumps team has been refining his latest travel ban for months, marking a departure from his slapdash approach in 2017. The president on Wednesday said the State Department considered factors such as terrorist activity, visa security cooperation, a countrys ability to verify travelers identities, record keeping of nationals criminal histories, as well as the rate of illegal visa overstays. The proclamation also broke down the governments reasoning for each countrys selection, as well as their visa overstay rates. Campaigning is a lot about policy and planning, and governing is about the now and reacting, so this has been a true mix said Matthew Bartlett, a GOP strategist and former Trump administration appointee. Granted, Trump take two has been arguably the largest runway any president has ever had in terms of preparing for their second term. So I think youre seeing more of the granular and nuanced implementation around some of these policies. Trumps 2017 restrictions shocked the nation, and legal setbacks forced the administration to alter the policy twice before the Supreme Court ultimately upheld a version the following year, affirming the presidents powers over matters of national security. The final policy implemented a range of travel restrictions for nationals of eight countries Syria, Libya, Yemen, Somalia, North Korea, Chad and Venezuela. Chad was later removed from the list. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And almost immediately after that first order was announced, thousands of protesters marched in cities across the country, while attorneys from major law firms, nonprofits and immigrant rights groups ran to airports to help those detained. There was widespread Democratic outcry in Washington and beyond, and the so-called Muslim ban emerged as a major issue in the 2020 Democratic Primary with then-President Joe Biden reversing the policy on his first day in the White House. White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said Democrats have abandoned claims that Trumps first-term policy was a Muslim ban and their performative protests, adding that the president is keeping his promises to put America first. This executive order has also been met with far less outrage, in part, because of the administrations effort to flood the zone and keep their opponents off balance. Theres just so many attacks coming from the Trump administration on all fronts, said Kerri Talbot, co-director of the Immigration Hub, predicting that when the new order takes effect on Monday, there will be coordinated demonstrations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the more methodical way in which this ban on travel was issued may give it greater staying power. The 2017 ban applied to U.S. citizens traveling from the nations on Trumps original list and because it went into effect immediately, it affected people on planes flying back into the country. The ban issued late Wednesday does not apply to those with legal status in the U.S., and includes exemptions for existing visa holders, lawful permanent residents and some others. While the political pushback may be scarce, Trump wasnt the only one who had extra time to prepare for his second term. Immigration groups and legal organizations have analyzed Trumps proposals, drafted legal briefs, coordinated messaging and organized aid for immigrants and asylum seekers preparation that has set up a series of contentious court battles. Trump allies are prepared for the possibility that travel ban 2.0 could face challenges in the courts, though theyre much more confident given the 2018 SCOTUS ruling. I have no doubt that they believe that you can get some lower court judge to issue an injunction where they claim that somehow this order is different from the prior order, said Hans Von Spakovsky, a senior legal and judicial studies fellow at the conservative Heritage Foundation. But they will lose. Brakkton Booker and Kyle Cheney contributed to this report. A damaging beetle species continues to be found in Pierce County, raising concerns for pine trees at Chambers Creek Regional Park. Jessica Stone, a natural lands steward and arborist for Pierce County, said she first noticed trees dying at Chambers Creek Regional Park around February 2024, when she came across a patch of pine trees that were turning brown. After surveying the problem, the county identified a California fivespines ips (CFI) outbreak and removed around 100 trees that had been infected last spring, she said. While this outbreak raised concerns, the county has continued to monitor the area early this year, a new CFI outbreak was discovered in a patch of 18 pine trees next to the Playground by the Sound in the north meadow area of the park, Stone said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All 18 trees which included ponderosa pine, scotch pine, black pine and shore pine were removed on Wednesday. Stone added that CFI infestations create small holes in the trees that are difficult to spot, and said the beetles pose no danger to humans. The playground at Chambers Creek Regional Park remained open during the tree removal process, she said. Todd Murray, an entomologist and director of the Puyallup Research and Extension Center at Washington State University, inspects a felled tree for California fivespined ips at Chambers Creek Regional Park on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, in University Place, Wash. You would never notice, she said about the beetles. The only reason I was able to even find one is that we cut into a dead tree. According to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, California fivespined ips is a type of bark beetle traditionally native to California and Oregon in 2010, they were first recorded in the state of Washington, and since then, outbreaks have continued to crop up, especially toward Eastern Washington. CFI were first recorded to be killing pines in Western Washington in July 2022, when a deadly infestation was found in ponderosa pines at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) in Pierce County, according to the state DNR. Trees are marked with color ties in the North Meadow area of the Chambers Creek Regional Park on Monday, June 2, 2025, ahead of a tree removal in the area due to an infestation of California fivespined ips, a pine bark beetle, in University Place, Wash. Rather than being invasive, CFI appear to be expanding upon their existing native territories in California and Oregon, said Todd Murray, an entomologist and director of the Puyallup Research and Extension Center at Washington State University. They focus on attacking and reproducing in pine trees specifically, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Murray, who is working with Pierce County to study the CFI outbreak, said when bark beetle outbreaks occur, it can be an indicator of overall forest health, adding the beetles can more easily overwhelm trees suffering from drought or other stress. Although it is unfortunate to have to remove more trees at Chambers Creek, the relatively small size of the latest outbreak is a positive sign, Stone said. Holes from an infestation of California fivespined ips, a pine bark beetle, are visible on trees in the North Meadow area of the Chambers Creek Regional Park on Monday, June 2, 2025, in University Place, Wash. A total of 18 trees will be removed and chipped, as well as three stumps ground from the area. Its a good sign that we dont have what we were seeing last year, she said. So going from a high of over 100 to 18 is phenomenal. Henry Adams, an associate professor in the School of the Environment at WSU, said WSU has partnered with the DNR to monitor outbreaks of CFI across Washington, and added that this year, the amount of trees killed in those infestations has been significantly less than that of the previous year, although it is difficult to provide an estimate of the amount of trees affected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams, who has also worked with Pierce County to track the infestations, said bark beetles can be identified by their Y-shaped carvings below the outer layer of tree bark, and added that their holes may also be visible, although those exit and entry points may be difficult to tell apart from another insects. The beetles also tend to attack larger trees that can offer more phloem the inner bark that transports sugars and other materials throughout the tree for their larvae to feed off of, and might leave smaller trees be, he added. Trees are marked with numbers and colors in the North Meadow area of the Chambers Creek Regional Park on Monday, June 2, 2025, ahead of a tree removal in the area due to an infestation of California fivespined ips, a pine bark beetle, in University Place, Wash. Heat stress doesnt often appear immediately in trees, Stone said, adding that it can take a couple years after an event such as a heatwave to see the effects on a forest. She said these outbreaks could be indicative of stress the trees endured a couple summers ago. Although the researchers have largely been working in parks, pine trees on private property have also been found to have CFI infestations, Adams added. He said residents should avoid leaving broken tree branches or wood chippings scattered around their yards because they can attract beetles. He added that ensuring trees are properly watered can also help ward off the insects, as the water may help pine trees produce resin that they can use to defend themselves at the site of CFI attacks. A section of trees in the North Meadow area of the Chambers Creek Regional Park overlook the Chambers Bay Golf Course on Monday, June 2, 2025, in University Place, Wash. Nearly 20 of these trees are scheduled to be removed due to an infestation of California fivespined ips, a pine bark beetle. Wary of future outbreaks, the county is also working to implement preventative measures to support tree health and ward off CFI, Stone said. The county has tried using insecticides to fend off the beetles, but found them ineffective, Stone said. They now focus on promoting the right conditions to support healthy trees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stone said the county plans to plant new trees in the park following the removal of the infested group, although researchers will evaluate the parks space to plan for increased diversity of tree species and larger spacing to avoid overcrowding, both of which can help deter future outbreaks and promote forest health. Following those decisions, new trees may not be planted in the same spot as the removal, but elsewhere in the park, she added. The trees felled on Wednesday will be turned into wood chips, baked in the sun to rid them of beetles, and then used as mulch to help keep moisture in the ground around other trees in the area, Stone said. Its keeping our trees healthy, keeping them well-pruned, making sure we dont have a bunch of dead branches hanging around that might attract ips, or stressed, broken branches, which might attract the ips so good tree hygiene and good tree care, Stone said. MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) Trial is now underway for a man accused of murder in the 2012 disappearance of his daughter. Prichard Police Department begins internal investigation after officers arrest in Florida A case that went cold until the fathers arrest last year. It was an emotional day for those in the courtroom. Brittany Robinsons mother cried as prosecutors noted shes now been gone almost as long as she was alive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Robinsons father, Demetric Hooper, was arrested last year, more than a decade after Robinson disappeared. She was 14 at the time. Her mother had custody and reported Robinson missing after she didnt come home from a weekend trip to Hoopers home on McCovery Road in west Mobile County. Prosecutors said Hooper left town and went to Arkansas on a bus under an alias. In court, they went over a phone call Hooper made on the bus to a cousin who told him the police were asking if his daughter was safe, to which prosecutors said Hooper replied, OK, cool beans. Brittany Robinsons remains have never been found. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The defense claims she could still be alive. They point to multiple searches in and around Hoopers home, which they said led to no remains and no murder weapon. Continuing Coverage: Changes coming to deadly Foley intersection Prosecutors have not outlined the evidence that led to Hoopers arrest after all these years, but that is expected to be addressed during the trial. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5. KANSAS CITY, Mo. The trial date has been set for a former Kansas City Police Department officer charged with murder, according to online court records. Taquiza Johnson was charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action after a deadly 2024 shooting that Kansas City police said was avoidable and Platte County prosecutors called equally tragic and disturbing. Former Kansas City police officer charged with murder Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Online court records say the trial date is set for June 22, 2026, at 9 a.m. in a Platte County court. Johnson is accused of shooting and killing 71-year-old Ronald Barnett outside of a Northland Walmart. FOX4 previously confirmed with KCPD that Johnson was formerly an officer with its department between December 2003 and February 2014. On Aug. 22, 2024, Johnson was booked in the Platte County Jail, where he remains incarcerated. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) Trinity Health Grand Rapids says its Comprehensive Breast Center has been designated as a Certified Quality Breast Center of Excellence. The hospital says only 36 breast cancer programs in the country have earned the designation, which is the highest offered by the National Quality Measures for Breast Centers. Only one other location in in Michigan has earned it: Trinity Health Breast Center Lakes Village in Norton Shores. What this means is patients dont have to choose between having really world-class care and care close to home: We can provide both of those for our patients, Dr Bess Connors, a breast cancer surgeon who oversees the Grand Rapids center, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Going flat: Breast cancer survivors advocate normal, beautiful option She explained the center had demonstrate excellence under 49 standards covering everything from mammography and radiology to pathology to oncology and surgery. Unfortunately, breast cancer is extremely common: 1 in 8 women will get breast cancer in their lifetime. That just means that everybody has a family member, someone they know at church, who has breast cancer and is affected by this. We have a great need in the community, Connors 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 WOODTV.com. A soldier with the 28th Division stands amid the ruins of Gathemo, France, in August 1944. (Screenshot from National Archives film) A soldier with the 28th Division stands amid the ruins of Gathemo, France, in August 1944. (Screenshot from National Archives film) Shaun Nadolny is finally making the trip from Wisconsin to visit his great-uncles grave in the Brittany American Cemetery in France. Last in a two-part series on Pennsylvanias 28th Division and a new memorial to soldiers who were killed in the fight to liberate Gathemo, France. Read the first part here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tradition holds that for visiting family members, staff will place moistened sand on the engraving on the marker for Jerome Nadolny, who was killed in the fierce fighting around Gathemo, a small village in Normandy, using a wet sponge. The process brings the name out on the marble Latin cross, so it can easily be seen from 15 to 20 feet away. The grave of Pfc. Jerome Nadolny in the Brittany American Cemetery in France. (Courtesy of Shaun Nadolny) An American and French flag standing about knee high will be placed in front of the grave. Traditionally, the U.S. marker is symbolically on the right side as if it were in the soldiers right hand and facing home. The French will be on the left always toward inland territory. Then, he and his cousin, Kurt, will travel to Gathemo, where nine soldiers of the 28th Division, including three from Pennsylvania, lost their lives as the Allies pushed inland from the beaches of Normandy to liberate Europe. Theyll be the sole American relatives of the fallen soldiers who will be on hand for a ceremony Saturday honoring their sacrifice during the fight for the town 81 summers ago. The gathering will include the dedication of a plaque and memorial and a renaming of a street in honor of the 28th Division, a Pennsylvania National Guard unit before the war. The trip is the culmination of an improbable sequence of events that began when Nadolny went in search of the war history of a long-lost great-uncle. Nadolny admits to feeling a little pressure, because he doesnt want to let his family down or any of the other families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I know its going to be a heavy experience for me personally. I wish I could share this with my dad, he said. It was on my bucket list to just go to that cemetery, but now to actually go to the cemetery? Its obviously a trip of a lifetime, right? Gathemo today Visitors to Normandy will notice Allied flags American, British, and Canadian hanging not just on poles, but in windows and on doors in village after village. This isnt just a phenomenon that happens in the typical tourist areas around the landing beaches or landmarks made famous in the 1962 movie, The Longest Day, or the HBO miniseries, Band of Brothers. The Battle of Normandy stretched beyond what happened on June 6, 1944. Allied troops applied relentless pressure in an effort to push the German occupiers back. The clash lasted for more than two months, as it became a war of attrition. Allied troops had to constantly resupply the front lines, while the enemy dealt with losses in terms of men and machines it simply couldnt replace Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the end, the Allies suffered 210,000 casualties,while the Germans dealt with losses of 400,000 men. Town and after town touched by the Battle of Normandy has its own monuments or historical markers to pilots whose downed aircraft crashed nearby, soldiers who died in their streets or units that helped liberate them. In Periers for example, The Four Braves memorial honors the 90th Infantry Division which liberated the town as part of Operation Cobra. This was a piece of the successful U.S. breakout which played a big role in the rapid collapse of the Germans defense in Normandy. Two Pennsylvanians who lost their lives Private 2nd Class Andrew J. Speese III of Philadelphia and Sgt. Tullio Micaloni of Oneida are immortalized as part of the memorial. The Four Braves memorial in Periers, France, honors the 90th Infantry Division which liberated the town in the summer of 1944. Two Pennsylvanians who sacrificed their lives Private 2nd Class Andrew J. Speese III of Philadelphia, and Sergeant Tullio Micaloni of Oneida are immortalized as part of the memorial. (Photo by Tim Lambert) One tour group recounted how in the town of La Haye du Puits, a man noticed they were Americans. He hurried home and later found the group at a restaurant eating lunch. He excitedly, in French, described what it was like as a boy in the summer of 1944 to see his home liberated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As his story was translated, he pulled a piece of silk parachute from his jacket given to him by a U.S. soldier. He simply wanted to share his gratitude for the sacrifice made by the Allies. Even in 2025, people in Normandys villages and towns still think there is history to be acknowledged and a debt owed. Gathemo, with a population of 267, will join the others Saturday, with a permanent thank you. Over several days in early August, 1944, the 28th attacked German troops occupying the town. Progress was slow, measured in a few hundred yards at times, but by the afternoon Aug. 10, the 28th had liberated Gathemo. The divisions losses were nine men killed, including three from Pennsylvania, and an estimated 235 wounded. Pvt. 1st Class Ronald Gayton, 110th Infantry Regt., 28th ID. He was from Georgia and was KIA in Gathemo, France, on Aug. 12, 1944. (Courtesy of the 28th Infantry Division) Pvt. Irwin Fox, 112th Infantry Regt., 28th ID, was from Pittsburgh. He was KIA in Gathemo, France, on Aug. 13, 1944. (Courtesy of Irwin Fox) Pvt. 1st Class Frank Schaefer, 110th Infantry Regt., 28th ID. He was KIA in Gathemo, France on Aug. 10, 1944. (Courtesy of the 28th Infantry Division) Staff Sgt. Encil Glover, 110th Infantry Regt., 28th ID. He was killed in the center of Gathemo on Aug. 11, 1944. (Courtesy of the 28th Infantry Division Association) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pvt. 1st Class John Mahan, 112th Infantry Regt., 28th ID, was from Lee County, Illinois. He was KIA in Gathemo, France, on Aug. 10, 1944. (Courtesy of the 28th Infantry Division Association) Pvt. Whitney Dore, 109th Infantry Regt., 28th ID, was from Harrison County Mississippi. He was killed in action in Gathemo, France, on Aug. 8, 1944. (Courtesy of the 28th Infantry Division Association) Pvt. 1st Class Merritt Boyle was killed in Gathemo, France, on Aug. 7, 1944. He was from Lackawanna County. (Courtesy of the 28th Infantry Division Association) Pvt. 1st Class John Brewer 112th Inf. Regt., 28th ID, was from Scioto County, Ohio. He was KIA Aug. 10, 1944, in Gathemo, France. (Courtesy of the 28th Infantry Division Association) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For those few who bring up the Battle of Gathemo in some remote barroom in years to come there will always be a lifting of glasses to our buddies whom we left behind in the orchards and wheat fields of that hallowed ground! From The Bloody Patch: A True Story of the Daring 28th Infantry Division From The Bloody Patch: A True Story of the Daring 28th Infantry Division The 77-day Battle of Normandy came to an end on Aug. 19, after tens of thousands of German troopers were captured when the Falaise pocket was closed by Allied troops. A mere 10 days after that, the men of the 28th Division were in Paris, taking part in the liberation day parade through the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Located nearly 90 minutes from the English Channel and Omaha Beach, Mayor Christelle Errard describes Gathemo as having all the hallmarks of a quaint Norman community a bakery, a bar, gift shops and five farms. The church, destroyed in the fight, was rebuilt after the war and features a pointed bell tower. According to the mayor, the granite used for the altar and the cross came from Gathemos quarries. The ruins in Gathemo after fighting between the 28th Division and German troops in August 1944. (Screenshot of film from the National Archives) There are no words strong enough The towns role in the Allied push to encircle and destroy part of the German Army in the final weeks and days of the clash has largely been forgotten overshadowed by the fight in Mortain and Saint-Lambert-sur-Dives, among others. Errard became mayor of Gathemo in July of 2020 and has lived in the community for a decade. She was born in another historically significant part of France Verdun. Its the site of one the longest and most ferocious battles of the First World War. We have a mission in our world: to listen to our history, to transcribe it, so as not to forget Our duty to remember is here. And the witnesses of this period will soon all be gone. I also understood that many dont want to share what they experienced, she wrote in an email exchange using Google Translate to go from French to English. My father never spoke about this period when he was 6-years-old, yet four years ago, on his deathbed, he relived the scenes he had witnessed. The planned location of the memorial to nine soldiers from the 28th Division killed in the liberation of Gathemo, France. (Courtesy of Christophe Clement) Now, she said, its Gathemos turn to pay tribute to the young Americans who fought to liberate Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many returned home with physical and mental injuries, but many, like Pvt. Nadolny, did not return to their families, Errard wrote. My son will be 23 in June, the same age Pvt. Nadolny was when he lost his life in Gathemo, for Gathemo. I cannot remain indifferent. The tribute is small, but I hope it is the beginning of another story for Gathemo and all the people who will stop and pay their respects at this memorial. The monument with the names of the nine men killed will be located close to the back of the church in Gathemo. It will be on a granite stone with an M1 helmet featuring the division logo placed on top. A plaque honoring the entire division will be dedicated, and a street will be renamed in honor of the 28th Division, which, according to unit lore was nicknamed the Bloody Bucket by the Germans because of the red keystone patches worn on their uniforms. The Mike Pride Museum in Normandy covered the 1,800 Euro price tag. Dear American friends, there are no words strong enough to express our gratitude and respect, Errard said. I would like to say BRAVO and THANK YOU. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two men who were just children at the time of the battle will be on hand for the ceremony 87-year-old Guy Lelandais and 80-year-old Michele Golonde. Errard says for Lelandais, whose cousin was killed by an exploding shell in front of his eyes, preserving the history of the liberation of his hometown has been a lifelong passion. He has collecteding testimonies from around the region. The invitation to the June 7 ceremony in Gathemo, France, to honor nine members of the 28th Division killed during the towns liberation in August, 1944. (Courtesy of Christophe Clement) Galonde was just six months old when the 28th Division pushed the Germans out of Gathemo, hiding in a cellar with his family, according to Gerrard. His older sister was in front of the baby carriage he was in when a shell exploded wounding her in the leg, which left her permanently disabled. But as fate would have it, she likely saved Galondes life because of where she was standing. Nadolny plans to have dinner with the mayor and hopes to shake Lelandais hand and ask him what he remembers about the fight to free the town. I mean sincerely, we are so thankfulmy family and I are almost just unbelievably thankful, he said. (Jerome) was a blue-collar soldier that gave everything and moved us along, So to me, thats what its about. A lot of forgotten stories. So, if we can share a little bit of it or be a part of it, I think its incredible. The commemoration is a reminder that freedom has a cost and that true friendship endures, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said in a letter to the event organizers. More than 80 years ago, the sons of Pennsylvania crossed an ocean to stand in defense of liberty and peace, forging a bond of courage and shared sacrifice. The soldiers of the 28th Infantry Division fought with extraordinary bravery, with some making the ultimate sacrifice, Shapiro said. The people of Gathemo have, across generations, honored the legacy of these brave men not only with gratitude, but with a deep and enduring partnership that continues to unite our communities. Pennsylvania is proud of the heritage of the 28th Infantry Division and of the shared history we hold with our friends in Gathemo. The ceremony is set to begin Saturday, June 7, at 5 a.m. EST and will be livestreamed on the Mike Pride Museum YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@grpicardie3945. If you missed part one, read about the battle of Gathemo and the effort to track down the families of the men who died to liberate the town. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE A Massachusetts State Police trooper was transported to the hospital on Wednesday after his cruiser rolled over. According to state police, a trooper from the Andover Barracks was responding to an incident on Interstate 495 shortly before 7 p.m. when his cruiser crashed and overturned near the Lowell Connector. The trooper was able to free himself from the cruiser. He was transported to an area hospital with injuries that arent considered to be life-threatening, according to officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Part of the highway was closed during the investigation. All lanes have since reopened. State police say the crash will be investigated in accordance with department policy. No further information was immediately 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 NEED TO KNOW The Trump administration has hired a 22-year-old recent college graduate for an important role at the Department of Homeland Security. Thomas Fugate was recently hired to help oversee the Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships, known as CP3, which works to combat terrorism and targeted violence. "It sounds like putting the intern in charge," one counterterrorism expert told ProPublica upon hearing the news. Thomas Fugate is the latest political appointee of President Donald Trumps administration to raise some eyebrows. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 22-year-old graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio in May 2024 and quickly found himself in an important national security role after helping with Trump's third presidential campaign and working in a government affairs position for The Heritage Foundation, according to his LinkedIn. He was tapped to be a special assistant at the Department of Homeland Security, who will now be entrusted with preventing terrorism. Fugate's role includes helping to oversee the Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships, known as CP3, which works to combat terrorism and targeted violence. As of September 2024, CP3 is also in charge of administering 35 grants, totaling $18 million, under the Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention program. Fugates LinkedIn profile, which was taken down as his story went viral, noted that he was a checkout clerk at an H-E-B grocery store as recently as 2022. It also listed experience on multiple political campaigns and in Model U.N., however, there was no evidence of counterterrorism expertise or any national security experience that would immediately qualify him for a DHS role. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maybe hes a wunderkind. Maybe hes Doogie Howser and has everything at 21 years old, or whatever he is, to lead the office. But thats not likely the case, one counterterrorism researcher, who has worked closely with CP3, told ProPublica. It sounds like putting the intern in charge. Jaque Silva/NurPhoto via Getty ProPublica also emailed a senior DHS official to ask about Fugates position and was told his CP3 duties had been added to his role as an aide in an Immigration & Border Security office. Due to his success, he has been temporarily given additional leadership responsibilities in the Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships office, the official wrote. This is a credit to his work ethic and success on the job. However, the counterterrorism official told the outlet that its reckless to put such an inexperienced civilian in charge of Homeland Security duties especially at a time when multiple high-profile attacks have made headlines in recent weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were entering very dangerous territory, the expert said. Fugate's hiring follows significant DHS downsizing, part of Trumps promised government reduction. In March, the administration made major cuts at the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, the Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman and the Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman. These offices have obstructed immigration enforcement by adding bureaucratic hurdles and undermining DHSs mission, agency spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin said at the time. Rather than supporting law enforcement efforts, they often function as internal adversaries that slow down operations. In April, DHS attempted to further thin its ranks by offering buyouts and early retirement options to staffers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The American people deserve a government that works for them, something President Trump has promised, McLaughlin said. Every dollar spent and position filled at DHS should be focused on our core mission of securing our homeland and keeping the American people safe. Read the original article on People The U.S. Department of Education is threatening Columbia Universitys accreditation due to its response to campus antisemitism, according to a Wednesday announcement from the department. The departments Office for Civil Rights notified Middle States Commission on Higher Education that Columbia is in violation of federal antidiscrimination laws, which do not meet accreditation standards. U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon wrote in a statement that Columbias leadership acted with deliberate indifference towards the harassment of Jewish students on its campus following the attacks on October 7. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not only immoral, but also unlawful. Accreditors have an enormous public responsibility as gatekeepers of federal student aid, she wrote. Accreditors determine what institutions are eligible for federal student loans and Pell Grants, she said. Columbia University is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Education for failing to protect Jewish students from antisemitic discrimination and harassment. Six Massachusetts institutions are also part of the investigation. We look forward to the Commission keeping the Department fully informed of actions taken to ensure Columbias compliance with accreditation standards, including compliance with federal civil rights laws, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Columbia spokesperson didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. Read more: Columbia University agrees to policy changes under Trump administration threat The announcement comes after the Trump administration issued an ultimatum either abide by a list of requirements laid out for them or jeopardize its continued financial relationship with the United States government. Columbia later agreed to implement a list of policy changes, including overhauling its rules for protests and conducting an immediate review of its Middle Eastern studies department. After Harvard University was also issued an ultimatum with billions of dollars of funding on the line Harvard pushed back against the administration. The university has multiple lawsuits against the federal government right now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quickly following in Harvards footsteps, Columbia pledged not to make any agreement with the federal government that would relinquish our independence and autonomy, according to a message from the universitys president. More Higher Ed Read the original article on MassLive. MADISON, Wis. (AP) The Trump administration has accused the Wisconsin Elections Commission of failing to provide a state-based complaint process for voters bringing allegations against the commission itself, calling that a violation of federal law and threatening to withhold all federal funding. But the commission's Democratic chairwoman said Thursday there is no federal funding to cut and she disputed accusations raised in a Department of Justice letter a day earlier, saying it would be nonsensical for the commission to determine whether complaints against it were valid. What theyre asking is, if someone files a complaint against us, were supposed to hold a hearing to determine if we messed up," Ann Jacobs said. That is not functional. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It marks the second time in a week that the Trump administration has targeted election leaders in battleground states. Last week, the Justice Department accused North Carolinas election board of violating federal law by failing to ensure voter registration records of some applicants contained identifying numbers. The latest letter from the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division accused Wisconsin of violating the Help America Vote Act for not having a state-based administrative complaint procedure to address alleged violations by the state elections commission of the 2002 federal law. Actions by the Wisconsin Elections Commission have left complainants alleging HAVA violations by the Commission without any recourse, attorneys for the Justice Department wrote. With no opportunity or means to appeal, complainants are left stranded with their grievances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The elections commission just received the letter and has no comment while it is being reviewed, spokesman John Smalley said. But Jacobs, chairwoman of the commission, said the commission cant decide complaints against itself. Jacobs said that position was backed up by a 2022 ruling by the Wisconsin Supreme Court when it was controlled by conservatives. It appears that theyre like, How dare you follow state law,'" Jacobs said. "I dont know what it is they want us to do. According to the letter, Wisconsin has received more than $77 million in federal funding from the U.S. Election Assistance Commission and the Justice Department threatened to stop any future payments. But Jacobs said that money was allocated years ago and the state currently receives no funding from the U.S. Election Assistance Commission and none is proposed, leaving nothing to cut. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nonetheless, the letter could put state funding in jeopardy. Republican leaders of the state Legislatures budget committee delayed a scheduled Thursday vote on how much state funding the Wisconsin Elections Commission will receive over the next two years. Out of caution, we think were just going to wait and see, the committees co-chair Sen. Howard Marklein said. We need to analyze this and see what implications are made, maybe for the entire Elections Commission, and what impact that may have on the budget. ___ Associated Press writer Todd Richmond contributed to this report. The Trump administration says its reforming a Biden-era artificial intelligence safety institute, renaming and reformulating one of the only federal government departments dedicated to oversight of the burgeoning technology. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said in a news release Tuesday that the Trump administration would transform the former U.S. AI Safety Institute which former President Joe Biden established in November 2023 into the Center for AI Standards and Innovation. The reframing away from safety is in line with the Trump administrations statements and actions signaling its belief that oversight efforts for AI companies could unnecessarily dull the United States competitive edge in the space. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For far too long, censorship and regulations have been used under the guise of national security. Innovators will no longer be limited by these standards, Lutnick said in the release. CAISI will evaluate and enhance U.S. innovation of these rapidly developing commercial AI systems while ensuring they remain secure to our national security standards. The U.S. AI Safety Institute was created to evaluate and test AI models and create standards for safety and security. It also formed a consortium on AI safety, which was made up of over 200 members, including OpenAI, Meta and Anthropic. Although its unclear whether the transformation will mean any major changes to the institutes operations, the move appears to reflect the Trump administrations pro-innovation approach to deregulating AI technology. Unlike Bidens executive order on AI and the former institute, the reformed center is set to focus on additional aspects like evaluating potential security vulnerabilities and malign foreign influence arising from use of adversaries AI systems, including the possibility of backdoors and other covert, malicious behavior, as well as guard against burdensome and unnecessary regulation of American technologies by foreign governments. In January, the Chinese-created AI app DeepSeek heightened national security concerns around AI with its latest release, which made waves with its advancements. President Donald Trump said the app should be a wake-up call about the prospect of international competition for American tech companies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers introduced a bill to ban DeepSeek from government devices, and the Navy advised its members not to use it in any capacity. The move to reform the institute appears to have been in development for a while. Reuters reported this year that no one from the U.S. AI Safety Institutes staff would attend an AI summit in Paris in February alongside Vice President JD Vance. The institutes inaugural director, Elizabeth Kelly, also announced she would step down that month. In his speech at the summit, Vance echoed Lutnicks sentiments, saying, We need international regulatory regimes that fosters the creation of AI technology rather than strangles it. He also spoke about how he believes AI should be free from ideological bias. Since he returned to office, Trump has made it clear that his administration wants to embrace the expansion of AI. Within his first week, Trump announced the creation of the $500 billion Stargate initiative in collaboration with OpenAI, Oracle and SoftBank, which aims to make the United States a world leader in AI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump also signed an executive order on AI in his first week in office that focuses on easing regulations on AI technology and revoking existing AI policies and directives that act as barriers to American AI innovation. Bidens executive order on AI, which focused on safety and privacy standards for the technology, has been scrapped from the White Houses website. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com U.S. President Donald Trump's administration is redirecting anti-drone technology earmarked for Ukraine to its own troops based in the Middle East, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on June 4. According to the WSJ, special fuzes used in ground-to-air rocket systems that protect against drone attacks will be redirected towards units in the Middle East, as the U.S. braces for conflict with Iran as well as Houthi militants in Yemen. The Pentagon notified Congress last week in a previously undisclosed message that the redirection of the fuzes, used in Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System, was identified by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as an "urgent issue." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fuzes were initially bought for Ukraine by the Biden administration. The decision comes as Russia has intensified its drone attacks in recent months, targeting cities across Ukraine. On the night of June 1, Russia launched its largest swarm of attack drones since the start of the full-scale invasion, topping out at 472 total units at once. President Volodymyr Zelensky said on June 4 that Russia has launched over 20,000 drones towards Ukraine since the start of 2025. A source in Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) told the Kyiv Independent on June 4 that Russia will soon be able to deploy more than 500 long-range drones a night to attack Ukraine as it ramps up production and builds new launch sites for them. Russian drones launched at Ukraine by month (Nizar al-Rifai/The Kyiv Independent) Since the start of his presidency, Trump has been critical of providing Ukraine with additional military aid. The U.S. temporarily halted military supplies for Ukraine in March before restarting them after Kyiv agreed to the truce plan during talks in Jeddah on March 11. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hegseth, who reportedly ordered a temporary halt of military aid flights to Ukraine, has also been critical of providing additional aid to Kyiv. Earlier in the day on June 4, Hegseth did not attend a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, marking the first instance since the start of the full-scale war that the U.S. Defense Secretary was not in attendance. Since Trump's second term began in January, no new aid packages have been approved. Following a call on June 4 with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump said that Putin "will have to respond" to Ukraine's recent drone attack on military airfields. Ukraine has called upon its partners to invest more in its arms production and to provide additional air defenses, namely Patriot systems, to help fend off intensifying Russian aerial attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Trump urges Senate to postpone vote on Russia sanctions bill, Senator says Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The Trump administration has returned a Guatemalan man wrongly deported to Mexico, the first instance of compliance with a judges order to facilitate the return of a migrant challenging their removal. The man, known in court documents at O.C.G., made contact with his attorneys after landing in the U.S., Trina Realmuto, executive director of the National Immigration Litigation Alliance, confirmed to The Hill. Realmuto said they expect O.C.G. will be detained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Justice Department lawyers told the court last week that they were working to secure a spot for O.C.G. on the return leg of a deportation flight. Lawyers for the man contested his removal as part of a broader case before Massachusetts-based U.S. District Court Judge Brian Murphy. O.C.G.s attorneys have said their client is gay and was already protected from being returned to his native Guatemala. But they argued the Trump administration failed to account for his fear of being deported to Mexico, where he was previously raped and extorted. The government previously indicated Trump officials planned to give the man Significant Public Benefit Parole, a form of humanitarian parole that would allow him to enter the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other cases in which migrants have been ordered returned to the country have faced significant pushback from the Trump administration. It has been ordered by the Supreme Court to facilitate the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a man who an immigration judge protected from removal to his native El Salvador but who was nonetheless sent to a notorious megaprison in the country. The administration has similarly failed to return a man known only as Cristian in court documents, a Venezuelan man likewise sent to the Salvadoran prison despite being protected from deportation under a class action suit. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 version of this story appeared in CNNs What Matters newsletter. To get it in your inbox, sign up for free here. When President Ronald Reagans White House threatened thousands of government officials with polygraph exams, supposedly to protect classified data (but probably also to control press leaks), his Secretary of State George Shultz threatened to resign. Reagans White House backed down and agreed to impose the tests only for those suspected of espionage, according to a 1985 New York Times report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In terms of catching spies, polygraph tests failed spectacularly in key moments. More on that in a moment. First, consider the second Trump administration, which is leaning in on polygraphs, presumably to ferret out leakers, but also as an apparent method of intimidation. The polygraph has been weaponized and is being used against individuals who have never had a polygraph requirement, whether pre-employment or security, in their entire federal careers, said Mark Zaid, an attorney who specializes in representing people who work in national security, after a slew of published reports about polygraph threats throughout the Trump administration. The tests are frequently being used to identify not leaks of classified information but rather unclassified conversations regarding policy or embarrassing decisions that have made their way through the rumor mill or directly to the media, said Zaid, who has previously testified before Congress about the use of polygraphs and sued federal agencies for their practices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the FBI, the New York Times reports, an increased use of polygraphs has intensified a culture of intimidation for agents. At the Pentagon, officials publicly threatened to conduct polygraph tests as part of an effort to figure out how the press learned that Elon Musk was scheduled to get a classified briefing about China, which a billionaire with business interests in China probably should not get. Its not clear if polygraph tests were ultimately administered as part of the probe, according to CNNs report. At the Department of Homeland Security, according to CNN, polygraph tests have been used on FEMA and FAA officials in addition to those in more traditional national security roles. Administration officials have defended the practice as a way to protect government information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DHS Secretary Kristi Noem defended the use of polygraph tests during an interview on CBS in March. The authorities that I have under the Department of Homeland Security are broad and extensive, she said. Previously, per Zaid, polygraphs have been used as a sort of weeding device, not unlike a physical fitness test for large pools of applicants to national security and law enforcement roles. After that, some employees particularly in the intelligence community may be given exams every five or 10 years, sort of like a random drug test. Whats happening now is something different. Polygraph tests are being used against individuals who have never had a polygraph requirement, whether for pre-employment or security, in their entire federal careers, Zaid said. Two million Americans used to get polygraphs every year Most Americans have never been subjected to a polygraph, and thats in large part because Congress acted to largely outlaw them from use in the public sector in 1988, a time when millions of Americans were being polygraphed each year and companies were using them to bar people from jobs and conduct coercive internal investigations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For an example of why polygraphs were problematic, look back at an old 60 Minutes segment in which Diane Sawyer submits to an exam and hidden cameras are used to show how the bias of the examiner affects results. If youre trying to find one leaker in an organization of 100 people, you could end up falsely accusing dozens of people, according to Amit Katwala, author of the polygraph history Tremors in the Blood: Murder, Obsession and the Birth of the Lie Detector. And you might not even catch the culprit theres no evidence to suggest that an actual lie detector is even scientifically possible, he told me in an email. Polygraphs were kept for public service The Employee Polygraph Protection Act was signed into law in 1988 by Reagan, years after his showdown with Shultz. But the law kept polygraphs for the public sector, particularly for national security and law enforcement. In the national security world, the principle of protecting the innocent is flipped on its head, according to Zaid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We would rather ruin 99 innocent peoples careers than let the one new Ed Snowden, Aldrich Ames or Robert Hanssen get through, he said. When polygraphs failed horribly If polygraphs have a spotty record in detecting lies, they have a horrible record in detecting spies. A Senate Intelligence Committee report from 1994 explores how the CIA officer Aldrich Ames, who spied for the KGB, evaded detection for years in part because he passed multiple polygraph exams. At the same time, the same report describes how another CIA employee who aided the KGB, Edward Lee Howard, did so in part because he felt jilted by the CIA after he was fired for failing a polygraph exam. Then there was the shocking trial of FBI official and Russian spy Robert Hanssen, who had never been given a polygraph in his career, there was an uptick in their use at some agencies, including the FBI and the Department of Energy. Aldrich Hazen Ames at Allenwood Prison on August 1, 1995, in Allenwood, Pennsylvania. - Frank Johnston/The Washington Post/Getty Images/File Why arent polygraphs reliable? At the turn of the 21st century, the US government commissioned a large-scale report on the efficacy of the polygraph undertaken by a special committee at the National Research Council. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They found the scientific evidence on polygraphs to be more than lacking. As a nation, we should not allow ourselves to continue to be blinded by the aura of the polygraph, Stephen Feinberg, the Carnegie Mellon professor who led the study, testified before Congress. Ames offered his assessment of the polygraph machine in a letter from prison published in 2000, calling the polygraph junk science that just wont die and saying it is most useful as an instrument of coercion. It depends upon the overall coerciveness of the setting youll be fired, you wont get the job, youll be prosecuted, youll go to prison and the credulous fear the device inspires, he wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Polygraphs are frequently used in criminal investigations, but rarely used in court. How do polygraphs work? The idea behind the polygraph, which was first developed in the 20s, is that lying causes stress. The examiner hooks a person up to monitors that gauge things like blood pressure and fingertip sweat. A pre-interview helps formulate common questions that create a baseline and reactions to more probing questions are compared to that baseline. But its not a scientific process, and it can be beaten, or misled, since at its core the machine is simply measuring physiological responses. Frequently, incriminating information is offered by nervous exam-takers who dont understand exactly how the process works. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pop culture often suggests that when a person is hooked up to a polygraph machine, their lies will be detected. But that is not exactly true. The polygraph works because we think it works. Its a tool of psychological coercion in an already intimidating environmentparticularly when it has the weight of the federal government behind it, Katwala told me. But the intimidation is probably the point. Using the polygraph may not help you catch the leakers, but the idea of it could well scare any potential future leakers into keeping their mouths shut, Katwala said. How was the polygraph developed? The man credited with fully developing the polygraph, a Berkeley police officer named John Larson, who also had a PhD in psychology, would later turn on his invention as unreliable, according to Katwala. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Larson was inspired by the truth-telling machine of William Marston, himself a psychologist, but one with an active imagination and a flair for the theatrical. Zaid described him as the PT Barnum of polygraphy. Heres a video of Marston using a polygraph-like machine and claiming to identify the varying emotions of blonde, brunette and redheaded women. His conclusion was that redheads like to gamble, brunettes are looking for love and blondes are easiest to scare. Okay. Marston also invented the comic book hero Wonder Woman, with her Lasso of Truth. Whats next? Katwala warns that there are new technologies being developed with the help of AI or revolving around brain waves, but he argues they should be viewed just with the same skepticism as the polygraph machine. None of them get past the Pinocchios nose problem everyones different, and something that works for one person might not work for everyone, he said. But they could all be used in the same coercive way as the polygraph machine. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The U.S. Department of Justice says it is investigating Rhode Island state government and its "affirmative action policies" for potential employment discrimination. The investigation seeks to determine whether the state "engaged in a pattern or practice of discrimination based on race or any other protected characteristic," according to a June 4 letter from Assistant U.S. Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon to Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha. "Our investigation is based on information that Rhode Island may be engaged in employment practices regarding its affirmative action program governing state government employment under state law that discriminate based on race, national origin, or other protected characteristics in violation of Title VII [The Civil Rights Act]," the letter said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is unclear how many other states have received similar letters. President Donald Trump at the White House. Has Rhode Island responded to the investigation? The letter does not mention the state's Division of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, which oversees diversity recruiting efforts and minority contracting laws, the state policies that most closely resemble "DEI" initiatives President Donald Trump has vowed to eliminate. "We are currently awaiting details regarding the substance of the investigation," Olivia DaRocha, spokeswoman for McLee wrote in response to questions about the letter. "At this time, we have no reason to believe that there is an issue with our current hiring practices." DaRocha said the McKee administration had not received any subpoenas or requests for documents related to the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dhillon's last high-profile case in Rhode Island, before she joined the federal government, was a lawsuit on behalf of Alex and Ani founder Carolyn Rafaelian accusing Bank of America of gender discrimination and blaming the lender for sending the jewelry company into a financial "death spiral." Alex and Ani dropped the case less than a month after bringing it and later filed for bankruptcy protection. The DOJ letter was first reported by The Public's Radio. Neronha told the station the letter was "so vague and non-specific" he doesn't see a need to respond to it yet. RI was recently put on notice about 'sanctuary cities' Rhode Island was recently also put on notice by the Trump administration after being named a "sanctuary jurisdiction," along with Providence and Central Falls, which the administration called "sanctuary cities," in an executive order issued May 29. The jurisdictions named in the order were alleged to have been violating federal immigration law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The order promised follow up from the federal government, but both state and city officials said they never received any. And days later, that order disappeared from the Department of Homeland Security website. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RI under investigation by Trump administration for DEI hiring politics The Atlantic Daily, a newsletter that guides you through the biggest stories of the day, helps you discover new ideas, and recommends the best in culture. Sign up for it here. Sign up for Trumps Return, a newsletter featuring coverage of the second Trump presidency. When President Donald Trump blamed diversity, equity, and inclusion programs for the deadly January crash at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, some aviation officials were appalled. Some were simply perplexed. But few officials inside the Federal Aviation Administration took the presidents remarks seriously. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not so for the political leadership of the Department of Transportation. The FAAs parent agency agreed in March to spend as much as $2.1 million on an investigation into DEI policies and their impact on recent safety incidents. To conduct that investigation, the Trump administration has turned to Alex Spiro, a former prosecutor and a prominent defense attorney who has represented Elon Musk, among other billionaires and celebrities. I obtained the scope of work document for Spiros investigation, which is marked privileged and confidential and has not been previously reported. It shows how the presidents musingshis accusations, he said at the time, were based on very strong opinions and ideastranslate into taxpayer-funded government action. It also reveals the cost of the administrations fixation on DEI at a time when the FAA is struggling to hire and retain air-traffic controllers, linchpins of aviation safety, and when Sean Duffy, the transportation secretary, is seeking funds to overhaul the countrys antiquated air-traffic-control system. Recent radar outages at Newark Liberty International Airport have caused severe flight delays and spotlighted just how deep technology and staffing problems run. The investigation by Spiro, a partner at the elite firm Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, is due to conclude soon, a person familiar with the dynamics told me, speaking on the condition of anonymity because of the confidentiality of the work. Contrary to what Trump may hope, its not expected to find that programs aimed at ensuring representation for women and people of color are responsible for this years string of aviation disasters, including the January crash at Reagan airport, which killed 67 people and prompted Trumps tirade against DEI. That determination, several air-traffic controllers told me, hardly required a multimillion-dollar probe. Its true that past FAA hiring practices have been controversial. A biographical questionnaire introduced in 2014 as part of an effort to increase the diversity of the applicant pool faced criticism from candidates who said theyd lost out on jobs because they didnt fit a preferred profile. It was scrapped by Congress in 2018. Even if diversity preferences influence which candidates are sent to air-traffic facilitiesunlikely, as one controller put it to methose candidates still have to be trained and recommended for certification by their peers and monitored by a supervisor, the controller said. Controllers have little incentive to recommend someone who isnt qualified, because that person could wind up next to them, jointly responsible for keeping planes in the air. If that person cant do the job, they arent making it through the hiring process, this controller told me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another controller put it more bluntly, calling the investigation a waste of money. The controller pointed to severe strains on the workforce following a series of disturbing incidents caused by communications breakdowns and other disruptions, which led multiple controllers to request trauma leave. He told me, Thats $2 million that could have gone toward pain-and-suffering raises for controllers. The scope-of-work document outlines exactly what the money is buying the government. Interviews with 10 to 15 key stakeholders were estimated to cost as much as $150,000 (includes preparation and documentation of findings), statistical analysis another $100,000 (examination of data by expert statistician). Finally, the cost of legal analysis was expected to total up to $1,800,000, covering document and data collection and examination as well as legal memorandum preparation. The investigation seeks to answer several questions: what DEI policies exist, how they influence the hiring of air-traffic controllers, and whether theres a link between DEI practices and recent safety incidents. To answer these questions, the firm said it would commit a team, including four former federal prosecutors with experience conducting investigations. The investigation could end up costing the government more than the expected $2.1 million. Spiros outline indicates that each additional week of work, beyond the anticipated two to three weeks, is estimated to add $200,000 to $300,000 in fees. Each additional interview required for the probe will also cost $10,000 to $15,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, a DOT spokesperson said there is no price on safety. We launched this investigation because of DEI and cheating allegations inside the air traffic control organization, the spokesperson, Nate Sizemore, added. Its a shame that the Atlantic thinks that should be dismissed. The scope-of-work document was addressed to Pete Meachum, the chief of staff at the Department of Transportation and a former congressional aide to Duffy. A Wisconsin Republican, Duffy left Congress in 2019 to work as a lobbyist and a Fox Business co-host. Duffy was confirmed as Trumps transportation secretary on January 28. A day later, he signed what the department called a Woke Rescission memo, directing various offices to identify and eliminate all Biden-era programs, policies, activities, rules, and orders that promote climate change activism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, racial equity, gender identity policies, environmental justice, and other partisan objectives. That was the same day that American Airlines Flight 5342 collided with a U.S. Army helicopter near Reagan airport. Trump promptly blamed past Democratic presidents for the crash, suggesting that they had lowered standards for key aviation roles. We must have only the highest standards for those who work in our aviation system, he said. In a Fox interview following the crash, Duffy seemed to endorse the presidents comments about DEI, saying, You cant focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion when you try to hire air-traffic controllers. You focus on the best and the brightest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A shortage of controllers means that the best and the brightest have been working long hours under stressful conditions, made worse by the departure of hundreds of FAA employees in crucial support roles who have accepted the governments offer of early retirement. Duffy told Congress last month that his department can do more with less, suggesting that savings from staff reductions could be used to fund overdue infrastructure upgrades. And apparently investigations into DEI, as well. Article originally published at The Atlantic The Atlantic Daily, a newsletter that guides you through the biggest stories of the day, helps you discover new ideas, and recommends the best in culture. Sign up for it here. Sign up for Trumps Return, a newsletter featuring coverage of the second Trump presidency. President Donald Trumps assault on what he broadly calls DEI has been slapdash and sadistic. That doesnt mean the system under attack should be maintained. Racial preferencing in university admissions as well as in employment and government contractingmore commonly understood as affirmative actionmight once have been necessary, but long ago became glaringly unfair in practice. Affirmative action in college admissions continuesdespite being banned by the Supreme Court in 2023through the use of personal essays, interviews, and other proxy mechanisms. It continues in businesses hirings and promotions. Its possible to believe two truths simultaneously: Judging individuals by race instead of merit has to end, in no small part because it hurts the very people it is supposed to uplift; and Trumps approach to ending it is harmful. He is not simply eliminating progressive excesses, but threatening to destroy the legacy of Americas civil-rights legislation along with them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the years, antidiscrimination policy has come to bear little resemblance to what the authors of the 1964 Civil Rights Act imagined. As the Stanford economist Thomas Sowell observed in his 2004 book Affirmative Action Around the World, the very meaning of the word discrimination now encompasses things that no one would have considered to be discrimination half a century ago, such as, most recently, the exclusion of trans athletes from womens sports. When Lyndon B. Johnson signed the law, he was certainly not picturing wealthy Black business owners getting preferential government contracts, or the children of Black upper-middle-class professionals receiving an enormous handicap on their applications. And yet that is what happened. After the 2023 Supreme Court ruling in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, the proportion of Black and Latino students at several selective schools actually increased. As my colleague Rose Horowitch reported: 43 of the 65 top-ranked universities have essay prompts that ask applicants about their identity or adversity; eight made the addition after the Courts decision. This might not be illegalChief Justice John Roberts wrote in his majority opinion that the ruling didnt prohibit universities from considering an applicants discussion of how race affected his or her life. But some schools may be going further. Last month, Students for Fair Admissions and others filed a class-action lawsuit accusing UCLAs medical school of engaging in intentional discrimination on the basis of race and ethnicity. The suit alleges that the admissions department requires applicants to submit responses that are intended to allow the Committee to glean the applicants race, which the medical school later confirms via interviews. In March, an X account with an anime avatar and the obscene username @bestn-gy claimed to have hacked NYU and published what it said were the standardized-test scores of students in 2024. The data, broken down by race, showed that Black students had an average SAT score nearly 200 points lower than their Asian peers. (In an email to students, NYU administrators wrote that the charts posted by the unauthorized actor, purporting to show certain admissions data, were both inaccurate and misleading.) [Rose Horowitch: The race-blind college-admissions era is off to a weird start] Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Use of racial preferences extends beyond universities, of course. Soon after taking office in January, Trump signed an executive order banning illegal discrimination in federal agencies and rescinding a range of DEI and affirmative-action mandates. Last week, the administration moved to shut down the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program, which had, since the 1980s, awarded billions of dollars in contracts from the Department of Transportation to businesses owned by women and members of racial minorities. The plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the program called it the largest, and perhaps oldest affirmative action program in U.S. history. The administration now argues that the program is unconstitutional, a realization that it says it came to after Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard. People assumed that racial segregation was over in 1954 with Brown v. Board, Edward Blum, the president of Students for Fair Admissions, told me. The reality was it wasnt anywhere near being over. Throughout the country, there was pushback. Supporters of affirmative action who refuse to accept the changing legal landscape are pushing back in the same way now, he said. He told me his organization is planning more lawsuits: Were not at the beginning of the end; were at the end of the beginning. The struggle between those who support racial preferences and those who think theyve gone too far is also flaring up in the corporate world. Jason L. Riley, the author of a new book called The Affirmative Action Myth, sees the DEI bureaucracy that became standard in corporate America as affirmative action under a different label. Since Trumps reelection, companies such as Facebook, Google, Target, and Ford have begun reassessing their DEI commitments. Businesses had leaned into DEI partly because they feared civil-rights litigation. But in the process they left themselves vulnerable to legal challenges from a Justice Department with a different philosophy. Right after the election, in a move that was emblematic of the shifting climate, Walmart announced that it would end racial-equity training programs and scale back initiatives that had favored minority-owned suppliers. When I was younger, I was predisposed to view affirmative action as both logical and morally necessary. But arriving at college as a scholarship student saddled with loans, I couldnt help but notice how many Black students more well off than me had benefited from the practice. These included the children of African and West Indian immigrants whose ancestors had not been subjected to slavery in America, which affirmative action was in part intended to redress. For students such as these, affirmative action has been, as Sowell writes, a boon to those already more fortunate. I also saw how pervasive and pernicious the assumption was that even the most talented Black students hadnt earned their way in. Too often, affirmative action fostered quiet resentment or patronizing acceptance among Asian and white students; encouraged a sense of complacency among some Latino and Black students, who correctly intuited that the same exertions would not be expected of us; and exacerbated inequality across the board rather than alleviating it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The same dynamics reproduce and magnify disparities beyond the ivory tower. Sowells 2004 book cited a study of the beneficiaries of contracts set aside by the government for minority-owned small businesses. More than two-thirds of a random sample had net worths of more than a million dollars each, Sowell writes. When some members of Congress publicly opposed such programs, Congressman Charles Rangel from Harlem compared them to Hitler and depicted any attempt to roll back affirmative action as an attack on all blacks. In 2023, many Black elites similarly warned that the Supreme Court ruling would decimate the Black middle class that affirmative action had created, as Riley put it to me. Yet the overwhelming majority of the purported beneficiaries didnt seem concerned. A Pew Research Center poll published a few weeks before the decision found that only 20 percent of Black respondents felt that theyd been helped in their education or career by efforts to increase racial and ethnic diversity. Some 35 percent said such efforts had done them harm. [Bertrand Cooper: The failure of affirmative action] Sowell helps explain why. Affirmative action in the United States has made blacks, who have largely lifted themselves out of poverty, look like people who owe their rise to affirmative action and other government programs, he writes. This perception is not confined to whites. It has been carefully cultivated by black politicians and civil rights leaders, who seek to claim credit for the progress. This has led, he adds, to a virtual moratorium on recognition of achievements by blacks, except in so far as they are collective, political milestones or otherwise serve current ideological or political interests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tolerating double standards like the ones exposed by the NYU hack as natural or necessary is not only infantilizing but historically myopic. Affirmative action was never intended to be permanent. As Justice Sandra Day OConnor mused nearly a quarter century ago, we expect that 25 years from now, the use of racial preferences will no longer be necessary. But for many, the idea that Black people and other designated minority groups would forever need to be assessed differently in order to compete had become sacrosanct. Thinkers such as Riley and Sowell refute that idea. There was a Black middle class in this country before affirmative action, Riley told me. If anything, the era of affirmative action has slowed its growth. Black poverty fell 40 percentage points from 1940 to 1960, he pointed out: a period when the government really didnt give a damn what was happening to Black people. The idea that Black success is owed to white generosityand that Black peoples most salient value in a given institution is primarily representative and meant for the moral betterment of the white and other non-Black people around themis a tragedy for all those who see themselves as part of a Black community. (The same can be said for members of other groups who have borrowed from the antidiscrimination playbook.) Only a perplexing mixture of folly and helplessness would motivate people to stake their prosperity on the guilt and magnanimity of the very power structure they claim has oppressed and excluded them. If, as Audre Lorde put it so memorably, the masters tools will never dismantle the masters house, why would the masters benevolence suffice to educate and employ those he regards as his servants? Trump is responding to the use of racial preferences in ways both necessary and extremely dangerous. In April, the federal government launched an investigation of Harvard Law School, part of Trumps reckless and frequently petty crackdown on higher education, under the guise of eliminating DEI. The probe came in response to reporting from the journalist Aaron Sibarium finding that the Harvard Law Review made DEI the first priority in its admissions process and routinely accepted or rejected articles based on the authors group identity. One editor referred, in writing, to the race of a prospective author as a negative. This is a preposterousand yes, racistway to think about legal scholarship and to treat human beings. Legal arguments and citations are either persuasive or they are not. Trumps acting assistant secretary for civil rights condemned the journals selection process as a race-based spoils systemone that probably merited federal scrutiny. In May, the Justice Department sent a letter notifying Harvard about a broader investigation into whether the university had defrauded the government by continuing to use affirmative action in its admissions process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ensuring that Harvard complies with a Supreme Court ruling is reasonable enough. But Trump hasnt stopped there. His aim is not to improve the school. The point is to humble and humiliate it, along with any institution that doesnt reflect or embrace his resentful project. Opposing DEIalong with the vaguely construed goal of fighting anti-Semitismhas become a pretense for the administration to carry out a culture-war campaign that has very little to do with antidiscrimination. Trump has also purged Black employees from federal offices, including the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Library of Congress. The barely veiled notion that Black presence and visibility in leadership positions is in itself suspect is as repugnant as it is consistent for a president whose political star first rose by questioning Barack Obamas birth certificate. Trumps most worrisome move to date was an order released in April, innocently called Restoring Equality of Opportunity and Meritocracy, that represents an alarming curtailment of civil-rights laws and norms. The order directed all federal agencies to eliminate the use of disparate-impact liability, a principle established in the Civil Rights Act that protects groups from policies that adversely affect them, no matter whether those policies can be proved to be overtly discriminatory or maliciously conceived. (Consider, for example, zoning laws mandating single-family housing or minimum square footage on new construction, which might have the effect of keeping Black families out of a neighborhood.) Trumps order essentially nullifies the governments long-standing interest in ensuring fairer outcomes among groups with regard to rules that are ostensibly neutral but in practice impose disproportionate burdens. Now government agencies are being told to focus solely on overt or intentional discrimination with regard to opportunity, which in contemporary American life is extremely difficult to establish. Such a change was recently unthinkable. And so, once again, the law, as Anatole France quipped, in its majestic equality, forbids rich and poor alike to sleep under bridges, to beg in the streets, and to steal their bread. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In attacking both DEI and disparate-impact liability, Trump conflates them in the public imagination. But they are not equivalent. In fact, the difference between the two is instructive for what kinds of antidiscrimination practices must be preserved. Racial preferences have become a discriminatory means of achieving parity through proactive favoritism and reliance on double standards. By contrast, disparate-impact liabilitythough it can certainly be misapplied or abusedis fundamentally a reactive safeguard against unfairness. It aspires to race-blindness, seeking to remove rather than redistribute unjustifiable obstacles. Some conservatives have suggested that both need to go; the writer Christopher Caldwell has argued that the entire Civil Rights Act was a mistake. In his 2020 book, The Age of Entitlement, he wrote that the law had rolled back the basic constitutional freedoms Americans cherished mostin particular, the freedom of associationby mandating integration and nondiscrimination policies that soon pervaded the private sphere. The only proper response, he implied, was to strip away the very architecture of civil rights as we know it. When the book came out, Caldwells perspective seemed far-fetched. At that time, conventional wisdom had rallied around the idea that civil-rights legislation never went far enough. Ibram X. Kendis How to Be an Antiracist and Robin DiAngelos White Fragility would soon become the twin epochal texts of the period that followed the death of George Floyd. The only remedy to racist discrimination is antiracist discrimination, Kendi wrote, articulating an idea that quickly became ascendant in much of academia and corporate America. The only remedy to past discrimination is present discrimination. The only remedy to present discrimination is future discrimination. Vive la discrimination! If Caldwells proposals seemed impossible, Kendis felt inevitable. What a difference half a decade can make. It is Caldwells world that we find ourselves living in now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What will come after Trumps wrecking ball stills? The complicated reality is that, for the first time in decades, we will have an opportunity to do something better for all Americans. We should begin with a simple observation: Universities, businesses, and other institutions concerned about ensuring diversity and equal opportunity dont have to rely on racial preferences. The Harvard Law professor Randall Kennedy sees real value in affirmative action, not least because it helped counteract the legacy of Jim Crow, which he witnessed firsthand during his youth. But he doesnt believe the practice as weve known it is the only possible solution to the nations ongoing social challenges. Im not like, Everything that exists under the name affirmative action needs to continue, he told me. Its a vehicle. But a vehicle can only carry so much weight. [Rose Horowitch: The era of DEI for conservatives has begun] Ralph Richard Banks, a professor at Stanford Law and a co-founder of the Stanford Center for Racial Justice, pointed out some of affirmative actions limitations. He told me that it allowed Americans to obsess over narrow questionswho gets an acceptance letter and who doesntwhile ignoring structural inequalities, many of which go beyond race and manifest long before a student applies to college. It was a Band-Aid that let us postpone dealing with the big issues, he told me. Colleges and businesses that are hiring have other options; he suggested they could reach out to communities, neighborhoods, places where we dont usually get applicants from. Race is part of that calculus, but so is class. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When I got to college, I was struck by how few people saw this latter category as a means of achieving justice and inclusion. Policies focused on class, however, could both capture a high proportion of Black applicants and, crucially, treat poor white and other applicants equallythus beginning to dilute the populist resentment that the Trump movement has so powerfully exploited. Such policies would also treat Black applicants themselves with greater fairness, given that most of the benefits of race-conscious admissions and hiring practices have bypassed the Black underclass entirely. One approach, put forward by the economist Raj Chetty, is for universities to consider where applicants come from; kids from neighborhoods with limited mobility that rarely send students to elite colleges could be given an advantage. A class-based system of affirmative action is the only defensible path forward. Neither alternativethe improbable continuation of the status quo or Trumps heedless war on civil rightsis tenable. The cliche that Trump has the wrong answers to the right questions has again proved convincing. His administrations campaign against affirmative action, DEI, and civil-rights law more broadly has been ill-conceived and poorly executed. Weaponizing a reactionary politics of white grievance and hobbling some of the worlds greatest universities because of a personal vendetta is appalling. So, too, is trampling on the laws that have made American society more equal. But it is also undeniable that systematically failing to treat people as individuals doesnt help Black or Latino peopleor anyone else, for that matter. It has entrenched the rancid notion of innate racial hierarchy, and ultimately rendered the nation weaker and more divided. Article originally published at The Atlantic WASHINGTON President Donald Trump is signaling a new approach to selecting judges in his second term, departing from his first-term formula of younger up-and-comers, elite credentials and pedigrees in traditional conservative ideology and instead leaning toward unapologetically combative, MAGA-friendly nominees. The president turned heads last week by launching a searing attack on Leonard Leo and the conservative legal network known as the Federalist Society, which played a major role in selecting and steering 234 Trump-nominated judges, including three Supreme Court justices, through Senate confirmation during his first term. Trump's transformation of the federal courts and the creation of 6-3 conservative Supreme Court majority, which led to the overturning of the landmark abortion rights case Roe v. Wade in 2022, was possibly his biggest achievement in his first term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Trump slammed Leo as a sleazebag in late May after a panel of judges, including one he appointed, blocked some of his tariffs. I am so disappointed in the Federalist Society because of the bad advice they gave me on numerous judicial nominations, he wrote on Truth Social. Leo, who declined an interview request, praised Trumps first term judicial appointments, saying in a statement that they will be his most important legacy. Of Trump's early judicial nominees in his second term, much attention has been focused on his decision to tap Emil Bove, his former personal criminal defense lawyer and current Justice Department official, to serve on the Philadelphia-based 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whats different about him is that MAGA world is very excited about him because it sees him as someone who has been ruthlessly implementing the White Houses wishes, said Ed Whelan, a veteran conservative judicial nominations analyst who works at the Ethics and Public Policy Center. The presidents early actions have raised warning signs among conservative lawyers who favor a nonpartisan judiciary. Its potentially a watershed moment in the relationship between Trump and the traditional conservative legal movement, said Gregg Nunziata, former chief nominations counsel to Senate Republicans who now leads the Society for the Rule of Law, a group of right-leaning lawyers that has been critical of Trump. There are allies and advisers to the president who have been agitating for a different kind of judge one more defined by loyalty to the president and advancing his agenda, rather than one more defined by conservative jurisprudence. Nunziata warned that the president is turning his back on his first-term legacy of prioritizing conservative jurisprudence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps social media posts were welcomed by some conservatives who want a new approach to judicial nominations in his second term including Mike Davis, another former Senate GOP chief counsel for nominations, who runs the conservative Article III Project advocacy group and offers his suggestions to the White House on judicial nominees. Trump needs to avoid typical FedSoc elitists who were too weak to speak out on issues like what MAGA world perceives as lawfare against Trump during the Biden years, Davis said. We need to have evidence that these judicial nominees are going to be bold and fearless for the Constitution, and there were plenty of opportunities for them over the last five years to demonstrate that, he added. Jonathan Adler, a professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Law who mixes in Federalist Society circles, said some federal judges may have concerns about stepping down if they are not convinced Trump will replace them with someone they consider to be qualified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Certain judges, Adler said, want to be succeeded by someone that understands the judicial role, understands that their obligation is to follow the law and apply the law, as opposed to someone that is seen as a political hack and is going to rule in a particular way merely because thats what their team is supposed to want. Whelan said he has heard a sitting judge express such concerns. "I recently heard from a conservative judge who has decided not to take senior status because of concerns over who would be picked as his or her successor," he said. He declined to name the judge. GOP senators steer clear of Trump-Leo clash During the first term, Leo played a key role in advising Trump on whom to pick. He helped come up with a list of potential Supreme Court nominees during the 2016 election, when some on the right were worried Trump would not pick a justice who was sufficiently conservative to replace Justice Antonin Scalia, who died earlier that year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Trump's second-term, the deputy White House counsel for nominations, Steve Kenny, has daily oversight of judicial nominations with input from chief of staff Susie Wiles, White House counsel David Warrington and Trump himself, among others. Like Davis, Kenny previously worked for Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, on the Senate Judiciary Committee. In choosing these judges, we are looking for judges who are constitutionalists, who wont be judicial activists on the bench, a senior White House official said. The administration is looking for judges whose judicial philosophy is similar to conservative Supreme Court justices such as Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas, the official added. Both are seen within MAGA world as more aligned with Trump than his own appointees to the court: Justices Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett. Despite the alliance with Leo delivering achievements that many Senate Republicans take pride in, few were willing to jump to his defense in the wake of Trumps personal attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im not going to get involved in those personality conflicts, said Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, a senior member of the Judiciary Committee. Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., another Judiciary Committee member, pleaded the Fifth: Thats between Leonard and the president. But, he added, I like the Federalist Society. Grassley praised Trumps initial slate of nominees. Republicans remain laser-focused on putting strong conservatives on the federal bench, he said. President Trumps first five judicial nominees, who all came before the Judiciary Committee this week, are high-caliber legal minds who will faithfully defend the Constitution and serve the American people well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the first-term success, there were already indications once Trump was re-elected that his second-term approach to judicial nominations would differ. Leo is no longer advising Trump, and both the president and his allies have been sharply critical of judges who have ruled against the administration in its early months over its aggressive use of executive power. Barrett has been one target, as have some lower court judges. Federalist Society lawyers are very bright. Theyre very intellectual, kind of the academic side of the law. This Trump White House is looking for more practical judges, said a senior Republican lawyer close to the White House. A second element is there are some decisions that have been made by Amy Coney Barrett, in particular, that really disappointed the Trump administration, and Trump people more broadly, and that has filtered down to some of these lower court decisions," the lawyer added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Democrats, Trump's public break with the Federalist Society along with another move to refuse to cooperate with the American Bar Association, which traditionally provides recommendations on judicial nominees are part of the same trend. "They dont want anyone looking over the shoulders of nominees to find out what they believe, what theyve said and what theyve done," Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said Wednesday during the first hearing for Trump's new wave of nominees. 'The Trump 1.0 Federalist Society mode' So far, Trump has announced two nominees to the influential federal appeals courts, as well as nine district court nominees. In addition to Bove, the other appeals court nominee is Whitney Hermandorfer, who has been tapped for a seat on the Cincinnati-based 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. While Bove is not viewed as the type of nominee Leo might suggest, Hermandorfer is seen as a traditional Federalist Society pick. She served as a law clerk for Barrett and Alito, as well as for Kavanaugh when he was an appeals court judge. Hermandorfer has also been involved in some culture war litigation while serving under Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She is very much in the Trump 1.0 Federalist Society mode, said Russell Wheeler, a scholar at the nonpartisan Brookings Institution who tracks judicial nominations. Five of Trumps district court nominees are from Florida, and four are from Missouri. Hermandorfer, joined by the Missouri nominees. appeared at the confirmation hearing Wednesday where she said her job would not be to do the president's bidding. "That would not be my role. My role would be to carry out my oath, she said. Hermandorfer called the Federalist Society, of which she is a member, a "wonderful place" to discuss issues with other lawyers. According to the federal judiciary, there are 49 pending vacancies, with only three of them on the appeals courts. Another three have announced plans to step down. The Republican lawyer close to the White House said it is a little early to know how different Trumps second-term picks will be from the first because the president got off to a slow start in nominating his first batch of judges. Trump may struggle to match the numbers of his first term, in part because this time around there are not as many vacancies as there were in 2017. Then, Trump benefited from a Republican Senate that blocked many of President Barack Obamas picks, including his nominee to replace Scalia, Merrick Garland. Legal activists tend to focus more on federal appeals court nominees than district court nominees because they have more power to change the law and are often more likely to be tipped for potential slots on the Supreme Court. There are currently 24 Republican-appointed appeals court judges in total who are eligible for retirement, according to Wheeler. Generally, judges are more likely to step down when a president of the same party who appointed them is in office. 'Activist judges with an agenda' Even if Trump wants to depart from the Leo playbook, he will find it difficult to find qualified conservative lawyers who do not have some links with the Federalist Society, Whelan said. If you are looking for talented lawyers with the sort of experience that would make them good judges, most of the people you are looking at are going to be Federalist Society types, he added. Kenny, for example, who holds daily oversight over nominations at the White House, is definitely a proud member of the Federalist Society, the Republican lawyer said. But hes also going to follow the administrations lead on the kinds of judges they want. Nunziata said its up to GOP senators to push back on nominees like Bove, warning that acquiescing would send a signal to Trump that he has a free hand to nominate more individuals like him, including to a possible Supreme Court vacancy. I hope there will be pushback. Time will tell, he said, citing former Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnells key role in steering Trumps first-term judicial nominees. I would expect him to be alarmed by this turn and to fight against it with his remaining time in the Senate. McConnells office declined to comment. Democrats say that with nominees like Bove, Trump is making it more explicit that he simply wants loyalists. Hes putting in all the people that will support him, or have a relationship to him, Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, said. Thats what its all about for the president. He just wants people who will support what he wants. But when asked if she believes Republicans will stand up to some of Trump's judicial nominees, Hirono responded wryly. Of course not, she said. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump on Wednesday resurrected a hallmark policy of his first term, announcing that citizens of 12 countries would be banned from visiting the United States and those from seven others would face restrictions. The ban takes effect Monday at 12:01 a.m., a cushion that may avoid the chaos that unfolded at airports nationwide when a similar measure took effect with virtually no notice in 2017. Trump, who signaled plans for a new ban upon taking office in January, appears to be on firmer ground this time after the Supreme Court sided with him. Some, but not all, 12 countries also appeared on the list of banned countries in Trump's first term. The new ban includes Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There will be heightened restrictions on visitors from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela. In a video released on social media, Trump tied the new ban to Sunday's terror attack in Boulder, Colorado, saying it underscored the dangers posed by some visitors who overstay visas. The suspect in the attack is from Egypt, a country that is not on Trumps restricted list. The Department of Homeland Security says he overstayed a tourist visa. Trump said some countries had deficient screening and vetting or have historically refused to take back their own citizens. His findings rely extensively on an annual Homeland Security report of visa overstays of tourists, business visitors and students who arrive by air and sea, singling out countries with high percentages of remaining after their visas expired. We don't want them, Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The inclusion of Afghanistan angered some supporters who have worked to resettle its people. The ban makes exceptions for Afghans on Special Immigrant Visas, generally people who worked most closely with the U.S. government during the two-decade-long war there. Afghanistan was also one of the largest sources of resettled refugees, with about 14,000 arrivals in a 12-month period through September 2024. Trump suspended refugee resettlement his first day in office. To include Afghanistan a nation whose people stood alongside American service members for 20 years is a moral disgrace. It spits in the face of our allies, our veterans, and every value we claim to uphold, said Shawn VanDiver, president and board chairman of #AfghanEvac. Trump wrote that Afghanistan lacks a competent or cooperative central authority for issuing passports or civil documents and it does not have appropriate screening and vetting measures. He also cited its visa overstay rates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Haiti, which avoided the travel ban during Trumps first term, was also included for high overstay rates and large numbers who came to the U.S. illegally. Haitians continue to flee poverty, hunger and political instability deepens while police and a U.N.-backed mission fight a surge in gang violence, with armed men controlling at least 85% of its capital, Port-au-Prince. Haiti lacks a central authority with sufficient availability and dissemination of law enforcement information necessary to ensure its nationals do not undermine the national security of the United States, Trump wrote. The Iranian government government offered no immediate reaction to being included. The Trump administration called it a state sponsor of terrorism, barring visitors except for those already holding visas or coming into the U.S. on special visas America issues for minorities facing persecution. Other Mideast nations on the list Libya, Sudan and Yemen all face ongoing civil strife and territory overseen by opposing factions. Sudan has an active war, while Yemens war is largely stalemated and Libyan forces remain armed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement International aid groups and refugee resettlement organizations roundly condemned the new ban. "This policy is not about national security it is about sowing division and vilifying communities that are seeking safety and opportunity in the United States," said Abby Maxman, president of Oxfam America. The travel ban results from a Jan. 20 executive order Trump issued requiring the departments of State and Homeland Security and the Director of National Intelligence to compile a report on hostile attitudes toward the U.S. and whether entry from certain countries represented a national security risk. During his first term, Trump issued an executive order in January 2017 banning travel to the U.S. by citizens of seven predominantly Muslim countries Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen. It was one of the most chaotic and confusing moments of his young presidency. Travelers from those nations were either barred from getting on their flights to the U.S. or detained at U.S. airports after they landed. They included students and faculty as well as businesspeople, tourists and people visiting friends and family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The order, often referred to as the Muslim ban or the travel ban, was retooled amid legal challenges, until a version was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. The ban affected various categories of travelers and immigrants from Iran, Somalia, Yemen, Syria and Libya, plus North Koreans and some Venezuelan government officials and their families. Trump and others have defended the initial ban on national security grounds, arguing it was aimed at protecting the country and not founded on anti-Muslim bias. However, the president had called for an explicit ban on Muslims during his first campaign for the White House. ___ Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Follow the APs coverage of President Donald Trump at https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump. ___ Amiri reported from the United Nations. Associated Press writers Rebecca Santana, Jon Gambrell, Ellen Knickmeyer and Danica Coto contributed to this report. US President Donald Trump has avoided answering whether he is prepared to increase pressure on Russia to bring peace closer in Ukraine. Source: Trump at the White House during the visit of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, as reported by European Pravda Details: A journalist asked Trump whether he was prepared to increase pressure on Russia. Quote: "Remember, I was the one that ended Nord Stream 2, going to a place called Germany... I ended Nord Stream 2 and nobody else did; then when Biden came in, he immediately approved it." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More details: Trump then turned to Merz and noted that the US has "so much oil and gas", expressing hope that "well make it a part in our trade deal". Background: Trump has previously stated that he refrains from imposing sanctions on Russia if he believes it could "screw up" the making of a deal. Earlier on Thursday 5 June, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded to yet another Russian attack on Kherson by suggesting that the US has the power to make the Russians "stop destroying and killing". Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! NEED TO KNOW President Donald Trump confused German Chancellor Friedrich Merz when he described the Allies' 1944 invasion of Nazi-controlled Normandy as "not a great day." Well, in the long run, Mr. President, this was the liberation of my country from Nazi dictatorship, Merz clarified, referencing the positive impact of D-Day. The Oval Office moment was the latest of a number of surprising interactions with foreign leaders since Trump took office. President Donald Trump made a verbal stumble when meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the White House, calling D-Day not a great day on live TV. The chancellor quickly corrected him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement May I remind you that we are having June 6th tomorrow, Merz, 69, initially said as they discussed the war in Ukraine, which began when Russia invaded the smaller country in February 2022, with no provocation. The chancellor drew similarities between Russia's invasion and World War II, in which the United States played a major role in ending the war. This is D-Day anniversary when the Americans once ended the war in Europe, he continued, referencing the invasion of Normandy in 1944, which helped usher in the Allies' victory months later. And I think this is in your hands, specifically, in ours. That was not a pleasant day for you? interrupted Trump, 78, before turning to the cameras and adding, This was not a great day. Well, in the long run, Mr. President, this was the liberation of my country from Nazi dictatorship, Merz responded of D-Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats true, responded Trump. We know that we owe you, Merz said. But this is the reason why Im saying that America is again in a very strong position to do something on this war and ending this war. So, lets talk about what we can do jointly. Merz noted that Germany has given support to Ukraine and that the European Union wants to put more pressure on Russia. The moment was much less heated than some of Trumps other meetings with other foreign leaders and dignitaries since taking office in January. During the meeting which centered around the Ukraine war, as well as defense spending and tariffs Trump expressed doubt that peace talks between the warring countries would be successful, The Guardian reported. Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty; Michael Kappeler/picture alliance/Getty The German Chancellor at the White House on Thursday, June 5. The German Chancellor at the White House on Thursday, June 5. Sometimes you see two young children fighting like crazy, Trump said, referring to Russia and Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the president did say he will continue to ensure America offers its support to the beleaguered nation and had asked Russian President Vladimir Putin not to retaliate after Ukraines recent drone attack, according to the paper. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. According to The Guardian, Merz reminded Trump that he is the key person in the world who can really [stop the war] by putting pressure on Russia. The presidents support of Ukraine has been in question since before his reelection because of his vocal admiration for Putin and after publicly shouting at Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his visit to the White House in February. Read the original article on People President Donald Trump has banned travel to the U.S. by citizens of 12 countries and restricted access for those from seven others, citing national security concerns in resurrecting and expanding a hallmark policy from his first term that will mostly affect people from Africa and the Middle East. The ban announced applies to citizens of Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. The heightened restrictions apply to people from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela who are outside the U.S. and don't hold a valid visa. The policy took effect Monday and does not have an end date. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's what to know about the new rules: How Trump justified the ban Since returning to the White House, Trump has launched a campaign of immigration enforcement that has pushed the limits of executive power and clashed with federal judges trying to restrain him. The travel ban stems from a Jan. 20 executive order Trump issued requiring the Department of State, Department of Homeland Security and the Director of National Intelligence to compile a report on hostile attitudes toward the U.S. The aim is to protect its citizens from aliens who intend to commit terrorist attacks, threaten our national security, espouse hateful ideology, or otherwise exploit the immigration laws for malevolent purposes, the administration said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a video posted on social media, Trump tied the new ban to a terrorist attack Sunday in Boulder, Colorado, saying it underscored the dangers posed by some visitors who overstay visas. The man charged in the attack is from Egypt, a country that is not on Trumps restricted list. U.S. officials say he overstayed a tourist visa. Who is exempt from the ban Which countries are affected Trump said nationals of countries included in the ban pose terrorism-related and public-safety risks, as well as risks of overstaying their visas. He also said some of these countries had deficient screening and vetting or have historically refused to take back their citizens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His findings rely extensively on an annual Homeland Security report about tourists, businesspeople and students who overstay U.S. visas and arrive by air or sea, singling out countries with high percentages of nationals who remain after their visas expired. We dont want them, Trump said. The inclusion of Afghanistan angered some supporters who have worked to resettle its people. The ban makes exceptions for Afghans on special immigrant visas, who were generally the people who worked most closely with the U.S. government during the two-decade war there. The list can be changed, the administration said in a document, if authorities in the designated countries make material improvements to their own rules and procedures. New countries can be added "as threats emerge around the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Department guidance The State Department instructed U.S. embassies and consulates on Friday not to revoke visas previously issued to people from the 12 countries listed in the ban. In a cable sent to all U.S. diplomatic missions, the department said no action should be taken for issued visas which have already left the consular section and that no visas issued prior to the effective date should be revoked pursuant to this proclamation. However, visa applicants from affected countries whose applications have been approved but have not yet received their visas will be denied, according to the cable, which was signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And, unless an applicant meets narrow criteria for an exemption to the ban, his or her application will be rejected starting on Monday. How the ban differs from 2017s Early in Trumps first term, he issued an executive order banning travel to the U.S. by citizens of seven predominantly Muslim countries, including Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen. It was one of the most chaotic and confusing moments of his young presidency. Travelers from those nations were either barred from getting on flights to the U.S. or detained at U.S. airports after they landed. They included students and faculty, as well as businesspeople, tourists and people visiting friends and family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The order, often referred to as the Muslim ban or the travel ban, was retooled amid legal challenges until a version was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. That ban affected various categories of travelers and immigrants from Iran, Somalia, Yemen, Syria and Libya, plus North Koreans and some Venezuelan government officials and their families. Reactions to Trump's order Venezuela President Nicolas Maduros government condemned the travel ban, characterizing it in a statement as a stigmatization and criminalization campaign against Venezuelans. Chad President Mahamat Deby Itno said his country would suspend visas for U.S. citizens in response to the ban. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aid and refugee resettlement groups also denounced it. This policy is not about national security it is about sowing division and vilifying communities that are seeking safety and opportunity in the United States, said Abby Maxman, president of Oxfam America. But reactions to the ban ran the gamut from anger to guarded relief and support. In Haiti, radio stations received a flurry of calls Thursday from angry listeners, including many who said they were Haitians living in the U.S. and who accused Trump of being racist, noting that the people of many of the targeted countries are Black. Haitian-American Elvanise Louis-Juste, who was at the airport Sunday in Newark, New Jersey, awaiting a flight to her home state of Florida, said many Haitians wanting to come to the U.S. are simply seeking to escape violence and unrest in their country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have family in Haiti, so its pretty upsetting to see and hear, Louis-Juste, 23, said of the travel ban. I dont think its a good thing. I think its very upsetting. William Lopez, a 75-year-old property investor who arrived from Cuba in 1967, supports the travel ban. These are people that come but dont want to work, they support the Cuban government, they support communism, Lopez said at a restaurant near Little Havana in Miami. What the Trump administration is doing is perfectly good. ___ Associated Press reporters Evens Sanon in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and Danica Coto in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Regina Garcia Cano in Caracas, Venezuela, Steve Karnowski in Minneapolis and Gisela Salomon in Miami contributed. Credit: The White House Donald Trump has signed a sweeping travel ban targeting citizens from 12 countries to stop foreign terrorists. The president barred entry to the US to nationals of Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. The move, which comes into effect on June 9, follows a terror attack in Colorado that authorities blamed on a man they said was in the country illegally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Trump has also placed restrictions on travel from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela, but did not go as far as to impose a full ban. The recent terror attack in Boulder, Colorado, has underscored the extreme dangers posed to our country by the entry of foreign nationals who are not properly vetted, Mr Trump said in a video message from the Oval Office posted on X. We dont want em. The ban comes amid Mr Trumps aggressive crackdown on immigration after he ended access to asylum at the USs southern border, ordered extensive immigration raids across the country and banned foreign students from Harvard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Trump compared the measures to the powerful travel ban he imposed on multiple mainly Muslim countries in his first term in 2018. Joe Biden, the former president, later repealed the ban in 2021, calling it a stain on our national conscience. We cannot have open migration from any country where we cannot safely and reliably vet and screen, Mr Trump added. The ban is expected to draw swift legal challenges. The president, alluding to the rise in migration in Europe over the last decade, added: We will not let what happened in Europe happen in America. A dozen people were injured during the attack in Colorado on Sunday while marching for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect, an Egyptian national, was in the country illegally, having overstayed a tourist visa, according to US officials, but he had applied for asylum in September 2022. The Trump administration vowed it would pursue terrorists living in the US on visas following the attack. But Egypt is not one of the countries affected by the travel ban. Credit: X For Taliban-ruled Afghanistan and war-torn Libya, Sudan, Somalia and Yemen, the order said they lacked competent central authorities for processing passports and vetting. Iran was included as it is a state sponsor of terrorism. Abigail Jackson, the White House deputy press secretary, said on X: President Trump is fulfilling his promise to protect Americans from dangerous foreign actors that want to come to our country and cause us harm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These common-sense restrictions are country-specific and include places that lack proper vetting, exhibit high visa overstay rates, or fail to share identity and threat information. The ban will not apply to athletes competing in the 2026 World Cup, which the US is co-hosting with Canada and Mexico, as well as the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Diosdado Cabello, Venezuelas interior minister, called the US dangerous in response. Being in the United States is a great risk for anyone, not just for Venezuelans, he said. They persecute our countrymen, our people, for no reason. The travel ban coincides with Mr Trumps decision to suspend visas for foreign students entering the country to attend Harvard University. Trump signed the proclamation on Wednesday evening - Shutterstock He issued the proclamation on Wednesday, citing national security concerns and declaring it detrimental to US interests to continue allowing foreign students at the institution, which accounts for a quarter of student enrolments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is a further escalation in the White Houses battle with Americas oldest and wealthiest university after cutting billions in research grants and moving to end all federal contacts with it. The order accused the university of failing to provide sufficient information to the Department of Homeland Security about foreign students known illegal or dangerous activities. The move is part of Mr Trumps wider restrictions on elite universities he accuses of harbouring Left-wing ideologies and turning a blind eye to anti-Semitism. 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 signed an order banning nationals of 12 countries, mostly in Africa and the Middle East, from entering the US, and imposed heavy restrictions on citizens of a further seven nations. A similar policy in Trumps first term targeted migrants from mostly Muslim countries, but hit legal roadblocks; the new approach, which the White House said was driven by national security, is more robust, experts told The New York Times. Trump said Sundays attack by an Egyptian man in Colorado underscored the extreme dangers of foreign nationals, although Egypt was not on the list of banned countries. A broader immigration crackdown has also swept up elite American universities: Trump on Wednesday suspended visas for those studying at Harvard. The sprawling bill to enact President Trumps big, beautiful agenda is losing momentum in the Senate in the face of blistering attacks from Elon Musk and outspoken opposition from conservatives. Senate Finance Committee Chair Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) warned colleagues at a special conference meeting Wednesday afternoon that there are two likely no votes against the bill within the Senate GOP conference, which means just one more defection would threaten to derail the legislation, according to a senator who attended the meeting. Crapo just said, I think [there] are two of us who are pretty definite nos, which means we cant lose anybody else, the source said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crapo did not name names, but colleagues assumed he was talking about conservative Sens. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and Ron Johnson (R-Wis.). Paul says he will vote against the bill because it includes language to raise the debt ceiling by $4 trillion, extending the federal governments borrowing authority past the 2026 midterm election. Johnson, meanwhile, has called for Senate GOP colleagues to scrap the House-passed bill and move a smaller measure that would focus on extending the 2017 Trump tax cuts, securing the border and banking on the spending cuts identified by House committee chairs. What I am rock-solid on is that I cant accept this as the new normal, he said of projections that the annual federal deficit will reach $2.2 trillion in 2025 and grow to $2.7 trillion by 2035. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have our chance to reverse this, he said of growing deficits. I will not be responsible for continuing this. Paul and Johnson are stepping up their criticism of the bill just as Musk is urging lawmakers to KILL the legislation, warning it will blow up the deficit. Call your Senator, Call your Congressman, Bankrupting America is NOT ok! KILL the BILL, Musk posted on his social platform X. The Congressional Budget Office projected Wednesday that the 1,116-page bill passed by the House will add $2.4 trillion to the deficit over the next decade. Trump has set a July 4 deadline for Congress to get the bill to his desk. But some GOP lawmakers say thats looking increasingly unlikely because of a battle between Republican senators over cuts to Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the repeal of renewable energy tax incentives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It wont happen, Johnson said. The sooner President Trump recognizes the reality of the situation, the sooner we can work on a smaller version of the bill, do the things that have to be done: Extend current tax law, increase the debt ceiling, provide border funding, he said. He said the package could include spending cuts already passed by the House, such as a proposal to reduce federal subsidies to Medicaid by $698 billion and reduce SNAP spending by $267 billion. The expectation that Paul and Johnson will vote against the bill could give more leverage to Republicans who want to make other changes, further delaying the effort. Those moderates include Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), who are warning against Medicaid spending cuts that would affect benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Republicans control 53 seats, which means they could only afford three defections and still pass the bill. Collins, Murkowski, Hawley and Moran say they are closely following the proposed reforms to Medicaid. I am evaluating those provisions, Collins said of the changes to Medicaid. She said its difficult to fully assess the bill until the Senate parliamentarian weighs in on what policy changes can remain in the legislation and which need to be stripped out for it to qualify for fast-track consideration on the floor. She said some of the most controversial provisions may fall out. We still dont know exactly what were looking at, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Collins, who is up for reelection in a state that former Vice President Kamala Harris carried in the 2024 election, said shes concerned about changes to the SNAP program that would require Maine to shoulder more of its costs. She said the bill switches a lot of the administrative costs for SNAP onto the state. Murkowski said it will be hard to meet Trumps deadline of passing the bill by July 4, noting that even after Republican senators reach a deal, many of the provisions will need to be vetted by the Senate parliamentarian. Moran said hes waiting for where we end up in the Ag [Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry] Committee on reforms to SNAP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What we do will be different from the House. Im analyzing and participating in the discussion, he said. He said the negotiations over the nutrition program for low-income Americans are taking time. Republicans at a special meeting Wednesday afternoon discussed expanding their search for savings to Medicaid, despite Trumps warning to House lawmakers last month not to f with Medicaid. And, notably, they raised the possibility of changes to Medicare. Theres a legitimate debate about, Can we do more with Medicaid? Are we doing too much with Medicaid? How much waste, fraud and abuse is there in Medicare? Why dont we go after that? I think we should, Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) said after meeting with colleagues to discuss the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cramer said senators talked about also examining waste, fraud and abuse in Medicare to further reduce future deficits. There was a lot of presentation and then debate, people throwing out other ideas, like, What about waste, fraud and abuse in Medicare? he said. But tackling waste, fraud and abuse in Medicare would be a time-consuming task and likely generate a lot of anxiety among GOP senators who are balking at cuts to Medicaid that they worry could impact benefits. Some people are making that case, other people are wringing their hands, Cramer said of the internal debate. Updated at 8:37 a.m. EDT Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation suspending international visas for students seeking to study at Harvard University due to national security concerns and failure to comply with federal agencies, the White House said on Wednesday. According to the proclamation, Harvard had not provided sufficient information on foreign students' known illegal activities, failed to adequately respond to violent anti-Semitic incidents on campus and was "denying hardworking Americans equal opportunities by favoring certain groups" through its diversity programmes. The White House also pointed to Harvard's ties to China, noting the university had received substantial funding from Chinese sources and partnered with individuals linked to the Chinese Communist Party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These concerns have compelled the Federal Government to conclude that Harvard University is no longer a trustworthy steward of international student and exchange visitor programs," it said. Under the measure, the entry of new Harvard students under F, M or J nonimmigrant visas is suspended. It also directs the secretary of state to consider revoking existing visas for current students who meet the proclamation's criteria. The suspension, effective immediately, will initially remain in place for six months, with the potential for extension. Trump has accused Harvard and other elite US universities of allowing anti-Semitism on campus. In April, his administration sent a list of demands to Harvard, which the institution has refused to adopt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a related move, the US Department of Education on Wednesday said Columbia University violated federal anti-discrimination laws by failing to protect Jewish students from harassment on campus. It "therefore fails to meet the standards for accreditation set by the [Middle States] Commission [on Higher Education]," the agency said, urging the Commission to take appropriate action. A band of wild horses in the Northern Nevada Virginia Range. (Photo courtesy of the American Wild Horse Campaign) Advocates for Americas wild horses are finding little beauty to behold in Donald Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which would slash funding for the Bureau of Land Managements Wild Horse and Burro program by 25% and allow the slaughter of some 64,000 federally protected wild horses in government holding facilities. The Presidents budget will greatly endanger wild horses and burros, Rep. Dina Titus, a Democrat from Nevada, said in a statement to the Current. I am deeply concerned by how these cuts will impact the care of these beloved creatures. Even more worrying is the omission of the long-standing provision against horse slaughter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proposal, horse and burro advocates note, mirrors Trumps 2017 budget, which initially called for a 30% cut to the programs funding and the elimination of protections against slaughter. Congress restored the protections against killing the animals and augmented funding. Typically, the presidents appropriations bill contains a provision prohibiting horse slaughter. The Trump budget bill does not have this provision, opening the door to animals being sold off for slaughter, said Dick Cooper, a spokesman for Titus. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The budget proposal is straight from the pages of Project 2025, the ultra-conservative manifesto of which Trump once claimed ignorance, but has since adopted de facto as a blueprint for his policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What is happening to these once-proud beasts of burden is neither compassionate nor humane, and what these animals are doing to federal lands and fragile ecosystems is unacceptable, says Project 2025, which asserted the uncontrolled growth of wild horses and burros poses an existential threat to public lands. More than half of the nations wild horses, estimated between 70,000 and 95,000, are in Nevada, notes Project 2025. Congress must enact laws permitting the BLM to dispose humanely of these animals. The policy is an attack on animal welfare and Americas public lands, according to American Wild Horse Conservation (AWHC), a wild horse advocacy organization. This budget would be a bullet to the head of Americas wild horses if passed by Congress, said Suzanne Roy, executive director of AWHC. Slaughter is a barbaric solution to a fundamentally broken federal program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The current program is focused on what critics contend are inhumane roundups that end in the warehousing of the creatures in government holding facilities. A better solution, say horse advocates, is increasing fertility control efforts and restoring habitat. Last month, Titus announced the formation of the Wild Horse Congressional Caucus, to encourage federal policies for more humane treatment of wild horses and burros, according to a news release. Days later, Titus and 82 members of Congress urged a subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee to craft legislation requiring the BLM to spend at least 10% of the Wild Horse and Burro programs $140 million budget on fertility control in additional herd management areas. The letter included several requests but notably included language maintaining the prohibition on the sale or adoption of healthy wild horses and burros that results in their destruction, Titus said in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Titus has opposed the BLMs use of aircraft in roundups. The U.S. has paid helicopter companies $57.4 million for roundups since 2006, according to Titus, a process she has attempted to ban. Scientific research has shown that more humane and cost-effective alternatives, like fertility control, are equally effective in controlling equine populations, according to the May statement from Titus announcing the Wild Horse caucus. The BLMs Wild Horse and Burro Program, however, currently spends less than four percent of its budget on these methods. Diverse interests, ranging from cattle ranchers to animal activists, have called for vast reductions to wild horse populations, which they contend are three times the number public lands can accommodate. The greatest threat to our wild horses and burros and our public lands right now isnt the BLM, its not cattle, ranching or mining interests. Its not animal advocates. Its climate change and the new reality is fast settling in, Stephanie Boyles Griffin, the chief scientist of the Humane Society of the United States (now Humane World for Animals) wildlife protection department, told Reuters in 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Americans, deeply divided on a plethora of topics, are on common ground when it comes to wild horses, says AWHC, which commissioned a 2017 poll that revealed 83% of Trump voters supported protecting wild horses and burros from slaughter, compared with 77% of Hillary Clintons supporters. After decades of costly and ineffective roundups, the BLM now stockpiles more wild horses in government pens than remain free on the range, said Roy in a news release. Americans deserve a better federal plan that genuinely tackles off-range holding issues without resorting to slaughter. Nevada Current is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Nevada Current maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Hugh Jackson for questions: info@nevadacurrent.com. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump are in direct communication as part of Ottawa's bid to persuade Washington to lift tariffs, Industry Minister Melanie Joly said on Thursday. "We are in a trade war and it's normal that at the same time that the trade war is taking place, there are also diplomatic negotiations, and that therefore, Prime Minister Carney and President Trump talk to each other," she told reporters. The Globe and Mail newspaper earlier quoted the U.S. envoy to Canada as saying the two leaders were secretly holding direct talks to work out a framework for a trade and security deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump this week doubled the tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum to 50% from 25%. The move has the potential to hurt Canada, which is the largest seller of the metals to the U.S. Carney said on Wednesday that the countries were in intense negotiations over the tariffs and that Canada was "preparing reprisals if those negotiations do not succeed". Pete Hoekstra, the U.S. ambassador to Canada, told the Globe the two sides were "laying out the perimeters" of a deal that could involve boosting U.S. content in autos, improving U.S. access to Canadian critical minerals and ensuring Canada played a much bigger role in the Arctic. The talks also include increased defense spending, energy, border security, steel and aluminum as well as stopping the smuggling of fentanyl, the paper cited him as saying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carney's office declined to comment. In an email, an official at the U.S. embassy in Ottawa said "both the President and Prime Minister, or members of their teams, have publicly acknowledged that there are ongoing conversations". Unifor, the country's largest private sector union, on Wednesday called on Carney to retaliate immediately. (Reporting by David Ljunggren in Ottawa and Anusha Shah in Bengaluru; Editing by Leslie Adler and Sandra Maler) Donald Trump spoke with Chinas President Xi Jinping on Thursday as trade talks between the two nations continue with little public progress, according to Chinese state media. The two leaders reportedly spoke in the early morning as the U.S. president seeks to convince the American media and voting electorate that his tariff agenda is forcing Americas trading partners to the table. So far, the Trump administration has failed to deliver on its promise of securing dozens of trade deals within the first six months of the presidents term. A White House readout was not immediately available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, for his part, confirmed the news on Truth Social and said that China would roll back export controls on rare earth minerals that went into effect after an escalation of the US-China trade dispute in April. I just concluded a very good phone call with President Xi, of China, discussing some of the intricacies of our recently made, and agreed to, Trade Deal, said Trump. The call lasted approximately one and a half hours, and resulted in a very positive conclusion for both Countries. There should no longer be any questions respecting the complexity of Rare Earth products. President Donald Trump spoke with Chinas leader Xi Xinping on Thursday amid the growing trade war sparked by U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports. (AFP/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) In the same message, Trump said that he and Xi extended invitations to visit their respective countries, which were accepted in turn. President Xi graciously invited the First Lady and me to visit China, and I reciprocated. As Presidents of two Great Nations, this is something that we both look forward to doing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just a day earlier, Trump had swiped at his Chinese counterpart on the platform. I like President XI of China, always have, and always will, but he is VERY TOUGH, AND EXTREMELY HARD TO MAKE A DEAL WITH!!!, Trump wrote. The presidents conversation with Xi comes after it was reported that the White House was desperate to make a breakthrough in the trade talks with Beijing, provoked by those export controls. China controls roughly 90 percent of the worlds production of rare earth minerals, which are critical for industries including automaking and arms production. American and Chinese negotiators struck a 90-day truce on their respective tariff measures in mid-May, a deal which according to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was supposed to halt the planned implementation of export controls on Chinese rare earth minerals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The truce cut down so-called reciprocal tariff rates, which were over 100 percent in both countries, to 10 percent on American imports. Those tariffs stack on top of existing measures including the 10 percent duties levied on all US imports by Trump in a separate motion. China, on Monday, accused the US of violating the same truce with export controls on AI chips. The Commerce Ministry warned that Beijing will continue to take resolute and forceful measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests. Bessent, on CBSs Face the Nation on Sunday, made a prediction that bore out Thursday morning: I am confident that when President Trump and party Chairman Xi have a call, that this will be ironed out. President Donald Trump spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the phone Thursday amid trade tensions between the two countries -- and during the call, Trump said Xi invited him to visit China. In a social media post, Trump said they discussed "some of the intricacies of our recently made, and agreed to, Trade Deal." The call lasted about one and a half hours, and the leaders exclusively talked trade. Trump added that it "resulted in a very positive conclusion for both Countries." He said that U.S. and Chinese negotiating teams "will be meeting shortly at a location to be determined." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Trump claims China 'totally violated' trade agreement with US The president said that Xi invited him to visit China and Trump extended an invitation for Xi to visit the U.S. "So, I will be going there with the first lady at a certain point, and he'll be coming here hopefully with the first lady of China," Trump later told reporters in the Oval Office. The call happened at Trump's request, Chinese State News Agency Xinhua had reported. PHOTO: President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the Oval Office of the White House, June 5, 2025, in Washington. (Evan Vucci/AP) It was the first confirmed time the leaders have spoken since Trump returned to the White House. Trump has alluded to a previous call with Xi, but he nor the White House have ever confirmed if that took place since he took office in January. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their conversation is a significant development amid a trade standoff between the U.S. and China, the world's two largest economies. It came after Trump last week accused China of violating a deal negotiated by top officials in Geneva last month to roll back high tariff rates for 90 days. The agreement saw the U.S. drop the rate on Chinese goods coming to the U.S. from over 145% to 30%. China lowered its levy on U.S. goods from 125% to 10%. MORE: White House says it has a deal with China while Chinese call it 'consensus' White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said China was slow-walking approval of export licenses for rare earth materials, which was also a part of the Geneva agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beijing pushed back on Monday, saying it "firmly rejects unreasonable accusations" and that it was the U.S. that "unilaterally provoked new economic and trade frictions." Chinese leaders said they had their own concerns about U.S. restrictions on tech exports and the Trump administration's attempt to revoke Chinese student visas. PHOTO: President Donald Trump in Washington, May 21, 2025 and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, May 13, 2025. (AFP via Getty Images) Trump on Thursday, following his call with Xi, told reporters he believed they "straightened out any complexity" regarding the agreement. "I think we're in very good shape with China and the trade deal," Trump said. "We have a trade deal with China, as you know, but we were straightening out some of the points having to do mostly with rare earths, magnets and some other things." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump also said it was "no problem" to have Chinese students come the U.S., despite the administration announcement it would "aggressively" revoke the visas. "It's an honor to have them, frankly," he said, before turning his attention to Harvard University. The administration has demanded information on all the school's international students, including names and coursework. "Look, we want to have -- we want to have foreign students, but we want them to be checked," Trump said. "You know, in the case of Harvard and Columbia and others, all we want to do is see their list. There is no problem with that." Trump, China's Xi discussed trade deal in long-awaited call originally appeared on abcnews.go.com (NewsNation) President Donald Trump on Thursday likened the Russia-Ukraine conflict to two children fighting in a park, suggesting to the two nations fight for a while before peace efforts resume. Sometimes you see two young children fighting like crazy, they hate each other, and theyre fighting in a park, Trump said, describing what he told Russian President Vladimir Putin during a phone call on Wednesday. Sometimes youre better off letting them fight for a while and then pulling them apart. The comments came during an Oval Office meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, Musk trade barbs over big, beautiful bill A lot of bad blood, theyre so bad blood between the two, Trump said. Theres a great hatred between those two men, but between the warring parties, great hatred. Trump added hed like to see peace start right now, but said recent escalations, including Ukrainian attacks deep inside Russia, complicate the situation. He also recalled his role in de-escalating tensions between nuclear powers India and Pakistan, saying, I wish we could do the same thing with Ukraine and Russia. At some point, it will happen; I believe that. We have a deal, Trump says, after trade talks with Chinas Xi Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Merz agreed the war is terrible, calling Trump the key person in the world capable of ending the bloodshed. However, he emphasized that Germany was on the side of Ukraine and that Kyiv was only attacking military targets, not Russian civilians. We are trying to get them stronger, Merz said of Ukraine. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. President Trump is using the antisemitic attack in Boulder as a reason for the new travel ban. He cites the suspects Egyptian background, even though Egypt isnt one of the countries facing restrictions. NBCs Senior White House Correspondent Gabe Gutierrez reports. By Jeff Mason WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump directed his White House counsel on Wednesday to investigate whether former President Joe Biden's aides covered up alleged mental decline and unlawfully used an autopen on Biden's behalf to sign policy documents. Biden, who is fighting cancer, said he was responsible for the decisions made during his administration and suggested Trump's move was designed to distract Americans from a bill in Congress that would extend tax cuts for the wealthy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican Trump has long asserted that Biden, a Democrat who defeated him in the 2020 presidential election, was mentally incompetent and has suggested the use of a mechanical pen to sign memos, executive orders and grants of clemency during Biden's four-year-term may have been improper, potentially rendering them invalid. In a statement late on Wednesday, Biden dismissed those suggestions. Let me be clear: I made the decisions during my presidency. I made the decisions about the pardons, executive orders, legislation, and proclamations. Any suggestion that I didnt is ridiculous and false," he said in a statement. Biden's team said the use of an autopen is a well established legal practice following a presidential decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The former president, now 82, stepped aside as the Democratic presidential candidate last year after a disastrous debate against Trump underscored concerns about his age and ability to serve as commander-in-chief for four more years. Trump defeated former Vice President Kamala Harris, who became the Democratic presidential nominee, in November. Biden's office said last month that the former president had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. That development and a new book that cites concerns among Democratic insiders about Biden's mental acuity as he was seeking re-election have brought renewed attention to the former president's health. While in office, Biden's aides denied that his mental acuity had dipped even as they acknowledged he had aged. Though he wished Biden well after the cancer diagnosis, Trump has continued to criticize his predecessor for a host of challenges facing the country. His move to investigate aspects of Biden's time in power took those criticisms to a new level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a memorandum, Trump ordered his White House counsel, in consultation with the attorney general, to probe whether "certain individuals conspired to deceive the public about Biden's mental state and unconstitutionally exercise the authorities and responsibilities of the President." The investigation would also look into documents that were signed by autopen, those who directed the use of that device, and any efforts to "purposefully shield" the public from information about Biden's physical and mental health. "In recent months, it has become increasingly apparent that former President Biden's aides abused the power of Presidential signatures through the use of an autopen to conceal Biden's cognitive decline," the memo said. "There are serious doubts as to the decision making process and even the degree of Biden's awareness of ... actions being taken in his name." A senior official in Trump's Justice Department told staff on Monday that he has been directed to investigate whether Biden was competent and whether others had taken advantage of him through the use of an autopen when he granted clemency to members of his family and death row inmates at the end of his term. (Reporting by Jeff Mason; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan) President Donald Trump is about to snatch $4 billion away from Californias high-speed rail project and all thats doing is reinforcing Democrats iron-willed support for the beleaguered venture. The Trump administration said Wednesday in the form of a 300-page report that its on the verge of nixing Biden-era grants for the planned rail line from Los Angeles to the Bay Area, a conclusion state officials have feared since the president put the project in his crosshairs in February. Rather than being a death knell for a project thats years behind schedule and has a price tag thats ballooned from $33 billion to as much as $128 billion, Trumps attacks are fortifying state Democrats who hold the purse strings to its largest funding source the states emissions trading program for greenhouse gases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve seen this coming and were going to do everything we can to prevent it, said state Senate Budget Chair Scott Wiener. Regardless of what happens here, were committed to making this project a reality. Its been a question just how much Democratic support the project would garner during negotiations to reauthorize the states emissions trading system, as several lawmakers made it clear at the start of the year that high-speed rail isnt their priority amid finite climate funding. That uncertainty made its way into the Federal Railroad Administrations report, which, among other arguments, points to the lack of long-term stability of cap-and-trade proceeds as a reason to cancel grants. But Trumps dual assaults on high-speed rail and cap-and-trade itself lit a fire under Gov. Gavin Newsom, who committed to reauthorizing the program this year after initially waffling on timing and championed a proposal to guarantee the rail line at least $1 billion in funding annually in his budget proposal last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican lawmakers whove long blasted the project as a waste of taxpayer dollars are taking a victory lap. Hopefully, this will be the beginning of the end for high-speed rail, Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.) said during a press conference. This project needs to be over. It has been the biggest public infrastructure failure in American history. Newsom spokesperson Daniel Villasenor, when asked about Wednesdays news, pointed to the governors budget press conference, where he doubled down on his support. I want to get it done, and thats our commitment. Thats why its still reflected in the cap-and-trade extension, Newsom said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carol Dahmen, the High-Speed Rail Authoritys chief of strategic communications, said in a statement that the agency will correct the record on the Trump administrations misguided decision. But she also highlighted Newsoms proposal, saying $1 billion annually will be enough to complete the projects initial operating segment from Bakersfield to Merced. Democrats continued backing of high-speed rail also reflects an important reality of California politics: Labor unions can still make or break you. Thats a lesson Katie Porter, a former representative and gubernatorial candidate, learned last month after she bashed the project in a TV appearance before recalibrating at a labor event and saying she wants to put people to work, and I want to get it done for Californians. A coalition of powerful labor and public government interests announced its cap-and-trade priorities last month, a list of infrastructure projects including high-speed rail. The project has employed nearly 15,000 union workers since construction started in 2015, more than any other infrastructure undertaking in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The time to double down is now, said Michael Quigley, executive director of the California Alliance for Jobs, which represents carpenters, laborers, contractors and other construction unions. Like this content? Consider signing up for POLITICOs California Climate newsletter. Harvard won a temporary relief after a judge blocked president Donald Trump from barring international students from entering the U.S. to study at the university over alleged national security concerns. U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs issued a two-page temporary restraining order on Thursday to rule that the administration cannot enforce Trump's proclamation from taking effect. The Boston-based judge ruled that Trump's latest directive prohibiting foreign nationals from entering the country to study at Harvard for the next six months would cause "immediate and irreparable injury" before the courts have a chance to review the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move marks a legal setback for Trump after an ongoing standoff between the Ivy League school and the Republican president escalated. It came a day after Trump blocked foreign students and researchers enrolled in Harvard from entering the country. In addition to barring incoming students, Trump also gave his Secretary of State Marco Rubio the go-ahead to start revoking the visas of foreign students who are studying at the college. The Trump administration has issued an order barring foreign students from entering the U.S. to study at Harvard University (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Trump cited national security concerns as the reason to bar international students from entering the U.S. to pursue studies at the Cambridge, Massachusetts-based university. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump claims that Harvard refused to give his administration information about "known illegal activity" on its campus allegedly committed by international students. Reacting swiftly to Trumps order, Harvard University asked a federal judge to block the governments directive immediately on Thursday evening and filed a new claim against the administration. Harvard said in the court filing that Trump had violated federal law by failing to back up his claims about national security. "The Proclamation does not deem the entry of an alien or class of aliens to be detrimental to the interests of the United States, because noncitizens who are impacted by the Proclamation can enter the United States just so long as they go somewhere other than Harvard," the school said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration previously signalled that it would try to prevent Harvard from enrolling international students, but a federal judge issued an injunction to stop the White House from interfering in the college's enrolment practices. It appears that the president is trying to interfere with Harvard's foreign student enrolment by other means. Admission to the United States to study at an 'elite' American university is a privilege, not a right, Attorney General Pam Bondi said on X. This Department of Justice will vigorously defend the Presidents proclamation suspending the entry of new foreign students at Harvard University based on national security. Harvard issued a response to the Trump administration's order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is yet another illegal retaliatory step taken by the administration in violation of Harvards First Amendment rights, university spokesperson Jason Newton said in a statement. Harvard will continue to protect its international students. The Trump White House demanded that Harvard overhaul its admission and disciplinary policies in April or face losing its funding. He has also accused the college of antisemitism over its handling of pro-Palestinian student protests. Harvard unlike other universities, like Columbia refused to bend to the president's pressure. In response, the White House blocked more than $2bn in federal funding from the university. Since then, Trump has been on a mission to force Harvard to comply with his orders. In early May, he threatened to cancel Harvard's tax exempt status, and later considered giving $3bn in the university's grants to trade schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawrence Summers, a President Emeritus at Harvard and former Secretary of the Treasury under President Bill Clinton, called Trump's move "punitive extortion". "President @realDonaldTrump's latest salvo against @Harvard clearly represents punitive extortion rather than any seriously thought through policy to promote national security. I hope and trust that the judiciary will again restrain the President in the name of lawful government and the Constitution," Summers wrote on X. While he said that "Harvard should make a variety of changes" to its policies, he insisted that "extortion is the wrong way to bring them about and will ultimately prove to be counterproductive in terms of our national security as we alienate allies, threaten our scientific cutting edge and undermine the major contribution universities make to the national economy." President Donald Trump said he is very disappointed with Elon Musks criticism of the Big, Beautiful Bill he has championed. The president made the comment while speaking to reporters from the White House on Thursday. Trump said Musk hasnt said bad [things] about me personally, but Im sure thatll be next. He then added: But Im very disappointed and Ive helped Elon a lot. NOW Trump says he is "very disappointed" with Elon Musk. pic.twitter.com/aBe85scHPf Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) June 5, 2025 President Trumps comments come after Musk has been ripping the Trump-backed bill on X, the social media platform he owns, in recent days. On Tuesday, Musk called the bill a disgusting abomination that would hit the American public with crushingly unsustainable debt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later that day said the president had shrugged off Musks comments. The president already knows where Elon Musk stood on this bill, it doesnt change the presidents opinion, Leavitt said. President Trumps feelings have changed since then. Before the presidents comment to the press on Thursday, House Speaker Mike Johnson a day earlier said Trump was not delighted with Musks criticism of the bill. Things appeared to be all good just a week ago between the president and Musk, with Trump presenting the Tesla and SpaceX boss a gold key to the White House to celebrate his official exit from the Trump Administration. President Trump lauded Musk for the work he did leading the Department of Government Efficiency, which aimed to cut $1 trillion-$2 trillion from the federal budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elon gave an incredible service, President Trump said last week. Nobody liked him, and he had to go through the slings and the arrows, which is a shame, because hes an incredible patriot. Tesla investors do not appear to be thrilled with the sudden Trump-Musk rift. The electric car companys stock price is down 5.50% by midday Thursday, and down nearly 12% in the past week. You can watch the clip of Trumps comments on Musk in the video above. The post Trump Finally Weighs in on Elon Musk Rift, Says Hes Very Disappointed With Billionaires Criticism | Video appeared first on TheWrap. President Donald Trump has issued an order barring foreign students from entering the U.S. to study at Harvard University in an escalation of his fight with Americas oldest university. The president said in a statement announcing the order Wednesday that he has also empowered Secretary of State Marco Rubio to begin revoking visas of foreign students at the Ivy League school. The decision, Trump said in the statement, was made because the university refused to share information about known illegal activity committed by its international students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The order came even though a federal judge in May issued an injunction blocking the administration from preventing Harvard from enrolling international students as part of the effort to punish the school for alleged antisemitism and civil rights violations. The university says it has been working to address those issues on its own. Admission to the United States to study at an elite American university is a privilege, not a right, Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement on X. This Department of Justice will vigorously defend the Presidents proclamation suspending the entry of new foreign students at Harvard University based on national security. Harvard issued a defiant statement in response. This is yet another illegal retaliatory step taken by the administration in violation of Harvards First Amendment rights, said the statement from spokesperson Jason Newton. Harvard will continue to protect its international students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps fight with the university began in April, when Harvard refused to comply with White House demands to overhaul its admissions and disciplinary policies, alleging that they infringed on free speech rights. The White House responded by blocking more than $2 billion in federal grants. In early May, Trump announced plans to cancel Harvards tax-exempt status. Later in the month, he floated redistributing $3 billion in university grants to trade schools. International students make up roughly 27 percent of its student population at Harvard. The White House first pushed to revoke the universitys participation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program which allows universities to register foreign students in late May. Harvard sued the Department of Homeland Security, and a federal judge issued a temporary injunction almost immediately. U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs said at a hearing last week that she planned to issue a preliminary injunction that would prevent the Trump administration from taking adverse action against Harvard while the litigation over the foreign student issue proceeds. She asked Justice Department and Harvard lawyers to try to agree on wording even though the Trump administration objects to any injunction. The two sides have yet to report back to the judge. President Donald Trump has escalated his standoff with Harvard University, seeking another path to prevent international students from attending the school after a judge blocked an attempt to revoke Harvards ability to enroll international students. I have determined that the entry of the class of foreign nationals described above is detrimental to the interests of the United States because, in my judgment, Harvards conduct has rendered it an unsuitable destination for foreign students and researchers, Trump said Wednesday, the same day he issued a travel ban restricting nationals from 19 countries on entering the U.S., in a proclamation that seeks to limit foreigners ability to travel to the U.S. to study at Harvard. This is yet another illegal retaliatory step taken by the Administration in violation of Harvards First Amendment rights, a Harvard spokesperson tells TIME. Harvard will continue to take steps to protect the rights of our international students and scholars, members of our community who are vital to the Universitys academic mission and communityand whose presence here benefits our country immeasurably, the university said in a previous statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proclamation comes days after the State Department reportedly instructed embassies and consulates to increase vetting of visa applicants looking to travel to Harvard for any purposewith the word any underlined and bolded. Last week, the State Department paused the scheduling of new student visa interviews at embassies across the world to look into intensifying the scrutiny of applicants social media accounts, citing concerns about antisemitism and terrorism. Harvard has also faced the threat of federal funding cuts and the rescinding of its tax-exempt status. The Cambridge, Mass.-based university is one of several elite higher education institutions in the U.S. that have come under attack by the Trump Administration. Heres what to know. What does the latest proclamation do? The proclamation suspends the entry of foreign nationals seeking to study or participate in exchange programs at Harvard, effective immediately. After 90 days, it will be reassessed for extension; otherwise, it will expire in six months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proclamation applies to those who attempt to enter the country to attend Harvard through the Student Exchange Visa Program. It does not apply to those attending other universities through SEVP. It also directs Secretary of State Marco Rubio to consider on a case-by-case basis whether foreign nationals who attend Harvard and are already in the U.S. under F, M, or J visas should have their visas revoked. The order allows for exceptions to be made for those whose entry would be in the national interest, as determined by Rubio, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, or their respective designees. Read More: Harvards International Students Left in Limbo Amid Legal Battle With Trump Administration Harvard currently has nearly 7,000 international students, representing more than a quarter of its enrollees. Several universities across the globe have already offered to accept impacted students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If international students are forced to transfer, Harvard would suffer financially, as many international students pay full tuition and other associated costs of attendance, which can be as high as about $87,000 per year for undergraduates to $102,000 per year for some graduate students. The latest proclamation comes as Trumps second-term Administration has already sought to cancel thousands of international students visas across the country, before abruptly reversing course. Recently, the Administration has also targeted students from China, who account for nearly a quarter of all international students in the U.S., citing national security concerns. Why is Trump targeting Harvard? According to the latest proclamation, the government has concluded Harvard University is no longer a trustworthy steward of international student and exchange visitor programs. The proclamation points to concerns about crime; insufficient cooperation with the Department of Homeland Security; foreign entanglements, including with China; and alleged civil rights violations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crime rates at Harvard Universityincluding violent crime rateshave drastically risen in recent years, the proclamation asserts, adding that the university has failed to discipline at least some categories of conduct violations on campus. It also alleges that Harvard has refused the recent requests of the DHS for information about foreign students known illegal activity, known dangerous and violent activity, known threats to other students or university personnel, known deprivation of rights of other classmates or university personnel, and whether those activities occurred on campus, and other related data. It concluded: Harvards actions show that it either is not fully reporting its disciplinary records for foreign students or is not seriously policing its foreign students. The proclamation also cites student newspaper the Harvard Crimson, which reported earlier this year that the university has received over $150 million in funding from foreign governments, more than any of its Ivy League peers. A university spokesperson told the Crimson that donations are used to fund financial aid as well as educational and operational expenses. Trumps latest proclamation also cited a May letter by the Republican-led House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party that alleged Harvard repeatedly hosted and trained members of a CCP paramilitary organization. Lastly, the proclamation claimed that Harvard continues to flout the civil rights of its students and faculty. It referred to the 2023 Supreme Court case Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College, in which admissions policies that consider race as a factor were ruled unconstitutional, to suggest that the university engages in blatant discrimination against disfavored races. Harvard, the proclamation alleged, continues to deny hardworking Americans equal opportunities, while it admits students from non-egalitarian nations, including nations that seek the destruction of the United States and its allies, or the extermination of entire peoples. Contact us at letters@time.com. Surrender wasnt enough to spare Columbia University from Donald Trumps wrath. The Department of Education issued a new threat against Columbia Wednesday, this time targeting its accreditation. The department alleged that the elite New York City school was in violation of federal anti-discrimination laws for failing to stamp out antisemitism on campus. The DOEs press release revealed that it had notified the organization responsible for ensuring that Columbia is in compliance with accreditation standards of the alleged violation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Hamas October 7, 2023, terror attack on Israel, Columbia Universitys leadership acted with deliberate indifference towards the harassment of Jewish students on its campus, said Linda McMahon, Trumps education secretary. This is not only immoral, but also unlawful. Accreditors have an enormous public responsibility as gatekeepers of federal student aid. The move is an escalation in Trumps war on top universities. Since March, the presidents administration has frozen $400 million in federal funding to Columbia. The university acquiesced to Trumps list of demands that monthincluding a ban on face masks and a vow to harshly protest pro-Palestinian student protesters. Education Secretary Linda McMahon delivered the threat to Columbia on Trumps behalf. / Bill Clark / CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Imag Losing accreditation would strip the university of state and federal financial funding, such as Pell Grants for low-income students. It could also inflict damage to Columbias reputation and make its undergraduates ineligible for many graduate programs. Columbias accreditor, Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), requires that it follow relevant laws. The Education Department is alleging that the university has violated the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by failing to meaningfully protect Jewish students against severe and pervasive harassment on Columbias campus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the Department of Education plays a role in setting accreditation standards, the organizations that determine whether a university is following them, like the MSCHE, operate independently. Students celebrate during the Commencement Ceremony at Columbia University in New York on May 21, 2025. / CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / POOL/AFP via Getty Images The MSCHE told the Daily Beast in a statement that it had received the letter from the Education Department but declined to comment further. Columbia did not immediately return a request for comment. Last week, Trump praised Columbias deference and said that the school had earned a reprieve from his attacks. You know, Columbia has been reallythey were very, very bad, what theyve done. Theyre very antisemitic and lots of other things, he said. But theyre working with us on finding a solution, and, you know, theyre taken off that hot seat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the months since Columbia gave into Trumps demands, one of its peers, Harvard University, has fought a fierce legal battle to avoid following suit. Harvards defiance has earned it an escalating series of punishments$2.5 billion in frozen funds, a threat against its tax-exempt status, and a push to strip its ability enroll international students. Despite suffering losses in court, Trump has declared that he is winning the war. But Harvard wants to fight. They want to show how smart they are, and theyre getting their a-- kicked, the president said. Harvards president, Alan Garber, has urged other colleges and universities to fight back against Trump. I would say that we need to be firm in our commitments to what we stand for, he told NPR. President Donald Trump announced a total ban Wednesday on the entry of Haitian nationals into the United States and partially limited Cubans and Venezuelans from coming into the country, as part of a broader travel ban affecting several other nations. The White House published a proclamation that fully restricts and limits the entry of Haitian nationals and partially restricts and limits the entry of Cuban and Venezuelan nationals. The travel ban goes into effect on June 9. READ MORE: Trump travel ban: no exceptions for Cubans, Venezuelans. Other islands may join Haiti on list Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The travel ban is the latest of federal government move to clamp down on legal immigration from Cuba, Haiti and Venezuela in particular. On his first days in office, Trump asked his administration to evaluate what countries had insufficient vetting and screening that warranted visa suspensions. As a result of the proclamation, the United States will suspend the issuance of most immigrant and non-immigrant visas for Cubans and Venezuelans. Nationals from those countries seeking to travel on immigrant visas and tourism, business, student and academic non-immigrant visas visa categories B-1, B-2, B1/B-2, F, M, and J will not be allowed to enter the United States starting June 9. Meanwhile, there will be a full ban on entry into the U.S. for Haitian nationals. A Department of State spokesperson said that while the agency will not revoke current visas, its up to the Department of Homeland Security to decide whether they will allow the entry of nationals with current visas. Other nations affected by the full ban include Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. Countries affected by the partial ban include Burundi, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo and Turkmenistan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proclamation applies to nationals from the designated countries who are outside the United States and dont have a valid visa on the effective date of the proclamation. It notes there are exceptions for green-card holders, dual nationals who have a passport not designated under the travel ban, and immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, including minor children, parents and spouses with certain immigration visas. But U.S. citizens seeking to reunite with older children and siblings in the countries included in the ban will be affected. Diplomats, foreign government officials and members of international organizations fall under the exceptions. The United States must be vigilant during the visa-issuance process to ensure that those aliens approved for admission into the United States do not intend to harm Americans or our national interests, Trump said in the proclamation. In 90 days and every six months thereafter, the secretaries of State and Homeland Security must evaluate whether any suspensions should be continued or terminated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the annual Haiti Funders Conference in Boston on Wednesday evening, several attendees expressed shock and dismay at the development. Singling Haiti out for special treatment provides no protection to U.S. national security, but is another in a long line of transparently racist attacks against Haitians period, said Brian Concannon, executive director of the Boston-based Institute for Justice and Democracy. Trump declared in the proclamation that he views the measure as a way to protect the United States from terrorism and crime, and that the designated countries lack screening and vetting information for travelers. He added that the countries singled out cannot effectively manage the travel documents of their nationals. In the proclamation, the White House said Cuba is considered a state sponsor of terrorism and that its government does not cooperate on law enforcement matters or take back its own nationals as deportees. It also declared that Venezuela lacks a competent central authority for issuing passports or civil documents, and does not have appropriate screening and vetting measures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also pointed to Venezuelas traditional refusal of deportees, though independent information obtained by the Miami Herald show that over 4,600 Venezuelan nationals have been deported to Caracas in the last four months. The diplomatic relations between Caracas and Washington have been suspended in 2019 when the Trump administration recognized opposition leader Juan Guaido as the interim president of Venezuela. For both Venezuela and Cuba, the proclamation says that consular officials shall reduce the validity of other non-immigrant visas to the extent permitted by law. In Havana, the U.S. Embassy has not issued visitor visas since late 2017, with some exceptions made to allow the entry into the U.S. of a few humanitarian cases, activists, independent entrepreneurs, artists, among others. Most Cubans have since needed to apply for non-immigrant visas in third countries. Since Trump took office, the Cuban government has accepted a monthly flight with deportees from the U.S., as it has done since deportations flights to Cuba resumed on April 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the case of Haiti, the White House pointed to rates of overstay in the United States by visa holders and said the countrys lack of a centralized government means it cannot ensure nationals are not national security threats. The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince has not been processing visa requests in its consulate for at least two years, which also prompted many Haitians to apply for a Biden-era humanitarian parole program the Trump administration ended as soon as it came into office. The travel ban was announced as Haitians awaited to hear whether the Trump administration would extend or revoke Temporary Protected Status for more than 500,000 Haitians currently living in the U.S. Trump unsuccessfully attempted to end Haitis TPS during his first term, and experts and advocates fear it will happen again. Pierre Imbert, a Miami community leader and cofounder of Ayiti Community Trust and Hope on a String, noted that Wednesdays ban bars Haitians who are lifelines between their families on the island and South Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Access to the United States is key to sustaining families. But its not a one-way thing. You have a number of families in commerce in Haiti who go back and forth on a U.S. visa....Banning them from accessing the country is yet another chapter in the tragedy of Haiti, Imbert said. He highlighted how Haitians under the Biden admnistration had come legally through the humanitarian parole program because visa services on the island were either suspended or severely limited. The Trump administration ended the parole program for Haitians, and now they cannot enter on visas. Its not only unfair, but it fails the test of rational thinking, said Imbert, noting that many Haitian nationals attending the Boston conference will not be able to enter the United States in a few days. Guerline Jozef, co-founder and executive director of immigrant advocacy group Haitian Bridge Alliance, told the Miami Herald in a statement that its ironic that the United States views Haiti as a national security threat when the U.S. is the principal source of illegal weapons to Haitian gangs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wednesdays proclamation comes after the U.S. Supreme Court gave Trump the green light to go ahead with plans to suspend a Biden-era parole program known as CNHV that allowed over half a million immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela to live and work in the United States. In addition, the Trump administration ended Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelansa designation that had provided deportation protection to over 600,000 people. The Supreme Court has allowed Trump to move forward with the termination as litigation continues in the lower courts. Adelys Ferro, executive director of the Venezuelan American Caucus, based in South Florida, criticized the proclamation, calling it a clear display of racism and discrimination. They didnt even try to hide the racism, discrimination and xenophobia when drawing up this list. They dont bother anymore, Ferro said. She noted that the countries facing full or partial restrictions share a common thread: They are nations ravaged by war, dictatorships, famine, and death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement International human rights organizations such as Human Rights First, which has offices in New York City, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., condemned Trumps new travel ban, calling it a continuation of xenophobic policy. This return to divisive and racist policies to target entire populations marks yet another anti-immigrant and punitive action taken by President Trump, said Robyn Barnard, senior director of Refugee Advocacy at Human Rights First. The ban will harm refugees, asylum seekers and other vulnerable populations, including many who have been waiting to reunite with loved ones in our country. Bans do nothing to make our country secure, but rather undermine our national security and arbitrarily target those most in need of protection. This is not the first travel ban under a Trump administration. Trump first issued a travel ban in January 2017 during his first term, when he imposed a 90-day ban on nationals from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen, and barred entry for all refugees without a visa or valid travel documents for 120 days. In September 2017 a new proclamation expanded the restrictions, banning nationals from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, Chad, Venezuela and North Korea from entering the U.S. In the case of Venezuela, certain government officials and their immediate family members were banned, but not its nationals in general on tourist or business visas. (NewsNation) President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke on the phone for nearly 90 minutes Thursday, reaching what Trump called a very positive conclusion amid rising tensions over trade disputes. The conversation came at Trumps request, Chinese state media first reported. Trump later confirmed the call on social media. I just concluded a very good phone call with President Xi, of China, discussing some of the intricacies of our recently made, and agreed to, Trade Deal, Trump wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, Germanys new leader to talk Ukraine aid and trade We have a deal, Trump reportedly said. And were just going to make sure that everyone understands what the deal is. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and top trade representative Jamieson Greer are expected to meet with Chinese officials shortly at a location to be determined. During the conversation, President Xi graciously invited the First Lady and me to visit China, and I reciprocated. As Presidents of two Great Nations, this is something that we both look forward to doing, Trump said on social media. China, US caught in tariff standoff Prior to Thursdays call, both countries had accused the other of violating trade agreements amid tense tariff negotiations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, Bessent accused China of disrupting the supply chains of India and Europe, and Trump accused China of totally violating a 90-day agreement reached last month. The deal slashed Trumps sky-high tariffs on Chinese imports from 145% to 30%, while Beijing dropped its own from 125% to 10%. Trump, Germanys new leader to talk Ukraine aid and trade On Tuesday, a spokesperson for Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs said his country has responsibly and faithfully upheld its end of the agreement. Without any factual basis, the U.S. falsely accuses and smears China, and has taken extreme suppression measures against China such as new chip export controls, blocking EDA sales, and announcing plans to revoke Chinese students visas, spokesperson Lin Jians statement reads in part. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NewsNations Robert Sherman contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. US President Donald Trump imposed a travel ban on 12 countries on Wednesday, citing security risks. "As President, I must act to protect the national security and national interest of the United States and its people," Trump said in a proclamation. "We will restore the travel ban, some people call it the Trump travel ban, and keep the radical Islamic terrorists out of our country that was upheld by the Supreme Court." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ban fully restricts the entry of nationals from 12 countries: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Those from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela will be partially restricted, Trump's proclamation adds. In a video on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said new countries may be added "as threats emerge" around the world. "In the 21st century we've seen one terror attack after another carried out by foreign visa over-stayers from dangerous places all over the world." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Restrictions could also be removed, if "material improvements" were made, he added. "Very simply we cannot have open migration from any country where we can not safely and reliably vet and screen those who seek to enter the United States," he said. "We will not allow people to enter our country who wish to do us harm, and nothing will stop us from keeping America safe." A fact sheet issued by the White House stated that some of the named countries had "inadequate screening and vetting processes, hindering America's ability to identify potential security threats before entry." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other countries "exhibit high visa overstay rates," or did not cooperate in sharing identity and threat information, it added. Trump placed travel restrictions on a group of predominantly Muslim nations as one of his first presidential acts after he first took office in 2017. Several federal courts tried to block the ban, before the Supreme Court ruled in 2018 that it was "squarely within the scope of Presidential authority." His latest travel ban is due to take effect from Monday, the proclamation said. Key Point The current administration announced a travel ban on citizens entering the U.S. from 12 countries, along with severe restrictions on those traveling from seven additional nations that will go into effect on June 9. Here's what you need to know. On Wednesday, President Donald Trump announced a travel ban on citizens entering the U.S. from 12 countries, along with severe restrictions on those traveling from seven additional nations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the announcement by the White House, nationals from Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen are banned from entering the United States effective 12:01 a.m. on June 9. Those from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela will also face heightened restrictions. "In Executive Order 14161 of January 20, 2025 (Protecting the United States From Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats), I stated that it is the policy of the United States to protect its citizens from aliens who intend to commit terrorist attacks, threaten our national security, espouse hateful ideology, or otherwise exploit the immigration laws for malevolent purposes," Trump shared in the announcement. "I also stated that the United States must be vigilant during the visa-issuance process to ensure that those aliens approved for admission into the United States do not intend to harm Americans or our national interests." For Americans, the U.S. State Department has travel advisories with a "Do Not Travel" list. Of the travel ban nations, several countries have a level 4 travel rating: Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Venezuela, and Yemen. That said, the travel advisory is a suggestion and Americans are not banned by the U.S. government for entering the aforementioned countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Associated Press, many of the countries on the new ban list were also included in Trump's travel ban during his first term. The AP also reported that Trump shared an additional message on social media tying the travel ban to a terrorism attack in Colorado on Sunday, in which a man threw a gasoline bomb into a gathering of pro-Israel demonstrators. However, the suspect in that incident is Egyptian, which does not appear on this new list of banned countries. Several aid groups have already condemned the ban, with Abby Maxman, president of Oxfam America, telling the AP, "This policy is not about national securityit is about sowing division and vilifying communities that are seeking safety and opportunity in the United States." Shawn VanDiver, the president and board chairman of #AfghanEvac, a nonprofit assisting in the resettlement of Afghans in the United States, shared in a statement with multiple outlets that while the Trump administration has made an exception for special immigrant visas for Afghans who were employed by the U.S. government, that still leaves "tens of thousands of Afghans with pending casesespecially family members[who] will now be blocked from reaching safety, regardless of their loyalty to the United States or prior vetting." He added, "To include Afghanistana nation whose people stood alongside American service members for 20 yearsis a moral disgrace. It spits in the face of our allies, our veterans, and every value we claim to uphold." Some nations also appear unfazed about the ban or restrictions. According to CNN, Diosdado Cabello, Venezuela's Minister of Interior, Justice, and Peace, shared on local television that traveling to or being in the U.S." ... is a big risk for anybody, not just for Venezuelans ... They persecute our countrymen, our people for no reason." Cabello added, "If you're really that foolish, then go to the United States." Read the original article on Travel & Leisure US President Donald Trump has described Ukraine's Operation Spider's Web, which resulted in the destruction of Russian strategic aviation aircraft, as "strong" and "badass". Source: Axios, citing its sources who discussed the Ukrainian operation with Trump, as reported by European Pravda Details: The sources stated that Trump was also worried the Ukrainian drone attack could complicate his efforts to broker a ceasefire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Axios notes that Trump remained notably reserved in public when asked about his personal reaction to the Ukrainian strike. However, in private, he was enthusiastic. "Pretty strong," Trump told one of his confidants, who conveyed his words to Axios. "He thought it was badass," another source said of Trumps reaction. One of Trumps advisers commented: "From an international perspective, you've got a chihuahua inflicting some real damage on a much bigger dog". Meanwhile, Trump has also told people he met in recent days that the drone attack is likely to push Russian ruler Vladimir Putin into taking very serious retaliatory steps, another informed source said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That source added Trump is concerned the situation might derail his diplomatic initiative, which has led to the first direct talks between Ukraine and Russia in three years. "We want this war to end. We want it to de-escalate. So if Putin goes crazy in response, yeah, the president has concerns," said another source who spoke to Trump. One reason for concern in the White House is that the Ukrainian attack targeted strategic bombers, which are capable of carrying nuclear weapons and are a key component of Russias nuclear deterrence. "This is a very dangerous point," a US official stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The source said Trump was not surprised by the Ukrainian strike "because this is what happens when the war continues". "But he is concerned that it will prolong the fighting. He wants the fighting to stop, so it disappoints him whenever there is an attack like that," a senior White House official said. Despite these concerns, Trump was impressed by Ukraines actions. Background: On 4 June, US President Donald Trump said he had had a "good conversation" with Russian ruler Vladimir Putin. Trump added that Putin "did say, and very strongly, that he will have to respond to the recent attack on the airfields". The North Atlantic Alliance hailed Ukraine's Operation Spider's Web targeting Russian strategic aircraft as highly successful. Meanwhile, the White House stated that Ukraine has increased the level of risk through its actions. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! President Donald Trump on Wednesday ordered the Department of Justice and White House counsel to launch an investigation into whether actions taken by former President Joe Biden are invalid, based on unfounded accusations that his aides made decisions for him. Aside from the fact that the president directly ordering an investigation into his former political opponent would probably have been an impeachable offense until a few months ago, this investigation is, for the most part, meritless. It does not allege any laws were broken nor any constitutional provisions. It is what it looks like: a fishing expedition designed to exact revenge on Trumps opponents and feed negative stories about Democrats to the press. The presidential memorandum Trump issued on Wednesday claims that former President Bidens aides abused the power of Presidential signatures through the use of an autopen [automatic signature] to conceal Bidens cognitive decline and assert Article II authority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This conspiracy marks one of the most dangerous and concerning scandals in American history, the memorandum states. The American public was purposefully shielded from discovering who wielded the executive power, all while Bidens signature was deployed across thousands of documents to effect radical policy shifts. It goes on to direct Attorney General Pam Bondi and White House Counsel David Warrington to investigate whether certain individuals conspired to deceive the public about Bidens mental state and unconstitutionally exercise the authorities and responsibilities of the President and the circumstances surrounding Bidens supposed execution of numerous executive actions during his final years in office, including executive orders, actions, proclamations, pardons and clemency grants. President Donald Trump launched an investigation into whether aides to former President Joe Biden covered up his age-related decline and used an autopen to authorize actions without informing him. SAUL LOEB via Getty Images The latter investigation into Bidens executive actions, tasked to Warrington, seeks to determine how many actions were signed by an autopen and who directed that the Presidents signature be affixed. This is aimed at making the argument that Bidens eleventh-hour pardons for Jan. 6 committee members and their family members, whom Trump wants to investigate; clemency grants for federal death row inmates, whom Trump wants to execute; and other presidential actions are unconstitutional and void. Trump has already stated these pardons and clemency grants are void, vacant, and of no further effect, on social media, despite the fact he has no authority to declare them as such. The premise of this investigation is largely unfounded. While it has been widely reported that Biden suffered from age-related decline and that his most inner circle tried, poorly, to hide this from those inside the White House and the public, there is no existing evidence to suggest that Bidens aides abused the power of Presidential signatures through the use of an autopen to conceal Bidens cognitive decline and assert Article II authority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This conspiracy emerged from the usual right-wing swamps with the typical misunderstanding of documents posted online. A speculative call for an investigation by Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey was picked up by The Heritage Foundations Oversight Project, which had already been compiling executive branch documents to see if Bidens signature was identical in each one. The conservative group examined signatures for Bidens pardons and posted online that all of the signatures looked exactly the same as though a machine signed them. There are at least two problems here. First, the Oversight Project largely relied on pardon documents posted to the Federal Registers online site. At the beginning of every presidents term, the president provides a single digital copy of their signature to the National Archives, which publishes the Federal Register, that is then affixed to all digital documents bearing the presidents signature. So, it is no surprise that all of the pardons have identical signatures because all documents posted to the Federal Register have the same signature for every president in the digital era. The second problem is less embarrassing for those claiming some kind of foul play here, but more consequential. That is that the Constitution does not state that the president must sign pardons or clemency grants or, really, anything except for bills passed by Congress. [H]e shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment, the Constitution states on pardons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats it. For comparison, the Constitution does require the president to sign bills passed by Congress for them to become law. If he approve he shall sign it, the Constitution states. But neither Trump nor right-wing groups and media are talking about bills, although that argument would likely be irrelevant anyways. (More on that later.) Trumps memorandum focuses on clemency grants, Executive Orders, Presidential memoranda, or other Presidential policy decisions. It also mentions that the White House issued over 1,200 Presidential documents [and] appointed 235 judges to the Federal bench. There is no constitutional requirement that a presidents signature be affixed to any of these actions, let alone that that signature be drafted by the presidents own hand. For decades, presidents have used autopens, the first of which was patented in the U.S. in 1803, to sign all manner of documents. A 1965 book examined John F. Kennedys use of the autopen and Lyndon Johnson showed the White Houses autopen off on the cover of The National Enquirer, acknowledging its use publicly for the first time. At the end of his term in office, President Barack Obama used the autopen to sign pardons while he vacationed in Hawaii. Former President Joe Biden has always stated that he made all of the decisions in his administration. Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune via Getty Images This is all perfectly legal and constitutional, according to a 1929 opinion by the solicitor general reported on by USA Today in 2017. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nobody but the president can exercise the power, but the power having been exercised the manner of making a record and evidence thereof is a mere detail which he can prescribe in accordance with what he deems to be the practical necessities and proprieties of the situation, that 1929 opinion states. As for the one line in the Constitution that directs the president to sign something bills passed by Congress the Justice Departments Office of Legal Counsel issued a legal opinion in 2005, written by Howard Nielsen (whom Trump appointed to a district court judgeship), that found it is constitutional for a president to use an autopen to sign legislation, whether he was present for the signing or not, so long as he directed it to be signed. Obama became the first president to sign legislation with an autopen in 2011. This opinion contains copious historical evidence for the use of autopen, or, as it was referred to in the past, facsimile signature, by presidents. In 1969, an Office of Legal Counsel opinion written by William Rehnquist, who would later be appointed Chief Justice of the United States, advised that the Secretary of State could sign extradition warrants for the President pursuant to a letter from the President to the Secretary requesting him to affix a facsimile of the Presidents signature, or to sign in his behalf, or both. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All that this required was provision for notification of and approval by the President prior to the signing, according to Rehnquists opinion. The question of whether the President should manually sign his name to a document is primarily one of propriety rather than of law, and it is within the Presidents discretion to determine which documents he wishes to personally sign and those with respect to which he wishes to delegate the signing to someone else in his behalf or have his own signature written or affixed by means other than his own hand, the Rehnquist opinion states. The only thing that is required is that the president be the one to order a document or bill to be signed. And Biden has repeatedly endorsed and defended all of the actions he took and signed during his presidency. Let me be clear: I made the decisions during my presidency. I made the decisions about the pardons, executive orders, legislation, and proclamations. Any suggestion that I didnt is ridiculous and false, Biden said in a statement in response to Trumps investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lack of any legal or constitutional issue here and the origins of the accusations against Biden and his aides as rooted in a half-baked, evidence-free conspiracy tell us all we need to know. This is, like so many actions taken in the second Trump administration, a pretext to launch investigations into Trumps political foes in order to produce rage bait content for the conservative media machine and punish those Trump promised to get revenge on. There is no law here, just simple vengeance. President Donald Trump issued a new travel suspension on June 4, banning individuals from 12 countries from entering the U.S. He is also imposing travel restrictions on people from seven additional nations. In the White House proclamation, Trump cited that the travel bans are a matter of national security. Trump stated that he had evaluated the different risks associated with individuals entering the U.S. on immigrant visas compared to nonimmigrant visas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the proclamation, Trump said those admitted on immigrant visas obtain lawful permanent resident status, which may present national security or public safety concerns different from those posed by nonimmigrants. The U.S. grants lawful permanent residents more long-term rights compared to nonimmigrants. The restrictions are scheduled to take effect on June 9, but it's likely that the latest travel ban could be challenged in court. List of countries banned by Trump Various allegations have been leveled against the 12 nations listed in Trump's presidential proclamation. He asserted that Somalia serves as a "safe haven" for terrorists, while Libya has a "historical terrorist presence." Here is the list of the 12 countries on Trump's travel ban: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Afghanistan Iran Somalia Libya Haiti Chad Congo-Brazzaville Equatorial Guinea Myanmar Eritrea Sudan Yemen What are the 7 countries that face travel restrictions? Residents from seven other nations face partial restrictions. Here are those countries: Cuba Venezuela Burundi Laos Sierra Leone Togo Turkmenistan This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Trump travel ban: See list of 12 countries denied entry to US The Trump administration on June 4, 2025, announced travel restrictions targeting 19 countries in Africa and Asia, including many of the worlds poorest nations. All travel is banned from 12 of these countries, with partial restrictions on travel from the rest. The presidential proclamation, entitled Restricting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats, is aimed at countries throughout the world for which vetting and screening information is so deficient as to warrant a full or partial suspension on the entry or admission of nationals from those countries. In a video that accompanied the proclamation, President Donald Trump said: The recent terror attack in Boulder, Colorado, has underscored the extreme dangers posed to our country by the entry of foreign nationals who are not properly vetted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latest travel ban reimposes restrictions on many of the countries that were included on travel bans in Trumps first term, along with several new countries. But this travel ban, like the earlier ones, will not significantly improve national security and public safety in the United States. Thats because migrants account for a minuscule portion of violence in the U.S. And migrants from the latest travel ban countries account for an even smaller portion, according to data that I have collected. The suspect in Colorado, for example, is from Egypt, which is not on the travel ban list. As a scholar of political sociology, I dont believe Trumps latest travel ban is about national security. Rather, Id argue, its primarily about using national security as an excuse to deny visas to nonwhite applicants. Terrorism and public safety In the past five years, the U.S. has witnessed more than 100,000 homicides. Political violence by militias and other ideological movements accounted for 354 fatalities, according to an initiative known as the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data, which tracks armed conflict around the world. Thats less than 1% of the countrys homicide victims. And foreign terrorism accounted for less than 1% of this 1%, according to my data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration says the U.S. cannot appropriately vet visa applicants in countries with uncooperative governments or underdeveloped security systems. That claim is false. The State Department and other government agencies do a thorough job of vetting visa applicants, even in countries where there is no U.S. embassy, according to an analysis by the CATO Institute. The U.S. government has sophisticated methods for identifying potential threats. They include detailed documentation requirements, interviews with consular officers and clearance by national security agencies. And it rejects more than 1 in 6 visa applications, with ever-increasing procedures for detecting fraud. Members of the Yemeni community and others wave American and Yemeni flags as they gather on the steps of Brooklyns Borough Hall to protest President Donald Trumps first travel ban on Feb. 2, 2017, in New York. AP Photo/Kathy Willens The thoroughness of the visa review process is evident in the numbers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorized foreign-born residents of the U.S. are far less likely than U.S.-born residents to engage in criminal activity. And unauthorized migrants are even less likely to commit crimes. Communities with more migrants authorized and unauthorized have similar or slightly lower crime rates than communities with fewer migrants. If vetting were as deficient as Trumps executive order claims, we would expect to see a significant number of terrorist plots from countries on the travel ban list. But we dont. Of the 4 million U.S. residents from the 2017 travel ban countries, I have documented only four who were involved in violent extremism in the past five years. Two of them were arrested after plotting with undercover law enforcement agents. One was found to have lied on his asylum application. One was an Afghan man who killed three Pakistani Shiite Muslim immigrants in New Mexico in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such a handful of zealots with rifles or homemade explosives can be life-altering for victims and their families, but they do not represent a threat to U.S. national security. Degrading the concept of national security Trump has been trying for years to turn immigration into a national security issue. In his first major speech on national security in 2016, Trump focused on the dysfunctional immigration system which does not permit us to know who we let into our country. His primary example was an act of terrorism by a man who was born in the U.S. The first Trump administrations national security strategy, issued in December 2017, prioritized jihadist terrorist organizations that radicalize isolated individuals as the most dangerous threat to the Nation not armies, not another 9/11, but isolated individuals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the travel ban is not really going to improve national security or public safety, then what is it about? Protesters wave signs during a demonstration against President Donald Trumps revised travel ban on May 15, 2017, in Seattle. AP Photo/Ted S. Warren Linking immigration to national security seems to serve two long-standing Trump priorities. First is his effort to make American more white, in keeping with widespread bias among his supporters against nonwhite immigrants. Remember Trumps insults to Mexicans and Muslims in his escalator speech announcing his presidential campaign in 2015. He has also expressed a preference for white immigrants from Norway in 2018 and South Africa in 2025. Trump has repeatedly associated himself with nationalists who view immigration by nonwhites as a danger to white supremacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Second, invoking national security allows Trump to pursue this goal without the need for accountability, since Congress and the courts have traditionally deferred to the executive branch on national security issues. Trump also claims national security justifications for tariffs and other policies that he has declared national emergencies, in a bid to avoid criticism by the public and oversight by the other branches of government. But this oversight is necessary in a democratic system to ensure that immigration policy is based on facts. 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 Kurzman, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Charles Kurzman has received funding for research on terrorism from the National Institute of Justice and the National Science Foundation. NEW YORK The hits against President Donald Trump came hard, fast and frequently at Wednesday nights debate for mayor in New York City as did candidates claims that theyd fight him most fiercely. Again and again, the nine contenders took turns presenting themselves as best-positioned to take on the Republican leader whose federal funding cuts, immigration agenda and interest in his Democratic-led hometown will define the next several years. They referenced him as often if not more often than frontrunner former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, the two largest targets in the race actually running as contenders. I know how to deal with Donald Trump because Ive dealt with him before, Cuomo declared, playing up his experience as a governor confronting Trump when Covid ravaged densely populated New York City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cuomo and Zohran Mamdani, the state assemblymember whos been polling in second place and closing the gap with the former governor, clashed over who poses a greater threat to the president. I am Donald Trumps worst nightmare as a progressive Muslim immigrant who actually fights for the things that I believe in, Mamdani said, stressing that Cuomos donors have also been Trump donors. Cuomo struck quickly and fiercely by referencing Mamdanis limited experience in government, quipping, Donald Trump would go through Mr. Mamdani like a hot knife through butter. This months Democratic primary for mayor in the countrys biggest city is unfolding as the Trump administration threatens New York City for being a sanctuary city limiting cooperation between federal immigration officers and local law enforcement. Trump has also targeted institutions like Columbia University, where encampments and demonstrations protesting Israel blanketed the campus last year and captured headlines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also will lead to the general election in November, where Adams a Trump-friendly Democrat will seek reelection as an independent. The mayor has sought to work with the administration, including with border czar Tom Homan on immigration enforcement, after the Trump Department of Justice instructed Manhattan prosecutors to drop their corruption case against him. Eric Adams case is permanently dismissed, he has denied wrongdoing and he has said hes not engaging in a quid pro quo with the Trump administration. Adrienne Adams, a newer entrant into the race for mayor, spent some of the debate arguing that she, as City Council speaker, has pushed back against Trumps alleged influence over Eric Adams. The legislative body has taken legal action to block the return of federal immigration officers to the Rikers Island jail complex, as directed by an Adams administration executive order. Brad Lander, the city comptroller, meanwhile, used some of his time on the debate stage to say he took charge in working to claw back funds the federal government docked from the deep-blue city. Look, when Donald Trump and Elon Musk stole that $80 million from New York Citys bank account, I uncovered it, Lander said. WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump is moving to block nearly all foreign students from entering the country to attend Harvard University, his latest attempt to choke the Ivy League school from an international pipeline that accounts for a quarter of the student body. In an executive order signed Wednesday, Trump declared that it would jeopardize national security to allow Harvard to continue hosting foreign students on its campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts. I have determined that the entry of the class of foreign nationals described above is detrimental to the interests of the United States because, in my judgment, Harvards conduct has rendered it an unsuitable destination for foreign students and researchers, Trump wrote in the order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a further escalation in the White Houses fight with the nations oldest and wealthiest university. A federal court in Boston blocked the Department of Homeland Security from barring international students at Harvard last week. Trumps order invokes a different legal authority. Trump invoked a broad federal law that gives the president authority to block foreigners whose entry would be detrimental to the interests of the United States. On Wednesday, he cited the same authority when announcing that citizens of 12 countries would be banned from visiting the U.S. and those from seven others would face restrictions. Trumps Harvard order cites several other laws, too, including one barring foreigners associated with terrorist organizations. In a statement Wednesday night, Harvard said it will continue to protect its international students. This is yet another illegal retaliatory step taken by the Administration in violation of Harvards First Amendment rights, university officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It stems from Harvards refusal to submit to a series of demands made by the federal government. It has escalated recently after the Department of Homeland Security said Harvard refused to provide records related to misconduct by foreign students. Harvard says it has complied with the request, but the government said the schools response was insufficient. The dispute has been building for months after the Trump administration demanded a series of policy and governance changes at Harvard, calling it a hotbed of liberalism and accusing it of tolerating anti-Jewish harassment. Harvard defied the demands, saying they encroached on the universitys autonomy and represented a threat to the freedom of all U.S. universities. Trump officials have repeatedly raised the stakes and sought new fronts to pressure Harvard, cutting more than $2.6 billion in research grants and moving to end all federal contracts with the university. The latest threat has targeted Harvards roughly 7,000 international students, who account for half the enrollment at some Harvard graduate schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Admission to the United States to study at an elite American university is a privilege, not a right, Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a post on X. This Department of Justice will vigorously defend the Presidents proclamation suspending the entry of new foreign students at Harvard University based on national security concerns. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., called the measure ridiculous and said it has nothing to do with national security. Its a thinly veiled revenge ploy in Trumps personal feud with Harvard, and continued authoritarian overreach against free speech, Jayapal said on the social media site X. The order applies to all students attempting to enter the United States to attend Harvard after the date of the executive order. It provides a loophole to allow students whose entry would benefit the national interest, as determined by federal officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps order alleges that Harvard provided data on misconduct by only three students in response to the Homeland Security request, and it lacked the detail to gauge if federal action was needed. Trump concluded that Harvard is either not fully reporting its disciplinary records for foreign students or is not seriously policing its foreign students. These actions and failures directly undermine the Federal Governments ability to ensure that foreign nationals admitted on student or exchange visitor visas remain in compliance with Federal law, the order said. For foreign students already at Harvard, Secretary of State Marco Rubio will determine if visas should be revoked, Trump wrote. The order is scheduled to last six months. Within 90 days, the administration will determine if it should be renewed, the order said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A State Department cable sent last week to U.S. embassies and consulates said federal officials will begin reviewing the social media accounts of visa applicants who plan to attend, work at or visit Harvard University for any signs of antisemitism. In a court filing last week, Harvard officials said the Trump administrations efforts to stop Harvard from enrolling international students have created an environment of profound fear, concern, and confusion. Countless international students have asked about transferring from the university, Harvard immigration services director Maureen Martin said in the filing. 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) President Donald Trump is moving to block nearly all foreign students from entering the country to attend Harvard University, his latest attempt to choke the Ivy League school from an international pipeline that accounts for a quarter of the student body. In an executive order signed Wednesday, Trump declared that it would jeopardize national security to allow Harvard to continue hosting foreign students on its campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts. I have determined that the entry of the class of foreign nationals described above is detrimental to the interests of the United States because, in my judgment, Harvards conduct has rendered it an unsuitable destination for foreign students and researchers, Trump wrote in the order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a further escalation in the White Houses fight with the nations oldest and wealthiest university. A federal court in Boston blocked the Department of Homeland Security from barring international students at Harvard last week. Trumps order invokes a different legal authority. Trump invoked a broad federal law that gives the president authority to block foreigners whose entry would be detrimental to the interests of the United States. On Wednesday, he cited the same authority when announcing that citizens of 12 countries would be banned from visiting the U.S. and those from seven others would face restrictions. Trumps Harvard order cites several other laws, too, including one barring foreigners associated with terrorist organizations. In a statement Wednesday night, Harvard said it will continue to protect its international students. This is yet another illegal retaliatory step taken by the Administration in violation of Harvards First Amendment rights, university officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It stems from Harvards refusal to submit to a series of demands made by the federal government. It has escalated recently after the Department of Homeland Security said Harvard refused to provide records related to misconduct by foreign students. Harvard says it has complied with the request, but the government said the school's response was insufficient. The dispute has been building for months after the Trump administration demanded a series of policy and governance changes at Harvard, calling it a hotbed of liberalism and accusing it of tolerating anti-Jewish harassment. Harvard defied the demands, saying they encroached on the universitys autonomy and represented a threat to the freedom of all U.S. universities. Trump officials have repeatedly raised the stakes and sought new fronts to pressure Harvard, cutting more than $2.6 billion in research grants and moving to end all federal contracts with the university. The latest threat has targeted Harvards roughly 7,000 international students, who account for half the enrollment at some Harvard graduate schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Admission to the United States to study at an elite American university is a privilege, not a right, Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a post on X. This Department of Justice will vigorously defend the Presidents proclamation suspending the entry of new foreign students at Harvard University based on national security concerns. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., called the measure ridiculous and said it has nothing to do with national security. Its a thinly veiled revenge ploy in Trumps personal feud with Harvard, and continued authoritarian overreach against free speech, Jayapal said on the social media site X. The order applies to all students attempting to enter the United States to attend Harvard after the date of the executive order. It provides a loophole to allow students whose entry would benefit the national interest, as determined by federal officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps order alleges that Harvard provided data on misconduct by only three students in response to the Homeland Security request, and it lacked the detail to gauge if federal action was needed. Trump concluded that Harvard is either not fully reporting its disciplinary records for foreign students or is not seriously policing its foreign students. These actions and failures directly undermine the Federal Governments ability to ensure that foreign nationals admitted on student or exchange visitor visas remain in compliance with Federal law, the order said. For foreign students already at Harvard, Secretary of State Marco Rubio will determine if visas should be revoked, Trump wrote. The order is scheduled to last six months. Within 90 days, the administration will determine if it should be renewed, the order said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A State Department cable sent last week to U.S. embassies and consulates said federal officials will begin reviewing the social media accounts of visa applicants who plan to attend, work at or visit Harvard University for any signs of antisemitism. In a court filing last week, Harvard officials said the Trump administrations efforts to stop Harvard from enrolling international students have created an environment of profound fear, concern, and confusion. Countless international students have asked about transferring from the university, Harvard immigration services director Maureen Martin said in the filing. ___ Associated Press writer Cheyanne Mumphrey in Phoenix contributed to this report. ___ The Associated Press education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. In a Washington full of big money and bigger personalities, its shaping up to be the breakup of the decade. And its happening for all the world to see. President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, his onetime close adviser and top political benefactor, on Thursday began sparring in a bitter, public feud that could have lasting implications for the worlds richest man, the president and the entire Republican Party. Almost nothing seemed off limits as the two parried Musk suggested the president should be impeached, Trump threatened Musks companies, and Musk even threw out allegations related to Jeffrey Epstein. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The blowup which many had long predicted was inevitable comes less than a week after the two stood side by side in the Oval Office highlighting their bond and fawning over each others efforts and talent. But the GOP megabill, Trumps signature legislation, which could undermine Musk's businesses by withdrawing extremely valuable subsidies, shattered what many had always assumed was an alliance of convenience. And it rocketed from a relatively civil policy disagreement to a blowup threatening to derail the presidents agenda and Musks personal fortune. Musk had spent three days criticizing the bill, which he called a disgusting abomination, and the Republicans in the House who voted for it, but Trump had largely held his tongue, though he and close aides were privately frustrated. But by Thursday morning Trump had clearly had enough. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elon and I had a great relationship, Trump told reporters during an Oval Office meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. I dont know if we will anymore. He later said he was very disappointed in Elon and suggested Musk was suffering from Trump derangement syndrome. Boom. Musk, who had shattered fundraising records when he spent nearly $300 million to help sweep Trump into the White House, swiftly hit back, saying minutes later on his social media platform X: Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate. He added: Such ingratitude. The explosion mushroomed from there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump who had given Musk broad powers with little oversight as part of the Department of Government Efficiency to slash through the federal government, rooting out so-called waste, fraud and abuse said on Truth Social, The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elons Governmental Subsidies and Contracts, which are reportedly worth $38 billion. In response to Trumps threat, Musk said his rocket company, SpaceX, would begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft immediately. The U.S. government uses Dragon to transport astronauts and cargo to the International Space Station. The stock price for Tesla, which has been bolstered by billions of dollars in government subsidies, fell over 14 percent Thursday afternoon. The automaker, the source of much of Musks wealth, has suffered a series of financial blows during Musks time in the White House. Ahead of his exit, Musk attributed his departure from Washington to needing to focus on nurturing the beleaguered company. Trump also alleged that Musk had been wearing thin during his time in the White House, and that hed asked him to leave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk retorted with a barrage of X posts of his own. Such an obvious lie. So sad, he said of the allegation. Then he dropped what he called the really big bomb. Trump is in the Epstein files, he said, referring to the records of the investigation into the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. That is the real reason they have not been made public, Musk said, adding: Mark this post for the future. The truth will come out. In February, the Department of Justice released what it called the first phase of documents related to the Epstein investigation, which has been a fixation of some of the presidents supporters. It has long been public that Trump along with other prominent figures, like Bill Clinton are referenced in documents released in court cases surrounding Epstein. But Trump is not accused of any wrongdoing linked to Epstein. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House blamed Musk's comments on Thursday on his disapproval of the GOP megabill. This is an unfortunate episode from Elon, who is unhappy with the One Big Beautiful Bill because it does not include the policies he wanted," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. "The President is focused on passing this historic piece of legislation and making our country great again. Trump and Musk have been at odds over policy before Musk, for example, slammed Trumps sweeping tariff regime, which would damage his businesses but the contention over the megabill laid bare a broader rupture between the two former allies. In the White House on Thursday, Trump claimed that Musk had known the inner workings of this bill better than almost anybody and he had no problem with it. But, Trump said, Musk had been disturbed by a part of the bill that would cut subsidies for electric vehicles, which would undermine Tesla. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump also said Musk had been disappointed when the White House last week pulled the nomination for Jared Isaacman to lead NASA. Musk had pushed Isaacman for the role, Trump said, but the president had decided to select a different nominee because Isaacman happened to be a Democrat, like totally Democrat. Suddenly [Musk] had a problem, and he only developed the problem when he found out we're going to cut the EV mandate that's billions and billions of dollars, Trump said. Musk denied Trumps claim that he knew the inner workings of the bill, writing in another post that it was never shown to me even once. Keep the EV/solar incentive cuts in the bill, even though no oil & gas subsidies are touched (very unfair!!), but ditch the MOUNTAIN of DISGUSTING PORK in the bill, Musk said. Aaron Pellish contributed to this report. It's been eleven excruciating months since billionaire Elon Musk vociferously announced that he "fully" endorsed then-candidate Donald Trump following the failed assassination attempt against him during a rally in Pennsylvania. At first, Musk appeared to dislike the optics of donating tens of millions of dollars a month to the president's election campaign. But the burgeoning relationship quickly flourished into a full-on bromance, with Elon Musk even awkwardly jumping with joy on stage at an October campaign event. Things between the two got so serious, that Trump started riffing on the degree to which Musk had become glued to his side at Mar-a-Lago, like a rescue dog unwilling to part from his new master's side. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Elon wont go home. I cant get rid of him," Trump teased at a Capitol Hill meeting days after winning the election in November. "Until I dont like him," he added either knowingly or unknowingly prophesying the not-so-distant future. By all accounts, it's taken just over half a year for the intense relationship to turn sour yet again. Trump's enormous tax and spending bill, which passed the House and will go to the Senate in the coming weeks, has become the epicenter of a metastasizing feud between the two. An incensed Musk has torched the bill as a "disgusting abomination" that allegedly undermines his gutting of the government with the newly-created Department of Government Efficiency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And it didn't take long for the president to push back. Over the weekend, the Trump administration pulled its nominee for the NASA administrator role, Jared Isaacman, who happened to be a hand-picked ally and close associate of Musk's. The move reportedly landed right on target, greatly angering the mercurial CEO, and causing him to lash out against Trump's so-called "big, beautiful bill." He reportedly whined that he had wasted hundreds of millions of dollars getting the president elected, indicating major regret over siding with the president. On Wednesday, House speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) told reporters that Trump is "obviously not delighted that Elon did a 180," saying he was shocked himself by the entrepreneur's about-face. It certainly wouldn't be the first time Musk has thrown his considerable influence to oppose a bill in Congress. In December, Musk made repeated calls to torpedo a bipartisan spending bill, efforts that ultimately succeeded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But this time around, the tone feels dramatically different. Musk has made plenty of enemies in Washington, on both sides of the aisle, throughout his chaotic tenure as a "special government employee." Trump officials have balked at his attempts to control the narrative, overstep boundaries, and even hand-pick cabinet members. Now that Musk has declared war on the Republican party, calling on all Americans to "fire all politicians who betrayed the American people" during next year's midterm elections, it's clear that his bromance with Trump has exploded spectacularly. "Im sorry, but I just cant stand it anymore," Musk tweeted. "Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it." Whether Musk was exclusively talking about the spending bill or unconsciously voicing his regrets about having sided with Trump who's become known for his boundless levels of pettiness, unpredictability, and arrogance will likely remain a mystery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Johnson finds himself in the middle of an all-out brawl, desperately trying to put the pieces back together again and rescue a political party in crisis. "I called Elon last night, and he didnt answer, but, uh, hope to talk to him today," Johnson told reporters on Wednesday. More on the bromance: Musk Privately Complaining That His Immense Donations to Trump Didn't Even Buy Him Control of NASA President Trump told reporters Thursday that Elon Musk opposes his big, beautiful bill because it removes the electric vehicle mandate that subsidizes Tesla. Musk responded in real time, only adding more speculation as to just how amicable their political divorce really is. Trump was asked about the status of his relationship with Musk while meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the White House. In recent days, as Trump and Musk have gone from being attached at the hip (and pocket) to publicly feuding over the most defining legislation of Trumps second term. Elons upset because we took the E.V. mandate, which was a lot of money for electric vehicles, and you know theyre having a hard time, the electric vehicles. And they want us to pay billions of dollars in subsidy, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. Elon knew this from the beginning, he knew it for a long time ago, thats been. I would say, JD, that hasnt changed, he said, as Vice President Vance voiced his agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whatever. Keep the EV/solar incentive cuts in the bill, even though no oil & gas subsidies are touched (very unfair!!), but ditch the MOUNTAIN of DISGUSTING PORK in the bill, Musk replied rather bitterly on X, the platform he owns. In the entire history of civilization, there has never been legislation that[s] both big and beautiful. Everyone knows this! Either you get a big and ugly bill or a slim and beautiful bill. Slim and beautiful is the way. X Elon Musk @elonmusk: Whatever. Keep the EV/solar incentive cuts in the bill, even though no oil & gas subsidies are touched (very unfair!!), but ditch the MOUNTAIN of DISGUSTING PORK in the bill. In the entire history of civilization, there has never been legislation that both big and beautiful. Everyone knows this! Either you get a big and ugly bill or a slim and beautiful bill. Slim and beautiful is the way. https://x.com/cb_doge/status/1930658555612324271/video/1 12:19 PM Jun 5, 2025 3M Views This is the most recent installment in a somewhat surprising spat, as Musk has spent months hailing Trump and his agenda as he carried out his slash-and-burn work as DOGE head. Now, right as Musk makes his exit from the administration, he has fallen on the side of the deficit hawks, the few true fiscal conservatives left in the Senate. The Congressional Budget Office projects that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will add $2.4 trillion to the deficit. Musk continued to rail against Trump and his bill online as Trump expressed disappointment with Musk in real life. Elon endorsed me very strongly, he actually campaigned for me. I wouldve won Pennsylvania easily anyway, even if the governor ran, the real governor, Trump said. Im very disappointed, because Elon knew the inner workings of the bill better than almost anybody sitting here, better than you people, he knew everything about it. All of a sudden he had a problem, and he only developed the problem when he found out that were gonna have to cut the E.V. mandate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He knew every aspect of this bill, and he never had a problem until right after he left. And if you saw the statements he made about me, which Im sure you can get very easily, its very fresh he said the most beautiful things about me, Trump continued. And he hasnt said bad about me personally, but Im sure thatll be next. Im very disappointed in Elon. Ive helped Elon a lot. False, this bill was never shown to me even once and was passed in the dead of night so fast that almost no one in Congress could even read it! Musk replied. Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate, he wrote. Such ingratitude. X Elon Musk @elonmusk: Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate. 12:46 PM Jun 5, 2025 898.9K Views It was easy to see a rift between these two extreme personalities happen, but perhaps not over this. It would seem that Musk, given his senior role on the campaign and within the administration, would have some sense that the budget bill that Trump had been hyping up for months would impact the deficit. Or is Musk really just now realizing that Republicans dont actually care about decreasing the deficit and cutting spending unless its for social programs and woke stuff? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now the X posts are flying and the beef seems real. This caps off a tumultuous week for Musk, who pulled up to his DOGE exit press conference last Friday with a black eye, telling reporters that his 5-year-old son punched him in the face. It was also reported last week that he has a ketamine dependency and was frequently high while on the campaign trail. Politics aside, this is a man who was living at Mar-a-Lago for months, and seemed inseparable from the president. They cant just have a meeting or a phone call instead of talking around each other on X or at press conferences? President Donald Trump has ordered an investigation into former President Joe Bidens actions as president via a memorandum asking "who ran the United States while President Biden was in office." The memo alleges that Biden and his aides hid his serious cognitive decline during the latter part of his presidency and suggested others had been making important decisions for him. Biden responded by calling the claims ridiculous and false. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration announced the investigation on Wednesday evening. The investigation will seek to determine if "certain individuals conspired to deceive the public about Bidens mental state and unconstitutionally exercise the authorities and responsibilities of the President." By calling into question who wielded executive power during Bidens presidency, the Trump administration appears to be positioning itself to undermine the legitimacy of his executive actions, including pardons, executive orders, and legislation signed into law. The memo also mandates an investigation into all of Biden's executive actions during his "final years in office, examining policy documents signed with an autopen, who authorized its use, and the validity of the resulting Presidential policy decisions." President Donald Trumps administration announced it has opened an investigation into former President Joe Bidens executive actions, alleging that his aides covered up his serious cognitive decline and insinuating that Biden was not running the country during his time in office (POOL/AFP via Getty Images) "In recent months, it has become increasingly apparent that former President Biden's aides abused the power of Presidential signature through the use of an autopen to conceal Biden's cognitive decline and assert Article II authority," the Trump memorandum says. "This conspiracy marks one of the most dangerous and concerning scandals in American history." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The memorandum accuses Biden's aides of restricting "his news conferences and media appearances, scripting his conversations with lawmakers, government officials, and donors," and calling into question the actions taken during his time in office. After the announcement, Biden released a statement saying: Let me be clear: I made the decisions during my presidency. I made the decisions about the pardons, executive orders, legislation, and proclamations. Any suggestion that I didnt is ridiculous and false. This is nothing more than a distraction by Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans who are working to push disastrous legislation that would cut essential programs like Medicaid and raise costs on American families, all to pay for tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy and big corporations. White House counsel David Warrington has been tapped to lead the investigation, with Attorney General Pam Bondi consulting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier on Wednesday, Trump foreshadowed the memo in a typically apoplectic Truth Social post. With the exception of the RIGGED PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION OF 2020, THE AUTOPEN IS THE BIGGEST POLITICAL SCANDAL IN AMERICAN HISTORY!!! he wrote on his social media platform. The announcement comes on the heels of a Reuters report that Ed Martin, the Justice Department's pardon attorney, had told staff on June 2 that he had been directed to investigate clemency and pardons that had been granted during the Biden administration, particularly during the final days of his administration. Democrats went on the defense within an hour of the memos release. Congressman Dan Goldman spoke to CNN and called Trumps investigation an attempt by the president to distract the American public from his numerous personal and political controversies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The idea of focusing on President Biden is a way of distracting from Donald Trump's efforts to completely undermine our democracy, to grift and engage in corruption, and to help out his billionaire buddies by cutting their taxes while taking Medicaid away from the American people, he said Wednesday evening. A recurring focus of the memorandum appears to be Biden's use of an autopen, a device that mechanically replicates a signature. Use of autopens is not uncommon for presidents nor is it illegal. Previous presidents, including Trump, have used the devices. During a press briefing on June 3, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that the Trump administration was not concerned about the use of the autopen, but rather if people other than Biden were using it to sign pardons, bills, or executive orders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's whether or not the president of the United States knew it was being used, and if not, who was using it in his name, which is clearly, illegal behavior," she said. Biden with Trump in the Oval Office. The Republican has questioned the legitimacy of many of his predecessors actions (AFP/Getty) The implication in the memorandum is that the Trump administration may try to roll back Bidens executive actions if it can establish that Biden was not aware or did not have the capacity to be aware that his signature was being used. Given clear indications that President Biden lacked the capacity to exercise his Presidential authority, if his advisors secretly used the mechanical signature pen to conceal this incapacity, while taking radical executive actions all in his name, that would constitute an unconstitutional wielding of the power of the Presidency, a circumstance that would have implications for the legality and validity of numerous executive actions undertaken in Biden's name, the memorandum says. The House Oversight Committee is also investigating Bidens use of the autopen, according to committee chair James Comer. Committee members have requested interviews with former Biden aides and others who allegedly engaged in the cover-up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is currently no evidence suggesting that anyone other than Biden used the autopen for his executive actions. Last month, Jake Tapper and Axios journalist Alex Thompson released a book Original Sin that alleges there was an effort by Bidens inner circle to cover-up the former presidents cognitive decline in an effort to present him as a viable candidate for the 2024 presidential election. Tapper, during an interview with Piers Morgan last week, said the scandal may be worse than Watergate. 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. Former White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has also hopped off the Biden train for the chance to write about him instead. The publisher of her upcoming book announced that she has left the Democratic Party and will release a tell-all book about her time in the Biden White House. In 2017, President Donald Trump insisted that his power to pardon was completea claim consistent with his generally absolutist views of the offices powers, and one also inherited from his predecessors. The President, in his action on pardon cases, is not subject to the control or supervision of anyone, said President Woodrow Wilsons attorney general. President Dwight Eisenhowers pardon attorney claimed that in exercising the power, the President is amenable only to the dictates of his own conscience. President Bill Clintons pardon attorney advised that any cooperation with congressional investigators on pardon matters was entirely voluntary. The pardon power is expansive, and also now a near-weekly tool to reward Trumps political allies. But just last week, a federal court punctured the popular idea that the power is somehow immune to a normal constitutional check. Among the recipients of Trumps January 6 pardons was John Sullivan, who turned a profit from selling video footage from the riotmoney the government later seized. Sullivan claimed, with the backing of the Justice Department, that the government must now reimburse him. Pardons are supposed to relieve a recipient from punishment, and so Sullivan argued that repayment should be a part of that promise. But the court ruled against him, concluding that funds may not be drawn from the Treasury without an appropriation, plain and simple. That is, any repayment would run through Congress, which decides how money is dispensed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case is nominally about whether a pardonee gets to reclaim seized property. But it is more fundamentally about the separation of powers. The president is vested with the power to pardon, while Congress is vested with the power to spend money. Sullivan received his pardon, but money is money, the Treasury is the Treasury, and the Constitution says what it says: Once money is in the Treasury, it can only be withdrawn pursuant to a Congressional appropriation, wrote the Reagan-appointed judge. This was not the first time this particular issue landed in court; the last time, interestingly enough, was after another insurrection. In 1868, President Andrew Johnson pardoned hundreds of thousands of former Confederates, including Herman Knote, whose property the federal government confiscated and sold during the Civil War. After receiving his pardon, Knote sued to claim the proceeds from the governments sale of his property, claiming, like Sullivan, that the pardon entitled him to the money. The Supreme Court disagreed. In Knote v. United States, the court held that while clemency lifts the punishment for a crime, the pardon power cannot simultaneously undermine other parts of the Constitutionin this case, again, Congresss power of the purse. Whilst a full pardon releases the offender from all disabilities imposed by the offense pardoned, the funds from the property sale had already been deposited into the Treasury. And unfortunately for Mr. Knote, once there, they can only be withdrawn by an appropriation by law. When the pardon power bumped up against another part of the Constitution, the former was not entitled to run roughshod over the latter. However large, therefore, may be the power of pardon possessed by the President, the court added, and however extended may be its application, there is this limit to it, as there is to all his powers. Presidents have nonetheless continued to claim that the pardon power is a kinglike exception to the rule; federal courts have also continued, in case after case, to remind them that they are wrong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1915, for instance, the Supreme Court found that President Wilson could not cleverly pardon a newspaper editor as a means of compelling his testimony to a grand jury by abrogating his right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment. The court held that the power of the President under the Constitution to grant pardons and the right of a witness must be kept in accommodation. In 1974, the court held that a presidents clemency powers include the authority to impose conditions on a commutation, provided those conditions do not violate other constitutional provisions. The exercise of the pardon power, said the court, cannot offend the Constitution. In other cases this year, the Justice Department has argued that Trumps January 6 pardons somehow cover criminal offenses unrelated to January 6. Courts, in response, have mostly balked. Last month, prosecutors moved to dismiss the gun possession conviction of an alleged drug dealer by claiming that the pardon covered the offense because it was discovered during a January 6related investigation. A district court denied the motion (a bad faith and unreasonable one, it added). The defendants lawyer also argued that courts dont have the authority to interpret a pardon, while prosecutors said courts should defer to the executive branchs own interpretationchallenging not just the potential check itself, but the authority to exercise a check in the first place. Again last month, a federal appellate court reasserted its constitutional authority to review the scope of a pardon, and struck down the Departments attempt to inappropriately apply it to separate crimes. Courts are playing their part. But as with the current administrations general assault on the rule of law, and despite insisting on their role in performing a constitutional check, courts alone are not going to rein in escalating abuses. Ever since President Richard Nixon dangled pardons to his Watergate henchmen, presidents have used the pardon power to self-dealgranting clemency to friends and family members and donors, and to obstruct investigations and reward loyalty. But nothing has come close to President Trumps abuse of the power. As a Washington Post investigation of all clemency acts during his first term concluded: Never before had a president used his constitutional clemency powers to free or forgive so many people who could be useful to his future political efforts. His second term appears no different. By one recent estimate, Trump has wiped out more than 700 years of prison time for his allies and supporters since retaking office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To make matters worse, while pardons can be used to commit certain crimes, like to bribe or obstruct justice, the Supreme Court issued an opinion last year that effectively immunizes a presidents official acts from criminal liability, including pardons. In recent months, a lucrative cottage industry of pardon shopping has formed, with pardon seekers paying big to lobby the presidents inner circle, according to The Wall Street Journal. The courts ruling now helps to insulate a president from criminal accountabilitysay, if it were discovered that a pardon functioned as a bribe. Yet the ruling does not insulate a president from congressional oversight. Both Democratic and Republican members of Congress have voiced alarm in recent months at expanding abusesDemocrats criticizing President Joe Bidens pardons of family members and Republicans denouncing Trumps January 6 pardons. They include Democratic Senator Adam Schiff, a longtime pardon reform champion, but also Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who suggested that Congress revisit the scope of the power. Bipartisan majorities of Americans also support clearer limits. There are two branches responsible for checking executive power, not one. A basic role for lawmakers could start with an investigation of pardon practices by recent administrations of both parties. This may seem far-fetched for our currently languishing legislature, but consider congressional hearings that examine the Hunter Biden pardon alongside Roger Stones. The exercise has bipartisan precedent: from Ford to Clinton, Republicans and Democrats have jointly investigated pardon abuses. A step further, Congress could work toward whats known as a sense of Congress resolutiona kind of joint statement of principlesto clarify the constitutional meaning of clemency. Resolutions are not law, but they can be important reassertions of political norms. Congress could also create new tools, such as passing legislation to specifically sharpen its pardon oversight tools, or even initiate discussion of a constitutional amendment. All of this is dependent upon a basic recognition that the pardon power is less invincible than many presidents would have us believe. Repeating the fanciful claim of an unchallengeable power does not make it so. What courts are offering is not just a constitutional check, but also a reminder that constitutional checks on the pardon power are well within the realm of the possible. U.S. President Donald Trump privately described Ukraine's drone strike on Russian strategic bombers as "strong" and "badass," Axios reported June 5, citing sources familiar with his reaction. The operation, carried out by Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) on June 1, targeted four Russian air bases deep inside the country. According to Kyiv, 41 aircraft were struck in the raid, causing an estimated $7 billion in damage. The targeted bases reportedly housed Tu-95 and Tu-22M3 bombers long-range platforms frequently used to launch cruise missiles at Ukrainian cities amid Russia's full-scale war. While Trump has remained silent in public about the attack, he reportedly expressed enthusiasm behind closed doors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He thought it was badass," one source told Axios. A second said Trump told a confidant the strike was "pretty strong." One of Trump's advisers reportedly likened the situation to a small but aggressive force managing to hurt a more powerful opponent, using a metaphor about a "chihuahua" attacking "a much bigger dog." On a TruthSocial post on June 4, Trump confirmed he had discussed the drone attack directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a phone call lasting over an hour. "We discussed the attack on Russia's docked airplanes by Ukraine, and also various other attacks that have been taking place by both sides," Trump wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Join our community Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Support Us Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov later confirmed that Putin had informed Trump of Russia's intent to respond to Ukraine's attack, according to state-run media outlet TASS. U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg earlier warned that the operation could lead to escalation. "When you attack an opponent's national survival system their nuclear triad the risk level goes way up," Kellogg told Fox News on June 3. Ukrainian officials say the drone assault codenamed Operation Spiderweb took 18 months to plan. SBU sources claim the attack was carried out using 117 drones launched from trucks inside Russian territory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kyiv Independent could not independently verify the scale of the damage. While Russian propagandists have attempted to downplay the strike, Putin himself has yet to make a public statement. Operation Spiderweb marks one of the most far-reaching Ukrainian operations of the war and underscores Kyiv's expanding capacity to strike targets far beyond the front lines. Read also: Putin rejects Zelenskys call for peace talks, accuses Ukraine of deadly bridge attack in Russia Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. US President Donald Trump once again refused to single out Russia as the agressor and instigator of the more than three-year conflict - in contrast to his German guest, Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who put the blame squarely on Moscow. When asked if he is willing to slap Russia with more sanctions, Turmp said: "When I see the moment when its not going to stop, well be very tough." But he added that he might hit Ukraine with sanctions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It could be on both countries it takes two to tango,"Trump said. Trump also likened Russia's war against Ukraine to two children who hate each other and are fighting in a playground, saying "sometimes youre better off letting them fight for awhile." Merz, however, was clear that Russia is the agressor and instigator of the conflict, while Trump was not so unequivacal. "We are on the side of Ukraine," Merz said, adding that Germany and the European Union are "trying to make them stronger and stronger." Later in the press conference German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, when asked if he agreed with that analogy, did not address the child comparison but said he and Trump agree that the war is bad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We both agree on this war and how terrible this war is going on and we are both looking for ways to stop it very soon." Merz said he told Trump that the US president "is the key person in the world who can really" put an end to the war by "putting pressure on Russia." He said he would speak about this in his one-on-one talks with Trump later on Thursday. Among the 19 countries President Donald Trump has issued a travel ban on is the Republic of the Congo, which, until now, the president has not singled out as a particular issue. Trump has accused the Congo the informal name for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a much larger country located next to the Republic of the Congo of releasing prisoners into the United States. Many, many people come from the Congo, Trump said during a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni last month. I dont know what that is, but they came from the Congo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DRC has firmly denied those allegations. Yet, the White House placed the Republic of the Congo, not the Democratic Republic of the Congo, on its restrictive travel ban list saying Republic of the Congo visa holders overstay by a rate, on average, of 29 percent. President Donald Trump has often blamed the Congo separate from the Republic of the Congo for allowing prisoners into the U.S. (AFP via Getty Images) One reason the DRC may have been excluded from the travel ban is because the country is trying to work out a mineral deal with the U.S. That deal could be finalized by the end of the month, according to the Financial Times. The Independent has asked the White House for further comment. Reviving the policy from his first administration, Trump announced full restrictions, for both immigrants and nonimmigrants, on Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Partial restrictions are also in place for Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. The Republic of the Congo has not publicly commented on the travel ban as of the publication of this story. But, the African Union Commission, the executive arm of the African Union, encouraged the U.S. to reconsider the full or partial ban on nine of its countries. Trump greeted Denis Sassou-Nguesso, the president of the Republic of the Congo, at the Notre-Dame reopening in November (Getty Images for Notre-Dame de P) The commission said it remains concerned about the potential negative impact of such measures on people-to-people ties, educational exchange, commercial engagement, and the broader diplomatic relations that have been carefully nurtured over decades. While recognising the sovereign right of all nations to protect their borders and ensure the security of their citizens, the African Union Commission respectfully appeals to the United States to exercise this right in a manner that is balanced, evidence-based, and reflective of the long-standing partnership between the United States and Africa, the commission said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far, Venezuela has been the first country to verbally challenge Trumps travel ban policy. Diosdado Cabello, the minister of the interior, justice, and peace, hit back at Trump shortly after the partial travel ban was announced, saying people should not travel to the U.S. anyway. Being in the United States is a great risk for anyone, not just for Venezuelans, Cabello said, according to translation. Cabello said those who govern the U.S. are fascist and persecute our people for no reason. Dahir Hassan Abdi, the Somali ambassador to the U.S., urged the U.S. to engage in a conversation with the Somali government instead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Somalia values its longstanding relationship with the United States and stands ready to engage in dialogue to address the concerns raised, Hassan said in a statement. Since the president began implementing strict immigration policies, other countries have also issued warnings about traveling to the U.S, including Germany, the U.K., Canada, France, Finland, and Denmark. President Trump said Egypt was not included on a proclamation banning travel into the U.S. from several countries on Thursday because they have things under control. Egypt has been a country that we deal with very closely. They have things under control. The countries that we have dont have things under control, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. Trump connected his second-term travel ban from 12 countries to an attack in Boulder, Colo., by an Egyptian national who overstayed his tourist visa. Mohamed Soliman, the alleged perpetrator, has been charged with a federal hate crime after attacking a march in Colorado intended to raise awareness about Israeli hostages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced Wednesday it would deport Soliman and his family including his wife and five children, four of whom are minors who all are Egyptian nationals. In a video message following the announcement of Trumps proclamation late Wednesday, Trump attempted to connect his travel ban to the Boulder attack but did not address the fact that Egypt, the home country of the perpetrator, was not on the list. Trumps proclamation banning travel into the United States for people from a dozen countries cited national security concerns. The proclamation, which echoes a travel ban Trump instituted in his first term, fully restricts the entry of nationals from Afghanistan, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also partially restricts entry into the U.S. for nationals coming from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela. The proclamation makes exceptions for nationals from all 19 of those countries who are lawful permanent residents of the United States or existing visa holders and individuals whose entry serves U.S. national interests. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 feud between Trump and Elon Musk has spilled out in to the open. Musk says that Trump wouldn't have won the 2024 election without him. Now, Trump is suggesting cancelling Musk's government contracts. President Donald Trump and Elon Musk don't seem to be buddies anymore. Trump on Thursday suggested cancelling Musk's government contracts, saying in a Truth Social post that it would be the "easiest way to save money in our Budget." He also said he had asked Musk to leave his administration because he was "wearing thin." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk, meanwhile, claimed credit for Trump's 2024 victory. "Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate," Musk wrote on X. "Such ingratitude," added Musk, who spent nearly $300 million to elect Trump and other Republicans last year. It comes after Musk spent days criticizing Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill," point to the bill's projected impact on the federal deficit. Musk has said that the bill undermines the work of DOGE, which has sought to cut billions of dollars in federal spending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans had mostly shrugged off Musk's criticism, and Trump had declined to weigh in publicly until he was asked about it during an Oval Office appearance on Thursday. "Look, Elon and I had a great relationship," Trump told reporters. "I don't know if we will anymore." During that appearance and later on Truth Social, Trump said that Musk's criticism of the bill stemmed primarily from the phase-out of the electric vehicle tax credit, which would likely impact his company, Tesla. "I took away his EV Mandate that forced everyone to buy Electric Cars that nobody else wanted (that he knew for months I was going to do!), and he just went CRAZY!" Trump wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Such an obvious lie," Musk responded on X. "So sad." Trump also said that Musk was lashing out because he "missed" being in the White House, suggesting he had "Trump derangement syndrome." "I'll be honest, I think he misses the place. I think he got out there and all of a sudden, he wasn't in this beautiful Oval Office," Trump said. "I'll tell you, he's not the first. People leave my administration, and they love us, and then at some point, they miss it so badly, and some of them embrace it, and some of them actually become hostile. I don't know what it is. It's sort of Trump derangement syndrome, I guess they call it." The feud over the bill broke into the open as GOP senators were beginning to leave town for the week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'm not getting involved in that whatsoever," Republican Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin told reporters of the spat. "I appreciate what President Trump's done. I appreciate Elon Musk, and Elon Musk paid a real heavy price for his service here." Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri was dismissive of Musk's claim that Trump wouldn't have won without him. "That sounds a little far-fetched to me," he told BI. Read the original article on Business Insider Does Donald Trump think that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is a Nazi? During a press conference with Merz Thursday, Trump seemed confused when the foreign leader brought up the anniversary of the D-Day invasion, when U.S. troops landed on the beaches in Normandy during World War II, on June 6, 1944. The military operation marked a significant turning point in the war against the Nazis. That was not a pleasant day for you? Trump asked Merz. The U.S. president then turned to the press, adding, This was not a great day! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No, that was not a pleasantwell, but in the long run, Mr. President, this was the liberation of my country from Nazi dictatorship, Merz said, as the U.S. president laughed. Trump quickly composed himself. Thats true, thats true, he said. MERZ: Tomorrow is the D Day anniversary, when the Americans ended a war in Europe TRUMP: That was not a pleasant day for you? This is not a great day MERZ: This was the liberation of my country from Nazi dictatorship pic.twitter.com/rcEDGopjVy Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 5, 2025 Trumps wild comment about Germanys defeat in World War II betrays a weak understanding of world history, framing the Nazis as simply a German political party and not a genocidal regime responsible for the murder of six million Jewish people, and millions of others. This strange remark is yet another installment of the presidents sympathetic ideas about Nazis. Last month, during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump suggested that some Nazi soldiers had treated their Jewish prisoners with love. Trump also infamously claimed that Hitler had done some good things. Despite Trumps gaffe, Merz continued, saying that Germany and other European countries were hoping for help from the United States once again, and hoped to discuss Trump putting more pressure on Russia to end its invasion of Ukraine. Long-simmering tensions between Donald Trump and Elon Musk exploded into public view on Thursday, as the President of the United States and the worlds richest man traded insults and threats over Musks opposition to a sweeping tax and spending bill central to Trumps second term agenda. Elon and I had a great relationship. I dont know if we will anymore, Trump told reporters during an Oval Office meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Im very disappointed in Elon. Ive helped Elon a lot. Musk, who until recently had been one of Trumps most powerful allies and biggest donors, fired back in real time on X, the social platform he owns. Without me, Trump would have lost the election, he wrote. Such ingratitude. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soon, both Musk and Trump were attacking each other via their respective social media platforms and reaching for the powerful levers within their reach. Musk floated the idea of bankrolling a new political party and urged Republicans to pick a side. Trump responded by openly threatening to upend billions of dollars in government partnerships connected to Musks businesses. The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elons Governmental Subsidies and Contracts, Trump wrote on Truth Social. Tesla shares slipped amid the turbulence. Musk later shared a post calling for impeaching Trump and replacing him with Vice President J.D. Vance. Rarely has a political breakup between a President and one of his most prominent allies unfolded so swiftlyor so publicly. But their clash confirmed what had already been visible behind the scenes: a once-close alliance built on political convenience had quickly collapsed over the course of a week. Just six days earlier, Trump and Musk were exchanging compliments in the Oval Office as Musk exited his powerful position as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency. Now Trump is dismissing Musk, his largest benefactor in the 2024 election, as just another one of his critics suffering from Trump Derangement Syndrome. Read more: As Musk Leaves DOGE, What Comes Next After the Billionaires Government Experiment? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump went on to suggest that he fired Musk from his role eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse in the government. Elon was wearing thin, I asked him to leave, Trump said, which Musk labeled such an obvious lie. Musks position as a special government employee expired last Friday, the day he formally left the Trump Administration. In response to a post on X about whose side Republicans should be on, Musk wrote, Oh and some food for thought as they ponder this question: Trump has 3.5 years left as President, but I will be around for 40+ years He later added, without providing evidence, that Trump is in the Epstein files, a cache of documents related to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. That is the real reason they have not been made public, he claimed. Have a nice day, DJT! The public feud is primarily centered around Musks criticism of Trumps one big, beautiful bill, which passed the House last month and now faces a contentious battle in the Senate. The package, a centerpiece of the Presidents domestic agenda, includes across-the-board tax cuts and sweeping reductions in federal spending. It also phases out key incentives for electric vehiclesan industry on which Musk has built much of his wealth and influence through Tesla. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk began his public campaign against the bill on Tuesday, using X, to call the package a disgusting abomination. Dozens more posts attacking it followed, with Musk warning that the bill would massively increase the already gigantic budget deficit and urging his more than 200 million followers to pressure lawmakers to KILL the BILL. Adding fuel to the fire was a new Congressional Budget Office estimate released this week that found the measure would increase the deficit by $2.4 trillion over the next decade, despite containing more than $1.2 trillion in proposed spending cuts. Read more: Trumps Big Beautiful Bill Stumbles in Senate as Musk Ramps Up Bid to Kill It It was a striking about face for Musk, who spent more than a quarter of a billion dollars backing Trump and other Republican candidates in the past year. Now he's threatening to put his money behind voting out anyone who supports the party's signature legislation. In November next year, we fire all politicians who betrayed the American people, Musk posted. While Trump and Musk previously exchanged public praiseTrump held a send-off ceremony for Musk in the Oval Office last Fridaythe President is now dismissing Musk's criticisms as self-serving. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He knew every aspect of this bill, Trump said in the Oval Office on Thursday afternoon. He knew it better than almost anybody, and he never had a problem until right after he left. Trump accused Musk of being upset over the removal of electric vehicle subsidies, a key provision that had made Tesla vehicles more affordable. He only developed the problem when he found out that we're gonna have to cut the EV mandate, Trump said. I know that disturbed him. Musk worked to refute Trump's allegations on X, asserting that "this bill was never shown to me even once," and that he was fine if "the EV/solar incentive cuts" remained in the bill. The issue, Musk insisted, was "the MOUNTAIN of DISGUSTING PORK in the bill." Trump also suggested that his break with Musk came after he withdrew the nomination of Jared Isaacmana Musk ally and veteran private astronaut with ties to his SpaceX companyto lead NASA. The move reportedly stunned Musk, who had spent heavily to support Trumps re-election, only to see a key ally cast aside. Trump, in turn, criticized Musks push for Isaacman, saying the nominee was totally Democrat, and suggesting he didnt owe Musk political favors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elon recommended somebody to run NASA and I didn't think it was appropriate, Trump said Thursday. We won, we get privileges, and one of the privileges is we dont have to appoint a Democrat. Read more: Revisiting Elon Musks Most Controversial Moments in the White House The Presidents tone in the Oval Office on Thursday was notably subdued, a contrast to the bravado he often reserves for critics. People leave my administration, and they love us, and then at some point they miss it so badly, Trump said. He added: They wake up in the morning, and the glamor is gone, and they become hostile. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The timing of the split is politically delicate. Trump is pushing to have sweeping legislation on his desk by July 4, but it faces opposition from Democrats, and some fiscally conservative Republicans alarmed by its impact on the deficit. Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, one of the Republicans threatening to vote against the bill, told TIME on Wednesday that he thinks Musks criticism will embolden some Republican skeptics in both the House and Senate. Last Friday, Musk said that he hoped to continue to be a friend and adviser to the President after leaving the Administration. That wish did not last even a week. I dont mind Elon turning against me, Trump posted Thursday afternoon, but he should have done so months ago. Write to Nik Popli at nik.popli@time.com. US President Donald Trump has admitted he has not reviewed the draft legislation proposing sweeping sanctions against Russia, a bill backed by nearly all US senators. Source: Trump at the White House during the visit of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, as reported by European Pravda Details: Asked by a journalist whether he had seen the sanctions bill put forward by Republican Lindsey Graham and Democrat Richard Blumenthal, Trump said: "I had not looked at it". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "But they [the senators] will be guided by me. Thats how it is supposed to be," he added. The US president said he would "very quickly" examine the bill if necessary. "It could very well be okay. I have to see. They [the senators] are waiting for me to decide on what to do. And I'll know. Maybe very soon," Trump noted. Background: US senators have regularly issued warnings about hitting Russia with what they describe as "bone-crushing" sanctions, though these measures have not yet been enacted. Trump has previously stated that he refrains from imposing sanctions on Russia if he believes it could "screw up" the making of a deal. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! President Donald Trump has ordered an investigation into whether the mental decline of Joe Biden led to his staff covering up his health issues. While Trump has so far remained silent on Elon Musks takedown of his Big, Beautiful Bill, he is now on the hunt to discover who ran the United States while President Biden was in office. Trumps memorandum, released on Wednesday, is an extension of the presidents seeming obsession with Bidens possible use of an autopen to sign documents, including pardons. Trump wants to determine whether the use of an automated signature might impact the legality and validity of numerous executive actions undertaken in Bidens name. Donald Trump has launched an investigation into Joe Biden's autopen usage. / Leah Millis / REUTERS This conspiracy marks one of the most dangerous and concerning scandals in American history, writes Trump in the memo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bidens cognitive issues and apparent mental decline during his Presidency were even worse in private, and those closest to him tried to hide it from the public, he continues. The document also claims that Bidens advisors intentionally limited his time in front of the media and wrote scripts for his conversations with lawmakers, government officials, and donors, all to cover up his inability to discharge his duties. Trump goes on to accuse Bidens aides of abusing the power of Presidential signatures by using an autopen, a digital device that automates a persons signature, in an attempt to conceal Bidens cognitive decline and assert Article II authority. Article II establishes the power given directly to the president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump directed Attorney General Pam Bondi and White House counsel David Warrington to oversee the investigation. One specific goal of the investigation will be to uncover any agreements between Bidens aides to cooperatively and falsely deem recorded videos of the Presidents cognitive inability as fake. Former U.S. President Joe Biden pictured last week. / Ken Cedeno / REUTERS On Tuesday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt was asked about the difference in presidential signatures on some of Bidens pardons during his time in office. The President is making a good point when he discusses the usage of the autopen. Leavitt said. Who was running the country for the past four years?" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biden, who last month announced he has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, issued more pardons and commutations than any administration in United States history, according to the new memorandum. The document calls into question whether Biden was even aware of the actions being undertaken in his nameespecially those that were authorized via autopen versus his actual signature. Happier times - President Donald Trump, First lady Melania Trump Joe Biden in January 2025. / Chris Kleponis / via REUTERS The Daily Beast has reached out to Joe Biden for comment. In 2005, President George W. Bushs Justice Department declared that an autopen could be used legally to sign bills into law. Trump has stated he only uses an autopen for very unimportant papers. Top Senate GOP tax writers are doubling down on their interest in scaling back the Houses deal on the contentious state and local tax deduction, even as they emerged Wednesday from a meeting with President Donald Trump without an agreement on the politically sensitive issue. Speaking to reporters outside the White House, Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he and his colleagues start from a position that there really isn't a single Republican senator who cares much about the SALT issue. Thune was reiterating a sentiment he shared in an exclusive interview the day before, where he indicated that the Houses SALT deal on which moderate Republicans from high-tax blue states conditioned their votes on the megabill in the House would need to change in order to get the votes in the Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Back at the Capitol, Senate Finance Committee Chair Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) also told reporters Wednesday that because there's not a single [Republican] senator from New York or New Jersey or California, there's not a lot of appetite "to do $353 billion for states that, basically, the other states subsidize." But Senate Republicans are also acknowledging that they want to be responsive to the Houses own math challenges: If they change the hard-fought deal Speaker Mike Johnson cut with his members to cap the SALT deduction to $40,000, it could present a major vote count dilemma for the Louisiana Republican. We are sensitive to the fact that, you know, the speaker has pretty narrow margins, and there's only so much that he can do to keep his coalition together. At the same time it wouldn't surprise people that the Senate would like to improve on their handiwork, Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.) told reporters. This was something that came up during the meeting with Trump, with Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) recalling that while the president didnt directly tell lawmakers not to meddle with the Houses SALT deal, he said, 'you do this, do we lose three votes here? If you do that, do you lose three votes here? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even Thune ultimately conceded, we understand that its about 51 and 218, referring to the numbers each chamber must meet in order to advance the megabill, so we will work with our House counterparts and with the White House. Yet the tricky tax decision wasnt the focus of the White House meeting, according to Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), who estimated that topic took up only three minutes of the conversation. Instead, Senate Republicans on the Finance Committee wanted to use their audience with Trump to push for their top priority in the massive domestic policy package: How to make the business tax cuts permanent, with Thune warning in an interview earlier this week that it was a red-line for several of his members. Were working through the options. We had a very constructive conversation about that. And our members will sit down and figure out the path forward. But there is a path forward, Thune said after the White House meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The typically tight-lipped Crapo also cautioned that he wouldnt say anything is settled, but hinted at the behind-the-scenes push by GOP senators to ensure it's in the final party-line tax and spending legislation. We're going to do permanence if I have anything to do with it, Crapo reiterated. The meeting at the White House came as Senate Republicans have been ramping up their closed-door discussions in a race to get a bill through the chamber and to Trumps desk by their July 4 deadline. Trump in the meeting made a pitch to senators about the importance of getting the bill done, according to Thune. Republicans are also up against the clock amid increasing public pressure from Elon Musk, a Trump ally with a huge megaphone who this week called the bill an abomination. Musks commentary came up briefly during the White House meeting with Trump, with Thune saying Trump made a passing reference and Marshall suggesting the former DOGE chief was brought up as a joke. It was a conversation for 30 seconds, Marshall said, adding that the comment was very much in jest, in laughing. Mia McCarthy contributed to this report. President Donald Trump has nominated Air Force Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich to lead U.S. and NATO forces in Europe, sending a strong signal the administration will continue to play a leadership role in the alliance. Some allies, amid reports theTrump administration was reconsidering the position, worried the president would choose not to prioritize Europe and decline to place an American at the helm of NATO forces. A U.S. officer has filled the role since Gen. Dwight Eisenhower took the job in 1951 and is a symbol of American commitment to the region. Trump nominated Grynkewich, the Joint Staffs director of operations, to become the Supreme Allied Commander for Europe and commander, U.S. European Command. The nomination reinforces support for European allies just two weeks before NATO leaders gather in The Hague, Netherlands for an annual summit, which Trump and other alliance leaders will attend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The current Supreme Allied Commander, Gen. Chris Cavoli, told a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing in April that a U.S. decision to walk away from the role would prove a grave mistake. Our allies crave our leadership and are stronger with it, and are stronger for us, he said. The discussions about not filling the role were part of a wider rethinking of the global U.S. footprint, according to a person familiar with the conversations, who like others, was granted anonymity to discuss internal matters. But the White House decided to keep a U.S. officer in the seat, the person said. The role is a critical one for European security. The official coordinates NATO military maneuvers and warfighting strategies across the continent, and handles nuclear deterrence. The person also commands American forces during any conflict in Europe. Lawmakers have advocated for keeping an American in the role so that a foreign leader would not oversee U.S. troops in a time of war. Grynkewich, an F-16 and F-22 pilot, has previously served as director of operations for U.S. Central Command, chief of plans for the European Command and the Pentagons deputy director of global operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There was some concern about the U.S. pulling back here but this is a welcome signal that the U.S., even while shifting some priorities, still sees a secure Europe as a key priority, said a European official. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, at NATO headquarters Thursday for a defense ministers meeting, expressed confidence that European countries would continue investing more in their own defense. The administration is pressing allies to commit 5 percent of GDP to the alliance, a number the U.S. has yet to meet. "I'm very encouraged by what we heard," Hegseth said after the meetings. "Countries in there are well exceeding 2% and we think very close, almost near consensus, on a 5 percent commitment to NATO." Job Corps students load sandbags in Union County. (Provided) As torrential rains inundated Kentucky in April, Union County Judge-Executive Adam ONan needed labor to fill and distribute sandbags to protect homes and businesses from flooding. After a phone call, local students from the Earle C. Clements Job Corps Center stepped up to the task. They loaded those bags for them and were a tremendous help, ONan said. Union County Judge-Executive Adam ONan Now the hundreds of students and employees at the center in Union County could be scattering to uncertain futures after the Trump administration on May 29 announced that it would pause Job Corps operations across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ONan, a Republican, said that would be a loss for his county. It really is difficult to measure the value because were just so used to them being around, and not that we take them for granted, but theyre just part of us, ONan said. If, in fact, this is the end of Job Corps, thats just going to be a big void for us. The abrupt halt would be an even bigger loss for the centers mostly low-income students who are feeling panic, anger and desperation about their futures, said Jonathan Brown, the finance and administration director for the Clements center. Either they have nowhere to go theyre homeless or house insecure, they dont have safe places to go or theyre just not done with their trade, Brown said. I couldnt imagine going to college for two years, halfway done, and then my school closes and loses its accreditation and none of my classes count. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A federal judge Wednesday temporarily blocked the Trump administration from stopping work at Job Corps centers or terminating contracts until a further ruling in the lawsuit brought by a trade group representing Job Corps center contractors. Brown said the staff in Morganfield had been notified that its contracts to run the center, including contracts for employees, were being cancelled with a deadline of June 30 to have students returned to their home states. Guidance from the U.S. Department of Labor states the department will cover the cost to send students back to their home states by the end of the month and connect them with other job training and educational opportunities. The Clements enter is one of dozens across the country including two others in Kentucky in Floyd and Muhlenberg counties funded by the federal government that have offered young people free training in a wide variety of career paths including culinary arts, welding, nursing, electrical work, diesel mechanics and more. Brown said the center is the second largest in the country in terms of students served. He said the center had been contracted to serve more than 1,000 students, bringing in usually 30-40 new students each week. He said about 275 employees serve those students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Created 61 years ago as a part of President Lyndon Johnsons War on Poverty, Job Corps enrolls people between the ages of 16 and 24 who are dealing with challenges such as poverty, homelessness, a disability or falling behind on reading and writing skills. In announcing the pause, the Trump administration cited data from 2023 that it argues shows cost overruns and low graduation rates. But Brown, the Job Corps administrator in Union County, argues the April report from the Trump administration is largely misleading, cherry-picking data from 2023 when centers were still rebounding from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Brown also thinks the pause of operations is essentially a closure. A failed experiment Brown said the headwinds for his center began to pick up months ago with various positions and departments being cut, but he became particularly troubled with the centers situation when enrollment of new students was halted in March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said the Department of Labor stopped doing background checks for new students, essentially stopping the center from bringing in new enrollees. Then in April, the department issued a report looking at graduation rates and the cost to graduate students from each center, stating that overall the average cost for each student was a little over $80,000 and the average graduation rate was 38.6%. The Job Corps center in the Union County seat of Morganfield has been one of the nations largest. Now its students face uncertain futures after a decision by the Trump administration to pause Job Corps operations across the country. (union countyky.org) In early May, the Trump administration sent a budget request to Congress that eliminated funding for the Job Corps, calling it a failed experiment to help Americas youth. In testimony before Congress on May 15, Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer told lawmakers the presidents budget request signaled a need to refocus on where those dollars are going to have the outcome for the workforce. On May 29, Chavez-DeRemer announced the pause of Job Corps center operations, citing the report from April as evidence of the ineffectiveness of the Job Corps programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Job Corps was created to help young adults build a pathway to a better life through education, training, and community, Chavez-DeRemer said in a statement provided in a press release. However, a startling number of serious incident reports and our in-depth fiscal analysis reveal the program is no longer achieving the intended outcomes that students deserve. We remain committed to ensuring all participants are supported through this transition and connected with the resources they need to succeed as we evaluate the programs possibilities. In Union County, Brown acknowledges there are inefficiencies within Job Corps and that some centers perform better than others. But given the United States is the richest country in the history of the world, he questioned why the federal government couldnt provide this small amount to give people that second chance. An information sheet provided to the Lantern from the director of the Earle C. Clements center asserts the average graduation rate for Job Corps centers is higher than the average graduation rate for two-year community and technical colleges. The information sheet also asserts the average cost per student is lower, and comparable to community and technical colleges, when Job Corps enrollees who dont ultimately graduate are taken into account. The April report released by the Trump administration says the Earle C. Clements center has a graduation rate of 47% and a cost per enrollee of $67,713 in 2023, both figures better than the national average in the report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Job Corps operations cost roughly $1.53 billion in fiscal year 2024, making up a small fraction of the $6.75 trillion of federal government spending that fiscal year. I wish it was a more nuanced look at how to make the program better to meet that national need to provide skilled labor while also serving disadvantaged youth, said Brown. A Department of Labor spokesperson did not respond to several emails requesting comment about criticisms of its April report. Finding meaning in helping students Laura Moore, the manager of Amandas Floral and Gift Shop in Sturgis, said the loss of Job Corps in Union County is really going to impact our whole community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her relatively new business hosted two paid internships with Job Corps students, one of whom worked on revamping the stores website. It kind of gives those kids a chance to get out into the real world without some of the struggles that they have at home, Moore said. Getting away from where they are and coming to the Job Corps Center and having a chance at life. Job Corps students also put together a wonderful meal, she said, for a local gathering called Derby Days celebrating the running of the Kentucky Derby. All the Derby favorites: They made a virgin mint julep, all the cucumber sandwiches that you could eat, Moore said. They put their heart and soul into all of that, and that was a big deal downtown here in Sturgis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brown, the finance and administration director for the local center, said the backgrounds of students can vary depending on what circumstances qualify them to enroll. Its not uncommon for students to show up with only a garbage bag of old, dirty clothes. Finding meaning in helping those students is what has kept Brown, a Union County native, working at the center for 11 years, starting as a career counselor for students. Hes loved the work since day one. My whole job was about the student, whatever they needed to get through the program, get their credentials, get their high school diploma, get a good job, Brown said. Its stressful and its hard, but its meaningful. And you can see it every single day the meaning. He believes Job Corps is unique from other educational opportunities because it provides young people a safe place, free of charge, to sleep, have regular meals and work on a career away from the challenges they left behind. To make sure these young people, he said, dont fall through the cracks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont know what a lot of this population will do. I dont know what options they really have, Brown said. This story has been updated with information about a temporary injunction issued in a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Labor. Correction: Laura Moores first name was previously misstated as Amanda. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX For decades, the Job Corps program served as the anchor for young adults seeking to transition into the workforce. But now, the Department of Labor delivered devastating news that all Job Corps centers will pause operations nationwide by June 30, 2025. The shocking news has left thousands of young people and families unsure about their future, and communities nationwide enraged. The federally funded program served as a cornerstone for providing free education and vocational training to young Americans aged 16 to 24. The news came as a shock to many students in targeted cities such as Detroit, St. Louis, and several others when they were notified to clear their rooms and exit the premises. Families in various cities scrambled to help their children move out of the centers, while others had nowhere to go. According to The Hill, the Labor Secretary said the program no longer achieves the intended outcomes that students deserve, citing a startling number of serious incident reports and our in-depth fiscal analysis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Root spoke with Illinois attorney Henderson Banks ,who explained the unlawful measures taken by the Trump administration to dismantle the Job Corps program. What the Trump administration and the Department of Labor is doing is not what legislation stated or enacted for the program or certain job sites to be dismantled. Banks shared. Theres an administrative process that was not followed, which gives those contractors who received and depended on funding a claim against the Trump administration and the Department of Labor to sue the government. The way that the program was discontinued was illegal. Banks further discussed these actions are enough to file a lawsuit against the administration. I would say they dont its not readily apparent that they have a a claim based on discrimination, he explained. They could potentially have a claim for a class action or a claim against the Department of Labor for not following the administrative process that they should have followed in order to dismantle the program. Families and communities were stunned by the Job Corps sudden pause. One TikTok user shared that the government wants young people to be homeless. They want minors ages 16 to 24 to be homeless, the TikTok user said, because thats what going to happen. Reports show that 47% of the students are African American, and some are saying that this was a targeted move. The nationwide shutdown of Job Corps feels like an attack, another TikTok user said. People went to Job Corps when they had nowhere else to go; this was a resource for them. Conspiracy theorists believe that the removal of Job Corp is timely given the shortage of military enlistments. Theyre shutting down JobCorps to boost military enlistments, an X user shared. Military recruitment has been at an all time low for the past couple years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2020, military recruitment dropped down 58% due to COVID. Between 2023 and 2024, there has been a uptick in enrollment, increasing by 12.8% across all military branches, but they did not successfully meet their fiscal year goals. According to reports, the Army is expected to surpass its goal with new enlistments. Online users share stories on how Job Corps saved their lives while expressing their disbelief at the closing of the centers. Job Corps actually saved my life, an X commenter posted. I was at the end of the road and had nowhere else to turn to. I couldnt afford to finish college, I was homeless at 17, working meaningless part-time jobs. That is the reality for so many people at job corps. Job corps actually saved my life. I was at the end of the road and had nowhere else to turn to. I couldnt afford to finish college, I was homeless at 17, working meaningless part time jobs. That is the reality for so many people at job corps. pic.twitter.com/PrINugWmkU e (@lay4prez_) June 2, 2025 Others shared their frustration on how the Trump administration is stripping away resources for young adults. Job Corps can sometimes be the only means for low-income kids to find opportunity in a world that doesnt want them to thrive, a Thread user shared. Trust me, Ive been there Job Corp saved my ass from homelessness and got me into a trade school at 17 yrs old. This move by this administration is f**king diabolical and further proof that they dont give a sh*t about helping those kids that need it the most. By Jeff Mason and Nandita Bose WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on Wednesday banning the citizens of 12 countries from entering the United States, saying the move was needed to protect against "foreign terrorists" and other security threats. The directive is part of an immigration crackdown Trump launched this year at the start of his second term, which has included the deportation to El Salvador of hundreds of Venezuelans suspected of being gang members, as well as efforts to deny enrollments of some foreign students and deport others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The countries affected by the latest travel ban are Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. The entry of people from seven other countries - Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela - will be partially restricted. "We will not allow people to enter our country who wish to do us harm," Trump said in a video posted on X. He said the list could be revised and new countries could be added. The proclamation is effective on June 9, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. EDT (0401 GMT). Visas issued before that date will not be revoked, the order said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The African Union's Commission expressed concern on Thursday about the potential negative impact of the new travel ban on educational exchanges, commercial engagement and broader diplomatic relations. In retaliation, Chad's President Idriss Deby instructed his government to stop issuing visas to U.S. citizens. Congo Republic's government spokesperson Thierry Moungalla said his country's inclusion was a "misunderstanding." "Congo is neither a terrorist state, nor does it harbor any terrorists, or known for having any terrorist tendencies," Moungalla told journalists. During his first, 2017-21 term in office, Trump announced a ban on travelers from seven Muslim-majority nations, a policy that went through several iterations before it was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former President Joe Biden, a Democrat who succeeded Trump, repealed that ban on nationals from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen in 2021, calling it "a stain on our national conscience". Trump said the countries subject to the most severe restrictions were determined to harbor a "large-scale presence of terrorists," fail to cooperate on visa security, have an inability to verify travelers' identities, inadequate record-keeping of criminal histories and high rates of visa overstays in the United States. "We cannot have open migration from any country where we cannot safely and reliably vet and screen those who seek to enter the United States," Trump said. He cited Sunday's incident in Boulder, Colorado in which a man tossed a gasoline bomb into a crowd of pro-Israel demonstrators as an example of why the new curbs are needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An Egyptian national, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, has been charged in the attack. Federal officials said Soliman had overstayed his tourist visa and had an expired work permit - although Egypt is not on the list of countries facing travel limits. BEING IN THE U.S. A 'BIG RISK' Somalia immediately pledged to work with the U.S. to address security issues. "Somalia values its longstanding relationship with the United States and stands ready to engage in dialogue to address the concerns raised," Dahir Hassan Abdi, the Somali ambassador to the United States, said in a statement. Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, a close ally of President Nicolas Maduro, responded on Wednesday evening by describing the U.S. government as fascist and warning Venezuelans against being in the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The truth is being in the United States is a big risk for anybody, not just for Venezuelans ... They persecute our countrymen, our people for no reason." A spokesperson for the Taliban-led Afghan foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Pakistans foreign ministry did not immediately reply to a request for comment on how it would handle the thousands of Afghans waiting in Islamabad who had been in the pipeline for U.S. resettlement. Calls early on Thursday to the spokesperson for Myanmar's military government were not answered. The travel ban threatens to upend a 31-year-old Myanmar teacher's plan to join a U.S. State Department exchange program, which was slated to start in September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is not easy to apply nor get accepted as we needed several recommendation letters," said the teacher, who currently lives in Thailand and asked not to be named because her visa application is still outstanding. "In my case, I would get to work at universities that provide digital education," she said, adding that she had not been updated by the program after Trump's announcement. Trump's presidential campaign focused on a tough border strategy and he previewed his plan in an October 2023 speech, pledging to restrict people from the Gaza Strip, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Yemen and "anywhere else that threatens our security." (Reporting by Jeff Mason and Nandita Bose, additional reporting by Martin Petty, Daphne Psaledakis, Charlotte Greenfield, Shoon Naing, Jasper Ward and George Obulutsa and Christian Elion; writing by James Oliphant, Lincoln Feast and Bate Felix; editing by Costas Pitas, Sandra Maler, Michelle Nichols, Diane Craft, Raju Gopalakrishnan, Stephen Coates and Mark Heinrich) President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation to suspend international visas for new students at Harvard University, the White House announced Wednesday, in a dramatic escalation of its efforts to block foreign nationals from enrolling at the elite university. The proclamation temporarily blocks the entry of nearly all new international Harvard students under visas most use to study at US universities or participate in academic exchange programs. It also directs the Secretary of State to consider revoking those visas known as F, M and J visas for current Harvard students who meet the proclamations criteria, the White House said in a statement. The move throws Harvards ability to enroll international students which make up about 27% of the student body into doubt once again just days after a federal judge blocked the administrations last attempt targeting foreign students at the nations oldest and wealthiest university. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Harvard has argued in legal filings that White House orders were behind the Department of Homeland Securitys effort to revoke its ability to host international students, this is the first time Trump has gotten directly involved in the dispute at the center of his broader battle against elite US academics. Harvard will continue to protect its international students, its spokesperson told CNN. This is yet another illegal retaliatory step taken by the Administration in violation of Harvards First Amendment rights. Trump briefly mentioned his fight with Harvard on Friday during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the Oval Office, repeating that the administration wants a list of Harvards international students information the government already has. I think theyre starting to behave actually, if you want to know the truth, Trump said, referring to Harvard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harvard is battling the White House on two fronts, as the university also has sued the Trump administration for cutting more than $2.2 billion in federal funds and threatening billions more, as well as Harvards tax-exempt status. That money remains frozen as the case is pending in court, scheduled for arguments next month. The White House said the latest move is an attempt to safeguard national security, accusing Harvard of having concerning foreign ties and radicalism. The announcement also cited the universitys alleged failure to provide sufficient information about foreign students and reporting deficient data on only three students. Harvard is either not fully reporting its disciplinary records for foreign students or is not seriously policing its foreign students, the White House said. It also accused the Ivy League institution of failing to address antisemitism on campus as well and persistently prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion designed to advance racial, gender, class and other representation in public spaces that Trump decries as illegal and immoral discrimination. The new proclamation exempts aliens whose entry is deemed in the national interest and does not apply to international students attending other US universities through the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, known as SEVP, run by the Department of Homeland Securitys Immigration and Customs Enforcement unit, or ICE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The presidents order is scheduled to last six months unless extended, states the proclamation, which gives the attorney general and the secretary of Homeland Security 90 days to make a recommendation on whether it should be extended. Harvards conduct has rendered it an unsuitable destination for foreign students and researchers, the proclamation reads. The proclamation immediately drew condemnation from China, the second-largest sender of international students to the US. China-US educational cooperation is mutually beneficial. China has always opposed the politicization of educational cooperation, said Lin Jian, a spokesperson from Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a regular news conference Thursday. The presidents new action against Harvard came on the same day he issued a proclamation banning most travel to the US from 12 countries, with tighter restrictions on another seven countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most presidential proclamations do not carry the force of law in the same way executive orders do. While they can address policy matters such as Trumps announcements on tariffs they are most often used for routine declarations, like recognizing Mothers Day. In recent cases, Trump has used proclamations to announce his intentions, citing legal authority he claims to already possess. Trumps Harvard proclamation reflects a clear attempt to frustrate the schools recent success in court against the White House. Last week, a judge temporarily blocked the Department of Homeland Securitys decision to drop Harvard from SEVP, which would have made it impossible for the university to host any international students. US District Court Judge Allison Burroughs said she would issue an indefinite order preventing the Homeland Security Department from making any changes to Harvards international student visa program. I want to make sure that the status quo is clearly maintained to the extent that we can make that happen, Burroughs, an Obama appointee, said in court last Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had ordered the termination of Harvards SEVP certification, citing the universitys refusal to turn over the conduct records of foreign students requested in April by her agency. The school argued it had turned over all the information it had, saying the governments demand included records it doesnt keep. Harvard has accused the government of failing to follow its own requirements for removing a university from the SEVP program and argued the revocation was clear retaliation for its refusal of the governments ideologically rooted policy demands, including banning masks at campus protests and expanding viewpoint diversity within the university community, subject to third-party auditing. This is really like sentence first and verdict afterwards, so there continues to be a different set of rules for Harvard, a different set of procedures for Harvard, a different set of laws for Harvard, said university attorney Ian Heath Gershengorn in court last week. Although the administration had previously agreed to follow procedures giving Harvard 30 days to contest the loss of its international program, Gershengorn told Burroughs that a court order was still necessary. He said he feared the government might attempt a new strategy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We want to make sure there are no shenanigans between now and then, he said last week. The Department of Education has warned US colleges and universities of possible consequences if they dont take adequate steps to protect Jewish students and separately threatened federal funding of any American academic institution that considers race in most aspects of student life. The administration also escalated its fight with Columbia University on Wednesday, declaring the school doesnt meet accreditation standards because of its failure to protect Jewish students. The White House has homed in on foreign students and staff it believes participated in contentious campus protests over the Israel-Hamas war. The administrations attacks on Harvard began March 31, when Trump officials sent Harvard a letter advising they would review all roughly $9 billion of the Ivy League institutions contracts and grants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, the White House directed federal agencies to cancel all remaining contracts with Harvard University about $100 million in all, two senior Trump administration officials told CNN. Some Harvard staff worry draining the university of its foreign students would debilitate the academic prowess of both the institution and, potentially, American academia as a whole. This retaliatory action threatens serious harm to the Harvard community and our country, and undermines Harvards academic and research mission, university spokesperson Jason Newton said last month after the administration moved to ban Harvard from enrolling foreign students. In the 2024-2025 academic year, there were 6,793 international students enrolled at Harvard, and its international academic population is comprised of 9,970 people, according to the university. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement International students are more likely to pay full tuition at US colleges, in part because most arent eligible for federal financial aid, bringing significant funding to colleges, CNN has reported. More than three-quarters of international students primarily fund their education themselves, through their family or through current employment, the Institute of International Education found. Less than one-fifth received primary funding from their US college or university. This story has been updated with additional details. CNNs Elizabeth Wolfe, Danya Gainor, Katelyn Polantz and Devan Cole contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Lake Powell is pictured near Page, Arizona on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch) President Donald Trump recently signed a resolution expanding motorized access to remote regions surrounding Lake Powell. The resolution sponsored by Utah Republican Rep. Celeste Maloy overturns a policy from the National Park Service that limits where off-road vehicles can drive in parts of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the rule, which was implemented during the Biden administration, conventional vehicles were still allowed to travel existing routes within the recreation area. But about 25 roads amounting to roughly 26 miles were closed to specialized off-road vehicles, like dirtbikes, ATVs or side-by-sides. Maloy and other members of Utahs congressional delegation say the resolution allows for greater recreation opportunities in the area, and criticized the Biden-era rule for going against the will of locals. Opponents to the resolution, which included Democrats in Congress and a number of environmental groups, argue that expanding vehicle access could cause severe damage to the regions most sensitive and pristine environments. Orange Cliffs, Gunsight Butte, and Canyonlands National Parks Maze District will be impaired by noisy, destructive off-highway vehicles. Its a dark day for all who love Southern Utah and Glen Canyons wild places. said Hanna Larsen, a staff attorney for the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, in a statement last month. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The resolution, which passed the House in April, the Senate in May and was signed by Trump on May 23, invokes the Congressional Review Act, which allows Congress to review and overturn federal rules. Its the latest in nearly two decades of political back-and-forth over motorized recreation in Glen Canyon. For years, environmental groups criticized the National Park Service for its loose regulation of off-road vehicles around the recreation area. In 2005, groups sued over the lack of enforcement. In 2008, the service settled and agreed to create an off-road vehicle management plan. Then in 2021, the first Trump administration released a new plan that opened up much of the recreation area to all kinds of motorized use. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance sued two years later, arguing the administrations plan failed to take all of the environmental impacts into consideration. The National Park Service settled again, agreeing to close the Lake Powell shoreline to motorized use, unless water levels were sustainable. It also put restrictions on ATV and side-by-side use in certain areas. In January, the park service rule officially went into effect. Maloy said in a statement Tuesday that her resolution was a result of constituent concerns over the rules nonsensical restrictions on motorized access. We took legislative action and, through this (Congressional Review Act), reversed a rule pushed through by the previous administration. Utahns shouldnt be shut out of decisions that affect their own backyard. Now we can continue to recreate in the National Recreation Area. Thank you to our Senators for working with me to get this done for Utah, Maloy said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Utahs two Republican senators, Mike Lee and John Curtis, also celebrated the resolution becoming law. Curtis called it an an important step to ensure our public lands remain open to the people. Lee said it makes it clear that environmental groups dont get to dictate our National Recreation Areas through backroom deals. This was a classic case of sue-and-settle policymaking where bureaucrats caved to activists and cut Americans out of the process. Thats not how representation is supposed to work, Lee said in a statement. Im proud President Trump signed this CRA into law. Managed by the National Park Service, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area was formed in 1972 and borders several national parks and monuments, like Bears Ears, Capitol Reef and Canyonlands. It covers Lake Powell, the second-largest reservoir in the country, which attracts millions of visitors each year. In 2023, the service recorded more than 4.7 million visits. President Donald Trump spoke by phone to Chinas Xi Jinping Thursday in a bid to ease the trade war he started by slapping massive tariffs on products imported from the worlds biggest manufacturing powerhouse. There were no immediate details of any progress in the call, the two leaders first direct talks since Trump returned to the White House for his second term on a mission to reorient global trade relations. The conversation was confirmed by the Chinese foreign ministry, which said Trump initiated the call. The White House did not immediately comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The call came hours after Trump called Xi a formidable negotiating rival. I like President XI of China, always have, and always will, but he is VERY TOUGH, AND EXTREMELY HARD TO MAKE A DEAL WITH!!! Trump posted on his social media site. Trade negotiations between the United States and China stalled shortly after a May 12 agreement between the two countries to reduce their tariff rates while talks played out. The U.S. accuses China of preventing the export of critical minerals, and the Chinese government objects to America restricting its sale of advanced chips and its access to student visas for college and graduate students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump reduced his 145% tariffs on Chinese goods to 30% for 90 days to allow for talks. China also reduced its taxes on U.S. imports from 125% to 10%. The roller coaster on tariffs has caused sharp swings in global markets and threatens to hamper trade between the two countries. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had suggested that only a conversation between Trump and Xi could resolve these differences so that talks could restart in earnest. The underlying tension between the two countries may still persist. Trump wants to lessen Americas reliance on Chinese imports, which fueled a $295 billion trade deficit last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China wants to continue its historic dominance of global manufacturing and expand its hold on technologies such as electric vehicles and artificial intelligence that could be crucial to securing its economic future. Trump and Xi previously spoke in January, three days before Inauguration Day. As the week got underway, Donald Trump and Elon Musk were pals. At an Oval Office event, the president sang the praises of his top campaign donor as he officially exited his White House office, and even handed the billionaire a golden key emblazoned with the White House insignia. A lot can happen in a few days, however. In a pair of items published to his social media platform on Thursday afternoon, Trump wrote: Elon was wearing thin, I asked him to leave, I took away his EV Mandate that forced everyone to buy Electric Cars that nobody else wanted (that he knew for months I was going to do!), and he just went CRAZY! The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elons Governmental Subsidies and Contracts. I was always surprised that Biden didnt do it! It was, to be sure, a serious escalation. NBC News reported, Various estimates have been put forward on just how much Musks firms, primarily SpaceX and Tesla, benefit from U.S. government contracts and subsidies. The Washington Post has put the figure at $38 billion, with SpaceX President and COO Gwynne Shotwell estimating that company alone benefits from about $22 billion in federal spending. Reuters has reported that the true figure is classified due to the nature of many of the contracts Musks firms are under. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Less than an hour later, the GOP megadonor responded with a remarkable rhetorical volley. Time to drop the really big bomb: [Trump] is in the Epstein files, Musk wrote on his own platform, X. That is the real reason they have not been made public." Referencing the president's initials, he added, "Have a nice day, DJT! Musk later said SpaceX would begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft immediately following Trumps remarks about his government contracts. Minutes later, he shared a post on X suggesting Trump should be impeached. The trouble began in earnest on Tuesday, when Musk condemned the Republican Partys domestic policy megabill, the inaptly named One Big Beautiful Bill Act. in striking terms, calling the reconciliation package a disgusting abomination. Musk added soon after, apparently referring to lawmakers who voted for the GOP reconciliation package, In November next year, we fire all politicians who betrayed the American people. On Wednesday, he went further, launching an online KILL the BILL effort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those expecting the president to return rhetorical fire with over-the-top online missives of his own were disappointed: Trump, at least initially, didnt say a word. That changed on Thursday, during an Oval Office event with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Elon is upset because we took the EV mandate which was a lot of money for electric vehicles and theyre having a hard time, the president said, referring to a mandate that does not exist while implying that Musk only opposed the GOP legislation because itll affect his car companys profits. Trump went on to suggest that Musk lobbied for Jared Isaacman, the former NASA administrator nominee, adding, I didnt think it was appropriate. Of course, that raises the related question of why the president nominated him in the first place if this was inappropriate. That paved the way for the piece de resistance: the president suggesting that his former DOGE chief is suffering from Trump derangement syndrome. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elon and I had a great relationship, the Republican concluded. I dont know if we will anymore. For his part, the GOP megadonor responded to Trumps claim that he knew the inner workings of the bill as it came together, saying, False, this bill was never shown to me even once and was passed in the dead of night so fast that almost no one in Congress could even read it! He also discounted the idea that the electric vehicle provisions of the package have anything to do with his opposition, before claiming that Trump would've lost in 2024 were it not for his massive financial support. Such ingratitude, Musk added. There's no word yet on whether the president will ask for his golden key back. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com June 4 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump on Wednesday ordered a suspension of international visas for new students seeking to attend Harvard University, accusing the school of failing to report "known illegal activity" carried out by its students. In a proclamation, Trump said the suspension applies only to new nonimmigrant students who travel to the United States solely or primarily to attend the Massachusetts university. International students are allowed to enter the country to attend U.S. schools under the Student Exchange Visa Program. Trump also gave Secretary of State Marco Rubio the authority to determine whether existing Harvard students in the country on visas should have theirs revoked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Citing an increase in crime on the campus -- which was also reported by The Harvard Crimson in 2023 -- Trump said Harvard has failed in disciplinary actions. He said the school reported misconduct by three foreign students and provided "deficient" data on those incidents. "Harvard's actions show that it either is not fully reporting its disciplinary records for foreign students or is not seriously policing its foreign students," Trump said. The proclamation is the Trump administration's latest of multiple attempts to block the Ivy League school from enrolling foreign students. He has taken issue with students' anti-Israel protests over the war in Gaza. A spokesperson for the university told NBC News it planned to fight the administration's order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is yet another illegal retaliatory step taken by the administration in violation of Harvard's First Amendment rights," the spokesperson said. In May, U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs blocked the Trump administration's attempt to deny Harvard to admit international students. At the time Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem canceled the school's SEVP certification. "The administration is holding Harvard accountable for fostering violence, antisemitism and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party on its campus," Noem said. US President Donald Trump sees no chance for an immediate resolution to the Ukraine war following another phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday. "It was a good conversation, but not a conversation that will lead to immediate Peace," Trump posted on his Truth Social platform. He said the call, which lasted about one hour and 15 minutes, dealt with "the attack on Russia's docked airplanes, by Ukraine, and also various other attacks that have been taking place by both sides." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "President Putin did say, and very strongly, that he will have to respond to the recent attack on the airfields," Trump wrote. Putin's foreign policy advisor Yury Ushakov said the two leaders had discussed two main topics related to Ukraine, including what Moscow described as terrorist attacks against civilians and the outcome of the second round of Istanbul talks. Ukraine had tried to disrupt talks in Istanbul by carrying out "targeted attacks on purely civilian targets," Ushakov said, adding that Putin had given Trump a detailed account of the outcome of the talks. "In our view, the Kiev regime has essentially degenerated into a terrorist organization." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moscow and Kiev are now studying each other's peace proposals before possibly continuing negotiations, he added. Trump and Putin last spoke by phone in mid-May. The US president has repeatedly suggested a direct meeting between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, offering to attend himself. However, such a meeting has not yet taken place. Kiev's surprise attack After months of preparation, Ukraine's intelligence service recently launched a large-scale strike on several Russian military airfields, which had been used to launch regular airstrikes against Ukraine. More than 40 aircraft worth a total of $7 billion were destroyed in the attacks, including one near Irkutsk in Siberia, according to Ukraine's intelligence agency SBU. Russia has reportedly lost 34% of its strategic bomber fleet capable of launching cruise missiles. These claims have not been independently verified. Talks between Ukraine and Russia Representatives from Ukraine and Russia recently began direct talks in Turkey, mediated by the US, to explore a potential resolution to the conflict. However, Trump's repeated calls for an immediate end to the fighting have so far gone unheeded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin separately rejected calls for a ceasefire in the war with Ukraine, whether for 30 or for 60 days. "Why should they be emboldened by allowing them a break from fighting?" he queried. He also backed Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who has said Russia should continue to hold talks with a view to achieving its war aims. In Kiev, Zelensky offered an immediate ceasefire that should last at least until a meeting with Putin. If no de-escalation emerged from a meeting of this kind, "the ceasefire will end on the same day," he told journalists. Zelensky rejected the memorandum put forward by the Russian side in talks in Istanbul on Monday, in which it listed demands for an end to the war. He termed it an ultimatum. Russia's demands could not be met, in particular its territorial demands, he said. Iran also a topic Trump and Putin also discussed Iran's nuclear programme in their call. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I stated to President Putin that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon and, on this, I believe that we were in agreement," Trump wrote. Trump said Putin "suggested" that he be included in the talks with Iran and that he could be helpful to seal a deal. Prisoner swap foreseen Moscow and Kiev could launch a large exchange of prisoners over the weekend, both sides have indicated. Russian chief negotiator Vladimir Medinsky mentioned the days Saturday to Monday, TASS reported, while in Kiev, Zelensky referred to the coming weekend. The first step foresees an exchange of 500 prisoners on each side. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During direct talks between the two sides in Istanbul, they agreed to exchange primarily younger troops, along with seriously injured or ill prisoners of war. This could include more than 1,000 troops on each side. At the same time, thousands of bodies are to be returned from both sides. Zelensky and Merz speak Zelensky said he had spoken with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Wednesday, discussing agreements reached during Zelensky's visit to Berlin without providing further information. "All of us in Europe need an end to this war and a truly reliable peace. This is very important," Zelensky said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the end of May, Merz said Germany would assist Ukraine in the production of long-range weapons. Putin accuses Ukraine of terrorism following fatal train accidents Putin accused Ukraine of terrorism in relation to two fatal train accidents in Russia over the weekend. "The blow was deliberately aimed at the civilian population," Putin said during a government session in Moscow, according to the state-run TASS news agency. He accused Ukraine of seeking to block talks on an end to the war. Last weekend, two trains suffered accidents in the Kursk and Bryansk regions bordering Ukraine after bridges were blown up. Seven people died and dozens were injured as the passenger train derailed near the city of Bryansk. Moscow: Crimea bridge hit but not damaged in Ukrainian strike A bridge connecting Russian-occupied Crimea to the mainland was not damaged in a Ukrainian attack on Tuesday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, according to Russian news agencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There was in fact an explosion, but nothing was damaged. The bridge is working," he was cited as saying. On Tuesday, Ukraine's SBU intelligence service said that the bridge could be in danger of collapsing after it damaged a pillar with an underwater explosion. The Russian Defence Ministry announced meanwhile on its Telegram channel on Wednesday that it had used an Iskander ballistic missile to destroy a German-supplied Iris-T anti-aircraft system in the Dnipropetrovsk region. Kiev declined to comment in response to a question from dpa. Germany has delivered six batteries of the sophisticated anti-aircraft system since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. They are usually deployed to protect larger cities. NEW YORK Attorneys for detained Columbia graduate student Mahmoud Khalil in new filings say the Trump administration has damaged his reputation and severely undermined his ability to pursue a career in international diplomacy and human rights by baselessly identifying him as a risk to the foreign policy of the United States based on his advocacy for Palestinians and criticism of Israel, marking him and his family as targets for harassment and notoriety. (The) longer the determination stands, the more reputational damage it does, Khalils legal team wrote. The New Jersey federal court filing came in support of Khalils motion for a preliminary injunction in his habeas corpus case, which seeks his immediate release from custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawyers are also calling for the vacating of Secretary of State Marco Rubios determination as to why he should be deported, and more broadly an injunction stopping the federal government from enforcing a policy of arresting, detaining, and removing noncitizens who engage in speech supporting Palestinian rights or criticizing Israel. The Trump administration has not alleged Khalil broke any laws. It has sought to revoke his green card and deport him based on a rarely-used provision of the 1952 Immigration and Nationality Act, which empowers Rubio to expel someone from the country if their activities and beliefs are considered adverse to U.S. foreign policy interests, which in Khalils case, pertains to U.S. support for Israel. Khalils case in New Jersey challenging the legality of his detention is playing out separately from his immigration case in Louisiana. In April, the immigration judge ordered his deportation in finding the government had met its burden, a decision he intends to appeal. The federal New Jersey judge, Michael Farbiarz, has said he cannot be deported while his habeas corpus matter plays out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Agents from the Department of Homeland Security took Khalil into custody on March 8 as he arrived home to his Columbia-owned apartment with his wife, Dr. Noor Abdalla, from an iftar dinner. He was brought to lower Manhattans 26 Federal Plaza for processing, driven to a facility in Elizabeth, New Jersey, overnight, and transported more than 1,000 miles away to Jena, Louisiana, the next morning, a Sunday, where he has since remained incarcerated at a detention center. In a ruling last week, Farbiarz, who is yet to rule on the legality of Khalils detention, said the governments reasoning for seeking to deport him is likely unconstitutional. Our law asks about an ordinary person. Would he know that [the rarely-used provision] could be used against him based on his speech inside the United States, however odious it might allegedly have been speech that has not been affirmatively determined by the Secretary to have an impact on U.S. relations with other countries? The Courts answer is no, Farbiarz wrote. In Khalils parallel immigration case, the judge, Jamee Comans, last month heard testimony from the student activist and several experts who said his deportation could result in his kidnapping, torture, or even death due to his prominent criticism of Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Comans denied a renewed motion to end the deportation proceedings based on agents failure to provide a warrant upon his arrest, The New York Times reported, and reserved issuing a decision on his bid for asylum. In the filings made public Thursday, Khalils lawyers asked for permission to file under seal an expert declaration outlining the extreme psychological harm hes endured from the shock of unjust arrest and continued detention and family separation, which they say will inevitably severely worsen absent release. A judge gave government lawyers until Friday to object to filing the assessment under seal. These harms include the loss of Mr. Khalils liberty; the chilling of his First Amendment protected activities; the separation from his family, particularly his wife and newborn child; and psychological harm specific to his arrest and detention, Khalils lawyers wrote. A Palestinian who was raised in a refugee camp in Syria, Khalil came to the U.S. in December 2022 on a student visa, married Abdalla, whos from the Midwest, in November 2023, and became a lawful permanent resident in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He completed his Masters degree at Columbias School of International and Public Affairs in December and would have graduated last month. Abdalla accepted his diploma on his behalf a month after giving birth to their first child, a baby boy. With experience working for a British embassy and interning with the United Nations in New York, Khalil was selected to play the role of a mediator and negotiator between the universitys administration and students during campus protests last year against Israels war on Gaza and Columbias ties to the Israeli regime. Donald Trump and his Cabinet members have repeatedly characterized Khalils advocacy and criticism of Israel in general as antisemitic and inherently supportive of Hamas. The Trump administration has since targeted hundreds of international students for their advocacy for Gazans and criticism of Israeli military activity. Khalil has denounced antisemitism, and in his public-facing role speaking to media on behalf of protesters before his arrest, he repeatedly maintained that the movement should advocate for justice and equality for all groups, telling CNN in April 2024, As a Palestinian student, I believe that the liberation of the Palestinian people and the Jewish people are intertwined and go hand-by-hand and you cannot achieve one without the other. _____ The Trump administration pulled the most devastating lever against Columbia University on Wednesday when it announced it was targeting the schools accreditation. A typically mundane aspect of higher education but with the ability to destroy a university, the college accreditation process gives a school the ability to qualify for federal student loans and Pell Grants. And the Education Department showed it would be using that avenue to its advantage. What action did Education Department take? The federal agency announced Columbia was in violation of Title VI federal antidiscrimination laws, zeroing in on the universitys alleged inaction on antisemitism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department said it would be informing the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the college accreditation group responsible for Columbias status, of the violation and argues its the organizations duty to take away Columbias accreditation status. After Hamas October 7, 2023, terror attack on Israel, Columbia Universitys leadership acted with deliberate indifference towards the harassment of Jewish students on its campus. This is not only immoral, but also unlawful. Accreditors have an enormous public responsibility as gatekeepers of federal student aid, Education Secretary Linda McMahon said. Just as the Department of Education has an obligation to uphold federal antidiscrimination law, university accreditors have an obligation to ensure member institutions abide by their standards, McMahon said. We look forward to the Commission keeping the Department fully informed of actions taken to ensure Columbias compliance with accreditation standards including compliance with federal civil rights laws. The commission told The Hill it has received a letter from the Education Department regarding this matter but did not have further comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Columbia said it is aware of the concerns the Education Department brought to its accreditor and we have addressed those concerns directly with Middle States. Columbia is deeply committed to combating antisemitism on our campus. We take this issue seriously and are continuing to work with the federal government to address it, a spokesperson for the university added. How does this affect Columbias financial aid? With a price tag of more than $71,000 per year for tuition and fees (not including room and board), losing access to federal student loans and Pell Grants would make Columbia inaccessible to most of the country. The universitys website says it awards $225 million each year in scholarships and grants and that 24 percent of first-year students receive Pell Grants. What does university accreditation mean? For a university to pass an accreditation process, it must meet numerous federal standards and have all aspects of its institution evaluated by an approved accreditor, from class selections to its admissions processes. What has Trump said about accreditation? President Trump, after calling the accreditation process his secret weapon on the campaign trail, signed an executive order in April looking to revamp college accreditation, accusing the organizations of ideological overreach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The executive order aims to allow colleges to switch accreditors more easily and create more competition in the area. Trumps actions against Columbia so far The attack on Columbias accreditation is the biggest escalation in Trumps war with higher education, but its an unsurprising one to those who have been watching the administration scale up its actions against the nations most prestigious institutions. Columbia students leadership in the pro-Palestinian encampments that roiled college campuses across the country in spring 2024 put a target on the university in the eyes of Trump, Republicans and some pro-Israeli lawmakers. Soon after Trump took office, the administration pulled $400 million in federal grants from Columbia. It demanded the Ivy League school make numerous changes to disciplinary and other policies to even begin talks of resuming the federal funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Within two weeks, Columbia met the administrations demands and went forward in negotiations with the Trump administration, but it only saw more attacks and pulled funding. The dust settled and friendlier tones were struck after Columbia took swift action last month to shut down a pro-Palestinian protest. The administration praised the move. The White Houses Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism said the schools president met the moment with fortitude and conviction, adding it is confident that Columbia will take the appropriate disciplinary actions for those involved in this act. But Wednesdays actions took the fight to a height most in higher education were looking to avoid. Other universities locked in battle with the Trump administration, such as Harvard, will likely take this as a warning sign of what can come next for them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Updated June 5 at 10:32 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. Roughly $12 million worth of HIV-prevention drugs and contraceptives purchased by the U.S. Agency for International Development will likely be destroyed after President Donald Trump dismantled the organization, according to a report. These drugs have been sitting in distribution centers in Belgium and the UAE since January, when Trump ended the agencys spending, The Washington Post reported. Now, negotiators have been instructed to sell the drugs or else theyll be thrown out, according to the outlet. The mandate that [the USAID negotiator] has been given is get us money for it, and if you cant do that, were just going to trash it, someone with knowledge of the situation told the Post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These supplies include more than 26 million condoms, 2 million doses of injectable birth control, millions of packages of oral birth control, hundreds of thousands of implantable contraceptive devices, and over 50,000 vials of a drug that prevents HIV contraction, the Post reports. Some of these supplies were earmarked for 18 countries, meaning those governments may never get the aid even though it was already purchased, according to the Post. A nurse performs an HIV test in Haiti. Several HIV prevention drugs and contraceptives purchased by USAID are set to be destroyed if they're not sold, according to a new report (AFP/Getty) When contacted for comment, a senior State Department official told The Independent that the Post has once again delivered fake news and the story is full of inaccuracies. Atul Gawande, a former assistant USAID administrator, told the Post the potential destruction of these drugs is inconceivable. Meanwhile, Former USAID head Andrew Natsios called the decision nuts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At this point, just give it away instead of destroying it, for heavens sakes, he told the Post. Trump cut off USAID funds in January, saying the organization that provides humanitarian aid abroad is not aligned with American interests. The Trump administration is also poised to ask Congress for $8.3 billion in cuts to foreign aid efforts, which range from climate work to LGBTQ+ programs, The Independent previously reported. The decision has derailed the projected end of the AIDS pandemic and means the number of AIDS-related deaths could jump from six million to 10 million in the next five years unless aid is reinstated, The Independent previously reported. Data projections indicate there will be 3.4 million more orphans who have lost at least one parent to AIDS, and 600,000 more newborns could contract HIV by 2030. President Donald Trumps cuts to USAID will cause AIDS-related deaths to rise, The Independent previously reported (Getty) All the gains that weve seen over the last 20 years will start being steadily reversed, Professor Francois Venter, a leading HIV doctor at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, previously told The Independent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hadja, a 27-year-old mother of three in Uganda, previously told The Independent she has lost access to lifesaving medication since Trump effectively shut down USAID. Our lives depend on medicine without it, our lives are shortened, she said. If I die, my children will suffer. President Donald Trump has threatened to terminate Elon Musks federal contracts and cancel subsidies beneficial to his companies after the billionaire publicly accused the president of being ungrateful in an explosion of tensions between the two men who lavished praise on one another less than a week ago as Trump bid Musk farewell from the administration. The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elons Governmental Subsidies and Contracts. I was always surprised that Biden didnt do it, Trump wrote on Truth Social. Beyond Trumps own public threat of retribution this afternoon, the desire within the administration to exact, or at least dangle, swift vengeance on Musk is indeed spiking. This is in part because in recent months, some of Trumps most senior officials Marco Rubio, Sean Duffy, Peter Navarro, you name it have actively stewed over Musks intrusion into their work portfolios, finding him to be massively annoying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This week, two Trump administration officials tell Rolling Stone that the government may not be above revamping investigations into Musks business empires probes that carried over from the Biden era and ones that Musk was extremely adamant he wanted to see a second Trump administration crush, if the Tesla billionaire helped elect Trump. THIS ADMINISTRATION COULD ALWAYS START THE INVESTIGATIONS AGAIN, one senior Trump appointee messaged in all caps. A source with knowledge of the matter says that Trump White House staff have already begun the process of making phone calls and sending messages to prominent allies of both Trump and Musk, saying they need to pick sides and that, basically, its the easiest choice theyll ever make in their lives. Trump slammed Musk today from the Oval Office when asked about the billionaires opposition to his reconciliation bill which is currently working its way through the Senate. Musk responded by taking direct aim at the president, writing that without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such ingratitude, Musk added in another post. Shortly after, Trump took to Truth Social to draw a line in the digital sand, threatening Musks contracts. In another post, the president added that Elon was wearing thin, I asked him to leave, I took away his EV Mandate that forced everyone to buy Electric Cars that nobody else wanted (that he knew for months I was going to do!), and he just went CRAZY! Musks meltdown continued with one of the least surprising truth bombs in recent memory. Time to drop the really big bomb, Musk wrote, @realDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public. Have a nice day, DJT! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps friendly relationship with accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, who died in custody in 2019, has been well documented for decades. In 2019 it was reported that the presidents name appeared in a black book of Epsteins clients. Mark this post for the future. The truth will come out, Musk added in a follow up post. In the replies, another user asked Musk: whyd you work for the guy if you knew this? Musks various companies have benefited substantially from his relationship with the federal government. According to a February report from The Washington Post, Musks companies have received over $38 billion in government contracts, loans, subsidies, and tax credits over the course of more than two decades. In the months he spent as the de facto head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Musk meddled with contracts granted to his potential competitors, saw his own products receive favorable treatment, and meddled with regulators who oversee and investigate his businesses. Musks involvement with the federal government, including his reckless leadership of DOGE, caused consternation at his flagship companies, and Teslas stock once again took a nose dive today amid his feud with the president. Musk may soon find himself learning the least-guarded secret in Washington the hard way: When it comes to Trump, its better to be in his good graces than out of them. 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. A meeting between President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz took an awkward turn on Thursday when he suggested that Germans might not view the anniversary of D-Day commemorating the U.S.-led invasion of Europe that was the beginning of the end for the Nazis in a favorable light. Sitting in the Oval Office, Merz and Trump were discussing the death toll from Russias three-year-old war against Ukraine, the bloodiest conflict in Europe since the end of World War II, when the German leader noted that tomorrow marks the 81st anniversary of Operation Overlord, the allied amphibious assault on Adolf Hitlers European stranglehold that began with American, British, Canadian and Free French troops storming the beaches of Normandy. Merz told Trump he wanted to discuss how to bring the current Russo-Ukrainian conflict to an end. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I'm here, Mr. President, to talk with you later on on how we could contribute to that goal. And we all are looking for measures and for instruments to bring this terror war to an end. And may I remind you that we are having June 6 tomorrow. This is D-Day anniversary when the Americans once ended a war in Europe, he said. At that point, Trump interjected, seemingly wisecracking to Merz: That was not a pleasant day for you. German Chancellor Frederich Merz seemingly corrected President Donald Trump about the meaning of the Allied victory over the Nazis in WWII to modern-day Germans. (AP) The chancellor began to reply that it was not a pleasant day before stopping himself and delivering a bit of a history lesson for his U.S. counterpart. In the long run, Mr. President, this was the liberation of my country from Nazi dictatorship, he corrected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Merz continued by stating that Germans know what they owe to America for liberating their country from the Nazis, telling Trump that the U.S. is again in a very strong position to help end Russias war by throwing steadfast support to Ukraines defensive efforts. We know what we owe you, but this is the reason why I'm saying that America is again, in a very strong position to do something on this war and ending this war. So let's talk about what we can do jointly, and we are ready to do what we can, he said. The bizarre moment was not even the first example of questionable historical references to the Nazi and post-Hitler era from Trump, who also attempted to crack a joke about Merzs efforts to push past decades of German pacifism to help bolster Ukraines defense and jump-start his countrys own arms industry. Asked whether Germany is doing enough to meet their commitments to NATO by spending a set percentage of GDP on defense needs, Trump replied that he knows Germany is now spending more money on defense now and quite a bit more money and called the development a positive thing before waxing on about the late American Gen. Douglas MacArthurs views of Germany in the wake of two world wars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I'm not sure that General MacArthur would have said it's positive, you know, he wouldn't like it, but I sort of think it's good, Trump said. He made a statement, never let Germany rearm. And I said, I always think about that. When he says, Sir, we're spending more money on defense, I say, Oh, is that a good thing or a bad thing? I think it's a good thing. But you know, at least to a certain point, there'll be a point where say, Please don't arm anymore. If you don't mind. The president then, perhaps jokingly, suggested that the U.S. would be watching Germanys re-armament efforts with skepticism. In what appeared to be a reversal from his first-term position, the American leader told reporters that the U.S. would be keeping the tens of thousands of troops based in Germany in that country, the site of some of Americas largest European bases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked whether the U.S. would continue to base troops in Merzs country, he replied: The answer is yes. We'll talk about that. But if they'd like to have them there, yeah, he said. We have a lot of them, about 45,000 it's a lot of troops. It's a city, Trump continued, adding that their presence is good for Germanys economy because theyre highly paid and spend a lot of money there. \ Donald Trump was so impressed by Ukraines audacious drone raids on Russian warplanes that he described them as badass to aides. Mr Trump has kept unusually quiet about the Sunday attack on airfields deep inside Russia as he tries to keep both sides talking to each other. But a report published on Thursday revealed he thought the strikes were strong even as he worried that it would make peace efforts more complicated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He thought it was badass, a source told Axios. An adviser said: From an international perspective, youve got a chihuahua inflicting some real damage on a much bigger dog. Kyivs weekend strikes on airfields destroyed and damaged nuclear-capable aircraft and infuriated Moscow. Operation Spiders Web was reportedly 18 months in the planning. But it leaves Mr Trump with a dilemma. Throughout his dealings with Moscow and Kyiv he has openly worried that the conflict could lead to a Third World War, and influential voices in his Maga coalition, such as Steve Bannon, have publicly warned Ukraines strikes were escalatory and likely to trigger a brutal Russian response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A third source told Axios: We want this war to end. We want it to de-escalate. So if Putin goes crazy in response, yeah, the president has concerns. Mr Trump has shied from adding extra sanctions or heaping more pressure on Russia to force it to compromise. He spoke to Mr Putin by phone on Wednesday. He posted on social media afterwards: President Putin did say, and very strongly, that he will have to respond to the recent attack on the airfields. Russian warplanes destroyed by Ukraine - MAXAR TECHNOLOGIES/REUTERS The Russian president has repeatedly rejected calls for a 30-day ceasefire, insisting that it would simply allow Ukraine to rearm and reorganise. The result is an impasse for Mr Trump, who came to power promising to end the conflict on day one of his presidency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, Moscow said it would decide how and when to respond. When Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, was asked what Russias response would be, he said: As and when our military deems it appropriate. The issue is reaching a crucial round of diplomacy. Mr Trump hosts Friedrich Merz, the new German chancellor, at the White House on Thursday. Germany is the second biggest backer of Ukraine after the US. Then he flies to Canada for a G7 summit followed by a Nato meeting in the Netherlands before the end of the month. 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 has threatened to cut Elon Musks government contracts as their fractured alliance rapidly escalated into a public feud, with Mr Trump suggesting he would use the US government to hurt his fellow billionaire financially. The spectacular blow-up between the president of the United States and the worlds richest man played out on their respective social media platforms after Mr Trump first broached the topic in a White House meeting with Germanys new leader. The rancorous break-up happened less than a week after they appeared together at the White House and Mr Trump thanked Mr Musk for his brief but tumultuous time in the US government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Trump had largely remained silent as Mr Musk stewed over the last few days on his social media platform X, condemning the presidents signature tax cuts and spending bill. But Mr Trump clapped back on Thursday in the Oval Office, lamented their frayed relationship and said he was very disappointed in Musk. Mr Musk responded on social media in real time. Mr Trump ratcheted up the stakes when he turned to his own social media network, Truth Social, and threatened to use the US government to hurt Mr Musks bottom line with his internet company Starlink and rocket company SpaceX. The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elons Governmental Subsidies and Contracts, Mr Trump wrote on his social media network. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was always surprised that Biden didnt do it! This just gets better and better, Mr Musk quickly replied on X. Go ahead, make my day. False, this bill was never shown to me even once and was passed in the dead of night so fast that almost no one in Congress could even read it! https://t.co/V4ztekqd4g Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 5, 2025 The deepening rift unfurled much like their relationship started rapidly, intensely and very publicly. It also quickly hit Mr Musk financially, even before Mr Trumps threat. After Mr Trump started speaking about Mr Musk, shares of his electric vehicle company Tesla fell 9%, their latest notable move since the election. The shares doubled in the weeks after Mr Trump was elected, gave back those gains and more during Mr Musks time at the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) and then rallied after he vowed in April to focus much more on Tesla and his other companies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Musk later offered up an especially stinging insult to a president sensitive about his standing among voters: Without me, Trump would have lost the election. Such ingratitude, Mr Musk said in a follow-up post. Politicians and their donor patrons rarely see eye to eye. But the magnitude of Mr Musks support for Mr Trump, spending at least 250 million dollars (184 million) backing his campaign, and the scope of free rein the president gave him to slash and delve into the government with Doge is eclipsed only by the speed of their falling out. President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office of the White House (Evan Vucci/AP) Mr Musk announced his support for Mr Trump shortly after the then-candidate was nearly assassinated on stage at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, last July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News of Mr Musks political action committee in support of Mr Trumps election came days later. Mr Musk soon became a close adviser and frequent companion, memorably leaping in the air behind Mr Trump on stage at a rally in October. Once Mr Trump was elected, the tech billionaire stood behind him as he took the oath of office, flew with him on Air Force One for weekend stays at Mr Trumps Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, slept in the White Houses Lincoln Bedroom at the presidents invitation and joined his cabinet meetings wearing a MAGA hat (sometimes more than one). Ill be honest, I think he missed the place, Mr Trump said on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He got out there, and all of a sudden he wasnt in this beautiful Oval Office. Mr Musk bid farewell to Mr Trump last week in a subdued news conference in the Oval Office, where he sported a black eye that he said came from his young son but that seemed to be a metaphor for his messy time in government service. Mr Trump, who rarely misses an opportunity to zing his critics on appearance, brought it up on Thursday. Elon Musk attends a news conference with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House on Friday in Washington (Evan Vucci/AP) I said, Do you want a little makeup? Well get you a little makeup. Which is interesting, Mr Trump said. The Republican presidents comments came as Mr Musk has stewed for days on social media about Mr Trumps Big Beautiful Bill, warning that it will increase the federal deficit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Musk has called the bill a disgusting abomination. He hasnt said bad about me personally, but Im sure that will be next, Mr Trump said on Thursday in the Oval Office. But Im very disappointed in Elon. Ive helped Elon a lot. Observers had long wondered if the friendship between the two brash billionaires known for lobbing insults online would flame out in spectacular fashion. It did, in less than a year. Look, Elon and I had a great relationship. I dont know if we will anymore, Mr Trump said. President Donald Trump with Elon Musk in the Oval Office of the White House (Evan Vucci/AP) The president said some people who leave his administration miss it so badly and actually become hostile. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its sort of Trump derangement syndrome, I guess they call it, he said. He brushed aside the billionaires efforts to get him elected last year, including a one million dollar-a-day voter sweepstakes in Pennsylvania. The surge of cash Mr Musk showed he was willing to spend seemed to set him up as a highly coveted ally for Republicans going forward, but his split with Mr Trump, the partys leader, raises questions about whether they or any others will see such a campaign windfall in the future. Mr Trump said Mr Musk, the chief executive and founder of Tesla, only developed a problem with the bill because it rolls back tax credits for electric vehicles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement False, Mr Musk fired back on his social media platform as the president continued speaking. This bill was never shown to me even once and was passed in the dead of night so fast that almost no one in Congress could even read it! In another post, he said Mr Trump could keep the spending cuts but ditch the MOUNTAIN of DISGUSTING PORK in the bill. Elon Musk speaks during a news conference with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House on Friday (Evan Vucci/AP) The bill would unleash trillions of dollars in tax cuts and slash spending but also spike deficits by 2.4 trillion dollars over a decade and leave some 10.9 million more people without health insurance, according to an analysis by the Congressional Budget Office, which for decades has served as the official scorekeeper of legislation in Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Besides Mr Musk being disturbed by the electric vehicle tax credits, Mr Trump said another point of contention was Mr Musks promotion of Jared Isaacman to run Nasa. Mr Trump withdrew Mr Isaacmans nomination over the weekend, days after Mr Musk left his government role. I didnt think it was appropriate, Mr Trump said, calling Mr Isaacman totally a Democrat. Mr Musk, reverting to his main form of political activity before he joined forces with Mr Trump, continued slinging his responses on social media. He shared some posts Mr Trump made over a decade ago criticising Republicans for their spending, musings made when he, too, was just a billionaire lobbing his thoughts on social media. Where is the man who wrote these words? Mr Musk wrote. Was he replaced by a body double!? Donald Trump has suggested the US could hit Ukraine, as well as Russia, with sanctions unless a peace deal is reached. Speaking in the Oval Office alongside visiting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the US president likened Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin to two fighting children. Sometimes youre better off letting them fight for a while and then pulling them apart, Mr Trump said, adding that he would be very very tough if neither side was willing to stop the fighting after Mr Merz urged him to put more pressure on Moscow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It could be on both countries to be honest. You know, it takes two to tango, but were going to be very tough, whether its Russia or anybody else. The president added that he had relayed that analogy to Vladimir Putin in their phone conversation on Wednesday. The comments highlighted enduring splits between Mr Trump and European leaders, who want sanctions on Russia to force Putin to the negotiating table. Mr Merz looked comfortable Slumped in his chair with his legs crossed, Mr Merz looked remarkably comfortable by the famous fireplace but showed flashes of passion when discussing Ukraine. Moving towards the edge of his seat with his elbows on his knees, he said nations have a duty to end the war. I think we have the duty to do something on that now, to stop it after three and a half years, which is really terrible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Merz also hailed Mr Trump as being the key person in the world when it came to ending the Ukraine war, saying the US leader could really do that now by putting pressure on Russia. Earlier, Mr Merz had urged Mr Trump to end the war in 2025, in the 80th anniversary year of D-Day, and said the EU had agreed to further sanctions on the Kremlin. Mr. President, this was the liberation of my country from Nazi dictatorship. We know what we owe you, but this is the reason why Im saying that America is again in a very strong position to do something on this war and ending this war, he said. So lets talk about what we can do jointly. We are ready to do what we can and you know that we gave support to Ukraine, and that we are looking for more pressure on Russia. The European Union did, and we should talk about that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will talk about it, Mr Trump said, Its good timing. Mr Zelensky, King Abdullah II of Jordan and South African president Cyril Ramaphosa have all been blindsided in the press conferences the president holds in the White House. But Mr Merz, a 69-year-old with a corporate background and a similarly fearsome reputation to Mr Trump, avoided the same treatment, despite the US presidents warning that Europe and Germany could no longer rely on the US on the night of his election victory in February. The biggest German fear has been that Mr Trump would ambush Mr Merz over the official designation by German domestic intelligence that the AfD is an extremist Right-wing party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time JD Vance said: The West tore down the Berlin Wall together. And it has been rebuilt not by the Soviets or the Russians but by the German establishment. Mr Vance and Elon Musk both endorsed the AfD in the German elections in February, which incensed Mr Merz, who accused the Trump administration of meddling in the vote and told them to get out of German politics. That row was not mentioned, even though Mr Vance, who acted as attack dog in the infamous meeting with President Zelensky, was present. Instead Mr Trump, who has accused Germany of running a huge trade surplus with the US while freeloading on American defence of Europe, attacked Angela Merkel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mrs Merkel was Chancellor during Mr Trumps first term but she sidelined Mr Merz from the Christian Democrats (CDU) when she was in power. Never supported open-door migration Despite them coming from the same party, Mr Trump made it clear he knew Mr Merz never supported her open-door migration policy. Discussing his new travel ban, he told Mr Merz that he had a little problem too with some of the people that were allowed in his country. Its not your fault. Its not your fault. It shouldnt have happened. I told her [Mrs Merkel] it shouldnt have happened, he told Mr Merz, who has promised a major crackdown on illegal immigration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also attacked Mrs Merkel for backing the Nord Stream 2 pipeline during his first term in 2018. The pipeline was widely criticised for worsening European dependence on Russian gas. That policy was massively discredited by Putins war on Ukraine and cancelled by Mr Merzs predecessor Olaf Scholz after the invasion. Mr Trump insists he is not friends with Putin and points to his opposition to the German-Russian Nord Stream 2 pipeline, backed by Mrs Merkel, as proof. Contrary to the ambush many feared, Mr Trump praised Mr Merz for his plans to make the German army the strongest in Europe. I know that youre spending more money on defence now and quite a bit more money. Thats a positive thing, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another potential flashpoint, trade relations between the EU and US, was avoided. Mr Trump is threatening to hit the EU with massive 50 per cent tariffs. Germany, an exporting powerhouse with a faltering economy, is badly exposed to the risk of a trade war. The opposition AfD wants Berlin to strike a separate trade deal with Washington but, as an EU member, Germany outsources trade to Brussels. In calls before the meeting Mr Merz had stressed the EU was united and there would be no side deals with Berlin, which Mr Trump seems to have accepted. Speaking later on Thursday, Mr Merz said he was extremely satisfied with the meeting and that it had laid the foundation for good talks at upcoming G7 and Nato summits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im returning with the feeling that Ive found in the American president someone I can speak with very well on a personal level, he said. We have a lot in common, even in the different career paths weve taken between politics. That creates a certain bond. 05:45 PM BST Thats all for today Thanks for following our live coverage of Friedrich Merzs Oval Office meeting with Donald Trump. Mr Merz started the meeting by providing Mr Trump with the birth certificate of the US presidents grandfather, Frederick Trump The meeting quickly moved on to Elon Musk, who has been vociferous in his criticism of Mr Trumps so-called big, beautiful tax and spending bill Mr Trump said he was very disappointed by Mr Musks criticism and said he was only upset because it removed an incentive for Americans to buy electric vehicles Ukraine also dominated the agenda, with Mr Trump likening Moscow and Kyiv to two children fighting in the park Mr Trump also threatened to impose sanctions on both Russia and Ukraine 05:31 PM BST Analysis: Merz avoids White House ambush Slumped in his chair with his legs crossed, Friedrich Merz looked remarkably comfortable in the Oval Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And its really no surprise. He faced just a handful of questions about trade and defence and avoided confrontations about the far-right AfD. His most passionate response came during a defence of Ukraine. Moving towards the edge of his seat with his elbows on his knees, he said nations have a duty to end the war. I think we having the duty to do something on that now, to stop it after three and a half years, which is really terrible. Look at the kids, the kids which were kidnapped from Ukraine to Russia. Friedrich Merz avoided a pasting by Donald Trump in the Oval Office - AFP 05:30 PM BST Trump insists hes not friends with Putin Mr Trump insists he is not friends with Putin and points to his opposition to the German-Russian Nord Stream 2 pipeline, backed by Mrs Merkel, as proof. I used to go with Angela and say, Well, wait a minute, were spending all this money to defend you against Russia, and then youre giving Russia billions of dollars a month. What kind of a deal is that? The biggest pipeline in the world. Got to go all over Europe, not only to Germany, you know, but then they were branching off all over the Europe. Nobody ever heard of it. Not one person of you heard of it. And I stopped it. It was dead. And then they say, Im friends with Putin. I got along with him. He respected me. I respected him. He then accused Biden of approving Nord Stream 2 in almost the first week he came in. In fact, the US could only exert political pressure to stop the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. The EU was also largely opposed to it but the project went ahead. Olaf Scholz pulled the plug when Putin invaded Ukraine. 05:24 PM BST Analysis: Musk consumes Merzs Oval Office meeting The Oval Office meeting, expected to be the subject of trade and tariffs, has been consumed by questions about Elon Musk. He said the most beautiful things about me. He hasnt said bad things about me, personally, but Im sure thatll be next, Donald Trump said. It is the first time the US president has addressed the rift with his former doge chief since Mr Musk launched a blistering attack on his big beautiful spending bill. Mr Trump appears to be refraining from launching a trademark attack of his own. But in the background, Mr Musks outbursts have been dismissed as a case of sour grapes after he was rebuffed from extending his time in the White House. 05:22 PM BST Musk responds to Trump criticism Elon Musk now appears to have hit back at Donald Trumps criticism in a post on X. The US president just said Mr Musk only opposed his tax and spending bill because it removes a $7,500 tax incentive for electric vehicle (EV) buyers. Mr Musk tweeted: Whatever. Keep the EV/solar incentive cuts in the bill, even though no oil & gas subsidies are touched (very unfair!!), but ditch the MOUNTAIN of DISGUSTING PORK in the bill. In the entire history of civilisation, there has never been legislation that both big and beautiful. Everyone knows this! Either you get a big and ugly bill or a slim and beautiful bill. Slim and beautiful is the way. Mr Musk later claimed it was false to suggest that he had ever read the bill. Whatever. Keep the EV/solar incentive cuts in the bill, even though no oil & gas subsidies are touched (very unfair!!), but ditch the MOUNTAIN of DISGUSTING PORK in the bill. In the entire history of civilization, there has never been legislation that both big and beautiful. Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 5, 2025 05:19 PM BST Trump compares Russia and Ukraine to two fighting children Mr Merz takes a risk and urges Donald Trump to put pressure on Russia and end the war in Ukraine, in this the 80th year since D-Day. He said: Mr. President, this was the liberation of my country from Nazi dictatorship. We know what we owe you, but this is the reason why Im saying that America is again in a very strong position to do something on this war, and ending this war. So lets talk about what we can do jointly and we are ready to do what we can and you know that we gave support to Ukraine, and that we are looking for more pressure on Russia. The European Union did, and we should talk about that. We will talk about it, Mr Trump said, Its good timing. But later the President returns to the theme of sanctions, likening Russia and Ukraine to two fighting children. He vows he will be very very tough when he sees the moment the fighting is not going to stop on both Moscow and Kyiv. Its in my brain the deadline, he said, Well be very, very, very tough. And it could be on both countries to be honest. You know, it takes two to tango, but were going to be very tough, whether its Russia or anybody else. Were going to be very tough. 05:14 PM BST Trump takes swipe at Merkel over immigration Donald Trump has wasted no time in taking a swipe at former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who led Friedrich Merzs CDU for 16 years. He was asked about his travel ban and said: Frankly, we want to keep bad people out of our country. The Biden administration allowed some horrendous people, and were getting them out one by one, and were not stopping until we get them out. We have 1000s of murderers. I hate to I even hate to say this in front of the chancellor, because you have a little problem too with some of the people that were allowed in this country. Its not your fault. Its not your fault. It shouldnt have happened. I told her it shouldnt have happened, what you did. But you have, you have your own difficulty with that, and we do, and were moving them out, and were moving them out very strongly, but it cant come fast enough. The key thing here is that Mr Trump recognises that Mr Merz and Ms Merkel were rivals. She sidelined him during her 16 years in power - leading him to leave politics for the world of business before his return. Donald Trump criticised Angela Merkel, one of Friedrich Merzs biggest political rivals - AP 05:05 PM BST Trump addresses Musk criticism Donald Trump has addressed Elon Musks criticism of the presidents big, beautiful bill, the most significant legislation of the US presidents second term so far. Mr Musk, who left the White House last week, launched a blistering attack on the bill in recent days, labelling it the Debt Slavery Bill. Speaking from the Oval Office alongside Mr Merz, Mr Trump said he had a great relationship with Mr Musk but said I dont know if we will any more. Mr Trump went on to say he was surprised by Mr Musks criticism after he was given a wonderful send off at the White House last week. The US president continued: Im very disappointed because Elon knew the inner workings of this bill...he only developed a problem when we knew we were going to cut the electric vehicle mandate. Im very disappointed in Elon, Ive helped him a lot. Credit: Reuters 04:59 PM BST Were going to have great ties, Trump tells Merz Donald Trump has assured visiting Friedrich Merz that the two countries will have strong ties. Were going to have a great relationship with your country, Mr Trump told Mr Merz at the beginning of the German leaders White House visit. Shortly after entering the Oval Office, Mr Merz presented Mr Trump with the birth certificate of the US presidents grandfather, Frederick Trump. Friedrich Merz holds the birth certificate of Donald Trumps grandfather during a meeting at the White House - REUTERS 04:49 PM BST So sad whats happening between Russia and Ukraine, says Trump Donald Trump and Friedrich Merz are now sat side-by-side in the Oval Office. Mr Trump opened by thanking the German chancellor for visiting the White House, before going on to describe the war in Ukraine as so sad. Asked if he would put more pressure on Putin, Mr Trump said: I ended Nord Stream 2, nobody else did, and then Biden came in and immediately approved it. Thats the largest, essentially the largest pipeline in the world going to Germany and other countries. 04:42 PM BST Merz arrives at the White House Friedrich Merz has arrived at the White House, where he was greeted by Donald Trump. The two leaders shared a warm handshake before heading inside, not before Mr Trump was asked about his phone call with Chinese premier Xi Jinping. It went very well thank you, the US president shouted at the pack of reporters outside the White House. Friedrich Merz arrives at the White House, where he was greeted by Donald Trump - AP 04:38 PM BST Trump invited to China after phone call with Xi Donald Trump has agreed to visit China after a very positive phone call with Chinese premier Xi Jinping, signalling progress in their bitter dispute over tariffs. Moments before his meeting with Mr Merz, the US president wrote on Truth Social: I just concluded a very good phone call with President Xi, of China, discussing some of the intricacies of our recently made, and agreed to, Trade Deal. The call lasted approximately one and a half hours, and resulted in a very positive conclusion for both Countries. You can read more about Mr Trumps phone call with Xi here. 04:34 PM BST A history of Trump ambushes The first White House ambush of Donald Trumps second term came at the end of February when Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, visited Washington. The meeting got off to a good start from Ukraines point of view but quickly descended into chaos when JD Vance confronted the Ukrainian president and accused him of being disrespectful. Mr Vance accused Mr Zelensky of taking foreign leaders on propaganda tours of Ukraine before Mr Trump jumped in and said Mr Zelensky did not hold the cards. The meeting ended without the two sides signing the much-hyped minerals deal and Mr Zelensky was asked to leave the White House early. Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump during their disastrous White House meeting in February - AFP Last month, Mr Trump ambushed Cyril Ramaphosa during their Oval Office meeting with footage he said showed white South Africans being persecuted. In an extraordinary confrontation, the US president ordered staffers to dim the lights and play a video showcasing what he called a genocide of white farmers in the country. Turning to Mr Ramaphosa, the South African president, Mr Trump said people were fleeing while demanding an explanation for what he said was a very sad situation. 04:24 PM BST Merz and Trump building decent relationship The US president and Chancellor Friedrich Merz have spoken several times by phone, either bilaterally or with other European leaders, since Merz took office on May 6. German officials say the pair have started to build a decent relationship, with Mr Merz wanting to avoid the antagonism that defined Trumps relationship with one of his predecessors, Angela Merkel, during the presidents first term. Mr Merz arrives at the oval office with an extensive business background - something that could curry favour with the president. 04:16 PM BST How Merz plans to avoid an Oval Office pasting No other European leader has criticised Donald Trump as fiercely as Friedrich Merz, Germanys new chancellor. On Thursday, the two will come face to face in Washington in what is the biggest test of Mr Merzs tenure so far. It means entering the gladiatorial arena of the Oval Office and enduring the impromptu press conferences now dreaded by visiting leaders the world over. Mr Trump has already ambushed Ukraines Volodymyr Zelensky, South Africas Cyril Ramaphosa and Jordans King Abdullah II in front of the cameras. But Mr Merz is no pushover. When he comes into the room, everyone goes quiet, like when the schoolteacher comes in, a source from his centre-Right Christian Democrats (CDU) said. Friedrich Merz will meet Donald Trump for the first time on Thursday 04:10 PM BST Merz looking forward to Trump visit Friedrich Merz has said he is looking forward to meeting Donald Trump for the first time in person as Germanys new chancellor. The 69-year-old conservative won a parliament vote to become Germanys chancellor last month after winning a federal election in February. Speaking to reporters, Mr Merz said: I am looking forward to the visit. We are well-prepared. NATO will be a major topic, as will trade and Ukraine. When we talk about German domestic politics (AFD), I will use clear words. The Chancellery will intensify bilateral talks. 04:04 PM BST Welcome to our live coverage Hello and welcome to our live coverage as Friedrich Merz, the German chancellor, prepares to meet Donald Trump in the White House. Well bring you the latest as it happens. 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 number of U.S. judges who have either barred, delayed or criticized actions made by the Trump administration in the almost six months since President Donald Trump returned to the White House is an extensive list. And Trump appears to be at his wits end about it. A week ago, in a post on Truth Social, Trump used choice words to go after conservative and libertarian legal organization The Federalist Society and the chairman of its board of directors, Leonard Leo. Leo and the Federalist Society were deeply influential in judicial nominations during Trumps first term, including on Judge Timothy Reif who recently, on a three-judge panel, ruled against Trumps tariff agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his post, Trump said that during his first term, when he was new to Washington, the Federalist Society was recommended to him to help select judges to appoint. I did so, openly and freely, but then realized that they were under the thumb of a real sleazebag named Leonard Leo, a bad person who, in his own way, probably hates America, and obviously has his own separate ambitions, he said. On the same day, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi wrote in a letter to the American Bar Associations president William Bay that the Department of Justice would no longer give them special treatment like some administrations, (where) the ABA received notice of nominees before a nomination was announced to the public, she wrote. Some administrations would even decide whether to nominate an individual based on a rating assigned by the ABA. Though the attack on the Federalist Society came as a shock to critics and supporters of Trump, giving the ABA the cold shoulder was not a surprise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Utah Sen. Mike Lee has been very outspoken against the American Bar Association, accusing it of being more favorable towards Democratic policy. In a social media post on Thursday, he accused the ABA of being practically the lawyers wing of the Democratic National Committee. The American Bar Association is practically the lawyers wing of the Democratic National Committee. pic.twitter.com/EnNqrwf8xr Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) June 4, 2025 During a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Wednesday, he also defended his ties with the Federalist Society, arguing that unlike the ABA, Its an open forum for discussion among lawyers and law students. (An) open forum in which multiple viewpoints are, in fact, welcome. Its not an advocacy organization, Lee said, quite unlike the American Bar Association. In a Wall Street Journal opinion podcast on Monday, John Yoo, a law professor and former clerk to Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, said Trumps words against Leo and the Federalist Society were outrageous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That was truly outrageous to accuse Leonard Leo, one of the stalwarts of the conservative movement, of being something like a traitor and using judicial appointments to advance his own personal agenda, Yoo said. He also said he doesnt understand why Trump would do something like that. Why would President Trump turn his back on one of his greatest, if not his greatest achievements from the first term, appointing three justices. ... Gorsuch, Kavanaugh, Amy Coney Barrett, which reinforced Justices Alito and Thomas on the Supreme Court in building a really solid originalist majority, not a conservative majority, not politically Republican majority, but a majority that believes in interpreting the Constitution based on its original meaning. Despite the insults, Leo told the New York Post in a statement that hes very grateful to Trump for his work in transforming the Federal Courts, and it was a privilege being involved. ... Theres more work to be done, for sure, but the Federal Judiciary is better than its ever been in modern history, and that will be President Trumps most important legacy. Donald Trumps travel ban, a purportedly security-focused measure largely targeting African nations and Muslim-majority countries, underscores his administrations ignorant and potentially destructive approach to a continent with growing global influence. In announcing the ban, Trump said its meant to ensure the U.S. only allows people to enter who do not bear hostile attitudes toward its citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles. Whereas the Biden administration took steps to ingratiate itself with African leaders and slough off some of the American paternalism that has driven some African nations closer to Russia and China in recent years, Trumps administration seems to have doubled down on an outmoded strategy of exploitation, conspiratorial brow-beating and ostracism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In just the first few months of Trumps second term, his administration has pressured African nations to permit Elon Musks Starlink internet service to operate within their borders and has sought to use war-torn nations in Africa including a country known for its human rights abuses as landing spots for people booted from the U.S. as part of Trumps mass deportation plan. The president also personally turned the Oval Office into a screening room for bigoted conspiracy theories when he invited the president of South Africa to the White House and then bombarded him with false allegations of white genocide being committed in his country. Needless to say, this hasnt helped the U.S. build on its rapport with African nations. And fundamentally, what that could mean for the U.S. is that a continent full of countries that American officials have pinpointed as crucial partners in our geopolitical strategies related to security and commerce could drift further toward our adversaries. Thats certainly the vibe given off by the African Union Commission and its dozens of member states, which denounced Trumps travel ban and warned about its potential impacts. The Commission remains concerned about the potential negative impact of such measures on people-to-people ties, educational exchange, commercial engagement, and the broader diplomatic relations that have been carefully nurtured over decades. Africa and the United States share mutual interests in promoting peace, prosperity, and global cooperation, the commission said in a statement, adding: The African Union Commission respectfully calls upon the U.S. Administration to consider adopting a more consultative approach and to engage in constructive dialogue with the countries concerned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement University of Michigan economics professor Justin Wolfers identified one clear way that Trumps travel ban could harm the American economy. One obvious economic implication of the latest travel ban is that genuinely international conferences will no longer be held in the U.S., he wrote on X. One obvious economic implication of the latest travel ban is that genuinely international conferences will no longer be held in the U.S. Justin Wolfers (@JustinWolfers) June 5, 2025 And that may just be the tip of the iceberg. Its also true that the materials used to make batteries in everything from cutting-edge cars to phones and computers most often come from African mines. Which is to say: Trumps cold shoulder toward African nations could have dire consequences for Americas future, particularly with regard to the economy and U.S. national security. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com LAS VEGAS (KLAS) The Trump administrations travel ban against 12 countries hit close to home for the Las Vegas Eritrean community, which is facing new obstacles to connect with their family. During a memorial for a minister, around 50 neighbors gathered at the Eritrean Cultural & Civic Center to enjoy freshly baked coffee and traditional himbasha. The gathering was interrupted by news their home country was included in the new U.S. travel ban. (KLAS) Unfortunately, its not good, because our community just serves our Eritrean community here in Las Vegas, Binyam Semereab, a member at the Eritrean Cultural & Civic Center, said. People who are born here, and then some of them are being here, and then they have a cultural change at the same time with language barriers, and we try to help them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Semereab thought of the impact it would have on his parents and younger families in Las Vegasreducing their access to see each other. Its very difficult seeing it because I dont have right now my parents who want to come to visit me because of my age, he said. But just there are a lot of younger people who wants to see their parents come and visit them. So thats an unfortunate situation. During a memorial for a minister, around 50 neighbors gathered at the Eritrean Cultural & Civic Center to enjoy freshly baked coffee and traditional himbasha. The gathering was interrupted with news their home country was included on the new U.S. travel ban. (KLAS) The Las Vegas Eritrean community has been recognized at the city, state, and national levels, according to Semereab. I want the American people to know about is just an Eritrea is just about five to 6 million people, and we fight for 30 years plus for our independence, he said. And we are very peaceful people. Just we want to get our independence. Definitely, we dont interfere in somebodys internal affairs. And definitely our policy also self-reliance and then not interfering any other political issues on the other countries. During a memorial for a minister, around 50 neighbors gathered at the Eritrean Cultural & Civic Center to enjoy freshly baked coffee and traditional himbasha. The gathering was interrupted with news their home country was included on the new U.S. travel ban. (KLAS) During a memorial for a minister, around 50 neighbors gathered at the Eritrean Cultural & Civic Center to enjoy freshly baked coffee and traditional himbasha. The gathering was interrupted with news their home country was included on the new U.S. travel ban. (KLAS) The new travel restrictions come after security concerns raised by the Trump administration following antisemitic attacks across the country. No direct explanation was given as to why Eritrea was connected to the ban during Trumps address. However, the president did cite an overall concern with countries without reliable migration vetting and screening processes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Very simply we cannot have open migration from any country where we cannot safely and reliably vet and screen those who seek to enter the United States, Trump said. Banned from US travel Afghanistan Chad Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Haiti Iran Libya Myanmar Republic of the Congo Somalia Sudan Yemen Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Donald Trumps decision to bar the citizens of a dozen countries from entering the United States is his most sweeping visa ban yet. By casting his net wider than ever, the US president is ostensibly protecting Americans from foreigners who pose a threat to homeland security. Countries that do not properly vet their citizens or whose nationals overstay their visas were selected for outright bans, while seven other states were subjected to restrictions that would prevent as many as 90 per cent of their nationals from visiting the US. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move is a resurrection of a policy from his first term, but Mr Trump has considerably broadened his scope, imposing a much wider, if less draconian, set of measures one that reflects a desire to overcome future legal challenges while pacifying his supporters. His 2017 executive order, which went through several iterations, saw a ban on travellers from seven nations with large Muslim majorities, earning adulation from his supporters. By contrast, just eight of the 19 countries hit by outright or partial bans under his latest edict have Muslim majorities. Credit: The White House Mr Trumps tour of the Middle East last month, during which he cemented friendships with a string of rich Gulf potentates, may be a factor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More likely, though, the US president is simply being more strategic than in his first term. By taking aim at non-Muslim states alongside the usual suspects in the Middle East and Horn of Africa, he is making the legal challenges he faced the first time around less likely to succeed. The White House has been careful to justify its choice of targets, saying the countries listed pose security threats either because their nationals tend to overstay visas or because they have a significant terrorist presence. With an eye on the courts, Mr Trump has also carved out exemptions even for states facing an outright ban: Afghans who worked with the US military, or persecuted minorities in Iran will, in theory, still be allowed in. This will allow Mr Trump to claim a significant victory on an issue important not just to his base, but beyond. Securing US borders is a central plank of his America First ideology. The visa ban is one element of this strategy, complementing a range of steps on immigration from raids to detain migrants, to mass deportations and restrictions on international students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ban will have real consequences. Last year, the State Department issued 170,000 visas to the citizens of countries facing an outright ban. The list of affected countries is far broader geographically than in Mr Trumps first term, with nine drawn from sub-Saharan Africa, three from the Americas, three from the Middle East and four from elsewhere in Asia. Of the countries reprieved this time, two offer an instructive insight into Mr Trumps shifting geopolitical priorities. North Korea and Syria omitted North Korea, added to the initial list later in 2017, is the first omission. In his first term, Mr Trump expended significant diplomatic capital in a fruitless quest to force Kim Jong-un to give up his nuclear arsenal. North Koreas inclusion may have been part of a pressure campaign designed to force concessions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That having failed, there is little value now in a symbolic measure like a visa ban. Very few North Koreans ever go to the United States, after all. The second is Syria, one of the main targets of the first ban because of the flood of refugees fleeing its civil war during Mr Trumps first term. But the war is over, the dictator Bashar al-Assad has been toppled and the White House has taken significant steps over the objections of Israel but to the delight of most Arab states to end Syrias isolation. Russia floated as ban candidate Laying aside concerns about the new Syrian governments jihadi past, Mr Trump met president Ahmed al-Sharaa during his Middle East tour and announced an end to US sanctions on Damascus. Syrias exemption from the ban is further evidence of its accelerating rehabilitation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other countries have remained on the banned list for more obvious reasons. Libya, Somalia and Yemen are all conflict-ridden with a large jihadi presence. In other cases, diplomatic factors may be at play. Iran has been included again presumably to increase diplomatic pressure for a nuclear deal. Removing it from the list could be an inducement the Trump administration hopes to dangle to extract concessions from Tehran. Russia was floated in March as a possible candidate but avoided the final list despite the threat posed by Russian sleeper operatives in the US. But Mr Trump, whose affinity with Moscow is well known, has no wish to alienate Vladimir Putin while he hopes for a peace deal with Ukraine. Including Russia would also have triggered pushback from Moscows allies on the American right. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most puzzling entries are some of the countries whose citizens are facing a ban for the first time. Chad, Equatorial Guinea and the Republic of Congo not to be confused with its larger neighbour, the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is in talks with Washington over a critical minerals deal are hardly obvious candidates for Mr Trumps ire. The three may not have co-operated sufficiently in accepting nationals deported from the US but none poses a more serious security threat than nearby states. Chads neighbours in the African Sahel Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger are military dictatorships that have lost swathes of territory to jihadist groups, but escaped without a visa ban. Immediate answers are not obvious. But it is worth remembering that decision-making in the Trump administration can be arbitrary. Under the Liberation Day tariffs announced in April and later suspended countries were hit with different rates based on rudimentary trade calculations. It is possible that some of the African states now on the visa ban list have suffered a similar fate. They may also serve to camouflage accusations of anti-Muslim bias. And as low-profile countries unfamiliar to most Americans, the risk of diplomatic blowback is small. 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. U.S. President Donald Trump has asked the Senate to delay voting on a bipartisan Russia sanctions bill, Republican Senator Roger Wicker said on June 4. "I know that he (Trump) asked the leader (Senate Majority Leader John Thune) not to bring the bill to a vote this week," Wicker said during a meeting of the Defense Writers Group in Washington. The bill, introduced on April 1 by Senators Lindsey Graham (R) and Richard Blumenthal (D), seeks to impose a 500% tariff on imports from countries that continue purchasing Russian oil and raw materials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its aim is to tighten economic pressure on Russia and discourage third-party nations from enabling the Kremlins energy exports. The legislation currently has broad bipartisan support, with 82 out of 100 U.S. senators backing it. U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson also voiced his support for the bill. Previously, Trump said he had not yet imposed new sanctions on Russia because he believed a peace deal might be within reach. "If I think I'm close to getting a deal, I don't want to screw it up by doing that," he said on May 28, but added he is prepared to act if Moscow stalls further. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Senate was expected to begin considering the bill this week, prior to the request made by Trump. Read also: Putin will have to respond to Ukraines attack on Russian bombers, Trump says after call with Kremlin chief Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a phone call Thursday amid ongoing tensions between the two superpowers with a new in-person meeting planned soon. Chinese state media and the Chinese foreign ministry said the call happened at the White House's request. The Chinese foreign ministry said Thursday morning that the call was ongoing as of 9 a.m. ET. In a Truth Social post just before 11 a.m., Trump said the call lasted about 90 minutes but provided few details about it other than that it focused on trade. He said a meeting will now be held "shortly" between representatives from the two countries at a location to be determined. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its the first known call between the two leaders in Trumps second term, though the two spoke in January before Trumps inauguration. Trump had posted to social media early Wednesday to air his frustrations with how the conversations between the U.S. and China have been going. I like President XI of China, always have, and always will, but he is VERY TOUGH, AND EXTREMELY HARD TO MAKE A DEAL WITH!!! Trump wrote at 2:17 a.m. The U.S. and China have been locked in a heated trade war since the early days of Trump's second administration, with volleys of tariffs and retaliatory tariffs ratcheting up duties on billions of dollars worth of goods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The current tariff level on Chinese imports brought into the U.S. is at least 30%. That's down from the 145% punitive level Trump had imposed until a handshake agreement in Geneva last month led to a mutual stand-down that also saw China reduce its duties on U.S. imports down to 10% from 125%. But tensions heated up again Friday after Trump accused China of violating the Geneva understanding, though without adding many specifics. That prompted China to level a similar accusation against Trump on Monday. A China spokesperson said Xi emphasized on the call that his country has earnestly implemented the Geneva agreement and that the U.S. should revoke its negative measures against China. Trump remains fixated on closing America's trade deficit with China, which is the difference between how much the U.S. imports from China versus how much it exports. On Thursday, fresh data showed the gap dropped sharply in April with the deficit with China declining to $19.7 billion, the lowest level since March 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The sharp narrowing in the April U.S. international trade deficit tells us the temporary first-quarter splurge by businesses pulling-forward demand to get ahead of tariffs has run its course," Wells Fargo economists wrote in a note after the data was released. Meanwhile use of low-cost e-commerce giants Temu and Shein has plunged in America following the closure of the so-called de minimis loophole that kept low-cost goods tariff-free. Trump has pledged that his unprecedented tariffs gambit will lead to trade deals but despite a flurry of promises and pronouncements that they are near, no firm deals have materialized. Even the agreement with the U.K. announced last month from the Oval Office has been described as merely a "political pact" rather than a formalized, mutually beneficial trade agreement. It's led to growing critiques that Trump's tariffs strategy has little to show so far besides scrambling the investment and hiring plans of businesses the world over. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump faces a particularly complex set of issues with China. Alongside trade, he is also attempting to wrestle TikTok away from Chinese ownership, while seeking to stem the flow of illicit fentanyl that authorities say largely originates from Chinese manufacturers. While there are signs of slowing fentanyl seizures at the U.S. -Mexico border, there has been no sign of progress on the TikTok talks. A deadline that would force TikToks Chinese parent company ByteDance to sell the popular social media app or face a U.S. ban is set to expire June 19. Trump now faces the prospect of having to extend the deadline for a third time. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com President Donald Trump spoke with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Thursday morning about their ongoing trade war, with Trump saying the two leaders agreed to have their teams resume talks shortly. Trump wrote on Truth Social that the call lasted about 90 minutes and focused almost entirely on trade, after representatives from the two largest economies met in Geneva last month and agreed to temporarily reduce tariffs. He said the call resulted in a very positive conclusion for both Countries and that the export of rare earth minerals, which are critical to the U.S. automotive industry, had been addressed during the conversation. Chinas official Xinhua News Agency said the call took place at Trumps request. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump said that upcoming talks will include Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. He added that Xi invited him to visit China and that he reciprocated the offer. President Xi graciously invited the First Lady and me to visit China, and I reciprocated. As Presidents of two Great Nations, this is something that we both look forward to doing. The call was likely the first time the two leaders spoke since Trump took office in January. However, in an April interview with TIME, Trump claimed that Xi had already called himwhich Chinese officials disputed. The talks came one day after Trump said it was difficult to reach a deal with Xi: I like President XI of China, always have, and always will, but he is VERY TOUGH, AND EXTREMELY HARD TO MAKE A DEAL WITH!!!, Trump wrote on Truth Social on Wednesday. Trade negotiations between the two leaders had stalled after both countries agreed on May 12 to temporarily lower tariffs, with Trump dropping his 145% tariffs on Chinese goods to 30% for 90 days, and Xi easing its levies from 125% to 10%. But the Trump Administration has accused China of reneging on the terms by curbing exports of rare earth minerals used by American manufacturers. China has rejected that charge, saying its export controls apply globally and are not targeted at the United States. In response, the Trump Administration has proposed revoking visas for some Chinese students and issuing new export controls on advanced technologies such as jet engine components and A.I. chips. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China, perhaps not surprisingly to some, HAS TOTALLY VIOLATED ITS AGREEMENT WITH US, Trump wrote on Truth Social last week. So much for being Mr. NICE GUY! Following the call with Xi, Trump said there should no longer be any questions respecting the complexity of Rare Earth products. Trump has made reducing Americas dependency on Chinese manufacturing a cornerstone of his second-term agenda. Xi, facing a sluggish post-COVID economy and persistent pressures from a real estate slowdown, is pushing to secure Chinas dominance in future technologies like electric vehicles and artificial intelligence. The United States ran a $295 billion trade deficit with China in 2024, according to U.S. Census Bureau data, a figure Trump frequently cites as evidence of unfair trade practices. His Administration maintains that only top-level talks can break the current deadlock. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently said that a leader-to-leader exchange was essential to restart negotiations in earnest. Write to Nik Popli at nik.popli@time.com. (Reuters) -President Donald Trump's administration is pushing Serbia and other Balkan countries to take in migrants deported from the United States, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday. The requests to countries in the region form part of a broader U.S. strategy to find foreign governments willing to receive deported migrants, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter. Reuters could not immediately verify the report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House, U.S. State Department and Serbia's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment. Last month, the U.S. Supreme Court let Trump's administration revoke the temporary legal status of hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan, Cuban, Haitian, and Nicaraguan migrants living in the United States, bolstering the Republican president's drive to step up deportations. The Trump administration has been looking for possible destinations for the immigrants who could be deported as a result of the decision, the Bloomberg report said. (Reporting by Chandni Shah in Bengaluru; editing by Philippa Fletcher and Mark Heinrich) President Trumps friendship and political alliance with Elon Musk, the worlds richest man, who fueled Trumps campaign with record amounts of cash before working at the White House by his side until last week, appears to be over, with both men leveling searing criticism against one another in a sharp public row. Musk had been criticizing the Trump administration over its signature legislation, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, for its projected impact on the national debt throughout last week. But his calls to kill the bill on Wednesday prompted Trump, speaking to media from the Oval Office, to respond in kind. Elon and I had a great relationship, I dont know if we will anymore, Trump said Thursday. And he hasnt said bad things about me personally, but Im sure thatll be next. But Im very disappointed in Elon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk, responding on his social media platform, X, took credit for Trumps election victory. The billionaire entrepreneur, whose companies also include SpaceX and Tesla, contributed over $280 million to Trump and other Republicans during the 2024 presidential campaign. Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate, Musk wrote. Such ingratitude. Read more: Can Elon Musk get Tesla back on track? Here are four road bumps Matters only deteriorated as the day progressed. After meeting with the German chancellor, Trump wrote on social media that the "easiest way" to save billions in federal spending would be to "terminate Elon's government subsidies and contracts." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Make my day," Musk shot back, before claiming in a subsequent post that Trump had withheld the full release of FBI files on Jeffrey Epstein, the late child sex offender, because they would implicate the president himself. "Time to drop the really big bomb: Trump is in the Epstein files," Musk wrote. "That is the real reason they have not been made public. Have a nice day, DJT!" The exchange broke open a feud that had been simmering for weeks out of public view. In private, Musk had relayed concerns over the bill to the president, while expressing disagreement with several other policies, including the establishment of an artificial intelligence campus in the Middle East and Trumps announcement of global tariffs. I agree with much of what the administration does, but we have differences of opinion, Musk said in a more muted tone last week, speaking in an interview with CBS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You know, there are things that I don't entirely agree with. But it's difficult for me to bring that up in an interview because then it creates a bone of contention, he added. So then, I'm a little stuck in a bind, where I'm like, well, I don't wanna, you know, speak up against the administration, but I also don't wanna take responsibility for everything this administration's doing. Time to drop the really big bomb:@realDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public. Have a nice day, DJT! Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 5, 2025 In the Oval Office, Trump said he believed that Musk had turned on him after he rejected Musks recommendation for the head of NASA, a position that could benefit SpaceX, Musks spaceship company. He also said that Musk opposed provisions of Trumps megabill that would phase out tax credits for electric vehicles. Elon knew the inner workings of this bill better than almost anybody sitting here. Better than you people. He knew everything about it he had no problem with it. All of a sudden he had a problem, and he only developed the problem when he found out that were going to have to cut the EV mandate, because thats billions and billions of dollars, Trump said. People leave my administration and they love us, and at some point, they miss it so badly, and some of them embrace it, and some of them actually become hostile, Trump added. I dont know what it is. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: As Musk exits, he sees his projects unraveling, inside and outside government But Musk denied he had been shown the bill, responding on X that he wouldnt mind if the EV provisions remain in the text so long as others, which he said would balloon annual deficits, are cut. This bill was never shown to me even once and was passed in the dead of night so fast that almost no one in Congress could even read it! Musk wrote. Keep the EV/solar incentive cuts in the bill, even though no oil & gas subsidies are touched (very unfair!!), but ditch the MOUNTAIN of DISGUSTING PORK in the bill. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office released an assessment on Wednesday estimating that the "big, beautiful bill," which has passed the House and is under consideration in the Senate, would add $2.4 trillion to the national debt over the next decade, and result in 10.9 million Americans losing health insurance coverage over the same period. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the beginning of the administration, Trump put Musk in charge of the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, a White House program that intended on cutting federal spending and reducing the deficit. Musk's tenure in the role, designated as a special government employee, ended last week. On X, Musk posted a collection of past remarks from Trump warning against growing deficits and congressional actions increasing the debt ceiling, adding, "where is this guy today?" Either you get a big and ugly bill or a slim and beautiful bill, Musk added. Slim and beautiful is the way. 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. When the head of the Environmental Protection Agency announced a wide-ranging rollback of environmental regulations, he said it would put a dagger through the heart of climate-change religion and introduce a Golden Age for the American economy. What Lee Zeldin didnt mention: how ending the rules could have devastating consequences to human health. The EPA-targeted rules could prevent an estimated 30,000 deaths and save $275 billion each year they are in effect, according to an Associated Press examination that included the agencys own prior assessments as well as a wide range of other research. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its by no means guaranteed that the rules will be entirely eliminated; they cant be changed without going through a federal rulemaking process that can take years and requires public comment and scientific justification. But experts say the numbers are conservative and that even a partial dismantling of the rules would mean more pollutants such as smog, mercury and lead and especially more tiny airborne particles that can lodge in lungs and cause health problems. It would also mean higher emissions of the greenhouse gases driving Earths warming to deadlier levels. More people will die, said Cory Zigler, a professor of biostatistics at Brown University who has studied air pollution deaths from coal-fired power plants. More of this type of pollution that we know kills people will be in the air. What went into APs examination of the pollution rules Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The AP set out to look at what could happen if all the rules were eliminated, by first examining exhaustive assessments the EPA was required to produce before the rules were approved. Though the agencys priorities can change as presidential administrations change, the methods for the assessments have been largely standard since Ronald Reagans presidency and are deeply rooted in peer-reviewed scientific research. The AP used those and eight different government and private group databases for its estimate of financial costs, some death estimates and analysis of pollution trends. AP performed additional analysis of potential deaths by drawing on peer-reviewed formulas and scientific research on the impacts of increased heat and pollution. And AP vetted its work with multiple outside health experts, who said it is scientifically justified, but likely an undercount. Multiple experts say the science behind the rules is strong, and they pointed to the rigorous process that must be followed to change them, including requirements for public comment. Zeldin acknowledged as much last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im not going to prejudge outcomes with what will be a lot of rulemaking, Zeldin said in April. Virtually all the benefits from the rules come from restricting the burning of coal, oil and natural gas. The fossil fuel industry was a heavy contributor to President Donald Trumps 2024 presidential campaign and Republicans overall. In announcing the proposed changes, the EPA repeatedly cited the costs of the rules and omitted the benefits in all but one instance. Calculating costs and benefits is contentious Asked for comment on the AP findings, an EPA spokesperson said the agencys plans would roll back trillions in regulatory costs and hidden taxes on U.S. families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unlike the Biden EPA attempts to regulate whole sectors of our economy out of existence, the Trump EPA understands that we do not have to choose between protecting our precious environment and growing our economy, spokesperson Molly Vaseliou said. Scott Segal, an attorney at Bracewell LLP who represents energy and manufacturing interests, suggested that EPA analyses under the Biden administration emphasized worst-case scenarios, inflated health benefit claims and missed the big-picture economic benefits of booming industry. If you only count lives saved by regulation, not lives harmed by regulation, the math will always favor more regulation, Segal said. This framing misses the larger point: public health isnt just about air quality -- its also about job security, housing, access to medical care, and heating in the winter." The EPA regulatory analyses are immense documents that numerous health and environment researchers and former officials say are grounded in science, not politics. For example, in January 2024, the EPA produced a 445-page analysis of tightening standards on dangerous particle pollution that cited more than 90 different scientific publications, along with scores of other documents. The Biden EPA presented four different regulatory scenarios and ultimately chose one of the middle options. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two experts who reviewed APs work said the EPA documents that underpinned the analysis were themselves conservative in their estimates. University of Washington health and environment professors Kristi Ebi and Howard Frumkin said thats because EPA looked at added heat deaths and air pollution mortality, but did not include climate changes expected deaths from increased infectious disease, flooding and other disaster factors. This is a rigorous, compelling and much-needed analysis,'' said Frumkin, who was appointed director of the CDC's National Center for Environmental Health during George W. Bush's administration. It makes clear that regulatory rollbacks by the Trump administration will have major, direct consequences for health and well-being. Because of these regulatory rollbacks and funding cuts, Americans will die needlessly." That's a sentiment echoed by two former Republican EPA administrators, William Reilly and Christine Todd Whitman, who served in the George Bush and George W. Bush administrations respectively. This administration is endangering all of our lives ours, our children, our grandchildren, said Whitman, who led EPA under George W. Bush. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How regulations helped clear the air A visit to Evansville, Indiana, helps show how EPA regulations have made a difference. The city of about 115,000 lies where the state's southwest tip meets Kentucky at the curving Ohio River. Industry lines the banks and coal barges float past carrying loads destined to fuel power plants. Kirt Ethridge, 30, grew up in Evansville and still lives there. As a child, he recalls looking down from high ground into the bowl-shaped valley where the heart of the city lies and seeing a haze of pollution atop it. He thought that was normal. He didnt think much of the looming smokestacks of the coal-fired power plants and factories that ringed the city, nor the line of inhalers waiting on a bench before he and his classmates ran the mile. He suffered asthma attacks in class, sometimes more than once a week, that sent him to the nurses office. Once, he was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a very scary feeling, particularly as a kid, to not be able to get enough air in your lungs, he said, describing it as like breathing through a straw. In southwestern Indiana, coal-fired power plants were to blame for between 19,000 and nearly 23,000 deaths from 1999 to 2020, according to work by Zigler published in the journal Science that examined death rates among Medicare recipients and modeled where plants' pollution would spread. Nationally, he and his team found a sharp decline in air pollution deaths from coal-fired power plants after the mid-2000s, from an average of 43,000 a year to just 1,600 a year in 2020, with a similar cut in particle pollution. That's when two different forces came into play: Cheaper and less polluting natural gas pushed aside dirtier and costlier coal, while at the same time stricter regulations required more pollution control devices such as scrubbers. Duke Energy operates its biggest power plant near Evansville Gibson Station, which can power about 2.5 million homes. Emissions have declined significantly as the company installed scrubbers that pull unwanted chemicals out of smokestacks, along with other pollution control technology. Duke Energy spokeswoman Angeline Protegere said the scrubbers were a response to regulations over the years as well as market factors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Put simply, the air got cleaner around places like Evansville. Vanderburgh County and neighboring counties violated national annual air standards for fine particles from 2005 to 2010, but no longer do, even as standards have tightened. The same is true across the United States. The amount of tiny airborne particles in the last 10 years nationwide is one-third lower than 2000-2009, EPA statistics show. Smog pollution is down nearly 15% and sulfur dioxide has plunged 80%. The Clean Air Act, the EPAs founding legislation, has been a powerful engine for improving public health as our air has grown visibly clearer and cleaner, said Gina McCarthy, who headed the EPA under President Barack Obama and served as Biden's White House climate adviser. Millions of Americans have avoided illnesses, hospital visits, and premature deaths thanks to EPAs cleaner car and truck standards in concert with rules that limit industrial pollution. Five rules saving more than $200 billion a year Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Five rules together were estimated to have more than $200 billion a year in net benefits, based on EPA documents that estimated reduced illnesses and deaths and the costs for companies to comply. Three rules dealt with cars and trucks. The clean car rule is a tightening of EPA emission standards for vehicles that was supposed to take effect for 2027 model years and eventually have annual net benefits of more than $100 billion a year, according to the agencys 884-page regulatory analysis. The EPA estimated that over the next three decades this rule alone would prevent 7.9 billion tons of heat-trapping carbon dioxide, 8,700 tons of particulate matter and 36,000 tons of nitrogen oxides. Two other proposed rules one that deals with car models from 2023 to 2027 and another aimed at heavy trucks and buses are estimated to save nearly $38 billion a year combined through reduced health problems from air pollution, according to EPAs own detailed calculations. EPA plays up costs, plays down benefits of targeted rules Almost none of those benefits are to be found in 10 fact sheets the EPA produced in conjunction with Zeldin's announcement. Nine make no mention of benefits from the rules, while eight mention the costs. In 17 of the 20 rules with explicit cost-benefit analyses, AP found that estimated benefits are larger than the costs and sometimes far larger. For example, Bidens proposed power plant rule was designed to save more than $24 billion a year, prevent about 3,700 annual premature deaths and 3 million asthma incidents from fossil fuel-powered plants, according to EPA documents last year and work by the Environmental Protection Network. Under Trump, the EPA's fact sheet on that rule notes nearly $1 billion in costs but nothing about the far higher estimated benefits. Another rule the EPA updated last year sets standards for pollution permitted in the air, called National Ambient Air Quality Standards. The update, required by the Clean Air Act, cuts allowable soot particles by 25% to reflect new science on the harms from such pollution. The EPA in Biden's time calculated the change would annually save as much as $46 billion, 4,500 premature deaths and 800,000 asthma incidents. But the new EPA fact sheet only mentions the estimated costs of the change about $614 million and not benefits estimated at 76 times that amount. The human body count and human health toll of particulate matter alone is just absolutely massive, said K. Sabeel Rahman, a Cornell law professor who was a top federal regulatory officer from 2021 to 2023. Literally tens of thousands of people will lose their lives" if the standard is rolled back, he said. A penguin-shaped nebulizer In southwest Indiana, many people have noticed a positive difference from the EPA regulations. And they're concerned about changes. In Bloomfield, Jessica Blazier's 11-year-old son Julian has multiple health conditions that make him more sensitive to air quality, including nonallergic rhinitis, which inflames his nasal passage and makes breathing feel like a knife sometimes," in his words. Jessica Blazier said the proposed EPA rule rollbacks are almost adding insult to injury in our particular circumstance. In Evansville, Ethridge is now raising kids of his own, including a 5-year-old daughter who was born early and doesnt tolerate respiratory illnesses well. Whenever Eliza gets sick, she uses a childrens nebulizer that is shaped like a penguin and stored in an igloo-shaped case. I want to raise my kids in Evansville, he said. I dont want to raise my kids in a bowl of pollution. ___ Borenstein and Daly reported from Washington, Walling and Bickel from Evansville, Indiana, and Wildeman from Hartford, Connecticut. ___ 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. NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) Two people are facing charges after authorities say they robbed a man at gunpoint in a Walmart parking lot in North Charleston. North Charleston police responded to the Walmart on Rivers Avenue shortly before 3:30 p.m. Wednesday to reports of a robbery, according to an incident report. The victim reportedly told police that a vehicle pulled into the parking spot next to him, and a passenger pointed a gun at him. The victims wallet, keys, and phone were initially taken, but after a small sum of cash was stolen from the wallet, the keys and phone were returned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report states that video surveillance showed one of the suspects was standing in line at the money center in front of the victim before the incident and may have followed him out of the store. Charleston County Sheriffs Office gives News 2 a behind the scenes look at the juvenile detention center Police said the suspects later identified as Jordan Edward Hooks, 20, and Jared Wilson, 25 fled the area after the robbery, but were arrested hours later at a hotel on Ashley Phosphate Road. Both men were charged with armed robbery with a deadly weapon. Hooks faces an additional charge of possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. JACKSON COUNTY, Mo. (News-Press NOW) The National Weather Service confirmed two weak tornadoes touched down on the east side of Kansas City in Jackson County as a line of severe thunderstorms passed through the area Tuesday, June 3. According to a preliminary damage survey released Wednesday afternoon, the first tornado touched down briefly near the Interstate 435 / Interstate 70 interchange with a path of less than half a mile. This tornado has received a preliminary rating of EF-U (unknown) due to limited damage left behind but concrete video confirmed the brief twister. A second tornado was determined to have touched down further north and east near Independence, Missouri receiving a preliminary rating of EF-1 with maximum winds of 100 mph and a pathlength of just under 4 miles. Downed trees and patches of minor roof damage were caused by the tornado in the vicinity of Independence. No significant injuries were reported and a tornado warning was in effect for the area when the twisters touched down. PAXTON, Ill. (WCIA) Two Central Illinois men were arrested Wednesday on cocaine related charges following a home raid in Paxton. WCIAs partners with the Ford County Chronicle reported that 31-year-old Zonte L. Portis of Paxton and 47-year-old Armoane L. Larkins of Rantoul were each arrested for possession of a controlled substance (15-100 grams of cocaine), a class 1 felony, with Portis additionally charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver (15-100 grams of cocaine), a class X felony. Paxton woman IDd after fatal ATV crash Monday night Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theses arrests come after Paxton Police, with help from the Ford County Sheriffs Office and the Gibson City Police Department, carried out a search warrant at a residence in the 300 block of E Chestnut Street at around 6:57 a.m. on Wednesday. In the search, the departments found 22 grams of crack cocaine, a digital scale and drug-manufacturing items. Additionally, a total of $928 in cash found in possession of Portis was seized by police. For more recent arrests in Ford County, visit the Ford County Chronicles 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 WCIA.com. KINGSTREE, S.C. (WCBD) Deputies are urging pet owners to take caution following reports of an aggressive raccoon attacking two dogs in a Kingstree neighborhood last week. Deputies with the Williamsburg County Sheriffs Office responded to an animal complaint on Blakely Street on May 29 and spoke with a resident who witnessed the attack. The witness reportedly told deputies that the animal was exhibiting aggressive behavior and charged directly at them at one point during the attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The citizen took decisive action and eliminated the raccoon, officials said in a June 5 news release. The deceased animal was taken to the Kingstree Animal Hospital for further examination, where it was determined that the raccoon may have been infected with rabies. Whats next for the raccoon found playing with meth pipes during traffic stop? If you are a resident in the area mentioned above and own a pet, it is imperative to maintain vigilant supervision of your animal while it is outdoors, officials said, encouraging owners to watch for behavioral signs of rabies such as increased aggression, disorientation, or unusual daytime activity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other signs of infection can include excessive drooling, paralysis, and difficulty swallowing, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Additionally, ensure your pets are vaccinated and kept indoors, and avoid allowing them to roam freely or interact with wild animals, officials continued. Pet owners who observe any of these changes or have concerns about their pets health should contact their local veterinarian 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 WCBD News 2. COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) The Muscogee County Sheriffs Office and the Georgia Bureau of Investigations Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force partnered in an operation, that concluded with the arrest of two Muscogee County men. Truth Anderson and Phillip Quinn were both arrested and charged with a total of 14 sexual exploitation of children charges. The sheriffs office says they executed two search warrants in East and North Columbus. Their operation focused on identifying people who possessed and distributed child sexual abuse materials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case is still under investigation and more charges may be 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 WRBL. WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. (WFRV) Authorities say a search warrant carried out in late May led to the arrest of two men from Romania for their involvement in an ATM skimmer operation at multiple Kwik Trips. Door County Sheriffs Office: Womans body recovered from the Bay of Green Bay According to a release from the Wisconsin Dells Police Department, a search warrant was carried out on May 27 on the 600 block of Vine Street in the City of Wisconsin Dells as a part of an ongoing investigation involving credit card skimmers placed on Kwik Trip ATMs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The search warrant resulted in the seizure of skimmers, components for making skimmers, and several other pieces of evidence, so much so, a good amount of the evidence is still being analyzed. Courtesy of the Wisconsin Dells Police Department Courtesy of the Wisconsin Dells Police Department Police arrested two men, 47-year-old Florin Dan Balan and 36-year-old Bogdan Alexandru Ardei, both from Romania, for their alleged involvement in the ATM skimmer operation. At this time, the following is known about which Kwik Trip locations had skimmers placed and when: Wisconsin Dells Kwik Trip (East) 1310 Broadway May 17th at 12:15 p.m. 7:55 p.m. May 22nd at 3:53 p.m. May 23rd at 10:06 a.m. Lake Delton Kwik Trip 523 W. Munroe Avenue May 22nd at 1:38pm May 23rd at 10:20am West Baraboo Kwik Trip 617 W. Pine Street Unknown at this time, however, the skimmer was not recovered by the suspects and was instead seized by law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say that anyone who may have used the ATM at either of the three locations during the specified time periods should contact their financial institution to see if their account has any fraudulent activity. Deputies identify motorcyclist killed in single-vehicle Waupaca County crash Anyone who finds that fraud was committed is asked to contact the law enforcement agency in that jurisdiction. No other information is available at this time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. The remaining defendants charged in connection with the fire near the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge pleaded guilty to reduced charges on Thursday, June 5. Kaitlen Hall, 25, and James Hamilton, 26, appeared before Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge Patrick Dinkelacker. The Arlington Heights residents were initially charged with two felony counts of obstruction of justice each. Hall pleaded guilty to one count of misdemeanor count of obstruction of official business. She was sentenced to one year of probation and 40 hours of community service. James Hamilton, 26, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of obstruction of official business and a separate felony charge of possession of drugs. He was accused of misleading investigators in the case involving the fire at 1000 Hands Playground which also damaged Interstate 471 at the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge. Hamilton pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of obstruction of official business and a separate felony charge of possession of drugs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dinkelacker sentenced him to two years of probation and 40 hours of community service on the obstruction charge. On the drug charge, he was sentenced to time served. Prosecutors said the pair lied to investigators when law enforcement officials were searching for Terry Stiles and Zachary Stumpf. Stiles and Stumpf pleaded guilty in the case on May 28. Cincinnati police said Stiles and Stumpf intentionally started the fire at the 1000 Hands Playground on Nov. 1, which caused millions in damages and affected traffic for months. As part of a plea deal, Stiles of Arlington Heights admitted to one count of aggravated arson and one count of arson. Dinkelacker sentenced him to nine to 13 and a half years in prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors said the fire caused $11.5 million in damage to the Ohio Department of Transportation's property and another $2 million to the property of the Cincinnati Parks Department. Stumpf of Owensville pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of justice. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 26. Prosecutors and police have said nothing regarding the motive behind setting the fire. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Two more plead guilty in connection with Big Mac Bridge fire Court of Appeal judges may believe that they were right to deny early release to Lucy Connolly, the 42-year-old Northamptonshire childminder who is serving 31 months in prison for an offensive tweet about asylum seekers. But even if they maintain that her sentence was just, I think they would have been wise to let her out anyway for a simple and pragmatic reason. Keeping her locked up is eroding public faith in the justice system. Because almost every single day now, we read of criminals being convicted of what seem like far worse crimes than hers and yet somehow avoiding jail. Indeed, some of them manage to avoid it more than once. In 2022, a paedophile in South Shields admitted three charges of making indecent images of children (as the law calls it), as well as one charge of possessing extreme pornography (which involved bestiality). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the judge at the time noted, however, You identify as transgender and that has caused issues for you and anxiety for you in how you would cope with that if you were sent immediately to prison. Well, I suppose it would, although why were meant to worry about prison being unpleasant for paedophiles, Im not sure. But at any rate, he wasnt sent to prison. And nor was he sent there this week, when he was hauled back to court after breaching a sexual harm prevention order. On this occasion, the judge (a different one this time) said: You would undoubtedly be at risk of physical or sexual assault in custody because of your presentation in a male prison. These words are, of course, wonderfully kind and compassionate. But, just for a moment, lets set aside questions of identity, and ask: which do we think is the worse crime? Writing something horrible on the internet about asylum hotels? Or downloading images of children being sexually abused thus boosting the market for such images, and ensuring that more children will be sexually abused in future? Now, I havent conducted a nationwide opinion poll on the above question. But Im fairly confident that I can guess what the result would be. And Im equally confident that Im not alone in remembering the name Lucy Connolly every time I read about some thug or pervert sauntering off with a suspended sentence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont for a moment deny that what Mrs Connolly wrote was awful. Nor do I deny that she broke the law. Yet our two-tier justice system is contriving to turn her into a martyr. So, even if the powers that be have no sympathy for her, they should at least look after their own interests. Which means letting her out. 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. Investigators say they found military equipment and Nazi flags in the home of two Lacey men arrested this week. (Photo courtesy of the Thurston County Sheriff's Office) An investigation into a two-year-long string of military equipment theft from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, near Tacoma, turned up Nazi memorabilia, white supremacist literature and a cache of weapons in the suspects home in Lacey, according to charges filed in federal court Wednesday. Federal prosecutors charged Charles Fields and Levi Frakes with robbery, assault and theft of government property for allegedly stealing helmets, body armor and communications equipment from the Pierce County military base late Sunday. Both men previously served in the military, according to the complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Tacoma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just after 8 p.m. Sunday, the duo scanned their identification documents as they entered the base in a Toyota 4Runner, according to the charges. About an hour later, someone on the base entered a U.S. Army Ranger operations facility to find two masked men, later identified as Fields and Frakes, court papers say. Investigators believe the men used bolt cutters to get inside. The men later unmasked themselves before attacking the person with a hammer, federal prosecutors allege. The alleged victim was able to get control of the hammer, but surrendered when one of the suspects pulled out a knife. During the fight, one of the intruders dropped a hat with FIELDS handwritten on the inside. The pair reportedly then fled the Ranger compound with around $14,000 in government property. The man who was attacked was hit in the head with the hammer and was bruised and bloodied, according to court documents. He was taken to Madigan Army Medical Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Surveillance video shows the two men leaving with rucksacks, two of which they dropped while fleeing, according to the complaint. Army criminal investigators obtained a search warrant for a home in Lacey that both men used as an address. Late Monday night, they found 35 weapons, including rifles, pistols and a machine gun, along with silencers, prosecutors allege. Agents also reported seizing military property like night vision devices, flashbangs, smoke grenades and body armor. Some of the military items agents recovered are unlawful to possess without unique permission from the (Department of Defense) and some of the items are so restricted that active duty military members are not permitted to have or store them in their personal residences, special agent Christopher Raguse wrote in the complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each bedroom featured Nazi and white supremacist memorabilia, murals and literature, according to court papers. A photo included in the charging papers shows side-by-side flags in one room emblazoned with a Nazi swastika and SS Bolts referring to the Schutzstaffel police unit in Nazi Germany. Since World War II, neo-Nazis have adopted the symbol, according to the Anti-Defamation League. The suspects identified in this case were actively involved in Nazi White Nationalist efforts, Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders wrote in a Facebook post announcing the arrests. One of the two men agreed to speak with investigators. The complaint doesnt identify whether this was Fields or Frakes. The suspect acknowledged stealing military property from the Ranger compound to sell or trade for about two years, according to the charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its unclear if the men had any other plans with the stolen arsenal. Law enforcement booked both men into the Thurston County Jail on separate state criminal allegations. A judge there set bail at $500,000 each. They remained in Thurston County custody Wednesday, said a spokesperson from the U.S. Attorneys Office in western Washington. Its unclear when they will be transferred to federal custody for their first appearance on the charges filed in Tacoma on Wednesday. Three Wisconsin women have made Forbes' 2025 list of the 100 richest self-made women in the U.S., with two of them taking first and second place. Diane Hendricks, co-founder ABC Supply Co., topped the list for the eighth year in a row with a net worth of $22.3 billion. That's nearly three times more than the second-richest woman Judy Faulkner, another Wisconsinite and co-founder of Epic Systems, who has amassed a net worth of $7.8 billion. Meanwhile, Pleasant Rowland, creator of the American Girl doll brand, came in 86th place with a net worth of $410 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's what to know about each of the richest women in Wisconsin. Diane Hendricks, co-founder of ABC Supply, speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention at Fiserv Forum in July 2024. Who is Diane Hendricks? Diane Hendricks, 78, is the co-founder of Beloit-based ABC Supply Co., the largest wholesale distributor of roofing supplies in North America and one of the largest distributors of siding and windows. Hendricks co-founded ABC Supply in 1982 with her late husband, Ken. She has been the chairwoman and sole owner since his death in 2007 and recently clinched the title of richest person in Wisconsin. On top of her business ventures, Hendricks has been a heavyweight donor to Republican campaigns and candidates for years. In 2016, President Donald Trump appointed her to his campaign's economic advisory team, and she donated more than $1 million to his 2020 re-election campaign. Leading up the 2024 election, Hendricks donated at least $15 million to Trumps Make America Great Again Inc., according to records from the Federal Election Commission, and spoke in support of Trump at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hendricks grew up on a dairy farm in Osseo, a city south of Eau Claire with a population of just under 1,800. Today, she lives in Afton, which is between Beloit and Janesville. Who is Judy Faulkner? Faulkner, 81, is the founder and CEO of the medical-record software provider Epic Systems, which supports the medical records of more than 250 million patients, according to its website. Faulkner founded the health care software company in a Madison basement in 1979, according to Forbes. It's currently headquartered in Verona and valued at $4.7 billion, with Faulkner owning over 40% of it. In 2015, Faulkner signed the Giving Pledge, committing to eventually give 99% of her assets to a private charitable foundation. She has been a major donor to the Democratic Party and, in 2009, was appointed to then-President Barack Obama's Health IT Policy Committee. Pleasant Rowland: Rowland has been an educator, reporter, writer, entrepreneur and philanthropist, though Rowland is best known for creating the American Girl brand of dolls. Rowland's American Girl company was headquartered in Middleton, Wisconsin. Who is Pleasant Rowland? Rowland, 84, is the founder of Pleasant Company, which manufactured American girl dolls, books and accessories. She started the company in 1986 in Madison, inspired by her work as a teacher and textbook author to create dolls that represent different eras in American history, according to Forbes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In just over a decade, Rowland grew her initial investment of $1.2 million into $300 million in sales. She sold the company to Mattel in 1998 for $700 million. In 2024, Mattel announced it was closing the longtime American Girl headquarters in Middleton, a city just outside Madison. Most of the operation was moved to Mattel's headquarters in El Segundo, Calif. Rowland, meanwhile, has refocused on philanthropic efforts since selling the American Girl brand. In the 2000s, Rowland restored more than ten historic properties in the town of Aurora, New York, where she attended Wells College in the late 1950s and early 1960s. With her husband, she also made a $250 million donation to build Madison's Overture Center for the Arts. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: These are the richest self-made women in Wisconsin, Forbes says COMPARED TO HIS PREDECESSORS, Donald Trump has moved faster and on a much larger scale to target individuals, categories of people, and organizations for reasons personal (think revenge tour) and political (think mass deportations, attacks on law firms). If a future Congress ever wants to prevent a repeat of these kinds of abuses, there are many specific reforms that should be enacted. But its not enough to focus narrowly on Trumps actions. The presidents who came before him set their own precedents and examplesoften affirmed by Congress and the courtsthat have also contributed to the present breakdown of our constitutional order. If Congress and the courts had not ceded so much raw, coercive power to the presidency, we might not now be facing a chief executive busily subverting the few remaining meaningful constitutional safeguards separating a republic from a tyranny. To think more clearly about how Congress must act to provide independence to both law enforcement and the judiciary, lets start with a turbo-speed history lesson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In my new book, The Triumph of Fear, I catalogue a sixty-year period from William McKinley through Dwight Eisenhower in which, with perhaps the sole exception of Warren Harding, every man elected to the presidency misused the power handed to him to spy on and even politically persecute his political enemiesreal or imagined. Share Following the exposure in the 1970s of many unconstitutional government-run surveillance and subversion programs, Congress passed multiple reforms to try to prevent future presidents from engaging in such abusive conduct. Unfortunately, every one of those 1970s-era reformsbe it the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), the Inspector General Act, or the creation of the House and Senate intelligence committeeshas failed to prevent presidential misconduct. The underlying assumption when they were adoptedthat future presidents would find it difficult to work around or subvert themwas false. Trumps attacks on the federal judiciary stretch back to his first term in office and have only increased during the first months of his second term. His invocation of the two-century-old Alien Enemies Act (AEA) for lightning-fast, due processfree mass deportation operations is best thought of as a proof of concept of his playbook for authoritarian consolidation in the presidency at the expense of Congress, the courts, and ultimately the Constitution itself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps ongoing defiance of court orders in the AEA cases is reinforced by the willingnessif not eagernessof federal law enforcement agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the FBI, and even federally deputized state and local law enforcement officers to carry out his deportation orders despite multiple federal court rulings to the contrary. Which brings to mind one area where Trump hasnt yet abused his powerbut he might. Let us help you see around corners: Sign up for a free or paid Bulwark subscription to get our independent journalism delivered to your inbox. Under current law, all federal law enforcement officers fall under the control of the executive branch, including the United States Marshals Service, which is charged by statute with protecting both court facilities and staff (especially judges). But what if Trumps attorney general, Pam Bondi, elected to declare that statute unconstitutional? What if Bondi asserted that Trump could, at his discretion, order the marshals to leave their judicial-protection duties and instead join ICE, HSI, FBI, and other law enforcement on mass deportation operations? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An Office of Legal Counsel opinion, written during the Jimmy Carter administration and updated during the Obama administration, asserts that, While there is no general privilege in the Executive to disregard laws that it deems inconsistent with the Constitution, in rare cases the Executives duty to the constitutional system may require action in defiance of a statute. In such a case, the Executives refusal to defend and enforce an unconstitutional statute is authorized and lawful. That OLC opinion, accepted by every one of Trumps predecessors over the last forty-five years, could provide Trump and Bondi with at least a fig leaf of bipartisan political and legal cover to reduce or eliminate marshals protection for judges Trump deems radical or otherwise objectionable. This threat has prompted some members of Congress to propose a solution designed to provide protection for judges that Trump or any of his successors could never remove. Shortly before the Memorial Day holiday, Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Alex Padilla (D-Cal.), and Adam Schiff (D-Cal.), along with Representatives Eric Swalwell (D-Cal.), Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), and Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), introduced the MARSHALS Act, legislation that would move the Marshals Service out of the executive branch and place it under the control of the federal judiciary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a great idea that has zero chance of becoming law this sessionbut it demonstrates that at least some Senate and House members are willing to remove some of the armed, coercive law enforcement power currently under presidential control. That alone is a mental and political breakthrough that all those loyal to the constitutional republic should embrace. Share The Bulwark THE MARSHALS ACT IS JUST ONE example of the kind of legislative action that needs to be taken to prevent future presidential domestic political repression. Many other changes are needed as well; law professors, political activists, and commentators on constitutional matters are all likely to have their own lists of needful reformsmost of which will boil down to taking away the tools that make repression possible. My preference, as someone who has closely studied the abuses arising from presidential control of law enforcement, would be for a constitutional amendment that would move all but two federal law enforcement organizations from the executive branch to the control of the federal judiciary. The Secret Service (which protects the president and vice president) and the Federal Protective Service (which secures most federal buildings) would remain in the executive branch, but all other federal law enforcement would come under the control of the federal judiciary . . . and thus outside the control of an inherently political branch of government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such a constitutional amendment should also modify current law to ensure that no president can call up a states National Guard units for civil disturbance, immigration enforcement, or any other domestic mission without the express written consent of the states governor. This would safeguard against a future president calling up National Guard troops to shoot political protesters, as Trump wanted to do in the summer of 2020 during the Black Lives Matter protests. Such an amendment would go far to restore and preserve our constitutional republic. But it would unquestionably be a very heavy political lift, to put it mildly. In the meantime, advocates should start laying the groundworkdoing the necessary research and drafting legislative languagefor congressional action on other reforms, such as strengthening search and seizure protections, setting national training standards for all law enforcement officers, and creating a meaningful private right of action for police misconduct. Absent a dramatic (perhaps tragic) major political event, its all but impossible to imagine any of these proposals becoming law while Trump is still in office. But introducing them now is critical for building support for them so that once hes out of office and a new Congress committed to preserving the constitutional order is in place, it can act quickly, while the memory of Trumpian abuses is fresh, to prevent a recurrence. We owe that to ourselves and to generations to come. Share DUBAI (Reuters) -U.S-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) said it will open two aid distribution centers on Thursday. GHF had said earlier that its sites would not open at their usual time due to maintenance and repair work. It did not say when aid distribution would resume. The group, which has been fiercely criticised by humanitarian organisations, including the United Nations, began distributing aid last week. The U.N. has warned that most of Gaza's 2.3 million population is at risk of famine after an 11-week Israeli blockade of the enclave. (Reporting by Jana Choukeir; Editing by Michael Georgy) The U.S. Embassy in Mexico has a warning for Americans traveling to popular tourist spots this summer: Be cautious when using dating apps. Multiple reports of U.S. citizens being kidnapped in Mexico, by people they met through dating apps, have been confirmed in recent months, per a press release from the embassy. Victims and their family members in the United States have at times been extorted for large sums of money to secure their release, the embassy wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The kidnappings have been reported in the areas of Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Nayarit, resort towns that are popular with tourists, but the embassy noted that this type of violence is not limited to one geographic area. Is it safe to travel to Mexico? The U.S. State Department has issued travel advisories for Mexico. The state of Jalisco, where Puerto Vallarta is located, is rated Level 3 due to crime and kidnapping, meaning that U.S. citizens should reconsider travel. Nayarit, where Nuevo Nayarit is located, is rated Level 2 due to crime, and Americans should exercise increased caution when traveling there. How to stay safe using dating apps while traveling The U.S. Embassy offered advice for how to stay safe while traveling and using dating apps in Mexico: OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) A suspicious U-Haul, parked just feet away from a recently burglarized home, led Oklahoma County Sheriffs deputies straight to two suspects and a truck full of stolen goods. Deputies were patrolling a neighborhood in response to a recent home break-in when they spotted the U-Haul. Inside, they found two people passed out in the front seat. Let me see your hands. What are you guys doing here? One deputy can be heard shouting on newly released body camera footage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three in custody in Midtown shooting investigation As deputies searched the truck, they uncovered a haul of stolen property and drugs including meth and marijuana, along with jewelry, multiple phones, and an army backpack. He was missing a gun. He was missing two laptops, one deputy said, referencing the homeowners report. Inside the truck, deputies found firearms that matched the exact make and model of those reported stolen. Also found a bunch of drugs that were inside the cab of the truck, another deputy noted during the investigation. In addition to the weapons, authorities recovered electronics and personal items tied to the burglary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputies say the U-Haul was parked right in front of the same home that had been broken into just days earlier. Both suspects were detained at the scene and are now facing a long list of charges, including burglary and drug possession. The sheriffs office said the stolen items have since been returned to the victims. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. Unemployment benefits application (photo by Getty Images) This report has been updated. In a unanimous decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Thursday that a Catholic Charities organization in Wisconsin doesnt have to take part in the Wisconsin unemployment insurance (UI) system. The ruling rejected a Wisconsin Supreme Court opinion that said the agencys purpose was essentially secular and didnt qualify for a religious exemption in state unemployment law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advocates who supported Catholic Charities cheered the ruling as a blow for religious liberty and against attempts to define whether or not an organizations motives are sufficiently rooted in faith. We have maintained throughout the process and in an amicus brief that Catholic Charities is in fact a religious institution and is eligible for the unemployment insurance tax exemption offered by the state law, said David Earleywine, associate director for education and religious liberty at the Wisconsin Catholic Conference. Organizations that represent workers, however, have raised questions about the decisions broader implications for employees of other institutions connected to churches, including the large networks of Catholic hospitals across the U.S. It is crucial that employees, especially low-wage workers, have the protections of unemployment insurance, regardless of the identity of their employer, said Larry Dupuis, director of litigation and advocacy at Legal Action of Wisconsin. The law firm joined with groups including the Economic Policy Institute, the Century Foundation and the National Employment Law Project on a friend of the court brief supporting the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unemployment payments help the laid off worker, and the economy as a whole, during a downturn by supporting consumer demand, Dupuis said. Thursdays ruling overturns a 4-3 Wisconsin Supreme Court decision issued in March 2024 that declared the work of Catholic Charities Bureau Inc. of the Superior Diocese of the Catholic Church doesnt get a pass from Wisconsins UI law on religious grounds. The Wisconsin ruling, written by Justice Anne Walsh Bradley, declared that the Catholic Charities work is secular in nature and that the agency and its subsidiary organizations that took part in the case are not operated primarily for religious purposes as defined in the UI laws religious exemption. Official Portrait of Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States, Steve Petteway Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote Thursday for the U.S. Supreme Court that the Wisconsin high court majoritys arguments amounted to giving preference to one religious denomination over another. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Wisconsin ruling held that the agencies work was not religious in nature because they didnt attempt to preach the Catholic faith to participants and did not serve only Catholics. Petitioners Catholic faith, however, bars them from satisfying those criteria, Sotomayor wrote. The ruling quoted from the dissent by Justice Rebecca Bradley in the Wisconsin decision. Wisconsins exemption, Sotomayor wrote, as interpreted by its Supreme Court, thus grants a denominational preference by explicitly differentiating between religions based on theological practices. Indeed, petitioners eligibility for the exemption ultimately turns on inherently religious choices (namely, whether to proselytize or serve only co-religionists). Earleywine said the decision reflected the position of Catholic Charities and its supporters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Catholic Charities in particular, serving the poor is part of our Catholic mission that is something that we are called to do, he said. Sotomayors ruling noted that the church offers its own unemployment compensation program for laid-off workers and dismissed the suggestion that the organizations were more likely to leave their employees without unemployment benefits. Earleywine underscored the rulings reference to the Catholic unemployment compensation program as essentially equivalent to the state UI program. The employment lawyers amicus brief disputed that comparison, however, and also noted that theres no guarantee other religious employers made exempt would have any kind of substitute benefits program. The brief also argued that in the event an individual diocesesan employer cant afford to pay benefits for a laid-off employee, the overall program has renounced any obligation to pick up the tab. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earleywine said the ruling enables Catholic Charities organizations to sign up with the church system, which is available to employees of Catholic dioceses, including church parishes and schools. Other Catholic-related organizations without a diocesan connection such as Catholic hospital systems or universities are not eligible under current rules. Justice Clarence Thomas, while joining in the unanimous opinion, wrote a separate concurrence stating that because the Wisconsin ruling did not defer to the Bishop of Superiors assertion that Catholic Charities and its affiliates are an arm of the Diocese, the Wisconsin Supreme Court violated the church autonomy doctrine. While Thursdays ruling was emphatic, it also appeared to suggest how Wisconsins UI religious exemption might be rewritten to produce a different outcome. The Wisconsin UI law exempts all churches, church conventions or church associations without differentiating between employees actually involved in religious works and those who are not, Sotomayor wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dupuis of Legal Action Wisconsin pointed to another concurrence, by Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, who wrote that state UI laws could cover nonprofit employees of religiously associated organizations by focusing on the work involved rather than its underlying motivations to determine who is and who is not exempt. As Justice Jacksons concurrence shows, this ruling still gives states the ability to limit the scope of the religious exemption so large employers that provide services that are not inherently religious, like hospitals, must still cover their employees, Dupuis said. When the federal law was revised in 1970 to include nonprofit employees in state UI programs, Congress exempted certain church-affiliated employees. The goal, Jackson wrote, was to avoid the state getting involved in a dispute over the sufficiency of a fired employees prayers or the accuracy of their scriptural teaching. The intent of Congress was to exempt a narrow category of church-affiliated entities that could produce such an entanglement precisely because their work involves preparing individuals for religious life, Jackson wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She concluded: It is perfectly consistent with the opinion the Court hands down today for States to align their [federally-based] religious-purposes exemptions with Congresss true focus. 24-154_2b82 SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Since he took the helm this year at UCLA, Chancellor Julio Frenk has found himself in a vortex of unprecedented obstacles affecting not only his campus, but also the nation's institutions of higher education. "Higher education in the United States faces its moment of greatest challenge in living memory," Frenk said Thursday to more than 1,300 guests gathered at Royce Hall as he was inaugurated UCLA's seventh chancellor during a ceremony replete with professors in academic robes and regalia. "We must meet the moment with courage, resilience and wisdom." Days after he started Jan. 1, the worst fires in Los Angeles County history erupted. A mandatory Palisades fire evacuation zone expanded to the edge of the sprawling Westwood campus. Frenk's first major decision: He pushed for classes to go online for two weeks, allowing students to flee to safer ground. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He then approved the university's donation of its under-construction UCLA Research Park, on the site of the former Westside Pavillion, to serve as a Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster recovery center, where more than 1,000 students, faculty and staff volunteered. Within 10 days, President-elect Donald Trump would be inaugurated. Trump's administration soon began slashing medical research funding to universities the first act of the president's political battle to remake higher education and rid elite universities of what he sees as their liberal bias, hostility to conservatives and abetting of antisemitism. The research cuts are one of a fusillade of federal actions and threats coupled with state budget cuts that led to a UC-wide hiring freeze and austerity measures that have put into question the very core of the University of California's mission as one of the nation's premier research institutions. Today, UCLA is one of 10 universities placed under the microscope by a federal task force that has canceled billions in research funding and tried to block foreign student enrollment at Harvard in the name of fighting antisemitism. The campus is the focus of two federal investigations over allegations that UCLA illegally considers race in admissions. The UC system as a whole is also facing a Trump investigation over allegations of antisemitic employment discrimination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The university has also supported suits against the Trump administration's funding cuts. Tensions are still fresh since UCLA was propelled into the global spotlight when a pro-Palestinian encampment came under violent attack a year ago. The melee and the encampment are the subject of multiple lawsuits against UCLA and police as smaller protests demanding divestment from financial ties to the war in Gaza have continued. And under Frenk's leadership, the university banned Students for Justice in Palestine after pro-Palestinian demonstrators vandalized a UC regents Brentwood home. On Thursday, that group and dozens of UCLA organizations and community members, including faculty and labor groups, released an open letter demanding Frenk "put people over profit." A few dozen pro-Palestinian protesters then rallied outside Royce Hall and nearby Kaplan Hall, where UCLA police said they detained three individuals two for "illegal use of amplified sound" and one for attempting to take a person from police custody. During his speech, Frenk said he envisions a UCLA that is committed to broadening "access and success for students from all walks of life." He spoke Thursday of "restoring public trust in universities" and a "determination to end all forms of prejudice and intolerance." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Good universities not only tolerate but cultivate diversity of thought," Frenk said. "They stand against dogma, conformity and indoctrination. We can disagree, passionately, even vehemently, but always respectfully." UCLA's first Latino chancellor, Frenk was president at the University of Miami for nine years and the dean of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health for six. A scholar of public health who was born in Mexico City, he served as Mexico's federal secretary of health from 2000 to 2006. In an extensive interview with The Times last week, Frenk said he is positioning UCLA to be "at the service" of the "local community, the national community and the global community," pointing to its fire disaster response and ongoing university research into issues including racial disparities related to the fire, damage to small community water systems, and disaster recovery planning. Within campus, he wants to "restore the bonds of trust among members of the UCLA community." During the interview, he laid out his vision for UCLA and addressed the Trump administration's attacks on American higher education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There's a strong sense of belonging to the institution and a great pride in UCLA.... At the same time, there's a lot of nervousness and anxiety because there is uncertainty," said Frenk, who has held dozens of "listening sessions" with thousands of UCLA community members. His responses have been edited for length and clarity. The encampment went up April 25, 2024. Just days earlier, you accepted the offer to become chancellor. What were your impressions of the encampment? What was your conversation with UC President Michael V. Drake? After the demonstrations began, President Drake asked if I was going to change my mind about taking the role. My answer was unequivocal: No, of course not. Great universities like UCLA bridge divides. They are connective institutions that foster debate and dialogue while always prioritizing respect. This is an opportunity to lead an extraordinary university at an extraordinary time to build a truly connective, impactful and exemplary university. Together, we will do just that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: UCLA has a new chancellor: Julio Frenk, University of Miami president, global health expert About 10% of UCLA's $11-billion budget comes from federal funding. How do you respond to the Trump administration research cuts? We need to explain how the research enterprise based in universities like UCLA operates, because it has been the most successful arrangement for producing life-saving research in human history. Common citizens benefit from that technology but they're not aware of everything that is behind that. When the government threatens to reduce research funding, of course, it affects universities and the researchers that work there. But the main losers are the citizens who are going to stop benefiting from the clinical trials to develop new drugs, from all the technology and it's the economy of the United States. The largest and most dynamic economy is innovation. All that innovation starts with research. Most of that research is carried out in universities. So cutting research is truly a self-inflicted wound. It doesn't mean we cannot do things better. Of course we can, but just cutting in a major way is going to backfire badly on the well-being, the prosperity and the security of the country. Harvard has gone to court against the Trump administration to fight funding cuts and a ban on foreign student enrollment, publicly decrying federal actions. Columbia University has negotiated and largely complied with Trump demands, including an overhaul of discipline, hiring new safety officers and conducting a review of admissions and Middle Eastern studies programs. Will UCLA respond like Harvard or Columbia if sanctioned by the Trump administration? You know, it depends on what are the specific requests. We are a public institution. We engage with government, local government, the city of L.A. and the county, state government and federal government. Now, we do that within the frame of the rule of law. So anything that violates the rule of law, we won't do and, if we are required to do that, we will do what we have already been doing, which is also participating in lawsuits.... I signed a statement from the American Assn. of Colleges and Universities where we actually say that we want to engage, we're open to observations and criticism ... and we're very focused on improving. "The largest and most dynamic economy is innovation. All that innovation starts with research," UCLA Chancellor Julio Frenk says. (Christina House / Los Angeles Times) The government has accused UCLA of enabling antisemitism. What is the status of the federal task force investigation? First of all, let me say one thing: There has been an increase in antisemitism in universities. This is well-documented, and I am acknowledging that and facing that directly. I have been very active since I started in January it's been a top priority of mine to fix that problem. Fix it means eradicate antisemitism from, in this case, the UCLA campus, which is the one I'm responsible [for]. I hope it happens not just in universities but in society in general. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is very personal for me. My family was a victim of antisemitism. They had to leave Germany in the 1930s. I'm married to the daughter of a Holocaust survivor. But in addition to being personal, I think it's the right thing to do. So, while we acknowledge the problem definitely acknowledge we are also actively taking action, making decisions to deal with it. Read more: UCLA students and faculty raise alarm on antisemitic and anti-Palestinian hate amid ongoing protests We had a task force internal to UCLA with very clear recommendations. We've now instituted an initiative from that group along four lines. One is to improve education on antisemitism and innovating the way we educate. Secondly, is to facilitate the reporting of incidents. We're hiring a Title VI officer so that the reporting can be easier. Third is enforcing the rules and policies, including disciplinary rules. And fourth is connecting with the community so that we can act together, not in isolation from our community. And in response to the federal government, that's what I have always stated, yes, there is a problem, and we are working very hard and very diligently and very focused to fix it. Are you talking to the federal investigators? The top one, Leo Terrell, says that because of "resistance" to his group, the government will sue the UC system. We will always cooperate with the federal government. I cannot comment on ongoing investigations, as you know, but we are not resisting cooperation. As I said before, we engage with government. How do you respond to the Trump administration's attacks on DEI, including accusations that UCLA is illegally using race in admissions? Diversity does not mean discrimination. We do not discriminate. In fact, being in California, we are subject to the provisions of Proposition 209 and the University of California complies with those elements. [Proposition 209 is the voter-approved state law barring all public educational institutions in the state from considering race in admissions.] Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, a lot of the discussion has implicit the assumption that diversity can only be advanced at the expense of excellence. That is not the case at UCLA and, frankly, at any of the top universities that I'm very familiar with, including the other UC universities. We believe in what we call inclusive excellence. Excellence is at the beginning. We don't gain anything by admitting students who are going to fail. For us, diversity is an integral part of excellence and it does not require any of the accusations that the acronym has led to. So, my invitation to society is, let's leave the acronym aside. Let's talk about the values. What is the opposite of diversity: uniformity. Do we want only everyone to be identical? I don't think that's what anyone wants. What's the opposite of inclusion? Is it exclusion? Who would we exclude? Let's have that conversation as a society. What's the opposite of equity? Equity means everyone deserves a fair chance in life. What about the increasing restrictions on international students? Knowledge is a global good that benefits everyone. Research is intrinsically global. Part of what's made the American universities the top universities in the world is exactly the fact that they attract talent from everywhere. That, by the way, again, has served the United States very well. Any restriction on that kind of movement, any targeting on the basis of national origin, is obviously not ethical but it's also to the detriment, not of only the universities, but to the detriment of all the other students. Having students from many parts of the world enriches the experience of everyone. Not only that, some of those students pay full tuition and help us with the financial aid to American citizens and residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If there's concerns about security, let's deal with that case by case. Blanket measures are never good. 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. About 10 minutes into his bilateral meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Thursday, President Donald Trump was finally asked about the domestic elephant in the room: Elon Musk and his sharp criticisms this week of Trumps agenda bill. He hasnt said anything about me thats bad, Trump said. Id rather have him criticize me than the bill. Trump certainly got his wish. By the end of the meeting, he and Musk had quickly moved from what had been a legislative difference of opinion into the realm of personal attacks. Musk effectively live-tweeted his responses to Trumps comments on his social media platform X, getting progressively more personal. And Trump ultimately hit back hard on his own platform, Truth Social. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was the kind of clash many predicted would eventually arrive when the two powerful, outspoken and unwieldy billionaires formed their alliance of convenience last year. And its now arrived in a big way. Late Thursday afternoon, Musk responded to an X user who chose Musk over Trump and called for the presidents impeachment by simply saying, Yes. Its increasingly hard to see how this spat gets resolved without getting even uglier given whats being said. Shortly before the Oval Office event, Musk specifically invoked Trumps flip-flops on the national debt, citing years-old tweets from when Trump was much more of a professed spending hawk. (Where is the man who wrote these words? Musk asked. Was he replaced by a body double!?) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Trump has never been particularly sensitive about his rhetorical consistency or fiscal conservatism. And as the minutes wore on, things got much more personal. Here are the comments (so far) that really stick out and will seemingly be hard to move past. Musk linked Trump to Epstein Musk really went there, accusing the Trump administration of withholding information about disgraced financier and convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein because it invokes Trump himself. Time to drop the really big bomb: @realDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public, Musk wrote on X. Have a nice day, DJT! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He later added: Mark this post for the future. The truth will come out. Musk did not detail how he would have gained access to unreleased files. And the inclusion of a persons name in files related to the case does not by itself indicate they have been accused of any wrongdoing. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt called Musks claim an unfortunate episode. This is an unfortunate episode from Elon, who is unhappy with the One Big Beautiful Bill because it does not include the policies he wanted. The President is focused on passing this historic piece of legislation and making our country great again, she said in a statement to CNN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps proximity to Epstein in the past is not exactly news; hes been photographed with Epstein. But Musks allegation made without providing any evidence of where it came from feeds into concern in some right-wing circles about the lack of transparency about Epstein, who died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges. After Trump talked during the campaign about potentially releasing more government files about Epstein, Attorney General Pam Bondi released an initial tranche of files in February that largely duplicated information that had already been made public. Exactly what Musk is getting at isnt clear or substantiated. But its really going nuclear, given the subject matter. Musk took a shot at Trumps election win The most sacred of topics in Trumps eyes: his election wins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump claimed he would have won the crucial state of Pennsylvania even without Musks help. But Musk, who spent hundreds of millions of dollars and campaigned for Trump, shot back that he was in fact the reason Trump won the presidency. Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate, Musk said. Musk then added in another post: Such ingratitude. There are few topics Trump takes as seriously as his reputation as a winner. He often talks about how his endorsements help Republicans and has endlessly exaggerated the size of his electoral victories and mandate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its clearly a point of emphasis, and Musk just went there. Trump suggested Musk is out for himself Trump, like other Republicans in recent days, suggested Musks criticism of his Big Beautiful Bill wasnt really about excessive spending as Musk has said it is but instead about one of his personal businesses, Tesla. Elons upset because we took the [electric vehicle] mandate and you know, which was a lot of money for electric vehicles, Trump said in the Oval Office. He only developed a problem when he found out I would cut the EV mandate, Trump added. Trump later posted on Truth Social that Musk went CRAZY over the EV changes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk sought to call Trumps bluff, encouraging lawmakers to keep the EV subsidies cuts but trim spending. Whatever, Musk said. Keep the EV/solar incentive cuts in the bill, even though no oil & gas subsidies are touched (very unfair!!), but ditch the MOUNTAIN of DISGUSTING PORK in the bill. Musk pointed to past comments in which he actually discouraged lawmakers from enacting EV tax credits. He also pointed to a clip in which Trump himself said that Musk had never asked me for a thing. But perhaps most strikingly, Musk promoted a post from the chief GOP critic of the bill in the House, Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some politicians get into politics to enrich themselves, Massie said. Maybe thats why they cant imagine someone would judge a bill based on whats good for the country instead of whats good for their wallet. That seems a pretty sharp dig at Trump, who has intermingled his personal business with his role as president plenty in his second term. Trumps allegation of a Musk flip-flop Trumps comments have, to this point, been largely suggestive about Musks motives. But Musk has clearly taken offense. Despite the White House claiming this week that it had been previously aware of Musks opposition to the package, Trump on Thursday claimed that he was in fact surprised. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im very disappointed, because Elon knew the inner workings of this bill better than almost anybody sitting here, better than you people, Trump said in the Oval Office. He knew everything about it. He had no problem with it. All of a sudden, he had a problem. But he knew every aspect of this bill. He knew it better than almost anybody, and he never had a problem until right after he left. Musk responded that Trumps version of events was false. He wrote that this bill was never shown to me even once and was passed in the dead of night so fast that almost no one in Congress could even read it! Musk leaned into the power struggle Musk seemed to put to rest any illusions that this somehow isnt devolving into a power struggle. Responding to an X user who noted lawmakers are feeling pressured to pick a side, Musk made a case for them picking him. Oh and some food for thought as they ponder this question: Trump has 3.5 years left as President, but I will be around for 40+ years, Musk wrote. In other words: Tread carefully. I have lots of money and time. Trump floats cutting Musks government contracts Trump later posted on Truth Social that, if lawmakers wanted to really save money, they should terminate Elons Governmental Subsidies and Contracts. When a user claimed Trumps idea would mean effectively abandoning the International Space Station, Musk promoted the post and dared Trump. Go ahead, make my day, he wrote on X. Musk later said he would begin decommissioning a key spacecraft. Buckle up It remains to be seen where things go from here. Trump often reconciles with allies, even after ugly things are said. But rarely is the other figure someone as powerful and outspoken as Musk. The power dynamics are usually such that the other party feels pressured to cave to Trump. Musk suggests hes ready for that power struggle. If he is, buckle up. This story has been updated with a statement from the White House. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com LONDON (Reuters) -British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will meet NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in London on Monday to discuss plans to increase defence spending among the alliance's members and Britain's new Strategic Defence Review, Downing Street said. "You can expect the Prime Minister and Secretary General to talk about how we ensure all allies step up their defence spending now in order to respond to the threats that we face now," the spokesperson told reporters on Thursday. (Reporting by Andrew MacAskill, writing by Alistair Smout; editing by William James) The Atlantic Daily, a newsletter that guides you through the biggest stories of the day, helps you discover new ideas, and recommends the best in culture. Sign up for it here. Ukraines drone strikes deep into Russia delivered a humiliating blow to Moscow last weekend. Kyivs defenders celebrated the attack as a triumph of modern warfare and a warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin. But the extraordinary operation got a different response inside the White House: anger. Donald Trump has openly vented in recent weeks about Putins unwillingness to end the war. But since Sundays attack, which hit a series of Russian military airfields, the president has privately expressed frustration that the strike could escalate the conflict, according to three administration officials and an outside adviser to the White House. (They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These sources told me that the drone strike has reignited the presidents long-held displeasure with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and prompted a new debate in the White House about whether the United States should abandon Ukraine. Throughout the war, Trump has deemed Zelensky a bad guy and a hothead, the outside adviser saidsomeone who could be pushing the globe toward World War III. Trump privately echoed a right-wing talking point this week by criticizing Zelensky for supposedly showboating after the drone attacks; according to the adviser, Trump was impressed with the audacity of the strikes but believes that Zelenskys focus should have been on Ukraine-Russia negotiations in Istanbul. Trump spoke with Putin yesterday, and, in a readout of the call on Truth Social, the U.S. president relayed the Kremlins plans to strike back against Ukraine. We discussed the attack on Russias docked airplanes, by Ukraine, and also various other attacks that have been taking place by both sides, Trump wrote. It was a good conversation, but not a conversation that will lead to immediate Peace. President Putin did say, and very strongly, that he will have to respond to the recent attack on the airfields. [Read: Trumps basic misunderstanding about the war in Ukraine] Trump did not say whether he had warned Putin against retaliating, and two of the administration officials told me that he has not decided on his next steps. Officials have presented him with options that include sanctioning Russia and reducing American aid to Ukraine. Meanwhile, Trump told aides this week that he does not believe a summit with him, Zelensky, and Putinwhich he once hoped would be a way to bring the war to a closewill happen any time soon, one of the administration officials told me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, who on the campaign trail last year vowed to end the war within his first 24 hours in office, made a renewed push for a peace deal last month. Although Zelensky agreed to an immediate cease-fire, Putin rejected the offer and ratcheted up his bombing of Ukrainian cities. That led Trump to threaten to walk away from peace talks, and to flash some rare ire at Putin. The president had hoped that some progress would be made in this weeks talks in Turkey, but the meeting was overshadowed by the drone strikes and went nowhere. The White House has said that the U.S. was not told in advance about the surprise attack, which was carried out by drones hidden across five of Russias time zones that hit nuclear-capable bombers and inflicted billions of dollars in damage, according to a preliminary estimate from the White House. Steve Bannon and other influential MAGA voices have berated Ukraine for the attack and are attempting to push Washington further from Kyiv. On his podcast this week, Bannon blamed Ukraine for, in his view, sabotaging peace talks while potentially provoking a massive response from Russia. Zelensky didnt give the president of the United States a heads-up to say hes going to do a deep strike into strategic forces of Russia, which is going up the escalatory ladder as quickly as you can, on the day before your meeting in Turkey? Bannon said. On the eve of peace talks or cease-fire talks, he takes the Japanese role in Pearl Harborthe sneak attack. Bannon has conveyed similar messages to senior West Wing advisers, a fourth administration official told me. Keith Kellogg, Trumps Ukraine envoy, warned on Fox News that the risk levels are going way up because the drones struck part of Russias national survival systemits nuclear programpotentially pushing Moscow to retaliate in significant ways. Trump has not increased aid to Ukraine since taking office again in January, and he has yet to endorse a bipartisan Senate push, led by his ally Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, to impose harsh economic penalties against Russia and countries that do business with it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [Read: Trump hands Putin another victory] There have been other recent signs that the White House is distancing itself from Ukraine too. Yesterday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth did not attend a meeting of 50 defense ministers at NATO headquarters in Brussels. In the past, the meeting has been an important venue for coordinating military aid for Ukraine. Hegseth was the first U.S. defense secretary to skip the event in three years. The Pentagon cited scheduling issues for his absence. When I asked a White House spokesperson for comment about the drone strikes, she pointed me to Press Secretary Karoline Leavitts briefing-room remarks on Tuesday, when Leavitt said that Trump wants this war to end at the negotiating table, and he has made that clear to both leaders, both publicly and privately. In public remarks about the strikes, Putin downplayed the chances of a cease-fire, asking, Who has negotiations with terrorists? But Zelensky told reporters that the operation over the weekend, code-named Spiders Web, would not have been carried out if Putin had agreed to a U.S.-proposed truce. If there had been a cease-fire, would the operation have taken place? Zelensky asked. No. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Exasperated with the conflict, Trump continues to muse about walking away from any sort of diplomatic solution. In his Truth Social post about his call with Putin, the president seemed eager to change the subject to focus on ending a different international crisis. We also discussed Iran, Trump wrote about ongoing talks regarding Tehrans nuclear ambitions. President Putin suggested that he will participate in the discussions with Iran and that he could, perhaps, be helpful in getting this brought to a rapid conclusion. Article originally published at The Atlantic Ukrainian forces launched a missile strike on June 5 targeting a concentration of Russian missile troops near the city of Klintsy in Russias Bryansk Oblast, the General Staff of Ukraines Armed Forces reported. The strike reportedly destroyed one Iskander missile launcher and seriously damaged two others. The targeted unit, part of Russias 26th Missile Brigade, had attempted to fire on Ukrainian territory likely aiming at Kyiv before it was hit, according to the military. "Thanks to effective reconnaissance and the coordinated efforts of the Armed Forces and the Security Service of Ukraine, the targets were successfully hit," the General Staff said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agency added that there were no civilian casualties, and assessments of Russian losses are ongoing. The Iskander is a short-range ballistic missile system used by Russia for precision strikes against military and infrastructure targets. With a range of up to 500 kilometers (some 311 miles) and the ability to carry conventional or nuclear warheads, the system remains a key component of Russia's tactical missile forces. 0:00 / 1 Bryansk Oblast lies just northeast of Ukraine's Chernihiv and Sumy Oblasts, making it one of the key Russian regions bordering northern Ukraine. The strike came as part of Ukraine's broader effort to degrade Russia's offensive capabilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the same night, Russia launched 103 drones including Iranian-designed Shahed suicide drones and one Iskander-M ballistic missile against Ukrainian territory. Targeting missile assets there may disrupt Russia's ability to launch precision strikes, particularly in advance of an anticipated new summer offensive. Read also: Putin rejects Zelenskys call for peace talks, accuses Ukraine of deadly bridge attack in Russia Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Key developments on June 5: Ukraine strikes Russian missile base in Bryansk Oblast, damages Iskander launchers, Ukrainian military says 'Deadline is in my brain' Trump dismisses timeline to impose Russian sanctions 'Not destroyed but damaged' Russia claims it will repair bombers struck in Operation Spiderweb Trump privately praises Ukraine's drone strike on Russian bombers as 'badass,' Axios reports 5 killed, 9 injured in Russian drone strike on Chernihiv Oblast Ukrainian forces launched a missile strike on June 5 targeting a concentration of Russian missile troops near the city of Klintsy in Russias Bryansk Oblast, the General Staff of Ukraines Armed Forces reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The strike reportedly destroyed one Iskander missile launcher and seriously damaged two others. The targeted unit, part of Russias 26th Missile Brigade, had attempted to fire on Ukrainian territory likely aiming at Kyiv before it was hit, according to the military. "Thanks to effective reconnaissance and the coordinated efforts of the Armed Forces and the Security Service of Ukraine, the targets were successfully hit," the General Staff said. The agency added that there were no civilian casualties, and assessments of Russian losses are ongoing. The Iskander is a short-range ballistic missile system used by Russia for precision strikes against military and infrastructure targets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Join our community Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Support Us With a range of up to 500 kilometers (some 311 miles) and the ability to carry conventional or nuclear warheads, the system remains a key component of Russia's tactical missile forces. Bryansk Oblast lies just northeast of Ukraine's Chernihiv and Sumy Oblasts, making it one of the key Russian regions bordering northern Ukraine. The strike came as part of Ukraine's broader effort to degrade Russia's offensive capabilities. On the same night, Russia launched 103 drones including Iranian-designed Shahed suicide drones and one Iskander-M ballistic missile against Ukrainian territory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Targeting missile assets there may disrupt Russia's ability to launch precision strikes, particularly in advance of an anticipated new summer offensive. Read also: Russias response to Operation Spiderweb is likely not going to be pretty, Trump says 'Deadline is in my brain' Trump dismisses timeline to impose Russian sanctions U.S. President Donald Trump sidestepped questions on June 5 as to when he can be expected to impose additional sanctions on Russia, as the Kremlin continues to reject a ceasefire in Ukraine. Trump has repeatedly threatened to impose sanctions on Russia if he does not see progress in peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow. When asked by reporters in the Oval Office as to whether a deadline exists for the implementation of sanction, Trump replied: "Yes, it's in my brain the deadline," without specifying a date. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When I see the moment where it's not going to stop... we'll be very tough," Trump added. Previously, Trump said he had not yet imposed new sanctions on Russia because he believed a peace deal might be within reach. "If I think I'm close to getting a deal, I don't want to screw it up by doing that," he said, but added he is prepared to act if Moscow stalls further. On May 28, Trump said that "It'll take about two weeks, or week and a half," to know whether Russian President Vladimir Putin is serious about ending the war in Ukraine, suggesting that sanctions may be on the horizon if efforts are stalled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite two rounds of peace talks in Istanbul, Russia continues to reject a ceasefire in Ukraine. Following Operation Spiderweb that pre-empted the peace talks, Putin on June 4 blamed Ukraines top leadership for the attacks: "The current Kyiv regime does not need peace at all," he said during a televised meeting with senior officials. "What is there to talk about? How can we negotiate with those who rely on terror?" Republican Senator Roger Wicker said on June 4 that Trump asked the Senate to delay voting on a bipartisan Russia sanctions bill. The bill, introduced on April 1 by Senators Lindsey Graham (R) and Richard Blumenthal (D), seeks to impose a 500% tariff on imports from countries that continue purchasing Russian oil and raw materials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The legislation currently has broad bipartisan support, with 82 out of 100 U.S. senators backing it. U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson also voiced his support for the bill. Trump on June 5 said that he has not yet seen the bipartisan bill. "I have to take a look. (Senators) are waiting for me to decide what to do. And I will decide. Maybe very soon," Trump said. "But (senators) will be guided by my instructions. That's how it should be." Read also: Time to put an end to insanity of war, Brazils Lula told Putin, calls for restraint following Operation Spiderweb 'Not destroyed but damaged' Russia claims it will repair bombers struck in Operation Spiderweb Russias Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov claimed on June 5 that Russian bombers damaged during Ukraine's Operation Spiderweb will be "restored," adding that the planes were not completely destroyed in the attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The equipment in question, as was also stated by representatives of the Ministry of Defence, was not destroyed but damaged. It will be restored," Ryabkov told Russian-state media outlet TASS. Ukraine on June 1 launched a game-changing drone attack on four key Russian military airfields, damaging 41 planes, including heavy bombers and rare A-50 spy planes. Kyiv has claimed it had disabled 34% of Russia's strategic bomber fleet in what is seen as one of the most daring operations during the full-scale war. Two U.S. officials told Reuters on June 4 that Ukraine struck as many as 20 Russian military aircraft during Operation Spiderweb, destroying around 10 of them a claim that stands in contrast with the SBU's estimates. Independent confirmation of the damage caused is so far limited to satellite images of Belaya air base, which appear to confirm the destruction of at least three Tu-95MS strategic bombers and one Tu-22M3 aircraft, with an additional Tu-95MS visibly damaged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another image shows two more likely destroyed Tu-22M3 bombers on the field. Ryabkov did not specify a timeline as to how quickly the country can allegedly repair the damaged aircraft. In addition to supply-chain challenges brought upon economic sanctions, Russia would also likely face challenges due to the complexities of Soviet-era technology present in the aircraft, if it were to attempt to restore the bombers. President Volodymyr Zelensky said on June 4 that roughly half of the planes damaged will be impossible to repair, while others will require significant time to be put back into service. During a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on June 4, U.S. President Donald Trump said that Putin vowed that Moscow "will have to respond" to the attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian officials have made few public acknowledgements of the attack. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on June 5 that Moscow will respond when and how the military deems necessary. Trump privately praises Ukraine's drone strike on Russian bombers as 'badass,' Axios reports U.S. President Donald Trump privately described Ukraine's drone strike on Russian strategic bombers as "strong" and "badass," Axios reported June 5, citing sources familiar with his reaction. "He thought it was badass," one source told Axios. A second said Trump told a confidant the strike was "pretty strong." One of Trump's advisers reportedly likened the situation to a small but aggressive force managing to hurt a more powerful opponent, using a metaphor about a "chihuahua" attacking "a much bigger dog." While Russian propagandists have attempted to downplay the strike, Putin himself has yet to make a public statement. Operation Spiderweb marks one of the most far-reaching Ukrainian operations of the war and underscores Kyiv's expanding capacity to strike targets far beyond the front lines. Read also: Putin rejects Zelenskys call for peace talks, accuses Ukraine of deadly bridge attack in Russia 5 killed, 9 injured in Russian drone strike on Chernihiv Oblast A Russian drone strike on the northern Ukrainian city of Pryluky overnight on June 5 killed at least five civilians, including a one-year-old child, and injured nine others, Ukraine's State Emergency Service reported. The attack, which hit residential neighborhoods, sparked large fires and left multiple homes in ruins. Chernihiv Oblast Governor Viacheslav Chaus said at least six Iranian-designed Shahed-136 drones were used in the assault. "Five deaths have been confirmed so far, including two women and a one-year-old child who were found under the rubble," Chaus said. "Police, rescuers, and other emergency services are working at the sites of enemy strikes." Emergency crews worked through the night to extinguish the fires. The State Emergency Service said the strike completely destroyed two residential buildings, two garages, a farm building, and a car. Chaus added that six people were hospitalized and are receiving urgent care. According to the State Emergency Service, a 5-year-old child was injured in the attack. Pryluky, located in Chernihiv Oblast, lies in northern Ukraine near the border with Russia and Belarus. Before Russia's full-scale invasion, it had a population of roughly 51,500. The deadly attack is part of a broader campaign of drone and missile strikes by Russia targeting civilian infrastructure across Ukraine. Ukraine's northern regions, including Chernihiv, have been targeted in recent weeks as Russian forces escalate their air campaign despite mounting international calls for a ceasefire. Read also: Russian missile, drone attack on Kharkiv injures 17, including 4 children Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A senior Ukrainian delegation visiting Washington, D.C., this week brought a warning of Russias upcoming war plans on the country, urging greater pressure on Moscow to achieve a ceasefire and peace deal. Coming off the success of an audacious drone attack against Russian warplanes on Sunday, the Ukrainian delegation urged greater U.S. military assistance to Kyiv and stricter sanctions on Russia on the path to bringing the war to an end. I think its very important now to start to speak with Russia in the language of strength because its one language which this country understands, Andriy Yermak, head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, said in a press conference Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It doesnt mean that Ukraine closes the door to continue the negotiations. But its necessary that Russia [is] coming to these negotiations really with the political will, Yermak continued. Ukraine has criticized Russias participation in two rounds of direct talks, most recently on Monday, as putting forward terms for ending the war amounting to Ukraines capitulation and surrender. At the Ukrainian Embassy on Wednesday, the delegation showed the press a presentation likely similar to what they presented to senators and during other meetings they had in Washington. This included sharing a two-minute video showing drone video of the attack on Russian warplanes, maps of Russias attack plans for later this year, and also data on Russias limited advances on the front line. The cost for every square kilometer for Russians is 167 killed in action, soldiers, said Pavlo Palisa, deputy head of the Office of the President. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats why we think that Russia is not in the position that allows them to give some ultimatums and give us nothing but act of capitulation. Palisa said that Russia is planning to occupy the rest of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions by Sept. 1 territories in the east that Russia has largely occupied since 2014. He also said that Russia is planning to retake the region of Kherson and create a buffer zone by the end of 2025. Ukrainian forces control about 30 percent of the Kherson region, following an offensive to liberate the territory in November 2022. Palisa added that Russia is planning to renew its offensive on Ukraines southern coast, targeting places such as the river port city of Mykolaiv and the Black Sea port city of Odesa, by the end of 2026. Here you can make an assessment, unfortunately they are not speaking about peace, they are preparing for war, Palisa said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier on Wednesday, Trump announced he held a good phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but that it would not lead to peace. Trump said Putin told him Russia would respond to Ukraines drone attack. But immediately after posting about his phone call with Putin, Trump also posted on Truth Social a link to a Washington Post article with the headline Congress can give Trump the leverage to coerce Putin. The article refers to legislation in the Senate imposing punishing sanctions on Russia and a tariff of 500 percent on countries that buy Russian oil, gas, uranium and other products. The legislation, co-sponsored by Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), has a veto-proof majority. Graham said on Wednesday that he wants to add a carve-out to the text to exempt countries from the 500 percent tariff if they have provided meaningful support to Ukraine, even as they maintain economic ties with the Kremlin. Vladyslav Vlasiuk, special envoy of the president for sanctions, said the sanctions bill has the potential to deny Russia $60 billion in oil revenues, and that this equals about one year of the Kremlins war budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The delegation met earlier on Wednesday with senators on Capitol Hill and with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The delegation also met with Trumps special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, on Tuesday. Their pitch in Washington also included more calls for U.S. military support. Among the requests were more air defenses, including Patriot Missile systems and interceptors. They also called for more F-16 fighter jets, air munitions, M142 HIMARS, missiles for HIMARS, howitzers, Javelin missiles, artillery rounds and armored vehicles. Yermak said that military cooperation with the U.S. continues despite Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth skipping the Ramstein meeting in Germany on Wednesday the conference coordinating military assistance to Ukraine among nearly 50 countries. We discuss next steps, and during these two days [in Washington] we have the opportunity to talk to the White House, State Department and the Hill about what we need, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Ukraine's industry is growing rapidly amid Russia's invasion, and Ukraine is relying less on allies. But the industry says it has far more capacity that's unused as Ukraine can't spend that much. Industry leaders say there's a simple way that Ukraine's potential can be reached. Ukraine's defense industry says it is prepared to produce much more weaponry than it is currently making. The problem is that the Ukrainian government can't afford the multi-billion-dollar price tag for production. But it says there's a straightforward solution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine's defense industry has boomed since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with manufacturers ranging from huge outfits to small companies based in people's garages. These companies are crucial, especially at times when Western support is uncertain. The host of defense companies that have sprung up over the last three years of war has allowed Ukraine to innovate quickly and make weaponry that is well suited to the country's specific fight, and their insights into the demands of modern war have many Western companies keen to collaborate and learn from them. Ukrainian Minister of Strategic Industries Herman Smetanin shared earlier this year that "the capabilities of the Ukrainian defense industry have grown 35 times over the three years of the invasion," up from $1 billion in 2022 to $35 billion now. Industry bodies, each representing around 100 Ukrainian defense companies, told Business Insider that the country's industry is ready to make far more weaponry if someone can fund it, and said it would be a win-win for allies. Ukraine can make much more with more funding Serhiy Goncharov, the CEO of the National Association of Ukrainian Defense Industries, which represents around 100 Ukrainian companies, told BI that Ukrainian producers' capacity is more than three times as large as their purchasing power from current budgets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said Ukrainian defense companies get contracts worth around $11.5 billion, but they have the capacity to make as much as $45 billion in weapons. "We are ready to increase our production. We have the capacity to increase our production," Goncharov said. But for now, "we still work in the limit of the budget of Ukraine." Men work at a factory producing drones for the Ukrainian Armed Forces in Kyiv, Ukraine. Vitalii Nosach/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images Government officials have shared similar observations. For instance, Oleksandr Kamyshin, then Ukraine's minister of strategic industries, said in April 2024 that Ukraine's defense production capacity was three times as much as its defense budget. Ihor Fedirko, the CEO of the Ukrainian Council of Defence Industry, a body that represents more than 100 companies, told BI "there are huge spare manufacturing capacities." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine's defense companies typically rely on money from the government buying their goods for the military. Units also buy some weaponry and items themselves, but that practice doesn't add up to the same scale or offer businesses the same confidence. Ukraine's government only has so much money, particularly during wartime. A way to fix the problem Ukrainian industry figures outlined a simple solution, one that is already underway on a smaller scale. It's a new way of supporting Ukraine that was launched by Denmark last year. The model, nicknamed the "Danish model," buys weapons for Ukraine directly from Ukrainian developers instead of purchasing them from European or US companies or taking them from other countries' stockpiles. A worker hauls a cart with mortar shells at a factory in Ukraine. AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka Goncharov described actions similar to the Danish model as the "simplest" way partner nations can help Ukraine's industry and the one that gives the "fastest result on the battlefield." He said this approach allows Ukraine to increase its production by giving manufacturers financial assurances and confidence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Multiple countries have joined this model, and some others, like Germany, say they are working on their own version of it. The Danish model ensures weapons reach Ukrainian soldiers faster and typically for less money. It also means the weaponry Ukrainian forces need most is prioritized. Goncharov said it helps Ukrainians get "exactly what they need on the battlefield." Through this approach, even if a partner country has limited stockpiles or a limited defense production capacity, it can still "purchase the artillery for Ukraine from Ukraine." Around $550 million worth of weapons procurements were finalized last year and boosted the production of key weapons like the Bohdana self-propelled howitzer. The Ukrainian self-propelled howitzer "Bohdana" is one of the items that the Danish model has boosted production of. AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka Goncharov said Ukraine's industry has a list of weapons it is ready to increase the production of if it gets money through this type of model. That list includes artillery and armored vehicles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fedirko said the Danish model is "the largest hope for the private sector." Other options include using frozen Russian assets and joint manufacturing opportunities with foreign companies. The Danish model isn't the only option Goncharov said he has discussed the Danish model and other options for producing more Ukrainian weaponry with members of the European Commission. Another model he proposed is financing production in Ukraine that depends on a substantial amount of European components. He said many Ukrainian companies import some components from elsewhere in Europe, like some metals and vehicle chassis. He described this as "more complex" and more medium-term than the Danish model, but it's one solution that also benefits European industry, which is ramping up. Workers check 82mm mortars at a factory in Ukraine. AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka Europe is watching the war in Ukraine closely, with many countries massively boosting their defense spending and warning that Russia could attack elsewhere on the continent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Countries are hesitant to drain their stockpiles, and new defense orders are creating backlogs in industry, limiting its capacity to produce weapons for others. Many European countries are studying Ukraine's defense industry and its speed, but it's a work in progress. Goncharov said many of Ukraine's international partners are not expanding their defense production fast enough, so Ukraine's industry "has no other options only to grow, to cover our demand." He said working with Ukraine is advantageous for other countries attempting to improve their defenses. They can learn from Ukrainian companies with the advantage of being in direct contact with soldiers and units, allowing them to stay up to date with what is needed against Russia and test their products. "We unfortunately face this situation when we have war on our territory, and it's not our choice, but it is what it is." Read the original article on Business Insider Ukraine's Defence Minister Rustem Umerov has stated that defence support for Ukraine under the "Danish model" is set to increase to 1.3 billion in 2025. Source: "European Pravda", citing Ruslan Umerovs post on Facebook Details: As noted by Ukraine's defence minister, the first tranche of 428 million from Denmark, Sweden, Canada, Norway and Iceland will soon be allocated to the production of Ukrainian weapons: artillery, strike drones, missiles and anti-tank weapons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "This decision is the result of our conversation with my colleague and friend Troels Lund Poulsen, Danish Minister of Defence." Defence support for Ukraine based on the Danish model will scale up to 1.3 billion by 2025. Quote: "Part of these funds will come from income from frozen Russian assets." Ruslan Umerov also announced "new strategic decisions both for investments by Ukrainian companies in Ramstein countries and for the deployment of European defence companies' production facilities in Ukraine." Background: At the Ramstein meeting the day before, Ukraine and its partner countries agreed to establish a defence production mechanism. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also called on partners at Ramstein to invest more in Ukraine's defence industry. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Ukraines Ministry of Foreign Affairs has criticised Polands decision to establish a national day of remembrance for the victims of "genocide committed by the OUN [Organisation of Ukrainian Nationalists] and UPA [Ukrainian Insurgent Army] in the eastern territories of the Second Polish Republic", calling it inconsistent with the spirit of good neighbourly relations between the two countries. [The Volyn (Volhynia) tragedy was a series of events that led to the ethnic cleansing of the Polish and Ukrainian populations in 1943 during World War II. It was part of a long-standing rivalry between Ukrainians and Poles in what is now Ukraine's west. Poland considers the Volyn tragedy a genocide of Poles ed.] Source: a statement by Ukraines Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as reported by European Pravda Details: On 5 June, the Foreign Ministry of Ukraine condemned the Polish Sejms decision to designate 11 July as a day of remembrance for the victims of "genocide committed by the OUN and UPA in the eastern territories of the Second Polish Republic". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "Such unilateral steps do not contribute to achieving mutual understanding and reconciliation, which our countries have been working on for a long time, particularly in the format of the Joint Ukrainian-Polish Working Group on Historical Issues, which operates with the participation of the ministries of culture and national memory institutions from both countries." Details: The ministry emphasised that Ukraine "consistently advocates for a scientific and unbiased study of the complex pages of our shared history". Therefore, the ministry believes that the path to genuine reconciliation lies in dialogue, mutual respect, and collaborative historical research not in unilateral political assessments. Ukraines Foreign Ministry called on Poland "to refrain from steps that could lead to increased tension in bilateral relations and undermine the achievements gained through constructive dialogue and cooperation between Ukraine and Poland". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ministry also reminded both nations not to view each other as enemies, stressing that their common enemy is Russia. Background: In response to the mass destruction of Ukrainian monuments in Poland in 2015-2017 and the insufficient investigation of these crimes, Ukraine imposed moratoriums on the search and exhumation of the remains of Poles killed in 1943-1945 by the Ukrainian Insurgent Army. For years, the issue of exhumations has been a bone of contention in relations between Ukraine and Poland. The new Polish government, headed by Donald Tusk, put pressure on Kyiv to lift the moratorium. Warsaw even said that the resolution of historical disputes would be a prerequisite for Ukraine's accession to the EU. In late April, the exhumation of the bodies of Polish citizens who were killed in 1945 began in Ukraines Ternopil Oblast at the site of the disappeared village of Puzhnyky. Pawe Kowal, the head of the Joint Ukrainian-Polish Working Group on Historical Issues, called this a breakthrough in bilateral relations. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Skyeton, a Ukrainian manufacturer of unmanned aerial systems, has demonstrated the production of Raybird drones in the European Union. Source: Defender media Details: The company's press release states that the drones are already being delivered to customers in partner countries. Production is organised at a plant in Slovakia owned by the Tropozond company, which is part of the Skyeton Group. The company conducted a short video tour of its new production facilities, demonstrating the process of creating drones. Skyeton is known for its unmanned aerial systems (UAS), in particular the Raybird-3 system, which is one of its key developments. Raybird-3 is a modern unmanned system designed for reconnaissance missions and search and rescue operations. It has two modifications: civilian and military ACS-3. The military version is equipped with protection against electronic warfare and is capable of flying in automatic mode. The drone can stay in the air for over 24 hours, covering 2,000 km, and the operator can control it from a distance of up to 240 km. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background: Recently, the company announced a strategic partnership with Danish company Quadsat, which specialises in radio frequency research. Together, they will develop an aviation radio-electronic reconnaissance complex based on a special Danish-made QS RF Locator suspension module and the Ukrainian ACS-3 Raybird UAV. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! When the chief of the local fire department was called to a scene of a Russian strike in the central Ukrainian city of Pryluky overnight, he and his brigade found five people were killed and nine injured after a drone hit a residential building. Among the dead: the firefighters wife, his daughter and his baby grandson. Three generations there are no words that can ease this pain, the Ukrainian National Police said in a statement on Thursday announcing the death of Daryna Shygyda, the firefighters daughter, who was a serving police officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was strong, bright and sincere. She was loyal to her oath, fair and had a deep sense of duty this is how her colleagues and everyone who knew her will remember her, the police said in a statement, adding that Shygyda joined the force in 2020, when she was 22 years old. Becoming a police officer was her dream and vocation. Her firefighter dad taught her to help people since she was a child. And her husband, who is also a patrol officer, always supported and helped in the service, the police statement said. Ukrainian police officer Daryna Shygyd was killed alongside her mother and one-year-old son in a Russian drone attack on Pryluky, Ukraine, on Thursday, June 5. - Kyiv Police Patrol Valentyn and Lyudmila Lotysh, Shygyds grandparents, live in another part of the same house, said Shygyd was visiting her mother, their daughter, when the strike happened. Misha, the little boy was screaming. And then everything went quiet, Valentyn Lotysh told Ukrainian public media Suspilne. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My granddaughter came to visit them with her little one. He (was) such an interesting child. There were five people in the house: the three of them and the two of us, Lyudmila Lotysh added. Her son was just one year old. His name was not released, and a photo of the baby shared on social media shows him facing away from the camera, held tightly by his mother and wrapped in a jacket with a wooly winter hat. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the boy was the 632nd child killed by Russia since the start of Moscows full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Zelensky said on Thursday that Russia launched 103 drones and one ballistic missile against the country overnight, targeting multiple regions. At least eight people were killed in the attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking about the Shahed drone attack on Pryluky that killed the firefighters family, Zelensky called on Ukraines western allies to put extra pressure on Moscow. This is yet another massive strike by terrorists Russian terrorists who kill our people every night, Zelensky said on Telegram. This photo provided by the Ukrainian Emergency Service shows the fire following Russia's drone attack in the city of Pryluky on June 5, 2025. - Ukrainian Emergency Service/AP This is yet another reason to impose maximum sanctions and exert pressure together. Strength matters, and only strength can end this war, he said, adding that Kyiv expect action from the US, Europe and everyone in the world who can truly help change these terrible circumstances. As the Kremlin continues to speak about peace most recently on Wednesday, when the Russian President Vladimir Putin told Pope Leo XIV that he had interest in achieving peace it continues to terrorize Ukrainian civilians with daily aerial attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A tally compiled by CNN shows that as of Thursday morning, at least 30 Ukrainian civilians have been killed and more than 150 injured in Russian strikes this week alone, including eight in just the past 24 hours. The attack also comes soon after another phone call between Putin and US President Donald Trump, in which the Russian leader said he would respond to Kyivs audacious drone attack on Russias air force. Russia stepped up its airborne attacks against Ukraine in the past few months after it successfully managed to scale up domestic production of its own version of the Iranian-made Shahed drones, the type used most frequently in these attacks. 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 and undermine Ukraines morale. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The town of Pryluky, where the firefighters family and two other people were killed overnight, declared two days of mourning on Thursday and Friday, ordering flags to be flown half-mast and black banners displayed on public buildings. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Serhii Kyslytsia, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, has responded to Russian ruler Vladimir Putin's statement about the lack of political culture in the Kyiv authorities, noting that Moscow officials who control murderers "cover up their arrogance with a young ladys veil". Source: Kyslytsia on X (Twitter) Quote: "It's hard to say what he's talking about. I dont think its about the complaints from Medinsky, who I asked not to raise his voice at me last time in Istanbul, reminding him that I don't work for the Russian government, nor for him. And he's younger than me, though I didn't mention that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet, I reminded him that I hoped we were at a serious meeting, and not at another Security Council meeting a la Vasily Nebenzya. In general, for a long time it has come as no surprise that even if they arent literally elbow-deep in blood after killing thousands of Ukrainians with their own hands, the thuggish Moscow officials who at the very least directed the killers, cover up their arrogance with a young ladys veil." Details: Kyslytsia attached a corresponding image to his post. Background: On 4 June, Putin stated that the Kyiv authorities supposedly lack basic political culture, allowing themselves to directly insult those with whom they are trying to negotiate. At a meeting with the Russian government, Putin compared the Ukrainian authorities to terrorists and questioned the meeting with Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Seven weeks remain in the Knessets summer session. Amid the crisis, the opposition plans to place bills to dissolve the Knesset on the plenary agenda for next Wednesday. The crisis surrounding the haredi (ultra-Orthodox) exemption from military service has deepened in recent days, following the expiration of the ultimatum set by haredi factions for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to advance legislation to regulate the exemption by the Shavuot holiday. Even before the holiday, United Torah Judaism chairman MinisterYitzhak Goldknopf threatened to push for early elections. After the holiday, Degel HaTorah rabbis and Shas chairman Arye Deri announced they would back a bill to dissolve the Knesset. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seven weeks remain in the Knessets summer session. Amid the crisis, the opposition plans to place bills to dissolve the Knesset on the plenary agenda for next Wednesday. If the ultra-Orthodox threat materializes, these bills could pass their preliminary reading, setting the process in motion. That effectively gives Netanyahu one week to advance the legislation and try to defuse the ultra-Orthodox opposition. Coalition sources say the chances of bridging the wide gap between the ultra-Orthodox factions demands for an exemption law and the demands from Likud and Religious Zionist MKsled by Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee chairman Yuli Edelsteinare low. Nonetheless, Netanyahu met with Edelstein on Wednesday evening. After the meeting, the Prime Ministers Office released a statement saying, There is a way to bridge the gaps. Netanyahu is expected to hold another meeting Thursday with Edelstein and representatives of the ultra-Orthodox factions to address the issue and try to resolve the crisis. Committee Chairman Yuli Edelstein leads a Defense and Foreign Affairs Committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem on February 12, 2023. (photo credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90) One option reportedly being considered by Netanyahus circle is to dismiss Edelstein, whom the ultra-Orthodox factions view as the main obstacle, and appoint another chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. At best, this would buy time. Removing Edelstein might speed up the drafting of the bill in a way that favors the ultra-Orthodox, but it would not solve the challenge of securing a coalition majority to pass the bill in the committee or plenary. Likud and Religious Zionist MKs face pressure from reservist organizations and serving soldiers to pass a more robust draft law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is worth recalling that last November, Netanyahu fired then-defense ministerYoav Gallant, partly at the request of the ultra-Orthodox factions, who believed Gallant was blocking the exemption law. However, replacing him with Israel Katz did not advance or resolve the crisis. What lies ahead if Netanyahu fails to resolve issue If Netanyahu fails to resolve the issue by Wednesday, the bill to dissolve the Knesset will come up for a preliminary vote next week. If all the ultra-Orthodox factions support it, the opposition would have a majority. But like any bill, it would need to pass three additional readings, a process that could take days or weeks, and Netanyahu ultimately controls the pace. The legislative agenda is set by Likud via Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana and Knesset House Committee chairman Ofir Katz, allowing Netanyahu to delay or accelerate the process. If the bill passes all four readings by the end of the session, elections would be set for at least 90 days later, likely in late October. However, Netanyahus associates say his goal is to stretch the seven weeks remaining in the summer session until the recess, giving the government nearly three more months of stability before the winter session begins at the end of October, only then dissolving the Knesset. That means that even if the bill to dissolve the Knesset passes its preliminary and first reading, Netanyahu could still strike a deal with the ultra-Orthodox factions, complete the legislation, and dissolve the Knesset at the start of the next session. In that scenario, elections would likely take place in early 2026. Coalition sources believe the next session will likely be the governments last, as the next budget must pass by March 2026. In an election year atmosphere, no one would want to approve a budget involving tax hikes and economic austerity. If the government fails to pass the budget on time, the Knesset would automatically dissolve, with elections taking place in the summer of 2026, months ahead of the scheduled date in October 2026. AMHERST The Council on American-Islamic Relations and its Massachusetts chapter has named the University of Massachusetts Amherst a hostile campus, after its response to pro-Palestinian protests last spring and the year before. In a statement from the council on Tuesday, the group said UMass Amherst made discriminatory sanctions against students during their protests of the war in Gaza and demonstrated a pattern of neglect in addressing anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian harassment. The council is the nations largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization. In its response, the university said in an email on Thursday that the councils claims are riddled with significant inaccuracies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for the Islamic council did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Twenty-two universities were deemed hostile if they created a dangerous environment for anti-genocide students, the council said in its statement. Harvard University in Cambridge is the only other Massachusetts school to get the hostile designation this year. Students, faculty and staff were encouraged to file a Report a Hostile Campus form if they wanted the council to look into complaints reported about a university. Some of the claims against the university stem from an October 2023 protest when 57 demonstrators were arrested for protesting the war in Gaza and the universitys investments in Raytheon, a weapons manufacturer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last April and early May, students continued to protest the war, one of a number of protests around the country. A May 7 protest at UMass Amherst led to the arrests of 130 students and faculty. Participants, including community members, shortly thereafter called for the resignation of Javier Reyes, the universitys then-newly minted chancellor, after he invited police to dismantle and disperse the demonstrations. In February, it was revealed that Reyes was interviewing for work elsewhere, with less than two years on the job in Amherst. Throughout the summer and into the fall, students faced academic and legal repercussions for participating in the protests. At the end of the summer, Reyes Campus Demonstration Policy Task Force released a report on the universitys updated policies and practices around student protests. The task force was made up of students, faculty and university leadership. Then in January, an independent review of the universitys response to the May 7 protest and arrests found that campus administration acted reasonably, but could have done more to protect its relationship with students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Islamic council recently said in a civil rights report on unconstitutional crackdowns that Islamophobia continues to be at an all-time high across the country, and viewpoint discrimination against those speaking out against genocide and apartheid was a key factor in many cases. Last April, the U.S. Department of Educations Office of Civil Rights also began investigating the university after a 49-page complaint filed by Palestine Legal, alleging that the university had not been responsive to student reports about anti-Palestinian and anti-Arab discrimination on campus. UMass said in its statement on Thursday that the federal Office of Civil Rights is still investigating the complaint. The Department of Educations press office has not yet responded to a query from The Republican on the state of the inquiry. UMass Amhersts response In its emailed response to the Hostile Campus designation, UMass said many of the Islamic councils claims are false, according to Emily Gest, associate vice chancellor for news and media relations at the university. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, she said the organizations claims that UMass Amherst created a ban on tents, face coverings and essential protest materials improperly linked users to an article about UMass Boston, a sister school. UMass Amherst has no such policies and is an entirely separate campus, the statement said. Gest clarified that, at UMass Amherst, there is a review process for erecting any structures, including tents. Another erroneous claim made by the organization was that police used Tasers and pepper spray on the protesters, Gest said. The university said, No Tasers, pepper spray or any other crowd-dispersal tools were used in any demonstration response." The university also said it did not criminalize peaceful demonstrations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As the university has stated on multiple occasions over the past year, Nobodys right to free speech or right to peacefully assemble was infringed upon. The universitys decision to engage law enforcement was based entirely on safety. The fortified encampments, constructed of 2,000 pounds of wood and fencing installed by demonstrators, were not protected speech," the statement said. A final claim by the Islamic organization said three students were banned from studying abroad, leaving them scrambling for housing and alternative academic options also was partially informed. The International Programs Office revoked eligibility for some students to study abroad for the upcoming winter/spring terms because of the disciplinary actions against them, but those were all dealt with prior to the study abroad period. No student received a study abroad ban and (were) fully eligible to apply for study abroad once any disciplinary sanctions were resolved, the university said. more news from Western Massachusetts Read the original article on MassLive. UNITED NATIONS (AP) The U.N. food agency is appealing for $46 million for the next six months to help about 2 million Haitians in dire need of food, including 8,500 at the worst catastrophic level of hunger. The appeal was issued by Lola Castro, the World Food Programs regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean, who recently returned from Haiti, where escalating gang violence has displaced well over 1 million people and left half the population 5.7 million people in urgent need of food. Two million of them are in the two worst categories in the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, the leading international authority on hunger crises, and 8,500 are in the worst Phase 5 category, she said. That means at least one in five people or households severely lack food and face starvation and destitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Haiti is one of only five countries in the world that have people in the Phase 5 category of catastrophic hunger, Castro said, and it is really dramatic to have this in the Western Hemisphere. Gangs have grown in power since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July 2021 and are now estimated to control 85% of the capital and are moving into surrounding areas. Haiti has not had a president since the assassination, and the top U.N. official in the country said in April the country could face total chaos without funding to confront the gangs.. A U.N.-backed mission led by Kenyan police arrived in Haiti last year to help quell gang violence, but the mission remains understaffed and underfunded, with only about 40% of the 2,500 personnel originally envisioned. The WFP, the worlds largest humanitarian organization, is among the U.N. agencies facing funding cuts, mainly from the United States, which provided nearly half of its funding in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Castro said WFP reached over 1.3 million people this year until March using carryover funds from last year. But the agency is facing a dramatic situation now with food stocks only until July to assist with emergencies, new displacements or hurricanes, she said. In the past four years, Castro said WFP always had stocks to help between 250,000 and 500,000 people with any emergency. This year, we start the hurricane season with an empty warehouse where we have no stocks for assisting any emergency, or we have no cash neither to go and buy (food) locally if it was possible in some areas, or to do a rapid humanitarian response, Castro said. We are very concerned that a single storm can put hundreds of thousands of people in Haiti again into humanitarian catastrophe and hunger. WFP normally provides a meal every day for around 500,000 school children, but that number will be cut in half without additional resources, she told a video press conference on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With $46 million, she said, WFP will be able to help the 2 million Haitians in most need of food, keep providing school meals for half a million children, and provide social protection for very vulnerable people in camps for the displaced. Haiti must not be forgotten as the world deals with other crises, Castro said, urging donors to be generous. We really need to stop this and to hold the line on hunger, she said. We continue calling the humanitarian community to provide support. With $46 million, she said, WFP will be able to help the 2 million Haitians in the two worst IPC categories, keep providing school meals for half a million children, and provide social protection for very vulnerable people in camps for the displaced. VIENNA (AP) Western nations are planning to table a resolution at a meeting of the U.N.s nuclear agency that will find Iran in non-compliance with its so-called safeguards obligations for the first time in 20 years, a senior western diplomat said Thursday. The move comes at a sensitive time as U.S. President Donald Trump's administration seeks to reach a deal with Tehran to limit its nuclear program. The two sides have held several rounds of talks, so far without agreement. The draft resolution will be jointly tabled by France, the U.K. and Germany, known as the E3, together with the United States, the senior Western diplomat said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Consulting European allies In Washington, the State Department said the Trump administration was consulting with European allies about the next step. We are coordinating with our partners on our posture for the June 9-13 IAEA Board of Governors meeting and are considering all of our options, the department said. We continue to have serious concerns about Irans nuclear program and its longstanding failure to uphold its safeguards obligations. In an April 2024 report, the U.S. State Department assessed that Iran's unwillingness to provide adequate responses to the IAEAs questions regarding potential undeclared nuclear material and activities" constitutes "a violation of its obligation to accept safeguards under Article III of the NPT Treaty." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The draft resolution, which was seen by The Associated Press, says: Irans many failures to uphold its obligations since 2019 to provide the Agency with full and timely cooperation regarding undeclared nuclear material and activities at multiple undeclared locations in Iran ... constitutes non-compliance with its obligations under its Safeguards Agreement. The draft resolution furthermore finds that the IAEA's inability ... to provide assurance that Irans nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful gives rise to questions that are within the competence of the United Nations Security Council, as the organ bearing the main responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. It requests IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi to continue his efforts to implement this and previous resolutions and to report again, including any further developments on the issues." Board members could suggest amendments Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The text of the draft may change before it is formally tabled, as board members have the opportunity to suggest amendments. Under the so-called safeguards obligations, that are part of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, Iran is legally bound to declare all nuclear material and activities and allow IAEA inspectors to verify that none of it is being diverted from peaceful uses. In the IAEAs comprehensive report that was circulated among members states last weekend, the U.N. nuclear watchdog said that Irans cooperation with the agency has been less than satisfactory when it comes to uranium traces discovered by agency inspectors at several locations in Iran that Tehran has failed to declare as nuclear sites. The IAEA has been seeking answers from Iran regarding the origin and current location of the nuclear material since 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Western officials suspect that the uranium traces discovered by the IAEA could provide evidence that Iran had a secret nuclear weapons program until 2003. Iran denies having nuclear weapons program Iran denies ever having had a nuclear weapons program and says its program is entirely peaceful. The senior Western diplomat called the resolution a serious step, but added that western nations are not closing the door to diplomacy on this issue. The objective of the resolution is for Iran to resolve the issue, the source added, which is why the resolution will not immediately refer Irans non-compliance to the U.N. Security Council to consider triggering more sanctions. They will have a window to finally comply and respond to all the requests that have been made over the last six years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The board of governors stresses its support for a diplomatic solution to the problems posed by the Iranian nuclear programme, leading to an agreement that addresses all international concerns related to Irans nuclear activities, encouraging all parties to constructively engage in diplomacy, the draft resolution reads. However, if Iran fails to cooperate, an extraordinary IAEA board meeting will likely be held in the summer, during which another resolution could get passed that will refer the issue to the Security Council, the senior diplomat said. The three European nations have threatened in the past to reinstate sanctions that have been lifted under the original 2015 Iran nuclear deal, which expires on Oct. 18. Iran has previously retaliated to resolutions passed by the agency's board by further expanding its nuclear program and banning inspectors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iranian deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi warned the IAEA against taking any politically-motivated action by some board members, as this could undermine cooperation between Iran and the UN nuclear watchdog, he wrote in a post on X. - The Associated Press receives support for nuclear security coverage from the Carnegie Corporation of New York and Outrider Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. - Additional AP coverage of the nuclear landscape: https://apnews.com/projects/the-new-nuclear-landscape/ WASHINGTON (DC News Now) With just two days left until the WorldPride Parade in Washington, D.C., accessibility to Dupont Circle remains unclear, and city leaders are sending mixed signals about what to expect. Earlier this week, both D.C. and U.S. Park police indicated that Dupont Circle would be closed over the weekend due to safety concerns. The decision stemmed from previous Pride weekends, when police said the area saw property damage, looting, underage drinking, and even reports of gunfire. The historic fountain at the center of the circle was reportedly damaged as well. PREVIOUS COVERAGE | DC police recinds request to close Dupont Circle park during WorldPride after pushback from DC community Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But following public pushback, including opposition from Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker, D.C. police have backed off their initial request. While the National Park Service has not yet made a final decision, many residents are calling for a solution that balances celebration and safety. Its a symbol for the gay community. Its a symbol for this neighborhood. Its one of the best neighborhoods in the city, said Richard Lewis, who has lived near Dupont Circle for more than 20 years. I was disgusted and embarrassed [by the behavior last year]. I thought, this is not how we treat our neighborhoods. It was a slap to the gay community, knowing fully well that the parade wasnt even there. Instead of a full closure, some neighbors are advocating for a compromise keeping the park open, but with increased law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WorldPride underway in DC for first time I understand both sides of the story, added Lewis. Id like to see it remain open with increased police presence so people know theres accountability and that they shouldnt be damaging public or private property. In a statement, Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith confirmed the departments shift, saying, After hearing from community leaders and residents, I am formally withdrawing MPDs request to close Dupont Circle Park While US Park Police will make the final call, MPD will have resources available if needed. As of now, with a little more than 48 hours until the start of the parade, no final word has come from the National Park Service or U.S. Park Police about whether the park will remain open or closed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. In the wake of the devastating Eaton fire that tore through Altadena in January, hundreds of signs sprouted up in the ash-laden yards of burned-down homes: "Altadena Not for Sale." The slogan signified a resistance toward outside investors looking to buy up the droves of suddenly buildable lots. But as the summer real estate market kicks into gear, not only is Altadena for sale it seems to be flying off the shelves. Roughly 145 burned lots have sold so far, around 100 are currently listed, and dozens more are in escrow. The identity of every single buyer isn't clear, since many are obscured by trusts or limited liability companies, but real estate records and local sources suggest that developers are buying the lion's share of lots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's far outpacing the Palisades market, where less than 60 lots have sold since the fire and roughly 180 are sitting on the market, sometimes for months. Victor Becerra surveys his property on Wednesday, located next to a recently sold property on Wapello Street. Becerra is rebuilding and said he is anxious for the neighborhood to "bloom again." (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) The roughly 250 lots sold and listed so far in Altadena represent only a small fraction of the 6,000 homes lost in the Eaton fire, but the market will probably get even hotter. Each month has seen an increase in listings and sales, and local real estate agents say the only thing keeping more from selling is the slow process of fire victims navigating insurance claims and wrapping their heads around the reality of rebuilding, which will probably take at least half a decade. "In a perfect world, my neighbors and I would all rebuild, and five years from now, Altadena would look the same as it did before the fire," said one resident who asked to speak anonymously for fear of judgment from community members urging others not to sell. "But it's just not realistic." She listed the lot in May and had a handful of offers in days. She ended up selling to the highest bidder, a midsize developer that has purchased a few other properties in Altadena. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'll always love Altadena, but I don't have the resources for a rebuild that could take half a decade," she said, echoing a Times report that said fire victims are hesitant to return to the neighborhood over fears that government officials won't fast-track new development. Despite the surge of lots hitting the market, demand has been steady, and lots are selling fast. Through the first four months of the year, the median property in Altadena spent 19 days on the market compared with 35 days over the same stretch last year, according to Redfin . Lots have sold for as little as $330,000 and as much as $1.865 million, with most going for somewhere between $500,000 and $700,000. The first lot to hit the market listed for $449,000 and sold for $100,000 over the asking price in an all-cash deal though with the influx in inventory since then, buyers are typically paying just the full asking price, not more. "Everybody in Altadena thought they were going to rebuild, but depending on their situation, a lot of the time it just doesn't make sense," said Ann Marie Ahern, an Altadena resident and real estate agent. "We wanted to keep things local, but unfortunately, Altadena is for sale." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ahern currently has a listing on Rubio Crest Avenue for $735,000. She said most of the interest has come from either single developers looking for a project or two, or large developers hoping to buy as many lots as possible. "One agent called me and said he has someone looking to buy 100 lots," she said. While many properties destroyed by the Eaton fire are up for sale, some displaced residents proclaim their homes are not. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) Of the sales so far, around half of the burned properties have sold to buyers that have only purchased only one, while half have sold to buyers purchasing multiple lots including Black Lion Properties, Iron Rings Altadena, Ocean Dev Inc., NP Altadena and Sheng Feng. Ahern said the shopping spree is causing deep concern among locals that the new builds won't match the charm and quirks of Altadena, where century-old Craftsmans mingle with Colonial Revivals and English Tudors. New development can also bring gentrification, which is why some nonprofits are attempting to buy up lots to resell them below market value to displaced locals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The collective fear? An Altadena ego death, where the community fades into suburban sprawl obscurity. The potential culprits? Developers. Read more: Black-trimmed homes, tiny libraries and other signs your neighborhood is about to be gentrified But some say the vilification of developers is misplaced. "The big danger facing Altadena isn't gentrification. It's that it won't get built back at all," said Brock Harris, a real estate agent who has sold half a dozen burned lots, including some to developers. Harris said most developers buying up lots aren't huge companies looking to turn Altadena into a community of tract homes. Rather, it's smaller developers capable of taking on 5 to 10 projects per year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If Altadena is going to come back, we need way more developers coming in to help out," he said. "Otherwise, a decade from now, it'll look desolate and unwelcoming with one house for every five lots." He said rebuilding is a complex process for an average citizen, and anyone considering that route should be prepared to spend the next three to five years yelling at inspectors and getting ripped off by contractors. "Professionals will be the ones rebuilding the city," he said, since they're more equipped to handle the "bureaucratic mess" of building a house in L.A. He's not surprised at the booming speculative market. In the midst of a housing crisis where home prices soar and empty land is scarce a flat, buildable lot is a rare opportunity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harris expects the new builds in Altadena to match the ones that burned down to a degree. One developer client told him they plan to replicate whatever style was there before. If a Tudor burned down, build a Tudor. If a Craftsman burned down, build a Craftsman. Locals say replication brings pros and cons. One downside is that no matter what style developers opt for, the level of craftsmanship from a century ago can't be copied due to the expensive process of building a house in the modern market and the thin margins developers have to make a profit. But modern building codes are much more fire-resistant, which could protect the neighborhood from fires in the future. Initially, some speculators were concerned that homebuyers would be hesitant to purchase in an area that recently burned. However, in a state plagued by earthquakes, landslides and rising seas, Californians have consistently shown that they're fine living and buying in disaster-prone areas . As offers pour in for lots in the burn zone, and with excessive lead levels found in the homes that survived, it's clear that the fires haven't diminished demand for Altadena real estate. The same can be said for the surrounding foothill communities, such as La Canada Flintridge or Sierra Madre, where a dry, windy day could put them at the same risk for disaster. In the months after the Eaton fire, both markets are surging. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To the west, the area of La Canada Flintridge and La Crescenta-Montrose saw 92 home sales in the first five months of the year compared with 70 during the same stretch last year. To the east in Sierra Madre, 40 homes sold in the first five months of the year compared with 28 in 2024. Fire victims shopping for new homes are partly responsible for the mini boom, said real estate agent Chelby Crawford. She said 10% of buyers at her open houses are people who lost their homes in the Eaton fire. Crawford listed a house in the foothills of La Canada Flintridge in April, and it went under contract a month later. In March, she sold a home high along Angeles Crest Highway to a displaced fire victim, who had no problem with the fire-prone location. "Pasadena and La Canada Flintridge are benefiting the most," she said. "Fire victims are just excited to find their next home. It's selling season." 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. ERWIN, Tenn. (WJHL) The Unicoi County Commission passed a budget this week with a nearly half-million-dollar deficit, and county leaders said its largely due to the effects of Hurricane Helene. Unicoi County leaders said much of the deficit comes from the washout of the Industrial Park Drive area and the local hospital. The county has not had any income coming from those businesses since September, when Helene struck. The budget passed Monday with an over $450,000 deficit. However, the county expects to get some funding from the State of Tennessee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayor Garland Bubba Evely told News Channel 11 on Wednesday that he is hopeful that six or seven of the businesses washed away from the Industrial Park will return and again bring income to the county. We worked on trying to cut expenses as much as we could, he said. We got that down to under $500,000. And, the State of Tennessee has agreed to, in 2025-26, allocate funds to the most affected counties. And were going to receive that funding in July, which the shortfall will be taken from the additional revenues the states going to provide. Evely said another big expense hurting the budget is the countys EMS service, which now must transport all patients into Johnson City since the Unicoi County hospitals closure after Helene. The shortfall is strictly due to [the] Helene disaster that we suffered and lost revenue from property values, homes that were destroyed, our industrial park being destroyedto the tune of almost $570,000 in revenue that the county would normally receive in a regular year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Evely noted that the countys budget is a little over $10 million and that the school system budget and highway department budget are separate from the countys. Helene has certainly created a lot of budget challenges, not just for the county and the two towns, but also for those like ambulance service, police department, sheriffs department, you know, its created a lot more on the expense side, in addition to the lost revenue that we got. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Cars are written into Arizona's DNA. Because of the relative youth of the state and the ample space in the western U.S., cars have become so incredibly common, almost required even, to get around metro Phoenix and across the state. The Arizona Department of Transportation indicates there are more than 8.1 million registered vehicles in the state, outpacing the number of Arizona residents by more than half a million. Advertisement Advertisement The beginning of this reliance on cars can be pinpointed all the way back to 1899, more than a decade before Arizona even became a state. Here is the tale of the Grand Canyon State's first car and in a uniquely Arizona turn of events its subsequent crash into a saguaro cactus. The first car in Arizona ... The first automobile in Arizona arrived in Tucson in 1899, according to University of Arizona professor John P. Warnock's book "Tucson: A Drama in Time". Dr. Hiram W. Fenner moved from Ohio to Bisbee in 1882 to serve as physician for the Copper Queen mining company, according to his obituary in the Arizona Daily Star. He then moved to Tucson where he "did much to become a friend to Tucson's populace." The doctor made his mark on the medical scene, established the Tucson chapter of the Red Cross and worked with the University of Arizona. Advertisement Advertisement Around the turn of the 20th century, Fenner purchased the locomobile steamer, perhaps with another Tucson doctor, as some historians indicate. The car arrived by rail. His purchase even predated Arizona's first driver's licenses, though Fenner was issued one in 1905, Warnock writes in his book. Arizona drivers weren't required to have licenses until a law requiring them was passed in 1927. The first licenses were round copper key tags that looked very different than the plastic cards we're used to these days. After purchasing the car, Fenner began using it to visit patients in 1914 or 1915, according to Warnock. Have you seen it? Arizona drivers licenses have a secret feature you might not know about and the first car crash in Arizona As fate would have it, Fenner not only purchased the state's first car, he was also at the center of Arizona's first car crash. Advertisement Advertisement Arizona historian Marshall Trimble said that the doctor crashed the locomobile into a saguaro cactus when showing off the vehicle, and its speed, to his neighbors. Its kind of funny, when you think about it, Trimble told Phoenix Magazine in 2013. Fenner not only had the first car and the first license plate, but also the first wreck. The car was sold and then demolished after it overheated and exploded, Trimble said. Fenner would leave the state shortly after purchasing, and wrecking, Arizona's first car. In 1922, he moved to California and continued practicing medicine, according to the University of Arizona's historical indexes. The doctor died of a heart attack in 1929 at 70 years old, his obituary states. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: This is the story of AZ's 1st car and its ridiculous demise The Scoop UnitedHealthcare is suing The Guardian for defamation over a story the publication ran related to its billing for nursing home residents. In a May 21 story, The Guardian US alleged that the health care giant saved money at the cost of nursing home residents health. In a lawsuit filed on Wednesday, UnitedHealthcare said that The Guardian had knowingly published false information, and tried to capitalize on media interest in the killing of its then-CEO last year in New York. The health care company alleged that The Guardian cropped screenshots quoted in the article, taking the email out of its full context. It further disputed some of The Guardians characterizations of medical events in the story. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Guardian knew these accusations were false, but published them anyway, brazenly trying to capitalize on the tragic and shocking assassination of UnitedHealthcares then-CEO, Brian Thompson, the complaint says. UnitedHealthcare is being represented by the law firm Clare Locke, which has made a name for itself for aggressively pursuing defamation lawsuits against news media organizations. In a fiery statement first shared with Semafor, The Guardian said it was not backing down from its reporting following the lawsuit, saying that the story was backed up by documents and on-the-record lawsuits. The Guardian stands by its deeply-sourced, independent reporting, which is based on thousands of corporate and patient records, publicly filed lawsuits, declarations submitted to federal and state agencies, and interviews with more than 20 current and former UnitedHealth employees as well as statements and information provided by UnitedHealth itself over several weeks, a spokesperson said. Its outrageous that in response to factual reporting on the practice of secretly paying nursing homes to reduce hospitalizations for vulnerable patients, UnitedHealth is resorting to wildly misleading claims and intimidation tactics via the courts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UnitedHealth has struggled in the months since the high-profile murder of its former CEO. Last month, the company announced that it was replacing its now-former CEO, Andrew Witty, after reporting poor profits and shaky projections for the rest of 2025. And The Wall Street Journal reported that the company is at the center of multiple Department of Justice investigations for potential Medicare fraud. Notable Century Tower on the Gainesville campus of the University of Florida. (Photo by Jay Waagmeester/Florida Phoenix) University of Florida trustees on Thursday stood by their selection of Santa Ono as the next president, despite his nomination being denied by the State University System Board of Governors (BOG). Mori Hosseini, chair of the UF Board of Trustees and a proponent of Ono, defended the UF trustees decision to forward Ono to the BOG for final approval. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our Board of Trustees stands by the integrity of the search, the strength of the candidates it produced, and the principles that guided our work, Hosseini said during a lengthy board meeting. This outcome is deeply disappointing to our Board of Trustees. Ono was rejected by the Board of Governors in a 6-10 vote after he was questioned for hours about his conflicting stances on diversity, equity, and inclusion. The UF board voted unanimously in favor of Ono the week prior. Had he received the job, Onos contract would have provided him about $3 million annually. We believe Dr. Ono was uniquely qualified to lead this university at this moment, Hosseini continued. The symbolism and substance of the sitting president of a university as prestigious as University of Michigan, choosing to come to University of Florida should not be lost. It was a powerful signal that Floridas model for higher education grounded in merit, academic excellence, institutional neutrality, and accountability to students and taxpayers is earning the trust and interest of top team leaders across the country who are ready to advance this vision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UF presidency is being filled on an interim basis by former President Kent Fuchs. The permanent job has been open since July, when former U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse resigned from the presidency. We will continue to pursue the kind of bold principle and forward thinking leadership that Gator nation deserves, Hosseini concluded. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX MEMPHIS, Tenn. The University of Memphis Board of Trustees voted for an increase in tuition and fees for students in the upcoming school year. They said they voted to increase the tuition by 4.92%, which will be $264 per semester. The decision to raise tuition comes in response to rising operational costs. The additional revenue will support a range of University priorities, including expanded academic programs, student support services, and campus safety initiatives, said the University in a release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Black bear feasts on pears in DeSoto County backyard This increase reflects our ongoing commitment to preserving academic excellence and student success while maintaining affordability, said Board of Trustees President Cato Johnson. We are making targeted investments that will strengthen the student experience and prepare our graduates for success. The university said they have had one of the lowest average tuition increases in Tennessee at 1.8% over the past six years, including two years with no tuition and fee increase at all. The additional revenue is said to support a range of university initiatives, including expanded academic programs, student support services, and campus safety priorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. The Alvord Desert outside Burns in Harney County is one of the driest places in Oregon. The county made it onto a list of sanctuary jurisdictions. (Laura Tesler/Oregon Capital Chronicle) If you were to imagine local places in this country that obstruct federal law, you might guess that map would look different depending on what kind of administration Republican or Democratic, liberal or conservative is in power in Washington. The Trump administration delivered a comprehensive list of more than 500 such places last week. And for Oregon, at least, it doesnt look the way you would expect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The list grew out of an executive order from President Donald Trump on April 28 ordering that the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall notify each sanctuary jurisdiction regarding its defiance of Federal immigration law enforcement and any potential violations of Federal criminal law. Those jurisdictions could mean states, counties and cities. There is no posted definition of what it takes to qualify as a sanctuary jurisdiction. The order was not simply intended as an accusation but also a requirement that federal officials identify appropriate Federal funds to sanctuary jurisdictions, including grants and contracts, for suspension or termination, as appropriate. Funds would be cut off, possibly including disaster relief money, and legal action against the local entities would be pursued. That could mean local governments on a massive scale could see federal funds cut off. No sort of appeal process was indicated, though presumably court action will be involved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just a day later on May 28, the list of offending jurisdictions was released by the agencies. These sanctuary city politicians are endangering Americans and our law enforcement in order to protect violent criminal illegal aliens, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said. So what is a sanctuary city (or other jurisdiction)? In a general sense, there is no such thing, since federal immigration law applies everywhere in the country, and federal officials (such as those in ICE) are free to enforce it anywhere. The level of local support for those operations varies, though. Oregon state law, for instance (like that of many other states), bars state and local officials from inquiring about, or blocking services based on immigration status. It does not stop federal enforcement of the law. Still, you can imagine the state of Oregon overall, and Portland specifically, would be on a sanctuary city list, and they are. On January 21, new Portland Mayor Keith Wilson said, Our state and local leaders are committed to ensuring that no one is treated unfairly because of their immigration status. The Sanctuary Promise Act mandates that local law enforcement document any federal demands for immigration enforcement and ensures our state laws are followed. On April 28 he reiterated, Portland stands unwavering in its commitment to sanctuary policies, rooted in the belief that every resident, including immigrants, deserves dignity, respect, and protection. The city of Portland fully complies with all applicable federal and state laws and will not obstruct lawful federal enforcement operations. Importantly, our police officers will not be used as agents of ICE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well put aside the idea which in normal times would govern public spending but today apparently does not for the moment that local political preferences or views on issues never should be the basis for deciding who receives the federal funds that, after all, we all pay into. The other three cities on the list Eugene, Beaverton, and Hood River also are no particular surprise. The counties, and 15 of them are listed, are another matter. A few of these, like Multnomah (Portland), Lane (Eugene) and Washington (Beaverton and Hillsboro), would be expected. These are deep blue places where most of the voters and elected officials deeply oppose the Trump administration and many of its works, not least its immigration-related actions. Lincoln and Clatsop counties also voted against Trump in 2024, so theres some political consistency in their inclusion as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For whatever reason, Clackamas, Deschutes, Benton and Hood River, all Democratic in last years presidential election, were left off the list. (Officials in those counties, Benton especially, may be wondering why.) But the list also includes Columbia County (Trump 55%), Harney County (Trump 77.7%), Klamath County (Trump 69.5%), Lake County (Trump 81.2%), Linn County, Marion County, Tillamook County, Umatilla County, Union County and Yamhill County. All of these voted for Trump last year, some of them by super-landslide majorities. What exactly did they do to put the federal bullseye on their backs? They understandably could be asking about this in bewilderment and anger. This is not unique to Oregon. In Washington state, where the politics and policies in this are similar to Oregon, all but three of the states 39 countries were put on the black list. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sounds like another round of lawsuits against the Trump Administration teed up for the office of Attorney General Dan Rayfield. Oh, wait: On June 1 the Department of Homeland Security retracted its list of sanctuary locations, after an uproar from local and state officials and groups around the country. It did not say what actions it plans to take next. A claim circulated online in early June 2025 that U.S. President Donald Trump ordered scientists not to publish research findings in journals without administration approval. A report in The Guardian alleged that the Department of Veterans Affairs sought "political control of doctors' and scientists' published research" after emails reportedly circulated claiming two VA staffers who published a piece critical of Department of Government Efficiency-induced staffing cuts broke internal guidelines. A VA spokesperson said the department was only enforcing an existing policy (Directive 8500 on Public Affairs) and that "Virtually every organization both inside and outside government has similar policies." Snopes found no evidence of a governmentwide order for scientists to submit research findings for preapproval. However, a May 23, 2025, executive order, "Restoring Gold Standard Science," would give political appointees at federal agencies the power to "correct" and "discipline" federal researchers. Federal departments and agencies have had scientific integrity policies since the Obama administration. These policies must ensure that political appointees and public affairs officers could not "suppress or alter scientific or technological findings" or "ask or direct Federal scientists to alter scientific findings." It was uncertain at the time of this writing how Trump's order would affect these policies. In early June 2025, a claim (archived) circulated online that U.S. President Donald Trump ordered scientists not to publish research findings in journals without administration approval. One TikTok user said: "Is the Trump administration now trying to control what doctors and scientists publish with regard to their own research? Yes, yes they are. In fact, they just ordered scientists to get their approval before they publish what their findings are in their own research." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The claim also appeared on Facebook (archived), Instagram (archived), X (archived), Bluesky (archived) and Reddit (archived), often alongside a report (archived) in The Guardian newspaper titled: "US veterans agency orders scientists not to publish in journals without clearance." Snopes readers also emailed to ask whether the claim was true. At the time of this writing, Snopes found no evidence of credible reports of a governmentwide order specifically asking scientists to submit research publications for administration preapproval, as claims online said (archived, archived, archived, archived). However, Trump did sign an executive order on May 23 titled "Restoring Gold Standard Science." This order asked federal departments and agencies to review their scientific integrity policies to match principles laid out by the Trump administration. The order further placed with political appointees at all agencies the power to "correct scientific information in response to violations" of Trump's order and "forward potential violations to the relevant human resources officials for discipline." Though the order did not mandate preapproval of research findings, its critics feared it could muzzle the scientific community through political appointees with powers to "correct" and "discipline" federal researchers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The critics said it mandated "a centralized system serving the political beliefs of the President and the whims of those in power" and granted "administration-aligned political appointees the power to designate any research as scientific misconduct." We reached out to the White House press office and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy to ask if there had been a governmentwide order for scientists to submit research results for approval and await a reply. Scientific integrity and political manipulation It was uncertain at the time of this writing how Trump's order would affect scientific integrity directives at federal departments and agencies. These policies govern how departments and agencies conduct and communicate about their research. The order asked agency heads to consult with the OSTP to update their scientific integrity directives in line with Trump's "Gold Standard Science" requirements. Scientific integrity directives were an Obama-era policy. In 2009, then-President Barack Obama asked executive departments and agencies to ensure that they had "appropriate rules and procedures" to ensure scientific integrity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a follow-up memo by John Holdren, then the OSTP director, this included developing policy to ensure that political appointees and public-affairs officers could not "suppress or alter scientific or technological findings" or "ask or direct Federal scientists to alter scientific findings." At the time of this writing, we found that departments including Veteran's Affairs, Health and Human Services, Energy and Homeland Security had equivalent clauses in their scientific integrity directives. Claims stem from reporting on critical opinion piece by VA scientists The claims likely stemmed from reporting in the British newspaper The Guardian, titled "US veterans agency orders scientists not to publish in journals without clearance." The reporting centered on emails allegedly sent to staff at the Department of Veteran's Affairs on May 30, 2025, that The Guardian said represented a move that sought "political control of doctors' and scientists' published research." According to The Guardian, VA Assistant Secretary for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs Curt Cashour and John Bartrum, a senior adviser at the VA, sent emails on this date relating to a commentary piece by Pavan Ganapathiraju and Rebecca Traylor, two VA employees, published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The piece argued that Department of Government Efficiency-induced staffing cuts were making it difficult for the VA to fulfill its commitment to treating veterans in accordance with the PACT Act. Cashour reportedly said Ganapathiraju and Traylor's publication broke department guidelines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Snopes has not independently verified the emails The Guardian reported. We submitted a Freedom of Information Act request to the VA for the emails from The Guardian's report in order to determine exactly what Cashour and Bartrum told VA employees about securing approval before publication, and await a reply. According to VA press secretary Pete Kasperowicz, Ganapathiraju and Traylor broke VA policy laid out in Directive 8500 on Public Affairs that required employees to inform the VA's Office of Public Affairs of requests for comment on "controversial issues." Directive 8500 said local and regional directors must inform communications officers "as soon as possible, when national news media requests are received, or situations concerning their organizations exist that have the potential for negative national exposure." Kasperowicz said: "This policy, which has been in place for several years across both Democrat and Republican administrations, simply requires VA employees to properly coordinate with public affairs staff prior to speaking with the media. Virtually every organization both inside and outside government has similar policies." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added: "To pretend that enforcing this policy is a 'war on science' is absurd, and we doubt even the far left and extraordinarily biased Guardian believes this ridiculous assertion." The VA last updated Directive 8500 on Public Affairs in October 2019, during the first Trump administration. Sources: Curt Cashour - U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. https://department.va.gov/staff-biographies/curt-cashour/. Accessed 5 June 2025. DOE SCIENTIFIC INTEGRITY POLICY. U.S. Department of Energy, 19 Jan. 2024, https://www.directives.doe.gov/directives-documents/400-series/0411.2-apolicy-b-chg1-admchg/@@images/file. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ganapathiraju, Pavan V., and Rebecca J. Traylor. "Undermining a PACT Federal Cuts at the VA." New England Journal of Medicine, vol. 392, no. 20, May 2025, pp. 197982. DOI.org (Crossref), https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMp2504204. Glantz, Aaron. "Exclusive: US Veterans Agency Orders Scientists Not to Publish in Journals without Clearance." The Guardian, 1 June 2025. The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/01/us-veterans-affairs-agency-doctors-scientists-research. Holdren, John P. MEMORANDUM FOR THE HEADS OF EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES . 20 Dec. 2017, https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/docs/mission/administrations/assistant-secretary-research-and-technology/282391/scientificintegritypolicy.pdf. John J. Bartrum, MBA, J.D - U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. https://department.va.gov/staff-biographies/john-j-bartrum/. Accessed 5 June 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mann, Michael. "Trump's New 'Gold Standard' Rule Will Destroy American Science as We Know It." The Guardian, 29 May 2025. The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/may/29/trump-american-science. Memorandum on Scientific Integrity | The American Presidency Project. https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/memorandum-scientific-integrity. Accessed 5 June 2025. Office, VA Web Solutions. VA.Gov | Veterans Affairs. https://www.va.gov/vapubs/search_action.cfm?dType=1#:~:text=05/07/2018-,8500,-Public%20Affairs. Accessed 5 June 2025. "Open Letter in Support of Science." STAND UP FOR SCIENCE, https://www.standupforscience.net/open-letter-in-support-of-science. Accessed 5 June 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Restoring Gold Standard Science." The White House, 23 May 2025, https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/05/restoring-gold-standard-science/. SCIENTIFIC INTEGRITY . Department of Homeland Security , 25 Sept. 2024, https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/2024-09/24_0926_mgmt_scientific-integrity-revision-01.pdf. "The PACT Act and Your VA Benefits." Veterans Affairs, 21 Apr. 2025, https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/. The Scientific Integrity Policy of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services . U.S. Department of Health and Human Services , 16 Sept. 2024, https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/hhs-scientific-integrity-policy.pdf. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Trump Scientists Research Approval." Bing, https://www.bing.com/search?q=trump+scientists+research+approval&form=QBLH&sp=-1&lq=0&pq=trump+scientists+research+approval&sc=0-34&qs=n&sk=&cvid=E3259292D4BC4EF1ABE959B4651A8B99. Accessed 5 June 2025. Trump Scientists Research Approval - Google Search. https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=9f05e2405697a5fa&q=trump+scientists+research+approval&tbm=nws&source=lnms&fbs=AIIjpHxU7SXXniUZfeShr2fp4giZrjP_Cx0LI1Ytb_FGcOviEiTm5uW1q0uNfK7KsnoL8hUg06K347Xr_kWFCjXpD3giPlOu6Ip_C2gm4sgfyGeJGwujJwEDuT0pjPMndqq7CSACzRYwCcd-Ru77rPsMRcR-opyh7qN7BLNitQ9Xx1aBLZW6_ssAAXIGRbPtzkxTgpMvVFXPnCcwNtBAG9YfIHyIUPIcnQ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjm7_7OxdqNAxV1VEEAHYN1DYkQ0pQJegQIExAB&biw=1470&bih=712&dpr=2. Accessed 5 June 2025. Trump Scientists Research Approval - Yahoo Search Results. https://uk.news.search.yahoo.com/search;_ylt=AwrkNc60sEFoEQIAn2VLBQx.;_ylu=Y29sbwNpcjIEcG9zAzEEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3BpdnM-?p=trump+scientists+research+approval&fr2=piv-web&fr=yfp-t. Accessed 5 June 2025. Trump Scientists Research Approval at DuckDuckGo. https://duckduckgo.com/?q=trump+scientists+research+approval&t=h_&iar=news. Accessed 5 June 2025. NEW STRAITSVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) After more than seven years and no arrests, the family of Amy Jo Nelson continues to demand justice in the 39-year-olds homicide. Ever since Amy was found dead in New Straitsville, a Perry County village with a population of around 650, her family has been conducting their own investigation in a search for closure. Amys mother, Pam Nelson, described her as the sweetest person. She had a funny personality, very funny, Amys sister, Abbie Vann, added. Even when she was upset, she would always try and joke. Throughout Amys life, she dealt with multiple medical conditions, including the autoimmune disorders Lupus and Antiphospholipid Syndrome. This resulted in her being placed on a variety of medications by doctors since she was 14 years old, which led to nonprescribed drug use, Vann said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite pushing through blood transfusions, chemotherapy, months-long hospital stays and other effects of her conditions, Amys life was cut short on Sept. 18, 2017. Around 11 a.m. that morning, while working as a nurse, Nelson received a call from Amys phone. She stepped into the hallway and answered the call, but it wasnt Amy. The call came from Amys boyfriends mother, who shared news that made Nelson collapse on the floor. Where Columbus drivers are likely to get parking tickets She told me Amy passed away in her sleep, Nelson said. A coroners report states someone reported the incident to 911 at 10:47 a.m., but does not specify who. Nelson and Vann rushed to the residence where Amy was found dead an apartment on Main Street, where Amy and her boyfriend had stayed the night. Vann said the couple often crashed at acquaintances places. When Nelson and Vann saw Amy, they said they immediately believed foul play was involved because she had injuries on her face. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nelson asked the two responding officers with the New Straitsville Police Department, an agency with a part-time chief, to reach out to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation to assist with analyzing the scene. I said Are you going to call the BCI? after I looked at Amy and they said, No, theres no crime scene, maam, Nelson said. I said, Youve got to be kidding. Look at her. Nelson and Vann speculated Amys prior drug use may have led police on the scene to assume she died of an overdose. An autopsy revealed that Amy had both prescribed and nonprescribed medications in her system, but also confirmed the drugs did not cause her passing. Ohio again examines funding police pensions Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amys death was ruled a homicide, caused by repeated blunt force trauma to the head. A Perry County coroners report by Dr. Bradley Wilson claims Amys boyfriend said she had fallen within 48 hours of her death, but did not provide further context. The extensive head and brain injuries are not consistent with a simple fall and are consistent with injuries incurred by multiple blunt force trauma given the other body injuries, it appears the decedent was assaulted by another person or persons, the report reads. Since the ruling, the BCI and Perry County Sheriffs Office have been assisting the police department with the case. Amys family said they are meeting with a sheriffs detective each month about the investigation. Nelson and Vann point to the original handling of the scene by law enforcement as one of the main reasons they believe the case is unsolved. Nelson claimed an individual at the scene was cleaning the apartment while Amy was still lying dead on the bed where she was found, which could have resulted in destroyed evidence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its frustrating how everything was handled, Vann said. We wouldnt be here if it was handled correctly. Opening statements made in Ohio doctors defamation trial against Mount Carmel Nelson said that Amys access to drugs attracted the wrong people into her life who wanted her for her pain medication. Through conducting their own interviews and obtaining records, Amys family has come to believe the motivation behind the homicide was related to her pills and that multiple people were involved. Were not stopping until we get to the bottom of it, it doesnt take a rocket scientist to figure out who killed her, Nelson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NBC4 reached out to the three law enforcement agencies involved in Amys case for comment. The Perry County Sheriffs Office did not immediately respond, and the New Straitsville police chief said he has only held the position for a few weeks and deferred to the other agencies. The BCI said it is not currently actively investigating the case and also deferred to the other agencies. Amys family is offering a $10,000 reward for any information that leads to an arrest in the homicide. They asked anyone with a tip to contact the Perry County Sheriffs Office at 740-342-4123. If youre a family member of an individual with an unsolved missing persons or homicide case in Ohio, reach out to aboldizar@wcmh.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 NBC4 WCMH-TV. Several law enforcement agencies responded to Billerica Memorial High School on Thursday afternoon. Police say an unspecified threat was made towards the school, prompting an immediate lockdown. The school remains in lockdown, although authorities say theres no reason to believe the threat was credible. The public was asked to avoid the area while the investigation commenced. After determining the threat was not credible, the lockdown was lifted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was an increased police presence at all Billerica schools until the end of the day out of an abundance of caution. We are incredibly grateful for the understanding and cooperation of our entire school community throughout this afternoon, Superintendent Kerry Clery said. Our top priority remains the safety of our students and staff, and we appreciate everyones patience as we worked closely with law enforcement to ensure a secure environment. The superintendent thanked police for their swift response. No further information was immediately available. There is a lockdown @BMHSIndians Billericas memorial high. Police on scene. No immediate threats. Police are investigating. Please remain away from scene Billerica Police MA (@BillericaPD) June 5, 2025 Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Julian Juan, the former director of the Native American Student Affairs Cultural & Resources Center at the University of Arizona, was terminated from his position on May 27, 2025. He sat down with The Arizona Mirror for an interview on May 28, 2025. Photo by Shondiin Silversmith | Arizona Mirror A group of Native students at the University of Arizona say that the administration has just eliminated one of the rare spaces where they felt safe, connected and welcome on campus. Dine student Tommey Jodie said that she depended on the Native American Student Affairs Cultural & Resource Center not only for studying but also for connecting with other Native students in a space where she could just be a Native person. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its one of the only places on campus where I didnt have to explain who I was or why I was there, she said. Unlike in other situations on campus, where the student body is overwhelmingly white, she said she never had to justify her existence as a Native person. Many Indigenous UofA students shared the same sentiment. Lakhota and Tohono Oodham student Winona Little Owl-Ignacio said that NASA the acronym that Indigenous students use for the Native American Student Affairs center has played a crucial role in her journey at the university since she transferred from Tohono Oodham Community College. When she started in 2021, she had nowhere to live in Tucson. That changed after she met NASA Director Julian Juan, who helped her move into Oodham Ki, a living environment for Indigenous students at UofA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NASA saved me, she said. It gave me a home at this predominantly white institution. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Now, Indigenous students confidence in the safety and community that NASA provided is diminishing after the university fired the director on May 27 and announced plans to merge the center with the Office of Native American Initiatives. Its a blatant disrespect to student safety, Little Owl-Ignacio said of the merger. They dont care about Native student safety. The universitys move to consolidate NASA under NAI is part of its announcement to combine all cultural and resource centers into a single unit, known as the Student Culture and Engagement Hub. The merging of the cultural centers occurs amid the universitys drastic shift in its DEI policies as part of its response to the Trump administrations anti-DEI policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Campus Community Connections will support internal campus community groups, external community councils, and programming that fosters an environment where all communities are connected, valued and able to thrive, Jenna Hatcher, the vice provost set to lead the initiative, said in a press release. The university said the move is intended to strengthen support for student engagement and community collaboration across campus. The change came on the same day Juan was fired following disagreements with university administration over conflicts involving Tessa Dysart, the assistant vice provost for NAI. Multiple Indigenous students told the Arizona Mirror that neither Dysart nor other leaders at the Office of Native American Initiatives have shown up for them or made efforts to build relationships. As a student deeply involved with the Indigenous community at UofA, Jodie said she had never met any of the leadership from NAI or seen them attend any Indigenous student events. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think that really matters, Jodie added, because if those leaders say they will represent Indigenous students, then they should at least know us. The university said in its press release that combining NASA with NAI will enhance collaboration and strengthen support for Native students, faculty, staff and tribal partners. This move recognizes and respects the sovereign status of tribal nations, while reflecting our ongoing commitment to student success, Levi Esquerra, senior vice president for Native American advancement and tribal engagement, said in the announcement. The Arizona Mirror asked the University of Arizona for an interview about NASA, as well as student concerns about the merger with NAI. The university did not respond to the interview request, but provided a written statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement University spokesperson Mitch Zak said that Dysart, a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, will work closely with other administrators to engage Native American students and support their success. We value and appreciate engaging with students and hearing their opinions, and there will be plenty of opportunities going forward for that, Zak said. Tohono Oodham graduate student Trinity Norris said that the universitys actions demonstrate that it is not listening to students. Theyre making these decisions without the input of students, which makes no sense, because this is going to directly impact students and their well-being, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The University of Arizona is a land-grant university established in 1885. It is one of 52 universities across the country supported by the Morrill Act, which was signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln. The act utilized land that the federal government stole from tribal nations and sold to fund the universities. As a land-grant university, UofA boasts that it actively supports Indigenous students, research and initiatives through its Indigenous-focused student programs, such as the Arizona Native Scholars Grant program, which covers tuition and mandatory fees for undergraduate Indigenous students. However, support has not always been available. Students have shared experiences of funding never fully covering tuition and fees, often leaving them with large bills and scrambling for support.. In a letter sent to UofA leadership, supporters of NASA declared that any attempt to eliminate NASA is a direct assault on the Native American student population as well as the Tribal Nations, which this university was founded to serve as part of its land-grant mission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letter was published on May 26 after students suspected UofA would follow through with their threats to consolidate the cultural centers and they wanted to show they do not support it. The letter was signed by more than 85 Indigenous students, organizations and alums. The students in the letter stated that as a land-grant university, UofA has a lasting obligation to not only recognize but serve Indigenous communities, especially since the school continues to acknowledge this history through its land acknowledgment and recruitment of Indigenous students. The history of this university, as well as the greater state of Arizona university system, has long failed our Native communities and Tribal Nations, the letter states. Failures outlined in the letter include insufficient scholarship support, the inability to hire Native faculty and the failure to provide a space for Native students to learn and become strong citizens of their respective tribal nations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite these failures, we remain not only are we still here, but we are here in larger numbers than at any point in the recorded history of the university, the students wrote. In the fall 2024 semester, there were more than 2,000 Native American students at UofA, accounting for 3.6% of the student population. Native American Student Affairs at UofA NASA was founded in 1989 and has been one of the long-standing cultural centers at UofA. However, the university has not consistently supported it, as the center faced plans for consolidation in 1993, 2016 and 2023. The lack of university support for NASA is evident in other ways, including a lack of financial support for its major events, such as Indigenous Peoples Day and the Spring Powwow, which are funded through sponsorships and fundraising. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NASA also hosts the Native American Convocation. Juan said his office had allocated $6,000 from the centers operating budget to host this years event, but that amount only covered the cost of the stoles. In previous years, Juan said that NAI covered the venue costs for the convocation. But Dysart ended that practice, and he said NAI did not provide any financial support to NASA for the convocation or support any other significant events. Aside from the threat of consolidation, NASA has experienced high turnover for many years, including a decline in student staffing and a shortage of program coordinators. Frequent changes in leadership at NASA means that students have been forced to rebuild trust and relationships constantly. Before he was fired, Juan had been at NASA since 2019, and many Indigenous students credit him with helping to make it a safe space. He started as a program coordinator and later became the centers interim director in 2022, a position he held off and on until he was offered the position permanently in January 2024. As a first-generation college student with a bachelors and masters degree, Juan said it was a dream job to contribute to the success of Indigenous students. Coming into NASA, he said his priority was rebuilding the relationship with students because of the lingering effects of high turnover. I felt a responsibility as an Oodham person at the University of Arizona to be that consistency for them, he said. Thats whats kept me here this whole time, seeing what these students have gone through. Indigenous students at UofA often have to advocate for themselves and serve as their own support system, which can lead to burnout, Juan said. Ive seen a lot of harm to students, he said, adding that students constantly tell him how tired they are of sharing their experiences with a university that does not listen. When he stepped into the directors role, Juan said he became a fierce advocate for them. Even after all these obstacles, he said its incredible to see Indigenous students succeed. The student letter sent to the university stated that NASA is the center of campus life for all Indigenous students at UofA. Under Julians leadership, there are more large- and small-scale events at the university to support our Native students and ensure our retention and graduation in the degrees we seek, the letter stated. UofA doctoral student William Carson, a tribal member of Ohkay Owingeh, helped put together the student letter condemning the universitys decision to fire Juan and merge NASA with NAI. Under former directors, Carson said that students did not utilize the space as often, but that changed drastically when Juan took over. NASA is located on the second floor of the Robert L. Nugent Building at UofA. Its a place people like to be because people feel comfortable there, he said, because in reality, NASA is a few offices and an open commons area. That is entirely the result of the work that Julian has done, empowering students and making people feel wanted there. Carson recently defended his dissertation, which involved research with NASA, NAI, and the Office of Native American Advancement & Tribal Engagement. The results of his study showed a strong connection between Indigenous students and NASA. Carson said that when he presented his findings to NAI and NAATE leadership, he emphasized that any outreach efforts related to Indigenous students at UofA should go through NASA. This is a place people trust. They trust what Julian is doing, he said, adding that hell never forget how dismissive Dysart and other leaders were of that information. They simply acted like I never mentioned NASA once in the meeting. NASA is the only space on campus at UofA for Indigenous students, Carson said, and now that NAI is running it, he said its certain that some students will stop going to the center. Little Owl-Ignacio said it makes her emotional to think about NASA after the news of the merger and Juan being fired. She said it was amazing to see all the Indigenous students at UofA blossom and grow because they were able to find a home, friends and a community within the cultural center. The outpouring of support has deeply impacted Juan, who said it has made him emotional to see all the people who have shown up for him. Juan said that the students who sent the letter also reached out, asking how they could support and protect him. He admitted that it was hard to hear because he felt it should be him protecting them. But when I saw the list of support, I was like, Dang, this is beautiful to see, he said. Despite being among the several cultural resource center directors fired on May 27, Juan said that his dismissal was not solely a result of the universitys drastic shifts in diversity, equity and inclusion policies prompted by the Trump administrations executive orders banning them. Instead, he said, it was retaliation for his ongoing advocacy for the safety of Indigenous students at the university. Indigenous student safety concerns Tension has been escalating between Indigenous students and university leadership over the past year. From Juans perspective, things began to deteriorate last year, following the retirement of Karen Francis-Begay, who served as the assistant vice provost for NAI from 2020 to 2023. Dysart took on the role of vice provost in July 2024. Juan said the vice provost position at NAI was established in response to student demands and advocacy following an incident involving former UofA President Robert C. Robbins, who made offensive comments in front of a group of Indigenous students in 2019. Juan said the position was supposed to handle all the top-level stuff and to ensure students, staff and faculty are being supported. However, Juan said that Indigenous students began to express their concerns about Dysart the month after she started in the position. According to Juan, one Indigenous student told him that Dysart made derogatory comments about tribal colleges and universities that made the student uncomfortable. Dysart allegedly said that tribal colleges and universities inadequately prepare their students for the rigor of a Western university, and that its not UofAs fault that those students dont succeed, but a failure of the institutions they transferred from. Juan said that the student shared their concern with him because they believed those comments should not be made by someone whose job was to support Indigenous students. And more stories about disrespectful interactions with Dysart came in from students, his staff and other employees. Juan said he shared his concerns with his supervisor, who recommended that he raise them with the then-interim provost, Ronald Marx. Juans biggest concern, he told Marx, was a pattern of Dysart intimidating or silencing Native women. Marx asked to meet with the students, Juan said, but many were afraid to come forward. They are afraid of retaliation if they find out that theyre the ones who raise concerns about her, Juan said. They are afraid for their future careers as lawyers or even their academic careers. The university never responded to the concerns Juan shared, he said. The most public student safety concern occurred in February during the annual Tribal Leaders Summit & Student Engagement event, when Indigenous law student Jacquelyn Francisco attempted to speak but was physically blocked from the microphone by Dysart and another school official. After being blocked from the podium, Francisco stood in front of it and shared her experience as an Indigenous student, and told the tribal leaders in attendance how the university quietly deleted language in its official land acknowledgment without consulting tribes and students. After the summit, Francisco said that the university started referring to her as a disgruntled student who was not invited to speak during the event and should not have been on stage. Francisco countered that Dysart invited her to the event, and even asked if Francisco could share the details with her network. The invitation requested students to share their experiences at UofA. Francisco, who is Dine and Jicarilla Apache, is a Navajo Nation law fellow at the universitys James E. Rogers College of Law and a leader in the Indigenous student law community. She said she had previously asked Dysart, who is a law professor, for support and advice, but said that Dysart frequently made ignorant comments that criticized Indigenous UofA students and demonstrated a clear lack of understanding of the support those students may require. Before the conflict at the summit, Francisco said she and other Indigenous law students shared their concerns about Dysart with Marx. The students never received any response from the university administration, and Francisco said she wasnt surprised when Dysart tried to stop her from speaking. She said she does not believe Dysart has the best interests of students in mind and is concerned about the future of Indigenous students attending UofA. Neither the university nor Dysart have spoken to Francisco since the incident or addressed it publicly. Little Owl-Ignacio was at the tribal summit event in February, where she said she overheard Dysart threaten to call security on Francisco. Dysarts actions caused harm not only to Francisco, Little Owl-Ignacio said, but also to the other Indigenous students who witnessed them. Even after students repeatedly said that they felt unsafe around Dysart, the university still chose to put NASA under her leadership. It completely ignores the student safety concerns and it ignores their well-being, something that NASA has always been committed to under Julians former leadership, Little Owl-Ignacio said. He made sure that the well-being of the students was always at the forefront and this decision doesnt reflect that. NASA director terminated Following the confrontation at the summit, Juan said that students continued to express to him concerns about NAI and said they did not feel safe around Dysart. Juan said he believes his advocacy for students amidst the tension between NAI and students led to his termination. The tipping point, he said, occurred during NASAs Feast Friday event in April. Juan was in a meeting in his office while students shared a meal during the event, but he noticed multiple students looking into his office, visibly distressed. After Juan noticed Dysart in the doorway, along with one of her coworkers and two Pascua Yaqui Council members, he apologized and asked Dysart to leave due to student safety concerns. Juan said she responded with confusion, telling him that she did not know what he meant, even though he had sent her emails about those concerns. She answered that it was an open campus and that she was free to go where she pleased, but that they should have a conversation about the concerns with university administrators. Juan agreed to the conversation, but insisted that she leave. She eventually did. Juan said he then apologized to the Pascua Yaqui Council members, who stayed to see the NASA center and interact with students at the event. At the beginning of May, Marx emailed Juan about the unwelcoming reception that Dysart received. The Universitys senior leadership, including me, has emphasized the importance of collaboration among all units that support student well-being and success, Marx wrote in the memo. Such collaboration is required between NASA and the Office of Native American Initiatives. Marx requested that Juan write a formal apology letter to the Pascua Yaqui council members who witnessed the interaction and instructed him to arrange a meeting between NASA and NAI to begin coordination efforts. Once Juan read the memo, he said he knew his position was at risk. Juan said he met with Hatcher, the vice provost overseeing Campus Community Connections, to discuss these concerns and to arrange a meeting date for the two offices. In this meeting, Juan said that Hatcher offered to allow him to bring his tribal leaders from the Tohono Oodham Nation to support him. Hatcher agreed to the meeting arrangements and requested that Juan set up the meeting. But Juan was fired before that could happen. His termination letter said that he was being dismissed for not fulfilling his duties, including failing to write the apology letter to the Pascua Yaqui council members and meeting with NAI. Juan said he had apologized to the council members in an email before the request, and he emailed a draft of a formal apology letter to Hatcher. When he was fired on May 27, he said he was attempting to finalize dates that worked with his tribal leaders calendars for the meeting between NAI and NASA. He has no doubts that his termination is a clear act of retaliation for standing up for students. I t hurts because I want (students) to be okay and I want (students) to be safe, Juan said. Im afraid for them under this new model. I am afraid for them because the university has shown theyre not going to hold this person accountable. Dysart has been allowed to physically silence a student without repercussion, he added. With NASA moving under NAI, Juan said that the office does not have the capacity to support Indigenous students at UofA or the emotional understanding to take their concerns seriously. He said he wants people to know the whole story because he does not want the university to create their own narrative, and he intends to challenge his termination and has provided documentation to support his case to the universitys human resources office. The Arizona Mirror reached out to Dysart and the university about student concerns and Juans termination. Dysart did not respond. The university refused to comment on personnel matters. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE ILLINOIS (WCIA) Last week, a list of sanctuary jurisdictions was issued by the Department of Homeland Security. Since then, the list has been removed from the DHS website, but officials in jurisdictions that appeared on the list have different opinions about what it could mean for their communities. The list, which named cities, counties, and states all throughout the United States, identified areas that are interfering with government deportations, according to the Trump Administration. This came after Executive Order 14287 was signed April 28, calling for a list of states and local jurisdictions that obstruct the enforcement of Federal immigration laws. Illinois bill on governors desk would require law enforcement to work with federal gun tracing database Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Per the EO, each jurisdiction would be notified of their defiance of Federal immigration law enforcement and any potential violations of Federal criminal law. The list was also meant to be used by the Office of Management and Budget to identify federal funds in the sanctuary jurisdictions that may be suspended or terminated. The list was published May 29, but as of May 31, a Page Not Found message appeared instead. While the list was only publicly up on the DHS website for a short time, Illinois cities and counties that were named took notice. Seven cities in Illinois appeared on the list, including Urbana and St. Joseph. WCIA reached out to both Urbanas Mayor, DeShawn Williams, and St. Josephs Mayor, Jim Page. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Williams said Urbana has been a Sanctuary City for nearly 40 years and they dont plan on changing that. Bill creating Office of State Public Defender heads to Pritzkers desk Urbana will not be bullied. We have been a Sanctuary City since 1986, and we reaffirmed that commitment in 2016 because we believe in human dignity, community safety, and equal protection for everyone who calls Urbana home, Williams said in a statement sent to WCIA. When cities like ours face federal threats or funding pressure for standing by these values, its not just a matter of policy its a matter of principle and moral responsibility. Page did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WCIAs sister station WGN reported that only six of Illinois 102 counties were not included on the DHS list. Effingham County was among the 102 counties named. Joshua Douthit, Board Chairman of Effingham County, shared a statement in response to the DHS placing Effingham County on the list of Sanctuary Jurisdictions. Pritzker says he will veto any budget with broad tax increases Effingham County remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety and security of our residents. While recent DHS reports have categorized our county as a sanctuary jurisdiction, we want to unequivocally affirm that Effingham County supports legal immigration and fully endorses the federal enforcement efforts of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, Douthit said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Douthit added that the county made it clear that they are not a sanctuary county by adopting resolution 24-13, and said they will not spend tax dollars on the immigration crisis. Effingham County welcomes those who seek to enter and remain in the United States through legal means and values the contributions of immigrants who comply with the laws governing our nation. We will continue to follow all legal guidelines regarding our ability to cooperate with federal authorities on immigration issues in the interest of public safety, legal integrity, and the well-being of our residents, Douthit said. No more loopholes for squatters: Bill allowing police to treat them as trespassers heads to governors desk WCIA reached out to the DHS to find out how each city or county was chosen for the list, what appearing on the list might mean for those whose names were originally included, and why the list was removed. The DHS did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other counties included in the list: Adams County Alexander County Bond County Boone County Bureau County Calhoun County Carroll County Cass County Champaign County Christian County Clark County Clay County Clinton County Coles County Cook County Crawford County Cumberland County DeKalb County De Witt County Douglas County DuPage County Edgar County Effingham County Fayette County Ford County Franklin County Fulton County Gallatin County Greene County Grundy County Hancock County Hardin County Henderson County Henry County Iroquois County Jackson County Jersey County Jo Daviess County Johnson County Kane County Kankakee County Kendall County Knox County Lake County LaSalle County Lawrence County Lee County Livingston County Logan County Macon County Macoupin County Madison County Marion County Marshall County Mason County Massac County McDonough County McLean County Mercer County Menard County Monroe County Montgomery County Morgan County Moultrie County Ogle County Peoria County Perry County Piatt County Pike County Pope County Pulaski County Putnam County Randolph County Richland County Rock Island County St. Clair County Saline County Sangamon County Schuyler County Scott County Shelby County Stark County Stephenson County Tazewell County Union County Vermilion County Wabash County Warren County Washington County Wayne County White County Whiteside County Will County Williamson County Winnebago County Woodford 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 WCIA.com. US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker has cited the threat posed by Russia as the reason behind Washingtons push for NATO allies to urgently increase their defence budgets. Source: Whitaker speaking to journalists in the presence of US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth at NATO headquarters on Thursday 5 June, as reported by European Pravda Details: Whitaker justified Washingtons demand that European allies raise defence spending to 5% of GDP as quickly as possible. The US position is that European defence expenditures must increase without delay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Were not driving the timeline the threats are driving the timeline. Russia is going to reconstitute in five years, or less," he said. Notably, several European intelligence assessments have indeed warned of a potential Russian military recovery within five years of the wars end, allowing for renewed aggression against NATO states. "Europe continues to tell us that Russia is their biggest threat, and we agree [that] in the Euro Atlantic it is, and so we need to make sure everybody's investing," Whitaker added. Background: It is worth noting that statements and actions by top US officials have not always aligned with the view that Washington sees Russia as a threat. This has led to concerns within the coalition of the willing that the United States may fully end support for Ukraine. Trumps special envoy Keith Kellogg recently stated that the US is prepared to discuss halting NATO expansion. Reuters reported that the newly appointed US deputy secretary of defense is an official who in 2019 ordered the suspension of military aid to Ukraine. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! At least 52 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes across Gaza, medical sources told Al Jazeera, as a US-backed group said it would reopen two aid distribution centres in the war-torn Strip. At least seven people including four journalists were killed in an Israeli drone attack on Al Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza City on Thursday, medical sources said. Palestinian health authorities confirmed the deaths of four journalists. Gazas Government Media Office said the deaths raised the total number of journalists killed in Israels war on Gaza since October 2023 to 224. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attack comes as the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) a shadowy organisation backed by the United States and Israel said it would open two two aid distribution centres in the war-torn territory on Thursday after a full-day closure on Wednesday. It said in a post on Facebook it would reopen two centres in the Rafah area of southern Gaza. It did not say when aid distribution would resume. The GHF earlier said its sites in Gaza would not open at their usual time due to maintenance and repair work and strongly urged aid seekers travelling to its locations to follow the routes set by the Israeli military to ensure safe passage. The Israeli military warned Palestinians on Wednesday not to approach GHF aid distribution sites while reorganisation work was under way, saying that access roads to those locations would be considered combat zones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspension of GHFs distribution of food supplies in Gaza comes after Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinians seeking aid for a fourth time near a GHF distribution site in Rafah, southern Gaza, early on Tuesday. The Israeli attack killed at least 27 people and injured about 90 more, according to Gazas Ministry of Health. On Sunday, Israeli forces opened fire on thousands of aid seekers near the same site in Rafah, killing at least 31 people and wounding more than 150, according to Gazas Civil Defence agency. One person was also shot dead at another aid distribution site, south of the Netzarim Corridor in central Gaza, on the same day. Then, on Monday, three more people were killed and about 30 injured when Israeli forces again opened fire near the GHFs Rafah distribution site. Unprecedented mass casualty incidents The Israeli military had denied reports its troops shot at civilians near or within the GHF aid distribution site on Sunday, saying its forces only fired warning shots at people who were not using designated access routes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israeli army spokesperson Effie Defrin then claimed that soldiers only fired towards people who were approaching in a way that endangered the troops. The GHF, which began chaotic aid distribution operations on May 26, has also labelled reports of aid seekers being killed in large numbers outright fabrications, claiming it has yet to see evidence of an attack at or near its facilities. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has confirmed that it received a mass casualty influx of 179 cases after Sundays attack, including 21 patients who were declared dead upon arrival. Women and children were among the casualties, the group said, with the majority suffering gunshot or shrapnel wounds. The ICRC has also warned that Palestinians in Gaza are facing an unprecedented scale and frequency of recent mass casualty incidents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reports of aid seekers being killed by Israeli forces over recent days have led to international outrage, with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres demanding an independent inquiry into the deaths and for perpetrators to be held accountable. The United Kingdom on Wednesday called for an immediate and independent investigation into the deadly incidents. UK Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer said the deaths were deeply disturbing, and called Israels new aid delivery measures inhumane. Israel continues to push ahead with its wider assault on Gaza, with at least 48 people killed in attacks across the Strip on Wednesday, according to Gazas Civil Defence. Among the casualties were at least 18 people killed in a strike on a tent sheltering displaced Palestinians in southern Khan Younis. The Israeli military on Thursday confirmed it had recovered the bodies of two Israeli captives who had been taken to Gaza during the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The military said in a statement the remains were retrieved from Khan Younis in southern Gaza. At least 1,139 people were killed and around 250 otheres were seized and taken to Gaza during the 2023 attack. Israel estimates that there are still 56 captives held by in Gaza, including at least 20 who are alive. Israel responded to the attack with its continuing war on Gaza, killing at least 54,418 Palestinians and wounding 124,190, according to statistics from the enclaves Health Ministry. On Wednesday, the United States once again vetoed a draft UN Security Council resolution demanding unhindered humanitarian aid access across Gaza and an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire. By Julie Steenhuysen and Amina Niasse CHICAGO (Reuters) -Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s intervention in COVID-19 vaccine recommendations without input from a key U.S. CDC advisory panel has sown confusion among physicians and insurers over who should get the shots and whether they will be covered, experts told Reuters. Kennedy, a long-time vaccine skeptic, in a video posted on social media last week said the government was dropping its recommendation that healthy children and pregnant women should receive COVID shots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Days later, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its recommended childhood vaccine schedule online to show the shots could be given to healthy children when parents and doctors agree they are needed. It removed its recommendation that pregnant women should receive the shot. The moves sidestepped the normal process in which a panel of outside experts to the CDC - the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices - reviews data in a public meeting and votes on vaccine recommendations. The ACIP recommendations are sent to the CDC director for approval and incorporated in the agency's vaccine schedule, which helps determine insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act. "The surprise announcement has created uncertainty for payers and providers about whether the video posting constitutes an official policy change," said Sarah Moselle, a principal at health consultancy Avalere. Insurers will wait to make coverage decisions until after ACIP makes a recommendation at its upcoming meeting scheduled for June 25-27, according to Robert Popovian, founder of healthcare consultancy Conquest Advisors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Health and Human Services overseen by Kennedy said the move was within its legal and regulatory authority and reflects the agencys move toward clinical-guided decision making, a department spokesperson said. HHS will continue to rely on the work of expert panels, including ACIP, he said, noting that the committee will be meeting this month. The meeting agenda will be released in accordance with prior practice. Determinations on coverage are up to insurance providers, the spokesperson said. The CDC has previously recommended the COVID shot for everyone aged 6 months and older. 'AWAITING CLARITY' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This whole thing is so murky," said an ACIP member who spoke on condition of anonymity. "It's very unclear whose decision is final." Infectious Diseases Society of America President Dr. Tina Tan said the conflicting COVID vaccine guidance could cause "significant confusion among medical professionals and the public." Dr. Matthew Zahn, an Orange County, California, public health official at OC Health Care Agency who serves as a liaison to the CDC's advisory panel, said: "We're all awaiting clarity." "It's going to be important to understand how these vaccines are insured," Zahn said. "Specifically, if ultimately there is a recommendation for high-risk populations to be vaccinated, how that is interpreted by insurance companies and thus, how providers can recommend it." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zahn expects CDC to clarify its guidance in the weeks ahead, though he could not comment on whether that will be at the ACIP meeting. On Tuesday, Reuters reported that pediatric infectious disease expert Dr. Lakshmi Panagiotakopoulos, a CDC official who helped oversee the expert panel on COVID vaccines, told colleagues she was leaving her post as she was "no longer able to help the most vulnerable members" of the U.S. population. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists raised concerns on May 27 that the HHS decision not to recommend COVID vaccines during pregnancy would make it harder for pregnant women to get the shot "despite the clear and definitive evidence demonstrating its benefit." The Affordable Care Act generally requires insurers to cover vaccines that are listed on ACIP's vaccine schedule, according to the CDC's website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Narrowing coverage without knowing what ACIP recommends could put insurers at risk, Popovian said. "It's a liability," he said, adding that insurers need clarity on what they will be required to cover. A source familiar with plans for the meeting said the panel is expected to consider and vote on COVID-19 vaccines for the upcoming autumn and winter season, adding that the panel had been leaning toward narrowing its recommendations. The advisory panel has yet to receive an agenda for the upcoming meeting, the source said, and it is unclear whether Kennedy would override any deviation from his announced policy. (Reporting by Julie Steenhuysen in Chicago and Amina Niasse in New York; Additional reporting by Michael Erman in New York and Ahmed Aboulenein in Washington; Editing by Caroline Humer and Bill Berkrot) BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) A spokesperson from EBR Schools said the U.S. Department of Education will decide whether to continue or halt federal funding aimed at addressing socioeconomic and racial diversity. The Fostering Diverse Schools Grant, totaling $13.2 million over five years from 2023 to 2028, was awarded to three Baton Rouge schools during the Biden administration. Participating schools are Twin Oaks Elementary, Glasgow Middle and Broadmoor High. EBR Schools said in a statement shared with Louisiana First News on Wednesday that the grant has not been canceled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have been told that year three funding will be based on school performance data that we will turn in by September 30. At that point, the US Dept of Ed will review the progress and make a determination about how much, if any, funding will be received for year three, which runs October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026, the school system said. Education Secretary Linda McMahon defended the Trump administrations request to cut up to $67 billion from next years budget as she testified to Congress Tuesday. Can Trump fix the national debt? Republican senators, many investors and even Elon Musk have doubts 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. By Emma Rumney LONDON (Reuters) -Popular vape brands like Geek Bar may get more expensive in the U.S. - if you can find them at all. Shipments of vapes from China to the U.S. ground to a near halt in May from a year ago, official data shows, hit by U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs and a crackdown on unauthorised e-cigarettes in the world's biggest market for smoking alternatives. That includes Geek Bar, a brand of flavoured vapes that is not authorised to sell in the U.S. but which had been widely available due to porous import controls. One retailer, who asked not to be named because their business sells unauthorised vapes, told Reuters that one of the store's vape suppliers normally receives 100 boxes of Geek Bar vapes per week, but is now getting just ten. Another supplier imposed unprecedented purchase limits. "There were a lot of supply chain issues during COVID-19, the person said. "But I've never seen this." The U.S. supplier limited purchases to five boxes at a time due to "tariff-related price increases and limited market availability", an undated notice to customers seen by Reuters showed. Trump's decision to impose steep tariffs on China, now at 30% after peaking at 145% in April, as well as blockbuster seizures of unauthorised vapes, have constrained the supply of Chinese-owned vape brands and Geek Bar in particular, according to five industry sources and notices from U.S. Geek Bar wholesalers reviewed by Reuters. Between May 1 and May 28 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recorded just 71 shipments of products labelled as e-cigarettes or vapes from China, compared with nearly 1,200 over the same period last year. Such imports had fallen between 40% and 60% in February, March and April, after Trump came into office, but collapsed in May, the data show. "Due to increased tariffs, rising production costs, and reduced supply chain capacity, the manufacturer has informed us that they will be reducing supply volume in the near-term," one U.S. regional Geek Bar wholesaler wrote to customers on April 22 in an email shared with Reuters. 'WE'RE TALKING ABOUT NICOTINE HERE' In the meantime, vape distributors expect prices to go in one direction. "With tariffs, it'll definitely go up," said one U.S. vape distributor who asked not to be named. But that might not impact sales much. Unauthorised vape manufacturers enjoy hefty margins, and so can eat some of the cost of tariffs, Luis Pinto, a spokesperson for British American Tobacco's U.S. subsidiary, said. SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) The U.S. Marshals Service announced late Wednesday that agents arrested a man in the Dominican Republic sought in the killing of four people in New York last year, including two children. Luis Francisco Soriano, also known as Jefry Yevo, had been working at a hotel in the popular tourist coastal town of Punta Cana, the agency said in a statement. Soriano had originally fled to Puerto Rico after the killings but then jumped on a boat to his native Dominican Republic after becoming aware that federal marshals were in the U.S. territory, authorities said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Marshals said it worked with Dominican authorities to arrest 31-year-old Soriano without incident after he completed his shift at the hotels call center. It wasn't immediately clear if Soriano had an attorney. His brother, Julio Pimentel Soriano, was arrested shortly after the August 2024 killings and has pleaded not guilty. Police have said the brothers are related to one of the victims. Every case is important to us, but this one not only deeply impacted our communities in New York and Puerto Rico, it shook our entire nation, said Wilmer Ocasio-Ibarra, U.S. marshal for the district of Puerto Rico. The Sorianos were accused in the killings of Fraime Ubaldo, 30; Marangely Moreno Santiago, 26; Evangeline Ubaldo Moreno, 4; and Sebastian Ubaldo Moreno, 2. Police said Ubaldo was a cousin of the Sorianos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victims' bodies were found in the basement of their home that was set on fire in Irondequoit, a suburb of Rochester, New York, authorities said. Moreno Santiago and her two children were buried in the southern Puerto Rican coastal town of Salinas, her hometown. The U.S. Marshals Service has arrested a 31-year-old Dominican man suspected in a quadruple homicide in New York in which two of the victims were children, ages 2 and 4, officials said. Luis Francisco Soriano -- also known as Jefry Yevo -- had been wanted by the Irondequoit, New York, Police Department on four charges of second-degree murder and charges of narcotics stemming from a suspected quadruple homicide Aug. 31, 2024, near Rochester, New York, according to a statement from the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS). MORE: Climber falls over 3,000 feet to his death off tallest mountain in North America Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soriano was added to the U.S. Marshals Service District of Puerto Ricos Top 10 Most Wanted fugitives list in September 2024. Investigations conducted by the USMS in Puerto Rico, in collaboration with the USMS New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force, revealed that Soriano fled by boat to the Dominican Republic after becoming aware of the presence of federal marshals on the island, officials said. MORE: Tourists at beach house find human remains dating back 200 years PHOTO: The U.S. Marshals Service has arrested a 31-year-old Dominican man suspected in a quadruple homicide in New York in which two of the victims were children, ages 2 and 4, officials said. (U.S. Marshals Service) MORE: 61-year-old man survives being pinned down by 700-pound boulder for 3 hours in Alaska creek After investigators discovered that Soriano was working at a hotel in Punta Cana, USMS team members stationed in Santo Domingo, and working in coordination with Dominican authorities, arrested him without incident after he completed his shift at the hotels call center, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without a doubt, this is an exceptional job by the Deputy U.S. Marshals of the U.S. Marshals Service, both nationally and internationally, said Wilmer Ocasio-Ibarra, U.S. Marshal for the District of Puerto Rico. It is truly worthy of recognition, and our communities should feel reassured knowing that this fugitive has been captured and will face justice. Every case is important to us, but this one not only deeply impacted our communities in New York and Puerto Rico, it shook our entire nation. The horrific nature of this crime, which resulted in the tragic death of a family, including two innocent children, rocked the very foundation of our society governed by law and order. MORE: 6 gray whales have died in San Francisco in the past week as authorities scramble for answers Soriano will now remain in the custody of Dominican authorities pending his extradition proceedings. U.S. Marshal Ocasio recognized the outstanding work of all USMS districts, divisions and units involved, including the Office of International Operations, the Western District of New York, the New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force, and the Puerto Rico Violent Offender Task Force, extending special thanks to the members of the public who, from the beginning, provided key information that contributed to the successful apprehension of this dangerous fugitive, USMS said after Sorianos arrest. US Marshals arrest Dominican man wanted in quadruple homicide, including victims aged 2 and 4 originally appeared on abcnews.go.com A US Navy sailor used a .50 caliber machine gun to shoot down a small drone last month. The engagement came during a major NATO exercise focused on naval air defense. It underscores how drones are increasingly becoming a key element of maritime warfare. Petty Officer Second Class Brian Diaz saw the small drone coming in through his binoculars. The US Navy sailor quickly called in the threat and got the go-ahead to open fire on it with his deck-mounted M2 Browning .50 caliber machine gun. A hundred rounds went out in a flash. They found their target, and Diaz, a gunner's mate, scored a direct hit on the drone, sending it crashing into the chilly Atlantic waters below. Sailors on the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Thomas Hudner erupted in cheers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The drone that Diaz shot down with his machine gun did not belong to a real enemy, but the exercise was serious all the same, simulating a threat that warships like the Thomas Hudner could face in the future, as drones are finding a greater role in naval warfare. "Being able to go through the motions just gives me peace of mind, that I know I can do it, come the need to do it," Diaz shared with Business Insider during a recent visit to Thomas Hudner that came on the heels of the warship's participation in NATO's Formidable Shield 25 exercise last month. Formidable Shield is Europe's largest live-fire naval exercise and a key opportunity for allies to train for a variety of air defense scenarios. For the Thomas Hunder, the drills included missile and drone engagements. USS Thomas Hudner during Formidable Shield last month. US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jonathan Nye One day, toward the end of the exercise, a handful of NATO warships lined up to face off against different defense scenarios. Diaz was on watch with the .50 caliber, looking out over the water and waiting for instructions to come through on the radio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Diaz said that his first engagement that day was a remote-controlled boat, simulating an uncrewed surface vessel. It was pretty far out, and he could barely see it. Thomas Hunder engaged with all its weapons systems: the large five-inch deck gun, the Mark 38 machine gun system, and the .50 caliber. Eventually, the five-inch gun hit it. It was later that day that he fought the flying drone, a small quadcopter system. Other warships called in the threat to Thomas Hunder. Diaz recalled that he couldn't see it at first, but eventually, the team spotted the threat and marked it as a contact. The drone started to get closer, at one point 200 meters (650 feet) out, getting well within range of the .50 caliber. Diaz asked for permission from a superior to engage the drone before opening fire alongside another sailor operating a second M2 Browning. "We're both shooting," Diaz said. "Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom." Beyond the .50 caliber, Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are also armed with bigger guns and missiles. US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Hannah Fry At one point, the other sailor paused to reload. That's when Diaz made the kill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think I shot the wing off," Diaz said. "What it does is, it's flying, and it's just sitting there, and it just donk!" he explained. "There's a little sway, and it's straight into the water." Drones of this size, often just a few inches or a foot in length, are incredibly difficult to shoot down because they're so small and can move erratically in the air. Diaz said he was nervous during the engagement, but the successful hit got the crew fired up. Cdr. Cameron Ingram, Thomas Hunder's commanding officer, told BI that some of the crewmembers were watching Diaz from the bridge wing at the time, wondering whether he would be able to take down the drone. "And then he clips it, and it falls," Ingram said. "The whole bridge wing explodes with excitement," he said, noting that the sailor "walks a step taller now." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The exercise underscores how the US Navy is increasingly integrating counter-drone training into its planning as it absorbs lessons from the Red Sea conflict, during which the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen regularly launched drones and missiles at military and civilian vessels operating in the area. Quadcopter drones have run rampant in Ukraine, used on both sides for surveillance and strike missions. Photo by Ukrinform/Ukrinform/Sipa USA The Houthis relied heavily on one-way attack drones like the KAS-04, or Sammad. This fixed-wing drone, which is packed with explosives and can fly long distances, is much larger than a cheap, commercially available quadcopter drone but significantly smaller than a US military MQ-9 Reaper, a well-known combat drone. US warships, including Thomas Hunder, shot down Houthi KAS-04s. The ships weren't known to have battled any Houthi quadcopters; these threats, however, are something the Navy is training for, especially considering their proliferation in other fights. During BI's visit to the Thomas Hudner, which sailed from England to France last weekend ahead of the D-Day events this week, the watch team spotted a quadcopter drone as the destroyer was setting off on its journey. They closely monitored the drone, which turned out not to pose any immediate danger to the ship. Still, the crew was ready to take action if needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ingram said that small quadcopters are "absolutely a threat," even if there are limitations in their capability, specifically endurance, range, and payload capacity. While these drones generally can't carry enough ordnance to effectively disable a destroyer, they could certainly hurt people and do enough damage to potentially force the warship into repairs. "I think there will probably be a desire to weaponize those things, but there are limitations," Ingram said. Destroyers like his don't operate close to the coast. An enemy would have to send the drones out several miles from the shore or have a launching platform closer to the warship. But even then, the payload wouldn't be as heavy as a Houthi KAS-04. It is possible that the ship could encounter one near port. Warships have been attacked pierside in the past, though by other threats. The Ukraine war has demonstrated the effectiveness of quadcopters, small, inexpensive first-person view (FPV) drones, in combat. They are mostly used in engagements on land, but Kyiv has at times integrated these drones into maritime operations, demonstrating that it's still possible to burden a naval force even if the desired target isn't necessarily an expensive warship. Read the original article on Business Insider The U.S. sanctioned four International Criminal Court judges on Thursday, ratcheting up Trump administration efforts to punish the body for investigations it considers hostile. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the measures in a statement that cited both the courts probe of alleged war crimes by U.S. troops in Afghanistan and its issuance of arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. These four individuals have actively engaged in the ICCs illegitimate and baseless actions targeting America or our close ally, Israel, Rubio said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ICC is politicized and falsely claims unfettered discretion to investigate, charge, and prosecute nationals of the United States and our allies, he said. This dangerous assertion and abuse of power infringes upon the sovereignty and national security of the United States and our allies, including Israel. The U.S. move creates friction between the U.S. and the Netherlands ahead of the NATO summit later this month in the Hague, where the international court is based. It will be up to the European Union to decide whether to use its blocking statute to protect European businesses and individuals from American sanctions that it deems abusive or unreasonable. The new sanctions are the latest Trump administration effort to retaliate against the court, which last year issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to Israels Gaza offensive against Hamas. The Trump administration issued an executive order authorizing sanctions on the court and blacklisted ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan in February, blocking him from doing business with the U.S. and barring him from entering the country. Khan took a leave of absence last month pending an investigation into alleged sexual misconduct. Thursdays sanctions were authorized under the same directive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neither the U.S. nor Israel is a member of the ICC and they do not recognize its jurisdiction. Trump also targeted the ICC with sanctions during his first term to protest the courts probes into Israel and alleged U.S. war crimes in Afghanistan. Former President Joe Biden rescinded those sanctions in 2021 and his government shared evidence of Russian war crimes in Ukraine with the tribunal. Nicholas Vincour contributed to this report. US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham has said that the Senate is ready to give US President Donald Trump "more tools" against Russian leader Vladimir Putin in the near future, "given his behaviour". Source: Graham on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda Details: Graham said that he has always considered Trump "the only person who can end the war between Russia and Ukraine honourably and justly". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, he hints at the need to change the approach to Russia. Quote: "It is clear to me that given Putins behaviour and refusal to be reasonable, the Senate will soon provide President Donald Trump with more tools in his toolbox, and they will not be carrots." Details: He added that he appreciates the fact that Trump "has gone the extra mile by engaging Putin in a positive way to try to get him to come to the table". "I have always supported this approach, but to make peace you have to have willing partners," the senator said. Background: Senators Richard Blumenthal (Democrat) and Lindsey Graham (Republican), along with 80 co-authors, introduced a bill that would impose additional economic sanctions on Russia for refusing to agree to a ceasefire, including a 500% tariff on goods imported from countries that buy Russian oil. These sanctions also have support in the House of Representatives. Meanwhile, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt made it clear that Trump himself would make the final decision on potentially tightening sanctions against Russia. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! By Andrew Chung WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Supreme Court made it easier on Thursday for people from majority backgrounds such as white or straight individuals to pursue claims alleging workplace "reverse" discrimination, reviving an Ohio woman's lawsuit claiming she was illegally denied a promotion and demoted because she is heterosexual. The justices, in a 9-0 ruling authored by liberal Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, threw out a lower court's decision rejecting a civil rights lawsuit by the plaintiff, Marlean Ames, against her employer, Ohio's Department of Youth Services. Ames said she had a gay supervisor when she was passed over for a promotion in favor of a gay woman and demoted, with a pay cut, in favor of a gay man. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reverse discrimination lawsuits are increasing in the United States amid a backlash by conservatives and Republicans including President Donald Trump against initiatives in the public and private sectors to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in the workforce. The Ames case centered on how plaintiffs like her must try to prove a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, national origin and sex - including sexual orientation. Thursday's ruling will affect how cases are handled by courts in certain parts of the country where plaintiffs from majority groups must provide more evidence than minority plaintiffs to make an initial - or "prima facie" - claim of discrimination under a 1973 Supreme Court ruling that governs the multi-step process employed to resolve such cases. These courts include the Cincinnati-based 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which ruled against Ames. They require majority-group plaintiffs to show "background circumstances" indicating that a defendant accused of workplace bias is "that unusual employer who discriminates against the majority." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jackson, writing for the Supreme Court, said that both the language of Title VII and the court's precedents make clear that there can be no distinctions between majority-group and minority-group plaintiffs. "By establishing the same protections for every 'individual' - without regard to that individual's membership in a minority or majority group - Congress left no room for courts to impose special requirements on majority-group plaintiffs alone," Jackson wrote. Ames, 61, sued in 2020 seeking monetary damages. She argued that she was discriminated against in her department's 2019 employment decisions because she is heterosexual in violation of Title VII and that she was more qualified than the two gay people given the job positions instead of her. "I was straight and pushed aside for them," Ames told Reuters in February. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are overjoyed that the court saw the case our way," Edward Gilbert, an attorney for Ames, said after Thursday's ruling. The 6th Circuit said Ames could not satisfy the "background circumstances" requirement by showing that a gay person made the employment decisions in favor of gay people. The two people who had authority in those personnel decisions, the 6th Circuit noted, were straight. Republican Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost's office had defended the employment actions concerning Ames as part of a Department of Youth Services restructuring and said department leaders felt she lacked the vision and leadership skills needed for the newly created job for which she applied. Department spokesperson Dominic Binkley said Ohio agrees that litigants should not be held to differing standards, but emphasized that lower courts must now address Ohio's remaining arguments in the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We look forward to fully pressing those arguments as the case moves forward because the Ohio Department of Youth Services did not engage in unlawful discrimination," Binkley said. WORKPLACE DIVERSITY POLICIES On his first day back in office in January, Trump ordered the dismantling of diversity, equity and inclusion policies in federal agencies and encouraged private companies to follow suit. Conservative groups including America First Legal, which has filed numerous legal actions claiming anti-white and anti-male bias, had urged the Supreme Court to rule in favor of Ames. The NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund and other civil rights groups told the Supreme Court in a legal filing that Ames was asking the justices "to interpret Title VII in a way that ignores the realities of this country's persisting legacy of discrimination in evaluating disparate-treatment claims." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These groups said the "background circumstances" inquiry lets courts account for the reality of historical and present-day discrimination "against certain minority groups like Black and/or LGBTQ people, and the virtual absence of widespread discrimination targeting certain majority groups like white people and straight people." The Supreme Court heard arguments in the case on February 26. (Reporting by Andrew Chung; Editing by Will Dunham) Credit: Reuters The US has told the United Kingdom it must spend 5 per cent of its GDP on defence. Pete Hegseth, the US secretary of defence, said on Thursday it was important that Britain hits the goal as Nato ministers gathered in Brussels to discuss revised spending targets. It is the first time Britain has been singled out by a senior US official as part of Donald Trumps efforts to force European allies and Canada to defend themselves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our friends in the UK... were going to get there. We think everyone is going to get there, we really do. Its important they do. Its important that the UK gets there, Mr Hegseth told reporters on the sidelines of the meeting. Pete Hegseth, US defence secretary, said: Our friends in the UK... were going to get there - Yves Herman/Reuters Sir Keir Starmer has been criticised for refusing to outline detailed plans of how the UK could spend 3 per cent of GDP in the Strategic Defence Review published earlier this week. The Prime Minister said Britain would achieve the ambition by the next Parliament, which could stretch to 2034. Nato ministers are currently wrangling over a spending rise that will see the alliances 32 member states agree to spend at least 5 per cent of GDP on defence and related infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the target is signed off at a leaders summit in The Hague later this month, it will be the first time in more than a decade that the alliance has agreed to higher expenditure. The decision has come after concerted pressure from Mr Trump, who has previously suggested he would walk away from the alliance unless its member states hit spending goals. When you consider the threats that we face, the urgency in the world, its critical, said Mr Hegseth. We dont need more flags, we need more fighting formations. We dont need more conferences. We need more capabilities, hard power. Mr Hegseth suggested he was confident that the alliances 32 members were close to reaching a consensus on the new spending commitment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It will see allies, including Britain, having to spend 3.5 per cent of GDP on hard defence and a remaining 1.5 per cent on related infrastructure, such as railways and highways used to transport military hardware. The previous 2 per cent goal was set at a summit in Newport, Wales in 2014, and has been met by a majority of Nato member states. House Republicans on Wednesday ramped up scrutiny of the Prime Minister ahead of the summit at the Hague, warning that major change needs to take place on defence spending. The first thing we have to start with is everyone pulling their weight in Nato, said Rep Keith Self, the chairman of the House foreign affairs subcommittee on Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Europe is going to have to do this, he told The Telegraph, adding that Britain has a large move to make. Europe knows that they are going to have to be more of an equal partner instead of existing as welfare states under a US defence umbrella, he said. Adm Mark Montgomery, a retired navy admiral, said: On occasion, [Mr Trump] will hold you accountable in the economic realm for your failures in the security realm. So, I think the UK needs to step up on this. Anna Paulina Luna, the hardline Republican congresswoman for Florida, added that Congress could cut back US funding for Nato if Britain and Europe does not pull its weight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not the role of the US taxpayer to fund Natos pro-war and bloodthirsty policy when our own administration is currently putting much effort towards peace negotiations in both Ukraine and Russia, she said. Nato does not deserve our money or help if theyre not going to do the same. Congress approves funding for Nato as part of the annual National Defence Authorisation Act, which is currently being developed. Under the act, the US is expected to significantly increase defence spending to an excess of $1 trillion, but the vast outgoing has brought into sharp relief allies such as Italy, Spain and Canada who have consistently failed to meet their spending targets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brian Mast, chairman of the House foreign affairs committee, said: America needs partners, not dependents. We trust president Trump will get all Nato members to meet their commitments to the alliance. The US secretary of defence said he wouldnt name any names, but there are understood to be a number holding out against the increased spending goals. Sources said Spain, Portugal, Italy and Luxembourg had been highlighted as potential concerns, and had long lagged below current thresholds set by the alliance. Madrid is perceived as the main problem capital in reaching 5 per cent. Margarita Robles, the Spanish defence minister, told reporters her country would stick to the 2 per cent goal and said: We think that this 2 per cent is enough to meet the responsibilities we have committed to. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Discussions remain amongst allies on when the targets must be hit. Mark Rutte, the Nato secretary-general, has proposed 2032 as the deadline, as well as supporting an American demand of a hard-wired increase of spending by 0.2 per cent of GDP by each member. 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 U.S. trade deficit took a significant plunge in April after President Donald Trump announced aggressive, sweeping tariffs on countries across the globe. U.S. Commerce Department data showed that the trade gap between America and its trading partners narrowed drastically as imports into the U.S. fell by 16 percent. The trade deficit rang in at $61 billion in Aprilless than half of the $140 billion seen just one month earlier. More from Sourcing Journal Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, Americas exports grew. April saw the U.S. export $289.4 billion in products and services, $8.3 billion more than the volume seen in March. Meanwhile, April imports amounted to $351 billion, $68.4 billion less than the previous month, when many businesses frontloaded inventory in an effort to beat the tariff deadline. Imports of consumer goods decreased $33 billion in April after the shipping boom in March. Apparel bookings in particular took a precipitous, 60-percent tumble in anticipation of the tariff fallout. Not surprisingly, American imports from Canada and China took particularly hard hits amid massive trade tensions spurred by Trumps tariff threats. Canadian imports fell 15.7 percent to their lowest levels since 2021, compounding a drop of over 9 percent in March. Meanwhile, goods coming into the country from China fell 21 percent to their lowest levels since 2020. According to the Bureau of Economic analysis, the average goods and services deficit decreased $22.9 billion to $107.3 billion for the three months ending in Aprilbasically, Trumps first 90 days in office. Average exports increased $5.6 billion to $283 billion in April, while average imports decreased $17.2 billion to $390.4 billion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But while the deficit has contracted significantly in 2025, its actually grown quite a bit from the same period the year prior. Year-to-date, the deficit in goods and services grew $179.3 billiona whopping 65.7 percentfrom the same period in 2024. Over the course of the past year, exports ticked up 5.5 percent, or $58.4 billion, but imports also increased 17.8 percent, or $237.8 billion. Trumps trade policy, which has hinged on the broad application of double-to-triple-digit duties, was conceived as a means of dealing with the trade deficit and rebalancing trade with partners across the world. On April 2, which the president termed Liberation Day, Trump announced reciprocal duties on about 90 nations, including the countrys biggest trading partners and allies. Soon after, those duties were deferred for a period of three months, and theyre slated to resume on July 9 barring changes that could result from ongoing negotiations with foreign trade officials. The White House has said in recent weeks that it has dozens of talks in process with nations eager to reach deals with the U.S. through the mutual lowering of trade barriers, though only a single provisional agreement with the United Kingdom has been formally signed. Last week, a New York Court of International Trade (CIT) ruled that many of the presidents duties, levied under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), were invalid, and it gave the administration 10 days to unwind the tariff actions. However, a Washington, D.C. appeals court put a stay on that ruling with the intention of reviewing the case, which was brought by several U.S. businesses and more than a dozen state attorneys general. Therefore, the tariff regime will be allowed to proceed as planned. On Thursday, Trump indicated that he had spoken to Chinese President Xi Jinping following claims last week that the country had violated its temporary trade truce with the U.S. He wrote on Truth Social that the two discussed the intricacies of our recently made, and agreed to, Trade Deal, saying that the discussion resulted in a very positive conclusion regarding the future of rare earth mineral trade. Trump said further negotiations would be completed shortly by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer. WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. trade deficit narrowed sharply in April, with imports decreasing by the most on record as the front-running of goods ahead of tariffs ebbed, which could provide a lift to economic growth this quarter. The trade gap contracted by a record 55.5% to $61.6 billion, the lowest level since September 2023, the Commerce Department's Bureau of Economic Analysis said on Thursday. Data for March was revised to show the trade deficit having widened to an all-time high of $138.3 billion rather than the previously reported $140.5 billion. Economists polled by Reuters forecast the deficit narrowing to $70.0 billion. The goods trade deficit eased by a record 46.2% to $87.4 billion, the lowest level since October 2023. A rush to beat import duties helped to widen the trade deficit in the first quarter, which accounted for a large part of the 0.2% annualized rate of decline in gross domestic product last quarter. The contraction in the deficit, at face value, suggests that trade could significantly add to GDP this quarter, but much would depend on the state of inventories. Imports decreased by a record 16.3% to $351.0 billion in April. Goods imports slumped by a record 19.9% to $277.9 billion. They were held down by a $33.0 billion decline in imports of consumer goods, mostly pharmaceutical preparations from Ireland. Imports of cellphones and other household goods fell $3.5 billion. Imports of industrial supplies and materials declined $23.3 billion, reflecting decreases in finished metal shapes and other precious metals. Motor vehicle, parts and engines imports fell $8.3 billion with passenger cars accounting for much of the decline. The front-loading of imports is probably not over. Higher duties for most countries have been postponed until July, while those for Chinese goods have been delayed until mid-August. President Donald Trump's administration had given U.S. trade partners until Wednesday to make their "best offers" to avoid other punishing import levies from taking effect in early July. Imports from Canada were the lowest since May 2021, while those from China were the lowest since March 2020. But imports from Vietnam and Taiwan were the highest on record. Exports rose 3.0% to $289.4 billion, an all-time high. Goods exports increased 3.4% to a record $190.5 billion. They were boosted by a $10.4 billion jump in industrial supplies and materials, mostly finished metal shapes, nonmonetary gold and crude oil. Capital goods exports advanced $1.0 billion, lifted by computers. But exports of motor vehicles, parts and engines fell $3.3 billion, held down by passenger cars as well as trucks, buses and special purpose vehicles. A US veteran who fought in Ukraine said the amount of drones is a "horrendous detriment to morale." He said soldiers often can't leave their bunkers, and have limited ability to go on operations. He lost friends who had a grenade explode next to them "out of nowhere, under a blue sky," he added. A US veteran who fought in Ukraine said that the scale of drones in the war is terrible for troops' morale, and that soldiers sometimes won't see a drone coming in clear blue skies before it kills them. Carl Larson, an Iraq veteran who was born in Seattle and served in Ukraine's International Legion, said that the huge presence of drones is "a horrendous detriment to morale." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I can't speak for the Russian side, but on the Ukrainian side, it's incredibly corrosive to your ability to conduct combat operations," he said at a drone conference last week. "You can't leave your blindage, your bunker, at least not during the day," he added. Larson said that "anyone who's been under artillery barrage knows how negative that is to your mental well-being and how many soldiers, seemingly strong-minded soldiers, can't handle that sort of stress." He also said he lost "good friends" in Ukraine "that died from having a grenade explode next to them out of nowhere, under a blue sky, you couldn't even hear it. Bang, they're dead." Carl Larson said fiberoptic drones are "damn near undetectable." NurPhoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images 'Undetectable' fiberoptic drones Larson said that some drone types, especially the fiberoptic drones that both Russia and Ukraine are now using, are "damn near undetectable, they come in hot at over a hundred miles an hour." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fiberoptic drones typically can't be jammed, unlike more classic drone types, and Larson said that if soldiers can't take them down with more traditional means, like guns, then "it's horrible." Larson, who served as a combat engineer in Iraq, was speaking at Drone Summit 2025, a gathering of more than 100 defense companies, defense ministers, and military officials in NATO member state Latvia. He's no longer with the International Legion, but is still helping Ukraine, including as the executive director of Defense Tech for Ukraine, a group that works to get drones and other technology to Ukrainian soldiers. He said at the summit: "I believe that Ukrainians are fighting for all of us." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Larson's comments mirror those made by Ukrainian soldiers and other Western veterans who have taken part in the fighting. A Ukrainian drone operator told BI earlier this year that there are so many drones in the sky that soldiers often can't tell who they belong to. And the sheer number of drones means soldiers need to find ways to stay safe, including building fake positions and digging trenches to hide in. A drone operator near the frontline in Kharkiv Oblast, Ukraine. Wolfgang Schwan/Anadolu via Getty Images Long-term impact Drones are so common in Ukraine that they've removed the lifesaving window to rescue injured soldiers, called the "golden hour," another US veteran, who trains troops in Ukraine, previously told BI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They have also fundamentally changed military tactics in Ukraine, because they remove lots of the element of surprise, the veteran, who goes by the call sign Jackie, said. Drones have been used to scan the battlefield and gather intelligence to direct other weaponry, and to launch attacks themselves on soldiers and other targets. They can also be equipped with bombs and grenade launchers, as well as machine guns. Ukraine and Russia are in a desperate race to develop better and more drones than each other, with Ukraine increasingly relying on drones as it suffers shortages of other weapons from its allies. In contrast, it can make most of the drones it uses itself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his comments, Larson talked about the long-term mental toll of things like drone warfare on those in combat. He said that there are some groups that do "very good work" with demobilized Ukrainian soldiers to combat PTSD and work on mental and physical rehabilitation and employment prospects. "It's really challenging," he said. Read the original article on Business Insider The US vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. All 14 other members backed the measure, but the US voted against, saying that the wording did not condemn Hamas. US-Israel relations have cooled in recent months President Donald Trump did not visit the country during his recent Middle East tour, and his relationship with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is tense, with disagreements including over the best way to deal with Iran. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Washington remains firmly behind Israel on the war, to the frustration of the UN: Its humanitarian chief said the scenes of people being shot, wounded or killed in Gaza while simply trying to eat were horrifying. The United States vetoed the United Nations Security Council resolution demanding an immediate and permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip over the measure not having the release of hostages held by the Palestinian militant group Hamas as a condition for the truce. The resolution, which was backed by 14 of the 15 member states, also did not say that Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization, has to disarm and depart the war-torn enclave, and it did not condemn the group for its Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack in Israel that killed around 1,200 Israelis and took some 250 hostage. The U.S. opposition to this resolution should come as no surprise it is unacceptable for what it does say, it is unacceptable for what it does not say, and it is unacceptable for the manner in which it has been advanced, said Dorothy Shea, the acting U.S. representative at the U.N. Security Council. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United States has been clear, Shea added. We would not support any measure that fails to condemn Hamas, that does not call for Hamas to disarm and leave Gaza. The resolution was co-sponsored by Algeria, Denmark, Greece, Guyana, Pakistan, Panama, South Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia and Somalia. The measure called for an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the lifting of all obstacles in delivering aid to Palestinians. The U.S. is one of the five permanent members of the council and holds veto power that can block resolutions. The U.S. vetoed a similar resolution in November last year during former President Bidens administration, citing similar reasons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Trump has pushed to secure a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the two sides that have been at war for 20 months. A recent proposal by Trumps Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, which was approved by Israel, was dispatched to Hamas last week. Hamas sent the proposal back, asking for amendments that Witkoff blasted on Saturday as totally unacceptable. The vote came after the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, the U.S.-backed organization, said Wednesday that it would pause distribution of food to ensure greater security after dozens of Palestinians were killed in recent days in proximity to the food delivery sites. The U.S. and Israel are supportive of the organization, saying it can distribute food without being stolen by Hamas. The U.N. has criticized the process, arguing it is not meeting the humanitarian needs of Palestinians and that the organization lacks independence. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said during a Thursday briefing that the foundation has distributed more than 7 million meals in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 United States on Wednesday vetoed a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire between Israel and the militant group Hamas in Gaza. The US was the only nation to oppose the resolution. Fourteen others, including the United Kingdom, voted in favor. There were no abstentions. Dorothy Camille Shea, the United States ambassador to the UN, said the US opposed the resolution because it did not call for Hamas to disarm and leave Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (The resolution) is unacceptable for what it does say, it is unacceptable for what it does not say, and it is unacceptable for the manner in which it has been advanced, she said in comments before the vote took place. The US has taken the very clear position since this conflict began that Israel has a right to defend itself, which includes defeating Hamas and ensuring they are never again in a position to threaten Israel. In this regard, any product that undermines our close ally Israels security is a nonstarter, she added. This is not the first time the US has vetoed a UN Security Council draft resolution on Gaza. In November 2024, it vetoed one calling for an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire, on the grounds it would not have secured the release of hostages. The United Kingdom said it regrets that the latest resolution was unable to reach a consensus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United Kingdom voted in favor of this resolution today because of the intolerable situation in Gaza, the UKs Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York Barbara Woodward said following the vote. We are determined to see an end to this war, secure the release of the hostages held by Hamas and alleviate the catastrophic humanitarian situation for Palestinians in Gaza, she added. Palestinians gather to receive a hot meal at a food distribution point at a refugee camp in central Gaza on May 21. - Eyad Baba/AFP/Getty Images Woodward described Israels expansion of its military operations in Gaza and its severe restrictions on aid as unjustifiable, disproportionate, and counterproductive. Hamas condemned the US veto and called it an arrogant stance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We vehemently denounce how the US administration has defied the will of the entire international community, with 14 out of 15 Security Council members supporting the resolution while Washington alone opposed it. This arrogant stance reflects its disregard for international law and outright rejection of any global effort to stop Palestinian bloodshed, a statement by the group said. A spokesperson for the president of the Palestinian Authority, Nabil Abu Rudeina, said the use of the US veto perpetuates instability and insecurity, and benefits no one. Israel in mid May launched a major new offensive in Gaza it says is aimed at destroying Hamas and freeing hostages, sparking condemnation from the United Nations and aid organizations who warn civilians are bearing the brunt of the expanded assault. The ambassador also said the UK condemned Hamas October 7, 2023, attack on Israel and demanded the militant group release all the hostages immediately and unconditionally, saying Hamas can have no role in the future governance of Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ambassador also restated the UKs position that a two-state solution is the only way to bring the long-lasting peace, stability and security that both Israelis and Palestinians deserve. Meanwhile, Israels Foreign Minister Gideon Saar thanked US President Donald Trump and the US administration for standing shoulder to shoulder with Israel and vetoing this one-sided resolution in the UN Security Council. Protesters in Tel Aviv on May 24 demand the release of Israeli hostages kidnapped during the deadly October 7, 2023, attack on Israel by Hamas. - Nir Elias/Reuters The proposed resolution only strengthens Hamas and undermines American efforts to achieve a hostage deal, he added in a post on X shortly after the voting. The draft text had demanded an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza respected by all parties and the immediate and unconditional lifting of all restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza and its safe and unhindered distribution at scale. It also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel launched the war in Gaza after Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups carried out a surprise attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking 251 hostages. It was the deadliest terror attack in Israels history. The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza said the number of people killed by Israels offensive in Gaza in the wake of the October 7 attacks now exceeds 54,000, most of whom are women and children. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The United States on Wednesday vetoed a UN Security Council resolution aimed at de-escalating the Gaza war, saying it would strengthen the Palestinian Islamist militia Hamas. Acting US Ambassador Dorothy Shea blocked the legally binding decision of the UN's most powerful body against all 14 other member states who voted in favour of the resolution. She decried the statement's failure to condemn Hamas in an unusually sharp statement. "Engaging in this performative process at a time when serious questions are being asked about the utility of the UN, its funding, and use of resources is shameful," Shea said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This Council should not be used in this way. This Council must hold itself to a higher standard." The text, proposed by the 10 non-permanent members of the council, would have legally required an immediate ceasefire, the release of all Israeli hostages, and the lifting of restrictions on humanitarian aid for the 2.1 million people in need in the Gaza Strip. US: Resolution would have emboldened Hamas The US argued that passing the resolution would strengthen Hamas and enable further attacks like the one on October 7, 2023, which started the current conflict, when Hamas and others invaded Israel, killing 1,200 and taking some 250 hostage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire would also be undermined by the resolution, she argued. The lack of condemnation of Hamas made supporting the resolution impossible, the US said. The US also criticized the resolution for failing to address issues with the current UN-led aid mechanism for the Gaza Strip. The negotiations over the text were reportedly rushed, and key amendments were not considered. However, sources within the Security Council suggested that the US had demanded the resolution support the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). This organization, backed by Israel and the US, bypasses the United Nations in distributing humanitarian aid, which, according to the UN, endangers civilians and violates established standards of neutral assistance. Washington isolated 'parallel realities' The UN Security Council consists of 15 members, five of which are permanent and hold veto power: the US, China, Russia, France, and the United Kingdom. The council has repeatedly discussed the Gaza war, with the US consistently vetoing resolutions calling for an end to hostilities and an expansion of humanitarian aid restricted by Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Washington is considered isolated in the Security Council on this issue. Security Council diplomats have repeatedly expressed frustration with the US position in recent months, particularly as the humanitarian situation in Gaza has worsened due to withheld aid. A diplomat from the council remarked that the US and the rest of the council "live in two parallel realities." USA Today initially published a fluff article about a family member of the illegal alien who set fire to pro-Israel protesters on June 1 in Colorado. However, rather than standing by its narrative and providing a stand-alone follow-up piece, the outlet quietly revised the originally published article after facing public backlash. Mohamed Sabry Soliman, a 45-year-old Egyptian in the country illegally, lit fire to a crowd of pro-Israel protestors in Boulder, Colorado, on June 1, as The Dallas Express reported. According to KDVR, officials recently updated the number of victims to 15 plus a dog. The FBI is investigating the attack as a targeted act of terrorism. USA Today published an article on June 3 titled, Boulder suspects daughter dreamed of studying medicine. Now she faces deportation. The article still had this headline when The Dallas Express archived the page early the afternoon of June 4. At that point, it read as a glowing feature of the terrorists daughter, Habiba Soliman. Critics say the sympathetic framing was not only tone-deaf in the wake of a terrorist attack, but deeply misplaced especially considering that Solimans family appears to have remained in the country illegally, potentially drawing on resources meant for American citizens, including the elderly and infirm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, after the article sparked a public backlash, the outlet watered down the title and toned down the original piece. After The Dallas Express archived the piece, USA Today changed the title and reworked the original article to Habiba Soliman wanted to be a doctor. Then, her father firebombed Jewish marchers in Boulder. Instead of writing a new piece, the outlet chose to cover its tracks. The outlet also reworked the article to focus more on the horrific attack. A note at the top of the piece reads, This story has been recast and updated with new information. At the time USA Today published the original article, Tarrant County GOP Chairman Bo French replied on X: My dream is to have a country where we don't allow third world savages in who are hell bent on killing us. I don't care what her dream is. Deport everyone now. pic.twitter.com/V1nga92uxK Bo French (@BoFrenchTX) June 4, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the first version of the article, USA Today claimed Habibas life had been headed in a positive direction before the attack a phrase not present in the updated piece. It said she had written about her hope of accomplishing great things in the U.S., citing her hopes of a future medical career. The outlet kept the latter phrases in the updated piece but slightly reframed or altered them. Before his terror attack against pro-Israel protestors, Habibas father, Mohamed, recorded a tirade against America and the Zionists. Allah is greater than the Zionists, Allah is greater than America and its weapons, he said. Do not forget that Allah is greater than everything. Not the Zionists, America, Britain, France, or Germany. TERROR: Palestinian terrorist Mohamed Sabry Soliman videoed himself right before setting a dozen Jews on fire in Boulder, Jihad is more beloved to me than my mother, wife, and children. Allah is greater than the Zionists and America. pic.twitter.com/1glYhX7zgE @amuse (@amuse) June 4, 2025 Despite her fathers hateful rhetoric and terrorist actions, neither Habiba nor her family have publicly condemned him a silence that raises serious questions about where their sympathies lie. In the face of terrorism, disavowing such extremism should be the minimum expectation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mohamed overstayed his visa under former President Joe Bidens watch, as The Dallas Express previously reported. According to The Greeley Tribune, Soliman lived in Kuwait for 17 years and then arrived in America in 2022 on a tourist visa that expired in February 2023. He overstayed the visa and then a work authorization. The White House posted on June 3 that Solimans family was set for expedited removal as early as that night. However, a Biden-appointed U.S. district judge in Colorado, Gordon Gallagher, blocked their deportation on June 4, according to Fox News. The State Department reportedly revoked the visas for Solimans family. At the time of publication, it was unclear whether or not Habiba Soliman, her siblings, or her mother had committed visa violations. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced on June 3 that ICE had arrested Solimans family on suspicions they could have known about or aided the attack. She said Soliman would be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are investigating to what extent his family knew about this heinous attack, if they had knowledge of it, or if they provided support to it, Noem wrote. I am continuing to pray for the victims of this attack and their families. Justice will be served. Students work in a math class at Wasatch Junior High School in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, March 12, 2024. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch) The administration change of Utah Fits All, the states school choice program has hit some road bumps. Days after the Utah State Board of Education switched managers to run the program and the application portal closed, families are learning that they may have to apply again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Odyssey, a New York-based technology company that won the bid in May to run the voucher program, announced Friday on its website that after reviewing the application data the outgoing administrator provided, it found that in many cases the information was incomplete, inconsistent, or lacked proper verification. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The company will need to take additional steps to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance with the Utah Fits All law, Odyssey officials wrote. They said those actions include re-running applications for families participating in the second year application cycle. We understand that this may be frustrating, but we believe this is the best path forward to determine eligibility accurately, company officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The announcement comes after the Board of Education canceled early its multiyear contract with the programs previous third-party manager ACE Scholarships, citing convenience reasons. The move was made possible by a 2025 bill that, among other changes to Utah Fits All, opened the door for a switch should the Board of Education need to change its current program administrator. Odyssey officials said ACE Scholarships previous records make it impossible to determine students eligibility since those records only show a small percentage of second year applicants successfully completed their income verification a step on their application thats required by law. Those eligibility determinations will be delayed past the initial May 31 deadline, according to Odyssey. However, the company hasnt set a new timeline for the new process. After the announcement, ACE Scholarships issued a statement saying that the company had collected and transferred all data required under its original contract. The Legislature added new requirements in the middle of the application cycle, so the responsibility to collect the new data rests with the new program manager, the companys representatives wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ACE collaborated closely with (the Utah State Board of Education), the designated bridge manager, and they were fully informed of the data being transferred, ACE representatives said. During our tenure, ACE processed applications on schedule, approved expenses with 24-hour turnaround crucial for low-income families and earned an 89% customer satisfaction rating. Reconciling scholarship balances for current Utah Fits All participants is also underway, with a large population for whom Odyssey cannot determine their current balance because there are thousands of pending reimbursements, receipts, and transactions, many of which were received by Odyssey as recently as May 29th. The company wont authorize any additional spending until pending purchases undergo further analysis, according to its website. As of Thursday, Utah Fits Alls website listed June 30 as the last day to use 2024-2025 funds. Let us know what you think... Among the changes to Utah Fits All the Legislature approved this year is a 20% cap on extracurricular activities and physical education, in addition to tightened expense guidelines to explicitly prohibit the use of scholarship money to pay for ski passes, furniture, musical instruments, apparel, and other uses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While lawmakers approved more money to fund additional scholarships, bringing the total annual allocation for the program to $100 million, they also voted to reduce the amount some students could receive. This year, homeschooled children of ages 5 to 11 would have access to $4,000 a year, while those aged 12 to 18 years old could get up to $6,000. Thats down from the $8,000 that was allowed during the programs first year. Private school students are still eligible for $8,000 a year to help cover their tuition or other expenses. Meanwhile, Utah Fits Alls is also facing other challenges that may threaten its existence. A 3rd District Court judge recently ruled the program to be unconstitutional, a win for the Utah Education Association, the states largest teacher union. The union sued the state for diverting funds from already underfunded public schools, union leaders said. They alleged the program violates the Utah Constitution, which explicitly says income tax revenue should be used to fund public education, among a few other limited uses. State leaders said they will appeal the decision to the Utah Supreme Court. While the case plays out in court, the program will continue to operate. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The Capitol in Salt Lake City is pictured on Thursday, April 10, 2025. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch) The Utah State Tax Commission is about to get a new commissioner. Gov. Spencer Cox on Thursday appointed John Deeds, an attorney specializing in state and local taxes, to succeed longtime Commissioner Michael Cragun, who has served on the commission since 2009. John knows how to navigate complex tax issues and keep things grounded in common sense, Cox said in a news release. He brings the kind of practical expertise and steady leadership that will benefit both taxpayers and the commission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Utah State Tax Commission is a body that oversees the administration and enforcement of Utahs tax laws. It consists of four members, and is currently led by longtime Commission Chair John Valentine. Deeds if his appointment is confirmed by the Utah Senate will join Commissioners Rebecca Rockwell and Jennifer Fresques. Commissioners are appointed to four-year terms. John Deeds (Courtesy Kelly Sansom of Gallery Photography) Cragun will be leaving his seat on June 30, Valentine told Utah News Dispatch on Thursday. No other information was provided about Craguns departure, and when pressed, Valentine said, hes just not ready to make any public announcements at this time. Cragun served 16 years on the commission totaling four four-year terms. He wasnt re-appointed after his latest term expired. Valentine praised Deeds as a very capable tax attorney, and he said his fellow tax commissioners are very, very excited to have him come onto the commission and bring the expertise he can bring. Deeds is currently a partner at the law firm Crapo | Deeds PLLC where he represents individuals and businesses in a wide variety of state and local tax matters. Hes been an attorney for more than 15 years, and through his career, hes helped craft tax policy, according to an alum bio on the University of Utahs Hinckley Institute of Politics website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deeds also served as a law clerk in the Utah Attorney Generals Offices Tax and Revenue division, where he represented the Utah State Tax Commission in tax litigation and compliance issues. Its an honor to be appointed, and Im excited to serve the people of this great state, Deeds said in a prepared statement. Im committed to upholding the tax laws in a fair and impartial manner. Deeds earned his Master of Laws in Taxation from Georgetown University Law Center. He also holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law and dual bachelors degrees in political science and psychology from the University of Utah. As a member of the Utah State Bar Tax section, Deeds frequently presents at national tax conferences and contributes to leading industry publications, the governors office said in Thursdays release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deeds and his wife Jane Deeds live in Farmington with their five children. His appointment will be subject to confirmation by the Utah Senate. A date for that vote has not yet been scheduled. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE BRIDGEPORT Vandalia Health is expanding its footprint to Harrison County, with a new hospital at Charles Pointe in Bridgeport. This will be our second small format hospital, David Goldberg, president and CEO of the Mon Health System, Davis Health System and Vandalia North, said. Weve had record outcomes at Mon Marion. We were recognized as the fastest emergency room in the state of West Virginia, Top 10 fastest in the country to be seen. Were going to bring that here to Harrison County. Community leaders joined Vandalia Health officials Wednesday at an empty field, a few hundred feet from Menards, and broke ground on the $30 million facility. Christopher Edwards, chief administrative officer of Mon Health Marion Neighborhood Hospital at Middletown Commons and the future Mon Health Harrison, said the health care provider is aiming for a 2026 completion date. The facility is modeled after the one in White Hall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Goldberg said the new facility will be a full service hospital, accredited by the centers for Medicare and Medicaid. It will have 10 private rooms for inpatient stay, and eight emergency room bays. The facility will be a full service hospital, and provide services such as CT, MRI, ultrasound, X-ray and cardiography. The two-story building will occupy 40,000 square feet. The second floor will be kept empty with an eye on future expansion as the need demands. David Ramsey, president and CEO of Vandalia Health, said the new hospital will fill a need in the community. The community needs more access to care, he said. When we survey individuals in this part of the state, its about how can I get access in a timely fashion, and thats what were going to create here for people. Its not a machine. Its not an assembly line. Its going to be individual care as individuals walk in. Were going to care for them as a person, as an individual and make sure they get what they need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of note, is the fact that West Virginia University Medicines United Hospital Center is just down the road, less than a mile away. Goldberg said the location wasnt their first choice. Initially they wanted to be a little further south or north from UHC. But a donation of three acres from the Genesis Partners, and the easy access to the highway, Vandalia Health ended up settling on its current location. More broadly, Goldberg said they looked all around Harrison County for a good location, which would provide easy access to residents who live in the area. Vandalia Health also sought a location that had plenty of room to grow. The company worked with Charles Pointe and Harrison County Economic Development on the construction of the new facility. The future hospital will also bring more jobs to the area. State Sen. Eric Tarr, R-Putnam, said a new hospital means lots of health care jobs from construction jobs during construction to janitorial jobs or accounting jobs once the hospital is complete. State Sen. Ben Queen, R-Harrison, said the new hospital represents an amazing investment in Bridgeport and Harrison County. Im excited that this exit is now the health Mecca of our region, its a big deal, Queen said. Health care provides good incomes and well have to build bigger schools because youre going to keep more people here in our community. An Alpharetta woman who immigration agents arrested and detained for more than three weeks is free and back with her husband. A judge in El Paso, Texas, granted Daniela Joly Landin a $10,000 bond Wednesday, allowing her to return with her husband to Georgia. It was a very special and emotional moment, her husband, Richard Landin, said, speaking with Channel 2s Bryan Mims from a hotel room in El Paso. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His mother recorded video of the two walking out of the facility. Smiling and teary-eyed, they embraced one another. Daniela and Richard met online and were married on Feb. 8 in Alpharetta. Daniela is 24 years old and from Colombia. She entered the United States in May 2024, presented herself to the U.S. Border Patrol, and applied for asylum. Asylum seekers are legally allowed into the U.S., according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Her husband said violent paramilitary groups in Colombia put her life in danger. They kill people for really just about any justification they can come up with, Richard said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A judge denied her asylum application, so she appealed to the Board of Immigration Appeals, which has not yet heard her case. Her husband said on May 12, three Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents knocked on their apartment door, saying Daniela had an order for deportation because her asylum was denied. She spent about two weeks at the Stewart Detention Center in Columbus but was transferred to the El Paso Service Processing Center in Texas. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her immigration attorney, Jameel Manji, of Decatur, told Mims last week that immigrants with pending appeals have typically not been detained. But he said under the Trump administration, ICE agents have been more aggressive, pursuing undocumented immigrants who have been in the country less than two years, whether theyve broken any laws or not. Two years is kind of an arbitrary marker that this administration is using, but basically when someones been here less than two years, they consider them prime candidates for expedited removals, Manji said. Richard, who talked with Daniela on the phone daily, said the El Paso facility was overcrowded, making living conditions difficult. It was so packed that there werent any beds left for new arrivals, he said. So, there was a fair amount of them sleeping on the floor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dustin Baxter, the attorney who worked to provide Daniela a bond hearing, said the judge granted bond because, shes always complied with everything immigration has asked her to do. She has attended all of her court appearances and filed all paperwork on time, he said. In immigration court, defendants have to pay bonds in full and in cash. Richard said he used his savings, donations from family, and a GoFundMe campaign to raise money. Speaking in Spanish, Daniela said shes grateful for everyone who helped in her case, calling this an answered prayer. Mims sent emails to the Department of Homeland Security seeking a statement about this case, but has not yet received a response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for Danielas appeal of her asylum denial, her attorneys said that it could take months, or even years, depending on the backlog of cases facing the Board of Immigration Appeals. Asylum is very difficult to obtain, he said. The bar is extremely high, barring that she was specifically targeted for persecution. Her husband is also petitioning for Daniela to gain permanent legal residency because shes married to a U.S. citizen. For now, hes overjoyed to have her in his arms again. Honestly, its a blessing, he said. Its like an absolute miracle to have her back because Ive missed her so much these three weeks. I feel like Im whole again when Im with her. MEMPHIS, Tenn. A crash that caused a vehicle explosion Thursday morning in Chester County, Tennessee, shut down part of a state highway near Henderson. Tennessee Highway Patrol confirmed the crash was fatal, but did not specify the number of victims. The Tennessee Highway Patrol, the Henderson Police Department, and the Tennessee Department of Transportation were assisting local first responders on the scene of the crash on Highway 45 South at State Route 100. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a photo shared by the THP, tires from what appears to be a tractor-trailer can be seen engulfed in flames under an overpass. A large cloud of smoke was covering the area as the flames spread across the entire roadway. Fire on Highway 45 South at State Route 100 in Chester County (Photo courtesy of the Tennessee Highway Patrol) One lane of U.S. 45 north and south were later reopened. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. All the vendors that will set up shop at the Food Truck Extravaganza originally appeared on Bring Me The News. It's a day suitable for the world's most voracious competitive eaters. The 2025 Food Truck Extravaganza is returning with more than 40 food trucks gathering at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Lake Elmo, just outside of Stillwater, on Saturday, June 14. Pronto PupsPronto Pups, Facebook The day-long festival, hosted by the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce, goes beyond food trucks, offering live music and a Kids Zone for young attendees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though, the bevy of pizza, burgers, BBQ, donuts, and treats is the real attraction. Here's a look at the current list of food trucks that will be setting up shop at the festival, including some excellent eats from Eggroll Queen, Junebug Carolina Flare, and OG Zaza, as well as the new Juicy Lucy-centric food truck from Matt's Bar. Adam's Gyros Amish Annie Donuts Bars & Bubbly / MinnieSoda Benny's Bigfoot BBQ Big Guys BBQ Roadhouse Blue Loon Concessions Cafe Cairo: Greek & Egyptian Street Food Don Papi Chulo Eggroll Queen El Mexicano Grill Fire Cream Floyd's Donuts Frios Gourmet Pops Go Concessions Grand-Line Donburi Greater Tater HomeTown Creamery Hydration Shuttle Junebug Carolina Flare KCM Eggrolls Kona Ice of NE Twin Cities Kosharina Matt's Bar MeeMa's Sandwiches Messy Jesse's Nanny's Jamaican Kitchen Northeast Pretzels OG Zaza Pete's Freshcut Potato Blossom Pronto Pups Richie's Cheese Curd Tacos Roxy's Waffles Sambusa Samosa Sincerely Eats Sizzling Wagon Sticks, The Ice Pop Shop Tasty Grill Viet Street Food Thai Boat 89 The American Dream Machine The Purple People Feeder Up in Smoke Texas BBQ The opening day line for Matt's Jucy Lucy food truckPhoto by Dustin Nelson The 2025 Food Truck Extravaganza opens at 11 a.m. and runs until 8 p.m., with a $10 entry fee. Kids under 5 are admitted for free. A portion of the event's proceeds are given to the Chamber's scholarship fund, which "supports area students... who will be furthering their education specifically in the trades." Related: Does a Jucy Lucy from the Matt's Bar food truck compare to the bar? This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jun 4, 2025, where it first appeared. CARACAS (Reuters) -Venezuela's government on Thursday rejected new U.S. visa measures targeting its citizens, saying they were part of a political "campaign of stigmatization and criminalization". U.S. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on Wednesday banning citizens of 12 countries from the United States and partially restricting entry of people from seven other places, including Venezuela. The Venezuelan government has repeatedly warned its citizens against travel to the United States, saying in the Thursday statement there are no minimum guarantees of respect or fair treatment for its citizens there. (Reporting by Vivian SequeraWriting by Julia Symmes Cobb) The man accused of killing a woman in unincorporated Ventura County is back in the U.S. after he allegedly fled to Mexico. Christian Hillairet allegedly killed 26-year-old Carolyn Nino De Rivera Saturday night in the 12000 block of Sisar Road, which is located between Santa Paula and Ojai in an area known as Upper Ojai. Christian Hillairet is shown in a June 5, 2024, photo provided by the Ventura County Sheriffs Office. He then fled to Mexico on Sunday, was arrested in Rosarito on Monday and returned to the U.S. on Wednesday, the Ventura County Sheriffs Office said in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hillairet, who has been identified as being 24 years old by authorities but is listed in jail records as being 25, was booked into Ventura County Main Jail on a murder charge on Thursday. Hes being held in lieu of $5 million bail. Hes due to appear in Ventura County Superior Court on Monday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. WINOOSKI, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) Winooski finance students finished off their year managing money by meeting the states top money manager. Vermont State Treasurer Mike Pieciak attended a personal finance class at Winooski High School taught by Courtney Poquette, as he did in 2023 and 2024. He was first elected in November 2022. (Courtesy: Mike Pieciak via Facebook) Pieciak wrote in a Facebook post, Too many Vermonters grow up without learning how to manage their money. At Winooski High School, Ms. Poquettes personal finance course is filling that gap helping her students make better decisions that will pay dividends in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its proof of the impact a great teacher can have, especially for those who dont learn these skills at home or in their community. Vermont musicians tune up for international Make Music Day Courtney Poquettes personal finance course has been previously covered by ABC22/FOX44. The class, which is required for students in Winooski but not in most of Vermont, helps students learn about making good purchasing decisions and common business practices among other things. Pieciak was born in Brattleboro and now lives in Winooski with his partner. For more information about money management and financial literacy, visit Vermonts official website at mymoney.vermont.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 ABC22 & FOX44. President Donald Trump publicly chastised Elon Musk his onetime adviser and a major political benefactor on Thursday, amid the Tesla CEOs continued attempts to take down the cornerstone of Republicans legislative agenda. Responding to a question about Musks posts during a bilateral meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the White House, Trump said he was surprised and disappointed by Musks attacks. Elon and I had a great relationship, Trump told reporters. I dont know if we will anymore. He later said he was very disappointed in Elon and that I've helped Elon a lot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The comments are Trumps first public response to Musks attempts to take down his marquee legislation and the biggest crack yet in a growing feud between the president and the worlds wealthiest man. After shattering fundraising records to sweep Trump into the White House, Musk was tapped to lead the Department of Government Efficiency and given broad authority with little oversight to slash his way through the federal bureaucracy. On Friday, the day Musks special government employee status was set to expire, Musk and Trump appeared in the Oval Office together, thanking each other for their work over the course of a friendly, nearly hourlong news conference. Less than a week later, that relationship appears to have soured. He hasn't said [anything] bad about me personally, but I'm sure that will be next, the president said on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sure enough, minutes later, Musk said on X: Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate. Such ingratitude, Musk added. He donated nearly $300 million in the 2024 election. Later on Thursday, after Musk and Trump continued to trade attacks, Musk suggested that Trumps name appears in records of the investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and said the records have not been made public to conceal that fact. In February, the Department of Justice released what it called the first phase of documents related to the Epstein investigation, which has been a fixation of some of the presidents supporters. It has long been public that Trump along with other prominent figures, like Bill Clinton are referenced in documents released in court cases surrounding Epstein. But Trump is not accused of any wrongdoing linked to Epstein. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House and the Department of Justice did not immediately respond to Musks allegations. Musk has been on a three-day rampage against Republicans reconciliation package in Congress. Before Trump's Oval Office criticism, he needled Trump directly for the first time resurfacing old social media posts in which Trump said he was embarrassed by Republican efforts to extend the debt limit. Musk shared the posts on X, which he owns, adding his own facetious approval. I cannot believe the Republicans are extending the debt ceilingI am a Republican & I am embarrassed!, Trump wrote in the January 2013 post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wise words, Musk replied in a post on Thursday. Musk also replied to a Trump post from 2012 in which he said members of Congress should not be eligible for reelection if the U.S. doesnt have a balanced budget. I couldnt agree more!, Musk wrote. Trump in the Oval Office claimed Musk had known the inner workings of this bill better than almost anybody and he had no problem with it. That changed, Trump said, once Musk left the government last week. He lumped Musk into a cadre of other former White House aides who have gone on to sharply criticize him, calling it an example of Trump Derangement Syndrome. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump said Musk had been disturbed by a part of the over-1,000-page legislation that would cut subsidies for electric vehicles, which would undermine Musks company, Tesla. He also suggested Musk had been disappointed when Trump last week pulled the nomination for Jared Isaacman to lead NASA. Musk had recommended Isaacman for the role, but Trump said he had decided to select someone else because Isaacman happened to be a Democrat, like totally Democrat. Suddenly he had a problem, and he only developed the problem when he found out we're going to cut the EV mandate that's billions and billions of dollars, Trump said. Musk quickly brushed aside Trump's comments at the White House and urged Republicans to scale down the bills scope. He also denied Trumps claim that he knew the inner workings of the bill, writing in yet another post that the bill was never shown to me even once. Keep the EV/solar incentive cuts in the bill, even though no oil & gas subsidies are touched (very unfair!!), but ditch the MOUNTAIN of DISGUSTING PORK in the bill, Musk wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musks attacks began on Tuesday when he called the bill a disgusting abomination in a post on X. Since then, hes posted dozens of times chastising the bill for increasing spending and for raising the debt ceiling. In multiple posts, hes suggested the bill would push the U.S. into debt slavery. But the post on Thursday using Trumps own words to accentuate his argument escalates the growing tension between the president and the worlds richest man, who was a staunch Trump ally up until this week. Musk shattered records helping Trump and congressional Republicans get elected in 2024, and had spent big in an ultimately unsuccessful effort in a Wisconsin Supreme Court race earlier this year. But last month, Musk said he would step back from political spending. This week, he suggested he may no longer contribute to politicians who support the bill. Musks attacks come as Senate Republicans work to corral enough support in their ranks to approve the bill. On Wednesday, Trump called for the debt ceiling to be entirely scrapped to prevent an economic catastrophe, and praised Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) for floating a similar proposal. Vice President JD Vance arrived in Nashville June 5 as the featured guest of a Republican National Committee fundraiser hosted by Lee Beaman. Capitol View was humming before 5 p.m. as celebrities like Theo Von arrived at The Detroit Cowboy, Kid Rock's newest Nashville eatery. The intersection of 11th Avenue and Nelson Avenue was filled with dozens of Secret Service, local police and K9 units and around 50 people awaiting Vance's arrival. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A black Ford Expedition with an American Flag attached to the hood and the vice president's seal on the side was parked at double doors next to the restaurant at 500 11th Avenue North. People began arriving for dinner around 5:30 p.m. and were searched by Secret Service. There were about 12 protesters near the restaurant. One waved a rainbow flag in support LGBTQ+. Another waved a yellow flag with a snake head on it, reading, "we said no kings." A sign held by yet another protester showed a picture of President Donald Trump along with the word, "treason." An officer with Metro Nashville Police reported Vance was inside the restaurant before 5:15 p.m. Slow news day, what are we even going to talk about? @TheoVon pic.twitter.com/LVmtK219Dt JD Vance (@JDVance) June 6, 2025 A man who pulled over to plug in his Tesla had his vehicle searched. Nelson Avenue was blocked off to traffic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Metro Nashville Police posted on X, the site formerly known as Twitter, that traffic will be interrupted between Nashville International Airport and "the downtown area during the late afternoon time period." To attend the fundraiser, guests had to donate $250,000 or $100,000. Both price tiers included dinner for two and a photo opportunity. Lee Beaman is a Nashville area auto magnate, earning his money through owning and selling local car dealerships. He's also a Republican mega donor to campaigns like Sen. Marsha Blackburn and Rep. Andy Ogles. He was recently active in advocacy groups lobbying for tax deregulation and education choice. This story was updated to add new information and a video. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Vice President JD Vance in town for Nashville Republican fundraiser MIAMI, Okla. Ottawa County District Attorney Doug Pewitt is offering individuals affected by a recent shooting at a Miami restaurant resources through the states Crime Victims Compensation Program. District Attorney Doug Pewitt People who may have been impacted by the May 31 active shooter situation at Mia Bella Italian Kitchen may be eligible for assistance through the Oklahoma Crime Victims Compensation Program, said Pewitt. The state program covers unreimbursed expenses related to the crime, including medical, dental, and prescription costs, counseling and rehabilitation services, traditional healing, crime scene cleanup, work loss, services replacement, and mileage reimbursement for mental and medical appointments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The alleged shooter, Michael Anthony Cook III, 25, is charged in Ottawa County District Court in Miami with discharging a firearm into a dwelling, felony pointing a firearm, and two counts of shooting with intent to kill. He remains hospitalized after a shootout with Miami police, according to an arrest affidavit. For more information about the Oklahoma Crime Victims Compensation Program, contact (918) 542-5547 and ask for the Crime Victims Advocate. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Nearly universal support on Capitol Hill for the "big, beautiful bill" is a powerful reminder that Republicans love to run for office on a platform of cutting spending and then immediately betray that promise once they actually have the power to fulfill it. President Donald Trump, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and most of the Republican caucus are working tirelessly to pass a budget that would add $2.4 trillion to the deficit. Virtually the only political figures remaining consistent in their opposition to increased spending are Sen. Rand Paul (RKy.), Rep. Thomas Massie (RKy.), and Elon Musk, who is currently venting his frustration with Trump on X. Suffice it to say, genuine attempts to cut federal spending are unusual. One bright spot, however, is Trump's move to cut funding to publicly subsidized media: National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). Libertarians and conservatives have long wondered why the government is in the business of subsidizing news or children's programming, especially when that programming evinces a pro-liberal bias, as was obviously the case with NPR and its president, Katherine Maher. PBS may be marginally more defensible on its own merits, but in the year 2025, it is simply not the case that the channel is meeting some need that the market fails to provide for. YouTube is brimming with high-quality, free (i.e. advertiser-supported) educational content for kids. If Big Bird is a better product, let him stand on his two legspeople will pay to watch him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Defenders of continued taxpayer support for PBS deploy all sorts of counterarguments. But one new development merits a response. A trio of researchersChristopher Ali, Hilde Van den Bulck, and Jonathan Kropkopublished their study, "An island of trust: public broadcasting in the United States," in which they argue that PBS is an atypically trusted source of information, and thus deserves continued public support. In a writeup of their paper, published by Nieman LabHarvard University's investigative journalism foundationthe researchers argue that "Americans trust PBS because it's publicly funded, not in spite of it." "Very little seems to unite Americans these days," the authors write. "Trust in government and public institutions is precipitously low. PBS bucks this trend. It is an 'island of trust' in an ocean of what some call 'post-trust' and others call 'post-truth.' It can be the focal point for a renewed spirit of American public discussions, a commitment to journalism, and a platform to recultivate trust." One issue: The study measured trust in PBS, not among all Americans, but among viewers of PBS. That was the sample: survey respondents who themselves watch PBS. This is hardly a surprising findingand is not whatsoever grounds for public funding. Regular viewers of Fox News, for instance, place very high levels of trust in Fox News. Does that mean all Americans do? Does it mean that Fox News should receive public funding? One doubts that the researchers would agree with such an argument. In any case, they did not respond to a request for comment. For more on Trump's efforts to defund NPR and PBS, read Reason's Jesse Walker. This Week on Free Media I am joined by Amber Duke to discuss Elon Musk's understandable outrage over Nazi-salute double standards, the attack on Jewish demonstrators in Colorado, Joy Behar's brilliant campaign advice, Stephen Miller clashing with CNN, and Joe Rogan vs. Bono on the U.S. Agency for International Development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Worth Watching I'm waiting to get my Nintendo Switch 2 until I have more free time on my schedule. Right now, I am playing the Mega Man X Legacy collection, which includes the first four games. I've loved these games since I was a kid, though I had forgotten how steep the difficulty curve is. X-1 is pretty easy overall, but I don't understand how you could possibly find all the hidden power-ups in 2 and 3 without help. I've beaten them before, and I still don't remember where to find everything. The post If Viewers Love PBS So Much, Let Them Pay for It appeared first on Reason.com. WEST HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) Silence in the roaring traffic on New Britain Ave. A pair of ghost shoes with a note hang on the telephone pole at the intersection where Steven Mendelsohn was struck and killed on June 1. Police identify pedestrian struck and killed in West Hartford I have known Stephen, I knew Stephen for about 15 years, I have never met a more devout, faithful man of the Jewish faith in my entire life, said Mendelsohns friend Peter Wolfgang. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Friends came to pay tribute to a man known for a legacy of advocacy. People belonging to the grassroots organization Bike West Hartford were also on hand. They are looking to make changes to the town of West Hartford by petitioning leaders for things like raised sidewalks, no turn on red signs, support for Vision Zero, and to decrease serious accidents and deaths in West Hartford to zero by 2035. Its this idea that you dont take traffic accidents as something that happens, but instead commit to zero serious injuries on our roadways, said Katie Lance, who is on the board of directors for Bike West Hartford. While they were remembering Stephen Mendelsohn, they also wanted to make sure that the half a dozen other pedestrians killed in the last three years in West Hartford were not forgotten. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We also need to promote behavior, change with drivers and get them to watch out for pedestrians not only when the crosswalk is white, but in all other circumstances, Lance said. And they are looking to make change like Stephen advocated for change at the capital. He was a fearless advocate at the state legislature, as a citizen activist unpaid as a volunteer, for years at the state capital, Wolfgang said. Everyone at the state Capitol knew him. As the town begins the planning towards Vision Zero, and the complete redesign of problem intersections by 2035, Bike West Hartford is hoping the town will make some immediate safety changes to some of the more problem areas. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BOULDER, Colo. (AP) A man accused of yelling Free Palestine and throwing Molotov cocktails at demonstrators calling for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza was charged with 118 counts including attempted murder in a Colorado court Thursday. Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, who has been jailed since his arrest following Sunday's attack, was advised of the charges during a hearing in Boulder, where he appeared in person. Investigators say Soliman, who posed as a gardener, planned it for a year. The 118 counts include attempt to commit murder, assault in the first and third degrees, use of explosive or incendiary devices and animal cruelty. He has also been charged with a hate crime in federal court and is jailed on a $10 million cash bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Solimans attorney, Kathryn Herold, waived a formal reading of the charges Thursday. A preliminary hearing has been set for July 15 to determine whether the state has enough evidence to move forward. The charges reflect the evidence that we have regarding this horrific attack that took place and the seriousness of it, Michael Dougherty, the Boulder County district attorney, said at a news conference after the hearing. The attempted murder charges alone could result in Soliman being sentenced to as many as 672 years if convicted, Dougherty said. Authorities have said 15 people and a dog were victims of the attack. Not all were physically injured, and some are considered victims for the legal case because they were in the area and could potentially have been hurt. The dog was among the injured, Dougherty said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soliman is accused of trying to kill 14 people and faces two attempted murder charges for each. Soliman had intended to kill all of the roughly 20 participants the weekly demonstration at the popular Pearl Street pedestrian mall, but he threw just two of his 18 Molotov cocktails while yelling Free Palestine, police said. Soliman did not carry out his full plan because he got scared and had never hurt anyone before, police wrote in an affidavit. Officers responded and took Soliman into custody about five minutes after the 911 call, Police Chief Stephen Redfearn said at the news conference. According to an FBI affidavit, Soliman told police he was driven by a desire to kill all Zionist people a reference to the movement to establish and protect a Jewish state in Israel. Authorities said he expressed no remorse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boulder County officials said in a statement that the victims included eight women and seven men ranging in age from 25 to 88. The attack unsettled the community just a week before the Boulder Jewish Festival. Redfearn said there will be enhanced security for that event, including SWAT teams, drones and likely plainclothes officers. Defendants family investigated Soliman told authorities he acted alone and did not inform his wife and five children, who have not been charged in the attack but were taken into custody Tuesday by immigration officials. The following day a judge granted a request to block their deportation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorneys for the family had sued over their detention, writing in their complaint that It is patently unlawful to punish individuals for the crimes of their relatives. Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin called the plaintiffs claims absurd and an attempt to delay justice. She said the entire family was living in the U.S. illegally. When asked whether Soliman's family was under investigation, Dougherty, the district attorney, did not give a clear answer and said the investigation was ongoing. Solimans wife, Hayam El Gamal, a 17-year-old daughter, two minor sons and two minor daughters were being held at an immigration detention center in Texas, said Eric Lee, an attorney representing the family. El Gamal said she was shocked to learn of his arrest, according to the lawsuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The familys immigration status Before moving to Colorado Springs three years ago, Soliman spent 17 years in Kuwait, according to court documents. He arrived in the U.S. in August 2022 on a tourist visa that expired in February 2023, McLaughlin said in a post on the social platform X. She said he filed for asylum in September 2022 and was granted a work authorization in March 2023, but that has also expired. Hundreds of thousands of people overstay their visas each year in the United States, according to Department of Homeland Security reports. Solimans wife is an Egyptian national, according to her lawsuit. She is a network engineer and has a pending EB-2 visa, which is available to professionals with advanced degrees, the suit said. She and her children all are listed as dependents on Solimans asylum application. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A vigil for the victims Hundreds of people squeezed into the Jewish Community Center in Boulder for a vigil Wednesday evening that featured prayer, singing and emotional testimony from a victim and witnesses of the the attack. Rachelle Halpern, who was part of the demonstration Sunday, recalled thinking it was strange to see a man with a canister looking like he was going to spray pesticide on the grass. Then she heard a crash and screams and saw flames around her feet. A woman stood one foot behind me, engulfed in flames from head to toe, lying on the ground with her husband, Halpern said. People immediately, three or four men immediately rushed to her to smother the flames. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her description prompted murmurs from the audience. One womans head dropped into her hands. I heard a loud noise, and the back of my legs burning, and dont remember those next few moments, one victim, who did not want to be identified and spoke off camera, said over the events speakers. Even as I was watching it unfold before my eyes, even then, it didnt seem real. ___ Bedayn reported from Denver. Associated Press writers Hallie Golden in Seattle, Eric Tucker and Rebecca Santana in Washington and Hannah Schoenbaum in Salt Lake City contributed. VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) Old Donation School in Virginia Beach has raised thousands of dollars to support a local organization that is changing lives around the world. Now, the school forever has a symbol of its hard work and dedication to the cause. This is what I like to call it a passion project, said Lizzie Meyers, a fourth-grade teacher at ODS. This has been a long time coming. Several years ago, Meyers created a club at the school to teach children about Operation Smile, which is based in Virginia Beach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They understand that the whole platform of Operation Smile is to improve lives of our children around the world who have [a] cleft palate and need the surgeries and dont have the means to do it themselves, Meyers said. That brings us to A Dolphins Promise. ODS held multiple fundraisers earning $6,000 to have a dolphin statue placed in their school. Meyers said the Operation Smile Club at ODS let students and staff know they wanted to earn the statue, but they needed the help of everyone, and everyone stepped up. We started fundraising early in the year, Meyers said. Candy grams are a huge hit at our school. So, we did candy grams for Halloween, and then we did candy grams again right around winter break. Then, we had the highlight of their year, which is the middle school dance. We did candy grams again for Valentines Day. So, candy crahams are a big hit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Funds raised go to programs at Operation Smile to provide leadership training for Hampton Roads students and to help with the costs of surgery for people born around the world with cleft palate conditions. Over the last three years, the Operation Smile Club at ODS has raised more than $14,000 for the organization. In years past. weve always done fundraising to just give to Operation Smile, and their goal has always been to try to beat the year before, Meyers said. So, they know that a surgery is around $250. So they always try to breakdown our donation to see how many surgeries, and then we have morning announcements every morning, and thats a big highlight. They like to be able to tell everyone as a community we came together and we helped make this difference, so we can be proud of the fact that we earned this many surgeries this year. ODS seventh grader Peyton Smith won her schools design competition for the dolphin. Its just something thats really special to me, Peyton said. We got an opportunity that we were able to design for Operation Smile how we could picture it in our mind and have it come to life, and for me, I feel like the ocean and the beach is like my house, and I feel like everyone at ODS should feel welcome in their own home, and you should be [at] a place where everyone feels comfortable. Its like a good learning environment, and since we represent, like, rising tide at each grade level, we have a different team of animals and stuff like that, I really thought that Virginia Beach should be represented by a home, like the beach. That was my inspiration. The details painted on the dolphin are vibrant. The mission is life changing, and ODS now, and forever, has a symbol of the difference the school community has made. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have been told that we are the first elementary and middle school, public school, in Virginia Beach to earn the dolphin statue, Meyers said. So were very proud of that. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. COVINGTON, Va (WFXR) A recently obtained Virginia Department of Environmental Quality report blames the Smurfit WestRock Papermill in Covington for a fish kill on the Jackson River in November 2024. Its a conclusion the Mills parent company disagrees with, according to officials. The incident started back on November 12th, 2024, when, according to the VDEQ report, the papermill released more than 36,000 gallons of untreated wastewater into the Jackson River along with hundreds of thousands of gallons of treated wastewater. Mill staff noted a decline in the dissolved oxygen in the water and turned on the oxygen enhancement system to help, said the VDEQ report. The following day, November 13th, VDEQ staff visited the companys wastewater discharge site, known as the outfalls. They didnt notice any dead fish at the immediate site, but according to the report, VDEQ staffers noticed dozens of dead fish about 1000 meters downstream in the Jackson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RELATED STORY | WestRock plant issue caused James River to darken, have filmy appearance The agency says the 56 dead fish that far down were an indication that there was a partial fish kill. It says staffers also compared dissolved oxygen data in the water to previous weeks, and afterwards, found the lowest oxygen levels on the day of the wastewater release. Virginias Department of Environmental Quality (VDEQ) said, based on all that information, it believed the mill was responsible for the fish kill. It requested that Smurfit WestRock reimburse it for the cost of the investigation, totaling a little over $1,800. We reached out to Smurfit WestRock, which pushed back on the reports findings, but said it agreed to pay the investigation costs. Smurfit Westrocks Covington Mill was notified in mid-November, 2024, of reportedly distressed fish in the Jackson River. The Covington mill was operating within the normal limits of its discharge permit. Smurfit Westrock began adding oxygen at the point of discharge and agreed to pay VDEQ the requested $1855 for investigation costs, though it publicly disagreed with the agencys conclusions. The VDEQ says the company has submitted the payment. This is the first incident attributed to the Smurfit Westrock Papermill in more than five years and appears to be an isolated incident. WFXRs resident fisherman and Outdoors Bound reporter George Noleff says the health of the Jackson River has improved over the last several years with new protections in place for it. Above Covington, you can also find some of the finest wild brown and rainbow trout fishing in Virginia, according to George. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (Photo by Getty Images) Childbirth can cost thousands of dollars, with certain conditions also posing extra costs for parents-to-be who have private health insurance. New legislation proposed by Virginias Capitol Hill lawmakers and their colleagues could prevent cost-sharing for prenatal, childbirth, neonatal, perinatal and postpartum care, keeping families from being saddled with big bills after birth. U.S. Rep. Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond, remembers the stress and fear of dealing with placenta previa, a life-threatening maternal condition, when carrying her second child, Samantha. Her placenta wasnt in the right position, placing her and her fetus at risk and spurring a cesarean section birth and neonatal intensive care unit stay for the baby once it was born. She also remembers the extra medical costs that were associated with managing the condition to keep both herself and her daughter alive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The condition is rare but tricky if it develops later in pregnancy as McClellans did, and exemplifies how costly maternal care can be, especially if there are complications or emergencies. Bipartisan and bicameral legislation she helped create would provide birth-related benefits similar to the ones offered by Medicaid to Americans who are covered by private health insurance. Reducing out-of-pocket costs like copays can help more families stay on top of monitoring conditions to prevent crises and be better able to respond when they do arise, McClellan said. The idea here is this will help get more people in for prenatal and preventative care so that hopefully you will have fewer emergencies, McClellan explained. U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Virginia, said if the measure becomes law, it would represent a big shift in maternal health care for the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Childbirth should be free in the United States, and thats a big idea, Kaine said , who is a co-patron of the Senate version of the bill. Thats already the case in some countries, while in others like Finland, France and Great Britain, costs are curbed for expecting families and efforts to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates have proven successful. Applying the concept to America is something that Vice President J.D. Vance (who also serves as president of the Senate) has previously been on board with, Kaine said. Last year, Kaine workshopped the idea with then-Sen. Vance before he was tapped to be President Donald Trumps running mate. Kaine then connected with Sens. Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Mississippi, Josh Hawley, R-Missouri, and Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York, to introduce the bill this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bringing a child into the world is costly enough without piling on cost-share fees that saddle many mothers and families with debt, Hyde-Smith said in a statement announcing the legislation. By relieving financial stresses associated with pregnancy and childbirth, hopefully more families will be encouraged to embrace the beautiful gift and responsibility of parenthood. The House and Senate versions of the bill can unify the left and the right, the pro-choice and the pro-life, Kaine said, adding that the measures could fare well in the nations legislative branch and end up on Trumps desk. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX MERCER COUNTY, WV (WVNS) A Virginia woman was charged after reportedly embezzling funds in Mercer County. According to a criminal complaint, 31-year-old Lakeshia Nelson, of North Tazewell, Virginia, was charged with embezzlement after reportedly embezzling money from a local business. Warrants issued in relation to fight after local high school graduation The criminal complaint stated that a member of the Bluefield City Police Department received a complaint on June 6, 2024 about fraud. The owner of the Econo Lodge allegedly reported that Nelson was embezzling money, and that she would gather cash from guests and use other guests credit cards to balance the portfolio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the complaint, Nelson would allegedly ask guests to pay her by sending money to her cash app account and not leaving evidence that the guest stayed at the hotel. One alleged incident reportedly involved a guest paying $510 to stay for a week, and Nelson charged another guests credit card to show that the payment was made with a credit card and not cash, and that Nelson kept the cash for herself. The complaint also stated that Nelson would reportedly allow friends and family to rent rooms without taking payment, and that she was given $200 for a change bag by management but that she took it with her after her last day of work. According to the complaint, Nelson was thought to have embezzled around $5,500. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Volunteers kick off Pride with free 'Vegas style' weddings for LGBT couples originally appeared on Bring Me The News. Pride rang in early this year to the sound of wedding bells in the Twin Cities, after a group of community members banded together on Saturday to provide 15 LGBT couples with free weddings. Former wedding photographer Kelly Wilson first issued her appeal February, seeking volunteers to help host free ceremonies for LGBT couples and bring "some joy to my community". Within a short three months, over $4,000 was raised, and the number of volunteers grew to 50 people, who helped organize and run Saturday's event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group, now known as Do'Gooders MN, not only volunteered their time but also provided resources, including funding for each couple's wedding cake, rings, personal photographers, and more. Photos by Izzy Canizares "I just wanted to help others have exactly what I have, which is a wonderful legal marriage. And once you are legally wed, it can't be undone," Wilson said. "It started as kind of a joyful way to show resistance about what's going on with our community." Having been happily married to her wife for the past 12 years, Wilson was spurred into action by President Donald Trump's return to office and the slew of orders at the federal and state level targeting the LGBT community that have since followed. "There are multiple states that right now are moving resolutions through their system to go to the Supreme Court to ask them not to let marriage equality exist," Wilson told Bring Me The News. "The Supreme Court ruled in Obergefell v. Hodges that same-sex marriage would be legal in all 50 states in 2015. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "That's a huge deal when it comes to health care and making choices about family planning, and making choices about whether somebody dies. Tons of rights come with a legal marriage. So I felt very compelled to help people get ahead of the curve." Izzy Canizares Instead of a simple "mass wedding," Wilson and her Do'Gooders conducted the weddings "Vegas style" at Salem Lutheran Church, with each couple having their private 45-minute ceremony amongst invited family and friends, officiated by Ramsey County judges, such as Sara Grewing. "When there were people in the community looking to get married, I was always happy to help out," Judge Grewing told Bring Me The News. "So, regardless of their story or background, if I can be a part of celebrating families and joy, I like to do so." Photos by Izzy Canizares Among the happy couples able to get married on Saturday were Katie and Erica Jackson, who have been together for five years. The two celebrated not only their union but also the blending of two families, with Erica's two children being part of her bridal party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We actually have plans to get married in Hawaii in October, but we had some very legitimate concerns that by then it won't be legal anymore," Katie said. "We saw this opportunity and explained our situation. They very joyfully welcomed and embraced us, it's wonderful." Erica explained just how important this event was not only to them as a family, but to the community as a whole. "Community is the most important thing we have, and is a thing we have to support. So it is very important not just for us, but for everyone in the community," Erica added. While the wedding event may be over, Wilson and her Do'Gooders are not planning on stopping their work anytime soon, with Wilson saying she plans on incorporating the group and becoming a nonprofit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We're going to continue doing good in Minnesota," Wilson said. "I wouldn't be surprised if another wedding is in our future, but right now we're just focusing on this one, and then we're all going to take June off and catch our breath." "Not every community might be the community you feel comfortable helping, but if you can't help them, don't hurt them," Wilson added. "Let people live and support those that you can support, and get involved because when you get involved, you have community, and when you have community, you can face things." Photos by Izzy Canizares This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jun 5, 2025, where it first appeared. HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) A person driving a vehicle on eastbound Interstate 64 in Hampton shot another vehicle late Wednesday night, Virginia State Police said. No injuries were reported. Man arrested after Interstate 64 shooting in Norfolk VSP said it received a call at 11:50 p.m. of someone in a gold-colored sedan that had shot another vehicle while traveling east on I-64 at mile marker 263 near Mercury Boulevard. Troopers and agents with the Bureau of Criminal Investigation are investigating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident comes just a few days after a deadly shooting on 64 near Richmond, when an 18- year-old driver was shot and killed in the early morning hours Sunday. The shootings have drivers on edge. You dont know what youre gonna run into or what people are doing out there, or what they have in their cars, said Dan Heimbach, who lives in upstate New York but makes frequent drives to Hampton for business. No turn signals, aggressive, riding your bumper, cutting in front of you. I try to leave a gap you know, a safety margin, said Kevin Bushwood of Newport News. AAA Tidewaters Holly Dalby has this advice for staying safe. First, the horn. Short beeps on the horn will let a driver know, Dalby said. Blaring on the horn, depressing it and letting it go and go and go is just gonna aggravate another driver. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And lets not forget turn signals. Lets all use our turn signals because people changing lanes without signaling is one of the biggest things that infuriate other drivers, she said. What if youre being tailgated? Brake-checking is not gonna make that person back off of you, Dalby said. Thats only gonna make them angrier. So you just want to stay in your lane and continue driving your speed and when its safe to do so get out of their way. Dalby says what seems to anger other drivers the most cutting someone off that causes them to brake or swerve suddenly. Arrest made in I-664 road rage shooting in Chesapeake Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Check with 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. (Getty Images) Washington state auditors have started investigating whether local police departments are properly reporting officer misconduct. As part of police accountability measures passed in 2021, the Legislature required law enforcement agencies to report to the state Criminal Justice Training Commission when officers leave the department for any reason, use force that results in death or serious injury, are charged with a crime or are found to commit certain misconduct. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law also required departments to continue investigations even if an officer resigns before the probe is finished. This is meant to ensure bad-apple officers who should lose their state certification dont slip through the cracks. Losing those credentials blocks officers from working as police in the state, even if they quit their job to evade formal discipline. The Criminal Justice Training Commission suspected agencies werent reporting misconduct as they should have. So it requested the state auditors office look into compliance. Officials see the resulting audits as a teaching moment on the new reporting requirements. The objective is to increase public trust and improve transparency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This isnt like a gotcha, its not a punishment, said Kimberly Bliss, the commissions assistant director focused on certification. This is an educational piece for us to make sure that agencies across the board learn what theyre supposed to be doing. Last month, Bliss and Michael Huynh, from the state auditors office, led a presentation on the audits at the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs conference in Spokane. Afterward, police officials told Bliss they realized they hadnt reported correctly. The first two new audits, of the Renton and Des Moines police departments, both showed missteps. After reviewing department records, auditors found Des Moines didnt report three of four sustained misconduct allegations. That conduct included violations of the states controversial pursuit law that lawmakers later rolled back, wrongful use of a Taser and improper handling of drug evidence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Des Moines Police Chief Ted Boe blamed the lack of reporting on the law being unclear. For example, while some parts of the statute are more specific, one provision says officers can be decertified for failing to meet the ethical and professional standards required of a peace officer or corrections officer. In response, the Criminal Justice Training Commission agreed to develop guidance on what conduct falls under that umbrella. Des Moines also notified the state training commission of all officers who had left, but four of those notices came well after the 15-day window in the law. Meanwhile, in Renton, auditors found the department didnt report that two officers were involved in a use of force incident in 2022 until learning of the audit. The chief said this was an oversight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Renton also was a little late on reporting two officer separations. For both departments, the auditors office recommended outlining the reporting process in agency policy. One thing we found was that one person would be responsible for notifications, and if they didnt do it, no one knew, said Huynh, a program manager with the auditors office. Police accountability advocates see failing to comply with the law as a symptom of a systemic problem. This is not an oversight. Its a pattern. A culture. One where data is withheld, timelines are ignored, and truth is treated like a suggestion, Nickeia Hunter, whose brother was killed by police, said in an email. Until truth is demanded and enforced, we will remain stuck in a cycle where transparency is performative and justice is optional. Next up for these new state audits are the Kitsap County Sheriffs Office and the police wing of the state Department of Fish and Wildlife. Auditors will continue looking into a pair of agencies at a time indefinitely. A Washington man wanted by law enforcement on suspicion of killing his three daughters was stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord for two years, an Army spokesperson told The News Tribune. Travis Decker was assigned to JBLM between 2014 and 2016 as an automatic rifleman in the 2nd Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, according to U.S. Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Ruth Castro. Decker was an infantryman in the regular Army between March 2013 and July 2021 and deployed to Afghanistan for four months in 2014, Castro said in an email Thursday. He had also been assigned to Fort Benning, Georgia and Vicenza, Italy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While at Fort Benning, Decker was an infantryman who earned the Expert Infantryman Badge and completed the airborne course, according to the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer. He left active duty as a staff sergeant, Castro said. Decker joined the Washington National Guard in 2021 and switched to part-time duty in 2023 or 2024, the Associated Press reported Tuesday. The 32-year-old man from the Wenatchee area about 160 driving miles east of Tacoma is being sought by authorities after his 9-, 8- and 5-year-old daughters were reported by their mother to not have returned from a planned visitation with Decker and then were found dead Monday near Leavenworth, according to the Wenatchee Police Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deckers vehicle was discovered unoccupied near a campground and his daughters were found in the immediate area, the police department said. Authorities searching for Decker have closed off a wide swath of forest near Leavenworth and asked people who own cabins or reside in remote areas of Chelan, Kittitas, King, Snohomish and Okanagan counties to lock their doors, leave window blinds open and keep outside lights on, the Chelan County Sheriffs Office said Thursday. Anyone who believes they see Decker should immediately call 911 and not attempt to approach him, the Sheriffs Office said. People may report any information about the case to the offices tip line at 509-667-6845. WACO, Texas (FOX 44) A member of the Waco Police Department has graduated from a very prestigious program! The department says Commander Melissa Thompson graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia on Thursday. The 294th session of the National Academy consisted of men and women from 48 states and the District of Columbia. The class included members of law enforcement agencies from 14 countries, six military organizations, and four federal civilian organizations. According to the department, the National Academy is internationally known for its academic excellence. It offers ten weeks of advanced communication, leadership, and fitness training. A total of 56,180 graduates have completed the FBI National Academy since it began in 1935. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SEE ALSO: Temple PD Deputy Chief graduates from FBI National Academy Waco PD is inviting the community to join them in congratulating Commander Melissa Thompson in her achievement! Less than one percent of law enforcement officers across the nation are selected to attend this event. This comes as the Temple Police Department is celebrating Deputy Chief Joe Dimentos graduation from the same program! For more information, you can view our story 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 KWKT - FOX 44. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaks with Minnesota Reformer Editor in Chief Patrick Coolican in front of States Newsroom leaders and reporters Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Royal Sonesta in downtown Minneapolis. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer) Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Thursday said that communication between states and the federal government under the second Trump administration is nonexistent, opening the door to catastrophe in the case of a natural disaster or other emergency. Walz, during an interview with Minnesota Reformer editor Patrick Coolican at a States Newsroom conference in Minneapolis, said that the Trump administration is unprepared for the next disaster like another global pandemic and that leaves states particularly vulnerable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The flow of information has been disrupted between the states and the federal government, and we just cant get answers No one is allowed to talk to us, and thats really problematic, Walz said. The Minnesota governor said the silence from the feds differs from the first Trump administration. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Walz said then-Vice President Mike Pence would call him every few weeks to check in to see what he needed. He said he sensed Pence would call in under the radar, so he didnt draw anybodys attention. There were a lot of great people inside the first Trump administration that, in spite of the president, were doing good work, Walz said. Walz said one of his biggest fears is a cybersecurity attack. The Trump administration has cut millions of dollars for several cyber security initiatives and slashed jobs from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, which helps protect the nations critical infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walz discussed the role of the states in opposing the Trump administrations agenda particularly on immigration and the Democratic Partys current malaise. Minnesota is increasingly reliant on immigrants, who are needed to fill jobs being vacated by an aging workforce. Theres not a cow in Minnesota thats not being milked by an immigrant, he said. Walz said Minnesota would not be commandeered into enforcing immigration law, which he said is a federal duty. Democrats need to fill all the lanes Walz repeated a spiel hes given around the country, including at a recent Democratic Party event in South Carolina, which has traditionally been early on the presidential primary calendar, fueling speculation that he is considering a presidential run. He said hes not running, but merely using his megaphone to help fill a vacuum left by a Democratic Party in disarray. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governor urged Democrats to figure out how to become the party of the working class again and said Democrats need to fill all the lanes in the media environment to reach voters. I still have come to the conclusion that Trump fills so much space that youve got to fill all these new spaces. Do I think if we would have gone on, you know, Joe Rogan, would we have won? I doubt that, but I also dont think it hurts, Walz said. If your message is good, you want to get out there. Walz backed the 2005-06 idea of former DNC Chair Howard Dean and his 50 State Project, which sought to reach voters in areas not traditionally associated with Democrats. Were probably never going to win Idaho, but you got to be out there for it, Walz said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walz said Democrats should rotate where they hold the early primary to reach more voters, which may not endear him to Democrats in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina, the traditional early states that have long jealously guarded their first in the nation status. When asked which state should be the first to hold the primary, Walz deadpanned Minnesota. This story was originally published by Minnesota Reformer, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Minnesota Reformer maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor J. Patrick Coolican for questions: info@minnesotareformer.com. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaks Thursday with Minnesota Reformer Editor in Chief Patrick Coolican in front of States Newsroom leaders and reporters at the Royal Sonesta in downtown Minneapolis. (Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer) Gov. Tim Walz on Thursday said that communication between states and the federal government under the second Trump administration is nonexistent, opening the door to catastrophe in the case of a natural disaster or other emergency. Walz, during an interview with Reformer editor Patrick Coolican at a States Newsroom conference in Minneapolis, said that the Trump administration is unprepared for the next disaster like another global pandemic and that leaves states particularly vulnerable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The flow of information has been disrupted between the states and the federal government, and we just cant get answers No one is allowed to talk to us, and thats really problematic, Walz said. The Minnesota governor said the silence from the feds differs from the first Trump administration. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Walz said then-Vice President Mike Pence would call him every few weeks to check in to see what he needed. He said he sensed Pence would call in under the radar, so he didnt draw anybodys attention. There were a lot of great people inside the first Trump administration that, in spite of the president, were doing good work, Walz said. Walz said one of his biggest fears is a cybersecurity attack. The Trump administration has cut millions of dollars for several cyber security initiatives and slashed jobs from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, which helps protect the nations critical infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walz discussed the role of the states in opposing the Trump administrations agenda particularly on immigration and the Democratic Partys current malaise. Minnesota is increasingly reliant on immigrants, who are needed to fill jobs being vacated by an aging workforce. Theres not a cow in Minnesota thats not being milked by an immigrant, he said. Walz said Minnesota would not be commandeered into enforcing immigration law, which he said is a federal duty. Walz repeated a spiel hes given around the country, including at a recent Democratic Party event in South Carolina, which has traditionally been early on the presidential primary calendar, fueling speculation that he is considering a presidential run. He said hes not running, but merely using his megaphone to help fill a vacuum left by a Democratic Party in disarray. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governor urged Democrats to figure out how to become the party of the working class again and said Democrats need to fill all the lanes in the media environment to reach voters. I still have come to the conclusion that Trump fills so much space that youve got to fill all these new spaces. Do I think if we would have gone on, you know, Joe Rogan, would we have won? I doubt that, but I also dont think it hurts, Walz said. If your message is good, you want to get out there. Walz backed the 2005-06 idea of former DNC Chair Howard Dean and his 50 State Project, which sought to reach voters in areas not traditionally associated with Democrats. Were probably never going to win Idaho, but you got to be out there for it, Walz said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walz said Democrats should rotate where they hold the early primary to reach more voters, which may not endear him to Democrats in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina, the traditional early states that have long jealously guarded their first in the nation status. When asked which state should be the first to hold the primary, Walz deadpanned Minnesota. This article was initially published by the Minnesota Reformer, a part of States Newsroom. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz answers questions during a June 5, 2025, interview with States Newsroom staff in Minneapolis. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Thursday said that communication between states and the federal government under the second Trump administration is nonexistent, opening the door to catastrophe in the case of a natural disaster or other emergency. Walz, during an interview with Minnesota Reformer editor Patrick Coolican at a States Newsroom conference in Minneapolis, said that the Trump administration is unprepared for the next disaster like another global pandemic and that leaves states particularly vulnerable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The flow of information has been disrupted between the states and the federal government, and we just cant get answers No one is allowed to talk to us, and thats really problematic, Walz said. The Minnesota governor said the silence from the feds differs from the first Trump administration. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Walz said then-Vice President Mike Pence would call him every few weeks to check in to see what he needed. He said he sensed Pence would call in under the radar, so he didnt draw anybodys attention. There were a lot of great people inside the first Trump administration that, in spite of the president, were doing good work, Walz said. Walz said one of his biggest fears is a cybersecurity attack. The Trump administration has cut millions of dollars for several cyber security initiatives and slashed jobs from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, which helps protect the nations critical infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walz discussed the role of the states in opposing the Trump administrations agenda particularly on immigration and the Democratic Partys current malaise. Minnesota is increasingly reliant on immigrants, who are needed to fill jobs being vacated by an aging workforce. Theres not a cow in Minnesota thats not being milked by an immigrant, he said. Walz said Minnesota would not be commandeered into enforcing immigration law, which he said is a federal duty. Walz repeated a spiel hes given around the country, including at a recent Democratic Party event in South Carolina, which has traditionally been early on the presidential primary calendar, fueling speculation that he is considering a presidential run. He said hes not running, but merely using his megaphone to help fill a vacuum left by a Democratic Party in disarray. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governor urged Democrats to figure out how to become the party of the working class again and said Democrats need to fill all the lanes in the media environment to reach voters. I still have come to the conclusion that Trump fills so much space that youve got to fill all these new spaces. Do I think if we would have gone on, you know, Joe Rogan, would we have won? I doubt that, but I also dont think it hurts, Walz said. If your message is good, you want to get out there. Walz backed the 2005-06 idea of former DNC Chair Howard Dean and his 50 State Project, which sought to reach voters in areas not traditionally associated with Democrats. Were probably never going to win Idaho, but you got to be out there for it, Walz said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walz said Democrats should rotate where they hold the early primary to reach more voters, which may not endear him to Democrats in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina, the traditional early states that have long jealously guarded their first in the nation status. When asked which state should be the first to hold the primary, Walz deadpanned Minnesota. Minnesota Reformer, like the Oregon Capital Chronicle, is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Minnesota Reformer maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor J. Patrick Coolican for questions: info@minnesotareformer.com. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaks June 5, 2025, to a group of States Newsroom journalists meeting in Minneapolis. (Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer) Gov. Tim Walz on Thursday said that communication between states and the federal government under the second Trump administration is nonexistent, opening the door to catastrophe in the case of a natural disaster or other emergency. Walz, during an interview with Minnesota Reformer editor Patrick Coolican at a States Newsroom conference in Minneapolis, said that the Trump administration is unprepared for the next disaster like another global pandemic and that leaves states particularly vulnerable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The flow of information has been disrupted between the states and the federal government, and we just cant get answers No one is allowed to talk to us, and thats really problematic, Walz said. The Minnesota governor said the silence from the feds differs from the first Trump administration. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Walz said then-Vice President Mike Pence would call him every few weeks to check in to see what he needed. He said he sensed Pence would call in under the radar, so he didnt draw anybodys attention. There were a lot of great people inside the first Trump administration that, in spite of the president, were doing good work, Walz said. Walz said one of his biggest fears is a cybersecurity attack. The Trump administration has cut millions of dollars for several cyber security initiatives and slashed jobs from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, which helps protect the nations critical infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walz discussed the role of the states in opposing the Trump administrations agenda particularly on immigration and the Democratic Partys current malaise. Minnesota is increasingly reliant on immigrants, who are needed to fill jobs being vacated by an aging workforce. Theres not a cow in Minnesota thats not being milked by an immigrant, he said. Walz said Minnesota would not be commandeered into enforcing immigration law, which he said is a federal duty. Walz repeated a spiel hes given around the country, including at a recent Democratic Party event in South Carolina, which has traditionally been early on the presidential primary calendar, fueling speculation that he is considering a presidential run. He said hes not running, but merely using his megaphone to help fill a vacuum left by a Democratic Party in disarray. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governor urged Democrats to figure out how to become the party of the working class again and said Democrats need to fill all the lanes in the media environment to reach voters. I still have come to the conclusion that Trump fills so much space that youve got to fill all these new spaces. Do I think if we would have gone on, you know, Joe Rogan, would we have won? I doubt that, but I also dont think it hurts, Walz said. If your message is good, you want to get out there. Walz backed the 2005-06 idea of former DNC Chair Howard Dean and his 50 State Project, which sought to reach voters in areas not traditionally associated with Democrats. Were probably never going to win Idaho, but you got to be out there for it, Walz said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walz said Democrats should rotate where they hold the early primary to reach more voters, which may not endear him to Democrats in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina, the traditional early states that have long jealously guarded their first in the nation status. When asked which state should be the first to hold the primary, Walz deadpanned Minnesota. Minnesota Reformer is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Minnesota Reformer maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor J. Patrick Coolican for questions: info@minnesotareformer.com. Jun. 4Asha first captured public imagination when the endangered wolf twice wandered outside the bounds of the wolf recovery area in 2023, but the female Mexican gray wolf just embarked on a new adventure: motherhood. Female Mexican wolf 2754 nicknamed Asha gave birth to five pups on May 8, according to U.S. Fish and Wildlife. Asha and her captive-born mate, M1966, are first-time parents. The two were paired at the Sevilleta Wolf Management Facility near Socorro in December 2023. "Plans are in place to release the full pack onto private land in New Mexico this summer," the agency said in a statement on social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The wolf pups are all in good health and Asha had a typical pregnancy and birth. The agency does not know the gender of the pups, as they are minimizing disturbances to the den to maximize Asha's success in raising her first litter. The baby wolves have to be 6 weeks oldbefore getting their first round of vaccinations. Afterward, they will be moved to an acclimation pen, then released into the wild when elk are calving in the area to encourage the wolves' natural hunting behavior, according to Fish and Wildlife. The details of their release later this month are still being finalized, although the initial 2025 release and translocation proposal suggests placing the family on the Ladder Ranch, managed by Turner Enterprises, which focuses on ecotourism and conservation. While wild-born Asha has a history of roaming north, she also had no documented conflicts with humans or cattle, according to the proposal. That experience as a wild wolf should reduce the risk of her pack killing livestock. But if the pack relocates to an area with livestock and her mate causes trouble, Fish and Wildlife is prepared to recapture him and place him back into captivity, according to the proposal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 17 foster pups placed Asha's pups aren't the only endangered baby wolves moving out. U.S. Fish and Wildlife placed 17 captive-born Mexican wolf pups in wild dens this year, the Arizona Game and Fish Department announced Monday. Six pups were placed in one Arizona den, and 11 were placed in three New Mexico dens. Nine of those wolves were also born at Sevilleta. Although the government agencies working on Mexican wolf recovery previously released wolf family units semi-regularly from 1998 to 2006, and relocated a pack onto the Ladder Ranch in 2021, pack releases aren't typical these days. Instead, they usually place pups under 2 weeks old in wild wolf dens with similarly aged wild wolf pups, so the captive-born baby wolves can learn the hunting and socialization skills they need to survive in the wild. Fish and Wildlife originally released adult wolves with their offspring from captivity for the sake of establishing a wild population and increasing the wolf population. But fostering captive-born pups is the strategy now that the wild population is larger, because it improves genetic diversity and eliminates nuisance behavior captive-born adult wolves exhibit, according to the proposal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Meeting the genetic recovery goals as outlined in the 2022 Mexican Wolf Recovery Plan is essential," Clay Crowder, assistant director of the Arizona Game and Fish Department, said in a statement. "The fostering program is achieving these goals faster than was predicted, with 21 of the 22 required fosters having reached breeding age. Also of note from the foster program is that we now have at least 13 fosters having produced 31 litters, all of which are important to contributing to the genetic health of the wild population. With these successes, we are approaching the criteria to begin evaluating potential downlisting of Mexican wolves." Environmental activist groups have long advocated for releasing bonded adult pairs with their pups a wolf pack instead of only fostering captive-born wolf pups, and have argued that pack releases are avoided in deference to the livestock industry. "If we look at the longer-term goals of the cross-foster program, which is to increase genetic diversity in the entire wild lobo population, it's imperative that the wolves survive to breeding age and then go on to breed, so that those genes are permitted to continue in the wild population and increase the genetic diversity and make the lobos more genetically resilient moving forward," said Leia Barnett, Greater Gila New Mexico Advocate with WildEarth Guardians. Since the fostering program began in 2014, Fish and Wildlife has identified 30 out of 110 fostered pups that survived their first year. Four of the surviving fosters were born in the wild and 26 were born in captivity. A 25-year-old man wanted on suspicion of statutory rape in North Carolina faces numerous charges in Vermont after his arrest on drug and other charges. Rutland City police arrested Justin Zayas-Sanchez on June 1 after learning law enforcement in North Carolina had issued a warrant for his arrest for the alleged rape of a child. Zayas-Sanchez faces one count of selling cocaine that stems from an investigation by the Vermont Drug Task Force. Vermont State Police said Zayas-Sanchez was convicted of fentanyl trafficking in federal court in July 2022 and was on supervised release at the time of his arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Troopers say Zayas-Sanchez also faces charges of eluding police and assault on a protected professional. He is due to be arraigned July 7 in Vermont Superior Court in Rutland. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Parents are being urged to make sure their children are vaccinated against measles ahead of the summer holidays as an outbreak continues to spread across the UK. Measles is one of the most contagious diseases in the world, but two doses of the MMR vaccine during childhood can offer lifelong protection. However, uptake of the vaccine in Britain is below recommended levels, and cases have been rising. Young children have the first dose of the vaccine when they are one year old and the second at between three years and four months and five years of age. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There have been 420 measles cases in England so far this year, with 86 last month alone, figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reveal. Two thirds of the cases were in children under 10, and almost 40 per cent were in London. The capital has the lowest vaccination percentage in the country, with more than a quarter of the population going without full protection. Life-long consequences Officials are concerned that the infection, which can lead to serious complications, spreads easily through the air via sneezes, coughs and exhalations. They said it could see an uptick when schools break up for the summer and children mingle during the holidays. Measles has an estimated R number of around 18, which means that, on average, a single infected person passes the infection on to 18 others. Covid has a natural R number of about three. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr Vanessa Saliba, a consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: Its essential that everyone, particularly parents of young children, check all family members are up to date with two MMR doses, especially if you are travelling this summer for holidays or visiting family. Measles cases are picking up again in England, and outbreaks are happening in Europe and many countries with close links to the UK. Measles spreads very easily and can be a nasty disease, leading to complications like ear and chest infections and inflammation of the brain, with some children tragically ending up in hospital and suffering life-long consequences. Nobody wants this for their child, and its not something you want to experience when away on holiday. People who have the two doses of the MMR vaccine, which are safe and effective, are not only protecting themselves but also helping protect others who are unvaccinated, such as young babies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Health officials said parents could check their childs red book, a national record given to parents or carers to document a childs health and development, to see if they are fully protected. Adults can check their vaccination status by contacting their GP or checking in the NHS app, although not everyones complete immunisation data is live on the app. UKHSA said that cases in Europe had reached their highest level in almost three decades last year. A global increase in measles has led the agency to say it is concerned that this could mean people bring back the contagious disease to England after travelling over the summer. There were more than 127,000 cases of measles in Europe last year, according to global health leaders, the highest number since 1997. So far this year, outbreaks have been documented in France, Italy, Spain and Germany. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Romania, Pakistan, India, Thailand, Indonesia and Nigeria currently have among the largest number of measles cases worldwide, according to a recent report by the World Health Organisation. Dr Amanda Doyle, the national director for primary care and community services at NHS England, said: The recent increase in cases seen in England and Europe should act as an important reminder to ensure your child is protected. Too many babies and young children are still not protected against the diseases, which are contagious infections that spread very easily and can cause serious health problems. MMR jabs are provided free as part of the NHS routine immunisation programme, and I would encourage all parents to act on invites or check vaccination records if they think they may have missed their childs vaccination. 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. HOWARD COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) More than a year after a shooting left a snowplow driver dead in Howard County, police have issued an arrest warrant for the man they believe to be responsible. Alexander Molina Rodriguez, 25, of Gwynn Oak, is wanted for first-degree murder and firearm violations in the shooting death of Alex Ramirez Garcia, 37, of Gwynn Oak, according to the Howard County Police Department (HCPD). Just after 8:40 a.m. on Jan. 17, 2024, a person reported finding Garcia shot outside of his vehicle in the parking lot of a Montessori school in the 4400 block of Montgomery Road. This is where Childrens Magnet Montessori School- Ellicott City is located. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Truck and tractor-trailer ignite into flames during deadly crash on I-70 in Howard County, police say An investigation determined that Garcia was working as a private snowplow driver and was clearing the parking lot of the Montessori school around 5 a.m. when Rodriquez shot him, police said. Investigators identified Rodriguez as the suspect upon reviewing video surveillance of his vehicle and evidence found at the scene. The pair reportedly knew each other, and investigators say the shooting was targeted. Detectives also learned that Rodriguez is not currently in the United States, but will be arrested on the homicide warrant if he returns, HCPD noted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Attorney General Nick Brown was back in a Seattle courtroom Wednesday on birthright citizenship. Arguments were heard before a three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. At issue was a nationwide preliminary injunction issued in February blocking President Donald Trumps executive order, which sought to change birthright citizenship, enshrined in the 14th Amendment. The debate was whether to make the preliminary injunction permanent or overturn a lower courts ruling. The executive order would disqualify those born in this country to illegal immigrants from becoming birthright citizens. WA AG says Trumps executive order on birthright citizenship is unconstitutional In court, Washingtons Office of the Attorney General argued the executive order is clearly unconstitutional and the preliminary injunction should be made permanent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were talking about overturning the fundamental understanding of what it means to be an American in this country, and what it has meant since the 14th Amendment, Brown said. Department of Justice lawyers argued birthright citizenship doesnt apply to undocumented immigrants children born here, or those in the country on work or student visas. Were seeing some radical ideas take root at the highest level of government. And so it is more important than ever the attorneys general are standing united to fight against the unlawfulness of this president, Brown said There is no word on when a decision will be handed down. The U.S. Supreme Court is poised to rule on procedural questions, and that could affect the timing. Follow James Lynch on X. Read more of his stories here. Submit news tips here. By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The Federal Aviation Administration plans to suspend flights at Washington's Reagan National Airport during U.S. President Donald Trump's June 14 Army anniversary parade, the agency said Thursday. There will be aircraft flyovers and fireworks during the Army event, and during the peak of the celebration, the FAA said it would stop all arrivals and departures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The airport, located less than two miles from the National Mall, is expected to shut down for several hours, officials said. The long-planned celebration for the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary will coincide with the president's 79th birthday. The FAA will also issue additional restrictions, expanding the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Area Special Flight Rules Area. The U.S. Army is bringing 6,500 troops into Washington, along with 150 vehicles and 50 aircraft for the celebration. The flyover will include Apache and Black Hawk helicopters along with Chinooks. Older aircraft like the World War Two-era B-25 bomber and P-51 Mustang will also take part. The Washington area is the most heavily restricted airspace in the United States. No drones are permitted in Washington without special FAA approval. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FAA has barred routine Army training and transport helicopter flights around the Pentagon after a May 1 close call. Sixty-seven people were killed in January when a helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet collided, crashing into the Potomac River. It was the deadliest U.S. air disaster in more than 20 years. (Reporting by Rami Ayyub, Katharine Jackson; editing by Diane Craft) The mother of three girls who officials say were killed by their father is calling for reforms to Washington state's Amber Alert system after her daughters' bodies were discovered and as officials search for the man. Whitney Decker believes her daughters might still be alive had the Washington State Patrol issued an Amber Alert for them last week, her attorney told NBC affiliate KING of Seattle on Thursday. Its very important to Whitney to get that fixed, attorney Arianna Cozart said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Evelyn, 8, Paityn, 9, and Olivia Decker, 5, were found dead Monday, several days after their mother reported them missing. Their father, Travis Decker, 32, is wanted on first-degree murder charges in connection with the killings. Authorities began searching for the girls Friday night after Whitney Decker filed a complaint that her ex-husband did not return the children after a planned visit, police said. The state patrol issued an Endangered Missing Persons Advisory for the girls Saturday. Unlike an Amber Alert, the advisory does not send a text message to all cellphones in the surrounding area about missing children. Cozart said that her clients ex-husband had mental health issues and that local police relayed his illness to the state patrol and pushed for an Amber Alert unsuccessfully. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for the state patrol did not immediately reply to a request for comment Thursday. Travis Decker. (Wenatchee Police Department) Chris Loftis, the agencys director of public affairs, previously told NBC News that the request for an Amber Alert did not meet the program's strict guidelines, which are set by the U.S. Justice Department. There must be a reason to believe a missing person has been abducted, Loftis said, and there must be a known, imminent danger of serious injury or death. Because Travis Decker had some custodial rights, there was not an immediate legal presumption that the girls had been kidnapped or that they were in danger, Loftis said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Loftis said the alert issued Saturday "accomplished much the same public notification/outreach as an Amber Alert would have. Court documents show that Whitney Decker told detectives she agreed to a parenting plan with her ex-husband in September. However, he refused to sign the document after he became homeless, according to the affidavit. The agreement was contingent on Travis Deckers seeking mental health treatment and domestic violence anger-management counseling, according to the affidavit. Decker, a military veteran, never did, according to court documents. The three girls were found zip-tied with plastic bags over their heads near a campground in a remote part of the state, roughly 130 miles east of Seattle, according to the court document. It is unclear whether Travis Decker is armed, but officials said he is considered dangerous. Authorities said relatives informed them that he has skills to survive outdoors for long stretches and would sometimes go off-grid for months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement Thursday, the Chelan County Sheriff's Office advised people who own cabins in several surrounding counties to lock all their doors including outbuildings and sheds leave open their blinds and turn on any outside lights. The statement added that investigators have executed search warrants around the area and on Decker's devices that have created leads and generated new information. "If you see, or believe you have seen, Mr. Decker please call 911 immediately and do not attempt or contact or approach him," the statement says. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) Late Tuesday night, over 15 Clearwater Marine Aquarium personnel arrived at Gulf World Marine Park. Sometime between 11 p.m. and midnight, they left with four female rough-toothed dolphins. We had over 15 personnel, trained personnel as a part of this transport in terms of folks who were traveling with the animals. There was probably another good 20 people on one side. And this morning I came in, we probably had about 50 people over here, if not more, ready to go. So it was a really big endeavor from the time that we left, throughout the travel, and then on the receiving end, Clearwater Marine Aquarium VP of Zoological Care Kelly Martin said. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium team began their medical evaluations at Gulf World over the weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 4 Gulf World dolphins moved to Clearwater Marine Aquarium Clearwater Marine Aquarium has been collaborating with Gulf World Marine Park through the weekend so that we can do observations on the animals, get to understand the animals and their individual characteristics so that we can coordinate a plan, a logistical plan, Martin said. Martin says their team was pleased with the dolphins medical status. So then we sent our veterinarian to speak with their veterinarian, and we make sure that health parameters are conducive to a successful transport, Martin added. In this case they were, Martin said the dolphins made the long trip with no complications. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They arrived at the aquarium in Clearwater around 11:00 ET, Wednesday morning. When we plan transports, we make sure we consider all types of contingencies, whether the contingencies have to do with a human health and safety issue, the loss of a vehicular activity, an animal who might not be transporting well, any roadblocks that might be in the way. And so last nights transport was coordinated and collaborated in conjunction with quite a few people, Martin said. FWC officers were on-site at both facilities. Florida Highway Patrol state troopers and Clearwater police escorted the convoy throughout the drive to Clearwater. Martin is well-versed in marine life transport, and says this trip moved quicker than usual due to the circumstances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In this case, it was an all-hands-on-deck endeavor, and we did move a little bit more quickly than normal. We were called by a variety of agencies, probably about a week ago. It was early last week that we were notified that this was a potential, and because of our expertise, would we be interested in collaborating, and of course, you know, this was a great story to be a part of, Martin explained. The future of the last 7 dolphins at Gulf World is still in question. Congressman Neal Dunn says theyre still undergoing medical evaluations. Inside the death of Samira and Gulf Worlds stalled dolphin removal Theres four of 11, but they got seven more to go. And now, you know, were not going to claim victory until theyre all out of there, U.S. Congressman Neal Dunn said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gulf World was hoping to move the last 7 dolphins to Marineland Dolphin Adventure in St. Augustine. However, Congressman Dunn and others have objected because it is also owned by Gulf Worlds owner, The Dolphin Company. The different agencies involved are still negotiating where those mammals will wind up. The state is still carrying out a criminal investigation into the activities that occurred at Gulf World. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. KINGSLEY, Iowa (KCAU) The Kingsley Police Department has issued a warning after a coyote was spotted in the town earlier this week. According to a Facebook post from the police department, the coyote was found attacking someones pet who was on their porch. Additionally, police state that the porch light had been on during the attack. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the attack, a coyote was spotted running down Dover Street as well. The police department said that anyone with pets should keep an eye on them if they are being let out in the evening or in the early morning hours. The police department said that they will also be doing what they can to help keep pets and the community safe. They are currently looking into solutions to help deal with the issue. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. Congressional Hispanic Caucus leaders will give remarks Thursday morning pushing for more oversight of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests amid President Trumps immigration crackdown. The news conference comes as tensions have been high following mass deportations by the Trump administration and legal battles over visas. It also follows the controversy around interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Alina Habbas charge against Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.) who was accused of assaulting a law enforcement agent and the arrest and release of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka outside of an ICE facility in New Jersey. The event is scheduled to begin at 11:15 a.m. EDT. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watch the live 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 The Hill. Senate Democrats will speak with reporters on Thursday morning as the party continues to push back against President Trumps big, beautiful spending package. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), who will lead the remarks, has been an outspoken critic of the legislation which the Congressional Budget Office estimates will add $2.4 trillion to the deficit over the next decade and the Trump administrations process for appointing judicial nominees. When it comes to judges, Trump only cares about one thing: Will they bow before him? Will the break precedent and overturn rule of law to appease him? Thats what he wants, but thats not democracy, Schumer wrote Wednesday on social media platform X. The Senate must reject these MAGA loyalists dressed up as jurists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, the Democratic leader gave the bill a new nickname: Well, Were All Going to Die Act a subtle swing at a controversial comment made by his Republican colleague Sen. Joni Ernst (Iowa) related to the Medicaid cuts. The Democrats remarks are scheduled to begin at 11:15 a.m. EDT. Watch the live 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 The Hill. President Trump and newly minted German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will meet Thursday at the White House with the conversation likely to center on foreign and trade policy. The visit between Trump and Merz comes as the European Union is in talks with U.S. officials on a potential trade deal and after the presidents 50 percent tariff on steel and aluminum imports went into effect. Merz has also been a strong defender of Ukraine amid its war with Russia. Trump too has aired frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin in recent weeks as ceasefire talks have been unfruitful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president also issued a new travel ban on Wednesday that will affect 19 countries starting next week, including 12 countries with full bans and seven with restrictions. The event is scheduled to begin at 11:45 a.m. EDT. Watch the live 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 The Hill. President Trump is set to host a Summer Soiree Wednesday evening on the South Lawn of the White House. The event has been billed as a way for Trump to thank his wide range of political appointees for their service. It comes as GOP lawmakers continue their efforts to advance the presidents legislative priorities through the big, beautiful spending package before a July 4 deadline and as the administration continues to defend its sweeping tariffs and immigration agenda against critics. Watch the live video above. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Trump hosted a roundtable Thursday evening with members of the Fraternal Order of Police the nations largest group of law enforcement officers. The event came amid turmoil between Trump and former White House special government employee Elon Musk. The tech billionaire recently departed the administration, where he served as a key adviser to the Department of Government Efficiencys efforts to cut down on government spending and overhaul the federal workforce. In recent days, Musk has been a vocal critic of House Republicans big, beautiful spending package full of Trumps legislative priorities which he called pork-filled and a disgusting abomination. His comments against the GOP megabill have caused a rift between him and the president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The roundtable was scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. EDT. Watch the video replay above. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Gov. Patrick Morrisey held a ceremonial bill signing for Senate Bill 765, which establishes a Troops to Teachers program on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at Hedgesville Middle School in Hedgesville, W.Va. (West Virginia Office of Gov. Patrick Morrisey | Courtesy photo) As a former educator at the high school and college levels, my interest in public and private and collegiate avenues of acquiring knowledge through education remains steadfast, even though I no longer teach; instead, I write books and commentaries that I hope will not only resonate with my readers but make a difference (however slight) in the way they see the world around them, asking, What can I do? What will my contribution be to minimizing the escalating concerns that plague educational institutions and the teachers who deliver that knowledge? And if all we do is look at the overwhelming task, weve already been defeated in answering those questions. Yes, the issues are countless and to tackle any single one of them is a monumental task. Still, we can take that thousand piece puzzle and break it down, one piece at a time or better still, put it together one piece at a time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As I read of educations global concerns, I also make certain to read of what is happening in my own backyard, from what the new administration didnt do this past legislative session for students and schools and teachers to what they did do: school vaccines, for instance. The powers that be continue to push aside the very real teacher vacancies that continue to escalate. Recently, Amelia Ferrell Knisely reported that Gov. Patrick Morrisey signed a bill creating Troops to Teachers, in an attempt to address West Virginias teacher shortage, a program that aims to put veterans in the classroom. He called the program a common sense solution. Lets remind ourselves that one reason for the teacher shortage in West Virginia is low teacher pay, compared to surrounding states. Until that discrepancy is remedied, the exodus of teachers in West Virginia will continue to rise. And the multi-leveled, arduous journey for these veterans to become certified teachers might reach beyond common sense. In fact, theres a bit more to it than that. George Bernard Shaw is credited with the phrase, Those who can, do; those who cant, teach. In fact though, it was Aristotle who first said, Those that can, do; those that understand, teach. Theres a world of difference between the two sentiments. Shaw suggests that teachers are those who dont know or havent learned their discipline. Its absurd, and my suggestion would be to not repeat those words to an educator. Lets be clear: teachers are highly skilled and experienced in their fields, with strong communication, interpersonal and pedagogical skills. The profession involves planning, delivering lessons and assessing student learning. Its a teachers ability to articulate and explain complex concepts clearly, not simply perform a task, that educates and enlightens. And if we, as students, are very fortunate, it is those very teachers who choose that profession in order to share their knowledge and passion with us that catapult us to our highest heights, giving us every possible opportunity to excel and succeed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im often asked why, in my commentaries, do I never offer a solution to a problem. Why do I focus only on the human factor? My answer never changes. I hone in on the human factor because Im a humanist, because if I didnt stay true to my core, then I would in fact be doing a disservice to those high school and college and graduate school professors who made certain that my liberal arts education was as well-rounded as they could impart. And until each and every one of us recognizes and prioritizes this undeniable truth, we cannot begin the journey to heal the wounds that scar each of us. Too, I will not disrespect my teachers or myself by even putting forth a viable solution to problems for which Im not qualified. Are you following me? I know that Harvard University is under the spotlight right now, but Ive always maintained that my West Virginia education could stand with pride alongside any other respected institution of higher learning. There are countless individuals (particularly those occupying offices of power) who can and must implement programs and support educators to make certain that not only I can continue to speak those words of praise but that every learned student to follow me can say them with pride as well. Theres a great line from the movie Cold Mountain, when an aged woman who lives isolated in the mountains kills a goat in order to help an escaped soldier heal: Bird flies somewhere, picks up a seed, [expels] the seed out, plant grows. Birds got a job, [seeds] got a job. And youve got a job. Can we please each of us do our job, rather than being so self-absorbed and concerned with who gets credit for what. As elementary as it may sound, lets work together. Its the only way progress moves forward. Who cares who gets credit? Shouldnt the only thing that matters be that the job got done? SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) As Utah begins to reach the dog days of summer, when temperatures are at their hottest, the Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities (SLCDPU) is reporting that water demand is rising. On Thursday, SLCDPU said the water demand over the past few weeks has been trending higher when compared to the average water demand during the same time period over the last three years. To date, total water use has increased five percent, with outdoor water use up 10 percent, said Laura Briefer, SLCDPU director. Though snowpack in our area was average this year and our reservoirs are full right now, overall runoff is lower than expected and much of the state is projecting drought conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Utahs snowpack has been trending downward since the record-breaking year in the 2022-23 winter season. In 2024, the snowwater equivalent peaked at 18.8 inches compared to 2023s 30 inches. Data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows that the 2025 year peaked only at 14.4 inches. Carp chaos at Utah Lake as carp overpopulation becomes serious problem Since the start of the calendar year, drought conditions have been slowly creeping back across the state. Only 4.5% of Utah has no drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, down from 11.78% at the start of the year. Over 95% of the state is experiencing at least abnormally dry conditions, and 44% of Utah is in severe drought. It is important that our community members continue to focus on water conservation given these factors and the potential for drought conditions to worsen, said Breifer. How often should you water your lawn? The majority of Utahns only need one to two watering events per week, as of the most recent entry in the Utah Division of Water Resources weekly watering guide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Division of Water Resources said lawns can sustain a large amount of overwatering before any negative consequences like disease, weeds and insect pests become apparent. Because of this, its typically overwatered, DWR said. One way to conserve water and maintain plant health is to avoid overwatering. BYU geologist studies shrapnel remains from WWII buried in the sands of Normandy The weekly watering guide, which is typically updated every Thursday, assumes you use only half an inch of water per watering event. But every system is different. For the most accurate run time and for your watering system, DWR recommends getting a free water check, available in Salt Lake City, Sandy, Millcreek, Holladay, Cottonwood Heights, Iron County and San Juan County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For those where the free water check is not available, Utah State University has information on how to complete your own water check. How to lessen your need for water The Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities said there are many different ways for homeowners, property owners and businesses to lessen their demand on water. These range from landscape rebates to low-water grass seeds and irrigation controllers to toilets. To learn more, you can visit the SLCDPU website or utahwatersavers.com. 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. Passengers on a ferry boat heading from Bali to the nearby isle of Nusa Lembongan, yesterday, experienced a horror scenario as the boat was struck by strong surf, and began to sink. Panic spread through the ferry, carrying around 100 people, as they broke windows, fighting for their lives. Luckily, there have been no reports of casualties or serious injuries. Scenes from the sinking boat, however, showed chaos and cries for help no doubt turning a dream vacation for the passengers, many of whom were tourists, into a momentary nightmare. A handful of Australians were amongst the travelers on the sinking ship, and local news heard their tales. The one point of exit was literally a small little hatch, said Andy Wood, a man from Perth aboard the boat with his wife and two kids. So, I think the people, particularly in the back where the water was coming in, were in a real panic state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One woman busted open a window to escape. Bobbing bodies were floating as the boat slowly sank. Some people clinging on the bow, reaching out for help as another boat swooped in to rescue. Related: Boat Gets Totally Wrecked by Wave in Indonesia (Video) It was just people who werent used to being familiar in water, Wood continued. And I think the majority of them couldnt swim, so it was causing a fair bit of anxiety and panic amongst people. Reportedly, the boat was overcapacity thats being investigated as a possible cause of the catastrophe. Meanwhile, another recent near-tragedy on a separate Balinese island, also involving a tourist and the wrath of the ocean. A travel influencer was at Angels Billabong, a popular sightseer spot on Nusa Penida, when a rogue wave almost swept her to a watery grave. Sadly, others have died at the spot. Bali bagus? Bali bedlam. Related: Rogue Wave Annihilates Travel Influencer in Bali (Video) Wave Capsizes Boat in Bali, Tourists Panic to Escape (Video) first appeared on Surfer on Jun 5, 2025 NEW YORK (AP) Strawberry, Blueberry, JoJo and Mazzy were about 6 weeks old when animal rescuers coaxed them out of long metal pipes in the parking lot of a storage unit company. Meatball was a single kitten living in a cold garage with a group of semi-feral adult cats. Spaghetti, Macaroni and Rigatoni, meanwhile, were just 2 weeks old when the good folks of LIC Feral Feeders, a cat rescue in Queens, took them in and bottle-fed them until they were strong enough to survive. Consider these cuties the face of kitten season 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kitten season, typically landing during warmer months, is the time of year when most cats give birth. That produces a surge of kittens, often fragile neonates. Shelters get overwhelmed, especially when it comes to the 24-hour care and feeding of extremely young kittens. That, as a result, triggers a need for more foster homes because many of the 4,000 or so shelters in the U.S. don't have the time or resources for around-the-clock care, said Hannah Shaw, an animal welfare advocate known as the Kitten Lady with more than a million followers on Instagram. We see about 1.5 million kittens entering shelters every year. And most of them will come into shelters during May and June, she said. Shelters need all hands on deck to help out through fostering. Familiarity with fostering animals is high, Shaw said. The act of doing it is a different story. There's a false perception, she said, that the expense of fostering animals falls on the people who step up to do it. These days, many shelters and rescues cover the food, supplies and medical costs of fostering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lot of people dont foster because they think its going to be this huge cost, but fostering actually only costs you time and love, she said. Lisa Restine, a Hills Pet Nutrition veterinarian, said people looking to adopt kittens should take pairs since cats often bond early in life. And how many cats is too many cats per household? This is nothing serious or medical but my general rule of thumb is the number of adults in the house, like a 2-to-1 ratio, because you can carry one cat in each hand, so if there are two adults you can have four cats and still be sane, she said. Square footage to avoid territory disputes is a good rule of thumb when planning for cats, Restine said. Two cats per 800 square feet then 200 square feet more for each addition should help, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Littermates, like Macaroni and Rigatoni, are much more likely to bond, Restine said. Kittens not biologically related but raised together often bond as well like Meatball and Spaghetti. But adopters hoping to bond an adult cat with a new kitten arrival may be disappointed. Once they're over that 3- or 4-month mark, it's hard to get that true bonding, Restine said. Typically, kittens stay in their foster homes from a few weeks to a few months. While statistics are not kept on the number of kitten fosters that fail when foster families decided to keep their charges some shelters report rates as high as 90%. That's a win, despite use of the word fail, advocates note. Shaw sees another barrier holding people back from fostering: the notion that it requires special training or skills. That's why she has dedicated her life to educating the public, offering videos, books and research on how it works at her site kittenlady.org. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Companies are coming on board, too. Hill's, a pet food company, runs the Hills Food, Shelter & Love program. It has provided more than $300 million in food support to over 1,000 animal shelters that support fostering in North America. About a quarter of a million kittens, unfortunately, dont survive in our shelters every year, Shaw said. The shelters going to be there to mentor and support you. So I think a lot of the fear that people have about fostering, they might find that actually it is something you totally can do. Its just scary because you havent done it yet. LISBON, Ohio (WKBN)- A Wellsville man was indicted on several charges on Wednesday, including attempted murder. Emory N. Chiles, 20, of Wellsville, is now charged with attempted murder, a first-degree felony. Chiles is also charged with felonious assault, a second-degree felony; tampering with evidence, a third-degree felony; and inducing panic, a fourth-degree felony. Chiles was arrested Monday, April 28, after a juvenile was injured in the area of 18th Street and Nicholson Alley. Police said the juvenile was shot in the hand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chiles next court date has not yet 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 WKBN.com. The Scene COLUMBIA, S.C. Wes Moore is not running for president. The governor of Maryland will say that anywhere: In a TV studio, at a press conference in Annapolis, at a Democratic Party gathering in an early presidential primary state. After a roaring response from the crowd at the Democrats Blue Palmetto dinner and Rep. Jim Clyburns (R-S.C.) world famous fish fry, Moore skipped the partys all-day convention, which might have fueled even more 2028 speculation; he met instead with an early 2008 supporter of Barack Obama at his home in the suburbs. Moore did take time, during the trip, to talk to Semafor. His speech had urged Democrats to take a page from Donald Trump and act boldly and quickly, not get bogged down in studies or meetings. We followed up on that, as well as local criticism of how hed vetoed a study of reparations for the descendants of slaves, and how the deportations and asylum cancellations affected Maryland and every other state. And Moore described an active, faith-based liberalism that could respond effectively to the Trump administration, now and when its over. This is an edited transcript of the conversation. The View From Wes Moore David Weigel: When you talked about the speed Trump moves at, I was curious how much of what hes dismantled should Democrats be rebuilding? Wes Moore: I dont think thats what Democrats should do. Thats basically making the argument that everything was perfect before, and hes just dismantling something that was perfect. Im not defending that, because I think youre trying to defend the indefensible. There were real problems before. I think about my own life and journey my journey has been the consequences of, in many cases, some really bad policies that have been put in place, and not just by Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So I dont think that the answer is: Lets just go and rebuild what was there before. Truthfully, there were people being left behind before. Saying we have to move with a sense of speed and urgency does not mean we have to put things back the way they were, as fast as possible. On immigration; The Supreme Court just let Trump remove temporary status from 500,000-odd people. Some got asylum status while they were here, but most of these people, from Venezuela and Haiti, lost their TPS. Why was that wrong? What were seeing is an exploitation of an already broken process. Immigration has been broken for a very long time, and again, Donald Trump didnt break it. Donald Trump is actually exposing breakage. We know that Congress, actually, is the one with the authority to really reform and rethink and make sure that we have an immigration process that matches the aspirations of our country and comes up with a sane and systematic way for allowing immigrants to come into the country. Congress has decided that theyre not going to do this. The President has decided that he is not going to work with Congress to do this so, in the last five months, weve taken a broken immigration process and weve just thrown kerosene on it. Were the people who fled those countries enriching our country by being here? Haitians in Springfield, Venezuelans around Florida was the country better because they were here, and weaker because theyre not? We have to fix the immigration side. Its we have a system that is now allowing for exploitation. We have a system that is now allowing for choices about what rules to follow and what rules not to follow, what court decisions to enforce and which not to enforce. We have an absolute mess on our hands [it] highlights the problem in the first place. Because what the President is doing, in many cases, the President doesnt have the authority to do. The President is taking advantage of the fact that we have a broken system. Tim Walz spoke here; hes compared ICE, recently, to the Gestapo. You agree with that assessment? I think we have an immigration system in this country that allows way too much room for interpretation. It allows way too much space for people to try to fill into the void and in some cases, illegally. Thats the reason that the guidance that Ive given to all of our state agencies is, in the state of Maryland, weve got to follow the Constitution. The constitution is very clear about where jurisdictional authority on immigration enforcement begins and ends. One legislator here, John King, told Politico that he would skip the dinner because he was frustrated with your veto of the reparations study in Maryland. Was the issue with that, hey, we dont need another study? Or was it, reparations are not worth pursuing? This would be the fifth study in 25 years. What are we studying? We have got to stop being the party of bureaucracy and multi-year studies on things that we know the answers to, and be the party of action. There is nobody in the state of Maryland or elsewhere who can legitimately question my commitment to these issues, right? Just in the past two and a half years, weve had over $1.3 billion of investments in our states HBCUs. Thats a 60% increase. Weve been able to have the largest mass pardon in the history of the United States of America for misdemeanor cannabis convictions. Were giving assistance when it comes to first time home-buying. Weve been able to address procurement policies and invest over $800 million in black-owned businesses. There is nobody who can argue that we are not doing the work of repair right now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My point is, the bill says we are going to spend two years studying this and then bring the recommendations to the governor. Well, I am the governor, and I dont need two years. Lets work now. I have the largest amount of vetoes from a Democratic governor of Maryland in a generation. There was something about a data center study vetoed it. We did something around an energy study vetoed it. I dont need studies. Just do the work. Do you find, talking to people in Maryland, some who look at Trump and say: Hey, hes doing something? At least hes acting? Thats where this goes, back to this idea that Donald Trump doesnt need a multi-year study to dismantle the Constitution. Donald Trump doesnt need a multi-year study to be able to say that he is going to put together a tax package that is literally giving billionaires a tax cut and leaving the rest of us with the bill. He didnt need a white paper to explain that to him. So I think people, we have to look at his actions as, in many cases, inhumane and unconstitutional, and we have to be able to call it out, but we would be foolish not to understand there is something about speed that Donald Trump gets that we need to start getting as a party too. Marylands a trans refuge state. When Republicans pass the laws people are fleeing, its sometimes couched in religious terms. How does your faith inform your tolerance toward transgender rights? My faith informs how I think about humanity. I mean, Im a deeply faithful person. I believe that if were all Gods children, then by definition, were brothers and sisters. And I think its important that we act accordingly. My faith really does shape how I think about the love of humanity, a love for the least of these, our ability to fight for those who need and deserve a champion. Its part of our responsibility to emulate and try to be vessels of God on earth. Theres nothing Christian about bullying. Residents of western Schuylkill County questioned a biosolids management company Wednesday night about its attempt to expand its state permit, saying bad odors already drift through their communities, and they are concerned that the permit approval could exacerbate the problem. During the public meeting and hearing held by the state Department of Environmental Protection, though, a representative from Liberty Processing & Soils said that the Reilly Township facility does not believe it is the cause of those smells that residents complain about, or that the permit modification would create new odors. About 30 attended the meeting held in the Tremont borough building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A public meeting regarding the modification of permits for the Liberty Processing & Soils facility in Reilly Township. is held at the Tremont borough municipal building, Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) Liberty Soils Asset Manager Sarah Hrywnak said that while several years ago the company on Blackwood Road likely did contribute to the foul smells that permeate part the countys western end, Liberty Soils corrected that with an odor management plan the company began implementing in 2022. Still, the company takes seriously every odor complaint it receives and investigates them, she said. During a slide presentation she showed that complaints have dropped drastically since 2023, and that even those that company deemed validated because they could not disprove them were still likely smells from other sources. A DEP official on hand agreed, saying the agency has not found Liberty Soils to have created any odor problems in several years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its more likely that some of the unpleasant smells that persist are coming from other operations in the area, including Natural Soil Products in Frailey Township, which has had odors issues in the recent past, said Roger Bellas, waste management program director in DEPs northeast regional office in Wilkes-Barre. Other odors likely come from both the hauling and spreading of the biosolids, which Liberty does not control, Bellas said. Schuylkill County Board of Commissioners Chairman Larry Padora spoke on behalf of all three commissioners in opposing approval of Libertys permit modification request. For years residents of several western Schuylkill municipalities have suffered from smells that often chase them inside, force them to close their windows, and prohibit them from enjoying their properties as they should, Padora said. These people have a right to their quality of life, he said of why the commissioners wrote a letter of opposition to DEP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Padora said he was not blaming Liberty as a cause of those odors, but said it was hard to prove where the smells originate from. Due to that uncertainty, the commissioners oppose DEP permit expansions for any of the companies in that region, he said. Padora was one of several people who spoke at the meeting, the purpose of which was to gather public testimony regarding the permit change application. Each day an average of 50 trucks come to Liberty Soils to deliver biosolids, which is sludge made from treated domestic sewage. The sludge comes from municipal wastewater treatment plants in New York, New Jersey and Maryland. The biosolids are cured onsite at Liberty and sold to farmers through the region who spread the material on their fields as fertilizer. That use is allowed and considered safe by the Environmental Protection Agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Liberty Soils is seeking an increase in the facilitys daily maximum tonnage. The current permit allows production of 300 wet tons per day, while the proposed modification would cap daily output to a maximum of 500 tons per day. The facility will still be limited to a 300 wet ton per day monthly average. The company currently never reaches its daily maximum tonnage due to truck breakdowns, unavailability of drivers, weather or road closures, Hrywnak said. The change would allow the company to increase its actual tons received per day by 35, or one truckload, to account for the uncontrollable variables she mentioned, she said. Liberty Processing & Soils Asset Manager Sarah Hrywnak presents on the company's odor management during a public meeting regarding the modification of permits for Liberty's facility in Reilly Township is held at the Tremont borough municipal building, Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) Though there are days when the incoming biosolids volume would rise, the monthly amount would not, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We expect the daily tonnage to range in the 265-340 range, she said. DEP is now conducting a technical review of the application and will accept public comments until June 20, Bellas said. Hrywnak said while some of the farms applying biosolids from Liberty are local, the average distance to those farms from the company is 39 miles. Farmers rave about how well the material works as fertilizer, she said. She spoke about two-pound tomatoes and 15-pound cabbages theyve grown, the PH and nutrient improvements in their soil theyve experienced, and showed reviews from farmers who saw their output and quality increase while expenses decrease. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre happy with the results, she said, mentioning a 90-year-old farmer who said his recent corn crop after applying Libertys materials was the best hed ever grown. Its a win-win, she said. Some residents, though, were still skeptical that a tonnage increase for Liberty wouldnt increase the odor issues theyre dealing with. When I tell you its bad, its bad, said Nathan Witman about the odors his family, friends and neighbors deal with. Nathan Witman asks questions about odors from the Liberty Processing & Soils operations during a public meeting regarding the modification of permits for the Libertys facility in Reilly Township is held at the Tremont borough municipal building, Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Witman asked whether sensors could be placed outside the facilities including Liberty Soils to determine what smells theyre producing. Bellas said that the most sensitive monitors for those types of odors was still the human nose, which is why DEP sends representatives to the scene of all odor complaints. The best tool that we have is our nose, Bellas said. Another resident asked whether something could be done to reduce the odor of biosolids before they reach Liberty, but Hrywnak said that no one has come up with such a solution yet. She called the transporting of smelly materials a global problem. Residents with odor complaints can call DEP at 570-826-2201, or email Bellas at rbellas@pa.gov. Women who miscarry in West Virginia should be prepared to face potential criminal charges, a county prosecutor warned a local news outlet last week, saying other law enforcers have raised the possibility with him. Raleigh County Prosecuting Attorney Tom Truman told WVNS 59News on Friday that while he would not take any such action, a number of other prosecuting attorneys in West Virginia have discussed with him their willingness to charge women who miscarry and dispose of their own fetal remains, such as by flushing or burying them. The charges would be under a state law related to the disposal of human remains. Though abortion is highly restricted in West Virginia, state law says women cannot face criminal charges for their own abortions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The kind of criminal jeopardy you face is going to depend on a lot of factors, Truman told the news outlet. What was your intent? What did you do? How late were you in your pregnancy? Were you trying to hide something, were you just so emotionally distraught you couldnt do anything else? A miscarriage is often just heavier-than-normal bleeding. It sometimes involves passed tissue that looks like blood clots or a fluid-filled sac. Women should also be wary of what they share with others before miscarrying, Truman advised. If you were relieved, and you had been telling people, Id rather get ran over by a bus than have this baby, that may play into law enforcements thinking, too, he warned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While theres no state law requiring women to notify authorities about a miscarriage, it may be best practice to do so anyway, Truman added. Call your doctor. Call law enforcement, or 911, and just say, I miscarried. I want you to know, he suggested. There is precedent for a woman facing criminal charges related to how she handles her miscarriage. In 2023, an Ohio woman named Brittany Watts was charged with abuse of a corpse after she flushed the fetal remains from her miscarriage at 21 weeks of pregnancy. This 33-year-old girl with no criminal record is demonized for something that goes on every day, Watts attorney Traci Timko said at one of her court hearings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A grand jury ultimately decided last year that Watts should not be charged. In April, a Georgia woman was arrested for allegedly throwing away fetal remains from her miscarriage and spent two nights in jail before being released on bail. Her case impacts every single woman out there of reproductive age, who knows she can get pregnant, who knows she can miscarry, Georgia state Sen. Sally Harrell told HuffPost at the time. It makes every woman of reproductive age afraid. Related... In September 2023, Earth rumbled. Seismic monitoring all over the globe registered a strange signal that repeated every 90 seconds over a whopping nine days, petering out in a way never before seen. Then the same thing happened a month later. Subsequent analysis of those signals determined that the cause of that trembling was likely a giant megatsunami rocking back and forth, slapping against the sides of a fjord in Greenland generating a standing wave known as a seiche. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, scientists have finally actually seen the event, in satellite data captured while the event was in progress. It's the observation needed to confirm that the cause of the seismic signal was indeed a seiche, giving us an answer to the age-old question: if a seiche forms in a Greenland fjord and no one is around to see it, does it shake the planet? "This study is an example of how the next generation of satellite data can resolve phenomena that has remained a mystery in the past," says ocean engineer Thomas Adcock of the University of Oxford in the UK. "We will be able to get new insights into ocean extremes such as tsunamis, storm surges, and freak waves. However, to get the most out of these data we will need to innovate and use both machine learning and our knowledge of ocean physics to interpret our new results." YouTube Thumbnail According to the analysis of the seismic data, the trigger that unleashed the megatsunami was a melting glacier that sent two giant landslides toppling into the remote Dickson fjord in East Greenland. The resulting splashes generated powerful tsunamis that, with nowhere else to go, sloshed back and forth for days, reaching a peak height of 7.4 to 8.8 meters (24.3 to 28.9 feet). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because of the remote location, however, no one actually saw either event not even a military vessel that visited the fjord three days into the first one. But humanity has eyes in the sky. There's a satellite mapping technique called altimetry that measures the height of the surface of the planet (including bodies of water) based on how long it takes a radar signal to travel down to the surface and bounce back up again. Radar data from 11 October overlaid onto a satellite image of Dickson Fjord with the observed water height variations. ( Thomas Monahan Most altimetry measurements were unable to record the seiches, because the resolution isn't high enough and the measurements are taken too far apart in time. But a NASA mission launched in 2022 called the Surface Water Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite has an instrument that is able to take measurements of the height of water with unprecedented precision. The satellite just so happened to have taken measurements at intervals during the days following both events. So the researchers on the new study used this data, collected by SWOT's Ka-band Radar Interferometer, to compile elevation maps of the fjord. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their results showed clear and significant height variations in the water, which was rising as a 2-meter standing wave reverberating back and forth across the fjord. That was it: the team had finally laid eyes on the seiches that were thought to have sent such strange signals rumbling around the world. SWOT observation of the fjord half a day after the 11 October tsunami started. (Monahan et al., Nat. Commun., 2025) The next step was to link the two phenomena. By comparing their observations to seismic data, the researchers were able to reconstruct the characteristics of each wave, and the evolution of each event, even for time periods that the satellite had not observed. They were able to rule out other possible explanations for the seismic signals, and confirm that the seiches were responsible. It's a beautifully tidy result that will help us study such events in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Climate change is giving rise to new, unseen extremes. These extremes are changing the fastest in remote areas, such as the Arctic, where our ability to measure them using physical sensors is limited," says engineer Thomas Monahan of the University of Oxford. "This study shows how we can leverage the next generation of satellite Earth observation technologies to study these processes. SWOT is a game changer for studying oceanic processes in regions such as fjords which previous satellites struggled to see into." The research has been published in Nature Communications. Related News NEED TO KNOW At 14 years old, Elizabeth Smart was abducted by Brian Mitchell and Wanda Barzee on June 5, 2002 She was found by authorities nine months later, and her kidnappers were later sentenced to time in prison Now a married mother of three, Smart is a vocal victims' rights advocate and founder of the Elizabeth Smart Foundation Elizabeth Smart sprang into the publics consciousness in June 2002 after the then-14-year-old was kidnapped by Brian Mitchell and Wanda Barzee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smart was subjected to daily rapes and often abused and starved throughout her 9-month ordeal. In March 2003, she was found by authorities while walking the streets of Utah and reunited with her family. Since then, Smart has built a legacy for herself as a survivor and advocate for others. She is also a married mother of three children. Still, the horror she went through is never far from her mind, even many years later. I have great days. I have not good days. I've got three kids that I love and drive me crazy, she told PEOPLE in June 2024 with a laugh. No, they're the best part of life. Smart also considers the day of her rescue, March 12, a "happy day." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement March 12th is to me a reminder that miracles happen and that there are many good things to be grateful for. And it's a bright moment in the dull month of March," she shared. Here's a look at Elizabeth Smart's life over two decades since her kidnapping. Who is Elizabeth Smart? George Frey/Getty A family photo of 14-year-old Elizabeth Smart. A family photo of 14-year-old Elizabeth Smart. In June 2002, 14-year-old Elizabeth Smart was kidnapped from her bedroom in Salt Lake City, Utah, by Mitchell and Barzee. Her sister, Mary Katherine, was the only witness to her abduction. The story dominated headlines at the time. Following her return home, Smart became involved in activism, advocating for the AMBER Alert System and supporting recovery programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smart founded the Elizabeth Smart Foundation in 2011. The organization works towards an end to sexual assault and victimization. Her kidnapping has inspired several made-for-TV movies, and she published her memoir in 2013. When was Elizabeth Smart kidnapped? Lois Smart/Getty Elizabeth Smart poses for a portrait at her home February 22, 2004 in Salt Lake City, UT. Elizabeth Smart poses for a portrait at her home February 22, 2004 in Salt Lake City, UT. Smart was kidnapped on June 5, 2002, from her home in Utah, though Mitchell and Barzee eventually took her to California. She later told ABC that the night of her kidnapping was bizarre. It couldn't actually be real, she explained. She added that Mitchell said he would kill her family if she attempted to escape. Smart was eventually found only miles from her home in Sandy, Utah, on March 12, 2003. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smarts captors subjected her to rape daily, something that drove her to the point of contemplating suicide. In an 2017 interview with fellow survivor Daisy Coleman, she explained, For me, because I grew up in a very conservative Christian neighborhood, the first time I was raped I remember feeling devastated. I felt like it would be better to be dead than to continue living being a rape victim, being a rape survivor, she added. I felt in that moment if there had been an easy way out, I probably would have taken it. How was Elizabeth Smart found? Douglas C. Pizac/Getty Elizabeth Smart makes her statement to the media outside federal court after the verdict in the Brian David Mitchell trial on December 10, 2010 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Elizabeth Smart makes her statement to the media outside federal court after the verdict in the Brian David Mitchell trial on December 10, 2010 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Smart was found when a couple saw Mitchell walking down the street in Sandy, Utah, with two women. Though Smart was forced to wear a veil over her face, the couple recognized Mitchell from a composite sketch shared on Americas Most Wanted. We think we found a homeless girl that might be Elizabeth, Smart's father Ed recalled the police telling him in his 2003 book. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He wrote, She looked like a homeless girl I wasnt certain at first that it was her. I went over and put my arms around her and just started bawling. I held her back, looked her in the eyes, and said, Is it really you, Elizabeth? " Where is Elizabeth Smart now? Elizabeth Smart Instagram Elizabeth Smart and Matthew Gilmour with their kids Chloe, James, and Olivia. Elizabeth Smart and Matthew Gilmour with their kids Chloe, James, and Olivia. Smart is now a married mom of three. She and her husband, Matthew Gilmour, first met in Paris, where she reportedly was a missionary for the Church of Latter-Day Saints in 2009. Gilmour later said that as a native of Scotland, he didnt know who Smart was when they met. He told PEOPLE in 2012, The thing that attracted me the most to her at the beginning and now is how confident she is, especially considering everything she has been through. Gilmour proposed in 2012. The couple moved to Park City, Utah, after their wedding and have since welcomed three children: daughters Chloe and Olivia, and son James. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My children have brought so much happiness and joy. To me, theyre the very definition of love," she told PEOPLE shortly after welcoming her son. After her kidnapping, Smart produced the Lifetime movie I Am Elizabeth Smart about the ordeal. She has also published a second book, Where Theres Hope, about what happened to her. Smart has also remained vocal about the punishment for her captors. While Mitchell is currently serving a life sentence in prison, in 2018, a judge ruled that Barzee could be released from prison. "To my knowledge she has neither complied with medication or treatment and as someone who has experienced first hand just how depraved she truly is, I believe her to be a threat and a danger not just to myself but to the community, any vulnerable person," Smart said of the ruling at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In May 2025, Barzee was arrested for visiting two Salt Lake City parks in the month of April. One week after the arrest, Smart broke her silence on Instagram, saying in a video, "Wanda Barzee was recently arrested for entering a public park in Salt Lake City, a place where she's legally barred from going because she's a registered sex offender. Her justification was that she was commanded by the Lord, which unfortunately, is very familiar to me and is probably the most concerning thing, because that's how they justified kidnapping me." If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor. Read the original article on People The White House publicly called out Boston Mayor Michelle Wu on Thursday for her disgusting, dangerous attacks on law enforcement hours after she impugned federal agents at a campaign rally. Thursdays response from the highest level of government came hours after Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons, in a video message posted on social media, called out Wu for her ridiculous rhetoric and inflammatory comments that he said are putting federal agents and officers in danger. Law enforcement is common sense. Politicians need to stop putting my people in danger. Im not asking them to stop. Im demanding that they stop, Lyons, a native of South Boston and a graduate of Boston College High School in Dorchester, said Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, Wu volleyed additional criticism against federal law enforcement while speaking about masks worn by some federal officers who are enforcing immigration laws. Both Lyons and U.S. Attorney Leah Foley said earlier this week that federal officers have been doxed on social media, and often wear masks while on duty and making immigration arrests after officers, and their families, have received death threats. Wu, while discussing the masks worn by some law enforcement on Wednesday, brought up the prominent New England neo-Nazi group Nationalist Social Club, also known as NSC-131. At a campaign rally Thursday and in a recent interview with WBUR, Wu likened ICE immigration officers to secret police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wu, who is seeking re-election, repeated that phrase at a campaign event on Thursday morning. Weve seen it in our neighborhoods, on our streets, and what other definition of secret police is there when people are getting snatched off the street by masked individuals, Wu said, not being told where theyre going, disappeared until somehow someone finds some information, not given justification for why they are being taken. White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson addressed Wus recent comments in a statement late Thursday afternoon. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu doubled down on her disgusting, dangerous attacks on law enforcement yesterday when she compared Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to neo-Nazis just days after the so-called sanctuary city mayor smeared ICE and other federal agents as secret police," Jackson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the mayor had any shame, shed be embarrassed for fanning the flames of hate while ICE agents face unprecedented threats to themselves and their families, Jackson said. On Monday, federal officials announced the arrest of nearly 1,500 people in Massachusetts, in the month of May alone, who are living in the U.S. illegally. More than half of those arrests, federal authorities said, were of people with significant criminal backgrounds -- convicted murderers sought by Interpol, child rapists, drug traffickers. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu speaks at a campaign event on Thursday, June 5, 2025. And so we hear these numbers that are thrown out there 1,500 or 300, left and right, to prove or to suggest that some campaign goal of mass deportation is being fulfilled and that its supposedly about some criminal behavior, Wu said during her campaign event on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jackson denounced Wus remarks from Washington. Shes denigrating the same agents who just removed nearly 1,500 criminal illegal immigrants from the streets of her state in the largest-ever immigration enforcement operation, Jackson said. An illegally present 55-year-old Salvadoran national with an active Interpol Red Notice for aggravated homicide, robbery, aggravated kidnap and theft in El Salvador. ICE officers arrested him in Lynn. Also in May, Worcester Police body camera footage captured a crowd of people surrounding and assaulting federal law enforcement officers trying to detain a Brazilian national who is in the country illegally and faces previous criminal assault charges, federal authorities said. The White House response on Thursday also included photographs of 10 of the nearly 1,500 foreign nationals who are in the U.S. illegally who were arrested in Massachusetts in May. A 45-year-old Guatemalan national who has a 2020 conviction for murder in Boston, for which he received a life sentence. The immigration enforcement operation dubbed Operation Patriot cracked down on the worst of criminals living illegally in Massachusetts, officials said. They include: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 45-year-old Guatemalan national who has a conviction for murder in Boston. A 24-year-old citizen of Brazil who has an active Interpol Red Notice out of Brazil, where he is wanted for murder. A 55-year-old Salvadoran national with an active Interpol Red Notice for aggravated homicide, robbery, aggravated kidnap and theft in El Salvador. ICE officers arrested him in Lynn. A 69-year-old registered sex offender and citizen of Uruguay convicted of indecent assault and battery on a 7-year-old girl. A 32-year-old Guatemalan national and registered sex offender who was convicted for aggravated rape of a child with a ten-year age gap and has pending charges for five counts of indecent assault and battery. A 37-year-old Honduran national whose most recent arrest in Fall River was for rape, indecent assault and battery on a person 14 or over, witness intimidation, and kidnapping of a minor by relative. A 22-year-old Colombian national charged with kidnapping, aggravated rape, and indecent assault and battery on a person 14 or older. A 29-year-old Brazilian national charged in Edgartown with aggravated rape of a child by force, possession of child pornography and dissemination of obscene material. He has and additional arrest in Edgartown for assault and battery (family) and kidnapping. A 48-year-old Salvadoran national whose criminal history includes charges of aggravated rape of child by force, indecent assault and battery on a person under 14, and open and gross lewdness. A 40-year-old Guatemalan national charged with assault and battery dangerous weapon (a hammer), threatening to commit crime, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (a vehicle), assault and battery on a family member, strangulation/suffocation and intimidation of witness. ICE officers arrested him in Lynn. Because of dangerous, unhinged smears from the Left, ICE officers are facing a 413% increase in assaults, Jackson said. President Trump is keeping his promise to the American people to deport illegal aliens. Its disturbing that Democrats like Mayor Wu would side with illegal immigrants over Americans and stoke hatred against American law enforcement, Jackson said. Boston 25 has reached out to Wu for comment. 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 Whoopi Goldberg has accused Elon Musk of "destroying people's lives" after the billionaire blasted the President Donald Trump-led administration over the "One Big Beautiful Bill." Musk called the bill a "disgusting abomination," explaining that it will cause a massive increase in the already gigantic budget deficit. However, Goldberg doesn't buy into it because of the "damage" he did. Whoopi Goldberg also commented on Trump and Musk's relationship dynamics, saying she thinks the president is still "scared" of Musk even after he left his role at the Department of Government Efficiency. Whoopi Goldberg Accuses Elon Musk Of 'Destroying People's Lives' MEGA Goldberg has lashed out at Musk after he took to his social media platform X to unleash a scathing criticism of Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The actress accused Musk of "destroying people's lives" via his role at the Department of Government Efficiency, as he spent the last six months conducting mass layoffs in the federal government. The pointed remark came during a Hot Topics discussion on Wednesday's episode of "The View," where Goldberg and her co-hosts dissected Musk's rant against Trump's bill. "I do wonder why Elon thinks people are gonna listen to him again because he just spent several months destroying people's lives," Goldberg said, per Decider. "Now suddenly you woke up? You came out [of] your fog?" Co-host Sunny Hostin took it a bit further to show just how much "damage" Musk caused, explaining that he was only able to slash "less than 1%" of the $7 trillion budget, despite his initial promises to cut it by $2 trillion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The damage that he did was just really incredible," she continued. "He slashed 250,000 federal employees, more than 8,500 contracts, more than 10,000 grants, and his cutbacks on medical research the foreign aid cost 300,000 lives, mostly children. That's the damage that Elon Musk did, so I don't think that anyone should be listening to him about anything." Elon Musk Trashed The Bill As A 'Disgusting Abomination' ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA Musk recently took to X to slam the bill, which was passed last month, labeling it a "disgusting abomination" as it threatens to increase the budget deficit. "I'm sorry, but I just can't stand it anymore," Musk wrote on X, per The Blast. "This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination." "Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it," Musk noted, adding that the bill "will massively increase the already gigantic budget deficit to $2.5 trillion (!!!) and burden America [sic] citizens with crushingly unsustainable debt." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a third post, the SpaceX boss decried how "Congress is making America bankrupt." Whoopi Goldberg Thinks Donald Trump Is 'Scared' Of Elon Musk ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA Amid speculations suggesting Trump's relationship with Musk has become strained, Goldberg and Joy Behar weighed in on their relationship dynamics, saying they think the billionaire politician is "scared" of the tech mogul as he's yet to respond. Invoking her newly-launched nickname for Trump, "Taco D," Goldberg said: "Well, President Taco D has yet to respond. And I do wonder why Elon thinks people are going to listen now to him because he just spent several months destroying people's lives." Behar then noted how Musk has high favorability with Trump supporters, saying the tech boss is "hurting Trump in a way." Sara Haines then attempted to explain Musk's reaction to the bill, saying he seemed to have hit a "flash point" and was now questioning the importance of all he'd done with DOGE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ladies took turns to share their reactions before Goldberg and Behar stated that Trump was "scared" of Musk. "Elon knows the 411 on everything," Goldberg said. "He knows how all this connects So now suddenly, he's like, 'Harrumph!'" "Trump should be afraid of him," Behar noted. "He has the receipts on the election." "I think he is afraid of him," Goldberg agreed. ABC Reportedly Wants The Co-Hosts Of 'The View' To Tone Down The Trump-Bashing MEGA Goldberg's critique of Musk and Trump comes amid reports that ABC executives want her and the other co-hosts of "The View" to "tone down" their political commentary and focus more on pop culture sessions. Sources close to the situation told The Daily Beast that the network's top executives, including Disney CEO Bob Iger and ABC News President Almin Karamehmedovic, have expressed concern about the ladies' constant focus on Trump and politics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Karamehmedovic, in particular, reportedly held a meeting with "The View" executive producer Brian Teta and its hosts, where he encouraged them to focus more on their highly rated episodes, which feature celebrities. Elon Musk And Donald Trump Are Allegedly Feuding ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA Musk's stance on the "One Big Beautiful" bill has allegedly strained his relationship with Trump amid reports he still owes the president $100 million out of the $300 million he committed to see him reelected. According to The Wall Street Journal, he has paused the inflow of checks and was unhappy after learning of a meeting between Trump and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who happens to be one of his most reviled enemies. Musk previously shared how his role at DOGE was undermined by some of Trump's officials, and how his efforts to reduce government spending were never taken seriously. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has frequently clashed with key Trump appointees and was reportedly furious about the president's plans to roll out extreme tariffs, which have caused endless chaos for the global economy. However, Trump has maintained that his relationship with Musk is as healthy as ever. "Elon is not really leaving," he said during Musk's send-off party last week. "He's going to be back and forth." WASHINGTON (AP) There was a notable absence last week when U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced in a 58-second video that the government would no longer endorse the COVID-19 vaccine for healthy children or pregnant women. The director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention the person who typically signs off on federal vaccine recommendations was nowhere to be seen. The CDC, a $9.2 billion-a-year agency tasked with reviewing life-saving vaccines, monitoring diseases and watching for budding threats to Americans' health, is without a clear leader. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I've been disappointed that we haven't had an aggressive director since February, March, April, May fighting for the resources that CDC needs, said Dr. Robert Redfield, who served as CDC director under the first Trump administration and supported Kennedy's nomination as the nation's health secretary. $9.2 billion-a-year agency without leader as nomination awaits The leadership vacuum at a foremost federal public health agency has existed for months, after President Donald Trump suddenly withdrew his first pick for CDC director in March. A hearing for his new nominee the agency's former acting director Susan Monarez has not been scheduled because she has not submitted all the paperwork necessary to proceed, according to a spokesman for Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., who will oversee the nomination. HHS did not answer written questions about Monarez's nomination, her current role at the CDC or her salary. An employee directory lists Monarez, a longtime government employee, as a staffer for the NIH under the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Redfield described Kennedy as very supportive of Monarezs nomination. Instead, a lawyer and political appointee with no medical experience is carrying out some of the duties of director at the agency that for seven decades has been led by someone with a medical degree. Matthew Buzzelli, who is also the chief of staff at the CDC, is surrounded by highly qualified medical professionals and advisors to help fulfill these duties as appropriate, Andrew Nixon, an HHS spokesperson said in a statement. Adding to the confusion was an employee-wide email sent last week that thanked new acting directors who have stepped up to the plate." The email, signed by Monarez, listed her as the acting director. It was was sent just days after Kennedy said at a Senate hearing that Monarez had been replaced by Buzzelli. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lack of a confirmed director will be a problem if a public health emergency such as the COVID-19 pandemic or a rapid uptick in measles cases hits, said Michael Osterholm, an epidemiologist at the University of Minnesota. CDC is a crisis, waiting for a crisis to happen, said Osterholm. At this point, I couldnt tell you for the life of me who was going to pull what trigger in a crisis situation." An acting director rarely seen, and stalled decisions At CDC headquarters in Atlanta, employees say Monarez was rarely heard from between late January when she was appointed acting director and late March, when Trump nominated her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She also has not held any of the all hands meetings that were customary under previous CDC chiefs, according to several staffers. One employee, who insisted on anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media and fears being fired if identified said Monarez has been almost invisible since her nomination, adding that her absence has been cited by other leaders as an excuse for delaying action. The situation already has led to confusion. In April, a 15-member CDC advisory panel of outside experts met to discuss vaccine policy. The panel makes recommendations to the CDC Director, who routinely signs off on them. But it was unclear during the meeting who would be reviewing the panel's recommendations, which included the expansion of RSV vaccinations for adults and a new combination shot as another option to protect teens against meningitis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HHS officials said the recommendations were going to Buzzelli, but then weeks passed with no decision. A month after the meeting ended, the CDC posted on a web site that Kennedy had signed off on recommendations for travelers against chikungunya, a viral disease transmitted to humans by mosquitos. But there continues to be no word about a decision about the other vaccine recommendations. Controversial COVID-19 vaccine recommendations bypassed CDC panel The problem was accentuated again last week, when Kennedy rolled out recommendations for the COVID-19 vaccine saying they were no longer recommended for healthy children or pregnant women, even though expectant mothers are considered a high-risk group if they contract the virus. Kennedy made the surprise announcement without input from the CDC advisory panel that has historically made recommendations on the nation's vaccine schedule. The CDC days later posted revised guidance that said healthy kids and pregnant women may get the shots. Nixon, the HHS spokesman, said CDC staff were consulted on the recommendations, but would not provide staffer's names or titles. He also did not provide the specific data or research that Kennedy reviewed to reach his conclusion on the new COVID-19 recommendations, just weeks after he said that he did not think people should be taking medical advice from him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Secretary Kennedy said, there is a clear lack of data to support the repeat booster strategy in children, Nixon said in a statement. Research shows that pregnant women are at higher risk of severe illness, mechanical ventilation and death, when they contract COVID-19 infections. During the height of the pandemic, deaths of women during pregnancy or shortly after childbirth soared to their highest level in 50 years. Vaccinations also have been recommended for pregnant women because it passes immunity to newborns who are too young for vaccines and also vulnerable to infections. Nixon did not address a written question about recommendations for pregnant women. Kennedy's decision to bypass the the advisory panel and announce new COVID-19 recommendations on his own prompted a key CDC official who works with the committee Dr. Lakshmi Panagiotakopoulos to announce her resignation last Friday. My career in public health and vaccinology started with a deep-seated desire to help the most vulnerable members of our population, and that is not something I am able to continue doing in this role, she wrote in an email seen by an Associated Press reporter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Signs are mounting that the CDC has been sidelined from key decision-making under Kennedy's watch, said Dr. Anand Parekh, the chief medical adviser for The Bipartisan Policy Center. Its difficult to ascertain how we will reverse the chronic disease epidemic or be prepared for myriad public health emergencies without a strong CDC and visible, empowered director, Parekh said. Its also worth noting that every community in the country is served by a local or state public health department that depends on the scientific expertise of the CDC and the leadership of the CDC director. Texas officials are warning residents to brace themselvesnot for hurricanes or heatwaves, but for something far smaller and deadlier: mosquitoes. Thanks to recent storms and rising global temperatures, health officials say mosquito season is arriving early, lasting longer, and becoming far more dangerous, according to the Austin American-Statesman. Experts are sounding the alarm as conditions across the South, from Texas to Florida, create a perfect breeding ground for the so-called deadliest animal on the planet. Mosquito seasons are running longer than before, said Marcel Elizondo, head of Austins Environmental Health Services division. Were seeing more standing water, more heat, and more ideal conditions for mosquito reproduction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats bad news when you consider what mosquitoes actually bring with them. According to the American Mosquito Control Association, mosquitoes kill over 1 million people a year worldwide, not directly, but by spreading devastating diseases like malaria, dengue, Zika, and West Nile. Malaria alone is responsible for more than 600,000 preventable deaths annually, and U.S. cases of West Nile and Zika are climbing in southern states. "Mosquitoes are the deadliest animals on the planet," Bethany Bolling, who leads virus testing for the Texas Department of State Health Services, told KAXN. Climate change is supercharging the threat. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, warmer temperatures speed up mosquito lifecycles, increase biting rates, and accelerate the disease incubation process inside the insect. Add in flooding and standing water from spring storms, and you've got a perfect storm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What can you do? Public health officials recommend draining standing water from gutters, buckets, and flower pots, fixing leaks, and treating ponds with mosquito dunks. If you're hiking or camping, DEET-based repellents and full-coverage clothing are your best bet. This isnt just about comfort. Its about stopping a silent killer from getting louder and protecting your health while enjoying the outdoors. Related: This Rare Infection Has a 98 Percent Fatality Rate. And Its Linked to a Common Health Habit Why Mosquitoes Are Getting More DangerousAnd What You Can Do About It first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 5, 2025 Paramount Global's efforts to appease President Trump could carry a steep price, and not just financially. As Paramount executives struggle to win government approval for its planned sale, the legal risks and political headaches are spreading from Washington to Sacramento. Three U.S. senators have warned Paramount's controlling shareholder Shari Redstone and other decision-makers that paying Trump to drop his $20-billion lawsuit over an October "60 Minutes" interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris could be considered a bribe. Scrutiny widened late last week when two California Democrats proposed a state Senate hearing to probe details of the drama that has roiled the media company for months. The senators invited two former CBS News executives who both left, in large part, because of the controversy to testify before a joint committee hearing in Sacramento to help lawmakers examine problems with a possible Trump settlement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I haven't seen a president act in this brazen of a manner," state Sen. Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park) said in an interview. "We're concerned about a possible chilling effect any settlement might have on investigative and political journalism. It would also send a message that politically motivated lawsuits can succeed, especially when paired with regulatory threats." Settling the Trump lawsuit is widely seen as a prerequisite for regulators to finally clear Paramount's $8-billion sale to Skydance Media, which Redstone has been desperately counting on to save her family's fortunes. Trump contends CBS edited the "60 Minutes" interview to enhance Harris' appeal in the 2024 presidential election, which she lost. He reportedly rebuffed Paramount's recent $15-million offer to settle his lawsuit, which 1st Amendment experts have dismissed as frivolous. "This is a really important case," said Scott L. Cummings, a legal ethics professor at UCLA's School of Law. "Legislators are starting to raise alarms." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Trump, 60 Minutes' and corruption allegations put Paramount on edge with sale less certain But whether federal or state politicians could foil a Trump settlement is murky. Experts caution, for example, that it may be difficult, if a settlement is reached, to prove that Paramount's leaders paid a bribe. Congress has grappled with such distinctions before, Cummings said. The U.S. Senate acquitted Trump in February 2020 after the House voted to impeach him for allegedly holding up nearly $400 million in security aid to pressure Ukraine to investigate former President Biden and his son Hunter. Major universities and law firms offered significant concessions to the administration this year to try to carve out breathing room. "We would have to have a lot more facts," Cummings said. "Bribery requires a quid pro quo ... and [Trump and his lieutenants] are always very careful not to explicitly couple the two things together. But, clearly, they are related, right? This is the challenge, legally speaking." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even if a Paramount payoff could be proved to be a bribe, it's unclear who would prosecute such a case. No one expects the Trump-controlled FBI or others within the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate allegations of bribery. Trump also has a grip on congressional Republicans and the Federal Communications Commission is run by a Trump appointee, Brendan Carr, who in one of his first acts as chairman, opened a public inquiry into whether the "60 Minutes" edits rose to the level of news distortion. It may fall to state prosecutors to dig into the issue, Cummings said. That hasn't stopped nationally prominent progressive lawmakers from sounding alarms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) have demanded Paramount provide information about the company's deliberations or concessions to facilitate a deal with Trump, including whether newscasts were toned down. "It is illegal to corruptly give anything of value to public officials to influence an official act," the lawmakers wrote in their May 19 letter to Redstone. "If Paramount officials make these concessions ... to influence President Trump ... they may be breaking the law." Redstone and Paramount failed to respond to the senators' questions by this week's deadline, according to Warren's office. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) has suggested that Paramount executives could be liable for unlawfully paying a bribe if it settles President Trump's lawsuit against CBS to secure approval of Paramount's sale to Skydance Media. (Mark Schiefelbein / Associated Press) Paramount and a Redstone spokesperson declined to comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers often express interest in big media takeovers, and Skydance's proposed purchase of an original Hollywood movie studio and pioneering broadcaster CBS could be an industry game changer. But this time, interest is less focused on vetting the Ellison family or the deal's particulars and more about determining whether Trump inappropriately wields his power. Trump has demanded Paramount pay "a lot" of money to settle his lawsuit. The president also has called for CBS to lose its station licenses, which are governed by the FCC. For more than a month, attorneys for Paramount and Trump have participated in mediation sessions without resolution. Paramount offered $15 million but Trump said no, according to the Wall Street Journal. Instead, the president reportedly demanded at least $25 million in cash, plus an additional $25 million in free commercials to pump his favorite causes. He also wants an apology. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latter is a red line for CBS News executives who say they have done nothing wrong, according to insiders who were not authorized to discuss the sensitive deliberations. Paramount's leaders have clashed over settlement efforts, according to the sources. The two California state senators Becker and Tom Umberg (D-Orange) hope such fractures provide an opening. Late last week, the pair invited former CBS News and Stations President Wendy McMahon and former "60 Minutes" executive producer Bill Owens to testify at a yet-unscheduled oversight hearing in Sacramento. McMahon exited CBS last month under pressure for her management decisions, including resistance to the Trump settlement, sources said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Owens resigned in April, citing a loss of editorial independence. "You are being approached as friendly witnesses who may help our committees assess whether improper influence is being exerted in ways that threaten public trust and competition in the media sector," Becker and Umberg wrote to the former executives. Becker is chairman of the Senate Energy, Utilities & Communications Committee; Umberg heads the Senate Judiciary Committee. California has an interest, in part, because Paramount operates in the state, including a large presence in Los Angeles, Becker told The Times. Read more: Trump, 60 Minutes' and corruption allegations put Paramount on edge with sale less certain Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The controversy over the edits began in October after CBS aired different parts of Harris' response to a question during a "60 Minutes" interview a month before the election. Producers of the public affairs show "Face the Nation" used a clip of Harris giving a convoluted response. The following day, "60 Minutes" aired the most forceful part of her answer, prompting conservatives to cry foul. Trump filed his federal lawsuit in Texas days before the election, alleging CBS had deceptively edited the Harris interview to boost her election chances, an allegation CBS denies. After returning to the White House, Trump doubled the damages he was seeking to $20 billion. His team claims he suffered "mental anguish" as a result of the interview. Read more: '60 Minutes,' the Associated Press, an Iowa newspaper: Trump's attacks on the media reach new heights CBS has asked the Texas judge, a Trump appointee, to dismiss the lawsuit, saying the edits were routine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since then, the FCC's review of Paramount's Skydance deal has become bogged down. Paramount needs Carr's approval to transfer CBS television station licenses to the Ellison family. Paramount has said it is treating the proposed settlement and FCC review on the Skydance merger as separate matters. Experts doubt Trump sees such a distinction. Trump and his team "essentially are using government processes to set up negotiations that end up benefiting Trump personally in ways that raise corruption concerns," Cummings said. Paramount's decision could open the company to shareholder complaints. The reason Trump's CBS "60 Minutes" lawsuit has become such a lightning rod is "because the lawsuit is so ridiculously frivolous," said Seth Stern, advocacy director for the Freedom of the Press Foundation, which owns Paramount shares and has vowed a lawsuit if the company capitulates. "This is so transparently an abuse of power a shakedown," Stern said. Read more: Paramount adds three new board members amid Trump troubles and FCC review Media analyst Richard Greenfield of LightShed Partners suggested that Trump's goal may be about more than his reported demand of nearly $50 million. "The far bigger question is whether there is any number that Trump would want to settle the CBS/60 Minutes lawsuit," Greenfield wrote in a blog post this week. "If Trumps goal is to weaken the press and cause persistent fear of lawsuits that could negatively impact business combinations, keeping the CBS/60 Minutes lawsuit ongoing could be in the Presidents best interests." UCLA's Cummings sees another deleterious outcome. A settlement could "legitimize the narrative that Trump puts out that there's some sort of corruption within these media entities," Cummings said. "He could point to a settlement and say: 'I told you they did something wrong, and they now agreed because they paid me this amount of money.' " "Even though they would be paying to get this deal through," Cummings said. 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. For years, Taco Macs Midtown location on Peachtree Street in Atlanta was a go-to for wings, beer, and game-day crowds. But this week, the doors shut for goodand no one gave the staff a heads-up. Fox 5 Atlanta reported that according to former employees, including bartender Brandon Jovan Stephens, the closure came without warning. "I worked Saturday and Sunday like normal," he said. "Nobody told us anything." He didnt hear it from a manager, an email, or a team meeting. Like many others, Stephens found out through a text, a sign on the door, and social media posts confirming what no one at the company would explain: Taco Mac Midtown was permanently closed. "Its frustrating because its not knowing," he said. "Just be honest. We bust our ass here." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sign taped to the door read "Permanently Closed" and included a vague note that "dedicated team members ... will be offered opportunities at nearby locations." But for many staffers who relied on the Midtown gig as their primary incomesome supporting familiestheres no guarantee of what comes next. This closure marks the third Atlanta-area Taco Mac shutdown in two years. In 2023, the Decatur location shut down after 22 years in business. Just weeks ago, the chain shuttered its original Virginia-Highland location after 46 years, making way for a Jack Browns Beer & Burger Joint. Midtown had been the only remaining in-town location. For Stephens and his co-workers, it feels like a gut punch. "We built a clientele with our regulars," he said. "For this place to be shut down like this was just like a slap in the face." What stings even more is the silence. No official explanation. No chance to say goodbye to coworkers or longtime customers. Just a locked door, a paper sign, and a lot of unanswered questions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the setback, Stephens is trying to stay hopeful. "It affected a lot of people that worked here," he said. "But when one door closes, another one opens. Thats all we can dokeep going." Why Taco Macs Latest Closure Feels Like a Slap in the Face first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 5, 2025 BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) While the USS The Sullivans have survived war, time and tens of thousands of miles, another winter Buffalos waterfront may be its most dangerous battle yet. The community, Buffalo city leaders and Paul Marzello, the president of the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park, spoke about what is hopefully in store for future restoration efforts after the announcement of another dry docking delay. Weve got $21 million to move forward and were getting the question all the time. Why arent we moving forward? Marzello said. The simple answer is, we dont control the process. The city owns the ships. The city owns the buildings. The city owns the grounds. Its a city park. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the ships partially sank in April, 14, 2022, New York State Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes announced $500,000 and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer secured $7.5 million in funding for repairs. Gov. Kathy Hochul also announced $10 million to repair the ships in August 2024. Marzello said due to holdups on the city level of insurance and administrative challenges, plans to drydock and restore the historic ships have been pushed back to October 2026 at the earliest. He also said the city and the council chose a marine engineering firm in February to handle the project. Thats where we are now. Nothing has been done for the last four months, he said. Its very frustrating for our board, for us as an organization. The city is moving diligently to put over $20 million in funding towards this project, said Nate Marton, Buffalos Department of Public Workers commissioner, in a statement WIVB News 4. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marton said there are no deadlines in place that the city has missed at this time. Buffalo Common Council Member Mitch Nowakowski said he works closely with the naval park and understands this is a big task. Thats where Im going to step in as a district member to say, Hey, where are we and how do we move this timeline to make sure that these assets are protected? Nowakowski said. Why I have such confidence in the naval park is the dedication they have on their board and their executive director, so if theyre showing us engineering reports that there needs to be an expeditious timeline to make sure that these are saved, Im yielding to their expertise. Visitors of the naval park said on Wednesday that they believe the ships need to be cared for to ensure they dont just become a part of Buffalos past history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My grandpa was in the Navy and it was his captains ship and I remember hearing stories from him, so [its] really cool just to be able to visit the history and explore the area, said Hamburg resident Hannah Meader. Others said the ships should remain in Buffalo. The history behind the Sullivans every mothers heartbreak is in that ship. We really need to keep this the ships, the planes, everything, said Akron resident Margie Keller. Its so important for history for everybody to remember and for the little kids that dont know about it, its just phenomenal. It breaks my heart to think we might lose them. City leaders and naval park officials said they have similar goals in mind when it comes to the restoration project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To see all of News 4s past coverage on the USS The Sullivans, click here. Latest Local 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 News 4 Buffalo. Veterans across the U.S. are planning to gather on D-Day, June 6, in order to protest the Trump Administration's cuts to the Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as cuts to other government staff and programs. The veteran-led protests will take place at the nation's capitol in Washington, D.C., as well as at 16 state capitol buildings and over 100 other venues within 43 states. The protests are being held on D-Day in honor of the sacrifices WWII veterans made during the Normandy invasion in order to defeat fascism and, now, veterans are coming together to defeat fascism in the U.S., says activism organization Indivisible. Veterans protests planned on D-Day in Louisiana There are two planned protests on June 6 in Louisiana, and all abled-body veterans, military families, allies and civilians are being called upon to come together for a peaceful rally advocating for the protection of veteran benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The "D-Day 2025: A Veterans Rally and March," hosted by Indivisible New Orleans, will take place from 11 a.m. until 12 p.m. at Lafayette Square, located at S Maestri St., in New Orleans. The second protest, "Unite for Veterans. Unite for America Rally" by Indivisible Lafayette will be held from 4:30 p.m. until 6 p.m. at 107 E. University Avenue, in Lafayette. Vietnam Veteran Jim Taylor holds his American flag upside down as a sign of distress during the Tide Against Trump rally at Snow Hinton Park in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Thursday May 1, 2025, during President Donald Trumps visit to the University of Alabama campus. "Veterans are facing cuts to the VA and other benefits they earned, while watching an administration roll over the U.S. Constitution, which as those who wore the uniform know, they took an oath to protect," says Indivisible. Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Are veterans protesting on D-Day in Louisiana? Why VA cuts are focus WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) The Wichita Falls City Council signed off on the labor union contract with firefighters on Tuesday, June 3. Highlights of the contract included a 10% increase in firefighters base salaries, an expanded hiring range from 36 to 39, and an amended promotion system to promote leadership development. Wichita Falls Professional Firefighters Association President Al Vitolo said this contract protects the citys investment in training firefighters by retaining them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive already had guys calling me that had left, talking about coming back, Vitolo said. This is a real deal. There were bridges that I felt had been burned beyond repair, that now are in place. Based on their efforts to find a path to compromise and provide a path to success. Vitolo went on to call this a big deal for fiscal responsibility. The contract will be in place for 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 Texomashomepage.com. WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) A Wichita Falls man has nearly a quarter of a million dollars in bonds for allegedly attacking two peace officers this week. Christian Parker is in the Wichita County Law Enforcement Center on two counts of assault of an officer, assault causing bodily injury, and resisting arrest. Loves shooting suspect arrested after high speed chase On Tuesday, June 3, 2025, around 7:45 p.m., police were sent to the 3200 block of Euel Street for an assault. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When officers arrived, they found the victim standing out in the front yard. Police asked if the man who assaulted her, later identified as Parker, had a gun; she confirmed he did. When the police went to the door and asked Parker to come out, they said they could see he was visibly agitated and yelled for the police to get out of his house. Police said he then ran toward the door where one of the officers was standing and pinned the officer in the doorway. Another officer at the doorway said they tried to subdue Parker and get him into handcuffs, but Parker punched and kicked both officers. Police said during the struggle, Parker was tased at least once. After he was tased, police said they were able to pin Parker behind the front door until more officers arrived. Officers said he continued to struggle and had to be carried out of the house and placed into a patrol car. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When police interviewed the victim, she said Parker had gotten extremely intoxicated after drinking a bottle of whiskey. She told police that while they were in the car, he hit her with a closed fist in the face and on the head, causing her to bleed. At the time of publication, Parker is still in jail on bonds totaling $210,000. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com. BALTIMORE As efforts to clean thousands of gallons of oil from waters near Baltimores Harbor East continue, officials are working to rescue turtles and other wildlife from the affected areas. Officials say that the leak originated from diesel tanks that supplied fuel to the Johns Hopkins Hospital care facilities. A.J. Metcalf, a spokesperson for Marylands Department of Natural Resources, said it had been an all hands on deck effort, with officials from various state departments coming together to help identify and remove the impacted animals. Around two dozen geese and ducks had been rescued from the area, along with three turtles two slider turtles and a snapping turtle as of Thursday afternoon. The affected animals are being transferred to Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research, a wildlife rescue service in Newark, Delaware, where they will be rehabilitated before being released back into the wild. There had not been any reports of animals dying as a result of the oil spill as of Thursday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Efforts to encourage safe habitats for wildlife near the harbor have been ongoing for decades, and in 2022, a collaboration led by the Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore introduced a new 100-square-foot basking location for local turtles, according to the National Aquarium. The project, which was supported by the National Aquarium, Clearwater Mills and the Living Classrooms Foundation, was dubbed Turtle Island. Turtle Island is located in a canal that runs along Lancaster Street, between Eden and South Caroline streets, close to the site of the oil spill. It is a turtle haven, Adam Lindquist, vice president of the Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore, said of the canal. This canal is just filled with hundreds of turtles. Thankfully, the turtles are resilient to this sort of pollution, but obviously any turtles that are obviously in distress are being picked up, Lindquist said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement James Piper Bond, president and CEO of the Living Classrooms Foundation, told The Baltimore Sun that, luckily, the turtles are doing pretty well, the DNR experts have been able to catch some of them they are not overly damaged at this point, from our understanding. Bond noted that there had been a concerted effort over the last four decades to bring wildlife, aquatic life, back into the harbor, especially where the Lancaster street canal is. We want to make sure the turtles survive, and the aquatic life survives, and the bird life. Weve all been working hard to encourage that, Bond noted. --------------- William Nunneley, who has died aged 77, was a master and huntsman of five packs of foxhounds before rising through the ranks of racing to become the British Horseracing Authoritys head of stewarding. His foxhunting career began with mastership of the Tedworth Hunt in 1968 but he is best remembered for the fine sport shown during the 1970s while he was Master of the Morpeth in Northumberland. He was endowed with a great sense of humour, a zest for life, and the mythical common touch, and hunting in his company was always fun. In retirement he became a confidant and mentor to young masters navigating the current choppy waters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nunneleys long career as a racing official, from part-time judge in 1980 to head of stewarding between 2002 and 2013, also spanned an era of unprecedented change during which the centuries-old Jockey Club ceded governance of racing to the British Horseracing Authority. As head of stewarding, responsible for the practical management of race days, Nunneley was a fixture at every high-profile meeting in the country, from Royal Ascot in June to the Cheltenham Festival in March. He appointed two former jockeys as his deputies, and with their help the transition was made from a system reliant on amateur stewards to professional stipendiaries with a vote on the panel. Nunneley, right, at the Dyke Neuk inn in Morpeth country in 1971 with Ron Mackay, his kennel huntsman - courtesy of family The rejection of long-standing volunteers inevitably ruffled feathers, but the changes were driven through by a man unafraid to speak his mind. Nunneley preferred a quiet word in an offenders ear to the formality of an official inquiry but there were occasions when the subtle approach would not suffice. In 2011 the French jockey Christophe Soumillon contravened rules introduced a week earlier when he struck his mount once more than permitted during a thrilling finish to the Champion Stakes at Ascot. The stewards were reluctant to implement the forfeiture of his 52,000 prize money but Nunneley insisted on playing by the book, observing: The rules have to be obeyed, but if we dont agree they must be changed. They quickly were. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement William Nunneley was born on March 23 1948, the second of three children and the only son of sporting parents. His father, Major David Nunneley, was a Gordon Highlander who was captured in Singapore and sent to work on the notorious Siam-Burma railway, an experience from which he never fully recovered. After the war he married Rosemary Whitbread, a keen hunting lady and one-time secretary of the Cotswold Hunt whose grandfather was the sporting artist, Basil Nightingale. William enjoyed a rural upbringing in Gloucestershire, where he helped out at the Cotswold Hunt kennels under the watchful eye of Sir Hugh Arbuthnot, Master of Foxhounds, and broadened his hunting education by whipping-in to Bryan Day with the New Forest beagles. As head of stewarding, he oversaw the transition from a system reliant on amateur stewards to professional stipendiaries - courtesy of family On his return from a working holiday in Zimbabwe, the 20-year-old William announced his intention to take a pack of hounds, somewhat to the dismay of his father, who had anticipated a military career. Masterships of the Tedworth and Morpeth, where he met his first wife, Fiona Grant, were followed by shorter stays with the Bedale and Middleton in North Yorkshire, where the subscribers did not always appreciate their masters patient approach to hunting hounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On giving up his mastership of the Bramham Moor in 1990, Nunneley married the equine artist and sculptor Caroline Wallace, who was to nurse him through ill-health during the last six months of his life. His Jockey Club appointment as a part-time judge in 1980 was followed by promotion to stewards secretary in 1985 with responsibility for dispensing professional advice to the local amateur stewards who attended every race meeting. His piercing blue eyes, upright bearing and old-school aura led many to assume wrongly that this straight-talking official had been recruited from the same military background as many of his colleagues. But beneath the steely exterior lurked a wicked sense of humour. Always a stickler for high standards, he once hauled a recalcitrant and scruffy steward from his West Country farm to Jermyn Street to purchase a respectable off-the-peg tweed suit. The farmers suit garnered widespread approval but was the source of much hilarity when Nunneley visited years later to find that it had been requisitioned as a bed for his hosts gun dogs. Beneath the steely exterior lurked a wicked sense of humour - courtesy of family In 2002 Nunneley was elevated to senior stipendiary steward, a role that was redefined by the British Horseracing Authority to head of stewarding in 2008, a year after the BHA had assumed full responsibility for the governance of racing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After retirement the Nunneleys spent eight years at Withypool on Exmoor, where they dispensed hospitality to visitors from near and far and William enjoyed following the Devon and Somerset staghounds. Latterly they returned to the county of his childhood, where it was open house to all-comers and a favourite pit stop for the North Cotswold hunt staff on summer hound exercise. A neighbour visiting shortly before Nunneleys death recalled his anxiety lest her glass run dry, and reported that his brilliant sense of humour stayed with him until the end. William Nunneley is survived by his second wife Caroline, by a son, a stepson and a stepdaughter from that marriage, and by a son and two daughters from his first marriage. William Nunneley, born March 23 1948, died April 23 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. WILLISTON, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) The Williston Fire Department announced Tuesday that five of their own had been recognized for a quick response that may have saved a 15-month-old childs life. The child was found unresponsive in a local hotel April 26 following a seizure. She was not breathing well and low on oxygen, but the team of five was able to stabilize her and get her to the University of Vermont Medical Center for further care. Pictured above (L to R) Lt./Paramedic Anthony Simanskas, Ff./EMT Tyler Kardashian, Sff./AEMT Corey Hill, Ff./EMT Nathan Libby, Sff./Paramedic James Wells. (Courtesy: Williston FD) The firefighters received a commendation from Dr. Peter Antevy, MD, who founded the Handtevy System used by the team to respond to the childs medical emergency. Handtevy describes itself as a pediatric healthcare technology company, which makes software that emergency medical providers can use to facilitate decisions under time pressure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burlington Jazz Fest promises a musical journey around the world Antevy told the firefighters that their quick decision making and professionalism was responsible for the happy outcome. Each of you performed with purpose and clarity, he said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44. HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) The proposal for the Rock Bluff Energy Park wind turbine project includes ninety-three possible locations for wind turbines in Henderson County. Officials with Cordelio Power, the owner of the project, say it has been working with energy officials to gather wind data and to secure leases with landowners. Henderson County Judge-Executive Brad Schneider says this has been years in the making and expects this project to still take much more time before it comes into fruition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of us are used to seeing these wind turbines in places that blow all the time, like California or Texas, not Kentucky, said Schneider. I guess the technology has improved to the point where energy could be produced on a profitable basis. But again its not a done deal. We have a long ways to go but the technology is interesting. Energy officials say while the map from the FAAs website is showing ninety-three turbines available the project is looking to install fifty to seventy turbines in the county. Schneider says he knows projects like these invoke the publics opinion. But he is urging those that are curious about the project to seek information from an official with the project. In situations like this there tends to be a lot of misinformation, said Schneider. Because people try to do their own research on the internet for ten minutes and decide that they know everything about a project like this. But I encourage people to ask the experts, the owners. And again, they have an office in downtown Henderson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for the next steps, Schneider says he is looking for ways to make sure the project is in line with what residents of the county want. Theres lots of local considerations including the creation of a local ordinance regulating wind turbines, said Schneider. Theres going to be a timeline of a couple of years. Before we really get down to deciding whats going to happen. Energy officials say the exact locations of the turbines have not been determined. Schneider says he is aiming to have a zoning ordinance for the wind turbines set by the end of the year. Officials with Rock Bluff Energy Park have released a statement about the facility. Below is there full statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A combined wind, solar and battery energy storage facility is being contemplated for northeastern Henderson County. Representatives from the Rock Bluff Energy Park team have been talking with local landowners about the opportunity to participate in our proposed facility by offering voluntary lease agreements to host wind energy facilities on their land. This brings an opportunity for them to utilize a small portion of their land to generate electricity while continuing to farm, hunt and otherwise use their property as they wish. The facility is in its early stages of development and is several years away from beginning the permitting process. Before any specific turbine locations can be proposed, the development team must work with a number of local, state and federal stakeholders to determine where those turbines can be safely located. The recent FAA filing for an obstruction evaluation of the facilitys general footprint will provide valuable information to ensure the project will not interfere with airspace. Results of this initial FAA study, and feedback from other stakeholders, will allow the design of a project that will meet all applicable standards and regulations. The Rock Bluff Energy Park team is committed to being transparent and working closely with stakeholders. A website at www.rockbluffenergypark.com (http://www.rockbluffenergypark.com/) has recently been launched to provide community members the opportunity to learn more about the project and ask the project team questions. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). WASHINGTON, D.C. (WDHN) Several Wiregrass veterans had the chance to visit the nations capital to see the monuments that honor the sacrifices made by our troops overseas. Funded and orchestrated by Wiregrass Honor Flights, these veterans were able to visit the Arlington National Cemetery, where they watched the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. There, our local veterans were celebrated and thanked by other visitors for their service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After that, the group toured the World War II memorials and the Vietnam Remembrance Wall. Many of these vets served overseas in Vietnam and Korea, making this part of the trip rather personal. Robert Anderson, a retired Vietnam Army Pilot, saw the names of his friends who were killed in battle, a moment of nostalgia and sadness. Anderson recollected those men, including one with whom he had roomed. I hated to see him go, we lost another buddy about two weeks later in combat there. You always wondered, and being this close, I wanted to get a trace and see this wall because I know all of these folks gave a great sacrifice to be on this wall, even though youd rather they werent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Afterward, the trip ended at the Air Force Memorial in Arlington. There, the veterans were treated to a special performance from the Air Force Honor Guard Drill team. Followed by a meet and greet with that drill team. For many Vietnam veterans, returning to the United States after their tour was a battle of its own; those soldiers returned home to find that some Americans didnt view them as heroes. Some of those soldiers were spit on or yelled at, due to the visceral response to a war that had become a nationwide political issue. But Wednesdays trip was solely about honoring the sacrifice they made for our country decades ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the way I was treated when I came back from Vietnam, this day has been wonderful. I just cant believe people are so nice, it makes me feel very good, said Army Veteran Lonnie Daniels. Our veterans then returned to the Wiregrass Wednesday night, welcomed home with a ceremony at the Daleville Cultural Arts and Convention 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 WDHN - wdhn.com. June 5 (UPI) -- A Wisconsin zoo announced it has called off the search for an otter on the loose since March, explaining the animal "has made the decision to be a wild otter." The New Zoo & Adventure Park in Green Bay previously revealed two otters, Louie and Ophelia, escaped from their enclosure during a snowstorm March 20. Ophelia was recaptured and returned to the zoo April 2, but Louie has proved to be more elusive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "At no point during his time away has Louie been spotted (and reported to us) repeatedly in the same yard or waterway, which is what would have been required to set traps to bring him home," the zoo said on social media. "We did, however, receive enough reports of sightings in similar areas that lead us to believe that he is healthy and surviving well." The zoo said Louie was born in the wild and is believed to have all of the skills and instincts he would need to survive on his own. "We expect that he's doing just fine out there," the post said. The zoo said it is working with the North American River Otter Species Survival Plan to try to find a new mate for Ophelia. MUWASI, Gaza Strip (AP) With the Gaza Strip devastated by war and siege, Palestinians struggled Thursday to celebrate one of the most important Islamic holidays. To mark Eid al-Adha Arabic for the Festival of Sacrifice Muslims traditionally slaughter a sheep or cow and give away part of the meat to the poor as an act of charity. Then they have a big family meal with sweets. Children get gifts of new clothes. But no fresh meat has entered Gaza for three months. Israel has blocked shipments of food and other aid to pressure Hamas to release hostages taken in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack that started the war. And nearly all the territorys homegrown sheep, cattle and goats are dead after 20 months of Israeli bombardment and ground offensives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the little livestock left was on sale at a makeshift pen set up in the vast tent camp of Muwasi in the southern part of Gazas Mediterranean coast. But no one could afford to buy. A few people came to look at the sheep and goats, along with a cow and a camel. Some kids laughed watching the animals and called out the prayers connected to the holiday. I cant even buy bread. No meat, no vegetables, said Abdel Rahman Madi. The prices are astronomical. The Eid commemorates the test of faith of the Prophet Ibrahim Abraham in the Bible and his willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of submission to God. The day is usually one of joy for children and a day when businesses boom a bit as people buy up food and gifts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But prices for everything have soared amid the blockade, which was only slightly eased two weeks ago. Meat and most fresh fruits and vegetables disappeared from the markets weeks ago. At a street market in the nearby city of Khan Younis, some stalls had stuffed sheep toys and other holiday knickknacks and old clothes. But most people left without buying any gifts after seeing the prices. Before, there was an Eid atmosphere, the children were happy Now with the blockade, theres no flour, no clothes, no joy, said Hala Abu Nqeira, a woman looking through the market. We just go to find flour for our children. We go out every day looking for flour at a reasonable price, but we find it at unbelievable prices. Israels campaign against Hamas has almost entirely destroyed Gazas ability to feed itself. The U.N. says 96% of the livestock and 99% of the poultry are dead. More than 95% of Gazas prewar cropland is unusable, either too damaged or inaccessible inside Israeli military zones, according to a land survey published this week by the U.N.s Food and Agriculture Organization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel barred all food and other supplies from entering Gaza for more than two months. It eased the blockade two weeks ago to allow a trickle of aid trucks in for the U.N. to distribute. The trucks have brought in some food items, mainly flour. But the U.N. says it has struggled to delivery much of the incoming aid because of looting or Israeli military restrictions. Almost the entire population of more than 2 million people have been driven from their homes, and most have had to move multiple times to escape Israeli offensives. Rasha Abu Souleyma said she recently slipped back to her home in Rafah from which her family had fled to take refuge in Khan Younis to find some possessions shed left behind. She came back with some clothes, pink plastic sunglasses and bracelets that she gave to her two daughters as Eid gifts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I cant buy them clothes or anything, the 38-year-old said. I used to bring meat in Eid so they would be happy, but now we cant bring meat, and I cant even feed the girls with bread. Near her, a group of children played on makeshift swings made of knotted and looped ropes. Karima Nejelli, a displaced woman from Rafah, pointed out that people in Gaza had now marked both Eid al-Adha and the other main Islamic holiday, Eid al-Fitr, two times each under the war. During these four Eids, we as Palestinians did not see any kind of joy, no sacrifice, no cookies, no buying Eid clothes or anything. ___ Chehayeb reported from Beirut. Earlier on Thursday, the bodies of Judith Weinstein Haggai and her husband, Gadi Haggai, were recovered by the military. They held Canadian and American citizenships. US Envoy Steve Witkoff on Thursday said that Hamas must accept the current ceasefire proposal to ensure the remaining hostages are returned. "Although those who were murdered can never be replaced, this closure is absolutely critical and a minimum of human dignity," Witkoff said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The head of Hamas in Gaza, Khalil al-Hayya, said in a pre-recorded speech on Thursday that the group had not rejected the latest US proposal for a ceasefire with Israel but demanded changes that would secure the end of the war in the enclave. The terror group was ready to engage in a new round of ceasefire talks, and communication with mediating countries was ongoing, he added. The latest US proposal came via Witkoff. "The movement (Hamas) didn't reject the Witkoff proposal, but we have demanded some remarks and improvement to ensure an end to the war," Hayya, who is also chief Hamas negotiator, said in a pre-recorded video speech. Hayya reiterated demands for an end to the war and withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, conditions Israel has rejected. IDF retrieves bodies of two hostages The bodies of hostages Judith Weinstein Haggai and her husband, Gadi Haggai, were retrieved by the IDF in the early hours of Thursday morning in a special forces operation performed in collaboration with intelligence from the Shin Bet and the IDF, the military announced. They held American and Canadian citizenships. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Mujahideen Brigades kidnapped and held the bodies of the two in Gaza after they were murdered on October 7 in Kibbutz Nir Oz. Their deaths were determined in December 2023. IDF forces carried out the rescue operation under the Southern Command. The information that allowed their retrieval into Israeli territory was learned during an interrogation of a captured terrorist. Negotiations continue between Israel and Hamas Negotiations between Israel and Hamas, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the US, are ongoing despite significant gaps, a source familiar with the matter told The Jerusalem Post. Qatars Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, met with senior Hamas officials based in Doha. These officials emphasized that Hamas demands US guarantees that negotiations for a deal, including a ceasefire, will continue after the initial 60-day period, the source told the Post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Efforts are being made to reach new understandings with Hamas before Eid al-Adha, which begins on Friday. In Doha, Bishara Bahbah, an envoy of Steve Witkoff, continued to engage with senior Hamas officials. The mediators, Egypt, Qatar, and the US administration, are working to advance a deal or at least secure agreements between the parties despite the challenges. Jerusalem Post Staff and Yonah Jeremy Bob contributed to this report. Solidarity, Polands anti-communist party, looks set to claim a remarkable success in the countrys elections, with initial results suggesting it has done much better than predicted. The results, if confirmed, will be even more notable because this is the first election in which the Solidarity movement has been permitted by the Soviet-controlled government to campaign against the Communist Party. But however large its success, the communists will remain in control, as the opposition has been allowed to contest only one third of the seats. The best Solidarity can hope for is a majority in the senate. Incomplete results suggest the government will be disappointed by its performance. Despite a low turnout, Solidarity candidates appear to have exceeded their expectations. A Solidarity spokesman said: The electorate simply showed that we need reforms, the party should reform itself too and the whole result of the election is a big boost to go on. Polling stations have been closed for more than 12 hours, but a final announcement will have to wait until all 2000 electoral districts have completed their counts and delivered their results. The likelihood of Poland experiencing institutionalised opposition for the first time under communism has excited many Poles, who regard the contest as a test for freedom. One man said: Its one step in our escape from serfdom and communism. A woman described Solidaritys expected victory as enormous. Courtesy BBC News In context The first-round result saw Solidarity, led by shipyard worker Lech Walesa, win between 70 and 80 per cent of the vote in most of the country. Solidarity began as a trade union organisation in 1980, but soon evolved into an effective political movement. Following its shock landslide win over the ruling communists in 1989, the Solidarity movement splintered into various groups. But the effects of the election on Poland were lasting, and soon demands for reform and democratisation became overwhelming. Following the dissolution of the communist party, Walesa was elected Polands first non-communist President in 1990. The Atlantic Daily, a newsletter that guides you through the biggest stories of the day, helps you discover new ideas, and recommends the best in culture. Sign up for it here. Want to stay current with Arthurs writing? Sign up to get an email every time a new column comes out. My preoccupation with writing about meaning, love, and happiness derives from my desire to understand these parts of life more deeply, and impart to others whatever understanding I can glean. I will confess that this can be a frustrating task at times because I feel as though I can never get to the essence of these sublimities; words always feel inadequate. For a long time, I believed that at some pointmaybe after writing a million more wordsI would finally arrive at the ability to adequately express what it is that Im seeking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The philosopher Ludwig Josef Johann Wittgenstein, who died in 1951, probably would have told me I was barking up the wrong tree. The writer and fellow philosopher Bertrand Russell called Wittgensteins work perhaps the most perfect example I have ever known of genius as traditionally conceived, passionate, profound, intense and dominating, yet Wittgenstein did not leave us much of it. He published only one book of philosophy in his life, the Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus, which itself is only about 75 pages long. In it, Wittgenstein explained that language can never convey the fullest understanding of life. The limits of my language, he wrote, mean the limits of my world. Wittgenstein was no doubt conscious of the irony of making this argument through language. But in so doing, he offered a path to getting beyond words and to apprehend, after all, the ineffable essence of what we seek. [Arthur C. Brooks: The ultimate German philosophy for a happier life] Human communication is rife with misunderstanding, as social scientists have long observed. Researchers writing in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology in 2011 showed that people misunderstand the intended meaning of what others say, especially among close acquaintances such as family and friends. The scholars found that those who spoke with strangers communicated more clearly than with close associates, believingincorrectlythat the latter would understand ambiguous phrases by virtue of their intimate affiliation. So what are the odds that youll grasp correctly the next thing your spouse tells you? Digital communication makes the situation worse because it eliminates nonverbal cues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One explanation psychologists offer as a common cause of misunderstanding is motivated reasoning, in which our own desires and beliefs determine what we perceive to be true, rather than what someone else is telling us. For example, when your partner innocently asks what youve been up to today, you might incorrectly apprehend this as an expression of suspicion, because, in fact, youve been up to something they wouldnt approve of. Whereas psychologists see the problem as one of unreliable narrators and inattentive listeners, Wittgenstein, as a philosopher, saw the very medium of language itself as inherently flawed. Words, he believed, were inadequate to the task of conveying subtle truths, metaphysical ideas, or any subjective experience. This was because language is nothing more than a crude model of the worlda jumble of sounds or symbols that represents the underlying reality of existence about as accurately as a map on your phone represents a forest youre walking through. The sight of tall trees, the smell of pine needles, the solitude you sought have virtually nothing to do with the squiggle on the screen that crudely marks the trail. Wittgenstein never knew our modern technologies of communication, but he would surely see that they make his point times 10. Consider how much a text-message abbreviation and an emoji really tell you about what is in your beloveds heart. LOL, not much, right? Wittgensteins proposition has significant implications for happiness, because misunderstanding lowers our well-being. For example, experiments show how failing to be understood by others reduces the satisfaction that participants report in subsequent activities. Even more profound, his conclusion about the inadequacy of language suggests that we will never comprehend the true meaning of our lives by reading or talking about it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How are we to escape this thicket of muddle and misunderstanding? To find meaning without words suggests that we need to seek a particular kind of transcendence. [Arthur C. Brooks: The key to critical self-awareness] Wittgensteins contention resembles Saint Augustine of Hippos argument that God is what we want, but Gods nature also evades human expressionin fact, merely to talk about the divine is to trivialize him. But Augustine did not think that we should therefore abandon the whole project. The trick is to see language as only the beginning of a spiritual journey, not the end. He suggested that we use just one wordDeus (Latin for God)as an audible departure point into the realm of the inexpressible. When that sound reaches your ears, he wrote, think of a nature supreme in excellence and eternal in existence. This is, I believe, very close to what Wittgenstein suggested as well. I would recommend a couple of signposts to guide you on your journey beyond words. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 1. Think; dont talk. Many religious and wisdom traditions recommend meditative contemplation on a single concept. Tibetan Buddhists call it analytical meditation, a practice with which the Dalai Lama starts his morning, as he told me, and to which he devotes at least an hour every day. This mode of meditation involves a focused reflection on a scriptural phrase to inspire insight into what it signifies. (The Augustinian version of this practice was, in effect, to make Deus his word to meditate upon.) If Im doing this, I might use the phrase I love my wife as my starting point. Then Id try to engage the right hemisphere of my brain, the region that processes meaningful associations and concepts, in contrast with the left hemispheres logical problem-solving ability. The idea is to liberate my cognition from the limits of my vocabulary and linguistic abilityeasier said than done, but it can be enough to just sit in silence with my phrase or allow my mind to roam on a forest walk. 2. Seek understanding, not answers. The second stepwhich is allied with disengaging our habitual left-brain dominanceis to stop looking for exact answers to difficult questions. The purpose of analytical meditation is not to generate a clean explanation for why I love my wife. Nor is it to compose a precise but prosaic argument for why I do so. That would be to go in the wrong direction, according to Wittgenstein and Augustine, only committing me more to the poverty of language and taking me further from the underlying truth. As soon as one tries to verbalize an answer to explain this loveBecause she is good to meone has belittled the concept and literally understated its truth. Consider how even the greatest love poetrysuch as these lines from Elizabeth Barrett Browning: I love thee with the breath, / Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose, / I shall but love thee better after deathessentially restates the Augustinian verity that this deeply complex experience defies utterance. The goal is to gain an understanding of this love, not an answer thats like the solution to a mathematical equation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [Arthur C. Brooks: The bliss of a quieter ego] What would Wittgenstein have us do about our ultimate problem of meaning in life? Whereof one cannot speak, he offered as the last proposition in Tractatus, thereof one must be silent. By all means, talk about trivial things, he seems to be saying, but dont waste your time trying to express lifes profundities, because you will only fool others and frustrate yourself; better to keep your counsel. This injunction has generally been understood as a nihilistic statement of the impossibility of expression, and therefore of knowledge. I believe it is nothing of the sort. Being silent is the beginning of a different sort of cognition, a meditational path that does not seek straightforward answers. Allow yourself this silence, and the understanding you gain will be your ineffable reward. Article originally published at The Atlantic RICHMOND, Ind. (WDTN) A Preble County woman is speaking out after allegedly performing the Heimlich maneuver on herself after eating a sandwich from an area restaurant. Patricia Webster claims she obtained a chicken salad sandwich from a McAlisters Deli location in Richmond, Indiana in May. Webster said she was eating the sandwich in her vehicle and started to choke after biting into what she later discovered was an avocado pit. It was just instantaneous, said Webster. It just kind of popped and went into the back of my throat and I instantly couldnt breathe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Preble County woman said she was forced to exit her car to take matters into her own hands. She told WDTN she performed the Heimlich maneuver on herself several times on the trunk of her vehicle, which ended up working. The first couple times I was just trying to do it with one hand, and I just couldnt get enough, Webster said. So I finally just took both, and I just kind of, like, rammed into it, but, you know, at a quicker speed. According to Webster, she has attempted to receive an answer on how this could have happened, but has never been contacted. Although Webster says she is grateful to be alive following the scary incident, she wants the restaurant to investigate the cause behind how the pit ended in her sandwich. She also wants the issue to be addressed so another customer doesnt have the same or similar experience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WDTN reached out to the location and company to see if Websters complaint will be investigated. 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 WDTN.com. KANSAS CITY, Mo. A woman has been arrested and charged with murdering a pregnant woman on Christmas Eve of 2023 in Johnson County, Kansas. Izabel Reed is charged with the death of Alexandrea Hunter and her unborn child. Jackson Co. Legislator Abarca charged in Missouri, Kansas Reed was arrested on Thursday, June 5. Shes accused of distributing fentanyl to Hunter, which ultimately led to her death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court documents, Hunter and her unborn child died on Dec. 24, 2023. Reed faces the following charges: First-degree murder Distribution of controlled substance; Causing death Distribute opiate, opium, narcotic, certain stimulant; < 3.5 grams Distribute heroin/certain stimulants; 3.5 < 100 gram Distribute opiate, opium, narcotic, certain stimulant; < 3.5 grams Distribute heroin/certain stimulants; 3.5 < 100 grams A court hearing is scheduled for Thursday, June 12, at 9 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 FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. SPRING HILL, Tenn. (WKRN) A family lost everything and two firefighters had to receive medical attention after a blaze broke out at a Spring Hill home Tuesday afternoon, fueled by gusty winds on one of the hottest days of the year so far. According to the Spring Hill Fire Department, personnel were notified about a structure fire in the 2700 block of Iroquois Drive at approximately 1:20 p.m. on Tuesday, June 3. Spring Hill Fire Chief Graig Temple said it took first responders seven minutes to arrive at the Cameron Farms subdivision and another few minutes to set up hoses and start spraying water on the flames. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Video shows the fire raging when crews arrived, with flames shooting through the second floor roof and out the windows. Temple can be seen pulling hoses to help his personnel. Shelbyville chef recovering from burns sustained in food truck fire With the fire starting at the rear of the house, it breached the house, really gutted it, even prior to our arrival, Temple explained. The biggest problem was the interior stairwell had burnt out, so we actually had to use ground ladders inside to get to the second floor. Body camera footage shows the despondent homeowners standing on their front lawn, watching their world go up in smoke Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The chief credited a 21-year-old neighbor who saw the smoke, banged on the door of the house, and got the couple outside with nothing more than the clothes on their backs. She went immediately to check on that family to make sure that they were aware that there was smoke was coming from the back of the house, which really saved their lives, Temple said. According to Temple, one of the occupants was asleep and the other was in the front of the house, working in an office, when the young woman knocked on the door and told them to get out. (Courtesy: Spring Hill Fire Department) (Courtesy: Spring Hill Fire Department) (Courtesy: Spring Hill Fire Department) (Courtesy: Spring Hill Fire Department) (Courtesy: Spring Hill Fire Department) (Courtesy: Spring Hill Fire Department) (Photo: WKRN) (Photo: WKRN) (Photo: WKRN) (Photo: WKRN) (Photo: WKRN) (Photo: WKRN) (Photo: WKRN) Because of the blustery conditions and the size of the home, crews from Maury County and Williamson County helped Spring Hill firefighters battle this blaze, as well as cover other districts in Spring Hill, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The chief said multiple areas were hidden with flames where the roof collapsed into the second floor, adding that clearing the home was also time-consuming. One firefighter ended up glass inside their glove, which caused a laceration, but Temple said the minor injury was treated at the scene. Another first responder was sent to the hospital with heat exhaustion. Dehydration, especially here in Middle Tennessee, when it gets very hot and humid, its very, very important for us to try to mitigate before the incident, Temple explained on Wednesday, June 4. If its a large structure fire like we saw yesterday, after they go through two cycles of work, theyre definitely going to go sit out for five to 10 minutes; try to catch their breath; hydrate with some bottled water, some Gatorade, before theyre going back in to do another assignment. The chief said there are designated managers who watch for signs of heat problems, as well as make sure the crews rotate in and out, hydrate, and cool down properly. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com Robert Dolan lives next door to the house that caught fire. His siding has melted, but his home is otherwise unscathed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dolan told News 2 his daughter was the woman who reportedly got the couple to safety: She asked, Hey, did you know theres smoke in your backyard?They lost everything. I mean, they came out of the house without shoes on, so they even lost their shoes. Dolan agreed with the fire department calling his daughter a hero, saying her actions were pretty cool and amazing. However, he also credited the first responders and the other residents in the area who came to his neighbors aid. According to officials, the wind-driven fire quickly spread up the back of the home and into the attic and living spaces, causing catastrophic damage to the whole house and leaving it a complete loss. While the cause of the blaze is still under investigation, Temple said it appears to be accidental. The American Red Cross is helping the family impacted by Tuesday afternoons blaze. Meanwhile, if youre interested in helping the family get back on their feet, you can make a donation on GoFundMe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 34-year-old Schuylkill County woman pleaded guilty to forging checks worth over $15,000 using her grandmothers bank account. Kerri Miller, who is currently jailed in Schuylkill County Prison, was sentenced to eight to 24 months in a state correctional facility, followed by three years of probation, after she entered a guilty plea to 10 felony counts of forgery. Police accused Miller of using her grandmothers bank account to forge checks and cashing them to her own account in 2024, while she was in the care of her grandparents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miller, represented by Public Defender Kent D. Watkins, appeared before President Judge Jacqueline L. Russell for the proceeding Wednesday. Assistant District Attorney Thomas Pellish prosecuted the case. In a separate case, Miller faced misdemeanor charges of drug possession and drug paraphernalia. She pleaded guilty to eight counts of possession of a controlled substance, for which the judge ordered her to serve three years of probation, consecutive to her sentence. Miller also faced 10 felony charges each of identity theft and access device fraud. The commonwealth opted not to prosecute those charges. Miller was ordered to pay restitution of $15,839 to her grandparents, along with other fees related to the court and investigation. UPDATE (6/5 10:15 a.m.): Semmes Police Chief Todd Freind has named the suspect in the shooting that took place Wednesday afternoon. Let them kill the hell out of each other: Mobile County sheriff comments on recent shootings The suspect, he said, is 49-year-old Ronald Graham. Graham has not yet been arrested, but a warrant is expected to be signed Thursday. UPDATE (9:55 p.m.): Semmes Police Chief Todd Freind told News 5 the woman shot in the head on Wednesday afternoon in Semmes is OK. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Freind said the bullet grazed her head. A warrant for the suspects arrest is set to be signed on Thursday morning, according to Freind. News 5 will provide more information as it becomes available. PREVIOUS REPORTING SEMMES, Ala. (WKRG) Semmes Police Department officers are investigating after a woman was shot in the head Wednesday afternoon. Semmes Police Chief Todd Freind confirmed the shooting happened in the 7800 block of Hi Wood Circle North. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LOCATION: The woman was taken to USA Hospital. Woman shot in the head in Semmes is OK, police chief says Freind said they have identified the suspect, but he fled the scene. This is a developing story. News 5 will provide updates as more information becomes available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5. Elisabeth Lomeli was driving along a main road in San Bernardino, California, when she suddenly saw two people "dumping" cats in a dirt field, she told ABC News on Thursday. The incident occurred on May 30, when Lomeli and her friend saw a woman allegedly abandoning four kittens and a cat in the field, where she said they were exposed to triple-digit temperatures and coyotes. "If they would have been left out there, they would have never had a chance," Lomeli told ABC News. KABC - PHOTO: A California woman stopped a couple from dumping five cats in a dirt field, capturing the interaction on camera, she told ABC News. Lomeli said she immediately began recording the couple allegedly attempting to leave the cats, then started honking and urging the woman to take the animals to a shelter instead. When the woman allegedly refused to stop, Lomeli and her friend exited their vehicle to talk to the suspects, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The woman claimed that she had "already taken them to a shelter" and that they "won't take them in," but could not name any of the shelters she allegedly checked, according to Lomeli. She went on to say the cats were "from the neighborhood and she just picked them up" and told Lomeli that she was going to dump an additional 11 cats, Lomeli said. The female suspect was accompanied by a man, who said he drove the woman to the field but was not participating in the abandoning of the cats, Lomeli noted. MORE: Cat who survived nearly 400-foot fall adopted by rescue pilot who saved her As her friend was talking to the female suspect, Lomeli left to find a box to place the kittens in, since the suspects did not want the hand over the cage that originally carried the animals., Lomeli said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lomeli said she and her friend were able to rescue the four kittens, but in the process the adult cat -- the mother of the younger felines -- escaped and has not been located since. KABC - PHOTO: A California woman stopped a couple from dumping five cats in a dirt field, capturing the interaction on camera, she told ABC News. The kittens were taken to the San Bernardino City Animal Shelter and were then picked up by a local rescue service, Lomeli said. The cats appeared to be malnourished, dehydrated and had eye infections, according to Lomeli. Lomeli said she encouraged the shelter to contact police on this incident, but "they weren't doing it," so she reached out to officials on her own on Monday. MORE: Good Samaritans band together to save 71-year-old in fiery highway crash Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said police were able to identify the suspects and they were arrested on Tuesday. According to ABC Los Angeles station KABC, the couple was arrested on misdemeanor charges. San Bernardino Police Department and San Bernardino Animal Services did not immediately respond to ABC News' requests for comment. "It's not humane and it's not OK. Nothing justifies what she was doing at all," Lomeli told ABC News. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A woman turned herself in after a victim succumbed to his injuries following a battery in North Las Vegas Tuesday night. Police said she now faces a charge of open murder. On Tuesday, June 3, officers with the North Las Vegas Police Department responded to a report of a battery at a residence in the 2200 block of Glastonbury Thorn Street near West Carey Avenue and North MLK Boulevard. Police said the incident happened shortly after 10:20 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers found a victim suffering from injuries as a result of a battery. Medical personnel took the victim to a nearby hospital, where the next morning, he succumbed to his injuries, and hospital staff pronounced him dead. Police said the suspect in the homicide left the scene before officers arrived. Through the investigation, detectives identified Kailyn Webb, 21, as the suspect. On Wednesday, June 4, Webb turned herself in, and detectives booked her into the North Las Vegas Community Correctional Center on one count of open murder. She was scheduled to appear in court on Thursday, June 5. The identity of the victim, along with the cause and manner of death, will be released by the Clark County coroners office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone who may have information about this incident is urged to contact the North Las Vegas Police Department at 702-633-9111. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers of Nevada by phone at 702-385-5555, or on the Crime Stoppers website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. Women Veterans Appreciation Day ceremony this Saturday GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) On Saturday, June 7, the Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs will host a ceremony to honor women veterans with the Grand Valley Combined Honor Guard and the Western Slope Patriot Guard Riders. The ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado, located at 2830 Riverside Parkway. The Adjutant General of Colorado, U.S. Army Major General Laura Clellan, will preside over the ceremony, which will include the unveiling of a new bronze statue. The statue will serve as a monument to honor the significant contributions of women veterans, their service and their role in the U.S. armed forces. The ceremony is expected to last an hour and light refreshments will follow the ceremony. At the ceremony, women veterans in attendance are encouraged to wear their service hats or covers to be acknowledged. The cemetery requests that attendees bring their own seating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Colorado, over 8,500 women are serving in all branches of the U.S. armed forces and over 47,000 women veterans. In 2024, Governor Jared Polis signed House Bill 24-1236. The bill officially recognized June 12 as an annual day of recognition for Colorados women veterans. The date is celebrated in 21 other states and U.S. territories. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. On the 36th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown yesterday, Au Kam San, president of the now-dispersed Macau Union of Democratic Development and a former lawmaker, marked the occasion by posting several texts on Facebook about the crackdown, continuing his practice of remembrance from previous years. These are the best ways I can honor the memory of the event, he said in an interview with local media outlet All About Macau (AAM). Au described his mourning practices as just performing ritual bows, which included posting reflective articles on social media, as he has in previous years, and lighting candles on the windowsill at night. Since April 15, he has been posting relevant articles on social media daily, recounting the historical facts leading up to June 4, with a few additional articles scheduled. This incident is widely regarded as the spark that ignited the political turmoil of the spring and summer of 1989. My stance is very clear, and I am not someone who changes easily. I wont alter my approach simply because someone shows a bit more concern, said Au, who told the media outlet that he had received several concerned calls in the past 10 days. However, he noted that the callers were merely making a courtesy call, just as they, whom he did not identify, had done in the past. He added that both sides should continue to act according to their own positions, going through the motions and doing what they should. The Macau Union of Democratic Development held annual candlelight vigils at Largo do Senado for 30 consecutive years until 2020, when authorities first banned outdoor vigils, citing the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2021, police elevated the ban on June 4 gatherings to a national security level, stating that the central government had clearly defined the incident as a counterrevolutionary disturbance. Since 2009, Macau has implemented the National Security Law, which originally stipulated that only violent or serious illegal actions could constitute the crime of splitting the nation. However, amendments passed by the Legislative Assembly in May 2023 expanded the definition to include nonviolent acts as well. Each year on June 4, Au commemorates the date by lighting a candle and making a Facebook post, maintaining his belief that the memory of June 4 will endure. The former lawmaker acknowledged that although more than three decades have passed since the incident, the intense emotions from that time have faded. Still, as someone who experienced it, he believes it is important to commemorate the event and document key aspects of that period. He emphasized that in recent years, such commemorations have been conducted without violating any laws. Based on Aus observations, since 2019, Hong Kong authorities have sought to expand the battle achievements from the event. He stated that around the June 4 anniversary, they may have believed there was an opportunity to demonstrate loyalty. In contrast, Au noted that Macau has remained relatively peaceful, reflecting the central governments tolerance as long as no red lines are crossed. He said the diary entries he posted were historical retrospectives, avoiding terms deemed prohibited by the Court of Final Appeal (TUI), and therefore did not constitute illegal behavior. However, Au denied that mourning the June 4 incident in a personal capacity was absolutely safe, noting that political changes can happen quickly. Still, he believes that personal mourning is the most meaningful action he can take within his means. The Public Security Police Force rejected a request from Au on May 17, 2021, for a candlelight vigil for June 4. The police stated that June 4 gatherings occur at specific times each year with slogans and promotional materials that challenge central authority and include provocative or defamatory content. Such actions, they said, violate relevant Penal Code provisions and the principle of good faith in the Administrative Procedure Code. Citing the Penal Code, police said past June 4 gatherings in Macau openly supported and praised the actions of a small group involved in unrest through assemblies, speeches, slogans and media dissemination. These activities incite subversion of the Chinese Communist Partys leadership and advocate for altering the nature of the state. They also promoted concepts like the Jasmine Revolution, using slogans such as Never forget June 4, fight to the end, Beijing fears the blooming jasmine, The June 4 revolution has not yet succeeded, and Overthrow the dictatorship, which, they argued, fundamentally undermine the One country, two systems principle. The decision to prohibit the June 4 gatherings aligns with the principle of proportionality, the police said. They argued that, in the absence of objective facts, such gatherings mislead the public with extremely negative false information, such as massacre and persecution. They said such slander of the central government incites subversion, disrupts social harmony, and misleads citizens. These actions could easily cause conflict among residents of mainland China and Macau, ultimately harming national interests and damaging relations between the central government and Macau. A Worcester City councilor is facing charges for her alleged conduct during an federal immigration operation back in May. Police confirm that District 5 Councilor Etel Haxhiaj was charged following an ICE arrest on Eureka Street on May 8. Police did not specify what charges shes facing or when she will appear in court. In a statement, Haxhiaj said she tried to do the right thing. I am a mother, an immigrant and elected leader who attempted, along with other Worcester residents, to protect a traumatized young person, two mothers and an infant, she said. I did the humane thing to do in this situation, nothing more, nothing less. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chaotic situation: Two arrested, woman detained as crowd surrounds federal agents in Worcester On that day, a large crowd encircled ICE agents attempting to detain a a Brazilian woman. Video from the scene shows several ICE agents and other law enforcement entities being followed by a crowd while they took the woman into custody. A Worcester School Committee candidate, Ashley Spring, was arrested at the scene for allegedly attacking a police officer. A juvenile female was also arrested for allegedly endangering a child and resisting arrest. Haxhiaj said she is a former refugee who escaped violence living in both Albania and Greece. She says her life calling is to help others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Protecting the most vulnerable should not lead to being targeted and vilified, Haxhiaj said. And working to improve policing in our city by calling for oversight and accountability should not provoke political grandstanding and attacks. I look forward to responding to these charges in court. 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 KAMPALA (Reuters) - The World Bank said on Thursday it would resume funding to Uganda, nearly two years after the global lender suspended new financing to the country in response to an anti-LGBT law that imposes penalties including death and life imprisonment. The bank halted funding to the East African country in August 2023 after Uganda's parliament passed the Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA), saying the law contradicted its values. The bank had worked with Ugandan authorities to put in place strong measures to mitigate against potential harm from the law, a World Bank spokesperson told Reuters via email. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We have now determined the mitigation measures rolled out over the last several months in all ongoing projects in Uganda to be satisfactory," said the spokesperson, who asked not to be named. "Consequently, the Bank has prepared three new projects in sectors with significant development needs social protection, education, and forced displacement/refugees which have been approved by the Board." The World Bank is one of Uganda's biggest sources of external financing, especially in infrastructure construction in the transport sector. AHA mandates the death penalty for so-called "aggravated homosexuality" which includes among other categories having same-sex relations with a disabled person or where gay sex results in transmission of a terminal illness to a victim. It also decrees a 20-year sentence for "promoting" homosexuality. (Reporting by Elias Biryabarema. Editing by Hereward Holland and Mark Potter) Imagine the ceaseless cacophony of New York City suddenly stopped. No sirens wailed. No cars zoomed. No subways rumbled beneath sidewalks. All eight million New Yorkers disappeared overnight. Now, imagine what would happen next. If no ones around to sweep the sidewalks, weed Central Park, or turn the power grid on, nature would move inand quick. Dandelions would spring up in asphalt cracks. Raccoons would move into abandoned apartments. Sidewalk trees would outgrow their planters. But just how swiftly would the city disappear beneath a curtain of green? We talked to architects and urban ecologists to map out a potential timeline. Digitally generated view of an urban landscape reclaimed by nature. Image: Getty Images Bulgac From Day 1 To Month 1: Plunged Into Darkness With no one to maintain the power grid, the Big Apple would go dark within a few days. The Milky Way would illuminate Midtown as light pollution disappears overnight. Without air conditioning and heat, you start getting weird temperatures inside the building. Mold starts to form on the walls, says architect Jana Horvat of the University of Zagreb, who studies building decay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some green energy projects in the city might stay lit for longer, such as the solar and wind-powered Ricoh Americas billboard in Times Square. Eventually, though, even the Ricoh billboard would go dark; not because the billboard would lose power, but because there would be no one to replace its LED lightbulbs. Without power, the pump rooms that clear out 13 million gallons of water daily from the subway would be useless, and the train tunnels would begin to flood. Probably this water would result in [the subway] being, you know, occupied by new species, says Horvat. Some plants would start growing, some animals would move in. Likely, species that already thrive in the subwayrats, cockroaches, pigeons, opossumswould be the first ones to take advantage of the human-free passages. Within the first month, the manicured lawns of Central and Prospect Park would grow wild and unkept. When you stop mowing a lawn, you get a meadow, says botanist Peter Del Tredici, a senior research scientist emeritus at the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, who wrote a book on urban plant life. Within a month, dandelions, ragweed, and yellow nutsedge would start popping up in the now knee-high grasses of New Yorks iconic parks. First, its herbaceous plants, but then, you know, you get trees and shrubs and vines, says Tredici. New Yorks Ellis Island before a restoration effort started in 1986. Image: Getty Images Bob Krist From Year 1 to Year 10: Decay Sets In In a year without people, many of New Yorks buildings would start to deteriorate. The glass facades would be the first to go, says Horvat. The single-pane glass on brownstones and family homes would be the most vulnerable, but in a decade, even the heat-strengthened glass on skyscrapers would start to wear down and crack. And once windows break, water gets in. Then youll have plants start growing in there, says Tredici. Apartments would transform into humid hothouses, the perfect habitat for mosquitoes, water snakes, fungus, and rushes. Its like a wetland on the second floor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without maintenance, the asphalt streets and parking lots in New York would quickly degrade. Freeze-thaw cycles would create cracks. Water settles in that crack, and then thats all the plants need, says Tredici. First, mosses would grow. Within a decade, young trees may even sprout. The London planetree, the most common street tree in New York, is particularly known for its resilience and fast growth rate, and any of its offspring could quickly find a toehold in a deteriorating asphalt parking lot. Within a decade, the Statue of Liberty would also start to deteriorate. The statues copper plating would start to split, allowing sea spray to break down its interior steel skeleton. Steel is a very durable material, but it is very prone to corroding if it comes in contact with damp conditions, says Horvat: Thats bad news for New York, a city made from steel. By Year 50: A One-of-a-Kind Ecosystem In the decades since humans abandoned New York, a novel ecosystem would emerge, says Tredici. Its not going to look like anything thats ever existed anywhere in the world. Tredici points to Detroit as a case study. Today, crabapple treestough ornamentals native to the Central Asian mountainsblanket Detroit. They actually will spread all over, says Tredici, and after 50 years without humans, Central and Riverside Parks crabapple trees would grow among a young forest full of London planetrees, honeylocusts, pin oaks, and Norway maples (the last three being common New York street trees). Nightshade vines and poison ivy would creep up buildings, and mosses and resilient weeds would cover the higher reaches of exposed windy skyscrapers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the greenery, more and more animals would call Manhattan home. Deer, rabbits, groundhogs, and wild turkeys would move in. Larger predatorscoyotes, bobcats, black bears, and copperhead snakeswould follow. Peregrine falcons, bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, and great horned owls would nest in hollowed-out buildings, while feral cats prowl the abandoned upper floors of apartment buildings, feasting on mice and birds. Detroits Michigan Central Station, built around the same time as New Yorks Grand Central, was abandoned for 30 years and provides a very real blueprint for how NYCs most famous train station could deteriorate, from broken windows and crumbling ceiling tiles to flooding and plant growth. Image: Getty Images Timothy Fadek More Than a Century After Humans: The End of Skyscrapers Despite their futuristic look, the citys newest spires, such as 10 Hudson Yards and 111 West 57th Street, would be the first to fall. These buildings rely on slender, reinforced steel skeletons encased in reinforced concrete. But when the power shuts off and water seeps in through these buildings glass curtain walls, these high-rises would rot from the inside out. The Empire State Building and Chrysler Building would likely outlast their younger rivals. Built to support much more weight than necessary (a safety precaution in the early days of skyscrapers), these giants steel frames are bolstered by thick masonry and interior walls. Ten Hudson Yards might last a century. The Empire State Building might last 50 years longer, but eventually even these historic titans would collapse. After a century, New York City would become a forest, says Tredici. A canopy of mature trees over a 100-feet-tall would replace the citys skyscrapers. Soil would regenerate. Concrete, one of the worlds strongest construction materials, says Horvat, would dissolve. New Yorks carefully manicured river parks, such as the Hudson River and East River Park, would transform into wetlands teeming with eels, egrets, turtles, beavers, and muskrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But even as skyscrapers fell and forests grew, parts of New York would survive for centuries in this ruinous state, says Horvat. Cracked marble lions would stalk the forest floor. Soil and underbrush would obscure once-gleaming granite fountains. Rusted steel beams would jut out from dense root systems. Even without humans, pieces of New York would endurea fragile legacy for the future to either uncover or forget. This story is part of Popular Sciences Ask Us Anything series, where we answer your most outlandish, mind-burning questions, from the ordinary to the off-the-wall. Have something youve always wanted to know? Ask us. Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, a British political and LGBTQ rights activist, said she was denied entry to the U.S. over a recent trip to Cuba. Opoku-Gyimah, also known as Lady Phyll, had been scheduled to deliver opening remarks at WorldPrides human rights conference, which runs June 4-6 in Washington. Speaking over a livestream Wednesday afternoon, Opoku-Gyimah said U.S. officials revoked her visa waiver under the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), an automated system determining whether visitors from participating countries may enter the U.S. without a visa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Travel to Cuba, which the U.S. designated a state sponsor of terrorism in 2021, is grounds for having an ESTA revoked, according to the Department of Homeland Securitys (DHS) website. The Caribbean nations terror designation was briefly rescinded under former President Biden and reinstated by President Trump in January. Opoku-Gyimah said she was notified of the revocation of her travel authorization days before she was set to fly to the U.S. for WorldPride. She applied for a temporary visa, she said, but was told the earliest she could enter the country was September. Ive called. Ive written. Ive pleaded, said Opoku-Gyimah, the co-founder and CEO of UK Black Pride. And the answer was a cold, bureaucratic No. The DHS did not immediately return a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opoku-Gyimahs virtual remarks Wednesday highlighted the LGBTQ communitys diversity, and she encouraged WorldPride gatherers to embrace the groups intersectional identities. Enjoy the Pride, walk together, walk proudly and talk proudly, she said. Be bold and brave in our fight for justice. The U.K. issued a travel warning for the U.S. in March, cautioning British passport holders that authorities in the U.S. set and enforce entry rules strictly and you may be liable to arrest or detention if you break the rules. Other countries, including Denmark and Finland, have issued travel advisories for transgender visitors to the U.S., referencing policies instituted by the Trump administration targeting trans rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. Late last month, a shoeless and injured cryptocurrency investor fled from a posh Manhattan townhouse and approached the NYPD with a mortifying story: Hed just escaped 17 straight days of torture, having been held in SoHo and peed upon, forced to smoke crack, pistol-whipped, shocked with a Taser, cut with a saw, and dangled over a ledge. All because two fellow crypto enthusiasts, whom he personally knew, desired access to his multimillion-dollar Bitcoin fortuneand were willing to do anything to make him give up the password to his virtual wallet. With the information provided by this battered tradera 28-year-old Italian named Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturanthe authorities quickly took the accused culprits, John Woeltz and William Duplessie, into custody. Per police reports, Carturan and Woeltz had ties to an unnamed New York crypto hedge fund; the latter had often picked on the former and, eventually, a disagreement over money led Carturan to fly back to Italy. Woeltz, whod been spending time with Duplessie partying hard and splurging generouslyincluding on that 17-floor, $30,000-a-month SoHo townhousepersuaded Carturan to return to NYC early last month and allegedly hired an off-duty NYPD officer to pick him up from the airport on May 6.(Its unknown whether the cop knew what was about to happen.) According to Carturans account, he only escaped after agreeing to give up the passkey to his Bitcoin wallet, claiming it was stored on his laptop; when his tormenters left him behind to fetch the computer, Carturan bolted from the premises. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The NYC torture scheme was just the latest example of a wrench attack, where a thief employs brutal physical violence in order to gain access to a targets virtual cryptocurrency stashes. The phrase hails from a 2009 strip from the popular webcomic xkcd, making the point that any common thief could break into a users encrypted software simply by battering the owner with a $5 wrench until he tells us the password. Its not a new phenomenonbut these days, its a troublingly common one. On the same day Carturan left his captors, the crypto-crime watchdog group TRM Labs put out a report on the recent uptick in wrench attacks, noting that such acts have escalated in both frequency and severity, typically involving high levels of violence that are extremely traumatic for the victims to endure. Ari Redbord, a former federal prosecutor who now heads global policy for TRM Labs, gave me a blunt explanation for this surge: Weve seen the price of Bitcoin double in the last year or so. Criminals tend to go where the money is. These arent cybercriminals. These arent hackers. They dont need sophisticated tools. A few days later, longtime software engineer and Bitcoin maximalist Jameson Lopp gave a detailed presentation on the escalation in wrench attacks at the Bitcoin Conference in Las Vegas. After kicking off with a reference to that xkcd comic, Lopp deployed various graphs of reported wrench attacks over the years, noting that such assaults are still relatively rare compared with other crypto-related crimes (such as hacking or phishing), but that they do tend to spike whenever Bitcoins value balloons rapidly, like during the crypto craze of 2021. This year, Bitcoins value has reached all-time highsand 2025 is on pace to see a record amount of wrench attacks worldwide. Lopp emphasized that the total number will still be relatively smallthe previous record-breaking year, 2021, only recorded about 35 attacks, most of them in the U.S. But the details common to these crimes are terrifying enough to warrant extra caution for crypto holders: home invasions, kidnapping, drugging. And, Lopp warned, a decent number of these also involve torture. Bitcoin Conference attendees likely found Lopps presentation valuable, not least because many crypto investors are reportedly growing more fearful. The Wall Street Journal recently spoke with anonymous members of the crypto community who say they are turning their Instagram profiles private and are trying to remove their physical addresses, and those of their families, from public records. Other crypto enthusiasts are also training in hand-to-hand combatperhaps not incidental to the fact that, as Lopp stated, many wrench-attack survivors lacked adequate home-security or self-defense tools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Again, such events are rare. But for those who go through them, theyre scarring. Just last week, two Russian crypto executives were kidnapped by Chechens in Buenos Aires and forced to pay $43,000 in ransom before the perpetrators fled. A few weeks before that, a 30-year-old American tourist in London was drugged by a man who claimed to be his Uber driver; the kidnapper only let him out once the American gave up his crypto-wallet passkey. In late November, a Las Vegasbased investor left a local crypto conference and was kidnapped by three armed and masked robbers right as he reached home; they extorted him for $4.8 million worth of tokens, then abandoned him in a desert area 26 miles from the Nevada border. That same month, WonderFI CEO Dean Skurka was kidnapped in Toronto, held for a $1 million ransom, then freed when the sum was paid. There are still more recent incidents that I have not rounded upor that, more chillingly, have not been made public. But a series of repeated kidnappings in France alone (which, in at least two cases, ended with the captives finger getting cut off) were enough to spur the countrys interior minister to convene a group of local crypto entrepreneurs and promise extra protection. (Redbord suspects that the revitalized presence of organized-crime syndicates in France has contributed to the increase of wrench attacks there, as he told me.) Bennett Tomlin and Cas Piancey, reporters for the crypto news site Protos and co-hosts of the Crypto Critics Corner podcast, told me that the targeted wrench attacks may come down to the fact that fewer and fewer people hoard more and more digital currencies, juicing the value of their stashes. Theres a pretty significant portion of high-net-worth individuals who have some portion of their money in crypto, Piancey said, and that becomes a much easier target for a robber than demanding all the cash in their house, because there probably isnt any. The often-public nature of crypto ownershipsocial media boasting, digital-influencer status, conference attendance, inconsistent cybersecurity measuresalso makes it easier to target the most outspoken enthusiasts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats especially the case at large in-person conferences with rich and powerful registrants like Bitcoin 2025. Unlike traditional means of protecting and storing wealth, like physical banks whose accounts are protected with sophisticated security measures, crypto holders carry immense, untraceable wealth by way of the passkeys to their crypto wallets, whether those are hosted online or stored within a flash drive. When you are your own bank, you risk being broken into like one. It becomes even riskier when any high-profile crypto holders gather together. Tomlin mentioned the fallout from last summers Brussels Ethereum conference, where multiple attendees were robbed. You dont hear about this stuff happening at big conferences that involve bankers, Piancey explained. Someone who has $100 million in crypto is a more appealing target for that kind of attack than someone who has $100 million in the banking system, because one of those is going to be a lot easier to quickly take and hold on to. In other words: A heavily deregulated and public-facing sector that boasts relatively few buyerswho are even richer as a resultcan become a sensible target for an otherwise technologically unsophisticated criminal who knows how to browse social media. At Bitcoin 2025, Jameson Lopp also noted this tendency and gave some advice to his audience: Shut up and stop flaunting your wealth. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base held a tour Thursday to address a chemical spill that threatened water quality on base and, according to the City of Dayton, their customers for the last decade. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] As reported on News Center 7 at 6, base environmental officials provided new details on the PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, found on base. PFAS, or forever chemicals, were often used in firefighting foam decades ago, before we knew about the dangers. Base environmental workers have created huge containment and treatment centers. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were two releases that occurred at the hazardous material storage facility, Greg Plamondon with the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base said. Base environmental leaders say the PFAs chemicals that were released were both firefighting foam and concentrated liquid used to make the foam. So the fire suppression system over-pressurized for one of the releases and a relief valve failed, Plamondon said. Plamondon says environmental crews worked to clean it up back in 2015, but some of the PFAs still seeped into the ground, groundwater and surface water. Base officials moved to implement highly technical clean-up sites where water is collected, aerated, then goes through sand filtration and then absorbent treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If one fails or needs maintenance it can be taken out of service and not stop treating water, Terry Bauer, a construction engineer, said. Bauer is a construction quality control manager who works with two systems like this. This is one of the first of its kind in the country, here and at Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina, Bauer said. So, were cutting edge at the moment. Base leaders showed News Center 7 another clean-up site on Area A at a former firefighter training facility, where more PFAs were used and leaked. The biggest concern is safe drinking water on base and in the nearby areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The base took two wells off-line until they built a major water treatment center in 2018. It gets down to non-detectable, and the laboratorys detection limits are around two parts per trillion, Raymond Baker Chief of Environmental Branch, for the 88 Air Base Wing said. The EPAs recommended guidelines for PFAs is four parts per trillion, according to base leaders. So the treatment plant is working to remove the forever chemicals. News Center 7 is reaching out to the City of Dayton for information on the impact to their well fields. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The administration of US President Donald Trump has decided to redirect special fuses for rockets used by Ukraine to shoot down Russian drones, which are a key technology for countering drones, to American troops. Source: The Wall Street Journal, as reported by European Pravda Details: The WSJ stated that last week, the Pentagon privately informed Congress that these jammers are now being transferred to US Air Force units in the Middle East. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The outlet noted that this move reflected the Pentagon's declining commitment to supporting Ukraine, which is defending itself against Russian aggression. Last month, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered that the jammers be provided to the US Air Force in an internal memo, even though they were originally purchased for Ukraine. In a previously undisclosed memo, the Pentagon told the Senate Armed Services Committee that the US military's need for explosives is a "Secretary of Defense Identified Urgent Issue". The US Department of Defense declined to comment. The shipment of these explosives to Ukraine was approved by the previous administration headed by Joe Biden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The explosives are intended for the latest high-precision weapon system. The US provided this technology to Ukraine several years ago, and the Ukrainians used it in a surface-to-air missile system to defend against Russian drones, with the Pentagon praising its effectiveness. The Air Force has adapted the missiles so that they can be launched from F-16 and F-15E fighter jets against drones. The system is cheaper than Sidewinder and AMRAAM air-to-air missiles. An unnamed congressional aide praised the Pentagon for promptly informing lawmakers of its decision to redirect the fuses so that Congress could consider it during budget discussions. However, another congressional aide was critical. "Denying Ukraine desperately needed weapons at this critical point in the war is unthinkable," he said. "Failing to explain the necessity of this move suggests that it may be punitive." Background: Donald Trump's administration has not allocated military aid to Ukraine since coming to power, but weapons within the packages announced by the previous administration continue to arrive. Earlier, Trump stated that the US would continue to send weapons to Ukraine, but expressed hope that a ceasefire would be achieved quickly. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Pulitzer Prize-winning screenwriter David Mamet has recalled once receiving a lengthy phone call from Donald Trump after he dared not to go all in on the then-former presidents 2020 election conspiracy theories. Trump loyalist Mamet, appearing on Bill Mahers Club Random podcast this week, remembered being kind of iffy about whether the election had been stolen from Trump during an appearance on Mahers HBO show, Real Time. At 8 a.m. the following day, the Hollywood veteran said he received a call from Trump who told him: I saw you on Bill Maher yesterday, you were great. But you wussed out on the question of the stolen election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump then talked to me for like 20 minutes about how the election was stolen, Mamet told Maher. But it wasnt, Maher reminded him. Mamet, a yearslong vocal critic of progressive causes who has called former President Barack Obama a tyrant and described diversity, equity and inclusion efforts as garbage, responded: Well, I think it was. Maher noted how the claim that the election was rigged for now-former President Joe Biden has fallen flat in dozens of court cases, been dismissed by Trumps own commissioners and analysts have described the 2020 vote as the most fair, honest election weve ever had. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mamet argued that Trump would have won by a majority had various issues not been suppressed. Oh, please. Thats so ridiculous, said Maher, who doubted they would have swung the result. Watch from the 5:30 point here: Related... OMAHA BEACH, France (AP) The D-Day generation, smaller in number than ever, is back on the beaches of France where so much blood was spilled 81 years ago. World War II veterans, now mostly centenarians, have returned with the same message they fought for then: Freedom is worth defending. In what they acknowledge may be one of their last hurrahs, a group of nearly two dozen veterans who served in Europe and the Pacific is commemorating the fallen and getting rock-star treatment this week in Normandy the first patch of mainland France that Allied forces liberated with the June 6, 1944, invasion and the greatest assembly of ships and planes the world had known. On what became known as Bloody Omaha and other gun-swept beaches where soldiers waded ashore and were cut down, their sacrifices forged bonds among Europe, the United States and Canada that endure, outlasting geopolitical shifts and the rise and fall of political leaders who blow hot and cold about the ties between nations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Normandy, families hand down D-Day stories like heirlooms from one generation to the next. They clamor for handshakes, selfies, kisses and autographs from WWII veterans, and reward them with cries of Merci! thank you. Both the young and the very old thrive off the interactions. French schoolchildren oohed and aahed when 101-year-old Arlester Brown told them his age. The U.S. military was still segregated by race when the 18-year-old was drafted in 1942. Like most Black soldiers, Brown wasn't assigned a combat role and served in a laundry unit that accompanied the Allied advances through France and the Low Countries and into Nazi Germany. Jack Stowe, who lied about being 15 to join the Navy after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor in 1941, said he gets the sweetest letters from kids he met on previous trips. The French people here, theyre so good to us, the 98-year-old said, on a walk to the water's edge on Omaha. They want to talk to us, they want to sit down and they want their kids around us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People are not going to let it be forgotten, you know, Omaha, these beaches, he said. These stories will go on and on and on. The dead honored with sand At the Normandy American Cemetery that overlooks Omaha, the resting place for nearly 9,400 American war dead, workers and visitors rub sand from the beach onto the white gravestones so the engraved names stand out. Wally King, a sprightly 101-year-old, wiped off excess sand with a weathered hand, resting the other atop the white cross, before saying a few words at the grave of Henry Shurlds Jr. Shurlds flew P-47 Thunderbolt fighters like King and was shot down and killed on Aug. 19, 1944. In the woods where they found his body, the townspeople of Verneuil-sur-Seine, northwest of Paris, erected a stele of Mississippi tulip tree wood in his memory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although Shurlds flew in the same 513th Fighter Squadron, King said he never met him. King himself was shot down over Germany and badly burned on his 75th and last mission in mid-April 1945, weeks before the Nazi surrender. He said pilots tended not to become fast friends, to avoid the pain of loss when they were killed, which was often. When most veterans from World War II came home, they didnt want to talk about the war. So they didnt pass those experiences on to their children and grandchildren, King said. In a way, thats good because theres enough unpleasantness, bloodshed, agony in war, and perhaps we dont need to emphasize it," he added. "But the sacrifice needs to be emphasized and celebrated. When they're gone Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the march of time, the veterans' groups are only getting smaller. The Best Defense Foundation, a non-profit that has been organizing their trips to Normandy since 2004, last year brought 50 veterans for the 80th anniversary of D-Day. This year, the number is 23. Betty Huffman-Rosevear, who served as an army nurse, is the only woman. She turned 104 this week. The group also includes a renowned romantic: 101-year-old Harold Terens and his sweetheart, Jeanne Swerlin, were feted by France's president after they tied the knot in a symbolic wedding inland of the D-Day beaches last year. D-Day veteran Jake Larson, now 102, has made multiple return trips and has become a star as "Papa Jake" on TikTok, with 1.2 million followers. He survived machine-gun fire when he landed on Omaha, making it unhurt to the bluffs that overlook the beach and which in 1944 were studded with German gun emplacements that mowed down American soldiers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are the lucky ones, Larson said amid the cemetery's immaculate rows of graves. They had no family. We are their family. We have the responsibility to honor these guys who gave us a chance to be alive." As WWII's survivors disappear, the responsibility is falling on the next generations that owe them the debt of freedom. This will probably be the last Normandy return, when you see the condition of some of us old guys, King said. I hope I'm wrong. The government has tightened eligibility criteria for cash handouts, requiring recipients to have resided in Macau for at least 183 days in the previous year a change that has sparked divided public opinion, with some listeners of TDMs radio program arguing that community groups do not reflect the views of the majority. Late last week, during the Chinese-language radio program Optimizing Cash Handouts, some listeners suggested reducing subsidies to community groups to enhance the effective use of public funds, while others called for stricter eligibility criteria for non-permanent residents of Macau. Additionally, some supporters of the newly added measure argued that failing to increase the residency requirement of at least 183 days could lead to feelings of psychological imbalance among those living in Macau, among other issues. There have been opinions in civil society suggesting that cash sharing should be distributed through consumption vouchers. During the program, a listener voiced her opposition to five senior officials from the Social Security Fund (FSS), Financial Services Bureau (DSF), Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ), and Social Welfare Bureau (IAS) who were present. What is cash sharing? It should be distributed in cash! If the government wants to use public funds more effectively, why not consider reducing subsidies to social organizations? she remarked. The member of the public highlighted that a more effective approach to public funding should involve reevaluating these subsidies. In contrast, one listener supported the authorities decision to tighten the eligibility criteria for cash handouts, arguing that certain young people who studied abroad and did not return to work in Macau are making no contribution to the city. He stated: Some students have enjoyed Macaus medical and educational benefits for over a decade, completed their studies, and then emigrated. They have made no contribution to Macau. The new requirement that recipients must have been present in Macau for at least 183 days is reasonable. The same listener also suggested that the distribution arrangements for non-permanent residents be optimized in the future, such as allowing them to receive cash handouts only after obtaining an ID card for one to two years. Another listener, who graduated in Beijing last year and whose parents live outside the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area in mainland China, believes that the new eligibility criteria are reasonable, arguing that without such criteria, residents who choose to spend their money in Macau would feel psychologically unbalanced. Following the announcement of new regulations related to the cash handouts, media outlets in Hong Kong sought the opinions of local lawmakers as well as lawmakers from Macau. Reportedly, about 38,000 people in Hong Kong received cash checks from the Macau government last year. Lawmaker Ron Lam demanded that the government clarify why individuals who were born and raised in Macau, with families still residing there, and who work in Hong Kong do not qualify for cash handouts. The government is acting with great haste, without proper consultation, which results in a crude policy measure and a closed-door approach. This will inevitably raise significant doubts about the governance of the Macau government. The previous consultation with social organizations was merely a token gesture, inviting criticism and sparking unnecessary controversies, said Lam. Hong Kong legislator Adrian Ho, who also holds a Macau permanent ID card, suggested that the Macau authorities consider moderately relaxing the eligibility criteria for Macau residents working in Hong Kong and adopt a more lenient approach. He stated that many Macau residents working in Hong Kong still maintain significant connections and assets in Macau and frequently travel between the two regions, thereby contributing to Macaus economy. The Times also sought the views of several permanent Macau residents who have relocated to Australia and Hawaii, as well as a Portuguese national who has been working in Macau for many years and holds a Macau ID card. Among those interviewed, the former group generally believed that the new regulations are reasonable and will not significantly impact their lives, with one stating that the cash handouts have not greatly assisted her. Meanwhile, the Portuguese resident in Macau indicated that he views this measure as expected, though not everyone welcomes it. He added that many Macau residents, including those who have lived overseas for various reasons, appreciate the cash handout scheme, as it allows them to return to Macau at least once a year. Meanwhile, a couple who retired in the Philippines after working in Macau for over three decades lamented the decision and hoped that retirees living outside the mainland would at least be included in the scheme. Another Filipino retiree living in North America also told the Times that this was his only reason for returning to Macau every year, except during the pandemic. However, he said, I left Macau over a decade ago, and the fact that the government still included us in the scheme is already a blessing. It is only fair that people like us, who have left Macau and are not contributing anything to the city right now, would no longer be included. Id still love to go back and visit. Ive lived in that city for 30 years before moving to another country. I still miss the food, he added. Meanwhile, contrary to an online video claiming that one must stay in Macau for at least eight hours a day to be eligible for cash handouts, the government reminded residents that such information is incorrect. At the last press conference, I made it clear that as long as residents spend a certain amount of time in Macau each day, regardless of the duration, they meet the requirement of being in Macau for one day, he said. Jun. 5A 68-year-old man was arrested in Wyoming on Wednesday for allegedly stabbing a man earlier this week at the Motel 6 in Clarkston. Thomas R. Krogman, 68, of Gillette, Wyo., is charged with first-degree attempted murder in Asotin County Superior Court. He is accused of attacking a 72-year-old man Monday morning in the lobby of the motel on Bridge Street. Police have determined Krogman is the brother-in-law of the victim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Krogman was taken into custody by the Gillette Police Department, based on a warrant issued by the Asotin County Prosecutor's Office and Clarkston Police Department. He will be transported to Asotin County to face the charge. Clarkston police were able to develop information and evidence that led to the arrest, according to a news release issued by Police Chief Josh Daniel. Police determined it was a personal attack and not a random incident, Daniel said. The investigators are still working on a motive and whether there are any accomplices. The victim, Daniel Henry, is the motel manager. Henry was last listed in stable condition after suffering multiple stab wounds, including one to the face, according to the probable-cause affidavit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the suspect walked into the motel, he reportedly asked Henry if he remembered him. The manager said "not really," police reported in the affidavit. The man pulled a knife and first stabbed Henry in the right side of his head. He also grabbed a phone off the counter and threw it, according to the report. Daily headlines, straight to your inboxRead it online first and stay up-to-date, delivered daily at 7 AM After police arrived, witnesses at the scene described the suspect, saying he parked on the 400 block of Third Street in a red sedan before entering the motel. He sat in his car for about 10 to 15 minutes before heading toward the front office. A few minutes later, a witness saw the man running back to his vehicle and then driving east on Bridge Street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Henry was reportedly stabbed eight times during the incident. According to the probable-cause affidavit, Henry is also from Wyoming. After the red car's license plate was identified in surveillance videos, it came back to Thomas and Phyllis Krogman in Gillette. When questioned by police, Henry said Thomas Krogman is his brother-in-law. He had not seen him in approximately six years, but his sister, Phyllis, had contacted him recently by phone, according to court documents. During those conversations, his sister brought up an incident that happened 60 years ago, he told police. Based on the investigation, it appears Thomas Krogman was in Clarkston on Monday, driving a red Chevy Malibu. He matched the description of the suspect in the stabbing case and was identified by the victim during further questioning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to police, Krogman reportedly drove home to Wyoming, where he was arrested on the Class A felony charge. Prosecutor Curt Liedkie is handling the case for the state of Washington. Chief Daniel said he appreciates the Lewiston Police Department for help on the case. The LPD used its new FLOCK cameras and automated license plate recognition system to locate the suspect vehicle. Daniel also complimented the Gillette Police Department for the swift response and apprehension of Krogman. "The collaboration and cooperation by all law enforcement agencies involved shows a committed effort to keep each community safe," Daniel said. Sandaine can be reached at kerris@lmtribune.com. By Trevor Hunnicutt and Yukun Zhang WASHINGTON/BEIJING (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping confronted weeks of brewing trade tensions and a battle over critical minerals in a rare leader-to-leader call on Thursday that left key issues to further talks. During the more than one-hour-long call, Xi told Trump to back down from trade measures that roiled the global economy and warned him against threatening steps on Taiwan, according to a Chinese government summary. But Trump said on social media that the talks focused primarily on trade led to "a very positive conclusion," announcing further lower-level U.S.-China discussions, and that "there should no longer be any questions respecting the complexity of Rare Earth products." He later told reporters: "We're in very good shape with China and the trade deal." The leaders also invited each other to visit their respective countries. The highly anticipated call came in the middle of a dispute between Washington and Beijing in recent weeks over "rare earths" minerals that threatened to tear up a fragile truce in the trade war between the two biggest economies. It was not clear from either countries' statements that the issue had been resolved. A U.S. delegation led by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will meet with their Chinese counterparts "shortly at a location to be determined," Trump said on social media. The countries struck a 90-day deal on May 12 to roll back some of the triple-digit, tit-for-tat tariffs they had placed on each other since Trump's January inauguration. Though stocks rallied, the temporary deal did not address broader concerns that strain the bilateral relationship, from the illicit fentanyl trade to the status of democratically governed Taiwan and U.S. complaints about China's state-dominated, export-driven economic model. Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has repeatedly threatened an array of punitive measures on trading partners, only to revoke some of them at the last minute. The on-again, off-again approach has baffled world leaders and spooked business executives. Major U.S. stock indexes were higher on Thursday. China's decision in April to suspend exports of a wide range of critical minerals and magnets continues to disrupt supplies needed by automakers, computer chip manufacturers and military contractors around the world. Beijing sees mineral exports as a source of leverage - halting those exports could put domestic political pressure on the Republican U.S. president if economic growth sags because companies cannot make mineral-powered products. Ye has hurt and frustrated several people over the years, but there is one person from a former part of his life who genuinely fears him. Lauren Pisciotta, the women who accused the Chicago producer of rape, is reportedly in hiding. Lauren, as Ive said in public before, is basically in hiding, her attorney, Arick Fudali, told Complex. She is very afraid of Mr. West and Mr. Wests circle and Mr. Wests supporters. Shes received an enormous amount of online backlash and ridicule and hatred. Really ugly, gross stuff. So she literally is currently in hiding, and I cant reveal even the vicinity of where she lives. Thats how serious it is for her right now. Pisciotta accused the artist formerly known as Kanye West of rape in October 2024. She claimed that she was invited to a studio session by Diddy, which was a major coincidence given the fact that Puff was arrested for sex trafficking and racketeering one month before. Rolling Stone reported that she and her clients were told that they had to drink if they wanted to stay. West had his assistant pour her the drink, and then he served it to her himself. Pisciotta said that after a few sips, she began to feel disoriented. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lauren Pisciotta claimed she woke up the next day with no knowledge of what had taken place the night before, but admitted to feeling ashamed and embarrassed. She allegedly did not know that she was assaulted until Ye brought it up years later. She claimed that he said, Women love to say they dont remember, after she told him she did not recall them hooking up. She also revealed that he had a kink for the mothers of women he was romantically involved with, allegedly going as far as texting his wife, Bianca Censori, about how he wanted her mother. More from VIBE.com Sign up for Vibe's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Two Flushing, New York, women were arrested in Clinton, Missouri, this week for allegedly promoting prostitution, according to Henry County court documents. Jinmei Yan and Meixi Chen were arrested after an undercover Clinton police officer ran an operation on a massage parlor, according to court documents. After receiving complaints about prostitution, Capt. John Scott telephoned the business and spoke with an unknown man, according to court documents. When Scott asked about getting a massage, the man told him to come to the business because there were two girls working. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once inside, Yan escorted Scott to a private massage room, where she asked the officer to pay $50 to the house, according to court documents. Court documents state Scott asked Yan what other services were available, and Yan allegedly implied that sexual services were offered. Scott agreed to the price, and as Yan approached him, officers executed a search warrant on the premises, according to court documents. Once inside, officers found unused condoms, a large amount of money and business documents, according to court documents. Chen was in the building as the search warrant was executed. Court documents state that a witness told officers they saw three people deliver different workers to the business monthly, and that they never saw the same workers come back to the business after leaving. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a search at the Harvey County Detention Center, officers found a large sum of money under the insole of one of Yans shoes, according to court documents. Chen allegedly told officers during an interview that she took a job at the massage parlor after responding to an online advertisement for a position where she would clean and cook, according to court documents. Chen, who was living in New York, then flew to Kansas City and took a taxi with her own money to the massage parlor, court documents allege. She told officers she had been at the business for one day. However, Missouri State Highway Patrol investigators who specialize in human trafficking allege this is a common story told by those in the sex trade, according to a probable cause statement for Chens arrest. Both women are being held in the Harvey County Detention Center on $50,000 bonds, according to warrants for the womens arrests. Both have bond reduction hearings scheduled for Friday. NEW YORK (AP) New York education officials won't rescind the state's ban on Native American mascots and team names, despite threats from the Trump administration that it risks losing federal funding. Instead, New York officials suggested in a letter to the U.S. Department of Education on Thursday that they could broaden the state ban to include names and mascots derived from other racial or ethnic groups that the department deems offensive. The federal agency last week determined New York violated Title VI of the federal civil rights law by issuing a statewide ban on the use of Native American mascots and logos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The departments civil rights office found the state ban is discriminatory because names and mascots that are still permitted are also derived from other racial or ethnic groups, such as the Dutchmen and the Huguenots." New York officials said they are willing to work with federal officials to reach a resolution as to the appropriate standard, wrote Daniel Morton-Bentley, legal counsel for the state education department. Morton-Bentley also noted in his letter that the federal government's current stance in support of keeping Native American team names and mascots runs counter to the agencys previous stance on the issue not to mention those of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, tribal leaders, state governments, and professional organizations that have long deemed them harmful and offensive. What's more, a federal judge in New York earlier this year dismissed a lawsuit brought by some local districts that have refused to comply with the state mandate to rid their schools of offensive Native American mascots and team names, Morton-Bentley wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The education department and its civil rights office, he argued, is not a court of last resort for unsuccessful litigants. Julie Hartman, a spokesperson for the federal education department, didn't comment on the state's offer to broaden its ban but pushed back at the state's assertion that the agency's finding was based on internally inconsistent arguments. What is internally inconsistent is that the New York Board of Regents prohibited mascots based on Native American race or national origin, but allowed mascots derived from other racial or ethnic groups, such as the Dutchmen and the Huguenots', she wrote in an email. U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon last week visited Massapequa, a Long Island town that refuses to get rid of its Native American chief mascot, and was among the local districts that unsuccessfully challenged the state in federal court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McMahon said she would give New York 10 days to sign an agreement rescinding the ban and apologizing to Native Americans for having discriminated against them and attempting to erase their history. New York school districts have until June 30 to commit to replacing offensive Native American mascots or team names, or risk losing state funding. They can be exempt from the mandate, however, if they reach an agreement with a local Native American tribe. The state education department said as of Thursday, three districts have sought and received extensions as they work to comply with the mandate. Massapequa was not among them. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) No ordinances were passed at Wednesday evenings Youngstown City Council meeting because not enough council members were in attendance. But the finance director did announce that Youngstowns credit rating has increased substantially, while one councilman questioned police about one womans claims that they failed to adequately investigate her sons murder. The news that Moodys had increased the credit rating of the city of Youngstown came from Finance Director Kyle Miasek. It definitely signifies that is a strong, creditworthiness of the city and recognition that we are being very financially prudent and that the city is in a healthy financial position, Miasek said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since 2009, Youngstowns credit rating with Moodys has been a BAA1 the city being a moderate credit risk. But after a reexamination, the credit rating is now AA2 up five slots, with the city now considered a very low credit risk. Its teamwork, its not one person. It requires all involvement by all parties and I commend all of you for your assistance in helping us achieve that, Miasek said. An ordinance was also presented asking the council to approve a settlement agreement with the estate of Landon Lockhart a 14-year-old boy who went missing in November of 2021, and who was found murdered two months later. Lockharts mother, LaJena Solomon, claimed police had not done enough to find her son. Solomon will get $40,000 in the settlement, $20,000 from the city, and $20,000 from its insurance company. Councilman Julius Oliver wants to make sure it doesnt happen again. Even on the phone with myself and councilwoman (Samantha) Turner, one detective just told us hes just not doing it. Like, Im just not going for it with the investigation. Youre talking with two council members, people like this How did you handle this parent? Oliver said. There was a contingent of Youngstown policemen at the meeting, but they had no comment on what Oliver had to say. But Assistant Law Director Jason Small said the allegations of LaJena Solomon were just that allegations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They have not been proven and we are agreeing to the fact that of no admission of liability on the part of the city, Small said. Council also heard from Thomas Snyder of Mahoning County Childrens Services, who asked for more Youngstown families to become foster families. Snyder said last year, 140 children were removed from families in Youngstown but the city only has six foster families Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) Detectives are investigating after a woman was wounded early Thursday on the East Side. Lt. Mohammad Awad of the Detective Bureau said the woman was shot about 4:20 a.m. on North Garland Avenue by someone she knew. A few hours after the shooting, police arrested a suspect after patrol officers spotted her car and pulled it over. The suspect will be charged with felonious assault and booked into the Mahoning County jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her identity will be revealed after she is processed in the jail. Awad said a disagreement preceded the shooting. He said he did not want to comment further as detectives are still interviewing witnesses. The woman is being treated at St. Elizabeth Health 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 WKBN.com. Youth gang crime in North Carolina has increased nearly 50% in just the last 5 years. They said the structure of gangs is changing, and the members are getting younger and younger. Its a part of a dangerous trend the state has been working to combat. On Thursday, the Governors Crime Commission met in Raleigh to discuss their recommendations for public safety, with gangs being a big part of that discussion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gangs in North Carolina represent a complex threat that impacts public safety, law enforcement operations, and community well-being. The threat is no longer confined to urban areas or centers. Gangs are increasingly mobile and tech-savvy and are rooted in rural areas of the state, the commission said. ALSO READ: 6th arrest made in gang-related drive-by shooting, Union County sheriff says In Union County, the sheriffs office said they are seeing the trend in their crime statistics. Were seeing more organized juvenile crime that we would consider as street gang-type activity. It may not be that standard Blood or Crip-type gang that you see, but it could just be something the gang may be named after, a local street, or, you know, a school that they all attended, or something like that. So, we are seeing an increase in organized activity, said Lieutenant James Maye. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maye said those crimes often tick up during the summer, when kids have fewer responsibilities and accountability than they normally would have during the school year. More commonly, or most often, what we see is four to five teenagers. They go find a car thats unlocked with the key in it, or theyre able to hotwire that car, they steal that car, and then they come into one of our local subdivisions here in Union County, and they go and they pull on door handles. If that door handle, if that door is unlocked to that car, they go inside that car, they steal anything of value, and then they flee the area. They usually go back to Charlotte or wherever they live. So it creates a lot of work for our detectives, Maye explained. Channel 9 has covered a series of shootings in Union County that deputies attribute to gang activity. Just last week, deputies arrested a sixth suspect tied to those shootings. The suspect in that case was 16 years old. VIDEO: 6th arrest made in gang-related drive-by shooting, Union County sheriff says NEW YORK Rep. Yvette Clarke is endorsing Adrienne Adams as her top choice for New York City mayor, lending the City Council speaker a much-needed boost as she seeks traction in the final weeks of the campaign, POLITICO reports exclusively. Clarke and her powerbroker mother Una Clarke are influential among Caribbean New Yorkers. Theyre also closely allied with New York Attorney General Letitia James, who recruited and endorsed Adams in a contentious primary that Andrew Cuomo is dominating. Adams is a late entry into the race. She qualified only last week for public matching funds. And shes been polling behind Cuomo and Zohran Mamdani, the surging Democratic socialist whos closing the gap with the former governor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Working families in Brooklyn and across this city deserve a mayor who puts people first someone who leads with both strength and compassion, and who has the experience to make government work for everyone, Clarke said in a statement. Speaker Adrienne Adams is ready on day one to partner with me and my colleagues in protecting New Yorkers from the harmful policies coming out of the White House. Clarke, who chairs the Congressional Black Caucus, said she will make Adams her No. 1 pick in the ranked choice primary June 24. Rep. Nydia Velazquez, another Brooklyn Democrat, also endorsed Adams but additionally backed Mamdani and progressive city Comptroller Brad Lander in April as a part of her slate. The incumbent mayor, Eric Adams, is forgoing the Democratic primary and will run in the general election as an independent candidate. Clarkes nod comes as her political club, the Progressive Democrats Political Association, plans to endorse an unranked slate of candidates that includes Cuomo, though many members wanted to make Adrienne Adams their top choice, three people familiar with the decision told POLITICO. The Brooklyn club, founded by Una Clarke, considered backing Adams first, followed by Lander, Cuomo, club member Zellnor Myrie and Mamdani in that order. But amid deliberations about whether to rank the candidates and pressure from Cuomos allies within the club, members instead plan to release a five-candidate slate that shows no preferential order, according to two people familiar with the process who were granted anonymity to speak freely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clarkes endorsement is one of the last from New York congressional delegation members in the primary. She endorsed Maya Wiley in the 2021 primary for mayor. The chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Rep. Adriano Espaillat of Manhattan and the Bronx, endorsed Cuomo last month. And the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus chair, Rep. Grace Meng of Queens, has yet to make her pick in the crowded primary. The prized congressional endorsement among the primarys progressives is Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who has yet to announce her choices. The Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) and the Federation of Trade Unions of Macao (FAOM) will co-host three job matchmaking sessions in mid-June to connect job seekers with 114 vacancies across the hospitality and retail sectors. On June 11, SJM Resorts will offer 14 roles, including sales manager and concierge. On June 12, China Duty Free Group Macau will offer 30 sales positions. The Venetian Macau will present 70 openings on June 13, including chefs and restaurant managers. Registration is open until noon on June 10 via DSALs Local Jobs portal. Related By Lucy Craymer WELLINGTON (Reuters) -New Zealand's parliament agreed on historically lengthy suspensions for three Indigenous lawmakers who last year performed a haka, a traditional Maori dance, disrupting the reading of a controversial bill. A parliamentary privileges committee in May recommended the suspension of the three Te Pati Maori parliamentarians for acting in "a manner that could have the effect of intimidating a member of the house." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The three performed the haka last November ahead of a vote on a controversial bill that would have reinterpreted a 185-year-old treaty between the British and Indigenous Maori that still guides the country's policy and legislation. The government voted through the suspensions, which will see Te Pati Maori co-leaders Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and Rawiri Waititi stood down from parliament for 21 days, and representative Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke for seven days. While the members are suspended, they will not be paid or be able to vote on legislation. Suspending lawmakers is rare in New Zealand's parliament with only three members suspended in the past 10 years, according to New Zealand parliamentary services. Before Thursday, the longest suspension was for three days, according to New Zealand representatives who spoke earlier in the day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maipi-Clarke told parliament ahead of the vote that the suspension was an effort to stop Maori from making themselves heard in parliament. Are our voices too loud for this house? Is that the reason why we are being silenced? Are our voices shaking the core foundation of this house? The house we had no voice in building We will never be silenced and we will never be lost, she said. Judith Collins, who heads the privileges committee and serves as attorney-general, had previously told parliament that the haka forced the speaker to suspend proceedings for 30 minutes and that no permission had been sought to perform it. "It's not about the haka ... it is about following the rules of parliament that we are all obliged to follow and that we all pledged to follow," Collins said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The opposition Labour party called for a compromise and proposed censure instead of suspension. Labour considers the suspension to be inconsistent with the fundamental nature of this democracy, Labour parliamentarian Duncan Webb said on Thursday. "This decision is wildly out of step with any other decision of the privileges committee," said Webb. The haka was traditionally a way for Maori to welcome visiting tribes or to invigorate warriors ahead of battle. It is now performed at important events as well as ahead of matches by New Zealand's rugby teams. (Reporting by Lucy Craymer; Editing by Kate Mayberry) NEW YORK (AP) Zohran Mamdani has buzz and some momentum in New York City's mayoral race. But can a 33-year-old democratic socialist or anyone else beat former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary? Mamdani picked up a key endorsement Thursday from U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who said in a statement that the state lawmaker has demonstrated a real ability on the ground to put together a coalition of working-class New Yorkers that is strongest to lead the pack. The endorsement, made the day after the first Democratic debate of the campaign, is likely to help solidify Mamdani's standing as a liberal darling in the contest, now in its final three weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It remains to be seen whether it will help him overcome Cuomo, whose campaign juggernaut has won the backing of some of the cities biggest unions as he attempts a comeback from the sexual harassment scandal that ended his reign as governor in 2021. Mamdani's laser-focus on lowering the cost of living in one of the world's most expensive cities has helped him climb from relative obscurity to become one of the race's leading figures. His criticisms of Israel, socialist label, and relative lack of experience could hurt him, though, with centrists. Mamdani, who would be the city's first Muslim and Indian American mayor, was born in Kampala, Uganda, before he and his family moved to New York City when he was 7. He became naturalized as an American citizen a few years after graduating from college, where he co-started his school's first Students for Justice in Palestine chapter. His mother, Mira Nair, is an award-winning filmmaker. His father, Mahmood Mamdani, is an anthropology professor at Columbia University. Zohran Mamdani was elected to the state Assembly in 2020, representing a district in Queens. His most-known legislative accomplishment was pushing through a pilot program that made a handful of city buses free for a year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His mayoral campaign has been full of big promises free child care, free buses, a rent freeze for people living in rent-regulated apartments, new affordable housing and raising taxes on the wealthy all packaged in well-produced social media videos. Critics say his hopeful visions get blurry when it comes to detail, and have also questioned the cost and feasibility of his proposals, many of which would need support from the state Legislature and governor. Cuomo, during Wednesday night's debate, took aim at Mamdani's relative inexperience, saying the state Assembly member has a good online presence but actually produces nothing, adding "Hes been in government 27 minutes. Hes passed three bills. Thats all hes done. Some Jewish voters, an important voting bloc, might be turned off by Mamdanis support of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement and his use of the term genocide to describe Israel's war on Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mamdani has also vowed to have Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrested if he came to the city. The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu last year, saying he had committed war crimes by using starvation as a weapon during Israel's military campaign in Gaza. Pressed during the debate on whether he thought Israel has a right to exist as a Jewish state, Mamdani said I believe Israel has the right to exist, but as a state with equal rights for people who arent Jewish. As the June 24 primary approaches, Mamdani appears aware of another issue he and every other candidate not named Cuomo is having: name recognition. Mamdani, in a recent social media video, noted that "a third of New Yorkers still havent heard of us," though he framed that as a positive, indicating he still has room to grow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a recent election rally in Manhattan, Maria Walles, a 54-year-old Bronx voter, said she didn't like Cuomo or Eric Adams, the incumbent mayor who faced federal corruption charges, then decided to skip the Democratic primary and run as an independent after President Donald Trump's Justice Department abandoned that prosecution. But Walles said she wasn't quite sure about the alternative candidates. Zo ...," she said, grasping for Mamdani's name when asked about the candidate field. As it turns out, Mamdani was at the rally, which was organized by a tenant advocacy group, and received a standing ovation for his speech. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To win, Mamdani will need to expand his support beyond the city's young, progressive crowd to the more moderate voters who have been a critical factor in past elections. In an interview with The Associated Press, Mamdani said if you speak to the people directly about issues they care about, such as the sky-high cost of living, you can successfully build a coalition, regardless of "what we have been told is the politics that can succeed in this city and the ways in which we have been told how to run a campaign and who we actually have to speak to. Often times people try to characterize New York City politics through the lens of political constituencies that they define as hard and fast. And in reality there is no ideological majority in New York City," he said. Leading mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo erupted when lefty state Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani again refused to say Israel has a right to exist as a Jewish state near the end of a chaotic debate Wednesday night. The heated moment came as moderators turned to the issue of Israel and its war in Gaza, which has become a central issue in the June 24 Democratic primary. Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani speaks during a Democratic mayoral primary debate, Wednesday, June 4, 2025, in New York. AP I believe Israel has a right to exist, Mamdani said, to which the moderator replied, As a Jewish state? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a state with equal rights, he replied. Cuomo, as well as longshot candidate Whitney Tilson, quickly seized on the remark, with the ex-gov emphasizing that Mamdani had declined to say the nation should exist as a Jewish state. And his answer was no, he wont visit Israel, Cuomo said in reference to an earlier response from Mamdani which came after candidates were asked where they would go on their first international visit if elected. Unlike you, I answer questions very directly, Mamdani snapped at Cuomo, and I want to be very clear I believe every state should be a state of equal rights. Democratic mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo participates in a Democratic mayoral primary debate, Wednesday, June 4, 2025, in New York. via REUTERS Cuomo has gone to great lengths to gain the backing of Jewish voters while Mamdani who trails the ex-gov by single digits, according to recent polling has been nagged by ongoing questions about his support in the Jewish community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This isnt the first time the DSA-brand candidate refused to say Israel should exist as a Jewish state. He offered a similar line when talking with Jewish Insiders editor in chief Josh Kraushaar at an event sponsored by the UJA-Federation. I believe Israel has a right to exist, and it has a right to exist also with equal rights for all, he said while also doubling down on his support for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement against Israel. The slew of candidates also addressed antisemitism and the Trump administration war with Columbia University that escalated again Wednesday when his Department of Education called on the Ivy League to lose its accreditation over its indifference to the harassment of Jewish students. A Pro Palestinian protest to free Mahmoud Khalil. held this afternoon outside of Columbia University on Broadway at W 116st. Robert Miller [Department of Education Sec. Linda] McMahon is not an educator, and Trump has no interest in funding our education, Jessica Ramos said. He is trying to make our education less accessible to students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mamdani called it a gross overreach while former state Assembly member Michael Blake called it unacceptable. Still, candidates mostly acknowledged that antisemitism has spiked in the Big Apple since Hamas Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel and the subsequent conflict in Gaza. This is a frightening time for Jews, City Comptroller Brad Lander, who is Jewish, said. Support Local News Reporting Journalists at the Yakima Herald-Republic bring you timely, in-depth and credible local news. Your generous donation supports their work. The Environmental Protection Bureau (DSPA) has committed to optimizing the Cotai Ecological Zones, as announced during a closed-door meeting with the Taipa and Coloane Community Service Consultative Council on Tuesday at the Seac Pai Van Community Complex in Coloane. Spanning about 55 hectares near the Macau-Hengqin Lotus Flower Bridge, the Cotai Ecological Zones consist of two main areas. Ecological Zone 1, roughly 15 hectares, lies northeast of the Lotus Bridge and features two bird-watching houses on its south bank. Zone 2 covers about 40 hectares on the west bank of the Cotai Reclamation Area and includes a coastal mudflat mangrove wetland starting from the Coloane wastewater plant. Since the projects completion in 2004, the reserve has recorded 327 algae species, 54 insect species, and 118 fish species, among others, according to DSPA. This week, DSPA officials detailed plans to improve water circulation in Zone 1, where sediment buildup has blocked stream flow. Restoration work to create a more dynamic water system is underway and is expected to finish between late June and early July. Additionally, bird observation shelters will be installed in Zone 2 to encourage wildlife appreciation. DSPA also plans to launch a smart education platform using QR codes throughout the reserve, allo wing visitors to access information on local species instantly. Senior officials from the European Travel Agents and Tour Operators Associations (ECTAA) have noted that Macaus current policies aimed at diversifying away from the gaming industry could have a positive impact on attracting visitors from Europe. Speaking at a press conference at the Grand Lisboa Palace Resort, with ECTAAs annual summit as the backdrop, president Frank Oostdam and vice president Heli Maki-Franti shared their thoughts on Macaus status as a tourism destination. Questioned by the Times on what European visitors want to see and experience in Macau, Oostdam said, I think cultural things, events, museums, activities in general. I think Europeans are generally quite active on their holidays, engaging in a wide range of activities. They also like to engage deeply with the community to understand the people living their regular lives. I think thats very trendy among travelers in Europe living like a local or traveling local. The same official noted that Europeans rarely want to just lie on the beach for three weeks, and would rather do a mix of activities. I think if you look at Macau, and even in the region here, there are lots of possibilities to do lots of things on the same trip, which could make for a fantastic holiday, he added. On the same topic, Maki-Franti said that one growing concern is sustainability. One issue is that we need to build travel destinations based on the wishes of the local people. Thats the most important thing, because there have been talks about over-tourism or the lack of management of travel flows, she said. The big issue now is that local people need to enjoy living in that location, and then you can build travel and tourism on top of that. Oostdam also said he was impressed with the plans and new projects by SJM, which partnered with the summit and presented its current and upcoming developments beyond gaming. He found them appealing to European consumers. The European consumer is looking for more things that will enhance the experience not only gambling, but also arts, culture and heritage, which is extremely well represented in Macau. This strong focus on culture and heritage will help market Macau and the surrounding region, he said. Taking place in Macau from June 2 to June 5, the ECTAA annual summit is gathering European tourism trade representatives and local travel agencies under the same roof. According to officials, the summit aims to reinforce connections with the European travel trade and expand international visitor source markets. The Education and Youth Development Bureau is launching a new one-day eco-camp in Hengqin this summer, targeting children aged 4 to 12. The event, held in partnership with the Urban Planning and Construction Bureau of the Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone, includes visits to a wetland park and a waste-sorting education center. A total of 50 parent-child pairs can register. Authorities said future program adjustments will depend on this years participation. Feedback can be given via hotline or on-site QR codes. Related Hungary observes 4 June as the Day of National Unity, declared in 2010 to commemorate the signing of the Treaty of Trianon in 1920. The treaty, imposed without Hungarian participation at the post-WWI Paris Peace Conference, marked a major geopolitical and emotional turning point in the nations history. The Hungarian Parliaments 2010 declaration states that every Hungarian individual and community under various state jurisdictions is part of a unified Hungarian nation, emphasizing that this unity transcends political borders and is a core element of both personal and collective identity. The Treaty of Trianon, signed on 4 June 1920, drastically reduced Hungarys size and population. The countrys territory shrank from 283,000 to 93,000 square kilometres, and its population dropped from 18.2 to 7.6 million. Lands were ceded to neighbouring states: Slovakia, Subcarpathia, and northern Transdanubia to Czechoslovakia Transylvania and Eastern Banat to Romania Southern regions to the newly formed Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes Western Hungary (partially) to Austria Some northern areas to Poland. As a result, roughly 3.2 million ethnic Hungariansabout a third of the nationwere left outside the new borders, many in contiguous communities near Hungarys frontiers. The treaty limited Hungarys military to 35,000 troops, banned conscription, restricted heavy weaponry and arms production, and imposed reparations whose full cost was left undefined. The nations state revenues and assets were pledged as collateral. Hungary was also barred from forming alliances without League of Nations approval. Economically devastating, the treaty transferred the majority of the Hungarian Kingdoms farmland, forests, industry, and transportation infrastructure to other countries. Over 60 per cent of Hungarys railways, roads, and financial institutions were lost. The treaty ignored the ethnic composition of the affected areas, which was documented in the 1910 census, and although it included minority rights clauses, these were inconsistently enforced. The Hungarian parliament ratified the treaty in November 1920, referring to it as a product of coercion. The Hungarian public reacted with collective grief. On the day of signing, church bells tolled, sirens wailed, flags flew at half-mast, schools and offices observed mourning, shops closed, and public transport paused in silent protest. Efforts to revise the treaty became a central aim of Hungarian foreign policy between the wars. During WWII, through German-aligned agreements and actions (the Vienna Awards and military occupations), Hungary temporarily regained lost territories including parts of Slovakia, Subcarpathia, Northern Transylvania, and Vojvodina. However, the 1947 Paris Peace Treaty annulled these changes, largely reinstating the Trianon borders, with Czechoslovakia even gaining a few additional villages. On the 100th anniversary of the treaty, Hungary inaugurated the National Memorial of Unity in Kossuth Square, Budapest. Opened in August 2020 due to COVID-19 delays, the monument features a 100-metre-long, gradually descending walkway. Its side walls are inscribed with the names of 12,485 settlements that belonged to historic Hungary in 1913, preserving their memory. The memorial and the Day of National Unity serve not only to mourn territorial losses but to celebrate the enduring cultural, linguistic, and emotional bonds among Hungarians across borders. Source: hungarianconservative.com - republished with permission ********************************* 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. On the occasion of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths birthday, the makers of "Ajey: The Untold Story of a Yogi" celebrated the special day by unveiling the films release date along with a brand-new poster. The poster offered a fresh glimpse into the upcoming biographical drama inspired by Yogi Adityanaths life and journey. On Thursday, the production house took to social media to reveal a striking new poster, introducing audiences to Anantvijay Joshi in the lead role. Dressed in saffron attire, the character embodies spiritual power, determination, and leadership. Take A Look At The Post: With a piercing gaze and a commanding presence, the poster captures the spirit of a man guided by purpose and unwavering commitment. Sharing the intriguing poster, the makers wrote, Jag chhoda, Bhagwa Odha, Seva mein ramm gaya. Ek Yogi jo akela hi poora aandolan ban gaya! Yogi Ji Ke Janmotsav par prastut hai us kahaani ka aarambh. #AjeyTheUntoldStoryOfAYogi 1st August se cinema gharon mein. Producer Ritu Mengi shared, Announcing the release date on this occasion is a heartfelt tribute to an extraordinary life of Yogijione that inspires millions. At its heart, Ajey portrays a transformation driven by sacrifice, duty, and dharma. Based on Shantanu Guptas bestselling biography The Monk Who Became Chief Minister, Ajey portrays the remarkable journey of a man who abandoned worldly desires to become one of Indias most powerful political leaders. Directed by Ravindra Gautam and produced by Ritu Mengi, the screenplay is crafted by Dilip Bachchan Jha and Priyank Dubey, while the music is composed by Meet Bros. The films associate producer is B-Live Productions (Suuraj Singh), with Vishnu Rao as the director of photography and Udai Prakash Singh handling production design. Scheduled for release on August 1, 2025, the film features Anantvijay Joshi in a pivotal role, supported by a talented cast including Paresh Rawal, Dineshlal Yadav Nirahua, Ajay Mengi, Rajesh Khattar, Pawan Malhotra, and Garima Vikrant Singh. As the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Adha approaches, Muslims worldwide are preparing to celebrate the "Festival of Sacrifice" with immense devotion and joy. This year, in India, Eid-ul-Adha is largely expected to be celebrated on Saturday, June 7, 2025. While the exact date can sometimes vary slightly based on the moon sighting, preparations are already underway to mark this significant Islamic festival. Eid-ul-Adha, also known as Bakrid, Bakra Eid, or Eid al-Adha, commemorates the profound willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son, Ismail, as an act of obedience to God's command. This powerful narrative underscores themes of faith, submission, devotion, and compassion. The festival also marks the culmination of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. Beyond the ritual of Qurbani (sacrifice) where meat is shared with family, friends, and the less fortunate, Eid-ul-Adha is a time for heartfelt prayers, joyous family gatherings, delicious feasts, and spreading messages of peace, love, and generosity. To help you share the blessings and warmth of this special day with your loved ones, here's a collection of wishes, WhatsApp messages, and ideas for images you can share with family and friends. Heartfelt Eid-ul-Adha Wishes for 2025 These wishes encapsulate the true essence of Eid-ul-Adha, focusing on faith, blessings, and togetherness: Eid Mubarak! May your home be filled with warmth, joy, and countless blessings this Bakrid. Wishing you peace, prosperity, and endless joy this Eid-ul-Adha. May Allah accept your sacrifice and grant you a life full of love and mercy. Bakrid Mubarak! May your faith and devotion be rewarded abundantly. Sending you and your family heartfelt wishes on this beautiful occasion of Eid. May your Eid be as grand as your heart is generous! On this holy day, may all your prayers be answered. Happy Eid! May your sacrifices be appreciated and your life be filled with peace and prosperity. Eid Mubarak to you and yours! May the spirit of Eid bring you closer to your loved ones and strengthen your faith. Eid Mubarak! Wishing you a peaceful and blessed Eid-ul-Adha, filled with moments of reflection and gratitude. May Allah's divine blessings fill you with hope, faith, and the strength to overcome every adversity. Eid Mubarak! Let this Eid be a moment for reflection, reunion, and celebration of the blessings bestowed upon us. Eid-ul-Adha Mubarak! Engaging WhatsApp Messages to Share WhatsApp is a perfect platform to connect with family and friends near and far. Here are some messages that are ready to share: Eid Mubarak! May your Eid be peaceful, joyful, and filled with love. #EidUlAdha2025 Bakrid Mubarak to all! May your sacrifices be accepted and your prayers answered. Wishing you a blessed day! On this blessed Eid-ul-Adha, may you and your loved ones be showered with Allah's grace. Sending warm wishes! Feasting, praying, and spreading joy! Eid Mubarak from my family to yours. Have a wonderful celebration! "Sacrifice is the essence of Eid-ul-Adha. May your devotion be rewarded." Happy Bakrid! May your home be filled with laughter and your heart with joy on this beautiful occasion. Eid Mubarak! Wishing you a memorable Eid-ul-Adha filled with love, peace, and cherished moments. May the teachings of Eid-ul-Adha guide you in every step of life. Eid Mubarak! Let's celebrate the spirit of giving and gratitude this Eid. Bakrid Mubarak! Sending love, prayers, and festive cheer to you and your loved ones. Eid-ul-Adha Mubarak! Images to Enhance Your Greetings Visuals add a special touch to your Eid wishes. Consider sharing images that evoke the spirit of Eid-ul-Adha. You can find many royalty-free images online that feature: TNPSC Group 1 Admit Card 2025: The Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) is expected to release the Combined Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination- I Group I Services Admit Card soon. All the candidates who have registered themselves for the examination will be able to access their admit cards from the official website, i.e. tnpsc.gov.in after the release. The TNPSC Group 1 Services examination will take place on 15th June, 2025. Candidates must know that an admit card is a very important document and they should carry it to the exam centre on the day of the examination along with a valid ID proof. TNPSC Group 1 Admit Card 2025: Steps To Download the Hall Ticket Step 1: Go to the official TNPSC website - tnpsc.gov.in. Step 2: You will see the link of admit card download on the homepage, click on it. Step 3: A new page will be opened on your screen to login in. Step 4: Enter all the required details of yours like your application number and date of birth correctly and submit it. Step 5: After submission, your TNPSC Group 1 Admit card will appear on your screen. Step 6: Check all the details and download the hall ticket. Step 7: Print out your admit card for the day of the examination. TNPSC Group 1 Admit Card 2025: Eligibility Criteria Candidates must have a degree from any recognized university and they must have adequate knowledge and fluency in Tamil language. Candidates must be a citizen of India/ Bhutan. They must be in the age bracket of 21 years to 32 years (age relaxations will be given according to the government rules.) to be eligible for the TNPSC Group 1 examination. TNPSC Group 1 Admit Card 2025: Recruitment Process The recruitment process for Group 1 examination takes place in three stages, the first stage is preliminary examination, the second stage is Mains examination, and the last and final stage is Interview. Candidates who will clear this preliminary exam will proceed towards the next round. All the candidates are advised to keep checking the official website for all the important updates. The passing out parade of the fifth batch of Agniveers of Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JKLI) Regiment of Indian Army was held at Bana Singh Parade Ground of Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry Regimental Centre in Srinagar on June 5, 2025. The parade was presided over by General Manish Airy Corps. The JKLI Regiment, a unit composed mainly of recruits from Jammu and Kashmir, known for its distinguished history, including significant contribution during the Kargil war, today inducted 326 Agniveers after completing 31 weeks of rigorous training and now they will serve the nation in different parts of the country. The parade witnessed a ceremonial march-past with precision drills, showcasing the discipline and training of the Agniveers. The event also included the attestation ceremony, where the recruits were officially made soldiers, often accompanied by the national anthem and regimental songs such as "Balidaanam Veer Lakshanam". Awards were presented to outstanding recruits for excellence in training, physical fitness, and other military skills. The new recruits said that their dream has come true and now they will serve the nation in whatever way they are asked to work. Recruit Majeed said I am lucky that I got a place in Bhariyana and will serve the country with all my heart and soul. Today my childhood dream has come true. Family members of the Agniveers were present in large numbers to witness this occasion of the recruits becoming soldiers. They all felt proud that their sons are now the protectors of the nation and said that we are proud and we want their sons to serve the nation with full dedication and high spirits. Abdul Kareem, whose son joined the army today, said, "My son was very desperate to join the army. Today I am very happy that his dream has come true. He will go wherever he is sent for the country." The parade was the culmination of rigorous training for the Agniveers, who are part of the Agneepath recruitment scheme launched by the Government of India. The scheme involves a four-year service period, after which the selected recruits are given the option to remain in the army. Ayodhya's Ram Temple is again in buzz as the second Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Lord Ram took place on Thursday, June 5. This momentous occasion marks a significant milestone in the temple's construction and involves the installation of Raja Ram and other deities within the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi complex. This auspicious occasion is going to mark the second such event, following the first Pran Pratishtha which was held on 22 January 2024. Here Is The Top Update Of Today's Event: -The three-day ritual began on June 3, at 6:30 AM, and will culminate on June 5, coinciding with the auspicious festival of Ganga Dussehra. -According to Hindustan Times reports, the Anjaneya Sewa Trust will organize the event, with rituals starting at 11 am on Thursday. -This time the ceremony is a little different but very special as well because Lord Ram will be established in his royal form, Raja Ram, in the newly completed Ram Darbar on the temple's first floor. -Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will lead the second Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the Ram Darbar on the Ram Mandir's first floor, coinciding with his 53rd birthday. -Approx 62,000 boxes of Prasad are being dispatched from Lucknow for the grand Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the Ram Darbar at the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir. -Errol Musk, father of Tesla CEO Elon Musk also arrived in Ayodhya and offered prayers at the Hanumangarhi Temple and Lord Ram Temple amid the ongoing rituals for Pran Pratishtha in Ayodhya's Ram temple . -Elaborate security arrangements are in place in Ayodhya for the second Pran Pratishtha ceremony. Verification of tenants and residents in unauthorized settlements has begun, with CRPF, SSF, and PAC personnel deployed to ensure security. Bengaluru Stampede: The Karnataka High Court has taken suo motu cognisance of the Bengaluru stampede case and has scheduled the next hearing of the case for June 10. The Court has also sought a report from the Siddaramaiah-led Karnataka government on the lapses and other details concerning the stampede incident. We have expressed ourselves to the Advocate General and he has filed a status report, which is taken on record. Registry is directed to register this suo-motu cognisance as suo-moto writ petition. Relist on 10th June, Tuesday, ANI quoted Karnataka High Court as saying. The stampede took place outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday, during the victory celebrations of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, claiming the lives of 11 people and injuring 47 people. The injured have been admitted to Bowring and Vydehi Hospitals after the incident occurred amid massive crowds celebrating the teams victory. The victims include Divyanshi (13), Doresha (32), Bhoomik (20), Sahana (25), Akshata (27), Manoj (33), Shravan (20), Devi (29), Shivalinga (17), Chinmayi (19), and Prajwal (20). Following the incident, Royal Challengers Bengaluru has announced an ex gratia of Rs 10 lakh to the kin of 11 victims of the Bengaluru stampede. "The unfortunate incident in Bengaluru yesterday has caused a lot of anguish and pain to the RCB family. As a mark of respect and a gesture of solidarity, RCB has announced a financial support of INR 10 lakh to each of the eleven families of the deceased. In addition, a fund called RCB Cares is also being created to support fans injured in this tragic incident. Our fans will always remain at the heart of everything that we do. We remain united in grief," Royal Challengers Bengaluru said in a post on X. BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan has strongly condemned the Bengaluru stampede incident and blamed the state government for the incident, saying the state government government should have taken concrete steps. #WATCH | Vellore | On the Bengaluru stampede, BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan says, "I strongly condemn the Bengaluru incident in which 11 lives were lost. The Karnataka government should have taken concrete steps. The state government should be very careful in handling the pic.twitter.com/NFEuGJY4yd ANI (@ANI) June 5, 2025 "I strongly condemn the Bengaluru incident in which 11 lives were lost. The Karnataka government should have taken concrete steps. The state government should be very careful in handling the crowd. The Karnataka government was blaming the UP government for Kumbh, but look what has happened there," ANI quoted Tamilisai as saying. Union Minister Giriraj Singh has demanded Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's resignation over the incident. (with agencies' inputs) Bengaluru Stampede: A tragic stampede unfolded outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium as the fans had gathered to cheer on for Royal Challengers Bengaluru for winning their first IPL trophy in 18 years. 11 people lost their lives in this incident, while several others were injured. A day after the Bengaluru stampede, RCB has announced financial support of Rs. 10 Lakh to each of the families of the deceased. Additionally, the team has announced that a fund called 'RCB Cares' is also being created to support the injured. "The unfortunate incident in Bengaluru yesterday has caused a lot of anguish and pain to the RCB family. As a mark of respect and a gesture of solidarity, RCB has announced a financial support of INR 10 lakh to each of the eleven families of the deceased," the team informed on its official X handle. "In addition, a fund called RCB Cares is also being created to support fans injured in this tragic incident," it said. The unfortunate incident in Bengaluru yesterday has caused a lot of anguish and pain to the RCB family. As a mark of respect and a gesture of solidarity, RCB has announced a financial pic.twitter.com/C50WID1FEI Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) June 5, 2025 Also Read: Shivakumar Breaks Down While Speaking To Media After Bengaluru Stampede Earlier, the team had posted that it mourns the loss of lives in the tragedy and urged the supporters to stay safe. "RCB mourns the tragic loss of lives and extend our heartfelt condolences to the affected families," RCB posted on Wednesday. "Immediately upon being made aware of the situation, we promptly amended our program, and followed, the guidance and advice of the local administration," it added. Govt's Action Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramiah had informed on Wednesday that in the Bengaluru stampede, 11 people died and 47 were injured. Furthermore, he also announced that a magisterial inquiry into this matter had been ordered, and instructions have been given to submit the investigation report within 15 days. The CM also added that the government will bear the treatment expenses of the injured. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar also posted on X, We are heartbroken by this tragic incident. This should have never happened. He added that they did not anticipate such an overwhelming crowd, while the stadium holds 35,000, over 3 lakh people had gathered. The Government of India has decided to conduct Population Census-2027 in two phases along with enumeration of castes, said the Ministry of Home Affairs. The reference date for Population Census - 2027 will be the first day of March, 2027. For the Union Territory of Ladakh and the non-synchronous snow-bound areas of the UT of Jammu and Kashmir and States of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, the reference date will be the first day of October, 2026, it said. The census will begin on October 1, 2026, in the states and Union territories that receive snowfall. These include Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. In a statement from the Ministry of Home Affairs, it was clarified that a decision has been made to conduct the Population Census-2027 in two phases, along with the enumeration of castes. The statement further confirmed, "The reference date for Population Census - 2027 will be 00:00 hours of the first day of March, 2027." Clarifying the date for the snow-bound UT and states, the statement read, "For the Union Territory of Ladakh and the non-synchronous snow-bound areas of the UT of Jammu and Kashmir and States of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, the reference date will be 00.00 hours of the first day of October, 2026." Census of 2021 The Home Ministry statement also stated that Census 2021 was proposed to be conducted in two phases in a similar manner, with phase I from April to September 2020 and the second phase in February 2021. All the preparations for the first phase of the Census to be conducted in 2021 were completed, and field work was scheduled to begin in some States and UTs from April 1, 2020. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the census work was postponed. Govt's Decision On Census The government announced on April 30 that caste enumeration will be included in the upcoming census. In a media briefing, Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed about the decisions taken by the Union Cabinet and stated that some states have done caste surveys, and conducting a census is in the domain of the central government. He added that the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) had decided that caste enumeration should be included in the forthcoming census. Vaishnaw had alleged that Congress governments have opposed the caste census. ANI quoted Vaishnaw as saying, Congress governments have always opposed the caste census. In 2010, the late Dr Manmohan Singh said that the matter of caste census should be considered in the Cabinet. A group of ministers was formed to consider this subject. Most of the political parties have recommended a caste census. Despite this, the Congress government decided to conduct a survey of caste or a caste census. It is well understood that Congress and its INDI alliance partners have used the caste census only as a political tool. Some states have conducted surveys to enumerate castes. While some states have done this well, some others conducted such surveys only from a political angle in a non-transparent way. Such surveys created doubts in society. To ensure that our social fabric is not disturbed by politics, caste enumeration should be included in the census instead of surveys, he added. Meanwhile, Congress had been demanding a caste census, with leaders of the grand old party making the same demand in their speeches. (with ANI inputs) South Koreas new President Lee Jae-myung vowed yesterday to restart dormant talks with North Korea and bolster a trilateral partnership with the U.S. and Japan, as he laid out key policy goals for his single, five-year term. Lee, who rose from childhood poverty to become South Koreas leading liberal politician vowing to fight inequality and corruption, formally began his term earlier Wednesday, hours after winning a snap election that was triggered in April by the removal of then-President Yoon Suk Yeol over his ill-fated imposition of martial law late last year. In his inaugural address at the National Assembly, Lee said that his government will deal with North Korean nuclear threats and its potential military aggressions with strong deterrence based on the South Korea-U.S. military alliance. But he said he would open a communication channel with North Korea and establish peace on the Korean Peninsula through talks and cooperation. He said hell pursue pragmatic diplomacy with neighboring countries and boost trilateral Seoul-Washington-Tokyo cooperation. Through pragmatic diplomacy based on national interests, we will turn the crisis posed by the major shift in global economic and security landscapes into an opportunity to maximize our national interests, Lee said. It was unclear whether Lees election would cause any major, immediate shift in South Koreas foreign policy. Lee, previously accused by critics of tilting toward China and North Korea and away from the U.S. and Japan, has recently repeatedly stressed South Koreas alliance with the U.S. as the foundation of its foreign policy and avoided any contentious remarks that would raise questions on his views on the U.S. and Japan. Well have to now see if the pressures of office will cause Lee Jae-myung to govern from the center at least when it comes to matters of national security and the alliance with the United States, said Ankit Panda, an expert with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. The toughest external challenges awaiting Lee are U.S. President Donald Trumps tariff policy and North Koreas expanding military partnerships with Russia. But experts earlier said whoever becomes president cant do much to secure major progress in South Koreas favor on those issues. During his inauguration speech, Lee didnt directly mention trade issues with the U.S. The U.S. and Japan said they congratulated Lees election and expressed their commitments to developing three-way cooperation. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said he wants to hold summit talks with Lee as early as possible, saying he hopes to further promote bilateral ties, both public and commercial. The U.S. State Department said that Seoul and Washington share an ironclad commitment to the alliance grounded in their mutual defense treaty, shared values and deep economic ties. Its unclear how North Korea would react to Lees speech, as it has shunned any talks with South Korea since 2019. North Korea in recent years has supplied weapons and troops to support Russias war against Ukraine, and South Korea, the U.S. and their partners suspect Russia might in return transfer high-tech technologies to North Korea to help it perfect its nuclear weapons program. Russias Tass news agency said yesterday that one of President Vladimir Putins top security officials, Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu, has arrived in Pyongyang for a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, in the latest sign of the countries alignment over Putins war in Ukraine. Later, Lee nominated former Unification Minister Lee Jong-seok, a dove who favors greater rapprochement with North Korea, as his spy chief. The nomination is likely related to Lee Jae-myungs hopes to reopen talks, as the National Intelligence Service previously played a behind-the-scene role to promote ties with North Korea, observers say. Lee Jae-myung also nominated his key political ally and veteran lawmaker Kim Min-seok as prime minister, the governments No. 2 job. Lee is expected to nominate other top Cabinet members in coming days. Lee called for unity to address the countrys stark political divide deepened after Yoons martial law debacle, saying that he will answer the peoples solemn call to let hope bloom over deep and painful wounds. Lee still promised a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Yoons martial law imposition, describing it as a rebellion that seized peoples sovereignty with arms. Yoon and some of his top military and police officers already stand trial on high-stakes rebellion charges in connection with martial law. Lees push to bring those involved in Yoons martial law stunt accountable has subsequently caused speculations among his opponents that he would launch political revenge against Yoon associates and senior prosecutors whom he previously accused of fabricating evidence to initiate criminal charges against him. Lee faces five trials on corruption and other allegations, but experts say those trials will likely stop during his term because the South Korean constitution gives a sitting president immunity from most criminal prosecutions. HYUNG-JIN KIM & KIM TONG-HYUNG, SEOUL, MDT/AP Bengaluru Stampede: As the fans gathered to join in the victory celebrations of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), a tragic stampede happened outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday. 11 people lost their lives, and several others were injured in the incident. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar broke down on camera while speaking to the media about the stampede. The Karnataka government has ordered a Magisterial inquiry into the tragedy and instructed to submit the investigation report be submitted within 15 days. DK Shivakumar recounted his experience of witnessing young people lying dead after the incident. IANS quoted the Deputy CM as saying, "I cannot digest that our children, who deserved to live and flourish, became victims of this stampede. This unfortunate incident has caused the loss of lives. It has tarnished the prestige of Bengaluru and Karnataka. We are taking this matter very seriously, and we will investigate and rectify the shortcomings. We need to learn a lesson from this." "None of us expected such a tragedy to happen in our state. The RCB team had informed the media that they were coming to Bengaluru. Our government had no other option. We consider this tragedy as if it happened in our own family," he added. "The pain, similar to that of our own family members having died in this tragedy, is overwhelming the state. This pain is unbearable. Those who died are members of our family. In this situation, we should offer condolences, not play politics. The responsibility for this tragedy cannot be placed on one or two individuals," Shivakumar continued.

#WATCH | Bengaluru: Karnataka DCM DK Shivakumar breaks down as he comes out to address the media for the first time after the #BengaluruStampede. pic.twitter.com/1GDMZOBAm4

ANI (@ANI) June 5, 2025
"The joy among fans, who had been waiting for 18 years, overflowed. As a result, a large number of people gathered, and the situation escalated. Yesterday at the hospital, the parents of the deceased pleaded, 'Don't conduct a post-mortem. Give us our child's body.' How can we hand over the bodies without such an examination? This would lead to legal problems tomorrow. We need a scientific report to understand the cause of these deaths," Shivakumar said. BJP's Criticism Karnataka BJP President BY Vijayendra questioned who would take responsibility for the stampede. "... Who will take responsibility for the stampede? The tragedy could have been avoided if the state government had managed things properly. In the final match held in Ahmedabad, 1.5 lakh people gathered, and no such tragedy occurred there... Why did the state government organise the event with such haste? Why was permission given to hold the event yesterday without proper preparation? What was the necessity of celebrating in front of the Vidhana Soudha? It must be clarified whether the Deputy Chief Minister or the Chief Minister organised it," the BJP leader said. RCB's Statement RCB has announced an ex gratia of Rs. 10 lakhs to the kin of 11 victims of the stampede. Additionally, a fund named 'RCB Cares' is being created to support the injured. (with agencies' inputs) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar held bilateral discussions with his counterparts from Tajikistan and Kazakhstan on Thursday and reaffirmed India's zero-tolerance policy. Foreign Ministers from Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan are in New Delhi on Thursday to attend the two-day 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue, as India continues to take a strong step forward in enhancing anti-terror and de-radicalization partnerships across the region. During the meeting with Tajikistan's Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin, EAM Jaishankar acknowledged the need to combat terrorism and strengthen ties between the two nations. "A good meeting with FM Sirojiddin Muhriddin of Tajikistan. Agreed on the need to firmly counter-terrorism in our region. Shared views on furthering our cooperation, including deeper trade, investment and connectivity ties," he said in a post on X. The EAM also met Kazakhstan Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu and appreciated his stance on zero tolerance for terrorism. Both sides discussed key aspects of the strategic partnership between India and Kazakhstan and exchanged views on enhancing connectivity with the Central Asian region. "Pleased to meet DPM and FM Murat Nurtleu of Kazakhstan this morning. Appreciated his reaffirmation of zero tolerance for terrorism. Discussed various facets of our Strategic Partnership, focusing on political, trade, investment and energy cooperation. Also spoke about widening connectivity with the Central Asia region," the EAM posted on X. EAM Jaishankar will host the five Central Asian foreign ministers -- including Bakhtiyor Saidov (Uzbekistan), Rashid Meredov (Turkmenistan), Zheenbek Kulubaev (Kyrgyzstan), Sirojiddin Muhriddin (Tajikistan), and Murat Nurtleu (Kazakhstan) -- amid continued incidents of cross-border terror, highlighted by the heinous April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in the death of 26 innocent civilians. The visiting Foreign Ministers will participate in the India-Central Asia Business Council meeting on Thursday and India-Central Asia Dialogue on Friday before wrapping up their India visit after calling on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the same evening. The India-Central Asia Dialogue, launched in January 2019 in Samarkand, serves as a key platform for strengthening ties between India and Central Asia. The second meeting took place virtually in October 2020 and focused on regional security, counter-terrorism, and infrastructure development. The third meeting was held in New Delhi in December 2021 and emphasised connectivity to further deepen the ties between India and Central Asia. At the fourth edition of the dialogue on June 6, the ministers will discuss further strengthening of relations between India and Central Asian countries with a particular focus on trade, connectivity, technology, and development cooperation. They will also share perspectives on challenges to regional security and other regional and global issues of mutual interest. "India and Central Asia, in each other's 'Extended Neighbourhood', enjoy close and cordial contemporary diplomatic relations underpinned by millennia-old cultural and people-to-people exchanges. The first India-Central Summit held virtually in January 2022 and the mechanism of India-Central Asia Dialogue, at the level of Foreign Ministers, have taken this relationship substantially forward," read a statement issued by the MEA. New Delhi: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Chief Dr. Samir V. Kamat opened the lid on how India is rewriting the rules of modern warfare. He declared that in addition to catching up with global powers in defence technology, India is also preparing to leapfrog them. The recent Operation Sindoor, a blistering military response to the deadly April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam, witnessed Indian forces wielding homegrown weaponry designed and developed by the DRDO, systems that, according to him, destroyed and dominated the enemy. During the blistering military offensive, the Akash missile system, the Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) and the cutting-edge anti-drone D4 system were deployed in sync delivering what the DRDO chief called a tremendous performance. He pointed out that the systems were developed over years, with Akash starting back in 2004-05, later upgraded in partnership with Israel to become MRSAM. But it was the seamless integration of these three, the Akash, the MRSAM and the D4, that transformed Indias battlefield response. They performed superbly and thwarted every enemy attack, he said with pride. And it was not only the missiles. Indias radar capabilities have also leapt forward. Dr. Kamat emphasised how DRDO has mastered the art of designing multifunctional radars that now cater to the Army, the Navy and the Air Force in a unified network. Earlier, every radar operated independently. Now, we have integrated them for real-time data sharing. That changes everything, he said. But what is coming next could redefine warfare in the region and maybe the world. He revealed that DRDOs arsenal still holds several arrows that are yet to be unleashed. Within the next 2-3 years, India plans to induct several indigenously developed defence platforms including the Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS), the Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (MPATGM), the Pralay and Rudram missile systems, advanced light torpedoes and next-generation landmines. Then comes the crown jewel, the BrahMos. Work is already underway to enhance its range with plans to integrate the BrahMos Next Generation (NG) missile into multiple aircraft, not just the Sukhoi. Its precision and power make it one of the most exceptional missiles in the world, he said. And it does not stop there. The Astra-2 and Astra-3 air-to-air missiles are in the pipeline, while Rudram is evolving as a force multiplier. In a statement that hints at ambitions rivaling Israels famed Iron Dome, he also confirmed that India is developing its own layered defence system. With Akash, QRSAM, S-400 and work on the Kusha missile Indias answer to the S-500 already in motion, it is clear that New Delhi has a firm eye on the sky. The plan is to have multiple units of these across the nation, he added. What about the next-gen air force? The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project, cleared last year, is already in motion. The prototype will be ready by 2029, test flights will follow and full induction into the Indian Air Force is slated to begin around 2035. It could be done with HAL or even with private players, he said, hinting at a new era of public-private synergy in Indias defence landscape. On the lighter side of firepower, India is accelerating development of the LCA Mk1A, although delays in GE engine supply have slowed deliveries. Nonetheless, the Air Force will receive all 83 ordered jets within the next three years. Mk2s are on the horizon too, with the DRDO eyeing 2033 for their rollout. Trials for a new indigenous light tank will begin in mid-2025 and production will follow by 2027. Dr. Kamat did not hold back when speaking about drones either. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are becoming gamechangers, he said and confirmed that the DRDO is working on base tech and integration. With swarm drones becoming a future threat, India is also pushing forward its anti-drone arsenal with urgency. Finally, reflecting on the strategic shift in Indias defence ecosystem, he credited the incumbent government for championing the cause of self-reliance. Earlier, the DRDO was a platform for just research and development (R&D). Now, with the ecosystem in place, we are marching toward becoming a global defence technology leader, he said. With indigenous marvels like the Pinaka, the BrahMos and the Akash leading the charge, it is hard to argue otherwise. If there was ever any doubt that India was ready to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the worlds defence giants, Dr. Kamat left no room for it. Karnataka Government Declared Holiday Tomorrow? It has been a mixed week for Karnataka - the state celebrated the maiden IPL title of Royal Challengers Bangalore and also mourned the death of 11 people in a stampede near M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The RCB bagged its maiden IPL title in 18 years, defeating Punjab Kings and it sent the whole state into a celebratory mood. Since then, people have been demanding that the state government declare a holiday, allowing people to celebrate the win. People took to social media handles and urged the CM Siddaramaiah government to announce a holiday on either June 4, 5 or 6. However, the June 4 and 5 remained a fully working day for the state government employees, private sector workers, schools, colleges and banks. Now, people are urging the government to at least announce a holiday for June 6, thus clubbing Friday-Saturday-Sunday as holiday. Holiday On June 6 For RCB Win Celebration? Notably, the Karnataka Government has no plan to declare a holiday on June 6, 2025. With the state witnessing the death of 11 people in a stampede and the situation remaining tense with the opposition BJP sharpening its attack on the Siddaramaiah government, a holiday on Friday, i.e. June 6 is unlikely. No official announcement has been made so far. Holiday On June 6 Or June 7 For Eid-ul-Adha? Notably, Eid-ul-Adha, also known as Bakrid or the Festival of Sacrifice is falling on June 6 or June 7 in different states depending on the respective state's observation. In Karnataka, the Eid-ul-Adha or Bakrid is reportedly being celebrated on June 7, i.e. Saturday. Are Schools/Colleges, Govt Offices Open Tomorrow? Yes, the schools, colleges and government offices including banks are open in Karnataka tomorrow, i.e. June 6. However, due to the Eid holiday, all the educational institutions, financial institutions and government offices will remain closed on June 7. The Kerala Government has imposed a 52-day trawling ban along the state's coastal waters, effective from midnight June 9 to midnight July 31, as reported by ANI. This ban is part of marine conservation and fishery resource management measures. According to ANI, the decision was made during today's cabinet meeting. During this period, mechanized fishing is prohibited; however, traditional fishing with inboard boats will be allowed. Coastal Police and district Collectors will ensure that all out-of-state boats depart Kerala's coast before the trawling ban begins, as reported by ANI. According to the Fisheries Department, inboard boats must be equipped with all necessary safety gear. The ban has been implemented by the state government to safeguard fish populations and prevent overfishing during their critical breeding season. It also aims to conserve marine ecosystems and fish stocks by stopping bottom trawling, a harmful method that damages the ocean floor and captures young fish. Additionally, it aligns with the breeding season of several economically valuable fish species. During the ban, trawlers must remain at least 12 nautical miles (or more) offshore. Those who violate the rules will face penalties from the Fisheries Department and other agencies. The state government has decided to assist trawler workers by providing rations and subsidies to ease their financial burden during the ban. Trawling is a method of fishing that involves pulling a fishing net through the water behind one or more boats. The net used for trawling is called a trawl. Usually, the net is weighted with an object to keep it on the ocean floor or at a designated depth and is towed by a vessel or boat. Kerala Lottery Results Thursday 05-06-2025 LIVE: The Kerala Lottery Department, on behalf of the Keralan government, announces the "Karunya KN-575" Lucky Draw Result today Karunya KN-575, June 05, 2025. The draw will be held at Gorky Bhavan near Bakery Junction in Thiruvananthapuram. The Kerala Lottery Result 2025 for "Karunya KN-575" will feature 12 series, with changes in series possible each week. A total of 108 lakh tickets are available for purchase weekly. The ticket prices may vary. Check the Karunya KN-575 results right here to see if youre the first-place winner of 1 Crore. Stay tuned to this website for the live update of Kerala Lottery Karunya KN-575 results today. Kerala Lottery Result 05-06-2025 June: FULL LIST OF WINNING NUMBERS FOR KARUNYA PLUS KN-575 Draw LUCKY TICKET NUMBER FOR 1ST PRIZE OF RS 1 Crore IS: PB 387017 LUCKY TICKET NUMBER FOR 2ND PRIZE OF RS 50 LAKHS IS: PH 310283 LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR 3RD PRIZE OF RS 5 LAKHS ARE: PA 824776 PB 607294 PC 793170 PD 311938 PE 638588 PF 251951 PG 700956 PH 262094 PJ 106445 PK 103299 PL 465991 PM 758737 LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR CONSOLATION PRIZE OF RS 5000 ARE: PA 387017 PC 387017 PD 387017 PE 387017 PF 387017 PG 387017 PH 387017 PJ 387017 PK 387017 PL 387017 PM 387017 (For The Tickets Ending with The Following Numbers below) LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR 4TH PRIZE OF RS 5,000 ARE: 0042 0663 2455 3173 3890 3944 4276 4790 4811 4943 4990 5042 5091 5427 6115 6691 8684 9731 LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR 5TH PRIZE OF RS 1000 ARE: 0289 0972 1402 1582 1882 2540 3553 4207 4711 4890 5024 5060 5246 5560 5652 5666 5769 6099 6639 6936 7014 7236 7887 8716 8722 8735 8868 8899 9026 9641 LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR 6TH PRIZE OF RS 500 ARE: 0279 0452 0721 0965 1029 1031 1055 1175 1320 1322 1483 1537 1591 1608 1801 1876 1984 1989 2050 2052 2213 2267 2379 2605 2610 2674 2875 2972 3048 3223 3301 3350 3369 3543 3564 3625 3736 3748 4017 4143 4242 4285 4591 4612 4614 4622 4827 4869 4894 5053 5076 5128 5304 5479 5537 5883 5927 5953 6047 6063 6124 6306 6348 6391 6402 6485 6623 6702 6724 6834 6836 6992 7122 7164 7182 7217 7359 7364 7496 7539 7619 7665 7846 8019 8106 8263 8264 8543 8694 8793 8824 8879 8894 9016 9122 9201 9239 9325 9326 9484 9683 9956 LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR 7TH PRIZE OF RS 100 ARE: 0032 0049 0050 0085 0160 0193 0235 0246 0247 0391 0407 0409 0422 0559 0593 0645 0851 0866 0868 0880 0913 0917 0996 1049 1082 1137 1139 1154 1218 1221 1234 1362 1377 1490 1510 1616 1662 1672 1714 1841 2029 2167 2172 2179 2229 2269 2277 2389 2466 2521 2565 2647 2708 2796 2881 2944 2983 3392 3436 3586 3614 3619 3688 3718 3735 3885 3988 4001 4016 4030 4074 4085 4127 4135 4154 4194 4199 4238 4243 4253 4263 4385 4451 4506 4514 4575 4586 4668 4683 4746 4754 4760 4763 4880 4982 5036 5095 5112 5117 5124 5189 5197 5217 5222 5223 5251 5282 5481 5486 5513 5589 5680 5768 5800 5928 5930 6049 6112 6173 6179 6245 6316 6363 6397 6422 6440 6470 6482 6572 6613 6640 6671 6686 6700 6750 6790 6797 6821 6829 6869 6887 6921 7000 7031 7097 7170 7244 7312 7352 7396 7416 7454 7506 7508 7514 7584 7680 7691 7697 7708 7762 7776 7861 7869 7895 7966 7976 8004 8016 8039 8076 8085 8095 8109 8145 8312 8347 8415 8495 8509 8524 8579 8583 8590 8620 8669 8705 8731 8743 8769 8816 8849 8925 8969 9060 9071 9163 9256 9309 9343 9421 9507 9539 9601 9679 9698 9742 9744 9769 9822 9836 9840 9855 9888 9899 9919 LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR 8TH PRIZE OF RS 50 ARE: To Be Announced KERALA LOTTERY RESULT TODAY 05-06-2025 June: KARUNYA PLUS KN-575 LOTTERY PRIZE DETAILS 1st Prize: Rs 80 Lakhs 2nd Prize: Rs. 10 lakhs 3rd Prize: Rs. 1 Lakh 4th Prize: Rs. 5,000 5th Prize: Rs. 1,000 6th Prize: Rs. 500 7th Prize: Rs. 100 Consolation Prize: Rs. 8,000 (NOTE: Lottery can be addictive and should be played responsibly. The data provided on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as advice or encouragement. Zee News does not promote lottery in anyway.) Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra ties a knot with senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader and four-time MP Pinaki Misra. As per the media reports, the wedding took place on May 3 in Germany, where both the leaders kept it extremely secret. On Thrusday, TMC MP shared a post with husband Misra, announcing their marriage on her official social media platform X. She shared a photo with her husband and write, "Thank you everyone for the love and good wishes!! So grateful." Thank you everyone for the love and good wishes!! So grateful pic.twitter.com/hbkPdE2X7z Mahua Moitra (@MahuaMoitra) June 5, 2025 Earlier, a photo that went viral on social media, in which Moitra adorned in traditional attire with heavy gold jewellery, suggests a private but ceremonious wedding. In the photo, BJD MP Misra also joined Moitra in a traditional outfit. Followers congratulated newly wed couple on social media. TMC Lok Sabha MP from Jadavpur Saayoni Ghosh also took social media X to congratulate the couple. She shared a picture with couple and wrote, "Congratulations Mm & Pm...Mahua Moitra, Pinaki Misra, wishing you a lifetime of love and laughter!" Congratulations Mm & Pm @MahuaMoitra @OfPinaki wishing you a lifetime of love and laughter! pic.twitter.com/Ng5ukQqtz4 Saayoni Ghosh (@sayani06) June 5, 2025 TMC leader Mahua Moitra is currently serving her second consecutive term as Member of Parliament from Krishnanagar in West Bengal. Who Is Pinaki Misra Pinaki Misra is an politicial leader from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) party who also served as the Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha from Puri. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Thursday took cognizance of the stampede incident near the Chinnaswamy Stadium in which 11 people were killed and issued notices to the Deputy Commissioner of the Bengaluru Urban district and the city Police Commissioner. The Commission has also sought an Action Taken Report from them within seven days. The notice was issued by Brijvir Singh, the Assistant Registrar (Law). The Registry is directed to issue a notice to the District Magistrate and Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru, Karnataka, with directions to get the allegations made in the complaint inquired into and to submit an Action Taken Report within 7 days for perusal of the Commission, Singh stated. The Bengaluru Deputy Commissioner also serves as the District Magistrate. The authorities are also directed to submit the list of deceased and injured victims. The relevant documents, permissions obtained, and granted for organising the event, including the details of the permission issuing authority, shall also be submitted along with the report. It is also directed that the report of Special Branch, CID, Police, examined by the authorities prior to issuance of the permission to organise such big events, be also submitted in the matter, the NHRC specifies. The commission further stated that the complainant sought the intervention of the NHRC in the matter and requested to constitute a high-level investigation, accountability of responsible officials, compensation and justice for victims. The complainants also sought to formulate the preventive guidelines to avoid such incidents, tragedies in the future. The allegations made in the complaints prima facie seem to be serious violations of the human rights of the victims. The Bench of the National Human Rights Commission, presided by Priyank Kanoongo, Member, has taken cognizance under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, in the matter, the NHRC said. The Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, has entrusted the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, with the responsibility of protecting and promoting the rights of all human beings in the country and having the powers of a civil court for inquiry u/s 13 of the PHR Act, 1993," the Commission said. The complainant brought to the notice of the NHRC a news report highlighting that on the occasion of the Royal Challengers Bangalore, IPL-18, Cup winning parade, a stampede occurred outside . Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, Karnataka, on June 4. "The complainant alleged that due to gross administrative negligence during RCB's victory parade, 11 people had died and over 50 were injured in the stampede, the NHRC stated. The Commission has received various complaints in this matter, including from the 'BHIM' organisation, alleging poor crowd control management by the authorities and shockingly, festivities and celebrations continued inside the stadium, despite the tragedy that occurred and dead bodies lying outside the stadium, stated the NHRC. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his 'Narender Surrender' remark, saying that there is a limit to stupidity and opposition. Rijiju added that being from the opposition party does not mean opposing the country. There is a limit to stupidity and opposition. Theres nobody in Congress Party to tell him that being in the Opposition Party does not mean, to oppose the nation? Rijiju said in a post on X. ! Theres nobody in Congress Party to tell him that being in the Opposition Party does not mean, to oppose the nation? https://t.co/0Y2rtJRjBC pic.twitter.com/2oUNxAnlPA Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) June 5, 2025 Rijijus remarks followed a jab from Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, at Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the recent ceasefire understanding with Pakistan, claiming that PM Modi surrendered after a call from US President Donald Trump. "Now, I understand RSS-BJP well. If slight pressure is put on them, they run away out of fear. When Trump called Modi ji-'Modi ji kya kar rahe ho, Narender-Surrender and with 'ji hazooor', Narender ji followed Trump. In the 1971 war, Seventh Fleet (came from the US), Indira Gandhi said I will do whatever I have to do. This is the difference. This is their character; all of them are like this. Since the Independence movement, they have this habit of writing letters of surrender, Rahul Gandhi said. #WATCH | Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh | Congress MP & LoP Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi says, "Now, I understand RSS-BJP well. If slight pressure is put on them, they run away out of fear. When Trump called Modi ji-'Modi ji kya kar rahe ho, Narender-Surrender and with 'ji hazooor', Narender pic.twitter.com/1tsVmSPzWi ANI (@ANI) June 3, 2025 BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi slammed Rahul Gandhi for the remark and said that India cannot surrender to anyone. "Rahul Gandhi, if you want to understand the meaning of surrender, then remember when you went abroad two years ago, you said why the defenders of democracy America and Europe are silent and not interfering in India. That was surrender... After the 26/11 terrorist attack, your government said in Sharm-el-Sheikh that the composite dialogue would not be affected by terrorist attacks. This was a surrender to terrorist mentality... There were 93 thousand prisoners of war in 1971. Still, why did you surrender POK?... Rahul Gandhi, the calendar of independent India is full of your, your party's, and your family's surrenders... India cannot surrender to anyone. We are the only civilisation in the world which exists even after thousands of years of attack, and you are not ready to accept this," ANI quoted Trivedi as saying. #WATCH | Delhi | On Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's statement, BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi says, "Rahul Gandhi, if you want to understand the meaning of surrender, then remember when you went abroad two years ago, you said why the defenders of democracy America and pic.twitter.com/zUeqGaZ896 ANI (@ANI) June 4, 2025 BJPs IT cell chief Amit Malviya condemned Rahul Gandhi's remark, saying that the country deserves leadership that stands with the nation, not against its aspirations. History will remember: From Doklam to Pahalgam, whenever India stood united to defend its sovereignty and rise as a global power, Rahul Gandhi, true to the legacy of his lineage, chose to stand with forces opposed to Indias political and economic resurgence. In moments that pic.twitter.com/8lPVJEVJp6 Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) June 4, 2025 History will remember: From Doklam to Pahalgam, whenever India stood united to defend its sovereignty and rise as a global power, Rahul Gandhi, true to the legacy of his lineage, chose to stand with forces opposed to Indias political and economic resurgence. In moments that demanded unity, he echoed doubt. In times that called for strength, he amplified division. India deserves leadership that stands with the nation, not against its aspirations, Malviya said on X. Congress MP and the lead of Indias All-Party Delegation to the United States, Shashi Tharoor, on Thursday listed three evidence about Pakistan's involvement in the Pahalgam terror attack of April 22 in which 26 individuals were killed. As he addressed the media's queries in the US, he was questioned if any country had asked the delegation for evidence of Islamabads involvement in the Pahalgam attack. "I'm very glad you raised this. I didn't plant it, I promise you. Very simply, no one had any doubt, and we were not asked for evidence. But the media have asked in two or three places. Let me say very clearly that India would not have done this without convincing evidence. But there were three particular reasons I want to draw your attention to all of you, the Congress MP replied. He continued to list three pieces of evidence about Pakistans involvement in the Pahalgam terrorist attack: 1- Over Three Decades Of Pattern The first point that Tharoor raised was that there has been a 37-year pattern of repeated terror attacks from Pakistan, accompanied by repeated denials. I mean, Americans haven't forgotten that Pakistan did not know, allegedly, where Osama bin Laden was until he was found in a Pakistani safe house right next to an army camp in a cantonment city. That's Pakistan. Mumbai attacks- they denied having anything to do with it So we know what Pakistan's all about. They will dispatch terrorists, they will deny they did so until they're actually caught with red hands," he added. 2- TRFs Claim The next point the Congress leader highlighted was that The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy front of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) had claimed the responsibility for the Pahalgam terror attack and later withdrew it. Second point, the moment this happened, within 45 minutes or so of this happening, the terrorist attack, a group called The Resistance Front, claimed credit. Who is The Resistance Front? They're a well-known proxy front of the Lashkar-e-Taiba, a banned organization listed by the United Nations (UN) listed by the US State Department he elaborated. These people then claimed credit within a time span. There were no media present when these killings took place. Most of the world hadn't even learned about this when they claimed credit. So that was itself a smoking gun. They repeated that claim 24 hours later. And having repeated that claim 24 hours later, then their handlers must have woken up to the gravity of this and told them to take it off their site. So they did. But the fact is, the credit claim was on record, and the world has seen it, he presented his second point. 3- Funerals After Indias Strikes Tharoor presented the next point and said, Third, when the first strikes happened on the terrorist camps, funerals were conducted, including for members of some of the key organizations, the Jaish-e-Mohammed in particular, and the Lashkar-e-Taiba. The funerals were conducted, and photographs have emerged on social media showing Pakistani generals and police officers in uniform attending these funerals being conducted by relatives of these terrorists, he continued. #WATCH | Washington DC: On a question asked by his son about whether any country had asked the delegation for evidence of Pakistan's involvement in the Pahalgam attack and about Pakistan's repeated denials of any role in the attack, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor says, "I'm very glad pic.twitter.com/RR0tcVOwpU ANI (@ANI) June 5, 2025 Congress leader Tharoor is leading an All-Party delegation which includes Shambhavi Chaudhary (Lok Janshakti Party), Sarfaraz Ahmed (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha), G M Harish Balayogi (Telugu Desam Party), Shashank Mani Tripathi, Tejaswi Surya, and Bhubaneswar Kalita (all from the BJP), Mallikarjun Devda (Shiv Sena), former Indian Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu, and Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora. The Delegation met the US Vice President JD Vance on Thursday. The seven All-Party Delegations were entrusted to carry forth the strong message of zero tolerance against terrorism. After the terror attack Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor during the wee hours of May 7, hitting terrorist infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). (with ANI inputs) On the rural islands of Nagasaki a handful of believers practice a version of Christianity that has direct links to a time of samurai, shoguns and martyred missionaries and believers. After emerging from hiding in 1865, following centuries of violent persecution by Japans insular warlord rulers, many of the formerly underground Christians converted to mainstream Catholicism. Some Hidden Christians, however, continued to follow not the religion that 16th century foreign missionaries originally taught them, but the idiosyncratic, difficult to detect version theyd nurtured during centuries of clandestine cat-and-mouse with a brutal regime. On Ikitsuki and other remote sections of Nagasaki prefecture, Hidden Christians still pray to what they call the Closet God scroll paintings of Mary and Jesus, disguised as a Buddhist Bodhisattva and hidden in special closets. They still chant in a Latin that hasnt been widely used in centuries. Now, though, the Hidden Christians are disappearing. Almost all are elderly, and as the young move to cities or turn their backs on the faith, those remaining are desperate to preserve evidence of this unique offshoot of Christianity and convey to the world what its loss will mean. At this point, Im afraid we are going to be the last ones, said Masatsugu Tanimoto, 68, one of the few who can recite the Latin chants his ancestors learned 400 years ago. Here are some key takeaways from The Associated Press extensive reporting on a dwindling group of faithful who still worship today as their ancestors did when forced underground in the 17th century. The rejection of Catholicism Christianity spread rapidly in 16th century Japan when Jesuit priests converted warlords and peasants alike, most especially on the southern main island of Kyushu, where the foreigners established trading ports in Nagasaki. Hundreds of thousands, by some estimates, embraced the religion. That changed after the shoguns began to see the religion as a threat. The crackdown that followed in the early 17th century was fierce. Many continued to practice in hiding, and when Japan opened up and allowed Christianity, they emerged and became Catholics. But others chose to stay Kakure Kirishitan (Hidden Christians), continuing to worship as their ancestors did underground. Hidden Christianity could be deadly Catholics have churches, priests and centuries of hard-fought dogma. But Hidden Christians were forced to hide all visible signs of their religion after the 1614 ban on Christianity and the expulsion of foreign missionaries. Households took turns keeping precious ritual objects hidden safely and hosting the secret services that celebrated both faith and persistence. This still happens today, and one of the most remarkable things about the religion is the ease with which an observer can feel unmoored from time, transported by rituals unchanged since the 16th century. Different communities worship different icons and have different ways of performing the rituals. In Sotome, for instance, people prayed to a statue of what they called Maria Kannon, a genderless Bodhisattva of mercy, as a substitute for Mary. They take pride in clinging to the old ways Many Hidden Christians rejected Catholicism after the persecution ended because Catholic priests refused to recognize them as real Christians unless they agreed to be rebaptized and abandon the Buddhist altars that their ancestors used. Tanimoto believes his ancestors continued the Hidden Christian traditions because becoming Catholic meant rejecting the Buddhism and Shintoism that had become such a strong part of their daily lives underground. We are not doing this to worship Jesus or Mary, he said. Our responsibility is to faithfully carry on the way our ancestors had practiced. An important part of Hidden Christians ceremonies is the recitation of Latin chants, called Orasho. The Orasho comes from the original Latin or Portuguese prayers brought to Japan by 16th century missionaries. Tanimoto recently showed AP a weathered copy of a prayer his grandfather wrote with a brush and ink, just like the ones his ancestors had diligently copied from older generations. Today, because funerals are no longer held at homes and younger people are leaving the island for work and school, Orasho is only performed two or three times a year. Hidden Christianity is dying There were an estimated 30,000 in Nagasaki, including about 10,000 in Ikitsuki, in the 1940s, according to government figures, but nobody has been baptized since 1994. Hidden Christianity is linked to the communal ties that formed when Japan was a largely agricultural society. Those ties crumbled as the country rapidly modernized after WWII, with recent developments revolutionizing peoples lives, even in rural Japan. Hidden Christianity has a structural weakness, experts say, because there are no professional religious leaders tasked with teaching doctrine and adapting the religion to environmental changes. Researchers are collecting artifacts and archiving video interviews with Hidden Christians in an attempt to preserve a record of the endangered religion. Masashi Funabara, 63, a retired town hall official, said most of the nearby groups have disbanded over the last two decades. His group, which now has only two families, is the only one left, down from nine in his district. They used to perform prayers almost every month; now they meet only a few times a year. FOSTER KLUG, IKITSUKI, MDT/AP After 41 long years since Rakesh Sharma made his historic journey to space, India is finally returning to the cosmos. This time, it's Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla from the Indian Air Force who will pilot the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) to the International Space Station on June 10, 2025. But behind this momentous achievement lies an engineering marvel that has revolutionised space travel the SpaceX Falcon 9 human-rated launch vehicle. A Rocket That Changed Everything The Falcon 9 Block 5 isn't just another rocket; it's the world's most reliable launch vehicle today. As of 04 June 2025, Falcon 9 had achieved 482 out of 485 full mission successes (99.4%), with Block 5 has a success rate of 99.8% (428/429). To put this in perspective, when you book a flight ticket, you don't worry about the plane crashing because commercial aviation has a 99.99% safety record. The Falcon 9 is now approaching similar levels of reliability for space travel. What makes this even more remarkable is that The Crew Dragon, including the Falcon 9 rocket and associated ground systems, is the first new, crew spacecraft to be NASA-certified for regular flights with astronauts since the space shuttle nearly 40 years ago. When NASA gives its human-rating certification, it means the rocket has passed the most stringent safety tests possible. Why Falcon 9 is Perfect for Axiom 4 For Axiom 4, the choice of Falcon 9 Block 5 isn't just practical it's essential. Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot and astronaut with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will be the pilot onboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon, making him the first Indian to visit the ISS. The stakes couldn't be higher. The Ax-4 research complement includes around 60 scientific studies and activities representing 31 countries, including the U.S., India, Poland, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Nigeria, UAE, and nations across Europe. This isn't just any space mission it's the most ambitious research mission in Axiom Space's history, and it needs a rocket system that won't let down 31 countries worth of scientific hopes. The Falcon 9's reusability factor is also crucial. As of 04 June 2025, SpaceX has successfully landed Falcon 9 boosters 441 times. Individual boosters have flown as many as 28 flights. This proven track record of landing and reusing boosters means the rocket launching Axiom 4 has likely been tested multiple times before, adding another layer of reliability. India's Giant Leap Forward For India, this mission represents much more than just sending one astronaut to space. Shukla is honored and excited as he prepares to pilot the historic Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) to the International Space Station (ISS), leaving an indelible mark on India's remarkable advancements in human space exploration. The timing is perfect. ISRO has officially declared 2025 as the 'Year of Gaganyaan', making Shukla's mission timely and critical. Shukla's experience aboard the ISS will directly benefit India's own Gaganyaan program, giving ISRO invaluable first-hand data about human spaceflight operations. What's particularly exciting is the research component. Shukla will carry out seven experiments designed by Indian institutions. These include studies on microgravity plant growth involving crops like methi (fenugreek) and moong (green gram). Imagine the possibilities if we can grow Indian crops in space, it opens up entirely new frontiers for food security and space colonisation. The Safety Revolution: What Makes Falcon 9 Human-Rated The human-rating of Falcon 9 represents a safety revolution in spaceflight. NASA's human-rating requires not just that a system be designed to be tolerant of failure and to protect the crew even if an unrecoverable failure occurs, but also that astronauts aboard a human-rated spacecraft have some control over it. More importantly, the NASA CCP human-rating standards require that the probability of a loss on ascent does not exceed 1 in 500, and that the probability of a loss on descent did not exceed 1 in 500. But what exactly makes Falcon 9 human-rated? The answer lies in multiple layers of sophisticated safety systems: Triple-Redundant Flight Systems: F9 has triple-redundant flight computers and inertial navigation, with a GPS overlay for additional accuracy. SpaceX uses multiple redundant flight computers in a fault-tolerant design. The software runs on Linux and is written in C++. This means if one computer fails, two others can still safely control the rocket. SuperDraco Launch Escape System: The crown jewel of crew safety is Dragon's integrated escape system. For launch aborts, the capsule relies on eight SuperDraco engines arranged in four redundant pairs. Each engine generates 71 kN (16,000 lbf) of thrust. A redundant array of eight SuperDraco engines provides fault-tolerant propulsion for use as a launch escape system. During the January 2020 abort test, the abort system propelled a Crew Dragon capsule to a distance of half a mile in 7.5 seconds, accelerating the craft to 400 mph relative to the booster. Advanced Parachute System: Dragon 2 uses a total of six parachutes (two drogues and four mains) to decelerate after atmospheric entry and before splashdown, compared to the five used by Dragon 1. The additional parachute was required by NASA as a safety measure. The spacecraft can safely splash down with just three main chutes and possibly two. Emergency Propulsive Landing: In 2024, SpaceX added an incredible backup capability. Dragon now has built-in redundancy to propulsively land using its SuperDraco thrusters, saving the vehicle and potential crew from a rough landing or imminent danger. Should an anomaly with the parachutes occur, the four main parachutes would be cut and Dragon would ignite its eight SuperDraco engines to slowly perform a propulsive splashdown. Rigorous Testing Programme: This is the final step in the multi-mission certification process, which included a number of previous launches, including an uncrewed ISS docking mission, which ran fully automated, and a launch pad abort test to demonstrate how the launch vehicle's safety system would work in the unlikely event of an accident following launch but prior to reaching orbit. Engine-Out Capability: The Falcon 9's nine-engine first stage design provides incredible redundancy. The nine Merlin engines on the first stage are gradually throttled near the end of first-stage flight to limit launch vehicle acceleration as the rocket's mass decreases with the burning of fuel. Even if one engine fails during flight, the mission can continue successfully this was proven during Flight 83, a successful Starlink launch that saw the first failure of a Merlin 1D first-stage engine during ascent. Heat Shield Protection: When the capsule returns to Earth, a PICA-3 heat shield safeguards the capsule during reentry, protecting astronauts from the extreme temperatures of atmospheric entry. Attitude Control Systems: Sixteen smaller Draco thrusters placed around the spacecraft control its attitude and perform orbital maneuvers. Each pod also contains four Draco thrusters that can be used for attitude control and orbital maneuvers, providing precise control throughout the mission. Looking Beyond Axiom 4 The success of Falcon 9 with Axiom 4 will have ripple effects far beyond this single mission. Ax-4 is an example of how India is embracing international cooperation. The mission has seen the participation of astronauts from the US, Hungary, and Poland, and involves agencies like SpaceX, NASA and Axiom Space. This international collaboration model, enabled by reliable and cost-effective launch vehicles like the Falcon 9, is the future of space exploration. Instead of each country building expensive rockets from scratch, nations can pool resources and expertise to achieve bigger goals faster. For India specifically, this mission is laying the groundwork for even bigger ambitions. For ISRO, it provides valuable experience ahead of the Gaganyaan programme and signals India's growing ambitions, including plans for a lunar mission and space station by the 2030s. The Economic Game-Changer Beyond safety and capability, the Falcon 9 has fundamentally changed the economics of space access. Reusability allows SpaceX to refly the most expensive parts of the rocket, which in turn drives down the cost of space access. This cost reduction is what makes missions like Axiom 4 economically viable for multiple countries to participate. Twenty years ago, sending an astronaut to space cost hundreds of millions of dollars. Today, thanks to reusable rockets like the Falcon 9, the cost has dropped dramatically, making space accessible to more nations and organisations than ever before. A New Chapter Begins As we watch the Falcon 9 lift off from Launch Complex 39A on June 10, carrying India's hopes and dreams along with Shubhanshu Shukla, we're witnessing more than just another space launch. We're seeing the dawn of a new era where space exploration is no longer limited to superpowers with unlimited budgets. The human-rated Falcon 9 has democratised access to space, and India is perfectly positioned to take advantage of this new reality. With our strong technical expertise, growing space program, and now proven ability to collaborate internationally, India is ready to become a major player in the global space economy. Shukla's journey to the ISS is just the beginning. Thanks to reliable, reusable, and affordable launch vehicles like the Falcon 9, the next Indian astronaut might be launching on an Indian-built rocket to an Indian space station. The stars, quite literally, are the limit. Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Thursday said that only the Lachen and Lachung sectors in the northern part of the mountain state are closed to visitors at the moment, and the rest of the tourist places are now open for tourists. "Sikkim continues to welcome tourists. All six districts, not just Mangan, have beautiful destinations open for travel," he said, urging tourists to explore the various naturally blissful places of the state. He also addressed recent misinformation surrounding infrastructure damage in the region. It was previously reported that five bridges were washed away during the 2023 Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF). However, the CM clarified that these bridges were damaged during this year's monsoon due to unusually heavy rainfall. Chief Minister Tamang added that the state, with support from the Central government, is committed to long-term development and is focusing on rebuilding and strengthening all vulnerable bridges across Sikkim to prevent future disruptions. Despite the temporary setback in North Sikkim, officials emphasised that the rest of the state remains safe, accessible, and welcoming for tourists. Nearly 1,500 tourists were stranded in the popular North Sikkim destinations of Lachen and Lachung after the Phidang bridge - considered the regions lifeline - was severely damaged. The situation was further complicated by a landslide in the Chhaten Army camp near Lachen, making road evacuation impossible. While all tourists in Lachung were successfully evacuated earlier, rescue operations in Lachen had to be carried out by air. The evacuation is currently being conducted in phases, with half of the stranded tourists airlifted on Tuesday and the rest being flown out today. The first air sorties were deployed from the army helipad in Chhaten, where both tourists and military personnel are being rescued. They are being transported to the Greenfield Airport in Pakyong. US President Donald Trump has issued a travel ban on 12 countries and imposed entry restrictions on seven others, citing national security concerns. A ban was announced following a recent violent attack in Boulder, Colorado, targeting participants of a peaceful rally demanding the safe return of Israeli hostages from Hamas captivity. Trump signed a proclamation that states the 12 countries including Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen were banned. Additionally, the order partly restricts and limits the entry of nationals of the seven countries including Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. "The recent terror attack in Boulder, Colorado, has underscored the extreme dangers posed to our country by the entry of foreign nationals who are not properly vetted, as well as those who come here as temporary visitors and overstay their visas. We don't want them," Trump said in a video statement on Wednesday, IANS reported. US Homeland Security officials stated that Mohammed Sabry Solima, the perpetrator of the Colorado terror attack, was allowed into the country under the Biden Administration and overstayed his visa. White House Deputy Press Secretary Abigail Jackson claimed on social media that President Trump prioritizes protecting Americans from foreign security threats. "President Trump is fulfilling his promise to protect Americans from dangerous foreign actors that want to come to our country and cause us harm. These commonsense restrictions are country-specific and include places that lack proper vetting, exhibit high visa overstay rates, or fail to share identity and threat information. President Trump will always act in the best of interest of the American people and their safety," Abigail Jackson said on X. The recent proclamation reflected a series of travel bans issued during the first term of Trump's administration to seven majority-Muslim nations from coming to the US. (With IANS inputs) Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who is leading an all-party delegation to the United States (US), on Thursday criticised Pakistan's repeated denials of its involvement in terrorism and highlighted Colombia's decision to withdraw a statement issued after Operation Sidoor, terming it a "fine gesture" following diplomatic engagement by the Indian side. "In Colombia, they had issued a slightly disappointing statement at the time of Operation Sidoor in which they issued heartfelt condolences to the victims in Pakistan, and we were taken aback...," Tharoor said during an interaction at the Indian Embassy in Washington, DC. He added, "In Colombia, I took the Director for Asia in the ministry aside and told her we have received this well and if something could be done. The next morning, they withdrew that statement." Tharoor said distant countries often lack context when reacting to conflicts and may issue routine remarks. "For us, you can see it as a fine gesture on their part. They do some things sometimes without particularly knowing the full context and details. Everyone is in favour of peace. If we are far away from a particular conflict, you will tend to just issue something fairly routine, and then when you have the context explained and the whole circumstances explained, you could see the better of it," he said. He further noted, "I think that was again one of the benefits of this delegation going up because if we hadn't, that might have been the last word on the record..." Referring to Pakistan's record on terrorism, Tharoor said, "...We have got a pattern since 1989 of repeated attacks, every one of which was denied by Pakistan and every one of which has been traced to Pakistan. The most famous or notorious cases have been the Mumbai 26/11 attacks." "Pakistan's denials are on record, and then one of the terrorists was captured alive, and his address in Pakistan, where he lived, who trained him, everything was out. It is no longer possible for Pakistan to keep on denying," he added. Speaking on the recent attack in Jammu and Kashmir, he said, "When the Pahalgam attack happened within less than an hour, the Resistance Front claimed credit. They repeated that claim 24 hours later on their website." Earlier today, Tharoor stressed that there can be no dialogue with Pakistan with "a gun pointed at our head." He warned that the action taken by India now can be taken again if Pakistan does not control terror elements on its soil. The delegation led by Tharoor arrived in the US on Wednesday. It includes Shambhavi Chaudhary (Lok Janshakti Party), Sarfaraz Ahmed (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha), G M Harish Balayogi (Telugu Desam Party), Shashank Mani Tripathi, Tejaswi Surya, and Bhubaneswar Kalita (all from the BJP), Mallikarjun Devda (Shiv Sena), former Indian Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu, and Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora. The all-party delegation arrived in the US after concluding their visit to Brazil. The delegation aims to brief key stakeholders in the US on Operation Sindoor, India's diplomatic initiative launched to counter terrorism and disinformation following the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 as a decisive military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists, which claimed 26 lives and injured several others. New Delhi: In a dramatic bust that has rocked the digital influencer world, the Punjab Police has arrested Jasbir Singh the man behind the massively popular YouTube channel Jaan Mahal, boasting over 1.1 million subscribers. His alleged crime? Espionage. According to authorities, Singh was allegedly working with Pakistans notorious spy agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), apart from filming videos for social media. A resident of Mehli village in Punjabs Rupnagar district, he was nabbed in Mohali by the Special Operations Cell (SSOC) of the Punjab Police. Investigators claim he had been in contact with a known ISI asset, Shakir alias Jatt Randhawa an Indian-origin alleged operative working for Pakistani intelligence. But the rabbit hole goes deeper. Sources say Singh was also in touch with Danish, aka Ehsan-ur-Rahim a Pakistani official previously posted at the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi. Danish had been expelled from India over espionage charges. Despite this, Singh allegedly maintained links with him, adding another layer of intrigue to the already explosive case. Even more startling are Singhs repeated visits to Pakistan not once, but three times in 2020, 2021 and 2024. He even attended a high-profile "Pakistan Day" event at the countrys embassy in Delhi, where he was seen rubbing shoulders with Pakistani military officers and vloggers. The police say Singh was closely connected to Haryana-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, who was also arrested just weeks ago on similar spying charges and accompanied her on some of these trips. Acting swiftly on actionable intelligence, State Special Operations Cell (#SSOC), Mohali has unearthed a critical espionage network linked to Jasbir Singh, a resident of Village Mahlan, #Rupnagar. Jasbir Singh, who operates a #YouTube channel called Jaan Mahal, has been found DGP Punjab Police (@DGPPunjabPolice) June 4, 2025 During searches of Singhs digital devices, the police reportedly discovered more than 100 Pakistani phone numbers. Following Malhotras arrest, Singh allegedly scrambled to delete incriminating chats and contacts linked to ISI handlers but it was too late. The arrests do not stop there. So far, seven people have been taken into custody as part of this deepening ISI-linked espionage network. The accused hail from Amritsar, Malerkotla and Gurdaspur, including individuals like Falaksher Masih, Suraj Masih and Sukpreet Singh. They are accused of leaking sensitive Indian military information to Pakistan. A senior police official confirmed, This is a well-coordinated espionage ring. Our investigations are ongoing, and we are closing in on every single individual connected to it. This sensational case has triggered alarm bells across intelligence agencies, raising concerns over how social media influencers are being lured into high-stakes international spy games. SHOCKING 2025 PREDICTION: In the testing times and chaos around the world, some world-famous psychics and astrologers who made some predictions back in time are now hitting the viral button. Remember famous blind mystic Vangeliya Pandeva Gushterova aka Baba Vanga, whose predictions have often caught attention? Well, now meet Nicolas Aujula, a UK-based famous psychic whose 2025 predictions are now making readers wonder about the solid coincidence. Who Is Nicolas Aujula? According to New York Post.com, the 38-year-old London hypnotherapist Nicolas Aujula, predicted that war could break out by the middle of this year due to a lack of compassion in the world." Shocking 2025 Predictions Based on his psychic visions, We will see horrific acts of human evil and violence toward each other in the name of religion and nationalism. He believes WWIII could erupt by mid-year, with the UK no longer immune to its reach. Coincidentally, earlier this month, Pakistan and India faced testing times. After 26 tourists were attacked in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir in a ghastly terror attack. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor where India launched missile strikes on Pakistan, in a military campaign. While China and Turkey's support to Pakistan amid the crisis invited criticism, on the other hand ongoing Russia-Ukraine war is heating up again. Nicolas Aujula's Predictions Nicolas Aujula's past predictions too caught attention. Reportedly, he had predicted that Donald Trump would make a political comeback in 2024. He also spoke about the rising influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The 38-year-old's previous prophecies included war warning and bloodshed besides major natural disasters hitting different regions. TOI reports that his early foresight of the COVID-19 pandemic, fire at the Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Black Lives Matter protests too have not gone unnoticed. (This is based on general information and reports based online. Zee News does not vouch for its accuracy or reliability.) New Delhi: Retirement fund body Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has issued notification regarding timeline for UAN Activation and AADHAAR seeding in Bank Account for ELI Scheme. EPFO, has said that UAN Activation and seeding Bank Account with AADHAAR for availing the benefits under ELI Scheme has been extended up to 30 June 2025. Three schemes for Employment Linked Incentive were announced in Union Budget 2024-25 as part of Prime Ministers package of 5 schemes and initiatives to facilitate employment, skilling and other opportunities for 4.1 crore youth over a 5-year period with a central outlay of Rs. 2 lakh crore. The ELI Scheme aims to create over 2 crore jobs in the country in a period of 2 years. This will significantly contribute to increasing employment opportunities and enhancing livelihood. In the first stage, employers are required to complete the process of UAN activation through Aadhaar-based OTP for all their employees joining in the current financial year by 30th November 2024, starting with the latest joinees. They must then complete the process for all employees working with them. UAN activation provides employees with seamless access to EPFOs comprehensive online services, enabling them to efficiently manage their Provident Fund (PF) accounts, view and download PF passbooks, submit online claims for withdrawals, advances, or transfers, update personal details, and track claims in real time. This allows employees 24/7 access to EPFO services from the comfort of their homes, eliminating the need for physical visits to EPFO offices. The activation process can be completed using an Aadhaar-based OTP (One-Time Password). Employers should ensure that their employees activate the UAN by following the steps given below: Go to EPFO Member Portal. Click on the "Activate UAN" link under "Important Links". Enter UAN, Aadhaar number, name, DOB, and Aadhaar-linked mobile number. Employees should ensure their mobile number is Aadhaar-linked to access the full range of EPFOs digital services Agree to Aadhaar OTP verification. Click "Get Authorization PIN" to receive an OTP on your Aadhaar-linked mobile number. Enter the OTP to complete the activation A password will be sent to your registered mobile number upon successful activation. In the second stage, going forward, UAN activation will include the state-of-the-art facility of Biometric authentication, through Face-recognition Technology. New Delhi: During the recent SXSW London event, Demis Hassabis, Nobel laureate and CEO of Google DeepMind, created headlines with his frank remarks about email overflow. Hassabis disclosed that he would pay thousands of dollars monthly just to get freedom from the constant barrage of emails, putting the spotlight on a problem that troubles millions of people around the world. He explained how the endless stream of messages, notifications, and repetitive requests not only wastes time but also leads to a loss of important communication. To get rid of this challenge, Hassabis and his DeepMind team are developing a disruptive artificial intelligence system. This AI is designed to read, understand, and respond to routine emails in a users unique writing style, effectively serving as a digital personal assistant. The goal is to automate tedious communication tasks, allowing users to focus on more meaningful work and personal interactions. Hassabis highlights that this technology will also shield users from the attention-seeking algorithms installed by major tech companies, helping people take control over their digital lives. Demis Hassabis is not new to solving complex problems. He is known for leading the development of AlphaFold, an AI system which cracked the 50-year-old challenge of predicting protein structuresa scientific breakthrough that helped him win the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Since co-founding DeepMind in 2010, which was later acquired by Google in 2014, Hassabis has kept pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence. Today, he leads Googles efforts toward artificial general intelligence (AGI), with a vision to use AI not just for scientific discovery but also to improve everyday life. (Written/Edited by: Aman Choudhary) Washington D.C./New Delhi: In a rare show of cross-party unity abroad, an Indian all-party parliamentary delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has set the diplomatic stage on fire during its US visit defending Indias military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 innocent civilians and directly accusing Pakistan of being a repeat offender in using terrorism as an instrument of state policy. Under the banner of Operation Sindoor, the trip is fast turning into one of the most forceful Indian diplomatic offensives in recent years. Tharoor, who called the meeting with US Vice President JD Vance excellent, said that the American vice president not only supported Indias position on the Pahalgam terror attack but also acknowledged Indias right to respond. We had a wonderful meeting with Vice President Vance. He was warm and welcoming, had warm memories of his visit to India, totally supportive of our stand on Pahalgam and the aftermath and accepting our right to respond as we did Very positive vibes throughout the meeting, he posted on X (formerly Twitter) after the interaction. Excellent meeting with Vice President @JDVance today in Washington D.C. with our delegation. We had comprehensive discussions covering a wide array of critical issues, from counter-terrorism efforts to enhancing technological cooperation. A truly constructive & productive pic.twitter.com/mAJtqeqiGS Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) June 5, 2025 Yesterday, a wonderfully positive meeting with the #IndiaCaucus leadership. - @RepAndyBarr, co-vice-Chair of India Caucus (Republican) - @RepMcCormick, co-Chair of India Caucus (Republican) - @RepRoKhanna, co-Chair of India Caucus (Democrat) - RepMarkVeasey, co-vice-Chair of pic.twitter.com/kmLnwYbXKv Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) June 5, 2025 VIDEO | Washington DC: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) responds to a question from Ishaan Tharoor, on Pakistan denying involvement in the Pahalgam terror attack. Here's what he said "No one had any doubt. We were not asked for evidence, but the media has asked this pic.twitter.com/D1yQAixxMu Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 5, 2025 #WATCH | Washington DC: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor says, "...We hit terror bases. There are no terror bases in India to hit. There are no terrorist organisations in India listed in the UN or the State Department anywhere else. So, what do you hit? You hit civilians, innocent pic.twitter.com/84vrn6WMYB ANI (@ANI) June 5, 2025 The discussions, which took place behind closed doors in Washington D.C., also covered strategic cooperation in areas like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and counter-terrorism. As the Indian Embassy highlighted, The conversation focused on strengthening the India-US partnership including cooperation in counter-terrorism domain. The All Party Parliamentary Delegation led by Dr. @ShashiTharoor called on Vice President JD Vance @VP this morning. The conversation focused on strengthening the India - US partnership including cooperation in counter-terrorism domain. pic.twitter.com/No9qLbPr3I India in USA (@IndianEmbassyUS) June 5, 2025 The All Party Delegation led by Dr. @ShashiTharoor interacted with members of various think tanks at the Embassy today. The conversation focused on Indias fight against terrorism and the multi-faceted partnership Watch the interaction here https://t.co/cSERSCcRed India in USA (@IndianEmbassyUS) June 5, 2025 But it was not only Tharoor making waves in Washington. BJP MP Tejasvi Surya, never known to mince words, upped the ante by publicly calling Pakistan a habitual offender and declaring that Operation Sindoor would be the wake-up call Islamabad desperately needed. There is no delusion that Operation Sindoor will teach Pakistan a lesson for good because Pakistan is a habitual offender, he declared bluntly, reminding audiences that Pakistans leadership has repeatedly admitted to waging a proxy war against India. Surya went further, drawing in the United States directly into the equation, claiming Indias fight is not just national but global. Indias fight against terror is not just Indias fight alone. We are fighting the battle for the entire world In the very recent past, 5 Pak nationals in the US have orchestrated attacks on US soil, he said. Had an excellent meeting with US Vice President @JDVance as part of our all-party delegation visit to Washington DC He was categorical in backing Indias right to defend itself against terrorism and expressed deep sympathy for the victims of the Pahalgam attack. Having been in pic.twitter.com/LWRptnFWrr Tejasvi Surya (@Tejasvi_Surya) June 5, 2025 At the @IndiaInUSA press briefing in Washington DC, reflected on two contrasting 9/11s. Indias moment of 9/11 was Swami Vivekanandas 1893 call for harmony in Chicago. Pakistans 9/11 was the 2001 New York terror attacks linked to its soil. India champions the idea of pic.twitter.com/veIvLTQ6qX Tejasvi Surya (@Tejasvi_Surya) June 5, 2025 Pakistan's global reputation is marred by notorious figures, all of whom have been implicated in orchestrating terror worldwide. In stark contrast, India boasts a legacy of individuals like who have made significant contributions to global development and peace. This pic.twitter.com/s3YsiyGXc6 Tejasvi Surya (@Tejasvi_Surya) June 5, 2025 Spoke at an interaction with the Indian Diaspora in Washington DC earlier today. Indias strength lies in its diversity.The Pahalgam attack was a deliberate attempt by Pakistan to disrupt our social harmony and tear at the fabric of our unity. The All-Party Delegation, sent by pic.twitter.com/ZUFSHoQfZI Tejasvi Surya (@Tejasvi_Surya) June 5, 2025 Backing the sentiment, BJP MP Shashank Mani delivered a striking line aimed at Pakistan-backed terror groups. Terrorists are really Buzdil (coward) if we can get them to the place where they know there is a price to pay, over a period of time, it (terrorism) will come down, he said. Our Washington DC meetings started with a meeting with the India Caucus in the Congress. This consisted of Rich McCormick, Congressman from Georgia, Ro Khanna, Congressman from California, Andy Barr, Congressman from Kentucky, and Marc Veasey, Congressman from Texas. Each pic.twitter.com/PleSQx3ztD Shashank Mani (@shashankmanibjp) June 5, 2025 Our second meeting was hosted by the House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC) Leadership, with Chairman Rep. Brian Mast, a congressman from Florida which turned out to be a full discussion on Sindoor, but also the context of this operation given the shifting geopolitical landscape pic.twitter.com/RORhINp6Jn Shashank Mani (@shashankmanibjp) June 5, 2025 It was a pleasure to call on Rep. Lisa McClain, the highest-ranking woman in the Congress. Lisa chairs the powerful house GOP Conference as a congresswoman from Michigan. A person with deep interest in growing the business and geopolitical cooperation between the two nations, she pic.twitter.com/lmjqawmGSz Shashank Mani (@shashankmanibjp) June 5, 2025 This impressive room hosted our first meeting with Senators who were also waiting for a vote on the floor of the house. We met with Senator James Risch, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Dave McCormick and Senator Jacky Rosen, Vice Chairman of the pic.twitter.com/70ptRHcfmf Shashank Mani (@shashankmanibjp) June 5, 2025 It was a pleasure to interact with the media at a press conference hosted at the Indian embassy in Washington DC. Dr Shashi Tharoor and other members of the delegation took a wide range of questions from the press. This included not just specifics of Operation Sindoor, but also pic.twitter.com/bNgxWSBK7m Shashank Mani (@shashankmanibjp) June 5, 2025 When Dhoti comes to rescue. Our visit to the Hill would not be complete without a photo in front of the Capitol Hill. As some of you would have seen that my Dhoti attire had evoked curiosity in this visit, but today the other delegates were envious as this was the best attire pic.twitter.com/YemCnN5NpR Shashank Mani (@shashankmanibjp) June 5, 2025 Our public engagement at the Willard hotel was an outstanding success. With over 350 people showing up for the event, it gave us an opportunity to speak with the Indian Diaspora, which had featured in every meeting this morning on the Hill. As others had addressed Operation pic.twitter.com/XzEy44jdk0 Shashank Mani (@shashankmanibjp) June 5, 2025 Earlier, addressing the Indian diaspora in D.C., Surya emphatically separated Indias character from that of its hostile neighbour. No sane person, no reasonable thinking policymaker anywhere in the world will ever draw an equivalence between India and Pakistan India does not seek war. But if you attack us, we are ready to do 100 Operation Sindoors, he said. The delegation, comprising MPs from the Congress, the BJP, the Shiv Sena, the LJP, the JMM and the TDP, landed in the United States after concluding a similar mission in Brazil. Their focus was to convey the details and rationale behind Operation Sindoor, launched by India on the intervening night of May 6-7 to serve justice to the victims of the Pahalgam attack. Indias armed response targeted terror infrastructure inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, reportedly killing over 100 terrorists. The operation culminated in a ceasefire agreement on May 10 after Indian forces neutralised Pakistans attempts at escalation by striking its airbases. (With ANI inputs) New Delhi: Two Chinese researchers, Yunqing Jian (33) and Zunyong Liu (34), stand accused of bringing into the United States a deadly agricultural pathogen tucked away inside tissue paper. The fungus, Fusarium graminearum, is a crop-killer that can silently devastate wheat, barley, maize and rice which are staples of global food security. The mold also carries the terrifying potential to cause vomiting, reproductive defects, liver damage and more in humans and animals. According to an FBI affidavit, when agents tested the smuggled material, they discovered DNA sequences that would allow anyone with biological knowledge to propagate the fungus in a lab. In other words, it was a ticking agroterrorism time bomb. Though the two researchers, believed to be romantically involved, are not charged with trying to weaponise the pathogen, Liu allegedly smuggled it into the United States knowingly and hid it in his backpack. They never even applied for the USDA permit required for importing such biohazards. Now, they are facing a mountain of federal charges conspiracy, smuggling, false statements and visa fraud. A Silent Killer, a Growing Global Threat Fusarium graminearum is no ordinary fungus. Once it takes hold, it causes Fusarium Head Blight (FHB), also called scab. To the untrained eye, it looks like discolored lesions. But for farmers, it is a nightmare. In just a few weeks before harvest, it can destroy an entire field of what once promised a record yield, CNN has quoted plant pathology expert Gary Bergstrom from Cornell University as saying. The FHB has already inflicted billions of dollars in damage - $2.7 billion to be precise, across the central United States and Northern Plains between 1998 and 2000 alone. And it has not stopped. The fungus survives winters on infected wheat straw and corn stalks, waiting for warm and wet weather to unleash a new wave of spores. Those spores do not only ruin crops, they poison them as well. Grains infected with FHB contain vomitoxin (DON), a powerful mycotoxin linked to gastrointestinal disorders, neuroendocrine damage and even immune suppression in both humans and animals. In livestock, it leads to diarrhea, hemorrhaging and skin issues. And though food processing reduces levels, the United States FDA has strict guidelines to keep DON out of the food chain. How Dangerous Could This Be? Why would someone smuggle a known agricultural biohazard into the United States? Investigators have not found proof of malicious intent, but Liu despite knowing the USDA restrictions allegedly brought the fungus anyway. Experts are warning that even unintentional import of a foreign fungal strain could be catastrophic. If a new trait enters our environment, like resistance to current fungicides or increased toxin output, it could cripple our defenses, Bergstrom told CNN. Adding to the fear is the funguss growing resistance to existing fungicides. Recent studies from Poland confirm that Fusarium graminearum is mutating fast. Traditional methods are faltering, and researchers are scrambling to develop new fungicides and resistant crop strains. As the USDA and federal prosecutors investigate, the world watches closely. Not because two scientists crossed a dangerous line but because the invisible threat they allegedly carried with them could, under the right conditions, ripple through the worlds food supply. And it all started with a fungus. Hidden in a tissue. Stashed in a backpack. The supermarket sector is facing significant challenges as a wave of store closures signals a deeper crisis within the citys retail industry. With consumption downgraded and operational costs rising, supermarket operators find themselves in a difficult transition period that may last well beyond this year. The once-crucial lifeline during the Covid-19 pandemic, supermarkets have now become one of the least benefited sectors in the post-pandemic economy, according to Wong Man Wai, president of the Supermarket and Livelihood Food Association of Macau. Consumers, increasingly driven by value-for-money decisions, are turning to mainland e-commerce and cross-border shopping. At the same time, government-backed consumption programs often exclude large local supermarkets, adding further strain. In the past, people avoided mainland goods. Now, they see them as better value, Wong said in an interview with Macao Daily News. Wong explained said that the industry is confronting two major hurdles: changing consumer behavior and a rapid reshuffling of business formats. Consumption has clearly downgraded, the chairman said. Consumers are opting for cheaper, diverse mainland products. In contrast, imported goods are expensive and harder to sell, which discourages supermarkets from stocking them. As the variety and affordability of mainland goods continue to draw local shoppers northward, the president noted that retailers face growing scrutiny about their pricing and product offerings. Additionally, business restructuring has accelerated. Wong said that several large supermarkets have exited the market due to high overheads, including logistics, rent, and labor. Many local supermarkets, particularly those in non-tourist districts such as the north district, report a sharp drop in business, with revenues down by as much as 30%. Small and medium-sized suppliers, reliant on supermarket orders, have also been hit hard, triggering a chain reaction of retail shrinkage and supplier exits. Meanwhile, scholars say that the retail sector is in a period of restructuring and must adapt quickly to survive. The market is undergoing a reshaping phase, said one local economist. Supermarkets need to upgrade their operations and sharpen their positioning. Differentiation is seen as key. Some local supermarkets are experimenting by focusing on niche products such as Japanese, Korean, or Southeast Asian imports, while others are expanding fresh food categories or offering delivery incentives. Recent government data shows that the retail sector saw a significant contraction in the first quarter of 2025, with total sales dropping by 15% year-on-year to MOP17.58 billion. The Industry and Commerce Association of Macau Northern District president Wong Kin Chong previously acknowledged the alarming closure rate of shops in the district, including the once-popular Atlantic Seafood & Dim Sum Restaurant in Iao Hon, warning that without significant changes, the business environment there is likely to deteriorate further. In an interview with the Times, Wong expressed concerns about the less-than-ideal business environment in the northern district, highlighting that there has been almost no change in the past 20 years. United States President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, had a conversation over the phone on Thursday, according to Xinhua. Xinhua also reported that the talks over the phone between the Presidents of the US and China were held at Trump's request. The details of the conversation have not been revealed yet. This conversation comes a day after the US President, in a post on his Truth Social handle, said that although he likes Xi Jinping but the Chinese leader is "very tough" to make a deal with. "I like President XI of China, always have, and always will, but he is VERY TOUGH, AND EXTREMELY HARD TO MAKE A DEAL WITH!!!" he wrote. Also Read: 'So Much For Being Mr. NICE GUY': Trump Accuses China Of Violating Trade Agreement US-China Trade Tensions The talks between the two leaders also come amid the trade tensions between their countries. According to IANS, earlier in May, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had announced an agreement had been reached with China for a bilateral reduction in tariffs with effect from May 14 for 90 days. It was informed that the US would reduce tariffs on Chinese goods from 145 percent to 30 percent for 90 days, while China would cut tariffs on US goods from 125 percent to 10 percent for the same period. Later, on May 30, Trump in a post on Truth Social said, "Two weeks ago China was in grave economic danger! The very high Tariffs I set made it virtually impossible for China to TRADE into the United States marketplace which is, by far, number one in the World. We went, in effect, COLD TURKEY with China, and it was devastating for them. Many factories closed and there was, to put it mildly, civil unrest. I saw what was happening and didnt like it, for them, not for us." "I made a FAST DEAL with China in order to save them from what I thought was going to be a very bad situation, and I didnt want to see that happen. Because of this deal, everything quickly stabilized and China got back to business as usual. Everybody was happy! That is the good news!!! The bad news is that China, perhaps not surprisingly to some, HAS TOTALLY VIOLATED ITS AGREEMENT WITH US. So much for being Mr. NICE GUY!" he had written. A ship transporting humanitarian supplies to Gaza has captured international attention and escalating controversy. The Madleen is the name of the ship belonging to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) an international human rights movement seeking to challenge the Israeli sea blockade of Gaza. This mission becomes even more high-profile with 22-year-old Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg aboard. Mission With A Message Setting sail from Sicily's port of departure on June 1, the Madleen is attempting a 2,000-kilometer journey to the Gaza Strip. The vessel carried symbolic but essential humanitarian aid, such as flour, milk, water, medicines, baby diapers, and sanitary pads, aimed at the blockaded people in Gaza, where hunger and medical shortages have become critical. Named after Gaza's first and sole female fisherwoman, The Madleen is due to arrive by June 7 provided it's not blocked by the Israeli navy, which has taken grave concerns about the mission. Greta Thunberg And International Activists Onboard Alongside Greta Thunberg, 11 other international human rights activists are onboard. These include: Rima Hassan French MP Yasmine Jahr Germany Baptiste Andre France Thiago Avila Brazil Omar Fayad, Pascal, and Yanis Mahdi France Suyab Ordu Turkiye Sergio Toribio Spain Marco van Rens Netherlands Reva Viard France The coalition sought to challenge peacefully what it calls Israel's illegal blockade and raise international awareness of the Gaza humanitarian crisis. Israel On Alert The Israeli army has publicly said it is keeping an eye on the development closely. Spokeswoman Efi Defrin threatened that Israel will act "according to the circumstances," which indicates that interception is very likely. This comes on the heels of a precedent established last month, when another FFC ship the Conscience was allegedly blown up by an Israeli drone attack on May 2. Greta Thunberg Speaks Out Speaking on the ship, Thunberg has stood up for the mission: "We are doing this because we must stand up against injustice. The moment we stop trying, we lose our humanity." Her involvement has, however, triggered intense responses on social media. Photographs and videos of Thunberg waving the Palestinian flag and shouting slogans in support of Gaza have spread on social media, triggering both commendation and reproach. A Symbolic Act Against A 17-Year Blockade Ever since 2007, Israel has maintained a naval blockade on Gaza, managing the import and export of goods and individuals. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition views their mission as a symbolic act of defiance of this blockade, which Israel has determined is both lawful and necessary to ensure national security. As The Madleen approaches Gaza, the world is watching not so much to witness whether aid finds its way to those most in need, but to see how far activists, governments, and militaries will push each other in the battle for humanitarian access and geopolitical sway. New Delhi: Forget the days when China was just a continental giant. Today, it is dreaming in deep blue. From rusted Soviet leftovers to high-tech steel beasts, the dragons navy is undergoing a transformation one that is setting off alarm bells from Washington to Tokyo. It started quietly, almost like a bluff. An old Soviet carrier, the Varyag, bought from Ukraine under the pretense of turning it into a floating casino. Fast-forward to today, that same ship, renamed Liaoning, is the pride of the Peoples Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). Add the Shandong, its second carrier, and now whispers of four more, including nuclear-powered ones. The message is loud and clear China is not playing games anymore. A fleet of six carriers by the 2030s is not a naval vanity project, it is a geopolitical weapon. This is not only about flags on decks. It is about full-spectrum control in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. As ex-PLA Navy officer Wang Yunfei revealed, this setup allows China to have at least two carriers deployed at all times while others undergo refits or training. From Taiwan Strait standoffs to South China Sea flashpoints, Beijing could soon launch multi-theater operations simultaneously even without blinking. These floating fortresses will let the country flex military muscle thousands of miles from home, without needing foreign bases. Aircraft carriers are only as good as the jets they launch. China knows this, and it is going stealth. Meet the J-35B a sleek and folding-wing stealth fighter that eerily mirrors Americas F-35. The aging J-15s will soon be sidelined. The future is stealthy, silent and lethal. The J-35B can carry more fuel, more firepower and vanish from radar. It is a flying middle finger to the Wests naval dominance. Add to that Chinas expanding anti-ship missile network and rapidly advancing drone capabilities. China is not merely strengthening its navy, it is building a nightmare for its rivals. Not About Defense But Control China says its carriers are for regional stability. But history tells a different story. Aircraft carriers are offensive tools. They are about power projection, global presence and strategic dominance. From the Persian Gulf to the Horn of Africa, Beijing is quietly expanding naval bases and port deals. Djibouti was just the beginning. Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Cambodia, they all are pieces of a bigger puzzle which is maritime encirclement with Chinese characteristics. What Will the West Do? The United States still boasts the worlds largest carrier fleet. But China is catching up fast, and it is not waiting for permission. While Washington debates budgets, Beijing builds hulls. If unchecked, Chinas carrier fleet could soon be parked near global chokepoints, patrolling trade routes and rewriting the rules of naval warfare. So, the real question is not whether China can dominate the oceans. It is whether anyone will stop them before they do. New Delhi: Pakistan is broke. Its economy is shattered. Foreign reserves are vanishing. Yet it keeps getting blank cheques. Weeks after the International Monetry Fund (IMF) handed it over $1 billion in emergency funds plus an additional $1.3 billion in loans, the nuclear-armed state got another $800 million from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). India protested. The world ignored. And it is not the first time. Why does a nation with internal chaos and globally infamous for harboring terrorists keeps getting rewarded? Despite global acknowledgment of Pakistans double-faced policies begging for aid while exporting jihad the money keeps flowing. So what makes Pakistan the global communitys spoiled child with a nuclear button? The answer is not economic. It is political, strategic and dangerously hypocritical. Lets get this straight: Pakistan is not getting loans because it deserves them. It is getting them because the world is afraid of what will happen if it collapses. Its economy is in tatters. Pakistans forex reserves dipped in 2023 below $3 billion barely enough for three weeks of imports. The 2022 floods cost the country more than $30 billion in damages. 1. Too Nuclear to Fail: Pakistans debt has ballooned to over $130 billion. If it defaults, global banks lose billions. It is financial blackmail that is working. 2. Location: Sitting between China, Afghanistan and Iran, the country holds strategic real estate. The West, especially the United States, does not want it slipping entirely into Chinas orbit. 3. A Loan with Strings: These are not freebies. IMF and ADB loans come with demands raise taxes, cut subsidies and sell public assets. Western companies often swoop in to buy the leftovers. Global lending institutions like the IMF and the ADB may present themselves as neutral bodies, but their actions suggest otherwise. They claim to operate on technical grounds, but do not blink twice when handing over billions to a country that fuels terrorism in Kashmir and harbors global fugitives. And where is India in this equation? Despite protests after attacks like Pahalgam, New Delhis influence is minimal. Indias voting share in the IMF is small compared to the United States and Europe. Meanwhile, Pakistans removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list in 2022 made getting loans even easier. The United States sees Pakistan as a pawn in its Afghanistan endgame. China, through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), is turning it into a client state. Loans are just the leash a way to pull Pakistan closer when needed and push it when not. Who Really Benefits? Not the people of Pakistan. Experts like Sushant Sareen argue these loans fatten the Pakistani military, not fuel reforms. Former diplomat Kanwal Sibal warns that the IMF funding indirectly supports terror. Even former Pakistani envoy Husain Haqqani admits that the IMF is an ICU for Pakistan, not a cure. These loans do not save Pakistan. They sustain it just enough to remain a useful mess. A mess that is allowed to fester because it serves the interests of those who pretend to fix it. Pakistan is not only playing the victim, it is gaming the system and the system is letting it. New Delhi: While most armies are still figuring out how to use drones effectively, Ukraine has already moved to the next frontier remote-controlled ground robots that carry rifles, hurl grenades and take the fight to Russian trenches without risking a single soldiers life. In what sounds straight out of a sci-fi thriller, Ukrainian soldiers are now deploying weaponised robots in combat zones to take on Russian forces head-on. These are not the humanoid machines of Hollywood dreams, but something far more practical and real. Mounted on wheels or tracks, some look like tripods with guns, while others are miniature tanks with automated grenade launchers strapped to their backs. Oleksandr Yabchanka, the head of robotic systems for Ukraine's Da Vinci Wolves Battalion, called the tech a game changer for soldiers in the field. Business Insider has quoted him as saying that even the bravest infantry cannot keep firing under intense shelling but these robots can. Indian defence planners, take note. While India debates the use of quadcopters and kamikaze drones, Ukraine has leapt ahead fielding an evolving arsenal of ground-based killer bots. And they are not prototypes sitting in hangars, these machines are being tested, refined and modified live on the battlefield. Yabchanka draws a wild comparison that makes the tech sound even more insane. He likens Ukraines grenade-launching bots to the iconic weapon wielded by Arnold Schwarzenegger in Terminator 2: Judgment Day, saying, They are somewhat similar, but slightly better. One such killer bot is the Burya a remote grenade-launching turret that can be mounted on a tripod or a small vehicle. Another recent addition is the D-21-12R, an indigenous robotic beast equipped with a US-made Browning .50 caliber machine gun. Approved in April by Ukraines defence ministry, this machine could give nightmares to any enemy squad. But there is a catch. These war machines still face technical limitations. Russian jamming and direct hits can knock them offline turning them into nothing more than expensive scrap metal. That is one reason why they have not so far been deployed in large numbers, though their battlefield effectiveness continues to improve. Lessons for India Ukraines wartime innovation lab is like no other. Companies from Ukraine, Estonia and beyond are in a technological race to outsmart Russian forces. Estonian firm Milrem Robotics, for instance, has already supplied its THeMIS Unmanned Ground Vehicles to Ukraine. These rugged bots can haul supplies or launch attacks where human soldiers cannot go. Back home, this is a wake-up call. With India facing regular border stand-offs, especially with Pakistan and China, and gearing up for future conflicts in extreme terrains, why are not ground robots part of the military doctrine yet? Ukraines battlefield data, gathered in real-time, proves that these robots are not sci-fi, they are survival tech. Yabchanka, who regularly liaises with developers from the frontlines, says the feedback loop between soldiers and engineers has become a major strength for Ukraine. What was relevant six months ago is already outdated, he told the publication, stressing that Europe and the West must co-develop with Ukraine. As Ukraine continues to weaponise AI and automation, the question is no longer if but when countries like India will follow suit. Will Indian troops someday be supported by robotic gun crews on the icy heights of Ladakh or the dense jungles of the Northeast? If the Ukraine war is any indication, the next battle will not only be fought with muscle but with machines as well. And they have already started pulling the trigger. The All-Party Parliamentary Delegation led by Shashi Tharoor on Thursday had an "excellent meeting" with the United States Vice President J.D. Vance in Washington, briefing him about Operation Sindoor, terrorism faced by India and regional security. "The All Party Parliamentary Delegation led by Dr. Shashi Tharoor called on Vice President J D Vance this morning. The conversation focused on strengthening the India-US partnership including cooperation in counter-terrorism domain," the Embassy of India in the United States posted on X. "Excellent meeting with Vice President J D Vance today in Washington D.C. with our delegation. We had comprehensive discussions covering a wide array of critical issues, from counter-terrorism efforts to enhancing technological cooperation. A truly constructive and productive exchange for strengthening India-US strategic partnership, with a great meeting of minds," Tharoor also posted on X after the meeting. Vance was visiting India when the heinous Pahalgam terror attack took place on April 22. In a strong message of support and solidarity, the US Vice-President had also called Prime Minister Narendra Modi to strongly condemn the terror attack and convey that the United States is ready to provide "all assistance" in the joint fight against terrorism. "Usha and I extend our condolences to the victims of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India. Over the past few days, we have been overcome with the beauty of this country and its people. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn this horrific attack," he had posted on X. Earlier in the day, Tharoor spoke with Ambassador Ken Juster at Council on Foreign Relations on India's fight against terrorism. On Wednesday, the all party delegation met prominent members of the Indian diaspora in USA. The delegation spoke about India's resolute and united stand against terrorism and the new normal created by India through Operation Sindoor. The Indian diaspora members shared their message of solidarity with the victims of terrorism and support for India's fight against terrorism. "Pleasure to host Chairman Shashi Tharoor and members of the Indian Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs. My colleagues and I expressed condolences for the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and reaffirmed Congress's commitment to the US-India partnership," said Gregory Meeks. Later, the delegation interacted with members of the Indian and American Press Corps at the Embassy. The delegation is engaging with members of the US Congress, US thinks tanks and media professionals to brief about Operation Sindoor, terrorism faced by India and regional security. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, delegation head and Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said, "What we are seeking to do in every country is to explain our version of events, our experience of the last few weeks, to seek the solidarity and understanding of those we meet and speak to." "I'm very pleased to say that so far, our batting average is over 100 -- in other words, every single person we have met so far has immediately not only condemned resolutely the terrorist attack upon India and expressed their outrage and their sympathy, but they have also explicitly endorsed India's right to defend itself against terrorism, and this kind of understanding has been most welcome." Tharoor described the Pahalgam terror attack as an egregious disruption during a time of economic and social optimism in Kashmir. "Kashmir was booming. Ordinary Kashmiris are benefiting from vast numbers of tourists coming in, putting money into their hands and their pockets. It was a lovely time. And here's this innocent group of holiday tourists on a dappled meadow in Kashmir being murdered in cold blood by people coming and asking their religion and shooting them between the eyes," he said. "It really was a sickening outrage, and the nation rose as one to support whatever the government chose to do, and what the government chose to do in the end was what most of us would have wanted," he added. He also explained India's calibrated military response and eventual ceasefire. "If you were to go back and look at the briefings the government gave each morning, the message is very clear: we are hitting them because they are hitting us. If they stop, we'll stop. And after 88 hours, the Pakistani Director General of Military Operations reached out to his Indian counterpart and said, let's call it off. And we called it off," Tharoor said. The delegation includes a diverse political mix, with members such as Shambhavi Choudhary of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Sarfaraz Ahmad of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, Milind Murli Deora of the Shiv Sena, Bhubaneswar Kalita and Tejasvi Surya of the BJP, and GM Harish Balayogi of the Telugu Desam Party, a National Democratic Alliance partner. New Delhi: In a move that has sent shockwaves through Jerusalem, Spain has officially cancelled a contract to buy advanced anti-tank missile systems from an Israeli company. Worth an eye-watering 285 million (around $325 million), the deal was expected to supply Madrid with 168 Spike LR2 missiles co-produced by an Israeli defense giant and its Spanish subsidiary. The Spanish Defense Ministry confirmed on June 3 that the purchase is now off the table, a decision widely seen as a political rebuke to Israels Netanyahu government amid rising international outrage over alleged abuses in Gaza. The contract had been signed days before the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on southern Israel that plunged the region into intense conflict. Spains left-leaning government had already halted all arms exports to Israel from October 2, but reports suggest that some shipments continued despite the embargo, further fueling tensions. Spain, which co-manufactures the Spike LR2 missile locally, made the dramatic call to scrap the deal as part of a growing wave of European unease about Israels military actions in Gaza. This move also follows Spains historic recognition of Palestine in coordination with Norway and Ireland in May last year, signaling a shift in its Middle East policy. This cancellation is more than just a lost contract for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. It is a diplomatic setback that raises questions about Israels standing in Europe and the future of its defense ties. The pressure is mounting on the world stage. The Netanyahu government now faces the challenge of navigating a fractious geopolitical landscape while grappling with the fallout of the conflict. The cancelled deal and Spains hardening stance send a message that Europes patience with Israels policies in Gaza is wearing thin, and the fallout could reshape alliances and arms trade across the region. New Delhi/Baku: Pakistans staunch ally Azerbaijan is now playing peacemaker between Turkey and Israel, but not without raising eyebrows in New Delhi. While Azerbaijan hosts secret rounds of diplomacy between Ankara and Tel Aviv in its capital Baku, it has simultaneously launched a veiled offensive against India by backing Islamabad after India's recent anti-terror operations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. At least three rounds of behind-the-scenes meetings have reportedly taken place in Baku, where Azerbaijan is desperately trying to normalise ties between Turkey and Israel. The two countries are presently locked in a frosty standoff over the Gaza conflict. Enraged by Israels strikes in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria, Turkey has gone as far as calling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a 21st-century Hitler. Azerbaijan seems determined to be the middleman. Despite trying to project itself as a peace-loving diplomatic bridge, the country's hypocrisy is hard to ignore. Just days after India launched Operation Sindoor to dismantle terror infrastructure inside Pakistan and POK, Azerbaijan came out swinging condemning Indias precision strikes and siding openly with Pakistan. In an official statement on May 8, Baku criticised New Delhis actions and parroted Islamabads call for a diplomatic resolution. As if public statements were not enough, Azerbaijans ambassador Khazar Farhadov went a step further, personally writing to Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. In the letter, he expressed sorrow over the reported civilian casualties and reiterated his countrys support for Pakistans sovereignty. Days later, Sharif landed in Baku, where he made it a point to thank Azerbaijan face-to-face for its solidarity in what Islamabad calls a difficult time. Kashmir Again Becomes a Pawn Azerbaijan has also openly supported Pakistans position on Kashmir, placing itself in the tiny club of nations that refuse to acknowledge terrorism as the root cause of instability in the region. This is despite Indias mounting evidence of Pakistan-sponsored terror operations in Jammu & Kashmir. Ironically, Azerbaijan and Israel enjoy robust strategic ties. Israel relies heavily on Azerbaijani oil, while the latter imports high-grade military tech and weapons from the former crucial in its decades-long hostility with Armenia. Yet, now Baku appears to be using this relationship to pressure Tel Aviv into mending fences with Turkey, perhaps to score diplomatic mileage and assert itself as a regional influencer. Top Azerbaijani diplomat Hikmet Hajiyev confirmed that Baku is playing host to diplomatic sessions between Turkey and Israel to reduce threats in Syria. Speaking to Turkish journalists, Hajiyev said, Both Ankara and Tel Aviv trust us, suggesting Bakus growing ambitions to act as a peace broker in a conflict zone it has little moral authority over. Turkey-Israel Feud The animosity between Turkey and Israel is rooted in Ankara's backing of Islamist rebels in Syria, particularly the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), who tried to overthrow President Bashar al-Assad. Israel, citing security concerns, launched hundreds of strikes inside Syria to prevent what it calls jihadi elements from gaining control of advanced weaponry. Israel accuses Turkey of trying to create a proxy zone inside Syriapushing the region toward a dangerous escalation. India, meanwhile, remains wary of Azerbaijans double play. On one hand, Baku cultivates ties with Tel Aviv and the West; on the other, it hugs Pakistan tighter, echoing anti-India rhetoric and defending jihadist-friendly regimes. For a country that aspires to be a stabilising force, Azerbaijans selective morality and anti-India bias expose its true colours. As global alliances shift rapidly, India will be watching closely because in a region boiling with volatility, a so-called peace-broker backing a terror patron is not ironic but also dangerous. New Delhi: In a desperate attempt to revive its faltering diplomacy, Pakistan has now pinned its hopes on Italys Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to mediate peace talks with India. Speaking at a ceremony in Islamabad marking Italys National Day, Pakistans Information Minister Ataullah Tarar hailed Italy as a trusted peace builder and insisted that if Meloni steps in as a mediator, a lasting peace deal between India and Pakistan could finally emerge. But the reality on the ground paints a very different picture. Pakistan, for years, has dabbled in peace overtures, only to sabotage talks with terror attacks and inflammatory rhetoric. With its diplomatic isolation deepening and economic crisis worsening, Islamabad now appears to be grasping at straws and hoping that a European middleman can somehow bail it out. Tarar spoke warmly about the long-standing 75-year relationship between Pakistan and Italy, expressing hopes to deepen ties in areas like trade, investment, security, education and migration. He pointed out that trade between the two nations has now surpassed the $1 billion milestone, with more Italian companies setting up shop in Pakistan. Italy, he added, has become a popular choice for many Pakistani students, especially those attending well-known institutions such as Romes La Sapienza University. But despite all these positive developments on paper, the bigger reality remains unchanged Pakistans ongoing failure to take serious action against terror groups operating within its borders continues to cast a long shadow over any progress. Indias demands for a terror-free environment have been repeatedly ignored by Islamabad, making any peace talk attempts appear hollow. Pakistans appeal to Italy also highlights its growing diplomatic isolation from traditional allies. While it courts Europe, its main supporters have quietly distanced themselves due to its involvement in cross-border terrorism. As Pakistan looks west for a peace solution, real peace can only come when it stops exporting terror and confronts its own militancy. Any hopes, until then, pinned on Italys mediation seem more like a political stunt than a serious effort. New Delhi: In the fog of the brief but intense May 6-7 India-Pakistan air stand-off, a single smoking clue has emerged one that is now causing serious heartburn in Beijing. Fragments of a Chinese-made PL-15E beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, launched by Pakistans Air Force during the clash, were recovered by Indian authorities near Kamahi Devi village in Punjabs Hoshiarpur. This was not only any wreckage. The debris was largely intact, including its dual-pulse motor, datalink, inertial navigation system and the crown jewel (AESA radar seeker). India is now in possession of the brain and engine of Chinas most advanced air-to-air missile. And that is a nightmare scenario for Beijing. Indias Operation Sindoor saw dozens of Rafales, Sukhoi-30MKIs and Mirages take the skies loaded with Meteor missiles, SCALP cruise weapons and Hammer bombs. Pakistan retaliated with Chinese-supplied J-10Cs and JF-17s, armed with the PL-15E a radar-guided missile with a range upwards of 200 km. It was one of these missiles fired in anger at Indian aircraft that ended up in Indian territory, almost fully intact. Suddenly, Chinas hush-hush missile technology is in the labs of Indias DRDO. Global powers are watching closely. World Wants a Piece of the Debris According to defence sources, the Five Eyes alliance (the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and New Zealand) along with Japan and South Korea have all informally requested access to the missiles remains. Their target? The AESA seeker and dual-pulse propulsion tech hallmarks of Chinas push to outpace Western missile systems. The incident, though underplayed in Chinese state media, is causing major alarm within the PLAs defence ecosystem. Developed by AVIC and showcased as Chinas answer to the American AIM-120D and European Meteor, the PL-15E has now been exposed in real combat and worse compromised. For Indian defence scientists, it is a rare windfall. With critical components in hand, Indias missile development programmes like the Astra Mk II could get a serious boost, especially in radar jamming resistance, seeker tech and extended range propulsion. Not just that Indian engineers could now cross-check the effectiveness of Chinas vaunted missile under real conditions and possibly expose weaknesses that even the PLA may not want to admit. Beijing Responds Carefully Chinas defence ministry has been measured in its words. Spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang avoided direct comment on the missiles failure or capture. Instead, he called for calm, saying, India and Pakistan are neighbours who cannot be moved China is willing to play a constructive role. But he did, notably, confirm that the PL-15E was used marking its first operational deployment. According to SIPRI, a staggering 81% of Pakistans arms imports now come from China, up from 74% a few years ago. This includes more than half its fighter jets (JF-17s, J-10Cs), missile systems like the PL-15E, air defence systems and satellite capabilities. Reports even indicate that China rushed new PL-15E missiles to Pakistan at the peak of the May conflict part of Beijings support to its iron brother. What Happens Now? The missile debris is a trophy as well as a strategic liability for China, a tech boon for India and a milestone in South Asias arms race. It also marks a shift wars now may not need territorial invasion. They can be fought remotely through missiles, drones, radars and secrets buried in missile wreckage. Chinas weapon has spoken but not in the way Beijing hoped. The Legislative Assemblys First Standing Committee is reviewing proposed amendments to Road Traffic Law, with the government introducing tougher penalties for improper parking and other traffic offenses. Committee chairperson Ella Lei said the draft law proposes a MOP1,500 fine for moving another persons motorcycle from a legal parking space. The government cited public complaints that legally parked motorcycles had been relocated to no-parking zones. The new provision aims to clarify penalties and empower police to investigate and penalize offenders. The proposal also includes an increase in the fine for parking within 10 meters before or after a bus stop, from MOP300 to MOP900, to reduce obstruction of passenger boarding. However, fines for stopping directly at bus stops will remain at MOP300. In addition, the committee alsi discussed enhanced penalties for violations such as failing to maintain a safe driving distance, not slowing down when required, and driving at excessively low speeds. Offenses on general roads, bridges, and tunnels were also reviewed. LV New Delhi: In his latest rant against the administration and the Big Beautiful Bill, Tesla CEO Elon Musk on June 5 claimed that US President Donald Trump would have lost the 2024 election without his support. The billionaire further accused Trump of ingratitude. Tesla CEO Elon Musk tweets, "Without me, Trump would have lost the election, the Democrats would control the House, and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate." pic.twitter.com/Mi3APUSE67 June 5, 2025 Without me, Trump would have lost the election, the Democrats would control the House, and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate," he posted on X. This comes after President Trump said that he is disappointed with the former DOGE chief, who recently stepped down as his senior adviser. Now, Musk is going after the administration's tax policy bill, which is at the center of its domestic agenda. Trump told reporters on June 5 that the Tesla chief is frustrated by the bills cuts to electric-vehicle tax credits. Im very disappointed in Elon. Ive helped Elon a lot. He said the most beautiful things about me, and he hasnt said bad about me personally, but Im sure thatll be next, he wrote on SapceX. Musk immediately rebuked Trumps claim, saying he was fine with reducing the EV credits if lawmakers ditch the MOUNTAIN of DISGUSTING PORK in the bill. Soon the billionaire accused Trump of ingratitude. Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate, he said on X. Such ingratitude, he added. 'Disgusting Abomination' Meanwhile, the former senior adviser used Trump's own words against him. Musk retweeted the president's past criticisms of raising the debt ceiling against him. The former Trump ally shared several posts on X from Trump, dating back more than 10 years ago. In one tweet, dated January 23, 2013, Trump wrote, "I cannot believe the Republicans are extending the debt ceiling I am a Republican & I am embarrassed! Wise words, Musk commented on the post. Im sorry, but I just cant stand it anymore. This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination. Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it. Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 3, 2025 Donald Trump claimed that Musk knew about the EV mandate in the Big Beautiful Bill. All of a sudden he had a problem, and he only developed a problem when he found out were going to have to cut the EV mandate," Trump said. However, Musk denied knowing anything about the mandate. False, this bill was never shown to me even once and was passed in the dead of night so fast that almost no one in Congress could even read it! the Tesla CEO tweeted. It will massively increase the already gigantic budget deficit to $2.5 trillion (!!!) and burden America citizens with crushingly unsustainable debt https://t.co/dHCj3pprJO Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 3, 2025 Trump also said his initial pick to lead NASA, Jared Isaacman, was a barrier, in part because of his past support for Democrats. Isaacman was an associate of Musk. I didnt think it was appropriate. He wanted that person, a certain person, and we said no, Trump said. A public art and history project celebrating Ho-Chunk culture is getting ready to launch in Madison, featuring art installations at five locations across the city. Expected to open in late summer 2026, the Teejop Community History Public Art Project will include five Madison stops chosen for their historical significance. Each will focus on one of five themes that highlight the 12,000-year human history of Teejop, also spelled Dejope. In Hoocak, the Ho-Chunk language, Teejop (pronounced day-JOPE) translates to four lakes, named after the Yahara River chain of four deep lakes that define the landscape. The temporary art installation is intended to bring artistic expression and historical awareness to public places that speak to the values of the Ho-Chunk people and are guided by a profound sense of love, respect and responsibility, said Omar Poler, Indigenous education coordinator at UW-Madison and a member of the project committee. Its a gift to our community that encourages us all to learn about Indigenous peoples, reflect, and mindfully engage with the beautiful place we all call home, he said. The locations and themes represented at each are: the area around the Capitol, focused on removal and resistance; Tenney Park, dedicated to Teejop values; Spring Harbor and Merill Springs parks, centered on springs, lakes and rivers; the UW Arboretum and Lake Wingra, focused on land; and Olbrich and Hudson parks, dedicated to mounds. We developed these themes, but it started out as values, Janice Rice, one of the projects Ho-Chunk advisers, told the Wisconsin State Journal. What were, what are, the values that we as Ho-Chunk people have as were dealing with everyday life? The organizing committee decided not to use sites centered around Ho-Chunk historical markers, which often indicate where a battle was fought or some atrocity has taken place, Karin Wolf, the citys arts program administrator said. They wanted a different vibe, and they wanted it in Madison, Wolf said. The idea was initially to put up signs to commemorate and celebrate the Ho-Chunk community, but that wasnt as appealing as using art to relay different messages, Rice said. We dont want signs necessarily describing and telling our whole history in one spot, she said, adding that the Ho-Chunk Nation doesnt like signs near our sites. The alternative was to think of art as a way to highlight Ho-Chunk values, she said. It evolved into something that I think is a lot more profound and powerful, Poler said. The Madison Community Foundation is funding the project with a $50,000 grant. A group of people got together and started thinking very thoughtfully about how to use the money, Wolf said. The Madison Arts Commission is administering the project. This initiative represents an important opportunity to bring together artistic expression and historical awareness in public places in Madison that are important to many Ho-Chunk people, said Nick Pjevach, chair of the Madison Arts Commission. Inspiration The project was in some ways inspired by the First Nations Cultural Landscape Tours, an ongoing project of UW-Madison which offers learning opportunities for people to better understand the deep human history, the indigeneity of this place, which Ho-Chunk people called Teejop, Poler said. The tours have been taking place since 2003 and were developed by Aaron Bird Bear, a former assistant dean who previously worked for nearly a decade as the universitys American Indian student academic services coordinator. Poler has been involved since 2017, he said. I lead walks to help people learn about some of the stories of this place, learn about Indigenous people, but especially Ho-Chunk experiences and perspectives, and try to reveal some of the things that are hidden in plain sight that we usually dont, and often dont, have opportunities to learn, he said. After going on a tour, members of the Madison Community Foundation asked if something similar could be done for the city, he said. That led to discussions with members of the Ho-Chunk community to see if they were interested in the idea. We went through many years of learning together, sharing stories and histories, and going through archives and holding public meetings, Poler said. Artists needed The Madison Arts Commission is calling for artists to create the art installations for the project. The selection process prioritizes proposals that meaningfully engage with the locations and convey the themes associated with each one. Artists with connections to Teejop or Indigenous art are encouraged to apply and should be able to craft installations that can withstand the outdoors for at least three months. Were excited to see how artists represent the stories and themes identified in this call for art, Pjevach said. Project budgets range from $5,000 to $10,000, and detailed budgets will be needed only for final proposals. The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. July 8, and finalists will be notified in August. The exhibition period will run from Aug. 1 to Nov. 1, 2026. Students will be a primary audience for the art, so the locations are close to schools. Wolf said the goal is to open the art to the public just ahead of the 2026 fall semester so educators can use the sites as teaching tools. 2025 marks a turning point in world history. The tectonic plates of international relations are shifting, the globalised world economy is being torn apart, and the entire capitalist order is being shaken to its foundations by political, economic, environmental and social crises. An unstable new epoch an epoch of war, revolution and counter-revolution has opened up. For over half a century following the Second World War, America straddled the capitalist world as the sole imperialist hegemon. Now that has changed. China and Russia have emerged as imperialist powers in their own right, whereas the power of US imperialism has shown its limits. With Trump at the helm, US imperialism is trying to find a new footing on the world stage. But as the first months of his second term have shown, this is anything but straightforward. Trump has slapped tariffs on friends and foes alike, sought to pull the US out of Ukraine, and thrown Europe under the bus in the process. These dramatic moves reveal something that has been building for a long time: as the capitalist crisis deepens, and with less loot to go around, it's every man for himself. For the ruling class, this is a disaster. The strife between the powers is unravelling decades of globalisation and free trade, pouring gasoline on the fire of the economic crisis. It has also forced every nation to find the money for ever more guns and bombs at a time when they are being crushed under historic levels of debt. For the majority of the worlds population, this means instability, austerity, and the horrors of war. But, at the same time, this very chaos is a recipe for class struggle. The workers of the world wont take this lying down forever: already, the radicalisation over the genocide in Palestine and the mass movements in Serbia, Turkey and Greece signal that revolutionary explosions are on the horizon. In preparation for the first congress of the Revolutionary Communist International, Jorge Martin and Hamid Alizadeh from the International Secretariat of the Revolutionary Communist International sat down to discuss world perspectives on a special episode of Against the Stream, the weekly podcast of the RCI, giving you a Marxist analysis of world affairs. Against the Stream premieres weekly on YouTube. Tune in every Thursday at 6pm London time, or catch up on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Articles mentioned: Monopoly capitalism, imperialism, and the world economy Marxist.com Debt is crushing the developing world Financial Times Matthew Miller lying compilation X Pakistan: URGENT SOLIDARITY APPEAL release arrested leaders of the Awaami Action Committee Gilgit Baltistan! Marxist.com Pakistan: protests continue for the release of comrades in Gilgit Baltistan despite state repression Marxist.com While Polish presidents do not hold nearly as much power as their French or American counterparts, the recent Polish election attracted enormous attention both in the country and abroad. Now, as the dust settles, one can clearly identify the real loser of this election. As the fall of the zoty and the Warsaw stock market shows: the establishment is rattled. When the first exit polls came out on Sunday, the one thing that was clear was the sharp division in Polish society. Liberal Rafa Trzaskowski of PO (Civic Platform, part of the ruling coalition) was forecast to gain a razor-thin edge of about 1-2 percent over the right-wing PiS (Law & Justice) candidate Karol Nawrocki. The liberal camp rushed to pop open their champagne bottles, while Trzaskowski was announcing that he would strive to be the president of all Poles. But Monday morning brought them a very nasty hangover. In the end, it was Nawrocki who won with a mere 300,000 vote majority, netting 50.89 percent against Trzaskowskis 49.11 percent. These elections were not really about the presidency itself. They were, in essence, an expression of a long drawn-out crisis of Polish capitalism. The matter at hand was not the most important it was really an outlet for the underlying desperation of the masses for change: any change, for better or worse. The wave of political instability and turmoil which has swept through the western world has finally reached the shores of Poland. And, while delayed, one can see how it will explode in the faces of the Polish establishment in the very near future. Both camps of the ruling class whipped up enough panic around the election to muster a record 72 percent turnout. The bourgeois media would have you believe this was a contest between the enlightened liberal Warsaw elites and backwards, uneducated bigots. We think the latter terminology should apply to the pundits peddling this kind of propaganda. Trzaskowskis camp fed voters a story of the sensible establishment they were saying that at the very least, things would stay the same under a liberal president / Image: European Peoples Party, Wikimedia Commons It is worth explaining, however, why half of the Poles still voted for the liberals, not all of whom are elites living in Warsaws villas. Liberal scaremongering Trzaskowskis camp fed voters a story of the sensible establishment they were saying that at the very least, things would stay the same under a liberal president. To sell this lie when things are patently getting worse, they cynically whipped up a campaign of fear, using the threat of supposed fascism coming to Poland if the right-wing won, as well as the question of women's rights which were severely restricted under the previous PiS government. This use of the question of womens rights is the concentrated essence of all unashamed liberal hypocrisy. The current liberal government came to power a year and a half ago precisely because they were offering to bring back unrestricted abortion rights. In almost two years, not a single thing has budged on this matter but now we were told this is because we lack a proper president! They have blamed the supposed obstinacy of the incumbent Andrzej Duda from PiS. The liberals think we are fools, since not a single bill was presented to the incumbent. There was a quiet proposal of a bill floating somewhere in the Sejm (Polish parliament), but it was put in the freezer of one of its parliamentary committees. The heterogeneous internal composition of the ruling coalition, which includes both the left and right wings of the liberals, makes any change on women's rights entirely impossible. During his campaign, Trzaskowski used the images from the Women's Strike of 2020 captioned, do not lose what you fought for. But precisely nothing has been won! The liberals of today promise at most to uphold the barbaric abortion law while feeding on the desperation of young women. For all those who remember the mass mobilisation against PiS, the liberals did not offer a way forward, but more of the same. This tactic is in equal measure effective and short-lived. Nevertheless, with all the power of the media on their side, and a vicious election campaign, despite all the effort and capital thrown into it, and despite the fact the PiS is hated by many after its eight years in power, Trzaskowski still failed to get himself into the warmth of Namiestnikowski Palace. Right wing Those who voted for the actual right-wing demagogues in the first round came over to Nawrocki in the second. While weak and discredited, he is at least in the opposition and not the visible face of the present crisis. However, Nawrocki and PiS are quite different from the likes of AfD, Reform UK, Rassemblement National, and other groups the media would usually brand as far right. Unlike them, PiS is a party that already had a chance to prove itself in power. They had almost unchecked rule between the years 20152023. And while their government perhaps wasnt necessarily the most pleasant, in particular with its demonisation of LGBT people, it was far from the horrors of supposed fascism that the lefts and liberals always try to whip up, to god forbid save them from having to talk about class issues. The PiS, therefore, cannot be considered a party from outside the establishment it is establishment through and through, and many of Nawrockis voters, if not the majority, voted for their candidate only begrudgingly, as a protest vote. Nawrocki simply ended up being the least worst option for the anti-establishment voters. Black campaign The campaign itself was extremely toxic on all sides. But the liberal camp in particular threw everything except the kitchen sink at Nawrocki and his voters. He has been accused of everything: having scammed an elderly neighbour out of his flat, of having connections with criminal underground, and even of being a pimp, who procured prostitutes for guests of a hotel he worked at in the 2000s. Nawrocki has been accused of everything: having scammed an elderly neighbour out of his flat, of having connections with criminal underground, and even of being a pimp / Image: Karol Nawrocki, Twitter Regardless of the veracity of these allegations, they are laughable coming from any member of the Polish establishment. All of them represent post-transformation Poland, in which 100,000s were thrown out of their flats, where a whole generation of Polish girls were forced into prostitution, and where tenants' representatives were brutally murdered by the elements of that very criminal underground that they theatrically despise today. Liberals, on the other hand, were accused of funnelling EU funds into supposedly unrelated NGOs that supported Trzaskowskis campaign. Interestingly, this is precisely what the French establishment cynically used in the recent ruling against Le Pen to bar her from standing in elections. It seems the rule of law applies differently to the pro-EU parties and politicians. In light of all of the above, the victory of Nawrocki a candidate that PiS brought out of relative obscurity, who had no prior experience of big politics, and ran a rather mediocre campaign with milquetoast promises is not so much to his merit, but rather a crushing indictment of the mere one and a half years of liberal rule. Indeed, as this article is being written, Prime Minister Donald Tusk is preemptively calling for a vote of confidence in his rule, as the ruling coalition plunges into damage control mode. US-EU battleground This election has also garnered unprecedented international attention. Trzaskowski gained patronage from the dying liberal world order whereas Nawrocki was supported by the right-wing populist wave that is rising from its corpse. Nawrocki and PiS received an enormous amount of support from Donald Trumps Republicans, who explicitly and shamelessly intervened in the election. At the beginning of May, the ex-athlete historian Nawrocki got a photo-op with the POTUS himself, likely bonding over them both having been endlessly lambasted as felons and criminals by the liberals. Support didnt end with one photo-op, however. The hardcore Trumpite American Conservative Union decided to hold its international Conservative Action Political Conference in Rzeszow, Poland, of all places, only six days before the final vote. At the event, US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem spoke fervently in favour of Nawrocki, and called his opponent a train-wreck. It goes without saying that the rest of the right-wing populists internationally also lent him their support. Nawrocki and PiS received an enormous amount of support from Donald Trumps Republicans / Image: The White House, Twitter Trzaskowski, on his part, had the implicit and explicit support of the liberal establishment in Europe and elsewhere. Aside from the financial irregularities already mentioned the funding for adverts from the EUs coffers and the telling silence of Ursula von der Leyen on the matter he was given support by one of the newest champions of democracy on the continent. Nicusor Dan, now president of Romania as a result of the rigged repeat election, went to Warsaw to speak in favour of his fellow democrat: Last Sunday, I won the presidential election in Romania. The Romanian people rejected isolationism and Russian influence. They chose honesty, integrity, and respect for the rule of law. They chose facts over words. These are the values I believe in, and these are also the values I see in Rafa Trzaskowski. On the week of the election, The Economist went on the offensive. Their weekly edition was a sickening love letter to the Polish liberals. It explicitly asked Poles not to throw away decades of achievements by electing a hard-right candidate. Perhaps realising that the tiny percentage of Poles who read their paper would already be voting liberal, it continued the charm offensive on social media on the weekend of the election, blatantly disregarding the electoral silence law, which bans any campaigning on the weekend of the vote. What The Economist got right, however, is the importance of the country, which explains the amount of international meddling in this election. Poland is no longer an Eastern European backwater, but a significant, albeit still secondary, player in the region and on the whole continent. As one of the biggest military spenders in NATO, with an army already eclipsing that of Britain, France and Germany, it would have to be the centrepiece of any European pro-Ukraine war effort. While Nawrocki is no friend of Russia, he did rule out his support for Ukraine joining NATO or the EU until some historical questions were resolved. He was referring to the Volhynia massacres committed by Ukrainian nationalists in the course of WW2, which, until the war in Ukraine, were a central thorn in the relations between Warsaw and Kiev. He was also open about Poland expecting something in exchange for its support for the war, musing about special status for Polish investors in post-war Ukraine. The western media therefore naturally took the result of the election in a hysterical manner. Nawrocki has been referred to as the victorious hard-right candidate of the new MAGA Poland. Adding some much-needed variety to their usual harping on about the imminent threat of the far-right, it is hard-right this time whatever that means. First round The signs of whats to come in the near future for the now utterly destabilised Polish political landscape could already be seen in the first round of the election in mid-May. A record 13 candidates stood in the election, a number not seen since 1995. This in itself signifies a fragmentation of support for the PO-PiS duopoly, which has been holding Poles hostage since 2007. While most candidates outside of these two parties didnt gain many votes individually, taken together they amounted to 40 percent of the vote, which marks a significant rejection of the mainstream parties. Among the youth, however, the support for establishment melted to a feeble 22.5 percent. The two candidates that garnered over half of the youths vote were an actual right-wing populist, Sawomir Mentzen of Konfederacja, and the left-reformist Adrian Zandberg of Razem. As the weekly Polityka put it: The youngest dont want the Poland offered by Tusk and Kaczynski. (...) They prefer someone who thunders about a new order and shape for the state. Among all voters not just the youth a quarter of Poles voted, in Politykas very interesting choice of words, for a revolutionary, not reformist option. Between the two, it was Mentzen who had the most successful campaign. Learning from the right populists in the West, he was much more capable than Zandberg of capitalising on the anti-establishment mood. The left reformists were tarnished by their participation in the ruling coalition. While Zandberg decided to split away with his left wing and run his own campaign, it was too little, too late. Nevertheless, in the latter days of the campaign, his rallies did attract a not insignificant layer of the youth. Revolutionary outlook The final election results on either side are not to be considered love letters to liberal democracy, nor a turn to the right. They are an expression of massive desperation brewing in Polish society. There are already layers who are actively looking for a way out of the liberal swamp, and many others who despise the entire establishment. The future is not so bright for the capitalist class. Despite in the end voting for the hated compromise, the youth is desperately looking for answers. As we write these words, both the government and the opposition are behaving like panicked cats in a sack / Image: Karol Nawrocki, Twitter The scene is finally set for all the contradictions to some to a clash. As we write these words, both the government and the opposition are behaving like panicked cats in a sack, calling for votes of no-confidence and early parliamentary elections. Konfederacja the populist right has been strengthened by the strong result it received in the first round, and there are talks of its possible coalition with both sides of the duopoly. Liberals seem to have no qualms about fascism if the supposed fascists can be brought onto their side! The left is fractured and weak as always, but many young people are flocking to it for answers. Zandbergs result in particular could be a harbinger of something bigger, whether it comes from him or, more likely, a new accidental figure. At a time of a clear increase in the number of strikes and sharpening of class struggle, it is entirely possible for a new leading figure to emerge from within the workers movement. The next two years, as the new parliamentary elections draw close, will be filled with splits at the top and the burgeoning of political consciousness at the bottom. This puts us in a very favourable position. The revolutionary communists are the only ones who do not give in to the fear-mongering and point out the hypocrisy and lies of all the bourgeois politicians. Today, the bourgeois politicians are using despair and hopelessness to save capitalism. Tomorrow, they will pay a heavy price for todays charades, with severe interest. 460 communists gathered in Philadelphia on May 31 and June 1, 2025, for the Second National Congress of the Revolutionary Communists of America. Delegates from 33 cities were present, with visitors from several dozen more. Every major region of the United States was represented, from Seattle to Atlanta, New York to Los Angeles, Chicago to Dallas. The Congress was also thrilled to have guests from Canada and Quebec, Mexico, and Puerto Rico, as well as the International Secretariat of the Revolutionary Communist International in London. [Originally published at communistusa.org] The mood throughout the weekend was electric, as delegates discussed the rapidly evolving political situation and exchanged experiences building the party. This Congress was a success in every way: the political level was unmatched, and the attendance, book sales, and financial collection were all the largest in the organizations history. One comrade from Washington, DC, attending a Party Congress for the first time, remarked: "Its one thing to be a part of the party and feel like youre part of something, and its another to come to the Congress and see all the comrades from across the world, talk to them, get their perspectives, and be able to actually see, physically, that we are a part of something huge. Its been great. It makes me so much more proud to be a communist, to be part of the RCA and RCI." Delegates discussed the rapidly evolving political situation and exchanged experiences building the party / Image: RCA A world turned upside down The Congress began with a discussion on World Perspectives, introduced by Fred Weston of the International Secretariat of the RCI. We are living through a major turning point in world history. That is evident by everything we see today, Fred said. He explained that the current world situation is characterized by tectonic, epoch-defining shifts in world relationsalong the lines of 1914, 1945, or 2008. The post-World War II world orderbuilt when the US was the worlds undisputed imperialist superpoweris unraveling before our eyes. Now, American imperialism is in relative decline, and China and Russia have emerged as formidable imperialist rivals. These changes have been decades in the making, and the reelection of Donald Trump is serving to accelerate them. All of this has massive political, economic, social, and military implications, and will provoke class struggle and social explosions around the world in the coming years. Burdened by billions of dollars of debt, the ruling class must attack the working class. As Fred explained: "What is the program of the ruling class globally? The huge growth of the debt means they have no other option but to attack and try to cut it. At the same time, they have to cut the cost of labor in each country if theyre going to be competitive. Its a program of war against the working class. The problem is this: you provoke this working class to mobilize, and once it starts to mobilize, it will discover actually how powerful it is." Delegates spoke on a wide range of topics, from the recent mass movement in Serbia, to the rising tensions between India and Pakistan, to the political and economic crises in Germany, France, and Britain, and beyond. The conclusion of the discussion was crystal clear: the urgent need to build the Revolutionary Communist International. Where is America going? On Saturday afternoon, the Congress held a discussion on US imperialism, introduced by John Peterson, Executive Editor of The Communist. Picking up from the previous session, the discussion highlighted many consequences of US imperialisms decay. The American ruling class has been caught off guard by its sudden decline. As John described: "Through their arrogance, theyve pushed Russia and China together, and theyre facing a major strategic defeat in Ukraine. They didnt foresee Chinas meteoric rise as a major world power. Nor did they take seriously the rise of BRICS, ASEAN, the GCC, or other alternatives to US-dominated globalization. And now theyre short-circuiting, and very few of them are able to accept or recognize or admit this new reality." While the soft left weeps over the election of Trump, Marxists are not demoralized in the slightest because we understand what Trumpism really represents. There is no rising tide of fascism, no Bonapartist military-police dictatorship, and no fundamental shift to the right in US society. On the contrary, there is enormous class anger fermenting in US society, but due to the utter spinelessness of the so-called left, Trump has been able to tap into this angerfor now. But he will be unable to deliver on his promises, and the ground will be prepared for a dramatic swing to the left at a certain stage. While the soft left weeps over the election of Trump, Marxists are not demoralized in the slightest because we understand what Trumpism really represents / Image: RCA In an extensive discussion, delegates covered topics ranging from the political consequences of austerity to the USs industrial weakness compared to China, to the political significance of events like the 2020 George Floyd uprising, the self-immolation of Aaron Bushnell, and the widespread sympathy for Luigi Mangione. Everywhere we look, we see symptoms of the molecular process of revolution developing in US society. At the end of the session, Congress voted unanimously to pass the amended draft US perspectives document, Where is America Going?. Fred Weston then gave an inspiring report on the work of the Revolutionary Communist International, which has made enormous strides forward over the past two years. The Congress then held a rousing and record-breaking financial appeal, with comrades digging deep to make sacrifices and blowing past the target. This was followed by an evening of energized camaraderie as comrades recapped the day and shared their enthusiasm for studying Marxist theory and building the RCA. The Congress discussed and unanimously approved a resolution on Communists and the Trade Unions / Image: RCA Communists and the trade unions On Sunday morning, the Congress discussed and unanimously approved a resolution on Communists and the Trade Unionsa topic many new comrades have asked about in recent years, as support for trade unions among the American working class has reached record highs. The discussion was introduced by Tom Trottier of the RCA Executive Committee. As communists, we are wholeheartedly in favor of organizing the working class into trade unions. Unions are a key form of organized self-defense for the working class, and union jobs generally provide higher wages and better conditions than nonunion jobs. But the unions must have a militant, class-struggle leadership in order to be truly effective, especially as the crisis of capitalism intensifies. As Tom explained: "In the post-World War II boom, when profits were growing, when industry was expanding, the capitalists could afford to give a few crumbs to the workers. Theyre not in that situation today. Its going to take a much larger fight." The unions cannot be turned into fighting organizations without a serious strategy. The RCA aspires to become a point of reference for class-struggle politics in the United States, including within the unions. To achieve that, our immediate priority must be to recruit and train solid Marxist cadres from among the radicalized youth, which will give us the basis to build organized teams of communists in the unions in the coming years. The era of world socialist revolution has returnedand we are committed to seeing it through to victory / Image: RCA What kind of party are the Revolutionary Communists of America building? In the final session of the weekend, the Congress discussed and unanimously voted to approve an organizational resolution titled, What Kind of Party Are the Revolutionary Communists of America Building? The RCA was founded last year to gather and train the communist youth of America. The goal of this resolution was to arm comrades with a deeper understanding of the methods and strategy of Bolshevism. Clarity on our long-term goals and the concrete plans for achieving them will allow the party to recruit the first 10,000 members in the years ahead. Antonio Balmer, managing editor of The Communist, gave a brief history of the Russian revolutionary movement and explained the central arguments of Lenins masterpiece on the question of party building: What Is To Be Done? The RCA was founded last year to gather and train the communist youth of America / Image: RCA In order to build up a mass force capable of channeling the struggle of the working class in a revolutionary direction, we will need to train hundreds and eventually thousands more cadresa disciplined, professional network of revolutionaries imbued with a thorough grasp of the theory and program of Marxism. As Antonio explained: "If you want a force thats powerful and yet flexible and agile, something thats steadfast, thats not going to break apart when it gets tested under the strain of events, then you need to build it out of a special material, and thats people who understand how history unfolds, the laws of history, and their role in that process. And thats exactly what the Bolsheviks achieved." This is the initial foundation that makes it possible for the party to eventually win the support of millions. Using various practical examples such as the general staff of a professional army, or the team of experts needed to manage a large-scale emergency response like a wildfire or other natural disaster, Antonio explained the general features of a cadre organization. It was the steeling of the cadresabove all, an ideological training in Marxismthat produced effective Bolshevik agitators and propagandists. This is what allowed Lenins party to grow from 8,000 to 400,000 members in the space of a few months during the 1917 Revolution and to successfully lead the working class to power. Today, the RCA is using similar methods to train the general staff of a future American edition of the October Revolution. The Congress concluded with an exuberant rendition of The Internationale and Bandiera Rossa / Image: RCA Prepare for revolution! After closing comments from Fred Weston and an exuberant rendition of The Internationale and Bandiera Rossa, comrades held a communist march through downtown Philadelphia, under the banner Down with Trump and the Democrats! In the spirit of the march that followed the 2024 Founding Congress, the comrades of the RCA then took to the streets of Philadelphia. Winding past Liberty Hall and other landmarks of the First American Revolution, the march was energetic yet disciplined and drew lots of attention. In the years ahead, hundreds of communists marching with red flags will be a common sight in every major American city. Beyond the formal Congress discussions, countless discussions among comrades occurred throughout the weekend during lunches, breaks, and socials. Everyone was eager to discuss politics and hear about the work of the RCA from their comrades in other cities. A comrade from New York City who joined last fall said, The amount Ive learned to understand the world in the past 10 months has just been mind-blowing to me, and to see all of that happening to hundreds of other communists from around the country is such a good experience. Many comrades remarked on the partys evident political maturation and numerical growth since last years RCA Congress. From May 2023 to May 2025, the organization has more than doubled in membership. In fact, the RCA has been inundated with more new recruits than we can properly absorb. In response to this, the party has been firmly focused on Marxist political education at all levels. The results were visible at the Second Congressboth in the political discussions as well as in the $28,000 sold in books and booklets throughout the weekend! Comrades left the Congress brimming with enthusiasm and determination to build the Revolutionary Communists of America. In a world of pessimism and social decay, the Marxists in the RCI understand what is being prepared. The relative political stability of the past 80 years is finished. The era of world socialist revolution has returnedand we are committed to seeing it through to victory. The Democratic Republic of Congos Government has imposed on June 4 a stringent ban preventing media outlets from reporting on former President Joseph Kabilas activities or interviewing members of his political party. This directive follows Kabilas return to the country last month after two years of self-imposed exile, during a period marked by escalating tensions between him and the current Administration led by President Felix Tshisekedi. The ban, enforced by the Supreme Council of Audiovisual and Communication (CSAC), warns that violations could result in suspension, reflecting the Governments intent to tightly control the narrative surrounding Kabila amid accusations of treason and alleged ties to the rebel M23 group, claims Kabila has vehemently denied. The move has sparked immediate resistance, especially from M23-controlled regions, where spokespersons declared they would not adhere to the ban. Kabilas party secretary, Ferdinand Kambere, dismissed the restriction as arbitrary and politically motivated. The former president has publicly condemned the government as a dictatorship following the senates decision to lift his parliamentary immunity in connection to the alleged support for the M23 rebels, further intensifying the political discord. Neighboring Rwanda, accused by Kinshasa of backing the rebels, denies involvement, adding layers of complexity to the conflict in the eastern region of the country. Civil society and rights groups have sharply criticised the media clampdown, with activists like Jean-Claude Katende denouncing it as an abuse of power that undermines freedom of expression. Political analysts caution that such censorship may backfire by increasing public curiosity about Kabilas whereabouts and activities, which his party continues to publicise through social media channels. As the government attempts to consolidate control over information, the situation highlights the fragile state of political dialogue and media freedom in DR Congo amid ongoing security and governance challenges. In a show of swift executive response and empathy, President Bola Tinubu has approved on June 4 the disbursement of 2 billion for the immediate reconstruction of homes devastated by the recent flood disaster in Mokwa, Niger State. The announcement was made by Vice-President Kashim Shettima during his visit to the flood-ravaged community on Wednesday, where he conveyed the Presidents solidarity with the affected people and outlined a multi-agency intervention strategy. Vice-President Shettima reaffirmed the Federal Governments commitment to addressing all concerns raised by residents, including damaged infrastructure and loss of livelihoods. He disclosed that the President has instructed the Ministers of State for Environment and Agriculture to temporarily relocate to Niger State to implement urgent drainage and ecological interventions under the ACRSAL Project. Additionally, 20 trucks of food supplies have been approved for distribution, in coordination with local leadership, to ensure aid reaches genuine victims. Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba appealed for accelerated Federal assistance, revealing that over 2,000 homes were destroyed, and four collapsed bridges have disrupted social and economic activity, especially in areas like Rabba. Traditional leaders, including the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, and the Ndalile of Mokwa, Alhaji Mohammed Aliyu, called for urgent attention to abandoned road projects and ecological threats exacerbated by the disaster. The visit and swift interventions signal a coordinated effort by both federal and state authorities to restore stability, rebuild affected infrastructure, and prevent future vulnerabilities. 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: Diagram of the AI model: Part A (U-Net diffusion model) processes 3D medical images, while part B (ControlNet) uses a person's earlier MRI to guide predictions. Researchers first trained the U-Net model as a baseline model and then trained ControlNet to make predictions based on the baseline images. Credit: Gengshuo Liu, University of Southern California Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's are a growing concern in the U.S., with over 7 million Americans living with Alzheimer's disease today. By 2060, that number is expected to grow, affecting nearly 13 million people. These diseases are not only hard on individuals and families, but are costly, with more than $230 billion spent in the U.S. each year in caregiving alone. As the population ages, the need for new ways to detect and address the silent emergence of these diseases has never been more urgent. New artificial intelligence predictive models used in brain research may provide a way to better predict how a person's brain ages over time, helping doctors recognize warning signs long before clinical symptoms surface. Supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation, a team of researchers led by Paul Bogdan, an associate professor in the University of Southern California Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, has developed a cutting-edge AI system capable of generating a future MRI of a person's brain from just a single scan. This technology opens the door to identifying subtle changes that may signal the earliest stages of neurodegenerative diseasespotentially years before traditional diagnostic methods could detect them. The research is published in the ICASSP 2025 - 2025 IEEE International Conference on Acoustics, Speech and Signal Processing (ICASSP). To build the tool, the team combined two advanced AI techniques: a 3D diffusion model and a ControlNet, which allow the system to "control" or guide image generation based on input data. In this case, the input is a baseline brain MRI from a healthy adult. From that single image, the AI model predicts a realistic follow-up MRI, simulating how that specific brain might look years later. This research was funded by multiple NSF grantsincluding those focused on medical cyber-physical systems, uncertainty modeling and formal methods that enhance trustworthinessand brought together multidisciplinary fields such as health care, cyber-physical systems, mathematical modeling and formal methods. Researchers included Gengshuo Liu (electrical and computer engineering doctoral student), Nikhil Chaudhari (biomedical engineering doctoral student), Nikos Kanakaris (engineer), Chenzhong Yin (data science expert) and Andrei Irimia (neuroscientist). The NSF funding was instrumental to laying the groundwork for brain modeling research, developing mathematical frameworks that capture the time-dependent, complex spatiotemporal physiological changes of the brain and ensuring the robustness and reliability of the AI-generated MRIs to generate not just accurate images, but also meaningful insights about how the brain evolves. "NSF support was absolutely essential for thinking outside the box and critical to our successful AI model solving an urgent challenge our society facesdetecting neurological disorders very early on in order to take proactive measures and improve quality of life," said Bogdan. "Each of these projects gave us critical building blocksfrom modeling complex systems, to handling uncertainty, to making machine learning more explainable. Without that foundation, this level of scientific integration and investigation wouldn't have been possible." The implications of this work are significant for early detection of Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases, significant reduction of health care costs and improvement to the quality of life of patients and caregivers. And the applications don't stop there. The AI framework used in this study could also be adapted to predict changes in other organs or body systems, enabling more personalized and preventive care across many health conditions. Researchers plan to expand the training dataset to include individuals with different follow-up intervals and a wider age range. They are also exploring clinical partnerships with anyone interested in extending these AI models and validating them in real-world health care settings. In the future, a single MRI taken during a routine checkup could give doctors a window into a person's neurological future and help take proactive measures so that certain neurological disorders are either avoided or their onset significantly delayed. With continued federal investments, tools like this could one day become part of standard preventive medicine and save countless lives. More information: Gengshuo Liu et al, Controllable Generative Model for Brain Evolution, ICASSP 2025 - 2025 IEEE International Conference on Acoustics, Speech and Signal Processing (ICASSP) (2025). DOI: 10.1109/ICASSP49660.2025.10888742 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: Allergen-safe guayule latex offers superior leak-proof and mechanical qualities for patients requiring endotracheal intubation in comparison to traditional polyvinyl chloride (PVC) balloon cuffs as shown in this diagram. Credit: USDA/ARS Researchers from the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) have devised a way to lower the health risks of using endotracheal intubation for lifesaving breathing procedures. Endotracheal intubation has been a lifesaving albeit invasive airway opening procedure often performed on unconscious patients or those who can't breathe spontaneously amid surgery or emergencies. The procedure involves placing a flexible tube in the windpipe through a patient's mouth or nose and can pose a dire risk to patients who have adverse reactions to irritants, allergens, and bacterial infections. It is estimated that 8%28% of mechanically ventilated patients develop ventilator-associated pneumonia, with some cases fatal. An ARS scientist and her team at the U.S. Arid Land Agricultural Research Center (ALARC) in Maricopa, AZ, addressed this challenge to help people safely breathe easier. Katrina Cornish, ALARC center director, recently published an article in Biomedical Materials & Devices that introduced the advanced endotracheal tube (ETT), which uses balloon cuffs made from guayule latex. Study findings suggest the alternative material complements the design: an allergen-safe, guayule latex endotracheal tube balloon cuff, inflates around the ETT to form a seal with the trachea, offering superior leak-proof and mechanical qualities compared to traditional polyvinyl chloride (PVC) balloon cuffs. "Our innovative guayule latex ETT balloon cuffs offer a significant advancement in patient safety," said Cornish. "With their allergy-safe properties and exceptional mechanical performance, these cuffs provide a reliable, softer, and safer option for patients requiring endotracheal intubation." Guayule is a perennial shrub native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. One of its applications is being used as a sustainable alternative to traditional rubber, which is sourced from the tropical rubber tree primarily grown in Southeast Asia. These new guayule-based cuffs, designed to be placed around existing pleated PVC cuffs, on the outside, provide a safe alternative for patients with Type I latex allergies, minimize the risk of adverse contact reactions, and prevent leakage of bacteria-laden saliva into the lungs. "Our new outer cuffs have been made with guayule latex using an accelerant system specifically designed to prevent adverse contact reactions and create a perfect seal with the patient's trachea," Cornish noted. Cornish explained future studies could include stability testing of the cuffs against salivary and gastric secretions, multi-variable fluid leakage comparison, edema, and reintubation. She envisioned guayule farming propelling high-value medical products such as ETT cuffs into the commercial sector. "If adopted by the health care industry, these cuffs have the potential to save hospitals and patients tens of thousands of dollars each year in VAP treatment and prevent deaths caused by ventilator-associated pneumonia," Cornish said. More information: Ashley Herkins et al, Development of a Circumallergenic Guayule Latex Endotracheal Tube Cuff, Biomedical Materials & Devices (2025). DOI: 10.1007/s44174-024-00274-1 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Despite years of patient complaints and quality-of-care concerns, Ballad Healththe nation's largest state-sanctioned hospital monopolywill now be held to a lower standard by the Tennessee government, and state data that holds the monopoly accountable will be kept from the public for two years. Ballad is the only option for hospital care for most of the approximately 1.1 million people in a 29-county swath of Appalachia. Such a monopoly would normally be prohibited by federal law. But under deals negotiated with Tennessee and Virginia years ago, the monopoly is permitted if both states affirm each year that it is an overall benefit to the public. However, according to a newly renegotiated agreement between Ballad and Tennessee, the monopoly can now be considered a "clear and convincing" benefit to the public with performance that would earn a "D" on most A-to-F grading scales. And the monopoly can be allowed to continue even with a score that most would consider an "F." "It's an extreme disservice to the people of northeast Tennessee and southwest Virginia," said Dani Cook, who has organized protests against Ballad's monopoly for years. "We shouldn't have lowered the bar. We should be raising the bar." The Ballad monopoly, which encompasses 20 hospitals and straddles the border of Tennessee and Virginia, was created in 2018 after lawmakers in both states, in an effort to prevent hospital closures, waived federal antitrust laws so two rival health systems could merge. Although Ballad has largely succeeded at keeping its hospitals open, staffing shortages and patient complaints have left some residents wary, afraid, or unwilling to seek care at Ballad hospitals, according to an investigation by KFF Health News published last year. In Tennessee, the Ballad monopoly is regulated through a 10-year Certificate of Public Advantage agreement, or COPAnow in its seventh yearthat establishes the state's goals and a scoring rubric for hospital performance. Tennessee Department of Health documents show Ballad has fallen short of about three-fourths of the state's quality-of-care goals over the past four fiscal years. But the monopoly has been allowed to continue, at least in part, because the scoring rubric doesn't prioritize quality of care, according to the documents. Angie Odom, a county commissioner in Tennessee's Carter County, where leaders have clashed with Ballad, said she has driven her 12-year-old daughter more than 100 miles to Knoxville to avoid surgery at a Ballad hospital. After years of disappointment in Tennessee's oversight of the monopoly, Odom said she was "not surprised" by Ballad's new grading scale. "They've made a way that they can fail and still pass," she said. Virginia regulates Ballad with a different agreement and scoring method, and its reviews generally track about one or two years behind Tennessee's. Both states have found Ballad to be an overall benefit in every year they've released a decision. Neither Ballad Health nor the Tennessee Department of Health, which has the most direct oversight of the monopoly, answered questions submitted in writing about the renegotiated agreement. In an emailed statement, Molly Luton, a Ballad spokesperson, said the company's quality of care has steadily improved in recent years, and she raised repeated complaints from the hospital system about KFF Health News' reporting. The news organization has reviewed every complaint from Ballad and has never found a correction or clarification to be warranted in the coverage. Tennessee Health Commissioner Ralph Alvarado, who has more than once described the regulation of Ballad Health as a matter of national importance, has declined or not responded to more than a dozen interview requests from KFF Health News to discuss the monopoly. "Our effort and progress serve as a model for health care in Tennessee, the Appalachia Region, and the entire nation," Alvarado said in a May news release about the monopoly, adding, "We do not take our role lightly as we remain committed to transparency in our COPA oversight." Tennessee's revised agreement was negotiated behind closed doors for more than a year and announced to the public in early May. As part of that announcement, Tennessee said it wouldn't score Ballad next year, to give the company time to adjust to the new scoring process. Under that process, the minimum score Ballad needs to meet to show a "clear and convincing" public benefit has been lowered from 85 out of 100 to 70 out of 100. The new agreement also awards Ballad up to 20 points for providing Tennessee with data and recordsfor example, a report on patient satisfactionregardless of the level of performance documented. The state can also raise or lower Ballad's overall score by up to 5 points in light of "reputable information" that is not spelled out in the scoring rubric. Therefore, Ballad can score as low as 65 out of 100, with nearly a third of that score awarded for merely giving information to the state, and still be found to be a "clear and convincing" benefit to the public, which is the highest finding Tennessee can bestow, according to the agreement. And Ballad could score as low as 55 out of 100 without the monopoly facing a risk of being broken up, according to the new agreement. The agreement also increases how much of Ballad's annual score is directly attributed to the quality of care provided in its hospitals, from 5% to 32%. But the agreement obscures how this will be measured. Tennessee sets "baseline" goals for Ballad across dozens of quality-of-care issueslike infection rates and speed of emergency room careand then tracks whether Ballad meets the goals. The new agreement resets these baselines to values that were not made public, leaving it unclear how much the goals for Ballad have changed. Health department spokesperson Dean Flener said the new baselines would not be disclosed until 2027. Cook, the longtime leader of protests against Ballad, said she believes Tennessee is attempting to silence data-supported criticism until the final year of the 10-year COPA agreement, which ends in 2028. By then, any outrage would be largely moot, she said. "If you are going to wait until the last year to tell us the new measurements, why bother?" Cook said. "It is clear, without a shadow of a doubt, that the Tennessee Department of Health is putting the needs and concerns of a corporation above the health and well-being of people." 2025 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain If you've ever cared for someone through illness, you know that healing doesn't just happen in hospitals or clinics. It happens at homearound dinner tables, during medication routines, and in countless quiet moments where someone chooses to stay, care and keep going. As a scientist, I've spent the past 15 years focused on improving patient education and access to cardiac rehabilitation. But a few years ago, something kept bothering me: In study after study, informal caregiversspouses, adult children, friendskept surfacing in the background. Essential, ever-present, but largely invisible to the systems of care surrounding the patient. I started wondering: What do they need to do this work well? Who educates them? That question led to our most recent study published in the European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing. The results were sobering. We found caregivers trying to support patients, without being supported themselves. Our mixed-methods study combined survey data from 86 caregivers with in-depth interviews with 16 of them. We wanted to understand what caregivers actually need to support their loved ones through cardiac rehaband to take care of themselves in the process. They told us, clearly and urgently: They need more information. They need emotional support. And they need systems of care that recognize them as more than "extras" in a medical drama. Many were trying to manage medication schedules, monitor symptoms and translate clinical advice they barely understood. Others felt intense stress, isolation or fear about the futurebut didn't know who to talk to. One caregiver told us, "I feel like I didn't have education on what really to expect for me. It was all about what the patient can expect." Education isn't just for patients. It's for the people walking beside them too This study illuminated gaps in how we educate and support caregiversgaps that don't just make their lives harder, but can directly affect patient recovery. When a caregiver is overwhelmed, confused, or burned out, the patient suffers too. That's why we're advocating for a shift in how we design and deliver cardiac rehabilitation. We need to integrate caregivers into the processnot just as passive participants, but as active partners. That means flexible educational programs tailored to their needs, emotional health resources, and platforms that allow them to ask questions and connect with others in similar situations. We also need to consider how caregiving intersects with gender, age, and cultural background. In many cases, the caregiver is a woman balancing full-time work and family responsibilities. Others are older adults with their own health challenges. A one-size-fits-all approach won't cut it. Caregivers are central to cardiac rehaband they're telling us what they need. Are we listening? The good news? These challenges are solvable. With the right investment in caregiver-centered education and support, we can build more inclusive, resilient cardiac rehab systemsones that honor the quiet labor of love happening in homes across the country. For me, this study wasn't just about identifying gaps. It was about giving voice to people who often feel invisible in health care. As a caregiver, a woman, and an immigrant, I know the weight we carrymanaging care while balancing work, family, and sometimes navigating systems in a new language or culture. Caregiving is not equally shared. It often falls to women, especially those from immigrant or racialized communities, who do this work quietly, without formal support. They've carried so much. It's time we carried a little more of the weight for them. This story is part of Science X Dialog, where researchers can report findings from their published research articles. Visit this page for information about Science X Dialog and how to participate. More information: Ana Paula Delgado Bomtempo et al, Educational needs of informal caregivers in cardiac rehabilitation: a mixed-methods study, European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing (2025). DOI: 10.1093/eurjcn/zvaf001 Gabriela Ghisi is a Scientist at KITE Research Institute and an Assistant Professor (status only) at the University of Toronto. Her research focuses on patient education, global access to cardiac rehabilitation, and equity in cardiovascular care, particularly among minority and underserved populations. 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 transmission electron microscopy image shows 3a dense bodies (3DBs), the darkest parts of the image, inside a cell infected with SARS-CoV-2. 3DBs play a critical role regulating the processing of the virus's spike protein, before the spike protein is assembled into complete viral particles. Credit: Jueqi Chen/University of Chicago Researchers at Texas Biomedical Research Institute and the University of Chicago have uncovered a mechanism that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, uses to protect itself inside the body as it works to replicate and infect more cells. Without this protective mechanism, viral infection is dramatically reduced. The finding, published in Nature Communications, not only provides a potential target for new COVID-19 therapies but also offers insights that could inform future vaccine and antiviral development. The study builds on earlier work from Texas Biomed that identified the viral proteins that are most important for the virus's pathogenicity, or ability to cause disease. "In 2021, we found that the accessory protein ORF3a is one of the most important proteins for the virus and when we knock it out, the virus becomes much less harmfulbut we didn't know why," said Texas Biomed Staff Scientist Chengjin Ye, Ph.D. "Now, working together with our collaborators at the University of Chicago, we understand the mechanism." A dense security detail Specifically, SARS-CoV-2 ORF3a appears to play a vital role in protecting structural proteins, most notably the spike protein that facilitates spread into other cells, as they are assembled on the surface of viral particles. It does this by driving the formation of a dense group of proteins that surround the spike protein and provide protection while in transit, much like security detail protecting a person or an armored vehicle carrying cash to the bank. The team in Chicago, led by Assistant Professor Jueqi Chen, Ph.D., termed these protective complexes "3a dense bodies" or 3DBs for short. It appears that 3DBs help prevent the spike protein from being cut into smaller components. When ORF3a is missing, these 3DBs fail to form, and the spike protein often arrives damaged, severely impairing the nascent virus's ability to infect new cells. "ORF3a could therefore be a good target for drugs to block the virus," said Texas Biomed Professor Luis Martinez-Sobrido, Ph.D. "This discovery could also be instrumental for vaccine development, as we illustrated previously." ORF3a-mediated 3DB assembly is conserved in multiple but not all SARSr-CoVs. Credit: Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-59475-x A surprise evolution Since the ORF3a gene is present in other coronaviruses, the team was curious if those viruses also sparked the formation of 3DBs. They found that 3DBs are formed by related coronaviruses carried by bats and pangolins. However, it was surprising to find that SARS- CoV and coronaviruses found in civets do not, which could help explain the lower transmission and infection rates during the 2003 SARS outbreak compared to the COVID-19 pandemic. About 8,000 people were infected with SARS, while there are more than 770 million reported COVID-19 cases, according to the World Health Organization. The research is a good example of multidisciplinary collaboration: Dr. Chen's expertise in cellular biology and high-resolution microscopy complemented the virology and virus engineering experience of Drs. Ye and Martinez-Sobrido. "After identifying the 3DB structures and pinpointing the ORF3a parts residues critical for 3DB assembly, we collaborated with Drs. Ye and Martinez-Sobrido to engineer an attenuated virus lacking the ability to form 3DB," said Dr. Chen. "Coronaviruses have the largest genomes among RNA viruses and therefore the reverse genetics expertise of Drs. Ye and Martinez-Sobrido was critical for the functional studies of 3DB during infection." Now that they have identified why ORF3a is so important, the two labs would like to dig deeper and figure out what is breaking apart the spike protein when left unprotected, which could reveal another avenue for therapeutic development. They would also like to study other SARS-CoV-2 variants to see if mutations in the ORF3a gene affect 3DB formation and infection rates. More information: Stella Hartmann et al, SARS-CoV-2 ORF3a drives dynamic dense body formation for optimal viral infectivity, Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-59475-x Journal information: Nature Communications This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Walking is a fundamental activity for maintaining health. While numerous studies have assessed how much people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) walk, few have explored how they walk, especially in unsupervised, real-life settings. To fill this gap, researchers at the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), a center supported by the "la Caixa" Foundation, used digital technologies to analyze the walking patterns of individuals with COPD in their daily lives. The study examined parameters such as walking speed, steps per minute, and stride length. Published in the European Respiratory Journal, the study involved 549 participants with COPD, with an average age of 68, from seven European cities: Athens, Barcelona, Grosshansdorf, Leuven, London, Newcastle, and Zurich. To initially assess participants' gait, researchers used digital tools over a one-week period, combining wearable waist-mounted devices with algorithms specifically tailored for people with limited mobility. This research is part of the European Mobilise-D project, which aims to enhance the monitoring and care of individuals with mobility impairments through digital gait analysis in everyday environments. Progressive gait impairment The study's findings show that gait quality deteriorates as COPD advances. In particular, individuals with more severe breathing difficulties and frequent symptoms or exacerbations exhibited slower walking speeds, shorter steps, and lower step frequencies. Additionally, they demonstrated less variation in walking speed, stride length, and cadence (the number of steps per minute) compared to those with milder forms of the disease. In a secondary analysis, the gait characteristics of 19 healthy adults of a similar age were evaluated. Comparisons revealed that people with COPD exhibited significantly slower walking speed and cadence than those without COPD. "Our results suggest that COPD affects not only how much people walk, but also how they walk," explains Judith Garcia-Aymerich, Director of ISGlobal's Environment and Health over the Life Course Program and senior author of the study. "Although we still don't fully understand the underlying mechanisms, the most pronounced gait impairments in severe cases of COPD may be due to reduced physical capacity caused by symptoms, complications, and chronic inflammation associated with advanced stages of the disease." Understanding gait in daily life The study also revealed that gait parameters such as walking speed, stride length, and cadence were lower than those typically observed in previous studies conducted in clinical or supervised environments. However, these values closely aligned with those reported in the only prior study that assessed gait in daily life without professional supervision. "This reinforces the idea that COPD negatively impacts mobility in real-world settings. By using wearable sensors over several days, we gain a more accurate picture of how people move in their everyday livesoutside hospitals or rehabilitation centerswhich offers a clearer understanding of the disease's impact," says Laura Delgado-Ortiz, ISGlobal researcher and lead author of the study. Implications for clinical care These findings could have significant implications for the clinical care of COPD patients. "By recognizing and addressing gait changes, health care providers may be able to intervene earlier and more effectively to reduce the risks of falls, disability, and mortality in this population," emphasizes Garcia-Aymerich. More information: Laura Delgado-Ortiz et al, How do people with COPD walk? A European study on digitally measured real-world gait, European Respiratory Journal (2025). DOI: 10.1183/13993003.02303-2024 Journal information: European Respiratory 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: Effect of chemo-optogenetics activation of proprioceptors and nociceptors on the hyperalgesic priming to trigger acid-induced chronic hyperalgesia. (A) Scheme illustrating the chemo-optogenetic design. (B and C) Experimental design of the dual intramuscular injections of CTZ-acid, CTZ-CTZ, acid-CTZ, and acid-acid. Credit: Science Advances (2025). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abc5219 In a new discovery, chronic pain has been shown to be physiologically different from acute pain and now scientists have the roadmap for how to target it. Researchers from the University of Aberdeen, Academia Sinica in Taiwan and a group of international experts say the discovery brings hope for sufferers of chronic pain and fibromyalgia. The team identified that in the nervous system chronic pain is processed differently from the pain that comes from an injury or overexertion. Crucially, they found a new and distinct separate physiological pathway for this chronic type of pain, which means it can now be a target for future therapies. The work is published in the journal Science Advances. Dr. Guy Bewick, Senior Lecturer in Neurosciences at the University of Aberdeen, explains, "We all know there are different types of pain. There is the sharp stinging pain of pricking your finger with a needle, and there is also the chronic pain of muscle soreness after unaccustomed exercise. Nevertheless, most of us in the West, including scientists, regard both simply as 'pain.' Currently, Western medicine is very often ineffective for chronic pain. "However, Eastern cultures have differentiated for many centuries, calling the latter 'sng' in Taiwanese, or 'suan tong' (sour pain) in Mandarin. The stinging pain from sharp objects and surgery can usually be treated effectively with common painkillers, but chronic pain often cannot. "New treatments require an identifiably different drug target. This study has found that target. Specifically, we discovered the mechanism of this pain we call 'sng.'" The discovery of the new pain pathway is described by the team as "a paradigm-shifting discovery that has fundamentally changed our understanding of human sensory systems and challenged the central dogma of pain biology that has been established in the past 50 years." Dr. Guy Bewick, and his team identified crucial evidence which laid the foundations for the discovery in Taiwan. Dr. Bewick's team discovered that a molecule called glutamate is released in muscles to activate a highly unusual receptor. This sparked a collaboration with Professor Chen's team in Taiwan who found that too much glutamate release activated pain nerves nearby, making them permanently active and not switch off as they normally would. Crucially, they then discovered that blocking the newly discovered, highly unusual, glutamate receptor entirely stopped the chronic pain being triggered. Dr. Bewick said, "This discovery means scientists can now start to develop new treatments specifically targeting this new pain pathway which does not respond to standard painkillers. "This has the potential to help the many people whose pain is currently inadequately treated." They were able to differentiate between the two types of pain by genetically silencing neuronal pathways in a mouse model and then testing the theory in practice in a patient with a spinal cord injury that blocked "standard" pain but spared the newly discovered pathway, in the Taipei Medical University Hospital in Taiwan. Professor Chen explains, "Fundamentally, we found that sng persists even in people who have lost other pain sensation, for example, a patient with spinal cord damage did not notice when he had broken a toe but could still perceive 'sng' and position in the same leg. "Clearly, therefore, sng is a separate pathway. "The identification of a different mechanism for this type of chronic pain is an essential first step to start to develop new treatments specifically targeting this pathway, which does not respond to standard painkillers, to help the many people whose pain is currently inadequately treated. "This finding could lead to new pain relief treatments for such conditions as fibromyalgia, exercise-induced muscle pain (DOMS), rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic pain after spinal surgery. "It is a truly ground-breaking discovery in pain research." Dr. Robert Banks, a Visiting Researcher in Biosciences and the Biophysical Sciences Institute of Durham University, who contributed to this work and who collaborated with Dr. Bewick on the fundamental discoveries that led to it, added, "It is very pleasing that a potentially important contribution to human health has developed from our original basic scientific observations." Professor Chen added, "With this finding we now have a neurobiological basis of the difference between sng and pain, which annotates a new era of pain medicine. "Further research into the development of sng-killers and sng management is ushering in a new wave of revolution in the biomedical industry and medical field, as well as bringing hope for millions of patients suffering from intractable sng-type pain." Professor Sonia Aitken CEO of Pain Association Scotland added, "Pain Association Scotland welcome this continued research within the field of chronic pain. Such advancing knowledge is essential to fostering innovation, informing thoughtful decision-making, but more importantly, helping to improve the quality of life for those living with chronic pain." Dr. Rachael Dobson, a GP from Bentley Medical Practice at Redcar Primary Care Hospital who increasingly sees patients living with chronic pain supports the research, saying, "Managing chronic pain as a GP is both professionally and emotionally challenging. Every patient's experience is unique, and finding the right balance of treatment is difficult and time-consuming. "Many patients come to appointments exhausted, frustrated, and often disheartened by the lack of immediate relief, and frequently despite my best efforts, it is often impossible to completely eliminate their pain. "One of the hardest aspects is managing expectations. Chronic pain is rarely something that can be 'fixed,' and helping patients navigate that reality while offering hope takes patience and empathy. It's a journey of trial and adjustment, and sometimes, just acknowledging the weight of their experience makes all the difference. "This step towards a new type of painkiller has the potential to transform the lives of the many, many patients living with chronic pain every day." More information: Cheng-Han Lee et al, A role for proprioceptors in sngception, Science Advances (2025). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abc5219 Journal information: Science Advances 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: For internal medicine physicians, experiencing sacred moments (brief periods of meaningful connection between clinician and patient) is common, but discussing them with colleagues is rare, according to a study published online May 30 in JAMA Network Open. Jessica Ameling, M.P.H., from the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor, and colleagues examined the prevalence, associated factors, and potential benefits of sacred moments among physicians in a cross-sectional national survey of randomly selected U.S. internal medicine physicians. Physician characteristics, burnout, and factors hypothesized to be protective against burnout were examined. A total of 629 physicians completed a survey; the physicians spent a median of 23 years practicing. The researchers found that 424 of 626 respondents (67.7%) reported experiencing a sacred moment with a patient; 4.5% often or always discussed these experiences with colleagues. Considering oneself a very spiritual person and having a strong sense of purpose in life and work were factors associated with the greatest increased odds of experiencing a sacred moment (odds ratios, 2.23, 1.94, and 1.94, respectively). Respondents experiencing sacred moments a few times a year or more frequently had lower odds of extreme burnout compared with those experiencing sacred moments less often (odds ratio, 0.29). Lower odds of burnout were seen in association with discussing sacred moments with colleagues (odds ratio, 0.62). "Understanding sacred moment experiences and encouraging discussion with professional colleagues should be encouraged," the authors write. One author disclosed ties to Doximity and Jvion. More information: Jessica Ameling et al, Sacred Moment Experiences Among Internal Medicine Physicians, JAMA Network Open (2025). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.13159 Christine A. Sinsky, Making Room for Meaningful Moments in MedicinePrioritizing Continuity and Relationships, JAMA Network Open (2025). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.13164 Journal information: JAMA Network Open Copyright 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain A new study published in GigaScience suggests that the number of years a woman spends in her reproductive phasebetween her first period and menopausemay be linked to how well her brain ages later in life. Researchers analyzed brain scans from over 1,000 postmenopausal women and found that women who had their first period earlier, experienced menopause later, or had a longer reproductive span showed signs of slower brain aging. "These findings support the idea that estradiolthe most potent and prevalent form of estrogen during a woman's reproductive yearsmay help protect the brain as it ages," says lead researcher Associate Professor Eileen Lueders, of the University of Auckland's School of Psychology. The research may point toward the potential for health interventions such as hormone treatment in the years leading up to menopause and immediately afterward to combat an increased risk of Alzheimer's for some women. Estradiol levels rise at puberty, remain high during most of a woman's reproductive life, and then decline sharply around menopause. This drop in estradiol has been linked to an increased risk of dementia and other age-related brain conditions. Animal studies have shown that estradiol can help the brain by supporting neuroplasticity, protecting against inflammation, and improving communication between brain cells. While this new study adds to the growing evidence that estradiol may play a protective role in brain health, Luders cautions that the effects were small, and estradiol levels were not directly measured. Other factorslike genetics, lifestyle, and overall health also influence brain aging. The co-authors of the research, published in the journal GigaScience, are Professor Christian Gaser, Dr. Claudia Bath and Professor Inger Sundstrom Poromaa, scientists based in Germany, Norway, and Sweden. The brain scans supplied by the UK Biobank were biased toward individuals who were healthy, socioeconomically privileged, and white. Lueders hopes future studies will include more diverse participants and directly measure hormone levels to better understand how estradiol and other factors contribute to brain health in women. "It's encouraging to see research shedding light on how a woman's reproductive years may shape brain health later in life," says Alicja Nowacka, a Ph.D. student at the University of Auckland. "As more women weigh the benefits of hormone therapy during menopause, findings like these spark important conversations and open the door to more inclusive, focused research in women's brain health." Nowacka wasn't involved in the study but has supported women navigating their treatment options, often in the face of conflicting medical guidance, she says. More information: Eileen Luders et al, A Case for estradiol: younger brains in women with earlier menarche and later menopause, GigaScience (2025). DOI: 10.1093/gigascience/giaf060 Journal information: GigaScience This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Navajo Nation leaders took turns talking with the U.S. government's top health official as they hiked along a sandstone ridge overlooking their rural, high-desert town before the morning sun grew too hot. Buu Nygren, president of the Navajo Nation, paused at the edge with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Below them, tribal government buildings, homes, and juniper trees dotted the tan and deep-red landscape. Nygren said he wanted Kennedy to look at the capital for the nation of about 400,000 enrolled members. The tribal president pointed toward an antiquated health center that he hoped federal funding would help replace and described life for the thousands of locals without running water due to delayed government projects. Nygren said Kennedy had already done a lot, primarily saving the Indian Health Service from a round of staffing cuts rippling through the federal government. "When we started hearing about the layoffs and the freezes, you were the first one to stand up for Indian Country," he told Kennedy, of his move to spare the federal agency charged with providing health care to Native Americans and Alaska Natives. But Nygren and other Navajo leaders said cuts to federal health programs outside the Indian Health Service are hurting Native Americans. "You're disrupting real lives," Cherilyn Yazzie, a Navajo council delegate, told KFF Health News as she described recent changes. Kennedy has repeatedly promised to prioritize Native Americans' health care. But Native Americans and health officials across tribal nations say those overtures are overshadowed by the collateral harm from massive cuts to federal health programs. The sweeping reductions have resulted in cuts to funding directed toward or disproportionately relied on by Native Americans. Staffing cuts, tribal health leaders say, have led to missing data and poor communication. The Indian Health Service provides free health care at its hospitals and clinics to Native Americans, who, as a group, face higher rates of chronic diseases and die younger than other populations. Those inequities are attributable to centuries of systemic discrimination. But many tribal members don't live near an agency clinic or hospital. And those who do may face limited services, chronic underfunding, and staffing shortages. To work around those gaps, health organizations lean on other federally funded programs. "There may be a misconception among some of the administration that Indian Country is only impacted by changes to the Indian Health Service," said Liz Malerba, a tribal policy expert and citizen of the Mohegan Tribe. "That's simply not true." Tribes have lost more than $6 million in grants from other HHS agencies, the National Indian Health Board wrote in a May letter to Kennedy. Janet Alkire, chairperson of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in the Dakotas, said at a May 14 Senate committee hearing that those grants paid for community health workers, vaccinations, data modernization, and other public health efforts. The government also canceled funding for programs it said violated President Donald Trump's ban on "diversity, equity, and inclusion," including one aimed at Native American youth interested in science and medicine and another that helps several tribes increase access to healthy foodsomething Kennedy has said he wants to prioritize. Tribal health officials say slashed federal staffing has made it harder to get technical support and money for federally funded health projects they run. The firings have cut or eliminated staff at programs related to preventing overdoses in tribal communities, using traditional food and medicine to fight chronic disease, and helping low-income people afford to heat and cool their homes through the Low Income Home Energy Program. The Oglala Sioux Tribe is in South Dakota, where Native Americans who struggle to heat their homes have died of hypothermia. Through mid-May, the tribe hadn't been able to access its latest funding installment from the energy program, said John Long, the tribe's chief of staff. Abigail Echo-Hawk, director of the Urban Indian Health Institute at the Seattle Indian Health Board, said the government has sent her organization incomplete health data. That includes statistics about Native Americans at risk for suicide and substance use disorders, which the center uses to shape public health policy and programs. "People are going to die because we don't have access to the data," Echo-Hawk said. Her organization is also having trouble administering a $2.2 million federal grant, she said, because the agency handling the money fired staffers she worked with. The grant pays for public health initiatives such as smoking cessation and vaccinations. "It is very confusing to say chronic disease prevention is the No. 1 priority and then to eradicate the support needed to address chronic disease prevention in Indian Country," Echo-Hawk said. HHS spokesperson Emily Hilliard said Kennedy aims to combat chronic diseases and improve well-being among Native Americans "through culturally relevant, community-driven solutions." Hilliard did not respond to questions about Kennedy's specific plans for Native American health or concerns about existing and proposed funding and staffing changes. As Kennedy hiked alongside Navajo Nation leaders, KFF Health News asked how he would improve and protect access to care for tribal communities amid rollbacks within his department. "That's exactly what I'm doing," Kennedy responded. "Making sure that all the cuts do not affect these communities." Kennedy has said his focus on Native American health stems from personal and family experience, something he repeated to Navajo leadership. As an attorney, he worked with tribes on environmental health lawsuits. He also served as an editor at ICT, a major Native American news outlet. The secretary said he was also influenced by his uncle, President John F. Kennedy, and his father, U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, who were both assassinated when Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was a child. "They thought that America would never live up to its moral authority and its role as an exemplary nation around the world if we didn't first look back and remediate or mitigate the original sin of the American experiencethe genocide of the Native people," Kennedy said during his visit. Some tribal leaders say the recent cuts, and the way the administration made them, violate treaties in which the U.S. promised to provide for the health and welfare of tribes in return for taking their land. "We have not been consulted meaningfully on any of these actions," said Malerba, director of policy and legislative affairs for the United South and Eastern Tribes Sovereignty Protection Fund, which advocates for tribes from Texas to Maine. Alkire said at the congressional hearing that many Native American health organizations sent letters to the health department asking for consultations but none has received a response. Tribal consultation is legally required when federal agencies pursue changes that would have a significant impact on tribal nations. "This is not just a moral question of what we owe Native people," Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, said at the hearing. "It is also a question of the law." Tribal leaders are worried about additional proposed changes, including funding cuts to the Indian Health Service and a reorganization of the federal health department. Esther Lucero, president and CEO of the Seattle Indian Health Board, said the maneuvers remind her of the level of daily uncertainty she felt working through the COVID-19 pandemiconly with fewer resources. "Our ability to serve those who are desperately in need feels at risk," Lucero said. Among the most pressing concerns are congressional Republicans' proposed cuts to Medicaid, the primary government health insurance program for people with low incomes or disabilities. About 30% of Native American and Alaska Native people younger than 65 are enrolled in Medicaid, and the program helps keep Indian Health Service and other tribal health facilities afloat. Native American adults would be exempt from Medicaid work requirements approved by House Republicans last month. After Kennedy summited Window Rock with Navajo Nation leaders, the tribe held a prayer ceremony in which they blessed him in Dine Bizaad, the Navajo language. President Nygren stressed how meaningful it was for the country's health secretary to walk alongside them. He also reminded Kennedy of the list of priorities they'd discussed. That included maintaining the federal low-income energy assistance program. "We look forward to reestablishing and protecting some of the services that your department provides," Nygren said. As of mid-May, the Trump administration had proposed eliminating the energy program, which remains unstaffed. 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: The lung function test showed abnormal results in some of the children. Credit: KKB Wet cough over a period lasting longer than four weeks? We are supposed to believe that this is not unusual for children, nor anything to be worried about. But Dr. Anne Schlegtendal, senior physician at the Universitatskinderklinik Bochum, Germany, says otherwise. Young children suffering from protracted bacterial bronchitis (PBB) have to be treated accordingly, she says. "If they do not receive antibiotics for at least two weeks, there could be long-term pulmonary sequelae. In the worst case, they could develop irreversible, chronic lung damage." The team in Bochum behind the study reached this conclusion by examining children who had undergone inpatient treatment for protracted bacterial bronchitis in early childhood. The study was published in the journal Pediatric Pulmonology on April 21, 2025. Noticeable pulmonary infection years later "We identified 200 children who had developed PBB in early childhood and invited 63 of them to be re-examined and have their lung function tested at the Kinderklinik five to 14 years after their diagnosis," says Schlegtendal. "Among them were children who still have a chronic cough." It was revealed that not only are the children who were not properly treated affected, but that children who had received antibiotics were also at risk of developing long-term damage. "Many of the children who had PBB in early childhood exhibit noticeable pulmonary function later on," warns the pediatric pulmonologist. "Unfortunately, PBB is underdiagnosed and there is not yet a guideline in Germany for how to treat it, nor any recommendation that children suffering from it should undergo regular follow-up examinations." The researchers hope to change this. "We want to raise awareness of this disease to improve health in childhood and adolescence." The team thus used their idea for a digital decision support tool in pediatric outpatient clinics to apply to the innovation fund of the Federal Joint Committee to improve care for patients in the statutory health insurance system. "Our idea is to use a digital signal system to identify and treat children with chronic cough and risk factors for eventual consequences earlier," explains Schlegtendal. "Red would mean, go to the hospital right away." More information: Jan Hermann et al, LongTerm Pulmonary Sequelae 514 Years After Protracted Bacterial Bronchitis in Early Childhood, Pediatric Pulmonology (2025). DOI: 10.1002/ppul.71111 Putin vows to hit Ukraine back for attacks on Russia's strategic air bases: Trump Xinhua) 09:20, June 05, 2025 LOS ANGELES, June 4 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump disclosed Wednesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin told him that Moscow would "have to respond" to the massive Ukrainian drone attacks on Russia's strategic air bases days ago. Trump wrote in a post on his Truth Social account that he finished a phone call with Putin and discussed the attacks on June 1. It was the first time the U.S. president publicly talked about the operation that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky touted being directed by himself. "We discussed the attack on Russia's docked airplanes, by Ukraine, and also various other attacks that have been taking place by both sides... President Putin did say, and very strongly, that he will have to respond to the recent attack on the airfields," Trump wrote. He said the Wednesday call lasted approximately one hour and 15 minutes, noting "It was a good conversation, but not a conversation that will lead to immediate Peace." (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: CC0 Public Domain Major cuts to Medicaid funding could have rural communities across the country facing widespread hospital closures and reduced access to health care, says Michael Shepherd, a health policy researcher at the University of Michigan. Shepherd, assistant professor of health management and policy at the U-M School of Public Health, studies the politics and policies surrounding rural health disparities, including rural hospital closures, the opioid epidemic and Medicaid policy. His research focuses on what he calls the "rural health spiral," how worsening health outcomes in rural areas can create a cycle where problems rarely get solved and support for government solutions decreases over time. He recently co-authored an op-ed examining how proposed budget cuts would disproportionately harm rural communities. Here, Shepherd discusses what these proposed changes could mean. How important is Medicaid for rural communities? Medicaid is incredibly vital for rural people, not only those who benefit directly, but for the survival of rural health care institutions that serve everyone. Twenty-three percent of rural Americans are insured by Medicaid, compared to 19% nationally. About half of rural children are covered by Medicaid, and it pays for over half of rural births. Rural hospitals, mental health clinics and doctors' offices depend heavily on Medicaid reimbursements. Cuts to Medicaid threaten institutions that serve the broader rural public, even those with employer-sponsored or private insurance. What happens when rural hospitals lose Medicaid funding? Take McNairy County, Tennessee. In 2016, they lost their regional hospital, mostly because the state didn't expand Medicaid. When it closed, residents had to drive 45 minutes to an hour for care. If you're on Tennessee Medicaid, you can't cross the state border to Mississippi for covered careyou have to use in-state options that are even farther away. Research shows that when a rural hospital closes, patients travel, on average, 20 miles farther for common care and 40 miles farther for specialized care. Every additional mile increases your health care risk for emergencies like strokes or heart attacks. Studies also show rural hospital closures lead to significant increases in mortality, and birthing outcomes and obstetric care suffer following closures. How do Medicaid cuts affect people who aren't on Medicaid? Hospitals in rural communities are often the largest employers. The health care sector can supply as many as 10% of the jobs in a rural community. Most rural areas don't have large employers beyond their public schools or hospitals. If a hospital closes, you're talking about increasing unemployment, lowering incomes and people leaving the community to find work elsewhere. It's not just that people on Medicaid may lose benefitseverybody may lose access to health care, and many people will lose their jobs. Even community mental health providers are very Medicaid-dependent. If you withdraw Medicaid benefits, people won't be able to access their mental health providers because those clinics rely on federal funding and Medicaid clients to stay open. What does research show about states that expanded Medicaid versus those that didn't? States that expanded Medicaid saw rural hospital closures drop to close to zero, while non-expansion states experienced continued spikes. My research shows that roughly 80% of rural hospitals that have closed since the Affordable Care Act have been in Republican states that failed to expand Medicaid. According to the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform, over 300 rural hospitals currently face "immediate risk" of closureand that's without these proposed cuts. Rural hospitals operate on shoestring budgets and stay open primarily because of Medicaid reimbursements. These cuts would dramatically increase closure rates. Why do politicians support cuts that could harm their own constituents? This gets at what we call "accountability" in political sciencewhether voters can connect policy outcomes to the politicians responsible for them. There's a lot of research that shows voters often struggle to assign responsibility correctly, especially when policies have complex, delayed effects. What I found in my research is that even when state Republicans chose not to expand Medicaidwhich ultimately led to worse outcomes for rural hospitalsvoters blamed Democrats and the Affordable Care Act for their experiences. This creates what I call the "rural health spiral." The worse things get, the less rural people trust government solutions, which leads to support for politicians who are less likely to use the government to fix problems. My research shows this pattern where Republicans can actually benefit politically from decisions that make things worse for their voters, while Democrats get penalized despite passing policies that objectively help similar communities. It's a function of our federal system, where national policies can have very different outcomes depending on state-level decisions, but voters often assign credit or blame to the president's party regardless. What would you want people to know about the broader impact of these cuts? Even people who aren't on Medicaid should be alarmed. If you live in a rural community, you're likely to lose access to health care yourself if these cuts happen, regardless of whether you have Medicaid. What's remarkable is that Medicaid is popular across party lines. Survey data shows that 61% of Republicans, 71% of Independents and 83% of Democrats see Medicaid as important to their communities. These cuts aren't what people are demanding. 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 This fall, researchers from The University of Texas at Arlington will launch an ambitious study to explore how teens' everyday experiences on social media may shape their mental health and potential substance use. UT Arlington School of Social Work Professors Melissa Lewis and Dana Litt, in collaboration with lead investigator Karrie Curry, a research scientist at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, will follow 250 adolescents of varied backgrounds from across Texas. Through daily surveys over six weeks, the team will capture how specific types of social media engagement affect participants' feelings of anxiety and depression and tendency toward risky behavior, such as substance use. A 12-month follow-up will help determine whether those short-term interactions predict more serious problems over time. Unlike most previous research, which has focused on how much time teens spend online, this study will dig deeper into what they're seeing, sharing and responding to on social media, and how those interactions influence a range of health behaviors. "We're going to look at specific engagement with content related to the health behaviors we're interested in," Dr. Litt said. "Is a teen just viewing content about substance use or mental health, or are they sharing it? Does that difference matter? We're trying to understand exactly what about it is risky across certain days and over time." The study could help lead to better prevention strategies and provide parents guidance on how their children navigate the complex digital world. "There's research showing the risks of being online, but also some benefits," Litt said. "This study could help highlight both sides and create talking points for parentsfor example, asking questions like "What do you enjoy online?" "What makes you happy?" "What makes you sad?" "Balancing the conversation, not just focusing on the scary parts, can really help. That's something this research could lead tofuture studies, prevention and interventions." Parent interventions don't necessarily need to be about a specific topic like social media, mental health or alcohol; it's really about conversation strategies, Lewis said. "If something happens, like a problem with a peer or something on social media, parents need to approach those conversations in a way that encourages participation instead of just reacting with anger," she said. The study's findings could serve as a foundation and inform strategies to prevent harm and promote healthy development in adolescents. 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 Cancer death rates across the U.K. have dropped by 22% since the 1970s, according to the latest Cancer in the UK Report 2025 published by Cancer Research UK. The report provides the most up-to-date analysis of long-term trends in cancer incidence and mortality across the U.K., and shows that while deaths from cancer have dropped, the number of diagnoses have increased by almost 50%. The findings suggest that people in the U.K. are now more likely to develop cancer than ever before and that the 47% rise in cancer incidence may have been driven largely by population aging, smoking and rising obesity levels. Nearly 1,100 people are diagnosed with cancer every day. Although cancer survival has improved, there are still significant challenges across cancer care. The report found that the proportion of cancers diagnosed early in England has remained at 54% for nearly a decade, and while bowel screening rates improved with the rollout of the fecal immunochemical test (FIT), uptake of breast and cervical screening continues to decline in many parts of the U.K. It estimates that screening programs may have saved about 5,000 lives a year, but participation remains uneven. Smoking was found to have caused about 1 in 5 cancer deaths annually, and obesity, which is now at its highest level, was linked to approximately 5% of cancer deaths in the U.K. Cancer Research UK has supported research on cancer inequalities at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine for the past 20 years, including through funding for the Inequalities in Cancer Outcomes Network (ICON). Numerous studies conducted by the ICON group and others have consistently shown that systemic factors, such as the organization and delivery of health care services, play a dominant role in driving and sustaining cancer inequalities, far more than individual-level factors like personal behaviors or genetics. These inequalities are not limited to the point of diagnosis but occur across the entire cancer care pathway including during treatment, highlighting the need for a comprehensive and equitable approach in any new national cancer strategy. Commenting on the report, Professor Bernard Rachet, Principal Investigator of ICON at LSHTM, said the data highlights the importance of addressing deep-rooted inequalities and system-level failings. Professor Rachet said, "This report is welcome, and Cancer Research UK is right to highlight the dramatic progress made, particularly in cancer prevention, detection, and treatment, over recent decades. Despite these advances, cancer remains a major public health challenge. "The U.K. faces two persistent and deeply interconnected issues: survival remains lower than in other similarly wealthy countries, and there are enduring socio-demographic inequalities in who benefits from improvements in care. Gaps in cancer care reflect a wider failure of the health system to convert innovation into widespread and equitable impact. Dr. Manuela Quaresma, an Assistant Professor of ICON at LSHTM, said, "We fully support Cancer Research UK's call for the upcoming National Cancer Plan for England to address these systemic challenges. "The U.K. has played a central role in global cancer research breakthroughs, but advanced technologies alone will not close these gaps. The benefits of progress have not been equitably distributed, and the next Cancer Plan must be developed in close dialogue with the communities most affected by inequality." LSHTM's ICON program works in close partnership with Cancer Research UK to provide rigorous, patient-centered evidence that supports policy change and improves the quality and equity of cancer care. This shared vision is grounded in collaboration with patients, the public, and policymakers to ensure that innovations in cancer care translate into better outcomes for all. 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: Interface of the TomTec software. Left: 4-chamber view showing the contours of myocardium of both ventricles tracked. Right: data output for each ventricle includes the indicators of cardiac morphometry and function including deformation (i.e., cardiac strain). Credit: BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology (2025). DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.18224 An echocardiography of the baby's little heart soon after the onset of labor can predict the outcome of the birth and, in particular, whether the baby will adequately tolerate the contractions or will be more likely to go into distress, necessitating a cesarean section or an operative delivery. This is suggested by a study published in the BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology and coordinated by Professor Tullio Ghi, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Catholic University of Sacred Heart, campus of Romeand Chairman of the Obstetrics Unit at the Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli IRCCS in Rome. The study was carried out with the collaboration of other experts, including Professor Andrea Dall'Asta from the University of Parma and Professor Basky Thilaganathan from St George's University in London. Preventing intrapartum hypoxic injury during childbirth is crucial for the future health of the baby. Professor Ghi explains, "In this work, at the onset of labor, we studied and measured the changes in the shape of the baby's heart with ultrasound scanning. We noticed that, based on certain parameters, it is possible to predict which infants have a heart strong enough to tolerate maternal contractions, and which ones instead are at greater risk of developing hypoxic stress during labor and will therefore need a cesarean section or an instrumental vaginal birth to prevent possible complications. "The assessment of baby's heart morphology seems to work as a triage test, allowing to pick up since the very beginning of labor the small group of babies who are unfit for vaginal delivery because they are more susceptible to intrapartum hypoxia." The study involved 208 pregnant women at the onset of labor. The majority of these women had a spontaneous uncomplicated birth, while in 20 of these an operative delivery was necessary due to suspected fetal distress. In the latter group, the study of the fetal heart revealed different morphological parameters compared with the group that had an uncomplicated delivery. The study suggests for the first time that identification of abnormalities of fetal cardiac function early in labor may impact the clinical management. In such circumstances, the decision to expedite birth through an operative delivery (e.g. cesarean section or use of a vacuum extractor) with the aim of preventing intrapartum hypoxic injury might be considered. More information: Andrea Dall'Asta et al, Foetal Cardiac Function in Early Labour and Intrapartum Outcomes: A Prospective Observational Study, BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology (2025). DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.18224 The staff of the Family Maternity Center at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula have written a letter to the hospital's management expressing "deep disappointment and concern regarding the abrupt closure" of the center. St. Pat's announced this week that the center would be closing permanently in October. On Wednesday, five doctors and two nurse practitioners wrote an open letter to St. Pat's CEO William Calhoun saying they were not included in discussions about the closure, despite Calhoun's claim that he had collaborated with internal stakeholders. On Thursday, the entire staff of the FMC sent a letter to media outlets. "Many of us relocated from out of state as experienced nurses to help open and grow this unit ten years ago. Some left secure positions elsewhere to be part of something new something that would offer more options for women in our community," the letter states. "Regardless of where we came from, we all arrived with the same purpose and belief: to create a space where families would be supported through every stage of childbirth. From the very beginning, we poured our hearts into this work. We were there for first breaths and final ones, standing beside families through moments of both joy and trauma. We saved lives. We built bonds that ran far deeper than numbers or productivity reports. This unit was created for the community, and it thrived because of the dedication and passion of its staff." St. Patrick Hospital did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Missoulian about the letter on Wednesday. The contents of the Thursday letter continue below: "To hear that this space is now being repurposed for profit converted into ICU or Med Surg beds is a painful blow, but what is even more disheartening is the way this decision has been handled. Despite a year of internal planning, we were given just 90 minutes notice to attend the meeting announcing the closure. We were offered no representation, no clarity about our futures, and no real chance to speak to the realities we now face. "Within our unit are individuals who are the sole providers for their families, women and men who rely on their healthcare benefits to support their families either battling cancer, have special needs children, or are medically complex themselves. We have mothers trying to make ends meet on a single income. Many of us left our former lives, worked night shifts for years, and finally found our dream roles on DAYSHIFT only to have them stripped away with no concrete path forward. We have been told that there 'may not be enough jobs' for us, but no definitive answers have been offered. After a year of planning, how can there still be so much uncertainty? "You are losing some of the most skilled labor and delivery nurses, NICU nurses, surgical techs and unit coordinators in this region not just because the unit is closing, but because of the way this transition has been handled without transparency, without compassion, and without integrity. This was more than a professional loss. It was deeply personal. The founding Sisters were courageous women who built this hospital with a clear purpose: to care for all in need, especially women and children. Its hard not to wonder how heartbroken they would be to see how far their mission has been compromised today. "We deserve better. The community deserves better. If we are to move forward, we need answers, representation, and a plan that demonstrates respect for the lives and careers youve profoundly impacted." The Family Maternity Center opened in 2015. The Missoulian will publish a response from Providence, which operates St. Pat's Hospital, if we receive a statement. Gov. Greg Gianforte has vetoed a bill passed by the Legislature that sought to implement a $2.6 million study over the next few years of the types and numbers of watercraft used on nearly 1,000 miles of Montanas busiest rivers. Sponsored by Rep. Josh Seckinger, a Bozeman Democrat and fishing guide, House Bill 762 would have used the money to hire staff at FWP to do the surveys on 16 rivers and about 966 river miles. The report, published by Oct. 1 of 2026 and 2028, would have identified the number of private drift boats, rafts, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, tubes and other recreational watercraft on those river stretches. It also would have shown the number of commercial watercraft used each week for fishing, outfitting, guiding, sightseeing and whitewater rafting along those stretches of river. Seckinger and other supporters during the legislative session said the survey, combined with others already underway in the Jefferson Basin, would provide a thorough picture of who is using which rivers for various purposes at any given time of the spring, summer and fall. In his May 15 veto letter, the Republican governor largely cited the price tag for the project and that the money would come out of the state parks account as reasons he rejected it. Gianforte said that while the bill was well-intentioned, this comprehensive approach is simply too much at this time and that he preferred a pilot program that looked at smaller stretches of river first. House Bill 762 drains $2.6 million from the state parks account, which would otherwise be used to address important infrastructure projects at our state parks, including maintenance backlogs, the governor wrote in his letter vetoing HB 762. FWP and the Legislature can determine what worked in the pilot program, what didnt and what needs to change for future studies. Seckinger, fresh off five days guiding on the Smith River last month, told the Montana State News Bureau he was surprised his bill got vetoed and for the reasoning. Ultimately, its just something that needs to get done. I just got off the Smith, the most regulated river in the state. They literally know the names of everyone that goes down that river and what watercraft theyre in, Seckinger said. Barring any willingness to do that in every river in the state, this is going to cost money, period. He disagreed with the governors assessment that the studies should be done in smaller chunks, saying splitting the 966 river miles into two groups surveyed in different years would keep Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks from having to rehire staff every year to survey smaller stretches of river. He said there was little he could do about the bills $2.6 million price tag on the fiscal note, more than a third of which would have gone to hiring 30 seasonal technicians. That money would have come from motor vehicle registration fees that go into the state parks funding account and are typically reserved for maintenance and operations at state parks. But the state parks account also receives about $2 million a year in marijuana tax revenue, and Seckingers reasoning behind using the state parks account is by the time the $1.3 million for the study was used each year, the account would be replenished. By the time the final report would be published, that $2.6 million would be replaced, Seckinger said. Gianfortes veto letter says he worried the bill would take too big a bite at the apple out of that account that could otherwise be used for state park infrastructure and addressing backlogged maintenance. But Seckinger told the Montana State News Bureau he heard nothing about maintenance backlogs while the bill was being crafted and that he felt the two efforts would not have been mutually exclusive. He said hes already seen this spring guides from across the state going to the Missouri River near Craig, a tailwater unaffected by seasonal runoff, while their home rivers were blown out. Part of the point of this study was so the public could see that information in black and white and say, OK, I know if I go to Craig in May, there are more boats there than any other time of year, he said. Guides are driving from everywhere to go to clear water. But he also believes people wrongly attribute river pressure to guide services, though there are 1,600 registered and active guides in Montana. With discussions at the Capitol about possibly regulating user types, Seckinger said it was imperative for lawmakers and officials to be operating with real data. If were going to consider regulating user groups, we have to know who they are before we start regulating on emotion, he said. Since the bill received a total of 102 votes out of 150 on final votes between the two chambers, under law, the Secretary of State should have sent a veto override poll by mail to every state lawmaker within five days of the May 15 veto. However, the Secretary of States website that shows which vetoes are in the midst of override polls does not list HB 762, nor does the Legislative Services website for the bill say that a veto override poll has been issued. A staffer for House Democrats on Wednesday said some lawmakers were frustrated they seemingly were not receiving veto poll overrides for several bills. The Secretary of States Office did not respond to questions Wednesday about whether the override poll had been sent out nor why such a poll was not listed on its website. Flathead Lake levels will likely fall short of the historic summer maximum this year thanks to dwindling moisture in the surrounding mountains, the operators of the dam that controls the lake predicted Thursday. Recent warm, dry conditions have decreased water supply in the Flathead River Basin, wrote a spokesman for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. The tribes own Energy Keepers, the corporation that operates the Selis Ksanka Qlispe (SKQ) Dam at the foot of the Flathead Lake. Spring runoff is quickly receding bringing river flows to extremely low levels, the spokesman, Robert McDonald, wrote in a press release. ... These conditions have forced operations at SKQ (Dam) to again be at license-required minimums and filling Flathead Lake as aggressively as possible while avoiding flood control limits. That maximum level on the dam-controlled lake referred to as its full pool is 2,893 feet, a level historically reached by late spring, in time for the summer tourist and recreation season. Boat docks and other infrastructure on the lake have been built under the assumption that the dam near Polson will be able to raise water levels to within a foot of that level between June and early September. Despite attempts since early spring to begin raising lake levels early, Energy Keepers predicts the lake levels will top out at 2,892.3 feet on June 19, about 8 inches shy of full pool. The level is expected to then recede a further 10 inches by July 12, according to the press release. A fairly average snowpack this winter fell victim to early warm temperatures across much of western Montana in recent months. Data from the federal Natural Resources Conservation Agency shows high-elevation snowpack at normal levels in the mountains feeding the South Fork of the Flathead River, but both the Middle Fork and North Fork basins were below half their typical moisture levels as of Wednesday. Assuming normal summer precipitation going forward, the NRCS forecasters expect the Flathead Lake basin to get around 80% of its normal inflows this year, said Eric Larson, a hydrologist with the agency. "Because of the quicker-than-normal melt out in May, it's kind of why we ended up with lower (snowpack) percentages on June 1," Larson said Thursday. "But the water is there, it was in the system, it just means it came off earlier than normal." He added that the NRCS models don't include longer-term weather forecasts from the National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration that indicate a warmer, drier summer is more likely across Montana. Much remains to be seen, Larson said, with the typically wet month of June still ahead. Poor mountain snowpack and early spring runoff have likewise been blamed for keeping the lakes levels low in the last two years. Both years saw spats between the tribes and local political leaders over whether unseasonable weather or operator error was to blame for the low lake levels. The tribes completed a decades-long process to acquire ownership of the dam from NorthWestern Energy in 2015. Federal agencies are predicting the coming summer months to be hotter and drier than average. If forecasts for 2025 persist, it will join 2023 and 2024 as the driest consecutive years ever recorded for the Flathead Basin, McDonald wrote. Those emerging conditions prompted Energy Keepers to implement its drought management plan earlier this year, the press release states. On March 13, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approved a request from the dam operators to capture as much spring-runoff as possible while maintaining minimum flows on the Flathead River below the dam. That was able to bring the lake level to within 3 feet of full pool by May 26, the highest allowed under the federal license to operate the dam, according to Energy Keepers. That license spells out minimum outflows and maximum seasonal lake levels to mitigate flood risk. These unprecedented dry conditions are not only taxing on resources, they are also extremely impactful to generation of electricity from the SKQ facility, Energy Keepers CEO Brian Lipscomb stated in the press release. Electricity generation from the SKQ facility will be 10 percent below normal for this year, add that to the two years that we have just experienced, and this will put us at 393 GWh of electricity generation below normal. That is enough electricity to power between 33,000 and 41,000 homes or a city about the size of Missoula for a year. The press release also notes that lake users should be aware that lakefront boat storage and dock access may be affected if these water level forecasts are realized. More data on Flathead Lakes inflows and outflows is available on the Energy Keepers website: https://energykeepersinc.com/flathead-lake-data/ The imposition of a 30% anti-dumping duty (ADD) on bare printed circuit boards (BPCBs) has significantly boosted domestic production in India, but the long-term sustainability of this momentum will depend on the countrys ability to build a self-reliant raw materials supply chain, says a research note. In the report, India Ratings & Research (Ind-Ra), a Fitch group company, says the duty, which came into effect in March 2024 for a five-year period, has given Indian PCB manufacturers a much-needed competitive edge by raising the landed cost of Chinese and Hong Kong imports. "As a result, domestic players have seen higher capacity utilisation and improved margins. Industries reliant on PCBsparticularly consumer electronics, industrial equipment, and lightinghave felt the pinch of a 10%-15% increase in input prices, but this is expected to ease as local supply chains evolve and mature." Ind-Ra notes that, while the ADD has created favourable short- to medium-term conditions for Indian producers, structural challenges remain. "Chief among these is Indias continued dependence on imported copper-clad laminates (CCLs)a key raw material for PCB manufacturingprimarily sourced from China. Resin, the other major component, is readily available domestically, but without local CCL production, full value addition and margin expansion will remain limited." Ind-Ra notes that, while the ADD has created favourable short- to medium-term conditions for Indian producers, structural challenges remain. "Chief among these is Indias continued dependence on imported copper-clad laminates (CCLs)a key raw material for PCB manufacturingprimarily sourced from China. Resin, the other major component, is readily available domestically, but without local CCL production, full value addition and margin expansion will remain limited." The report points out that although Indias PCB consumption grew by 15% year-on-year (y-o-y) to Rs135bn (billion) in FY24-25, domestic production has stagnated at around Rs18bn, highlighting the scope for growth. It says, "Imports still dominate the market, with China PR and Hong Kong accounting for the bulk of the inbound shipments. However, since the ADD came into force, their share has declined modestly, while imports from other nations like Vietnam, Taiwan, and Thailand have grownan early sign of supply diversification." Import quantity from China fell by 8% y-o-y in FY24-25, compared to a sharper 33% decline in FY23-24. According to Ind-Ra, this moderation suggests that a significant portion of the earlier fall was due to advanced stocking or trade rerouting through Hong Kong which recorded a surge in PCB exports to India last year. The latest figures indicate that this workaround is now levelling off, possibly due to closer scrutiny or natural market correction, it added. The rating agency expects that even after the ADD expires in 2029, Indian PCB manufacturers will likely retain their competitive edge if investments in domestic capacity and backward integration continue. Already, capacity utilisation has improved significantlyfrom 50%-65% a year ago to 70%-90% nowhelping firms absorb fixed costs better and improve EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation) margins. The rating agency expects that even after the ADD expires in 2029, Indian PCB manufacturers will likely retain their competitive edge if investments in domestic capacity and backward integration continue. Already, capacity utilisation has improved significantlyfrom 50%-65% a year ago to 70%-90% nowhelping firms absorb fixed costs better and improve EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation) margins. To further this momentum, government initiatives like the 'Make in India' campaign and targeted incentive schemes have played a vital role. The now-concluded SPECS and ongoing EMC 2.0 schemes offered cluster infrastructure and moderate financial support. "However, it is the production linked incentive (PLI) scheme that has emerged as the most effective, with a total outlay of Rs4,09,510mn (million), albeit only Rs2,500mn earmarked for electronic components including PCBs. Despite limited participation in the PCB segmentbenefiting just four to five large playersthe investments have already crossed Rs5,500mn." "However, it is the production linked incentive (PLI) scheme that has emerged as the most effective, with a total outlay of Rs4,09,510mn (million), albeit only Rs2,500mn earmarked for electronic components including PCBs. Despite limited participation in the PCB segmentbenefiting just four to five large playersthe investments have already crossed Rs5,500mn." In a major policy push, the government introduced the electronic component manufacturing scheme (ECMS) in April 2025. With an expanded incentive pool of Rs2,29,190mn and a six-year implementation timeline, ECMS aims to fill the gaps left by earlier schemes. It offers support through turnover-linked, capital expenditure (capex)-based and hybrid models. Though it is still in its early stages, 70 companies have already submitted applications, with more expected soon, according to the Indian Printed Circuit Association. Abhash Sharma, senior director for mid corporates at Ind-Ra, noted that the success of Indias PCB sector in the post-ADD era will rest heavily on raw material localisation. To strengthen Indias PCB manufacturing ecosystem, especially in light of the ADD on BPCBs, it is essential to build a resilient raw material supply chain and capitalise on government-led incentive schemes, he says. Going forward, efforts to indigenise not only CCLs but also other critical inputs like etching chemicals and connectors could be a game-changer. Coupled with technology upgrades, automation and diversified sourcing strategies, these initiatives can stabilise input costs and ensure India remains competitive as a global PCB supplier. The electronics manufacturing sectorunderpinning everything from mobile phones to industrial systemsstands to benefit if India successfully pivots from import substitution to global supply chain integration. The anti-dumping duty has undoubtedly set the foundation; what remains is to cement it with long-term supply chain resilience, the report concludes. In every cooperative housing society (CHS/the Society), disputes and uncertainties often arise over what should be common sense, fair or simply procedural. From how parking spaces are used (or misused), to whether funds are being managed transparently, to even something as routine as updating municipal records, living in a CHS requires an awareness of rights as well as responsibilities. Unfortunately, many Societies operate on assumptions or outdated practices, leading to friction among members or poor governance. This weeks questions highlight the importance of understanding legal requirements, Society bye-laws and the role of oversight authorities. Clear communication, proper documentation and adherence to due process are essential for the smooth functioning of any cooperative society. This weeks questions highlight the importance of understanding legal requirements, Society bye-laws and the role of oversight authorities. Clear communication, proper documentation and adherence to due process are essential for the smooth functioning of any cooperative society. Allotment of Parking Spots in Society Question: In our Society, several members have purchased one, two, three or even four parking lots from the builder at the time of construction. However, the builder has not yet executed the conveyance. The Society was formed and registered in 2019. Members have not submitted copies of their vehicle ownership documents to the Society. Some members park different cars on different occasions in their allotted spaces. In one case, a members driver regularly parks one or two autorickshaws in the owners vacant parking lot or in the guest parking areaessentially using our premises as a personal rickshaw stand. This has caused nuisance and congestion, along with noise and dust due to frequent movement. Though the CHS secretary has been informed, no action has been taken. Is it permissible to allow outsiders vehicles to be parked freely in the Society premises without submitting ownership documents? We had suggested implementing charges for members using multiple parking lots, based on the number of vehicles parked, as a way to generate revenue. However, the secretary insists on increasing the general maintenance charges for everyone instead. Answer: Parking spaces in a Society are not saleable items. Therefore, even if flat-owners claim to have purchased parking spaces from the builder, even through a registered, stamp-duty-paid agreement, the transaction is legally invalid. Members who do not own vehicles cannot rent out their parking spaces to others. For any irregularities in parking allotment by the Society, you may file a complaint under bye-law no. 174(B)(iv). Engage a competent lawyer and approach the cooperative court against the Society and the individuals misusing parking spaces. Use of Sinking Fund for Repairs Question: We seek your guidance. Our CHS in Mumbai is undergoing structural repairs. The managing committee has split the repair costs between contributions from members and the sinking fund. There is confusion about whether the amount withdrawn from the sinking fund needs to be restored. For example, if Rs3 lakh are used from the available balance of Rs10 lakh, do we need to recover and replenish the Rs3 lakh from members over time, or should we just continue with the routine quarterly sinking fund contributions? Please guide us. Answer: Use of the sinking fund must be approved in a general body meeting (GBM), with at least 75% of the members in attendance, and 75% of those present voting in favour of the resolution. Once the resolution is passed, the Society must obtain a certificate of the audited sinking fund balance from its auditor and submit it to the deputy registrar for cooperative societies (DRCS), along with a repair certificate from a municipal-recognised structural engineer or architect. The deputy registrar will then permit the Society to withdraw the required amount from the sinking fund, with the condition that the amount must be restored over two to three years along with interest. Please check whether your CHS has followed this process. If not, you may file a complaint with the DRCS against the Society's managing committee. Removing a Deceased Persons Name from Property Records Question: I wish to know how important it is to remove the name of a deceased person from the records of the local municipal department. The deceased was a joint-holder of a property along with his spouse. Does the spouse need to visit the municipality office to have his name removed from the records? Answer: The spouse should first have the deceased joint owner's name removed from the Societys records. Next, she should transfer the electricity bill for the flat into her own name. Then, with a copy of the share certificate, the flats maintenance bill and the updated electricity bill, she should visit the assistant assessor and collectors office at the local municipal ward to transfer the municipal property tax bill into her name. If she is unable to carry out these steps herself, she may engage the services of a professional to do so. NOTE We will not be answering queries posted in the comments. Only questions sent through the Moneylife Foundation's Legal Helpline will be answered. If you want to seek guidance or ask questions to Mr Shanbhag, kindly send it through Moneylife Foundation's Free Legal Helpline. Here is the link: https://www.moneylife.in/lrc.html#ask-question Disclaimer: The guidance provided in these columns and on our Legal Helpline is on the sole basis of the facts provided by the reader/questioner and does not amount to formal legal advice in any form whatsoever. (Shirish Shanbhag has an MSc in Organic Chemistry, a Diploma in Higher Education, and a Diploma in French and has completed his LL.B. in first class in 2021. Before his retirement, he was a junior college teacher at Patkar College from July 1980 to May 2012, teaching theoretical and practical chemistry. Post-retirement in 2012, he started providing guidance and counselling to people on several issues, specifically focusing on cooperative housing society-related matters. He has over 30 years of hands-on experience in all matters about housing societies and can provide out-of-box solutions for any practical issue.) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, has taken suo motu cognisance of two separate incidents of alleged police brutalityone involving the custodial death of an auto-rickshaw driver in Hyderabad (Telangana) and another concerning the assault of two journalists in Bhind district of Madhya Pradesh. In both cases, the Commission has issued notices to the respective state directors general of police (DGP), seeking detailed reports within two weeks. The first case pertains to the alleged custodial death of a 35-year-old man at Rajendranagar police station in Hyderabad. According to a media report, the victim had been taken to the police station by his wife to resolve a domestic dispute. After a counselling session, he was reportedly taken to a separate room by police personnel, where he was beaten with rubber belts. An hour later, he emerged from the station vomiting and collapsed. He was rushed to a hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Terming the reported incident a 'serious violation of human rights', NHRC has demanded a thorough report from the Telangana DGP. NHRCs action signals deep concern over the recurring instances of custodial violence and the urgent need for accountability mechanisms within the law enforcement system. In a separate but equally disturbing case, NHRC has also taken note of a press release issued by the Press Club of India (PCI) on 25 May 2025, reporting that two journalists were brutally manhandled by police officers in Bhind district in Madhya Pradesh. The incident reportedly occurred on 1 May 2025 and, as alleged, was carried out under the supervision of the district superintendent of police (DSP). The commission says the allegations, if proven true, amount to a grave violation of press freedom and the fundamental rights of the journalists involved. NHRC has issued a notice to the Madhya Pradesh DGP, calling for a comprehensive report on the matter within a fortnight. Further, it has expressed concern over the claim that the journalists were coerced into recording video statements falsely suggesting that the matter had been 'resolved'. NHRCs swift intervention in both cases underscores the growing concerns over misuse of police authority and infringement on civil liberties. Human rights groups have frequently flagged these issues, and recent incidents have renewed calls for independent oversight of law enforcement practices. While the commissions notices mark a crucial first step, activists and civil society observers stress that timely investigation, accountability, and structural reforms are necessary to prevent such incidents from recurring. In both Telangana and Madhya Pradesh, the focus will now be on the state responses and whether they result in disciplinary or legal action against those found culpable. The Mumbai bench of the income-tax appellate tribunal (ITAT) has delivered a significant ruling in favour of Percival Joseph Pereira, a non-resident senior citizen and overseas citizen of India (OCI) residing in Australia, by deleting a tax demand of Rs65.57 crore and a penalty of Rs20.10 crore levied on compensation he received for the compulsory acquisition of his land by the Maharashtra government. In an order passed on 19 May 2025, the ITAT bench of Amit Shukla (judicial member) and Girish Agrawal (accountant member) says, "We find that the taxability of additional compensation along with interest thereon received by the assessee falls in the proviso to Section 45(5)(b) (of the Income Tax (I-T) Act) making it subject to tax in the year when the final order is passed by the Bombay High Court (HC) against the appeal filed by the state of Maharashtra challenging the award given by the court of civil judge, senior division, Raigad at Alibag. Interest component of the additional compensation has to be treated similarly for the year of taxability and therefore similar view is taken for the same though it is chargeable to tax under Section 56(2)(viii) under head income from other sources. Accordingly, addition made by the assessing officer (AO) and sustained by the commissioner of I-T (appeals) (CIT(A)) for bringing it to tax in the year under consideration is deleted which in fact is to be brought to tax in the year when the final order is passed by the Bombay HC." "Since in the quantum appeal, addition has been deleted, the penalty imposed under Section 271(1)(c) on the said addition loses its ground. Sub-clause (iii) to Section 271(1)(c) provides for the imposition of a penalty on the amount of tax sought to be evaded by reason of concealment of particulars of income or furnishing of inaccurate particulars of income. In the present case, since the addition made by the AO, which tantamount to amount of tax to be evaded has been deleted, there is no occasion for imposition of penalty and hence the appeal contesting on imposition of penalty has a consequential bearing, making it liable to be deleted. The appeal filed by the assessee against the imposition of a penalty is thus allowed," the bench says. Mr Pereira owned a large tract of land 276,000sqmtr (square metres) in Panaje village in Raigad districtwhich was acquired by the state government in 1986.. Initially awarded only Rs14.49 lakh, he challenged the compensation before the civil judge (senior division) at Alibag. In April 2014, the court ruled in his favour, awarding enhanced compensation of Rs22.49 crore and directing interest payments amounting to Rs43.08 crore, totalling Rs65.57 crore. The Maharashtra government appealed against this enhanced award in the Bombay HC and obtained a conditional stay, requiring it to deposit the entire amount in court. Mr Pereira was allowed to withdraw the funds, subject to providing a bank guarantee and an indemnity bond. Mr Pereira filed his returns for assessment year (AY)1617, disclosing an income of Rs1.42 crore but did not offer the Rs65.57 crore to tax, citing it was received under an interim court order and was not final. However, based on the tax deducted at source (TDS) reported in form 26AS, the tax authorities reopened the case under Section 147 and taxed Rs22.49 crore as long-term capital gains under Section 45(5)(b) and Rs43.08 crore as interest income under Section 56(2)(viii). A total tax demand of Rs65.57 crore was raised, along with a penalty of Rs20.10 crore under Section 271(1)(c) for alleged concealment. The ITAT bench held that under the proviso to Section 45(5)(b)inserted by the Finance Act, 2014any compensation received pursuant to an interim court order is taxable only in the year when the final order is passed. Since the Bombay HCs appeal in Mr Pereiras case remains pending and the withdrawal of compensation was conditional (secured via guarantees), the tribunal noted that the amount lacked certainty and finality. The tribunal also rejected the tax departments reliance on earlier Supreme Court judgements such as CIT vs Ghanshyam (HUF), stating they were based on pre-2015 law and did not consider the current proviso inserted specifically to address such uncertainties. ITAT observed that since Mr Pereira was required to block 60% of the funds in a bank guarantee and provide an indemnity bond for the rest, he did not have full access or enjoyment of the money. Thus, taxation at this stage was premature. On this basis, the entire Rs65.57 crore addition was deleted. Consequently, the penalty of Rs20.10 crore under Section 271(1)(c) was also quashed. The bench noted that since the underlying additions no longer survive, there was no case of concealment or furnishing inaccurate particulars. It also pointed out that Mr Pereira had made a voluntary disclosure of the compensation receipt through a written submission to the assessing officer back in August 2016. This ruling offers important relief and clarity to taxpayers, especially non-residents and OCIs, who receive compensation under interim court orders. It reinforces that tax liability under Section 45(5)(b) is triggered only when finality is attained in compensation awards. (ITA Nos4661 & 4662/Mum/2024 Date: 19 May 2025) A dozen residents and several commissioners voiced opposition Wednesday night to having a Montana womens prison built and operated in Butte, saying it will lock the city into a prison town image it doesnt want. It will stifle economic growth, they said, rely on county services and infrastructure without paying property taxes and shouldnt be forced on Butte if Butte doesnt want it. I want to talk about some of the slogans we hear when we think about Butte, Kim Walsh-Daugherty told commissioners. We are the Can Do City. Butte America. Butte tough. Butte rats. I think when we think of all these sayings, we show a sense of pride and individuality with our great city. The term prison city is not the label that would leave the legacy a generational Butte family would be proud of so I would ask all of you to stay Butte tough and stick together and please dont let this happen, she said. The Montana Department of Corrections touted advantages of locating in Butte during a March presentation to council but said Billings, Jefferson County and Anaconda-Deer Lodge County also are being considered as sites for a new womens prison. DOC Director Brian Gootkin said it would create about 100 full-time jobs in Butte and under one possible scenario, Highlands College could finally be moved to the Montana Tech campus Uptown. But eight residents who spoke Wednesday night and four others who submitted letters all strongly opposed the possibility, and nobody spoke in favor. He (Gootkin) repeatedly framed the project as a win-win but in my opinion, its not a win-win, said resident Chris Pantano. Its a win for him. Its probably a win for the DOC and potentially Highlands College. But for Butte I think its a major loss, he said. Its a long-term rebranding of Butte as a prison town and a burden that we shouldnt place on this community or our children. The economic pitch is thin. Commissioners said they welcomed the input and though a few said they were neutral for now, four of them Eric Mankins, Josh ONeil, Bill Andersen and Trudy Healy said they are nos for now. Ive got more constituents who feel like you do, Healy said, looking at residents who spoke Wednesday night. I also will state that I feel like you do. I have a slogan I want to see star lights, not prison lights. After taking comments and discussing the issue amongst themselves, commissioners voted to send a letter to the DOC asking for more transparency about their intentions and ample time for local input. The letter is signed by Council Chairman John Morgan and was already backed by District 5 Commissioner Russell OLeary. The Legislature recently appropriated $250 million to address a growing female inmate population, including about $220 million toward construction of a new womens prison. But the DOC said this week that no decisions on a location have been made, it is committed to transparency and it is talking with civic leaders in other communities too, including Hardin and Boulder in Jefferson County. The DOC already owns 25 acres in south Butte and Butte-Silver Bows chief executive, J.P. Gallagher, has said the agency could build the prison here even if theres significant local opposition. The Legislature also authorized $50 million in spending authority that would allow Highlands College to move from the Flats in Butte to the Montana Tech campus Uptown. Commissioner Jim Fisher questioned the wisdom of sending the council letter to the DOC, suggesting it could backfire. We might just be poking the bear a little bit and Im not sure were the most popular people in Helena right now, he said. Sometimes you get a negative reaction you know, if they dont like you, maybe theyre going to make us have a prison that we dont want. Commissioners Michele Shea responded by saying, I dont have a problem poking the bear, and Andersen echoed that, saying, Im not afraid of upsetting a bureaucrat. Many of the residents who spoke have lived in Butte for years, but Jennifer Fry said she and her husband moved here a year ago from Phoenix. They liked the access to the outdoors, she said, and a vision rooted in the arts and small businesses and things like that we wanted to come here and experience and enjoy. So, you know, the prospect of something like this (a prison) really makes us re-evaluate our decision and if this was the right choice for us, she said. Montana officials and marijuana providers gathered in Helena this week to sort through the tenuous position of an industry with as much product as ever but only a single testing laboratory to verify its safely void of pesticides. While the number of testing labs has whittled down to a small few in recent years, things became acute in May after the state Cannabis Control Division expanded its list of pesticides required for testing in marijuana products before they are sold. In turn, state regulators suspended one of the two licensed testing laboratories from screening for pesticides because its methods were well outside of scientific standards required by the state, reportedly passing products that failed elsewhere. The Cannabis Control Division has launched investigations into lab discrepancies and issued recalls for products that have failed the new pesticide standards. But in the last month, only one lab Fidelity Diagnostics in Missoula remained fully licensed to certify marijuana products as safe. We are in a position, in my opinion, of great vulnerability, said J.D. Pepper Petersen, CEO of the Montana Cannabis Guild and owner of the Cannabis Corner in Helena. In a room below the Silver Star steakhouse in Helena, Petersen sat at a table with several state officials, including Cannabis Control Division Administrator Kristan Barbour. She and other CCD staff told providers and state lawmakers on the panel that 95% of products being tested are still passing the new pesticide panel and the recalls have affected a small number of products statewide. The biggest issue caused by the laboratory bottleneck, said cannabis laboratory program manager Kathy Wiegand-Palmer, is the delay in testing turnaround. What was a two-to-three-day timeframe is now closer to seven or 10 days, Fidelity lab director Andre Umansky told the Montana State News Bureau in May. Fidelity Diagnostics likewise deploys field technicians around the state to collect samples, with employees in Billings and Bozeman obligated to the single task of transportation. None of the 15 industry representatives in the room threw their support behind a letter circulating in the industry asking to sell untested marijuana products, but much was suggested on Wednesday about emergency rules state regulators could establish or regulatory loopholes they could exploit in order to keep the industry moving along. Barbour didnt bite. It is not the Cannabis Control Divisions charge to solve this particular issue, she told the room early in the panel discussion. Were as caught up in it as the rest of you, and I think there tends to be this blame game. Really, our job is to make sure that everyone is adhering to the regulations, and if they arent, we have to hold you accountable. Keith Erwin of Nordic Labs the shop recently suspended from testing pesticides told the Montana State News Bureau on Wednesday his shop is still actively testing products that dont need pesticide panels, primarily edibles and pre-rolled joints. Regulators and Nordic Labs are working toward correcting the labs methodologies, but Erwin said Wednesday the question of when his pesticide tests can go back online is out of Nordics hands. Erwin didnt attend the meeting in Helena but Nordics attorney, Chris Young, did. He asked the department staff whether the department was investigating the pesticide discrepancies between Nordic and Fidelity. Weve been investigating since this was brought to our attention, Wiegand-Palmer said, noting the two labs had presented different testing results on multiple pesticide samples. She and a team from CCD have been in contact with other states where the issue has emerged, as well as a laboratory accreditation organization. Being a scientist, conferring with other scientists, is part of the job to get to the bottom of an issue, she said. Some described the issue as a lack of federal standards; cannabis remains illegal at the national level. This array of methodologies produces a secondary issue, where providers may gravitate to one lab that, for example, produces test results with higher THC potency levels, theoretically giving their product more cachet with customers. If the situation presented a dire scenario to some, Kate Cholewa with the Montana Cannabis Industry Association noted the silver lining: the regulatory framework in this case kicked into gear exactly when it was supposed to. There was a problem; the system found it, she said Wednesday. Cholewa, who has been a key figure in the marijuana industrys often tumultuous timespan, had another bit of bright news to share. A new testing company is expected to turn in its application for licensure next week. Thats a positive development, she said. So when we think of solutions, or quick actions, there are some playing out. Legislative solutions The 2025 Legislature adjourned hardly a month ago, but Wednesdays meeting provided some material for lawmakers to begin mulling over as they work in the next 18 months to prepare for 2027. Reps. Scott Rosenzweig and Peter Strand, two Democrats from Bozeman, expressed interest in forming a new cannabis-focused caucus among lawmakers at the state Capitol. While sitting on Wednesdays panel, Rosenzweig said he believes Montanas marijuana market has largely been a success, but still described the gulf between lawmakers over the issue of marijuana use. Some people think all marijuana leads to meth, he said, drawing a few laughs from the crowd. Which is very strange to me, but for some people it is very real. Strand said there is bipartisan appetite for a robust regulatory framework among lawmakers. To the question of whether the state government should have a direct role in ensuring the supply chain doesnt collapse, he and Rosenzweig grappled with anything concrete beyond having a backup plan in place. I believe the industry needs to take care of itself, Strand said. But the government needs to be able to make sure its stable. The Economic Affairs Interim Committee, which in the past has been the main stage for legislative marijuana discussions, has set its first meeting for July 22. India has received significant support from global companies and investors during Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal's visit to Italy, as several leading Italian companies announced plans to expand their presence and double down on investments in the country. During the meeting with Union Commerce Minister, Italian automotive components manufacturer Carraro Group announced ambitious expansion plans for India. The company will commit to investing Euro 350 million over the next five to seven years, nearly doubling its current investment base. "We have invested around 200 million euros in India and currently employ 1,600 people. We want to increase our investment to 350 million euros in the next 5-7 years," Carraro Group Chairman Enrico Carraro told reporters. Francesco Sequi, CEO of Carraro India, emphasised the significant growth potential in the Indian market. "Investing in India has seen large growth for our business. Our business in India has a big space to grow. The Indian government is very helpful," Sequi said. Meanwhile, UFI Filters, a key player in filtration and thermal management technologies, also announced its decision to double its investment in India to meet rising demand and support local manufacturing. Speaking to media representatives following a meeting with the Commerce and Industry Minister, Girondi expressed confidence in the company's Indian operations and outlined ambitious growth targets for the region. Adding to the momentum, CEO Stefano Toschi announced that Italian speciality food company Toschi Vignola will significantly increase its business operations in India, leveraging the country's growing economy and evolving food preferences. "India is our main focus for the future, based on the growth and population of the country," Toschi told ANI. "India has love for traditional food, but Indians are also looking for Western foods, and that is the opportunity for companies like us," he added. The CEO emphasised that India's robust economic growth and the strong diplomatic relations between India and Italy create favourable conditions for business expansion. "India is a growing economy. The relationship between India and Italy is good for our business," he said. Toschi Vignola, with its flagship black cherry products, boasts more than 400 product references spanning fruit preserves, syrups, spirits, and coffee solutions. The company has established a strong presence in over 80 countries, serving bars, restaurants, ice cream shops, and pastry establishments worldwide. These developments, during the two-day visit to Italy, highlight the strengthening trade and investment ties between India and Italy, with Piyush Goyal's high-level engagements with top CEOs playing a catalytic role in attracting fresh investments.Piyush Goyal met the CEOs of several leading companies here. Apart from Giorgio Girondi, they included Stefano Toschi, CEO, Toschi Vignola; Marco Nocivelli, CEO, ERTA Refrigeration; Enrico Carraro, Chairman, Carraro Group; Daniele Forni, Managing Director, SOL Group; and Laura Tarquinio, Owner and CEO, iMoon lightning Srl. The announcements are seen as a significant push for the 'Make in India' and self-reliant manufacturing goals, while also boosting job creation and technology transfer. (ANI) VMPL Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 5: Uravi T & Wedge Lamps Limited (NSE Code: URAVI, BSE Code: 543930), one of the leading manufacturer and supplier of incandescent and wedge -based automotive lamps, is pleased to announce its Audited Financial Results for the Q4 FY25 & FY25. Key Financial Highlights Q4 FY25 Consolidated Financial Highlights: - Total Income of Rs11.73 Cr - EBITDA of Rs2.08 Cr - EBITDA Margin of 17.73% - PAT of Rs0.81 Cr - PAT Margin of 7.11% - Basic EPS of Rs0.84 FY25 Consolidated Financial Highlights: - Total Income of Rs44.60 Cr - EBITDA of Rs6.75 Cr - EBITDA Margin of 15.13% - PAT of Rs1.95 Cr - PAT Margin of 4.37% - Basic EPS of Rs2.31 Q4 FY25 Standalone Financial Highlights: - Total Income of Rs9.36 Cr - EBITDA of Rs1.82 cr - EBITDA Margin of 19.44% - PAT of Rs0.64 Cr - PAT Margin of 6.84% - Basic EPS of Rs0.58 FY25 Standalone Financial Highlights: - Total Income of Rs42.23 Cr - EBITDA of Rs6.49 Cr - EBITDA Margin of 15.37% - PAT of Rs1.79 Cr - PAT Margin of 4.24% - Basic EPS of Rs1.62 Commenting on this FY25 results, Mr. Niraj Gada, Managing Director and CEO said, "We are pleased to report a strong performance in FY25, marked by strategic growth, operational discipline, and our focused entry into the high-potential defence technology space. Our consolidated total income stood at Rs44.60 crore, reflecting the successful execution of our core manufacturing and distribution strategies across both automotive and defence segments. On the profitability front, we are pleased to report a consolidated net profit of Rs0.81 crore in Q4 FY25, reflecting a robust 161.28% growth over Q3 FY25. For the full year, we achieved a consolidated net profit of Rs1.95 crore, driven by enhanced operational efficiency, disciplined cost management, and an optimized product mix. From a segment perspective, our defence division contributed Rs2.23 crore in revenue during FY25, highlighting the strategic value of our diversification efforts. Meanwhile, the automotive segment remained strong, generating Rs41.27 crore in revenue, supported by consistent demand and ongoing product innovation. This year was also notable for our strategic acquisitions and expansion efforts. We increased our equity stake in SKL (India) Private Limited to 50.01%, thereby converting it into a subsidiary, and incorporated Bharat Technology Limited in the UK as a wholly owned subsidiary. These steps are aligned with our broader vision of creating a diversified and globally integrated defence and engineering technology company. Looking ahead, we are confident about sustaining our growth momentum. With an expanding product portfolio, enhanced manufacturing capabilities, and a robust presence across critical sectors, we are well-positioned to capitalize on opportunities both in India and international markets. Our strong order book, commitment to innovation, and focus on operational excellence will continue to drive long-term value for all stakeholders." About Uravi T & Wedge Lamps Limited Incorporated in 2004, Uravi T & Wedge Lamps Limited is the leading manufacturer and supplier of incandescent and wedge -based automotive lamps. They take pride in being the largest manufacturers of automotive lamps for instrument clusters in India, as well as the second - largest in the automotive signalling and parking lamps segment for OEMs. The company is specialized in delivering tailored solutions for both OEM and aftermarket sectors. Under the brand name "UVAL," the company offers a range of automotive lighting products, including stoplights, taillights, indicators, and wedge base lamps. Their distribution network covers India, and they actively seek opportunities to expand globally through partnerships with potential dealers. In a strategic move to diversify into the high-growth defense sector, the company acquired 50.01% stake in SKL India Pvt. Ltd. in September 2024. In FY25, the company recorded a consolidated Revenue of Rs 44.60 Crores, achieved an EBITDA of Rs 6.75 Crores, and Net Profit of Rs 1.95 Crores. Disclaimer This document contains forward-looking statements, which are not historical facts and are subject to risks and uncertainties such as government actions, local developments, and technological risks. The Company is not responsible for any actions taken based on these statements and does not commit to publicly updating them to reflect future events or circumstances. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) SMPL New Delhi [India], June 5: As the NEET UG 2025 results approach, Indian students face tough decisions regarding medical education options amid limited government seats and high private college fees. In this context, the Philippines is emerging as a key destination for Indian students seeking MBBS degrees abroad. In a recent move aimed at promoting tourism, the Philippines government announced visa-free entry for Indian nationals for stays of up to 14 days. While primarily intended to boost tourism, this new policy has presented an unexpected advantage for Indian students and their families considering medical education in the country. The visa-free window allows them to visit campuses, interact with faculty, understand the academic environment, and evaluate infrastructure--without the burden of undergoing a lengthy visa process. "Being able to see and feel where you're going to study -- that changes everything for families making this important decision," says Kadwin Pillai, Managing Director of Transworld Educare and Director of Kings International Medical Academy. "The Philippines is not just welcoming students; it's giving them the confidence to choose wisely." The Philippines has steadily gained popularity among Indian medical aspirants due to its unique advantages. One of the key draws is that the medium of instruction is English, eliminating the language barriers that often deter students from considering non-English-speaking countries. Additionally, the medical curriculum in the Philippines is based on the US education system, which offers an international standard of learning and exposure. Another significant advantage is the clinical training that students receive during their course. The Philippines has a tropical climate and disease patterns that are similar to those in India. This means Indian students studying there are exposed to medical conditions they are likely to encounter in their future practice back home, providing them with valuable and relevant clinical experience. Cost is another crucial factor influencing the decision. Studying MBBS in the Philippines is substantially more affordable compared to private medical colleges in India or even other popular international destinations like the USA, UK, or Australia. Tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs are comparatively lower, making it an accessible option for a broader segment of Indian students. The country has also taken progressive steps to reform its medical education system. Recent updates to the Philippines Medical Act now allow international graduates from CHED-accredited (Commission on Higher Education) institutions to register and practice medicine in the country after completing their internship. These reforms are seen as a step forward in aligning the country's medical education with international standards and enhancing its global appeal. For Indian students, this development is particularly important. The updated policy is in line with the Indian Medical Commission's framework, which means students can choose to either pursue a career in the Philippines or return to India and appear for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) or NEXT, as required by Indian regulatory bodies. Industry experts suggest that the visa exemption comes at a crucial time. With over 20 lakh students appearing for NEET UG annually and only about one lakh government MBBS seats available, many students inevitably look toward foreign universities. The ability to physically visit institutions and make informed decisions before committing to a multi-year course is expected to positively impact the decision-making process. Currently, several CHED-accredited medical institutions in the Philippines are actively enrolling Indian students. In response to increasing demand, many universities have started offering additional support services, including Indian food, academic counselling, and preparation guidance for Indian licensing exams. These initiatives are aimed at easing the transition for Indian students and creating a more supportive academic environment. As student interest grows, the Philippines continues to strengthen its position as a medical education hub in Asia through ongoing policy reforms, improved accessibility, and cultural openness. The country's friendly diplomatic ties with India further support this dynamic, making it easier for students and institutions to collaborate across borders. As Indian students prepare for their next steps after NEET UG 2025, the Philippines stands out as a practical and accessible option for those seeking a quality medical education abroad offering a compelling mix of affordability, academic credibility, and supportive policy frameworks. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by SMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) PNN New Delhi [India], June 5: NPAs have been impacting the growth and profitability of India's banking sector. With more than 80% of SARFAESI cases disputed by borrowers and recovery timelines running into several years, financial institutions have been stuck in an inefficient loop that technology startup 'Resollect' hopes to solve. Manually and branch-dependent processes not only breed inefficiencies in debt recovery but also leave banks vulnerable to huge regulatory risks due to compliance gaps. Over 40% of delayed cases could be processed just through the availability of automated workflows tracking actions and ensuring compliance, a bottleneck costing the industry millions every year. Abhishek Rao, former consultant with the Boston Consulting Group and distressed investment professional saw the magnitude of this underserved market. Having seen firsthand how NPAs are managed by banks that have little or no technology integration, he seized a huge opportunity to revolutionize the space through automation and data-driven solutions. "Current workflows in handling NPAs are fundamentally flawed," says Abhishek, an industry expert who also happens to be the All India Rank 2 holder in the Chartered Accountancy examinations. "Banks rely on Excel spreadsheets and manual procedures for something that ought to be highly automated and compliance-driven. This increases operational costs and also diminishes recovery efficiency." Abhishek's 'Resollect' is the ultimate solution but in the approach of debt recovery by institutions. This AI-powered platform creates an integrated ecosystem for banks, legal teams, and recovery agencies, automating complex recovery processes while keeping full regulatory compliance. While current solutions mainly focus on early bucket collections, 'Resollect' takes on the much tougher late-stage recovery and secured lending management. The platform's approach is indeed holistic, covering all the NPA lifecycle stages-from pre-collection risk assessment to post-write-off recovery plans. AI-driven segmentation and risk ranking allow lenders to detect imminent problem loans well before they become critical. The system's automated workflow capabilities eliminate many manual tasks, up to 60%, whereas real-time tracking ensures that no case slips through administrative cracks. What differentiates 'Resollect' from other fintechs is its focus on a truly underserved market segment. Existing technology solutions in the financial services space primarily focus on consumer lending or early-stage collections; Abhishek and his team built specialized tools for the nuanced space of secured lending and agency management within post-NPA workflows. A perfect illustration of this strategic approach is the strategy builder tool within the platform, which enables institutions to craft, implement, and fine-tune recovery strategies using an intuitive drag-and-drop interface. Ready-made templates alongside customizable parts guarantee fulfillment of even the most intricate regulatory demands while keeping the operation effective. The system will automatically generate triggers for specific intervals and standardize processes to perpetually comply with RBI and SARFAESI requirements. Abhishek's vision has recently been validated with a pre-seed funding round led by the well-known venture capital firm Antler, along with strategic angel investors such as senior chartered accountant Mr. Sudhir Prabhu and others. This fund will help 'Resollect' improve product offerings and broaden service capabilities in the niche NPA management space. "What truly stood out to us about Resollect was not just the scale of the opportunity, but the sharp clarity of the team's vision. They're addressing one of the most intricate and underserved challenges in lending with a highly strategic, tech-powered approach. By seamlessly connecting fragmented players, from NBFCs and recovery agencies to auction participants, Resollect is building the foundation for a more transparent, efficient, and scalable recovery ecosystem. The team's deep industry expertise and hands-on operational experience give them a unique competitive edge, and we're confident they are well-positioned to become a key enabler of India's financial infrastructure," says Nitin Sharma, Partner at Antler in India. The impact of such technological intervention is realized not just in operational efficiency but also in recovery outcomes. Industry statistics indicate that a best-recovery process can drive costs down by nearly 30% while bottom-line performance gets boosted by 2% and lending capacity increases by another 8%. In an industry that plays with thousands of crores in distressed assets, these tweaks translate into massive economic benefits. 'Resollect' offers a rich functionality for all the pain points experienced with traditional recovery processes. With automated notice generation, there is no room for error in compliance. Structured updates along with order summaries are provided through real-time tracking of cases. Recovery marketplace within the platform connects institutions to verified legal vendors and recovery agents, thereby automating task delegation and performance evaluation. Such demand will only grow for innovative NPA management solutions as India's financial sector continues to evolve and the regulatory framework becomes increasingly complex. (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) PRNewswire Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 5: On the occasion of World Environment Day, Hettich India reiterates its longstanding commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable innovation. As a pioneer in the global furniture fittings sector, Hettich continues to align its operations with practices that reduce environmental impact, promote resource efficiency, and contribute mindfully to a greener future. Sustainability is deeply embedded in the company's ethos. In India, all Hettich manufacturing units operate as zero-discharge facilities, ensuring that no industrial waste is released into the environment. Additionally, a growing share of the company's energy needs is met through renewable sources such as solar and wind power; significantly reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Andre Eckholt, Managing Partner, Hettich Group, said: "For us, sustainability is a core value and not just another obligation. We believe that progress must never come at the cost of the planet. Our continued investments in green energy and clean manufacturing reflect our commitment to a better tomorrow." As part of its global sustainability roadmap, Hettich is working toward achieving carbon neutrality across all sites by the year 2030. This includes the adoption of CO2-reduced steel in manufacturing, an initiative already underway in Germany that cuts carbon emissions by up to 70%. These efforts are complemented by the company's growing focus on digitization and automation to enhance process efficiency while minimizing waste. Moreover, to strengthen its sustainable supply chain and amplify its environmental impact across the value chain, Hettich India is actively engaging with eco-conscious suppliers and partners. This World Environment Day, Hettich India reiterates its vision to drive innovation that is not only efficient and cutting-edge but also environmentally responsible. As industries worldwide pivot toward greener production practices, Hettich is proud to be part of the solution by delivering high-quality products while protecting the ecosystems that sustain us all. About Hettich India: Hettich India is a subsidiary of the Hettich Group, one of the world's largest manufacturers of furniture fittings. With a strong presence across India, Hettich is committed to quality, innovation, and sustainable growth through responsible industrial practices. Corporate Sustainability: https://corporate.hettich.com/en-de/sustainability Contact:Samina Zaidi,Mob: +91 8655706940Email: samina.zaidi@hettich.com Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2703402/Hettich_Forum.jpgLogo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2437651/Hettich_Logo.jp (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) PRNewswire Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 5: Pilgrim, one of India's fastest-growing clean beauty brands, has made a spectacular entry into the booming Rs6,000 Crore lips category within the rapidly expanding makeup segment. In just seven months, the brand has achieved viral success by selling over 500,000 units of its Matte Me Up Bullet Lipstick, Liquid Lipstick, and the first-of-its-kind Dubai Bling Glitter Lipstick--cementing its position as one of India's fastest-selling clean beauty lipstick brands. A key driver of this phenomenal growth has been Pilgrim's robust creator-led strategy, involving more than 1,000 influencers, from top-tier influencers to an engaged army of micro-influencers. Their campaigns for the Glitter Lipstick and Matte Me Up Liquid and Bullet Lipsticks generated over 100 million impressions across social media platforms.The excitement created among Gen Z and Millennials led to the lipsticks selling out twice in just six months, with the brand clocking an impressive sale of one lipstick every minute. "This isn't just makeup -- it's skincare-infused colour innovation," said Gagandeep Makker, Co-founder of Pilgrim. "Every launch is shaped in close collaboration with our community. Our customers repeatedly expressed the need for a hydrating formula that does not compromise on rich colour payoff. That is how our Intensely Pigmented Bullet Lipsticks were born, formulated with hydrating and skin-nourishing ingredients like Spanish Squalane and Hyaluronic Acid. Our collections don't just deliver performance; they tell visual stories that celebrate individuality, global cultures, and our clean beauty ethos." Pilgrim's makeup collections are designed to offer visually immersive experiences, often inspired by rich global cultural narratives. The Dubai Bling Glitter Lipstick campaign, for instance, showcased the dazzling, unique glitter finish and featured iconic shades named after the opulent Dubai lifestyle--The Khalifa, My Habibi, and Royal Noor, becoming instant best-sellers among Gen Z and Millennials alike. Meanwhile, the Spanish Collection drew inspiration from the passionate world of Flamenco dancers from Spain. Influencers embraced this theme by recreating the Spanish Senorita look, complete with roses in their hair and bold makeup, sparking a viral trend among nano-influencers and consumers. The Bullet Lipsticks also received praise for their luxurious packaging, creamy formulation, and inclusive shade range that caters to diverse Indian skin tones--truly, there is a shade for everyone. Pilgrim stands out with its skin-first approach to beauty, partnering with global manufacturers to create state-of-the-art products backed by world-class quality and innovation. Each product is thoughtfully formulated with skincare ingredients, delivering not just colour, but care. Today, the makeup range includes over 100 SKUs, featuring serum foundations, concealers, blushes, eyeshadows, eyeliners, mascaras, and primers, but it's the lip category that has firmly positioned Pilgrim as a disruptor in the Indian makeup space. Building on this momentum, Pilgrim plans to launch 50+ new products in 2025, reinforcing its vision to innovate at the intersection of beauty, skincare, and community. About Pilgrim Pilgrim, a pioneering digital-native beauty brand, is redefining India's beauty landscape. Launched in 2020, Pilgrim swiftly captured the hearts of modern consumers with its innovative, world ingredients-focused approach. The brand's philosophy centres on discovering global beauty secrets and blending them with cutting-edge science to deliver effective, accessible products. Pilgrim's diverse portfolio, spanning skincare, haircare and colour cosmetics, caters to a nationwide audience through its website, app, and major e-commerce platforms. By prioritizing transparency and quality, Pilgrim has cultivated a loyal customer base, serving over a million consumers monthly. For more information, visit: www.discoverpilgrim.com Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2704006/Pilgrim_Viral_Lipsticks.jpgLogo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2642868/5354944/pilgrim_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 Birmingham [England], June 5: The West Midlands Growth Company (WMGC) - the region's official investment promotion agency - will launch its 2025 Global Growth Programme at a special breakfast event on Wednesday 11th June during London Tech Week. The launch of the unique UK market entry programme follows the success of the 2024 programme, which supported 17 innovation-led, high-growth international and UK companies to create over 300 jobs in the West Midlands. The West Midlands Breakfast Takeover will take place from 9am at The Shard in partnership with Warwick Business School, showcasing the West Midlands' world-class innovation strengths and the opportunities on offer for ambitious, fast-growing businesses. The Global Growth Programme, now in its third consecutive year, is a fully-funded, nine month package of support for international technology companies looking to make their mark in the region. The programme offers fully sponsored workspace at a choice of six innovation hubs across Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Coventry. Companies on the programme choose from 20 specialist sector support packages, designed around four key sectors - Health Tech, Clean Tech, Digital Tech and Future Mobility. These packages are designed to optimise market entry success by providing companies with access to commercial networks, R&D assets and innovation centres across the region. The programme provides bespoke support to streamline the UK investment process for international businesses, from market entry to help with visas and sourcing accommodation. It is supported by a number of innovation focused partners including: Innovate UK and the Connected Places Catapult, as part of the DIATOMIC Innovation Accelerator Programme; Midlands Innovation, as part of the 'Invest in UK University R&D Midlands Campaign'; Bruntwood SciTech, STEAMhouse, University of Wolverhampton Science Park, University of Warwick Science Park and Tyseley Energy Park. The success of West Midlands Global Growth Programme (2024/25) was enabled by funding partners: Connected Places Catapult, as part of the DIATOMIC Innovation Accelerator Programme; and by Midlands Innovation, as part of the 'Invest in UK University R&D Midlands Campaign'. As part of The West Midlands Breakfast Takeover, Taras Matselyukh, CEO at Netherlands-based OPT/NET, which delivers high quality AI solutions and software for critical infrastructure systems operators, will speak about his experience of taking part in the West Midlands Global Growth Programme and reasons for investing in Birmingham. Neil Rami, chief executive of the West Midlands Growth Company, said: "There's never been a more exciting time to be part of the West Midlands' business ecosystem; its burgeoning tech sector, world-class talent pool and exceptional R&D infrastructure make it the ideal environment for innovation-led international companies to turbocharge their expansion plans. "Over the past two years, our Global Growth Programme has proven a successful blueprint, providing disruptive and dynamic international companies like OPT/NET with the right support to realise their UK growth ambitions. I look forward to working with a whole new wave of companies in 2025." Taras Matselyukh, CEO at OPT/NET, said: "With its strong pipeline of potential clients and a world-class R&D ecosystem, Birmingham's STEAMhouse was the clear choice for our new UK hub. Supported by the West Midlands Global Growth Programme, we've rapidly established valuable partnerships, enhanced our UK market presence, and gained an ideal environment to continue next-gen development of OPT/NET's flagship product - OptOSS AI." 15 places are available for the West Midlands Global Growth Programme for 2025. Businesses can find out whether they're eligible to apply and register their interest here. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2702235/WMGC_Photo.jpgLogo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2702236/WMGC_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) Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], June 5: IHub-Data, IIIT Hyderabad, is organizing a three-day hands-on workshop titled "IoT-AI for Healthcare", scheduled from June 23 to 25, 2025. This immersive short-term course aims to bridge the gap between healthcare and cutting-edge technology by equipping students with practical skills in integrating Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for real-world healthcare applications. The workshop offers a unique opportunity for participants to explore how AI and IoT technologies can be applied to modern medical challenges. Through expert-led sessions, interactive demonstrations, and project-based learning modules, participants will gain hands-on experience with microcontrollers such as ESP32 and Raspberry Pi, biomedical sensors, and wireless communication modules. Key learning outcomes include deploying machine learning models on edge devices, working with real-time data from smart sensors, integrating cloud-based services, and building live dashboards to monitor health metrics remotely. Additionally, participants will receive instruction on basic PCB design, allowing them to prototype and take home their own custom-built hardware developed during the course. This workshop is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students from engineering, science, and computer application backgrounds. Those with prior exposure to electronics, programming, or IoT concepts will especially benefit from the in-depth, application-driven curriculum. All selected participants will receive a complimentary IoT hardware kit for hands-on experimentation during and after the workshop. Important Dates:Workshop dates: June 23-25, 2025Last date to register: June 15, 2025 About IHub-Data, IIIT Hyderabad:IHub-Data is a premier Technology Innovation Hub focused on data-driven technologies and interdisciplinary research. It is hosted at IIIT Hyderabad under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS), supported by the Government of India. For registrations and inquiries, contact:Name: Satyam MishraEmail: satyam.mishra@ihub-data.iiit.ac.inPhone: +91 9910614849Website: https://tinyurl.com/ydrpnvm8 (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) PNN New Delhi [India], June 5: In a modest classroom on the edge of Gurugram's industrial belt, twelve-year-old Khushi taps through her GyanTantra module with quiet focus. Today's story--told through animated visuals in Hindi--is about courage, narrated through a lion's journey that gently instills values. With Environment Day approaching, Khushi proudly shares her favourite lesson on sanitation with her friends. It's a story that explains why defecating in the open harms not just health, but the ecosystem. That day, Khushi became an ambassador of change. From Streets to Classrooms - A Mission with Meaning GyanTantra began with a simple yet determined mission: to bring street children back into learning. Back then, laptops were unaffordable luxuries. But as Capt. Indraani Singh recalls, "Not trying was never an option. I remember a teacher sitting by the roadside with a laptop, determined to teach. It worked. Many of those children are now responsible, educated adults." In West Bengal's Purulia, at the Lowakui Forest Centre, laptops were carried miles into town just to be charged--then brought back so children could learn. In remote villages of Rajasthan, the GyanRath--an electric vehicle fitted with GyanTantra-powered tablets--delivered not just lessons, but a sense of possibility. Built for the Children the System Forgot GyanTantra wasn't designed for ideal classrooms. It was created for children who live on the move, who learn through stories, who speak in dialects, and who are often the first in their families to attend school. The platform offers bilingual, story-based, non-ranking education tailored to each learner's pace. Whether accessed through basic desktops or modern tablets, the experience is complemented by printed storybooks and notebooks. From off-grid centres in Jharkhand to urban shelters in Delhi, the platform adapts to each context--anchored always in dignity and access. Real Stories, Quiet Transformation * Roshni, once an introvert with a quick temper, mellowed through GyanTantra's value education. She now mediates peer conflicts. * Seema, daughter of a small shopkeeper, gained confidence in math and now helps manage her family's accounts. * Mohit, energetic but often distracted, found focus through the coding module. "Coding makes me calm. I feel like I build things," he shares. * Sonu, inspired by health awareness stories, now speaks out against tobacco use in his neighbourhood. * Nisha no longer felt judged, as her teacher became the virtual "Reema Didi." Many girls who had never been given the chance to learn have now completed their basic education. * Rishi and Sonika, who spoke only Bengali and Gujarati, learned Hindi and English after their families migrated to Delhi. Teachers are witnessing the shift. "Earlier, holding their attention was tough," says Renu, a teacher at Literacy India's Noida Centre. "Now, they look forward to stories, discussions, and even ask for extra time to explore new modules. What's changed isn't just their marks--it's their curiosity, behaviour, and confidence." Hard Work, Not Headlines GyanTantra didn't grow from idealism alone. It was built through grit. Rain-soaked roads didn't stop facilitators from delivering laptops on scooters. Power cuts and community resistance didn't stall the work. The pedagogy was revised again and again based on real feedback from the field. The journey was--and remains--intensive. As Capt. Singh reflects, "We built this not just to keep children in school, but to make them enjoy learning. For many, that joy had been missing. Now, we see them stay, grow, and dream bigger." Learning for Life, Not Just Exams Beyond basic literacy and numeracy, GyanTantra now includes: * Coding - Teaching logic, creativity, and digital fluency * Environmental Awareness - Fostering care for nature and sustainability * Life Skills & Adolescent Health - Covering hygiene, safety, and emotional well-being * Value Education - Instilling empathy, cooperation, and ethics * Toilet Story - Teaching sanitation and hygiene, with children becoming storytellers in their own communities * Good Touch-Bad Touch - Creating safe spaces for dialogue; even boys once hesitant now engage in teamwork and storytelling Technologically, GyanTantra has evolved from Flash-based software to a robust HTML5 platform with an intuitive LMS that tracks and adapts to each child's learning level. Even in classrooms without a regular teacher, children can learn independently--through visuals, music, and culturally rooted narratives. Measured in Children, Not Just Numbers To date, GyanTantra has reached over 350,000 children, with 50,000 successfully mainstreamed into formal schooling. By 2030, Literacy India aims to reach 500,000 children, working in partnership with NGOs, corporate CSR initiatives, and government schools. It has been implemented across 18 states and continues to grow. But growth is not the only goal. What matters most is depth--ensuring every child, regardless of background, experiences the dignity and joy of learning. Shaping Change, One Child at a Time GyanTantra was never meant to impress. It was designed to interrupt systemic neglect--and replace it with relevance, respect, and resilience. It makes learning feel familiar, joyful, and empowering. The change it brings is often quiet. You see it when a child who once never spoke now teaches others. When a girl speaks confidently about hygiene. When parents--once unsure--begin to hope again. That's how GyanTantra creates change. Not through headlines, but through real, human-centred transformation. (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) VMPL New Delhi [India], June 5: QRIS HEALTH, one of Delhi NCR's trusted diagnostic labs, is excited to introduce its brand-new mobile app for both Android and iOS. The app is created to make healthcare easier and faster, letting you take care of all your diagnostic needs right from your phone--whenever and wherever you want. With technology becoming an integral part of modern healthcare, Qris Health is focused on delivering patient-friendly digital solutions that break down traditional barriers like waiting times and report delays. The app allows seamless test booking, scheduling of free home sample collections, instant digital reports, and a host of advanced health management features. "The healthcare industry is evolving fast, and patients expect convenience without compromising quality," said Dr. Abhimanyu Bhatia, Founder and Director of Qris Health. "Our mobile app embodies this shift by placing diagnostics at users' fingertips and making health monitoring a simple, transparent, and enjoyable experience." Whether you're looking to book a Full Body Checkup in Delhi, monitor your thyroid levels, or keep tabs on blood sugar with a Diabetes Test, Qris Health's app covers it all -- with just a few taps. Comprehensive App Features to Empower Your Health Qris Health's new app offers a rich set of features that go far beyond traditional diagnostics, tailored to meet the needs of today's health-conscious consumers: -Blood Test Booking: Book pathology tests and health checkups quickly with an easy-to-navigate interface. Popular tests include Liver Function Test (LFT), Kidney Function Test (KFT), Lipid Profile, Thyroid Profile, and specialized panels like PCOD Profile and Anemia Panel. -Imaging Tests and Scans: Schedule X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs, and other imaging services seamlessly. -Health Score & BMI Score: Get personalized health assessments with integrated scoring systems for ongoing wellness monitoring. -Find Nearby Doctors: Locate and connect with trusted medical specialists near you for consultations or referrals. -Men and Women Wellness Programs: Specialized packages covering key areas such as Female Disorders, Menopause, Female Infertility, Male Infertility, Mental Health, and Men's Performance. -Free Home Sample Collection: Certified phlebotomists collect samples from your doorstep anywhere across Delhi NCR. -Instant Digital Reports: Secure, timely, and easily accessible reports on your phone -- no more paperwork. -Personal Health Records: Maintain a digital health journal with all your previous reports and test results saved automatically. -Dedicated Support Chat: Get real-time assistance with bookings, queries, and report clarifications. -And Much More: Features are continually expanded based on user feedback and emerging healthcare trends. Exciting Cashback and Discount Offers To celebrate the launch and encourage adoption, Qris Health is introducing attractive financial benefits for users: -Flat 40% Discount on the very first test booked via the app for new users. -Rs. 50 Signup Bonus credited instantly on registration, usable for future bookings. -100% Cashback on Every Blood Test: Every blood test done through the app earns 100% cashback that can be redeemed as discounts on subsequent bookings, making regular health monitoring affordable and rewarding. These offers are part of Qris Health's vision to promote preventive healthcare and digital adoption in Delhi NCR. Bringing Healthcare Home -- Literally We get it. Life is busy, and sometimes visiting a lab just is not convenient. That is why we made free home sample collection available for all users -- no catches, no hidden terms. Whether you are at work, home, or anywhere else in Delhi NCR, our team will come to you. Our phlebotomists follow strict safety measures so you can feel safe and comfortable throughout the process. "It's all about making healthcare easier to access without compromising quality or safety," says Dr. Bhatia. "We want everyone to feel confident managing their health." A Community-Focused Approach Delhi NCR is a big place with many different health needs. Qris Health's new app is designed to serve everyone -- from the bustling heart of Delhi to the growing suburbs like Noida, Gurgaon, and Faridabad. Wherever you are, high-quality diagnostics are now just a few taps away. Looking ahead, Qris Health plans to keep improving the app with new features like personalized health tips and smart reminders -- all to help you stay healthy and informed. About Qris Health Qris Health is more than just a lab. It is a team of health professionals committed to accurate results, hygiene, and patient care. For years, people across Delhi NCR have trusted Qris Health for their diagnostic needs. Now, with this app, we are making it even easier for you to take charge of your health. Contact Information: Qris Health Support Line: +91 92-895-896-92 Email: info@qrishealth.com Website: https://qrishealth.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) Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia on Thursday said Elon Musk's Starlink will be the third satellite internet company to be given a license for providing services in India. So far, Bharti's OneWeb and Reliance Jio have received a license from the Department of Telecom, government of India, the minister told reporters. "In the coming days, the third license will be provided," he said, referring to Starlink. Once licenses are given, the minister said the spectrum would be allocated to them. "And after this, the government will provide the spectrum. Subsequently, satellite telecom services will be fully operational in the country at a rapid pace. I am sure the customer base in India will grow substantially," the minister added. "Starlink's satellite connectivity is like a new flower in the telecom bouquet," he said, explaining the progress of the telecom ecosystem in the country. "Earlier, there was only a fixed line. Today, there is mobile connectivity and broadband connectivity. Optical fibre connectivity has also come in. Along with these, satellite connectivity is also very important," he quipped. Scindia asserted that internet penetration can only be increased through satellite communication services, especially in remote areas where laying wires and installing towers would be difficult. Recently, Airtel and Jio have also partnered with Starlink to bring the latter's high-speed satellite internet services to their customers in India. Starlink will use Airtel and Jio's strong dealership network to sell and promote its services. Satellite telecom in India will help the country provide much-needed services in remote interior places where conventional telecom services tend to be costly. Starlink's entry into India has gained currency lately, with Donald Trump winning the US presidency for a second term. Elon Musk is a close aide of President Trump. In mid-April, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal met a delegation from Elon Musk-owned satellite internet services company Starlink. Their discussions covered "Starlink's cutting-edge technology platform, their existing partnerships and future investment plans in India," Minister Goyal had then said in a post on X. (ANI) India PR Distribution New Delhi [India], June 5: Optician India Magazine is honored to announce the publication of a groundbreaking and insightful article penned by Mr. Amarbir Singh, a distinguished luxury expert and the Head of India, On the Board of Directors for Kering Eyewear. Singh, whose strategic vision and extensive experience also benefit the Board of Directors of Kering Eyewear India, brings an unparalleled perspective to the evolving world of luxury eyewear in the Indian market. This exclusive feature article, now available to a broad readership, delves deeply into the dynamic landscape of premium optical fashion. Amarbir Singh offers his expert insights into crucial market trends, the relentless pursuit of innovation within the industry, and his compelling vision for the future trajectory of luxury eyewear in India. His profound understanding of the sector, cultivated over years of dedicated involvement, positions this article as an indispensable resource. It is a must-read not only for seasoned professionals and industry insiders but also for enthusiasts who are passionate about the intersection of style, technology, and luxury in the optical domain. The article promises to illuminate the nuanced factors shaping consumer preferences and the strategic directions brands are taking to meet an increasingly sophisticated demand. The publication underscores a significant shift in how eyewear is perceived, moving beyond its fundamental utility to become a potent symbol of status, personal expression, and even a form of art. Mr. Singh's analysis highlights how the luxury eyewear market in India is currently experiencing robust and steady growth. This impressive expansion is primarily fueled by a burgeoning increase in consumer spending power, a heightened appreciation for the prestige and heritage associated with luxury brands, and continuous, rapid advancements in design and manufacturing technology. These elements collectively contribute to a vibrant and expanding market, attracting both established global players and emerging domestic brands. A core theme explored within the article is the profound emotional appeal that luxury eyewear commands. As Amarbir Singh eloquently articulates, wearing luxury eyewear transcends a mere functional purpose; it engages the senses and evokes deep, visceral emotions. The tactile experience of high-quality materials, the precision of design, and the meticulous attention to detail all contribute to a heightened sense of satisfaction and confidence for the wearer. Luxury eyewear, in this context, becomes much more than an accessory; it transforms into a powerful medium for self-expression, serving as a natural extension of the wearer's identity and personal brand. It allows individuals to project their unique style, values, and aspirations without uttering a single word. Furthermore, Mr. Singh elaborates on how leading luxury brands ingeniously create extreme value in their offerings. This is achieved by continually pushing the boundaries of innovation and style, introducing novel designs, and integrating cutting-edge technologies. These brands are adept at imbuing their products with intangible values that extend far beyond mere functionality. This includes the narratives of their rich histories and traditions, the legacy of exceptional craftsmanship, and the allure of exclusivity. By connecting consumers to this deep heritage of artistry and pioneering innovation, luxury eyewear pieces become not just purchases, but investments in a story, a legacy, and a personal statement. Exclusivity and status are inherently woven into the fabric of luxury eyewear. The article emphasizes how limited editions, bespoke creations, and personalized offerings significantly enhance the emotional and intrinsic value of these pieces. Consumers are increasingly seeking unique items that set them apart, and luxury eyewear brands respond by offering products that are not mass-produced but rather carefully curated and often handcrafted. This emphasis on rarity and individuality transforms eyewear into coveted collectibles, holding both sentimental and, in some cases, investment value. The desire for unique pieces that truly reflect individual style is a growing trend, and brands that can deliver on this promise are well-positioned for sustained success. Looking ahead, Amarbir Singh anticipates a substantial and growing demand for bespoke and customized luxury eyewear in India. As consumer awareness and appreciation for personalized luxury increase, individuals will seek out pieces that are uniquely tailored to their preferences, reflecting their distinct personality and aesthetic. Luxury brands that prioritize offering exclusivity, meticulously crafted limited editions, and the work of artisan craftsmanship are strategically poised to not only thrive but also to redefine the market. These brands are on the cusp of transforming eyewear from a necessary optical aid into a truly desired and valuable collectible, cherished for its beauty, individuality, and the story it embodies. The full content of this insightful article is now readily accessible on Optician India Magazine's official website. Readers are encouraged to access the complete feature by visiting the following link: Optician India Magazine Article. For media inquiries, interviews, or further information, please contact: Optician India Magazine Email: editor@opticianindia.com Phone: +918360658204 About Optician India Magazine Optician India Magazine stands as a premier publication dedicated to the vibrant and ever-evolving optical industry. It consistently delivers in-depth analysis, expert opinions from leading figures, and the most current updates on eyewear trends, groundbreaking technology, and critical market insights. With a commitment to excellence, the magazine serves as an essential guide for anyone connected to or interested in the optical sector. Optician India Website (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) Christel Schaldemose, the Vice-President of the European Parliament in charge of Asia, expressed optimism on Thursday about the finalisation of an impending trade deal between the EU and India. Talking to ANI after an all-party Indian delegation met her as part of India's anti-terror outreach post Operation Sindoor, she said she was looking forward to the negotiations to finalise a trade agreement and other agreements between the EU and India. "India is an amazing country, and we could learn a lot from them... I'm looking forward to the negotiations to finalise a trade agreement and other agreements between the EU and India," Christel Schaldemose said. On the meeting with the BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad-led multi-party delegation, she said, "I was grateful to meet this important delegation from India. When a big democracy comes and tells us how we need to condemn terrorist attacks, and convey the message to our counterparts, we will, of course, listen." On June 2, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal expressed optimism that India could finalise its Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU) ahead of the year-end deadline, citing minimal divergences between the two economic blocs. Minister Goyal emphasised the complementary nature of the Indian and European economies. "There are not too many issues where we have divergence of opinion. We have both complementary economies," he stated during his recent visit to France. "In most cases, what is of interest to India does not hurt the European economy. And likewise, goods and services that Europe would like to provide to India only support our growth story." The minister acknowledged that certain sensitive areas require careful negotiation on both sides. "Obviously, in any trading relationship, there are certain sensitive issues on both sides which we have to resolve amicably in the interest of both the European Union and India," Goyal noted. India has positioned itself strongly on key issues concerning the EU, particularly regarding gender equality and sustainability. "We are proud of our sisters and our women and the fantastic work they have done and continue to do," Goyal said. "Therefore, if you have a subject like gender, India is on the front foot. When it comes to subjects like sustainability, India is right at the forefront." Once finalised, this FTA would be one of the most significant for India, as the EU is its second-largest trading partner after the US. This commitment to finance FTA by the end of 2025 builds on the strategic direction given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, during the landmark visit of the EU College of Commissioners to New Delhi in February 2025. After a nine-year lull, India and the EU re-launched negotiations for the India-EU Free Trade Agreement in 2022. The talks had reportedly stopped in 2013. (ANI) NewsVoir Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 5: TVS Motor Company announced today that The Board of Directors unanimously named Mr Sudarshan Venu as incoming Chairman of the Company, in recognition of his exemplary contributions to the Company's sustained growth and strategic development during his tenure as Director. Effective August 25, 2025, Mr Sudarshan Venu will be appointed as Chairman and Managing Director. Its current chairman, Sir Ralf Speth, has informed The Board of Directors that he will not be seeking re-appointment as a company Director at the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM). Consequently, he will step down as Chairman of the Company at the close of the AGM on August 22, 2025. The Board will also be appointing Sir Ralf Speth as Chief Mentor of the Company for a period of three years effective August 23, 2025, ensuring continued benefit from his extensive knowledge, experience and expertise. TVS Motor Announces Sudarshan Venu as Chairman of the Company Effective August 25, 2025 Bengaluru, Karnataka, IndiaTVS Motor Company announced today that The Board of Directors unanimously named Mr Sudarshan Venu as incoming Chairman of the Company, in recognition of his exemplary contributions to the Company's sustained growth and strategic development during his tenure as Director. Effective August 25, 2025, Mr Sudarshan Venu will be appointed as Chairman and Managing Director. Its current chairman, Sir Ralf Speth, has informed The Board of Directors that he will not be seeking re-appointment as a company Director at the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM). Consequently, he will step down as Chairman of the Company at the close of the AGM on August 22, 2025. The Board will also be appointing Sir Ralf Speth as Chief Mentor of the Company for a period of three years effective August 23, 2025, ensuring continued benefit from his extensive knowledge, experience and expertise. Mr Venu Srinivasan, Chairman Emeritus, TVS Motor Company Mr Venu Srinivasan, Chairman Emeritus, TVS Motor Company, said, "I express my sincere gratitude to Ralf for his exceptional leadership as Chairman over the last three years. His contributions have been invaluable in guiding our strategic expansion into global markets and fostering innovation that has significantly strengthened our industry standing. We are grateful for his continued support as Chief Mentor for TVS Motor and in welcoming Sudarshan into his new role. I am confident that Sudarshan, who in his capacity as Managing Director has demonstrated tremendous growth for the business, will take the Company to even greater heights." Sir Ralf Speth, said, "It has been an honour for me to steer TVS Motor Company as its Chairman over the last three years. I am grateful for the support, cooperation, and personal friendships developed during my tenure. As I hand over the Chairmanship to Sudarshan, I am confident that under his leadership, the Company will continue its growth journey while championing core TVS values. Sudarshan's dynamism and passion underscore his vision for the business, and I am confident that TVS is in safe, responsible hands. I wish Sudarshan and TVS Motor a bright future ahead." Mr Sudarshan Venu, said, "I am very thankful to the Board for giving me this singular opportunity. I am really honoured and excited for the future and look forward to their continued support. TVS has been built on our Chairman Emeritus's commitment to customer centricity, quality and technology. As we look to the future we have to build on these values while capitalising on new opportunities and reimagining for the future. I am most grateful to him for his continued guidance. Sir Ralf has been instrumental in challenging and mentoring us to expand more globally, onboard international talent, embrace newer processes, and invest in future products and technology. I look forward to his continued mentorship as our Chief Mentor. Importantly, TVS has grown due to the passion and energy of the entire team. I look forward to the continued partnership in our shared future." TVS Motor Company (BSE:532343 and NSE: TVSMOTOR) is a reputed two and three-wheeler manufacturer globally, championing progress through sustainable mobility with four state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities located in India and Indonesia. Rooted in our 100-year legacy of trust, value, and passion for customers, it takes pride in making internationally accepted products of the highest quality through innovative and sustainable processes. TVS Motor is the only two-wheeler company to have won the prestigious Deming Prize. Our products have led in their respective categories in the J.D. Power IQS & APEAL surveys and J.D. Power Customer Service Satisfaction Survey. Our group company Norton Motorcycles, based in the United Kingdom, is one of the most emotive motorcycle brands in the world. Our subsidiaries in the personal e-mobility space, Swiss E-Mobility Group (SEMG) and EGO Movement have a leading position in the e-bike market in Switzerland. TVS Motor Company endeavours to deliver the most superior customer experience across 80 countries in which we operate. For more information, please visit www.tvsmotor.com. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) New Delhi [India], June 5: EcoYou, a pioneering green initiative by Ecoboard Industries Limited, is transforming agricultural waste into high-performance, eco-friendly construction materials. Its flagship product, EcoBoard, is made from natural fibres like wheat straw, rice husk, cotton stalk, coconut husk, and sugarcane bagasse. These boards are widely used in partitions, ceilings, flooring, and furniture--offering a sustainable alternative to conventional plywood, MDF, and plastic-based materials. To date, EcoYou has avoided an estimated 116 million tonnes of CO2 emissions, largely by curbing crop burning and deforestation. The production of EcoBoards has also saved over 10 million trees, traditionally cut for wood-based construction. By sourcing agri-residue directly from farmers, EcoYou injected about $24 million into rural supply chains--benefiting farmers, artisans, and carpenters. The initiative has generated a broader economic impact of about $240 million by boosting local employment and promoting sustainable livelihoods. "EcoYou's proven CO2-capture technology--rooted in India's ancient ways of sustainable living--has already made a mark by converting 22 million tonnes of agro-waste into building materials and home furniture over the last 33 years, generating about $80 million in direct value for farmers and helping save 10 million trees," says Praveen Gottumukkala, Director at EcoYou. Complementing its materials division, EcoYou's EcoEnergy division treats industrial solid and liquid waste to generate clean energy. By converting process residues and effluents into biogas, EcoEnergy reduces fossil fuel dependency, lowers emissions, and offers a sustainable energy alternative for manufacturing operations--strengthening EcoYou's circular economy model. EcoYou Energy division has installed over 125 ultra large projects across globe with 2.5 million m3 capacity, with potential of 0.5 million tons of CBG, using Sulzer based CSTR technology - saving 0.5 million tons of coal per annum. "With over three decades of expertise, we've shown that agricultural waste, often viewed as a liability, is actually a valuable resource," Gottumukkala added. "Our solutions naturally cut carbon emissions, protect forests, and uplift farming communities. We've now also begun exporting these high-quality products to Europe." EcoBoards are not only sustainable but also technologically superior: fire-retardant, moisture-resistant, termite-proof, non-toxic, and designed for long-lasting performance across homes, offices, hotels, and schools. EcoYou's dry manufacturing process is low-emission and zero-waste, powered by renewable energy and recyclable inputs. With sustainability embedded across its operations, the company is setting new standards for green manufacturing in India. Looking ahead, EcoYou plans to expand production capacity, deepen partnerships with architects and builders, and collaborate with corporates, government agencies, and international organizations to scale responsible construction and contribute to global ESG goals. (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 Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 5: Manoj Ceramic Limited, (INE0A6N01026), a leading name in the Ceramic and Tiles industry, announced its financial results for the second half of fiscal year 2024-25 (H2 FY25), highlighting a solid performance underpinned by International market expansion, retail modernization and digital transformation. Key Financial Highlights : Management Perspective Dhruv Rakhasiya, Managing Director of Manoj Ceramic Limited stated, "From its roots as a contract manufacturer, MCPL has evolved over the past three decades into a Globally respected name in Ceramic solutions, driven by a steadfast commitment to quality, innovation and customer-centric growth. In H2 FY25, we recorded a 84% growth in Revenue and an exponential 246% rise in PAT Margins YoY basis, further showcasing MCPL's consistent growth trajectory and ability to execute on strategic priorities. One of our biggest growth levers has been our aggressive entry into African markets, including Burundi, Angola, Sudan, Senegal and Ivory Coast, where we have already secured projects and forged sovereign level partnerships. These regions are not only becoming central to our Export-led strategy and Margin expansion, but also represent some of the fastest growing global markets for home decor and construction solutions, driven by rapid urbanization, rising disposable incomes and increasing demand for premium lifestyles. On the digital front, our AI-powered Studio platform is redefining how customers experience our products, from in-store consultations to virtual room previews. This tool has helped us significantly improve conversions, customer decision time and operational efficiency across both retail and B2C channels. Additionally, Investing heavily in infrastructure with New warehouse facilities in Pune, expansion of our Bhiwandi warehouse and the upcoming launch of exclusive display centres in Dubai and Washington D.C.. These combined efforts position us to deliver a 25-30% CAGR over the next three years while continuing to innovate and scale with purpose. Driven by rising demand for premium living, urban growth and global design trends, MCPL is poised for continued expansion. Our focus on innovation, customer experience and agility keeps us a preferred partner across key markets. As we enter FY26, we are confident in sustaining momentum and delivering style, strength and scale across every space." About Manoj Ceramic Limited Established in 1991 as 'Manoj and Company,' the business initially focused on trading building and construction materials such as marbles, granites and tiles. Manoj Ceramic Limited (MCPL) has since evolved into an internationally standardized ceramic contract-manufacturing public limited company, specializing in ceramic tiles and tile adhesives under its brand "MCPL," distributed through dealers, retail showrooms, B2B wholesale, and exports. Through continuous adoption of new technology and innovation, MCPL has established itself as a trendsetter in the ceramic industry, shaping modern design standards worldwide. After 3 decades of excellence, MCPL continues its strategic expansion, reaching every wall and floor with innovative solutions. Disclaimer This document contains forward-looking statements, which are not historical facts and are subject to risks and uncertainties such as government actions, local developments, and technological risks. The Company is not responsible for any actions taken based on these statements and does not commit to publicly updating them to reflect future events or circumstances. For Further Information Please Contact ConfideLeap Partners info@confideleap.com +(91) 85911 45959 www.confideleap.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) French aerospace company Dassault Aviation has signed four Production Transfer Agreements to manufacture the Rafale fighter aircraft fuselage in India, in partnership with Tata Advanced Systems. This marks a significant step forward in strengthening the country's aerospace manufacturing capabilities and supporting global supply chains. "This facility represents a significant investment in India's aerospace infrastructure and will serve as a critical hub for high-precision manufacturing," a joint statement said Thursday. Under the scope of the partnership, Tata Advanced Systems will set up a cutting-edge production facility in Hyderabad for the manufacture of key structural sections of the Rafale, including the lateral shells of the rear fuselage, the complete rear section, the central fuselage, and the front section. The first fuselage sections are expected to roll off the assembly line in 2027-28, with the facility expected to deliver up to two complete fuselages per month. "For the first time, Rafale fuselages will be produced outside France. This is a decisive step in strengthening our supply chain in India. Thanks to the expansion of our local partners, including TASL, one of the major players in the Indian aerospace industry, this supply chain will contribute to the successful ramp-up of the Rafale and, with our support, will meet our quality and competitiveness requirements," said Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation. Sukaran Singh, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Tata Advanced Systems Limited, said, "This partnership marks a significant step in India's aerospace journey. The production of the complete Rafale fuselage in India underscores the deepening trust in Tata Advanced Systems' capabilities and the strength of our collaboration with Dassault Aviation. It also reflects the remarkable progress India has made in establishing a modern, robust aerospace manufacturing ecosystem that can support global platforms." The signing of these contracts reflects Dassault Aviation's strong commitment to India's 'Make in India' and AtmaNirbhar initiatives. This partnership aims to strengthen India's position as a key player in the global aerospace supply chain while supporting its goal of greater economic self-reliance. Over the last century, Dassault Aviation has delivered over 10,000 military and civil aircraft (including 2,700 Falcons) in more than 90 countries. Tata Advanced Systems Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Sons, is a significant player for aerospace and defence solutions in India. TASL offers a full range of integrated solutions across: Aerostructures & Aeroengines, Airborne Platforms & Systems, Defence & Security, and Land Mobility. Tata Advanced Systems has a strong portfolio of partnerships and joint ventures with leading global aerospace and defence firms. As part of the 'Atmanirbhar' and Make in India plans, the government launched various schemes, including the production-linked incentive (PLI), in multiple sectors to make Indian manufacturers globally competitive, attract investments, enhance exports, integrate India into the global supply chain, and reduce dependency on imports. Defence production in India has surged to historic highs with the government's thrust on the Make in India initiative. The government invests heavily in defence and aerospace manufacturing, with several defence hubs being set up. Notably, many global companies have either shared or shown intent to share critical defence and aerospace knowledge with India. (ANI) VMPL Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 5: Servier India, a subsidiary of the leading French pharmaceutical Servier Group, today announced the launch of Ivosidenib (Tibsovo), an oral targeted therapy approved in the management of cancer patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and Cholangiocarcinoma, with an isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 (IDH1) mutation. Servier India received the approval on 14th May 2025, from Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) for the import, sale, and distribution of the medication. Acute myeloid leukemia is a challenging hematological malignancy. Studies indicate that only about 30-40% of AML patients in India receive adequate treatment1, with high mortality rates due to rapid disease progression and infections. Cholangiocarcinomas (CCA) are rare tumours originating from bile duct. Due to their asymptomatic nature they are usually diagnosed when the disease is advanced.2 The announcement marks a significant advancement in management of the mentioned rare and difficult-to-treat cancers in India, addressing a critical unmet medical need. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Aurelien Breton, Managing Director, Servier India, said, "Our focus is to advance oncology care by bringing innovative, precision medicines to patients who need them the most. By prioritizing access and working to make treatment options affordable to patients, we are dedicated to bridging critical gaps in cancer care across the country. This launch is a significant step forward in our mission to support healthcare providers with targeted treatment options and ultimately improve survival outcomes and quality of life for patients throughout India." IDH1 mutation occurs in approximately 7-14% of AML patients in India3, making targeted mechanisms especially relevant for this subset. "This therapy represents a significant therapeutic option in the treatment of AML and Cholangiocarcinoma. For healthcare professionals, this precision therapy offers a new, effective option that can improve patient outcomes where traditional treatments have limited success. It highlights the benefits of targeted therapy and caliber of innovation in enhancing lives and advancing cancer care in India.", highlighted Dr. Pranav Sopory, Medical and Patient Affairs Director, Servier India. Speaking on the importance of treatment access, Ms. Pratima Tripathi, Commercial Director, Servier India, said: "Our foremost priority is to ensure that the therapy is accessible and affordable to patients across India. We are actively collaborating with healthcare providers, patient advocacy groups, and policymakers to remove barriers and facilitate timely access to this important therapy. Through these partnerships, we are committed to expanding treatment options and making a meaningful difference in the lives of patients." By introducing these advanced therapies, Servier India reaffirms its commitment to advancing innovative cancer treatments that improve clinical outcomes and enhance the quality of life of patients. Disclaimer: This press release is intended solely to share regulatory and medical information regarding the launch; the reference to "Tibsovo" is not intended as a promotional or public advertisement. Use of the therapy is strictly based on a doctor's prescription and clinical discretion. About Servier India Servier India has been committed for over three decades to delivering innovative pharmaceutical solutions that improve the lives of patients and their families across India. Established in 1985 as an affiliate of the leading independent French pharmaceutical Servier Group, the company focuses on therapeutic areas such as Cardiometabolism, Neuroscience, Venous Diseases, and Oncology. Servier India has a strong pan-India presence and a dedicated workforce of around 580 that strives to address critical healthcare challenges with passion and purpose. As part of Servier group operating in over 150 countries, Servier India inherits a rich legacy of scientific excellence and patient-centric innovation. Globally, Servier invests heavily in research and development, focusing on our key therapeutic areas. About Servier Servier is a global pharmaceutical group governed by a Foundation that aspires to serve its vocation with a long-term vision: being committed to therapeutic progress to serve patient needs. As a world leader in cardiometabolism and venous diseases, Servier's ambition is to become a focused and innovative player in oncology by targeting rare cancers. Headquartered in France, Servier relies on a strong geographical footprint; its medicines are available in close to 140 countries.The group achieved a revenue of EUR5.9 billion in 2024. Additional Details on Ivosidenib Internationally, Ivosidenib has already received regulatory approvals in more than 42 countries, including the USA, Europe, China, UAE, and South Korea. In the United States, the US FDA approved it in 2019 as a monotherapy and later in May 2022 as a combination treatment with Azacitidine for patients aged 75 and above, or those who cannot tolerate intensive chemotherapy. The European Medical Agency (EMA) gave its approval in May 2023 for use in patients who are not fit for standard induction chemotherapy. In India, the process moved forward in April 2025, when the Subject Expert Committee (SEC) gave a positive recommendation for Ivosidenib. Following this, the DCGI granted approval for the marketing authorization in May 2025 Press contacts Priya Panwekar Email: priya.panwekar@servier.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) SMPL Pune (Maharashtra) [India], June 5: Traditional classrooms are slowly being supplanted by immersive digital platforms over time. The Symbiosis School for Online and Digital Learning (SSODL), a constituent of the prestigious Symbiosis International (Deemed University) (SIU) stands as a beacon of forward-looking education. At a time when flexibility, accessibility, and relevance are more critical than ever, SSODL has risen to meet the evolving expectations of today's learners. By offering meticulously curated academic programs that blend theoretical frameworks with hands-on, practical exposure, the institution ensures its graduates are equipped to thrive in today's dynamic and ever-changing professional landscape. Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice One of SSODL's defining features is its emphasis on real-world applicability. Recognizing that knowledge in isolation holds limited value, the school crafts its curriculum to merge academic depth with industry insights. Each course is designed not only to instill foundational principles but also to develop the critical thinking, adaptability, and problem-solving skills essential in professional environments. Case studies, industry-driven projects, virtual simulations, and collaborative learning formats serve as the cornerstone of SSODL's pedagogical model. This integration ensures that students move beyond rote memorization to engage with content meaningfully, applying what they learn to authentic scenarios. The result is a learner who is both intellectually grounded and practically agile--a combination that is increasingly in demand across sectors. Diverse Programs Tailored for Industry Relevance Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) The BBA program at SSODL is designed to offer more than just foundational knowledge in business administration. From day one, students are immersed in real-world business contexts through the study of actual case histories, simulation-based decision-making exercises, and comprehensive capstone projects. Whether it's crafting a market entry strategy or analyzing operational bottlenecks in a supply chain, learners acquire insights that prepare them for managerial responsibilities. The program also encourages the development of soft skills such as communication, negotiation, and leadership--crucial traits for anyone aspiring to hold a key position in today's competitive corporate environment. Master of Science (Computer Applications) In an era where digital transformation is reshaping industries, SSODL's MSc in Computer Applications emerges as a future-facing offering. The program provides specializations in Software Development, Data Science, and System Security, allowing students to tailor their education to their career aspirations. From programming and algorithm design to data modeling and cybersecurity protocols, the curriculum is packed with hands-on projects, lab assignments, and interactive workshops. The inclusion of tools such as Python, R, and advanced data visualization software ensures students graduate with a robust technical toolkit that aligns with global IT standards. Master of Arts (Mass Communication) The MA in Mass Communication at SSODL acknowledges the rapidly shifting nature of media and public discourse. As traditional journalism intersects with digital storytelling, this program prepares students to engage audiences across formats--print, broadcast, and digital. The coursework includes practical assignments in video production, copywriting, public relations campaigns, and content creation for social media. Students are encouraged to build diverse portfolios showcasing their storytelling prowess, multimedia skills, and strategic communication abilities, giving them a tangible edge in today's competitive media landscape. Diploma in Hospital and Healthcare Management (DHHM) In the wake of global health crises, the demand for skilled healthcare administrators has never been greater. SSODL's DHHM program is tailored to meet this need by equipping students with the tools required to manage complex healthcare systems efficiently. Blending foundational theory with hands-on training, the curriculum covers hospital operations, patient flow management, healthcare policies, and medical ethics. Students are expected to complete fieldwork in healthcare settings, maintain detailed logbooks, and present reflective analyses of their experiences--ensuring they leave the program with both a macro and micro understanding of hospital management. Master of Business Administration (MBA) The MBA program at SSODL is a comprehensive offering aimed at developing versatile business leaders. With specializations in Marketing, Finance, Human Resource Management, and Business Analytics, the program allows students to carve a niche in their field of interest. The curriculum integrates classroom learning with real-world business strategies through live projects, simulated boardroom exercises, and interactions with industry experts. By tackling real business challenges and developing actionable solutions, students refine their analytical, strategic, and leadership skills--making them well-prepared to step into influential roles across industries. Embracing the Future of Work SSODL's commitment to future readiness is reflected in every facet of its academic ecosystem. In addition to core subject expertise, the institution fosters digital literacy, cross-cultural communication, and lifelong learning--competencies that are indispensable in the global workforce. The school's learning management systems, virtual classrooms, and collaborative platforms mirror the digital environments students will encounter in their careers, offering them a seamless transition from academia to industry. Whether it's a working professional seeking to upskill or a fresh graduate exploring a flexible yet rigorous academic journey, SSODL provides the structure, support, and substance needed to succeed. By embracing innovation without compromising on educational quality, SSODL is not just preparing students for jobs--it's preparing them for the future. For further details on SSODL's courses, admissions, or learning philosophy, visit ssodl.edu.in. (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) BusinessWire India New Delhi [India], June 5: Vita Student, a leading UK-based student accommodation provider, offers its residents high-end and functional living environments. Vita Student's vision is to develop an integrated student lifestyle centred around community, wellness, and career development. It offers a variety of amenities, ranging from co-study suites to gyms and private dining rooms, as well as resident-led services and activities. In today's era, students expect more from their living spaces, and Vita rises to meet these expectations. Vita Student transforms the university living and learning experience through its all-encompassing approach. This approach focuses on clear pricing, cosy spaces, a sense of belonging, and a keen awareness of changing student habits and the lifestyle of those studying abroad. Vita Student delivers this in purpose-built accommodation in cities with popular universities, such as Manchester, Edinburgh, London, Birmingham, Belfast, Bristol, Cardiff, Coventry, Exeter, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle, Nottingham, Sheffield, Southampton, York, and Barcelona. With All-inclusive rooms, Vita offers high-speed premium internet, fully equipped gyms, private study areas, curated social events, and 24/7 security. Vita Student provides a hassle-free, high-quality living experience to support every aspect of student life. Moreover, it introduces students to an international community, providing access to additional workshops, networking opportunities, and career guidance. Vita Student champions a culture of diversity and inclusivity by actively celebrating cultural events, offering inclusive facilities, and fostering a strong sense of community. Through these strategies, Vita creates a welcoming environment where students from diverse cultural backgrounds feel respected and supported. With a strong focus on quality education and career development, Vita Student ensures students are not only helped in their studies but also set up for success in their future careers. "Students now seek value beyond cost--they want quality, ease, connection, and support for their long-term ambitions," says Shayon Dasverma, the marketing head for India, SEA, and MENA at Vita Student. He further adds, "Vita Student removes the stress and empowers students to focus on what truly matters--their goals, well-being, quality education, and future careers--by providing exceptional living spaces, dedicated support teams, curated events, and access to personal development opportunities. We recognise that university life is not just about academics but about preparing for a successful future. That's why we create spaces that foster learning and career development, offering access to industry professionals, workshops, and personalised career counselling. Our holistic approach ensures that students thrive academically and professionally. And there's a lot more that we do. From social events and cultural celebrations to group workout sessions and cooking classes, we put together people for lasting friendships and building a strong community." Vita Student delivers more than just a place to live--it creates a lifestyle that supports student success, comfort, and community. It offers well-designed living spaces, premium amenities, and a strong focus on wellbeing and academic support. By choosing Vita Student, students actively invest in an environment where they can thrive, build lasting connections, and lay a strong foundation for their future. To know more, schedule a virtual tour with Vita Student today! (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) BusinessWire India Bangalore (Karnataka) [India], June 5: The University of Cambridge Online proudly announces the launch of its new Managing Software Architecture programme for experienced professionals through Cambridge Advance Online. This industry-aligned certification addresses the critical need for skilled software architects as organisations navigate increasingly complex digital transformation initiatives. The programme is well-suited for professionals with at least two years of experience and equips professionals with the expertise to develop, document, and implement robust software architectures that balance business requirements with technical excellence. The software development industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, with the market size projected to expand from $203.35 billion in 2022 to an estimated $1,450.87 billion by 2031. As organisations adopt advanced technologies, including AI-driven automation and low-code platforms, the demand for skilled software architects continues to surge, with job opportunities in this field expected to grow by 25% over the next decade. This programme aims to bridge the widening skills gap by providing professionals with Cambridge's world-class academic rigour combined with Simplilearn's industry-focused digital learning methodology. Jasmin Jahic, Director of studies in Computer Science, Queens' College, University of Cambridge, said, "In this course, we will summarise these tasks that sit somewhere between management and coding. To work on such tasks, this course will teach you how to think like an architect. You will learn the skills that help you to explore alternative design solutions for your requirements and compare them in a way that facilitates constructive discussion." The eight-week intensive programme delivers approximately 6-8 hours of weekly learning content through interactive sessions, self-guided research, discussions, and live engagement with Cambridge faculty. The curriculum covers fundamental architectural concepts, documentation techniques, quality assessment, design patterns, continuous engineering processes, and the impact of emerging technologies such as AI on system architecture. The programme is tailored for professionals seeking to enhance their software architecture capabilities, including experienced software engineers, managers, senior DevOps engineers, junior project managers, and those aspiring to become software architects. While programming experience is beneficial, the course is structured to accommodate those with varying technical backgrounds who wish to develop architectural thinking. Excited about the launch, Mr. Krishna Kumar, Founder and CEO of Simplilearn, said, "We are excited to partner with the University of Cambridge Online to deliver critical programs like Managing Software Architecture. Software architecture is the foundation upon which successful digital enterprises are built, and this program reflects our commitment to providing professionals with the highest calibre of education at the intersection of technical depth and strategic vision. As software systems grow increasingly complex, organisations require architects who can balance immediate business needs with sustainable, scalable technical solutions. This programme equips learners with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to lead architectural decisions that drive business value." Upon successful completion, learners will receive certificates from both the University of Cambridge and Simplilearn, positioning them for accelerated career advancement in software architecture and related fields. Graduates will also gain access to Cambridge's dedicated LinkedIn alumni network, enabling continued professional development and networking opportunities with peers worldwide. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) VMPL Ghaziabad (Uttar Pradesh) [India], June 5: In a significant development, KRS Educreations Pvt. Ltd., the parent company of Makoons Group of Schools, has officially terminated its master franchise agreement with Mr. Vaibhav Agarwal and Ms. Palak Agarwal, who previously held franchise rights for the states of Maharashtra and Goa. The termination, which came into effect on June 2, 2025, severs all business ties between the two individuals and the Makoons brand. According to an official statement from the organization, Mr. Vaibhav Agarwal and Ms. Palak Agarwal are no longer associated with Makoons Group of Schools in any capacity--legal, operational, or representative. Makoons, a prominent name in early childhood education with a growing network across India, emphasized the move as part of its commitment to uphold the integrity of its brand and ensure compliance across its franchise network. In a statement issued from the legal department of KRS Educreations Pvt. Ltd., the parent company of Makoons, a spokesperson said: "We wish to notify all our business partners, stakeholders, and the general public that Mr. Vaibhav Agarwal and Ms. Palak Agarwal are no longer authorized to represent any association with Makoons Group of Schools or use any of its trademarks, intellectual property, or branding. Any such use hereafter would be considered unlawful and subject to legal action." The group has further urged its current and prospective business partners to verify all future communications and engagements in these regions directly with the Head Office of Makoons to avoid any misrepresentation or confusion. This decision marks a strategic move as Makoons continues to consolidate its operations and reinforce its values of transparency, compliance, and educational excellence across all centers. (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], June 5: Ahmedabad based Taylormade Renewables Ltd (BSE: 541228), a leading Indian clean technology company, has announced inauguration of its first Build-Own-Operate (BOO) industrial wastewater treatment plant in Tarapur, Maharashtra scheduled on June 19, 2025. This milestone reflects a deliberate move away from Taylormade Renewables Ltd's(TRL) one-time EPC contracts toward a long-term, annuity-based growth model--anchored in asset ownership, recurring revenue, and scalable impact. Strategically located in one of Maharashtra's largest chemical clusters, the Tarapur facility is engineered to manage complex industrial effluents using TRL's patented TRL RAIN technology--a zero-chemical, self-cleaning system designed for high-efficiency Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD). The plant enables high water recovery, minimal sludge generation, and environmental compliance across industries including chemicals, textiles, and pharmaceuticals. FY25 revenue surged 51.65% YoY to Rs. 71.19 crore; net profit reached Rs. 12.30 croreTransition to Build-Own-Operate (BOO) model positions TRL as an infrastructure-backed clean-tech leader.Tarapur BOO plant to be inaugurated on June 19, 2025; plant is fully operational following receipt of Consent to Operate (CTO).Facility powered by TRL's patented TRL RAIN system for Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) in high-effluent industries.Brownfield expansion underway at Tarapur; new BOO projects fast-tracked in Dahej and Sayakha, Gujarat. With this development, TRL demonstrates its capability not only as a technology provider but also as a long-term infrastructure operator--delivering stable cash flows, scalable impact, and regulatory reliability. Encouraged by early performance, the company has initiated a brownfield expansion at the Tarapur site and is accelerating similar BOO projects in Dahej and Sayakha, Gujarat, slated to become operational in FY26. Dharmendra Sharad Gor, Chairman and Managing Director of Taylormade Renewables Ltd, said, "At Taylormade Renewables, we are building BOO plants throughout Gujarat in the first phase--we are building a future-ready platform for industrial sustainability. Our transition to the Build-Own-Operate model, backed by patented technologies and proven execution, positions us not just as a solutions provider but as a long-term infrastructure partner. We are focused on delivering outcomes that are technologically superior, financially sustainable, and environmentally responsible. With a growing portfolio of BOO projects and deep-rooted innovation capabilities, TRL is structurally positioned for scale--with consistency, credibility, and purpose at every step." TRL commands over 70% of India's solar thermal market, supplying proprietary parabolic solar systems for industrial cooking and heating applications. Its collaboration with Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL) remains a national benchmark in public-private clean energy integration, fuelling the Net-Zero Mission. The TRL RAIN system is part of a growing patent portfolio that includes three granted and six pending patents. This flagship ZLD technology is supported by TRL RAIN ULTRA, a high-efficiency solvent recovery solution that achieves 99.98% ethanol recovery in a closed-loop, low-energy format, particularly suited for ethanol, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. In another landmark innovation, TRL has secured a patent for its sugar juice concentration technology that achieves over 55 brix concentration at low temperatures without chemicals--delivering full ROI in less than a year while significantly reducing energy use and effluent output. FY25 was a milestone year for TRL, as the company reported its first consolidated financial results, including the performance of its subsidiary, Taylormade Enviro Private Limited (TEPL). Total revenue for FY25 was reported at Rs. 71.19 crore, registering a 51.65% Y-o-Y increase. EBITDA stood at Rs. 18.16 crore and net profit rose to Rs. 12.30 crore. The company is also executing a Rs231.50 crore infrastructure project in Andhra Pradesh, with billing expected in upcoming quarters. Looking ahead, TRL is building a nationwide platform of BOO assets, embedding its patented technologies into every facility to ensure high lifecycle value, environmental compliance, and consistent returns. As these assets mature, they are expected to deliver compounding income streams, a strengthened balance sheet, and increased shareholder value. (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) PNN New Delhi [India], June 5: India's SME (Small and Medium Enterprises) IPO market has seen a remarkable surge in 2024, with over 241 SMEs getting listed in 2024--up from 182 in 2023 and 109 in 2022. The trend keeps continuing in 2025 as well with over 73 SME IPO's DRHP filed to BSE SME and NSE Emerge until May, 2025. SME IPOs are now booming across all industries as businesses increasingly view public listings as a strategic move for scaling operations and enhancing credibility. The government is also actively supporting this trend by implementing several initiatives for SME industry. Platforms like NSE Emerge and BSE SME have played a key role in boosting SME IPOs by simplifying listing norms and reducing compliance costs. In FY2024- 25 alone, SMEs raised over Rs7,100 crore through 163 IPOs, with average listing gains of 74%. Success stories like Dar Credit's 106x oversubscription show the strong investor appetite and the growing trust in these platforms. Recent SME IPOs have seen massive oversubscriptions and strong listing gains. Their success reflects growing investor confidence and highlights the SME segment's rising potential in India's capital markets. Lal Ghai & Associates has carved a niche as a trusted advisor for companies venturing into capital markets. Based in Ludhiana, Chandigarh and Gurgaon and with a growing national footprint, our firm provides comprehensive IPO advisory services and also offers specialized consultancy and compliance related services in Company Law matters, Trademark matters, IBC, FEMA and related legal and regulatory domains. We believe that a well-executed IPO is not just about fundraising--it's about building long-term credibility. We offer tailor-made solutions that align with the specific needs and goals of each client. Our team of experienced professionals ensures that every aspect of the listing process is managed with precision and strategic foresight. As India's startup and SME ecosystem continues to grow, public listings are no longer reserved for large corporates alone. The future belongs to ambitious, agile businesses ready to step onto the public stage--and Lal Ghai & Associates is proud to be a part of their journey. For more details, visit: www.lgassociates.org (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 new Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) between India and the Kyrgyz Republic comes into force on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in their bilateral economic relations. Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic, Zheenbek Kulubaev Moldokanovich signed the Protocol and exchanged Instrument of Ratification of the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) in New Delhi. According to Ministry of Finance, "the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) signed on 14th June, 2019, in Bishkek, between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, enters into force with effect from today, i.e. 5th June 2025. This new BIT replaces the earlier agreement enforced on 12th May 2000, ensuring continuity in the protection of investments between the two nations." The aim of this BIT is to promote and protect the interests of investors from both countries within each other's territories. The treaty incorporates several key features designed to create a balanced framework for investment. It highlights that the importance of sustainable development. Additionally, it also provides an enterprise-based definition of assets with an indicative inclusion list and a specific exclusion list, clarifying characteristics of investments such such as capital commitment, expectation of gain, risk assumption, and significance for the host state's development The treaty excludes matters relating to local government, government procurement, taxation, services supplied in the exercise of governmental authority, and compulsory licenses, thereby retaining sufficient policy space for the government. The BIT defines the core elements of the Treatment of Investment, aligning with customary international law, and includes provisions on national treatment, expropriation, and transfers. It also focus on matter related to removal of Most Favored Nation (MFN) clause, general and security exceptions and calibrated investor-state dispute settlement. "The BIT balances the investor rights with the sovereign regulatory powers of both countries, and reflects a shared commitment to create a resilient and transparent investment climate. It is expected to further encourage cross-border investments and deepen economic cooperation between India and Kyrgyzstan," the minstry of Finanace said. (ANI) Effective July 7, 2025, Air India will add a sixth daily flight between Delhi and Kathmandu, increasing frequency from 35x weekly to 42x weekly. Air India will add a second daily flight between Delhi and Colombo, doubling the route's frequency from 7x weekly to 14x weekly. The Tata Group airline will add a third daily flight between Mumbai and Bangkok, increasing frequency from 13x weekly to 18x weekly. Air India said in a statement that the expansion will add over 7,000 seats deployed to and from Bangkok, Colombo, and Kathmandu. The additional flights to Kathmandu and Bangkok will be operated by Air India's best narrow-body aircraft in three-class cabin configuration, including Premium Economy Class, offering a premium full-service flying experience to travellers on the routes. "Air India's flights to Colombo, Kathmandu, and Bangkok provide seamless one-stop connectivity to and from destinations in North America, Europe, and the Far East," the airline said. With the added frequency, Air India will operate 42x weekly flights to Kathmandu, 28x weekly flights to Colombo, and 46x weekly flights to Bangkok. Bookings for the additional flights are now open on all channels, including Air India's website, mobile app, airport ticketing offices, contact centres, and through all travel agents. Air India group employs more than 30,000 people, operates over 300 aircraft and carries customers to 55 domestic and 48 international destinations across five continents. Returning to the Tata Sons in 2022 following 70 years under Government ownership, Air India group is in the midst of a five-year transformation program, Vihaan.AI. As part of the transformation, Air India has placed an order for 570 new aircraft. In 2024, sister airlines Air Asia India and Vistara were successfully merged into Air India Express and Air India, respectively, and the Airline opened South Asia's largest aviation training academy. A new flying school is scheduled to open in 2025, and construction of a greenfield maintenance base, to be operational in 2026, is underway. In addition to receiving new aircraft, all existing aircraft are progressively undergoing a full interior refit. (ANI) On May 19, 2025, a two-judge bench comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan dismissed petitions filed by Vodafone Idea, Bharti Airtel, and the Tata Group under Article 32, which sought waivers on AGR interest and penalties. The court reaffirmed that the matter had been conclusively settled through its 2019 ruling and subsequent review petitions, stating, "It will be a very sad day if the highest Court of this Country starts entertaining Article 32 writ petitions on the same subject matter after the curative petitions are dismissed." Despite this, during a June 2 earnings call, Vodafone Idea CEO Akshaya Moondra stated that the company remains engaged with the Union government to seek a resolution. "As far as the government relief is concerned, I think we are engaged with the government... What the government will do, I cannot comment on their behalf. But definitely post the judgment, we continue with our engagement with the government to find a solution to the AGR matter," he said. Legal experts swiftly denounced the statement, arguing that it misrepresented the court's position. Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai recently cautioned against the distortion of judicial remarks, emphasizing that such misinterpretations could negatively influence public perception. Advocate Gaurav Gupta, who has appeared in multiple civil cases, stated that the Supreme Court's May 19 order reaffirmed the finality of AGR dues. He stressed that any future government intervention or executive relief altering the quantum or finality of AGR dues was now precluded by the court's decision. Notably, the court labeled Vodafone Idea's writ petition as "misconceived," making the CEO's remarks about government involvement legally unfounded. Advocate Ashish Dixit emphasized that the petition under Article 32 was "misconceived," questioning the rationale behind filing it despite the Supreme Court having already adjudicated the issue up to the curative stage. "Once an issue is decided by the highest court, the options for both the company and government are limited, as the executive cannot override the law established by the Supreme Court," he said. Advocate Mohit Paul, an Advocate-on-Record at the Supreme Court, highlighted the ongoing dispute surrounding AGR--the yardstick for license fees and spectrum-usage charges. The matter was definitively settled by the Supreme Court in October 2019, ruling that AGR includes all forms of income--telecom or otherwise--and that operators are required to pay approximately Rs1.56 trillion, including interest and penalties. Following years of legal battles--including failed review petitions in 2020 and curative petitions dismissed in September 2024--the telcos made yet another attempt by filing Article 32 writs in May 2025, seeking a waiver worth roughly Rs80,000 crore. However, the Supreme Court firmly rejected these petitions, remarking that reopening the issue would be "a very sad day," reiterating its belief that the writ petitions were "misconceived." During the hearing, Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Vodafone Idea, conceded that all legal avenues--including review and curative petitions--had been exhausted. He urged the court to allow the government to assess the company's representation. The bench responded: "If the government wants to help you, we are not coming in the way; who is stopping them from having a look at the representation?" However, Rohatgi informed the court that the government had declined to consider the request, citing the binding nature of the AGR ruling. The Solicitor General confirmed that the executive was restricted from intervening due to prior Supreme Court decisions. The bench concluded: "If you cannot examine it, we also cannot examine it now." Rohatgi's subsequent plea to withdraw the petition was denied, along with his request to insert a statement allowing petitioners to approach the government. The court remarked, "Everything has its own limits." (ANI) India now ranks 3rd in building general dry cargo vessels for the European short sea trade, Union Minister for Ports and Shipping Sarbananda Sonowal announced on Thursday, quoting private data. The minister attributed this feat to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "bold Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047". "India's shipbuilding ambitions are no longer just on paper, they are taking shape in shipyards and recognised globally," the minister wrote on X, attaching an infographic of rankings. From strategic reforms to skilling our workforce, every step taken by the Modi Govt is making Make in India, Make for the World a reality. Our rise proves, India means business and the world knows it," the minister supplemented in his X post. The Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 provides a comprehensive framework for the holistic development of India's maritime sector, encompassing ports, shipping, and waterways. MIV 2030 outlines 150 initiatives aimed at propelling India to global maritime leadership. Its 10 interconnected themes such as port infrastructure development, enhancing logistics efficiency, improving Indian shipbuilding tonnage, increasing coastal and waterway traffic, fostering technology innovation and policy support, promoting sustainability and global collaboration, address every facet of the maritime ecosystem, ensuring a well-rounded approach to transforming India into a leading maritime nation. The status of MIV 2030 gets reflected through the progress made by the Indian Maritime sector over the past 3 years as outlined below: Major Port Capacity increased from 1598 MMTPA in Financial Year 2022 to 1630 MMTPA in Financial Year 2024. Overall, Vessel Turn Around Time (TAT) reduced from 53 hours in Financial Year 2022 to 48 hours in Financial Year 2024. Ship Berth Day Output increased from 16,000 MT in Financial Year 2022 to 18,900 MT in Financial Year 2024. Over the past three years, there has been a 37% increase in the Capital Expenditure to Rs 7,571 crore in Financial Year 2024 (from Rs. 5527 crore in Financial Year 2022) by Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways including a 54 per cent increase in Gross Budget Support (GBS) to Rs 1,687 crore in Financial Year 2024 (from Rs 1,099 crore in Financial Year 2022) which is primarily towards the achievements of goals and targets outlined under MIV 2030. In the past 3 years, around 75 port development projects have been awarded in Major Ports which includes projects for enhancement of cargo handling capacity and operational efficiency. (ANI) India on Thursday proposed establishing an 'Italy Enclave' within one of its industrial towns, offering Italian companies and workers a comprehensive ecosystem that would serve as a "home away from home." Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal made the proposal during the India-Italy Strategic Partnership meeting here, as part of his two-day official visit to Italy. "We want to offer an Italy Enclave, create a home away from home so that no Italian feels they are away from home," Goyal said. "The Italy Enclave should have Italian schools so their children can receive education, hospitals where they can access better treatment with Italian insurance coverage, along with facilities like shopping centers and Italian restaurants. This way, India can showcase its appreciation for Italy, " he added. Goyal identified several potential locations for the proposed enclave, including the industrial town in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, where the Maharashtra government is planning expansion over 5,000 acres, and the proposed site near Dighi port. He added that Italian companies could also establish enclaves in other emerging industrial towns across South India and locations such as Gaya in Bihar. "You can have all the social infrastructure so that your engineers and managers who come to India feel at home. You can have your own schools, hospitals, hotels and restaurants," Goyal told Italian companies during his address. Goyal's proposal comes as Italy and other European countries seek to boost non-EU exports and investments. Italian Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani emphasised his government's commitment to expanding trade ties with India. "We need to join forces with countries that have large trade opportunities. India has the largest population, is a great democracy and a protagonist of the Indo-Pacific," Tajani told reporters. "We are ready to welcome Indian investment. They can have joint ventures with Italian companies and we can work together in other countries. Italy-India is a strategic relationship." Indian Actor Kabir Bedi, who was here to participate in the India-Italy strategic Partnership summit, says, "The idea of Italian conclave is good. Not just one, there should be multiple Italian conclaves. I have seen this in action. I shot a Bollywood film with Shah Rukh Khan in Bulgaria, 'Dilwale'. Several Italians live in their communities, in Bulgaria. They have their schools, restaurants, clubs. They feel they never went out of Italy. They do everything in Bulgaria, they respect Bulgaria but their family life and education life continues there. If such conclaves are built in India too, it will be a huge incentive that more and more industralialists and investors come to India and make their base. So that they do no feel that they are far away from their home while in India..." The proposal represents a significant step in strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two nations, offering Italian businesses an attractive platform for expansion into the Indian market while providing a comprehensive support infrastructure for their operations. (ANI) Actor Walton Goggins shared why he unfollowed his 'White Lotus' season three co-star Aimee Lou Wood on Instagram after the finale aired. Goggins and Wood, who played doomed lovers Rick and Chelsea on the HBO anthology hit, seemed ready to clear up any such gossip as awards season gets underway. "There is no feud," said Goggins, adding, "I adore, I love this woman madly, and she is so important to me. This is Goldie Hawn. This is Meg Ryan. She can do anything, and she will. You watch what the next 20 years of her experience will be ... She is love and I know that I am that to her. We care about each other very deeply," according to The Hollywood Reporter. On unfollowing, Wood shared, "Why is everyone obsessing over Instagram? That is irrelevant. We don't give a shite about Instagram ... Eventually I just started to sit back and watch these people making something out of absolutely nothing." Goggins said he was ready to "put this to bed." He first said that he tends to do a firm goodbye when leaving projects. "When I left Justified ... I didn't talk to [Timothy Olyphant] for almost two years," he said. "I've done that with every single thing that I've done," according to The Hollywood Reporter. Then Goggins noted his real-life history with Thailand, which he's discussed previously. The actor first visited the country while grieving his wife's 2004 suicide, and then his time on the White Lotus coincidentally returned him to the same location. "My catharsis in this experience was different than other people's, because of my history in this place," the actor explained while "beginning to cry." "I knew what [Wood and I] had gone through, and I knew how close that we had gotten, and I needed to begin to process saying goodbye to Rick and Chelsea. And I knew that that was going to take a while for me, so I let her know, 'This is what I've gotta do.' And she was extremely supportive about that," as per The Hollywood Reporter. Goggins added, "I needed to just back away from everyone. I haven't spoken to anyone. I couldn't handle it. Judge me or don't. I don't give a fuck what you think. This is my process. Rick means everything to me, and Chelsea means everything to me. And so that's what I needed to do for me to process all of this." However, later, Goggins reportedly picked up his phone and re-followed Wood on Instagram. "It was just a part of me just saying goodbye to this character so that now Aimee and I will be friends for ever," he added, according to The Hollywood Reporter. (ANI) The Pahalgam terror attack has severely impacted the tourism sector in Jammu and Kashmir, and the government is making strong efforts to restore confidence and revive travel to the region. As part of this initiative, the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department, administration and Bhaderwah Development Authority organised a grand musical night in the picturesque town of Bhaderwah. The event brought together artists, cultural performers, and Bollywood celebrities to celebrate local heritage and peace. Held under tight security, the night was marked by vibrant music, traditional performances, and a warm display of Bhaderwah's hospitality, drawing both locals and visitors. Local residents and stakeholders in the tourism sector welcomed the initiative, expressing hope that such cultural programs would not only promote tourism but also restore livelihoods linked to the travel industry. The scenic beauty of Bhaderwah, often referred to as "Mini Kashmir," served as the perfect backdrop for the event, reinforcing the region's potential as a peaceful and attractive tourist Bollywood actor Sunny Hinduja, while attending the grand musical night in Bhaderwah, hailed the region's beauty and peaceful atmosphere. "We are here to show the world that Bhaderwah is not only beautiful, but also completely peaceful. Come experience its weather, nature, and warmth," he said, encouraging tourists to visit the hidden gem of Jammu and Kashmir. Chandan Roy Sanyal added, "Bhaderwah is a beautiful place with a completely peaceful atmosphere. I would like to tell everyone to come here at least once with their family and friends and experience the love and beauty of this place. The music you hear behind me symbolises that everything here is calm, safe, and perfectly fine." Sharib Hashmi said, "Wherever we've gone in Jammu and Kashmir, we've felt completely safe. And looking at the atmosphere here, it doesn't feel its unsafe are anything happened here. The people here themselves are saying confidently that the place is absolutely safe.I want to appeal to all Indians to come here. There are so many truly beautiful places -- everyone should visit. When we go back to Mumbai, we'll tell everyone: go to Jammu, go to Kashmir, and definitely visit Bhaderwah." (ANI) Marisa Abela and Harris Dickinson are joining the cast of the audiobook adaptation of Jane Austen's beloved classic 'Pride and Prejudice'. The English-language cast is led by British actors Marisa Abela as Elizabeth Bennet and Harris Dickinson as Darcy. The ensemble cast includes Will Poulter as Wickham, Jessie Buckley as Caroline Bingley, Toheeb Jimoh as Bingley and Glenn Close as Lady Catherine de Bourgh. 'Pride and Prejudice' is the second published novel by English author Jane Austen, written when she was aged 20-21, and later published in 1813. While talking about her role, Marisa Abela said in a statement, "Elizabeth Bennet is one of the most fiercely intelligent and iconic characters in literature, and stepping into her shoes has been an incredible honour. What I love about this adaptation is how it lets us hear her inner world in such a vivid, intimate way -- it feels both timeless and fresh. Recording this with such a phenomenal cast and team was a true joy, and I can't wait for listeners to experience it." Harris Dickinson added, "Playing Mr. Darcy was an amazing experience. I've always known him as this iconic character, but getting to really dive into the novel through this process gave me a whole new appreciation for him and the world. Being part of such a talented cast made it even better. It's a real privilege to be part of something so timeless." Pride and Prejudice has been adapted from the original by award-winning writer Lulu Raczka (Women, Beware the Devil) and directed by Dionne Edwards (Pretty Red Dress, A Thousand Blows), marking her audio drama directorial debut, as per the press release. "It's remarkable how 'Pride and Prejudice' has stood the test of time globally to be one of every generation's favourite love stories," Aurelie de Troyer, Audible's head of regional content for Europe, said in a statement. "Lulu Raczka's script is thrilling and conveys all of Jane Austen's energy in an engaging, modern way. Through the intimacy of audio, we have the unique ability to make the passion and romance truly electric and Marisa Abela and Harris Dickinson's chemistry as Elizabeth and Darcy is undeniable." The English-language adaptation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice will be released in the UK, US, Canada, India, and Australia on September 9, the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth. It will be released across the globe in English, Castilian Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Brazilian Portuguese, with each version featuring an all-star local cast. The Audible Original, produced in partnership with Brock Media, was executive produced by multiple BAFTA nominee Sarah Brocklehurst (The Outrun) and produced by Nicole Davis. (ANI) Hollywood legend Tom Hanks has recently shared his thoughts on his daughter, EA Hanks's new memoir 'The 10: A Memoir of Family and the Open Road', which details painful memories of emotional and physical abuse by her mother, actress Samantha Lewes. According to People magazine, during the red carpet premiere of his new film, The Phoenician Scheme, Hanks said he wasn't surprised by his daughter's decision to confront her past. "I'm not surprised that my daughter had the wherewithal as well as the curiosity to examine this thing that I think she was incredibly honest about," Hanks said, adding that families often come from complex and "checkered, cracked lives," as quoted by People magazine. Hanks, 68, further acknowledged how deeply personal the revelations in his daughter's memoir were, reflecting on how, as a parent, you can see the essence of your child from a young age. "She's a knockout, always has been," he said, adding, "If you've had kids, you realise that you see who they are when they're about 6 weeks old." E.A. Hanks, whose full name is Elizabeth Anne, opens up in her memoir about the turbulence she faced during her childhood, including years of what she described as "emotional violence" and "physical violence" following her parents' divorce in 1987. The memoir sheds light on EA's strained and complicated relationship with her mother, Susan Dillingham. After Hanks and Dillingham's marriage ended, their daughter lived primarily with her mother, while Hanks had designated weekend and summer visitation rights. "I would visit my dad and stepmother (and soon enough my younger half-brothers) on the weekends and during summers, but from 5 to 14, years filled with confusion, violence, deprivation, and love," EA recalled in the book, highlighting the dark circumstances of her early years. Her account details how the home environment became increasingly unstable, with neglectful conditions such as a filthy backyard, an empty refrigerator, and her mother's escalating emotional withdrawal. "The house stank of smoke. The fridge was bare or full of expired food more often than not, and my mother spent more and more time in her big four-poster bed, poring over the Bible," she wrote, as quoted by People magazine. EA revealed that it wasn't until her mother's emotional abuse escalated to physical violence that she decided to leave home, moving to Los Angeles as a teenager. "One night, her emotional violence became physical violence, and in the aftermath, I moved to Los Angeles, right smack in the middle of the seventh grade," she explained, noting that her custody arrangement shifted thereafter. In a particularly heartbreaking section of her memoir, EA describes a phone call with her mother during her senior year of high school, when her mother claimed to be dying. Though never formally diagnosed, EA believes that her mother suffered from undiagnosed bipolar disorder, which manifested in episodes of extreme paranoia and delusion. Reflecting on her experience, EA said the dysfunction of her early life had a lasting impact. Despite her struggles, she managed to forge her own path as an adult, writing her memoir as an act of catharsis. According to People magazine, during the same interview, Tom Hanks also discussed his role in his latest film, The Phoenician Scheme. In the film, Hanks portrays Leland, a business associate of wealthy businessman Zsa-zsa Korda, played by Benicio Del Toro. The gripping tale of corporate betrayal and personal vendettas features an ensemble cast that includes Mia Threapleton, Michael Cera, Willem Dafoe, and Scarlett Johansson. 'The Phoenician Scheme' was released in select theatres on May 30 and will see a wider release on June 6. (ANI) On the occasion of the film shooting muhurat, CM Dhami said that the film is based on cow protection and its welfare. He believes the film's inspirational message will help people adopt cow service in the nation. CM Dhami shared the photos from the muhurat ceremony and hailed the state's new film policy. He said that there are currently more than 200 film shoots underway in Uttarakhand, making it an attractive destination for filmmaking. While sharing the photos, CM Dhami wrote, "Clapped the Muhurat shot of the film 'Gaudan ki Pukar' in Dehradun. On this occasion, various artists including Mr. @actormanojjoshi ji and Upasana Singh ji met me." He added, "The new film policy of the state has made Uttarakhand an attractive destination for filmmaking. Currently, more than 200 film shootings are underway in the state. This has not only taken tourism to new heights, but is also creating employment opportunities for local youth." https://x.com/pushkardhami/status/1930551508199743703 The film is expected to star Manoj Joshi and Upasana Singh in the lead roles. The makers have not revealed the details of the movie yet. (ANI) Veteran actor Kabir Bedi called for the promotion of tourism in India during his visit to Italy on Thursday. The 'Blue' actor lauded India's natural diversity and said that it has helped increase domestic tourism in the nation. While talking to ANI, the actor said, "Indian tourism should be promoted because our locations are no less than the others. We have stunning scenes - Himalayas, forests, deserts, beaches, buildings and forts. What do we not have in India! People used to go abroad for vacations but now domestic tourism has increased. We want people from outside to visit India and admire our locations. We have come here to bring the message to Italy that India is a wonderful place and you must come there." The actor also recalled his Italian mini-series, 'Sandokan,' in which he played the titular role. He mentioned that several Italian series have been shot in India because of its natural diversity and amazing locations. "In my series 'Sandokan', India was shown. Several series of Italy were shot in India and I too was a part of it. They showed amazing locations. It is important to remind people that we do have those locations as well as new locations," said Bedi. The actor also called for more facilities to increase tourism in India. "Infrastructure that should be built there, it is good if they are built because if people have to reach there and reside there and enjoy, the accommodation should be good. The goal of the Italy-India meeting was to bring India's message here that not only for investment but (come to India) even as a tourism destination, as a place where people can go and admire the culture," added Kabir Bedi. Professionally, Kabir Bedi is known for his role as Emperor Shah Jahan in 'Taj Mahal: An Eternal Love Story', and playing a negative character in 'Khoon Bhari Maang'. He also acted in 'Main Hoon Na', and 'Kamagata Maru' with Amitabh Bachchan and John Abraham. He worked in the Tamil film 'Aravaan', directed by Vasanthabalan. (ANI) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Wednesday offered an apology after 11 people were killed in a stampede near the Chinnaswamy stadium in Bengaluru following RCB victory celebrations. Speaking to ANI, DK Shivakumar said, "This should not have happened and we never expected such a big crowd...The stadium's capacity is 35,000, but more than 3 lakh people were there...Gates (of the stadium) have been broken...We apologise for this incident...We want to know the facts and give a clear message..." He accused the BJP of politicising the incident. "BJP is doing politics...We are very sorry for the incident. We will work out a better solution in the future..." The Congress leader also said that all government events scheduled for tomorrow have been postponed after the tragedy. "...Tomorrow, except the cabinet meeting, all programmes have been postponed. No celebrations, including the World Environment Day..." The Karnataka government announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the families of the deceased killed in the stampede. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah addressed a press conference and said the government would also provide free treatment to the injured. "A major tragedy occurred during the victory celebrations. It happened near the Chinnaswamy Stadium. The government has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the deceased. The government will provide free treatment to the injured," the CM said. Expressing deep sorrow over the incident, CM Siddaramaiah said, "11 died and 33 were injured in the stampede. This tragedy should not have happened. The government expresses deep sorrow over this incident." The Karnataka CM further asserted that he has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the matter. "I don't want to defend this incident. Our government will not do politics on this. I have ordered a magisterial inquiry and given 15 days' time. People even broke the gates of the stadium. There was a stampede. No one expected such a huge crowd. The stadium has a capacity of only 35,000 people, but 2-3 lakh people came," CM Siddaramaiah said. (ANI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday held a meeting with members of the 16th Finance Commission in Lucknow. While speaking with ANI, the state's Finance Minister, Suresh Khanna, said that CM Yogi laid out several demands in front of the Finance Commission. This also included a demand to increase the state's share in central taxes. Khanna said, "...Some demands were made by the Chief Minister for the state today. Instead of the 41 per cent share we received so far, we should get 50 per cent. At the same time, Uttar Pradesh should not get less than 20 per cent in central taxes. This is our demand." Also, the state's Deputy CM, Keshav Prasad Maurya, informed that Uttar Pradesh's last 8 years' achievements were also highlighted at the meeting. "At the 16th Finance Commission meeting, the Uttar Pradesh government presented the achievements of 8 years. Based on the successes, it seemed clear that the Finance Commission was satisfied with our progress, and Uttar Pradesh will get a good recommendation and will take a long leap forward successfully...," the deputy CM remarked. Meanwhile, Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak said that demands concerning the state were put forth in the meeting. "Today, the Uttar Pradesh government has given its full presentation before the 16th Finance Commission. We have put forward our problems and demands department-wise for the development of Uttar Pradesh," Pathak said, adding, "I am very happy that the 16th Finance Commission, under the leadership of Arvind Panagariya, will extend its blessings to Uttar Pradesh..." Earlier, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath addressed a state-level workshop in Lucknow, commemorating 11 years of the Modi government. He highlighted India's significant global standing under Prime Minister Modi's leadership and emphasised the importance of planning programs at various levels to build on the achievements of the past 11 years. "It is our good fortune that under the leadership of PM Modi, India has attained a significant global standing," CM Yogi remarked. Speaking at a state-level workshop organised in Lucknow, the chief minister added that several programs will also be conducted based on the achievements of the Modi-led government throughout the 11 years. "As we enter the era of 'Viksit Bharat,' we mark 11 years of service, good governance, and welfare for the poor. Based on the achievements of these 11 years, we will plan programs at the state, district, board, and power centre levels," CM Yogi added. (ANI) In support of the rescue efforts on the ongoing disaster in North Sikkim, the first sortie of the day, two MI-41 and MI-39, successfully departed from Pakyong Greenfield Airport towards Chaten early this morning. According to a release, the aircraft comprises nine personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), along with their equipment, to provide support for ongoing disaster relief. Likewise, a team from the Power Department, Government of Sikkim, and Airtel's telecommunication services is also being airlifted. They are on a mission to restore essential services, including telecommunications and electricity, using satellite-based technologies and portable backup batteries in areas rendered inaccessible by road. As per the release, a team of police personnel from the communication branch with essential equipment are also proceeding towards the affected areas to bridge the gap between isolation and service and restore normalcy in the lives of those affected. Due to the persistent bad weather in the region, helicopter sorties from Pakyong Greenfield Airport were temporarily suspended, which delayed further evacuations. However, as the weather conditions improved, a mission was carried out with the deployment of two helicopters to assist in the evacuation of tourists stranded in Lachen. The deployment is to bolster on-the-ground initiatives in the remote region, where recent natural disruptions have significantly impacted access. The goal is to connect with isolated communities and facilitate the timely delivery of aid. Several days of heavy rainfall have triggered landslides, mudslides, flash floods, and rockfalls in many parts of the state. Lachen village, the region's leading tourism hub, has been completely cut off. On June 4, the Army established foot connectivity to the village and reached out to 113 stranded tourists, who will be evacuated soon. On June 3, nearly 30 tourists, including some foreign nationals, were successfully airlifted by military helicopters. Meanwhile, six individuals are still missing after the landslide struck a military camp in the Chatten area of North Sikkim. A rescuer from the army, who remains deployed at the spot of the landslide in Chatten that occurred on June 1, said that nine personnel have died in the incident. He added that the area had witnessed incessant rainfall from May 30, leading to a massive landslide. The missing include Lieutenant Colonel Pritpal Singh Sandhu, Subedar Dharamveer, Naik Sunilal Muchahary, Sepoy Sainudheen PK, Squadron Leader Aarti Sandhu (Retd), wife of Lieutenant Colonel Sandhu, and their daughter Amayra Sandhu. (ANI) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami greeted people on Thursday on the occasion of World Environment Day, and urged them to participate in the 'Ek Ped Maa ke Naam' (One tree in the name of mother) by planting atleast one tree and protect the environment. " https://x.com/pushkardhami/status/1930436912139120760 "Conservation of nature and environment is both our cultural heritage and responsibility. Under the able leadership and guidance of the respected Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign has been started to promote environmental conservation," Dhami said in a post on X. "Let us all promote this campaign and plant a tree in the name of Mother and ensure our participation in environmental protection," his post added. Ek Ped Maa ke naam, an initiative which combines environmental conservation and a tribute to mothers, was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 5, 2024, exactly one year ago. According to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, at least 80 crore saplings were planted between June and September, through collaborative efforts from government agencies, local communities, and various stakeholders. The Prime Minister also greeted people today, urging them to deepen efforts towards protecting the planet, while also complimenting people working at the grassroots level for environmental conservation. "This World Environment Day, let's deepen our efforts towards protecting our planet and overcoming the challenges we face. I also compliment all those working at the grassroots to make our environment greener and better," the PM's post read. On Wednesday, PM Modi highlighted how environmental conservation in the country is "happening with great vigour and is powered by public participation," highlighting the inclusion of two wetland areas in Rajasthan as a 'Ramsar site,' recognising them as Wetlands of International Importance. Two sites from Rajasthan have been included as a Ramsar site, namely Khichan and Menar in Rajasthan's Phalodi and Udaipur districts, respectively. With the inclusion of both, India has 91 such sites across the country, according to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav. The Union Minister highlighted the two new entrants on the eve of Environment Day, calling it a testament to PM Modi's focus on environmental conservation and helping India build a "greener tomorrow." On the eve of Environment Day, India has two new entrants to the list of Wetlands of International Importance. The latest to join the list of Ramsar sites in India are: Khichan, in Phalodi, Rajasthan; Menar in Udaipur, Rajasthan/. This addition takes our tally to 91. The achievement is yet another testament to the fact that PM Narendra Modi ji's focus on environmental conservation is successfully helping India build a greener tomorrow," Minister Yadav's post read. Ramsar sites (also known as Ramsar list) are areas designated as wetlands of international importance. India currently has 91 sites across more than 20 states in the country. Tamil Nadu has 20 Ramsar sites, the most in the country, including the Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary, Pallikarnai Marsh Reserve Forest and more. (ANI) The Punjab Police has successfully busted a cross-border weapon smuggling module with connections to Pakistan on Thursday. The operation, conducted by Tarn Taran Police, led to the arrest of Surajpal Singh and Arshdeep Singh from Village Lakhna. The police recovered six sophisticated firearms, including two PX5.30 pistols and four 9 mm Glock pistols, all loaded with live cartridges. The operation was carried out after receiving a specific tip-off about the illegal smuggling activities. In a statement shared on the microblogging platform X, DGP Punjab Police confirmed that an FIR has been registered. Further investigation is underway to identify the full network of backwards and forward linkages related to the smuggling operation. "Acting on a specific tip-off, Tarn Taran Police busts a cross-border weapon smuggling module with links to Pakistan and arrests Surajpal Singh & Arshdeep Singh from Village Lakhna, and recovers six sophisticated weapons. Recovery: Two sophisticated PX5.30 pistols and four 9 mm Glock pistols with live cartridges. FIR has been registered. Further investigation is being carried out to identify all backwards and forward linkages. Punjab Police India remains committed to neutralising such modules and ensuring the safety and security of the state," read the post on X. Meanwhile, to review the performance of all districts amid the ongoing Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign, a high-level review meeting-attended by all Spl. Director Generals of Police (DGPs), Additional Director Generals of Police (ADGPs), Inspector Generals of Police (IGPs), Deputy Inspector Generals of Police (DIGs), and all Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs)/ Commissioners of Police (CPs)-was held on Wednesday. The state's law and order and internal security situation were also reviewed. "A key focus of our meeting was a detailed review of the past three months' performance under the Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign," Punjab DGP, Gaurav Yadav, wrote in an X post. He added that the Anti-Narcotics Task Force ADGP gave a "comprehensive presentation", followed by "district-level updates by respective CPs/SSPs". Yudh Nashian Virudh's campaign emphasises both intensified enforcement and robust community-based prevention to effectively tackle drug abuse across Punjab. "The @ANTFPunjab outlined an action plan that balances strict law enforcement with rehabilitation and grassroots engagement, ensuring a comprehensive approach to eradicating drugs from our communities," DGP Yadav's post further read, adding, "I urge all officers and units of the @PunjabPoliceInd to continue working with dedication, integrity, and a proactive spirit. Our collective mission is to ensure a safer, healthier Punjab, free from the menace of drugs." Earlier on May 28, Punjab's Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) arrested three drug traffickers- Maninderjit Singh, Peter, and Lovejit Singh @ Raja near Shankar Dhaba on Attari Road, Amritsar. Acting swiftly on a tip-off, the team seized "four PX5 Storm pistols, 521 grams of heroin, 7 magazines & 55 live cartridges," DGP Punjab Police posted in a tweet. An FIR under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the Arms Act has been registered at PS ANTF, SAS Nagar. The DGP also wrote, "@ANTFPunjab is actively pursuing both forward and backwards linkages to dismantle the entire network."He further added, "@PunjabPoliceInd remains firmly committed to eradicating drug syndicates, seizing illegal arms, and building a #NashaMuktPunjab." (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on his birthday. Appreciating CM Yogi Adityanath's work in the state, the PM wished him a long and healthy life. Taking on X, PM Modi wrote, "Birthday wishes to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath Ji. He has tirelessly worked to transform UP across different sectors, which has improved the quality of life for the people of the state. May he be blessed with a long and healthy life." Replying to PM Modi's wishes, CM Yogi thanked him and said that his good wishes are a source of inexhaustible energy and immense strength, which guide him to bring positive change in the lives of residents of Uttar Pradesh. CM Yogi wrote on X, "Respected Prime Minister, I thank you very much for your warm wishes that fill my heart with affection, inspiration, and energy! Your good wishes are a source of inexhaustible energy and will provide immense strength to fulfil our resolve to bring positive change in the lives of 25 crore residents of the state. Under your successful guidance, illuminated by the spirit of Nation First, Uttar Pradesh is moving steadily on the path of achieving the concept of 'Developed India - Developed Uttar Pradesh'." Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Minister of Roads, Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also wished CM Yogi on social media and lauded him for development in the state. While CM Yogi celebrates his birthday, he is set to witness the 'Pran Pratishtha' at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya. Sharing a social media post, CM Yogi said that he is fortunate to witness the 'Pran Pratishtha' program. He called it an expression of 'Ek Bharat Shreshth Bharat' (One India Excellent India). Taking to X, he wrote, "Today, in the holy birthplace of Lord Shri Ram, Ayodhya Dham, I am getting the great fortune of becoming a witness to the program organised for the Pran-Pratishtha of the holy idols of gods in the eight temples including Shri Ram Darbar on the first floor of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. This auspicious occasion is a new expression of 'Ek Bharat-Shrestha Bharat'. Victory to Siyavar Shri Ramachandra!" (ANI) Former Indian Ambassador to the United States, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, who is part of the all-party delegation led by Shashi Tharoor to the US, in a strong message to US policymakers, cautioned on Thursday that Pakistan is acting as a front for China and urged Washington to rethink its strategic approach in the region. During an interaction in Washington, DC, Sandhu said, "...There is a larger geopolitical play. I don't think anybody needs to be explained that Pakistan is the front for China, and I think the US policy makers need to be conscious of that." The former envoy highlighted three major concerns for American policymakers; terrorism, democracy in the region, and the growing China-Pakistan nexus. "Three important aspects which US policy makers should focus on, firstly, on terrorism, what kind of impact it has had on the United States?..." he said. He further stressed that the Pakistan Army remained in complete control of the country, making it necessary to take a firm stance against terrorism. "It is stated that the Pakistan Army is in full control of Pakistan. Therefore, terrorism must be curbed there. It cannot be part of or an instrument of foreign policy. The United States policymakers need to be focused on, because terrorism in the past has hit the United States, it can hit in the future," Sandhu warned. Sandhu touched upon democratic backsliding in the region, saying, "The second part is on democracy. We have seen that whenever there is pressure on the Pakistan Army, it finds a convenient way of creating tensions within India..." Earlier in the day, Ex-envoy Taranjit Singh Sandhu emphasised India's role in combating terrorism on a global scale amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. The former Indian envoy underlined the global nature of the terrorism threat, saying, "Kindly look at all those terrorists and terrorist organisations, are they friends of the United States and what kind of poison they spread about the United States?... Do keep in mind that these are the same terrorists who have threatened the United States in the past, and you have just witnessed terrorism here, and can do it in the future too. So, India is fighting the battle on behalf of the world, especially the United States." The delegation, which includes members from various political parties and former Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu, arrived in the US following their visit to Brazil. Their mission is to brief key stakeholders about Operation Sindoor, India's diplomatic and military initiative launched in response to terrorism and misinformation after the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists, which killed 26 people and injured several others. The Indian Armed Forces targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, killing over 100 terrorists linked to groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. (ANI) The evacuation of stranded tourists from Chaten has begun today at Pakyong Greenfield Airport. According a release, the two MI 17 helicopters have successfully completed its first evacuation operation, transporting 39 evacuees from Chaten to Pakyong Greenfield Airport. Additionally, four passengers were safely evacuated using the Cheetah Helicopter. In order to provide convenience to the tourists to commute to Siliguri, the Government of Sikkim has further arranged SNT buses for their ease. Additionally, MI-17 helicopter is on standby to assist in airlifting the stranded tourists to Bagdogra safely, ensuring support and safe transport are readily available for those in need, the release said. Meanwhile, in support of the rescue efforts on the ongoing disaster in North Sikkim, the first sortie of the day, two MI-41 and MI-39, successfully departed from Pakyong Greenfield Airport towards Chaten early this morning. According to a release, the aircraft comprises nine personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), along with their equipment, to provide support for ongoing disaster relief. Likewise, a team from the Power Department, Government of Sikkim, and Airtel's telecommunication services is also being airlifted. They are on a mission to restore essential services, including telecommunications and electricity, using satellite-based technologies and portable backup batteries in areas rendered inaccessible by road. As per the release, a team of police personnel from the communication branch with essential equipment are also proceeding towards the affected areas to bridge the gap between isolation and service and restore normalcy in the lives of those affected. Due to the persistent bad weather in the region, helicopter sorties from Pakyong Greenfield Airport were temporarily suspended, which delayed further evacuations. However, as the weather conditions improved, a mission was carried out with the deployment of two helicopters to assist in the evacuation of tourists stranded in Lachen. The deployment is to bolster on-the-ground initiatives in the remote region, where recent natural disruptions have significantly impacted access. The goal is to connect with isolated communities and facilitate the timely delivery of aid. Several days of heavy rainfall have triggered landslides, mudslides, flash floods, and rockfalls in many parts of the state. Lachen village, the region's leading tourism hub, has been completely cut off. On June 4, the Army established foot connectivity to the village and reached out to 113 stranded tourists, who will be evacuated soon. On June 3, nearly 30 tourists, including some foreign nationals, were successfully airlifted by military helicopters. Meanwhile, six individuals are still missing after the landslide struck a military camp in the Chatten area of North Sikkim. A rescuer from the army, who remains deployed at the spot of the landslide in Chatten that occurred on June 1, said that nine personnel have died in the incident. He added that the area had witnessed incessant rainfall from May 30, leading to a massive landslide. The missing include Lieutenant Colonel Pritpal Singh Sandhu, Subedar Dharamveer, Naik Sunilal Muchahary, Sepoy Sainudheen PK, Squadron Leader Aarti Sandhu (Retd), wife of Lieutenant Colonel Sandhu, and their daughter Amayra Sandhu. (ANI) Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh on Thursday took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and raised serious questions over the continued delay in justice for victims of the Pahalgam terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. In a post on X, Ramesh said, "Surely, the Prime Minister is aware that the terrorists directly responsible for the brutal terrorist attacks at Pahalgam on April 22nd have still not been brought to justice." https://x.com/Jairam_Ramesh/status/1930461292940206407 He further pointed out that the same terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attacks were linked to other terror strikes in the region. "According to some reports that have not been denied, these very terrorists were also involved in the terror attacks in Poonch in December 2023 and in Gagangir and Gulmarg in October 2024," he added. Jairam Ramesh's remarks came just a day before Prime Minister Modi's visit to Jammu and Kashmir. On Wednesday, Jairam Ramesh strongly attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said that he can "run away" from a special session of Parliament being demanded by the opposition parties, but not from the monsoon session, which will be convened on July 21. Expressing reservations over the central government not convening a special session to discuss many issues, including the deadly Pahalgam terror attack and developments following Operation Sindoor, Ramesh accused the government of "diverting attention". "We've been demanding a special session of Parliament. Yesterday, 16 political parties also wrote. In order to divert attention from the special session, the government suddenly announces the monsoon session of Parliament. The Prime Minister can run away from a special session, but he cannot run away from the Monsoon session," Ramesh told ANI. He said that the INDIA bloc parties are demanding a special session to be convened immediately since the issues that need to be discussed are "agitating" people in the country now. Ramesh raised concerns about the sudden halt on Operation Sindoor and the revelations made by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan in Singapore about India's losses and gains during the recently concluded conflict. "We are demanding a discussion on these issues now because these are the issues agitating the people of India now. Why was Operation Sindoor stopped after four days? What has the CDS said in Singapore? Why has Trump, in the last 20 days, repeated 12 times that it is because of him that a ceasefire happened between India and Pakistan? These are the issues the Prime Minister doesn't want to answer," the Congress leader said. He further argued that this was the first time in the parliamentary history of India that a session had been announced 47 days in advance, and this came despite the continuous demands made by the opposition parties to convene a special session. As many as 26 people were killed and several others were injured in a terrorist attack in Baisaran valley of Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22. Among the victims were 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen. In response to the Pahalgam attack, the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor on May 7. The 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. India and Pakistan agreed for a cessation of hostilities on May 10. (ANI) Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took part in a sapling plantation event under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative in Lucknow. CM Yogi wished Ganga Dussehra and World Environment Day to the citizens of the state. Speaking to ANI on the occasion of Ganga Dussehra, CM Yogi said, "Today is a very auspicious and holy day... On this day, not only the followers of Sanatan Dharma but every Indian's desire to attain salvation was fulfilled... On this auspicious day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave the country the Namami Gange Programme. We are grateful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the bottom of our hearts for this." Talking about the World Environment Day and tree plantation in Uttar Pradesh, he addressed the reality of climate change and noted the initiatives taken by his government. He said, "The world is going through difficulties. These are man-made and man has to resolve them. That's why PM Narendra Modi has asked the citizens to develop a coordination and relationship with nature. He has named it EK Ped Maa Ke Naam." "If monsoon arrives by June 23, which is also the 'Balidan Diwas' of Dr Shyamaprasad Mukherjee, there will be a grand tree plantation event. July 1-7, a Van Mahotsav will be celebrated by the people of the state," the CM told ANI. CM Yogi added, "This year's goal is to plant more than 35 crore trees. This (tree plantation) will go on till August 15. 210 crore trees have been planted in the last eight years, and 75-80 per cent of those trees are still alive. I wish Ganga Dussehra and World Environment Day to the citizens of the state." Meanwhile, CM Yogi Adityanath is set to participate in the 'Pran Pratishtha' of the Ram Darbar on the first floor of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple today. Sharing a social media post, CM Yogi said that he is fortunate to witness the 'Pran Pratishtha' program. He called it an expression of 'Ek Bharat Shreshth Bharat' (One India Excellent India). Taking to X, he wrote, "Today, in the holy birthplace of Lord Shri Ram, Ayodhya Dham, I am getting the great fortune of becoming a witness to the program organised for the Pran-Pratishtha of the holy idols of gods in the eight temples including Shri Ram Darbar on the first floor of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. This auspicious occasion is a new expression of 'Ek Bharat-Shrestha Bharat'. Victory to Siyavar Shri Ramachandra!" (ANI) AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Thursday expressed deep shock and sorrow over the tragic stampede near the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru during RCB's IPL victory celebrations, which claimed the lives of 11 people, including five from Tamil Nadu. https://x.com/EPSTamilNadu/status/1930478548177039548 In a post on X, the AIADMK leader Palaniswami conveyed his condolences to the families of the deceased and extended prayers for the speedy recovery of those injured. "Stuck in a traffic jam in Bengaluru, I was deeply shocked and saddened to hear the news of the deaths of 11 people, including Tamils. My deepest condolences to the families of the deceased," Palaniswami posted in Tamil. He added, "I pray to the Almighty God that those undergoing treatment in the hospital may regain full health." On Wednesday, Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy accused Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar of being responsible for the stampede, alleging that the incident was caused by the Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister's "impatience, immaturity, and irresponsibility." Addressing a late-night press conference at his official residence in New Delhi, the Union Minister demanded that "the person responsible for this tragedy must be immediately sacked from the cabinet." He criticised the Congress government in Karnataka as being run by "arrogant fools" and said, "We have a Chief Minister who is completely inactive. He has no control over the Deputy CM. As for the State Home Minister, there's no point in discussing it. He merely obeys commands." Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar offered an apology. Speaking to ANI, DK Shivakumar said, "This should not have happened and we never expected such a big crowd...The stadium's capacity is 35,000, but more than 3 lakh people were there...Gates (of the stadium) have been broken...We apologise for this incident...We want to know the facts and give a clear message..." He accused the BJP of politicising the incident. "BJP is doing politics...We are very sorry for the incident. We will work out a better solution in the future..."The Congress leader also said that all government events scheduled for tomorrow have been postponed after the tragedy."...Tomorrow, except the cabinet meeting, all programmes have been postponed. No celebrations, including the World Environment Day..." Shivakumar complimented the state police force for controlling the massive influx of people during the RCB celebrations."Again, I'm telling on record. I should compliment my Police officers...morning also, they wanted to have a procession, they wanted to bring a vehicle from the airport itself...Police guided us not to...that's why I rushed to the airport and ensured nothing went wrong...in Vidhana Soudha, also we were very cautious...," DK Shivakumar said. Meanwhile, IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal expressed condolences to families who lost their members in the stampede and said BCCI had no information that such an event was being planned."This is a very unfortunate incident... We had no information that such an event was being planned... If such events are planned in the future, then proper arrangements should be made... Those sitting inside the stadium had no information about the incident," Arun Dhumal told ANI. The incident occurred near the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium when thousands of fans gathered to glimpse their favourite players ahead of Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) IPL victory celebrations. The Karnataka government announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the families of the deceased killed in the stampede. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah addressed a press conference and said the government would also provide free treatment to the injured. "A major tragedy occurred during the victory celebrations. It happened near the Chinnaswamy Stadium. The government has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the deceased. The government will provide free treatment to the injured," the CM said. Expressing deep sorrow over the incident, CM Siddaramaiah said, "11 died and 33 were injured in the stampede. This tragedy should not have happened. The government expresses deep sorrow over this incident."The Karnataka CM further asserted that he has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the matter."I don't want to defend this incident. Our government will not do politics on this. I have ordered a magisterial inquiry and given 15 days' time. People even broke the gates of the stadium. There was a stampede. No one expected such a huge crowd. The stadium has a capacity of only 35,000 people, but 2-3 lakh people came," CM Siddaramaiah said. RCB finally ended an 18-year wait for the coveted IPL trophy, defeating Punjab Kings by six wickets in the finals of IPL 2025, held on Tuesday at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. (ANI) Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Thursday admitted that the stampede near M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, which caused the death of 11 people, could have been prevented with better planning and coordination. Speaking to media persons, Kharge said, "Yes, there has been a mistake. This could have been avoided with better planning and coordination. A stadium with a capacity of 35,000 people, but 2-3 lakh people, poured out on the streets. Although we did our best, we were unable to manage the crowd." He added that the Chief Minister has taken responsibility for the incident and assured that corrective measures will be implemented. Kharge also accused the BJP of politicising the tragedy. "BJP likes to politicise everything. The same BJP, when told that a victory parade on an open bus in such a short time was not possible due to a lack of time to make arrangements, said that we were insulting the team. Now that post is deleted. BJP's intention of politicising everything is not healthy," he said. Meanwhile, the Union Minister G Kishan Reddy directly blamed the Karnataka Government for the stampede that broke out outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru following Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) win in the IPL final and claimed the lives of 11 and injured 30 others. The Minister called it a 'complete failure' of the state government. While speaking to ANI, Reddy said, "This is due to the complete failure of the Karnataka Government. Everyone knew there would be a huge crowd today (after RCB's win in the final), but no proper security arrangement or traffic management was done..." Earlier in the day, Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy accused Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar of being responsible for the stampede. Kumaraswamy alleged that the incident was caused by the Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister's "impatience, immaturity, and irresponsibility." Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar offered an apology. Speaking to ANI, DK Shivakumar said, "This should not have happened and we never expected such a big crowd...The stadium's capacity is 35,000, but more than 3 lakh people were there...Gates (of the stadium) have been broken...We apologise for this incident...We want to know the facts and give a clear message..." He accused the BJP of politicising the incident. "BJP is doing politics...We are very sorry for the incident. We will work out a better solution in the future..."The Congress leader also said that all government events scheduled for tomorrow have been postponed after the tragedy."...Tomorrow, except the cabinet meeting, all programmes have been postponed. No celebrations, including the World Environment Day..." The incident occurred near the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium when thousands of fans gathered to glimpse their favourite players ahead of Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) IPL victory celebrations. The Karnataka government announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the families of the deceased killed in the stampede. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah addressed a press conference and said the government would also provide free treatment to the injured. "A major tragedy occurred during the victory celebrations. It happened near the Chinnaswamy Stadium. The government has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the deceased. The government will provide free treatment to the injured," the CM said. Expressing deep sorrow over the incident, CM Siddaramaiah said, "11 died and 33 were injured in the stampede. This tragedy should not have happened. The government expresses deep sorrow over this incident."The Karnataka CM further asserted that he has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the matter."I don't want to defend this incident. Our government will not do politics on this. I have ordered a magisterial inquiry and given 15 days. People even broke the gates of the stadium. There was a stampede. No one expected such a huge crowd. The stadium has a capacity of only 35,000 people, but 2-3 lakh people came," CM Siddaramaiah said. RCB finally ended an 18-year wait for the coveted IPL trophy, defeating Punjab Kings by six wickets in the finals of IPL 2025, held on Tuesday at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. (ANI) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday carried out searches at 32 locations in Jammu and Kashmir in the Pakistan-backed conspiracy to spread terror in the region. The raids are underway at these locations in different districts of the Union Territory since early Thursday, based on specific inputs received in connection with the case registered in 2022, officials privy to the development told ANI. As per the officials, these searches are being conducted against Overground Workers (OGWs) of various terrorist organisations in the RC-05/2022/NIA/JMU case linked to terror conspiracy. These searches were aimed at dismantling the terror network in Jammu Province and scuttling the plans of the banned terrorist organisations to disturb the peace and communal harmony in Jammu and Kashmir by radicalising local youth and mobilising overground workers. On May 11 last year, the NIA had also conducted searches at six locations across Jammu province in the case relating to the conspiracy by banned terrorist organisations and their offshoots to carry out violent attacks with sticky bombs, IEDs and small arms in Jammu and Kashmir. The searches then had led to the seizure of incriminating material, including digital devices and documents, from premises linked with hybrid terrorists, OGWs, sympathisers and cadres linked with the newly-formed offshoots and affiliates of proscribed terrorist outfits. These include Laskhar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM), Al-Badr, and Al-Qaeda. NIA had registered a suo moto case on June 21, 2022, to dismantle the terror network operated by these outfits, as well as their newly launched offshoots, such as The Resistance Front (TRF), United Liberation Front Jammu and Kashmir (ULFJ&K), Mujahideen Gazwat-ul-Hind (MGH), Jammu and Kashmir Freedom Fighters (JKFF), Kashmir Tigers, PAAF and others. As part of its investigations into the case, NIA has been cracking down on various locations in recent months. (ANI) Murali Krishna took oath as the new Chief Vigilance and Security Officer (CV&SO) of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). Addressing the media, he expressed heartfelt thanks to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, and the DGP of Andhra Pradesh for giving him this opportunity. Speaking to the media, Krishna stated that his previous experience serving as Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) and Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in Tirumala would greatly help him in his new role. He assured that he would carry out his responsibilities in alignment with the decisions taken by senior TTD officials. Murali Krishna emphasised his commitment to ensuring that there is no room for any kind of irregularities within TTD. He added that a comprehensive plan would be implemented to strengthen the use of technology, which would, in turn, enhance security standards. He added that a robust system would be introduced to effectively curb the influence of middlemen (dalari system) in TTD operations. Meanwhile, Sri Govindraja Swamy Brahmotsavam is going on in the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam in Andhra Pradesh. Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams took to X and said, "Day 4 of Sri Govindraja Swamy Brahmotsavam, the Lord shone resplendent on the Kalpavriksha Vahanam, flanked by Sridevi & Bhudevi. Garuda Seva tomorrow evening!" Bollywood actor Sonu Sood visited the Lord Venkateswara temple in Tirumala to offer prayers on Monday morning. The temple, dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, considered an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is one of the most visited religious sites in India, attracting millions of devotees annually. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam committee trust board in Hyderabad is also celebrating the annual Brahmotsavalu at the magnificent Venkateswara Swami Temple in Bashir Bagh. This year marks the 20th Brahmotsavas, which began yesterday and will be conducted with great devotional attention. (ANI) After returning to India, BJP MP Anurag Thakur, a member of the all-party delegation led by NCP-SCP MP Supriya Sule, highlighted the unity of Indian political parties against terrorism. "Most delegations were led by opposition parties. Almost half of the people in each group were from opposition parties. This sent a big message to the countries of the world that in the Indian democracy, all parties are united and raising their voice against terrorism... Pakistan supports terrorists by hiding behind a nuclear shield. They train them, and after sponsoring them, attacks are carried out on India. This is a threat to the whole world," Thakur said. TDP MP Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu, also a member of the delegation, stressed the need for global cooperation against terrorism. "There needs to be a collective action to identify terrorist organisations not just in Pakistan, but across the globe, and so countries like Pakistan will act according to proper conventions," he said. The all-party delegation, led by Supriya Sule, aimed to build a united front internationally against terrorism and strengthen diplomatic ties. As part of this effort, Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) MP Supriya Sule shared her observations from the Operation Sindoor global outreach program, during which the delegation visited several countries to convey India's strong stance against terrorism. On how the visits changed India's image globally, Sule told ANI, "It is just a beginning, a lot of countries expected, further Parliamentary friendship groups to ensure that this relation continues...we will have a briefing, EAM will be meeting us, I will give this feedback to him that a lot of countries felt that we need to create new friendship groups between our country and those countries, and have continuous interactions be it trade, culture, education, pharmaceuticals." The delegation, led by Supriya Sule, included Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Vikramjeet Singh Sahney, Manish Tewari, Anurag Singh Thakur, Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu, Anand Sharma, V Muraleedharan, and Syed Akbaruddin. The delegation has briefed 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 key countries. (ANI) Bharatiya Janata Party leader Sambit Patra claimed that the Bengaluru stampede, which claimed the lives of 11 people, was "government-manufactured," claiming that there was a rift between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar. Questioning the coordination between the police and the organisers of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) event for winning the IPL final at M Chinnaswamy stadium, Patra said, "This happened because of the issues between the CM and the DCM... The DCM said that the capacity of the Chinnaswamy Stadium is 35000, but 3 lakh people were present in the victory march. Why did that happen?... The police did not permit this victory march, so why was it carried out? Who decided to go ahead with it?" "Why was there no coordination between the police and the organisers?... The worst part is, the felicitations continued while people were dying," he added. The BJP leader further criticised CM Siddaramaiah, accusing him of "normalising the loss of 11 innocent lives." "Was it just an accident or a manufactured stampede? I say it was a government-manufactured stampede. The Chief Minister went on to say that such stampedes keep happening and are normal. He is trying to normalise the loss of 11 innocent lives," he said. Earlier today, Union Minister G Kishan Reddy also blamed the Karnataka government for the incident, calling it a 'complete failure' of the state government. While speaking to ANI, Reddy said, "This is due to the complete failure of the Karnataka Government. Everyone knew that there would be a huge crowd today (after RCB's win in the final), but no proper security arrangement or traffic management was done..." Meanwhile, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar complimented the state police force for controlling the massive influx of people during the RCB celebrations. "Again, I'm telling on record. I should complement my Police officers...morning also, they wanted to have a procession, they wanted to bring a vehicle from the airport itself...Police guided us not to...that's why I rushed to the airport and ensured nothing went wrong...in Vidhana Soudha, also we were very cautious...," DK Shivakumar said. According to the Chief Minister, 11 people died and 33 others were injured during the stampede at the M Chinnaswamy stadium in Bengaluru, which was held as a victory celebration for RCB after the team won the IPL final. The government has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the kin of the deceased and provided treatment for the injured. (ANI) Congress leader Salman Khurshid, a member of the all-party delegation, shared insights on the recent meeting between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and members of the delegation upon their return from a diplomatic tour. Khurshid said the External Affairs Minister was well-informed about the delegation's engagements abroad, as ambassadors had already briefed him. He noted that Jaishankar was aware of the details -- "where we met whom, at what level, and the main issues raised." Some general conversations were also held regarding concerns that needed to be brought to the government's notice. He said parliamentarians raised the issue of the lack of reciprocal friendship associations abroad. "In many places, the one-way friendship association is theirs," Khurshid said, adding that Indian parliamentarians "have not been able to take those steps from our side yet." According to him, the External Affairs Minister acknowledged these points and said they would be studied. Khurshid said the delegation was asked to share context and details about their visits and the issues discussed. "Messages from every country have already come to our government," he added. Commenting on India's response to the Pahalgam terror attack, Khurshid said that both the Prime Minister and the External Affairs Minister had already received messages from other countries. "The Foreign Minister, who is clear in opposition to terrorism, acknowledged the messages and the steps needed after the incident. Condolences were reiterated, and it was clarified so that there were no questions left unanswered." He said a full review of the delegation's feedback would be compiled and presented to the Prime Minister. "Our meeting will be held before the Prime Minister. I don't know whether it will happen with him or not, but I think it will. Whatever we have said will be reviewed and then presented," he said. On the possibility of action based on the delegation's suggestions, Khurshid said, "After taking cognizance of our suggestions, if the government understands the need to take action, then it will do so." Khurshid also highlighted the political intent behind the outreach. "The main task was to present India's side abroad. Another task was political -- to speak with one voice against terrorism," he said, adding that the Congress party had asked him to be part of the delegation. "We did not go on our own free will. The party agreed that all parties should come together to speak against terrorism." He further said the delegation represented a wide political spectrum. "There were people from the Bharatiya Janata Party and other parties. Together, we conveyed the same message." Commenting on India's democratic system, Khurshid said, "The democratic system gives separate rights and responsibilities to parties. The opposition party in the country is the Congress party." The delegation's visit aimed to project a united national stance on terrorism and strengthen India's diplomatic outreach. (ANI) On the occasion of World Environment Day in Nellore district, the Pollution Control Board and the Nellore Municipal Corporation organised an awareness rally to educate the public about the use of single-use plastics. The rally commenced at the VRC Grounds and concluded at the AC Subba Reddy Stadium in Nellore city. The rally was inaugurated by the district in-charge Collector, Karthik. Speaking on the occasion, Karthik emphasised the need to ban single-use plastic, stating that the use of plastic in our daily lives has increased significantly and is causing serious harm to the environment. He stressed that by avoiding plastic and switching to alternatives like cloth-based products, we can contribute to protecting the environment. He said that the main objective of organising this awareness rally was to promote this important message among the public. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi shared a video message on his official X account on the occasion of World Environment Day, urging people to deepen their efforts to protect the planet and overcome environmental challenges. PM Modi praised India's efforts to reduce plastic usage, adding that the country has worked on this initiative for the past 4-5 years. "This year's Environment Day theme is the campaign for freedom from plastic, and I am glad that what the world is now beginning to talk about, India has already been working on continuously for the past 4-5 years." In the video's caption, PM Modi wrote, "This #WorldEnvironmentDay, let's deepen our efforts to protect our planet and overcome the challenges we face. I also compliment all those working at the grassroots to make our environment greener and better." In the video message, PM Modi said, "Prakriti Rakshati Rakshita", those who protect nature, nature protects them."The Prime Minister highlighted India's ancient tradition of environmental balance, "Balance in the environment has always been a part of our ancient tradition. It is said in our culture, "Yat pinde tat brahmande", meaning, what exists in the body also exists in the universe. Whatever we do for ourselves directly impacts our environment." PM Modi stressed that individual actions directly impact the environment and called for collective action to protect the world's climate. "To protect the world's climate, it is essential that every country rises above self-interest and thinks collectively.", the video stated. The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction that "Mission LiFE" (Lifestyle for Environment) is gaining momentum on a global scale. PM Modi further stated that millions of people are adopting the mantra of reduce, reuse, and recycle in their daily lives. "Personally, it gives me great satisfaction that Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) is now turning into a public movement across the globe. Millions of people have embraced the mantra of reduce, reuse, and recycle in their daily lives. Every step taken toward Mission LiFE will become a strong shield for the environment across the world in the times to come." PM Modi said. At the end of the video, PM Modi extended his heartfelt wishes to everyone on World Environment Day: "Once again, my heartfelt wishes to everyone on World Environment Day." Mission LiFE is an India-led global movement to nudge individuals to take simple yet effective, environment-friendly actions in their daily lives. The event will highlight how the youth can inspire behavioural change that leads to individual and collective action towards an environmentally conscious lifestyle. The LiFE themes are to conserve energy and water, reduce waste, adopt sustainable food systems and healthy lifestyles, and say no to single-use plastic. Some examples of LiFE actions are using bicycles for short commutes, turning off running taps when not in active use, consuming locally available foods, using natural or organic products, planting trees, reducing waste, and segregating wet and dry waste at home. (ANI) Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Thursday assured that justice would be served in the case of the Indore tourist who was murdered in Sohra, while rescue operations continue to locate his missing wife. He did not comment on calls for a CBI investigation, saying the inquiry is ongoing and thorough. Speaking to media persons, Sangma said, "Justice will be served in the tragic case of the Indore tourist who was murdered in Sohra, and our rescue operations to locate his wife are ongoing." "This incident has come as a shock to us, as something like this has never happened in Meghalaya. While the demand for a CBI probe has been raised, the investigation is currently underway, and the Government is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice, " said CM Sangma. On Wednesday, a special investigation team (SIT) was formed after the Meghalaya Police recovered the weapon in the suspected murder of Raja Raghuvanshi, a tourist from Madhya Pradesh who had gone missing along with his wife Sonam, an official said. Superintendent of Police (SP) East Khasi Hills Vivek Syiem stated that the police had registered a case and seized a phone. He added that the postmortem of Raghuvanshi's body had been conducted on Tuesday. "The postmortem of the body of Raja Raghuvanshi was done. The case was registered, and a special investigation team was formed, headed by the SP city. We recovered and seized the phone and the weapon (used in the crime)," SP Syiem told ANI. When asked about the whereabouts of Raghuvanshi's wife, Sonam, he said, "We have not found the body yet." A newlywed couple from Indore, who went missing in Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, on May 23, met with a tragic end as the body of the husband was found in a ditch while the search operation for the woman continued, a police officer had said earlier. The couple had tied the knot on May 11 and left for a Shillong trip from Indore on May 20. The family had their last conversation with the couple on the afternoon of May 23, and their phone was switched off by the evening of the same day, according to a family member. After receiving information about their disappearance, the police began the search for the couple, but unfortunately, the body of the man was found on Monday afternoon, while the search for the woman continued. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP, Crime Branch) Rajesh Kumar Tripathi told ANI, "We had spoken with Vipin Raghuvanshi, brother of the missing man, and he clarified that a dead body was found, and it was his brother Raja Raghuvanshi. The body was identified as Raja Raghuvanshi, and there was no information about the woman yet (wife of Raja Raghuvanshi). The search operation continued, and an NDRF team was also searching. It was difficult to say anything about her until we received any clues." "The whole incident was 10 days old (the couple had gone missing on May 23), and it was not clear how old the body was (referring to time of death). This would be ascertained after the postmortem report. The body was recovered from a ditch, nearly 25 kilometres away from the place where their two-wheeler had been parked. Only one body was identified so far, and the search for the woman was still ongoing," he added. Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Cabinet Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya expressed grief over the incident and said that a search operation was underway to find the woman, praying she would be found safe and sound. (ANI) The Congress party has exhorted the international community to understand and support India's stand on terrorism emanating from Pakistan, the party's president Mallikarjun Kharge said on Thursday. Citing multiple loans and bailout packages to Pakistan in the recent months, which Kharge claimed would be spent on their military, he dismissed any attempt to equate Pakistan, a "perpetrator of terror," with India, a "victim of terror." "Pakistan is the perpetrator of terror. India is a victim of terror. They cannot be equated. They should not be hyphenated," Kharge said in a post on X. https://x.com/kharge/status/1930509363782824324 Criticising the recent loans and packages approved by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, and Asian Development Bank (ADB) for Pakistan, Kharge said that the funds will be used on Pakistan's rogue Army, which will use it to unleash terror on Indians. He further criticised the naming of Pakistan as the vice-chair of the 15-member United Nations Security Council's Counter Terrorism Committee and chair of the Taliban Sanctions Committee for 2025, calling it "most unfortunate, ill-informed and unacceptable." Kharge urged the international community to see merit in India's demand to put Pakistan back in the grey list of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), while also urging the Indian government to take appropriate diplomatic actions to de-hyphenate both countries on the global stage. "The international community must see merit in India's case that Pakistan should be included back in the FATF grey list for monitoring of its terror financing," his post read. Talking about the FATF grey list, Kharge said that Pakistan has been in the list three times, in 2008, 2012 and 2018, with two times being under the former Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Central government. "Making Pakistan accountable for its sins is a necessity not just for India, but for the interests of the international community. It is perhaps worth reminding that the most wanted terrorist, Osama Bin Laden, responsible for 9/11, was found and eliminated in Pakistan. Khalid Sheikh Mohammed (KSM), the chief planner of 9/11, was also a Pakistani," Kharge's post added. Earlier today, Congress leader Pawan Khera decried the "continuous legitimisation of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism" by the international community, criticising Pakistan chairing the UNSC committee and getting loans from international banks and funds. Khera also said that loans to Pakistan and its role in the UNSC committee also reflect on India's "foreign policy collapse." "On June 4 Pakistan gets elected as Chairman of the UNSC Taliban Sanctions Committee and Vice Chairman of the UNSC Counter Terrorism Committee. Of course, this is the sad story of our foreign policy collapse, but how can the global community allow this continuous legitimisation of sponsorship of terrorism by Pakistan," Khera said in a post on X. Pakistan is set to chair the United Nations Security Council's Taliban Sanctions Committee in 2025, which is responsible for enforcing sanctions, asset freezes, travel bans and arms embargo against people or organisations which are associated with the Taliban. The country will also serve as the vice-chair of the Counter-Terrorism Committee this year, which was established after the September 11 attacks in the US. The committee looks to implement various measures to counter terrorist activities across the world. Following Operation Sindoor, India's response to the heinous Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people, India launched an international diplomatic outreach, sending multiple members of Parliament from various political parties to multiple world capitals. (ANI) External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar interacted with the All-Party Delegation led by DMK MP Kanimozhi, following their recent multi-nation visit to Russia, Latvia, Slovenia, Greece, and Spain. Sharing an update on X, Jaishankar wrote, "Glad to interact with the All Party Delegation led by @KanimozhiDMK that visited Russia, Latvia, Slovenia, Greece and Spain." The delegation's visit was part of a global outreach initiative aimed at briefing key nations on Operation Sindoor and India's counter-terrorism stance following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, who led the delegation, said the visit was "very positive" and underscored that its bipartisan nature--comprising mostly opposition MPs and one BJP MP--reflected India's united stand against terrorism on the global stage. Speaking after the return, Kanimozhi emphasised that terrorism linked to Pakistan affects not just India but the global community, calling for collective international action to curb terror. "The visit was a very positive one... the delegation mostly had opposition MPs and one BJP MP, which in itself was a message to the countries that India stands as one. In spite of our political differences, we stand together as one country... Every time there has been an act of terrorism in India, we have been able to trace it back to Pakistan. It just doesn't stop with India.... the whole world has to be cautious in ending terror... no country should sponsor terrorism," she said. The all-party delegation included Rajeev Rai (Samajwadi Party), Mian Altaf Ahmad (Jammu and Kashmir National Conference), Brijesh Chowta (BJP), Prem Chand Gupta (Rashtriya Janata Dal), Ashok Kumar Mittal (Aam Aadmi Party), and former envoys Manjeev S Puri and Jawed Ashraf. Earlier, Jaishankar met with the All-Party Delegation led by Sanjay Kumar Jha, which recently completed a multi-nation visit to Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Jaishankar took to Twitter to share his thoughts, saying, "Nice to meet with the All Party Delegation led by @SanjayJhaBihar that visited Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia." Speaking after the meeting, JDU MP Sanjay Jha said, "We met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and gave him feedback about our visit to five countries... We shared our experiences during our visit to five countries with him. During our five-nation visit, we explained the whole situation with facts and told them that cross-border terrorism has been taking place in India for four decades." Alongside Jha, the delegation included MPs from various parties -- BJP's Aparajita Sarangi, Brij Lal, Pradan Baruah, Hemang Joshi; TMC's Abhishek Banerjee; CPI-M's John Brittas; and Congress leader Salman Khurshid -- reflecting a unified national stance against terrorism. The multi-nation visit underscored India's commitment to regional peace, security, and development through strengthened engagement with key countries in East and Southeast Asia. (ANI) The Delhi High Court has recently quashed an FIR against a man for staring at a woman on an Indore to Delhi flight in 2024. The High Court quashed the FIR given the settlement reached between the accused and the complainant woman. An FIR was registered in May 2024. Justice Ravinder Dudeja quashed the FIR on May 30 after considering the facts that the petitioner and the complainant had settled. "Given the aforesaid circumstances and the fact that parties have put a quietus to the dispute, no useful purpose will be served in continuing with the present FIR of 29.05.2024. Under section 509 of the Indian Penal Code registered at Police Station (P.S.) IGI Airport, along with all the other consequential proceedings emanating therefrom," Justice Dudeja ordered. According to the allegations, on May 28, 2024, the complainant, while flying from Indore to Delhi, alleged that a co-passenger stared at her persistently, causing discomfort. Upon landing, she submitted a written complaint to the police. Based on the complaint, an FIR under Section 509 IPC was registered on 29.05.2024 at PS IGI Airport. Advocate Sanjeev Malik submitted that the parties have amicably resolved their disputes and executed a Settlement Agreement on December 16, 2024, with the help of well-wishers. The copy of the Settlement Agreement was also placed on record. Counsel for the complainant submitted that the matter has been settled with the petitioner without any force, fear, or coercion, and she further submits that she has no objection if the FIR is quashed. Given the settlement between the parties, the Additional Public Prosecutor for the State submitted that he has no objection if the FIR along with the charge sheet is quashed. (ANI) External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with the All-Party Delegation led by Sanjay Kumar Jha, which recently completed a multi-nation visit to Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Jaishankar took to Twitter to share his thoughts, saying, "Nice to meet with the All Party Delegation led by @SanjayJhaBihar that visited Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia." Speaking after the meeting, JDU MP Sanjay Jha said, "We met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and gave him feedback about our visit to five countries... We shared our experiences during our visit to five countries with him. During our five-nation visit, we explained the whole situation with facts and told them that cross-border terrorism has been taking place in India for four decades." The delegation, led by JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, aimed to strengthen international support against cross-border terrorism. This diplomatic outreach follows Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7 as a decisive response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed 26 lives and was carried out by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists. Alongside Jha, the delegation included MPs from various parties -- BJP's Aparajita Sarangi, Brij Lal, Pradan Baruah, Hemang Joshi; TMC's Abhishek Banerjee; CPI-M's John Brittas; and Congress leader Salman Khurshid -- reflecting a unified national stance against terrorism. The multi-nation visit underscored India's commitment to regional peace, security, and development through strengthened engagement with key countries in East and Southeast Asia. Sharing insights on the meeting with the External Affairs Minister after their return, Congress leader Salman Khurshid said Jaishankar was well-informed about the delegation's engagements abroad, as ambassadors had already briefed him. Khurshid noted that the minister was aware of "where we met whom, at what level, and the main issues raised," and that some general conversations addressed concerns that needed to be brought to the government's attention. The parliamentarians also raised the issue of the lack of reciprocal friendship associations abroad. Khurshid explained, "In many places, the one-way friendship association is theirs," adding that Indian parliamentarians "have not been able to take those steps from our side yet." The External Affairs Minister acknowledged these points and said they would be studied. Khurshid further said the delegation was asked to provide detailed context about their visits and the issues discussed. "Messages from every country have already come to our government," he added. The delegation's visit highlighted India's united approach to tackling terrorism and its efforts to deepen diplomatic outreach with strategic partners in the region. (ANI) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday planted a Sita Ashoka sapling at the Chief Minister's residence on the occasion of World Environment Day as part of the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" campaign, according to the release statement. On this occasion, the Chief Minister called upon the state's people to participate in this holy work and serve nature while respecting their mother. This campaign is dedicated to maternal respect and environmental protection, in which every person is encouraged to plant a tree in their mother's name. Forest and Environment Minister Subodh Uniyal and Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan also participated in the event by planting trees. Earlier today, Dhami greeted people on World Environment Day and urged them to participate in the 'Ek Ped Maa ke Naam' (One tree in the name of mother) by planting at least one tree and protecting the environment. " "Conservation of nature and environment is both our cultural heritage and responsibility. Under the leadership and guidance of the respected Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign has been started to promote environmental conservation," Dhami said in a post on X. "Let us all promote this campaign and plant a tree in the name of Mother and ensure our participation in environmental protection," his post added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Ek Ped Maa ke naam, an initiative that combines environmental conservation with a tribute to mothers, on June 5, 2024, exactly one year ago. According to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, at least 80 crore saplings were planted between June and September, through collaborative efforts from government agencies, local communities, and various stakeholders. The Prime Minister also greeted people today, urging them to deepen their efforts to protect the planet and complimenting people working at the grassroots level for environmental conservation. (ANI) Beauty of Seasons: Grain in Ear People's Daily Online) 09:23, June 05, 2025 Hi everyone! I'm Sisi, a travel enthusiast! Today is Mangzhong, or the Grain in Ear solar term, marking the start of midsummer. Join me in exploring the picturesque Hongcun village in east China's Anhui Province to discover the charm of this traditional Chinese solar term. "If seeds aren't planted by Grain in Ear, it's useless to plant them at all." This proverb shows ancient Chinese farmers' accurate grasp of farming times. During this period, the south of China plants rice while the north harvests wheat. People work hard in the fields, creating a bustling scene. During the Grain in Ear solar term, the Yangtze River Delta enters the plum rain season, named after ripening plums. In Hongcun, the drizzle creates a misty, fairyland-like atmosphere. The white walls and black tiles of Huizhou-style architecture beautifully blend with green hills and rivers, forming a scene resembling a traditional Chinese ink painting. As the Grain in Ear solar term arrives, the blooming season fades away. People bid farewell to the flower deity to express gratitude and wish for next year's floral prosperity. Many places worldwide revere flowers too. The annual "Rose Festival" in Bulgaria involves singing and dancing to celebrate the rose harvest. This shared love for natural beauty crosses borders. "Just see a misty plain where grass grows thick, a townful of willow down wafting on the breeze, or drizzling rain yellowing all mume-trees!" In this season of diligent effort and the promise of harvest, what seeds of hope and dreams would you like to sow? (Zhang Heyun, as an intern, also contributed to this video.) (Web editor: Sheng Chuyi, Wu Chengliang) JD(U) MP Sanjay Jha on Thursday highlighted the appreciation received during the all-party delegation's recent international visit, crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the initiative and criticising the Congress for not aligning with the collective national voice. "The biggest appreciation in the countries we visited was that Prime Minister Modi sent delegations from all parties... They appreciated that the whole country spoke in one voice, except them (Congress)... They (Congress) should honestly assess whether the language they are using is in the best interest of the nation or against it..." Jha said. The all-party delegation, led by Sanjay Kumar Jha, recently completed a multi-nation visit to Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia. This visit aimed to strengthen international support against cross-border terrorism, following Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7 as a decisive response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives and was carried out by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists. After their return, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met the delegation and tweeted, "Nice to meet with the All Party Delegation led by @SanjayJhaBihar that visited Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia." The delegation comprised MPs from various political parties--including BJP's Aparajita Sarangi, Brij Lal, Pradan Baruah, Hemang Joshi; TMC's Abhishek Banerjee; CPI-M's John Brittas; and Congress leader Salman Khurshid--demonstrating a unified national stance against terrorism. Reflecting on their meeting with the External Affairs Minister, Salman Khurshid noted that Jaishankar was well-informed about the delegation's engagements abroad, having been briefed by ambassadors. Khurshid said the minister was aware of "where we met whom, at what level, and the main issues raised," and that broader discussions also touched upon concerns requiring government attention. During the discussions, the parliamentarians highlighted the issue of the lack of reciprocal friendship associations abroad. Khurshid explained, "In many places, the one-way friendship association is theirs," adding that Indian parliamentarians "have not been able to take those steps from our side yet." The External Affairs Minister acknowledged these points and assured that they would be studied. Additionally, Khurshid mentioned that the delegation was asked to provide detailed context about their visits and the issues discussed, with "messages from every country [already] coming to our government." Overall, the delegation's visit underscored India's united approach to combating terrorism and deepening diplomatic engagement with strategic partners across East and Southeast Asia, reinforcing the country's commitment to regional peace, security, and development. (ANI) On the occasion of World Environment Day, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan emphasised the importance of the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign, underscoring its role in advancing India's environmental objectives under Mission LiFE. Pradhan added that although India is not a polluting country, Prime Minister Modi has committed to achieving the goal of Net Zero by 2070. Speaking to media persons, Pradhan said, "In India, we are taking Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) forward. India is not a polluting country. Even then, PM Modi has assured the world community that by 2027, India will achieve the goal of Net Zero. Preparations for this will have to start from now..." He added, "This time, the school and higher education departments are working together to speed up the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign. Our aim is for every student and teacher to join this campaign..." Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off 200 electric buses in Delhi as part of the Delhi Government's sustainable transport initiative. He also planted a tree as part of the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign, which promotes environmental awareness and individual responsibility toward nature. The event was held in the presence of Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, and Delhi Minister of Industries, Food and Supplies, and Environment, Forest and Wildlife Manjinder Singh Sirsa. Prime Minister Modi shared a video message on his official X account during World Environment Day, urging people to deepen their efforts to protect the planet and overcome environmental challenges. In the video's caption, PM Modi wrote, "This #WorldEnvironmentDay, let's deepen our efforts to protect our planet and overcome the challenges we face. I also compliment all those working at the grassroots to make our environment greener and better." In the video message, PM Modi said, "Prakriti Rakshati Rakshita", those who protect nature, nature protects them."The Prime Minister highlighted India's ancient tradition of environmental balance, "Balance in the environment has always been a part of our ancient tradition. It is said in our culture, "Yat pinde tat brahmande", meaning, what exists in the body also exists in the universe. Whatever we do for ourselves directly impacts our environment." PM Modi stressed that individual actions directly impact the environment and called for collective action to protect the world's climate.(ANI) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party and Janata Dal (secular) for "playing politics with dead bodies, as he addressed the media for the first time after the Bengaluru stampede. Addressing the reporters, Shivakumar broke down while expressing his grief, and reaffirmed his support to the families who have been hurt by the loss of their loved ones. While expressing grief over the stampede, Shivakumar added, "I don't want to play dirty politics. BJP and JDS always play politics on dead bodies; that is their political agenda. But they should see what they have done, we are deeply hurt, the image of Karnataka, Bangalore, we take it, we are not blaming others, though it has happened very unexpectedly." "We must learn an administrative lesson, let the opposition do politics on dead bodies. I will list how many dead bodies they have done politics on. But it hurts to see the little children. I have seen their pain," he added. Further hitting out at JDS leader and Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy, he said, "Kumaraswamy has been playing politics on the dead bodies, that is his profession. I will not do politics like him about what happened during his administration. I am worried about children, I saw small children. I saw ten people. No family can digest it. I came to know about the matter from the media. Even the RCB management could not go there." Eleven people died and more than 30 were injured in a stampede outside Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy stadium as a huge crowd of nearly 3 lakh people had gathered to witness the victory celebration of Royal Challengers Bengaluru for winning the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Deputy CM said that the state government was shocked and reiterated that it was an unexpected event which had happened. "We never expected such a crowd after 18 years. Things have happened, now let us be part of the grief. It is our family members, we all are shocked, CM, Home Minister, entire government," he told reporters here. Shivakumar also claimed that the IPL team had earlier only announced to the media that they were coming to the city, and that the state government had "no option" but to allow the event. "We did not expect such an incident to happen in our state. RCB had told the media that they were coming (to Bengaluru). We didn't have an option; what happened here happened in our home. Everyone has their pain in their own home. I cannot say that one or two people are wrong here. We must also learn a lesson from this," he said. He also claimed that as soon as the news of a stampede was known, he told the organisers and officials to stop the event, however, officials were not allowed to make any announcement. "We were not even allowed to make any announcements there, I did not know who was going there. Then the commissioner came and told us he had done one or two things. I immediately told him to stop the program. No speech, nothing. This is not a time to blame anyone. It does not matter what politicians say, it is only their opinion," he said. Earlier, Union Minister Kumaraswamy held Shivakumar responsible for the stampede, alleging that the incident was caused by the Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister's "impatience, immaturity, and irresponsibility." The Union Minister demanded that "the person responsible for this tragedy must be immediately sacked from the cabinet." Following the stampede, the Karnataka High Court has taken cognisance of the RCB Victory Parade stampede at Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium and is set to hear a PIL into the matter later today. (ANI) A large number of devotees gathered on the banks of rivers across Uttar Pradesh on the occasion of Ganga Dussehra, and took a holy dip in the sacred waters, celebrating the divine descent of Maa Ganga to Earth. People took a dip in the Saryu river in Ayodhya, believing it would wash away their sins. Devotees offered prayers and bathed at the Sangam Triveni, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers in Prayagraj. The holy ritual was observed as part of Ganga Dussehra, a Hindu festival that marks the arrival of the river Ganga on Earth from the heavens, as per ancient scriptures. Meanwhile, in Varanasi, priests of the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple performed special prayers on the banks of the river Ganga. Thousands of devotees, including tourists and pilgrims, were seen across Varanasi taking a dip in the Ganga and participating in aarti rituals. Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath wished Ganga Dussehra and World Environment Day to the citizens of the state. Speaking to ANI on the occasion of Ganga Dussehra, CM Yogi said, "Today is a very auspicious and holy day... On this day, not only the followers of Sanatan Dharma but every Indian's desire to attain salvation was fulfilled... On this auspicious day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave the country the Namami Gange Programme. We are grateful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the bottom of our hearts for this." Ganga Dussehra, which is celebrated on the tenth day (Dashami) of the waxing moon (Shukla Paksha) in the Hindu month of Jyeshtha, also marks the day when Goddess Ganga is believed to have descended from the heavens to Earth. The festivities last for 10 days, with the last day being celebrated as Ganga Dussehra. (ANI) CPI-M MP John Brittas, a member of the all-party delegation that recently completed a five-nation visit, described the delegation's meeting with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar as a "confidential informal affair." Speaking about the interaction after their return, Brittas said, "This meeting was a confidential informal affair...The External Affairs Minister had a meeting with our team...We shared our experiences...We also put across specific suggestions...We got a warm welcome in those countries..." The delegation, led by Sanjay Kumar Jha, visited Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia as part of a diplomatic outreach aimed at strengthening international support against cross-border terrorism. This multi-nation visit followed Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7 as a decisive response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives and was carried out by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists. After their return, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met the delegation and tweeted, "Nice to meet with the All Party Delegation led by @SanjayJhaBihar that visited Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia." The delegation comprised MPs from various political parties--BJP's Aparajita Sarangi, Brij Lal, Pradan Baruah, Hemang Joshi; TMC's Abhishek Banerjee; CPI-M's John Brittas; and Congress leader Salman Khurshid--demonstrating a unified national stance against terrorism. Reflecting on their meeting with the External Affairs Minister, Salman Khurshid noted that Jaishankar was well-informed about the delegation's engagements abroad, having been briefed by ambassadors. Khurshid said the minister was aware of "where we met whom, at what level, and the main issues raised," and that broader discussions also touched upon concerns requiring government attention. During the discussions, the parliamentarians highlighted the issue of the lack of reciprocal friendship associations abroad. Khurshid explained, "In many places, the one-way friendship association is theirs," adding that Indian parliamentarians "have not been able to take those steps from our side yet." The External Affairs Minister acknowledged these points and assured that they would be studied carefully. Additionally, Khurshid mentioned that the delegation was asked to provide detailed context about their visits and the issues discussed, with "messages from every country [already] coming to our government." Overall, the delegation's visit underscored India's united approach to combating terrorism and deepening diplomatic engagement with strategic partners across East and Southeast Asia. The trip reinforced the country's commitment to regional peace, security, and development. (ANI) Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Wednesday alleged that EVMs are being manipulated to prevent BSP candidates from winning elections and reiterated her demand for a return to ballot paper-based voting. Speaking in Lucknow, the former UP Chief Minister and BSP Supremo Mayawati said, "EVMs are not trustworthy. If elections are conducted through ballot papers, the BSP will win. The current government will not allow this change because they benefit from this system." She further claimed that several political parties--both ruling and opposition--are working systematically to weaken the BSP, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, where the party holds a strong support base among Dalits and marginalised sections. "BSP is the only party truly carrying forward the movement initiated by Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Other parties just take the name of Scheduled Castes and backwards classes to seek votes, but once in power, they do nothing for them. Their only aim is to divide and mislead our people to weaken the BSP," she said. Mayawati also alleged that these parties are exploiting Dalit sentiments for political gains and warned the community to remain vigilant. "They are trying to confuse and mislead Dalits in the name of Ambedkar, while working against his ideals behind the scenes," she said. The BSP chief also reacted to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, stating that poor border security has been a persistent issue. "Our borders are not secure, and that's why such terror attacks keep happening. Instead of addressing the root cause, political parties are now politicising the Pahalgam incident for their benefit," she said. The BSP Chief alleged that the ruling and opposition parties are conspiring against her party by forming other parties and influencing opportunistic individuals from among the Dalits and other neglected classes "The casteist parties in power and the opposition have formed other parties behind the scenes by influencing some opportunistic and selfish people from among the Dalits and other neglected classes," she said. Mayawati claimed that these parties use various tactics to mislead the Dalits and other neglected classes, to divide their votes Mayawati emphasised that her party remains committed to Ambedkar's vision and will continue to work for the upliftment of Dalits, backwards classes, and other marginalised communities. (ANI) Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan visited Punjab's Patiala district on Monday, where he drove a tractor, interacted with farmers, and promoted the method of direct seeding of paddy as a water-saving solution. During his visit to Rauni village, Chouhan witnessed new farm mechanisation innovations and urged farmers across India to adopt the practice. Speaking to the mediapersons, Chouhan said, "I bow to the land of Punjab... The farmers of Punjab feed the entire country with their hard work... Direct sowing of rice saves a lot of water... I urge the farmers of the whole country to do direct sowing to save water..." He observed live demonstrations of two newly developed machines designed to reduce the labour and water required in traditional paddy cultivation. These machines combined multiple nursery preparation processes, such as bed-making, sowing, and covering soil, into one streamlined activity. Chouhan explained, "Preparing a nursery for paddy and then transplanting paddy after the nursery is very hard work. It requires a lot of labour and also a lot of work. Two machines have been developed, which I have just seen." He further said, "The different works that were to be done to prepare a nursery are now done together with this machine, from making the bed to sowing the seeds. The soil comes on top of it automatically. You just give water, and your nursery will be ready." He highlighted the role of mechanisation in reducing farming hardships. Referring to an advanced machine that transplants paddy using remote control, he said, "You can control this machine directly in the field where paddy has to be transplanted; it is filled with water. You just keep running it with the remote control and transplanting of paddy will happen automatically." According to Chouhan, the innovation made it possible to harvest up to 4 acres in a single day, making farming more scientific and cost-effective. He praised the spirit of Punjab's farmers and said, "I repeatedly salute the land of Punjab, this fertile land, the hardworking farmers of this place work with their sweat to fill the reserves of the country." Emphasising the importance of grassroots communication with farmers, Chouhan said, "When we hold public meetings with them, we give speeches and leave, but when we sit in the community meeting and talk to the farmers, the good experiments they are doing come to the fore." He confirmed that the Centre and the state government would work together to resolve the problems farmers are facing. Chouhan also highlighted the success of direct paddy sowing in Punjab's fields, noting its benefits such as water conservation, reduced labour, and cost efficiency. He stated, "I want to tell the farmers of the entire India about this experiment of Punjab, that to save water, you should also do direct seeding. Come in this direction." (ANI) The Northern Railway on Thursday announced the commencement of regular services of the Vande Bharat Express trains between Srinagar and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra starting June 7. The services will operate six days a week, enhancing connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the prominent pilgrimage destination. Two pairs of Vande Bharat Express trains, Train Nos. 26404/26403 and 26401/26402 were introduced on the Srinagar-Katra-Srinagar route, with an intermediate halt at Banihal. The trains were set to operate six days a week, excluding Wednesdays. SMVD Katra Vande Bharat Express departed from Srinagar at 08:00 hrs, halted at Banihal at 09:02 hrs, and reached Katra at 10:58 hrs. Srinagar Vande Bharat Express departed from Katra at 14:55 hrs, stopped at Banihal at 16:40 hrs, and arrived in Srinagar at 17:53 hrs. This service was scheduled for six days a week, excluding Tuesdays. Srinagar Vande Bharat Express left Katra at 08:10 hrs, reached Banihal at 09:58 hrs, and arrived in Srinagar at 11:08 hrs. Srinagar - SMVD Katra Vande Bharat Express started from Srinagar at 14:00 hrs, passed Banihal at 15:10 hrs, and reached Katra at 16:58 hrs. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to flag off the Vande Bharat Express between Katra and Srinagar on June 6, marking the completion of the Katra-Sangaldan rail link project. The new route includes the Chenab Bridge, the world's highest railway bridge, making it a historic milestone for Indian Railways.The inauguration has sparked excitement among residents in the region. Speaking to ANI, Abdul Azeez Chandel said, "It will be very convenient if the train service begins here. We are very thankful to the government for working on this. It gives great comfort to the common people." Kesar Singh, another local, recalled the area's past and noted the positive change."I am very happy the train services started here. Earlier, the situation was bad here because of militancy. But now everything is good here. Nobody thought that the train would come here." He added, "The train will prove to be very convenient for the people. I applaud PM Modi for doing Operation Sindoor. He gave Pakistan a much-needed response." Chaudhary Ghulam Hussain urged for more development, "We have been waiting for the train from Katra to arrive as soon as possible for a long time. We want our people to benefit from it. We need such projects in Gulmarg, Srinagar, and Pahalgam." Hussain said that the expansion will bring employment opportunities for locals."If it is brought on the tourism map, it would be very good for us and the people because it would increase our employment opportunities for our children," he said. Another local, Kuldeep Kumar Sharma, added, "We had no hope that the train would run. But Prime Minister Narendra Modi made this real. It is a matter of happiness because it can connect us with the rest of India. It was a dream for us, but PM Modi did this in reality." Meanwhile, security measures have been tightened at Udhampur Railway Station before the Prime Minister's visit. The completion of this link not only boosts regional connectivity but also integrates Jammu and Kashmir more closely with the national railway grid. (ANI) BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla launched a scathing attack on the Karnataka Congress government following a stampede at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, describing it as a "state-sponsored man-made tragedy." "This is the height of shamelessness. It is arrogance after apathy, delusion and denial after disaster. What should have been a celebration turned into a catastrophe. It is a state-sponsored man-made tragedy and disaster for which Congress is entirely responsible," Poonawalla told ANI on Thursday. Poonawalla criticised Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's response, saying that his comments downplayed the incident and blamed other states. "Look at the response of the Chief Minister (Siddaramaiah). He says many incidents take place. Kumbh took place. He's blaming other states and saying, I have never raised these issues. What does he mean?" Poonawalla questioned. The BJP spokesperson also targeted Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, saying that he was trying to shift the blame to the crowds instead of taking responsibility. "The deputy CM (DK Shivakumar) blames the crowds but does not take responsibility... Instead of taking accountability and responsibility, Congress is again trying to blame the people. They have put publicity above people.. They continued the show after lives were being lost...," Poonawalla alleged. Poonawalla demanded that the Congress government take accountability for the tragedy and that the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister should immediately resign. "Congress should take accountability, and the CM and Deputy CM should immediately resign," he said. Earlier in the day, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party and Janata Dal (secular) for "playing politics with dead bodies, as he addressed the media for the first time after the Bengaluru stampede. Addressing the reporters, Shivakumar broke down while expressing his grief, and reaffirmed his support to the families who have been hurt by the loss of their loved ones. While expressing grief over the stampede, Shivakumar added, "I don't want to play dirty politics. BJP and JDS always play politics on dead bodies; that is their political agenda. But they should see what they have done, we are deeply hurt, the image of Karnataka, Bangalore, we take it, we are not blaming others, though it has happened very unexpectedly." "We must learn an administrative lesson, let the opposition do politics on dead bodies. I will list how many dead bodies they have done politics on. But it hurts to see the little children. I have seen their pain," he added. Further hitting out at JDS leader and Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy, he said, "Kumaraswamy has been playing politics on the dead bodies, that is his profession. I will not do politics like him about what happened during his administration. I am worried about children, I saw small children. I saw ten people. No family can digest it. I came to know about the matter from the media. Even the RCB management could not go there." Eleven people died and more than 30 were injured in a stampede outside Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy stadium as a huge crowd of nearly 3 lakh people had gathered to witness the victory celebration of Royal Challengers Bengaluru for winning the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Deputy CM said that the state government was shocked and reiterated that it was an unexpected event which had happened."We never expected such a crowd after 18 years. Things have happened, now let us be part of the grief. It is our family members, we all are shocked, CM, Home Minister, entire government," he told reporters here. Shivakumar also claimed that the IPL team had earlier only announced to the media that they were coming to the city, and that the state government had "no option" but to allow the event."We did not expect such an incident to happen in our state. RCB had told the media that they were coming (to Bengaluru). We didn't have an option; what happened here happened in our home. Everyone has their pain in their own home. I cannot say that one or two people are wrong here. We must also learn a lesson from this," he said. He also claimed that as soon as the news of a stampede was known, he told the organisers and officials to stop the event, however, officials were not allowed to make any announcement."We were not even allowed to make any announcements there, I did not know who was going there. Then the commissioner came and told us he had done one or two things. I immediately told him to stop the program. No speech, nothing. This is not a time to blame anyone. It does not matter what politicians say, it is only their opinion," he said. Earlier, Union Minister Kumaraswamy held Shivakumar responsible for the stampede, alleging that the incident was caused by the Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister's "impatience, immaturity, and irresponsibility."The Union Minister demanded that "the person responsible for this tragedy must be immediately sacked from the cabinet." Following the stampede, the Karnataka High Court has taken cognisance of the RCB Victory Parade stampede at Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium. It is set to hear a PIL into the matter later today. (ANI) Acharya Prashant, world-renowned philosopher and author, has made an impassioned call encouraging people to refrain from animal sacrifice and instead learn the real message, which calls for the sacrifice of selfish desires. Acharya Prashant spoke about Eid al-Adha, saying that when it comes to religion and religious festivals, we must go back to their essence to truly understand them. With this aim, he narrated a story from the Qur'an. He said, "So where does the story begin? In the Qur'an and even in the Bible, the story of the Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) is mentioned. He has a dream in which he is commanded by Allah to sacrifice his son. He agrees and talks to his son (Ismail), who says, "If you have received a divine command, follow it. I will stand firm. Don't worry about me." He added, "So he sets out to fulfil this command, but at the last moment, a miracle occurs, he receives a divine message saying, 'This was only a test. There is no need to spill blood." This was a test of what? The Qur'an uses the word Taqwa, which means piety, spiritual discipline, self-restraint." "Later, the story mentions that when Ibrahim was about to carry out the sacrifice, a ram appeared instead. The Qur'an further makes a deep and powerful statement: "Allah is neither interested in the flesh nor the blood. Neither the meat nor the blood reaches Him; only your piety, your intentions, your sincerity, your inner purity reach Him." That is what matters, the feeling, the spirit," he further narrated. Acharya Prashant said, "If truth demands it, I should be ready to give up even what I love most, what I'm emotionally attached to, like a father's attachment, love, and interests tied to his son. So the point is, I should be ready to sacrifice my attachments and desires for the sake of truth, for righteousness. That is the essence of sacrifice. There is no mention of spilling blood as a requirement. And when the Qur'an itself says that neither meat nor blood matters to God, but rather your piety, then what are we doing?" He added that the Qur'an never mandates animal killing as a compulsion, and if someone can show him a verse where it's made mandatory, he will accept that. In the Qur'an, killing is not strictly prohibited, but it is also not made mandatory. He asked people to follow the essence of the religion, not merely traditions, as traditions often emerge from the cultural and social conditions of a particular time. He gave an example, "In the early days of Islam, slavery existed. But no Muslim today supports slavery. So we shouldn't blindly follow traditions. We should follow what is eternal, what is divine." "And that divine message is this: Show me your heart. Are you ready to give up all your selfish desires and emotional attachments for the sake of truth? Can you detach from all that is false and illusory, all the false bonds you've formed, can you leave all that behind for truth?" he added. Acharya Prashant said, "A true Muslim, on this day, should reflect deeply on this. And if this is the essence, then what is the real meaning of sacrifice? Sacrifice means giving up the inner impurities and evils." He acknowledged that this is how religious practices often work, not only in Islam but across all religions around the world. He said, "We ignore the divine message and start following mere tradition. For us, tradition becomes more important. We say, "We've been doing it this way for hundreds or thousands of years, so why stop now?" But there are many things we did in the past that we no longer do, so why not this? The only thing that should never change is the truth." He said that animal killing is not just wrong on Eid, but it is wrong every single day. Whether one kills an animal for taste or religious reasons, it is wrong either way. Acharya said, "I have little respect for those who stay silent the rest of the year but suddenly protest on Bakrid alone. If it's wrong, it's wrong every day...Because when a person becomes numb and cruel towards animals and nature, they also lose compassion for fellow humans...Their humanity diminishes." He concluded with the message that religion should mean: "Even if I lose my life, I'll protect someone else's." (ANI) The decision was made during today's cabinet meeting. Mechanised fishing is prohibited during this period; however, traditional fishing, using inboard boats, will be allowed. The authorities also decided that the Coastal Police and district Collectors must make sure all out-of-state boats depart Kerala's coast before the trawling ban begins. According to the Fisheries Department, inboard boats must be equipped with all necessary safety gear. To safeguard fish populations and avoid overfishing during their critical breeding season, the ban is implemented. The ban on trawling seeks to conserve marine ecosystems and fish stocks by stopping bottom trawling, a harmful method that harms the ocean floor and captures young fish. The ban aligns with the breeding season of several economically valuable fish species. While the ban is in effect, trawlers must stay at least 12 nautical miles (or more) offshore. Those who break the rules will be penalized by the Fisheries Department and other agencies. The state government offers aid like rations and subsidies to trawler workers to lessen the ban's financial burden on them. (ANI) A Lieutenant Colonel rank officer, who went missing from the army campus located in Madhya Pradesh's Sagar district on June 2, has been successfully rescued from a hotel in Uttar Pradesh's Lalitpur district, a police official said on Thursday. The Lt Col, Pradeep Kumar Nigam, a resident of Gwalior district, is completely safe and sound and there is no sign of any unfortunate incident with him, the police added. Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP, Sagar) Lokesh Sinha said, "Ever since the missing complaint was filed, our teams have been engaged in tracing him. Teams were involved in collecting technical evidence and we were working on physical evidence as well. As a result of which, we found his location near Lalitpur, a city in Uttar Pradesh, and a team was sent there and he was rescued." ASP Sinha highlighted that the army officer was a bit tense that led him to reach there. He was recovered from a hotel and is completely healthy and fine. "The officer is completely fine and there is no sign of any unpleasant incident with him. He was a bit tense due to which he reached there. He was recovered from a hotel and he was alone there. Currently, the formalities of handing him over family are being done," he said. When asked about whether the officer was unconscious, ASP Sinha said that he was in a normal state and it was visible in the footage as well. When asked how the army officer reached there, ASP said that, "We are asking him in this regard and after that the actual reason will be known to us. The process and formalities to handover him to his family is underway." The Lt Col left the campus for morning walk on June 2 and didn't return. Following which, the army officers searched in the campus and nearby locations but when failed to find clues about him, then approached Cantt Police Station in the district to lodge a missing complaint in the evening on the same day. Acting on the complaint, the police had registered a case into the matter and began efforts to search for the army officer. (ANI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday inaugurated the final leg of the Hindu Hruday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg (Highway) in the presence of deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar. CM Fadnavis labelled it an "engineering marvel," stating that the Mahayuti government's dream was being fulfilled. While addressing a press conference, Fadnavis said the Samruddhi Mahamarg was a corridor of Maharashtra's economy. "It is a matter of joy for the Mahayuti government that the dream we had after 2014 is being fulfilled today. Samruddhi Mahamarg is not just a road. It is the corridor of Maharashtra's economy. We have created an engineering marvel here," Fadnavis said. The 701-kilometre highway, whose first phase was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will connect 24 districts of Maharashtra. It crosses 10 districts, including 26 talukas and 392 villages, from Nagpur to Mumbai, providing direct access to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) in Navi Mumbai. This will likely boost trade in the state. "The first phase was inaugurated under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the second phase was inaugurated under the leadership of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and the third phase was inaugurated under the leadership of Dada Bhuse," the Maharashtra Chief Minister said. Considering the sensitivity of environmental spaces along the highway's route, Fadnavis said that overpasses, underpasses and tunnels have been constructed to protect wildlife. "92 overpasses and eight underpasses have been constructed to prevent any kind of obstacles to wildlife. A total of 7 tunnels have been built. We will break the record for the widest tunnel in the country when the Pune-Mumbai Missing Link tunnel is completed," he added. Fadnavis said that the land acquisition for the highway was done in record time while also ensuring that a gas pipeline would reach Nagpur via the Konkan region, providing industries with access to gas. "A gas pipeline is going to reach from Konkan to Nagpur, which will provide industries with access to gas. Work has been done to connect religious places. Many people thought this work would not be done, but land acquisition was done in record time," the CM said. He added that more than 33 lakh trees have been planted using local species with 1,000 farm ponds while constructing the highway, which would provide relief from the rising temperatures. "More than 33 lakh trees have been planted using local species. One thousand farm ponds were created while the road was being built. We have made preparations to generate 200 megawatts of solar energy and have set up facility centres at 22 places," Fadnavis said. The Samruddhi Mahamarg was named after Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray when Eknath Shinde was the Minister for Public Works (Undertakings) in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government. The project, however, started during the previous BJP-Shiv Sena government. (ANI) Following the stampede incident near the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, Karnataka Minister MB Patil said on Thursday that lapses that led to the incident will be unearthed in 15 days, and strict action will be taken against them. Speaking with the media, Patil urged the BJP not to politicise the issue as the state government is focusing on giving the best possible treatment to the injured in the incident. "I think what was happening outside was not known to the people inside (M. Chinnaswamy Stadium). When they came to know that a stampede had happened and the situation was very serious outside, it was concluded in no time. So, the BJP should not stoop so low. We are all concerned, we are all pained by the deaths that have happened and the people who are injured. Our focus is to give them the best treatment. If needed, we will provide them treatment in the best private hospitals also and act a per humanity now," he said. "Now, the BJP wants to do politics in this issue, and we can't help it. But at the same time, we should see the lapses that have happened, whoever it is and however big might be lapses will be unearthed in 15 days...and strict action will be taken against them," MB Patil said. Pointing out that the stampede was an inevitable incident, the Karnataka Minister said that the KSCA Stadium may be hosting around 50,000-60,000 people, 3-4 lakh people inside means nobody can prevent this. "Inquiry will get out all the lapses, whatever has happened. We will definitely see that whoever has made a mistake, whoever big he or she is, action will be taken against them," Patil said. Eleven people died and more than 30 were injured in a stampede outside Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy stadium as a huge crowd of nearly 3 lakh people had gathered to witness the victory celebration of Royal Challengers Bengaluru for winning the Indian Premier League (IPL). Meanwhile, the Karnataka High Court on Thursday issued a notice to the state government over the stampede and listed the matter for hearing again on June 10 The High Court took suo motu cognisance of the incident and asked for a further status report. "We have expressed ourselves to the Advocate General and he has filed a status report, which is taken on record. Registry is directed to register this suo-motu cognisance as suo-moto WP. Relist on 10th June, Tuesday," the Court said. (ANI) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel commenced the construction of the 'Matruvan Vanvach' at the Secretariat premises in Gandhinagar under the 'Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam 2.0' initiative on World Environment Day. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign, an unique initiative combining environmental responsibility with a heartfelt tribute to mothers. This campaign was inaugurated on June 5, 2024. He urged citizens across the country to participate in the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign by planting at least one tree in their mother's name. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Gujarat ranked second nationwide, with the successful plantation of 17.48 crore saplings as part of this initiative. Inspired by the vision of the Prime Minister, the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0' campaign was launched this year on World Environment Day. While inaugurating the campaign in Gandhinagar, the Chief Minister emphasised that the Prime Minister has provided a far-sighted vision to address future environmental challenges by seamlessly integrating environmental protection with sustainable development. He added that by accelerating campaigns like 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam', the citizens of the country have been engaged in environmental conservation, and this year's World Environment Day also inspires the vision of a 'Plastic Pollution Free India-Gujarat'. The Chief Minister said that under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0' campaign, tree plantation began with 200 sindoor saplings, initiating the Matruvan Van Kavach, consisting of 4,000 saplings within the Secretariat Complex. With the support of the Forest Department, a Matruvan Van Kavach with around 16,000 trees will be developed across the entire Secretariat Complex. He stated that under Mission LiFE, the Prime Minister has inspired a nature-loving approach by encouraging the adoption of environment-friendly practices in our daily lives to preserve and conserve the environment. Moreover, he emphasised that for sustainable development, trade and industry should also be aligned with environmental responsibility, in line with the Prime Minister's vision for environmental conservation and the protection of nature. The Chief Minister expressed confidence that, consistent with every resolution and campaign led by the Prime Minister, Gujarat will lead in the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0' initiative as well. He appealed to all citizens to pledge on World Environment Day to contribute in every possible way to increase the green cover. On the occasion of the sapling plantation for the Matruvan Van Kavach, Minister of State for Forests Mukesh Patel, Additional Chief Secretary for Forest & Environment Sanjeev Kumar, Principal Chief Conservators of Forests, senior officials of the Forest Department, and officers and staff of various departments of the Secretariat were present. (ANI) The incident reportedly took place on May 1, 2025, under the supervision of the District Superintendent of Police. "NHRC, India takes suo motu cognisance of the reported assault of two journalists by police in Bhind district, Madhya Pradesh," in a post in X, NHRC stated. https://x.com/India_NHRC/status/1930562138747396395 The Commission, noting that the allegations, if true, suggest a grave violation of human rights, has issued a notice to the Director General of Police, Madhya Pradesh, calling for a detailed report on the matter within two weeks. According to the press release dated May 25, 2025, the assaulted journalists were allegedly forced to record a video statement declaring that all issues had been resolved, raising further concerns about coercion and intimidation. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court, on Wednesday, sought a response from the Madhya Pradesh government regarding a petition filed by the two journalists, who claim they were beaten at a police station for reporting on illegal sand mining operations. Their plea underscores concerns about press freedom and the treatment of journalists covering sensitive issues in the region. Additionally, on May 28, the Delhi High Court granted protection to one of the journalists, who alleged that his life was under threat from the Bhind Superintendent of Police following the assault. (ANI) Law student Sharmistha Panoli, arrested for allegedly hurting religious sentiments through a social media post, has been granted interim bail by the Calcutta High Court on Thursday. The court directed her to cooperate with the investigation, not leave the country, and furnished bail on a personal bond of Rs 10,000. The court also ordered appropriate police protection for her. Her father, Prithviraj Panoli, expressed relief, citing her health issues, including kidney problems and Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Prithviraj Panoli said, "I am very happy... no father would like his daughter to stay in jail. Her mother was crying for a long time, but she is very happy now. There were two concerns, his kidney problem and Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). She needs regular medicine, but since we didn't have a prescription, the medicine wasn't given in jail." "Also, when the video was posted, we found out after two days, and we told her to delete it. We hoped this would be a lesson for her, and that she would do better in the future," Panoli said. According to Sharmistha's lawyer, DP Singh, the bail was granted on three conditions: Sharmistha must surrender her passport, must cooperate with the investigation and must sign a bail bond. DP Singh argued that Sharmistha is a victim of circumstances and that her social media post was a defense of her country based on videos she had seen. He questioned the severity of the response, suggesting that the community's reaction was disproportionate to her actions. Speaking to ANI, Advocate DP Singh said, "She has got bail on 3 conditions, that she will surrender her passport, she will join the investigation and sign a bail bond...whatever is happening right now in the country is wrong. You just arrest students...they speak what they see, their exposure is different...whatever she said, she said it based on the videos she saw...These children don't know much...there is a fight between India & Pakistan and they are just defending their country, so in such a situation... if we remove the clip of 5-10 seconds, she didn't say anything wrong...She is a victim of circumstances...a whole community has stood up against her...it is not like a riot took place because of what she said, so why is she being punished?" The 22-year-old law student from Pune, Sharmistha Panoli, was arrested by Kolkata Police in Gurugram on May 30, for allegedly hurting religious sentiments with a video on Operation Sindoor. The Instagram clip was reportedly derogatory towards a particular religion. However, Panoli had deleted the video and issued an apology on May 15. (ANI) The Punjab Police has busted two international drug-trafficking cartels and arrested six persons, including a female associate of a drug smuggler, leading to a recovery of 4 kg of Heroin. Speaking to ANI, Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said, "As per the order by the Chief Minister's directive against war drugs, the Commissionerate police in Amritsar have achieved great success. We have recovered four kg of heroin, which came from across the border by drone. We have arrested six accused, including one woman." "The important thing about this is that a Tarn Taran native man who is a smuggler was active for a long time, and he worked with livestock to hide his drug trade. He used to show that he was involved in goat rearing as a trade. However, he owns a big, luxurious house. An Innova vehicle has also been recovered from him," Commissioner Bhullar said. He also mentioned the 60-year-old woman, associated with a big fish Ranjit alias Cheeta, who is currently lodged in Jail. "Jasbir Kaur, a 60-year-old woman, was found to be associated with Ranjit Cheeta, a major player who ran a drug cartel and is currently in jail. She, along with others, maintained close links with Pakistan-based smugglers. They had several communication channels with them and used drones to bring in consignments across the international border," the Amritsar Commissioner said. Punjab Director General of Police, Gaurav Yadav, posted on X and confirmed the seizure. "In a major crackdown on cross-border drug smuggling, Amritsar Commissionerate Police busts two international narco-trafficking cartels, arresting six persons, including a female associate of a drug smuggler and recovers 4 Kg Heroin. Preliminary investigation reveals that one module is operated by Sevenbir, who is in direct contact with #Pak-based smugglers. He received heroin consignments and operated under the guise of livestock trade," the DGP posted. "Another accused, Jasbir Kaur, is linked to the cartel of the infamous smuggler Ranjeet @ Cheeta and maintains contact with smugglers in both #India and across the border. @PunjabPoliceInd remains resolute in dismantling drug syndicates and safeguarding youth from the grip of narcotics," he added. (ANI) The protest comes in response to a directive from the university's Vice Chancellor to establish a monitoring committee. This committee will oversee the content of events held in affiliated colleges to ensure that no anti-national elements are present. Visuals showed the activists attempting to barge into the university's administrative office and the police preventing them. As a mark of protest, they also burned the copies of the order. The university has warned that strict action will be taken against any event found to include anti-national elements. SFI activists are protesting, likely citing concerns over freedom of expression and academic autonomy. The seven-member committee consists of the university registrar and six professors. (ANI) The Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) operated additional bus services during the summer vacation. From May 1 to May 31, 2025, over 8 lakh passengers benefited from this initiative, according to a release issued by the state government. According to the officials, to improve passenger convenience during the summer vacation, the ST Corporation operated over 1,400 extra express buses daily, connecting key cities across Gujarat. This included nearly 500 trips from Surat to Saurashtra, around 210 from Saurashtra to North Gujarat, approximately 300 from South Gujarat to North Gujarat, and 300 to various destinations within Saurashtra. Additionally, interstate services saw increased passenger traffic on routes between Gujarat and neighbouring states like Maharashtra and Rajasthan. The GSRTC ensured convenient travel to religious and tourist destinations through well-planned services from Ahmedabad. This included 10 daily trips to Ambaji, Somnath, and Dwarka, and five daily trips to Dakor, Pavagadh, and Girnar. For tourist spots like the Statue of Unity, Sasan Gir, and Saputara, five trips were operated daily, while 10 daily services were run to Diu and Kutch. For interstate travel, two daily trips from Ahmedabad connected passengers to Mount Abu and Sundha Mata in Rajasthan, and two trips from Geeta Mandir served Maharashtra destinations like Shirdi, Nashik, and Dhulia. Between May 1 and May 31, 2025, GSRTC operated 2,780 additional buses, completing 16,438 extra trips and serving 8.22 lakh passengers. The same period in 2024 saw 1,988 extra buses, 11,674 trips, and 5.84 lakh passengers. This marks a year-on-year increase of 2.38 lakh passengers availing ST Corporation's summer vacation services. To ensure passenger convenience, ST Corporation conducted 16,438 trips between May 1 and May 31, 2025, covering 15.61 lakh kilometres and generating Rs3.78 crore in revenue. In comparison, May 2024 saw 11,674 trips and Rs2.94 crore in earnings. These figures highlight the state government's commitment to strong leadership and quality public transport infrastructure. "Gujarat's robust public transportation system, accessible to both urban and rural citizens, reflects the visionary leadership of former Chief Minister and current Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Guided by the Prime Minister and led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the state government continues to advance transformative reforms in the road transport sector to enhance passenger convenience," said an official release. (ANI) An inmate has been killed by two others, who were confined in Delhi's Saket court lockup with him, police said on Thursday. According to the Delhi police, the inmate has been identified as Aman, and he was murdered inside the lockup. The police have also identified the accused as Jitender and Jaidev. "An inmate, Aman, was killed by two other inmates, Jitender and Jaidev, inside the Saket Court lockup. Jitender and Aman had an old animosity due to an incident of assault that happened in 2024 when they both were outside the jail," Delhi police said. The police said that both the accused had animosity with inmate Aman due to an incident of assault that happened in 2024 when they were both outside the jail. The police said that the assault incident between the accused and the deceased inmate, who are undertrial prisoners, had clashed with each other, where the deceased had allegedly assaulted Jitendra and his brother with a knife. "An incident of assault took place on June 5 in Kharja No. 5 of the Saket court lockup. One Aman was brought to the lockup to be produced before the court. At the time of the incident, a lot of undertrial prisoners, including the deceased Aman, were present inside the said Kharja. Two UTPs, Jitender and Jaidev, assaulted the victim," police said in a statement. "Jitender and Aman had old animosity between them due to an incident of assault that happened in 2024 when they both were outside the jail. Aman allegedly assaulted Jitender and his brother with a knife in that incident," it added. (ANI) After Calcutta High Court granted interim bail to law student Sharmistha Panoli, West Bengal Assembly Leader of Opposition and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday said, "justice has been served today". In a post on X, Suvendu Adhikari said, "Justice has been served today - Sharmistha Panoli, a law student, aged about 22 years, has been released on interim bail by the Hon'ble High Court at Calcutta." https://x.com/SuvenduWB/status/1930556756666585104 He called her arrest "police atrocities" and said she was wrongly arrested for exercising her right to free speech. He accused Kolkata Police of acting to please political leaders. "This is a case of police atrocities as an innocent young lady, for using her freedom of speech and expression, has been illegally arrested by the Kolkata Police and was sent to judicial custody. This is yet another example of police overzealousness and eagerness to please their political masters," the post reads. The court directed her to cooperate with the investigation, not leave the country, and furnished bail on a personal bond of Rs 10,000. The court also ordered appropriate police protection for her. Meanwhile, BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul and West Bengal BJP Legal Cell member Sanjukta Samanta filed an FIR against Wazahat Khan, who filed an FIR against Sharmistha Panoli, at two Police Stations, Ballygunje Police Station, Kolkata and Howrah Police Station. Paul said there should be equal rights and rules for every community. Speaking to ANI, Agnimitra Paul said, "Yes, I have filed a police complaint against Wazahat Khan, who filed a police complaint against Sharmistha Panoli. I believe that Dr BR Ambedkar Ji's constitution is applicable in West Bengal, and there should be equal rights and rules for every community...Wazahat Khan, who complained against Sharmistha Panoli, had posted an abusive post against our goddess Maa Kamakhya and Lord Krishna. If a Muslim is insulting my god and goddess, the same action needs to be taken for Wazahat Khan...As Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma has sent his police force to arrest Wazahat Khan, Mamata Banerjee's police, because of her Muslim appeasement, have been hiding and shielding Wazahat Khan..." The 22-year-old law student from Pune, Sharmistha Panoli, was arrested by Kolkata Police in Gurugram on May 30, for allegedly hurting religious sentiments with a video on Operation Sindoor. The Instagram clip was reportedly derogatory towards a particular religion. However, Panoli had deleted the video and issued an apology on May 15. (ANI) Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday said that the Hindu Hruday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg (Highway) was a "game changer" as it will reduce travel time from 18 hours to only eight hours. While addressing the press conference, Shinde said that the highway would save fuel and time, proving beneficial for the people. "The last phase was inaugurated by the popular Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. It is a game-changer project in Maharashtra. It was the most difficult and challenging project. It will benefit the people to a large extent. The journey that used to take 18 hours will take 8 hours. It will save fuel, it will save time," Shinde said. He said that the final leg of the Samruddhi Highway would benefit farmers, who used to travel to Mumbai from Nagpur with their produce, as they would reach the financial capital within a day instead of multiple days. "The last phase will benefit Nashik. A farmer from Nagpur who left in the morning with farm produce used to reach Mumbai in three days, but now the farmer who left in the morning will reach Mumbai in the evening," the Deputy CM said. "This will give a boost to industries everywhere," he added. Shinde said that the Samruddhi Highway was environment-friendly since many facilities have been provided to ensure that wild animals are not disturbed and can move freely. "Even the most minor things have been kept in mind. Facilities have been provided so that wild animals will not be disturbed anywhere and can move freely. 11 lakh big trees and 22 lakh small trees have been planted, so this Samruddhi Mahamarg is environmentally friendly," he informed. He further stated that the highway would boost the agritourism industry. He also said that the already approved 802-kilometre-long Shaktipeeth Highway, which will connect Maharashtra's Nagpur to Goa, will prove beneficial for farmers in the Marathwada region as it would increase connectivity, possibly avoiding farmer suicide. "Some people were in a hurry for the inauguration, but the work was not completed at that time. It was inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi when I was the Chief Minister. This road will boost the agri-tourism industry," Shinde said. "Shaktipeeth Highway will be a game changer for Marathwada farmers. They will not commit suicide. It should be built to benefit the people," he added. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said many initially opposed the Samruddhi highway project. He said that the project cost went up to approximately Rs 61,000 crore from Rs 55,000 crore, and nearly 12 crore cement bags were used in the construction of the highway. "Many people opposed this project when it was starting. It was worth (approximately) Rs 55,000 crore, but it went up to Rs 61,000 crore. Twelve crore cement bags have been used here. Devendra Fadnavis started it when he was the Chief Minister, and now it is rare that it is inaugurated when he is the Chief Minister," he said. "We followed all the rules," said Pawar while talking about taking a drive with Devendra Fadnavis on the highway. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the final phase of the 701-kilometre Highway from Igatpuri in Nashik to Aamne in Thane in the presence of both deputy chief ministers, including Ajit Pawar. Fadnavis also inaugurated the 'Thane Creek Bridge No. 3 South Channel' on the Sion-Panvel Mahamarg, which adds a new dimension to the Mumbai-Pune highway. (ANI) The Delhi High Court has strongly condemned schools for employing "bouncers" to coerce students and parents over unpaid fees. The court ruled that such actions amount to mental harassment and undermine a child's psychological well-being and self-worth. The court emphasised that educational institutions have a greater purpose beyond commercial interests, including promoting public welfare and nation-building. It stated that such practices foster fear, humiliation, and exclusion, which contradicts the foundational principles of education. Earlier today, Delhi Public School (DPS) Dwarka informed the High Court that it had withdrawn its decision to suspend 31 students due to unpaid fees. However, Justice Sachin Datta emphasised that while schools charge fees for their services, they must not operate purely as commercial enterprises. The court stressed the importance of protecting students' rights and dignity, particularly in fee disputes. The court acknowledged the school's right to collect appropriate fees to sustain infrastructure, remunerate staff, and create a conducive learning environment. However, it stressed the institution's fiduciary and moral obligations toward students. Justice Datta urged both DPS Dwarka and the parents to work together to resolve disputes in the best interests of the students. In a recent ruling, another bench of the Delhi High Court granted relief to students of Delhi Public School (DPS), Dwarka, who had been removed from the rolls due to non-payment of increased fees. Justice Vikas Mahajan, while hearing a petition filed by several parents, directed that the affected students be readmitted to classes, provided they deposit 50 per cent of the revised fee for the academic years 2024-25 and onward. In the present matter, the parents had challenged the suspension, alleging discrimination by school authorities. They claimed the students had been rusticated due to non-payment of revised fees. DPS Dwarka argued that parents had been repeatedly informed about outstanding dues, citing the school's financial strain. It defended its use of security personnel, citing protests, alleged threats, and concerns over potential student abductions. The parents refuted these claims, stating that students' rights must be protected and accusing the school of withholding key documents. Parents alleged that the school arbitrarily removed students without prior notice, violating court directives and fundamental principles of justice. Many of the expelled students are in Class X and had begun preparing for board exams, making their removal particularly disruptive to their education and emotional well-being. Further allegations include claims of student mistreatment, threats by security personnel, and confinement in a bus for two hours before being sent home. Reports indicate increased security, including female bouncers, on May 14, 2025. Parents asserted that local authorities had declined to intervene, citing the matter's sub-judice status. The parents' plea came in response to DPS Dwarka's challenge against a directive from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) on July 18, 2024, which ordered the police to file an FIR against the school. The directive cited complaints of student expulsions, public disclosure of names on the school website, and an alleged incident involving a female student being denied assistance during menstruation. The High Court later stayed this order on July 30. Last month, the Delhi High Court issued a stern rebuke against the school over claims that students were confined in the library and barred from classes due to unpaid fees. The court labelled the actions "inhumane," likening the institution to a commercial entity rather than an educational one. The judge suggested that the principal could face criminal prosecution for the alleged mistreatment of students. (ANI) The meeting was held at Indira Bhawan in New Delhi. Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam and KC Venugopal, General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee, were present at the meeting. On its official handle posted on X, Congress said, "Congress President Kharge today convened a meeting with the Manipur leadership, wherein LoP Rahul Gandhi and Congress General Secretary (Org) KC Venugopal attended." Recently, the state has witnessed incessant rainfall that led to waterlogging at several places, prompting authorities to launch rescue operations. Torrential rains led to a massive breach of the Imphal River's embankment at four points, causing extensive flooding in Imphal East. Recently, nearly 25 Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs met at the residence of party MLA Thongam Biswajit Singh in Imphal to push for the formation of a popular government in Manipur. On May 28, nearly 10 MLAs, including eight from the BJP, one from the National People's Party (NPP), and one Independent MLA, met Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at the Raj Bhavan in Imphal to stake a claim to form a government in the state. Ten MLAs, including eight from the BJP, one from the NPP, and one Independent MLA, met Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at the Raj Bhavan in Imphal, demanding the formation of a "popular" government in the ethnic violence-hit state. President's Rule was imposed in Manipur on February 13, days after BJP leader N. Biren Singh resigned as Chief Minister. Ethnic conflict broke out in the State on May 3, 2023, causing the loss of lives of hundreds of people. The decision, exercised under Article 356 of the Constitution, means that the state's administrative functions will now be directly controlled by the President through the Governor. The unrest in Manipur primarily involved clashes between the majority Meitei community and the minority Kuki-Zomi tribes. Tensions escalated over disputes related to economic benefits, job quotas, and land rights. The violence resulted in hundreds of fatalities and displaced approximately 60,000 individuals. (ANI) The Amarnath Yatra, a 38-day pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine in Jammu and Kashmir, has been secured with a massive deployment of 581 Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) companies, jammers, and drones. This extensive security arrangement aims to ensure the safe passage of devotees during the sacred journey. It comes in the backdrop of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 tourists were killed. Besides, top official sources mentioned that all roads leading to the Yatra routes and National Highways will be temporarily blocked to ensure maximum security during the convoy's passage. In addition to these measures, a comprehensive deployment will include Road Opening Parties (ROPs) to secure and clear the routes, Quick Action Teams (QATs) for immediate response to threats, Bomb Disposal Squads (BDS) will detect and neutralise explosives, and K9 units (specially trained sniffer dogs) and drones will be used for aerial surveillance. These arrangements will be in place on both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes to the Amarnath Cave Shrine in Jammu and Kashmir. For the first time, the officials said, jammers will be installed to protect the Shri Amarnathji Yatra convoy during its movement, which will be escorted by Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). The Annual Hindu pilgrimage, scheduled to take place from July 3 to August 9, will be conducted over a reduced duration of 38 days for the first time this year. This year's Yatra is comparatively shorter than last year's 52-day pilgrimage. Officials said that "preparations are in full swing to ensure a secure, seamless, and well-coordinated Yatra." "Regular high-level coordination meetings are being held with the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, Divisional Administration, J-K Police, and other CAPFs to review and streamline security, logistics, and overall administration arrangements." In a recent review visit, Director General of Central Reserve Police Force Gyanendra Pratap Singh personally inspected key sites, including Pahalgam, Jammu, base camps, and Yatri Niwas, to oversee on-ground preparedness and ensure that comprehensive measures are in place for the safety and convenience of the pilgrims. The Shri Amarnathji Yatra is an annual Hindu pilgrimage to the sacred Amarnath Cave Shrine, dedicated to Lord Shiva, located at an altitude of about 3,888 meters in the Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir (J-K). The cave houses a naturally formed ice Shivling, believed to represent Lord Shiva, and draws lakhs of devotees every year. The Yatra is typically held during the Shravan month (July to August) as per the Hindu calendar, under the supervision of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) and with coordinated support from security and civil administration. (ANI) The recruits, who swore allegiance to the Indian Republic, underwent rigorous training for over 31 weeks in various aspects of physical fitness, battle and field craft, weapons, and tactics. As per the release, the Agniveers would now be joining the Gorkha Battalions of First and Fourth Gorkha Rifles of the Indian Army, having a rich and glorious military history of over 200 years of valour and sacrifice. Brigadier Puneet Sharma, Commandant 14 Gorkha Training Centre reviewed the parade. He also addressed the parade, wherein he motivated all the recruits to keep the National and Indian Army flag flying high across all frontiers of the Country. The parade was followed by a melodious Pipe Band display of martial music with excellent synchronisation. The function concluded with a breath-taking Physical Training Display that left the spectators awe-inspired. More than 300 serving persons, Ex-Servicemen, parents, and relatives of Agniveers graced the event. Earlier today, the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAK LI) Regiment Centre in Srinagar held the Passing Out Parade (POP) of its fifth batch of Agniveers, marking the induction of 326 recruits into the Indian Army. The newly inducted Agniveers completed 31 weeks of physical, mental, and tactical training before marching in unison during the attestation ceremony. Senior Army officers, instructors, and recruits' family members attended the event. The Reviewing Officer, a senior Army official, congratulated the newly inducted soldiers and encouraged them to uphold the rich legacy of the JAK LI Regiment with unwavering commitment and courage. (ANI) On the occasion of World Environment Day, a website, "Discover Green Hydrogen," was launched by L&T GreenTech. The website focuses on the global clean energy revolution, providing insights, expert analysis, and real-time updates on the rapidly evolving Green Hydrogen industry. Powered by L&T GreenTech, a key division of L&T Energy's Green & Clean Energy Business, the newly launched website reflects L&T's unwavering commitment to sustainability. This website is designed as a collaborative hub where industry experts, practitioners, analysts, and media professionals can converge, contribute, and stay informed. It offers rich, in-depth content on every aspect of green hydrogen and the broader energy transition, empowering stakeholders with the knowledge needed to drive innovation and investment. Green hydrogen is produced through water electrolysis powered exclusively by renewable energy sources like solar and wind. It offers a truly carbon-free fuel alternative. Unlike traditional hydrogen derived from fossil fuels, it emits no greenhouse gases, making it a powerful tool to tackle climate change and a critical driver of the global energy transition. Earlier, the government of India launched the National Green Hydrogen Mission, a move aimed at accelerating commercial-scale production for domestic consumption and positioning India as a leading exporter of green hydrogen. The mission aims to develop 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) of green hydrogen production capacity annually by 2030--a transformational step towards a sustainable energy future. However, despite its immense potential, the green hydrogen industry remains nascent, with limited in-depth understanding, even among insiders. This knowledge gap highlights the urgent need for a centralised, authoritative platform that provides comprehensive insights, expert analysis, and real-time updates on this rapidly evolving sector. The "DiscoverGreenHydrogen.com" has been created to fill this critical void. As a global energy leader, L&T has set formidable ESG targets: achieving water neutrality by 2035 and carbon neutrality by 2040. Through its climate leadership initiatives, L&T aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 300 tonnes annually, impacting both its own operations and those of its clients. Green hydrogen is at the heart of L&T's clean fuel strategy and is indispensable to fulfilling these ambitious carbon and water neutrality goals. DiscoverGreenHydrogen.com embodies this vision, uniting knowledge, innovation, and action to accelerate the adoption of green hydrogen and secure a sustainable energy future for India and the world. This website will empower the entire industry by serving as a centralised, trusted platform--providing critical insights, fostering collaboration, and accelerating informed decision-making. It will help stakeholders navigate the complexities of technology, policy, and market dynamics, ultimately driving faster innovation, investment, and large-scale deployment of green hydrogen solutions across sectors. In doing so, DiscoverGreenHydrogen.com will play a vital role in shaping a cleaner, more sustainable energy landscape for the industry and society at large. (ANI) Launching a scathing attack on Congress MP Rahul Gandhi over his "surrender" remarks on PM Modi, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday slammed Congress, accusing it of surrendering India's pride, security, and sovereignty over historical dates from losing PoK and Aksai Chin. In a long post on X, CM Himanta, citing Prime Minister Modi's strong response through Uri, Balakot, and Galwan, said that "India today speaks with strength, not submission." "Rahul Gandhi has the audacity to mock the Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi as "Surrender Modi" despite the massive success of #OperationSindoor. Let's jog his memory as to which party and family has surrendered India's interest and territory, and backstabbed the people with their treachery," he said. "It was Pandit Nehru who rushed to the United Nations during the Kashmir conflict, halted our advancing Army, and gifted away what we now call Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. A military victory sacrificed at the altar of global appeasement," CM Sarma said. Attacking the Congress over Aksai Chin, the Assam CM said that 38,000 sq km of Indian territory was handed over without firing a bullet. "Nehru's only response when China threatened Assam? Was this statesmanship or surrender @RahulGandhi? Assam was nearly cut off. The entire Northeast was abandoned to fate," Himanta Biswa Sarma said. Further, CM Sarma said that former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had 93,000 Pakistani soldiers in custody during the 1971 war, the moment, he said, could be used to take back PoK. "Indira Gandhi had 93,000 Pakistani soldiers in custody after the 1971 war. But instead of using that leverage to recover PoK or secure reparations, she released them--empty-handed. A historic military win squandered at the negotiating table," he said. "Despite full readiness, the Congress government deferred India's nuclear tests under American pressure. It took Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 1998 to finally make India a declared nuclear power. After 166 innocent Indians were butchered by Pakistan-backed terrorists in 26/11, what did Congress do? No response. No justice. No accountability. Just silence," the Assam CM said. Sharpening his attacks further, CM Himanta Sarma claimed that the Congress didn't just surrender land, it surrendered India's pride, security, and sovereignty. "Even after victory, they couldn't secure 9 Indian POWs from Pakistan. Even after the liberation of Bangladesh, they left Assam vulnerable, its fate hanging by the "chicken neck" corridor. Even in 1962, Nehru was ready to abandon Assam to the Chinese," he said. Praising Prime Minister Modi's leadership, the Assam CM said that those "dark days are over". "Under PM Narendra Modi, India doesn't plead. We act in Uri, we strike in Balakot, we stand our ground in Galwan, and we lead globally. From military to diplomacy, from economy to national security, India today speaks with strength, not submission. Congress must stop projecting its own history of cowardice onto the shoulders of a leader who refuses to bend. India remembers. India has risen. And India won't surrender again," CM Himanta said on X. This comes after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi attacked the BJP-led government on Tuesday over allegations of mediation by the United States in Operation Sindoor. He alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi "followed" Donald Trump following a call by the US leader and that the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi did not budge to the US in the 1971 war. Addressing a convention of Congress workers in Bhopal, LoP Rahul Gandhi said, "Now, I understand RSS-BJP well. They run away out of fear if slight pressure is put on them. When Trump called Modiji- Modiji kya kar rahe ho, Narender-Surrender and with 'ji hazooor', Narenderji followed Trump. In the 1971 war, the Seventh Fleet (which came from the US), India Gandhi said I will do whatever I have to do. This is the difference. This is their character; all of them are like this. Since the Independence movement, they have had the habit of writing letters of surrender." (ANI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Union Minister Jitendra Singh inspected the Katra railway station and the Vande Bharat train on Thursday ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit on June 6. PM Modi will flag off the first Vande Bharat train to Kashmir on Friday. CM Omar Abdullah said, "If I tell you that I have been waiting for this moment for a long time, it will still not be enough. This rail project began when I was in the 7th or 8th class. Now, even my children have started working after completing school and college. But, better late than never...tomorrow PM will inaugurate the Vande Bharat services and it will benefit us...whenever highway gets blocked, the airlines start selling tickets of Rs 5,000 for Rs 20,000, such issues will be solved from now on." He further said that horticulture produce would be easily sent to the market. "This project has set many records. The Chenab Bridge is higher than the Eiffel Tower. Anji Khad Bridge is the longest cable-stayed railway bridge in the country. There are many tunnels between Katra and Banihal. The project will be boost for economy and tourism. Now it will take 4 hours from Srinagar to Katra. We will ensure successful Amarnath Yatra," he added. Union Minister Jitendra Singh said, "In 2014, when PM Modi took oath as PM, the work on this bridge had almost stopped. There were controversies about the tallest bridge in the world as well, whether it would be possible to build such a bridge and whether it would be safe. There would be ease of travel and ease of business. Within 3 hours, you can reach Srinagar from here. The rush on the highway will reduce. This will become a part of Viksit Bharat." The Northern Railway on Thursday announced the commencement of regular services of the Vande Bharat Express trains between Srinagar and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra starting June 7. The services will operate six days a week, enhancing connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the prominent pilgrimage destination. Two pairs of Vande Bharat Express trains, Train Nos. 26404/26403 and 26401/26402 were introduced on the Srinagar-Katra-Srinagar route, with an intermediate halt at Banihal. The trains were set to operate six days a week, excluding Wednesdays. (ANI) Tripura Governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu on Thursday urged people to plant trees in their homes and avoid the use of plastic on the occasion of World Environment Day. Governor of Tripura Indrasena Reddy Nallu said, "Today is World Environment Day. Tripura is a green land, a green state. We must always strive to maintain this greenery and take the state even further on the path of environmental progress. I would like to tell the people of the state to avoid the use of plastic. I urge everyone to plant trees in their own homes." Tripura joined the global movement with renewed commitment to environmental preservation. Known for its lush greenery and natural beauty, the state marked the day with an appeal to its citizens to protect and sustain its rich ecological heritage. In a message to the people, a call was made to maintain Tripura's identity as a "green land" and to further advance its environmental goals. Emphasising the need to reduce pollution, residents were urged to stop using plastic and adopt eco-friendly habits. The message also encouraged every household to contribute to the green mission by planting trees at home, reinforcing that collective action begins at the individual level. To mark the occasion, various awareness drives, plantation programs, and community participation activities were held across the state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi planted a Sindoor sapling at his 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, his official residence. The sapling was presented to him by a group of women who had displayed exceptional courage during the 1971 war. Over 300 women had gathered at the Indian Air Force airstrip in Bhuj to rebuild the airstrip during the 1971 Indo-Pak. PM Modi highlighted the importance of preserving the balance of nature. On Thursday, PM Modi shared a video message on X, urging people to deepen their efforts to protect the planet and overcome environmental challenges. In the caption of the video, PM Modi wrote,"This #WorldEnvironmentDay, let's deepen our efforts towards protecting our planet and overcoming the challenges we face. I also compliment all those working at the grassroots to make our environment greener and better." In the video message, PM Modi said, "Prakriti Rakshati Rakshita", those who protect nature, nature protects them." The Prime Minister highlighted India's ancient tradition of environmental balance, "Balance in the environment has always been a part of our ancient tradition. It is said in our culture, "Yat pinde tat brahmande", meaning, what exists in the body also exists in the universe. Whatever we do for ourselves directly impacts our environment." PM Modi stressed that individual actions directly impact the environment and called for collective action to protect the world's climate. "To protect the world's climate, it is essential that every country rises above self-interest and thinks collectively," the video stated. (ANI) The Uttarakhand Government has suspended three engineers from the Public Works Department (PWD) over the damage to an under-construction bridge at Tharali in Chamoli district. Secretary of the Public Works Department, Pankaj Kumar Pandey, issued the suspension orders on the instructions of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, said an official release. According to the release, under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, concrete and decisive steps are being taken in the direction of transparent and accountable governance in the state. Officials said the Chief Minister has given clear instructions that the state should be made corruption-free and accountability in the administration ensured. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Dhami on Thursday honoured the 'eco-warriors' for their significant contribution to the environment on the occasion of World Environment Day at Mukhya Sevak Sadan, located at the Chief Minister's residence. Students welcomed and congratulated Pushkar Singh Dhami by presenting flowers. CM Dhami said, "On this day, all of us should pledge that we will make all possible efforts on our level to conserve the environment and overcome this challenge. If there is a calamity anywhere--be it in Chamoli, Dharchula, or Uttarkashi--it will impact all of us, be it people in Dehradun, Delhi, or anywhere in the country. We all get affected by it. We are fortunate that Uttarakhand is rich in natural beauty and biodiversity." Municipal Corporation Rudrapur was honoured with the Sunder Lal Bahuguna Nature and Environment Conservation Award-2025 (Government Category). Deputy Municipal Commissioner Shipra Joshi from Municipal Corporation Rudrapur received this award. Vijay Jaddhari and Pratap Singh Pokhriyal were honoured with the Sunder Lal Bahuguna Nature and Environment Conservation Award-2025 (Non-Government Category). The Chief Minister also released the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board's awareness poster and inaugurated the portal prepared by the Eco-Tourism Corporation. On this occasion, the Chief Minister administered the oath of plastic-free Uttarakhand and provided cloth bags to schoolchildren. The Chief Minister directed the Forest Department to plant at least one thousand fruit trees in every forest division of the state this year. So that there is adequate food for wild animals. The Chief Minister urged the people of the state and travellers not to feed animals such things that are harmful to their health. The Chief Minister, while wishing everyone a happy World Environment Day, said that Uttarakhand is a state full of natural beauty and biodiversity. Dense forests, holy rivers, and Himalayan glaciers are the state's geographical identity. The Chief Minister said that due to the efforts of the Prime Minister, India is moving ahead globally in the field of renewable energy production. Schemes like Solar Mission, Electric Mobility, Green Hydrogen Mission, Swachh Bharat Mission, Namami Gange Abhiyan and Plastic Free India Campaign are playing an important role in environmental conservation. (ANI) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel graced the distribution ceremony of 50 JCB machines organised by the Bharwad Yuva Sangathan - Gujarat Pradesh, held at Town Hall in Gandhinagar on Thursday. During the event, 50 economically disadvantaged youths from the Bharwad community were provided with JCB machines without any down payment, as part of an initiative to empower them towards self-reliance, according to the press release. Commending the efforts of the organization, the Chief Minister stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always emphasised that when society joins hands with the government in its efforts to empower the youth, the pace of development doubles. On the occasion of World Environment Day, CM Patel extended his greetings and remarked that the Prime Minister has introduced several visionary initiatives that hold immense value for society. He emphasised the importance of prioritising environmental considerations in every sphere of life--be it livelihood, business, or lifestyle--to realise the goals of sustainable development. He added that when every village and every community takes proactive steps, Viksit Gujarat will lead to Viksit Bharat. The Chief Minister further stated that the natural resources inherited from our ancestors must be preserved and passed on to future generations. Highlighting the Prime Minister's continuous efforts in this direction, he stressed the need to prevent water wastage and adopt methods for groundwater recharge and conservation. Appealing to the public, the Chief Minister called for a collective effort to eliminate the use of plastic from daily life, aligning with the broader vision of transforming Gujarat into a plastic-free state and, ultimately, a plastic-free India. He also noted that the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign, launched last year by the Prime Minister as a step towards combating global warming, has evolved into a people's movement. Under this campaign, Gujarat planted over 17 crore 50 lakhs trees across the state last year, earning the distinction of being ranked second in the nation--a milestone the Chief Minister proudly acknowledged. CM Patel stated that the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0' campaign began on World Environment Day 2025. He appealed to the public to actively participate in increasing the green cover by planting more trees under this initiative. Reaffirming the state government's commitment to Viksit Gujarat, the Chief Minister highlighted the Prime Minister's emphasis on "GYAN Shakti" -- referring to the four pillars of Viksit Bharat: the poor, youth, farmers (Annadata), and women. He stated that the state is moving forward with focused efforts in these areas. The occasion was graced by the presence and blessings of esteemed religious leaders, and former MLAs Bhavanbhai Bharwad and Lakhabhai Bharwad, along with prominent leaders from the Bharwad community, District President Anil Patel, and Ashish Bhatt. (ANI) Ahead of flagging off the Vande Bharat Express between Katra and Srinagar on June 6, marking the completion of the Katra-Sangaldan rail link project, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that key infrastructure projects worth Rs 46,000 crores which are being inaugurated will have a positive impact on people's lives. In a post on X, PM Modi shared, "Tomorrow, 6th June is indeed a special day for my sisters and brothers of Jammu and Kashmir. Key infrastructure projects worth Rs. 46,000 crores are being inaugurated which will have a very positive impact on people's lives. In addition to being an extraordinary feat of architecture, the Chenab Rail Bridge will improve connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar. The Anji Bridge stands tall as India's first cable-stayed rail bridge in a terrain that is challenging." "The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project ensures all-weather connectivity and the Vande Bharat trains from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to Srinagar will boost spiritual tourism and create livelihood opportunities," he further added. Earlier, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited the Chenab Bridge to review arrangements ahead of the visit of the Prime Minister. In a post on X, he shared, "Visited the tallest railway bridge in the world, The Chenab Bridge, to review arrangements for the visit of the Hon PM Narendra Modi ji tomorrow. Tomorrow is a landmark day for J&K when, finally, the valley will be connected to the rest of the country by a railway link to be inaugurated at the hands of the Hon PM." The new route includes the Chenab Bridge, the world's highest railway bridge, making it a historic milestone for Indian Railways. The inauguration has sparked excitement among residents in the region. CM Omar Abdullah and Union Minister Jitendra Singh inspected Katra railway station and the Vande Bharat train on Thursday. Union Minister Jitendra Singh said, "In 2014, when PM Modi had taken oath as PM, the work on this bridge had almost stopped. The tallest bridge in the world, there were controversies about this as well, whether it will be possible to build such a bridge and whether it will be safe...now, there will be ease of travel and ease of business...within 3 hours, you can reach Srinagar from here." The Northern Railway on Thursday announced the commencement of regular services of the Vande Bharat Express trains between Srinagar and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra starting June 7. The services will operate six days a week, enhancing connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the prominent pilgrimage destination. Two pairs of Vande Bharat Express trains, Train Nos. 26404/26403 and 26401/26402 were introduced on the Srinagar-Katra-Srinagar route, with an intermediate halt at Banihal. The trains were set to operate six days a week, excluding Wednesdays. (ANI) West Tripura Lok Sabha MP and former Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb on Wednesday joined World Environment Day celebrations at Vivek Nagar Ramakrishna Mission, Agartala. He highlighted India's age-old connection with nature and the environment. "Today is World Environment Day. As a citizen of this country, I take pride in the fact that tree worship has been practised here for many generations. While foreigners are only now realising the importance of protecting greenery, for us, this is nothing new," he told ANI. Deb asserted that India, guided by the principles of Sanatan Dharma, has always championed the protection of nature and all living beings. He noted that many countries now look to India for environmental inspiration. "The world has entrusted us with the responsibility of planting trees. I have travelled across Europe and seen that there isn't as much greenery there. People from abroad come to our country to witness wildlife. To see lions, they have to travel all the way to Africa," he added. Encouraging people to take personal responsibility, Deb proposed a unique suggestion: "We celebrate our birthdays every year, but we should also plant at least one tree each time. If someone is 60 years old and has planted only seven trees in their lifetime, that should change." The celebration at Ramakrishna Mission aimed to spread awareness among students and the public about the importance of environmental conservation, aligning with this year's global theme of restoring land and combating desertification. Earlier in the day, Tripura Governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu urged people to plant trees in their homes and avoid the use of plastic on the occasion of World Environment Day. "Today is World Environment Day. Tripura is a green land, a green state. We must always strive to maintain this greenery and take the state even further on the path of environmental progress. I would like to tell the people of the state to avoid the use of plastic. I urge everyone to plant trees in their own homes," he said. Tripura joined the global movement with renewed commitment to environmental preservation. Known for its lush greenery and natural beauty, the state marked the day with an appeal to its citizens to protect and sustain its rich ecological heritage. In a message to the people, a call was made to maintain Tripura's identity as a "green land" and to further advance its environmental goals. Emphasising the need to reduce pollution, residents were urged to stop using plastic and adopt eco-friendly habits. (aNI) Chief Guest Justice Sanjay Karol and Guest of Honour Justice Jasmeet Singh addressed the event, where Justice Abhay S Oka received the SILF Sustainability Award 2025 for his contributions to environmental law. Justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka stressed that environmental justice is intertwined with social and economic equity, highlighting the Supreme Court's strong stance on pollution and its impact on vulnerable communities. He called for action beyond legal precedents to translate sustainability into real change. Justice Jasmeet Singh noted the urgent climate crisis, underscoring the judiciary's role in balancing conservation with development. He urged collective efforts toward sustainability, emphasizing the need for innovation and commitment. Justice Karol framed climate change as an emergency, stating that Indian courts have zealously protected the environment. He emphasised grassroots solutions and citizen participation in preserving ecological balance. President of SILF, Dr Lalit Bhasin praised the judiciary for setting environmental accountability precedents and called for continued focus on sustainability. The event featured discussions on environmental justice and economic development, with awards recognising contributions from distinguished figures. The conference reinforced the judiciary's critical role in advancing sustainability and environmental protection in India. (ANI) The incident occurred in the evening hours and was swiftly handled by alert station staff. According to officials, the fire was immediately tackled using fire extinguishers, and the situation was controlled within five minutes. No injuries or harm to passengers or staff have been reported. Train operations at Churchgate station remain unaffected and continue to run as scheduled. Authorities said that the cause of the fire would be determined by an investigation. (ANI) Amid the Opposition's allegations on Census, the Ministry of Home Affairs on Thursday clarified that Union Home Minister Amit Shah, on many occasions, has assured that in the delimitation exercise, concerns of Southern states will be taken care of. The spokesperson for the Ministry of Home Affairs, in a post on X, said, "Budget has never been a constraint for Census as fund is always ensured by the Govt. HM Amit Shah has clarified on many occasions that in the delimitation exercise, concerns of southern states will be taken care of and discussed with all concerned at an appropriate time." Further, it emphasised that all the preparations were made to conduct the Census in 2021, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was delayed. "Census 2021 was to be conducted, and all preparations for the Census were completed. However, due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic across the country, the Census work was postponed. The aftershock of Covid-19 continued for quite some time," the post stated. "COVID disrupted all sectors, including education. Around 30 lakh enumerators are needed for the Census. Enumerators, who are primary school teachers, are key persons for conducting the Census. Conducting the Census after Covid could have disrupted primary education immensely," the MHA Spokesperson stated on X. It added that the countries that conducted the Census immediately after COVID-19 faced issues with the quality and coverage of Census data. "The Government has decided to commence the process of census forthwith which will complete on 01 March, 2027, the reference date for Census," the post stated. On Wednesday, the central government announced that the Population Census 2027 will be conducted in two phases and will also include the enumeration of castes. According to the MHA statement, the reference date for the "Population Census-2027 will be 00:00 hours on March 1, 2027, for most parts of the country." However, for the Union Territory of Ladakh and the non-synchronous snow-bound areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, the reference date will be 00:00 hours on October 1, 2026. After this, the DMK alleged that the census would be held after the proposed delimitation and that there was a plan to reduce Tamil Nadu's Parliamentary representation. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said that the Indian Constitution mandates that delimitation must follow the first Census after 2026. "The BJP has now delayed the Census to 2027, making their plan clear to reduce Tamil Nadu's Parliamentary representation. I had warned about this. It is now unfolding," he said in a post on X. He also hit out at AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami. "By siding with the BJP, Palaniswami is not just silent but complicit in this betrayal. It's now clear that he has surrendered to Delhi's domination. The people of Tamil Nadu are united as one in their demand for a Fair Delimitation. We need clear answers from the Union Government," he said. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said in a post on X that there is really no reason to delay the Census, which was due in 2021, for another twenty-three months. "The Modi Government is capable only of generating headlines, not meeting deadlines," he said. (ANI) The Indian Council of Arbitration (ICA) organised the 3rd edition of its International Conference on "Arbitrating Indo-UK Commercial Disputes" during the London International Disputes Week (LIDW) 2025, where Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai recapitulated the huge potential of growth in the India-UK economic corridor, aided by a robust cross-border commercial dispute resolution mechanism. The symposium laid emphasis on "Synergising India UK Arbitration Practices" with dedicated panel discussions on "Hybrid Dispute Resolution Models in Indo-UK Commercial Conflicts" and "Bridging Dispute Resolution Mechanisms in India-UK to Enhance Trade & Investment," according to the Ministry of Law and Justice. In a packed hall of legal luminaries and other stakeholders, Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, Chief Justice of India, inaugurated the Conference by delivering the inaugural address. "The very foundation of the concept of arbitration and mediation can be found in Indian traditional values, where disputes were referred to the elders of the village. As India continues to solidify its position as a major player in the world economy, the significance of arbitration institutions is becoming increasingly important in enhancing India's standing as a hub for arbitration," CJI said. Arjun Ram Meghwal, Union Minister of Law & Justice, while delivering the keynote address, highlighted that "Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at the "National Initiative towards Strengthening Arbitration and Enforcement " concluded in India, organised on October 23, 2016, has highlighted the importance of ADR. Hence, there was a need to simultaneously facilitate a vibrant ecosystem for alternate dispute resolution, including arbitration, mediation and conciliation. This will provide additional comfort to investors and business. More importantly, it will also ease the case load on Indian Courts". During the inaugural session, the Rt Hon Lord Michael Briggs of Westbourne, Judge Supreme Court of the UK, stated in his keynote address that "The statutory arbitration regimes in India and the UK are similar yet also different. In both, the statutory regime is embedded in our shared fabric of common law, which has for centuries recognised the right to a fair hearing in court. The recent signing of the India-UK FTA and the enhanced cooperation in terms of arbitral frameworks, replacing the mechanism of litigation for commercial dispute resolution, holds the potential to enhance the bilateral economic relations in times that come". Vikram K Doraiswami, High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom, in his special address highlighted "The India-UK FTA is India's most ambitious FTA to date. It isn't just about the figures; it opens up government procurements on equal footing with British companies and spans a range of services and sectors to let both our countries benefit. The growth of commerce invites the growth of disputes unavoidably. However, eventually an efficient and effective dispute resolution is what will enhance innovation & private sector ingenuity, aiding the growth of commerce across the jurisdictions. In his welcome address, NG Khaitan, President, ICA & Senior Partner, Khaitan & Co highlighted, "The Indian arbitral landscape is pro-arbitration which heightens investor confidence making India a preferred destination for international commercial dispute resolution. The New India is most cost effective and with best of arbitrators and mediators to aid commercial dispute resolution. Between 2016 & 2025, India mediated 7,57,000 through mediation in Lok Adalat, highest globally. This shows the reliability and trust the institution has garnered". Arun Chawla, Director General, ICA and former DG FICCI, in his opening remarks underscored that, "The base and promise of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is unmistakable: to enhance bilateral trade to USD 120 billion by 2030. This ambition is supported by greater services interoperability and increased professional mobility, especially for legal professionals, which holds particular significance. Legislative reforms in both jurisdictions are working tirelessly to advance this vision." Karishma Vora, Barrister 39 Essex Chambers, London & Member of the ICA International Advisory Committee delivered the vote of thanks, emphasising the commonalities of dispute resolution in the UK & India within the India-UK economic corridor. ICA is one of the oldest arbitral institution in India, established in 1965 with prominent co-founders Government of India & FICCI (India's apex & largest chamber for commerce and industry) among others. We have been a trailblazer in institutional arbitration with highest adjudication rate of arbitration matters in India. Annually, the ICA adjudicates claims exceeding Rs 4000 crores (approximately USD 470 million), highlighting its significant role in dispute resolution. In addition to its role in spearheading institutional arbitration in India, ICA also has role in propagating and popularizing idea of ADR mechanisms, of disseminating information and educational material concerning arbitration processes and law. (ANI) The Loch Ness monster may be feasting on fish. The Loch Ness Monster may be eating fish Nessie - the famed beast that is said to lurk beneath the freshwater basin in the Scottish Highlands - could be eating up all of the salmon and pike that are swimming in the loch. The suggestion came after researchers submerged camera traps into Nessie's supposed home and captured deep underwater footage of the fish for the first time. The group also used Remotely Operated Vehicles, to find out whether or not Nessie exists. Nagina Ishaq, the general manager of The Loch Ness Centre, said: "The excitement and buzz around this weekend has proven that the Loch Ness mystery is very much alive. "We all want the same thing, to discover the secrets that lie beneath the loch, and weve been delighted to welcome so many people into The Loch Ness Centre to enjoy the exhibition and Deepscan boat trips across the weekend. "The footage we have captured using the ROVs has just made us more determined than ever to continue our search for the truth." The Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Government of Sikkim, has confirmed that, except for Lachen and Lachung in Chungthang Sub-Division of Mangan district, all other tourist destinations across the state remain open and safe for visitors. Speaking to the media, Additional Chief Secretary CS Rao clarified that permits to Lachen and Lachung are currently suspended due to road damage caused by recent landslides. However, he emphasised that Sikkim offers over 200 tourist destinations, with only around 25-30 of them located in the affected Mangan district. The remaining destinations across Sikkim's other five districts are fully accessible and continue to receive many visitors. Despite the temporary restrictions, the state has not witnessed any decline in tourist footfall. Many tourists who had initially planned to visit Gurudongmar Lake or Yumthang Valley have now diverted their trips to destinations like Yuksom, Kecheopalri Lake, and Pelling in the west, which remain unaffected and equally attractive. Rao also highlighted the state's ongoing evacuation efforts, mentioning that around 65 tourists were successfully airlifted from Lachen with the help of the Indian Army and paramilitary forces. Approximately 63 more are expected to be rescued by tomorrow, ensuring full evacuation from the affected region. The tourism department reassures all stakeholders and visitors that tourist safety and comfort remain a top priority. "Only a small portion of North Sikkim is affected. The rest of the state is safe and welcoming," Rao stressed, urging tourists not to cancel their travel plans and to continue visiting Sikkim. Meanwhile, the evacuation of stranded tourists from Chaten has begun today at Pakyong Greenfield Airport. According a release, the two MI 17 helicopters have successfully completed its first evacuation operation, transporting 39 evacuees from Chaten to Pakyong Greenfield Airport. Additionally, four passengers were safely evacuated using the Cheetah Helicopter. In order to provide convenience to the tourists to commute to Siliguri, the Government of Sikkim has further arranged SNT buses for their ease. (ANI) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav attended the Spiritual and Wellness Summit 2025 held in Ujjain on Thursday and said that investment proposals worth around Rs 1950 crore were received in the summit. He also highlighted that the state is ready to lead India's wellness mission and is becoming the country's leading spiritual and wellness destination, a major attraction for investors in this sector. "Madhya Pradesh is ready to lead India's wellness mission. Investment proposals worth about Rs 1950 crore were received in the Spiritual & Wellness Summit-2025 held in Ujjain today. Our Madhya Pradesh is now becoming the country's leading spiritual and wellness destination and is becoming a center of attraction for investors in this sector. In the coming times, our state can become a global engine of the wellness sector with spiritual power," CM Yadav said in a post on X. He further emphasised that Spiritual advancement is also important for the making of "Viksit Madhya Pradesh-Viksit Bharat". In such a situation, investment-friendly policies of the state will prove helpful in achieving the goal. On this occasion, the company of Pujya Swami Chidananda Saraswati ji was also received. The CM added that inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visionary initiatives like "Heal in India" and "Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE)", Madhya Pradesh is being developed as a global centre for holistic lifestyle and wellness innovation. He described the summit as a transformative initiative where policy, investment, spirituality, and social welfare converged and affirmed that Madhya Pradesh is ready to lead India's wellness mission as its global engine. CM Yadav also held 14 One-on-One meetings with investors from the wellness and hospitality sectors, discussing ground-level requirements, investment-friendly policies, and priority areas. (ANI) The Rouse Avenue court on Thursday declined cognisance of the charge sheet of the Delhi police against Congress leader and former MP Udit Raj as the court noted no evidence regarding his identity. He is not seen in the video produced by the Delhi Police regarding a protest outside the residence of former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal at Feroz Shah Road. The protest was organised on January 20, 2025. An FIR was registered at the police station on Parliament Street. It was alleged that Udit Raj led the protest. Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Neha Mittal refused to take cognisance of the charge sheet filed against him. While declining cognisance, the court noted that there is no evidence on record regarding the identity of the accused. Despite the fact that the incident in question was filmed by the police officials, the accused cannot be seen in the entire video. "In view of this, the court is of the considered opinion that there is insufficient ground for taking cognisance of the offence punishable under section 223 Bhartiya Nagrik Sanhita (BNS). No other offence appears to have been made out from the charge-sheet. Accordingly, cognisance in the present case is declined," ACJM Neha Mittal said in the order passed on June 5. Delhi police filed a charge sheet against Udit Raj for an offence punishable under section 223(a)/3(5) BNS on the allegations that on January 20, 2025, a crowd of 30-35 people under his leadership were raising slogans in front of the house of former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, due to which Firoz Shah Road started getting jammed and inconvenience was caused to the commuters. The police stated that they were holding banners. They further stated that the protesters were informed by the senior officers through a loudhailer about the promulgation of an order under Section 163 BNSS and the applicability of the Model Code of Conduct. The charge sheet said they were warned against continuing with their protest, but they kept on demanding Rs.18,000 per month salary, just like other religious heads. The court said that nothing on record shows that the accused knew of the order issued by the concerned ACP. The court observed, "It has been vaguely averred in the complaint that the accused kept on raising the slogans despite announcement on loudhailer regarding the imposition of Section 163 BNSS by senior police officers." "However, no such police officer has been named in the entire charge-sheet who apparently made the announcement, nor their statement under Section 180 BNSS has been recorded," the court noted in the order. The court said that there is nothing on record to show that the warning was brought to the knowledge of accused. It said, "Further, in the video recording of the incident placed on record, no such warning can be heard. No banners can be seen in the video regarding the warning about the imposition of Section 163 BNSS/ Sec 144 CrPC in the area. Thus, there is nothing on record to show that the order dated on 29.1.2024 under Section 163 BNSS was brought to the notice of the accused and other protesters," the court said. (ANI) According to a police official, "On June 05, 2025 at about 1650 hours, the Accounts Officer (AO-1) Gaikwad Santhosh Kumar, 38 years, a Revenue Inspector, Nirmal Municipality was caught red-handed in the Municipal council. Nirmal, while demanding and accepting Rs 6,000 as bribe from the complainant through AO-2. Md. Shoib Ahmed, 29 years, an out-sourcing employee at Municipal council office Nirmal for doing an official favour i.e., "for house assessment and allotting a house number to the complainant's newly constructed house in Nirmal Municipality." The tainted bribe amount of Rs 6,000 was recovered from the possession of the AO-2. The fingers of left and right hands of the AO-2 yielded positive results in the chemical test. Thus, the AO-1 and AO-2 performed their duties improperly and dishonestly to obtain an undue advantage, Anti-Corruption Bureau said in a press release. The complainant's details are withheld for security reasons. "Therefore, the AO-1 and AO-2 are being arrested and produced before the Hon'ble Special Judge for SPE & ACB cases, Karimnagar," P R O, Anti-Corruption Bureau said. The case is under investigation. Earlier in February, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) arrested Manyam Narsimha Reddy, a Revenue Inspector at the Dubbaka Tahsildar Office in Siddipet district in Telangana, for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 1 lakh. According to ACB officials, the bribe was allegedly demanded to facilitate the transfer of Patta land ownership to Kumbham Sujatha from Raji Reddy in survey numbers 257, 259, 266, 275, and 287, covering a total area of 3.25 acres in Appanapalli village, Dubbaka Mandal. (ANI) A significant irregularity has come to light in the Madhya Pradesh Police Constable Recruitment Examination, leading to registration of multiple cases against various recruits in Morena district for allegedly committing biometric fraud. The candidates updated the biometrics of their Aadhar cards several times before and after the exam to impersonate slovers to write a paper in their place in the Police Constable Recruitment Examination 2023. The matter is revealed during the document verification of the candidates when they apply to join the 5th battalion in the district. After suspecting the forgery, the fifth battalion of Morena police registered a case against several individuals at Kotwali police station. So far, three suspects have been arrested, and efforts are being made to nab the remaining. Deputy Commandant of 5th battalion, Morena, Kamal Maurya told ANI, "In the police constable recruitment examination 2023, 106 selected constables were allotted to the fifth battalion of Morena district, whose medical examination and document verification were conducted. Out of which, 77 constables have arrived here so far and of these, we have registered a case against five selected constables. One case was registered earlier against Hariom Rawat, a resident of Vijaypur and the remaining four cases were registered on June 4, namely Vinod Singh Gurjar, a resident of Gwalior, Madan Singh, a resident of Sheopur, Anshul Singh, a resident of Bhind, and Ankit Singh, a resident of Etawah." "The case registered against them at Kotwali police station under section 318 (4), 319 (2), 338, 336 (3), 340 (2), 61 (2) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sahita (BNS) and section 3/4 of MP Recognised Examinations Act. These people have made several biometric updates (Biometric update) on their Aadhaar cards on different dates before and after the recruitment exams. Based on these facts, the case was registered against them," he added. Meanwhile, City Superintendent of Police (CSP) Deepali Chandoriya said that seven cases were registered at Kotwali police station, suspecting forgery in the police constable recruitment examination 2023. These include five lodged by the 5th battalion and two by the Morena police lines. "Seven cases were registered at Kotwali police station, suspecting forgery in Morena district. The 5th battalion of Morena filed five cases, while Morena police lines lodged two. The suspect candidates in these cases have made biometric updates more than once (in the Aadhar card). They updated it before the exam and had someone take the exam in their place. After that, multiple updates are observed," CSP Chandoriya told ANI. "When our committee gathered information in this regard, these candidates were found suspicious, and as a result, a case was registered against them. So far, three accused have been arrested and efforts are on to nab the remaining accused," she said. The officer further added that soon they would reveal a big racket in the matter and strict action would be taken against those involved. (ANI) As part of an initiative by the Department of Forest and Environment, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday attended the World Environment Day event held at Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra in Guwahati. He flagged off 129 vehicles allocated to the Forest and Environment Department to support ongoing environmental protection efforts. He also launched a dedicated web portal and distributed arms to the commandos of three battalions of the Assam Forest Protection Force. CM Sarma said that, Assam in line with global observance, is marking World Environment Day today. He referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal encouraging citizens to plant a sapling in the name of their mother and stated that a portal has been launched to facilitate this initiative. "Through the portal, individuals can upload photographs of saplings planted and continue to update their growth over time. In 2024, the Government of India had requested the planting of 70 lakh saplings under this initiative, and the Assam Government exceeded this target by planting over 22 lakh saplings," he said. He expressed hope that the initiative would see wider participation in the current year. The Chief Minister further informed that the newly launched portal, supported by artificial intelligence and satellite technology, would enable real-time monitoring of deforestation and forest land degradation, allowing for timely interventions. He highlighted that since the current government assumed office, a third battalion of the Forest Protection Force was constituted, and arms were distributed to the unit to enhance its operational capacity. Addressing the earlier lack of vehicles in various forest ranges and divisions, he stated that the state government had flagged off 129 vehicles today and would procure additional ones for territorial ranges to support field operations more effectively. Regarding plastic waste management, CM Sarma stated that the Government of India is working towards the ban on single-use plastics, and the Assam Government would implement related measures accordingly. He mentioned that approximately 600 mineral water bottling units have been set up by the youth of the state and said that the state government has successfully enforced a ban on 500 ml water bottles. Additionally, he said that the Assam Government, in collaboration with Oil India, is working to establish biofuel production units in Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Silchar, Tezpur, and Guwahati. He added that plastic waste would be collected and supplied to these units for biofuel generation, which is expected to significantly contribute to waste reduction. Also present at the event were Minister for Environment & Forest Chandra Mohan Patowary, MLA Diganta Kalita, Special Chief Secretary (Forest) M K Yadava, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Protection Force Sandeep Kumar, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife) Dr Vinay Gupta, along with other senior officials. (ANI) Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilisers, JP Nadda, chaired a high-level meeting on Thursday with officials from the Department of Fertilisers to review the availability and distribution of fertilisers during the ongoing Kharif season, the ministry said in an official statement. During the meeting, Jagat Prakash Nadda underscored the critical role of agriculture in ensuring food security for the nation. He highlighted the importance of ensuring the timely availability of essential nutrients to support crop productivity, as per the ministry. The Minister was briefed on the current status of fertiliser supplies and preparations for Kharif 2025. Domestic production of fertilisers is maintained at an optimum level, with DAP production reaching 3.84 Lakh Metric Tons, the highest in recent months. To bridge the gap between demand and domestic supply, Indian fertiliser companies have secured tie-ups with prominent exporters of fertilisers, viz. Saudi Arabia, Morocco, and Russia ensure steady imports throughout the year. The Union Minister directed officials to ensure that fertilisers are made available promptly across all states to meet farmers' requirements. In this regard, he emphasised the importance of close coordination with all stakeholders, viz. state governments, fertiliser companies, Railways, and Port Authorities. Nadda also expressed concern over the growing reliance on chemical fertilisers, particularly urea. In response, he reiterated the need to promote sustainable agricultural practices. He directed the officials to intensify efforts to implement PM-PRANAM (PM Programme for Restoration, Awareness Generation, Nourishment, and Amelioration of Mother-Earth). This initiative aims to encourage the sustainable and balanced use of fertilisers, the adoption of alternative fertilisers, and to promote organic and natural farming methods. States that demonstrate a reduction in chemical fertiliser usage will be eligible for incentives under this program. Furthermore, Nadda emphasised the need for coordinated action with state governments to address the issue of illegal diversion, hoarding, and black marketing of fertilisers. He called for stringent measures to prevent these malpractices and ensure fertilisers reach the intended recipients. The meeting was attended by Rajat Kumar Mishra, Secretary, Department of Fertilisers and other senior officials, including Anita Meshram, Additional Secretary; Aparna S Sharma, Additional Secretary; and Abhay Sharma, Director (Movement). (ANI) Security has been heightened at the Udhampur Railway Station ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Katra on Friday during wich he will inaugurate the Chenab Bridge, the world's highest railway bridge, and flag off the Vande Bharat Express train between Katra and Srinagar. Ahead of flagging off the Vande Bharat Express between Katra and Srinagar on June 6, marking the completion of the Katra-Sangaldan rail link project, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that key infrastructure projects worth Rs 46,000 crores, which are being inaugurated, will have a positive impact on people's lives. In a post on X, PM Modi on Thursday shared, "Tomorrow, 6th June is indeed a special day for my sisters and brothers of Jammu and Kashmir. Key infrastructure projects worth Rs 46,000 crores are being inaugurated, which will have a very positive impact on people's lives. In addition to being an extraordinary feat of architecture, the Chenab Rail Bridge will improve connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar. The Anji Bridge stands tall as India's first cable-stayed rail bridge in a challenging terrain." "The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project ensures all-weather connectivity and the Vande Bharat trains from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to Srinagar will boost spiritual tourism and create livelihood opportunities," he further added. On Thursday, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Union Minister Jitendra Singh inspected the Katra railway station and the Vande Bharat train. CM Omar Abdullah said, "If I tell you that I have been waiting for this moment for a long time, it will still not be enough. This rail project began when I was in the 7th or 8th class. Now, even my children have started working after completing school and college. But, better late than never...tomorrow PM will inaugurate the Vande Bharat services and it will benefit us...whenever highway gets blocked, the airlines start selling tickets of Rs 5,000 for Rs 20,000, such issues will be solved from now on." He further said that horticulture produce would be easily sent to the market. "This project has set many records. The Chenab Bridge is higher than the Eiffel Tower. Anji Khad Bridge is the longest cable-stayed railway bridge in the country. There are many tunnels between Katra and Banihal. The project will be a boost for the economy and tourism. Now it will take 4 hours from Srinagar to Katra. We will ensure a successful Amarnath Yatra," he added. Union Minister Jitendra Singh said, "In 2014, when PM Modi took oath as PM, the work on this bridge had almost stopped. There were controversies about the tallest bridge in the world as well, whether it would be possible to build such a bridge and whether it would be safe. There would be ease of travel and ease of business. Within 3 hours, you can reach Srinagar from here. The rush on the highway will reduce. This will become a part of Viksit Bharat." On Thursday, the Northern Railway announced the commencement of regular services of the Vande Bharat Express trains between Srinagar and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, which will start on June 7. The services will operate six days a week, enhancing connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the prominent pilgrimage destination. Two pairs of Vande Bharat Express trains, Train Nos. 26404/26403 and 26401/26402 were introduced on the Srinagar-Katra-Srinagar route, with an intermediate halt at Banihal. The trains were set to operate six days a week, excluding Wednesdays. (ANI) BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, leading an all-party Indian parliamentary delegation as part of India's big diplomatic outreach to refocus attention on terrorism in the wake of Operation Sindoor, said that there has to be a "collective resolve" in the fight against terrorism, for human values, democracy, and humanity. After the delegation meets with the Members of European Parliament (MEPs) from the delegation for relations with India, the Foreign Affairs Committee, and the Security and Defence, Ravi Shankar Prasad described the meeting as "extraordinary" "There was unanimity in support for action against terrorism, and they were the first to convey solidarity to India," said Ravi Shankar Prasad. "India is a stabilising country, a big country, a democratic country, and there has to be a collective resolve in the fight against terrorism, for human values, democracy, and humanity. That was the essence of the discussions," Prasad added. Earlier, BJP MP Daggubati Purandeswari said, "India is capable enough of taking care of itself. The Indian army never surrenders. But they thunder. We not only had male armed officers taking the front line, but we had women, too, who took the front line on the battlefield." "What is important here is to tell the entire world that today terrorism is not the conventional terrorism, but we are facing unconventional forms of terrorism in the form of radicalisation, sleeper cells and so on. So if it is at the doorstep of India today, it could be at your doorstep tomorrow," she said. Samik Bhattacharya, part of the delegation, cautioned about the impact of terrorism and its spread to Europe in the future. "We want to send a clear message to all of Europe, the challenges India is facing today could also impact Europe in the future. Suppose anti-Hindu, anti-Christian, and anti-Buddhist propaganda continues unchecked. In that case, the consequences we're seeing in India may unfold across the European Union and other nations, and we are already seeing early signs of this." He invoked Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech and said: "The question arises, where are the IMF funds given to Pakistan being used? Pakistani military personnel are reportedly acquiring properties in the UK, Singapore, Bangkok, Dubai, and the United States -- but where is that money coming from? While the country's population is pushed towards hunger, those funds are being funnelled to military elites. Prime Minister Modi has made it clear -- any future acts of cross-border terrorism will be treated as acts of war, and India will respond differently this time," he said. The delegation arrived in Brussels on Wednesday after concluding their visit to the United Kingdom. During the two-day visit, the delegation is scheduled to hold several meetings aimed at consolidating global consensus against cross-border terrorism. The delegation includes BJP MPs Daggubati Purandeswari and Samik Bhattacharya, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, Congress MPs Ghulam Ali Khatana and Amar Singh, former Union Minister MJ Akbar, and former Ambassador Pankaj Saran. Earlier, the delegation visited the UK to garner widespread support for India's fight against terrorism and highlight Pakistan's role in fostering terrorism. The team received support from British parliamentarians, think tanks, and the Indian diaspora. Ravi Shankar Prasad noted that they met UK leaders, including the Speaker of the House of Commons and Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel, and underlined the need for greater global accountability in terrorism financing, while reinforcing India's democratic approach. The diplomatic effort is part of India's broader global outreach following Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7 as a military response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists, which claimed 26 lives. Subsequently, the Indian Armed Forces carried out strikes targeting 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. (ANI) The all-party delegation led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad interacted with the Members of European Parliament (MEPs) from the delegation for relations with India, the Foreign Affairs Committee, and the Security and Defence. The delegation is visiting key global capitals to refocus attention on terrorism following Operation Sindoor, launched by the Indian armed forces in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack. Member of the European Parliament & Chair of the Delegation for relations with India, Angelika Niebler told ANI, "I'm highly appreciative of the Indian delegation coming and explaining their views and sharing their thoughts with us. We have a common interest in fighting against terrorism all over the world. We fully understand the situation in India right now. We also expressed our solidarity with the victims and the families who lost their lives in this horrible terrorist attack..." Earlier,delegation led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad interacted with Brussels-based think tanks and deliberated on the wide-ranging menace of terrorism, including cross-border terrorism directed against India. In a post on X, the official handle of India in Belgium posted, "Insightful interaction with leading Brussels-based think tanks. The members of the All-Party Parliamentary Delegation had a wide-ranging discussion on the menace of terrorism, including cross-border terrorism directed against India." "They discussed India's counter-terrorism efforts, including Operation Sindoor, with members of the think tank community in Brussels. The delegation conveyed a unified and unequivocal message of zero tolerance against terrorism," said the post. An all-party Indian parliamentary delegation led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, currently on a diplomatic tour to Europe, interacted with the Indian diaspora in Brussels and sharply criticised Pakistan for its continued support for terrorism. The delegation also raised concerns over global double standards on terrorism and human rights.The delegation led by Ravi Shankar Prasad includes BJP MPs Daggubati Purandeswari and Samik Bhattacharya, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, Congress MPs Ghulam Ali Khatana and Amar Singh, former Union Minister MJ Akbar, and former Ambassador Pankaj Saran. The visit is part of India's broader diplomatic campaign to highlight the impact of cross-border terrorism and advocate for justice for its victims. (ANI Two writers compete to tell the larger-than-life story of a woman with unexpected twists and turns in this new, dazzling book by Emily Henry. Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry What is the Book About? Great Big Beautiful Life is Emily Henrys latest book, set in Little Crescent Island, Georgia. The protagonist is Alice Scott, an eternal optimist who has big dreams for her career as a journalist. Her love interest is Hayden Anderson, a Pulitzer-Prize-winning journalist. Quiet and grumpy, Hayden is a complete contrast to Alice. The pair begin to compete over who will write the biography of Margaret Ives, a tragic heiress, former tabloid princess and the daughter of one of the most famous (and scandalous) families of the 20th century. Hidden from the public eye for several years and now in her 80s, Margaret enlists Alice and Hayden for a one-month trial period of several interviews, after which shell choose the person wholl tell her story. However, readers will soon learn Margaret is only giving each of them pieces of her story, not telling the whole truth. Unable to put the pieces of Margarets life together, Alice and Hayden find themselves on a journey of discovery about themselves and their book's subject. READ MORE: Summer reads: Black Female Authors Why Should I Read This Book? The main plot of the book is compelling in its own right, but there is so much more to the novel. Margaret tells her story from the very first Ives, who discovered silver in Nevada in the 1800s, up to how their media empire was formed. Potentially inspired by the Kennedy family, the Iveses have a complicated relationship with each generation of the family having its struggles, from affairs to sudden deaths to romantic relationships. Great Big Beautiful Life, however, is more than just about scandals and family tragedy; the book is also a love story. As a reader, you get to see our protagonists slowly fall in love with each other, with Alice able to get Hayden to open up as a person outside of his career. Once Alice and Hayden discover the true reason why they have both come to the island, it is a surprise that I believe the readers will enjoy. The book also explores Alice and Haydens difficult relationship with their parents and the impact it has on them now. Themes of grief and love are quite present in the book, with Alice struggling to cope with the death of her father as well as Margarets loss of her sister. Emily Henrys unique writing style captivates readers from the start, with her wit and banter contrasting beautifully with the more serious parts of the plot. The book is, in some way, similar to Taylor Jenkins Reids The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo in how a writer tells the story of a famous woman from the past. If youre a fan of a historical mystery intertwined in a romance, then Emily Hunts Great Big Beautiful Life should be on your summer reading list Author Profile: Emily Henry Emily Henry is a New York Times bestseller. The American author lives the Midwest and studied creative writing at Hope College, a liberal arts college in Holland, Michigan. Emily Henry has released six books so far, with her first book, a New York Times bestseller, Beach Read, being published on May 19, 2020. Her other books include: Funny Story, Happy Place, Book Lovers and People We Meet On Vacation. Henry doesnt share much of her personal life, but she has a newsletter called Emilys Grocery List, where she gives reading recommendations, book news, writing tips and bonus content. YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Book Release: 'Small Acts of Deceit' by Kate High Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who is leading an all-party delegation to the US, stressed that there can be no dialogue with Pakistan with "a gun pointed at our head." He warned that the action taken by India now can be taken again if Pakistan does not control terror elements on its soil. During an interaction session at the National Press Club in the US on Wednesday (local time), Tharoor said he thinks the US has understood that India has a clear position that there will be "no talks with a gun pointed at our head." When asked about the role played by the US in encouraging talks between India and Pakistan, he responded, "I think the US has understood for some time now that India has a very clear position that there will be no talks with a gun pointed at our head. It's not that we can't talk to Pakistan. I was joking the other day, we can speak all the languages they can speak and we're very happy to dialogue with them in any of those languages." "The problem is we will not dialogue with people who are pointing a gun at our heads. I mean, frankly, if your neighbour unleashes his Rottweilers to bite your children and in fact to do worse to your children and then says let's talk. You think he's going to talk to them until he either unleashes those Rottweilers or locks them up in a kennel or puts them to sleep? It's as simple as that. You're not going to talk to people who are pointing guns at your temples. It's not going to happen," he added. Tharoor emphasised that the all-party parliamentary delegation is in the US to enhance understanding and clarify India's stance and explain if there are any misapprehensions on the part of interlocutors. He said that all the arty delegation just wants to explain India's stance, and they do not want nations to do anything other than to understand India's point of view. When asked about the outcomes agreed upon or India expects from this visit in terms of US action with regards to Pakistan, he responded, "We aren't really here to negotiate outcomes. That's the job of the government. Our job is to enhance understanding, to clarify our position and to explain if there are any questions or misapprehensions on the part of our interlocutors, we'd be very happy to address them. There wasn't a specific seek on our part beyond that. It's not that we've come here saying, would you do this for us? That's not what this is all about and that's true by the way every country we've been to." "We're just saying, this is our position, we want you to understand, and if you have any questions, we'll answer them, but that's it. We're not asking them to do anything other than to understand our point of view, to express their solidarity and to stand with us if it happens again. I mean, we have no illusions. These buildings we've destroyed and the terror camps can be built again in six months, nine months, who knows? The problem is, if they think they can keep doing this to us, they've got another thing coming because we are not going to take it. If they hit us, we will hit them back. And we want the world to understand not only what just happened, but what could happen again if Pakistan does not control these elements on its soil," he added. The delegation led by Tharoor arrived in the US on Wednesday. The delegation includes Shambhavi Chaudhary (Lok Janshakti Party), Sarfaraz Ahmed (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha), G M Harish Balayogi (Telugu Desam Party), Shashank Mani Tripathi, Tejaswi Surya, Bhubaneswar Kalita (all from BJP), Mallikarjun Devda (Shiv Sena), former Indian Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu, and Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora. Tharoor refuted US President Donald Trump's claims of stopping the war between Pakistan and India using trade. He noted that a lot of calls were made to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, he stated that none of the calls mentioned trade. He stated that India did not need persuasion to stop and was willing to call off at any time when the other party did. On US President Donald Trump claiming credit for the cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan using trade, he responded, "That's not the impression I have. It is a public record that there were calls coming from various foreign ministers to our Foreign Minister, to our national security advisor, and the US was amongst the most active in this regard and that Secretary Rubio spoke to his Indian counterpart, Jaishankar....At one point, Mr Vance, the Vice President called our Prime Minister. So, there were a lot of calls being made and that's true also the foreign ministers of the UAE, of Saudi Arabia, France and so on. Many countries were concerned. My understanding is that none of these calls was trade ever mentioned, not one. And certainly our information is that from our side, we gave a consistent response throughout which corresponds to what I've just said to all of you, that we are only taking retribution for a terrorist attack, we are not interested in prolonging this conflict. "If Pakistan hits us, we will head back because we have a right of self-defence. If Pakistan stops, we will stop. So we didn't need persuading to stop. And that message was given regularly to everybody else who called. I knew that some of this was actually out on the Twitter timeline of our foreign minister. So, it was an open thing that we're talking to people and letting them know we're ready to call this off any time the others do. And the others were the ones who were prolonging it. Only Pakistan had one foot on the escalatory ladder, not India. In every case they initiated, we retaliated," he added. The all-party delegation arrived in the US after concluding their visit to Brazil. The delegation aims to brief key stakeholders in the US on Operation Sindoor, India's diplomatic initiative launched to counter terrorism and disinformation following the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 as a decisive military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists, which claimed 26 lives and injured several others. The 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. India and Pakistan agreed for a cessation of hostilities on May 10. (ANI) Tesla chief executive Elon Musk has unleashed yet another assault on US President Donald Trump's flagship spending legislation, urging Americans to lobby Congress to "KILL the BILL" - mere days after departing his position within the Trump administration. The Tesla and SpaceX founder served 130 days as a "special government employee" at the helm of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), with a mandate to eliminate what he characterised as bloated government programmes. However, his exit last week has triggered an avalanche of condemnation directed at the very administration he previously championed. Musk intensified his offensive earlier today, cautioning that "America is in the fast lane to debt slavery" while insisting on a comprehensive overhaul of the legislation. "A new spending bill should be drafted that doesn't massively grow the deficit and increase the debt ceiling by 5 TRILLION DOLLARS," he demanded. https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1930322926089441653 He even urged people to call their senators, Congressmen regarding the bill. In a post on X, Musk stated, "Call your Senator, Call your Congressman, Bankrupting America is NOT ok! KILL the BILL." https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1930336497208832059 In another post shared on X, Musk stated, "This spending bill contains the largest increase in the debt ceiling in US history! It is the Debt Slavery Bill." https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1930390978436968869 Musk's dramatic intervention arrives at a pivotal moment for Trump's self-described "big, beautiful bill", which encompasses sweeping tax reductions and expanded military expenditure. The House of Representatives approved the measure by the narrowest of margins last month, with only three Republican members dissenting against solid Democratic resistance. The tech entrepreneur's vow to "fire all the politicians who betrayed the American people" in upcoming midterm contests has reverberated throughout Republican circles. Given his investment of hundreds of millions in their electoral campaigns, Musk's hostility could spell disaster for sitting members confronting primary battles and imperil Republican aspirations to maintain Congressional dominance. The White House has responded to Musk's insurrection with marked restraint. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt indicated that Trump is "already aware" of Musk's stance, declaring: "This is one big, beautiful bill, and he's sticking to it." Trump has established a Fourth of July target for the legislation's completion, which incorporates a USD 4 trillion expansion of US borrowing capacity. US Treasury Department advisors caution that failure to implement this increase by August could precipitate America's first-ever sovereign debt default. (ANI) The all-party delegation led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad interacted with Brussels-based think tanks and deliberated on the wide-ranging menace of terrorism, including cross-border terrorism directed against India. In a post on X, the official handle of India in Belgium posted, "Insightful interaction with leading Brussels-based think tanks. The members of the All-Party Parliamentary Delegation had a wide-ranging discussion on the menace of terrorism, including cross-border terrorism directed against India." "They discussed India's counter-terrorism efforts, including Operation Sindoor, with members of the think tank community in Brussels. The delegation conveyed a unified and unequivocal message of zero tolerance against terrorism," said the post. After meeting the delegation led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, Jan Luykx, Senior Associate at Egmont Institute and Former Envoy to India, said, "I think the delegation's message was very clear. Several important points were raised regarding the recent developments in Kashmir and the terrorist attack that took place in Pahalgam." "We received a lot of information and insights that will contribute to our understanding of India's evolving role on the global stage and its ongoing fight against terrorism. People were deeply horrified by the Pahalgam incident, where innocent civilians and tourists were killed. There is a strong sense of empathy and understanding toward the grief," he said. After the meeting, Garima Mohan of the German Marshall Fund also spoke to ANI and said, "It was very insightful to hear perspectives from across the Indian political spectrum. As I mentioned, there hasn't been much coverage of Operation Sindoor in the European media due to the ongoing media crisis." "So, it was valuable for us to understand the operation clearly, its implications, and how it may influence policy dynamics. We also learned that India's response through Operation Sindoor was very targeted, specifically focusing on terrorist camps," she added. EU Foreign Policy Advisor Stefania Benaglia also spoke to ANI and said, "It was a valuable meeting, and we gained significant insights from it. The key takeaway is that we need to engage in more frequent and deeper dialogue to understand one another truly. At times, even with good intentions on both sides, the messages may not be perfectly aligned or communicated." "There was a strong condemnation issued on May 8 by all 27 members. While unanimity can be difficult to achieve, the fact that all members came together on this sends a powerful signal. Going forward, this conversation must continue, especially around the question: what role does India envision for itself, and how can the EU support that?" she stated. The delegation arrived in Brussels on Wednesday after concluding their visit to the United Kingdom. During the two-day visit, the delegation is scheduled to hold several meetings aimed at consolidating global consensus against cross-border terrorism. The delegation includes BJP MPs Daggubati Purandeswari and Samik Bhattacharya, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, Congress MPs Ghulam Ali Khatana and Amar Singh, former Union Minister MJ Akbar, and former Ambassador Pankaj Saran. Earlier, the delegation visited the UK to garner widespread support for India's fight against terrorism and highlight Pakistan's role in fostering terrorism. The team received support from British parliamentarians, think tanks, and the Indian diaspora. Ravi Shankar Prasad noted that they met UK leaders, including the Speaker of the House of Commons and Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel, and underlined the need for greater global accountability in terrorism financing, while reinforcing India's democratic approach. The diplomatic effort is part of India's broader global outreach following Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7 as a military response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists, which claimed 26 lives. Subsequently, the Indian Armed Forces carried out strikes targeting 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. (ANI) US President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation to ban entry of individuals from 12 nations - Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen, citing national security and public safety threats, according to the White House. Trump has partially restricted and limited the entry of nationals from the seven nations: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. According to the White House, these restrictions distinguish between, but apply to both, the entry of immigrants and nonimmigrants. The proclamation signed by Trump reads, "During my first Administration, I restricted the entry of foreign nationals into the United States, which successfully prevented national security threats from reaching our borders and which the Supreme Court upheld. In Executive Order 14161 of January 20, 2025 (Protecting the United States From Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats), I stated that it is the policy of the United States to protect its citizens from aliens who intend to commit terrorist attacks, threaten our national security, espouse hateful ideology, or otherwise exploit the immigration laws for malevolent purposes." He even stated that the US must be vigilant during the visa-issuance process to ensure that those aliens approved for admission into the US do not intend to harm Americans or the national interests of the US. Trump noted that the US must ensure that admitted aliens and aliens otherwise already present in the United States do not bear hostile attitudes toward its citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles, and do not advocate for, aid, or support designated foreign terrorists or other threats to national security of the US. In the proclamation, Trump stated, "I also considered the different risks posed by aliens admitted on immigrant visas and those admitted on nonimmigrant visas. Persons admitted on immigrant visas become lawful permanent residents of the United States. Such persons may present national security or public-safety concerns that may be distinct from those admitted as nonimmigrants. The United States affords lawful permanent residents more enduring rights than it does to nonimmigrants." "Lawful permanent residents are more difficult to remove than nonimmigrants, even after national security concerns arise, which increases the costs and aggravates the dangers of errors associated with admitting such individuals. And although immigrants are generally subject to more extensive vetting than nonimmigrants, such vetting is far less reliable when the country from which someone seeks to emigrate maintains inadequate identity-management or information-sharing policies or otherwise poses risks to the national security of the United States," he added. Trump emphasised that the restrictions imposed by the proclamation are necessary to prevent the entry or admission of foreign nationals about whom the US government lacks sufficient information to assess the risks they pose to the United States. He noted that the restrictions and limitations imposed by this proclamation are required to garner cooperation from foreign governments, enforce our immigration laws, and advance other important foreign policy, national security, and counterterrorism objectives. The proclamation also mentions justification for the suspension order issued for 12 nations and partial restrictions imposed for seven nations. According to the proclamation, Afghanistan is controlled by the Taliban, which is a terror group and does not have a competent or cooperative central authority for issuing passports or civil documents and it does not have appropriate screening and vetting measures. The decision to ban entry of nationals from Burma has been taken, citing an overstay report. According to overstay report, Burma had a B1/B2 visa overstay rate of 27.07 per cent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 42.17 per cent. Furthermore, Burma has historically not cooperated with the United States to accept back its removable nationals. (ANI) The two sides reviewed available opportunities to develop cooperation in sectors aligned with the developmental priorities of both countries. During the call, Sheikh Abdullah praised the growing and flourishing relations between the UAE and the Republic of Montenegro. They also exchanged views over a number of issues of shared interest. (ANI/WAM) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday announced that India has been elected to the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations for the term 2026-28. He expressed India's commitment to championing development issues and to keep working to strengthen the ECOSOC. He thanked member states of the UN for their support and trust in India. He also appreciated the efforts made by India's Permanent Mission at the United Nations in New York. In a post on X, Jaishankar stated, "India was elected to the Economic and Social Council for the term 2026-28 @UN today. Thank member states for their overwhelming support and reposing their trust in us. Appreciate the efforts of @IndiaUNNewYork. India remains committed to championing development issues and keep working to strengthen the ECOSOC." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1930305242337554874 The ECOSOC is at the heart of the United Nations system to advance the three dimensions of sustainable development - economic, social and environmental. It is the central platform for fostering debate and innovative thinking, forging consensus on ways forward, and coordinating efforts to achieve internationally agreed-upon goals. It is also responsible for the follow-up to major UN conferences and summits, according to the UN statement. The UN Charter established ECOSO as one of the six main organs of the United Nations in 1945. Earlier in April, the Permanent Mission of India at the United Nations marked Dr BR Ambedkar's 135th birth anniversary with a special commemorative event at the UN headquarters in New York, attended by global leaders. During the ceremony, India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Parvathaneni Harish, highlighted Dr Ambedkar's contributions as a key figure in India's freedom struggle and as the architect of its Constitution. The event centered around the theme "The timeless appeal of Dr Ambedkar's vision within the UN and beyond," underscoring his influence on both India and the global community." Harish said, It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the commemorative event to mark the 135th birth anniversary of Dr BR Ambedkar. Dr Ambedkar was a leading figure in India's freedom struggle and the architect of India's constitution. The one who dedicated his life to laying the foundation of our modern republic. The topic of today's discussion, 'The timeless appeal of Dr Ambedkar's vision within the UN and beyond,' is very apt as we celebrate this year 80 years of the establishment of the UN." (ANI) Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, PK Mishra, highlighted India's robust Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) financing system--cumulatively exceeding USD 28 billion--and called for concrete, time-bound outcomes and the creation of a global facility for catalytic funding, technical assistance, and knowledge exchange. While delivering India's statement at the 8th Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR) 2025 in Geneva on Wednesday (local time), Mishra commended the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and its partners for convening the ministerial roundtable on DRR financing, emphasising that its journey from a USD 1 million allocation to a projected USD 42 billion under the 16th Finance Commission underscores the importance of a rule-based, structured financing architecture backed by the Disaster Management Act of 2005. "India commends the UNDR and its partners for convening this important ministerial roundtable on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) financing. We also appreciate the efforts made by Brazil and South Africa in continuing the global dialogue on this vital subject through their respective G20 presidencies," Mishra noted in the opening statement. "For India, DRR financing is not a territorial issue -- it is central to the effective functioning of disaster management systems and the protection of development gains in an era of escalating climate and disaster risks. India believes that a robust and responsive DRR financing architecture is a cornerstone of resilience. Our journey has evolved steadily and purposefully -- starting from an allocation of approximately USD 1 million through the early Finance Commissions, our cumulative outlay now exceeds USD 28 billion and is expected to rise to USD 42 billion under the 16th Finance Commission. India's experience underscores the importance of rule-based, pre-determined allocations that flow seamlessly from the national to the state and district levels. This system is backed by a strong legislative foundation -- the Disaster Management Act of 2005 -- which has transformed disaster financing from a reactive mechanism into a structured and predictable system," he further added. According to a post on X by the Permanent Mission of India at Geneva, India showcased the world's largest DRR financing system. "Principal Secretary to PM delivered India's statement at GPDRR 2025 Geneva, showcasing the world's largest nationally anchored DRR financing system. Called for concrete, time-bound outcomes and creation of a global facility for catalytic funding, technical assistance & knowledge exchange," the post stated. https://x.com/IndiaUNGeneva/status/1930298209613578561 Mishra also held bilateral engagements with Kenya's Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on the sidelines of the summit, focusing on strengthening India-Kenya cooperation in disaster risk reduction and sharing best practices. "Principal Secretary to PM meets Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen of Kenya on the sidelines of GPDRR2025 Geneva. Productive discussions on strengthening India-Kenya cooperation in various areas, including disaster risk reduction, sharing best practices in DRR, and building resilient communities together," the Permanent Mission of India at Geneva stated in a post on X. https://x.com/IndiaUNGeneva/status/1930293288315035700 The Principal Secretary also held another productive discussion with the Philippines' Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr, exploring synergies in DRR to build resilient futures. https://x.com/IndiaUNGeneva/status/1930302989073363186 "Productive bilateral engagement at GPDRR 2025 Geneva, as Principal Secretary to PM holds discussions with DOST Philippines. Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr of Philippines. Exploring synergies in DRR, building bonds for safer, more resilient futures!" The Permanent Mission of India at Geneva stated in another post on X. (ANI) Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora highlighted the deepening strategic partnership between India and the United States, underlining the shared understanding of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. "America and India have a deep strategic partnership. Both countries have further enhanced it in the last 20 years... We are both natural allies. America also understands Pakistan-sponsored terrorism; the reason behind it is the 9/11 terror attack on the World Trade Centre - those terrorists were trained in Pakistan, and then the US launched the global war on terror. Later, Osama bin Laden was found in Pakistan... The Foreign Affairs Committee of the US have wholeheartedly supported us, they also support India's right to defend itself in case Pakistan is involved in any misadventure..." Deora said. He further spoke about the progress in bilateral trade relations, stating, "India and the US will reach a trade deal soon. Concerned people from both countries are in talks, and the result will come soon..." Reflecting on counterterrorism cooperation, Deora added, "...We both understand cross-border terrorism very well. We understand Pakistan-sponsored terrorism extremely well; broadening that scope of cooperation in that area is extremely critical..." Meanwhile, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who is leading an all-party delegation to the US, explained the significance behind the name 'Operation Sindoor,' India's counter-terrorism response following the April 22 Pahalgam attack. "Operation Sindoor, actually, I thought was a brilliantly chosen name. Sindoor, in case some Americans obviously don't know about this, is a vermilion mark that is applied to the centre of the forehead of married women in the Hindu tradition... We were very conscious of these brutal terrorists who, by the way, shot men in front of their wives and children but spared the women and when one wife screamed out, 'Kill me too,' she was told, 'No, you go back and tell them what we've done,'" Tharoor said. He added, "That sindoor had essentially been wiped off the foreheads of 26 Indian women... so we wanted first of all, to avenge that act of wiping off the sindoor. But, secondly, it's no accident that the colour of the sindoor is bright vermilion red, which is not far from the colour of blood, and in many ways there is a Hindi expression that 'khoon ka badla khoon'; here it was 'sindoor ka badla khoon' hoga, that is, blood in response to what they have done to the sindoor." Speaking on the military aspect of the conflict, Tharoor said that the Indian Armed Forces struck 11 Pakistani military airfields effectively during the operation. "There's been craters on the runway, there have been operational command centers that have been busted by these Indian bombs, and just yesterday the Pakistanis publicly admitted that Indian strikes were so wide-ranging and effective they struck from as far as Hyderabad in South Pakistan to Peshawar in the northwest," he added. Tharoor emphasised that the delegation's visit to the US aims to clarify India's stance on terrorism and strengthen understanding among global stakeholders. The all-party delegation, which arrived in the US on Wednesday, includes representatives from multiple parties and former Indian Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu. The visit follows their diplomatic outreach in Brazil and aims to highlight India's firm position against terrorism post Operation Sindoor. (ANI) The World Uyghur Congress (WUC) took to X to highlight the ongoing repression under the Chinese government and to pay tribute to the nonviolent pro-democracy demonstrators who were killed in 1989. The WUC connected the continuous violations of human rights in East Turkistan to the violent crackdown in Beijing, highlighting the profound resonance of Tiananmen's legacy for the Uyghur people. "On this solemn anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen Square Massacre, WUC remembers the thousands of peaceful pro-democracy protesters, primarily students, who were brutally killed by the Chinese government for demanding freedom, dignity, and political reform", stated the post shared by WUC on X. "The legacy of Tiananmen matters deeply to the Uyghur people. It reminds us that the Chinese regime has always viewed calls for basic rights, whether from Han Chinese or Uyghurs, as threats to its grip on power. It also reminds us that the tools of oppression perfected in Beijing were later exported to East Turkistan and are now used to crush an entire people", WUC post emphasised. "We call on the international community to remember Tiananmen not as a closed chapter, but as part of a continuing pattern of violent repression that affects millions of people in China today" WUC's post asserted. "Justice for Tiananmen is justice for all", said the post. The Uyghur population in China's Xinjiang region has faced severe and systematic human rights violations under the Chinese government. Since 2017, over a million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been arbitrarily detained in so-called "re-education" camps, where reports of indoctrination, torture, and abuse have emerged. Authorities have enforced mass surveillance, restricted religious and cultural practices, and separated children from families. Evidence also links Xinjiang to forced labour programs, with Uyghurs coerced into working under oppressive conditions. Furthermore, China's birth prevention policies targeting Uyghur women have raised serious concerns about demographic suppression. International organisations and several governments have labelled these acts as crimes against humanity, with growing calls for accountability and global action to end the repression and protect Uyghur rights. (ANI) The Tibet Information Office demonstrated its solidarity with Chinese democrats by taking part in both in-person and virtual commemoration events organised across continents, as this year marks the 36th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre and the 6th anniversary of the Hong Kong pro-democracy movement, according to the report by Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). The Australia New Zealand Alliance for Victims of the Chinese Communist Regime (NZAVCCR) held a seminar at Ashfield Uniting Church in Sydney on June 1st, which Chinese Liaison Officer Dawa Sangmo of the Tibet Information Office (also known as the Office of Tibet) attended. According to CTA, the occasion paid tribute to the Chinese citizens and students who perished in the 1989 Beijing demonstrations for freedom and constitutional democratic reform. On behalf of the Tibetan people, Chinese Liaison Officer Dawa Sangmo offered their respects to the student martyrs. She remembered a moving story that the late Lodi Gyari Rinpoche had spoken about how His Holiness One of the first foreign leaders to declare support for the Chinese student movement in 1989 was the 14th Dalai Lama. According to the CTA report, His Holiness expressed in his statement his deep solidarity with the students and his strong disappointment over the violent suppression carried out by the Chinese authorities, even though he was aware that it might jeopardise the potential informal meeting with the Chinese counterpart in Hong Kong. According to the CTA report, she reaffirmed the Tibetan community's steadfast support for justice, truth, and solidarity with all those fighting for freedom under Chinese authoritarianism. The Chinese Liaison Officers of the various Offices of Tibet in North America and Europe continued this demonstration of solidarity by participating in a worldwide virtual remembrance that was organised by Chinese democrats in Europe. According to the CTA report, Chinese democrats, activists, and academics from other continents were also present, along with the representative of the Office of Tibet and Taipei. (ANI) DDG has asked the court to stop Halle Bailey from travelling internationally with their son. DDG has filed a motion against Halle Bailey The 27-year-old streamer has filed a motion requesting an emergency hearing to restrict the 'Little Mermaid' star from taking their 17-month-old boy Halo to Italy for work. In court documents obtained by PEOPLE magazine and other outlets, he accused Bailey of being an "an imminent emotional and psychological risk to the minor child based on repeated, documented threats of self-harm". He alleged that if Halo left the country, the child wouldn't have the protections of the court or any "emergency intervention mechanisms". DDG - whose real name is Daryl Dwayne Granberry Jr. - has claimed his 25-year-old ex has made "repeated threats of suicide and self-harm". He also alleged that she "routinely used emotional coercion and manipulation to exert her control over me, often threatening me by using self-harm or ending her life" during what has been referred to as an almost three year "on again/off again" relationship. DDG claimed she allegedly "threatened to end her life using my legally owned firearm" in 2023, as well as stalking him during their relationship, and physically and verbally abusing him. He wrote in the filing: "Given these threats to self-harm, I believe the Petitioner is a threat to our son's safety such that she should not be allowed to take Halo out of the country to Italy for a period of two months." He has requested sole legal and physical custody of their child, or an alternative visitation plan which would see DDG and Bailey exchange two-day and five-day blocks. As reported by TMZ, Bailey has since filed to deny his request and seek permission to take Halo out of the country so she can work. She has also requested orders to prevent the YouTube star and his family and friends from posting online about her, the litigation, and their son. Last month, Bailey was granted temporary sole physical and legal custody of Halo, along with a temporary restraining order which expired in line with a planned court hearing on June 4. She had accused DDG of domestic abuse, while previous court documents obtained by Page Six, saw her allege that she filed for sole custody without notifying DDG because she was "afraid that the violence would reoccur" and that "the other party would take the children out of the area". Just over six months after they announced their split, PEOPLE learned via legal documents that Bailey has accused him of various kinds of abuse. In documents obtained by the outlet, she alleged: "I realize that there is no placating Darryl. I cannot allow this abuse any longer. "Whenever he wishes to cause upset, he starts badmouthing me to his several millions of fans. "He claims I am withholding our son and that I am with other men. As a result, I then receive threats and hate on social media. He seems to try to set up drama for his fans." Former Indian Ambassador of India to United States, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, on Thursday, who is part of the all-party delegation in US, questioned Pakistan's credibility in chairing the United Nations' Taliban Sanctions Committee and serving as the vice-chair of UN Security Council's Counter Terrorism Committee. Sandhu further questioned how much authority the Pakistani Army might have given to the delegation led by Bilawal Bhutto, who is in the US at the same time as India's delegation. "On the UN, it also implies how seriously Pakistan will take terrorism, especially when such a responsible position they are given. A very high-power parliamentary delegation led by Mr Bhutto is here - how much authority and power the Generals or Marshal side has given to them?" Sandhu said in the US. Pakistan is set to chair the United Nations Security Council's Taliban Sanctions Committee in 2025, which is responsible for enforcing sanctions, asset freezes, travel bans and arms embargo against people or organisations which are associated with the Taliban. Pakistan will also serve as the vice-chair of the Counter-Terrorism Committee this year, which was established after the September 11 attacks in the US. The looks to implement various measures to counter terrorist activities across the world. Further hitting out at Pakistan, Sandhu said that while the US and India "share a bond of democracy," Pakistan is controlled by its army. "For Indians, democracy starts on our dining tables... All of you have seen the democracy that exists in Pakistan. Their Army controls their democracy. The United States and India have a bond of democracy between them. We have to ensure that the important democracies of the World monitor the irresponsible people who wield power in Pakistan, so they can't get away with shortcuts," he said while interacting with the Indian diaspora. Earlier on June 4, Bilawal Bhutto, who is on a visit to the US, addressed a briefing at the UN Headquarters in New York and sought reconciliation with India, making a plea for talks and Intel sharing between the two neighbours, after the neighbouring country suffered losses post Operation Sindoor. The Pakistani side has suffered great losses after it attempted to target Indian defence and civil installations in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor. As per an ongoing analysis of the damage inflicted upon by the Indian Air Force on Pakistan Air Force, it is emerging that 6 PAF fighter jets, two high-value aircraft, over 10 UCAVs, one C-130 transport aircraft, along with multiple cruise missiles, were destroyed by Indian air-launched cruise missiles and surface-to-air missiles. (ANI) Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who is leading an all-party delegation to the United States, said on Thursday during an interaction at the Indian Embassy in Washington, DC, that Mahatma Gandhi's presence in capitals across the world reflects India's identity as a country of non-violence, and added that the delegation shared India's position on terrorism in multiple meetings with US legislators and officials. Speaking at the interaction, Tharoor said, "Symbolically, I'd say that in every place we've gone to, we've been paying tribute to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi. What's striking is that there is no capital where there isn't a bust of Mahatma Gandhi. It reminds the world that we are a land of peace and non-violence. We don't desire war, we don't seek it. But if it is thrust upon us, we will face it with courage, and Mahatma Gandhi taught us all not to live in fear, and we will not live in fear..." Tharoor emphasised that while the Indian delegation did not seek a formal Senate resolution during its visit to Capitol Hill, the primary goal was to engage with those open to dialogue and present India's viewpoint. "What was interesting was that in all three sets of conversations, we got very positive feedback from all the attendees...Across this, we didn't have a single sceptical or negative voice. On the contrary, we got very positive responses. The two key lines I would use are, number one - total support and solidarity for India and its fight against terrorism and second - complete understanding of India's right to defend itself against terrorism," he asserted. Reflecting on the Pahalgam terror attack, Tharoor underscored that India does not act on conjecture. "India doesn't go to war on suppositions and hypotheses. Our intelligence agencies have identified at least four of the five perpetrators (of the Pahalgam attack), and they know their identities. They even have pictures because some of these people have been involved in other incidents." During the interaction, he added, "They have confirmed to us that two are Pakistanis and two others are locals who have exfiltrated from Indian Kashmir to Pakistan 10 years ago, and they seem to have come back for this purpose and gone back again. We have all this information, and we don't, frankly, take such a major step as Operations Sindoor without very serious grounds for doing so." On India's position regarding talks with Pakistan, Tharoor said, "We cannot talk to people who are pointing a gun at our heads. Until and unless there is a serious effort being made by Pakistan to dismantle the infrastructure of terrorism, to arrest some of the well-known terrorists, freeze their bank accounts, shut down their training camps...if Pakistan won't do all of these things, why should we talk to them? I often say we can talk to Pakistan in practically every language they speak there. We don't need a third party to come between us and help us talk to them, but we won't talk to them until they indicate that they're worth talking to." Tharoor also mentioned that on their way to Guyana, the delegation stopped in New York to visit the 9/11 Memorial. "We showed our solidarity with the victims of terrorism everywhere since, as you know, many, many nationalities lost people in that attack of 9/11," he said. Earlier today, Tharoor held a high-level interaction with the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC) in Washington, D.C., as part of its diplomatic outreach following Operation Sindoor. The delegation, which met with key U.S. lawmakers including HFAC Chairman Brian Mast, Ranking Member Gregory Meeks, Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove, and Congressman Bill Huizenga, received strong bipartisan support and condemnation of the recent terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam region. HFAC Chairman Brian Mast underlined the depth of bipartisan consensus on supporting India. "This was a very important meeting. This is a bipartisan delegation from the House of Representatives receiving India. We are proud to receive our friend and our ally. Every one of us strongly condemned the terrorist attacks that took place. There's no room in this world for those kinds of attacks," he said. The delegation led by Shashi Tharoor arrived in the US on Wednesday. It includes Shambhavi Chaudhary (Lok Janshakti Party), Sarfaraz Ahmed (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha), G M Harish Balayogi (Telugu Desam Party), Shashank Mani Tripathi, Tejaswi Surya, and Bhubaneswar Kalita (all from the BJP), Mallikarjun Devda (Shiv Sena), former Indian Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu, and Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora. The all-party delegation reached the US after completing their visit to Brazil. Their purpose is to brief key US stakeholders on Operation Sindoor, India's diplomatic effort launched to combat terrorism and disinformation following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. India initiated Operation Sindoor on May 7 as a strong military response to the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, carried out by Pakistan-backed terrorists, which resulted in 26 deaths and several injuries. (ANI) Former Indian Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu took a sharp dig at Pakistan's political and security leadership, urging Bilawal Bhutto to seriously focus on curbing terrorism in Pakistan, "if the Field Marshal allows him or maybe tomorrow's Super Field Marshal...," underscoring the deep influence of the military establishment over civilian rule in the country. Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora echoed the criticism, saying, "It's unfortunate that a younger politician from Pakistan, who should be spending more of his time fixing his own country, is in the US, defending some of those who may be responsible for assassinating his mother. That's the reality and that's the difference." These remarks came during the ongoing US visit of an all-party Indian parliamentary delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor. The delegation is engaged in a diplomatic outreach to highlight India's firm stance against terrorism, especially after the recent Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir and India's subsequent Operation Sindoor. Tharoor criticised Pakistan's repeated denials of its involvement in terrorism, pointing to a "pattern since 1989 of repeated attacks, every one of which was denied by Pakistan and every one of which has been traced to Pakistan." He cited the 2008 Mumbai 26/11 attacks as an example, highlighting how "one of the terrorists was captured alive, and his address in Pakistan, where he lived, who trained him, everything was out." He said, "It is no longer possible for Pakistan to keep on denying." During an interaction at the Indian Embassy in Washington, DC, Tharoor also spoke about diplomatic efforts to correct misunderstandings abroad. Referring to Colombia's withdrawal of a statement issued after Operation Sindoor, he called it a "fine gesture" following India's diplomatic engagement. "In Colombia, they had issued a slightly disappointing statement... I took the Director for Asia in the ministry aside and told her we have received this well and if something could be done. The next morning, they withdrew that statement," Tharoor said. He added, "Distant countries often lack context when reacting to conflicts and may issue routine remarks... everyone is in favour of peace... when you have the context explained and the whole circumstances explained, you could see the better of it." The delegation, which arrived in the US after concluding their visit to Brazil, includes Shambhavi Chaudhary (Lok Janshakti Party), Sarfaraz Ahmed (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha), G M Harish Balayogi (Telugu Desam Party), Shashank Mani Tripathi, Tejaswi Surya, Bhubaneswar Kalita (all from BJP), Mallikarjun Devda (Shiv Sena), former Indian Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu, and Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora. The visit aims to brief key US stakeholders on Operation Sindoor, India's diplomatic and military response to the Pakistan-sponsored terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives on April 22. (ANI) Faced with growing global isolation on the issue of terrorism, Pakistan is making an all-out effort to seek the help of US President Donald Trump to try and achieve peace with Indian Addressing an event at the US Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised Trump for his role in helping de-escalate the situation with India and urged Washington to facilitate a comprehensive dialogue between the two nuclear neighbours. The Pakistan PM was echoing former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who had claimed that Trump "deserves credit" for helping facilitate the cessation of hostilities between the two nations. "On 10 different occasions, he has taken credit for facilitating the ceasefire between India and Pakistan -- and rightly so. He deserves that credit because it was his efforts that helped make the ceasefire possible. So, if the US is willing to help Pakistan in maintaining this ceasefire, it is reasonable to expect that an American role in arranging a comprehensive dialogue would also be beneficial for us," Bhutto said. India has publicly denied that President Trump played any role in the ceasefire agreement and consistently rejects third-party mediation on bilateral issues. "I think the US has understood for some time now that India has a very clear position that there will be no talks with a gun pointed at our head... The problem is that we will not deal with people who are pointing a gun at our heads. I mean frankly, if your neighbour unleashes his Rottweilers* to bite your children and in fact to do worse to your children, and then says, let's talk. You think he's going to talk to him until he either unleashes those Rottweilers* or locks them up in a kennel or puts them to sleep. It's as simple as that. You're not going to talk to people who are pointing guns at your temples. It's not going to happen," said Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who is leading the all-party delegation to the United States. The Indian delegation also slammed the Pakistani side for making claims that it was as much a victim of terrorism as India was. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said, "This (Pakistan) delegation is going around saying we are also victims of terrorism, we have lost more lives to terrorism than India has. We turn around and say- Whose fault is that? As Hillary Clinton famously said 10 years ago. You can't breed vipers in your backyard and expect them to bite only your neighbours...That's why they (Pakistan) are now getting terrorists attacked by the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, but who created the Taliban from which the Tehrik-i-Taliban broke off? We all know the answer to that, so let Pakistan look inside it and let it do some serious interior reflection before it goes around pleading innocence and deniability and everything else." Echoing that sentiment, BJP MP Tejasvi Surya said, "Bhutto has been calling his delegation a peace delegation, and it is quite ironic that the Pakistani delegation is speaking the language of peace. It's like the Devil quoting from the scriptures. For a country that is trying to create fake heroes by promoting failed generals to field marshal, they don't know what true leaders look like. Pakistan has been surviving on cheap Chinese imports, including military hardware, which spectacularly failed on the battlefield.. So perhaps it is hard for them to digest high-quality, high-calibre military hardware as well as strong democratic leadership on the other side of the border." Even as Bhutto and his copycat delegation try to make a pitch for peace, India's anti-terror stand has already been endorsed by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast. "The world was holding its breath, watching what had taken place, both in disgust and also in anticipation of the response. When you are attacked, you have no choice but to respond. The world does not allow anything else, and those responses needed to take place. We have a great friendship and partnership between our nations, and we see nothing but growth and expansion in the future," Mast told reporters in Washington, DC. (ANI) Even as Pakistan''s delegation, seeking to put its point across after India''s action against terror during Op Sindoor, arrived in Washington on Wednesday, India''s outreach delegation, led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor decimated Pakistan''s copycat outreach effort. "This (Pakistan) delegation is going around saying we are also victims of terrorism; we have lost more lives to terrorism than India has. We turn around and say- Whose fault is that? As Hillary Clinton famously said 10 years ago. You can''t breed vipers in your backyard and expect them to bite only your neighbours...That''s why they (Pakistan) are now getting terrorists attacked by the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, but who created the Taliban from which the Tehrik-i-Taliban broke off? We all know the answer to that, so let Pakistan look inside it and let it do some serious interior reflection before it goes around pleading innocence and deniability and everything else." Echoing the stand delegation member and BJP MP Tejasvi Surya hit out at the irony of Pakistan''s delegation calling itself the delegation of peace. "Bhutto has been calling his delegation a peace delegation, and it is quite ironic that the Pakistani delegation is speaking the language of peace. It''s like the Devil quoting from the scriptures. For a country that is trying to create fake heroes by promoting failed generals to field marshal, they don''t know what true leaders look like. Pakistan has been surviving on cheap Chinese imports, including military hardware, which spectacularly failed on the battlefield. So perhaps it is hard for them to digest high-quality, high-calibre military hardware as well as strong democratic leadership on the other side of the border," Surya said. Earlier, under pressure Biawal Bhutto made an impassioned call for peace at the UN Headquarters in New York and even called for joint intelligence sharing on terrorism. A theory completely rejected by the Indian side. "I think the US has understood for some time now that India has a very clear position that there will be no talks with a gun pointed at our head... The problem is that we will not deal with people who are pointing a gun at our heads. I mean frankly, if your neighbour unleashes his Rottweilers* to bite your children and in fact to do worse to your children, and then says, let''s talk. You think he''s going to talk to him until he either unleashes those Rottweilers* or locks them up in a kennel or puts them to sleep. It''s as simple as that. You''re not going to talk to people who are pointing guns at your temples. It''s not going to happen," said Congress MP Shashi Tharoor. "India does not seek war. We have never sought war in our civilisation''s history... But that doesn''t mean that we will remain passive in the face of Adharma. If there is cessation of aggression, you will have peace, but if you attack us not once, but we are ready to do 100 Operation Sindoor," said BJP MP Tejasvi Surya. India already has the upper hand as the two delegations come face to face in the US. On Wednesday, House Foreign Affairs Chairman Brian Mast endorsed India''s action against terror. "The world was holding its breath, watching what had taken place, both in disgust and also in anticipation of the response. When you are attacked, you have no choice but to respond. The world does not allow anything else, and those responses needed to take place. We have a great friendship and partnership between our nations, and we see nothing but growth and expansion in the future," he said. Pakistan is clearly on the back foot as India presents a strong case for itself. A sign of that came on Wednesday when Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif again urged US President Trump to facilitate talks with India. India''s stance is clear: if there are to be talks, they will only be on terrorism emanating from Pakistan and Pakistan''s illegal occupation of part of Jammu and Kashmir. (ANI) While addressing the Indian diaspora in Washington, DC, BJP MP Shashank Mani emphasized that eliminating fear is crucial to overcoming terrorism and building a citizen-driven path to India's development. "The core idea of terrorism is to put fear in the minds of people and once fear is eliminated, beautiful things happen... Our path to Viksit Bharat is going to be citizen-driven. We are going to do it from the bottom up.... We are bringing in a bill that will put 33% of women legislators in the Parliament next time... We apologise that this table doesn't have a woman representative... All of this can only happen if there is no fear in the people's minds..." Mani said. Highlighting the government's commitment to empowering women and citizens at all levels, Mani said removing fear is essential for progress and inclusive governance. This sentiment resonated deeply with Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who recalled the harrowing moment during the recent Pahalgam terror attack when a woman, horrified after witnessing her husband's killing, screamed out -- "kill me too," but the terrorists refused and told her to go back and tell the story, underscoring the brutal attempt to instill fear and division that the delegation aims to overcome. Tharoor underlined the overwhelming and unconditional support India has received from US lawmakers following the attack. Speaking as part of the all-party Indian parliamentary delegation, Tharoor said the visit's main aim was to share India's ordeal and seek solidarity in the fight against terrorism. "There's been a very wide, impressive cross-section of legislators who met us, spoken to us. I must say our purpose in coming was actually very simple. Lay out what we've been through in India in the last few weeks, with the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam, and seek understanding and solidarity with us on these measures..." he said. Describing the nature of engagement, Tharoor added, "The relationship with India matters to all these people. The strategic partnership is real. We saw it in practice... There are always things going on. In fact, when our meeting was ending at the Senate, they had to rush off to a vote. There's always something going on, but they found the time for us and they engage with us in a very positive and constructive way." He also noted the strong bipartisan backing India received, stating, "We came prepared for much more -- pushback or questions or even some skepticism -- we found none, there has been an unconditional support extended to us in our struggle against terrorism..." The delegation, led by Tharoor, arrived in the US on Wednesday. It includes Shambhavi Chaudhary (Lok Janshakti Party), Sarfaraz Ahmed (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha), G M Harish Balayogi (Telugu Desam Party), Shashank Mani Tripathi, Tejaswi Surya, and Bhubaneswar Kalita (all from the BJP), Mallikarjun Devda (Shiv Sena), former Indian Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu, and Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora. The visit forms part of India's broader diplomatic outreach under Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. (ANI) While interacting with the Indian diaspora in Washington, DC, BJP MP Tejasvi Surya stressed the clear distinction between India and Pakistan, underscoring the strong support India has received from US lawmakers amid ongoing security challenges. "No sane person, no reasonable thinking policymaker anywhere in the world will ever draw an equivalence between India and Pakistan because we are not who they are and there will not be a bigger place, a better place than the United States of America to establish this message very firmly," Surya said. He further highlighted India's stance on peace and security, saying, "India does not seek war. We have never sought war in our civilisation's history... But that doesn't mean that we will remain passive in the face of Adharma. If there is cessation of aggression, you will have peace, but if you attack us not once, but we are ready to do 100 Operation Sindoor.." On the delegation's interaction with US leaders, Surya said, "Today in Washington, we had in-depth meetings with senior Congressmen and Senators. The meetings have been very fruitful and encouraging. We have received full support for India and our retaliation through Operation Sindoor. Apart from the issue of terrorism, all countries are eager to engage with India on many other matters... Soon after our discussions on Operation Sindoor ended, the conversation immediately switched to trade possibilities with India... Everyone knows that there is no comparison between Pakistan and India. Pakistan is seen as a banana republic, as a failed state, as a sponsor and epicentre of terrorism. India is seen as an emerging global power and many big countries are eager to develop good relations with India. Bilawal Bhutto has been in the US for quite some time and is trying to copy the Indian delegation, and honestly, it hasn't taken off..." The delegation led by Tharoor arrived in the US on Wednesday. It includes Shambhavi Chaudhary (Lok Janshakti Party), Sarfaraz Ahmed (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha), G M Harish Balayogi (Telugu Desam Party), Shashank Mani Tripathi, Tejaswi Surya, and Bhubaneswar Kalita (all from the BJP), Mallikarjun Devda (Shiv Sena), former Indian Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu, and Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora. The all-party delegation arrived in the US after concluding their visit to Brazil. The delegation aims to brief key stakeholders in the US on Operation Sindoor, India's diplomatic initiative launched to counter terrorism and disinformation following the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 as a decisive military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists, which claimed 26 lives and injured several others. (ANI) Gilgit-Baltistan is witnessing a deepening political and human rights crisis that observers warn may mirror the long-running turmoil in Balochistan. In a strongly worded statement, Manzoor Hussain Parwana, Chairman of the Gilgit-Baltistan United Movement, has sounded the alarm over what he describes as the systematic oppression, demographic engineering, and unlawful exploitation of the region by the Pakistani state. "For over seventy years, our people have been deprived of basic human rights, national identity, and essential services like water, electricity, healthcare, and education," Parwana said in an exclusive statement to ANI. He added, "Now, through the Land Reform Act and the abolition of State Subject Rules, the government has initiated a project to erase our history and displace our people." A part of the erstwhile princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan remains under Pakistan's illegal control without constitutional recognition or provincial status. Activists have long accused the state of colonial-style governance, with decisions driven by a nexus of civilian and military authorities in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. According to Parwana, the recently introduced Land Reform Act has rendered forests, pastures, minerals, mountains, and glaciers "government property" -- a move seen by locals as a prelude to settling non-native individuals and undermining the region's demographic character. "This law is not only unconstitutional but a direct assault on our customary land rights and centuries-old traditions," he added. In response to the escalating crisis, nationalist, progressive, and religious parties had announced a grand Jirga on May 24, 2025. However, the state responded with sweeping crackdowns, arresting at least thirteen senior leaders of the Gilgit-Baltistan Awami Action Committee and affiliated movements. FIRs have been filed against hundreds more, forcing many into hiding. Among those arrested are Ehsan Ali Advocate, Mehboob Wali, Mumtaz Nagri, Taaruf Abbas Advocate, Masood ur Rehman, Nafis Ahmed Advocate, Irfan Azad, Sher Nadir Shahi Advocate, and veteran nationalist Aslam Inqilabi. Shabbir Mayar, Chief Organizer of the GB United Movement, is reportedly under house arrest in his village. "All these leaders have been framed under charges of treason and terrorism. The state is criminalizing dissent," Parwana said, accusing the government of using draconian laws to silence voices defending indigenous rights. The crackdown has sparked protests across the region, with women taking to the streets in unprecedented numbers. "What we are seeing in Gilgit is reminiscent of Balochistan, where men are abducted and women lead the resistance," Parwana noted. "This is not just a political crisis; it's a humanitarian one." Tensions were further inflamed when the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan reportedly declared during an assembly session that opponents of the Land and Minerals Acts would be "hanged," triggering widespread fear and condemnation. As resistance gains momentum, the Gilgit-Baltistan Awami Action Committee has called for a region-wide protest on June 6, 2025. Parwana warned of a possible violent state response, stating, "The government is preparing to crush public outrage with force." (ANI) "Warm welcome to FM Sirojiddin Muhriddin of the Republic of Tajikistan. His official visit to India includes participation in the 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue, as well as bilateral engagements," the MEA said in a post on X. As part of his visit, Muhriddin will join other regional leaders at the 4th meeting of the India-Central Asia Dialogue in New Delhi on June 6, 2025. According to a press release shared by the Indian Embassy in Dushanbe on its official X handle. (@IndEmbDushanbe), the Dialogue will be hosted by External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar and will see the participation of the Foreign Ministers of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, in addition to Tajikistan. https://x.com/IndEmbDushanbe/status/1930259252095987715 The third edition of the India-Central Asia Dialogue was also hosted by India in December 2021. The MEA highlighted that India and Central Asia, as part of each other's "Extended Neighbourhood," enjoy strong diplomatic ties grounded in centuries-old cultural and people-to-people exchanges. The Dialogue is a reflection of mutual interest to strengthen regional partnership through cooperation, trust, and understanding. The 4th edition will focus on enhancing collaboration in trade, connectivity, technology, and development. The participating ministers are also expected to share views on regional security and global concerns. Ahead of the main dialogue, the Foreign Ministers will attend the India-Central Asia Business Council meeting on June 5, organised by the MEA in partnership with FICCI. (ANI) Zheenbek Kulubaev, Foreign Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic, arrived in New Delhi on an official visit to participate in the fourth meeting of the India-Central Asia Dialogue, scheduled for June 6. Randhir Jaiswal, the Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, posted on X: "Welcome to India, FM Zheenbek Kulubaev of the Kyrgyz Republic. FM Zheenbek Kulubaev is on an official visit to India to participate in the 4th meeting of India-Central Asia Dialogue." https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1930484854023495896 Kulubaev is among the five visiting Foreign Ministers from Central Asia who will attend the Dialogue hosted by India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The visiting ministers will also take part in the India-Central Asia Business Council meeting on June 5, organised by the Ministry of External Affairs in collaboration with FICCI. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992, India and the Kyrgyz Republic have exchanged several visits at a high political level. PM Modi has had visits to the Kyrgyz Republic recently in June 2019, with one earlier in July 2015. The India-Central Asia Dialogue, launched in Samarkand in 2019, is a key ministerial platform aimed at strengthening ties between India and the Central Asian countries - Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The earlier editions of the Dialogue have focused on regional security, counter-terrorism, connectivity, and economic cooperation. This year's meeting is expected to build on those priorities, with discussions on trade, infrastructure, technology, and joint development initiatives. India shares centuries-old cultural and historical connections with the Central Asian region. Buddhism spread from India through Tibet to Central Asia, leaving a spiritual legacy visible at key sites such as Kara Tepe, Fayaz Tepe, and Adzhina Tepe. Indian monks helped translate scriptures and establish monasteries across the region, forming the early basis of engagement. Following the independence of the Central Asian countries after the breakup of the Soviet Union, India was among the first to establish diplomatic ties in 1992. Over the years, relations have expanded to include strategic partnerships - signed with all five countries except Turkmenistan - as well as collaboration in defence, education, and development. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to all five Central Asian nations in 2015 gave a major boost to bilateral ties. His participation in successive Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summits in Tashkent, Bishkek, and Samarkand further reinforced India's outreach. The first India-Central Asia Summit, held virtually in January 2022 and attended by the Presidents of all five nations, led to the adoption of the Delhi Declaration, institutionalising biennial summits and regular ministerial dialogues. Defence and security cooperation are core pillars of this partnership. India holds annual military exercises such as "KazInd" with Kazakhstan, "Khanjar" with Kyrgyz Republic, and "Dustlik" with Uzbekistan. Training programmes for Central Asian defence personnel and deployment of Indian military training teams have deepened military-to-military ties. India has also supported development in the region through grant-funded projects and educational exchanges. Around 6,500 ITEC training slots and 1,500 ICCR scholarships have been offered to Central Asian students and professionals. India has also built IT centres and funded infrastructure projects across the region. Despite growing cooperation, trade volumes reached a peak of USD 3 billion in 2019-20 and falling to around USD 1.2 billion in FY 2024-25. India has invited Central Asian countries to participate in initiatives like the International North South Transport Corridor and Chabahar Port development to address connectivity challenges. (ANI) Kathie Lee Gifford fears she will die a lot sooner than one of her closest friends. Kathie Lee Gifford fears she will die a lot sooner than one of her closest friends The 71-year-old former Today show co-host appeared at the Plaza Hotel on Tuesday (03.06.25) to present an award to her long-time friend and former colleague Jill Martin, 49, who is now cancer free following treatment for stage two breast cancer, and she grew visibly emotional as she reflected on her mortality during her a speech at the City of Hopes Spirit of Life Luncheon in New York. She told attendees about how she feared her time on Earth was running out: Tick-tock, I better get off the stage. Her appearance came just weeks after Kathie Lee revealed she had endured a really, really tough few years marked by serious health issues and personal challenges. Kathie Lee, who lives in Tennessee, returned to New York for the luncheon, where she was assisted onto the stage by Jill on the advice of what she described as her personal therapists orders. The presenter underwent a total hip replacement in June 2024 and later fractured her pelvis in two places during a fall at home, requiring hospitalisation for over a week. In her speech, Kathie Lee praised Jills resilience throughout her cancer battle, calling her one of my favourite people on the entire planet. She added: Over the years, our friendship has deepened us. Many do, if you are blessed. And honestly, I think about Jill and I smile even when she was going through her journey and she still is. We would get on the phone together and we pray and wed laugh. I thank her for what she was doing for others. Addressing the audience, Kathie Lee encouraged people to be there for people regardless of what they were facing. And as her voice trembled, she added: So when I say that Jill will be my friend for life, I mean it. She will be there for me and I will be there for her. Ill probably go a lot sooner. Kathie Lee, who previously co-hosted Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee, has spoken openly about recent health struggles. Speaking to OK! magazine, she said: Ive had a really, really tough last three years with parts of my body that have just worn out because I did so much in my life. I had my hip replaced, I had my shoulder done that was from an old injury that finally got so bad, I couldnt ignore it anymore. Yet my health is perfect! I am crumbling! Five Pakistani security personnel were killed and several others, including a senior officer, injured in two separate attacks carried out by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), according to a statement issued by the group's spokesperson, Jeeyand Baloch. In the first incident, BLA fighters ambushed a Pakistani military convoy in the Kund Kapran area of Zamuran in Kech district. "Two enemy vehicles came under heavy attack. One was completely destroyed, resulting in the elimination of five occupying personnel on the spot and injuries to several others," said Jeeyand Baloch. In a separate operation on Monday, BLA fighters reportedly targeted a police vehicle near Bakra Mandi on the Eastern Bypass of Quetta. A grenade attack left Station House Officer (SHO) Noorullah and several other personnel injured. Jeeyand Baloch confirmed the group's responsibility for both attacks, stating: "These operations are part of our ongoing armed struggle against the occupying Pakistani state. Our resistance will continue until the complete withdrawal of enemy forces and the liberation of Balochistan." As of now, there has been no official response from Pakistani authorities regarding the incidents. The Baloch Liberation Army, which is banned by the Pakistani government, has intensified its operations in recent months amid growing unrest in the Balochistan region. However, the BLA claims it is fighting for the rights and sovereignty of Balochistan and accuses the Pakistani Army of committing atrocities against the Baloch people. Baloch nationalist groups allege that a large number of youth, women, and intellectuals from the region have gone missing -- allegedly picked up by security agencies. Many of them were later found dead, with their bodies dumped in remote mountainous areas. (ANI) About 3,000 people gathered in Taipei on Tuesday evening to commemorate the 36th anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen Square Massacre, in one of the largest public memorials outside China for the victims of the brutal crackdown on student protesters in Beijing, Taipei Times reported. Despite rain, participants held electronic candles and stood in solemn remembrance of the lives lost during the Chinese government's military action on June 4, 1989. The main vigil, organised by the New School for Democracy and a coalition of human rights groups, began at 7 pm on Democracy Boulevard outside Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. This year's theme, "Resist Transnational Repression, Defy Totalitarianism," underscored a broader message of solidarity with ongoing human rights struggles under authoritarian regimes. By 8 pm, organisers estimated that roughly 3,000 people had joined the event. The vigil featured short speeches from human rights advocates hailing from Taiwan, mainland China, Hong Kong, and other parts of the world. At 8:30pm, the crowd observed 64 seconds of silence to mourn the victims of the massacre - a symbolic gesture echoing the date of the tragedy. Among the attendees were many Hong Kongers now residing in Taiwan, reflecting the vigil's increasingly international character and its resonance with communities that have experienced political repression. One of the most powerful testimonies came from Wu Renhua, a Chinese academic and survivor of the 1989 crackdown. Recalling the moment he saw five crushed bodies outside the China University of Political Science and Law, Wu said he knelt and wept. "Never forget," he told the audience, recounting the scene that remains etched in his memory, reported Taipei Times. Having attended the Taipei vigil annually since 2018, Wu addressed a recurring question he receives from locals: why people in Taiwan should care about an event that occurred in Beijing. His answer: "Human rights have no borders." Wu said Taiwan's own journey toward democracy gives it both the perspective and responsibility to honour the victims of Tiananmen and to confront the continued brutality of the Chinese Communist Party's authoritarian rule. For 24-year-old student Lin Chan-wei, attending the vigil for the first time was a deeply emotional experience. He told reporters that seeing images of the massacre - of tanks and soldiers turning on civilians - always fills him with grief. Lin remarked that China once had a chance to democratise, perhaps even faster than Taiwan, but that hope was crushed in a series of violent suppressions that have since silenced civil society. "What is regrettable about the democratic movement in China is that it seems to have collapsed just before the break of dawn," he said. Lin added that Taiwan's commemoration of June 4 serves as a message of solidarity - one that supports the few, but persistent, voices for human rights across the Taiwan Strait. Hong Kong native Ivan Choi, 26, served as a volunteer at the event. Now living in Taiwan after self-exiling in 2019 following his participation in mass protests back home, Choi said the vigil holds special meaning for him. He used to attend annual commemorations in Hong Kong's Victoria Park, which often drew tens of thousands of people. Those gatherings were effectively banned in 2020 following the imposition of the national security law, ending a long-standing tradition of public mourning for Tiananmen victims. Choi said being a frontline protester made the images of the massacre hit harder. "I just keep asking myself - how could they be so cruel?" he said. As for Taiwan's role, Choi said he appreciates the country for not only keeping the memory alive but also for framing the incident in a way that confronts the broader reality of Chinese state repression, Taipei Times reported. In addition to the main gathering near Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, a smaller candlelight vigil was held by Hong Kongers in Taipei at 228 Peace Memorial Park, attended by around 100 people. The commemorations in Taipei not only honoured the memory of the Tiananmen victims but also reinforced Taiwan's democratic identity and its commitment to standing with those still fighting for basic freedoms across the region. (ANI) Large-scale protests erupted in Balochistan's Nushki district on Wednesday over the alleged enforced disappearance of Abdul Ghani Baloch, a prominent writer, publisher, and political activist. Demonstrators - including women, children, and youth - gathered outside the Nushki Press Club, holding placards and chanting slogans demanding his immediate release. https://x.com/TBPEnglish/status/1930372406880645526 Abdul Ghani Baloch, a native of Nushki and an MPhil scholar in the Brahui language, was reportedly detained by Pakistani security forces on May 25 while travelling from Quetta to Karachi. A former vice-chairman of the Baloch Students Action Committee (BSAC) and a central organising committee member of the National Democratic Party (NDP), Ghani has not been seen or heard from since his disappearance. Protesters accused the state of systematically targeting intellectuals and political activists in Balochistan. The NDP, in a press conference held Tuesday in Quetta, condemned the incident and described it as a gross violation of constitutional rights and freedom of expression. "This is not just about one individual," said Salman Baloch, NDP's Central Deputy Organiser. "This is an assault on every voice that dares to speak against injustice. Our comrade Ghani has disappeared, and we will not stay silent." Salman stated that Ghani was allegedly taken into custody near Khuzdar but has not been produced in court or allowed access to legal counsel or family. "This violates Article 10 and 10-A of Pakistan's Constitution," he added. The NDP has filed a constitutional petition in the Balochistan High Court and a criminal case in the Sessions Court of Khuzdar, seeking the recovery and prosecution of those responsible for Ghani's disappearance. The protest was also amplified on social media. In a tweet, The Balochistan Post (@TBPEnglish) shared: "#Nushki: Protest held outside Press Club against enforced disappearance of writer & activist Ghani Baloch. Protesters demand his immediate release." https://x.com/TBPEnglish/status/1930347545697374247 Describing Ghani as a "scholar, thinker, and voice of the youth," Salman vowed the party would continue protests, media outreach, and legal battles until his safe return. (ANI) Around 3,000 people gathered in Taipei on Tuesday evening to mark the 36th anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen Square Massacre with a candlelight vigil organised by the New School for Democracy and other human rights groups. The event, held outside the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, carried the theme "Resist Transnational Repression, Defy Totalitarianism." Participants, many of whom are Hong Kongers now living in Taiwan, stood silently in the rain, holding electronic candles. At around 8:30pm, they observed 64 seconds of silence to honour those killed during the brutal crackdown by Chinese authorities on June 4, 1989, in Beijing. Wu Renhua, a Chinese academic and survivor of the massacre, spoke at the event. Recalling the night of the crackdown, Wu said he witnessed five students crushed to death outside a building at the China University of Political Science and Law. "I knelt in front of the bodies and wept. In my heart, I kept telling myself: Never forget," he said. Wu, who has attended Taipei's June 4 vigils since 2018, emphasised that "human rights have no borders," and praised Taiwan for continuing to spotlight the massacre as part of its commitment to democracy. Lin Chan-wei, a 24-year-old Taiwanese student attending the vigil for the first time, said footage from Tiananmen always leaves him feeling devastated. "The CCP used guns and tanks to crush its people," he said, adding that Taiwan's continued commemorations show solidarity with China's suppressed civil society. Hong Konger Ivan Choi, 26, who volunteered at the event, described how he once attended annual June 4 vigils in Victoria Park, Hong Kong, before moving to Taiwan in 2019. Another vigil was held at 228 Peace Memorial Park, attended by around 100 people, mostly Hong Kong expatriates. Organisers reported that approximately 3,000 people attended the events overall, which featured speeches from activists and rights advocates from Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, and other countries. (ANI) Former Union Minister MJ Akbar urged the European Union to reject mediation efforts and take a firm stand against Pakistan's long-standing support for terrorism. He said, "The principal message that we conveyed was that all talk of mediation is irrelevant. The only thing that the EU should do is to tell Pakistan in no uncertain terms that it must end the cycle of barbarism of violence and terrorism that it began on the 22nd of October, 1947, and which continues till this day....If Europe cannot stand up against fascist ethnic cleansing violence, then who will? and if our European friends do not recognise the danger, then it will hurt them...This is the global war against terrorism and particularly against Pakistan-sponsored fascist terrorism." Akbar stressed that Europe must recognize the threat posed by Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and act decisively to uphold global peace and security. As part of the all-party delegation led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, which toured the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Denmark, and Belgium, Akbar voiced strong concerns about global inaction and hypocrisy on terrorism. He questioned the international community's double standards, highlighting the disparity in responses to terrorism based on geographical location and the nationality of victims. He emphasised that while India's actions against terrorism are met with calls for restraint, other countries are held to different standards. "Are there two laws in this world? One for America and the West, and another for India?" he asked. "After 9/11, the US went 12,000 kilometres to seek justice in Afghanistan and Pakistan. They held Pakistan accountable -- General Musharraf admitted it. But when India takes action just 500 kilometres away to fight terror, we are asked to show restraint." Akbar stressed that Indian lives are equally precious and deserving of justice, questioning whether the international community's silence stems from a perceived difference in value between Indian and Western lives. "Are the tears of an Indian widow less painful than those of an American widow? Is an Indian life less precious?" he questioned, urging the international community to shed its silence. He clarified that India is not seeking revenge but justice. "We are here as friends, not in hostility. We share Europe's values -- democracy, freedom, and nationhood. Yet many still sit on the fence," he said. "We now ask the hard questions and expect answers." The all-party Indian parliamentary delegation, led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, engaged with the Indian diaspora in Brussels and sharply criticised Pakistan for its continued support for terrorism. The delegation includes BJP MPs Daggubati Purandeswari and Samik Bhattacharya, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, Congress MPs Ghulam Ali Khatana and Amar Singh, former Union Minister MJ Akbar, and former Ambassador Pankaj Saran. This visit is part of India's broader diplomatic campaign to highlight the impact of cross-border terrorism and advocate for justice for its victims. (ANI) Former Nepali Prime Minister and leader of the opposition Madhav Kumar Nepal has been charged with corruption by the anti-graft agency in connection with an alleged land scam. It is the first time that a former Prime Minister has been booked for corruption in the Himalayan nation. The anti-graft agency, Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA), on Thursday afternoon registered a case against Nepal along with 94 others on the land scam, court officials confirmed to ANI. "CIAA registered the case at the Special Court on Thursday against Nepal and other defendants," a Special Court official confirmed to ANI. This is the first time that a Nepali Prime Minister has been charged in a corruption case in the nation's history. The case involves alleged misappropriation of land acquired for a private company under government exemptions for land ownership ceiling. As per the charges, the anti-graft agency has demanded NRs 186 million from the former Prime Minister. Madhav Kumar Nepal, now the chairman of CPN-Unified Socialist (CPN-US), while in power on February 1, 2010, had approved the purchase of 815 ropani (1 ropani equals 0.0509 hectares) of land in Banepa, Kavre, under the ceiling exemption for purposes including yoga centres, Ayurvedic institutes, and the herbal industry. The decision was made through a meeting of the council of ministers led by then Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal. The same cabinet meeting also approved the purchase of land under ceiling exemption: 75 bighas (1 bigha equals 0.677 hectares) in Dang, 300 ropanis in Lamjung, 250 ropanis in Syangja, 15 bighas in Chitwan, 25 bighas in Dhanusha, 150 ropanis in the Kathmandu Valley, and 40 bighas in the Bara-Parsa area within five years. After receiving Cabinet approval, the private company's Nepal Chief purchased 593 ropanis, 5 annas, and 3 paisas of land in the areas of Nasikasthan, Sanga, Mahendrajyoti, and Chalal Ganeshsthan in Banepa. The decision-making process to grant approval for purchasing land under the ceiling exemption involved then Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, then Land Reform Minister Dambar Shrestha, then Chief Secretary Madhav Ghimire, then Secretary Chhabiraj Pant, along with other high-ranking officials and employees. Within a month of receiving approval to purchase land under the ceiling exemption, on February 19, 2010, the company's Chief submitted an application to the then Land Reform Minister Shrestha seeking permission to sell the land acquired under the exemption. On March 16 of the same year, citing "as per Prime Minister Nepal's instruction," then Minister Shrestha took the proposal to the Cabinet to allow the company to sell the land obtained through the ceiling exemption. Three days later, the Cabinet decided to approve the sale of the exempted land. However, on March 30, 2010, then Director General of the Land Reform Department, Keshar Bahadur Baniya, sent a letter to the ministry stating that the Cabinet's decision was illegal and could not be implemented. On April 8, 2010, the Cabinet decided to seek clarification from Director General Baniya, accusing him of challenging the approval given for the sale of land exempted from the land ceiling. The next day, to support the planned sale of the exempted land, Baniya was allegedly removed from his position as Director General, and Joint Secretary Jit Bahadur Thapa of the ministry was appointed in his place. On the very same day he assumed the role, Thapa sent a letter to the Kavre Land Revenue Office approving the sale of the land exempted from the land ceiling. On June 25, 2010, the company sold 353 ropani and 15 aana of land to Kasthamandap Business Homes Pvt Ltd. The investigation has also revealed financial irregularities in land transactions. When the company sold the land in Banepa, the recorded price was NRs 42.25 million. Government records show that the private company later bought 104 ropani, 1 aana, 2 paisa, and 1 dam of land in Dhulikhel for Rs 10.75 million. Following the registration of the case, the post of Member of Parliament (MP) of Madhav Kumar Nepal has been suspended with immediate effect. (ANI) This contribution is part of a community wide show of support to the campaign by individuals, institutions and business leaders, reflecting the culture of compassion and solidarity deeply rooted in UAE society. The Life Endowment campaign aims to enhance the sustainability of healthcare services and provide long term funding to treat patients with chronic illnesses and People of Determination, while supporting the healthcare system to strengthen its capacity to navigate future challenges. The campaign further aims to maximise the returns of the endowment and direct them toward healthcare programs that improve quality of life and help build a healthy, sustainable society. The campaign also seeks to promote the concept of endowment as a development tool that supports social solidarity. It highlights the UAE's pioneering role in supporting charitable and humanitarian initiatives. The Life Endowment campaign in support of chronic disease patients has dedicated several channels to receive the contributions from individuals and institutions: Digital donation platform by Awqaf Abu Dhabi: https://contribute.adawqaf.gov.ae/healthcare. Bank transfers to the Campaign's account (IBAN Number: AE930353417000004600004) at First Abu Dhabi Bank. SMS to dedicated e& UAE numbers, as follows: SMS 'Life' to 3557 to donate AED10, to 3556 to donate AED50, to 3225 to donate AED100 and to 3223 to donate AED500. SMS to dedicated du numbers, as follows: SMS 'Life' to 3583 to donate AED10, to 3585 to donate AED50, to 3586 to donate AED100 and to 3587 to donate AED500. (ANI/WAM) An all-party Indian parliamentary delegation led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad met with Christel Schaldemose, Vice-President of the European Parliament in charge of Asia, during their visit to Brussels. The Indian Embassy in Belgium and Luxembourg said, "All-Party Parliamentary delegation had a productive and constructive meeting with Ms. Christel Schaldemose, Vice-President of the European Parliament in charge of Asia. A good opportunity to brief at the senior parliamentary level on the use of cross-border terrorism as an instrument of state policy to disrupt progress in Kashmir and communalise the situation. Condemnation of the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam and appreciation for India's firm policy of zero-tolerance on terrorism." The meeting focused on strengthening diplomatic ties and enhancing cooperation between India and the European Union on various strategic issues. The delegation engaged in discussions to deepen the partnership and explore avenues for collaboration on matters of mutual interest. BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, leading the delegation as part of India's broader diplomatic outreach following Operation Sindoor, emphasised the need for a "collective resolve" in the fight against terrorism, grounded in human values, democracy, and humanity. After the delegation met with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from the delegation for relations with India, the Foreign Affairs Committee, and the Security and Defence Committee, Prasad described the interaction as "extraordinary." "There was unanimity in support for action against terrorism, and they were the first to convey solidarity to India," said Ravi Shankar Prasad. "India is a stabilising country, a big country, a democratic country, and there has to be a collective resolve in the fight against terrorism, for human values, democracy, and humanity. That was the essence of the discussions," he added. The delegation includes BJP MPs Daggubati Purandeswari and Samik Bhattacharya, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, Congress MPs Ghulam Ali Khatana and Amar Singh, former Union Minister MJ Akbar, and former Ambassador Pankaj Saran. Earlier, the delegation visited the UK to garner widespread support for India's fight against terrorism and to highlight Pakistan's role in fostering terrorism. The team received strong backing from British parliamentarians, think tanks, and the Indian diaspora. This diplomatic effort forms part of India's global outreach following Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7 in response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam by Pakistan-sponsored militants that claimed 26 lives. Subsequently, the Indian Armed Forces carried out targeted strikes against terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the deaths of over 100 terrorists linked to groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. (ANI) Bardibas in Mahottari district has become a major transit hub for drug smuggling, with traffickers using the town to move marijuana from the hill districts of Nepal into India and bring controlled prescription drugs from India into Kathmandu, the Kathmandu Post reported. Once a small roadside stop along the East-West Highway, Bardibas has seen rapid urban growth following the operation of the BP Highway, which connects the town directly to Kathmandu. This development has brought an influx of residents and businesses, but it has also coincided with the rise of illicit drug activities. According to the Area Police Office in Bardibas, smugglers have established storage facilities throughout the town. Marijuana grown in the Chure hills is being stockpiled in Bardibas before being smuggled across the open Nepal-India border through nearby towns such as Gaushala, Ramgopalpur, and Jaleshwar. In the opposite direction, pharmaceutical drugs are brought illegally from India and distributed into Kathmandu. Residential areas, schools, and local businesses have reportedly been affected. Authorities have found students in possession of marijuana and households storing as much as 20 kilograms. Deputy Superintendent of Police Bikash Bam stated that regular police patrols have increasingly found drugs being transported in four-wheelers. "Even students from reputed schools are getting involved," he said, urging stronger awareness and prevention efforts, as per reports by the Kathmandu Post. Police believe the porous Nepal-India border has facilitated the movement of banned substances, with some Nepali youth traveling to India to procure or smuggle pharmaceutical drugs. In recent enforcement actions, police seized 40 kg of marijuana from a car in ward 11 of Bardibas Municipality and another 107.9 kg from a vehicle in Ramgopalpur. On the same day, two individuals were caught with 20 kg of marijuana on a motorcycle headed to Jaleshwar. In another major operation, police confiscated 158 kg of marijuana from a Mahindra Scorpio parked near Shubha Swastik Hospital in Bardibas. Authorities say such busts have become routine, with vehicles including cars, motorcycles, and SUVs being used almost daily for smuggling. Over the past 10 months, Mahottari police have seized more than 26.86 quintals of marijuana from 13 vehicles, filing 27 cases and arresting 37 individuals. During the previous fiscal year 2023-24, police confiscated 12.96 quintals and filed 10 cases. The trend is not limited to Mahottari. According to police data, all eight districts in Madhesh Province are seeing a steady rise in marijuana trafficking, with a total of 135.69 quintals confiscated in the past 10 months alone, the Kathmandu Post reported. Superintendent of Police Heramba Sharma said Bardibas has become a preferred route for traffickers due to its strategic location, short distances to border towns, and the availability of small vehicles for quick transport. A significant portion of marijuana seized in Mahottari reportedly originates from Makawanpur. (ANI) Leah Remini claims the Church of Scientology wanted to murder her. Leah Remini claims the Church of Scientology wanted to murder her The King of Queens actress, 54, joined the group aged 13 when her mother became a member, and described the organisations control over every aspect of her life in a candid new interview about the impact it has had on her and her familys lives. She spoke to UsWeekly about her ongoing trauma about extracting herself from the church after filing a civil harassment lawsuit against the Church of Scientology in 2023, alleging it orchestrated a campaign of stalking and intimidation against her and her 20-year-old daughter Sofia with a trial scheduled for October. Leahs efforts to expose the Churchs practices began with her 2015 memoir, Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology, and continued with the Emmy-winning docuseries Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath. She added: They harass my underage daughter online. Theyve (used) a Scientology term that means to kill me (and) basically to erase me from the face of the earth. When you talk to a lawyer, they say, Its going to cost you more to defend yourself than to pay them off. And Scientology knows that. A representative for the Church told UsWeekly: All allegations of harassment, break-ins and other salacious alleged conduct are false. Leah added about her time in the Church: We (had) to report to our ethics departments the Scientology police and thats an everyday activity. Once your parents become Scientologists, theyre no longer your parents. Her break from the Church came after she was ordered to cut ties with her mother and stepfather for allegedly violating Scientology policy. She said: Thats when I found the Brooklyn girl in me. Leah credits the late Mike Rinder a former high-ranking Scientologist who left in 2007 with helping her escape. She said: Mike was the first person I called when I was thinking of leaving. That alone was a high crime in Scientology. He was so comforting. Leah said the Church continues to harass Sofia online, and that the pressure has taken a toll. The actress added: Shes constantly petrified that her phone is being tapped. I had to get her help for that, and shes OK; we got through a rough patch. Paank, the human rights wing of the Baloch National Movement (BNM), has strongly condemned the continued practice of enforced disappearances carried out by Pakistani security forces in Balochistan, citing a sharp rise in illegal detentions under the cover of controversial legislation. In its latest report, Paank has provided details of a string of abductions that occurred within just two days in early June 2025. On June 4, Pakistani security forces raided the home of Babu Jan, son of Muhammad Shafa, in the Killi Bahram Shai area of Mastung district at approximately 1:30 AM. Without any legal warrant or explanation, he was taken away and forcibly disappeared. His whereabouts remain unknown. The report also noted that a day earlier, on June 3, Wahid Baloch, son of Suwali and a resident of Nasirabad, was abducted in Turbat, the capital of Kech district. In a separate incident on the same day, Hatir Lal, son of Lal Bakhsh and a resident of Balgatar, was forcibly detained at his home in Askani, Turbat city. Lal had recently returned from the United Arab Emirates to spend time with his family. "These disappearances are not isolated events, but part of a broader campaign of state repression," Paank stated. It further pointed to the recently passed Anti-Terrorism (Balochistan Amendment) Bill 2025, which it says grants sweeping powers to security forces, effectively legalising arbitrary arrests and eroding fundamental civil liberties. "Pakistan continues to operate with impunity in Balochistan, deploying repressive tactics and bypassing judicial oversight," Paank said. It urged international human rights organisations to intervene and hold Pakistan accountable for its actions. The group reaffirmed its commitment to documenting rights violations and amplifying the voices of Baloch families affected by enforced disappearances. (ANI) BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, leading an all-party Indian parliamentary delegation, emphasised the need for the global community to hold Pakistan accountable for sponsoring terrorism during a meeting with Christel Schaldemose, Vice-President of the European Parliament in charge of Asia. "The Vice-President of the European Parliament heard us... We conveyed to her the situation in India about terrorism... We have requested some cost to the terror machine in Pakistan in terms of world aid. We have been deeply impressed by her love for India and the issues of humanity and democracy," Prasad said following the meeting. The meeting in Brussels was part of India's wider diplomatic outreach aimed at mobilising international support in its fight against terrorism. The delegation also briefed the Vice-President on the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam and reiterated India's zero-tolerance policy against terrorism. Echoing this, the Indian Embassy in Belgium and Luxembourg tweeted, "All-Party Parliamentary delegation had a productive and constructive meeting with Ms. Christel Schaldemose, Vice-President of the European Parliament in charge of Asia. A good opportunity to brief at the senior parliamentary level on the use of cross-border terrorism as an instrument of state policy to disrupt progress in Kashmir and communalise the situation. Condemnation of the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam and appreciation for India's firm policy of zero-tolerance on terrorism." The meeting also focused on strengthening diplomatic ties and enhancing cooperation between India and the European Union on strategic issues. The delegation held discussions to deepen the partnership and explore collaboration on matters of mutual interest. Leading the delegation as part of India's broader global effort following Operation Sindoor, Prasad underlined the need for a "collective resolve" in the fight against terrorism, rooted in shared values of democracy, peace, and humanity. After engagements with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from the delegation for relations with India, the Foreign Affairs Committee, and the Security and Defence Committee, Prasad described the interaction as "extraordinary." "There was unanimity in support for action against terrorism, and they were the first to convey solidarity to India," he said. "India is a stabilising country, a big country, a democratic country, and there has to be a collective resolve in the fight against terrorism, for human values, democracy, and humanity. That was the essence of the discussions." The all-party delegation includes BJP MPs Daggubati Purandeswari and Samik Bhattacharya, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, Congress MPs Ghulam Ali Khatana and Amar Singh, former Union Minister MJ Akbar, and former Ambassador Pankaj Saran. This diplomatic initiative follows Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7 as India's military response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam by Pakistan-sponsored militants, which claimed 26 lives. In the wake of the attack, the Indian Armed Forces carried out targeted strikes against terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, killing over 100 terrorists linked to groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. (ANI) The all-party delegation, led by Ravi Shankar Prasad, engaged with several quarters of the society in Belgium to convey India's stance against terrorism, the details of which were shared by the Embassy of India in Brussels on Wednesday. According to the Embassy, the delegation, which is visiting Brussels, was received by Ambassador Saurabh Kumar upon arrival at the Airport on June 3. On June 4, the delegation commenced its programme by paying floral tribute to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the Embassy--a solemn reaffirmation of India's enduring commitment to the principles of peace, non-violence, and universal brotherhood. Earlier, the Ambassador briefed the delegation. The delegation visited the European Parliament, where it engaged with members of the European Parliament (MEPs), including from the Delegation for Relations with India, the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), and the Committee on Security and Defence (SEDE). The delegation briefed MEPs in detail about the cross-border terrorism directed against India, including the recent heinous attack in Pahalgam, as well as about Operation Sindoor and our policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism. The discussions focused on enhancing India-EU strategic cooperation, particularly in counter-terrorism. Discussions also focused on broader India-EU ties, high-level engagements and the deepening Parliamentary exchanges. MEPS condemned the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, and India's right to defend itself and bring to justice the perpetrators, the Embassy noted in its statement. Earlier in the day, the delegation interacted with members of the Indian diaspora, who expressed their deep solidarity with India's strong and principled stance against terrorism and its zero-tolerance policy. The delegation underscored the vital role of the diaspora in amplifying India's voice on the global stage. The Embassy also highlighted in its statement that the delegation also had a productive exchange of views with some of Brussel's leading think-tanks and members of the strategic community. There was good appreciation of India's stance on terrorism and Operation Sindoor, and exchange of views on India's expectations of the EU. (ANI) Nizhny Novgorod is set to host the anniversary edition of the "Digitalisation of Industrial Russia" (CIPR) conference from June 2 to 8, bringing together delegates from over 30 countries. Supported by the TV BRICS International Media Network as an official information partner, the high-level event will focus on enhancing cooperation in digital transformation and industrial innovation. Among the confirmed participants are representatives from China, India, Cuba, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Indonesia, and Argentina, among others. The CIPR-2025 business agenda includes bilateral panel discussions and international sessions held in partnership with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO). Experts will exchange insights on deploying digital technologies across industrial sectors and enhancing global supply chains. Co-founder and Director of CIPR, Olga Piven, described the platform as a key gateway for both Russian and international companies. "This was the goal we set for ourselves several years ago, and we are now seeing tangible results. This year, we observe tremendous interest from foreign partners and see strong potential for the development of cooperation and further integration at a global level. We will continue to expand international partnerships with countries of the Global South and BRICS," she said. A showcase of cutting-edge innovation is also on the cards. China will present breakthroughs in 5G, artificial intelligence, digital twins, and eco-friendly chemical industry tech. India will highlight advanced software tools for patent and scientific data analysis. Belarus will unveil technologies for the social and energy sectors, while Cuban firms will showcase solutions in e-commerce, metrology, and aviation security. Russian IT firms will also demonstrate their latest projects. Governor of the Nizhny Novgorod Region, Gleb Nikitin, noted, "In addition, we are strengthening the educational agenda - CIPR will host the awards ceremony for the winners of the international IT Olympiad, which we organised together with the Republic of Cuba." On June 5 and 6, the Global Digital Forum will further amplify discussions on tech partnerships, reinforcing CIPR's role as a vital platform shaping the shared digital future. (ANI) Deputy Chairman of Cabinet of Ministers and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, arrived in Delhi on Thursday to take part in Central Asia Dialogue and the meeting of India -Central Asia Business Council. Details of his arrival were also shared by the Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, in a post on X. https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1930511545240293571 Earlier in the day, Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin and Zheenbek Kulubaev, Foreign Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic also arrived in New Delhi to participate in the fourth India-Central Asia Dialogue. The India-Central Asia Dialogue, launched in Samarkand in 2019, is a key ministerial platform aimed at strengthening ties between India and the Central Asian countries - Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The earlier editions of the Dialogue have focused on regional security, counter-terrorism, connectivity, and economic cooperation. This year's meeting is expected to build on those priorities, with discussions on trade, infrastructure, technology, and joint development initiatives. India shares centuries-old cultural and historical connections with the Central Asian region. Buddhism spread from India through Tibet to Central Asia, leaving a spiritual legacy visible at key sites such as Kara Tepe, Fayaz Tepe, and Adzhina Tepe. Indian monks helped translate scriptures and establish monasteries across the region, forming the early basis of engagement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to all five Central Asian nations in 2015 gave a major boost to the India- Central Asia ties. His participation in successive Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summits in Tashkent, Bishkek, and Samarkand further reinforced India's outreach. The first India-Central Asia Summit, held virtually in January 2022 and attended by the Presidents of all five nations, led to the adoption of the Delhi Declaration, institutionalising biennial summits and regular ministerial dialogues. (ANI) On meeting External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, member of the all-party delegation led by DMK MP Kanimozhi, AAP MP Ashok Kumar Mittal told ANI, "After returning today, we met External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. He wanted to know the response in the five countries we visited. We told him about it. Wherever we went, the countries appreciated the steps taken by India against terrorism... they assured that they would support India in various international platforms. They were against Pakistan's state policy of terrorism." He also noted that the EAM would share their inputs with the Prime Minister. "External Affairs Minister said he will talk to the Prime Minister about all our feedback and inform him on the matter ", AAP MP Ashok Kumar Mittal said. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar interacted with the All-Party Delegation led by DMK MP Kanimozhi, following their recent multi-nation visit to Russia, Latvia, Slovenia, Greece, and Spain. Sharing an update on X, Jaishankar wrote, "Glad to interact with the All Party Delegation led by @KanimozhiDMK that visited Russia, Latvia, Slovenia, Greece and Spain." The delegation's visit was part of a global outreach initiative aimed at briefing key nations on Operation Sindoor and India's counter-terrorism stance following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, who led the delegation, said the visit was "very positive" and underscored that its bipartisan nature--comprising mostly opposition MPs and one BJP MP--reflected India's united stand against terrorism on the global stage. The all-party delegation included Rajeev Rai (Samajwadi Party), Mian Altaf Ahmad (Jammu and Kashmir National Conference), Brijesh Chowta (BJP), Prem Chand Gupta (Rashtriya Janata Dal), Ashok Kumar Mittal (Aam Aadmi Party), and former envoys Manjeev S Puri and Jawed Ashraf. The multi-nation visit underscored India's commitment to regional peace, security, and development through strengthened engagement with key countries in the East and Southeast Asia. (ANI) The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, or HRCP, has expressed serious concerns over the recent adoption of the Anti-Terrorism (Balochistan Amendment) Act 2025 by the Balochistan Assembly. Taking to X, the commission stated, "While national security is a legitimate concern, the bill grants sweeping powers of preventive detention for up to three months without formal charges--an unacceptable measure that undermines the fundamental rights to liberty, due process and protection from arbitrary arrest." The commission warned that this measure poses a significant threat to fundamental human rights such as liberty, due process, and protection against arbitrary arrest. HRCP stated, "The law further empowers security agencies to issue detention orders and lead inquiries through joint investigation teams, while the proposed oversight boards--which include military personnel--are tasked with reviewing detainees' ideological and psychological profiles. This framework violates the civilian law enforcement domain, blurring the lines of accountability. Moreover, giving law enforcement unchecked authority to search, arrest and seize material during 'inquiries' is liable to misuse and erodes constitutional safeguards." The Human Rights Commission urged the Balochistan provincial government to reconsider this legislation, stressing the importance of aligning it with Pakistan's constitutional provisions, specifically Article 10, which guarantees protection against arbitrary detention. HRCP also reminded authorities of Pakistan's international commitments under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, or ICCPR, to which the country is a signatory. HRCP stated, "We urge the provincial government to reconsider this legislation and ensure it aligns with Pakistan's constitutional obligations under Article 10 and international human rights commitments under the ICCPR, to which Pakistan is a state party." The Baloch people have faced systematic oppression and torture through the misuse of several laws, particularly in regions like Pakistan's Balochistan. Laws such as the Anti-Terrorism Act and special security ordinances have been used to justify arbitrary arrests, prolonged detention without trial, and denial of basic legal rights. Under these laws, security forces often operate with broad powers and legal immunity, leading to widespread reports of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and torture, including physical and psychological abuse. Military courts and special tribunals frequently try Baloch activists without fair trial standards, further denying them justice. Additionally, media censorship laws suppress Baloch voices and conceal these abuses from the public, perpetuating a cycle of violence and impunity against the Baloch people. (ANI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met the Foreign Ministers of Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan on Thursday, ahead of the fourth edition of the India-Central Asia Dialogue. He shared the details of the meetings through several posts on X. Upon meeting the Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan, the EAM said, "Pleased to meet DPM & FM Murat Nurtleu of Kazakhstan this morning. Appreciated his reaffirmation of zero tolerance for terrorism. Discussed various facets of our Strategic Partnership focusing on political, trade, investment and energy cooperation. Also spoke about widening connectivity with the Central Asia region." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1930514468078809311 Notably, the two leaders also signed a Program of Cooperation to further strengthen India-Kazakhstan ties. He wrote on X, "Also signed a Program of Cooperation for strengthening India - Kazakhstan ties." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1930583943968960956 EAM Jaishankar also met the Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov. Upon meeting him, the EAM wrote on X, "Delighted to meet DPM & FM Rashid Meredov of Turkmenistan. A warm exchange on deepening our cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, connectivity, health and energy sectors. Welcome his strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1930565825997496730 The External Affairs Minister also met the Foreign Minister of Tajikistan, Sirojiddin Muhriddin. He noted that the two leaders held discussions on counter-terrorism, trade and investment among other areas. "A good meeting with FM Sirojiddin Muhriddin of Tajikistan. Agreed on the need to firmly counter terrorism in our region. Shared views on furthering our cooperation including deeper trade, investment and connectivity ties." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1930525780565520390 Earlier in the day, Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin; Zheenbek Kulubaev, Foreign Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Deputy Chairman of Cabinet of Ministers and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, also arrived in Delhi to participate in the fourth India-Central Asia Dialogue. The India-Central Asia Dialogue, launched in Samarkand in 2019, is a key ministerial platform aimed at strengthening ties between India and the Central Asian countries - Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The earlier editions of the Dialogue have focused on regional security, counter-terrorism, connectivity, and economic cooperation. This year's meeting is expected to build on those priorities, with discussions on trade, infrastructure, technology, and joint development initiatives. India shares centuries-old cultural and historical connections with the Central Asian region. Buddhism spread from India through Tibet to Central Asia, leaving a spiritual legacy visible at key sites such as Kara Tepe, Fayaz Tepe, and Adzhina Tepe. Indian monks helped translate scriptures and establish monasteries across the region, forming the early basis of engagement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to all five Central Asian nations in 2015 gave a major boost to the India-Central Asia ties. His participation in successive Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summits in Tashkent, Bishkek, and Samarkand further reinforced India's outreach. The first India-Central Asia Summit, held virtually in January 2022 and attended by the Presidents of all five nations, led to the adoption of the Delhi Declaration, institutionalising biennial summits and regular ministerial dialogues. (ANI) Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday emphasised the need for a fair and rule-based global trading system while addressing the 2nd Working Session of the BRICS Parliamentary Forum in Brasilia, an official release said. As per the Release, LS Speaker Om Birla said, "India supports a fair and rule-based global trading system--one that adequately addresses the needs and aspirations of the Global South." He added, "India views the BRICS Parliamentary Forum as a vital platform, where, through shared efforts and dialogue, we can redefine the contours of economic development. This forum further reinforces our commitment to mutual cooperation, solidarity, and the welfare of our citizens." He added that "Despite global challenges, BRICS nations have made inspiring progress in the realm of economic development. India believes that to strengthen this progress further, we must enhance intra-BRICS trade, investment, and financial cooperation." He also said, "We welcome the recent expansion of the BRICS grouping. This will make our collaboration more inclusive and impactful." Birla made these remarks while addressing the 2nd Working Session of the BRICS Parliamentary Forum at Brasilia, Brazil, on the theme 'BRICS Parliamentary Action in Search of New Paths for Economic Development.' The statement noted that Birla highlighted India's economic journey in the last decade. Birla said, "India's economic journey over the past decade has been remarkable. Despite global uncertainties and domestic challenges, India has consistently outperformed the global growth average. Rising from the 10th largest economy in 2014 to the 4th largest today is a testament to India's robust policies and the strength of its people. From 2014-15 to 2024-25, India's GDP has grown at an average rate of over 7 per cent, making it the fastest-growing major economy in the world." Birla noted, "India is not only the world's largest and most vibrant democracy but also a nation with stable governance, strong constitutional institutions, the rule of law, a transparent and accountable tax system, and decisive leadership that has earned the trust of global investors." He mentioned that "under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India's unprecedented progress in infrastructure--water, energy, road and rail connectivity, ports, airports, industrial corridors, and logistics hubs - now defines the New India." Observing that India's greatest strength is its youthful population, he said, "Over 65 per cent of Indians are under the age of 35. This youthful energy is propelling India forward--be it in manufacturing, digital technology, healthcare, or green energy. Through programs like Skill India, PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana, and the New National Education Policy, India is skilling its youth under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi." He added, "At a time when many developed nations face ageing populations and labour shortages, India is emerging as the solution--as the Skill Capital of the World. We are not only meeting domestic needs but also supplying skilled human resources to the world. This is India's strength, our responsibility, and our moment." Noting India's contribution across several fields, Birla underlined that "Today, India is established as the Pharmacy of the World--one in every three medicines globally comes from India. Additionally, India is a global leader in IT services, has the third-largest startup ecosystem, and is at the forefront in mobile phone manufacturing, digital payments, space technology, and renewable energy." He also said that, "In the era of Industry 4.0, technology can be a powerful medium for inclusive and sustainable development. Initiatives like Digital India, Start-up India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat are successful models in this direction. Platforms like Unified Payments Interface (UPI), JAM Trinity, and e-NAM have transformed citizens' lives and serve as inspirational models for BRICS." Birla also said that, "India has also undertaken significant reforms in taxation. The recently presented Income-tax Bill, 2025, is a major step towards a transparent and effective tax regime." The statement also mentioned Birla, who said, "We are concerned that the representation of developing countries in international institutions remains inadequate. This imbalance hampers global equity and balanced development. Therefore, BRICS countries must collectively make concrete efforts to enhance the participation of the Global South in such institutions." He added that, "Global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic have disproportionately affected the Global South. Challenges related to health, food, and energy security have intensified. Without concrete and coordinated action, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will remain difficult." As per the statement, on the opening day of the BRICS Parliamentary Forum, the Lok Sabha Speaker held a bilateral meeting with the President of the Federal Senate of Brazil, Sen. Davi Alcolumbre. He mentioned that, "Both countries have been partners on the global stage. Our bilateral relations have developed on the basis of shared democratic values, peace, cooperation, sustainable development, and common objectives." Noting that in today's era, terrorism is the biggest threat to global peace and stability, Birla said that "The recent terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, India, in which 26 innocent civilians were brutally killed, has shaken not only India but also the conscience of the entire world." He also added that, "Pakistan has failed to take concrete action against the terrorist infrastructure operating from its territory; India exercised its right to respond, to prevent such cross-border attacks in the future, and to defend itself." On Operation Sindoor, Birla said that "these steps were measured, non-provocative, proportionate, and responsible. Their sole objective was to destroy terrorist infrastructure and neutralise the capabilities of terrorists." He said that "Today's India is firmly committed to a policy of zero tolerance towards all forms of terrorism and gives a strong response to every terrorist attack." The statement highlighted that on the sidelines of the BRICS Parliamentary Forum, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also held a bilateral meeting with the President of the Chamber of Deputies of Brazil, Hugo Motta. Birla observed that "India and Brazil are natural partners. Both countries have, from time to time, provided direction and momentum to their bilateral relations through high-level dialogues." He added that, "There is extensive collaboration between the two countries in areas such as defence, technology, space, energy, and culture. The special session organised by the Brazilian Congress in 2022 on the occasion of 75 years of India's independence is a testament to our special friendship." Birla hoped that "India and Brazil can jointly promote innovation in emerging areas such as digital transformation, artificial intelligence, health technology, and cybersecurity, and can set an example for the countries of the Global South." (ANI) German Ambassador to India Dr Philipp Ackermann on Thursday encouraged Indian students to explore state-owned and state-run universities in Germany, which offer better quality education at a lower cost. Germany is positioning itself as a global hub for higher education, focusing on attracting Indian students and professionals. With 50,000 Indian students already studying in Germany, the country is keen to increase this number, particularly in top universities. The ambassador highlighted the benefits of studying in Germany, including low fees, high-quality education, and a welcoming environment for skilled labour. These universities offer top-class education at a lower cost than private institutions. He also warned against private colleges that may not provide the same quality of education. Speaking exclusively with ANI, Ackermann highlighted the country's liberal laws for skilled labour immigration and its excellent experience with Indian students. "We have very liberal laws when it comes to skilled labour immigration. I feel that in skilled labour, we are very good and performing. What is of interest to us is that when it comes to higher education, we have 50,000 Indian students in Germany, the biggest non-German group at German universities. We want to increase this number; we want to increase it specifically in one area, namely, in the top universities area. Now, our experience with Indian students is excellent. We have had a very, very good experience with the ambitious, industrious, and very courageous bunch of people from this country who made it after graduation and had an opportunity to get jobs after graduation. Now, when you see what happens in the world, you see the US being much more difficult, and so easily, you see, people's background being checked in the US. I can state only very firmly that these ambitious, smart, and industrious students are very welcome in Germany," said the German envoy. Germany is emerging as a premier destination for Indian students seeking top-class education and skill development, and it offers high-quality education, particularly in technical and STEM subjects, at a lower cost compared to countries like the US. "They get a first-class education, above all in technical subjects, or in STEM subjects, but at a much lower cost than in the US. So, I encourage these smart and ambitious students of India who want to get a top-class education, if you don't get what you want in other parts of the world, focus on Germany," said Ackermann. Language is not a barrier, as courses are taught in English, making it easier for Indian students to adapt. Moreover, state-owned and state-run universities in Germany offer affordable education, making it an attractive option for students. The ambassador advises Indian students to be cautious of private colleges in Germany that may not offer the same quality of education as state-owned universities. These colleges often charge high fees and may not provide a German diploma. "Language is not an issue. The courses are taught in English. The fees are very low. At the same time, I have to say that we see agencies here in India aggressively recruiting students for non-German colleges in Germany. Private colleges, coming from other countries, third countries, like the UK, Poland, Italy, and after graduation, do not produce a German diploma. It's a pretty sure Italian diploma. So, we are very concerned that these colleges do not charge much money. People pay a lot of money for education, which is not to be compared to the education that state-owned and state-run universities offer, which is much cheaper and much better. So, I would say that I would encourage every student in India to look first and foremost at the state-owned and state-run universities in Germany to check whether they have something that interests them. It is by far the better choice," said Ackermann. Philipp Ackermann also discussed the country's foreign policy approach towards India, highlighting the strong commitment of the new German government to the Indo-German partnership. He emphasised the importance of personal meetings between leaders and officials of both countries. "I think we can say now that Germany, with the new government under the new Chancellor, the new coalition, has exactly the same focus on India as the previous government. We have seen a very successful visit by Dr Jaishankar in Berlin. In the last month, we had a very fruitful conversation between the Chancellor and Prime Minister Modi. We'll have a series of visit of parliamentarians, foreign secretaries, other ministers will come. So, I think we will see a series of very interesting personal meetings in the course of the year, and that shows how strongly the new government is committed to this Indo-German partnership. So, I am very happy about that," he added. Germany and India are collaborating on climate change, smart cities, and biodiversity projects, marking a shift from traditional development cooperation to a partnership of equals. "India and Germany are partners in a common effort to get a grip on what is really pressing in the world. Therefore, both sides have agreed in what we call for partnership of green and sustainability developments. It's a very interesting partnership where India and Germany sit together every year and identify projects where you can implement measures that are fighting climate change, improving smart cities, in favour of biodiversity and its consequences. It's a partnership on equal footing, and I think we are beyond development cooperation areas," said Ackermann. The ambassador also praised Dr Jaishankar's recent visit to Germany, describing it as a huge success. "The visit was a huge success. We are always very happy when the Minister of External Affairs travels to Germany. It was a very important visit because it was the first visit for the new foreign minister to Germany. I think the bilateral visit went excellently. Dr S Jaishankar also met the new Federal Chancellor. He met with parliamentarians and gave a speech at a Think tank. So, it was a very comprehensive and good visit. I think it made an Indian point of view very clear," said the German Ambassador. He highlighted the importance of the visit in strengthening bilateral ties and conveying the Indian perspective on various issues, including the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam. "Dr Jaishankar is an extremely eloquent and very intelligent foreign minister. He can wonderfully explain things. I think the Indian point of view was heard and seen. Everywhere he went, it was made very clear how terrible we felt the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and what a disaster that is for the families who lost their loved ones, and if that is not an act of terror, then what is an act of terror? Our sympathies and feelings were shared with Dr S Jaishankar because that also shocked Germany," said Ackermann. (ANI) Rebel Wilsons doctors feared malaria had demented [her] brain when she declared she wanted to be an actress. Rebel Wilsons doctors feared malaria demented her brain when she declared she wanted to be an actress The 45-year-old star contracted the disease after being bitten "100 times" while travelling in Mozambique, South East Africa, when she was 18 years old, and a vivid hallucination she experienced in hospital caused her to want to forge a new career path away from her planned field of law. She told The Guardian newspaper: "When I got to Mozambique, I got malaria really badly. We didnt have time to put up the mosquito nets and I woke up with my face covered in mosquito bites. "Two weeks later, I was in hospital because it was a really bad strain. I dont know whether it was the disease or the drugs, but I was hallucinating really badly, and I hallucinated that I won an Academy Award. "It was so visceral and real that I came out of hospital and said, 'Hey everyone, I think Im going to become an actor now.' "The South Africans were like, 'Ah, no, Rebel. The malaria has demented your brain.' "My parents were pushing me into law school, so I did law by day and acting by night." In 2021, the Pitch Perfect star won $250,000 for the School of St. Jude - an educational establishment which she sponsors that provides free education to children in Tanzania, East Africa - when she appeared on the US game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? and she is very proud of how much of a difference her short appearance was able to make for so many people's lives. She said: "We had a great cause: the money sponsored a school in Tanzania and helped put 40 kids through college. Some have already graduated. "The medical students still send me video updates every six months. Its surreal that going on a gameshow for half an hour resulted in putting 40 kids through college in Africa. "My heart rate was pumping because I wanted to win as much money for charity as I could. You think, 'Oh my God, please dont be an idiot.' "I play a lot of dumb, stupid characters, but in real life, I do have two degrees in theatre and performance studies, and law." As well as revealing she "could have died" from her malaria ordeal in Mozambique, Rebel - who has two-year-old daughter Royce with wife Ramona Agruma - said last year that she has always had "Bugs-xiety" and hates being around creepy crawlies. She told UsWeekly magazine: "I have always had Bugs-xiety [since] growing up in Australia, where we have a lot of bugs ... "I also remember being in my moms house, and theyd always have little flying gnats around the fruit bowl and I always hated it. I dont want any little bugs crawling around at home, especially after having a baby. Indian pilgrims joined millions of others in Saudi Arabia today to perform Wuquf-e-Arafat, the core ritual of Hajj pilgrimage, the Embassy of India in Riyadh shared on Thursday. The Indian Embassy wrote on X, "Indian pilgrims join millions of other pilgrims today at Arafat to perform Wuquf-e-Arafat, the core ritual of Haj." In a video message, Consul General Fahad Suri said, "On this blessed day of Arafat, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all the pilgrims gathered in Arafat, the pinnacle of the Hajj journey. These five sacred days spent in Meena, Arafat and Muzalifa are a time of deep reflection and devotion and form the core elements of Hajj. I am pleased to share that all pilgrims from India have safely arrived in Arafat and are currently engaged in prayers and supplications. Comprehensive arrangements have been made by Indian Hajj Mission in coordination with concerned Saudi authorities and agencies for the safe and smooth movement of pilgrims right from their transfer to Arafat, their stay here and further movements for Musalifa and Mina. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its authorities, particularly the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, all concerned agencies and all service providers for their tireless efforts in facilitating a safe and spiritually fulfilling Hajj. Wishing all of you a successful Hajj and a blessed Eid-ul-Adha. Hajj ma brur, hajj ma bruk, Eid Mubarak." https://x.com/IndianEmbRiyadh/status/1930578425619582989 India and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia enjoy close friendly relations reflecting the centuries old economic and socio-cultural ties. The annual Hajj pilgrimage is an important component of India-Saudi Arabia bilateral relations. During PM Modi's visit to Saudi Arabia earlier this year, the MEA noted in a previous statement that the Indian side had expressed its appreciation to the Saudi side for the continuing welfare of around 2.7 million Indian nationals residing in the Kingdom, reflecting the strong people- to-people bonds and immense goodwill that exists between the two nations. The Indian side also congratulated Saudi Arabia for successfully holding the Haj pilgrimage in 2024 and expressed its appreciation for the excellent coordination between the two countries in facilitating Indian Haj and Umrah pilgrims. (ANI) Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who is leading an all-party delegation to the United States on Thursday, expressed scepticism about the role of mediation in conflicts involving terrorism, emphasising that there can be no equivalence between terrorists and their victims. Tharoor stressed that there's no moral or factual equivalence between countries harbouring terrorism and those affected by it. When asked if it is helpful to have the United States available as a mediator between India and Pakistan, Tharoor said, "Mediation is not a term that we are particularly willing to entertain. You're implying an equivalence that simply doesn't exist. There is no equivalence between terrorists and their victims. There is no equivalence between a country that provides a safe haven to terrorism and a country that's a flourishing multi-party democracy that's trying to get on with its business." He highlighted the complexities of international diplomacy, suggesting that any influence the US might have had would be more effective if applied to the side supporting terrorism. He acknowledged the US government's interest and concern, noting that diplomatic efforts might have been more impactful if directed at the party supporting terrorist activities. Tharoor speculated that the US might have had more influence on the side that needed persuading to stop supporting terrorism. "My government received a number of calls at high levels from the US government and we appreciated their concern and their interest. At the same time, they must have been making similar calls at the highest levels to the Pakistan side. Because that's the side that needed persuading to stop this process, that may well have been where their messages really had the greatest effect. But that's guesswork on my part. I don't know what they said to the Pakistanis...," said Tharoor. Speaking about how India, time and again, conveyed information through proper and authentic channels of communication, Tharoor noted that the Indian side had regular, systematic briefings by civil and military officers. He brought to attention that the briefings were conducted by women officers from the military, one of whom is a Muslim, thereby stating, "This is not a Hindu versus Muslim, it is United India against terror, and that message came across very well". Congress MP Shashi Tharoor is leading the all-party delegation which includes Shambhavi Chaudhary (Lok Janshakti Party), Sarfaraz Ahmed (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha), G M Harish Balayogi (Telugu Desam Party), Shashank Mani Tripathi, Tejaswi Surya, and Bhubaneswar Kalita (all from the BJP), Mallikarjun Devda (Shiv Sena), former Indian Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu, and Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora. The all-party delegation reached the US after completing their visit to Brazil. Their purpose is to brief key US stakeholders on Operation Sindoor, India's diplomatic effort launched to combat terrorism and disinformation following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. (ANI) The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu on Thursday celebrated World Environment Day by planting saplings in its premises. In series of tweets, the Embassy of India said, "The Embassy of India, Kathmandu @IndiaInNepal celebrated #WorldEnvironmentDay 2025 with the theme "Beat Plastic Pollution". Hon'ble Minister of Forest & Environment of , Mr. Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri, Ambassador @IndiaInNepal, and students of Kendriya Vidyalaya Kathmandu planted saplings at the Embassy premises. Officials @IndiaInNepal and members of the Indian diaspora also took part." India has always had a deep respect for nature. An official release, quoting the Atharva Veda, said, "The Earth is our mother and we are her children." "Over the last 11 years, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this ancient wisdom has been turned into strong and practical action. India has moved from being a follower in global climate efforts to becoming a leader. Through clear policies, public participation, and a strong push for clean energy and sustainability, the government is working to build a greener, healthier and more secure future for everyone." https://x.com/IndiaInNepal/status/1930625607236202837 https://x.com/IndiaInNepal/status/1930625610574872638 https://x.com/IndiaInNepal/status/1930625613133455627 At COP21 (Conference of Parties 21) in Paris, India pledged to achieve 40 per cent of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030; a goal met ahead of time in November 2021. At COP26 in Glasgow, PM Modi launched LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), encouraging sustainable habits and promoting mindful consumption over wasteful use. India also introduced the Panchamrit, five key targets for climate action. At COP29 in Baku (Nov 2024), India showcased its progress in climate adaptation and clean energy through global partnerships. Sessions focused on disaster-resilient infrastructure, industrial decarbonization, solar energy, and women-led climate action, in collaboration with Sweden, CDRI (Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure), ISA (International Solar Alliance) and NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council). (ANI) All-party delegation led by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Ravi Shankar Prasad met Peter De Roover, President of the Chamber of Representatives (lower house) of the Federal Parliament of Belgium, and said that concerns were shared regarding rising global terror. He said that Roover expressed solidarity for the terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 civilian lives, while also recalling the terror attack that occurred in Belgium in 2016. "He shared his concern about the rising global terror, and there were many other members. He recalled the terror attack of 2016, which occurred in Belgium. We are grateful for the way they have expressed solidarity for the terror attack in Pahalgam," Prasad told ANI. Roover, a member of the New Flemish Alliance, said there was a need to find avenues to organise since countries were dealing with regional and global conflicts. "I am glad that we had this conversation. As my colleague said, we are not only coping with regional conflicts, but we are also coping with global conflicts... We must find ways to organise ourselves so that we can have a democratic way of having different points of view, but never let weapons decide, and that's the difference between terrorism and democracy," he told ANI. Earlier, all-party delegation interacted with several quarters of the society in Belgium to convey India's stance against terrorism, the details of which were shared by the Embassy of India in Brussels on Wednesday. According to the Embassy, the delegation, which is visiting Brussels, was received by Ambassador Saurabh Kumar upon arrival at the Airport on June 3. On June 4, the delegation commenced its programme by paying floral tribute to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the Embassy--a solemn reaffirmation of India's enduring commitment to the principles of peace, non-violence, and universal brotherhood. Earlier, the Ambassador briefed the delegation. The delegation visited the European Parliament, where it engaged with members of the European Parliament (MEPs), including from the Delegation for Relations with India, the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), and the Committee on Security and Defence (SEDE). The delegation briefed MEPs in detail about the cross-border terrorism directed against India, including the recent heinous attack in Pahalgam, as well as about Operation Sindoor and our policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism. The discussions focused on enhancing India-EU strategic cooperation, particularly in counter-terrorism. Discussions also focused on broader India-EU ties, high-level engagements, and the deepening Parliamentary exchanges. MEPS condemned the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, and India's right to defend itself and bring to justice the perpetrators, the Embassy noted in its statement. Earlier in the day, the delegation interacted with members of the Indian diaspora, who expressed their deep solidarity with India's strong and principled stance against terrorism and its zero-tolerance policy. The delegation underscored the vital role of the diaspora in amplifying India's voice on the global stage. The Embassy also highlighted in its statement that the delegation also had a productive exchange of views with some of Brussel's leading think-tanks and members of the strategic community. There was a good appreciation of India's stance on terrorism and Operation Sindoor, and exchange of views on India's expectations of the EU. (ANI) India is fast-tracking negotiations for a comprehensive free trade agreement with the European Union, with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal holding three crucial meetings with EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic within just 35 days. Speaking to reporters during his two-day visit to Italy, Goyal emphasised the unprecedented pace of discussions as evidence of both sides' commitment to concluding the long-awaited trade pact. "We have held three meetings in 35 days. It shows our shared commitment to the FTA... we are trying to do it faster," Goyal said Thursday, highlighting India's determination to expedite the negotiation process. The rapid-fire diplomatic engagement included meetings on May 1 and May 23 in Brussels, followed by a third round of talks that concluded June 2 in Paris. This intensive schedule reflects the urgency both sides attach to finalising the agreement. India brings significant momentum to these talks, having recently concluded similar agreements with the four-nation European Free Trade Association (EFTA)--comprising Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland--and the United Kingdom. The current EU negotiations represent the resumption of talks that stalled for over eight years. India and the 27-member European Union bloc restarted comprehensive FTA discussions in June 2022, alongside negotiations for an investment protection agreement and a geographical indications pact. The political commitment reached its peak in February when Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen agreed to seal the trade deal by year-end, setting an ambitious timeline for conclusion. "We are making rapid progress on the very vibrant FTA, which would open opportunities for businesses on both sides," Goyal said, describing the potential agreement as "very strong and mutually beneficial." However, the minister acknowledged that current India-Italy bilateral trade remains "low and sub-optimal" at approximately $15 billion in goods, despite enormous untapped potential between the two economies. Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani echoed the sentiment for enhanced economic cooperation, describing India and Italy as "natural partners." He emphasised Italy's focus on boosting exports to India while actively seeking Indian investments in Italian markets. "Our goal is to reduce trade barriers," Tajani said, addressing broader concerns about global trade tensions. When questioned about US tariffs on steel and aluminium, he maintained that "duties are never positive" and reiterated the importance of reducing trade barriers. The accelerated pace of India-EU negotiations comes at a critical time for global trade relationships, with both sides seeking to diversify economic partnerships and reduce dependence on other major trading blocs. Success in these talks could establish a template for India's engagement with other European partners and significantly reshape trade flows between Asia and Europe. (ANI) Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who is leading an all-party delegation to the United States on Thursday, addressed questions about Pakistan's involvement in the Pahalgam attack, stating that India had convincing evidence but was not asked to provide it by any country. He said this while responding to his son, Ishan's, questions about whether any country had asked the delegation for evidence of Pakistan's involvement in the Pahalgam attack at an event organised by the Council on Foreign Relations. Tharoor highlighted Pakistan's 37-year history of terror attacks accompanied by denials, citing examples like the Mumbai attacks and Osama bin Laden's safe house in Pakistan. He said, "There were 3 particular reasons-- The first is that we've had a 37-year pattern of repeated terror attacks from Pakistan, accompanied by repeated denials. The Americans haven't forgotten that Pakistan didn't know, allegedly, where Osama bin Laden was until he was found in a Pakistani safe house right next to an army camp in a Cantonment city. That's Pakistan. Mumbai attacks- They denied having anything to do with it. One of the terrorists was captured alive. His name, his identity, and his address are in Pakistan. Everything was revealed under interrogation. He told us where he was trained and what was done." Tharoor further emphasised that Pakistan's past actions demonstrate its willingness to dispatch terrorists while denying involvement until caught. "The US intelligence, as well as ours, recorded the chilling voice of the Pakistani handler giving minute-by-minute instructions to the killers in Mumbai, telling them where to go, and they were monitoring Indian TV and saying there are people hiding on the 3rd floor of that hotel, go and shoot them there. This kind of thing is going on. Your (American) sources recorded this too, so we know what Pakistan's all about. They will dispatch terrorists. They will deny they did so until they're actually caught with red hands. That's the first," he added. Elaborating on the second point, Tharoor mentioned how the Resistance Front claimed responsibility for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack twice before rolling back their statement. He said, "Within 45 minutes or so of this(attack) happening, a group called the Resistance Front claimed credit. Who is the Resistance Front? They're a well-known proxy front of the Lashkar-e-Taiba, a banned organisation listed by the United Nations and the US State Department, which enjoys safe haven in the town of Muridke in Pakistan. India presented the evidence about the Resistance Front and its doings to the UN Committee on Terrorism in December 2023 and again in 2024. Uh, but the problem was that Pakistan was also a member of that committee. The UN did not list the Resistance Front, but its identity was known and publicised. These people then claimed credit within a time span." India was pursuing the listing of TRF in the United Nations by the UN Security Council's UNCC 1267 sanctions committee. He added, "The world hadn't even learned about this (attack) when they claimed credit, so that was itself a smoking gun. They repeated that claim 24 hours later, and having repeated that claim 24 hours later, then their handlers must have woken up to the gravity of this and told them to take it off their side, so they did, but the fact is the credit claim was on record and the world has seen it." In the third observation, Tharoor said, "When the first strikes happened on the terrorist camps, funerals were conducted, including for members of key organisations, the Jaish-e-Mohammad and the Lashkar-e-Taiba. The funerals were conducted, and photographs have emerged on social media showing Pakistani generals and police officers in uniform attending these funerals being conducted by relatives of these terrorists. So we're looking at 3 concrete pieces of evidence as far as India is concerned". Tharoor asserted that India would not have taken action without convincing evidence, but the international community seemed to be already aware of Pakistan's role. Tharoor further noted, "India is not the kind of country that would undertake a military operation without a solid basis. This was not some random terror attack. I must say our government counted 24 terrorist attacks in the last year emanating from Pakistan, but none of them required this kind of response. We dealt with them. We either got the terrorists or killed them, minimal damage, very little loss of life. We dealt with it. This showed all the hallmarks of a sophisticated, planned, deliberate operation with reconnaissance, with intelligence work, with a modus operandi worked out, this cynical exercise of asking people their religion, shooting them between the eyes. This is not an ordinary terrorist, some bearded fanatic blowing himself up outside a supermarket. This is not that. This is a serious quasi-military style operation, and it required a military response." (ANI) Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, leading an all-party delegation to the United States on Thursday, discussed India's military strategies against China's technology, particularly during Operation Sindoor. He highlighted India's ability to adapt and respond effectively to China's advanced systems. Tharoor mentioned China's "kill chain" technology, integrating radar, GPS, planes, and missiles for instant reactions. "The reassessment took place while the fighting was going on. When we saw what the Pakistanis were tempted to do using, as you say, Chinese technology, there's supposed to be something called a kill chain that the Chinese specialise in, wherein the radar, GPS, planes and missiles are all linked together, and they react instantly... We simply did things differently; otherwise, we wouldn't have been able to hit 11 airfields, and we wouldn't have been able to breach the Chinese supply to their defences. So it's clear that assessments were taking place while the fighting was happening and we were recalibrating our strategies to end as effectively as we were able to end...," Tharoor emphasised that India assessed and recalibrated its strategies during the conflict to counter Chinese defences effectively and hit key targets. Notably, during Operation Sindoor, India, in addition to eliminating over 100 terrorists, destroyed 11 air bases inside Pakistan and inflicted significant damage on their military capabilities. The air, land and sea operations were carried out with calibrated restraint, emphasising minimising civilian casualties. Tharoor noted China's significant stakes in Pakistan, particularly through the Belt and Road Initiative's China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, highlighting the complexity of the region's geopolitics. "The fact is, China has immense stakes in Pakistan. The largest single project the Belt and Road Initiative is in Pakistan, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. So we have no illusions about the degree of commitment that China may feel towards Pakistan," added the Congress leader. Tharoor also acknowledged China's influence in the region, noting its role as a significant supplier of funds, often through loans that can lead to unsustainable debt obligations for recipient countries. "China does come in and play a role. I mean, there's no doubt about that. China can be a fairly munificent supplier of funds. They are often loans and not grants, and some involve unsustainable debt obligations on the part of the recipients. Um, and so yes, you've implied there are specific issues we need to address," said Tharoor. He emphasised the importance of the neighbourhood to India, highlighting its responsibility to care for the well-being of its neighbours. "We as a country have always appreciated that when we sit around the table with our neighbours, we account for 70% of the land mass and 80% of the GDP. I mean we have a responsibility to care for the well-being of our neighbours, and we are conscious of that," he added. Tharoor highlighted that Pakistan's obstructionism hindered regional cooperation efforts, particularly within the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). "We were trying to make a goal of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, but Pakistan obstructed that because they could not have these relationships blossoming as long as they had a grudge with India. And unfortunately, the South Asian Association worked on consensus so that nothing could get done," said Tharoor. He said India revived the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), a sub-regional organisation that excludes Pakistan and focuses on cooperation with countries to the east. "India has now revived another sub-regional organisation called BIMSTEC, which does not include Pakistan, and sadly, it doesn't include the Maldives either, because they're to the west of the Bay of Bengal, but all the countries to the east, including Thailand and Myanmar, are part of this initiative, so it's not that we are in any way backing off from regional cooperation. We want it, but there are specific challenges. However, we can go country by country at some point. I'm sure my colleagues in the Indian Embassy will happily help the US State Department on that." (ANI) US President Donald Trump has said that he had a "good conversation" with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping and they straightened out any complexity. He stated that US has a deal with China but they were straightening out some of the points. Speaking to reporters at the White House on Thursday (local time), he stated that Xi Jinping invited him to China and he has accepted the invitation. He mentioned that he has also invited Xi to the US. Trump stated that US is in "very good shape" with China and the trade deal. Regarding his telephonic conversation with Xi Jinping, Trump said, "We had a very good talk and we've straightened out any complexity. It's very complex stuff and we straighten it out. The agreement was we're going to have Scott and Howard and Jameson will be going and meeting with their top people and continue it forward. But no, I think we have everything. I think we're in very good shape with China and the trade deal. We have a deal with China, as you know, but we were straightening out some of the points, having to do mostly with rare earth, magnets and some other things." When asked whether the reduced trade tariff rates remain in effect, Trump stated, "Those reduced trade tariff rates, they remain in effect? We have the deal. I mean, we've had a deal. announced the deal. And we'll be, I guess you could say, I wouldn't even say finalizing it up, I would say we have a deal and we're going to just make sure that everybody understands what the deal is. We had a really good conversation. By the way, he invited me to China and I invited him here. We both accepted. So, I'll be going there with the First Lady at a certain point. He'll be coming here, hopefully, with the First Lady of China." Trump also shared details regarding his conversation with Xi on his social media platform Truth Social. He stated that the call lasted for one and a half hours and resulted in a "very positive conclusion of both nations." He stated that the teams of the US and China will hold a meeting and the US will be represented by Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, and United States Trade Representative, Ambassador Jamieson Greer. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, "I just concluded a very good phone call with President Xi, of China, discussing some of the intricacies of our recently made, and agreed to, Trade Deal. The call lasted approximately one and a half hours, and resulted in a very positive conclusion for both Countries. There should no longer be any questions respecting the complexity of Rare Earth products." "Our respective teams will be meeting shortly at a location to be determined. We will be represented by Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, and United States Trade Representative, Ambassador Jamieson Greer. During the conversation, President Xi graciously invited the First Lady and me to visit China, and I reciprocated. As Presidents of two Great Nations, this is something that we both look forward to doing. The conversation was focused almost entirely on TRADE. Nothing was discussed concerning Russia/Ukraine, or Iran. We will inform the Media as to scheduling and location of the soon to be meeting. Thank you for your attention to this matter," he added. https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114631295762726849 The talks between the two leaders come days after Trump accused China of breaching a deal negotiated between officials of the two nations in Geneva last month to roll back high tariffs for 90 days. However, China rejected Trump's allegations on Monday and accused the US of provoking "new economic and trade frictions." On May 30, Trump accused China of violating a recent trade agreement with the US. However, he did not mention China's action that violated its agreement with China. In a post shared on Truth Social, he stated, "Two weeks ago, China was in grave economic danger! The very high Tariffs I set made it virtually impossible for China to TRADE into the United States marketplace, which is, by far, the number one in the World. We went, in effect, COLD TURKEY with China, and it was devastating for them. Many factories closed and there was, to put it mildly, 'civil unrest.' I saw what was happening and didn't like it, for them, not for us." "I made a FAST DEAL with China in order to save them from what I thought was going to be a very bad situation, and I didn't want to see that happen. Because of this deal, everything quickly stabilized and China got back to business as usual. Everybody was happy! That is the good news!!! The bad news is that China, perhaps not surprisingly to some, HAS TOTALLY VIOLATED ITS AGREEMENT WITH US. So much for being Mr. NICE GUY," he added. Earlier in May, the US announced a trade deal with China in Geneva. US Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent said that there was substantial progress between the parties. "I'm happy to report that we made substantial progress between the United States and China in the very important trade talks. First, I want to thank our Swiss host. The Swiss government has been very kind in providing us this wonderful venue, and I think that led to a great deal of productivity we've seen. We will be giving details tomorrow, but I can tell you that the talks were productive," the White House quoted Bessent as saying. "We had the vice premier, two vice ministers, who were integrally involved, Ambassador Jamieson, and myself. And I spoke to President Trump, as did Ambassador Jamieson, last night, and he is fully informed of what is going on. So, there will be a complete briefing tomorrow morning," he added. Earlier in May, the two nations also agreed to withdraw reciprocal tariffs for an initial 90-day period. The US and China arrived at an agreement that they will withdraw their previously announced reciprocal tariffs and counter tariffs for an initial period of 90 days. In the meantime, China will impose 10 per cent tariffs on US goods, and the US will tax Chinese goods at about 30 per cent. The understanding was arrived at recognising the importance of their bilateral economic and trade relationship to both countries and the global economy, as per a joint statement. Both countries recognised the importance of a sustainable, long-term, and mutually beneficial economic and trade relationship. (ANI Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who is leading an all-party delegation to the US, called the meeting with US Vice President JD Vance "excellent." He said that Vance was supportive of India's stand on Pahalgam and its aftermath and accepted India's right to respond. Tharoor stated that delegation and Vance discussed areas of future collaboration in other areas, including Artificial Intelligence (AI). He mentioned that Vance was very warm and had warm memories of his visit to India. On delegation's meeting with Vance, he said, "We had a wonderful meeting with Vice President Vance. He was warm, welcoming, had warm memories of his visit to India, totally supportive of our stand on Pahalgam and the aftermath and accepting our right to respond as we did. Then we talked about areas of future collaboration in other areas, including AI, and very positive vibes as it were throughout the meeting. So, I would say that we got our messages across. I would not want to go into the details. Equally, we got back a tremendous amount of positive energy from him, so it was an excellent meeting from our point of view." Indian Embassy in the US stated that the discussion between two sides focused on strengthening the India-US partnership, including cooperation in counter-terrorism. "The All Party Parliamentary Delegation led by Dr. @ShashiTharoor called on Vice President JD Vance @VP this morning. The conversation focused on strengthening the India - US partnership including cooperation in counter-terrorism domain," Indian Embassy in the US posted on X. https://x.com/IndianEmbassyUS/status/1930655577119568210 Shashi Tharoor shared the meeting details in a post on X. He noted that deliberations took place on various important issues, including counter-terrorism and enhancing technological cooperation between the two countries. In a post on X, he wrote, "Excellent meeting with Vice President @JDVance today in Washington D.C. with our delegation. We had comprehensive discussions covering a wide array of critical issues, from counter-terrorism efforts to enhancing technological cooperation. A truly constructive & productive exchange for strengthening India-US strategic partnership, with a great meeting of minds. #IndiaUS #Diplomacy #StrategicPartnership." Shashi Tharoor is leading the all-party delegation which includes Shambhavi Chaudhary (Lok Janshakti Party), Sarfaraz Ahmed (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha), GM Harish Balayogi (Telugu Desam Party), Shashank Mani Tripathi, Tejasvi Surya (BJP), and Bhubaneswar Kalita (all from the BJP), Mallikarjun Devda (Shiv Sena), former Indian Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu, and Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora. The all-party delegation reached the US after completing their visit to Brazil. The purpose of the visit is to brief key US stakeholders on Operation Sindoor, India's diplomatic effort launched to combat terrorism and disinformation following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. According to a statement by the Indian Embassy on June 4, the all-party delegation met the leadership of the House Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans in the 119th Congress, including the co-chairs Rep. Ro Khanna and Rep. Rich McCormick and the vice co-chairs Rep. Andy Barr and Rep. Marc Veasey. The delegation also met the leadership of the House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC) in a special high-power meeting hosted by Committee Chairman RepresentativeBrian Mast and Ranking Member Representative Gregory Meeks. Also, in attendance were HFAC's South and Central Asia Subcommittee Chairman Representative Bill Huizenga, Ranking Member Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove, and HFAC's East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee Chairperson Representative Young Kim and Ranking Member Representative Ami Bera. As per the Embassy, in a separate interaction, members of the delegation also met with Rep. Lisa McClain, Chairwoman of the House Republican Conference for the 119th Congress- the highest-ranking woman in Congress and the delegation had also interacted with the members of the Indian diaspora. The delegation also interacted with Indian diaspora in the US. India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 as a decisive military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists, which claimed 26 lives and injured several others. The 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. India and Pakistan agreed for a cessation of hostilities on May 10. (ANI) BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, who is leading an all-party delegation to key global capitals to refocus attention on terrorism following operation Sindoor, said they raised strong concerns about terrorism during their visit to Brussels and generals of Pakistan "run that country with the help of a military terrorist coalition", which is a "threat" to democracy and humanity. He also called India the "voice" of the victims of terrorism and described the visit very "satisfying" Speaking to ANI, Prasad said, "Today, our visit to Brussels is ending. I congratulate Ambassador Kumar and his entire team for the whole arrangement... The way terrorism is growing in the European Union, we raised this topic and also raised that India is an economic powerhouse and the generals of Pakistan run that country with the help of a military terrorist coalition, which is a threat to democracy and humanity. We also spoke about what human rights, whether the victims of terrorism have human rights or not, and India is their voice; they appreciated it very much, so it was a very fruitful visit. I would consider it a very satisfying visit." Former Deputy National Security Advisor Pankaj Saran, who is part of the same delegation, stated that the European Union understands India's evolution into a "major economic geopolitical force." "I think it was an absolutely excellent visit. It is so evident that India today is looming so large on the horizon of the European Union in a broader geopolitical sense. So they understand the evolution of India into a very major economic geopolitical force and so that is the basic underlying message and the underlying pillar of all the discussions and that is why they all actually started with the importance of concluding a free trade agreement with India" He also rebuked Pakistan and said that India is facing a military dictatorship and ruled out any negotiation with \that country. "So they clearly understand that India is the 4th largest economy, that the future relationship between India and the European Union is actually fundamental, and the second underlying thread of all the discussions was the commonality of democracy, diversity and plurality...What Pakistan is trying to do is to destroy the social and democratic fabric of India, of Europe and therefore of the anti-democratic world. So we are here pitted against a military dictatorship, and therefore there can be nothing negotiable with them," Saran said. (ANI) China's intelligent driving technologies showcased at UN road safety event in Bangkok Xinhua) 10:21, June 05, 2025 BANGKOK, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese carmakers took center stage at an exhibition on Wednesday during the Road Safety Week events organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) in Bangkok, presenting their latest models supported by world-leading intelligent driving technologies and systems. Several leading Chinese carmakers in Thailand -- Changan Automobile, GAC Group, BYD, and Great Wall Motor -- joined global peers like Mercedes-Benz and Land Rover to showcase advanced driver-assistance systems through static displays and dynamic demonstrations, including features such as adaptive cruise control and automatic parking. The exhibition attracted more than 100 delegates from international organizations and national regulators, including the ESCAP and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the European Union, Germany, the United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, to experience first-hand how Chinese intelligent driving technologies are being deployed to address road safety challenges. Richard Damm, chairman of the Working Party on Automated/Autonomous and Connected Vehicles under UNECE, said China has contributed to the sharing of information and regulatory cooperation. "It's very much appreciated that the colleagues from the Chinese government and the industry partners are contributing by sharing information and developing related regulations," he told Xinhua. By introducing new technology related to autonomous driving to the market, Chinese carmakers have fostered competition that would bring innovation, which would also help improve road safety, said Damm. During relevant meetings at the Road Safety Week, China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology organized participation of key China automotive institutions, including the China Automotive Technology and Research Center, to present technical proposals related to autonomous driving, driver-assistance systems, and data security, which highlighted China's progress in both technology development and standard-developing, attracting strong interest from global participants. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Walton Goggins has confirmed there is "no feud" with Aimee Lou Wood after 'The White Lotus'. Walton Goggins had denied a 'feud' with Aimee Lou Wood The 53-year-old actor and his co-star - who played Rick Hatchett and Chelsea on the hit HBO show - have faced claims of a rift between them after he unfollowed her on Instagram once season three of Mike White's anthology drama was finished. In a joint interview for Variety's Actor on Actor series, he said: There is no feud. I adore, I love this woman madly, and she is so important to me. This is Goldie Hawn. This is Meg Ryan. She can do anything, and she will. You watch what the next 20 years of her experience will be. "Ill be on an island, I think Greece. But shes special. There is no feud. She is love and I know that I am that to her. We care about each other very deeply. Walton insisted the speculation over him unfollowing her on social media was "such a comment on where were at culturally". He argued: "Why is everyone obsessing over Instagram? That is irrelevant. We dont give a s**** about Instagram. Why not have conversations about the story and Rick and Chelsea and enjoy it? Meanwhile, 'Sex Education' star Aimee, 31, explained why she decided to stay silent on the rumours despite initially wanting to correct everyone. She said: "Eventually I just started to sit back and watch these people making something out of absolutely nothing. Walton took the opportunity in their interview to "follow" her right there and then, as he found his phone and opened up Instagram. He added: "Its all so ridiculous. Its just a part of me just saying goodbye to this character so that now Aimee and I will be friends for f****** ever. As they hugged, she told him: I completely understand. Meanwhile, Walton recalled having an emotional goodbye with 'Justified' castmate Tim Olyphant before not talking to him "for almost two years", which is what he's done "with every single thing" he's worked on. There was also the added heartbreak of him returning to Bangkok, Thailand for the first time since he escaped to the city after his wife took her own life in 2004. He explained: "My catharsis in this experience was different than other peoples, because of my history in this place. "I knew what we had gone through, and I knew how close that we had gotten, and I needed to begin to process saying goodbye to Rick and Chelsea. And I knew that that was going to take a while for me, so I let her know, this is what Ive gotta do. And she was extremely supportive about that. He "needed to just back away from everyone", noting it wasn't a case of solely ignoring Aimee. He said: "I havent spoken to anyone. I couldnt handle it. Judge me or dont. I dont give a f*** what you think. "This is my process. Rick means everything to me, and Chelsea means everything to me. And so thats what I needed to do for me to process all of this. BJP MP Tejasvi Surya, part of a delegation on a diplomatic mission under the anti-terrorism campaign, on Thursday termed Pakistan as a "habitual offender" and asserted that there is no delusion that operation Sindoor will teach Pakistan a "lesson for good". "There is no delusion that Operation Sindoor will teach Pakistan a lesson for good because Pakistan is a habitual offender. We have seen Pakistan's Prime Minister declare, not once but multiple times, that they are in a war against India and that it's state policy to beat India by a thousand cuts," said Surya. The BJP MP also said that India is fighting the battle of terror for the entire world. He said, "No country in modern history has weaponised terrorism as statecraft. It is also important to note, not just for India but for other countries, especially the United States, that India's fight against terror is not just India's fight alone. We are fighting the battle for the entire world. In the very recent past, 5 Pak nationals in the US have orchestrated attacks on US soil." "Every major terrorist attack, which includes blasts, more than 30 such cases have a Pakistani imprint. We are together in this fight against terror because it will impact both nations. This is because when India hits, we are doing the job of the US as well," he added. BJP MP Shashank Mani also spoke and said, "Terrorists are really 'Buzdil', they attack civilians and therefore if we can get them to the place where they know there is a price to pay, over a period of time, it (terrorism) will come down." Earlier, while interacting with the Indian diaspora in Washington, DC, BJP MP Tejasvi Surya stressed the clear distinction between India and Pakistan, underscoring the strong support India has received from US lawmakers amid ongoing security challenges. "No sane person, no reasonable thinking policymaker anywhere in the world will ever draw an equivalence between India and Pakistan because we are not who they are, and there will not be a bigger place, a better place than the United States of America to establish this message very firmly," Surya said. He further highlighted India's stance on peace and security, saying, "India does not seek war. We have never sought war in our civilisation's history... But that doesn't mean that we will remain passive in the face of Adharma. If there is cessation of aggression, you will have peace, but if you attack us not once, but we are ready to do 100 Operation Sindoor.." The delegation led by Tharoor arrived in the US on Wednesday. It includes Shambhavi Chaudhary (Lok Janshakti Party), Sarfaraz Ahmed (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha), G M Harish Balayogi (Telugu Desam Party), Shashank Mani Tripathi, Tejaswi Surya, and Bhubaneswar Kalita (all from the BJP), Mallikarjun Devda (Shiv Sena), former Indian Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu, and Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora. The all-party delegation arrived in the US after concluding their visit to Brazil. The delegation aims to brief key stakeholders in the US on Operation Sindoor, India's diplomatic initiative launched to counter terrorism and disinformation following the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 as a decisive military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists, which claimed 26 lives and injured several others. (ANI) Shares in Tesla plummeted on Thursday as Tesla CEO Elon Musk and US President Donald Trump fired salvos at each other amid fallout, The Hill reported. Tesla closed with a 14.6 per cent loss as the market closed on Thursday. Trump expressed disappointment over Musk's criticism of the bill while Tesla's CEO accused the US president of "ingratitude". Tensions between Musk and Trump erupted after the former's criticism of US President's tax and spending bill. Last week, Musk officially departed the Trump administration after a brief tenure as he headed the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Amid the fallout with Trump, Elon Musk has claimed that US President's name is mentioned "in the Epstein files" and added that it is the "real reason they have not been made public." In a post on X, Musk stated, "Time to drop the really big bomb: @realDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public. Have a nice day, DJT." https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1930703865801810022 In another post on X, Musk stated, "Mark this post for the future. The truth will come out." Names of powerful people previously related to convicted sex offender and financier Jeffrey Epstein, who died by suicide in Manhattan jail in 2019, including Trump, Prince Andrew and former US President Bill Clinton, have been named in court documents associated with Epstein's years of sexual abuse, The Hill reported. Before being elected in November, Trump said that he would have "no problem" releasing files related to Epstein, something some lawmakers have demanded on social media following Epstein's death. In 2024, Trump denied any association with Epstein. Musk's allegation came just minutes after Trump threatened to cancel government contracts with Musk's companies. Musk stated that considering Trump's cancellation of government contracts with Tesla, SpaceX will begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft immediately. "In light of the President's statement about cancellation of my government contracts, @SpaceX will begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft immediately," Musk posted on X. https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1930718684819112251 In a post shared on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump stated, "The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elon's Governmental Subsidies and Contracts. I was always surprised that Biden didn't do it." https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/114632206992330264 Musk has criticised Trump's "big beautiful bill", urging Americans to lobby Congress to "KILL the BILL. In response to his criticism, Trump stated that he was "very surprised." During his meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Trump said, "Elon and I had a great relationship. I don't know if we will anymore." When asked about Elon Musk's criticism of tax policy bill, Trump said, "I've always liked Elon and that's why I was very surprised. You saw the words he had for me. The words are great. And he hasn't said anything about me that's bad. I'd rather have him criticize me than the bill because the bill is incredible. It's the biggest cut in the history of our country. We've never cut. It's about 1.6 trillion in cuts. It's the biggest tax cut. Tax, you would say, people's taxes will go way down, but it's the biggest tax cut in history. We are doing things in that bill that are unbelievable. And when you look at what we're doing for small businesses, for people, for middle-income people, all of the things we're doing, nobody's ever seen anything like it." "And, you know, Elon's upset because we took the EV mandate, which was a lot of money for electric vehicles. And, you know, they're having a hard time with the electric vehicles, and they want us to pay billions of dollars in subsidy. Elon knew this from the beginning. He knew it for a long time ago. That's been in there. That's been, I would say, JD, that hasn't changed. That's been right from the beginning. I think, Mr. Secretary, that hasn't changed at all, right from the beginning. But I know that it disturbed him," he added. Trump stated that Musk recommended a Democrat to run NASA and he did not agree to it. He said, "He wanted and rightfully, he recommended somebody from, that he, I guess, knew very well. I'm sure he respected him, but to run NASA. And I didn't think it was appropriate. And he happened to be a Democrat, like, totally Democrat. And I say, you know, look, we won. We get certain privileges, and one of the privileges went out to appoint a Democrat. NASA is very important. We have great people. General Kane is going to be picking somebody with, we'll be checking him out, seeing -- but he wanted that person, a certain person, and we said no. And, yeah, I can understand why he's upset." Trump mentioned that Musk endorsed him and campaigned for him and he is "disappointed" as Tesla CEO knew the inner workings of the tax bill better than anyone sitting here. He said, "Elon endorsed me very strongly. He actually went up and campaigned for me... But I'm very disappointed because Elon knew the inner workings of this (tax) bill better than almost anybody sitting here. He knew everything about it. He had no problem with it. All of a sudden, he developed the problem when he found out that we're going to have to cut the EV mandate, because that's billions and billions of dollars, and it really is unfair. We want to have cars of all types. We want to have gasoline, combustion, hybrids. We want to be able to sell everything... If you saw the statements he made about me. He said the most beautiful things about me, and he hasn't said bad about me personally, but I'm sure that'll be next. I'm very disappointed in Elon. I've helped Elon a lot..." To these remarks, Musk replied on X, "False. This bill was never shown to me even once and was passed in the dead of night so fast that almost no one in Congress could even read it!" He even called out Trump for ingratitude as the two disagreed on the latest US bill. https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1930662301792977094 He also said, "Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate." "Such ingratitude", Musk posted on X. Musk even conducted a poll on X, asking whether the US needs a new political party 'that actually represents the 80 per cent in the middle'. https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1930685402631053403 Musk has spent at least USD 250 million in the presidential election last year boosting Trump's campaign. He even played a key role in the Trump administration as the DOGE head, The Hill reported. His work in the administration weighed heavily on his companies, especially Tesla, which saw its stock plummet in the early months of the Trump administration. The shares have recovered in recent weeks as Musk announced exit from the administration. (ANI) Center for New American Security Director Lisa Curtis said that the briefing by the India's all party delegation was "very useful" and they heard their perspective regarding the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam and India's response to the attack. Speaking to ANI, Curtis stated that the meeting was a good way to build understanding about what happened in India and why India responded this way. When asked about her meeting with all-party delegation, she stated, "I think this was a very useful briefing by a diverse group of Indian parliamentarians, and we heard what their priorities are with the US- India relationship, and we also heard their perspective on the horrific terrorist attack that happened on April 22 in Kashmir and then we heard about India's response to that horrific terrorist attack." "On May 7, and so I think it was a good way to build understanding about what happened in India, why India responded the way it did, and I think that what we heard is there is large agreement between the US and India when it comes to countering terrorism, that you cannot stand back when you are attacked by terrorists, that there must be a response or the terrorists are just going to come back and do the same thing again," she added. The all-party delegation, led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, interacted with members of various think tanks at the Embassy of India at the US on Thursday (local time). "The All Party Delegation led by Dr. @ShashiTharoor interacted with members of various think tanks at the Embassy today. The conversation focused on India's fight against terrorism and the multi-faceted India-US partnership," Indian Embassy at the US posted on X. https://x.com/IndianEmbassyUS/status/1930710457083417003 Shashi Tharoor is leading the all-party delegation which includes Shambhavi Chaudhary (Lok Janshakti Party), Sarfaraz Ahmed (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha), G M Harish Balayogi (Telugu Desam Party), Shashank Mani Tripathi, Tejasvi Surya, and Bhubaneswar Kalita (all from the BJP), Mallikarjun Devda (Shiv Sena), former Indian Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu, and Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora. During interaction with think tanks and young professionals, Shashi Tharoor said that the delegation has received solidarity and understanding at everywhere they went. He reiterated India's stance that "there will be a price to pay" if terrorist attacks like this are carried out in India. He said, "And I'm very pleased to say that everywhere we went and I could say this quite confidently without exception, we have received both of what we sought. We have received understanding and we have received solidarity. And these two things are really what we came for. We will continue to meet others during the remaining time today and tomorrow. I want to stress one thing, and then I'll be very happy to open it up for discussions, and that thing is quite simply that this is not something we would really have wanted to spend our time on. "We are a country focused on growth and development. Our focus has entirely been on the economic advances that are so essential to pull a few the few people who remain below the poverty line in our country out below that and to take the rest into the developed India of our dreams. But, sadly, when this kind of thing is done to us, and for very cynical motives, which I think are pretty apparent so I won't spell them out, it was necessary for us to show that we will not allow people to cross the border and kill our citizens with impunity. That for terror strikes like this, which show all the hallmarks of meticulous planning and military style execution, that there will be a price to pay. And that was very strongly the message that we sent." The all-party delegation reached the US after completing their visit to Brazil. The diplomatic effort is part of India's broader global outreach following Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7 as a military response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists, which claimed 26 lives and injured several others. Subsequently, the Indian Armed Forces carried out strikes targeting 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. (ANI) India and Emerging Asia Economics Chairperson Richard Rossow said that the all-party delegation's interaction with think tanks was "good" and praised the unity among political parties. The all-party delegation, led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, interacted with members of various think tanks at the Embassy of India at the US on Thursday (local time). Speaking to ANI after the interaction with all-party delegation, Rossow said, "This was very good engagement. I would say overall seeing these parties get together in a time where we've got political divide in most countries, that's a historic achievement unto itself. Talking not so much about the reaction with the terror attacks and India's reaction, but more about India's growth story and the fact that hopefully this can be another launch point to try to attract investment and help to build the economy because ultimately that's the biggest bulwark against terrorism when people have opportunities and growth and India is really leading the way." During the interaction, the discussion focused on India's fight against terrorism and the multi-faceted India-US partnership. "The All Party Delegation led by Dr. @ShashiTharoor interacted with members of various think tanks at the Embassy today. The conversation focused on India's fight against terrorism and the multi-faceted India-US partnership," Indian Embassy at the US posted on X. https://x.com/IndianEmbassyUS/status/1930710457083417003 Shashi Tharoor is leading the all-party delegation which includes Shambhavi Chaudhary (Lok Janshakti Party), Sarfaraz Ahmed (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha), G M Harish Balayogi (Telugu Desam Party), Shashank Mani Tripathi, Tejasvi Surya, and Bhubaneswar Kalita (all from the BJP), Mallikarjun Devda (Shiv Sena), former Indian Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu, and Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora. During interaction with think tanks and young professionals, Shashi Tharoor said that the delegation has received solidarity and understanding at everywhere they went. He reiterated India's stance that "there will be a price to pay" if terrorist attacks like this are carried out in India. He said, "And I'm very pleased to say that everywhere we went and I could say this quite confidently without exception, we have received both of what we sought. We have received understanding and we have received solidarity. And these two things are really what we came for. We will continue to meet others during the remaining time today and tomorrow. I want to stress one thing, and then I'll be very happy to open it up for discussions, and that thing is quite simply that this is not something we would really have wanted to spend our time on. "We are a country focused on growth and development. Our focus has entirely been on the economic advances that are so essential to pull a few the few people who remain below the poverty line in our country out below that and to take the rest into the developed India of our dreams. But, sadly, when this kind of thing is done to us, and for very cynical motives, which I think are pretty apparent so I won't spell them out, it was necessary for us to show that we will not allow people to cross the border and kill our citizens with impunity. That for terror strikes like this, which show all the hallmarks of meticulous planning and military style execution, that there will be a price to pay. And that was very strongly the message that we sent," he added. The all-party delegation also called on US Vice President JD Vance. Indian Embassy in the US stated that the discussion between two sides focused on strengthening the India-US partnership, including cooperation in counter-terrorism. "The All Party Parliamentary Delegation led by Dr. @ShashiTharoor called on Vice President JD Vance @VP this morning. The conversation focused on strengthening the India - US partnership including cooperation in counter-terrorism domain," Indian Embassy in the US posted on X. https://x.com/IndianEmbassyUS/status/1930655577119568210 The all-party delegation reached the US after completing their visit to Brazil. The delegation aims to brief key stakeholders in the US on Operation Sindoor, India's diplomatic initiative launched to counter terrorism and disinformation following the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives and injured several others. (ANI) The Lynchburg City School Board approved the fiscal year 2026 budget for city schools at its Tuesday night meeting, with the budget including a $2.7 million increase in the citys contribution from fiscal year 2025. As city council continues to debate the citys budget, Lynchburg City Schools Interim Superintendent Ben Copeland said the budget he presented to the school board on Tuesday is based on the outcome his office expects from the councils budget negotiations. If Lynchburg City Council decides to reduce the $42.07 million that the city managers office has proposed for schools, Copeland said his staff will return to the board with amendments to the school budget. LCS has developed different courses of action it could present to the school board in case city council decides to reduce school funding, he said. The primary goal of approving the budget at Tuesdays board meeting was to get LCS employee contracts issued and employees locked in and focused on next year, Copeland explained. Everybody else in Central Virginia has issued their contracts, and we have had a few people that have decided to join other divisions in the past couple of weeks, he said. In Virginia, teachers and other licensed school staff typically have written contracts outlining their employment terms, including compensation, duties and potential for continuing contracts. After the meeting, Copeland told reporters that as school years come to a close, teachers get a little antsy. They want to know theyve got employment and have got their contracts, he said. So we thought tonight was critical, even though city council has not approved their budget yet to go forward with the number were hoping theyre going to approve. Copeland said the budget for fiscal year 2026 shows the community that LCS values the employees and how important they are. Ive always stood up and Ill scream it from the mountaintop: Your public schools are the cornerstone of your city, Copeland said. If your public schools fail, your city will fail. Getting council to add additional funding, which is the first additional funding in over six years, is an important step toward showing they value Lynchburg City Schools as a cornerstone institution of the city. Sonia Jammes, the school divisions chief financial officer, echoed Copelands comments, saying LCS has mechanisms in place in case city council reduces the amount of money going to city schools. We have identified some expenditures even though it will be challenging to reduce those expenditures so there is a way that we can present you with a balanced budget should the city choose to reduce our allocation, she told school board members at the meeting. Jammes said the budget includes the citys contribution to a 3% salary increase for all LCS staff and an increase in spending on employee benefits. It also includes a minimum salary of $50,000 for starting teachers who are certified and raising the minimum wage to $17 for hourly employees. The budget also adds funding for 17 permanent full-time substitute teachers, one for each school in the city, and 10 bus aides to assist bus drivers with student behavior. The substitute teachers at each school building will be able to step in when a teacher is out. They know the building, they know the culture, and theyre part of the team there, Copeland told reporters. At the end of the presentations by Copeland and Jammes, the school board voted 7-0 to approve the budget. School Board Chair Atul Gupta and District 1 member Anthony Andrews were not in attendance. The operating budget approved by the school board totaled $119.08 million, with the state contributing $75.26 million. The federal contribution totaled $880,000, with $869,000 coming from other sources. For the fiscal year 2025 budget, the citys contribution was $39.36 million, and the states contribution was $72.53 million, producing a total operating budget of $113.64 million. Copeland said he hopes city council chooses not to approve a major cut in the real estate tax rate because such a reduction would create some significant challenges for the city. But I understand why they have to consider it, he said. Theyve got a lot of work to do because theyve got to get a budget done by the end of the month. Ward III Councilman and Vice Mayor Curt Diemer said Wednesday he fully supports the proposed $2.7 million increase in the citys contribution to the LCS budget. While the budget has not yet been finalized, this funding is essential to meet our local match and support front-line educators who directly impact student success, Diemer said in a statement. Diemer is one of three city councilmembers who have expressed support for lowering the citys property tax rate from 89 cents per $100 of assessed value to an equalized rate of 76.7 cents. At-large Councilman Martin Misjuns and Ward I Councilwoman Jacqueline Timmer also have said they support setting the tax rate at 76.7 cents. An equalized rate is where taxes would need to be set to ensure that on a collective basis the amount of real estate taxes collected does not go up from the previous year. We must prioritize this investment before considering broader tax increases, Diemer said about the proposed increase in school funding. TOKYO, Jun 05 (News On Japan) - The number of people arrested for violating Japans anti-stalking law reached a record high of 1,341 in 2024, while consultations regarding the misuse of tracking devices such as Apples AirTag also hit an all-time high, prompting the National Police Agency (NPA) to consider new regulations. According to the NPA, police across Japan received 19,567 reports of stalking in 2024. While that figure was 276 fewer than the previous year, the total has remained at a consistently high level of around 20,000 annually in recent years. Arrests for actions violating the Stalker Regulation Actsuch as following someone or repeatedly calling themreached a record 1,341 cases. Including other related criminal charges, such as unlawful entry, the total number of stalking-related arrests stood at 1,743. Police also issued a record 2,415 restraining orders under the Stalker Regulation Act to stop persistent behavior. The rise in enforcement follows a 2016 amendment to the law allowing police to issue restraining orders without prior warnings, strengthening the authorities ability to intervene early in stalking cases. Of last years consultations, roughly 86 percent of victims were women, while 14 percent were men. Although still a minority, the number of male consultations reached a five-year high. In most cases, the perpetrator was a current or former romantic partner. Consultations involving GPS-enabled stalking also rose to 883 cases in 2024the highest since such data began being tracked in 2021. Of these, 370 involved the misuse of lost-item tracking devices such as AirTags, which can be attached to items like bags or wallets to transmit location data to a smartphone. That figure more than tripled from 2022 and marked a record high. While the 2021 legal revision included GPS devices under the Stalker Regulation Act, current laws do not cover passive trackers like AirTags, which do not transmit location data unless linked to the users device. In response to the sharp increase in cases, the NPA has announced it is now reviewing whether these types of devices should also be regulated. Separately, in March last year, police nationwide began encouraging stalkers who receive restraining orders to undergo medical treatment or counseling. However, of the 3,271 people targeted by this effort in 2024, only 184or just 6 percentactually received counseling or treatment. The NPA stated that while some perpetrators refuse to participate, those who genuinely need help should be directed to appropriate medical services. In a high-profile case that has drawn attention to gaps in enforcement, 21-year-old Ayasayo Okazaki was found dead at the home of her former boyfriend, Hidenori Shirai, in Kawasaki City in April. Although she had made multiple complaints to the Kanagawa Prefectural Police before the incident, neither a warning nor a restraining order was issued under the anti-stalking law. The NPA said it is now reviewing both the legal framework and enforcement practices to improve how such cases are handled. Source: FNN HYOGO, Jun 05 (News On Japan) - Tachibana, head of the NHK Party, has been referred to prosecutors on suspicion of defaming a Hyogo prefectural assembly member during last years gubernatorial election campaign, according to investigative sources. The 57-year-old party leader, Takashi Tachibana, was referred to prosecutors on charges including defamation, obstruction of business through intimidation, and threats. Investigators say that around late October last year, while running in the Hyogo governors race, Tachibana posted multiple comments on social media targeting Kenichi Okuya, a prefectural assembly member who chaired a special investigative committee looking into allegations surrounding Governor Motohiko Saito. Tachibana is accused of writing statements such as that Okuya "covered up the cause of death of a deceased prefectural official." In addition, in November, he allegedly stood in front of Okuyas home and office, shouting remarks such as "Come out, Okuya" and "I wouldnt be troubled even if you kill yourself under pressure." Okuya subsequently filed a police complaint. In response, Tachibana told Yomiuri TV that he denies all the allegations and commented, "Referral to prosecutors was expected. I will await the prosecution's decision calmly." Okuya said, "The police responded sincerely. I hope the prosecution will make a fair judgment." Meanwhile, Governor Saito, in a regular press conference earlier today, said he was "not aware of the situation and cannot comment." Source: YOMIURI TOKYO, Jun 05 (News On Japan) - Daihatsu has unveiled a new model of its Move mini vehicle, featuring sliding doors as its standout characteristican increasingly essential feature in Japan's family car market. While sliding doors have traditionally been associated with larger minivans, they are now gaining popularity in the kei car segment. In fact, all of the top three best-selling kei cars in the last fiscal year were equipped with sliding doors, underlining their growing importance. The feature offers practical advantages for families, making it easier to load and unload children. The latest Move model reflects this trend, with Daihatsu planning to expand its lineup of vehicles equipped with sliding doors. This marks Daihatsus first new vehicle launch in three years, following the exposure of a vehicle certification fraud scandal. The company sees the release as a key step toward recovery. Daihatsu President Inoue Masahiro said: "I hope this will be the spark for the return of a bright, energetic, and fun Daihatsu." Source: TBS Angeles, Jun 06 (News On Japan) - A Japanese man believed to be the leader of the crime group known as "JP Dragon" was taken into custody in the Philippines during his birthday celebration, with exclusive video footage showing the moment local authorities stormed the party and arrested the suspect without resistance. JNN has obtained exclusive surveillance footage that was recorded on June 4th at a resort in Pampanga Province, north of Manila. The footage shows a lively gathering underway when investigators entered the premises. The man arrested was Ryuji Yoshioka, identified as the head of JP Dragon, a Japanese criminal group suspected of involvement in large-scale fraud and illegal gambling operations. Yoshioka was seen embracing family members and did not resist arrest. He had reportedly been celebrating his own birthday at the time. JP Dragon is believed to have close ties with the so-called "Luffy group," which has been linked to a string of violent robberies across Japan. Japanese police have already obtained a warrant for Yoshioka's arrest and are expected to request his extradition from the Philippine authorities. According to officials from the Philippine immigration bureau, 55-year-old Ryuuji Yoshioka was taken into custody on June 4th in Angeles, Pampanga Province, near the capital Manila. Yoshioka is accused of leading the JP Dragon group, which is made up of Japanese nationals allegedly involved in so-called "special fraud" operations, such as phone scams. Japanese police had issued a warrant for his arrest on theft charges. The JP Dragon group has been the subject of increasing law enforcement action. Last year, its number-three figure, Tomohiro Koyama, was arrested. Just last month, seven other members were also taken into custody, underscoring a growing crackdown on the groups activities. Authorities believe JP Dragon has close ties with the so-called "Luffy group," which was behind a string of violent robberies in Japan and is also thought to have been coordinating operations from the Philippines. Source: TBS Jimmy Choo thinks Kuala Lumpur is a great shopping destination. Jimmy Choo loves shopping in Kuala Lumpur The 76-year-old designer was born in Penang in Malaysia, and he thinks his country's capital is a must-visit destination for shoppers, observing that the city has changed a lot in recent decades. He told the BBC: "Many years ago, when I came to Kuala Lumpur for the first time, it wasn't as modern. "It has changed a lot. There are now lots of high-rise apartments and hotels and it's a lot more multicultural." Jimmy currently splits his time between London and Kuala Lumpur. And he's suggested that the Malaysian capital is the perfect destination for people seeking high-end bargains. He explained: "A lot of people come here to shop because we have a lot of designer shops and the prices are not too high. "Whether you want to buy shoes, bags, accessories you can get them all in KL." Jimmy noted that Malaysian designers often study overseas before returning home. He said: "Malaysia has a lot of local designers who have been very well trained overseas. "They go to study fashion in places like the UK or Australia, then when they've finished their studies, they often come back to their own country to promote their designs." Jimmy is a particularly big fan of Lord's Tailor, the clothing store founded in 1974 by designer Robert Loh. Jimmy - who has been a customer at the store since the 90s - shared: "It was recently the 50th anniversary of the designer Robert, who learned tailoring and design in London. "Whenever I travel to different parts of the world, they will design all my outfits daywear and evening wear." Jimmy observed that the store provides an excellent service at a fraction of the typical London price. He said: "They have their own factory, and all the staff have been very well trained. "If you go on a Monday for the measurements, they will have everything ready by Wednesday or Thursday to bring home." If the slew of yellow and black striped warning signs doesnt scare you, let this be the warning to mind your height when driving through Big Lake Park. The park is wrapped by two rail lines; Canadian National owns the rails to the west and Union Pacific owns those to the east. Vehicle passage through Big Lake Park is tied to Big Lake Road, which itself winds around the aptly named Big Lake. This is only possible by traveling under at least one of two railroad bridges. The greater offender is the bridge that spans the gap west of the lake, which is rated with a clearance of 8 feet, 8 inches. While a motorcycle, sedan, sport utility vehicle or an average-sized pickup truck should be fine to cross under, moving trucks, cargo vans, campers and other taller vehicles are at risk of adding paint or more to the scars that run underneath the bridge. There are cars that shift into reverse, and cars that go full speed ahead. The Nonpareil has reported some larger accidents in the past, including when a bus from an assisted living facility struck the bridge in May 2018 injuring six and when the vehicles of two drivers fell victim to the low bridge in the same week in July 2014. Since then, Canadian Nationals old train crossing has grown quite an online following roughly 3,400 strong. "The Ripper was born a couple years back with a voting contest on the Council Bluffs Scanner Facebook page after a poll unofficially named the bridge. Jeremy Thielen, creator and admin of The Council Bluffs Ripper The Beast Must Be Fed Facebook page, said hes proud of the part hes playing in bringing people together. In this era of divisiveness, I see this as something that brings people together, Thielen told The Nonpareil in an interview. I keep crap off the page as far as like solicitations and stuff like that. Thielen, a Carter Lake resident, used to live on Broadway and would watch truck drivers fall victim to the railroad bridge when he was growing up. The idea to personify the bridge didnt come until his daughter moved to Louisville, Kentucky, and sent him a page for the Can Opener, a local bridge near the University of Louisville with clearance of 11 feet, 8 inches. Weve got one of those here in town, Thielen said. I just kind of thought about it as a beast that's hungry eats trucks and thats how it started, and people love it. The bridge is often personified by group members and is known for it's "feedings," occasionally "uttering" the sounds "nom nom nom." Thielen works from home for a mortgage company and checks the page several times a day to see whats been posted. The Ripper strikes intermittently, but contributors post photos and memes depicting other destructive bridges and accidents around town. Among the few requests Thielen makes of group members is to avoid posting images that have already been published. Weeks with more incidents draw in more members to the group. Thielen welcomed more than 160 new members with weekly posts in August. People like it, share it and kind of look what happened and then all of a sudden it just snowballs, Thielen said. Sometimes people brainstorm what could be done to The Ripper to spare more vehicles. I wonder if they can dig under, commented Julia Marie Davis on a post from June. Thielen, who has a little bit of an engineering background, said that doesnt think that theres much that can be done for the bridge, which has been undefeated since 1936. Its already a swampy area and when it rains a lot there's water, Thielen said. People say Well, raise it. You can't really do that, because it's the grade youd have to change and usually if you raised it only 3 feet, 3 feet of a grade for a train in a short span, you'd have to start raising the grade way far back from the approach on either end. At times, Thielen has even sold merchandise featuring The Ripper, donating 25% of the profits to the Midlands Humane Society. Thielen said he chose to support the animal shelter in honor of Grant Forristall, the son of Randal and Michelle Forristall, who died at age 23. Thielen said that Grant loved animals. Memorials were directed to the Midlands Humane Society. It was actually on my birthday, so I always feel something for that kid, Thielen said. I thought, you know, this would be a nice way of remembering. He hopes to do another run of T-shirts if enough interest can be drummed up in the group perhaps after media attention. Thielen said the purpose is the page is simply good fun. I just look at it as something that kind of brings the community together, getting good fun and, regardless of what side of the aisle you're on politically, or any of the other stuff that seems to divide us, it's one thing that I see is like, this is what kind of Facebook, to me, was meant for. It's like, you know, laughing over a common thing again. Several NGOs from Algeria, Arab world, Europe, and Africa have called on the Algerian authorities to stop alarming arbitrary mass expulsions of sub-Saharan migrants and violation of their basic human rights. Following the deterioration of relations between Algeria and sub-Saharan African migrants have become the target of widespread racist and incitement campaigns in Algeria, said these NGOs in a joint statement. They said that some Algerian media outlets and social media platforms systematically fueled this wave of hatred. They spread discriminatory rhetoric, even explicit incitement to hatred. Meanwhile, the Algerian authorities remain deafeningly silent about this violent and inhumane campaign against migrants. This hate campaign has contributed to creating a climate of fear, insecurity, and humiliation for people already living in extremely vulnerable situations, said the document. The Algerian authorities have not issued any official position, adopted any pacifying rhetoric, or taken any real protective measures. On the contrary, they have responded to this campaign by carrying out mass arrests, raids on residential neighborhoods, mass expulsions, and forced returns to Niger, where conditions are inhumane, in flagrant violation of international law. In 2020, Algeria adopted Law No. 20-05 of 2020 on the Protection from and Combating of Discrimination and Hate Speech. This law was supposed to combat all forms of racism but never applied to curb racist or xenophobic rhetoric against African migrants. In 2024, more than 31,000 people were expelled to Niger, according to humanitarian organizations, including Alarme Phone Sahara, a staggering number that reflects an austere approach to migration, without any legal safeguards. More recently, from 1 to 21 April 2025, Algeria expelled more than 4,900 people to Niger, including 2,753 Nigeriens expelled via official convoys, including 308 minors and 196 women. 2,222 migrants of various African nationalities were abandoned at what is known as Point Zero and forced to walk approximately 15 km in the desert to the town of Assamaka, without water or food and in inhumane conditions, according to Alarme Phone Sahara. These practices expose the active and systematic participation of the Algerian authorities in this wave of racism, through repressive policies implemented since 2014. The joint statement addressed lately by NGOs to the Algerian regime was signed by Adala for All, Trans-Mediterranean Alliance of Algerian Women, EuroMed Rights, Riposte Internationale, MENA Rights Group, Foundation for the Advancement of Rights, Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies, Committee for Justice, Statewatch, Shoaa For Human Rights, Liberte Algerie, Collectif Des Familles de Disparus Algerie, Association Tunisienne des Femmes Democrates, Comite de Sauvegarde de la Ligue Algerienne Des Droits de lHomme Moroccan manufacturers are approaching the second quarter of 2025 with renewed optimism, anticipating production increases across key sectors including automotive, chemicals, food processing, and non-metallic mineral products, according to the latest economic survey of the High Commission for Planning. The positive outlook emerges despite persistent challenges, with 37% of manufacturing companies reporting first-quarter difficulties obtaining raw materials, particularly foreign-sourced inputs. Financial constraints remain significant, as 23% of industrialists describe their cash positions as difficult, rising to 44% in the leather and footwear sector. First-quarter 2025 production showed modest gains driven by strong performances in chemical and food industries alongside mineral product manufacturing. However, clothing, electrical equipment, and plastic/rubber products sectors experienced declines. Manufacturing capacity utilization held steady at 74%, reflecting relative stability despite headwinds. Contrasting fortunes characterize other industrial segments. The extractive industry anticipates second-quarter production declines, primarily due to expected phosphate output reductionsa strategic concern for Moroccos economy. Employment in this sector should remain stable despite production challenges. The energy sector projects increased production, led by electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning distribution activities. However, this growth wont translate into employment gains, with job numbers expected to decrease. The environmental industry, focused on water capture, treatment, and distribution, anticipates stable production and employment levels. Survey results indicate that despite logistical tensions and financial pressures, certain industrial pillars successfully navigate challenges. Automotive, chemical, and agri-food sectors continue driving recovery momentum. However, treasury fragility across multiple branches, raw material import constraints, and weakening in traditional sectors cast uncertainty over medium-term recovery strength, requiring careful monitoring of evolving industrial dynamics. The United Nations Human Rights Office has expressed grave concern on Wednesday, 04 June over the discovery of dozens of bodies in a section of Libyas capital, Tripoli, previously controlled by the Stabilization Support Authority (SSA), an armed militia whose commander, Abdel-Ghani al-Kikli, was killed in factional clashes last month. The alarming findings include charred bodies unearthed from the SSA headquarters in the Abu Salim neighbourhood, as well as 67 corpses found stored in hospital refrigerators in Abu Salim and Al Khadra. Reports have also pointed to the existence of a burial site within the Tripoli Zoo, also reportedly under SSA control. U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said he was shocked by the revelations, which point to systematic human rights abuses, including possible extrajudicial killings and torture. The victims identities remain unclear, but the presence of what appear to be instruments of torture at the sites has intensified concerns over the treatment of detainees held by the now-disbanded militia group. The SSA had previously operated detention facilities in the area and has long faced allegations of misconduct and brutality. Turk has urged Libyan authorities to immediately seal off all affected areas to preserve forensic evidence and facilitate independent investigations. He called for full accountability for those responsible and demanded that UN investigators be granted unfettered access to the sites. Our worst fears are being confirmed, he warned, stressing the need for transparency and justice in the wake of these deeply disturbing discoveries. At least 14 civilians were killed and numerous others wounded following artillery shelling by Sudans paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on the Abu Shouk refugee camp in El-Fasher, North Darfur, a local emergency relief Committee reported on Wednesday, June 4. The attack has drawn sharp concern as El-Fasher remains a critical humanitarian lifeline for the wider Darfur region, now imperiled by intensifying hostilities. The Abu Shouk Emergency Committee confirmed that the assault directly targeted the densely populated camp, compounding the already dire conditions of displaced civilians. There has been no official response from the RSF regarding the incident. Clashes between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have escalated since May 2024 in El-Fasher, defying international appeals for restraint in a city central to humanitarian operations across the five Darfur states. Sudan has plunged deeper into conflict since the power struggle erupted between the SAF and RSF in April 2023. The war has since triggered a massive humanitarian catastrophe, with over 20,000 reported deaths and 15 million people displaced, according to United Nations and local sources. However, independent research groups in the United States estimate the true death toll could be as high as 130,000, underscoring the devastating scale of the crisis amid growing global inaction. Morocco and Pakistan are looking forward to strengthening further cooperation ties in defense industry, technology, and military training as the North African Kingdom is developing its military industry clusters building on its success in the automotive and aeronautics sectors. According to press reports, Rabat and Islamabad are working on a cooperation agreement in military manufacturing, exchange of expertise and training between the armed forces of the two countries. To reduce its dependence on foreign weapons purchases and strengthen its military capabilities, Morocco has set a strategy based on win-win partnerships aimed at attracting leading international military manufacturers. Several defense companies from the U.S. Europe, Latin America and Asia have shown interests in the huge investment opportunities offered by the Kingdom, which is determined to become a weapons producing country. In January 2025, Turkish Baykar Company strategic announced its decision to set up a manufacturing site of military drones in the North African Kingdom. In September 2024, Indias TATA Advanced Systems signed a strategic partnership agreement for the establishment of a plant in Morocco to produce armored combat vehicle WhAP 88 for the Royal Armed forces. Israeli company Bluebird had also announced plans to open a production site of its unmanned aerial systems in the country, while Brazilian aerospace giant Embraer is busy working on projects in Morocco in military and civil aircraft manufacturing. Canadian Company, Steadright Critical Minerals, announced on Thursday that a MOU has been signed with the shareholders of NSM Capital, a Moroccan company, that controls 160 sq. kms of contiguous mineral exploration licenses that contain highly prospective Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) which is classified as a Critical & Strategic Mineral in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and other countries in the World. Steadright can earn up to 80% in the TitanBeach Titanium Project, which are contiguous mineral exploration licenses in the Cape Juby Strip known for its Titanium-rich beach sands on the Atlantic coastline of Morocco. There has been a number of academic studies on the economic potential of the Moroccan beach sands and as Rutile TiO has seen a steady increase in price as other critical minerals have, due to similar factors in the marketplace, Steadright firmly believes that the investment environment for mining in Morocco is now. In recent years, factors including increased demand, supply chain disruptions, rising raw material costs, and major suppliers such as China increasing export prices. Trade wars and regulations impacting global trade have also played a role in supply chain disruptions and price fluctuations, contributing to the overall price hike. With only a few world suppliers in the world dominating the market, TiO2 is in larger demand. Steadright CEO Matt Lewis said: Morocco has a growing economy and is friendly to mining, which holds a lot of critical minerals. The 5-year tax free incentive for Mineral Producers is a prime example of a friendly, safe and secure jurisdiction that wants miners to succeed and help continue to grow a prosperous Moroccan economy. I am very excited about the potential of Morocco and the TitanBeach Titanium Project. Titanium and its compounds are crucial for aerospace (aircraft frames, jet engines), defense (missiles, armor), and medical applications (implants, artificial joints). Titaniums high strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to corrosion make it valuable for these sectors. The market of Titanium is expanding, driven by its increasing use in various industries. Queen Camilla is "excited" to have a starring role in a new crime novel. Queen Camilla will feature in a new novel The 77-year-old royal is an avid reader and a particular fan of Peter James' Detective Superintendent Roy Grace thrillers, and his latest book, 'The Hawk is Dead', takes his investigation into Buckingham Palace when the royal train which Camilla is travelling on derails and a key member of her staff is shot by a sniper. A source told MailOnline: Opening with a cinematic derailment of the royal train, 'The Hawk Is Dead' takes Roy Grace deep into the heart of Buckingham Palace, where he is called upon to solve a murder and what looks to be a royal assassination attempt. Queen Camilla, a well-known book-lover and reading champion through her charity, The Queens Reading Room, has always been one of the first people to receive each Grace novel and is excited to have a starring role, alongside His Majesty King Charles, in Peters latest thriller. According to the outlet, Camilla has received a preview of the novel, and Peter has had the opportunity for some "extensive behind-the-scenes" research at Buckingham Palace, including "insights" from members of the Royal Household, including the queen herself. Publisher Pan Macmillan wrote of the plot: A tragic accident or a planned attack?... Despite all the evidence, Roy Grace is not convinced the Queen was the intended target ... Failure at this level is not an option. But time is running out before a killer in the palace will strike again. In 2021, Camilla visited the set of 'Grace', an ITV adaptation of the novels starring John Simm as the detective and it was her conversation with the author that sparked the seed for his new book. Peter said: The Queen asked me when I might set a Roy Grace novel in London and the seed was sown. Where better in London than Buckingham Palace? I came up with an idea, which I ran by Her Majesty and she loved it. 'The Hawk is Dead' will be released on 21 October. Photo-Illustration: New York Magazine; Photos: Jon Gluck Cancer stories, as weve long told them, tend to follow one of two arcs: diagnosis, then a brave fight against the disease resulting either in survival or death. But journalist Jonathan Glucks story has been different. When he was 38, with a wife and 7-month-old at home, Gluck learned he had multiple myeloma, a cancer of the plasma cells that causes damage to bones, kidneys, and the immune system. Its an uncommon form of cancer with an estimated seven people out of 100,000 diagnosed each year. Those who are diagnosed tend to be older; less than one percent of new cases occur in people younger than 65. Multiple Myeloma is incurable, and initially, Gluck was told he would likely live another 18 months to three years. But that was more than 20 years ago. In his forthcoming memoir, An Exercise in Uncertainty, out on June 10 from Harmony Books, Gluck details the reality of life as a medical marvel, including the remarkable nature of his survival thus far and the subsequent impact his disease has had on his family and career. The book covers his experience undergoing breakthrough treatments for his disease, as well as charming passages on his chosen coping mechanisms (a regular poker game with friends and a rabid passion for fly-fishing). Living long term with cancer is an experience most of us dont hear much about, even though it is increasingly common. The American Cancer Society reports that the overall cancer mortality rate fell by a third between 1991 and 2019. In multiple myeloma patients specifically, the five-year survival rate was about 35 percent in the early 2000s, up from about 29 percent in the early 1990s. Today, according to the most recent statistics from the National Cancer Institute, that rate has climbed to 62 percent. That means more people are surviving the disease and going on to live their lives, many of them for prolonged periods, writes Gluck, who for a decade was deputy editor of New York. These stats can sometimes obscure the reality of living with cancer as a chronic illness. Most people think, If theres a treatment, you take it, he told me. And if it works, you get better. And thats that. It is so much more complicated than that, he said. For Gluck, living with multiple myeloma has meant countless hours lost to administrative work, like scheduling appointments or battling with his insurance. (Once, early on in his treatment, his doctors office lost all his medical records in a flood.) It has also meant suffering long-lasting side effects of treatment and going to work, anyway, in part because not working is not an option. And all of that is underpinned by a persistent sense of dread: Each time he enters remission and he is currently in remission after undergoing a type of immunotherapy called CAR T-cell therapy in 2023 he knows its not a matter of if but when the cancer will return. His book is an attempt to answer the question so many have asked him over the years: How do you live with that level of uncertainty? For years, his answer essentially was: You dont. As long as he could, Gluck kept his cancer life tightly cordoned off from his non-cancer life. Two summers ago, in a cab on the way to a treatment session, he was idly reading a news story about the growing number of patients who were living with cancer as a chronic, treatable disease. I was like, Gosh, how interesting, he said when we spoke in April. And then it clicked he was someone like that and he let out a gasp so loud the cab driver turned around to ask what was wrong. Before writing the book, he didnt talk about cancer much. And for the most part, believe it or not, I didnt think about it that much, he told me, because I just wanted to lock it away in a box as best I could. When his children were very young, he and his wife kept his illness secret from them. (In a brief, lovely scene, Gluck finally shares his diagnosis with his then-11-year-old daughter in the back of a cab, on their way to Bloomingdales to buy an elementary-school graduation dress; shortly thereafter, he told his son, who was 6 at the time.) There was cancer, and there was me, he writes about this intentional bifurcation of his illness life and his non-illness life. If the first of those entities wasnt integrated into the second, perhaps I could ward it off more easily. It worked until it didnt. If Glucks cancer story has a definitive starting line, he and I are standing on it. On a recent Saturday afternoon, we met outside the office building on Broadway where, in November 2002, he slipped on a patch of ice and twisted his left hip. The pain persisted for a year, which prompted an MRI, which prompted more tests, which eventually led to his cancer diagnosis. Sometimes myeloma simmers for a lot longer, and by the time youre symptomatic, you can be in bad shape, he said. So in a weird way, and I use the term advisedly, I was lucky. (In a 2007 piece for New York, Gluck wrote about his illness for the first time, and the story starts with that slip; his book begins the same way.) He doesnt look sick, I think but dont say out loud as we walk to Washington Square Park. Later, as we sit and chat on a bench, Gluck brings it up himself; he gets that a lot. Its not always the compliment people think it is. If you dont have overt signs of your illness, people sort of forget youre sick, he said. Im going to go a step further and say they almost dont believe it when you tell them. (He and I briefly crossed paths in 2019 when we both worked at Medium, and at the time, I had no idea he was ill.) The only giveaway right now is the mask hanging from the crook of his elbow. In 2023, Gluck started CAR T-cell therapy, which was approved for use in some multiple myeloma patients a little more than one year before Gluck needed it. Again and again, Gluck has managed to stay just ahead of new treatments for his disease. In 2006, three years after he first learned he was sick, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a combination chemotherapy regimen known as RVD for the treatment of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. Gluck is German for luck, he writes, somewhat wryly. CAR-T therapy, as its sometimes called for short, is an immunotherapy, meaning it uses the patients own immune system to fight their cancer. (On Tuesday, the Journal of Clinical Oncology published a study showing that a third of the patients with Multiple Myeloma who received the treatment as part of a clinical trial still have not seen their disease return, even five years later.) Before beginning the treatment, Gluck was optimistic (action is better than inaction, he writes) but wary; the process would require a months long preparation period as well as hospitalization, and hed be risking potentially debilitating or even fatal side effects. The treatment put him into remission, but it also left him immunocompromised. (The therapy wipes out some patients immune systems to the point that they need to get certain childhood immunizations again, Gluck writes.) Since undergoing CAR-T therapy, Gluck has been practicing strict COVID-like protocols, though hes lately relaxed that a bit; recent testing of his T cells and other markers has shown his immune system is on the mend. He now commutes to his job at Fast Company, where he started a new role this year, and works in an office around people, although he wears a mask in large meetings and tight spaces. Before we met, he intimated that, all things being equal, hed prefer to meet outdoors. During one of the preparatory treatments for the CAR-T therapy, he lost his hair, finally experiencing what might be the most famous cancer side effect. At the end of the therapy, when he learned he was in remission, he felt and he was altered on a cellular level, unable to continue compartmentalizing his illness. After my CAR-T therapy, that changed, he writes. The scope and seriousness of the treatment rendered the illusion no longer believable. For nearly as long as hes had cancer, Gluck has been haunted by a recurring dream. He was diagnosed with the disease in 2003, when the medical advice people liked to give each other was to trust your doctors and stay off the internet. But Gluck couldnt resist. (Not knowing things makes me anxious, he writes.) The night after learning he could have multiple myeloma, he stayed up late learning everything he could about the disease, eventually stumbling across a series of X-rays of a myeloma patient. Their bones were literally just full of holes they looked like Swiss cheese, he told me. Myeloma cells disrupt the normal bone remodeling process by overstimulating osteoclasts, the cells that break down old bone tissue. This causes osteoclasts to become much more active than normal, leading to aggressive bone destruction that outpaces the bodys ability to rebuild bone. And that image and just that idea, that this disease can eat through your bones like that has been hard to shake, Gluck said. I still have nightmares about it. At one point in the book, he speaks fondly of the usefulness of denial. I used to think of denial as a pop-psychology cliche. Not anymore. Denial is a vital human coping mechanism. It helps cushion lifes inevitable blows. (Most of Glucks sentences are like this, controlled and brief and matter-of-fact, like hes trying to get down on paper what he does know for certain.) When he recognized himself in that article on long-term cancer survivors, it was one of the first times he admitted to himself that he couldnt keep his sick and well lives separate forever. The CAR-T therapy was another. In a way, writing the book is a public admission that the disease isnt just part of his life. For those of us destined to live with cancer as a permanent condition, he writes, it is our life. When we met in early May, hed recently had one of those nightmares. The dreams always go the same way. Hes doing something mundane, like cooking dinner, and not thinking about his illness. And then he opens a drawer and jump scare that image of Swiss-cheese bones appears. It doesnt take a psychoanalyst to do some dream analysis here: As much as hes tried to keep his illness safely tucked away, its still there. Sunday marked a momentous day for a peaceful protest that has become a mainstay on Auburn's busiest corner. The Toomer's Corner sit-in is a peaceful protest calling for social change across the United States on issues such as racial injustice and LGBTQ+ equality, and on Sunday, demonstrators celebrated five years, or 1,827 consecutive days of the sit-in. The sit-in began on June 1, 2020, and has had a highly visible presence in downtown Auburn with protestors holding signs like "End Racism Now" and "Keep Abortion Legal," among others. Sunday's event featured signs criticizing President Donald Trump, criticizing the banning of books and calling for equal rights for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Signs included phrases such as "Black Lives Matter," "Love is Love" and many more. The Toomer's Corner Sit-In was started by Kelli Thompson, a Lee-Montgomery and Auburn University graduate who decided to go to the corner each day at around 5 p.m. in the wake of George Floyd's murder and protests being held across the country. At day 42 of the protest, Damarius Nolan-Watts joined, and he has been a steady presence at the sit-in ever since. Nolan-Watts was tired of sitting on the sidelines "Given all that was going on back in 2020, I was tired of sitting on the sidelines and watching everything and not doing anything about it, not speaking out," Nolan-Watts said. "This has always been, traditionally, where people protest. Usually, when we see people protest out here, they're what I like to call 'one and doners.' They're out here one day and then the next day we don't see them out here anymore with us. We have motivation. We have consistency." Nolan-Watts said at the heart of the sit-in is to be that consistency and keep the conversations going and in the forefront of the minds of the community. He said many of the protesters have experienced something on their signs, like racism or homophobia, and the group feels it needs to be talked about more in the Auburn-Opelika community. "We don't want to offend anybody. Just come out here. Be you, be part of our beloved community that we've been talking about for years," Nolan-Watts said to anyone interested in joining the sit-in. "We've seen our beloved community grow, come together, especially in times of need." The Rev. Darcy Corbitt is a minister of the Progressive Christian Alliance in covenant with First Universalist Church of Camp Hill. Corbitt described the sit-in as a sponsored ministry of her congregation because many members of the sit-in are part of the congregation. The sponsored ministry means Corbitt supports the sit-in participants and provides chaplaincy to them. With many of the sit-in participants also members of Corbitt's church, she called supporting them a part of the church's "prophetic witness to the community." Corbitt said she was at Toomer's Corner for the first day, but she did not come back until after the first year. She has been a frequent participant ever since. She said taking part in the event has changed her faith and giving her hope that the beloved community exists. She said when it started, she did not know Nolan-Watts or the other protesters, but now they are like family. Building a community for those that cannot stand up for themselves "We're not really here to change people. We're here to build community with other people who feel isolated because of the kind of not open-minded environment that we live in, part of the country that we live in, and so it's really more about community building," Corbitt said. Herbert Denmark has lived in Auburn since he was a doctoral student at Auburn University in 2006. Denmark said he joined the sit-in around a year after Thompson started it, and like Nola-Watts and Corbitt, he has been a staple of the protest over the years. Denmark said those years have been frustrating and tiring at times, as the sit-in has received insults and criticism from those opposed to the ideas it represents. "We need for people to understand that Auburn is not paradise. It's just like any other place in the world. There are problems, and some people just don't want to address the problems," Denmark said of why the sit-in exists. Denmark said his participation in the sit-in comes from two places. On one hand, he said he has "felt the sting of racism." On the other hand, he admitted in the past he was a perpetrator of homophobia and sees this sit-in as a penance for him and a way to show others that people can change, evolve and learn new things. "We're here to stand up for people who can't stand up for themselves for whatever reason. Or are afraid to stand up for themselves. We have to be sort of the backbone for them. And as a Christian, I believe this is the way to be Christ-like and show Christ to people, particularly those who we are sitting in for with this movement," Denmark said. Showing the protesters that they are not alone Corbitt and Denmark said in recent weeks members of the sit-in were confronted by some AU students and non-students with what Corbitt described as "pretty aggressive behavior." Corbitt said the counter protesters brought their own signs, called the sit-in participants "baby killers and murderers" and questioned the sit-in participants for over an hour. Corbitt said that when the community found out, there were many that came and showed support for the sit-in, including Invisible-Auburn Opelika. Indivisible Auburn-Opelika, a recently formed chapter of the national organization Indivisible, joined the celebration on Sunday. According to its website, Indivisible is described as "a movement of thousands of group leaders and more than a million members taking regular, iterative, and increasingly complex actions to resist the GOPs agenda, elect local champions, and fight for progressive policies." The chapter in Auburn-Opelika was recently reformed this year and organized the local Hands-Off protest in April, as well as the People's Town Hall. Lee McInnis serves on the steering committee of the Auburn-Opelika chapter, and he was at Toomer's Corner on Sunday. "We just wanted to make sure that everybody knew, especially these guys that have been here every day for five years, that we're here for them, and we've got their backs," McInnis said. McInnis said one issue that struck close to him was abortion rights because he has two daughters, one living in Seattle and the other in New York. He said he was appalled that his daughters "have more rights there than if they came home to visit us." He also said the sit-in has been a vital part of reminding people that systemic racism remains a problem in the U.S. "These issues have been issues for the life of this country," McInnis said. "George Floyd's murder brought it to everybody's attention. And these guys have been trying to keep it there. Now that we're just seeing it again roll around, it's frustrating. But to know that the guys are here and gives us a sort of a nucleus to form around is really uplifting." McInnis said they will continue to collaborate with the Toomer's Corner Sit-In group and that he has frequent calls with Nolan-Watts, Denmark and Corbitt, who he calls the OGs. Nolan-Watts said it is a bittersweet moment to have Indivisible Auburn-Opelika here because it shows how the communities have stepped up in times of need. With five years down, Nolan-Watts said the group will continue to protest and raise awareness around these issues for as long as the group wants to. Western nations are attempting to engage more deeply in Central Asia, but they often lack a clear strategy and detailed plans for achieving their stated goals. Central Asian states are seeking more than just resource extraction, pushing for technological cooperation, industrial development, and assistance with water management and green energy. Having arrived in Central Asia to make deals, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni did a lot of name-checking during a policy address at the Astana International Forum. First, she went for the low-hanging fruit, giving a shout-out to Marco Polo, pointing to the legendary 13th century Venetian merchant-explorer to support her assertion that it is in the DNA of the Italian people to seek new trade possibilities. She then dusted off a name that had fallen out of favor for decades Halford Mackinder, the early 20th century British geographer who is considered a founding father of geopolitics to explain why she was participating in a May 30 summit with the leaders of all five Central Asian states. She referred to Mackinders heartland theory, a concept developed in 1904 that asserts the nation which controls the heartlands abundant natural resources will dominate global politics. She described Central Asia as the hinge of Mackinder's heartland, one of the pivots around which the fate of the world revolves. Meloni sounded profound and sincere but invoking Mackinders century-old ideas seemed somewhat out of sync with the substance of her message that the post-World War II system is broken, and nations now need to look beyond the horizon to create a new order. Everything around us is changing and the few certainties we thought we had are no longer there, she stated. In one respect, the Mackinder reference says a lot about how the European Union (along with the United States) is grappling with changing realities. The calls by Meloni and others for new thinking arent being matched by actions to put an actual strategy in all the strategic partnerships being forged with Central Asia. That Meloni retreated so far back into the past, instead of citing a more contemporary thinker to offer an intellectual framework for engagement with Central Asia, merely underscores a lack of vision, not just by Italy, but also the European Union and the United States. Mackinder may have been prescient in anticipating the importance of Central Asias natural resources, but one should keep in mind that he formulated his ideas when an airplane could barely fly a few hundred feet, international finance rested on the gold standard, battleships were kings of the seas and AI was something right out of H.G. Wells. The complexity of global supply chains was unfathomable to him. His frame of reference was colonial. The Mackinder reference can also be seen as a mea culpa of sorts, tacit recognition that Western nations are playing catch-up in Central Asia, finally recognizing more than 30 years after the Soviet collapse that the region has a lot more to offer than oil and natural gas. For all of Melonis talk about a need to look beyond geographic boundaries, her visit to Central Asia stuck to largely familiar terrain. The announcements published during her visit sounded a lot like those produced following Aprils EU-Central Asia summit in Samarkand, or those coming out of Washington regarding a desire to strike deals for critical minerals, build out the Middle Corridor and forge strategic partnerships. Long on aspiration, short on details. Overall, the Italian delegation concluded 7 billion euros worth of investment deals with Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, but the statements contained few specifics about the projects. The joint statement issued following the summit featured the usual language about creating an open and constructive dialogue, while expressing an intent to expand cooperation in interrelated areas such as natural resources, climate and energy including renewable energy, (e.g. solar, wind, hydropower etc.), critical raw materials, agriculture, connectivity and critical infrastructure including through the EUs Global Gateway strategy. But again, details were scant on how to achieve the lofty goals. One area where Italy seemed to set itself apart from the EU in general and the United States was an interest in helping Central Asian states address water resource management challenges and improve agricultural productivity. Still, while EU and US officials seem to know where they want to go in Central Asia, they dont seem to have a good road map to get there. Central Asian states arent shy about wanting to give the EU and US directions. Both Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are keen to have Western powers involved in the carbon and critical minerals sectors, as well as the development of green energy solutions. But they dont want to merely be sources of raw materials; they want to be refiners and exporters of finished products. Thus, for cooperation to be successful, a solid infrastructure needs to be established. There needs to be follow-up. At the summit, Uzbek leader Shavkat Mirziyoyev outlined steps that Central Asian states want to see taken, calling for a comprehensive multilateral Program of Industrial and Technological Cooperation enabling technology transfer, the introduction of advanced knowledge and best practices, [and the] creation of high-tech industrial facilities. The watchword he used was localization. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev sounded similar notes, calling for the creation of a mechanism in which raw materials are exchanged for investment, technology and know-how in other areas. He also expressed a desire for Western geological expertise to help map deposits of critical minerals. Both Mirziyoyev and Tokayev called for systematic and regular diplomatic consultations, as well as significantly expanded educational exchanges. They want to feel confident that Central Asia will remain on the Wests radar. To build effective strategic partnerships, then, EU members along with the United States need to listen more and have the patience to lay the groundwork to expand trade while helping Central Asian states in ways that China and Russia cannot, providing knowledge and resources that assist the region in confronting climate change, building local capacity and making the most efficient use of dwindling water resources. The heartland has grown a lot more complex since Mackinders day. As Tokayev noted in his opening speech at the Astana International Forum: We must recognize that the threats to global security are not only geopolitical. By Justin Burke via Eurasianet.org More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Russian crude oil production stayed just below the countrys quota in the OPEC+ agreement in May, unidentified sources with knowledge of the data told Bloomberg on Thursday. Russia classified its oil and gas production data in early 2022, shortly after the invasion of Ukraine. Therefore, the market relies on ship-monitoring data to track exports, anonymous sources familiar with the actual numbers, and calculations based on observed exports and domestic refining. According to Bloombergs sources, Russias oil production averaged 8.979 million barrels per day (bpd) in Maya level that was 19,000 bpd below Moscows 8.998 million bpd quota under the OPEC+ pact for last month, including the compensation cut. Russias target production in the OPEC+ deal is 9.083 million bpd, but Moscow had promised to reduce production by 85,000 bpd off its quota, to compensate for its previous lack of compliance. Together with Iraq and Kazakhstan, Russia is one of the offenders that have produced above their quotas in recent years. All three have pledged compensation cuts, although Kazakhstan most recently openly defied its fellow OPEC+ producers and said it couldnt and wouldnt reduce production in May and June. The loose compliance and frivolous interpretation of compliance and compensation cuts by some OPEC+ members, especially Kazakhstan, is believed to be one of the key reasons why the alliance started pushing for larger monthly increases in production. At this weekends OPEC+ meeting, Oman and Russia first said they were in favor of a pause in the output hikes for July, but later also aligned with the consensus, Argus has reported. Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, UAE, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman said on Saturday they would boost July production by another 411,000 bpd, citing current healthy oil market fundamentals and steady global economic outlook. For Russia, the decline in oil prices since April has hurt the value of its oil exports and the revenues from oil for the Kremlin. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com A week ago, the 39th OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting was held via videoconference, chaired by Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al-Saud, Saudi Arabias Minister of Energy. According to a press release, the group pledged to develop a mechanism to assess the maximum sustainable production capacity (MSC) of member countries that will be used as reference for 2027 production baselines. Whereas the long-term nature of the undertaking elicited little response from oil markets, commodity analysts at Standard Chartered have noted that this is a highly significant development. According to StanChart, establishing MSCs is likely to involve a series of data-related tasks over the next year, a task thats unlikely to prove too difficult. Indeed, the ongoing unwinding of voluntary cuts suggests that the market has tended to overestimate sustainable capacity of some producers and has, therefore, frequently overestimated spare capacity. StanChart says setting MSC levels will improve the visibility and transparency of member countries, making it much harder for some OPEC+ members to obfuscate the degree of their non-compliance with their pledges by creating opaque data flows and vague (or shifting) definitions. This move will give more accurate production data thus reducing oil price volatility. Related: Ukraine Launches Russian-Free Gas Route via Trans-Balkan Corridor The second key OPEC+ decision came on 31 May, with Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, the UAE, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria and Oman agreeing to continue the accelerated unwinding of the 2023 production cuts by 411kb/d in July 2025. Julys accelerated clip was similar to that for the previous two months. Previous media reports had warned that the group might decide to unwind more than 411kb/d if the worst overproducers (Kazakhstan and Iraq) continued to defy calls to stick to their quotas. However, an Algerian government press release revealed that no such discussion took place. And now StanChart says that oil markets are likely to remain relatively well balanced for the remainder of the year--if OPEC+ sticks to its current trajectory. According to the analysts, current balances imply a global stock draw of 0.4 mb/d in the third quarter, which will be offset by a 0.4 mb/d inventory build in the final quarter of the year. Contributing to the balance will be the continuation of significant non-OPEC+ supply underperformance relative to consensus expectations in 2025, coupled with relatively robust demand growth which is expected to clock in at 1.17 mb/d in 2025 and 1.07 mb/d in 2026. Meanwhile, current low prices are likely to create some additional potential demand upside. Looking at natural gas markets, the ongoing seasonal build in EU gas inventories accelerated sharply over the past week. According to Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE) data, EU gas inventories clocked in at 56.79 billion cubic metres (bcm) on 1 June, good for a w/w build of 3.057 bcm. This marked the first time the w/w net injection exceeded 3 bcm since August 2022, with last weeks build nearly 50% above the previous weeks mark and 24% higher than the five-year average. The faster-than-average build has trimmed the y/y deficit to 24.44 bcm, lower than the 30.07 bcm deficit reached in mid-April. Natural gas prices have failed to sustain the momentum they built in the first three weeks of May: Dutch Title Transfer Facility (TTF) gas for July delivery settled at EUR 35.015 per megawatt hour (MWh) on 2 June, good for a w/w fall of EUR 2.354/MWh. Europes gas prices have underperformed other energy prices in the year-to-date, by a significant margin. The latest Energy Information Administration (EIA) weekly release was bullish, with the deficit in combined crude oil and oil product inventories relative to the five-year average widening by 7.04 mb w/w to 47.76 mb--the largest since December 2022. Crude oil inventories fell 2.8 mb w/w to 440.36 mb, with inventories now 30.22mb below the five-year average. Meanwhile, U.S. crude exports fell 794 kb/d w/w, tempered by a counter-seasonal 162 kb/d fall in crude oil refinery runs as well as a 262 kb/d increase in imports. However, demand indicators for the month of May were weak, with gasoline demand down 4.8% y/y, jet fuel demand down 0.4% and distillate demand down 1.4%. The U.S. oil rig count declined by four w/w to a 42-month low of 461, marking a fifth consecutive weekly decline according to the latest Baker-Hughes survey. The Permian Basin rig count fell by one to a 42-month low of 278; the Midland Basin rig count fell by one to 98, Delaware Basin activity remained unchanged at 157 rigs, and other Permian drilling was unchanged at 23 rigs. In contrast, the U.S. gas rig count climbed by a single rig w/w to 99. By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is the most promising lever known today to accelerate progress toward a net zero future, says Delta Air Lines. The clean jet fuel, which can be made from used cooking oil, wastes, or plants, reduces carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by up to 80%, the aviation industry says. However, SAF faces many challenges on the runway to take off. Scale and cost are the two biggest and interconnected challenges for the industry to begin replacing petroleum-based kerosene. High Costs, Low Availability Unfortunately, there isnt enough SAF today to fuel the worlds commercial airlines for even a single day and it is currently 2 to 4 times more expensive than conventional jet fuel, Delta says. In 2023, Willie Walsh, Director General at the International Air Transport Association (IATA), said that the airline industry would be ready to embrace the fact that SAF would always be more expensive than oil-based jet fuel. IATA said at the end of 2024 that growth in SAF volumes is disappointingly slow. Last year, SAF production volumes reached 1 million tons, double the 500,000 tons produced in 2023. However, SAF accounted for just 0.3% of global jet fuel production and 11% of global renewable fuel, according to IATAs estimates. Related: Putin Warns Trump of Response to Ukraine Drone Strikes This year, SAF production is set to double again to reach 2 million tons, but this would still be just 0.7% of airlines total fuel consumption in 2025, IATA said this weekend. The pace of progress in ramping up production and gaining efficiencies to reduce costs must accelerate, Walsh said as the association criticized policy shortcomings that make the fuel even more expensive than it is. Unacceptably, the cost of SAF to airlines has now doubled in Europe because of compliance fees that SAF producers or suppliers are charging, Walsh added. Instead of promoting the use of SAF, Europes SAF mandates have made SAF five times more costly than conventional jet fuel, the association said, warning that this could put SAF production at risk. Raising the cost of the energy transition that is already estimated to be a staggering $4.7 trillion should not be the aim or the result of decarbonization policies. Europe needs to realize that its approach is not working and find another way, said Walsh. With the fuel so expensive that its impossible to compete with jet fuel made from petroleum, the nascent SAF industry faces challenges at the start of the supply chain. Investors in new generation fuel producers seem to be waiting for guarantees of easy money before going full throttle, IATAs Walsh said in December. To reach net zero CO2 emissions by 2050, IATA analysis shows that between 3,000 and more than 6,500 new renewable fuel plants also producing renewable diesel and other biofuels will be needed. The annual average capex needed to build the new facilities over the 30-year period is about $128 billion per year, in a best-case scenario, according to IATA. Long-Term Purchase Agreements Long-term purchase agreements could help create demand, according to Matthias Berninger, an executive vice president and sustainability head at chemicals giant Bayer, which owns Monsanto. If they (airlines) commit to buy a certain amount over a certain period of time, we can guarantee that farmers will grow it and processors will process it, Berninger told Reuters. "And the question whether or not that supply meets the market (demand) depends on long-term purchasing contracts of the airline industry sending a very clear demand signal comparable to what we have in the renewable space, the executive added. Some companies have already committed to purchase agreements. For example, to help make SAF cost-competitive, Delta has joined a so-called Demand Consortium that includes Bank of America, Deloitte, Delta, and Ecolab. The consortium has been formed to purchase the first several million gallons of SAF each year, starting in the second half of 2025. The goal of the purchase agreements is to scale production, drive down costs and secure multi-year demand that spurs continued growth of the SAF market, Delta says. Each of these companies are also providing funding to support the market production of SAF, which will contribute to verified carbon emission reductions associated with their employee business travel. IATA expects the largest acceleration in the SAF market to take place in the 2030s as policy support becomes global, hopefully. The association estimates that SAF could contribute around 65% of the reduction in emissions needed by aviation to reach net zero CO2 emissions by 2050. Yet, progress in SAF has slowed due to economic and regulatory uncertainty, high production costs, and weak demand signals, including the lack of firm long-term off-take agreements, Boston Consulting Group (BCG) said in a report earlier this year. Too many players are in wait and see mode, the report found, as only a small subset of companies along the value chain has shown active leadership. Moreover, the lack of a clear business case is a major obstacle to greater investment, BCG says. As SAF production costs and prices remain the top obstacles, the result is a vicious cycle, according to BCG. Low voluntary demand and limited willingness-to-pay weaken the business case for SAF, which slows investment in supply and delays the learning curve needed to drive costs down. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The BBC has confirmed the date for this years Trooping the Colour: The Kings Birthday Parade. The BBC has confirmed the date for this years Trooping the Colour: The Kings Birthday Parade With the monarch due to hit 77 later this year, the show will be broadcast on Saturday 14 June 2025, with highlights airing on BBC Two at 7pm and full coverage following later that evening on BBC One at 10.30pm. More than 1,350 soldiers will take part in the ceremonial event, including more than 300 musicians from the Massed Bands and 250 soldiers from the Foot Guards, who will line the processional route along The Mall. This will mark Charles third Trooping the Colour since his accession to the throne in 2022. The parade has long commemorated the sovereigns official birthday regardless of the monarchs actual date of birth and has been a tradition since the 18th century. King Charles was born on 14 November. The BBC is set to dedicate significant airtime to the royal event. Following highlights on BBC Two, Trooping the Colour: The Kings Birthday Parade will be shown in full on BBC One, offering audiences across the UK the opportunity to witness one of the years major state occasions. The parade is expected to draw crowds to central London and will feature a full military display, processions and a flypast. It comes as Charles mourns the death of Major General Sir Christopher Airy, the former private secretary to him and his late wife Diana, Princess of Wales. He passed away aged 91 on 7 April, just three months after the death of his spouse and leaves behind two daughters and a son. Christopher Airy took on the role of Private Secretary and Treasurer to Charles in 1990, when the King was still Prince of Wales. His appointment came after a distinguished 35-year military career, during which he rose to the rank of Major General and commanded the Household Division. He was well known to both Queen Elizabeth II and Charles. Although it is understood he had a cordial relationship with Diana, his tenure in the royal household lasted less than 12 months. According to The Times, he found the wide-ranging structure of Charless operations challenging. The paper reported: He found it difficult to draw lines between the various charities and advisory groups. He resigned from the role voluntarily and was formally received by Queen Elizabeth II on his departure. Calgary-based Vermilion Energy Inc. will sell its assets in the United States for $88 million (C$120 million), which will complete its exit from the U.S. and allow it to reduce debt and focus on natural gas assets in Canada and Europe. The assets in the sale consist of about 5,500 barrels of oil equivalent per day boe/d of production, of which 81% is oil and liquids, as well as 10 million barrels of oil equivalent of proved developed producing reserves, Vermilion Energy said on Thursday. Vermilion Energy expects to close the transaction in the third quarter. The deal, combined with the sale of the East Finn assets in 2023, completes the companys exit from the United States, allowing it to focus on its core gas-weighted assets in Canada and Europe. Earlier this year, Vermilion Energy bought Westbrick Energy Ltd, with which it expanded its natural gas footprint in Albertas Deep Basin. The Westbrick acquisition included production of 50,000 boe/d, of which 75% gas and 25% liquids, and approximately 1.1 million (770,000 net) acres of land in the southeast portion of the Deep Basin trend in Alberta. With the transaction, Vermilion Energy also gains control over four operated gas plants with a total capacity of 102 mmcf/d. The Westbrick assets complement Vermilions legacy Deep Basin assets, providing significant operational and corporate synergies, it said. Following the acquisition of Westbrick, Vermilion Energy revised up on Thursday its 2025 production guidance to between 117,000 boe/d and 122,000 boe/d, up from 84,000 boe/d to 88,000 boe/d. The share of natural gas in this years output is expected at 65%, compared to 56% before the acquisition of Westbrick. On a go-forward basis, Vermilion Energy estimates that more than 90% of production will come from its global gas portfolio and over 80% of capital is expected to be allocated to these assets. Vermilion will continue to evaluate capital investment levels during this period of increased volatility and will adjust capital if necessary to prioritize free cash flow over production growth during 2025 and 2026, the Canadian firm said today. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Iraqs federal government holds the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) legally responsible for continued oil smuggling operations from Kurdistan outside Iraq, the Iraqi Oil Ministry said on Thursday. The ministry reserves the right to continue to take all legal actions in this regard, it added in a press release, in which it called on the Kurdistan Region Government once again to comply with the Iraqi Constitution, the Decisions of the Federal Court and the other relevant laws, including the General Budget Law. All these laws and court rulings on constitutional matters since 2022 have obliged the regional government of the semi-autonomous region to deliver the oil produced from the fields in Kurdistan to the Ministry of Oil, which is solely responsible for exporting the oil and receiving revenues. Kurdistan continues to defy these obligations. This has hurt Iraqs oil revenues which are the main budget revenues for OPECs second-largest oil producer as well as the federal government being forced to reduce output from other fields as part of its commitment to the OPEC+ agreements, the Oil Ministry said. The federal government in Baghdad and the regional Kurdish government in Erbil have been at odds for years about who should be responsible for the oil exports and the subsequent revenue distribution. The federal authorities say Baghdad should have sole discretion in handling oil exports and oil revenues. Amid the dispute, Baghdad said last month that while the federal government of Iraq welcomes cooperation with U.S. energy firms, direct deals with the Kurdistan region violate the Iraqi constitution and need to go through the federal authorities with federal approval. In May, Kurdistan signed major energy agreements with U.S. firms that could generate a value of $110 billion. The recent signing of these substantial energy agreements between the KRG and American companies raises questions about the legal and political implications, given the ongoing disputes between Baghdad and Erbil over oil control. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Japans top refiner, Eneos Corp, has reported an unplanned shutdown at its 77,000 bpd No.3 crude distillation unit (CDU) at the Kawasaki refinery near Tokyo. The outage began June 4 with no timeline given for a restart. While the scale of the disruption is relatively modest in global terms, the implications run far deeper. This is the latest in a string of outages for Eneosone CDU was just brought back online in Mizushima after planned maintenance, while another in Sakai remains offline until July. But more critically, it reflects the structural fragility in Japans refining sector and deepens questions about the reliability of Asias long-term crude demand growth. Crude runs in Japan are already under sustained pressure. The countrys population is aging and shrinking, dragging down transport fuel demand. Its refining sector is facing stiff competition from newer, more efficient facilities across Asia and the Middle East, and domestic policy continues to tilt toward carbon-free energy. That backdrop makes every outage count more. Even temporary disruptions can send crude exporters scrambling, particularly Middle Eastern suppliers like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which now account for over 80% of Japans oil imports. With Japanese import volumes already in long-term decline, supply contracts from OPEC+ mainstays are becoming more concentratedand more exposed to short-term operational risk. Japans CDU utilization is seasonally lower in Q2, but the structural headwinds are what matter here. As Vortexa data shows, 2024 crude arrivals into Japan are already trending at the low end of the 9-year range. And with U.S. tariffs and Chinese demand softness weighing on Japanese exports, refiners may have little incentive to ramp back up aggressively once maintenance ends. For crude exporters betting on Asia to absorb barrels displaced by the U.S. slowdown or European green policy, Japans trajectory is a warning sign. The old demand anchors are shiftingand theyre taking refining margins with them. By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Libya's eastern-based parliament has approved a 69 billion Libyan dinar ($12.7 billion) budget for its Development and Reconstruction Fund, overseen by Belgassim Haftar, son of eastern military commander Khalifa Haftar. The fund is intended to finance infrastructure projects over the next three years, but is sparking major political backlash in the midst of a brewing crisis that has seen armed clashes in Tripoli in May and June, risking all-out civil war. A group of 113 members of the House of Representatives (HoR) have urged Speaker Aqila Saleh to suspend the budgets approval, arguing that the session lacked quorum and violated procedural norms. The lawmakers also asked the Central Bank of Libya to refrain from executing any financial transfers linked to the fund, warning of institutional overreach and legal irregularities, the Libya Observer reported. At the same time, Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah denounced the fund as a potential instrument for financial mismanagement. He warned that the budget risks triggering a new economic crisis if unchecked, accusing the HoR and its eastern allies of destabilizing national finances under the guise of reconstruction. The controversy comes amid Libyas deepening political divide. Khalifa Haftars eastern forces retain control over major oil export hubs in the northeast, while Dbeibahs internationally recognized government, backed by Turkey, governs the west. Oil revenue distribution remains a flashpoint between these competing centers of power, with ongoing disputes over control of the National Oil Corporation (NOC) and access to central bank funds. As geopolitical pressure mounts toward a civil war, global energy markets are watching closely. Any disruption in Libyan oil flows could send ripple effects through Mediterranean crude benchmarks and threaten Europes supply security. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Penn America Energy Holdings (PAE) has met with White House officials to sound out the Trump Administrations support for a project to develop an LNG export facility on Pennsylvanias Delaware River, the companys chief executive, Franc James, told Reuters this week. PAE has been seeking for years to advance a project to build an LNG plant on the Delaware River, to export 7.2 million tons of liquefied natural gas annually. Penn LNG would be close to the vast, low-cost Marcellus natural gas resources, and, when compared to U.S. Gulf Coast projects, it offers shorter shipping distances to Europe and other key LNG markets, Penn America Energy says. Moreover, the Delaware River ship channel has been deepened to enable the regions full participation in global marine commerce. While such a project could take advantage of the abundant natural gas resources and production close to Pennsylvania, the need for more pipelines and local opposition has stymied progress in the initial stages of the project. This weeks meeting was to provide intelligence to the White House about the project, James told Reuters. Developing a project in the Northeast is quite different than the Gulf Coast, Louisiana and Texas, so it requires a great deal of support, not only politically in the state, but also with communities ... in terms of pipeline -transmission as well as ... along the Delaware River, the executive said. Support needs to be found not only on the federal level, which could be readily available with the Trump Administrations pledge to unleash Americas energy resources and LNG exports. Penn LNG will need to obtain state and local permits, as well as federal permits, to go forward. The company is still considering which site to pick for a potential LNG terminal, James told Reuters. Analysts say the project faces challenges in obtaining permits amid opposition from local communities and the state. Meanwhile, developers of U.S. LNG export projects have started taking final investment decisions on new facilities this year, with several plans expected to be added in 2025 to Woodsides Louisiana LNG approval, despite rising construction costs due to President Trumps steel and aluminum tariffs. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The United States posted a record surge in industrial exports in April, driven by strong global demand for materials such as chemicals, metals, and petroleum byproducts even as crude oil exports fell by over $1.1 billion, highlighting volatility in energy trade patterns. According to U.S. Census Bureau data released Thursday, total exports of industrial supplies and materials rose by $10.4 billion month-over-month a key driver behind the U.S. trade deficit narrowing to $74.6 billion. However, crude oil exports, which usually serve as a barometer for broader energy flows, declined sharply. The Census Bureaus breakdown shows a notable $1.1 billion month-over-month drop, amid weak spot prices and logistical backlogs at key Gulf Coast terminals. U.S. benchmark WTI crude hovered around $73 per barrel during the first half of April, and industry sources say global refiners were slow to ramp up purchases ahead of summer demand. This divergence between refined material exports and raw crude oil is part of a broader decoupling trend were seeing in energy trade, said Edward Morse, Global Head of Commodities Research at Citigroup. Downstream margins are tightening globally, but U.S. refined and value-added output remains in demand. Total U.S. exports climbed 3% to a record $289.4 billion in April, according to the Reuters breakdown. Goods exports rose 3.4%, boosted by chemical shipments, industrial machinery, and processed fuel products. Imports, meanwhile, fell by 2.6%, the steepest decline since 2020. This mixed performance for oil-related exports is where we see the shifting trade dynamics that are emerging as a result of a chaotic cocktail of geopolitical tensions and tariff war escalations. As oil prices struggle to maintain momentum, companies are taking defensive action. Chevron confirmed this week that it will lay off approximately 800 workers in the Permian Basin, citing the need to streamline operations and adapt to uncertain market conditions. The decision underscores the growing cost pressures in shale regions, where producers are grappling with flat rig counts, weak exports, and declining margins. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com In the middle of breakfast at the west Omaha location of popular eatery Early Bird, a man looked up from his plate to see a look of surprise on his wifes face. He turned around to see two U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents hopping over the railing of the restaurants patio and tackling a young server. They were dressed in tactical gear, their faces covered. The Omaha couple couldnt hear what was said. No one screamed or yelled. There was a slight scuffle. They just took him to the ground, arrested him and drug him out of there, said the customer who spoke to The World-Herald but asked to remain anonymous for fear his minority-owned local business could be targeted. But the Omaha customer said the incident, which lasted just a few minutes and was captured on video and has since been shared widely on social media, is a moment hell never forget. The look of dread on his face? he said. It would make any compassionate human being just cry. Another customer helped handcuff the server, whom the U.S. Department of Homeland Security identified as Romero Editzar Yaxcal-Tiul. In an emailed statement to The World-Herald, Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said Yaxcal-Tiul was in the country illegally from Guatemala and was working under a fraudulent name and Social Security number. McLaughlin said he had an earlier immigration encounter in 2022 involving false documents. A search of federal and court records didnt show any federal crimes or civil filings against a Romero Editzar Yaxcal-Tiul. Allegations that Romero Editzar Yaxcal-Tiul was wrongfully taken by ICE are FALSE, the statement from McLaughlin said. President Trump and Secretary Noems message to illegal aliens is clear: LEAVE NOW. DHS did not say where Yaxcal-Tiul was being held or provide specifics on the nature of his arrest. Mayor-elect John Ewing and Police Chief Todd Schmaderer said they werent notified in advance of the ICE action. Ewing said Wednesday afternoon that city officials continued to gather facts about the incident. As a former Omaha Police Department deputy chief, I understand how this creates fear and this creates uncertainty, Ewing said. So we are going to be reaching out to ICE to see if there can be at least some coordination and making us aware of these things rather than the video and things that people have been circulating on social media. Thats not the way we want to do law enforcement in Omaha, Nebraska. Schmaderer said the Police Department is notified by federal authorities when theres a large-scale activity, if traffic control is needed or if there is a criminal warrant and the person involved is dangerous. Ewing said he doesnt want raids done in such a way that leaves the people of the community feeling like they are in jeopardy. A GoFundMe account has been created to raise funds for Yaxcal-Tiuls legal fees. More than $8,000 had been raised by Wednesday afternoon. Early Birds corporate office issued a statement, acknowledging that an employee was taken into custody. The incident started in the parking lot, the statement said, and ended in the covered patio area. The company said it had no involvement or knowledge of the incident before it happened. We understand that this event may have caused concern or discomfort for our guests and staff who were present, the statement said. The safety and well-being of everyone in our establishment is our top priority. Our organization remains committed to treating all employees with fairness, dignity and respect while upholding all applicable laws. No one from the restaurant returned a call from The World-Herald. The Omaha couple said their waitress was in tears after the incident. Our server felt so bad. She was trying to serve us, and she was crying, he said. Many of them were distraught. Most customers just backed away as the incident unfolded. He said the man who helped the ICE agents calmly returned to his breakfast. The customer said he has no problems deporting violent criminals in the country illegally, as President Trump has stated was the goal, but he said there has to be a better and more humane system. We have to find a way to keep the hard workers around and keep the criminals out, he said. Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine said Thursday his office will not pursue criminal charges against the Douglas County sheriffs deputy who fatally shot 19-year-old Janidi Ibrahim in North Omaha in late May. Kleine said that under the circumstances, it was reasonable for Sgt. Jesse Ronk to believe the use of deadly force was necessary to protect him from death or serious bodily harm. I find that his actions were reasonable under the law, Kleine said. It doesnt take away the tragedy that occurred here, but thats the law. Ronk shot Ibrahim near 48th and Pratt Streets, near where Ibrahim lived, shortly after 2:30 a.m. on May 22. The incident began when Ronk, a supervisor in the sheriffs Special Operations Group, approached a maroon Chevrolet Trailblazer, which Ibrahim occupied, as part of a firearms investigation. I find that weve been making far too many decisions about the deaths of young people in Omaha because of young peoples infatuation and glorification of firearms, Kleine said. Sherman Wells, an Omaha activist, said he was not surprised by Kleines decision not to pursue a criminal case against Ronk. Its an injustice, Wells said. Theres no value of life placed on Black people in this town in these United States. Attempts to reach Ibrahims family were unsuccessful. The altercation lasted 17 seconds, Sheriffs Office officials said in a press conference Thursday afternoon. What led to the shooting Ronk and two other deputies were looking for Ibrahim the night he was shot. Ronks colleagues saw social media photos and videos of Ibrahim holding a gun while he and his friends smoked marijuana in a car. Kleine said nothing prohibited Ibrahim from owning a gun, but Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson noted federal law prohibits drug use and possession of a firearm. While looking for Ibrahim, Ronk slowly drove his unmarked cruiser down Pratt Street. At one point, a light from a Trailblazer SUV shined at him while he passed. This was the first time Ibrahim allegedly pointed his gun at Ronk. Lt. Jason Stehlik with the Criminal Investigations Bureau, who led the criminal investigation into the shooting, said Ronk saw a pistol with an attached laser and flashlight in the vehicle while driving by, similar to the one seen in a social media post. Ronk immediately pulled over and exited his vehicle. He chose an option, and that was to engage immediately based on what he felt was a real time threat, Hanson said. Ibrahim also exited the Trailblazer and allegedly pointed his weapon at Ronk for the second time. Wells, who has advocated for Ibrahims family since the shooting, has been calling on Hanson to release body camera footage of the incident. Hanson said that, to ensure integrity of the impending court case, his office will not release body camera footage to the public until a grand jury reviews the evidence. Nebraska law requires a grand jury to convene whenever someone dies while in state custody or while being apprehended by a law enforcement officer. The shooting The Sheriffs Office released still photographs from the body camera footage last week to quell speculation. According to the office, the photos depict Ibrahim pointing a semiautomatic handgun with an attached flashlight at Ronk. Security footage from a nearby building showed Ronk instruct Ibrahim not to move. The Sheriffs Office said that while Ronk approached the vehicle, multiple people exited the car and fled on foot, while Ibrahim got back into the drivers seat of the SUV. Ronk could see that the pistols flashlight was still on as he approached the vehicle, and Ibrahim started the car, Stehlik said. Ronk said in an interview with investigators that Ibrahim had his right hand gripped around something, presumably his weapon, and made jerking movements that made Ronk fear for his life. Ronk fired his weapon into the car four times until he stopped making those movements, Stehlik said. A preliminary autopsy report revealed that Ibrahim was struck by two of those rounds to the shoulder and upper chest area, which resulted in his death, officials said. Stehlik said Ronk pulled Ibrahim out of the car, administered first aid and called for backup. The two other deputies involved in the investigation into Ibrahim arrived on the scene and assisted with emergency medical care, but Ibrahim died of his injuries. Ronk drove an unmarked car, wore plainclothes and never verbally identified himself as law enforcement, according to the Sheriffs Office and audio from a neighbors security camera. Ronk was wearing an armored vest that said sheriff, and Hanson said a 17-year-old who fled from the vehicle before the shooting later told deputies he believed Ronk was a police officer. After the shooting, officers found two loaded firearms in the vehicle, one of which was stolen, the Sheriffs Office said. Ronk will remain on paid administrative leave at least until the Sheriffs Offices internal investigation concludes, Hanson said. The internal administrative investigation launched Thursday is to ensure that procedures were followed and to learn how the office can improve, he said. Wells said Ibrahims family, who is from the Bantu tribe in Somalia, is still trying to process how this happened. The America that they paint before you come here from the continent of Africa is the police are here to protect you, not to kill you in front of your house, he said. The Nebraska State Board of Education will vote Friday on whether to remove one school from the states priority list and add another. The board will vote on recommendations from the Nebraska Department of Education to remove Isanti Elementary School from the list of schools targeted for improvement and add the Omaha Nation Middle School. The states priority school list was established by a law passed in 2014 that requires the list to include three or more schools at any given time. The schools must fall in the Needs Support to Improve category, the lowest designation the state gives schools through its accountability system. Currently, the list includes the Isanti Community Schools elementary, middle and high schools. The Isanti Middle School was placed on the list in 2015, and the elementary and high school were added in 2019. The district has approximately 200 students and is located on the Santee Sioux Reservation. Previous schools that have been on the list include Druid Hill Elementary School in Omaha, Loup County Elementary School and Schuyler Central High School. The state provides the most intensive support to schools on the priority list, including working with them to create an improvement plan. Progress toward the plans goals is evaluated annually. After a school is in the priority school program for three consecutive years, the state board is required to reevaluate the schools progress plan and either significantly revise it, create a new one or find alternative administration for the school. A new improvement plan for Isantis elementary school was implemented in October 2023. The school has now met or exceeded each of the goals outlined in that plan, said Shirley Vargas, the Nebraska Department of Educations school transformation officer. The goals included having 20% of students meet or exceed the 40% percentile on Measures of Academic Progress math and reading testing. In the 2023-24 school year, 58% of students met or exceeded that percentile for reading and 63% did so for math. The percent of students who met or exceeded that percentile in the 2022-23 school year were 13% for reading and 16% for math. The school also saw a decrease in chronic absenteeism from 47% during the 2022-23 school year to 22% in the 2023-24 school year. In an April interview, Isanti Superintendent Greg Shepard credited the schools staff with working hard to improve and said he is proud of the growth students have made. Weve been a priority school for a while, and so it was kind of presented as a challenge to everyone, and I think over the course of the last three years, we really buckled down, he said. Vargas said shes seen the school focusing on consistent leadership, ensuring there is strong instruction in every classroom, looking at student data to make instructional decisions, and creating a culture for continued learning for both teachers and leaders. Its been really great to see the evolution of the elementary school, and Im hopeful for whats to come as the elementary school students move up to middle school, she said. Vargas said the team deciding which schools to recommend be placed on the priority list looks at a variety of factors, including student achievement, leadership, instruction and school culture and climate. The team also visits a school to talk with teachers, staff and students and observe classes before the recommendation. It was through that process that the Department of Education narrowed in on the Omaha Nation Public Schools, specifically the districts middle school, as a strong candidate for the kind of support the priority school process provides, Vargas said. When we think about the priority school support, and when we think about what makes the best candidate, its not only that theres an opportunity there, but that there also is the support at the local level from their own district team to support whatever activities and goals that school building will ultimately draft and implement and work toward, she said. And that was what we found with Omaha Nation. The district has approximately 664 students, including 105 at the middle school level. The Omaha Nation schools have seen very persistent underperformance over the past nine years, Vargas said. At the middle school, 23% of students scored proficient in English language arts and just 1% scored proficient in math on state standardized tests during the 2023-2024 school year. During the 2023-24 school year, 84.17% of the middle schools students were classified as chronically absent. The priority school process is designed to provide intensive, tailored and differentiated support to help a school reach its goals, Vargas said. Nothing about the priority school work is about telling a school what is wrong and what is right, she said. Its all about working from a place of strength and also being able to say, heres another way we could look at things. While all of the schools currently on and being considered for the priority list are tribal schools, Vargas said there are many more schools across the state that the department is looking at and it just so happens that this is where we are this year. We look forward to continuing to expand our reach and supporting more schools across the state, she said. Shepard said he doesnt always agree with systems that directly compare districts performance, as their challenges and access to resources vary. But he said he is ultimately grateful for the states support of the Isanti district. We are nothing but appreciative of the work that theyve done for us, he said. Hugh Bonneville says that the second series of 'The Gold' is much grander in scale. Hugh Bonneville reprises his role as DCS Brian Boyce in series two of The Gold The 61-year-old actor reprises his role as DCS Brian Boyce as the BBC drama returns to screens on Sunday (08.06.25) and explained that the new series takes place on a "much bigger canvas" as Boyce and his team attempt to track down the unaccounted half of the gold stolen in the 1983 Brink's-Mat robbery dispersed across the UK, Isle of Man and Tenerife. Hugh told the Metro newspaper: "It's a much bigger canvas this time. We shot in some buildings in London for season one that clearly were built on Brink's-Mat money (in real life) but this time you see the money leaking out into Tenerife and the tax havens. "You begin to realise it funded drugs imports and the beginnings of the ecstasy drug boom in the UK. The ripple effect of this one event in November 1983 is remarkable." Hugh also savoured the opportunity to meet up with Boyce before the first series of 'The Gold' aired in 2023. The 'Paddington' actor recalled: "Brian took me and (series creator) Neil Forsyth out to lunch as we were starting season one, so I reciprocated after it had been on. "He likes to talk about the old days and took me through his career. He was on the squad that knocked down the door to get Ronnie and Reggie Kray! He was very courteous to us and thanked us for respecting the way they went about their work, which was very heartening. "You get the sense he was a good leader who absolutely relied on teamwork." Tom Cullen returns as gold smelter John Palmer but had a horrible experience trying to snort glucose that was used as a substitute for cocaine as his character spirals into addiction during the series. He said: "The fake coke is pure glucose, it absolutely f***** me. "We did the last scene of the day at about 8pm, where I had to snort this humongous line in Palmer's private plane, which is just ridiculous, everything in it is gold. I think I fell asleep about 1am. "Don't do glucose, kids." By Representative Ed Diehl, Newsletter Excerpt Earlier this month, I visited downtown Portland with colleagues to hear directly from small business owners at an economic roundtable. The message was clear: Portlands business climate is in crisis. Owners shared struggles with high taxes, permit delays stretching months or even years, and the impacts of homelessness, drug addiction, and unsafe streets. One business owner, who relocated from New York City and employs 100 people, expressed frustration, saying they felt they got more for their taxes in NYCand if things dont improve, theyre leaving. They demanded more law enforcement, including foot patrols, to restore safety. Notably, tariffs and federal leadership werent even mentioned; the real problem is local overregulation and failed policies from progressive governance. Unless we change leadership in this state, the challenges facing our businesses will only get worse. Its no wonder downtown Portland is a hollow shell of what it once was. Its time to take our state back and support our small businesses! WATCH my remonstrance on X: Its not tariffs, its not the big, bad orange manits state and local policies that are crushing business. Its time to take our state back! WATCH: pic.twitter.com/XmPAU0Txrq Rep. Real Diehl (@Real_EdDiehl) May 20, 2025 By Taxpayers Association of Oregon OregonWatchdog.com Oregon State Senator Khanh Pham, D-Portland, and Oregon State Representative Mark Gamba, D-Milwaukie, of the Joint Committee on Transportation have held a press conference on the Oregon State Capitol steps announcing their new proposal for the Oregon transportation package, which aims to raise a billion to nearly two billion in new road taxes. Here are the key details to the plan: 100% gas tax increase. This would raise the current gas tax from 40-cent to 80-cents. Oregon already has a gas tax that is in the top in ten in the nation. 50% DMV increase. This would be an increase on vehicle registration fees issued by DMV. 400% wage tax increase. There is currently a transportation payroll tax on Oregon wages. The payroll tax would increase from 0.1% to 0.5%, a 400% increase, in a staggered step increase until completion in 2032. Even worse, this big increase would go to transit costs not roads. New tax on new and used cars. This creates an entirely new tax on cars. For new cars, the tax would be 2%, and 1% for used vehicles. The tax would kick-in on cars sold for more than $10,000. There is currently only a tax on new cars. This tax would expand the new car tax and now include used cars. This massive road tax plan was introduced by a handful of Oregon liberal Democratic lawmakers. Keep in mind that Oregon has one of the highest gas prices in America because they have both a (1) high state gas tax and (2) a hidden gas tax called the Clean Fuels Program. Now, under this new proposal, Oregon would continue to pay even higher gas prices as it goes up 100%. This likely puts Oregon into $5.00 gas prices for a long time, Your gas taxes are being used to fund a massive covering of the Interstate Highway in Portland to build a park, some businesses and housing as seen below. Oregon transportation dollars are being used to build very big and costly bridges where cars are not allowed to cross them (but buses are). Like the Tilikum Bridge in Portland. Remember, Oregonians have been in non-stop transportation tax increase for a long time: Was this helpful? If so, contribute online at OregonWatchdog.com (learn about a Charitable Tax Deduction or Political Tax Credit options to promote liberty). Phuket Jungceylon Shopping Center in Patong, Phuket, is hosting a special event to celebrate World Environment Day (June 5) and World Ocean Day (June 8). The public and tourists are invited to visit the JUNGCEYLON ART FOR OCEANS exhibition featuring creative artworks made from recycled waste. The highlight of the exhibition is a collection of sea animal sculptures created from discarded materials, representing the impact of marine debris on rare and endangered marine life. Featured creatures include dugongs, sea turtles, giant octopuses, starfish, whales, and coral reefs. Informational boards accompany the artworks to raise awareness of plastic pollution and the importance of marine conservation. Local Phuket artists will also join the event to share their perspectives and showcase eco-friendly recycled art pieces, with unique souvenirs available for purchase. The exhibition is open to the public from June 58, 2025, at The Bay Arena, Jungceylon Shopping Center, Patong, Phuket. For more information, call +66 76 600 111 or visit facebook.com/JungceylonFanpage 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: Graphical representation of the team's results. By comparing word usage and sentence patterns, their AI-based statistical model identified three distinct writing styles, or scribal traditions, shown here in yellow, blue and green. Credit: Faigenbaum-Golovin et al. AI is transforming every industry, from medicine to film to finance. So, why not use it to study one of the world's most revered ancient texts, the Bible? An international team of researchers, including Shira Faigenbaum-Golovin, assistant research professor of Mathematics at Duke University, combined artificial intelligence, statistical modeling and linguistic analysis to address one of the most enduring questions in biblical studies: the identification of its authors. The study is published in the journal PLOS One. By analyzing subtle variations in word usage across texts, the team was able to distinguish between three distinct scribal traditions (writing styles) spanning the first nine books of the Hebrew Bible, known as the Enneateuch. Using the same AI-based statistical model, the team was then able to determine the most likely authorship of other Bible chapters. Even better, the model also explained how it reached its conclusions. But how did the mathematician get here? In 2010, Faigenbaum-Golovin began collaborating with Israel Finkelstein, head of the School of Archaeology and Maritime Cultures at the University of Haifa, using mathematical and statistical tools to determine the authorship of lettering found on pottery fragments from 600 B.C. by comparing the style and shape of the letters inscribed on each fragment. Their discoveries were featured on the front page of The New York Times. "We concluded that the findings in those inscriptions could offer valuable clues for dating texts from the Old Testament," Faigenbaum-Golovin said. "That's when we started putting together our current team, who could help us analyze these biblical texts." The multidisciplinary undertaking was made up of two parts. First, Faigenbaum-Golovin and Finkelstein's teamAlon Kipnis (Reichman University), Axel Buhler (Protestant Faculty of Theology of Paris), Eli Piasetzky (Tel Aviv University) and Thomas Romer (College de France)was made up of archaeologists, biblical scholars, physicists, mathematicians and computer scientists. The team used a novel AI-based statistical model to analyze language patterns in three major sections of the Bible. They studied the Bible's first five books: Deuteronomy, the so-called Deuteronomistic History from Joshua to Kings, and the priestly writings in the Torah. Results showed Deuteronomy and the historical books were more similar to each other than to the priestly texts, which is already the consensus among biblical scholars. "We found that each group of authors has a different stylesurprisingly, even regarding simple and common words such as 'no,' 'which,' or 'king.' Our method accurately identifies these differences," said Romer. 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. To test the model, the team selected 50 chapters from the first nine books of the Bible, each of which has already been allocated by biblical scholars to one of the writing styles mentioned above. "The model compared the chapters and proposed a quantitative formula for allocating each chapter to one of the three writing styles," said Faigenbaum-Golovin. In the second part of the study, the team applied their model to chapters of the Bible whose authorship was more hotly debated. By comparing these chapters to each of the three writing styles, the model was able to determine which group of authors was more likely to have written them. Even better: the model also explained why it was making these calls. "One of the main advantages of the method is its ability to explain the results of the analysisthat is, to specify the words or phrases that led to the allocation of a given chapter to a particular writing style," said Kipnis. Since the text in the Bible has been edited and re-edited many times, the team faced big challenges finding segments that retained their original wording and language. Once found, these biblical texts were often very shortsometimes just a few verseswhich made most standard statistical methods and traditional machine learning unsuitable for their analysis. They had to develop a custom approach that could handle such limited data. Limited data often brings fears of inaccuracy. "We spent a lot of time convincing ourselves that the results we were getting weren't just garbage," said Faigenbaum-Golovin. "We had to be absolutely sure of the statistical significance." To circumvent the issue, instead of using traditional machine learning, which requires lots of training data, the researchers used a simpler, more direct method. They compared sentence patterns and how often certain words or word roots (lemmas) appeared in different texts, to see if they were likely written by the same group of authors. A surprising find? The team discovered that although the two sections of the Ark Narrative in the Books of Samuel address the same theme and are sometimes regarded as parts of a single narrative, the text in 1 Samuel does not align with any of the three corpora, whereas the chapter in 2 Samuel shows affinity with the Deuteronomistic History (Joshua to Kings). Looking forward, Faigenbaum-Golovin said the same technique can be used for other historical documents. "If you're looking at document fragments to find out if they were written by Abraham Lincoln, for example, this method can help determine if they are real or just a forgery." "The study introduces a new paradigm for analyzing ancient texts," summarized Finkelstein. Faigenbaum-Golovin and her team are now looking at using the same methodology to unearth new discoveries about other ancient texts, like the Dead Sea Scrolls. She emphasized how much she enjoyed the long-term cross-disciplinary partnership. "It's such a unique collaboration between science and the humanities," she said. "It's a surprising symbiosis, and I'm lucky to work with people who use innovative research to push boundaries." More information: Shira Faigenbaum-Golovin et al, Critical biblical studies via word frequency analysis: Unveiling text authorship, PLOS One (2025). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0322905 Journal information: PLoS ONE 'Love Island' has added a rugby union player to its initial series 12 line-up. Conor Phillips is taking part in Love Island series 12 Athlete Conor Phillips, from Limerick, Ireland, will be hoping to strike up a romance with a "dominant" woman in the plush villa in Majorca. Asked what type of woman he would like to couple up with, the 25-year-old hunk said: "Someone who is really sure of themselves, ambitious, a bit of a go-getter and good craic. I like dark eyes and I dont mind a dominant woman." But the one thing that would turn the winger off from dating someone is if they are "needy" and not independent. Conor explained: "Being too needy or needing to do everything together. I like someone to be independent and do their own thing and then we come together and do our thing." 'Love Island' is hosted by Maya Jama, and Conor thinks she would hire him based on his flirting skills alone. He said: "I ask girls if they want to go halves on a baby. It doesnt work, but it gets them laughing. Its an ice-breaker, not a serious question of course!" Series 12 of the hit show kicks off on Monday (09.06.25), and the Young Munster rugby team member has hinted he will be trying to serve up some drama for the viewers. Conor - who said he is the CEO of "mischief" - teased: "Im the class clown type vibe. Being in big teams and groups all the time, Im always mixing things up, stirring the pot." Meanwhile, another series 12 contestant has already left the villa due to "personal reasons" - just hours after ITV announced them in the line-up. The broadcaster confirmed Kyle Ashman, a 23-year-old water operative from Stafford, Staffordshire, will not be appearing on the show alongside 12 other singletons "as planned". A spokesman told The Sun newspaper: "For personal reasons, Kyle will not be entering the 'Love Island' villa as planned." Kyle hoped to couple up with someone who is "fun, confident and just themselves", although he did point out that his "communication skills" needed some work. He said: "I need to work on my communication skills. "In my previous situationships my communication could have been better, put it that way." Kyle also told how he might struggle to sleep in the same room as someone who was being "too loud". He explained: "Its a hard question because if the right person does it, its not an ick. "But maybe if someone is just too loud in general, like if its time to go to sleep and they wont turn their volume down, thats an ick." 'Love Island' returns on Monday 9th June at 9pm on Virgin Media Two and Virgin Media Play. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The Baltic Sea is home to some of the world's largest dead marine zones, mainly due to excess nutrient runoff into the sea from human activities on land. Decades of pollution and climate change have caused fish to disappear from the Baltic Sea at an alarming rate, with the European Union on Thursday vowing to make the sea an "urgent priority". Unveiling its road map to protect Europe's seas, the European Ocean Pact, Brussels announced a summit on the state of the Baltic Sea in late September. The semi-enclosed sea is surrounded by industrial and agricultural nations Germany, Poland, Russia, Finland, Sweden, Denmark and the three Baltic states. Connected to the Atlantic only by the narrow waters of the Danish straits, the Baltic is known for its shallow, low-salinity waters, which are highly sensitive to the climate and environmental changes that have accumulated over the years. "Today, the once massive Baltic cod stocks have collapsed, herring stocks in several sub-basins are balancing on critical levels, sprat recruitment is at a record low and wild salmon stocks are in decline," Swedish European MP Isabella Lovin, rapporteur for the EU Committee of Fishing, warned in a report, calling the situation "critical". Dead marine zones and climate change The Baltic Sea is home to some of the world's largest dead marine zones, mainly due to excess nutrient runoff into the sea from human activities on landa challenge the sea has long grappled with. The runoff has primarily been phosphorus and nitrogen from wastewater and fertilizers used in agriculture, as well as other activities such as forestry. It causes vast algae blooms in summer, a process known as eutrophication that removes oxygen from the water, leaving behind dead seabeds and marine habitats and threatening species living in the Baltic. Today, agriculture is the biggest source of nutrient pollution. Marine biodiversity in the relatively small sea has also deteriorated due to pollution from hazardous substances, land use, extraction of resources and climate change, according to the Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission (HELCOM). "The state of the Baltic Sea is not good," Maria Laamanen, a senior advisor at the Finnish environment ministry, told AFP. 'The once massive Baltic cod stocks have collapsed, herring stocks in several sub-basins are balancing on critical levels' Swedish European MP Isabella Lovin said. Climate change poses "a massive additional challenge" for the marine environment, she said. Of the world's coastal seas, the Baltic Sea is warming the fastest. A 2024 study said sea surface and sea floor temperatures have increased by 1.8 and 1.3 degrees Celsius respectively in the Finnish archipelago in the northern Baltic Sea, in the period from 1927 to 2020. The consequences of rising temperatures already affect species, while increased rainfall has led to more runoff from land to sea. Better wastewater treatment and gypsum treatment of agricultural soil, as well as an expansion of protected marine areas in Finland, have had a positive effect on the maritime environment, according to Laamanen, who said environmental engagement had grown in recent years. "The situation would be much worse without the measures already implemented," she said. Fisheries In her report, Lovin called for an ambitious reform of fisheries, with stronger attention paid to environmental and climate change impacts. The report also questioned whether the Baltic could continue to sustain industrial-scale trawling, and suggested giving "priority access to low-impact fisheries and fishing for human consumption". The head of the Finnish Fishermen's Association (SAKL) Kim Jordas said eutrophication was to blame for the declining fish stocks in the Baltic Sea, not overfishing. "Looking at cod for example, it is entirely due to the state of the Baltic Sea and the poor oxygen situation," Jordas told AFP. In Finland, the number of commercial fishermen has been declining, with a total of around 400 active today. 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: (A) Distribution patterns of tree abundance. (B) Distribution patterns of species richness of old trees in temples. (C) Two old trees (Ginkgo biloba and Pinus bungeana) preserved in Tanzhe Temple in Beijing City. (D) Some old Cupressus torulosa trees in Rezheng Temple in Tibet. (E) Two old Phoebe zhennan trees (about 1,500 years old) preserved in Daming Temple in Sichuan Province. (F) The first government-run temple in China (Baima Temple, built in 68 CE in Luoyang City, Henan Province). (G) A famous Platycladus orientalis (about 1,260 years old) in Tiantong Temple in Zhejiang Province. (H) The only existing individual of Carpinus putoensis (a critically endangered species) preserved in Huiji Temple in Zhejiang Province. Credit: Current Biology (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2025.05.030 A team of ecologists, arborists and environmentalists affiliated with several institutions across China, working with a colleague from Australia, has found that many old trees are finding sanctuary on temple grounds across China. For an article published in Current Biology, the group used two main data sources to learn more about the protective value of temples. Prior research has suggested that religious grounds often provide a safe haven for old treesin such places, trees are spared from being cut for lumber and are often tended by those living or working there, sometimes for hundreds or even thousands of years. For this new study, the research team wondered about older tree preservation on temple grounds across China. The team gained access to government data and information from past surveys regarding approximately 50,000 old trees at temples or other religious grounds across China. Most of such sites, they noted, were Buddhist temples. The researchers found that approximately 6,000 of them were of a threatened species. They also found that some were ancienttwo trees at Daming Temple were found to be approximately 1,500 years old. Ginkgo biloba trees at several sites appeared to be over 1,000 years old, and they are associated with the spread of Buddhism. The oldest was dated through documentation back to the Eastern Han Dynasty (25220 CE). The researchers also found eight types of tree whose species no longer exist anywhere else. The researchers note that Buddhist and Taoist temples are especially good places for old trees due to the emphasis by followers of such faiths on the spirituality of plants, including trees. That leads to strong efforts to ensure not only their safety, but their spread on the grounds of the temples. Another factor leading to the success of old trees is the choice of trees made by those who maintain temple groundstrees that tend to live a long time, such as Ginkgo biloba, were often favored. The research team notes that, despite their relatively small numbers compared to other types of trees across China, older trees on temple grounds still have an impactmany are serving as repositories for endangered species. Written for you by our author Bob Yirka, 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: Li Huang et al, Religious temples are long-term refuges for old trees in human-dominated landscapes in China, Current Biology (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2025.05.030 Journal information: Current Biology 2025 Science X Network This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: RDNE Stock project from Pexels Career guidance and future planning are more effective than financial incentives in improving access to higher education for young people from low-income families, a new study of Canadian students concludes. Done by Universite de Montreal economist Laetitia Renee and published in the American Economic Journal: Applied Economics, the longitudinal study followed more than 4,000 students from 30 New Brunswick high schools into adulthood. The goal? To measure the relative effectiveness of an intensive career guidance program on students versus financial assistance given conditionally on enrollment in a post-secondary institution. Three groups studied To compare the effect of the different approaches, students were randomly assigned to one of three experimental groups or the control group: In the "career guidance" group, students attended regular sessions over a three-year period, during which they planned their educational and professional future and explored study and career options to ease the transition from high school to university. In the "financial aid" group, students were offered a $9,600 grantover and above the province's loans and bursaries programconditional on enrollment in higher education, paid in several installments over two years. In the "mixed" group, students received both the guidance program and the financial incentive. In the control group, students received neither intervention. After four years, the career guidance program yielded a 10 percentage-point increase in post-secondary enrollment among participants, who were 50% more likely than members of the control group to continue their education. This increase reduced the gap between the low-income participants and their more advantaged peers by 70%. "It translated into an additional 50 students enrolling in university after taking the program, which is quite significant," said Renee. Ten years later, at age 29, the students who had taken the career guidance program were earning an average of $2,700 per year more than those who had nota 10% difference. The financial aid intervention increased enrollment in community colleges and universities slightly (by five and four percentage points respectively) but had no impact on attainment of a post-secondary degree. There was no statistically significant impact on income in adulthood; in fact, some of the data suggest it was slightly lower. "We already have a good loans-and-bursaries program in Canada," said Renee. "Additional financial aid may encourage young people to enroll, but not necessarily in the right programs or under the right conditions. They don't necessarily benefit financially." The additional financial support comes at a net cost to society, and unlike career guidance, doesn't generate additional tax revenue from higher future earnings. 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. Getting kids to think ahead Renee believes the reason for the success of the career guidance program was that it made the participants think seriously about their future. "At the guidance sessions, they are encouraged to consider their interests and goals and how to achieve them in practical terms," she said. "They have to map out their future path and rethink it in light of new information. "The program tries to shift their frame of reference," she explained. "When you're surrounded by people who didn't go to university, you don't necessarily consider it, even if you have good grades." Renee thinks the effect of information and expectations on educational choices is often underestimated, particularly for young people from lower-income backgrounds, and financial aid alone doesn't have the same transformational power. Net benefit of $50,000 per pupil Career guidance is a sound investment that not only reduces social inequality but yields long-term benefits for society as a whole, she said, estimating the program generated a net benefit of $50,000 per pupil, mainly through higher future incomes and tax revenues. "What we're learning is that information, motivation and the ability to plan ahead are assets as valuable as money, and these are often lacking among the most vulnerable young people," said Renee. However, she added a note of caution: Some students who were encouraged by the program to enroll in higher education eventually dropped out. Additional academic support may be needed for such programs to be fully successful, she believes. The study did not determine which components of the guidance programthe workshops, discussions or written exerciseshad the greatest impact. Further research will be needed, said Renee. "Nevertheless, this study shows that interventions of this kind can make a lasting difference to students' understanding of higher education and its benefits." More information: Laetitia Renee, The Long-Term Effects of Career Guidance in High School and Student Financial Aid: Evidence from a Randomized Experiment, American Economic Journal: Applied Economics (2025). DOI: 10.1257/app.20230342 Journal information: American Economic Journal: Applied Economics 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: Election poster of a Haredi party: The Hebrew says, "It's not the single-use [plastic]; it's the humiliation. They will not humiliate you anymore." Credit: Policy Sciences (2025). DOI: 10.1007/s11077-025-09565-w A well-meaning environmental tax turned into a cultural flashpoint: a new study shows that Israel's 2021 tax on single-use plastics caused a sharp and lasting drop in climate support among the ultra-Orthodox community. Driven by a deep sense of political victimizationnot financial burdenmany saw the tax as an attack on their way of life. Even years after the tax was repealed, the damage to environmental trust still lingers. A new study by Leah Bloy from Business Administration at Hebrew University, in collaboration with Dr. Nechumi Malovicki-Yaffe, Dr. Boaz Hameiri, and Dr. Ram Fishman from Tel Aviv University, reveals that Israel's 2021 tax on single-use plasticsthough short-livedtriggered a long-lasting decline in pro-environmental attitudes among the country's ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) population. Published in Policy Sciences, the study sheds light on the unintended psychological consequences of well-intentioned environmental regulation. The researchers conducted six rounds of surveys among ultra-Orthodox participants from 2021 to 2024. Immediately after the tax was enacted, the study observed a sharp drop in "pro-climate" attitudes within the communitydriven not by the economic burden of the tax, but by a powerful sense of victimhood. Many respondents believed the tax was politically motivated and unfairly targeted their community rather than genuinely aimed at environmental protection. "These findings are both fascinating and concerning," said Leah Bloy. "Our data show that when environmental policies are perceived as punitive or politically charged, they can provoke a backlash that undermines long-term climate goalseven after the policy itself is revoked." Indeed, even two years after the tax was repealed, negative attitudes toward climate-related issues persisted. While the sense of victimhood diminished, resistance to environmental messaging remained high. The authors argue that this lasting impact highlights the importance of accounting for psychological and social dynamics when designing policyespecially in marginalized or politically sensitive populations. The study underscores that marginalized groups may react to environmental regulation not only through financial concerns but through a lens of identity, fairness, and social exclusion. The ultra-Orthodox community, which has among the highest per capita use of single-use plastics in Israel, initially responded with decreased consumption. However, this short-term behavior change came at the cost of long-term erosion in environmental support. According to the authors, the key takeaway is the need for moral reframingthe process of aligning policy communication with the values of the target population. "In the case of the ultra-Orthodox community," said Bloy, "connecting environmental protection to the Torah principle of bal tashchit'Thou shalt not destroy'could have fostered a more constructive dialogue." This research has broader implications for climate policy worldwide, especially in diverse societies where trust in government varies and political polarization is high. The authors call for more culturally informed and psychologically sensitive approaches to environmental legislation to avoid alienating the very populations whose cooperation is most needed. These insights may hold lessons far beyond environmental policy. As Israel grapples with deepening societal rifts over contentious issues like ultra-Orthodox enlistment in the IDF, this research offers a potential roadmap for fostering cooperation. Policies perceived as externally imposed or culturally insensitive can entrench resistance and mistrust. But when framed in alignment with the values and narratives of the target community, even difficult conversations can become opportunities for partnership rather than polarization. More information: Nechumi Malovicki-Yaffe et al, Environmental taxation triggers persistent psychological resistance to climate policy, Policy Sciences (2025). DOI: 10.1007/s11077-025-09565-w 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: Two released Yangtze finless porpoises (YFPs) were photographed with a local individual on the third day post-release. Credit: Biology Letters (2025). DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2024.0719 A team of conservation and wildlife specialists affiliated with several institutions in China has successfully released two Yangtze finless porpoises back into the wild after moving them to a protected area for two years. As reported in the journal Biology Letters, the group cared for the porpoises in their protected area and then followed them after their release back into the wild. The Yangtze finless porpoise has been identified as a critically endangered freshwater cetacean. It is the only known freshwater porpoise that lives only in China's Yangtze River system. Its population level has dropped dramatically over the past several decades due to loss of habitat, overfishing and other human activitiesit is believed that there are now just 595 of them left in the entire river system. The team has been attempting to increase the number of porpoises living in the river by caring for some of them in captivity and then releasing them back into the wild. The researchers captured two male specimens that had ventured beyond their normal habitat, perhaps while looking for a more suitable place to live. Unfortunately, such places offer little in the way of food, which means, without intervention, the two males likely would have died. The research team took them to a protected part of the river, which meant that they would not be in danger of being caught in fishing nets or harmed by collisions with boats. Each was also given a medical exam and implanted with an ID chip. The two porpoises were left to their own devices in their protected environment for two years, with the research team checking on them periodically to make sure they were doing okay. After two years, when the two males were deemed healthy enough to return to the wild, they were moved to a part of the river where groups of other porpoises were residing. The hope was that the two would be accepted by a pod because solo porpoises are not believed to fare well. After release, the two males were monitored closely to ensure that they were able to move about safely and find enough food to eat. The researchers also watched for acceptance by other porpoises. After just three days, the researchers found that both males had been accepted into pods and appeared to be thriving. Subsequent monitoring showed both continuing to do well. The research team suggests that it is possible to help at-risk marine animals such as the Yangtze finless porpoise through relocation programs. Written for you by our author Bob Yirka, 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: Jiansong Qiu et al, Rebuilding the critically endangered Yangtze finless porpoise population: successful release from an ex situ conservation programme, Biology Letters (2025). DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2024.0719 Journal information: Biology Letters 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: People look on as an adolescent loggerhead sea turtle named Dilly-Dally, whose front flipper was amputated after she was rescued in January suffering from predator wounds, crawls into the Atlantic Ocean after being released, on the beach in front of Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach, Fla., Wednesday, June 4, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell An adolescent loggerhead sea turtle named Dilly Dally crawled into the Atlantic Ocean Wednesday morning, months after having a front flipper amputated at a Florida turtle hospital. The turtle was brought to Loggerhead Marinelife Center in January suffering from predator wounds to the front flipper. The veterinary crew at the Juno Beach facility assisted in Dilly Dally's rehabilitation and care. "Every time we can release a turtle back into the wild is special and not just for us but for all the interns and volunteers and everyone that puts an effort to getting these turtles back out there. It's always a really special day," said Marika Weber, a veterinary technician at the center. Stormy weather on Wednesday almost caused Dilly Dally's release to be postponed. But they packed the turtle up and drove the short distance to the beach. A crowd of beachgoers cheered as the turtle made its way to the ocean. A satellite tracking device attached to Dilly Dally's shell will allow the center and the public to follow her journey. The center partnered with the Smithsonian to get the satellite tag, which was attached on Tuesday. "So now Dilly Dally has an active live satellite tag on her and we can get real-time data on where she goes, which is really exciting because we don't really know what happens to our three flipper turtles once you release them, Weber said. "Now we know if their migration or foraging patterns change and it'll be really helpful to see what happens to these patients." People look on as an adolescent loggerhead sea turtle named Dilly-Dally, whose front flipper was amputated after she was rescued in January suffering from predator wounds, crawls toward the Atlantic Ocean after being released, on the beach in front of Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach, Fla., Wednesday, June 4, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell All sea turtles are endangered or threatened species. "So every sea turtle that we can save and get back out there is the win for the species." Follow Dilly Dally's journey at Marinelife Turtle Tracker. 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: Yellow rust is a fungal disease and a significant threat to the worldwide wheat production. Yellow stripes on the wheat leaves are typical of an infestation. Credit: Katharina Jung, University of Zurich Wheat production is threatened by a major fungal disease: yellow rust. Researchers at the University of Zurich have found traditional wheat varieties from Asia that harbor several resistance-conferring genes. They may serve as a durable source of yellow rust resistance in commercial varieties in the future, highlighting the importance of genetic diversity for food security. Yellow rust, also known as stripe rust, is caused by a fungal pathogen named Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici. The plant disease affects around 88% of global bread wheat production and is one of the most devastating threats to wheat yields. New strategies against the fungus are therefore urgently needed. An international team headed by researchers at the University of Zurich (UZH) has now discovered two genomic regions in traditional wheat varieties from Asia which confer resistance to the disease. "If such genes can be transferred to commercial wheat varieties, they could be important in combating yellow rust," says Kentaro Shimizu, professor at the UZH Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, who is responsible for a new study on the subject. The study has been published in Theoretical and Applied Genetics. Genetic diversity of local wheat varieties For decades, targeted breeding of wheat focused on developing high-yielding varieties. While these modern varieties helped feed the world, their limited genetic diversity led to increased vulnerability to threats such as pests, diseases and extreme climates. In contrast to modern varieties, traditional wheat varieties have been maintained by local farmers in different regions of the world and are therefore less impacted by the loss of genetic diversity. Traditional varieties from Asia appeared particularly promising, for they have been underexplored despite being a potential reservoir of genetic diversity with higher disease resistance. During her Ph.D. in Shimizu's team, Katharina Jung conducted research on wheat yellow rust resistance in collaboration with the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) in Mexico and the Kyoto University in Japan. Jung screened both traditional and modern varieties from Japan, China, Nepal and Pakistan. First, she identified yellow rust-resistant wheat plants in large-scale field experiments in Reckenholz, Switzerland, and at CIMMYT, Mexico. Then, she located genomic regions that contribute to yellow rust resistance, so-called quantitative trait loci. If it were possible to utilize the resistance genes from local Asian varieties in breeding modern wheat varieties, crop losses could be reduced in the future. Credit: Katharina Jung, University of Zurich Targeted search for novel yellow rust resistances Jung uncovered two potentially new genomic regions related to yellow rust resistance: One is specific to a traditional variety from Nepal, while the other is more broadly distributed across traditional varieties from Nepal, Pakistan, and China in the southern Himalayan area. "Interestingly, the southern Himalayan area is believed to be the origin of the yellow rust pathogen itself. Taken together with our findings, we hypothesize that traditional varieties from this area might harbor unique and stable resistances to yellow rust," says Jung. A more targeted search for novel yellow rust resistances from this area could potentially provide long-lasting protection against a wide range of pathogen strains. Several wheat varieties with differently shaped ears. Credit: Cesar Rodriguez, Mexico Safeguarding local varieties and farming practices The new results underscore the importance of conserving genetic diversity and traditional varieties in wheat to combat diseases and other threats. Farmers have cultivated and maintained these traditional varieties in different parts of the world for generations, which is of great value for future food security. "Traditional varieties must be preserved both in gene banks and in farmers' fields before they are lost forever. Their use and benefit-sharing should be done in close collaboration with local communities, as their knowledge and practice have paved the way to the genetic diversity we observe today," says Jung. The wheat varieties provided by Kyoto University were essential for this project. "I cannot emphasize enough how valuable such a collaboration is in making scientific progress," says Shimizu. More information: Unveiling yellow rust resistance in the nearHimalayan region: insights from a nested association mapping study, Theoretical and Applied Genetics (2025). DOI: 10.1007/s00122-025-04886-z 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 On May 9, Lourdia Jean-Pierre, a 32-year-old Haitian migrant woman, died after giving birth in her rural home in El Ceibo, Dominican Republic. The cause of death was a postpartum hemorrhage, according to a news report in The Haitian Times. Despite needing medical attention, Jean-Pierre was reportedly afraid to go to the hospital. Why? She feared being deported. Jean-Pierre was not wrong to be afraid. Soon after her death, paramedics arrived with police officers to check on the newborn and detain her husband, Ronald Jean. Jean left the newborn with a relative as he waited to be deported. Between April 21 and the end of May this year, 900 lactating or pregnant women were deported from the Dominican to Haiti. They are part of the new, extreme tough-on-immigration policies in the Dominican Republic. In May alone, 22,778 Haitians were deported to Haiti. A new wave of mass deportations Last October, the Dominican government initiated a new wave of mass deportations as President Luis Abinader ordered a quota of 10,000 Haitians deported per week. On April 6, he announced new extraordinary measures to control immigration. The rollout of this policy began on April 21. Migration officials were assigned to work in hospitals and required migrants to show their documents before receiving medical care or face deportation. The new protocol does not specify pregnant and breastfeeding women. However, it effectively targets them in hospitals. Evidence of this is the fact that the policy was immediately implemented in the 33 hospitals "that report the largest number of pregnant migrant womenmainly those of Haitian origin." The targeting of pregnant women is not new The targeting of pregnant migrants in the DR isn't new. In September 2021, the Ministry of the Interior and Police announced a protocol to limit pregnant migrant women's access to health care in the DR. Dozens of deportation raids were carried out in maternity wards in the capital and other large urban centers. According to immigration officials, attendance at pre-natal appointments fell by 80% by the end of 2021. Deportation raids in maternity wards slowed down between 2022 and 2024, but women were still afraid to go for their check-up appointments. Pre-natal care is essential in preventing maternal deaths. According to a media report, the Dominican's National Health System estimates that Haitian women accounted for 56% of maternal deaths in the first half of 2022. No documents, no health care There are almost no ways for Haitians in the Dominican Republic to apply for or renew visas. And Dominican consulates in Haiti have been closed since September 2022. 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. There is a long history of a lack of documentation among Dominicans of Haitian ancestry, exacerbated by the denationalization of up to 200,000 Dominicans of Haitian ancestry in 2013. That means Dominican-Haitians are also at risk of being deported when accessing health care. This happened to Mirryam Ferdinad who, according to community reports, went to a hospital for a programmed Cesarean section and was instead detained in Haina, the country's largest migrant detention center. Ferdinad was released on May 31. Deportations are expected to occur after people recover from their ailments. But human rights organizations report that deportations regularly take place in unsanitary and unsafe conditions, in trucks filled beyond capacity. Structural racism Elena Lorac, co-founder of Reconocido, an advocacy group of denationalized Dominicans of Haitian descent, said the situation is exacerbated by structural racism. Anti-Black racism and anti-Haitianism runs through the politics of the Dominican Republic, whereby Blackness is associated with undesirable cultural and physical traits, and linked to neighboring Haiti. In contrast, DR's nationalist groups, such as the Antigua Orden Dominicana, emphasize their colonial Spanish roots. Reproductive health rights under attack Haitian pregnant women are between a rock and a hard place. Hemorrhages and unsafe abortions are among the main causes of maternal mortality. Most of these cases are preventable if pregnant people have access to health services. Haiti has the highest maternal mortality in the Western hemisphere. Maternal mortality in the DR is lower. But its mistreatment of pregnant migrants, and its criminalization of abortion in all circumstances, pose significant risks for women. Haiti: A country in humanitarian crisis Deported migrants usually have no family or social networks in the locations they are deported at. And they have limited to no access to health services and social services. Dominican-Haitians also get deported because they have no legal documents despite having lived there their whole lives. They often have never been to Haiti, and barely speak Haitian Creole. In Haiti, about 40% of primary health care was funded by the now almost completely defunded United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Though there are some groups supporting deportees, global cuts to humanitarian agencies like the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and International Organization for Migration are affecting personnel on the ground. The humanitarian conditions in Haiti are increasingly challenging. Financial cuts worsen the extremely precarious living conditions. Nine percent of the population is internally displaced. More than half the population is expected to experience acute food insecurity by June. Protesting violence On May 28, 13 organizations led a demonstration in front of the Dominican Republic Health Ministry. Peasant women, domestic workers, artists and feminists demanded an end to deportation raids in maternity wards and the removal of immigration officials from hospitals. Sirana Dolis, co-founder of Movement of Dominican-Haitian Women MUDHA, said of the situation: "Haitian women and women of Haitian descent are a people who love life, but under these circumstances, reproduction is like a death sentence." 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: This illustration depicts IXPEs measurements of X-ray polarization emitting from magnetar 1E 1841-045 located within the Supernova Remnant Kes 73. At the time of observation, the magnetar was in a state of outburst and emitting the luminosity equivalent to 1000 suns. By studying the X-ray polarization of magnetars experiencing an outburst scientists may be able to get closer to uncovering the mysteries of these events. Credit: Michela Rigoselli/Italian National Institute of Astrophysics What happens when the universe's most magnetic object shines with the power of 1000 suns in a matter of seconds? Thanks to NASA's IXPE (Imaging Xray Polarimetry Explorer), a mission in collaboration with ASI (Italian Space Agency), scientists are one step closer to understanding this extreme event. Magnetars are a type of young neutron stara stellar remnant formed when a massive star reaches the end of its life and collapses in on itself, leaving behind a dense core roughly the mass of the sun, but squashed down to the size of a city. Neutron stars display some of the most extreme physics in the observable universe and present unique opportunities to study conditions that would otherwise be impossible to replicate in a laboratory on Earth. The magnetar 1E 1841-045, located in the remnants of a supernova (SNR Kes 73) nearly 28,000 light-years from Earth, was observed to be in a state of outburst by NASA's Swift, Fermi, and NICER telescopes on August 21, 2024. A few times a year, the IXPE team approves requests to interrupt the telescope's scheduled observations to instead focus on unique and unexpected celestial events. When magnetar 1E 1841-045 entered this brighter, active state, scientists decided to redirect IXPE to obtain the first-ever polarization measurements of a flaring magnetar. Magnetars have magnetic fields several thousand times stronger than most neutron stars and host the strongest magnetic fields of any known object in the universe. Disturbances to their extreme magnetic fields can cause a magnetar to release up to a thousand times more Xray energy than it normally would for several weeks. This enhanced state is called an outburst, but the mechanisms behind them are still not well understood. Through IXPE's Xray polarization measurements, scientists may be able to get closer to uncovering the mysteries of these events. Polarization carries information about the orientation and alignment of the emitted Xray light waves; the higher the degree of polarization, the more the Xray waves are traveling in sync, akin to a tightly choreographed dance performance. Examining the polarization characteristics of magnetars reveals clues about the energetic processes producing the observed photons as well as the direction and geometry of the magnetar magnetic fields. The IXPE results, aided by observations from NASA's NuSTAR and NICER telescopes, show that the Xray emissions from 1E 1841045 become more polarized at higher energy levels while still maintaining the same direction of propagation. A significant contribution to this high polarization degree comes from the hard Xray tail of 1E 1841045, an energetic magnetospheric component dominating the highest photon energies observed by IXPE. "Hard Xrays" refer to Xrays with shorter wavelengths and higher energies than "soft Xrays." Although prevalent in magnetars, the mechanics driving the production of these high energy Xray photons are still largely unknown. Several theories have been proposed to explain this emission, but now the high polarization associated with these hard Xrays provide further clues into their origin. The results are presented in two papers published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, one led by Rachael Stewart, a Ph.D. student at George Washington University, and the other by Michela Rigoselli of the Italian National Institute of Astrophysics. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. "This unique observation will help advance the existing models aiming to explain magnetar hard Xray emission by requiring them to account for this very high level of synchronization we see among these hard Xray photons," said Stewart. "This really showcases the power of polarization measurements in constraining physics in the extreme environments of magnetars." Rigoselli, lead author of the companion paper, added, "It will be interesting to observe 1E 1841045 once it has returned to its quiescent, baseline state to follow the evolution of its polarimetric properties." IXPE is a space observatory built to discover the secrets of some of the most extreme objects in the universe. Launched in December 2021 from NASA's Kennedy Space Center on a Falcon 9 rocket, the IXPE mission is part of NASA's Small Explorer series. IXPE, which continues to provide unprecedented data enabling groundbreaking discoveries about celestial objects across the universe, is a joint NASA and Italian Space Agency mission with partners and science collaborators in 12 countries. IXPE is led by NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. BAE Systems, headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, manages spacecraft operations together with the University of Colorado's Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics in Boulder. More information: Rachael Stewart et al, X-Ray Polarization of the Magnetar 1E 1841045, The Astrophysical Journal Letters (2025). DOI: 10.3847/2041-8213/adbffa Michela Rigoselli et al, IXPE Detection of Highly Polarized X-Rays from the Magnetar 1E 1841-045, The Astrophysical Journal Letters (2025). DOI: 10.3847/2041-8213/adbffb Journal information: Astrophysical Journal Letters Provided by NASA This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Thousands of people, including those pictured here in Manitoba, have been evacuated. More than 31,000 people were under evacuation across Canada on Wednesday as firefighters battled raging wildfires threatening towns and villages, authorities said. More than 200 fires burning across the countryhalf of which are described as being out of controlhave so far scorched more than 2.2 million hectares. The Saskatchewan and Manitoba provinces have been hardest hit, with both declaring wildfire emergencies in recent days. "Right now it's not good because people are so scared, and also me," said Tareq Hosen Alin, who runs a hotel in La Ronge in Saskatchewan, where flames have destroyed some businesses. The small town of 2,500 people has been evacuated but Tareq Hosen Alin said he had stayed to house first responders and firefighters. "So I'm scared, people lose their property, lose their money, lose their dreams right now," he told AFP. Firefighters across the country have been put on alert, while 140 American personnel are already in Canada to help fight the fires. "We are up against a monster. The last hours have been chaotic," the La Ronge fire department said. The region around La Ronge has several active blazes. One of those has consumed more than 470,000 hectares and is still out of control. Another further westalso uncontainedhas burned more than 140,000 hectares. The fires have downgraded air quality in central Canada as well as in northern parts of the United States. Wildfire smoke is comprised of gaseous pollutants such as carbon monoxide, along with water vapor and particle pollution, which can be particularly hazardous to health. Climate change has increased the impact of extreme weather events in Canada, which is still recovering from the summer of 2023 when 15 million hectares of forests were scorched. Most of the ongoing fires have been triggered by human activityoften accidentalsuch as poorly extinguished campfires or the passing of vehicles in extremely dry areas. 2025 AFP Michelle Collins wants to meet her on-screen daughter on EastEnders. Michelle Collins wants to meet her on-screen daughter on EastEnders The 63-year-old actress made a shock return as Cindy Beale to the BBC soap opera in 2023 when it was revealed that her alter-ego had not died during childbirth in prison as previously claimed, and instead had been in witness protection , but Michelle is keen for Cindy Williams to return because she has never actually had any scenes with her. She told The Mirror: "I have never met Cindy Jr so it would be quite nice if she came back. She's probably too busy, but maybe she can fit us in for a week!" Cindy Jr was born off-screen and was the result of her Cindy's affair with Nick Holland (Dominic Taylor) before she was imprisoned for hiring a hitman to murder her husband Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt). The character was played by a string of child actresses throughout the 2000s before Mimi Keene was cast to play her as a teenager in 2013, and she had the role for two years but left two years later. In February 2024, Cindy tracked her daughter down to let her know that she was in fact alive, but their off-screen reunion did not last long, and the character was last mentioned two months later when she sent her mother a text message. The former Coronation Street actress is now taking time away from EastEnders so she can stage a one-woman show at the Edinburgh Fringe, where she plays a woman who thinks she is Hollywood legend Marilyn Monroe, and she insisted that the role "isn't anything like" Cindy. She said: "Well I'm going off in the summer. I'm doing my one woman show at the Edinburgh festival, called Motorhome Marilyn. "I don't think she's anything like Cindy. It's a play about a woman impersonator lookalike who lives in a trailer and dresses as Marilyn Monroe. But she's 60, it's kind of strange. "It's about failure, lost dreams, and feeling like life has passed you by. She's an interesting character. I'm really excited to play it. EastEnders have let me have a month off so I'm very excited. "She's complicated, she's complex, she's chaotic but she's passionate. At least she's not boring. We need imperfect people, we don't wanna see perfect people on TV all the time. She's a bit of a mess." 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 heavily melted palsa near Kilpisjarvi, Finland, in August 2024. Credit: Oona Leppiniemi / University of Oulu A new study investigates the environmental factors affecting the occurrence and state of palsa mires, as well as the degradation of palsas. The study covers the entire Northern Hemisphere. The new results are part of a doctoral dissertation by Oona Leppiniemi to be examined at the University of Oulu, Finland, on 6 June 2025. Palsa mires are permafrost mires that are characterized by peat mounds, called palsas, that remain frozen even in summer. Palsa mires occur in areas characterized by low precipitation, strong winds, thin snow cover, and an average annual temperature below -1C. Using three different climate change scenarios, the key finding of the new study is that environments suitable for palsas will disappear almost entirely from the northern permafrost region by the end of the century if climate change is not mitigated. Even in the most optimistic scenario, up to 75% of the environmental conditions suitable for palsas would be at risk of disappearing, and in the worst case, 98% would disappear. Based on the results of the doctoral thesis, the occurrence of palsas in the Northern Hemisphere is best explained by soil moisture and climatic factors such as air temperature and precipitation. Palsa mires still remain in northern Canada, Alaska, Iceland, northern Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Western Siberia. The thesis utilized statistical modeling and remote sensing data, and the occurrence of palsas was examined using satellite and aerial images of northern regions. The layer of peat on top of the frozen cores of palsas is essential, as the peat acts as an insulator and prevents the permafrost, which is necessary for the existence of palsas, from thawing. "The effects of climate change on palsas are complex. For example, increased snowfall would not help palsas to persist, but could even promote their degradation. "Although snow protects palsas from solar radiation in spring, it is also a good insulator in winter and prevents deep freezing of the ground, which maintains permafrost and palsas," explains Doctoral Researcher Leppiniemi. "In addition, the more snow there is, the more meltwater is produced. Abundant meltwater keeps the peat on top of the palsas wet longer in the spring. Wet peat conducts heat well, allowing solar radiation to thaw the palsas effectively. If there is little snow and meltwater, the peat dries out more quickly, and dry peat acts as an insulator, protecting the palsas from thawing." If the future is windier, the snow will be swept away from open areas. However, the wind can also erode the peat layer on top of the palsas, leaving them unprotected in summer and allowing the permafrost to thaw more efficiently. When palsas formed by the permafrost disappear, the topography of the mire becomes more uniform, and the landscape changes. These changes in the abiotic nature may also have an impact on the biodiversity of the northern environments, as the diverse habitats created by the palsas disappear and organisms lose important areas for growth, feeding, and reproduction. In addition, the degradation of permafrost releases greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane from peat, which may further accelerate global climate change. 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. "Sometimes, only a small pond remains after the degradation of palsas. However, often the thawed palsa mire starts to resemble an aapa mire. When palsas degrade, species that thrive in drier growing conditions disappear, and the vegetation of the mire becomes less diverse," Leppiniemi explains. In Finland, previous surveys in 2023 found that one-third of the palsas in Northern Lapland have disappeared compared to the situation in the 1990s. In the new thesis, less than a third of Finland's current palsas were found to be in good state, and the surface area of palsas has decreased by up to 76% since the 1960s. The results obtained in the dissertation improve our understanding of the environmental factors and changes that affect the occurrence and state of palsas in the future. The results can be used to assess the effects of climate change on global greenhouse gas emissions and to prepare nature conservation strategies for maintaining biodiversity in the north. More information: Oona Leppiniemi, Palsa mires of the Northern Hemisphere: environmental characteristics, degradation, and morpho-ecological state, Nordia Geographical Publications (2025). DOI: 10.30671/nordia.161627 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 map of Island Southeast Asia (ISEA) and the Sunda region as it appeared roughly 25,000 years ago at the height of the last Ice Age, with locations of archaeological sites surveyed by the Mindoro Archaeology Project. The sites yielded artifacts with remarkably similar characteristics despite separation by thousands of kilometers and deep waters that are almost impossible to cross without sufficiently advanced seafaring knowledge and technology. Credit: Base Map: gebco.net, 2014 Through 15 years of archaeological research, scientists from the Ateneo de Manila University, working with international experts and institutions, have established compelling evidence of the pivotal role of the Philippine archipelago in ancient maritime Southeast Asia. The findings are published in the journal Archaeological Research in Asia. They uncovered a story of effective human migration, advanced technological innovation, and long-distance intercultural relations dating back over 35,000 years. The Ateneo researchers' latest publication presents a wealth of data and materials from the Mindoro Archaeology Project, including some of the oldest evidence of the presence of anatomically modern humans (Homo sapiens) in the Philippine archipelago, in Occidental Mindoroparticularly on Ilin Island; San Jose; and Sta. Teresa, Magsaysay. Mindoro, like most of the main Philippine islands except for Palawan, was never connected to mainland Southeast Asia, neither by land bridges nor by ice sheets, and sea-crossings were always necessary to reach it. This likely spurred the development of sophisticated technologies for traversing and surviving this environment. Evidence of sophisticated ancient technology on Philippine islands A variety of finds, such as human remains, animal bones, shells, and tools made from stone, bone and shell, show that Mindoro's early inhabitants successfully harnessed both terrestrial and marine resources such that, over 30,000 years ago, they already possessed seafaring capabilities and specific fishing skills that enabled them to catch predatory open-sea fish species, such as bonito and shark, and to establish connections with distant islands and populations in the vast maritime region of Wallacea. Samples of ancient technology discovered in and around Mindoro. Clockwise, from upper left: a bone fishing gorge (A) and a possible gorge fragment (B); hammer stones (A-F), pebble tools (G-L), and net sinkers (M, N); obsidian cutting tools from Mindoro (top) and Palawan (bottom), exhibiting similar chemical composition; and Tridacna giant clam shell adzes (A,B) and a shell tool (C). Credit: Photos and figures by A. Pawlik; after Pawlik et al. 2025; Pawlik & Piper 2019; Neri et al., 2015 Particularly noteworthy is the innovative use of shells as raw material for tools since more than 30,000 years ago. This culminated in the manufacture of adzes from giant clam shells (Tridacna species), dating back 7,0009,000 years ago. These bear a striking similarity to shell adzes found across the region of Island Southeast Asia and as far as Manus Island in Papua New Guinea, over 3,000 kilometers away. The researchers also found on Ilin Island a human grave dating to around 5,000 years ago, with the body laid to rest in a fetal position and bedded and covered with limestone slabs. The manner of burial was similar to other flexed burials found across Southeast Asia, suggesting shared ideological and social influences and an emerging social complexity across a vast area from the mainland to distant islands. Mindoro hints at vast, advanced maritime network Mindoro's archaeological sites have yielded evidence of culturally sophisticated inhabitants who were behaviorally and technologically adapted to coastal and marine environments. Collectively, these discoveries suggest that Mindoro and nearby Philippine islands were part of an extensive maritime network that existed already during the Stone Age and facilitated cultural and technological exchange between early human populations across Island Southeast Asia for many millennia. By documenting human habitation over a long period of time, with the emergence of advanced subsistence strategies and maritime technologies, the Mindoro Archaeology Project not only fills critical gaps in the prehistoric record of the Philippines but also redefines the region's significance in the broader narrative of human migration and adaptation in Island Southeast Asia. More information: Alfred F. Pawlik et al, Chronology and ecology of early islanders in the Philippines: The Mindoro Archaeology Project, Archaeological Research in Asia (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.ara.2025.100616 Journal information: Archaeological Research in Asia, 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: Racially concentrated areas of affluence in Orange County. Credit: Journal of Planning Education and Research (2024). DOI: 10.1177/0739456X241288503 Southern California's housing affordability crisis has escalated into a contentious battle between and within different government levels. A study by Alejandra Reyes, UC Irvine assistant professor of urban planning and public policy, published in the Journal of Planning Education and Research (JPER) examines the complex governance interplay, focusing on Orange County as a microcosm of the broader housing debate in California. Reyes' analysis at a period of reform and state-level intervention sheds light on the challenges and prospects for promoting housing access in exclusionary geographies, underscoring "the importance of political processes often overlooked by prescriptive policy assessments." Findings from Reyes' study, titled "Appealing for Local Control and Spatial Inequality: Reforming Governance and Development Rationalities in Southern California," include: California is implementing major reforms to address affordability and segregation, particularly targeting affluent areas that have historically resisted low-income housing development. Orange County cities are leading the opposition to new state housing mandates, filing numerous appeals and lawsuits to reduce their housing allocation requirements. In an unprecedented move, some wealthy Orange County cities appealed to increase the housing allocation for Santa Ana, a lower-income, predominantly Latino/a/x city, in an attempt to shift more housing away from their own jurisdictions. The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) rejected most appeals from Orange County cities, upholding higher housing targets aimed at promoting more equitable development across the region. Recent court rulings have affirmed the state's authority to enforce housing laws over local objections, including suspending some of Huntington Beach's planning powers for non-compliance. Reyes' research reveals that while tensions remain between state and local governments, the reforms appear to be reducing the ability of affluent areas to avoid their fair share of housing growth and diversity. However, she notes, challenges persist in financing and building enough affordable housing to meet targets. The study highlights how California's new laws, designed to create more equitable housing, are clashing with local interests that have long favored sprawling single-family homes and commercial development. Many Orange County cities argue that adding affordable housing doesn't fit their communities or threatens their high property values. As the legal and political battles continue, the question remains: Can California finally tackle the forces that have long driven up housing costs and kept communities exclusive? With courts increasingly siding with state mandates, the power of local politics in housing decisions may be waning, potentially paving the way for more inclusive and affordable housing across Southern California, a fundamental endeavor for the region's socioeconomic and environmental sustainability. "Given heightened housing pressures since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the road ahead looks challenging," Reyes writes. "Cities with inclusionary ordinances are realizing that relying on for-profit development will not yield their low-income RHNAs (Regional Housing Needs Allocation). "Rather, they will have to much more proactively prioritize housing at deep levels of affordability and facilitate financing, along other government levels, to serve an increasing share of residents in the region who are priced out of prohibitively expensive and high-resource areas." More information: Alejandra Reyes, Appealing for Local Control and Spatial Inequality: Reforming Governance and Development Rationalities in Southern California, Journal of Planning Education and Research (2024). DOI: 10.1177/0739456X241288503 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: Oliver Diekmann, oliver-diekmann.graphics / TU Wien In a study by TU Wien and FU Berlin, researchers have measured what happens when quantum physical information is lost. This clarifies important connections between thermodynamics, information theory and quantum physics. Heat and informationthese are two very different concepts that, at first glance, appear to have nothing to do with each other. Heat and energy are central concepts in thermodynamics, an important field of physics and even one of its cornerstones. Information theory, on the other hand, is an abstract topic in mathematics. But as early as the 1960s, physicist Rolf Landauer was able to show that the two are closely related: the deletion of information is inevitably linked to the exchange of energy. You cannot delete a data storage device without releasing heat to the outside world. This astonishing connection plays an important role in quantum theory today. Now, for the first time, researchers at TU Wien have succeeded in measuring this phenomenon in many-particle quantum systems and also in quantifying it. Landauer's thesis was indeed confirmed: When a quantum system "forgets" its state, when its information is deleted, this is accompanied by an exchange of entropy and energy between the quantum system and its environment. The research is published in Nature Physics. Deletion costs energy "The so-called Landauer principle states that deleting information is never free," says Prof. Jorg Schmiedmayer from the Atomic Institute at TU Wien. "No matter how you store information, no matter how economical and efficient you are, deleting a bit of information always results in at least a certain increase in entropy and thus also in a loss of energy." This principle plays an important role in quantum computers and sets fundamental limits for information processing based on quantum physics. But the question now is: What does "deleting" or "forgetting" mean in a physical sense? After all, information can be lost in many different ways. You can erase information written in pencil. You can demagnetize magnetic data carriers. But you can also ask: Doesn't a physical system also forget information simply by the passage of time? Reversible and irreversible physics There are physical systems whose future state follows from their current state in a clear and predictable way. For example, if you know the positions and velocities of all the planets, you can calculate with great precision where the planets will be in three months' timeor where they were three months ago. This means that no information has been lost. No data has been deleted. In the current state of the system, the previous state is still stored in a certain sense. In principle, it can be reconstructed. In quantum physics, this is also the case in principlebut only until the quantum system comes into contact with its environment. When you measure the state of a quantum particle, for example, you inevitably bring it into contact with a measuring device. Information is transferred from the quantum particle to the measuring device, changing the state of the particle in a way that cannot be reversed. Information seeps from the particle into the environment in an irreversible one-way process. Ultracold atom clouds At TU Wien, this phenomenon has now been investigated using ultra-cold atom clouds. Several thousand rubidium atoms were cooled and held in place on an atom chip. Then, suddenly, two such atom clouds were dropped, allowing them to spread freely and overlap with each other. "Now we divide the entire system into two parts," says Amin Tajik, who carried out the experiments. "One part serves as our quantum system, which we analyze. The rest is defined as the environmentthe environment with which our subsystem interacts." Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. By precisely measuring the interference between the two atomic clouds, it is now possible to see how the subsystem interacts with its environment, how information is lost and how entropy is transferred. "There is no measuring device that can directly record these variables simultaneously," says Stefan Aimet, a theorist at the FU Berlin and member of the theory team that worked in close international collaboration with theorists who modeled the observed phenomenon and quantified the connection between energy and information flows. A detailed analysis showed that even this complicated multi-particle system adheres to Landauer's rules. The deletion of quantum information is indeed accompanied by entropy transfer and energy loss. "This is an important confirmation that information and quantum physics are indeed intertwined in such an exciting and profound way as Rolf Landauer thought," says Jens Eisert, head of the theory group at the FU Berlin. "This also brings us closer to understanding one of the most fundamental questions of quantum physics. What is particularly exciting about this work are the insights into information and heat that are not directly covered by Landauer's principle, as this is already a valid theorem. But this platform of ultracold atoms allows us to quantitatively explore such profound questions about the measurement process, which will also be important for quantum technologies." More information: Stefan Aimet et al, Experimentally probing Landauer's principle in the quantum many-body regime, Nature Physics (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41567-025-02930-9 Journal information: Nature Physics 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 sharp-tailed grouse from the population in south-central Wyoming shows its colors. New research by University of Wyoming scientists finds that the birds in this population are likely a distinct subspecies from Columbian and plains sharp-tailed grouse. Credit: Jonathan Lautenbach For decades, a population of grouse in southcentral Wyoming and northwest Colorado has been identified as Columbian sharptailed grouse, the same subspecies that can be found in far western Wyoming near Jackson along with Idaho, northern Utah and parts of the Pacific Northwest. But new research led by University of Wyoming scientists has found that the 8,00010,000 sharptailed grouse found in the shrublands and high deserts of southern Carbon County and northwest Colorado are not Columbian sharptailed grouse. Nor are they more closely related to plains sharptailed grousea subspecies found in portions of the northern Great Plains in the United States and Canada, including eastern Wyomingas was suggested by other researchers in 2006. Rather, the birds potentially represent a distinct subspecies of sharptailed grouse that has been isolated from other populations of the bird for many years. The discovery could have major implications for wildlife managers in Wyoming and other states in the Intermountain West and Pacific Northwest. The work is published in the journal Ecology and Evolution. "Our results may potentially change the current understanding of sharptailed grouse subspecies in western North America, which can impact how to manage them," wrote the researchers, led by recent UW Ph.D. graduate Jonathan Lautenbach and Professor Jeff Beck, of UW's Department of Ecosystem Science and Management. Currently, there are six recognized subspecies of sharptailed grouse in North America, generally separated geographically and by the habitats they occupy. They're closely related to greater and lesser prairie chickens, which inhabit portions of the grasslands and shrublands of the Great Plains. In Wyoming, plains sharptailed grouse can be found in the grasslands of the eastern part of the state. The sharptailed grouse found in Wyoming's southern Carbon County and northwest Coloradowhich the UW researchers now suggest could be a distinct subspeciesare isolated from the plains sharptailed grouse to the east, as well as from the Columbian sharptailed grouse farther west. But the isolated group has been categorized and managed as Columbian sharptailed grouse for many years. The UW researchers used multiple lines of evidence to show that the southcentral Wyoming sharptailed grouse are neither Columbian sharptailed grouse nor plains sharptailed grouse. They examined habitat characteristics, the birds' appearance and two types of genetic datacombined with computer modelingto reach their conclusion. "Across all four datasets and both modeling techniques, we found that each population (Columbian, plains and southcentral Wyoming sharptailed grouse) generally represented its own cluster," the scientists wrote. "Our results suggest that the population of sharptailed grouse in southcentral Wyoming is different from both Columbian and plains sharptailed grouse." Among the conservation and management implications of these new findings is a potential 10% to 20% decrease in the total number of birds recognized as Columbian sharptailed grouse, whose population has been estimated to be between 41,00062,000 across multiple states and British Columbia. Due to habitat fragmentation and declining numbers, the Columbian sharptailed grouse has been petitioned for listing under the Endangered Species Act. 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. Additionally, the researchers say any efforts to boost Columbian sharptailed grouse numbers in states including Nevada, Oregon and Washington should not involve translocating sharptailed grouse from the isolated population of sharptailed grouse in southcentral Wyoming and northwest Colorado. In addition to concerns about maintaining genetic integrity, the scientists note there are habitat differences between the two populations. "Currently, habitat management actions are applied uniformly between Columbian sharptailed grouse and populations of sharptailed grouse in southcentral Wyoming and northwest Colorado," the researchers wrote. "Our results suggest a need to reevaluate habitat management approaches for sharptailed grouse across the range of these species/subspecies in Wyoming, Idaho and northwest Colorado." Other members of the research team were from the University of North Texas, Boise State University, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the George Miksch Sutton Avian Research Center in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. More information: Jonathan D. Lautenbach et al, Using Habitat, Morphological, and Genetic Characteristics to Delineate the Subspecies of SharpTailed Grouse in SouthCentral Wyoming, Ecology and Evolution (2025). DOI: 10.1002/ece3.71429 Journal information: Ecology and Evolution 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 Every single organism on Earth, no matter the biome, the kingdom, the domain, whether it's an extremophile in a hot spring or some lithotroph buried in the crust, depends on water. Water is the universal solvent. Life is, ultimately, a series of chemical reactions, and those chemical reactions need to take place in a medium. Water is a great choice because it's abundant, it's liquid in a wide range of temperatures, it's liquid in WARM temperatures, which means there's plenty of energy to go around, it dissolves a wide variety of molecules, and, and.I could spend an episode singing the praises of water. But water's not the only liquid in the universe. Titan has no liquid water whatsoever on its surface. But it does have liquids. Seas, lakes, streams, riversof methane and ethane. Titan is a world unlike any other. It's the largest moon of Saturn, and it's even bigger than our own moon. It's the only rocky world in the entire solar system, aside from Earth, to host a substantial atmosphere. It's so substantial that the air pressure on the surface is 50% greater than Earth's, despite the fact that Titan is much, much smaller than our planet. That atmosphere is almost entirely nitrogen, with a sizable fraction of methane. But UV radiation from the sun reacts with that nitrogen and methane to make a wide variety of other molecules, including acetylene, cyanogen, benzene, propane, and propane accessories. And all of thisall of thisis operating at a temperature of around negative 180 degrees Celsius, or around negative 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Like I said, there's nothing like Titan. At these temperatures and pressures, the methanes and ethanes remain liquid. And it's possibleand I really want to emphasize that word possiblethat these liquids can serve as a solvent for life. Titan has it all. Not water, but a liquid solvent for life's playground. It has an abundant source of energy, namely UV radiation from the sun. It has an extremely rich chemistry with a wide and diverse array of compounds. And it has the physics: temperatures and pressures that allow complex chemistry to take place and movement of materials, through precipitation and wind, to mix them up. If there's life on Titan, it's different from any Earth-like life at a deep, fundamental, biochemical level. This isn't water-based life. It's methane-based life. Instead of consuming oxygen or carbon dioxide, methane-based life would consume hydrogen or acetylene. In fact, evidence from NASA's Cassini spacecraft and the Huygens probe, which landed on the surface in 2005, reveal production of both hydrogen and acetylene in the atmosphere, but then a lack of it near the surface. Sure, there are plenty of ways to scrub those out of the atmosphere at lower altitudes. But maybejust maybeit's getting eaten. In fact, it might even be possible to build cell membranes using the exotic chemistry on Titan. On Earth, most life uses phospholipids to build membranes, but those are in short supply in the cold, toxic environment of Titan. Instead, life on Titan could build what are azotosomes, which are membranes made of acrylonitrilealthough other research suggests that these compounds just form ices instead of flexible, semi-rigid membranes. 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. Life on Titan wouldn't exactly bethrilling. I mean, it would be exciting to find, but the extremely low temperatures prevent rapid metabolisms. Almost certainly if there's life, it's so extremely simple and slow-acting that it just might be unrecognizable. If that's not enough, Titan has a secret. The atmosphere and lakes of methane sit on top of a crust made of water ice. And some computer models suggest that there is a liquid water ocean hiding underneath that crust. This ocean wouldn't be as a nice and pristine as the one on Europa, as it would likely be extremely rich in ammonia. On Earth, this would be a completely toxic environment. So on Titan's possible ocean, life wouldn't have to just overcome the lack of sunlight, but also a challenging environment to support biological functions. But hey, we can't rule it out, at least not yet. In 2028 NASA plans to launch the Dragonfly mission to Titan, which is a rotorcraft designed to land at sites, study them, and then hop up to another location. As with all the other missions designed to hunt for life, the hopes of actually finding life are, honestly, slim. But no matter what, we're going to learn a lot about chemistries on worlds other than Earth, and we may even learn about how life got its start on Earthbut that's another episode. 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 What does it take for a company to last for centuries? Ask most business analysts, and you'll hear about innovation, financial acumen, or strategic pivots. But new research suggests another key to organizational survival: environmental sustainability. In a study recently published in Frontiers in Organizational Psychology, an international team of researchers reveals a robust link between organizations' longevity and their commitment to environmentally sustainable business practices. The findings challenge the assumption that younger, more agile companies are best positioned to lead on climate and environmental issues. The study explores whether firms that have stood the test of timesome over a century oldare also those most committed to preserving the planet. It's a timely question. As climate change accelerates and the call for corporate accountability grows louder, understanding the organizational characteristics associated with environmental responsibility is more critical than ever. The study analyzed data from hundreds of firms, including industry leaders in tech, manufacturing, and finance, in the United States, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and Asia. The goal was simple yet ambitious: determine whether older organizations exhibit stronger environmental sustainability performance than younger ones. To answer this, the team analyzed environmental, social, and governance (ESG) ratings drawn from multiple independent sources, including CSRHub, S&P Global, and Thomson Reuters, that evaluate companies on the dimensions of climate strategy, eco-efficiency, and environmental reporting. Standing the test of time The results were striking. In every region examined, older organizations outperformed their younger counterparts on environmental metrics. These effects held even when accounting for company size and wealth, suggesting that longevity itselfnot just financial cloutcorrelates with environmental stewardship. In the United States, for example, companies established more than a century ago showed markedly higher sustainability scores than those formed in the last two decades. The same pattern emerged in MENA and Asian markets. The effect was slightly less pronounced in Europe, likely due to limited availability of incorporation dates of companies in that region, rather than reflecting a substantive difference in sustainability performance. Beyond establishing this link, the team say their paper takes a deeper dive into why older organizations might be greener, building on evolutionary theories of organizations, resource dependence theory, and psychological frameworks like Cybernetic Trait Complexes Theory. The central thesis: surviving over time requires adaptationnot just to markets, but to environmental and societal demands. Organizations that endure are those that have learned to navigate resource scarcity, respond to public scrutiny, and build sustainable systems into their operations. In this light, sustainability is not an add-on; it is a survival strategy. The implications of this work extend beyond theory. One key takeaway is that sustainability is not just the domain of startups or mission-driven newcomers. Older firms, often seen as sluggish or resistant to change, may in fact be the most effective stewards of sustainability, thanks to decades of institutional knowledge, established systems, and embedded norms. These organizations are not only capable of setting long-term goals; they often have the operational discipline and stakeholder networks to see those goals through. 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. Green shoots of growth These findings also carry weight for policy and practice. Policymakers might consider designing incentives that recognize the sustainability strengths of mature organizations, while also supporting younger companies in building long-term environmental strategies. For investors, the message is equally compelling. ESG scores are increasingly used to evaluate corporate risk and resilience. If sustainability performance is a signal of adaptability and thus of long-term viability, then green credentials may offer a glimpse into a company's staying power. Still, one must be careful not to paint a one-sided picture. Of course, some legacy firms emerged from eras of industrial pollution and ecological harm. Nonetheless, what matters is not where these companies started but how they have evolved. Data show that many older firms have adapted meaningfully, outperforming younger peers even in innovation-related sustainability metrics. Perhaps most powerfully, the team believes these data call for a new narrative about sustainability in business. Sustainability is not a generational rivalry. It is not a race between new and old, small and large, or East and West; it is a test of adaptation, a shared evolutionary journey where the most enduring organizations are often those that embrace sustainability as central to who they are. The climate crisis is rewriting what it means to lead in business, and in this new chapter, the champions will be not only the boldest or the strongest, but the greenest. More information: Survival of the Greenest: Environmental Sustainability and Longevity of Organizations, Frontiers in Organizational Psychology (2025). DOI: 10.3389/forgp.2025.1521537 Provided by Frontiers President Donald Trump has alleged that billionaire Elon Musk has "Trump Derangement Syndrome" after the Tesla CEO harshly criticized the Trump-backed GOP spending bill in a surprise post on social media. When speaking to reporters at the White House on Thursday, Trump talked about the breakdown of his relationship with Musk. "He's not the first. People leave my administration, and they love us, and then, at some point, they miss it so badly and some of them embrace it and some of them actually become hostile. I don't know what it is, it's sort of Trump Derangement Syndrome I guess they call it," Trump began. "But we have it with others too. They leave, they wake up in the morning and the glamour is gone, the whole world is different, and they become hostile. I don't know what it is. Someday you'll write a book about it and you'll let us know," he concluded. Trump suggest that Elon has "Trump derangement syndrome" pic.twitter.com/2vWB1MAkBE Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 5, 2025 Trump's suggestion came after he expressed his overarching disappointment at the situation, particularly at Musk, who he claimed understood the bill better than most people. "I'm very disappointed because Elon knew the inner workings of this bill better than almost anybody. He had no problem with it. All of the sudden he had a problem, and he only developed the problem when he found out we're gonna have to the cut EV mandate ... he hasn't said bad about me personally but I'm sure that'll be next. But I'm very disappointed in Elon," Trump said. Trump: "I'm very disappointed because Elon knew the inner workings of this bill better than almost anybody. He had no problem with it. All of the sudden he had a problem, and he only developed the problem when he found out we're gonna have to the cut EV mandate ... he hasn't said pic.twitter.com/mJvEAGXaly Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 5, 2025 Musk took to his social media platform, X, on Tuesday to denounce Trump's "one big, beautiful bill" in a series of unexpected posts. "I'm sorry, but I just can't stand it anymore. This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination. Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it," Musk wrote in the first tweet of the saga. Im sorry, but I just cant stand it anymore. This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination. Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it. Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 3, 2025 Musk's extremely public denouncement of the spending bill has reportedly triggered fear and concern among Republican lawmakers, who now face passing the bill through the Senate after it passed the House in late May. Originally published on Latin Times DES MOINES Consolidating Iowas counties and benchmarking state employee benefits to those in the private sector were some of the ideas suggested during an Iowa DOGE Task Force meeting as ways to streamline state government and pare down state spending. Created by Gov. Kim Reynolds through executive order in February, the Iowa DOGE Task Force comprises 15 members, including Iowa leaders in business, elected office and education, who are tasked with giving recommendations on ways to make the state government more efficient. The task force is named similarly to the federal Department of Government Efficiency created by President Donald Trump that was previously headed by tech billionaire Elon Musk. On Wednesday, the state task force held its second of four planned meetings at a state government office building in Des Moines East Village, where members proposed solutions for making Iowas government more efficient in three focus areas: workforce, technology and return on taxpayer investment. The focus areas were created during the first meeting. Emily Schmitt, of Sukup Manufacturing Co., who was appointed by Reynolds as task force chair, said the members are focused on offering recommendations to the governor and legislature rather than reaching a specific number for total state government savings. There's no certain numbers that we're supposed to be looking at. We're supposed to be hearing from Iowans: where should we looking on that? Schmitt told reporters after the meeting. We really just want to make a tangible difference for all Iowans to feel after this report and implementation of hopefully successful recommendations. Of the members, 10 are elected Republicans or have donated thousands of dollars to Iowa Republicans, including Reynolds. Two of the panels participants, both from the Iowa Legislature, are non-voting members. During the Wednesday meeting, it was announced that Dave Mulcahy, of MABSCO Investments, would no longer be on the task force due to other commitments. Returns on taxpayer investment The head of the team focused on return on taxpayer investment, Terry Lutz, of McClure Engineering in Ankeny, said it's important that the task force address property taxes, which he called the elephant in the room. Reynolds, who said she plans on focusing on property taxes during the next legislative session after lawmakers failed to send legislation to her desk addressing the issue this year, said she will be talking to Iowans and stakeholders to come up with solutions during the interim and told the task force to look into the issue. Among the recommendations proposed by the team was consolidating some of Iowas 99 counties, which Lutz said would regionalize local government and save state resources. The efficient systems that were created to provide services 179 years ago is an extremely outdated way of doing government business. It's simply not affordable and will continue to get worse, Lutz said. This outdated structure may make us feel better politically, but we are wasting valuable resources and it is costing us millions. Lutz added that there are already examples of the state regionalizing government services through regional shared services, including judicial, highway patrol and mental health districts. Other focus areas the team laid out included what they refer to as improving the grade of our education dollars, aligning government employee compensation and benefits with the private sector and streamlining and sharing the public infrastructure construction process. Under the education-related recommendation, the team proposed retiring the formulaic distribution of tax dollars put towards education based on income. Lutz added that theres little or no systematic review of the connection between tax dollars spent on education versus the educational success of our students. The team also floated creating opportunities for portions of teacher pay to be merit-based and consolidating rural school districts as populations in the least-populated areas of Iowa continue to decline. Task force members also proposed benchmarking government employee health and retirement benefits to those in the private sector, which Lutz said would help recruit and retain government employees. We're not here to criticize our cities, county or state employees, but we're here to really review the systems that they are forced to work with to see if we can help them do their jobs more efficient, Lutz said. We're looking for ways to get the Iowa taxpayers more for their money. We do not intend to nibble around the edges. We hope to make bold recommendations to move the needle of efficiency in our government the way our government enables services. Schmitt says while none of the recommendations are set in stone, she thinks consolidating counties could be effective in saving state government resources and could be modeled after other state programs that utilized technology, including the state's childcare management system. Some of the ideas that are in the gathering phase may not make it to the recommendation phase, Schmitt told reporters. We'll really find out in the research really what are the recommendations that should be moved forward, and what are those that are practical and ready. The task force will refine the recommendations by conducting research and talking to stakeholders across the state before the task forces next meeting in August, Schmitt said. Workforce recommendations Another task force team will focus on Iowas workforce, looking to simplify workforce training programs and close skill gaps in specific sectors, including manufacturing, skilled trades and health care. The team has five core areas of focus, including workforce program structure and efficiency, funding strategy and governance, work-based learning and upskilling pathways, system coordination and employer engagement and clinical training and program capacity expansion. Workforce programs today are fragmented, confusing and hard for both employers and workers to navigate, said Joe Murphy of the Iowa Business Council, who is on the workforce team. The message was clear, Iowa systems must be easier to use, more nimble and better aligned with local employees. Murphy said the team is consulting with community colleges, small and mid-sized businesses and economic development leaders on how to fill input gaps. Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy contributed to this report. Welcome to Tech Times' AI EXPLAINED, where we look at the tech of today and tomorrow. Brought to you by You might think AI at work means typing prompts into ChatGPT or getting a slick summary from your inbox. But the real shift is happening in your ears. From whispered prompts during Zoom calls to voice bots taking fast food orders, AI is quietly changing how we work, and you might not even realize it's there. Voice AI isn't just a flashy gadget or customer service gimmick. It's becoming a built-in layer across industries: transcribing your meetings, answering your calls, and even drafting your doctor's notes. As tools like Microsoft Copilot, Otter.ai, and drive-thru voice bots quietly embed themselves in daily workflows, they're not only reshaping tasks, they're shifting what it means to show up, speak up, and stay relevant in a workplace that's learning to listen. Game studio founder and voice AI advisor Mike Sorrenti is bullish on the tech. "Voice ai is an excellent thing. It can be used for translation and many other things and if a very natural interface for kids, and older adults especially those with mild disabilities such as arthritis," he said in an email. Enhancing Workplace Productivity with Voice AI A recent UK government study showed that civil servants who used Microsoft's Copilot AI for administrative tasks saved an average of 26 minutes a day, which works out to about two weeks of gained time per year. Voice AI plays a key role in this shift from the pre-AI workplace to the current AI workplace, becoming useful in transcription, summarization, and virtual meeting assistants. Previously, you'd have to have a human assistant sit in on your Zoom or Microsoft Teams meetings to take notes, or delegate someone who may or may not be good at live note-taking to manage these. Voice AI assistants can now log, transcribe and summarize your meetings, often without the people in the meeting really understanding what's being recorded or how it's being analyzed. Workers are already adjusting how and when they speak during meetings, knowing that their words might be captured and re-contextualized by AI summaries. Otter.ai has also introduced a voice-activated AI version of its AI meeting assistant, letting users join and manage meetings without having to take notes. Now that we're used to asking Siri to take a note or set a timer, asking your AI voice agent to start recording will be a cinch. The shift from passive transcription to an interactive agentic AI system is subtle, but it is here. Users can even give verbal commands mid-meeting, obviating the need for someone who understands the user interface of an app, for example, or web controls, all in real-time. This isn't a backend utility, either; rather, tools like Otter are becoming active participants in meetings, giving us a glimpse at a future where AI agents might take on even more collaborative roles. While tools like this save time and offer easier control, the issues of privacy, consent, surveillance, and etiquette in meetings (especially in hybrid or remote work environments can be substantive. But first, a quick casting call for our sponsor and partner of AI EXPLAINED this month, PlaudAI - the No.1 AI note-taker that does exactly what you'd imagine an AI assistant can do in 2025. Do you use voice AI in your daily work? Are you a journalist, doctor, lawyer, educator, or creator doing something smart with your voice? We're spotlighting modern professionals for a new series with our sponsor, Plaud.ai share your story with us here, and you could be featured and receive a sample of PlaudAI. Voice AI Has Already Transformed Customer Service and Retail Experiences As a consumer, driving through the fast-food lane can be a common experience. You pull up to the speaker, ask for the food you want, and go grab it after you pay at the next window. If you've been in one recently, you may have heard some rudimentary voice AI ask you if you used a mobile ordering app. But that's all about to get even more AI-powered. Sophie Fennelly knows that voice AI is happening now. "As CEO of Sales TQ, with over a decade in enterprise sales and an analytical background from MIT, I've helped small businesses adopt emerging technologiesincluding voice AIto improve operations," she wrote in an email. "Voice AI is no longer just futuristic hype; it is actively reshaping how we work and live." Hungry Jack's, a fast food chain in Australia, just began trials of a new AI-driven voice assistant for its own drive-through orders. Customers appreciated the system's politeness while the company likely appreciates the potential for late-night staffing. Employees, though, might start to feel the pinch, or start moving to parts of the job that tech can't yet replicate, like solving problems, connecting with people, or hopping in when the system makes a mistake. Australian franchises of KFC have also started testing out AI-driven voice ordering, though customers there have pushed back a bit, saying they prefer human interaction and their orders being misinterpreted by the AI window jockey. Still, even this workplace is evolving as AI starts to support and replace humans in these high-turnover, low-wage roles. As a consumer, you might have to learn how to talk to AI bots, and as a worker, you'll likely need to up your skills to fit roles that need a more human touch. Revolutionizing Healthcare with Ambient Voice AI Microsoft's DAX Copilot automates recordkeeping, updates patient records, and can draft care plans all from just listening in to conversations between doctors and patients. The idea is that physicians can spend more time on patient care than on record keeping, thereby improving health outcomes for more people. Microsoft is also transforming the workplace of nurses, with ambient voice and other AI technologies becoming integrated into nursing workflows, alleviating the burden of so much documentation, reducing burnout, and allowing nurses to spend more time on patient care. Global Reach and No-Code Tools for Voice AI A startup in Bengaluru (formerly Bangalore) in southern India is offering a no-code conversational AI platform that lets other businesses deploy real-time, multilingual voice agents for customer support and services. Ring AI has expanded beyond India to the Middle East and Latin America, supporting languages like Arabic and Spanish. Global workplaces that couldn't afford the high-cost development of their own voice AI systems can now contract with Ringg AI and deploy AI agents to help them with their businesses. While that does mean that AI tools may replace workers at major companies, it does mean that smaller shops can afford the cost of entry to compete on the level of voice AI at larger corporations. Gev Balyan, CEO of Hoory AI says, "Startups and solopreneurs now have an always-on assistant answering calls, qualifying leads, booking at enterprise scale, without enterprise cost." What It All Means For You So what does the current adoption of Voice AI mean for you. Whether you're running (or taking) meetings, answering customer support calls, or just trying to get through all the email you receive in a day, Voice AI is likely becoming a bigger part of your day, whether you realize it or not. The tools are changing how we connect with colleagues and higher-ups, the tasks that make up our daily work, and even what kinds of jobs are growing (or shrinking). As an employee, it could mean you'll do fewer routine tasks and spend more time thinking, making decisions, or even managing these AI tools directly. But you'll still need to learn to work with AI, knowing what it's good at, how to manage it when if makes mistakes, and how to communicate with AI tools that are always listening. As a business owner, you might feel like AI will boost your workers' productivity while reducing costs, but you'll also need to keep an eye out on issues of privacy, trust, and training. You may want to start hiring people who have higher levels of judgment, empathy, and communication to be able to work with your new AI systems. Bottom line, AI isn't coming for your job all at once, but it is coming to change parts of your job already. The best thing here is to stay relevant by focusing on what you can do that AI can't, yet: connect with others, understand nuance, and adapt when things go off the rails. Originally published on Tech Times For several years, Virginias halfway homes for recovering addicts have been managed by an independent, non-governmental group. That will soon change to the dismay of some local recovery home operators. Language in this years budget takes nearly $2 million away from the Virginia Association of Recovery Residences, or VARR. The organization certifies group homes, of which there are more than 100 in Richmond and Henrico. It also monitors those homes, investigates complaints and sets standards of care. VARR Board President Sarah Scarbrough said the group believed it would still be eligible for $1.6 million in funding. But on Friday, it was notified that funding for the upcoming year would be cut entirely. Im writing to inform you that now that the FY26 budget has been signed into law, VARR will not be receiving state dollars in the upcoming fiscal year, an employee with the Department of Behavioral Health and Development Services told VARR. The General Assembly has removed VARR as the named entity for Recovery Residences (RR) funding and has instead directed that these funds be allocated directly to operators, the email went on. As the email suggests, the work of certifying recovery homes appears set to become the responsibility of the Department of Behavioral Health and Development Services. New budget language states that money will now flow directly to recovery residences from the state, removing VARR from the equation. Scarbrough said the organization was completely blindsided. The group was aware of a new reform bill passed this year the bill created a working group to study recovery residences but didnt foresee a budget cut. Without the funds, VARR will shut down, she said. On Wednesday, Scarbrough met with the department. Scarbrough said the cut was explained to her as the intent of the General Assembly. Later that morning, she sent out a flurry of emails advising recovery residences to contact the office of Gov. Glenn Youngkin and individual state legislators. Scarbrough believes the change has set recovery homes on track to run off a financial cliff on July 1. She thinks the change may cut off care to those who cant pay out of pocket. Scarbrough said VARRs funding work has been critical to broadening access beyond just a white, middle-class demographic. Lauren Cunningham, a spokesperson for the Department of Behavioral Health, said the agency was taking direction from the legislature. The cut was first proposed by Youngkin in his initial budget in December. The budget language passed by the General Assembly and signed by the Governor ultimately determines how state funds are allocated, said Cunningham. DBHDS has acted in accordance with the legislative process and is aligning funding distribution to match the intent of such language. Cunningham said that VARR would still be eligible for a separate pot of state opioid response grant dollars. Scarbrough said those grants have previously only provided about a quarter of the funds needed to keep VARR afloat. Cunningham said the agency was currently working to minimize any disruption to services. Resources for those in recovery and efforts to prevent overdose remain the priority of DBHDS, said Cunningham. The cut comes alongside multiple changes for recovery operators in Virginia. This year, the law creating the workgroup sponsored by Henrico State Sen. Schuyler VanValkenburg also made operating an uncertified recovery residence a criminal misdemeanor. VanValkenburgs law came several months after local Henrico County officials drew attention to recovery residences. In August of 2024, Henrico Deputy Manager for Public Safety Mike Feinmel told the countys board of supervisors that residents had concerns about a lack of oversight in neighborhood recovery homes. The county's legislative liason, Mike Schnurmann, testified about unethical behavior in Henrico recovery residences before the General Assembly. Scarbrough said the county officials shared misinformation about incidents that hadnt been reported to VARR executives. Legislators passed the bill unanimously. Van Valkenburgers chief of staff, Rachel Levy, said defunding VARR was not the intention of the legislation. Stephanie Bellanger, a former board member with VARR and chief wellness officer of Starfish Recovery, described the budget cut as an attack on Richmonds recovering addicts. The bottom line is, one, what theyre doing will end up reducing the number of beds, and two, theyre really trying to cripple the recovery-led, grassroots, lived-experience operators and movement here in Richmond, said Bellanger. The change-up comes at a time of record-breaking success in the states fight against the opioid epidemic. In April, Virginia achieved a 44% drop in deaths from fentanyl, the powerful street drug that can be fatal in the smallest doses. Virginia outpaced much of the country in curbing opioid overdoses. Youngkin credited several efforts, including his administrations distribution of over 380,000 doses of Naloxone, alongside a crackdown on drug traffickers led by his administration. Although not mentioned, recovery residence operators believe they, too, played their part in Virginias success story. Many places have peer support, many places have suboxone and methadone and all the medical interventions. But whats the difference in the Richmond metro area? asked David Rook, former president of VARR. The only difference that you can really point to out of all those places is the access to recovery residence beds, said Rook. The access to those, thats the difference. Authorities track down criminal mastermind behind multiple Tulum homicides Tulum, Q.R. Three men have been arrested by police who say one of them is a states Most Wanted. During their arrests, authorities seized drugs, loaded weapons and ammo. One of the men in custody is said to be the mastermind behind several homicides in Tulum. In custody are Fernando N, alias El Gavilan and/or Mafi and Carlos Manuel N, alias El Barni, who were captured together traveling a dirt road in the town of Nuevo Xcan. Both men are reported to be part of a criminal group. The third captured is Jose Benjamin N, alias El Cuervo, a Quintana Roo Most Wanted. Authorities say he is considered a priority target by the State Crime Atlas for being the leader of a criminal group generating violence dedicated to drug dealing, extortion and being the mastermind behind multiple homicides committed in Tulum. All three were arrested by elements of the Interinstitutional Police Group made up of the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSC), Attorney Generals Office of the Republic (FGR), the Mexican Army, Navy, National Guard, State Attorney Generals Office(FGE) and State Police. According to their statement, these individuals were seized with six AK-47 semi-automatic weapons known as goats horn, an AR15 long gun with a loaded magazine, 33 unloaded AK-47 magazines and 13 loaded ones, a 9 mm caliber weapon with a loaded magazine, a 5.7 mm caliber short gun with a loaded magazine, a mortar grenade, eight tactical vests, four kilos of green, dry grass similar to marijuana in bags, two helmets and two vehicles. Following the legal proceedings, the three detainees, along with the evidence seized, were handed over to the Public Prosecutors Office. Brazilian woman wanted for human trafficking in PDC captured in Mexico City Playa del Carmen, Q.R. A Brazilian woman wanted for human trafficking in Playa del Carmen has been captured. Debora N was arrested in Mexico City Wednesday and returned to Quintana Roo where she will face charges of prostitution. Debora N was taken into custody by Investigative police officers assigned to the Attorney Generals Office of the State of Quintana Roo, in collaboration with the Attorney Generals Office of Mexico City. She was taken into custody on an outstanding arrest warrant for her probable involvement in acts possibly constituting the crime of human trafficking in the form of prostitution of others, authorities said Thursday. Her arrest follows the search of a home in the Residencial Allegranza subdivision of Playa del Carmen from where police rescued two women. According to investigations, Debora N and her Argentine partner, Matias Gustavo N, who was recently charged with the same crime, recruited victims through a social networking site where they posted information requesting girls to work as escorts. Once hooked, the women were housed in Residencial Allegranza where, taking advantage of their vulnerability as foreigners, they were forced to provide sexual services and sell drugs to clients. Authorities say each girl was forced to earn a certain amount a day of which 30 percent went to the couple. They were also charged 10,000 a month for rent as well as more than an additional 10,000 a month for water, power and food. The victims were threatened by Debora N and her partner who told them they could not work anywhere else because there was a mafia and that they were going to be kidnapped because they were foreigners, so they could not escape, police said in a statement. Following a technical investigation, Debora N was located in Mexico City. In collaboration with the FGJ (Federal Attorney Generals Office), she was arrested in the Hipodromo Condesa neighborhood. She was transferred Playa del Carmen where she was placed at the disposal of the requesting authority and subsequently admitted to the Social Reintegration Center. Cancuns Nichupte Vehicular Bridge nearing 80 percent and on schedule for December inauguration Cancun, Q.R. The Secretary of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SICT) says the Nichupte Vehicular Bridge is on the cusp of being 80 percent finished. The 8.8 kilometer-long lagoon bridge is on schedule for a December opening. SICT head Jesus Antonio Esteva Medina said the bridge construction is 79 percent complete and will be inaugurated in December. The mangrove section of the bridge is already built. Crews are currently working on six kilometers of platforms that span over the Nichupte Lagoon. The bridge over the mangrove is now finished. Theyre now building the platforms in the lagoon area which is six kilometers long. There are also very few foundation piles left. We already have one of the ramps at the Kukulkan junction, he said. Esteva Medina described the bridge as a complex project due to the environmental conservation efforts. He said that it is being built without affecting the ecological balance in the area. Cancun Mayor Ana Paty Peralta acknowledged that the bridge continues construction without delays ensuring its delivery on schedule. At the Kukulcan interchange we already have one of the ramps, and we will be installing five beams. This is important to mention because it will give us the pace to be able to complete this year, she said. The bridge will offer a new access route to Cancuns Hotel Zone used by 1.3 million residents. It will span a total of 11.2 kilometers and connect the island to Colosio Boulevard and Tulum, Kabah,and Bonampak avenues. It consists of an 8.8 kilometer-long bridge, a 103-meter-long metal arch, two access interchanges located at Luis Donaldo Colosio Boulevard and Kukulkan Boulevard, a bicycle lane, pedestrian walkways, bus stops and a modern lighting system. The bridge will also be equipped with an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) linked to a Command, Control, Communications and Computing Center (C4) to ensure security. Mexicos President Sheinbaum calls U.S. global steel tariffs unfair and unsustainable Mexico City, Mexico We disagree, its unfair and unsustainable said Mexicos President on 50 percent increase in U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs. Mexico has to protect and strengthen itself. We do not agree. We do not believe it is fair or sustainable because it makes everything more expensive. We hope to reach an agreement, President Claudia Sheinbaum said Wednesday. She said that work will continue to reach an agreement with the United States though dialogue with the Steel and Aluminum Chambers, and that Plan Mexico will continue to be promoted. President Sheinbaum said the measure imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump to increase tariffs on steel and aluminum to 50 percent worldwide represents an unfair and unsustainable measure for Mexico. In Mexicos case, first, its unfair, number one, because as weve said several times, Mexico imports more steel and aluminum than it exports. So, formally, a tariff is imposed when theres a deficit, so to speak. In other words, deficit means, for the United States, that Mexico exports more than it imports. In our case, we import more steel. So, its unfair, she stated during her Wednesday morning press conference. She pointed out that moreover, this measure has no legal basis given that there is a trade agreement in addition to the fact that there is very close collaboration on other issues such as security, which has been recognized by the United States government itself. We dont believe its justifiable. And the other thing is that its unsustainable because just as with cars, in the construction of a car, many auto parts move from one side of the border to the other and the same is true for steel, she added. Given this situation, Sheinbaum emphasized that talks will continue with the Steel and Aluminum Chambers. Also, work will continue to reach agreements with the United States through meetings held by the Mexican Secretary of Economy, Marcelo Ebrard and the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick. Furthermore, Plan Mexico will continue to be promoted. Our responsibility, first, is to protect jobs, Mexican workers, and second, the steel industry. Fifty percent tariffs represent a significant impact on the steel and aluminum industries, she added. She reiterated that in the relationship with the United States, there is collaboration, but based on mutual respect, without subordination and as equals. We are seeking a global framework of agreements with the Trump administration so that in the next four years, we will no longer be on one issue after another but rather that everything will be perfectly clear, of course, regarding security, migration, but also trade, within the framework of the United States-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement. So we seek this global agreement to be the framework for our Mexico-United States relationship, she stated. Sheinbaum also said that if this is not the case, some measures will be announced to guarantee the protection of the steel and aluminum industries as well as the jobs they create. Three men reported to be Colombian loan shark collectors shot in Cancun in three days Cancun, Q.R. A third man reported to be a loan shark collector has been shot in Cancun in as many days. On Wednesday, another man was shot and killed when attempting to collect money from a client. The man, who has not been named, was found laying dead on a sidewalk in SM 260 after being shot. Residents called 9-1-1 after hearing bursts of gunfire then seeing the man laying on the ground. He is the third person from a group of gota a gota or loan shark collectors to be shot since Monday. On Monday, a Colombian loan shark collector was shot outside a Cancun apartment building during what was reported to be a robbery after collecting money from a client. A Colombian loan shark collector was taken to Cancun hospital Monday after being shot. The incident happened on Antonio Polo Rodriguez Avenue in the Prado Norte neighborhood. He was shot by criminal gang members after refusing to pay his debt collection fee to the group. He survived the attack. Cancun police arrive Tuesday to a dead loan shark collector laying on a public street. On Tuesday, a second man, also reported to be a Colombian loan shark collector, was shot and found dead on a public street in the Tres Reyes neighborhood. The man was standing outside a convivence store when he was shot four times. On Wednesday, a third loan shark collector was shot and also killed while collecting fees. The latest shooting happened Wednesday afternoon in the Villas Otoch neighborhood.The mans body was located on Paseo Ebano Avenue outside a private home. Municipal and State Police arrived to confirm the shooting. He too, is reported to be of Colombian nationality. The unnamed man died after being shot several times in the chest and back by two men. Police place a white sheet over the man shot Wednesday. Authorities interviewed neighbors who reported that the man had arrived to collect on a loan. When he stopped in front of a house, two armed men approached him from behind. While yelling for help, they shot him at point-blank range before fleeing the scene. Two authors on the left side of the political spectrum are championing economic growth, (some) deregulationand abundance. But are they asking the right questions about how we wound up in a de-growth mess to begin with? In their new and highly anticipated book, Abundance, Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson, both journalists and bestselling authors who align ideologically with the political left and American liberalism, refreshingly advocate for growth and abundance. They rightly decry excessive and cumbersome regulations, which create obstacles to building, innovation, and overall progress. The authors identify our current sedentary economic and political climate as a failure of policy, culture, and government. We are thus trapped in a suboptimal equilibrium that retards growth and limits technological marvels, which is what has made the United States the wealthiest and most innovative country in the world. Its a book written for progressives to provide them with a framework and roadmap to preserve the American project. They argue that modern American liberalism was born during the New Deal but then fractured into two distinct camps: an older contingent advocating for growth politics and a newer, anti-growth contingent, and that the anti-growth left has gotten it wrong. Abundance is so ordinary to the average American that we have lost sight of its importance and how to ensure that we cultivate a growing economy for the future. This is true of both the political left and right. The books release coincides with the new Trump administrations policies, many of which are anti-growth, including his reckless infatuation with tariffs (taxes), for which many economists are critical, and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which will add $3 trillion to the national debt. Trump asks girls to have two dolls instead of 30, which eerily resembles the claim of Bernie Sanders (a self-described socialist who ran for president in 2015) that you dont necessarily need a choice of 23 underarm spray deodorants or 18 different pairs of sneakers when children are hungry in this country. The horseshoe theory of populist politics is fully realized, and it is anti-growth. Klein and Thompson argue that this current political moment is rare in American history, when one political order makes space for a new one. They claim, The right is abandoning many of its successes to embrace a politics of scarcity. That has left room for liberals to embrace what Republicans have abandoned: a politics of abundance. Klein and Thompson then go on to address the pathologies of the left that thwart abundance. The authors open with an account of the year 2050. Solar panels provide the energy to cool your home, complementing power from wind turbines, nuclear power, and geothermal wells, and the cost is a fraction of your former energy bill. Water from the ocean pours out of the faucet. The produce in your refrigerator is local, the chicken you eat is grown in cellular meat facilities, and crops grow vertically in tall greenhouses. Drones drop off your medication. The air is clean and cars are electric. AI transforms life, poverty is reduced, and the workweek is shorter. In 2050, we are, according to Klein and Thompson, beyond scarcity and have achieved a world where the housing, climate, political, and financial crises that marred the start of the 21st century are gone. This vignette illustrates their vision of abundance and high standards of living: better and more affordable clean energy, improved and more accessible housing, advanced technology, and science infrastructure that supports risk-taking and is no longer hindered by cumbersome regulations and bureaucracy, as well as better access to life-changing healthcare. They spend a great deal of time in the rest of the book arguing about how progressives have gotten healthcare, housing, climate change, and science wrong and then offer solutions. It should be noted that this vision of the future differs wildly from American life 50 years ago and is unrecognizable from 250 years ago, points which are illustrated throughout the book. Before 1750, no country had experienced sustained economic growth. In 1850, no country had a life expectancy higher than 40 years. Today, the global average life expectancy exceeds 70 years, and in the United States, it is nearly 80 years. In 1940, Henry Ford, who transformed the automobile industry, predicted that one day we would have a plane car. We may not have flying cars yet, but the authors point out that, in 1800, it took a month and a half to travel from New York to Chicago. By 1830, the journey had been reduced to three weeks. By 1850, it had been cut to two days. Today, it takes only three hours. Needless to say, the authors are optimistic about the future and believe we can achieve more abundance. Agreed. And their best chapter addresses housing, where they acutely diagnose the problem as one of supply. Progressives have so overregulated housing in cities like San Francisco that they have effectively outlawed cheap and affordable accommodations. For example, zoning laws have led to a decline in boarding houses in the U.S., which were once common in the 19th and early 20th centuries, driven by the NIMBY (Not in My Backyard) movement and a culture of political weaponization. Klein and Thompson point to California as a whole as an example of what has gone catastrophically wrong with liberal politics. A state with 12% of the nations population, 30% of its homeless population (no permanent residence), and 50% of its unsheltered population (sleeping on the streets). California is a beautiful state with an incredible climate. Then the 1970s happened, and city planners became a tool to enforce NIMBY preferences and relished their technocratic authority of urban political prohibitionism. What emerged were housing and building codes, minimum parking requirements, lot-size requirements, and maximum residency limits, all of which made it more expensive to build and own homes. Economist John Cochrane argues that all regulations are designed to limit growth, so we should be careful what we ask for. Moreover, regulations beget more regulationsessentially, were tripping over ourselves, restricted by barriers enacted in the past. While Klein and Thompson dont address this, progressives are also known for championing rent control, which reduces the long-run supply of affordable housing. Unintended consequences help explain the resulting dystopian hellscape in housing. The good news, however, is that the YIMBY (Yes in My Backyard) movement, which emerged in the San Francisco Bay area in response to the affordable-housing crisis, has gained traction. My biggest issue with the book is that the authors address economic problems but are not themselves economists. Theyre making a political argument in service of the progressive project rather than making a principled argument that rests first on economic realities and then determining the best political course of action. They do, at times, reflect on incentives, which always matter, and unintended consequences, but the heart of their argument is one of state capacity. They want smart regulations that foster more building. They see infrastructure projects as productive and praise President Bidens infrastructure bills, the largest since the 1950s, disregarding the inevitable boondoggles. They often criticize Republicans for trying to make government less efficient. Yet the core economic question both parties should confront is this: What are the essential functions of government, and how can we limit it to those, leaving the rest to the market and civil society? Answering this requires that we understand and deploy the economic way of thinking. Again, Klein and Thompson are not economists but well-meaning technocrats. For example, they praise the environmental laws that date back to Richard Nixon but never challenge the assumptions about climate change. Before debating solutions, we need to ask: What do we mean by climate change, and how serious is the threat? Scientific debate exists about the implications of climate change, including its pace, regional effects, severity, and appropriate responses. These questions beg for cost-benefit analyses. Moreover, Americans are skeptical about the climate crisis and what should be done about it, which mattersbecause taxpayers are footing the bill. Taxpayers also approach scientific research and healthcare issues with the same reservations. The authors view is that the government has important roles to play in funding and working in these sectors, and they admonish Republicans and Libertarians for questioning this. They favor subsidies for the right things but dont consider the costs or the political rent-seeking that inevitably emerges. They are straightforward about their skepticism of leaving too much to the market. Yet the book doesnt get down to brass tacks. How will better technocratic planning lead to better outcomes this time? For example, they applaud what the U.S. was able to accomplish during COVID-19 with Operation Warp Speedbut wasnt this a case of government halting burdensome regulations and getting out of the way? The authors also fail to mention the apocalyptic mistake of shutting down the economy, which resulted in the largest decline in GDP in U.S. history. Klein and Thompson claim to be outcomes-focused. Economists are outcome-focused, too, but they think in terms of outcomes based on supply and demand, adjudicated by comparative advantage and the rule of law. Sometimes simply letting the market work is the answer. The authors also worry about stultified scientific research and innovation, demonstrating that the government tends to reward low-risk research and doesnt fund high-risk research, which is often where discoveries lie. They argue that if we continue to restrict immigration and international students, we will further compromise cutting-edge innovation and discovery. There is much to agree with here, yet they argue that this requires reworking the National Institutes of Health (NIH) rather than asking, How much of this can be left to the market, and how much must be done by the state? Moreover, they hail Medicare and Medicaid as examples of innovation, which is laughable. These are failed government healthcare programs and our largest unfunded liabilities outside of Social Security. Finally, the most important economic question is never addressed: How much will all this cost? The U.S. national debt currently stands at $36 trillion and is continuing to rise. Wall Street is worried, and interest payments on the national debt exceed $1 trillion annually. The authors advocate for increased housing, green energy, transportation, technological innovation, and healthcare. The debate lies in how we accomplish this. They want to live in a world where there are more marvels, a point that should elicit universal agreement. But heres the rub. Klein and Thompson truly reveal their hand in the books conclusion when they invoke the Marxist critique of capitalism. They argue: Marxs aim was not to turn the production machine off, but to direct its ends toward a shared abundance: to unburden the forces of production and make possible that which had been impossible to imagine. There is much he got wrong, but one need not be a communist to see the wisdom in this analysis. So much for the economic way of thinking. A healthy dose of Hayek is warranted here when he warned, The curious task of economics is to demonstrate to men how little they really know about what they imagine they can design. The perfectly designed housing industry, scientific innovation, cutting-edge technology, and healthcare industry do not exist. Economics is about understanding emergent orders and marveling at marvels. More abundance requires that we provide the framework for unleashing human creativity, humility about what we can accomplish, and respect for costs and unintended consequences. We can all agree that an abundance agenda is necessary, degrowth is pernicious, and actual progress lies not in central planning but in cultivating the conditions for decentralized innovation and individual freedom that have always driven human flourishing. Its what we disagree about thats the challenge. ARNOLDS PARK, Iowa -- As the summer season kicks off, Arnolds Park Amusement Park is showcasing the many changes they made over the winter months. The park saw some drastic changes, including updating the Tipsy House, an iconic part of the park, adding a new ride, revamping the front entrance and getting new go carts and bumper cars. The Tipsy House The Tipsy House has been an iconic part of Arnolds Park since the beginning. Constructed in 1930, the Tipsy House is an optical illusion that disorients visitors. Due to its unique shape, updating the structure presented challenges. After nearly a century, gravity was doing its job and slowly pushing the angled building toward the ground, Arnolds Park CEO Jon Pausley said. So a few years ago park officials decided the attraction required both aesthetical and structural improvements. The project started with contracting Spirit Lake-based Lee Custom Homes to design and update the building. Dan and Derek Lee, brothers and co-owners, said they used historical pictures of the park as an inspiration for the design, pulling elements that were aesthetically cool and interesting. Derek Lee said they also got ideas from Pausley that the park staff wanted to be integrated. The winter of 2023 they started by creating and inserting a steel superstructure to go up through the middle of the inside of the Tipsy House to make sure it didn't move. Dan Lee said they hired a structural engineer for the work. The day after the park closed last year, construction began on the cosmetics. "The most interesting part was building an entire structure without ever using a square or a level," Dan Lee said. Some of the construction crew struggled working inside of the home, getting woozy from the angles. "You go in there and it messes with your equilibrium for the rest of the day," Dan Lee said. Dan and Derek Lee said the project was important locally as the Tipsy House is part of the area's history, so many of the contractors on the project had childhood memories or positive associations with the building. Some of the big changes included adding a window to the second floor to prevent water damage and new flooring, but Pausley said much of the interior is the same "because that's what people love." "There's a nostalgia piece, and it's fresh and new," Pausley said. "And that's what we were trying to get both of, so safety, fresh and new, but also keep a lot of the nostalgia feel when you walk in there." The exterior was updated with many new lights, new signs. Some of the signs on the front have different names that the Legend Rollercoaster used to be called, including Giant Dips and Big Coaster. They've also added little tipsy structures at the side of the house, and new exits, both a slide exit and a walking exit, directly into the park. Dan Lee said the mild winter helped with the construction, and finishing touches were put on just an hour and a half before the park reopened this spring. The Boji Drop The Boji Drop is the first new ride for Arnolds Park since 2019 when the carousel was new. The drop is a 35-foot drop tower. Pausley said it is more of a bounce tower, because it bounces the riders up and down, while also spinning. There are 10 seats as well as two standing seats. The ride was manufactured by Moser's Rides out of Italy. Pausley said people with the company came to Arnolds Park to install the ride. Pausley said the ride had a height requirement of 42 inches, so it is accessible to kids and families. "It's already been very popular with the school kids and the groups that have come through," Pausley said. "So we're excited to see more and more people making memories on it this year." New bumper cars, go-carts The park has added 10 new bumper cars to replace the aging ones. The new ones are styled to look like old Corvettes with working headlights and taillights. Another change was replacing all of the park's go carts, which were also aging. The 16 new carts are electric. "They're a little faster, a little torque-ier, they're quieter and you don't smell fumes the whole time you're waiting in line anymore," Pausley said. Memorial Day weekend was the first time the new carts were open for visitors. "They were just giving us a lot of maintenance troubles, and they just didn't look as good anymore," Pausley said. Some of the other updates to the park this year included revisions to the front entry. New doors were installed with the skyline of Arnolds Park cut into the design. Pausley said in updating the entry, they also updated the ramp and coaster station for the Legend Rollercoaster. The revision opens up the area more, provides better grip and lifts the coaster sign high so it can be seen better from the lake. "It's been a fun project, and it's been a lot of fun to be a part of," Pausley said.